4ow




MEMOIR
OF
ELIZABETH NEWPORTL
COMPILED BY
ANN A. TOWNSEND.
"And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of
the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness.
as the stars forever and ever."-DAN. xii. 3.
PHILADELPHIA:
JOHN COMLY, 144 N. SEVENTH  STREET1874.




PIITLADEI PHIA:
-IERRTIIEW & SON, PRINTERS.




PREFACE.
A desire having been expressed by many friends
that some of the remarkable incidents connected
with the ministerial labors of Elizabeth Newport
be preserved, a Memoir has been compiled with the
hope that it may prove instrumental in encouraging
others to a faithful adherence to the " Light within,"
which was her guide through life.
Although it has already appeared in Friends' Intelligencer, it is now published in book form as a
means of more generally disseminating a knowledge
of the principles and testimonies promulgated by
this devoted handmaiden, upon whom had been bestowed unusual gifts, which were eminently used
in Truth's service.                    T.








MAEMOIR
ELIZABETH NEWPORT.
She "being dead yet speaketh."
Elizabeth Newport was born in the city of
Philadelphia, on the 19th of 2d month, 1796.
Her parents, James and Margaret.Ellison,
were members of the Society of Friends. They
had four children, John B.,  Elizabeth,
William C., and Martha B. Ellison.
Margaret Ellison, the mother of E. Newport, was the great grand-daughter of John
Rodmnan, an Englishman who lived in Barbadoes, but who with his brother Thomas
settled in Rhode Island in 1683. John was
a minister of the Society of Friends, having
been convinced of its principles through the
preaching of George Fox. *
* The following account of the courage of John
Rodman, recorded by his daughter and copied from




4                 MEMOIR OF
The mind of E. NlT. in  very early life was
made sensible of divine visitations, to which,
ill writing to a Friend many years after, she
t;hus refers: "At the early age of five or six
the original mLanuscript, was found among the papers of E. N.:
" iMy dear father, John Rodman, lived at Block
Island, N. E., of which he owned a large part. At
the time of the war in 1690, a French privateer anchored in the harbor. J. R. and several of the inhabitants were at the public landing when the ship
sent her boat ashore with a few hands, one being an
Englishman.
" They requested a pilot into Rhode Island. Some
of the people went on board, of whom the Captain
inquired the strength of the Island.
"Soon afterward, the ship's boats were manned7
and the men well armed took all that were at the
harbor, prisoners. Next morning my father was permitted to go to his house under guard, to see what
had become of his family. He found several of the
inhabitants, both men and women, gathered there.
After some time, a number of the privateers collected together, and one of the crew, a Maltese or
Mulatto, with a drawn sword in his hand, ordered all
the men up stairs. They complied except my father.
He was asked why he did not go. He said one
prison was as good as another to him, but, (pointing
to us) he added, that is my wife and those are my




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.                5
years, I was so forcibly impressed with the
love of my heavenly Father, that I earnestly
desired that He would take me out of the
world rather than that I should live to offend
IHim."  According to her mother's testimony,
children, and I will not leave them. With hard
-threats they made a flourish with their swords as if
they would kill him, but after a warm debate among
themselves, they granted him his family. Then a
neighbor wanted to go with us. My father told the
men he believed her to be an honest woman, and
her husband was not on the Island, therefore he
would not leave her, if they killed him. With a
*demonstration of rage and disappointment, as if
nothing but death would satisfy them, they consented that she should also go. But after this was
the greatest trial —bow to release those who had been
left by their husbands and fathers. At last he told
them that he would leave none of the women, and
if they would, they might kill him, and he bared
his breast with undaunted resolution. One of the
gang made a pass at him which another parried.
Then one of them  ran to the door and shot a fat
hog and ordered my father to dress it, (as a stratagem to get rid of him.) He told them he had never
done such a thing in his life, but the men up stairs
could do it. Finding they had not the power to
execute their base designs, the supposed prisoners
-were called down stairs, and thus it ended."
1'




(j6              M IEMOIR OF
she " was always an obedient and loving'
child."  Her countenance even in childhood
wore the pensive hue for which it was remarkable through life.
She was educated at the boarding school of
her uncle Eli Hillis,  at Wilmington, Del..
Her sedate and quiet manner was an example
to her school-mates, by whom she was beloved..
Some of these are still living, and hold in
grateful remembrance the influence which she
exerted over thel at that imlportant period of
their lives. When about fifteen years of age,.
she became a teacher in her uncle's school,
and won, in no ordinary degree, -the love of
the pupils.
Subsequently she became a member of her
aunt Edmund's famaily, who resided in Alexandria, Va.  Her relatives were Baptists by
profession and were desirous that Elizabeth
should attend their religious meetings with;
them. She went a few  tinmes, but not finding the spiritual food she required, she pre —
ferred attending the meeting of her own So —
ciety, although it was comparatively small, an(i
she was obliged to go alone. HeI:e, under theministry of Edward Stabler, her religiouts convictions were confirmed.




ELIZABsETH NEWPORT.            7
She sought retirement and obtained thestrength she needed in seasons of quiet, wher
her spirit was brought into close communimiwith the Divine Mind.
By nature she was reticent and peculiarly
sensitive, and shrank from public notice, but
she had at times a foreshadowing of a service,
which would be required of her if she was,
faithful to the mani'estations of duty. She
was surrounded by those who mingled with.
the fashionable world and'conformed  to itscustoms; but she could not be persuaded to.
use what are termed " compliments," although,
the refusal to do so solmetimes subjected her
to ridicule.  She was told by her acquaint-.
ances that they wished she would cease saying
thee and thou and talk like the rest of them..
At one time she accepted an invitation to a
public entertainment without knowing  thecharacter of it. Upon arriving there she en —
[reated her friends to take her home, feeling.
herself entirely out of place in a theatre.
After a fEw months had elapsed, the desireto be near her mother induced her to returns
to her native city.  Soon afterward, she accepted the position of principal in a public



8               MEMOIR OF
school, called the " Model School," which was
conducted upon the Lancasterian system.
By her self-control and gentle yet firm dis-,cipline, she gave entire satisfaction to the
"' directors," who acknowledged her influence
-for good over the children, by whom she was
greatly beloved. Her health becoming increasingly delicate, she was obliged to resign
her responsible position, mnuch to the regret of'both teachers afid scholars.  The following
letters are descriptive of the estimation in
which she was held by one connected with the
school.
MODEL SCHOOL, May 26th, 1820.
Dear Sir:-It is with extreme concern I
acquaint you that Miss Ellison's health is such
that she is not able to perform the arduous;duties of her station in the school. Her situ-.ation is very delicate, if not dangerous; and
I think prudence requires that she should not
persist any longer in making exertions here,
beyond her strength, which may be attended
with serious affliction to her friends.
Her management of this school, and also of
-the Adelphi school, fully shows how eminently,qualified she is for a teacher; and it is a mat



ILIZABETH NEWPORT.             Co
ter of grief to me that she must necessarily
relinquish a place which she has filled with so
much credit to herself, and so much to the
advantage of the girls under her care. I believe they will all cry when she leaves them,.
and I feel myself more than half inclined to
bear them cornmpany. She is certainly one of
the imost excellent of the earth; and a life so
precious should by all means be cherished2
You will therefore see the necessity of appointing a person to succeed her as early as convenient.  I am most respectfullly, your obedient servant,                  JOHN ELY.
To ROBEXITS VAJUX, ESQ., President of the
Board of GControl'of Ptblic Schools.
MoDEL. SCTIOOL, May 26th, 1820.
lIuch esteemed Firienzd: —I received your
note of this morning, and painful as the
thought is to me of your leaving the school, I
have nevertheless complied with your request,
which, as you see, is nothing less than to solicit the removal, from  near me, of a very
dear friend.  The enclosed copy will show
how I have executed my commission.  If I
have said more than you authorized me to,
say, I must beg leave to observe, justice re-o




10              MEMOIR OF
quires that I should thus far bear testimony
*to your merit, which from long acquaintance.I know to be such as cannot fail to be gratifying to your friends; you will therefore, I presume, impute it to the only true motive.
However seriously we shall all regret your:absence from this school, as I am persuaded it
will be for your good, I can say nothing
against your determination.  With the greatest respect and esteem  I must subscribe myself your friend, most sincerely,
JOHN ELY.
To Miss ELIZA ELLIsoN.
The health of our Friend, after'she gave up
teaching, gradually improved, though  she
never became physically strong. In the year
1820, she and Jesse W. Newport were married.at Friends' Meeting-house on Green street.
In the 11th month following, a certificate of'
removal was granted them  to Philadelphia
Monthly Meeting, of which they were members until 5th month 20th, 1824, when they
were  again  united  in  membership with
Friends of Green street Monthly Meeting.
Of their eight children two died when
young.  The circumstances attending  the




ELIZABETH NEW'POHPT.           1 i
removal of one of them, a beautiful child of
twenty-two months, were remarkable.  In the
spring of 1826, the house caught fire one
night, and the two little children were taken
to a neighbor's for safety, and put in bed
with the children.  It subsequently proved
that these children had measles, though unknown at that time to the parents. Elizabeth's
mother, who was very ill at the time, died in
a few days after the fire. The night after the
funeral, as E. N. was sitting by the cradle of
her child, she heard this language as audibly
as if spoken by a human voice, and it seemed
as if it might have been that of her nlother:
" Fear not Eliza, another and a greater trial
awaits thee: this night two weeks thy little
Margaret shall be taken from thee."  The
child being apparently in perfect health, it.
made a deep impression upon her mind, and
she went to her sister's- room and told her
what she had heard. The next day her little
daughter was taken sick with measles, and
died as she had been foretold.
Under the affliction of the double bereav —
ment, she thus wrote to a relative.  " I have
been supported at times even to my astonish



.12             MEMIOIR OF
clent, but nature will and must feel! The
cup that has been given me to drink is bitter!
but it is necessary for me to turn from the,endearments that press upon my recollection,.and seek for strength in looking beyond them
to the enjoyments of which the loved ones now
-fully partake."
E. Newport was a practical woman. She
attended to the details of her household with
discipline and economy.   As a wife and
mother her ministrations we're affectionate and
tender; and her example in self-denial, patience and forbearance was worthy of imitation.
Amid varied trials she was a true help-meet to
lher husband. Her considerations for his comfort and for the happiness of those around her,.often occasioned her, apparentl4Y, to lose sight
of her own share of trouble, which with her
sensitive and sympathetic nature must have'been keenly felt. By her faith and trust in
the Source whence strength is derived, she'was not only sustained herself, but was abilitated to bear others up in seasons of discouragement. Her father-in law, who had been
a member of the family since her marriage,,.was often heard tosay, " Eliza is a wonderful




ELIZABETIH NEWPORT.           13
womail practically as well as spiritually."
About the first of the year 1829, she appeared
in public as a minister, a service for which
she had long been under the preparing Hand.,Of her exercises at this time, she thus wrote to
her brother, W. C. Ellison
PHILADELPHEIAU 1 mo. 25ti, 1829.
ITi~y dear brother: —Hast thou supposed my
silence has proceeded from a want of sisterly
affection?  N'o, I am assured not! I have
wished much to write to thee, but "the way
did not seem  to open."  Dear brother, this,day week in a public meeting I was made
willing to appear as a fool for His sake who
has ransomed my soul, and "plucked my feet
out of the miry clay," and " put a new song
in my mouth," and in a measure " established
mny goings."    I never before spent such a week
as the last. ~Words fail to give thee an idea
of the quiet, peaceful enjoyment I have experienced. Thanks are due alone to the dear
Father who has promised that He will never
fbrsake those who trust in Him. He has indeed marvellously sustained me.! Mountains
of obstacles have been removed, and I have
known him to be strength in weakness; blessed
2




14              MEMliE3\OI:R OF
be His holy namLwe! Last Fourth-day morning I felt, at times, as if I could not bear the
weiglht of a grasshopper, and tlhrough anguish
of spirit it was made clear to me beyond a
doubt, that I must go to Cherry street MiVeeting. I went, and was abilitated to do all that
I was commanded to do. He is not a hard
Master, my precious brother! On iFifth-day,
in our MIonthly Mfeeting, my spirit was bowed
under the oflering of a vocal supplication;
and again, this afternoon, I had to give utterance to the exercise which was clearly presented.  But what anguish and bitterness of
soul did it. seem necessary I should pass
through ere I was made willing to appear as a
fool before the people. The divine promises
are yea and amen forever! and I have faith to
believe that as I hold fast to the shield wlich
has been anointed, I shall be preserved to the
end.
In that near and dear tie that binds us together as childreti of the same dear parents, I
remain thy tenderly attached sister,
E. N.
Her gift -was a, peculiar one, but it was
exercised in simplicity.  She was frequently




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.            15
led to address individual states. A Friend
an attendance at Green street IMeeting, in the
Tenth month of 1830, thus wrote: "Our dear
Eliza sweetly acldressed a state similar to my
own. She spoke of the necessity of thankfulaless even when the singing of birds was not
heard in our borders. She said the life of a
Christian is one of fluctuations. That we
ought not to expect nor to wish always to
abound, but rather be ready to thank Him
who sometimes poured into our cup the oil and
the wine, and sometimes in His infinite wisdom  saw meet to strip us of every comfort."
The same Friend, under date of 3d month,
1831, says: "Again I heard E. N., in their
(Green street) Monthly Meeting. She began
with the query' can these dry bones live?'
In the first meeting, she had thought the
language applied to herself, but it still lived
with her. She felt that the Power by which
Lazarus was raised, was both able and willing
to say' Loose him and let him go.' How impressive were her words touching even this
flinty heart of mine! and I was ready to conclude that to me it belonged. Dear child!




16              MEMOIR OF
may she be enabled to keep close to that armi
that has through much tribulation brought:
her thus far on her journey heavenward."
From the records of PGreen street Monthly
Meeting, it appears that her ministerial gift
was acknowledged by that meeting the 21st
of 4th month, 1831. As her gift enlarged she
was remarkable for her prophetic vision and
discernment of character. This occasioned
her seasons of deep humiliation, but as she
was faithful to what was required of her, she'
experienced the fulfilment of the promise, " as
thy day so shall thy strength be."
In the [Fifth month of 1832, she obtained a
minute to attend New York Yearly Meeting.
She was accompanied by Sarah Noble, a member of Green street Monthly Mfeeting.
During this visit, in a letter to her husband,
she says: "These are seasons of trial and
deep pkoving. May I stand firm as with my
feet in tihe bottom of Jordan! I have again
a"nd again been baptised unto death, and yet
have been able to'wash and anoint.' There
are tiles when the captive spirit is made to,
rejoice, and there is a liberty felt to enjoy the
Society of my Friends; then again, there is a




ELIZABET'-H NEWPORT.          17
seal placed upon my lips and the way is
closed; but my desire is to be able to adopt
the language,'Thy will, not mine be done.'
The company of Sarah Noble is grateful to
me. Our dear little babe keeps well and is
good. My, Friends James Haviland and wife,
are truly kind, and I feel at home in their
house."
Letters from E. N. to Sarah 0. Pierce.
SISXT MONTH 10th, 1832.
My dear S.-I have just closed a letter to
James and Phebe Haviland, and weary as I
am, I can scarcely say why I attempt to
write to thee this evening.  I am alone, and
although not bereft of all consolation, the
spring is so low and I am so faint, that there
seems to be no strength left to draw  water
from thence, and yet no real satisfaction in,anything short of it. In these seasons of extreme strippedness I feel the necessity of.geing.disrobed of all self-adornings-of waiting as
st wisdom's gate, endeavoring to know a daily
dependence upon the divine Source for knowledge without looking backward or forwardto the right or the left.-Oh! for patience to
hold out to the end-for faithl to believe in
2"'t,




18    -MEMOIR OF
God, for strength to trust in Him and for submission to yield all unto HIim! Why, my
Friend, should I write thus to thee? because,
it is somewhat relieving and nothing forbids
it.  I should like to answer dear J. Comly's
note, received before I left home, but there is
no qualification for it at present.  I feel him
as one toward whom ]I am no longer bound to
manifest reserve, and I wish I was worthy of
his love in the same proportion.
Thy letter was received, for which I am
grateful. -Thou must not rate thyself too low..
There is a possibility of being too poor as;
well as too rich-too much depressed as well
as too much exalted.  Thou had nothing to do
with the depression thou noticed.  I felt that.
morning, in a very powerful and peculiar
manner, the necessity of watchfulness, and it
all arose from the want of strictly waiting in
patience upon the Divine Mind.
It is not worth while to trouble thee with
my conflicts of feeling, suffice it to say that
mine is' a tribulated path, rendered more so for
want of a perfect resignation, both as regards
outward concerns and my spiritual food; that
I be content with a crumb. or to wait in a




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           1f
state of perfect nothingness all the days of my
appointment. I have verified in my experience that I am not to " live by bread alone,
but by every word that proceeds out of the
mouth of God."  My increasingly beloved
friend, desire for me a firm fboting upon that
rock, against which the storms and tempestsbeat in vain.
Thy sincerel1y attached friend,
E. NEWPORT.
Anothler.
At the time the tidings of thy illness
reached me, my dear S., mly mind was wrapt
in thought of thee-was busy in retrospective
view. There was a sense of endearment and
also a feeling of sympathy for which I could
not account. It is wonderful what in the infinitude of time and space, the mind, that active yet incomprehensible something, can take
in! That however the frail tenement may
suffer, yet the soul can wing its flight to
realms of bliss where distress and pain cannot
enter, and there hold communion with the
Spirits of the just made perfect and have a
foretaste of the full fruition of happiness that
shall be knownl when these earthly tenements,




20              MEMOIR OF
shall be consigned to their mother earth, and
God the Father of love shall welcome us to
"' a house not made with hands, eternal in the.heavens."
Have just returned from evening meeting,
iwhere there was gathered a vast multitude.
A. Peaslee was lengthy in testimony, and John
-Jackson spoke for half an hour. After him,
one of our own members followed, and the
predominate feeling with me was, what cannot
faithfulness do! it surely wonders can perform!,by it the simplest gift is' made to bud and
blossom even as the rose..
From a sense of a lack of qualification to
*write of latter time, I have entered into an
investigation to see if it resulted from supineness; but I am satisfied that, however desolate.at seasons the heart may feel, there is cherished therein a pure flow of affectionate feel-,ing toward those esteemed as dear friends.
Tell L. S. that I often think of her, and she is,of the number toward whom love has not
waxed cold...                   E. N.
-E. N. visited the families of Abington Monthly Meeting in 1835, with a minute of unity
-srom her own M onthly Meeting. The only




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.            21
record: f this visit at cornmand, is an allusions
to "it, taken from a letter to her family, inr
which she says, "We have met with great
kindness; my faith has been put to the test,
but Truth has gained the ascendency, and in
some instances in a remarkable manner. We
visit eight or ten families in a day, and my
physical strength holds out. I have already
realized hard things to be made easy, and bitter things sweet. May I ever bear in mind
that He who has been strength in weakness
will ever be the same if faith fail not."
In 1836 a minute was granted her by
Green Street Monthly  Meeting, to  visit
Meetings and Friends within the limits of
Ohio and Indiana Yearly Meetings. Sarah
0. Peirce (now Plulmmer) and Ezekiel Tyson
accompanied her. In a recent letter from
the former to a daughter of E. N., the following condensed account of that journey is.
given:
RICHMOND, 9th mo. 23d, 1872.
Dear M. —My  impressions of thy dear
mother's labors throughout that arduous journey are, that they were deeply heart-searching, and calculated to awaken the slumberer,




i:22              EMlOIrrtoIM    OF,to arouse the lu'kewarm and to bring convic&
tion to the erring.
The first meeting we attended was the'Quarterly  Meeting at SHalem, Ohio, held on
Seventh-day, in which she was engaged in a
lengthy living testimnony.  At the close of the
meeting, agreeably to her request, information
was given that on the next day a meeting'would be held in that house for the people of.the town who were not in the habit of attend-ing any place. of worship. It was a large
gathering, and here was verified a prophetic
remark of a minister in allusion to thy moth~er's prospect, while the sublject was claiming
the attention of the (Ouarterly Meeting. It
was on this wise: "There will be seasons of
public service when thou wilt feel the need of'hlaving as it were'a face of brass' " —with
more of the same import. lMen sat opposite
her, who with looks of scorn and derision appeared to be determined, for a time, to face
her down; but ere long their heads were'bowed'under the powerful testimony and affecting
appeal made to their higher nature. The sub-.ject of intemperance was impressively dwelt,upon, and its horrors forcibly portrayed! One




ELIZABETl1H ENEWPORT.         2individual beyond middle age was solemnly
admonished to abandon it at once.  At the
close of the meeting a man between fifty and
sixty years of age left the house, and taking
a bottle from his pocket, em ptied the contents
upon the ground. He then returned and made
his way through the crowd, and taking thy
mother's hand in both of his, with the tears
running down his cheeks, he thanked her
warmly for the message delivered to him, adding, " it was all for nme, and with the help
of God I will never taste another drop."
On anotiher occasion a meeting had been.
appointed some miles ahead, whither we went
without a pilot. On our way, not noticing the
fording place over quite a broad stream, we
came to a very dilapidated bridge.  Ezekiel
Tyson stopped the horses, remarking, thebridge looked unsafe. He then walked through
it, and upon returning asked what we should
do. Thy mother replied, "Be quiet a little
while."  After a few moments of stillness she
said, "If Sarah is willing to risk it I am. I
feel as if we can cross in safety."  I replied,
"I rely on thy faith," and we did cross it in.
safety.




24              MEMOIRo OF
The evening after the close of Ohio Yearly
Meeting there was a large company at the:house of the friend with whom we had been
staying. Sometime after supper the stream of
social converse ceased to flow, and the minds
of several ministers appeared to be under exercise. At the request of thy mother the
young people were looked for, but they were
not found.  Several communications were
offered by other friends, and about 10 o'clock
a number of persons took their leave, while
others retired; but thy mother kept her seat,
feeling no liberty to move. Near 11 o'clock
the young people returned, and then the pent
up exercise found utterance in a solemn admonition and warning, expressive of a painful
foresight of the life of one of the young women,
unless there was an immediate and firm resistance of a besetting temptation. It was a remarkable and favored season, but one deeply
trying to thy mother's sensitive nature. These
young people followed us from meeting to
meeting for a number of miiles. At one time,
a friend joined our little company, and remained with us about three days, piloting us
from place to place. His presence was oppressive to us and we made an effort to induce




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           25
him to go home. At the time of the appointed
meeting in his neighborhood we went directly
-to the meeting-house. Before going into meeting thy mother said to me, with great earnestness, " Do not accept an invitation to that
mann's house, I do not wish to go there." " Nor
I7 neither," I replied, thinking at the same
time that she would see that we would have
to go, though I said nothing like it to her.
After meeting, the first remark thy mother
made to me was, 6  Oh  Sarah, we must go to
that man's house and stay all night without
any invitation."
She soon saw that the situation of his family
demnanded his constant attention, and she was
at once introduced into an agonizing exercise.
After tea the family with great difficulty
were collected, endeavors being made by all
of them to prevent thy mother from speaking;
but she was emboldened to raise her voice
while this very man was talking. She made
an effort to suppress the utterance of hard
things, but she found her peace consisted in
telling him that which was revealed, and the
transgressing nature in him was searchingly
and closely addressed.




26              MEIOIR OF
She was infiormed, after our return home,
that circumstances had developed which gave
sure evidence that her impressions were alt
correct. Thy dear nmother's friend,
SARAPH 0. PLUMMiER.
Letters written by our ffiend while prosecating this western journey, as well as at other
times when absent from  holne on religious
visits, furnish evidence that notwithstanding'the trying nature of the services to which she
was frequently called, she was not unmindfui
of her beloved family froim  whom it was her
lot to be often separated.
The following extracts are expressive of the
yearnings of her maternal heart, and also of
her faith that those whom she had left for her
"Master's sake " would be cared for, though
deprived of her immnediate care and oversight.
WAYNESVILLE, 9th mo. 24th, 1836.
My Dear J.-I have been sadly disappointed in not hearing from you in this place! How
are the dear little ones?  Oh! the mother's
heart goes out to them  with deep yearning
love. I try to be as cheerful as possible. I
left you all in the hands of the dear Father.,We attended an appointed meeting at Elk




ELIZAPBsIETH NEWPORT.         27
on Sixth-day. It was a trying time. How the
riches and glory of this world shut out the
precious life! Toward the close of the meeting a little life seemed to " bubble up."  On
Seventh-day I was scarceley'able to sit up, but
it was a precious meeting.
On First-day at Richmond it was different.
Oh! what wading!  Surely it was a time
never to be forgotten. After meeting a peaceful serenity clothed nmy mind. A friend who
I believe shared my exercise and felt the state,of the meeting, said, "What greater evidence
can be given than that some of us could put
our hands on the heads of those addressed."
Ezekiel alld Saralh are excellent companions.
RICHAMOND, INDIANA, 1836.
Truly the mother's care and anxieties have
increased tenfold since the winter commenced,
but I have striven hard against them. I think
we shall enjoy home when we get together
again. It was a bitter cup I had to partake
of when I found that we would be separated
longer than we had expected.  The roads
have been very bad. Our pilot, a Friend who
was one of the earliest settlers in the country,
said, they were worse than he had ever be



28              ~MEBTOI1-  OF
fore known them.  The extreme point of our
journey was sixty miles froln Richmolnd, at
Fall Creek, where we had a season of heavenly
enjoyment.  There is a precious little flock
there. From thence we  -ent *to another little
settlement of'Friends, w-here altthIough    there
were a number of goodly ones, yet we had a
laborlous meeting on account of the departure.
of some fromn the blessed principle of light and
life. Our next meeting was held in a F'riend's
house, where there was close service. From
thence we travelled to another settlement of'
Friends, had a meeting in a new private house
and dined with the friends afterward.  Then
we returned to Berlin, where live many valuable Friends. Here I found a mixture of the
bitter and sweet.  The exercises both public
and private were beyond expression. Joseph
Pluinmer went with us through all and shared
the labor. He is a valuable friend.  I have
desired at times that this cup might pass from
me, but thus it is! 2lst —Later. No mistake,.
we are now on our way home! We left Itichmond with peaceful minds.
Letter to 3il. Tilles from E. Xiewport.
WAYNESVILLE, 9th mo. 23d, 1836.
I cannot enter into the particular account




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           29
of meetings. Our time has been occupied,
and peace of mind has been the result.
Have had three in Methodist meeting-houses,
and one in the Court House at Hillsborough,
from which I was favored to return with the
answer of peace, though I went forth weeping
and with fear and trembling. I have had a
dread of those meetings because here the mouth
has been opened and the tongue loosened to
speak of " faith and doctrine," which are the
"c chief corner-stone " of some men's belief. I
have proven that the Lord remains to be
strength in weakness.
Ain addition by S. O. Pierce.
I have taken the pen to say that dear E.
wrote the preceding, when on account of physical infirmities she ought to have sought repose. The maternal interest and& solicitude
thou expresses for her, induces me to think
that some little account of her from another
would not be unacceptable, which must be my
apology for this freedom; and I know not
that I can better convey the ideas I wish to,
than by quoting a passage from a letter I received this evening from Samuel Myers (formerly of Washington) now of New Lisbon. He
3'




30               MIEMOIR OF
is a minister much esteemed.  He was with
us at many meetings and was as a father or
brother to us. He says: "I[ have conversedc
very little on ally of the subjects connected
with l.izabeth's visit to this country, yet
from  circumstances that have come to my
knowledge, and from  my own feelings, I believe I have a further confirmation, if any were
needed, which to me were not, of the correctness of her ministry.  I see and feel abundant
evidence of its being life to the living, and'as bread cast upon the -waters will be found
after many days,' strengthening many mrinds
and encouraging them in obedience to every
manifestation ofi duty.  MPy prayer is that
those who have been so powerfully revisited
through her instrumentality may be found
faithful, aind that she may be encouraged to
bear up under the great weight of depression
which she suffers to come upon her, and place
her confidence in the protection of her Divine
3Master, who, I have not a shadow of doubt,
will sustain her under all her trials until the
work assigied her is finished."  To this I may
add, that I have been comforted with the clear
evidence both external and internal which has




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.            31
been afforded, that there are many who could
feelingly subscribe to the above testimony, and
I know of none who would dissent therefrom.
Had I room I might narrate several incidents
that would be confirming. Please think of
and remember us as travellers who need the
sympathy and prayers of their friends.
S. 0. PIERCE.
Letter to iI. tiilles from E. T.
WAYNESVILLE, 9th mo. 27th, 1836.
31i Dear Autmt. —l *y last letter was not satisfactory for two reasons. One was that my
Irind was too much depressed for my own
profit, and I have ever found that when this
was  given way to, it unfits for social comrnmingling of any kind~  I came here too much
under the influence of fear, yet I trust it has
been a profitable season to me, inasmuchlas I
have been renewvedly confirmed that all who
desire to be found faithful must stand upon
their own footing-must be impressed with
the necessity of keeping the eye single and of
retiring within and waiting upon their own
gift in order that the will or mind of Truth
may be manifested, and its dictates be obeyed,in child-like simplicity.  The meeting for




32             MEMIOIR OF
Ministers and Elders commenced at 11 o'clock
on Seventh-day; it was an interesting occasion, much excellent counsel being given. It
-appeared that there had been a mistake about
the time of convening; some came at 10 o'clock
and others at 11 o'clock.  The discussion
about it went far enough, but ended well.
Dear H. P. Wilson told G. Hatton, after
meeting, that she was glad she was right even
if he was wrong. I have been with Hannah
considerably and think her an example of
humility and resignation. We did not enter
upon the state of society on Seventh-day morning, but adjourned until 3 o'clock on Firstday afternoon. Some friends objected to this
time as being unsuitable, and hoped it might
be avoided in future. One gave as a reason
that some might be sent to neighboring meetings and they would be straitened. G. HI.
said that when Friends came to meeting, they
came to attend to the business of it without
regard to days. The meeting was an exercising
but a very instructive one. A committee was
appointed to visit the select subordinate meetings, then adjourned to meet on Fourth-day
morning. Owing to indisposition I was obliged




ELIZA:BETITI NEW~VPORT.        33
to leave in hal,If an hour. This has been a
good Yearly Meeting; there are many conCtelred friends, but expression is too much confined lo ta few. On Fifth-day we had a session
five hours lo-o; the ieeting wias interesting,
and I did not experience as mnuch physical
exhnustion as on some p revious occasions.
George Hatton paid a visit to wlomrnell's meeting and was very powerlul in testimony. There
were many short comlnunications that were
impressive and expressive of a concern that
the Light XVithiin mnight be our guiding staro
It was a searching time in which I had my
share of exercise.  The epistles which have
been received were excellent.  A  committee
has been appointed to gather up the fragments
for subordinate meetings.  I think the Yearly
AMeeting  will close  to-morrow.  After all
other labor was finished I founld it my duty
cheerfully to submit to the appointment of a
meeting at Waynesville.  Thou mayest suppose that in the midst of so many valiants it
is particularly trying.  I would willingly attend: a meeting appointed by another. Letters
from  home have not reached us, which has
been a great disappointment, but we have had




34               MEMIOIR OF
renewed cause to feel that we are in our right
places, and as we have labored for resignation
it has been mercifully granted.  We had a
close and exercising sitting in a Friend's family last evening. Ruth Pyle, Hannah P. Wilson and others, dined there, but many left before supper. Heavenly peace was the reward,
and that is-worth purchasing at any cost! My
dear aunt, desire for me, thy unwoirthy child,
a steady course of obedience, with a single eye
unto Him  whom  I desire to serve, so that
when permitted to return to my heloved fan ily and hoime, I nima.y be more fhithful in the
performance of all duties, social, relative and
religious.  My love to Cousin C.  I have felt:much on hearing of her indisposition, and the
desire accompanies the feeling of sympathy,
that what she is passing through may teach
her the instability of all earthly hopes and
where to look for wisdom and instruction. It
is only as this lesson is perfectly learned and
cheerfully applied that peace is known.  She,
however,, is aware of all this. For my Cousin
E. I have been also led to desire that she may
purchase the precious boon, though at the
price of all her beloveds.  " Buy the truth




ELIZABETH'NEWPORrT.          35
and sell it not," and if, my dear, thlou art
obliged to relinquish all, turn not away sorrowfully; thou wilt be rewarded, for eye hath
not seen nor ear heard, neither hath it entered
into the heart of nian to conceive those glorious things which are in store for those who
love the appearing of the blessed son and sent
of the Father, and are willing to receive hima.
in the way of his coming. The love and sym —
pathy of our friendl is cordial to us.  E. N.,
In 1837 E. N. attended NLew York Yearly
Meeting and some meetings wiithi1n its limits,
accompanied by Lydia Longstreth, from whose
memoranda the following particulars are
gathered:
On the 26th of Fifth month, we arrived in
New York, and were kindly received by N.
S. Merritt and wife. Oan First-day morning
attended the meeting at Greenwich, which,
though dull in the beginning, ended with life
and power. In the afternoon we were at Rose
Street Meeting, and in the evening had an interesting religious opportunity in N. S. M.'s
family. Our friends, James and Phebe Haviland, have recently passed through a severe




;36              NDBIIEOIR OF
-trial in the death of a beloved daughter, aged
about thirteen years. They were favored with
consoling evidences that she was prepared for
the change, and her close was remarkably
calm and peaceful.
On Second-day, the first session of the
Yearly 1ceeting, the Epistles from the different Yearly Meetings were read. There waras
also a discussion relative to Friends uniting
with others in Anti-Slavery Societies.  After
much had been said pro and con, E. Newport
observed that although there was a diversity
of sentiment, she thought there was no cause
for discouragement, while the paramount desire was to be guided by the Light withinthat our footsteps should be directed by infinite 7Wisdom. The minutes for Friends in
attendance from  other meetings were read,
ancd a committee appointed to unite with men
Friends in considering a proposition fdr a
change of discipline in relation. to marriage.
Third-day morning the state of society was
proceeded in as far as the sixth query. My
heart was made to rejoice by Elizabeth's faithfulness to what she felt required of her at the
house of the friend where we dined.  In the




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           37
afternoon E. visited the men's meeting under
a deep exercise. The women's meeting was
occupied by a visit from  Nicholas Brown;
judgment was placed upon the offender and
encouragement given to all who were seeking
the right way. On Fourth-day attended a
meeting for divine worship at Rose Street.
Dined at Richard Field's.  After a season of
solemn silence E. addressed several present in
a very beautiful manner. In the afternoon
meeting Susanna Jewett bore a testimony to
plainness; regretting the departure from simplicity of our young people. Martha Smith
was concerned that the axe should be laid to
the root of the corrupt tree, that the inconsistencies of those who were older might be
destroyed. Elizabeth Newport brought into
view the regard for plainness and simplicity
held by Elias Hicks, which extended to the
furniture of houses and to superfluities in general. In the evening we took tea with the
interesting family of George F. White, where
we saw gaiety combined with humility. E.
had much religious service, with which unity
was expressed. On Fifth-day a long communication on the subject of Slavery was
4




38             MEMOIR OF
read, and a committee appointed to consider
what disposition should be made of it. E. N.
was not well enough to attend meeting. In
the afternoon the womlen's meeting was visited
by George Truman and H. W. Ridgway; both
were concerned to hold up our ancient testimony to the importance of taking heed to the
Light within, which could alone lead into
paths of safety. E. N. was better on Sixthday and attended meeting, though much exhausted at its close. Dined at Amos Willets',
where E. found it her place to speak words of
encouragement to those who had gathered
into a solemn quiet. In the afternoon extracts
from the document on Slavery were produced
by the committee and read. The voice of the
meeting favored their being sent to the Quarterly Meetings, but two or three Friends
thought it was like moving in the dark. After
a solemn supplication from our friend R.
Hicks, the meeting concluded under a flow of
gospel love and sisterly affection.
We spent the evening at J. Brown's. His
wife is a member of our religious society, but
he is not. She is in delicate health; the
language of encouragement flowed freely to




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          39
both from E., who was followed by Martha,
Smith with a similar exercise.  Margaret
Brown appeared in supplication, and J. Foulke
being acquainted with the family felt required
to confirm the correctness of E. N.'s testimony.
On Seventh-day we bade farewell to Nicholas and Margaret Brown, and prepared for
going to Jericho in pursuance of E. Newport's
religious concern. James Haviland took us
in his carriage, and although the day was
mild and genial, and nature was clothed in
beautiful verdure, my spirit was depressed by
an humbling sense of the nature of the service
in which we were engaged, and my desire
was to be kept near the heavenly Guide, so
that our labor might be attended with the
divine blessing. The weather was very pleasant on First-day morning, and at 10 o'clock
we assembled with  friends of Matinicock
Meeting. Information having been given of
our prospect of being there, a large number
gathered, and it was a favored time with our
friend E., upon whom fell the vocal labor. In
the afternoon had an appointed meeting at
Jericho, which was large and in which Elizabeth had close service.  Returned to James




40             MEMOIR OF
Haviland's to lodge, where we spent the evening sociably, though Elizabeth seemed bowed
with the weight of service before her. Went
next morning to a Friends to breakfast, which
was a trial to E., she feeling that close work
was called for. Made several famnily visits
through the course of the day, in which bread
was divided with the hungry, and the cup of
water shared with those who were athirst.
Attended an appointed meeting at Westbury
and went home with Rachel Hicks; here
Elizabeth had precious service in words of
comfort to our dear friend, who had a week
previously consigned to the grave the form of
her beloved father, Gideon Seaman, he having
been an invalid for several years. Third-day
visited a friend to whose family E. had much
encouragement to offer. She felt the importance of there being much tenderness extended
to the children, as she believed there were those
among them who, if faithful to the teachings
of the blessed spirit, would make much greater
advances in the Truth than had been before
known among them. We had an appointed
meeting at Glen Cove, held in a school-house;
we were accompanied by James and Phebe




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.            41
Haviland; there was a large collection of
people and we had an excellent meeting.  R.
Hicks was in attendance and shared the vocal
labor. Called to see a friend who, on account
of sickness, was not able to be at the meetineg.
The language of consolation was offered, and
he was recommended by E. to seek for a state
of quiet and resignation in times of trial; she
believed that He who had promised that the
seed of the righteous should not want bread,
would care for his wife and little ones.  At
Oyster Bay we had a meeting in the same
house where George Fox and some of his cotemporaries had preached. A considerable
number of people came together, for whom
E. feelingly expressed her concern for their
spiritual welfare, and a feeling of love overspread the meeting. Called at the house of
a friend whose mental faculties were impaired
by age, but we were kindly received by his
children, a daughter and two sons. A number of their friends had been spending the day
with them. E. exhorted them to take heed
to their footsteps, and follow closely the true
spiritual guide, that they might receive the
crown of peace.
4*




42             PMTEMOIR OF
Lodged at James Haviland's. Next morning after breakfast a number of friends called,
among them Sarah Wood, daughter of Samuel Wood, of N. Y. She wished to encourage
E. Newport to be faithful to the gift with
which she had been entrusted, and to walk in
obedience to the light manifested in relation
to the little ones among her brethren and
sisters; after a season of spiritual refreshment
we parted with our friends in love and tenderness.
We attended a meeting at Bethpage, where
information had been given that B. Mather
expected to attend. After he had spoken to
the people, Elizabeth had a close testimony
to deliver, under the belief that some were
letting go their hold on Truth's testimonies.
Dined with a friend, for whom E. had much
encouragement; but warning and counsel were
extended in an impressive manner, to one
whom she felt was on the brink of ruin.
After dinner, E. pointed in a direction to
which her mind was drawn, and then in
another, towards which there was a similar
feeling. In following the course indicated by
her, we were brought to a friend's house, who




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.            43
had an afflicted child, where our sympathies
were deeply enlisted; and then as before,
heedlig E's impressions, we visited a family,
the father of which had recently become' a
member of our Society.  Elizabeth had much
to say to him in regard to'the importance of
taking heed to the inward Monitor, and encouraged him to read the Scriptures, as they
are truly "profitable for doctrine, for reproof
and instruction in righteousness."
Called afterward th see Jes;e Merritt, where,
after a time of silence, words of sweet counsel
were imparted, and then parting kindly, we
returned to Jericho.
Next day took breakfast with a family,
with whom lived an aged father remarkable
for his talents.  Elizabeth's concern was illustrated by a beautiful garden, in which it
is necessary to pull up the weeds; and( when
we see the weeds growing in our neighbor's
garden, we should not hesitate to destroy these
also, although the censorious might say that
the briers and thorns were not all rooted out
of our own. At Cow Neck the meeting began at 11 o'clock.  Here the danger of procrastination was forcibly brought into view,




44             MEMOIR OF
and warning given to those who were in the
habit of it. Encouragement to those who were
not members was extended, and the desire
feelingly expressed that what might appear
as stumbling-blocks among our members,
should not be regarded as defects in the principle of Light which we profess, but rather as
a disregard of the illumination of Truth by
individual minds. In the Preparative Meeting, the case of a young woman who had
married contrary to our order, was introduced.
Elizabeth urged Friends to deal gently with
her. She was surprised at the dinner-table to
find we were at the house of the father of this
young friend. She was attractive in appearance, and was reminded of the responsibility
which rested upon her, as there were several
young~er children.
Had a meeting at a Friend's house, the
benches being made of boards resting upon
logs. There were many present, and after a
time of solemn silence Elizabeth spoke to
them of the importance of individual faithfulness. B. Mather also had something for
the people, and throughout there was a sense,of the Divine Presence, uniting us in the feel



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           45
ing of love for all, both black and white.
When we were alone with the family, E. had
this consoling language in reference to the
Friend who had so kindly opened the way for
the meeting, "When the billows roll over
thee, seek thou refuge in stillness!"  Our
hearts were drawn closely together, and this
text arose in my mind, " Surely the Lord was
in this place, and I knew it not."  Went to
1. Carpentei's, where there was a number of
young people, to whom  E. felt her mind
drawn immediately as we entered the house.
We were soon seated in silence, when two of
the young women were exhorted not to slight
the third call, to leave the vanities of the
world, and they would be instrumental in
strengthening their brethren. If they were
faithful they would be called to unite with
her in the labor of telling others what had
been done for them.
Rode 12 miles to an appointed meeting at
Flushing. Elizabeth was led to address one
whom she believed held the principles of infidelity. Benjamin Mather, Ruth Spencer,
Phebe 1. Merritt and Dorothy Golden were




46              MEMOIR OF
all present and had some service. Dined at
S. Hicks'; they have a beautiful place fronting Flushing Bay. The garden at the back
of the house was filled with a great variety of
fruits and flowers, and the green house contained the choicest exotics. All these things
will not ensure health  or happiness.  S.
Hicks was confined to his room with illness,
which E. told him she felt was not unto death.
Attention was directed to the treasures which
are not perishable. The children were especially kind, bringing us fruits and flowers,
and we parted from them in much love. We
visited several families in the course of the
afternoon, in all of which E. had appropriate
counsel to offer, and for those unduly discouraged there were words of hope and cheer.
As we turned homeward and rode through
the beautiful valley with the river winding its
course through it, I could but remember the
many testimonials of kindness which we had
received from the inhabitants of Long Island,
and especially from J. and P. Haviland, who
had been with us at all the meetings, and had
entered into our exercises with deep feeling.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           47
We were now about to part with them, and it
caused us more fully to realize the tender
sympathy and unity which had existed between us. We crossed the ferry at Williamsburg and lodged at N. S. Merritt's. Elizabeth did not feel at liberty to return home
without having a meeting at Brooklyn. Arrangements were made for one that evening.
We dined at Richard Fields'. Our hearts were
tendered with the retrospection of much we
had passed through since we were last under
their hospitable roof. Elizabeth was brought
into near -feeling with our Friends, and encouraged them to a faithful discharge of what
they felt required of them in order rightly to
perform their day's work.  Went over to
Brooklyn and called at Robert Haviland's.
Elizabeth earnestly appealed to some who
were there gathered, to give up that which
would prevent them from walking in the path
designed for them. The meeting in the evening was quite large, and E. had considerable
to communicate. We returned to New York
to lodge, and next morning were at Hester
street meeting, where E. addressed some who,
she felt, had turned from the simplicity




48              MEMOIR OF
of the gospel and were endeavoring in their
own wills to please the people; this she considered even more reprehensible than receiving money for preaching. Dined at Abraham Shoemaker's, where E. was led into deep
exercise, and feelingly portrayed the states of
some who had been unwilling to obey the
requisitions which truth had demanded. In
the afternoon went to Greenwich Meeting, to
which Friends and others had been invited at
E's request. The house was filled and all
were addressed, but particularly those who
were not members, of which there were a
large number. We accompanied our Friend
Phebe I. Merritt to Richard Cromwell's-his
wife is a niece of Phebe's. A  number of
Friend's came in after tea and we had a
solemn and interesting meeting. All were
encouraged to a faithful discharge of duty;
but some in an especial manner, who it was
believed had been called to the work of the
ministry were reminded of the responsibility
which rested on them, not only as individuals,
but on account of others to whom they might
be helpful. Lodged at N. S. Merritt's, and
in the morning bade them an affectionate




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          49
adieu, as with thankful hearts we left for our
own beloved homes. At the Monthly Meeting in the Sixth month, Elizabeth Newport
returned the minute granted her for the above
visit with an endorsement expressive of unity
with her gospel labors, by those whom she had
visited.
In the Tenth month of 1837 E. Newport
was again called upon to leave the endearments of home and enter that field of labor to
which her natural feelings were greatly averse,
She informed her Monthly Meeting of her
concern to visit the families of Darby Monthly Meeting, Pa., and those of Wilmington,
Del., for which a minute of concurrence was
furnished her. Ann W. Longstreth and Thos.
B. Longstreth accompanied her in the visit to
the families belonging to Darby, and it is to
be regretted that T.'s notes concerning it have
been mislaid. A letter written to his wife
contains a summary account, the substance of
which is here given.
Eleventh month 10th, 1837.
~.. We are at our dear friend Rachel
Hunt's, and this is the first time that I have
5




50              MEMOIR OF
had time to write. The committee who plan
our visits keep us very busy and the appointments are made several days ahead. We pass
through many heights and depths. Our sufferings are at times truly agonizing; we go from
house to house, as it were, blindfolded, and
Elizabeth, through deep baptisms, has to bring
into view  "the hidden  things of Esau,"
often to the confounding of the worldly wise,
as well as bringing to naught the understanding of the prudent.  I feel that our exercises
are about as heavy as I can bear, but I hope
to be able to hold out to the end. One circumstance may serve to illustrate the nature
of E.'s service. A. friend was visited who was
shown very clearly his spiritual condition, and
this was represented as being in striking contrast with that which he knew when he made
covenant with his God as he followed the
plow in his father's field. He could but accept the message that had been delivered, as
one of divine inspiration, as he had never to
any one divulged the spiritual exercises
through which he had passed in his youth,
and which on that occasion had been so truthfully presented by our friend. Thus fore



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           51
warned he turned from the path which he saw
was a dangerous one, and became a remarkably usefuil member of the community.
Sarah Noble, an Elder of Green Street
Monthly Meeting, expressed a concern to accompany Elizabeth in her visit to the families
of Wilmington Monthly Meeting, which was
fully united with, and a minute was granted
her for that service. During the prosecution
of this visit, while they were at a Friend's
house in Wilmington for the purpose of a religious opportunity, a stranger came into
the room. Elizabeth's feelings were arrested
and she turned to him with the language,
"'Seek ye first the kingdom of heaven and
its righteousness and all things necessary shall
be added unto you.' This, my brother, is one
of the most forcible testimonies of the blessed
Jesus, and it is peculiarly adapted to thy condition. It is my desire that thou may comprehend it, may appreciate it, may.dwell upon
it. I feel irresistibly drawn toward thee in
tender sympathy, &c., &c."
In about a week she received from him the
following letter:




52              MEMOIR OF
WILMINGTON, Dec. 15th, 1837.
Madamz, —The stranger whom you met in a
family of Friends which you visited last week,
and whom you personally addressed, cannot
forbear to write a few lines to you, to which
he is encouraged by your rational and philosophic maxim-" That profession constitutes
not religion."  I too believe and profess this
axiom of true toleration.  Ever since I have
learned to think philosophically, I have made
a distinction between theology and religion,
and whoever does not thus distinguish, mistakes the shell for the frttit.  Your admonition, my Christian sister, was one peculiarly
adapted, as fair as I can judge of myself, to
my condition and such as I greatly needed.
Political struggles and severe trials of six
years exile, have hardened and blunted my
feelings, and my pride under misfortune, my
animal fortitude,'have overwhelmed my religious feelingos.  I have it-murmured against
the Almnighty more for nmy helpless country
than ibr myself. Your admonition was solemn
but not terrific.  In answer to your apprehension of my enquiry into the principles of
Friends, I declare my belief in a God mnentally




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.            53
revealed to man, by which the unlettered
savage, who knows nothing of the decalogue,
is shown what is right and what is wrong.
This invisible agent, call it what we may, and
without which no positive religion can be
founded, or even recognized, is the scale by
which I measure the perfection of existing religious professions, and the more a religion
departs from rationality, the nearer is its approximation to superstition, to fanaticism.
Havingo been often on the verge of death and
temporal annihilation by state prisons, I have
never been tempted to forsake these self-evident truths which I have acquired in exchange
for Roman Catholic absurdities. I shall be
glad to hear from you madam.
" POLISH EXILE."
In F. Newport's last illness she alluded to
this person, and said she many times had felt
forcibly impressed to write to him, but was
not faithful, and when she was informed that
about a month after the reception of his letter,
he had met with an untimely death, she suffered deeply because of her unfaithfulness.
On another occasion they visited a family
5*




54              MEMOIR OF
where one of the sons had but a short time
previously been discussing, with a friend of
his, the subject of revelation. Elizabeth addressed this son very emphatically, repeating
three times the language, "Tamper not with
revelation."
A family consisting of father, mother and a
son, an only child, was called upon, and there
happened to be present two young giddy girls
who were not members of our Society. E. felt
no liberty to give expression *to her feelings
until they should leave the room, which they
were invited to do. They complied with manifest displeasure. She then addressed each
member of the family, speaking very closely
to the son and warning him of the injurious
influences of his thoughtless female companions, which if not withstood would lead to
ruin. After she had relieved her mind with
the family, she proposed that the two girls
should be invited in. She told them  their
presence had closed the way for utterance in
relation to the family, but she now felt it right
to tell them her feelings in regard to themselves, which she did very pointedly and
earnestly. The young man did not profit by




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           55
the advice given, and had to suffer the penalty
of transgression.
Another family which they visited was
brought before E. N.'s spiritual vision in a remarkable manner. She addressed their different states so pertinently that one of them remarked aside to a friend who accompanied
her, " She has read us all through as if she
had known us all our lives.  What kind of a
woman can she be?  She has told me all
things that ever I did!" He answered that she
was alorne guided by an internal sense of feel ing.
The religious services within the districts of
Darby and Wilmington Monthly Meetings
were in keeping with our friend's usual fidelity to and trust in her spiritual guide. The
states of the people were often portrayed in so
remarkable a manner, that there was no room
to doubt but that her knowledge had been received through divine revelation. The acknowledgment was not unfrequently made by
the visited that no one save the great Unseen
had been cognizant of the facts which had
been related.
Her nminute was returned to her Monthly
Meeting with an accompanying minute from
those meetings of unity with her services.




56             MWIEMOIR OF
Our firiend Ann Jackson, of West Chester,
attended the Monthly Meeting of Green Street,
held Twelfth month 20th, 1838, with a concern to visit the families belonging thereto,
and also those who were in the habit of attending our meetings who were not members. Elizabeth Newport expressed a similar concern
which had been resting upon her mind for
some time. Both friends were encouraged
to pursue their prospects under the direction
of divine wisdom. Elizabeth Townsend, an
Elder of Green Street Monthly Meeting accompanied them.
The following extract froom a letter to E.'s,daughter M. alludes to this public offering:'" United with the love of a daughter, I recognize a companionship of the nearest and sweet-.est character.  May this bond increase with
added years and with the development of truth
ulpon thy understanding ere the cares of life
and the love of the world intercept the growth
of the pure seed of the kingdom. And may
there be a centering to that divine oracle
whence issues light and knowledge, that s.o in
the decline of those powers that I somnetimes
am  ready to conclude are even now on the




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.            57
wane, I may have a staff to lean upon, even
that of an armor-bearer made strong through
the discipline of the cross.  This has been
our Monthly Meeting day, and in order that
the vital spark may be preserved alive, I was
induced to present for the consideration of
my friends a concern that I have long felt to
visit such of our members as duty may require.  It obtained the approbation of the
Meeting, and although it cost me much to
make the avowal, peace has followed, and I
am thankful that it is a service that will not
call me fronm home."
A  minute of the Monthly  Meeting of
later date says, that this labor of love was
gratefully received, and was accomplished to
the peace and satisfaction of those engaged
in it.
Eixtract from a Letter to 11. Hilles.
TnIIRD MON'U, 13TH, 1839.....  Rachel FHicks and Amos Willets
and wife made us a very pleasant visit. There
seemed to me an unusual degree of sweetness
about R. HI. She and Harriet J. Moore had
an opportunity  in  our family which was




538            MEMOIR OF
solemn and impressive. R. spoke particularly of the sweetness and solemnity of her feelings; the interview was grateful to me. Since
then I have met them  at Burlington Quarterly Meeting. I went to our Meeting hesitatingly, as there seemed no way open to proceed. I left the meeting and was followed
by my friend, M. A. Hallowell, who encouraged me to attend to my feelings, and she
thought that she would accompany me. She
would have mentioned it to me the day before, but the roads were so bad that she was
discouraged. She and her husband now felt
prepared to go, and she believed we would
get along. The way thus opening, we got off
as soon as possible and lodged at Elisha
Hunt's.  My mind was laboring under a
heavy exercise next morning, insomuch that
breakfast was almost untasted. S. Hunt was
an invalid at that time, and we were invited
into her room, where I hoped to receive a
word of comfort. I was longing for a closer
re-union of the Divine Spirit, so that doubts
and discouragements might be removed and
fully overcome.  But there seented nothing
for me to take hold of but the language,




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           59
"Behold I go bound in spirit to Jerusalem,"
etc. No consolation from human lips was
afforded me. How ardently did I desire that
if I were in my place, that quietness and assurance might once more cover my tossed
spirit. I saw that I must leave all outward
things, and soon my mind attained a state of
peaceful poverty.  When we arrived at, meeting it was gathered, and I felt weak and
faint, but said nothing. Soon after we entered, Lydia P. Mott spoke. R. Hicks then
appeared in supplication and I was favored
with the answer of a fullness of peace and
joy and great tranquility.
E. N.
At a Monthly Meeting held Fourth month,
1839, E. Newport informed the Meeting that
she felt a religious obligation to make a visit
to the families of Philadelphia Monthly
Meeting. Sympathy and unity were expressed, and she was encouraged to a faithful
discharge of duty. Our dear friend, Susanna
Haydock, an Elder of Philadelphia Monthly
Meeting, was her companion and fellow-burden bearer in this arduous concern. Many




60              MEMOIR OF
remarkable visits were made in which the
spirit of prophecy enabled E. N. to see many
things which since have been verified. After addressing several individuals in a certain
family she expressed her interest and sympathy in one of the younger children, and exhorted him to yield to the impressions made
upon his mind, and against which he had
rebelled until deep suffering was his portion;
she felt that continued disobedience would
result in his being left in doubt and darkness,
but faithfulness would meet with an ample
reward, and he would have to become a public Minister of " the Word." The mother,
who had not been aware of the dispensations
through which her son had passed, and was
still enduring, was greatly troubled in the
belief that Elizabeth was entirely mistaken,
and her faith in her mission was considerably
weakened. Before very long, however, she
had a clear evidence that the facts were in
accordance with E. N.'s feelings, and she
could not feel satisfied without making a full
acknowledgement to her of her doubts, and
the manner in which they had been removed,
This son, as was predicted, is now a valuable
Minister of the Gospel.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          61
In another instance, where there was a
large falmily, of Sons and daughters, Elizabeth
addressed them with a power that had a tendency to bring conviction with it. She then
particularized one son upon whom she felt
that thile anointing oil had been poured, and
that if faithful to his calling he would have
to invite others to enter th-e Lord's vineyard
and labor in His cause. To one of the daughters she spoke, tenderly alluding to what she
believed she would have to pass through.
That it would be her privilege to nurse her
beloved father who would ere long be taken
ill-that by her devoted care, the pain which
he would have to endure would be in a degree assuaged; and after all had been done,
and his loved form committed to the dust, in
a brief space she would follow him to the
mansions of bliss. Trying as this was to
some of the family at the time to hear, it
proved a true prophecy. Within a few months
the father and daughter were taken hence,
and in not a very long time, the son alluded
to, was acknowledged as a gospel Minister.
Our friends were at another place, the
family being strangers to E. N. The com6




62              MEMOIR OF
mittee were suI-prised to find quite a number
of young people-some of them, they learned,
were married children of the friend visited,
who had come for l1i l:.),lse of' bIeing at
the fmeeting. After a season of quiet, E. addressed the head of the family, but suddenly
paused.  Then entered into an explanation
of the testimonies held by Friends in contradistinction to those adhered to by the " Established Church " and those called " Evangelical " in their belief.  This was done in a
remarkably clear and concise manner, and
the meeting was pre-eminently satisfactory..A day or two after this occurrence, the friend,
at whose house they had been, inquired of
one of' the committee if E. Newport had
been told that the young people who were
present had been unsettled upon those subjects which she ha-ld so clearly explained. He
was told, she was an entire stranger to them
all, and knew not to whose house she was
going. He said he was entirely satisfied that
that was the case, but the children thought
she must have been informed of the doubts
which they had felt, or she could notso exactly have alluded to them.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.            63
In another case a meeting was held with a
family, and as was almost the universal practice of' E., its members were individually addressed-but Elizabeth's mind was not relieved; after sitting some time longer, she
asked if the family, except the father and
mother and one she denoted, would leave the
room.  They did so, and then E. presented
what had been opened to her spiritual vision,
and earnestly urged the individual to abandon an intended purpose; if it was persisted
in, it would embitter and render unhappy
the future. This word of caution was not
acted upon, and the result was as was portra ved.
A Friend, who is at this time an active
and useful nemlbarc catn remember the power
with which E. N. addressed him  during this
season of' -leer) baptisms wherein she was k:d
as one' whose natural vision had been obscured by the brighter light which shone
around her pathway.  He was admonished
to renounce more fully the strong will of the
creature, so that the Master might lead him
into the valley of humility and by the still
waters; so that the still small voice might be




64'MEMOIR OF
more perfectly heard, and a preparation received to call upon others to serve the Majesty of Heaven, who in condescending goodness was ready to unveil His glory to the
waiting and watchful mind.
The families of Spruce Street Monthly
Meeting were visited by our friend in the
latter part of 1839, she having obtained a
minute of concurrence from  her Monthly
Meeting for that purpose. Among her brethren and sisters of this part of the heritage
she went forth as one called of the Lord to
distribute bread to, the hungry, and consolationr to the. ificted, bearing upon his spiritual
banner the inscription of " Glory to God in
the highest, peace on earth, and good will to
men."  In a number of instances she foresaw
the work designed for certain individuals,
who, if faithful, would become as bright and
shining lights in the camp of our Israel; but
if lukewarmness and indifference were suffered to gain the ascendancy, they would appear but as beautiful vessels mrarred( upon
the wheel.  With yearnings of spirit she
looked upon some of these, hoping to see ere
the end of her earthly pilgrimage the fulfil



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.            65
ment of the bright vision which her faith
induced her to believe was no idle chimera.
She had often to feel that a want of faithfulness to the inward monitor on the part of
individuals, occasioned her to appear as a false
prophet, but that gave her much less uneasiness than that these bright immortals should
not so use tIe Master's talents, that at His
coming they might receive the answer of
"Well done."
Within a year most of the families belongi-ng to our Monthly Meetings in this city, beside many others who were in the habit of
attending our meetings, had thus an evidence
of divine love and sisterly regard.
From numerous testimornies in relation to
this service, it is believed that it had a tendency to unite spirit with spirit, so that the
gospel could flow as a stream  direct from the
Fountain of Life, whereby the weary were
refreshed, the weak  strengthened, and  all
were encouraged to take heed to the impressions of the inward monitor, that they might
become faithful stewards of the manifold
gifts which had been bestowed upon them by
a beneficent Creator.
6*




66               MEMOIR. OF
Extract from a Letter to 2M. Hille -from E. N...   "We were favored to get through
the prospect which I mentioned to thee to
the peace of our minds. I believe we could
all unite in this. I find more and more occasion to feel dear old friend S. HIaydock as
a true mother in Israel.  She told me when
we were together on last First-day, when she
and David Ellis kindly accompanied me to
West Philadelphia Meeting, that she had
been nearly united with me though in great
suffering most of the week, and that she had
lost one whole night's sleep queryilg why is
it so?  I informed  -ler that in some severe
baptisms through which I had passed, I had
desired to know  if she was separated from
me; her answer was, "my dear, never more
nearly united."  One of my communications
lately at Cherry Street gave rise to many
conclusions, and much talk; but S. H. expressed much satisfaction, and as soon as she
was near enough to me, sealed it with a kiss.
Many and deep have been my plungings of
latter timne, but if they only have the blessed
effect to deepen in the root of life, they will
be numbered arnolg the blessings in disguise
of a kind and overruling Providence."




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.             67
In the First month, 1840, a minute was
granted E. Newport by Green Streeb Monthly Meeting to visit Byberry Monthly Meeting, but the way not opening for her to perform the visit she returned the minute in the
Third month with this information-she felt
the reward of peace for having thus f:r been
faithful ~ what had been required.
FLUTSH1ING, WESSTBURY, AND JERI lHO.
She obtained la minute in the Fourth mLo.,
-1840, to visit the families of- Flushing, W'estbury, and Jericho Monthly Meetings.  It appears fiom the diary she kept at the time, and
friom which the following account of the -visit
is taken, that she felt a restriction in regard
to having a female companion.
James Haviland, who at that time resided
near Jericho, L. I., had for years been resting under a similar concern, and his friends
united with his joining with Elizabeth in the
service. She commenced her religious lablor
by attending Westbury Monthly Meeting, of
which' she says: " My mind was introduced
into a sense of the state of things among the
people, and after a season of deep, silent tra



68              MEMOIR OF
vail, in which I was reminded of the langua ge,'except ye eat the flesh and drink the
blood of the Son of man, ye have no part in
Him,' I was enabled to give utterance to
my concern greatly to the relief of my mind."
Dined with a friend who appeared to have
every earthly comfort around him, but I
seemed required to remilld him of We perishable nature of all the cunning devices and
contrivances of men.
Arose next morning under a depressed
state of feeling, and it was long before the
cause of it was made known; but at length
the waters were divided; a firmament was
placed in the midst dividing the waters that
were above fiom the waters that were below.
Had a close time at meeting and a very
close testimony in men's Monthly Meeting.
Commenced on Sixth-day to visit fanmilies in
company with James Haviland.  I felt it
right to go without a female companion, and
Friends not objecting to it, we thus proceeded. Amid some dry, tough labor, we found
one hopeful young plant toward whom the
full tide of testimony flowed, and also
some precious spirited old friends. During




ELIZABETH'NEWPORT.            69
Seventh-day's services there were occasions
to give forth strong unwavering testimonies
in boldness and fearlesllaess.  The language
at the close of one address was on this wise:
"'Sell what thou hast, give back the price,
giving usury for usury if it be required."
The cause for this I feel no anxiety to know
-sufficient for me is the answer of peace.
First-day attended meeting at Bethpagea close service —-the  mind  much  bowed
through the day, it being hard work to the
flesh to be found in a constant state of application  of mind; and  thoughts too were
interwoven of somne beloveds left behind, so as
almost to exclude enjoyment.
On Second-day felt a state of greater resignation, so that the work was not so trying
to the creature, though closely proving, it
being necessary to speak plain things, and
even to invite the children sometimes, after
my mind was relieved in regard to them, to
leave the room.  Visited 10 families to-day
— silent in two.  Excused from mental labor,
there being no entrance nor capacity to receive.
Third-day. The distances between the farn,



70              MEMOIR OF
ilies this morning gave us much riding, and
in the afternoon after I had laid down, I received a message that an individual wished
to see me. I found it to be one to whom
some plain things had been spoken, and he
was not willing to receive them, and wished
me to recall what I had said. I replied, that
I believed what had been delivered had been
under the influence of the same feeling that
had visited my mind for years. Upon a reexamination I felt that I had nothing to do with
it, having received my reward-a peaceful
covering of spirit-and this being not jostled
in the least by a close investigation, with a
renewed flow of love toward him, I could
leave the result with Him to whom all secret
things are known.
In the afternoon visited the school, and
then went to V. H.'s, where we had a comfortable religious  opportunity-some deep
travail of spirit, and some close counsel which
was well received, and I believe occasioned a
fellow-feeling of gospel unity under which
we parted after tea.
By previous arrangement met with a young
man at James Haviland's whose history was




ELIZABETHI NEWPORT.           71
unknown to me, but toward whom, after a
time of silence, the gospel stream  flowed
freel v.
On Fourth-day rode 16 or 18 miles to visit
an invalid. He was confined to his room, and
seemed weak, but to my feelings it appeared
as if spiritual strength was equally needed;
a hard plodding exercise in which there was
an endeavor to bring into view the necessity
of experiencing a state of emptiness  and
want ere food could be relished. His responsibility also, as a possessor of spiritual
gifts was alluded to. In another part of the
house we had a meeting with several who
were not meinbers. Counsel and encourage.
ment were freely given, which was acknowledged as truth by an elderly man, who said
that "he had been told very much how it
had been with him all his life."  Called at
the house of a Minister who'was too much
engaged with his outward concerns to come in
and sit with us a little while.
Visited two families before meeting, in one
of which the labor might be compared to pulling at the oar. In the other, no mental labor,
so was excused, of course, from vocal service.




72               MEMOIR: OF
-  I had no liberty to proceed ill- the tfaliylily
visits at Jerusalem  until after First day,
when I expect to attend their meeting.  In
the neighborhood of Bethpage made several
visits. On Sixth-day, visited 10 families and
rode 14 or 15 miles; retired for the night
in a peaceful state of feeling but extremely fatigue(l.  Yesterday, at R. Powell's, we were
instructed in silence with the exception of
some expression  to an  Indian girl, who,
being very curious to see us, had been invited
into the room. On Seventh-day made seven
or eight visits, in one of which we were
again instructed in silence, at which there
was some disappointment, it not being what
was desired; but I dare not offer anything
of my own, and not having anything given
me I had nothing to hand forth.
In several visits close labor was called for,
but in each case the individual was open and
received the message kindly.
Attended meeting at Jericho on First-day.
My mind was calm and tolerably free from
exercise, nevertheless it was a low time, in
which the language was uttered, "strangers
shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          73
of the alien shall be your ploughmen and
your vine dressers." There were some panting after the water of life, and to these the
language of encouragement flowed freely.
Were at Jerusalem  in the afternoon at a
meeting appointed by a Friend from Brooklyn. On Second-day visited 13 families, and
met with much cordiality among some who
were not members, many of whom  appeared
to be in a state of readiness to receive a blessing.
After visiting 9 or 10 families and riding
about 20 miles, we returned to J. Haviland's
with grateful and peaceful hearts. The calm
and serenity through the evening seemed
almost unalloyed; but the next day was a
season mostly of suffering-spent it in writing
and resting with an occasional attempt to
read, but the prospect of going to Flushing
was a painful one. Kept mostly in my chamber, which was a great treat. It is difficult
sometimes to lie as low and abased as certain
requisitions call for, when we feel that the
testimony which has cost much is laid waste
or become a matter of public criticism. The
change from the evening previous, when there
7




74              MEMOIR OF
seemed not one cloud to be seen. in my horison, I believe, was needful to prepare my
mind to enter again into suffering.
Seventh mo. 5th.-Visited twenty-five families since we came to Flushing —a different
kind of service required from that mostly experienced on this Island.
Seventh mo. 8th.-The last of our labor in
this district.  We have altogether visited
about thirty-four families, which has required
much riding; and this, with considerable
physical weakness, has caused us to make slow
progress.
Fifth-day attended meeting, which was silent, but there was hard rowing "against
wind and tide," and no possibility of even
getting into the stream which leads into the
ocean. Visited four families under great trial
and mortification of self. The state of some
young friends, unbelieving in the pure principle, which alone was my dependence, was
sensibly felt; however, truth soon arose into
lominion, though not very high, but sufficiently to know that it was above all, and it
proved a favored season. In the afternoon
we met with some precious spiri-ts,  wh




ELIZABETH'NEWPORT.          75
were counselled to sell all and take up
the Cross, while to some, further advanced,
encouragement was offered in love and sympathy.  On Sixth-day we visited  several
others, whose various conditions were pointed
out, but not in much freedom, there being an
impossibility for the stream to raise higher
than the fountain. Were at meeting at Flushing on First-day, which was a time of deep
suffering, but some relief was obtained through
expression.
- Visited five families in the afternoon-all
seasons of mental suffering and close labor,
producing a state of exhaustion, in which the
physical powers were fully overcome for a
considerable time.
Left Flushing on Third-day afternoon for
Cow Neck. A valuable Friend of this meeting accompanied us through all the visits, to
mutual satisfaction. Were at the select preparative meeting at Westbury, and on the
day previous were at Cow Neck-both of
these meetings were favored; utterance was
furnished, and there appeared to be a preparation to receive what was handed forth.
From thence: Went to S. H.'s, from an un



76        -    MEMOIR OF
expected inmpression that it. was the right
time to call there, although I had the inforumation that his wife was from  home. This
did not deter us, and we had an evidence that
"wisdom is profitable to direct" not only as
to the right time, but to divide at right times.
Returned after this opportunity to Jericho,
and next day paid the remaining visits in
that meeting.
On Seventh-day Silas Carl came for us,
and we went with him  to Westbury. His
house was our home, and his wife was exceedingly kind.
On Fifth-day were at Westbury meeting.
It was a trying season and a silent one, in
that I could rejoice.
In looking over my experience, I have
great cause for thankfulness, in that the
promise has been Xo often verified: " I will
be to thee mouth, tongue and utterance."
Attended Westbury Monthly Mleeting on
Fourth-day, which to me was a painful time,
as I had to utter plain things; and although
in much weakness of body and mind, I believed it was in the authority of Truth-the
force of the Truth was not, however, received,




ELIZABEI:    NEWPORT.       77
nor understood b'y many. Had a solemn opportunity in S. Carl's family before leaving,
and then returned to Jericho to attend the
Monthly Meeting there. This was a time of
favor to be remembered by me. Truth in its
authority arose above all opposition. May
the praise be ascribed to Him to whom it is
forever due. Parted with S. C. and wife with
regret; S. having been with us through most
of the visits in Westbury.
On Sixth and Seventh-day visited about
ten families each day. A close application,
in which both the mental and bodily powers
were much exhausted.
Attended meeting on First-day. This was
one of the occasions in which the measure of
suffering required to be filled up for the
body's sake, was hard for the natural part to
endure. The pangs and throes of those who
are baptized for the dead are inexpressible.
Forever be magnified the name of Israel's
God, in that as there is a willingness to fol.
low Him closely, He endows with sufficient
faith to keep the feet on the "steppingstones," though far separated sometimes. But
as the eye is kept single, the evidence of the
7*




78: MEMOIR -O1
King's signet will be seen upon the, testimony,
and this must be acknowledged even by thewisdom  of men. In the afternoon visitedthree families, who were not members. As a
whole, I consider this the most trying day
since I left home.
Several families were visited on Secondday, and I had renewedly to feel that we
have indeed a gracious Father, who condescends to our weaknesses, and enables to fulfil the allotted work. Returned to our friend,
James Haviland's, late in the evening, and
in the morning we had a solemn opportunity,
in which vocal supplication was called for,
and we parted in unity and sweet feeling."
A communication was subsequently received
by Green Street Monthly Mfeeting from Flushing Monthly Meeting, acknowledging the labors of Elizabeth Newport among them to
have been acceptable.
In the Seventh month of the same year,
she was furnished with a minute from:her
Monthly  Meeting to visit the families: of:
Chesterfield Monthly Meetilng, and also those.
of: persons who were in the habitual:attend-:
ance of that meeting; who were not members.;




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          79 
This minute. was duly returned, with the acknowledgement that the:service had been,
satisfactorily performed.
RICHLAND, HORSHAM AND CONCORD.
In the Tenth month of 1840, E. N. again
left home with a minute of unity from her
Monthly Meeting to visit the families of
Friends constituting Richland, Horsham and
Concord Monthly Meetings. Ann W. Longstreth of Green street, Philadelphia, and Johnl
H. Andrews of Darby, Pa., were her comnpanions.
From a diary kept by J. H. A., and letters
to his family, the following details are.
gathered:
Elizabeth Newport and Ann W. Longstreth
attended the Preparative Meeting of Stroudsburg, which is composed of about fifteen fami-.
lies and is a branch of Richland Monthly
Meeting. They then came to Quakertown,
where John met them with his own conveyance. Darby Monthlly Mleeting not occurring
till the 24th of the month, he was not able
sooner to obtain a minute to accompany them..
n:the: 26th they-attended:...the: Preparative:




~80            MEMOIR OF
Meeting at Quakertown, when the prospect of
visiting families was fully united with by bboth
men's and women's meetings. J. H. A.- say
"there appears to be - a great openness toreceive us and E. seems in good spirits. I was,never more sensible of my many weaknesses,
and often marvel that my mind should have
been impressed with a sense of this duty
which I believe is required at my hands. Perhaps it is for my own good, not that I expect
to be able to render much assistance to E."
In thirteen days they visited sixty-seven families and attended the meetings which came in
course. On Secondc-day, the 7th of Twelfth
month, they returned home. It would seem
by the following jnote written to the wife of
J. H. Andrews, that E. Newport had not been.certain of the favor of having a companion
who was abilitated to enter into near feeling
with her exercised and sometimes deeply tried
mind. The "good spirits" which J. H. A.
alluded to can be therefore readily understood.
-M. Andrews. llly -Dear Friend:-I feel that
I want to tell thee that the company of thy




ELIZABETH..NEWPORT.          81.dear husband is truly grateful, though an..un.
expected favor. I really feel as:if. there was
cause rather "to thank God and-take:fresh
courage,"' than to allow  discouragments to
enter, although the trial of leaving. home is
one that I think no one can understand who
has not been similarly tried. I hope thy mind
will be sustained in patience and faith under
the separation this winter, and thou wilt have
a share of the spoil! In much sisterly feeling, thine affectionately,
E. NEWPORT.
Horsham Monthly Meeting occured on the
30th of Twelfth month, and our friends were
in attendance. In the evening they visited
the family of Demas Worrell, (a minister).
E. had much excellent service, to the satisfaction of all.  On Fifth-day morning they
visited an elderly friend who dressed exceedingly plain. E. was so close and searching in
her remarks, that John says, "I was alarmed,
yet did not doubt the authority. As soon as
we entered the carriage, Isaac Parry turned to
Elizabeth and said, I love thee and have.
good: unity with thy service.  The remark




582            ~i;riOfMEMOIR'' OF'was as the' oil of gladnesss' to0 our diroopirg
spirits. - -We  visited seven families that-'day
and I seven - yesterday, although  it:istormed
hard. — To-day E. has been, very poorly,;indeed:the exercise of her imind is so great
that her physical powers seem scarcely able
eat times to support her. Those sitting quietly at home can form no idea of the travail,of spirit it requires for this family visiting.
Isaac Parry staid with us till this morning,
and I can say he has been as a near and,dear father to us all.  He told us he was
qvery unexpectedly united in this work. He
watches over E. as a parent over a child,
encouraging her'to reveal the whole coun-.sel of God without the fear of man.' And
I have no doubt he would often'have marvelled. if he had not been a firm  believer
in the all-sufficiency of the- Power which unfolds and reveals the states of the people to
Elizabeth's mind.
I think there is a good degree of openness;to receive: the gospel-word, though in some
places the- 1hearts of the people seem closed.
Last evening we had a:great meeting at a
1friend's house;:it commenced at: 8 o'clock and
com.                 Cik n




ELIZABET. NEWPORT.            88
contiipued till.after 10 o'clock; after a:remarkable address. to- the young people they were all1
requested; to. withdraw; - then A- the- parents,
were impressively addressed. It was a very
precious time to us alt;  Isaac said E. was)
rightly led. I can say with all sincerity that:
no one can travel with E. Newport without
admiring the power which clothes her mind!
and enables her to declare without fear thatwhich is adapted to the states and conditions;
of the people. We visited to-day a family
whbich was large, several sons and a numberof daughters.  E. was led to address a state
present in a remarkable manner, and portrayed the exercises of mind through which
he was passing. He appeared deeply impressed; sat still a few  moments after themeeting broke up, and then arose and went
out without speaking to any one, but when we
g.ot into the carriage he came and  took each,
of us by the hand. I think he will not soonv
forget the testimony."..... " This is one of the coldest days I
ever felt.'  We, rode four miles: to Itlorshamni
eerting.  A., Garrigucs-  madle a few rema rks,,
the.n J. Fo.ul.lke, amni a:fteri:~ i,.41,iahethi.l'l.iP




~84'     M EMOIR OF
livered a lengthy' and impressive, discourse,
which I think will long be remembered by
many present.
We dined at Isaac:Parry's, and had an
interesting opportunity with his family. He
requested the children to dwell under what
they had heard, and not to talk about it. In
the afternoon visited several families. I. P.
told me that'E. had a right view of all these
people-that he had full unity with her and
her mission.' I narrate these things to show
how a mind like I P.'s is drawn in close
feeling with E., although some may doubt
and find fault. And Oh! saith my spirit,
may the labor of our dear friend sink deep
into the minds of those who have had the
opportunity of sitting under her ministry!
It has, I think, been a favored visitation to
many in the neighborhood, and I firmly believe it is in the ordering of Divine wisdom
that she is sent on these missions of Gospel
love 1
We are getting along comfortably with
visiting families.  Have not laid by, though
there have been five or six stormy days. E.
and myself have both been poorly, but have




ELIZABETH i NEWPORT.       85
kept going —she is so anxious to get through!
She is wonderfully strengthened,: far beyond
anything I expected, both in body and mind.
Her exercises continue as close and searching
as ever. I. P.'s daughter told him she wanted
him to go with us, and to continue to help
Elizabeth all he could......   ince I last wrote we have experienced some of the most exercising times I
have ever witnessed. I think they will never
be forgotten by the visited. I have seen the
parent so overcome as to weep aloud, even as
we read that Joseph wept when he was made
known to his brethren; and the same effect
produced when the spirit of supplication was
poured forth for the children, with a power
which touched hearts that were comparable
to the flinty stone; and for those that were
wounded the oil and the wine were dispensed
for their healing.
On First-day, the 24th, attended Horsham Meeting, then returned home, having
visited 155 families within the verge of Horsham Monthly Meeting."
During this journey Elizabeth wrote to her
husband, saying': "If I had known exactly
8




MEMOIR OF
What Would have befallen me when:- left
home in the weak state I was then in, I do
not see that I could have undertaken it,
though I fully believe I would have declined
in strength, mentally and physically, if I had
refused; and this at last brought me to submit. But the mind has been borne up beyond what I could have expected. Still it has
been hard for flesh and blood to bear, as poor
John can testify! I believe if I am resigned
to do all required of me, when I am at liberty to return, I shall bring -home the sheaves
of peace. My dear friend, T. B. L., has frequently been the companion of my mind,
though not often very anxiously, believing
that all will work together for his good. His
sickness is not unto death, but unto the glory
of God.
My companions and myself have been
much united in travail and exercise, and I
believe this mission will not close our service,
for by the eye of faith I have been given to
behold a large field of labor opened. Love
to the precious children:towaril- whom n-the
solicitude of a motliher's heart lows withi arde it concern."' M-ay thy   ind,'dear - I.,




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          87
ten 12 years old] early learn subjection:to
tht -Power which I am sensible is even now
operating upon the little leaven..
- Frien dsare still very kind and attentive,
but none of these things relieve the mind of
the weight of the work, or render the task
a desirable one."
"' st me. 28, 1841.-We attended Concord
Monthly Meeting. The next morning com-menced visiting the families of Chichester
-Preparative Meeting, a branch of Concord
Monthly Meeting. When I take a view of:what we have passed through within a few
days, I hardly know whether it can be compared to former services. Joseph and Hannah Dodgson will remember that Elizabeth
remarked, the morning they left, that "there
was some hard work to be done that day,"
and they will also remember that I told them
that I knew where we were going, but that
she did not. Well, I never heard closer or
more searching exercises-words can but
faintly describe them.
At one place we visited Elizabeth was concerned for some frivolous and light young
people who were present. She clearly shewed




8  MEMOIR' OF
them the danger they were in.- The exercise
was pointed and close, and' was very impres.
sive.  I hope the counsel to them' may::
treasured up. 
On Fifth-day we attended Chichester Meet.
ing. Elizabeth was so poorly that she kept
her seat while speaking. She addressed a
young man in so plain a manner, that the
case could not be misunderstood by any; his
poor father shed many tears. She then spoke
to another, and told' him  he had not come
there with his own accord. Poor fellow! he
did not raise his head. It was a day of visitation to them all. Elizabeth has a heavy
cold, and her throat and breast sore and painful, but strength is mercifully given to our
admiration!
Notice having been spread of our being at
meeting, it was the means of gathering a large
concourse of people of all classes. The meeting was a long one, but so wrapt were the
assembly during the whole-time of E.'s speaking, which was an hour and a-half,: that I
never sat a more quiet meeting. Truth reigned
triumphant over all, to the humbling of many
min.s. -There are, many -whose faces are




ELIZABETH -NEWPORT.         89
turned Zionward,  and whose cry is, "Who
shall show us any good."  E.'s mission to
"these was to direct them  to a Teacher that
cannot be removed into a corner, but who, if
they attend to His voice, will lead and guide
them into all truth. She is impressed with
the belief that there are many in this neighborhood, not of our Society, who, if faithful,
will come forth as able advocates of the cause
of righteousness.
No description of the meeting alluded to
could convey an idea of it. The efficacy and
power of her appeals to those present must
have been Jlt to be fully appreciated. E.
was led to supplicate on behalf of different
states, and among them one who had given
way to intemperance, and  who had been
powerfully addressed in her communication.
After the prayer, the meeting settled into a
state of profound stillness, and remained under thatcoveringto its close. Several who were
not Friends came to me, and desired a visit.
Although E.'s mission is a close, searching
one, it has been kindly received. At one place
a man,: not a member, dressed himself in plain,clothes to deceive Elizabeth, but she brought
8*




90             MEMOIR: OFhim out in his true colors; and he was spoken
to very closely. His: family desired another
visit, -but I think E. feels released.  Visited a
friend, into whose state Elizabeth entered very
closely, telling him of his faults and the necessity of obedience to the Light within, in
order to know an overcoming. A few days
afterward he met me, and said, I am much
obliged to thee for giving E. Newport a full
portraiture of my character. I replied that
I had never mentioned his name to her; she
knew nothing about him; all that she said to
him was from a sense of spiritual discernment;
that she is guided by the Light within, and
is never willing to listen to any external information, and we never tell her anything."
When our friends called upon another
family they were up stairs.  The wife remarked to her husband and children, " Now
let us all go down and see what the old witch
has to say to us."  They sat a little while in
-silence, when E. turned to the mother and
said, "I must tell thee I am not an old witch.'"
A solemn quiet followed, and the -meeting
broke.  The lesson was a painful one, but
must:have been fraught with deep instrueion.




EJIZA-BETH: - NEW.PORT.     91
At-another place, one of the sons did not:wish to come into the room, and said to his
mother, "The Friend only comes to get something good to eat and drink."'  After they
were -gathered, E. turned to the boy, and said,
"~I came here neither to eat nor to drink;"
She then delivered her gospel message.
At another house, where the family were
apparently: all assembled, Elizabeth said to
the wife, Is thy husband at home? she answered, No. When will he return?  Cannot
tell exactly -when. They sat a little while in
silence, when E. in a low voice requested her
companion to open a certain door, and to the
surprise of the company, a man stood in the
door-way. Elizabeth invited him to take a'seat and addressed him in a remarkable-manner, She told him  that she was impressed.that he was standing outside the door to listen,
but was not willing to sit with them.
-- After having had a very interesting oppoltunity with a family, -she returned in a day or.
two: and asked to see a relative who lived in'another part of- the-house. She told this inI:dividual that she knew nothing about him:-save from-.her sense of feeling.; but she had




92            *:MEMOIR-,: OF:
returned: to' warn him- that: -his days were
numbered, and that his mind and thoughts
were too much absorbed with earthly things:
That it was time he sought to lay up spiritual
treasures-he could not take his gold and silver, which had become idols, with him. This
person was rich, but E. did not know it. He
seemed impressed by the earnestness which
accompanied the communication; he lived
but a few months after this interview. He
had lost his wife and children sometime previously and had since devoted himself to
amnaking and saving money.
In a letter to his wife, J. H. Andrews says:
< I feel like giving a sketch of a visit we had
to a family who were not members, that you
may see how the mind can be directed when
its sole dependence is upon its divine Teacher.
E. N. was led to address the head of a family;
who it was said was looking toward uniting
himself with Friends. His state was delineated in a remarkable manner, and no doubt:
to his satisfaction.
We were seated in a small roomt with!the
mnan and his wife; in 1:uI a djoiinng room;
through which we  had -a;sd Sat a young,




ELIZABETIH- -NEWPORT.       93'womani-: —the door into this room had beenileftl
open'-about six inches. As soon as E. had
finished speaking to the person above alluded
to, she said' I a  bound as inprison in symn-'pathy with a state in the next room, and I can-not pass away without saying to thee my
brother,' —she then went on in a most powerful
manner to describe his condition as deplorable,
and made a fervent appeal to him to lead a
better life. We were amazed, not knowing
that any one was in that room except the girl
whom we saw. Soon, however, a foot appeared
before the crack of the door and was immediately withdrawn; this was after E. had been
addressing an unseen person for some time. I
was impressed with the feeling that the man
was sitting against the partition, and as soon
as the meeting broke, I arose and found a
rough-looking man against the wall, and three
men and a boy were also in the room. The
men soon slipped away, and when we were
seated in the carriage the boy was the only
one to be seen. Here was- another trial for
E.E's faith.: The reasoner stepped in to persuade her that she bhad been- mistaken:; but instantly she had a secret impression to look at




:94            M:EMOI-R' OF
his frot. - She saw- that it was not the same
-she had seen through the door.'.:There were four men standing near a whee1wright shop close by, and as we passed, E. remarked, that the man who was standing with
his back toward us was the person she-addressed. She had before seen no part of him
except his foot, but I recognized him  as the
individual who sat by the partition. I relate
this one instance, but there are many remarkable ones which prove that while our friend
keeps close to her Guide, the Spirit of Truth,
there is no danger of her being deceived.
On First-day the 21st, attended Stanton
meeting in the morning and Wilmington in
the afternoon, at both of which Elizabeth had
deep searching labor, but was favored to relieve her mind. On Third-day were at Darby
Monthly Meeting. After a solid opportunity
in our family to the comfort and satisfaction
of all, E. Newport returned to her home in
the evening.  In conclusion, I may say, that
although we had to pass through many deep
trying -baptisms, I have had to admire the
wonderful manner in which E. was led from
house to house, qpening the states of in



ELIZABETHI-tNEWFPORTT,:
diviiduals in th e: power and auth'ority of:Trutlh
and with a clearness that leftnot: a: doubt;of
her being' directed by: the pointings:of Him
who had called her to. the work."
Extract of a letter from E. Newport, written- at Concord.
SECOND MONTH 6th, -1841.
Not more acceptable to the parched
mouth is the cooling and refreshing draught
that issues from the juttings of the rock, than
to my feelings was the little packet received
from home this evening after a hard day's
service.  The roads were rough, and the six
families we visited were widely separated. -I
am much oppresset with a cough and cold,
but this did not excuse me from close service,
which was relieved only by utterance. - It was
given in simplicity, void of slavish fear. Indleed I have felt there never was a time when
I have experienced less of a disposition to falter or to rely upon externals, or to look to
man, than through this visit, and if I; mistake
Inot, the necessity for this will continue to the
cnu:dof -the  service.'  Close'as hlave been the
exercises,; -still It have':been, stupportcelb hrough




96             MEPIMOI'R'O
all, and- have generally beep able t' wash ia'd
anoint under an evidence, that my- Guide will
not-allow me to err, so long as there is a coicern to watch the "stepping stones" and
sway neither to the right hand nor the left.
After Monthly Meeting we went to Chichester
and were at meeting there on First-day. It
was a free time in which the mind was relieved.
On- Second-day we returned to attend the Select Meeting, which was a season of deep exercise to me; but as I waded through the
deep and waited till my measure of suffering
was filled, the command was given and an
alarm was sounded in the camp. At the conclusion of the meeting, Hannah  Oakford
turned to me and said, " I can say amen to
that testimony."  We returned to T. Marshall's, where many friends were gathered.
After some conversation, silence ensued and a
solemn covering overspread our little company. My concern was first expressed. This
was followed by a testimony from Mary Hunt,
after which Alice Chandler appeared in fervent supplication. The next day was one to
be remembered, but I believe Truth reigned
over all.  The spirit of supplication;wasl




ELIZABETH -NEWPORT.         97
pQured forth under a sense of nothingness of
the -creature, unto Him  whose power was
magnified. The business meeting was an exercising one, but it was a favored season.
Rode to T. D's, six miles over a rough
country; J. and H. Dodgson- accompanied us.
Had a religious opportunity in Thomas'
family. J. Dodgson testified to its being a
time of spiritual refreshment.
Went on our mission next morning and
paid such a visit as hitherto I had never performed.  My mind was supported on the
ground not of external evidence, for I needed
something more sure to build upon.  My
voice was raised with no fear save the fear of
God. I deeply sympathised with the individual, but I felt that I must reveal to him
the whole counsel as given to me.".
In the 12th month E. N. informed her
Monthly Meeting that her mind was turned
toward a class within the three Monthly Meetings in which she was then engaged, that was
not embraced in her minute. After due deliberation she was encouraged to follow  the
pointings of Truth in regard to the additional
service.
9




98              MEMOIR OF
Horsham  Monthly Meeting forwarded -a
minute to the Monthly Meeting of Green
street, by which it appeared that the labors of
our friend E. N. had been satisfactory.
A similar communication was received from
Richland, in which it was stated " The labors
of Elizabeth Newport have been promotive of
love among us."
REMOVED TO ABINGTON, PA.
In the Fifth month of 1841, a certificate of
removal was furnished Jesse Newport and
famnily to Abington Monthly Meeting, Pa.
Letter to J. H. A.
ABINGTON, 7th Month 4th, 1841.
I hope no unfavorable construction has been
placed upon my silence as relates to my interest and esteem for thee, whose kindness alnd
sympathy have so often been cordial to my
icelings. Thou hast been often, my lbrother, a.s
a prop and a staff when I have beein fiint.nnl
weary. Thy unwearied attention and1 w\ tclfulness, have called( forth deep and.heartftelt
grat.it(udle to the.Author of all our Slre mercies,.[ consi(leredl it an unspealkable f!ivnr to hb




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           99
provided with a' companion in all respects so:
suitable, and so entirely congenial with those
Ieculiar feelings from which I suffer in going
from door to'door.,  I say peculiar, because I
believe there are but few so weak as I; and
thou, my friend, understood these weaknesses
and could and would bear with them. Since
our removal to A. I have had repeated evidences of our being in the right place, and
generally there has been witnessed a quietness
of spirit which has preserved from anxiety;
and yet I feel the necessity of watchfulness
and introversion of mind that there may be
daily experienced " a conscience void of ofibnse toward God and man. It  was said formerly by one of experience that " a christian's
life is a continual warfare," but I have been
ready to conclude that the obedient mind may
witness a time of rest from this warfare. Be
that as it may, I believe in the language of
the Psalmist that "Light is sown, for the
righteous and joy for the upright in heart."
This text has been of late the companion of
my thoughts, with an increasing desire that
the eye:may be kept so singly directed to the
light that there may be a more perfect under



100            MEMOIR OF
standing of those mysteries of the kingdom
which are reserved for the "upright in heart "
-that there may be experienced a perfect and
divine'harmony which inspires the acclamation of " Glory to God in the highest, on earth
peace and good will to men."  Surely here.the mind may experience a rest from its labors,
and be brought to participate in a foretaste of
that bliss, of which those enjoy the full fruition who hold out to the end.. We -had today a very large meeting. Edward Hicks
was favored. His doctrine inr relation to
"Salvation by Christ," to the spiritually
minded was clear and comprehensive and, perhaps sufficiently so to all. The subjects upon
which he spoke were well adapted to the
meeting and were  feelingly delineated. His
beloved friend Isaac Parry was with him.
E. N.
A Visit to the Families of Baltimore and
other Monthly Meetings.
In the Tenth month,; 1841, Elizabeth:Newport informed her Monthly Meeting; that she
felt it required of her to visit the families of
Baltimore Monthly Meeting, and other meet



ELIZABETH;:. NEWPORT.        101
ing ait s the -way might open.:This was united
with.:T. B. Longstreth and wife were her
fellow-ldaborer.sin this service.
F:rom? desultory notes,; made by L. L., the
following particulars are gathered:
10th mo. 24th, 1841.-"  Left home in a
private carriage with my husband, to accompany E. Newport in a visit to Baltimore. In
order to lessen the fatigue, our friend Elizabeth left us at Wilmington, and proceeded
with good company in the cars, and consequently reached Baltimore before us.  We
arrived in time to attend a part of the Secondday morning meeting, in which the concern
prevailed for the promotion of truth and
righteousness.  Through the sittings of the
Yearly Meeting we were edified, and under a
covering of sweet solemnity it closed on Fifthday at noon."
A  letter from  E. Newport, dated Baltimore, 11th mo. 6th, 1841, informs her family of her safe arrival. Sle says:  "I was
glad'to be able to,  ar'ticih:lte in the instructive exercises which claibic dt the attention of
Friends relative to tile Slluj.ccts introduced by
tlle reading of tlb'31( Qutlcry —subjects which




1.02           MEMOIR  OF
involve great responsibility; - and under the
deep and heartfelt convictions of my own.
insufficiency, I was brought renewedly and fervently to seek Divine aid in the fulfilment
of them. I was led to examine and endeavor
to ascertain in what I had been delinquent.
IHow was I overwhelmed with grateful emotions when the language was sounded in my
mnental ear,'She has done what she could.'
May I never give occasion for this evidence
to be revoked! I did not accept it as an assurance that I had always maintained the
watch, and exhibited a consistency of deportment which would illustrate a perfect conformity to the spirit of love, but rather that
the motive having been sincere it was accepted, anal the sins of omission and commission
were passed by, as the mind sought counsel
and strength from  Him who remembers we.
are dust and compassionates our infirmities..
"The meeting closed on Fifth-day morning, and we went to Elk Ridge in the afternoon.  The: Elders of Baltimore Monthly:
Meeting did not think it necessary for us:
to wait till after their Monthly Meeting -before  e iproceeded in the concern to which I




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          103
have felt: particularly callel, and fi'om —which
I believer I never shrank with greater dread,
I do not kno  -that I have ever been more
sensible of support and aid in the moment of
need. The promise has been fully realized
that I will go before and prepare the way.'
The way has been made in the hearts of the
people to our astonishment."
T. B. Longstreth adds:  "At E.'s request
I write, and can inform  you that we have
been greatly favored with a home in this city.
M. Gillingham is a truly sympathetic friend,:
and has sometimes accompanied us. We have
visited, nine or ten families per day. Sometimes the work was hard and very trying to
the poor instrument, who has been nevertheless faithful and fearlessly disposed to reveal
the whole counsel, so that she may be clear,
as she says,' of the blood of all men' in the
day of reckoning. We shall probably get
through our work in this -city about the 14th,
and proceed to Indian Spring and to Sandy.
Spring.; I am inclined to think even then we
shall not be- at the end of our labor. The
prospect of further service has already dawned.
At the Monthly:Meeting yesterday, there was




W04            ME;MOIR  OF
a decided expression of approbation witMh oure
visit so far: as we: had gone..
Extracts from, Letters.
BALTIMORE, 11th mo. 14th, 1841.
Thy letter, my dear J., was most welcome:
after a fatiguing day, in which 15 families
had been visited. Although the nature of
the exercises was less trying than sometimes,
the poor weak body was very weary.,We are still at the! house of our kind
friends J. and M. Gillingham. Have visited
138 families.  We spend no idle time. The
visits so far have been signally owned. There
has been often much manifestation of tenderness on the part of some who are in the
strength of manhood. Still it is a work to
which the natural feelings are so averse, that
it is hard for me to be submissive. My social and conversational powers seem narrowed into a very small compass, so thou
seest there is much to mortify self; but I
know that this needs reducing again and
again; and if in:this reduction there: isno
loss, but rather an inlcreased evidence of Divine life:and love, I carn even rejoice that: I




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          105
am made worthy thus to fill up my measure
of suffering. L. is very pleasant and agreeable, and I hope will continue with me to the
close of -he visit?: T. keeps his post faithfully.:Love to the dear children. Oh! these
separations, how hard they are to bear!
11th mo. 30th, 1841.
"I feel it to be a great favor to have the
opportunity of converse throuigh this channel
with the dear ones left behind. I have found
it a hard struggle to divest my mind of home;
but fervent are my aspirations after resignation.  The work is one in which'no flesh
can glory.' My experience has brought to
mind the condition of the blessed Master,
when He trod the wine-press alone. My prayer
has been earnest that this baptism  may be
continued until it performs its renovating office, and the spirit is weaned from all external dependencies. I can truly say, thus far
the Lord has been a helper in the needful
time.  Neither matternor: the power of utterance has been withheld, but has been given
at the required moment.: Through the Yearly Meeting I had not much vocal labor. It




-1'0 M          -::EM~.OIR: OrF
was a timee of great. interestl and:instructioni
many of the testimonies being of a: naturei to'clinch the nail' that had been driven."..
L. L.'s Diary.
On:First-day were at Elk Ridge Meeting.
Returned to Baltimore in the afternoon and
visited two families on the way. Made some
visits in the evening. On Second-day were
similarly engaged. There was an openness to
receive the message of love, which produced
grreat tenderness of feeling; but upon the
whole the day was a trying one. Being among
strangers, we felt the need of walking circumspectly, and therefore of washing and anointing, and not appearing unto men to fast.
Mlade a number of interesting. visits within
the past two days.
-Attended Monthly Meeting; it was a lowy
time. On First-day were at Old Town meeting, and made several visits in the afternoon
in the suburbs. Third-day was spent in visiting Friends living in the city.
Eleventh monlth 11th. —Vent to the East.
ern district.  Made &a visit in the evening, in
which the labor'was attended with the power




ILIZABI fri  NEWPORT.        107
and demonstration of the Spirit in a:remarkable manner.
On First-day nmorningQ we were at Lombard street meeting. I felt a concern that
I might neither sit nor stand in another's
way, and also deeply felt the importance of
rendering obedience to our heavenly Leader..
How true, that when He commissions, ability
is afforded and knowledge given what to:say
and when to say it I May I never again dlistrust His power! Verily He fills the heartV
and satisfies the thirst and thus strengthens:
for renewed exercises! The evident manifestations of truth caused me to rejoice, andl I
could adopt the language, "One hour in Thy
presence is worth a thousand elsewhere." Our
labor in Old Town seems nearly completed;
we may mention the call upon Esther Townsend as being signally favored.  In some
other visits there was a loud call to awaken
to the responsibilities connected with a social
a:nil religious life. At Jacob Lafetra's, after:a time of silent waiting, words of comfort.arnd
cnccurngement were  alministeredl to us by
J,. IJ. which had a strengthening effeet. The
aiteramoon was spen:t in preparing to leave




108            MEMOIR OF.Baltimore. A number of Friends were collected at J., Gillingham's. We had a solemn
opportunity with the family and recommended
them still to adhere to that divine principle in
the soul which is able to give us a knowledge
of the Lord and the power of His grace."
T. B. L., in a note to a friend says, " We
have accomplished the visit to the families
except the small branch of Indian Spring, for
which we start early in the morning. We
have visited about 175 families. Some very
trying seasons have been passed through. The
mind on each occasion having to become as a
blank sheet of paper, ready for that impression which alone can enable the feeble instrument to hand forth that which will minister
to the wants and the conditions of the people.
I believe our visit in this city has resulted as
satisfactorily as is often the case with this
kind of close work, which often reminded me
of what Nathan said to King David-" Thou
art the man."  From Indian Spring we expect to go to Sandy Spring and perhaps to
Pipe Creek. If I were seated for an hour or
two in your domicil I could relate very intereating interviews and occurrences, with which




ELIZABETHI' NEWPOPRT.        109
we have met in going forndo0r to':doA;. ik6
blind-folded: beggars.':Light a'nd';wiisdom haeV
often been  furnlished:to''see*' h6ow'/the accourts
stood, and: suitable.  ounsel has b'edi:-offered'which has generally been kindly received."'
Diary Continued.
Proceeded to Indian- Spring.  Madle several
calls and were favoredc to enter into feeling
with the visited.  Words of con'solation were
uttered.  Were hospitably entertained at G.
Bailey's, and it proved a season wherein was
known an out-pouring of the holy Spirit for
which gratitude was sincerely felt. Lodged at
Betsy Snowdon's, a free-hearted woman, who
had a short time previously liberated her
slaves. Her mind appeared turned in an
earnest search for Truth.
On Sixth-day it rained, but we were favored
with an excellent guide, who, being on horseback, opened the gates for us, which are numerous even on the public: roads; we passed
through 13 in the distance of 4 miles.  Our
friend was not merely helpful by removing
the obstacles in our outward path; but his
spirit was strengthening and encouraging to
10




110            MEMOIR OF
us in our trials and deep provings. We visited
the families which came in our way and lodged
at R. Hopkins'. In the evening we had a
meeting with the family, which was truly a
favored season and a time of individual visi.
tation. On Seventh-day made a religious
visit in the morning and spent the remainder
of the day in pleasant social converse. On
Fir;t-day Mall of- the family went to mneeting,
some on horseback and others in a carriage.
The meeting was small, but was owned by the
divine Presence. Rode 6 miles to dinner. In
the afternoon made a family visit which was
particularly trying to Elizabeth.
In the evening had another meeting which
appeared very satisfactory to all and was edifying to me.
On Second-day it was very stormy; R. P.
accompanied us to Caleb Stabler's. C. took
charge of us and we made one family visit,
but felt that we should be better satisfied to
obtain the concurrence of the elders of Sandy
Spring, before proceeding further. We were
taken to the house of Deborah Stabler, who
gave us a hearty welcome, and we were refreshed both in body and in mind under her




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         111
hospitable roof. Next day it was decided we
should enter again upon our mission. Although encouragement was offered whereby
our weak hands should be strengthened, yet it
was a low time and earnest were our desires
to be directed only by that Power which can
alone qualify to visit "the seed."
We have finished our visits to the families
of S. S. meeting; may the labors of love prove
as bread cast upon the waters that will be
found after many days.
Letter from E. N.
ELEVENTH MONTH 24th, 1841.
My dear J.-Left Baltimore on Fifth-day
for Indian Spring, taking the families of
friends as they came in the way. A  young
man, quite fashionable in his appearance, offered to pilot us. No doubt it is in divine appointment. After a testimony of some length
had been delivered in his own family, we sat
a full hour in perfect silence, when it was
broken by the torrent of feeling in his breast
finding vent in tears. I am now writing in
haste at the house of T. Stabler, about six
miles from Sandy Spring. The meeting at




112            MEMOIR OF
that place was one not soon to be forgotten or
erased from the catalogue of favors. If help
had not been granted at the right time, the
poor instrument would  have fainted, but
thanks be to Him who giveth the victory!
To Him  belongs the glory! that my soul
knows right well. The communication was
short and of individual import.  After its
delivery I could have placed my hand upon
the head of the person to whom it applied. A
dear old friend, an eldcer in the church, sealed
the testimony, as did Deborah Stabler also.
She is a minister, and upwards of 77 years of
age. E. Stabler, whom  I knew in my early
life when I spent a winter in Alexandria, accompanied us through S. S. neighborhood.
Many baptisms of various kinds had to be endured, but I feel clear of that place. Oh how
disappointed I feel! Instead of attending meeting and then pursuing our journey, I find I
am bound in spirit and must visit a branch of
Pipe Creek Monthly Meeting, and partake
again of bitter waters in going from house to
house. May resignation be arrived at so that
a state of tolerable cheerfulness can be maintained.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         113
Diary Continued.
"Our course was directed  toward  New
Market —called Bush Creek Monthly Meeting. Our kind friend E. Stabler did not
leave us until he placed us under the care of
his hospitable friend John Talbot.  Were at
Bush Creek meeting in the morning; at its
close the proposal to visit the families was
united with generally, and John Talhot was
appointed to bear us company. We made
some visits in the afternoon, when it commenced snowing. Visited three families in
the evening. In the morning started in our
carriage, but had not gone far before we were
overtaken by a friend in his sleigh, who came
to help us through the snow, and who rendered us important service. An opportunity
with the family of J. Russell, with whom we
dined, closed the service of visiting families
in this district, and we returned to New Market.
The 30th of the 11th month started for
Pipe Creek, having Caleb Ogburn for pilot.
We reached Wm. Shepherd's at 4 o'clock in
the afternoon, weary and worn with our ride.
Next morning the thermometer had fallen to
10*




114             MEMOIR OF
7~. On Fourth-day attended meeting. Friends
were willing to receive a visit and we conmmenced at once.
We found a gloom  cast over the neighborhood of Pipe Creek on account of the illness
of J. Moore, one of the older nienmbers of that
meeting. A  few days terminated his sufferings. On the occasion of the funeral, Friends,
according to customr, met at the lMeetinghouse, and it proved a very solemn and interesting opportunity.  The rain prevented
our doing mnore that day.
First-day attended Monallen Meeting, which
though rather a low time, was not an unprofitable one to many.  The concern to visit the
families expressed by Elizabeth, was united
with; Win. Ellis felt a wish to accompany us,
which being also approved, we set out with J.
Wright as pilot.  The very rough roads retarded our progress, the falmilies  in some
instances being miles apart; but the visits
were satisfactorWy. Made a number'of visits
and returned to J. Wright's and had an opportunity in the evening with his family,
which had a tendency to gafler us near the
fountain of blessings, where we were remem



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           115
bered by Hirr   who opens His hand and,dispenses thereof!:o the hllliJ)ed and conlltited
Sp)iri t.
We made one visit before meeting.  It was
their usual week-day meeting, and was a large
gathering.  Elizabethn was greatly favored in
opening and explaining subjects calculated to
interest and instruct; afterwards visited a
family in which there was deep exercise; it
was very evident that it had a good effect.
From  thence we proceeded  to Opossum
Creek, which to us was noted for the stony
road and the hard spiritual labor which had
to be performed.  W~e could but notice in
various instances how beautifully the little
children and infants behaved at meeting, although at home they were as restless and
noisy as could be well imagined.
12th month 29th. —To-dav finished the remaining visits, a few of which were to persons
not members, but professors.  Some states
were easy of access, but not all.
Next day, on our homeward track, we made
several interesting calls.  Lodged at 1. Tudor's.  Left next morning for Petersburg.
MIade visits to several families, in which it




116            MEMOIR OF
could be sensibly felt that it was necessary
that Truth should be laid to the line, and
judgment should be tested by the plumbline. The evening was spent in reading such
parts of the Scriptures as the mind was drawn
toward, and we felt that it had been profitable and edifying.
First-day went to meeting. It was a time
of deep exercise. Made a pleasant visit to
J. Townsend and family, who had removed
from Chester County.  Sweet and appropriate counsel was tendered to the young people, and much encouragement given to attend
to the Divine principle within them.
Second-day morning.-Called on a family
who were not members of our Society, but
they very cheerfully laid aside their washing
to receive our visit. The father was a man
about 90 years of age, possessing all his Iaculties except his eyesight. They seemed very
thankful for the visit.
On Third-day made some very pleasant
visits, which revived the drooping spirits and
gave room for hope that there will be a revival in this place if there is a continued attention to the Light whence knowledge is derived.




ELIZABE]TH NEWPORT.         117
12th mo. 15th.-It seems now  as if we
might continue with our faces " Eastward."
Language fails to convey the feelings of
pleasure that arise with the prospect of again
mingling with our families at home. A number of persons called to see us, and E. had a
few words of encouragement for them.  On
the way to Warrington our carriage'Was taken
through a mill-dam, the water coming up to
the carriage body., Elizabeth and I preferred
crossing over the foot bridge. Made several
visits. Next day was a very stormy one; we
made a few calls and attended the Preparative meeting at Warrington.  In the mornhad interesting interviews with different families.
17th.-A snow-storm  rendered it unpleasant travelling. Made two visits, but found the
storm too severe to proceed.
On Seventh-day, with a good deal of perseverance, we started, the snow being very
much drifted. S. Griest, at whose house we
had lodged, went with us to help break the
roads; in some places it seemed  doubtful
whether we should be able to get through
the drifts. Lanes were filled half-way to the




118            MEMOIR OF
fence tops, and it was necessary in some instances to take down the fences, which was
done without regard to their kind. Several
friends volunteered their services, and with
their assistance we were enabled to proceed.
On First-day were again at Warrington meeting, which was small. In the afternoon rode
several miles in the sleigh. Went to see
David Cadwallader and wife, both too infirm
to get out; they were aged 81 years. Next
morning we set out with two strong horses,
leaving ours to rest, of which they stood in
need. Made only two visits, and returned by
moonlight to J. Walker's.
After another day's similar experience, we
started for Newberry. Called at a Friend's
house, where E.'s communication was eminently calculated to arrest the feelings and
turn the attention to the monitor within. The
roads were unbroken, and we had great difficulties to encounter, in one place going down
an embankment three feet high, and were
very near upsetting.  The kindness and sympathy of our friends were very grateful.
eached I. Garretson's before dark, where
we were entertained most hospitably. Next




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         119
morning they furnished us with a sleigh and
horses, which gave ours another opportunity to
rest.  We set off for Monthly Meeting, a
number of Friends going with us. Visited
several families in Lewisburg.
Twelfth month 23d.-The weather was
drizzling, but this did not deter us from persevering in what we felt we had to do. Next
morning was a bright, clear morning; the
rain had melted the snow considerably, but
in some places it was too deep for the carriage. We accepted the proffered assistance
of T. Garretson, and made a number of visits.
Were at Newberry meeting on First-day,
which held more than two hours; at'd although several mothers had their infants with
them, varying in age from seven weeks to ten
months, there was no disturbance.
There has been a faithful endeavor throughiout this journey to awaken a fresh zeal in the
cause of Truth and righteousness, whereby
our profession may be held " in deed and in
Truth."
Twelfth month 27th.-Some difficulty was
experienced on account of the snow, and again
we were indebted to our friends for their kind




120            MEMOIR OF
assistance.  Were entertained in York by
our friends Jonathan Jessup and family.
Made several visits.
Twelfth month 28thb.-Breakfasted by lamp
light, and made a number of calls through
the day.
Twelfth month 29th. —Elizabeth felt her
mind would not be clear of this place without
attending the public meeting. There were
three families visited to-day.
Twelfth month 30th. —A rainy day. Made
a family visit, and went to meeting. It was
a season of deep thought and inward retirement. May it not be unproductive of good.
After dinner bade adieu to our kind friends,
to whom during the short season of our acquaintance we had become attached, and a
deep interest was felt for them.
Genessee Yearly Meeting.
In 1842 E. Newport was furnished by
Abington Monthly Meeting with a minute to
visit some meetings and families within Farmington Quarterly Meeting, and to attend Genessee Yearly Meeting.  In this religious service she was accompanied by John H. An



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        121
drews and Ann W. Longstreth. On Sixth
month 1st, J. H. A. writes: We commenced
our journey, and for several days travelled
over a rough and mountainous country, reaching Friendsville on First-day morning just
as Friends' meeting had gathered. Found
them few in number. Elizabeth bore a living testimony to the efficacy of practical
righteousness. After meeting went home with
our kind friends Caleb Carmalt and wife.
6th.-In the afternoon visited two families,
in one of which E. addressed an individual,
who made an open acknowledgement of the
truth of what had been told him. Resumed
our travel next day over a very rough and
stony road. Next morning started at 5 o'clock,
and soon found ourselves in a more fertile
country.
The 10th was a rainy morning, notwithstanding which we pursued our way to D.
Herendeen's at Macedon. John Comly and
A. P. Jackson were among those who found a
comfortable resting-place under our friend D.
H.'s roof.
At the Meeting for Ministers and Elders
on Seventh-day, there were seventeen minutes
11




122            MEMOIR OF
read for Friends from other Yearly Meetings.
It was a favored time; some excellent counsel was imparted, calculated to encourage
Friends to a more faithfll discharge of the
duties required of them. It was truly cheering to meet with so many familiar faces at
such a distance from our homes.
First-day morning, attended Macedon Meeting. J. Comly and E. Newport had no opportunity to relieve their minds. In the afternoon we went to Farmington and had a good
meeting. J. C. and Elizabeth both spoke in
an impressive manner.
Arrangements are being made for us to
commence after Yearly Meeting our arduous
work; and oh.! the strippedness and the littleness the mind is introduced into Cas the
time approaches! My prayer is that E.'s eye
may continue to be kept single to the light;
and I have faith that it will be.
On Second-day some individuals were present who felt a wish to attend the meeting, but
they having been disowned it was objected to,
although much sympathy was felt for them.
There being but one session in the day,the meeting adjourned till 10 o'clock next morning.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           123
During the consideration of the state of Society on Third-day, the meeting was brought
under an heavenly influence, and gratitude for
the favor flowed freely.
-On Fourth-day morning attended a meeting for worship at Farmington, where G. F.
Wvhite was largely engaged in testimony.
Seventh-day.-Finished the business of the
Yearly Meeting.  AWhen about to close, E.
Newport requested the shutters opened.  I
trust her living testimony will not soon be
forgotten.  G. F. White appeared in supplication, and the meeting closed under a solemn
covering.
On First-day morning we were at  iacedon
Meeting which was large.  E. N. and J. C.
both bore livin2g testimonies to the ever blessed
truth, and the people separated under a precious feeling. Returned to our lodgings where
a numiber of friends were gathered.  1E. Newport and S. Underwood (Hunt) were both engaged in admionition and encouragement in
the solemni opportunity which followed.
On  Second-day  we commenced visiting
falnilies within Milacedon Preparative Meeting.
Our first visit was to a famuily where the hus



124            MEMOIR OF
band was not a member of our Society. The
gospel stream flowed freely and he appeared
gratified with the meeting. He was a stranger
to the views of Friends and manifested much
interest when allusion was made to the ne-,cessity of coming under the operations of the
Spirit of Truth. At the next place, an individual was shown how entirely inadequate he
was of himself to advance any good work. E.
was led to speak in a very searching manner.
I think she will find a wide field of labor in
this part of the vineyard. She feels the necessity of holding up the view that it is only
as we are influenced by the divine Mind that
we can promote the cause of truth and righteousness. A friend called upon E. and offered
to unite with her in these visits. This brought
her under close trial. To have the help of
such a valiant was very pleasing to the natural mind, but she had to feel that the depen*dence must not be upon man.
We made two visits after the friend joined
us, and E.'s way was completely blocked up.
She told me that we must either go alone or
return home, and said, while she felt that a
service was required of her, yet she had no




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           125
liberty to go with this dear fiend, and added,
that I had come to take care of her and must
act in the case.  My mind was brought into
deep suffering; I could but contrast my weaknesses with the high position which-held.  I
mentioned thesubject to J. C. Hesaid, I esteem
the Friend and think she has a pure gift in
the ministry, but in olden time, one said, " I
go a fishing," another said, " I go also," and
they went together, but " caught nothing.":
Our experience was somewhat sinlilar, and we
separated.  ]M[ade three visits afterwards on
that day, all of which were satisfactory.  On
Third-day visited 8 families and rode 22 miles.
Elizabeth had great difficulty in makiing persons believe she had nlo outward knowledge
of them. One man, where we dined, would
not be convinced until D. EH. had assured
him that he had not told her one word concerning any one.  The people are not familiar
with family visiting, and it seems incredible
that such plain truths should be told them. I
have faith to believe the labor will be blest.
Ha ve finished our work in this district. We
have had seasons of rejoicing together, but the
mind was often brought into deep exercise
1.1*




126            MEMOIR OF:and travail with the suffering seed which in
many places was pressed down as "a cart
under sheaves."
Our next movement was to South Farmington Preparative Meeting. In the afternoon,
in company with Wm. Gatchel, we made a
number of visits. On Third-day rode 40 miles
in the prosecution of our labor.
On Fourth-day attended their meeting in
the morning and visited a number of families.
A friend on whom we had called and who was
not at lhome, rode 16 miles for the purpose of
seeing us. E. had a most satisfactory interview with her. Many interesting visits were
made, and a comfortable meeting with W. G's
family closed our labors in that way in South
Farmington. Since last Secofid-day we have
attended their meeting, visited 23 families and
rode 104 miles. We visited one family where
the husband had been disowned.,Poor fellow!
he had his state opened to him in a marvellous
manner. I was told by the friend who was
with us, that E. was as true to his case as if
she had always known him. She followed
him across the Atlantic Ocean in quest of
gain, and told him that his whole mind had




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         127
been absorbed in this one pursuit, but all had
ended in disappointment and vexation. This
was in accordance with facts.  There are
many deep baptisms to pass through before
the mind can be brought into that state in
which it is able to suffer with the suffering
seed. The spiritual need of the rich and the
poor, the high and the low, have been ministered unto without the fear of man.
On Seventh-day we started for Hamburg,
12 miles beyond Buffalo and 100 from Macedon. Farmington Quarterly Meeting is held
there once in the year, and Elizabeth bad a
concern to attend it and some meetings in the
vicinity. It was a stormy day, but we went as
far as Rochester. On First-day morning attended the meeting of Friends in that city.
No notice had been given of our being there,
but the house was full. Elizabeth soon arose
and said her mind had been singularly impressed with what might be considered a
novel text viz:-" These Quakers are a strange
kind of people to come here and sit in silence.
What good can be accomplished in that way?"
Very soon two meetings of other denominations, which were opposite, closed, and a large




128            MEMOIR OF
number of people crowded into our house. E.
illustrated the doctrines of the Christian religion in a more forcible and impressive manner than I had ever before heard her. The
people were very still and attentive, especially
those belonging to other religious organizations. They looked upon her with astonishment. The meeting separated under a very
solemn  covering. The friend who was with
us was asked by a man the name of the
preacher; he said he had become dissatisfied
with " church doctrine " and to-day he had
heard the true Christian doctrine, and he
thought he would go to Quaker meeting; he
would at least have to go again. HMte had
heard a bad account of the Quakers, but he
had liked this sermon very much. His wife
was with him and seemed also deeply imppressed. In the afternoon we resumed our
journey, accompanied by several friends.
4th. Second-day rode through a portion of
the best country I ever saw. Passed through
Buffalo and lodged at an Inn about a half
mile beyond. A great many Indians who
had been in the city to see the celebration of
"the Fourth," in going to the Buffalo Reser



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        129
vation, about five miles distant, passed the
house where we were staying. They were
generally sober. I saw many more white
persons than Indians intoxicated. Rode this
day 57 miles. On our way to Hamburg next
morning, we passed through the Indian Reservation. Their improvements greatly exceeded my expectations. The soil is very fertile, and their crops were equal to their white
neighbors.  Attended the Quarterly Meeting for Ministers and Elders in the afternoon.
It was a comfortable meeting. E. had much
service that appeared adapted to the states of
those gathered. Next day attended Quarterly Meeting. It was an humbling timesome, who were filled with the world's policy,
were melted into tears. Elizabeth went into
the men's meeting andhad good service therein.
The meeting was large and ended satisfactorily. The people here look upon E. as a
highly favored instrument, and are astonished that her ministry is so wonderfully adapted to the different states among them. The
"Youth's meeting " held to-day was considered the largest ever known in this part of
the country. The house was crowded; many




130            MEMOIR OF
stood, and all the windows and doors were
full. H. Sexton arose as soon as the people
were gathered and spoke for an hour. E.
followed her and impressively addressed a
state present. I have no words to describe
the power of the ministry of both H. and E.
Sonne who were not members came 20 miles
to attend this meeting. It was a time to be
long rermembered by many.
8th of the month. HI. Sexton having the approbation of Farmington lonthly Mleeting to
attend some meetings in this district, joined us,
and we attended an appointed meeting at Boston, held in a Free-will Baptist House.'When
we arrived many people were gathered on account of the funeral of a Presbyterian. The
doctrine held forth was veryv adverse to our
views in relation to the resurrection of the
material body, etc. After this service was
over our meeting commenced, and while it
was a close and searching time, I felt it was
a season of favor. Next day had a large
meeting in the Methodist meeting-house at
Eden. Both lH. and E. had much to communicate; sorme minds were reached, but
upon others not much impression was made.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          131
On First-day we were at Collin's; a great
concourse of people assembled.  After the
house was filled, benches made of plank the
length of the meeting-house were put outside
of all the windows and doors; carriages were
drawn up as close as they could stand, and
were filled. E. had some of the closest labor
I ever remember in a Friends' meeting, but
it was admitted to have been in place. H.
also had appropriate service.  In the afternoon rode nine miles to another meeting appointed in a Free-will Baptist-house, Friends'
meeting-house being too small.  Elizabeth
addressed the people for an hour and a half;
she was clear and powerful on the subject of
a free gospel ministry, for the want of a true
perception of which many had been turned
from the true Guide. Individual states were
impressively addressed, especially the lukewarm; these were shown the influence they
exerted over others. G. M. Cooper had a
meeting appointed for us at the Cataraugus
Reservation. We went in heavy wagons over
the worst roads I ever saw, a distance of four
miles. We met in their council house. Our
friends E. and H. addressed them through an




132            MEMOIR OF
interpreter. It was an interesting occasion.
After the women had finished speaking, Sam.
uel Gordon, a chief, came forward with an
interpreter. He was 92 years old, and was
taken a prisoner by the Indians when he was
17 years of age and had lived with them
ever since. Samuel made a feeling address,
expressive of his gratitude for the good
counsel which had been imparted, and hoped
it would be treasured up. Then a young
chief addressed his brethren  in their own
language, and J. Cook also encouraged them
to attend to what they had heard. The nat.
ural grace and elegance with which they
spoke was remarkable. E. wished to visit
Oliver Silverheels, a chief who was ill with
consumption." E. Newport, in a letter to her
family, gives some additional particulars of
their visit to Cataraugus. She says, "We had
a refreshing visit to the chief, Oliver Silverheels, at his own hut; he understood our language, but wished an interpreter, so that his
wife and children should also know what was
said. He is very weak and feeble with consumption, but appears in a blessed state of
mind. He thanked us warmly for coming.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         133
His knee was my prop while a blessing was
vocally poured forth, and our tears and
prayers were mingled with those of the redman. It was a precious season not soon to
be forgotten.
We saw there a babe eight days old who
was fastened to a board just its length and
shaped a little like a cradle at the head, but
had neither sides nor rockers; the head only
of the little creature was to be seen, the rest
of the body being tightly laced or bound to the
board with strips of fine cloth nicely embroidered. I did not see how it could move
either toe or finger. The most genteel dress
for the women is, a square of fine broadcloth.
This people are deliberate in all their actions, and are never known to whip their
children; but they take them  in the woods
and seat them on a log and talk to them a
long time. They are divided into two classes
in religious Faith, and style themselves Christians and Pagans. The latter class are those
who profess to believe in Quaker worship,
and in the guidance of the Good Spirit. The
Christians seek information of the missiona12




134            MEMOIR OF
ries and profess a belief in the doctrines
taught by them. One of the missionaries
being present at our meeting, took offence at
my advice to the Indians to attend to the
counsel of their chief, and said "I should
have directed them to the minister." I knew
nothing of the two parties. The chiefs who
were at the meeting were of the Pagan party.
The women are inferior to the men in point
of mental culture. Those in Buffalo are in a
much higher state of cultivation, their opportunities having been greater. Our meeting
with them was deeply interesting. The interpreter was a handsome young man and was
engaged to be married to "a nice white
woman."'
At the close of the meeting several of the
older people came up, shook hands with us,
and expressed their gratitude as well as they
could. The women carry their pappooses on
their backs. Some of the children are pretty
and look very cunning. We were well satisfied with our visit.
We have to feel sometimes as if the standard of Truth has fallen in the streets, and as
if the call to Friends was to rally to the




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        135
" Strong Tower." I feel comforted in having
left you all in the hand of our heavenly
-Father. Every tried feeling finds a solace
in the thought that hitherto His arm  has
graciously supported me. It has been my
defence and my deliverance from storms and
tempests, which have at times whirled their
cruel blasts around me. As a cool and refreshing shower on a sultry day, or as water
from a clear brook, were the tidings contained
in the sheet filled so nicely by those whose
names are indelibly written upon the tablet
of the heart. It came seasonably, for I was
in need of that kind of refreshment.  The
physical powers were worn and weary, though
the spirit had been sustained in so much as
to enable me to adopt the language of one
formerly —" Thou hast been strength in
weakness-riches in poverty-a present help
in the needful time."
E. N.
J. H. A.'s Diary Continued.
On Third-day morning we had a meeting
at Abbott's Corners in a Presbyterian meeting-house.  The minister belonging thereto




136            MEMOIR OF
was the same who officiated at the funeral to
which I have previously alluded. He said
he did not think that the language at that
time, in relation to those who preached for
money, was too severe, it was not harder than
such deserved. He offered the meeting-house
again for our use, which we felt it right to
accept. Elizabeth and H. Sexton had both
much to say and it was an excellent meeting. I never saw so much openness in the
minds of all classes to receive Friends.
The Orthodox Friends at Hamburg offered
their benches to accommodate us, and many of
the " strictest " attended some of our meetings
and said " Elizabeth preached true doctrine!"
After the last meeting, we had not gone more
than a quarter of a mile, before E. said to me,
"we must go back to Boston."
The next day we had another appointed
meeting there; the notice was short but the
house was filled and the meeting was a favored
one. The labor was close on account of a lukewarm spirit. We rode 7 miles to attend this
meeting, the same distance to dine, and then
8 miles to attend another meeting at the Buffalo reservation at 3 o'clock. The Council




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          137
House is a large building, finished very much
after the manner of modern " Churches." The
-house was full. The Indians were well dressed
and it was a deeply interesting occasion, far
surpassing that at Cataraugus. We had the
Chiefs from all the reservations assembled in
council. The interpreter was a young man
who expected to marry a white girl, the
teacher among them. His native grace was
striking. H. first spoke to them, then G. M.
Cooper, after which E. had considerable to
communicate, and at the conclusion of her
impressive discourse she addressed the young
interpreter. I cannot portray the scene; every
tender sympathy was enlisted fobr the poor
Indians under a view of their past and present
trials.  E. appeared in supplication without
an interpreter, and under its baptizing power
many of the Indians shed tears. I can only
give the outline of our labors. I am entirely
convinced my peace consists in being here.
14th. —Fifth-day spent in Buffalo and had
a meeting in the evening in a Unitarian,
Church, which was satisfactory. At this meeting a circumstance occurred of an unusual
character. Elizabeth found that, contrary too
12*




138            MEMOIR OF
the usual practice among Friends, she must
read a portion of Scripture. Turning to J. H.
A., she asked him to turn to the 14th chapter
of John. He replied, thou must do it thyself.
Finding there was no other way for her, she
arose, opened the bible before her at the very
place she desired, and read the first 12 verses
of that chapter, and then proceeded with her
discourse. When asked why she did so, she
said, " I found I could not reach the minds of
the people in any other way. The discourse
which followed was said to be remarkable
for power and perspicuity.
On Sixth-day morning rode 23 miles to the
Falls of Niagara, where we spent several
hours in wonder and amazement.
16th.-On Seventh-day travelled 25 miles
to Elba and had an appointed meeting at 3,o'clock. Some very close doctrine was delivered to a man who was intemperate. He
was seriously warned to retrace his steps.
17th.-IRode 13 miles to breakfast and then
4 to meeting. In the afternoon had an appointed meeting at Rochester, which was a
very favored time.
On Second-day morning attended the fu



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        139
neral of Allan Frost's daughter, aged about
17 years. In the afternoon were at an appointed meeting at 4 o'clock, after which we
rode 16 miles. Travelled this day 30 miles.
We can but believe that -the " back is fitted
for the burden," when we take into consideration the frail physique of E. N.
The mind of our friend was drawn southward. We found the place to be a settlement
of Friends who have an indulged meeting
about 51 miles up the Gunpowder River; it is
a branch of Rochester Monthly Meeting. We
had an evening meeting there on the 19th,
composed mostly of those not in membership
with us. E.'s testimony was a powerful one
to the all-sufficiency.of the light within for
the guidance of man.
Her effort was to call away from men, from
books, or any outward help; of which I have
no doubt there was great need, for though the
people are zealous, they do not appear to be
spiritually minded.
Had an appointed meeting at Woodsville
on Fifth-day evening in a school-house. There
are a very few Friends in the neighborhood,
and usually they hold their meetings in a




140            MEMOIR OF
private house. The school-house was crowded,
a number came from Danville, 2 miles distant.
Several men who were not members, were
spoken to so clearly that they acknowledged
that "their states were opened in so remarkable a manner, that it caused them to marvel
like the woman at'Jacob's well,' for they
had found one who told them all things that
ever they did."
On Sixth-day we rode about 44 miles to
Scottsville. The next afternoon had a meeting at Wheatland. Next morning, after a
religious opportunity in W. Cornell's family,
with whom we had lodged, went to meeting
at Henrietta. E. had close work with individual states. Elizabeth's mind not being
clear of Rochester, we returned to that city,
and Friends meeting-house being small, the
Baptists offered theirs for an evening meeting.
The house was crowded, also the aisles, windows and doors, and the street, as far as the
voice could be heard, was filled with an attentive audience. It was computed that 500 peo-.
ple went away who could not get near enough,
to hear what was said. Hundreds were there,
who knew nothing of the principles and testi'




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         141
monies of Friends and had never heard a
woman preach. E. illustrated the views held
by our Society and clearly demonstrated the
testimonies of Truth as we understand them,
and also what constitutes a pure gospel ministry. Said she had no controversy with any
true minister, but had no sympathy with one
who " would preach for hire, or divine for
money" which seemed too much like making
merchandize of the gospel. She directed all
to the "'light within," which ever preserves
from sin, if man is obedient to its teachings
in the soul. For more than an hour the people sat in remarkable silence, listening to the
words as they fell from her lips. A solemn
quiet reigned even in the street; it was such a
time, the people say, as was never before
known in that city. There was a convention
being held, and many strangers from  miles
around were in the town, and most of them
were at the meeting. A number who have
attended E. N.'s meetings, have said that her
testimonies upon the subject of a hireling
ministry "are searching, but are clear and
convincing." I have been told by many persons of different denomivations, that the




2            MEMOIR OF
truth was spoken with such authority they
could not but'unite with her. There is abundant evidence, that He who sent her is able to
open the way in the hearts of the people; it
has indeed been marvellously manifested!
Many zealous professors of religion have been
shaken to the centre. The sketch that I
have given falls short of the reality, but no
praise belongs to E., except as a faithful servant of the Lord.
28th.- Fifth-day attended Farmington
Monthly Meeting, held at Macedon. E. N.
had close labor on account of several different
states present. In the afternoon a number of
friends called to see us and we enjoyed their
company. On Sixth-day went to Palmyra to
visit the families of that Preparative Meeting.
Were met by Pliny Sexton, he having been
appointed to accompany us in the service.
There were 14 families, and the visits all
proved very satisfactory.
On First-day we were at Farmington Meeting, where E. had much service. On Secondday we commenced visiting the families of
Farmington meeting, and after some very refreshing seasons, with a great deal of hard




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         143
labor, we completed our work on Sixth-day,
the 5th of the month. H. Pound was with us
throughout these visits, and he told me that "he
was well acquainted with all their members,
and in no instance could he have described
them more truthfully than E. had done, although she was a stranger to them all."  He
had often found it necessary at the close of a
visit to tell the people that nothing had been
said about them to E., and to encourage them
to receive her testimony as a visitation from
their heavenly Father.
7th.-On  First-day  attended  Macedon
meeting, which was large and satisfactory. We
had expected to proceed at once to Williamson, but E. felt it required of her to attend the
funeral of George Smith, an elder of South
Farmington meeting. The succeeding four
days were occupied in visiting families.
On First-day had a large meeting composed
of all classes. E's discourse was lengthy and
impressive. Then returned to D. H.'s, having
ridden to-day about 18 miles. Soon after we
arrived, Hugh Pound came, saying he had forgotten one family. It was then evening, bu
it had been such a burden upon his mind, he




144            MEMOIR OF
had ridden 6. miles to inform us.  The next
day he took us to see the Friends. We then
proceeded to Waterloo. Spent next day there
and had a meeting in the evening in a Baptist
Meeting-house. On Fourth-day were at Julien
meeting, and on Fifth-day were at Galen.
19th.-Sixth-day started for home. Our
daily rides varied from 40 to 45 miles. Proceeded in a direct course and landed Elizabeth safe at her own home on the 25th of the
8th month, 1842.
A Letter from E. Newport to M. Hilles.
ABINGTON, ELEVENTH MONTH 2d, 1843.
My Dear Aunt: —After having been absent
from meeting on account of indisposition for
six or seven weeks, I went on Second-day and
obtained liberty to attend Bucks Quarterly
Meeting, to visit the meetings constituting it
and appoint some meetings among those who
are not members of our Society; but I feel as
yet very unlike it in every necessary requisition or qualification; and it is to me a great
matter to set out again upon so important an
engagement after a longer season of domestic
quiet and enjoyment than has been allotted me




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         145
for several years. This respite has not lessened
the weight and responsibility of such a concern. My mind during the year and almost
a half that I have been at home, has not been
free from exercise, and many times it seemed
as if the period was at hand in which to make
the offering, but the will has been accepted
and releasement given. I trust these seasons
have not been unprofitable for me, for indeed
I have a great dread of a condition that would
step forth in the will of the creature without
waiting for the divine command.
It is with heart-felt gratitude that I acknowledge the favor of having a dear aunt
who feels such an interest in one who regards
herself as unworthy of it, although all my
life-long I have received the strengthening influences which have flowed from thy pen, and
which have had a tendency often to cheer
amid gloom. I have lately been looking
over some letters long since written, in which
is manifested the same maternal solicitude,
mingled with admonition and counsel suited
to my condition. The encouragement then
given, I feel, could only have proceeded from
a mind that had been deeply impressed with
13




146            MEMOIR OF
the solemn responsibility of one upon whom
such a gift as had been given me had been
conferred.
While tears of thankfulness dimmed the
eye, my prayers were earnest that I might
witness preservation from false presentations
or imaginations; that there might be such a
growth experienced under the sanctifying influences of heavenly love, as to preserve from
breaking in upon the silence of an assembly
without the constraining power of the gospel.
I have sat at times under a sense of suffering
during the communications of those I have
preferred to myself, and whom I have much
esteemed; and have desired by repeated baptisms, (if need be,) to be preserved from
kindling a fire of my own to enliven or warm
the people, yet I feel assured that I am in as
much danger as any one, and that it is only
as the eye is preserved in singleness of purpose
that I shall witness preservation..
Soleberry and Kingwood.
In the Twelfth month, 1843, with the approbation of Abington Monthly Meeting, our
friend E. N. visited the families of Friends of




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          147
Soleberry, Pa., and of Kingwood, N. J.
Charles Kirk and Mary H. Schofield (Childs),
were her companions in this journey.
Extracts from 0. K.'s Narrative.
E. was not drawn to visit all the families,
and there seemed some difficulty in the minds
of Friends how to proceed. She told them if
they would furnish her with the names of
their members, she thought, although a stranger to all, she would be enabled to designate
such as she was called upon to visit, and this
was done. In a few instances those who acted
as pilots deviated from the list, but it was of
no avail, for she found nothing to do in such
families, not even to attempt to centre in-to the
quiet.
On First-day attended meeting, in which
the gospel was preached with power.  In the
afternoon visited several' families.   There
were many deeply proving seasons through
this visit, fbr it seemed as if the " sword of the
spirit " had to be turned every way in order
to " guard the tree of life."
In one house there lived a mother and
married  son, making  two families.  The




148            MEMOIR OF
mother came into the son's apartment, so that
there need be but the one meeting, but E. had
such close service for the young man that she
felt she must ask the mother to withdraw,
which was exceedingly trying to her; but by
dwelling near the Fountain the streams of
which make strong the spirit, she was enabled
to accomplish her work satisfactorily. After
visiting the families we attended Soleberry
meeting, which was a season of great labor,
for the people were so eager to hear, that it
made hard work for the poor instrument; but
E. was favored to keep near her guide and
CC a holy quiet reigned supreme."
After this meeting we proceeded to Kingwood, N. J. This meeting was composed of
but few families. Seasons of heavenly consolation were known among them. We had to
feel the importance of having such Friends as
pilots as are impressed with the weight and
responsibility resting upon those who visit
families under a religious obligation, and who
can appreciate their inabilityr to enter into
conversation especially upon trivial matters.
If such as are called upon to perform the
needful work of guides from place to place




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         149
would endeavor to enter into sympathy with
those who have gone forth without "purse or
scrip" in obedience to their Master's call,
there would be a realization of the concern,
and these kind friends might become true
yoke fellows in the blessed cause of Truth.
To J.. A. from E. N.
ABINGTON, TENTH MONTH 20th, 1845.
My Dear Friend:-" There are many who
willingly cry hosanna to him who cometh in
the name of the Lord, but who are not bound
enough in heart, to the pure seed of divine
light to watch and to suffer with it, when there
is no form nor comeliness in it, and when it
seems not otherwise to operate in the soul than
by making the creature abhor itself." This
language of that deeply experienced Friend,
Sarah Grubb, so entirely portrays a state
which thou my dear friend J., hast been
brought into sympathy with in seasons of deep
trial and close baptism, that they revive as
"life answering to life."  So far from  any
wish to be mounted on the King's horse, the
desire is that the Lord's hand may not spare,
nor His eye pity until the work of sanctifica13*




150            MEMOIR OF
tion is completed. When the selfish spirit is
humbled and prostrated, how comforting is
this language: " Thy light shall break forth as
the morning and thine health shall spring
forth speedily, thy righteousness shall go before thee, and the glory of the Lord shall be
thy reward." 
Wrightstown Monthly Meeting.
In the Tenth month, 1846, E. Newport
visited the families of Wrightstown Monthly
Meeting, accompanied by Elizabeth Paxson
and Charles Kirk, both of Bucks County,
Pennsylvania.
From memoranda kept by Charles Kirk,
the following account is taken.
"We attended Wrightstown Monthly Meeting in which E. had close service. We proposed, and it was united with by Friends, that
we should be permitted to make our visits unattended by any of their own members. This
arrangement proved satisfactory, and the visit
was a rlemarkable one. It was a time of
deep proving, our friend being favored to enter into the states of the visited. They were
indeed solemn and interesting occasions.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         15It;
Among our first visits was one to the house
of a Friend who had said several unkind
things in reference to E.'s visit, of which of
course she was entirely ignorant, not knowing even his name. As we were gathered in
silence, and E. was brought under the influence which was sensibly felt as we went from
house to house, she addressed this Friend, and
repeated the words he had used in relation to
her. One evening we rode a few miles out of
our direct route to see a family whom E. had
a particular wish to visit. We intended to
lodge there, but stopped on our way and took
supper at another Friend's house. Soon after we left the latter place, E. N. said to me,
"I do not think it is the right time for us to
go to     ----—'s."  We halted a few minutes, and then turned and made a visit to another family. We were afterwards told by
the persons whom we designed visiting, that
about the time we turned back, one of their
children was very badly hurt, and they were
obliged to sit up with her all night; so that
had we gone there, we could not have had
their company.
Arrangements for our visits being always




4 52           MEMOIR OF
made the day previously, we were unwilling
to fail in their accomplishment, and on one`occasion turned out in a severe storm. We
had not proceeded far before we had to pass
through a piece of timber-land. By this time
the storm had greatly increased —the wind
blew furiously. E. Newport laid her hand
upon my shoulder and said, " I fear the trees
will blow over on us."  I replied I did not
think so, the ground had been very dry, and
it had not rained long enough to soften it;
but the words had scarcely escaped my lips
-when I felt there was danger. E. remarked,
do not let us be too daring. Then we should
have turned around, but we were so nearly
through the woods, I drove on. As we
neared the edge we heard a tremendous crash,
but` could see nothing, it being immediately
over the carriage. In an instant, however,
a large limb a or 10 inches in diameter fell
across the road just ahead of us, which, if it
had fallen on us, must have crushed us.
Wrightstown was at this time composed of
157 families and parts of families, who were
all visited in the course of sixteen days. The
language of encouragement to persevere in




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          153
well doing was at times extended, while at
others, caution and warning appropriate for
the occasion were forcibly given. This service was completed on the morning of their
"weekday" meeting. While sitting in meeting my mind was impressed that there was
one more family to visit. I said nothing until we had nearly reached the house where the
Friends lived, when I asked E. if she felt
peaceful and happy. She said yes, fully so,
with all that is left behind. There was no
more said, but much felt. When we came to;
the place I went in to see if the Friends were
willing to receive a visit. I found them in
the midst of house-cleaning, but the wife said
"yes, come in," and arrangements were very
soon made for us. A season of solemn quiet
ensued, when E. was greatly favored in testimony. She sometimes seemed to know  as
well what was passing in the minds of her
companions as they did themselves, as was.
the case on this occasion."
Fishing Creek Haclf-year Meeting.
In the Fifth month, 1849, E. Newport ac —
companied by Mary A. Hallowell, an Elder




154           AMEMOIR OF
from  Abington, and James Andrews, from
Darby, Pa., attended Fishing Creek Halfyear's Meeting and some of the families belonging thereto, E. having obtained a minute
for the service from Abington Monthly Meeting. A brief allusion to this journey is contained in a recent letter from  Mary A. Hallowell to E. NI's children.
"' Although so many
years have passed, the events of that visit are
fresh before me, particularly  the gift of
6' spiritual intuition."  On one occasion we
were dining at a Friend's house, when some
one began telling of the circumstances concerning a Friend whom we expected to visit.
Elizabeth remarked, " I would rather not
hear anything relative to those we may visit."
The next day we went to the Friend's house,
and she addressed him with much power; it
was a searching and close testimony. After
we left the house E. said to me, "Dost thou
know, Mary, that thou worried me this morning?'" I was surprised, and asked what I had
done? she pleasantly replied "when wefirst sat
down in silence, the thought passed through
thy mind,'what will E. do with what she




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          155
has heard relative to this man?'" I was
amazed, and said "those were my thoughts;
after this I shall be afraid of thee "-but I
loved her too sincerely to fear her. This was
only a positive proof in my own case of what I
had often witnessed with others. At one time,
after we had attended a meeting wherein she
had addressed several states very impressively, she said to me, "It is hard work to speak
to those who are not willing to receive —
could feel a rebounding of the word from
some."  In many instances after sitting quietly with the family for awhile, E. would inquire if some one was not absent, and would
await their coming, or if circumstances prevented this, she would defer the opportunity
and go again. In one case the absentee was
a lad, and when he came, it proved that her
mission was particularly to him. Her labor
was close, but the reward was peace.
She was a member of Abington Monthly
Meeting nearly ten years and I knew her
well, and can bear my testimony that she
fully carried out the injunction of "doing
good to all;" her practical life gave evidence
of forgiveness and forbearance, of love and




156             MEMOIR OF
charity to a remarkable extent, under circumstaces of a peculiarly trying character.
She was a wonderful woman, possessing the
gifts of prophecy and spiritual discernment
in a degree that I never witnessed in any
other.           MARY A. HALLOWELL.
A Letter to M. Hilles from E. N.
ABINGTON, 8th mo. 22d, 1849.
My Beloved Aunt: —Upon my return from
Fishing Creek it was my desire to write to
thee immediately. This visit, through Divine
favor, was performed to the peace and entire
relief of my own mind.
We returned home in less than three weeks,
after attending all the meetings and visiting
*most of the families. Some were passed by
without the least feeling that would draw us
toward them, while we went ten miles out of
our way to see others.
In one family we visited I felt that there
was labor to be performed, but after sitting
some time I mentioned that there was an obstacle in the way. The man Friend said they
were all there. So we sat still for some time;
I then spoke again' to the same import, and




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        157.he replied there was a young man who was at
school, who would be home toward noon. We
left and returned, and the visit was crowned
with peace, and I may add it was as instructive and interesting to my own mind as any
that we made."
On the 21st of Second month, 1850, a certificate was received at Green Street for Jesse
W. Newport and family, from Abington,
Monthly Meeting, Pa.
Western and Southern Quarterly Meetings.
In the Seventh month, 1850, E. Newport
obtained a minute to visit Friends in their
families or meetings, as Truth might require,
within the Western and Southern Quarterly
Meetings. Mary H. Schofield (Childs) was
her companion throughout this journey, and
from her memoranda the following particulars are extracted.  Charles Kirk accompanied them through the Western Quarterly
Meeting. M. writes, "On our way to Centre
Monthly Meeting called to see our dear friend
A. Chandler, who was too feeble in health to
get out to meeting. At the Monthly Meeting
E. was led to speak prophetically to individ14




158           MEMOIR OF
uals of both sexes. The next day Kennett
Monthly Meeting was large. E. was extensively engaged in testimony. She felt that
the work of the Lord might be marred by
overzeal, yet it would prosper. He could
work by many or by few. She had an interview with the Friend and his wife where we
dined, and spoke encouragingly to the former,
who she believed was not far from the kingdom. His sympathies had gone forth for suffering humanity, but she felt that there were
other baptisms through which he would have
to pass ere he could be made a pillar in the
Lord's house that should go no more out.
At London Grove Monthly Meeting the gospel was sounded and our spirits travelled in
unison for the precious children, many of
whom were present.
After dinner E. went up stairs to take some
rest, but soon came down and said she felt
there was no rest for her. She pointed in a
certain direction and asked what could be
over there that made her feel so heavy-hearted. After a little while she remarked that she
would have to go and see, and if the Friend
was willing to take her she thought she could




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         169
point out the way. When they drove out of the
lane the Friend said,'now, Elizabeth, which
road shall we take?' She replied,'turn to
the left and follow this road about half a
mile.' So she continued to point out the way
for several miles, although the road was very
winding, and most difficult for a stranger to
find. When they came to a certain house
she said,'this is the place.' The wife was an
i.nvalid, and it was supposed the visit was for
her, but the exercise of our friend proved to
be for the husband, to whom she was an entire stranger. His state of doubt and unbelief was portrayed, and his condition repre-;sented as a fearful one. Though the language
was close and searching it was attended with
great power, and its authority could be felt.
We left him under a feeling of great solemnity, and when we bade him farewell, he remarked,'I am glad you came.' Since the
demise of E. Newport this individual told a
friend, with his eyes filled with tears, that all
E. N.'s predictions in regard to him had been
fulfilled.  We visited another family, our
friend being wholly ignorant of any trouble
therein; but we had not been in the house




160            MEMOIR OF
five minutes before E.'s mind was brought
into great distress and suffering on account
of the state of things which were opened before her. Her message for the wife was comforting and consoling, but for the husband
there was a warning and caution of the most
serious nature. We learned afterward that
E. had not been mistaken in feeling.
New Garden Monthly MIeeting was held. at
Mill Creek. E. admonished an individual
who was resting in the'tradition of the fathers,' that had turned from the Spirit to the
letter; and the language was'Come away,
come away from all these outward dependencies.' At the place where we dined there
was a large company, and we had a solemn
meeting. E. addressed one who was powerful in intellect; she told him he would have
to pass through many deep baptisms, and
have to tread'the wine press alone;' but if
he were faithful to the end he would be made a
mighty instrument in the hands of the Lord
in emancipating those who were in bonds.
At Penn's Grove Monthly Meeting the language to a young woman was'put away
thine ornaments, that I may know what to doe




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        161
with thee.' The person to whom it was applicable felt and acknowledged the power
which attended the exhortation.
Next day were at Fallowfield Monthly
Meeting, where the testimonies of truth as
professed by Friends were brought into view,
and also the importance of bearing them
faithfully before the world; each one working
in that part of the vineyard allotted him. We
met with Mary Thorne, a Friend 83 years
old, who had walked three miles to attend the
meeting.
First-day. —Attended meeting, in which
Elizabeth found close service. She felt that
there was one present who was on the brink
of ruin, and addressed him most feelingly,
believing that unless repentance was sought
he would be landed in continual sorrow.
After meeting a woman with grief depicted
in her countenance, came to us and earnestly
requested a visit. There were many Friends:at the house where we dined, and our dear E.
distributed crumbs of heavenly bread among
them. In the evening called to see the friend
from whom we had received the pressing invitation in the morning. Her husband was
14*




162           MEMOIR OF
the son of a worthy minister who had been
gathered to her eternal rest. E. spoke to
him  in a powerful manner, and our united
prayers were poured forth on his behalf. He
was tendered and broken into tears, and at
one time exclaimed,'Oh, this is too close'
After the meeting he insisted upon our stay~
ing all night. We accepted the invitation,
not feeling at liberty to refuse. Next day
had a meeting a few miles distant. Elizabeth's service was pointed and touching.
After meeting her mind was drawn to visit a
family. The husband being absent was sent
for, but declined coming; he said the Friend
had been told all about him, and he felt that
what she had said in meeting belonged to
him. A second message was sent, and he
still refused. E. then spoke to the wife and
children in a most touching manner. She
was entirely unacquainted with the circumstances of their family relations, or with anything connected with their history, but she
felt that she could not leave the house without seeing the husband. She asked if she
could not be admitted into the room where
he was sitting for a few moments. He then




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        163
consented, and at once remarked that she had
been made acquainted with the situation of
the family. She assured him she had notthat she knew nothing from outward information. Her advice to him was pertinent.
At Kennett Square, Charles Kirk felt his
mission ended, and John H. Andrews accompanied us through the Southern QuarterlyMeeting. Had an appointed meeting in the
afternoon at K. S., which was very large.
The gospel was preached, and all were en —
couraged to enter into the work of reformation and to follow the Light within. A caution was extended not to wound the babe-like
condition, nor to improperly discourage the
tenderly-visited mind. The voice of supplication was heard in our midst, and the feeling of gratitude flowed freely for the favors
bestowed.
Took tea at Samuel Martin's, who kept a,
boarding-school for girls. Before we left the.
table E. spoke to them very sweetly and appropriately. Before leaving W. Bailey's in tihe
morning, for the purpose of entering upon our
labors in the Southern Quarter, E. spoke ens
couragingly to the family. She then supplif



a64            MEMOIR OF,cated for them  and also for the poor instruments who had endeavored to fulfil their
mission in that part of the vineyard. She
-earnestly besought Him who had put forth to,go before, and enable His servants when they
had finished His work to return in peace to,their homes. This day we rode thirty miles.'We were kindly entertained by J. Alston.
Another thirty miles ride brought us to Cecil,
Mid., and to the home of our kind friend M.
A. Bowers (Needles).
On Seventh-day attended Cecil Monthly
Meeting. The subjects of Slavery and of.a free Gospel ministry were profitably dwelt,upon, and our sympathies were enlisted for
-the little band who were present, separated as
tihey were from the body of the Society. We
remembered, ho'wever, the omnipresence of
iGod, and that He could bless the small com-.pany as well as the large assembly. We were
much pleased with the manner of their con-.ducting their business, the men and women,acting together in perfect freedom and harmony. J. H. A. says of this meeting, "that,it held from 11 o'clock till 4 o'clock, including
the Select Meeting. I never knew E. more




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         165
favored or to preach more powerfully, although the meeting was small. Five or six
men and a half-grown interesting boy were:
present, but the women were more numerous.
They hold their Monthly Meeting all together,
and equally participated in the business. They
appeared truly glad to see us, and expressed
their unity with the visit. After meeting, a
Friend came to E. and asked, with much
feeling, if she thought him worthy a visit?
She replied, we will dine with thee to-morrow.
This engagement was fulfilled. The Friend
acknowledged he had widely departed from
the instructions of his beloved parents, and
had now to suffer. This disobedience to concerned parents brings sorrow to the heart long
after they have passed from earth, therefore
the wisdom of heeding their advice, remembering the time may come when even " the
grasshopper may be a burden."
First-day were at Cecil meeting. There
were present several slaveholders. E. had a
testimony to bear to an individual who had
known better days. A meeting was appointed
at Chestertown, in the Court House, where a,
large company assembled, composed of minis



166            MEMOIR OF
ters, lawyers, slaveholders, &c.; enough, I
thought to make a feeble woman tremble at
the idea of speaking in their presence; but the
power of the Father is sufficient for His own
work, and He can enable His feeblest instru-'ment to rise superior to the fear of man and
preach freely the glad tidings of the gospel
-even; to those highest in human authority.
The testimonies of Truth as professed by
Friends were held up to view to an attentive
*audience, showing that we could not unite,with an hireling ministry, with holding our
fellow men in bondage, with war, nor with,calling the Bible the'word of God.'  E.
said that although she had not joined the Abolition Societies of the day, she felt she belonged to one to which every Christian must
belong, as she believed that all Christian8
must be Abolitionists.  On our way to Chestier Neck, dined with a young man who was,the only white person about his house. His
-colored housekeeper had lived with him for
14 years and had her husband and children,with her. She was very kind. I felt that,she and her family were better off than many
of their color. In the afternoon we visited




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.;        16T
another similarly situated. He owned great
possessions and lived in a spacious mansion.
Elizabeth had close service. Next day we
were at a meeting where Quakerism seemed
at a low ebb. One, member having often to
sit alone. Dined with a young couple to
whom E. had words of counsel and sympathy.
We knew not till after we left, that the husband, in whom we were much interested, had
ever been an "'overseer " on a plantation.
We think that he would not again accept such
a position. As we rode through Chestertown:
Elizabeth was brought under much exercise
of mind with the belief that it would be right
for her to have another meeting there;
One was appointed at 11 o'clock next morning. We assembled in the Court House, and
after sitting a considerable time in silence, dear
E. remarked that she believed her mission, in
part, was tot those in the next room, and
queried if they could be invited in, with the
understanding that while she could not feel
satisfied without making the request, she
wished to leave them entirely at liberty to accede to it or not. A friend cariied to them
her message, and was told that the Court had




168            MEMOIR'OF
met on special business. After a few minutes
-consideration, however, they adjourned to the
meeting-room. Elizabeth arose immediately
and spoke in a powerful manner. She then
returned thanks unto Him who had not only
put forth, but had gone before His frail little
ones during their seasons of labor in that part
of His vineyard. The audience was respectful and attentive, and the meeting closed in
good order.
Attended Centre meeting; it was a rainy
morning and there were but five persons beside our company present, but I believe we
could have all acknowledged that it was good
for us to be there. We entered into sympathy
with the few and reflected upon the responsibilites that rested upon us because of our
many privileges. E. had much to communicate.
At Tuckahoe there was no longer a meeting
of Friends regularly held, but there was one
appointed for us. The people listened attentively, and one person, not a member, expressed his gratification with our having been
there, and invited us kindly to his house. IHe
said truth lost nothing by investigation.  E.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        169
N. had explained the views of our Society very
fully.
We had an appointed meeting in the Court
House at Easton, which was a very large
gathering.  Many were slave-holders, and
not a few were of the rougher class of the
community. For some time after E. began to
speak the people were quiet; but when the
subject of slavery was touched upon, and the
view given that every Christian must be an
Abolitionist, there was quite a stir, and some
left the house, muttering as they went, evidently trying to create a disturbance: They
went into a store near by and said if E. had
been a man instead of a woman, he would
have been carried out of the house. We
passed out in safety, but felt that we did not
want ever to have another meeting at Easton.
As we rode through the town there were some
stones thrown at the carriage, which was a
mortification to the more respectable inhabitants. Next day attended a Quarterly Meeting in the house where the first Yearly Meeting of Friends on this continent was held.
There was much communicated; sympathy
was expressed for the living members of the
lb5




170            MEMOIR OF'
Church, and caution extended to the lukewarm
and indifferent, who were encouraged  to,
arouse from this offensive and unhealthy condition. But few participated in the business
of the meeting, which occasioned some remarks relative to the importance of being
"faithful in the little."  The next day a meeting, called the "youth's meeting," was held
in which the gospel was preached by our dear
E. N. and supplication was offered on behalf
of various classes present. It was a solemn
time, and I trust we were all profited thereby.
In alluding to this opportunity, J. H. A. says
it was a very memorable occasion. He also
relates the following incident: "To-day we
are going to visit one of the largest slaveholders in the neighborhood. As E. N. sat
in the meeting at the Court House on Secondday, she saw with her spiritual eye a man
who held a great many slaves, but who was a
humane man. He was advanced in life, and
he lived in a certain direction. Next day
she told us of her mental vision. Upon J. D.
mentioning a name she said'Yes, that is the
man.' J. Needles went to inquire if he would
receive a visit; he replied,'he would be glad,
to see us the next day at 9 o'clock.'"




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           171
As we pass through the country we are
treated with great respect by all classes.
After breakfast, we proceeded to the "Bay
Side," 17 miles distant, accompanied by a
number of Friends.  It is said that there is
not in the whole distance, 18 inches of ascent,or descent in the road.
HIad a meeting in the Methodist meeting-'house, c':mposed of an intelligent assembly,
many of whom were slave-holders. E. was
favored to speak in'the demonstration of the
Spirit and with power.
After meeting, a colored woman, whose hair
was white with age, and who had handed a
cup of cold water while E. was speaking,
ca-me to us and clasped our hands, while the
tears ran down her furrowed cheeks, and she
exclaimed, "Bless you! bless you! the Quakers set me free!"  I-ow it touched our
hearts! we felt glad we had a testimony to
bear against this great evil, while we regretted
we were not more faithful in its maintenance.
We dined at J. Kemp's, whose wife was a
methodist; he was not a member of any religious Society, but with warm Christian feeling he welcomed us to his home. Returned
in the evening to our friend J. Dixon's.




172            MEMOIR OF
On Seventh-day made a visit to an old man
whose mother had been a member of our Society. He was a slaveholder but was said to
be a humane and kind master. E. had much
to say to him which he appeared to feel considerably. He thanked her for her counsel
and said he hoped he might profit by it.
Passed through the " Hole in the wall " to
a miserable looking place called the " Trap."
We had a meeting in the Methodist house,
but felt a lack of a religious element among
the people. The next day attended our last
meeting at Third Haven. A large number of
people were gathered. Some from Easton
were present. E. quoted the text " Righteousness exalteth a nation, while sin is a reproach to any people;" this was largely commented upon. Then another voice was raised
in behalf of Truth's testimonies, showing the
importance of bearing them faithfully before
the world, particularly that in regard to
slavery, that thereby we might become instruments in the divine hand in opening the eyes
of those who seem not to see nor understand
the nature of that fast which the Lord hath
chosen, of opening the " prison doors and let



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          173
ting the oppressed go free. A solemn prayer
closed the services of the meeting, when we'could have adopted the language, "Return
unto thy rest, oh my soul, for the Lord hath
dealt bountifully with thee."
We dined with E. Dawson, an " orthodox"
friend, and a sister-in-law of our friend John
Needles, who had been with us since the
Quarterly Meeting; we were very kindly entertained. This family was the only Friend's
family in Easton. She holds meetings in her
own house, her children sitting with her.
Our friend E. N. felt her mind drawn towards two individuals in different directions,of the town. They were unknown to her except as they had been brought before her
spiritual vision. She spoke to J. Needles of
her concern, and so nearly described the persons and the direction in which they lived,
that he had no trouble in recognizing them,:and volunteered to inquire if they were willing
to receive a visit. They cheerfully assented.
The first one upon whom we called was a
venerable looking person dressed in a priestly
garb. He met us at his door and ushered us
into a room richly furnished.  He retired into
15*




174            MEMOIR OF
an adjoining room and washed and crossed
himself, preparatory, we supposed, to the religious interview. Elizabeth's seat was near
him, and she addressed him with much power.
She then knelt resting her hand on his knee.
It was an impressive scene to behold a frail
Quaker woman knee lng before a grey headed
Roman Catholic Priest who was a slaveholder,
interceding with " the Father " that he might
be permitted to obey the injunction to do
justly and love mercy, that the blessings of
the poor and needy might rest upon him and
his name go down from generation to generation, this being told as a memorial of him.
His feelings were tendered and he appeared
to appreciate the visit. The other visit was
also satisfactory.
That evening at J. Dixon's we had a solemn opportunity. Gratitude for the renewed
evidence that we should be permitted to return bearing the olive branch of peace was
freely poured forth, and also for the favor
that the fount of feeling had not only been
opened in *the hearts of those whom we felt
were as'bone of our bone and flesh of our
flesh,' but that the divine image had been




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         175,
recognized in those not of our fold, and that
with these also we had been permitted to hold
sweet communion.  Individual states were
spoken to and salutary counsel was given.
On the 3d of Ninth month, we bade farewell
to our kind friends and turned our faces
homeward. On the 5th attended meeting at
Appoquinemink, dined at Cantwell's bridge
and reached Wilmington that night. On the
8th, arrived at homle after an absence of more,
than five weeks."
At the Monthly Meeting held at Green;
street in Eleventh month, 1850, a minute was
granted E. Newport to visit the meetings belonging to Abington Quarter, and appoint
some meetings within its limits.  " Much
sympathy and unity were expressed with her
prospect."  Rebecca W. Ellis felt a concern
to accompany E. N. in the proposed visit,
which was fully united with.
The friends returned their minutes at the
next Monthly Meeting with the information
that "the visit had been performed to the
peace of their own minds."
In the Fourth month, 1851, E. N. informed
the Monthly Meeting of her prospect of ate




176             MhEMOIRe OF
tending N. Y. Yearly Meeting and of appointing some meetings among Friends and others
not of our Society. She was encouraged to
attend thereto as Truth might open the way.
In the Sixth month, she informed her
friends that the service had been performed
and her mind was relieved.
While at Flushing, L. I., during this visit,
she thus wrote to her husband and children.
X......  We left New York on Seventhday to attend the funeral of Abigail Thurston.
The Friends met at the meeting-house and it
was a satisfactory meeting. From Flushing,
T. Leggett took us to Westbury; we are to
have an appointed meeting there this afternoon, and then go up the North River on the
west side, where I saw my way before leaving
home, yet do not know what the location is.
I have been mercifully preserved, as I believe,
in the line of my duty. The path though
hidden sufficiently to continually occasion me
to realize my own short sightedness, has always been opened and light unfolded seasonably. Some portion of the Yearly Meeting
week, I was like a bird out of its cage, or a
child released from school. I felt joyous and




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           177'
light-hearted, and I think I never felt more
grateful for such refreshing seasons.
I feel anxious about my dear family, but
feel constrained to go on, as ability is furnished,
to bind up the broken hearted and aid in restoring the waste places. At no period of my
life has the truth been more exalted in my
view than on some occasions during this visit.
I must now close in the aboundings of that
love which emanates fr'om the inexhaustible
fountain.  The very outpourings of my.soul
go out in fervent aspirations for you. I do
not wish you to follow me only so far as you
perceive that I follow the course which leads
to peace; but I ask you all to seek for a more
intimate acquaintance with the principle of
life in the soul. I was never more sensible
that mnatters, which may be small in themselves, involve great and important results.
Balti?nore Yearly Meeting.
In the Tenth month, 1851, our friend again
felt herself called to visit Friends and others
within the compass of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, and applied to her Monthly Meeting for
a minute.  Mary M. Evans informed the




178            MEMOIR OF
meeting that she had a concern to accompany
E. N. as far as the way might open. Minutes
of sympathy and unity were furnished them
aund they were encouraged to attend to the
openings of Truth. James Andrews of Darby,
Pa., accompanied them.  The following extracts ~rtomn letters, give some particulars of
this visit.
BALTIMORE, ELEVENTH MONTH 12tb, 1851.
lMNy Dear.- --....... W   e were kindly
greeted by our friend J. N'eedles, who was
waiting with his carriage to receive us. The
next day we attended the Monthly Meeting,
where a clear sight was given me of the nature
of the mission called for at my hands, and
although great and arduous, I was enabled to
bow in submission. It resulted in outi going
to Little Falls and visiting some families in
that vicinity. We visited a slaveholder and
had a free conversation with him upon the
subjects of slavery and a free gospel ministry.
He was affable and wished further information. As we contrasted the inconsistency of
slavery with the principles of Christianity he
admitted it to be a curse. I told him that I




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         179
did not know that be was a slaveholder,lbut
my mind wals drawn to some who were not
members of our Society, and I feit it right to
inquire if he would receive a visit. He said,
" how did you know where I lived?" I replied, by impression I pointed out the road
and the house. He treated us kindly and expressed gratitude for our coming. Later.We have just returned from a visit to the
slave prison. Oh! how excruciatingly suffering it is to behold these poor objects!  My
spirit was turned toward them in the night.
We were told by one poor creature, who whispered to us and begged us to buy her, that a
" parcel " of them were sent there in the night
handcuffed, to be sold to the far South.
We told them we could do nothing more
than pray for them; and they were exhorted
to put their trust in that Power which they
would find within them, and although they
might be treated cruelly, to endeavor to imitate the example of the blessed Jesus; for all
the imprecations that they might breathe upon
their persecutors would only increase their
own suflerings. But if they cultivated the
feeling which could enable thzmn to say,




180            EIVMIOR OF
Father, forgive them, they know not what
they do," they might be instrumental in softening the hearts and convincing the judgment
of their masters of the wickedness of holding
their fellow beings in slavery:.  A very interesting looking youth of about 20, said he
could not read, but his dependence was upon
God; he had' endeavored to do his best in
serving his master, and he was determined to
continue to do so.  Poor creatures! they
thanked us for coming, and their looks and
tears were eloquent.  Oh it was a hard sight,
such as I never wish to behold again! We
visited several slaveholders, and were richly
rewardel for going. The word flowed freely
and the anointing was poured forth on the
poor instrument.
Farewell dear ones,
E. N.
CAMERON MIELS, 12th MONTH 20th, 1873.
*. Time will not admit of my saying
more than that we expect to go back to Baltimore on Second-day. It has been colder here
than for many years past, the thermometer being
at 100 this morning. I think about two weeks




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         1811
more will close our labors about Washington,
Baltimore and Little Falls. I have not yet
been able continually to adopt the language
" Thy will be done " in relation to the other
part of the concern, yet have no doubt as to
its being a positive requiring. I do not see
why one so unqualified as I feel myself to be,
should  be sent when there are so many
stronger and more acceptable to manypeople.
We have visited several noted slaveholders,.
and in every opportunity the fear of man has
been overcome so that the truth has been
spoken fearlessly and no offense given, but
often many thanks offered with the acknowledgment that what had been said was thetruth.
This morning we propose going to the awful
prison. Oh! I have a dread of it, a great
dread on several:accounts! Yet if we can be
instrumental in handing one drop of cold
water or anything that can comfort the poor
creatures shall we shrink from going?"...
It was during this religious visit that Elizabeth Newport and her companions, Mary M.
Evans, James Andrews and Richard Plummer, =made a visit to Henry Clay, who was at
16




182            MEMOIR OF
that time in very feeble health. Her address
to him was appropriate and sympathetic, to
which he made the following reply:"I am obliged to you madam for this visit,
and for the kind interest you have taken in
my behalf, and I also appreciate the feeling
that impelled you to come. Your advice I
acknowledge to be of the highest magnitude,
and I shall endeavor to give it that consideration which it so justly merits and demands at
my hands. I am aware, madam, that when
one like myself has arrived at the age of three
score years and ten, and who is as feeble in
health as I am, he cannot explect to remain
here much longer; yet, madam, when it pleases
God to take me hence, I am willing to go;
and if Dr. Jackson of Philadelphia, who is
expected here this evening, should not be able
to afford me that relief for my cough that is
sought for, I care not how soon that period
may arrive. Though I do not pretend to say'that I have a full assurance that all will be
well, yet, madam, I have faith in the love
and mercy of God, and am not afraid to die."
Soon after our friends entered his room, H.
Clay inquired of J. Andrews, whether they




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          183
belonged to that part of our Society called
Orthodox or Hicksites; when told to the latter, a name given in derision, H. C. replied,' I always regretted the separation in your
Society, but if I understand the difference in
the two parts, the Orthodox believe in the
divinity of the body of Jesus Christ, and the
Hicksites in the divinity of His mission."
E. Newport's health becoming increasingly
feeble she returned home, and remained till
the Second month following, when, accompanied by Tacy Pancoast and Charles Kirk,
she again entered upon the service, feeling, as
she said, that "until the work was finished
there could be no true rest of mind nor body."
Her concern, it may be remembered, was
not confined to the members of the Society of
Friends, but included a class that rendered
the prospect especially painful.  For years,
her mind had been impressed with the belief
that she would have to visit the Southern portion of our country and plead the cause of
the poor and oppressed, and endeavor, in the
peaceable spirit of the gospel, to convince
those who held their fellow-men in bondage
of the wrong they were committing.




184             MEMOIR OF
From the memoranda of C. Kirk, the following account of this journey is comprised:
"Second  Month  18th.-Arrived  at B.
Moore's, in Fallston, Md. Our first application to visit a slaveholder was not acceded to,
owing, I believe, to his not being approached
in the right manner. It was necessary for
messengers who were sent, to prepare the way,
by informing the individual that a Friend
was travelling through the country on a mission of love and had a wish to visit them.
When this course was pursued, none refused.
On the 19th, E. was indisposed and in bed all
day. The next day we visited a slaveholder,
arnd the day following two of the same class
were called upon; toward them the gospel
flowed freely, and it was kindly received.
They expressed gratitude for the visits. In
the afternoon went to Baltimore, and the next
morning, attended Old Town meeting, which
was a season of deep exercise to dear E. In
the afternoon we were at Lombard street
meeting, in which was borne a short living
testirnony. On the 24th, had a meeting in the,Old house at Gunpowder, at which several
slaveholders were present. The subject of




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          185
slavery was treated in a clear and powerful
manner, and the people listened with great
attention. Had a religidus opportunity with
the family of John Matthews. Two of the
neighbors coming in, E. was led to address
them with great plainness.
25th.-One of the horses being lame we
were obliged to leave him, but we were among
kind friends and were furnished with a substitute. In the morning attended Gunpowder
meeting, which was large, and it was a time of
Divine favor. In the afternoon visited two
slaveholders, both satisfactory interviews. One
of them, not long after, manumitted his slaves.
26th.-Had a meeting in a Baptist house at
Haverford, and in the afterno!un one in a
school house at Cockeysville.  After the
morning meeting, Elizabeth had a severe
attack of indisposition which kept her in bed
until after the hour appointed for the meeting,
but she felt so strong an obligation to attend
it, that a messenger was sent to explain the
reason of our not being punctual and to invite
the people to remain until we came. We had
four miles to ride, and when we got to the
house there was no fire and no way to make
16*




186             MlEMOIR OF
one. E. feeliDg no liberty to leave, we placed
her where the sun would shine through the
window and wrapped a buffalo robe around
her as well as we could; this with the exercise
of mind through which she had to pass, prevented her, no doubt, from taking cold.  She
was led to address an individual in a powerftl manner, believing him to be treading a
path which would lead to ruin.
27th.-Visited the family of the person who
was killed in Lancaster county, while attempt-,ng to capture some runaway slaves. The
family of a relative was also there, and it was
a solemn and interesting occasion.  We then
returned to Baltimore. 29th, were at Sandy
Spring meeting and made one family visit.
Dined with a friend who had a poor opinion
of Abolitionists.
Letter fronz E N.
SANDY SPRING, SECOND MONTI- 29th.
_My Dear J.: —Here we arrived yesterday
toward evening, after a wearisome journey,
the roads being wet, stony and hilly and occasionally diversified by clay and deep ruts.
We have met with extremely kind friends,




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          187
and have needed such, four beside the attack I
had at B. Moore's, I was ill at Gunpowder.
We were at the home of Eli Matthews, a dear
aged Friend, in his 86th year. Had several
appointed meetings from among Friends in
that neighborhood, all ending satisfactorily,
and also paid several visits; a few of them
were opportunities worthy of grateful remembrance.  I came away fully relieved and
peacefully centered under a renewed conviction that He who promised to go before and
prepare the way, had  graciously afforded
strength and ability in the needful time, for
the performance of all that was required.
Although the effort was never greater to keep
my mind in a state of resignation to endure
the trial necessary in going from  place to
place under attendant circumstances, with the
increasing disposition to shrink from public
gaze, the evidence of being in my right
allotment was clearly manifested; so that
every inch of ground we have travelled
over thus far has seemed under divine appointment.
When at Little Falls, my mind was so
weightily impressed with the service to which




188             MEMOIR OF
I had often allude(l to thee, that, after many
hours of suffering, I at last yielded so far that
B. H. was written to, and upon our return to
Baltimore we were told that there was a prospect of obtaining the Capitol on First-day
morning without requiring a vote from the
Representatives, and therefore there need be
no publicity about it. But after our visit to
Gunpowder, we learned that no meeting could
be held without a full and clear understanding with all parties, and it was very doubtful
even then that consent would be obtained;
so that Friends about the Capitol and others
who were consulted, thought it not best to
make further effort, yet expressed a willingness to do so in case I requested it. Upon
consideration I felt entirely released, and great
was the relief, particularly as with it I seetned
to be excused fronm all further service in and
about Washington.  I could say mLuch upon
this subject, for it has been one fraught with
intense interest and suffering to my spirit,
under which there has been at times, as I have
apprehended, clear and enlarged views of our
standing es a Society in connection with our
Government, its constitution and its laws; ihut




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        189
I forbear because I feel that they are among
the King's secrets and are not to be divulged
except by word of command.
E. N.
Diary Continued.
3d Mo. 1st. —Made arrangements for holding a meeting in the Court House at Rockville, the county town of Montgomery Co.
Some friends were discouraged from making
the attempt, with the belief that as the Court
was then in session it would not adjourn.
Elizabeth was obliged to pass through many
deep baptisms, but faiith triumphed.
2d. —Went to Rockville accompanied by
W. H. Stabler, an Elder, and attended the
meeting which had been appointed. It was
supposed that about two-thirds of the audience
were slaveholders. The people were quiet
and appeared to listen attentively to the Truth
which was proclaimed with life and power.
There had not been a Friend's meeting held
in that place for 20 years. After the meeting,
called at Mahlon Kirk's and had a religious
opportunity with the family.
3d. —Attended the Monthly Meeting at




190             MEMOIR OF
Sandy Spring. E. was favored to preach the
gospel with power, especially in the men's
meeting. In the afternoon visited three families. One of these persons subsequently
manumitted his slaves.
4th.-Visited Fair Hill Boarding School;
in the afternoon made a family visit. 5th. -
visited several families, some of whom  held
slaves. The Truth was declared to them in
its purity.
On the 6th returned to Baltimore, a distance of 26 miles.  7th were at Lombard
street meeting in the morning, which was a
favored season. The next day attended their
Quarterly Meeting.  Elizabeth  was silent
during the first meeting, but made a visit to
the men's meeting, in which Truth reigned
over all. 9th.-Visited the families of two
friends. 10th. —Had a remarkable visit to a
person who was a Methodist and a slaveholder. He acknowledged the Truth of E's
testimony. 11th.-Made visits to five families. In the afternoon were at the residence
of two slaveholders, one of whom was the
owner of 3,000 acres.
Returned to Baltimore, and next day pro



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         191
ceeded to Washington. Had a meeting in
the Temperance Hall, which was a favored
time.
13th.-Rode to Waterford, a distance of 44
miles. The road for about three miles after
leaving " the Pike " was extremely bad, and
we did not reach Isaac Steer's till after dark.
First-day we attended the meeting at Waterford and dined at Miriam Gover's; had religious ser.vice in her family, and with several
others in the course of the afternoon. We
returned to I. Steer's to lodge, where the
gospel spring was opened and the pure water
flowed freely.  15th.-Dined with a widow
who was a member, but her son held slaves.
Had a meeting in the family.  Then went to
Leesburg, the county town of Loudon county,
Va. A neeting in the Court House had been
appointed for us, which we attended. This
was a time of deep suffering for the poor instrumrent, but she was favored to accomplish
her work to general satisfaction. Again re.
turned to Waterford. It was E. Newport's
practice, when she visited a neighborhood of
Friends, to invite the Elders to an interview
and acquaint them with the prospect which




192            MEMOIR OF
she had before her. When the subject of
visiting the slaveholders was mentioned, although it was not opposed, yet it was evident
that friends felt very cautious in regard to it.
This made the burden still greater, if possible,
for E. to bear.
16th.-Visited a slaveholder, to whom the
gospel was preached in humility and love.
Had a meeting in the town )t' Hillsboro'
which was tolerably satisfactory.
17th.-Visited an individual whom EI N.
warned of the evil which would befal him unless he repented. The poor man heeded not
her counsel, and reaped bitter fruit. He was
so exasperated with the Emancipation Proclamation that he sold'his farm for Confederate money, and, although advanced in life,
joined the rebel army. He lived to return,
but his means were exhausted and he died
soon afterward. Attended meeting att Waterford. In the afternoon were at a house where
the slaves were very poorly clad, and our
sympathies were deeply enlisted for them, and
also had a religious opportunity with a
Friend's family.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          193
18th.-Reached Goose Creek in time for
their week-day meeting, which was large.
Visited a slaveholder in the afternoon.
19th.-Had interviews with three persons
at their separate homes, who had once been
members of our Society, but who at that time
held slaves. E. N. delivered searching testimonies which we had reason to suppose were
well received, as al-l of them were at Friends
meeting on the following First-day.
20th. —Visited an Englishman who owned
900 acres of land and many slaves. Although
our friend E. had very close service and the
system of slavery was strongly testified against,
this person would not allow us to leave without dinner. We submitted, though somewhat
in the cross. The wife was sitting upon the
floor darning stockii-gs when we first entered
the house, and took no notice of us, but after
the meeting she was very kind, and obtaining
some money from her husband, took E. aside
and offered to pay her for the sermon. Visited two sons of a worthy Elder who had become slaveholders, greatly to the grief of
their mother and friends.. E. was entirely
ignorant of any of the circumstances con17




;194           MEMOIR OF
nected with them, but her testimony was
powerful and searching.
Lodged at J. Smith's and had an interesting religious opportunity with the family, individual states being feelingly addressed.
Next morning were at Goose Creek meeting,
in which E. was greatly favored. Dined at
S. M. Janney's, after which the family was
gathered, and we had a solemn meeting.
There was a person present whom we had
previously visited, who was a Baptist and a
slaveholder. He had also attended Friends'
meeting, the first day after we had been to see
him. A friendly influence certainly overspread his mind. On First-day afternoon
we visited a slave-holder, at whose house we
found about twenty of his neighbors gathered.
E. proclaimed the truth plainly and fearlessly. Lodged at N. Shoemaker's, and had a
religious opportunity in his family.
22d. —Rode thirty miles to Hopewell and
found a resting place at our friend Joseph
Branson's. This had been a day of intense
suffering for our friend E. Her spirit was
impressed with a sense of a wrong which had
been committed in that part of the country.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          195
A  short time previously, a poor slave had
been whipped so severely that he died, and
his master had attempted to conceal the crime,
by throwing the body into the river.  It was
discovered, and the offender brought to trial,
and although the evidence against him  was
clear, the victim being a man of color and a
slave, he was Inot convicted; but E. knew
nothing of this.  When we came to the house
where this person lived, I asked her if she
would like to call there. She replied, after a.
few moments consider ation, "'N,)-it is too
late."  I heard afterward that he had become
so paralyzed, both physically and mentally,.
that he was incapable of understanding what.
was said to hi ri. As we journeyed on, Elizabeth asked nie to stop. the carriage. She
then called to the friend who was piloting us
and said that there was a man living in that
house, pointing to one sovme distance from the
road, that she would like to see. The friend
went to the house, hut (lid not find the person at honle, hut subsequent events proved
that'our calling was a great advantage to us..
This individual was mainly instrumental in
opening the rway for us to have a meeting in




-196           MEMOIR OF
the neighborhood. The meeting was a very
trying one, but our dear friend was favored
to warn the people, in the spirit of love.
On our way to Winchester, we had been
riding, as was frequently the case, for a long
time in silence, and just as we entered the
town, E. said to me, "There are five slaveholders in and about this place, whom we will
have to visit. There is one living on the road
which we are now traveling, a little way out
of the town on rather an elevated situation.
We must go there first in the morning. Then
when we come out of that house and stand
with our backs to it and our faces to the
north, there is another place to the right
hand; we must go there next."  We inquired of the friends with whom we lodged,
and  they proposed several individuals before the right ones were named, but E. had.no difficulty in deciding, when she heard
them. Next morning the friend and I called
to inquire if a visit would be agreeable to
them, and found them all quite willing. He
told me afterward that if E. had always
known them, she could not have more correctly described them.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          197
23d. Endeavored to make arrangements
for a meeting at Berryville, County town of
Clark County, Va., but were not successful.
24th.  Attended a funeral of an Orthodox
Friend. I felt that E. was favored to "divide the word aright."  After the interment,
the people were invited to the meeting-house.
They accepted the invitation regardless of sectarian differences. Thus our friend E. N.
had an opportunity to relieve her mind. We
then went to Winchester.  25th. Visited two
slaveholders —one of them the son of a
Friend. In the afternoon had an appointed
meeting in Friends' meeting house, wherein a
strong testimony against slavery was borne.
The meeting was remarkably quiet.  26th.
Went to see two individuals who held slaves —
one of them a widow; both visits were satisfactoriy, but particularly the latter. In the
evening had a meeting in the Lyceum room
at Winchester, where truth reigned over all.
27th.  Visited a woman who'held slaves.
Our friend's testimony was remarkably clear,
and the evils of slavery were forcibly brought
into view. The uncertainty of life was feelingly alluded to. Dined at a Friend's house
17*




198             MEMOIR OF
and had a religious opportunity with the falmily. Next morning had a similar one with
the family with whom we had lodged. A
meeting was held in the Academy at Berryville to a degree of satisfaction. From this
place we proceeded to Goose Creek.
30th. Went to Waterford.  Visited an individual who had once been a member, but
who had become a slaveholder; it was a remarkable time. His tears flowed freely for
a long time, and when we bade farewell there
was no ability for utterance, but the affectionate grasp of the hand, was expressive of
the deep feelings of his heart. We left him
with the earnest desire that he might take
heed to the counsel which had so evidently
reached the witness for Truth in his mind.
Our next visit was to the owner of 60 or
70 slaves.'E.'s testimony against the practice of holding our fellow-men in bondage
was very close, but it appeared to be kindly
received.
In this opportunity as well as in others,
the slaves were spoken to in a feeling manner, but they were always requested to withdraw before the masters were addressed.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         199
31st Were at Friends' meeting at Waterford, which was a time of favor. Not feeling
released from Hillsboro', we went there in the
afternoon, and had another meeting in a
Methodist house. This proved much more
satisfactory than the one held on a former
occasion.
Fourth mo. 1st. On our way to Alexandria made visits to two Friends, who were located 18 or 20 miles from meeting. Our
home in the city was at the house of Benjamin Hallowell.  2d. Commenced  visiting
the families of this Monthly Meeting, and
made eleven visits between three and nine
o'clock, P. M. On 4th day attended the
meeting at ~Washington, which was small,
and afterward visited several families. 5th
day. After mnaking three family visits, we
started for Baltimore. At Bladensburg, we
found the bridge was unsafe, and the stream
too high to ford. There appeared to be no suitable place to stay all night, and Elizabeth not
feeling her mind clear of Washington, we returned. In the morning visited a Congressman on our way to Baltimore, and it proved
a most satisfactory opportunity, but still we




200            MEMOIR OF
left Washington with heavy hearts. I never
felt more the solemnity of the language used
in reference to Jerusalem —" 0 Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, etc." Reached Baltimore, and
had a satisfactory meeting in Friends' meeting-house in Old Town.
On the 7th; went to Deer Creek. 8th. Attended Deer Creek meeting, after which, we
rode to Nottingham, where he had an appointed meeting next day. Visited a family, in
which E. represented things in as true a light,
I was'told, as if she had been well acquainted with the individual.
On the 10th arrived at our homes with
feelings of deep gratitude to Him  who had
been with us and had so mercifully preserved
us through a long and wearisome journey."
The following, incidents which occurred
near Baltimore, have been furnished by a
Friend who was in company with Elizabeth
Newport  at that time.  "W hile at the
house of' a Friend in a neighborhood where
she had been attending a Quarterly Mleeting,
her mind was impressed with an obligation
to visit a person who was entirely unknown
to her. She described him to her host as




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         201
one accustomed to the use of the pen, and
who exercised a wide influence through that
medium.  She pointed in the direction in
which he lived; after. some reflection, the
Friend remarked, there was a person answering that description (a non-slaveholder) living several miles distant. A messenger was
sent to ask an interview, which was kindly
acceded to, and E. N. was led to address
him on the subject of slavery, and to exhort
him to dedicate his gifts to the service of
his Divine Master, and labor for the extermination of an evil, which she felt confident
had deeply exercised his mind. It was believed from what subsequently appeared, that
the message was felt to be an encouragement
to him to do what he could for the abolition
of slavery."
When this service was accomplished, she
was impressed with a conviction that there
was a slaveholder in the same neighborhood
who occupied a prominent place in public affairs; and on ascertaining there was such an
one, the way was opened, and an opportunity
freely granted. She portrayed to him her
feelings in regard to himself and his family,




202            MEMOIR OF
and the duty which she believed had been
clearly opened to his mind in relation to the
slaves which he then held as property. The
visit was kindly received and appreciated."
The following letter is from a Friend who
was applied to for information respecting E.
N.'s religious labors in the neighborhood in
which she resided:
"em ~ —:-Thy dear mother, whom
we remember with affectionate interest, was
our guest at three different times. The first
time, accompanied by T. B. and L. Longstreth, she remained a week.  Her health
was feeble in the extreme as it appeared to
us, and yet I thought it not improbable that
the exercises of her mind, the deep baptisms
through which she passed, were wearing
upon a body that was not very strong.. She
appeared to feel much upon starting every
morning, and returned every evening exhausted in mind and body, and upon one occasion
was just able to reach the sofa and sank into
unconsciousness. During that visit her exercises seemed particularly trying to her truly
feminine nature. On one occasion, when I




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          203
thought she had withdrawn because of physical indisposition and followed  her to her
room, she wept very much, and said she
shrank from the work of the day that was
before her. Though she assured me to the
contrary, I felt my presence an intrusion, and
soon left her that she might gather the
strength she needed.
And that she found it I know, for she came
forth bright and cheerful, and I doubt not
with a renewed feeling of dedication to her
Master's work. My husband, at herwrequest,
accompanied  them  to the families of our
neighborhood, and some visits were felt by
him  to be very close and searching.  We
thought her visit to our family a peculiarly
favored one. I was absent at the time of her
second visit, but heard of some favored seasons on that occasion."
The subjoined extracts from letters written
by E. Newport during her late visit, will, no
doubt, be read with interest by those who
sympathized with her in the probation of going from door to door, imparting in humility
and love that with which she had been entrusted as a spiritual ambassador.




204            MEMOIR OF
Third Month, 1852.
"My Dear J.-We arrived in B. from Sandy
Spring, whither I went as one blind, save as
regarded the direction in which to go, but I
was favored to experience the promise verified again and again-' I will go before thee
and in the right time will cause light to shine
out of darkness.' When I mentioned to R. B.
the prospect of a meeting at Rockville, he
remarked, it was court time, and he thought
it would not adjourn: but we had a large
meeting. Wmin. H. Stabler, an Elder, went
with us. It was a dreaded meeting to me,
but it proved satisfactory, and was said to be
a favored opportunity. Had several interesting visits to slaveholders."
LG (UNPOWDER.
"I have been sick but am better
now. Paid visits to two brothers, slaveholders. More true kindness and hospitality I
never witnessed. One of them, an old man,
told us we'need not say one word, for go we
should not, until we had dined.' "
We parted under a manifestation of great
kindness, even down to the youngest son, an




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          20!5
open-hearted creature, full of life and fun,
but who paid us every attention in his power.".
" HOPEWELL, Third mo. 28, 1852.
My Dear D. and S. Newport:
This morning I had hoped to have opened
my eyes in Philadelphia, but instead thereof
we are 200 miles distant. We have been as
far south as Winchester.  Expect to leave
here to-morrow for Waterford, of which I
had hoped we were clear.  The present prospect is to have another appointed meeting at
Willisborough, a town about nine miles distant, where we held one in a Methodist meeting-house. This was the only place in this
section where individuals left the house when
the subject of slavery was touched upon, and
now we must go there again. I do not know
whether they will stand the fire any better
or not; but I desire to leave the consequences
to Him  who has to our humbling admiration so often prepared the way for us.
Had an appointed meeting in the meetinghouse at Winchester, where the abominations
of slavery and the practice of making mer18




206             MEMOIR OF
chandize of our fellow-beings were strongly
depicted. My mind was so absorbed and so
entirely free from the fear of man, that I was
not conscious such close things were said.
There was a crowd at the doors and windows,
but all were very still; some boys, sons of
slaveholders, I was told had clubs, but they
sat quietly. We have paid a number of visits
to slaveholders, and I have unhesitatingly
advanced such views as were required of
me. Yesterday we visited a widow who had
many slaves. I knew nothing of her, but
had to give her to understand how, by impression, I was directed whom to visit, and to explain the consistency of this, with our profession of being guided by the Spirit. I dreaded the interview, but it was crowned with
peace. The effects and the evils of slavery
with the sufferings it costs, were boldly set
forth, and yet we were invited to dine, and
even to spend the day. At one place the
woman took me out privately and offered me
money.  I told her "we had sufficient to
take us home." But said she, "I want my
black people to come up." I replied, " do
bring them all." Her husband was a hard
master, and the neighbors told us afterwards,




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          207
that she was a dreadful woman.  I addressed the colored people, inciting their attention to the Spirit of Truth to guide and
direct them; and entreated them to cultivate
love, kindness, forgiveness and forbearance.
At parting, the hostess acknowledged that all
I had said was true, and she gave us a cordial invitation, if we ever came that way
again, to make them a visit. I do not
want you to think the way is easy. A
remark made by Charles, yesterday, will
explain  our feelings.  "We have  visited
a number, but I think it is no easier to go
into this house, than the first one we entered."'
I deeply feel for Friends here, surrounded as
they are by slaveholders. I think the testimony has not been fully sustained by some..
I often feel a sense of the future suffering in
store for our country on account of this great
curse. The land is good, though the roads
are intolerable. Charles sometimes pretends
to scold about them, and says the people do
not deserve to be visited.  The slaveholders
appear to live more comfortably here than in
Maryland.
Your affectionate mother,
E. N.




208            MEMOIR OF
To Miriam Grover.
PHILADELPHIA, 5th mo. 16th, 1852
My dear friend:-I had not supposed so long
a time would have elapsed before the pen
would have been resorted to, in order to convey to my friends at Waterford the assurance that a continued sense of their kindness
to the poor pilgrims who sojourned with them,
and who 1),rtook not only of the hospitalities
the frail body so much required, but who were
also strengthened by the healing balm of sympathy so freely offered. Who that has known
its influence when it flows from the fount of
pure feeling, canll but acknowledge its power
to soothe and to heal.  I know not that I
should be thus employed now if I had not
been prompted by T., for I have again been
let down as into the deep.  Although the
garb worn may not be sack-cloth and ashes,
yet it is a season when surely neither the singing of birds nor the voice of melody is heard,
but one in which no flesh can glory! one in
which the continual feeling seems to be to
watch, watch!
I feel that I should do injustice to the affectionate sympathy of my nature, not to say




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          209
that I have had in living remembrance thee
and thine, and many precious Friends and
others in your vicinity, to all of whom I desire to be affectionately remembered.  Although upon my return peace was the answer, yet the feeling of nothingness and insufficiency covered me as a mantle. In attempting to look back, there appears to be nothing in which to sorrow or rejoice. How it humiliates to feel the little that we are capable
of doing for each other; but the hope has
been, that if there was no good there was at
least no harm done.
In that love which emanates from the pure
fountain, my beloved friend, farewell. When
thou art favored with near access to the altar,
forget not one who feels to subscribe herself,
Thy attached friend,
E. NEWPORT.
In the Seventh month, 1853, Elizabeth Newport informed her friends of a prospect which
had weighed upon her mind of " visiting such
parts of some of the Southern States, as the
way might open for, to attend the Quarterly
Meetings of Centre and Warrington, and to
18*




210            MEMOIR OF
appoint meetings within their limits, and also
to attend Baltimore Yearly Meeting." Much
sympathy was expressed by the meeting, and
she was encouraged to a faithful discharge of
the requisitions of Truth. During the prosecution of this concern, she made a visit to
President Pierce, for the account of which the
colmpiler is indebted to one of the Friends
who accompanied her:
A Vi-it to President Pierce.
On the morning of Eleventh month 5th,
1853, in company with William Tyson, of
Washington City, I called upon Franklin
Pierce, President of the United States, and
informed him  that Elizabeth Newport, of
Philadelphia, a minister of the Society of
Friends, was visiting the meetings of her
brethren and sisters of the same religious communion in that section, and had felt it right
to offer him a visit in the love of the Gospel.
The President replied that he would receive
the visit with pleasure, at half past 2 o'clock
in the afternoon, at which time he directed
the messenger in attendance to introduce us
into his private parlor, and to inform him of
our arrival.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         211
Near the time specified, Elizabeth Newport, Hannah Lukens, her companion, Harriet
J. Moore, Riebecca Turner, and myself, reached
the Presidential Mansion; soon after which
the President entered, and was introduced to
the Friends.
He remarked that he had hoped to have
the company of his wife, but that she was not
well enough to be present. }He alluded to the
severe bereavement they had sustained in the
removal of an only son, and that it had disqualified both of' them  for the responsible
position they had been called to assume. He
also alluded to the satisfactory interview he
had recently with some Friends from England, who had prsented their views on the
subject of slavery. E. Newport commenced
by reminding him of the feeling of obligation
which impelled her to offer this visit, and of
the different positions they occupied in life,
and yet they were children of one common
Father-" One is your Master, even Christ,
and all ye are brethren."  Under this feeling
she could address him as a brother. She then
repeated the testimony of the Apostle Paul,
"that the grace of God which bringeth sal



212            MEMOIR OF
vation, hath appeared unto all men, teaching
them that denying ungodliness and worldly
lusts, they should live soberly, righteously,
and godly in this present world;" expressing
the conviction that her brother whom she was
addressing had known from  a child the stirrings of the grace of God, and that he had not
always attended to its blessed teachings, which
would have preserved him from evil. She
then referred to several incidents in the life of
the blessed Son and sent of the Father, and
to several of his testimonies recorded in the
New Testament; urging upon her listener
the obligation resting upon all Christians to
follow His holy example.
She repeated his declaration in the synagogue of Nazareth: " The Spirit of the Lord
God is upon me, because he hath anointed
me to preach the Gospel to the poor, he hath
sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach
deliverance to the captive and recovery of
sight to the blind, and to set at liberty them
that are bruised." The conviction was expressed, that the responsible position in which
he was placed, enabled him to carry out these
gospel principles to as great an extent as any




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          213
one now on the field of action, and she entreated him, in the most earnest and affectionate manner, to give heed to this blessed Spirit,
a manifestation of which had been given him
to profit withal. As he was obedient to this,
he would experience a growth in the Truth,
and a qualification to carry out the discoveries which this Divine principle would reveal
to the mind, reminding him of the testimony,
" If thine eye be single thy whole body shall
be filled with light." She adverted briefly to
the evils of war and slavery, and the desolating effects they produced upon the human
family. In conclusion, she alluded, in the
most feeling manner, to the bereavement he
and his wife had sustained in the removal of
the beloved object of their affection, expressing the sympathy she felt with them,' and the
hope that they would be reunited in heaven.
The object of these afflictions was often to
wean us from our attachnents to the perishing things of this world, and to gently lead
us to seek after that inheritance which fadeth
not awav. That this might be his happy experience was her fervent prayer, and then
when the solemn period arrived, he would




214              MEMOIR OF
realize the state so beautifully described by
the poet:Sweet is the scene where virtue dies,
When sinks a righteous soul to rest,
How mildly beam the closing eyes,
How gently heaves the expiring breast.
A holy quiet reigns around,
A calm which nothing can destroy —
Nought can disturb that peace profound,
Which their unfettered souls enjoy.
During the early part of this interesting
testimony the President looked steadfastly on
the speaker, but soon fixed hisieyes on the
floor, and at times manifested his emotion by
tears.  After a moment's pause, he replied
nearly as follows: "Madam, I am not a professor of religion, but I can acknowledge the
truth of much that you have expressed. It is
true, as you suggest, that from a child I have
been impressed with the sacred truths of religion, and though I may not have regarded
them, I can assure you it is my firm belief,
that there can be no permanent reformation,
either in an individual or a people, that is not
founded upon the obligations of civilization
and Christianity.  You refer to the difference




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           215
of our[~positions in life. I feel there is none;
and as you have kindly addressed me as your
brother, I can in return call you my sister.
"The responsible position I now occupy is
not one of my seeking, or my choice. I feel
that it is a path surrounded by thorns, and
can assure you I would gladly escape from it.
Nothing, nothing, that surrounds me here
can'soothe the agonies of my crushed heart.
You have adverted to the subject of war, and
let me assure you that I regard it as totally
inconsistent with every principle of humanity.
Situated as we are, the principles of Christanity
cannot be carried out in the administration of
government.  My father was a soldier of the
Revolution.  He taught me when a child,
that it was my duty to defend the honor and
glory of my country; but, in the war with
Mexico, I was never upon a battle-field that
my eyes were not suffused with tears; and
let mae assure you that, as far as my influence
extends, it shall be exerted to avert the terrible evil of war, which should never be resorted to but in the last extremity. You allude also to slavery; upon that subject I am
a northern man with northern feelings, but I




216            MEMOIR OF
find at the foundation of the government, our
fathers recognized this as one of the compromises of the Constitution, and I am bound by
my obligations to maintain it. It can only
be abolished through the influence of moral
power, or of revelation upon the mind. You
speak of our great bereavement, and for your
kind feelings of sympathy; let me assure you
I thank you from my heart."
During the delivery of this address, the
President spoke in a firm, clear voice, occasionally evincing feeling and emotion. All
present were convinced that he delivered the
sincere effusions of his heart. At its conclusion the company rose to depart. He bade
each a cordial farewell, when Harriet Jo
Moore, taking him by the hand, remarked
that she had been reminded of King David,
who, at the loss of his son, lifted up his voice
and wept, and used this language, " I shall
go to him, but he cannot come to me."  She
expressed the desire that, in the midst of all
that surrounded him, he might seek seasons
of retirement, in which he could commune
with his own heart and his Heavenly Father,
and thus be enabled to witness a preparation




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         217
for a re-union. "I have also felt," said she,
"a deep sympathy with thy dear wife, and
trust this may be your happy experience."
To which the President replied, "I assure
you, Madam, it is my desire."  After a message of love to his wife from  the womenFriends we left, and in passing out of the
room the President extended a cordial invitation to the company to visit him again, assuring them  that they, or any-of their friends,
should always be welcome at his mansion.
For the fulfillment of the religious visit for
which E. Newport had obtained a minute
from her Monthly Meeting, she again left
home on the 5th of Twelfth month, 1853, with
Elizabeth N. Clinger (Cox) and Charles
Kirk for companions.
From C. K.'s diary:"We passed through Wilmington and East
-Nottingham. At noon on the 7th, when we
stopped to dine, E.'s feelings were soon arrested for the landlord, who had once been a
member of our Society. Her remarks evidently reached the witness for Truth in his
mind, his feelings being greatly tendered.
19




'-,: 8         METMOIRo OF'?UWhen we left we could not prevail upon him
-e take- any compensation for what we had:,eaten or for the provender given the horses."
The next religious service which is noted,
wFas a visit to a slave-holder. "He received
wSvith kindness the close testimony against
slavery delivered by E. On the 8th, had a
meeting in the afternoon in a baptist meetinghouse at Hereford, Md. 10th.-Had a soltemn parting with our venerable friend Eli
Matthews, of Gunpowder. It appeared as if
iBis work was done, and that he had nothing
to) do but await cheerfully the summons to a
higher life, which E. told him she felt was
not distant; and thus it proved.
First-day, 11th.-HItad three meetings, one:n an Academy at Reisterstown, one at
Dover, five miles distant, held in a Methodist house, and another in the evening at
Reisterstown, which was large. At all of:these meetings the people were very attentive.
-12th.-At Westmainster, the county town of
Carroll Co., Md., we held a meeting in a
Methodist house.  The people were kind,:although the evils of war and slavery were
jplainly presented to them. 




ELIZABETH, NEWPORT.         21.T
Returned to Finksburgh, and had a meeiting in the school-house. Lodged at a Friend'&
house, for whom and his family E. had pertinent counsel. 14th.-Had an opportunity
with another family, and in the evening atitended a meeting which had been appointed
for us itl the Mound Meeting-house. Thes
was a free, open time.  15th.-Waited al.t
day in order to have a meeting at Westminsa
ter, which was held in a Methodist house. Thegrant of another had been given by the Elders;
but the Minister objected, because slavery hadbeen alluded to in, our previous meeting. A;k
this time E. reminded the people of what Johal
Wesley had said of the system of slavery. He
declared it to be " the sum of all villainies,'~
She was favored to speak with so much powen-,
that Truth was victorious. One of the promii,
nent members expressed his satisfaction, anud.,
many, by their kind manner, gave evidence.
of a similar feeling.  16th.-Proceeded tc
Uniontown, where we had an evening meet
ing.  Thence to Nathan Haines' at Pipe
Creek.  17th.-Held an appointe 1 meeting in..the Methodist meeting-house at Liberty, tenL
miles distant, but owing to the inclemency of




220            MEMOIR OF
the weather it was small.  18th.-At the
meeting of Pipe Creek, E. had good service.
Visited a blind man in the afternoon, who
had lost his sight by blasting rocks. 19th.Rode 30 miles to Frederick City. Had an
evening meeting in Coppersmiths' Itall, but
E.'s mind was not relieved. 20th.-Were at
a funeral at Woodsboro. E.'s testimony was
delivered with life and power. We met in
the Methodist house in the evening. The religious element was felt to be at a low ebb,
and it was a poor time. At Harper's Ferry,
and at Charlestown, county town of Jefferson
Co., Va., we had no meetings.  These were
the only two places between Westminster,
Md., and Greensborough, through which we
passed without having a religious opportunity with the people. We could but compare
the state of the country to that of Egyptian
darkness-so dark that it could be felt."
Extractfromn a Letter.
12th mo. 19th, 1853
My last letter was mailed from  Westminster. Since then we have been pursuing our
daily route, sometimes under deep depression




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          2'2ii
and sore conflict of mind, at others have been'.
favored with a faith so firm  and unshaken
that the Power which put forth will go before
and prepare the way, that there has been ant
unflinching confidence in seasons of the greatest trials. We found after we left the settle~
ment to which I referred, that we were not
clear of that pIlace. This I knew soon after
we started, but felt that we were doing right
in going on to Westminster, there being somrx
service also required between the two places.
and it would be accomplished without much extra riding. This we did; but the Minister being
now at home, and hearing that when we were
there the doctrine of original sin was treatedl
adversely to his views, he objected to our
having the house, although there were others
who would like to have made way for us to
have a meeting.
I, however, felt released. But another triak!
awaited us. There was no freedom to go forward.
and no sight afforded as where to go. While
waiting, another application was made, and
full liberty given for a meeting, which was
held.
Having been detained two days and ome:.
19*




2222           MEMaOIR OF
night, we proceeded to Westminster. We
found that the minister of the congregation,
who had before granted the use of their meeting-house, had also been absent on that occasion, and he now was not willing we should
occupy it.  Here was a strait, for greatly
did I desire a release, but found none. It appeared, however, that two houses had been
offered, both belonging to Methodists, who
were in disunity with each other. We felt
free to accept the one we had not used previously, and Charles had no further trouble
about it, which was a great relief to me, for
really his burden is no light one; still he has
proved himself to be both willing and adequate to perform every office, both great and
small, which has been required. How much
I feel for those who are with me.
I have just been querying with C. if he has:
strength enough left to look forward?  He
says he cannot look back. We were not at
liberty to leave W. till Sixth-day morning,
when we had no prospect beyond reaching
Pipe Creek. We had gone but a little way,
however, before the clouds dispersed and left
nno doubt as to the direction in which we should




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         223
go. There is a heavy load upon me. Two
meetings to-morrow, and then we go to Berryville.
E. N.
Diary Continued.
23d.-"Arrived at Winchester and put up
with our kind friends Henry Sidwell and
family. On our way stopped at Berryville, but
no way opened for a meeting.
24th.-Went to Hopewell. Attended meeting there on First-day morning, and in the
afternoon went to Winchester and had a meeting by appointment in Friends' meetinghouse. This was a highly favored season.
Our friend was enabled to declare the Truth
with life and power.
26th.-Went to Berryville to attend a
meeting which had been appointed for us,
but it being Christmas time many of the people, both white and colored, were engaged in
drinking and frolicing, and had forgotten all
about it; and it might have been truly said
that "there was no room for the babe in, the
inn." We returned to WVinchester, and on our
way visited a family where E. had much close
service.




224             MEMOIR OF
27th. —Made two family visits, and took an
affectionate farewell of our friends with rather
heavy hearts, expecting to be for weeks if not
for months among strangers. Their thoughtful care in providing lunch for the hour of
need, when we might not meet with suitable
meals in crossing the mountains, was very
grateful, and it proved at times of great value
to us.  With feelings more easily imagined
than described, we pursued our course toward the mountains. Lodged at a tavern.
We had not gone far next morning before E.
informed me we should have to return.  We
did so, and she had a satisfactory opportunity with the landlord, after which we left
peacefully. That eveninghad a meeting in the;
Presbyterian meeting-house at Romney, the
county town of Hampshire Co. It was tolerably satisfactory.
29th. —It snowed fast part of the day. We
travelled 31 miles, and lodged at William
Pool's, on the top of the Alleghany mountains.
Letter from E. N.
ToP OF THE ALLEGHANY MOUNTAIN.
12Lh thio. 29th, 1853.-:-Here we:are this wintry even



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         225
ing installed in comfortable qua rters, but the
elements remind us that the state of things
without is indeed comfortless.  The wind
whistles from every quarter, resounding almost like peals of thunder upon this lofty
mountain; yet all within seems tranquil, at
least for the time being, —and this should be
numbered among our blessings. WVe are sitting by a tremendous open fire, but are under
the necessity of changing our position frequently, to make all parts of the poor tabernacle comfortable.
We are greatly inconvenienced by poor
lights. As proposed in my last letter, we
went to Hopewell, and attended meeting there
on First-day morning, then returned to Winchester and had an afternoon meeting in that
place. Joseph Branson and wife accompanied
us. On Second-day went to Berryville to attend an appointed meeting, but we found the
place in much commotion, it being not only
"'Court time," but a day for hiring slaves.
We saw at least one hundred of these poor
creatures standing in the streets, some intoxicated, some running to and fro, but most
of them appeared to be in high spirits. To




226             MEMOIR OF
us the scene was one of distress beyond the
power of description.  It was extremely cold
and blustering, but the slaves, so far as we
could see, were tolerably well clothed, and
were all, no doubt, in their holiday attire.
How helpless their condition! Some might.
make a good exchange in a homne, but as it.
was a long-established practice, that such
changes should take place every year, there
was nothing permanent in store for them.
The white population were of a class to
feel but little interest under this excitement,
in getting together for the purpose of a religious meeting, and I could not help rejoicing in the feeling of releasement from further
effort.
It is one of the darkest places I have ever
known, and this appears to be the general
testimony. In consequence of not being instant in season to what I felt required, but.
from which I desired to be released, we had
next morning to return, after having started,
but we were not long detained, and reached a
town called Romney in time to have a meeting appointed for the evening.  What good,can all this mortificationl and suffering of the




E:LIZABETH NEwPORT'r.      227
poor creature do 9  The people are so superficial and priest-ridden, that there seems to
be but little place for the Truth in its simplicity.
The meetings are generally quiet, and often
the audiences are remarkably attentive. The
responsibility of going farther at this season
of the year, and taking my companions into
bodily and mental suffering, seems sometimes
greater than I can endure. The horses, too,
have claimed much thought and pity; but
not one ray of light gleams on a backward
path, and the impression is that home, if
reached, would be but a cheerless abode under
the circumstances. Such have been the exercises of my mind, but a comfortable quiet
has been attained, and the evidence renewed
that if we are attentive to our spiritual Guide,
no harm will come to us. We concluded today, that could our friends at home know our
whereabouts, they would think of us-as being
in a tried situation, passing as we are through
this extremely cold region. We had supposed
we might find our way hemmed in by drifted
snow over some of the high cliffs, but we have
got along with comparative comfort.  We




228            MEMOIR OF
arrived at a little town called'West Union,
about 4 o'clock.  It had been a hard drive
for the horses, the snow falling and the roads
in some places being very heavy in consequence of having been inundated by late freshets. At noon we found a good place to feed
our faithful animals, while we took our lunch
in the carriage, this being as comfortable a
spot as we could find. Evening.-Just returned from attending a protracted meeting composed of different denominations. It
was to me as a little brook by the way. No
slavery here, and an honest desire to be fed
with substantial food evidently prevailed.. 
Diary.
"The weather was extremely  cold, and
the horses slipped so much, I wanted them
rough-shod, but~was told the nearest blacksmith was 11 miles distant. Next day before
noon it again began to snow, and by night
the ground was covered to the depth of six
or eight inches; we rode 24 miles and had
an evening meeting in a Methodist house, at
West Union. The congregation had expected to use the house, but postponed their




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         229
prayer meeting to accommodate us. We felt
that it was a season of divine favor in which
the Gospel was preached to attentive listeners.
3lst.-Travelled 30 miles through the snow
and lodged at a public house. Before leaving, next morning, E. extended salutary
counsel to the family.
The 1st of the week and 1st of the year;,
1854.-Had two meetings to-day in Pruntytown, County town of Taylor County, Va.,
one in the Methodist house, at 3 o'clock,
P. M., and the other in the Baptist house, at
6] o'clock, P. M. In this town E. made a
visit to a lad of 17 years of age, who had
been dangerously injured while wrestling with
another boy. He was admonished in the
spirit of love. The wife of the landlord had
some relatives who had been Friends, which
no doubt occasioned her to feel more interest
in us, and she was very kind. We had a
meeting with the family. When I asked for
my bill our hest would take no compensation.
Letter from E. N.
PRUNTYTOWN, First mo. 1st, 1854.
My Dear J.: —Another year gone! Where
20




230           MirEMOIR OF
will this time next year find us? in time, or
beyond "the border?" If the latter, I trust
it may be in that enclosure where none say, I
am sick, nor sorrowful, nor sad! How fervent are my desires at times, that I may no
more flag on my journey, but run the race
set before me with alacrity and joy of heart,
be it long or short. We rode 8 miles this
morning to this town, famed for riot and wickedness; and although I was in hopes of getting through without stopping, we have been
here since 11 o'clock, and had two meetings.
How often I wish some one more able had
been put forth. Oh! it is hard work for flesh
and blood! There are seasons of abounding,
but they are few and far between, and the
work is so heavy! It is so difficult to obtain
access to the people in such a dark condition,
and yet they are willing to listen.
C. K.'s Account Resumed.
2d.-Started for Clarksburg, but had not
gone more than two miles, when in crossing a
gutter, upon the edges of which the ice had
accumulated, the front axle broke. There
was a house near by where our friends staid




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        231
until I could return to Pruntytown on a sled
and get a new one. 3d. Arrived about noon
at Clarksburg and obtained permission to
hold a meeting in the Presbyterian house,
which proved a season of favor. 4th, had a
meeting in the evening at Weston, the County town of Levis County, in the Methodist
house. Elizabeth spoke for some time, but
sat down before her mind was relieved. The
Minister at once pronounced his benediction,
and the people scattered with the feeling that
our friend had not been treated with due
courtesy. They believed it was because of
our testimony against slavery, and their Minister had been told, also, that we were " heretics."
5th.-E., not feeling easy to proceed, we
remained in order to have another meetingin the evening. There was a boarder at the
hotel where we were staying who had once
belonged to our Society, but who had joined
the Episcopalians.  He was anxious we
should have a meeting in the house belonging to that denomination, but the Minister-:was not willing that a " woman should preach
in his church."  The congregation who had




232            MEMOIR OF
before accommodated us, were willing that we
should again occupy their house, although
their Minister did not give his free consent.
We accepted their kind offer, and had a good
meeting, the power of Truth being felt to
prevail over all. We have found a number
of persons whose antecedents were in some
way connected with Friends. Such are invariably kind and attentive, and many of them
express an interest in us, and sympathy with
our mission.
7th.-Lodged at a house kept by a widow.
Next morning, E. expressed a wish to have
a meeting with the people. The landlady
offered her house, and at 11 o'clock it was
filled to its utmost capacity. Elizabeth addressed them for an hour and a half.
In the afternoon, travelled 16 miles, and
put up at a poor tavern, so poor, that we left
next morning without breakfast, although we
had nine miles to ride before we could get
any. Had an evening meeting at Newark,
which was satisfactory. E. also had religious
service in the family, at whose house we
lodged.
10th. —A meeting was held in the Courthouse at Elizabethtown, in which our friend




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.:         233
was greatly favored. In the morning when I
called for our bill, the landlord said it was.
paid. I asked, in what way? He said the
people of the town had paid it. because they
thought it was right.
11th. Rode through rain and mud, and
stopped at a house, the occupant of which
owned, we were told, 1200 acres of land-yet
he and his two daughters lived wretchedly..
The teakettle sat before the fire without a
lid, the tongs had but one prong, and otherthings were in a like dilapidated condition.
There are not many slaves in this immediate
district, but the effects of the system is to be
seen and its spirit felt almost everywhere.
12th. Held a meeting in the Court House
at Ripley, the county town of Jackson Co.,
but Elizabeth's mind was not relieved. 13thb
E. in bed with a severe cold. The houses are
very open, and not unfrequently the windows
need the glazier. Last night I counted seven
broken panes in one window in the Court
House, and the people are not at all particular to shut the doors after them. 14th. E.
still very poorly, and does not feel clear of
this place.
20*




234           MEMOIR OF
15th. First-day. We had two meetings in
the Court House to-day which were tolerably
comfortable.
16th. The roads were very bad, we just
escaped an upset. Immediately ahead of us
were three men with a three horse team. The
horses had fallen upon the ice and were loosened from the wagon, but the ground was so
slippery they could not get up. The only
way to relieve them was to roll them over
and over to one side and down a bank into
the mud. This was a steep hill with sloping
sides; the water from the springs had run
over the road and frozen, and the late rains
had made it as smooth as possible. After the
men had removed their wagon out of the way,
I asked if we could get up? They answered
very decidedly, "No! that nothing living
"could go up there." Our horses had been
rough-shod the day before, and I had a hope
that we would have less difficulty on that ac-:count, and we did accomplish it in safety, and,were truly thankful for it. As it was near;night, we looked about us for some place of
shelter. We had been told of one not far off,::where the people sometimes accommodated




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        235
strangers, but when we applied they thought
they could not take us in. I plead with them,
for it was raining fast and we knew not where
to go, still they declined. I turned away with
a heavy heart, but had not gone far when one
of them called and said, "you may comet we
will do the best we can for you." The house
had but one room-in size about 16 by 20 feet,
It contained two beds and a weaver's loom,
and in it the cooking as well as the eating
was done. After we had been there about
fifteen minutes, the men we left on the hill
came to see if I would take my horses and
draw up their wagon, as in it they had venison and other things which they did not like
to leave out in the rain all night. Remembering we had left our homes for the good of
our fellow-men I could not refuse them. I
have described our reception room.  The
sleeping apartment was some yards off, and
to reach it we were obliged to go through rain
and mud. It was about the same size as the
one we had left, but had no windows. There
were three beds, and two women, four rough
looking men and myself to occupy them. I
think we were as thankful for that night'a




236'MEMOIR OF
lodging as for any other. As we were the
first who came our horses were sheltered, but
four others were hitched to trees, and stood
all night half knee deep in mud and water.
17th. Started early, as we had the Pocatalico
river to cross. We found, to our great regret,
that owing to the rain and the melted snow,
it was impossible to ford it. The boat had
broken loose and gone down the river, so that
nothing remained' for us but to wait till the
waters abated. We found a house which had
windows, but its inmates, in common with
many of their neighbors, appeared to lack
many of the comforts of life. Many of the
people of these counties are ignorant and indolent; one-third of the men, and a still
greater proportion of the women, are unable
to write their names. The blighting effects
of slavery are seen all over the land, which
would yield abundantly if properly cultivated. 19th.'With the assistance of a person
who had formerly lived at the North we drove
through the river, the water coming within
three or four inches of running into the carriage; but we got through safely, dangerous
as was &the passage, and we felt grateful for




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          237
the favor. We then rode sixteen miles over
a very bad road to Charlestown. Put up  at
a Temperance Hotel, which, to our surprise,
we found to be a very poor one. The proprietor seemed kind, and soon after breakfast
next morning, when he was told we wished
to have a meeting he met the proposal with
energy; he was an active member of the
Methodist Society, and we had a large and
satisfactory meeting. On our way from meet;
ing were out in a severe thunder shower.
Letterfrom E. NT
CHARLESTOWN, 1st me. 20th, 1854.
My Dear J.:-I have made several unsuccessful attempts to write to the loved ones left
behind, who are now far, far distant-separated by mountains high and towering-hills
still more difficult of ascent-streams of the
Kanawha and Pocatalico, some of which it
has seemed as if we had ventured upon at a
risk  of life, and roads almost impassable,
with accommodations sometimes so poor as
to be beyond the pen to describe! But now
that the cloud is somewhat less dense I hope
to succeed in imparting information that may




2,38         -MEMOIR OFcheer and comfort. Before I proceed further
let me say, that although the clouds have
been sometimes dark and portentous, yet
there has always been a glimmering of light
from the " polar star" sufficient to direct us,
so that we have received a certain evidence
that our course, however difficult, was the one
appointed by Him  whose promises fail not.
I will not describe the past-that I shrink
from —but will give a little sketch of what
has opened before me. You may have heard
of a letter written to W. W. Longstreth, and
this will have prepared you to hear of a prospect, which although it had passed again and
again before the view of my mind ere I left
home, ye'  it had been treated as a thought
not to be entertained. During the first four
weeks of my journeyings it frequently presented, but was dismissed as a guest upon
which I could bestow no attention. But at
last the time came when the presentation was
so imperative, that it was not in the power of
my mind, with all its holds of defence, to turn
it aside, except with the reservation, that
after other claims which seemed to have a
prior right had  been  attended  to,; this




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          239
should receive the consideration its weight
demanded. I cannot depict to you the conflicts which day after day and night after
night were produced by the prospect of going
to New Orleans. I felt I must either yield,
or give back and become a blank in both the
visible and invisible creation. It was therefore cause of great thankfulness in this hour
of extremity to recur to W. W. L.'s visit
and offer. So that when I felt I could no
longer withhold a knowledge of the concern,
I wrote to him, but have as yet received no
answer, nor do I expect one until we reach
Maysville.  When I wrote to W. I fully believed that E. N. C. would feel herself excused from going farther, but felt no liberty
to say a word to her about it. Since then
she has written to a friend giving this impression, and I feel now, that if no sisterspirit feels she can sacrifice all that will be
required in the prosecution of so arduous an
undertaking, and not only so, but can
render such aid as a sympathetic spirit
can yield, I shall most certainly be at: liberty to return with C. and E. I know not
upon whom the lot will fall, neither am. I




240            MEMOIR OF
anxious, but can say now, and oh! may I not
have the bitterness of death again to pass
through after expressing it, that I am resigned either to go or return.  But these meetings! Oh that some one might be sent to,
aid in their laborious exercises! I have a
heavy cold and have been quite poorly with
it, but E. and C. both keep well, which I have
esteemed a great favor. In testing the matter I have often felt that I would rather suffer
than to see either of them do so. The meetings we have had for some time past have
been seasons of such deep wading, as to yield
an undoubted evidence that the stream cannot rise higher than the fountain. So where
the "seed" is, there must the servant be so
far as is necessary to be made acquainted
with the nature of the food convenient to
hand forth.
Diary Continued.
31st.-" Crossed the Big Kanawha River
on a boat propelled by four horses. Our
road was along the river, and the streams
emptying into it from the surrounding country were much swollen, and there being no




ELIZABETH NEWPORT'         241
bridges, we could not cross them. We stopped
to consider what we should do. Then Elizabeth informed us that she had not felt her
mind clear of Charlestown, but she had hoped
to be able to pass on. She had felt that after
crossing the river, if it were not right for
us to proceed, the way would be closed. To
our humbling admiration we found this to be
the case. We returned and put up at the
Kanawha Hotel. This caused a great conflict, but we succeeded much better than we
expected in the attempt to hold a meeting for
the colored population. The Methodists were
willing we should have their house, and proposed that the colored people should occupy
the floor, and the white people the galleries.
This plan was carried out, and the meeting
was a favored one. There were many of the
first-class present in whom could be witnessed
much Christian feeling. It is said some of the
slaves are kindly treated and are taught to
read and write. E's feelings were particularly enlisted for some old men whose hands
bore evidence of hard labor, but whose withered flesh and hoary locks proclaimed their
earthly pilgrimage nearly over. The coun21




242            MEMOIR OF
tenances of these, though subdued, yet bore
an expression of religious fervor. We were
obliged to remain till the 23d on account
*of the swollen streams.  We then started
for Barboursville, 40 miles distant.  The
roads were very rough and the weather very
cold.
We lodged on the way at the house of a
slaveholder, whose wife talked much of her
kindness to her colored people, and appeared
to think if they were well clothed and fed,
that there was no sin in holding them as property. She spoke of the slave trader as being
worse than a thief or robber, and when I told
her I had never heard an abolitionist use
stronger language than she had, she was surprised and did not understand how that could
be. Strange indeed that a rational being
should conclude that food and clothing could
atone for the withholding of the precious boon
of liberty! Elizabeth had religious service
in this family. 25th.-In the evening had a
meeting in the Methodist house, which was
satisfactory. 26th.-We were preparing to
leave in the morning, when a man called to
see us and said they did not want to get rid




ELIZABETH NEWPORT,          243
of Us, but he " thought there was a prospect
of another break-up of the roads, and at the
last thaw the stage stuck fast and it took
three yoke of oxen to pull it out of the mud.'.
This was not very encouraging, but we reached
the Guyandotte in safety, although it rained
all day and was too stormy in the evening to
have a meeting.
27th.-Had a meeting in the Methodist.
house, but E's mind continued under an exer —
cise under which she was as one in bonds, and
there was no liberty to proceed."
One of E. N's letters was dated from this:
place, from  which the following extract is:taken:
GUYANDOTTE, First mo. 28th, 1854.
In coming here we stopped
at Barboursville, where we had to stay two
days to obtain a meeting, but it was one of'
those opportunities that compensated for all'through which we had to pass. In consequence of the want of education and the right
exercise of their mental powers, the people
through this district of country lack enterprise. Although there is often a manifestatiomi




244            MEMOIR OF
of kindness, yet their inertness stands in theway of self-denial even in little things. There
are exceptions, it is true, but it is not unusual
for Charles to be obliged to harness his horses
and do all that is required in getting the carriage ready, and then have a full bill presented
as if it had been done for him. I sometimes
think that C's example will be a benefit to
them in various ways. We carne'to this place,on Fifth-day, when it rained as fast as I ever
saw it. We were under the necessity of staying till Sixth day evening in order to have a
meeting, and greatly to my disappointment
we are still bound here. We are at a comfortable Temperance house, where the presiding
minister has his home. When I found I
could not leave without an effort for another
meeting, Charles talked with him  about a
suitable place. He told him he was engaged
to go from home to preach a funeral sermon,
and that opened the way for us to-morrow.
I hope we may be able to leave here in the
afternoon. The waters are so high that we
shall be obliged to take passage on board of
a boat on the Ohio, which lies close to us..
The running of these boats is very uncertain,




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         245
so we cannot tell when we shall get off. Wehave not heard from home for more than five
weeks, and you cannot wonder that there are
times when the heart becomes faint under some.
of the privations endured. We are anxious
to reach Maysville, where we expect to find
letters. This has been a long day, and there
has been ample opportunity for reflection..
But for an all-absorbing sense, that I know
nothing as I ought to know, I should suspect
that a state of indifference was closing the
avenue of feeling, but I believe, this sense of'
nothingness, if properly understood, will direct
to a source whence a sufficiency will be
derived to sustain life. Paul declared that.
in all states he was content, he knew "' how to
be abased and how to abound."
Diary Continued.
"As we proceed on our journey the states
of the people occasion greater suffering. So
heavy is the moral atmosphere, that for some
time past we have not been able to take a
clear, full breath. Those who have not travelled under such a concern, cannot realizewhat individuals pass through whoare brought.
21*




246            MEMOIR OF
into close sympathy with the spiritual condiCtion of their fellow-men, who have chosen to
serve mammon rather than a God of justice,
of mercy, and of love. Still I have never for
a moment doubted the propriety of our coming,
nor the authority of the mission. 30th.Crossed three streams to-day; the banks of
them were all dangerous, so that the women
preferred walking up, muddy as they were, to
riding. The Big Sandy River divides Vir.ginia and Kentucky at this place. Passed
through Cattlesburg, Ky., about noon. E.
felt a weight upon her spirit, but said nothing;about it until we had gone about a mile and
*a half, and were informed we could proceed
no further on account of the height of the
streams, over which there were no bridges.
We turned about and reached Cattlesburg in
-safety, notwithstanding the dangerous condition of the roads, and held a meeting in the
-evening in the Methodist meeting house.
31st.-As we could not proceed further by
land, the horses and carriage were placed on
board of a steamboat and sent to Maysville,
Ky., and we took passage for Greenupsburg,
the county town of Greenup. This county i




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         247
rich in iron ore-there were 12 or 14 furnaces
in blast at that time.
2d mo. lst.-Ths evening had an appointed
meeting, and as usual, were indebted to our
Methodist friends for a house. Peace was the
reward. Our dear friend's mission has seemed
like the ushering in anew of the Gospel dispensation of "Glory to God in the highest, on
earth peace, good-will to men." She has
quoted largely from the Scriptures, especially
from the precepts of' the blessed Jesus and
his Apostles, showing that if these were
practised, they would  have the effect to
remove all the evils which are abounding in
the world. I believe, from the testimonies
borne by Elizabeth, she clearly foresaw the
desolation that would follow a refusal to
liberate the captive by peaceable means.
Our worthy Friend, Isaac Parry, remarked,
when he heard of E. Newport's concern to
visit the South, "I highly approve of it, for
I, believe it will be one more visitation of
mercy to that people, and if they do not bow
in mercy, they will have to bow in judgment."
2d. —Arrived at Maysville about 8 o'clock9
P. M., where we met our friends Lydia and




248            MEMOIR OF
~William W. Longstreth, who purpose accompanying E. Newport to New Orleans. E. N.
Clinger and I feeling released, we proceeded
by steamboat to Pittsburg. From that city
we travelled homeward on the pike and
reached the city of Philadelphia in about
eight days."
In conclusion, C. Kirk says: " Had it not
been that we had continued evidence of divine care, and that the Good Spirit was ever
near to aid us, it would have been impossible
for us to have endured either physically or
spiritually the trials through which we had
to pass."
Neither Wm. W. nor Lydia Longstreth
have in their possession a particular account
of the religious labors of E. N. while
they were with her.  From  their private
letters and a few notes kept by L. L., it appears that, so far as the way opened for the
prosecution of E.'s concern, it was faithfully
performed. L. L.'s mind was prepared for
this service in rather a remarkable manner.
As she was walking in a part of the city
distant from  her home, she was forcibly
impressed, as if she had heard an outward




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        249
voice, that she would receive a note from her
brother, W. W. L., acquainting her with his
prospect of going to New Orleans with E.
Newport, and asking her to accompany them.
She had had no intimation of W.'s intention.
In a day or two the note came, and she felt
that she could not do other than accede to
the proposal.
As. has already been stated, W. and L.
met with E. N. and her companions on
the second of First month, 1854.  Those
who had been with E. in her arduous
labors thus far, turned homeward, and the
newly formed trio proceeded on their journey
with chastened spirits. L. L., in her notebook says-" My feelings were indescribable
when I landed in Kentucky in view of the
importance of the mission."
They took passage for New Orleans in the
first-class steamer R. J. Ward. In consequence of the boat being heavily laden it
was a tedious journey.
They had, as fellow-passengers, Madame
Sontag, Ler husband, Count Rossi and troupe.
The former was social and agreeable.
Lydia writes-" Amid all the gaiety with




260            MEMOIR OF
which we are surrounded, the mind is bowed
under a weight of exercise that presses espe-,cially upon E.'s spirit, while brother W. and
i, as fellow burden bearers, share it. We
are anxiously looking forward to the time of
our arrival in New Orleans, and desire that
we may be preserved in the path of humiliation which lies before us. We are, sometimes
cheered with a gleam of hope that we shall
be enabled to fulfil the work to the relief of
our own minds, leaving the results with Him
who waters the plants in due season, remembering the declaration, " Cast thy bread upon
the waters and it will be found after many
days."
We desire the sympathy and help of the
spirits of our friends at home. May they intercede at the throne of Grace that strength
and ability may be furnished to go when and
where the Master shall require.
Second mo. 10-Opposite Arkansas. —The
weather is fine; the river is about 20 feet
higher than usual. The planters are plowing; the willow trees have budded and the
cattle are pasturing upon the grass, which is
fresh and green.  When the boat stops, a
g. ~...




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         2]l
long plank is all that is needed in landing
or boarding the boat."
Letter from E. Newport.
Steamboat-200 miles from Louisville, }
Second mo. 6, 1854. 
Dearly loved ones:-I have taken the pen
to pour forth the feelings of a: heart filled
with a variety of emotions, occasioned by a
struggle to appear cheerful among the multitude, which has cost me the strongest effort
of which I was capable; but for the present
the victory has been obtained, and once more
I feel that I can adopt the language, " Thy
will be done;" but the work is arduous, the
attainment is small, and there is much in my
nature opposed to this continual exposure to
the gaze of the curious and the scrutiny into
the motive for doing thus and so. What can
support but a constant reliance upon Him
who has sustained me through many deep
conflicts and trials?
When did C. and E. reach home?
After they left, I went with W. W. and L.
Longstreth to their hotel. On First-day morning arrived at Louisville, where we went on




:252           MEMOIR OF
board the largest boat I ever saw. Here
was a mixture of all grades of people. I was
asked by an elderly lady'if I had anything
good for her to read.' I told her nothing that
would interest her, as what we had was an
exposition of the views of the Society of
Friends. She replied,'Oh that is what I
would like.'  After reading some of the
books, she said she fully accorded with the
belief in the influences of the Good Spirit."
Our friends held a meeting one evening
in the Ladies' Cabin, which had been announced by a written notice "that Elizabeth
Newport, a minister of the Gospel in the Society of Friends, and her companions will
hold a meeting for worship this evening, at 8
o'clock, to which all are invited." E. had
not been well and kept her room all day, and
until the gong was sounded as a signal that the
hour for the meeting had arrived. It was a
mixed assemblage of about 100 persons-several clergymen being present, also MadameSontag and her friends. W. explained the manner
of Friends meeting together for the purpose
of divine worship-that when gathered they




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          263
endeavored to turn the mind inward. The
Scriptures, in which they believed, testified that
whatsoever was to be known of God was manfest in man. The company were very quiet.
E. was favored to explain some points of doctrine to the satisfaction of her hearers, but
after speaking about twenty minutes her
strength failed and she was obliged to sit
down. After a short time she again arose,
but had not spoken long before she fainted,
As soon as practicable, she and Lydia withdrew to the state-room.  W. W. L. thanked
the people for their respectful attention, and
said that owing to our friend E.'s indisposi-..
tion the meeting would close. In their joint
names he bade them  farewell, remarking
that, although they would soon part, and
never in human probability meet again on
earth, yet he hoped they might know  a reunion in Heaven. After this opportunity
there was an increased interest manifested bv
the passengers, many of whom had previously been kind and attentive; and next day
when they learned that E. was better, they
appeared much gratified.  They wanted to
know more about our Society and its principles.              22




254             MEMOIR OF
On the mlorning of the 12th many of the
passengers left at Vicksburg.   Some of
them  expressed their good wishes and their
interest in the'mission orf our Friends, and
said they were favorably irmpressed with their
views, so far as they had learned them.  The
differences of opinion relative to religious subiects, had formed no barrier to their social
commingling.  Elizabfth felt the first step to
be taken, after getting to New Orleans, would
be to have a public meeting, and. after that
to visit some of the families who had been
afflicted last season by the yellow fever; but
the future was much'hidden, and W. advised
her not to dwell upon it, as what was immediately before her was fully as much as she
could bear, and appeared to be at times more
than her physical nature could sustain.
On First-day evening, the 13th of Second
month, they arrived at New  Orleans, the
weather being warm and pleasant.
On Second-day morning William  called
upon S. F. Ashton, who took him to see his
wife. She very kindly went with W. and L.
to look for a suitable boarding-house, but all
were full. On their return to the hotel, they




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.             255
found that during their absence Jacob Barker, who had  heard  of their arrival, had
called, and left with E. IN. an invitation for
them to make his house their hlome.  In the
afternoon he escorted our wo)menii Friends
thither, g'reatly to their relief, not only be-.
cause it was a remarkably pleasan- place, butthe exchange from  a hotel life and i'rom  the
idle gaze of the curious, was especially grateful, and was a favor they felt coutld not be
over-estimated.  In  writing  to her family,
L. L. says'  " We lh9t ve7 met with some kind
filiends, which is very g'rateful to us, but we
know right well that our strength and support must come from  our Hea venly ia.ther,
aud to Hlis will we desire to give our undividedi attention..  This leads us into  close
baptisms.  I can hear but a small part of the
weight and exercise that presses upon E.'s
spirit, hut brother W. helps to bear her up,
he being broulght under the ~same Peeling. We
are desirous that what is done here may be
done under Divine guidance-that the seed
sown may be left to  be  watered by  the
Divine Hand, and that all may be to His
glory.  I want my dear children to be watch



256            MEMOIR OF
ful and careful, that the enemy does not sow
tares in my absence, that I may not have to
question leaving them in order to discharge
an apprehended duty."
" Jacob Barker has the most pleasant house
of any that I have seen in this city. IHis
wife is in very delicate health, on account of
which they have our sincere sympathy. The
kindness we receive could not be exceeded.
J. D. Marsh and wife have shown us considerable attention. Through the courtesy of
J. D. M. and S. F. Ashton brother W. was
introduced to some prominent members of the
Methodist Society, who used their influence,
and obtained permission for the use of their
meeting-house in which to hold an evening
meeting. The house was new, and a very
large one, but the evening was stormy, and
the assembly was rather small. Many of
those present were colored persons.  W. W.
L. writes, " E. gave them  a very good discourse, treating principally upon the Christian doctrines peculiar to our Society. After
she closed, I expressed our acknowledgements
for their quiet attention, and informed them
that the minds of my sisters were drawn to




ELIZABETHI  NEWPOR'T.          05T
visit, in the love of thle Gospel, such of the
sick and afflicted as might desire to see them,.
When the meeting closed, persons of respectable standing in the community  waited to
speak  with  us, one of whom  accompanied
us to the lodgings of E. and L., and made arrangerments for visiting thie House o' Refuge
for girls. So far as we could observe, all who,
were )present were satisfied with the religious
exercises of the meeting, and we can safely
say that we lhave as yet met- with nothing but,
kindness; even our fellow-passengers on the:
boat fr'om Louisville to this place seemed unwilling to drop out acquaintance, and wh en
we meet in the street stop for a talk."
Of the appointment next day L. L. &aysG
" We were at the House of Refuge for girls
under 16 years of' age.  Our feelings were
deeply interested.  E. made a suitable ad-,
dress, dilecting them  to that principle within.
them  which reproves for doing wrong and
comforts for doing well.  I, afterward, arose
with the invitation of Jesus,' Suffer little,
children to come unto Me and forbid them,
not,' then added a few  sentences, which was.
a relief to my mind, and which I left witi




258             MEMOIR OF
them as a testimony of my love to encourage
and strengthen them in well-doing.
Our work is not done here, when it is we
shall probably go to Montgomery, Ala.  I
hope the Good Spirit is at work preparing
some one to join us, if it is right that we continue to labor in this South land. If not, I
trust we may; return with peaceful minds to
our beloved homes.  At times the heart is
full to overflowing, when I feel the responsibility and accountability I am under to my
lH-eavenly Father, who has given me all that
I have, with life, breath and being. I know
He can take care of me in the midst of dangers. He has given me also to feel this language,'MWhithersoever I send you I will go
before and prepare the way for you.'
He has indeed prepared the way for us,:showing us our path, and at tines strewing it
with flowers,' the rich perfume of which refreshes and cheers us onward in the fulfilment
of manifested duty.  Wherever our lot has,been cast, we have found kind and sympathizing friencds, whose coun tenances have given.us the encouragement of which we have stood'so much in need.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.            259
It is exceedingly grateful to know, that although far separated from our beloved families and friends, yet there are hearts that beat
with warm sympathy for our little band.  I
do not think we have been sent here because
of its being the worst place of all others, and
hope our coming may not deter any, but desire that such as are called may be ready, at
the Master's bidding, to gird on the armor
and enter into the service which He has designed for them.  May grace, mercy and
peace rest upon each of us."
The daughter of W. WT. L., in writing to
her father, expressed a fear that he might receive bodily harm, because of E. N.'s views
in regard to slavery.  He replied, " If Elizabeth keeps to her gift in the Gospel, and so
far I:am satisfied on that point, she will be
preserved from saying or doing anything that
will involve us in peril. The whole journey
so far has been one of no ordinary trials."
Our friends made a few family visits in the
city of New Orleans, greatly to tt eir satisfaction.  E's mnin(l was drawn toward one or
two planters who resided on the borders of
the Mississippi river.




260             MEMOIR OF
When they acquainted their friend J. Bo
with this concern, he at once offered to go
with them.  On board the boat they met
with E. Lawrence, a planter, to whom Jacob
introduced them.
In conversation with L. Longstreth, it was
discovered that one of her daughters had
gone to the same school, near Philadelphia,
withi a sister of his.  He was very fiiendly
and invited themr to his house.  They being
thus cared for, J. Barler, after going about
ten miles, felt easy to return home.  Of this
visit E. Newport gives the following  account
in a letter written on board the boa.-t as they
were on their way to Mobile:
LowmaER MissISSIPPI [VlER, i
30 miles below New Orleans,
W.  e visited E. Laswei eice
a planter, who is also a U, S. Senator.  He
had just returned from  Washilngton.    His
wife is a lovely woman, who is as earnestly
desirous of fulfilling her duties as any one
with whom I ever met.' They live about 40
miles above New Orlearns.
On First-day mornilng- we had a meeting
with E. L. and his fhlnily, arnd in the after



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           261
noon one with the slaves, about 160 in nutmber. As the wife was in the practice of gathering their colored people on First-day, P. M.,
we proposed to her to pursue her usual plan.
It was really affecting to see one so young
read, kneel and pray, and then sweetly unite
her voice with her people in anthems of song
and praise to the one eternal Father, who
has made of one blood all nations of the
earth.*
At the close of our meeting they came and
shook hands with us, and assured us that they
were acquainted with the'"spirit within,"
to which we had called their attention, as a
Guide, —a Comforter in suffering; and which
could alone give an assurance of an entrance
into that city where small and great meet together, and the servant would be free. Poor
creatures! how my heart aches for them in
their servile degradation! and for their masters too, nunder their sense of suffering and
*In talking with one of the old men, E. N. remarked that it was very grateful to her to find
their mistress was in the habit of mingling with
them for the purpose of divine worship. He replied, " she always does, and her mother did so before her."




262             MnEMOIR OF
responsibility! But little can be done; the
mere sight of us brings before them our testimony against slavery, and arouses a sense of
the injustice connected with the inhuman system.  Thiley sometimes advance and answer
their own arguments while we sit in silence;
and although we can see that they endeavor
by every effort in their power to sustain their
positions, these a-re so futile  that they often
wvind up in direct contradiction to what they
said in the beginning. On our return to New
Orleans woe were kindly met by our friend, J.
Barker, who is now with us oin our way to
Mobile. I Thave suffered much under a prospect of' further service, but now feel relieved,
and if this continues, I shall press on ho meward-nothing canl keep nme but a return of
the same binding obligation.
Extracts fronm L. L 2's XNotes.
18th1. —' E. Lawrence was met at the landing by his family who gave him a warm greeting, after a temporary absence, and extended
to us a cordial welcome.  It appeared to me
that I could breathe more fireely after leaving
New  Orleans.  The oranges were  hanging




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           263
thickly upon the trees which forimed a hedge
around the house.  There were other trees
which bore sweet and delightful fruit.  The
weather was very balmy and pleasant.  Our
chMRnmber was frTi rant with orange blossoms,
and by puatting the hand out of the window
we could alimtust touch the trees laden with
flowers and fruit in varied stages, fronIn he
petals just ailen  to the ripened  orange.
Next morning was rainy, and the soil being
such as to fbrbid travelling in wet weather,
we were relieved i',t! the unpleasantness of
feeling that we were preventing the family
from  attending, as was their custom, their
place of worshi;,  six mziles distant.
E. L. was a sugar planter, and gave us
much information in relation to the manufacture of that article.  I visited the "sugarhouse" and found the art was brought to
great perfection. We also visited " the nursery," a long building, where the mothers who
worked in the fields brought their little children for the day, each having its cradle and
sauce-pan of rice. Their food was prepared
by "Old Aunty," who fed and took care of
them. We looked into the " cook-house " too,




264            MEMOIR OF
where each family received its rations ready
for eating-thus saving the weary people
the time and trouble of grinding corn and
making bread when they should be resting
and sleeping."
L. L.'s account of the religious opportunities with the family and with the slaves, is
similar to that given by E. N., except that
she alludes more fully to E's exercises as having been very appropriate and satisfactory.
A brother of E. L.'s wife lived near, and
though young and unmarried, had many slaves,
which were his by inheritance. L. says " we
were told that he was grieved with the practice of holding his fellow-men in bondage,
and felt the responsiblity so great, that he
rarely left them, but devoted himself to the
good of his people, doing what he could to
make them comfortable.  Information has
been received that not long after our
visit, this young man not only manumitted
his slaves, but provided fbr them. A call
was made upon the sister of our host, who
had married a planter, and who sensibly felt
the injustice of unrequited labor.  In these
three families slavery existed in its least offensive aspect.




ELIZABETH -NEWPORT.          265
21st. —Having  freely handed forth what
was required, there was liberty felt to depart,
which we did under deep feeling, and with
an earnest expression of gratitude from our
friends for the visit. The previous night had
been one of watchfulness, lest the boat in
which we were to return  to New  Orleans
should pass without our hearing it.  The
morning was bright and we could tread the
deck wvith the peaceful retrospection that we
had ifithfiliy performed our duty.  Our progress was slow, and we (lid not reach the city
till about 3 o'clock in the morning.  Feeling
released from flrther service in this place,
we made some parting calls in company with
J. Barker and wife, and after dinner bade
adieu to New Orleans, and rode four mniles
in the cars to the steamboat on Lake Ponchartrain, where we had good accommodations.
A short time previous this boat had collided with another steamboat, in consequence
of which our captain was apprehensive that
he would be arrested, and therefore, as we
neared a particular point, he secreted himself.
When dinner was ready the'waiter' asked
23




266            MEMOIR OF
brother W. to take the head of the table as
the Captain was absent. That W., a Friend,
and known to be opposed to slavery, should
have been invited to preside at a long table,
when there were many other gentlemen from
the adjacent States, was more than we should
have expected in a country where Friends
were looked upon with a jealous eye.
On arriving at Mobile, our friend, J. Barker, who had accompanied us thus far, escorted
us to the " Battle House," a large and fashionable hotel. We were detained here till
four o'clock next day, and were subject to the
gaze of the curious and the remarks of the
less polite, so that when the time came we
most cheerfully took our departure.  The
banks of the Alabama river are lined with
woods; the water was turbid and unusually
high, so that some of the trees were immersed
up to their branches.  The foliage of the
willows was about half-grown, and trees
resembling the judas tree were in full bloom;
the blossoms of many others were bright, and
the live oak and cedars were perfectly green.
Occasionally, a high bluff, from 80 to 100 feet,
rises from the river, and at Clairborn, a flight




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        267
of steps with a roof over it, is the means of
ascent to the top of the bank.
26th, First-day. — We arrived at Montgomery, distant from Mobile 420 miles. The
road to the Exchange Hotel was so rough
that we were apprehensive that the omnibus
would be overturned. The freshet had rendered the bridge dangerous over a creek, and
we were obliged to alight and walk some
distance in the mud, but the soil being sandy,
it was less objectionable than it might otherwise have been.  We proceeded to West
Point that night by railroad, and when once
seated in the car, we were comparatively comfortable.'Upon reaching there next morning
at 6l' o'clock, we were told that we should be
obliged to await the subsiding of the waters of
the Chatahoochie river, which covered the
ground to a considerable depth on both sides
of the bridge.
2d mo. 28th, 1854.-Being now able to pass
over the river in safety, we started at 8 o'clock,
A. M., for a six miles ride in the stage, and
then to take the cars for Augusta. Several
of our fellow-passengers had also been detained
by the freshet; among them were Capt. Boylan




268             MEMOIR OF
and his daughter, from Raleigh, N. C. He
was an editor, and had a plantation on the
Yazoo river, where they had been making a
visit. They seemed disposed to join our little'company, and we subsequently became nmuch
attached to them.  A Twidow lady also manifested her kindly feeling and kept near us.
Her home was in the Sout.h, but she had spent
considerable time in Philadelphia at one period of her life, and had a decided preference
for theI Northlern MCanine T of Ilivingo  e had
much conversation  upon the testimonies of
Truth, as held b; Fri~' ie    in g'enrllll as well
as thaot of slavery.  She f:ieely cklnowledged
her dislike to the peculiar institution of the.South, and heartily wished the country was
clear of the abomination.  At parting, she
expressed her unity wital us, and her sympathy with the service in which wye were
engaged. A  gentleman who resided near
Baltimore, and who had been South on account of the death of his father, offered us the
services during the journey, of a colored
woman who had beeii his father's nurse.  He
was taking her and her little boy to his
house, that they might be more comfortable




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         269
than they would have been in their former
home. We of course did not require attention
of that kind, but we had many friendly talks
with the poor woman, in which E. gave her
a great deal of excellent counsel, that, if
heeded, will have a tendency to soften the
trials incident to her condition. She was earnest that we should buy her, but was told that
all that we could do for her, was to desire her
freedom with that of her people.
The usual way of mending roads in this
country, is by "corduroying" them in the
worst places.  The mud was deep, but we
arrived at the station in good time. When
the cars came, they brought a number of
slaves bound for New Orleans; their overseer
was a man of unpleasant exterior. Although
the system compels those who hold slaves to
be familiar with persons of his caste, yet they
profess to abominate them, and are ashamed
of such intercourse. Reached La Grange at
12 o'clock, and stopped to dine at a neat
looking house by the road-side. The country
through which we passed is extremely poor.
At 4 o'clock, P. M., arrived at Atlanta, rested
for two hours, then proceeded to Stone Moun23*




27 0            M1EMOIR OF
tain, where we had supper, and prepared for
spending the night in the cars.  It *was a
clear evening, and we could see the mountain
rising abruptly to a great height.  It is composed of granite, and on the top was a tower.
It is a place of resort in warm weather.  Before day-light next morning, we came to
Augusta, Ga.
Stopped  at Ai-ken  for breakfsst.  The
hlouse stands on a hill, and is a handsoame
building and -well calculated to accommodate
many boarders.  -Weary of waiting among
the crowd, whose curiosity seemed insatible,
E. N. proposed our taking our seat;s in the
car which was standing near.  We had been
there but a short time when Eo, upon looking up, saw the car was on fire; it had caught
-from the stovepip[e, and but for a timely discovery the damage might have been much
more serious.  When the fog, which had been
dense, fell, it turned to frost,-a peculiarity of
this hilly region.
At the junction of the Wateree and Congaree rivers, the country was overflowed to
the extent of twu miles. The waters ran rapidly, and the ernbankment with the tressel work




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          271
of the road was carried away for the space of
about fifty feet.  A  boat was provided to
transfer the passengers and baggage, but as
it would not accommodate more than nine
persons at one time, it was slow work. When
all were ferried over, we found there was but
one passenger car and a baggage car attached
to the locomotive; these were to convey quite:a retinue to Columbia. Here we decided to
spend a day, as it was doubtful whether we
could proceed on our journey until the freshet
abated.  Through this pleasant place I was
escorted by C. Boylan, regardless of my
friendly garb, which rendered me conspicuous.
Arrangements were'made to convey the passengers to Caamden, and to avoid the inundations we rode fifty miles. Losing our way, we
were obliged to procure a guide, who took us
over a road that was not so good as the one
we should have taken. One of the horses gave
out, and we were compelled to sit in the carriage, in a pouring rain, andi see the conductor pass on and leave us. One of the passengers went on horseback to request him to
send us another horse, which, when it came,
would not pull. In a short time we were




272            MEMOIR OF
agreeably surprised to see a gentleman with
three buggies and a baggage-wagon coming
toward us. We hailed him, and he lent us a
mule, and we proceeded in better spirits.
When we arrived at the ferry the evening was
fast closing around us, and a fog hung over
the river, which I feared would prevent the
boatman from seeing the landing, and there
were seven vehicles besides several horses to
be taken over. The water covered the ground
for the distance of half a mile. The ascent
from the river was very steep, and the earth
being completely saturated, the horses could
not draw us up. the hill. We alighted, and
with the assistance of an extra horse the
empty carriage was brought to the top. Had
it not been for the little light emitted by the
moon and the white sand which helped us to
distinguish the way, our ride would have been
a dismal one. After going about five miles,
and stopping twice to fasten on the "breastpole," we reached Camden in the rain about
8 o'clock in the evening. Engaged our room
and ordered supper, for we had taken no refreshment through the day except a light.
lunch. It was 9 o'clock before the other pas



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           273
sengers arrived, and sleep being more desirable than food, we retired, anticipating a long
night in wihich to rest; but at 5 o'clock in
the morning we were called, and told the cars
would leave at 6 o'clock.  We hurried on our
clotbtes, and found that the omnibus was waiting.  Breakfast was out of the question, although  we had eaten no supper.  W~e rode to
Middletown, and were then four miles - fiom
the next t-rain of cars, which was prevented
from makingo a connection with the road at
this pla.ee in consequence of the tressel work
over a marsh or swamp  being either carried
away or iiunianated,  WYhile waitinl for wagons to carry the baiggage and mails, a nice
vehicle drove tp to t)he door; the owner not
having arrived, brother WT. engaged the man
to take Elizabethl, Catharine antd myself over
to the railroad. By this means we escaped
a heavy rain, being sheltered in a very good
house, occupied by a single gentleman, an old
colored woman and her grandson, a child
of eight years of age.  When we applied for
breakfast, we were told that they did not keep
a house of entertainment, but as we had been
fasting they would accommodate us; and we




274            MEMOIR OF
were furnished with a good meal. The car
in which we travelled was an exceedingly
dirty one, although the conductor had a
cojored man to " clean it in compliment to
the ladies."
At Raleigh, our friends Catharine Boylan
and her father left us for their home. We
missed them greatly, for they had not only
been agreeable companions, but they had relieved us from a good deal of unpleasantness
which would have attended our novel appearance in that country, and were instrumental, too, in procuring many little comforts
which we would not have had if there had
been no one acquainted with the habits of the
people to speak for us. In the conversations
that occurred on the subject of slavery, these
friends frequently expressed their sense of
the responsible position in which they were
placed, and the daughter, especially, wept
bitter tears in speaking of the poor slaves she
so longed to liberate. When we came to the
river we crossed in a little boat by moonlight,
a few at a time. Arrived at Petersburgh in the
night. Next morning, when we reached Richmond, we expected to have time to breakfast,




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         275
but found the cars already in motion, so that
we contented ourselves with the remnant of
the lunch, which we had been urged to take
by a person who had been very kind to us in
the difficulties through which we passed on
account of the great freshet in Carolina. Took
the boat for Washington.  Passed Mount
Vernon while at dinner. From W. went to
Baltimore in the cars, arrived there at 7
o'clock P.M., and reached Philadelphia at
midnight."
In the 4th mo., 1854, E. Newport returned
the minute granted her for the Southern visit,
with the information that, so far as the way
had opened for its performance, it had been
productive of swee~ L-,:xce, and she could feelingly adopt the language of the Psalmist,
"'Return unto thy rest, Oh my soll, for the
Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee:"
In the 11th month, E. N. applied for a
a minute to visit the meetings of Salem
Quarter and to appoint meetings as duty
might require. The concern was united with
and MIary H. Schofield (Childs) and Win.
Griscom joined in the service. This labor of
gospel love gave satisfaction to those visited




276             MEMOIR OF
and to the friends who accompanied her.  Remarkable instances of a clear perception of.
individual states were of frequent occurren:ce,
and  it was believed  that the seed sowvn
would bring fbrth fruit in due season.  E.'s
mind was drawn to call on a friend who live(t
in a small village near a river which it was
their purpose to cross in order to attelnd an
appointed meeting in the evening.  When
they arrived at the house it seemned a most unsuitable time for a visit. The person vwas particularly engaged, and several of his neighbors were assisting himn. He however came
forward and they were invited to alight.  [n
a short time dinner was ready and the Friends
and neighbors all sat down together, and before they left the table, E. gave expression to
her feelings, and it was an interestingl opportunity.
In consequence of a strong wind they were
unable to get over the river and were obliged
to ride 8 or 10 miles farther than they would
otherwise have done.  This was the more
trying as the weather was very cold and thll
roads not good.  Passing through a town theyv
called at a store to purchase a buffalo robe to




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          277
shield the women from the piercing wind.
The owner of the store coming out to the
carriage to speak to them, Elizabeth's feelings
were at once arrested. After he left, she
said to XW. G., why didst thou bring that man
out here? W. replied, he is a very clever
man, and-E. checked him, saying, do not tell
me anything about him. When they arrived
at the place where they designed to lodge,
they felt very much discouraged about the
evening meeting, as the cold was increasing
and the mill dam over which they had to
pass, was covered with ice, making the road
dangerous. But upon reaching the meetinghouse they found it nearly filled, a number
having ridden several miles notwithstanding
the inclemency of the weather. Elizabeth was
greatly favored in testimony; addressed an
individual state, describing his life as if she
had known him intimately. After meeting
W. G. was told that this was the case by a
friend who had not fully sympathized with
E. N.'s peculiar gift, but as he heard her, his.
doubts had been removed. He knew she had
had no opportunity of knowing anything of
the individual in question, except from inter24




2781           MEMOIR OF
nal impressions. Next morning the name ot
the storekeeper, to whom allusion has been.
made, was incidentally mentioned, when E.
requested that nothing should be said about
him before her. W. G. was convinced that it
would be right to offer this individual a visit,.
They did so, and were most kindly received.
The wife was a member of our Society, but
the husband was not. E.'s concern was principally for the latter, whom she encouraged
to be faithful to the divine monitor within,
After a pleasant salutation for all, they parted
under the feeling that they had been rewarded
for obedience to this requisition.
In the summer following, E. N. wrote to
W. Griscom, inquiring if in a neighborhood
she designated, there might be found a class
of persons which she described, who were not
members, but professors of our Society, and if
so, whether he and his wife would bear her
company in a few family visits. The answer
was in the affirmative, and in a few days they
entered upon the service. When E.'s concern
was mentioned, to the Friend at whose house
they had been cordially received, he named a
number of individuals living near by, to all of




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         279
which E. N. answered no. She then asked to
have: other names of which he might think,
written,. After looking over the list a few
minutes, she selected those that impressed
her. At one house when the family was
gathered, the hired people, as is the custom in
some places, were also brought in. E. made
some general remarks, and then sat in silence
a long time, when she quietly gave W. G. to
understand, that she could not proceed while
a certain person was present. W. soon judiciously effected his withdrawal, after which
E. addressed with power, a visitor who came
into the room just before the meeting. She
opened his spiritual condition so clearly that
he felt no doubt as to the authority of her exercise. Thus they went from house to house,
the spiritual eye being anointed to discover,
not only the heavenly treasure which was laid
up in some minds, but " the hidden things of
Esau " were also brought to light and testified against in a wonderful manner. In a
family consisting of the parents and grown up
children, the gospel stream was poured forth
until every vessel was filled and every heart
was tendered and contrited under the baptiz



280             MEMOIR OF
ing power of " the Word."  A solemn supplication followed, in which access was granted
to the throne of grace, and the influence was
such, that when E. arose and took her seat,
she exclaimed with fervor, "Glory, glory,
glory!!  Win. G. says, "it was a most memorable occasion." One of the families visited,
soon afterwards became members of the Society of Friends, as E. N. predicted.
On their way home she inquired if they
would go near a certain Friend's house? This
visit was a remarkable one. E.'s testimony
was sympathAjti c and encouraging, but she
clearly foresaw that ere long the Friend would
be released from the cares of life, and in this
she was not mistaken.  In a comparatively
short time- he wa s suddenly removed firom
"c works to rewards."
At the Monthly Meeting  held  Seventh
month 19th,   i 855 E. N. informed her friends
that her mind was drawn in gospel love to
the.meetings composing Concotd Q uarterly
Meeting, to some families belonging to Goshen
Meeting and others remotely situated; and also
to appoint meetings as the way might open.
Our friend M. M. Evans accompanied her.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         281
Her religious services throughout this visit
were attended with many close baptisms. In
the Eleventh month she acquainted her friends
with an obligation for further service within
the limits of Concord Quarterly Meeting.
Unity was expressed with her concern and she
was encouraged to do what her hands found to
do, under the guidance of the divine Spirit.
In the First month, 1856, accompanied by
Joseph Walton and M. M. Evans she attended
Birmingham Monthly Meeting. A Committee was appointed to make the necessary
arrangements for the family visits and she
was encouraged to faithfulness in the discharge of her duty. One of this Committee
remarks in relation to E. N.'s service that she
was favored to clearly see the state of-individuals and to address them pertinently, encouraging all to walk in obedience to the
manifestations of Truth as revealed to them.
Some families who were not members, but
who were in the habit of attending Friend's
Meeting were also satisfactorily visited. On
one occasion, in a family meeting, they sat in
silence a considerable time when the opportunity closed without anything having been
24*




282            MEMOIR OF
said, greatly to the disappointment of both
parents and children. E.'s mind was exercised but there was no liberty for expression.
Some time after this, she met with the parents
of this family, when her feelings were awakened with tenderness and sympathy for the
husband. In addressing him, she repeated
the text, "' Except ye be converted and become as little children, ye shall in no wise
enter the kingdom of heaven."  She alluded
to the work that was going on in his soul,
which had enabled him to overcome much,
and had brought him near the kingdom, and
it was her belief, that if he were continually
watchful he would be preserved in this simple
child-like faith. She had a clear impression
that his days were numbered, and that before
many months the call would come to him
suddenly, but she believed his lamp would be
6trimmed and burning."  Six months subseo
quently, this friend retired in usual health;
in the night his wife was awakened and found
him  speechless. He passed away in a very
short times
In another family, Elizabeth's testimony to
a young woman was remarkable. She told




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           283
her' that her heavenly Father had entrusted
her with precious gifts, and that if she was not
willing to come more fully under the operations of His grace, so that they might be
strengthened by exercise, she would experience
a spiritual death, and that her path would be
one of darkness and gloom. The intellectual
gifts with which she had been endowed, would
be retarded in their growth, until she would
at times feel life almost a burden.  But if she
would be faithful to the revealings of the
Holy Spirit, she would come forth as a bright
and shining light in the fulfilment of her
Christian mission among the spiritually poor,
the lame, the halt, and the blind. This young
person freely partook of the bitter fruits of
rebellion, as predicted by E. N., but there
came a time of overwhelming sorrow, occasioned by the removal of a young and beloved
sister, and under this suffering she renewed
her covenant and soon after yielded to what
she felt required of her, and subsequently became an acknowledged minister of the gospel.
At a place where there were several children,
E. turned to one of the little boys, after a
short period of silence, and said, " So my little




284            MEMOIR OF
friend thou wonders what this Quaker
preacher comes here for? Well, we have a
dear Heavenly Father, and if we love Him we
shall be willing to serve Him, and I feel it
required of me to visit Friends' families, which
is a great trial; and thou too will find that we
cannot always do the thing we would like to
do. If I mistake not thou wanted to go out
to play and not stay with us during the meeting, and had been persuading thy mother to
let thee go."  She then described his character and urged him to take heed to what he
knew to be right, by which he would be preserved from the temptations that surrounded
him, and he would be enabled to give up his
own will and yield obedience to his widowed
mother.' When the friends had gone, the
little boy asked his mother, why she told the
preacher he wanted to go on the ice and not
stay to meeting? When assured that she had
not said a word:about him, he looked surprised and replied, " Well, mother, God must
have told her!"  At another time E. addressed an individual whom she believed was
standing upon the edge of a precipice. She
felt the danger to be imminent and urged




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         285him to seek for divine strength to enable him
to overcome his enemies, saying if he did
not, deep suffering and humiliation awaited
him. She alluded to his intellectual endowments, which were calculated to make him
eminently useful to his fellow men if they
were only brought under the operations of
divine grace. It was a touching appeal, and
it brought conviction with'it.  Since the
death of E. Newport, this person told one of
her friends, that all she said to him at that
time was true, and if hie had heeded her warning he would have been saved bitter suffering.
An obligation rested upon E. N. to attend
the fineral of an entire stranger to her. In
allusion to the individual she remarked that
"he was not taken away in judgment but in
mercy from the evil to come."  Afterwards
it appeared that very different views had
been advanced from the pulpit the day before.
This person had a vendue, and, as he was
bringing a horse out for sale, he fell and died
immediately. Some of the people who were
there said, " This was a judgment because he
had spoken too favorably of the horse."
Elizabeth knew nothing of the particulars of




286            MEMOIR OF
the case, and her sermon was thought to be a
remarkable one.
Letter from E. Newport.
Tenth mo. 4th, 1855.
My dear M:-It was very pleasant to receive so cheerful a letter, and I trust thou
wilt endeavor to abide under the "shadow of
the vine."  This is a probationary pathway
for all, but some appear to be less tried by
adversities and reverses than others. It is
the end, however, that crowns all, and
therefore that which we should most strive
after should be to hold out, and this will require the exercise of faith and patience.
These are twin sisters and one necessarily
brings the other into exercise.
It will never do to place ourselves out of
the reach of meetings, so that however delightful on some accounts the proposal made
to us may be, I must relinquish the thought
of it. I live only a day at a time,-this we
know is so literally, but the injunction "take
no thought for the morrow" applies especially
to the life of the inner man, which is so
readily affected by outward circumstances!




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          287
Still there is a remedy for this pressure in
the exercise of that Christian spirit of which
the apostle testified —" The life that I now
live is by faith in the Son of God "-this is
the faith that I feel the need of possessing,
and yet it can never be attained but through
grace-I sometimes think there is some increase.
It has been a consolation to
find thou hast made an effort to attend meeting in the middle of the week. I have felt
the necessity laid upon me to encourage young
mothers to attend to the pattern shown them
" in the Mount," in relation to clothing their
little children; and I ardently desire that
thou mayst be willing to attend more strictly
to that which will place thee upon a more independent footing, and enable thee to carry
out thy own convictions, rather than the cus
tonms of the world, or the views of others.
Thou knowest I am not an advocate for mere
uniformity, but for simplicity; true simplicity
consists not so much in cut and color, as in
that which is convenient and that does not
require an undue amount of time or labor,
The guide is before thee, follow it. It will




288            MEMOIR OF
not only redeem, but beautify and adorn,
and will impart strength to conform to all
the requirements of truth.  Trust it —it has
never led its votaries astray.
E. N.
Bucks Quarterly Meeting and Makefield Monthly Meeting.
At the Monthly Meeting held  Twelfth
month 18th, 1856, E. N. was granted a minute of concurrence to attend Bucks Quarterly
Meeting, and to visit the families of Makefield Monthly Meeting. From Charles Kirk
the following account of this visit has been
received:
"E. Newport was accompanied by Margaret Hazleton and myself. Having obtained
the approval of Makefield Monthly Meeting,
we commenced the service of visiting families
on the 18th of First month, 1857, the thermometer indicating a temperature of two degrees below zero, and the roads in some places
being almost impassable from snow drifts.
Rode seven miles in a sleigh facing a very
strong north-east wind, and attended their
First-day meeting, which was a low, humble




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         289
season. In the afternoon, amid a severe snow
storm, visited several families, and lodged at
our kind friend's Joseph Flowers. On the
19th we were completely blocked in, and were
unable to make any visits.  20th.-After
shovelling snow and breaking the rounds, we
succeeded in visiting four families, in which
individuals were closely and feelingly addressed.  21st.-The opportunities this morning were memorable occasions. E., in speaking to a young man, was very interesting on
the subject of reason, telling him it was not
sufficient to guide him safely, but that revelation which had not ceased, would bring him
into a state of peace and happiness. She reminded another of his early convictions, and
warned him to take heed to the secret impressions made upon his mind, or he would be
landed in ruin.  With a third, she was led
into close sympathy, believing, if he had followed the revealings of Truth, he would have
been a much brighter light than he then was.
When we bade this individual farewell, he
fully acknowledged the correctness of E. N.'s
views. 22d.-Visited several families, and attended the week-day meeting. Dined and had
25




290            MEMOIR OF
a religious opportunity with our aged Friend
Joseph Briggs and family, and in the afternoon made eight family visits.  Next day the
same number were visited. 24th.-Six families were called upon to-day. A solemn appeal was made to one individual to induce
him to apply more earnestly for heavenly oil,
lest his lamp should go out and he be left in
darkness. 25th —First-day. —Our dear Friend
was favored to declare the Truth with much
power. Made a number of visits, the labor
continuing arduous. 27th.-Eleven families
were visited, in each of which the gospel was
preached. Several of the opportunities we
had to-day were very interesting. Individual
states were feelingly spoken to. 28th.-Visited twelve families, in which there were much
labor and sweot counsel. 29th.-The presence
of the Good Spirit continued with us, and was
sensibly felt as we went from house to house.
30th.-This was a hard day, both spiritually
and temporally. Visited thirteen families.
31st.-Rained hard, so that we made but two
visits. Second month lst.-Were at Makefield meeting. It was a favored season. Made
also several visits.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        291
2d.-Attended Buckingham Monthly Meeting. The language of olden time in relation
to those who " killed the prophets and stoned
those who were sent to them," was used as an
illustration of the disposition to stifle divine
impressions and to "quench the spirit; " it
was a searching testimony. 3d.-Were at
Soleberry Monthly Meeting, a favored meeting. 4th.-Attended Wrightstown Monthly
Meeting, in which the gospel was freely
preached. In the afternoon visited several
families. 5th.-Makefield Monthly Meeting
was held at Newtown, at which we were
present. The truth reigned. Made a number
of family visits and closed our labors within
this district, 126 families and parts of families
having been visited. Many and deep were
the baptisms through which our beloved
friend passed in its accomplishment! There
were not only spiritual exercises to be endured,
but the weather was severely cold, the thermometer at some places standing at 22~ below
zero. But E. N. was a perfect example of
patience and endurance, never complaining of
hardships or privations, however great these
might be. She was ever mindful of the com



292            MEMOIR OF
fort of her companions, and entered into their
feelings to a remarkable extent. On one occasion a friend who was with her being much
fatigued with a hard day's journey through
rain and mud, concluded that he would not
enter into the spiritual exercise of the family
meeting, which was held that evening. At
the earliest opportunity, E. asked why he
withdrew his shoulder and was not at his post? 
This friend who travelled a great deal with
E. N., and was a true " helper" in the peculiar
labor frequently required of her, said, that he
never afterward dare shrink from the travail
of spirit so important on such occasions.
7th, First-day.-Were at Bristol, notice
having been given of our intention to attend
that meeting. It was a time of divine favor.
By a firm reliance on the everlasting Arm, our
friend was enabled to fulfil her mission and
return home with a peaceful mind.
Genessee Yearly Meeting.
In the Fourth month, 1857, a minute was
granted E. Newport to attend Genessee Yearly
Meeting and to visit friends and others within
its limits. John IH. Andrews was her com



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         293
panion  and  sympathising  burden-bearer
throughout this visit.  Lydia Longstreth
was also a fellow-laborer the greater part
of the journey. From  brief notes kept by
J. H. A. and L. L. the following account is
taken:
"' Sixth mo. 11th, 1857.-Left home to accompany E. Newport in her religious visit to
Genessee. We had the company of several
Friends who expected to attend the Yearly
Meeting. The road through the mountains
was truly picturesque. Two of the bridges
across the ravines were 130 feet high, and
there were four others varying in height from
40 to 100 feet.  While the grandeur of the
scenery filled us with awe and admiration, we
could but marvel at the wonderful capacity
of man that could plan and execute a route
so circuitous and difficult.  At Canandaigua
we were met by our kind friend Edward
Herendeen, who took us a distance of seven
miles to his house, where we received a cordial welcome from his estimable wife Harriet.
On Seventh day, the 14th, attended a
meeting of ministers and elders. It was a
time of deep feeling, several lively communi25*




294            MEMOIR OF
cations were offered; the one from M. Brown
gave proof of greenness in old age.
On First-day the house was filled, many
attending who were not members. Affectionate addresses were delivered, among them one
from  E. Newport, in which there was an
impressive warning against intemperance, and
encouragement given to an individual to do,
what he could to aid others in resisting the
intoxicating cup, which must sooner or later
involve its votaries in ruin. At the close of
the meeting, notice was given of one r'o be
held, at the request of E. Newport, at that
house in the afternoon.
On Second-day the Yearly Meeting convened.  There were present many elderly
persons, and also a large number of young
people, whose appearance was cheering, giving hope for the future. The exercises of the
day were in unison one with another. Much
was said on the importance of faithfulness to
manifested duty. Early in the meeting on
Third-day, E. N. expressed a concern to visit
men's meeting, which was united with. She
had words of consolation for the aged, who
had passed through deep trials, and who




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         295
would shortly be gathered to their eternal
rest. Her feelings then flowed toward those
who had wandered from the fold, and she
exhorted those who were strong to labor with
the weak, that all might be brought into the
true sheep-fold. She queried if there had not
been a disposition to cut off, rather than to
restore, and earnestly plead with Friends to
do what they could to bring back those who,
through discouragement, had left the Society.
The power and solemnity which attended her
appeal cannot be described. It was sensibly
felt by the meeting, and thought to be, by
many, peculiarly appropriate to their condition. Our dear, aged Friend, John Watson,
seems closely united to us in spirit.  On
Fourth day a public meeting for worship was
held. E. Newport was prevented from attending by indisposition. 16th.-The meeting
was large, and a feeling of love and harmony
prevailed. Margaret Brown was engaged in
a living testimony for all present, and then
offered a sweet and solemn prayer for those
who were sent forth with a gospel message for
the people. Under a precious covering the
meeting closed.




296            MEMOIR OF
Next morning we had a religious opportunity before parting with our friends, in
which individual states were addressed. There
was deep feeling in bidding farewell to those
of whose hospitality we had so freely taken.
E. Herendeen took us in his carriage to Canandaigua. From thence we went to Mendon.
The country in the neighborhood of Mendon
is beautifully picturesque. There is a hill
near Friends' meeting-house in the shape of a
hay-stack, from the top of which there is a
view forty miles in extent. Within the range
-are the highlands of Canandaigua Lake, and
also several villages that are many miles distant.
On Seventh-day quietly rested. On Firstday were at Mendon meeting, which was very
large and made up of different sects. E. was
much favored in testimony. Several Friends
called in the evening, and we had an inter-.esting religious opportunity. Next morning
made two visits to the sick and infirm, in both
of which words of comfort and salutary coun*sel were offered. In another visit, encouragement was given to attend to the openings of
Divine light upon the mind. 23d.-Procceded to Rochester.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         297
Letter from E. N.
ROCHESTER 6th mo. 23d, 1857.. When I first left my home I felt as
a pilgrim in a strange land in which I did not
expect to find a sympathizing spirit, but it
has proved far otherwise. There are those
who remember my being here fifteen years
ago with interest, and have manifested it. S,
Hoopes will tell you of our meeting and mingling together, which I believe was a mutual
pleasure, but she is allowed to return in peace
while I am bound here in spirit with the suffering seed, not knowing what will befall me,
save that " bonds and afflictions " await me
from city to city, and from place to place,
still, under the feeling that the " Holy Spirit
witnesseth," and the promise continues, "I
will go before thee," I have no reason to doubt
or to murmur; for truly I have often known
"hard things to be made easy and bitter
sweet."  We arrived at Winm. Cornell's on
Sixth day, where we were so kindly received
and our wants so promptly attended to, that
a home feeling was soon begotten. Wm.
brought us to the residence of P. Frost, where




298            MEMOIR OF
we expect to remain until to-morrow, when
we shall leave for Hamburgh to attend the
Quarterly Meeting.
I want much to see you all, but must seek
after a spirit that will bring resignation, even
duringtheselong and distantseparations. May
the blessing of Him who "tempers the wind
to the shorn lamb " be with you. May He
guard and protect you from all that would
wound the precious life, and may theie be
an increase of that love which qualifies to bear
each other's burdens, and sympathize with
each other's cares, and finally prepare for a
commingling in the blessed abodes of rest and
peace.
E. N.
Narrative Continued.
24th.-Left Rochester in the cars for Buffalo.  Passed through the " Indian Reservation," where E. N. had a meeting in 1842.
All the Indians are gone except a few families, who were still living upon the land they
had purchased back from the "Ogden Company." Howsad that these poor people should
have been so shamefully treated by the " pale
faces!"  Reached Buffalo at 10] o'clock, and




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          299
took the stage for Hamburg, distant 11 miles.
Here we were met by two kind friends with
invitations to their houses. We went with
John Webster, whose wife gave us a cordial
welcome. Next day attended their Monthly
Meeting.  Elizabeth spoke of the danger of
unfaithfulness, and how, by frequently resisting the convictions of duty, the reason might
become dethroned. We were told there was
a case present similar to that described by her.
Seventh-day hlad a religious opportunity with
the family with whom we dined, and attended an appointed meeting in the afternoon at
Boston; but the people E. wished particularly to see were not present, it being difficult to
get the laboring class together during the
week, so it is probable we shall have to return to this place.
On First-day morning made a family visit,
and rode seven miles to Collins to attend that
meeting. The house was filled with all classes
of people, who were very attentive. E. spoke
for more than an hour with gospel authority;
some present thought it a time that would be
long remembered. Dined at N. Sisson's, and
had a religious opportunity with the family.




800            MEMOIR OF
Then rode 20 miles, and lodged at J. Webster's. Received a letter from Margaret
Brown, in which she expresses a belief that
E.'s trust and confidence would continue to be
in the Holy One, looking to no other source
for help; and that she doubted not her mission was one that would gather the outcasts of
Israel and the dispersed of Judah, and would
also awaken the lukewarm and careless professor. She added, "With us the fields are
white unto harvest. Come soon andc tarry
long."
30th.-The Preparative Meeting for ministers and elders was held in the morning, and
in the afternoon the Select Quarterly Meeting; this was a favored time. The elders
were exhorted to be faithful in doing what
their hands found to do, with the belief, that
labor rightly performed would strengthen the
Society, and be instrumental in bringing forth
valiants as in the beginning. The Quarterly
Meeting next day was a good meeting, in
which E. N. had much service.
On Fifth-day the Youths' Meeting was held,
which was large. E. was led to speak on




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.              301
"4 Modern Spiritualism." The matter was close
and plain, and it was a memorable day.*
Sixth-day we rested.  On Seventh-day had
a meeting at Abbott's Corners, but it being
the time of the celebration of American Independence, the people were otherwise engaged, and the meeting was small but satisfactory.
First-day were again at Boston. The house
was much crowded, and E. spoke very interestingly for more than an hour. It was
thought to be a season of Divine favor. We
dined with a person not in membership with
*Another friend furnishes the following in relation to this circumstance: At the Quarterly Meeting on Fourth-day, E. N. alluded to " Modern Spiritualism " in a peculiar manner, so as to lead to the
impression that she was a believer in it, and then
abruptly stopped. It was the occasion of much uneasiness among Friends, and many inquiries were
made of her companion, J. H. A., what it meant.
He answered, "' I do not know what it means, but
be patient, I think it will come out all right." It
was a time of much excitement on the subject in
that vicinity, and E.'s remarks, with the uneasiness
it had occasioned, were freely discussed; so that
next day a large number who had embraced those
views were present, when E. took up the subject,
and commented clearly upon it to the satisfaction
of her friends, and to the disappointment of those
who had classed her with the Spiritualists.
26




302             MEMOIR OF
Friends. E. had a close testimony to leave
with him, and directed his attention to that
which had in early life pointed out the path
in which he should go. In the afternoon held
a satisfactory meeting in the house of the
Free Will Baptists, where E. had a meeting
fifteen years before. We were at the house of
a Friend who had a garden of beautiful
flowers, in which it appeared as if almost.
every kind was included.  This enclosure was
referred to as teaching a moral lesson of the
need of watchfulness and care, so that every
disposition and propensity of our nature
might be rightly trained and kept in order;
very close labor. Returned to J. W.'s arriving there at 11 o'clock P. M., having had two
meetings, made three family visits, and travelled 24 miles. Next day made several famiily visits.
7th mo. 7th. —Had religious opportunities
with two families this morning, and then went
to Spring Brook, and had an appointed meeting. It was small, the men being too busy
to attend; but I thought the women, like the
one at Jacob's well, might tell the men of
what they had heard.




'ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        303
8th.-Made a call upon a young man, not
a member. A remarkable time, in which the
high position to which he was called was
pointed out, and he was told that unless he
turned from his present course he could not
fulfil his mission. Hie and his mother manifested much kind feeling.'Had a meeting in
-a Universalists' meeting-house, which was tolerably well attended and was satisfactory.
Had a religious opportunity in a family,
wherein a Physician was spoken to, and his
state portrayed in a remarkable manner.
On Fifth-day were at the public meeting
for worship. Next day made a visit to a Baptist minister, and were kindly received. The
power of Truth reigned over all, and the testimony was accepted in the love in which it
was given. It was one of those visits that
cannot be described." Additional particulars
of this visit were furnished by our dear Friend,
the late Isabella Webster. She says: "E.
N. thought she was at liberty, and had expected to leave next morning, but she went
to the door, turned toward J. W., and asked if
there were not some Friends living in the direction toward which she pointed. He replied there




304            MEMOIR OF
were three families in that direction, nine or
ten miles distant. She remarked,'I must see
them;' and added,'there is something beside
for me to do, but I cannot yet see what it is.'
After visiting the families alluded to, she
asked the Friend at whose house they were,
to name over the ministers of a small village
near by. He did so, and when he repeated
the name of the Baptist minister she said,'I
must see him.' He willingly granted an interview, in which E. told him he had been
under an exercise of mind in relation to taking pay for preaching, and that he had felt
that he ought to lay the matter before his congregation, but he was hesitating about it. She
bore a close testimony in other particulars,
which he acknowledged to the Friend who
accompanied them was true, and asked him
why he had told E. about him. The Friend
said he had not done so, that he was not aware
of his scruples. On her return she remarked
to J. W.,'I found what I had to do, and am
now ready to proceed.'"
Letter to M. E. T.
HAMBURG, 7th mo. 13th, 1857.
My Dear M.-We have not been detained
by the outward elements, but the spirit has




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         305
been so bound from day to day that there was
no liberty to go forward.  It is nearly
three weeks since we came to the house of a
dear friend, with whom we are now staying,
who was one of the first settlers in this country. We expect to leave to-day after dinner.
Thy letter was received, and I was glad to
hear from  you.  I hope thou art better.
Exert all the care thou canst, first over the
mind, as that is the operator. Be slow to act,
and when thou dost move, act wisely; be
slow to speak and swift to hear the voice of
wisdom, then thou wilt increase in understanding and knowledge. The monitor within
will most assuredly point out safe stepping
stones, and, as thou art careful to observe
these, thy progress will be sure, and thou wilt
be established upon a firm foundation. Then
the bodily and mental powers will become
strengthened, and thy last days will be thy
best days —yea, even the noon of thy life shall
become vigorous if, my precious child, thou
wilt only hearken to, and obey the voice of
wisdom. This will lead to an attention to
that which will exalt the affections, and prepare thee also to take up the cross, even in
26*




306            MEMOIR OF
very little things. I have seen this clearly.
Since I last wrote, I have passed through
much conflict of feeling in view of going
farther. You have all passed befor3 the view
of my mind, and I have been enabled to petition our Father in Heaven on your behalf,
with fervency of spirit.
E. N.
Narrative Continued.
Made several interesting visits, and in
the evening, called upon a person whose
health was fast declining. E. had an impressive testimony to leave with him.
11th.-Attended a very large meeting at
Hamburg, notice having been given. The
Gospel flowed freely. The states of many
were ministered unto, and at the close of the
meeting, which was 2~ hours long, the feeling
was that the work in this place was finished.
Many persons came to say farewell, and to
express a desire for our preservation. In the
afternoon a number called at J. W.'s, which
occasioned E. to have three religious opportunities, in which the states of individuals
were pointed out to the admiration of those
present. Next day took leave of our kind




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          307
friends, whose house had been our home for
nearly three weeks. In the quiet which preceded our departure, E. gave individual
counsel and encouragement. J. W. acconpanied us to Buffalo, and next morning we
took the Lake Shore railroad for Toledo, distant 292 miles, where we arrived at 8 o'clock,
P. M.
7th mo. 14th. —Proceeded by " rail" to
Adrian, where we procured a, coach and rode
21 miles to Jonathan Harned's. Fifth-day
afternoon had a meeting in a school-house,
nine miles distant, and afterward  had  a
favored opportunity in a Friend's family.
On Sixth-day visited several families. In the
afternoon we were out in a violent storm; the
lightning was almost incessant, and it appeared
as if the wind would overturn the carriage.
On Seventh-day we remained quietly with
our friends, feeling the need of rest. Firstday morning attended Friends' meeting.
The labor was hard, but E. was favored.
Friends are few in number.  One family, who
came four miles in an ox-cart, are among the
most diligent in attending meetings.  On
Second-day J. Harned accompanied us to




308            MEMOIR OF
Toledo. The wife of the Friend with whom
we dined, when she learned that our wish was
to have a meeting that evening, drove around
and invited all the members and professors to
meet at their house at 8 o'clock. It was a
small, but a very satisfactory meeting. Some
Orthodox Friends were present. All were
encouraged to a faithful discharge of individual duty. We find wherever we go that
Friends take a deep interest in our concern.
On Fourth-day attended the Preparative
Meeting of Adrian, and made two visits.
One to a Methodist family, who were in great
affliction from the loss of a son, aged 19, who
was drowned a few days before. He was the
oldest of six sons, and had been, his mother
said, a dutiful child all his life. We were
much pleased with the children, whose conduct bore evidence of the growth of the good
seed which had been sown by their parents,
who expressed gratitude for the visit. 23d.Were met at Battle Creek by Jonathan Hart.
The desolating effects of discord are sadly
apparent in this country. It is a great trial
to E.'s sensitive nature, but she is remarkably upheld. May the labor not be in vain.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         309
Attended meeting on First-day, to which
many, not members, came.   28th.-This
afternoon the select preparative meeting was
held, which was small. The monthly -meeting was larger, but one end of the house
accommodated all. This visit appears like a
feast to the dear Friends, who have given us
their company at J. Hart's.  In the evening
held a meeting for the people generally, and
the house was nearly full.  Made several
social visits.
8th mo. 2d.-First-day  attended  Battle
Creek Meeting, and had a meeting also in the
Methodist meeting-house.  Called  at two
places, where the visits were acceptable. We
were in this neighborhood ten days, and attended six meetings, beside visiting many families.
3d.-Accompanied by J. Hart, left for Jackson, distant 45 miles, which we reached in a
little more than an hour. We proceeded to
the Stat'e Prison at once, arrangements
having been made by which we could see the
prisoners at their dinner hour. We found
about 360 seated in the dining hall. When
they had finished their meal, the warden told
them to sit still, and a gentleman would




310           1MEMOIR OF
address them. The Inspectors fiom different
parts of the State were there, many of whom
knew  nothing about Friends.  When  E.
commenced speaking, all the officers, both
male and female, crowded into the aisles
until they were filled.  As she appealed in
pathetic language to those who had seen the
error of their ways, many hearts were softened and the tears flowed freely, and when
she advised them to look over the past, and
see how they had fulfilled their duties as husbands, fathers and sons, some of them sobbed
aloud. She next addressed a more hardened
class; the message was solemn and impressive.
The doctrine was simple and practical, and
easy to be understood. The quiet was perfect,
and the spectators looked on with amazement.
There was one young man whom we had seen
on our way to Battle Creek, when the sheriff
was takiing him  to the prison. His was a
life-long sentence for burglary, with an attempt at murder. E. addressed him particularly, and he wept aloud —it was deeply
touching! After the meeting we were taken
outside the door to see the prisoners pass out.
They marched in single file, each with his




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           311
hand placed on the shoulder of the one irn
front of him, there being about twenty under
the charge of one keeper; thus they went to.
their different workshops.  We then visited
the female department, and had a satisfactory
time with the women, twelve in number, who.
were sewing under the care of a matron, who
was the wife of the chaplain.  As we passed
through the prison we saw  several doors.
closed. Upon inquiry found their occupants
were sentenced for life to solitary confinement,
and were allo\ved to see no one. Their crime
was murder in the first degree.  E. said if it
could be allowed, she would like very much
to have a door, to which she pointed, opened.
The overseer replied, he was a very desperate
fellow, and he had no liberty to do so. The
superintendent- was then applied to, who said
it was against the rule —but, like others, having
been wrought upon by E,'s discourse, he
added, "I will take  the responsibility."
There were two doors, the outside of wood,
and the inside of grated iron. The prisoner
came forward to the grated door, and listened
attentively to E.'s address. The scene was
affecting beyond description.  He was a colb




312             MEMOIR OF
ored man, who had killed another in revenge.
We were told that if we would remain till
evening, all should be collected in the chapel,
but E. felt her mind relieved, and we left for
Detroit, where we arrived at 6 o'clock.
Third-day crossed over to Canada, where
J. Hart, who had accompanied us 120 miles,
left us. Rode in the cars to Woodstock, a
distance of 120 miles, and there procured a
carriage to take us to Otterville, but E. being
very sick, we were obliged to return to W.
for the night. The next day E. N. being
better, we again started, and arrived at Pickering that evening.
8th-month 7th.-Engaged in the service
of family visiting.  Our friends encourage us
to fulfill faithfully our prosprect.
9th, First-day.-Had a large meeting in
Friends' meeting house in the morning, and
afterward made a very satisfactory visit. In
the afternoon attended an appointed meeting
in the village of Pickering, which was composed mostly of other-religious professors; it
was large and satisfactory.
On Second-day visited two families, and
then proceeded by the Grand Trunk Railroad




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         313
to Bellville, where we went on board of a
steamboat.  Here we spent the night, and
upon arriving at North Port, hired a conveyance to Jacob Cronk's. Attended the Fourthday meeting at Green Point, where many
women were assembled, but the men being
engaged in hlarvesting, 1ew only were willing
to leave their work. Visited a number of
families, and had a large and interesting meeting at West Lake, and one at Picton in the
afternl)on.
17th. —Our friend, T. N. Stinson, took us
in his carriage to Brighton. It was rainy
and cold. Arrived at N. Brown's at 10~
o'clock, P. M. They had retired for the
night, but soon had a good fire to warm us.Went to Yarmouth, and attended the Halfyear meeting. The youth's meeting was very
large, and was a memorable occasion.
On 6th day were at Malehide, where we
had a laborious meeting, the people having
been prejudiced against Friends.. Next day
dined at Freeman Clark's, and from  there
went to J. H. Cornell's.
On First-day were at Norwich, and had a
satisfactory meeting. In the afternoon had
2?




o 14            MEMOIRi OF
one appointed in the Town Hall at Otterville,
which was large and interesting. The audience was attentive, and was composed of different societies, among whom  were several
ministers.  E. was powerful in testimony.
L. Longstreth having received intelligence of
the indisposition of her husband, left for her
home on Second-day.  Upon arriving there,
she found, greatly to the relief of her mind,
that Elizabeth, wife of Charles Kirlk, was
willing to accompany E. N. through the remainder of the journey.  F. Clark and wife
were with our friends in their visits to the
families of Norwich Monthly Meeting.
On Fourth-day, after religious opportunities in the families of Samuel and J. H. Cornell, the-y left for Rochester, and on Sixth day
attended that Monthly Meeting.  As they
were going into meeting, they met E. Kirk,
to their inexpressible satisfaction.  E. N.
opened in the Monthly Meeting her concern
to visit the families composing it, but believed
it would be right to attend to some service
within the precincts of Farmington before entering upon that duty. In accordance therewith, on First-day they attended Farmington



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         315
Meeting, and also visited several families in
that neighborhood.
On Second-day went to Palmyra. Had a
satisfactory opportunity with the family of
Pliny Sexton, and proceeded to Williamson,
where they had an appointed meeting. Made
a number of visits, attended South Farmington Meeting, and returned to Rochester.
On Sixth-day commenced visiting the families of Wheatland, which they accomplished,
and attended that Meeting on First-day.
Second-day-Engaged in family visits to
the members of Mendon.
On Fifth-day were at that Meeting, and
finished their labors in this district on Sixthday. The day following, entered into the
service of visiting families in the vicinity of
Rochester Meeting.  Seventy-four families
were called on, and three meetings were attended.
On Sixth-day they went to Buffalo, and
had an appointed meeting in the Unitarian
Meeting House, which was large and satisfactory. The doctrine preached was plain and
simple. Lodged at A. Griffins, and next day
returned to Canada.




316            MEMOIR OF
On First-day were at Pelham, where E.
had remarkable service. They were aided in
their journey by kind friends, and reached
Lobo on the 21st of 9th mo. Next morning,
engaged in fanlily visiting, which occupied
about three days, and the labor was accomplished to mutual satisfaction.
26th.-They started for Yonge Street to
attend "Canada Half-Year Meeting." Were
at the meeting of ministers and elders on
Seventh-day.
On First-day, the meeting for worship was
very large. Second-day the meeting for husiness was held, and on Third-day, the Youth's
Meeting-both of which were interesting opportunities.
Fourth-day.-Had a meeting at White
Church, and one at Uxbridge on Fifth-day.
In the afternoon returned to N. B.own's.Next evening held a meeting in the Town
Hall at Whitby. N. and M. Brown accompanied our friends to Toronto, where they
had a meeting in the afternoon in a Baptist
Meeting House and one in the evening in a
Methodist Meeting House, which were large
and interesting. Throughout their journey




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           317
in Canada they were most kindly cared for
by Friends.
A letter fromn J. 11. A. to his wife containing aparti.
cular account of their meeting at Pelham and some other
places.
YONGE ST., CANADA WEST, 9th mo. 26th, 1857.
It was a deeply interesting meeting
at Pelham.  E. expressed a view that the day
is approaching when the principles professed
by our Society will outweigh all opposition in
Canada, and that there were instruments being raised, who, although but striplings now,
will be enabled, if faithful, to break down the
bulwarks which priesteraft was attempting to
erect. I never heard her more prophetic nor
more powerful; individual states were opened
with much clearness, and many acknowledged
the truth of her testimony.  All are very
kind and anxious to do what they can to assist
us, and desire to be visited in their families.
The way is marvellously opened in the hearts
of the people.
On Second-day we started for Lobo, and,
after a ride of 146 miles, arrived at John
Marsh's, whose heart and house were open to
receive us. In three days we visited all the
27*




318            MEMOIR OF
families, nineteen in number, and, on Fourth~
day, attended the meeting at Lobo. It was a
remarkably  favored season.  The Gospel
stream flowed freely. The whites and blacks
all sat together. In visiting families, the
young men came in and sat with us in their
working clothes, without delay, which pleased
us, and E. frequently addressed their individual states and conditions. J. M. said if she
had known them all their lives, she could not
have spoken more truly. The comrnunications were so unlike, there was no difficulty
in placing them.
We visited two colored families who were
fugitive slaves; they own 100 acres of land,
and good houses and barns, and had money
at interest. First-day attended meeting. N.
and M. Brown are here, and gave us a
warm greeting. This morning we had a large
meeting, the house was crowded with people,
and many could not get inside. E.'s discourse
was searching and forcible. This afternoon
we have a meeting appointed at New Market,
two miles distant. I asked a friend (a miinister) if he would not go and help Elizabeth.
He replied "No, she needs no human help,




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          319
and does her work well." Second-day, yesterday afternoon, we attended a meeting in
what is called the "Christian Church;" it
was large, the aisles, windows and doors were
all full. E. delivered a powerful discourse.
After meeting, a young woman came to her
and said: "Thou wast here to-day to give
some of us consolation." The opportunity
was indeed crowned with blessings..   e
On the 6th of 10th month, our friends left
Toronto for Lockport, where they arrived at 3
o'clock P. M. They visited three families
that afternoon, and four families the next
day, which comprised all the Friends of that
place. In the afternoon, they went to Rochester, still accompanied by N. and M.
Brown. They attended the Quarterly Meeting
held at Mendon, which was a time of favor;
some friends felt that it was a crowning season. This closed their religious labors in that
part of the vineyard, and, in the afternoon,
J. J. Cornell took them to Rochester.  Next
morning, Tenth mo. 10th, after an opportunity with P. F. and family, in which there
was much deep feeling, they turned their faces
homeward with thankful hearts, in that they




320 1IMEMOIR OF
had been mercifully favored to travel nearly
4000 miles without incurring an accident.
Their gratitude was increased in being permitted to know a re-union with the loved ones
at home, whom they found in usual health.
Letter to Phebe Frost from E. N.
PHILADELPHIA, 11th mo. 12th, 1857.
My beloved friend:-It was far from my expectation, when we took our departure from
your comfortable and hospitable abode, that
so long a time should elapse ere I wrote to you.
Although, apparently, I can offer no sufficient reason, yet there is a cause why I have
been disqualified for almost all social and relative intercourse much of the time, since my
return.
The obligation again to enter the field of service, after having been so long separated from
home and its endearments, has so weighed
upon my spirit, and has been attended with
so much suffering, (greatly increased, I know,
for want of submission) that until a few days
past, I have not been able to acquiesce sufficiently to see the time of departure. Nevertheless I have thought much of you and your




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         321
kindness. The word kindness conveys but
half of that which is in my heart, and lives
there in lively remembrance.
We expect now to leave home on next
Sixth-day for Scipio. I gratefully remember
W. C.'s reply, that he would do what he could
to aid us, when I asked him, if we must go to
Scipio, if he would lend a helping hand. My
ignorance of what our movements will be is
such that it would not be worth while to
write to him. When opportunity offers, please
remember me affectionately to him and his
wife, with the assurance of a continued interest.
With the expression of endeared affection
for thee, thy sister, and nephew, and many
other dear friends,
Thy attached and grateful
E. NEWPORT.
For the accomplishment of this unperformed service, our friends again left home
on the 27th of the Eleventh month. Arrived
at John Searing's at 4 o'clock next day, 29th.
First-day, attended meeting at Scipio, in
which E. N. was silent. In the afternoon,
several friends called to see them. They had




322            MEMOIR OF
expected to commence at once to visit families, but E. having taken a heavy cold was
confined to the bed for two days, and on
Fifth-day was not able to attend meeting, but
in the afternoon visited three families. On
Sixth-day rode a number of miles and made
two visits. On Seventh-day E. was again
unable to go out. First day attended meeting, where she had some vocal service. Next
day visited three families, and had a parting
opportunity with J. Searing and family.
Third day morning, at 6 o'clock, started for
Auburn to meet the 10 o'clock train, buton the
way the carriage broke down, and they were
obliged to hire a lumber wagon. This detention occasioned them to miss the cars, and
they were under the necessity of remaining
at A. till next morning, when they left for
Albany. By taking the night boat from Albany to N. Y., they reached home the day
following.
To J. -h. A. from E. Newport.
PHILADELPHIA, 12th mo. 17th, 1857.
My dearlfriend:-It has been upon my mind
for some days to communicate to thee some



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           323
thing of the state of my feelings since our return from our late toilsome journey, although
I have been so much indisposed as not yet to
have been out of the house. My mind continues to feel not only a release from  the
weight under which it rested from the time
of our return in the Tenth month, until we
entered again the field of service, but the
covering is one of peace in which there is no
alloy, which I esteem a great favor.  The
capacity to enjoy home, with its duties and
responsibilities, was never more fully appreciated than since my return. Thou doubtless
hast also thy reward.  I am sensible the effort on thy part called for great self-denial in
various ways.  Energy  and  perseverance
marked thy course, as well as discrimination
and judgment! In the enjoyment of the rest
and peace into which, I trust, we both have
entered, may we not prove ungrateful recipients of the blessings around us; especially
thou, my friend, to whom a longer release from
such duties may be granted, and who art surrounded with innumerable mercies! Mayst
thou be steadfast, having thy feet shod with a
preparation of the gospel, so that thou may
not be tempted to cast away thy shield...




324            MEMOIR OF
Farewell in that fellowship of feeling that
admits of no dissimulation.
E. NEWPORT.
Several accounts have been received respecting our dear friend E. Newport's services
during this visit, all confirming the facts that
in many instances she was remarkably led,
and that subsequently many of her prophecies
were fulfilled. Among those which have been
enumerated, was the case of a young man
towards whom  E. was especially drawn in
close sympathy with his spiritual exercises.
In a family meeting, she told him she foresaw
that, if he were faithful, he would be obliged
to tread a peculiar path, and one in which his
faith would be closely tried. He would have
openly to declare truths that had been unfolded to his spiritual vision, which the people were not yet prepared to receive; and
said there were individuals present who would
have to sustain him in so doing. She then
made known to those assembled what these
views were, thus strengthening the faith of the
young man in her as a prophet. In an opportunity with a young married couple, E.'s
exercises flowed toward the husband, while the




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.            325
wife was hungering for words of encouragement from one so highly gifted as she felt E.
to be; but she had so little for her that it
had the effect to depress her spirits, and
to make her feel that she was unworthy
and of very little account. Of this she said
nothing, except to her husband.  In a few
days afterwards these friends met E. in another famnily, the members of' which she separately addressed.  After a short pause, she
said, " Is there anything yet lacking?" and
then, in almost the same language that the
young woman had used in expressing her disappointment to her husband, E. described her
feelings, and gave her such counsel and encouragement as met the witness in her own
mind and satisfied her.
To J  f. A.A frorn E. 1.
PHILADELPHrA, Ninth mo. 8th, 1858.
"Esteemed Friend-The enclosed letter was
received this morning.  The Friend appearsto feel himself rltlnch aggrieved, lncl I am entirely at a loss where to place hirm, as thou
knowest, in many instances, I never heard the
names of individuals whom we visited, and in
28




326            MEMOIR OF
others took no note of them, so that they
passed from my recollection. This I have often found was the case, more especially when
having been faithful to that which impressed
my mind, I have felt the answer of peace.
Although that which was delivered may have
been close and very trying to express, yet in
proportion as the mind was clothed with the
spirit of submission and a consciousness of my
own insufficiency, the sense of suffering with
those to whom I have been drawn in the love
of the Gospel, has occasioned a willingness to
submit the cause to them, and to the swift
witness within them, and never upon any occasion that I can recollect asserting that to a
certatnty things were thus and so. At this
moment I seem afresh introduced into the
humiliating and suffering baptisms through
which my poor mind has passed on such occasions, and could I have believed there was
any other means of acceptance with my
Heavenly Father, but that of going from
house to house, how gladly would I have
availed myself of it. I have plead many excuses again and again, such as unfitness,
incapacity, and my own short-comings; but




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          327
the result of so doino has been a sorrowful
sense of the withdrawal of Divine protection,
and a feeling of deep poverty. Although I
have no message to send to this Friend, I
would like him to know that my mind never
rested more quietly and sweetly than after
that service, and I have not for a moment
felt that I had any commission to retract, or
take back what w as expressed."
A Friend, in relation to some of the religious opportunities at which he was present,
writes that they were seasons never to be forgotten by those who participated in them.
The representations relative to the conditions
of those addressed, and the power with which
E.'s language was clothed, tended to the conviction that she had a correct view of what
she foretold, much of which has since been
verified. He says, at one time, a Friend (a
minister) about to leave the room, came to E.
to bid her farewell; she queried, "Art thou
in a hurry?"  "No," he replied; she then
asked him to sit down awhile. The company
soon gathered into silence, when she spoke
to this Friend in a remarkable manner; she




328             MEIIOIR OF
had close service also for others.  HIer testitimony for N. and M. Brown was encouraging. At a meeting for worship, she addressed
a state with so much clearness, and in so powerful a manner, that many present could not
fail to recognize it as applicable to a person
present, who had openly espoused atheism,
but to whomr  E. N. was an entire stranger.
When about to leave the neighborhood,
she felt she must see this individual in his
own house.  The opportunity, thoughl  a close
one, was peculiarly touching.  Some things
she then said to himn have been verified, and
there has been a marked change in him in regard to seversal particulars.
The young man to whom reference has been
made, again met E. 1N. in the year 1859, and
had an instructive and  deeply interesting
interview  with her.  On that occasion she
laid aside her usual reticence, and narrated
many events whic hbad occurred in lher experience, remarking that it was Aery unusual
for her, but she felt a perfect freedom to do so.
Among them  was the  following incident:
At the first meeting of ministers and elders
she attended, after she was acknowledged a




ELIZABETHI NEWPORT.          329
minister, she was very closely led in describing the condition of an individual present, and
her testimony was so peculiar and so pointed,
that many thought her mnistaken. Among
these was an aged mother in the church, who
made a reimark to the effect, that she "did
not know about this kind of prophesying."
As E. highly esteemed her, it was a deep
trial, and she soon felt that she must go to see
her. This was greatly in the cross, but after
a time finding her peace consisted in yielding
to the impression, she started, but on arriving
at the house her courage failed, and she
paced up and down before the door several
times, feeling that she could not enter, nor
could she go home. She finally rang the bell,
and the Friend herself came to the door.
Upon seeing E. she innmediately said, " Come
in my dear, be not afraid, the Master has
been here before thee." A close union existed
between these two Friends ever after. The
Eider accompanied E. upon several missions of
love, and proved herself " a mother " indeed.
The same individual attended a meeting in
1863, where E. N. was present, in which he
felt required to address closely a particular
28*




330            MEMOIR OF
state, and was followed by her with a confirmatory testimony, while at the same time she
handed forth such encouraging counsel, that
he was made to rejoice even in the deep baptisms through which he had to pass. He accompanied her to her home, and after a pleasant
social evening she remarked, that long before
she knew that he had entered into a certain
religious service, she had seen him engaged in
such a work, led by the Divine Master as a
little child just learning to walk; she had
prayed for his preservation, and wanted him
to continue in child-like humility and dependence, which would preserve him in every day
of trial. He saw her again in 1868, when her
health was very feeble, and on parting with
her, he was deeply moved by the thought
that it would be a final one. She said, " Farewell; I feel we shall meet once more in mutability." This surprised him, as he had no
expectation of being in Philadelphia. very
soon. In the following year, however, he
was at'West Chester, Pa., where she was
spending a few weeks with her children. She
was unable to attend the meeting in which
the Friend had much to communicate, but




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         331
told him she had travelled with him in his
exercises on that occasion, and also said that
she had a view of trials in store for him, the
nature of which she depicted; but she felt assured that he would witness preservation, if
his dependence was upon God alone. The
Friend says her predictions have been remarkably verified.
Such was the prejudice existing in some
minds in relation to E. N.'s peculiar gift, that
at one time when she attended a monthly
meeting with a minute to visit the families
belonging to it, an Elder remarked to a
Friend before meeting, that he hoped that he
would not be one of the committee appointed
to accompany E. Newport. He was, however,
named fbr that service. He concluded he
would go with her that afternoon and then
leave the charge to others. Being disposed
to test E.'s powers of spiritual perception, he
proposed they should visit a member, who had
not been to meeting for twenty years, and of
whom he felt assured she had no knowledge
whatever. After sitting a few minutes, E.
addressed the Friend, bringing into view
many incidents of personal experience, and




332            MEMOIR OF
among others, the reason why there had been
a discontinuance of attending meetings, and
also mentioned the length of time this discouragement had existed, all of which the
committee-man knew to be true. The person
visited, in much tenderness of spirit, acknowledged the truthfulness of what had been said,
and the Friend needed no greater evidence
than he had received, of the right authority
of E. N.'s concern, and continued with her
throughout most of the visit, encouraging her
in the faithful performance of her arduous
duties.
They were passing the house one day of a
person who had declined receiving a visit,
when, without anything having been previously said, E. remarked to the Friend accompanying theim, " Thou needst not stop at
this place, for here lives the Friend who will
not receive me "
At one time, being on a social visit to a
relative, her mind was drawn toward a family in the neighborhood, where the husband
was sick with consumption. She saw only
the wife, and told her that she was impressed
with the feeling, that before her husband was




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          333
taken from her, she would have to bear another heavy affliction. The family, except
the husband, was at that time in good health,
but very soon a son, a young man, was taken
ill, went into a rapid decline, and died before
his father.
On a certain occasion, when in company
with a Friend, a stranger to her, who at that
time was numbered among the gifted ministers in our Society, E. N. was about to leave
the room, when, turning arosund suddenly,
she fat down without speaking.  After a
silence of about five minutes, she thus addressed this individual:  "I feel impressed,
my brother, to say to thee,'Mind the Light.
Trials of a conflicting  nature await thee.
There are secret enemies at work to injure
thy moral character, and to ruin thy reputation as a minister of the gospel-they are subtle and insidious. There is an under-current
of) jealousy, and thy footsteps are watched for
the purpose of finding some mistake on thy
part.  Temptations surround thee on every
side!  rhat can preserve thee from these
powerful enemies?  Nothing, but keeping thy
eye fixed upon the Light within. Not de



334             MEMOIR OF
pending upon externals, but alone upon the
saving power of Christ within thy own breast.
Oh! my brother, I tremble at the sight presented to my mental vision! If thou art not
watchful unto prayer, thou canst not resist
the torrent of persecution that will assail thee.
If thou yields to impulse or allows a spirit of
uncharitableness or prejudice to take possession of thy mind, even for at titme, thou wilt
lose ground, and go faltering (,on thy way.
Thy gift in the ministry will dwindle, and
thou wilt be robbelt of thy usefulness.  But, if
thou cultivates the spirit of love and forbearance, day by day, and hour by hour, thou
wilt be able to stern the current, and come
forth purified and prepared ibr a great work,
not only in our Society, but among others,
for God has gifted thee.  Remember thou
must suffer the Spirit of Christ to take entire
possession, as it will, if thy sole reliance is
upon this inward Power.'Him  that overcometh, will I make a pillar in the temple of
my God, and he shall go no more out.'" She
then spoke to his wife, and told her that she
too had a mission to fulfil, which was to aid
her husband in standing firm  when reproach




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         335
and censure were heaped upon him, and to
encourage him to be patient and kind, so that
he could realize that condition which would
enable him  to say, "Father, forgive them,,'they know not what they do." But if she
were not faithful, she would become a stumbling block in his way and in that of others.
She again turned to the husband, and in a
most impressive manner said, " I repeat, eye
the Light, my brother; nothing else can preserve thee in the hour of deep trial that awaits
thee." Subsequent events have proved that
E. N. had given to her a correct view of the future in relation tothese individuals.
In the summer of 1857 she visited a family
wholly unknown to her, even by name. She
addressed appropriately each member of it
except the wife. After a period of perfect
stillness, she then turned to her, and in a remarkable manner recurred to the period when,
a few years subsequently, this friend had been
in a state of extreme physical prostration for
the space of forty hours, during which there
was no power to move a muscle or utter a
word, and yet the spirit was active. She entered with much feeling into the different ex



336             MEMOIR OF
periences through which she then passed, and
told her it was designed, she believed, to prepare her for the Lord's work. That she had
suffered deeply from the fact of not having
been comprehended, but encouraged her to
be faithful to the whisperings of the Divine
voice, and bade her be of good cheer, that although deep trials awaited her, if she were
obedient to what was required, she would
in time be enabled to overcome them all. HIer
prophecy has been wonderfully verified, and
although many years have passed, the visit is
fresh in -the minds of the family, and they
hold in tender and grateful remembrance the
stranger, who so fully and sympathetically
entered into their several states.
From another source the following has been
received:" Having travelled in company a few weeks
with our dear Friend Elizabeth Newport, I
feel to relate some particulars relative to the
peculiar manner in which she was led during
some of the family visits.  On one occasion we had dined at a friend's house, and
were about to leave, some of the company
were already in the carriage, when a message




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           337
was sent out, requesting them  again to come
into the house. E. was led to speak to individual states in a powerful and searching
manner, by which all hearts present were
melted.  What was uttered were truths to
the writer's personal knowledge. At another
time, after the morning meal was concluded,
and we were about rising firom the table, she
addressed all the members of the family, entering into their states in a pointed and peculiar way. In my own filkmily she was equally
favored, especially in her communication to.
~me.  She was enabled to declare fny very
thoughts, which had never been previously
uttered.  In a third ilsta:nce, we were going
from one neighborhood to another, over a road
to which E. was a stranger, and came to one
that turned off the main road which we were
travelling.  She suddenly st;opped the driver
and said,'please turn into this road.' When
we ca'me to a house she requested him to inquire'if the family were willing to receive a
visit.' The request was granted.  After sit
ting some time in solemn silence, E fe t that
somle one was absent, and inquired of the,
father. He answered,'My son.' She said,.
29




338            MEMOIR OF'I feel my mission is to him, and we will return when he gets home.' The time was
named, and we went again. E. was led to
point out, in a powerful manner, the sad,
downward course the young man was pursuing. She alluded to his past and present life,
and to the fearful results if he did not repent
and turn from his evil course. She cited him
to that Divine power, which could alone enable him to return to'the Father's house.'
After the interview, his father acknowledged
the truth of the plain testimony, and the Divine source whence it came.
I could narrate many more incidents quite
as interesting and instructive as the foregoing
if time permitted."                 I.
The following circumstance was relate i by a
friend who was accompanying E. Newport to
an adjacent Meeting.  On their way they
stopped at a hotel to refresh their horses.
They found a company gathered for the purpose of attending the funeral of the son of the
landlord, who had died from intemperance.
Persons and circumstances were alike unknown to E., but the latter were unfolded to
her spiritual vision, and she was impressed to




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          339
warn the father of what might befall him,
which she did with great solemnity. She told
him, it he did not retrace his steps, he would
soon follow his son by a premature death.
The friend said, her manner was impressive,
and her discourse was powerful.
Another person states, "In going to a neighboring Quarterly Meeting, I rode alone, except my driver. I felt depressed, and lonely,
and as if there was no one that could enter
into my state, no one to sympathize with me.
I stopped at a friends' house to dine, but there
was no enjoyment for me in social mingling,
and soon after dinner I ordered my horse, feeling, that when I withdrew from externals, I
could indulge in thought and feeling. Just.
as I was about to leave, my host said,'S.,
thou hadst better not go. Elizabeth Newport
will soon be here, and she is a wonderful woman, and can read one through and through.'
I replied,'No.  I do not want to be within
her reach. I have heard of her remarkable
gift.' As I made this remark, a carriage
drove up, and E. N. and company entered
the house. I stood with my bonnet on, ready
to get into my carriage. E. shook hands with




340            MEMOIR OF
the friends, who were all strangers to her, and
then with me, and at the same time looked
earnestly at me. All sat down and, as with
one accord became quiet. In a few moments E.
turned toward me and addressed me very close
ly. She told mejust how I felt —thatlI wanted to
get away and be alone, that I might indulge my
morbid feelings. She described the surges of
my inner life. Said that a gift in the iministry had been intrusted to me; that I had a
peculiar path to travel, and that many would
not fully understand nor appreciate me; but
my peace and growth depended upon the exercise of this gift. She spoke of the good I
might yet do, and what a ministering spirit I
might privately become to many who needed
the aid of my spirit! She exhorted me to
cultivate all my powers, and the sense of loneliness would leave me.  She described my
character, and impressed upon me the necessity of perfect obedience to every opening of
Truth to my mind, without copying others.
I departed with a heart full of gratitude,
that my heavenly Father had commissioned
His faithful servant to speak the word of
cheer, and freely to enter into my state,




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         341
and my faith was renewed in divine inspiration."
In the latter part of the year 1858, with
the concurrence of her Monthly Meeting, E.
N. engaged in a visit to some Friends and
others within its limits. The concern was
principally confined to those who were not active or prominent members, and her labor of
love was acknowledged to have been acceptable and edifying.
At a Monthly Meeting held in the Eleventh
month, 1859, E. Newport and Ann Weaver
informed Friends of a concern which had
weightly impressed their minds, in relation to
a meeting for worship being held on First-day
mornings, in the northwestern part of the
city, for the accommodation of such members of our Society as are remotely situated
from other meetings.
The proposition was favorably entertained,
and the Friends were encouraged to attend to
their feelings in regard to it.
Information was received at the next Monthly Meeting, that several satisfactory meetings
for public worship had been held, and a committee was appointed to meet with these
29*




342             MEMOIR OF
Friends and to consider the propriety of establishing an Indulged Meeting. Thus originated the meeting which is now held at the
corner of Seventeenth St. and Girard Avenue.
The following letter was written by E. N.
while on  a visit to Westchester, to  the
Friends of the Indulged Meeting, after her
health had become too feeble for her to mingle regularly with them in their meetings for
Divine worship.
WTTEST CIESTER, 2nd nmo. 1st, 1869.
Dear Friends of the Indulged Meeting. —
Under a renewal of the cementing influence,
which I have believed to be a measure and manifestation of the Father's love, my feelings
have been drawn towards some of you with
whom I have been wont to mingle in social
interchange of feeling, and also when gathered
with one accord for divine worship at the
long established place, as well as at the "'little meeting."  I have no doubt the few continue to meet, though it may be, at seasons,
under discouragement. Dear friends, my desire
is that you may "hold fast to the profession of
your faith without wavering."  My attach



ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          343
ment to the meeting of which I have been for
so many years a member, rather increases than
diminishes.  Although I sometimes compare
myself to an empty vessel set aside as of little use, there are seasons, when under the distilling influence of that which attracts and
cements, as in the bond of true fellowship,
my spirit is clothed with an ardent desire for
the gro wth and preservation of those dear
friends, who under a feeling of leanness and
incapacity are too much disposed to excuse
themselves, even when the mind has been
awakened to a sense of responsibility connected with a clear manifestation of what is required of them. Here is a cause of suffering
not only for the individual, but for the body.
Many have been the changes that have taken
place by the removal of those whose spirits
seem yet to breathe a sweetness which excites
a desire, that, so fiar as they followed Christ, we
may pursue the same course! Then there is
another class that my spirit has saluted; such
as feel the weight and concern for the promotion of the good of the Society. Oh! that
these dear Friends may be willing to endure
the fire, and be steadfast under suffering, with




344           MEMOIR OF
an eye single to the Light, and with no desire
for reputation! That they may be willing to
withstand every opposing element! Then will
they shine forth with brightness, and their
example reflect a light, not only upon the pathway of those immediately within the precincts
of our Society, but they will be as a beacon
to the wayfarer, whom my spirit has saluted
on his journey to and fro, with his hands, as
it were, upon his loins and the inquiry upon
his lips, " who shall show me, or lead me, into
the path where my spirit may be refreshed
and strengthened?"
With near love, I am your true friend,
ELIZABETH NEWPORTo
At the Monthly Meeting, held in Fifth
month, 1861, E. N. obtained a minute to attend New York Yearly Meeting. Our friend
Winm. Dorsey, who accompanied her, in writing to M. E. T. in reference to this visit, says:
" I remember it well, sufficiently so to give
the impression left upon my mind. Thy dear
mother, Ann W. Longstreth and I attended
New York Yearly Meeting, and I well remember how close it was necessary for me to




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         345
keep with her. This was a peculiar trait of
her character, that those who accompanied
her must be in near sympathy and close spiritual travail with her when she was under
particular religious exercise. One evening
she gave me permission to take tea with a
friend, provided I] would meet her at a certain place at an appointed hour. I was punctual, but found her anxiously awaiting my
arrival, under great exercise of mind. A
large company was present, which soon became silent,
She then commenced speaking, and addressed an entire stranger to her with a most
emphatic warning, and, at the same time, in
encouraging and consoling language, showing the errors of the past, the penitence and
reform of the present, and the importance
that he should, by watchfulness unto prayer,
retain his integrity for the future. I afterwards learned that there was a young man
present, whose condition had been faithfully
portrayed by this eminent instrument, under
the leadings of her Heavenly Guide. After
Yearly Meeting, we visited J. Arnold, a man
possessing a noble and gentle nature. We




346            MEMOIR OF
attended his meeting on First-day morning,
riding six miles over an extremely hilly road.
We sympathized with Friends in the difficulty
they had to encounter in holding their meetings during the stormy weather of the winter
season.
"The meeting was very interesting, and left
a feeling of peaceful rest. The next day J.
A took us forty miles into the interior. We
reached our destination, and held a meeting
in the village. At first I feared we should
have a small attendance, but the people
flocked in, and we had a large and solemn
meeting.  The next morning we went to
the meeting of our dear aged Friend Katy
HIazzard-a log house in the woods. This
was also a favored opportunity, but the
crowning scene was at the house of a Friend
in the afternoon, when we had a family meeting. We wished to reach the steamboat landing, forty miles distant, and time was precious,
but when thy mother mentioned to me her
concern, I felt at once that all other considerations must yield to that. A sweet solemnity ensued. The love of God abounded. After
addressing the family with much feeling, she




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         347
turned to our friend K. H. with words of
sweet encouragement and consolation, which
caine fresh like the oil and the wine. This
dear faithiful servant of the Lord burst into
tears and wept like a child, but they were
tears of joy, not sorrow. She was bidden
to go on with her work, and although her
Master had placed, as it were, the grubbing
hoe and the axe in her hand, He would show
her how to use them without fear, and she
would receive her reward. After this she
turned to J. A., and in a beautiful and touching manner, he was given the penny he had
so richly earned. Oh! it was a pleasure to
wait and serve with her, she shared so liberally with those around her the good things
which were placed at her command, whether
these consisted in the firm, but gentle counsels of reproof, or the sweet consolations and
encouragement to continue in well- doing.
Taking an affectionate leave of our kind
friends, we started, with light and happy
hearts, and reached the river just in time for
the evening boat to New York... "All who came within the sphere
of thy dear mother's influence felt its power




348             MEMOIR OF
for good. Her gift of spiritual sight into the
conditions of other minds appeared to be exercised only in obedience to Divine command,
and I believe that the feet of many, through
her faithful admonitions, have been turned
to tread the narrow way that leads unto eternal life. Hulmility was one of the most, if not
the most marked trait of her character."...
Affectionately thy friend,
WILLIAM  DORSEY.
Fishing Creek Haclf- Year Meeting.
E. N., feeling her mind drawn to attend the
Half-Year Meeting of Fishing Creek, and to
appoint some meetings within its limits, a
minute was granted her for that purpose at
the Monthly Meeting held Sixth month 20th,
1861. Mary M. Evans and Charles Kirk
were her companions in this Gospel labor.
By the latter the following particulars respecting it have been furnished  -
They attended  the Monthly Meeting of
Fishing Creek, and in the afternoon of the
same dclay the Meeting for Ministers and
Elders. Next day the Half-Year Meeting
was held, in which E. addressed an individual




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          349
who she believed had decided to join the
army.*  It was a clear and forcible testimony.
C. K. was informed subsequently, by a " pious
methodist woman," that before her son went
to that meeting he had decided to enlist, but
after hearing E. N.'s powerful discourse lie
concluded not to go to the war, which "6 rejoiced her heart."
Dined at J. R.'s, and had an interesting
opportunity with the family, which was comforting and consoling to the invalid wife, who
had been confined to her bed a number of
years. Also had a meeting with the family
where they lodged, in which there was close
service. Attended the "Youths'. Meeting,"
in which E. was favored in testimony.
In the evening had an appointed meeting
at Bloomsburg; the silent solemnity which
prevailed over the assembly was remarkable.
It was held in a Methodist meeting-house, and
one of the members remarked to C. K., that
"it would be impossible for them to get up
such a meeting."  Rode six miles, and lodged
at R. Wilson's. In a religious opportunity
*Dnring the late war.
30




350            MEMOIR OF
with the family next morning, much appropriate counsel was given.
Visited two families in the northern part of
the county, who reside seven miles from the
meeting. One of the Friends said she often
walked there and back. Had an appointed
meeting in a place not far distant, at which
were gathered a large number of rough looking people; but upon this, as on similar occasions, the presence of the Good Spirit was
felt, and our dear Friend was admirably sustained in the performance of her duty.
On First day afternoon an appointed meeting was held in Friends' meeting-house. There
are but a few members residing here. They
are 16 miles distant from any meeting of
Friends. At Catawissa there was formerly
a large meeting, but at that time there were
but one or two members of our Society living
in the town. They had a meeting in Friends'
meeting-house.  C. K. remarks that "the
grave-yard was filled, but the meeting-house
was empty!"  Two families composed the
meeting at Roaring Creek. An appointed
meeting was also held in that place. Here
they parted with R. W. and wife, who had




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         351
been with them for several days, and E. John
took them to Shamokin.
On the 27th attended the week-day meeting, but the "busy season" having commenced, it was small. Dined with P. and R.
John.  The few families which constitute
this Monthly Meeting are widely separated,
and are subjected to many inconveniences in
attending their meetings. In the afternoon
rode six miles to the town of Shamokin, and
held a meeting in the Mlethodist meeting| house at the request of some of the members
of that society, who had expected to have a
meeting of their own at the same hour, but
gave our Friends the preference. It was a
highly favored season, in which the gospel
was preached with life and power, and a petition was offered that those present might be so
imbued with the Good Spirit, that they would
be enabled safely to journey through life, and
at its close be permitted an entrance into the
realms of light and of eternal peace.
From Shamokin E. N. and company proceeded to Maiden Creek, where they were met
by T. Lightfoot.
On First-day morning were at that meeting,




352             MEMOIR OF
and in the afternoon had a satisfactory meeting at Reading.
Next morning they called upon H. Tyson,
who was at that time the Superintendent of
Berks County Prison.
E. N. had a desire to have a religious opportunity with the prisoners, for which the
way was opened. In the afternoon made
several visits to the families of Friends, and
returned to Dr. Tyson's.  Elizabeth's mind
not being relieved, she expressed a wish to
see four or five prisoners in their cells. Permission was freely granted, but the query was,
how should these be designated?  She told
the overseer that if he would go with her
through the corridor, she felt that she could
point out those to whom her mnid was drawn.
This was done, and resulted satisfaictorily.
Having fulfilled their gospel mission, they
reached  Philadelphia  that evening, with
"' peaceful minds."
In the Ninth mo., 1861, Green St. Monthly
Meeting granted E. N. a minute, for the purpose of visiting Bucks Quarterly fMeeting, to
appoint some meetings within its limits, and
to visit families, as way might open.  In




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          353
the performance of this service, she was led
into close feeling with individual states, and
in some instances, the people were astonished
as their secret thoughts and conditions were
brought into view, and could but acknowledge
that these had been revealed to our friend
through a divine source, as they were known
to none save themselves.  Several months
after date, E. returned her minute and informed her friends of the peaceful result.
To attend Baltimore Yearly Meeting, to appoint a few meetings, and to visit some of the
prisons in that city, E. Newport was furnished
with a minute by the Monthly Meeting, held
Tenth mo. 23rd, 1862. Mary M. Evans also
obtained a minute as her companion. But
few particulars of this journey are at command. The visits to the prisons were memorable occasions, our friend being introduced
into near feeling with some who were incarcerated for grave offenses. Her sensitive
nature rendered her keenly alive to suffering
humanity in its varied forms. During the
conflict which has left sulch a deep stain upon
the historical page of our country, she was
brought into sympathy for all engaged in
30*




354            MEMOIR OF
it, but especially for the young men, who, under the excitement of the hour, entered what
they termed the field of " honor and patriotism," but which, in numerous instances,
ended in a premature death, or led into evils
which are even more to be deplored than the
sacrifice of a comparatively innocent life.
With Abraham Lincoln as chief magistrate
of the nation, she deeply sympathized. With
her mental vision she saw him  pacing his
chamber at night, absorbed with the momentous questions, which were shaking the Union
to its centre, and threatening its dissolution.
She recognized his earnest prayer for right direction, and actuated by the Christian principle, which caused her to regard in no ordinary
degree the welfare of her fellow beings, she
addressed to him the following letter:
PHILADELPHIA, 3rd mo. 1st, 1861.
Abraham  Lincoln-Esteemed  Friend:Many there are in the Society of Friends, with
whom I am in membership, whose hearts beat
in unison with desires for the preservation of
our brother, whose nomination and election to
the Presidency of the United States has been




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          355
hailed with an intensity of interest never before
equalled. In explanation of the liberty of
thus making a claim upon thy time at such
a momentous crisis, when the important
subjects now before thee necessarily demand
the concentration of all the faculties and
powers of the mind, I would advert to thy
farewell address, in anticipation of thy departure from a hoine endeared by many tender
associations, and to the earnest and ardent
desire for Divine assistance in the prosecution
of the responsible and arduous duties upon
which thou wast about to enter. This is the
Principle that the Society of Friends profess
as their guide and teacher, which thou hast
thus invoked and trusted in, as the only hope
of success-the only armor for which thou
hast sought and prayed!
Permit me to say that I believe it is an emanation of Gospel love that constrains me to
encourage thee, my brother, " to hold fast the
profession of thy faith," that no man rob thee
of thy crown. Then thou wilt witness, not
only the sustaining influence of thy heavenly
Father to be around thee, supporting and
preserving thee from the power of thy ene



356             MEMOIR OF
mies, but by the descendings of a spirit comparable to that which inspired Daniel, there
will be evinced a soundness and discrimination of judgment in the course of thy administration, that will, I believe, cause it to be
marked by equity and uprightness.  And
when thou retires from the field of labor,
there will be poured upon thee, not only the
rich reward of sweet peace, but the blessings
of a nation, who will cherish the memory of
one, who, in emergencies, exercised sound
judgment and steadfast principle, blended
with acts of mercy and charity, so as to claim
the love and respect of the people in a preeminent degree! Oh! then, my brother, gird
up the loins of -thy mind for the arduous duties that are before thee, for this is a crisis in
our history. Be strong in faith, and doubt
not that thy Father will enable thee, in His
mercy and His love, to bear whatever He
places upon thee.
Thy friend,
ELIZABETH NEWPORT.
Letter to a Young Friend.
PHILADELPHIA, First mo. 10th, 1862.
My Dear Friend-... I feel it to be one




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           357
of the blessed privileges of a union and fellowship of spirit, that in the absence of all exter.
nal evidence  or personal intercourse, an
interchange of feeling may be witnessed and
reciprocated, even " as life answering to life."
This thou knowest, and also that it is not
confined to age nor circumscribed by outward
circumstances.  My mind during my late
visit, often reverted to thee in connection with
others of thy age; some of whom having
begun in the spirit, have suffered themselves
to be turned aside with discouragement, because of the retrograde steps of some who
had witnessed the cleansing operations of the
fire of the Word, but have returned to the
beggarly elements, or to an external reliance;
while others, have suffered the mind to become engrossed with political strifes, and have
experienced an alienation from  their "first
love."  It has seemed to me, that if there is
not a reaction in some instances, some of our
meetings must grow weaker and weaker; and
yet on occasions when the feeling of leanness
has been so great that I have been almost
ready to faint under the evidence of the withering effects thereof; there has been a sudden




358            MEMOIR OF
revulsion, and the language of encouragement
has gone forth in such a manner as sometimes to cause the query whether it was not a
vagary of my own imagination that has thus
influenced me. I have not, however, often
been left long without the consolation, that
although there was much that was calculated
to discourage, yet the day-star of hope betokens a brighter and better state of things,
and while the work of reformation may be
retarded by superstition  and  bigotry, the
Lord has arisen in His power, and will continue to work in the minds of His children,
until there is a separation between the chaff
and the wheat, and all that is contrary to His
will shall be consumed.
Although it is not likely that I shall live to
see that day, yet there are those born who
will; and in proportion as thou, my dear
brother, keepest close to thy Guide, thou wilt
be furnished with that wisdom which is from
above, that will enable thee to stand firm and
steadfast amid all the tossings and shakings,
which will be known ere that day is brought
forth,-a day of greater light and intelligence than has ever yet been witnessed by




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         359
the children of men, wherein the swords
shall be beaten into ploughshares, and nation shall no more lift up sword against
nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
The work is on the wheel, and, though for a
time we may as a society be driven as into
the wilderness, we shall again come forth.
Oh, stand firm! Let no man take from thee
that which thou hast obtained by close
watching, self-denial, and reduction of spirit.
Keep the word of tHis patience-remember
where much is given, much is required; and
as thy safety consists in humility and childlike dependence, wear this as a robe; let it
be the covering of thy spirit; and should the
furnace increase in heat, never heed-in proportion to its intensity, will be thy faith in
the power that alone can sustain, and bear
up, " above all, over all, and through all."
I want thee to know I am often sensible of
poverty and a sense of nothingness, when
there seems to be no life in me, so that I am
thy fellow-pilgrim in travail of spirit, and
thy affectionate friend and sister in the Truth.
E. NEWPORT.




360            MERMOIR OF
Extractsfrom E. N.'s Note Booc.
Ninth mo. 24th, 1861. What a striking
analogy between an unsoiled sheet and an unspotted life! May the remainder of my days
yield the evidence of purity stamped upon
the pages of this little book. " Thou hast a
few names even in Sardis, which have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with
me in white; for they are worthy."-Rev. 3c.
4v. By an increase of watchfulness may I
know every thought and feeling brought under the reign and government of the Prince
of Peace, so that I may be found worthy to
be clothed with the raiment of the 6" pure in
heart."
Twelfth mo. 14th. Many and varied have
been the exercises of my mind since penning the
above. During my late visit to Bucks Quarter, what cause had I for thankfulness! Surely He who promised to go before and open
the wa;y, has been graciously pleased to prosper the embassy! And what now shall I render unto Him but the residue of my days!
Oh Thou who knowest the desire for an increase of that which alone can,insure an acceptance with Thee, be pleased to keep the




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        361
eye uplifted, that through all a watch may be
maintained!  And, oh Father! not only
create in me a " clean heart " and " renew a
right spirit," but give me strength to bear,
and fortitude to suffer all that Thou seest meet
for me to endure! Let not thine hand spare
nor thine eye pity, until judgement is brought
forth unto victory, and my measure of suffering is filled."
Fourth mo. 6th, 1862. "Great and marvellous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty,
just and true are all Thy ways, Thou KIing of
Saints." Amid depression and poverty I can
adopt this language. I read and hear much
of many worthies who have passed from this
state of being, calculated to interest and
stimulate the weary traveller; but up to this
date all that I have penned has been of a
desultory character; though perhaps no one
has had more cause to subscribe to the truth
of the text above quoted, than poor unworthy
I. When I take a retrospective view, many,
many are the evidences that come before me
of the infinitude of His wisdom, the marvellousness of His love and mercy, His omnipotence and the justness of His dispensations,
a1




362            MEMOIR OF
adapted as they are to the wants and conditions of His children! Truly, who that has
come to bow before them but can say with
the poet, "For all I thank Thee, most for
the severe!"
My health and strength have so given out
that sometimes when there are stirrings within, there appears to be no energy to move the
pencil.
Seventh mo. 28th. I have been reading
Clarkson of late, a work which has always
interested me.  I was especially impressed
with a quotation from Barclay, "A man's conscience is the seat and throne of God, who is
the proper and ineffable Judge, and who, by
His power and spirit, can rectify its mistakes."
Would that we as a Society were more cone
cerned to remove the beam  out of the individual eye, rather than seek occasion against
a brother or sister, by which the spirit of discord is introduced and a feeling of distrust
engendered, which is inimical to that which
the blessed pattern inculcated as the life and
spirit of vital religion.
8th mo. 12th. —This has been comparatively a day of rest. There has been a sense of




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         363
quietude which leads me to commemorate and
ascribe thanksgiving to Him who has graciously shown me not only the necessity of endeavoring to cast off some of the weights that
have sorely pressed, but to trust all, surrender all unto Him whose "promises are yea
and Amen forever."
12th mo. 30th.-A long interval, with many
vicissitudes of experience, have passed since
my last record in this little folio. I hope there
has been some little attainment.  Attended
Baltimore Yearly Meeting, which was a season of favor. Also paid a visit to a dear
relative, whom I found much reduced in
strength, but very tender and loving in spirit.
Not feeling it required of me to leave him to
attend meeting on First-day, we had an opportunity in his chamber, wherein our spirits
were nearly united, and ability given to speak
of that which flowed in freshness and sweetness from the quickening spirit, the Divine
word, a sense of which remained as a sweet
savor till I took my departure.
I have, of late, taken a retrospect of the
past, when it was my lot to be found, as I apprehended, in the fulfilment of a Divine re



364             MEMOIR OF
quisition in the exercise of a gift entrusted to
me; and I have regretted the inability I often
labored under through the weight of mental
exercise and the depression of the physical
powers, to preserve an account of some very
interesting interviews and opportunities with
slaveholders and others, as well as the singular manner in which I was led from house to
house in different sections of the country.
Also, how the mind was preserved for the
greater part, under the most humiliating baptisms I ever experienced, in trust and dependence upon Him, whose promises were,
verified, that He would "prepare the way
and open the hearts of the people." After
reaching a habitation, it was no unusual circumstance to retire for the night, without the
least sense of the object of our going into that
particular neighborhood, farther than a belief that the obligation was to visit some of
the families of slaveholders; but who or where
to be found, or where to begin, I knew not.
Oh I how often upon such occasions, after laving my head upon my pillow, have I, under
a suffering sense of the singular course in
which we were led, desired to receive some




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         365
intimation of the direction for the next morning. But the language of impression was as
clear as if audibly spoken, " All thou hast to
do is to repose in safety, and trust that Power
which has hitherto sustained and furnished
thee with light and strength sufficient for the
day and its requirements. Thou hast need
of a renewal of physical strength; then repose thy trust in Me."  Often, upon awaking
from an unbroken slumber of many hours, the
way or course to be pursued would be so clear
as to leave no doubt as to the labor of the day.
But language fails to express the humiliating
baptisms experienced upon entering the houses
of those entirely unacquainted with our principles; and this peculiar manner of going
among them even many of our friends did not
understand; yet there never was an instance in which we were not almost immediately sensible, upon sitting down in silence, of
a solemnity, under which utterance was generally made easy and fear removed, so that
the Truth was delivered, always, however, with
a guarded care to do it in a way that would
least shock the prejudices of education.
Some of these opportunities were signally
31'




366             MEMOIR OF
crowned with an evidence of tenderness and
brokenness of spirit on the part of those immediately addressed, while sometimes the wife
would sit, with eyes riveted upon my face, expressive of extreme dissatisfaction.
-. —h! for a closer walk and a more
perfect devotedness of spirit to the principle of
light and life, as revealed even to one so short
sighted and disposed to yield to doubts and
fears. Certainly no one has mole need than
I, to seek, and that continually, for a qualification to draw near and to dwell by the wellspring of Life, so that I may be endued with
faith and hope, and sustained amid the vicissitudes and trials, many of which, though
deeply proving, are known only to Him who
sees in secret.  My spirit has been refreshed
by letters from my dear children, all breathing the spirit of affectionate interest and concern for their mother. Sweet, indeed, is the
voice of sympathy from those who are a part
of our being, whom in infancy we have cradled in our arms and pillowed upon our
bosoms, but who have now grown to the stature of men and women, and have assumed for
themselves those responsibilities which cannot




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         36'7
be fulfilled in the will of the creature. The
longer I live the more sensible I am of our
need of Divine aid, and the interest and sympathy felt for the young mother is inexpressible. I feel with her in her varied duties and
perplexities, surrounded as she is by those of
quick and lively sensibilities, and who are
very impressible, either for good or evil.
What need for watchfulness, that the maternal mind may be brought under right discipline, which shall have an influence in
moulding the characters of the little ones,
and imbuing them with a love for truth and
candor and with a cheerful and happy spirit;
and, at the same time, induce habits of industry and economy, and lead them Home to
the principle of life and of -love within them,
inculcating early the doctrine of dependence
of the creature upon the Creator. That we
are so constituted that in order to enjoy happiness we must impart it to others-that although it is necessary for us to seek daily and
hourly for help fiom our Father in heaven,
yet this we can do while engaged in our duties
connected with this life; and He who knows
us more perfectly than we know ourselves,




368             MEMOIR OF
will accept the secret desire of the heart, and
will bless the earnest appeal to be kept chaste
and pure and preserved from the follies of
the world, even though there be no sound of
utterance.
There is sometimes a diffidence on the part
of the mother, arising, it may be, from a sense
of her own imperfections. She may have
yielded to the spirit of impatience, and been
brought thereby into suffering and feel her
disqualification for the task of imparting the
earnest desires of her heart for the good of her
child.
This is a condition of mind painful to endure, but it will work out a renewal of strength
and a qualification to enter into sympathy
with the child, without which all labor is ineffectual; for this is the touch-stone, and
when their little hearts are made sensible of
this, it has a tendering influence, and an effeet to "prepare the way of the Lord," and
to "make His paths straight."
I was sweetly impressed, in our little meeting to-day, with the lines of the poet:
"The only amaranthine flower on earth is virtueThe only lasting treasure-Truth."




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         369
Many Friends were out of town and the meeting was small, but there were some interesting children and young persons there, and it
proved to be one of those seasons of refreshment to which the figure of the five barley
loaves and few small fishes would apply. The
opening was limited and the ability also, but
there seemed to be a diffusion that might be
compared to the dew of heaven. May it rest
long enough on the branches to produce a
growth.
Third month, 1863. -- "7Where no law
is, there is no transgression."  How just
how merciful are these conditions! Did we
only live in accordance with the light manifested, need we know anything of the law of
sin and death by  sorrowful experience?
Verily I believe not; therefore, if we transgress
the law of life, the responsibility rests solely
upon ourselves. How important that parents
and guardians should impress the minds of
children with the simple and efficient doctrine of obedience as taught by the great Lawgiver; and also the grievous effects of disobedience. Greatly have I sorrowed at times, in
view of the pains and labor bestowed to ini



370            MEMOIR OF
tiate the young and tender mind into doctrines,
rituals and ceremonies that, if depended on,
will ever lead into formality and a lifeless
trust in they know not what.
Sixth mo. 3d.-A  variety of unforeseen
events have transpired since the above date.
Our Yearly Meeting has occurred, which was
large and interesting, each session furnishing
the evidence to my mind that the great Head
of the Church was in our midst. An increase
of interest was manifested on the part of the
young, and the spirit of condescension prevailed notwithstanding for a little season,
conflicting sentiments apppeared to produce a
disposition opposed to the peaceable and
benign spirit which can alone prepare the
mind to offer a sacrifice comparable to the
beloved Isaac of our hearts. Never was my
mind so clearly impressed with the virtue of
such a sacrifice, although it may cost great
suffering. Yet if "the unity of the spirit in
the bond of peace " cannot be preserved without it, I believe it is called for even on the
part of those who are baptised with the true
seed, and are able to discern that which is
lifeless, though it be clothed with the form of




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         371
godliness. My faith has been strengthened in
the view, that as a tender father pitieth his
children, so doth much more abundantly our
heavenly Father manifest His love and tenderness toward those whose reliance is wholly
placed upon Him.
Sixth mo. 18th —Uncle E. Hilles departed
this life in his 80th year. His close was
peaceful, though his sufferings had been extreme. His life had been one of usefulness,
and I doubt not that admission was granted
into that city the inhabitants of which "are
no more sick."
Sixth mo. 26th, 1863.-A season not soon
to be forgotten. Great alarm has prevailed
in consequence of the cruel war and the near
approach of the enemy. My mind was clothed
with sorrow, but was preserved in quietness
and trust, and the promise was soothingly remembered-" I will keep that man in perfect
peace whose mind is staid on me, because he
trusteth in me."
Third mo. 4th, 1864.-Many months have
elapsed since my pen has traced a line within
this little folio, and they have been marked
by a variety of circumstances. I have felt




372            MEMOIR OF
there was cause for thankfulness that in every
hour of months of severe indisposition, the
mind had been mostly preserved in patience
and resignation, though at times the future
was obscured and I was left more fully to
feel my dependence as the light which had
shown upon my path was withdrawn. I am
often admonished to live but one day at a
time. "The life which I now live is by the faith
of the Son of God," said one who had passed
" through heights and through depths, through
good report and through evil report," and
had obtained "by grace through faith," an
establishment upon a sure foundation. Oh,
this establishment! this immutable foundation! this ever-present faith under every
pressure that all things may work together
for the more perfect redemption from all that
pertains *to self! I feel, of late especially,
that it is a duty for those who profess to believe in the guidance of an ever-present loving
Father, to preserve a cheerful aspect amid
petty annoyances as well as greater trials;
and if it be required of them to put on a garment of sackcloth, let them wear it underneath in quiet submission.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         373
Eighth mo. 13th.-Have just returned from
Atlantic City, where all was bustle and confusion. No enjoyment for me except that
found in retirement, either upon the beach or
in my own apartment.
-.This has been a day of great exertion for
a tabernacle so frail as mine has become. Attended a funeral near Horsham of a young
man whose transit was sudden, but who, I believe, found admission within the "pearl gates."
Ninth mo. 1st, 1866.-Although two years
have passed since I have made a record upon
these pages, and the interim has been marked
with debility and infirmities, still I feel there
is so much cause for thankfulness in the review, that language fails in its expression.
Third mo. 9th, 1867. —"Be ye perfect as
your Father in heaven is perfect." What is
perfection but a state of entire obedience to
the unfoldings of light upon the understanding? This is the state to which we are called,
and while it involves great self-sacrifices, yet
in proportion to the subjugation of our own
wills, will the path be made clear and strength
furnished to pursue it in cheerful reliance
upon One without whose notice not a sparrow
falls to the ground.     32




374           MEMOIR OF
Third mo. 1Sth.-How much we not only
suffer but lose for want of an abiding faith
and trust in that Power which, if submitted
to, would overrule for good the destinies of
men! Oh, for a constant abiding upon the
watch, that naught but the pure gold may be
found within my borders!
Third mo. 20th.-" Be careful for nothing;
but in every-thing by prayer and supplication
with thanksgiving, let your request be made
known unto God."  Phil. iv. 6.
Fourth mo. 5th. —Oh! the goodness, mercy,
love and condescension of a tender Parent,
who permits no more to come upon HIis dependent children than He strengthens them to
bear! Though tossed to and fro for a season,
apparently with no Pilot at the helm, yet as
there is an endeavor to be still and turn the
eye toward the heavenly port, there will be a
glimmer or a ray to revive and inspirit the
poor drooping mind, which now thoroughly
understands its helplessness.
Eighth mo. 15.-The family gone to meeting. I took the Testament, but could not
read; closed the book and sat in stillness.
The Scriptures themselves impart no life, no




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         375
light, no strength, and it is only as the mind is
impressed with the teachings of the spirit
that they can be read to edification. "'The
letter killeth." How true this testimony?v
When will the children of men come to understand it? When will the professor of Christ
learn where to look for the teachings of the
Holy Spirit? These are not imprinted upon
parchment, for however excellent and pure
the truths may be that are thus inscribed, according to the teachings of the blessed Jesus,.
we must come from the letter to the spirit, if
we would receive the true unction. "Search
the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have
eternal life; and they are they which testify
of me, and ye will not come to me, that ye
might have life." John v, 39.
Eighth mo. 18th. —' Day unto day uttereth
speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge;" so the return of external darkness after
a lovely day, beautifully described by the
poet as " the varied God," is no more certain
than a state of abstinence and want after as
season of fullness, in which the spiritual life
has renewed its energies, and the soul has.
been enabled to rise triumphantly, and lift




-376           MEMOIR OF
its voice in adoration to Him who has given
the victory.
Then when for a time the light may become obscured, and the tongue which had
been loosened in praise "6 may cleave to the
roof of the mouth," how important that we
seek quietness and endeavor to commune with
our own hearts and be still, so that we may
not be found off our guard by the reasoner,
and thus this state be prolonged through our
own inadvertency.
Eighth mo. 24th.-Why make an effort to
-express a word in this state of emptiness?
There is a struggle for stillness, perfect stillness from all anxiety, from all thought of the
future. The invitation has been extended
to cast all care upon Him whose tender mercies are over all His works.
Extracts from E. N.'s Letters.
- -   -'"Let not thy dependence be
placed upon any written creed or faith, or
outward observance, as that which is known
of the Father is manifested within, by Christ —
the Word of life and power.  The blessed,Jesus testified, " for this end was I born, and




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         377
for this end came I into the world, to bear witness to the truth."  Not that He was born
that His Father should put it into the heartsof " wicked men" to crucify Him, so that by
the shedding of His blood, redemption should
be purchased for the sins of the whole world;
but in bearing His testimony to the truth,
He laid down His life rather than resist or
act contrary to the non-resisting principle,.
"If a man smite thee on the one cheek turn
the other also." As His disciples are faithful
in bearing their testimony to the truth, and
prove their allegiance by taking up the daily
cross, they will follow Him so closely that,
by the renunciation of their will, they will
come into the experience of the death of thecross. And as they continue steadfastly to.
carry out the doctrine of self-denial, which
the Son and sent of the Father, so clearlydefined throughout His mission, they will not
only know an ascending and a descending
upon the ladder which Jacob saw in his
dream reached to heaven, which to my mind
represents the ascending of the prayers of thepure in heart, and the descending of the
heavenly virtues, love, joy, and peace, but
32*




378            MEMOIR OF
-they will also be brought to witness that described by the apostle, as having immediately
succeeded the crucifixion of Jesus-" the veil
of the temple was rent in twain from the top
to the bottom, and the earth did quake, and
the rocks were rent, and the graves opened,
and many bodies of the saints which slept
arose and came out of the graves after their
resurrection, and went into the holy city and
appeared unto many."  Thus it will ever be,
as the will is surrendered and a crucifixion of
all that stands in opposition to the Divine
will, is known.  That which obscured the
vision, the veil of superstition, of prejudice,
of creeds and systems of faith, which have
their origi-n in the wisdom of man, is rent in
twain, and we are enabled to discern the simplicity of the teachings of the Holy Spirit, so
that the earthly nature shall be shaken, and
the rocks rent. Those benign dispositions of
mercy, love, and charity, that were asleep as
in the grave, will arise and come forth with
beauty, so that they shall be seen and recognized by those who dwell in the holy city,
which can be entered only by such as are crucified unto the world and the world unto
them."




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          379
Art thou not sensible, my dear
child, of a continual flow of sympathy for
thee? Do not be discouraged. I believe this
school of suffering will be useful in proportion to an acquiescence on thy part, in childlike simplicity to thy allotment. Thy heavenly Father loves thee and knows with what
thou hast been gifted. These gifts need the
refiner's fire, and the process may cost thee
much suffering; but bear up, better clays are
in store for thee.
As thou submits to the deep baptism,
which may be needful, thou wilt find thy talents, like gold, separated from impurities, and
from all that would mar its beauty, ready for
the service of the Divine Master. As thou progresses, thou may find need for further refinement: for renewed baptisms, and having sub_mitted thy will, thou wilt be strengthened to
come forth with increased power to perform
the labor of thy day. Shape thy model, my dear,
after the pattern shown thee in the mount. Thus
will simplicity become thy clothing, and thou
wilt have a standard of thy own, and will not
need a borrowed light. As this is adhered to
thy most conspicuous adorning will be that of
a meek and quiet spirit."




380             MEMOIR OF
It seems to me a great attainment
to set a guard upon the lips, even in social ins
tercourse. The longer I live the more value
I see and feel in silence, that kind of silence
which cannot be attained other than by some
mortification of self. It is as needful for thee,
as thy daily food, as in that state only art.
thou furnished with that discrimination that,
can enable thee to divide thy words aright,
even in social intercourse. I have sometimes
found solace in the feeling that silence was
more expressive, and at times is more eloquent.
than words. I feel that this is an important,
era with thee. " I am the true vine, and My
Father is the husbandman. Every branch in
Me that beareth not fruit He taketh away;
and every branch that beareth fruit He
purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit."
John, xv. 1. 2. Here we see that even the
fruit-bearing branches need the operation of
that comparable to the knife.
Thy benevolence is large, thy sympathy,
thy candor, thy humility, are all heavenly
principles; yet they need the direction of the
Spirit of truth, which will lead thee to discriminate, so that thou mayst diffuse the




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        381
most healthful influences wherever thou art
found.
This pruning or purifying operation cannot
be effected without suffering, and if, my dear,
thou allows this dispensation to pass without a
regenerating influence upon thy mind, I fear
the design of a wise and gracious Father will
be frustrated. In humble submission to the
heavenly Teacher, thy weary soul can find
peace. Seek not human aid, but look to God
alone for a release, and HIe will come in His
own time, and by His power will set the captive soul free. Watch only through this dark
and painful hour, and the bright morning will
yet dawn upon thee.
I have been much impressed with
the language of Jesus, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another." As love and reverence are due to the
good and gracious Being who formed us, and
whom we desire to know more intimately
when done with time, how is it that any of us,
old or young, are acting at variance with the
knowledge we have received of the Divine
law, and of the commandment of loving one
another, even as we love ourselves!




382            MEMOIR OF
I believe it to be consistent with the doctrine taught by Jesus, that in all who resolutely refuse to listen to the voice of the internal Monitor, the light will become obscured,,
and in this state the soul will be separated
from harmony, love and peace.".
-1865.
To S. Andrews and Family.
I am sensible that there are oc-E
casions when, to the surcharged heart, words
are powerless; even the tones of sympathy
meet with no response, although they issue
from kindred and congenial feelings.
This is a state of suffering known to those
bereft of a beloved one, who has been as as
prop and staff, and around whom the purest
affections have clustered and entwined their
tendrils from earliest recollections. Still, I
feel an Omnipotent Arm has been underneath
to bear up and sustain. Trust it-rely upon
it! Truly can I say, I mourn with you in
your bereavement of a loved parent, husband
and counsellor.
Perhaps no one beyond his immediate
family had a more full opportunity of an aco




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         383
quaintance with him than myself. Under all
circumstances I ever found him true to his
trust. As an Elder, he was quick and discerning, and frank in the expression of his
feelings. As a companion and fellow-laborer,
"{in season and out of season," there was a
fitness and adaptation that, I think, few pos-:sess. Never, in one instance, have I known
him to shrink from service, however humiliating the requisition may have been. He
maintained his post in singleness of purpcse;
yet, when loosened from the harness, in cheerfulness he often found the recreation his na-ture required. His urbanity and warmth of
feeling rendered him a pleasant and useful
companion to the young as well as to the old.
With his readiness to discern times and sea-,sons, he was quickly impressed when an exercise called for silence, and entered freely into
the labor, so that I may say, throughout the
weeks and months that we were engaged to-:gether in gospel love in visiting the different
parts of the vineyard, the unity of the spirit
in the bond of peace was maintained unbroken.... 
E. N.




384            MEMOIR OF
Second mo. 8th, 1865.
I know I have much to be thankful for. A few mornings since, as I was pondering upon these things, the query presented, whether I was sufficiently thankful for
the numberless blessings and favors which
had been bestowed upon me? I was carried
back to my early childhood, when I could not
have been more than five or six years old.
My mind was then awakened to a sense of the
goodness and mercy of my heavenly Father,
and I thought "I had rather die now than
live to offend so gracious a Being."  And,
although I felt deeply sensible of many omissions and commissions since that period, yet
my mental eye seemed attracted to a little rill,
which, in its meanderings, watered and refreshed every lone and barren spot within its
reach; and the impression was received, to cultivate the virtue-gratitude-that this would
bless and prepare me to meet the trials of life
with calmness and equanimity; that then I
need not fear that the eventide of life would
be overshadowed, or that a sterile and barren
soil would encrust the heart and render it
cold and insensible.  May the impressions
then made upon the mind be realized.... 




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         385~
To a young Friend under deep Trials.
Twelfth mo. 22d, 1866.
"Truly my beloved      can I say I have
been with thee in suffering and in sorrow, and
have borne thee, as it were, upon my heart to
our heavenly Father. The spirit of supplication has been poured forth on thy behalf, with
the entreaty that He would be pleased to give
me an understanding of what I should do, or
how I should counsel thee, in these seasons of
close baptisms. On one occasion, especially,
I was as clearly impressed with the feeling as
I could have been, had the language been
audible to my external ear, to tell thee "to
throw down every crown at the footstool of
mercy, and there offer up self and all that
pertains thereto-that this is what is called
for." " I will purify thee in the furnace of
affliction." Circumstances are such, that no.
efforts of thine or mine can reverse them.
The only alternative is submission, and in
order that this may be complete, it must be
accompanied with resignation, even such as
will enable thee to say, " Thy will be done.;"
Flee thou to this Tower-it is thy only
safety,-and the alone preparation for strength,
33




886            MEMOIR OF
to fortify thee for the-duties that must devolve upon thee. This will enable thee to restrain unprofitable suggestions of thought
and feeling, and overcome the impulsiveness
and waywardness of thy nature, and then a
close watch will be set upon thy lips and upon
each act, and thy wants will be supplied from
the Fountain whence alone they can availingly
come."'
Third mo. 22d, 1867.
There are moments when the
surcharged heart can only breathe forth its
inner life. It has no power nor language of its
own, and no definite recognition. What then
can it do, but to wait and watch for the coming of that spirit which can dispel the tones
of sadness, distrust and sorrow, and attune to
melody. Have we not found that these seasons of weakness and frailty, are but the precursors, if patiently endured, of a nearer
access to our Father, whom to know is life
eternal, whom to obey is peace and rest?
Hast thou not known this? Then cease from
anxieties that harrass and weaken both body
and mind. Thou needs to husband all thy




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         387
strength for the work that lies before thee,
Bear up above the fluctuations that sometimes sweep around thee, so that the dear
lambs committed to thy care may be nurtured
in innocency and sweetness; and thy own
mind be so preserved under the influence of divine love, that thou wilt be able to make
straight steps to thy feet. In order for this,
thou must be willing to move upon independent ground, or rather the ground marked
out by Him who knows how most effectually
to reduce the will of the creature, so as to
make it subservient to His divine and holy
appointments...
I hope thou art not looking back, but art
pressing onward, with the eye upturned to,
the only source of good and of strength.
I miss thy society. It is not often
that I feel alone, but in L.'s absence, the remembrance of dear M. is continually before
me. She used to stimulate me to go out, but
now what pleasure is there in going alone! I
know her sweet spirit is at rest. I know she
cannot come to us, and that but a little while
will elapse before I also shall take my departure to the spirit-world, but we are so consti-.




:388  MEMOIR OF
tuted that we cannot help feeling deeply these
severings. Jesus wept —may we not? Surely there can be no sin in this, if we seek submission and struggle for resignation.
Eighth mo. 22d, 1867.
-.. There is a work upon the'wheel, and it requires care that the design of
the great Architect be not frustrated. There
-are so many ways whereby this can be done,
that it requires continual vigilance on thy
part. It is said that the blessed Jesus learned
obedience through suffering. If so, how shall
we arrive at the state to which we are directled-" Be ye perfect even as your Father in
~heaven is perfect," —except through tribulation
*and suffering?   Much may, no doubt, be
avoided through watchfulness.  Perfect obe-,dience is that to which we are called, and I
crave for thee, my beloved —this state of
child-like dependence.  Keep thy eye single
to the Light; it will lead to an establishment,upon the sure foundation, so that although
the elements be boisterous, thy building shall;iirmly stand.
How fleet are the footsteps of time! and




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         389,
where will some who are now upon the stage
of being, soon be landed? Not in a land of
dreams and shadows, where the rays of light
are divided and broken, as they appear
through the web of life, but where the beams
of the sun of righteousness will surround theobedient and self-sacrificing without change,,
save as they increase in radiance and beauty.
Far, very far superior to that which is seen.
by mortal eye, even when the western horizon
is made gorgeous by the setting sun, will be
that which awaits those who have known an,
overcoming of all that which would obscure the
glory which emanates from the throne of
mercy and of love, as it shines forth from our
Father in heaven.
Tenth mo. 27th, 1867.
-..  I know it is easier to plan.
than to carry out that which we desire. I
suffer with thee in all thy trials, but do not.
let them press too heavily upon thee. Try to
live above them. The apostle said, "By
grace are ye saved through faith;" exercise.
it; it will preserve thee; it will sweeten the
bitter; it will smoothe the rough places in thy
33*




:390           MEMOIR OF
pathway. It will make the sterile ground
yield a plentiful supply for all the wants and
cravings of thy nature.  "I will refine thee,
but not with silver."  I see blessings in store
for thee if thou wilt submit in child-like obedience and dependence. Every tender and,sensitive feeling of my nature is moved for
thee.
As to my dear friend, T. B. L., I have felt
deep regret in not being able to see him. I
-suffered much until I was favored with a con-:soling evidence of the blissful and glorified
state into which he had found admission, even
through much tribulation.
Eleventh mo. 7th, 1867.
My Dear Friend —Thou hast often been the,companion of my mind, and according to my
measure, I have sympathized with thee in the
privation and loneliness, that has doubtless at:seasons surrounded and pervaded thy beautiful home. casting a shadow over all its enjoyments. But it is meet that we should look
beyond the shadow to the reality; even to
<that which is invisible to the mortal eye.'Thy precious mother's countenance, in all its




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.        391
sweetness, appears still at seasons to beam
upon me as I saw it during the time I sat by
her with my lips sealed, though my heart was
filled with the desire that my last hours
might bear the evidence that marked her
every look, that she was in a state of preparation to enter the kingdom of rest and of
peace. Truly, of her it may be said-she
"being dead, yet speaketh."  Wert thou not
often sensible, my dear, of the yearnings of
her spirit toward thee? Did it not follow thee
in thy goings to and fro? did she not plead
with thee, not so much by word, perhaps, as
by the look of her beautiful and expressive
eyes, to be faithful to thy heavenly Father's
will.? And is it too late? Ah, no! then
gird up the loins of thy mind and press
forward. Thy mother's God will aid thee;
will sustain thee. Be thou faithful to the
revealings of Christ in the secret of thy soul.
"' To him that overcometh will I give a white
stone, and in that stone a new name written,
which no man knoweth save him who hath
received it."
Very affectionately, thy friend,
E. NEWPORT.




892            MEMOIR OF
Twelfth mo. 25th, 1867.
My Dear....  The query arises,
how is it that thou so lately comparatively a
stranger, should be induced thus to care for
one who feels that she has no claim upon
thee? Well, my precious young friend, may
thy reward be equal to the feeling that
crowned the gift in the heart of one who feels
that a kindred affection has been ignited, that
will diffuse its warmth throughout the few re.
maining days of my pilgrimage..... To.
day my mind was impressed with a feeling
that infused not only a calm, but a sweetness
that was animating and strengthening; under
which thy mother's countenance beamed upon me as when I last saw her, so expressive of
that heavenly state that enshrined it. And
the language that was intelligible to my
spiritual ear was on this wise-" Say to my
daughter that I want her not to forget to appreciate the blessings that flow in upon herblessings from beneath and blessings from
above-unsparingly poured forth from the
hands of the bountiful Giver of every good
and perfect gift.  The gift of intelligence,
of the graces of the spirit, joined to those of




ELIZABETHT NEWPORT.        393
inspiration; that which has dawned upon the
understanding, and enabled her to know the
nature of her obligations to her heavenly
Father."  This, as near as I can express it,
is the substance of what sweetly impressed my
mind. Not that I heard, or believe I heard,
an external sound, or that I am, a" spiritual-ist" in the modern acceptation of the term;
but I do believe our gracious Father is sometimes pleased to permit an intercourse between
embodied and disembodied spirits; and on
this occasion my feelings were deeply affected
with the recollection of the state of my mind,
at the interview to which I have alluded.
And now, my dear, let me tell thee how my
spirit yearned toward thee while I sat by the
bedside of thy precious mother, poor and
stricken as I felt myself to be. I essayed to
speak, but had no power to utter a word of
what was upon my lips; and when at last I
turned to leave her, it appeared as if I was
taking with me the blessing that had been
given me to impart, and I was ready to
believe it was because of my poverty and
leanness; and yet the longing was so great to
have thee with us, that I lingered in the hope




394            MEMOIR OF
of hearing thy footstep, till at last I felt I
could stay no longer, and departed under
great depression of spirit, but in love and tenderness, and in admiration of the sweetness
and meekness of thy dear mother's patient
spirit. Wilt thou excuse the awakening of
remembrances of a painful nature? I had no
such expectation when I began to write.
In dear love and sympathy, thy friend,
E. NEWPORT.
1st mo. 13th, 1868.
My Dear --     -How fast the days are
passing-almost the middle of the first month
of the New Year! How little we know of the
vicissitudes the coming one may bring! The
great matter is to live up to our convictions.
I was interested in an article under the head
of " Mind the Light " in last week's Intelligencer, and I felt were I a ready scribe, I'
would like to carry the subject a little further.
Didst thou read the appeal to mothers? It
will bear several readings.....    We, as a
Society, need more of the teachings of that in
which we profess to believe,-even the guid-'
ance of the Holy Spirit in the support of our.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         39
testimonies.  There is great beauty and
strength in conciseness. May this be desired
by all, rather than enlargement of speech or
extended communications.
I retired to the sitting-room to fathom, if
possible, the cause of the oppression which
has for the past two hours weighed upon my
spirit, but as it is undiscoverable I must leave
it. It may possibly be a trouble of my own
begetting. There are causes enough to weigh
down any sensitive mind. The suffering of
hundreds and thousands of our fellow-crea.
tures; the prospect before and behind us of
darkness and desolation. In the Divine economy man is so constituted that he may, by a
perversion of his noble powers, for a time,
wield his sceptre after his own evil design, yet
in accordance with Infinite Wisdom, the in.
dulgence of every wrong brings its penalty, and
will sooner or later work its own destruction.
How important, then, that we endeavor so to
live that our confidence in a divine Protector
may increase. Faith is the Christian's shield,
and remains to be " the substance of things
hoped for and the evidence of things not
seen."..




39,6           MEMOIR OF
I often, especially of late, feel as if I was
just beginning to live, now that I have passed
the period assigned to learning, and find I
" know nothing as I ought to know."  How
I wish on such occasions that the minds of'
my children could be inspired with the feeling that is thus enkindled. Thought reaches
forth into the infinitude of space, and in its
transient flight would enter into the wisdom
and economy of Nature's great Architect, that
it might bring thence some idea of the magnitude of His power and the beauty and order
which there reign supreme; but that only
" which is revealed, belongs to us and ourchildren."
2d mo. 12th, 1868.....~  --—....-My heart flows out in
love and sympathy toward thee, my dear
-, and I feel to encourage thee to do whatever thy hands find to do, leaving the result
to Him who sees in secret, and who abundantly rewards every act of dedication, however
small it may seem to be, with that peace which
the world can neither give nor take away....
At no time since our acquaintance have my




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          397
feelings been more enlisted for thee, blessed
as thou art with health and every external'boon that is calculated to render thy pathway
free from the little annoyances that many, to
a painful degree, have to contend with. How
fervently have I desired that thou mayst be
found steadfastly pursuing the course which
has been pointed out by the Light within, as
the right one for thee to pursue.  On one
occasion, when my feeiings were drawn forth
on thy behalf, I believed that this is an important period with thee, and thou wilt excuse me if I dwell a little more earnestly upon
the necessity of being "instant in season,'
lest, while consulting about this or that, its
very insignificance may dliscourage thee so as
to put to flight the energy and strength that
were at hand, and which would have carried
thee safely over the bridge that was firm
enough to have supported thee, although the
waters may have looked boisterous and threatening. My desire is ardent for thy progress
in the path of obedience and self-denial.
To E. N. from a young Friend..... I felt the sweetness of thy spirit,
34




398             MEMOIR OF
there was no condemnation in that, and the
discrepancy between what I heard and what
I thought belonged to me, occasioned deep
perplexity but no resentment.  Had I been
deceived myself, or couldst thou be deceived?
I could not help fearing that thou hadst
judged from  outward obtservition; that if,
with a heart no better disposed, I had dressed
plainly, a different sermon nighllt have been
preached to me. In this state of mind I attended meeting, feeling as if my hlands were
bound and I a prisoner to thee. "W AVho shall
show us any good?" was all I could utter;
and these were the very words with which
thou arose, and enjoined upon little children
to dwell with their exercises. I felt released
from  that prison-like state.  Clearer views
of truth arose in my mind, and deeper convictions of sinfulness.
This I have thought due to thee, beloved
friend, in explanation of what I said. If I
did not feel thy sermon as applicab!le to my
state vheCn it sswaa u:ire, I can appreciate
the spirit in which it was spoken, and can confess, too, that I now feel the need of rebuke.
My practice, as I now perceive, has been very




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           399
deficient.  All that relates to theory I find
must be left, andl  my efforts directed to performing in humility and love what I know
to be right..
FroIn another.
9 h mo. 1st, 1868.
"I did not expect to address thee so soon
again, my b)eloved friend, but as I have been
sitting here ill my dear mother's hallowed
chamber on this the anniversary of the last
hours she passed in it, the scenes which then
transpired conme vividly before me, and with
them thou art so intimately connected that my
heart turns to thee with renewed feelings of
gratitude for the last words of consolation she
received on earth. They were precious to her,
and toe heavenly expression of her countenance seetns still to bearn upon me, as when
she turned to mne and said, " How I have been
wishing for this!"  They were to her an evidence of accel)tance that she had been longing for, and I have often wondered why one
so pure, so het;avenly-minded, who never since
I can renieoinber did aught l)ut good-, should
have needed any evidJnce of acceptance at




400            MEMOIR OF
the close of such a well-spent life; and it
causes me ofttimes to exclaim, How can such
an one as I, whose whole life has been spent
in the pursuit of earthly pleasures, ever hope
to gain admittance within the same Heavenly
rmansion!
She, whose last petition was, that her erring
child might seek for more enduring treasures,
will be heard no more on earth; but Il trust
it will never be forgotten. Oh! I feel her
absence more to-day than when she was taken
from us. I thought then more of the blessed
change she had experienced, than the loss I
had sustained; but as time has passed away
I have keenly felt the privation of' her Christian example and tender counsel. Thou must
excuse me for thus relieving my full heart,
but thou hast felt so near and dear to me this
day, I could not help it.
I believe I cannot close without expressing
at this late date, a deep feeling of gratitude
that abides with me for thy instrumentality in
awakening me to a sense of my manifold
transgressions, and endeavoring to check my
course in sin and folly; for although I have
not alluded to it in thy presence, I have no




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.             40 1
doubt thou remlembers thy close exercise in
thy visit of lve to our family.  Many years
have passedl, atd little progress has been made
toward anvthitg better, yet it has never been
obliterated( fro',mn my mindl, nor have I ceased
to lhe thaukt'nl  for it, and trust it may even
yet aCCo)np)jlish tlhatt whlich was intende(d."
E. N's ansluer to the preceding Letter.
9th mo. Ilth, 1868.
My  Dear Friend: —Thy,)recious letter
came to hatd(l setavl,oably.  I was not aware
that at alny peri,(l of' my life I had been instriumental in awa1k ening thy uinid to a sense
of thy rest,!oslilities.  I have no reco(llec
tion whatever of mny visit to your family.
This nay seerl siintgular to thee, and in order
to explaiin wlia!. has often seemed inexplicable
to imyself; I will relate a view  I once had
while wadlit g utlder deep feeling -in the prospect before  me.  Otir children were young,
and there were many discouragements, and
besides, I felt the magnitude of the work and
my own ulworthiness and unfitness to engage
therei n. WhileI reoal ningr with fles h an d bl,ood,
there  va6i prcsentclt  t(o lty mental vision a




402             BIEMIOIR OF
beautiful clean mat; and the impression was,
such as this thou wilt find at the door of
every house; examine thy feet at the entrance, for unless thou art carefful to leave all
that is imparted to thee at each house thou
enters, the mnat at the door will be soiled, and
the work will be marred.
Under the responsibility that I contfnually
felt, there lived with me such an absorbing
desire to fulfil my mission with peace, that in
many, and I might say, in almcst all cases,
I never recurred further back than to discover whether I llad flaithfully followed my
Guide; and that I should leave been instrumental in imparting consolation to thy precious mother I cannot understand.
Never did I feel my own insufficiency more
deeply than during the little time I sat by
her bedside.
12Lth.-Weariness so overcame me yesterday chat my pen was laid aside.
15th. —Still unfinished, and were I to follow my inclination this letter would not meet
thy eyes; but, my dear friend, my heart is
yearning with emotions that are prompted by
near affection, which I believe to be as enduring as the source whence it has its origin.




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.           403
In regard to the future, the film is not yet
Temoved from my eyes. This living day by,day is a test, and sometimes a close one, of
2Faith and Trust; but I find there is no other:
vway for me, and my continual watchword is
found in the poetic language,
" Be still, nor anxious thoughts employDistrust embitters present joy;
Thou canst not want when God's thy Friend."'This often brings to me the spirit of repose.and resignation. Un rateful, indeed, it would
be were I to express an idea that would
east a shade upon the holy and benign influence which results from a dependence and:trust in the guidance of a loving Father. Ah,:no! full well T have known the peace and
-rest which have been sprea.d as a canopy over;an unquiet, restless, panting heart in days
past, when in a land of darkness and exile.:I knew my children needed a mother's care,
-for amid all there came to me tidings of their:sickness, and there was no evidence that our
labors were of any possible service, still the:sound vibrated upon the spiritual ear, that I
was in my right allotment.  Then was my
weapon of warfare thrown down, for there were




404             MEMOIR OF
seasons when I was torn as between earth and
heaven, and my peace returned unto me, and
I was made renewedly sensible of the healing
virtue of that Power which revives and prepares for fresh sacrifices.".
Third mo. 21st, 1869......    It is not worth while for me to,
attempt to express my sense of thy kindness,
and thoughtful attention to thy friend. It is
as a green spot in my heart, and often when
debility seems to have clogged all the courses.
of nature, and there is no ability to give expression to the bubblings up of the spontaneous feelings of the spirit, yet in the depths of
humility the fervent desire has arisen to the
Father of Spirits, that He would be pleased
to preserve, purify and prepare thee for a vessel in His house-even a "beaten" vessel!
that so the truth might be sustained and circulated by and through thee. This appears.
to me to be a day in which every man had
need to find an independent standing, even
that standing which the truth only can confer."....




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         405
Third mo. 24th, 1870.
My dear, I commenced writing to thee,on Second-day, but my strength gave out for
the time, and I put it aside as not worth send,
ing. I often feel impoverished, and yet I have
cause for thankfulness, there are so many
seasons of union and communion with divine
and heavenly intelligences. Wilt thou be
alarmed, my dear friend, when I say, I am
confirmed in the belief that a kind and bene-.fceent Father has constituted hEis intelligent
creature man, so as to enable him to hold'communion, "large and high," with Himself,
and at seasons to exalt His name, His power.and glory?   When He reveals Himself
through the spirits of thejust made perfect in
such a way as to satisfy the mind of the presence of a dear departed one hovering near,
how  soul-sustaining and precious are these
~emanations, or angel-visits, though "few and
far between" they may seem to be. These
soothing influences have a tendency to solace
and sometimes to confirm our trust in seasons
of great weakness and distrust, for however
we may have been favored with access to, and:support from, the Great I Am, times of
weakness are inseparable from humanity..




406            MEMOIR OF
I find of late I ought to have dotted
down some scraps of pure, unsullied thoughts
that have gone forth to some dear ones to
whom I have felt bound by ties stronger and
closer than those of consanguinity; for are
not those of affinity heaven-born?  Is not
their origin from the Fountain of love?
Sometimes when quietness and repose are
spread as a canopy over the face of nature,.
my spirit has saluted some of these dear ones
in their pilgrimage Zionward, in near fellowship-sometimes in suffering and sometimes in
rejoicing, with thankfulness of heart for the
inestimable blessing thus furnished, of an
intermingling of spirit with spirit during our
sojourn here. Language fails at this time to
convey a full sense of the heart-felt desire for
the growth and advancement of those who,
having known of the goodness of a loving
Father, yet are falling short of the mark of
the high calling in Christ. While in deep
humility I have had a view of my own short
comings, yet I have adored His name, in that I
could see as the book of remembrance was
opened that all my life-long He had extended




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          407
HIis loving kindness to so frail a creature and
unprofitable a servant. But I must close.
In near affection,
E. N.
Second mo. 9th, 1871.. "I am often led to won-,der that one of thy temperament should have
been attracted toward an individual with so
little of sufficient interest to create an attachment in another so richly endowed with the
blessings and enjoyments of life. As I have
dwelt upon the subject, my spirit has been
lifted, my precious friend, on thy behalf, to
Him who scans our thoughts and knows the
secret workings of the heart,-that He would
be pleased to continue to bless thee and aid
thee in overcoming thy spiritual enemiesthat thy Light may shine with increased
lustre, and brighten the paths of those around
thee, that they may be induced more earnestly to seek after an acquaintance with the
secret source and spring of feeling, from
which thou art deriving thy spiritual sustenance."
Affectionately, thy friend,
E. NEWPORT.




408             MEMOIR OF
In the winter of 1865 our dear friend, EK.
N., took a heavy cold which resulted in bron —
chitis. From  this time she was frequently
unable to attend meetings, and was prevented
from entering into active duties, but her interest for the Society of which she was a member
was unabated, and her desires for its growth
and advancement always continued. Her
friends ever received a cordial welcome, even
when from the increase of disease, she was
unable to converse much with them. Words
were not required to convince those who minmgled with her that she was supported by that.
faith " which overcomes the world," and which
had been her armor and shield through the
vicissmludes that had  attended  her life,.
There were times, when comparatively free
from oppression, that she entered freely into
conversation, and expressed her views and,
feelings upon both religious and secular subjects. The free institutions of our countrywere of great interest to her, and she regarded
with apprehension and disapproval everything:
which threatened their overthrow. The possibility of combining Church and State was
to her a matter of grave importance, and she




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         40'
felt that Friends had need to guard with
jealous eye, any invasion upon a testimony toG.
a free Gospel ministry. She considered this'
one of the strongest bulwarks of the Society,
and that it needed only to be fully comprehended to be more generally accepted by thehonest inquirer.
In a letter written in 1866, she thus alludes,
to her belief in the intermingling of spirits,
even while the soul is an inhabitant of theearthly tabernacle. "Iron sharpeneth iron;
so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his
friends." Prov. xxvii, 17. Truly this testimony is verified when we are brought face'
to face with those of kindred minds, and also
when being absent in body, spirits mingle and
commingle. I believe it is the will of ourheavenly Father that this privilege should be
at times enjoyed; and I consider it one of the'
strongest evidences of our spiritual nature,
that we are not only permitted to mingle with
absent embodied spirits, but also with the dis —
embodied. Do I go too far in assuming this
ground?  Far be it from  me to do so speculatively; it is only as my own mind has been
awakened to the certainty of it, that I speak..
35




410             MEMOIR OF
I feel, however, whenever I approach the
subject, it involves that which is sacred in its
nature and character."
A few days before her death, she said to a
dear friend, that she had as much faith in the
growth of the soul in the next life, as she had
in her own existence, and also in the recognition of spirits; and added-that it was no
speculation with her, but reality-that she
had nothing to do with " modern spiritualism,"
but such were her views long before that subject was agitated. It came to her as inspiration when attending a funeral. A clear sense
of progression in the next life was presented,
and she felt commanded to give expression to
it, which she did, greatly to the comfort of the
widow.
In the Fifth month, 1867, she met with a
close trial in the death of a beloved and
promising  daughter.  Although  generally
resigned, yet there were times when this sorrow was overwhelming. In speaking of her
bereavement she said —" This lovely flower
has been transplanted in a more congenial
clime. While it was sudden to me and to us
all, yet the work of preparation had been




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         411
silently going on under the pruning hand of
her heavenly Father, so that when the call
came, she was ready, and gave evidence to,
the last of her acceptance, and that the way
was clear before her. Her language was,'The dear Father will receive my spirit;
mourn not for me, I am ready to go.'"
In the years 1870-71 E. N.'s physical sufferings greatly increased, but she was always
cheerful and patient, and as far as was in herpower, administered to the mental and spiritual wants of those around her.
At the time of the Yearly Meeting in 1871,.
on the afternoon of Seventh-day, she made a.
visit to the meeting of Ministers and Elders,
and delivered a gospel message suited to some
conditions present. Her physical weakness:
was great, but her manner was very impressive. The call appeared almost as from one
whose life had been resuscitated, and it wassensibly felt by many. Not being able to remain, she left before the close of the meeting,
and as she retired a feeling of sadness covered
many minds, in that it was not at all probable
that her voice would again be heard in the
assemblies of the people.




412            MEMOIR OF
She told her daughter one day, that she
-clearly saw that she would be with them about
three weeks. She felt that the time of her
-departure had before been hidden in divine
wisdom. She knew that her family felt her
-necessary to them, and she had passed through
intense suffering on that account; but now,her light was clear and bright, and she could
give them all up and leave them in the hands
-of their heavenly Father, and trust them all
with Him. Her work was almost done, and:she felt calm and peaceful.
About two weeks before her death, she re-.marked to one of her children, that this pass-.age of Scripture bad come freshly before her
as applicable to our religious Society-"0.Jerusalem! Jerusalem! how often would I.have gathered thy children together, even as.a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings.and ye would not."  " Oh! I feel that there.are so many who will not be gathered into the
true fold. There is a sifting time coming, and
I pray for these that their faith fail not, but
that they may abide the turnings and overturnings of the Hand that would effectually
~s eparate the wheat from the chaff. If these




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.          413
keep humble and are obedient to the teachings of the pure inshinings of the Light, it.
will be as a lamp to their feet; and although,
they may often have to tread the wine press
alone and sometimes have to wade through
deep  waters, yet if they are faithful andk
keep simple in doctrine, they will be instrumental in gathering many from the by-ways;
and the hedges, to seek a more intimate acquaintance with the principle of divine revelation. I see another class, who have slidden,
off and fallen into that dangerous stream, thelove of popularity. This will not only rob,
them of the beautiful robe of simplicity, but.
they will be landed in the abyss of darkness
and suffering."
On the 14th of the First month, she was so
ill that the family were called in the night,.
but she rallied and soon engaged in a touching and fervent supplication adapted to eacht
state.
A  few  nights afterwards, upon reviving
from another sinking turn, she repeated the;
following lines:
"Sweet is the scene when virtue dies
When sinks the righteous soul to rest;.
3.*




414             MEMOIR OF
A holy qliet reigns aroundA calm which nothing can disturb,Naught can molest the peace profound
Which their unfettered souls enjoy,So fades the summer cloud away,
So dies the wave along the shore,
Triumphant smiles the victor's brow
Fanned by some angel's purple wingO grave I where is thy victory now?
O death I where is thy sting?"
On the morning of the 20th her son, who
lived in Chicago, arrived.  When informed,that he was in the house, she clasped her
hands and exclaimed-" dear Father, I thank
thee."  A tribute of thanksgiving was audi.
bly expressed for the favor, and much affectionate counsel was administered to him.  On,First-day, the 21st, she requested the family
to gather around her, when she addressed;them separately, with great sweetness and tenAderness. She alluded to the approaching sep-:aration, said she knew that they would feel
~a great void, but when the time came she,wanted them to loose their hold and let her:go; the chain would not be broken, only extended, for love is immortal.  Upon being
(queried with if she had a journal, she replied,




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         415
" No; when I have thought of writing, inspiration would leave me, and the text would
present, "The life is more than meat, and
the body than raiment."  During her illness
she frequently talked of her earlier life, and
related many instances which occurred before her children were of an age to remember
them. These, as well as those of later experience, were narrated in a manner, that led to
the belief that she thought it not improbable
that they would be gathered together in a
manner similar to that in which they are now
presented to the reader. On the evening of
the 22nd, she said-" I do not seem to have
been learning anything of late except the les.
sons of patience and faith-I feel so much
like a little child."
"Joy and happiness, dear mother," said a
daughter, "awaits thee in thy spirit home."
She replied, "I do not aspire to any great
things. I crave blessed rest, and to enjoy the
love, the sweetness, the mercy and tenderness
of the Father."
She several times said, " The time is not
long, I am only waiting and watching."
Her sufferings and debility gradually in



416            MEMOIR OF
creased, but the sweetness of her spirit continued, and was sensibly felt by all who were
privileged to be with her. On the morning
of the 27th, about the time which she had
predicted, she departed without a struggle.
She had requested that her funeral might
take place from the meeting-house, at the
corner of Fourth and Green Streets, and on
the 30th of First month, 1872, many Friends
and others were gathered on that occasion.
The interment took place at Fair Hill.




A Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of Friends,
Held at Green Street, Philadelphia,
Concerning our friend, Elizabeth Newport, deceased.
The memory of our beloved friend, Elizabeth Newport, wife of Jesse W. Newport, and
daughter of James and Margaret Ellison, is
precious to many within the limits of this
Monthly Meeting, of which, the most of her
life, she was a member, and for about forty
years a valued minister.
In 1841, she with her family removed to
Abington, Pa., but in a few years they returned to this city, and again became members of this Monthly Meeting.
It is not intended in this memorial to enter
into the details of our friend's private life,
which was in a remarkable degree consistent
with her profession as a disciple of Christ;
but our object is to give forth a testimony to




418           MEMORIAL OF
her faithful adherence, not only by precept,
but through example, to the principles and
testimonies of truth, as held by Friends.
IIer simple childlike faith was beautiful,
and under its influence she was made a minister of the Word, which she was often enabled
to divide in a manner that brought conviction to the minds of her hearers. Of the
goodness and long-suffering kindness of our
heavenly Father, she bore abundant testimony. Her earnest appeals, when engaged
in public service, to those present, to trust
more perfectly and confide more fully in His
mercy and willingness to save all who come
unto Him, are remembered with the desire
that her labors of love may not be lost; but
prove as bread cast upon the waters, found
after many days.
She was endued with the gift of prophecy,
and possessed in an unusual degree the spirit
of discernment, by which she was frequently
brought into a feeling of the condition of her
fellows, to whom she was " a flame of fire'
or a minister of consolation.
These qualifications were especially noticeable in family visits-a service to which she




ELIZABETH NEWPORI.          419
was frequently called. On some such occasions, so clear were her spiritual perceptions,
that she not only pointed out the direction in
which she should go, but the particular place
where she should stop, although the country
and the people were alike to her unknown.
Many instances of remarkable individual
visitations through-the instrumentality of our
dear friend, might be enumerated, wherein she
was given clearly to depict the state of mind
of those visited, and the consequences which
would attend faithfulness or disobedience;
but our limited space is adapted only to an
allusion to this feature of her ministerial
gift.
She visited many parts of the heritage
under a religious obligation; and when thus
engaged the unity of her friends at home was
very grateful to her sensitive mind, particularly in seasons when, by her peculiar gift,
she was led into close conflicts and deep baptisms of spirit; for notwithstanding her willingness to be as "clay in the hands of the
potter," she was sensible that her treasure
was held in an earthen vessel.
In the year 1853-4, she made an extend



420            MEMORIAL OF
ed religious journey into several of the Southern States, while the institution of human
slavery existed in that part of our country..
When laboring in promiscuous assemblages
in the far South, she felt herself excused from
making special mention of that institution,
but in the religious opportunities not unfrequently had in thefamilies of slaveholders, a
full testimony against the iniquitious system
was fearlessly borne. We who knew her so,
long and well, and remember her gentle and
persuasive advocacy of the right, and her
fearless rebuke of the wrong, and especially
the wrong of slavery, cannot doubt' that in
this instance she was influenced and directed
aright.  We recognize in it the controlling
agency of heavenly love, which released her
from encountering the prejudices of the slaveholder, thereby enabling her to touch their
hearts and consciences, and bring them under
the powerful influence of her ministrations.
Friends who accompanied her speak of the
effect produced by her appeals to the slave
masters and mistresses, on behalf of their
slaves, as well as upon the poor suffering
slaves themselves. Large numbers assembled




ELIZABETH NEWPORT.         421
to!hear her, and many were touched and softened, and some even moved to tears. Wherever her lot was cast as a gospel messenger,
she called the people to that principle, which
would lead out of all wrong doing, and enable
them to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with their God.
Through the several years in which she was
prevented by ill health from attending meetings for Divine worship, or mingling with her
friends, except to a limited extent, she preserved a living interest in all that concerned
the welfare of not only her own rel gious
Society, which was very dear to h3r, but also
in that of the world at large. She was not
bound to party or sect. Her love for her
fellow-men proved its origin by its universality.
The last time her voice was heard in public, was at one of the sittings of the Yearly
Meetings of Ministers and Elders in 1871, to
which she came in great physical weakness,
with a message of gospel love and incitement
to greater individual faithfulness. She expressed a deep concern that the members of
that body should be watchful and careful of
their steppings, and that each should follow
36




-422           MEMORIAL OF
the revelations of Truth, as they were re-,ceived through the medium of that Light
which makes manifest the will of our Father
-in heaven. By many her impressive manner
will long be remembered.
Although her sufferings for many months
were great, yet her mind continued clear, and
her spirit retained its cheerfulness. To those
about her she administered counsel adapted
-to their various states and conditions. Her
prayers were'earnest for her family, and she
desired them, when the summons came, to
gently loosen their hold and let her go; for
with the eye of faith she beheld the beauty of
the Father's house, and she believed there
was prepared for her a mansion therein.
In her early youth she had dedicated herself to the cause of Truth, and remained
steadfast in the faith, that pure vital religion
consists in obedience to the Divine will and
love to our fellow-men.
With the feeling that she had " left nothing undone " that had been required of her,
she passed away on the 27th of the First
month, 1872, in the 76th year of her age. It
may be truly said in connection with her:




ELIZABETH  NEWPORT.      423
"Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord
from henceforth. Yea, saith the Spirit, that
they may rest from their labors; and their
works do follow them."-(Rev. xiv. 13.)
By direction of the Monthly Meeting,
JACOB M. ELLIS,     Clerks.
LYDIA L. ROWLETT, 
Read and approved in Philadelphia Quarterly Meeting of Friends, held Fifth mo. 6th,
1873, and signed by direction and on behalf
thereof, by
CALEB CLOTHIER,  Clerk&.
SUSAN CARRALL, J