The Life

of

Christopher Healy

——————————

Originally Entitled:

Memoir of
Christopher Healy
Principally Taken from His Own Memoranda

Combined With:

The Last Year of the Life of
Christopher Healy
of Bucks County, Pennsylvania

by George Williams Brown, 1883

* * *

Unabridged
Formatting, Modernized Spelling, and Two Original Letters Added by
Jason R. Henderson 2018

The following Memoirs of our beloved Friend Christopher Healy, it will be observed, are principally taken from his own memoranda and letters. His fervent zeal for the cause of Truth, so near his heart, is shown through out the volume, and his memory is warmly cherished by those who still recall his loving council and gospel labors.

Chapter I.

Birth and Parentage—Early Religious Impressions—Attends a Meeting of Friends for the First Time in His Fifteenth Year: Observations Thereon—Successfully Opposes the Doctrine of Predestination—Called Upon to Adopt the Plain Language and Plain Dress—Received Into Membership with Friends.

Having for some time believed it required to leave behind me a relation of the dealings and tender mercies of the Lord my God with me from my young years, for the encouragement of the sons and daughters of men who may set their faces Zionward; and also to bear my testimony, that the Lord will bless and favor all those who are obedient unto Him, with the reward of peace which this world cannot give nor take away, I commence this account.

I was born, according to records obtained, on the eighth day of the Tenth Month, one thousand seven hundred and seventy-three, at East Greenwich, in the State of Rhode Island. My parents were Joseph and Rachel Healy, who were accounted honest people; and who, when I was about a year old, removed to the State of Connecticut into a town since called Montville; where we lived about fourteen years. Before I was eleven years of age, I often felt, when alone, the judgment of the Lord upon me for my disobedience—the secret stirrings of the grace and truth of the Lord Jesus manifested in my heart. Which light did teach me what I should do, and what I should leave undone; and when this judgment of God in my heart for sin and disobedience was felt, I promised amendment of life.

My parents not yet being so much concerned for our spiritual welfare as they ought, gave us too much liberty; so that I, with some of my older brothers, went at times to places of diversion, where were music and dancing.—Oh! the mournful case of those that spend their precious time in this way. I have since believed there is no amusement more destructive to the precious seed sown in the heart, than this kind of diversion. Dear youth, remember these words. Oh, you parents, guard your tender offspring. Watch over their inclinations. Much may you do towards bringing them into an early acquaintance with God, by carefully watching the tender impressions on their minds, and faithfully discharging your duty, by instilling therein the great first principles of religion; and that there is a God before whom all must give an account at the close of life. How many children there are whose minds call for good instruction; such as may be compared to bread to their state; if parents are careful to give in the Lord's fear, when openings may be made on their susceptible hearts, they will not be charged with giving them a stone; but will be clear of their blood. I have mourned for the dear children, since I have come to riper years, in consideration of the neglect of parents and masters in not making the training of their children in the law of the Lord their constant care; and have remembered the inspired language, “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord: and you shall love the Lord with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. And these words which I command you this day shall be in your heart: and you shall teach them diligently unto your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.”—Oh! dear parents, leave not your tender offspring exposed to the dangers that are in the world, lest you be cruel as the ostrich in the wilderness, that leaves her young exposed to the foot of every passer by.

After I was twelve years old my father hired me out to work at farming by the month; and being often alone and having many serious thoughts upon another world, I was well convinced that, if I died in sin, I could not be happy. And I well remember in a severe tempest accompanied with thunder and lightning, in the night season, when I was alone in bed, I had to examine into my state and situation by the light which did clearly shine, to show me how the case stood between me and my God. And finding myself not fit to leave the world, oh! how faithfully did I promise, if the Lord would be pleased to spare me to see the light of another day, that I would follow Him with all my heart. Sometimes these good resolutions lasted many days; though at other times when the morning came, and things looked pleasant as to the outward, I too often forgot my solemn promise made to my God. Dear youth, be careful to keep to your covenants made at such seasons; for the Lord is well pleased with an early sacrifice that is without reserve.

When I was between thirteen and fourteen years of age, my parents first made profession of religion; my father being convinced of the principles of truth—the light of Christ shining in the heart of man—as held to, and maintained by the people called Quakers: which people, till then I had never remembered to have heard of But my mother inclined towards those called the New-light Baptists; and was zealous that way. This last named people were numerous where we then lived; but there were none of the Society of Friends in that part of the country. And I, with the rest of my father's children, who were all older than myself, except two brothers, very often attended the Baptist meeting. Our father seldom went to these meetings; but I well remember many times in evenings, after reading the Holy Scriptures and other good books, he imparted much good counsel, which has been remembered since to my benefit. I also recollect a valuable book which my father borrowed and brought home, called Sewel's History of Friends, which he set me to reading in. This book gave an account of Friends' sufferings in early times, and how patiently they gave up their lives for Christ Jesus' sake, their ever living Redeemer. These affecting circumstances which I read, made great impression on my mind in those days; for I was convinced it was the power of God that upheld and supported these early Friends; and I desired to be like unto them. And oh! that we who profess to be led by the same holy principle of divine light and life, may be faithful and obedient thereunto.

I very well remember, though I was then quite a child, the day my father brought Sewel's History home with him. if I was but a little fellow, yet I was quite a good reader, and my father set me to read the book to him, while he sat upon his bench making shoes; for he was by trade a shoemaker. I recollect distinctly, as though it was but yesterday, how much I was affected in reading some parts of that book; especially where it told of the constancy which so many of those poor people, both young and old, showed under suffering and cruel persecution. I often had to stop reading, for I could not go on for weeping; and my sister Hannah, who was older than I, would take the book and read till I was composed enough to go on again. My childish sympathies were indeed very much stirred up on account of these poor, innocent sufferers of whom we read; and I thought that if there ever were any really good people in the world, these surely were some of them. And I said in my heart, if the Lord should ever make me a Quaker, like he did the people of whom we read, and give me his testimonies to bear for the Truth, that I also would be willing to suffer for His sake; and that I would rather lay down my life, and die for him, than draw back and give up my religion because of persecution. And I now gratefully remember that the Lord did, in his own appointed time, visit my soul; and reveal his dear Son in me; and as I was made willing to bear his yoke, and become obedient to the word of Life, that He gave me from season to season, as I was able to bear them, one after another of his precious doctrines to believe, and more and more of his noble testimonies to uphold and declare before the people, for his great name's sake.

And now I feel bound in gratitude to say, that He has graciously enabled me to continue faithful to him, my good Lord and Master, for nearly sixty years. It will be sixty years this coming summer since I first attended a Friends' meeting. My brother John and I thought we would like to go to a Quaker meeting, and as the nearest one to us we heard was at Hopkinton, Rhode Island, we concluded one First-day morning that we would go to it. I was not then quite fifteen years old. So after our very long walk we went into the meeting; and when I saw Friends sitting around me in solemn silence, I was much struck with it, and with the very great difference there was between what I now saw, and all that I had ever before seen in religious meetings. In every meeting that I previously had been at, there had been no silence, no waiting on the Lord, and no preparation for the solemn duty of worshipping Almighty God; but they went right away to singing, or praying, or preaching; and when they were done, they hurried off without ceremony, and without taking any time for solemn reflection, that they might profit by what they had heard. But here all was changed.

When I looked over the meeting, and saw many people sitting quietly around me, I asked myself this question: What are these people doing? for they have not yet heard preaching, or any good advice for them to be thinking about. And I said, can this be worship? are these people really worshipping their Heavenly Father? I looked very attentively at the Friends in the gallery; and when I saw the solid gravity with which they sat, and especially after I had observed that tears were trickling down some of their cheeks, although there had not been a word spoken, I said in my heart, surely these people have something in them which I know nothing about. And I felt an earnest desire in my heart, to know what that something was; and where they got it from; and how it was to be obtained; that if it were possible I might get some too, and come to know what it was, that made the tears run down their faces, without any of the common means having been employed to produce such effects.—Thus the Lord began to open my spiritual eyes, by first kindling holy desires in my heart to know and understand the mysteries of godliness; and blessed be his holy name, He not only raised these desires in my heart, but by the in-shining of his Holy Spirit, He gave me an understanding of one mystery after another, as I was able to receive it, until I was brought, through Divine Grace and by the revelation of his light and love and power in my soul, to set my seal to all the doctrines and testimonies which He raised up Friends in the beginning to uphold before the nations of the earth. No doubt the reading of Sewel's History and other now forgotten incidents, prepared, in a measure, my heart for the reception of their truth; but on this day I was first made sensible of a true convincement; and saw the dawn of the true gospel day arise in my soul; and thus those principles and doctrines of life and salvation began to be recognized by me; and blessed be my Stay and Holy Helper who has preserved me from departing from them, from that day to the present time.

After meeting. Friends showed great kindness to us poor lads, and we had many invitations to dinner. We went home with one, which would not take us out of our way, and this Friend was indeed truly kind to us. He told us that he would be glad to see us at meeting when we should feel inclined to come, and pressed us to make his house our home when we did come. His truly friendly conduct to us made a deep and lasting impression on my mind. This man was doctor Thomas Wilbur, the father of my dear friend John Wilbur.

The following anecdote, though not in the memoranda, is deemed sufficiently interesting to insert here:

“When Christopher Healy was between thirteen and fourteen years of age, he attended a school in New England, taught by a Presbyterian master, who heard them ever)' Seventh-day morning say their catechism. This had for some time been very irksome to the lad, the secret witness testifying against it. In looking at the answer that fell to his lot in the lesson one day, he found that to the question, 'What are the decrees of God?' he must reply, 'That God's decrees are the wise, free and holy acts of the counsel of his will, whereby from all eternity, he has, for his own glory, unchangeably foreordained whatsoever comes to pass in time,' etc. This doctrine of predestination, in subversion of man's free agency, was what his Bible had not taught him; and he found that he must decline these lessons; but how to break his determination to the master was the question; yet, as his peace consisted in it, he made the request. In surprise, the teacher desired to know why he wished to be excused from saying his catechism, which he looked upon as next to the Bible, if not equally sacred. The straitened boy could only reply, that he did not feel easy to learn it. But,' said the master, 'I cannot excuse you unless you give me a reason.' At length Christopher had fairly to tell him he could not learn his catechism because it was not true.—'Not true!' said the astonished master, who, although he set great store by the lad, seemed almost horror-struck at his declaration. However, finding him firm, he told him that if he would make his word good by proving the catechism to be false, he would excuse him hereafter from these lessons; and a time was appointed for the proof.

A time of deep trial the little fellow had till the hour came, to which nearly all his school-fellows staid. But Christopher, though so young, had read his Bible with care, and had a retentive memory; and the good Remembrancer brought to his recollection this passage of the prophet Jeremiah, where, speaking in the name of the Most High, it is said 'They have built the high places of Tophet, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I commanded them not, neither came it into my heart' Showing that these things were not preordained of God, but were of man's own wickedness. The astonished schoolmaster could only say, he 'did not think there had been anything like it in the Bible.' However, he released the lad from saying his catechism any more.

“Twenty-five years afterwards, when Christopher had been recommended as a minister of the Society of Friends about seven months, a concern came upon his mind to visit the scenes of his childhood; and having procured the requisite credentials from his Monthly Meeting, he came to this very spot, and appointed a meeting, to which his old schoolmaster, and former schoolfellows were invited and came. In this meeting he was led to relate this anecdote, saying, 'and you are my witnesses,' as he appealed to them, and detailed some of the dealings of the Lord with him in drawing him towards Friends, and opening one by one their testimonies to his understanding. His old master seemed rejoiced to see him, and clung to him with affection; and his schoolfellows received him with open arms.”

Though but about sixteen years of age, he saw plainly the danger of living an easy, unconcerned life in conformity with the fashions and customs of the world, and that the surrender of the will unto Him who endured the cross, despising the shame for us, was called for in respect to the use of the plain language and garb. That ancient precept seemed to be revived in his experience. “Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments.” This he was strengthened, not without trials to his incipient faith, to yield to; and soon found a path widely different from that of the world, and the only right one for him to walk in. But the Lord, who had called for the sacrifice sustained therein, and in His own good time changed the wilderness of trial and conflict into a fruitful field; and he was enabled to realize with the eye of faith, that the Christian's home and treasure are elsewhere than here; and in consideration thereof he faithfully practised that denial of self, and the maintenance of the daily cross, which the Truth ever leads into, and by which alone the peace of mind he so greatly coveted, could be secured.

His Journal continued:

But to proceed with my own experience, I had many solitary walks by night and by day, wherein I saw my situation, and was clearly convinced by that Divine Light within my heart, a portion of which is given to all to profit with, that I was a daily transgressor; and that if I continued therein, my portion would be with the miserable at the close of life, which I was well assured also I had no lease for. Being earnestly concerned for my salvation, I renewed my former promises of amendment of life; but not being deep enough, and not having come to the true watch-tower, I was easily led astray by the enemy of my soul, who indeed is as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. But I could not give up to live an unconcerned life; and after renewing my covenant with my merciful Lord, I had, during these seasons, great peace of mind.

When I had entered the sixteenth year of my age, my father having become a member of the Society of the people called Quakers, and my mother withdrawing from the Baptist meeting, we removed within the compass of South Kingston Monthly Meeting of Friends, in the State of Rhode Island. After our removal my father hired me out to work by the month; where I had an opportunity of going to Friends' meetings, which were many times held in silence. About the end of this summer, I was very much awakened: being sensible that I was living too much at ease, and seeing many who I thought were running in the broad way that leads to destruction, and fearing my part would be with them, I again besought the Lord to look down upon me and help me; and in this distress of mind I promised to obey him in whatsoever he required of me, however in the cross to my own will; and I soon saw it was my duty to use the plain language, and also to have my clothes made plain, and one day having been at work alone, and coming to the house where I then resided, and feeling it laid upon me to begin to use this new language, and expecting to be derided on that account, it greatly humbled me. But He who had made me sensible of my duty, strengthened me to perform the same, blessed be His holy name forever. And, as I expected, so it proved, for the young man who lived at the same house, on hearing the alteration in my speech, derided me in such a manner as to make it very trying. But when I came to be alone, I found great inward peace for thus giving up to use the plain Scripture language.

Moreover, having worn my hair long, as was then the fashion, I also found it my duty to cut it off. The next First-day morning, feeling my mind drawn towards Friends, and to their meeting, I went home to my father's house, in order to attend it. My father and mother were glad to see me with the change in my appearance. But my sisters, who were older than myself, said they were sorry I had spoiled my head of hair. But they knew not the peace I felt for so doing. I went to Friends' meeting this day, and found it my duty likewise to go to meetings in the middle of the week, as well as on First-days. I have since mourned to see such a neglect in the attendance of religious meetings, which plainly shows that they who do so, are not enough concerned for their salvation. Having now conformed in respect to having my clothes made plain, and being diligent to attend meetings, I believed it required of me to request to be taken under Friends' care as a member of their Society; and they took an opportunity with me on the occasion, and encouraged me to persevere in well doing; but waited, as I suppose, to see what proof I made of an orderly life and conversation. By not keeping on my guard, the enemy of my soul got some advantage over me; but not so as to hinder me from going to meeting: nevertheless, the sweet precious life which I before experienced, I felt greatly to decrease. Oh! how needful it is to keep on the watchtower, the only place to grow in grace, and to bear fruit that will be acceptable to the great Husbandman.

I continued in this situation about three years, without much growth in religious experience. Yet I believe the Lord had me in his remembrance, and knowing my intentions were good, preserved me from gross evils, and mostly from running into hurtful company. During these three years I had considerable acquaintance amongst Friends, and being somewhat sensible of the high and holy profession they made—that of obedience to the light of Christ within man, God's gift for their salvation—and seeing many of them, as I was sensible, take but little heed thereunto, it was a great stumbling-block to me in such a weak state as I was in, and sometimes almost discouraged me. Oh that we that make so high a profession, may not offend the little ones, or the pure principle in others; to whom we should be as a city set on a hill that cannot be hid; that they, beholding our good works, and strict obedience to the light of Christ, may glorify our Father who is in heaven. I likewise saw many worthy Friends whose good example was as lights to me; and some whose doctrines were very precious and edifying to my mind; which opened my eyes to see I must not feed on the failings of others, but rather that a sense of their misconduct should be a warning for me to be more faithful. And I discovered that the Lord was with this people, favoring them that were obedient, and cautioning and reproving them that were unfaithful. Oh! may these lukewarm ones be awakened to a sense of their situation before it be too late.

When I was about nineteen years of age, I was again visited with the Day-spring from on high, wherein my love to my God and my friends was renewed; and I saw clearly it was my duty to offer myself to the care of Friends again, acquainting my father therewith. Friends appointed a committee to visit me on my request; and, after the regular proceedings in such cases, I was received a member.

The death of my dear mother about this time was a great trial to me. It occurred on the 12th day of the Eighth Month, 1792. I was present when she departed this life; she having been a weakly and afflicted woman more than twenty years.

Chapter II.

Marriage with Alice Sheffield, and Humble Setting Out in Life—Belief that He Would Be Called to the Ministry, and Exercises Preparatory Thereto—Removal to the Neighborhood of Rensselaerville, N. Y.—Removal to Middleburg, N. Y.—Observations on His Employment as a Teacher—Death of His Father—Appears in the Ministry—Remarks on the Comfort Experienced in the Attendance of Meetings for Worship.

Being now received into the Society, I attended meetings diligently; and found it my duty to observe the good order thereof, and to take the good counsel and advice of Friends, which I prized as a great blessing; and felt myself favored that my lot was cast among a people whom the Lord had raised up to show forth his praise. And I am confirmed in the belief, that if they continue to make the Lord their refuge, no weapon formed against them shall ever prosper, and the tongue that rises against them in judgment shall be put to silence: for the Lord will arise for the help of his people, and his enemies shall be scattered.

When I had entered the twenty-first year of my age, I was married to Alice Sheffield, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Sheffield—a member of our Monthly Meeting of South Kingston; it being on the 12th day of Twelfth Month, 1793.

[These dear young Friends, in their early housekeeping, began in a very circumscribed manner. A Friend who visited them, thus described their home: “It consisted of but one room, without any closet and a few shelves in one corner to hold dishes, etc. Very few of our Friends have known the poverty that he knew; and very few, even among the stronger-minded ones, attained to what he did, not as respects preaching, but in the interest in his conversation and his ready answer to all that presumed to call in question any of our fundamental doctrines and testimonies.”]

Feeling myself more confirmed in the faith of the Society, I believed it was my place to attend Quarterly and Yearly Meetings; which were seasons of good instruction to me. I often sought the Lord when alone for His counsel, and he was graciously pleased to manifest His will to me, which made me willing to part with all, yes—to sell the glories of the world to purchase the field wherein the pearl of great price lay. And many times when alone, I did believe if I was faithful to Divine manifestations in my own mind, that I should be called to declare to others what the Lord had done for me.

Much of my outward employment from the time of my being married was teaching school: and having many children. Friends and others, placed under my care, I found it always best to ask counsel of Him who is the great Lord and Law-giver, that I might know how to instruct these dear children thus committed to my care, not only in the instruction necessary to fit them for business in this life, but also to train them in the fear of God, and in His nurture and admonition. And when I was careful and waited on the Lord for direction, I had great comfort in conducting my school.

When I had entered the 28th year of my age, my dear father was removed by death. And for the loss of him my heart truly mourned; remembering his godly concern in the latter part of his days to instruct us in the way we should go. Oh! that children would hearken to the good counsel given them by truly concerned parents. I have often felt everything alive within me moved, by seeing inconsiderate, disobedient children slight and disregard their parents' good advice, whose hearts have been filled with anxious care, and no doubt many times they have strewn their tears in consequence of their children's disobedience; it may be after they have gotten out of their power to restrain them. May these things be treasured up in the hearts of children; and may they remember the great and ancient command, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you.” And also to remember, that to slight and disobey parents, is a sin of no small magnitude; and that those who do so, are making a bed of sorrow to lay their head upon one day or another.—But, dear youth, the desire of my heart is, that you may shun this source of sorrow, by obeying your parents in the Lord; so shall you be as a staff to their age, and as balm to their declining nature.

Soon after my father's decease, which was on the 2nd day of Second Month, 1801, I saw clearly that if I was faithful, I would soon be called to the work of the ministry. And on the twenty-second of the same month, upon a First-day of the week, at our meeting at the lower meeting-house in South Kingston, I uttered a few words in the dread and fear of Him, the great Shepherd of Israel, who had thus made known to me my duty at that time; and I felt great peace as a reward for obedience. This strengthened me; and I was thereby encouraged to draw near oftener than the morning to wait upon the God of my salvation, who alone had become my guard and guide. Thus I endeavored to be faithful and obedient, and found that language to be verified which was spoken from the Lord by Samuel to Saul, the first anointed king over Israel: “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” But O that none may presume to speak in the name of the Lord, without His holy influence, and the word of command laid upon them! Then only will such experience the answer of peace in their own bosom. On the contrary, if they offer an offering of their own preparing, they may expect to receive this language: “who has required this at your hand to tread my courts?”

I many times had to go down as into Jordan, yes to the very bottom thereof Oh! none can know the tribulated path the Christian has to tread, but those that walk therein. But it is the highway to holiness; the very way the blessed Savior trod; and all His followers must become acquainted with it. For it is through many tribulations that anyone enters the kingdom. I well remember one day being deeply tried, as to a hair's breadth, so that I was just ready to conclude I was forsaken, when I put up my cries to the Lord, and appealed to Him who knew the sincerity of my heart, for help and strength. Upon which the language of David was presented to my mind: “Why are you cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember you from the land of Jordan. Deep calls unto deep at the noise of your water-spouts; all your waves and your billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command his loving kindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life.” And this encouragement was given me from the Fountain of all good, as I believe; and so I felt the seas to be stilled, and the raging, foaming waves to cease; blessed be his holy name forever. I did not for several years find it my duty very often to appear in public testimony in our meeting, but often felt it my place to wait upon the Lord out of meeting, as well as in meetings; and found as David said, that “He inclined unto me, and heard my cry:” and graciously appeared for my comfort and consolation, yes with the healing balm of life under his wings.

When I was about thirty-two years of age, I believed it best for me to remove with my family into New York State, within the compass of Coeyman's Monthly Meeting. But I had many serious considerations about this removal, it being a matter of great importance to me; and in the Ninth Month, 1805, I went into that country in company with my brother-in-law Joseph Collins, to see it; which visit was satisfactory; and in about five weeks after my return, I removed with my family, having the unity of my friends herein. Being favored with a prosperous journey, we got well here, and I was truly thankful to my great Lord and Master; and finding many sympathizing friends, I was comforted in their company. Although I had many times to descend into Jordan, even to the depths thereof, yet these truly baptizing seasons were times of my greatest improvement and growth in the best things. For the law is a light, the commandment a lamp, and the reproofs of instruction the way of life. And it is in the valley of humiliation that the Lord does instruct his people.

I endeavored to abide in this Jordan spiritually with patience, and to endure various dippings therein, until He was pleased, by the lifting up of his holy countenance, to bring me out of these trials, and to enable me to bring up stones of memorial to the honor of His name. And as David praised God for his mercy, so does my soul praise him, saying, “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who redeems your life from destruction; who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies.” “Oh Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with honor and majesty: who covers yourself with light as with a garment; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain; who lays the beams of his chambers in the waters; who makes the clouds his chariot; who walks upon the wings of the wind; who makes his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire.”

As I was concerned to perform my duty in whatever the Lord required of me, I found it right to visit some neighboring meetings within the compass of our own Monthly Meeting. Wherein, notwithstanding I had many favored seasons, yet He who knew what was best for me, led me again and again into the valley and shadow of death. Oh! this is the cup our Savior spoke of, and this is Christ's baptism, which all his true disciples must partake of. Oh, dear brother and sister, whoever you are, do not think to reign with Christ in glory, unless you are willing to partake of His bitter cups, death and sufferings. And in order to bear these trials, so as not to forsake your dear Lord and Master, you must pray for patience to endure the turning of His holy hand upon you. And may you remember for your encouragement, that if you keep the word of his patience, He will keep you in the hour of temptation. Oh give not out, my dear exercised brother or sister, but hold on your way. Help is laid on One that is mighty; and He is willing to save all those who forsake all to follow Him; and when the time of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord, all those that have patiently endured their trials, shall witness the winter to be past, the rain to be over and gone, the flowers to appear on the earth, the time of the singing of birds to be come, and the voice of the turtle to be heard in their land.

When I had lived about two years within the compass of Rensselaerville Particular Meeting, where I first removed when I came from the State of Rhode Island, I believed it right again to remove to a little meeting at Middleburg, about ten miles distant, it being held under the care of the Monthly Meeting, and but two meetings a month. I had a desire to attend all our religious meetings, and not knowing there would be a meeting established there, it caused me to examine the ground of my removal. But making them a visit, and attending one of their meetings, they felt very near to me, and I was favored in this meeting, in a good degree, with the Heavenly Father's love, and my mouth was opened in testimony to His blessed truth: and having to believe, if the few Friends of the place remained steadfast in the Truth, there would be a meeting established there, after weighing the matter in a serious manner, and advising with some of my friends of Rensselaerville, I thought it would be safe for me to remove there; though I was reluctant to part with friends of that meeting, as many of them expressed they were with me. And some of their spirits I had felt very nearly united to mine in the heavenly journey. May the Lord preserve them in His holy fear.

[Christopher Healy often experienced a being introduced again and again into the furnace of humiliation and trial, that so not only the dross and the tin, but the reprobate silver might be consumed, whereby a vessel fit for the inscription of “Holiness unto the Lord” should be wrought. He was often brought into a state of mourning and lamentation. But could as oft acknowledge with the Psalmist: “You have put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness.” The following from his memoranda, clearly prove this:]

In the latter part of 1807 I removed to Middleburg, and when there was no meeting there, I found it my duty to go to Rensselaerville Meeting of Friends, they still feeling very near to me; and I was often favored with the Lord's holy presence in them to my satisfaction and comfort. But our meeting was soon allowed, that is once a week, which I believe was in a good degree overshadowed by the wing of Ancient goodness, who is the life and support of all our religious meetings; and who is the bread that comes down from heaven. Oh then, says my soul, may we be concerned oftener than the morning light, to wait upon Him, and pray for our daily bread; and He, who is rich in mercy, will not fail to hear our prayers, and to fill our souls, in His own time, with the soul-sustaining bread of heavenly life, and cause us to draw water out of the well of salvation. Then shall we experience the mountain of the Lord's house to be established in the top of the mountains; and have the pleasant prospect of all nations flowing unto it. And feelingly can my mind unite with the Psalmist who said, “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of his holiness. Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is Mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. God is known in her palaces for a refuge. For lo, the kings were assembled, they passed by together. They saw it, and so they marvelled; they were troubled, and hasted away. Fear took hold upon them there, and pain. You break the ships of Tarshish with an east wind. As we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God; God will establish it forever. We have thought of your loving kindness, O God, in the midst of your temple. According to your name, God, so is your praise unto the ends of the earth: your right hand is full of righteousness. Let Mount Zion rejoice, let the daughters of Judah be glad, because of your judgments. Walk about Zion, and go round about her; tell the towers thereof. Mark well her bulwarks, consider her palaces; that you may tell it to the generation following. For this God is our God forever and ever; he will be our guide even unto death.”

On the fourth day of Second Month, 1808, I attended our own meeting in the middle of the week, and soon after I sat down in the meeting, I felt the Heavenly Father's love to spread, and it was as a shower of celestial rain, which refreshed many of our minds; and though our number was small, I did believe that ancient promise was verified, that where two or three are gathered together in Christ's name, there mil He be in the midst of them.

The next First-day following, at the same place, the Lord's mighty power was present, and did enable me to open Truth's doctrine to my own comfort, and to the encouragement of the sincere hearted, and to the strength of the feeble-minded. Blessed be the name of the Lord who is our strength, and without whose presence all are poor. O may my soul be truly humbled before the Lord, that I may learn contentment, and also to suffer hunger, as my God sees fit. For blessed are they that experience a true hunger and thirst after the heavenly bread and water of life, for they shall be filled in the Lord's own time.

At our next Monthly Meeting we were allowed a meeting as before hinted, twice a week; which was an encouragement to our little number; and we esteemed it a favor from the Good Hand, who cares for those that cast their care on Him. And feeling my heart to abound with thankfulness, under a sense of the powerful word of life, my soul was poured out in gratitude and praise to the great Author of all our blessings.

25th of Fifth Month, attended our Monthly Meeting, where an exercise came upon me to request men and women Friends to sit together, in order that I might clear myself of what lay upon my mind. And having the unity of both meetings herein, I was favored to lay before my brethren and sisters the great difference between faithfulness to the Lord and unfaithfulness: remembering the words of the Lord, by the mouth of his Prophet to revolting Israel, saying: “She did not know that I gave her corn, and wine, and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal. Therefore will I return, and take away my corn in the time thereof, and my wine in the season thereof, and will recover my wool and my flax given to cover her nakedness.” This will be the punishment of all the disobedient. The Lord will take away the blessing and talents from them, if they will not improve them, and withdraw His manifold favors from them, and leave them in darkness. But unto faithful Israel—the true church of Christ—who live in obedience to God their Heavenly Father, the encouraging language of Isaiah the prophet, which also arose in my mind to communicate, may be applied: “For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burns.—And the Gentiles shall see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; and you shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be named forsaken; neither shall your land any more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah: for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you; and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.” Under these encouraging prospects my soul does lift up its head in hope. And the language presented: “O Zion arise, and shake yourself from the dust of the earth, and put on your beautiful garment, even the white robe of righteousness, purity, and holiness, in which you shall be presented to the Lord a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people, zealous of good works.”—After this time I went through many heighths and depths, sometimes feeling almost forsaken of any good; and many times was made very sensible that the true watch-tower was too much neglected by me; which was the occasion of my feeling myself forsaken, and sometimes to prove my faith and hope in God. But blessed be his holy Name forever, it was not long before he returned, and I felt myself comforted in His holy presence. For He loves His poor, humble, dependent children, and will arise for their help.

Seventh Month, 1808.—Attended meeting on the First-day of the week at Stanton Hill. The forepart of which I sat under great weakness. But light and life arising towards the conclusion, I was favored to clear myself of an exercise that I had been under for some time, to the comfort of many faithful burden-bearers. Many of the dear youth being present, my mind was largely opened to them, in the love of our Heavenly Father; and also to the parents, showing them the great obligations, we as parents are under, to train up our tender offspring in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; and that if we neglect this, and our children make themselves vile, and wound religion through their impiety which is oftentimes chargeable on the neglect of parents and masters while the children are under our care, we shall stand accountable for them. Oh dear parents, and such that have the care of children, my mind is enlarged towards you, on account of the little lambs committed to your trust. I fear if the children should become aliens and strangers to God, and the commonwealth of his chosen Israel, the blood of many of their precious souls will be chargeable to you. While the debt contracted on your part will, I fear, be such as you shall find it difficult to fully discharge.

This favored meeting was of the Lord, the fountain of all good. And may no praise be given to the creature, but all the praise, glory, honor, and renown be ascribed to our Father in heaven, who enables, through the influence of his son Jesus Christ, to open Truth's doctrine to our own admiration; and well may we say, it is the Lord's doings, and marvellous in our eyes. Oh you ever blessed Shepherd of Israel, keep me in the low valley of humiliation; and permit me not to take my flight on the Sabbath day—a day of joy and favor from the Lord to my poor soul—but lead me in your wisdom, and by your right hand, so shall I be enabled, at your command, to teach transgressors your ways, and to speak a word in due season to them that are weary: so shall the praise be given unto You forever. Amen.

[Christopher Healy, with every other child born of the Spirit, had felt his need of the “liberty of heart derived from heaven.” And no doubt experienced, through submission to the effectual working of the Lord's power, the growth into dominion of that incorruptible seed and word of God, which lives and abides forever. And also the encouraging promise, “In Christ Jesus neither circumcision waits anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.” And “As many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.” His diary proceeds:]

14th of Eighth Month.—This morning I felt my mind measurably brought under the government of the Prince of Peace, which gives the victory over our wills and inclinations: and a fervent desire attended that others may witness the same. Which as we dwell under the precious dominion thereof, causes our love to flow to God, and through him to all mankind. This Prince of Peace is thus spoken of by the Prophet: “There shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: and the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord.” This is Christ Jesus; and if we will hearken to His counsel, and obey His holy requirings in our own hearts, we shall witness the wolf and lionlike nature within us to be slain and reduced to love. Then shall we experience as the fruits of the Government of the Prince of Peace, what the prophet declared: “The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf, and the young lion, and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the suckling child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice's den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” O blessed day indeed: and is only experienced by such as witness the new birth to be brought forth in them; yes, of being born again of that incorruptible seed and word of God, that lives and abides forever.

Chapter III.

Engages in a Religious Visit in Coeyman's Preparative Meeting, N. Y.—Remarks on the Evils of the Use of, and Traffic in, Spirituous Liquors—Warns a Neighbor on Account of Having a Man Who Pretended to Be a Soothsayer in His House—Strengthened In a Time of Deep Trial by the Unity of His Friends—Visits a Man and Warns Him Against Preaching for Hire—Removes Within the Compass of Coeyman's Preparative Meeting.

I INFORMED my friends at our Monthly Meeting, that it was on my mind to visit a few Friends' families in the compass of Coeyman's Preparative Meeting. And the meeting uniting with me therein, it left me at liberty to perform the same, in company with an elder and sympathizing brother belonging to that meeting. I went to the said Friend's house on Seventh-day, the third of Ninth Month, 1808, preparatory to the visit. The next morning before meeting, we went to see one of the families; and a favored time it proved; wherein my heart was truly humbled under a sense of the importance of so great an undertaking; it being the first visit that I had ever made in this way of going from house to house. After this we went to meeting at Stanton Hill; wherein I was favored, I believed, with the word of life to my Own humbling admiration. O may I give Him all the glory to whom it is due. Who alone can appoint, anoint, and qualify for His great work and service. Many of my dear brothers and sisters were brought very near to me in this meeting; and the Word of comfort and consolation flowed freely.

The nursing fathers and mothers were encouraged to persevere. The lukewarm were warmed; and the dear youth invited. After meeting we performed the rest of our visit to a good degree of satisfaction. Returning next morning, we went to see one of my companion's neighbors, a woman that appeared to be near her end. I found a concern to lay before her the necessity of a preparation for death; also that some were received at the eleventh hour. She expressed great satisfaction with the visit. The same day attended a meeting appointed at Henry Post's, which proved a trying one, though it ended to some satisfaction. After this meeting, returned home to my family.

O Lord! when I remember your loving kindness to me, a poor worm of the dust, my spirit is humbled under a sense of your condescending love. O may I ever dwell in the low valley, where you are pleased to visit, and feed your flock. Yes, by the side of still water, and in the midst of green pastures, where such shall rest under the banner of your love.

21st of Ninth Month.—Attended our Monthly Meeting at Coeyman's; where we were favored with the company of several Friends, who were appointed by the Yearly Meeting to attend the subordinate meetings with a minute of advice, containing a living concern and travail of the Yearly Meeting, for a reformation herein. The company and gospel labors of these, were truly strengthening and edifying to many of our exercised minds; and, I believe, had a powerful tendency to reach the witness in many of the lukewarm among us. There was also a word of invitation, in the love of the gospel, to the dear youth. One part of the Yearly Meeting's advice, together with that of its committee, proved relieving to my mind, namely, that of the evil connected with using spirituous liquors any otherwise than as a medicine. For I had believed for some time, that no person while under the influence of good, could, when in health, partake of an article so destructive as this to the human race. I also believe, if professed Christians of all denominations were to live under the circumscribing power of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, that a lesser quantity would serve them as a medicine. O may all professing the Christian name consider these things! And may such as are in the unnecessary use of this destructive article—destructive to both soul and body—and which is affecting the peace of so many families, and especially those who are buying and selling, and making themselves rich by the profit thereof, consider whether they are not of that number our Lord said offended his little ones that believe in Him! In love to your souls, I leave these lines to be read when I am in another state of existence.

On the First-day of First Month, 1809, I felt my mind relieved from a close trial that had been resting on it for some months, and at times so heavily that had not the Lord in His loving kindness reached forth His helping hand, I must have been utterly discouraged. But now, under a renewed sense of His goodness to me this day, I am brought to renew my covenant with Him whom I feel to be my only Lord and Lawgiver. The prayer of my soul is, that I may be preserved so watchful and careful as with His holy help, never to depart from my covenant with Him. Oh what a comfort those feel who are engaged to live near to the great Fountain of all good, from which does flow the sweet refreshing stream that waters the soul. These are they that can praise Him in truth in the land of the living. Oh blessed Redeemer remember those in every quarter of the world, whom you have given largely to partake of afflictions. Reach forth Your mighty Hand of power, and place it underneath, that they may not sink. Endow with patience to bear all trials that you permit to come upon us; for you alone can enable to persevere into obedience unto holiness. Unto You, O Lord, belongs all the praise for evermore. Amen.

On the 9th of Fourth month I felt my mind drawn to go and see one of my neighbors who had a man residing with him who pretended to have a familiar spirit, whereby he could tell what had or what would come to pass, taking pay therefor. Feeling the indignation of the Lord against such conduct, I found it laid upon me to go the next day, which I did; and told my neighbor if he allowed this man thus to proceed in his house, he would be partaker with him in the plagues with which he would be visited as a reward for his iniquity: for it is an abomination in the sight of the Lord. This neighbor said he was obliged to me for my visit; and appeared to be affected with what I had to say to him; and said he had felt uneasy about it himself; and further expressed that he believed my message was of the Truth. In a few days after I was informed that he had put a stop to such conduct at his house. For this act of obedience I felt great inward peace. Oh may I continue in humiliation before the Most High. After this time I had several highly favored meetings, wherein we were truly comforted together m the name and with the presence of the Lord.

[Perhaps there are but few who have been called to the work of the ministry, that have not at times known the accuser of the brethren, who is ever watching to hinder the work of the Lord, and if possible utterly to discourage and to destroy, to introduce his subtle reasonings, which if listened to, and heeded, tend only to bewilder and to blind. Christopher Healy did not escape this “slough of despond;” but through the help of the ever-present, ever effectual Helper, and that of his friends, he got safely out of it.

His allusion to worthy elders, among whom his lot was now cast, who sympathized with him in his great poverty of spirit, and who were alike willing and able to go down with him into baptism and death, must have proved particularly helpful to him in comforting his drooping spirit. Being able also to speak a word in season to his weary and ofttimes heavy-laden soul: which “fitly spoken” word, Solomon in his Proverbs beautifully compares to “apples of gold in pictures of silver.” May the Lord in his never failing mercy continue such Aarons and Hurs to His church, who as faithful burden and standard bearers, keeping the word of His patience, and watching unto prayer with all perseverance, may thus be instrumental in upholding the hands that hang down through weakness, and in effectually turning the battle to the gate.]

At our Monthly Meeting in the Third Month, I found it laid upon me to put Friends in mind of the awfulness and solemnity of worshipping the great God; and that no offering, except of His own preparing, will be accepted by Him. For the Lord knows in whose hearts it is to serve Him. I had likewise a word of comfort to the mourners in Zion. After the meeting of business came on, the enemy of my poor soul, who is always ready to destroy, made me believe that I had disturbed the silence of the meeting for worship, and thereby offended the Lord, and burdened my friends. The which brought my soul into mourning, and I sat as with sackcloth on my loins, and my head in the dust. And almost despairing I put up my prayers, cries, and tears to my God, to whom I could appeal in sincerity of heart. But O, my spirit was bowed to an extent I never remember to have witnessed, but blessed be the Holy Helper, when I was just ready to sink. He put forth His Holy Hand for my help. After meeting, such were ray feelings, I thought it best to desire the ministers and elders to stop, that I might have an opportunity with them: that so they might correct or advise me. And when we met, the Lord met with us, and gave me strength to inform them how it had fared with me through the meeting for business. When, instead of correction from my brethren, I had their unity and near sympathy with me in my deep baptism; which fully healed up all the wounds that my poor soul had experienced this day.

O may all that are concerned to appear in the ministry, be careful to know the word of command from the Holy One, and not let a good desire for the people be sufficient to raise them up in the ministry. But remember, O exercised brother or sister, who are called to the work of the ministry, that in order that your offerings be acceptable to God, or beneficial to the people, you must feel with the apostle the necessity of the woe. Yes, woe be unto you if you preach not the gospel. Then if the enemy of your soul seeks to discourage you, and to destroy your faith, and you be thereby brought to fasting, you shall witness the Holy Hand to be underneath your head to keep you from sinking; and when the time of fasting is over, you shall witness the company of holy angels to administer to your hungry soul, and your heart shall rejoice with songs of praise to your Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. Which, blessed be the Lord, was my happy experience on my way home after this Monthly Meeting.

The neighbor before alluded to, whom I was constrained to go and see on account of having the soothsayer, as he professed to be, in his house, in a short time being convinced of our principles, requested and became a member of our Monthly Meeting.

In this year, 1809, it came livingly in my mind to go and see a hireling priest. But weighing the concern, not being willing to go too fast, and desiring the Lord to direct me aright in what I believed was from Him, after a time of waiting and proving the fleece both wet and dry, I felt renewed and strengthened from the great Minister of ministers. And one morning believing the time had come to make the priest this visit, I went, beseeching the Lord to go with me, well knowing that without His help, I was unable to perform it according to His will. And blessed be His Holy Name, He was pleased to be my companion and helper. For when I came to his house, the Lord renewed my strength, and opened my way to have an opportunity with him. Feeling my mind clothed with the love of our Heavenly Father, I, in a solemn manner, said to him, I have come in the spirit of restoring love to tell you that the Lord God of heaven and earth is not well pleased with your preaching for hire. And if you continue so to do, the things that belong to your peace will be hid from your eyes. But if you will refrain, and live under the power of the cross of Jesus Christ, you shall become acquainted inwardly and experimentally with Him whom to know is life eternal. He was tender and loving, and invited me to stay. But feeling myself clear, I acknowledged his kindness, gave him my hand and bid him farewell. He said he wished me well. I told him I wished him well. And so in love we parted; and I went on my way with a humble heart rendering the praise to my Heavenly Father, who is a present help in the needful time.

The latter part of Eleventh month, 1809, I removed with my family within the compass of Coeymans' Preparative meeting, where I opened a school. Soon after my removal I was brought into great poverty of spirit, but I found many sympathizing friends there. Among them, dear brethren and sisters who were willing to go down into Jordan with ministers. Such elders are indeed worthy of double honor; and some of those worthy Friends were made instrumental in comforting my drooping spirit, by speaking a word in due season to my weary mind; which about this time was plunged into deep baptisms. This language of encouragement from my friends proved as words fitly spoken, which were to my soul as apples of gold in pictures of silver: being sanctified by the Lord.

Chapter IV.

Has a Meeting in the Dutch Settlement of Schoharie—Experience of the Enjoyment of Divine Favor—Remarks on the Sufferings and Resurrection of Christ.

Soon after our Monthly Meeting in the First Month, 1810, I attended a meeting at Coxsackie's, appointed for Samuel Carey; and a highly favored one it proved. The doctrine of the Gospel dropped as oil, and distilled as dew on the tender grass, to the refreshing and comforting of many minds. Some expressed their sense of this before they left the house. O may all the glory be given to Him, who alone is worthy forevermore. After this we had many large and favored meetings at Stanton Hill, which is called Coeymans' meeting, to the comforting of many minds, they being owned and accompanied by the great Head of the church, which alone makes good meetings.

Having for months felt living desires to make a visit to the people of Schoharie, a settlement of Dutch people who were very little acquainted with Friends, I was very much discouraged about it at times, thinking it would not be well accepted by them; there having never been any Friends' meeting at that place. This made it the harder to give up to. But many times, when my mind was comforted in the Lord, this visit, or a meeting there, looked pleasant. And after weighty deliberation thereon, together with the advice of my friends, I set out, in company with a worthy Friend from our meeting, on the 14th of Third Month, and rode to John Drake's.—The next day attended Friends' Preparative Meeting at Oakhill, which was small. After the meeting, John Drake joining us, we set out for Schoharie; the distance being about fifteen miles. It being very cold, and we riding on horseback facing the wind, it proved very tedious; and I feeling somewhat cast down in mind, fearing I had been too forward in making this visit, which was also the means of drawing my friends from their homes, the thoughts of it brought me very low. But appealing to Him who I believed turned my mind to this place, beseeching Him to go along with us, blessed be His holy name. He was pleased to condescend to strengthen and comfort our minds. We reached our friend Joseph Efners, who was the only Friend in that place, before dark.

A school-house being obtained to hold a meeting, it was held the next day accordingly. A considerable number of the Dutch people came, though the weather was trying; and were very civil. And blessed be the Helper of Israel, he appeared to our comfort in this meeting. The universality of the grace of God was fully declared to the people; showing that a portion thereof is given to all to profit with; and that it is His holy law that he has placed in our hearts, even at an early period of our lives; condemning us for evil; and that it is obedience to the same that justifies us, and gives us the answer of peace in our own minds. It was also showed them that the gospel was free; and that Christ's ministers could not be hired to preach, but as they received freely, so they must deliver the same to the people. It seemed to me that the minds of the people, toward the latter part of the meeting, were tendered with a degree of the Heavenly Father's love. So that I believed, while standing on my feet amongst them, that He who called me to go and see this people, was, in His great love and mercy, pleased to overshadow the meeting this day, and to tender their minds toward us and our testimonies; and caused the meeting to end to our comfort and satisfaction. The people spoke lovingly of us, and invited us to their houses; and some of them felt near to me, while their countenances bespoke their satisfaction.

We rode from there to Middleburg meeting, distant about eight miles, and lodged at David Gurney's. I was glad to meet with Friends of this place. And a meeting being appointed the next day, our friend John Drake appeared in supplication, much to the comfort of my mind. But it was my lot to be silent, except towards the close of the meeting, when I informed them that solemn silence was acceptable to God, and that I had been as clearly convinced as ever I was, that good will for the people was not a sufficient qualification to preach the gospel. For had that been the case, my mouth would have been largely opened amongst them. This day we had another meeting about five miles from Middleburg, at Jonathan Mosher's, in Rensselaer, several Friends accompanying us from the former place. In which, after we took our seats, I gave up to be silent. But unexpectedly I was drawn to declare the word of life to the comfort, of the humble-minded, and to the stirring up of the careless. Here we parted from Friends, and rode to Amos Mosher's, whose wife was a Methodist. They inviting us to tarry all night with them, we did so. They were young and recently married. The young man being under a concern of mind for his best welfare, we had a comfortable visit with them. His wife said their house was always open to Friends. She said she had seen it her duty to be plain in her dress and address; and her countenance declared the sincerity of her mind.

We attended Friends' meeting next day at Rensselaerville; these two young people coming to the meeting. And the Lord was pleased to comfort us together, and I was led to declare how attentive a faithful soldier of Christ would be to the Captain of his soul's salvation; even to obey His command in all things. As I stood on ray feet in this meeting, I felt the word of life to increase; and the true mark and badge of discipleship was clearly brought before the view of my mind in the words of our Lord: “By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one to another.” A portion of this love spread over the meeting, and caused it to end to our humbling admiration. After this meeting, we had a sitting in a family wherein the humbling power of Truth broke forth and distilled as the dew on the tender grass, the hearts of those present being tendered and much broken. I believe this opportunity will not soon be forgotten by them. After this we went to Caleb Spencer's, and staid that night, and next morning returned home. I was truly thankful to the Lord for so sympathizing a companion as my friend proved to be in this short visit.

On the first day of Fourth Month, 1810, I attended a meeting appointed at a sick woman's request, about seven miles distant. Soon after I sat down in the meeting, I felt the presence of the Good Master near, and I was soon raised upon my feet with these words. “When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.” Oh, the advantage and favor those receive from the Lord, that live in His holy fear, and obey his commands. How safe is their dwelling place. What encouragement there is to persevere. How these will be protected. For “He that dwells in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, he is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence. He shall cover you with his feathers, and under his wings shall you trust: his truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flies by day; nor for the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor for the destruction that wastes at noonday. A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come nigh you. Only with your eyes you shall behold and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord which is my refuge, even the most High your habitation, there shall no evil befall you, neither shall any plague come nigh your dwelling.” I was helped from this Scripture testimony to encourage all present to attend to the gift of God, or seed of the kingdom in the heart. So should we know a safe dwelling-place in the Lord. I was much enlarged thereon to my own humbling admiration, and to the consolation of many present.

Fourth Month, 2nd.—Returning from my school at evening, my mind as I walked was fixed on heavenly things, and I felt a stream of Divine love to flow into my soul, whereby my inner man was greatly refreshed. And my spirit breathed forth songs of praise to the Lord, beseeching Him to preserve my soul alive, and keep me obedient to His commands. This heavenly flow of Divine love continued with me until late in the night, and my cup did overflow with joy at the goodness of the Lord to me. Eye has indeed not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man, while in his degenerate state, to conceive the good things the Lord has in store for them that love, obey, and follow Him with all their hearts. Oh blessed Redeemer! Your presence is sweet; and by me is preferred before corn, wine, or oil: yes, to the riches of the Indies. You are infinitely to be preferred to gold. For You can give eternal life; and at your right hand are rivers of pleasures for evermore, says my soul.

Our meetings at Stanton Hill being very large on First-days, owing to a great number of people besides our members attending, my soul was often prostrated before the Lord, both in and out of meeting, craving in secret prayer His Almighty aid, and that he would keep me in a true, humble, waiting state of mind in these gatherings, that so I might experience my strength renewed in Him; and know Him, the great Shepherd of Israel, to put me forth and go before. O God! the work is yours, and you can carry it on either immediately or instrumentally as pleases You. Therefore, may I ever wait in solemn silence before the ever blessed Savior to lift me upon my feet. So shall I, through Your mighty power, and gospel light and life, teach transgressors Your ways; and sinners, through Your redeeming love and power, shall be converted unto You. O may I never stir up nor awake the Beloved of my soul until He please. Then I believe He will often cause His doctrine to distill as the dew, and as the gentle rain on the tender grass. For when He, the God of Israel, is pleased to arise, then shall His enemies be scattered. I well remember what our Savior said to the Scribes and Pharisees: “My time,” said He, “is not yet come; but your time is alway ready.” And I am well confirmed in the opinion, that all true ministers must wait His time, before they can preach His gospel; and must not attempt to feed on the manna of yesterday, but know their strength renewed day by day, by the alone sustaining bread.

Fourth Month, 13th.—My mind was led to consider the beauty of holiness, and in a particular manner what benefit the dear youth would receive, if they would be so wise as to embrace religion in the morning of their days I What snares and temptations of the enemy of their soul's happiness they might avoid, by covenanting with, and adhering to the great Shepherd and Bishop of their souls, before their minds become biassed by the god of this world. O how pleasant is the morning of life when no clouds obstruct the light of the Sun of Righteousness; when the mind feels clear; when obedience keeps pace with knowledge; and no condemnation covers the soul. Such mornings may truly be said to be mornings without clouds. Our Heavenly Father, under the law, required a lamb of the first year without blemish; but now, under the gospel dispensation. He calls for a broken heart and contrite spirit. Moreover, dear youth, unto these he looks that are poor in spirit: and will, as they continue faithful, show them His heavenly kingdom. But all your offerings must be without blemish, even the whole heart, without any mixture of the creaturely will. For the feast, the heavenly feast that Christ will come unto, must be kept with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. Although some high-minded youth may look upon the path of self-denial and the daily cross, as too mean a road for them to walk in, especially at so early a period of their days, falsely imagining that thereby they shall lose all their comfort in this life! But, dear youth, let me inform you from my own experience, that these are the suggestions of the enemy of our peace. For never can there be found such joys and comfort in earthly things, as those witness who can say in truth, Your will be done in my heart as it is done in heaven.

And may I, while writing these lines, adopt the language of one formerly who had proved that one day in the Lord's courts is worth a thousand elsewhere, saying, “I had rather be a door-keeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.” O how sweet is the presence of our Lord and Savior to those who choose Him for their portion, and obey His sweet voice. It is as marrow to their bones, and health to all their flesh. Safe indeed to feel preserved within the hollow of His Holy Hand.—Remember, dear youth, that our great Lord and Master when on earth declared: “Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it;” that is, to save his life of pleasure and vanity, shall lose his eternal life: but he that is willing to lose his life of pleasure and vanity in this world, and cleave to Christ and become His disciple through self-denial and the daily cross to his own will, shall not fail of preserving it, or of having a place in Christ's kingdom.'

Fifth-day, 19th.—Being this day plunged into a great sea of trouble, wherein my soul was deeply tried, my supplication to the Lord was after this manner: O Lord, stretch forth Your holy hand of help and deliverance; for without You, as You know, I am not able to bear up nor keep my head above the mighty waves of this tempestuous sea. Therefore, O blessed Lord, if it be your will, manifest your power, and work deliverance for your poor servant. You know I love you, and your glorious cause above my natural life; which I refuse not to lay down if it should please you to call for it. I love you above all things here below; and long to feel a refreshing stream from your holy fountain. O blessed Lord of life and glory, be pleased to cause the morning dew, and celestial rain to descend and water my poor soul as you have aforetime often done to your own honor. O Lord, give me patience to bear my trials until it shall please you to bring me safely through them. Amen.

[After an allusion to our blessed Lord's query to Peter, three times repeated, “Do you love me?” with the great duty of feeling and knowing the prevalence of this love in ourselves, first and before all to Christ, before we can be strengthened and enabled to feed His sheep, or speak a word in season to them that are weary; with some allusion also to the birth, life, miracles, sufferings, death and resurrection, and despised appearance, in the world's view, of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, our Savior, Christopher Healy proceeds thus to comment upon that most satisfactory sacrifice of the dear Son and Sent of God for man's salvation:]

What could be more affecting than the manner of His (the Savior's) death? with the resigned situation of his soul, conveyed in the following language: “Oh, Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me: yet not my will, but yours be done.” This cup, this bitter cup of death and suffering he drank for us! Oh may we so live under the power of his cross to our own wills, as to have true fellowship with him in his sufferings; so shall we be benefited by his death. And when our blessed Lord arose, having conquered all the powers of darkness, how comfortable it was to his disciples to hear the glad tidings: Behold I go before you into Galilee, there shall you see me. So shall the faithful servants of Jesus, that continue with him through suffering and death, arise with him in newness of life, and witness the Savior's promise verified, that where he is, there shall also his servants be.

8th of Tenth Month, 1810.—This day I am thirty-seven years old. O Lord! as I grow in years may I grow in grace; and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, whom to know is life eternal. Therefore, Lord, permit me not to transgress your holy law. Wean my affections more and more from every thing here below; and set my heart wholly on you. You know the many weaknesses that surround me; but you are my strength in weakness, riches in poverty, and the only hope of eternal life. O make me willing to be wholly yours, in body, soul and spirit; and to become as passive clay in the hand of the potter. You are the great Potter. Mould and fashion me into a vessel of use in your holy house. O Lord, I once more resign my life and my all unto you. Even this evening do I resign myself to be disposed of as you shall see fit. Therefore, O Lord! visit my iniquities and my transgressions, if any there be in me, with your rod and your stripes; and continue your loving kindness, even your Spirit of Truth, that leads and guides into all truth; which does at this time enable my poor soul to give you the praise, the honor, the glory, to whom it is due. Amen.

Chapter V.

Remarks on the Preciousness of True Unity—Religious Concern for the Children in His School—Visits a Sick Woman, a Member Among the Methodists, and Attends Her Funeral.

Early in the Eleventh Month of this year, I attended our Quarterly Meeting, which was a low time with me. The evening following, visited a sick woman, who departed this life next day; which brought me to look closely into my own case. The same night when I went to bed, it pleased my Heavenly Father to visit my poor soul with the Day-spring from on high, wherein my heart was so overcome with his loving-kindness, that I spoke of it to my friend who lodged with me; for sleep, in this joyful state of mind, departed from my eyes. I saw clearly that holiness became God's house forever; and felt a secret prayer for further purification. The next day, in company with my before mentioned friend, I visited a disconsolate widow, and had a religious opportunity in the family; wherein the Lord gave me a word of comfort to the bereaved one, which I believe sweetened the bitter cup of her afflictions, that she had lately drunk so large a portion of.

The next being First-day, accompanied by the same Friend, I went to Crum Elbow Meeting. Soon after I sat down in the meeting, I felt the unity of the one Spirit, in the bond of sweet peace to spread over us; and in the comfort thereof I was raised upon my feet, and the Lord was unto me, I believe I may say, mouth and wisdom. The language of David was presented to my mind: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forever more.” Upon this subject I was lengthened and strengthened this day, blessed be the name of the Lord; who alone can qualify to preach the gospel. May the praise be given to him, to whom it is only due. After this meeting, I returned home with a degree of sweet peace.

The winter following, I attended but few meetings except our own; being in my usual employment of teaching a school. O, says my soul, may I so walk before the dear children committed to my care, that I may, as way opens in the truth, administer counsel to their tender minds! Having a large number of small children in my school, I was often brought to consider the importance of my trust, not only in respect to their outward education, but also to endeavor, through Divine assistance, to turn their tender minds in the way of Truth; teaching them that “the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” and to depart from evil is understanding. One day having a larger number than usual, and many of their minds appearing tender, I was led to beseech the Lord to be near them; and in secret did put up my petition on this wise: Lord! visit the dear lambs under my care with the Day-spring from on high. Cause them, dearest Lord, to remember You, their Creator, in the days of their youth; while their minds are tender. And strengthen me, your poor servant, to instruct them in your fear; that we may feel your presence to be with us, which will enable us to give you the praise henceforth and forever more. Amen.

Fifth Month, 1811.—Attended our Quarterly Meeting; and the latter part of the same month our Yearly Meeting in New York, to good satisfaction. Many Friends from distant parts attended this annual gathering, whose gospel labor were strengthening to my mind.

On my return home, I was informed of the death of one of my near neighbors—a Friend—whose departure was sudden and unexpected. Oh how needful it is to be prepared for death; seeing it will sooner or later arrest us all!

Eighth Month, 18th, I visited a sick woman who was near leaving the world. She appeared in a comfortable state of mind; had her senses well; and manifested her satisfaction with my visit, by requesting a religious opportunity in her family. Feeling my mind drawn thereto, I asked the people present to sit down in a quiet manner, there being several of the Methodist persuasion present; the sick woman being also a member of that meeting. After a time of silence, my mouth was opened in gospel love, and concluded in supplication to the Lord, to the tendering of most present; and to the comfort of the sick woman, who, at our parting, signified the same. For we parted in an affectionate manner, I not at all doubting, if enabled to make a happy end, that I should meet her in everlasting peace. She lived but a few hours after this interview.

The next Third-day I was at her burial. A Methodist minister also attended, and a number more of their church. There were likewise some Friends, and many of other denominations there. When I took my seat in this meeting, a living desire arose in my mind, that the Lord would be pleased to keep down forward spirits, and instruct by his own power. Soon after the meeting gathered, a man brought a stand with a Bible on it. This minister and I sat side by side in a quiet manner for some time; which no doubt appeared strange to some of them. But I believe he felt something that forebade his proceeding in his usual formal manner. After a while he got up; but did not take his Bible for a text, but spoke something in allusion to the solemnity of the occasion. He then kneeled in prayer. After which he spoke a little, but soon expressed that he found it right for him to leave the service of the meeting, saying, he believed the Spirit of the Lord was at work with some present; and so sat down. Whereupon the meeting remained silent for some time. My mind was truly brought to wait on the Lord, and my strength was renewed in him. After a period of sweet silence, a man of a forward spirit, who had been in the way of speaking in their meetings, got up and spoke; but the power of the Lord was against him, and he pretty soon sat down. Directly after this, I felt the power of Truth, as a live coal from the holy altar, to touch my heart, whereby I was raised on my feet, and my mouth opened with the declaration: Christ is the fountain of living waters, unto which all may come and drink to the satisfying of their thirsty souls. Enlarging thereon, the Lord was pleased to favor with his gospel power and life-giving presence, which only can enable any to preach the gospel; for which divine favor my soul does bless his holy name. After I sat down, the Methodist minister arose and said he was now confirmed in what he had before felt. He expressed his satisfaction with what was said, and desired the people to remember the counsel of our friend, as he called me, adding, they had been faithfully warned. He kneeled again, and then sat down. After which we remained a time in silence. I then offered him my hand, which he received in a loving manner, and so the meeting concluded to the satisfaction of most present. The minister expressed his love, and we had some agreeable conversation, parting in a loving manner. Oh how good it is to trust in the Lord; for I believe he gave the victory this day.

Some time after this, I was invited to attend the burial of an aged woman—not a member with us—living about five miles distant. It being on First-day afternoon, and, as I was afterwards informed, notice being given of it at their different meetings, a large concourse of people attended. I went to the meeting in great poverty of spirit, and took my seat with my whole dependence on the Lord; who is strength in weakness, riches in poverty, and a present Helper in every needful time. But let none dare to arise to speak in his name, until he gives the word of command. I was led to show the people the preciousness of time. That it waited not for man, nor tarried for the sons of men. That it was more precious, because in time only can we prepare for a never-ending eternity. I was led clearly to open the Apostle's testimony where he says: “If you live after the flesh you shall die; but if you through the spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live.” And also, “To be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.” I was much enlarged thereon to my humbling admiration.—The presence of the Lord was near, and many were sensible thereof. The meeting concluded with tender advice and counsel to the youth.

After this meeting, a Baptist preacher came to me, and said he was glad to see me for the first time. And said he felt such unity with the counsel to the youth, that he was sorry he had not publicly declared it. I told him I wanted no praise; but enjoined if there was any good done to give the praise to whom it was due. He parted with me in a loving manner; and said, “Go on in the strength of the Lord.” Oh may all praise be ascribed to the Shepherd of Israel, without whose blessed help we can do nothing. Oh join me, reader, to give him all the praise, and let the creature be abased as in the dust.

Chapter VI.

Visits Meetings and Families Near Renssalaerville, N. Y.—Visits Rhode Island Quarterly Meeting, and Some Meetings in Connecticut—Letter of Dorcas Brown.—Letter of Lydia Weeks—Leaves Home to Visit Friends and Others in Easton and Ferrisburg Quarterly Meetings—Death of His Wife—Letters of Mary Varney—Letter Of John Wilbur.

[In the Second Month of 1812, Christopher Healy informed his Monthly Meeting of a prospect of religious service in some neighboring meetings with their families. It granting him the requisite liberty, he set out the 27th of the same month, accompanied by a Friend of his own meeting. In some of these opportunities he writes of his way being much closed up; but at others, enlargement through Holy Help, was experienced.]

His diary thus continues:

Berne meeting was crowded, and the Lord was pleased to favor with His holy presence. Truth's doctrine dropped as the dew, and as the gentle rain, to the comfort of many minds. This afternoon was at an appointed meeting about four miles from Berne, held at the widow Coles'. I was led to open to the people the mystery of Ezekiel's vision concerning the dry bones; showing them that there are many at the present day, who are as dry and lifeless as those the Prophet beheld in the valley. Oh may the Lord by His mighty powerful voice, shake the dry and barren minds of the children of men, and cause them to behold their situation; that so they may cry for help, and that the Lord may be pleased to breathe the breath of life into them, that they may stand up and become an army for the Lord, to fight in his glorious cause: the weapons thereof being not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of the strongholds of sin.

[After attending a few more meetings, he returned home, with, as he states, a thankful heart to the Lord; and found his family well.

On the 13th of Ninth Month of the same year, his friends of the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings respectively of which he was a member, having granted the needful certificates, he started on a religious visit to Rhode Island Quarterly Meeting, and some meetings in the State of Connecticut. He speaks of the parting from his dear wife and family as trying, this being the farthest from home he had yet been; but of her giving him up as cheerfully as he could expect. With his friends Nathan and Ruth Spencer he proceeded pretty directly to Canaan, in Connecticut, where he writes:]

We found a few Friends. Had a meeting to good satisfaction; and afterwards an opportunity with the members by themselves; which proved strengthening to our minds as well as theirs. There appeared to be a few among them that were engaged in the blessed cause, and who were good examples to others. From there we went to Hartford, and had a meeting with Friends. It was somewhat trying in the early part, but towards the conclusion more favored. I was led to declare the necessity of a living engagement in the Truth, that we might become as lights to the world; and my friend Ruth Spencer, in sounding an alarm. We found some well engaged Friends at this place, though the number was small. From others we parted with almost aching hearts, beholding their lack of spiritual life; which ever causes the true mourners in Zion to weep.

[After going to and from several meetings, with but little remark in reference to them, he came on the next First-day week to Hopkinton, where he writes:]

Many attended, not of our Society. It was a highly favored meeting. Many of the dear youth having been received by convincement in this meeting within a few years, their company and countenances refreshed my spirit: feeling the living engagement of their minds and fellowship in the truth. Had a meeting this afternoon about four miles from Friends' regular meeting-place at the house I removed from when I went into New York State. Many of my former neighbors attended and were glad to see me. Though this meeting was trying in the forepart, it ended to good satisfaction. Next day had a meeting at Rickmonton, at Friends' meeting-house, where it appeared that there was lack of attention to the direction of the great Physician of value, by which means some of them remained sick and wounded, causing us to leave the meeting with heavy hearts.

The next Fifth-day attended the meeting at the lower meeting-house in South Kingston. Information that we intended to be at this meeting having spread, many not of our Society attended. The Great Master was pleased to crown it with His heavenly light, and the doctrine of the gospel dropped as the dew and as the gentle rain to the watering many minds. This is the place that I first publicly espoused that cause which is dignified with immortality, and crowned with eternal life. This afternoon had a meeting at the court-house on Little Rest Hill, and many people attended. Here I was led to declare Christ Jesus to be the only way of life and salvation. That he was the stone that was set at naught by the builders of old, but was then, and is still, the head of the corner. I was favored to set before them the blessed effects of obedience to the spirit of Truth in the heart, to the consolation of many minds present. This meeting concluded in fervent supplication to the only preserver of men.

Sixth-day had a meeting at Wickford, wherein I was silent; but our friend Ruth Spencer had a few words by way of testimony. In the afternoon, attended a meeting appointed for us at a Baptist meeting-house about three miles from Wickford, which was owned and crowned by the good Master. Several that were there, after the meeting concluded, expressed their satisfaction, and that their minds had been sweetly comforted. First-day attended Friends' meeting at Greenwich. In the afternoon, one appointed for us at a Baptist meeting-house, about seven miles from Greenwich, near to the cotton factories of that place. A blessed meeting it was. Many of the people attended. The principles of truth were clearly opened, and seemed to have place in many minds.

Second-day had a meeting at Foster, which was small but to our comfort. After meeting, dined at B. Collins'. In a religious opportunity in his family, the children were very tender; and parted with us in a sweet frame of mind. From there we rode to Rowland Green's; who was gone on a religious visit in the Southern States. His wife and children received us very affectionately. Next day had a meeting at Scituate; very few Friends belong to this meeting, but general notice being spread, many others came; and the great Shepherd was pleased to make himself livingly known amongst us, who is the crown and diadem of all our meetings. Some expressed their satisfaction in this meeting in a very moving manner.—Fourth-day had a meeting at Cranston, to good satisfaction. Dined at Sylvester Weeks'. He and his wife, Lydia—she being a worthy minister—are as a father and mother in Israel. In the afternoon rode to Providence, accompanied by our kind and loving friend Dorcas Brown; and by William Jenkins, a young man that came out to meet us at this meeting. Lodged this night at Daniel Anthony's, who is the parent of our friend Ruth Spencer, and father-in-law to Job Scott. They received us gladly.

Fifth-day, 8th of Tenth Month, which was my birthday, had a meeting at Providence Sat the meeting through in suffering silence. Sixth-day visited families at Pautucket. Found great lack of a living engagement among them. Seventh-day, had a meeting at Cumberland; where light and life gave the victory. Several Friends came where we dined, and we had a comfortable opportunity together, which proved consolatory. First-day attended Friends' meeting at Smithfield lower meetinghouse. Here, through our blessed Helper, judgment was laid to the line, and justice to the plumb-line; and we were mutually comforted together. Daniel Anthony and daughter accompanied us to several of these meetings. First-day afternoon, attended a meeting appointed for us at Friends' meeting-house in the town of Providence; which was large; some few colored people being among them. I was largely opened to speak on Daniel of old. Oh, says my soul, may we of the present day have that holy zeal and faith that Daniel had! I also had a word of encouragement to the colored people, to the tendering of some of their minds. One of them followed us to the house where we stopped, and in a very tender manner expressed the satisfaction and love he felt.

Second-day, rode to Swansea; and at one o'clock attended a burial, where the friends of the deceased had requested a Friends' meeting, and many attended. It was a favored time. At three o'clock this afternoon, attended a meeting appointed for us in Friends' meetinghouse at Swansea, which was large and greatly favored. Third-day, in the forenoon, we were at Freetown. It was an exercising time in the fore part, but ended to a good degree of satisfaction. It the afternoon had a meeting at a small village about two miles from Freetown. This was small, occasioned by the young men of that place being called upon that day to perform military duty. My mind not feeling clear, I desired another meeting in the evening, which was much united with; particularly by their minister, who not only gave his attendance in the afternoon, but expressed his satisfaction. The evening meeting was large, amounting it was thought to as many as four hundred people. The captain of the training company, when he dismissed them, requested their attendance at the meeting. It proved a precious season. The peaceable kingdom of Christ was clearly held up to their view. After meeting, the minister invited us home with him, and treated us very kindly. Oh may we never forget the tender mercies of our God! who is the great Minister of ministers; and only can give ability to preach the gospel; and also to send it home to the hearts of the people, and seal it on their minds.

Fifth-day, attended their meeting at Providence. And after it, the meeting of Ministers and Elders, to good satisfaction. At six o'clock in the evening had a meeting appointed for the colored people of the town. It was thought there were more than four hundred of these at|;ended, with two hundred white people or more. It was SI solemn meeting. The doctrine of the gospel flowed freely. It was clearly opened to the people, that God had no respect of persons, but in every nation, he that fears Him and works righteousness, shall be accepted of him. And as the rivers of old that went out of the garden of the Lord, parted and became into four heads, and one part watered the land of Ethiopia, so does the grace of God and stream of gospel love, flow to the people of color. It was a season not to be forgotten by many. Some of these poor people were heard to say, Oh what a good meeting we have had! How I wish, said one, that some of my acquaintance had been here! One of them towards the close of the meeting, in a solemn manner, testified to the goodness of the Lord, saying, “Had I the riches of the Indies, I would willingly part with it all, for the love I now feel.” May the praise be given to the Lord who was evidently near this evening, and whose presence alone makes good meetings. Blessed be his holy name forever.

After this he had or attended meetings at Newport, Portsmouth, Tivertown, Conanicut Island, Boston Neck, Tower Hill, Hopkinton, Providence, Bristol, Greenwich, Wickford, North Kingston, Cranston, Swansea, and at Warwick. The last meeting, he writes, “was a precious one, wherein the people were shown that the travels of the children of Israel of old, were a type of the Christian travel towards the heavenly Jerusalem, the holy Mount Zion, the city of the living God, whose walls are salvation, and whose gates are praise.” He appointed a few more meetings at factories, and some among other religious societies, where he was treated with much kindness and respect; and then, parting with his friends, set out for home, which he was enabled to reach safely, and was joyfully received by his dear wife and family: being truly thankful to the Lord for his preserving hand, that, as he writes, “kept me, and brought me safely home to my family and friends with the reward of peace.” He was absent on this journey about ten weeks, attended more than sixty meetings, and rode upwards of one thousand miles.

While on this religious errand, the following letters were written. They show the esteem, in some wise, which Friends there had for him, with their appreciation of his gospel labors. They are thus endorsed by Christopher Healy:—“Some letters received by my wife while I was in Rhode Island.”

Providence, 31st of Tenth Month, 1812.

Dear Friend:—Though personally unknown to me, I take the liberty of thus addressing you. Having been some days in company with your beloved husband in attending meetings, it has tended to create a near sympathy with him, and also for you in his absence from you. Your care is great in superintending so large a family of little ones. But, my dear friend, I would have you to remember, that formerly there was a reward for those that tarried at home. Yes, we read that they divided the spoil. And I have no doubt but this will be your enriching experience; and that you also will share largely of the Father's love, by thus resigning the precious partner of your life, to the disposal and service of his blessed Master. The Lord has indeed anointed and appointed him to perform the service in which he has been engaged since he has been in our parts, strengthening him to fervently and affectionately labor for the good of souls; and to the exalting of that grace by which the Apostle said, “I am what I am.” And,! says my soul, may he continue on the right foundation, keeping a single eye to his Holy Head and Leader, Christ Jesus, the Rock of ages; that he may more extensively labor, if required, to the awakening of thousands to the knowledge of the truth; which I have no doubt will be the case, as he keeps humble and reverently dependent upon the alone putting forth of the Shepherd of Israel, the only safe Leader and Guide, who has already led him about and instructed him, and opened to his understanding the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and revealed the mysteries of the kingdom to him. May he therefore continue faithfully ministering in the ability which God gives.

I have been with him at fifteen meetings; in most of which he was greatly favored; some of them being particularly heart-tendering seasons, I hope long to be remembered by many to their lasting improvement. I said in my heart, it is the Lord's doings and marvellous in my eyes. And oh! what might this power effect for many more if submitted to? There is nothing that dignifies and exalts like the truth; and none are so happy as the followers of it. Although it leads in a straight and narrow path, it leads to peace; even that peace that the world can neither give nor take away; while how desirous are those that enjoy the possession of it, that all mankind may live in the same. For this they labor, and are willing to spend and to be spent if it may be to the gathering of but one precious soul.

Your husband is nearly through the meetings that he expected to take, and will probably, after attending our Quarterly Meeting, look toward home.

Yours affectionately,

Dorcas Brown.

—————

Swansea, 5th of Eleventh Month, 1812.

Beloved Friend:—I thought I felt a precious liberty to salute you in endeared affection, having not only to feel with your dear husband since his lot has been cast in this land, but with you in your present tried situation. It is often consoling to my mind to believe, that the law that was made for the benefit of those that stay by the stuff is in full force, having never been repealed. And I am comforted in a fresh belief, that as you abide in the faith and in the patience, you will be favored to partake, not only with your precious Christopher in his sufferings, but also in his cup of heavenly consolation: which, if I have any sense and feeling, he has had at times to overflow. I have been at several meetings with him, in which he has been wonderfully favored to divide the word aright, to the strengthening and encouraging many who were almost ready to say, Who shall show us any good? That I have said in my heart, It is the Lord's doings, and marvellous in my eyes! Oh! says my soul, may He have the praise of his own works; that so whatever we do, may be to the honor of his great and excellent name.

Your dear husband has had many meetings among those not of our Society; for which I think him eminently qualified. I have travailed with him, in my feeble capacity, fervently breathing for his preservation on the right ground; and that he may be favored to see the right time of returning to you, and to reap the rich reward of entire dedication. As his visit seems drawing to a close, I hope and have no doubt in my mind, that as he keeps an eye single to his great and good Master, that He will graciously condescend to be with him in returning to his outward habitation, giving the enjoyment of that sweet peace that is only purchased by obedience, and is more to be preferred than corn, wine, or oil; which peace I have had to believe, you would be a sharer in. As you keep near to the Fountain of all good. He will not only be a father to your children, and a tender husband unto you, but will keep you in the hour of temptation, and when you are separated from your richest earthly comfort.—And as dear Christopher keeps his place, he will find, if I am not very much mistaken, that though he has tender ties, he must turn his back upon them, and do whatever his Divine Master bids him to do.

My dear husband wishes to be affectionately remembered to you; and says he feels a near unity with Christopher. We are at Swansea, where we have come to attend our Quarterly Meeting. It is near the hour of gathering, so I bid you farewell.

Lydia Weeks.

At the next Monthly Meeting succeeding his return from this journey, he again laid before it an exercise which had for some time attended his mind, to make a religious visit to Friends and others within the compass of Easton and Ferrisburg Quarterly Meetings. His friends uniting with him herein, he was set at liberty to pursue his prospect. This journey, requiring him to leave home so soon again, is alluded to as a close trial to both him and his dear wife, who, as will be seen, departed this life, in the mysterious providence of our Father in heaven, leaving ten children, the oldest not seventeen years of age, before his return again to the afflicted remnant of his family. He left home on the 1st of First Month, 1813, and rode to Jacob Gurney's, a worthy Friend who had given up to be his companion; saying, he believed it to be his duty to accompany him in this journey.

They attended meetings pretty steadily within the limits mentioned. But as little is said in reference thereto, except the fact of doing so, it might seem more tedious than otherwise to the reader to insert them all here. The diary states that on “First-day we attended Friends' meeting at Queensbury, which was large. Notice being given of our intention of being there, and a funeral also occurring at the same time, caused most of the people within some distance to be collected together. The uncertainty of time, and that all flesh is as grass, was clearly held up to their view; and, that the dispensation which we of the present day live under, is the gospel dispensation, whereof Jesus Christ is the great Minister: who declared his kingdom was not of this world. I may say, under a humbling sense of Holy Help, that He was unto me this day mouth and wisdom; and many were reached with the incomes of the Father's love. May all praise be given to the great King, who holds the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. The meeting concluded in solemn supplication. Thus we parted in that love, which enables to drink into one cup, and closely binds together.”

After an appointed meeting at Lake George, he alludes to being introduced to a young man about twenty-one years of age, who had received a gift in the ministry. He says, “May he be preserved! What good examples such are to those that are young, as well as to some that are more advanced. My dear young friends, how does my heart, while writing these lines, flow with tender solicitude for you, that you may closely attend to the law of the Spirit of life, the light of Christ in the heart, which ever has and ever will prove to be a fountain of life to preserve from the snares of death.”

It was while he himself was an invalid at Troy, on this labor of love, that he first heard of his dear wife's illness; and very soon after of her death; with that also of his mother-in-law. How true is the language of the poet:—“Woes cluster: rare are solitary woes.” This seemed to be an unexpected and very heavy stroke to him. He says:

I was weighed down with trouble. Think, dear reader, of the bitterness of my spirit on my own, and my dear children's account! But I hope I did not exceed right bounds. Though my heart did ache with sorrow, so that I seemed like sinking under it, I craved of the Lord to be resigned to His will, and He, the tender Shepherd of Israel, regarded my cry, and consoled me by His precious presence. I carefully searched the ground of my leaving my family, and could appeal to my God that my intention was to obey him, and follow his requirings; and I dare not think that I had done wrong in leaving them. Thus I tried to resign all to His blessed will, and to renew my covenant with Him, promising the great Lord of all, the remainder of ray days.

He returned to his lonely home on Fifth-day, the 11th of Third Month, 1813, having been absent about two months, attended seventy-three meetings, and travelled more than a thousand miles.

His wife died, as already referred to, the 6th of Third Month, 1813, as if going into a sweet sleep. She much lamented the bereaved condition her children would be left in, and greatly desired her husband's and their welfare. The last words she was heard to utter were: “Come, and let us go to the house of the Lord.”

His journal further states, that—

Through the blessing of the great Caretaker, who opened the hearts of sympathizing friends, I was favored to place my children to my satisfaction; and then removed myself to my much beloved friends Benjamin and Martha Gurney's, where I met with a very cordial reception. Oh, may the blessing of heaven rest upon them, and upon those that have the care of my dear children, who I desire may be trained in the fear of the Lord. I am well satisfied with my home. Greater care could not be taken, than is taken by those kind friends with whom I live; and if they that give only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple were not to lose their reward, how much more shall the blessing descend on those, who, out of a sense of duty, do so much for one left as I am. We live together in that love and true Christian fellowship that enables to drink into one cup. Behold how good and how pleasant it is! May the Great Shepherd guard and keep us thus united together in the ever blessed truth.

During Christopher Healy's absence from home on this visit, several letters of encouragement and sympathy were written either to his wife, or to himself, near the time of, and after her decease. From these we select the following. To the former, dated Charlotte, 2nd Mo. 10th, 1818, there is this endorsement by Christopher Healy “A letter from Mary Varney to my wife.”

My Dear Friend:

Though personally a stranger to you, yet having been favored to attend several meetings appointed by your endeared companion, I felt something to arise in my mind after this manner: What a blessing it is to be favored with such a husband, who prefers the welfare of his fellow-creatures to every outward tie! Oh, my endeared friend, mourn not too much for the loss of his company; for how has he been strengthened, through Holy Help, not only to sound an alarm to the ungodly, and to invite the wanderers home, but also to speak a word in due season to comfort them that mourn in Zion! Oh, how has he indeed been made an instrument in the hand of our God, to encourage these, and take them by the hand, as it were, in their solitary and depressed situations. I have great cause to number this among the favors with which the great Preserver has blessed me, at a time when I was ready to say in my heart, 'who shall show me any good,' or can I much longer endure under the weight of discouragements which I feel? Oh, that I might walk worthy of all the favors conferred on me by His Almighty Hand, who has wrought wonders indeed. May you, dear sister, be strengthened to give your dear husband up, though he may be called to lands unknown, and to places far distant from hence. If this should be, He that has called him to leave all that is near and dear in life, will be a husband to you in his absence, and a father and caretaker to your beloved children. I have felt a sympathy with you not to be described fully by words, nor conveyed by ink and pen. Thus with a salutation of love unfeigned, I affectionately bid you farewell,

Mary Varney.”

The next letter, addressed to Christopher Healy, seems almost prophetical of that forthcoming chastening, which suddenly and forever severed his dear companion from him.—

Charlotte, Third Month 4th, 1813.

My endeared Friend,—That regard which I believe Truth itself raised in my mind for you, is by no means impaired; but often, very often, since we parted has it been revived, with fervent desires, I trust, for your prosperity as well as my own. In seasons of greatest retirement, my spirit has craved His holy aid for you, my endeared friend, believing many trials are allotted you, on account of the testimony He has given you to bear for His name and truth before the people. It has frequently occurred to my mind, while viewing the favors conferred on you while with us, whether the enemy will not be allowed to buffet and to try you still more! But may your faith fail not, my endeared brother. He that has been with you in six troubles, will not leave you in the seventh, as you abide steadfast. I remember, my endeared friend, to whom I am writing; and it is not with a view to teach you, but as things simply arise in my mind, so I drop them in that freedom which I trust true friendship confers.

I have felt myself much alone since I saw you; and it frequently revives on my mind, 'I am like a pelican in the wilderness;' and there seems but One to whom I dare to make my moan; and I have found him all sufficient. Indeed he has not only enlarged my heart towards my fellow creatures, but given me that confidence in his Almighty power that enables to testify that He will give ability to answer His requirings, even to be mouth and wisdom, yes all in all, to those who trust in Him alone. May my soul bow in humble reverence before him at all times, in remembrance of his mercies and great condescension to me, a poor unworthy child. I have felt like one relieved from a great weight of distress since you were at Lincoln; for which relief, may gratitude fill my mind to His adorable name. But you know, my dear friend, the unwearied enemy is ever present on every hand, and when he cannot prevail to sink the poor tried one below all hope, he will endeavor to creep in, in some other way—perhaps to exalt the mind, and to make it appear somewhat in its own view. May your prayers be for me, that my faith fail not in the trying hour; but that I may be sustained and supported to the praise of His ever worthy name.

Mary Varney.”

The following, from the same, holds out the cordial of tender sympathy to his bereaved and afflicted mind.—

Granville, Fifth Month 4th, 1813.

My endeared Friend Christopher Healy,

I have had frequently to remember you in your lonesome situation. But I trust the great Caretaker will care for you, and sustain and bear up your mind under the many trials which in his wisdom he may permit. We read that many are the afflictions of the righteous, yet the Lord delivers out of them all. I should esteem it a great favor to see you once more; but whether this will ever be is very uncertain. Oh that we may dwell where we may be as living epistles written in each other's hearts! I believe that while I remain in time, and am favored to live in the truth, I shall not forget you, my beloved friend, who was made an instrument for my help. I have thought many times since, that I seemed to myself in a new world where a free air circulated. Truly I have cause to praise His great Name that works wonders. May I dwell in humility all the days of my life; and give the honor and praise to whom jt is due. If you feel a freedom to write a few lines to me at any time, they will be very acceptable. After hearing of your great loss, and as I was musing on your case, it seemed to arise in my mind to write. I am your friend, I trust, though I feel at times as the least in the flock, desiring your sympathy.

Mary Varney.

John Wilbur also thus writes to him on this sorrow stirring occasion:—

Hopkinton, Fifth Month 23rd, 1813.

Dear Friend Christopher Healy,

We received your kind salutation of Twelfth Month last,—which was very acceptable. I had written a few lines previous thereto, in order to send you, but finding that you were from home, I omitted forwarding them. But as they were penned under some sensibility and anticipation of an afflictive dispensation to be meted you, I think it may not be altogether improper to enclose and forward them at this time. I can tell you, Christopher, that I ever desire, while here, to be in such a situation of mind, as to be able to sympathize with the afflicted, and to be willing to take my share in whatever sufferings are permitted to assail any of my near and dear friends; knowing, from a little experience, that the commiseration of a friend, when I have been afflicted, has been as a precious cordial to my mind. And now my desire is that you might be enabled to bear up in your present bereaved situation, leaning on that Beloved which I hope you are not bereaved of. Notwithstanding the desire of your eye and of your heart is taken away as with a stroke, yet I trust there is One, who, although invisible to your outward eye, you are favored to behold, and your heart to be fixed upon; who is altogether lovely; yes, far surpassing all earthly ties or outward possessions, on which the mind may rest and have hope. All earthly enjoyments are subject to change; but this, the Beloved of souls and Father of all, is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He will never wholly forsake those that love Him, and rely on his supporting power; but he will bear them up as on eagle's wings, and often bring them into quiet places, and speak comfortably unto them; giving them, as it were, vineyards of precious fruit, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope; making them sometimes to sing his praise as in the vigor of youth.

When I take a view of your late service, I am ready to say, that I think you have cause to be thankful that you gave up thereto. For hud there been a holding back therein, peradventure it might have added greatly to your affliction when otherways deeply tried. But now I think you may be comforted in reflecting that you have endeavored to fulfill the several services pointed out as time and ability were afforded. May you therefore be enabled to say that this dispensation is from the Lord; and to adopt the language of Job, that tried servant formerly, 'The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.'

My wife has been afflicted with sickness for about a month; but is rather on the mend. She desires to be remembered to you, and expresses much feeling and sympathy for you under your late loss and afflictions. Similar feelings are also mentioned by many of your friends hereaway. I remain affectionately your friend,

John Wilbur.

Chapter VII.

Attends the Yearly Meeting n New York—Visits Meetings in Easton Quarterly Meeting—Religious Engagements at Home—Visits Friends and Others in the Eastern and Southern Parts of New York, and in Philadelphia Yearly Meeting—Incident Related of His Entering a Ball-Room.

The diary is resumed:—

The latter part of the Fifth Month of this year (1813), I attended our Yearly Meeting at New York. The several sittings thereof were favored with the presence of our Holy Head, who is the life and crown of all our religious meetings. There I met with some of my dear brethren and sisters from the northward, where I had made my late visit; and in remembrance of the sweet unity and fellowship we had one with another, we were glad and rejoiced to meet again, believing that the love of Jesus had bound us together. After my return, I attended some burials, and had a number of meetings within the compass of our own Monthly Meeting; most of which were favored. When at home, particularly, I was exceedingly lonely, and my feelings not to be described; visiting my children brought sad and sorrowful recollections, especially to hear some of them express the loss of their dear mother. But many times, in the midst of these seasons, the great Caretaker was not lacking with the comfort of His Holy presence. Oh may He continue to be my companion! And I have no doubt He will, if I can but be preserved His devoted servant.

On the 2nd of Ninth Month, I left home in order to visit my sister, Sarah Main; and to have some meetings within the compass of Easton Quarterly Meeting; having the concurrence of my friends herein. Was at Easton on First-day, and was glad to see and sit with Friends of this meeting, as well as many that were not members; being favored to participate in that love, that has no bounds. Afternoon at Cambridge, where the precious water from under the threshold of the door of the sanctuary, did flow and become a river to swim in; and we rejoiced in the Lord's presence. Many Friends and others that attended when I was here before, were at this meeting.

The Fifth-day following, I attended Friends' week-day meeting at Queensbury. This meeting being composed mostly of Friends, I desired no notice to be given except to such. Here I had to set before my brethren and sisters the purity of our profession, and the Rock from which we were hewn. Also how our ancient Friends not only suffered for the cause of Truth, but obtained the victory through Christ Jesus their Leader. He was made perfect through suffering; and how highly it behooves us—as professors of the same holy faith—to be willing to suffer; and through and over all to stand for the cause and the testimony; that it may not, through our unwatchfulness, or any other means, fall in the streets. I did believe, while standing in this meeting, that if Friends keep to their peaceable testimonies and practice, as well as profession, that no weapon formed against them shall ever prosper. For, as it is written, “When a man's ways please the Lord, he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

I visited some Friends' families in this place; and on Sixth-day came to my sister's, in the town of Greenwich; and we were rejoiced to meet again. Seventh-day had a meeting in the neighborhood, which the Master was pleased to own. In the afternoon held one at Whipple City, which was small; and I not feeling clear, requested another in the evening, which was readily granted; and a large meeting it was. Here the glorious gospel dispensation was clearly set forth, with the benefit those receive who live under the peaceable government of Christ; and how inconsistent all outward wars and fightings were with such a dispensation which was ushered in with the anthem; “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men,” which all such as profess Christianity claim to live under. This meeting continued near three hours, and was a heart-melting season. The people appeared reluctant to leave their seats when the meeting was over. Here I parted with my dear sister; and a heavy parting it was to us both. May she be favored to live in the truth, and to have the company of Him, who comforts those that mourn in Zion.

Shortly after this he returned home. In another short visit he writes of being at a meeting at Othniel Phelps'; who, with his wife, had been convinced of Friends' principles. “May they continue,” writes Christophher Healy, “in what is made known to them to be their duty; so shall their endeavors be crowned with success in the holy warfare, the weapons whereof are no more carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.”

On First-day, the 20th of Ninth Month, Christopher Healy attended his own meeting at Stanton Hill, “wherein,” he writes, “the doctrine of the gospel was clearly opened. Many people, not of our Society, attended, and a refreshing time it was. May the praise be given to our gracious Helper. At the close of this meeting the epistle from the Yearly Meeting in London was read. The hearing of which brought a sweet covering over the meeting; and it broke up in a solid manner. On the Fourth-day following, attended our week-day meeting. Almost as soon as I had taken my seat, these words came into my mind: 'Without faith it is impossible to please God.' On which I enlarged, showing to my beloved friends, that the faith which pleases Him works by love and purifies the heart. I was greatly engaged thereon, to the reaching the blessed witness in the hearts of many. This meeting concluded in solemn supplication to the King of heaven; and I believe will not soon be forgotten.”

Obtaining certificates from his respective meetings, he, on the 6th of Twelfth Month, 1813, left his home, to perform a religious visit to Friends, and those not of the Society in the eastern and southern parts of his own Yearly Meeting; and to the same class within the limits of the Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia. His journal states, that after taking a solemn leave of the family where he made his home, it being a precious season, he pursued his journey cheerfully; having commended his dear children to the protection of the guardian Shepherd of Israel. After attending a few meetings, he writes of tarrying one night at Zopher Green's; whom he represents as a worthy father in Israel, his counsel and advice being precious to him. He alludes to their dear children also as those that were walking in the Truth; and then adds, “Oh how helpful young Friends may be to one another, by being good examples; and this not only to each other, but to the world at large. What a comfort, too, such are to their religiously concerned parents!”

This worthy Friend accompanied him to the next meeting. Notice being given, it was large and much favored; proving to many a watering season. After meeting, he visited a Friend's family in the neighborhood; “wherein,” he says, “the Great Master favored with that counsel which is bread to the soul. A heart-tendering season it was to the dear youth present, may it remain with them as a nail fastened in a sure place, and the praise be given to Him who alone is worthy.”

After visiting several meetings and families, with but little comment thereon, he, with his companion, Samuel Seaman, passed into Pennsylvania, and attended Stroudsburg, Easton, Plumstead, and Abington meetings, and from there on Third-day, to Thomas Scattergood's, in Philadelphia, who kindly accompanied them to the three Monthly Meetings in the city. The memoranda continue:—

These were mostly favored meetings; and Friends of Philadelphia showed us much kindness. Sixth-day, accompanied by Thomas Scattergood and Thomas Norton, we attended a meeting appointed for us at Germantown. In this meeting I was led to speak of the glorious gospel dispensation, contrasting it with that of the Law. That the outward wars, under the dispensation of the Law, are to be spiritualized; and it is thus that they convey divine instruction to us of the present day. For the day prophesied of by Jacob of old, has come to pass that “The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come; and unto Him shall the gathering of the people be.” This Shiloh, which is Christ Jesus, is come to teach his people Himself; and happy are those who are taught of the Lord: for great will be their peace. I was very much enlarged on this subject, to my own comfort and satisfaction, and to the tendering of many minds. Near the close of the meeting, Thomas Scattergood stood up and said, that the gospel dispensation had been clearly pointed out, and spoken to in a lively manner; and his heart was made glad that these things were so cleared up.

First-day, was at Horeham meeting. Many Friends and others attended. It was a time of favor. The manner in which our Savior was born; the way in which he was preserved from the wrath of Herod; his life and doctrine; and the benefit and blessed effects of his spirit on the mind, were clearly spoken to; and I believe it was a profitable season to many present. One aged Friend, after meeting, greeted me kindly; and told me I had labored faithfully amongst them; and said, “you will have your reward.” Second-day was at Buckingham Monthly Meeting, where I had to remind them of our great and holy profession. They were exhorted to live consistently therewith, that they might be lights in the world. Third-day attended Monthly Meeting at Solebury; and that evening had an appointed meeting at Buckingham, which was large. Fourth-day at Wrightstown Monthly Meeting; and in the evening attended a meeting appointed for our Friend T. H., from New York: a favored time. This meeting was at a village called Newtown. Fifth-day was at Middletown Monthly Meeting; and had a public meeting in the evening. Sixth-day at Falls; and a public meeting in the evening.

All of these meetings were owned by the Shepherd of Israel. Friends were mutually comforted, and my soul had to rejoice in deep humiliation before the Lord, from whom all our strength does flow. Seventh-day had a meeting at Makefield, where many hearts were tendered; and it was evident that the good Shepherd watered and fed his flock; and opened their minds to see his glorious rest, that he had prepared for those that follow him. That evening had a sitting in a family, to satisfaction.

First-day morning, my dear companion, Samuel Seaman, parted with me, and returned home. We parted in that love that had enabled us, while together, to drink into one cup. I came that day to Bristol meeting. Here the Lord caused his baptizing power to descend, which made my cup to overflow; and many hearts felt living praises to ascend to our Heavenly Father. Oh Lord! You who are strength in weakness, and whose living stream does water your poor depending children, I have great cause to be humbled before you, for you have never failed to help in the needful time, as my faith has been unshaken, and my eye and expectation has been unto you. Oh! may I be preserved in a holy dedication of soul unto you, for truly I have found there is none like unto you, who have the words of eternal life. Under a realizing sense of your great power and merciful hand extended to me in this remoteness from my own abode, do I bless your great Name. It is your love that has opened the hearts of Friends in this land, as well as the hearts of the different denominations of professing Christians, to hear the blessed words of truth. How often has your word, O Lord, been as a fire and as a hammer, to the melting and breaking everything that opposes your glorious reign. Be pleased. Oh blessed Father, in and through your beloved Son, who alone can preserve under the operation of your truth, to keep those whom you have reached unto in your loving-kindness; that they, with my poor soul, may be strengthened to ascribe all honor and glory, might and power, unto you, and to your dear Son, for evermore. Amen.

Second-day attended a meeting appointed for me at Byberry. I felt great weakness to attend my mind in the morning, which continued until I sat down in the meeting; but as I endeavored to keep my eye to Him who is strength. He did prove to be strength in my weakness; and truth reigned over all. Many not of our Society attended, and among them were some colored people. The great Master descended and did break and hand the bread of life to the multitude, to the rejoicing of the dear children of the heavenly family. Third-day, at a village called Smithfield, had a very crowded meeting. Fourth-day, attended Friends' meeting at Byberry; a very large meeting. Afternoon we were at Bustleton. Fifth-day at Holmesburg; they were large, and favored by the overshadowing of Divine love, that caused many hearts to rejoice. Sixth-day had a meeting at a place called Goosetown. Seventh-day, at a village called Milford; a more crowded meeting I have not been at in this land. The Great Master made known his loving-kindness, and many rejoiced in his presence.

First-day, crossed the Delaware to Trenton, and was at Friends' meeting there, which was small. Staid that night at Joshua Newbold's—a precious family. There met me here a kind Friend by the name of Simon Gillam, a minister. Had a meeting appointed next day at Trenton. Third-day, at Stonybrook. Fourth-day, at Bordeutown. Fifth-day at Crosswicks. Sixth-day, at Lower Mansfield; and in the evening at Bordentown. Seventh-day at Upper Mansfield; mostly favored meetings. At the last meeting ccame two kind Friends, Robert Pitfield and Elizabeth Allinson, from Burlington, to meet us.

First-day attended meetings at Burlington, both fore and afternoon; where we had the company of our beloved friend Henry Hull. General notice being given, the meetings were large, and Owned by the Master of our assemblies. Here belong our aged friends, John Hoskins, George Dillwyn, and John Cox. In the evening, made three religious visits in the town, namely, at John Hoskins', William Allinson's, and Nathaniel Coleman's. These were precious seasons; the families being alive in the Truth. This when accompanied by the Shepherd of Israel, which was our happy experience, makes such seasons refreshing. This evening returned to Robert Pitfield's; whose wife is a living member, which causes her conversation to be refreshing to a weary mind. She is but twenty-five years of age. Here we parted with our kind, friend Joseph Satterthwaite, who had been with us for several days. Next day Robert Pitfield took us in his carriage to a meeting at Westfield. Third-day to one at Rancocas. After meeting we went home with our friend Samuel Wills, where we were sweetly refreshed both in body and mind, feeling the Great Master was there. Fourth-day attended a meeting at Mount Holly. Fifth-day, one at Moorestown. Sixth-day at Newtown. That evening we crossed the Delaware to Philadelphia: and Seventh-day rested. First-day morning was at meeting at the Northern district.

He then attended in succession the Monthly Meetings of Chester, Darby, Goshen, Concord, and Wilmington, together with the Almshouse of Chester County, during one of the evenings; and on the next, which was Seventh-day, he attended the select Quarterly Meeting in Philadelphia. Resuming the journal—

First-day morning, I attended the meeting at Arch Street; wherein I was silent. Afternoon, at Pine Street; where I was again silent. Second-day, attended the general Quarterly Meeting at Arch Street. Our friend Henry Hull was favored in testimony. Towards the close of the meeting for worship, I had a few words to offer. Third-day, had a meeting at Frankford; which was to satisfaction. Fourth-day, at the select Quarterly Meeting of Abington, wherein I was favored. Fifth-day, the Quarterly Meeting. The business of Society was transacted with brotherly love and condescension, and concluded to the encouragement of each other. Sixth-day attended a meeting appointed for us at Merion. Rode that night to Edward Garrigues'. Seventh-day, rode to Darby; and rested at Thomas Garrett's, who are loving and kind friends.

First-day, at Darby meeting, which was large, being composed of Friends and those not of our Society. It ended to mutual satisfaction. That evening rode to Concord. Second-day, attended the meeting of Ministers and Elders. Third-day, that for discipline; wherein, through Divine help, I was favored to relieve my mind, to my comfort, and the satisfaction of many. After meeting, rode to Philip Price's, who, with his wife, went with us to Cain Quarterly Meeting. I had many stripping and baptizing seasons, about this time, but was favored to abide in the patience. At this Quarterly Meeting I was helped, towards its conclusion, to relieve my mind. Staid that night at J. K.'s. Next day attended a meeting by appointment at Westchester; wherein I was silent, being resigned to the will of my Divine Master. That afternoon rode to Thomas Garrett's, at Upper Darby, where our dear friends were glad to see us. Seventh-day, reached the neighborhood of Byberry. Next day attended meeting there, where were a great number of people of different professions. It was a precious meeting by and through the help of Israel's King, who does anoint afresh for his work and service, as he is waited for in humble patience. Oh I blessed and adored be the name of the great Minister of the sanctuary who still remains to be mouth and wisdom to those that stir not up nor awake him until He please.

This afternoon rode to Isaac Parry's, attended by a young Friend by the name of James Thornton, grandson of that eminent minister James Thornton, of Byberry. Second-day had a meeting at the almshouse of Bucks County, with the sick and afflicted. This is the second of this description that I have found it my duty to visit since I have been within the limits of this Yearly Meeting. Oh, what lessons of deep instruction these have been to my mind. My pen is not able to represent to the full, my sympathy with these poor creatures. Some have lost their reason, so as to be quite distracted. Some are cripples. Some groaning with severe pains, who expressed that they did not expect to live many days; exclaiming, “O! if I could but be happy, it is all I ask.” How thankful they were, that we thought so much of them as to have a meeting with them. It seems to me that pure religion, under the immediate, quickening power of the great Opener, leads to visit these. Oh, may I never forget these seasons; and may you, that read these lines, be favored to feel as I now feel. If so, it will humble the mind as in the dust, and raise living intercessions, that the Lord would bless these poor creatures; and although they receive, as it were, their evil things in this life, that they may be prepared for endless rest at last.

Second-day afternoon, had a meeting at Doylestown, which ended to a good degree of satisfaction. Third-day, made a visit to a settlement of Germans called Mennonists. They are a plain people; both young and old being exemplary in this respect. They have also a testimony against war. The meeting was a satisfactory one; and they expressed their thankfulness for our visit to them. That afternoon rode to John Watson's. Next day attended Bucks Quarterly Meeting of ministers and elders, held at Wrightstown. In the afternoon had an appointed meeting about six miles distant, at a public house. Fifth-day was at the Quarterly Meeting, to good satisfaction. Sixth-day had a public meeting at Wrightstown, appointed at nine o'clock in the morning. It was a large and favored meeting. Another at Yardleyville in the afternoon. That evening came to our friend John Miller's, who with his family are choice Friends. Here I was joined by William Taylor, a dear and truly sympathizing friend and help-mate. He has also a precious gift in the ministry, though not so large as some.

After visiting a few more meetings, with some families in and about Bristol, and crossing the river into the neighborhood of Burlington, he went to Vincentown, where he had a meeting on First-day, the 6th of the month. He thus again writes:—

It was attended mostly by those not of our Society. Here we were Sweetly refreshed together. In the evening had a meeting with the few Friends by themselves; wherein the Truth was held up; and our principles, with our high and holy profession, opened in primitive purity; and they were exhorted to cleave thereto. This was a precious little meeting; and notwithstanding there appeared a great slackness in some, yet I believe they felt renewedly concerned to double their diligence. We parted in great love; our minds being drawn near to each other. Oh, how precious is the love of Truth! How it unites together.

Second-day, had a meeting at Lumberton, in a Methodist meeting-house, to good satisfaction. From here I went home with my dear friend Josiah Reeve. Next day had an appointed meeting at Upper Evesham. Fourth-day at Easlon. Fifth-day attended the Monthly Meeting at Moorestown. Here the honest-hearted were comforted; the lukewarm were warned; and the dear youth invited. Sixth-day at Evesham Monthly Meeting. Seventh-day, Monthly Meeting at Upper Evesham. Here the Divine Master enabled to lay justice to the line, and judgment to the plumb-line. The meeting concluded to the comfort of many.

First-day was at Cropwell, a branch of Upper Evesham Monthly Meeting; a large and satisfactory meeting. Second-day at Haddonfield Monthly Meeting. Silent, except a few words in the meeting for discipline. This meeting was hurt by the youth going out at the close of the meeting for worship; some of them tarrying a considerable time. Oh that all Friends, old and young, might be careful how they disturb the quiet of meetings by coming late, or going in or out unnecessarily. Remembering that both meetings for worship and discipline, ought to be held in the authority of truth. Then they will prove edifying and strengthening.

The next Fourth-day attended the select Quarterly Meeting at Haddonfield; wherein our friend Richard Jordan was greatly favored. That evening rode to Benjamin Swett's, distant about four miles. He and his wife are worthy ministers. Fifth-day was at the Quarterly Meeting of Haddonfield. It was an open time, the glorious truth being in dominion; of which many present were sensible. Richard Jordan, a father in our Israel, concluded the first meeting in solemn supplication; and under the precious covering granted, Friends' minds were prepared to transact the weighty concerns of the church. That evening rode to Benjamin Cooper's. He and his family are good examples, and prefer Jerusalem's welfare to their chiefest joy. Although they have considerable of this world's goods, yet they have the blessed cause at heart. This tends to keep the worldly disposition in subjection to the power of Truth; whereby if they continue to live in the same, they will be enabled to be good stewards. May this consideration have place in the minds of those who have large possessions.

Christopher Healy attended some more meetings, principally within the limits of the Southern and Western Quarterly Meetings; also the almshouse of the State of Delaware, a service for which his sympathizing mind with the afflicted, seemed particularly to draw him. He then went to Westtown School, to which he thus alludes: “Had a meeting with the scholars, which was a precious season. Oh, the innocent sweetness that was felt among them!” Not long after this he rode to Philadelphia, preparatory to the Yearly Meeting. The diary resumed:—

Seventh-day attended the select Yearly Meeting, which was divinely favored. First-day, five meeting-houses were opened for worship. Second-day, the 18th of the Fourth Month, 1814, the business of the Yearly Meeting commenced; which through the several sittings thereof, was owned by the Great Shepherd, and conducted in brotherly love and condescension. It concluded on Sixth-day, the 22nd of the month. Our beloved friend, Thomas Scattergood, left this yearly meeting on Fourth-day, being unwell: which illness increased, and proved to be the prevailing fever. On First-day evening he resigned his soul to Him that gave it. Though his family and the church have met with a great loss, yet for him they have no cause to mourn. He has left a sweet savor behind him, and his memory will be pronounced blessed. He has been as a father to me. May we that are left behind, follow him as he followed Christ.

Our friend had some religious service on his way, but except this, he proceeded pretty directly from Philadelphia Yearly Meeting to that of New York. The memoranda continue:—

Seventh-day, the 21st of Fifth Month, attended the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. And on Second-day that for business came on. Through the several sittings of this Yearly Meeting, the Divine Master was pleased to favor us. We had the company of William Flanner, from Ohio, Micajah Collins from New England, and many other strangers. The meeting concluded on Fifth-day, the 26th.

After the conclusion of the Yearly Meeting, he turned his face homeward; taking some meetings on his way. One with the Methodists, which, he writes, he had had a prospect of for nearly three years, proved to the relief of his mind. He reached home on the 10th of Sixth Month, 1814. To which, in his journal, allusion is thus made:—

Rode home to my dear friend Benjamin Gurney's, where I was kindly received; and can say I feel a thankful heart to the Lord, who, by His divine voice called me forth, and by his divine power preserved and strengthened me to perform what he required, to the praise of his own eternal Name. I was out on this journey six months and ten days; attended two hundred and seven meetings, and travelled by computation two thousand miles.

The following circumstance, which it is believed took place while he was a resident m the State of New York, is not in Christopher Healy's journal; but its authenticity being substantiated by a Friend who heard it from his own lips, we have thought good to present it here. It tends to show not only the respect which was paid him by citizens of his neighborhood, but also the power of the Spirit, which wrought in and through him to the conviction of many minds.

“We had been speaking,” says the writer of this, “of the trials and faithfulness of Sarah (Lynes) Grubb, and Christopher remarked, that other Friends were sometimes brought into close trials of faith. In confirmation of this, he said he was once travelling on the 4th of the Seventh Month, and the time had fully come for feeding his horse. It was a few miles from Albany; and he stopped at a tavern kept by two brothers whom he knew very well, and put his horse under the shed. The hostler came and gave the horse his oats. Presently the sound of a fiddle was heard in the house, and Christopher knew there must be a dance going forward. He became a good deal disturbed, under the thought of what people would say if he should be found on such a day, at a tavern where a dance was going on. It would bring discredit, he thought, on his profession. He quickly decided to proceed; and was about mounting his horse, when he heard the language, You must go into the dance room!' This he thought was out of the question, and a delusion, and he'd do no such thing. So he rode off slowly, but with a heavy mind. Feeling so uncomfortable riding, he dismounted and tried walking; but it was no better; the exercise continued. Again he heard the voice, and again strove to put it away as a delusion. The third time the admonition was 'Perhaps you will never have another opportunity to warn these people.' 'If it comes to that,' said Christopher, 'I must go back.'

“Mounting his horse, he returned to the tavern, put it under the shed to finish the oats, and proceeded into the house. The senior of the young men who kept the house, he found in the bar-room, and inquired of him if he might go into the dancers' room? Though doubtless astonished, the landlord said, 'You may, Mr. Healy, if you desire it.' On being requested to do so, he also went with Christopher up-stairs and opened the ball-room door.

The floor was occupied by the dancers, and the fiddler was engaged in his vocation, when the unexpected appearance of the plain Quaker burst upon their astonished vision. Instantly the tones of the fiddle ceased, and the dancers retired to the seats placed around the room. The junior landlord came forward instantly, seeing his gain was likely to be disturbed, and said, 'Oh, Mr. Healy, you can't preach here? 'But,' said Christopher, 'only let me ask the young people a question. Would you be willing to get into the quiet a little time?' The company very generally gave assent; but the young landlord interposed, and said, 'Any other time, Mr. Healy, we shall be glad to hear you, but positively not now.' 'Well,' continued our friend, 'If you will not allow it, I shall be clear, and must leave it on you.' He then departed, and went with a light and cheerful heart on his road.

“Some time after, Christopher met with the young landlord, who told him that he had felt very much troubled whenever he had thought of having stopped him from speaking to the dancers; and desired him to have a meeting appointed in that dance-room, and he would take care to have all the company that were then present invited. The proposal took hold of Christopher's mind, and after consulting with the select members of his Monthly Meeting, he felt easy to appoint a meeting in this large room of the tavern. Very especial care was taken by the young landlord to have all the company of the Fourth present, and Christopher added, 'That he never remembered to have had a more satisfactory meeting; the floor being a good deal wet with the tears of his auditors.' After the meeting was over, the young landlord told Christopher, that his object in going into the room at the first was so far accomplished, that there was not another sound of the fiddle, or a single dance after he went into the room that day; but that they all departed to their respective homes as though they had been at a Quaker meeting.”

Chapter VIII.

Marriage to Sarah Miller, of Bucks Co., Pa.—Pays a Religious Visit to Some Parts of the New England States—Pays a Social Visit, with His Wife, In Pennsylvania—Holds Meetings in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island—Visits the Western Part of New York State, and Some of the Indian Tribes There—Visits the Southern and Western States—Again Visits Some Parts of the Southern and Western States—Interview with Four Men Under Sentence of Death at Goshen, New York—Removes to Bucks Co., Pa., and Opens a School—Visits Friends and Others in the Northern and Eastern States—Visits Friends and Others in New York and Upper Canada—Letter to His Wife—Remarks after Holding Meetings with Indians.

On the 12th of Tenth Month, 1814, Christopher Healy was married to Sarah Miller, daughter of John and Sarah Miller, of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. She being one that he believed would make him a helpmate in the Truth.

After his marriage, he did not go much abroad, until on the 24th of Tenth Month, 1815, with the unity of his Friends, he left home to pay a religious visit to some parts of the New England States. While on this visit, after a favorable allusion to the parents and children of a family in which he was much interested, he thus concludes: “May all parents consider the importance of their trust, which is nothing less than being guardians over them for the Lord.” He also alludes to a satisfactory meeting he had at Bath, upon which he makes the following remarks: “I often say in my heart, good is your word, O Lord! Worthy are you to be waited upon and obeyed. May I never move without your anointing being renewed upon my spirit. So shall I be enabled, through Your power, to teach transgressors your ways, that sinners may be converted unto You.”

After this, again resuming the diary, he says:—

I was at Durham meeting, which was very large; many not of our Society being at it. My mind was deeply humbled before the living God; and herein my soul was brought truly to wait upon Him, and in Him was my strength renewed. I was afterwards enlarged in the doctrines of Truth. May my soul be kept humble, and may such seasons be sanctified to the people for their improvement in the way of life and salvation. From here I wrote the third letter to my dear wife. When I contemplate our separation for the Truth's sake, my soul is thankful to the Lord; who is able to strengthen to bear this and every other cross, and will, if we continue faithful in all to Him, enable us through mercy, finally to wear the crown. The following intercession also arose in my heart at this time on her behalf: May You, dearest Father, be to her precious mind as a husband; and so strengthen her that she may not repine. Fill her soul, if it be your good pleasure, with your good things; that so she may joy in the Lord, and rejoice in the God of her salvation.

May we, though far separated from each other, yet be sweetly united in your Holy Spirit; and at all times give You the honor and the glory, who can and will make hard things easy, and bitter things sweet.

This journey throughout appears to have been to the satisfaction of Friends where he travelled, and to his own peace. One little extract from the record he has left of it, shows who was his sufficiency; and where and how his strength was sought and found: “Oh, dearest Lord, keep me sufficiently humbled under a sense of my own inability to do anything that will advance Your glorious cause!”

Upon reaching home,—we quote again from the journal:—

My dear wife and family received me with joyful hearts. We felt thankful to the great Preserver of men, that he had not only led forth, but brought again in peace. Blessed be the name of the Lord. I was absent on this journey eleven weeks; travelled one thousand one hundred miles; and attended over sixty meetings.

About three weeks after my return home my wife and I went to Pennsylvania to visit our relations; and had a number of satisfactory meetings thereabouts. In attending Bucks Quarterly Meeting, my heart was brought into mourning to see in so many of the young people a departure from our testimony in relation to plainness.—Counsel was given suitable to their states. May it be sanctified to the dear youth. The meeting ended well. We found our relations well, and returned home in about seven weeks.

Christopher Healy did not at any time long rest from religious service abroad. In the Sixth Mouth of the year now reached (1816), not feeling his mind clear of the New England States, he again went forth, and held some meetings in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, and attended the Yearly Meeting there. He returned home in about five weeks, with the reward of peace.—“Blessed,” he hereupon writes, “be the great Shepherd, who, when he puts forth, goes before.”

His next concern was a visit to the western part of the State of New York; and to have some meetings with the Indian tribes there. Obtaining the unity of his Friends, he left home on the 5th of First Month, 1817. He had a number of meetings, both among Friends and others, including the Indians; of which he states, particularly in allusion to the latter, that they were to great satisfaction. He was from home about six weeks.

On the 12th of Eighth Month, 1817, Christopher Healy writes: “I took an affectionate leave of my dear wife and tender children, and being joined by my kind friend Robert Nelson, proceeded on a visit to the Southern and Western States.” Of this journey our dear friend has left but little, except an account of the meetings he attended, and the places at which he tarried. After getting home, he thus records his gratitude: “May the Lord be praised forever—the great Minister of ministers—who has brought me again to my precious family in peace. My soul is humbled under a consideration of these favors.” And shortly after, his pen thus dwells upon the Lord's mercies, and sets forth his praise:—

What shall I render, O Lord, unto You for all your benefits? You that redeems from destruction! You that crown with loving kindness and tender mercies!—May you continue to preserve from temptation, and deliver from evil; and strengthen me, O Lord, to perform your requirings. It is You, Blessed One, that can bend my mind, and enable me to say, Your kingdom come: Your will be done in my heart, as it is done in Heaven. So shall my poor soul praise You, who alone are worthy. Amen.

Feeling his mind again drawn in gospel love to visit some parts of the Southern and Western States, he left home therefor, with the unity and sympathy of his Friends, on the 19th of Eleventh Month, 1818, accompanied by his friend and former companion, Robert Nelson. On his way southward, he attended Bucks Quarterly Meeting; and had an appointed meeting at Trenton, which he writes was large and much favored. At Germantown he records being exercised strongly against the love of the world. Arriving at Baltimore, he says, “I received a truly sympathizing letter from my wife, which cheered up my mind.” In this city he attended the Monthly Meeting for the Eastern District, which, he writes, was “to some satisfaction.” The Western District “somewhat trying.” A public meeting being appointed in the evening, it was large. He says,—

I went to it under great poverty of spirit. After a time of reverential silence, feeling the power of supplication poured forth, my poor soul addressed the Throne of Grace. Then was the way open to minister from these words, “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.” Showing from there the necessity of being in Christ, that so our salvation may be sure. This meeting ended to our great comfort.

Next morning visited two sick Friends; one of them being near her end with a cancer in her breast. Oh the sweetness of her spirit! Her cup was made to overflow with Divine love. She was patiently waiting and quietly hoping; and it was evident she was borne up of Him who is everlasting strength. May the Lord continue to be her support to the end.

Passing into Ohio, under date of the 5th of First Month, 1819, he thus writes:—

Was at Flushing; a crowded meeting. The doctrine of the peaceable kingdom of the Messiah was held up to view, which lays waste the kingdom of Antichrist. Oh! may this be the happy experience of all mankind. At Zanesville, on First-day, attended a small meeting of Friends. Had hard labor, but was favored to relieve my mind. Oh the love of money! which, while men covet after, they err from the faith, and pierce themselves, and those that are concerned for their welfare, with many sorrows.

At Waynesville, Springborough, Lebanon Court House, he held meetings; and in the evening one at the same place, for the Methodists. These, he writes, were large and favored. “The minds of the people were opened to receive the truth, and many hearts were comforted. My own soul could say, great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness.”

Next day he attended Friends' meeting at Cincinnati; and in the evening appointed one, which was held in a Methodist meeting-house. “A very large number attended; and a favored time it proved. Blessed be the name of Him who is the Helper of his people. Next day visited some that were sick, including one at the poorhouse—a young man who went from New York to this western country in search of his father; but did not find him. Meanwhile he was taken sick, and being out of money was conveyed to the almshouse.” When Christopher Healy went in to see him, he perceived he was dying, and he lived but about seven hours afterwards. The case of this poor stranger excited much tender feeling in the mind of Christopher Healy. The same evening he had a meeting for the people of color, to their mutual comfort. “How true it is,” exclaims Christopher Healy, “that the Ethiopians shall stretch out their hands to God.”

He got to John Miller's, his father-in-law, where he left his family on the 27th of Second Month; and states that he found his dear wife and family all well; and were greatly rejoiced to meet again in the Truth. That the reward of sweet peace was granted them, in resigning each other for the sake of that cause which is dignified with immortality, and crowned with eternal life. From here, on their way home, he attended some meetings; and being at the house of one of his friends, he was informed that there were four men in Goshen jail, about twenty miles from where he was, under sentence of death; having committed murder. His memoranda thus gives the affecting relation:—

Feeling my mind drawn to make them a visit, in company with two of my friends, I went. The jailor seemed kind, and was willing we should make the poor criminals a visit. He also, in a respectful manner, waited upon us to the different apartments of the prison. Oh what a shocking sight were these poor creatures! In a religious opportunity, some of them were much affected, and wrung their hands with grief. My soul was deeply stirred while I sat with them. All but one were sensible of their wicked deed. That one appeared hard-hearted. One, a colored man, honestly confessed the deed, and said he was hired for money. He said keeping bad company had brought him there. I asked him if he had found forgiveness? He said not; but he meant to beg to Jesus as long as he lived. I felt to say to the poor man, that if he continued in that humble, begging state, I believed he would find pardon. I felt very desirous that these poor objects of pity would be enabled to obtain forgiveness. I thought this sad scene was as great a sermon as ever I heard. Oh may these lines prove a warning to those that read them.

On Fifth-day, the 18th of Third Month, 1819, they reached home with thankful hearts to the Preserver of mankind. He adds, “Blessed be his holy Name forever.”

The following summer and autumn he attended Nine Partners, and Stanford Quarterly Meetings; and had a number of meetings with those not of our Society; which yielded peace.

In the Ninth Month of 1820, he visited the meetings in the western part of the State of New York. Was absent from home about three weeks, and returned with the incomes of his Master's approbation. This year (1820), he removed with his family to Bucks county, Pennsylvania. He thus alludes to it in his journal, which is, for a time, resumed:—

Having for some time believed it would be right to remove with my family to Bucks county, and having settled my outward concerns, and my children being willing to part with us, we took a solemn leave of children and friends in the Eleventh Month of 1820, and came here. My family consisting of myself and wife, with four small children. we settled within two miles of the Falls fleeting, and were comforted in being among our friends. we had also many precious meetings together, which were owned by the good Master's presence. Soon after settling here, I opened a school near our home, many children attending. This is an employment which always suited me, when I felt released from travelling on Truth's account. I continued my school, only attending meetings at home, with some neighboring ones, until in the spring of 1822 I opened a concern that had rested with weight on my mind, to pay a visit in gospel love to Friends and others not in membership with us, in some parts of the Northern and Eastern States. Obtaining the unity of the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings, I left home in the Fifth Month, accompanied by my dear Friend Moses Comfort, an elder of the same Monthly Meeting. We appointed some meetings on the way, which we attended to satisfaction. Getting to New England Yearly Meeting, held in the Sixth Month, we met with our dear friend George Withy, from old England.

After this, upon coming to Nantucket, he says:—

We had some very large meetings on this island; the inhabitants seeming ready at the notice given. We were here one week. Were at both their Monthly Meetings; and parted in much tenderness and love. From here we went into the State of Maine, and travelled as far eastward as the Kennebec river. Then returned through New Hampshire and Vermont to New York; and had many precious meetings. From there to Long Island. Here we found some Friends very uneasy concerning sentiments held by Elias Hicks; who lived at Jerico, on this Island. Some of us had been doubtful for several years of his soundness in the true faith of our Lord Jesus Christ.—After our visit on Long Island, we returned to New York. Hence by Shrewsbury and Rahway, on home; and found my dear wife and family well.

His journal continues: “Staid at and about home, visiting meetings, and attending to such concerns as Truth required of me, until in the Twelfth Month, 1823, having previously opened a concern to perform a visit, in gospel love, to Friends and those not in membership with us, to some parts of New York State, and Upper Canada, I set out with my brother-in-law, John Miller, Jr., as companion. We went by New York, up the North river, and had many favored meetings with Friends and others.”

While out on this visit, he thus wrote to his wife:—

Queensbury, 12th of First Month, 1824.

My dear and loving Wife,

I embrace the opportunity this morning to inform you of my health. I received your letter, which made me to rejoice. I am comforted in finding you are so thoughtful concerning the great work that your dear husband believes himself called to. May the Holy Hand bear you up in your lonely seasons, and may you, my dear bosom friend, pray for me, that my faith fail not. So shall I be resigned to our Divine Master's will, and also cheered by the hope that we will meet again in that love in which we parted. I may tell you, that the Good Hand that called me to go forth has been near, and we have had many favored meetings with Friends and those not of our Society. Yesterday we were at Queensbury, where the Good Master's presence was our crown. May He have the praise, who alone is worthy. Our present prospect is next to go towards Black river. I have found Friends, so far, in this northern country, generally sound in the faith. O, may the Lord preserve this people, whom he has raised up to show forth his praise, in the true faith of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

And now, dearly beloved, we sympathize together.—Though far separated from each other in body, we are present in spirit, serving the Lord. May we be enabled to have our faith strengthened by the blessed promise to those that love the Lord more than wife or children, houses or lands—They “shall receive a hundred-fold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” In this belief we were joined together; being well assured we should have to resign each other to our Divine Master's disposal. Farewell in the everlasting Truth.

Your loving husband,

Christopher Healy.

Wishing to get to the HalfYear's Meeting in Upper Canada, they crossed the river St. Lawrence. This was attended with much difficulty; owing to the ice on the river being too thin to bear their horses, and yet so thick as to prevent the use of boats. After much risk and toil they finally got safely over; when they all for a time sat down, and felt their hearts bowed in thankfulness to the Great Preserver of men for His merciful help and protection. Before parting with the ferryman and his helpers (a large number having assisted in getting them over the river), they asked for the fare across. The ferryman said:

“I consider we have risked our lives for the sake of helping you on in the line of your duty, and I cannot take money for it.” And the rest all agreed therewith; saying, we were perfectly welcome to all they had done; and that they were thankful in being able to help us on our way. We were favored to get to the Half-Year's Meeting at West Lake in good season; and had a comfortable time with Friends there. Also visited most of the meetings belonging to the Half-Year's Meeting, and had some meetings among different tribes of Indians: I trust to their, as it was to our comfort.

Oh these poor children of the wilderness, how my heart feels for them! When I contrast our favored situation with their sufferings, I am humbled as in the dust. I have believed when sitting in meetings with them, that every thoughtful mind, if made acquainted with their situation, must feel sympathy and tenderness for these, our poor afflicted brethren and sisters in the creation of an Almighty Father; they being also equal objects of redeeming grace. My desire is while writing these lines, that it may sink deep in the minds of all the white people, especially our rulers, to consider their case; and remember our Blessed Savior's saying, “As you would that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise.” I fear that many who profess to be the follower of Christ, fall short of living up to this rule that our dear Lord has laid down. Oh may it not only be remembered in the case of the poor Indian, but in that of the afflicted sons and daughters of Africa, yes, likewise, in all our dealings one with another. For true Christian principles will surely lead to the faithful observance of this blessed rule.

After feeling my mind clear of Upper Canada, we crossed the Niagara river a little below Buffalo, and came into the United States. After which, we had a meeting with the Buffalo Indians. This tribe is a part of the Six Nations. Red Jacket and Cornphinter, with another Indian chief, and a large collection of other Indians, both male and female, came to this meeting. They sat remarkably solid; much becoming such an occasion. I spoke by an interpreter that Red Jacket brought with him. It was a favored time. From there we travelled homeward through the States of New York and New Jersey, taking meetings on our way. Upon reaching home I found my family well. O, may my soul give the glory to Him, who is glorious in holiness, and ever worthy of all praise.

Chapter IX.

Remarks on the Doctrines of Elias Hicks, and Efforts Used to Stop the Progress of Ani-Christian Sentiments in the Society of Friends—Assists Friends and Others in the Southern States—Solemn Meetings with Slaveholders and Slaves—Letter of Nathan Hunt—The Separation in the Society of Friends Caused by Doctrines Promulgated by Elias Hicks, and Others—Attends New York Yearly Meeting in 1828.

The journal of Christopher Healy next proceeds to portray that disaffection and lapse in religious belief, which in the eventful year of 1827, culminated in the separation of so large a number from our religious Society. Christopher Healy, in his journal, says:—

About these days (1824) there was much appearance of unsoundness among our members. Elias Hicks had made some visits amongst us, to the grief of many, both in city and country. Our members began to have different sentiments respecting the divinity of our dear Redeemer; and this divided feeling increased very much amongst us, so that the harmony and unity began to be lost. And it must be so; for in proportion as the true faith in our Lord Jesus Christ is forsaken, the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, and true fellowship of the saints, comes to be broken. A great concern was felt by many of us, to stop the progress of this dividing and disorganizing spirit; for it seemed as though it would destroy all harmony and fellowship, and comfort of love in our religious Society. But adored be the name of Israel's Shepherd, who cares for his own sheep, and calls them, and leads them as lambs in the midst of wolves; even wolves in sheep's clothing. For some of these that had departed from the faith once delivered to the saints, so as to deny that Jesus who suffered without the gates of Jerusalem as the Savior of the world, and yet profess a great love for us and our young people, we could do no other than bear our testimony against.

In 1828, while attending Bridgewater Monthly Meeting, New York, Christopher Healy felt drawn to open and support the doctrine of the divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, by authority of the Holy Scriptures, and declared it to be the doctrine always held by the Society of Friends. These errors, which the principal leaders of the Separatists of that day propagated, were brought into view by quotations from their printed discourses. It was distinctly stated that, notwithstanding they professed to believe in Christ, if they would confess their real sentiments, it would be found they denied that He who was born of the Virgin Man, and respecting whom it is declared, that, “when He brings the First Begotten into the world He says, let all the angels of God worship Him,” is the Savior of men. Instead of acknowledging the Son, to whom it is said, “your throne, O God, is forever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of your kingdom,” the Separatists declared that the Almighty could never set Jesus Christ above us, for, if He did. He would be partial,—thereby endeavoring to destroy the divine and glorious character of the Son of God,—while they pretended to believe in his light shining in the heart.

This development of the unbelief of Elias Hicks had a very convincing effect on a number in the meeting, who did not appear to have understood his opinions fully, and the various shifts and glosses used to inculcate them. This conviction was rendered still more complete, by some remarks of Hugh Judge, who had, unhappily, in his old age, fallen in with these errors. He observed, that he had not heard a word that had been spoken, but felt a great weight of darkness upon his spirit. He then endeavored to give, what he considered to be the sentiments of Friends; making them appear very outward in their views; and in order to exhibit the spirituality which he had attained to, he declared that he did not believe Jesus Christ, who was born of the Virgin Mary, to be the Savior; and near the close of his speech said: “My Savior never was crucified:” thus denying Him to be the Savior of whom the apostles declare, “We preach Christ crucified: to the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ, the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” This effectually confirmed the observation before made by Christopher Healy, that if they would confess their real sentiments, it would appear they did not believe the Lord Jesus was the Savior; and appeared to have had a settling effect on those present.

In the Twelfth Mouth of 1824, he paid a religious visit to Friends of the Southern States; also to slaveholders with their slaves. He had many large and satisfactory meetings. After one of which, he could adopt the following language: “In the Lord's presence there is life, and at his right hand rivers of pleasure forevermore. May my poor soul continue to be humbled in the dust before Him.” His own account follows:—

In Virginia I was joined by a kind friend and elder, James Stanton. We had a large public meeting at Muffleborough, in a Methodist meeting-house. Four Methodist and two Presbyterian ministers attended; also a great number of slaves and slaveholders; so that the house could not hold them, but many stood in the yard where they could hear. A solemn stillness prevailed over the whole assembly. It was evident the heart-melting presence of the Divine Master covered the meeting; and ability and strength were given to declare the doctrines of the gospel, and the righteous testimonies thereof.—Many minds, both of slaveholders and slaves, were tendered; and my own soul did secretly praise the Lord our God.

After having many meetings in the lower part of Virginia, we came to Piney Woods meeting of Friends in North Carolina, where notice of our desire to have a meeting was given to slaveholders and their slaves. A large number attended, and the meeting was favored with the life-giving presence of our Holy Head and heavenly Shepherd. We passed from there down to Elizabeth City, having a number of large meetings on the way.—The masters and slaves expressed their great comfort in our visit to them. Here we saw many poor colored people, very aged, whose heads were white, walking with staffs, and some with two, to enable them to get about. Oh how my heart did feel for these! When they came to shake hands with us, tears were trickling down their faces, expressing at the same time their great thankfulness to the Lord for our visit to them, such poor creatures.

Next morning I received a visit from a Methodist minister, who expressed a desire that I might have another meeting with them and their slaves; and said there would more come together than did before, for they were all glad of the meeting. I told him I must see my way clear, before I could make another appointment. He said he was early convinced that slavery was wrong, and that he had missed it exceedingly in purchasing any. That if any way opened to free them, he would give them their liberty. The slaveholders that I spoke with, generally acknowledged the evil of slavery.

After weighing the request of the minister, I was most easy to leave the place. On our way up the State from Elizabeth City, we came to Rich Square, in Northampton county, at the time of the Quarterly Meeting; where I met with our friend William Forster, from Great Britain. The Quarterly Meeting of business was favored. Next day we had a public meeting. Many of both whites and blacks could not get into the house. The meeting was owned by the Divine Master, who was this day mouth and wisdom: and I could adopt the language, “In your presence there is life, and at your right hand rivers of pleasure forevermore.” iMay my poor soul continue to be humbled in the dust before Him. From there we rode about two hundred miles uj) the State to New GarJen, where we had a meeting. And one also at Deep River, which was a favored time. Next day we had a meeting on our way to our aged friend Nathan Hunt's, who was a living minister, bringing forth fruit in old age. He kindly accompanied us, and his company and gospel labors were strengthening to my mind. We had a number of favored meetings together, and then came to New Garden to attend the Quarterly Meeting to be held there. It was a favored time; blessed be the good Shepherd of the sheep, who puts forth his own, and goes before them. May they always be willing to follow Him, either in suffering or rejoicing; so shall He be glorified in them. After this Quarterly Meeting, except a few meetings on our way, we came almost directly home, and found my dear wife and family all well. Oh may my soul always remember how good it is to trust in the Lord and never doubt his precious promises, that he will never leave nor forsake those that trust in Him!

From letters written to Sarah Healy during her husband's absence on this visit, tending to encourage her in her loneliness, and conveying their sense of his ministerial services among them, we select the following from the pen of Nathan Hunt:—

Springfield, Guilford Co., N. C,

Third Month 11th, 1825.

Dear Friend:—Your husband came to our house last Third-day morning, and attended our Monthly Meeting on Fourth-day; in which his divine Master furnished him with understanding to bring forth out of his treasures things new and old, to the comfort, edification and encouragement of the mourners in Zion; and to caution and counsel the lukewarm and careless professors. I attended public meetings with him Fifth and Sixth-days, and also on Seventh-day with a large company of people. There were masters and some slaves in all of them. He has shown himself to be a workman that need not be ashamed, dividing the word aright; wielding the sword with dexterity and skill; and applying Gilead's healing balm to wounded souls. He feels particularly near to many of us, because he comes in the good old way, and we understand him, being like face answering to face in a glass. He is as bone of our bone, and flesh of our flesh; a brother indeed; and we will have no other doctrine than that which he preaches.

“If you, dear heart, feels sometimes lonely and sorrowful, let this thought cheer your mind,—my dear husband is making many glad; and they that go forth weeping and sorrowing, doubtless shall come again rejoicing, bringing their sheaves with them. This I believe will be the blessed experience of your bosom friend, and your coming together will be like the rejoicing of the righteous. Oh how comforting the promise is, 'The Lord will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is staid on Him, because he trusts in Him.' These become like Mount Zion, that never can be removed. Many such gracious promises we find in the Scriptures of truth to animate and strengthen us in the weary pilgrimage through time, that we may keep the eye single to the Lord, in what situation soever He may be pleased to place us in his house. For it appears some have to go forth to battle, and some to stay by the stuff; but all share alike in the spoil. The beauty is, for every one to be in their allotted station. My dear wife and myself are prepared to feel with you and your dear husband, in your separation, as it has been often our lot to be separated for the work's sake. But it matters not what may be the pathway through the changeable scenes of this uncertain world, be it rough or smooth, if at the end we may but be favored to enter through the gates into the city, where the enemy will cease to trouble, and the weary be at rest.

My dear wife unites in near and dear love to you. I am your affectionate friend,

Nathan Hunt.

Here our friend again alludes to the unsound views then being disseminated by Elias Hicks, and some of his adherents:—

The unsound principles promulgated by Elias Hicks, had now increased very much within the compass of our Yearly Meeting and several others, namely, New York, Baltimore, and Ohio; which broke the harmony and peace wherever those principles prevailed; causing doubts and denials of the divinity of our Lord Jesus Christ, and of his propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. Elias Hicks having travelled in several Yearly Meetings, and books being circulated holding forth the same unchristian views, all had the effect to make a very gloomy appearance over our Society; and caused many of us to mourn and lament in the language of the prophet: “Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people.” This awfully disorganizing and dividing spirit went on, till in the Fourth Month of 1827, at the time of the Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, this disaffected and unsound part of the Society drew off; and in the Tenth Month of the same year, established what they called a Yearly Meeting of their own. This seemed to relieve Friends of much trouble; and opened a way for us to testify against them in the order of Truth and discipline. Oh! how my soul remembers the afflictions and sorrows—the wormwood and the gall—that I, as well as many others, had to feel and taste of during this great conflict. “Oh my soul, come not into their secret; unto their assemblies, my honor, be not united.”

Again, after a reference to the very trying occurrences in New York Yearly Meeting in the Fifth Month, 1828, which he attended, he writes:—

Upon the conclusion of the Yearly Meeting, I went in company with the Yearly Meeting's committee as far as Bridgewater; and a trying and proving season it was. Oh the sorrowful state of those that deny the Lord that bought them! The meetings mostly divided. The unbelieving part manifesting that they went out from us, because they were not of us. After the Monthly Meeting at Bridgewater, I returned home, taking meetings on the way. Friends of our Yearly meeting felt near to each other after such a load of darkness had been removed from us. But I could not help mourning the loss of many that were evidently carried away by the leaders of the separation, in a dark and cloudy day. May the Lord of the vineyard be pleased to open their understandings, and restore them to the fold again. And it is my heart's desire and prayer to the Lord our God, that those also who have been the means of thus dividing in Jacob and scattering in Israel, may, if it be not too late for them to see their error, be brought to confess that Holy Redeemer whom, as their only Savior, they have slighted and despised.

Chapter X.

Embarks on a Visit to Friends and Others in Great Britain and Ireland—Letter to His Wife—Letter of Ann Jones—Letter of William Evans.

Christopher Healy, as his journal states, having for several years felt his mind drawn to visit in gospel love, Friends, with some others not of our Society, in Great Britain and Ireland, obtained a certificate of the unity of his Monthly, Quarterly, and Yearly Meetings for this service. The foil time, as he believed, having arrived, on the 2nd of the Sixth Month, 1831, he went on board the ship Algonquin, William West, master, and after taking an affectionate leave of his dear wife and numerous friends who accompanied him to the ship, he, the same day, sailed from Philadelphia; having for companions, bound on a similar errand, Jonathan Taylor of Ohio, and Stephen Grellet, from Burlington, New Jersey. They had several meetings, both morning and evening, with opportunities also for reading portions of the Holy Scriptures; the captain, who was very kind and courteous to them, sitting with them; and many of the passengers and sailors likewise giving them their company. They had an unusually smooth and pleasant passage, and on the 29th of the same month cast anchor before the city of Liverpool. Next morning they went on shore, and it being Friends' usual meeting day, they attended it. Christopher Healy writes: “It was a comfortable meeting, and I can say my soul felt humbled as in the dust for the blessing and favor of Heaven in bringing us safely over the mighty deep.” “He that made the heavens and the earth,” he continues, “the sea, and the fountains of waters, can control them at His pleasure.” They visited a number of Friends' families in and about Liverpool, with some of the sick and the aged. On First-day morning they also together attended the same meeting, and on the following Fourth-day morning Stephen Grellet left for London, and Jonathan Taylor for Manchester; Christopher again attending Liverpool Meeting on Fifth-day. He says it was a precious meeting, and very confirming to him that he was in his right place. He adds, “May my soul wait for right direction. And may the Shepherd of Israel keep and preserve my dear wife and children, to whose care I have resigned them.”

He held some more meetings in and about Liverpool, of one of which he records, that “the blessed Redeemer was pleased to overshadow the assembly, and to crown with his living presence. May He alone have the praise.”

Taking coach from here, he and his companion came, amongst other places, to Nantwich, where a Monthly Meeting was held. Here he says, “We met with our dear friends George and Ann Jones, who had not long since been in America on a religious visit. We were truly glad to see each other; and could thank our divine Master and take fresh courage.” At Colebrookdale, on a First-day, he had a public meeting, which was large.—Christopher was opened both in doctrine and counsel.—He adds: “May it be remembered; and may I never forget the loving kindness of the great Minister of ministers, who alone can rightly teach what to declare among the people, and when to be silent.”

At Sidcot, he thus writes: “A considerable number of Friends belong to this meeting, who have a school under their care; of which a large proportion attended the meeting. It was a very good time. Counsel flowed freely to parents and teachers, that they should instruct the children in the fear of the Lord. Advice was given likewise to the dear children; many of whom were much tendered. May it be long remembered. Had a meeting at the same place in the evening, to the joy and rejoicing of many; which was acknowledged by those not of our Society in a feeling manner. May the Lord have all the praise, to whom it is due.”

At Chatham he writes: “A large public meeting in the evening. A precious quiet spread over us; and it proved a solemn, favored time. May such seasons not be forgotten. It is the Lord's doings, and marvellous in my eyes.”

At London, he attended the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders for London and Middlesex. Here he met with his friend and fellow passenger and countryman, Stephen Grellet, and his aged friend Thomas Shillitoe, of that land; who had been in America on a religious visit. This meeting was to their comfort, being truly glad to see each other. Next day, Christopher Healy attended the general Quarterly Meeting, which was large. He was silent; but Sarah (Lynes) Grubb was largely engaged in the ministry; as was Thomas Shillitoe.

About this time he wrote to his wife; from which the following is extracted:—

Stoke Newington, Tenth Month, 10th, 1831.

My Dear Sarah,

I have just finished visiting all the meetings in London and Middlesex Quarterly Meeting, and am this morning going to attend the Morning Meeting of Ministers and Elders in London. Then I expect to take meetings through the different counties towards Scotland. Yesterday was at Tottenham meeting, which is about six miles from London. Here our dear friend Thomas Shillitoe lives. I drank tea with him and his dear wife, who is eighty-six years old; seven years older than her husband. They both attended meeting with me—a large meeting of Friends. I had a public meeting at four o'clock for others, which was large, and solemnly quiet. Soon after I took my seat in meeting, the testimony of the apostle was presented to my mind: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. For the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death; “on which important subject my mind was clearly opened to explain to the people the necessity of attending to this law of the Spirit of life.

Dear Thomas Shillitoe says he remembers you perfectly well, and also his being at our house. He desires to be affectionately remembered to you. Thomas preaches the gospel in his old age, in life and power. Oh how encouraging it is to see such dear Friends, and to believe they are planted in the house of the Lord, and to see them flourish in the courts of our God; bringing forth fruit in old age.

My mind is abundantly engaged in public meetings, and the minds of the people are very much opened to hear the truth of the gospel as it is in Jesus, through the teaching of his grace and Holy Spirit in their heart..—Oh! says my soul, may they be willing to obey. Then will they have a sure foundation to build upon, even Christ Jesus, who was the foundation of old, and remains to be the everlasting Rock against which no storm nor tempest can prevail. My heart is full of gospel love while I am writing to you, my dear companion, believing you can read and understand the feelings of my heart.

After the expression of tender regard and counsel for his dear children, whom he respectively named, he thus concludes:—

Give my dear love to father and mother, and all our dear friends. May they be favored to know the sweet presence of the Lord Jesus in their religious meetings.—And now, in dear and tender love, never to be quenched by many waters, nor distance, nor time, I take my leave, and bid you farewell in the Lord.

Christopher Healy.

At Uxbridge he attended a meeting of Friends; which he writes was “a trying time;” and then adds, “as it has often been with me since being in this land. I often go mourning on my way. Oh the unfaithfulness that prevails!” “At Luton,” he says: “I was led to speak in a very plain manner, and felt that the service was owned by the great Head of the Church, and that it was to the edification of the people.” At the house of his kind friend John Smith, of Thirsk, he was taken dangerously ill of bilious colic. By this he was confined three weeks. He thus alludes to the kind care of this family towards him:—

It could not be possible for more care and sympathy to have been bestowed than was by these kind friends, together with my dear companion, Joseph Hopkins, whose attentions seemed to be to every need of mine. May the Lord bless each and all of these for such sympathy and kindness to a stranger in a strange land. Just as I was recovering, news came of the death of my dear and much beloved friend Jonathan Taylor; who departed this life at the house of Mary Lecky, at Kilnock, in Ireland. He came to England in the same ship that I did; and for the loss of him I did truly mourn. Yet from the account I had of his departure, I have no doubt but that he made a happy close.

The following letter from his friend Ann Jones, alludes to this illness, and also to the death of Jonathan Taylor; and on other accounts is well worthy an attentive perusal:—

Stockport, Eleventh Month 23rd, 1831.

My dear friend Cristopher Healy,

I can very truly tell you that it has not been for lack of fellow feeling, in near sisterly sympathy with you, that I have not sooner given you a written proof of my remembrance, but for lack of health and ability for the employ. My mind has followed you and our other transatlantic brethren, with feelings of more than common interest: and that not only as one who knows 'the heart of a stranger' in a land of strangers, but also as one who knows a little of the bonds and afflictions which abide those who go forth as advocates of the doctrine of the cross, and of the gospel of Christ Jesus our Lord, in a day, when, because iniquity abounds, the love of many waxes cold. I think the apostle says, 'we count them happy which endure' and blessed indeed are they who endure to the end: who strive through the faith of the gospel to persevere in patience in the path of duty till He who has called to the service, and apportions to each his share or measure of suffering and of labor, shall see meet to say, 'It is enough.'

I heard some days ago of your serious indisposition at Thirsk: but having no direct or very recent account, am at a loss to know where to address a letter to you. Nevertheless I am disposed to try, not only to give you an assurance of our near sympathy with you, but also to say, that if your state of health and religious feelings and engagements will allow of your coming to rest awhile with us, we do most freely and gladly offer you a home with us, till you are so far recruited as to allow of your travelling safely in our damp climate. By no means questioning the kindness or lack of hospitality of Friends where your lot is cast—I trust and believe you will not lack either—but as one who knows the great difference between this climate and that of America, and how little English people in general are aware of the need which Americans have of more warmth, from fire, clothing, etc., than is necessary for the English constitution; neither would I by any proposal of mine, like the old prophet formerly, be the means of turning or drawing a fellow-servant out of the right way, and yet if you could see your way to rest awhile with us, and not go to Scotland or Ireland, till the winter has at least partly passed away, I should be glad. I know not where our friend John Wilbur is, but on hearing of your prospect of going together into Scotland at this season of the year, I could but desire that if you did go, it might be with the assurance that it was the best you could do.

I do not forget that He whom we desire to serve, is all-sufficient to carry His servants through all the perils and difficulties they meet with, in the discharge of their duty to Him: but 'wisdom dwells with prudence,' and it is requisite for us to try whether we may not safely keep on the side of (shall I say) human prudence, where two ways are before us. You will perceive I only propose; with an assurance of a hearty welcome to you if you can find your way here where, and in the neighborhood, there is no lack of people who have souls to save or to lose.

I shall hope to hear from you on the receipt of this. If you can not suitably write yourself, request some friend where you are to write in reply.

As there is no doubt you will hear of the removal from works, (undoubtedly) to blessed and glorious rewards, of our dear friend Jonathan Taylor, at Kilnock, in Ireland, I think I must give you a few particulars relating to dear Jonathan Taylor's latter days, his illness and close. He was at meeting at Dublin, and had good service. His concern was principally to the young people. He and his companion Jacob Green, had visited all the meetings in Ireland except three; and attended the three Quarterly Meetings. Jonathan Taylor appeared to be low, and not quite well, and on H. S., Jr., asking him when he expected to go to England, he replied he did not know, he could not tell when he should leave Ireland; but wished to go to Mary Lecky's at Kilnock, to rest awhile. He was at Dublin fleeting on First-day morning, and Kingstown in the afternoon: had an appointed meeting at Wicklow on Second-day: returned to Dublin where he was at meeting on Third-day—silent. After meeting complained of being unwell; and spent the time in Dublin and the neighborhood until Sixth-day. He said he had taken cold. Friends observed a remarkable sweetness in his countenance. Sixth-day, the 28th, went to Kilnock very unwell; worse when he arrived; went to bed immediately; and was not up afterwards. Inflammation of the lungs came on: his mind much abstracted from outward things: he expressed that he felt resigned. Dr. Harvey went from Dublin on the first instant to see him: bled him which afforded some relief, but the doctor found him too weak to bear the depletion necessary' to remove the inflammation: continued gradually sinking, and was frequently heard supplicating to be released. On First-day the 6th of Eleventh Month, this dear disciple fell asleep in Jesus, on whom he firmly believed; and for whose Name's sake he had patiently suffered. This will be a heavy stroke to his wife and daughter. And while we mourn their and the church's loss, are bound to unite in the language, 'Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord,' etc.

I have written more than I expected when I began; and am reminded it is time to close. My husband is well. He unites with me in the above invitation, and in the salutation of love and sympathy.

Your friend,

Ann Jones.”

The following are extracts from a letter of our late beloved friend William Evans, to Christopher Healy while in England:

Philadelphia, Twelfth Month, 22nd, 1831.

My Dear Friend,

Your very acceptable communication, written at Hartford, 7th of Tenth Month last, was duly received, and tended to quicken our feelings in that fellowship we have long enjoyed with each other, and which has not been diminished by the temporary separation we are subjected to for the work's sake. You are often the subject of our thoughts and conversation, and it has been pleasant to hear by letters from some of our English Friends of your movements, which, though we have had no very particular accounts, are satisfactory. If we are the servants of Christ, it is not probable we shall please all men; for there are those who with all their profession of his religion, are nevertheless in heart enemies of the cross; they cannot bear the foolishness of his gospel, and it is not proper that such should be fed with food that gratifies their vain and superficial minds. But the unity of the true Seed, those who are acquainted with the afflictions of Joseph, is truly desirable and this, I doubt not, you will be favored with.

It is very difficult to form a correct judgment of the state of the church in England without being there; but from what we hear, and from what we know of the visitors to this country, it is evident there is a difference in the tribes. A class who profess much head knowledge with some experience, and another who are less concerned about that which is gathered by the wisdom and talents of man, and more deeply engaged to descend into Jordan, where they may, from season to season, witness the washings of regeneration and the renewings of the Holy Spirit, by which they are made quick of understanding in the Lord's fear, and prepared to receive and communicate the language of the Spirit unto the churches. To meet with such as these, and to mingle with them in the fellowship of the Gospel of Christ, which is often the fellowship of suffering, is truly strengthening, and indeed, though seemingly paradoxical, it is cheering. Those who know much and whose time seems always ready for doing, have a strong aversion to the doctrine of suffering—they do not like to look on what is called the gloomy side, but are in danger of compassing themselves with sparks of their own kindling, the end of which will be sorrow. To the traveller in the Lord's cause, it is however a consoling reflection, that help is laid on one that is mighty; who can preserve in heights, and sustain in depths, and mercifully furnishes, as he is waited upon, with wisdom and strength from his sanctuary, to enable him to steer through the various difficulties which surround him, and to set up stones of memorial that hitherto the Lord has helped him.

Fellow-pilgrims, particularly those employed in the same work, cannot but desire for each other, that they may in all their goings forth be thus favored, that the Great Name may be honored and exalted, and the answer of sweet peace be poured into their bosoms, when the allotted labor is accomplished. That this may be your experience is our affectionate trust and desire, as we doubt not it would be your prayer for us under similar circumstances.

According to your request, I wrote to your wife informing her of your letter to us, your health and comfortable getting along; and held up to her view the standing ordinance in Israel, that those that remain with the stuff, faithful in their allotment, were to participate in the spoils, equally with them who went to the battle. After visiting the meetings of Burlington and Shrewsbury and Rahway Quarter, I went into Bucks in the Ninth Month last, and was at the Falls Meeting, where I saw her. She appeared to be in good health, and told me she had then recently had letters from you.

I was at all the meetings in your Quarter, which being attended by few others than the members, were small, except the Falls. In all of them are to be found some exercised Friends, who are the salt, which, through divine mercy, preserves the body; otherwise, the external appearance furnishes but little to cheer with the hope of a succession in the church in some parts. Upon these the weight of exercise on account of others and the cause at large must fall, and there seems no safe alternative but to give themselves up cheerfully to spend and be spent for the sake of our poor shattered Society.

Our meetings are held in quiet, for which we have cause to be thankful; but the great lack of religious fervor makes them at times very trying. Ease and prosperity seem to be the bane of religion. One to his farm, another to his merchandise, and others to their worldly comforts and delights, lessens the number of laborers for the springing up of the water of life, and throws an undue weight upon others, who often feel greatly discouraged with the little evidence of fruits proportionate to the labor bestowed upon such, and the trials we have just emerged from. We endeavor to keep hold of the hope that brighter days are ahead, but how far, seems often wrapt in much uncertainty. Times and seasons are in the Lord's hand, and he can cause light to break forth from obscurity, and darkness to become as the noon-day. For the cause sake, and for the children, and those who may be looking towards Zion, one cannot but desire that the brightness of the everlasting light might shine forth more conspicuously and availingly amongst us.

My wife desires me to present her love and say you have her wishes for your preservation and safe return.—We shall be glad to hear from you again.

From your affectionate friend,

William Evans.

Chapter XI

Visits Ireland—Returns to England—Letter of Mary J. Lecky—Letter of Samuel Reynolds—Letter of Joseph Thorp—Extracts from Letters of Christopher Healy to His Wife—Letter Respecting the Character of Christopher Healy's Religious Exercises in England—Remark of John Barclay on His Christian Fearlessness—Extracts from Letters of Thomas Christy Wakefield and Jacob Green—Returns to America—Notice of an Interview with a Young Man in England on the Danger to Friends of Joining with Persons of Other Religious Denominations on Benevolent Associations.

Going to Ireland, Christopher Healy visited Belfast, Lisburn, Lurgan, Moyallen, Grange, Richhill, Dublin, Ballitore, Carlow, Waterford, Youghall, and Cork. “The meeting at Cork,” he says, “was a laborious time at the beginning; but, through hard labor, way opened and strength increased, until Truth reigned over all. Blessed be the name of the Great Head of the Church, who alone can give strength for his work and service.” From there he went to Clonmel, Limerick, Roscrea, Mountrath, Mountmellick; and returning to Dublin, took steamer for Liverpool.

Extract from a letter written by Mary J. Lecky, dated Second Month, 12th, 1832,—and addressed to Sarah Healy:—

In the City of Cork he had a meeting with Friends; a remarkable season. He wrote me that it was a very open time, but J. Hopkins told us more fully that he thought it would be almost worth coming from America for such a meeting. From Munster he took a few meetings of Leinster Province in his way to Dublin, where he arrived the 6th of last month. He left for Liverpool on the 10th, leaving a sweet savor on the minds of his friends, I believe, where he visited them in this land. In Dublin, which is a very large particular meeting, he had much service with Friends on First-day forenoon, and with those of other professions in the afternoon; favored seasons. It was sweet to sit under his ministry.

After returning from Ireland to England, he held many public meetings, the most of which he records were to good satisfaction. He thus alludes to one of them:—

The doctrines of Truth being opened, a hireling ministry, with the subject of war, as being inconsistent with the gospel, and contrary to the command of Jesus, was closely spoken to. The necessity of taking up the cross of our holy Redeemer before we can become his followers, was also dwelt upon. It being only as we do this, through obedience to the teaching of his grace, that we can have our fruit unto holiness, and in the end everlasting life.

The following letter from Samuel Reynolds, of Dover, was written to Christopher Healy some time in the year 1831:—

Beloved Friend,

An opportunity offering of sending you a few lines, I felt unwilling to let it pass by without expressing my deep regret in not being favored with your company at Dover; the more when I reflect that I might have availed myself of the more full expression of our mutual feelings on those things to which there appears too much reason to apply the words: 'That which now restrains will restrain, until it be taken out of the way.' You have done what you could, I believe may truly be said; and in that your feet were turned another way, the burden must rest upon those unto whom they were first directed; but unto such, who although in a far inferior degree have become companions in travail for the suffering seed, there is brought an increase of exercise and sympathy with those who wish well unto our favored Society. The language of my spirit at times is, when viewing the ravages that have been made within our borders by a conformity to the spirit of the world: Surely we shall one day fall by the hand of the enemy.

With the salutation of dear love, in which my wife unites, I desire very sincerely that your portion may be a rich reward of heavenly peace and comfort as you pass along in the Master's service, and when you have completed this, your work of labor and love, you may be favored largely to partake of the joy of your Lord “I remain your truly affectionate friend,

Samuel Reynolds.

The following letter, received by Christopher Healy about this time, from Joseph Thorp, who had for a time been his companion, alludes to his instructive and entertaining conversation,—a talent for which our dear friend was remarkable; and which is so well remembered by those who had the pleasure of listening to its animating flow. Perhaps, too, there were no subjects dearer to his heart, or upon which he was more likely to enlarge, than the doctrines and testimonies of Friends, of which mention is made in the letter. We well remember hearing him say, with much emphasis of manner, “These (Quaker) principles are the dearest principles on the face of the earth.” May none of us, professors of the same precious truths, be either lukewarm in their support or be ashamed of their faithful maintenance among men; remembering the dear Savior's own words: “Whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.”

Halifax, Second Month 27th, 1832.

My dear Friend Christopher Healy,

As I fear I shall hardly be able to meet you during your stay at Stockport, as I rather had hoped to do, I thought I would at any rate drop you a line if it were only to assure you that we do bear you in affectionate remembrance.

I was truly reluctant to surrender my privileged office when I did, but the ties of the dearest attachment, the fear that I should be needed in the business at home, and the little indisposition of which I spoke to you, and which rather increased for a few days afterwards, seemed to make it prudent to return. And though I parted from you, yet in mind I have gone with you. I have thus had you my companion often every day. I have marked your progress; have felt interested in it; and while my heart has breathed fervently for your preservation, and that you may be favored to return in peace to the bosom of your family, I have felt answered in the belief that He will keep, who has called you; and that He wall preserve you in the work whereunto he has called' you.

I have much pleasure in calling to remembrance the subjects upon which you touched in your conversation; and I hope the valuable instruction contained in it, will not be quite lost to me. Your remarks on our principles and peculiarities too, have raised and confirmed them in my esteem; and though your plain and powerful speaking may almost startle us who have perhaps been too much used to smoother things, yet we cannot but acknowledge that these are indeed the Society's first principles, from which we have too much glided away, and that to ourselves almost imperceptibly.

I remain your assured friend,

Joseph Thorp.

Christopher Healy went to London on Seventh-day, the 12th of Fifth Month, 1832, in time to attend the Yearly Meeting. His journal states that up to that time, he had travelled thirty-seven hundred and fourteen miles, and attended two hundred and eighty-five meetings. In London he stopped at the house of his friend John Sanderson “Here,” he writes, “I received a consoling letter from my dear wife.” At Northampton and at Bardfield respectively, he sent letters to her. From these the following extracts are taken. They set forth some of the exercises which were his portion while on that foreign shore:—

Northampton, Third Month 20th, 1832.

I have had much close labor in this land, and as much as some could bear who were superficial Quakers; and whose adorning was not that of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. Therefore the simplicity of the truth as it is in Jesus is too strait for them. A desire too much prevails to be called by Christ's name, while they want to eat their own bread and wear their own apparel. Such, wherever they are in meetings, make hard work. But blessed be the great Name of the good Shepherd, He has abundantly appeared and given the victory May my poor soul be humbled before him.

Bardfield, Essex, Fourth Month 4th, 1832.

I feel as though I had plenty of time to get through with all that I have in prospect before the Yearly Meeting in London, without hurrying; and it is a great favor to have, once in a while, a day of rest for my poor body and mind. The exercises of the latter are sometimes almost more than the poor body is able to bear. Yet, blessed be the Lord's holy name, I have been marvellously supported beyond what human reason could suppose. May He forever have the praise, who alone is worthy.

I still continue the prospect of returning in the same vessel in which we came to England—the Algonquin: which will sail, according to advertisement, the 8th of Sixth Month, from Liverpool to Philadelphia. But my dear, all this pleasant prospect must be in submission to the Divine disposal. May our eye be kept single to the Holy Redeemer; looking to Him from whom alone come all our blessings. You know how He has blessed us every way; and has not allowed us to be tried beyond what he has given strength to endure; which has abundantly, I hope, strengthened our faith and confidence in his all-sustaining power. Oh! then may we, my precious one, continue to keep the word of his patience, and no doubt He will keep us in the hour of temptation, which may be permitted to try us yet again. I have been favored since I last wrote, with many large and comfortable meetings. May He alone who is the crown of meetings, have the praise. I have close exercising times amongst my dear friends, yet it is a comfort to me that they very generally receive what I have to communicate, and appear well satisfied. But a great reformation is needed in some. May He that raised up our worthy forefathers in this land to bear such precious testimonies, open their eyes to see how they are departing from them. Notwithstanding I have many painful and distressing feelings about some not in the lowest rank, yet my mind is at times comforted that there are some among the youth of both sexes, who do see the danger; as well as many among the elder ones, who are, with my own soul, saying, Lord arise for our help; even you who did so clearly manifest your will to our worthy forefathers, and separated them from a dependence on forms without life; and in a remarkable manner brought them forth to preach in the demonstration of the Spirit and with power, whereby many were added to the church. May such days be known among us again, if it please You, our Holy Helper.

The following letter addressed not to Christopher Healy, but to other persons concerning him, gives some insight into the nature of the testimony borne by our friend in England:—

My Dear Friends,

As we have each had an opportunity of reflecting upon the subjects of discussion with our highly valued friend Christopher Healy, myself for having been the means of their being introduced, and you for the little reprimand which you thought me entitled to for so doing: I feel inclined to cast before you, in the pure freedom and precious feeling of love and unity, some of my thoughts in meditating thereupon. As to myself, considering how we are circumstanced, I count it a privilege to have been made acquainted with his views on the subjects. Perhaps to say that they correspond very much with some of my own original views, may be almost too presuming. His are so clear, so apostolic and so truly consonant with the practice and usage of our early Friends, that I cannot but admire them, as well as delight in the hope that they are in the way of being revived amongst us, the nation through. Perhaps there may be many, who with you do not admire, nor hardly know how to bear his plain dealing with us on the subject, but 'tis, I verily believe, in the way of his gift; which I find is exercised among Friends in a conversational, not a ministerial way, out of meetings. And does not the precious feeling of life and power frequently, yes for the most part, accompany these his communications. My impression is that it does, at least wherever I have been in his company, which has been as much as six or seven times, or more, both in and out of meetings. Fast days, the holding the office of special constable, and attendance of missionary meetings, etc., I have heard him equally plain upon, and equally convincing to me; though at the same time condemning some of my own practices. But what then! We must not rest there. If our judgment has been warped by the example of others, or even that we have erred in our own—for the deceiver, as some of us know by long and very dear-bought experience, has many ways of transforming himself—even under the most upright intentions, and in the truest sincerity of desire, to be dedicated to the service of Him whom to know (from the deceit) is life eternal.'

Therefore, methinks, that all this very plain dealing of our beloved and honored friend and elder in the Truth (of which surely he is one among the valiants in our day) will not hurt or hinder the growth of the precious lowly plant of renown in us, no not in any of us old or young. No, has it not already been to some of us like a digging about, in order to clear the spurious growth from the root? Which I desire may be the case; and that the root may be watered with the refreshing streams from Zion's hill, so that we may grow and bring forth abundant fruit to the praise of the good Husbandman, etc. Your affectionate friend,

J. W.

Third Month, 1832.

Alexander Dirkin related that when he was in England, and conversing with the late John Barclay about Christopher Healy, John remarked, “that Christopher was the right kind of a man to come there on a religious visit, for he was not afraid to challenge a Peter or a Paul, and to say, 'You are the man.'”

The following are extracts from letters which were addressed to Christopher Healy, before he left England, according to their respective dates:—

Moyallen, 5th of First Month, 1832

We indeed stand in need of help and support in this place of trial and discouragement. Indeed it abounds every way, and at times appears as if the flood would not only overflow the banks, but carry away the ramparts, and leave little behind. My dear children, intend to add a little to this letter, so must bid you farewell in the love of the gospel, and am with dear love to you, and your companion, your affectionate friend,

Thos. Christy Wakefield.

—————

Trumery, Fifth Month 4th, 1832

Dear Friend:—I received your acceptable letter, which satisfied my desire, for before I got it I was very anxious to know when you intended to return to your native country, believing it would be the time for me, if liberated by my Yearly Meeting, to proceed on my prospect of visiting your land; and the way seems now open for me, and I trust I can be ready, if all is well, to meet you in Liverpool, the 8th of Sixth Month, as you propose. It is a great comfort to me and my family the prospect of having your company across the great deep. When you were in our parts I felt nearly united to you. I hope you have got comfortably through your important mission in Europe, and feels the reward of peace. I hope you may have as agreeable a Yearly Meeting as we had in Dublin. I believe it might be said in measure, as formerly, the Lord's power was over all, which is the crown of all religious assemblies. I trust this may be your experience—that all crowns may be cast down at his sacred footstool, that He only and alone may be exalted. There felt to me, when I was in London last year, a great deal of the worldly wisdom and head knowledge amongst the members of our Society, that I was afraid they were not taught in Christ's self-denying school. I hope you may not see nor feel this among you this year. It was very painful to me, and would be I am sure to you. With earnest desires for our preservation in every good word and work, I conclude with dear love to you, in which my dear wife and children unite; and am your affectionate friend,

Jacob Green.

Several letters are preserved among Christopher Healy's papers, from different Friends, expressive of their interest in his labors in Great Britain, and of unity with the plain dealing he was drawn into during his visit among them. At a Monthly Meeting where he was present, he spoke pretty fully on the dangers which attended Friends joining with persons of other religious denominations in associations for promoting benevolent objects; using such texts as, “Strangers have devoured his strength, and he knows it not.” The clerk of the Monthly Meeting was a youngish man of great natural abilities. After meeting, he requested an interview with Christopher, saying, their views were not alike on some points. At this interview he proceeded at some length, and with much eloquence to set forth the public benefits and the opportunities of disseminating Friends' doctrines, etc., that would arise from the course some were pursuing.

When he had finished, Christopher asked him a few questions: “Are the views and practices of the Episcopalians the same now as they were in the days of George Fox and our early Friends?” “They are.”

“Do you believe that George Fox and our early Friends were led out from these things by the Spirit of Truth?” “Yes, I do.”

“Do you believe the same Spirit of Truth would lead us into that, now, out of which it formerly led us?”

The man's head drooped, and he sat without answering.

They parted pleasantly, and after Christopher Healy's return to this country, he received a letter from the clerk, stating that the few words uttered by him at that interview were the first thing that had opened his eyes, and led to a change in his views.

Diary resumed:—

First-day morning, Fifth Month, 13th.—Attended Grace-Church Street meeting. Afternoon, that of Devonshire house. Second-day, the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. I informed this meeting that I believed my labors and services were near a close in this land; and that my prospect was, if my way continued to remain open, and with the blessing of heaven, to return to my family and friends soon after the Yearly Meeting. The meeting thereupon appointed a committee to produce a certificate for that purpose; which was done. At this Yearly Meeting, Stephen Grellet, John Wilbur, Charles Osborne, and myself were in attendance from America. The meeting was favored, particularly at the conclusion; and Friends parted in the love of the great Head of the Church. On the Seventh day of the week, went to Tottenham. First-day morning attended Friends' meeting there. In the afternoon rode to Hitchin, twentyseven miles from London. Second-day pursued our way towards Liverpool, the place proposed to embark. Third-day took stage to Manchester, and from there to Liverpool. Fourth-day rested. Here I met with my dear friend Jacob Green, from Ireland, who was going to America on a religious visit. The thought of having each other's company over the sea was mutually pleasant. Fifth-day attended meeting at Liverpool. This parting opportunity was refreshing to many of our minds. The Great Shepherd had cemented many of our hearts together; and though we now had to part, yet the remembrance of each other in the Lord, I trust, will not soon be forgotten by us.

On the morning of the 8th of Sixth Month, 1832, being the Sixth of the week, we went on board the ship Algonquin, bound for Philadelphia, Thomas Cropper, master.

Christopher Healy and his friend Jacob Green were the only cabin passengers. They held meetings through the course of the voyage, to which many of the steerage passengers came. While on the passage homeward he thus writes:—

My mind is comforted in looking over my visit to England and Ireland; and the prospect is pleasant also in looking towards home, to my dear wife and children, as well as many of my dear friends. Oh may I be humbled in thanksgiving and praise to Him, who rules the winds and on the ocean rides; the only preserver of men.

(Again):—

First-day, the ship rolled so, that we could not have a meeting. But I humbly trust my mind was preserved in submission to the Divine will. How true is that Holy Scripture testimony, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is staid on you, because he trusts in you.” Oh may this be my happy case! Then will all things work together for good, and the Lord will have the praise, who alone is worthy.

And again, Sixth Month, 25th:—

The wind increased and the sea rose, tossing the ship very much. 26th.—The wind strong, and the sea very high. Oh the awfulness of the great deep! The sea continuing to increase, a part of the vessel and rigging was carried away. Never did my eyes behold greater wonders on the rolling, foaming deep, than this day. We got but very little sleep. My trust was in the Lord alone; who could command the winds and the mighty sea that so greatly raged and roared.

Again, Seventh Month, 16th:—

We are now about one hundred and fifty miles from the capes. The weather warm and pleasant. May we be thankful to the Lord for his many favors. Some of our steerage passengers having a longer voyage than they expected, are getting scant of provisions; which must be proving to them. But a hope is entertained that a fair wind will soon spring up, which, with the favor of heaven, may soon bring us to our desired port. But of ourselves we can do nothing. May we, under a humbling sense thereof, look to Him who created the winds and the seas, and rules them at his pleasure.

Our dear friend finally reached his home on the 21st of Seventh Month, 1832, and found his wife and family well, “which,” as he records, “was cause of humble thankfulness of soul before the Lord, who had been pleased to put forth, to go before, and to bring again in peace. Taking a retrospective view of my late visit, I feel great peace of mind; though mourning and lamentation were my portion very often while travelling in those foreign lands.”

Chapter XII.

Visits Meetings in Bucks Quarterly Meeting, Pennsylvania; and in New Jersey—Visits Friends and Others in New York and New England—Extract from a Letter to His Wife—Remarks on Divine Judgments to be Apprehended for the Treatment by the Whites of the Indian and African Races—Visits Meetings Composing Abington and Haddonfield Quarterly Meetings: also, Shrewsbury and Rahway Quarterly Meeting, N. J.—Visits Friends and Others in Several Quarterly Meetings in Pennsylvania—Holds Meetings in New Jersey, Where No Friends Were Settled—Visits Some of the Tribes of Indians on the West and Northwest; and Friends and Others in Michigan—Extracts from Letters to His Wife—Testimony to Christ Inwardly Revealed as the Foundation of the Faith and Practice of Friends.

After his return to America, Christopher Healy's first religious service from home, was a visit to the meetings composing his own Quarterly Meeting, and subsequently the families of the same; and also many of the meetings in New Jersey; in which, as he writes, he had to rejoice in the goodness of the Great Shepherd of Israel. In the visit to the families of Bucks Quarterly Meeting, he had the company of Abraham Harding, an Elder of his own Monthly Meeting, and John Comfort, of Solebury. Their company, he writes, was pleasant to him, and this labor of love satisfactorily accomplished.

His journal again states, that having felt drawn in gospel love to perform a visit to Friends, and those not of our Society, within the limits of New York and New England Yearly Meetings, the concurrence of the Monthly and Quarterly Meetings was duly granted; and taking leave of his dear wife and family, he proceeded thereon in Tenth Month, 1833, accompanied by Benjamin Cadwallader. The memoranda of this and the few following journeys, are concise. A few extracts therefrom are as follow:—

First-day, again attended Coeymans' meeting. A very large gathering. It seemed as if almost all the neighborhood came together, except those that had separated from Friends. A more precious season I do not often remember. Blessed be Jehovah's glorious Name. Had a very favored meeting at Brothertown with a small tribe of Indians. The Indian minister, with some of the most thoughtful of his tribe, came to Thomas Dean's, who was the government agent, and where we put up, and dined with us. They expressed much thankfulness to the Great Spirit for this favored opportunity. How true it is, that Christ is given for a light to the Gentiles; that He may be God's salvation to the ends of the earth.

At Madison, Christopher Healy writes:—

I met with some of my former acquaintance, particularly two men and their wives, who had for years been associating with the separatists; but hearing at the meeting this afternoon the true faith of our Lord Jesus Christ opened in a clear manner, they were instructed and comforted; and in the evening came both the men with their wives to our lodgings, and we had a favored time together. In a short time they returned to Friends, acknowledging they had been misled. And I have no doubt there are many more such amongst them. May the Good Shepherd be near to help these sincere ones, whoever and wherever they are.

While on this visit, he addressed a letter to his wife, from which the following is extracted:—

And now, my dearly beloved wife, be of good cheer; and be filled with joyful hope. I believe if you continues to cast all your care on Him who cares for us, and has been our Preserver and Comforter, He will be your comforter still, in your husband's absence. I may say without boasting, the Lord is my Shepherd, in whom I trust day and night—this blessed Shepherd of Israel, who was pleased to unite our hearts together, and enables us to resign each other for his blessed cause and testimony.—Neither do I see but that we may be favored to meet again in the sweet embraces of Heavenly love. Benjamin travels cheerfully, and makes a pleasant and very agreeable companion. Give my dear love to his wife. Tell her I hope she may feel the sweet reward of peace for resigning the partner of her joy. He expresses good satisfaction in the journey thus far.

Farewell, my dear wife. Give much love to all the children. Tell them to be good children, and love their dear mother. I hope this may find you all well. From your faithful and loving husband,

Christopher Healy.

At Hamburg he had a large meeting. Many of those who attended had gone off from Friends. He writes:

Here I was led to show the great difference between those who do not believe that our Lord Jesus Christ was anything more than a good man, and we, who as a Society, have always believed as the Savior himself declared of himself in his intercession to his Father, “And now, O Father, glorify me with together with yourself, with the glory which I had with you before the world was.”—Again, “I and my Father are one.”—And again, to Philip, “He that has seen me has seen the Father, and how do you say, then, Show us the Father?” When our dear Redeemer said to the unbelieving Jews, “I and my Father are one,” it is written they took stones to stone him. Jesus said unto them, “Many good works have I shown you from my Father: For which of those works do you stone me?” The Jews answered him, saying: “For a good work we stone you not: but for blasphemy; and because that you being a man, make yourself God.”—what is the difference between those of this day who call our Holy Redeemer but a man, and those unbelieving Jews that called him a blasphemer because he said “I and my Father are one?” Oh how mournful is this same spirit of unbelief! May their eyes be opened to see the great delusion by which the grand deceiver has ensnared them.

Upon their return home, he thus writes:—

What added much to the comfort of the journey, my dear companion was a truly uniting and sympathizing friend. He travelled cheerfully, though it was a laborious one as to the flesh. But He who is strength in weakness, riches in poverty, and a present help in time of need, was pleased to make bare His Arm for us. Oh may we ever trust in Him, who never said to the seed of Jacob, seek my face in vain.

Benjamin Cadwallader, in returning his certificate in the Third Month, 1834, said that Christopher Healy and himself had visited the greater part of the meetings of New York Yearly Meeting.

Resuming this religious visit, Christopher Healy, with Robert Alexander for companion, in the Fifth Month, 1834, attended New York Yearly Meeting; making their home at his kind friend John Wood's, who, he writes, is “a precious minister.” The memoranda continue:—

Though some seasons during this Yearly Meeting were trying, there were many deeply exercised minds present, und some favored testimonies were borne in the life and power of the gospel; and I trust the meeting closed under thankful acknowledgments to that Good Hand that first raised us up to be a people.

He visited during this journey a small tribe of Indians, with whom he previously had had several meetings. He writes:—

How thankful they always are; I am scarcely able to find words to convey my sympathy for these poor afflicted people. It seems to me the language to us is at the present day, “Open your mouth for the dumb, in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction! Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” It seems as though the wrath of man has counted them not fit to live and enjoy themselves in this world. May we not expect that the Lord will visit for these things done to this people, and also to the African race. Will not his soul be avenged on such a nation as we are, unless we repent, and submit to that holy and just rule of the dear Son of God: “As you would that men should do to you, do you even so to them.”

Coming to North Kingston, he says:—

My mind has been drawn to this place several times before; and finding great openness in the people's minds, a precious season it proved. May the Lord sanctify it for good to all present.

He went from there to Greenwich; and next to Providence, where, his journal states,—

I had a very trying meeting in the fore part, but got some relief. After meeting we went home with our dear aged friend Moses Brown, living about a mile from Providence. His conversation was sweet and savory, and the exercise of his spirit helpful. This could be felt as we sat by him. He was then in the ninety-fifth year of his age. He truly seemed like one planted in the house of the Lord, and flourishing in the courts of our God; being green in old age. How edifying and instructive is the company of this dear father in Israel! Oh, says my soul, may the Lord raise up more such judges and counsellors in his church.

Soon after this, they returned home; and, as he says, “found all well; and we rejoiced in Him of whom I could say, 'The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside the still waters.' Oh glory to his holy Name forever!” Their certificates were returned in the Eighth Month, 1834.

His next visit was to Abington and Haddonfield Quarterly Meetings, and the meetings composing them; with that also of Shrewsbury and Rahway, though not the meetings constituting it. As his manner was, in all these he held meetings with those not of our Society. He was favored to accomplish the same to the peace of his own mind. He adds, “Blessed be the Lord who can send help from his sanctuary, and strengthen us out of Zion.”

Early in 1836 he was liberated by his Monthly Meeting to pay a religious visit to Friends, and those not in membership with us, within the limits of Philadelphia, Concord, Cain, and Western Quarterly Meetings. Attending the Northern District Monthly Meeting, he writes: “Our friend J. W. kindly offering to bear me company, it was united with, and he set at liberty. We had many public meetings, as well as attended those of Friends, to the strength and encouragement of our minds.” Here occurs the following memorandum:—

How clear I am that the profession of the faith and doctrines of our religious Society is a good and holy profession. Oh that all would live up to them! then would righteousness indeed cover the earth, as the waters cover the sea; and light and life would reign over death and darkness.

In the latter part of the same year (1836), he obtained the unity of his Friends to hold meetings in some towns and villages, particularly in New Jersey, where no Friends were settled, as Best Wisdom might direct. He writes:—

Being joined by my kind friend Benjamin Cooper, of Newtown, an elder, we visited Newtown, Woodbury, Woodstown, Salem, Bridgeton, Port Elizabeth, and from there down to Egg Harbor; together with many more in that part of Jersey. These meetings were largely attended by those not of our Society. My dear companion, Benjamin Cooper, was a very suitable Friend for such a visit, and very helpful to me herein. Returning towards Evesham, we had a very precious meeting at the Glass-works; and another at Evesham, also greatly favored. May the good Shepherd of the sheep have the glory; for to none other does any glory belong. Returned home with a peaceful mind.

Not having completed my prospect in this visit, towards the spring of the following year (1837) I again set out with my dear friend Benjamin Cadwallader, to the eastern parts of New Jersey. Had meetings at Plainfield, Rahway, Mount Holly, and Rancocas, with some public meetings. In these we felt thankful hearts for favors received from Him, who is the crown of all heavenly meetings. Being enabled to perform this visit, as I believe, in the love of, and I humbly hope in a measure of the life of the gospel of Christ Jesus, it brought peace to my own soul, and to the living members of the church.

The memoranda continue:—

Having felt drawings in my mind for several years to visit, in gospel love, some of the tribes of Indians in the western and north-western parts of this continent; with Friends and those not of our Society in the State of Michigan; and also to have meetings going and returning; on the 2nd of Fifth Month, 1838, after taking a solemn leave of my dear wife and family, I set out in company with Thomas Wistar, Jr., of Abington; a young, but kind and pleasing companion. We proceeded, having many public meetings on the way, to a small tribe of Indians at Brothertown, in the western part of the State of New York. While I was sitting with these poor afflicted people, my mind, from the sweet consolation I felt, was strengthened in believing that my concern originated from the living truth; and I felt assured that not only the meetings among the Indian tribes, but many of those appointed where there were no Indians, were favored in a measure, to feel that the drawing cords of the Heavenly Father's love were round about us to gather us. May it continue and increase with them, says my soul. We had meetings with five tribes of Indians in the western part of New York State, as well as many more public meetings, to our great comfort.

Whilst on this journey, Christopher Healy addressed two letters to his wife, from which the following extracts are taken:—

Skeneateles, New York, 20th of Fifth Month, 1838. On leaving Brookfield, we were invited to stop at one of their neighbor, who they thought was dying. We went in and sat down, and in about half an hour the poor man breathed his last. Oh what a solemn time it was! After a precious silence, and a few words of comfort to the family, we proceeded to Brothertown, where the first tribe of Indians on our route reside. On Fifth-day, at three o'clock p. M., the Indians came together, and some white people. The meeting was a good one. They understood our language. Sixth-day came to Oneida, where were about five hundred Indians. Their missionary was a Methodist minister, who was glad to see us. After showing him our certificates, he desired we might have a meeting with them. The Indians being met in Council near by at the time, we went to the Council House, and conferred with a number of their chiefs. These took it on them to give information of the meeting, to be held at three o'clock in the afternoon. The Council House was nearly full. Our guide, the Methodist minister and wife, with ourselves, were all the white people in the meeting. Oh! in looking over this assembly of Indians, it seemed to call up just such feelings in my heart, as I had witnessed years before towards these poor people. Under these precious feelings I stood up; and a remarkable season we had together. I thought if I had no other joy in the journey, this would have rewarded for all my privations consequent upon leaving home, with all that is near and dear in this world. Therefore, my dear wife, be not discouraged, but be filled with joyful hope. I believe I am in the line of my duty to our dear Master and Lord, who has called me to this service; and that the same Good Hand that brought the concern on my mind, will make the way for us. Blessed be his name forever.

Read this letter to our friends who want to hear from us, particularly to Ruth Ely. She loves the poor Indian. She will see what a good meeting we had at Oneida, where her dear father visited them. Give my dear love to her, and all enquiring friends. Farewell. I remain your loving husband in the unchangeable truth.

Christopher Healy.

—————

Hamburg, 3rd of Sixth Month, 1838.

Sixth-day had a meeting with the Cattaraugus Indians, to good satisfaction: though it is hard to speak by an interpreter. Our certificates were read by a young Indian, and interpreted to them. One of their chiefs spoke some time after I had got through, expressing great thankfulness for our visit to them, believing it was from the Great Spirit. They seemed exceedingly glad to hear our certificates in their own language. We parted in a sweet friendship with them. Second-day, attended a meeting of the Buffalo Indians, at their Council House, seven miles from Buffalo. The house was nearly full. One of the young Indian chiefs that I saw in Philadelphia, was my interpreter. It was a good meeting to the poor Indians, and to the relief of our minds.

The Indians, when we sit in meetings with them, seem just as I used to see them by faith, when my prospect was clear, and you and I used to talk about these poor children of the wilderness. Yes, my dear, their hearts were made glad: as many of their chiefs and warriors expressed by the interpreters.

Hitherto we have parted in abundance of love and friendship. Oh may you be comforted; for He who is mighty has done great things for us, and holy is his name.

To my comfort, I received here a good letter from you, which gave an account of John's narrow escape. Oh may he never forget it! But may he, as well as all the rest of our dear children, remember their father's and their mother's God, now in the days of their youth; before the evil days come, or the years draw nigh, wherein they will say, we have no pleasure in them.

Farewell in the love of the Good Shepherd that made us acquainted with each other, and joined us together in love.

Christopher Healy.

Continuing the diary, Christopher Healy writes:—

We then left our horses at Lockport, and taking passage in the steamboat up Lake Erie, came to Toledo; then to Adrian, a settlement of Friends. We wished to reach there in time to attend their Monthly Meeting, but did not arrive until near its close. But we had a precious opportunity together before the meeting separated. May our Divine Master have the praise forever.

Seventh-day, made some enquiry concerning the situation of the Indian tribes in this State, but found to our sorrow the poor creatures much unsettled; the government having made a treaty with them some time before to give up their homes, and go far west into a more wilderness land; the agents of the United States had just arrived to bring the Indians word to prepare for removing. Finding many of them had left their homes in order to get something to make them comfortable, the prospect of having meetings with these poor children of the wilderness seemed altogether discouraging. Having to relinquish this prospect, we proceeded on our visit to the white people as far as Lake Michigan. Had a public meeting at Saint Josephs, which was a favored time. We had meetings also at all the meeting places of Friends in the State, as well as in the houses of those of other societies, to my own comfort and I trust to the edification of many minds. A Methodist minister was at a meeting of Friends, and very kindly offered their house to have a meeting in; an offer I felt quite willing to accept. He took great care to spread information, and attended himself. It proved to be a good meeting.

Soon after coming into this State, I met at a Friend's house with a plain looking man, who, in the course of conversation, asked me some questions, which I answered. After dinner, a paragraph of our early Friends' views on the spirituality of the gospel dispensation having been read, this man also read the 19th and 20th verses, chapter ii. of the Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians. I asked him if he read that Scripture in reply to the paragraph? He said he did. I asked him if he thought they clashed? He said he believed that Scripture; and asked me if I did not? I told him, yes; I verily did believe that declaration. I told him that we (Friends) had always held that true believers in Christ were built, as the apostle testifies, on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone. And, our ancient Friend, George Fox, concerning faith in Christ, declared: that we believe in that same Jesus that was crucified without the gates of Jerusalem, the same that was the foundation of all the holy prophets and apostles, and that He is our foundation; and another can no man lay, than that which is already laid; even He who tasted death for every man; shed his blood for all men; and is a propitiation for our sins, and those also of the whole world. The more I conversed, the more uneasy I grew, as he appeared to be a man of talents. I told him he was a stranger to me; and asked him if he was a member of our Society? He replied shortly, and with a quick tone of voice, I am; and a minister in good esteem. I told him he must excuse me, but it was his views of Scripture that caused me to ask if he was a member of our Society. I thought I plainly saw that he believed the Scripture to be the primary rule of faith and practice. I having another visit to make that afternoon, we parted. A Friend in the ministry being with me, who was acquainted with him towards whom I had felt this uneasiness, said he was glad he had not mentioned the circumstance to me, and that I had so clearly discovered his unsoundness.

Next day, which was First-day, notice having been given of our intention of being there at meeting, a very large company got together. After a solemn silence, I believed it to be required of me to declare to the meeting, what foundation true believers have to build upon. That beloved and experienced Apostle, Paul, did not say, we are built on the prophets and apostles; but that we are built upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles. Here we may see that that holy Apostle did not mean to call himself the foundation of the prophets and apostles, by no means. But that the foundation they built upon, was and is Christ; the eternal rock of every age. It was He who inspired prophets and apostles of old, as we read holy men were, to write and to speak as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. And we may likewise see how the same Apostle gives the honor and glory to God, in and through Christ Jesus, where he says, “By the grace of God, I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all; yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.” And our blessed Lord, in speaking of the Holy Scriptures, says, “Search the Scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me. And you will not come to me, that you might have life.” Oh how many there are in the present day, who think that in the Scriptures they have all the knowledge of eternal life. And thus stopping short, settle down in a false rest; and become of those of whom Christ declared, “you will not come to me that you might have life.” The testimony of Christ in the Scriptures, and that of those he influenced to write them, is good and precious, if we receive Christ, by his Holy Spirit in our hearts, and yield to his holy teaching. It is then we build on the foundation that the prophets and apostles built on. Then shall Christ Jesus be our Rock and sure Foundation, against which the gates of hell cannot prevail.

Returning home to his family, he found them all well; and acknowledges that the Good Shepherd who had been with him, had also kept and preserved them.

Chapter XIII.

Attends Abington and Haddonfield Quarterly Meetings, and Baltimore Yearly Meeting—Visits the Families of Friends in Bucks and Abington Quarterly Meetings—Holds Meetings with the Inmates of the County Poor-Houses in New Jersey; Remarks Thereon—Visits Friends and Others in the Northern and Western Parts of New York Yearly Meeting, and in Ohio—Letter from B. W. Ladd—Religious Engagements at and Near Home—Incident Connected with a Visit of Christopher Healy to the Yearly Meeting of Women Friends in New York—Letter of Joseph Edgerton.

In the Tenth Month of this year, 1838, Christopher Healy attended the Quarterly Meetings of Abington and Haddonfield; and the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore; of which last he notes, that owing to unsoundness in the faith and doctrines of our Society in some individuals present, it was a trying meeting. He attended some meetings going and returning, and got home with the penny of peace. The diary resumed:—

In the Twelfth Month of the same year, I felt my mind drawn to make a visit to the families of Friends belonging to Bucks and Abington Quarterly Meetings. I was favored to perform this arduous service to the peace of my own mind; and from what appeared, to the comfort of the visited. May the Lord have the glory and praise of his own works! After returning home, my mind was brought into deep sympathy and tender feeling with the poor. And as I dwelt under this humbling exercise of mind, it opened in the Truth that it would be my duty to make a religious visit to the stewards and inmates of the county poor-houses in the State of New Jersey. With my kind friend and elder James Moon, of our Monthly Meeting, in Sixth Month, 1839, I performed the same to satisfaction. I am not able to express to the full the feelings which I had in this visit. The spectacle presented at some of these houses was, I think, more reaching than the greatest sermon that I ever heard; and my soul was humbled before the Lord. I often said in my heart, how many there are who do not rightly prize their blessings, and perhaps could not until deprived of them! Some of these poor afflicted ones had no doubt been the means of their own distress, but who now could not help themselves. How my heart mourned for them. There were some whose hearts were made glad while sitting in these meetings. With these we rejoiced together. The language of such at heart seemed to be, keep me from murmuring on account of my afflictions. Oh! I did remember many times in these meetings, the language of David: “Before I was afflicted, I went astray: but now, [through afflictions], have I kept your word.”

Our dear friend seems not to have been allowed to remain long at home. He could no doubt adopt the language, in his measure, of the dear Master: “My meat is to do the will of Him that sent me.” Feeling his mind drawn in gospel love, to visit Friends and those not of our religious Society in the northern and western parts of New York Yearly Meeting, and in the State of Ohio, he, in the Sixth Month, 1840, took leave of his family, having for companion his dear friend William Hilles, of Frankford; and got the first day to the house of his friend Joseph Shotwell, at Rahway. The next day, being the first of the week, and general notice being given, many not of our Society came together. Christopher Healy writes: “It was a large and good meeting.”

There does not seem to be much to extract from the account left of this visit, save the following memorandum:—

The man that I discoursed with,¹ when here on a former visit, came to two of our meetings. He had left the Society, taking a number of followers with him. It appears by his going to and fro, as though he knew not what to do, nor where to stay. Such wandering stars must feel themselves left in darkness. May the Lord have mercy on them, and bring them into the Garden enclosed, if consistent with his blessed will. May they thus know Him as their Shepherd, to lead and feed them, before they are called from works to rewards.

While Christopher Healy was out on this visit, the following letter from B. W. Ladd, was received by his wife:—

Smithfield, Ohio, Eighth Month, 26th, 1840.

Dear Friend:—We have had with us several days and nights, the acceptable company of your dear Christopher, and his agreeable companion, William Hilles. They left here yesterday in good health for Stillwater Quarterly Meeting, which occurs about a week hence; taking meetings in their way. After that meeting, they have one day only to travel to Mount Pleasant, until our Yearly Meeting commences. From appearances we are to have with us an unusually large number of ministering Friends from other Yearly Meetings, some of whom have already arrived. But it is not numbers we need so much, as those of the right kind.

It has been a satisfaction and comfort to me, and I doubt not to many other Friends hereaway, to find that your husband and his companion belong to the old school. I mean, are those who are content with the doctrines of the gospel as they were unfolded by the Light of Truth to our worthy predecessors in religious profession. Well would it have been for us, if we as a Society had endeavored, in the obedience of faith, to mind the same thing and to speak the same language. For lack of this, there has of latter years been much shaking and unsettlement within our borders; and some bright instruments, not keeping upon the watch, and relying singly upon Him who declared to his immediate followers, 'without me, you can do nothing,' have quite fallen from the good condition which they once happily enjoyed in the church of Christ; and others by listening to the tempter, have come to great loss. Our trials in this way have been very great, and I much fear they are not yet over. Possibly your dear husband may be instrumental in the Lord's hand, in helping some who once were as bone of our bone, out of their present crippled state. The way to the kingdom was declared by our blessed Lord to be narrow. Our dear forefathers in the truth found it so, when they renounced the ways, worships, customs, and fashions of the world; and the true Quaker, I believe, will ever find it safest to follow their footsteps—in other words to follow them as they in faithfulness and much dedication, endeavored to follow Christ. But this must be in the way of the cross—the only way to the crown.

It has fallen to my lot to be at several meetings with your dear husband, and was pleased to find, after an interval of twenty-two years, that his bow abides in strength—his ministry being in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. I consider it a precious privilege to feel with our brethren and sisters the unity of the Spirit; it is indeed like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion: for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life for evermore.

In affectionate love to you and yours,

Benj. W. Ladd.

P. S. I might have said something to you in regard to the great sacrifice which at this, as well as at many other times, you have made in yielding up your dear husband to the Master's service. But you well know, dear friend, where to look for your reward. I trust in due season, and perhaps before very long, he will be restored to you with the reward of peace, in which you will be made a rich partaker.

B. W. L.

Returning from Ohio, Christopher Healy says: “I remained at and about home, except attending many of the meetings within the limits of our Yearly Meeting, as well as many appointed ones for those not of our Society; much to the relief of my mind.”

The following interesting circumstance was related by Christopher Healy, upon one of his visits to Philadelphia, to a Friend of that city. There may be too much preaching as well as too little; and it is only as the Urim and Thummim of those called to minister in holy things, is with the Holy One, and they, through the obedience which is of faith, are made quick of understanding in His holy fear, that it can be expected they will accept and carry out in consistent practice, the precept of the Psalmist: “Open my lips, and my mouth shall show forth your praise.” Forever true, and ever to be heeded by the anointed minister, are the Savior's gracious words: “It is not you that speak, but the Spirit of your Father, which speaks in you.” The service of Christopher Healy in means and end was, to say the least, striking; and is as follows:—

Upon one of his visits to New York Yearly Meeting, Cliristopher laid a concern before the Men's Meeting to visit that of the Women's, when Willett Hicks and some others, did not approve of it. But though his prospect was at first opposed by those persons, the meeting finally united with it, and James Mott was appointed to accompany him, and they went. After being in the women's apartment about fifteen minutes, James Mott said 'Time is precious.' Christopher sat perhaps five minutes longer, and then rose, saying that a concern had attended his mind to visit this meeting, without having anything given him; and now he had nothing in charge for them. As soon as he sat down, that mother in Israel, Willits, expressed her great satisfaction with his faithfulness in attending to the intimation of duty, and being circumscribed by it. Some other valuable Friends expressed their unity with him for keeping within holy limits, till Christopher said he was afraid they would spoil it all. Next day Willett Hicks said to him, 'Before you went in, the women Friends say, they could do no business for the quantity of preaching that was going on, but you knocked them stone dead, and the meeting afterwards got on comfortably,' or words to this effect. Christopher added, that he was never better paid for a visit than he was for that. What an instructive lesson, to attend to manifested duty, in simple obedience, and leave results.”

The subjoined letter from his friend Joseph Edgerton, was received by Christopher Healy in the year 1841:

Near Barnesville, Belmont Co., Ohio,

Fourth Month 4th, 1841.

Dear Friend Christopher Healy,

In near and dear affection I address you, and may acknowledge the receipt of your very acceptable letter of the Twelfth Month last, which was instructive; and I can heartily respond to what you write, that the members of the spiritual house rejoice to hear of each other's walking in the Truth; for however widely they may be scattered over the earth, they are brought nigh in the covenant of life, and partake together not only of the afflictions of the gospel, which the living members of the body of Christ have to experience, but also those consolations which are at his right hand. I doubt not that the living, faithful followers of the Lamb in every part of the heritage, travail for the welfare of Zion, and the enlargement of her borders; and, notwithstanding many discouragements at times appear, as they keep inward and fervent in spirit, these will be favored to know what their place and duty are, whether in silent exercise and prayer, or to be more actively engaged in this great cause. And we have the best authority for believing that such a state of mental breathing unto Him, who is Head over all things unto His church, will not fail of a due regard.

I feel much for my dear friends in various parts, who are deeply tried, and at times may be ready to cry out, The Lord has forsaken me, and my Lord has forgotten me.' The subsequent language may, through divine mercy be sweetly applied: 'Can a woman forget her suckling child, that she should not have compassion on her son? yes, they may forget, yet will I not forget you. Behold, I have graven you upon the palms of my hands; your walls are continually before me.' My faith is at this time unshaken in the Arm of Israel's God, that was so wonderfully manifest in the gathering together of this people: as well as, from age to age, to raise up and preserve a remnant upon the same eternal Foundation. And having brought us thus far. He will not leave nor forsake. For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, says the Lord that has mercy on you.'

I conclude; my dear wife uniting with me in love to you, and your dear wife and children; and remain, in the fellowship of the Gospel, your friend,

Joseph Edgerton.

Chapter XIV.

Anecdotes on the Happy Effects of Faithfulness Experienced by Christopher Healy in the Maintenance of the Testimonies of Truth to Plainness of Address, Etc.—Anecdote of His Humility in Condemning a Fault—Opposes the Doctrine of Predestination in an Interview with Paul Todd.

Christopher Healy, though not a member of our Society by birth, seems to have been scrupulously careful to maintain, from his early introduction into it, what are called the minor testimonies of the Society of Friends.

Our dear friend believed the testimony of plainness of speech to be no cunningly devised fable; and hence was engaged to keep it in the meekness of wisdom; and the Lord—who looks on the heart, and who in speaking of “the weightier matters” in connection with the smaller “tithes” of our obedience, says, “These ought you to have done, and not to have left the other undone,”—honored him in the eyes of all, even the great of the earth.

This is substantiated by the following narrative:—“At the Quarterly Meeting of Haddonfield, Christopher Healy said, in substance, that he did not know why it was, but a circumstance that had occurred many years ago had been brought to his remembrance, perhaps for the benefit of some one present. There was a man in the neighborhood where he then resided, high in civil station, whom even some members of our Society addressed with titles of honor. With this man, Christopher said, his brother had some business to transact connected with his high station, and desired an introduction from Christopher to him. As they proceeded towards the residence of this great man, a deep concern came upon our Friend's spirit that he might not be found shrinking from the testimonies of Truth, and the language powerfully arose in his mind, 'Whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.' And when he entered the presence of the visited, the salutation which he uttered was on this wise, 'Elias, how are you?' (for his name was Elias Potter.) They were kindly received and the business attended to. Some time after, this man of note told Christopher's brother, 'Some of your people balk their testimonies by giving titles of honor, but your brother Christopher is not one of these.' In process of time, Christopher continued, I had a meeting appointed there, and Elias Potter did what he could to further it, and came to it, and behaved very solidly. Christopher Healy then added some pertinent observations upon Friends in their associations with others standing plumb and upright for the Truth. 'His lively way of narrating the circumstance,' writes the Friend to whom he afterwards communicated it, 'made it deeply interesting; and doubtless it entered somewhere between the joints and the marrow of those in the Quarterly Meeting for whom it was designed.'”

The following allusion of Christopher Healy to incidents in his early life, may well cause those who are poor in this world, to be encouraged to look unto the Lord, and to seek His favor and direction by a life of faith, rather than to repine at the situation or circumstances in which they are placed: knowing that no human reasonings or contrivings, without His blessing, will avail us: but that “godliness with contentment,” is the great gain.

Christopher Healy had been speaking of a Friend, poor as to this world, in whom he felt much interested, and who had lately, in the usual course, been acknowledged a minister in our Society; when he thus continues:—

“As poor as _______ may be, if he will but keep his place, keep low, and look to the Master, I have no fear for him. The good Master will make a way for him. Haven't I abundant cause to bless his holy name? Was there ever a poorer Quaker than I was? And hasn't the Lord cared for me through many long years, and hasn't He now fixed me in my old age in as comfortable a situation as my heart can wish? Why, yes! I have a comfortable home at which I can welcome and entertain all my friends. Ah! this was the height of my worldly ambition, that I should be able to accommodate my friends; and the Lord has fulfilled the desire of my heart. In my first wife's time I had hard work to keep my head above water; but the Lord strengthened me. My wife was very weakly, and at least half her time so sick she couldn't help: so that with doctor's bills and other expenses, I had to struggle with many difficulties, having no other way to earn a living but by going out at day's works. Many a time after working hard all day at hoeing corn, or other farm labor, I have received my half bushel of corn for my day's work (for the farmers didn't pay us in money), and then after sundown had to carry it on my back a mile or more to mill to get it ground. So I couldn't get it home until long after I ought to have been in bed and asleep, to prepare me for another day's hard work.”

“I remember that at one time my doctor's bill was so large, that I had to hire myself out for eighteen months to get money enough to pay it. This reminds me of a circumstance which shows how poor and weak I was, and how easily I was discouraged. I was indeed both outside and in, one of the poorest Quakers that ever was: at least I thought so. My eighteen months were out at Quarterly Meeting time, and my father-in-law brought my wife and two of my children down to the Quarterly Meeting to meet me. When we were going home, father took my wife behind him on horseback, and carried one of my children in his arms, while my wife carried the other in her lap. Of course I had to go afoot, and I had to carry my clothes and some other little matters. We were thirty miles from home. Still I didn't mind the distance, but there was one of the bundles which I couldn't contrive to carry on my back; it wouldn't stay fixed: so I spoke to a Friend in company, who was one of the overseers of our meeting, and who had a good strong horse under him and no baggage, to know if he wouldn't let me tie that little bundle behind his saddle, telling him I did not like to be a trouble or burden to my friends, but I did not see how I could get it along myself. He looked anything but encouraging and said, 'If this was all the trouble and burden you was giving Friends, we could more easily put up with it.' Well, I was poor enough in spirit before, but this overset me. I had been bleating out a few words in meeting for some time, and now I thought surely it is all over with me. But the Lord who knew the sincerity of my heart did not allow me to perish, but has preserved me, and blessed me even unto this day. That rich overseer came to poverty, and made a bad end; but the Lord has watched over me for good, given me my life for a prey, and bid me live. It is wonderful how little money we can get along with. When I had concluded to move into New York State, we gathered together all the little property we had in the world, and started. We had a wagon and that was paid for, and in it there was my wife and six children, and all the rest of our worldly goods. We had a horse but it wasn't paid for, and when we landed on the west side of the North River, I had just one piece of money left, and that was a half dollar. But I soon got into a school and began to earn something; and am preserved unto this day to praise the Lord, and to tell of his wondrous works, and of his goodness to the children of men.”

These remarks of Christopher, writes the Friend who heard and who penned this account, are very striking in themselves, but they had an additional force to those who heard them, from the animation of manner, and liv-ely energy in the delivery. He sat and rocked on his chair as he spoke, and at times his voice would mellow away to a solemn melody, especially when he was speaking of the Lord's mercies to him. A feeling of thankfulness seemed very much the constant clothing of his mind, and he loved to tell others of the riches of the mercy and providential care of the Lord Jesus, towards and over his dependent little ones. A very short time before he was taken sick with his last illness, coming to his home, perhaps after a chilly ride, and finding everything comfortably prepared for him in his little sitting room, and a good fire blazing on the hearth, he sat down and seemed overcome by the thankful emotions of his heart. He could not forbear to speak of the Lord's mercies to him, of the promise made him in early life of future earthly blessings, if he would be faithful, and of the sweet fulfillment he then experienced.

The anecdotes that follow are instructive. Christopher said:—

“I remember when I was in England, I had one day eaten something which gave me severe pain; and while I was suffering therefrom I was betrayed into irritability of temper, by not keeping so close a watch over my spirit as I ought to have done; and in consequence I said two or three words, for which my conscience smote me. I do not remember what I said, but I recollect very well that I soon found the sting in my conscience harder to bear than my bodily pain. I think there were twenty or more Friends in the room, eating dinner; but as I could not eat, I sat in my rocking-chair, rocking backwards and forwards, as long as I could; and then I spoke right out and said: Friends, I cannot bear this any longer, for I feel that I did very wrong in saying those few words just now; but I hope I shall be forgiven for it, for I am truly sorry for having said them; and I cannot hope to have my peace of mind restored, until I acknowledge my fault and express my sorrow for it, which I now do in the presence of all of you who heard me.' One of the company immediately said, he did not see that I had said anything out of the way, that I need express or feel any sorrow for; and so several others expressed themselves. But there was a plain and simple-looking woman Friend present, who I think was a minister, who said, 'I am truly glad that our dear friend, Christopher Healy, has been made willing to own his fault thus publicly, and that he has been strengthened to condemn it at once, in so decided a manner. I, like other Friends, did not at the time perceive any evil in the words he uttered, but I now see that he has taught us a lesson, and given us an example, which I hope we shall all try to profit by: for I see we are not so watchful over our spirits, and over our words, as we ought to be; and I hope we will all endeavor to get low and humble enough to imitate our tender/spirited friend, in acknowledging and condemning our faults, whenever we are betrayed through unwatchfulness, into the commission of them. It has been, I must say, a very instructive lesson to me, and I hope it will be so to all of us.'”

Christopher said: “The Friend's remarks had a very reaching effect upon the whole company, and I felt myself healed at once: so that I was enabled to go that afternoon to an appointed meeting, which proved indeed a very satisfactory one, and the gospel message flowed through me, as I scarcely remember it to have done before. And, (he added) I do believe that I should not have been able to have opened my mouth that day in the way of the ministry, if I had not been faithful in condemning my fault before all the company, who had heard me commit it. I know that I lost nothing in the estimation of these Friends by doing so, but on the contrary, I am fully persuaded that they thought all the better of me. And my heavenly Father was also well pleased with the sacrifice which I made of self on the altar of humility and truth. Indeed there is no other way to true honor but by the road of humility and self-abasement.”

“I once had an appointed meeting at _______, in the State of New York, in which I was led to speak of the pernicious doctrine of election and reprobation, as many persons believe in it, and are thereby led to take up a false rest, very far from the true rest which remains for the people of God; and which has a tendency to foster in them that pharisaical spirit which can thank God that they are not like other men are, and make them look down upon those whom they in their spiritual pride, call publicans and sinners.

“There was one of the great men of this world at meeting that day, who was a judge, and, as I understood a brigadier-general also. This mail did not relish the doctrine I had to deliver; and at last he stood up and interrupted me in my discourse; and I, in my freedom, answered him as well as I was able. After meeting, he kindly invited me—indeed he did more than that, for he pressed me very earnestly—to go home with him to dine. I felt something more than a mere willingness to go with the man, and told my companion that if he was free to go along, that I thought it might be right for me to go. As my companion was willing to bear me company, I went, and was kindly treated and hospitably entertained. After dinner, he said, I desire to have some conversation with you, sir, in relation to the doctrine you preached this morning. I told him that I was at present not very well in health, and that I was at best but a poor weak man, and no great hand at an argument, as I could not say anything of myself, and if Master would not help me, I could do nothing.

“But as he insisted that I should defend the doctrine I had delivered, I consented to hear him, but told him that there were a few preliminaries, which I would like to have settled before he began his argument.—As I cannot give flattering titles to men, [see Job xxxii. 21, 22], I want to know your name and to have full liberty to call you by it, desiring that you will take no offence by my so doing, for it is not out of disrespect, but as a matter of conscience that I so speak. My name is Christopher Healy, and I would much prefer you would call me by my name. And my name, said he, is Paul Todd, and I have no objection to be called by my name.

“There is another proposition (said Christopher) which I wish to make, and that is, if I should say anything, which you should think to be too hard, about principles and doctrines, I hope you will not take it to yourself, so as to make a personal matter of it, and get offended with me; for it is principles and not persons, I trust, that we are going to discourse about. And I consent to let you say as hard things about my doctrines and principles, as you may see fit, promising you not to be offended thereat. To all which he gave his assent, saying it would be very weak in either of us to get affronted.”

After the Judge had stated a few of his objections against Friends' doctrines, Christopher said:—

“Now, Paul Todd, from what you said in meeting this morning, and from what you say now, I think I understand precisely where you are; I presume that you are a Presbyterian.” To this he assented. “I suppose, too, that you have 'got religion,' as your people express it.” “Yes,” he said, “I got religion thirty years ago; and when our minister is absent, I sometimes exhort the brethren myself.” “No doubt, then, you are fully persuaded in your own mind that every thing which happens, past, present and to come, does so in accordance with, and in conformity to, the fixed and unalterable decree of God; and that nothing ever did, or ever can come to pass, but in exact conformity with His will—fore-ordained and determined before the foundations of the world were laid.” “Yes,” he said, “these are my views and belief, and they are, in my apprehension, in strict accordance with the Bible.” “Now,” continued Christopher, “let me put one simple case to you. You are a judge, and as such, you have, no doubt, tried many criminals. We will suppose that some wicked man—and the wickeder he is, the better for my purpose—comes, and, in the secrecy and darkness of midnight, murders your innocent neighbor, or your dearest friend; and he is tried before you, and his guilt proved in the most positive and unquestionable manner: what would you do with him?” “Condemn him to be hanged, most certainly.” “But you have said that there is no act done, but in strict conformity with the will of God. Therefore, if God foreordained this man to commit this very murder, who are you, that dare to punish him for doing the will of his great Creator? According to your belief, he could not in any way, or by any possible means, escape from the necessity of killing this man; and must he be punished for it? Why, this horrible doctrine makes God himself the author of all the wickedness that is in the world! Is it not blasphemy? Now, Paul Todd, I want you seriously to consider this matter, and decide what you ought to do with criminals, if the truth be as you have believed it to be.”

The Judge said, “this subject has been placed before my mind in a new light. I never so contemplated it before. I do not know what I ought to do,” “But I,” said Christopher, “do know what you ought to do; and that is, give up, renounce, and utterly forsake, all such false doctrines, which are derogatory to the character of our heavenly Father, who wills all men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the truth. But they limit the offices of Christ, and detract from the merits of that most holy sacrifice, which the dear Son of God made of himself, when He shed his blood on the cross for all men; and they quench the Holy Spirit in the hearts of many; for a manifestation thereof is given to every man to profit withal. Our heavenly Father long ago declared, 'For I have no pleasure in the death of him that dies, says the Lord God, wherefore turn yourselves and live,' And shall we, worms of the dust, limit the Holy One of Israel, either in his power or his mercy, or his loving kindness to the children of men; who sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world, through Him, might be saved? And my advice to you, Paul Todd, is, that you should not trust to anything which you may have received thirty years ago; for unless you receive a renewal of the Holy Spirit from day to day, and have fresh and heavenly nourishment ministered more often than the returning morning, to enable you to resist temptations, you will die in your sins, notwithstanding all the experiences in which you have entrenched yourself Yes, destruction shall suddenly come upon you, and you shall be cut asunder, and have your portion in that eternal misery into which, as a judge, you would send the poor wretches who have committed what are called capital crimes.”

“The judge received my close dealing without offence. He appeared somewhat affected, and we parted friendly. But before my return home from that journey, Paul Todd was no more. Whilst walking in his garden one day, he fell down and expired.”

Chapter XV.

Visits Friends and Others in the Limits of Indiana Yearly Meeting; and Some of the Indian Tribes in Wisconsin Territory—Letter to His Wife—Remarkable Religious Opportunities with Indians of the Brothertown and Stockbridge Tribes—Letter of Joseph Gibbons—Letter of Cutting Marsh—Visits Meetings in Iowa—Extracts from Letters to His Wife—Attends Meetings in Indiana—Letter of Sarah Keese—Notice of Religious Engagements in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York.

Though Christopher Healy, subsequent to the period now reached, was engaged in several more religious visits abroad, the one we are about to record is the last, so far as his memoranda show, of which he himself has left us any account. He was now nearing that point of life—his three score and ten years—when the shadows of the evening were being fast lengthened out, and the time not very distant when this dedicated servant was to rest from his labors in the church militant, and to join the church triumphant, in the ceaseless anthem of glory and praise to the Lord God, and the Lamb that was slain, forever and ever. In reference to this visit he writes:—

I felt my mind drawn in gospel love, to visit Friends and others within the limits of Indiana Yearly Meeting; and some of the Indian tribes in Wisconsin territory. Obtaining the unity of Friends, I took an affectionate leave of my dear wife and family, and on the 6th day of Fifth Month, 1842, left home in company with my friend John S. Comfort. On the 17th of the same month we got to Benjamin Ladd's, in Smithfield, Ohio.

Christopher Healy and companion, proceeded to Canada, and visited the settlements of Friends there. Of a meeting at Norwich he says: “Next day, which was First-day attended meeting there; others being informed, it was a very large meeting, and to good satisfaction; many were comforted, and my own soul rejoiced,” The diary adds:—

On First-day we had an appointed meeting at Adrian, Michigan, in a Baptist meeting-house. Many people attended, and a number of Friends came also. A precious meeting it proved, and some expressed their comfort with thankfulness of heart. May the praise be given to Him to whom it is due.

At Adrian they were joined by their friend Joseph Gibbons, of whom mention is made in the following letter from Christopher to his wife, written at this place:—

Adrian, State of Michigan, 13th of Sixth Month, 1842.

My very dear Wife,

We left Smithfield after attending their Select Preparative Meeting, and a public meeting on Fifth-day, which was large and favored. Sixth-day went to Mount Pleasant, and attended their Select Quarterly Meeting. On Seventh-day their Quarterly Meeting. First-day we were at a public meeting, to the comfort of many. Second-day set out for Alum Creek. That night lodged at Benjamin Hoyle's, where Joseph Edgerton spent the evening with us, to our comfort. Next morning Benjamin accompanied us seven miles to the turnpike. That night got to Zanesville, on the Muskingum river, and were kindly entertained at

J. D.'s. Fourth-day got to Robert Comfort's, distant from Benjamin Hoyle's a hundred and four miles. Fifth-day, rode to Alum Creek Monthly fleeting, where we met with Jacob Healy, brother Joseph's son: a kind and religious young man. He was our guide back to Greenwich, where his father lived. Robert Comfort went with us to Alum Creek, on horseback, though in his seventy-ninth or eightieth year; the distance being about eighteen miles. Sixth-day; returned to Robert Comfort's, and had a public meeting at Owl Creek, at three o'clock in the afternoon. Next morning, with Jacob Healy for our guide, we got to my brother Joseph's, at Greenwich. They were exceedingly glad to see us. First-day, had a large and crowded meeting at that place. The house could not hold the people, and seats were placed out of doors. Many minds were witnesses of the presence of our good Master, to the melting and contriting of our hearts together. Blessed be His holy name. Third-day, at Sandusky, at ten o'clock. Fourth-day, at Mount Gilead, where was a marriage; and general notice having been spread, the house could not contain the people by more than three hundred; but convenient seats being put up at the door, the meeting was a remarkably quiet and instructive season to many minds. Many came from the village of Mount Gilead.

(After stopping at a few more places, and visiting some meetings, they at length reached Adrian; and were kindly received by Joseph Gibbons. The letter continues):—

Since we have got to Adrian, our dear friend Joseph Gibbons, who was once at our house, has concluded to go with us amongst the Indians. This arrangement suits me well, he having already been through that country. Moreover, many Friends of Adrian Monthly Meeting, which was held yesterday, having felt and expressed a very near and dear unity and sympathy with us in our arduous undertaking, drew together after meeting, and encouraged and assisted Joseph Gibbons to accompany us, and I think he will be likely to go on, after leaving the Indians, to Iowa. This makes the way seem much more pleasant.

I write this account that you, my dear wife, may be comforted in my journey, and with your husband bless that good Hand and holy unslumbering Shepherd of Israel, who has thus far been my blessed Helper in temporals and spirituals: being also mouth and wisdom. Blessed be his glorious Name forever. We expect to leave Adrian tomorrow morning for the Indian settlement. We are in good faith, humbly desiring our blessed Shepherd and heavenly Guide may be pleased to go before us, and keep us in the right way; and give us to “drink of the brook in the way,” so that we may be enabled to do whatsoever He requires at our hands.

And now may we both thank our dear Master, and take fresh courage. I am more and more confirmed that this great undertaking is required at my hands. Dear John is exceedingly kind and travels very cheerfully we have been remarkably favored with our health. It is thought to be about five hundred miles to the Indian settlement.

Taking my leave, I bid you farewell in the truth; and remain your loving husband,

Christopher Healy.

He attended and appointed a number of meetings on the way, till they came to Chicago, the 22nd of Sixth Month. Pursuing a northwesterly course from here, they at length got to their friend Andrew Schofield's, ninety miles from Chicago. They left their horses at this Friend's, he kindly joining them and taking his. The journal proceeds:—

We are now four in company—cheerful travellers in this good cause. Arriving at Brothertown, the first Indian settlement, on Fourth-day the 29th, we were received by the natives, it might be said, with open arms. We put up with one of the Indians belonging to this tribe, where we were kindly and very comfortably cared for. The next day had a meeting for these poor children of the wilderness, which was crowned with the living presence of our holy Redeemer, to the tendering of many of their minds. Sixth-day went see the Stockbridge tribe, six miles distant. Here we had a meeting on Seventh-day. Kearly all the tribe were present; and a tendering time it proved, to the rejoicing of many of their hearts.”

The diary of Christopher Healy next gives a short account of their visit to an old Indian woman, named Gracey Tocus, as follows:—“First-Day had a meeting at an Indian woman's house by the name of Gracey Tocus, which was a time of favor. This Indian woman was raised up to speak in this meeting in the life and power of Truth, to the comfort of many present. I trust it will not soon be forgotten by us.” This religious opportunity is spoken of by Christopher Healy 's companion, John S. Comfort, in a journal kept by him, and in a letter of Joseph Gibbons.

The journal of John S. Comfort thus introduces it:—

Fifth-day, Sixth Month 30th, 1842. After a walk of about a mile from our place of tarriance, upon returning we found a woman seventy-four years of age, whose name was Hannah Dick. She remembered Christopher when he visited their tribe in New York State, before they emigrated here. She appeared like a thoughtful, well-meaning woman. In allusion to a paralysis which had affected her speech, she said, placing her hand on her heart, 'I have lost nothing here. I feel concerned for myself, and my conduct; for my children, and the whole human family.'”

On our way here Christopher had spoken of an Indian woman of this tribe that expressed a few words, lively and pertinent, at the close of a meeting which he had with them in the State of New York, before their removal from there; but whose name he could not recollect. He had frequently wondered whether she was living, and whether he should ever meet with her again. Querying of this Hannah Dick in reference to the circumstance, she could not remember anything about it; and thought it must be herself But Christopher did not find in this woman what he expected in the one alluded to. Here the matter rested, till after a meeting held for the Indians wherein our friend Christopher Healy was much favored in testimony and supplication, when we were invited to go and see a sick woman. Upon arriving at her house, we found her to be the very one after whom Christopher's inquiries had been. Her name was Gracey Tocus. She knew Christopher, and seemed rejoiced to see him, exclaiming, 'Is it true that my eyes once more see my old friend? I remember when you told me, away off yonder at Brothertown, that you thought of coming here; and I have been looking for you many times: and when I have thought of it, and you did not come, I concluded you had been called home.' There were some now with us who had not been at our previous meeting, and several that had, having borne us company, Christopher's certificate being read, we all dropped into silence; when he had considerable to say very encouragingly. After which Gracey Tocus stood up, and in a truly feeling manner said: 'I believe it will be right for me to say a few words, not that I think myself anything; I am a poor worm of the dust, not worthy to open my mouth before the Lord's servants; and I feel it a great cross to appear in this way, but I feel it my duty to say, that through the mercy of the Lord, when I first heard this dear ancient minister and servant of the Most High, away down in Brothertown, his words sent conviction to my heart, and it has remained with me ever since; and I can bear my testimony, that it is the eternal Truth of God that he has told us; it is that that will do to live by, and that that will do to die by; and I feel thankful in my heart and bless my Heavenly Father for this opportunity; and that He has sent his dear servant into this far country, that I might hear him once more before I die. I have but a little longer to stay, and this dear ancient servant of the Lord, and minister of the Gospel, is also nearly done his work; and I feel glad to see all these dear friends here, and pray that the Lord may bless His work in your hands, and that you will remember me in times of favor, when the Lord permits you to approach near unto him. And although I am a poor unworthy creature, and it is a great cross for me to speak before the Lord's servants, and before the others that are present; yet my heart rejoices with joy unspeakable and full of glory, and I feel to encourage all, and bless the Lord for this opportunity.'”

Christopher, in a letter to his wife, describes this opportunity:—

We arrived amongst the Indians on Fourth-day afternoon; went first to an Indian's house, who kept a tavern, and put up with him. On Fifth-day, had a meeting at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, a meeting to be remembered by all present who had come to religious sensibility. Some of the tribe not being present, they were desirous of another meeting. This tribe is called the Brothertown tribe. After meeting some of these dear Indians wishing us to make a visit to an Indian woman, who was not able to get out, at about half a mile from the meeting place, we went with them, and in an opportunity in her family (her husband being blind), it was an unusual time of Divine favor. After I expressed what was on my mind the dear old woman spoke in a most remarkable manner, which made deep impressions on us all not soon to be forgotten: this opportunity closed under a precious covering of the Blessed Truth.

Seventh-day.—Had a meeting among the Stockbridge tribe, about six miles distant. They are not so much civilized, but a large and favored meeting it proved, both to us and them. Two of their chiefs being present, were very much tendered. We parted from them in gospel love which had spread over us in the meeting.

After this meeting we returned to the missionary home, where we had some satisfactory conversation with a young man who made great profession of religion. He pleaded that Christians might defend themselves by the sword, but the missionary did not join him, but seemed to favor our views, and related some remarkable instances of the protecting hand of Providence in saving those who had not resisted evil, but had put their whole confidence and trust in the Lord. Our conversation seemed to silence the young man, and from the respect he showed, and the missionary also, to us, we believed our labor was not in vain with them. First-day morning we had a tendering opportunity in this family, and left them in a tender frame of mind. This afternoon went to the house where the blind Indian lived whose wife had spoken so remarkably before. They, with some other Indians, had been in the practice of sitting down together, and, as they said, if they felt anything on their minds, to speak as the Spirit gave them utterance. We sat down with them, and a favored opportunity it proved: most of them were much tendered.

In the afternoon attended the meeting at their meeting-place, appointed for us at five o'clock. The house could not contain them by many. A remarkable season it proved; my poor soul was humbled under the flowings of gospel love, and the plain doctrines thereof, which was acknowledged by their ministers, and joyfully received by many of these dear children of the wilderness. Oh may it be as the dew that lies long on the tender grass, causing the plant of the Father's right hand planting to grow and bring forth fruit to his own glory and praise.

The following are extracts from the letter of Joseph Gibbons to Sarah Healy, to which allusion has been made:—

Stockbridge, Wisconsin Territory,

Seventh Month, 2nd, 1842

Dear Friend Sarah Healy:—Not only at the request of your dear husband, but from feelings that accompany my own mind (for I remember with great satisfaction the very pleasant visit I had at your house a little more than a year since), I am willing to try to give you a little information in relation to the visit so long in prospect, and so much dreaded, not only by Christopher himself, but by many of his friends on his account. But we read in the Good Book that “hard things shall be made easy;” and truly we have to a great degree experienced this to be the case in our journey to this far-off land. We have been agreeably disappointed in several respects: in the first place, we have all enjoyed the great favor of pretty good health; and Christopher has for the most part seemed to feel very comfortable, and to press forward with good courage, believing himself to be in his proper allotment. In the second place, we have found the roads altogether better than we expected; so that we could come comfortably all the way in a carriage; while even the distance was not quite so great as was anticipated Now, also, that we are really among the Indians, we find them living very much like ourselves; dressing like ourselves; speaking like ourselves; and almost looking like ourselves; and we have hardly found more comfortable fare as to eating, drinking, and lodging anywhere on our journey, than since we have been among the Indians. And last of all, though not least, we find an open door to receive us and our doctrines; and Christopher has seemed much exercised, and unusually favored with 'mouth and wisdom, tongue and utterance,' since we have been amongst them. For although he has only as yet had one public meeting, yet in several family opportunities we have been made truly glad; so that we might perhaps adopt the language, repeated by a poor Indian woman in a family sitting the day before yesterday, viz: 'My heart rejoices with joy unspeakable and full of glory.' But before I say much more in relation to our visit here, let me return a little and trace our progress since the date of Christopher's letter to you at Andrew Schofield's. A meeting was appointed there at nine o'clock on First-day morning last, which was well attended by persons of different persuasions; and, to our surprise by (as we were told after meeting) twenty-two members of our Society (including ourselves). The meeting was so greatly favored that I told Christopher, after it was over, that it seemed almost worth our while to have come all the way here, if it was but to attend this one meeting.

In the afternoon we had another meeting at Mequanego, about six miles distant. But there seemed to be something present that obstructed a full, free flow of gospel ministry. After meeting, we thought we could discover, in part, what it was. There were two or three dark spirits present, who professed to be Mormon preachers, and had made some converts to their faith in that place. They fell into an argument with Christopher after meeting, but we did not think gained much credit by it. Next morning, Second-day, Andrew Schofield harnessed two of his horses and came on with us; leaving ours to rest until we return. We found a very good road through an open prairie country, with the exception of perhaps about twenty miles, so that in a little less than three days we reached the Brothertown Indians, and put up at a very comfortable place among them.

The next day we had a good open time in a meeting appointed at four o'clock in the afternoon. After meeting, went to see Grace Tocus, an Indian woman who had seen Christopher before, and well remembered him, but was not able on account of ill-health, to attend the meeting. Christopher had a sweet flow of tender counsel and encouragement for them, and after he closed, and we had sat some time in silence, Grace rose, and in a very weighty, solemn manner, spoke nearly as follows: [His version of the communication is omitted, being very similar to that already given.] I do not remember ever to have felt more sympathy, or nearer unity of feeling, or evidence of divine favor, towards any collection of Friends or others in my life, than in this poor Indian's family. I do not think there was a dry eye present after this opportunity. Christopher and myself went home with an Indian, William Dick, and his wife, who seemed very glad to see us. She said travelling Friends had often put up at their house when they lived in the State of New York. They treated us with great kindness, even putting us into large separate beds, with clean sheets and pillow-cases: saying they wished us to rest well, while they had a bed on the floor for themselves to sleep on. In the morning we had a remarkably favored opportunity with this family. Christopher spoke until he seemed almost exhausted with the length and intensity of his exercise. We had one or more favored opportunities yesterday, and then came to this place, which is among the Stockbridge Indians, where a meeting is appointed for them at two o'clock this afternoon.

Evening.—The meeting this afternoon was large. Most of the tribe were present, and a more favored meeting I think I never was in anywhere in my life. I never heard Christopher when I thought him more, if as much favored, in a full, free, and lucid manner of explaining and laying home gospel truths. He seemed anointed to lay open and impress upon the minds of these poor Indians the doctrines and principles of the religion of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in all their simplicity and purity; and with such divine authority attending, that I could see the tears rolling down the swarthy cheeks before me. I am very much of the mind that many of them will never forget the opportunity. Some of them could scarcely bid us farewell for their emotion.

Thus, my dear friend, I have attempted to give you a very little and imperfect sketch of this part of our journey. Please remember me affectionately to B. Cadwallader's family, and to all other friends there who enquire for me; and also accept my kind remembrance for yourself and family.

Joseph Gibbons.

We now return to the diary of Christopher Healy:

Had another meeting at their (Indians) usual place of holding them. The house was full, and all could not get in. A very solid and blessed season it proved to us altogether. May He who is glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders, have all the honor; to whom it does belong forever. We had also many precious family visits, wherein the principles and doctrines of the blessed gospel were opened to this poor, afflicted, and despised part of the human family; yet for whom Christ died, as well as for us. These favored seasons caused their hearts to rejoice; and many of them expressed it in great thankfulness of soul.

While among the Stockbridge Indians they frequently met, it seems, “with a minister or missionary named Cutting Marsh, who resided there. He was by profession a Presbyterian. The following letter from him to Sarah Healy, is not without interest, as confirming the acceptableness of our dear friend's labors among these far distant and sadly oppressed and persecuted children of our western wilds:—

Stockbridge, near Green Bay, Wisconsin Territory,

July 5th, 1842

To Mrs. Sarah Healy:

Madam:—Your dear aged husband, with three other Friends, came here on the 1st instant, and paid us a Christian visit. On the 2nd he preached to the Stockbridge Indians, amongst whom I am laboring as a missionary. Be assured, Madam, that his visit, together with his company, was very acceptable both to myself and family, and to the Indians also. Some of them feel under great obligations to the Friends, as they have kindly educated some of their children.

Although I am a Presbyterian by profession, yet I can cheerfully extend the hand of Christian fellowship to other denominations also, where I perceive the image of the Savior. Yes, all who have been born of the Spirit, have a common Lord, and it is their delightful privilege to love one another with a pure heart fervently, and greet them wherever they meet them, as fellow-travellers to the same heavenly rest.

I love to dwell upon those pure principles of the holy religion of Jesus Christ which the Friends are so zealously disseminating: and my ardent desire and prayer is, that these may continue to extend wider and wider, until the song which the shepherds on the plains of Bethlehem heard the heavenly host sing, shall be the song of every people and nation upon the habitable earth.

I hope your dear husband may still be spared to accomplish great good in the Masters blessed cause. I know you will be glad to hear from a stranger that his health and spirits at his advanced age, appeared to be as good and buoyant as my own, although I am but little turned of forty.

He made lively mention of your cheerfully consenting to tarry at home, and guide your numerous family, and bear all alone the heavy burden of it, so that he might travel, and teach the unsearchable riches of the gospel. This excited in my own mind a lively and tender interest in your welfare, and that of your dear family. May you also be sustained in your numerous trials and cares in so important, laborious, and responsible duties as you must meet with and perform. So that when he mentioned about writing you, I felt that I could do it with great cheerfulness, for I know it will encourage, and do you and your family good to hear from him by strangers, and to know that his religious visits are kindly and affectionately received. I saw that my Indians were deeply interested in his preaching, and would have been highly gratified if he had felt it his duty to preach again. But at the close of his discourse he said that he felt satisfied, and should then take his leave of them. One of the old men inquired of me, with tears in his eyes, if your husband was not going to preach again. But I told him, no. These poor Indians seem at once to love those who take a deep interest in them; and the counsel of your husband, in his discourse to them, was exceedingly kind and affectionate; this pleased them, and they therefore listened with deep interest; and I have no doubt with profit also.

These Indians are the remnant of a once powerful and warlike tribe. But long since they have given up this savage practice, and many of them give evidence of being true Christians; but they are very poor, in consequence of having to remove so often, as they have in time past, but especially on account of their former intemperate habits. For a number of years past, great efforts have been made to promote the cause of temperance amongst them, and with happy success; so that few drink at the present time. In proportion as they become temperate, they become industrious; and manifest a desire to take care of themselves, and provide for their families.

I have forgotten to mention that your husband left here on the third instant, to go to a settlement, a few miles south of the Brothertown Indians, where he expected to hold a meeting on that evening. May the Lord guide and support you, and bless your family also abundantly, and make them all children of his grace.

With great regard for yourself and yours, I subscribe myself your Christian friend,

Cutting Marsh.

From the journal of Christopher Healy, it appears that they left the Indian settlements on Second-day, the fourth of Seventh Month; and on the following Fourth-day got to Andrew Schofield's again, where they were kindly received. The next Sixth-day, taking their departure from there, and holding some meetings on their way, they arrived at Salem, Iowa, distant about two hundred and fifty miles, the 16th of the same month. They were hospitably entertained by their friend Jacob Pickering and his family. From here Christopher addressed a letter to his wife; in which he says, in allusion to these religious opportunities with the Indians, “these meetings bring my concern fresh to my mind; and while standing exercised in them, it fastens on me and on them as a nail in a sure place; and my soul is rewarded a hundred fold for yielding up to perform this journey. May your heart also be made joyful with that of your husband.”

From the diary of John S. Comfort the following is selected, referring to the subject of a part of Christopher Healy's more condensed letters:—

“Learning there were some Indians that met at Gracey Tocus' twice a week, to hold meetings somewhat after the manner of the Society of Friends, we made enquiry concerning them; and whether they had anyone to act as a regular officiating preacher. The answer was, they had not. But if any believe themselves called thereto, they thought it right to speak as the Spirit gave utterance. We concluded to go and sit with them. Christopher had a good deal to say; after which, Gracey Tocus arose and again spoke, to the admiration and edification of all present.”

The first part of this communication, though not so lively, is somewhat similar to the foregoing one. We therefore insert only the conclusion of it here, more particularly because of its having application to every one of us who profess to be followers of the meek and lowly Jesus, yet Sovereign and impartial Lord of all. It is as follows:—

“I wish to ask one favor of you; that when you return to your friends and brethren at home, you would give them my best love, in the fellowship of this gospel we have had preached this day; and tell them a poor unworthy Indian sister wishes and prays for their prosperity and advancement in the Truth, and that they may be obedient and faithful to their Master, in whatsoever He makes known to them, and requires at their hands; and that in their seasons of divine favor, they would remember this poor despised part of the land.”

Another fact of interest is recorded by John S. Comfort, which is not mentioned by Christopher Healy:

“After meeting yesterday, many of the Indians came and shook hands with us; and among the rest our kind landlord, O. D. Fowler, from Brothertown, came to bid us farewell, as he said, for the last time; but he could hardly speak, he was so affected. He appears to be a sober, thoughtful man. When we left his house yesterday, we offered and pressed to pay him for our board and horse feed; but he refused, and said he knew it cost us a great deal; but we told him we had enough, and expected and would rather pay than not; but he refused, and said, in a manner that showed that he looked upon all that he had as a gift of heaven: 'I know where I get it from, and I am not willing to take anything.' I thought it would have been a lesson to many in more favored circumstances in our Society, as it was to me, if they could have heard him.”

Christopher Healy, continuing his memoranda, writes:—

We were at the Preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders (Salem, Iowa,) to a good degree of satisfaction. On First-day, general notice being given, the meeting was large, and owned by the great Shepherd of Israel. During the same week we attended all the meetings belonging to Salem Monthly Meeting, except one; and on Seventh-day the Monthly Meeting. The abundance of business caused them to adjourn to the Second-day following. First-day we had a very large meeting, and a memorable season it proved. The house would not hold the people; a shed was fitted up on the north side, and many sat under it.

This is all that our dear Friend says of the meeting; but his companion, more in detail, has recorded the subjoined:—

“Christopher had a good deal to say, and after sitting down, he got up the second time, and stated to the meeting our belief in the Scriptures of truth. Although there had been nothing in what he had previously said to call it forth, or to require any explanation or confirmation of our belief in the Bible; yet it seemed, the second time he was on his feet, his whole business was to show the value our Society set upon the Scriptures. I afterwards learned, that there was a man the day before, who was pretending to set forth Friends' principles to a large company; who, among other things, affirmed that Friends did not believe the Bible. The man and his hearers were at the meeting. Christopher, I am persuaded, knew nothing of the circumstance of the man's disparaging story for several days after.” John S. Comfort adds the following:—“In the afternoon, Joseph Gibbons left us for his own home. We have travelled in near unity and fellowship, being of one heart and one mind.”

Christopher's memoranda resumed:—

Second-day, the adjourned Monthly Meeting convened; and after several hours of solid deliberation, it concluded to the comfort of many minds. Fifth-day, Eighth Month, 4th, got to Uriah McMullin's; he and his wife are choice Friends. Next morning rode to Hopewell, and had a meeting there under the shade of the trees, the house not being sufficiently large to contain the gathering. I scarcely remember a more precious season of Divine favor. From this place we went to Vermilion, and attended a preparative meeting of Ministers and Elders. Seventh-day sat with them in their Monthly Meeting, wherein I had good service. First-day we were at Elwood, which was a crowded meeting; many could not get in. The people of the neighborhood were generally gathered together; they seemed prepared to hear the doctrines of the blessed Truth. May it fasten as a nail in a sure place.

They then held or attended meetings at Pine Creek, Flint, and Bloomington; and from there went to the Quarterly Meeting called the Western Branch, held the 14th of Eighth Month, 1842. On First-day they were at the same place. The diary records:—

Here the blessed effects of the sufferings and death of Christ, experienced through obedience to His inward appearance in the heart, with the necessity of our receiving Him, and following Him there, were dwelt upon as that which brings redemption and salvation to us. Oh the necessity of receiving with meekness the engrafted Word, which is able to save the soul. May this ever be the constant concern of our minds.

They next had meetings at Rocky Run, Rush Creek, and Poplar Grove “These,” Christopher Healy writes, “were all largely attended by Friends, and those not of our religious Society; and blessed be the name of Israel's Shepherd, He was pleased in an eminent manner to be with us. May all praise be given to His ever glorious and holy Name, forever.” He next attended some Quarterly and other meetings, respecting which he makes but little or no comment.

The following are extracts from a letter to his wife, which was written near this time:—

Bloomfield, Indiana, 14th of Eighth Month, 1842.

My very dear Wife,

Yesterday was the Quarterly Meeting at this place, wherein I had good service; and it ended to the comfort of many. We are getting along to our satisfaction among Friends, and the public meetings are remarkably large, and according to Friends' judgment, favored seasons. I have been careful not to have more than one meeting a day, except sometimes on First-day. Meetings in this part of the land are near together, and Friends are many. A goodly number of them appear to be concerned for the good cause. Today, which is First-day, general notice for a meeting is given at this place.

We seem now to be turning our faces homeward, though I expect we shall not get home until after the Yearly Meeting (Indiana). Our Divine Master has abundantly made way for us wherever our lot has been cast on this journey, in a remarkable manner. May the praise and glory be given to Him, and to Him alone.

I received your second letter, day before yesterday, to my comfort, having waited long therefor. I was sorry to hear you had gotten but one from me, as this is the fifth I have written or sent. I received one from William and Sarah. It was truly comforting to find they remembered their dear father. Give my dear love to them, with all our children, and tell them I love them in the truth. Read this letter to them. My time is so much occupied with travelling and meetings, that my dear children will excuse me, I trust, from writing to them. It is not because I am unmindful of them, for they are daily in my mind, even every one of them. May the Great Shepherd that has been their dear father's helper in every time of need, be their leader and guide; and He will be so to them, if they receive with meekness his engrafted word. Give my dear love to all that enquire after me. Let them know my love was never stronger for the blessed cause of Truth than now; and this love being shed abroad in my heart, keeps my soul alive in Him that is true, in Him who was dead and is alive again, and lives forevermore. Oh, my dear, He is the desire of our souls! He is the Head of the church; and if we keep our love chaste and pure to Him, He will be our present helper in every needful time.

Afternoon, we attended the First-day meeting here, which was very large; and in a remarkable manner owned by the Head of the Church. May we be humbled in the dust before Him.

I suppose the time may seem long before we may meet again, but I believe if it is His good pleasure that we enjoy each other again, the blessed Shepherd will be our consolation. We know, my dear bosom friend, in whom we do believe; and as we yield each other up for our Divine Master's sake. He will never leave nor forsake us; neither withhold any good thing from those that love Him.

Farewell in the blessed Truth. I remain your dear and tender husband,

Christopher Healy.

The annexed letter from Christopher Healy to his wife, or rather extracts from it, is the last epistolary communication from his own pen, preserved in these memoranda:—

Henry County, Indiana, 15th of Ninth Month, 1842.

My very dear Wife,

We have attended five Quarterly Meetings in Indiana, and many other appointed meetings. With the exception of one of the Quarterly Meetings, which was a trying season, they were favored times. At New Garden we saw a colored man, a member of our Society, one hundred and six years old. He is nearly blind; but got to the Quarterly Meeting, and seemed rejoiced to shake hands with me. Friends are very thickly settled in this part of Indiana, and the meetings are generally large. Two weeks from yesterday (Second-day), the Meeting for Sufferings will be held. Third-day, the Meeting for Ministers and Elders. Fourth-day, the public meeting. Fifth-day, which will be the 29th of the month, the Yearly Meeting for discipline will be opened, which commonly ends on the Third-day following; which will be the 4th of Tenth Month. After that we expect to leave for home if we are well; and hope that by the 25th of Tenth Month, if our Divine Master should prosper our way, we may be favored to see each other again. And now, my dear wife, be of good cheer. The same good Hand that has always been with us is still mindful of us, and as we keep near to Him, He will be very near to do us good. I was comforted in hearing you say, that you were in the good practice of reading a portion of Holy Scripture in our family. I hope you will continue to do this. I believe it to be a help to the children, and a satisfaction to yourself, as it is to your absent husband.

I lately received a precious letter from Samuel B. Morris; giving an account of a good visit he had with you and our children; also of our son Mark's visit to him, with the letters you sent him from Joseph Gibbons and the missionary; which were, as he says, highly interesting. With regard to this visit I may say, I never had a more encouraging one thus far. How the remainder may prove we know not. but hope that He who first put forth, will continue to go before, and to show forth His praise, that so fruits may be brought forth by which our Divine Master may be glorified, who alone is worthy forever.

Friends fire exceedingly kind in this land; and very many precious meetings we have had. Many of those not of our Society, seem much comforted. Oh! may He who calls for the labor, be sure to fasten it as a nail in a sure place; that so the praise may be given to Him who is glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders. I think I never travelled anywhere where the people of other societies were more attentive to hear the Truth as it is in Christ. Oh! may they be willing to do it! Then will they be able to build on that Rock, against which no storms can prevail, nor anything lay waste. And Oh! my dear, may we continue to look unto the Rock from which we were hewn, and the hole of the pit from which we were digged. And may we remember, too, good old Abraham our father, who resigned his beloved son Isaac to the Lord. Upon which, said the Lord: Because you have not withheld your son, your only son, in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your seed as the stars of the Heaven, and as the sand which is on the sea-shore. This is the faith, with works, that pleases the living God, who alone is able to save.

Give my dear love to all that enquire after me. Tell them I love the Truth; and that it never was more precious to me than at this time, and sweet is the fellowship I have with them that walk therein. In that love that many waters cannot quench, nor floods drown, farewell, says your husband,

Christopher Healy.

After this Christopher Healy attended meetings at Elm Grove, Carthage, Blue River, Walnut Ridge, Knightstown and a few other places. About this time the following epistle from Sarah Keese to Christopher Healy was received. It alludes to one she had gotten from him, wherein he seemed to have been instrumental in stirring up the pure mind in her; and, obeying the injunction to “comfort them that mourn,” to have soothed and refreshed her drooping spirit. The letter is as follows:—

Weston, Ninth Month l0th, 1842.

Dear and valued Friend,

It is under a deep sense of obligation that I acknowledge the reception of your favor of Eighth Month, 17th. It did, indeed, afford us great satisfaction to find that we were still remembered by you; and we were much interested also in hearing through your own pen of your welfare and preservation every way. Tender solicitude on your account has been felt, in your very arduous and important engagement—still bearing the burden and heat of the day, under the infirmities of advanced age. But I doubt not that amidst all, Divine support has been abundantly experienced to be near, producing the acknowledgement that 'hitherto You have helped me.' Oh! what an attainment and a favor, that the poor mind thus knows its own home, the place of its rest. That after it has been called forth into deep and laborious exercises, even when this too may seem to be almost labor in vain, or as bread upon the waters, that it can breathe the grateful language, Return, then, Oh my soul, to the place of your rest, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.'

I hope when Friends return from the Yearly Meeting, we shall receive further accounts from you. It would be a gratification to learn more of your future prospects! Where next? and whether you have any view of our Quarterly at your return? In these inquiries T would not burden you with the task of communicating particulars.

My health has improved considerably, so that I have walked to our little meeting several times. And since receiving your letter, I have visited my friends in the neighborhood of Alum Creek. As you desired your remembrance to Friends, I took it with me, and quite a number shared in the satisfaction.

Your visit to us, and particularly to me in my then weak state of health, is remembered with gratitude; the savor of which at times rests sweetly upon our spirits.

I feel interested in the proceedings of the ensuing Yearly Meeting, and according to my measure, feel with the true burden-bearers. Oh that wisdom may be dwelt in; remembering that help is laid upon One that is mighty. I am aware to whom I am writing, and would not exceed my bounds, feeling myself as a child, and you a father.

Should I fail in writing to your dear wife before your return, please present her with my sympathetic and affectionate regards, with the hope that when you return from your present field of labor, laden with sheaves of peace, she too may be entitled to share with you. I cannot fail to be interested with any account from you at any time; and when you return to your far distant home, and should be writing to your friends at Greenwich, a remembrance in that way, if it is not asking too much, would be grateful to one who feels that she has the constant need of the help and prayers of the faithful. My husband unites in the expression of love and sympathy to you. Affectionately your friend,

Sarah Keese

The diary resumed:—

Fourth-day, Ninth Month, 21st, we got to the house of our friend John Poole, at Richmond. Here we rested till

First-day, when we attended their usual meeting. Secondday met with the Meeting for Sufferings of Indiana Yearly Meeting. Third-day went to the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. Fifth-day the Yearly Meeting commenced, which continued by adjournments until Third-day, 4th of Tenth Month. Though some trying circumstances took place, yet the Yearly Meeting was owned by the Divine presence, whereby the church was edified. The next day we set out for home, by the way of Springborough, Zanesville, Mount Pleasant, Sewickly, etc. The following Fourth-day week we got to Isaac Evans'. Fifth-day to our friend William Rhoads'; and the next day, at evening, Tenth Month, 21st, I was favored to reach home, and was gladly received by my dear wife and family; and felt a thankful heart to Him, who had called me forth, and brought again in peace. May He have all the honor. Blessed forever be His holy Name.

This closes Christopher Healy's diary of his various labors in the love of the Gospel, prolonged beyond the time allotted to most.

He returned his certificate in the same month, with the information that the visit had been greatly to the peace of his mind. He brought with him also several testimonials of unity with his company and religious services, from Monthly and Quarterly Meetings which he had attended, and also from Indiana Yearly Meeting.

After his last-mentioned visit to Indiana, and to some of the Indian tribes in Wisconsin Territory, in 1842, Christopher Healy, as appears by the minutes of his Monthly Meeting, paid religious visits, but without leaving any record of them, to the meetings composing Abington Quarter, with liberty also to appoint some meetings with those thereabouts, not in religious profession with us. This certificate he returned in the Fourth Month of 1843. The Seventh Month of the same year he procured a minute to attend some of the meetings of Friends in New Jersey, and to appoint some in places where none of our members reside. And in the Eighth Month, one to attend Shrewsbury and Rahway Quarterly Meeting, and to appoint a few meetings within its limits.

In the First Month of 1844, he obtained a minute to appoint a few public meetings within the compass of Bucks and Abington Quarterly Meetings. In the Eighth Month of the same, he procured a minute to hold public meetings within the limits of Concord, Western, Salem and Shrewsbury and Rahway Quarterly Meetings.

In the Fourth Month of 1845, he obtained the approbation of his Monthly Meeting to pay a religious visit to Friends and others within the limits of New York Yearly Meeting. In the First Month, 1846, he visited some of the meetings constituting Salem and Concord Quarterly Meetings, and appointed some meetings within their limits. In the Sixth Month of the same year, he paid family visits to the Friends composing Abington Quarter, liberty also being granted to appoint meetings, if way should open for it, in some of the towns within the border of the same. In the Sixth Month of 1847, a minute was granted him to visit Friends, with those not in connection with us, in Salem, Haddonfield, Shrewsbury and Rahway Quarters; and if way should open, to the same class in Concord, Cain, and the Western Quarterly Meetings; with a few meetings east of the Susquehanna River, belonging to Baltimore Yearly Meeting. In the Sixth Month, 1849, he asked and obtained liberty to visit Friends of Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting, and to appoint some public meetings in that and Salem Quarter. In Ninth Month, 1849, a minute was granted him to visit Friends, and those not of our religious profession, in Concord, Cain, and Western Quarterly Meetings; likewise the meetings composing Nottingham and Little Britain Monthly Meetings.

Chapter XVI.

Appoints Public Meetings in Several of the New England States.

At a Monthly Meeting, held Fifth Month, 1850, Christopher Healy expressed a concern, and received its full concurrence and encouragement to appoint some public meetings with those not of our religious Society in several of the New England States.

This concluding engagement seemed like the evening sacrifice. In the course of it he had forty-seven meetings, many of them being held in places for worship belonging to Methodists, Baptists and other denominations; and his gospel labors were said to have been remarkably owned by his gracious Master. These visits are all represented as being to the satisfaction and peace of his own mind.—And several testimonials were also given him of the sweet unity and fellowship, and encouragement of Friends, where his lot had been cast.

In the performance of this visit, Christopher was accompanied by his wife Sarah M. Healy, an elder, and also by George W. Brown, a Friend of his own neighborhood. from whose memoranda the following account has been taken; both had certificates, suitable to the occasion, from the Monthly Meeting of which they were members.

In the progress of this religious visit, Christopher attended forty-seven meetings, to all of which public invitation had been extended. He also had considerable service in a more private way, in companies, in families, with individuals, in conversations; and received much kindness and favor from the people generally amongst whom his lot was cast.

They left home on the morning of the 20th of Sixth Month, 1850, and were received at New York city by one of Christopher's nephews, who conducted them to his own dwelling, where Christopher met with two of his children, a son and daughter by his former marriage.

At five o'clock in the afternoon, went aboard a steamer bound for Stonington, a hundred and fifteen miles distant. The evening was spent in one of the spacious rooms of the steamer; and it proved to be an interesting season. Christopher entered into a conversation with a man from Boston, and as they proceeded, others gathered around them, until the number amounted to a large proportion of the numerous passengers. About five at times took part in the subjects introduced, and our dear friend was favored to answer their inquiries and suggestions discreetly, and to address suitable counsel and admonition to the company collectively. The feelings of the people were evidently enlisted, and expressions of satisfaction and approbation were heard from several individuals. This Opportunity lasted about two hours, and was a further evidence of the religious solicitude which Christopher had so long manifested for the best welfare of those not of our Society, of the peculiar grasp which he secured upon the minds of many of these, and of his extraordinary faculty for interesting their thoughts and feelings.

Sixth Month, 21st.—Took passage by railway for Westerly, and found kind friends and hospitable entertainment there. At this place Christopher met with John Wilbur, one of his ancient and life-long friends. The greeting between the two aged patriarchs was cordial. They had been friends in early life, and that friendship had been cemented by long years of gospel labor and fellowship, and both were now tottering over the grave. A meeting at Christopher's request was appointed to be held the next afternoon at four o'clock.

Sixth Month, 22nd.—The appointed meeting proved to be a favored time, being largely attended.

Sixth Month, 23rd.—First-day; attended meeting at Hopkinton; the morning was wet, and the meeting perhaps smaller in consequence; but a considerable number attended. A meeting had been appointed to be held in a school-house, one and a-half miles distant, in the State of Connecticut, at five o'clock in the afternoon. This building stands on the opposite side of the road from the site of the old one (now demolished), where Christopher received school instruction in his youthful days, and had taught school for several years. His company arrived before the conclusion of the meeting of Seventh-Day Baptists, there assembled, and remained on the outside of the house until the breaking up of the congregation , when, after a short respite, the people again took their seats, and several others coming in, a large meeting assembled. A solemnity soon spread over them, and Christopher was moved to administer word and doctrine, exhortation and reproof, in the demonstration of the Spirit and with power. He stood at least one and three quarter hours, and taking into consideration the length of time most of the audience had been sitting previous to the commencement of our meeting, it was admirable to see the quiet and order that prevailed. The interest and solemnity continued throughout, and the opportunity closed comfortably. Several of Christopher's scholars and old acquaintances came around him after meeting, and gave him the hand of friendship, as did also the two Baptist ministers in attendance.

Sixth Month, 24th.—Arrangements had been perfected to hold an appointed meeting in the vestry of a Calvin Baptist meeting-house, and information was spread accordingly through the factories and schools. This place of worship is located at Bushville, between two manufacturing villages, each half a mile distant. There the company repaired at the hour appointed, accompanied by some of their friends, but not a solitary individual had arrived, and the door of the house was locked. At length the key was produced, and information that way did not open to suspend operations in the factories until the usual time, which was after sunset; but that the people would convene as soon as possible afterwards. The door was unlocked, and about half-past eight o'clock a large company assembled, entering the room in an orderly manner, and sitting very quietly. A solemnity soon spread over them, and Christopher was drawn forth in testimony and counsel, which continued about one and a-half hours. It was not so much a doctrinal sermon as a persuasive exhortation, and particularly adapted to those young in years. This opportunity was manifestly owned by Israel's Shepherd, gospel love and power distilled as the dew, and as the gentle rain upon the tender plant, and was apparently received and relished with much cordiality. The meeting was appointed to be held at seven, and it closed about ten o'clock. One of the company proposed paying for the lights, but the answer was, “No, you have nothing to pay; we are thankful for the meeting.” Doubtless, there were hearts clothed with reverent gratitude for the peculiar favors vouchsafed this day.

Several appointed meetings were held to satisfaction in tiie neighborhood of East Greenwich, Rhode Island, where Christopher Healy was well known to the inhabitants.

One of these, held Sixth Month 30th, was at a Baptist place of worship, where Christopher had formerly held several favored meetings, and to which he appeared to feel an unusual drawing at this time. The gathering proved large. Quiet prevailed, and a solemnity soon spread as a canopy over them; under which precious covering Christopher arose and handed forth doctrine, reproof, instruction in righteousness and encouragement. The hearts of the people were contrited and solemnized together, and somewhat of the baptism of the Spirit was felt amongst them.

A meeting was appointed Seventh Month, 2nd, to be held at the Methodist place of worship, in Fiskville, at three o'clock in the afternoon. After the meeting they stopped at the house of an aged physician, an old acquaintance of Christopher's. He was feeble, chiefly con, fined to his bed, and appeared to be drawing near the close of life. He was sensible of his situation, and looked forward to his dissolution with composure, testifying that the Lord was gracious to him. As the company sat by his bedside, he asked that they might have a religious opportunity together, and those present gathered into stillness. After a time of silent waiting, Christopher was drawn forth in exercise of soul on his account, which, doubtless, was comforting to the aged sufferer. It proved a heart tendering season, and the baptizing influence of heavenly love and power was felt amongst them.

On their northward journey they passed, near Providence, the residence of the late venerable Moses Brown, a Friend of great possessions and large benevolence, yet his dwelling was neither large nor ostentatious. They also passed the plantation where that eminent minister. Job Scott resided, previous to his embarkation for England; and reached Fall River, Massachusetts, on the 5th of Seventh Month. Here, on First-day morning. Seventh Month 7th, they attended Friends' meeting. An invitation to the public had been extensively spread, many attended, and through the condescending goodness of the Head of the Church, who promised to be with those gathered together in his name, it proved a solemnizing season—something like the baptism of the one spirit into the one body. Words flowed freely, accompanied with gospel life and power, and he that sowed, and some that reaped, rejoiced together. The afternoon meeting at three o'clock, was larger than that in the morning. In it Christopher labored in the authority of truth. It was a memorable season, and one not soon to be forgotten by some present.

Seventh Month 10th.—At North Berwick, Maine, attended a meeting appointed to be held in the Baptist meeting-house; it proved large and favored. Christopher labored honestly, and some plain truths were spoken, especially in reference to forms and ceremonies, and qualification for the ministry. A part of his testimony was somewhat sharp; but apparently it was well received, and many expressed satisfaction with the meeting.

Seventh Month 11th.—Attended Friends' meeting at North Berwick, and Christopher had considerable service by way of exhortation and counsel. Toward the conclusion he again arose, and, in sympathy with this little company, who had passed through many tribulations and anxieties in endeavoring to guard the ancient faith of the Society, and in sustaining its order and discipline; extended comfort and encouragement to those who truly mourn in Zion.

Seventh Month 12th.—Left North Berwick this morning, rode thirteen miles over a pleasant, undulating country to the village of Kennebunk, and received kind entertainment in a family of Friends. A meeting had been appointed to be held at their dwelling, at three o clock in the afternoon, and the usual invitation had been spread. At the time appointed a considerable number of the neighboring people assembled. Christopher was led to distribute doctrine, reproof and instruction in righteousness, and as his testimony was continued, an increasing solemnity spread over the company—oil was poured into wounds, the sincere-hearted encouraged, and the meeting ended under the solemnizing and cementing influence of heavenly love. In the evening, several beside their own little company being present, Christopher was very interesting in conversation; and as the hour of parting for the night drew on, he testified that he then realized some of the prospects which had attended his mind before he left his own home. The Friends assembled were tenderly affected, and somewhat of that unity of spirit and bond of peace, which is not of man, nor of the will of man, but by Divine grace and power, was felt, binding the hearts of some of the company together in a measure of that life in which those of true and living faith are sometimes permitted to know and greet each other. Doubtless, some were present who were enabled to thank their Heavenly helper for his many favors, and to take courage.

After some further labor in Maine, the travellers journeyed southward, holding several meetings, and having acceptable religious service in the families they visited. It was with much interest they noted at Boston, the spot where William Leddra and others of our early Friends laid down their lives for their faithful obedience to their Lord and Savior, departing from this world with the glorious assurance of a happy immortality. As they passed the meeting-house where Comfort Collins attended meeting many years ago, the remembrance of this faithful minister was brought freshly before them, as an instructive instance of the efficacy of Divine grace. She had been faithful in her day and generation, and lived to a great age. Her mental faculties became so far impaired that she did not even recollect that she ever had a husband, but was still mercifully permitted to retain the savor of spiritual life, and even when near the end of her lengthened pilgrimage upon earth, was qualified to speak of her many mercies, and to exhort her friends in living, impressive and instructive testimony.

Seventh Month 21st.—First-day. Attended Friends' meeting at Nantucket, where a large assemblage collected; under a precious covering Christopher arose, and delivered that which was given him for the people, and it is trusted that many minds were instructed, and many hearts comforted. The afternoon meeting was held at five o'clock, and it was estimated that over six hundred were in attendance. Stillness soon prevailed throughout this large assembly, and it was believed that many were truly gathered into the silence of all flesh, and felt the precious influence of the Heavenly Father's love to extend to them, solemnizing their feelings and increasing their faith. Our dear friend was raised upon his feet, and delivered a large testimony in gospel life and authority; the mourners in Zion were comforted; the fearful in heart were encouraged; the unfaithful were warned; the lukewarm were aroused; and the wanderers were invited to return. His testimony was somewhat close against those who take up carnal weapons, and against those who preach for hire and divine for money; but the power of truth reigned over all opposition, and the meeting closed under the prevalence of solemn and contrited feelings, to the praise of the great Master of assemblies, who evidently had owned it and magnified himself therein.

After leaving Nantucket, Christopher Healy held a number of meetings in New Bedford, Fall River, Newport and other places in that section of country. In these his testimony was often close and plain, clearly pointing out their withered condition to those who wandered from the fold of Christ; yet being delivered in the authority and with the love of the gospel, and mingled with encouragement for those whose faces were turned Zionwards, they were generally acceptable. At one of these meetings, held in a Methodist meeting-house, where Christopher had been led to criticize some of the practices of other professors of Christianity, the minister who usually officiated at the place remarked, that he would be glad if their house could often be occupied in that way. Near the conclusion of his account of this visit, his companion observed, after alluding to the Christian boldness which had marked the public labors of our friend, “Apparently his gospel labors have been very generally, and perhaps universally, well received, much satisfaction there with has been expressed, and we do not find that he offended any. He has been divinely assisted in his goings forth, and we, his companions, have been comforted in bearing him company.”

The last of the meetings held on this journey was held at Westerly, Rhode Island, Eighth Month 18th. The house was crowded, but the audience was quiet and attentive, Christopher was again clothed with gospel life and power, and handed forth that which was given him to distribute in right authority. Several ministers of other denominations were present, and although some plain and close testimony respecting hireling ministry, and to the call to the ministry, went forth to all those whom it might concern, yet it apparently was well received, and may, in the cool of the day, have been remembered, to the instruction in righteousness of some who were present on the interesting occasion.

Eighth Month 20th.—They arrived safely at their own homes. Two months had been occupied in the performance of the visit, and thirteen hundred miles had been traversed. Christopher Healy brought home with him several certificates of the unity of Friends with his labors during this visit.

After Christopher Healy returned from his religious visit to New England, the last distant field of his gospel labors, bringing sheaves of peace with him, and appreciating the favor of a safe return to his comfortable home, he continued diligent in the attendance of the religious meetings for worship and discipline of which he was a member. He visited a neighboring Quarterly Meeting, received his friends cordially at his own dwelling, and made several social visits.

Christopher Healy, as these minutes, with the whole of his memoranda, show, was called to labor extensively in the cause of his dear Master, whom he ever delighted to honor: his meat and his drink being—in the expressive language of conduct—to follow in the obedience which is of faith, the undeceiving Light of Life. And for others, the great desire of his heart appeared to be, to bring them to Christ Jesus,—the ever-living and redeeming power—the inexhaustible fountain of eternal excellency—the foundation of many generations.

In his ministry, and in his conversation—in principle and practice—he was engaged to uphold with faithfulness, simplicity and zeal, the primitive doctrines of our beloved Society, which he had early espoused for their purity, and because of his love to their divine original. He often dwelt upon our fallen and lost condition as children of the first Adam, with the gradual and severe, yet indispensable cleansing operation of that baptism which is declared to be with the Holy Spirit and with fire; as being that alone which can purify the soul from every defilement, and restore it to a state of reconciliation and peace with God. This inward work—the leavening and thoroughly changing power of Christ's Holy Spirit received and co-operated with in the heart—was much the theme of his exhortations and ministry. So that truly may it be said of him, that in his gospel labors both in public and in the more private circle, he preached not himself, but Christ Jesus the Lord. Thus Sarah (Lynes) Grubb, in one of her letters “to a young Friend,” writes: “Just now I recall to mind that Christopher Healy, from America, told us in the Select Yearly Meeting (London), in a very impressive manner, to 'let nothing move us from our steadfastness in Christ Jesus.'”

An outline of another discourse of his follows, as reported by a Friend in attendance, at an appointed meeting at Germantown, Seventh Month, 12th, 1846. He arose, with expressing his thankfulness that he knew and valued the Holy Scriptures, which were “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works;” but adverted to the great necessity there was that we should read them aright and understandingly. He said he had the account of the transfiguration of the blessed Savior brought to his remembrance this afternoon; and he repeated the interesting incidents of the account as given by the apostle:—when Peter said, “It is good for us to be here,” and “let us build three tabernacles,” etc. Christopher thought he was influenced by the Holy Spirit, but he did not himself know why he thus spoke; saying, “Oh! how beautiful the instruction conveyed.” On the different portions of the account he very interestingly commented, in his peculiar and striking manner: Moses, representing the Law; Elias, whom our Savior himself declared to be John the Baptist, the forerunner, typifying the preparatory dispensation with the elementary baptism; and Christ the Promise—were here together on the Mount, and a bright cloud overshadowed them. The voice was heard from the cloud; not, hear them—Moses and Elias—but, “This is my beloved Son, hear him.” When the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were sore afraid. And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no man save Jesus only. The representatives of the preceding dispensations were gone, with their rituals and observances; and Christ only remained. The purer dispensation to which the others led, was brought in.

He showed how, under the Law, it was said, “You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy:” but Christ declared, “I say unto you, love your enemies.”—See, friends, what a change! The very root of wars and fightings was to be destroyed. Here Christopher briefly showed the incompatibility of war with Christianity, either offensive or defensive. Some might say, why if you don't fight, the enemy might come and overpower us. The Jews opposed the spread of right things upon the same ground, saying: “If we let this man alone, all men will believe on him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation.”

He commented upon the offices of John the Baptist, “the voice of one crying in the wilderness,” and his elementary baptism. He said he thought some people did not rightly understand the Savior's words, where he said, “Among them that are born of women, there has not arisen a greater than John the Baptist; notwithstanding, he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” He did not mean to shut him out as a saint from the kingdom. His work is accomplished, and he has entered into rest. But the least child in the kingdom was greater than he. John saw the fading of the legal dispensation, and warned the Jews no more to say, “We have Abraham to our father” and he saw Christ's office and proclaimed, “Behold the Lamb of God.” “I indeed baptize you with water, but there stands one among you, whom you know not; He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Ah! they did not know Christ; they would not receive him! How many are there now in the same case! Christopher then said he did not know that there were any here who thought water baptism necessary to salvation. But what was given him, he had to speak.

He proceeded to show the insufficiency of putting away the filth of the flesh, and to testify concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit and its purifying, heart-changing effects, which were necessary to conversion and salvation. Here he quoted the language, “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved.” This was not a historical belief—a mere confession of the name of Christ—but an operative one, having the answer of a good conscience.—The text did not say, has believed and has been baptized, but it is in the present tense, “believes and is baptized.” They might have known better, and then fallen away.—He knew there were many, up and down, who held, “once in grace, always in grace,” but this was totally at variance with our blessed Savior's parable of the vine and the branches “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can you, except you abide in me. I am the Vine, you are the branches; he that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without me you can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is east forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned!” Now mark, friends, they had been engrafted into the vine, Christ Jesus, and drew nourishment from it—had been in grace—but they had become withered, fallen away, and fruitless—lost their state of grace. The same effect follows unfaithfulness now. When those who have known something of the Truth, fall away from it, the men of this world gather them unto its associations, and its mixtures, and confusions, and sad is their condition—even that of the unfruitful branches. A feeling address was here briefly made to some who had known better days; upon whom dryness and withering had crept; that they might endeavor to know the holy circulation of the sap of life renewed.

He referred to the so-called “ordinances” the bread and wine, etc., and quoted the passages, “The bread of God is He which comes down from heaven, and gives life unto the world.” “I am the bread of life,” etc., and showed that this was no outward bread, and that down to this very day his true disciples feed on him; He was their meat, their sustenance; and He was also their drink, their refreshment. You remember, most of you, what he said to the woman of Samaria, at Jacob's well. Have not most of you read the account? (Though I do fear you don't read the Scriptures as much as you ought to.) And He is still in his faithful followers, a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

He addressed parents, particularly those in younger life, with many little children around them, desiring them to come to Christ themselves, that they might have something to give their dear children. He gives liberally and without reproach.

Chapter XVII.

Notice of Some of His Religious Communications, and Incidents Related by Him.

The following short extracts of communications by Christopher Healy, at his own meeting at several different times, were taken by a Friend present, who informs that they were all delivered either in or subsequent to the year 1842.

The first communication by our friend, recorded here, was in supplication. His sister in the truth, and with whom he had doubtless often taken sweet counsel, Elizabeth Pitfield, was also present; who, after exhorting those young in years not to trifle with Omnipotence in rejecting his offers of grace and mercy, but to be faithful to all of his requirings; reminding them of the many prayers and tears that had been offered for the children of godly parents, was followed by Christopher Healy on the bended knee; who supplicated on behalf of the same class, as too ready to take wing and fly away; being reluctant to give up the ways of the world. He interceded that the hearts of these might be opened, and that all might turn unto the Lord, that so they who sow, and they who reap, might rejoice together.

The discourses to which allusion has been more particularly made, follow:—

“In our meeting today, our beloved friend Christopher Healy was led to hold forth persuasive counsel, reciting the words of the Psalmist: 'Oh, my soul, look unto the Lord, for my expectation is from Him!' He brought to view the necessity of this being the prevailing tendency of our desires; and without which we shall never know the excellency of silent waiting. That there is a vast difference between those who feel poor, and weak, and unworthy, and whose expectation is from the Lord; and those who endeavor to worship him in their own will and wisdom, and whose expectation is much from the poor instrument. It is only the humble, dependent, waiting ones, that will come to know the excellency of silent waiting.

“In the meeting for business, our dear friend extended encouragement to us, especially to those young Friends who came a good way to meeting. He thought that they would never repent the sacrifices they make for the sake of attending our religious gatherings; and the more they give up thereto, the more they would love to attend. Stating it as his belief, that whether poverty or sweet peace be their portion when assembled, they would find it good for them that they had been there.”

“Today our dear friend preached a very impressive sermon, and among much instructive testimony, said, 'The righteous shall have tribulations, but the Lord will deliver out of them all.' Holding up to view the necessity of having living faith in the Divine promises, and then tribulations would be borne patiently, and our faith will increase with our trials. There is, he said, but one sure foundation; but one foundation that will stand when all things else fail. And unless we build rightly thereon we cannot be saved. He spoke of the necessity of having faith in that Almighty Power, which a servant of old described in this language: 'The sea saw it and fled. Jordan was driven back. The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs. What ailed you, O you sea, that you fled? you Jordan, that you were driven back? you mountains, that you skipped like rams? and you little hills, like lambs?' This was the power that gathered our Society from the maxims and customs of the world—from the forms and ceremonies of a lifeless profession—from all will-worship, and from a hireling priesthood. And though many may fall on the right hand and on the left, yet the faithful will be preserved; and he believed that if all our members walked answerable to our high profession, there would be a hundred come unto us, to where there is one now; and we should indeed be as a city set upon a hill, that could not be hid. Our conduct would then speak louder than words; and many would be invited by our example, to come look upon Zion; and to behold Jerusalem a quiet habitation, with none of its stakes broken, nor cords loosed.”

“Our meeting just held was an interesting season. Our beloved friend Christopher Healy was favored to hand forth an instructive testimony, in demonstration of the Spirit and of power; quoting the language: 'Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, while the evil days come not, nor the years draw nigh, when you shall say, I have no pleasure in them,' and bringing to view the blessed effects of obedience to the Divine will, and the danger of putting off the day of visitation. That we all have need of a mightier power than our own to guide us safely to the realms of peace. He believed that some whose faces had been turned Zionward, felt a little discouraged because their troubles were greater now, than when more careless about spiritual things; but he told us this was nothing new. For while we are pursuing self-gratification, and walking in the way that Satan would have us to go, he troubles us not, but endeavors to make the way smooth and easy. But when we take a stand against him, and turn our faces toward Zion, 'tis then he is aroused to vigorous action, with his assaults, temptations and insinuations, in order to hinder and to turn us from the way that leads to salvation. This keeps us in a state of continual warfare against our soul's enemy. But it is good for us. The watch and the warfare must be maintained, and with weapons that are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of the strongholds—the strongholds of sin and Satan. He had stood by the bedside of one who acknowledged that he had despised the counsel of the Lord, and had served Satan in almost every respect; and he thought it was the most awful sight he had ever beheld! The soul struggling under the just judgments of the Lord, seemed to be in torment while yet in the body. The poor victim had no hope of pardon and redemption, and ended his days much in this awful condition. Our beloved friend seemed much affected in the contemplation of this lamentable state of human existence; and held it up to view as a solemn warning to us. He upheld the necessity of seeking the Lord while He may be found, and making preparation for the solemn close before the evil days come or the years draw nigh when we shall say, we have no pleasure in them. The Lord will not say to the sincere wrestling seed of Jacob, 'Seek my face in vain.' Oh do not any of you despise counsel. He also intimated that there was danger of some falling away who had made a good beginning, and would, unless they were obedient to Divine requirings. Our dear friend also spoke of his own experience, how he had been assailed by the enemy, and had fled to the Lord Jesus for refuge; who pointed him to the strait and narrow way; and as he endeavored to walk therein, had raised him up out of the miry clay, and set his feet upon that rock, which he could declare was the Rock of Ages, even Christ Jesus.”

“After a time of solemn silence, our valued friend Christopher Healy arose and stated, that his mind had been exercised almost from his first sitting down in the meeting, in a way comparable to our Savior's answer to those who spoke of the Temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts. The reply was: As for these things which you behold, the days will come, in the which there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.' Now, Friends, these things must be fulfilled spiritually in us, as much as they were fulfilled outwardly: the glory of this world must be stained in our view; our delight in the riches, the fashions, the customs, and whatever is worldly must be thrown down.

“There is too much of a disposition in us to shun the cross. We want to come to the Savior, and at the same time hold fast to the things of the world. We are convinced that there is no better profession, than the profession of the Society of Friends; and we would love to become religious members, and walk answerably to our high profession; but the cross is in the way. We are not willing to suffer for the Savior's sake, who himself was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. He had met with many while travelling up and down through the land, who were willing to acknowledge that Daniel's God was the only true God; that there is no better profession than ours; and yet they would not live up thereto.

“When the light of the Divine countenance shines upon us, we are almost or quite persuaded to be Christians, and resolve to live in obedience to the Divine mil; but when the light is a little obscured, we stumble at the cross and turn away. He queried of some present what was the cause of these things? The cross must be borne, though it may lead us into singularity, and to be despised and rejected by the worldly wise. He did not mean to insinuate that we should make ourselves disagreeable in the eves of the world, further than to live in obedience to Divine requirings. He had felt it, as plain as he had ever felt anything outwardly with his hands, that there were those present who had sustained great loss by going on from year to year, and not sufficiently confessing their Savior before men; and if there had been more faithfulness to their Divine Master's will, there would have been more fathers and mothers in our Israel raised up amongst us, to encourage others to come look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities, not one of its stakes broken, nor cords loosed; and they would have found Him indeed to be their Counsellor; the mighty God; the everlasting Father; the Prince of Peace.

“In allusion to the unalterable necessity of self-denial and the daily cross, he said, he should not marvel so much that so few are disposed to take up the cross, and follow the Captain of their salvation, if their real enjoyments were abridged thereby. But on the contrary the way of the cross is the only way to lasting peace, and the only way in which true enjoyment is to be found even here.”

Christopher Healy paid a visit to Friends in the neighborhood of Gwynedd, in the summer of 1847. A family sitting during that visit is thus described by Hannah Williams, late of Plymouth, Pennsylvania, to Jacob and Phebe Roberts, Seventh Month 17th, 1847:—

“He commenced with supposing we all believed that every good gift was from God; that we had nothing but what we had received; that we were entirely dependent; we could save neither 'body nor soul;' that faith was His gift; if we believed there was a way to be saved, it was His gift. So He stripped us of all things, and we saw ourselves standing naked and alone before the great all-seeing Eye. Here he brought in the omniscience of our great Care-taker. His compassion for our helplessness, as we with sincere hearts looked toward him; and when we fell short and did evil, and repented and humbled ourselves, how, oh how He would make the dry ground of the heart springs of water; that instead of the 'thorn' should come up the 'fir tree,' and instead of the 'briar' shall come up the 'myrtle tree:' and it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off!'

“The diligent and right attendance of all our religious meetings he encouraged; said that though we might sometimes feel poor and low, yet He would not send empty away those who waited for him in singleness of heart. On the subject of unfaithfulness he said, a little unfaithfulness, and very little too, how quickly it weighs down the scale against the little good we might have done; concluding with, 'Oh Friends, be encouraged! Be faithful!'”

During the same visit in another opportunity in the same family, Christopher Healy spoke of faith which he seemed to think we had found to be as an anchor, staying the mind in seasons of trials. He then proceeded to describe a ship anchored firmly with the watch on board in a storm; that the watch needed, in an especial manner, to mind the cable, which was fastened to the ship and to the anchor, and held all safe. If that parted, the poor ship would be driven here and there at the mercy of the winds and the waves. He dwelt on the importance of the watch having an eye to the cable, to see that it did not part. Christ Jesus was He in whom our anchor, faith, was firmly stayed. The other part of the figure it was easy to apply; the ship would ride out all the storms of time safely, only let the 'watch' mind the 'cable.'

Allusion has heretofore been made in these sketches, to Christopher Healy's conversational talent. This, when with his friends in the private circle, he often exercised to their entertainment and instruction. It is said, Richard Jordan, that wise Israelite, who was also remarkable for this talent, has stated that he felt himself as much under the Divine anointing when pressing religious truths in a conversational or anecdotal way, as when engaged in his public ministrations from the gallery. Christopher Healy also often pressed close home in a lively manner, solid and pertinent truths in his familiar and easy method of communication. He seemed in this as well as other things, to let his “light shine” by giving diligent heed to the precept of the Apostle: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

The following incidents, related by him at different times in companies where he was, are inserted here:

“Upon Christopher's visit to the Southern States, in the year 1824, he found that Elias Hicks had commenced disseminating his unsound views, and that a few in those parts had imbibed them. At one place our friend attended a small Select Meeting. There were not more than about ten present. Christopher said something came over him that he could not get rid of, and so he quoted the expression of the prophet: 'Shut the door, and hold him fast at the door; is not the sound of his master's feet behind him.' When anyone believes that there is no devil, no evil spirit other than the natural inclinations of the human heart, whether he is a Friend, or belongs to another denomination, he is ready to deny the divinity of our Savior. Christ was tempted of the devil, and he could not have been tempted by his own nature, it must have been by an evil spirit. Through this door [of denying the existence of a devil] all infidel principles can come in, even till a man comes, with the fool, to say in his heart, there is no God.'

“After the meeting had dispersed, his companion told him that he had heard one of the Friends present state his opinion in these very words, that there was no devil other than the natural inclinations of the heart. Nothing had been said to Christopher about it, and at the time he felt the impression, he was not aware that any present held such views.”

“Fourth Month 15th, 1849.—At the house of a friend, Christopher said, 'I suppose that there are few members of our religious Society now living, who have passed through sorer trials of their faith, or have been plunged into deeper baptisms of suffering than I have been; but,' he added, 'I can now see that it has all been for the best, and that they have been permitted, or perhaps I may say appointed, to purify me more effectually from defilement, and to wean me from the perishing things of this world, and to induce me to seek for consolation where alone it can be truly found. And lastly, that I may sympathize with, and comfort those who are under suffering, with a little of that comfort with which I myself have been comforted of God. And I do believe that it is not only my privilege, but my duty also, to do what I can to comfort and encourage my Friends who are under trials and afflictions, by telling them how good Master has been to me, not only in sustaining and supporting me under my many und varied provings and besetments, but in bringing me out from under them in His own appointed time; and when He has seen that it was enough, permitting me and enabling me to sing His praises on the banks of deliverance. Glory be to his ever worthy name therefor!

“I just now remember a time when I was plunged into as deep distress as perhaps I was ever in; and I am willing to tell you of it, (addressing an individual present) for your consolation and encouragement. I had been speaking a little in meetings from time to time, as you have been, and not without doubts and reasonings from within, and opposing spirits from without, as I suppose you have had to encounter. But the cause of my then great trouble was on account of some debts which I had left behind me unpaid, in Rhode Island. I knew that they ought to have been paid long before, but I had never been able to do it, though I had worked early and late, and denied myself almost the necessaries of life in order to do so; yet I had not been able to procure the means. The consideration of these things troubled me very much, for I feared that my creditors would believe that I was dishonest, and that I intended to cheat them out of their just dues, by refusing to pay what I owed. Indeed, I was so much troubled about it, and got so worked up in my mind, that I felt almost confident that a complaint would be sent to our Monthly Meeting against me, and I was really afraid to go to Monthly Meeting lest I should there hear myself charged with being a dishonest man.

“One evening in particular I was brought very low in my mind. I seemed to have got to the very lowest spot that a poor mortal could be plunged into. My wife had gone to bed, and was asleep, but I was afraid to go to bed, and there I sat, or walked about, reduced almost to despair. After a while I thought I would get my Bible, and see if I could not find some comfort in it; or at least if I could not divert my mind from its very distressing thoughts, by reading in that good book. The first passage I read did but increase my distress. I have forgotten what it was, but it plunged me still deeper into misery; and the further I read on, the worse I got, so that I thought I would go distracted if I did not shut up the book. It was then after midnight. I put my Bible away, and concluded to go to bed, expecting nothing else than I would toss and tumble about without sleep till morning. But I think I was not in bed five minutes before I fell asleep; and I seemed to awake as suddenly. I stared around me, and it was broad day, and the sun was shining full in my face.

“We lived then in a log cabin, at the east end of which there was a window of six lights, through which the sun was shining bright and clear as I ever beheld it. I looked round the room. There lay my wife sleeping sweetly by my side, and I could see every thing in the room, looking as natural and in its place as usual. I looked out of the window, and everything there seemed bright and beautiful: the glorious sun seemed to be half way up the sky, shining with its accustomed splendor; and there I lay in bed debating with myself whether it was really day, with the sun half way up to the meridian, or whether it was a vision of light that encompassed me. But while I was considering this question, the light faded from my view, and I found myself lying in my bed with the darkness of midnight around me. I then knew that it was either a dream, or else a vision of light from the Lord to comfort my heart, and to bring me out of my sore distress. And blessed be His holy name, who thus did comfort me, and gave me at once faith to believe that He would make bare His holy Arm for my help, and bring me out of my great and sore troubles. Yes, the Sun of righteousness did already shine into my heart, as the sun of this vision of light shone into my face, and lighted up the flame of hope, giving me to believe that He would enlighten my path, and enable me to see of the travail of my soul, and be satisfied therewith. Being thus refreshed and comforted, I fell asleep and slept soundly till morning.

“Next day I wrote to a Friend in Rhode Island, and told him how distressed I had been about my debts, assuring him that I was desirous and anxious to pay them, but that hitherto I had been unable to do so; and I requested him to inform my creditors, that I was striving to earn the means of paying them, and I would send it to them as soon as I could get it, which I hoped to do before long. I soon after received an answer, saying that I might make myself easy about my debts, as all my creditors knew that I was an honest man, and they were willing to wait for the money, until I was able to pay it without distressing myself. Times soon changed for the better with me. I had a pretty good crop of wheat, which I sold, and I parted with some other things: so that I collected a pretty considerable sum of money for me, though not quite enough to pay all I owed; but I sent it to my friend C, desiring him to divide it among my creditors. I soon after received a letter from him, enclosing receipts in full from all my creditors.

“So the Lord helped me out of that difficulty, as I trust He will help you out of yours; for I know that He will help all his poor distressed children and servants out of their difficulties and trials, if they will but trust in Him, and not cast themselves down as I did, and as the devil tried to tempt the blessed Jesus to do, when the old deceiver quoted Scripture to accomplish his wicked purposes. It is wrong to cast ourselves down, and it is nearly as bad to stay down in the cellar a moment longer than we can help it. A cellar is a cold, damp, and sickly place, and it is equally unwholesome for body or mind. Come up out of it as soon as you can, and hold fast the shield of faith; don't cast it away, as though it had never been anointed with oil; for if you hold on, the Master will bring you up out of the horrible pit, and out of the miry clay, and set your feet upon a rock, and establish your goings; yes, He will put a new song into your mouth, even praises to our God: yes. He will enable you to sing a song of deliverance, even one of the holy songs of Zion, to his praise.”

“A missionary among the Stockbridge Indians was sadly given to the practice of using compliments. Upon a certain occasion, when Christopher was surrounded by a good many Indians, the missionary indulged himself even more than usual with him, in this way. As Christopher felt his mind drawn to administer a little reproof, he quietly asked him, 'what he would think of a Bible, if he should buy one that had in it Mr. Paul and Mr. Peter, instead of simply Peter or Paul, as our common Bibles call them? Wouldst you not say, away with it; this is a cheat and a counterfeit: I'll have none of it, because it is not genuine; for I know the Holy Spirit never taught men to write so? Now if holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit in old time, as the Apostle Peter says they did, does the same holy and heavenly Teacher lead you and others to speak a different language now? '

“The missionary seemed to be very much disconcerted, but made no reply; and the Indians nodded from one to another an assent to the justice of the rebuke which had been administered.”

“After the Second Month Quarterly Meeting (Bucks), Christopher Healy visited his ancient friend Ruth Ely. At the time of parting he took her hand, and said, 'Farewell: Perhaps we may meet again in mutability, and perhaps we may not.' 'It seems lively with me,' said Ruth, 'to say to you what two valuable Friends said at parting: one said, 'We may see each other again' to which the other replied: 'No: when you come this way again, I shall be in heaven.' Ruth added, 'I believe I am waiting. I had thought I must go out again; but I believe I am waiting.' Christopher said, after a pause, 'I must tell you what I once heard a good old Presbyterian say to one who thought he was waiting: 'There is no waiting state until the work is done!' 'Then,' said Ruth, with great solemnity, 'I must see what remains for me to do yet. This has been a very pleasant visit to me. The unity that has always been between us, is not to be broken; neither heights nor depths, nor anything in this world can separate us.'

“After this interview, Ruth Ely paid several visits that were upon her mind, to her own comfort, as well as to that of the visited. She also got out once more to meeting. When, the work being done and the waiting state attained, she was suddenly called home to the joy of her Lord, on the 18th of Third Month, 1851, in the eighty-third year of her age.

“The next time Christopher went that way was to attend her funeral, at which time he intimated he should soon follow her; and about three weeks after, he was taken sick.”

[The following two letters of Christopher Healy, addressed to his lifelong friend John Wilbur, were written at a time when unsound doctrines were making great headway in the Society of Friends, and many ancient principles of Quakerism were being abandoned in favor of doctrines more suited to the wisdom and ability of the natural man.]

From Christopher Healy To John Wilbur

Bucks County, Pennsylvania, 2nd of 6th mo., 1847.

My very dear and much beloved friend, John Wilbur,

I received your salutation of unfeigned love, a little while after our Yearly Meeting. It miscarried and got to Doylestown, and lay there a long time, but when I did receive it I was comforted, and rejoiced in spirit. May you, my dear brother in the Truth, be comforted, and filled with joyful hope, for greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world; this you have clearly proved, by your great suffering, for your divine Master's and the church's sake. May he be pleased to make bare his holy arm of power, for your health, both in spirituals and temporals. I have often thought of your dear bosom friend, how she must be tried as well as you, in that long and sore warfare. May our blessed Helper be very near to strengthen you to bear up, now in your old age. I have several times read your “Narrative” as well as some other accounts, and I thought nothing short of Divine power could have carried you so remarkably through. You have heard by this time, I suppose, that our Yearly Meeting this year, condemned the unsound writings of Joseph John Gurney, and also of Edward Ash, and the document after our next Meeting for Sufferings, will be published.

I was taken sick last 8th month, and have not yet recovered, so as to be able to write but very poorly; my nervous system being so affected. This is the first writing since my sickness, but my health is middling good otherwise, and that of my family.

Oh! my dear brother, this is a sifting time to the members of our Society. I have believed our poor Society will yet be sifted as wheat is sifted in a sieve, for it is declared, “I will overturn, overturn, overturn, says the Lord, until he shall come whose right it is to rule and reign.” Our Israel is too much mixed among the people of the world. The language of my soul is: “come out from among them, and be separate, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will save you.” Now my dear brother in the gospel of the dear Son of God, be not discouraged at these trying times, for Zion cannot come forth out of the wilderness of this world, clear as the sun, fair as the moon, and terrible as an army with banners, leaning also on her Beloved, until she shall arise and shake herself from the dust of the earth, and put on her beautiful garments, then she will arise with Him who is the Resurrection and the Life, and because he is the bread of life, our souls shall live also. Oh! that this blessed day might come to the church, then will judges be restored as at the first, and counsellors as at the beginning. I do believe this time will come, though a great falling away may take place first; but my dear friend, a people, a favored remnant will be preserved of the true principle and name of Quakers.

I know when I consider all the circumstances connected with the case, that you may sometimes in your poor soul say, Israel has almost forsaken the Lord, but my dear friend, remember the answer of the Lord was to him in the still small voice, I have reserved seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal, nor kissed his image. I believe you have said many times under your deep troubles, as Jacob of old said concerning his dear son Joseph, “Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well, whose branches run over the wall; the archers have sorely grieved him, and shot at him, and hated him; but his bow abode in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong, by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob; from there is the shepherd, the stone of Israel.” These things you have largely experienced, and they will be sanctified to you for your salvation, and if you should not see the desires of your soul in this world, if you keep the word of his patience, through this tribulated scene, you will witness being kept in the hour of temptation, and, by and by, when you are gathered among the just of all generations, to shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of our heavenly Father, then will you receive your blessed reward, and your joy will be full, and no man will take your crown, because you have labored and not fainted.

So now, my dear brother, farewell, in the love of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. My dear wife sends her love to you, and your dear wife and family. James and Jane Moon also send their love to you, and so would many more, did they know of this freedom. In the great satisfaction and love which for many years we have had together, and for each other, the remembrance of which now rejoices my heart, I take my leave, and remain your affectionate friend,

Christopher Healy.

From Christopher Healy To John Wilbur

Lower Makefield, Bucks County, Pa., 3rd mo., 22nd, 1850.

My dear friend John Wilbur,

In the love of the gospel I write unto you to inform you that I received your very acceptable letter yesterday which we read with great satisfaction, and were comforted in feeling you so firm in the ancient faith once delivered to the saints. May He who has been your bow, and covered your head in the day of battle, continue with you and renew your strength in him whose arm is everlasting strength. I know of no one in these latter days of trouble in our Society that has had so deep baptisms to pass through as you have. But my dear friend, may your soul be filled with thanksgiving and living praises to the great Captain of our salvation, who was never foiled in the field nor overcome in the day of battle. Nothing but his help could have sustained you and your dear friends in such times of sore conflict; and my heart's desire and prayer to the living God is that you may hold on your way, for I do believe the victory will be obtained if your faith fail not. Remember the blessed declaration that the mountains flowed down at his presence. When this scourge has sifted our poor Society enough, he will take the work into his own hands and show who are his friends and who are his enemies, as he has in some measure began to do already.

Oh, my dear friend, as you are so thoroughly converted, strengthen your brethren; yes speak often to them and one unto another, and the Lord who has been your helper will hearken, and a book of remembrance will be written before him. You with myself are of the number that have stood firm for that blessed cause which is dignified with immortality and crowned with eternal life; hold fast the beginning of your confidence steadfast unto the end, that so the crown may be sure. The time is approaching when you as well as myself must be offered up, and may we through watchfulness and holy help, be enabled to adopt the language of that faithful apostle Paul: that we have fought a good fight, have kept the faith and finished our course, and that henceforth there is a crown laid up for us, which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give to us at that day, and not to us only but to all those that love his appearing. Oh, if our poor Society had loved his appearing there never would have been such a leaving of the ancient stepping-stones. But my beloved friend, let us not be too much discouraged; our heavenly Shepherd can raise up sons and daughters from the highways and hedges, bring them into the church and qualify them for his work and service. My mind is enlarged, but my hand fails by reason of the weakness of my nervous system. I have not written so much as a line since I wrote to you, until now, so you will excuse my short letter. I am middling well except my nervousness; my family are also well. Give my love to your dear wife and to all inquiring friends.

Please to write soon that I may know how you feel concerning that better part, as well as how you are in bodily health. So I conclude in that love which shall abide, your brother in the gospel of the dear Son of God,

Christopher Healy.

Chapter XVIII.

Last Illness and Death.

The following account is extracted from memoranda kept of his last illness and death:—

“The 8th of Fourth Month, 1851, our dear friend Christopher Healy was taken alarmingly ill; upon which he intimated that it might be his last sickness; and wished it understood that he felt no condemnation, but experienced that scripture verified: 'There is, therefore, now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.'

“11th.—He said, 'I feel very poorly; but tell all my friends that if I go now, I go well. I feel nothing but peace. All is peace!'

“He manifested solicitude on account of a Friend who called to see him; and exhorted him to be careful that he did not get into the spirit of the world, to the neglect of his religious duties; as some had sorrowfully done.

“A thankful spirit was eminently his; and he appreciated the outward comforts with which he was surrounded; and contrasted them with the destitution of many of his fellow-creatures: repeating the little verse,

' While some poor creatures scarce can tell,' etc.

He said that the accumulation of wealth might have been a snare to him; but that he never sought after great things; and what he had asked for had been abundantly granted. His mind seemed clothed with contentment and gratitude.

“19th.—In the afternoon his articulation became much obstructed, so that but little could be clearly gathered; but the following expressions were distinctly understood: 'Our poor shattered Society! But I have done what I could.' 'AH is peace! all is peace!' 'The righteous shall have living comfort.' 'The living praise the Lord; the dead cannot praise Him. They may praise him in the letter; but they cannot praise Him in the Spirit.' 'They that live in the Spirit, must walk in the Spirit.' 'I have a hope, an everlasting hope of being gathered “where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest.” My secret help, my hope, and my salvation is Christ.'

“20th.—To his wife he said, 'We have lived together many years in great harmony and unity. I believe that the time is drawing near when we shall have to part; and I hope that we shall be favored to meet in a better country. I trust that if I have missed it, it is forgiven me. I feel no condemnation. I have sometimes felt a desire to live to see our Society in a better state than it now is; but I still believe that there will be a remnant preserved, that will uphold our ancient doctrines, and that without equivocation. There is a disposition in many who profess our ancient doctrines, to equivocate; and wherever there is equivocation there will be a going off. I think the number will be small that will stand; but after that there will be a gathering.'

“To a Friend who called to see him, he said in substance, 'I am glad you have come; and I hope you will be careful to do what you find it your duty to do. I have labored a long time in our poor Society, but my labor has nearly come to a close, and I can say as the apostle said: 'My speech and my preaching were not in the enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.' The Friend, being about to leave, inquiring what he should tell his friends, he replied, 'Tell them, I love all that love the Truth, and walk in it; but I cannot have fellowship with those who forsake it.'

“22nd.—'I do not think that I see anything in my way. All seems well. What a favor to be an inhabitant of that city that needs not the light of the sun, nor the moon to shine in it, for the glory of the Lord does lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof! Oh! if I could quietly pass away to that blessed inheritance, how glad I should be! I hope there is nothing in the way! “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before him!” “As the hart pants after the water-brooks, so pants my soul after you, O God.”'

“About noon today the accumulation of phlegm in the throat seemed as though it must produce strangulation; and his friends were apprehensive that the period of his release had nearly come. In his struggles for life he said: 'I cannot stand it. I must go! Oh be honest! Oh be faithful! Joy forevermore appears great!'

“24th.—Today he remarked: “Christ knows his own sheep, and his sheep hear his voice, and he leads them out, and goes before them; and a stranger they will not follow, but will flee from him, for they know not the voice of strangers.” Poor and unworthy as I am, I see nothing in my way; and I hope I shall be patient until it shall please my Divine Master to cut short the thread of my life—to cut short the work in righteousness.'

“A beloved friend sitting by his bedside, he said, 'We love each other in the Lord; we have both known the Truth, and the Truth has made us free; and if Christ has made us free, then are we free indeed!' He spoke much of the necessity of standing firm in the day of trial; of standing upon both feet [being firmly planted] and of the danger of falling if standing but upon one foot, and said, 'I have borne my testimony faithfully against unsoundness and innovation, and have never turned my back in the day of battle.'

“25th.—One of his daughters coming to see him, he expressed his hope that his children would tread in the footsteps of their father; who had been made willing to take up the cross in early life, which had preserved him from many snares and temptations. 'Oh! Truth is Truth; it cannot be divided! As regards our poor Society, I believe there will be a suffering time for the true seed, before it can reign. Then it may be said: “Therefore I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her. And I will give her her vineyards from there, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope; and she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.” 'He also quoted as the fruit of this: “Look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities: your eyes shall see Jerusalem a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down; not one of the stakes thereof shall ever be removed, neither shall any of the cords thereof be broken. But there the glorious Lord will be unto us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby. For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our Lawgiver, the Lord is our king: he will save us.”'

“'Oh! if I could now settle away, and go to sleep in the arms of my beloved Savior, how glad I should be! But it is not time yet. His time is the best time, and the right time. He has brought me through all my trials and temptations, and landed me safe in a well-grounded hope of a happy eternity! What a consolation it is to me; and how glad I am, that I can say at such a time as this, that I feel no condemnation. Everything looks pleasant. Yes, as clear and bright as the light. I have that hope which is as an anchor to the soul both sure and steadfast; and enters into that within the veil, where our Forerunner has gone.'

“'I have no wish to survive the morning. I am ready to leave this troublesome world, to pass through the valley and shadow of death to that city whose inhabitants “shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more, for the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and lead them unto living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” As said the apostle, “We have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” I have this to comfort me, that I have always believed the truths of the gospel: that the true gospel is the power of God unto salvation to all them that believe. The angel flew through the midst of heaven having the everlasting gospel to preach. That everlasting gospel was not a book; it was the power of God unto salvation. The angel had no book, but he said with a loud voice, “Fear God, and give glory to Him, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea, and the fountains of waters.” The outward account of the gospel is not the gospel.'

“'I now say as I have often said. Friends speak often one to another; and if we speak right, the Lord will hearken and hear. I don't mean that we should speak often one to another in common conversation, or about the things of the world, but about heavenly tilings; and encourage one another; and endeavor to get into that state in which we will say no evil; and the Lord will hearken and hear; and a book of remembrance will be written for those that fear Him, and that think upon his great and glorious Name.'

“28th.—His outward sight was very much gone, but in allusion to his inward feelings, he said, 'What a pleasant morning! It is a morning without clouds! Is it so out of doors?' Being answered that it was a bright morning, he responded, 'All seems bright and pleasant with me; and if I could now pass away to the realms of bliss, how glad I should be! '

“Upon taking some water, he remarked, 'It will be but little more water that I shall need here; but I believe that I shall shortly partake freely of the waters of life:” “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters.” “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me: your rod and your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.”'

“He placed a high value upon that unity which subsists between true brethren, baptized by the one Spirit into the one body; and in reference to such unity, repeated the 133rd Psalm: 'Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity; it is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion; for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore.'

“To a friend who visited him, he said, 'I am glad you have come to see me. We are poor things of ourselves; but what an unspeakable mercy if we can only feel that we have no condemnation—that we are in Christ Jesus—the only safe abiding place. The old enemy is a deceiver and murderer; and would discourage us and try to make us believe that there is no such thing as perfection.' 'Oh that our Divine Master would bow the heavens and come down, and put darkness under our feet, and make a way for his travailing seed.'

“Fifth Month, 2nd.—He said: 'I feel the guardian angel of His holy presence to be round about me, to guard and comfort me through the valley and shadow of death. I have done my day's work; and would be glad if I could now pass quietly away to my everlasting inheritance—to the realms of peace, 'where the weary are at rest.'”

“When under great bodily suffering he exclaimed, 'O Lord! be pleased to give me patience to endure unto the end. My pain is very great; and may you be pleased to bless my dear wife, and dear children.' Then addressing these he said: 'But your loss will be my eternal gain; and I hope you will feel it so. My Lord endured great sufferings. He was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief You will have to pass through this last dispensation—and oh! be prepared! '

“3rd.—Some Friends from a distance calling to see him, he said, he had been much comforted, and had sweet peace of mind in visiting their part of the vineyard; believing that there were many there that preferred Jerusalem to their chiefest joy; adding, 'and may their number increase! Oh, dear Friends, speak often one to another of the good things of the world to come! Keep in the unity! and a blessing will attend you. Give my love to all Friends in that part of the land.'

“'I have been led much among those not of our Society, and the language has often been sounded in my ear: 'Other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one Shepherd.'”

“4th.—After having been in much bodily distress, he uttered the encouraging language: 'The Lord will bless Zion. He will sanctify Jerusalem. He will make her walls salvation, and her gates praise. The Lord will bless Zion. When he pleases, he will fortify her walls, he will set up her gates! O Lord I the mighty One of Israel! I feel your comfort, and I rejoice, and sing your name and your praises in the land of the living!' 'Unto you that fear my name, shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.' 'This is a great and blessed Supper.'

“Alluding to some who seemed to be departing from our ancient faith, he said: 'I have no unity with those who go in this way. I can only unite with those, and walk with those, that go in the way that the Lord opens and preserves in.' Being dipped into sympathy with the oppressed and struggling seed, he said: What will become of the poor little precious flock and family! May their heads be a little anointed with oil. He will anoint their heads with oil!' 'Inquire after the good old ways, and the ancient paths, and shun the paths that lead to evil.”

5th.—Being in great pain, he passed a suffering night, and obtained but little alleviation this morning. But through his protracted sufferings, his soul seemed to be centered on heavenly things, and clothed with devotion, spending much of the night in earnest intercession at the Throne of Grace. His mind was unusually exercised. He prayed fervently for the best interests of his wife, his children, his friends, and all the church of Christ; and, notwithstanding the decay of nature, was, at times, remarkably strengthened with might in the inner man; manifesting abundant evidence that they who have fixed their habitations on the unchangeable Truth, are not forsaken in the time of need, but are supported and sustained in the hour of sore trial and deep distress, when vain is the help of man; and are even enabled to rejoice in tribulation, and sing praises unto their Creator; and that while they are thus established, no divination or enchantment will be allowed to prevail against them, to destroy their holy confidence and well-grounded hope of the attainment of an inheritance, incorruptible, that fades not away. The faith of these is no cunningly devised fable, but a sustaining and substantial truth, that is as an anchor to the soul both sure and steadfast; and their light shines more and more unto the perfect day, until the purified soul is swallowed up in immortality!

“Towards noon his mind seemed to be carried back to the days of his youth, and he expressed his gladness that he had come out from the forms and ceremonies of a lifeless profession, and had been brought into a more spiritual way. He spoke of the great importance of bearing a faithful testimony to the faith once delivered to the saints—to the faith once delivered to our forefathers: of the necessity of great watchfulness, lest hurtful things should take root amongst us, and weaken our faith in the precious doctrines and testimonies that had been given us as a people to bear: 'for,' said he 'it was while men slept that the enemy sowed tares. The good wheat had been sown amongst us, but the enemy also had sowed tares.' He seemed to be much impressed with the great importance of preserving the clean seed unmixed; and rejoiced in the belief, that there were those preserved amongst us, who do bear a faithful testimony against those things which may be compared to the tares.

“He travailed greatly in spirit for the prosperity of Zion. The welfare of our Society seemed almost constantly to be mingled with his best feelings; and his fervent intercessions often arose to the Father of mercies, that it might be preserved upon its ancient foundation; and that He would spare His people, and give not his heritage to reproach.

“Though abundantly favored with an evidence that the Divine Presence is round about him, to sustain and comfort this soul, and with a holy assurance that as he puts off the tabernacle of clay, there will be prepared for him a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, yet (writes the author of these notes) it has been with him as with most Zionward travellers, some seasons of poverty of soul have been his allotted portion, doubtless for the further trial of his faith, but not sufficient to shake his confidence in that never-failing Arm of Power that has hitherto sustained him; and which he believed would continue to support him through all his remaining trials, yet sufficient at times to afflict his spirit; and expressions of this kind occasionally were heard: 'My soul is exceeding sorrowful.' 'They have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.' Pray for me.' But it has seldom been that these feelings have been permitted to cloud his triumphant spirit, and they have soon passed away, and left his mind calm and peaceful in the enjoyment of renewed faith and holy hope and confidence, even as a morning without clouds.

“6th.—He said that his day's work was done, and his peace made; and without manifesting any impatience on account of the protracted period of his earthly pilgrimage, he queried why it was that he was kept here so long, evincing a longing desire to depart when it should please his Divine Master to take him hence; evidently waiting, with holy confidence, for the gracious invitation, 'Enter into the joy of your Lord.'

“He exclaimed: 'O Lord, you are good and kind to your truly exercised children! You have been my stay and my staff through my pilgrimage. Be pleased to continue to be to the latest period of my life.' Again: 'O Lord, be pleased to remember your disobedient and gainsaying children. Make them to know that you are God; and that they must appear before your judgment seat to receive the reward of their deeds, let them be good or evil. Every one that will not bow in mercy, must in judgment. Dear friends, fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil.'

“He was often much exercised on account of the low state of our once favored Society; and said it was his unshaken belief, that the testimonies that were given our forefathers to bear, would not be allowed to fall to the ground: but that there would be standard bearers raised up, and watchmen to proclaim the day of the Lord: as said the Prophet formerly, 'I will turn my hand upon you, and purge away your dross; and I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counsellors as at the beginning: 'afterwards, 'You shall be called the City of Righteousness.' Then the song will be, 'Lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone, the flowers appear on the earth, the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.'

“11th.—A disinterested love and living desire for salvation of all souls, it is believed has seldom been more prominent in the experience of any of Zion's children, than in that of our departed Friend. When health and liberty permitted, his labors in the line of religious duty were abundant, beyond the pale of our Society; and as the energies of the outward man became prostrated, and the termination of his earthly existence apparently drew near, still that universal love of souls came up before him, and he supplicated fervently for this generation—for this untoward generation.

“12th.—To a friend who called to see him, he said, 'I love to meet my friends; it generally brings tenderness with it.'

“He spent much of the night in supplication and exercise of soul, but owing to great exhaustion and feebleness of articulation, but little could be gathered, except the frequent naming of his Maker, and a few detached sentences, such as, 'How good'—'how comfortable'—'how sweet '—' His glorious presence '—' I love my friends.'

“16th.—This day about eleven o'clock, our dear friend departed this life. An easy passage was mercifully granted him, his close being calm and peaceful; and his last words, 'Peace, peace!'”

He was in the seventy-eighth year of his age, having been a minister about fifty years.

A concern had long rested on the mind of our beloved friend to have his remains enclosed in a coffin of very plain and simple appearance; and as his illness progressed, and the solemn period of his departure appeared to be drawing near, the subject revived with increasing weight; and he solemnly enjoined upon his friends the faithful performance of his wishes in this respect: which request was strictly complied with: “Have my coffin made of white pine boards, without stain or color, brass hinges or lining; and have it flat on the top; and let it be laid in the earth without any outside coffin or box.” Though the fulfillment of this concern might present to some minds the aspect of needless singularity, yet it evidently felt to our dear friend to be a testimony of very grave importance, which he was conscientiously bound to sustain. He had long mourned over a growing propensity among Friends to exhibit a vain display at funerals; which he believed was gradually leading us away from the becoming simplicity of our forefathers, and introducing us more and more into conformity to the world and its spirit; and he felt religiously engaged that neither his example nor precepts should tend to the promotion of such ends. He also believed that it was not consistent with the will of an all-wise Creator, that there should be any decoration or adorning about the corruptible part, which, in the return of “dust to dust” was to lose all its comeliness; but that strict simplicity was far more becoming the solemn occasion. Considerations such as these, we believe, under the influence of heavenly light, operated upon his mind, and produced a powerful conviction, that there was a necessity laid upon him to bear a faithful testimony against all appearance of pride or ostentation in the preparation of the poor body for the grave.

On the 19th, his remains were interred in Friends' burying ground at Fallsington, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, attended by a very large collection of Friends and others: after which a solemn meeting was held, and many public testimonies borne to the Christian virtues of the deceased; and to the undoubted assurance that his spirit had been gathered into the fold of everlasting rest.

“Mark the perfect man, and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace.”

Supplement

The Last Year Life of Christopher Healy

by George Williams Brown

At the beginning of summer in the year 1850, Christopher Healy was dwelling at his pleasant residence in the southern part of Bucks County, Pennsylvania. His earthly pilgrimage had been extended to near four score years, and the outward man was feeble; but age sat serenely upon his countenance, and he was lively in spirit. Surrounded by temporal comforts, and diffusing a generous hospitality, his friends were warmly welcomed at his dwelling, and edified by his interesting and instructive conversation. The most of his coevals, with whom he had taken sweet counsel and walked in company, had passed away, but his faithful wife was still spared to him. The Monthly and Quarterly Meetings of which he was a member, had granted credentials, leaving him at liberty to perform a religious visit to his native New England, and appoint public meetings there as truth might open the way; and he looked forward to the accomplishment of this service as a probable evening sacrifice. In the performance of this visit Christopher was accompanied by his wife S. M. H., an Elder, and also by Gr. W. B., a Friend, of his own neighborhood, from whose memoranda the following account has been taken; both had certificates, suitable to the occasion, from the monthly meeting of which they were members.

In the progress of this religious visit, Christopher attended forty-seven meetings, to all of which public invitation had been extended. He also had considerable service in a more private way, in companies, in families, with individuals, in conversations; and received much kindness and favor from the people generally amongst whom his lot was cast.

Our little company left home on the morning of the 20th of 6th month, 1850, and was received at New York city by one of Christopher's nephews, who conducted us to his own dwelling, where Christopher met with two of his children, a son and daughter by former marriage. They manifested affectionate attachment to their father, and he appeared to be gratified with their company; but the son being a prominent minister amongst those who separated from Friends in the year 1827, was evidently a drawback upon the gratification, as it obstructed the flow of gospel fellowship which, added to natural affection, doubly endears children to their piously concerned parents.

At 5 o'clock in the afternoon, went aboard the steamer bound for Stonington, 115 miles distant. Leaving this noted metropolis, the great resort and mart of the western continent, “checkered with all complexions of mankind, and spotted with all crimes,” yet, doubtless, possessing many inhabitants who are bright examples of Christian virtue, and for the sake of such as are worthy, the great city may be spared in the hours of peril. Passed several benevolent institutions located upon islands surrounded by the waters of the East River; one of these was the accommodations for the poor of the city: whatever appertains to suffering humanity and the welfare of souls, appears to be interesting to Christopher, and his observations thereon are often very instructive. Nor were the works of the Creator's hand, the demonstrations of his power, and the extension of his favors, passed by entirely unnoticed; the wild and turbulent Hurlgate, the bold and picturesque banks, the variegated and pleasing landscapes, the important and attractive water way; the coming storm, the rushing winds, the agitated waters, the torrents of rain, the thunder and the lightning; the lifting clouds, the radiant sunset, the beautiful sky, the purified atmosphere, the surrounding calm, the slowly waning twilight; and although scenes such as these, most likely would attract but little attention from travelers generally, yet in company with our beloved friend Christopher, whose contemplative mind is so well qualified to draw lessons of instruction, even from wayside and familiar objects, and to impart them in their fulness and freshness to others, the situation becomes interesting, and there is evidence that he occupies a peculiar gift, much of the value thereof becoming utilized through the current conversations of every-day life.

The evening was spent in one of the spacious and extravagantly furnished rooms of the Steamer, and it proved to be an interesting season. Christopher entered into conversation with a man from Boston, and as they proceeded, others gathered around them, until the number amounted to a large proportion of the numerous passengers. About five at times took part in the subjects introduced, and it was thought that our dear friend was favored to answer their inquiries and suggestions discretely, and to address suitable counsel and admonition to the company collectively. The feelings of the people were evidently enlisted, and expressions of satisfaction and approbation were heard from several individuals. This opportunity lasted about two hours, and is further evidence of the religious solicitude which Christopher has so long manifested for the best welfare of those not of our society, of the peculiar grasp which he secures upon the minds of many of these, and of his extraordinary faculty for interesting their thoughts and feelings. Arrived at Stonington about midnight, where most of the passengers immediately left for Boston; but we remained quietly in our floating lodgings until morning.

6th month, 21st. Took passage by railway for Westerly, and found kind friends and hospitable entertainment there. At this place Christopher met with John Wilbur, one of his ancient and life long friends. The greeting between the two aged patriarchs was cordial. They had been friends in early life, and that friendship had been cemented by long years of gospel labor and fellowship, and both were now tottering o'er the grave. A meeting at Christopher's request is appointed to be held at Westerly tomorrow afternoon at 4 o'clock.

6th month, 22nd. The appointed meeting proved to be quite a large assemblage, and it was thought that Christopher was favored to declare some of the truths of the gospel in a good degree of right authority. Westerly contains many manufacturing establishments, and judging from the numerous houses for public worship, there are various religious sects in the place. Rode nine miles to Hopkinton, and met with kind entertainment there.

6th month, 23rd. First day, attended meeting at Hopkinton; the morning was wet, and the meeting perhaps smaller in consequence, but a considerable number attended, and Christopher was thought lively in his testimony. A meeting had been appointed to be held in a schoolhouse, one and a half miles distant, in the State of Connecticut, at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. This building stands on the opposite side of the road from the site of the old one (now demolished) where Christopher received school instruction in his youthful days, and had taught school for several years. There we pursued our way at the time appointed, and arrived before the conclusion of the meeting of seventh day Baptists there assembled. Their minister was exhorting with energy, but we remained on the outside of the house until the breaking up of the congregation; when, after a short respite, the people again took their seats, and several others coming in, a large meeting assembled. A solemnity soon spread over us, and Christopher was soon moved to administer word and doctrine, exhortation and reproof; which was thought to be with demonstration of the Spirit and with power. He stood at least one and three quarter hours, and taking into consideration the length of time most of the audience had been sitting previous to the commencement of our meeting, it was admirable to see the quiet and order that prevailed. A manifestation of interest and solemnity continued through out, and the opportunity closed comfortably. Several of Christopher's scholars and old acquaintances came round him after meeting, and apparently gave him the hand of cordial friendship, as did also the two Baptist ministers in attendance. It was remarked respecting the congregation that frequents this house, that their minister had produced much agitation amongst them, but that which may be compared to the whirlwind and the earthquake being past, they were then in a condition to hear the “still small voice.” The distant views are pleasing, but most of the ground being excessively stony, although it appears to possess a good degree of fertility, renders the near prospect less interesting.

6th month, 24th. Those of our own little company, and some others, walked a short distance to visit the burial-ground and site of the old Hopkinton MeetingHouse. There are many interesting associations connected with this place. It was here that Christopher attended meeting in early life; it was here that he came forward in the ministry; it was here that he first married; and in these grounds the remains of his mother are laid. Here, too, appear the graves of others of his deceased friends, and also those of the worthies of earlier generations. There was observable two solitary mounds beneath a spreading oak; these, said one of the company, are the graves of my precious daughters, one died at the time of my absence in England, and the other shortly after my return. Recognizing the solemnity of these cherished associations, and mingling our better feelings with those of our beloved friend, Christopher, it was manifest that we all felt the impressiveness of the situation; and as the pilgrimage drew to a close, left the interesting premises with hearts tendered, and feeling that it was good for us to have been there.

In the afternoon, moved forward in order to attend an appointed meeting. Arrangements had been perfected to hold it in the vestry of a Calvin Baptist meeting-house, and information was spread accordingly through the factories and schools. This place of worship is located at Bushville, between two manufacturing villages, each half a mile distant. There we repaired at the hour appointed, accompanied by some of our friends, but not a solitary individual had arrived, and the door of the house was locked. We abode in the patience for half an hour, but still no other signs of a gathering appeared. At length one man came, and he informed us that the key was kept at the lower village. Soon after a boy driving some cows drew near, and being a friendly disposed little fellow, he was asked if he would procure the key for us, to which he readily assented. The aforesaid man sat for a few minutes on the steps, and then went away, and we were again left to ourselves until the return of the little boy, who informed that owing to the absence of the custodian of the key, at was then at the upper village. One of our company volunteered to go for it, and we again found ourselves solitary until a little girl came and stood near us.

At this time the prospect of holding a meeting looked really discouraging, and serious thoughts were entertained of giving it up; but at length the key was produced, and information that way did not open to suspend operations in the factories until the usual time, which was after sunset, but that the people would convene as soon as possible afterwards. The door was unlocked, and we took our seats in the house, and about half-past eight o'clock a large company assembled, entering the room in an orderly manner, and sitting very quietly. A solemnity evidently soon spread over us, and Christopher was soon drawn forth in testimony and counsel, which continued about one and a half hours. It was not so much a doctrinal sermon as a persuasive exhortation, and particularly adapted to those young in years. This opportunity was manifestly owned by Israel's Shepherd, Gospel love and power distilled as the dew, and as the gentle rain upon the tender plant, and, was apparently received and relished with much cordiality. The meeting was appointed to be held at seven, and it closed about ten o'clock. One of our company proposed paying for the lights, but the answer was “No, you have nothing to pay; we are thankful for the meeting.” Doubtless, there were hearts clothed with reverent gratitude for the peculiar favors vouchsafed this day.

6th month, 25th. Moved forward towards South Kingston, fifteen miles distant; crossed the Wood river at the manufacturing village of Hope Valley, and wending our way for a few miles through a not very fertile district of country, called at the residence of the widow of one of Christopher's brothers; the long separated relations met, and parted affectionately, and we moved onward. The country continued to present the same rugged and not very attractive aspect, but we passed through a thriving manufacturing village. These tokens of enterprise, skill and thrift, sometimes contrast strangely with the surroundings. We also passed through a reservation belonging to a remnant of the Narragansett Indians. They are, now much reduced in number, and are considerably mixed with African blood; we met one woman bearing strongly the marks of pure aboriginal descent, and one man evidently of the amalgamated race. Christopher had upon former occasions held religious meetings amongst them, and he had been looking forward to a similar attainment at this time; but it was ascertained that many of them are absent from the reservation at this season of the year, and it is not likely that any considerable number can be collected. They also have degenerated into more dissolute habits, have now no settled minister, and their meetings for worship are suspended. Alas! for the poor Indians.—A remnant of the Penobscot tribe recently passing through this part of the country, pitched their tents in this neighborhood, where they were attacked by a disease, which soon swept fourteen of them from the face of the earth.' Christopher has long manifested a Christian sympathy and earnest desire for the welfare of the Indian, and I believe that it is unabated now, but it does not appear that a satisfactory visit can be made amongst them at this time; it is therefore left for the present. Continued our travel through a part of the country much of the way uninhabited, until we approached the flat land bordering on the Atlantic. From the brow of the hill which skirts this land scape, more attractive scenery presented; the flat land is thickly settled and quite productive, and with the sea view beyond presented a pleasing picture. We found entertainment at the hospitable dwelling of kind friends, who not only were diligent in their demonstrations to make us comfortable, but were instrumental in procuring the appointment of a meeting to be held in a Baptist meeting-house (not far distant) tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock, and in endeavoring to gather the people thereto.

6th month, 26th. Took a walk after break fast to an eminence called Green Hill, which is an extensive pasturage; from this elevation was presented a beautiful view of the Atlantic Ocean, and we saw numerous beds of oyster shells on the highland, where the poor Indians used to regale themselves in days that have long since passed away.

At the appointed hour we proceeded to attend the appointed meeting; it proved large, and through the condescending goodness of Israel's Shepherd, who was evidently mouth and wisdom, tongue and utterance, to our dear aged, but still earnest friend, it proved a tendering and doubtless a profitable season; many expressions of satisfaction therewith were afterwards heard. Rode about two miles to the abode of one who is not a member, but her three daughters had recently been admitted into the fold on the ground of convincement; the family were all kind, and we spent an agreeable evening with them and others, and tarried at their dwelling until morning. The view seaward is beautiful, and the sea breezes refreshing.

6th month, 27th. Left our comfortable quarters this morning, and riding about five miles, stopped at the habitation of the widow of another of Christopher's brothers; their greeting was affectionate, and she blessed the Lord for the visit. She is about eighty years of age, and retains her mental faculties scarcely impaired, and also her retentive memory; her son and daughter appeared gratified with their uncle's company. After dining with the family we proceeded another five miles onward, to a manufacturing village called Kenyon's Mills, and stopped at the abode of a widow not a member of any religious sect; but her house and heart were open to receive us, and we were kindly cared for by herself, her sister, her son and four intelligent daughters; and when a meeting was proposed, she freely offered their large house for that purpose. The offer was accepted, and the meeting appointed to be held at 8 o'clock in the evening; but Christopher had not much service therein.

6th month, 28th. Still moving onward and passing through several manufacturing villages, we entered a railway car, and proceeding twenty miles were kindly received at the attractive residence of a friend, located on a fertile farm lying at the outskirts of »East Greenwich. A meeting is appointed to be held at the Methodist meeting-house to morrow afternoon at 4 o'clock. East Greenwich is the place of Christopher's nativity.

In the southern section of the State of Rhode Island, where we have visited, the best of building stone is very abundant, yet the dwellings are constructed very generally of wood; a considerable proportion of them are one-story houses, but they are spread out and contain more internal space than might be supposed from external appearances, and the apartments are ingeniously and conveniently arranged; of, course there are many costly and attractive dwellings. The agricultural produce is largely pasturage and hay, which are said to be rich and nutritious. The products of the dairy are excellent, and also the beef and pork; corn and rye are raised to moderate extent, and bread made from a combination of these articles is extensively preferred to that manufactured from wheat flower. The soil or climate does not appear well adapted to the growth of wheat, and but very little of that grain is cultivated. In traveling some of the public roads, we pass through a considerable number of gates, located at the dividing lines of the different farms through which the unfenced or unwalled road passes. Ornamental trees and shrubbery surrounding the dwellings do not appear to meet with very general favor—of course there are many exceptions—and although much of the ground is excessively stony, and not remarkable for fertility, yet the inhabitants appear to thrive and live well upon their unkindly soil, and perhaps generally desire no better location. But in manufacturing enterprise they excel, and the land produce of the locality not being sufficient for the sustenance of the population, they draw a portion of their supplies from distant places.

6th month, 29th. Attended the appointed meeting; invitation had been spread extensively, but the gathering was not large, and Christopher was not largely engaged in testimony therein; but another is appointed to be held at the same place at 5 o'clock tomorrow afternoon. People not of our religious society do not often freely leave their business to attend religious meetings on week-days.

6th month, 30th—First day. Rode about six miles to a Baptist place of worship, where a meeting had been appointed to be held at 10 o'clock in the forenoon. Christopher had formerly held several favored meetings at this house, and he appeared to feel an unusual drawing there at this time. The gathering proved large. Quiet and good order prevailed, and a solemnity soon spread as a canopy over us; under which precious covering Christopher arose and handed forth doctrine, reproof, instruction in righteousness and encouragement. He stood at least one and a half hours, and it was thought that our hearts were contrited and solemnized together; and although most of the audience were Baptists, and perhaps relied confidently upon the efficacy of the outward element, yet somewhat of the baptism of the Spirit was surely felt amongst us. At 5 o'clock in the afternoon we attended the meeting appointed at the Methodist place of worship in East Greenwich. It was supposed that the gathering would be large, and a considerable number did assemble; but a funeral taking place at the same hour at the Baptist meeting-house, a large concourse of people assembled there. It is usual in this part of the world among the religious sects generally, to carry the remains to the place of worship where the assemblage of those interested, and such ceremonial proceedings as are deemed suitable take place previous to interment. Our meeting was doubtless smaller in consequence of the funeral; nevertheless it proved a good meeting; quietude and good order prevailed among the attentive audience, and it is reasonable to suppose that minds were instructed and hearts benefited under the solemnizing power of truth.

7th month, 1st. Left our hospitable accommodations this morning, proceeded about five miles westward, and met with kind entertainment in a Friend's family. A meeting had been appointed to be held in a Methodist meeting-house at Centerville, at 7 o'clock in the evening, and thereunto we proceeded at the appointed hour, and settled into stillness about early candle-light. The wing of Divine Goodness was evidently spread over us; a marked quietude prevailed, and apparently many hearts were solemnized together. Our dear friend Christopher was clothed with Gospel life and power, and ministered to an attentive audience in the authority of truth. This sea son of favor closed about half-past nine o'clock.

7th month, 2nd. This forenoon we rode to the dwelling of Christopher's half brother, where we dined. The family were all kind, and some of them accompanied us to our appointed meeting, held at the Methodist place of worship in Fiskville, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. The gathering was not large, and Gospel life and power did not appear to arise into dominion as much as at some other times. After the meeting we stopped at the house of an aged physician. He is not now a member of any society, but is an old acquaintance of Christopher's. The doctor is feeble, chiefly confined to his bed, and appears to be drawing near the close of life. He is sensible of his situation, and looks forward to his dissolution with composure, testifying that the Lord is gracious to him. As our company sat by his bedside, he asked that we might have a religious opportunity together, and those present gathered into stillness. After a time of silent waiting, Christopher was drawn forth in exercise of soul on his account, which, doubtless, was comforting to the aged sufferer. It proved a heart tendering season, and it was thought that the baptizing influence of heavenly love and power was felt amongst us. Rode several miles along the valley of the Pautuxent River, where the number and extent of the manufacturing establishments is really surprising. The scenery is picturesque, the beauties of nature blended with the works of art, and the evidence of intelligence and thrift, combined with the attractive aspect of the various factories, places of worship, and dwellings neat in appearance and pleasant in location, can scarcely fail to interest the eye and the mind of the traveler.

7th month, 3rd. The district of country which has been presented to our observation within the last few days, is attractive. The farms generally appear to be productive and well cultivated; the buildings thereon, of liberal extent and rarely dilapidated, and the manufactories are a marvel. The general appearance portrays a high grade of temporal prosperity.

7th month, 4th. Proceeded to the railway station at East Greenwich about 8 o'clock this morning. This being the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration, an abundance of people were in motion, and our feelings not being in unison with theirs, traveling under such circumstances was not very agreeable. We waited half an hour in the crowd, when the very long train of cars arrived laden with a vast number of passengers; there was some confusion, but we finally succeeded in obtaining comfortable accommodations, and rode about twenty miles to the city of Providence, where a kind Friend met us, and conducted us in his own conveyance about four miles further to Pautucket meeting. We gathered with quite a large number of other attenders, and I can not doubt but that it was a profitable season throughout, although a portion thereof seemed laborious, and not very relieving to Christopher's exercised mind.

Near Providence, we passed Providence Boarding School; it is a spacious and hand some structure, its location high, and its situation and grounds adjacent pleasing. We also passed the residence of the late venerable Moses Brown; he was a Friend of great pos sessions and of very large benevolence, yet his dwelling was neither large nor ostentatious. Also passed by the plantation where Job Scott resided previous to his embarkation for England; it is one of the best in the neighborhood, and still in possession of his descendants, but they have no connection with Friends. We likewise traveled upon a wide, solid, smooth, and beautifully finished road extending several miles northward from Providence, and bordered on each side by stately New England Elms.

7th month, 5th. Visited the large cotton factories belonging to some of our kind friends and entertainers, and passed through the pleas ant promenade on the banks of the Blackstone River, which their private generosity have devoted to the public benefit; and in the after noon proceeded to Providence, and took passage in the steamboat bound for Fall River. Passed Bristol, which it is said was formerly an extensive slave market; but that degrading traffic is no longer known in New England; its paralyzing effects upon human energy is not now felt here; the pursuit of honest industry has free scope and flourishes marvellously. After a pleasant passage of two hours' duration, arrived at Fall River, twenty-five miles distant from Providence, and were kindly conducted to the hospitable dwelling of a Friend, a little beyond the skirts of the city.

7th month, 7th—First day. Attended Friend's Meeting at Fall River, at half-past ten o'clock. The usual invitation to the public had been extensively spread, many attended, and through the condescending goodness of the Head of the Church, who promised to be with those gathered together in his name, it proved a solemnizing season—something like the baptism of the one spirit into the one body. Words flowed freely, accompanied with Gospel life and power, and he that sowed and some that reaped rejoiced together. We attended the afternoon meeting at 3 o'clock. It was larger than that in the morning. As we assembled and sat in stillness, and I trust many of us truly gathered into the silence of all flesh, presenting our bodies a living sacrifice accept able unto the Lord, He did manifest his Divine presence unto us, and permit us to partake a little of that stream which does refresh and make glad his heritage. Christopher arose, and in the authority of truth, handed forth doctrine and reproof, counsel and encouragement which, doubtless, fastened upon many minds. It felt to me that these opportunities were memorable seasons, and will not soon be forgotten by some.

7th month, 8th. Left Fall River about 6 o'clock this morning, and set our faces toward North Berwick in the State of Maine, one hundred and twenty-eight miles distant. Traveling by rail way, and passing through various cities and villages, and through a country presenting a variety of aspects, and many interesting features, arrived at the place of our destination in the evening, and were cordially received at the abode of valued friends.

7th month, 9th. Rode over a pleasant district of country, and called at several dwellings. In the afternoon were visited by numbers of the neighboring people. A meeting is appointed to be held in the Baptist meeting-house at North Berwick tomorrow afternoon.

7th month, 10th. Attended the appointed meeting; it proved large and favored. Christopher labored honestly, and some plain truths were spoken, especially in reference to forms and ceremonies, and qualification for the ministry. A part of his testimony was somewhat sharp; but it apparently was well received, and many expressed satisfaction with the meeting. In the evening, our minds were painfully affected upon hearing the sad news from Philadelphia, a locality endeared to us by many interesting associations. A devouring fire, of unprecedented extensiveness, has swept over a portion of that city; the destruction of property is great, the loss of life considerable; many homes are desolated, and formidable distress abounds. These dispensations convey lessons of instruction, arouse thoughtful solicitude, and may be designed to awaken our understandings to a renewed sense of the uncertainty of terrestial enjoyments, and of the uncertainty of life; and to invite us to lay up treasure which nothing earthly can destroy.

7th month, 11th. Attended Friends' Meeting at North Berwick, and Christopher had considerable service by way of exhortation and counsel. Toward the conclusion he again arose, and in beautiful language, handed forth sympathy to this little company, who had passed through many tribulations and anxieties in endeavoring to guard the ancient faith of the Society, and in sustaining its order and discipline; comfort and encouragement was extended to those who truly mourn in Zion.

7th month, 12th. Left North Berwick this morning, rode thirteen miles over a pleasant, undulating country to the village of Kenebunk, and received kind entertainment in a family of Friends. A meeting had been appointed to be held at their dwelling, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon, and the usual invitation had been spread. At the time appointed, we took our seats in one of the apartments which opened into others, and a considerable number of the neighboring people assembled with us. Christopher was led to distribute doctrine, reproof, and instruction in righteousness, and as his testimony was continued, an increasing solemnity apparently spread over us—oil was poured into wounds, the sincere-hearted encouraged, and it was thought that the meeting ended under the solemnizing and cementing influence of heavenly love. We passed an instructive evening together, several beside our own little company being present. Christopher was very interesting in conversation, and as the hour of parting for the night drew on, he testified that he then realized some of the prospects which had attended his mind before he left his own home. Our hearts were tenderly affected, and somewhat of that unity of spirit and bond of peace, which is not of man, nor of the will of man, but by Divine grace and power, was surely felt amongst us, apparently binding the hearts of some of the company together in a measure of that life in which those of true and living faith are some times permitted to know and greet each other. Doubtless, some were present who were enabled to thank our Heavenly helper for his many favors, and to take courage.

7th month, 13th. Made preparation to leave our comfortable quarters this morning; but before our departure, a parting opportunity was proposed, and we seated ourselves together and gathered into silent waiting, and I cannot doubt that the cementing influence of heavenly love was felt amongst us, or that the oil of the kingdom did circulate as from vessel to vessel, drawing us near to one another in fellowship of spirit, into sympathetic feeling, and mutual desires for each other's preservation through all the temptations and trials of life's probationary scene.

7th month, 14th—First day. Again attended meeting at North Berwick; and although we met with some annoyance, yet Christopher had acceptable service,—the meeting was interesting, and the situation instructive. In the afternoon, rode eight miles to the manufacturing village of Great Falls, in the State of New Hampshire, where a meeting had been appointed to be held in a spacious Methodist place of worship, at 5 o'clock. A large number of people assembled, and we took our seats amongst them, I trust under a solemn sense of the seriousness and of the responsibility of the occasion. Christopher ministered at considerable length; his exercise seemed somewhat laborious for a time, but as he proceeded, life and power continued to arise into dominion, and it was thought that we had a good meeting; several expressed their satisfaction therewith, but some plain truths were uttered which may not have settled altogether pleasantly upon some minds. Returned to North Berwick to lodge.

7th month, 15th. Made a few visits in the neighborhood, and on our way returning, called at the dwelling of an ancient female Friend; a widowed daughter resides with her. After a little time of conversation we settled into stillness, and the wing of Divine goodness was evidently spread over us; under which precious covering Christopher was drawn forth to address our aged sister in the endearing language of tenderness and encouragement, and the word of counsel and sympathetic feeling flowed freely towards the daughter.

7th month, 16th. Prepared to leave North Berwick this morning, and as the time arrived to bid farewell to those who had entertained us with much kindness and hospitality, and had been so diligent and efficient in making way for the appointment and attendance of public meetings, there was evidence that we all felt the separation, and entertained mutual desires for each other's best welfare. Leaving the railway station we proceeded on our way toward Salem, passing Portsmouth in the State of New Hampshire, and Ipswich in the State of Massachusetts. I glanced at the last-named town with a considerable degree of interest; not that it possessed remarkable beauty, or great importance, but as a place where a witch court formerly existed, and where many persecuted fellow mortals (seventy in one year) were condemned to destruction under a most fallacious and unaccountable delusion. It is really marvellous that that dark superstition was so long permitted to cloud the minds of an intelligent people.

7th month, 17th. Proceeded five miles to Lynn in order to attend meeting there; the usual invitation had been extended, but the gathering was small. Christopher was exercised in the ministry, and his service appeared to be acceptable. The manufacture of shoes is carried on to great extent at Lynn; the place has an agreeable aspect, a fine view of the Atlantic spreads out before it, and refreshing sea breezes often fan the inhabitants.

7th month, 18th. Attended meeting at Salem at 11 o'clock in the forenoon, the usual time of gathering; the meeting was not large, but Christopher was engaged in testimony, and his company and religious labors appeared to be satisfactory.

We felt a peculiar interest in one residing in this locality, who has been several times in our company. he is about forty years of age, and was educated among the Baptists, has officiated as a minister for them, and is master of many languages; but more than sixteen years since his mind was brought under exercise for the attainment of a more perfect way, and as he hungered for that bread which nourishes up the soul, and thirsted for the waters of life, his mind was gradually drawn from outward forms, and centered upon the everlasting substance; he appears to have been first awakened to see the beauty and perfection of our principles through the instrumentality of Barclay's Apology, which accidentally fell into his hands. The way of primitive and vital christianity there described, answered the Divine witness in his own soul, and he sought out and attached himself to a people making so high a profession. There is much evidence that he was not afterwards a mere nominal Christian, but submitting to the powerful heart-changing operations of Divine Grace, he became himself a changed man, firmly rooted and grounded in the truths of the Gospel, enabled to stem the torrent of ridicule and abuse which he encountered from his own family, and from those with whom he had formerly walked in fellowship, and has given abundant evidence that he has bought the truth and will not sell it.

In the afternoon we were conducted to the attractive residence of a Friend, located upon a valuable farm, in a pleasant district of country, about three miles distant from Salem: it is part of a tract of five hundred acres formerly belonging to Governor Endicott, that most rigid Puritan persecutor, who wielded the affairs of the infant government of Massachusetts, and passed sentence of death upon several of our worthy Friends. The site of his mansion is near by, and there he repaired from Boston to spend the summer months. Near by stands an aged pear tree which it is said the Governor planted with his own hands two hundred and ten years ago; it was loaded with fruit, but it did not look vigorous. Endicott possessed houses, and lands, and popularity, and was called one of the pious pilgrim fathers, but we may well suppose that that unrelenting persecutor did not enjoy a peaceful serenity of mind.

7th month, 19th. The day was rainy, but we proceeded to Salem, and having received much attentive kindness in these localities, moved forward toward Boston; rode through that attractive city, and in so doing passed an ex tensive and beautiful enclosure called Boston Common. A solemn feeling covered my spirit as I gazed upon it: the remembrance of departed worth and faithful martyrdom came up before me; it was upon this common that several pious sufferers for the testimony of their Lord and Savior, laid down their lives. William Leddra, Marmaduke Stephenson, Mary Dyer, and one other worthy were executed here, and here they gave ample evidence of faithfulness to the sacred cause they had espoused, departing hence with the glorious assurance of a happy immortality, and doubt less entered upon that eternal rest which their extreme persecutors may have longed for in vain. After leaving Boston, continued our travel about sixty miles through a not very productive country to New Bedford.

We somewhere passed the meeting-house where Comfort Collins attended meeting many years ago. The remembrance of this faithful minister and interesting example of departed worth being thus brought prominently before us, our dear Friend Christopher manifested a lively interest therein, as it portrayed an instructive instance of the efficacy of Divine grace, and of the compassionate regard and favor of a loving Savior. She had been faithful in her day and generation, and lived to great age. Her mental faculties became so far impaired that she did not even recollect that she ever had a husband, but was still mercifully permitted to retain the savor of spiritual life, and even when near the end of her lengthened pilgrimage upon earth, was qualified to speak of her many mercies, and to exhort her friends in living, impressive and instructive testimony.

7th month, 20th. Went on board of the steamer which plies between New Bedford and Nantucket seventy miles distant, and moving forward, touched at a promontory of Massachusetts, and also at Martha's Vineyard, arriving at the place of our destination after a voyage of about six hours' duration. The earlier part of the passage was not strikingly unpleasant, but arriving at unsheltered situations where the winds had a fair sweep across the waters, we were much tossed upon the agitated surface of the deep. On the previous day there had been a storm of unusual violence, uprooting trees, and otherwise damaging, and the wind continued to blow fresh. The forcible undulating waves beat heavily against our unstable bark, causing it to sway and rock, and the effect of this uncomfortable motion was soon apparent among the passengers,—yet to me the passage was interesting and instructive; I could sit and gaze with an untiring eye upon the solemn grandeur of the scene which spread in wide expanse around us, occasionally glancing at the distressed condition of our passengers, and reflect upon the sacrifices and sufferings which some of our worthy ministers endured for weeks together, while crossing the wide ocean to promulgate the Gospel in distant lands.

7th month, 21st—First day. Attended Friends' Meeting at Nantucket; the usual kind of invitation had been spread extensively, and a large assemblage collected. It felt to me that the wing of ancient goodness which had been spread over the assemblies of our people in primitive times was also spread over us, pre paring our hearts to receive the heavenly dew and the gospel rain; under which precious covering Christopher arose, and in demonstration of the spirit, and with power, handed forth that which was given him to distribute; and I trust that many minds were instructed, and many hearts comforted.

The afternoon meeting was held at 5 o'clock, and at the time appointed we proceeded to attend it, and found that a large number of people had collected and were continuing to collect; the house is spacious, seventy feet square, and it was estimated that over six hundred were in attendance. Stillness and good order soon prevailed throughout this large assembly, and I trust that many were truly gathered into the silence of all flesh, and felt the precious influence of the Heavenly Father's love to extend to them, solemnizing their feelings and increasing their faith. Our dear friend Christopher was raised upon his feet, and delivered a large testimony in Gospel life and authority; the mourners in Zion were com forted; the fearful in heart were encouraged; the unfaithful were warned; the lukewarm were aroused; and the wanderers were invited to return. His testimony was somewhat sharp against those who take up carnal weapons, and against those who preach for hire and divine for money; but it seemed to me that the power of truth reigned over all opposition, and it was thought that the meeting closed under the prevalence of solemn and contrited feelings, to the praise of the great Master of assemblies, who evidently had owned it and magnified himself therein.

7th month, 22nd. Those resident upon the Island are mostly located in the City of Nantucket, which contains about eight thousand inhabitants, and covers about a square mile of ground. It has a line harbor, which was formerly frequented by abundance of shipping, but as a commercial whaling centre the place has declined in population and importance. The whale fishery itself has of late years diminished in value, and much of its remaining greatness has been absorbed by New Bedford. Much of the soil is stony, but it produces much pasturage, and the products of the dairy are excellent. Sea fish are plentiful; the atmosphere is notably salubrious, and the people appear to be much attached to their sea-girt island.

It was in this locality that John Richardson held a remarkable meeting in days that have long since passed away, in which that gifted, prominent and dignified woman, Mary Starbuck, could not resist the power which attended his ministry, although she strove long and resolutely against it; but she and the audience generally were overcome by its heart searching and baptizing operations, in a most extra ordinary manner, demonstrated by abundance of tears. Many of the Nantucket people are her descendants.

7th month, 23rd. Partly owing to the perils appertaining to the afar-off whale fishery, widows are numerous on this Island: we made visits to several of these, and memorably to one prominent and far advanced in life, the shadows of the evening are lengthening around her, and the end of her earthly pilgrimage is in view; evidently, there was no cause for mourning on her account, and after silent waiting, Christopher was moved to hand forth encouragement, in beautiful and affectionate language.

7th month, 24th. Several of our friends called to bid us farewell this morning. They had been very kind to us, had done much to forward Christopher's concern as set forth in his certificate, and without their support, it is probable that his religious opportunities with the public would have been greatly circumscribed. Parting affectionately with them, and turning our backs upon Nantucket, moved onward across the briny waters; the return passage was pleasant, and after dining with kind friends in New Bedford, proceeded twenty miles by railway to Fall River.

7th month, 25th. In the afternoon, rode seventeen miles to Little Compton, in view of attending meeting at that place tomorrow morning. Our route was principally along the margin of Narragansett Bay; the road was good, the weather was pleasant, the scenery picturesque; and being in good company, the ride was enjoyed with peaceful tranquility of mind, but not without an occasional thought of a far-distant home and family.

7th month, 26th. Attended the contemplated meeting at 10 o'clock; the house was quaint and antiquated, but in good repair and comfortable, and erected upon an eminence com mantling a beautiful view of sea and land. A considerable number gathered with us, and truly it was a favored season. Our dear friend Christopher was manifestly clothed with Divine authority and power, and it was thought that the tabernacles of some were shaken. After an interesting and instructive parting opportunity with the family, who had entertained us so kindly at their hospitable dwelling, we left Little Compton in the afternoon, and wended our way back to Fall River.

7th month, 27th. Left Fall River about 10 o'clock this forenoon, on board of the steam boat bound for Newport, twenty miles distant; the passage was pleasant, and the views diversified with land and water, hill and dale. Not far from Fall River, we passed an eminence called Mount Hope, which had been a great resort for Indian warriors, and is famous in the history of that distinguished Indian Chief, King Philip, who so long and so successfully withstood the encroachments of the white man, and was finally shot near this place. Arrived at the place of our destination, and received kind entertainment in a Friend's family.

7th month, 28th—First day. Attended meeting at Newport at 11 o'clock; the usual invitation had been spread at Christopher's request, and a considerable number of those not of our Society, gathered with us. Our dear friend had large service in this meeting, and his testimony was evidently delivered in the authority of Truth, somewhat sharp against those who had wandered from the fold, and had become as withered branches, but comforting to the mourners in Zion, and to those who had turned their faces thitherward. Several children were present, and to them he was drawn forth in affectionate and encouraging exhortation. A meeting had been appointed to be held at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, about six miles' from Newport, among a sect called Christian Baptists, and to the place of gathering we pursued our way. The ride there was pleasant, the roads good, the country beautiful and highly cultivated. The attendance was quite large; many Gospel truths were uttered, and some close observations.

7th month, 29th. Before parting with our friends this morning, at whose dwelling we had been kindly and hospitably entertained, one of the company read from a manuscript containing an instructive account of an interesting daughter; her health gave way at the age of sixteen, and after passing through nine years of severe bodily affliction, approached the borders of the grave, with the triumphant hope of a bright immortality. Humble faith and trust in a compassionate Savior, the refining process, the sustaining grace, patience, resignation, a deepening in religious experience, and Christian love, appear to have been characteristic marks of her life through the period of her protracted sufferings.

Newport has a fine harbor; a portion of the town looks somewhat antiquated, but many of the more modern improvements are attractive; the high reputation of the place as a sea-side resort is proverbial. Wind-mills for grinding grain, and other purposes, are numerous on the Island. Proceeded to New Bedford by way of Fall River, arriving in the evening.

7th month, 30th. Left New Bedford this afternoon, and proceeded on our way to Padan Aram, three miles distant. At this place a meeting had been appointed to be held in a Baptist meeting-house at 5 o'clock; a consider able number gathered with us. Christopher was largely engaged in testimony, and clothed with right authority, doubtless, to the instruction and edification of many minds; and although some close observations respecting man made minis try and water baptism, went forth to all those whom it might concern, yet none appeared to be offended. The ride from New Bedford to this place was pleasant, and as we journeyed, at least one mind was instructively carried back in retrospect to the youthful days of the Patriarch Jacob, and to the covenant which he made with his Maker when on his way to Padan Aram of that day: that covenant was never broken, and Jacob was preserved green in old age, and laid down his head in peace.

7th month, 31st. Wended our way to meeting at South Dartmouth, at 11 o'clock; but as we approached the place, it was evident that the people could not be comfortably accommodated by present arrangement; a number were seated in their carriages near by, and others collected about the door and windows; this position of affairs not being satisfactory, and a large dwelling-house being located near by, the occupants thereof cheerfully offered a portion of it for our accommodation; the offer was accepted, and we were soon comfortably seated therein. A quiet solemnity soon spread over the assembly thus gathered, and Christopher was drawn forth to impart much exhortation and counsel; some by way of encouragement, and some by way of reproof. And although some of his testimony might not have been altogether savory to some minds, yet the truths thereof were self-evident, and it is to be hoped that it was a season of profit to all.

8th month, 1st. Attended meeting at North Dartmouth; the usual invitation to the public had been extended, and a considerable company gathered there. Christopher was led to declare some Gospel truths in plain and searching testimony, and some close doctrine was handed forth. It has been intimated in several in stances that he has spoken remarkably to the states of meetings and of individuals; many of his testimonies have been delivered with Christian boldness, disquieting to the unfaithful, and to the lukewarm; gently leading to the trembling ones, and to the honest hearted; awakening to the rebellious, but comforting to those who truly mourn in Zion.

The residence of the late Sarah Tucker, who had traveled in the ministry in our part of the land, and died several years since, was near our hospitable accommodations. I looked upon the earthly abode of that mother in our Israel, not with superstitious reverence, nevertheless with a degree of lively interest, as the remembrance of departed worth seemed to be brought more vividly into view while gazing upon it. Her memoranda are fraught with abundance of instruction, giving evidence that she lived near to the fountain of living waters, and she has left a sweet memorial behind her.

8th month, 2nd. Morning rainy. In the after noon, moved forward to attend a meeting to be held in a Baptist meeting-house, in the village of Westport, about five miles distant; stopped by the way to visit an ancient couple, the sands of whose life are fast running out; but they appear to accept the situation with cheerful trustfulness. The meeting was quite well at tended, and after a time of silent waiting, Christopher rose up to declare some of the truths of the everlasting Gospel; he was favored to hand forth a powerful testimony, and although he did not prophesy smooth things to all, yet it was hoped that his home, testimony fastened as a nail in a sure place upon some minds that in the cool of the day will profitably remember it.

8th month, 3rd. In the forenoon, visited an aged friend eighty-seven years old; he is quite active, his intellect unclouded, has a remark ably retentive memory, and can write without spectacles. He has lately buried an interesting daughter who had been confined to her bed for years; she is represented as having been an able defender of her faith, and as a bright example of Christian virtue. Left Westport,' and proceeded about five miles further to another Baptist place of worship, where a meeting had been appointed to be held at 2 o'clock in the afternoon. The gathering was quite large, and much instructive counsel was handed forth, especially to those who have the training of children: the people sat quiet and attentive, which has been the case, perhaps without exception, in all the meetings which we have attended in New England.

8th month, 4th—First day. Attended meeting at New Bedford, at 10 o'clock. The morning was rainy, but a considerable number gathered with us, and the meeting proved solid and comfortable. Christopher was engaged in testimony not largely, but impressively. The afternoon meeting was held at 5 o'clock, and a large number of people assembled and gathered into stillness; much instructive doc trine and counsel were handed forth; the fall of man, and his restoration and salvation were largely treated upon, and many unprofitable things and hurtful practices were spoken against.

8th month, 5th. In the afternoon, Christopher had something like a parting opportunity with a number of those who had been interested in our visit to this place and vicinity; he had received much kindness at their hands, and they had been largely instrumental in for warding and supporting his religious concern, in the appointment of public meetings, and in promoting the attendance. He addressed them in sympathetic and affectionate language, and there was manifestation of much interested feeling, when we finally bid each other farewell.

New Bedford has many vessels engaged in the whale fishery,—appears to be a place of considerable commerce, contains seventeen thousand inhabitants, is an attractive city, regularly laid out, and beautifully shaded with trees. Much of the country adjacent is only of moderate fertility.

8th month, 6th. Left New Bedford this morning, and proceeded by railway to Fall River. A sorrowful circumstance occurred in this locality on first day afternoon, by the upsetting of a sail-boat containing five young men, and in connection therewith two of them (members of the Society of Friends) were drowned. Their funerals took place at Fall River today—but way did not open to attend them-.

8th month, 7th. Attended meeting at Fall River; the usual kind of invitation had been extended at Christopher's request, and a considerable assemblage collected; he was much favored in testimony, and had a relieving time amongst us; some close observations were handed forth, but his testimony was delivered in the authority of truth, doubtless to the comfort of many minds, and the instruction of others: this meeting was evidently owned by the Master of assemblies, and was very satisfactory to Christopher himself, as it was also to others.

8th month, 8th. Crossed the Taunton River by steam ferry-boat, and proceeded about two miles to the residence of an ancient female Friend; she is eighty-nine years of age, and very feeble in body, the lamp of life is evidently fast going out, but through the decay of nature, her spirit appears to be kept alive by living water from Shiloh's fountain, and she looks forward with holy confidence, that there will be a mansion prepared for her where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest, when time to her shall be no longer. In the afternoon, proceeded to a Methodist Meeting-House, where a meeting had been appointed to be held at 3 o'clock, and it proved large and satisfactory. Christopher was raised up to declare some of the truths of the Gospel in demonstration of the spirit, and with power; a plain testimony was borne against some of the peculiarities of other professors of Christianity, but in convincing and unoffending language. The minister who officiates at this place remarked after the conclusion of the meeting, that he would be glad if their house could often be occupied in that way. The appearance of this part of the country is pleasing.

8th month, 9th. We, with a number of those who had been interested in our proceeding, met in the meeting-house at Fall River; this gathering together seemed somewhat comparable to a parting opportunity. Christopher felt under many obligations to them; they had been cordial and diligent in gathering the public to his meetings, and in upholding his hands through abundant labors, by their sympathy and fellowship; and he was moved largely to address them. The wing of Divine Goodness seemed to be spread over us, and it proved a baptizing season, something like the baptism of the one spirit into the one body: much counsel was extended, encouragement flowed freely, and the word of caution was not withheld.

Fall River contains about twelve thousand inhabitants; the number of buildings designed for public worship are evidence that the people are divided into many sects: numerous manufacturing establishments evince their general pursuit, and on every hand there is evidence of their enterprise.

8th month, 10th. Left Fall River, and after a pleasant ride of twenty-two miles through a part of the country, pleasing in appearance, found kindness and hospitable accommodations at the dwelling of a Friend at Norton. 8th month, 11th—First day. Two meetings are appointed to be held at the house of our kind entertainers today, one at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, the other at 5 o'clock P. M., and several of the apartments were seated for the purpose. At the first-named hour, we took our seats, and many gathered with us. Christopher was clothed with Gospel life and power, and ministered to an attentive people in the authority of truth; words flowed freely, and although smooth things were not prophesied to all, yet all appeared to be satisfied and much interested. In the afternoon, a large meeting assembled; this too was favored. Christopher was largely engaged in testimony, and was led impressively to declare many Gospel truths, apparently to general satisfaction. There appears to be great openness in the minds of many in this neighborhood to attend Friends' Meetings.

8th month, 12th. Before leaving our hospitable friends this morning, Christopher was led to distribute counsel and encouragement in a solid parting opportunity with the family and others present; we then moved onward and rode fourteen miles to North Providence. Our route still continued to lie through a section of country pleasing in appearance; the roads were good, the comfortable looking farm-houses and surroundings drew attention, and the fine New England Elms were an at tractive feature in the landscape. Crossed the Blackstone River at the village of Seaconk; it was here that Roger Williams, when he fled from Massachusetts' intolerance, essayed to establish a government that would afford an asylum to the persecuted and oppressed, and promote civil and religious liberty; but finding himself still within the jurisdiction of that colony, he removed and founded the town of Providence. Near the bridge which crosses the river to Pautucket, stands the first factory established in Rhode Island; it is yet a good building, its date quite modern, and since its origin, factories have multiplied in that state to a marvellous extent. Christopher had a parting opportunity with some of those who had been kind, hospitable and serviceable to us, and we moved forward to the railway at Providence, passing the fatal spot where the dwelling of A. J. and her daughter had recently been destroyed by fire. Proceeded forty-three miles to Westerly, and were again kindly entertained there.

8th month, 13th. We had looked forward toward setting our faces homeward this evening, but a prospect of further religious service arising with weight and clearness, Christopher has concluded to pass into Hopkinton tomorrow, and more meetings have been appointed; some of us may have looked longingly homeward, but we do not wish him to relinquish the service until the work required at his hands is fully accomplished.

8th month, 14, Left Westerly this morning, and moved forward toward a Methodist place of worship, where a meeting had been appointed to be held at 3 o'clock in the after noon,—passing many places familiar to Christopher, and traveling twelve miles. The meeting was well attended, and after a time of silent waiting, Christopher delivered much instructive counsel; words flowed freely, accompanied with an evidence of Divine anointing, and with the authority of truth the meeting closed comfortably, and much satisfaction therewith was expressed.

8th month, 15th. Attended meeting at Hopkinton at 11 o'clock. On the way, stopped at the farm where Christopher's father died, and on which the remains are buried; we all visited the grave, and the scene was solemn and impressive. The day was rainy, and although the usual invitation had been extended, the meeting was not large; but Christopher had good service, including an interesting parting opportunity, and we were again kindly and hospitably entertained in this neighborhood.

8th month, 16th. Parted with several of this vicinity who had been cordial and hospitable to us, had done much to open the way for Christopher's religious opportunities, and to uphold his hands. Of this number was J. W.; the frosts of age have settled upon him, but he is yet active, his intellect unclouded, his discernment keen, his judgment forcible, and his conversation edifying; but according to the course of nature, his days are fast numbering toward a close, and we bid him thoughtfully farewell, not thinking it likely that some of our little company would ever meet him again in mutability.

8th month, 17th. It is concluded to appoint two meetings at Westerly tomorrow, and our departure homeward is delayed. We spent the day agreeably with kind friends, and as the sun was sinking below the horizon, the western sky was beautiful, the golden and azure tints were reflected from the placid bosom of the waters, the steamboat Water Lily glided swiftly by, the undulating waves gently rocked the smaller craft, and a boat load of light-hearted boys appeared to enjoy it much; we should be careful that our minds are not too much engrossed in earthly objects, yet it may be allowable to entertain a passing interest in scenes like these. It was a calm and lovely evening, a fitting hour for contemplation, and far distant homes and families were brought into affectionate re membranes. Before parting for the night, our circle gathered into silence, and Christopher was moved to distribute impressive counsel.

8th month, 18th—First day. It had been arranged to hold a public meeting at a private dwelling at 10 o'clock this forenoon, and at the time appointed a moderate number of attenders sat with us in the large parlor, and gathered into silent waiting. Christopher was led to impart much counsel, and some searching testimony. The afternoon meeting was appointed to be held in a public meeting-house in Westerly, at 5 o'clock: at the appointed hour we found a large number of people collected, and still continuing to collect; the house was crowded, but the audience was quiet and attentive. Christopher was again clothed with Gospel life and power, and handed forth that which was given him to distribute in right authority. Several ministers of other denominations were present, and although some plain and close testimony respecting hireling ministry, and the call to the ministry, went forth to all those whom it might concern, yet it apparently was well received, and may, in the cool of the day be reflected upon, to the instruction in righteousness of some who were present upon the interesting occasion. This meeting is the last which Christopher expects to appoint in New England; it was evidently owned by Israel's Shepherd, and was a comfortable conclusion to Christopher's religious services in this part of the land.

8th month, 19th. We expect to set our faces homeward this evening. I rambled from the village, and took a seat under the shadow of a rock on one of the rugged hills of New England; a distant view of the ocean, the windings of the Pawcatuck River, and a pleasing landscape scene were spread out before me. I did not look upon these beauties of nature with an indifferent eye, but a retrospective view of the proceedings of our little company for the last two months, more definitely arrested my attention at this time. Our sojourn in New England localities, apparently, is nearly brought to a close, and although in looking over my poor services, feelings similar to those of the unprofitable servant are mine, yet I could rejoice in the abundant favors which have been vouchsafed to the aged servant of the Lord, whom it has been my privilege to accompany in his visit in the love of the Gospel, to habitants of the land which we have lately traversed. The Gospel message has often distilled as the dew, and as the gentle rain upon the tender grass, and he that sowed arid those that reaped have at times rejoiced together.

Christopher's testimony has at times been somewhat sharp against the rebellious and evildoers; the peculiarities of other religious societies have at times been handled with Christian boldness, and the unfaithful of our own religious profession have not always been spared; but apparently his Gospel labors have been very generally, and perhaps universally, well received—much satisfaction therewith has been expressed, and we do not find that he offends any. He has been Divinely assisted in his goings forth, and we, his companions, have been comforted in bearing him company.

Took leave of our kind friends at Westerly, and wending our way to Stonington, in the dusk of the evening, transferred ourselves and baggage to the Steamer Vanderbilt, and later in the evening were pursuing our watery way homeward bound.

8th month. 20th. Reached New York City this morning, but immediately left for Pennsylvania, arriving safely at our own homes, and finding our families well. Two months had been occupied in the performance of the visit, and thirteen hundred miles had been traversed. The preservation of ourselves and families was cause for gratitude, and surely we were not unmindful of it.

On one occasion while still pursuing our New England visit on board of a steamer on eastern waters, Christopher Healy became somewhat involved in conversation and controversy with a prominent and zealous sup porter of the slave interest; it was a time of considerable agitation upon the slavery question, and much uncharitable feeling and severe criticism were frequently indulged in; and it was manifest that this champion of the rights and wrongs of the persecuted slave-holders had no partiality for Friends, and the position they had assumed. Christopher brought into view a specimen of severe intolerance lately practised upon a northern man, yes, (retorted the other,) and if you were to go there, they would serve you in the same way. Christopher mildly expostulated with him, and informed him that he had several times visited the South, and had not found the people unfriendly; but being in the line of his religious duty, and going forth in a Christian spirit, way was made for him with apparent cordiality to hold numerous religious meetings with the slave-holders, and with their slaves. And although he did not always speak smooth things to those in power, yet he received much kindness and hospitality at their hands. Our opponent seemed softened, and we heard no more annoying language from him.

Our beloved friend Christopher Healy occupied a precious gift in the ministry, and his religious communications were sometimes accompanied with an extraordinary degree of Gospel life and power. Several specimens of portions of his sermons are hereunto appended; and though we cannot in the reading of such notes, expect to feel in full the living energy and holy anointing that often accompanies the ministry which is of the Lord's preparing,” and although the incidents described in these notes and the two succeeding memoranda, did not occur within the last year of his life, yet they convey an interesting idea of his ministry; of his earnest solicitude for the prosperity of our Zion, of his religious con cern for the best welfare of his friends, and of present help in the needful time: these and kindred manifestations of qualification and favor continued to attend him, and were still bright and prominent in the last year of his earthly pilgrimage.

1842. In our meeting for worship at Falls, our beloved friend, Christopher Healy, spoke impressively, saying: “The righteous shall have tribulation, but the Lord will deliver them all,” holding up to view the necessity of having living faith in the Divine promises, and then tribulations will be borne patiently, and our faith will increase with our trials. There is but one sure foundation; but one foundation that will stand when all things else fail, and unless we build rightly thereon, we cannot be saved.

The Divine will revealed in us is always in accordance with the scriptures; he had never found it different. He spoke of having faith in that Almighty power which a servant of old described in this language: “The sea saw it, and fled; Jordan was driven back; the mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills, like lambs. What ailed you, O sea, that you fled, you Jordan that you were driven back, you mountains that you skipped like rams, and you little hills, like lambs?” This was the power that gathered our society from the maxims and customs of the world, from the forms and ceremonies of a lifeless profession, from all will worship, and from a hireling priesthood; and though many may fall on the right hand and on the left, yet the faithful will be pre served.

He believed that if our members walked answerably to our high profession, there would be a hundred come unto us to where there is one now; and we would be as a city set upon a hill that could not be hid; our conduct would then speak louder than words; and many would be invited by our example to come look upon Zion, and behold Jerusalem a quiet habitation, with none of its stakes broken, nor cords loosed.

1842. Attended meeting. Our beloved friend Christopher Healy, bore a short but impressive testimony to the excellency of silent waiting, and warned us against allowing our silent sitting together to become a mere formality; that if our practice is merely to come and sit down in meeting, and abstain from words, without endeavoring to have our thoughts gathered to the Master of assemblies, we shall never know the excellency of silent waiting, and perhaps never experience that state of mind which will afford us a lively hope beyond the grave; but if we maintain the warfare, and struggle for the blessing, the Lord may condescend to favor us as He did a faithful servant of old, that man after God's own heart; “The Lord inclined unto me and heard my cry, and He raised me up out of a horrible pit, and out of the miry clay; and set my feet upon a rock.” How encouraging! “And He established my goings, and put a new song into my mouth, even praises to our God.”

1842—11th month. Our meeting was much favored; our beloved friend Christopher Healy, amongst much instructive testimony, was led to set forth in its true light, the necessity of preparation for another state of existence, and that sufficient grace is bestowed upon every man to make his calling and election sure; and if this grace is rightly heeded, death would not find us unprepared: repeating these solemn warnings: “As the tree falls, so it lies; as death leaves us, so judgment will find us;” “there is no repentance in the grave, nor par don offered to the dead.” He also brought to view as a warning to the lukewarm, the condition of the church that was neither hot nor cold, and the judgment denounced upon-it; a state of lukewarmness being so offensive in the Divine sight. And in our meeting for worship, occurring shortly after a fatal accident in the neighborhood, he was evidently moved to speak in reference thereto; holding up to view the necessity of making our calling and election sure while time and opportunity is afforded: “You also be ready, for in such an hour as you think not, the Son of Man comes.” There are gifts dispensed to every one of us, by which, if we properly profit, death will not find us unprepared, though it come upon us as a thief in the night. No soul is lost that has not had the opportunity of being saved; but if we are not careful for the improvement of these gifts, we cannot expect to grow in grace, for it is only as we are faithful in the little that we shall be made rulers over more.

And in another meeting for worship, occur ring about the same period, our dear friend distributed instructive testimony: “If any man love me he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and he will come unto him, and make our abode with him.” We are the children of Abraham if we do the works of Abraham, and it is an evidence that we love our Savior if we keep his words; holding up to view the precious reward of coming unto Him who is the way, the truth and the life; the necessity of having faith in God; and that the reason some of us do not grow in grace is for the lack of faith. We make a partial sacrifice, and do not give up the whole heart. If we had faith as a grain of mustard seed, mountains of opposition would be removed, and a way made where no way is seen by the art of man. He expressed a desire that we should love one another, and that our Church might be a church of love. He also brought into view the preciousness of the example of those who have served the Lord, and their generation in their day, and have been gathered to their rest. Their usefulness does not always die with them, but they being dead, yet speak by the pious examples and precepts they have left behind them, and who finally had nothing to do but to die, and join the general assembly and Church of the First-born, whose names are written in heaven.

In a meeting for worship, about this time, he was again led to distribute persuasive counsel “Oh, my soul! look unto the Lord, for my expectation is from Him.” Bringing into view the necessity of this being the prevailing inclination of our desires, and without which we shall never know the excellency of silent waiting; and that there is a vast difference between those who feel poor, weak, and unworthy, and whose expectation is from the Lord; and those who endeavor to worship Him in their own will and wisdom, and whose expectation is from the poor instrument. It is only the humble, dependent waiting ones, that will come to know the excellency of silent worship.

In another meeting for worship, he was instructively led to describe that rest which remains for the people of God; and told us that the Lord would not forsake us, unless we first forsake him.

1842—12th month, 25th. In our meeting today, our beloved friend, Christopher Healy, handed forth an instructive testimony, setting forth that his mind had been exercised, almost from his first sitting down in the meeting, in a way comparable to our Savior's answer to those who spoke of the Temple, how it was adorned with goodly stones and gifts: “As for these things you behold, the days will come in which there will not be left one stone upon another that shall not be thrown down.” And these things must be fulfilled spiritually in us as much as they were fulfilled outwardly. The glory of this world must be stained in our view: our delight in the riches, the fashions, the customs, and whatever is worldly must be thrown down.

There is too much of a disposition in us to shun the cross. We want to come to the Savior, and at the same time hold fast to the things of the world. We are convinced that there is no better profession than the profession of Friends, and we would love to become religious members, and walk answerably to our high profession; but the cross is in the way; we are not willing to suffer for the Savior's sake, who was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.

He had met with many, while traveling up and down through the land, who are willing to acknowledge that Daniel's God is the only true God; that there is no better profession than ours; and yet they would not live thereto. And when the light of the Divine countenance shines upon us, we are almost or quite persuaded to be Christians, and resolve to live in obedience to the Divine will; but when the light is a little obscured, we stumble at the cross, and turn away. The question he put to those whom it is for: “What is the cause of these things?”

The cross must be borne though it may lead into singularity, and cause us to be despised and rejected of the worldly wise. He did not mean to insinuate that we should make our selves disagreeable in the eyes of the world, further than to live in obedience to the Divine requirings. He had felt it as plain as he had ever felt anything outwardly with his hands, that there were those present that had sustained great loss by going on from year to year, and not sufficiently confessing their Savior be fore men. If there had been more faithfulness to the Divine Master's will, there would have been more fathers and mothers in our Israel raised up amongst us, to encourage others to come look upon Zion, the city of our solemnities, not one of its stakes broken, or cords loosed,—and they would have found Him in deed to be their counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of peace.

1843—1st month. Our meeting today was a favored season. Our dear friend, Christopher Healy, was raised up to publish a testimony, evidently in demonstration of the spirit, and with power: “Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come, when you shall say, I have no pleasure in them:” bringing into view the blessed effects of early submission to the Divine will, and the danger of putting off submission to the Lord's visitation until a more convenient season; and that we all have need of a mightier power than our own to guide us safely to the realms of peace. He believed that some felt a little discouraged because their trials are greater now than when more careless about spiritual things; but he was acquainted with these things, for while we are pursuing self gratification, and walking in the way that Satan would have us to go, he troubles us not, but endeavors to make the way smooth and easy; but when we take a stand against him, and turn our faces toward Zion, 'tis then he is aroused to vigorous action with his assaults, temptations and insinuations, in order to turn us away from the way that leads to salvation. This keeps us in a state of continual warfare against our soul's enemy, but the watch and the warfare must be maintained; and with weapons that are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of the strongholds of sin and Satan. He had stood by the bedside of one who acknowledged that he had despised the counsel of the Lord, and had served Satan in almost every respect, and he thought it was the most awful sight he ever beheld; the soul struggling under the just judgments of the Lord, and it seemed to be in torments while yet in the body. The poor victim had no hope of pardon and redemption, and ended his days much in this awful condition. Our beloved friend seemed to be deeply affected with this revolting state of human existence, and held it to view as a solemn warning to us; pressing upon us the necessity of seeking the Lord while He may be found, and making preparation for the solemn close before the evil days come. The Lord will not say to the sincere wrestling soul: “Seek my face in vain.” Do not despise counsel. He also intimated that there was danger of some falling away who had made a good beginning. They would fall unless they were more obedient to Divine requirings; and he spoke of his own experience; how he had been assailed by the enemy, and had fled to the Lord Jesus for refuge; who pointed him to the straight and narrow way, and raised him up out of the miry clay, and set his feet upon that rock which he could declare was the rock of ages, even Christ Jesus.

Accompanied our beloved friend, Christopher Healy, on a religious visit to friends and others in the northern part of Bucks Quarterly Meeting, esteeming it a precious privilege to accompany a deeply experienced and dedicated servant of the Lord upon a Gospel errand. The difficulties of the way, occasioned by heavy snow-drifts, were very considerable, but we were favored to escape accident, and reach each place of destination in seasonable time. We attended several meetings, part of them by special appointment, and some in Friend's MeetingHouses, to all of which the public were invited. In addition to other instructive counsel, Christopher was conspicuously led to invite out ward and carnal worshippers to turn away from an undue depending on man, to an unreserved dependence upon the power and promises of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and by obedience to His Divine will to know Him to rule and reign in their hearts, that they might through Him partake of the bread and water which nourishes up the soul unto everlasting life.

We had lodged at a friend's house in Plumbstead, and early in the morning were preparing to proceed to Buckingham Meeting, six miles distant; there had been a heavy snow storm, commencing early in the morning, and continuing throughout the previous day; in the evening it ceased, but a high north-west wind continued through the night, and in the morning the abundant snow was alarmingly drifted. Our friends endeavored to discourage us from attempting to travel until the roads were rendered passable, and some of their neighbors thought it folly to attempt it; but our dear friend Christopher wavered not in his faith and trust, but intimated that we must make the effort, that we must do our part, and hoped that we would be helped. The undertaking appeared really formidable, but after many startings and stoppings, treading down and removing snow, and long, patient perseverance, we arrived at the place of our destination in due time. It felt to me that our success was not altogether attributable to human skill and power. Our meeting was a much favored season.

Made a short visit to our beloved friend, Christopher Healy, and experienced edification from his kindness and instructive company. I believe that he has near sympathy with such young friends as he thinks are religiously dis posed, and seems very desirous that our doc trines and testimonies should be supported, which he intimated must before long be by those who are now young in years if they are sup ported at all, as the aged standard bearers, those who have long borne the burden and heat of the day, must soon be called hence, and their places in the church militant will know them no more. It is sometimes very encouraging as well as profitable, to the trembling ones, to such as are endeavoring to set their faces toward Zion, to be kindly noticed by those who are deeply experienced in the ways of the Lord; who have themselves trod the slippery paths of youth and of early man hood, and are qualified to speak understandingly of the quicksands, the snares, and other hidden dangers with which an unwearied adversary is ever ready to deceive, and to allure from the pathway leading to a happier state of existence.

After Christopher Healy returned from his religious visit to New England, the last distant field of his Gospel labors, bringing sheaves of peace with him, and appreciating the favor of a safe return to his comfortable home, he continued diligent in the attendance of the religious meetings for worship and discipline of which he was a member, visited a neighboring Quarterly Meeting, received his friends cordially at his own dwelling, and made several social visits. One of these visits was of a peculiarly interesting character; it took place at the hospitable abode of that dignified mother in our Israel, Ruth Ely, after the conclusion of Bucks Quarterly Meeting, held at Buckingham, in the year 1851. These prominent and earnest workers in their Master's vineyard had, for many years, been colaborers for the promotion of the welfare of the Society of Friends, and of Bucks Quarterly Meeting in particular, and had diffused abundant services in their more immediate surroundings; they had taken much counsel together, uniting in harmonious labor for truth's honor, rejoicing in the aboundings of the Gospel, and harmoniously suffering in its afflictions. The evidence of Christian friendship which had so long been mutually cherished by these worthy representatives of Friends, continued prominent through life; the beautiful simplicity of their quiet lives, their edifying conversation, the valuable instructiveness of their pious precepts, the manifest weight of their spirits, and the aboundings of hospitality accompanied by guarded cheerfulness. These and kindred demonstrations portraying instructive lessons of well spent lives, were now about to terminate with their mortal existence, and both appeared to feel that this interview would be their last upon earth; they spoke to the states of each other in prophetic language which was after wards apparently realized. It was under these interesting circumstances they bid each other a final farewell, and Christopher returned to his own quiet habitation; and although in much feebleness of body, was clothed with sufficient ability to attend the funeral of his beloved friend shortly afterwards. But the wasting energies of his manhood continued to decline, the shadows of the evening more and more lengthened around him, and as life's setting sun steadily approached the horizon, the good man calmly and peacefully approached the borders of the grave.

4th month, 8th, 1851. Our beloved friend, Christopher Healy, was taken alarmingly ill, and upon being conducted to his chamber, he calmly surveyed his condition, and felt very apprehensive that this sickness would be his last; and under the solemnity of the dispensation, and with the prospect of eternity before him, wished his friends to understand that he felt no condemnation; but now felt that pas sage of Scripture verified: “There is, there fore, now no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the spirit.”

4th month, 11th. He said: “I feel very poorly, but tell all my friends that if I now go, I go well.”

The physician calling to see him, Christopher manifested solicitude on his account, and exhorted him to be careful that he did not get into the spirit of the world as some had done. Although he seemed willing to try the remedies offered, yet intimated that he felt entire resignation to the Divine will. He appreciated the comforts with which he was surrounded, and contrasted them with the destitution of many of his fellow mortals, repeating the language: “While some poor creatures scarce can tell where they may lay their heads.”

He said that the accumulation of wealth might have been a snare to him; he had not sought great things, but what he had asked for had been abundantly granted. His mind seemed clothed with contentment and gratitude.

4th month, 16th. Some of his friends calling to see him, he imparted counsel, and desired that his love might be given to some distant ones. In the afternoon his articulation be came much obstructed, so that but little that was handed forth from his exercised mind could be gathered; but the following expressions were distinctly understood: “All is peace; all is peace.” “The righteous shall have living comfort.” “The living praise the Lord, the dead cannot praise Him; they may praise Him in the letter, but they cannot praise Him in the spirit.” “Where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest.” “They that live in the spirit must walk in the spirit.” “I have a hope, an everlasting hope.” “My secret help, my hope and my salvation.”

4th month, 20th. His wife coming to his bedside, he said: “We have lived together many years in great harmony and good unity, and I believe that the time is drawing near when we shall have to part, and I hope we shall be favored to meet in a better country.”

4th month, 22nd. This forenoon, he poured forth his feelings in the following pathetic language: “Oh! if I can have patience, and pass away, how glad I shall be; I do not think that I see anything in my way, all seems well; what a favor to be an inhabitant of that City, that needs not the light of the sun, nor of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of the Lord does lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. Oh! if I could now quietly pass away to that blessed inheritance, how glad I should be. I hope there is nothing in my way; my soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before Him? 'As the heart pants after the water brooks, so pants my soul after You, O God.'”

About noon today, he became nearly strangled by the accumulation of phlegm in the throat, and his friends were apprehensive that he was about to depart; in his struggles for life, he said: “I cannot stand it, I must go. Oh, be honest! oh, be faithful! joy forevermore appears great.”

4th month, 24th. He said: “Christ knows His own sheep, and His sheep hear His voice; and He leads them out, and goes before them; and a stranger they will not follow, for they know not the voice of strangers.”

“Poor and unworthy as I am, I see nothing in my way, and hope I shall be patient until it shall please my Divine Master to cut short the thread of my life; to cut short the work in righteousness.”

A beloved friend sitting by his bedside, he said: “We love each other in the Lord; we have both known the Truth, and the Truth has made us free; and if Christ has made us free, then we are free indeed.”

He received messages of love from several distant friends, which seemed very precious to his feelings, and said, he believed that many, in different places, felt united with him in spirit, and his dear love was to them.

4th month, 25th. One of his daughters coming to see him he expressed gladness, and said he hoped that his children would be willing to follow the footsteps of their father, who had been made willing to take up the cross in young life, which had preserved him from many snares and temptations.

At times he appeared to be much exercised on account of the afflictions of the Gospel, but there were times when he appeared to be looking forward to a brighter day; in one of these seasons of encouragement, he quoted the Scripture language: “Therefore I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her; and I will give her vineyards from there, and the valley of Achor for a door of hope; and she shall sing there as in the days of her youth, as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt.” “Oh! if I could now settle away and go to sleep in the arms of my beloved Savior, how glad I would be; but it is not time yet, His time is the best time, and the right time. He has brought me through all my trials and temptations, and landed me safe in a well-grounded hope of a happy eternity.”

“What a consolation it is to me, and how glad I am that I can say at such a time as this, that I feel no condemnation; everything looks bright and pleasant; yes, as clear and as bright as the light. I have that hope which is as an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast, and enters into that within the veil where our forerunner has gone.'”

“I have no wish to pass the morning; I am ready to leave this troublesome world; to pass the valley and shadow of death, to that City whose inhabitants shall not hunger—hunger any more; neither thirst—thirst any more; for the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and lead them into living fountains of waters, and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.”

“As, says the Apostle, 'we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.'”

“I have this to comfort me, that I have always believed the truths of the Gospel, that the true Gospel is the power of God unto salvation, to all them that believe. The angel flew through the midst of heaven, having the everlasting Gospel to preach; that everlasting Gospel was not a book, it was the power of God unto salvation; the angel had no book, but he said, with a loud voice, fear God, and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment is come, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the fountains of waters. Ah! that is the point. First, fear God, and then give glory to Him, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the fountains of waters.”

“I now say as I have often said, friends speak often, one to another, and if we speak right, the Lord will hearken and hear; I do not mean we should speak often one to another in common conversation, or about the things of the world, but about heavenly things; encourage one another, and endeavor to get into that pure state of mind in which we will say no evil, and think no evil; and the Lord will hearken and hear, and a book of remembrance will be written for them that fear Him, and think upon His great and glorious name.”

While wrestling in spirit for the welfare of the Church, he said: “How shall we sing the Lord's song in a strange land; 'if I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its cunning; if I do not remember you, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if I prefer not Jerusalem to my chief joy.'” He placed a high value upon that unity which subsists among brethren baptized by the one spirit, into the one body, and in reference to such unity repeated the 133rd Psalm: “Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity; it is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garment, as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion, for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore.” A friend making him a visit, he said: “I am glad you has come to see me; we are poor things of ourselves, but how precious if we can only feel that we have no condemnation, that we are in Christ Jesus, the only safe abiding place. Oh, that our Divine Master would bow the heavens and come down, and make way for His wrestling seed.”

4th month, 27th. “What a pleasant morning: it is a morning without clouds; is it so out of doors?” Being answered that it was a bright morning, he said: “All seems bright and pleasant with me, and if I could now pass away how glad I should be.”

Upon taking some water, he said: “It is but little more water that I shall need here, but believe that I will be permitted to partake freely of the waters of life.”

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they com fort me; you anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.”

He desired that his dear love should be re membered to some of his absent children, and “the dear little ones, they feel very near to my best life; I hope they will be willing to walk in the footsteps of their poor old grandfather.”

In contemplating the approaching termination of life, he made inquiry respecting some who had watched by his bedside, and being informed that they were absent, he hoped that some careful friend would be present at the time of his departure to close his eyes, and also desired that his children might be present.

His little grandchildren approaching, he manifested much interest in their coming years, saying that he loved them dearly, and believed that they would remember him when he had gone to his long home.

“I am going, I am going to my peaceful home, but hope to await quietly my appointed time.”

He said to a beloved Friend from a distant Yearly Meeting, that his labors were nearly closed, and that his peace was made. The Friend responded, “I have no doubt of that, and if I had never seen you again in mutability, I should have had the assurance in my own breast, that you had landed safely where the soul would forever be at rest; and since sitting by your bedside, I have been renewedly confirmed in that assurance.”

Being under great bodily suffering, he exclaimed: “O Lord, be pleased to give me patience to endure unto the end,—my pain is very great;” but even while passing through this excruciating affliction of body, his thoughts and feelings clustered around his loved ones, with pious solicitude for their best welfare, and continuing his intercession, said, “and be pleased to bless my dear wife and children.” He afterwards added: “your loss will be my gain, and I hope you feel it so.” “My Lord was a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief. You will all have to pass through this last dispensation, and oh, be prepared!”

5th month, 3rd. Some friends from a distance calling to see him, he said: “I was much comforted, and had sweet peace, in visiting your part of the vineyard, believing, that many there were preferring Jerusalem to their chief joy, and may that number increase. Ah! dear friends speak often one to another of the good things to come; keep in the unity, and a blessing will attend you. Give my love to friends in your part of the land.” “The Lord will bless Zion, when He pleases; He will fortify her walls; He will set up her gates.” “O Lord, the mighty one of Israel, I feel Your comfort, and rejoice and sing Your name and Your praises in the land of the living.” “Unto you that fear my name, shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings.”

“Bless the simple-hearted, and all those who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. For Zion's sake I cannot hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I cannot rest,” (and as if looking with an eye of faith to the future prosperity of the church,) “Gentiles shall see Your righteousness, and kings your glory; you shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of our God. You shall no more be termed forsaken, neither shall your land be desolate; as the bride groom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. I have set watchmen over your walls that shall not hold their peace, day nor night.”

“What will become of the poor little precious flock and family; may their heads be a little anointed with oil; He will anoint their heads with oil.”

“Inquire after the good old ways, and the ancient paths, and shun the paths that lead to evil.”

Being in great pain, he passed a tedious and suffering night, and had obtained but little alleviation the next morning; but through his protracted sufferings, his mind seemed to be centered on heavenly things, and clothed with devotion. He spent much of the night in earnest intercessions at the throne of grace; his mind was unusually exercised; he prayed fervently for the best welfare of his wife, his children, his friends, and for the Church of Christ; and pending the decay of nature, was remarkably supplied with bodily endurance and spiritual support, manifesting abundant evidence that faithful ones are remembered in the hour of extremity, when vain is the help of man; and are sometimes even enabled to rejoice in tribulation, singing praises to their Creator in the midst of abundant suffering. His pious confidence and well grounded hope in the attainment of an inheritance incorruptible, that fades not away, was apparently unchangeable; and his heavenly faith, and hope, and trust, appeared as a light, shining more and more, until his unshackeled and redeemed spirit would be absorbed in immortality.

His mind seemed to be carried back to the days of his youth, and he expressed his gladness that he had come out from the forms and ceremonies of a lifeless profession, and had been brought into the attainment of a more spiritual way. He spoke of the importance of bearing a faithful testimony to the faith once delivered to the saints, to the faith delivered to and appreciated by our forefathers; and of the necessity of great watchfulness, lest hurtful things should take root amongst us, and weaken our faith in the precious doctrines and testimonies that had been confided to our care; for, said he, “it was while men slept that the enemy sowed tares;” and he seemed much impressed with the importance of endeavoring to preserve the seed clean, and its growth uncontaminated.

He wrestled much in spirit for the welfare of Zion. The welfare of our Society, mingled abundantly with his best feelings, and his intercessions at times arose to the Father of mercies, that He would spare His people, and give not His heritage to reproach.

It was but seldom that feelings of distress has been permitted to cloud his triumphant spirit, and they have soon passed away, and left his mind calm and peaceful as a morning without clouds, in the enjoyment of renewed faith, and holy hope and confidence.

5th month, 6th. He intimated that his day's work was done, that his peace was made, that he was ready to depart; but manifested no impatience on account of the protracted period of his earthly pilgrimage.

There is a beautiful feature sometimes apparent in the experience of the devoted Christian, which seems to be the fulfillment of the commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This feature presents to our observation a disinterested love and living desire for the preservation of all souls; and it is believed has seldom been more prominent in the experience of any of Zion's children, than in that of our departing friend; when health and liberty permitted, his labors in the line of religious duty flowed abundantly beyond the pale of our Society; and as the energies of the outward man became prostrated, and the termination of his earthly existence apparently drew near, still that universal love of souls came up before him, and he supplicated fervently for this generation.

5th month, 12th. A friend calling to see him, he said: “I love to meet my friends; it generally brings tenderness with it.”

He spent much of the night in supplication and exercise of soul, but owing to great exhaustion and feebleness of articulation, but little could be gathered, except the frequent naming of his Maker, and a few detached sentences, such as, “How good;” “How comfortable;” “How sweet;” “His glorious good presence;” “I love my friends.”

“Every one that will not bow in mercy, must bow in judgment.” “Dear friends, fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man; for God will bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

He was often exercised on account of the low state of our once much favored Society; but said it was his unshaken belief, that the doctrines and testimonies given our forefathers to bear, would not be permitted to fall to the ground; but that there would be standard bearers raised up to proclaim the day of the Lord, as said the prophet: “I will turn my hand upon you, and purge away your dross; and I will restore your judges as at the first, and your counselors as at the beginning; afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness;” then the song will be: “Lo, the winter is past, the rain is over and gone, the flowers appear upon the earth, the time of the singing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land.”

5th month, I6th, 1851. This day about 11 o'clock, our beloved friend, Christopher Healy, departed this life; an easy passage from the conflicts of time was mercifully granted; his close was calm and peaceful, his last words, peace, peace.

A concern had long rested on his mind to have his remains enclosed in a coffin of very plain and simple appearance; and at times during his illness, and especially as the solemn period of his departure drew near, the subject revived with increasing weight, and he earnestly enjoined the faithful performance of his wishes in this respect upon his friends. He said: “have my coffin made of white pine boards, without stain or coloring, brass hinges or lining; have it flat on top, and let it be laid in the grave without an outside coffin.” These requests were faithfully complied with; and although the fulfillment of the conditions of this concern might present the aspect of needless singularity to some minds, yet it unmistakeably felt to our dear friend to be a matter of very grave importance, which he felt conscientiously bound to sustain. And be it remembered, that a corresponding rigid simplicity of burial prevailed among Friends of his native New England, among whom his lot was cast in his early years, and for a considerable portion of his life; and it is most likely that he still felt attached to what he then valued as an appropriate and commendable custom. But aside from these considerations, he had long mourned over what he was apprehensive might be an increasing propensity to exhibit a display at funerals, and which he feared was gradually leading us away from the becoming simplicity of our forefathers, and introducing us into a worldly spirit; and he felt religiously anxious that his precepts or example might never tend to promote such departure. He also was apprehensive that it might not be entirely consistent with the will of an all-wise Creator, that there should be decoration and adorning about the remains of perishing mortality, which he had decreed +should return to dust, and lose all their beauty and comeliness; but that strict simplicity was more befitting the solemn occasion, and more accordant with the committing of dust to dust. Our dear friend undoubtedly felt that there was a necessity laid upon him to bear a faithful testimony against all appearance of pride or ostentation in the preparation of the poor body for the grave.

5th month, 19th, 1851. Today the remains of our beloved friend, Christopher Healy, were interred in Friends' burial-ground at Fallsington, attended by a very large company of Friends and others; after which a solid meeting was held, and much testimony was borne to the Christian virtues of the deceased; to the faithful occupancy of the precious gifts that had been committed to his care; and to the undoubted assurance that his soul had been gathered into the fold of everlasting rest and peace.

1883. In Friends' modern burial-ground at Fallsington, in near proximity to many other inhabitants of this city of the dead, and also adjacent to the MeetingHouse, the scene of abundant labors of faithful ones now gathered to their everlasting rest, there is observable a family row of four lowly graves, lying side by side. No letters engraved on sculptured marble proclaim the names and virtues of the departed; such testimonials of worldly display would be sadly out of place here, and widely at variance with the pious precepts and examples set forth in the circumspect lives of those whose remains repose beneath these humble mounds. The green grass has for many summers taken root in the mother earth which marks these dwellings of the dead; and the snows of winter, the sunshine and the rain, and innocent birds, and appreciative friends, have all been visitors here; but the disembodied spirits, we humbly trust, are now surrounding the everlasting throne, with all tears wiped away from their eyes. The first grave, that by the south wall, is occupied with all that is mortal of our dear friend John Miller, long a substantial and much esteemed Elder, and father-in-law to Christopher Healy. Shortly after his decease, in the year 1850, the appended notice thereof appeared in “The Friend.”

The good man's setting sun

Hath a most holy radiance; and its beams

Linger the longest on the earth-weaned minds,

Whose thoughts are nearest heaven!

We mourn your absence venerable sage,

Though well persuaded that we should not mourn,

That having trod your pilgrimage below,

Your Father's house received you! Thou have well

Fulfilled your mission in a world of sin,

And entered to your rest—that holy rest

That still remaines for the child of God!

Dearly beloved and venerated Friend,

Your upright bearing through a lengthened life

Shone so conspicuous in your daily walk,

That as a light to others was your path,

Showing the road that Christian pilgrims tread;

And by example calling to the youth,

“Follow me as I am following Christ!”

Born in a foreign land he crossed the waves,

While yet a boy, and reached our favored shores,

Finding a refuge and protecting friend,—

Beneath a roof where virtue loved to dwell.

The Christian care that compassed him in youth,—

The pious precepts of his Quaker friend,—

The drawing cords of a Redeemer-s love,—

Performed their office on his honest heart,

And drew him to the truth his Friends professed.

That truth that Fox in early days had taught,

That truth that Barclay could so well defend,

That truth that breathed on Pennington's pure page.

The bud, the blossom, and the ripened fruit,

In his experience knew their seasons come,

Till he was found a Father in the Truth,

A pillar in the temple of our church.

With native strength of mind, with judgment clear,

With zeal for Truth and with discernment keen,

From left hand errors and from right hand free,

He had the wisdom of the truly wise.

As outward substance gathered round his home

To snare his feet, Humility came in

With guardian wings, and shielded him from harm;

Thrust ostentation from his calm abode,

And made religion an abiding guest.

His vacant seat

Reminds us of our loss,—the church's loss!

But also of his everlasting gain.

In life's decline deep suffering was his lot,

Wearisome days and tedious nights were his—

Yet, heaven-sustained, no murmuring thoughts went forth

But he looked calmly toward the narrow house,

And joyfully beyond. At length the sound,

“It is enough,” from the great Judge went forth,

And the gate opened to the world of bliss,

Where songs of praise eternally ascend

From ransomed saints around the Father's throne.

The next grave contains the remains of our beloved friend, Christopher Healy; and those of his faithful and beloved wife, Sarah M. Healy, are deposited by his side. In the fourth grave the remains of Mark Healy are buried, the goodly and dutiful son, whose untimely death by accident, created such wide spread sympathetic feeling at the period of its occurrence. Lovely were they in their lives, and in their deaths not long divided.

1See previous visit to New York and Canada.