JOURNAL 
 
 OF 
 
 THE LIFE, LABOURS, AND TRAVELS 
 
 OF 
 
 THOMAS SHILLITOE, 
 
 IN THE 
 
 SERVICE OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 
 
 " A faithful man shall abound with blessings ; but he that maketh haste 
 to be rich, shall not be innocent."— Proverbs, xxviii. 20. 
 
 " Seest thou a man diligent in his business, [his Lord's business,] he 
 shall stand before kings ; he shall not stand before mean men [only]"~ 
 Proverbs, xxii. 29. 
 
 IN TWO VOLUMES. 
 VOL I. 
 
 LONDON: 
 HARVEY AND DART ON, 
 
 GRACECHURCH-STRKET. 
 
 1839.
 
 I ONDON : 
 
 .lOSlM'H RlCKEimV, PlllNTKR, 
 SHKUBOt'llN-LANE.
 
 PREFACE BY THE AUTHOR. S iTrl 4 
 
 Believing it was' required of me in my early life, 
 to keep a record of the merciful dealings of the Lord 
 with me, and the remarkable manner in which He, in 
 his tender compassion, has followed me by his reproofs 
 of instruction, accompanied by such offers of help, as 
 when faithfully co-operated with, never have failed to 
 be all-sufficient for every work and service He has 
 been pleased to call upon me by His grace to perform — 
 I have been induced to continue the narrative, in hopes 
 that, if it should be published, the perusal of it would 
 afford lessons of instruction and encouragement to such 
 as may, in adorable mercy, be awakened to a deep sense 
 of the necessity of a willingness to search into things 
 appertaining to salvation. 
 
 The reader will, I hope, make every reasonable allow- 
 ance for my artless manner of relating some circum- 
 stances, which maybe liable to objection, as not likely to 
 excite general interest. In the narration of what oc- 
 curred in several discourses and controversies, great 
 allowance must also be made; the best of memories not 
 being able to recollect exactly every particular : but 
 the earliest care was taken, after such opportunities, to 
 minute down what had occurred ; and I believe I am 
 safe in saying, that by seeking, at these times, for help 
 from the good Remembrancer, He graciously conde- 
 scended to assist me in penning what I have done. The 
 greatest possible care has been taken in no wise to alter 
 
 b
 
 VI PREFACE. 
 
 the sense of what was communicated by others ; and 
 where I had companions, to whom 1 could conveniently 
 submit my memorandums for their perusal and correc- 
 tion, if necessary, it has been done; and in revising 
 these, where any doubt has arisen as to the correctness of 
 any part of them, they have been suppressed. And I 
 hereby desire, that, if any sentiments in this Journal 
 should appear unpleasing to any readers, they will ex- 
 ercise due candour, and not charge them on the religious 
 Society of Friends, to which I belong. 
 
 THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Tottenham, 1834. 
 
 *^* The present Editor (who took this Work in hand when 
 about one-third of the first volume was in print,) thinks it needful 
 to state, that, as the Author left rather special instructions that 
 the Journal should be given forth pretty nearly entire, he has not 
 felt himself at liberty to condense the work, which it evidently 
 would very well bear, especially in the second volume ; his en- 
 deavours have therefore been directed to • make the necessary 
 corrections, (which were very numerous,) also such omissions 
 as appeared requisite for the sake of the sense, as well as to avoid 
 repetitions or unimportant minutiae. Much time and labour were 
 required for such work,~the style of the Author having been 
 found very intricate and imperfect : — the reader must therefore 
 exercise some degree of forbearance in judging too strictly of 
 some parts of the Journal. It is hoped, however, that, as a whole, 
 it will prove very interesting and instructive. 
 
 A. R. B. 
 
 London, Vlth mo. 1838.
 
 A TESTIMONY 
 
 FROM 
 
 TOTTENHAM MONTHLY MEETING, 
 
 CONCERNING 
 
 THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 This our dear friend was born in London in the second month, 
 1754, of parents not in profession with Friends. In his 
 youthful days, through the visitations of Divine grace, he was 
 given to feel the importance of a religious life; but at that 
 very critical period he was often exposed to great temptations, 
 and was in the way of associating with those who did not fear 
 God, but shghted his holy law, and went in the way to do evil. 
 He felt the sad consequences of this ; but a hand unseen was 
 near to protect him : the attractions of heavenly love were 
 graciously aftbrded, and were not disregarded. 
 
 It appears that as he advanced towards manhood, he became, 
 from preference, a frequent attender of our religious meetings, 
 though he had been brought up in the national mode of worship. 
 He was then entirely dependent on his own industry for sup- 
 port ; and as his attachment to the principles of our religious 
 Society increased, he was, in consequence of his conscientious 
 conduct, brought into difficulty as to the means of gaining a 
 livelihood. This circumstance became known to some Friends 
 in London, through whose kind interest on his behalf, he was 
 placed as a clerk in a banking-house in the city. He felt the 
 great importance of a life of self-denial, and of entire conformity 
 to the Divine will ; yet was he often sensible that he had strong 
 temptations to follow the vanities and follies of this world. He 
 had had, at one time, a great fondness for gay apparel, but he felt 
 that his peace was concerned in mortifying this disposition ; and 
 he faithfully bore his cross in this, as well as in other things. 
 
 b2
 
 viii A TESTIMONY, &C. 
 
 In the course of his services as banker's clerk, he had to pur- 
 chase lottery-tickets for country correspondents, and to do 
 some other things which troubled him. Hence, as he was a 
 man of a tender conscience, he became uneasy in his new situa- 
 tion : he sought for Divine guidance, and after many conflicts 
 of mind, gave up his place, and thought it his dyty to learn the 
 trade of a^ shoemaker, an employment which he followed as 
 long as he continued in business. 
 
 The confinement of London not suiting his health, he removed 
 to Tottenham in the year 1778, having some time previously 
 been admitted as a member of our religious Society, by Grace- 
 church-street monthly meeting. Here he steadily followed his 
 new hne of employment, and in the ensuing spring formed a 
 respectable connection in marriage. His course and that of 
 his wife were marked by honest industry and contentment with 
 their lot ; and they trained up a young family consistently with 
 their circumstances, and in accordance with our religious pro- 
 fession, teaching them to fear God and keep his command- 
 ments. 
 
 In the year 1790, our dear friend was acknowledged a 
 minister by this monthly meeting, having for a considerable 
 time previously spoken in that character in our meetings for 
 worship. After this period, he left his outward concerns from 
 time to time, and in Gospel love visited his Friends in nearer and 
 more distant counties, and paid a general visit to Friends in 
 Ireland. The cares of a rising family pressing heavily upon 
 him, he felt these sacrifices to be acts of simple faith ; but 
 believing them to be in the line of his religious duty, he allowed 
 no inferior considerations to turn him aside. When from home, 
 he pursued the service with great diligence : his visits were ac- 
 ceptable to his friends, and, we believe, to their religious edifi- 
 cation. He was accustomed to travel in a very simple w^y, 
 and was very careful not to occasion needless expense to him- 
 self or to his friends ; and in order to set himself at liberty for 
 these services, he often made great exertions in his business 
 previous to leaving home. When, in the latter part of the 
 time that he was in trade, he found that he could leave his out- 
 ward concerns with less anxiety, the journeys were performed 
 principally on foot. About the year 1806, thinking that, 
 through the Divine blessing on his honest endeavours, he had 
 gained a competency, he retired from business, believing it right 
 to be given up to the service of his Lord. His means were hmited, 
 but as his wants were few, and his habits very simple and mo- 
 derate, he found that he had a sufficiency. 
 
 Our dear friend was a man of an energetic mind. If in con- 
 scientiously and plainly setting before his friends, in his inter- 
 course with them, what he believed to be their mistakes, whether
 
 A TESTIMONY, &C. IX 
 
 111 practice or in opinion ; and if in an honest zeal to be found 
 not flincliing in the discharge of his duty, he at times tried 
 tiieni, his love and afiection were such as to prove the sincerity of 
 his heart and the kindness of his intentions. He was often 
 brought very low, partly arising from nervous feelings, and partly 
 from the religious exercises of- mind which he passed through : 
 he was also not unfrequently very cheerful. This was strikingly 
 the case after the performance of any act of duty, to which he 
 had believed himself called. In these acts of dedication, he 
 was faithful and persevering, however humiliating the nature of 
 the engagement. The greater the cross to his natural inchna- 
 tion, the greater was his" fear, lest self-love, or the desire of ease 
 to the flesh, should cause him to shrink from what he believed 
 to be the will of his God. An instructive illustration of this 
 feature in his character is presented in some very trying service 
 which he performed in Ireland. In the populous cities of Dublin 
 and Cork, as well as in some other places in that nation, where 
 vice and immorality abound, he went, in the years 1810 and 
 1811, accompanied by some of his friends, from house to house, 
 wdthout distinction, where ardent spirits were offered for sale, 
 to warn those who kept such shops, and the persons assem- 
 bled there, of the evil of their doings. The message which he 
 conveyed was short and plain and smiple; but being delivered in 
 Christian love, it was received by many with attention and 
 respect. 
 
 He was remarkable, through a long course of years, for his 
 kindness to the poor and distressed, sympathizing with them m 
 their troubles, pleading for a just remuneration for their labours, 
 and liberal to them according to his means; prompt and un- 
 wearied in soliciting the affluent for relief for such, especially 
 exerting himself on behalf of those who had seen brighter 
 days. In these labours of love, his disinterested applications 
 seldom failed to be successful. 
 
 He bore a faithful testimony against the love of the world, 
 whether it showed itself in vanity in dress or in other extra- 
 vagance, or in the eager pursuit of wealth ; calling his friends 
 to the necessity of daily bearing the cross in all things, warning 
 them against speculations in trade, and urging them to take 
 heed, lest, by coveting riches, they should make shipwreck of 
 faith and a good conscience. 
 
 With a view of being near his children, he left Tottenham in 
 the year 1812, and lived some years in Yorkshire, and a longer 
 time in Hertfordshire. We have received the following com- 
 munication from Hitchin monthly meeting, within the copi- 
 pass of which meeting he resided, when at home, upward;?.pf 
 '.eleven years, [viz. from 1820.]
 
 X A TESTIMONY, &C. 
 
 " Altliough our late friend Thomas Shillitoe was a member 
 of this monthly meeting for some years, yet, as is well known, 
 for a considerable portion of that time he was absent from us on 
 important religious engagements, for which services he was at 
 diifierent times freely set at liberty by this monthly meeting, 
 under feelings of sympathy, and with desires that throughout 
 the same he might mercifully experience Divine guidance and 
 protection. Whilst here, he possessed the esteem of Friends ; 
 and in some instances, rather remarkably so, that of several 
 persons of other religious societies, who seemed to respect him 
 for his faithfulness. He was frequent in visiting the sick, and 
 sympathizing with the afflicted, evincing much concern for the 
 everlasting welfare of those among whom he resided. The 
 moral and religious improvenrent of the poor was also a subject 
 that often occupied his attention. He was frequently engaged 
 amongst us in a plain, searching testimony, tending to arouse 
 from a state of indifference and unconcernedness in religion, and 
 to stir up all to diligence in occupying with the different talents 
 entrusted to their care. His watchfulness and circumspect 
 conduct had, it is believed, a salutary influence amongst us, and 
 when he left these parts, his removal was sincerely re- 
 gretted."" 
 
 During the period above alluded to, our dear friend paid two 
 extensive religious visits on the continent, pavssing through, or 
 tarrying in, many of the nations of Europe between the years 
 1821 and 1825. In the course of these engagements, he visited 
 the few professing with Friends in the south of France and in 
 Germany, also in Norway : and he sought out and visited pious 
 characters in many places through which he travelled. Accounts 
 have been received from several of those of the comfort and in- 
 struction derived from his Christian labours among them. 
 He travelled mostly alone, and being wholly unacquainted with 
 the languages of the peopl^e, it was a close trial of his faith. 
 But keeping a single eye to the guidance of his gracious Lord, 
 he was mercifully cared for from place to place : his way was in 
 a remarkable manner opened by unexpectedly meeting with 
 kind, efficient interpreters, who assisted him in performing the 
 service which he believed to be required of him. He had long 
 entertained a high sense of the purity of the morals which the 
 Gospel of Christ requires : in his travels he found much that 
 was opposed to this, and did not fail, on some such occasions, 
 honestly to testify against it. One thing which greatly troubled 
 him was the sad disregard of the first day of the week ; he 
 plainly set this evil before those who had the power to apply a 
 remedy. When in the cities of Hamburg and Altona, he 
 drew up an address to the inhabitants of those places, remon-
 
 A TESTIMONY, &C. xi 
 
 strating with them on the neglect of this duty. This address 
 was translated into the German language, and extensively dis- 
 tributed by him there with his own hand. 
 
 Though our departed friend had received but little educa- 
 tion, his courteous and affable, yet respectful manners often 
 facilitated his access to persons of high rank in society. Con- 
 sidering kings in the character of fathers of their people, he 
 many times, both in this and in foreign countries, thought it his 
 duty to seek for interviews with them : as he patiently looked 
 unto the Lord, in simple dependence upon Him, an opportunity 
 was often afforded him to communicate what was upon his 
 mind : either verbally or by written memorials, he conveyed his 
 exercise for their eternal welfare, and that they might be good 
 examples to their subjects; and also his concern for their adopt- 
 ing measures calculated to repress crime, and to promote Chris 
 tian virtue, and the true happiness of their people. 
 
 In the year 1 826, at the advanced age of seventy-two, he 
 paid a religious visit to Friends in America, and travelled among 
 them about three years. It was a time of much unsettlement 
 and of sore trial to faithful Friends, owing to a grievous dis- 
 esteem, on the part of many, of the great truths of the Christian 
 religion. It appears by the testimonials which have been re- 
 ceived, that the company of our dear friend was acceptable to 
 his brethren in America at that time ; and that his solid, con- 
 sistent deportment, and steady testimony against the spirit 
 of unbelief, tended to their encouragement and strength. 
 
 After returning home he lived the rest of his days at Totten- 
 ham with his wife, who had been and continued to be a faith- 
 ful help-meet to him, and who survives him. He felt the 
 infirmities of declining years: — of later times his bodily suffer- 
 ings were often considerable ; but living near the meeting-house, 
 he regularly attended all our meetings, continuing earnestly to 
 exhort us to let our obedience to the law of God keep pace with 
 the knowledge of its requirements ; labouring with us on the 
 necessity of pressing after holiness of life, and of a thorough 
 surrender of our wills to the Divine will. He still endeavoured 
 to do good and to communicate. He was much beloved and re- 
 spected by his neighbours. One of the very last acts of his life, 
 when his weakness had greatly increased, and disease was wast- 
 ing his constitution, was to collect and assist in expending some 
 money for the comfort of a few of his poorer neighbours, by the 
 repair and improvement of some almshouses. He was con- 
 tinually concerned that he might be found ready to meet his 
 Lord, when the solemn messenger of death should arrive ; often 
 adverting to the necessity of watchfulness, lest having long 
 professed the truth, he should in the end become a cast-away. 
 In the retrospect of his lengthened but active life, he was very
 
 xii A TESTIMONY, &C. 
 
 desirous that his friends should know, that he trusted in nothing 
 but the free mercy of God in Christ Jesus, repeatedly assuring 
 them, that all his own righteousness was but as filthy rags. 
 
 On the 5th of the 6th month, 1836, he was taken more alarm- 
 ingly ill. Early in the morning of the following day he be- 
 came much worse, from increased debility ; and his breathing 
 being difficult, he said, " It is labour, but not sorrow. O ! de- 
 liver me, if consistent with thy blessed will. I am in the hands 
 of a merciful God — take me. I can give up all in this world. 
 Mercy ! mercy ! O ! come, come, blessed Jesus, if it is consistent 
 with thy blessed will." In the course of the evening of that 
 day he was visited by a friend, who found him in extreme 
 weakness; but in the possession of his mental powers. He 
 observed that it was difficult fo maintain patience. "O ! for pa- 
 tience !" he exclaimed ; " O ! for a little help to be preserved in 
 patience ;" adding, after some further expression, " but surely 
 mercy is even now covering the judgment-seat as to a hair's 
 breadth." A hope was expressed to him, that although the 
 body was brought very low, the mind was anchored on the un- 
 failing Rock ; he promptly replied, " O ! yes : — if it were not 
 so, what should I now do, or what would now become of me ? 
 Ah! truly, I am a poor creature every way, wholly dependent 
 on the mercy of my Redeemer ; and if he do but admit the 
 pearl gates to be so far opened, that I may be admitted within 
 them, it will be enough. O ! I see the goodly land before me, 
 and the glorious j ourney thither ; but I am not yet permitted 
 to enter it. It is indeed a beautiful prospect, as clear to the 
 eye of my soul as any outward object to the natural sight." 
 He then exclaimed, " O ! the love of my Redeemer, how sweet 
 it is. May my latest breath be engaged in singing his praises." 
 He further observed, that he had no works or merit of his own 
 to carry with him on that beautiful road, nor any claim to 
 prefer, at the pearl gates ; — but the love and mercy of that 
 Saviour, who shed his precious blood for him. On the Friend's 
 taking leave of him, he expressed that he felt love to all his 
 friends without exception, emphatically adding, "to all my 
 friends." At another time, on receiving a message of love 
 from two friends, he said his love was to every body, all the 
 world over, even the vi^orst sinner ;-- he loved them, but not 
 their deeds ; that his love was universal to all the human race ; 
 adding, " If it were not so, how miserable indeed should I 
 feel!" 
 
 He quietly passed away from time to eternity, on the 12th 
 of the 6th month, 1836, and his remains were interred in our 
 burial-ground at Tottenham, on the 17th of the same. He was 
 about eighty-two years old, and had been a minister upwards 
 of fifty years ; and we believe, that to this aged servant of God
 
 A TESTIMONY, &C. xiii 
 
 may be applied the words of Holy Scripture ; " Blessed are the 
 dead which die in the Lord from henceforth ; yea, saith the 
 Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their works do 
 follow them." 
 
 London and Middlesex Quarterly Meeting, held the 2Sth 
 day of '3rd month, 1837- 
 
 The foregoing testimony on behalf of our late dear friend 
 Thomas Shillitoe, has been read in this meeting, and is feelingly 
 united with. 
 
 Signed by the direction and on behalf of the meeting by 
 
 George Stacey, Clerk. 
 
 Signed on behalf of the women's quarterly meeting by 
 
 Elizabeth Kidd, Clerk.
 
 VOL. I. 
 
 CONTENTS OF CHAPTERS. 
 
 CHAPTER I.— Page 1. 
 
 The Author's birth, parentage, early career, eonvincement, appearance in 
 the ministry, and settlement in life — Visits Norfolk, &c.aIso Dunkirk. 
 
 CHAPTER II,— Page 17. 
 
 1794. — Religious visit to King George III. at Windsor — Visits some 
 meetings in Surrey and Bucks ; also in Kent, Hampshire, Guernsey, &c. 
 
 CHAPTER III.— Tage 39. 
 
 1805. — Quits his business — Again visits Guernsey and Jersey — Visifs fa- 
 milies at Bristol — Travels with certificate to Sheifield, Manchester, and 
 Kendal. 
 
 CHAPTER IV.— Page 56. 
 
 1807. — Visits some meetings in Yorkshire and Lancashire, &c. 
 
 CHAPTER v.— Page 74. 
 
 1808. — His Address to the Rulers of this Nation — Proceeds to Ireland, 
 visits families in Dublin. 
 
 CHAPTER VI.— Page 86. 
 
 1808. — His ministerial labours in various parts of Ireland — With Elizabeth 
 Ridgeway, pays visits to the drinking-houses at Waterford. 
 
 CHAPTER VII.— Page 104, 
 
 1809. — His labours in Ireland continued ; at Belfast and in the north— Re- 
 turns home by Waterford and Bristol : and in 18J0 again visits Ireland 
 and returns home. 
 
 CHAPTER VIII.— Page 125. 
 
 1811. — Returns to Ireland with certificate — At Cork visits the drinking- 
 houses with James Abel ; also at other places. 
 
 CHAPTER IX.— Page 144. 
 At Dublin pays visits to the drinking-houses — Returns home to Barnsley. 
 
 CHAPTER X.— Page 163. 
 1812. — With Ann Fry, visits the colliers at Kingswood, near Bristol. 
 
 CHAPTER XI.— Page 184. 
 
 1812. — Visits the families and widows of machine-breakers [about Hud- 
 dersfield] executed for riots, &c. — Proceeds, with certificate, to London 
 — Presents a very imprcssiv« address to the Prince Regent at Brighton.
 
 XVI CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XII.— Page 205. 
 
 1820. — From Hitchen, his then residence, he proceeds to the Yearly 
 Meeting in London — Issues his address to Friends in Great Britain and 
 Ireland. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII.— Page 226. 
 
 1821. — His prospect of religious service on the Continent — Leaves home, 
 and proceeds to Hull. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV.— Page 232. 
 
 1821. — Sails for Rotterdam — Visits Amsterdam — His services at both 
 places. 
 
 CHAPTER XV.— Page 253. 
 
 Quits Rotterdam ; proceeds to Hamburgh and Altona — Writes addresses 
 to the people of each place ; also to tlie magistrates and clergy — Is ar- 
 rested by the police-master at Altona for distributing the address, and 
 is set at liberty. 
 
 CHAPTER XVI.— Page 273. 
 
 Services in Hamburgh continued — Travels to Kiel. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII.— Page 287. 
 
 Interesting visits at Kiel — Proceeds to Copenhagen — His interview with 
 the king and royal family of Denmark — His Address to the queen's at- 
 tendants — Quits Copenhagen, and reaches Christiana in Norway. 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII.— Page 312. 
 1821—22. — His services at Christiana^Visits to the bishop, magistrates, 
 
 CHAPTER XIX.— Page 333. 
 Visits the prisoners — His address to them is printed and distributed — Sails 
 
 to Stavanger. 
 
 CHAPTER XX.— Page 354. 
 
 His religious services among Friends and others at Stavanger — Sails to 
 Bergen, and from thence to Altona — Arrives at Pyrmont. 
 
 CHAPTER XXL— Page 376. 
 
 Occurrences at Pyrmont — He takes to manual labour — Proceeds to Han- 
 over and to Miuden — ^ Visits Friends' families there, &c. — Travels to 
 Basle, Berne, and Geneva. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII.— Page 403. 
 
 1822. — Proceeds to Lyons, where he unexpectedly meets with two English 
 Friends in the street — His services at Lyons — Reaches Congenies — Re- 
 ligious labours there — His address to the governor, magistrates, &c. of 
 Geneva — At Nismes he visits tlie Catholic bishop — Returns to England 
 by Paris — His Address to the Archbishoj) of Paris.
 
 JOURNAL 
 
 OF THE 
 
 LIFE OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 Apprehending that it will prove a relief to my own mind, and 
 that it may afford a ray of encouragement to some poor weary tra- 
 veller like myself, should these fragments be cast before the pub- 
 lic, I am most easy to attempt something by way of Journal, and 
 thus show forth the Lord's wonderful dealings, his merciful inter- 
 ference and deliverance manifested towards me, in times of sore 
 trial and conflict, both inwardly and outwardly. 
 
 I was born in Holborn, London, about the Second month, 1754. 
 My parents were members of the national church, and zealously 
 engaged to bring up their children in the due observance of its re- 
 ligious rites and ceremonies, and every moral duty. In my infancy 
 they left the place of my birth, and settled in Whitechapel, until 
 I had attained about the twelfth year of my age. My father had, 
 for many years, filled the office of librarian to the Society of Gray's 
 Inn. His situation calling for his daily attendance, and feeling 
 the infirmities of old age coming upon him, it became necessary for 
 my parents to change their place of residence, which induced my 
 father to take the Three Tuns, public house, at Islington, and 
 move there with his family. 
 
 This change exposed me to great temptations, being naturally 
 a child of a volatile disposition, and early addicted to va- 
 nity. A different scene was now opened to my view. Before, I 
 had been kept close in doors, seldom being suffered to go into the 
 company of other children, except at school ; but now I was ex- 
 posed to all sorts of company, and allowed to ramble the village 
 unprotected, both by day and late of an evening, carrying out 
 beer to the customers, and gathering in the pots, and waiting upon 
 such company as came to the house. First-days were generally 
 
 B
 
 ^ JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 the most busy days I had to pass over, being scarcely ever able 
 to get to a place of religious worship. This by long-continued 
 neglect, became in time a matter of the greatest indifference to 
 me; which had not been the case before my parents changed their 
 place of residence. I can now recur to the satisfaction I at times ex- 
 perienced, in going with my parents to what is called church ; and 
 when there, in being on my knees during the time of repeating 
 that part of the service to which that posture was more appropriate. 
 But my exposed situation in my father's house, open to almost 
 every vice, and the artifices of such evil-disposed persons as I had 
 at times to do with, had nearly effected my ruin. My father, how- 
 ever, being unacquainted with this business, and of an easy dispo- 
 sition, by lending his property, and by other means, wasted what 
 substance he had, which obliged him to quit this line of life, and 
 retire to apartments provided for him and his family, in Gray's 
 Inn, and live on his salary, 
 
 I was now about sixteen years of age. A person who frequented 
 my father's house, and who had been an officer in the army, being 
 newly married, and having begun business in the grocery line in 
 Wapping, proposed to my parents to take me as an apprentice for 
 five years, to which they agreed. Here my situation was not im- 
 proved, as far as respected good example; for my master was a 
 man given to much liquor and company ; and my mistress being 
 the daughter of a person who kept a public-house at Portsmouth, 
 from her manner of being brought up, was not a suitable mistress 
 for me. These things, together with the examples of wickedness 
 exhibited in the neighbourhood in which we were settled, rendered 
 my new situation every way a dangerous one. But thus exposed, 
 adorable Mercy met with me, and awakened in my mind a degree 
 of serious religious thoughtfulness. I endeavoiu'ed to obtain an ac- 
 quaintance with a young man in the neighbourhood, towards whom 
 I had felt an attachment, from an apprehension that his counte- 
 nance bespoke him to be of a serious disposition. His company 
 proved in a good degree helpful to my preservation, from going 
 greater lengths in folly and dissipation than I might otherwise have 
 done; and his example awakened in me again that liking which 
 I once had for attending a place of religious worship, when I had 
 the opportunity ; but this did not often occur, my master and mis- 
 tress spending the First-day from home, in pleasure, I was left to 
 take care of the house. My master's inclination for company and 
 strong drink caused him so to neglect his business; that after I 
 had been with him little more than one year, he was compelled to 
 give it up, and move to Portsmouth, where he opened a shop in 
 the same line. I felt regret at being obliged to leave my new ac- 
 quaintance; and the more so, as my exposure to temptation was 
 not at all lessened by my change of residence. A sense of 
 the necessity of a care how I formed new acquaintance was
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 6 
 
 in mercy awakened in me, which 1 endeavouired to give good heed 
 to. In time a sober, religious young man, rather older than my- 
 self, attached liimsclf to mc ; and our intimacy was, 1 believe, of 
 mutual benefit, and it continued the remainder of the time 1 
 staid in this part of the country. 
 
 The neighbourhood in which my master resided, exposed me 
 more to the danger of being drawn aside from the path of virtue, than 
 any other part of the town whatsoever ; this circumstance, toge- 
 ther with the little probability of my making any improvement in 
 obtaining a knowledge of my business, induced me to write to my 
 parents to procure my indentures, which being effected I returned 
 to London, and obtained a situation in the same line of employ. 
 Although I had not mended my situation as respected the neigh- 
 bourhood I was settled in, yet the change was abundantly for the 
 better as respected my master, who was a sober, religiously-disposed 
 man, and a great help to me. He being a constant attender of the 
 Foundhng Hospital chapel, I became his companion on First- 
 day mornings, and in the afternoon resorted to such places of wor- 
 ship as were noted for popular preachers. In this situation I re- 
 mained about three years, until I became acquainted with a young 
 man, a distant relation, descended from the Society of Friends. I 
 then forsook the Foundling Hospital chapel, and other places 
 of worship which I had frequented, and kept solely to the 
 meetings of Friends, on First-day mornings. But my motive for 
 tliis change was not a pure one; my chief inducement being to 
 meet my young relation, and afterwards go home to dine with him ; 
 his acquaintance causing me to neglect- the attendance of a place 
 of worship the remaining part of the day, which had been my 
 uniform practice for the last three years, jMy new companion 
 also took me to the most fashionable tea-gardens and other 
 places of public resort, where we spent the afternoon, and, at times, 
 the evening ; this again led the way to my giving greater latitude 
 than ever to my natural inclination. Still I continued my attend- 
 ance of Friends'" meetings on First-day mornings, more than twelve 
 months, but spending the remainder of the day in some round of 
 pleasure. Although the retrospect, at times, did not produce 
 those comfortable feelings which I once had known, when this day 
 of the week had been differently occupied ; yet I was again, in 
 unmerited mercy, met with, and my attention arrested to the con- 
 sideration of the misery the road I had now chosen to travel in 
 would eventually lead me into, if I continued to pursue it. 
 
 Feeling, as I did, a decided preference, in my own mind, to the 
 meetings of Friends, I continued my attendance; experiencing an 
 increase of care to observe the time appointed, and to be diligent 
 also in the attendance of afternoon meetings. The more I gave 
 up faithfully to these impressions of duty, the more my desires in- 
 creased after an acquaintance with the Almighty, and the know- 
 
 B 2
 
 4 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Icdo-e of his ways. And earnest were my prayers, that in t])is 
 day' of his powerful visitation, in mercy renewed to my soul, he 
 would not leave me again, or suffer me to become a prey to my 
 soul's adversary ;— that his hand would not spare, nor his eye pity, 
 until an entire wiUingness was brought about in me, to cast down 
 every crown at iiis holy footstool. As resignation was thus 
 brought about in me, to yield to the purifying operation of the 
 Holy Ghost and fire, — a willingness that the fan of God's word and 
 power should again begin the necessary separation between the pre- 
 cious and the vile, corresponding fruits were brought forth in me, 
 and manifested by my outward conduct. I soon found my old com- 
 panion considered me no longer a fit one for him, and our intimacy 
 ceased. 
 
 Fresh trials now awaited me. The knowledge of my attend- 
 ance at Friends' meetings reached the ears of my parents, who 
 manifested great displeasure thereat. My father took oppor- 
 tunities to persuade me to leave the meetings of Friends, lay- 
 ino- out the Society in as unfavourable and ridiculous a point 
 of^'view as he well knew how. Finding his arguments made 
 no impression on my mind, he requested I would go with him 
 the next First-day to the chapel of Grays' Inn, and hear their 
 chaplain,' It being my fathers particular request, I consented, 
 and attended ; but my conflict was such, the whole of the time I 
 was there, that I was ready to conclude my countenance indicated 
 the state of my mind, and that all eyes were upon me. From this 
 time I never more attended. But here my difficulties did not end 
 as respected my parents, whom I felt an increase of care not wil- 
 fully to disoblige. Wave after wave arose in my soul. Using the 
 plain language, and refusing to conform to the vain compliments 
 used by the world, was now brought close home to my mind, and 
 laid me under great suffering; not only on account of my becoming 
 still more obnoxious to my parents, but my employer, not professing 
 with Friends, if I gave up to those convictions of duty in these 
 respects, my conduct behind his counter, to his customers, would not 
 be approved of by him. Thus the spirit was willing, but the flesh 
 was weak ; for instead of seeking to that Almighty Power for 
 help, who I was fully persuaded laid the necessity upon me so to do, 
 and firmly maintaining my ground by faithfulness, I sunk 
 under discouragement, and, to avoid the cross I should have 
 taken up if I continued where I was, left my situation, with a 
 view of procuring one in a Friend's family. No situation had 
 offered for me, when the time proposed for my leaving arrived, 
 and I had nowhere to shelter my head but my father's house ; 
 who, with my mother, was much opposed to me, on account of my 
 persisting to attend the meetings of Friends. After being some 
 time out of employ, my fiither one day told me, he would rather 
 have followed me to my grave, than I should have gone amongst
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. O 
 
 the Quakers ; and he was determined I should quit his house that 
 day week, and turn out and rpKick amonp^st those I liad joined my- 
 self in profession with. 
 
 Having nowhere in prospect to go to, and but little means 
 to support myself, this was a time of close proving. Rut He 
 who cares for the very sparrows, notwithstanding I had brought 
 myself into this strait, partly through my shunning the cross, in 
 his unmerited mercy looked down upon me. I opened my situation 
 to INIargaret Bell, a member of Devonshire-house monthly meet- 
 ing, who afterwards became a nursing-mother to me, and by whose 
 exertions a situation was procured for me to enter upon, the day 
 I was to leave my parents' home This was at a banking-house in 
 Lombard-street, where most of the clerks were in membership with 
 Friends, and whereby I had entertained a hope of being more se- 
 cure and out of the way of much temptation ; but, alas ! I soon 
 found out my mistake in this respect, and that no situation was safe 
 and secure, without the daily unremitting watch was maintained ; 
 for very few of my new companions, it was evident to my under- 
 standing, were acquainted with that inward work I so much longed 
 after an increase of; many of them being as much given up to the 
 world, and its delusive pleasures, as other professors of the Christian 
 name. 
 
 For want of my keeping steadily on the watch, I had near made 
 shipwreck of fjiith again. But, oh! the mercy of that God who 
 sought me up, snatched me again as a brand out of the burning, 
 again opened mine ear to his counsel, pointing out to me the need 
 of increasing circumspection on my part. Although my new situ- 
 ation, by being amongst professors with the Society of Friends, 
 where 1 was not known, lessened my difficulty in using the plain 
 lauGfuag-e, and not using vain compliments, yet wlicn I fell in the 
 way of my relations and former acquaintance, my dithculty conti- 
 nued great ; for when unfaithful, by suffering the slavish fear 
 of man to lord over me, I was sensible of inward weakness follow- 
 ing my unfaithfulness, by the withdrawing of the quickening in- 
 fluence of the Spirit and power of Christ, whereby the hands 
 of the soul come to hang down, and the knees to smite. 
 
 INIy mind now became exercised with a belief, that if I con- 
 tinued faithful to Divine requiring, a gift in the ministry would 
 be committed to my charge. Earnest were my secret cries, 
 in meetings and out of meetings, for Divine preservation in 
 this awful work ; to be kept from running before I was sent, 
 and of over-staying the right time when the command was 
 clearly and distinctly heard of " Go forth." About the 
 twenty-fourth year of my age my mouth was first opened 
 in this awful work, in a few words, at a meeting then held 
 every Fifth-day evening, in the Park meeting-house. O! the 
 peace of mind I was favoured to feel, and which continued for 
 some time; -but 1 found by experience, to my great sorrow of
 
 () JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 heart, it was a truth that Satan can transform himself into an an- 
 gel of light; and when he cannot effect his evil purpose upon us, 
 by causing us to lag behind our good Guide, he will then try us in 
 another way, by endeavouring to hurry us on before our good 
 Guide. Some time after this my first appearance at the evening 
 meeting at the Park, I ventured on my feet, and after I had ex- 
 pressed a few words, I found myself embarrassed; a minister, in a 
 very cautious manner, expressed his belief it would be safest for the 
 young man to sit down. I immediately took his kind, fatherly ad- 
 vice. Gladly would I have left the meeting, concluding all eyes 
 were upon me ; but this I found 1 must not do, but sit the meet- 
 ing, whatever my sufferings of mind might be. After the many 
 plungings I had to pass through, by night and by day, for this 
 misstepping, my Divine Master, who knew the sincerity of my 
 heart, had compassion upon me, and was pleased to say, "It is 
 enough." Some of my friends appeared to feel much on my ac- 
 count, expressing their dissatisfaction that the reproof was given 
 in public; but it always felt right for me, whenever opportunity 
 ofl'ered, to clear the Friend from any blame, by giving it as 
 my belief he vvas quite in his place in doing as he had done ; being 
 fully persuaded, if we ourselves are but mercifully preserved 
 within the holy enclosure, the pure love and fear of the Lord, none 
 of these things will be suffered to harm us. After the occurrence 
 of this sorrowful event, I did not venture to express anything in 
 meetings for a great length of time; and when the time again 
 arrived that I apprehended it was required of me so to do, the 
 unguarded step I had before taken greatly increased my difficulty. 
 My mind became uncomfortable respecting some part of 
 the business that fell to my lot to transact, having to purchase 
 lottery-tickets for country correspondents, and other matters 
 that I felt a scruple against, which again brought me under 
 exercise, lest I should be involved in fresh difKculties, not know- 
 ing what to turn my hand to, that I might be able to get a 
 living in as respectable a way as that I was now in ; but as I be- 
 came willing to seek and become subject to Divine direction, in a 
 matter of such moment as the changing of my present situation 
 appeared to me to be, in patiently waiting on this Divine Coun- 
 sellor, I clearly saw I must be willing to settle down to that man- 
 ner of getting my future livelihood that Truth pointed out to me. 
 One First-day, when it was my turn to keep house, my mind be- 
 came deeply exercised with the subject of a change in my manner 
 of getting my livelihood, accompanied with earnest cravings of 
 soul that the Lord would be pleased to direct me herein ; he in 
 mercy, I believe, heard my cries, and answered my supplications, 
 pointing out to me the business I was to be willing to take to for a 
 future livelihood, as intelligibly to my inward ear, the ear of my 
 soul, as ever words were expressed clearly and intelligibly to my 
 outward ear, — That I must be willing to humble myself, and learn
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. ./ 
 
 the trade of a shoemaker. This unexpected intimation at first 
 involved me in great distress of mind; first, from my time of life to 
 learn such a new way of getting my liveliiiood, and then the little 
 probability of my being able very soon to earn as much as would af- 
 ford me bare necessaries ; as my salary was small, and I was obliged 
 to make a respectable appearance, I had not been able to save much 
 money. After trying the fleece, and giving the subject all due 
 consideration, and calling to mind my frequent supplications to 
 be rightly directed in this matter; and believing the mind of 
 Truth pointed to my willingly giving up to it at a suitable time, 
 I made my employers acquainted with my prospects of appre- 
 hended duty in quitting their service. 
 
 Although this step afforded me relief, yet the prospect of my 
 making such a change, with the remarks I should expose myself to, 
 was humiliating to fiesh and blood. I thought I might conclude the 
 bitterness of death was now very much gone by, when I had inform- 
 ed my employers of my intention ; but, alas ! how little do we know 
 about the future. My parents'' displeasure, which had a little sub- 
 sided, was again awakened, and threatened to be more violent 
 than ever it had been. Notwithstanding my employers were si- 
 lent, on my giving them the information, yet the subject had ob- 
 tained their deliberation. Friends, who I believe had my welfare 
 at heart, I understood were diverse in their sentiments respecting 
 my proposed change. When the time was come for my employ- 
 ers setting me at lilberty, they put me off to a longer time ; and 
 divers Friends had conversation with me on the subject, if possible 
 to prevent my prosecuting the object now in view, which 1 wished 
 to consider rather as a mark of their kindness, than from a desire 
 to lead me into perplexity, and which I believe would have been the 
 case, had I not been preserved and kept near to my good Guide. 
 After being put off from time to time by my employers, and 
 continuing to hear the various sentiments of Friends on the occa- 
 sion, my dear and valued friend and mother in Christ, Margaret 
 Bell, expressed herself in a way that gave a spur to my diligence 
 in procuring my liberty. " The wise man," said she, " says, ' in 
 the multitude of counsellors there is safety ;' but I say, there 
 often wants safety ; for from the diversity of sentiments abroad, 
 amongst Friends, on thy present intended change of employ, it 
 seems, without great care, to be likely to involve thee in accu- 
 mulated perplexity ; and therefore I am for leaving thee to the 
 great Masters guidance." 
 
 My employers finding therefore, that 1 was firm in my inten- 
 tion to leave their service, liberated me ; and I entered into 
 an agreement with a man in the Borough, to instruct me in the 
 working part of shoemaking, with measuring and cutting out; for 
 which 1 was to give him more than half of my small savings. Yet 
 throughout, believing my movements were not in my own will, I
 
 8 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 trusted that if I kept close to my good Guide in all my future step- 
 pings, he would not fail so to direct mc, that time would evince to 
 my friends I had not been deceived in the step J had thus taken. 
 The billows, at times, would rise very high one after another ; yet, 
 to my humbling admiration, I had from time to time to acknow- 
 ledge (to the praise of the excellency of that Power, which I believed 
 had led me into this tribulated path,) tlicy all passed over me. 
 My little surplus of money wasted fast, and my earnings were 
 very small, not allowing me more for the first twelve months than 
 bread, cheese, and water, and sometimes bread only, to keep clear 
 of getting into debt, which I carefully avoided. On First-days 
 I was frequently invited to a Friend's house, where I had such a 
 meal as 1 had formerly been accustomed to. Sitting constantly 
 on the seat at work made it hard for me, so that I might say, I 
 worked hard and fared hard. Many of my friends manifested a 
 fear my health would suffer ; but I soon became reconciled to the 
 change in my diet, as did also my constitution. My counte- 
 nance, some of my friends would tell me, reminded them of the 
 pulse. Dan. ch. i. 
 
 After I had been under the care of my instructor about eigh- 
 teen months, his health began so to decline that he was fre- 
 quently unequal to pay much attention to me ; but my great and 
 good Master had so mercifully cared for me, that I had by this 
 time made considerable proficiency in my new calling. After 
 awhile it appeared better for me to free myself from my instructor, 
 and do my best in beginning as a master for myself, having 
 offers of plenty of employment from such who would be likely 
 to make allowances for one who had only newly entered into 
 such an engagement. I therefore took lodgings in the city, 
 beginning business with my small capital of the few shillings I 
 had yet left, always getting pay for my work as I carried it home. 
 In time, and by dint of application, under the Lord's helping 
 hand, who I believe pointed out for me the path I was treading, 
 I soon became equal to manage a business of more extent. 
 
 After I had been settled in my new situation a few months, 
 making great progress in managing my business, my prospects 
 began to be very discouraging. From the declining state of my 
 bodily health, I was unable to continue to give my business the 
 attention it called for. My state of debility so increased, the doc- 
 tors recommended my leaving London altogether. The thoughts 
 of doing which, and having new connexions to seek, was a fresh 
 trial of my faith ; but as my health continued to get worse, I 
 concluded I had no alternative ; I therefore turned my attention 
 to Tottenham, where there was a large body of Friends. I left 
 London accordingly. After a few months my health improved, 
 and my prospects began to brighten again ; but above all other 
 favours, I considered it a great one, the evidence I was favoured
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 9 
 
 with, that this was my right place of settlement. Thus does our 
 great almighty Care-taker, as we are willing to become subject 
 to his control and government, lead us about, and in various 
 ways instruct us, by sickness and by health, crosses and disap- 
 pointments, that we of ourselves are poor, feeble, fallible mortals, 
 wholly at the disposal of, and under His turning and overturning 
 hand of power. My health improving, when I again became 
 equal to give proper attention to my business, I found my London 
 connexions were desirous to continue to employ me, and the two 
 Friends' Schools here were also kindly disposed towards me; which 
 threw so much business into my hands I was soon under the 
 necessity of employing two journeymen ; and through the con- 
 tinued extension of heavenly aid in the conducting of my busi- 
 ness, I was favoured to give so much satisfaction to my em- 
 ployers, that they promoted my interest. Beheving it would be 
 to my advantage every way to change my condition in life, I be- 
 sought the Lord to guide me by his counsel in my taking this 
 very momentous step ; and 1 thought I had good ground to be- 
 lieve he was pleased to grant my request, and pointed out to me 
 one who was to be my companion for life, INIaiy Pace, a virtuous 
 woman of honest parents, to whom in due time I made proposals 
 of marriage; and in the Seventh month, 177^' ^^ were united 
 in the solemn covenant of marriage. 
 
 About the year 1790, an apprehension of religious duty took 
 hold of my mind, that it was required of me to be willing to leave 
 my family and outward concerns, in the Lord's work ; which, if I 
 gave up to and was liberated by my Friends, would be likely to 
 take me a considerable time from home. This was a fresh trial 
 of my faith in the all-sufficiency of that Power, who, when he 
 calls forth, can not only qualify for the work, but amply care for 
 the stuff' left behind, and those left in the charge of it. IMy 
 wife's time was fully occupied in attending to her little family, 
 as we kept no servant. She was also unacquainted with the 
 management of business. I had none I could leave in charge of 
 it but a man who had acted as an assistant to me, had forfeited 
 his membership on account of unsteady conduct, and at times 
 manifested such symptoms of derangement, that it would seem 
 very little dependence was to be placed upon him. 1 found the 
 enemy now began to be very busy, endeavouring to take his 
 advantage of me, and sap the foundation of my confidence in 
 the never-failing arm of Divine Power to save and deliver. 
 When the concern was afresh brought before the view of my 
 mind to leave home, and I endeavoured after a willingness so to 
 do, Satan was also present with me, to magnify my difficulties, 
 by laying before me the want of a qualification in this man to 
 manage my concerns, also the depredations that at times were 
 committed on the property of different persons in the neigh-
 
 10 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 bourhood. As the only person I could leave in charge with 
 my business was so little to be depended upon, should he neglect 
 to make my shop properly secure at night, robbers would have easy 
 access to my little property, the loss of" which might involve me 
 in great difficulty the remainder of my days. Nor was it likely 
 this man would have much authority over the rest of my jour- 
 neymen, (for by this time I had several men in my employ,) who, 
 when I was at home, would at times neglect their work, so that it 
 seemed to me they would be more likely to do so in my absence. 
 My wife and children also claimed all the attention I could spare 
 from my business, so that whenever the concern was brought into 
 view, and my mind became exercised with desires if it was a Di- 
 vine requiring, that I might be strengthened faithfully to give up to 
 it, then these discouragements came in like a flood, so that my 
 seci'ct plungings were at last almost more than I was able to bear 
 up under. In this trying situation, I was one day tempted to 
 come to the conclusion, let the consequences of my refusal be 
 what they might, I must give up all prospects of ever moving 
 forward in this engagement ; but He who well knew the sincerity 
 of my heart, did not leave me in this season of great extremity, 
 thus to become a prey to the grand adversary of souls, but in his 
 great and unmerited mercy had compassion on me. One day, 
 when I was standing cutting out work for my men, my mind be- 
 ing again brought under the weight of the service that had thus 
 been before me, these discouragements again presented them- 
 selves, if possible, with double force ; but my tried mind, in 
 adorable mercy, was so brought under the calming influence of 
 Divine help, as I had not often if ever before known. And as I 
 became willing to yield to its holy operation, the power of the mighty 
 God of Jacob was mercifully manifest to the subduing the influ- 
 ence and power of the adversary ; holding out for my acceptance 
 and help this encouraging pi-omise, which was addressed to my 
 inward hearing, or the ear of my soul, in a language as intel- 
 ligible as ever I heard words spoken to my outward ear, — 
 " I will be more than bolts and bars to thy outward habitation — 
 more than a master to thy servants ; for I can restrain their wan- 
 dering minds — more than a husband to thy wife, and a parent to 
 thy infant children." At which, the knife 1 was using fell out of 
 my hand ; I no longer daring to hesitate, after such a confirma- 
 tion. I therefore resolved, if the concern continued with me, 
 and it should appear the right time for me to move in, to lay 
 it before the next monthly meeting. But in doing this, I 
 felt myself under some difficulty. I had been a regular at- 
 tender of the meeting of ministers and elders, by invitation, for 
 nearly fourteen years ; but like several others who were in a simi- 
 lar situation, had not been acknowledged as a minister approved 
 by the monthly meeting. As the monthly meeting approached, 
 the subject increased with weight on my mind. 1 concluded it
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 11 
 
 would be best for me to cast myself upon the meeting, and leave 
 the matter to the disposal of it ; and in the Twelfth month, 
 1790, I laid my concern before my friends, to visit the month- 
 ly meetings of Norfolk, and families of Friends in the city 
 of Norwich, which appeared to obtain the solid deliberation 
 of the meeting. Yet, from the situation I stood in, the meet- 
 ing was brought under embarrassment ; and after much time 
 spent in considering what steps it would be best for the meeting 
 to take, a committee was appointed to see if an addition could 
 not be made to the select meeting; and at the next monthly 
 meeting my name was recorded as an approved minister, and a 
 certificate ordered to be prepared for my proceeding in my visit. 
 
 I now believed it to be ray duty to exert myself all in my 
 power, in arranging and settling my outward concerns, under an 
 assurance, if I did my part herein faithfully, nothing would be 
 wanting on the part of my divine Care-taker. Having obtained 
 my certificate, I left home on Seventh-day, the second of Third 
 month, 179 1; my kind friends AVilliam Forster and Wilson Birk- 
 beck accompanying me as far as Stansted, in Essex. I lodged this 
 night at the house of my kind friend William Grover, and on First- 
 day morning attended meeting here. My heart was brought un- 
 der exercise on account of some in the meeting, who, if my feel- 
 ings were correct, were satisfying themselves with mourning over 
 their weakness, instead of rightly seeking for help to overcome 
 those things which caused the hands to hang down. After dinner 
 1 rode to Haverhill, to the house of James Wright: found his fa- 
 mily with a few others sitting in silence, this proved a time in 
 which a little strength was handed to rhy needy soul. Second-day 
 morning reached Wells in time for their monthly meeting: that for 
 worship as well as that for discipline were to me seasons of deep in- 
 ward exercise of soul. I trust I am safe in saying, I endeavoured 
 to labour honestly with the members of this meeting. Third-day 
 reached Lynn. Fourth-day attended monthly meeting here, 
 which was small. Some of our little company appeared to be 
 bound to the testimonies we have to bear. Gospel order seemed 
 to be in a good deo-ree maintained. Reached SwafFham this 
 night. Next day pi-oceeded to Norwich, which place I reached 
 to the evening meeting ; and where I was fav'oured to have a 
 morsel of that bread which alone can nourish the soul, and sup- 
 port it under its varied exercise, for Zion's sake: for which favour 
 I hope I felt truly thankful. Seventh-day proceeded to Yar- 
 mouth, accompanied by my friend Eli Stanton. First-day at- 
 tended meeting here, and on Second-day their select meeting ; 
 after which the monthly meeting was held, which was large, and 
 the business that came before it conducted in a good degree of 
 brotherly condescension. 
 
 Third- day we returned to Norwich, where I was kindly re-
 
 12 , JOUnNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE, 
 
 ceivetl by my friends Thomas and Sarah Bland. Fourth-day at- 
 tended monthly meeting here, where I produced my certificate, in- 
 forming Friends of my apprehension of duty to visit the families of 
 both members and attenders of meeting in the city. \ committee 
 was therefore appointed to assist therein, as occasion might require; 
 in which service I was engaged about six weeks, and had al)out 
 sixty-six sittings; during which engagements, such were my hid- 
 den conflicts, I was at times nearly deserting the field of labour 
 again ; but being preserved in the patience, willing to do or suffer 
 all the Lord's will, the retrospect afforded peace, and proved a 
 fresh incitement to persevere in the path of apprehended duty, 
 until the portion of Lil^our allotted for me in this part of the vine- 
 yard was fully accomplished. I next proceeded to Wymondham 
 monthly meeting. The business of this' monthly meeting, ac- 
 cording to the view given me, was conducted much in a dry, 
 formal way. I tliink I never found it more trying to obtain re- 
 lief to my own mind than at this time. Here ended my service 
 in this quarterly meeting, if any has fallen to my lot since leaving 
 my own home ; and now, feeling my way clear to return to it again, 
 joined by my esteemed friend William Bleckley, of Long Strat- 
 ton, we proceeded to Kelvedon. 
 
 Li the course of conversation in the evening, mention was made 
 of a general meeting that was to be held at Colne on First-day, 
 which fastened on my mind, and brought me again into bonds ; 
 but such was my desire to reach home as speedily now as well 
 could be, I strove all in my power to get from under the weight 
 of it. Next morning we set off" on my way home ; but the 
 further we proceeded, the more my sufferings of mind increased. 
 Thus the mercy of the Most High follows us ; notwithstanding 
 we rebel, still he gives us proof he wills not the death of him 
 that dieth. I could no longer conceal my situation from my 
 companion, wherefore we parted again ; he proceeding towards 
 London, and I returning to Kelvedon. When my will had thus 
 far become subject, my detention from my home and family was 
 made easy to me. First-day morning attended Kelvedon meet- 
 ing ; in the afternoon the general meeting at Colne, which was 
 largely attended ; and, I trust, an edifying meeting to many. My 
 mind was comforted under a hope of not being out of my right 
 place, in turning back again as 1 had done. 
 
 On Second-day I proceeded, and was favoured to reach my own 
 home in the evening, where I found my family well, and my out- 
 ward concerns in every particular in as good order as if I had 
 taken the management of them the whole of the time ; my friends 
 telling me how diligent and steady my foreman had been while 
 I was absent. I had not returned many days, before he mani- 
 fested his usual instability of conduct, rambling from home. 
 After such evident demonstrations of the all-sufKcicncy of the
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. l-^ 
 
 superintending care of the Most High, what must I expect will 
 be the sad consequences of unfaithfulness to Divine requirings, 
 should it in a future day mark my footsteps ? 
 
 At the yearly meeting this year, a committee was appointed to 
 visit some members of our religious Society settled at Dunkirk, in 
 France, who had emigrated from Nantucket and New Bedford, 
 in North America. My mind was impressed with an apprehension, 
 whilst the appointment was in progress, that it would be right for 
 me to offer myself to the meeting, as one of the committee; but I 
 suffered the appointment to close without my doing as I believed 
 was required of me, this committee being left so far under the 
 care of the meeting for sufferings, as to have the power to 
 make an addition to it, of any Friend who might feel a concern, 
 with the consent of their own monthly meeting, to join it. 
 The subject continuing to press with increasing weight on 
 my mind, I informed my own monthly meeting thereof; which 
 furnished me with a minute of its concurrence, and this being 
 presented to the meeting for sufferings, that meeting set me 
 at liberty to join the said committee, in the Eighth month, 1792. 
 The committee met at Dover, and being joined by a committee 
 appointed by the quarterly meeting of Kent, engaged the packet 
 for Calais. On Sixth-day morning, the wind being favourable, 
 we set sail ; but after we had sailed about two hours, a calm took 
 place, in consequence of which we did not reach Calais Harbour 
 before the gates were shut, and no admittance could be obtained un- 
 til the next morning. Having cast anchor, the keepers of the 
 houses of entertainment outside the walls came on board our 
 packet, and pressed us much to go ashore, against which we 
 were strongly advised, and therefore concluded to get what sleep 
 we could on board. On their being informed of our determina- 
 tion to remain in the packet until the next morning, when the 
 gates of the city would be opened, and finding we were retired 
 to rest, they manifested a determination, if possible, to disappoint us 
 of our sleep, by singing and dancing over our heads as if they 
 would have forced their way through the decks ; but our patience 
 wore out their capacity to keep up their violent proceedings, and 
 they departed. The next morning, when the gates were opened, 
 the different hotel-keepers came on board our packet, with 
 their cards, and having concluded to go to the Silver Table, 
 we were comfortably cared for. Some of our company made ar- 
 rangements for our reaching Dunkirk to-night. This not being 
 the usual day for the boat to pass from Calais to that place, a boat 
 was engaged for us, on board of which we went about nine o'clock, 
 and reached Dunkirk in the evening, and were kindly received by 
 Friends there, amongst whom we divided ourselves for accommo- 
 dation. First-day attended their meeting. A few of the town's 
 people gave us their company, both in the morning and afternoon
 
 14 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 meeting, and behaved quietly. Second-day morning the joint- 
 committee sat down together, and concluded it would be proper to 
 visit the several families, which accordingly took place. After which 
 the joint committee, with some Friends of Dunkirk, held a confer- 
 ence ; and as it did not appear, either to the Friends of the place, 
 or the joint-committee, that the Friends of Dunkirk could, with 
 any real benefit to themselves, be joined to any quarterly or 
 monthly meeting in England, a report was drawn up accordingly, 
 to be laid before our next yearly meeting, and signed by the whole 
 of the committee. 
 
 Fourth-day we left Dunkirk; and after violent jolting, and toss- 
 ing from side to side, as if we should be thrown over, we were fa- 
 voured to reach Calais safe this evening. Fifth-day morning, 
 about nine o'clock, we sailed for Dover, and about one at noon I 
 was favoured to set my foot on English ground again. On Sixth- 
 day reached my own home ; where on my arrival I found fresh 
 cause to acknowledge my Divine Master had not been wanting in 
 his watchful care over all 1 had left behind, to prosecute this ap- 
 prehension of religious duty which he called for. 
 
 1793. 19th of 9th mo. Being one of a committee appointed 
 by the yearly meeting, to visit the quarterly and monthly meetings 
 in Lincolnshire, I left my own home and reached Gedney. Here 
 I met with Joseph Storrs of Chesterfield, John Bateman of Chatte- 
 ris, Rudd Wheeler of Hitchin, and James Wright of Haverhill, 
 of the yearly meeting's committee. We rode to Spalding and at- 
 tended meeting there on First-day morning. If my view of the 
 state of this meeting was correct, the life of rehgion was at a low ebb. 
 The monthly meeting was on Second-day, out of its usual course, 
 to accommodate the committee. From the low state of this 
 monthly meeting we were introduced into considerable exercise ; 
 desirous, if possible, to become instrumental in strengthening the 
 good desires of the few, that appear truly alive to the promotion of 
 the Lord's cause. We next proceeded to Wainfleet, and sat with 
 Friends there in their monthly meeting. Many of the town's 
 people came into the meeting for worship, some of whose counte- 
 nances and behaviour manifested a religiously-disposed mind. It 
 proved a solid, satisfactory meeting; and some of us had no doubt, 
 if the members of our Society in this place kept their habitation in 
 the truth, there would be a gathering again ; the scattering that 
 had taken place being sorrowfully apparent, and I trust the labour 
 bestowed this day will not be lost ; but that some fruits may ap- 
 pear after many days. On Fifth-day reached Gainsborough. 
 
 On Sixth-day attended the select monthly meeting, which was 
 small ; at the close of which the monthly meeting was held. 
 From the answers to the queries, it appeared an increase of faith- 
 fulness in the due execution of the discipline was wanting. Next 
 day we left Gainsborough for Broughton. First-day, accompanied
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 15 
 
 [)y James Wright, I attended Waddington meeting. On our 
 way there, wc passed a considerable company of men, who were 
 standing about the Market-cross, towards whom I felt a great flow 
 of love. Wc met with but a small company at the meeting-house, 
 yet we were well satisfied our lot had been cast amongst them. To- 
 wards the close of the meeting, the company we had left behind us 
 at the Market-cross came again before the view of my mind, ac- 
 companied by a revival of the feeling that was awakened in me 
 towards them as we passed them by, attended with a belief, 
 that on our return we should find a number of persons in like 
 manner collected ; and if J stood truly resigned to do the Lord's 
 will, he had a service for me to perform amongst them, the pros- 
 pect of which, for a time, was more than I felt well able to bear up 
 under. On our way to the Friend's house v/e were to dine at, we 
 had to pass the Market-cross, where we found great numbers of 
 men collected about it as before ; at the sight of whom ray heart 
 seemed to leap, through the fear that came over me, and I passed 
 them, and proceeded ; until my uneasiness, from a sense of wil- 
 fully resisting the pointings of duty, became such, that I opened 
 my trying situation to my companion, who, pausing, expressed 
 his willingness to return with me. On our way back, we came 
 to a company of men who were standing at a lane end ; be- 
 lieving it would be best for me so to do, I requested such of them 
 as were willing, to follow us to the Market-cross, which all ap- 
 peared readily to comply with. After a pause I ascended one of 
 the steps of the cross, on which the people came from the doors 
 of their houses, and we soon had a very large gathering. Some 
 of the company, at the first, appeared disposed to be light and 
 airy, but in a short time seriousness generally prevailed ; and at 
 our parting, many expressed their thankfulness for the opportu- 
 nity, and were in waiting about the Friend's house we dined at, 
 to take leave of us at our departure. 
 
 Second-day attended Broughton monthly meeting, which is 
 considered to be the largest in this quarterly meeting ; after 
 which, we attended the quarterly meeting held at Lincoln, from 
 which place I returned to my own home, and was favoured to 
 find my family well, and outward concerns in good order. 
 
 In the Twelfth month this year, my monthly meeting granted 
 me a certificate to visit the families of members and attenders 
 belonging to Wandsworth monthly meeting ; soon after which, 
 accompanied by my kind friend William Forster, I left my family 
 and outward concerns, having endeavoured to do my best in a 
 faithful arrangement of them, which I have always found to be 
 a great stay to my mind when absent from them. Attended the 
 monthly meeting at Wandsworth, and spread my concern before 
 Friends, which obtained their deliberation, and a committee was 
 appointed to assist me in my proceedings. It appeared that a visit
 
 16 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 of this kind head not been performed in this meeting for at least 
 twenty years : from this circumstance, and tiie unfriendly ap- 
 pearance of many of the members and attenders, discouragement 
 took hold of my mind ; yet a renewed persuasion was awakened 
 in me, that there is a Power above every power, who can open, 
 and none can shut, and can make a way for us in the minds of 
 others, when, (viewing the path we have to tread with the eyes of 
 our poor finite comprehension,) no way appears for us to move 
 forward in it. This, in adorable mercy, proved to be the case ; 
 for apprehensions had been expressed by some Friends, that 
 many would refuse to receive a visit of this nature ; whereas 
 such refusal occurred in one instance only, and openness was 
 generally manifest to receive the visit. By endeavouring, as I 
 humbly hope, after ability to be found faithful in delivering 
 that which appeared to me to be the counsel of my divine Mas- 
 ter, although at times I had close things to dehvcr ; yet abiding 
 under the influence of that love " which thinketh no evil," but 
 " rejoiceth in the truth," from the affectionate manner those I 
 visited took their leave, I was encouraged to cherish a hope, that 
 neither hu7'ting nor destroying had taken place ; but that an 
 open door was left in the minds of the members and attenders of 
 this monthly meeting, for such as might have to tread over the same 
 ground after me. Having accomplished this visit, and attended 
 the quarterly meeting for Surrey, held at Kingston, I returned 
 home again, where 1 was favoured to reach the usual salutation 
 of all was ivetl there.
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 In the early part of this year, 1793, a concern had spread itself with 
 considerable weight over my mind, to pay a religious visit to the 
 king ; the importance of which, and the seeming improbability of 
 my obtaining such an interview as would afford me an opportu- 
 nity to relieve my mind on such matters as came before it, 
 plunged me into, great discouragement ; so much so, that it felt 
 to me as if I should have sunk under the pressure of it. After 
 having to endure much conflict of mind various ways, and trying 
 to put the concern away from me for a time, all my endeavours 
 were fruitless ; for the more I endeavoured to get from under the 
 weight of it, the burden of it increased. I concluded, in order, 
 if possible, to obtain relief to my deeply-tried mind, to try if 
 writing to the king would be accepted by my divine Master, and 
 sat down several times for the purpose ; but every attempt to ob- 
 tain relief in this way proved in vain. 
 
 After I had thus, for a length of time, trifled with this concern, 
 showing myself willing to do the Lord's work, but in my own way, 
 the concern was taken away from me ; and I found myself left 
 in a state of bitter anguish of soul, such as I never before re- 
 member to have experienced. But, in the midst of judgment, 
 mercy was vouchsafed, by my poor tribulated mind being permit- 
 ted to experience something of the-calming influence of Divine re- 
 gard again ; accompanied with a hope, that if the concern I had 
 struggled against, until it was withdrawn, sprung from a right 
 source, as my rebelling (I believed I could say) was not wilful, if 
 I stood fully resigned to do the Lord's work, I should be tried 
 again ; and therefore it behoved me, for the time to come, to stand 
 open to receive it, should Divine mercy thus far condescend to 
 look down upon me and have compassion on my frailty. 
 
 As I endeavoured patiently to know an abiding in this resigned 
 state of mind, early in the year 1794, my divine Master in mercy 
 again was pleased to visit me by the renewal of this concern ; 
 thereby putting my faith and faithfulness afresh to the test : but 
 it did not come alone, for all my former discouragements came be- 
 fore the view of my mind, as lively and strong as heretofore. I now 
 was given clearly to see, there was no safety for me short of my 
 

 
 18 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 abiding in the quiet, and keeping my concern close within my own 
 bosom, until 1 was able, with holy certainty, to see to whom I was 
 to open my mind on this important subject; it appearing to me 
 of great importance that this first step should be rightly taken. 
 After thus patiently waiting upon the Lord, earnestly craving of 
 him to direct me to the individual I was to open my prospects 
 of religious duty to, Joseph Gurney Bevan presented with such 
 clearness, I had no doubt remaining in my mind as to the pro- 
 priety of my so doing. But he not being a member of our own 
 monthly meeting, occasioned me some difficulty ; but as the im- 
 pression of opening my prospect to J.G. Bevan continued to press 
 upon my mind, I concluded, if the matter continued with me 
 when next I went to London, to unbosom myself to him. I went 
 to London week after week, but had not strength to search him 
 up, rather endeavouring to shun him than throw myself in his 
 way, at the same time a great dread was on my spirit for fear of 
 consequences if I again rebelled. Li this tried situation, earnest 
 were my secret petitions put up to the Lord by night and by day, 
 that I might be strengthened to yield unreserved obedience to his 
 requirings in this matter, beseeching him to strip me every way he 
 should see meet, until these his Divine purposes respecting me 
 were effected. As to my outward affairs, my mind was so borne 
 down with this prospect of apprehended duty, I know not how I 
 got through them from day to day for many weeks, oftentimes 
 feeling myself in that situation in which I thought 1 could say, 
 " I go spoiled all the day long, he that hates me seeking my life to 
 take it away, — when will the day be gone and the night come ; 
 when my bed shall comfort me and my couch ease my complaint, 
 then, lo! I am terrified with visions, 1 am scared with dreams." 
 
 From the tedious days and wearisome nights 1 had to pass 
 through, my bodily health began to suffer, the cause whereof was 
 as yet only known to myself, and to that merciful long-suffering 
 God who had carried me through thus far, and kept me from 
 sinking below all hope of yet having to praise him on the banks of 
 deliverance. Going to London on my usual business, under 
 the weight of the concern I had so long trifled with, and 
 calling at the house of my brother-in-law to inquire after the 
 health of my sister, who had recently been confined, respecting 
 whom we had received, the preceding day, a very favourable ac- 
 count, the servant coming to the door, on my questioning her re- 
 specting her mistress's health, received for reply, " My mistress 
 is dead." I went into the house, but so unequal was i to enter 
 into sympathy with the family under their trying circumstances, I 
 quickly left my brother's sorrowful family again, my own sorrow 
 being of that nature I was not able to mingle my tears with them 
 on account of their loss ; and my mind became awfully led to 
 consider my daily request, that I might be stript, until a willing-
 
 JOURNAL OF JHOMAS SHII.LITOE. 19 
 
 ness was brouglit about in me, unreservedly to resign myself up 
 to the Divine disposal. And how very near this awful stroke was 
 brought to my own house ! a sister dear to me, next to my own 
 dear wife ! This sudden and unexpected event roused me, and I 
 resolved, if I met J. G. Bevan, to open the state of my mind to 
 him. I thereupon proceeded to the house of a friend, where un- 
 expectedly I met with J. G. Bevan. Retiring witli him into ano- 
 ther room, after I had recovered from a flood of tears, which I 
 could not suppress, I informed him how matters were with rae, 
 which afforded that relief to my mind I had not for a great length 
 of time before known : his evident willingness to sympathize with 
 me in regard to the trying circumstances I was labouring under, 
 was encouraging, saying that he believed a way would either 
 open for me to cast off my burden, or 1 should be relieved 
 from it. 
 
 ■I The concern still continuing with me, I took a further opportu- 
 nity with him, who proposed our meeting George Stacey on the 
 subject, which taking place, and the subject appearing of such 
 importance, it was concluded to call in further aid. Thomas 
 Scattergood and two other Friends were named, to which proposal 
 my mind freely consented, and it was agreed to meet at the close 
 of the second day morning meeting. In this meeting my feelings 
 were such as I cannot well describe, under the testimony of Tho- 
 mas Scattergood, who I was fully satisfied was a total stranger to 
 the state of my mind ; by his uttering these words, " Who art 
 thou, that art afraid of a man that must die, or the son of 
 man that must wither as the grass of the field ?''"' bringing 
 the matter with still more v/eight before the view of my mind ; and 
 yet a disposition was roused in me to put off to some one else 
 what had been thus offered in the meeting. At the close of the 
 meeting we retired, and after we had passed some time in solemn 
 silence, my kind friend, J. G. Bevan, opened the subject that 
 had thus brought us together, on which Thomas Scattergood ex- 
 pressed himself nearly as follows: — " On my first sitting down 
 with you, viewing some of your countenances, I felt myself tried 
 in my mind in an unusual manner, at first concluding my friends 
 had observed something in my conduct not correct, and were 
 about to act the part of faithful brethren towards me ; and then I 
 thought some unpleasant accounts had been received respecting 
 some of my relations at home, and my friends were desirous to 
 let me down as easy as they well knew how ; but after awhile my 
 mind became calm, and when the Friend's prospect was opened, I 
 was not startled at it ;" adding, his mind had been alike exercised, 
 but it now felt to him the concern was taken from off his shoulders, 
 and laid upon my shoulders, and expressing his desire I might 
 be encouraged, and receive every assistance my friends could give 
 me towards its accomplishment. At our parting, it was concluded 
 
 c 2
 
 20 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 for us to meet again on Sixth day, if the subject continued to 
 press on my mind, and I had any clear prospect of the time to 
 move in it. The matter continuing with me, and it appearing 
 right that steps should be taken to ol)tain a private interview, 
 Friends made eflbrts, but not being able to succeed, 1 now en- 
 deavoured to feel after the most likely way to effect my relief. 
 The only means I could resort to, appeared to be my going down 
 to Windsor, and attempting an opportunity with the king, on the 
 Terrace ; but from the throng of company present at such time 
 the prospect appeared discouraging. 
 
 On Second day morning, the 12th of Fourth month, I came to 
 town, apparreled fit to proceed, should it be considered best so to 
 do, and attended the morning meeting, at the close of which Friends 
 conferred with me again on the subject of my visit to the king, 
 and came to the conclusion, it would be best to go down to Wind- 
 sor, and try what could be done. George Stacey was proposed 
 for my companion. After taking our dinner wc drove down to 
 Windsor, and put up at an inn, thinking it would be better than 
 going to the Friend's house who resided there. George Stacey 
 having some knowledge of a person employed about the Castle, 
 sent for him to try to ascertain if a private interview with the 
 king could be obtained, but, as heretofore, there appeared no pro- 
 bability of succeeding : yet we had the assurance given us, that if 
 I would commit to writing that which I wished to communicate, 
 it should be deli^'cred to him ; but this I found I must not dafre 
 to attempt, until I was fully satisfied in my own mind I had made 
 every effort in my power to obtain a personal interview, and there- 
 fore was obliged to inform him i must decline his kind offer : but 
 before he left us, he said, he could see no opportunity so likely to 
 meet my views, as our being in the stable-yard the next morning 
 about eight o'clock. The king was to mount his horse at that 
 time to go a hunting ; but he doubted its answering my expect- 
 ation, as the king did not like to be interrupted at such times. 
 After supper we retired to our chamber : I slept but little, and at 
 an early hour in the morning told my companion, I had thought 
 much during the night about the stable-yard, accompanied v/ith a 
 belief, that it would be safest for us to make an attempt to obtain 
 an interview there : we therefore concluded to bestir ourselves, 
 and be in readiness by the time the king would be likely to be 
 about mounting his horse, a little before eight o'clock. George 
 Stacey proposed his going to the stable-yard, to observe how 
 things were ; when he very soon returned, saying, now was the 
 time, for the king was come from the Castle into the stable-yard. 
 1 had heard of people being brought into such a state of pertur- 
 bation of mind, that they have felt as if they might be knocked 
 down with a feather ; I thought I was now in degree brought into 
 a feeling of this state of inability, both of body and mind, but it
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. , 21 
 
 felt to me as if it was now or never ,• if, through discouragement 
 I suffered the present opportunity to pass over unimproved, such 
 another never might occur, or the concern might again be with- 
 drawn, and the sorrow which I had been made to partake of, 
 through my unfaithfulness, be but the beginning of that which 
 would follow. As I went from the inn to the stable-yard, my si- 
 tuation cannot be more fitly described than by saying, I felt 
 not only like a vessel emptied of anything it ever contained to 
 communicate of a religious nature to others, but as it were 
 washed from the very dregs. On my companion in tribulation 
 announcing to me, as we turned the corner of a building, " There 
 is the king !" it appeared clear to us, that we had caught the eye of 
 the king, who made towards us, accompanied by two of his nobles, 
 as if he wished to give us an opportunity, if we had any thing to 
 say to him, to do it. JNIy companion not being prepared to crave his 
 attention, the king turned about, and moved further from us, and 
 making a halt, turned about, and appeared to keep his eye upon 
 us, coming up towards us again, and went into a stable. Fear- 
 ing we should lose him quite, if we neglected this opportunity, I 
 proposed to my companion our going into the stable to the king ; 
 but a person in waiting on the king, observing this to be our in- 
 tention, in a handsome manner informed us, we must not go into 
 the stable to the king. The king, we suppose, hearing what 
 passed, immediately came to the door of the stable, on which, my 
 companion being favoured witii strength, said, "■ This friend of 
 mine has something to communicate to the king :" on which the 
 king stepped up to me, raising his hat from his head, his attend- 
 ants placing themselves on his right and left hand, my companion 
 on my left. We occupied a small paved space round the stable- 
 door. Silence was observed for a few minutes, during which my 
 dwelling continued to be, as it were, in the stripping room. 
 Strength being given me to break silence, and utter the words, 
 " Hear, O king !" all fear was taken away from me, and i felt t» 
 myself as if out of the body ; as my companion afterwards said, I 
 vpas enabled to stand like a wall of brass. It was evident that 
 which was communicated was well received by the king, the tears 
 trickling down his cheeks. The king stood in a very solid man- 
 nei-, until 1 had fully relieved my mind of all that came before 
 me, not attempting to move from us, until I made the motion to 
 my kind companion that I was clear. 
 
 ^yhen George Stacey acknowledged the king's kindness in giv- 
 ing us that opportunity, the king inquired my name and place of 
 abode, raising his hat from his head again. It was said, he did 
 not pursue his diversion of hunting that day, but returned to the 
 queen, and informed her of what had passed. It was supposed 
 the communication lasted about twenty minutes. 
 
 At the close of our meeting at Tottenham, on Fifth-day, I re-
 
 22 
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 quested Friends to stop, thinking it was due to my friends at 
 home to have from myself the account of my engagement, and 
 that some apology was due from me for acting thus irregular, in 
 asking the advice of Friends of other meetings. But it was ad- 
 ditionally consoling to my mind, my friends at home expressing 
 their satisfaction with the manner in which I had proceeded, and 
 their thankfulness that I had been thus mercifully cai-ed for in 
 accomplishmg this arduous engagement ; some Friends saying, 
 they had long been apprehensive something lay weightily on my 
 mind. 
 
 V\'ay having been thus mercifully made for me to obtain relief, 
 such were my feelings of mind, I often was led to compare my 
 situation to that of a porter, who had been travelling under the 
 weight of a load ready to crush him down to the ground ; but 
 having reached the end of his journey, had become relieved from 
 both his knot and burden. I soon was favoured to see great care 
 was necess^ary not to make my visit a subject of familiar commu- 
 nication. Friends manifesting a desire to receive the account of the 
 proceedings from my own mouth. Before, the creature appeared 
 in danger of being crushed under the weight of the engagement, 
 but now the concern was thus in mercy accomplished, from the 
 injudicious remarks at times expressed by Friends in my hearing, 
 I was made humblingly sensible, I was in greater danger than 
 before, by the creature being now lifted up, and my forgetting that 
 Arm that had thus wrought my deliverance. Therefore,it appeared 
 safest for me at present, as much as possible, to avoid fresh com- 
 pany, especially so during the approaching Yearly Meeting. 
 Having thus passed over this Jordan, how shall I find language 
 to set forth to the full, thy praise, O thou Great Almighty 
 Helper ! Let it suffice, 1 pray thee, that I crave ability, faith- 
 fully to dedicate the remainder of my time, my talents, temporal 
 as well as spiritual, to thy work and service, and that it never may 
 fail to be the language of my soul, so long as thou shalt see meet 
 in mercy to continue to me my rational faculties — Disjjose of me 
 and them ns thou seest meet. 
 
 In the Ninth month this year, I laid before the monthly 
 meeting a concern that was on my mind, to visit the families of 
 Friends belonging to Capel, Croydon, Reigate, Guildford, and 
 Godalming meetings. A certificate being granted me in the 
 Tenth month, I left my dear wife, family, and outward concerns, 
 to engage in this service ; and having pursued these prospects 
 until the whole was accomplished, and attended the quarterly 
 meeting for Surrey, I was favoured to reach my own home again 
 with th.e reward of peace. 
 
 1795. 12th month 20th. I left my own home, and attended 
 Aylesbury meeting on First-day morning : Friends here are 
 much reduced as to number. Rode to Buckingham, intending to
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLIXOE. 23 
 
 be at their afternoon meeting, but it had been discontinued. 
 Second-day morning proceeded to Oxford to attend the quarterly 
 meeting ; very few women attend when the quarterly meeting is 
 held here, those who do give their attendance sit with the men 
 whilst the business of the men's quarterly meeting is transacted. 
 It appeared, this custom had long been a source of uneasiness to 
 some Friends. The subject came weightily before the meeting 
 at this time, and after it had obtained much solid deliberation, it 
 was concluded best to resume the women's quarterly meeting at 
 this place, to the comforting of many minds, from the many tes- 
 timonials that were borne in confirmation of this measure. I was 
 made thankful I had been brought to willingness to attend this 
 quarterly meeting, believing many who were present at it with 
 myself will remember this day of Divine favour, under a grateful 
 sense of which the meeting separated. Fourth-day morning, 
 rode to Aylesbury to attend Buckingham quarterly meeting to 
 be held here this day. On my way, my mind was introduced into 
 exercise under an apprehension of duty, to have a public meet- 
 ing after the quarterly meeting, but having come from home 
 without certificate or minute of my own monthly meeting, having 
 no more in view when I left home than attending these two 
 quarterly meetings, I felt myself placed in a trying situation ; 
 but I found it would be safest for me to keep the subject, as 
 much as possible, out of sight during the time of the quarterly 
 meeting, concluding after the quarterly meeting was over (if the 
 concern continued with me) to cast myself upon the elders, and 
 endeavour after resignation to their advice. The concern con- 
 tinuing with me, when the meeting closed, I had the members of 
 the select meeting convened, before whom I spread my prospect 
 of duty and the manner in which I stood affected, as not having 
 any warrant from my friends at home to take such a step, and my 
 willingness to return immediately home if my friends" advised me 
 so to do. After the subject had obtained much deliberation, 
 Friends concluded they felt most easy to encourage me to pursue 
 my prospects of duty, and a meeting was accordingly proposed 
 to be held at six in the evening, which was largely attended by 
 the town's people and by Friends, it was considered to be a fa- 
 voured satisfactory meeting. 
 
 Next morning I set forward for home, expecting to reach it by 
 night; but I was again unexpectedly detained at Amersham, it being 
 their usual meeting-day. Friends here are very few in number; I 
 was made thankful my progress had been thus arrested, although 
 disappointed in my expectation of reaching my own home to-night, 
 being comforted in sitting down with the little company, f here 
 met with my kind friend Ady Bellamy, who had accompanied me 
 from Aylesbury, and now went to his own home at Wycombe. At 
 our parting, I had no other expectation but that of my also
 
 24 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 proceeding to my own home and reaching it by night ; my horse 
 was brought into the yard, as I expected for that purpose ; but I 
 felt such a stop in my mind against proceeding home, I dared not 
 attempt it : which placed me in a trying situation, the time being 
 fully come that 1 gave my family to expect I should be with 
 them again. I saw no way for me to proceed with safety, but 
 labouring after a willingness to be disposed of as in the wisdom 
 of Truth I believed would be pointed out to me, if I endeavoured 
 after entire resignation ; and after a while it appeared clear to my 
 mind, I must be willing to move forward for Wycombe ; which I 
 accordingly did. On my arrival, 1 understood the meeting in due 
 course was not held until seven the following evening; but on. 
 my informing Friends how I was situated relative to family and 
 outward concerns at home, Friends concluded to meet at eleven in 
 the morning instead of the evening, as was their usual practice. 
 I left Wycombe in the afternoon, under a thankful sense 1 had 
 been in the way of my duty in stopping, as 1 had done, to have 
 a meeting with Friends here. I reached home this night, al- 
 though a distance of thirty-six miles; and was favoured to find 
 my dear wife and family well, and my outward concerns, as here- 
 tofore well cared for : to whom can the praise be due, but the 
 Lord alone } may I continue to be found desirous above all things 
 to render it now and for ever ! 
 
 1802. 20th of 8th mo. Having obtained a certificate from 
 my monthly meeting, I left home to visit Friends in Kent and 
 some parts of Hampshire. First-day attended Rochester meet- 
 ing; if any service fell to my lot in this meeting, it was to labour 
 with some who had forsaken their first love, whereby they had 
 fallen short in attaining to that dignity in the church of Christ, 
 designed for them. In the afternoon meeting, silence appeared to 
 be my proper place to abide in ; at the close I produced to 
 Friends my certificate, and opened my prospects of duty to visit 
 the families in this meeting, which being united with, I proceeded 
 therein this evening, and on 'I'hird-day evening closed this ser- 
 vice. Fourth- day proceeded to Margate, next day attended the 
 usual meeting : the state of our Society here appears very low ; 
 several, not professing with Friends, dropped into the meeting, 
 and my mind was favoured with a comfortable hope the meeting, 
 although very exercising and discouraging in the beginning, 
 ended well. At the close of the meeting the members of it were 
 requested to stop, to whom I opened my prospect of a visit to 
 the members and attenders of this meeting, which was united 
 with. Feeling my mind brought under a concern to have a meet- 
 ing with such as were visitors, it being the bathing season, I 
 could not let Friends separate without informing them thereof; at 
 the same time requesting Friends to endeavour to come at the 
 mind of Truth in disposing of me, and not because I had pro-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 25 
 
 diiced a certificate of the unity of my Friends -w-ith me at home, 
 keep back their sentiments, should they be opposed to my views 
 of having such a meeting. After considerable time spent in 
 silence, friends set me at liberty, and concluded the next day at 
 eleven would be the most suitable time. The meeting was well 
 attended, but not by so many of that description I had a view to- 
 wards, and it was thought ended to a good degree of satisfaction. 
 After having finished the visit to the families of Friends in this 
 place, I proceeded to Canterbury, where only parts of three 
 families were in membership with Friends, Not feeling it re- 
 quired of me to move in the line of religious labour here as at 
 other places, I proceeded to Dover. First-day attended meeting 
 here, and visited the families of members and attendees of their 
 meeting, which I was favoured to effect on Third-day, and in the 
 evening walked over to Folkstone ; and having Friends convened 
 that evening, proposed proceeding in a visit to their families. It 
 appearing to be cordially united with, I entered upon the visit 
 next morning ; and on Fifth-day was favoured to close these reli- 
 gious engagements. Ashford was the next meeting in course ; 
 looking towards this meeting in the best manner I was capable, 
 mv way felt quite closed up with respect to a visit to that meeting, 
 and why it should be so, did not appear to be any part of my 
 business to try to fathom. I therefore proceeded to London, 
 which place I reached late in the evening. 
 
 Being now only five miles from my own home, I felt drawings 
 towards it, but feared making the attempt, as my rehgious en- 
 gagements were only in part proceeded in, lest my mind should 
 in any way become entangled, and my religious prospects be 
 clouded thereby. And therefore early next morning I left Lon- 
 don by coach for Ringwood in Hampshire, attended meeting 
 there ; in the afternoon sat with the few Friends at Fording- 
 bridge. Two young men, not professing with Friends, came into 
 the meeting and took their seats: I was constrained to address one 
 of them in so pointed a manner, he could not but understand it 
 was intended for him, which appeared to be the case ; and the 
 aforesaid young man, I understood, from that afternoon continued 
 his attendance of Friends" meetings, and has become joined in mem- 
 bership with us. I mention this circumstance to encourage others, 
 who may in like manner be thus singularly led ; feeling at the 
 time it was a trial of my faith thus to 'expose myself as I then 
 did. Next morning I left the quiet abode of my kind friend 
 James Neave and proceeded to Salisbury, and visited the families 
 of this particular meeting. Here, if my feelings were right re- 
 specting the religious state of our Society, the lamp of profession 
 is almost extinguished, through the bond of true discipleship 
 being broken, love, religious love, not maintained, from some 
 Avorldly cause, and so they had become a house divided. I felt
 
 26 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 deeply for a little remnant amongst them, who were going mourn- 
 ing on their way, breathing in secret the language of " Give not 
 thy glory to others, nor thy heritage to reproach."'' 
 
 Feeling my mind clear of Salisbury, I returned to Fording- 
 bridge; attended their mid-week meeting, and from thence passed 
 to Ringwood, intending to take the next packet from Southamp- 
 ton to Guernsey. On inquiry, I found the packet was to sail 
 that afternoon ; the prospect of my being likely to be detained 
 until the next packet was to sail, felt trying to my mind, and led 
 me to retrace some of my past movements, and to examine how 
 far I had been careful, not to loiter or remain longer than was ne- 
 cessary in any of the meetings where my lot had been cast, in 
 order, should such appear to have been the case, that it might 
 prove a warning to me in future. Seventh-day I went to Poole, 
 and First-day attended meeting there. Third-day visited Friends 
 at Long Ham. Fourth-day returned to Ringwood, and Fifth-day 
 morning left Ringwood for Southampton. After we had pro- 
 ceeded a few miles on our way, our horse became so unruly, there 
 appeared no other prospect, but that our chaise would be dashed to 
 pieces by his kicking. We had no time to lose to allow of our turn- 
 ing back, and yet the thought of proceeding with him appeared 
 awful ; at length he proceeded to such violence, as by some means 
 to entangle his hind leg in the front part of the chaise, from which 
 he could not extricate himself. Some men at a distance seeing our 
 perilous situation, came to our assistance and extricated him 
 again with little more injury than his wounding his foot ; but 
 after this fit of violence he became somewhat tamed, and we 
 reached Southampton safe. About four in the afternoon I was 
 on board the packet, where I had the company of Edmund 
 Richards, a Friend who resided at Guernsey : after being on our 
 passage two nights and one day, we were favoured to land safe on 
 the island of Guernsey, about ten o'clock on Seventh-day 
 morning. 
 
 First-day attended the meeting which was small ; about eight 
 are in membership, and some few others attend Friends' meeting. 
 In endeavouring to relieve my mind in the meeting, I had to give 
 it as my belief, there was a people in the island who weie seeking 
 after the truth, but who, on looking towards our religious Society, 
 had been stumbled by the disorderly walking of some who were 
 going under our name ; after meeting a Friend told me, he ex- 
 pected an individual in the meeting would conclude I had been 
 told some circumstances respecting him, which I could fully clear 
 Friends of. The afternoon meeting was large, some of the town's 
 people coming in; I hope it proved a profitable meeting to most 
 of us. At the close of the afternoon meeting I requested Friends 
 to stop, to v/hom I proposed a visit to the families of such as were 
 members and those who usually attended their meeting ; which
 
 JOUKNAJb OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 27 
 
 being united with, I proceeded. Fourth-day attended the usual 
 meeting, which being held in a room adjoining tlic public street 
 and over a cooper's shop, was greatly disturbed by people passing, 
 •with the hammering and talking in the cooper''s shop underneath. 
 In the afternoon I walked three miles out of town to visit a man 
 and his aged mother ; the man was a frequenter of Friends' meet- 
 ings ; they appeared to receive us gladly ; the mother was eighty 
 years of age, had been blind twelve years, but appeared a remark- 
 able example of resignation to the deprivation she had experienced, 
 manifestinga precious tender frame of mind beyond most, reminding 
 me of Simeon of old. I felt much refreshed in being in her com- 
 pany. After leaving this poor but comfortable abode, we made a 
 visit to two women who frequent Friends' meeting ; on entering 
 their poor cottage, the language of the apostle saluted the ear of 
 my soulj "Peace be to this house;" for I thought it might 
 truly be said, the Son of peace was there. I don't know when I 
 have more regretted my not being master of the French language 
 than on this occasion, as neither of these two women understood 
 the English language : what I had to communicate was through 
 my kind companion Nicholas Naphtal. This mode of communi- 
 cation, however willing our interpreter may be, to use his utmost 
 endeavour to do full justice to the subjects he is intrusted with, 
 is a great take off from that enjoyment which might be expe- 
 rienced in such visits, by preventing that flow of interchange of 
 sentiment, which otherwise might have taken place ; yet I felt 
 they endeavoured by all means in their power, to make me un- 
 derstand our visit to them had been truly acceptable. 
 
 Feeling clear of Guernsey, and drawings in my mind towards 
 Jersey, about ten on Fifth-day morning we engaged a passage in 
 a small open boat, and in about four hours, with difficulty, the 
 surf being so full of motion, we landed, walked two miles to a 
 village, called St. Ones, to the house of i'hilip Hurle. He has long 
 been convinced of the principles of Friends, and holds a meeting 
 at his house, being joined by a few others who sit down with him 
 in silence. He received us gladly, saying, he felt low and tried 
 of late, fearing, as the summer was far advanced, they should not 
 have a visit from an English Friend this year. Our arrival soon 
 became noised abroad, and several seeking peot'le made us a visit, 
 manifesting by their gestures every way the current of love that 
 flowed through their hearts towards us, and which I thought 1 
 could say was mutually felt. I now found it rather a relief than 
 otherwise, I was not able to hold conversation with them, although 
 It was rather trying at times, they appearing so very anxious to be 
 informed on various subjects ; it appearing to us much safer to 
 endeavour to turn their attention inward to the great Master, 
 Christ Jesus, than for us to engage their attention by much argu- 
 ment. Next morning we had a meeting with Philip Hurle and
 
 28 JOURNAL, OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 those who generally meet with him for the purpose of religious 
 worship : this appeared to be a heart-tendering season. After 
 the meeting closed, Philip Hurle requested Nicholas Naphtal to 
 inform me, I had spoken as clearly to the states of some in ti)at 
 meeting, as if I had long been acquainted with them ; and some of 
 them, we understood, charged Philip Hurle with giving me infor- 
 mation respecting them. In the afternoon we had a large public 
 meeting. A young man, one of our company, whose mind ap- 
 peared to have been wrought upon in the meeting, when the 
 meeting closed, by way of expressing his unity with what had 
 been offered, squeezed my hand hard with one of his, and with 
 the other hand pressed my head hard against his for some time ; 
 not being able to manifest his satisfaction with the meeting in a 
 language which I could understand. When the meeting was 
 over, the people expressed their desire we should have another 
 meeting with them, proposing to meet us when and where we 
 should appoint; but this I did not fall in with, as it always has 
 appeared to me better to leave the people in a longing condition, 
 than in a loathing one ; and especially not feeling the pointings 
 of duty towards having more meetings with them. 
 
 On our way from the boat, when we first landed, we passed a 
 respectable-looking house, which attracted my attention, accom- 
 panied with an impression, my Master had some service for me 
 there ; but I then felt satisfied to pass quietly on. 1 kept this 
 matter to myself, until now the time for our departure was nigh 
 at hand, when the subject came with such Aveight on my mind I 
 feared any longer to conceal my situation from my companion. 
 On Nicholas Naphtal describing the house to Philip Hurle, and 
 my prospects of apprehended duty to visit the family who resided 
 there, he manifested some alarm, saying, the parson's brother 
 lived there, and they were great folks, that he feared our going 
 would give offence ; adding, there is a young woman, sister to the 
 master of the hous£, resides with him^ who has of late become 
 more serious. Feeling (as I believed) that near, which, if at- 
 tended to, would be all-sufficient to preserve me from giving 
 any just occasion of offence, and that I should not be clear in 
 my great Master's sight without I made an attempt to introduce 
 myself to such of the family as were willing to receive us ; we ac- 
 cordingly proceeded, and were received by the young woman 
 before alluded to, in a very courteous manner, and a full opportu- 
 nity was afforded us to relieve our minds, and from the very affec- 
 tionate manner she took leave of us at our parting, we had rea- 
 son to be fully satisfied our visit was kindly received ; after which 
 I was enabled to go on my way rejoicing, that I had not been 
 permitted to desert my post of religious duty. We were expected 
 to take tea with a certain family ; and on reaching our place of 
 entertainment, we had the company of three neighbours in addi-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILHTOE. 29 
 
 tion to the family. The time before tea was passed over in con- 
 versation on religious subjects, and I trust profitably so ; yet it 
 felt to me a care was necessary, lest that disposition should be 
 fed which has a life in talking of the mercies of God, without 
 being concerned to witness a daily dwelling under a feeling sense 
 thereof, ready in acknowledging their own insufficiency and un- 
 worthiness, and yet self and self-activity not so sufficiently slain, 
 as livingly to feel their dependence firmly fixed on Him, who re- 
 mains to be " the resurrection and the life'"' to all who thus truly 
 confide in him. After tea was over we dropt into silence, believ- 
 ino- myself called upon to minister to our little company, I had to 
 lay before them the necessity of our being weaned from all de- 
 pendence on man, however favoured at times the instrument might 
 be ; if ever we come to witness a being taught of the Lord, and 
 an establishment in righteousness ; what I had in this way to 
 offer appeared to be well received by all, although an elderly 
 woman, whilst I was thus engaged, took up her knitting and 
 proceeded to her work, who I afterwards understood was a leading 
 woman in the Methodist Society, and much looked up to by many 
 amono-st them. At our parting she manifested her friendship, 
 expressing the desire which she felt if we never met again in this 
 life, we might have a joyous meeting in eternity. 
 
 First-day we proceeded to a part of the island called St, 
 Helliers ; here we met with two members of our religious Society, 
 and an interesting young woman, their niece, who received us 
 kindly, notice having reached them of our intention of being at 
 their meeting to-day. The chamber the meeting was held in was 
 pretty full, and it proved a satisfactory one. In the evening we 
 had a large meeting, which was mercifully owned by the great 
 Master of all rightly-gathered assemblies ; we were much solicited 
 to make a longer stay on the island, but with this evening's 
 ■work, if I have had any service on the island, it closed. We 
 therefore took our departure by the first suitable conveyance, 
 and reached Guernsey safe, from whence I embarked for South- 
 ampton, and was favoured to return to my family again with the 
 reward of peace, and renewed cause for thankfulness, in that I 
 found all things well. 
 
 1803. In the Seventh month this year, I informed my monthly 
 meeting of an apprehension of duty to visit the families of 
 Friends in Berkshire and Oxfordshire, not visited when I was 
 there about six years before ; and a certificate was ordered to be 
 brought into the next monthly meeting. But, alas ! I little 
 knew the trial of my faith that awaited me on these my rehgious 
 prospects reaching the ears of a young man, who had for some 
 time had the management of my business in my absence; in conse- 
 quence of my having recently spoken to him respecting some irre- 
 gularity of conduct, he had taken offignce, and now manifested a
 
 30 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 determination if possil)le to be revenged, by giving me notice he 
 should quit my service before the next monthly meeting. My 
 condition for a time felt almost insupportable ; being unable to 
 see, notwithstanding the trying situation 1 was thus brought into, 
 that 1 was discharged from the work that had been assigned me, 
 nor did it appear possible I could qualify another in such a short 
 time, to conduct my business, however willing he might be to do 
 his best. 1 took an early opportunity of acquainting my friends 
 with these circumstances, who concluded to pay him a visit ; but 
 the result of their visit was recommending me to let him go, as 
 there did not appear any prospect of his doing me any furtiier 
 good. On endeavouring, alter iJivine direction, how I was to pro- 
 ceed in ray present critical situation, no way clearly opened on my 
 mind, but for me to endeavour to train up my youngest son, 
 about fourteen years of age, to take the care of my business in my 
 absence. I feared the consequences of staying at home, and 
 leaving my business under the care of one so young and inex- 
 perienced in men and things, it was a close trial of my faith ; but 
 as no other way opened with clearness on my mind, I was en- 
 abled to come at a willingness to arrange my outward matters in 
 the best way I could and time would allow of; and then leave 
 my care-taker and all my outward concerns to that Almighty 
 overseer, who aforetime had given me such abundant proof, in my 
 absence, he remained to be faithful and true in fulfilling his pro- 
 mises. 
 
 On the 27th of 8tli mo. I left home^, having previously dis- 
 charged the aforesaid young man, committing my outward con- 
 cerns to the care of my son; but for many miles my poor tried 
 mind could hardly yield to resign up home under the circum- 
 stances in which ] parted from it ; but before evening my anxiety 
 was wholly taken away, so much so, I felt at times as if I had 
 neither wife, children, or temporal concerns. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Maidenhead, which was small ; 
 in the afternoon walked to Henley ; the few Friends of this 
 meeting were convened, to whom 1 opened my prospect of a visit 
 to their families, and proceeded therein this evening, accomplish- 
 ing the visit by Second-day evening. Third-day visited two 
 members of our Society at Christmas Common, with whom I was 
 led into sympathy, on account of the bad road and distance they had 
 to travel to meeting, from a hope that attended my mind they 
 were desirous not to be found slack in the discharge of duty in 
 assembling with their friends. Fourth-day walked to Shillingford, 
 about eight miles, and from thence to Wallingford in the after- 
 noon ; three families of Friends reside here. After making a 
 visit to each of them, in the evening I returned to Shillingford. 
 Fifth-day proceeded to visit the few families in this place and 
 Warborough, attending their mid-week meeting. If my feelings
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SUILLITOE, 31 
 
 were correct, the life of religion is at ca very low ebb : that which 
 o-ives the victory over the roving of the mind in meeting, and 
 over the unlawful passions out of meeting, not being rightly- 
 sought after, is in consequence not enough known. Having vi- 
 sited the families here except two, I felt a stop in my mind against 
 proceeding further ; why it was so I must leave. Next day 
 walked eight miles to Abingdon, where only one family of Friends 
 reside, who keep up a meeting ; after sitting with this family, I 
 walked fourteen miles to Farringdon. First-day attended meeting 
 there, which is pretty much made up of one family. INIy mind 
 was brought under exercise from an apprehension of duty to have 
 a meeting appointed at Uffington, about four miles from Farring- 
 don, where Friends have a meeting-house, but the meeting is dis- 
 continued : through yielding to discouragement, I proceeded this 
 afternoon to Burford, in the evening had a few Friends called 
 together, to whom'l proposed a visit to the families. Next 
 morning commenced that visit, which I was helped to accomplish 
 before I retired to rest, having had in all ten sittings. Third- 
 day walked to Witney, about seven miles, and on Fourth-day 
 was helped to accomplish my visit to their families : amongst 
 those I visited was an individual who had been a class-leader in 
 the society of Methodists ; but being favoured to see the insuffi- 
 ciency of the will and activity of the creature to further the will 
 of the Creator, became dissatisfied with any longer occupying this 
 situation, and was induced to separate from that rehgious society, 
 from a conviction of the necessity there was to wait upon the 
 Lord in silence for that renewal of strength, whereby alone we 
 can grow up as trees of righteousness of his own right hand 
 planting. 
 
 1 returned to Burford accompanied by Thomas Minchin. We 
 
 went to • where there are several in profession with Friends, 
 
 some who are in membership, others who have been disowned, 
 and some who make a profession of being under convincement. We 
 sat down with them collectively, a very aged couple made a part 
 of OUT company. The man, from his patriarchal appearance and 
 great profession of kindness to us, might pass for one of the first- 
 rate active members of the monthly meeting. After we had sat 
 a short time together, on a sudden my mind was struck with the 
 idea of something coming towards me, which bore the resemblance 
 of a sheep, down to the very hoofs and over the whole body and 
 head, but as it seemed to approach nearer me, I plainly discovered 
 the snout and piercing eyes of a wolf, which it had not power with 
 all its craft and cunning to disguise. Nothing could I come at 
 but this wolf, so completely disguised down to the very hoofs, and 
 yet its sharp snout and its fierce eyes betrayed it ; all my endea- 
 vours to have my mind divested of these ideas proved unavaihng; 
 it appeared to me if I was faithful as I ought to be, strange as
 
 32 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 the relation of it might appear, I must submit, and inform tlio 
 meeting how my mind had been occupied. After struggling with 
 these apprehensions of duty a considerable space, I was enabled 
 to stand up and faithfully relate that wliich had so closely occu- 
 pied my attention during most of the time of our sitting together ; 
 with my belief (for this I found also I must do) of its being de- 
 scriptive of the character and conduct of some individual present, 
 whereby the way of Truth had been evil spoken of, and the prin- 
 ciples we profess in various ways reproached. Having fully re- 
 lieved my mind, in endeavouring to set forth the sorrowful con- 
 sequences that would eventually follow such deceitful working 
 and acting, unless a timely amendment of conduct took place ; 1 
 felt myself constrained to clear my companion from blame that 
 might be brought against him, as having given me information 
 respecting any present. After meeting, my companion told me, 
 it was a great relief to him I had done as I did ; if I had not 
 done so, he must have been under the necessity of doing it ; that 
 I had been enabled to speak to the state of the aged man, that 
 professed so much kindness to us before meeting, as correctly as 
 if I had been acquainted with every circumstance relating to his 
 conduct for many years past. He had long been disunited from 
 the Society, and his conduct various ways continued very re- 
 proachful, his uniformity in his apparel, giving him confidence 
 with those who were strangers to him, so that the reputation of 
 the Society frequently suffered through him. 
 
 From I walked to Chipping Norton, and thence to South 
 
 Newton and North Newton, where are a few members of our 
 Society : from North Newton I proceeded to Banbury, attended 
 their mid-week meeting ; and returning to North Newton, I pro- 
 ceeded in visiting the families of Friends there. On my entering 
 the house of the only family not visited, I felt a stop in my mind, 
 accompanied with a caution against taking my seat in the 
 house, which tried me not a little. I felt it best for me to say to 
 the mistress of the house, that if I had had any service assigned 
 me amongst the members of this meeting, it appeared to me that 
 it closed with the last family I sat in. It was therefore safest for 
 me not to proceed further. The master of the house, with tears, 
 replied, he supposed I was only sent to the righteous, and that 
 the lukewarm and indifferent were to be left to themselves. I 
 believed silence on my part was best, although it appeared to me 
 he had correctly described the sorrowful state he had fallen into ; 
 I felt deeply for the man, yet I thought this disappointment, which 
 they evinced in not being set with, might tend more to their real 
 and lasting advantage than any thing that could be communicated 
 to them. 
 
 This afternoon I walked to Banbury, intending to go to Ded- 
 dington to lodge, where there were several persons who attended
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 33 
 
 Addevbury meeting under convincement ; but they all being in 
 very low circumstances, Friends of Banbury expressed their fear 
 of my being comfortably accommodated with a lodging ; but as I 
 apprehended it felt best for me thus to proceed, 1 believed, if I 
 on my part laboured after contentment with the best accommo- 
 dation their slender means afforded, I should be cared for. 
 I Reached Deddington in the evening : the attenders of meeting 
 were soon collected, which would not have been the case earlier in 
 the day : we sat down quietly together, and I humbly hope I was 
 in my proper place this evening. Feeling myself clear of Ded- 
 dington, my mind turned towards my own home ; but the meet- 
 ing at Uffington, about four miles from Farringdon, brought me 
 under fresh exercise ; yet not feeling sufficient strength to pro- 
 ceed in accomplishing this service, I set my face towards my own 
 home, where 1 found my family well, and my outward concerns, 
 (through the all-superintending care of Him who had watched 
 over them, and their care-taker) in as good order as if I had been 
 present with them the whole time. The trying circumstances 
 which I was reduced to before I left home, by my foreman quit- 
 ting my service, brought my son early under the weight of my 
 outward concerns, and was, I believe, made a blessing to him in 
 his future moving on in life. 
 
 I had not been long at home, before the subject of my having 
 a meeting at Uffington near Farringdon became a burden too 
 heavy to bear. Our monthly meeting drawing nigh, I con- 
 cluded it would be safest for me to cast myself upon the meet- 
 mg, by informing my friends how I was circumstanced, and 
 that I wished to be at the meeting's disposal, either to give up my 
 certificate and remain at home, or pursue my prospects of having 
 a meeting at Uffington. My friends encouraging me to hold my 
 certificate and pursue my further prospects of duty, on the 13th 
 of 10th month I again left my own home, and reached Farringdon 
 on the following day ; on informing Friends there the cause of my 
 so soon returning again, they very kindly proceeded to have the 
 meeting-house prepared, and notice given for a meeting on First- 
 day afternoon. When we reached Uffington many were gathered 
 round the meeting-house, and in a short time the meeting was 
 full. The solid quiet behaviour of the people during the time of 
 silence, which continued a full hour, was commendable ; and the 
 solemnity felt over the meeting was more than often experienced 
 where the company is so large ; and principally persons not of our 
 religious persuasion, also very much unacquainted with our man- 
 ner of sitting together for the purpose of divine worship. Whilst 
 I was on my feet, engaged in addressing the assembly, a circum- 
 stance occurred, that for a short time broke in upon the solem- 
 nity that the meeting was thus favoured with. The main beam 
 of the upper gallery, which was crowded with people, and 
 
 D
 
 34 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 crowded underneath, on a sudden gave a violent crack and broke 
 short oft' at one end. My feelings of dread for a short time for 
 those who were under the gallery were much excited ; the gallery 
 was however soon cleared above and below, without any of our 
 company sustaining any injury except from the fright. The 
 people, such as could, coming into the meeting-house again, and 
 the meeting settling down quietly afforded me an opportunity of 
 relieving my mind amongst them ; and the meeting closed under 
 a precious sense, that holy help had been near to us during our 
 sitting together. We were kindly entertained at the house of a 
 farmer in the neighbourhood : after this I returned to Farringdon, 
 ^, I hope I may say, thankful to my divine Master, who had thus 
 so bountifully cared for me this day. 
 
 But, alas ! I soon had to see my difficulties were only in part 
 got through ; for before I could make my escape to my own 
 home, I was again arrested by an apprehension of duty to attempt 
 to have a public meeting at Deddington ; upon which I feared to 
 proceed any way but to Banbury, concluding the Friends of that 
 meeting would be the most suitable for me to confer with on the 
 occasion. On conferring with some Friends, it appeared, an at- 
 tempt to have a meeting there had been made a short time ago, 
 and a place procured for the purpose, but when Friends arrived 
 at the place where the meeting was to have been held, they were 
 refused admittance, through the interference of a person who had 
 great influence in the town. It being summer-time, and the 
 weather favourable for it. Friends thereupon concluded to hold 
 their meeting under a large tree at one end of the town, where in 
 a short time there was a large gathering of people. After the 
 meeting had become quiet and settled, the man who had through 
 his interference prevented their having the place to meet in that 
 had been offered them, came shouting to the spot where Friends 
 and others were assembled, threatening to break up the meeting, 
 declaring it was an unlawful assembly, saying, the parson had 
 none at church. Finding the people were not moved by his 
 threats, and that Friends kept their standing, he asked, who was 
 willing to go into the town to fetch a saw or a hatchet, a man pre- 
 sent offering his services, went ; on his return, he was ordered by 
 his employer to ascend the tree and cut off" the limbs, hoping by 
 this means to disperse Friends and the people ; but a woman 
 Friend kneeling down in supplication, his mind appeared to be so 
 far softened that he ordered the man to stay his hand ; yet, awhile 
 after the Friend rose from her knees, he gave orders to the man 
 to proceed, on which the people requested Friends not to be afraid, 
 for that they would protect them from harm. Disturbed as this 
 opportunity thus was, it proved the means in the divine hand of 
 producing an inquiry in some that were then present, after the 
 more acceptable way of the Lord for them to be found walking
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 35 
 
 in. Tliese accounts were discouraging to me, and the more so, 
 as I could observe the Friends were much tried at the tiiought of 
 making an attempt to hold a meeting at Deddington ; but the 
 more I looked at all the circumstances attending my prospects of 
 duty in this matter, the more I feared the consequences of too 
 easily giving up making the attempt ; and by my continuing to 
 press this matter, a Friend offered to accompany me to Dedding- 
 ton to try what could be effected. I felt not a little for my kind 
 friend who had thus offered to accompany me, believing it was 
 done much in the cross ; but I could see no other way for me to 
 proceed, but wait upon the person who had so violently opposed 
 Friends having a meeting before. We proceeded accordingly to 
 his house, expecting, from report, no other than rough treatment 
 from him ; but in this we were agreeably disappointed ; on our 
 entering the room where he was sitting, I offered him my hand 
 with as pleasant a countenance as I well was able to muster, when 
 he with apparent kindness gave me his, and brought forward a 
 chair for me. I then, in as brief and handsome a manner as I 
 was capable, informed him the cause of my thus waiting upon 
 him, requesting him to give his reasons for opposing as he had 
 done our Friends having a meeting in the town; to which he very 
 mildly replied, their parson preached them a very good sermon, 
 yet to be sure he was a very drunken man. I told him I mar- 
 velled not that their town had got the name of drunken Dedding- 
 ton,when from his acknowledgment the people had such a bad ex- 
 ample before them. I told him the opposition he had manifested 
 towards Friends might arise from his not being acquainted with 
 their principles ; and having provided ourselves with Barclay's 
 Apology and the Summary of Friends' Principles, we presented 
 him with them which he appeared kindly to receive. He told me, 
 most of the principal inhabitants were to meet that morning to 
 choose a mayor, and he wished to refer me to them ; and if they 
 were agreeable to my having a meeting with the inhabitants, he 
 would not oppose it. After pausing on this proposal he had made, 
 I felt it best for me to inform him, if I could not obtain a meet- 
 ing without much difficulty, as the probability was, we might be 
 detained the greater part of the afternoon before we could obtain 
 a hearing, I believed it would be the best way for me to turn my 
 attention towards a meeting being appointed to be held in our 
 meeting-house at Adderbury, it being distant only three miles ; 
 and for a general invitation being given to the people of Ded- 
 dington ; to which he replied, he believed it would be most likely 
 to answer my expectation, as they were a very rough set at 
 Deddington : he invited us to take refreshment, and we parted 
 friendly. 
 
 We heard, after this opportunity, that he carried himself kindly 
 towards those who had begun to attend the meetings of Friends, 
 
 d2
 
 3G JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 which aforetime he had not done. Wc retired to the house of one 
 of those who have only lately attended Friends"" meetings, and then 
 we proceeded to the place where the town's people were to meet. 
 On looking at the subject every way, in the best manner I knew 
 how, I felt most easy to conclude to have a general invitation 
 given to the inhabitants of Deddington, to a meeting appointed on 
 First-day afternoon at Addcrbury, leaving the care of giving this 
 notice to those who attend our meetings ; I thought if nothing 
 more was effected by the steps we had taken than removing the 
 prejudice from this man's mind against those who have begun to 
 attend our meetings, it was well worth passing through what we 
 had done to bring it about. 
 
 First-day morning attended meeting at Adderbury. I had a fear 
 on my mind which I could not suppress the expression of, lest 
 the people of Adderbury should get knowledge of the meeting, 
 jind so fill the seats that those who came from Deddington would 
 not be accommodated ; but I lound Friends were of the mind that 
 from the distance, there would not be many from Deddington. In 
 the afternoon when we reached the meeting-house, we found it 
 nearly filled, the meeting sat more than an hour in silence, during 
 which it seemed at times that if a pin had fallen it might almost 
 have been heard, which precious covering was mercifully vouch- 
 safed until the meeting closed ; after which it was to me a very 
 animating sight, to behold the people ascending the hill to Ded- 
 dington, very few of the people of Adderbury (it was said) being 
 in the meeting. On Third-day I was favoured again to reach 
 my own home, with a portion of that peace that will not fail to 
 attend simple obedience. 
 
 At our next monthly meeting, I returned my certificate, and 
 informed my Friends of a prospect I had of further service, request- 
 ing their certificate to visit some meetings in Essex, Suffolk, and 
 Norfolk. It appearing needful I should move herein before another 
 monthly meeting, I informed the meeting, and a certificate was ac- 
 cordingly drawn up and signed. Twelfth of Eleventh month I 
 left home, walked to Chelmsford, about twenty-seven miles. First- 
 day morning, attended meeting there, in hopes to have found a 
 little morsel of bread to have helped me on my way, but in this I 
 was disappointed. In the afternoon I proceeded to Stebbing, 
 where a meeting was appointed at five for Friends only. Third- 
 day I walked to Thaxtead, attended the select meeting, in which 
 my mind was refreshed ; after which was held the monthly meet- 
 ing, in which it appeared a good degree of care was maintained, 
 not to enter upon the weighty concerns of the meeting in a super- 
 ficial manner. After the monthly meeting, I reached Bocking 
 this evening, and next day Coggeshall ; attended a meeting there 
 appointed at my request, and in the afternoon one at Earls Colne, 
 both of which meetings are small ; my bowels of religious love
 
 JOURNAL OF TH03IAS SHILLITOE. 37 
 
 yearned towards some of the youth, who I was led to believe were 
 under the preparing hand of the great Head of the church for 
 usefulness. O, for these ! may they find skilful nursing-fathers 
 and skilful nursing-mothers, such as will neither dandle them too 
 much on their knees, nor neglect to give them their necessary 
 portion of sound wholesome food in due season. From Earle's 
 Colne 1 reached Halstead at night, and next day attended their 
 mid-week meeting, in which I was engaged to labour with some 
 far advanced in life, who through an unwilhngness fully to come 
 under the government of the Great Gardener of the heart, wer,e in 
 a withered unfruitful state, — also in a line of encouragement to the 
 youth. This night I reached Sudbury, and next morning Bury. 
 The few Friends here were collected this evening at my request, 
 the meeting proved to me a very exercising one, yet apprehending 
 I was in my right place in sitting with them I was made thankful 
 under a sense hereof. Seventh-day I walked to Ipswich, and 
 First-day attended meeting there, where I found a considerable 
 body of Friends, amongst whom were many young people, to 
 whom I trust, through Holy help, the language of encouragement 
 was handed out, to be willing to accept now in early life the offers 
 of divine love and mercy, to press through the crowd of letting and 
 hindering things towards that state of perfection attainable in this 
 life, that state of not wilfully sinning against Divine conviction, that 
 by the complete victory being thus far experienced, there may not 
 be a falling short of the true enjoyment designed for them to ex- 
 perience in this wilderness journey. After the morning meet- 
 ing I walked to Woodbridge, attended the afternoon meeting 
 there, and then the preparative meeting. On Second-day re- 
 turned to Ipswich, in the evening attended the select meeting. 
 Third-day attended the monthly meeting there ; on my way to 
 meeting, I called upon a sick Friend, who rather pleasantly told 
 me, some of the young people conceived what I had expressed on 
 First-day on perfection was advancing new doctrine, saying he 
 had endeavoured to justify what I had advanced on that head ; 
 this circumstance remained with me and increased, until it bur- 
 dened my mind. The meeting previous to Friends entering upon 
 the business was large, yet the way did not appear clear for me 
 to attempt to confirm what I had advanced in the meeting on 
 First-day ; I therefore endeavoured after patience to bear my 
 burden ; but before the meeting for business was over, I was 
 brought under the necessity of requesting a meeting with the 
 young people in the evening. A meeting was concluded upon to 
 be held at six o'clock, and I went to it under a load of discourage- 
 ment ; it was largely attended, and proved solid and satisfactory, 
 after which I returned to my kind friend John Perry's, where I 
 quartered. A young man came to me, saying, he with others had 
 questioned the soundness of what I had advanced in the meeting
 
 38 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 on First day ; that he was thankful he had been at the meeting 
 this evening, the subject having been further spoken to in a man- 
 ner that had been much to his satisfaction. I felt thankful I had 
 been preserved in the patience from making an untimely offering 
 in the meeting for worship, previous to Friends entering on the 
 business of the montlily meeting, to get from under my burden ; a 
 fresh proof our time to do the Lord s work is not the best time. 
 Fourth-day walked to Tivitshall, Fifth-day attended meeting 
 there; at the close of the mid-week meeting their select meet- 
 ing was held, after which I proceeded to Norwich and next day 
 walked to Yarmouth, and had a meeting with Friends there 
 this evening. Seventh-day walked to Cringleford. First-day to 
 Tasborough, attended meeting there, in which I believed myself 
 called upon to sound an alarm to a state present, in so plain and 
 pointed a manner, that I felt much discouraged after I had taken 
 my scat ; but my head was again lifted up, under a hope I had 
 not been out of the way of my duty, in what I had thus deli- 
 vered, by a testimony that was offered in the meeting by an exer- 
 cised sister, further confirming what I had before uttered. In the 
 afternoon I returned to Norwich, where a meeting was appointed 
 to be held that evening at my request. To observe how much 
 this meeting had been stripped in a few years of its useful mem- 
 bers, was to me mournful ; and the more so in observing so few 
 of the rising generation likely to fill the vacant seats of such ; 
 poverty, I believe I am safe in asserting, has not been the cause 
 of this falling away, nor the necessary care and attention to pro- 
 vide things honest in the sight of all men, but a determination on 
 the part of some parents to possess the wedge of gold, to get great 
 riches, and on the part of the children of such to deck and adorn 
 themselves with Babylonish garments of the world's fashions, 
 which it is to be expected will be the natural consequences in the 
 children of such parents. Second-day I proceeded toM'ards Cog- 
 geshall, attended the Essex quarterly meeting held there, and 
 here, if I ever had any service fall to my lot in the militant 
 church, it closed for the present. I proceeded towards my own 
 home, which I was favoured to reach in safety, and as heretofore 
 has been in adorable mercy my experience, found my family well, 
 and outward concerns abundantly cared for, of which blessing I 
 crave every part of my future conduct may manifest a grateful 
 sense.
 
 3\} 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 1805. My exercises now put on a different appearance to what 
 they had heretofore done, from an apprehension which at times 
 presented to my mind, that the time was fast approaching, when 
 1 must be willing to relinquish a good business which I had been 
 helped to get together, and set myself more at liberty to attend 
 to my religious duties from home, by the language which my di- 
 vine Master renewedly proclaimed in the ear of my soul, of — 
 " Gather up thy wares into thine house, for I have need of the 
 residue of thy days ; " accompanied by an assurance, that although 
 there was, as some would consider, but little meal in the barrel, 
 and little oil in the cruse, of temporal property, (not having 
 realized more than a bare hundred pounds a-year, and all my five 
 children to settle in the world,) if I was but faithful in giving up 
 to this and every future requiring of my great Creator, the meal 
 and oil should not waste. I endeavoured to weigh this requisi- 
 tion of my divine Master in the best way my feeble capacity was 
 equal to, and well knew that the meal and oil he had thus conde- 
 scended to give in store would be amply sufficient for me and my 
 dear wife, should we be permitted to see old age, provided we 
 continued to pursue our economical habits, and that I must leave 
 the provision for my children's settling in life to that same 
 Almighty Power who had so abundantly cared for us ; yet the 
 prospect of relinquishing a good business, as my son declined 
 taking to it, was at times a close trial of my faith. The requiring, 
 however, prefesed upon me with increasing weight, accompanied 
 with a fear, that if I did not endeavour after a cheerful resigna- 
 tion of myself and my all (which a kind Providence had given 
 us for our declining years) to his disposal, even all this would be 
 blasted again, without power on my part, with my utmost cau- 
 tion and care, to prevent. As I thought prudence pointed out to 
 me the necessity of not acting with precipitancy in the important 
 step, and that it would be well to take the counsel of some suita- 
 ble Friends, I earnestly besought the Lord to direct my attention 
 towards such as would be likely wisely to counsel me herein ; and 
 believing my secret petitions were in mercy Ireard, and that two 
 Friends of our own monthly meeting were pointed out to me as suit-
 
 40 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 able, to them 1 opened my trying situation ; and after m uctime 
 spent together, they gave it as their judgment, if my mind 
 should continue to be exereised with this apprehension of duty, it 
 would be best for me to yield to it. 
 
 As the subject continued to remain with me with increasing 
 clearness and weight, I saw no way for me to move with safety, 
 but to make my prospects generally known amongst my Friends, 
 of my desire to part with my business. About the Fifth month 
 this year I turned my business over to a Friend ; sliortly after 
 making this sacrifice, a person from whom I never had the least 
 possible expectation of bequeathing to me any part of her pro- 
 perty, added to my store by will one hundred pounds, which I 
 received as a mark of the merciful interference of my Heavenly 
 Benefactor. 
 
 In the winter of this year an individual, who had been a mem- 
 ber of the Society within the compass of Berkshire quarterly 
 meeting, served me with a subpoena to attend at Guildhall, London, 
 in consequence of a suit he had commenced against two F'riends, 
 who had the charge of the door of the quarterly meeting of Lon- 
 don and Middlesex, in consequence of their preventing his enter- 
 ing that meeting. It appeared by his suit, that he was aiming to 
 have our meetings for discipline left open to all who chose to at- 
 tend them, by his hoping to prove them to be meetings for Divine 
 worship ; and that he built his hopes of gaining his cause on my 
 examination, from some remarks I made in that quarterly meeting, 
 while he was in the meeting-house yard, he knowing my voice. 
 The morning of trial was such a one to me as I have not often 
 known. The court being opened, and the usual ceremonies gone 
 through, the judge was informed, the first cause that was to have 
 come before the court was put oft* until next term ; on which he 
 remarked, the next case to come before the court was a cause be- 
 tween the members of one of the most peaceable and respectable 
 societies in the world, recommending they should settle these dif- 
 ferences among themselves, and not expose the etiquette of the 
 Society in such a court as that. The individual informing the 
 judge, that could not be the case, the judge repeated his advice 
 for Friends to settle the matter amongst themselves by reference. 
 The individual replied, it could not be settled in that way, for the 
 whole Society was against him ; on which the judge remarked, it 
 appears you are against the whole Society. I fear your cause is 
 a bad one. The counsel for the individual attempted to prove 
 our meetings for discipline to be meetings for Divine worship, 
 stating there was both preaching and praying in them. The 
 judge, who showed himself to be a judicious man, and must, from 
 the whole tenour of the conduct of the individual in court, have 
 seen the vindictive spirit which actuated him in his proceedings, 
 queried with a Friend, who was one of the evidences for the So-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 41 
 
 ciety, how far the Society considered preaching and praying essen- 
 tial to worship ? On being informed, we did not as a religious 
 society consider vocal preaching and praying essential to worship, 
 as our meetings for religious worship were at times held wholly in 
 silence, this, with more in explanation, appeared to enable the 
 judge to close the cause. It was decided that there might be 
 both preaching and praying in our meetings for discipUne, yet 
 they were no more meetings for worship than the meetings of 
 Parliament, whose practice it was to go to prayer previous to their 
 entering on business ; and therefore none but such as were mem- 
 bers of our Society had any right to intrude themselves into our 
 meetings for discipline, no more than one not a member of a club 
 society had a right to intrude himself into their private meetings on 
 their own concerns. The individual, who before had appeared to 
 carry himself very high, when called upon to come forward, and 
 show cause why judgment should not go forth against him by 
 default with costs of suit, laid his head on the table before him : 
 and thus in mercy ended this day, so trying to me in prospect, 
 though it was so ordered that I was not called upon to appear. 
 
 Having obtained certificates from my own monthly and quar- 
 terly meeting, and the yearly meeting of ministers and elders in 
 London, to visit Germany and France, soon after the yearly 
 meeting a war broke out between France and England, which in- 
 volved me in difficulty, and brought me under great discourage- 
 ment. No way appeared to me but to take the necessary steps 
 for my departure from my native land, of which I informed the 
 meeting for sufferings, and a committee was nominated to provide 
 me with a suitable passage, the necessary sea-stores, and otherwise 
 assist me in order for my departure. I could see nothing before 
 me but suffering if I did embark, yet I durst not draw back, for 
 1 had a greater dread of consequences should I be overpowered by 
 a slavish fear. The committee, hearing of a vessel bound for a 
 port in Holland, informed me thereof; feeling the need there was 
 for me to commit myself to the Great Almighty Keeper of all 
 mankind, accompanied by one of the committee, I went on board 
 the vessel, took my seat in the cabin, willing to go in her if way 
 opened for me. We had an interview with the mate of the ves- 
 sel, who recommended us previous to our taking any further steps to 
 apply to the German consul for advice how to proceed about a 
 passport, which we accordingly did : he expressed his willingness 
 to give me every necessary document in his power, but assured 
 us all would be of no avail, as I could not possibly reach Pyrmont, 
 to which place I intended first to go. In the afternoon I met the 
 committee ; after we had sat awhile solidly together, with my 
 mind turned in entire resignation to the Lord for his counsel and 
 help, I believed it was right for me to inform the committee, I
 
 42 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 was able to say, the will was taken for the deed, and myself for 
 the present released from taking any further steps towards accom- 
 plishing this religious prospect of duty ; which appeared relieving 
 to my Friends, whose sympathy, I was fully satisfied, I had under 
 the prospects that had been before me. Yet I feared hastily re- 
 turning my certificates, and therefore held them until the yearly 
 meeting two years after ; and then informed the meeting how I 
 had been circumstanced, desiring the meeting's advice whether to 
 retain or return my certificate ; and it being the mind of the 
 meeting, that as my certificates had been so long granted, it would 
 be best to return them, and if the concern should continue with 
 me and the way clearly open, it would be better to apply for fresh 
 ones, I returned them accordingly ; concluding it best to try 
 there to leave the whole matter, and not perplex my mind by en- 
 deavouring to fathom that which was not my proper province, or 
 query, why it was I had been thus exercised, and had brought 
 such a load of exercise on my Friends, and nothing come of it, 
 save that my faith had been closely put to the test. Some Friends, 
 who were not at the meeting when my certificates were granted, 
 expressed their apprehension, although way had not opened for 
 me to pursue my prospects, they believed my movements in ap- 
 plying for certificates had been right ; which was some encourage- 
 ment to my tried mind. 
 
 In the Seventh month this year, I requested a certificate to visit 
 Guernsey and Jersey, and if the meeting was easy to liberate me, 
 that it might be granted before another monthly meeting, for 
 
 which purpose the meeting adjourned. Seventh-day the of 
 
 Seventh month I embarked from Weymouth ; and as we sailed 
 with a favourable wind I hoped we might have reached Guernsey 
 next morning, but it soon tacked about. On First-day afternoon we 
 lay off' Alderney, and cast anchor in the Race, where we lay most 
 of the night, which proved so tempestuous that some of our passen- 
 gers manifested great alarm. I kept quiet in my berth, with my 
 mind mercifully stayed on that Divine Power, who, when he gives 
 the word of command, the proud waves and tempestuous winds 
 obey him. Second-day morning we landed safe at Guernsey. 
 Fourth-day attended their usual meeting, in which I was com- 
 forted under a hope, low as things with Friends here appear 
 to be, that there had not been a losing ground since we last were 
 favoured to sit together. Fifth-day morning we had a meeting 
 about four miles out of town, at a place called the King's Mills; the 
 attendance was small. In the afternoon a meeting was held at the 
 Forest, which was large, and considered a solid favoured meeting. 
 My time was filled up until First-day in making calls upon 
 Friends, and attempting to bring into a train for settling, a dif- 
 ference, which existed with some who went under our name; painfid
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILHTOE. 43 
 
 as it appeared to my natural feeling to engage in it, yet I feared 
 my being unwilling to make use of the ability received in bring- 
 ino- it about, might be attended with after considerations, that 
 would be afflicting to my mind. By thus endeavouring to do my 
 part so far as Truth opened my way, I was favoured to leave the 
 parties under a hope, my labour with them had not all been in 
 vain ; but whether or not this should prove to be the case, when 
 the retrospect of our religious movements is taken, it is a great 
 consolation to the mind to be assured, that we have done what we 
 could in the way of apprehended duty, towards helping others out 
 of those difficulties, which, through unwatchfulness, the enemy of 
 all righteousness has led them into. 
 
 First-day morning attended the usual meeting, after which the 
 preparative meeting was held. Friends on the island had not as 
 yet been in the practice of minuting their proceedings ; I pro- 
 posed a book being procured for the purpose of minuting their 
 various transactions, which Friends concluded to do, and that the 
 advices should be regularly read : I believe my labour amongst 
 Friends here was well received, for which I hope I was truly 
 thankful. Being clear of Friends here at this time, I felt myself 
 at liberty, should a packet sail for Jersey before the commence- 
 ment of the evening meeting, to go on board her, which took 
 place, and on Second-day morning we landed on the island of 
 Jersey. I had prospect of spending about three weeks in the 
 country part of the island, and filling up my time, when not en- 
 gaged in holding meetings with the inhabitants, by some suitable 
 labour. The Friends in Guernsey being aU men engaged in trade 
 for a livelihood, I felt under a difficulty to take any one from home 
 as an interpreter, hoping I should be accommodated in this re- 
 spect on the island. I therefore proceeded to the house of John 
 Lemaitre in the parish of St. Ones, with whom I became ac- 
 quainted when on the island before, not doubting but I should meet 
 with some one who could understand ray language, and direct me 
 to his house ; but in this I was wholly disappointed, it was there- 
 fore not without much difficulty I reached his habitation. The 
 pleasure of our meeting again appeared mutual, although we 
 were not able to express it by words, so as to be understood: after 
 a while they brought a neighbour who spoke both languages well, 
 which proved a source of consolation to all parties. This afforded 
 me an opportunity of explaining my views in thus coming to 
 their house, to pass about three weeks, holding meetings occasion- 
 ally, and filling up my time in labouring with them on their 
 farm ; showing them a farmer's linen frock, I had provided myself 
 with for the purpose before I left my own home, that I might be 
 prepared to do any dirty work that fell out for me ; and adding, 
 that if they could accommodate me with board and lodging, and 
 allow me to pay for it, I would be satisfied with the run of the
 
 44 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SMILLITOE. 
 
 family. They objected to take pay for my board and lodging ; 
 but on my assuring them, I could not take up my abode with 
 them on any other terms, they consented, and our kind middle- 
 man settled the terms for us. Disappointed in my expectations 
 of an interpreter, I wrote to Friends of Guernsey to furnish me 
 with this help ; but it was three days before this help arrived ; 
 notwithstanding, my time did not pass on heavily, as might have 
 been the case, had I not had suitable employment. On Third- 
 day morning after breakfast I put on my linen frock, and turned 
 out with the whole family, parents and children, male and female, 
 into the harvest-field to reap oats ; I tried all I was able to 
 avoid manifesting fear in my using the sickle, it being the first 
 time I ever had so dangerous a tool ; I sustained little more in- 
 jury than at times slightly cutting the backs of my fingers, and 
 blistering my hand. My kind landlord and his family would fre- 
 quently call out to me, Fatiguea, meaning, I was ff^itigued. But it 
 appeared to me, if I pursued the path of duty as my divine Master 
 required me to do, I must, as much as possible, avoid showing 
 that such was the case, although my hams began painfully to 
 feel the effects of endeavouring to follow up the rest of our com- 
 pany, and I was truly glad when night came. The thoughts of 
 turning out next morning was rather trying to nature, but not 
 feeling, my mind excused, believing it was a duty required of me 
 to set an example of industry to them and their preachers, I took 
 courage, endeavouring to do my best in my new employ, and in 
 this course I felt more peaceful when the day closed than would 
 have been the case had I yielded to the pleading of fiesh and 
 blood. 
 
 On the arrival of a Friend from Guernsey, and consulting with 
 him about a place to hold a meeting in on Sixth-day evening, he 
 proposed the meeting being held in the house of the late Philip 
 Hurle, now occupied by his sister-in-law : we made application 
 accordingly, but received for an answer, things were altered now, 
 and therefore the meeting could not be held there. After receiv- 
 ing this refusal, we were informed of a place where a meeting was 
 to be held this evening by some of the society of Methodists, 
 feeling drawings in my mind to attend, before what they called 
 the service began, we proceeded. I had conversation with some of 
 the principal members of the meeting, informing them of my 
 views of occasionally holding meetings, and my difficulty then 
 in procuring a place for this purpose ; on which, a proposal was 
 made by them to give up the house to me ; agreeing to sit down 
 with us after the manner of Friends, which friendly offer I ac- 
 cepted, 'I'he meeting soon settled down in solemn silence, and I 
 hope I may say, I was enabled to labour amongst them in the 
 love of the Gospel, not only to the relief of my own mind, but 
 in some good degree to the advancement of the cause of truth
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 45 
 
 and righteousness. The report of this meeting became noised 
 abroad, and so opened the way for me, that in future we found no 
 difficulty in procuring a place to meet in or a company to meet 
 us. Seventh-day was passed over in making visits to a few 
 serious individuals, and a man and his sister who profess to be con- 
 vinced of the principles of our rehgious Society. I felt much 
 for them in their lonely situation, being the only ones who sit to- 
 gether as Friends in this part of the island. The man had once 
 suffered banishment because he conscientiously refused to take 
 up arms, and would have suffered the like again, but from the 
 kind interference of a magistrate he was suffered to remain at 
 home. 
 
 First-day, we procured a place for a meeting this morning to be- 
 gin at the eleventh hour, which was very largely attended ; in 
 which I was led to say, I believed there were present, who if they 
 were faithful to Divine requirings, must prepare for suffering, 
 but if they became unfaithful and shunned the cross, the present 
 measure or manifestation of light and grace they were favoured 
 with, and had known what it was to rejoice under a sense of it, 
 would be withdrawn, the light become darkness again, and they in 
 danger of losing the crown once in prospect. We were told, 
 many minds were tenderly reached in this meeting, some saying 
 before the interpretation of what I had uttered was given, that 
 something so accompanied the words, there was that in their own 
 minds which said Amen to the truth of what was offered. At the 
 close of the meeting, I proposed another at six this evening at 
 this same place for the libertine inhabitants, which being yielded 
 to, I requested care should be taken to give information to such : 
 several who were at the meeting came to our lodging. The 
 afternoon was passed over profitably in conversation on various 
 religious subjects. On our way to the meeting, such were my feel- 
 ings, I told my companion it seemed to me almost like going to a 
 place of execution, and I marvelled not at these feelings I was thus 
 introduced into, when we reached the place where the meeting 
 was to be held, the house and yard were crowded and a motley 
 company that presented to view, the lightness observable on many 
 of whose countenances was truly distressing. Fears were ex- 
 cited in my mind, lest a riot should take place; as to our holding 
 a quiet meeting, I saw no prospect of it. To hold the meeting 
 1 feared, and to attempt to disperse the people and not hold it, 
 I feared, supposing many had come from a distance to attend it. 
 As the people who were in the house from the oppressive state of 
 the weather appeared unsettled, I felt most easy to propose our 
 holding the meeting out of doors ; on which, the forms and chairs 
 were brought out of the house. At our first sitting down, those 
 who could not be accommodated with seats were disposed to be 
 rather troublesome, but strength being given me to express a
 
 4G JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 desire, our behaviour might be suitable to tlie occasion, for which 
 we proposed to come together, it was well received, a general 
 quiet took place, which was succeeded by feelings of solemnity, 
 and the meeting was conducted in a quiet, orderly manner to the 
 close, the people appearing to separate with reluctance; fresh 
 cause for me, a poor, frail, feeble instrument, to set up my 
 Ebenezer, and say, " Hitherto the Lord hath helped me." O, the 
 need there is of a care after such times of signal favour, that self 
 has no part in our services ! 
 
 Second-day morning made a visit to a religious young man on 
 the south side of the island. In the afternoon returned to my 
 labour in the harvest-field. Fifth-day my interpreter informed 
 me, he must return home, and send a Friend to fill his place : 
 the prospect of this was to me trying, but I saw no way except 
 to labour after patience. During my necessary cessation from 
 conversation, I continued my labour in the harvest-field until 
 Seventh-day, when we all turned out to cut fern on the mountain 
 for fuel, which was an agreeable change, and, as I was now circum- 
 stanced, no Friend as yet having arrived from Guernsey, a 
 pleasant way of employing my time. During the afternoon I 
 had a satisfactory visit from a pious young man, a preacher be- 
 longing to the society of Methodists, who spoke English well ; 
 my companions in labour urged him to persuade me to desist 
 from my labour the remainder of the day, which I complied 
 with : we retired together in the thicket of a glen, where 1 was 
 once again privileged to be able to converse in my native tongue. 
 Various interesting subjects occupied our attention in this de- 
 lightful seat of solitude ; amongst others, that of labour, during 
 wliich he told me, he thought the example I was setting in this 
 respect to their preachers might have its use, saying, he had 
 oftentimes seriously thought on the subject, and would have been 
 glad to have found out some suitable employ that he might have 
 been allowed to follow, from a conviction it would be beneficial to 
 both body and mind, as well as carry a good savour along with it. 
 During our conversation I found he was acquainted with most of 
 our religious principles, and I could not doubt but that he was 
 also convinced of their truth and efficacy ; he closed our conver- 
 sation with nearly these expressions, " Don't spread your net any 
 further over me;" implying our conversation had increased his 
 bonds of unity with our principles. We separated in great 
 nearness. On my return home, to my lodgings in the evening, to 
 my agreeable surprise a Friend from Guernsey had arrived, which 
 was additionally cheering to my mind, and appeared to have the 
 like effect on the family I was residing with. No time was now 
 to be lost in making arrangements for to-morrow. Information 
 had been sent me, a love-feast was to meet to-morrow in this 
 parish, and if I was inclined to attend it, the door was open for
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILMTOE. i^ 
 
 me to sit with them. As it respected giving or not giving expec- 
 tation of my accepting the invitation, for so it was viewed, I 
 believed it was best for me at present to remain silent. 
 
 First-day morning the man and his sister professing to be con- 
 vinced of our religious principles, came to sit with us in our Httle 
 meeting ; before we sat down together, I was led to apprehend I 
 must be willing to give up to sit with those who were to meet at 
 this love-feast, and yet a fear came over my mind, lest our exam- 
 ple in so doing should prove a stumbling-block to this man and his 
 sister, who had been brought under the necessity of separating 
 themselves from these outward signs. In order to remove any 
 danger of this sort, I felt most easy to inform them a little of 
 what had been on my mind respecting them, and my appre- 
 hensions it would be better they did not accompany us, all of 
 which appeared to be kindly received. Matters being thus con- 
 cluded upon, we sat down together at my lodgings, and held our 
 meeting at the time appointed. We proceeded to the place 
 where the love-feast was to be held: I felt most easy that we should 
 be fully satisfied our being introduced was with the free consent of 
 all the parties we were to meet, therefore requested this should be 
 first ascertained, on which we were informed our company would 
 be acceptable. As we entered, we observed all were uncovered ; 
 as true religion leads to a care to be preserved from wilfully 
 offending any, I felt most easy to remark, I hoped our continuing 
 with our hats on amongst them would not hurt the feelings of any 
 tender mind ; informing them it was our uniform practice in our 
 religious meetings, except in the time of vocal prayer ; in reply to 
 which, we were assured no offence would be taken on this account. 
 Before the preacher opened the meeting by giving out the hymn, 
 1 requested leave to express what was on my mind, to which he 
 consented, and kindly gave me his place ; a full opportunity was 
 afforded me to relieve myself of such matters as came before me, 
 and I thought there was good ground to believe what was offered 
 found a place in many of their minds, much affection being mani- 
 fested at our parting. Apprehending the pointings of duty were 
 to my having a meeting this evening, half-past seven was con- 
 cluded upon for it, the house and yard were so crowded, and the 
 pressure of the people such, that fears were at first entertained 
 some accident would occur ; but after awhile all became still, and 
 after the meeting closed the people quietly departed. It was 
 considered to be a favoured season ; but not obtaining that relief 
 that rendered it safe for me to leave this neighbourhood, I could 
 not see my way clear to make a move, without appointing another 
 to be held on Third-day evening at this same place. 
 
 Second-day went to town in search of letters. Third-day 
 spent in labour in harvest-field, in the evening attended the meet- 
 ing appointed at my request, which opportunity set me at liberty
 
 48 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 to quit this part of the island, and when the meeting separated 
 the people expressed their regret at the prospect of our leaving 
 them. Fourth-day morning, after a parting opportunity with 
 John Lemaitre's family, we proceeded towards Hilliers. Hoping 
 I should now see my way clear to move towards my own home, 
 on our near approach to the town, I felt such a stop in my mind, 
 that I was under the necessity of requesting my companion to let 
 us sit down at the most convenient place we came to ; which 
 taking place, we sat some time in silence, during which, feeling 
 the pointings of duty to a meeting in the town that evening, I 
 informed my companion thereof. The probability of our pro- 
 curing a place for the meeting appeared very uncertain. On our 
 way, we called at the house of a widow, where some belonging to 
 the society of Methodists at times meet. We informed her of 
 what I had in prospect, to which she replied, she had no doubt of 
 procuring us the use of the meeting-house and beds for the 
 night ; and on application for the use of the meeting-house, we 
 were given to understand it would be readily granted, and an in- 
 vitation sent us from the proprietor of the meeting-house to take 
 tea with him and his family, and we were assured that general 
 notice would be given of the meeting, but that it was not likely 
 many would attend, the house seldom being more than half-filled. 
 I went to the meeting poor and empty ; the meeting at first 
 gathered very stragglingly, but in time the house, two rooms that 
 opened into it, and passage were crowded. 1 expect the circum- 
 stance of our sitting in silence caused some at first to behave ra- 
 ther rudely, laughing and whispering ; yet after awhile, we had 
 cause to acknowledge, the calming influence of the Spirit and 
 power of the Redeemer subdued and subjected these opposing 
 spirits, and the meeting closed under a favoured sense that Divine 
 mercy and condescension had been near to us. On our way from 
 the place we were joined by a young man who manifested a seek- 
 ing disposition of mind ; I invited ourselves to breakfast with him 
 next morning, where we met with an interesting young couple. 
 This afforded us an opportunity of giving them some account of 
 our principles, of which we found they were very ignorant ; I re- 
 gretted the want of suitable books. My way towards my own 
 home became again shut up ; endeavouring to see into the cause 
 why it should be so, it appeared I must be willing to have a meet- 
 ing near the great school. A suitable place being found, and 
 notice given of the meeting, we attended at the time appointed 
 and found a full gathering, the people behaved generally well, 
 considering a meeting had never been held there before. Feeling 
 further drawings in my mind to have a meeting at St. Brillard's, 
 we proceeded towards the place where a meeting is held once a- 
 week by the Methodist society, and found it to be their meeting 
 night. On the preacher hearing our motives for thus coming, he
 
 JOURNAL OF TITOBIAS SHILLITOE. 49 
 
 freely offered to give up the liouse and his congregation to me to 
 sit with, as our manner is, and take his seat amongst them. Tlie 
 meeting was largely attended, and proved a season in which the 
 way opened for me to obtain relief, for which I hope I felt truly 
 thankful, and especially so, in that I had been made wilhng to 
 give up to sit with this company, believing there is a precious seed 
 here and hereaway : the meeting appeared to separate under the 
 influence of that love, which knows no religious distinction as to 
 name. We went to lodge at the house of a young man, who 
 kindly set before us the best his limited circumstances afforded. 
 Those who travel amongst these islanders in the country must not 
 look for great things, or to be much waited upon, their means in 
 general being very small, and a rare thing to find a servant kept. 
 Yet, as far as I have experienced, no want of necessaries for such 
 as are truly devoted to Christ^s cause. Next morning we returned 
 to St. Helliers. 
 
 When I was here about three years ago, my mind was much 
 turned towards those who are deemed the more respectable part 
 of the inhabitants of this parish ; but the way did not open in 
 my mind to have a meeting with them at that time, although the 
 society of Methodists on my first landing had kindly offered me 
 the use of their house. The subject again coming before me, 
 and believing the time was now come for me to be willing to have 
 the people called together, I felt a difficulty about finding a suita- 
 ble place, apprehending if the meeting was held in the meeting- 
 house belonging to the society of Methodists, the house would be 
 likely to be filled with those in profession with that people, and 
 those towards whom my views were would not be generally ac- 
 commodated; but as a more suitable place could not be found, 
 the subject was mentioned to some of the leading members of 
 that society, who freely offered the house for our use. Feeling 
 my mind drawn towards the usual attenders of this meeting- 
 house, a meeting was appointed to be held with them at three on 
 First-day afternoon, which was largely attended ; in which I was 
 enabled to labour in a close line of doctrine, yet there was reason 
 to believe, from information, that which was at this time offered 
 was mostly well received. The meeting for those who are deemed 
 the more respectable inhabitants of this parish, towards whom my 
 views had long been directed, was fixed for five on Second-day 
 evening. Second-day evening our meeting was not so generally 
 attended by those I had felt my mind drawn towards, as was de- 
 sirable, occasioned, it was apprehended, by those who had under- 
 taken to give notice not being equal to the task they had engaged 
 to perform : it was held much in the quiet, but did not afford me 
 that relief I had hoped for ; but having done all that appeared to 
 be required of me towards securing a better attendance, I found 
 I need not make myself uneasy on this account, and here I was
 
 50 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 enabled to leave this matter. My attention was again arrested, 
 and my mind turned towards the parish called St. Martin's ; 
 although it was to me a desirable thing to see my way toward 
 returning to my own home, yet I cannot charge myself with an 
 unwillingness to give up to further service here, but from some 
 causes which I had no power of remedying, I became so much 
 discouraged, it appeared safest for me to take the first conveyance 
 to Guernsey, which I accordingly did, "where we landed again on 
 Third-day. Fourth-day attended the usual meeting here. On 
 Fifth-day afternoon went on board a trader bound for Southamp- 
 ton, and after a passage of seventeen hours we were favoured with 
 a safe landing, having passed through the most tremendous night 
 of thunder, lightning, and rain I ever remembered. First-day 
 morning attended meeting here ; in the afternoon meeting way 
 opened for me to get my mind more fully relieved than I felt 
 ability for in the morning meeting, for which favour I hope I felt 
 truly thankful. 
 
 Second-day I proceeded to Poole, Third-day attended the 
 select monthly meeting, after which was held the monthly meeting 
 for discipline, in both of which I was favoured to experience some 
 renewal of strength. In the evening I sat with Friends in their 
 select quarterly meeting : here I met with Wm. Forster, jun., a 
 member of my own monthly meeting, whose company after such 
 a long separation from my Friends at home, was truly acceptable. 
 Next day attended the quarterly meeting for Dorset and Hants, 
 the two counties being recently united to become one quarterly 
 meeting. It was consoling to observe the concern that was evi- 
 dently alive in the minds of Friends of these two meetings, that 
 the unity of the One Spirit which is the bond of true peace might 
 increase and abound. I felt well satisfied I had thus given up 
 to sit with Friends at this quarterly meeting. Fifth-day I pro- 
 ceeded to Bristol. 
 
 First-day morning attended the Friars'* meeting; after the 
 meeting for worship closed. Friends were requested to remain in 
 the house, before whom I spread a concern of a general visit to 
 the families of Friends in the city ; this being united with, a 
 committee was named to lay out the visits for me. It was consi- 
 dered best I should proceed alone in the visit, as no suitable com- 
 panion had offered. This service I was favoured to accomplish in 
 about six weeks ; after which, the way opened for me to return to 
 my own home, where I was favoured to find all well. Only a few days 
 had elapsed after I reached my own home, when I had a severe at- 
 tack of an hypochondriac disease. I found it coming on me before I 
 left Bristol ; my bodily strength became so reduced, together with 
 the extreme depressed state of my mind, that I had no other prospect 
 but I should quite sink under it ; although I had experienced an 
 attack before, equally severe to human nature, out of which fit of de- 
 spondency I was delivered, yet for a time such was the trying situa-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 51 
 
 tion I was suffered to know an abiding in, it felt utterly impossible 
 for me to lay hold on hope ; until that Divine Power, who alone is 
 able to apply a sovereign remedy for this the greatest of maladies 
 poor man is tried with, He in mercy raised me up again, brought 
 me out of the pit of horrors in which I had taken up my abode, 
 showing me my day's work was not yet accomplished,^ — that my 
 divine Master had further work for me at Manchester, Sheffield, 
 and some meetings near Kendal ; which had somewhat of a cheer- 
 ing effect on my mind, having hitherto found, when willing faith- 
 fully to serve the Lord, he had been a good Master, worthy of 
 my very best endeavours to follow him in all the ways of his lead- 
 ings and requirings. 
 
 1806. This year my faith was still more fully put to the test, 
 from an apprehension of duty, that it was required of me to make 
 some further sacrifice of part of my outward substance yet more 
 effectually to free my mind from worldly incumbrances ; part 
 of my income arising from leasehold property in houses, which 
 engrossed more of my attention than was profitable for me, in the 
 situation in which I stood, in the religious Society of which I was 
 a member. My parting with this of my property threatened a 
 certain reduction of my income, which occasioned me some deep 
 plungings, known only to the Almighty and myself : again 
 brought into this strait place, I soon had to experience the enemy 
 of all good was busily at work in my mind, magnifying these diffi- 
 culties in my view ; laying before me the sacrifice I had so re- 
 cently made of a good business, and if that step 1 had thus taken 
 was of Divine requiring this could not be, because I then had the 
 assurance given me the meal in the barrel and the oil of my tem- 
 poral substance should not waste, but if I took this step my 
 yearly income would evidently be diminished. I felt myself 
 placed in a very trying situation, as I could not with clearness see 
 to whom to open my mind. Earnest continued to be my breath- 
 ings of soul to the Lord, that if this sacrifice was of his requiring, 
 he would neither leave me nor forsake me, until I was brought to a 
 willingness cheerfully to yield ; for powerful were the pleadings 
 of the creaturely part in me, as well as the secret workings of the 
 unwearied adversary various ways to put by my compliance. But 
 whilst struggling with this tribulated state of mind, as if human 
 nature and the suggestions of the evil power would predominate 
 over those clear pointings of duty which continued to follow me, 
 I had this very significant and instructive dream. 
 
 I saw before me a straight but very narrow path gradually rising, 
 at the foot of which stood a man very simply attired, who offered to 
 take the charge of safely guiding me up. I followed him : when 
 we had reached about two-thirds of the way up, my guide halted, 
 turning himself round, requested me to do the same, which I ac- 
 cordingly complied with. He then bid me take a view both on 
 
 E 2
 
 52 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 the right hand and on the left of the road I had been ascending : 
 on my right hand, the ground in the bottom appeared rocky and 
 uncultivated, pretty much covered with rubbish, grass, and trees 
 that had been stunted in their growth : these I was told were fit 
 for nothing but the fire, and that they were comparable to those 
 whose hearts continued to be like the stony and thorny ground. 
 I then turned me to take a view on my left hand, at which I 
 shuddered in myself, when my guide pointed out to me the dan- 
 gerous precipice I had travelled close to the edge of. The foun- 
 dation of the path 1 had been travelling on, to the bottom, ap- 
 peared as steep as a house side ; which led me to conclude, the 
 path my guide had thus far conducted me on must be founded on 
 a rock, otherwise the path being so very narrow on which I had 
 been travelling, from the weight of my body I must have been 
 precipitated into the vast, deep, open, barren space which I beheld, 
 and in which, on my left hand, 1 observed a number of persons 
 huddled together, at times grubbing with their hands in the earth, 
 and at other times as if they were employing themselves in tossing 
 the earth from one hand to the other, every now and then looking 
 one at the other, with a sort of consciousness, that this manner in 
 which they were employing their time was spending it in vain, and 
 saying one to another, " 1 am countenanced in spending my time 
 in this manner by thee," and another, " I am countenanced by 
 thee." On which I queried with my guide, " What does this all 
 mean ? these men do not look like common labourers, neither have 
 they such tools as common day-labourers use ; besides this, they 
 are all clad in very nice and costly apparel, like men of the first 
 rank in the world with respect to property." But my guide as- 
 sured me, although they thus appeared apparelled, and were rich 
 in worldly substance, wanting nothing this world could bestow 
 upon them to make them as happy as it was capable of making 
 them ; yet, having made the riches of time their chief hope 
 for happiness, they had become so estranged in love and affec- 
 tion from that Divine Power which only can make truly happy, 
 that they were completely miserable. My guide, turning round, 
 bid me follow him ; and as we began again to ascend, instructed 
 me to keep very near to him, continually reminding me, that 
 although I had mercifully escaped the danger, which those I had 
 observed in the vast, deep, open, barren space had fallen into, yet 
 1 was not out of the way of danger of becoming their companion 
 in misery ; that my safety altogether depended on my keeping 
 continually near to him, eyeing him in every step I took from day 
 to day, without which I should still become precipitated into the 
 same vast, deep, open, barren space with those miserable persons 
 whom my eyes had beheld, and become their doleful companion in 
 all their disappointments. When I awoke, the danger which I 
 seemed to have escaped on both hands, but more especially so,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 53 
 
 the danger I seemed to have escaped on my left hand, made such 
 an impression on my mind, that for several days afterwards little 
 besides it came before me ; — the subject of my being willing to 
 offer up my leasehold property a sacrifice to the Lord still follow- 
 ing me. 
 
 10th of 7th mo. the monthly meeting having granted me its 
 certificate to visit Sheffield, Manchester, and Kendal, a^d to take 
 meetings on my way, I left my own home. First-day attended 
 meeting at Hogsty-End : there are but few in profession with 
 Friends belonging to this meeting, with them I was favoured to 
 have a comfortable sitting. After meeting I walked to Olney, 
 intending to be at their afternoon meeting at five ; feeling draw- 
 ings in my mind towards the neighbours, Friends concluded it 
 best to hold the meeting an hour later than usual : althousrh this 
 meeting proved a time of close exercise to come at the spring of 
 divine life in myself, yet I felt comforted in being there. Second- 
 day I walked to Market-Harborough. Fourth-day attended Lei- 
 cester mid-week meeting, in the afternoon walked to Castle Don- 
 ington, lodged at the house of that faithful soldier in the Lamb's 
 warfare, Ruth Follows, who appeared green at a very advanced 
 age. Fifth-day attended meeting there, after which I reached 
 Derby, had a meeting with Friends in the evening, a considerable 
 convincement having taken place here within a few years. Next 
 day walked to One Ash, from One Ash went to Sheffield. First- 
 day morning attended meeting there, at the close of which Friends 
 were requested to stop, before whom I opened my prospect of a 
 visit to the families of Friends of this particular meeting. I felt 
 it safest for me to inform Friends of a behef that was in my mind, 
 it would be right for me to go alone into the families : I was com- 
 forted to find these views meet the general concurrence of my 
 Friends. 
 
 Third-day walked to Rotherham,.sat with two families residing 
 there, and to Ackworth in the evening, intending to be at the 
 general meeting, where I met with many Friends from distant 
 parts of the nation. It had somewhat of an animating effect on 
 my mind, to observe the interest that some in particular mani- 
 fested in the welfare of the rising generation, and the harmony 
 that prevailed in conducting the various matters that came under 
 notice. On Seventh-day I walked back to Sheffield. First-day 
 attended Woodhouse meeting in the morning, after which I walked 
 to Sheffield meeting in the afternoon, and this evening proceeded 
 in the visit to the families ; which having been enabled to accom- 
 plish, I left Sheffield with a company of walkers to Doncaster. 
 Fifth-day attended the monthly meeting held there. Sixth-day 
 walked to Penistone, and on Seventh-day to Manchester. First- 
 day attended morning meeting there, at the close of which
 
 54 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Friends were requested to stop, when I informed them of my ap- 
 prehension of duty to sit in their families generally in their parti- 
 cular meeting, which being united with I commenced the visit that 
 evening. Fifth-day attended the large monthly meeting held at 
 Hardshaw. The great number of testimonies of disownrncnt that 
 passed this meeting affected me with feelings of sorrow, as I doubt 
 not a preventative of the numerous instances would at times be 
 found, if those who accept the post of watchmen on the walls of our 
 Religious Society lived sufficiently loose from the incumbering 
 things of this life ; then would more timely labour be manifested 
 towards those who were overtaken with a fault. 
 
 First-day, 3lst of 8th mo. I walked to Oldham meeting, which 
 was large, many who were in attendance, I understood, professed 
 to be under convincement. I was led to sympathize with the few 
 rightly-exercised members of this meeting, also to labour with 
 some who it appeared to me were negligent in the attendance of 
 their mid-week meetings. I walked back to Manchester, and on 
 Seventh-day this deeply humiliating engagement of sitting in fa- 
 milies, was brought to a comfortable close as it respected my own 
 mind, having had about one hundred and forty sittings. First- 
 day morning attended meeting there. After taking an affectionate 
 farewell of Friends of this meeting, I rode to Bolton in the 
 Moor, a meeting being appointed at my request at five this even- 
 ing. It was largely attended by other professors, and although I 
 found it hard work to relieve my mind, in consequence of the 
 opposition that was evidently to be felt to the doctrines I had 
 to deliver, of the necessity of dying daily to sin before we can 
 come fully to experience what it truly is to live unto God, 
 yet I saw no cause but to be satisfied that I had requested the 
 meeting to be held. On Second-day morning I walked to Ben- 
 tham : Third-day attended meeting there, which is very small ; 
 after meeting I walked to Brigflatts. Fifth-day attended meeting 
 there, and obtained a little relief to my mind from that load of 
 exercise, under which I have had of late to travel. In the after- 
 noon I walked to Dent Dale, a meeting being appointed at my 
 request at seven this evening, which was largely attended by 
 Friends and others, I thought we had abundant cause in this our 
 collective capacity to acknowledge, that the mercies of the Lord 
 fail not, in that he still continues mindful of us. Sixth-day walked 
 to Hawes, to attend a meeting to be held at four this afternoon, 
 the attenders were principally members of the meeting. Seventh- 
 day walked to Carr End, lodged at William Fothergill's. First- 
 day attended a meeting held at Bainbridge, largely attended by 
 those not in profession with Friends. In consequence of a fune- 
 ral, the meeting was kept long in a very unsettled state, from the 
 burial company not observing the time appointed for the meeting
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 55 
 
 being held ; which unscttlement the meeting never appeared to 
 rise above, yet I was led to hope the meeting would not prove 
 altogether an unprofitable one to some. 
 
 Third-day attended the select meeting at I.eyeat in Dent, in the 
 afternoon walked to Sedberg. Next morning 1 was informed that 
 the town's people, and especially some of the society of Method- 
 ists, were desirous I should have a meeting amongst them, but not 
 feeling that in my own mind which would have justified me in 
 complying with their request, I walked to Kendal. Sixth-day 
 attended meeting there, in which 1 was favoured to receive a morsel 
 of that bread which alone can truly satisfy the immortal part in 
 man. First-day attended a burial, and returned to the afternoon 
 meeting at Kendal, which proved an open time. Third-day at- 
 tended the usual meeting. Fourth-day walked to Preston Patrick 
 meeting : walking about the grave-yard, the depositing* place of 
 many who had been valiants for the Lord in their day were 
 pointed out to me, but, alas ! how little fruits of their faithfulness 
 is now to be seen in this meeting; my companion myself and four 
 others were the whole of our company assembled at this week- 
 day meeting ; after meeting we walked back to Kendal, and in 
 the evening rode to Hawkshead. Fifth-day attended their mid- 
 week meeting, after which returned to Kendal, attended monthly 
 meeting there, and on Seventh-day proceeded to Lancaster. The 
 morning meeting next day was to me a very trying meeting, in 
 the afternoon meeting I was enabled to obtain some relief. Second- 
 day I left Lancaster, reached Preston that night, Third-day at- 
 tended monthly meeting there. If my feelings were correct as 
 it respects the state of Society, the number of rightly qualified 
 members to support the discipline is very small. Reached Liver- 
 pool this evening. Fourth-day attended monthly meeting here, 
 where I met with Deborah Darby and Priscilla Hannah Gurney 
 on a religious visit. The monthly meeting was large : it ap- 
 peared to me holy help was vouchsafed in transacting the con- 
 cerns that came before us. In the evening the select quarterly 
 meeting was held, and the following day the quarterly meeting 
 for discipline, largely attended by young people : I was led to be- 
 lieve it was a meeting that will long be remembered by some. 
 Not feeling my way clear to leave Liverpool when the quarterly 
 meeting closed, a meeting being appointed by the two travelling 
 Friends, with others I attended it, in which silence appeared to 
 be my proper place : what a favour it is both to know our proper 
 place, and to keep it. I had expected to move towards home after 
 the quarterly meeting, but my way continued shut up. First- 
 day after attending morning and afternoon meeting here, my way 
 opened to move forward with clearness to Chester, attended mid- 
 week meeting there, where Friends are very few in number. After 
 meeting I proceeded to Nantwich, sat with the few Friends there, 
 and proceeded by the way of Stafford home.
 
 56 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 I8O7. At our monthly meeting in the Second month, I requested 
 its certificate to visit the meetings in the neighbourhood of Ack- 
 worth, the families of Friends in Lancaster and Liverpool meet- 
 ings, and* some meetings in Wensleydale, which being united with 
 by the meeting, a certificate was ordered accordingly. 
 
 First-day, fifteenth of the Third month I left my own home, 
 reached Hertford in the evening ; attended their select quarterly 
 meeting, and Second-day the quarterly meeting for discipline: the 
 meeting for worship was I believe to some truly profitable, and 
 the business of the quarterly meeting closed agreeably. That 
 night I reached Hitchin. Fourth-day I walked to Kettering in 
 Northamptonshire, attending their meeting in course next day ; 
 my unfaithfulness caused me to leave Kettering under suffering 
 of mind, yet it appeared safest for me to proceed, endure my suf- 
 ferings with becoming patience, and endeavour after greater faith- 
 fulness in future. I rode to Leicester this night, and next day to 
 Nottingham, reached Sheffield on Seventh-day. First-day at- 
 tended their two meetings, Second-day walked to Wakefield, at- 
 tended a large satisfactory public meeting appointed at the request 
 of Thomas Colley ; but here, as at some other times, I kept back 
 unseasonably to my own great hurt, and I was led to fear, the 
 hurt of the meeting, which 1 found some of my friends were sen- 
 sible of O when shall I, if ever, learn obedience by that which 
 at times I suffer ! 
 
 Third-day walked to Leeds, in the evening attended the quar- 
 terly select meeting. Fourth-day the quarterly meeting for dis- 
 cipline, the business of which occupied three sittings, which were 
 conducted in a quiet becoming manner ; the quarterly meeting 
 closed with a meeting for worship on Fifth-day evening. Sixth- 
 day walked to Dirtcar near Wakefield. First-day attended meet- 
 ing at Burton, which meeting-house and burial-ground is said to 
 be the first erected by Friends in these parts ; over the principal 
 entrance of the grave-yard, there still remains a large copper- 
 plate engraving much obliterated by time. An aged man, a member 
 of the Society who now occupies the house adjoining the meeting- 
 house premises, told us, his family had continued to reside there
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 57 
 
 for three generations, and related the following anecdote, showing 
 how Friends came into possession of the property which the meet- 
 ing-house and burial-ground now occupies. In the commence- 
 ment of the Society in this neighbourhood, a young man who had 
 embraced the principles of Friends died ; when they were taking 
 the body to the parish grave-yard in order for burial, a number 
 of rude people assembled, and became so tumultuous, that they 
 threw the coffin down, broke it, and rolled the dead body into the 
 road ; the owner of the property which the meeting-house and 
 burial-ground now occupies, being present, was so aft'ected at this 
 conduct, that he said he would prevent such outrages in future ; 
 he went home, and marked out the ground, and gave it to Friends 
 for the purposes for which it is now used. In the afternoon I 
 walked back to Dirtcar. 
 
 As I had not the prospect of my time being wholly filled up in 
 appointing meetings, and being persuaded it would be beneficial 
 both to mind and body to be suitably employed, 1 proposed to 
 my kind landlord Christopher Walker, to make myself as useful 
 on his farm as my strength would allow me to do. Fifth-day 
 walked to Pontefract : from a heavy fall of snow, I had some dif- 
 ficulty to reach the meeting in proper time : the meeting was 
 largely attended for a mid-week meeting ; in the afternoon walked 
 to Ackworth, a meeting being appointed at my request at six 
 this evening. Sixth-day morning walked to Burton, to attend a 
 meeting appointed for the members of our own religious Society. 
 In the afternoon walked nine miles to Lvnnbroyd, a meeting being 
 appointed to be held at five this afternoon : the snow being much 
 drifted, made travelling on foot in this open country difficult, yet 
 as I believed it was required of me to set this example, I was much 
 helped to press through every obstacle I had to meet with from 
 time to time, under a persuasion that if I refused to maintain my 
 post in this respect, I might go home, as my divine Master would 
 have no further service for me. This meeting is much stript of 
 its members, and has now become a very small meeting ; if my 
 feelings were correct, the life of religion is at a very low ebb here. 
 I was led in a singular manner in the line of the ministry in this 
 meeting, which is trying to nature ; yet what a strength it is to 
 the poor tried mind, after such exercising engagements, when those 
 whose judgments we believe we may rely upon, and who are ac- 
 quainted with the local circumstances of the members of a meet- 
 ing, take us by the hand, accompanied with a language in confir- 
 mation that what we have had to offer was applicable to the states 
 of the people ; which was the case at the close of this meeting. 
 
 First-day morning walked to Highflatts, attended meeting there 
 which was very large ; in the afternoon walked to Wooldale to 
 attend a meeting at five this evening, which was largely attended, 
 and closed under a precious sense that Divine regard was hovering
 
 58 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 over us. Second-day I walked back to Dirtcar : Fifth-day attended 
 meeting at Wakefield, in the afternoon walked toDewsbury'to attend 
 a meeting there at five this evening, which was held in a Friend's 
 house, no meeting-house of Friends has yet been erected in this 
 rather new settlement. Next day I walked back to my home at 
 Dirtcar, for so it felt to me, when no further prospect of service 
 opened to my view ; thinking it a favour, during these cessations, 
 I had something like a permanent home to go to, where an op- 
 portunity was allowed me visefully to employ myself, 
 
 First-dav morning walked to Paddock near Huddersfield about 
 thirteen miles, the weather being wet and boisterous at first turn- 
 ing out, was discouraging, yet I was helped to get along and 
 reach the meeting-house in clue time. If my views of the state 
 of the members of our Society there are correct, the precious seed 
 of the kingdom sown is buried in many hearts under the rubbish of 
 the surfeiting cares and concerns of this present life. In the 
 afternoon I walked to an appointed meeting at Brighouse, for 
 members and attenders of our meetings ; it was largely attended 
 by those not in profession with Friends, which circumstance at 
 first disconcerted me not a little, my views in appointing the meet- 
 hig being only to members and attenders ; but as there was no 
 alternative but to try to bear it quietly, I was favoured with help 
 to rise above my discouragements, and under a feeling of appre- 
 hended duty enabled to obtain relief to my own mind in a close 
 searching testimony to the members and attenders of this meet- 
 ing. While I was on my feet, a young man left the meeting, 
 who I afterwards understood was a member of Society, and not 
 from bodily indisposition, but it appeared something which I had 
 offered had touched him to the quick. After the meeting was 
 over, 1 began to dispute the correctness of all I had offered in the 
 meeting, letting in great discouragement, and as if I should be 
 overwhelmed with it. During this conflict of spirit, a Friend 
 stepped up to me, saying, she believed it was best for her to tell 
 me, the testimony I had borne in meeting that afternoon had con- 
 firmed one that had been borne by a stranger in their meeting- 
 house that morning, and that there were those amongst them 
 who well knew there was occasion given for such close doctrine 
 being delivered amongst them. Second-day morning after an inter- 
 esting opportunity with a young couple with whom I took my 
 breakfast, I walked to Dirtcar and resumed my employ, having 
 been careful before I left my own home, to furnish myself with a 
 garment suitable to be worn when employed in work that might 
 be likely to injure my clothes. 
 
 Fifth-day walked to Gildersome and attended meeting there, 
 was comforted in sitting with the few that compose this meeting ; 
 in the afternoon walked to Rawden to attend an appointed meeting 
 at five this evcniiig. There I found a considerable body of mem-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOii. 59 
 
 bers and attenders of meeting, the greater part young people: 
 during my sitting in this meeting, a fear exercised my mind, that 
 the world and its treasures were making such inroads on the minds 
 of some of our company, that there was a great danger of its be- 
 coming the means of depriving the Society of their services, and 
 ultimately themselves of heavenly treasure. The language of 
 encouragement was given me to hold out to some of the youth, 
 from what to me appeared a pretty clear evidence, that if obedi- 
 ence steadily kept pace with knowledge a living ministry would 
 yet be raised up in that meeting from amongst them. Second- 
 day walked to Undercliff near Bradford, attended the monthly 
 meeting there : the meeting was rather small, but on the whole 
 profitable. Next day I returned to Dirtcar, First-day walked to 
 Burton : the meeting-house being damp, the meeting was held in 
 an upper room. I was apprehensive, from Friends thus deserting 
 the meeting-house, strangers might be prevented from sitting 
 dmvn with them, by supposing that Friends being collected to- 
 gether up-stairs, were occupied about some Society concerns and 
 therefore advised Friends to adopt some means of making the 
 meeting-house safe to sit in. In the evening, attended a meeting 
 at Barnsley, held in a private house. Second-day attended 
 monthly meeting held at Burton. Whilst the clerk of the monthly 
 meeting -was reading my certificate, as he came to a part of it, in 
 which my friends at home exj)ressed a desire that every increasing 
 instance of dedication might be blessed to myself and those 
 amongst whom my lot was cast, a young man wept aloud, and 
 with all his apparent struggling to hide it, did not recover himself 
 during the meeting. On inquiry, I found, he had been much 
 visited, and that these expressions had a tendency to bring more 
 closely home to his mind seasons of favour, which if he had in 
 good earnest joined in with, it was believed by his friends he 
 would by this time have come forward in a conspicuous line of use- 
 fulness in the Society. Earnest desires accompanied my mind on 
 his account, that he may be afresh excited to future dedication : 
 but, alas ! what will the good desires of our Friends avail, unless 
 we ourselves are willing to yield in humble submission to the im- 
 pressions of good that follow us. After meeting 1 walked home 
 to Dirtcar. 
 
 Third-day walked to Halifax, where about five members of our 
 religious Society reside, proposed a meeting with them at five 
 next evening, after which walked to Paddock to attend their mid- 
 week meeting ; but, to my great disappointment, a very few com- 
 pared with their number, gave their attendance : after meeting 
 walked back to HaHfax, and attended the evening meeting. Stript 
 as this meeting is of its members, I was encouraged to believe, if 
 the few that still are left were but in good earnest engaged to seek 
 for holy help to be found faithful in supporting our Christian
 
 60 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 testimonies in their several neighbourhoods, there would yet be 
 a revival in this meeting, there once having been a large body of 
 members of our Society in this town and its neighbourhood. Next 
 morning I walked to Brighouse, attended the week-day meeting 
 there ; it was small, compared with the bulk of members that 
 compose this particular meeting. I hope our thus sitting together 
 was of real profit to some of the little company ; but not feeling 
 my mind at all easy to leave this neighbourhood, I staid over 
 their First-day meeting. In the meeting this morning, I was con- 
 strained to say, I believed there were some present, who were in 
 danger of making a sacrifice of their right of membership to 
 their own and the church's loss, and that which I was led to be- 
 lieve would be the sorrowful result of such conduct in the end, if 
 it was yielded to, by slighting the private labours of the church, 
 and those public admonitions not the result of outward informa- 
 tion, which in mercy they had become the objects of I felt much 
 tried, after taking my seat again, lest in what 1 had said in the meet- 
 ing I should have been deceived. Humiliating as these dispen- 
 sations are, which I am no stranger to, I dare not desire to be 
 excused from them, or to have them removed from me, before the 
 full time is come for it ; from a persuasion, that the more we have 
 been favoured during our ministerial labours, the greater is the 
 need for some dispositions more than others to be thus brought as 
 it were into the stripping-room again, lest self should be disposed 
 to boast, and claim any part of the credit of what has been com- 
 municated. After meeting a Friend informed me, that a young 
 woman, present at this meeting, of amiable dispositions and good 
 capacity, and who, if willing to come under the preparing hand 
 of the great Head of the church, might become singularly useful 
 in the Society, was in great danger of having her affections en- 
 tangled with a person not in profession with Friends. These tes- 
 timonials, whilst they have a tendency to hold out encourage- 
 ment to faithfulness, so, if we keep on the right foundation, a true 
 sense of our own insufficiency and the all-sufficiency of Jesus 
 Christ the Righteous, will not have a tendency in the least degree 
 to exalt us in our own imagination, but on the contrary humble 
 us as into the very dust. — In the afternoon walked to Dewsbury 
 and sat with the Friends there. This evening returned to 
 Dirtcar. 
 
 Fifth-day walked to Burton meeting, and after attending a 
 committee appointed by the monthly meeting to provide Friends 
 of this meeting with better accommodation for holding their meet- 
 ings in the meeting-house in winter, I returned home to Dirtcar. 
 Sixth-day walked to Ferry Bridge, on Seventh-day to York. 
 First-day morning attended meeting there, in the afternoon meet- 
 ing I sat under considerable exercise, but unequal to rise and cast 
 ofll' my burden. Third-day walked to Selby, attended the monthly
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 61 
 
 meeting, which was small. Many meetings in this county are 
 much stripped of ministers, which makes the company of a 
 stranger travelling in this way acceptable, but this circumstance 
 calls for an increase of care and watchfulness on our parts, that 
 the great kindness of our friends does not prove a snare to us, by 
 our being turned out of the path allotted for us to be found tread- 
 ing in. After the monthly meeting I returned to York. Fifth- 
 day morning walked to Malton, a meeting being appointed at my 
 request at six this evening : I was led to hope it would prove a 
 profitable meeting to some of our small company. Next day 
 walked to Scarborough, to attend a meeting appointed this even- 
 ing, which was small. The following day walked thirty-seven 
 miles to Beverley, feeling drawings in my mind to sit down with 
 Friends of Hull on First-day: I proceeded thither by coach. First- 
 day morning attended meeting there, where I met with a pretty 
 good-sized meeting : but as in many other places up and down, 
 so here, it appeared to me, if my feelings were correct, the gods 
 many and the lords many that there are in the world had so obtained 
 the dominion over some of the members in this meeting, that 
 the precious testimonies given us as a Society to bear, are suffered 
 to fall to the ground. Being strengthened, I humbly hope I may 
 say, to discharge myself faithfully, I was favoured to depart in 
 peace. In the afternoon attended a meeting at North Cave. 
 Second-day walked thirty-two miles on my way to Dirtcar. Fiftli- 
 day I was at the usual meeting at Wakefield, and in the after- 
 noon went to Leeds, and next day attended monthly meeting 
 there. First-day attended the meetings at Leeds. Second-day 
 walked to Pontefract to attend the monthly meeting. The town 
 appeared in great confusion in consequence of a recent election. 
 1 feared much we should have had a trying meeting, but best help 
 was mercifully near, whereby the concerns of the Society were 
 conducted more satisfactorily than might have been expected. 
 Third-day walked to Thirsk about thirty-two miles. Fourth-day 
 had a meeting with Friends there, after meeting walked fourteen 
 miles to Helmsley, where a meeting was appointed to be held at 
 six this evening. Holy help was in unmerited mercy vouch- 
 safed to be near to us in this meeting for which favour I humbly 
 hope some were made truly thankful. Next morning walked to 
 Kirby Moor Side to attend a meeting appointed at my request ; 
 we had a considerable gathering of Friends and others, the meet- 
 ing was held much in the holy quiet, the calming influence of 
 Divine love and mercy being near : after meeting I returned to 
 Helmsley, and in the evening to Bilsdale, and next day walked 
 to Yarm. First-day morning, accompanied by my kind friend John 
 Spence, I walked to Darlington, and attended meeting there ; best 
 help being near, I was enabled to cast off a load of exercise I 
 brought along with me, to the relief of my own mind and 1 hum-
 
 62 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 bly hope to the benefit of some minds in the meeting. Rode to 
 Stockton-on-Tees, a meeting being appointed at six this evening. I 
 was much tried, on observing the situation of the meeting-house, 
 the weather being oppressively warm, so as to render it needful to 
 have the windows open. I concluded we should be much dis- 
 turbed by the rude children that were collected about it, but in 
 this respect we were much favoured. If I had any service in this 
 meeting, it appeared to be with some who had sold their birth- 
 right, to whom I had to declare, the present was a time of fresh vi- 
 sitation to their souls : after I had taken my seat again, 1 became 
 low and dejected, lest I had been deceived in what I had commu- 
 nicated, unable to divest my poor mind of this query, if there 
 were none such in the meeting as I had addressed, what would the 
 Friends think of me ? After meeting was over, I suppose my 
 countenance was noticed by a Friend, and it may also have been 
 from impression of mind, a Friend came to me, saying, I had no 
 cause to be discouraged, the remarks I had made in the meeting 
 were perfectly correct and very fitting to the states of some who 
 were there. 
 
 On Second-day my kind friend Henry Richardson conveyed 
 me to Ayton ; the monthly meeting being held at Guisborough, 
 the meeting was large and principally composed of young people, 
 some of whom appear to be under the forming hand of the Hea- 
 venly Pattern : the desire of my soul was, May they be found will- 
 ing to endure the further proving dispensations of Divine unerring 
 wisdom, comparable to what the earthen vessels in our outward 
 house have to pass through, before they are fit to be brought into 
 use ! After meeting I walked to Castleton ten miles, had a com- 
 fortable meeting with the few Friends there next morning. In the 
 afternoon walked to Whitby fourteen miles, over a dreary moor, 
 and next day attended meeting there : Friends I was informed 
 were pretty generally out : it proved a very trying meeting to me. 
 After it I walked to Russell Dale, and next day to Helmsley, and 
 attended their usual meeting : in the afternoon to Bilsdale, a 
 meeting being appointed at seven this evening, in which strength 
 was given me to relieve ray own mind, I hope, to the encourage- 
 ment of some of our little company. Next day walked about 
 thirty-two miles to Knaresborough, and next day to Rawden. 
 First-day attended meeting there, in the afternoon walked to 
 Bradford, attended the afternoon meeting there, a time of close 
 exercise to come at any proper settlement of mind : but such dis- 
 pensations are necessary to be passed through, there must be a 
 willingness brought about in us, however painful and trying it 
 may be, to sit where the people sit, in order to our becoming the 
 better quahfied, through the aid of Divine Love and mercy, to 
 speak to the states of those we are called upon to address. 
 
 Second-day I walked to Lothersdale about twenty-two miles.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 63 
 
 The great quantity of rain that has fallen of late has made tra- 
 velling on foot trying : I hope to be preserved in the patience, 
 apprehending it is the line of conduct I must pursue, when time 
 will allow of it. Attended meeting here, wliich to me was a time 
 of mourning, under a persuasion in my mind, that the seed of the 
 kingdom was in prison in many of their hearts : our company was 
 principally composed of young people. Although I had to sit 
 in a state of great suffering of mind, yet 1 was favoured to leave 
 the meeting under a belief, I had been faithful in delivering that 
 which appeared to be the counsel of my Divine Master. Next 
 day walked to Netherdale about twenty-four miles, reached Darley 
 in the evening : next day sat with the few friends belonging to 
 this meeting. I felt thankful my lot was thus cast amongst them, 
 in that I was favoured to receive a morsel of that bread, which 
 alone can support the mind under all the exercises it had to pass 
 through. Rode to Knaresborough this afternoon, and next day 
 walked to Thirsk about eighteen miles, attended the select meeting 
 there, and next day the monthly meeting, after which I proceeded 
 to Settle. First-day morning attended meeting there, in the after- 
 noon proceeded to Skipton, a meeting being appointed to be held 
 at six this evening : many of the town's people gave us their 
 company, the meeting was held in a quiet orderly manner. After 
 meeting walked six miles to Addingham, and on Second-day to 
 Otley ; attended monthly meeting there, the business of which 
 appeared to be proceeded in under the influence of holy help, 
 and closed under a favoured sense thereof. After meeting walked 
 ten miles to Leeds. Fourth-day rode to Doncaster, in the even- 
 ing attended the select meeting, Fifth-day the monthly meeting, 
 which to me was a very trying meeting ; perhaps my own unfaith- 
 fulness was the cause, my stock of faith feeling to me as if it was 
 nearly if not altogether exhausted. I left the meeting and town 
 under much discouragement, and next day walked to Dirtcar, this 
 home, under my present suffering state of mind, appearing the 
 safest place for me. 
 
 First-day, 14th of 6th month, walked to Brighouse, (the Friends 
 of Paddock meeting unite with Brighouse meeting in forming 
 one preparative meeting to answer the queries,) lodged at my 
 kind Friend John Fisher's : Second-day proceeded to Highflatts, 
 attended the monthly meeting there, and after meeting walked 
 home to Dirtcar. Third-day walked to Selby, Fourth-day to 
 Hull, in time for their select meeting. I felt well rewarded for 
 my exertions in sitting down with the few members that compose 
 this select meeting. Fifth-day attended the monthly meeting for 
 discipline, which was large ; I was comforted in beholding a num- 
 ber of hopeful young people make a part of this meeting : but 
 alas ! at times, how are these hopes in some of the rising genera- 
 tion blasted, this appearance of fruitfuluess, how does it wither
 
 G4 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 again and come to nought, through the prevalence of the spirit of 
 this workl variously held up for the acceptance of the unwary 
 youth. Sixth-day walked to Beverley, and made calls upon the few 
 in membership there. Seventh-day walked about twenty-four miles 
 to Howsom, and First-day attended a meeting at Thornton-in-the- 
 Clay : in the afternoon walked nine miles to Malton, a meeting 
 being appointed at my request at five this evening. It appearing 
 there was much rubbish to get through, before the spring of 
 Divine life could be come at, occasioned much labour ; but 1 was 
 led to believe those who were willing to bear their allotted portion 
 herein, did not go without the reward. Second-day attended the 
 monthly meeting held here, the business of which was conducted 
 in much harmony, although the faithful labourers here as at 
 many other places are few : and how can it be expected the num- 
 ber of these will increase, as long as the encumbering things of 
 this world keep so many standing aloof from feeling that lively 
 interest in the prosperity of Zion, that would beget in them a 
 willingness to be made use of, in advocating her cause against all 
 that is in the world, and which opposes her arising and shining 
 " fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with 
 banners." 
 
 Feeling drawings in my mind to make a visit to a great man in 
 the neighbourhood, who once had a right of membership, I con- 
 cluded it would be the best way for me to go and take a breakfast 
 with the family. I accordingly proceeded ; but on my arrival, I 
 found visitors not in profession with Friends. After breakfast 
 was over, I made an effort to leave, as it did not appear to me, 
 way could be made for me to obtain an opportunity with the head 
 of the family : but this I found would not make for my own 
 peace, but I must be willing to seek for holy help to be enabled 
 to break through the difficulty that appeared in the /ay of my 
 discharge of duty. After some considerable struggle of mind, 
 strength was given me to request we might sit down quietly to- 
 gether, which appeared to be readily yielded to. This afforded 
 me an opportunity to obtain relief to my own mind, beyond what 
 at first I could have expected. J left the family under a thankful 
 sense, I had been preserved from becoming a coward, and went on 
 my way rejoicing: walked to York about twenty-two miles, which 
 I reached in time for the select quarterly meeting this evening. 
 Fourth-day the meeting for worship was largely attended ; many 
 concurring testimonies were borne, the different states of the 
 people ministered to under true gospel authority : what an un- 
 speakable favour it is, a backsliding people as we are, that we are 
 not forsaken by Him who alone is able to do our souls good ! The 
 meeting for discipline through its several sittings was conducted 
 in nmcli harmony, and Friends separated under a grateful sense 
 of that help which had been in adorable mercy extended. Sixth-
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. ^ 
 
 day passed in making some friendly calls : amongst these, was 
 one to a young man, in whose best welfare my mind became in- 
 terested when in the city before ; still, believing the most precious 
 of all jewels lay buried under that^reat heap of rubbish of finery, 
 fashion, and self-gratification he was various ways indulging him- 
 self in, I earnestly cautioned him against suffering this heap to 
 accumulate, by still further giving way to gratify his heart's de- 
 sire, hut to be willing to accept of the offers of Divine help that yet 
 awaited his acceptance, and thus he would come to experience 
 freedom from every entanglement, witnessing his captive soul set 
 free. The visit appeared to be well received ; and under a fa- 
 voured sense, that I had been in the way of my duty, I felt truly 
 glad. Seventh-day walked to Riseborough, First-day attended 
 Pickering meeting, in which I sat and suffered under a feeling 
 sense of the heavy burdens which the honest-hearted members of 
 this meetincp must have at times to bear. In the evening we had 
 a sittmg in my kind Friend M^illiam Rowntree's family, in which 
 my spirit was refreshed and comforted. Second-day walked back 
 to York, Third-day to Leeds about twenty-seven miles. Fifth-day 
 attended their mid-week meeting, in the afternoon walked to Carl- 
 ton, Seventh-day to Dirtcar, First-day morning attended Wake- 
 field meeting, in the afternoon walked to Barnsley, sat with Friends 
 in the evening meeting; Second-day attended a burial at Burton, 
 after which walked to Dirtcar. Third-day to Thorn about twenty- 
 two miles. Fourth-day attended monthly meeting here, in the 
 afternoon walked to Smeeton and from thence to Dirtcar. First- 
 day morning attended a meeting at Braithwaite appointed by 
 Thomas Colley, Second-day walked back to Dirtcar, feeling my- 
 self clear of this part of the county of York. 
 
 Fourth-day walked about twenty-eight miles to Todmorden, 
 Fifth-day attended their mid-week meeting: this meeting is much 
 made up of young people, many of whom have so lost the mark 
 of their profession that they are become numbered with the 
 people at large, which has been a great loss to many ©f our youth 
 who are under the necessity of attending fairs and markets, mixing 
 with the multitude, by whom, teving lost this badge of being one 
 of our religious persuasion, they are expected to use the language 
 of the world and conform to a train of other inconsistencies, 
 thereby at times doing violence to their better feelings, which 
 they might have escaped, had they not shunned the cross. After 
 meeting I walked to Rochdale in Lancashire, attended meeting 
 here, it being monthly meeting at Marsden, many of the members 
 of Rochdale meeting were absent. Sixth-day walked about 
 twelve miles to Manchester, Seventh-day proceeded by boat to 
 Warrington with a mixed company, whereby I found myself 
 deprived of that quiet opportunity for reflection, which my
 
 GO JOURNAL OF TH03IAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 usual mode of travelling affords me : leaving the boat, walked to 
 Liverpool. 
 
 First-day attended tlieir usual meeting, at the close of which 
 was held the preparative meeting. I presented Friends with my 
 certificate, informing the meeting of my apprehensions of duty 
 to visit the famihes of the members and attenders of their meet- 
 ing. The meeting uniting with my religious prospects, I was left 
 at liberty to proceed. After the close of the afternoon meeting I 
 entered upon this humiliating engagement, (for so it felt to me,) 
 which I was favoured with holy help to get through in thirteen 
 days, having had eighty-one sittings, attended six meetings for 
 worship, the monthly meeting, and a meeting for the youtli. 
 Sixth-day morning I left Liverpool for Lancaster, which place I 
 reached on Seventh-day. Having recently lost a relation who 
 resided here, in a part of whose property my children were in- 
 terested, my relations here not professing with Friends, great fear 
 came over me lest my mind should become entangled by them 
 in these outward matters. I do not know I ever was more fully 
 sensible of the need of great watchfulness to withstand their 
 attempts ; persuaded as I was, if 1 suffered my mind to be en- 
 tangled, 1 might go home, for my Great Master would then have 
 no service for me here : whereby I was brought under the painful 
 necessity of keeping from my relations at all times, except when 
 ppssing opportunities occurred which I could not avoid, and sim- 
 ply attended to the work of each day as it presented. First-day 
 morning at the close of their meeting for worship the preparative 
 meeting was held, at which I presented my certificate, and pro- 
 posed to the meeting a visit to the families of members and at- 
 tenders of this meeting ; a committee was thereupon appointed 
 to lay out the visits. On Seventh-day after having in all about 
 sixty sittings, I was mercifully helped to close this arduous en- 
 gagement. 
 
 In the evening walked to Wyersdale. First-day morning 
 attended meeting here, where I found a pretty considerable col- 
 lection of members and attenders ; but oh ! the life, the precious 
 life of true religion seemed at a very low ebb. In the afternoon 
 I walked about twelve miles to Ray, sat with the few that pro- 
 fess with Friends here, about ten in number. It was hard to 
 obtain full relief to my exercised mind, yet I left the meeting 
 under a comfortable hope, I had not kept back any part of that 
 given me to deliver. Second-day walked about twenty-six miles 
 to Hawes, Third-day about twenty-eight miles to Masham, 
 sat with the four members that compose this meeting, and was 
 rewarded in my own mind for the fatigue of body I passed through 
 to accomplish this visit. Fourth- day walked about twenty-three 
 miles to Lcyburn, a meeting being appointed at my request at seven
 
 JOUKNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOL:. 6'J 
 
 this evening : the house was a poor place for the purpose, and 
 much crowded by those not in profession with Friends. The 
 state of the air in time became very oppressive ; but this to me 
 was not the most trying part of the meeting. The feehng sense 
 1 had, in this mixed congregation, of the want of the help of the 
 spirits of brethren rightly baptized into a feeling of desire to be 
 aiding the Lord's work, was more to me than any bodily incon- 
 venience. Fifth-day I walked about eight miles to Aysgarth, 
 attended meeting there this morning, where I met with a few who 
 I believe were rightly engaged for the support of our various testi- 
 monies; but my mind was introduced into a fear that others present, 
 were various ways laying waste many if not all our precious testi- 
 monies, to some of whom I had hard things to deliver ; so much 
 so, that I felt tried in my mind after I sat down again : but a 
 Friend of the meeting rose, and in a feeling manner appealed to 
 some of our company, if there was not cause for the testimony 
 that had been delivered that morning amongst them. In the 
 afternoon walked about ten miles over the moor to Reeth, had a 
 meeting with four members. The prospect here is discouraging, 
 unless a revival takes place, the meeting being reduced, the meet- 
 ing-house is shut up, and the few who do meet sit in the school- 
 house. Sixth-day morning rode about four miles towiirds Hawes, 
 but from a great fall of rain in the night, I was fearful of ventur- 
 ing the horse and chaise through a deep water ; there being a 
 bridge for foot-passengers, I took to my feet again, but I found it 
 trying, getting along, where the flood was above the surface of the 
 stepping-stones, for there was no way but to wade through. I 
 reached Hawes in safety to dinner, and escaped taking cold ; in 
 the afternoon proceeded to Brigflats. Seventh-day walked to 
 Kendal, reached Lancaster in the evening. 
 
 Not feeling clear of Yealand, I returned on First-day morning 
 and sat with Friends of that meeting ; in the afternoon returned 
 to Lancaster, attended meeting there this evening appointed at 
 my request, which I was led to hope would prove to some a pro- 
 fitable meeting. Feeling myself clear of further religious service 
 in this place and its neighbourhood, and at liberty so to do, I 
 spent my time among my relations until Sixth-day morning, when 
 I pioceeded to Liverpool. First-day attended the two meetings 
 here, hoping to have seen my way clear on Second-day for mov- 
 ing towards my own home ; but as heretofore I found it was not 
 safe to be looking too far forward, but to be content to live one 
 day at a time. My way home being quite shut up, Fourth-day 
 attended a bvirial, at which many not in profession with us gave 
 us their company : I believe it proved to some a satisfactory 
 meeting. Fifth-day walked to Hardshaw about twelve miles, 
 attended monthly meeting there, returned to Warrington this 
 evening, lodged at my kind friend John Bludwick's, intending 
 
 f2
 
 G8 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 to proceed next morning towards my own home: but no sleep 
 could I come at, nor home could I go, except I did violence to 
 my best feelings, the consequence of which I well knew, would be 
 losing the penny I left home in search of The partition-wall 
 between me and home appeared a very formidable one. A com- 
 pany of very poor persons at West Houghton, about ten miles 
 from Warrington, were in the practice of meeting together for 
 religious worship after the manner of Friends, towards whom my 
 attention was turned, with an apprehension of duty to sit with 
 them on First-day in their usual meeting. I had not heard that 
 Friends had yet taken so much cognizance of them as this, and 
 how far my taking this step would be generally approved of by 
 J->iends of the quarterly meeting, was a subject that tried me not 
 a httle, lest it should be considered like laying hands suddenly 
 upon them. 
 
 I came down to breakfast next morning in a very poor plight 
 to walk to Macclesfield this day. as I had given my kind friend to 
 expect 1 intended to do. On my informing him how it had fared 
 with me the night through, and that, looking towards home, my 
 way was shut up, that I durst not proceed, he gave me encou- 
 ragement to pursue my prospects of duty, offering to procure a 
 conveyance and bear me company ; for which attention i hope I 
 may say I felt grateful ; yet not unaccompanied with some pain- 
 ful feeling in my own mind, believing I must be obhged to refuse 
 his kind offer, it appearing best I should proceed on foot, and as 
 he would not be equal to such a task, another Friend was pro- 
 posed, who offered to accompany me. On Seventh-day we walked 
 to VV igan, where some of those who met at West Houghton we 
 understood resided, to obtain information where their place of 
 meeting was. One of their company, whom we met with, en- 
 gaged to conduct us to it next morning : 1 cautioned them against 
 informing any, of our intention of sitting with them, except those 
 who were their usual attenders. The little time we were with this 
 family we made the inquiry of, from the sample they exhibited, 
 and from the feehngs which accompanied our mind, we thought it 
 might be said, peace was ivithin their walls. The next morning 
 the man of this family conducted us to their meeting-place, in a 
 very secluded spot, remote from the public road. The liouse had 
 been used as a stove for drying wool, for which they paid a yearly 
 rent, and they had whitewashed and fitted it up for the purpose 
 in the best way their slender means would allow of. Three forms 
 were in the middle, and by bricks against the Myalls with planks 
 they had seated it round, and to obtain light, a large hole was 
 made in the wall at each end of the building, with shutters, keep- 
 ing that open the least likely to incommode them by wind and 
 weather, as there was not any glass. At the hour appointed, the 
 meeting gathered very punctually, in all about thirty-four, many
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 69 
 
 of whom, to my feelings, seemed to bring good along with them 
 into the house. In a short time as profound a silence spread over 
 us as I remember ever to have experienced : not a few of our 
 company, under the influence of it were humbled and bathed in 
 tears ; such were my feelings on the occasion, 1 could not but 
 secretly acknowledge these are they who ivorshipping God in 
 Spirit have no vonjidence in the flesh. This silence was of long 
 continuance, feelings of tenderness towards this contrite company 
 were so excited in my breast, that it was difficult for me to express 
 amongst them what was on my mind, without manifesting such a 
 degree of abasement as rendered my words 1 feared at times un- 
 intelligible. The Friend who accompanied me, after speaking a 
 very few words, sat down ; telling me after the meeting, his mind 
 was so wrought upon through the contrition so generally apparent 
 in the meeting, that after uttering a few words he was ol/liged to 
 sit down. When the meeting broke up, the floor in every direc- 
 tion was strewed over with their tears. As there was a cottasce 
 adjoining their meeting-place occupied by one of the families, we 
 concluded to invite ourselves to dine with them, and pay for our 
 dinner as much as we should have done at a place of entertain- 
 ment, in order to have more of the company of such as inclined 
 to give it us. We found such as lived remote from the meeting- 
 place had brought their dinners with them to eat in the cottage, 
 which was both clean and comfortable : hearing of our intention 
 of coming to sit with them, they had made provision for us at the 
 cottage, consisting of a large dish of potatoes, well seasoned, with 
 about one pound of meat cut in pieces dispersed about them, and 
 put into the oven to cook whilst we were at meeting ; which was 
 served up on a clean table, without cloth, with a spoon and knife 
 apiece, for it did not appear they had a fork in the house ; the 
 master of the cottage informing us, they lived chiefly on spoon- 
 victuals. Our drink was water or sour buttermilk. Although 
 our fare of outward food was thus very homely, our minds having 
 been previously refreshed, and still continuing to tee! the precious 
 effects of it, we were abundantly satisfied with our homely repast, 
 uniting in the acknowledgment we never enjoyed a meal more, ft 
 may well be concluded our kind friend's cottacre did not abound 
 with superfluities, nor was 1 able, on a minute survey of it, 
 strictly speaking to say, according to their views of comfort, there 
 was any lack. 
 
 On inquiry, they informed us this was the first visit they had 
 received from Friends ; at times some of them attended Friends' 
 meeting, and Avhich they would prefer doing, rather than doing 
 as they were now obliged to do, but the nearest Friends' meeting 
 some of them would be able to get to was eight miles : their 
 women they said as well as themselves worked very hard all the 
 week, and they found the walk so overcame them, it at times quite
 
 ^0 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 laid them up, and they could not return without stopping at a 
 public-house to take refreshment, which cost them more than 
 would dine their whole family at home, an expense they found 
 they were not able to bear, and pay their way honestly as they 
 were desirous of doing, having nothing but their daily labour to 
 depend upon. We were as much refreshed by some of the re- 
 marks that were made by our company, as by the comfortable 
 meal we had made. 1 felt the need of cautioning them to be on 
 the watch, lest they should be weary of sitting in silence, and that 
 should set some of them to preaching : one of them said, their 
 meetings as respected themselves were held in silence ; but they 
 had been much troubled with two men, who at times tried to im- 
 pose upon them what they called preaching, but as they could not 
 receive what they had to offer as coming from the right source, 
 although their dress v/as plain like that of Friends, they united 
 in their determination to oppose them : one they expected would 
 not trouble them again, and the other they hoped, if they conti- 
 nued united in opposing him, would not trouble them much more. 
 On describing their persons and dress to my companion, it ap- 
 peared one of them had at one time stood fair with Friends as a 
 minister, but had been disunited by the Society, since which he 
 had preached to the society of Methodists, and the other had 
 greatly annoyed Friends by preaching in their meetings. The 
 relation of these circumstances, and the very simple and unaffected 
 manner in which they were brought forth, confirmed us in a hope 
 this truly estimable company had been favoured to find the sure 
 foundation to build upon. Desirous of information respecting 
 their rise and progress, so far removed as they were from any 
 meeting of Friends, the following relation was given us. An old 
 man, who lived at West Houghton, much attached to the princi- 
 ples of Friends, on Seventh-day evening went to a barber's shop 
 to be shaved, at which shop some of those who now meet at West 
 Houghton attended also ; the old man at times introduced con- 
 versation on religious subjects, and especially on the principles 
 professed by Friends, whereby a desire was excited in them to 
 become further acquainted with our religious principles, which the 
 old man took great pains to satisfy them in, furnishing them with 
 such Friends' books as were in his possession. The old man died 
 before they met in the collective manner they now do, and his 
 removal was to them like the loss of a father, from the veneration 
 they still manifest for his memory. It was evident he had been 
 an instrument in the Divine hand of great good to them. 
 
 Our bodies being refreshed by outward food, and our minds re- 
 freshed by their company and conversation, we proceeded to 
 Warrington again. Since this visit which we made them, several 
 of this company have been received into membership with the 
 Society, and a meeting of Friends is now settled there. On our
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 'Jl 
 
 way back to Warrington, we came up to a company of young 
 men, whose conduct as 1 passed them manifested as much levity 
 as 1 had at any time witnessed. I felt the fire of the Lord was 
 kindled in my bones against their unruly unchristian-like conduct, 
 and yet a fear came over me lest the feelings that were excited 
 should proceed from a fire of my own kindling : 1 passed on, but 
 the further I advanced, the greater my uneasiness became ; and 
 seeing no way for me to escape condemnation, but by being will- 
 ing to turn back, we accordingly did so. On my claiming their 
 attention, some withdrew, those that remained manifested a degree 
 of thoughtfulness, as if willing to receive what 1 had to offer. 
 Feeling my mind released from the burden 1 had been brought 
 under, which was all the reward 1 had any good ground to expect, 
 I was enabled to go on my way rejoicing. We reached War- 
 rington in time for the evening meeting, which was largely at- 
 tended by those not in profession with our religious Society. The 
 meeting appeared to separate under a feeling sense of the over- 
 shadowing of Divine good. I now began to hope, the way would 
 with clearness open for me to move towards my own home : but 
 alas ! bonds and afflictions still awaited me. Another sleepless 
 night was my portion : this afforded me a suitable opportunity to 
 take retrospect of some of my movements of late, that if I had 
 in any wise missed my way, I might be favoured to see it, that a 
 sense of it would excite me to more care and circumspection in 
 future. 
 
 Second-day morning no way appeared with safety in my mind 
 for me to move towards home, my attention being arrested by an 
 apprehension of duty to make a visit to a young couple who were 
 members, and lately had been married by a priest. I mentioned 
 my prospects to my kind landlord, who encouraged me to make 
 the attempt, but as the parties were entire strangers to me, I pro- 
 ceeded under discouragement. On sitting down with the young 
 people, after struggling to come at entire resignation to be any- 
 thing or nothing, as might be the will of Him, who (I had as i 
 thought good ground for believing) directed my course to their 
 habitation, we were favoured to drop into silence. After I had 
 power given me to express that which came before the view of my 
 mind for them, the young man abruptly left the room ; on which, 
 I felt a stop as to any further communication, and never that I 
 remember more need of patience : I was unable to proceed, and 
 dare not break up the opportunity, believing, as I did from my 
 feelings, the young man would return. We sat for near 
 half an hour in this situation*": the young man at length re- 
 turned, resumed his seat amongst us, and sat quietly through the 
 opportunity ; and from my feelings I was led to believe, received 
 what I had further in commission for him. We returned to my 
 kind friend John llludwick's: but I was soon again made sensible I
 
 ^2 JOURNAL OF TH03IAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 was not yet a free man to return home. This marriage had occa- 
 sioned such a breach in the family on one side, that no communica- 
 tion with the young people was allowed. Feeling a degree of 
 hardness was taking place in the minds of the young couple 
 towards the family on that side, and that, just as the cause might 
 be for this part of the family to keep at a distance for a time, it 
 appeared to me, the time was fully come for a reconciliation, yet 
 no wav appeared with clearness for me to move in it, nor durst I 
 move towards home. Third-day afternoon attended a funeral: 
 many of the town's people were present, to some of whom I 
 hoped it would prove an instructive season, notwithstanding the 
 above mentioned subject had taken hold of my mind As the 
 way for my moving in it had not appeared, I was ready to hope I 
 might be at hberty to leave next morning for my own home. 1 
 retired to bed at my usual time, earnestly desiring to feel my 
 way to move towards home, if it was safe for me so to do, but 
 being again brought under exercise, that a reconciliation between 
 these families should be brought about, I could see no way for 
 my enlargement, but by my being willing as ability was afforded to 
 do my part towards its being effected. On entering upon it, I 
 sensibly felt I should have discouragements to grapple with, yet 
 believing I felt that near, which if I was favoured to keep under 
 the influence of, would carry me through every difficulty, I found 
 the right way for me to proceed, was to bring the two families 
 together. Having obtained the consent of the party taking the 
 offence, to give me the meeting with the party giving the offence, 
 and the time appointed for our meeting, I fixed with the young 
 people, accordingly the interview took place. After some time 
 passed in silence, feeling my mind charged with matter pertinent 
 to communicate on the occasion for which we were met, 1 com- 
 municated it, and left all parties apparently in the enjoyment of 
 each other's company again ; and under a feeling of gratitude 
 and thankfulness to the Great Author of all good, i returned to 
 my quarters with the partition- wall which had been between me 
 and home now removed. 
 
 Seventh-day morning I left Warrington, walked about twenty- 
 three miles to Macclesfield, First-day attended meeting there, 
 many not in profession with Friends gave us their company : if 
 I had any service, it was to those in profession with myself. In 
 the afternoon walked about thirteen miles to Leek, a meeting 
 being appointed at my request : we had a large gathering of those 
 of other professions, and to me it was a laborious but relieving 
 meeting; 1 believe there was groiJind to hope it would prove a 
 time of profit to some of our company. Second-day walked 
 twenty-nine miles to Derby : as I did not reach until a late hour 
 in the afternoon, it brought me under difficulty, feeling drawings 
 in my mind to have a meeting this evening with such as were con-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SIIILLITOE. ^3 
 
 sidered the more libertine of those not professing with Friends. 
 As I did not see I could do otherwise, a few Friends were called 
 together, to whom 1 opened my prospects of duty, with which 
 Friends appeared cordially to unite, except as it respected the 
 time being too short for giving that general notice so desirable : 
 next morning was proposed as likely to secure a better attendance. 
 I endeavoured to give this proposal of Friends all due place in 
 my mind, but not being satisfied it would be safe for me to have 
 the meeting put off, believing I should be at liberty to leave 
 Derby early next morning, on my informing Friends to this 
 effect, they concluded to do their best in giving notice for seven 
 this evening. When the meeting closed, Friends acknowledged, 
 it was a larger meeting than had been known for a considerable 
 time before, and of a description of people who had not yet been 
 seen at a meeting of Friends here. The time appointed being 
 well observed, the meeting early settled down quiet, it proved a 
 solid meeting, the people departing much in the quiet, and 
 Friends expressed their satisfaction and belief the meeting was 
 held at the proper time : a proof of the great need there is, for 
 those who are thus travelling in the work of the ministry, and 
 those they travel amongst who are to be consulted, relative to their 
 movements, being careful to keep their eye single and simply to 
 the one alo7ie unerring Guide. Third- day morning I left 
 Derby, a few of the Friends accompanying me a little on my 
 way, walked thirty miles to Leicester under a thankful sense of 
 the loving-kindness and fatherly care of the Most High, in being 
 with me under my various exercises and helping me along from 
 day to day. 
 
 Fourth-day walked about twenty-nine miles to Northampton, 
 the day proving wet travelling became more difficult, but now 
 drawing so near home operated as a spur to do my best. Fifth- 
 day walked to Woburn about twenty-three miles, Sixth day aboat 
 thirty-nine miles, which brought me safe to my own home, where 
 after an absence of six months I was favoured to find all well.
 
 74 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 1808. My mind, at times for some years past, having been im- 
 pressed with a belief, it would be required of me to make a visit 
 to Friends in Ireland, and apprehending the time was come for 
 me to lay my prospects before my Friends, in the Second month 
 this year I requested a certificate of my own monthly meeting to 
 engaffe in this service. In the Third month a certificate was 
 granted me by the monthly and quarterly meeting. I made 
 the necessary preparation for my intended journey, to return with 
 such Friends as came from that nation to attend our yearly meet- 
 ing ; but when this time arrived, my way was so shut up, I durst 
 not proceed when Friends from Ireland returned, which appeared 
 a disappointment to them, but a still greater one to me. On en- 
 deavouring to find out the cause why the cloud thus rested, I 
 was given clearly to see, my not having been faithful to the Divine 
 requiring by freeing myself from my leasehold property, was one 
 cause. Endeavouring to have my mind turned earnestly to the 
 Lord, with sincere desires that he would be pleased to assist me 
 in risincT above the discouragements that had obtained the 
 ascendency over my tried mind, at length he condescended to 
 have compassion on me, and in a powerfully convincing manner 
 airesh favoured me with the assurance, that although heaven and 
 earth might pass away yet his word should not pass away, but the 
 whole of that which he had given me the assurance of, should be 
 fulfilled, provided on my part a willingness was manifest to comply 
 with the conditions on which this assurance was made ; and then 
 one of the causes in the way of my leaving home would be re- 
 moved. Being made willing to yield to drink this cup, I thought I 
 had a full confirmation that the hand of Divine all-sufficiency would 
 assist me in the disposal of this property ; for my kind landlord 
 consented to have my lease cancelled and a fresh lease made to the 
 purchaser, whereby I became as much freed from any future en- 
 cumbrance that otherwise might have occurred, as if 1 never had 
 been a party concerned in the property, which I esteemed a very 
 great favour. And in addition to this kindness, my landlord 
 added thirty years more to the time unexpired of the old lease, 
 whereby the property sold for considerably more than it would
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. ^5 
 
 Otherwise have done, by which means and other causes my 
 income became increased. 
 
 My mind had for a considerable length of time been frequently 
 sorrowfully affected on account of the increased abuse of the 
 First-day of the week ; the subject became so matured in my mind 
 as to make me willing to take up my pen, and as matter presented 
 to view, prepare an essay, which in the early part of this year I 
 submitted to the morning meeting : after being read by that 
 meeting, as it did not contain doctrinal matter, the meeting 
 concluded it had nothing to do with it, and returned it to me 
 again. After this, I laid it by without making further use of it. 
 JMy not proceeding to make further use of this essay now appeared 
 to me to be the other thing which stood in the way of my pro- 
 ceeding to Ireland. I therefore had it fairly transcribed, signed, 
 and after having a suitable number of copies printed and forwarded 
 to the king, bishops, and each of the members of both houses of 
 parliament, &c. &c., the way then clearly opened for me to pro- 
 ceed on my journey. 
 
 The essay was as follows : — 
 
 An Address to the Rulers of this Nation, and those in 
 
 Power. 
 
 " Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judg- 
 mefif is come. Rev. xiv. 7- 
 
 " The awful import of this Divine injunction is fully applicable 
 in a national capacity. It is righteousness only that can exalt 
 a nation, raise it in the Divine estimation, and draw down upon 
 it the blessing of the Lord. I cannot but believe that this awful 
 language must have frequently arrested the attention of tlie more 
 serious amongst you, and the nation in general, and in a parti- 
 cular manner of later times. It must be obvious, that in this 
 day in which we live, the judgments of the Lord are in the earth, 
 and because of these things it may be said, men's hearts are 
 ready to faint within them. But as the true fear of God predo- 
 minates in our hearts, it delivers from that fear, which must pro- 
 bably at times more or less assail the minds of all those, who are 
 not Avilling to have God in all their thoughts, namely, the fear of 
 what man may do unto them. And thereby it is, that we are 
 enabled to give glory to God by bringing forth fruits of righte- 
 ousness. A Christian's dependence should be firmly fixed on 
 Him, who is all-powerful, and who can cause dismay to overtake 
 the most intrepid. He has various ways and secret means to over- 
 turn all the purposes of those, who have respect only to the ob- 
 taining their own ambitious ends. But before we can experience 
 this confidence as a nation, a previous step must be taken, we must 
 cease to do evil, Isa. i. 16. ' Put away,' saith the Lord, ' the 
 evil of your doings from before mine eyes : cease to do evil.' 
 May we individually be concerned, and in an especial manner you
 
 ^6 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 in whom the power is so much vested, to endeavour that the 
 causes of evil may be removed, that so the baneful effects may 
 more and more cease. This is that which will find acceptance 
 with God, and is the fast which he hath chosen, ' to loose the 
 bands of wickedness.' Isa. Iviii. 6, or, in other words, that ye 
 exert yourselves, labouring under that Divine aid, which awaits 
 every sincere seeking soul in the prosecution of its duty. By 
 these means you may be made a blessmg to this nation, and pos- 
 sibly a means of our preservation from long-threatened calamities. 
 Much rests with you towards checking the torrent of evil. No 
 longer wink thereat ; for whether we are active in the evil our- 
 selves, or acquiesce by not timely and in good earnest exerting 
 ourselves to suppress it, we make ourselves parties to the guilt, 
 and may stand accused in the sight of God. O ! that by in- 
 creasingly following after righteousness, ye may become instru- 
 mental to promote the design of Heaven, in suffering judgment 
 so awfully to overspread the earth. For if we are favoured still 
 to procure for our friend Him, who yet remains to be ' mightier 
 than the noise of many waters, yea, than the mighty waves of 
 the sea,' Psalm xciii. 4, and who can availingly say unto the great- 
 est potentate that ever trod this globe, ' Hitherto thou shalt go, 
 and no further,' what have we to fear, or of what need we to be 
 afraid ? If we are followers of that which is good, 1 Pet. iii. 
 13, followers after righteousness, purity, and holiness, and con- 
 cerned to be found persevering therein, what shall ever be able to 
 harm us, either as a nation or individually .'' If the Lord con- 
 tinue to be on our side, and plead our cause for us with our ene- 
 mies, no weapon formed against us can eventually prosper. But 
 if we continue to persist, as a nation, not to take warning at 
 other's harms, are not concerned in good earnest to seek to God 
 for help, each one to do our part towards having the causes of the 
 evil removed, what may we not expect will be the consequences 
 thereof? May you be found the leaders in this work of reforma- 
 tion, you in whom the executive power is vested. If it prosper in 
 your hands, the complaint, that some of the law-makers, and some 
 of those who are entrusted to enforce them are violators of them, 
 will then cease. Many of you are instrumental in inflicting the 
 punishment which the law allots to crimes. And who art thou, 
 — O man, that art saying to another, 1 hou shalt not steal.'' Exod. 
 XX. 15 ; for if thou art covetous ; living in adultery, wantonly 
 wasting the good things of God, openly and profanely swearing 
 and taking the name of the Lord in vain, art thou not equally 
 guilty before Him.? if thou thinkest otherwise, thou mayst be 
 deceiving thyself, but God cannot be deceived. He is not like poor 
 frail man. How can laws, if they are ever so well framed, pros- 
 per in the things they are designed for, except they are enforced 
 by example on the part of those who give them forth, and are en-
 
 JOURNAL OF THORJAS SHILLITOE. 77 
 
 trusted with their execution ? Oh that I had words to enforce 
 these things equal to the concern that I feci ! from a firm belief, 
 that they would do more for us as a nation, and more effectually se- 
 cure us from the calamities which other nations of late years have 
 been witnesses of, than all your contrivances for defending the 
 nation, all yovir exertions used to increase the number of watch- 
 towers, or any other means of defence. And I am firmly per- 
 suaded, that every one who is preserved in the faith of one God 
 over all, who is good unto all, will at all times feel in himself the 
 force of this sacred truth, that * except the Lord keep the city, 
 the watchman waketh but in vain.' Psal. cxxvii. 1. 
 
 " The dreadful calamities that have been felt by other nations, 
 we well know, have not been confined to the poor and middle 
 classes of Hfe ; for neither royalty, dignity, nor property have 
 been any protection. Kings have been dethroned, distinctions 
 levelled, property distributed and destroyed, without the means on 
 the part of the sufferers to help themselves. No doubt, as these 
 things have reached the ears of many in this nation, astonish- 
 ment has filled the heart, and this conclusion has frequently been 
 the result of such information, that the instrument of these turn- 
 ings and overturnings in nations and kingdoms, has been suffered 
 to be a scourge by Him who cannot err. We must not conclude, 
 that because we have hitherto escaped drinking the bitter cup 
 which other nations have had to drink of, that they were sinners 
 above ourselves. No, for except we are found timely bringing 
 forth fruits of repentance, we may be sharers in such sufferings ; 
 and should Almighty God see meet to suffer an overflowing 
 scourge to enter our borders, where shall we be able to shelter 
 ourselves with safety ? It must be acknowledged, that we are a 
 nation highly favoured of God, but that there is also cause for 
 us to smite our hands upon our breast, and acknowledge, we are a 
 sinful nation. Yet notwithstanding this, 1 have been led at times 
 humbly to hope, we are not amongst the last in the Divine estima- 
 tion : I desire to be preserved from presuming or flattering, and 
 yet (notwithstanding the afflictive consideration of the slaughter 
 of so many thousands of our countrymen during the present war, 
 and the sufferings of the widows and fatherless as the consequences 
 thereof) 1 cannot help querying, what nation excels this in hu- 
 manity "^ A virtue, and a precious virtue it is, and in which, I be- 
 lieve, we have as a nation of late been increasing. In what has 
 it more conspicuously manifested itself, than by the successful ex- 
 ertions used to abolish that iniquitous traflic in human blood, the 
 slave-trade ? When the favoured event (for so I considered it) 
 reached mine ear, my very heart seemed to leap within me for joy. 
 It felt to me like moving from off the shoulders of this nation a 
 great load of iniquity ; and at times I am led humbly to hope, it 
 was a sacrifice of a sweet-smelling savour unto God. By what
 
 ^8 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 nation also are we excelled in liberality and acts of benevolence ? 
 arising I doubt not in the general way from a pure motive, a de- 
 sire to alleviate the sufferings of those in distress. Oh ! may we 
 not stop here, my dear countrymen of every description ; but 
 may we in good earnest become concerned as with one accord to 
 put shoulder to shoulder in this work, that in an individual and 
 national capacity we may excel in every other Christian virtue. 
 O ! that the great and good work, which I cannot doubt is begun 
 in the minds of some of those who stand foremost in the national 
 concerns, may not be retarded by any temporal consideration of 
 consequences, that so they may by their faithfulness lead on others 
 therein. So, by our example as a nation, we may become instru- 
 mental through Divine aid to further the coming of that glorious 
 gospel-day, when ' nation shall not lift up sword against nation, 
 neither shall they learn war any more,' Isa. ii. 4, and cause the 
 language yet to arise in the hearts of neighbouring nations, 
 Happy is that people whose God is the Lord, Psal. cxUv. 15. So, 
 his praise through our faithfulness may yet spread as ' from sea 
 even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth,' Zech. 
 ix. ]0. Neither have I been dismayed, when endeavouring to 
 view how matters stand with us, as a nation, as to religion. My 
 mind has not been able to believe we are behindhand with other 
 nations in religion, true religion. Although we are divided and 
 subdivided into so many denominations, each one more or less 
 differing from another, as to the mode of worshipping the Creator, 
 yet all being firmly persuaded in their own minds in this respect, and 
 acting in all things consistent, doing their duty in all things faith- 
 fully and uprightly in the presence of God, whether vocally or 
 mentally, engaged to seek the continuance of his help, such are 
 accepted of Him. That there are of this blessed number amongst 
 the different professors of the Christian name in this land, I doubt 
 not ; and yet, as a nation collectively, the language to a church 
 formerly is but too applicable to us, ' I have not found thy 
 works perfect before God/ Rev. iii. 2. Oh ! may we feel a lively 
 concern, that we may profit by the command which succeeded 
 this reproof, ' Remember therefore how thou hast received, and 
 heard, and hold fast, and repent." If this be not the case, let 
 us bear in mind what may follow, — ' If therefore thou shalt 
 not watch, I will come upon thee as a thief, and thou shalt not 
 know what hour I will come upon thee,' Rev. iii. 3. May it not 
 be said, O England, England ! thy salt hath hitherto preserved 
 thee, and not thy long-boasted fleets and armies ; for had it not 
 been for the sake of the few righteous under various names that 
 are yet to be found in thee, and had not the Lord continued to be 
 unto tiiee for walls and for bulwarks around thy borders, might 
 not thou have been as Sodom and like unto Gomorrah long ago ? 
 Is it not a proof that degeneracy and irreligion are increasing
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 79 
 
 in this land, tliat the day set apart for religious purposes should 
 be made by so many a day of the greatest dissipation, extrava- 
 gance, riot, and drunkenness ; and that what are even called the 
 higher ranks are bad examples to the lower orders in this respect ? 
 And it appears to me, that some of the causes contributing 
 thereto, are the needless increase and great abuse of houses of 
 public entertainment, stage-coaches unnecessarily travelling, and 
 pleasure-horses and cari'iages let out to hire on that day of the 
 week, which must contribute to such dissipation, to which has of 
 late been added a new device, newspapers sold on this day, usually 
 called Sunday Papers, which must more or less have a tendency 
 to dissipate the mind, and disqualify it for offering acceptable 
 worship to God. Suffer therefore the word of exhortation from 
 one, who humbly hopes his love is sincere to all men ; and al- 
 though there may be among the counsellors of this nation, those 
 who may say, there is but little in these things that are pointed 
 at, yet let such remember the Scriptures declare, ' He that con- 
 temneth small things shall fall by little and little,' Eccles. xix. 1. 
 But they are not little things, if they obstruct our being found in 
 the discharge of our duty to our Maker, and will no doubt, if 
 pursued, ultimately tend to greater evils. O ! lay these things 
 to heart, ye in whom the executive power is more immediately 
 vested, before it be too late, by these and other evils being suffered 
 to go on and the baneful consequences thereof spread ; lest our 
 salt should more and more lose its savour, irreligion and infidelity 
 increase, and we be found henceforth good for nothing, but to be 
 cast out and trodden under foot of men, Matt. v. 13. The Al- 
 mighty may then take from around us his hedge of defence, suffer 
 us to be laid open as other nations have been to the robbers and 
 spoilers, contrary I believe to his gracious designs. 
 
 " Every good work must have a beginning ; yet be it ever so 
 small, as it is suflfered to go on progressively, in due time its com- 
 pletion will be effected. That these things may become matters 
 that may claim all due attention on the part of those in an espe- 
 cial manner who should take the lead therein, is what I am fa- 
 voured at times fervently to crave. 
 
 " Tottenham, Middlesex, " Thomas Shillitoe."" 
 
 23d of the 6th month, 1808." 
 
 Seventh-day, 9th of 7th mo, I took my leave of my dear wife 
 and family, reached Hertford this evening. First-day morning 
 attended meeting there, in the afternoon rode to Hitchin, attended 
 their afternoon meeting, where I was favoured to receive a morsel 
 of that bread which alone can sustain the immortal part in man. 
 Second-day rode to Ampthill in Bedfordshire, and on my reach- 
 ing the house of my kind Friend Samuel May, I was informed 
 the family had been gone to meeting an hour, one having been ap-
 
 80 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 pointed by a Friend travelling in the ministry. I concluded it 
 would be out of season to go to the meeting, and endeavoured to 
 sit quietly in the house until the family returned home ; but no 
 quiet in my own mind could I come at, continuing reasoning with 
 my feelings of duty to go, until the family returned home again ; 
 the sight of whom distressed me not a little. I endeavoured after 
 relief of mind by a willingness to remain, and have Friends 
 called together, but I found this was not an offering that would 
 meet the Divine acceptance ; I must be willing to endure the in- 
 dignation I had justly incurred all the appointed time. In the 
 evening rode to Cranfield. Third-day walked thirty miles to 
 Lower Heaford. Fourth-day morning proceeded on foot towards 
 Hinkley in Leicestershire. At Heaford I was about six miles 
 from the turnpike-road : to save my travelling this six miles, my 
 friends advised me to travel about twenty miles on one of the old 
 Roman roads, to get into the turnpike again. This road being 
 thin of inhabitants and only one house of entertainment to be 
 met with, my friends furnished me with a bottle of cider and 
 some bread. 
 
 About nine o'clock the sun shone out very hot, exceeding any 
 thing I had before experienced ; I was overcome by it, and 
 obliged to have such frequent recourse to my cider and bread, it 
 was soon exhausted. I made but little progress in getting for- 
 ward, although by stripping off most of my apparel, I relieved 
 myself all in ray power. By twelve o"'clock the air became so 
 affected in the shade, I felt as if I was surrounded every way by 
 heat from a fire. As yet, I had not passed an habitation of any 
 description, nor met or seen man, woman, child, or any living 
 animal; and now, according to the information I received, some 
 miles from the house of entertainment, I became very thirsty. 
 The weather having been long dry, no water was to be met with ; 
 but after awhile I espied a bridge in a field, which I gladly made 
 towards, concluding my wants would now for the present be sup- 
 plied : here I found a small body of stagnant water, in which a 
 cow was stamping her feet to cool herself; notwithstanding which, 
 my thirst was such, I felt thankful for this supply, and filled my 
 bottle with the water for a future supply. Feeling my situation 
 a perilous one, I began to consider how to proceed. Having filled 
 my bottle with water, I proposed to remain under the shade of 
 some trees until the sun set ; but as they were at a distance from 
 the road, I considered I might lie down and perish, and not soon 
 be found. I therefore concluded it most prudent for me to keep 
 on the road, and do my best in hopes I should be able to get on, 
 until I came to some cottage to take shelter in. I tied my bundle 
 of clothes to my back, and proceeded : after travelling about two 
 miles in this tried situation, at a distance I espied a boy driving 
 some cows. Hailing him, I offered to reward him to carry my
 
 . JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 81 
 
 bundle of clothes, and conduct me to the nearest house, which I 
 understood was about one mile further. This prospect so cheered 
 me, I was enabled to mend my pace. I procured a drink of water 
 at this house, but I was now one mile from the inn : fearing my 
 ability to reach the inn, I offered to give a seven-shilling piece to 
 be conveyed this mile, which they accepted of, and conveyed me 
 there. On my reaching the inn, my first inquiry was, how I 
 could be conveyed to the turnpike-road. The thoughts of being 
 confined, if I should be unable to proceed on my journey, in 
 such a deserted part of the world and away from medical aid, ap- 
 peared trying. I was informed, the bridge on the way to the 
 turnpike-road was in such a state, no carriage could travel over it. 
 Scarcely able to abide up much longer I went to bed ; but my 
 fatigue was such and the room so heated, I felt quite unable to 
 come at any rest. I looked at Ireland with an aching heart, se- 
 verely reflecting on myself for having turned aside out of my re- 
 gular road the night before, when my duty did not require it of 
 me. After enduring some tossings both of body and mind, hear- 
 ing some preparations making for tea, thinking it was as likely as 
 any thing 1 could procure to refresh me, I left my bed. Whilst 
 taking my tea, 1 requested the man of the house to propose some 
 way for my reaching the turnpike-road to Hinckley. The man 
 told me, he had a pony, and there was a piece of the bridge 
 about a yard wide standing, which cattle sometimes ventured over. 
 On my offering to give him his demand, if he would send a boy 
 and his pony with me to the turnpike-road, he consented. After 
 tea I proceeded and was favoured to reach Hinckley late in the 
 evening. The gooseberries on the trees, next morning appeared, 
 where they were exposed to the sun, as if they had been in an 
 oven or saucepan on the fire. Near fifty horses, it was reported, 
 had dropped down dead on the North Road, and many people 
 who were working in the fields. It was supposed to have been 
 the hottest day known in this nation. Notwithstanding all I had 
 endured, I considered it a great mercy I had been so cared for 
 and brought safe through at last, to be under the care of my 
 friends again. 
 
 Fifth-day morning attended meeting here. The prospect of 
 the continuance of a meeting in this town is discouraging. Sixth- 
 day proceeded to Nuneaton, where I took coach for Birmingham. 
 Friends here informed me of the death of a young man I had 
 some knowledge of, whose burial was to take place on First-day. 
 I endeavoured to give the circumstance all due consideration, ac- 
 companied with a willingness to stay the burial if it was a duty 
 required of me ; but feeling my way clear to move forward, on 
 Seventh-day walked to Wolverhampton, and then by coach to 
 Sheffnal and to Barnard Dickinson's at the Hay. First-day at- 
 tended meeting at Coalbrook Dale If my feelings were correct,
 
 82 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. , 
 
 it appeared to me many of our company were contenting them- 
 selves with hving on the labours of others, not willing to labour 
 to know the Lord for themselves : at the close of the meeting for 
 worship the preparative meeting was held, my unfaithfulness 
 therein caused me to leave the Dale with a sorrowful heart. In 
 the afternoon I rode to Shrewsbury, attended a small evening 
 meeting. The fathers in the church being removed from this 
 part of our religious Society, and the prospect of their vacant 
 seats not being filled from amongst the present members of the 
 meeting, appeared discouraging. Fourth-day being their monthly 
 meeting, Friends importuned me to stay. I found great watch- 
 fulness was necessary on my part, lest I should be tempted to 
 make a halt beyond my proper time, not apprehending 1 had any 
 thing to do with their monthly meeting. 
 
 On Second-day morning I took to my feet again. The day 
 being fine, the winding river Severn frequently making its ap- 
 pearance among the hills finely clothed with wood, and the sim- 
 ple manners of the people I met with, rendered this day's journey 
 less trying than sometimes is the case. I reached Chirk early 
 in the evening, where I took up my abode for the night, for 1 
 scarcely can say I slept, the house being full of noisy company, who 
 continued so until a very late hour. 1 felt poorly next morning, 
 and unequal to pursue this day's journey of thirty-five miles before 
 me ; but after taking a comfortal3le breakfast, I ventured to pro- 
 ceed, and reached my destined port in the evening. The beautiful 
 varied scenery, simple manners of the people, together with their 
 appai-ent hospitality, helped me forward. Fourth-day morning I 
 left my comfortable inn, walked about thirty-three miles to 
 Llangefric; the heavy rain that fell during the course of the day al- 
 though it added much to the beauty of the surrounding scenery, 
 by the rapid falls of water that in many places poured down the 
 cavities of the stupendous mountains, yet it was trying to nature 
 getting along : but believing, as I apprehended, 1 was moving 
 along in full accordance with the requiring of my divine Master, 
 I was cheered by a hope I should be cared for by him to the end 
 of my journey. Fifth-day morning, I was now about eighteen 
 miles from Holyhead. From a soreness in my throat from being 
 wet the two preceding days, the weather continuing rainy and the 
 wind very boisterous, the prospect of proceeding was discourag- 
 ing; but believing the pointings of duty were to continue to 
 move on to the end of my journey, I proceeded, and reached Holy- 
 head about noon. After taking refreshment, and getting myself 
 made as dry and comfortable as time would allow of, about seven 
 in the evening I went on board a packet for Dublin, and about 
 nine we sailed. Considering the danger of the great deep, and 
 the suffering from sickness which those who are unaccustomed to 
 traverse it mostly have to endure, I felt thankful I had objected
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 83 
 
 to any Friend accompanying me merely across the water, being 
 hereby relieved from that anxiety which otherwise I should have 
 laboured under on their account. 
 
 We had a crowded vessel : some of the passengers, at my first 
 going on board, manifested a disposition to pass their jokes upon 
 me; but by endeavouring to keep near to that Divine })rinciple that 
 will preserve in every situation we may be cast in, and to refrain from 
 retaliating or resenting conduct in a spirit of malevolence, I was en- 
 abled to express my disapprobation at their treatment of me in lan- 
 guage that appeared to be well received, they generally carrying 
 themselves respectfully towards me afterwards. On Sixth-day 
 morning we were favoured to land safely at the Pigeon- House. 
 I walked to the house of my kind friends Jonas and Ann Stott. 
 First-day morning attended Meath-street meeting : if any service 
 fell to my lot in this meeting, it was to labour with those who had 
 acted very disorderly, not only to their own hurt, but also to the 
 hurt of the meeting, by remaining in the meeting-house yard in 
 conversation a long time after the meeting should have been fully 
 gathered, and then coming into the meeting-house in a large body, 
 which I understood had long been a practice. In the afternoon 
 attended Sycamore-alley meeting, which was a large gathering, and 
 I trust to most it proved a favoured meeting. At the close of it 
 was held what is called their stop meeting, allowing Friends of 
 the city an opportunity of inquiry if any circumstance has oc- 
 curred since the last meeting that requires notice. This afforded 
 an opportunity of presenting my certificate, which being read, in 
 much weakness and fear I informed Friends of my apprehensions 
 of duty to pay a visit to the families of members and attenders of 
 meetings in the monthly meeting ; which being united with, on 
 Second-day morning accompanied by John Smithson I proceeded 
 in this awfully important engagement. Third-day attended Meath- 
 street meeting, a time of Divine favour, which I believe will not 
 soon wholly pass away from the remembrance of some of us. 
 
 Fifth-day I rested. Sixth-day attended Sycamore-alley meet- 
 ing, in which an alarm was sounded to some, who in mercy had 
 been prevailed upon to give in their names to follow the Lamb of 
 God who taketh away sin, and had run well for a time, but from 
 some cause had halted again, and taken up a rest that was pol- 
 luted, thus by their example becoming to others like the evil spies. 
 Seventh-day my kind companion having some Society matters to 
 attend to, was obliged to leave me, when I was joined by Susannah 
 Hill, a minister in good esteem with her Friends, whose company 
 was cheering to my mind under this arduous engagement. First- 
 day morning attended Meath-street meeting, in the afternoon 
 Sycamore-alley which was largely attended by Friends and others. 
 Third-day morning attended Meath-street meeting, which to me 
 was an exercising meeting. If I had any service there, it was to 
 * g2
 
 Si JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 labour with some whose attendance of week-day meetings was 
 only occasionally, just sufficient to keep their credit pretty fair 
 with their Friends, yet in monthly meetings manifested zeal to 
 assist in preserving good order in the church ; and I had to give 
 itts my firm belief, the Lord's work never could prosper in the 
 hands of such. Sixth-day attended Sycamore-alley meeting, 
 which on our first sitting down was owned by the Master of all 
 rightly gathered churches. What a favour we should esteem it, 
 that he still condescends to give us proof of his willingness to 
 dispense of his heavenly blessings, give us bread in our own houses 
 and water in our own cisterns, that there may be no looking out 
 or depending upon the instrument for help. 1 he care manifested 
 by some Friends who were shopkeepers, to receive the visit free 
 from interruption, by shutting up their shop, and placing a person, 
 some within and some without their shop, to request their cus- 
 tomers to wait or come again when they were at liberty, was I 
 thought worthy of notice here. First-day attended Meath-street 
 meeting, which was largely attended and favoured with the Mas- 
 ter's help. In the afternoon attended Sycamore-alley meeting. 
 Second-day, a difference of long standing existing between two 
 Friends of this meeting, 1 did not see my way clear to proceed 
 further in our visit, without making the attempt to bring these 
 two individuals nearer together, which through holy help was ac- 
 complished, to the great comfort of the parties that way had thus 
 been made in each of their minds to become reconciled again. 
 Third-day attended Meath-street meeting, which was large for a 
 week-day meeting. 1 felt called upon early in the meeting to 
 press upon the minds of those assembled a sense of the need, if 
 we were benefited by our thus coming together, of our leaving our 
 homes and our outward concerns in faith and not in fear, but 
 looking to that Almighty power to oversee them in our absence, 
 who is better able to do so than we are ourselves, and not to suffer 
 the enemy of all our sure mercies to occupy our minds with slav- 
 ish fears of our outward concerns suffering, when we are thus 
 honestly endeavouring to be found in the faithful discharge of this 
 duty towards Almighty God. Sixth-day attended Sycamore-alley 
 meeting, after which we rode out of town to visit a Friend indis- 
 posed. In the evening had a sitting at my quarters with some 
 young men, which closed this day peacefully, for which favour I 
 hope I felt truly thankful. First day morning attended Meath- 
 street meeting, in the afternoon Sycamore-alley which was large, 
 a considerable number not professing with Friends gave their at- 
 tendance, it proved a solid favoured meeting. Third-day attended 
 Meath-street meeting, a time I hope to many of renewal of 
 strength, after which was held the monthly meeting which occu- 
 pied two long sittings : it was pleasant to observe the care mani- 
 fested on the part of the active members of this large monthly
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 85 
 
 meeting, not superficially to hurry through the business that came 
 before the meeting. 
 
 Fifth-day we were favoured to close our visit to families in this 
 city and neighbourhood, under, 1 humbly hope, a united feeling 
 sense of gratitude to the great Author of every blessing we iire 
 favoured with, who had thus mercifully carried us through to the 
 end. Sixth day attended Sycamore-alley meeting: after meeting, 
 made a visit to an establishment for the reception of the poor of 
 all denominations and descriptions, where every necessary of food, 
 bedding, and clothing is furnished to such who are disposed to 
 avail themselves of the privilege ; doing great credit to this large 
 populous city of Dublin, notwithstanding the numerous beggars 
 we see in the streets. INIy next visit was to the Foundling Hos- 
 pital, where near one thousand children are fed, clothed, and edu- 
 cated : an engraving on the front of a clock in one of the wards 
 engaged my attention, which was presented to this institution, at 
 a time when the infants were brought up without the breast, by 
 Lady Arabella Denny, and is nearly as follows : — " Children who 
 are brought up with spoon-victuals require often and regular feed- 
 ing. This clock strikes every twenty minutes. It is desired that 
 every child that is then awake may be taken up and sufficiently 
 fed." We were informed, before the donor of this clock under- 
 took the oversight of this institution, it was in a very neglected 
 state : but her zeal in devoting her time and fortune to its 
 welfare had been a great means of producing the regularity and 
 humane care now so conspicuous, doing great credit to the present 
 managers : may her example availingly preach this language to 
 those possessing the means which she did, " Go you and do like- 
 wise." The evening of their day would then afford them that 
 peaceful reflection, which would be more salutary to the poor 
 mind than any thing this world could affiard. 
 
 #
 
 86 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 Seventh-day Susannah Hill, myself, and some other Friends, 
 proceeded to Wicklow. The weather fine, the country pic- 
 turesque, I became somewhat recruited in mind and body. Here 
 are a few families scattered abroad that form a part of Dublin 
 monthly meeting. First- day morning attended the meeting. 
 Second-day evening we were enabled to get through the visit to 
 the families. The retrospect affording a hope that an open door 
 has been left, where our lots have been cast, for such who may in 
 future be called upon to move in the same line of apprehended 
 duty, was cause of thankfulness to our minds. Third-day my 
 companion and myself proceeded to Ballinclay, about twenty-four 
 Irish miles from Dublin. The Friends of Ballinclay and Ballintore 
 form one meeting on First-day : our view was to sit with them 
 together on Fourth-day morning ; but on account of a burial this 
 could not be accommodated, the meeting was therefore held at our 
 request in the afternoon, which we understood was well attended 
 by their members and such as usually come to our religious meet- 
 ings. Fifth-day my companion Susannah Hill returned home in 
 the afternoon. I walked about six miles to Ferns, and next day 
 accompanied by Joshua Haughton to Enniscorthy : soon after my 
 arrival, I proposed that such Friends as were considered suitable 
 should be convened, before whom I opened my prospect of a 
 visit to the members and attenders of this meeting, which being 
 united with, on Seventh-day I proceeded in the visit. First-day 
 morning attended their usual meeting. In the afternoon attended 
 a meeting at Cooladine appointed at my request. Returned in 
 the evening to Enniscorthy. Second-day proceeded in the visit 
 to families, feeling greatly the loss of my kind companion Susannah 
 Hill in this engagement. Fourth-day the visit to families here 
 was accomplished : after attending a satisfactory parting meeting 
 with Friends here, walked about eleven miles to Grove Town. Vi- 
 sited a Friend suffering under great bodily affliction from cancer. 
 I found her in an humble frame of mind, resigned to her situation; 
 I was led to hope, it proved a season, in which encouragement 
 was held out to lay hold on that arm of Divine strength, which 
 alone can support the mind in every time of trouble.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 87 
 
 Fifth-day morning, 1st of 9th month, left Grove Town, 
 attended Forest meeting which uas large, my mind was w^ell 
 satisfied in sitting down with Friends there; after meeting I 
 walked to Ross. Sixth-day attended an appointed meeting for 
 members and usual attenders, but others giving their company 
 shut up my way so that I found it hard work to have my mind 
 relieved; my service, if I had any, being to those professing with 
 our religious society. For want of care, on the part of those who 
 have to give notice, to keep strictly to the views of the visitor, 
 the designs of the Great Master in sending his servants into his 
 vineyard are in danger of being frustrated. Seventh-day accom- 
 panied by Samuel Elly rode to Waterford, where I was very 
 kindly received by Thomas Jacob and wife. My depression of 
 mind was such on reaching Waterford, I could not suppress my 
 tears, and I was for some time unequal to enter into conversation : 
 — a dispensation, which, however trying to nature, I was led to 
 believe was a necessary one for me to be introduced into, as 
 preparatory to some hidden and unexpected service that would be 
 required at my hands, if I was careful to keep under the weight 
 of it all the Lord's due and appointed time. 
 
 First-day attended morning and afternoon meeting here. In 
 the evening had a relieving opportunity in a Friend's family. 
 Second-day returned to Ross. Third-day attended monthly 
 meeting at Enniscorthy which was small, considering it is com- 
 posed of five particular meetings. My kind friend Samuel Elly and 
 myself had proposed leaving early on Fourth-day morning for Ross, 
 but after the close of the monthly meeting my attention was 
 arrested by the revival of a fear that had some hold of my mind 
 when engaged in visiting families in this meeting, that a breach 
 of love existed, yet I did not at that time feel a sufficient warrant 
 to search into it ; but now it appeared unsafe for me to leave this 
 place without opening my mind on the subject to my companion, 
 and some of the Friends of Cooladine meeting ; in doing which I 
 found I was correct that the breach had spread very wide, the 
 labour bestowed had proved unavailing, and these Friends had 
 entertained a hope I should be brought under the necessity of 
 moving in it, but from the little I heard of the case, it ap- 
 peared to me a hopeless one ; but Friends encouraging me to 
 yield to the impressions I had received, accompanied with mani- 
 festing a willingness to do all in their power to be helpful to me in 
 it, seeking, as 1 hope I may say I did, for Divine direction how I 
 was to move, the pointings of duty, I thought, were clear to have 
 all the parties concerned collected together next morning, which 
 took place. My companion, a Friend of Cooladine, and myself, 
 joined them from our first sitting down. The contriting uniting 
 influence of the Father's love was felt in an eminent degree to 
 overshadow us, and which, in the sequel, it will appear was felt by alL
 
 88 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 The hearts of some being so broken and tendered that tears were 
 abundantly shed, and every thing that aforetime had manifested 
 itself that was hateful, and hating one another, evidently became 
 subdued ; and so far from reflecting on one another, which I 
 much feared before we came together, all was submission and con- 
 cession and desires. We thought we had good ground for believ- 
 ing that these were sincere, that all which had laid the foundation 
 for that animosity that had prevailed amongst them, might for ever 
 after be buried in oblivion, giving each other the hand with ex- 
 pressions of earnest desires to be preserved ever after, loving as 
 brethren. Feehng my mind released from any further service 
 hereaway, after taking some refreshment, my companion and 
 myself returned to Ross. 
 
 Fifth-day I rode to Waterford and attended their usual meet- 
 ing. At the close of the meeting on First-day morning. Friends were 
 requested to remain in the meeting-house, to whom I produced my 
 certificate, informing them also of my prospects of duty to visit 
 Friends, and such as usually attend meetings in their families, 
 which being united with, and Elizabeth Ussher being under a like 
 concern, she was set at liberty to unite with me in the engagement, 
 and this evening we entered upon the service Our first visit was 
 to a family of Friends on the Quay. A short time after we had 
 sat down in silence, there echoed from the street, and surrounded 
 the house almost instantaneously, the greatest noise of tumult 
 and riot I ever remembered to have heard ; but after awhile the 
 tumult removed further from us, and through the merciful inter- 
 position of Him whose commands the unstable elements obey, 
 my mind being again introduced into quiet, we were favoured 
 with a comfortable sitting in this family. On inquiry into the 
 cause of the tumult we had heard, a bull-baiting was said to be 
 the cause. Although it left a painful sensation on my mind, yet 
 I was helped so to rise above it, as to be able to pay three more 
 visits this evening. 
 
 Fifth-day attended the usual meeting, which proved a memor- 
 able time; at the close of which, expression of gratitude flowed 
 from a member of the meeting for the favours then received. 
 First-day attended the two meetings, which were times of close 
 exercise. May fruits from the labour bestowed, in due time ap- 
 pear to the praise of that Almighty power who alone is able 
 rightly to qualify for every good word and work. Second-day 
 attended the select meeting. Fifth-day attended the mid-week 
 meeting. Sixth-day closed this field of religious labour in visit- 
 ing the families of this meeting, except one family nine miles on our 
 way to Clonmel. 
 
 Seventh-day we left Waterford for Mayfield, visited the family 
 there, from whence I had hoped I should have proceeded to Clon- 
 mel, but after the opportunity was over, my apprehensions were
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 89 
 
 awakened to see that my Divine Master had some further service for 
 me in \yaterfbrd or its neighbourhood, and that 1 must be willing 
 to return there. The circumstance of the tumult on First-day- 
 evening, occasioned by bull-baiting, had never wholly left my mind, 
 but at times would rise up. Independent of the barbarous prac- 
 tice of following up such amusements, and believing my duty 
 made it imperative on me to make a visit to the Protestant Bishop 
 on the subject, whose influence 1 was led to hope would be suffi- 
 cient to prevent such practices in future, we returned to Water- 
 ford. First-day attended the usual meetings there. At the close 
 of the afternoon meeting, I informed Friends of my prospects 
 of religious duty, to make a visit to the Protestant Bishop on the 
 subject of the tumult on First-day, in consequence of bull-bait- 
 ing, they encouraged me to pursue my apprehensions of duty. 
 Second-day morning accompanied by my kind friends, Thomas 
 Jacob and John Strangman, we proceeded to Dunmore, the 
 Bishop's country residence. We obtained an interview with the 
 Bishop and his wife, who received us respectfully. I presented 
 the Bishop with my certificate, which I thought would give him 
 a correct view of my motive for leaving my own home, and mani- 
 fest to him the care which Friends exercise towards their ministers. 
 He appeared to read it with attention, and when returning it to 
 me again, expressed his surprise at my coming so far from my 
 own home to visit my Friends, and queried if such instances were 
 not very uncommon ; to which reply was made, " Friends at 
 times come from America on this same errand." I then endea- 
 voured to cast before the Bishop the circumstance that occurred 
 on the First-day evening at the Quay, the manner in which my 
 mind had been affected by it, and had been the cause of my 
 making him this visit. The Bishop, in a very agreeable manner, 
 assured us he was willing to do all in his power to prevent such 
 practices in future, and gave me a full opportunity to clear my 
 mind, making short remarks as I went on, telling me, I must ex- 
 pect to be jeered at as I passed along, but that 1 must not mind. 
 We parted, I believe I may say, under feeling of true love towards 
 each other, and my companions united with me in considering the 
 opportunity an interesting one. Being at Waterford some time 
 after, I was informed the practice had, since our visit, been dis- 
 continued. 
 
 Third-day attended the monthly meeting, which was larger 
 than usual ; a time of favour I trust many will long remember : 
 feeling myself now clear of Waterford for the present. Fourth- 
 day I proceeded to Anner Mills. Fifth-day attended monthly 
 meeting at Clonmel. The concerns of the Society here, as in 
 many other places, appear to rest on the shoulders of a few. 
 The members of our Society, in the too general way, may now 
 be numbered with the people, as respects externals, to their un-
 
 90 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 speakably great loss. The meeting was greatly hurt by the 
 unseasonable manner of its gathering; occasioned more from the 
 disorderly practice of staying out of the meeting-house in con- 
 versation long after the time the meeting should be gathered, 
 than from not being on the meeting-house premises in due time. 
 After meeting, I proceeded to Clogheen. Second-day reached 
 Youghall. Third-day attended monthly meeting there. The 
 prospect here of a succession of useful members in the church 
 appears more cheering than in some other places : may no tem- 
 poral considerations be suffered to mar the good work begun in 
 some minds. Fourth-day, under the care of my kind friend, 
 James Abel, I was favoured to reach Cork this evening. 
 
 Fifth-day attended monthly meeting here. The meeting, both 
 for worship and discipline was small, when compared with the 
 number of the members of this monthly meeting. We sat a long 
 trying meeting, and then adjourned to the evening, which was 
 equally exercising. But a difficult case, that had long been 
 before the meeting, being brought to a satisfactory close, was a 
 relief to many minds. Seventh-day attended a burial, at which 
 there was a great gathering of persons, not in profession with 
 Friends, who behaved solidly on the occasion. In the evening I 
 had a sitting with the relations of the deceased. First-day 
 attended the usual meetings. Having in prospect to attend the 
 monthly meeting of Limerick on Third-day, at the distance of 
 forty-three Irish miles, we left Cork after the afternoon meeting, in- 
 tending to go to John's Town to lodge. But the night proving very 
 dark, our guide mistook the road, and we were obhged to return 
 to Fermoy, which we reached again about ten o'clock. Second- 
 day evening we were favoured to reach our kind friend, Joseph 
 Massey Harvey's, safely. 
 
 Third-day attended monthly meeting here, in which I was 
 comforted under a hope, there is yet left in this meeting, those 
 who are favoured to feel the welfare of Society the nearest of any 
 thing to their hearts. Fourth-day much indisposed for want of 
 sleep. The prospect of moving forward appeared like a mountain 
 not to be got over. Fifth-day I was favoured with a willingness 
 to try and do my best to proceed towards Waterford, to attend 
 the quarterly meeting, which we were favoured to reach on 
 Seventh-day. In the evening, attended the select quarterly 
 meeting. First day attended the usual meetings there. Second- 
 day morning the quarterly meeting for discipline commenced. 
 Third-day attended an adjournment of the select meeting: at this 
 meeting my dear friend, Elizabeth Ridgway, opened a prospect 
 she had been exercised with for ten years, to pay a religious visit 
 to the drinking-houscs in the city and suburbs of Waterford, 
 which excited the sympathy of her friends. During the solid 
 deliberation that took place, encouragement waslicld out to pursue
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 91 
 
 her prospects of religious duty. During the time the subject was 
 under deliberation, my mind was made sensible that if I did right 
 1 must be v/illing to offer to unite with her in the service ; on my 
 doing which, Friends set me at liberty. Fourth-day attended a 
 religious opportunity at the Provincial School, at New Town, 
 whicli opportunity Friends recorded as a time of favour. F'ifth- 
 day attended the usual meeting, at the close of which Friends of 
 the monthly meeting were requested to stop, to afford my dear 
 friend, Elizabeth Ridgway, an opportunity of casting her religious 
 prospects to visit the drinking-houses before the members of it. 
 The concern being of so singularly a trying nature, excited sym- 
 pathy and much weighty consideration. My proposing to join 
 her herein appeared relieving to Friends' minds. After consider- 
 able time spent in solemn silent waiting on the Divine Counsellor, 
 who, when He puts forth, fails not to go before and prepare 
 the way, (as was mercifully the case in most instances from day to 
 day,) a committee was nominated to assist us in the prosecution 
 of this humiliating engagement ; for so we felt it and experienced 
 it to be. After being thus set at liberty, accompanied by our kind 
 friend, Thomas Jacob, we proceeded from day to day till it was 
 accomplished, making in all about eighty visits; all of which houses, 
 one excepted, were kept by Roman Catholics. 
 
 Our service was not confined to the keepers of the houses 
 themselves, but as frequently extended to the company sitting in 
 them to drink, who mostly heard quietly what we had to offer, 
 and at our parting behaved respectfully ; one man offered a small 
 matter of money for us as a mark of his gratitude ; yet we met 
 with a few instances of refusing to receive our visit ; and some of 
 the remarks that were made were very humiliating to the fleshly 
 part, as well as the crowd of people that sometimes followed us 
 from hovise to house ; but by endeavouring to keep near our holy 
 Helper, we were enabled to rise above all we met with, that 
 otherwise would have been hard to bear. The visit in the city 
 being closed under a humbling hope that, as ability had been 
 afforded, a care was manifested on our parts to cast off" our burdens, 
 by delivering the whole counsel we believed ourselves entrusted 
 with ; having, as was the case, to contend wiih dark spirits, 
 settled down in gross superstition, but so far wrought vipon by 
 the Divine power, that the words given us to utter appeared 
 generally to find a door of entrance, we felt abundant cause to 
 acknowledge the Lord, our Divine Master, had dealt bountifully 
 with us. We next proceeded to the suburbs : having finished 
 the suburbs, it felt to me the bitterness of death was not past, 
 believing I must submit to make a visit to the people in the mar- 
 kets on Seventh-day. Some of the market-women one day cursing 
 us, saying we were crying down the whiskey, made the prospect 
 of such an engagement trying to human nature ; but as there
 
 92 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 appeared no way for me to get comfortably out of Waterford but 
 by being willing to yield to apprehended duty in this respect, 
 after informing my dear companion of my further prospects, I 
 requested the committee to meet, and informed them of my con- 
 cern to visit the markets on Seventh-day. The subject being new, 
 and considering the general disposition of this class of the people, 
 mostly bigoted Roman Catholics, more Friends than the com- 
 mittee were called together, who on taking the subject of my pro- 
 posed visit into consideration, my dear companion Elizabeth Ridg- 
 way, expressing her concern to unite with me, we were liberated 
 to pursue our prospects. 
 
 Seventh-day, accompanied by our kind friend, Thomas Jacob, 
 we proceeded to the offal market, on the entrance of which, the 
 noise and bustle that was manifested made a discouraging im- 
 pression on my mind, labouring as I was under as great" a load of 
 depression and nervous debility as human nature could well bear; 
 but no way for a retreat coming, we ascended to some steps of a 
 house, much elevated above the people : after a short pause, a 
 few words audibly spoken, so attracted attention, that the tumult 
 ceased, and we were soon surrounded both by sellers and buyers, 
 whose quiet and solid attention was very remarkable, remaining with 
 us until our minds were favoured to feel the evidence of having fully 
 discharged ourselves : this offal market was the most feared by 
 Friends. We next proceeded to the cross, ascended a flight of 
 steps there ; the people surrounded us in great numbers, soon 
 became quiet, affording a full opportunity for relief to our minds ; 
 many appearing solid ; nothing like an insult manifested ; many, 
 on our leaving them, giving us their blessing. Feeling ourselves 
 clear of any further service in this way, we returned home, with 
 hearts truly contrited, under a fresh sense that all things are 
 indeed possible with God, who, in mercy from time to time, con- 
 descends to confirm the truth hereof in the experience of such as 
 are willing to be girded and led about by him. First-day attended 
 the morning meeting here, a time of favour which I was led to 
 hope would be profitable to the youth. The afternoon meeting 
 closed satisfactorily. Second-day my dear companion and myself 
 visited the drinking-houses on the way to the passage, thirteen in 
 number. Had an agreeable opportunity with a magistrate there. 
 Returned home rejoicing, not because the spirits had been made 
 subject, but humbly hoping, as the path of entire dedication is 
 pursued to the end, we shall he found through adorable mercy 
 amongst the number of those whose names are written in 
 heaven. 
 
 Third-day, 1st of 11th mo. attended monthly meeting; gave 
 in a short report of our visits, which appeared to bring weight 
 over the meeting, which being much exhausted, appointed some 
 Friends to draw up a minute of our report, and bring to the ad-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 93 
 
 journment of the meeting. Before Friends separated, the neces- 
 sity -was laid upon me to call the attention of the meeting to a 
 circumstance that had frequently occupied my mind, the over- 
 seers not seating themselves suitably in the meeting-house so as 
 to be able to oversee the gathering of the meeting, and the man- 
 ner of Friends conducting themselves therein. Whatever may 
 be the cause from whence this unwillingness proceeds, whether 
 from a diffidence that has not truth for its chief corner-stone, or 
 a fear by so doing they should see more work for them to do than 
 is pleasant to the fleshly part, such are not likely to help forward 
 the cause they profess to espouse by accepting of the appoint- 
 ment. The meeting entered solidly into the subject, and Friends 
 were proposed to fill uj» the vacant seats at the front of the meet- 
 ing. INIy way to leave Waterford continued still shut up ; my 
 mind becoming charged with an apprehension of duty to make a 
 visit to the mayor and active men in the city, I informed Friends 
 hereof, on which two Friends were nominated to assist me herein. 
 The mayor being informed hereof, with one of the sheriffs, met 
 us at a Friend's house, which afforded an agreeable opportunity 
 fully to relieve my mind, for which 1 trust I felt grateful to the 
 Great Author of all my blessings in thus making way for me, and 
 grateful to them in giving way to receive my visit, and for the 
 attention that was manifested on their part to what was com- 
 municated. 
 
 Seventh-day, feeling my way now clear to leave Waterford for 
 the present, I proceeded to Clonmel, where 1 met with my 
 esteemed friend, Margaret Hoyland, about to enter on a visit to 
 the families of Friends of this meeting : having myself felt a 
 similar concern when here before, but the way not clearly then 
 opening for me to proceed in it, after some conversation with her 
 on the subject, and the way now clearly opening in ray own mind 
 to unite with her therein, it was concluded to request Friends 
 to stop at the close of the meeting for worship to-morrow morn- 
 ing. First-day attended the usual morning meeting, at the close 
 of which Friends were, as it was before concluded, requested to 
 stop, which taking place, after suitable time spent in deliberating 
 on our prospects of apprehended duty, we were left at liberty to 
 proceed on the visit. The afternoon meeting w^as trying in the 
 commencement of it, but through patient waiting and quiet 
 hoping for the arising of that Almighty power that is able to dis- 
 perse the clouds, the meeting closed more comfortably. After 
 meeting we proceeded in the visit. Fifth-day attended the usual 
 meeting. Seventh day we dined at Anner Mills, and enjoyed a 
 peaceful cessation from labour, which both mind and body seemed 
 to claim. Went into town in the evening and finished our en- 
 gagement in this meeting. First-day rode to Garryroan, attended 
 meeting here, at the close of which we informed Friends of the
 
 94 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 prospects of visiting the families of their meeting. On Pourth- 
 day the visit to families of Friends of this meeting being got 
 through, we had a satisfactory parting meeting. 
 
 My companion went to Clonmel. Seventh-day I proceeded 
 towards Youghall. First-day morning attended meeting there ; 
 at the close of which Friends were requested to stop, to whom I 
 proposed a visit to the families of their meeting, which being 
 united with by Friends, Abraham Fisher was allowed by the 
 meeting to accompany me, and the visit was entered upon this 
 evening. On my return to my lodgings, a letter was waiting for 
 me from my kind Friend Susannah Hill of Dublin, informing me 
 of her having obtained a certificate to visit the families of Friends 
 in Cork and elsewhere, as truth opened the way : this to me 
 was like a brook by the way, feeling myself bound to the fami- 
 lies of that meeting when last in the city, but it did not then ap- 
 pear the time for engaging in it was fully come, and the thoughts 
 of returning to enter upon such an arduous undertaking alone, at 
 times appeared trying. Fifth-day we closed our visit to the 
 families of Friends of Youghall, I trust, under a grateful sense 
 of that help that was mercifully near from day to day. First-day 
 attended the two meetings here. Second-day reached Cork in the 
 evening. 
 
 I kept close to my quarters, believing my safety depended on 
 my so doing until Fifth-day. At the close of the meeting this 
 day my companion Susannah Hill, with myself, informed Friends 
 of our prospects of a visit to the members and attenders of their 
 meeting: our proposal appeared to be willingly united with, but we 
 must proceed in that way which a few individuals themselves 
 liked the best, by no one member of the meeting accompanying 
 us. From the feelings of our own minds, and the view we had 
 of the state of the meeting, it did not appear prudent to us to 
 move in this way, and yet our minds were led to fear the conse- 
 quences of our objecting, should a name be mentioned we could 
 not feel satisfied with ; but there was no other way for us but to 
 object to the proceeding alone, on which several names were men- 
 tioned as a committee to attend us one at a time ; but it appearing 
 to us safest, if a Friend could be found likely to meet general ac- 
 ceptance, to have such an one, rather than these frequent changes 
 that had been proposed ; after much painful exercise, William 
 Wright, a religious young man, was named to accompany us, with 
 which we cordially united, and here this subject closed satisfac- 
 torily to most in the meeting. Sixth-day morning, second of Twelfth 
 month we entered upon this humiliating engagement. First-day 
 attended fore and afternoon meetings, both of which were trying ; 
 we had hard things to deliver, but I humbly hope under a full 
 assurance they were the counsels given us: when the day closed, 
 thankfulness was, I hope, the clothing of our minds, in believing
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 95 
 
 faithfulness had marked our footsteps. Fifth-day attended monthly 
 meeting, which was a suffering time, from a disposition apparent 
 in some to oppose the orderly proceedings of the Society in the 
 exercise of the discipline. First day attended the morning meet- 
 ing, which was large, but through late comers-in, did not quietly 
 settle down until an hour after the time it should have done : at 
 the close of the meeting my companion and myself met by ap- 
 pointment the ministers, elders, and overseers, and endeavoured, 
 as ability was afforded, to point out the loss likely to be sustained 
 to the meeting by the overseers sitting with their backs to the 
 meeting, while the front forms were left nearly empty ; the pro- 
 priety of our throwing this subject before Friends was readily 
 admitted, and the advantage likely to result therefrom acknow- 
 ledged, but the want of resolution to set about an alteration sor- 
 rowfully apparent. Attended the afternoon meeting, at the close 
 of which we were requested to meet the ministers, elders, and 
 overseers, when the subject before alluded to was more fully gone 
 into, and it was concluded to tiy if a change could not be satis- 
 factorily brought about. Fifth-day attended the mid-week meet- 
 ing. First-day attended the two meetings here. Our labour of 
 love in a visit to the families in this city closed this day. 
 
 Second-day accompanied by our kind landlord James Abel, 
 and other Friends, we rode to Glanmire to breakfast : after a solid 
 parting meeting we proceeded to John's Town, sat with a member 
 of the Society who resides here. Third-day we rode about twenty 
 miles to Ballamaline, the weather continuing severe, the roads 
 slippery and bad to travel upon, we did not reach our quarters 
 until near dark ; here we met with a large family, members of our 
 Society, settled down for the sake of what is called a good bar- 
 gain, in a farm twelve miles from any meeting of Friends and no 
 members of Society nearer them. Fourth-day proceeded to Youg- 
 hall, attended their mid-week meeting. Fifth-day rode to Carlow 
 to attend the quarterly meeting for Leinster province : the road in 
 places hilly, and so covered with ice our horses twice fell quite down, 
 and my companion was thrown out in our going down hill. It no 
 longer appearing safe for us to ride, we walked nearly the whole of 
 the way we yet had to go ; esteeming it a favour, amidst all the trials 
 and dangers of this day''s travel, we were favoured to reach our jour- 
 ney 's end safely, except the effects of frights we had endured. Sixth- 
 day attended the select meeting, which was small, but we were com- 
 forted in sitting with this company. First-day attended the morning 
 and afternoon meeting here: in the evening had a solid opportunity 
 in a Friend's family with a large company, mostly young people. 
 Second-day attended the quarterly meeting for discipline : the low 
 state of things, as appeared by the answers brought up from some of 
 the meetings was distressing. Third-day the parting meeting was 
 held, which proved a season of Divine favour under a humbling
 
 96 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 sense whereof the mectmg separated. In the evening we rode to 
 Kilconner: Fourth-day attended meeting there. Fifth-day rode 
 to Athy, the most deplorable meeting-house I ever before sat in ; 
 a few months after our sitting with Friends here, the whole of the 
 roof fell in : after meeting we rode to Ballynakill. Seventh-day, 
 a meeting was appointed at nine this morning at our request, which 
 proved to us an open, satisfactory meeting, after which we rode 
 to Mundriehead. First-day rode four miles to Knockballymaher : 
 the meeting of Friends here is small, but Friends coming from 
 meetings round, and attending many of the neighbours, principally 
 we understood of the Roman Catholic persuasion, we had a large 
 gathering : the meeting held very long owing to the straggling man- 
 ner of the people assembling. It proved a quiet, satisfactory meeting 
 to us, and we were led to believe generally so. After meeting we 
 rode to Roscrea, to a meeting appointed at three this afternoon, 
 which was largely attended by persons not professing with 
 Friends : it proved a solid satisfactory meeting also. Second-day, 
 our guide being much indisposed from a heavy cold at Ballyna- 
 kill, from the damp state of that meeting-house, we were obliged 
 to rest this day, esteeming it a great mercy when recurring to the 
 exposure we have had to endure at this inclement season of the 
 year, we ourselves have so far escaped. Third-day we proceeded 
 to Birr, only two families here in membership ; the appearance is 
 very discouraging as to the probability of a meeting being kept 
 up here. 
 
 Fourth-day we rode thirty-eight Irish miles to Limerick ; Fifth- 
 day attended their mid-week meeting, at the close of which we 
 informed Friends of our prospects of a visit to the families of 
 their meeting, which being united with, we proceeded therein. 
 From a heavy cold I had taken, and the depressed state of my 
 mind, I felt under discouragement about our proceeding, but I 
 found it would not do for me to give way either to the importu- 
 nities of nature or my friends. Oh ! let me rather wear out than 
 rust out, is at times the secret craving of my mind. First-day 
 attended the two meetings in course. Second-day rode out to 
 Castle Connell, the day fine and scenery picturesque, my nature 
 felt a little revived. Third-day attended monthly meeting, in 
 which I was comforted under a feeling sense of the good presence 
 of the Minister of ministers near to us : three sittings this after- 
 noon closed our visit to the families of Friends of this meeting. 
 
 Fourth-day morning left Limerick by coach, reached Cork in 
 the evening. Fifth-day attended their usual meeting, and an ad- 
 journment of the monthly meeting: at times this day I have been 
 led to recur to some of my exercises during our visit to the drink- 
 ing-houses at Waterford, accompanied with earnest desires, if it 
 should be required of me, to proceed in the same line of duty in 
 this rude and bigoted place, Divine mercy will not leave me or
 
 JOURNAL OK inOMAS SHILLITOE. 97 
 
 forsake me until I am brought to a willingness cheerfully to sub- 
 mit. Seventh-day attended the select quarterly meeting, in the 
 evening the provincial school committee ; in doing which I was 
 comforted to see, notwithstanding the low state of Society in this 
 quarterly meeting, Friends were so alive to a care for the religious 
 education of the youth of the Society : at the close of the select 
 meeting an adjournment of the monthly meeting was held, which 
 continued four hours. Although it proved a time of close exercise, 
 the sound members of the meeting were preserved to move 
 quietly along in a very difficult case, beyond the expectation of 
 some and the desire of others. First-day attended the morning 
 and afternoon meetings. Second-day attended the quarterly 
 meeting for discipline, which was small considering the size of 
 some of the meetings constituting it. Third-day the parting 
 meeting was held, in which it appeared to be my place to express 
 a few words and take my seat again ; after which the gospel 
 flowed freely through rightly qualified instruments. The meeting 
 closed under a precious covering, which I doubt not will be remem- 
 bered by some. 
 
 Attended the meeting on Fifth-day and the two meetings on 
 First, in all of Avhich silence appeared to be my proper place ; 
 my companion had good service in these meetings. In the even- 
 ing a member of the monthly meeting came to our quarters say- 
 ing, he was not easy we should depart the city without having an 
 opportunity with us; a Friend being in the adjoining room, we 
 requested he would be present, when the individual informed me 
 and my companion his business with us was, to clear himself from 
 things that had been laid to his charge before us by different ac- 
 tive members of the meeting to his prejudice. We told him 
 Friends had uniformly acted with the greatest possible caution, 
 not to speak of persons or things relative to their monthly meet- 
 ing before us ; but the first monthly meeting I sat with him, I 
 heard sufficient from himself to convince me he was acting under 
 the influence of a wrong spirit, warning him to take care or that seat 
 in Society he professed so highly to prize, would be dispossessed of, 
 notwithstanding the confidence he manifested there was no danger, 
 such would be the case, (which a few years after took place:) he 
 became much irritated, telling us, he did not expect to have been 
 treated in the way we had treated him, and left us in apparent 
 great displeasure. We rather felt satisfied this opportunity, un- 
 sought for, had occurred to clear our minds towards this indi^ 
 vidual. 
 
 Second-day we rode to Clogheen ; Third-day to Ray Hill ; 
 Fourth-day attended meeting at Garryroan ; Fifth-day to Mount- 
 rath, in consequence of a great fall of rain and snow travelling 
 became dangerous ; our last stage we were set off with a pair of 
 bad horses, and a driver (we afterward found out) ignorant of the
 
 98 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 road and unskilful in driving, whereby we had nearly been upset 
 in a deep water, and from the route we had come, our Friends in- 
 formed us we had narrowly escaped a very deep bog : our horses 
 not able to travel more than about three miles an hour, we did not 
 reach Mountrath until nine o'clock at night. Sixth-day attended 
 this meeting : we were comforted in believing there are yet pre- 
 served here, as well as in other places in this nation, those who 
 are preferring Zion's prosperity to any worldly acquirement. 
 Seventh-day we proceeded to Mountmelick. First-day morning 
 attended meeting there, which was large ; it proved a time of close 
 exercise to get down to the spring of Divine life. The afternoon 
 meeting was also trying, yet I trust we were enabled faithfully to 
 acquit ourselves as matter was given for utterance. Second-day 
 we visited the provincial school, my companion intending to pro- 
 ceed to her own home. Third-day I rode to Edenderry, sat with 
 Friends of this meeting : the number of Friends here is pretty 
 considerable, mostly young people. In the afternoon my kind 
 friend, Robert Goodbody, drove me to Rathangan. Fourth-day 
 attended the usual meeting here : Fifth-day proceeded to Bal- 
 litore. 
 
 Sixth-day 3rd of 2nd mo. 1809, attended a meeting there ap- 
 pointed at my request : this has now become a very small meet- 
 ing : the lamentation uttered formerly may truly be taken up 
 respecting this once flourishing meeting, " How is the city once 
 full of people now become solitary," through some of those de- 
 signed to fill the vacant seats of the valiants that are gone to 
 their eternal rest, being led captive by notions and opinions 
 which the truth does not allow of, but led their forefathers away 
 from. When the time came for my departure, it appeared some 
 of the Friends were disappointed, expecting I should have sat in 
 their families, and had arranged matters accordingly ; but, as I 
 had not a sufficient warrant, we parted under feelings, I thought, 
 I had cause to believe of sincere regard, considering it a favour 
 the way was thus opened in their minds to receive me. Seventh-day 
 rode to Carlow : here I met with my kind friend William Neale of 
 Mountrath. First-day morning attended meeting here, at the 
 close of which was held the preparative meeting : I produced my 
 certificate, informing Friends of my prospect to visit families in 
 their meeting, in which service my kind friend William Neale 
 proposed also to accompany me : our proposal being united with, 
 W3 entered on the visit this afternoon, which we were enabled to 
 accomplish on Third-day. In the afternoon we proceeded to 
 Ballitore ; the way now cleai-ly opening for me to sit with Friends 
 in their families here, not doubting but my moving in this back- 
 ward and forward way was in the line of Divine appointment, 
 however singular it may appear to some. This evening Friends 
 were called together, to whom I proposed a visit to the families of
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 99 
 
 this meeting, which being united with, I proceeded this evening. 
 Fifth-day attended the usual meetings, at which there appeared 
 to be a general getting out, which proved a favoured parting one ; 
 and thus closed this visit, witii fresh cause on my part to set up 
 my Ebenezer, and say, hitherto it has been of Divine mercy and 
 help I have been enabled to get on from day to day, and that 
 after all, the acknowledgment must be made, 1 am but an unpro- 
 fitable servant ; the retrospect convincing me if the ground was 
 to be gone over again, there was room left for amendment. 
 
 Rode to Carlow : Sixth-day attended monthly meeting 
 there : a committee appointed by the quarterly meeting gave their 
 attendance to assist this monthly meeting in its state of great 
 weakness. The preparative meeting of Ballitore having been 
 long discontinued, this subject was solidly entered into, and an 
 appointment made to assist Friends of Ballitore in establishing 
 one again : a hope accompanied my mind things were on the re- 
 vival in this meeting, there being a few left that appeared well- 
 concerned for the good of the Society, who, by uniting the little 
 strength left, would be found quite equal to conduct such a meet- 
 ing. Seventh-day set off' for V\^aterford ; from the heavy falls of 
 rain the floods were so out the water came into our carriage, and 
 for some time we were set fast in a quagmire vtp to our axletree. 
 We did not reach Waterford until late this evening. First-day 
 morning attended meeting there, in which we were favoured to 
 witness in a remarkable manner, the solemnizing influence of 
 Israel's Shepherd : when the meeting for Divine worship closed, 
 Friends were requested to keep their seats, whereby this solemnity 
 was not broken in upon. My late kind companion, Elizabeth Ridg- 
 way, and myself, cast before Friends a prospect of religious duty 
 to visit the drinking-houses at Carrick-on-Suir, and on our way 
 there and returning, which obtained much solid deliberation and 
 sympathy, it being a thick-settled, bigoted, rough place, no 
 Friend residing there nor but very few Protestants, chiefly Roman 
 Catholics: being liberated to pursue our prospects of duty as 
 truth opened the way, some Friend had the charge of providing 
 suitable lodgings, and from other causes we did not proceed until 
 Second-day, twentieth of Second month. 
 
 We left Waterford, accompanied by our kind friends Thomas 
 Jacob and Rebecca Strangman, for Carrick, taking the houses on 
 our way, in all eleven sittings, with the keepers of the houses and 
 sometimes the company, most of which, if not all, afforded us 
 encouragement to pursue the arduous engagement we had before 
 us, expecting no other but to have great difficulties to encounter. 
 In Carrick Friends being but little known except as trades- 
 men, and when passing through, on our entering the town, we 
 became so much the object of remark, together with the rude be- 
 haviour apparent in many, my encovxragement which I had taken 
 
 H 2
 
 100 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLTTOE. 
 
 from the manner in which we were received on our way was but 
 of very short duration, plunged as I was into a feeling of as deep 
 distress as I ever before experienced. I passed a very sleepless 
 night; in the morning felt myself very unequal to the day's work 
 before us, yet I durst not plead excuse. After breakfast we left 
 our lodging and proceeded in the visit : for some time mc found 
 both houses and hearts open to receive us, and what we had to 
 communicate, until a young man of respectable appearance fol- 
 lowed us into a house, as afterwards proved, for the purpose of 
 opposing us, and laying waste our service, by attempting to 
 prove the lawfulness (as he called it) of the cheerful glass, 
 saying, Christ countenanced the cheerful glass by turning the 
 water into wine; and it was needful to encourage the sale of 
 spirits for the support of the revenue of the country : after hear- 
 ing him, I trust with becoming patience, our kind companion, 
 Thomas Jacob, replying to his remarks in a very suitable manner, 
 he was brought to acknowledge the sad consequences of drunken- 
 ness, and quietly left us. After a few more visits we returned to 
 our lodgings to take refreshment. When we proceeded again it 
 soon became manifest the subject of our visit to these houses had 
 gained publicity, the people beginning to follow us from house to 
 house in crowds, we feared would have had a tendency to interrupt 
 our proceeding, but we were enabled to move on till the time was 
 come for us to return to our lodging and take our dinner ; after 
 which we sat awhile quietly together, if so be we might be favoured 
 to feel some additional strength to our minds, and proceed again ; 
 but the people crowded so round us, rushing into the houses, 
 so filled them as to disquiet the minds of the owners of them. 
 It appeared best for us to return to our lodging, and wait until the 
 bustle had a little subsided : we again ventured out, and proceed- 
 ed without much interruption, except from two men at one house 
 opposing what we had to offer, calling us Anti-Christ, saying 
 their own priest could instruct them better than any other person, 
 and to him only they would pay attention. This day we sat with 
 the keepers of the houses, and mostly also with those we found 
 drinking in them. Notwithstanding we became a gazing-stock 
 to many, and at times were dipt into a feeling of the sad effects 
 of that bigotry and prejudice which many had imbibed through 
 education, yet under a humbling sense we had been moving 
 in the line of Divine appointment : thus far cau^e for 
 thankfulness was experienced, notwithstanding some part of 
 the dispensation permitted us to endure was truly trying to 
 Hesh and blood, yet the retrospect afforded much encourage- 
 ment to go forward the succeeding day, as truth might open the 
 way for us. 
 
 Third-day morning wc left our lodgings, soon after which a 
 great crowd of persons followed us, but by endeavouring to retire
 
 JOURNAL t)F THO.^IAS bHILLITOE. 101 
 
 inward for help, our minds were borne up above them all, and 
 enabled to press forward from house to house, except a fear lest, 
 by the people crowding in after us, injury should be done to the 
 houses, or the people's property who kept them ; notwithstanding 
 the houses would be so filled, there did not appear to be room for 
 another to squeeze in, quietness soon prevailed and was in a 
 remarkable manner preserved, especially whilst we were engaged 
 in delivering our message to the keepers of the houses and their 
 company : truly, we may say, this was the Lord's doing, and that 
 we were able to come at any quiet in our-elves is marvellous in 
 our eyes : by our endeavouring to keep in the patience, and to 
 have our minds clothed with that love which would have all 
 gathered, taking quietly such insults as were offered, and any 
 opposition that was made to what we had to communicate, the 
 veil of prejudice would generally give way, love would beget love, 
 make way for free and open communication, and for the oppor- 
 tunities closing satisfactorily, as some of the people would them- 
 selves acknowledge. As our work to-day was likely to lie remote 
 from our lodgings, and we expected some Friends from Waterford, 
 to lend us further aid should we require it, we had concluded to 
 retire to a tavern in the neighbourhood, where our work lay, to 
 take refreshment : a crowd had been with us most of the morn- 
 ing, and following us to our tavern, the Friends from Waterford 
 were obliged to enter through the back way ; we proposed retiring 
 to a room up-stairs to be quiet from the gaze of the people, and pro- 
 ceeded accordingly ; but we had not been long in our apartment, be- 
 fore every vacant chair in the room was filled by persons apparently 
 of some respectabihty. At first we felt in difficulty how to act, our 
 views being to take refreshment, and sit with the keepers of the 
 tavern : as we could not see our way clear to leave the room, 
 or request them to leave the room, we invited the keepers 
 of the house up-stairs, and have the visit with them over, expect- 
 ing, when it was over, we should be quiet by ourselves : they were 
 accordingly invited up, with whom we had a quiet, free, open op- 
 portunity, after which the company very respectfully departed, 
 we had reason to believe well satisfied ; two of our company we 
 understood were neighbouring magistrates. Notwithstanding the 
 crowd this afternoon became very great v.ithin and outside of the 
 houses, yet the people generally behaved quiet, and many 
 attentive. On our way this evening to our inn, a magistrate of 
 the Roman Cathohc persuasion meeting us, ordered the people to 
 disperse, saying, if he had known of our intention he would have 
 ordered two of the police to have attended upon us. This evening 
 we were favoured to close this engagement, although the prospect 
 before us, at times, was humiliating: a fresh proof of what the 
 Great Power is able to effect for us, for truly wc must acknowledge 
 it to have been so sometimes. On entering a house, we found
 
 102 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 persons in a state of intoxication ; their companions, aware of our 
 errand, boasted they would have liquor, calling out for large 
 quantities, but on our appearing not to notice them, but to take our 
 seats quietly amongst them, others would take pains to keep 
 them still, and, in time, all has been hushed into silence, as much 
 so as 1 have known in our own meeting. 
 
 Fifth-day morning we left Carrick, taking fifteen houses on our 
 way to Pill Town. At one place the woman of the house left us, 
 warning the people to follow her example ; her husband said it 
 was prejudice, and continued with us. On our leaving one of the 
 houses, we found a young woman standing in the passage, as if 
 she had been listening to what had been said; her countenance 
 so attracted our attention, we queried with her where she resided, 
 on which she appeared gladly to conduct us to her mother's house, 
 who was a widow. A young man also followed us, who had been 
 with us at one of the sittings. We had a religious opportunity 
 with them at our parting; my companion had a favoured time in 
 supplication, which crowned this day's work. O, may the lan- 
 guage ever be, when recurring to these four days' labour of love, 
 " Return unto thy rest, O my soul, for thy merciful Lord has 
 indeed done great and mighty things for thee." A young man, a 
 Roman Catholic, whom we observed following us into several 
 of the houses at Carrick. met us on our road home, wishing for 
 some of our company, saying, he durst not come to us at our inn 
 at Pill Town, he living in the neighbourhood they would suspect 
 him. We informed him of the meeting at Waterford, to which 
 he came on First-day, which afforded him an opportunity to un- 
 burden his mind a little, from which it was evident he was fully 
 convinced of the impositions of their priests presuming to for- 
 give sins, saying from a child he had not been a believer herein ; 
 but it was clearly to be felt he knew not how to shake off' the 
 yoke of bondage he was labouring under, adding, with seeming 
 heart-rending feelings, " 1 here is my wife, my relations, what 
 is to become of my child ? " We were aware what he al- 
 luded to — the persecution he must expect to meet with if he 
 declared his religious sentiments to be in opposition to theirs : 
 we gave him such advice as arose in our minds, and some suit- 
 able books. 
 
 Third-day attended the monthly meeting, at which we gave in 
 our report of the visit to Carrick, which was satisfactory to our 
 Friends, and I believe thankfulness was felt we had been preserved 
 from harm. My companion spread a further prospect before the 
 meeting, of a visit to the drinking-houses at Ross, and on the way 
 there, feeling myself also bound to the service, I informed Friends 
 to that effect ; after expressions of sympathy and unity with us 
 in the engagement, we were liberated. Fourth-day, first of Third 
 montli, we left VV^aterford, accompanied by our kind friends
 
 JOUKNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 103 
 
 Thomas Jacob and Rebecca Strangman ; made seven visits on 
 our way there in all, of which there was fresh cause for us to be 
 encouraged : we reached Ross about twelve o'clock, and proceeded 
 as far as way opened for it before we took our dinner. Fifth-day 
 closed this visit, and with little exception we were kindly received. 
 One poor woman was very outrageous, frequently bidding us to 
 go out of the house; her husband appeared grieved at her 
 conduct. In the afternoon we had a meeting with Friends to our 
 comfort.
 
 -,104 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Sixth-day left my kind friend, Samuel Elly, for the quarterly 
 meeting of Ulster, to be held at Lisburn ; reached Dublin this 
 evening, about seventy-three Irish miles. Leaving Ross under 
 much bodily indisposition, from frequent and close exercise of 
 mind, this day's journey seemed almost too much for my nature : 
 had I yielded to the pleadings of flesh and blood, I had not 
 proceeded further at this time ; but giving way to the ease of the 
 flesh I was fully aware would introduce the mind into suffering, 
 that would be harder to bear than any bodily suffering, produced 
 in consequence of my pursuing my prospects of religious duty. 
 Early on Seventh-day morning I ventured to proceed, and reached 
 Lisburn at a very late hour in the night. First-day morning 
 attended meeting there. Second-day sat with Friends in their 
 quarterly meeting for discipline : this quarterly meeting was more 
 stript of its members, through that unsoundness of principle that had 
 crept into the Society, than either of the other quarterly meetings, 
 and therefore is small: there appeared to me a hopeful prospect 
 of some of the young people coming forward in a line of true 
 usefulness ; the business of the meeting was conducted in much 
 harmony. Third-day attended the school-committee, after which 
 a parting meeting for worship was held to good satisfaction. 
 Fourth-day rode to Ballinderry, about five miles, to attend a meet- 
 ing there, appointed at my request. I felt well satisfied in giving 
 up to this service. In the afternoon attefided a meeting at Hills- 
 borough, where I sat down with a small company. Fifth-day 
 attended a meeting for Friends at Lisburn, in which, to make use 
 of some expressions of an aged minister before the meeting sepa- 
 rated, " the golden sceptre had been reached forth to the hum- 
 bling many minds."* 
 
 In the afternoon rode to Belfast; reached in time for the meet- 
 ing in the evening, which is held in an out-building of a Friend, 
 there not being a meeting-house of Friends here, most of the 
 Friends of this meeting being new settlers. Sixth-day rode to 
 Mile Cross. This meeting consists of one family and an aged 
 man. The meeting was held in the unfinished meeting-house; 
 a considerable number of people attended, who behaved well :
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOK. 105 
 
 I was led to liope it would prove a profitable meeting : some of 
 our company in the evening returned to Belfast. Seventh-day, 
 eleventh of Third month, rode to Antrim ; had a meeting with 
 Friends there, a few of the neighbours gave their attendance. 
 First-day morning walked about nine Irish miles to Lower Grange; 
 the road being good and the country well cultivated, with a fine 
 view of Lough Ncagh, felt relieving to my nature, helped me on 
 my way. As we approached the meeting-house, my guide pointed 
 out several small farm-houses that were formerly occupied by 
 Friends' families, now but one family in membership belonging to 
 this meeting; in addition to this family, a few attend the meet- 
 ing, who stand disowned, and some young people, the offspring 
 of such ; several of the neighbours gave us their company. At 
 the close of the meeting I felt it required of me to request those 
 who usually attend the meeting to keep their seats, with whom I 
 had an opportunity to the relief of my own mind. 
 
 After taking refreshment, we walked about nineteen Irish miles 
 to Ballinacree, from the road we took. The meeting here consists 
 of part of two families. I had been apprized before of the situa- 
 tion of the family I was to quarter at, that the mistress of the 
 house remained firm with Friends ; but I found on our arrival 
 she was absent from home, at which I felt not a little disap- 
 pointed : her husband was one of those who had quite discon- 
 tinued the attendance of the meetings of Friends, and in conse- 
 quence of unsoundness of principle, had forfeited his membership 
 in the Society, although at one time lie was considered a useful 
 member of it. He received me with every possible mark of kind- 
 ness, which continued during my stay with him : when I came 
 down to breakfast next morning, he told me he had sent a messen- 
 ger two miles to inform his son, who was an apprentice, and a 
 woman, who had married out of the Society to a Roman Catholic,, 
 of our intention of having a meeting that morning, although no 
 such request had been made. Having dressed himself in his best 
 clothes, 1 concluded he intended to go with us to meeting, but 
 when that time came I was disappointed, he went with me to the 
 door of the meeting-house and returned into his own house again. 
 Not feeling it required of me to solicit his company, I went into 
 the meeting-house, which was under the same roof as his dwell- 
 ing-house: in addition to his son, the woman who had married out, 
 and some young women in the neighbourhood, and a few persons 
 not professing with friends, composed our meeting. I felt satis- 
 fied I had taken this journey on foot to sit with the few I met 
 with here. Turning into my quarters again, my landlord had pro- 
 vided a handsome dinner for me ; after partaking of such as 
 suited my constitution, 1 left. He appeared to part with me respect- 
 fully: feeling it safest for me to do as i did, pass the whole of his 
 conduct that had deprived him of his membership over in silence^
 
 106 JOURNAL OF TH03IAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 although I felt much on his account, it being evident the light 
 had become darkness, and tliat it was become great indeed. 
 Not being able with clearness to see my way out of Antrim, I 
 proceeded again to that place; and by endeavouring to keep in the 
 quiet,my mind was brought under apprehensions of duty, to call upon 
 the members and attenders of the meeting. On entering one house, 
 I felt shut up as to conversation ; silence took place, which con- 
 tinued for some time : my service, if I had any, was with an 
 individual who had forfeited membership with Friends, by being 
 present at a marriage where the parties proceeded therein not ac- 
 cording to the rules established by our Society ; being made 
 willing to enter into the trying situation this individual had 
 involved himself in. From the humble and tender manner in 
 which a sense of his misconduct was expressed, and the loss 
 that had been sustained thereby, [I trust I was in my place,] hold- 
 ing out the language of encouragement as truth opened the way 
 to seek again with earnestness for the lost piece of silver; and I felt 
 released from the prospect of any further service in this meet- 
 ing. 
 
 Proceeded towards Lurgan. We travelled about eleven miles to 
 tea, and again went forward; night closed in upon us very fast, 
 yet I did not apprehend danger, my guide telling me, he had gone 
 the road before, and professed to be well acquainted with it. On 
 inquiring if we had any water to pass through, he informed me 
 we had no water all the way, and a straight turnpike-road to Lur- 
 gan : we had only gone a few miles more, before we turned short 
 round a corner of the turnpike-road, but my guide persisted in our 
 being on the ricrht road to Lurcjan, The nioht was now so dark 
 we could scarcely see a yard before us, and I became very uneasy : 
 on our going about one mile on this road, I found our horse was 
 stepping in water ; I left the car, and walked over a foot-bridge. My 
 guide still persisting we were on our right road, I mounted the 
 car again ; we had not gone much further before I was obliged 
 to call out, " My feet are crushed against the sides of a bridge, I 
 will proceed no further this way," requesting my guide to return to 
 some houses we had passed and make the needful inquiry ; from 
 which it appeared we had left our right road when we turned 
 round the corner of the turnpike. Being now afraid to trust my- 
 self with my driver further, I concluded to walk behind the car 
 the rest of our journey ; but the night being so dark, I could not 
 see to pick my way, and the road so rough I felt unequal to pro- 
 ceed behind the car, and yet afraid to get in again. Whilst in this 
 trying situation I thought I observed a level foot-path, and made, 
 as I supposed, towards it and on to it, but it proved to be a ditch 
 full of water, into which I plunged at my full lengthy which, when 
 I recovered my feet again, took me up to my middle. I made my 
 way out as vv'ell as I was able, wet, and wounded from the crush
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 107 
 
 at the bridge, every pocket appeared to be filled with water. In 
 the wet condition 1 now was 1 dare not ride, but again proceeded 
 behind the car : before we reached Lurgan on a sudden I was 
 again plunged at full length in a stream of water that came from 
 a mill-race that ran across the road. The assurance that we were 
 now near our port cheered me. In this maimed, comfortless 
 condition I reaciied the house of my kind friend Thomas liaugh- 
 ton, about ten o'clock at night, by whose great care I suffered but 
 little from getting wet, but my bruises made it needful for me to 
 take to my stick. On relating our situation at the bridge, we 
 were informed of the imminent danger we were in if we had pro- 
 ceeded, of plunging into a gut of Lough Neagh, fourteen feet 
 deep. 
 
 I4th of 3d mo. attended the usual meeting here: in the even- 
 ing rode to Moyallen, attended an appointed one there; the 
 house was pretty full. This to me was the most trying meeting 1 
 have sat since I came on this side of the water ; it became hard 
 work to obtain relief, yet I hope I may say I was enabled to ac- 
 quit myself faithfully. I was kindly cared for by my friends 
 Thomas Christy Wakefield and wife. Fourth-day attended 
 monthly meeting at Lisburn, after which Thomas Haughton 
 drove me back to Lurgan. Sixth-day rode to Richill to 
 attend an appointed meeting there, which was large ; it 
 proved an exercising meeting, yet to me a relieving one. in the 
 afternoon I rode to Rhonehill, to Thomas Greer's. Seventh- 
 day attended Charlemont monthly meeting, held at Upper 
 Grange. The destroyer has made some work in this meeting, 
 through unsound principles dividing in Jacob and scattering in 
 Israel. I was led to warn the youth, of which there were a con- 
 siderable number present, to be careful they did not contract 
 habits of intimacy with those who had imbibed unsound princi- 
 ples, as they must expect to suffer loss in the best things if they 
 should give way. The business of the monthly meeting was 
 agreeably conducted. First-day attended meeting here : I had 
 many invitations to the houses of those who had seceded, who 
 were present at the meeting ; but it appeared safest for me to 
 keep to my quarters, lest my example should encourage the young 
 people to go astray. 
 
 Second-day rode to Coot-hill. Third-day had a meeting : fears 
 were excited in my xp'md the standard of truth was sufl'ered al- 
 most, if not wholly, to fall to the ground by those who were in 
 membership with our religious Society here. Fourth-day reached 
 Rathfriland, had a meeting with Friends this afternoon : two 
 famihes make up this meeting. After meeting we returned to 
 Moyallen. Fifth day rode to Richill, attended the monthly 
 meeting there, whicli was large, but little business came before it; 
 in the transacting of which, a more lively zeal for the right sup-
 
 108 JOUKNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 port of the discipline appeared to be wanting : after meeting I 
 rode to Newry, and next morning on my way to Dublin. Seventh- 
 day to Mountmelick. First-day attended meeting here; a ^^reat 
 number of young people were present. I was led to fear my un- 
 faithfulness this morning had blocked up the way of others, 
 whereby the meeting had been hurt: a sense of my unfaithfulness 
 in the morning so operated on my mind, in the afternoon m.ceting 
 I could not rise above it, and therefore brought a burden away 
 with me ao-ain. In a religious opportunity 1 was favoured with 
 strength to obtain a little relief to my sufi'ering mind. Second- 
 day attended the quarterly meeting for discipline, which was a 
 time of Divine favour, adjourned to Third-day morning, then 
 closed under a continuation of the same blessed covering. In the 
 evening was a parting meeting, which was largely attended. 
 Friends patiently continuing to the end ; which indeed crowned all, 
 parting from each other under a grateful sense, we were not as a peo- 
 ple yet forsaken by Him who has bread enough and to spare for the 
 truly hungry soul. Fourth-day attended the usual meeting, which 
 was also large ; Friends here being in the practice of pretty ge- 
 nerally shutting up their shops to attend their mid-week meeting. 
 
 HaVing a prospect of visiting the families of Moate and Bally- 
 murry meeting, and mentioning the subject to my kind friend Ann 
 Shannon, it appeared she also was labouring under a similar con- 
 cern, and that the time was come to be willing to cast our pros- 
 pects of duty before our Friends : when the meeting closed the 
 members were requested to remain in the meeting house, before 
 whom we spread our concern, which being united with, in the 
 afternoon we proceeded to Tullamore, about eleven Irish miles : 
 two famihes of Friends reside here ; there being no meeting-house 
 they sit in one of their dwelling-houses : we felt much for the 
 young people so far removed from the Society of Friends. W e 
 visited both families this evening. Fifth-day proceeded to Moate, 
 about eleven Irish miles : soon after our arrival, we requested the 
 company of such suitable Friends of the meeting as could come 
 together, to whom we proposed a visit to the families of members 
 of their meeting, which being united with, we proceeded this even- 
 ing, and First day closed our service here, if any has fallen to our 
 lot in this place. 
 
 Second-day morning we rode to Athlone, sat with the two 
 families there, and then to Roscommon, taking Friends' fami- 
 lies in our way. Third- day attended an appointed meeting at 
 Ballymurry, which was large ; alter which sat with the families 
 there. In the afternoon })roceeded to Hall, sat with a family 
 there and lodged, lourth-day rerurned to Moate, attended their 
 monthly meeting : the meeting for worship was owned by the 
 great Master : that for business was also a time in wliich best 
 help was near. After this meeting we rode to Tullamore, here
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 109 
 
 we separated, my companion returning to her own heme and my- 
 self proceeding by boat to Dublin, where 1 arrived safely in the 
 evening. Sixth day attended Sycamore-alley meeting. Seventh- 
 day proceeded to Lurgan. I'irst day attended meeting here ; no 
 afternoon meeting being held, although many Friends live in the 
 town, felt to me trying : believing it safest to me to request 
 Friends should be called together, a meeting was accordingly 
 held in the evening; 1 was satisfied in having yielded to this point- 
 ing of duty. 
 
 12th of 4th mo. Attended monthly meeting at Ballinderry. 
 Fourteenth I attended the monthly meeting at Moyallen, which 
 was small. Society concerns here are at a low ebb, yet it was 
 evident to the humbling of some of our minds, the Great and 
 Good Husbandman was near to help, if there was but a willing- 
 ness to accept thereof. First-day morning rode to Upper Grange : 
 attended meeting there, which was large. Seventeenth, rode to 
 Richill, attended monthly meeting there : the meeting for wor- 
 ship was considered a favoured time ; that for discipline agreeably 
 conducted ; after which I rode to Newry. Sixth-day evening, 
 reached Dublin. 
 
 This evening proceeded to Waterford, and reached it on 
 Seventh-day afternoon, about one-hundred and thirty Irish miles. 
 Friends appeared glad to see me once more amongst them, which 
 feeling was mutual. First-day attended the usual meetings. 
 Sixth-day rode to Anner Mills. Seventh-day walked to Clon- 
 mel : on my entering the suburbs sadness covered my mind, feel- 
 ing the bubbhng up of a concern which for some weeks past has 
 at times been mv companion. Attended the select quarterly 
 meetincr : the business of which was conducted with much solid 
 deliberation. In the evening I attended the school-committee ; the 
 care manifested for the rising generation was encouraoing. First- 
 day attended the two meetings for worship ; that in the morning 
 was a time when matter flowed freely through several rightly 
 qualified instruments, tending to inform the seeking mind, con- 
 firming the doubting mind, and encouraging the willing-hearted. I 
 left the afternoon meeting sad from a sense of unfaithfulness, by 
 my suffering the right time for delivering what I had given me 
 for the people to pass by, on which account my way afterwards 
 became quite closed up : although I am well aware it is safer to 
 lag behind than to run before our Guide, yet the language arises, 
 when shall I learn more perfect well timed obedience '^ — will my 
 sufferings never teach me this necessary lesson "^ Second-day 
 morning the meeting for business commenced, which closed on 
 Third-day ; during the several sittings of this meeting the over- 
 shadowing of the Father's love was evidently felt, whereby the 
 hearts of many were contrited, causing expressions of gratitude 
 sweetly to flow before we separated.
 
 110 JOURNAL OF TH03IAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Left Clonmel after the quarterly meetinir ; reached Dublin on 
 Sixth-day, in time to attend the committee appointed by the 
 yearly meeting to revise the rules of the Society in this nation. I 
 considered it a privilege to be present at the several sittings of 
 this committee, both as it respected the hearing read over the 
 minutes of our early Friends, in which a care was so manifest 
 on their parts that the camp should be preserved clean from 
 every thing of a contaminating nature, and to observe a revival 
 of this concern manifest in those who took an active part in this 
 committee. Seventh-day, twenty-ninth of Fourth month, attended 
 the select yearly meeting, which now consists only of the select quar- 
 terly meetings of Munster and Leinster, that of Ulster being 
 dissolved durinsr that sorrowful religious rebellion that rasped so 
 
 >-* O O 
 
 much in this province. The meeting was well attended, and a 
 season in which many of our hearts were contrited before the 
 Lord under a fresh sense of his mercv, in that we have not been 
 forgotten by him in this our assembling together. First-day 
 attended Meath-street meeting in the morning : in the after- 
 noon Sycamoi-e-alley, in which, if my feelings were correct, 
 encouragement was handed out to the faithful, both imme- 
 diately and instrumentally. Second-day morning attended the 
 first sitting of the yearly meeting, which was considered larger 
 than usual : the concerns that came before the meeting were con- 
 ducted with unanimity, and evident proofs that a desire for the 
 best welfare of the Society was kept in view : its sittings closed 
 on Fourth-day the tenth of the Fifth month. 
 
 Fourth-day morning left Dublin. Fifth-day rode to Rathan- 
 gan, attended monthly meeting there : this afternoon proceeded 
 to Mountmelick. Sixth-day, at my request, Friends of the 
 meeting were called together, before whom I spread a prospect of 
 visiting the members and attenders of their meeting, which being 
 united with, and my late companion having the concurrence of her 
 friends to proceed in a like visit, we unitedly entered on the visit 
 on Seventh-day. First-day attended the two meetings. Third- 
 day was held a youths' meeting, the first that had been 
 held in this place ; it proved a solid and instructive season, 
 and if properly kept up, I doubt not but these meetings 
 will have their service. Fourth-day attended the monthly 
 meeting, which is composed of several particular meetings ; 
 much business came before it : my mind was comforted in 
 sitting in this meeting, under a belief that an increase of concern 
 was prevalent, that the wholesome discipline established amongst 
 us might be properly maintained. Seventh-day we rode out of 
 town, visited one family, which closed our visit to families in this 
 meeting. First-day attended morning meeting there, which 
 proved a favoured parting opportunity. In the afternoon rode 
 about eight miles to Mountrath, to attend a meeting this evening;
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 1 11 
 
 many of the town's j)eople gave tlicir attendance : to me it was a 
 trying meeting; the harp liung on the willows, no precious song 
 of Zion could be proclaimed. After meeting rode to Coleraine, 
 to the house of my kind friend William Neale. Third-day pro- 
 ceeded to Edenderry. Fourth-day attended their mid-week 
 meeting : after much deep wading I was favoured to obtain relief 
 to my own mind. 
 
 Fiftli-day, accompanied by my friend Wilham Neale, we pro- 
 ceeded to Moyallen, which place we reached on Sixth-day even- 
 ing. Seventh-day entered upon a visit to the families of mem- 
 bers and attenders of this meeting. First-day attended the two 
 meetings there. In the morning meeting my unfaithfulness re- 
 proved me. What a mercy it is to such erring, straying poor 
 mortals as I have cause to subscribe myself, to have this good 
 Monitor following us, and that he is faithful in executing judg- 
 ment where needful ! Second-day the quarterly meeting for this 
 province commenced, which was large considering the weather 
 and bad state of the roads, the business of which was conducted 
 in much harmony ; a favour at all times, but especially so to the 
 Friends of this quarterly meeting, it being sorrowfully much 
 otherwise with them when tried with those contentious spirits 
 they had to bear with a few years past. Sixth-day we were fa- 
 voured to accomplish our visit, being helped to come to a satisfac- 
 tory close, having visited, we were told, all in the neighbourhood 
 who had wholly deserted the meetings of Friends. 
 
 Seventh-day we proceeded towards Lurgan : feeling drawings 
 in my mind to make a visit to a man and woman who, amongst 
 others, had separated themselves from the Society several years 
 ago. We went to their house, had a religious opportunity with 
 them ; at our parting they appeared loving, acknowledging they 
 took our visit kind : having been enabled to clear my mind to- 
 wards them, I felt truly thankful. Taking a circuitous route 
 to Rhone-hill to call on two young people, similarly circum- 
 stanced with the former, on our entering their abode they received 
 us kindly, and without any apparent opposition to what was of- 
 fered to them ; yet the language formerly uttered at our parting, 
 forcibly impressed my mind. There is no hope. We reached our 
 kind friend Ihomas Greer's this evening, and proposed to 
 Friends a visit to families of members and attenders of Grange 
 meeting, which being united with, we proceeded therein. First- 
 day morning the meeting was large, but a time of deep inward 
 exercise. 1 felt under difficulty in opening my mouth, from a 
 sense given me, there were those present who might be compared 
 to evil spies to catch at what might be offered, and make a handle 
 of it to uphold their own unsoundness of principle, but I was 
 favoured with strength to leave the burden of the word given me 
 amongst them, in which I found peace. Fourth-day attended
 
 112 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 the mid-week meeting, after which their preparative meeting was 
 held. 
 
 Sixth-day rode out to Cabra, about eight miles ; had three 
 sittings, two of which were with large families ; some of tiie youth 
 to me appeared hopeful. Returned to Dungannon ; took tliree 
 sittings on our way : rising early, numerous sittings, and keeping 
 at it till late, I became nearly exhausted ; but if all does but close 
 peacefully it will prove an ample reward. This day being fa- 
 voured with a comfortable account of my family left behind, I 
 have cause to say with thankfulness, in every sense of the word, 
 operated as a spur to my endeavours to do my Divine Master's 
 work with diligence, who was so mercifully caring for mine at 
 home. Seventh-day attended monthly meeting here : the busi- 
 ness that came before the meeting appeared to be conducted under 
 a good degree of concern for the right ordering of the dis- 
 cipline. The meeting closed under a precious sense of the over- 
 shadowing of Divine regard. In the evening we made two visits, 
 the first to a considerable number of young people in the practice 
 of attending Friends' meetings ; the last sitting was with a family, 
 the heads of which were amongst those who had separated from 
 Friends and attend the meeting of Separatists, held at Dungannon; 
 but the children continue to attend the meeting of Friends. 
 Believing it would accord most with feelings I had on the subject, 
 that no message should be sent to this family, but that I should go 
 in the evening with the Friends who were to accompany me, and 
 propose the visit to the heads of the family myself; vve accord- 
 ingly proceeded to the house : the man opened the door for us, 
 and at first looked rather cool upon us ; 1 told him what had 
 brought me to his house, on which he appeared readily to consent 
 to collect his wife and children, and sit down with us himself. 
 My service, if I had any, was principally directed to the parents, 
 which we had good ground to believe was well received. The 
 man, walking with us towards my quarters, acknowledged he took 
 the visit kind, believing it was well intended. 'Ihis day closed 
 with a heart filled with thanksgiving and praise, in that the op- 
 posing spirit in every opportunity we have yet had, where such 
 has been, has bowed to that All-controling Power which is alone 
 sufl^cient to bring it into subjection. 
 
 First-day morning : this was a solemn parting meeting with 
 most present ; many of the young people were melted into tears, 
 which affected my mind not a little, hoping I had obtained a 
 place in some of theirs, a season that will not soon be forgotten 
 by me. Second-day, closed this arduous engagement. In the 
 afternoon we left my kind friend Thomas Greer's ; went to Rich- 
 ill this evening : sadness was again the clothing of my mind, 
 from a belief it would be unsafe for me to quit this neighbour- 
 hood without attempting an interview with an individual on whose
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 113 
 
 account my mind had at times been brought under exercise, he 
 having, with others, separated himself from Friends, having form- 
 ed an acquaintance with him years past, when he attended Lon- 
 don yearly meeting, and travelled in the work of the ministry in 
 England, to the satisfaction of Friends : we therefore left our 
 quarters early on Third-day morning, that we might not be disap- 
 pointed by his being gone from home, and reached his residence 
 in time to see him. On his entering the room we were shown into, 
 I told him I was come to breakfiast with him unasked : his counte- 
 nance told me I was an unwelcome guest ; but I was, in adorable 
 mercy, kept above discouragement, although he manifested the 
 greatest unwillingness to enter into conversation with me ; but by 
 endeavouring to do my best in unburdening my mind, I was 
 strengthened to declare that, which to me, appeared to be the 
 counsel of my Divine Master respecting him, and constrained to 
 put the query to him, why it was that gift in the ministry he 
 once exercised acceptably to his Friends at home and in my native 
 land, was either lying dormant or had been taken away from 
 him ; earnestly entreating him to be willing to search into the 
 cause hereof. He said there was no openness in the minds of the 
 people any longer to receive what he had to offer. I earnestly 
 entreated him to consider well if he had not blocked up his own 
 way in the minds of those who once gladly received his ministry ; 
 if so he must expect, unless a place of true repentance was merci-r 
 fully granted him, in a future day the consequences with respect 
 to himself would be dreadful, warning him against persisting to 
 make the way difficult, as he had done for his children, to get to 
 the meetings of Friends : one of his sons, a hopeful young man, 
 proposed going a few miles with us, but this the father objected 
 to. We parted, and were favoured to reach Drogheda in the 
 evening. 
 
 Third-day, travelling over the mountains to Dundalk, affiarded 
 me an opportunity to turn over some leaves of my time for a i'ew 
 weeks past, which furnished fresh cause ^or humble thankfulness 
 in that 1 had every way been so cared for by Him, without whose 
 permission a sparrow falls not to the ground, and to esteem it a 
 great mercy, when recurring to the embarrassment 1 was intro- 
 duced into during, and at the close of the yearly meeting ; 
 thi-ough some injudicious observations from some members of So- 
 ciety in my^ native land reaching me, stating it was considered 
 time for me to return. I was preserved from so doing, as in all 
 probability I should have done had I been left to myself, and 
 thereby taken a burden home with me, hard to bear, although 
 wilful disobedience might not have attached to me. Fourth-day 
 proceeded to Dublin. Fifth-day proceeded to Enniscorthy to 
 attend the quarterly meeting. Seventh-day attended the select 
 .quarterly meeting there. We were favoured with a comfortable 
 
 I
 
 114 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 sitting together. At this meeting I gave Friends an account of 
 some of my proceedings since the yearly meeting, with the out- 
 lines of my future prospects of religious service in this land, en- 
 treating Friends to be willing to enter into my situation and ex- 
 press their feelings thereon as to my proceeding further or not, 
 being quite resigned to return home if it was the mind of the 
 meeting I should do so ; but as the Friends were united in judg- 
 ment, it was right to leave me at liberty to pursue my further 
 prospects of religious duty amongst them, I was enabled to take 
 fresh courage and be willing again to proceed as truth opened 
 the way. 
 
 In the evening attended the provincial school committee, in 
 which I was comforted to observe the care manifested for the wel- 
 fare of the children. First-day, the meeting this morning was 
 largely attended ; it proved a season in which I was led to believe 
 many were favoured, not only to see the need of their renewing 
 their covenant, but also experienced the ability, therefore in mercy 
 given. May they be confirmed by sacrifice, is what I earnestly 
 craved for myself, and all who were .so wise as to join in with these 
 offers of Divine help thus in mercy extended. The afternoon 
 meeting was attended by many of the town's people, and held 
 long in silence ; towards the close some ofi^erings were made : the 
 meeting separated much in the quiet, and under a humbling 
 sense of the fresh extensions of Divine regard being near to us. 
 Second-day morning the quarterly meeting for discipline com- 
 menced, at which we had a numerous company of young people 
 of both sexes. Holy help being mercifully vouchsafed, the 
 minds of many, there was good ground for believing, were intro- 
 duced into a right exercise for the support of the discipline 
 established amongst us in the ordering of Divine wisdom: the 
 meeting? closed under a srrateful sense hereof. After the close of 
 the meeting, it feeling a duty laid upon me, I requested some 
 Friends of Dublin to stop, before whom I spread the situation of 
 the meetings of Upper Grange, Richhill, and Ballinderry, rela- 
 tive to Friends' books, there appearing a want of them in these 
 meetings, to lend to such members and attenders of meeting who 
 were not of ability to purchase for themselves : leaving this 
 matter in charge with Friends of Dublin, my mind being relieved, 
 I proceeded to Waterford. 
 
 Fifth-day, 29th of 6th month, attended the usual meeting, 
 in which the Divine presence being mercifully near, prepared the 
 minds of those who were called forth to take an active part in the 
 monthly meeting, which succeeded this meeting, whereby the 
 several matters that came before it were conducted in true reli- 
 gious harmony, although as respected myself, through a fear of 
 saying too much, I left the meeting under a sense of condemna- 
 tion. First-day attended the usual meetings, which to me were
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 115 
 
 trying parting meetings. SeconcUday rode to my kind friend, 
 Henry Ridgway's, where I had tlie company of several Friends, 
 and this evening I went on board a packet bound for Milford- 
 haven, weighed anchor about ten this evening, and after a very 
 boisterous passage, we were favoured to reach Milford-haven the 
 next day at noon. Fourth-day attended the usual meeting there 
 and monthly meeting, which was very small, after which walked 
 to Haverfordwest, about eight miles, and next day to Carmar- 
 then ; in consequence of having rains, the roads were very deep 
 in mire in places, which made it difficult getting along; yet feel- 
 ing most easy to pursue this mode of travelling, by seeking for 
 Divine support, my trials were rendered less difficult than other- 
 wise would have been the case. Seventh-day walked to Swansea. 
 First-day attended meeting there, which was small ; felt comforted 
 in sitting with these few, under a consoling hope, a good degree 
 of a right concern was maintained for the support of truth's tes- 
 timonies. In the afternoon rode to Neath, attended the evening 
 meeting there. Here also I found a few well-concerned members 
 of our religious Society. Second-day reached Abbey Vale. 
 Third-day walked to Pontypool, attended the monthly meeting 
 there, consisting of five men. The little business that came 
 before the meeting was agreeably conducted : I felt well satisfied 
 my lot was cast with Friends here. Late this evening, the four- 
 teenth of Seventh month, 1 was favoured to reach Bristol safely, 
 having walked abovit thirty-four miles. 
 
 First-day morning attended Lawrence Weston meeting : in the 
 evening, Bristol meeting. Third-day attended meeting there 
 also, after which I walked about twelve miles to Bath ; about 
 twenty-four miles to Calne. Fifth-day, thirty-four miles to 
 Thatcham, Sixth-day, about thirty miles, to my own home, 
 where I was favoured to find all, and all things, well ; for which 
 blessing may I never be wanting in rendering to the Lord his 
 due, unreserved obedience and praise continually. 
 
 1810. At the monthly meeting in the Second month, I informed 
 my Friends of an apprehension of further service in Ireland, on 
 which account a certificate was ordered to be produced at the next 
 monthly meeting: this prospect of duty being thus far disposed 
 of, I apprehended it was right for me also to inform my Friends 
 of a religious prospect which, for several years, I had been ex- 
 ercised with, of a yet more trying and humiliating nature, — the 
 paying a visit to New South Wales; the performance of which 
 1 viewed at a distance, but believed the time was fully come for 
 me to inform my Friends so much as I now had done, that they 
 might give the subject as much publicity as possible ; as I could 
 not doubt, from the feelings of my mind when the subject was 
 brought before me, there was an individual or individuals under 
 
 i2
 
 116 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 the exercise of a similar concern ; and that if they faithfully gave 
 up to the service I should be provided with a companion in the 
 engagement, never having been able to see it would be required 
 of me to proceed in the service alone. At the quarterly meeting 
 in the Third month I spread my prospect of visiting Ireland. 
 The meeting liberating me on the twenty-ninth of the 'J bird 
 month, I again left my dear wife and family fn the Lord's keep- 
 ing, in company with my dear friend, Benjainin White, of Buck- 
 ingham monthly meeting. North America, then oh a rehgious 
 visit to these nations. We left London this evening by coach for 
 Holyhead. At Stoken Church our coachman covered up his 
 lamps to prevent a coachman behind us seeing where he was, 
 that he might not pass us : the night being very dark, his left 
 wheel ran upon a high bank of sand, whereby we were nearly 
 upset. The outside passengers, who saw more of our danger, 
 considered our escape a miraculous one ; but our danger did not 
 end here : our coachman, when a few miles from Holyhead, to 
 avoid a rugged part of the road usually travelled, which had 
 been newly repaired, took a by-road on the sand : the tide being 
 then flowing, we became set fast in a deep miry place : our horses, 
 in. attempting to extricate us from our difficulty, broke their 
 tackle, and became so unruly, we had no expectation of escaping 
 being upset in the midst of this mire. One of the passengers, 
 a very tall, stout man, took us on his back and landed us safe, 
 with our luggage, on a high sand-bank, surrounded by the tide, 
 and which, it was more than probable, would soon be covered over 
 when the tide was at its height, we therefore resolved to make our 
 escape on foot, frequently wading through water, not without 
 considerable anxiety for our safety, lest we ourselves should get 
 into a quag ; but we were favoured to reach the inn safe, although 
 in a very wet condition. Seventh-day afternoon we went on 
 board the packet with flattering prospects of a short passage, but 
 in this we were disappointed, not reaching Dublin until Second- 
 day morning, much worn with fatigue various ways ; yet I trust 
 the retrospect will not fail to produce a becoming degree of 
 thankfulness for our merciful escape from danger. Third-day 
 attended Meath-street meeting, in which my companion was 
 largely engaged ; expressing a few words myself, I was relieved. 
 At the breaking up of the meeting, Friends manifested satisfac- 
 tion at seeing me once more amongst them, v/hich I considered 
 a favour that I had thus left an open door. This evening my 
 companion and myself separated, he remained at Dublin, and I 
 left by coach for Clonmel, accompanied by my kind friend James 
 N. Richardson, of Lisburn ; reached Anner Mills, near Clonmel, 
 on Fourth-day afternoon. Fifth-day attended meeting at Clon- 
 mel, at the close of which was held an adjournment of the 
 monthly meeting, in which I opened my prospects of duty to
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. J 17 
 
 visit tlie drinking-Iiouses in Clonmcl and its neighbourhood, 
 which, after obtaining much solid dehberation, was referred to the 
 members of the select meeting. Sixth-day I met the members of 
 the select meeting, who, after mature deliberation, set me at 
 liberty to pursue my prospects of duty. Isaac Jacob, a beloved 
 brother, in the station of an elder, giving up to accompany me: 
 my poor body needing recruiting before 1 entered on this arduous 
 engagement, I concluded not to proceed until Second-day. First- 
 day morning attended meeting here, a time in which our Holy 
 Redeemer, in adorable mercy condescended to fulfil his gracious 
 promise, which, when mercifully vouchsafed to the truly devoted 
 mind, it is enough ! The afternoon meeting was a season in 
 which cause for encouragement to persevere in the right way of 
 the Lord was evidently to be felt. Second-day morning, having 
 passed a sleepless night, so enfeebling both to body and mind, I 
 felt in my own apprehension unequal to encounter the day's work 
 before me, but by looking to that Almighty Power who has pro- 
 mised to be strength in weakness, encouragement was received to 
 be willing to make the attempt, when my kind companion arrived 
 at my quarters for us to proceed : the sight of him almost upset 
 me, but being made sensible nothing short of a quiet, cheerful 
 submission on my part to the humiliating task before me would 
 effect my acquittal, we moved towards the bridge. Our first visit 
 proved open and satisfactory, as was the case throughout the day, 
 during which we were enabled to pay thirty visits ; I say enabled, 
 for nothing short of Divine interference could thvis have made way 
 for us in the minds of those we sat with. Third-day we were 
 enabled to proceed, and accomplished twenty-nine visits : that 
 which was communicated appeared to be kindly, and in some in- 
 stances, gratefully received. At one place the head of the fa- 
 mily pressed me to accept of two half-crown pieces, saying, she 
 offered it as a mark of her gratitude, and manifested disappoint- 
 ment at its being refused. It appearing to us better that no pre- 
 vious information should be given of our intention to the parties 
 to be visited, their outward matters were not generally so arranged 
 as to allow of much time being spent in a pause ; it felt the 
 more necessary to have the eye of the mind kept single, and 
 the bent of it continually directed to its truest centre, from whence 
 only help can come, to minister in due time to the states of those 
 we are called upon to labour with . frequent interruptions also 
 occurring from the calls of their customers ; these suspensions or 
 breaking off in the midst of a communication to the creature would 
 have been very trying, unless the all-supporting arm of Omnipo- 
 tence was in mercy relied on. Fourth-day, this visit in Clonmel 
 closed under feelings of reverent thankfulness that we had been 
 thus mercifully cared for. My companion used often to say. it 
 seemed as if the Good Master went into the houses before us to
 
 118 JOURNAL OB' THOMAS SHILLITOE, 
 
 prepare the way, in which sentiments I could heartily unite. 
 Such were the feelings of solemnity we met with on entering the 
 houses, and when sitting with the keepers of the houses and their 
 customers, at times much like paying a family visit amongst 
 Friends. We next paid a visit to the mayor, who received us 
 kindly ; heard my remarks with attention ; expressed his desire 
 to promote the work I had been engaged in : fresh cause to seek 
 for a disposition of mind to set up the Ebenezer, by knowing and 
 abiding in that state in which the creature is abased and pros- 
 trated as into the very dust. 
 
 Fifth-day attended the mid-week meeting, at the close of which 
 was held an adjournment of the monthly meeting, at which I 
 gave in a report of my proceedings. I began to feel like a vessel 
 that had been heavily laden and unstript its cargo, but accom- 
 panied with this caution, to take care to keep the ballast in the 
 vessel, as a vessel without ballast was in danger of being upset 
 by every wind it may have to contend with. I humbly hope I 
 may say I was made truly thankful for this proof that the good 
 remembrancer was thus near. Sixth-day morning I left Anner 
 Mills, accompanied by my kind friend Samuel Davis ; proceeded 
 towards the Nine-mile House: understanding a large party of the 
 army were to leave Clonmel this day, and take the same road, 
 we started early, our first stopping place was Killcash ; on our 
 alighting, we were informed the landlord and his wife had been 
 up late baking bread and were in bed ; as we had no intention of 
 spending money in their house, calling them up appeared trying 
 to me, and if we made much of a halt we might be interrupted 
 in our progress by the army that was behind us. I endeavoured 
 to proceed on our way, but as I became sensible this would not 
 make for peace, I ventured to request to have the keepers of the 
 house called : after waiting a short time, they gave us their com- 
 pany. I endeavoured to make the best apology I was capable 
 of: we sat down together; they manifested an agreeable disposi- 
 tion and willingness to receive what was communicated, and ac- 
 knowledged their sense of the necessity of attending to what had 
 been offered in a feeling manner, and their thankfulness they had 
 not been passed by. We proceeded about two miles further and 
 made a halt again : from the appearance of the man of the house 
 I anticipated some difficulty, but by keeping in the patience, the 
 way gradually opened to obtain relief, and the man appeared well 
 satisfied, saying, his own bishop could not have advised him more 
 fully to the purpose. We next stopt at the Nine-mile House, 
 kept by a widow, whose husband had been murdered a few weeks 
 ago near his own dwelling. We felt much for her in this trying 
 situation, and, I trust, were enabled to administer suitable counsel, 
 for which she appeared thankful. After sitting with another fa- 
 mily, my service for the present in this way ceased. We pro-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHIX-LITOE. 119 
 
 ceeded to Waterford ; the sun broke forth brilliantly ; the herbage 
 was beautiful ; the views picturesque ; all nature serene, and my 
 mind relieved from a load of exercise 1 had to pass througii. I 
 do not know when I have been more capable of enjoying tlie 
 wonderful works of the outward creation. We took tea at Port- 
 law, with our kind friend James Daniels, and reached Waterford 
 in the evening, having travelled about thirty-six Irish miles. 
 Seventh-day I made a few calls on my friends, but I found it 
 needful to restrain my inclination in making these social visits, or 
 visits of friendship, believing, as I often have done, they do not 
 always tend to our own benefit or that of those we call upon, 
 through too easily promoting ourselves, or uniting with others in 
 conversation of a very trifling, consequently unprofitable nature, 
 instead of our promoting- that retirement of mind, that quietness 
 and confidence in which our strength lies for the faithful discharge 
 of every good word and work. I'irst-day attended the morning 
 meeting here, at the close of which Friends were requested to 
 stop : I produced my certificate, and opened a prospect of reli- 
 gious duty to visit the drinking-houses at Kilkenny and Callen. 
 After solid deliberation, I was left at liberty to pursue my appre- 
 hensions of duty : four Friends being nominated to assist me in 
 the prosecution of this arduous engagement. The afternoon 
 meeting was large, and I trust to some a time of Divine favour ; 
 at the close of which I parted from many I dearly loved in this 
 city, never more expecting to meet them again in mutability. On 
 my retiring to bed, the weight of what I had in prospect at Kil- 
 kenny and Callen, so overwhelmed me I slept but little, and rose 
 next morning under such feeling of bodily debility, nature, had 
 she been suflf'ered to take the rule, I found, was prepared to plead 
 to be excused from the bitter cup in prospect ; but, through ador- 
 able mercy, my head was borne up above all discouragements of 
 mind and body, and after a solid opportunity with some Friends 
 who came to take their leave of me, accompanied by my very 
 kind Friends Thomas White, Joseph Jacob, Thomas Gootch, 
 and William Blain, we left Waterford for Kilkenny, which 
 place we reached in the afternoon, and took up our abode at an 
 inn there. We met with my kind friend William Neale, from 
 near Mountrath, who was helpful to us. After taking refreshment, 
 we attempted to proceed this evening : had two sittings, and then 
 returned to our quarters. It being evident to us the morning was the 
 only time for us to find the house quiet, and obtain that attention 
 of the keepers of them that was so desirable. On my being in- 
 formed the bulk of the inhabitants were Roman Catholics, and 
 that Friends, a few years ago, when passing the streets of Kil- 
 kenny, were subjected to great insult; whilst it added to my suffer- 
 ings of mind, it rather prepared me for meeting with opposition 
 in the discharge of duty. Third-day morning early we proceeded.,
 
 120 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 sometimes confining the visit to the keepers of the house, and at 
 other times sitting with the company that were drinking. From the 
 bigotry and superstition that so evidently prevailed in this town, 
 I marvelled not at my suffering of mind when looking at Kilkenny. 
 Some telling us this day, they were bound by their father confessor 
 not to hear any but him ; which they were determined to abide 
 by : but in other places we were kindly received ; some of these 
 opportunities abundantly compensated for all the difficulties we 
 had to pass through, which, to the creaturely part, were not 
 trifling. The rude people following us, hooting and acting as if 
 they would have done us a mischief. 
 
 Fourth-day morning we turned out again on our embassy : en- 
 tering the house we first visited, my mind being under a great 
 load of depression anticipating a suffering time, I broke out from 
 head to foot in a most profuse perspiration. If I dared to have 
 made my escape I would gladly have done it ; but the result of 
 this visit afresh confirmed me, how frequently we make suffering 
 for ourselves through a want of a more steady reliance on that 
 Almighty Power who has the hearts of all men at his command. 
 We sat down with the man of the house, who received us kindly, 
 and gave me a full opportunity to relieve my mind, and at our part- 
 ing manifested satisfaction with what had been communicated. The 
 visits this day in the city were mostly of this description ; much 
 openness to receive what was offered. At one place out of the 
 city, a man was very opposing, but I was enabled to relieve my 
 mind towards him. We had an opportunity with some soldiers, 
 and others, who appeared attentive to what was offered, and ma- 
 nifested kindness towards us. After making thirty-five visits, this 
 day our service at Kilkenny closed. Our being made a gazing- 
 stock in passing through the streets, was an occasion often to re- 
 cur to the caution, to take care to keep ballast in the vessel. 
 Fifth-day morning we moved towards Callen ; called at the houses 
 on our way there. We had not proceeded far before we were in- 
 formed the priest had been trying to prejudice the minds of the 
 people against us, to prevent our being received, in consequence 
 of which, some houses were shut against us, and where the doors 
 wei'e not closed against us, there appeared but little disposition 
 to hear. Sometimes I felt easy to pass them by, and at other 
 times, after quietly hearing their reasons for refusing to sit down 
 with us, by making a halt, and if matter arose in my mind which 
 I dare not take away with me, offered it : in some instances where 
 refusals had been given, their minds were so wrought upon, that 
 at parting they appeared satisfied, acknowledging they believed 
 our intentions were very good : the crowd of people that gathered 
 round us was very interrupting, behaving in an uncivilized man- 
 ner ; yet my mind was preserved quiet, feeling the necessity of 
 letting them sec, by at times halting in the midst of the crowd,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 121 
 
 my dependence was placed on the supreme all-powerful Preserver 
 of the universe. About twenty sittings closed our service at 
 Callen. I cannot doubt, but that amidst all the consternation the 
 town was placed in, that which had been communicated in some 
 places would become as bread cast upon the waters, found many 
 days hence. A respectable-looking young man followed us into 
 one of the houses, and was particularly addressed : 1 could not but 
 believe he felt it a time of visitation to him. On our reaching our 
 inn, I was again introduced into fresh exercise, from an appre- 
 hension I must be willing to return to Kilkenny, and attempt to 
 obtain an interview -with the Roman Catholic bishop. I proposed 
 to my companions our sitting down quietly together before we 
 separated, without disclosing to them the exercise of my mind : 
 a visit to the Catholic bishop still pressing upon me, 1 informed 
 my kind companions how it was with me, which I thought 
 I observed not a little tried their minds. This appearing to me 
 to be the case, I felt at liberty to say, if they were willing 
 to take my concern upon themselves, I believed I could safely 
 leave it there ; but this it appeared they feared to do : we there- 
 fore returned to Kilkenny : believing it to be right for me to pro- 
 pose to mv companions to go with them to the bishop's house, and 
 endeavour to make my own way towards obtaining an interview with 
 him, appeared somewhat relieving. We proceeded accordingly, 
 but were informed the bishop was at dinner, and would not be at 
 liberty till five o'clock. I requested the servant to say, a Friend 
 from England was desirous of speaking to him, and that we 
 meant to return at the time proposed. On our arrival at the 
 house again, we were ordered up-stairs, where the bishop received 
 us with great civility, ushered us into a room, brought me a chair, 
 placing it opposite to a sofa on which he took his own seat. My 
 companions, Thomas White and Thomas Gootch, taking seats 
 also, we dropt into silence, which I broke, saying, a visit had 
 been paid to the drinking-houses in Kilkenny, which I supposed 
 he had been acquainted with, to which he replied, " Well." I 
 informed him I was the individual that had been thus engaged ; 
 that in performing this visit my fears, and the various reports I 
 had heard, were fully confirmed, that the laity profess to believe 
 that the clergy had full power to forgive their sins, adding, the 
 people may be so deceived as to believe the priest has this power ; 
 but that I did not believe that it was possible the clergy could be 
 so deceived as to beheve it themselves, and therefore as their supe- 
 rior, to whom the people were taught to look up for counsel, I did 
 desire he would seek to the Almighty for help, as he valued his 
 own precious soul, and, as ability was afforded him, endeavour to 
 turn the minds of the people from man unto God and Christ 
 Jesus, who only can forgive sins : otherwise he would incur a load 
 of condemnation too heavy for him to bear in the great day of
 
 122 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 account, when the deceiver and deceived would be all one in the 
 sight of God, whether actively or passively deceiving the people. 
 And that it was a belief at times confirmed to my mind when con- 
 sidering the subject, if the Almighty had one vial of his wrath 
 more powerful than another, it would be poured out upon those 
 who thus deceived the people. Here I closed for the present : he 
 manifested great confusion, shutting his eyes, as not being able to 
 look me in the face : a pause ensued, after awhile he requested 
 leave to say something himself, to which I replied, he had heard 
 me without interruption, I was therefore willing to hear him in 
 like manner. He began by saying, it was very indecorous and 
 unchristian my coming to his house, a stranger to him and from 
 another land, and addressing him in such a manner, charging him, 
 who was a man of so much experience in the church of God, with 
 being a deceiver, saying, surely I must be mistaken. I told him 
 it was in love to his soul, and under an apprehension of religious 
 duty. He called upon me to produce my authority for my mission; 
 I told him my authority was in my own breast : he said, conver- 
 sion was a great work, and he was not to be converted all at once. 
 I again queried with him, "Are not the people thus deceived.'' do 
 they not believe the clergy have power to forgive their sins ? art thou 
 endeavouring to undeceive them, for the clergy cannot be so deceived 
 as to believe this power is vested in them ;" exhorting him to be 
 willing to co-operate with that Divine help which, if rightly sought 
 after by him, would be extended, whereby ability would be re- 
 ceived to undeceive the people ; again reminding him, the de- 
 ceiver and deceived were all one in the sight of God ; and that 
 it continued my firm belief, if the Almighty had one vial of his 
 wrath more powerful than another, it wovild be poured out on 
 those who thus deceived the people, whether actively or passively 
 engaged therein. He said he believed I meant well, and that he 
 commended my principles, but he could not say he thanked me 
 for my visit. I expected at times he would have turned me out 
 of the room, and view it as a wonderful display of Divine power 
 he was restrained from so attempting. We rose from our seats to 
 take our leave, when the bishop clasped my hand, and holding it, 
 paused, saying, "I believe I may say, I feel thankful for it;" doubt- 
 less meaning the visit, requesting us to take some refreshment, 
 kindly conducted us to the stairs again, and we parted, never more 
 to meet on this side eternity ; for I received an account, about 
 twelve months after this visit, of his removal by death. We re- 
 turned to our inn rejoicing; I under a sense of faithfulness, through 
 co-operating with the help mercifully vouchsafed in delivering 
 that which to me appeared to be the whole counsel of my Divine 
 Master, and my companions rejoicing, I was helped to get through 
 to my own relief. Sixth-day morning we called upon the magis- 
 trate, who had kindly offered his assistance, should it be found
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 123 
 
 necessary : he expressed in an agreeable manner his approval of 
 our movement, adding, he had been with some of those we had 
 visited, who manifested a desire they might be more careful in 
 future in the sale of their spirits, saying, it only remained now 
 for them, the magistrates, to do their part, which he hoped they 
 should not be deficient in, and his desire to be helpful to Friends 
 at any future time. We made a call upon the mayor, who had 
 likewise offered his assistance, although we did not trouble either 
 the mayor or the magistrates ; he also expressed his satisfaction 
 at our proceeding and his desire it might have its use. My mind 
 had looked towards a public meeting, but not feeling it sufficiently 
 to press upon me to justify the attempt, we proceeded to Ballitore 
 this afternoon. Seventh-day reached Dublin. First-day morning 
 attended Meath-street meeting, which was large. The language of 
 encouragement was held out to the faithful, but an alarm sounded 
 in a particular manner to those who were negligent in their duty 
 of attending our religious meetings. The afternoon meeting at 
 Sycamore-alley was well attended, and owned by the great Mas- 
 ter's presence. In the evening had a religious opportunity in a 
 Friend's family : may I never be the means of putting by oppor- 
 tunities like these, where way is made for them, by Him whose 
 presence alone animates and quickens the mind to every good 
 word and work, is the secret petition of my soul. 
 
 Second-day, 23d of 4th month, attended the committee ap- 
 pointed to revise the minutes for the intended Book of Discipline 
 for Friends in this nation, which continued its sittings until Sixth- 
 day : to me it proved an interesting time ; the care manifested 
 by this committee for the preservation of the wholesome disci- 
 pline established amongst us in all its parts was great. Seventh- 
 day attended the select yearly meeting : here I again met my 
 companion Benjamin White, also Robert Fowler and John Abbot 
 from England. 
 
 First-day, 29th of 4th month, attended Sycamore-alley meetingin 
 the morning, w hich was largely attended by Friends from different 
 parts of the nation ; and it proved a memorable time, care being 
 taken to clear the court of those who had long been in the habit 
 of standing in conversation after the meeting should be gathered. 
 The meeting early settled down in quiet : the afternoon meeting 
 at Sycamore-alley was also a season of Divine favour, calling for 
 an increase of thankfulness. At our quarters in the evening was 
 a large company of Friends, chiefly young people : in a religious 
 opportunity Benjamin White was largely engaged in holding out 
 the language of encouragement. May it be properly remembered 
 by fruits of faithfulness manifesting themselves ; if this should not 
 be the case, seeing the language cannot be more applicable to 
 any society of professing Christians than to us as a religious 
 Society, " You have 1 known above all the families of the earth,"
 
 124 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 must we not expect the subsequent part of the verse will be ful- 
 filled, " I will punish you for all your transgressions." 
 
 Second-day, 30th of 4th month. The yearly meeting for dis- 
 cipline commenced its sittings with the overshadowing of Divine 
 regard Third-day attended the usual meeting for religious wor- 
 ship ; a season of encouragement to the youth, and to their supe- 
 riors in age who were settled on their lees, a time of awful watn- 
 ning. Sixth-day attended the usual meeting for worship, in which 
 my companion, Benjamin White, had good service : being too 
 hasty in taking my seat, I did not obtain that relief intended for 
 me. When shall 1 learn more entire dependence on that Almighty 
 power, who, when he puts forth, goes before, and never will leave 
 or forsake so long as we fully conKde in him, until that which he 
 calls for at our hands is fully accomplished ? First-day the meet- 
 ings at Sycamore-alley were largely attended ; a number of per- 
 sons of other societies giving their company. Second-day even- 
 ing attended the closing sitting of a joint committee, which I 
 doubt not to many was like a feast of fat things, under a favoured 
 sense whereof high praises ascended to the Great Author of these 
 renewed blessings. Third-day the yearly meeting closed as it 
 commenced, under a grateful sense that Divine regard continued 
 to be with us to the end : after which was held a parting meeting. 
 Fourth-day evening, Benjamin White, Robert Fowler, Robert 
 Eaton, Elizabeth Clibborn, and myself, went on board the packet 
 for Holyhead, which place we were favoured to reach safely. 
 Seventh-day evening reached Birmingham. First-day attended 
 meeting there. Second-day proceeded to London, and favoured 
 to reach my own home, where I found all well.
 
 125 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 "Sixth-day, 2ist of 8d mo. 1811. With certificates from my own 
 monthly and quarterly meetings, I again left my own home for 
 Ireland ; my prospects of crossing the water were more than ever 
 discouraging; my son-in-law's health fast declining, and my daugh- 
 ter's considered in great danger, whereby, between duty to my 
 Heavenly Father, and those feelings of parental affections that 
 were powerfully awakened in me, my situation became almost in- 
 supportable; but as the command continued to be, " Go forward," 
 I dared not hesitate. Fifth-day, fourth of Fourth month, strength 
 was in adorable mercy dispensed to rend myself from my dear 
 wife and afflicted children, for so I believe it was found to be on 
 all sides a heart-rending season, there being no prospect of our 
 ever meeting again on this side the grave. 
 
 Reached Bath on Seventh-day. First-day attended the meet- 
 ing there, which was large ; many not of our Society giving us 
 their company. The meeting to me was a season of the renewal 
 of that strength which alone can effectually support the poor 
 mind in times of trial. Attended Bristol meeting in the evening, 
 in which I was favoured to derive a little portion of consolation, 
 from a belief my movements so far were ordered aright : after 
 meeting closed, a few Friends were convened, whom 1 informed 
 of my religious prospects, intending to embark from INIilford-haven, 
 but that 1 felt a stop in my mind against proceeding further by 
 land, although my going by long sea appeared trying, requesting 
 their making inquiry when the first vessel would sail for Cork : 
 hearing of a vessel to sail the following day, I went on board her, 
 and, after mature deliberation, it appeared right for me to commit 
 myself to careful keeping of that Almighty Power, whose sove- 
 reign commands are by the unstable elements of wind and sea irre- 
 vocably obeyed. But we not sailing until Third-day noon, I sat 
 with Friends at Temple-street meeting, to me a time of renewing 
 covenant : and taking a view of the service before me, accom- 
 panied by the language of, " If thou, O merciful Helper of those 
 who truly trust in thee, wilt but be with me in the way 1 go, I am 
 willing to do and to suffer whatsoever thou mayst be pleased to 
 permit to be my portion." After meeting, accompanied by my
 
 126 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 kind friends John Waring and Benjamin Thomas, I went on board 
 the vessel, although she did not promise all the accommodation the 
 Milford packets furnish, and but indifferently manned to what they 
 are : yet from a belief it was the way I was to proceed to reach 
 my destined port, 1 felt comfortable. We weighed anchor, but 
 the wind soon turned against us ; yet, having the tide in our fa- 
 vour, we made our way several miles down the Channel ; observ- 
 ing the men were obliged to be frequently at the pump, made a 
 discouraging appearance. The tide turning, drove us back to 
 Pill : about twelve o'clock on Third-day night I went on shore at 
 Sodbury. Fifth-day went on board again, the wind continuing 
 fair until Seventh-day morning, when our captain supposed we 
 were within twenty leagues of Cork ; but the wind dropt ; a calm 
 came on, our captain said, exceeding any thing he had known at 
 this season of the year : the men continued so frequently at the 
 pumps, some of our ship's company manifested alarm on this 
 account. A privateer, we were informed, had recently chased 
 one of these vessels, which occasioned much excitement. My 
 mind was preserved in quiet under all, from an evidence I had not 
 only observed the right time in moving, but that it was not in my 
 own will I had thus proceeded by long sea, with an assurance 
 that I should be landed safe on the shore of Ireland ; but I knew 
 little of the trials that awaited us before that was fulfilled. On 
 Seventh-day evening a tremendous storm arose : our captain 
 could not quit the deck the whole of the night, and cleared the 
 deck of the steerage passengers. I found it so difficult to 
 keep in my berth, I was obliged to lie down on the cabin-floor. 
 The cracking of the vessel, as if she would part asunder, the 
 pumps almost continually at work, was truly awful : towards morn- 
 ing the storm abated. First-day morning we gained sight of Ire- 
 land. About three in the afternoon I went on shore at Passage ; 
 walked to my kind friend John Leckey's, at Black Rock. The 
 afternoon meeting being put off to the evening, on account of a 
 funeral, I reached in good time, taking a retrospect of the danger 
 we had escaped, being informed a vessel was sunk during the 
 night, near us, was cause for thankfulness we were preserved 
 amidst so much danger. Second-day attended the select meeting : 
 the few members of this meeting were afresh stirred, to be willing 
 to seek after religious courage, which appears to be so much 
 wanting amongst this part of the body here. Friends were kind 
 in renewing their invitations, but it appeared to me my safety was 
 in keeping quiet to my quarters. Fifth-day attended the mid- 
 week meeting, after which was held the monthly meeting. My 
 certificates being read, I claimed the attention of the meeting to 
 a prospect I had of making a visit to the drinking-houses in the 
 city and its neighbourhood, which occupied considerable time. A 
 committee was nominated to assist me herein : but it was con-
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 127 
 
 eluded best not to enter upon the visit till after the yearly meet- 
 ing, it being apprehended Friends' time would be so fully occupied 
 with an adjournment of the montlily meeting, the approaching 
 quarterly meeting, and the time it would require some Friends to 
 prepare to leave home to attend the yearly meeting, 1 believed 
 it right for me to stand resigned to this determination of the 
 committee. 
 
 Fifth-day evening, accompanied by Samuel Harris, we walked 
 to Watergrass-hill. Sixth-day to Clogheen ; the day rainy, wind 
 boisterous, road deep in dirt, made walking rather oppressive to 
 nature ; yet we were enabled to proceed cheerfully to our journey's 
 end, although, on viewing the drinking-houses at Watergrass-hill, 
 it felt to me as if a debt was contracted which at some future day 
 must be discharged. In passing through Fermoy I felt mvself 
 as if encompassed by its inhabitants, attended with apprehensions 
 I should have to return there also : but how different were my 
 feelings in passing through Kil worth and Ballypooreen — nothing 
 there to arrest my attention. O the need there is to keep the 
 eye single and the dependence simple, on the sure Guide, in order 
 to our becoming rightly qualified to know our proper stopping 
 places. Seventh-day we proceeded to Clonmel, intending to 
 breakfast at Fin, a small town on the banks of the Suir, but 
 there not being a prospect of our procuring a comfortable repast, 
 after getting a drink of water, we went forward : observing a 
 company of men and women before us, on their way to market, 
 my mind was brought under exercise from an apprehension, when 
 we came up to them, my Master had some service for me if I 
 stood resigned to do his will ; and yet it appeared to me I might 
 expose myself to personal abuse if I made the attempt to speak to 
 them in a way they did not approve : on reaching them we .slackened 
 our pace and kept theirs ; but how to introduce myself so as to 
 obtain their attention, I felt more than usual under difficulty ; 
 but I ventured to address them in a way that appeared to secure 
 their attention, telling them, in a pleasant manner, I approved 
 of my country fashion of walking with the women, by giving 
 them our arm, and our carrying the bundles, more than the 
 fashion in Ireland, where the men take the lead, and leave the 
 women to follow after as well as they can, the women carrying 
 the bundles ; telling them, the women being considered the weaker 
 sex, had claims on the men for all the assistance they could ren- 
 der them : these remarks appeared to please the women better 
 than some of their unfeeling husbands. But it opened my way 
 to plead with them to be careful of their conduct at markets and 
 fairs, by avoiding to take more strong drink than was really 
 necessary ; and as ability was afforded to set before them the evil 
 consequences, as respected body and soul, that must attend a want 
 of due care in this respect. They appeared generally attentive, and
 
 128 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 to receive kindly what was offered in this way, and, at our part- 
 ing, gave me their blessing. The peaceful result of this little 
 act of obedience I have not words to describe. After which a 
 young man joined us, in company, a Roman Catholic, mani- 
 festing an inquiring mind : 1 queried with him, had he ever read 
 the Bible ; to which he replied, he was not allowed to read the 
 Bible : I advised him to procure one for himself, and to endeavour 
 to read it with a sincere desire to understand for himself the 
 truths therein contained : he queried with me, did I wish him to 
 have one of our translation, as supposing it only to be true. I told 
 him he might give both an impartial, unprejudiced reading, and 
 that then. I had no doubt, he would be favoured to determine 
 for himself which of them spoke the whole truth, and nothing 
 but the truth. " But," said he, " what is a man to do who must not 
 have the Scriptures in his possession ? he must trust to others,'"* 
 (meaning his priest ) He appeared to hear with attention what 
 was offered, and parted from us in a friendly manner. I frequent- 
 ly thought of him afterwards, pitying his state of bondage to 
 the opinions of others, who make a prey of such innocent minds 
 as his appeared to be. We were favoured to reach Clonmel in 
 the evening, where 1 met with Henry Hull, from Pennsylvania, on 
 a religious visit. First-day attended morning meeting, which was 
 large, in which Henry Hull had good service. To keep silence 
 appeared my proper place : what a mercy to know our proper 
 place and keep in it. Attended the afternoon meeting ; took tea 
 at the school on Suir Island ; had a religious opportunity with 
 the children : thus closed another day to account for, in addition 
 to the many gone before. Second-day, the quarterly meeting for 
 disciplinecomnienced. Third-day thismeeting closed vinder a thank- 
 ful sense the Great and Good Shepherd was still mindful of this part 
 of his flock and family. The parting meeting this evening was large- 
 ly attended : a favoured quiet meeting in company with Henry 
 Hull. We were to proceed next day to Dublin I felt more 
 than a freedom to inform him we were to pass through Kilkenny, 
 and that a place could be had for holding a meeting, if he inclined 
 to sit with the people of that place. After turning the subject 
 over in his mind, it was concluded for us to make an early start 
 next morning, to allow time to give notice for a meeting being 
 held in the evening. Fourth-day v/e left Clonmel ; reached 
 Kilkenny at noon. Applying to one of the magistrates, we 
 procured the use of the town-hall, a spacious room for the 
 purpose. Passing through the streets, some woman used rude 
 language to us ; this, with the contemptible manner in which some 
 received the information of the meeting, depressed me very much. 
 At our first sitting down, very few people assembled, but in time 
 our company collected freely. Henry Hull had good service. I 
 was favoured, amidst my great discouragements, to obtain relief
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE." ] 29 
 
 from that exercise of mind I was brought under, on account of 
 the inhabitants of Kilkenny, v.hen here bcfire ; but the way did 
 not then open for me to have them called together. Many solid 
 countenances were to be observed in this crowded assembly, some 
 of whom, in a modest manner, expressed their satisfaction in being 
 at the meeting: wishing to take a farewell leave of us, they quiet- 
 ly departed. A person of respectable appearance told us. after 
 the meeting, he was surprised at the conduct of the people, by their 
 keeping their seats, saying, nearly the whole of our company were 
 Roman Catholics. Fifth-day we rode to Ballitore. In the even- 
 ing called upon Friends pretty generally, where my attention was 
 arrested with apprehensions of service : I trust I may say there 
 was not a wilfull)-^ withholding. The day closed with a song of 
 thanksgiving to Him who hitherto had in mercy brought me 
 through many difficulties. Sixth-day several Friends came to our 
 quarters before we departed, with whom we had a time of solace 
 together. May the praise be given, both by the communicators, 
 and those to whom counsel had been communicated, to Him to 
 whom only it is due, is the prayer of my soul ! We were favoured 
 to reach our kind friends Jonas and Ann Stott's to dinner, 
 who, with their truly-affectionate children, received us with their 
 wonted attention 
 
 Seventh-day attended the select yearly meeting, in which much 
 wholesome counsel was imparted. In the evening attended a 
 committee for conducting a fund, raised to apprentice out children, 
 belonging to Ulster province, and setting out in life young people 
 who havo conducted themselves consistently with the rules of our 
 Society, in which a lively care was manifested to endeavour to 
 strengthen the weak spots and places in that province, which care, 
 I doubt not, will be owned, and that the blessing of the poor will 
 rest on the faithful labourers in this good work. First-day morn- 
 ing the opportunity of reading the Holy Scriptures was owned, by the 
 overshadowing of the Divine presence, a precious beginning of the 
 day : may I be favoured to keep under it, and not suffer it to be dis- 
 sipated by unnecessary and trivial conversation. This morning at- 
 tended the meeting at Sycamore-alley : many not in profession with 
 us gave their attendance : it proved a quiet, favoured meeting. The 
 afternoon meeting was not so large. I felt much for those who 
 were called into active labour. 1 had cause to believe I should 
 have left the meeting more peaceful had I yielded vocally to 
 supplicate, but to me it appears such an awful attempt — I feel 
 deeply before I can yield. Second-day the yearly meeting com- 
 menced. Third-day, thirtieth of Fourth month, attended the 
 usual meeting for worship, where silence appeared to be my 
 pr; per place. The yearly meeting continued its sittings until 
 Fifth-day evening, and then closed, under a thankful sense that 
 Divine help had been near in transacting the several matters that 
 
 K
 
 130 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 came before the meeting. Sixth day morning the parting meeting 
 was held, which was largely attended, and crowned with the good 
 presence of Him, who only is able to render our assembling to- 
 gether truly beneficial to us. In the afternoon attended the last 
 sitting of the select meeting. Seventh-day morning left Dublin, 
 accompanied by my kind friend Robert Hudson. On my approach 
 to him I felt sad, and as if, in this place, time would prove that 
 bonds and afflictions awaited me. V\ e reached Ballitore in the 
 evening. First-day attended meeting here. In the afternoon, 
 accmpanied by my kind friend Thomas Gootch, rode to Carlow , 
 attended an appointed meeting here, which was large, and consi- 
 dered to be a favoured time. Fourth-day we reached Cork. 
 Fifth-day, ninth of Fifth month, attended monthly meeting here. 
 At the close of the monthly meeting, I sat down with the com- 
 mittee nominated to assist me in my visit to the drinking-houses. 
 Tenth of Fifth month, accompanied by kind friend James Abel, 
 I began the visit to the drinking-houses : we proceeded to Barrack- 
 street. The first five calls we made, an openness was manifested 
 to receive us, and, by some, thankfulness expressed for the visit ; 
 but this smooth sailing did not long continue, for the next place 
 we came to, we met with a severe repulse from the daughter of 
 the keeper of the house, a girl appearing under twenty years of 
 age, before a word was spoke, telling us, we were come to try to 
 convert them, and strike at their holy religion, which was the 
 only true one in the world. She was soon joined by another 
 young girl, who set upon us as if they intended to do us a mis- 
 chief, calling us two devils, saying, if it was not for our respect- 
 able appearance, they would beat our heads flat with a pot. We 
 kept our seats for awhile quiet, and then made a move to depart. 
 I looked for no other but they would have given us some 
 blows, from the countenance they put on, but they hasted out 
 before us to the next house, to persuade the people to shut the 
 door against us, which took place. I felt much for my companion, 
 who was a very meek-spirited man, and a stranger to such tu- 
 multuous behaviour. I began to fear this opposition would 
 spread, but here it ended for this day. After making about twenty- 
 four visits to the keepers of houses, and sometimes their company, 
 feeling myself much exhausted, we concluded it best to retire to a 
 Friend's house to get a little recruited. Seventh-day : in the sit- 
 tings this day we mostly met with a cordial reception ; yet I am 
 ready at times to say, it is spending my time and strength for 
 nought ; but feehng the necessity from day to day renewed to 
 persevere, I was made willing to expose myself to consequences, 
 from a belief the end will be crowned with peace, if there is but 
 a following on to know the Lord's will, and a disposition cherished 
 faithfully to perform it. First-day morning attended meeting 
 here, which was large, as was the case with the afternoon meeting.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 131 
 
 It was pleasant to observe the improvement tliat liad taken place 
 in this meeting, in keeping to the time appointed. Second-day 
 proceeded in a visit to the drinking-houses : although we generally 
 met with a kind and open reception, the day proving wet, 
 much walking in the dirt, with the exercise of mind i had to pass 
 through, I became discouraged, after making twenty-one visits, 
 and exhausted, was obliged to return to my quarters. Third- 
 day : the visits this day were generally well received. Fourth- 
 day, after making six visits, my discouragements were such as to 
 induce me- to give up for this day. Fifth-day attended the mid- 
 week meeting. The committee to assist me met, when a change 
 of the Friend to accompany me was agreed upon. My kind 
 friend William Wright now was my helper, for whom I felt much, 
 considering his natural diffidence and timidity. Sixth-day we 
 proceeded : the Good Master made way for us in the minds of 
 those we sat with: nothing occurring that could be called un- 
 pleasant, except our being obliged to quit one part of the city 
 and proceed to another, to get from the crowd of people that fol- 
 lowed us into the houses. Seventh-day confined at home from 
 indisposition. First-day attended meetings here. Second-day, 
 very feeble in body and mind, unequal of myself to the task be- 
 fore me ; yet fearing to become a loiterer, and by that means get 
 into perplexity, i proceeded to join my companion William 
 Wright, and try to do my best. We turned out to our day's 
 work, and were favoured to get along comfortably to ourselves, 
 yet not without some interruption from a number of rude women, 
 near the great market, following us into a house, dancing and 
 calling for whiskey, and behaving otherwise insulting, so 
 much so we left the market and proceeded to another part of the 
 city. Third-day my kind friend John Morris joined me ; we 
 proceeded to Blackpool : the houses being situated near to each 
 other, I had anticipated making many more visits to-day than I 
 found myself equal to accomplish, although we found a willing- 
 ness, both on the part of the keepers of the houses and their 
 company, to receive what was imparted, and, in many instances, 
 thankfulness manifested ; some saying, „ Our priest does not give 
 such proof of his care for our welfare : " 1 became so exhausted I 
 was obliged to retreat, after having made only twenty visits. 
 
 Fourth-day, accompanied by my kind friend Edward Carrol, 
 we proceeded to Blackpool : the sittings this day were encourag- 
 ing ; two especially, one with a new-married couple, and one 
 where five young men of respectable appearance in addition to 
 the landlord, gave us their company. Earnest are my desires 
 that faithfulness may obtain the victory over the slavish fear of 
 man. Fifth-day attended the usual meeting, in which I was favoured 
 to ^pcrifence my faith renewed in the sufficiency of the Divine 
 power to enable his creature man to do his will on earth as it is 
 
 k2
 
 132 JOURNAL 01' THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 done in heaven, and to crave an increasing acquaintance with its 
 fulfilment. Sixth-day, accompanied by my kind friend Joseph 
 Doyle, we had twenty-three sittings : this day, generally, much 
 willingness manifested to receive what was communicated. After 
 one of the opportunities, the man of the house requested leave to 
 express what was on his mind : the substance of which was nearly 
 as follows : " Where are the faithful Quakers in this day ? where 
 is the Fox and the Penn ? Go speak to the government, for if 
 your mission does not extend beyond, this, it is doing but little. 
 I wish all the world were Quakers, for I believe them to be the 
 nearest to the truth of any sect; but money has done that for them 
 persecution could not : by their seeking after money they are very 
 much become like other people again." Seventh-day made several 
 visits satisfactorily to ourselves, until we came to Devonshire 
 Marsh and Square ; here, from the repulse we met with, and the 
 fear the people manifested to remain with us, it was evident to us 
 the priest had prejudiced their minds. At one place, when I was 
 requesting the woman of the house to give us her company, a big 
 dirty-looking man, who was taking his pint of beer at the bar, 
 after filling his mouth with the beer squirted it in my face and 
 bosom, telling me to take that for Jesus Christ's sake, declaring he 
 would go for the poker, and left us as if he was determined to put 
 his threats in practice; but his threats did not discourage me, 
 feeling the assurance he would not be permitted to hurt a hair 
 of my head, I was mercifully preserved in the quiet, and we 
 saw no more of him. After waiting awhile it appeared best to 
 pass this house for the present. A man followed us to the next 
 house to insult us, asking me to give him whiskey. The woman 
 of the house ran away from us, saying, she had better instructors 
 than we were. As it was evident the influence of the priest was 
 great in this neighbourhood, and feeling my bodily strength much 
 enfeebled we proceeded no further this day, concluding to make 
 an attempt in this neighbourhood at a future time. In the after- 
 noon rode down to Passage : after the storms of this day it proved 
 a quiet peaceful retreat. 
 
 First-day attended the two meetings, both of which were large. 
 I felt truly thankful my lot was thus cast with my dear Friends 
 of Cork. Second-day my kind friend Thomas Abbie accompanied 
 me : we proceeded to the house in Market-lane where the rude 
 behaviour of the market-woman obliged us to quit before. On 
 our entering the lane, the market-women observing us, came in 
 haste, soon filling the house: this circumstance, and the people of 
 the house not manifesting a willing disposition to receive us, was 
 rather discouraging. One woman inclined to be wanton, but I 
 was supported by holy help to keep my standing quietly amongst 
 them : pausing awhile, I requested them to be sober, and, as if 
 with one accord, quietness prevailed, which continued until 1 had
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 133 
 
 fully relieved my mind to the keepers of the house and then to 
 the company thus assembled, all appearing attentive and civil at 
 our parting. We then proceeded to the house where the man 
 squirted the beer over me : had an agreeable opportunity with the 
 mistress of it, who expressed her regret I was so treated when 
 here before. Twenty-one visits closed this day, with fresh 
 cause to set up my Ebenczer and say, thus far it has been the 
 Lord that has made way for us in the minds of those we have 
 met with. Third-day our engagements lay in Blarney lane and 
 the two markets, which for awhile proved discouraging beyond 
 words to set forth. A zealous Roman Catholic woman ordered 
 us out of her house, saying, the devil had sent us there, following 
 us to the next house reprimanding the keepers of it for letting us 
 in, saying, two such devils came into her house to convert the 
 people, to ruin them, and she would fetch something to do us a 
 mischief; but all fear as respected myself was far removed from 
 my mind, yet I felt for those who accompanied me : my fear was 
 she would have proceeded to other houses, but here her resentment 
 ended : our visits after this repulse were generally satisfactory to 
 ourselves, and, for aught we could observe, to those we visited in 
 this low and miserable neighbourhood. The dirt and filthy fumes 
 we had to endure, on any other occasion would have been almost 
 insupportable, but when we are so favoured as to experience the 
 right thing to be uppermost in our minds, so that it becomes as 
 our meat and drink to do our Divine INIaster's will, every thing 
 that at other times would feel trying, and which human nature 
 would recoil at, is buried out of sight. Fourth-day, accompanied 
 by my kind friend Edward Carrol, finished in Blarney-lane and 
 the inns and taverns, which closed this arduous engagement. 
 
 Fifth-day attended the mid-week meeting, and an adjournment 
 of the monthly meeting : at the close of which the committee 
 nominated to assist me in visiting the drinking-houses, were called 
 together, before whom I spread a prospect of making a visit to the 
 mayor, sheriffs, Protestant and Roman Catholic bishops: after 
 deliberating on my proposals, I was left at liberty to pursue these 
 prospects of duty, my friends kindly engaging to do their part to- 
 wards their being effected. Seventh-day, accompanied by my 
 kind friend John Leckey, we proceeded to the mansion-house, 
 where the mayor, sheriffs, and deputy-mayor were in readiness to 
 receive us. After a suitable pause, I endeavoured to lay before 
 them the iniquity of the drinking-houses being open on First-day 
 morning ; the traffic of carts variously employed on this day in 
 the city, and the practice of men standing the whole of First-day 
 on the principal bridges and at the corners of the principal streets, 
 exhibiting on a board a bill describing the theatrical performances 
 of the week. These remarks appeared to obtain their solid atten- 
 tion. One of the sheriffs observed, the circumstance of the play-bills
 
 134! JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 was a reproachful practice, but it was difficult to interfere, because the 
 great bulk of the people were Roman Catholics. 1 felt it right for me 
 to say, this I was aware of, and on this account had often been led 
 into sympathy with those placed in authority who were desirous of 
 checking the evil practices prevailing ; but I wished them also to 
 remember the Protestants held the reins of government, and 
 were able to effect such regulation as it appeared would be for the 
 good of the whole. On which, in a feeling manner, desires were 
 unitedly expressed to attend to the subjects that had been cast 
 before them, acknowledging their satisfaction with the visit. We 
 next proceeded to the Protestant bishop, who also received us 
 kindly, expressing liis desire the service I had been engaged in 
 might have its use. The Roman Catholic bishop was in England; 
 on my endeavouring to be satisfied how far it would be safe for 
 me to wave any further movement herein, the way opened in my 
 mind to attempt an opportunity with the next in authority of the 
 clergy of this religious denomination. On inquiry, it appeared 
 the next in authority of the Romish Clergy was indisposed, and 
 a great pleader for their religious rites and ceremonies ; but as the 
 engagement I had believed myself called upon to embark in to me 
 felt unfinished, and I could not see any way to bring it to a suita- 
 ble close, but in being willing to make the offer of a visit to him, 
 not doubting if a visit was refused I should then be clear : my 
 friends kindly undertook for me. 
 
 First-day ; on my way to meeting this morning I was made to 
 rejoice in observing the early attention by the mayor and sheriffs 
 to the remarks made to them, by the whiskey-shops being shut 
 up, and the exhibiting of bills, notifying the theatrical perform- 
 ances, totally done away. Fourth-day morning, accompanied by 
 my kind friend John Leckey, we proceeded to the residence of the 
 Catholic bishop's deputy, who received us with marks of kindness; 
 after sitting a short time together in silence, to break which I felt 
 closely tried, fearing what I might have to communicate should 
 produce controversy, I endeavoured, I humbly hope I may say, 
 faithfully to lay before the deputy that which to me appeared to 
 be the counsel of my divine Master : he appeared to hear me pa- 
 tiently, and after I had done, remained silent for some time, then 
 requested leave to say a little; expressed in strong terms his ap- 
 proval of the principal of what I had offered, yet there was one 
 thing in which he thought I was mistaken, my saying his endea- 
 vouring to effect sobriety among the people would only be like 
 lopping off the branches, so long as the people believed confession 
 to the priest and absolution from him was enough. To which I 
 replied, confession to the priest and a dependence on him for ab- 
 solution, must be done away with before the root of this evil of 
 drunkenness, so prevalent, would be thoroughly struck at. The 
 tendency of hanging upon the priest defeating the work of con-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOaiAS SHILLITOE. 135 
 
 science : that so far as my observation has gone in visiting the 
 drinking-liouses, it has not appeared to me the people in the gene- 
 ral way are ignorant of that law in the heart and mind, that tells 
 them what they must do and what they must leave undone to 
 stand approved in the sight of God ; but advise them to attend 
 to this law within they, reply, " We are not to think for our- 
 selves, but the church must think for us, and our priests are 
 our church, and whatsoever they bid us do we must." After 
 urging the necessity of the people's being brought off from all 
 such erroneous principles, he replied, "If Iwas to preach such doc- 
 trine as this to my people, I should soon lose them ; we must keep 
 them in ignorance to keep them at all." Expressing his approval 
 of the engagement 1 had recently accomplished, and in making 
 him this visit, saying, he hoped it would tend to stir him up to a 
 more faithful discharge of duty, i was now able to free my 
 friends from any further care about me, and I trust it might be 
 said, we united in thankfulness to the alone sure Helper of his de- 
 pendent children, in thus mercifully bringing safe through, caus- 
 ing Jordan to stand on heaps when the floods appeared at times 
 nigh upon overwhelming me: — but my exercises were not at an 
 end. 
 
 On my return to my quarters a letter awaited me, giving an 
 account of the death of my dear son-in-law, whom I left in a de- 
 clining state of health , and one of his executors urging my return 
 home, matters having been previously arranged in my own mind, 
 if no obstruction arose in the minds of my friends, to proceed to 
 Limerick, taking Watergrass-hill, Rathcormack and Furmagh on 
 my way there. I felt myself brought into a great strait, the duty 
 which in the first place 1 owed to my Almighty Creator pressing 
 hard upon me, and the feelings of affection afresh awakened in my 
 breast, for my widow daughter in declining health, and her infant 
 son. I laid my trying situation before my friends, and cast my- 
 self upon them for 'disposal: but they considering themselves un- 
 equal to such a task, committed me to Divine direction. I never 
 felt more the need of Divine counsel, and, perhaps, never more 
 earnestly sought after it. Whenever 1 looked towards my return- 
 ing at this time to England, a dread of consequences accompanied 
 my return before my mission was fully accomplished, assured, 
 that so fiir from my being helpful in arranging and settling my 
 son-in-law's affairs, I should become a let and hindcrance; but if I 
 pursued my prospects as way opened in my own mind, they would 
 be well cared for; and I durst do no other than write to tliis effect, 
 requesting those who were on the spot to pay the best attention 
 they were capable of until what I had in prospect on this side of 
 the water was fully accomplished. On my return home I had 
 cause to be well satisfied, from an assurance all had been done to- 
 wards arranging my son-in-laws affairs in my absence that could
 
 136 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 be (lone. I never had cause, when the subject of these my trials 
 in Ireland came before me, but to feel thankful to my Divine Care- 
 taker, that parental affection did not turn me aside from the path 
 of religious duty. Fifth-day attended the usual meeting, at the 
 close of which the monthly meeting was held : some difficult cases 
 coming before it, occasioned much exercise of mind to those who 
 were rightly engaged, that the wholesome discipline established 
 should be maintained. First-day morning attended meeting here, 
 after which I met the committee appointed to assist me in visiting 
 the drinking-houses, to whom I proposed proceeding to Limerick, 
 taking the drinking-houses in my way at Watergrass-hill, Rath- 
 cormack, and Furmagh ; after which I withdrew, leaving the sub- 
 ject to the committee to dispose of, as in the wisdom of truth they 
 should see best ; by whom I was set at liberty to pursue my fur- 
 ther prospects of duty. Third-day morning, accompanied by 
 Samuel Harris, we proceeded to Watergrass-hill : the houses 
 were much thronged with company returning from a burial, yet 
 this did not appear any interruption to my service, the people 
 being generally quiet and attentive, except in one place, where a de- 
 claration was made, it was impossible to be saved out of the pale 
 of the Romish church, and that all advice but that which came 
 from a Romish priest was unavailing. We next proceeded to 
 Rathcormack, a small decayed town on our way to Furmagh : the 
 report of our arrival was soon spread, and appeared to raise the whole 
 of the inhabitants, wheieby we had large companies, with whom 
 I had to labour; not only to set before them the evil conse- 
 quences of taking too mvich strong drink, but also to point out to 
 them the alone sure way of life and salvation, with the absolute 
 need of our ceasing from all dependence upon man, depending 
 singly and simply on the Lord alone for preservation and salva- 
 tion. Many of our company acknowledging to the truth of what 
 was communicated, I left Rathcormack truly thankful to my Di- 
 vine Master who had invested me with courage to be faithful. 
 The danger of incurrinjj the resentment of the Roman Catholics 
 appears far greater when addressing them on the ground of reli- 
 gion than immorality. We reached Furmagh in the evening, but 
 too much exhausted to attempt to proceed. 
 
 Fourth-day, 12th of 6 mo. Furmagh is principally a new- 
 built town with very extensive barracks : the inhabitants chiefly 
 depending on the military for their support. The thoughts 
 of turning out this morning appeared very formidable : whilst 
 thus ruminating on the apparent trials that awaited us, a dear 
 Friend from Cork unexpectedly entered the room : never was I 
 more rejoiced than at seeing him, which led me secretly to exclaim, 
 How can I refuse to serve such a Master who so wonderfully cares 
 for mc, helping and sending helpers in my times of extremity. 
 May none of tlie few remaining years of my life be n)arked by
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 137 
 
 ingratitude to such a long-sufTcring merciful God, is what I crave. 
 I'his unlooked-for addition cheered my mind. The time being 
 come for us to proceed, Kdward Carrol, Samuel Harris and my- 
 self moved towards the barracks. Our first visit did not afford 
 us encouragement to hope we should make our way with the 
 keepers of the houses here as in other places ; no disposition being 
 manifested on the part of the landlord to receive us, saying, he 
 knew his duty as well as the best clergyman in the nation : being 
 very full of talk, after awhile we quietly left him ; proceeded to 
 the next house, where the face of things began to wear a more 
 agreeable aspect. We were enabled to accomplish twenty-six 
 visits through the day. One man told us, no alms-deeds, no good 
 works, no sacrifices, no Jew, no Turk, no religion could enter the 
 kingdom, none but Roman Catholics would be admitted. 
 
 Fifth-day morning we proceeded ; many of the opportunities 
 were amongst as rough, untutored a set of human beings, male 
 and female, as I ever before met with ; yet in many of them se- 
 riousness was excited beyond what could have been expected. 
 One man expressed his desire I would accept of money ; one 
 woman, who at first appeared rude, became thoughtful, thanked 
 us for the counsel given. At another place, a young man whose 
 countenance appeared very savage towards us, and not willing to 
 hear, on our being about to depart I felt the need of offering him 
 my hand, which he refused; appearing disposed to have given me 
 a blow, but on my making a halt, and as matters presented, offer- 
 ing it to him, he appeared much changed in his disposition, and 
 at our parting kindly gave me his hand. At one place on the 
 outside of the town, the room which we entered not being ceiled, 
 those who were above poured dirty ^vater upon us, but we were 
 preserved above noticing their rude behaviour in this respect. 
 The people crowded in after us, amongst whom was a woman in 
 a state of intoxication, who kept dancing and otherwise making a 
 disturbance : discouraging as the prospect of our situation ap- 
 peared I durst not quit, therefore kept my standing amongst them, 
 my mind being turned to my only sure Helper and Support : the 
 house shortly became so crowded no more could well enter ; one 
 man had a large butcher's knife unsheathed in his hand, which 
 made a terrific appearance, but I was mercifully carried above all 
 discouragements, which I hope I esteemed an unspeakable favour; 
 but I understood this was not the case with my companion Samuel 
 Harris, he acknowledging he felt not a little alarmed for our 
 safety, looking at the lonely situation of the house, the company 
 by which we were inclosed, and the man with the butcher''s knife 
 in his hand. After a while I requested that endeavours might be 
 used to keep the woman who was in a state of intoxication quiet, 
 and that they would cease conversing, which they complied with, 
 and quietness took place beyond what might have been expected.
 
 138 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 affording me a full opportunity to relieve my mind, after wliich the 
 people separated, apparently satisfied and in an orderly manner. 
 On entering one house the woman ran out as if she considered 
 us to be dangerous persons : from her husband's account, who 
 gave us his company, the priest had cursed all the houses that 
 should receive us. Although I felt nearly exhausted, yet the 
 prospect of coming to a speedy close prompted me to persevere, 
 and after thirty-four sittings this visit so far closed. The three 
 last abundantly compensated for all the rough and rugged roads 
 we had to travel over : after the close of this day's work I passed 
 a very sleepless night, not being able to see my way out of Fur- 
 magh without attempting an opportunity with the head of the 
 Romish clergy here. Sixth-day morning, informing my com- 
 panions how it fared with me, and they kindly offering to accom- 
 pany me, we proceeded to his residence : understanding he was a 
 man who thought much of himself, high in his manners, a great 
 bigot, and one whom the people stood in terror of, plunged me into 
 deep suffering of mind; yet I found it would not do to yield to 
 the slavish fear of man, but there must be an earnest seeking to 
 the Lord to be endued with courage proportioned to the labour of 
 the day. He received us with apparent kindness, and, as if he 
 thought by making him this visit we had done him an honour : 
 after a pause, I informed him of my religious engagement in visit- 
 ing the drinking-houscs in Furmagh, and the state of mind many 
 of those I had visited were in, laying before him the circumstance 
 related by one of his flock, that a curse was pronounced upon all 
 the houses that received us, at which he appeared not a little con- 
 fused, replying, he knew not what the clergy under him might 
 have done, adding, their people are positively charged not to hear 
 things of a religious tendency from any but their own clergy on 
 pain of incurring excommunication. I endeavoured to acquit 
 myself faithfully towards him, although he became very irritable, 
 and endeavoured many times to drown my voice by opening and 
 shutting, with as much violence as he appeared capable of, some 
 drawers; this not discouraging me from proceeding to give him that 
 which I had in commission for him, he rang the bell, ordered 
 his servant to saddle his horse, and bring him out, although it was 
 as wet a day as most I have seen, and continued raining hard. 
 Seeing these orders did not move me, he rang his bell again, 
 ordered his servant to open the door and show us the way out, 
 but this was not effected until 1 had endeavoured to leave with 
 him the whole of that which i apprehended was given me for him. 
 At our parting 1 gave liim my hand, which he accepted. Feeling 
 clear of Furmagh my kind companions returned to Cork. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, accompanied by my kind friend John Cal- 
 vert, proceeded to Limerick ; reached the house of my kind friend 
 Joseph Masscy Harvey this afternoon. First-day attended meet-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 139 
 
 iug here : at the close of the morning meeting Friends were re- 
 quested to stop, to whom I presented my certificate, informing 
 Friends of my prospects of religious duty to visit the drinking- 
 houses in Limerick : my prospects being united with, arrange- 
 ments were made for my proceeding on Second-day, my kind 
 friend James Fisher to accompany me. Second-day we proceeded 
 to Irishtown, made twenty visits ; generally well received. I 
 often thought of my companion's observation when alike engaged 
 at Clonmel. Tlie Master appeared to go in before us and prepare 
 the way. Third-day, accompanied by my kind friend Samuel 
 Alexander, we proceeded towards the Old town, the cross streets 
 and lanes ; in most instances we were well received. My companion 
 often saying, he thought good was to be felt amongst those we sat 
 with, and marks of kindness offered by some of those we sat 
 with at our parting ; yet we had our trials. This day, at one 
 place, a woman and her daughter violently resented our attempt 
 to give them advice. The young woman and a man followed us 
 to the next house, persuading the people not to receive us, saying, 
 •we were influenced by the devil, false prophets, false teachers 
 come to ruin the people, threatening the man of the house they 
 would report him to his priest if he did not turn us out, and he 
 would be cursed from the altar if he heard what we had to say : 
 during this rebuff I felt silence was my proper place, taking my 
 seat quietly. After awhile the man and woman left us ; the man 
 of the house saying, he should hear whom he pleased, behaved' 
 respectful, expressed his satisfaction with the visit. 
 
 On my return to my quarters this evening, I found another 
 letter from my family, urging the necessity of my lending my 
 help to my poor widow daughter's temporal concerns, which occa- 
 sioned me some conflicts before 1 had strength given me to relin- 
 quish the prospect of returning home. The pleadings of natural 
 aflcction were powerful, and the struggle to overcome them very 
 great ; yet my duty to my Creator, which demanded my remaining 
 where I was until the language was distinctly proclaimed in the 
 ear of my soul,— -It is enough — obtained the victory, under an 
 assurance her affairs, as well as herself and her fatherless child, 
 were under a better care-taker than I could possibly be. After 
 writing suitably on the occasion, I proceeded ; and yet, at times, 
 human nature found it hard work to move along under the weight 
 of considerations that would crowd into the mind on this subject. 
 Fourth day, accompanied by my kind friend Joseph Massey 
 Harvey, we made twenty-one visits : this proved a trying day, 
 from the crowd of people that followed us. 1 felt much for my 
 companions, who were new in this work. Fifth-day attended the 
 usual meeting : after meeting, accompanied by my kind friend 
 William Unthank, we proceeded to Irish Town. Some of these
 
 140 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 visits were trying, but, generally, cause was felt for thankfulness 
 in that others were satisfactory. 
 
 Sixth-day my kind friend Samuel Alexander, feeling, as he ac- 
 knowledged, bound to accompany me, we proceeded principally to 
 English Town, and the back lanes. Some of our visits to-day 
 were so exercising, I was almost ready to give over proceeding 
 further. We were persuaded that these difliculties originated in 
 the interference of the priest ; but the way at other times being so 
 remarkably made for us, administered fresh encouragement. At 
 one place we had a large congregation of different descriptions ; 
 some who appeared persons of respectability in the world, others 
 without shoe or stocking, covered in rags. We were so close 
 packed together, I did not expect much quiet could be come at 
 but after a short time, the calming influence of the Heavenly 
 Father's love spread over us ; all was hushed into great stillness. 
 I had to declare amongst them the utter insufficiency of our 
 placing our dependence on man for the means of salvation, and 
 that such who were so doing would ultinaately find they had been 
 . building their hopes of salvation on a sandy foundation. That 
 which was offered appeared to be well received : at our parting, 
 many expressing their thankfulness for the opportunity, and their 
 unity with what had been offered, and sincere desires for my safe 
 return and future welfare. I humbly hope I may say, this day 
 closed with rendering all the praise to God and Christ Jesus, to 
 whom only it belongs. Seventh-day my bodily strength became 
 so enfeebled by exercise of mind, the closeness of the rooms occa- 
 sioned by the large companies that followed us, and the filth which 
 we had at times to sit down in ; but little was accomplished to-day : 
 so far another week closed to account for to God — He who knows 
 our most secret thoughts, and will judge us according to our mo- 
 tive to action. 
 
 First-day attended meetings. Second-day, accompanied by 
 my kind friend John Thacker, we proceeded. This day closed 
 the visit to the drinking-houses. Here I found it laid upon me to 
 request Friends might be called together, to whom I opened my 
 prospect of duty to make a visit to the head of the Romish clergy 
 here, which being united with, James Fisher accompanied me next 
 morning to his house, agreeably to his own appointment : he re- 
 ceived us with marks of kindness. My mind was brought under 
 exercise that I might be preserved from temporizing, or giving any 
 just occasion for him to take offence at any thing 1 might have to 
 offer. In tlie course of our exchange of sentiments, he expressed 
 his desire, if he was favoured to reach heaven, we might meet 
 there, in which I united, saying, I believed if I was favoured 
 to reach heaven at last, I should there meet with the sincere, 
 upright-hearted of all religious denomination, even some of the
 
 JOUKNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 141 
 
 Jewish persuasion ; to which he replied, there is but one true 
 God, one true faith, one true church ; and that he believed theirs 
 was tlie only true church, because it had stood the longest, and 
 that there was no salvation out of it. So that it appeared, the 
 desire which he expressed to meet me in heaven was built on the 
 hope of my being converted to their faith and mode of religious 
 action. I reminded him of the testimony of the apostle Peter, 
 " I perceive of a truth that God is no respecter of persons, but 
 in every nation, he that feareth Him and worketh righteousness is 
 accepted with him," — that the rock on which the true church is 
 built is the revelation of the will of God, through Jesus Christ, 
 and obedience thereunto. He contended the text was not so, but 
 on this, "Peter, I will build my church," and therefore they, as 
 the successors of Peter and the apostles, only could be the true 
 church. Although we so widely differed in our sentiments in re- 
 ligious matters, yet we appeared to part in a friendly manner. 
 The way now clearly opened for me to leave Limerick. Fourth- 
 day morning left ray kind friend Joseph Massey Harvey, and 
 many Friends here, who came to take a final farewell. Reached 
 Clogheen this evening. Fifth-day proceeded in a visit to the 
 drinking-houses there, in which we were generally "well received. 
 We were followed by two men, of thoughtful countenances, to 
 several of the houses. A man, about middle age, appeared much 
 tendered in one of the opportunities : the chief of those we vi- 
 sited here and elsewhere are Roman Catholics, for whom I often felt 
 much, on account of their being such bond-slaves to what they 
 call the church. Their priests rule over them as with a rod of 
 iron. Accompanied by my kind friend Nicholas Chater, I re- 
 turned to Caher. Sixth-day morning proceeded to visit the drink- 
 ing-houses here. After we had made nineteen visits, I felt so 
 much exhausted I was obliged to give over for this day : most of 
 the opportunities were satisfactory. Seventh-day we understood 
 the priest had been at work to prevent our proceeding, which oc- 
 casioned our being refused in several places ; but turning our 
 course towards the bridge, we found a willingness to receive us. 
 In addition to the man and his daughter, we had a large company 
 in and outside of the house. The young woman at first appeared 
 giddy, and endeavoured to produce the like disposition in a young 
 man ; but after awhile she appeared brought down, continuing to 
 manifest more thoughtfulness. The people behaved solidly, and 
 at our parting expressed their thankfulness for what had been 
 communicated. After this, we had the closing opportunity with 
 another large company, who flocked to the house on our approach- 
 ing it, to whom I humbly hope I may say I was enabled to preach 
 the way of life and salvation. On our shaking hands when we 
 parted, many of their countenances appeared solid, and I doubt not 
 what was offered was well received. This afternoon I rode to
 
 142 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Tincurry, on my way there I was painfully affected in beholding 
 the men and boys lying by the road-side, and idling at their cabin- 
 doors ; not a man to be seen at labour on the land. Having heard 
 much complaining about the weather being unfavourable for the 
 farmers getting their tillage on the land, and their crops in the 
 ground ; and the weather now taking up to be very favourable for 
 these purposes, occasioned me to inquire how it was the farming busi- 
 ness was at such a total stand-still: I was informed it was one of the 
 Roman CathoHc idle days, or, as they call them, holy days, and 
 that it was the second they had kept this week ; and near two- 
 thirds of the time of the poor was thus passed over, going to mass 
 in the morning, and the remainder of the day spent in idleness, 
 getting drunk, quarrelling, and fighting, whilst the land is suffer- 
 ing for want of their labour : — no marvel they appear so destitute 
 of outward comforts. O, how will these hard-hearted task-mas- 
 ters, their leaders — their priests, who enjoin them to cease from all 
 labour on these they call their holy days, account for this their 
 conduct in the great day of reckoning, by thus keeping these poor 
 creatures in a state of darkness and cruel bondage to their own 
 self-interest, being, as they are, instrumental in depriving them of 
 the means of procuring for themselves and families the comforts 
 of the present life, and standing in the way of their endeavouring 
 to secure for themselves an enduring, eternal inheritance .'' I at 
 times lament their pitiful situation ; and, however distant the de- 
 liverance of these poor oppressed people may be from this servile 
 bondage, if my feelings do not deceive me, it is in progress, and 
 when the time is fully come for its accomplishment, all the oppo- 
 sition it may meet with from these enemies to all right reforma- 
 tion, the priests, it will be of no avail. During my times of in- 
 ward quiet, my attention was awakened to an apprehension of 
 duty to return to Caher, and to attempt an opportunity with the 
 head of the Romish clergy there. 
 
 First-day attended meeting at Garryroan, at the close of which 
 Friends were requested to stop. The subject of a visit to the 
 head of the Romish clergy at Caher pressing on my mind, I in- 
 formed my Friends to that effect, who hberated me to the service. 
 My friend Nicholas Chater was charged with the care of obtain- 
 ing an interview. 
 
 Second-day, 1st of 7th mo. We proceeded to the house 
 of the head of the Romish clergy, who received us civilly. After 
 a suitable pause, I endeavoured to lay before him the conse- 
 quences that must result from the people placing such implicit 
 confidence on them, the clergy. He replied, it was needful the 
 people should be kept dependent on the true church for instruction, 
 and which, he said, was the priest, as having descended from the 
 apostle Peter. I requested him to point out to me where Christ 
 commanded the keeping of those days they call holy days, that
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 143 
 
 were spent in idleness, whilst their families almost wanted bread 
 and sufficient clothing ; their land suffering for want of their 
 labour, and they frequently passing these days in drunkenness, 
 quarrelling, and fighting: the drinking-houses being mostly 
 crowded on these days. lie said, 1 might as well say Sunday was 
 not to be kept as these days. 1 told him, there was a special 
 command for observing the Sabbath. He said it was the order of 
 the church these days were to be kept, and the order of the 
 church must be obeyed. He appeared to part from us in a friend- 
 ly manner. If my visits to this description of men only prove 
 like a fresh stirring up, and awakening their attention in ever so 
 small a degree, to the consideration of their ways and doings, 
 how far all is right and well with them or not, it may be worth my 
 suffering what I may have at times passed through on their ac- 
 count. Feeling myself now clear of Caher, accompanied by my 
 kind friend Joshua Fennell, I proceeded to Waterford, where my 
 kind friend Thomas Jacob and family renewed their hospitality, 
 caring for all my wants. Next day attended monthly meeting 
 there. The meeting for worship was small; at the breaking up of 
 which several Friends were waiting in the lobby to attend the 
 monthly meeting, which brought me under exercise, from a per- 
 suasion that those who thus willingly neglect these times of pre- 
 paration for true usefulness in the church, these meetings for wor- 
 ship, previous to entering upon the business of the Society, become 
 as dead weights and burdens in our meetings for discipline, instead 
 of rightly helping the business forward : 1 suffered the meeting to 
 proceed in its business without, as I should have done, faithfully 
 spreading before the meeting these prospects that had been thus 
 given me for that end, fearing lest by my being pointed, as I must 
 have been, I should give offence ; but as my unfaithfulness ren- 
 dered me unequal to give proper attention to matters that came 
 before the meeting, I endeavoured to wait a suitable opportunity 
 to obtain relief to my mind in the best way I was capable of; but 
 I never found this after-time so effectual, either to myself or the 
 meeting, as when the proper time for making the offering was 
 attended to. 
 
 Fourth-day, accompanied by my kind friend Samuel Jacob, I 
 proceeded to Clonmel. Fifth-day attended monthly meeting 
 there, feeling thankful in having the opportunity again of sitting 
 with Friends of this meeting, and observing the continued care 
 that was manifested for the welfare of the cause they were engaged 
 in the support of. Sixth-day proceeded towards Dublin, which 
 place I was favoured to reach safely on Seventh-day.
 
 144 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 First-day morning attended Meath-street meeting, which was 
 largely attended, and closed under some degree of a humbling 
 sense that Divine mercy had been near to us, owning this our 
 assembling together. In the afternoon attended Sycamore-alley 
 meeting, at the close of which the usual stop meeting took place. 
 Feeling the subject of a visit to the drinking-house;5 in this large 
 city and suburbs to press upon me with an increase of weight, at 
 times almost insupportable, I spread my prospects before this 
 meeting, requesting my friends to endeavour after a right judg- 
 ment in this important concern, endeavouring to keep every dis- 
 couraging consideration of the subject out of sight : the meeting 
 appeared to be introduced into close exercise. No obstruction 
 arising to my proceeding, the further care was referred to the 
 elders and overseers and a few Friends nominated for that pur- 
 pose. Second-day morning met the elders and overseers and 
 Friends nominated to care for me in accomplishing my intended 
 visit to the drinking-houses in the city and suburbs. Emptied, 
 and never more stripped : — O, the need of our enduring these 
 stripping and emptying seasons, in order to our being entrusted 
 with the new wine of the kingdom to hand out to others, pure and 
 unadulterated ! The outward vessels, before they are fit to receive 
 fresh liquor in them, must undergo a thorough cleansing; some- 
 times firing is needful, and even taking to pieces to be scraped and 
 made over again before they are effectually cleansed from the must or 
 taint which the liquor they before contained may have left behind. 
 Thus it is with the vessels of our hearts and minds : we often 
 need this emptying — this stripping — this purifying from the must 
 or taint of our first nature — the will, wisdom, and activity of the 
 creature, which never did, or ever will do, the Lords work. 
 
 Third-day attended Meath-street meeting. Fourth-day morn- 
 ing, accompanied by my kind friend Richard Webb, proceeded in 
 the visit to the drinking-houses in the city. From the manner in 
 which we have been generally received this day, fresh cause has 
 been felt by me to continue to trust in Him who, when he puts 
 forth, goes before. In the sittings to-day openness was manifested 
 to receive what has been offered. At one place where, on our
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 145 
 
 sitting down, I anticipated some resistance, quietness came over us, 
 whereby the word given to communicate appeared as rain in its 
 season on the thirsty ground : making a pause before we departed, 
 the young man of the house requested leave to say, he felt the 
 force of the truths that had been declared, adding, he was a 
 Papist by profession ; yet he felt that he could address me in the 
 language of my Father, believing I had been endeavouring to do 
 him good : he hoped the cause 1 was engaged in would prosper, 
 and he believed I should have my reward hereafter. Eighteen 
 visits were accomplished this day. Fifth-day, accompanied by 
 my kind friend Richard Webb, we accomplished twenty-two visits. 
 My poor body begins already to feel the effects of this engage- 
 ment; but, under a persuasion if care is manifested to look to 
 Him who remains as ever able to be strength to us in our times of 
 greatest weakness, I am favoured with the assurance He will not 
 fail to equip for the next day's engagement, seeing it is not by 
 might, nor by power, but by the Lord's Spirit renewedly quicken- 
 ing us, we are enabled to hold on our way, and perform that por- 
 tion of labour He may see meet to assign us. Sixth-day attended 
 the usual meeting at Sycamore-alley, in which i was favoured to 
 receive a renewal of strength. My kind friend Nehemiah Wright 
 accompanied me this day, during which we were enabled to accom- 
 plish fourteen visits. The weather being warm, mostly small, low 
 ceiling rooms, together with the smell of the whiskey and beer, 
 overcame me so much that 1 was nearly deserting the field of 
 labour before the day closed. Seventh-day morning attended a 
 funeral, after which, accompanied by my kind friend Nehemiah 
 Wright, accomplished seventeen sittings, mostly encouraging: at 
 one place we were kindly invited to take refreshment. 
 
 First day attended Meath-street meeting in the morning; 
 Sycamore-alley in the afternoon. Second-day morning, just 
 strength enough to crave ability to continue faithful to the end of 
 this day's work. Our first visit was to Meath-street : on our en- 
 tering the house I felt as if I was going to be exposed to shame, 
 feeling unequal to deliver any thing that might be required of me; 
 but help, in mercy, was afforded : openness being also manifested 
 to receive what was delivered, nineteen visits were accomplished this 
 day. One man told us he had been in the practice of keeping his 
 house open on a First-day, and often taken eight pounds on that 
 day, mostly for liquor; but from the distress of mind which he 
 was brought under, on account of his conduct in this respect, 
 feeling himself a party in the guilt incurred by those who, through 
 drinking to excess, unfitted themselves for their religious duties, 
 he resolved to give up the practice, although he met with oppo- 
 sition to his so doing from those who frequented his house ; yet 
 by persevering he had been favoured to accomplish it ; but not, 
 he said, yet gone so far as he must go, by shutting up his grocer's 
 
 L
 
 146 
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 shop on a First-day ; expressing his desire not to be suffered to 
 stop short in his duty in this respect ; adding, he had every en- 
 couragement to be faithful to that which he saw was required of 
 him, in that he had not been a loser by the sacrifice he had made; 
 for, by looking over his affairs, he found they v/ere in a more 
 thriving condition since he had maintained his ground against 
 selling liquor on a First-day than before. Our visit appeared 
 grateful to the man's mind : and the day closed under a humbling 
 sense of the applicability to my mind of the query, — And how 
 much owest thou unto thy Lord? and no means to make a suitable 
 return save by future obedience. 
 
 Third-day attended Meath-street meeting, after which was held 
 the monthly meeting, in which holy help was manifestly near in 
 transacting the business that came before it. Fourth-day, accom- 
 panied by my kind friend Nathaniel Williams, we proceeded to 
 Cork-street, James-street, &c.; accomplished twenty-one visits: 
 in many instances the visits appeared to be thankfully received. 
 One man, who seemed to have some clear sense of the evil of 
 drunkenness and its sorrowful tendency, attempted to justify his 
 own conduct, when taking too much whiskey, by saying, their 
 priest got drunk, and surely the crime could not be greater in him 
 than in the priest. On my remarking how lamentable it was to 
 hear such a character of those who should set the people an exam- 
 ple of temperance, he replied, it was so. Fifth-day nineteen visits 
 were accomplished: we were generally well received. Sixth-day 
 attended the usual meeting at Sycamore-alley ; a time of holy 
 quiet, preciously preparatory to the work before us this afternoon. 
 The day proving wet, we did not accomplish more than seven sit- 
 tings this afternoon, some of which were trying ; one woman, 
 calling us wolves in sheep's clothing, praying the Almighty to pre- 
 serve her out of our hands who came to impose upon the people. 
 Seventh-day, accompanied by my kind friend Jonathan Hill, we 
 accomplished twenty visits, most of which were solid opportu- 
 nities ; except at one place, the woman and her company treated 
 us roughly ; but we were carried above their abuse ; — another 
 week to give an account of. 
 
 First-day morning attended Meath-street meeting. The meet- 
 ing suffered loss by the long-accustomed disorderly practice of 
 standing in the yard in conversation after the meeting should be 
 fully gathered ; and yet I was comforted in believing some im- 
 provement had taken place. The iifternoon meeting at Sycamore- 
 alley was large, and a more timely attendance observed : it proved 
 a quiet, solemn meeting. These opportunities not being at our 
 command, it becomes incumbent on us that they are received with 
 feelings of reverent gratitude. Second-day, accompanied by my 
 kind friend Jonathan Hill, we proceeded to the Quay, a place I 
 looked towards with expectation of suffering, and so it proved,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 147 
 
 beyond cany thinir I had yet known in Dublin : endeavouring to 
 keep near holy help amidst all our discouragements, we were 
 enabled to accomplish eighteen visits to-day : our last was to a 
 poor widow, which we had reason to believe was a seasonable one 
 to her, and an agreeable close of the day it proved to ourselves. 
 Third-day attended Meath-street meeting : after meeting my kind 
 friend Jonathan Hill was in waiting upon me to proceed in the 
 visit, but my mind became so depressed I was obliged to decline 
 proceeding. Fourth-day morning, having a little recruited my 
 bodily strength, and my mind afresh encouraged, accompanied by 
 my kind friend William Birkett, jun., we were enabled this day to 
 accomplish twenty-one sittings. The Good Power being near to 
 visitors and visited made the way easy for us, my companion 
 acknowledged, beyond what he could have expected. Fifth- 
 day, accompanied by William Birkett, jun., we were helped to 
 accomplish twenty-three visits, which were generally well re- 
 ceived. Sixth-day attended meeting at Sycamore-alley. Ac- 
 companied by William Birkett, jun., accomplished fourteen 
 visits this afternoon : at one place it appeared as if the whole 
 neighbourhood was set in battle-array against us, following us 
 into the house we were going to visit; taking their seats by 
 me, called for beer, and declared I should not leave the room 
 until I drank with them ; on my refusing, they called for spirits ; 
 on my refusing to take his spirits, one of them called for bacon, 
 saying, he would know what I was ; whether I could eat swine's 
 flesh ; brawling out, trembling and looking pale with anger, de- 
 manding to know my mission for going about to try to convert the 
 people, asking, if I had been ordained. I felt much tried, more 
 on my companion's account than my own ; yet I could not see my 
 way clear to leave, nor yield to fear, which I found was at work, 
 striving for the ascendency ; but feeling that Power to be near 
 that never had disappointed me in my most trying moments, 
 believing all would end in bluster, that they would not be permit- 
 ted to hurt a hair of our heads, by keeping quiet under all, mat- 
 ter was given me for expression, and strength to deliver it, which 
 they were not able to oppose or gainsay. Feeling myself clear of 
 them, we left under a thankful sense we had been supported to 
 maintain our standing with firmness. At another place, the man 
 we visited, after hearing what 1 had to offer, said, he had been out 
 drinking the preceding evening, and kept it up till morning, and 
 he was going in like manner to spend his time that evening, add- 
 ing, he knew it to be a crime to get drunk ; yet he hoped, if he 
 went at times to his duty, (meaning mass,) that would settle the 
 account. I queried with him, how he felt the next day ? He ac- 
 knowledged uncomfortable. He then got upon his horse, and, by 
 company, tried to get rid of his uneasiness. I told him the time 
 would come when his uneasiness would be too powerful for him, 
 
 l2
 
 148 JOURNAL, OF THOMAS SHIILLITOK. 
 
 and should he be removed by death in a state of intoxication, 
 knowing, as he acknowledged, it to be a crime, what account 
 would he be able to render for his " sinning against knowledge ? " 
 He replied, he was willing to run the venture, and settle the ac- 
 count in the best manner he was able. After requesting him to 
 think seriously on the subject, we left him. What an awful in- 
 stance of that state of depravity the human heart may abide un- 
 der, even whilst in mercy followed by Divine conviction. Not- 
 withstanding this day was attended with some severe trials of faith 
 and patience, it closed peacefully to ourselves. Seventh-day, 
 accompanied by my kind friend Jonas Stott, I proceeded under 
 great depression of mind, and from the bustle we met with, under 
 much suffering. After we had accomplished four visits I was 
 obliged to give up further proceeding this day. 
 
 First-day morning attended Meath-street meeting : getting low 
 and discouraged, I suffered the right time to pass over, in which, 
 J believe, I should have made my offering. In the afternoon 
 attended Sycamore-alley meeting, which was large. Second-day 
 morning, accompanied by my kind friend Jonas Stott, after ac- 
 complishing four visits, I was obliged to rest the remainder of this 
 day. Third-day morning attended Meath-street meeting : the 
 buying and selling, planting and building, or things comparable 
 thereto, occasioned us to have a very small meeting ; after which, 
 with some difficulty to myself, we accomplished five visits. 
 Fourth-day morning, accompanied by my kind friend Richard 
 Webb, we proceeded again, I hope I may say desirous of doing 
 my very best, under a very enfeebled state of body. We bent 
 our course to Church-street, Constitution-hill, and the CirCular- 
 road. We were enabled to accomplish nineteen visits during the 
 day, generally satisfactory. At one place, the mistress of the 
 house offered me money, urging the acceptance of it, and expressed 
 her surprise at my refusing. I returned from the field of labour 
 this day afresh animated to be willing to do my best to pi-ess on 
 to the end, from the assurance my best would be so aided by 
 Divine help, it would be crowned. Fifth-day, accompanied by 
 my kind friend Richard Webb, we proceeded to the outskirts of 
 the city : after travelling over much ground, we accomplished 
 only nine visits, generally satisfactory. Sixth-day, accompanied 
 by my kind friend Richard Webb, made three visits before meet- 
 ing ; attended Sycamore-alley meeting, which was well attended 
 for a week-day meeting : it proved a time of holy quiet, in which 
 a little morsel of soul- sustaining bread was dispensed. After 
 meeting we again pursued the work whcreunto I humbly hope I 
 am safe in saying the call is daily renewed to my mind ; accom- 
 plished ten visits, more generally meeting with an open reception, 
 except in two instances. At one place the man of the house 
 whom 1 was addressing sat quiet, until a man who was drinking
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLIXOBT. 149 
 
 reproached him with hearing me with more attention than his own 
 priest : although these i-emarks did not cause him suddenly to in- 
 terrupt me, yet in time he got into a great rage that 1 should in- 
 sult him that was so much better taught; turned pale and trem- 
 bling, said, theirs was the only true religion in the world ; query- 
 ing wi h me, would 1 eat meat on a Friday? I told him, the 
 good things of the Almighty were to be received with thankful- 
 ness every day. He said, as I would eat meat on a Friday, I was 
 going the high-road to hell. He wished he had us out, declaring 
 ■what he would do to us. His countenance became terrible; and, 
 had I yielded, fear would have predominated, and caused us 
 hastily to make our escape ; but we were mercifully preserved in 
 the quiet until I felt liberty to leave, assured no personal injury 
 would be permitted to befall us. Seventh-day, accompanied by 
 my kind friend, Robert Hudson, we accomplished nineteen visits, 
 mostly in Mary's-lane and Pill-lane, amongst a very depraved 
 number of our fellow-creatures. Entering some of the houses, 
 the countenances of those who kept them, as well as their com- 
 pany, exhibited so much of the depravity of human nature, that 
 it brought a great damp over my spirits ; yet I was enabled to get 
 through the visits to my own relief, openness being generally 
 manifested to receive what was communicated, and I cannot believe 
 that in all cases it will become as water spilt upon a stone — how- 
 ever no visible fruits may soon appear. A customer at one place 
 took his seal by us, I suppose for the purpose of disputing with 
 us. He questioned me as to my belief in the Trinity ; asked me 
 if I believed in the possibility of our sins being forgiven on earth. 
 I told him I believed it was absolutely necessary this should be 
 experienced, but that God and Christ only had power to forgive 
 sins. He said Christ had given power to his priest to forgive 
 sins ; that he had Christ in heaven, and Christ next door to him 
 (meaning his priest,) and in a rage told us, nono but those of 
 their church could be saved. 
 
 Sixth-day attended meeting at Sycamore-alley. Seventh and 
 First-days no memorandums. Second-day, accompanied by my 
 kind friend Robert Hudson, accomplished twenty-two visits, gene- 
 rally satisfactory, although at times this day we had much religious 
 prejudice to combat. Third-day morning attended Meath-street 
 meeting, after which we proceeded towards the (/ustom-house : 
 the appearance of some of the houses and company threatened 
 suffering of mind. I found it hard work to maintain my standing 
 with becoming firmness ; yet I humbly hope I was faithful in 
 giving all, from place to place, I was entrusted with for communi- 
 cation. After making six visits, a cold chill coming over me, I 
 was obliged to lie by the remainder of this day. Fourth-day, 
 accompanied by my kind friend Stephen Dalton, we bent our 
 course towards Berwick-street. Our work this day lay amongst
 
 150 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 some of the most striking instances of the depravity of human 
 nature, the city of Dubhn or its suburbs furnish, so far as 1 liave 
 yet seen. We were helped by best help to accomplish nineteen visits 
 to-day. One woman, after learning the nature of our visit, on a 
 sudden left us, and I supposed she did not mean to give us her com- 
 pany, but in a short time returned again, saying, she had been to 
 fetch some of her neighbours to partake with her in the visit, who 
 behaved well : the vvoman herself appeared tender, expressing her 
 thankfulness for the opportunity, and the desire which she felt 
 that the advice given her might be remembered to profit. At 
 another place, the woman of the house was so deaf, I was obliged 
 to extend my voice to such a high pitch, it raised some of the 
 neighbours, and brought them into the house, which occasioned 
 us a large company, some of whom appeared disposed to be rude, but 
 through the endeavours of others they were kept quiet : at our 
 leaving, again the woman and company expressed their thankful- 
 ness for the visit, one man excepted, who justified drunkenness, 
 saying, the apostle Paul pledged his cloak for wine, and then re- 
 pented of what he had thus done; and St. Patrick tolerated them 
 in getting drunk on the day kept in honour of him, therefore it 
 could be no crime to get drunk at other times. Although we 
 mostly had rough company to sit with to-day, yet we were gene- 
 rally kindly treated. 
 
 Fifth-day, accompanied by my kind friend John Tollerton, we 
 proceeded to Barrack-street. The first house we entered made a 
 deplorable appearance : it was now very early in the morning, yet 
 we found, on descending the steps into the drinking-room, which 
 much resembled a cellar, the window-frames and glass broke to 
 smash, several young women, without shoes, stockings, or caps, 
 dancing to the fiddle. We made towards the room set apart for the 
 keepers of the house, where we met with the mistress of the 
 house : requesting, if she had a husband to have his company, he 
 soon made his appearance. I endeavoured to lay before them mat- 
 ter as it arose, although I found it a difficult task to get my mind 
 fully relieved. The fiddle, and at times the screaming of the 
 dancers, was a great interruption. The man remained quiet for a 
 short time and then left us, the woman appearing to have the 
 management of the house : what I had to offer to her brought 
 her to her tears. On inquiry I found she had children of her 
 own, I therefore requested her seriously to consider what would 
 be her conclusion respecting the conduct of any person who 
 should harbour her children, and suffer them to go on in such 
 wicked practices as she was now encouraging the young girls in 
 under her roof, wlio might be without parents or friends to take 
 charge of them, saying, 1 did not wish for a hasty reply ; she con- 
 fessed she should think they acted a cruel part. I therefore en- 
 treated her to attend to that Divine monitor in her own breast,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 151 
 
 she confessed slie at times witnessed to be near, which would 
 clearly make known to her the necessity she was under to rid her 
 house of such company as she now harboured, which would be 
 one way whereby she might hope to ensure the Divine blessing 
 on her honest endeavours for the support of herself and family, 
 otherwise it was my belief she must look for a blast following 
 them every way. She continued tender, and at our parting, in a 
 feeling manner expressed her desire, that which had been commu- 
 nicated might be profitably remembered by her. After receiving 
 her warm expressions of gratitude, we proceeded to leave the 
 house, but on our reachini;- the top step of the entrance my atten- 
 tion was again arrested, and I found 1 must be willing to return 
 into the apartment where the dancing was going forward, and 
 quietly submit to any insults that might be the result of my being 
 found in the way of my duty. On my companion being informed 
 hereof, he appeared tried as well as myself, but I found it would 
 not bring peace to our own minds to hesitate. We therefore 
 turned back, which the woman of the house observing, came and 
 stood by us, I supposed to prevent any rude behaviour that might 
 be offered. I requested the man who had the fiddle to cease play- 
 ing and take his seat, which he complied with, and those who were 
 dancing to do the like, which each one yielded to. The scene ex- 
 hibited in different parts of this large room, if it were possible 
 fully to describe, would produce a picture of as great human de- 
 pravity and misery as well can be conceived. On a bench near 
 us lay young girls, so overcome with their night's revelling and 
 drunkenness, past being roused by any thing that occurred round 
 them ; others, from the same causes, their heads reclining on 
 the tables, barely able to raise their heads and open their eyes, and 
 altogether incapable of comprehending what was going forward : 
 companies of men and women in boxes in other parts of the room 
 drinking. On our standing silent amongst them a short time, 
 quietness prevailed over the whole company. After strength was 
 received to utter that which was given me, and 1 had been some 
 time engaged in addressing this band of human misery, I think I 
 shall not, whilst I am favoured with my mental powers, wholly 
 lose sight of the distress and horror pourtrayed in the countenances 
 of those young women who had ceased their dancing to the fiddle. 
 Feeling my mind relieved and about to depart, such of the com- 
 pany who were equal to it rose from their seats, acknowledging 
 their gratitude for the labour that had been extended, and their 
 desire that what had been offered might not be lost upon them, 
 and that a blessing might attend us. My back was towards 
 the door, and not hearing a footstep of those who came in, when 
 we turned round to go out I was surprised at the addition made to 
 our first company : on noticing it to ray companion, he remarked, 
 it appeared as if something on their entering brought an awe
 
 152 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 over their minds whereby they quietly took their seats, and when 
 the seats were full others took their seats on the ground. We re- 
 tired to a Friends house near, and after being recruited by rest 
 and nourishment, proceeded in our visit to Barrack-street : after we 
 had accomplished here as much as way opened for us to do, and I 
 became sensible it would not be safe for me any longer to delay 
 going to a house in Mary's-lane, which I had knowingly passed by, 
 in consequence of caution given me by a collector of the excise, 
 saying, he never dare go beyond the door of the house, and taking 
 a person with him when he went to collect. I endeavoured to re- 
 sio-n myself to Divine protection, and we proceeded, but not with- 
 out a proper feeling for my companion. We only had the man's 
 company; and, from the appearance of all we saw about the house, 
 there was reason to believe wicked practices were suffered to go on 
 by those he harboured. I endeavoured to lay before him in very 
 plain terms my views of his proceedings, and what he must ex- 
 pect, if he continued to pursue his present line of conduct, would 
 in the end be the sorrowful consequences of his harbouring the com- 
 pany he did, and suffering such wicked practices to be going for- 
 ward in his house ; exhorting him to look to Almighty God for 
 help to clear his house from wicked company, telling him, I be- 
 lieved, whilst 1 was addressing him, he felt the Divine Witness in 
 his own breast reproaching him for his conduct in these respects ; 
 he was much brought down in his mind, acknowledging he had 
 at times acted against that better judgment he was favoured with, 
 and willing to receive any thing further I had to offer to him, 
 mentioning the name of a Friend he dealt with, proposing to meet 
 me at the Friend's house to have a more quiet time together : 
 pausing a little on his request, it appeared safest for me to say I 
 did not feel any thing more in commission for him. Being about 
 to depart 1 felt a stop in my mind ; on endeavouring to see the 
 cause, I was brought under the necessity of going into the apart- 
 ment where the different companies were drinking, male and female, 
 who, except that they were more sober, appeared much like the com- 
 pany in Barrack-street: some of them were uttering expressions 
 awful to hear. Standing a short time quiet amongst them, I re- 
 quested their attention : such as were standing took their seats, 
 and what I had to offer was heard without interruption ; others 
 came in whilst I was speaking, whose countenances bespoke great 
 levity, but they took their seats quietly with the rest. At our 
 departure they generally showed themselves respectful, expressing 
 thankfulness for the advice that had been given them : thus was 
 this day's work, through the continuation of holy help, closed 
 peacefully, and, I humbly hope, under a feeling sense of the ne- 
 cessity of adopting the language of the royal Psalmist, " Not 
 unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name be the praise!"" 
 Sixth-day attended Sycamore-alley meeting : a quiet favoured
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 153 
 
 time, which to myself was like a feast of fat things after the 
 storms we had endured, in a visit we made before meeting, the 
 woman of the house making a most violent attack upon us, say- 
 ing, the Quakers, who, like the other Protestants, were in the 
 outer court, could see the light of this world but not the light of 
 the Lord, advising me to take a leaf out of her book, and go to 
 their chapel and confession, and hear their priest, who was an in- 
 spired man to whom all power was given by the Almighty to for- 
 give sins on earth ; endeavouring, as way opened for it in my 
 own mind, to make suitable replies : at our leaving she expressed 
 her desire we might be converted and brought off from our heresies, 
 otherwise, as we were heretics, there was no salvation for us. 
 Trying as the opportunity was, I did not feel cause for regret, we 
 remained quiet and heard all she had to say. After meeting we 
 accomplished eight visits, in all of which we were kindly received, 
 notwithstanding which we were obliged to cut this day's work 
 shorter than usual : partly from debility and a cold from the chills 
 that at times came over me, my voice became so weak I scarcely 
 could speak to be heard. Seventh-day morning, accompanied by my 
 kind friend John Tollerton, v/e proceeded to Marlborough-street, 
 calling upon all on this side of the water we had not yet found at 
 home. We were generally so well received, to me it felt like 
 going round to members of our own religious Society, to give 
 advice respecting some branches of our testimonies : thus closed 
 another week's work to account for to that God who alone sees the 
 heart and what our real motives to action are, and will reward us 
 accordingly. 
 
 First-day attended Meath-street meeting in the morning ; in 
 the afternoon Sycamore alley, in which we were favoured with the 
 good presence of him who is God and changes not, but from 
 everlasting to everlasting nigh at hand, and not afar off to lielp 
 those who continue to rely upon him. Second-day, thirteenth of 
 Eighth month, 181 1, 1 left my quarters desirous to try to do my best 
 this day in prosecuting our visit; but from the great nervous de- 
 bility I was labouring under, I became so dispirited I found my- 
 self unequal to make any effort. Third-day attended Meath- 
 street meeting and the monthly meetinjr. Fourth-day, accom- 
 panied by my kind friend Richard Webb, we bent our course to 
 Patrick-street, but in consequence of the crowd of people that 
 collected round us, we were obliged to proceed to another part of 
 the city. We were favoured to accomplish seventeen visits to 
 day, generally satisfactory. Fifth day, accompanied by my kind 
 friend Richard Webb, we again bent our course to Patrick-street. 
 The first call we made we met with a determined repulse. The 
 next place we came to all things were made easy for us ; the op- 
 portunity, a favoured one both to visitors and visited : a good de- 
 gree of thoughtfulness appeared to be excited in the minds of the
 
 154? JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 man and his wife, who, in a feehng manner, acknowledged their 
 thankfulness for the visit, whereby we were afresh encouraged to 
 be willing to put on strength in the name of the Lord, who has 
 thus far led us about and instructed us by the repulses and at 
 other times open receptions we met with, that we have nothing at 
 our command, but must look to, and in full confidence lean on 
 Him that has the key of David, who, when he shuts none can 
 open, and when he opens none can shut. The next place we 
 halted at the master of the house looked fiercely at us, and as if he 
 had resolved to oppose and perplex us, behaving snappishly, ask- 
 ing me what I wanted — would I give him an order for whiskey. 
 People, who from their appearance and behaviour were disorderly 
 characters, crowded in after us, gave me an unfavourable idea of 
 consequences ; yet I was led to believe, if I followed the counsel 
 of my good Guide, gloomy as our situation appeared, I must not 
 desert my post, but maintain my standing patiently amongst 
 them. I therefore laid hold on the courage thus mercifully held 
 out for my acceptance, and requested the man of the house quietly 
 to sit down, and I would let him know what had brought me to his 
 house, asking him if there were any mistress, if so, I should like 
 to have her company : he said, he had three mistresses, for that 
 was the way he lived, saying, the Turks had many mistresses. I 
 found it required of me patiently to hear all he had to say how- 
 ever painful it might be : truth being stronger than that opposing 
 spirit by which he had been actuated, he gradually became quiet 
 and softened down in his mind, manifesting a willingness to hear 
 what I had to offer, and at our parting showed a kind disposition 
 towards us, expressing the desire he felt to attend to the advice 
 given him, and all ended quietly. The crowd continuing to follow 
 us we were constrained to leave Patrick-street again : by taking 
 another direction, we were enabled to accomplish nineteen visits 
 to-day. 
 
 Sixth-day attended Sycamore-alley meeting, in which fresh 
 cause was in mercy vouchsafed to acknowledge, that the shout of 
 the King immortal is still in unmerited mercy to be heard amongst 
 us. After meeting we accomplished twelve sittings, our last as 
 trying as any we have at all met with. The man having heard of 
 our coming appeared to have set himself in battle array, meeting 
 us in a taunting way with his hat in his hand, saying, his thus 
 meeting us was out of respect, making a great profession of his 
 respect for our religious Society, telling us he was a convert to the 
 Romish church. His ferocious countenance, the turbulent tem- 
 per he evinced, his large figure as a man, and the unfavourable 
 impression my mind received of the company that was drinking, 
 if I durst, I gladly would have quitted again ; but keeping in the 
 patience until he had wasted all his ammunition : the way then 
 feeling to be clear for me to attempt it, 1 endeavoured to lay be-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 155 
 
 fore him, notwithstanding all the profession he had made, of his 
 safety as to salvation, the danger of his being deceived at last in 
 this momentous matter : exhorting him to be willing to turn to 
 that living principle in his own heart and mind which would give 
 him to see the dangerous situation he was in whilst he continued 
 in that gall of bitterness and those bonds of iniquity he was suf- 
 fering himself to be bound by. He received what I had to offer 
 without interruption, became more calm, sitting down desiring me 
 to communicate all I had in commission for him, saying, he was 
 willing to receive it. Feeling my mind discharged from any thing 
 further to communicate, we departed, and left him to that Almighty 
 Power that had in mercy broken in degree his hard heart. Seventh- 
 day proceeded to Patrick-street, where we were roughly handled 
 at the quay ; our lot was again cast in one of those houses occu- 
 pied by disorderly females : the mistress and her depraved com- 
 pany treated us with respect. I felt much for my companion, 
 diffident and unacquainted with such haunts of wickedness. I 
 endeavoured in very plain terms to set before the keeper of the 
 house her reproachful conduct in upholding such an establishment, 
 warning her against that which she must expect will eventually 
 be the consequence hereafter, if she continued to allow of such 
 evil practices as she well knew had been going forward in her 
 house, and with her free consent. She appeared to receive kindly 
 what was offered : at our parting her countenance, and that of her 
 company, manifesting such a degree of thoughtfulness, 1 was led 
 to hope the impressions made on their minds would not in every 
 case, like the early dew, soon pass away. 
 
 First-day attended Meath-street meeting : my unfaithfulness 
 therein caused me to leave it under distressing feelings of mind ; 
 yet what a mercy we should acknowledge it to be when we fall 
 short in the faithful discharge of duty to our God, although in a 
 way humiliating to the creature, he follows us by these reproofs of 
 instruction that they may prove the way to life, by animating us 
 with greater earnestness to wrestle for those daily supplies of that 
 faith which alone can give the victory over all that would let and 
 hinder our progress in faithfully following our heavenly Guide. In 
 conversation after meeting, with a fellow-traveller in the hope and 
 fellowship of the gospel, it appeared that my unfaithfulness had 
 been a two-fold loss to the meeting by my sitting in her way : when 
 the beautiful order of the gospel is thus broken in vipon, what a 
 loss it may prove to those assembled ! Attended Sycamore-alley 
 in the afternoon : my obedience being again put to the test, by 
 being brought to a wilhngness to become any thing or nothing as 
 my Divine Master willed I should be. He was pleased to con- 
 descend to give me strength to offer to the meeting that which I 
 humbly hope I may say 1 was commissioned with, whereby 1 left 
 peacefully. Second-day : my nature was much disposed to plead 
 inability to turn out and have a storm to endure ; but as no ex-
 
 J 56 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 cuse I was given to see would acquit me of wilful rebellion against 
 the grain of faith in mercy dispensed in this needful time, accom- 
 panied by my kind friend Thomas Fayle, we proceeded, and after 
 accomplishing eleven visits, many of which were very trying to 
 hun)an nature, I was obliged to go home and rest the remainder 
 of the day. Third-day attended Meath-street meeting. Fourth- 
 day, accompanied by my kind friend William Birkett, jun., we 
 made an early turn out : during the course of the day we accom- 
 plished twenty-five visits ; generally well received, except in a few 
 instances. One man telling us we ought to be burnt, that the 
 earth might be rid of us : we were preserved quiet, not making 
 any reply to his observations, but when an opportunity occurred 
 I expressed that which appeared to be given me for him, wiiich he 
 quietly heard ; became more calm ; and on our quitting followed 
 us along the street, expressing the desire which he felt for a fur- 
 ther opportunity, but it appeared safest for me to tell him I must 
 leave him to that law within which he had acknowledged his belief 
 in, and by which he would sooner or later be judged. He parted 
 from us in an apparently agreeable disposition of mind. Thus, 
 from time to time, how wonderful has been the display of the 
 Divine Power, causing the lion to lie down with the lamb, and 
 giving us to experience it still to be a truth, that there is neither 
 hurting nor destroying in all God's holy mountain, so long as 
 there is a continuing to act under the influence of his fear, we are 
 preserved from hurting others, and others are restrained from 
 harming us. 
 
 Fifth-day. accompanied by my kind friend William Birkett, jun., 
 we bent our course to Dury-lane and Minion-square : had some 
 interesting opportunities to-day in two families where there were 
 several children grown up to maturity. Our visit appeared to be 
 acceptable both to parents and children. On entering one house, 
 a man was drinking, who, from his appearance. I supposed to be 
 a Catholic priest, from whom I expected opposition, and would 
 gladly have requested the man of the house to give me his com- 
 pany in a private room, but this I clearly saw would not make for 
 peace ; we therefore took the man of the house into the common 
 drin king-room. My fears respecting the man who was drinking 
 were soon realized : no sooner had we taken our seats with the 
 man of the house, but this man attacked me, saying, I had no 
 right to interfere with the members of their church, which was 
 the only true one, and theirs the only true ministers, all others 
 were but deceivers. As he manifested a desperately revengeful 
 disposition, I suffered him to spend himself without replying to 
 any thing he had to say. On his ceasing to say more I sat quiet 
 awhile, and then gave the man of the house that which I believed 
 had been given me for him, which I was suffered to do without 
 being interrupted, this man's spirit appearing chained. When we 
 were about to depart, this priest-like man gave us his hand, and
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 157 
 
 wisth it his blessing. Nineteen visits being accomplished, this 
 clay closed under a grateful sense, that through the daily fresh 
 supplies of holy help this arduous engagement was fast advancing 
 to a termination. Sixth-day attended Sycamore-alley meeting, 
 and accomplished eleven visits, generally satisfactory ; but in con- 
 sequence of the crowd we were rather inconvenienced. Seventh- 
 day, accompanied by my kind friend William Birkett, jun,, we 
 called on such as we did not find at home or had been denied, and 
 way was made for us to clear off our list, thirty-five. Thus 
 another week closed with songs of thanksgiving and praise in my 
 heart for the help already in mercy extended. 
 
 First day attended Meath-street meeting in the morning, in 
 which there was the sound of an alarm went forth to such as were 
 negligent in the attendance of week-day meetings, and in a due 
 observance of the time appointed. Attended Sycamore-alley 
 meeting in the afternoon : a quiet favoured time. Second-day, 
 accompanied by my kind friend Robert Hudson, seventeen visits 
 were accomplished. At one place the man of the house told us, 
 he had been to confession yesterday, and that was enough for him ; 
 his priest had done all for him he stood in need of. I was led to 
 believe he had given us a correct description of the state of his 
 mind : whole, needing no physician but his priest. Third-day 
 morning, accompanied by my kind friend Robert Hudson, we 
 bent our course to Barrack-street. Our first visit, from the ap- 
 pearance of the keepers of the house, the company that was drink- 
 ing, and the female lookers-on, caused me to tremble. On my 
 requesting the keepers of the house to afford me an opportunity 
 with them, they complied beyond what I had anticipated. The 
 companies that were drinking followed us, quietly taking their seats. 
 1 was led in a very plain home manner towards the keepers of the 
 house ; laying before them what they had to expect would be the 
 sad consequences of their continuing shaking their hands with 
 iniquity as they were now doing. Great quietness was observed, 
 and there was reason to hope what was delivered made an impres- 
 sion on the minds of the keepers of the house and some of their 
 customers. The man of the house, when we were about to leave, 
 in a humble manner acknowledged his consciousness of guilt, and 
 his desire to attend to the counsel he had received. After we left 
 the house, my companion told me, fears were excited in his mind 
 when the people followed us in such numbers, and heard the plain 
 manner I had to labour with the people of the house. We next 
 attended Meath-street meeting, wliich was small ; after which we 
 pursued our visits, which, in most instances, were satisfactory, and 
 this afternoon closed this humiliating engagement in the city and 
 suburbs, having had in all about six hundred sittings. 
 
 Sixth-day attended Sycamore-alley meeting: at the close of 
 which the committee met, to whom I opened a prospect of duty
 
 158 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 to visit the Protestant and Romish bishops, and the mayor and 
 sheriffs ; after mature deliberation, it was concluded to refer the 
 subject to the select members, who met, but not being able to 
 come to a judgment, referred it to the committee and the select 
 members, jointly. First-day morning attended Meath-street 
 meeting, at the close of which the joint-committee met, and ad- 
 journed to Third-day. Although, from a desire 1 felt to clear out 
 of Dublin, this suspense was rather trying to human nature ; yet 
 I hope I was favoured to esteem it a mercy from my Heavenly 
 Father in having my mind at rest respecting the disposal of my 
 religious prospects, now under the care of my Friends, and care- 
 ful for nothing respecting them. Aware how needful it was for 
 me not to over act my part by cutting and carving for myself, or 
 in any way dictating to the joint-committee, but aiming at abiding 
 passive as to the result of the committee's deliberation. Third- 
 day attended Meath-street meeting ; at the close of which the 
 joint-committee met, liberating me to visit the mayor and sheriff's ; 
 but as fears were excited in the minds of some of the committee 
 a visit to the bishops might endanger unpleasant controversy, way 
 did not open to liberate me to make such a visit: endeavouring to 
 give this subject all the consideration I was capable of, I was not 
 able to come at any such separation in my own mind, believing a 
 visit to the bishops being as much a continuation of the visit I 
 had been engaged in, as one to the mayor and sheriff's ; I there- 
 fore found my safety was in standing still for the present. Sixth- 
 day attended Sycamore-alley meeting, at the close of which the 
 joint-committee was called together, when I gave Friends the view 
 I had taken of the conclusion the committee had come to, and 
 that I felt the subject for the present so completely at rest in my 
 own mind. 
 
 The way opening for me to move towards the North again, I 
 requested, if no objection arose to my proceeding, some Friend 
 would stand ready to take charge of me, and should the subject 
 of my proposed visit to the mayor, sheriffs, and bishops, on my 
 return to the city, revive, I stood resigned again to call upon my 
 Friends for their aid in its accomplishment. This conclusion, I 
 was thankful to find, was satisfactory to the committee, it having 
 felt trying to me any thing like clashing in sentiment should ap- 
 pear, feeling bound in Gospel love to the Friends of Dublin. 
 Seventh-day, accompanied by my kind friend William Birkett, 
 jun., we proceeded to Mountmelick, where I was kindly cared for 
 by James and Hulda Pim. First-day attended the two meetings 
 there. Second-day rode to Rathaugan. Fifth-day, accompanied 
 1)y my kind friend William Beal, proceeded to Mountrath ; at- 
 tended meeting there. Sixth-day made an agreeable visit to a 
 Friend and her numerous family, at North Grove. Seventh-day, 
 accompanied by my kind friend William Neale, we rode to Moate.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 159 
 
 First-day attended meeting there. Third-day we rode to Bally- 
 murie. Friends having been informed of our proposed visit, in- 
 formed their neighbours, who eame flocking to the meeting, which 
 tried me not a little, my prospects being confined to Friends. 
 The meeting, I believe, proved satisfactory to all parties : those 
 not professing with Friends expressing their unity with the truths 
 of the Gospel that had been delivered. On Sixth-day I was 
 favoured to reach my kind friend Thomas C. Wakefield's, at 
 Moyallen. 
 
 First-day attended meeting at Grange, near Charlemont : the 
 day being wet, the meeting was small. I was rejoiced in once 
 more being permitted to sit with Friends here, which rejoicing I 
 beheve was mutually felt. We took up our abode with our kind 
 friend William Greer. Fourth-day attended Ballinderry meet- 
 ing : the weather continuing wet, the meeting was thinly attended. 
 Fifth-day attended Lisburn meeting. Sixth-day proceeded by 
 coach to Dublin, where 1 was favoured to arrive safely. On 
 Seventh-day morning, feeling drawings in my mind to attend the 
 quarterly meeting for the province of Leinster, to be held at 
 Moate, as time would not allow of my seeking up a companion, 
 I proceeded from the coach to the canal-boat, where I unexpect- 
 edly had the company of my kind friend Robert Fayle : we reached 
 TuUymore in the evening. First-day morning reached Moate. 
 The two meetings this day were large, — seasons in which we were 
 favoured with a fresh evidence that Divine mercy still follows us 
 as a religious body, in order that those testimonies which some of 
 our forefathers sealed with their natural lives may not be suffered 
 to fall to the ground again, through a spirit of lukewarmness and 
 the love of the world gaining the ascendency over us, their suc- 
 cessors in profession. Second-day the quarterly meeting for dis- 
 cipline commenced. The hint given not to stand in the meet- 
 ing-house yard when the meeting should be gathered, being at- 
 tended to, the meeting settled down in quiet : the various matters 
 which occupied the attention of the meeting were conducted in 
 much harmony, and Friends separated under a thankful sense 
 hereof. Third-day the parting meeting was held : the presence 
 of the Great I Am being mercifully continued to us to the end of 
 our assembling together, caused feelings of gratitude to flow in 
 many of our minds. Fourth-day left Moate ; reached Dublin in 
 the evening. 
 
 Sixth-day attended Sycamore-alley meeting, at the close of 
 which I again claimed the attention of my Friends. Feeling 
 drawings in my mind to visit the drinking-houses in Killculen and 
 Neice continue with me, I was liberated to pursue these prospects 
 of duty. First-day attended the two meetings there. Second- 
 day, accompanied by my kind friend William Harding, we pro- 
 ceeded to Killculen ; made an attempt to proceed on the visit
 
 160 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 this evening, but the man of the house we first went to being in a 
 state of intoxication, we returned to our inn, having uniformly found 
 from experience evening was not a suitable time for these visits. 
 Third-day morning we again proceeded, and accomplished eight 
 visits, some of which were open and satisfactory ; but it was 
 evident that prejudice had entered the minds of others who re- 
 fused to receive us : having given all the offer, I left with a peace- 
 ful mind. We then bent our course to Neice : on our arrival 
 there, we were informed it was the time when the petty sessions 
 was to be held, which at our first hearing of it discouraged me, 
 expecting the houses would be in a bustle ; but as I was not able 
 to see otherwise than this was the right time to proceed, we con- 
 cluded to take the houses at the upper end of the town first, and 
 work our way towards the middle of the town, where the most of the 
 bustle was likely to be, and when we had accomplished thus far, 
 begin again at the lower end of the town, and proceed in like 
 manner: also hoping by the time that thus much of our visit was 
 completed, the principal of the bustle in the middle of the town 
 would have subsided. Although we met with much openness, 
 and had some satisfactory opportunities, yet, before we had 
 finished, we had cause for believing prejudice had obtained the 
 ascendency over some minds. After having about twenty sittings 
 we left Neice, and reached Dublin late this evening. On re- 
 clining my head to rest for the night, the retrospect of our little 
 act of dedication this day caused tears of gratitude to flow freely 
 for that Divine help that had been in mercy extended, for the ac- 
 complishment of it, which continued at times during the following 
 day. Sixth-day attended Sycamore-alley meeting, at the close of 
 which the joint-committee was convened. The subject formerly 
 spread before Friends coming again with that weight before my 
 mind as to warrant me calling the attention of the committee again 
 to the whole of my prospect of religious duty, as I at first spread 
 it before them, I accordingly did so. After these subjects had 
 been again maturely weighed and considered, two Friends were 
 nominated to arrange for the several visits. 
 
 First-day attended Meath-street meeting in the morning, which 
 proved a season to some in which I believe heavenly bread was 
 dispensed. The afternoon meeting at Sycamore-alley was large. 
 Second-day morning, accompanied by my kind friend Jonathan 
 Hill, agreeable to appointment, we proceeded to the mansion- 
 house, and were cordially received by the mayor and one of the 
 sheriffs, the other being prevented through indisposition. Much 
 frankness Avas manifest in attending to the vatious subjects of 
 abuse 1 had to lay before them, as having come under my notice 
 during my visit to the city ; they freely acknowledging their con- 
 viction of the justness of my observations, and if I had remedies 
 to propose, to be free in my communicating them, being desirous
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 161 
 
 those remedies should be applied that were most likely to answer 
 the best end. After I had cast my views as to the remedies most 
 likely to effect that change, so desirable in various ways, in the city 
 and suburbs, we left them under, I humbly hope, a grateful 
 sense of Divine interference, in thus inclining their hearts to re- 
 ceive what I had to offer. From the ]Mansion-house, we next 
 went to the Roman Catholic bishop, who received us civilly. 
 I had but little to communicate to him, and that principally of a 
 nature tending to rouse him to consider the great load of respon- 
 sibility that rested on him, in consequence of that implicit de- 
 pendence the people are bound to place on the clergy ; laying 
 before him the sorrowful account they will have to give in a future 
 day, who are thus building up the people in this implicit de- 
 pendence on themselves, instead of turning the attention of the 
 people to Christ within, the only hope of glory ; and especially so 
 where they themselves do not endeavour to be found walking in 
 the footsteps of the flock of Christ's companions, and to use their 
 utmost influence and authority to suppress every appearance of 
 evil amongst those they are professing to take such an important 
 charge of. He assented to the truth of my observations, and we 
 took leave of each other with marks of kindness. 
 
 The Protestant bishop being in England, we proceeded to the 
 deanery in Cavan-street : the dean received us respectfully. My 
 chief engagement was to lay before him the need there was for the 
 clergy of the Protestant religion to be vigilant in their endeavours 
 to strengthen the hands of the magistrates, for the suppression of 
 the evil practices so many ways apparent in the city and suburbs, 
 which must come under his notice in passing through the streets; 
 and especially so, the abuse of the Sabbath (as it is called.) Shops 
 were open, cutlery goods were exposed for sale in the streets, house- 
 hold goods were moved as on other days, and in some of the drink- 
 ing-houses the evening of this day was spent in fiddling and dancing. 
 1 also observed that, although I was aware the bulk of the people 
 were Roman Catholics, yet I also knew the Protestants held the 
 reins of government ; and that it was my belief, that so far as 
 we are deficient in using our influence and authority, by not 
 properly exerting ourselves to remedy these and other evils that 
 abound, we become parties thereto in the Divine sight. On 
 our quitting, I informed the dean of my intention to call upon 
 the chief magistrate of the police, upon which he kindly offered 
 us a letter of introduction ; but arrangements having been al- 
 ready made for us, we declined his kind offer, and proceeded 
 to the Castle, where the dean was waiting to receive us, who ac- 
 companied my companion Robert Hudson and myself to the chief 
 magistrate's apartments, by whom we were kindly received. 1 in- 
 formed him of my engagements in the city and suburbs, and of the 
 observations I had made on the great immorality of the people, more 
 
 M
 
 162 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 especially as it respected drunkenness, and the reproachful manner 
 in which the First-day of the week was passed ; and I added, that 
 although I was well aware the chief actors in these abuses were 
 Roman Catholics, and that the bulk of the people were of this 
 religious profession, yet it should be remembered that the Pro- 
 testants held the reins of government, and therefore, except those 
 who are in authority exert their utmost influence and endeavours 
 to remedy these evils, the tendency of which must be the dis- 
 pleasure of Almighty God, they become parties in the guilt in the 
 Divine sight. The necessity of something being done was in a 
 very agreeable manner acknowledged, and a willingness shown to 
 receive any suggestion from me by way of remedy. After hav- 
 ing given my views on the different means of applying help, we 
 parted under feelings of regard, and took an affectionate leave of 
 the dean. 
 
 Although I felt cause to rejoice that way had been thus made for 
 me to obtain relief to my own mind, and that nothing had occurred 
 to produce controversy, I felt my nature so worn down, that I was 
 obliged to go home, and not attend the monthly meeting which 
 was then sitting, as I had wished to have done: the meeting 
 however adjourning to the evening, I gave in a short report of my 
 proceedings. 
 
 Fourth-day a meeting was appointed by Martha Brewster of 
 Bury in Suffolk, here on a religious visit; which proved a parting 
 meeting to me and many I dearly love on this side of the water, 
 and occasioned many tears to be shed. Way now being clearly 
 made for my departure to my own home, after a satisfactory sit- 
 ting with the select members and overseers, in the evening, 
 Martha Brewster, Susanna Stephens, William Midgeley, of Roch- 
 dale, and myself, accompanied by several friends, proceeded to 
 the Pigeon-house, and went on board the packet, Capt. Judd, for 
 Holyhead: after a passage of ten hours we landed safely. Seventh- 
 day we proceeded to Manchester. First-day morning attended 
 meeting there ; and in the afternoon sat with Friends of Roch- 
 dale. Second-day proceeded to Barnsley, where I was favoured 
 to find my dear wife well, my widowed daughter and grandchild 
 much recruited in their health, and my daughter"'s outward affairs 
 in every respect well cared for ; awakening in my mind the lan- 
 guage of, ** Return unto thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord 
 hath dealt bountifully with thee."
 
 1G3 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 In the 8th mo. 1812 I left my own home for Sheffield, to attend 
 a burial. On my way thither, before I reached the quarters I was 
 aiming at, (why, 1 knew not,) I was turned out of my road to 
 the house of a Friend ; there I unexpectedly fell into the com- 
 pany of a Friend from Bristol. Inquiring after Friends there 
 and in the neighbourhood, I was informed of the trying situa- 
 tion of Ann Fry, a Friend of French ay meeting, personally 
 unknown to me ; who from an apprehension of religious duty was 
 likely to visit the families of the colliers, miners, and a description 
 of men called the Gang, at Kingswood and in its neighbourhood. 
 Her monthly meeting, it appeared, had liberated her for the ser- 
 vice, and had selected a committee to assist her, but for want of 
 a companion she had not proceeded. The recital of the circum- 
 stance excited such feelings in my mind as to awaken in me a 
 disposition to repent my turning aside from the road I was tak- 
 ing to Sheffield, for my very heart felt as if it turned over, 
 through fear of what might be the consequence of my having so 
 done : but after leaving the Friend's house my mind became 
 pretty free from the subject. Soon after my return home, how- 
 ever, it revived with such weight that I was unable to come at 
 any settlement of mind, until I yielded to write to Ann Fry, re- 
 questing the outlines of her religious engagement ; I did so in 
 such a cautious way as not to leave ground for her supposing 
 more than sympathy for her in this arduous engagement had been 
 my motive, lest after trying the fleece I should find the will on 
 my part was accepted. Her reply did not produce that sort of 
 acquittal which I could gladly have accepted ; so that there was 
 no way for me to come at peace but by being willing to unite 
 with her in the service: I therefore cast myself upon my monthly 
 meeting for its disposal. A certificate being granted me, on First- 
 day, the fourth of Tenth month, I left my own home, attended 
 Sheffield meeting in the morning and Chesterfield in the afternoon. 
 Second-day walked to Derby : third-day to Lichfield. Fourth-day, 
 rode to Birmingham ; and attended the week-day meeting there. I 
 had to labour with the double-minded; it was hard to obtain full 
 relief to my own mind : reached Worcester this evening. Fiftk- 
 
 m'^
 
 164 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 day sat with Friends there, in which an evidence was mercifully 
 granted, that stripped as Friends here are from outward ministry, 
 the Minister of ministers was near to help those who were devoutly 
 depending upon him. After meeting walked to Tewkesbury : here 
 my mind was brought under exercise on account of several young 
 people at my quarters : by endeavouring to cast before them that 
 which was given me to communicate, 1 was enabled to go on my 
 way rejoicing ; whereby much of the toil of this day's work was 
 diminished. Seventh-day evening reached the abode of my kind 
 friend Joseph Fry, at Frenchay, although much exhausted with 
 my long travel, yet abundantly rewarded in mind, by a hope 
 that my movements thus far had been in the line of Divine ap- 
 pointment. 
 
 11th of 10th mo. First-day I attended meeting here, at the close 
 of which Friends were requested to stop, to whom I produced 
 my certificate, allowing me to accompany my kind friend Ann 
 Fry in her religious visit, which appeared to meet the general 
 concurrence of Friends of the meeting. In the afternoon we em- 
 barked in this arduous engagement, proceeding to a cluster of cot- 
 tages about a mile from our home : here we collected the occupiers 
 of them into one cottage most commodious for the purpose, with 
 whom we had a quiet, and we had reason to believe, to many of 
 them, a satisfactory meeting. Quitting these cottagers, we found 
 a number of men standing by the road-side, and made a halt, with 
 whom we had good service, they appearing to receive what we 
 had to offer to them kindly. We then returned home, with minds 
 filled with gratitude for this beginning. Second-day we proceeded 
 
 towards : making a halt at some cottages, my companion 
 
 laboured to collect them into the one most commodious for their 
 reception. At our first sitting down with them they manifested so 
 much unsettlement, going out and coming in, that I was dis- 
 couraged ; but after a time of sore exercise of both faith and 
 patience, a considerable company was prevailed upon to take 
 their seats quietly. I trust it may be said, not only matter was 
 given suitable to states present, but a willingness brought about 
 in many of their minds to receive it. We left them under a 
 thankful sense that best help had been near both to visited and 
 visitors. At another cottage, about forty persons were collected: 
 in a short time great quietness prevailed, many countenances 
 manifestinii' solidity and attention to what was offered. We 
 were helped to labour amongst them in the love of the gospel, 
 accompanied with a belief that the truths delivered were re- 
 ceived with gladness by many. We proceeded to work- 
 house : the company there consisted of aged persons and children, 
 about twenty in all, but in a miserably neglected condition. After 
 having a quiet opportunity with them, we had such free conversa- 
 tion with one of the parishioners relative to the neglected state wc
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 165 
 
 found these poor creatures in, that we were led to hope they would 
 be better looked after in future. 
 
 Third-day we bent our course towards Mangotsfield. On our 
 way a man, thrashing in a barn, caught the eye of my companion; 
 we left the high-road and made up to him : on our approach his 
 countenance appeared care-worn, and weighed down with anxiety 
 of mind. We found him a more intelligent man than the gener- 
 ality of those we had met with : on inquiry into his situation, it 
 appeared he had a wife and nine children to support, and his own 
 earnings all he had to depend upon to meet his expences. The 
 counsel we had to impart appeared a word in due season, and re- 
 ceived as a cordial to his poor tried mind. I felt truly thankful my 
 companion had thus given way to the impressions of her mind on 
 this occasion. We proceeded to the cottage of a collier ; on 
 entering which my nature recoiled, at viewing the filth that sur- 
 rounded us : the neighbours crowding in, the place was nearly 
 full : we had an open opportunity amongst them, accompanied 
 with a hope that our labour would not all be in vain : our visit 
 appeared to be kindly received by most of them, A large room 
 being offered us to hold a meeting in, we accepted of it, and at four 
 this afternoon we assembled : near one hundred men, women, and 
 children were collected. Unacquainted as they generally were with 
 the manner of our meetings, and considering the rough uncultivated 
 state in which they are brought up, their quiet behaviour was to us 
 admirable: we could not doubt but that the opportunity was a time 
 of Divine favour to many. My companion's mind being drawn to 
 make a visit to some soldiers in the neighbourhood, we pro- 
 ceeded to their quarters, and obtained a sitting with them. We 
 had reason to believe the counsel imparted was well received : they 
 acknowledged their sense of the good we intended them, and 
 their desire to keep in view what had been communicated : we 
 then returned home, humbly thankful to Israel's shepherd, in thus 
 mercifully caring for us another day. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the meeting at Frenchay : afterwards we 
 visited four families in their cottages : our visit was well received. 
 After which we visited three public-houses, in which we found 
 much company, some full of liquor : had opportunities both with 
 the keepers of the houses and their customers, by whom we were 
 generally treated with great civility ; our visit appcciring to be re- 
 ceived well by most of them. Our next visit was to some soldiers in 
 their mess-room : on our first entering, appearances were discourag- 
 ing, the fife and fiddle playing, and their minds appeared all a- 
 fioat ; but on my requesting them to lay their diversions aside, 
 they complied, and sat down quietly with us, many giving proof 
 that their minds were impressed with what was offered. May 
 these instances of Divine interference prove a fresh excitement to 
 faithfulness and a renewed cause for thankfulness.
 
 166 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Sixth day we bent our course toward the parish of Mangotsfield: 
 had numerous visits amongst colhers and others: and found a 
 willingness to receive what we had to offer. We were comforted in 
 observing so much sensibihty in things of the greatest importance, 
 which we met with amongst this degraded, uneducated portion 
 of our fellow-creatures ; and that First-day schools were establishing 
 in this dark and long-neglected part of the nation : yet we had to 
 lament the want of better qualified teachers in these schools ; but a 
 hope was awakened in our minds that time would apply a remedy, 
 as many well-disposed individuals in the neighbourhood were exert- 
 ing themselves in the proper care of these schools. During this 
 day's labour our minds were deeply affected with the instances of 
 human misery we met with amongst the aged sick and infant poor. 
 In the evening we bent our course to Hambrook ; visited the 
 public-house there, and saw about sixteen soldiers in their mess- 
 room. On our first entering some of them appeared so dis- 
 posed to giddiness, that I feared we should have met with rude 
 behaviour ; but through the kind and merciful interference of 
 our Divine Master, on my requesting them to take their seats, 
 they became quiet, and sat down soberly with us, manifesting a 
 disposition of mind to receive what was offered. At our part- 
 ing, it appearing due from me to apologize for our thus intruding 
 ourselves into their apartment, whilst they united in expressions of 
 obligation on their part for our visit. I trust we were not defi- 
 cient in our sense of gratitude to that good Power who, having 
 appointed us such an humiliating path, had thus mercifully and 
 wonderfully cared for us through another day. 
 
 Seventh-day, our lot was cast amongst some who profess to be the 
 followers of George Whitfield : although we found it difficult to 
 come at silence amongst them, yet as patience under our sufferings 
 of mind on this account was abode in, it was obtained, and I trust 
 it may be said, we had good service amongst some of those we 
 thus met. In one visit to a young couple, three young men 
 came into their cottage whilst we were sitting in quiet, who ap- 
 peared giddy and disposed to interrupt us; but by our endeavour- 
 ing to keep under our exercise, it evidently spread like leaven 
 through the whole company : their minds evincing a becoming 
 degree of serious thoughtfulness, a full opportunity was afforded us 
 to relieve our minds : may the praise alone be given to that High 
 and Holy One who inhabiteth eternity and dwelleth on high, for 
 his merciful interference on our behalf this day, by quieting the 
 minds of those we had to labour with, whereby the yoke was made 
 easy and the burden light. 
 
 First-day, our first visit was to an aged couple, whose situation 
 every way appeared deplorable ; void of outward comforts, and, 
 from remarks which escaped their lips, there was every reason to 
 fear they were totally unacquainted with the Comforter within. We
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 167 
 
 laboured to bring them to a proper sense of their dangerous situa- 
 tion, but all appeared of no avail : we could not divest our minds 
 of a fear that ignorance was not the cause of their being sunk into 
 this lamentable situation: they were on the very verge of eternity, 
 but a confirmed indifference prevailed respecting things of the 
 greatest importance. We left them under painful impressions: may 
 this case prove a stimulus to us to seek for holy help, to use all 
 diligence in the faithful performance of every religious duty during 
 our few remaining days here below. Our next call was at the cot- 
 tage of another aged couple, if possible, more void of outward com- 
 forts than those we had just left, but evidently abounding with 
 that inward consolation which sweetens every bitter cup, which in 
 the ordering of Divine Wisdom may be permitted to be dispensed. 
 The tender frame of mind we found them in, and the gratitude 
 our visit excited, enabled us to go on our way under some degree 
 of rejoicing. After other visits to cottages, we visited a First- 
 day school, held at a meeting-house called a Bethel, where about 
 two hundred children are educated : we first had a sitting with 
 the children, and then with the managers by themselves, dvir- 
 ing which we had to labour with the overseers, setting before 
 them the necessity there was for them in good earnest to experi- 
 ence on their part a correspondency of conduct and converse with 
 the doctrines, precepts, and example of our Holy Redeemer, in 
 order that their endeavours for the children's future welfare might 
 be blest to them : our visit was kindly received, A room offered 
 to hold a meeting in, was accepted : about forty persons assem- 
 bled : the meeting was conducted with much quiet, and we had 
 reason to believe the people departed satisfied. This day's work 
 has afresh confirmed us in the belief, notwithstanding the rough, 
 uncultivated manners of those we here mixed with, that there 
 is something stirring amongst them that is precious : in some 
 places it appeared to us that it might be truly said, the fields 
 were white already to harvest : O for faithful labourers by exam- 
 ple! may it please the Divine Husbandman to send such amongst 
 them. What fresh cause is there for thankfulness on our parts, 
 that we have thus been favoured with holy help, (as I humbly 
 hope,) whereby another day has been well closed. 
 
 Second-day we bent our course to Downend ; in the first cottage 
 we entered we found three small children left quite by themselves. 
 Inquiring after their parents, we found that the father had been 
 killed in a coal-pit, and the mother was gone out to a day's work. 
 We could not but deplore their unprotected situation, and yet 
 we had met with more pitiable cases, much larger families left 
 to struggle with almost starvation. The repetition of this same 
 language almost daily assailed our ears, " My husband, my sons, 
 were killed in the pit." The destitute situation in which these 
 widows and their fatherless children were left, was cause at times
 
 168 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 of our going mourning on our way, especially so on observing the 
 apparent indifference manifested by some of the men thus era- 
 ployed, to the dangers to which they were daily so exposed : 
 when we have endeavoured to awaken them to a true sense thereof, 
 and persuaded them to seek to the Almighty for help, so as to live 
 in his fear continually, and thus be prepared to leave this world, 
 should it be their lot suddenly to be called out of time, some of 
 the more thoughtful would reply, when they did rightly strive to 
 turn their attention towards these subjects, the largeness of their 
 families, the high price of provisions, and their difficulties were 
 such, that these cares and perplexities dissipated their good 
 thoughts and desires. Willing as I trust we were to sympathize 
 with them under their accumulated difficulties, I am persuaded 
 our feelings fell very short of what must at times have been their 
 experience. Many were the visits accomplished this day to the 
 habitations of misery and woe ; nothing but a sense of duty could 
 have supported our minds and carried us through : it closed 
 with a meeting of upwards of thirty men, women, and chil- 
 dren. 
 
 Third day morning we bent our course towards Kingswood, 
 and met with some truly seeking minds. We had an opportunity 
 with a professor and his wife, at whose house a meeting is weekly 
 held by some of the society of Methodists. We encouraged them 
 to be in good earnest, frequently to consult the Divine law within 
 them, and to seek for holy help, that the general tenour of 
 their conduct and converse might correspond therewith : we re- 
 minded them also of the conspicuous situation they liad placed 
 themselves in amongst their neighbours, whose eyes would be upon 
 them. Although this day we were at times made sad from be- 
 holding the abject situation of so many of our dear fellow-crea- 
 tures, destitute, as they appeared to be, of every outward comfort; 
 yet our minds were also comforted under a hope, that if the work of 
 I'ighteousness began, (as we believed was the case in some of their 
 minds,) and was suffered to go forward according to the wnll of that 
 Almighty Power who had thus begun this good work, their out- 
 ward condition would become so improved, that their example would 
 spread and prevail amongst their neighbours. Notwithstanding the 
 depraved countenances of some with whom we have sat, the rough 
 and uncultivated manner in which they at first received us, and the 
 unwillingness they manifested to attend to our entreaties, it rarely 
 occurred but that at our parting some evident proofs have been 
 manifested of a sensibility on their part of the need there was for 
 them to be in good earnest about their immortal souls. This day 
 closed with a large meeting of colliers, their wives and others, 
 many of whom appeared to be reached with what was cast before 
 them in the line of the ministry : the time of silence being owned 
 by the over-shadowing of the immediate influence of the Spirit of
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 369 
 
 Christ, the way was prepared for the reception of what was com- 
 municated, whereby many of them became humbled and contrited 
 before the Lord. When the meeting ch)sed, several of the 
 company requested they might be remembered again in the same 
 way : may the praise be given to that Almighty Power, who, 
 jffhen he calls to tiie work, fails not to give strength proportioned 
 to the trials of each day. Fourth day, our first visit was to a 
 young man, a collier, who, from his own acknowledgment, had 
 been awakened in an extraordinary manner to a sense of his sin- 
 ful state ; strength had been mercifully given him to break off 
 from his wicked practices, and to turn his back upon all his evil 
 associates ; having run well for a time, he became united in mem- 
 bership with the society of the Methodists, but through unwatch- 
 fulness, he sorrowfully lost ground again ; hereby crucifying the Son 
 of God afresh, and putting him, as he acknowledged, to open 
 .shame, by totally deserting every plaoe of religious worship, and 
 joining himself to his former wicked companions : his mind ap- 
 peared to be awfully impressed with a sense of the deplorable situ- 
 ation he had plunged himself into, and the sad consequences that 
 eventually must result, without a change in his present mode 
 of spending his time, which change he declared he despaired 
 of ever being favoured to witness, giving it as his belief no 
 door of hope would ever be again opened to him. We deeply 
 deplored his situation, not only as it respected himself, but that 
 which to us appeared might be the sad consequences likely to re- 
 sult to others through his fall. As ability was afforded, we laboured 
 to encourage him to seek earnestly for the return of that help 
 which he once had found to be all-sufhcient, but this he considered 
 unavailing : he appeared to receive our visit kindly ; we left him 
 deploring his miserable situation. Our next visit was to a collier 
 and his wife, in profession with the Wesleyan Methodists ; the 
 man appeared fast advancing to his final close, but in such a sweet, 
 resigned frame of mind, that our sitting with them was as a cor- 
 dial to us, labouring, as we had been, under the painful feelings 
 which our last visit had excited. 
 
 Fifth-day we went to Kingswood ; made several visits. In 
 the afternoon we had a meeting in a room used sometimes by 
 the Methodists, and another in the evening in a different direction, 
 both to good satisfaction. At the breaking up of each the people 
 importuned us to have another meeting with them : the night 
 was very dark, and the roads almost impassable in day-time, we 
 esteemed it a mercy that we reached home without accident. Sixth- 
 day we went to Liston parish : our first visit was to an aged 
 couple ; the woman had been confined to her bed five years, to 
 whom we were enabled to impart such counsel as made our visit 
 acceptable, if we may judge from the affection they manifested at 
 our leaving them. The two next cottages we visited were occu-
 
 170 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 pied by widows, whose husbands had been killed in a coal-pit : 
 they were left in a destitute situation, so that they were obliged to 
 force their boys to work in the pit almost before their strength 
 was equal to the labour required, to get bread for the family, and 
 thus they were thrown into the society of those whose example was 
 likely to have a tendency to corrupt tlieir morals. How should 
 the very recital of cases like these, produce gratitude in the minds 
 of both parents and children who are not placed in such trying 
 situations. Should it not be the heart-felt inquiry. What shall I 
 render to the Lord for all his multiplied benefits ? and ought there 
 not to be an unreserved willingness to sacrifice all he is calling 
 for ? My companion feeling drawings in her mind to have a 
 meeting in this neighbourhood, it was concluded to accept of the 
 use of one of these cottages for the purpose, and that notice 
 should be given for ten o'clock on First-day morning. Our next 
 visit was to the poor but comfortable cottage of a blind woman, 
 who lived alone and was far advanced in life. We found her 
 busily occupied in scraping and picking potatoes, which she per- 
 formed with great dexterity. She informed us, with expressions of 
 gratitude, that the parish allowed her two shillings and six pence 
 per week, and this we understood was the whole she had with cer- 
 tainty to depend upon. We considered her as perfect a picture of 
 contentment as we had yet met with. I could not see in her helpless 
 condition, for want of sight, how she could spare any thing for rent, 
 and therefore concluded the cottage was her own ; but question- 
 ing her on this subject, she replied, her cottage belonged to her 
 next neighbour, and to satisfy him for the use of it she weekly 
 washed the linen for his family, herself finding soap and firing ; this 
 to us appeared the more extraordinary, having no means, we found, 
 to heat her water but in an iron pot on the range, which she told 
 us was carried by herself and poured into the wash-tub, to do 
 which appeared almost incredible; it surprised us she had es- 
 caped injury. On inquiry, we found her statement to be correct, 
 and that she was a clean washer : the neatness of her cottage, the 
 cleanliness of her apparel, though very old, was to us striking, but 
 above all her state of mind, the whole theme of her converse 
 abounded with gratitude and praise for the bounties heaven was 
 daily bestowing upon her. She was frequently the subject of our 
 conversation and admiration during the day, affording an instruc- 
 tive lesson of real contentment, with what by many would be 
 accounted very miserable fare and a very great deprivation. 
 
 We proceeded to Warmley, making calls as we passed along ; 
 one on a young woman nine months confined to her bed from ill 
 health ; but in addition to her bodily suffering, during our op- 
 portunity with her, it appeared she was labouring under distress 
 of mind, which she said arose from her class-leader having de- 
 serted her, (she being in connexion with the society of Method- 
 
 »»
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOK. I7I 
 
 ists.) After sitting awhile in silence, I felt it required of me to 
 query with her, if she had not reason to fear she had placed too 
 much dependence on what her class-leader could do for her, and 
 not enough looked to the Lord with that single eye and simple 
 dependence he called for ; she acknowledged she believed it had 
 been the case. I advised her to consider her class-leader deserting 
 her, as permitted in mercy to bring her to a true sense how little 
 instrumental help was to be depended upon, and to drive her 
 home to the only sure help in herself; I added, the subject of 
 of their class-meeting had occupied my mind, accompanied with 
 this conclusion, that there was reason to fear in these class- 
 meetings not a few preciously visited of the Lord, have been ex- 
 cited ito a premature disclosure of his merciful dealings with 
 them, thereby lavishing that on others which was only designed 
 for their own help and strength, and thus they have had nothing 
 left for themselves to look to or lean upon in times of proving ; 
 this she acknowledged she believed had been the case. After 
 recommending her to the best of all leaders, in herself, we parted 
 under a hope that her mind had received some consolation by our 
 visit. We then made a call at the dark, miserable abode of a collier, 
 who told us he had a wife and nine children ; of whom four sons 
 had just returned from their work in the pit; their black and grim 
 faces exhibited a discouraging appearance to my mind, so much so, 
 that my nature at first recoiled at the thoughts of sitting down with 
 them ; but keeping in the quiet I was raised above all opposing 
 difficulties. The man appeared to be seriously disposed, and 
 thoughtful about the best welfare of his numerous family : he, 
 with his wife and children, manifested satisfaction for the visit we 
 thus paid them, after which we returned home. 
 
 Seventh-day, we went to what is called the Cock-road, about 
 four miles from the city of Bristol, notorious for more than half 
 a century, as being the settlement of persons who are called the 
 Gang. The chief part of them, it has long been known, live by plun- 
 der, robbery, coining, horse-stealing, and every evil practice within 
 their reach, and have long been a terror to Bristol and the neigh- 
 bourhood round; all attempts to get rid of them have as yet 
 proved unavailing. First-day we went to' Wormley-common, 
 where a meeting was appointed to be held in a cottage: we found 
 about fifty persons assembled. We were much favoured during 
 the time of silence, by the presence of Him who was graciously 
 pleased to promise to be with those who are gathered in his 
 name, of which number a hope prevailed in our minds that some of 
 our company were. When the meeting closed, a man of respect- 
 able appearance came up to us, saying, he hoped good had been 
 done by the meeting, and that he believed we had been rightly sent 
 into this dark corner of the eai'th : he wished we could see it our 
 plan to come more frequently, not doubting but it would have its
 
 172 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 service. In the afternoon we attended a meeting in another part of 
 the common, which was large, and proved satisfactory, the people re- 
 questing we would have another meeting with them. After taking 
 refreshment we proceeded to Kingswood, to attend a meeting at 
 six this evening. '1 he weather proving wet, we expected a small 
 attendance, but the place was so crowded that many could not get 
 seats ; notwithstanding which, and their being unacquainted with our 
 manner of sitting together in silence, the meeting was agreeably 
 conducted, and ended satisfactorily. Before we left them, the peo- 
 ple requested we would have another meeting amongst them. 
 Thus closed a day of exercise, to the praise of Him, be it said, 
 who, when He puts forth, goes before, and prepares the way for 
 the reception of the seed he gives to scatter abroad amongst the 
 people. 
 
 Second-day, we went to the Cock-road, and continued visiting 
 from house to house, until we felt the need of our dinner, which 
 we generally took in our chaise, which mostly consisted of a bottle 
 of milk and slices of bread and butter. Whilst taking our re- 
 past, we were surrounded by a number of poor children, amongst 
 whom was a girl apparently about sixteen years of age, clad as 
 miserably as can well be conceived. On asking her why she did not 
 go to work, she told us, work was not to be had ; saying, " Some- 
 times I have victuals, and at other times I am obliged to go with- 
 out;" — she pointed with her fin<ier where her mother lived, and 
 said she was at home. Asking where her father was, she said, she 
 never had one. This reply led me to fear her mother was not a good 
 character. Having finished our repast, we considered in the best 
 way we were able, how far we might with peace to our own minds pass 
 the mother by : believing it would not be best for us to do so, we 
 proceeded to the house the girl pointed to, which we found to be 
 an abode of misery in every sense of the word. The mother, this 
 girl, two other women, and three illegitimate children were living 
 together, obtaining what little support they had by their evil prac- 
 tices. We sat down with them, and endeavoured faithfully to lay 
 before them the tendency of their manner of life, as it respected 
 themselves, their children, and others whom they were instru- 
 mental in drawing into their company, and the punishment that 
 awaited them without true repentance. At first they appeared to 
 soar above what we offered, and resented our interference, as 
 they termed it ; upon which I was ready to apprehend we were in 
 danger of receiving some gross insults, which they seemed very 
 capable of; but we were mercifully carried above this fear, strength 
 being given us to plead with them, until the Divine Witness in 
 their minds was evidently reached ; and they were so brought 
 down, as to evince some degree of contrition, acknowledging, at 
 our parting, their full belief that we wished them well, and that 
 they were obliged to us for the counsel we had given them. We
 
 6 
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 173 
 
 left them, thankful on our own account, humiliating as the in- 
 terview was, that we had been strengthened to maintain our 
 post. In the afternoon we had a large meeting with some of those 
 called Cock-roaders, or the Gang; which was quiet, and openness 
 was manifested to receive that which was communicated. Third- 
 day, we again went to the neighbourhood of the Gang, but the 
 day turning out wet, we soon returned home. The days becoming 
 very short, and the roads being in such a state as not to admit 
 of our going quickly over the ground, together with our distance 
 from Frenchay appearing likely to prevent our keeping at our 
 work as late at night as we conceived was necessary, lodging was 
 provided for us in the Cock-road, the best our kind friends were 
 able to procure. 
 
 Fourth-day, we attended meeting at Frenchay, which I trust 
 was a time of favour to the visited youth. After which we went 
 again to Cock-road. The first visit we made was to a woman who, 
 we were informed, kept as disorderly a house as any in the neigh- 
 bourhood, and who was a very immoral character herself. On 
 our laying before her the guilt in which she was implicated, by har- 
 bouring the company she did in her house, she at first treated our 
 remarks with contempt, saying, she knew she must answer for her 
 conduct herself: but by degrees she evinced a willingness to re- 
 ceive what we had further for her, assuring us of the desire which 
 she felt in future to conduct herself more orderly than she had 
 done, and not to suffer young persons to resort improperly to her 
 house as heretofore. She acknowledged, at our parting, she be- 
 lieved we wished her better than she had done herself. 1 was glad 
 when we were about to depart, not knowing but we were in dan- 
 ger of being insulted by a young man we found in her company. 
 My companion informed them of a meeting to be held in Cock- 
 road. Feeling ourselves much exhausted, we returned to 
 Frenchay. 
 
 Fifth-day, we went to Cock-road : made many visits ; much 
 openness to receive us and our testimony was manifested. In 
 the afternoon we proceeded to Hill-mount, where a meeting 
 was appointed to be held at four oVlock, but from some cause 
 unknown to us, the people did not generally assemble until 
 six o'clock ; notwithstanding this, although it proved a close ex- 
 ercise both of faith and patience, yet when the meeting closed, 
 a hope accompanied our minds, that we had been in the way of 
 our duty, and that the labour of this day would not all prove 
 in vain. At the close of the meeting, we took up our first night's 
 abode in the Cock-road. We had been previously informed the 
 house was so swarming with rats, that they came into the bed-rooms. 
 We had not long been in our sitting-room, before we heard them 
 passing between the partitions, from which I expected a sleepless 
 night ; but aware of the difficulty there was to procure suitable
 
 174 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 accommodation for us, wc endeavoured to submit, and thus 
 the night was passed over better than I could have expected ; for 
 which favour, I hope I may say, a becoming degree of thankful- 
 ness was the clothing of my mind, to Him whose power remains 
 all-sufficient to help us in every strait we may be brought 
 under, whilst pursuing the line of apprehended duty, if in simple 
 obedience we sufficiently rely upon Him. ^ 
 
 Sixth-day, proceeded to the parish of Birtton. Our first call was 
 at the miserable abode of five single sisters ; they existed together, 
 for it could hardly be called living. One of them appeared far gone 
 in a decline, possibly for want of necessaries ; another was afflicted 
 with fits ; a third looked starving from hunger and cold, exhibiting 
 a ghastly countenance. On our approach, one of them made her 
 escape, with scarcely clothes to cover her. The habitation, 
 within and without, as well as its inmates, exhibited the most 
 striking picture of human misery an artist could be supposed 
 to pourtray — neither bedsteads, bed, blankets, sheets, pillow, 
 bolster, table, chair, or household stuff of any kind, except two 
 stools, and some broken earthenware. On inquiry how they 
 passed these cold winter nights, we were informed they laid down 
 on the floor, which was paved with large stones, before the best 
 fire they were able to make up, the warmth from which, with the 
 few rags their cottage furnished, supplied the want of bed-covering. 
 They informed us their employ had been heading pins : their em- 
 ployer had failed. Two of them had one shilling each from the 
 parish, in addition to one shilling more which they earned, which was 
 the whole they had to subsist on. We could not but commiserate 
 their trying allotment in this world, and we endeavoured, as ability 
 was afforded, to turn their attention to the alone sure way of se- 
 curing that inward help and support, which would not fail them, 
 but would conduct them safely through all the trials of time, and 
 render unto them sure blessings, by producing the joyous fruits of 
 righteousness, and ultimately land them safe where no more sorrow 
 will be known. Our visit, I could not doubt, was kindly received 
 by them. My companion stated to a Friend of Bristol their case,^ 
 whereby bedding and other articles were furnished them. 
 
 We proceeded to finish this part of Cock-road, and made many 
 visits, some of which were relieving to our minds. We halted 
 at a public-house, where we met a considerable company of men, 
 who appeared to live in idleness and fulness of bread, producing 
 wantonness ; and we had no doubt, from circumstances, that they 
 were a party of those called the Gang; with whom, I believe we 
 may say, we endeavoured to deal plainly — the fear of man being 
 mercifully taken away. They behaved towards us with much civi- 
 lity, and appeared to receive kindly what we had to declare. We 
 had a large meeting this evening at Hill-mount, which was con- 
 ducted in a quiet, orderly manner. The meeting holding late, the
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 175 
 
 night very dark, and by-roads to travel, roads as bad as can well 
 be conceived, our journey appeared perilous ; but by our driver 
 walking, and at times doing his best to prevent our being upset, 
 we were favoured to reach our lodging safely, for which we felt 
 truly thankful. We did not apprehend danger from the Gang, 
 amongst whom we were thus travelling, not merely from the 
 information we received, that we need not fear travelling amongst 
 them day or night, for no one should insult us, but from being 
 favoured with that in our minds, which gave us full confidence in 
 the sufficiency of the superintending care of Divine Providence 
 over us; short of which, what could have supported us in tra- 
 velling generally late in the evening in such a neigbourhood, where 
 others are afraid to travel alone in the day-time? 
 
 Seventh-day, we made a few calls, and arranged for meetings. 
 First-day morning attended a meeting in a cottage, near our 
 lodging, which was thinly attended, but quiet, and to us a com- 
 fortable meeting. At the close of the meeting, observing a man 
 turn into the adjoining cottage, he attracted our attention, and we 
 followed him, taking our seats : from his own confession, during 
 what we had to communicate, he proved to be one of the Gang : 
 we remonstrated with him on the danger to which he exposed him- 
 self by violating the laws of his country, and we set forth the 
 peace of mind that would result from his getting his livelihood in 
 an honest way ; he acknowledged he was fully aware of these things, 
 and that he was far from a happy man. On my telling him he passed 
 his time amidst hope and fear, hoping at times he should escape 
 being detected in his evil practices, but fear at other times so 
 tormenting him as almost to overcome hope ; he said it was truly 
 descriptive of his situation ; adding, the way he was getting his 
 livelihood was the way his father had brought him up, and he could 
 not live as he did by hard labour, not having been brought up to 
 it, and pay five shillings a week to the parish for three children ; but 
 he must continue his course of life, viz. to plunder, trick, and cheat 
 every way he could. On my endeavouring to turn his attention 
 seriously to consider his awful situation into which, if he continued 
 this same course of life, he would plunge himself eternally, he re- 
 plied, with apparent feelings of horror, he must leave all future 
 consequences. He manifested great frankness ; no disposition to 
 put by what he knew belonged to him ; but expressed, in a man- 
 ner as if he really felt what he said, he believed we desired better 
 things for him than he was able to do for himself. He appeared 
 about twenty-six years of age, of a fine, strong, healthy constitu- 
 tion, was unable to read, and had never, but twice, he told us, en- 
 tered a place of religious worship. We parted from him, sorrowing 
 on his account, committing him to that Divine Power, who yet re- 
 mains all-sufficient to work wonders for the children of men, even 
 for the most rebellious.
 
 176 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 We proceeded to Cock-road-house, where a meeting was ap- 
 pointed at two this afternoon, which was largely attended, the 
 people conducting themselves in a solid manner. We then went 
 to liill-mount, where a meeting was to be held at five tiiis even- 
 ing ; the house was crowded, and the quiet preserved was remark- 
 able, considering the rough, uncultivated company we were 
 amongst. The people appeared to sit quietly, and to be atten- 
 tive to the truths of the gospel given us for communication ; 
 we were encouraged to hope this would prove a season of pro- 
 fit to many : that the praise might be given to whom it belongs, 
 both by the hearers and those who were counted worthy to pro- 
 claim the truths of the gospel of life and salvation, was the desire 
 of my heart at the close of another day : to Him are we account- 
 able, who sees and knows the heart, and all our motives of ac- 
 tion, and who will reward us accordingly. Romans ii. 7- After 
 meeting we rode to Frenchay. 
 
 Second-day, 2d of 11th mo. we attended ihe monthly meeting at 
 Frenchay, at which we gave in a report of our proceedings thus 
 far, with which the meeting's satisfaction was expressed, accompanied 
 with acknowledgments of an evidence that the Good Shepherd had 
 in mercy been mindful of us. Third-day, we went to Hill-mount : 
 from the badness of the road our carriage broke down : we were 
 obliged to return to Frenchay. Fourth day, we went to Cabra- 
 heath : our first visit was to the cottage of a collier ; a consider- 
 able number of his neighbours, in addition to his own family, soon 
 collected. A young woman who came in manifested much of a 
 disposition to levity, but that which was delivered reaching her 
 condition, she became serious, and parted from us, giving evident 
 proof that a degree of religious though tfulness was awakened in 
 her mind. Our next visit was to a collier and his wife, that were 
 at the meeting on First-day evening, who welcomed us to their 
 cottage : the man dispatched messengers to invite his neighbours, 
 and we had a numerous assembly. Utterance was largely given, 
 and great openness was evinced to receive the word preached ; 
 and we parted under a humbling sense of our Heavenly Father's 
 love extended to visitors and visited : fresh cause there was for the 
 acknowledgment, that all is of mercy, unmerited mercy, and to 
 set up the Ebenezer, and say, our help has come from the Lord. 
 After making a few more calls, we returned to our lodgings. Some 
 of our company this day, in a feeling manner, expressed it to be 
 their belief, that our feet having been thus turned amongst the 
 poor inhabitants here, was designed by the Almighty in mercy to 
 be a fresh call to them. One poor collier, at the close of an op- 
 portunity, in a feeling manner, expressed himself nearly as fol- 
 lows : " If we miss so great salvation thus frequently offered to us, 
 and again renewed and brought home to our very houses, surely 
 it will be more tolerable for other wicked nations in tlie great day
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 177 
 
 than for us." Fifth-day proceeded to Cabra-heath. Our first call 
 was at the cottage of a young man, whom we found lounging at his 
 fire-side, appearing as if he bad been out on a night's ramble ; 
 his house abounded with good things; it did not seem we were 
 welcome guests, for he treated our observations with con- 
 tempt : notwithstanding which, as we believed his thus treating 
 us would not acquit us, we continued, as matter arose in the line 
 of apprehended duty, to communicate it to him; and after awhile 
 he appeared rather softened down, and evinced more of a willing- 
 ness to receive our counsel: he parted from us in a friendly manner, 
 and as if our plain dealing had reached the witness in his own mind, 
 he did not attempt to clear himself from the bad practices that were 
 brought before his view. 
 
 We made several visits on our way to Cabra-common. As we 
 were passing along, two men caught our eye, employing themselves 
 in catching birds ; a way some of the Gang spend a part of their 
 time, as a cloak for their nightly depredations : we attracted their 
 notice, and our proceeding being by this time noised abroad amongst 
 them, they manifested a determination to avoid us, and separated 
 to the right and left, whereby I expected we should lose them ; 
 but one being an old man, and having a high gate to get over to 
 make his escape, I was upon him before he was aware. On my re- 
 questing him to give us his company in a cottage hard by, he con- 
 sented. j\Iy companion espied the other man cross the road not 
 far from us and go into a cottage, to which I prevailed on the 
 elderly man to accompany us. On our reaching the cottage, the 
 man my companion saw go into it was not to be seen ; inquiring 
 for him, the woman of the house replied, he had gone out again. 
 INIy companion boldly cautioned her against persisting in an un- 
 truth, saying, she saw him come into the house, and there was no 
 back way for him to make his escape again ; on which the woman 
 called out, " Richard, come down stairs," but no Richard replied: 
 she repeated it, but in vain. Fully believing, if we preserved our 
 own peace of mind, we must not miss seeing him, but persevere, 
 I went to the stair-foot, calling out, " Richard, come down 
 stairs, or I must come up and fetch thee down : " no reply 
 being made, strength was given me to go up into his chamber, 
 where I found him crouched down behind the head of the bed. I 
 should have been as nothing in his hands, a large-boned, hale 
 young man, had he been permitted to have resisted me. I told 
 him we wanted to have his company, took him by the collar from 
 behind the bed, and sent him down stairs before me, on which he 
 quietly took his seat in the chimney-corner : after a pause, my 
 companion began to address him in such a manner that his wife's 
 countenance manifested astonishment, directing her eyes towards 
 him, as if she wished him to receive it. He sat very quietly the 
 whole time, and although at first he appeared disposed to atoiit it 
 
 N
 
 1^8 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 out, yet, after much labour, and endeavouring to lay before him 
 the sad consequences that he must expect would eventually fol- 
 low his continuing to pursue his present mode of getting a liveli- 
 hood, he became more tender. I felt it laid upon mc before we 
 parted to remind him, if he continued to follow his wicked prac- 
 tices, his father having brought him up therein would avail him 
 nothing in the great day of account, not being aware that the old 
 man was his father. From the kind manner they all took leave of us, 
 we were disposed to hope the labour bestowed would not all be in vain ; 
 and truly thankful we were that w e did not easily give up to discourage- 
 ment, but were enabled to press through thecrowd,and touch thehem 
 of the garment, to receive a portion of that sustaining strength 
 [from Christ] without which we remain disqualified to do anything 
 that is truly good. 
 
 Sixth-day,we again proceeded to Cabra-heath andWollard's-com- 
 mon: for the present we have left the Gang, and are now amongst 
 hatters, many of whom appear, we have been disposed to hope, 
 under a religious concern for their souls"' welfare ; yet from the 
 anxiety they labour under to provide for their numerous off- 
 spring, it is feared their good desires are too frequently over- 
 powered thereby. From the high price of bread they have been 
 compelled to begin upon their potatoes before their usual time, 
 which, it seemed probable, would not carry them through the win- 
 ter as heretofore. These scenes of misery and woe, in addition 
 to our inward exercises, at times plunged us into suffering. This 
 day closed with a visit to a public house in the Cock-road, which 
 afforded us satisfaction, the keepers of it appearing to receive 
 kindly what we had to offer. „ 
 
 Seventh-day, we went to "Wollard's-common : amongst those we 
 visited this day was a poor collier. He informed us that a few years 
 ago his mind was awakened to a sense of his sinful state : he mani- 
 fested a truly religious concern on his own account and on account 
 of his family. From his numerous offspring and the high price of 
 provisions, he appeared struggling with great poverty; but this he 
 assured us was not his greatest trouble ; his wife refusing to unite 
 with him in going to his place of worship, and in properly caring 
 for the welfare of their children, he said, was his greatest trouble. 
 His wife sitting by, confessed she could not plead want of time, but 
 a real want of inclination, in herself to go to a place of worship, 
 seemed the real cause ; she acknowledged she saw the benefit her 
 husband's becoming religious had been to him ; saying, before this 
 change took place he was a wicked man, and would curse her for 
 two hours at a time. Nothing we had to say seemed to make any im- 
 pression on her mind : she parted from us kindly, with these expres- 
 sions; " she believed we wished her well, and was fully aware herself 
 if she continued in the way she now was, she should go to the bad 
 place." After this opportunity we collected the hatters generally
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 179 
 
 together in this district, with whom we had a religious meeting, 
 and one afterwards with a young couple, which we had cause to 
 believe was to mutual satisfaction. 
 
 First-day, we proceeded to Hanham to attend a meeting ap- 
 pointed at our request in the Baptist meeting-house, where we met 
 with Arnee Frank and other Friends from Bristol ; the meeting was 
 large, and we were encouraged to hope that it was a season of profit 
 to many. On our way home we called at a house, said to be a haunt 
 for disorderly persons, particularly on a First-day. We found 
 many young men standing outside the house, whom we invited in, 
 with which they compHed, and took their seats with those who 
 were already there. We had an opportunity with the woman of 
 the house first, but in the presence of her customers ; we laid before 
 her the wickedness that attached to her in consequence of her har- 
 bouring the company which she did, and allowing such evil practices 
 as she did to be going forward : we then addressed the young men, 
 relative to their spending their time in that unjustifiable manner. 
 Some appeared to receive our advice kindly, others manifested 
 more of a hardened disposition of mind. Having thus endeavoured 
 to acquit ourselves faithfully, we returned home with hearts a- 
 bounding with gratitude to Him, who was our Alpha and continued 
 to be our Omega. This day we had a sitting in the family we 
 were quartered at, which closed a trying day's work. Second- 
 day, we went to Cabra-heath : in the first visit we made, on taking 
 our seats in the family, so much levity was manifested that we were 
 tried not a little, but by endeavouring after ability to bear all 
 things, and endure all things with Christian patience, seriousness 
 gradually spread over the minds of our company, whereby we had 
 a favoured opportunity together, and at our parting we were soli- 
 cited by the family to repeat our visit. How can we any longer 
 doubt the sufficiency of Divine goodness to make way for us, 
 where the eye of human reason, looking on the discouraging side 
 of our situation, can see no way for us to proceed as pointed 
 out to us ? May these instances of Divine interference prove 
 like a nail fastened in a sure place, is the prayer of my 
 soul. After a similar visit we proceeded to the smelting works, 
 and from thence to the poor, but peaceful, cottage of a collier, 
 with whom and his family we had a precious meeting. Fourth- 
 day, we went to Cabra-heath : on our way a man on horseback 
 made towards us, my companion believed he was one of the 
 Gang, as we began by this time to have a pretty correct idea of 
 them from their dress, manners, &c. ; being desirous we might 
 have his company, I stepped out of the chaise near a cottage, re- 
 questing him to go in with us, which he complied with. After some 
 time spent with him in silence, we opened to him such matter as 
 came before us, respecting his mannerof life, to which he did not 
 make an attempt to demur, but confessed he felt at times the 
 
 n2
 
 180 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 great need there was to amend his ways ; he appeared quite willing 
 to receive what we had to offer, expressing the obligation he felt 
 himself under for it, requesting we would visit him at his own 
 home, giving us his address for that purpose. We made many 
 visits this day to colliers and hatters, some of whom we could not 
 doubt were thirsting after the sincere milk of the word, that they 
 might grow thereby; to whom our spirits became neai'ly united. 
 
 Fifth-day, our first call this morning was at the miserable 
 abode of a man, who informed us he was seventy-five years of age. 
 By a hurt in the coal-pit, thirty years ago, he lost one of his legs; 
 about the same time his wife and ten children were taken with a 
 fever ; shortly after their recovery his children all had the small- 
 pox ; two years ago his wife became deranged, set fire to her 
 clothes, and was burnt to death ; since which, in his absence, 
 his house was broken into, and part of his bedding and wear- 
 ing apparel taken away : all which he related with the 
 utmost composure, and such sweetness of countenance, as in- 
 dicated the truth of what he further added ; he hoped through 
 all he had been preserved from murmuring. A more perfect ex- 
 ample of contentment and Christian patience I thought I never 
 before beheld. His recital of the precious effects which his varied 
 trials had produced on his mind, was to me a very instructive 
 lesson : nothing that escaped his lips in the least degree manifesting 
 a desire to receive pecuniary aid. At six this evening we attended 
 a meeting held in a house belonging to the followers of George 
 Whitfield. The evening being wet, and roads across the com- 
 mon deep in mire, we expected a small meeting, in which we were 
 agreeably disappointed: the meeting gathered early, and the attend- 
 ance was large : we had a comfortable time together. Sixth- 
 day, our visit to'Wollard's-common this afternoon was attended 
 with a comfortable hope, that there are many hereaway under a pre- 
 cious visitation : that nothing may be suffered to retard the work 
 of salvation, has been the prayer of my soul. At six this even- 
 ing we attended a meeting at the smelting works, where we 
 had reason to believe many received the word preached with 
 gladness. '^^^'fk 
 
 Seventh-day, we bent our course to the upper road from Bath 
 to Bristol ; accomplished many visits, in most of which my com- 
 panion had good service, but my lips were sealed in awful silence 
 through the whole of the day. First-day we visited a school in a dis- 
 senting meeting house on Wollard's-common: the labour we were 
 enabled to bestow on the children and their teachers appeared to 
 be well received. During our visit in this neighbourhood we met 
 with several young men whose education had been wholly neg- 
 lected, who could not be prevailed upon to attend the First-day 
 schools : felt drawings in my mind to visit the cottage of a new- 
 married couple, the husband being of this description ; after much
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 181 
 
 entreaty lie was prevailed upon to accompany us to the school, and 
 have his name entered as a scholar, which afforded us some 
 hope others would be encouraged to follow his example : we 
 then proceeded to the First-day school at Cock-hill, where 
 we met with a considerable number of children under the care 
 of teachers. Little seemed to be required of us towards the 
 children, but our minds were brought under exercise on behalf of 
 the teachers, with whom we had to labour, and set before them the 
 necessity of their endeavouring to know their whole conduct and 
 converse to be in unison with the doctrines and precepts of Christ, 
 whereby their endeavours in this good work, will be blessed to the 
 children under their care. An aged couple, living in the school- 
 house, attracted my attention : seeking for Divine help, i was strength- 
 ened to be faithful in ministering that which to me appeared to be 
 the counsel of my Divine Master for them : tears rolled down the 
 cheeks of the woman on to her lap, but the man's mind did not 
 appear capable of receiving what was offered. In the afternoon 
 "\ve attended the school in the Upper-road : here little more oc- 
 curred than our making a few observations as matter arose. We 
 
 took tea at the house of our kind friend Stevens, who had 
 
 taken an active part in the establishment of these schools. In the 
 course of conversation respecting our visit to Cock-road, amongst 
 those denominated the Gang, and the willingness they gene- 
 rally manifested to receive us and attend our appointed meet- 
 ings, he informed us, the members of their society had taken much 
 pains to have meetings with them, changing the times and places 
 for holding them in their neighbourhood in hopes of accommo- 
 dating them, but these attempts had proved fruitless. We had the 
 company of a preacher of the Wesleyan persuasion, who made us 
 the kind offer of their chapel for a meeting, assuring us of a large 
 congregation ; but not feeling that which warranted our holding a 
 meeting here, we declined accepting this kind offer, although we were 
 given to understand the people would be disappointed, if we left the 
 neighbourhood without having a meeting with them. Third-day, 
 we proceeded to the great school near Cock-road : in most of our 
 visits this day my companion had good service. Here this arduous 
 engagement, which we have believed ourselves called upon to pursue 
 from day to day, was brought to a peaceful close, accompanied with 
 the language of. Return to thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath 
 been bountiful in administering his help in the time of need. 
 Fourth-day, attended meeting at Frenehay, at the close of which 
 we made a further report of our proceedings to the satisfaction of 
 our Friends. Fifth-day, I took leave of my kind companion and her 
 family, proceeded to Bristol, and attended meeting there. Seventh- 
 day, accompanied by my kind nephew, Benjamin Thomas, left 
 Bristol for my own home, which I was favoured to reach, and found 
 my dear wife well.
 
 182 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Those called the Gang, and the colliers generally, had large 
 families of children; but to us it was lamentable to understand, but 
 very few of them who were living together as husband and wife, 
 were married. As some of the colliers had joined in membership 
 with the Methodists, having prayer-meetings at their houses, I 
 found it required of me to lay before the leading members of this 
 society., the care that was necessary on their part, not to admit into 
 membership with them any, until they were married in a way which 
 the laws of the land demand to make it a lawful marriage ; other- 
 wise they would be countenancing such an iniquitous prac- 
 tice. The following extracts from the printed circular of the 
 Kingswood Association for the suppression of these depredators, 
 may furnish some idea of the state of desperate wickedness, many 
 of those we have been visiting must be sunk into ; and yet their 
 conduct towards us was unimpeachable from day to day. 
 
 " Whereas, the alarming depredations continually committed by 
 a very daring and daily increasing combination of thieves, extend- 
 ing their ravages for many miles round the country, and well 
 known to reside chiefly in this neighbourhood, have induced a few 
 persons, desirous of promoting the welfare of the community, to 
 unite their efforts in attempting to form a society for the suppres- 
 sion of such enormous evils ; in order to adopt, with unwearied 
 diligence, such measures as may tend to produce the desired effect, 
 by striking at the root of such a system of iniquitous practice, as, 
 it is supposed, never was equalled in any other part of the king- 
 dom. 
 
 " The committee, in pursuance of their appointment, have 
 met at Kingswood-hill, and resolved (in an entirely gratuitous 
 manner, and with unremitted attention,) to use every exertion in 
 their power to promote the designs of this institution ; and having 
 acquired a comprehensive view of this singular system, as to the 
 different modes in which their diabolical purposes are accom- 
 plished, conceive it not irrelevant to detail a few particulars. 
 
 " This scheme of unparalleled enormity demanding such earnest 
 attention, has been progressively and uninterruptedly maturing 
 for a long series of years ; and such is the nature of their estab- 
 lishment, that whole families are dependent on this combination 
 for maintenance ; many hundreds of the younger branches are 
 well known to be now in actual training for the like purpose. It 
 is also ascertained, that they are in the habit of decoying labourers 
 from their accustomed employment, and formally admitting them 
 into their society. 
 
 " Great numbers of hucksters, in this and the surrounding 
 neighbourhood, are in alliance with tliem ; the venders of the goods 
 are seen passing with cart-loads to and from different places by 
 night, none presuming to interrupt them ; and altliough it seldom 
 occurs that any of these plunderers succeed in securing their
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 183 
 
 booty, without being recognized by colliers passing to and from 
 the mines, before they arrive at their several places of residence, 
 yet they consider themselves as inviolably secure; for any one dar- 
 ing to impeach them would endanger both property and life ; con- 
 sequently ordinary means adopted by societies in general in offer- 
 ing rewards, would be altogether abortive. 
 
 *' Should the statement of these circumstances create surprise, 
 or be deemed an exaggeration, suffice it to observe, that the com- 
 mittee, several of whom have been long resident in Kingswood, 
 close observers of the transactions alluded to, and for those pecu- 
 liar reasons selected as most suitably qualified to meet the exi- 
 gencies of the society, stand pledged to give the most positive 
 proof of their existence, which is sufficiently notorious to the 
 majority of the inhabitants of these parts. 
 
 " The great number of persons resident in the neighbourhood 
 of Kingswood might reasonably have encouraged us to expect ex- 
 tensive assistance : such, however, is the astonishing terror preva- 
 lent in the minds of very many, arising from an apprehension 
 that the incensed miscreants would reward their interference with 
 still greater destruction ; and so many are prevented from aiding 
 this association on account of relationship to them, that when 
 it is considered, in addition hereto, that thousands are connected 
 by receiving and vending the goods, it will not appear surprising 
 that very few, comparatively, remain sufficiently virtuous or 
 courageous to unite with us ; and it must be needless to hint at 
 the unparalleled enormities we have to expect, unless such prompt 
 and energetic measures be adopted as the nature of the case re- 
 quires. Under the impression, therefore, of their very lU'gent 
 necessity, the committee have determined on such cautious and 
 vigorous steps as are very likely to accomplish their designs ; 
 and hope, through the united exertions of many of the respect- 
 able inhabitants of Bristol, Bath, Kingswood, and their vicinity, 
 to be soon enabled to proceed to successful operation."
 
 184 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 In the spring of the year 1812, in the neighbourhood of Hud- 
 dersfiekl, and places adjacent, a large company of men collected 5 
 they entered in the night-time the houses and workshops of such as 
 employed machinery, destroying machines, stealing arms, and 
 other property ; and, in the Fourth-month, one of the master-manu- 
 facturers was murdered on his return from market. For a long 
 time they continued to commit great depredations, becoming a 
 terror to the inhabitants ; but through the vigilance of some 
 magistrates, a discovery was made of many of the offenders, and 
 they were committed to the castle hi York: a special assize was 
 held there, by commission, in the First-month, 1 813, in order to 
 their being brought to trial for the several offences they stood 
 charged with. Some were acquitted, and others discharged on 
 bail; one was ordered for transportation, and seventeen suffered death 
 at York. Hearing that the sentence of the law on these latter had 
 been enforced, my mind was brought under such feelings of sym- 
 pathy with the widows and fatherless children of the sufferers, that I 
 believed I should not stand acquitted in the sight of my Divine 
 Master, unless I was willing to go and sit with them in their fa- 
 milies ; and yet the prospect of such a service felt humiliating 
 to the creature, beyond words to describe. Understanding my 
 friend Joseph Wood, of Highflats meeting, was under a similar 
 exercise, in the Second-month we spread our united concern before 
 our Friends, on which the meeting gave us a minute to proceed 
 therein, as truth opened our way. 
 
 First-day, 28th of 2nd mo. I left Barnsley on foot ; reached 
 Paddock meeting-house in due time for meeting, where I met 
 with m.y companion Joseph Wood. Some close religious labour 
 with our kind friends of this meeting being required of us, a 
 sense of having endeavoured thus far, through holy help, to dis- 
 charge our duty, afresh animated us to look with confidence for 
 help from this same Divine source, in the prosecution of this ar- 
 duous engagement before us. At the close of the meeting, Friends 
 were requested to stop, before whom we spread our religious pros- 
 pects, and presented the minute of our monthly meeting, allowing
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 185 
 
 US to proceed therein. Friends of Paddock meeting being previ- 
 ously informed of our intention, made arrangements for our ac- 
 commodation. 
 
 After dining with our kind friends John and Phoebe Fisher, of 
 Spring-dale, accompanied by John Fisher and Abraham Mallin- 
 son, we proceeded to the house of the widow and five children of 
 Jonah Dean, of Long-royd Bridge, who suffered for rioting. The 
 widow's mind appeared to be under very great distress, with her 
 helpless, fatherless children; the oldest child being about eight years, 
 the voungest not more months old. All that was alive in us and ca- 
 pablc of feeling for her, plunged as she was into such accumulated 
 distress, we felt to be brought into action. We next visited the widow 
 and three children of John Walker, who suffered for rioting, one 
 of the children an infant at the breast. The feelings of distress 
 awakened in my mind, in sitting down with this family, were such, 
 that I was tempted to conclude human nature could hardly endure to 
 proceed with the visit before us. We endeavoured in both cases to 
 impart such counsel as came before our minds, which we had reason 
 to hope was well received ; and that their being thus far noticed, 
 had a tendency, in some small degree, to add a ray of comfort to their 
 deeply-tried minds. 
 
 After tea, feeling my bodily strength a little recruited, and my 
 resolutions afresh excited, we proceeded to the mournful house of 
 
 the parents of G M , a single young man, and one of 
 
 those concerned in the murder of the master-manufacturer. We 
 sat with the parents, who are living in a respectable line of life. In 
 this opportunity we had fresh cause to acknowledge holy help was 
 near, furnishing matter suitable to the deeply-tried and afflicted 
 state of mind in which we found them ; whilst we endeavoured to be 
 upon our guard that nothing escaped our lips, that should be the 
 means of unnecessarily wounding their feelings. Our visit was thank- 
 fully received by both parents, and, as we afterwards understood, 
 was like a morsel of bread at a time when they appeared almost 
 ready to famish. The father acknowledged, the melancholy cir- 
 cumstance had brought their minds into such a tried state, that they 
 had concluded to move to some other part of the country ; but 
 our visit had tended to settle them down again in their present 
 place of residence. 
 
 Second-day, we bent our course to Lockwood, sat with the 
 widow and three children of Thomas Brook, who suffered for 
 rioting. We also had the company of his parents and two brothers : 
 his two brothers were in York castle with him, but were discharged. 
 This proved a heart-rending opportunity to us all : being willing, 
 as 1 humbly hope I may say we were, to sit where the surviving 
 sufferers sat, we were helped to go down into suffering with them, 
 and thereby became qualified, through the renewal of Divine
 
 186 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 aid, to administer suitably to the need of those we sat with. Our 
 minds were clothed with feelings of compassion for the widow and 
 the deeply-afflicted parents, accompanied with a hope, the oppor- 
 tunity had made such an impression on the minds of the two young 
 men, that it would become of lasting benefit to them. The suf- 
 ferer, we were informed, had only been out once with the rioters, 
 at which time he lost his hat, which caused his apprehension. At 
 our parting, they endeavoured to make us sensible that our visit had 
 been like a cordial to their minds, and they expressed the thankful- 
 ness which they felt for it. We proceeded to Huddersfield; visited 
 the widow of James Haigh — he suffered for rioting — left no chil- 
 dren : we found her under deep affliction. She appeared to have 
 a clear view of our motives for taking the steps which we did, ex- 
 pressing, in strong terms, the gratitude she felt for our visit. Our 
 
 next visit was to the parents and two sisters of E T , who 
 
 was a single man, and who suffered for the murder of the master- 
 manufacturer : we felt deeply for the afflicted parents. Divine 
 regard was mercifully extended in this opportunity, both to visited 
 and visitors: that a grateful sense thereof may continue in each of 
 our minds, was the secret prayer of my soul. It appeared a time 
 of precious visitation to the sisters of the sufferer. In the afternoon 
 we proceeded to Cow-cliff, to visit the widow and two children of John 
 Ogden, who suffered for rioting. We proposed to meet her at her 
 husband's parents, in order to have their company, and that of two 
 of the sufferer's sisters; but we were given to understand, that the 
 parents spurned at the idea of sitting with us. As it did not ap- 
 pear to me we should be warranted in so easily giving up this 
 prospect, and apprehending 1 felt that in my own mind that would 
 bear me out, in taking the widow and family with us into 
 their cottage, my companion consenting, we did so, and took our 
 seats amongst them. After sitting awhile together in solemn si- 
 lence, we had to hand forth both caution and encouragement, 
 especially to tlie poor young widow, and the sufferer's sisters : it 
 proved to all a melting season. The parents were both confined 
 to the house, in consequence of the melancholy event that had oc- 
 curred respecting their son, and from their appearance, with that 
 of one of their daughters, they were sinking under the weight 
 of their afflictions. The parents, in a very feeling manner, at 
 our parting, expressed thankfulness for our visit, and, I hope 1 
 may say, feelings of gratitude clothed my mind. The wed- 
 ding of a sister of the sufferer's being kept at the adjoining 
 cottage, apprehending it would be safest for us to make them a vi- 
 sit, wc accordingly did so, but the men were all absent : pausing, 
 and feeling something stirring in my mind towards the bride and 
 her female friends, I gave way to it; the labour bestowed soon put 
 aside all their light behaviour, which our presence at first excited;
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE, 187 
 
 and, at our parting, novel as our visit was to them, it appeared to 
 be kindly received. May glory abound to His praise, who is 
 God over all, blessed for ever, and for evermore. 
 
 Third-day, accompanied by John King and James Lees, 
 Friends of Brighouse meeting, we proceeded to Sutcliffe-wood- 
 bottom, to sit with the parents of Thomas Smith, his sister, and 
 her husband— he also suffered for rioting. At the time I wasengaged 
 in addressing the company, a young man opened the door, came 
 in, and immediately left again ; on which I felt a stop against 
 proceeding, and was obliged to request the young man might be 
 sought for to give us his company, which taking place, I was able 
 to proceed. This young man's mind became so wrought upon in 
 the opportunity, that it became evident to all present. After having 
 closed what I had given me for the family, my mouth was again 
 opened with nearly these words : — " It is not in man that walketh 
 to direct his own steps aright, the Lord alone must have the order- 
 ing of them, who does at times order our steps, but we know it 
 not; which appears to me to have been the case this day 
 with the young man who came in amongst us ;" after which, 
 my companion addressed him in a very feeling manner. After 
 the opportunity was over, he walked with us a short distance : 
 his mind appeared much broken, and under a remarkable visita- 
 tion. He told my companion, he had been apprehended with the 
 rest of the prisoners, and confined in the castle, but was discharged 
 on bail ; that he was twenty-two years of age, and his name was 
 
 I S ; that he knew nothing of our being in the house, 
 
 nor could tell what brought him there, as he had no business 
 with the family. 
 
 In the afternoon we went to Scar-coat-green. Our first visit 
 was to the widow and five children of Nathaniel Hoyle— he suf- 
 fered for robbery : they lived with her aged father and sister, who 
 sat with us, and who appeared to be under great difficulty them- 
 selves, to procure the necessaries of life : their situation to us ap- 
 peared to be a very pitiable one. We next proceeded to the house 
 of James Hay, who left a widow, not twenty-one years of age, and 
 two children : the sufferer's parents gave us their company ; we 
 were favoured with a comfortable time together. We went into 
 the cottage of the parents; had a satisfactory opportunity with 
 two brothers of the sufferer, and then proceeded to Hand-green : 
 the father of James Hay very acceptably gave us his company. 
 
 Fourth-day we went to Sowcrby-bridge. Our first visit was to the 
 widow of Joseph Crowder, who suffered for robbery : he had left 
 three children, and his widow nearly being confined with her 
 fourth. We were enabled to labour with her, to persevere in an 
 endeavour after a steady reliance for help on that Divine power, 
 which alone would be found all-sufficient to support her mind in 
 her future tossings and temptations: we were ready to hope the op-
 
 188 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 portunity with her would be remembered at a future day, to her 
 comfort. We next proceeded to the cottage of the parents of 
 William Hartley, who suffered for robbery : with them resided his 
 eight children, bereft of both parents, the mother having been de- 
 ceased about three weeks. The neighbours observing us go into 
 their cottage, followed us, quietly taking their seats : the opportu- 
 nity proved to many, especially some of the children, a heart-ten- 
 dering season — one, I believe, that will long be remembered by 
 some present. 
 
 Our next visit was to North-dean, in Elland township, to the 
 widow of John Hill, who left one infant — he suffered for robbery. 
 His widoAv presented us with an interesting letter, received from 
 him the day before his execution, manifesting the peaceful state of 
 mind he had been favoured to attain to, under the evidence of his 
 having been enabled to forgive all mankind, and himself experi- 
 encing Divine forgiveness for all his sins. She informed us, the 
 night he was taken, he was forced out of his bed by the Gang ; 
 that she ran after hira half-a-mile without any of her upper gar- 
 ments upon her, until they obliged her to return, threatening to 
 blow her brains out if she followed them. We sat with the 
 widow, the sufferer's mother, aunt, &c. : it proved a solid oppor- 
 tunity. A brother of the sufferer was also by the same means 
 implicated in these riotous proceedings that night ; his neighbours 
 say, not from inclination, but overcome by threats, he being always 
 considered a religiously-disposed young man, and was much esteem- 
 ed ; but he escaped being taken with the rest. His mother was main- 
 tained by the produce of a small farm, and he was her sole depen- 
 dence in the management of it. The loss of the other son, by 
 such an untimely end, with the continued fearful apprehensions 
 she laboured under, of her other son being taken — there being a 
 warrant out against, and search making for him, appeared almost 
 to drive her to despair. We endeavoured to console her all in our 
 power. Before we left her, I felt it laid upon me to assure her, 
 on account of the general good character we had received of the 
 young man, and the manner of his being led away, we would lay 
 his case before the magistrate who granted the warrant, and use 
 our influence to obtain permission for him to return home with 
 safety. 
 
 Our next visit was to the widow of John Hey, and her seven 
 fatherless children : we found her in a state of mind bordering on 
 despair. As ability was afforded, we endeavoured to turn 
 her mind to seek after that quietude and submission to the dis- 
 pensation permitted to be her lot, in which God is to be known, 
 and his power experienced, to stay, comfort, console her, and 
 which would carry her through the accumulated afflictions 
 she was struggling with; but, after all, her poor mind was so 
 overcharged with the prospect of her great poverty, her numerous
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SIIILLITOE. 189 
 
 fatherless children, without any visible means for their support, 
 we were ready to fear that what we had to ofi'er, obtained but little 
 entrance. Leaving this cottage of woe and misery, we bent our 
 course to Halifax. 
 
 Fifth-day, the week-day meeting being discontinued, and feeling 
 drawings in our minds to sit with the few Friends of Halifax, a 
 meeting was concluded to be held this morning, at which, in addi- 
 tion to Friends, we had the company of several not professing 
 
 with our religious Society ; amongst whom was I S , the 
 
 young man before-mentioned, whose mind was again so reached 
 during what was communicated, that he trembled so much that 
 he could not hide his state from the meeting, although it was 
 evident he endeavoured for it. He afterwards settled in the 
 neighbourhood of a meeting of Friends, became a steady young 
 man, manifesting attachment to our principles, and regularly attend- 
 ed our meetings. In the afternoon we went to Longwood, with a 
 
 view of visiting Benjamin W . He was a single young man, 
 
 living with his parents ; an accomplice with the other two in the 
 murder of the master-manufacturer; and received the reward offered 
 for apprehending the offenders, having his life saved by turning 
 king's evidence. He being from home, we requested he would 
 give us his company next morning, at Joseph Mallinson's, Long- 
 royd -bridge. 
 
 Fifth-day, agreeable to our request, Benjamin W met us. 
 
 On his entering the room, he appeared to us raw and ignorant; 
 with such apparent self-condemnation in his countenance, we 
 thought we had not before witnessed ; as if he felt himself an out- 
 cast, and thought a mark of infamy was set upon him ; newly-clad, 
 as we supposed, from the money he had recently received, as the 
 reward of his having discovered his accdmplices in the murder, for 
 which they had suffered. We could not but anticipate the deplorable 
 situation he would find himself in, when the means of keeping up his 
 spirits were all exhausted. On taking his seat, his mind appeared 
 much agitated, and, during the opportunity, he was unable to sit with 
 ease to himself on his seat. After a time spent with him in quiet, 
 a door of utterance opened, whereby we were enabled faithfully to 
 relieve our minds towards him, although he did not manifest any 
 thing like a disposition to resent what we offered to him ; but little, 
 if any, appearance of tenderness was manifested. The opportu- 
 nity to us was the most distressing we had experienced; feeling, as 
 we were enabled to do, deeply on his account, lest his mind was 
 getting into quite a hardened state, and that his case would become 
 a hopeless one ; yet not without some reason for believing, that in 
 the opportunity we had with him, things had been so closely 
 brought home to him, that he would not soon be able wholly to 
 cast them away again. When he went away, those who were in 
 the room through which he passed, observed to us, his countenance 
 was pale and ghastly, and his joints, as it were, so unloosened, as
 
 190 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 if they were ecarcely able to support his body. We advised him 
 not to go into company, but to return directly home, which, we 
 afterwards heard, he attended to. The feelings of suffering we 
 were introduced into on his account, will not, I believe, soon be 
 forgotten. 
 
 When the Friends of Paddock- meeting heard of our intended 
 visit to the families of the suff"erers, it appeared to them advisable 
 to wait upon Joseph Radcliff\, the magistrate who had been so ac- 
 tive in putting a stop to these riotous proceedings, to inform him 
 of what we had in prospect, and the nature of our visit, lest any un- 
 favourable construction should be put upon it ; and our kind 
 friends John Fisher and Joseph Firth waited upon him according- 
 ly : we understood he expressed his unity with our intended proceed- 
 ings, and his desire for our success in the undertaking. Being 
 come now nearly to a close of our visit, and having felt drawings 
 in my mind at times to make a visit to Joseph Radcliff",, 1 opened 
 my prospect to my companion ; but he not appearing to feel much, 
 if any thing, of such a concern, it occasioned me close exercise : but 
 as it appeared clear to me my own peace of mind was involved in it, 
 I laid the subject before my kind friend John Fisher, requesting 
 him, if he felt nothing in his mind against it, to inform Joseph 
 Radcliff" thereof; which, being done, he gave for answer, our com- 
 pany would be acceptable next morning. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, my companion accompanied me and John 
 Fisher, as proposed. The magistrate and his wife received us 
 very courteously, with whom we had a free, open conversation of 
 near an hour and a half. I gave him, as far as memory furnished 
 me therewith, some account of our proceedings in the visits, and 
 the state of mind we found the poor widows, and those we met 
 with, who had been liberated on bail: on assuring him we heard 
 nothing from any we had thus visited, in the least degree reflecting 
 on him, or any one who had taken a part in apprehending the 
 sufferers, he appeared to receive it as satisfactory information. 
 I then laid before him the suffering situation of the widow Hill, 
 against whose son his warrant was issued ; detailing the good cha- 
 racter the young man uniformly bore, in the neighbourhood where 
 he had resided before his escape ; and that it was the first, and only 
 night, he had been out with the rioters, and then, more by con- 
 straint than inclination. Our remarks exciting in his mind 
 feelings of tenderness towards the young man, we requested him 
 to consider his case, and the case of his mother, and to afford them 
 all the relief in his power ; to which he replied, the young man 
 must come before me and surrender himself up, at the same time 
 giving us authority to inform his mother, if he thus proceeded, he 
 should not remain in custody, but have his liberty to return home, 
 and not be disturbed, so long as he continued to conduct himself 
 in a quiet, orderly manner. His mother being informed to 
 this effect, the young man surrendered himself, and was libe-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 191 
 
 rated : since that time he has married, and is comfortably set- 
 tled in life ; and, from good authority, we understand he continues 
 an exemplary religious character. I felt truly thankful this point 
 was thus so far gained ; but there was another, which, to me, ap- 
 peared of equal importance, which I also laid before the magis- 
 trate, which was the deplorable situation of the widows and chil- 
 dren ; there appearing no other prospect but that they must, by de- 
 grees, sell their household furniture to procure subsistence, they 
 informing us, none would employ them ; some refusing through 
 prejudice, and some through fear of being suspected to counte- 
 nance the proceedings of their husbands ; whereby the parish 
 workhouse must soon be their only resource, if no speedy remedy 
 was applied. This, from the view I had of the subject, was to be 
 dreaded; the children, from the company they would associate with, 
 being likely, on every slight offence, to have reflections cast upon 
 them, on account of the conduct, and disgraceful end of their fa- 
 ther: thus held in contempt, the danger was, the minds of the chil- 
 dren would, by degrees, become hardened, and they, thereby become 
 unfitted for usefulness in society. After thus expressing my views, 
 and my desire that some mode should be adopted to educate, and 
 provide for the children, until they attained to an age fit for servants 
 and apprentices, and to aid the earnings of the widows whilst they 
 remained single, and proposing for his consideration a plan for these 
 purposes, which had suggested itself to my mind almost daily of 
 late, I felt discharged from these subjects, which had pressed 
 heavily upon me. At our patting, he took us by the hand, and, in 
 a very kind manner, bade us farewell. 
 
 We proceeded to Berrisfield, where the widow of Joseph Fisher, 
 and other families of the sufferers, lived : they, having no regular 
 place of settlement, were collected into one cottage. The oppor- 
 tunity with them was a favoured one, leading us to hope, the la- 
 bour would not all prove in vain. The state of mind of a woman 
 whose husband was transported, called for much sympathy; she view- 
 ed her own case to be a more trying one than that of the poor widows, 
 who, she said, had seen the end of their husbands' sufferings in 
 this life. The scene of distress this opportunity presented to our 
 feehngs, is not to be described. We then went to Halland-moor ; 
 sat with a widow and six children of John Swallow, who suffered 
 for robbery : her mother, brother, and a sister of the sufferer's sat 
 with us. Words would fall short to attempt to describe the state 
 of distress her mind appeared to be in. We had largely to hand 
 out to her encouragement to look for support where alone it was 
 to be found, and where, we had reason to hope, her poor mind was 
 favoured at times to know a centering: she received our visit with 
 expressions of gratitude, and with it our services of this nature 
 closed. After this opportunity, my companion and myself walked 
 to Emly-park.
 
 J 92 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 First-day morning, we separated in near affection. I walked to 
 Burton in time for meeting; after which, I was once more permitted 
 quietly to sit down in my own habitation. I may add, for the en- 
 couragement of those who may be brought under peculiar trials, 
 as respects their religious movements, although the exercise at- 
 tending our minds, whilst engaged in the service, was very humili- 
 ating, the suffering we had to pass through in sympathy with 
 those we visited, we found heavy to bear : yet it was eminently 
 manifested in our experience, that He who puts forth, as He is 
 simply relied on, prepares the way in a remarkable manner ; it 
 was admirable to us, how readily those we meet with sat down with 
 us, as much so as if they had been previously prepared to receive 
 the visit ; whereas they seldom, if at all, had any knowledge of 
 our intention until we entered their cottage ; and the extraordi- 
 nary manner in which the opportunities were overshadowed with 
 Divine goodness, was renewed cause of encouragement and deep 
 prostration of soul. Some visits were more eminently owned than 
 others, it appearing to vis, the minds of some of the visited were 
 more prepared to receive the gospel message, which we had to de- 
 clare, than others. May the tribute of thanksgiving and praise to 
 Him for his all-sustaining help and strength, thus mercifully 
 vouchsafed to us, become more and more the offering of our 
 minds day by day. 
 
 Feeling my mind drawn to the accomplices of those who suf- 
 fered, who had not been brought to trial, but were discharged on 
 bail, I informed the monthly meeting thereof, and was set at 
 liberty to pursue my prospects of duty ; but for want of keeping 
 under the exercise my mind had been introduced into for the ser- 
 vice before me, and for want of minding the pointings of truth 
 as it respected the proper time to move in it, and suffering some 
 temporal concerns to take the lead, my way for moving in this 
 engagement afterwards so closed up, as never afterwards to 
 open, so that I could with safety proceed in it ; — an awful instance 
 that the Lord's work is not to be entered upon in our time, and 
 when it best suits our convenience. 
 
 1813. At the monthly meeting in the Fourth month, I re- 
 quested a minute, which was granted, to take meetings in my way 
 to the yearly meeting, and to attend to some service I had long 
 had in prospect in the neighbourhood of London. Fifth-day, 
 accompanied by my kind friend James Harrison, I left my own 
 home ; reached Sheffield that evening. Second-day, reached 
 Mansfield ; had a meeting with Friends there in the evening, 
 which was well attended. I left the meeting well satisfied J 
 had given up to the service. Fourth-day sat with Friends of 
 Loughborough : although to me it was a very exercising meeting, 
 yet I was favoured to obtain relief to my own mind. In 
 the afternoon proceeded to Castle Donington : had a meet-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS tJHHXITOE. 19'i 
 
 iiig with Friends tlicre this evening. Fears were excited in my 
 mind tliat some of our company were at ease in Zion, trusting in 
 a bare profession ; on which account I left the meeting sorrowful. 
 Fifth-day, proceeded to Kettering : attended a meeting this even- 
 ing for Friends and others ; the attendance was large, the people 
 behaved solidly, and we were led to hope it was a profitable time to 
 many. Sixth-day, wo proceeded to Hitchen. First-day morning 
 attended meeting at Hertford, after which we bent our course to 
 Tottenham ; reached in time for the evening meeting there : I re- 
 joiced in once more sitting with Friends in this meeting. Second- 
 day, proceeded to London, attended the first sitting of the select 
 yearly meeting. Fourth-day, the first sitting of the yearly meeting 
 for discipline : during the several sittings of this meeting, my mind 
 was so closely tried with the prospect in my view, I was scarcely 
 able to take any part in the business that came before the meet- 
 ing, or any enjoyment in the company of my Friends : believing 
 the time was approaching when it would be proper for me to cast 
 my religious prospects before Friends, my attention was at times 
 turned towards the select yearly meeting, thinking that meet- 
 ing might be a suitable place for it ; but as the way for my so 
 doing did not appear clear, I laboured to keep in the quiet until 
 the yearly meeting came to a close. Most Friends were now at 
 liberty to return to their several homes, but I was left in bonds, 
 and none but my INIaker knew the state of mind I was travailing 
 under : I was never more in need of a double portion of faith and 
 patience, which feelings of gratitude constrain me to acknowledge 
 was not withheld by my Divine Master, otherwise I think I could 
 not have borne up as 1 was enabled to do before my friends. After 
 passing two exercising weeks since the close of the yearly meeting, 
 way opened for me to spread before the morning meeting a pros- 
 pect of duty I had to obtain an interview with those in power w ho 
 had the welfare of Ireland at heart, and to make a visit to the Prince 
 Regent. After the meeting had been exercised with the subject, 
 a few Friends were selected to have a further opportunity with 
 me, but they not feeling themselves competent to give a judg- 
 ment, again called together the select members, who left me at 
 liberty to pursue my religious prospects as truth opened my way ; 
 my kind friend, William Allen, was proposed to endeavour to obtain 
 for me an interview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. Seventh- 
 day, twenty-sixth of Sixth month, we proceeded to his residence 
 in Downing-strect, according to appointment : we were received 
 in a courteous manner ; on which I laid before him such observa- 
 tions as I had made during my travelling in Ireland, on the in- 
 temperance that so generally pervaded the lower class of society 
 tliere, and what to me appeared the most likely to effect a 
 remedy. After affording me a full opportunity to relieve my 
 mind, the Chancellor proposed my throwing the subject before the 
 
 o
 
 194 JOURNAL OF THOBIAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Secretary for Ireland, kindly giving vis an introductory letter for 
 that purpose, whom we also waited upon. 
 
 Having accomplished the least part of my engagement, I quietly 
 waited the time of the morning meeting assembling again which was 
 near. As no Friend had been proposed to assist me in accomplishing 
 that which remained of my prospects of religious duty, 1 ventured to 
 say in this meeting, that if the Friend who had so far kindly assisted 
 me, was easy to render me such further assistance as he was able to do, 
 it would be acceptable ; his consenting to do so, appeared to the meet- 
 ing agreeable, and afforded great relief to my mind. A private op- 
 portunity was what I had looked toward, and which, when the at- 
 tempt for it was first made, there appeared but little doubt it would 
 be obtained. I considered it a great favour, whilst these efforts were 
 thus going forward, I had not given up my residence at Tottenham, 
 which afforded me a quiet retreat ; my garden finding me sufficient 
 employment, furnished me with ample excuse against visiting, which 
 I felt myself unequal to, independent of a persuasion it would not 
 be to my profit : but after efforts were made, a private interview 
 could not be obtained ; this again placed me in a trying situation. 
 As I could not see my way clear to return home with my com- 
 panion, who was now waiting for me, his being detained on my 
 account increased my difficulty : and as the time of my being 
 liberated now appeared so uncertain to me, my companion was 
 left at liberty to return home, thus I was favoured to be quit of 
 a burden. After being thus left to myself, it appeared my only 
 safety was in endeavouring to aim at a resigned state of mind as 
 to any further openings respecting the Prince Regent. I had 
 various temporal matters to attend to before my return to the 
 north, but these I clearly saw it would be unsafe for me to encum- 
 ber my mind with at the present ; I therefore found I must keep 
 in the quiet, and labour after a willingness, if not fully discharged 
 from apprehended duty, to be further instructed and made willing 
 to pursue the path truth should again point out. After thus pati- 
 ently waiting on my Divine Master, to become acquainted with 
 the further knowledge of his will, he was pleased to lay it upon 
 me to take up my pen, and as matter was presented to my mind, 
 to commit it to paper ; after trying the fleece, this mode of proce- 
 dure appeared the only way for me to obtain an acquittal: on look- 
 ing towards this attempt, I felt myself placed in a tried responsible 
 situation, from a belief that nothing short of imparting the whole 
 counsel communicated to my mind would find acceptance with God, 
 whom I thought I could in truth say, I was desirous of serving 
 with a perfect heart and willing mind. As I was about to 
 address the first in power and the head of the nation, should of- 
 fence be given by any thing I communicated, the Society might 
 be implicated in it. Although these considerations might be pro- 
 per in this place, I began to see that without great watchfulness
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 195 
 
 the reasonei* would gain ground upon me, and weaken my 
 hands for the work before me. I accordingly sat down, emptied 
 and stript as to matter, endeavouring to abide in a humble 
 dependent state, seeking for that help which alone qualifies for 
 every good word and work. My Divine Master, in his wonted 
 condescension, looked down upon me, and sent help, abundant 
 help, in this time of great need'; matter followed faster than my 
 pen was well able to commit it to paper : and having closed 
 what I believed was in this way given me to communicate to 
 the prince, the load was thus far removed off' my shoulders. 
 Aware that it would require grammatical corrections, I submitted 
 it to suitable Friends for that purpose : nothing I believed would 
 give me that clearness I must aim at, but presenting it in my own 
 person. 
 
 After having had the address fairly copied, I signed it with my 
 name and place of abode, and on the seventh of the Eighth 
 month I proceeded to Brighton. I was aware it would be the 
 means of placing Friends there in a trying situation ; I therefore 
 felt it required of me, before I acquainted them with the cause of 
 their being called together, to warn them against looking at the 
 discouragements that might present ; but to endeavour to cherish 
 an increase of faith, that all things were possible to those who 
 maintain a firm reliance on that Power, which is as able now as 
 ever it was to remove mountains. After opening my views to 
 P'riends on thus calling them together, I gave for their perusal 
 that which I had prepared for the prince, and claimed their as- 
 sistance. As I had apprehended so it proved ; Friends appeared 
 plunged into difficulties : one said it might as well have been 
 done in London : but a clear sense still attended me, that this was 
 the right place for me to do my Divine Master's business in. 
 
 The paper to be presented was read over : some apprehensions 
 were expressed that the length of it might prevent its being read; 
 I requested it should be read over again, and such parts as could be 
 spared pointed out, but it was concluded that no part could be 
 spared without hurting the whole. After a time passed in solemn 
 silence, a general desire was manifested to render me every pos- 
 sible assistance ; but the difficulty appeared great if I attempted 
 to present it myself. A person kindly offered to take charge of 
 delivering it to the prince : 1 paused on this kind proposal, but 
 was fully satisfied in my own mind I must decline it ; and as I 
 could see no suitable opportunity for presenting it but when the 
 prince was out on his morning ride. Friends took in charge the 
 needful arrangements. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended the usual week-day meeting ; at the close of 
 which information was received that the prince was out riding, and 
 would return about four in the afternoon ; but it did not appear to 
 me to be the time for me to move, I therefore kept pretty close to my 
 
 o2
 
 196 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 quarters, and passed a tranquil afternoon. After passing a sleep- 
 less night, towards morning it appeared that it would be proper 
 for me to hold myself in readiness this day to get relieved from 
 my burden. During the time of breakfast, our minds were much 
 disposed for silence, and after it was over a precious pause en- 
 sued. My kind friend Mary Rickman was engaged to supplicate, 
 in a way that afforded strength to my feeble, emptied, tried mind. 
 I now felt it laid upon me, to request my Friends who had enlisted 
 in the service, to be on the alert, and obtain information if the 
 prince rode out this morning ; and if so, the time and road he 
 would be likely to take : the road not being ascertained, and he 
 mostly taking his ride over the Downs, accompanied by Thomas 
 Willis, of London, William Turner and Isaac Bass, of Brighton, 
 we proceeded towards the palace, and stationed ourselves on the 
 east side of the stable-yard gate opening towards the Downs. 
 After waiting some time, the gates were thrown open : th^ prince, 
 with a great attendance of his nobles, made their appearance ; but, 
 to my great disappointment, they took the opposite road. Placed 
 in this trying situation I paused, and found it would be unsafe for 
 me to neglect the present opportunity ; time not admitting of 
 consulting my friends, I proceeded up the hill with speed, being 
 favoured to feel the best of supporters with me ; my companions, 
 as they afterwards acknowledged, were not able to keep pace with 
 me, for I scarcely felt the ground as I passed over it. The hill 
 being very steep, and the exertion great, my breath was so affected 
 when I came abreast of the prince that I was unequal to utter 
 a word, I therefore pushed on some way before him (in order to 
 recover my breath) my Divine Master giving me hind's feet ; I 
 then halted, until the prince came up to me, when I addressed 
 him nearly as follows : — 
 
 " Will the prince be pleased to permit me to express a few 
 words to him ;" on which he checked his horse, and stooping forward, 
 replied, " Sir, you must excuse me, I am in haste :" to which I 
 replied, " I have a letter for the prince, will he be pleased to per- 
 mit me to present him with it," taking it out of my breast-pocket. 
 He replied, " You will please give it to Colonel Bloomfield ;" 
 who accordingly took charge of it. On which I found that my work 
 was not complete until I had reqviested [of the colonel] that care 
 should be taken the prince had the letter, and that it was read : 
 being assured this should be the case, this exercise of faith and 
 patience peacefully ended. My companions reached me when I 
 had nearly closed my business, and remarked the great quiet with 
 which the whole was conducted : the countenances of my friends 
 bore a different aspect now than they did when we turned out in 
 the morning. How shall I be able to describe my feelings ! if I 
 am favoured to get to, and keep in, the safest spot for me, it 
 must be by seeing and feeling myself to be an unprofitable ser-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 197 
 
 vant ; having done that which was required of me to do, not of 
 myself, but through the aid of Divine Grace. 
 
 Here follows a copy of the letter. 
 
 To THE Prince Regent. 
 
 6th of 8th mo. 1813. 
 
 " Under a feeling of religious love, which for many years has 
 prevailed in my heart towards thee, and a full conviction that in the 
 great and awful day of righteous retribution, I shall be found 
 guilty of a breacli of my duty to God, if I do not attempt faith- 
 fully to communicate what I have apprehended to be his word in 
 mercy to thee, I have endeavoured to procure a private personal 
 interview ; but this' having failed, I am obliged to avail myself of 
 the only means left of soliciting thy attention to a subject, in 
 which thy present and eternal interest are deeply concerned. 
 
 " The conduct of those in exalted stations will naturally attract 
 general observation ; and I am well aware that from different 
 causes, not only are the virtues of such extolled beyond what they 
 will bear, but their vices or failings are frequently exaggerated: 
 their situation is really a pitiable one ; for though the propensities 
 of human nature to sensual gratification are common to all, yet 
 the temptation is greater to those who have the most ample means 
 of gratifying them to the fullest extent. 1 have endeavoured, as 
 far as possible, to place myself mentally in thy exposed situation, 
 and it is with real sympathy that I entreat thee to suff'er the word 
 of exhortation. 
 
 " Our being prone to sin by nature will not be charged against 
 us in the great day when our future eternal situation shall be de- 
 cided, if in good earnest we have been endeavouring, through 
 Divine assistance, to overcome the evil propensities of our fallen 
 nature ; the sin is not in being tempted, but in yielding to temp- 
 tation : and suffer me to say, that if thou hadst occupied and co- 
 operated with the offers of Divine grace, and the all-sufficient help 
 inwardly manifested, there would have been no grounds for those 
 remarks upon thy intemperance, which of late years have been so 
 generally made, but, which I earnestly hope, have been greatly 
 exaggerated. Flattery is so often resorted to by those who make 
 their court to princes, that few are to be found who will dare to 
 represent to them their danger, however widely they may deviate 
 from the path of duty to their Creator, however obviously they 
 may be walking in that path which leads to certain destruction. 
 Many of those who hang about princes, for their own interested 
 purposes, are strewing with flowers the path which leads to the edge 
 of a precipice, and are sedulously employed in concealing that horrid 
 precipice from view. Such are real enemies, as, by flattery and deceit, 
 are endeavouring, if possible, to gain an undue ascendency over
 
 198 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILMTOE. 
 
 the object of their adulation : some will promote and partal^e of 
 the talDle, and the dissipation of the nightly revel ; while others, 
 less depraved, and not without some sense of the dangerous situ- 
 ation of their patron, yet, for fear of incurring his displeasure, and 
 losing their place, pension, promotion, or seat at the banquet, for- 
 bear to remonstrate, and arc even guilty of countenancing and 
 encouraging what in another place they would not fail to condemn. 
 This, if my feeling be right, is somewhat descriptive of thy situ- 
 ation : few have been the faithful, disinterested friends thou hast 
 yet met with — real friends, who haVc been conscientiously con- 
 cerned to cherish every appearance of a virtuous disposition, and 
 to discourage everything of an opposite tendency. But, notwith- 
 standing this may have been the case, I may appeal to thy own 
 feelings — thou hast not been left friendless nor forgotten by the 
 Lord, who still sustains the character of the friend of sinners, 
 •who is still graciously waiting to manifest his mercy to such as 
 turn to him with full purpose of heart : these he will never desert 
 in the needful time ; and to him I am concerned that thy whole 
 heart and mind may be directed ; that by a co-operation with his 
 Divine grace inwardly revealed, and which I assuredly believe even 
 now awaits thee for thy enlargement, thou mayst experience deli- 
 verance from those bonds and fetters which have prevented thy vir- 
 tuous exertions, — from those false friends who hitherto have fos- 
 tered, and, if permitted, will continue to foster, every disposition 
 thou mayst manifest to gratify the sensual tendencies of our 
 fallen nature : and this same Divine Power will, I firmly believe, 
 raise up for thee companions, who shall become instrumental to 
 thy emancipation from a state of spiritual bondage and captivity. 
 I believe thou hast at times in mercy been awakened to see that 
 a continuance in this state would bring on spiritual death, and 
 cause the Most High to withdraw from thee his protecting grace 
 and good presence in this world, and finally separate thee from 
 him in the world to come. 
 
 " Words fail me to set forth the conflict of mind, which at times 
 I have passed through for many years, on account of thy precious 
 immortal soul. O prince ! He who sees the secrets of all hearts, 
 knows how repeatedly my prayers with my tears have been 
 spread before him in secret for thee, that when thou mayst be 
 called upon to resign an earthly crown, thou mayst not be found 
 among the number of those who have forfeited their heavenly 
 one, through an unwillingness to take up their daily cross, through 
 a disinclination to deny themselves of those tilings which the 
 light of Christ Jesus, in the secret of the heart, and the precepts 
 of the gospel, manifest to be evil, and which unfit for the king- 
 dom of God. For although, as an earthly prince, thou art invested 
 with great power, and art made ruler and head of a mighty nation, 
 thou rankest no higher in the Divine estimation than the lowest
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 199 
 
 of thy subjects, further than as thou art found walking with God in 
 obedience to his revealed will ; and righteously filling up the very 
 awful and important station, which by Divine permission thou 
 art standing in, according to his Divine purposes respecting thee. 
 So great has been the anguish and affliction of soul which I have 
 experienced on thy account, and so strong the desires which I 
 have felt for thy everlasting welfare, that 1 have thought, if the 
 offering up of my natural life as a sacrifice would have effected 
 it, 1 could have felt willing : but I am deeply and consol- 
 ingly convinced, that, though no man can save his brother, or 
 give to God a ransom for the soul of his friend, yet through infi- 
 nite mercy a ransom has been paid by the one propitiatory sacri- 
 fice for sin. But to obtain an evidence of our interest in this 
 sacrifice, we must be willing to receive Christ in his inward and 
 spiritual appearance in the heart, where he would put an end to 
 sin, finish transgression, and bring in everlasting righteousness. For 
 the great and awful work of salvation, if it is ever known to be 
 accomplished, must become an individual work : and that this im- 
 portant business may no longer be deferred by thee, all that is 
 within me capable of feeling, craves at this time ; under an awful 
 sense which has long accompanied my mind, of the extreme dan- 
 ger thou art in from further procrastination, and refusing to join 
 in with the day of lengthened-out merciful visitation to thy pre- 
 cious, immortal soul. 
 
 " I believe, never has the report gone abroad and reached my 
 ear of thy grand entertainments being about to take place, but 
 my poor mind has felt sorrow on thy account; and in spirit 
 I have been with thee as a mournful spectator at the banquet. 
 I have contemplated thee as surrounded by those whom thou 
 callest thy friends : but what, if they should prove in the end 
 thy greatest enemies ! for, prince as thou art, thou must ap- 
 pear before the tribunal of Divine justice and judgment ; how 
 wilt thou then give an account of these scenes of dissipation ? 
 Remember, the decrees of the Great Judge are unalterable ; and 
 against them there lies no appeal : it will not avail thee then to 
 plead, that thou wast countenanced in these things by those for 
 whose age and experience, and even religious knowledge, thou hadst 
 respect : the awful determination will surely be accomplished, Ac- 
 cording to thy works so shall thy reward be. 
 
 " If my feelings respecting thee ai'e correct, thou art at times 
 made sorrowful on these accounts : thou art mercifully met with, 
 in some of these seasons of revelling ; something like the hand- 
 writing upon the wall, which astonished king Belshazzer formerly, 
 has appeared against thee. Has not that same Almighty Power 
 which smote that great king amidst his impious guests, in mercy 
 met with thee ? so that thou hast at times found it difficult to 
 conceal thy conviction ; and thou hast seen that this awful awak-
 
 200 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 ening charge has been descriptive of thy own situation, — ' Thou 
 art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.'' Thy ways 
 are not right before God, for he cannot behold iniquity in princes, 
 any more than in their people, with approbation or any degree of 
 allowance ; and be assured, if there is not a timely putting away 
 from before the eyes of the Lord and the eyes of the people, 
 (that great family over whom thou art placed,) the evil of thy 
 doings, — if there is not a ceasing to do evil, and learning to do well, 
 — the eternal crown designed for thee to wear in Christ's king- 
 dom, will be irrecoverably lost. 
 
 "When I have been thus mentally with thee amongst thy com- 
 panions, and beheld, as I apprehended, the charge or complaint of 
 the High and Mighty One against thee, and that which he has 
 also decreed, if the causes of complaint are not removed ; there 
 has always appeared to me an vmoccupied space between the 
 charge or complaint, and the going forth of the irrevocable decree: 
 and, on my being desirous to know the meaning of this unoccu- 
 pied space, it has been consoling to my deeply-tried mind to be 
 assured, it implied, that the mercy of God was still lengthened 
 out to thee — space still allowed thee, in mercy, to repent : this 
 happy space, — this mercy of God, — may it not be suffered to close 
 unaccepted of! for how have I viewed it, as contracting, from, 
 year to year^ — the charge and the decree nearer and nearer ap- 
 proaching each other, indicating clearly that the day of thy visi- 
 tation, through the offers of Divine help, was hastening to an aw- 
 ful close ! And what is the greatest among men, when left to him- 
 self, and bereft of the assistance of his Maker? When laid upon 
 a death-bed, what can the prayers of others avail thee, if He who 
 alone can save — He, whose offers of help in time of health 
 have been slighted, then refuses to hear ? Just and equal are the 
 ways of the Lord : if we suffer the day of our visitation to pass 
 over unimproved, the determination will stand, When they call, 1 
 will not answer. 
 
 " Let me, therefore, entreat thee to lay these things to heart : 
 the subject is of infinite importance to the interests of thy im- 
 mortal soul : and though, through an humble instrument, remem- 
 ber that thou hast been solemnly warned ! With fervent desires 
 for thy real happiness, both here and hereafter, I remain, duti- 
 fully, and very respectfully, thy sincere friend, 
 
 " Thomas Shillitoe." 
 
 The day after the delivery of this letter, was expected to be a 
 day of. great festivity at Brighton, to celebrate the birth-day of 
 one of the royal family, for which preparations had been made, 
 which brought much company to the town in the morning ; but 
 this not being the case, the newspapers announced the disappoint- 
 ment the public had experienced, without any reason being as-
 
 . JOURNAL OF TH03IAS SHILLITOE. 201 
 
 signed for it. From the feelings into which my mind was intro- 
 duced during the evening, and the disappointment the public had 
 thus met with, no doubt was left with mc, but that my request to 
 have the letter read had been complied with. I remained at Brigh- 
 ton until the Third-day, to be forthcoming, and answer for myself, 
 should any unpleasantness have arisen in consequence of the 
 letter.* 
 
 First-day, attended meeting there. Third-day, left Brighton, 
 my kind friend Grover Kemp accompanying me a short distance 
 out of the town. I felt like a vessel that wanted vent — gratitude 
 so flowed in my heart. After being left to myself, involuntarily 
 1 broke forth in vocal sounds, making the air echo. I do not know 
 I ever before experienced such a flow of heavenly good, and more 
 of a capacity to magnify the Lord, and to rejoice in the God of my 
 salvation, in that He had again brought about my enlargement. 
 Walked thirty miles this day to Reigate, scarcely feeling the 
 ground 1 passed over. I then took a circuitous route to Tottenham ; 
 and after attending to some outward concerns there and in London, 
 on the thirtieth of Eighth month, I proceeded to Barnsley, where, 
 after an absence of near five months, I was favoured to find my 
 family well. My home became a quiet retreat for awhile. 
 
 In the Ninth month 1 attended the monthly meeting held at 
 Ackworth, and gave in a report of my proceedings, with which 
 my Friends appeared satisfied. Next-day walked to York to attend 
 the quarterly meeting. 
 
 In the summer of 1816, my mind was brought under exercise, in 
 consequence of a theatre being about to be built at Barnsley. 
 Having witnessed the sad effects of the players occasionally coming 
 to the town, and performing in a barn, especially on the conduct 
 of the poor people, I remonstrated with the person who was about 
 to erect it for them to rent, but in vain : the nearer it was brought 
 to a finish, the more my exercise increased, without the prospect 
 of any way opening for me to move likely to prove availing ; it 
 only remained for me to abide under my exercise, being earnestly 
 desirous to be preserved willing to stand open to such discoveries 
 of duty, as the Almighty should see meet to make known to me 
 herein. A hand-bill that had been given me long before this, was 
 brought before the view of my mind, on the subject of theatrical 
 performances, entitled, " Vv hy don't you go to the play ? " After 
 searching for it, and carefully perusing it, my mind was im- 
 pressed with apprehensions of duty to have a suflScient number 
 printed for distribution, and posted in the most conspicuous situa- 
 
 * [In 1824 our friend T. S. had an interview with the Prince, then George the 
 Fourth, at AVindsor; on which occasion T. S. informed the king that he had 
 bceri ]icnnitted to present hhn an address before, when at Brighton ; to v.hich 
 the kingrepUed, " I remember you did." This occurred after an interval of 
 near eleven years.]
 
 202 JOURNAL, OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. , 
 
 tions in the town. Aware that such a step would be likely to sub- 
 ject me to opposition, I endeavoured to consider the subject well 
 before it was taken ; and under a sense that it would not do to hesi- 
 tate, (the day being announced when the theatre was to be opened,) 
 I proceeded, and had them printed two days previously to its being 
 opened : I had them posted, and others 1 delivered myself at the 
 houses of the inhabitants. Having done thus much, I felt a relief 
 of mind abundantly compensating me for all my labour. As I 
 expected opposition, so I met with it ; but chiefly from the play- 
 ers themselves, by circulating hand-bills on the lawfulness and 
 benefit of theatrical performances ; writing me insulting letters on 
 the occasion ; procuring apparel corresponding with my own, and 
 taking me off on the stage ; which I found it safest for me to pass 
 over in silence, and count it all joy, under an assurance, this la- 
 bour in the Lord, through His holy help, would not be in vain; 
 which proved to be the case. Their prospects were so defeated, 
 they were obliged to leave the town, it was said, much worse than 
 they came to it ; they made several attempts after this to obtain 
 supporters, but in vain. The theatre was afterwards converted into 
 a dissenting meeting-house. I mention these merciful interferences 
 of Providence, (for without He work with us, and we with Him, 
 we labour but in vain,) that others may hereby be encouraged to 
 do what their hands find to do with a ready mind. 
 
 In the spring of the year I8I7, 1 laid before the monthly meeting 
 a concern to visit the ale-houses in Barnsley. My friend Joseph 
 Wood, of Highflats, proposing to accompany me, we were libe- 
 rated for the service. We were generally well received, many of 
 those we visited acknowledged their thankfulness for the visit. 
 
 I8I7. At the monthly meeting, seventeenth of Eleventh 
 month, I informed Friends of a concern that had, for a very con- 
 siderable time, attended my mind, to engage in some service 
 amongst persons not of our religious community, in Sheffield. 
 After the subject had been deliberated on, a minute was given me ; 
 and on the fourth of Twelfth month, I proceeded to Sheffield. I 
 attended the week-day meeting there ; at the close of which I 
 spread before Friends of that meeting a prospect of visiting the 
 clergy of the Establishment, and the dissenting congregations ; also 
 the proprietors of the theatre in this town, and the subscribers to 
 the news-room. 
 
 Sixth-day, fifth of Twelfth month, accompanied by my kind 
 friend David Mallison, we began with the clergy of the Establish- 
 ment; calling at their own houses. My mission to them appeared to 
 be to stir them up to consider how far they were acting agreeably 
 to the declaration they made when entering upon their office, that 
 of believing themselves called upon to take charge of the souls 
 of people, where their lot was cast; whether they were using their 
 influence to discourage, all in their power, the attendance of the
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. " 203 
 
 » 
 
 theatre recently opened again in Sheffield, an evil likely to prove 
 great to the town and its neighbourhood, as every effort was 
 making by the managers to secure an attendance by advertise- 
 ments, drawn up with much plausibihty, in order to entrap the 
 unwary mind. It was pleasant to me that our visit appeared 
 to be generally well received, and well-timed, as the subject 
 had obtained place in the minds of most we called upon; some 
 expressed thankfulness that I was thus raised up as an instrument 
 to rouse them to their duty in this matter, and the desire which 
 they felt to do their best in furthering my labour. Our visit to 
 the clergy of the Establishment closed under a grateful sense of 
 the cordial manner we were received, and the openness apparent 
 to hear what was offered on the subject. We next proceeded to 
 visit the preachers of the dissenting congregations ; with whom I 
 had in like manner to labour, and by whom I was as generally 
 well received, concurrence being manifested with my concern. We 
 left with each of those we called upon, one of the hand-bills cir- 
 culated at Barnsley, with an account of my proceedings there. 
 After obtaining a list of the proprietors of the theatre, we pro- 
 ceeded to pay them a visit : here we had rough and rugged work. 
 Gifts and profits so blinded the eyes of many of these, that all 
 attempts to convince them of the necessity there was for them to 
 abandon the use of such places, appeared fruitless ; yet I felt sa- 
 tisfied so far that I had done my part with them, believing that 
 what was given me for communication would, if disregarded, be 
 remembered by some at a future day with sorrowful hearts. 
 
 Having closed this part of my mission, we next procured a list 
 of subscribers to the news-room, and visited such of them as 
 were within our reach; endeavouring to lay before them the evil of 
 suffering the news-room to be open on a First-day, and the bad 
 example those who attended it on that day were holding out to 
 the poor, by encouraging them to go to the ale-houses for the 
 very same purpose, to see the news ; also the sad effects result- 
 ing to those who indulged in this practice, by unfitting them for 
 the duties of religious worship, and depriving them of the bene- 
 fits, if any had been received therefrom. Although in thus 
 pleading with the subscribers to the news-room, in a few in- 
 stances I found it rough work ; yet the Good Helper being 
 near, I was carried above all I had to meet with, and was con- 
 soled in the belief, that what I had to offer on the occasion was 
 well received by others. After we had accomplished this visit, I 
 felt constrained again to call upon the clergy of the Establishment 
 and dissenting congregations, to lay before them my views re- 
 specting the news-room being opened on a First-day, requesting 
 their aid in my labours, with such of the subscribers as were their 
 hearers, leaving as much of the burden on their shoulders as was 
 their due, to excite to a proper exertion on their part : after
 
 204 JOURNAL OF THOMAa SHILLITOE. 
 
 which, accompanied by ray kind friend William Hargraves, I at- 
 tended a Bible meeting. When their business was accomplished, 
 I endeavoured to set forth the evil tendency the theatre would 
 have on the minds of the people, if not discouraged ; and to an- 
 nounce it to be the united judgment of the clergy of the town, that 
 some steps should be taken to check its progress ; setting forth to 
 the committee the need there was for them, who were thus engaged 
 in circulating the Scriptures amongst the poor, to aid the clergy in 
 this good work ; not only by their not being seen at the theatre 
 themselves, but by exercising the same care over those of their fa- 
 milies, who, if they did attend, must be furnished by them with the 
 means ; reminding them also, if this care was not properly exercised, 
 the part they were taking in circulating the Scriptures, would be 
 like the silly woman, building with one hand, and pulling down 
 with the other. 
 
 The subject of the news-room being opened on a First-day, I 
 felt myself constrained to advert to, although I feared it would 
 not be well received by all ; but my fears in this respect ap- 
 peared groundless. Shortly after these visits, the subject of the 
 theatre was very ably handled in a newspaper in pretty general 
 use, whereby the attention of the people was roused to consider 
 the evil of upholding such seminaries of vice ; and a very im- 
 pressive letter, on the news-room being opened on the First-day, 
 was circulated through the same medium : here this service closed. 
 At our next monthly meeting I returned the minute given me, 
 gave in my report, which being satisfactory to my Friends, was to 
 me cause of thankfulness.
 
 205 
 
 CHAPTER XIT. 
 
 1820. 7^1^ of 5th mo. Left Hitchen, my present place of resi- 
 dence, for the yearly meeting : walked to Hertford. First-day 
 morning attended meeting there, in which I hope I was favoured 
 faithfully to acquit myself. In the afternoon I proceeded to Tot- 
 tenham, and was favoured to reach it in time for the evening 
 meeting, where I met with several strangers like myself on their 
 way to London. A Friend, after the meeting broke up, told me I 
 had laid on hard : this led me to a v/illingness to consider if there had 
 been any thing of my own mixed up in what I had offered in the 
 ministry, when I believe the good Remembrancer brought before 
 the view of my mind, some remarks that passed between John 
 Churchman and an elder of a meeting, where he had been exercising 
 his gift, " Young man, 'tis soft knocks must enter hard blocks ;" 
 to which John Churchman replied that when a tree is rotten at 
 the heart, it requires a few smart strokes to cause the wedge to en- 
 ter, otherwise it rebounds again. This, as a word in season, proved 
 the means, in the Divine hand, of settling me down in quiet; feeling 
 no cause, on traversing the ground over which I had been treading, 
 to doubt the necessity of what I had delivered in the meeting. 
 
 Second-day, proceeded to London : attended the first sitting of 
 the select yearly meeting, which proved a time wherein fresh cause 
 was experienced to unite in the acknowledgment that holy help was 
 mercifully vouchsafed to us. Fourth-day, attended the first sitting 
 of the yearly meeting for the general concerns of the Society. 
 Towards the close of the sittings of this meeting, my mind was 
 exercised with an apprehension of duty to pay a visit to the 
 women's yearly meeting ; but suffering discouragements to ope- 
 rate, prevented my coming forward in time to offer myself: fearing 
 the consequences of my unfaithfulness, should the women's meet- 
 ing separate, as it was understood their present sitting would 
 close their business, I laid my case before the meeting : on ac- 
 count of the women's meeting being on the eve of closing, it occa- 
 sioned some difficulty in the meeting, yet the meeting it appeared 
 thought it best to set me at liberty ; notwithstanding which, I 
 went under considerable embarrassment, from a Friend, on my leav- 
 ing the meeting, charging me not to detain the women's meeting
 
 206 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 too long. It appears to me proper to record tliis circumstance, 
 as a caution not to circumscribe the ministry or embarrass it : un- 
 der the trying circumstance in which I found myself placed, I en- 
 deavoured to do my best to obtain relief ; but, as I have often 
 found, unfaithfulness in not keeping to the right time in my reli- 
 gious movements, causes weakness and dismay : from my not mind- 
 ing my steppings in the men's meeting, and the embarrassment 
 which the charge, of not keeping the women's meeting too long, 
 had involved my mind in, I left the women's meeting under feelings 
 of sorrow, and a sense of short coming. After the yearly meeting 
 closed I returned home, which to mc was an abode of suffering. 
 I endeavoured to keep quiet, hoping as my disobedience had not 
 been wilful, way would open for my relief. I frequently earnestly 
 supplicated I might be favoured to abide the day of the Lord's 
 judgments. The necessity of my taking up my pen, gra- 
 dually opened before me ; I therefore besought the Lord to 
 beget a willingness in me, and to give me clearly to see the 
 time for its commencement. When this time was come, I sat 
 down with my mind turned to the Lord, beseeching him to 
 furnish me with matter suited to his requirings; on which it 
 was laid upon me to address the members of our religious 
 Society in Great Britain and Ireland. As the various sub- 
 jects arose, I was given to see I must speak the whole truth, 
 otherwise I might keep silence, and remain under suffering. After 
 devoting several days to it, and I had fairly copied it over, I 
 again besought the Lord my God, that he would condescend to 
 direct my mind to a suitable Friend or Friends to correct it, to 
 divide it into paragraphs, and in other respects to prepare it for the 
 press. I waited for Divine co\insel in this important step, for so it 
 appeared to me, as I clearly saw a wrong step in the commence- 
 ment of this engagement would endanger my being involved in 
 such perplexity as might tend to increase suffering of mind, ra- 
 ther than afford me that relief I was labouring to obtain. Two 
 kind Friends were at length brought before my mind, as the 
 individuals to whom I was to submit it. After allowing time to 
 deliberate on this subject, and my mind settling down peacefully 
 under the prospect of submitting it to them, I proceeded towards 
 London, and convened them. From the agreeable m.anner they 
 treated it, and their willingness to do the needful, I was comforted in 
 a hope, that thus far my proceedings were Divinely directed: after it 
 had undergone revision, and a fair copy made for the press, I re- 
 turned to Hitchin ; I then called toffether the members of the select 
 meeting, to whom it was read : some trifling omissions were pro- 
 posed, with which I felt easy; and no objection being made to my 
 printing it, I put it into the hands of the printer, ordering a suf- 
 ficient number to supply every family in the different quarterly 
 meetings of the United Kingdom with a copy. Having corrected 
 the press, and ordered their distribution, I returned home, making
 
 JOUR>fAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE- 207 
 
 sweet melody in my heart to the Lord, who had thus in mercy sup- 
 ported me, and brought me through this trial. Here follows the 
 address. 
 
 An Address to Friends in Great Britain and Ireland, 
 
 " Dear Friends, 
 
 "■ In the first place, let me put you in mind of the nature and 
 importance of that religious profession, we, as a Society, are making 
 among men ; which I believe would be found to be above that of 
 every other society of professing Christians — to wit, the absolute 
 necessity of our living, acting, and moving in all our civil as well 
 as religious engagements, under the influence and government of 
 the Spirit of Christ Jesus our Lord and Lawgiver ; that ' whether 
 we eat or drink, or whatsoever we do, God the Father may in 
 all things be glorified.' 1 Cor. i. 31. 
 
 " This, my friends, is the chief corner-stone of our building, 
 our fundamental principle ; therefore, let us consider how far the 
 general tenour of our conduct corresponds therewith, how far we 
 are each endeavouring earnestly to be found, in all things, con- 
 formable to the example and precepts of the great and holy 
 Pattern of all Christian perfection, of Him who has trod the 
 path of temptation and trial before us, but who rejected every snare 
 of the enemy. If this should not be the case with us, is there 
 not a danger of our becoming to others, who, from our exalted 
 profession, may be looking to us for example and encouragement 
 in the way to the heavenly Canaan, like the evil spies unto the 
 children of Israel formerly ; or that our examples may prove as 
 lets and hindrances to such, instead of helps to press through 
 difficulties and discouragements towards the mark for the prize — 
 which is, ' Ye shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy ; 
 Lev. xix. 2 ; ' Be ye perfect, even as your Father which is in 
 heavfen is perfect .^' Matt. v. 48. 
 
 " Let us remember, however, we may be at peace with ourselves 
 by thus professing ; but not doing the very best in our power to 
 attain this perfect stature of the Christian, we are but branding 
 ourselves in the estimation of the more serious and thinking part 
 of the community with the odious character of hypocrites ; neither 
 do I believe that we escape at all times the like censure from 
 the more unthinking and irreligious part. And let us remem- 
 ber, that the sad effects of thus dissembling will not end here ; 
 for if this conduct be persisted in, we must expect to incur the 
 woe pronounced by our blessed Lord, ' Woe unto you, Scribes 
 and Pharisees, hypocrites ; for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven 
 against men ; for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye 
 them that are entering to go in.' Matt, xxiii. 13. For if every one 
 that nameth the name of Christ is to depart from iniquity, is it 
 not obligatory on the part of such as make the high and holy pro-
 
 208 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHTLLITOE. 
 
 fession we do, to endeavour to attain to such a state of purity of 
 conduct and converse among men? 2 Tim. ii. 19- 
 
 " I believe our first Friends were raised up as a people, to bear 
 testimony to the sufficiency of that pure principle of light and life 
 in all mankind, which would direct tliem in the way to the heavenly 
 Canaan, and strengthen them to walk therein. They confirmed the 
 truth of their testimony by the general tenour of their conduct, 
 giving ample proof to by-standers, that, through submission to its 
 holy appearance in their hearts and minds, they were mercifully 
 redeemed from the world and its spirit, not only from its pleasures, 
 but also from its treasures, and were enabled to count all things 
 appertaining to this life but as dross and as dung, so that they 
 might win Christ. Philip, iii. 8. Hereby they became as an en- 
 sign to the nations, for the fame of them spread far and wide : 
 they became instrumental in the Divine Hand to gather souls unto 
 God, and had to proclaim the glad tidings of the church being 
 added unto daily. But alas, my Friends! how is the gold 
 become dim, and the most fine gold changed ! how is the love of 
 God, and that humility and self-denial so manifest in them, now, 
 by too many amongst us, turned into the love of other things, such 
 as gold and silver, and a desire to make an appearance of great- 
 ness in the world ! That these sorrowful reverses have taken 
 place in too general a way amongst us, as a Society, let the reports 
 brought up from the monthly to quarterly meetings testify, espe- 
 cially as to a growth in the truth, and convincement ; for it is 
 truly distressing to sit at the monthly meetings when this query is 
 answered, and observe the difficulty and embarrassment the active 
 members feel themselves under to answer so as to pass the quar- 
 terly meeting without remark ; especially as respects the first part 
 of a growth in the truth, which 1 understand to imply, an inquiry, 
 what individual advancement we are making towards the kingdom 
 of heaven. Yet, notwithstanding these sifting seasons so fre- 
 quently occur, for such I find them to be to myself, and so I doubt 
 not they prove to many others, they are at times as when a man 
 beholdeth his natural face in a glass, and goeth his way, and 
 straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. Jas. i. 23, 24. 
 For want of abiding enough under these renewed visitations of 
 the Great Head of the church, how evident is it, that we soon 
 forget again our many deformities, hereby adding sin to sin. Is 
 not this too much our situation as a Society at the present day ? 
 Are not monthly meetings and quarterly meetings going on from 
 quarter to quarter, and from year to year, satisfying themselves 
 with telling the same dismal tale, ' We hope some amongst us wit- 
 ness a growth in the truth.?' Now, if the ground of this hope, 
 where meetings venture thus far to express themselves, were called 
 for, I fear it would not be found in the general to be that well- 
 grounded hope which gives victory over the world. At other
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 209 
 
 times, ' but little growth in the truth, and some convince- 
 ment,' ' but little convincement,' or ' no convincement appears 
 among us.' 
 
 " Do not these things, my Friends, loudly call upon us, as a reli- 
 gious body, making a high profession, to be willing, each one for 
 himself, to enter timely into the closet of the heart, and seek for 
 Divine help to shut to the door thereof against carnal reasoning, 
 great natural acquirements, and love of the world, which there is 
 cause to fear have overpowered the better judgment of many 
 among us. Hereby, as we become willing to stand open to Divine 
 conviction, we may be favoured each one to see in what manner, 
 and how far, we may have contributed to this sorrowful declension, 
 and timely amend our ways and our doings ; seeing we are yet 
 mercifully followed as a religious Society, both immediately by 
 the Great Head of the church, and instrumentally, with line upon 
 line, precept upon precept. O, how applicable to His dealings, as 
 respects our Society, is the language of the Most High, formerly 
 uttered, ' How shall I give thee up, Ephraim ? how shall 1 deliver 
 thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah ? how shall I set thee 
 as Zeboim ? Mine heart is turned within me ; my repentings are 
 kindled together. I will not execute the fierceness of mine anger ; 
 I will not return to destroy Ephraim ; for I am God and not man ; 
 the Holy One in the midst of thee : and I will not enter into the 
 city.' Hosea, xi. 8, 9. May we no longer be found walking un- 
 worthy of these His multiplied mercies, but be prevailed upon to re- 
 turn to the good old ways, that we also may be found in those paths 
 of holiness of life and conversation, in which our forefathers walked, 
 under sore travail of mind and great suffering of body, and waste 
 of outward substance, through persecutions. Oh ! let us no 
 longer be found trampling, as it were, upon their testimony, by 
 slighting the many great and precious privileges of this day of 
 outward ease, we who are uninterruptedly eating the fruit of the 
 vineyards and oliveyards we never planted, but which they were 
 made instrumental to plant for us ; thus making the way easy to 
 us, as it now is, to assemble for the purpose of Divine worship, for 
 transacting Society concerns, and for the support of our various 
 religious testimonies. Lest, if we still continue to refuse yielding 
 our necks to the same precious yoke of Christ, which they took on 
 them, and by so doing found it to be all-sufficient to bring down, 
 and keep down the spirit of the world, that has now gained the as- 
 cendency over too many amongst us ; by this their obedience, 
 giving proof, that although m the world, they were not of the 
 world, but at enmity with its spirit, its maxims, and manners, — 
 dead, not only to its pleasures, but so dead to a desire after its 
 treasures, that when in order to preserve a conscience void of of- 
 fence in the sight of their Creator, they were for faithfulness to his 
 law and testimony, stripped of their outward substance, they
 
 210 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 counted these losses of their earthly treasure to be gain. I say, 
 if we will not cast away from us these things, which have led into 
 captivity again to the world, to its spirit, its manners, and there is 
 reason to fear, many of its maxims, and deceitful ways, our gods 
 of gold and silver, of wood and stone, our sumptuous and richly- 
 furnished houses, in some of which is displayed all the elegance 
 the art of the upholsterer can devise, (for it is lamentably the case 
 that little or no trace of true self-denial is now to be found in the ha- 
 bitations of many of our members, and even of some who stand in the 
 foremost rank,)'lest, in the day when the Almighty may see meet, 
 after long forbearing in love and mercy with this favoured nation, 
 to rise up and plead with it in judgment, we should have the largest 
 portion thereof administered unto us as a people, and the declara- 
 tion formerly uttered respecting the children of Israel be fulfilled 
 also upon the unfaithful members of our religious Society, ' You 
 have I known of all the families of the earth, therefore I will 
 punish you for all your iniquities.' Amos, iii. 2. 
 
 " By unfaithful members, I wovild not be understood to mean 
 exclusively those among us who have cast off all restraint as to 
 dress and address, and are unfaithful in other branches of our re- 
 ligious testimony ; for these 1 have long been led to beheve are 
 not the greatest enemies that the truth has to contend with, in the 
 minds of the Lord's visited children, whether of our own or other 
 religious Societies ; because, in our own Society, such as these are 
 not looked up to for example, and as respects the world more at 
 large, such are only known to be of us within the circle of their 
 immediate acquaintance, and by their thus becoming (if I may so 
 speak) consistently inconsistent with our profession, there is reason 
 to apprehend they pass along as to conduct much unnoticed. But 
 I would wish the term unfaithful to be understood to refer more 
 immediately to those who, in their garb and language, support the 
 character of a consistent Friend ; but whose conduct with respect to 
 their commercial transactions and manner of living, their houses and 
 furniture does not correspond with their religious profession, but 
 proves they are the friends of the world and not of Christ Jesus. The 
 fruits brought forth by such testify, that within, like the whited 
 sepulchres, they are full of dead men's bones and rottenness, 
 (Matt, xxiii. 27,) and that the spirit of the world is the governing 
 principle in most, if not all their actions among men. How many 
 among us are pursuing their worldly concerns, as if they counted 
 gain godliness, and not, as must be the case with the true disciples 
 and followers of Christ, godliness with contentment to be the 
 greatest riches, (1 Tim. vi. 5, 6,) proclaiming in the language of 
 conduct, that all is fish that comes to their net, regarding neither 
 quantity nor quality, so there be a prospect of a good profit at- 
 tached to it. And how have the gifts which the God of this 
 world hath bestowed on these votaries blinded their eyes, (2 Cor.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 211 
 
 X. 4,) many of whom, I doubt not, were once favoured to see 
 clearly the things that belong to peace and salvation. O, these 
 professing worldlings, who say, they are Jews and are not, but 
 whose fruits testify they are of the synagogue of Satan, I have 
 been persuaded, have been the greatest enemies to the spreading 
 of our religious principles and the enlargement of our borders ; those 
 who maintain an uniform consistent warfare against the Babylonish 
 garment, (Josh, vii 21,) but with all their might grasp at the 
 wedge of gold, and aim at making a splendid appearance in their 
 way of living. I believe no character is more odious in the esti- 
 mation of those termed libertines, than these, especially where it 
 is known they are taking an active part in Society concerns. For 
 in neighbourhoods where meetings are held, it is pretty generally 
 known by those out of the Society, who are what the world calls 
 our pillars ; though it cannot be doubted, that such must at times 
 prove stumbling-blocks to honest inquirers after Zion, and be in- 
 strumental in turning the blind out of the right way of the Lord. 
 So look to yourselves, my Friends, you to whom these remarks 
 apply, you who have resolved to obtain an impossibility, and be 
 heirs of two kingdoms. Is it any marvel at all, that so little fruit 
 is to be found from the labour that has of late years been be- 
 stowed by the messengers of that same gospel our first Friends 
 preached, whose feet have been turned into the highways and 
 hedges ? For I cannot doubt but that the word preached has 
 been both believed and received by many, but on their compar- 
 ing things with things, the conduct of many amongst us has been 
 found at variance with the doctrine preached, and this even with 
 some whom they considered to be seated as the Aarons and the 
 Hurs, by the side of these the Lord's messengers. Exod. xvii. 10. 
 And doubtless many have left the meeting-place with sorrowful 
 hearts, and instead of resolving to pursue the path pointed out, 
 towards the heavenly Canaan, have formed this conclusion, that 
 they had better remain as they were, than have the feet of their 
 minds turned into the way and not persevere, as they clearly saw 
 was the case with many amongst us. Nor do the sad effects of this 
 dissembling end here ; for I think I have frequently been able to 
 trace its sorrowful consequences to many of the dear youth, as 
 being one cause, why so few of them, in this day of outward ease 
 as to liberty of conscience, are coming forward in the line of true 
 usefulness in the Society and among mankind, or helping the 
 good cause by the religious exercise of their spirits in meetings, 
 and by consistent conduct out of meeting. We may be active in 
 Society concerns, and yet strangers to this religious exercise; 
 without which we cannot become helpers in the Lord's cause and 
 lights in the world. Matt. v. 14. I would that I were able to be- 
 lieve, that all of us who stand in the station of ministers and el- 
 ders, had escaped this too general contagion of the love of the world ; 
 
 p2
 
 212 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 but with sorrow it must be acknowledged, if we speak the trutli, 
 that there is reason to fear, the complaint of the Almighty through 
 one of his servants formerly, may apply to some of this class : 
 ' The leaders of this people cause them to err.' Isaiah, ix. 16. 
 And such a line of conduct, if persisted in, must in the end 
 prove fatal in its consequences. 
 
 " Let none be saying, I expose things too much ; for those to 
 whom these remarks apply, have been exposing themselves more 
 already ; for our hearers and the world at large are quick-sighted, 
 and although our defects may have been passed over in silence, 
 as respects notice thereof to ourselves, yet they do not pass unob- 
 served, or without being remarked upon as to others, nor is it to be 
 desired they should ; the people are not to be expected to take 
 things upon trust, or pin their faith on our sleeves, but to see and 
 know for themselves. The enemy of all good is not idle, but ever 
 alert, and ready with baits suited to answer his purposes ; so that 
 when the good hand has been turned towards any, and they have 
 been favoured to see and feel the need of a still further separation 
 in love and affection from all sublunary things, and the mind has 
 become exercised with desires to experience this ; then he has en- 
 deavoured to counteract the gracious design of Omnipotence, by 
 raising mountains of discouragement and difficulty in their way, 
 endeavouring to persuade that the path thus opened to their view 
 is not to be trodden by mortals : and as a confirmation of these 
 his evil suggestions, turning their attention towards such in a 
 more particular manner, who stand in the fore-rank, and are mak- 
 ing a great profession, but not coming up in a consistent conduct ; 
 and hereby there is reason to fear the pure witness in such is often 
 again put to silence. 
 
 " 1 cannot doubt but that a desire to do a great stroke of busi- 
 ness, get great riches, and make a great figure in the world, is as 
 much some men's besetting sin, as ever the love of strong drink 
 has been that of others. But where the temptation is yielded 
 unto, which of these do we conceive to be the greatest sinner, he 
 whose mind and faculties are so besotted with strong drink, that 
 he is hereby rendered unequal to the performance of either his 
 civil or religious duties, or he in whom the same effect is produced 
 by an overcharge of business.'' for this must be the case — it must 
 disqualify for a faithful discharge of civil as well as religious du- 
 ties, when the mind and spiritual faculties of any person are so 
 benumbed and overcome, if not with surfeiting and drunkenness, 
 yet with cares of this life, (Luke, xxi. 34,) with the love of his 
 gold and silver, houses and land, and so intent on his mortgages and 
 bonds, his interest and compound interest, trying to make a 
 heaven here below. In this state his religious performances and 
 offerings are made, like the niggard's, grudgingly. If at meeting, 
 scarcely in due time, and with his heart so full of the world, that
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOB. 213 
 
 as he brought it to meeting with him, so there is reason to fear he 
 returns with it again ; and before he gets well off the premises he 
 has a toucli about it with some one, it being the thing that is 
 nearest to his heart : and if the church trust him with any of 
 her concerns to execute, it must give place to every of his tem- 
 poral engagements, and only have the refuse of his time, per- 
 haps an evening after the fatigue of the day, when the poor 
 mind is more fit for sleep than religious exercise. Is it to be 
 expected that delinquents, who may be visited by such, should be 
 brought to a due sense of their outgoings, and be reclaimed, 
 when the language so fitly applies — physician, heal thyself ? I 
 am aware the former character is deemed the most immoral ; but 
 I am not able to bring my mind to believe it the most sinful : for 
 if our minds are but unfitted for a faithful discharge of our civil 
 and religious duties, whether such disqualification proceeds from 
 the love of gold or of strong drink, I believe the crime is the same 
 in the Divine estimation. 
 
 "I believe I am safe in saying, I have not been wanting at times 
 in endeavouring to cast a veil of charity over the conduct of 
 some of my friends, who it is evident have in this way become 
 Satan's bond-slaves, and my heart is made sad on their account : 
 I have an assurance, that whatsoever our temptations and be- 
 setments may be, if we are but in good earnest, willing to resist 
 and overcome them, he that covets great trade, great riches, and 
 to make a figure in the world, as well as he that takes strong 
 drink, will experience a way, a sure and certain way, to be cast up 
 in due time by the Lord, for his escape from this otherwise im- 
 passable gulf between him and an eternal resting-place with the 
 righteous. For the self-same Divine principle of light and life, 
 which our worthy forefathers believed in, followed, and were actu- 
 ated by, is still with us, as the cloud by day and pillar of fire by 
 night, (Neh. ix. 12,) is still experienced by those who wait for it, 
 and found by such as submit to its government, which is an all-re- 
 gulating principle, subduing every inordinate affection and dispo- 
 sition. It says, availingly, from time to time, to such who thus 
 continue subject to its controlling power. Hitherto shalt thou go, 
 but no further with safety in thy worldly concerns and engagements. 
 But if we w'\\\ continue to harden our hearts against its holy 
 intimations and restraints, we must expect to wander into the 
 many bye-ways and crooked paths of the enemy, making for our- 
 selves a labyrinth which we may never get clear out of. There is 
 reason to fear this has been the case with many, and I firmly be- 
 lieve restraint to be needful, not only as to the quantity of trade 
 or business, in which we may engage with safety to ourselves, but 
 also as respects the nature and quality of such our worldly con- 
 cerns, that it may preserve us not only from an overcharge of 
 business, but also from being engaged in such business as either
 
 214 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK, 
 
 directly or indirectly tends to lead away the mind from tlie pure, 
 peaceable, self-denying path, and to foster the contrary disposition 
 in ourselves or others. 
 
 " How remarkably was this manifest in the members of our 
 Society in the beginning; until the enemy was permitted to try us 
 with the bait, which has not failed to take with some of all classes 
 in society — riches and worldly prosperity. In proportion as the 
 mind has been let out, and desires increased after these, it has be- 
 come indifferent as to consequences; neither fearing the overcharge 
 of quantity, nor properly regarding tiic quality of business. Happy 
 bad it been for many in the present day of sore conflict, from 
 the general depression of trade, had they willingly and timely 
 yielded to those Divine intimations; for 1 believe none ever turned 
 aside from the path of safety totally ignorant thereof, but that in 
 the beginning of their erring and straying, the witness for God 
 followed them, and at times smote them : but if we disregard its 
 invitations and secret monitions, it is then most just on the part 
 of Almighty God, to leave us to the power and insinuations of 
 Satan ; (2 Cor. iv. 4 ;) the god of this world, who rules in the 
 hearts of the children of disobedience. Eph. ii. 2. But even while 
 thus promoting the cause of the evil one, such may continue to 
 make a fair show in the flesh, as to a profession of religion, and be 
 very tenacious respecting some externals, as were the Pharisees, 
 (Matt, xxiii. 23,) things comparable to the mint, anise, and cum- 
 min, and in which Satan will not oppose them, so long as they rest 
 therewith satisfied, and continue to rebel against the light, (Job, 
 xxiv. 13,) refusing to submit to the heart-cleansing operation of 
 God's word and power, which only can effectually cleanse the in- 
 side of the cup and the platter. (Matt, xxiii. 25, 26.) 
 
 " Happy, 1 say, had it been for many, had they attended to 
 the pure limitations of truth, who are now plunged, with their 
 families, into accumulated difficulties and unlooked-for distress; 
 and respecting whom the declaration of the apostle has been veri- 
 fied, ' They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and 
 into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruc- 
 tion and perdition ; for the love of money is the root of all evil; which 
 while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and 
 pierced themselves throvigh with many sorrows.' (1 Tim. vi. 9. 10.) 
 And it is to be feared there are many more of this description, who, 
 at times, quake for fear of that, which, without Divine interposition, 
 seems coming upon them. And is it to be wondered at, that these 
 things should happen among us, when the conduct of many un- 
 der our name is so opposed to the profession they are making, 
 which demands of us that we be found men fearing God 
 and hating covetousness .'' Exodus, xviii. 21. How opposite 
 is this disposition of mind to that of the love of the world ;
 
 ■>i. 
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOK. 215 
 
 for as this disposition is brought about in us, and abode in, the 
 mind as much dreads the very approach of any of Satan's gilded 
 baits, as if surprised by a rattlesnake or other venomous creature, 
 whose wound is fatal ; because if we suffer ourselves to be be- 
 guiled by him, spiritual death will surely follow. And this has 
 been verified respecting many, since I first became acquainted with 
 the Society of Friends ; many who gave proof that they were 
 the visited children of the Lord our God, who had covenanted 
 with Him, and for a time evidently confirmed the same by sacri- 
 fice ; but for want of continuing to ask wisdom daily, (James, i. 5,) 
 to go in and out before the Lord with acceptance ; (for I find if 
 we arc favoured to possess it, we must daily ask wisdom of Him 
 who still fails not to grant liberally ;) and by giving the things of 
 this world the preference, — riches and greatness, they have been 
 suffered to obtain their heart's desire : but it has been evident, 
 that which they thus coveted did not come alone, but attended 
 with its never-failing companion. (Hab. ii. 9.) For those who covet 
 an evil covetousness, must expect to possess leanness of soul ; 
 also the sorrowful consequences of which will be unfruitfulness 
 towards God, (Psalm cvi. 15,) which although it may appear 
 to be very slow in its gradations, yet such may rest assured, that 
 it will take place, whatever they may have known aforetime of an 
 enlargement of heart towards Him and his cause. For when the 
 door of the heart becomes open towards covetousness and the 
 love of this world, and there is a stumbling at the cross of Christ, 
 (Gal. vi. 1 4,) a refusing to become crucified unto the world and 
 the world unto us, this love of God, once known and felt, in time 
 takes its departure again. O, these spots in our feasts of charity ! 
 for such I fear they have been to many who have been called to- 
 gether by the Lord's messengers. These wells without water, 
 these clouds without rain ; these stumbling-blocks to others, and 
 to the youth among ourselves. Who have been coveting an evil 
 covetousness, launching out into a great way of business, which 
 truth never justified them in. And even some among us, not 
 satisfied when a kind Providence has so favoured them, as that 
 there has been an ample supply from their present business for 
 basket and store, to satisfy their thirst of more, have infringed 
 upon the rights and privileges of others, adding one fresh business 
 to another. • How does such a mode of procedure comport with a 
 people professing (as we do) to be dead to the world, and alive 
 unto Him, whose apostle declared, ' If any man love the world, 
 the love of the Father is not in him ? ' (1 John, ii. 15.) From 
 whence proceeds this conduct ? Let the just witness tell us, my 
 friends ; and may it arouse us before it be too late ! Let such no 
 longer continue to say, ' To-day or to-morrow we will go into 
 such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get
 
 216 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 gain;' (James, ivJ3, 14 ;) whereas they know not wiiat shall be on 
 the morrow : but let them be willing to yield to the restraining 
 influence of God's word and power. 
 
 "Consider from whence this determination proceeds, which many 
 among us appear to have made ; this willingness to sacrifice every 
 thing that should be nearest and dearest to them, in order to add 
 ten thousand to ten thousand, and twenty thousand to twenty 
 thousand, and double and treble it again and again, if possible. 
 Let these things speak for themselves: can they proceed from any 
 other disposition than the love of the world .^ O let such consider 
 if the apostle's declaration be not true as to them, that the love 
 of the Father is not in them. For many years I have esteemed 
 it a reproach to such a society of professing Christians as we are, 
 when any of our members have been summoned from works to 
 rewards, and have left behind them such large sums of money 
 of their own accumulation. O what a cloud has it brought 
 over their very best actions, however conspicuous they may have 
 stood in society ! O the sorrowful feelings 1 have been dip- 
 ped into at times on the account of such ! — language fails me to 
 set them forth. It is painful for me thus to expose myself on this 
 sorrowful subject, (for such I have often experienced it to be ;) but 
 I believe that, if my feeble efforts be accepted as a peace-offering, 
 that which appears to be the whole counsel must be imparted. 
 (Acts, XX. 37.)* 
 
 " Some have replied, when remonstrated with on these subjects, 
 that they are at a loss to define the word " enough; " but this dif- 
 ficulty, I am of the mind, rests with themselves : in the first 
 place, through an unwillingness to have their wants circumscribed 
 by that power which is from above ; and in the next, for want of 
 a sincere desire to have this word defined for them, by that wis- 
 dom which is as competent to direct in this as in any other im- 
 portant step of life. As it is a duty we owe to the body, to make 
 suitable provision for its comfort and convenience, especially for 
 old age, that we may rather be helpful to others than require 
 their help : so likewise to put our children in the way to get their 
 living by moderate industry, and provide for such of them as may 
 not be in a capacity to help themselves : when a kind Providence 
 has entrusted to us so much as may answer these purposes, if after 
 this there remains a disposition to accumulate, then I believe we 
 are violating that command of the Divine Master, ' Lay not up for 
 yourselves treasures upon earth,' (Matt. vi. 19,) and we are giving 
 full proof where our hearts are : not that I apprehend it would be 
 
 * I would not be understood as charging such as leave large property behind 
 them which they inherited ; and with regard to the disposal of such property by 
 will, were sentiments of the l<ind here enforced more prevalent, I believe it 
 would be more distributed, and that this would be conducive to the solid peace 
 of such as thus dispose of it in tinie^i^
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 217 
 
 better for all such who have thus attained, to quit their trades 
 and occupations ; because some may be more in the way of their 
 duty in continuing to pursue them honourably; when, (besides in- 
 troducing deserving persons as their successors,) they may be the 
 means of helping those who are not able to help themselves, (with 
 which description of persons the world abounds,) such as the 
 widows and the fatherless, and the infirm, who frequently are 
 obliged to labour under extreme pain and suffering ; but there 
 must be no adding td the "enough," lest that enough which has 
 been mercifully dispensed, be taken away again; for, "covet all, 
 lose all," has been the reward of such conduct many times. 
 
 " I am aware of the trying state of trade and commercial affairs, 
 and the great difficulty many honest minds have had to struggle 
 with, who are obliged to give credit in their trade ; thus depending 
 upon others to make good their own payments. Yet I believe 
 that complaints of want of punctuality in fulfilling engagements, 
 ■would not continue among us, were we in earnest to do every thing 
 in our power, that the chief cause, the inordinate pursuit of busi- 
 ness, might be removed. What sorrowful instances of notorious 
 and scandalous failure have of late years happened amongst us, 
 for want of the timely exercise of this care ! how have the records 
 of our monthly meetings been sullied by report after report of 
 this kind ; principally through want of observing the limitations 
 of truth in our trade, and exercising a care, that our way of liv- 
 ing might in all things be consistent with what we profess ! The 
 excellent aflvices that are annually read in all our meetings, I 
 have long been led to fear, are become to many who hear them as a 
 stale thing ; but this is not the case with the right-minded, who 
 are desirous of receiving help every way. 
 
 " However, by others' harms let us take warning. Friends, 
 lessen your temporal concerns ; you that have been permitted so 
 far to weather the storm, which has been long gathering, and, at 
 times, has blown a heavy gale. And notwithstanding there has been 
 some intermission, something which at times might be termed 
 sunshine, with a hope that the worst was past, and that better 
 times as to commercial affairs were hastening, how soon has the 
 expectation of such been disappointed, and how many, that have 
 thus been tempted to venture out on the vast ocean of commerce, 
 have become a total wreck ! Has not the next cloud that has ga- 
 thered, still exceeded those which went before in magnitude and 
 terrific appearance, sometimes as if ready to burst and carry de- 
 struction before it every way ? Friends, lessen your trade and 
 business with all the resolution you are capable of mustering, 
 taking especial heed to the good pilot at the helm. Get into a safe 
 port, to as safe an anchoring place as the nature of your various 
 outward circumstances, in these times, will allow of: otherwise it 
 has long been my belief, these instances of want of punctuality
 
 218 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 and failure in the discharge of just debts, will more and more in- 
 crease amongst us : because it is my belief the day of the Lord 
 is coming ' upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every 
 one that is lifted up, and he shall be brought low ; and upon all 
 the cedars of Lebanon that are high and lifted up, and upon all 
 the oaks of Bashan, and upon all the high mountains, and upon 
 all the hills that are lifted, and upon every high tower, and 
 upon every fenced wall, and upon all the ships of Tarsliish, and 
 upon all pleasant pictures.' (Isaiah, ii. 12— 16.) Read the remain- 
 der of this remarkable chapter, together with the foregoing one ; 
 and let none say, We have long since heard such things — they 
 were long ago proclaimed in our ears by an Emlem and a Scatter- 
 good ; but what has come of it ? lest our calamity come upon us as a 
 thief in the night, in a day when we look not for it, and at an hour 
 when we are not aware. (1 Thess. v. 2, 3. Matt.xxiv. 44—51. xxv. 
 13.) O remain no longer unwiUing to act the part of wise 
 mariners, you that sail on the wide ocean of trade and commerce, 
 and have its tempestuous billows oftentimes to contend with, and 
 to whom it has appeared as if nothing less than a total wreck 
 could be the result. For when danger like this threatens him, he 
 looks well to the helm, reduces his sails, and lightens the vessel 
 by lessening the cargo rather than risk the loss of the whole. I 
 am aware of the distress the creaturely part must have to endure, 
 before the mind is at all likely to be brought into a willingness to 
 take such steps as these. And I think 1 can feel much for those 
 of my friends who have famihes, and have so far extended their 
 manner of living, as that, from the depressed state of .trade and 
 the various losses they are assailed with, their income barely 
 covers their expences, while, perhaps, their families are increasing. 
 For it is gratifying to our nature to appear to the world to be in- 
 creasing in substance, but mortifying to retrench, lest it should be 
 suspected that we are going down-hill in the world. But this must 
 be done by many among us, or I am greatly mistaken in what has 
 long been the feeling of my mind. Friends, you must be content 
 with the half loaf, which is better than no bread at all. Lessen 
 your business, and regulate your family expences accordingly ; 
 otherwise you may be brought into the same trying situation 
 many are now in, who once carried their heads very high in the 
 commercial world, and move in, what are called, the more genteel 
 circles, but who have now no bread at all that they can strictly 
 call their own. 
 
 " I am now under the necessity of claiming your attention, 
 my dear sisters, in order that you may do your part, in facilitating 
 the escape of your liusbands and parents from the troubled wa- 
 ters and sunk rocks of commercial difficulty, which the keen eye 
 of human policy is so often unable to discover; for with you gene- 
 rally rests the management of household affairs : it is also princi-
 
 JOURNAL. OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 219 
 
 pally for the supply of these that the labouring oar is kept tug- 
 ging. You must be willing, mothers and children, to examine 
 closely the mode and circumstances of your expenditure, with a 
 mind made up to relieve, as far as in you lies, the head of the 
 family, who may have both wind and tide to contend with. Search 
 your houses, search your tables, search your garments ; and where 
 any expense can be spared without lessening your real comforts, 
 seek for holy help to rid the vessel of it. I am well aware it will 
 require holy help to take such steps ; but this I am assured will 
 not be wanting if sought after in a proper disposition of mind. 
 And we sliall find that those things which have been sacrificed, 
 being calculated only to gratify the vain mind in ourselves and 
 others, and pamper a depraved appetite, had not the effect of add- 
 ing real comfort to our hearts. Regard not the world's dread 
 laugh, but set your intimates and neighbours this salutary exam- 
 ple ; show them the way to live well at little expense ; an exam- 
 ple I believe we are called upon, as a religious Society, in a pecu- 
 liar manner to be holding up, especially in the present state of the 
 nation. And however this may prove a sore conflict to the fleshly 
 part, by letting us down in the eyes of the world, yet in the end 
 we shall appear more honourable than some among us of late 
 years have ; who have gone on pushing business to keep up an 
 appearance which their circumstances did not justify, clothing and 
 feeding themselves and their children with that which they were 
 not able to pay for. And, Friends, you that are of ability of 
 body, learn to wait more upon yourselves, and bring your children 
 to do the like : I find I am never better waited on, than when I 
 wait upon myself. Teach your children industry and a well-re- 
 gulated economy ; I fear there is too much need in the present 
 day to press this wholesome practice ; for next to a truly pious ex- 
 ample, you cannot bestow upon your children a better portion. 
 This appears to have been much the case with our first Friends ; 
 and it had been better for many of our youth, had their parents 
 trod more in the footsteps of these. Labour is a part of the 
 penance enjoined by the fall, ' By the sweat of thy brow shalt 
 thou get thy bread.' Gen. iii. J 9. This sentence pronounced 
 upon Adam descends to all his posterity. Suitable employment, 
 under the regulating influence of an all-wise Creator, is salutary 
 both for mind and body, and qualifies us the better to feel for, 
 and proportion labour, to those who may be placed under us. It 
 may even prove a secondary means of keeping our nature under 
 subjection, which we cannot be ignorant is corrupt, and requires 
 much subduing ; something to check its impetuosity and bear 
 rule in all our actions There is yet another precious advantage 
 results from bringing up children in habits of well-regulated in- 
 dustry and economy; little business will then be found sufficient 
 to bring up a family reputably, when our wants are confined to
 
 220 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 real comforts and conveniencies, which truth allows, as far as ever 
 our circumstances will warrant them. It is those things wliich 
 have nothing to recommend them but show, and an appearance of 
 what the world calls gentility, that are opposed by the truth in 
 each of our minds, did we but attend to it more faithfully : for 
 want of this attention, how many have become slaves to appearances? 
 And where this well-regulated industry and economy are wanting, 
 and idleness and fulness of bread prevail, liow little is to be ob- 
 served in the conduct of such, of reverential thankfulness for the 
 bounties they are receiving from heaven. 
 
 " When we are content to move in this humble sphere, we are 
 prepared the better to meet such reverses as may come upon us. 
 Let none among us say in his heart, I am out of the reach of reverses, 
 because none are out of the reach of them ; for however variously 
 our outward substance may be secured, all sublunary things are 
 unstable as the waters ; and various as may be our resources, 
 every supply may be cut off; the Philistines may be permitted to 
 stop up all the wells which we have dug for ourselves and our 
 children. (Gen. xxvi 15.) The Most High may permit his little 
 army to enter into our vineyards and oliveyards, and strip us of 
 all, without power on our part to prevent the devastation; for what 
 the palmer-worm leaves, the canker-worm may eat, and wliat the 
 canker-worm leaves, the caterpillar may so destroy that not the 
 least vestige of our once greenness and greatness may remain. (Joel, 
 i. 4.) This has been the case with many within my memory. The 
 crafty have been so taken in their own craftiness, and the lofty so 
 brought down from their seats, and the men of low degree exalted, 
 that he who was the servant has become the master of his once 
 master, and even his master's children have served his children. 
 (Job, V. 13.) What has been may be again : for thus has the 
 All-wise Disposer, to whom belong the cattle of a thousand 
 hills and every visible thing, (for nothing is mine or thine, any 
 longer than He sees meet we should possess it,) evinced his sover- 
 eignty and power to humble his creature man; convincing him 
 thus of the great uncertainty of all visible things. (Psalm i. 10.) 
 And may these turnings and overturnings which we hear of, and 
 some more keenly feel the smart of, in commercial concerns and in 
 families, prove the means of stimulating us to leave things that are 
 behind, all of which are perishing, and press forward to those which 
 are before, which are eternal. 
 
 _j," I am afraid, my dear sisters, to close this subject without add- 
 ing another hint, as essential to our being the better able to keep 
 our family expenditure within its proper bounds; having myself 
 experienced its salutary effects, when I had a numerous family 
 around me. It is, to determine to purchase with ready money the 
 various articles consumed for family use, and that we resolve to 
 perform this, however mortifying it may prove, by depriving us
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 221 
 
 of many things the natural disposition may crave in ourselves and 
 children. I believe great advantage will be found to result from 
 such a practice, both to parents and children, more particularly to 
 such as at times feel themselves straitened, to carry on their busi- 
 ness reputably. For when these difficulties are felt by an honest 
 mind, it becomes obligatory on such, if they get through them, 
 closely to inspect the manner of their expenditure, and this will 
 afford an opportunity of timely checking any unnecessary ex- 
 pense that may have crept into the family. But when things for 
 family consumption are mostly, if not all, had upon credit, this 
 opens a wide door both for parents and children to greater indif- 
 ference, both as respects expediency and cost, than truth at all 
 justifies; and the children of such parents are in danger of being 
 brought up ignorant of the real use or value of property. When 
 numbering my blessings, I esteem this as not one of the least 
 that my heavenly Father has bestowed upon me, that he kept me 
 in a little way of business, and a care to keep my family expenses 
 within proper bounds, and taught me the lesson of contentment 
 with little things ; because now I am advanced in life, I am satis- 
 fied I escaped manifold perplexities, which would have been at 
 this time my attendants, had I sought after greater things as to 
 this world. The purchasing goods for family consumption on 
 credit, often proves a serious inconvenience to those, on whom 
 such are depending for their supplies, especially if they are not be- 
 fore-hand in the world ; for it too frequently proves that such pur- 
 chasers are not very ready to make payment in due time, and 
 when this is the case, are they doing as they would be done by ? 
 
 " I have long viewed it as a mean practice, to consume in any 
 way the property of another person before I have paid for it, 
 (except under some peculiar circumstances ;) for general usage 
 does not justify me or any other person (to say no more) in 
 wrong practices, especially to a people making the high profession 
 we do: for we are not to view things as the world does, but 
 through a more pure medium, with the eyes of truth and up- 
 rightness. I want us more frequently to recur to that which we 
 are making profession of, and as frequently compare our practice 
 therewith, bringing all our deeds to that light, by which, in a future 
 day, they will be judged ; for I cannot refrain from expressing a 
 jealousy, that too many amongst us are swerving into this danger- 
 ous track of the world. One of the diadems with which our first 
 Friends were decked, one of the many jewels that shone in their 
 character, and adorned their profession, was the care they mani- 
 fested to have nothing but what they could well pay for ; so that 
 should reverses come, from the many perils they were in various 
 ways liable to, none might be losers by them. This, in due time, 
 with an uniform, consistent, upright conduct in other respects, 
 procured for them that confidence in the minds of all ranks, and
 
 222 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 that respect, which they so long maintained. I am not able to 
 close this subject without entreating such, to whom these remarks 
 may apply, not to set light by them. Look seriously at the sub- 
 ject, and make a stand, and hold up your testimony by example, 
 against this baneful practice, for so 1 doubt not it has been to 
 thousands, and the inlet to those embarrassments that have at 
 last overtaken them. If we are willing to be found thus stand- 
 ing in our proper allotment, we may prove in degree instru- 
 mental, in the Divine hand, to check that torrent of evil, which so 
 sorrowfully pervades all classes : for the practice has overspread 
 the nation of supporting an expensive manner of living upon 
 credit, which, if not timely checked, there is reason to fear may 
 contribute, amongst other evil practices, to work its ruin. We 
 have stood high as a religious society in the esteem of others, for 
 nearly a century and a half, in regard to honesty, integrity, and 
 an exemplary conduct. Can we with truth say, we believe we 
 have been rising higher in this respect, of later years .'* I fear 
 this has not been the case ; but that the many sorrowful failures, 
 the multiplied instances of want of punctuality that have of late 
 years occurred among us, with various departures in other re- 
 spects from our well-known principles, have given a severe shock 
 to that confidence in us, which once had place in the public 
 mind. 
 
 " The door has of late been set open much wider than was the 
 experience of our first Friends, for the members of our Society 
 to associate with those of other religious professions, in the ma- 
 nagement of the various institutions for benevolent purposes that 
 are on foot. Let us be careful, that this does not lead us to assimi- 
 late ourselves to the world. The world hated our first Friends^ 
 because they maintained a faithful protest against its spirit, its 
 maxims and manners ; but in proportion as we put away from us 
 the weapons of the Christian's warfare, and join in league with 
 the world, a wider door of admittance into all companies and 
 all societies will be opened to us. Thus we have, indeed, occasion 
 to look well to our steppings and standing ; remembering, that so 
 far as we join ourselves to the world in any respect, we shall be 
 condemned with the world. ' If ye were of the world,' said 
 our blessed Lord to his immediate followers, ' the world would 
 love its own ; but becavise ye are not of the world, but I have 
 chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you/ 
 (John, XV. 19.) 
 
 " In order that we may not further forfeit the confidence of 
 the public, but regain that which we may have lost, let me again 
 repeat the caution, that by others*' harms we may take warning ; 
 and by our future conduct give proof of our belief in this incon- 
 trovertible truth, that a man's life or the true enjoyment of it, 
 consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 223 
 
 (Luke, xii. 15.) Let us learn that essential lesson of contentment 
 ■with little things as to this world, remembering that He, whom 
 we profess to take for our leader, declared respecting Himself, 
 although Lord of the whole world, * The foxes have holes and 
 the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man hath not where 
 to lay his head/ (Matt. viii. 20,) so void was he of any earthly 
 inheritance. It was the exhortation of the prophet to Baruch, the 
 son of Neriah, * Seeke'st thou great things for thyself.-^ seek them 
 not : for behold I will bring evil upon all flesh, saith the Lord; but 
 thy life will I give unto thee for a prey, in all places whither thou 
 goest.' (Jer. xlv. 5.) Whilst then we are engaged to circulate 
 more generally, among mankind at large, publications explanatory 
 of our religious principles, and religious tracts, may we give proof, 
 in the first place, of their happy effects upon our minds ; for ex- 
 ample will do more than precept, — actions will speak louder than 
 words ; so shall we each one become a preacher of righteousness, 
 that cannot fail to reach to the pure witness in the minds of others. 
 Thus may we become as saviours on Mount Zion, ' For saviours 
 shall come upon Mount Zion, to judge the Mount of Esau ; and 
 the kingdom shall be the Lord*'s.' (Obad. v. 21.) 
 
 " And let us all retire to our tents ; for if I am not mistaken, 
 such are the signs of the times, that they loudly call upon us so to 
 do, and there closely to keep. The Lord is this tent, unto which 
 the true Israel of God must flee to be safe ; and as there is thus 
 an abiding in Him, who is the munition of rocks, should the pot- 
 sherds of the earth begin to smite one against another, (Isa. xlv. 
 9,) such will be preserved from smiting with them, in word or 
 deed, and escape that danger which will more or less follow those 
 who are found so meddling ; and that perturbation of mind, that 
 instability of confidence and want of support, under the varied 
 probations that may, in unerring wisdom, be permitted to overtake, 
 which ever was, and will be, the case of those who make flesh their 
 arm. (Jer. xvii. 5, 8.) 
 
 " I cannot forbear to express a fear, that there are among us 
 who are not sound in the faith, as it respects an entire reliance on 
 the all-superintending care of Divine Goodness, in times of danger 
 and difficulty, but who are making flesh their arm ; and when at 
 times their minds are awakened to behold the approach of danger, 
 as respects national affairs, are placing their confidence in, (what 
 they esteem,) the wise conducting of a well-disciplined army, and 
 a large store of weapons of defence ; all which may effect the 
 very destruction of those who are thus relying upon them, instead 
 of the living God, for preservation. Such is the great uncertainty 
 of all human events ! It must with reverence be acknowledged 
 by every serious observer, that the Divine protection has long 
 been over us as a nation ; and for the sake of the few righteous
 
 224 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 amongst the different professors of the Christian name, is still, I 
 believe, mercifully continued. But how soon, or how suddenly, this 
 may be withdrawn from us as a nation, because of our multiplied 
 transgressions, is altogether unknown to us ; but should this once 
 be permitted, and the chain of the evil power be loosened for a 
 time, this arm of flesh, which there is reason to fear many are de- 
 pending upon for support in such perilous times, will become but 
 as tow in the furnace ! Happy will it be fn that day, for those 
 who have made the Lord alone their refuge, and placed their de- 
 pendence on that Omnipotent and Omnipresent Being, who will 
 prove in such seasons a covert from the heat, shelter from the 
 storm, and as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land ; (Isa. 
 XXV. 4 ;) a day and time when the minds of all may be clad with 
 dismay as with a garment, for fear of what is coming upon this 
 part of the Lord's foot-stool. 
 
 " And, Friends, let us darej not meddle with political mat- 
 ters, but renewedly seek for holy help to starve that disposi- 
 tion so prevalent in us to be meddling therewith. Endeavour 
 to keep that ear closed, which will be itching to hear the 
 news of the day, and what is going forward in the political 
 circles. We shall find there is safety in so doing; it is the 
 only way for us to experience our minds to be preserved tranquil, 
 amidst all the commotions, all the turnings and overturnings that 
 may be permitted to take place, when the measure of iniquity may 
 be filled up. I have found, that if we suffer our minds to be 
 agitated with political matters, our dependence becomes diverted, 
 by little and little, from the true centre and place of safety, where 
 perfect peace is experienced, though the world and all around us 
 may speak trouble. Such as have this dependence, will know it to 
 be a truth fulfilled in their own individual experience, that ' They 
 that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount Zion, which cannot be 
 removed ; but abideth for ever; (Psalm cxxv. 1, 2;) and that as 
 the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round 
 about his people from henceforth even for ever. Now, Friends, 
 be willing to take up this cross, for I have found it to be one of 
 the many crosses I have had to take up, and avoid reading politi- 
 cal publications, and, as much as possible, newspapers ; and I am 
 persuaded, if a willingness is but manifest on our part so to do, 
 sufficient help will be afforded from time to time, to withstand this 
 and every other temptation of the great adversary of our peace. 1 
 am well aware that men in trade, and sometimes those who are 
 free from its incumbrances, have occasion to resort to those chan- 
 nels of general information ; but when this is my case, I find it 
 safest for me, after I have received information on the subject in 
 question, then to put the paper away from me. I am aware that 
 it requires firmness so to act, there being something in our na-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOF,. 225 
 
 ture so anxious to know what is going forward in the world ; but, 
 my friends, nature must be overcome by grace, which I never 
 found to be wanting, if rightly sought after. 
 
 " I must now conclude, with expressing the earnest solicitude I 
 feel, that we may each of us be found willing to unite with that 
 all-sufficient help, which, I believe, yet waits our acceptance; and 
 suffer it so to operate in and upon us, that we may become again 
 a people wholly separated in heart and mind, love and affection, 
 from every thing that has a tendency to dim our brightness, to 
 prevent us from being as lights in the world ; and become again 
 clothed with those beautiful garments, which so adorned our worthy 
 ancestors— humility, self-denial, and an entire dedication of heart 
 and mind to the work and service of our God ; a disposition truly 
 characteristic of the disciples of him, who declared, ' My kingdom 
 is not of this world f and thus may the enemy no longer be per- 
 mitted to rob and spoil us, but the language go forth respecting 
 us, ' Happy art thou, O Israel, who is like unto thee, O people ; 
 saved by the Lord."" Deut. xxxiii. 29. 
 
 "Hitchin, "Thomas Shillitoe." 
 
 1st IJmo. 1820." 
 
 Q
 
 226 
 
 CHAPTER Xril. 
 
 1821. On 14th of 2ntl mo. I bent my course to Wakefield ; at- 
 tended the week-day meeting there. After meeting, walked to Ack- 
 worth, which proved a solitary, deeply-exercising journey. The 
 prospect of religious duty which I long had a view of, to visit the 
 Continent of Europe, came weightily before me ; accompanied with 
 a belief the time was fully come, that 1 must stand resigned to lay 
 my concern before the next monthly meeting : I passed the even- 
 ing comfortably with the family at the school. I had proposed to 
 return by way of Doncaster, and visit the Friends there; but 
 quietness under my present circumstances appearing the safest for 
 me, I returned direct to Sheffield again, with a mind overflowing 
 with gratitude to that Almighty Power, who is thus watching over 
 me for my eternal good. 
 
 The time for holding our monthly meeting at Hitchin drawing 
 nigh, Fifth-day, twenty-third of Second month, after attending the 
 week-day meeting here, I parted from my children and Friends of 
 Sheffield in much affection ; reached Chesterfield in the evening 
 of the Sixth-day; proceeded by coach to Leicester. Seventh day 
 proceeded on foot to Kettering. From the quantity of rain and the 
 nature of the soil, walking was very oppressive ; but by perse- 
 vering, I was favoured to reach Kettering by tea-time : I had 
 now seven miles to travel to reach Wellingborough to-night, which 
 I must do to allow Friends time to arrange for putting me on after 
 meeting, to reach Hitchin in time for the meeting on Second-day 
 morning. 
 
 The Friend I had looked towards for help to get to Welling- 
 borough was from home, which placed me in a trying situation. 
 Understanding it would be difficult to hire such a conveyance as 
 suited my limited circumstances, I concluded to try my feet again, 
 although I had walked thirty miles to-day already. My greatest 
 difficulty was, I had a cross-country road to travel, to which I was 
 a stranger, and night was approaching. Pondering over my trying 
 situation, a young man came to my quarters, and kindly offered 
 his assistance, whereby I was favoured, late in the evening, to 
 reach my kind friend Richard Boddily"*s, at Wellingborough. 
 Arrangement being made for my getting forward after meeting
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SIIILLITOE. 227 
 
 the next day, I passed a comfortable evening with my friends, 
 although considerably fatigued. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting there, in which I was strengthened 
 to labour in the love of the gospel, to my own relief, and 1 was led 
 to hope to the edification of njy friends. After meeting my kind 
 friend William Chapman took charge of me. After he had driven 
 me within eighteen miles of Shefford, I could not feel satisfied in my 
 own mind to take him further ; so I prevailed on him to return, 
 and took to my feet. The night was very dark, and overtook me 
 before I was aware : on which account I had great difficulty in 
 keeping the foot-path ; but the retrospect affording me an evidence 
 1 had not gone out of the high-road home, by going to Welling- 
 borough in my own will, at times acted as a spur to my weary 
 legs : 1 was favoured to reach the inn at Shefford about ten o'clock. 
 After taking refreshment and ordering an early breakfast, having 
 eight miles to travel to-morrow to meeting, I retired to bed. Se- 
 cond-day morning reached Hitchin in time for meeting. 
 
 27th of 2nd mo. 1821. At the close of the meeting for wor- 
 ship, men and women were desired to keep their seats, when I 
 opened a religious prospect my mind had long been exercised 
 with, to pay a visit to some parts of Holland, Norway, Germany, 
 and the South of France, and to take up my residence for some time 
 in those parts, and seek out for such suitable employ as was to be had 
 to fill up my spare time. The magnitude of my engagement 
 brought considerable exercise over the meeting. After much de- 
 liberation, a certificate was ordered, the meeting adjourning for 
 the purpose of receiving and signing it. 
 
 Having a debt of duty long in arrear to discharge [towards 
 an individual] before I left England for the Continent, after 
 meeting I left my own home to attend to it ; rode into North- 
 amptonshire, and then took to my feet. A heavy fall of snow 
 the preceding day, and a journey of more than thirty miles to 
 travel, looked discouraging ; but I found it would not secure 
 peace to give way. At times, during this day's travel, I had 
 the assurance given me, (hopeless as the case I had to encounter 
 appeared to be,) that after doing my best according to apprehended 
 duty, I should be clear, and as such, relieved from an exercise my 
 mind at times had been introduced into on this individual's account, 
 which spurred me on through the day. Thus how does the hope 
 of reward sweeten labour ! Next day walked, as I expected, to 
 the end of my journey ; but on my arrival I was disappointed 
 herein, the individual having left home a few days since, — nearly 
 sixty miles further for me to travel, if I accomplished what I had in 
 prospect when I left my own home; this placed me in a trying situa- 
 tion. Notwithstanding the necessity of my speedy return to arrange 
 for my departure as early as possible after the yearly meeting, (should 
 
 Q 2
 
 228 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 I be set at liberty,) that I might escape spending tlie winter in 
 Norway, my not proceeding forward, I was given to see, would in- 
 volve me in difficulty, harder to bear than I should have to expe- 
 rience by pursuing my journey forward. First-day, after attending 
 meetings here, 1 proceeded a few miles on my way. Third-day 
 reached the end of my journey ; arranged for an interview, which 
 was readily granted ; and that which I had to offer on the occasion 
 of my visit appeared to be received in a very agreeable manner, 
 the individual acknowledging his obligation, and that he gave me 
 full credit for the purity of my motives in undertaking such a jour- 
 ney to become a mediator: we parted affectionately, and I returned 
 to my quarters with the "penny," being relieved from my burden. 
 
 INext day proceeded towards home, witii a heart overflowing 
 with gratitude to that Almighty Power, who did not suffer me to 
 return, without accomplishing the object 1 left home for. I 
 walked upwards of twenty miles to-day, over a very hilly and 
 rough road, much fatigued in body, but in mind comforted, 
 which greatly alleviates the trials the body may have to endure to 
 purchase it. 
 
 Third-day, the 20th of 3rd month. Attended the adjournment 
 of the monthly meeting, where my certificate was signed, and 
 given me. 
 
 Fourth-day, the 21st of 3rd month. At the quarterly meeting 
 held at Hertford, I again opened my prospects of duty to visit the 
 Continent of Europe. On the monthly meeting's certificate being 
 read, considerable difficulty was occasioned, from the expression of 
 unity with my religious concern having been omitted, which had es- 
 caped my notice. The monthly meeting, by its minute having ex- 
 pressed itself fully on that head, the meeting requiring an explana- 
 tion ; and it appearing to have been purposely omitted, placed me in 
 a very trying situation, so that I was tempted to request the quarterly 
 meeting would stay proceeding, and return me the monthly meet- 
 ing's certificate; but the cause of the omission of the word "unity " 
 being explained, as only arising from an apprehension in some 
 Friends' minds it was not safe to insert the word, not knowing 
 the extent of my prospects, but that the meeting had unity with 
 my concern, so far as it had knowledge of it, enabled me to leave 
 the disposal of the subject to the meeting, which settled quietly 
 down under the consideration of it ; and an endorsement was made 
 on my certificate, expressing the unity of the meeting with my pro- 
 ceeding. Notwithstanding my mind had become more tranquillized 
 again ; yet, oh ! the sufferings this nicety of distinction about 
 words caused me to pass through, previous to the yearly meeting ! 
 The circumstance having spread far and wide, reports reaching me 
 from different quarters, I had not the full unity of my own 
 monthly meeting to proceed on my visit, what i experienced 
 in the quarterly meeting was but the beginning of my sorrows.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 229 
 
 The adversary of my soul's peace industriously endeavoured to 
 improve this opportunity, by sowing the seeds of dismay in my 
 mind, and inducing me to look towards the select yearly meeting 
 with terror, at the prospect of presenting my certificate from the 
 monthly meeting, which would confirm these reports thus in cir- 
 culation ; but Divine mercy interfered, or 1 know not how it 
 would have fared with me, giving me to see, by doing my part 
 towards my further liberation, (should these reports influence the 
 mind of the meeting, and a negative be put on my proceedings,) 
 I should be clear. I believe it to be required of me to leave 
 these remarks to posterity, hoping they may have a tendency to 
 excite, in minds who may be brought into the like trying situ- 
 ation, confidence in the all-supporting arm of Omnipotence ; 
 having, in the conclusion of these baptisms, which were fiery in- 
 deed, this testimony to bear to the praise of Him who permitted 
 them, — all things work together for good, if on our part we are 
 but careful to keep within the holy inclosure, the pure love and 
 fear of God. When in my season of discouragement which I had 
 to combat with, having this Divine support to cleave to, I was 
 preserved from sinking in that ocean of dismay and reasoning, 
 which at times appeared ready to swallow me up. 
 
 First day, 5th month. Attended a funeral at Ware ; a crowd 
 of people assembling, and some of a rough cast, made me fearful we 
 should not be able to come at quiet by the grave-side : what was of- 
 fered however appeared to find entrance in some minds. The people 
 came into the meeting-house, and conducted themselves quietly, the 
 minds of many appearing to be seriously affected. I had in- 
 tended walking to Tottenham evening meeting; but feeling draw- 
 ings in my mind to the burial guests, we had a mixed company, 
 which makes it difficult to come at that outward quiet, so desirable 
 when brought under exercise of service. For a short space con- 
 versation ceased, and the silence of all flesh seemed to predomi- 
 nate ; but for want of improving this opportunity, I made suffer- 
 ing work for myself, and at last was obliged to request silence 
 should take place. Some of our company being on the move to 
 go, I was made thankful on my own account I had been preserved 
 from wholly smothering that birth of the Divine word, which I 
 humbly hope at this time was rightly begotten in me. 
 
 Second-day, attended the first sitting of the select yearly meet- 
 ing. Strength being mercifully dispensed by the great head of the 
 church, I spread before the meeting my prospect of religious 
 duty to visit the continent of Europe ; which for the present re- 
 lieved me from this weighty subject, a certificate being ordered. 
 When I am led to take a view of the accumulated difficulties that 
 Imust expect in the prosecution of the work before me, my soul 
 is humbled and bowed within me as into the very dust ; whereby 
 my mind at times became sorrowfully charged with an apprehen-
 
 230 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 sion, I should not have strength to proceed agreeably to the expec- 
 tation I had given my friends, and thereby shamefully expose 
 myself. But Divine goodness appeared for my help with this 
 animating assurance, that if I remained willing to become like 
 a cork on the mighty ocean of service, which my great Master 
 should require of me, in the storm and in the calm, free from 
 the lead of human reason, not consulting and conferring with 
 Jlesh and blood, unlling to be ivafted hither and thither, as the 
 Spirit of the Lord my God should blow upon me, he would 
 care for me every day and every way ; so that there shoiild be 
 no lack of strength to encounter all my dijficulties. Here my 
 discouragements vanished. 
 
 The yearly meeting being over, I took leave of my dear wife, 
 now in the Seventy-fifth year of her age, the most trying parting 
 we ever experienced. 1 left her under the care of one of our 
 daughters, and then proceeded to my cottage at Highbury near 
 Hitchin, which must either be kept shut up during my long ab- 
 sence or parted with : but duty pointed to my parting with the cot- 
 tage and furniture. My cottage to me had possessed many charms: 
 I had laboured and toiled to make it a comfortable abode for our 
 declining years, hoping to have kept it for our residence, until we 
 were taken to the house appointed for all living. Nature had 
 many strugglings to endure, before it made that free-will offering 
 called for : but believing it would be the most effectual way to 
 have my mind freed from worldly cares, I yielded : so does the 
 Most High work in us and for us, as we are willing to devote 
 ourselves to him, then he fails not to make the hard things easy, 
 and sweetens the bitter cup of self-denial. The way opened for 
 my getting quit of all in a manner I never looked for, and feeling 
 thus lessened from this earthly shackle, 1 made the necessary pre- 
 parations for my journey. 
 
 Sixth-day, 15th of Gth mo. I proceeded by coach to Sheffield. 
 First-day, attended meeting there, in the afternoon ; and ac- 
 companied by my son and daughter Heppenstall, I proceeded to 
 Doncaster, attended the evening meeting there. Second-day, ac- 
 companied by my kind friend Richard Cockin, 1 proceeded to 
 Hull. On inquiry, no vessel was to sail for Rotterdam before 
 P'irst-day week. This detention appeared trying, as I had no ob- 
 ject to pursue in the meantime; and 1 feared my mind should in any 
 way be diverted from the spot where I was led to hope it was 
 safely centered. Fourth-day, attended meeting here, and wrote to 
 my dear wife. The quarterly meeting to be held at York falling 
 the following week, I left Hull on Fifth-day, and reached Ackworth 
 by night ; where I was kindly cared for by Robert and Hannah 
 Whitaker ; next day reached Leeds. First-day morning, attended 
 meeting, and in the afternoon walked to Bradford, attended the 
 evening meeting there, taking up my abode with my kind friends
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 231 
 
 Jolin and Mary Hustler, who not only supplied my present, but 
 attended to some of my future wants on the Continent. Second- 
 day, reached York, where I was kindly cared for by William 
 Richardson and his wife. Third-day evening, attended the select 
 quarterly meeting. Fourth-day, the quarterly meeting for disci- 
 pline commenced. Divine goodness again condescended to rest on 
 the members of this quarterly meeting through its several sittings; 
 whereby a preciously uniting feeling was manifest in transacting 
 the concerns that came before the meeting, to the humbling of 
 many of our hearts, and awakening in us the language of high 
 praises to our God. iifth-day evening, in company with my 
 kind friend Edward Reame and wife, I rode to Pocklington inn, 
 where we took up our abode for the night ; next day morning rode 
 to Beverley to breakfast, had a rehgious opportunity in the fa- 
 mily, and left under a comfortable hope that what had been offered 
 was kindly received : reached Hull to dinner. 
 
 s
 
 232 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 First-day morning, I went on board the York packet, Captain 
 Husband, for Rotterdam. We reached the Spurn about noon, 
 when the wind becoming a-head, we cast anchor : our captain 
 with the passengers went on shore to spend the remainder of 
 the day. By this time my stomach felt much disposed to sea- 
 sickness, which might have been reheved, could I have felt easy 
 to accompany them ; but my place appeared to be to keep quiet 
 on board, which afforded me an opportunity of taking a retrospect 
 of my movements thus far, in doing which, no condemnation at- 
 taching, I endeavoured after resignation to this detention. Second- 
 day morning, we weighed anchor again, and proceeded on our 
 passage : my sufferings increased through sickness and total loss of 
 appetite, until Fourth- day morning, when we came abreast of 
 that part of the Dutch coast called the Brill. The wind not being 
 favourable for our getting up the river to Rotterdam, in company 
 with an Englishman, a passenger acquainted with the Dutch lan- 
 guage, I went on shore, travelled about twenty English miles 
 by land and by canal, and reached Rotterdam in the eveiiing. At 
 the boat my companion left me ; I was not aware of the difficulty I 
 should have to find the residence of the merchant 1 was to apply to 
 for a suitable lodging ; but when this was accomphshed, my diffi- 
 culties were not at an end, from his being unacquainted with the 
 EngHsh language. But as I have aforetime found patience and 
 perseverance have enabled me to get through great difficulties, 
 I endeavoured to maintain my hold on hope ; we proceeded 
 to a hotel, where 1 was left, understanding the master of the house 
 spoke English. My supper-time came, the master of the house 
 was from home : by signs I procured some fruit and bread, and 
 my wants being now supplied until morning, I retired to rest. 
 Next morning, the partner of the merchant to whom I was ad- 
 dressed, came to my hotel, offered his services as my guide and 
 interpreter for the day, which I gladly accepted. I had my bill 
 cashed, for which I received guilders, large silver money : cleared 
 my luggage, and forwarded it to my hotel. Feeling pressed in my 
 mind to make my way to Amsterdam, we proceeded to secure a 
 place in the day-boat, but we were too late for it. On inquiry,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 233 
 
 the cabin of the night-boat was secured by a man and his son, who 
 would not allow nie a place with them, although I offered to share 
 in the expense : feeling most easy to proceed by the night-boat, 1 
 concluded to make the best of the accommodation the deck af- 
 forded, with a tarpaulin for a covering, and my luggage for cush- 
 ions, 1 made my bed, and passed the night comfortably; reached 
 Amsterdam in the morning early. I felt thankful to reach the 
 house of my kind friend J. S. Mollet. 
 
 As my prospect of remaining here was short, it was need- 
 ful I should make the best use of my time. Having a letter for 
 the person who occupies tlie property belonging to the Society 
 here, accompanied by my kind friend J. S. IMollet, we proceeded 
 to him. Whilst J. S. Mollet, this person, and her family were in 
 conversation in the Dutch language, my mind became charged 
 with something for communication. I requested my friend J. S. 
 Mollet would translate for me ; Are believed it obtained their 
 solid attention ; after which, I took a view of the meeting-house 
 and premises. The meeting-house made a desolate appearance ; 
 the forms mostly gone to decay, the few that were left were taken 
 into an upper story of the dwelling-house. The meeting-house ap- 
 peared well calculated for accommodating about two hundred per- 
 sons, and very quietly situated : in the upper story of the dwell- 
 ing-house were several large chests, in which were a quantity of 
 13arclay's Apology, and Sewel's History, in sheets, with pamph- 
 lets in the Dutch language ; a few of the Apology and SewePs 
 History we had bound, and distributed where they were likely to 
 be useful. Offer was made to have the meeting-house seated with 
 chairs to hold a meeting in on First-day, and to give notice. After 
 endeavouring to give this kind offer all the consideration I was 
 capable of, it felt to my mind safest to decline having the meeting- 
 house opened on my account. 
 
 Leaving the meeting-house, I requested my friend J. S. Mollet 
 to take me to the habitation of such seeking-minded indivi- 
 duals he himself had knowledge of. Our first visit was to a 
 pious bookseller and his sister ; and although we were not 
 able ourselves to exchange a sentiment on religious subjects, 
 that nearness of affection and union of spirit, which the true 
 disciples of the great Master experience, (differ as they may 
 in profession or language the world over,) was felt by me with 
 these my new acquaintance, and it was as if our friendship 
 had been maintained from our youth. They requested I 
 might be told, our thus meeting was a great treat to their minds, 
 saying, '' Although we cannot by words converse, I find we 
 can converse here," (the man putting his hand to his breast.) 1 
 desired my companion to give our litde company that which arose 
 in my mind for them, and I was largely opened in the line of the 
 ministry, which produced such prostration of soul, that at our
 
 234) JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 partino-, they acknowledged they beheved the remembrance of it 
 never would be wholly lost sight of. We took our tea with a family 
 who spoke my native language, and passed the afternoon in deli- 
 berately conversing on subjects of interest to minds disposed to 
 attend to things of a serious nature ; and 1 endeavoured to satisfy 
 their inquiries respecting the principles which we profess to hold, 
 giving them our reasons for dissenting from other religious professors 
 on some particular points,— the nature of our meetingsfor disciphne, 
 our care over our members, the manner the Society treats delin- 
 quent members, its care over the poor, and over its ministers : a 
 creneral assent was manifested to the propriety of these various 
 proceedings, and their tendency to produce harmony amongst us. 
 Time had passed swiftly over, and it being late, I proposed our 
 movino- home ; but being importuned to take supper, which we 
 could not well refuse, on our being seated at the supper-table, a 
 solemn pause was made, the Hke took place before the servant re- 
 moved the things from the table, which I concluded had taken 
 place out of respect to us, the family knowing Friends were in 
 this practice. After the supper-things were cleared away, I was 
 constrained to inform our kind friends, how much I found I stood 
 daily in need of all the help I could receive from the Divine 
 Power ; and that many would be the opportunities afforded 
 us during each day, if we were but willing to embrace them, 
 wherein this help would be dispensed ; that a pause at the com- 
 mencement and close of our meals, if done in a proper disposition 
 of mind, as unto God, and not to be seen of men, would prove 
 seasons, in which suitable portions of spiritual food would be re- 
 ceived : to the truth of which they feelingly subscribed. I felt it 
 further laid upon me to advert to the practice of collecting the 
 family together each day, for the purpose of reading the Scrip- 
 tures, and the advantage of making a pause previous to and after 
 the reading. This I was informed was their practice, and that they 
 hoped they could say it had been a beneficial one to them ; they 
 also stated that the various remarks given me to make, were very 
 salutary, adding at our parting, it had been a truly interesting 
 ovening to them all; and that such were the impressions made on 
 their minds, they regretted our acquaintance had been and was 
 likely to be of such short duration. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, feeling something further stirring in my 
 mind towards my dear friend the bookseller, accompanied by my 
 kind friend J. S. Mollet, we made him another call. On our way, 
 a young man, an Englishman, pressed us to turn into his shop, 
 recommending me to see the palace and gallery of fine paintings, 
 to which he told me I might have easy access. Finding he was a 
 high professor, I gave him to understand, what had been my 
 motives for leaving my own home to visit the Continent ; adding, 
 that spending my time in such a way as he advised, would ill be-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 235 
 
 come me, who professed to be sent on such an embassy. He ma- 
 nifested great surprise, that I should object to gratify myself in 
 what he called an innocent way; and attempted by strength of ar- 
 gument to persuade me, there could not possibly be any impro- 
 propriety in my indulging my curiosity in such things : but being 
 strengthened to support the reasons 1 had advanced, and to point 
 out the vanity and folly of all such things, he quietly yielded. A 
 relation of the young man, standing by, in a few pertinent ex- 
 pressions confirmed the truth of what I had advanced, and after 
 my making a few more observations, he parted from us affec- 
 tionately, giving me a pressing invitation to take a meal with 
 him ; but hoping things were left well, 1 felt most easy to 
 decline accepting his kind entreaties. These remarks, to the 
 wise and prudent of this world, may appear foolishness , but such 
 as are really concerned to know their eye kept on their holy Head, 
 Christ Jesus, can read and understand them. My mind has fre- 
 quently been favoured to recur to some remarks of William Hunt 
 from Nortli America, when in England on a religious visit to 
 Friends : the desire he had felt, previous to his leaving his own 
 home, to be preserved so entirely devoted to his great Master's 
 cause, as not to be suffered to spend one moment of his time in 
 pleasing himself: to be preserved in this devoted state of mind, 
 the greatest watchfulness possible is necessary. Our kind friend the 
 bookseller received us with such marks of affection in his countenance, 
 as bespoke we were welcome guests. After we had sat down quietly 
 together, 1 felt it required of me to lay before him the necessity 
 there was for him to be careful, whilst so anxiously concerned to 
 witness the kingdom of Christ set up and established in his own 
 heart, that he did not become instrumental in the line of his em- 
 ploy, in building up the kingdom of Satan in the hearts and minds 
 of others, by publications which he printed or sold ; encouraging 
 him to be willing to sacrifice the profit of such works, rather than 
 load his conscience with the consequences that must follow such 
 sales, if seriously reflected upon ; the bad effects produced by 
 reading unsuitable books being more deeply rooted in the mind, 
 than is generally the case from hearing unsuitable conversation. 
 These remarks led to an interesting conversation, and we again 
 parted under feelings of near fellowship, he with his sister uniting 
 in expressions of gratitude, that our feet had been turned towards 
 their dwelling. 
 
 We next proceeded to the house of : he not being at 
 
 home, we spent a short time with his amiable wife. Although we 
 could not exchange sentiments but through my companion, I was 
 led to believe she was endeavouring to live near the Divine Witness 
 in her own soul. Being told that her husband was to be at home 
 in the afternoon, my companion and I took tea with them : we 
 were kindly received, and had a religious opportunity with this 
 couple. Understanding our kind friend the bookseller and his
 
 236 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 sister were to spend First-day evening witli tliis couple, I proposed 
 our joining them, and we took leave of each other in niuci) ali'ec- 
 tion. First-day morning, my companion and I held our meeting ; 
 after which, we had the company of a young man, who had 
 newly taken orders as a preacher in what is called the Reformed 
 Church. Feeling something stirring in my mind towards him, and 
 a suitable opportunity offering, I endeavoured to lay before the 
 view of his mind the awfully responsible situation he had placed 
 himself in, by taking upon himself the charge he had ; and how 
 very essential it was, that the vessel through which the mind and 
 will of the Most High was conveyed to the people, should be 
 pure, by the minister endeavouring to be found walking in all the 
 footsteps of his ])ivine Master. My remarks appeared to be 
 kindly received, and at our parting he expressed the satisfaction 
 he felt with the counsel given. Being thus helped through this 
 unsought-for opportunity, and enabled to pass along as I do, in a 
 strange land and amongst a people of a strange language, is fresh 
 cause for my frequently adopting the query, What shall I ren- 
 der to the Lord for all his benefits.'' Obedience and praise being 
 the offering he will accept, may it continue to be my daily care to be 
 found offering it up out of a pure heart, which is the frequent, fervent 
 prayer of my soul. In the evening we fulfilled our engagement: in 
 addition to the company we expected to meet, we had two reli- 
 giously disposed young men. We passed some of our time in con- 
 versation on subjects of a serious nature, I believe, profitably so 
 to us all; feeling something stirring in my mind in the line of the 
 ministry, I informed my companion, which he communicating, 
 conversation ceased. 1 began to be sensible of the need of en- 
 deavouring to manage my mode of expression to make it easy to 
 my interpreter, who, I was well assured, endeavoured to do justice 
 to what I had to offer; although I found this care to be embarrass- 
 ing to the mind. We separated under feelings of near affection : 
 this clay closed under a grateful sense of that help I had been 
 favoured to experience, so that I could acknowledge, it is the Lord 
 th;it has done such great things for me : — to him be the praise. 
 
 Second-day, our first visit was to a preacher of a congregation, 
 who understood my native language, a man possessed of great 
 natural talents, very animated, and abounding with fine expres- 
 sions calculated to please the itching ear of man. On entering his 
 residence, the injunction on sacred record rushed into my mind, 
 " Be wise as serpents, harmless as doves." Before I lef^, 1 was 
 made sensible, if I preserved the peace of my own mind, I must 
 leave this caution with him, not to sew pillows under the arm- 
 holes of his congregation, and cry peace, peace, where there was 
 no i)cace ; which appeared to be well received :— we returned home. 
 An uiteresting young man, a preacher, made us a call, with whom 
 1 had a religious opportunity ; he appeared to receive kindly what 
 1 had to ofl'er. Wc took our tea this afternoon with a pious man,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 237 
 
 a preacher amongst tlie Menonists. Here we had the company of 
 a tender-spirited man, a preacher from the Texel, who appeared 
 gratified by thus falHng into our company, saying, he had been 
 acquainted with the few members of our Society who had hved iu 
 his neighbourhood, but they were all removed by death : their me- 
 mory appeared to live in his mind with feelings of sincere regard, 
 for their faithfulness to their principles. We also had the company 
 of a young man, who appeared to be seeking his way to Zion ; his 
 steady conduct since, has manifested we were not mistaken herein. 
 A desire being shown to be informed respecting the principles of our 
 Society, we complied therewith; the company appeared to feel aparti- 
 cular interest in the information. We found an idea prevailed, that 
 we had no regular ministers amongst us, but all were left at liberty 
 to speak what and when they pleased in our religious meetings. My 
 companion having my certificates in his possession for translation, 
 produced them ; they were read and explained, as was also the care 
 the Society exercised towards its ministers, with which they expressed 
 their full satisfaction : but they manifested surprise that the minis- 
 ters amongst Friends travelled so far from their own homes for such 
 a length of time, the preachers amongst themselves being all station- 
 ary : the information given appeared to remove from their minds 
 many prejudices they had imbibed respecting our Society. One 
 of our company expressed in a feeling manner his regret that 
 our religious Society in Holland was become extinct, and the de- 
 sire he felt, it might be the will of Providence there should be 
 again some raised up, to set forth our principles amongst them, 
 convinced as he was, from what had been thrown before them, it 
 would be to the advantage of the people at large. He added that 
 their community formerly maintained their testimony against oaths, 
 bearing arms, serving as magistrates, &c., but which many of 
 their members have abandoned, although these things continue to 
 constitute a part of their creed. The great increase of riches, 
 and the revolutions which followed one another in this country, 
 seem to have been the means the enemy has made use of, to be- 
 reave them of their former steadfastness and plainness ; and they 
 had to lament a still greater deviation in other religious matters 
 in a great number of their hearers. Their testimony against 
 oaths was still maintained by some of their members, and the 
 affirmation taken ; but the testimony they once had been so faith- 
 ful in bearing against war, had quite fallen to the ground. ^Ve 
 parted under feelings of that love which is unlimited, and tears 
 of joy were shed, that the good hand had brought us together. 
 
 Having had a glimmering prospect for the last two days, that I 
 must resign myself to make a visit to the settlement of the Mo- 
 ravian brethren at Ziest, I requested my companion to consider 
 the subject; and if he felt nothing opposed to it, to arrange matters 
 for our proceeding next morning. Third-day, though I had passed 
 a sleepless night, we left Amsterdam by Track Skuite for Ziest,
 
 238 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 reached Utrecht in the afternoon, having now about six miles to 
 walk. The day being wet, we were obliged to keep in the close 
 cabin, in a cloud of tobacco-smoke ; I felt indisposed when we 
 left the boat, and having reached one half of our journey, we 
 were obliged to rest at a house near half an hour : feeling myself 
 so exhausted alarmed me, as there appeared no prospect of our 
 reachino- Ziest by the evening, and no conveyance was to be had ; . 
 this, with the affliction my companion manifested on my account, 
 tried me much ; but as 1 could see no way but to resolve to do 
 my best, with the help of my companion's arm occasionally, we were 
 favoured to reach our inn. After taking nourishment and resting 
 awhile, we proceeded, in order to obtain a meeting with the fa- 
 milies in the settlement this evening. On making application, 
 we were informed, their minister, who had power to grant our re- 
 quest, was from home, and his return uncertain. My companion 
 being acquainted with some in the settlement, we concluded to 
 make further trial, but the same reply was given. As I did not 
 feel myself discharged from making further attempts, we next 
 called on two of the elders, before whom I laid my concern, pro-- 
 ducing my certificates ; on which, we were informed, they had two 
 meetings of their own this evening : but there was a greater dif- 
 ficulty yet, which they could not tell how to get over, their 
 preacher's absence from home, who had the power to grant such 
 liberty. After hearing all the difficulties they advanced, I paused 
 awhile, to be fully satisfied, I had done all that was required of 
 me towards effecting that which had brought me there. It ap- 
 peared to me, that before I was fully acquitted, I must propose 
 for their consideration a meeting with the family next morning at 
 their own time ; so I added, that having made this proposal, t 
 l)elieved it would be quite safe for me to leave to themselves the 
 consequences of my being prevented from having a meeting with 
 them. On which, they concluded to have a conference with others 
 in the settlement, and inform us the result next morning. We 
 parted agreeably ; and I endeavoured, at our parting, to imagine 
 the managers of our Ackworth School under similar circum- 
 stances, and to consider how they would have acted, which pre- 
 vented hard thoughts arising in my mind towards the managers of 
 this settlement. Next morning early, we received information, that 
 my request was complied with, the time being fixed for the meet- 
 ing, and notice given of it. On our reaching the meeting-house, 
 we were conducted to the seat set apart for their preachers, raised 
 aI)out two steps from the level of the floor; there were seats on the 
 floor as in our meeting-houses, and the hke order was observed in 
 sittuig in their meetings, men on one side of the house and women 
 on the other. Feeling the spirit of supplication arising in my soul, 
 occasioned mc an exercise 1 cannot well describe, to know how my 
 companion would act as my interpreter; but leaving these considera- 
 tions, under the constraining influence of Divine love, I pro-
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 239 
 
 ceedcd, my companion following me on his knees. We believed 
 it was evidently felt by most of our company an awful season ; 
 my companion being enabled to acquit himself on the occasion in a 
 remarkable manner, as I judged from the sense given me at the 
 time. After which, feeling myself called upon to labour amongst 
 them in the work of the ministry, we had good ground for believ- 
 ing that the communication was well received ; their elders and 
 others taking an affectionate leave of us when we parted. This 
 afternoon we left Ziest, and reached Amsterdam before the gates 
 were shut. 
 
 Fifth-day, considering it behoved me to make the best use of 
 my time, we made calls upon, and took a last farewell of, my new 
 acquaintance here. Sixth-day morning, I took my farewell of the 
 children of my kind friend J. S. Mollet, and at noon we left Am- 
 sterdam in the boat for Haarlem, which we reached early in the 
 afternoon. Walked to Dwyn Vliot, where we took our dinner : 
 the bell announced dinner being on the table, and 1 obeyed the 
 call, took my seat with the rest. Something had been stirring in 
 my mind, but though a considerable pause took place, this did not 
 appear the time for me to make my offering, although I believed 
 something was expected from me. The dinner-things being 
 cleared away, the time appeared come for me to cast off my ex- 
 ercise in the line of counsel to the children, which we had reason 
 to believe was grateful to their valuable mother, and well received 
 by the children. We stepped into the Ley den boat, and pursued 
 our journey. We had the company of a steady man, his wife, 
 her mother, and two daughters from Middleburgh ; I presented 
 them with some tracts, which the man received and read, giving 
 his approbation of their contents. As we proceeded, 1 found 
 something moving in my mind towards him, but no prospect of 
 way opened for my relief in the boat ; and on our leaving the 
 boat, the uncertainty was great of our meeting again. In this 
 tried state of mind, we landed, and went to our inn. Whilst at 
 our supper, with our door open, to my great surprise and no little 
 joy, the man from Middleburgh came into our room. He, with 
 his family, had taken up their abode for the night at the same 
 inn, and were going next morning early for Rotterdam, as we were, 
 but by the way of the Hague. It appeared too late to request an 
 opportunity with him and his family this night : my companion 
 knowing how it was with me, went into their apartment next morn- 
 ing, and returned, saying, the m.an was gone out to make a few 
 purchases, and, on his return, they were about to leave imme- 
 diately by the boat. This placed me in a trying situation, although 
 I could not see I had suffered any suitable opportunity to go by ; 
 so there appeared no alternative, but to risk our timely arrival at 
 Rotterdam, and proceed by the boat by way of the Hague,
 
 240 JOURNAL OF THOMAS 8H1LLIT0E. 
 
 which we reached only in time to step on board before it moved 
 oft". Our fellow-traveller knowing our intention of going by 
 Delf, manifested surprise at having our company ; when my 
 companion gave them our reasons for altering our course, it 
 seemed to excite alarm, as if they apprehended we were aiming 
 to proselyte them, especially the wife ; but on my laying before 
 them, in gospel love, that which I believe was given me for their 
 instruction and encouragement, they gave their company freely, 
 
 except the wife. 
 
 Feeling my mind at Hbcrty, when we arrived at Leidschenden, 
 a boat by°way of Delf to Rotterdam being ready to start, we took 
 leave of our fellow-travellers in much affection, and went onboard. 
 My pointings of duty led me to that part of the lioat called the 
 hoope, appropriated to passengers who are not able to pay for a 
 passage in the cabin. At first, I took my standing on the roof of 
 the different apartments, to enjoy the scenery of the country we 
 passed through, the day being fine, but my enjoyment was of short 
 duration, being convinced in my own mind, it was not the place 
 my Great Master had chosen for me ; I therefore quitted my 
 pleasant prospects, and took my seat in the hoope, which I thought, 
 from the closeness of the place, the company I was come amongst, 
 and the fumes of tobacco-smoke with which I was enveloped, was 
 the most dismal of all dismal places I had been in. A young 
 man, sitting by himself at the far end, attracted my atten- 
 tion ; I took my seat by him, requested my companion to do 
 the same, who by some means had learned he was a Roman 
 Catholic. I endeavoured to relieve my mind towards him; my 
 companion informed me, he believed what I had communicated 
 to the young man was well received by him. He afterwards ma- 
 nifested a disposition to be sociable with us. We then placed our- 
 selves amidst the company in our apartment, feeling it required 
 of me to address them generally ; they became quiet, and seemed dis- 
 posed to receive what I had to offer ; the opportunity lasted about 
 half an-hour. On our reaching Delf, we left this boat ; our com- 
 pany in the hoope whom we left behind us, acknowledging their 
 thankfulness that we were (as they expressed it) thus sent amongst 
 them, some evincing proof that serious impressions had taken 
 place. We now entered a boat direct for Rotterdam. The inti- 
 mation I received, before I left my native land, to be willing to 
 abide like a cork on the ocean, willing to be wafted hither and 
 thither, was afresh brought to my remembrance: accompanied 
 with the assurance, there was no other way, whereby I could with 
 holy certainty and confidence look for Divine counsel and help, 
 amidst the varied and unlooked-for exercises and baptisms that 
 awaited me. 
 
 Reaching Rotterdam, I expected to find letters from home ;
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 241 
 
 but in this I was disappointed, yet favoured to have my mind pre- 
 served from being disturbed thereby. We proceeded to the meet- 
 ing-house belonging to Friends, which is a large upper room, 
 seated with a minister's gallery : 1 seated myself in it, endeavour- 
 ing after the mind of the Great Master about disposing of our- 
 selves to-morrow. After sitting quietly a suitable time, and be- 
 lieving Truth did not point towards my holding a meeting in this 
 house to-morrow,' we returned to our lodgings. First-day, fifteenth 
 of Seventh month, this morning we held our little meeting in our 
 chamber, after which, we called upon a person in the government 
 service : he received us with open arms, saying, he had been ac- 
 quainted with our visit to Ziest, which he gave us to understand 
 had been well received. He expressed in a humble and diffident man- 
 ner his belief in the truths I had declared to him, with his desire 
 that my coming into Holland might prove a blessing to those I 
 went amongst. A fear at times passing in my mind, I had not 
 faithfully acquitted myself towards the preacher of the congrega- 
 tion at Amsterdam, by suffering the fear of man to obtain the as- 
 cendency over my better feelings, and hearing he came yesterday 
 to Rotterdam by invitation, to preach to-day on some public occa- 
 sion, brought an exercise over my mind. I could see no way for 
 my relief, but by my being willing to do my very best to obtain 
 another opportunity with him. I opened my situation to my 
 friend, and we proceeded in search of him, with but little prospect 
 of succeeding, his company we understood was so much sought 
 after ; but, by perseverance, we found a clue which answered our 
 purpose. We sat down together. I endeavoured to lay before 
 him the awfully responsible situation he had placed himself in 
 amongst the people, by his declaring he believed he was called of 
 God to fill the office of a minister of Jesus Christ ; and the need 
 there was for hira to give proof hereof by his walking circum- 
 spectly before men, not trying to please the itching ears of his 
 hearers, but by speaking the truth to them as it is in Jesus, from 
 the very bottom of his heart. He confessed to the truth of what 
 I had cast before him, professing as he did to be called to the 
 ministry of Jesus Christ ; but he added, it would not be possible 
 for him to follow my counsel and retain his situation in the con- 
 gregation he was minister of, because his hearers would not bear 
 to have such truths laid before them. I told him, I the more 
 prized my privilege as a free man in this respect, and was I in his 
 situation, I durst do no other than do my duty faithfully, and 
 leave consequences. Feeling my mind discharged from any thing 
 further to communicate, we parted, I hope in love, for I pitied 
 his situation. We returned to our inn, exhausted as to my 
 feeble body, but with a grateful heart, in having been so merci- 
 fully carried above the fear of man. In the evening we waited
 
 OlO JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 uDon our kind friend Ladabour, to whom I had a letter of intro- 
 duction, who offered his assistance to forward my views. 
 
 Second-day morning, my kind friend Ladabour accompanied us 
 to the orphan-school, acting as my interpreter. I hope it may be 
 said that counsel was imparted suited to the capacity o the chil- 
 dren, and our visit was well received by the overseers ot the institu- 
 tion We next proceeded to the national school, where I expected to 
 have met with children of the poorest class ; but m this 1 was dis- 
 appointed, by finding the school was made up of children of rather 
 the hio-her and middle class of the citizens : the school was very 
 large :° the master, (my companion told me,) before we parted, re- 
 vived in a very energetic and impressive manner, what 1 had commu- 
 nicated to his scholars, and he took leave of us in a respectful manner. 
 In the afternoon, my kind friend John Cooling conducted us to a 
 school of the poorest class: here we met with about six hundred boys 
 and o-irls, of various religious denominations, divided into two com- 
 panies. The first company we were introduced to, appeared to be 
 from eight years old and under : at my first view of them, I con- 
 cluded to pass them without making a halt ; but I soon found 
 such a mode of proceeding would not produce peace to my own 
 mind. I therefore, after having nearly reached the door of the 
 apartment in which they were, stopped and paused ; wlien matter 
 was o-iven me for communication, which was considered well suited 
 to their infant years: this is fresh cause for gratitude on my part 
 to that good Power, who thus watched over me, when my foot had 
 nigh slipped. We now passed on to the school of those who were 
 more advanced in age: the masters used their endeavours to pro- 
 duce silence, in which they succeeded beyond my expectation, when 
 I viewed their number, the rough countenances and appearance 
 altogether of the company we were with : that which was commu- 
 nicated, we had reason to beheve, rendered our visit very accept- 
 able to the managers of the school. 
 
 Believing it would be best for me to see the captain of an 
 American vessel bound for Hamburgh, my kind friend J. S. Mol- 
 lett accompanied me to his hotel. On our way there, an invitation 
 was given us to tea this afternoon, by a person who was at the 
 meeting at Ziest ; but we concluded to call on this family in the 
 evening, and return to our hotel for a little quiet. Not being able 
 to find the captain, I had requested my companion to write to 
 Amsterdam, to know if there was a vessel in that port about to 
 sail direct to Christiana in Norway : on which, information was 
 received, that a vessel would sail in a short time direct for Christi- 
 ana, in which I might be accommodated with a passage ; which I 
 was well aware would spare me from much perplexity, which I 
 sensibly felt awaited me, if I went by way of Hamburgh. But 
 as there appeared no other way for me rightly to go to Christiana, 
 but by Hamburgh, I was obliged to relinquish all prospect of sail-
 
 ■^ JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 243 
 
 ing from Amsterdam. The captain of the American vessel came 
 to our hotel : from the description he gave of his vessel, I found 
 I was not to expect much accommodation, yet as I felt easy to go 
 by him so far as I could see at present, I engaged my passage, if 
 I was at liberty to leave Rotterdam when his vessel was ready to 
 sail. In the evening, we proceeded to the house of our invitant, 
 who was at the meeting at Ziest. In addition to the family, three 
 females were introduced to us, as being invited to have some of 
 our company : one of them I found spoke English pretty well, 
 was ready at translating, manifested a lively interest in our ob- 
 servations, and communicated them to the rest of our company. 
 This individual proved, to our great surprise, to be Jacobas Roc- 
 quet, a pious woman we had been in search of: after passing 
 about an hour in religious conversation, and answering their many 
 inquiries respecting our religious Society, we were about to sepa- 
 rate, when a person entered the room, whom I supposed to be a 
 preacher : he looked upon us with some degree of surprise, and 
 seemed disposed to be shy ; but on my carrying myself free to- 
 wards him, he became more sociable with us. In the course of 
 our conversation with him, he requested to know my motives for 
 taking such a journey at my advanced time of life. The better 
 to satisfy him on this subject, I produced my certificates, and had 
 them explained to him : he wished to know, if these prospects of 
 duty had been of long standing; and being satisfied on this head, 
 he then queried, whether, as the Society extended so much care 
 as my certificates manifested towards its ministers, the like watch- 
 ful care is exercised by the Society over its members in general ; 
 we endeavoured to inform him on this head, with which he ap- 
 peared well satisfied. Before we parted, I endeavoured faithfully 
 to leave with him matter, as it arose in my mind; pointing out to 
 him the absolute necessity there was, that his own example should 
 correspond in all things with the example of the great and holy 
 pattern, Christ Jesus, if he became instrumental in leading them 
 on in the right way of the Lord ; to the truth of which he gave 
 his full assent, appearing to receive kindly what I had offered. 
 
 Third-day morning, previously to our leaving our hotel, we re- 
 ceived an invitation to go into the adjoining house, which we 
 attended to : here we found a preacher amongst the Menonists 
 from Hingeloo in Overysset, an acquaintance of one of our friends 
 at Amsterdam. He appeared to us to be a sweet-spirited, tender, 
 young man, desirous of walking before his flock as became a true 
 gospel minister ; and as if he felt a lively interest in my religious 
 prospects, he expressed in much simplicity the desire of his mind, 
 that my labours might be blessed to others where my lot was cast, 
 as they had been to him during this short interview ; adding, he 
 knew not how to let us go. Our next call was upon a preacher of, 
 
 k2
 
 244 JOURNAL OF THOMAS .SHIM.ITOK. 
 
 what is called, the Scotch Church : we had the company of hin 
 wife's mother, who is an English woman, a descendant of 1-Viends, 
 of the name of Dix, out of Norfolk. Feeling drawings in my 
 mind to visit one of the prisons, we waited upon our kind friend 
 Ladabour, requesting his assistance to obtain admittance, which 
 he effected for us, recommending our taking with us the preacher 
 we had last been with, he being a suitable interpreter, and ac- 
 quainted with those who had the care of the prison. We next 
 proceeded to the house of Jacobas Rocquet : here wc had the 
 company of the person who was with us at Ziest. Having taken 
 our seats, our friend Jacobas Rocquet informed me, she had a re- 
 quest to make, from the preacher we were in company with last 
 evening, that I would satisfy him, how I was able to ascertain 
 that my call to leave my own home to travel, as I was doing, on 
 a religious errand, was of divine requiring ; saying, a lad was in 
 waiting with pen, ink and paper, to furnish him with my reply. I 
 felt disposed to do my best to answer this extraordinary question, 
 as I considered it to be from a professed minister of the gospel ; 
 but the lad making slow progress, I took the pen, and sent him 
 the following query : How are we to know, that which we appre- 
 hend to be a duty, is of divine requiring .'' Answer. In the first 
 place, by our endeavouring to get out of ourselves ; then to turn our 
 attention inward unto Christ Jesus, putting our whole trust in 
 him, agreeable to his own declaration, " As the branch cannot 
 bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine ; no more can ye, 
 except ye abide in me." For He alone is the wonderful counsellor, 
 to all who ask wisdom of him, to all who truly desire to be found 
 going in and out before the people with acceptance in his sight. I 
 have found from my own experience, that as he is thus looked 
 unto and depended upon, with earnest desires to be found doing 
 his will and not our own, he renewedly condescends to qualify us 
 to distinguish between the voice of him, the true Shepherd, and 
 the voice of the stranger ; and strengthens us from time to time 
 to follow him in the way he requires us to go, however opposed 
 this way may be to our natural dispositions and inclinations, or 
 temporal interest ; and that, as we are thus found doing his will, 
 we shall more and more know of his doctrine, and he will not fail 
 to be unto us from time to time, as he was to his favoured people 
 Israel formerly, a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night : 
 hereby, neither divination nor enchantment will be able to prevail 
 against us, by turning us aside from the straight and narrow way 
 that leads to life and peace. After which, conversation took place, 
 which furnished an opportunity to give, what to me appeared, suit- 
 able replies, but not much in the line of the ministry : it proved 
 a very precious humbling time. My kind friend Jacobas Rocquet 
 put into my hands her sentiments on our religious Society, saying,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 2i5 
 
 she could better convey to my understanding her sentiments in 
 writing, than by her broken manner of expressing herself, which 
 was as follows. 
 
 " Dear Friend, 
 " I am glad that Providence brought you in this country and 
 in our town, and I have hope that your way of discoursing, with 
 so much freeness and openness, will prove that the idea which is 
 common about our Dutch people, that all Quakers are stiff people, 
 will be taken away ; and that the way in which you speak about 
 religion will prove to them, that, though you are convinced that 
 in our speaking and not speaking we are dependent on the Spirit 
 of God, and we must always be looking to his influence, yet this 
 makes none fanatics, as they call them, who wish only to be 
 serious, and not to speak without feeling about religious things. I 
 wish all friends in your Society may go on in the like way, and I 
 believe by that way they will, with the blessing of God, be useful 
 in the kingdom of Christ. Farewell in God, dear Friend ! re- 
 member me. Let us walk as in the presence of God ; for it is 
 true, we are everywhere in danger ; and old Satan watches, as 
 you so well said, when we are unwatchful. God bless you, and 
 give us grace to find one another in eternity by the throne of the 
 Lamb, where all who love him shall be one in Christ. 
 
 " Jacobas G. Rocquet." 
 
 In the afternoon, we took tea with the preacher of what is 
 called the Scotch Church, hoping to insure his company to the pri- 
 son : on our informing him what we had in prospect, and our desire 
 for his company to interpret, he yielded so far as to introduce 
 us to those who had the care of the prison ; but having some 
 previous engagements to attend to, he could not remain there. 
 He therefore kindly accompanied us to the town-prison, intro- 
 duced us to a female, termed the regent, a solid woman, about 
 eighty-two years of age. We were informed, that at times, from 
 five hundred to a thousand prisoners were confined here, and 
 that the principal charge of this great establishment rested on 
 her ; that she kept all the accounts, each prisoner having a se- 
 parate account opened for the work done by them, and the ex- 
 penses incurred on their account, one-third of the earnings going 
 to the government, the other two-thirds to the prisoner. Her 
 whole deportment bespoke her to be a religious-minded woman, 
 concerned to fill her important station every way consistently. We 
 considered it to be a great favour, that those, who, for various mis- 
 demeanours had forfeited their liberty, were under such a good 
 care-taker. Feeling something stirring in my mind towards the 
 prisoners, the regent and one of the keepers conducted us into
 
 246 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. W 
 
 a lar<Te court-yard, the men's rooms forming three sides of it; each 
 room°was sufficiently large to accommodate eight or ten persons for 
 lodgings, and to follow their labour allotted them. I did not feel 
 that which would justify me in requesting to have them collected in 
 their place of worship, which we were told was the only place tiiat 
 would contain them, whereby I felt myself placed in a trying 
 situation, it not appearing likely I could extend my voice so that 
 all such as understood my language could hear, nor that my com- 
 panion's voice would be equal to it, which was of the most conse- 
 quence. On my informing my companion of my difficulties, he 
 communicated it to the regent, who proposed my committing to 
 writing what I had to offer to the prisoners, assuring us it should 
 be read to them. This mode of getting quit of my exercise would 
 have been the most easy to flesh and blood ; but I was favoured 
 to see it was not the way I was to obtain my discharge from that 
 Almighty power, who, 1 hope I may say, called to the work ; but I 
 must go from room to room, until 1 felt in my own mind a dis- 
 charge from proceeding further. Attended by one of the jailors, 
 we proceeded — the windows of each room, being sufficiently large 
 to allow all to hear, on their collecting to the windows. At 
 each window I requested the prisoners should be informed, mere 
 curiosity had not been the inducement for my coming amongst 
 them, but an apprehension of religious duty ; ifsobe I might 
 be made instrumental in encouraging them to endeavour to 
 profit under their present afflictions, which their own miscon- 
 duct had plunged them into, for want of their paying due at- 
 tention to that law written by the finger of Almighty God on 
 each one of their hearts, and seeking to him for help in times of 
 temptation; whereby they were led by their evil passions in various 
 ways to violate the laws of their country ; in consequence of which, 
 husbands were separated from wives, parents from children, and 
 children from parents, and they were under suffering many ways 
 for their different crimes. I laboured with them from I'oom to 
 room, urging them no longer to dare to despise the long-suf- 
 fering mercy of the Lord their God ; but to be willing to endea- 
 vour to turn to him with full purpose of heart, and render obe- 
 dience to his divine law, that true repentance and amendment of 
 life may be experienced : inasmuch as the Almighty willeth not 
 that we should die in our sins, but to return to him, repent and 
 live; — with more to the same effect. The jailor, who appeared to 
 feel an interest in what was communicated, assisted my companion 
 when he appeared in difficulty to interpret what I had offered. 
 The prisoners conducted themselves in a quiet becoming manner; 
 many of them appearing awakened to seriousness, and some 
 much tendered ; particularly a young man about eighteen years 
 of age, of respectable appearance, was much melted into tears, 
 his countenance bespeaking the brokenness of heart he was re-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILHTOE. 247 
 
 duced to : they mostly offered us their hands at our parting, ex- 
 pressing their gratitude for the counsel given them. 
 
 Feeling my mind released from proceeding further, we retired 
 to the jailor's house. The case of the young man before described, 
 had much hold of my mind ; as the man confined in the room 
 with him appeared of a diabolical spirit, I laid this subject before 
 the head jailor, who informed us, our views of this bad man were 
 correct : we urged that the young man's case might come under par- 
 ticular notice, and that he should be removed from this bad man's 
 company : this w^e were assured should be attended to. We then 
 proceeded to the women's side of the prison, where we found them 
 in two companies. On my beginning to address the first com- 
 pany, some appeared to eye us with astonishment ; but they soon 
 ceased from their employments, and manifested a degree of ten- 
 derness of mind. One decent-looking young woman continued 
 her spinning after I had broken silence ; but the tears gushed from 
 her eyes, the thread fell from her fingers, as if she had lost all 
 power to hold it longer : it proved altogether an affecting time ; they 
 parted from us respectfully. In the other room we visited, they 
 were employed at their needle : here we found a willingness to re- 
 ceive the word of exhortation, and much tenderness was mani- 
 fested. Some of this company appeared to be of a class that had 
 received an education above a common one. P^eeling myself un- 
 der the necessity of adverting to the cause of their being deprived 
 of their liberty, and placed under such disgraceful circumstances, 
 I found, in what I had to communicate, that by endeavouring to 
 keep near to that Power, who will not break the bruised reed nor 
 quench the smoking flax, I was preserved from expressing myself 
 in a manner that might have blocked up my way in the minds of 
 those I addressed : we left them under feelings of much tender- 
 ness, expressing gratitude for the visit. 
 
 Fourth-day, we visited the merchant who had furnished the 
 order for our admittance to the prison, who appeared to us 
 to manifest a lively interest in the welfare of it: we laid before 
 him the situation of the young man before stated, and received 
 his assurance this young man's case should obtain proper atten- 
 tion : this alone felt to me an ample reward for all I had gone 
 through at the prison ; and feelings of gratitude to my Almighty 
 care-taker attended my mind, for preserving me from requesting to 
 have the prisoners collected in the chapel, or committing to writ- 
 ing the exercise of my mind ; in either of which cases it is not at 
 all probable this young man's situation would have come to my 
 knowledge ; a fresh proof of the necessity of minding our steps, 
 as well as our times of going forth. We further endeavoured to 
 point out the advantage that would result, from the prisoners 
 being suitably classed, and from not having those who were grown 
 old in iniquity, coupled with such who might be compared to
 
 24.8 JOUKNAL OF THOMAS SHILUTOE. 
 
 children in evil practices ; and that some way sliould be devised, 
 whereby the Scriptures might be read to the prisoners daily. VV e 
 were informed, each room was furnished with a Bible ; but 1 felt, 
 it ricrht to say, although this was a pleasant circumstance to hear, 
 yettt should be remembered many of the prisoners were men of 
 that description, not likely themselves to make much use of the 
 Scriptures ; and Satan, who is an enemy to every thing likely to 
 tend to our good, will not be deHcient in his endeavours to pre- 
 vent their making a proper use of them. I acknowledged, diffi- 
 culties would attend their daily collecting for this purpose; but I 
 was also well assured in my own mind, if the practice was pro- 
 perly gone into and followed up, great advantage might result to 
 the prisoners. Something arose in my mind to a young man, 
 son of the merchant, which I feared to take away with me : what 
 I had to offer to him appeared to meet the Divine witness in his 
 own soul ; he in a feeling manner expressed his thankfulness for 
 the counsel given him ; the father and son took an affectionate 
 farewell of us. We next called upon our friend Jacobas Roc- 
 quet; passed an hour with her and one of her friends, I be- 
 lieve I may say to mutual edification, and returned to our hotel. 
 Family matters called my companion home : he left me this af- 
 ternoon ; we parted at the boat in much affection, he having 
 rendered me and my service great help. For a time, I felt myself 
 in a very forlorn and stript situation, unacquainted as I was with 
 the language and manners of the country. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, my kind friend John Cooling accompanied 
 me as my interpreter to the house of a preacher in, what is called, 
 the Reformed Church : my interpreter manifested such a lively 
 interest in what passed, 1 had no doubt but that he did full jus- 
 tice to what I had to commvmicate, from the replies the preacher 
 and his wife made. See, reader, how I was in mercy again 
 cared for, stript of my last helper, and another so soon pro- 
 vided for me ; one who manifested so much willingness to render 
 me every help in his power, that I had no hesitation in my own 
 mind to make him my mouth-piece to others. Understanding our 
 friend, the preacher we are now with, is a young man much fol- 
 lowed by the affluent in the city, I felt concerned to lay before 
 him the necessity of his keeping very humble, and free from 
 every creaturely shackle, delivering faithfully to his hearers that 
 which he believed to be the whole counsel of Him, whose minister 
 he professed to be, without fear, favour, or affection ; because as 
 he had obtained so much place in the minds of the people, the 
 danger was great on his part, lest their gifts of kindness and re- 
 spect shown him should blind his eyes, and he not continue to see 
 the things belonging to Christ's kingdom with the same clearness 
 he now appeared to do. He seemed to receive willingly what I 
 offered, saying, so far as he had knowledge of our Society,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 249 
 
 from wliat he had read, he was nearly united to it; and was desirous 
 of becoming better acquainted with our principles : I forwarded him 
 an Apology and Sewel's History in his own language. I laid be- 
 fore him the reproachful manner in which the First-day of the 
 ■week was passed in Holland ; he assured me it was a subject that 
 lay near his heart : I encouraged him to do all in his power to- 
 wards a remedy, reminding him that every good work must have 
 a beginning ; and however slow in its progress, as those whose 
 place it is to take an active part therein are faithful in what they 
 undertake, notwithstanding the opposition they meet with, it will 
 1 believe, eventually prosper. 
 
 I found there was another baptism I had to pass through, 
 if I quitted Rotterdam with a peaceful mind, but which hu- 
 man nature recoiled at; which was to request a private oppor- 
 tunity with an individual, who stood very high in the esti- 
 mation of men as being a religious character : but he appeared 
 to be so deeply involved in worldly matters, undertaking such 
 a multiplicity of concerns of a religious nature, that if my 
 feelings did not deceive me, what he undertook in this way was 
 marred thereby, instead of good being promoted through his 
 instrumentality as it might have been. I tried writing to him, 
 but the attempt brought trouble over my mind and not relief; I 
 pleaded and endeavoured to excuse myself from the difficulty of 
 getting a quiet opportunity with him ; but finding I must do all in 
 my power to obtain an opportunity with him alone, in order to 
 obtain full relief, I proceeded to his house. When I reached 
 the house my prospects were not brightened ; for he was so full of 
 his worldly concerns, and one caller in after another, that I de- 
 spaired of succeeding. I watched the first opportunity to claim 
 his attention, told him I was about to leave Rotterdam, and could 
 not do so comfortably to myself without attempting to have a 
 little of his company alone ; to which he pleaded his inability on 
 account of business, and persons calling upon him, one after 
 another. He left me again, but 1 found I must maintain my stand- 
 ing in the outer apartment, watch narrowly, and go into his 
 apartment when no one was with him, and shut to the door ; in 
 this trying position I had to stand a considerable time, feeling as 
 if I was nailed to the place, amidst hope and fear, lest I should 
 suffer the suitable opportunity to slip. After much exercise of 
 faith and patience, strength was given me to lay hold on the mo- 
 ment when he was left alone, to go into his room, and take my 
 seat by him : I told him I had left all, wife and children, under 
 an apprehension of religious duty to visit Holland, that I appre- 
 hended I had something in commission from ray great Master to 
 him, which I durst not take away with me, hoping he would allow 
 me a few minutes quietly with him to express what came before me: 
 the power of truth appeared to lay hold of him, and he quietly
 
 250 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 kept his seat, manifesting a willingness patiently to liear what I 
 had to ofFer. I told him it had been given me, I thought clearly, 
 to see he had received the five talents for usefulness in the mili- 
 tant church ; but if he was burying them in the earth, or wrapping 
 them up in a napkin, comparable to that of satisfying himself with 
 a fair outside show of religion and a life of morality, instead of 
 his occupying with these talents answerably to the design of Him 
 who had entrusted him with them, his thus being a nominal mem- 
 ber of the militant church, would not entitle him to a seat in the 
 church triumphant in heaven. 1 therefore exhorted him to en- 
 deavour to have his mind more loosened from worldly concerns ; 
 and to guard against too great a multiplicity of other engagements, 
 however desirous he may be to promote the good of his fellow- 
 creatures; behevingas 1 did many have laid waste the usefulness 
 they were designed for, by undertaking more than they were able 
 promptly and properly to attend to : advising him, when called 
 upon by others, from the willingness he manifested to render him- 
 self useful to his fellow-citizens, to feel his own way in accepting 
 appointments, experiencing something like the woe in his own 
 mind if he did not accept. He heard me patiently through ; no 
 interruption occurring the whole of the time in this opportunity. 
 1 believe we were brought very near to each other ; and he re- 
 quested me not to keep back any thing which I had for him, 
 saying, he felt what I had communicated to him to be a proof of 
 my love towards him ; and we parted affectionately. After which 
 I was enabled to go on my way rejoicing, that He, who called for 
 this sacrifice of my own will, had thus in mercy condescended to 
 preserve me as in the hollow of his Divine hand, when the discou- 
 rager endeavoured to turn me aside from the path of duty, which 
 might have embittered the retrospect of all my labours on this 
 side of the great deep. 
 
 First-day, believing it would be right for me to pass the even- 
 ing with my friend A. V- — — , and yet how to accomplish it 
 without the help of my kind friend and interpreter John Cooling, 
 whose place of residence 1 was unacquainted with, brought me 
 into difficulty. I went to the trade-house ; but the servants only 
 were at home, and they could not understand me : I then returned to 
 my hotel, procured a note in Dutch to give to the servants, re- 
 questing John Coohng's address, but it amounted to nothing ; 
 my countenance I suppose, (manifesting disappointment,) with the 
 importunity of my manner, roused them to apply to their next 
 neighbour, who, to my agreeable surprise, accosted me in my na- 
 tive tongue, invited me into his house, inquiring of me what 
 brought me to their land. I gave him my certificates, which he 
 read with attention, making agreeable remarks on the care of the 
 Society over its members : not being able to procure the informa- 
 tion i was in search of, he kindly proposed to help me to find the
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE, 251 
 
 house. Feeling something moving in my mind for him, after a 
 time of quiet, I ventured to declare it; when he expressed his 
 thankfulness to a kind Providence, who had in such a remarkable 
 manner brought me to his house, and for that which He had 
 given me to impart to him. He accompanied me in my search, 
 but it was in vain : we parted, and 1 returned to my hotel. On my 
 way thither, I observed a large congregation dispersing, and a num- 
 ber of carriages at the doors of the place of worship. My mind was 
 
 forcibly struck with the persuasion, that my friend A. V was 
 
 there: I made a halt in hopes to see him come out, until the people 
 had dispersed : three men were standing together, who ap- 
 peared to be of the upper rank in society ; I made up to them, 
 but we could not understand each other ; they manifested disap- 
 pointment as well as myself, but I could not quit the spot. After 
 a short time I observed one of these persons coming towards me 
 with another person, who to my agreeable surprise was an English- 
 man : he introduced me to my friend A. V , who proposed my 
 
 passing the evening at his residence. But there was another difficulty 
 to get over, the want of an interpreter: however, after a pause, I laid 
 my hand on the shoulder of the Englishman, telling him I pressed 
 him into our service, which he consented to. In the evening I 
 attended to my appointment; where, in addition to my friend A. 
 
 V and his wife, I had the company of his parents, his brother 
 
 and wife, and a friend of his from Ziest, and my kind country- 
 man. A desire was manifested on the part of the company, to 
 receive as much information as they could respecting our princi- 
 ples; also our reasons for differing as we did from other religious 
 professors in many respects, our internal government, and manner of 
 treating our delinquent members : to all which I was enabled to 
 reply in a way that appeared to give general satisfaction, each 
 acknowledging, that, from reports, they had imbibed sentiments un- 
 favourable to the Society, but which had now been removed. An 
 allusion was made by some of our company to the report preva- 
 lent on this part of the continent, that we had no one set apart to 
 the ministry, but whoever inclined, male or female, were at liberty 
 to stand up in our meetings, and hold forth as they pleased. I 
 produced my certificates, which my countryman explained to our 
 company, who generally expressed their satisfaction. My friend 
 
 A. V in strong terms acknowledged, he was highly gratified 
 
 in hearing the care the Society manifested towards its members, 
 especially over its ministers, and the establishment of meetings 
 of ministers and elders, with the queries peculiar to this part of 
 the body. Our time passed on rapidly, and finding it was late, I 
 made an effort to move to my lodgings; the feelings of regret ma- 
 nifested in each countenance at the prospect of our separating, 
 cannot be easily set forth : my kind countryman and another of 
 our company conducted me home, and at our parting they ac-
 
 252 JOURNAL OF THOMAS 8HILLIT0E. 
 
 knowledged they had spent one of the most interesting and profit- 
 able eveSings they ever yet had done, desiring my future move- 
 ments might continue to be under the Divine direction, and tlic 
 reward of peace to crown my labours. ^ 
 
 Second-day morning, I proceeded to the merchant s, to whom 
 my letters from England were to be addressed, in order to their 
 beino- forwarded to Altona ; on my way I met with my kind 
 friend, who interested himself yesterday morning in my behalf, by 
 introducing my countryman to me: our meeting thus again so 
 unexpectedly appeared mutually agreeable, which he requested 
 the person who stood by that spoke l]ngli.sh, to acknowledge on 
 his part, and the unity of spirit he felt with me ; believing 1 was 
 come to their country on the same good errand, which brought 
 William Penn amongst them, to do his countrymen all the good in 
 my power, desiring the Divine blessing would attend me for it : 
 after requesting I would suffer him to enter my name in his 
 pocket-book, we parted very affectionately.
 
 253 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 OuB captain having procured his papers, we left Rotterdam for 
 Helvoetsluys, a journey of about twenty-eight English miles, 
 in a bad uneasy carriage; the road was very deep from heavy rains, 
 and narrow, with deep ditches on each side, the night as dark as 
 most I have known ; so that our journey appeared to me a terrific one : 
 when we reached the end of it, the gates of the fortifications were 
 shut, and all our efforts to make the sentinel on duty hear us, ap- 
 peared fruitless, none of our company spoke the Dutch language 
 but the driver, who did not seem to interest himself about us. 
 There appeared now no other prospect but that we must pass the re- 
 mainder of the night in our carriage, which I was favoured to 
 have my mind easily made up to do ; but I felt much for our 
 horses which had brought us the whole of the way, with only a 
 poor feed on the road : after urging our driver by signs to take 
 steps for our relief, he turned back to a turnpike-house, where we 
 had great difficulty in waking the keepers of it. The turnpike- 
 man gave us instruction how to proceed to make the sentinel 
 hear, adding that the silver-key would gain us an easy admittance; 
 this we found soon effected our purpose, and we reached a com- 
 fortable English hotel, thankful for this additional favour of a 
 kind Providence, in thus watching over us. 
 
 Third-day 24th of 7th mo., 1 went on board the General 
 Jackson from North America : the vessel not being intended to carry 
 passengers, did not present an appearance of much outward com- 
 fort ; but believing I had done right by taking my passage in her, 
 I endeavoured after a willingness to resign myself to every depri- 
 vation 1 should have to meet with. The wind not favouring our 
 clearing out for Hamburgh, I went on shore again to recruit after 
 the fatigue of our journey ; expectingfrom the closeness of the cabin, 
 small berth, and poor bed, 1 should have a trying time on board 
 of it, although the captain had done his best for my comfort. Our 
 detention afforded me frequent opportunities for considering how 
 far I had done right in leaving Rotterdam when I did, but not 
 having a desire left to be anywhere than where I now was, I con- 
 sidered it a great favour from my heavenly Father, who had thus
 
 254 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SMILLITOE, 
 
 far in mercy directed my course. Fifth-day, the wind contrary. 
 Sixth-day, the same ; but I was not alone in this difficulty from 
 detention, for at the same hotel were five of my countrymen waiting 
 for a passage to England. Apprehensions were awakened in my 
 mind before we cleared out, that I must make a visit to the preacher 
 here • on inquiry I found he did not understand the English lan- 
 guacre, which difficulty involved me in exercise ; 1 endeavoured 
 to put by this concern I was thus brought under, which I was 
 suffered to do from time to time, until Seventh-day morning, 
 when our captain made preparations for moving,— the prospect of 
 our getting out of the river, and oVer the flat, being favourable. 
 Thi? sudden change in our situation alarmed me, from a fear that 
 came over my mind, that if I left Helvoetsluys without doing my 
 part to obtain an opportunity with the preacher there, I should 
 have cause sorely to repent of my neglect. My five countrymen 
 had left ; I therefore had none to open my mind to, but my 
 landlord, a young man who understood both languages ; to him 
 1 made my case known, requesting him to accompany me to the 
 preacher, and to act as my interpreter ; this latter request of in- 
 terpreting, I observed was trying to him, but he yielded. We pro- 
 ceeded to his house, found the preacher engaged in preparing his 
 sermon for the next day ; yet he appeared to give me his company 
 cheerfully. I endeavoured faithfully to cast before him matter as 
 it arose in my mind, which I had reason to believe he received as 
 comino; from the risrht source; he acknowledged tlie truth of what 
 I had delivered, frequently expressing his regret he was not able 
 to converse with me in my native tongue, and inquired of me if 
 I was a follower of William Penn. I produced my certificates, 
 which were read and explained to him ; the reading of which ex- 
 cited astonishment, he said, in his mind, that I should leave 
 my native land on such an errand as 1 had done, with ,such 
 a prospect before me, asking if I was not afraid to take up my 
 residence in France, where a few years ago they massacred the 
 Protestants residing amongst them. I laid before him the com- 
 mand of the great Master, " Fear not them that can kill the 
 body, and after that have no more they can do ; but fear him 
 who can not only kill the body, but afterwards cast the soul into 
 hell." On which he replied, " 1 find where your dependence 
 is," raising up his hand, said, "in heaven;" adding, '■'that 
 dependence will not fail you, but carry you through : " he ex- 
 pressed his gratitude for the visit, and his sincere desires my jour- 
 ney might prove a prosperous one, and that I might be preserved 
 from harm. 
 
 1 now had my luggage put on board, and during the night we 
 weighed anchor, and sailed for Hamburgh; we were four days 
 on our passage, during which my sufferings from sickness were 
 great, and not a little increased for want of accommodations : on
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILHTOE, 255 
 
 Fourth-day evening we landed at Blankanaze, a small fishing- 
 town about seven miles from Hamburgh ; the supercargo, myself, 
 and a broker, who came on board, hired a waggon that night for 
 Hamburgh. Having a letter addressed to the son of a friend in 
 England who resided in Hamburgh, the broker conducted me to 
 his residence, and left me. Presenting my letter, by signs I was able 
 to understand he was in the country ; it was dark, and how to proceed 
 I knew not, being unable to find any person I could place confi- 
 dence in, who understood my language, to assist me in finding a 
 place suitable to put my head in for the night. I stopped a lad 
 in the street who spoke a few words of English, but his replies to 
 my questions were so contrary, I could have no help from him. I 
 thought I had the name of the hotel, where the supercargo in- 
 tended taking up his abode ; and after stopping one person after 
 another in the street, I at last found one who could understand 
 me ; he took pity on my situation, and conducted me to the hotel I 
 had inquired the way to: but to my great disappointment the super- 
 cargo had not taken up his abode there. Whilst musing over my 
 trying situation, a person entered the room, who could speak Eng- 
 lish, to whom I made known my trying situation ; it turned out that 
 he had lately left the supercargo at another hotel, to which he con- 
 ducted me. Thus a kind Providence again in mercy interfered, and 
 brought me through my difficulties ; may I never forget his many 
 favours every way manifested, but endeavour to be found walking 
 worthy of them : 1 retired to bed weary in body and weary in 
 mind. 
 
 Fifth-day, 3d of 8th mo. Believing it would be right for me to 
 take up my abode at Altona, and my way to proceed to Christiana at 
 present not appearing so clear as to justify my making arrangements 
 for it, 1 therefore proceeded to Altona in search of lodgings ; and 
 with the assistance of my very kind friend James Vandersmisson, 
 I procured such as were tolerably comfortable, as respected house- 
 room and bed ; but none of the family understood English, which 
 was to me at times an exercise of patience, and the more so from 
 their being so very dull in comprehending what I meant by the 
 signs I made, which I endeavoured to do in as significant a man- 
 ner as possible. These trials no doubt were intended for my good, 
 beyond what my poor finite comprehension was at this time capa- 
 ble of fathoming ; it proved the means of my continuing to have 
 my apartments quiet to myself, which to me under the state of 
 mind in which I had afterwards to move, was a very precious pri- 
 vilege. 1 had references to several religiously disposed persons ; 
 but my safety appeared to be in keeping quietly at home. 
 
 First-day morning, after making myself neat for the day, and 
 intending to sit down quietly in my own apartment, an apprehen- 
 sion of duty was very unexpectedly laid upon me to walk through 
 the principal streets of Altona, and notice the manner in which
 
 2oG JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 
 
 the First-day was observed, wliich 1 did with an aching heart ; 
 when I had thus far accomplished my mission, I would will- 
 ingly have bent my course liome, to have sat down in the quiet, 
 and given vent in secret to those feelings of sorrow and mourning, 
 that had been excited by what I had already seen of the manner 
 in which the day was abused in this city. But I found there was 
 another of these bitter cups for me to drink, that i must walk 
 through the principal streets of Hamburgh— the adjoining city, 
 but under a different government, although not one mile apart. I 
 yielded, but such were the feelings of distress already awakened 
 in my mind as to the result, alone as I was, not a member of our 
 relio-ious Society to look to for counsel nearer than my native land, 
 that I stopped short of what I should have done, and returned home, 
 but under as great a load of exercise as can be conceived. In 
 adorable mercy, notwithstanding my shortcoming at Hamburgh, 
 a sense of which caused shame and blushing to be my portion, I 
 was enabled earnestly to crave, if it should be required of me in 
 any way to expostulate with the profane irreligious inhabitants, 
 I might be preserved faithful, whatever should be the conse- 
 quences resulting to myself 'J hird-day, the subject of my First- 
 day morning's walk has been much before my mind during the 
 night, and is now my continual burden. Sixth-day, my burden 
 becomes heavy and almost insupportable; not a faithful friend 
 near, or any one I dare open my mind to ; as there now appears 
 no way for my relief, but being willing to sit down in tlie quiet, 
 and as matter arises in my mind to commit it to writing, having the 
 assurance, if I endeavour to keep sufficiently simple and depen- 
 dent, I shall be furnished with matter suited to any occasion on 
 account of which my mind may be brought under exercise. I 
 was enabled to take courage, poor and empty as I felt myself to 
 be, to sit down ; when Divine goodness supplied my pen with 
 counsel to the people of Altona. Having committed to paper that 
 which appeared to be the whole counsel of my divine INIaster thus 
 far, my next difficulty was to have it put in a train for circula- 
 tion. From the impressions of my own mind on the subject, it ap- 
 peared likely no one here would dare to translate or print it ; inde- 
 pendent of this, it was to me desirable to consult my friends at 
 home, and yet in doing this I saw danger, for fear my letter which 
 contained the address should be opened at the post-office : but as 
 there was no other way for me to proceed, I forwarded it to my 
 friends in London for their approval or suppression ; the latter I 
 could have been satisfied with. Having thus committed the ad- 
 dress and my letter to the post, 1 felt relieved; but my enlarge- 
 ment was of short duration, I was soon brought into bonds again: 
 Hamburgh following me the day through, and occasioning me 
 sleepless nights, convicted as I was of my shortness, by not pur- 
 sumg my walk in the city and suburbs, till I was favoured with
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 257 
 
 the evidence in my own mind it was enough, and how to come at re- 
 lief I was not able to see ; but by endeavouring patiently to abide 
 the dispensation of condemnation, so justly permitted to overtake 
 me. ] received information my kind friend Benjamin Seebohm 
 was at Pyrmont, and shortly expected at Hamburgh on his way 
 to England. This information for a moment fell somewhat as a cor- 
 dial to my mind, but was not sufficient to dissipate the painful feel- 
 ings 1 was under respecting Hamburgh : I wrote to him at Pyr- 
 mont, giving him some short account of my situation here, re- 
 questing his company and counsel. But, alas ! my hopes of his 
 help soon vanished ; an account being received before my letter 
 arrived, that he had left Pyrmont, and had pursued another route 
 home. This unlooked-for disappointment cannot easily be de- 
 scribed; yet I dared not entertain a doubt in my own mind, but that 
 it was permitted in wisdom, unerring wisdom, for the best; as there 
 would have been a danger of my being tempted to lean on the 
 creature, and not firmly to rely on that Almighty Power, who, on 
 my going forth, gave me the assurance, that if I only remained 
 as a cork on the mighty ocean, in the storm and in the calm, will- 
 ing to be wafted hither and thither, as the Spirit of the Lord 
 might see meet, I should be safely brought through. 
 
 First-day morning, during a sleepless night the way gradually 
 opened with clearness for my relief, although my bodily strength 
 appeared unequal to the task : I proceeded through Hamburgh 
 Burgh, which is a part separate from the city, where such wicked 
 practices are on the First-day of the week going forward, from 
 very early in the morning and the whole day through until mid- 
 night, as is not to be met with anywhere besides on the Conti- 
 nent, according to general report of travellers. I then proceeded 
 through the principal streets and places of concourse in the city, 
 and returned home, endeavouring to keep in the quiet; desirous of 
 being favoured clearly to see if any thing further was required of 
 me, being satisfied the address to Altona would not wholly reach the 
 state of things at Hamburgh Burgh. Fifth-day, my exercise 
 respecting Hamburgh pressing heavily upon me, 1 sat down in 
 quiet ; and being given clearly to see there was no way for my 
 relief, but by my being willing again to take up my pen, I sat 
 down, earnestly breathing to the Lord, that I might have matter 
 given me that would be suitable to the occasion, and strength to 
 be faithful in penning it. Sixth-day, this being post-night, and 
 the address to Hamburgh, the address to the senators, magis- 
 trates and one to the clergy being completed, I forwarded them 
 by post to my friends in London, whereby for the present they 
 felt no longer mine but my friends' at home ; and if they believed 
 it best to suppress them, and take upon themselves the responsi- 
 bility of their so doing, the will.. (I had given me to believe,) would
 
 258 JOURNAL OK THOMAS alllLLITOE. 
 
 be taken for the deed, and I should be clear in the sight of my 
 Maker, which was all I was to aim at. 
 
 Seventh-day, I received a visit from two of my countrymen 
 belonging to a dissenting congregation here, their preacher being 
 in Eno-land they had not assembled as heretofore ; I believed it 
 was right to inform them, if they were willing to open their meet- 
 ing-ho°ise at the usual hour to-morrow, assemble and sit down 
 with me in silence, as is usual with our Society, 1 was inclined to 
 sit with them ; which proposal they appeared cheerfully to unite 
 with. First-day morning, one of the party called upon me, to 
 conduct me to their place of worship; he infoimed me a young 
 man had arrived last evening to supply the place of their preacher 
 who had left them, which placed me in a trying situation, and 
 I requested liberty to decline complying with tlie offer I had 
 made, but this would not satisfy them ; we therefore proceeded, 
 with the conclusion the meeting was to be held agreeable to my 
 request. We met in all about fifty persons, the meeting gathered 
 in due time, the people continued to sit in a solid manner, and 1 
 believe our thus sitting together was, to most, satisfactory. First- 
 day morning I sat down in my own apartment with an individual 
 from England, and a young man from Scotland, (both of whom 
 had forfeited their membership in the Society,) together with a 
 physician of Altona. 
 
 Fourth-day, 29th of 8th mo. I received a letter this day from 
 my kind friend Joseph Allen, informing me the address to Altona 
 was ordered to be translated and printed ; to which 1 replied, re- 
 questing some books in German, and suitable children"'s books for 
 translation and printing, to be forwarded with them. First-day, our 
 little company sat down together; it proved a season in which fresh 
 strength was mercifully vouchsafed. Second-day, this evening I 
 received a visit from a preacher of the French Reform ; he was 
 only able to speak so much English as to make his visit trying to 
 us both, from our not being able when we entered upon a subject 
 to get through to our satisfaction, being firequently quite set fast, 
 and with all our hammering, necessity compelled us to relinquish it. 
 Third-day morning, I spent some time with a student from the 
 university at Berlin ; his speaking English well, rendered his visit 
 interesting : I felt comforted with the savoury remarks he made ; 
 great nearness of spirit was I believe mutually felt. 
 
 A letter arrived from my friend Josiah Forster, saying, the ad- 
 dress to Hamburgh was received; that a part of it being intro- 
 duced into the address to Altona, my friends apprehended it would 
 meet my views for Hamburgh, and that the addresses to the senators 
 and magistrates would require considerable revision ; it was pro- 
 posed for my consideration, whether 1 could not feel easy to leave 
 for the present the distribution of any printed paper on the melan- 
 choly evils therein alluded to, and to give direction to some of my
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 259 
 
 friends here to distribute them, should they be printed at a future 
 time. I endeavoured to give my friends' proposal all due consi- 
 deration, but as it appeared unsafe for me to take any active 
 part myself in putting by the immediate printing and circulating of 
 that address, — this appearing to me to be the accepted time, I in- 
 formed my friends in England to that effect. Fourth-day, was much 
 taken up in distributing tracts, which I received from my friends 
 in England, in the Pall Mall, a place of great resort in the parish 
 of Ottingsen. I was informed the preacher of this parish had 
 forbid one of the members of the tract association distributing 
 tracts in his parish ; but this to me did not appear a sufficient 
 warrant for my ceasing to do, what I believed to be ray 
 Master's business, leaving future consequences : for although I 
 daily felt that bonds and afflictions awaited me in Altona, yet I 
 esteemed it a great favour from the Lord to be able to say, I 
 have not a desire left to be anywhere but where my lot is now 
 cast ; from an assurance arising from time to time in my mind, 
 if I only endeavoured to do my very best towards fulfilling my 
 mission it will be accepted, whereby I shall be clear of the blood 
 of the inhabitants of this city, whether they will hear or forbear. 
 
 Fifth-day, rose from my bed sad, but not sick, remembering the 
 wormwood and the gall, which I have had to drink since my feet 
 have been turned into this and the neighbouring city ; sometimes 
 doubting the rectitude of my movement, in taking this route to 
 Christiana, and at other times I have been tempted to presume to 
 make my escape from the suffering that awaits me; but the great 
 deep between me and my own home, and a fear I should become 
 a Jonah in the ship, and that the judgments of the Lord would ac- 
 company me there, has mercifully stimulated me earnestly to seek 
 after entire resignation to the Divine will, whatever my portion of 
 suffering in this place may be. 
 
 As the address had not arrived, I concluded it best to try to get 
 information by obtaining an interview with the chief magistrate 
 of Hamburgh. I therefore called upon an individual who was 
 an active member of their government, with whom I had made 
 a short acquaintance ; and I informed him of my desire to 
 be satisfied by the chief magistrate himself, relative to the 
 laws of their city, licensing and encouraging open licentious- 
 ness and other matters. My friend kindly offered to accompany 
 me to the Stadt-house ; but as he had a friend with him, I refused 
 his kind offer in as handsome a manner as I knew how : he then 
 furnished me with a note to the chief magistrate, and in putting it into 
 my hands he expressed his desire, that pressure of business might 
 not prevent my being well received. I proceeded, as may be sup- 
 posed, in fear; yet not wholly void of hope, that my good Mas- 
 ter, whom I desired faithfully to serve, would go before me : when 
 I arrived at the Stadt-house, the crowd of persons waiting to take 
 
 s2
 
 2f)0 JOURNAL 01'- THOftiAS h:|l 1 1,1.1 1 OK. 
 
 their turns was so great, I feared pressure of business would pre- 
 clude my obtaining an interview at all, or one that would afford 
 me full satisfaction. On entering an anti-room and showing the 
 note to an officer of the state, 1 was conducted into an inner 
 apartment with my hat on, which occasioned so much remark, 
 that I expected it would stand in my way. A young man who 
 spoke English, made up to me, to whom I handed my note, who 
 quickly presented it, and in a short time the magistrate's room 
 was cleared; I was invited in to him, and he kindly handed 
 me a chair; his speaking English, together with his free, open 
 carriage, made ample way for me to ask such questions as the na- 
 ture of my visit required, which were frankly replied to. This 
 made way for me to lay before him the uiiquiious practice of their 
 government, by licensing and encouraging prostitutes, and other 
 evils existing in the state, and the need there was for these 
 things to be remedied: at our parting, he expressed the satisfac- 
 tion which the interview had aftbrded liim, and his desire that we 
 might have a further opportunity together : my heart overflowed 
 with gratitude to my good Master, who had made way for me to 
 obtain such information, as would yet further justify me in speak- 
 ing boldly as I had done in the address, even to speak the whole 
 truth, or not to speak at all ; such being the command given me. 
 I called on my friend who was the means of my obtaining this 
 easy access to the chief magistrate, and informed him how it had 
 fared with me ; he appeared to share with me in the satisfaction 
 my visit had afforded me, saying, " The cause you are engaged in 
 is a good one, and I have no doubt good will result from the steps 
 you may take." 
 
 10th month, Fourth-day, a vessel from England brought the 
 addresses for Altona ; this awakened fresh difficulties in my 
 mind, as regards the distribution of them ; the watch-word was, 
 " Be wise as serpents, harmless as doves." I thought 1 clearly 
 saw the necessity of the greatest possible care in my proceedings, 
 or I should be defeated in my prospects of a general delivery by 
 the police-master ; and therefore it would be necessary for me, to 
 keep those addresses I had received for Altona secure in my trunk, 
 until the Hamburgh addresses arrived, and if possible have the 
 delivery take place at Altona and Hamburgh on the same day. to 
 prevent obstructions at either place. Seventh-day, I received an 
 account that the addresses for Hamburgh were shipped ; which 
 caused me to rejoice, yet with trembling, through fear of the diffi- 
 culty 1 should have to encounter before the delivery was accom- 
 plished, by my not being acquainted with the language of the 
 people; also, through the awe they stood in of the police-master, 
 and the care necessary on my part not to involve others in difficulty 
 with myself: but ! the cause i felt for thankfulness during this 
 time of suspense, that my attention has been steadily preserved to
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 261 
 
 the subject ; arid the watchword from time to time was renewed, 
 " Fear not their fear, lest I confound thee before them :" and 
 O! the goodness of the Almighty, in preserving me during the 
 varied assaults of the wicked one, whom I have had to war with, 
 and in seasons in which I thought 1 might emphatically say, 
 " One day or another I shall fall, through the many stratagems 
 which the enemy had formed, to cause mv mind to wander from 
 the path of duty, and so to bewilder me, that my future move- 
 ments may be obstructed ! " First-day we held our little meeting, 
 in which we were favoured together with the overshadowing of 
 Divine regard. Circumstanced as I have been as to "society, like 
 the owl in the desert, or the pelican in the wilderness, and like 
 the sparrow watching alone on the house-top, the detention I 
 have had to endure, would, but for holy help, have been insup- 
 portable; feeling at times weary of every place. Sixth-day, no 
 arrival of my parcel of addresses : — fresh cause there is for the 
 exercise of patience, under the weight of my religious prospects, 
 which I have endured for many weeks, and unable as I am to come 
 at any conclusion, as it respects my future movements, so as to 
 satisfy my friends at home. iMy friends here say, it will be unsafe 
 for me, at this late season of the year, to risk a voyage to Nor- 
 way, or to attempt to winter there ; nor am I able to see it would 
 be safe for me to return to England to take up my winter-quar- 
 ters, until I feel myself clear of any further service in Hamburgh 
 and Altona. I can therefore only hope that entire resignation 
 will be granted me, if it should be the Divine will I should bend 
 my course to Norway, after my services here are closed, and to 
 encounter all that may be permitted to attend me in my way 
 there. 
 
 10th month, 14th, First-day, held our httle meeting: shortly be- 
 fore we separated, I had a little matter to communicate, which I 
 trust will be found as bread cast on the waters, both by preacher 
 
 and hearers Fell in with the Count , a young man who 
 
 is here to finish his education: He continued to manifest that 
 sweet tender frame of mind he was in, when our acquaintance com- 
 menced, comparable to wax before the fire, ready to receive every 
 impression of the Divine will concerning himself; yet since our 
 last parting, a fear has prevailed in my mind, of the danger there 
 would be, without great watchfulness on his part, of his losing 
 this good state of mind he is favoured to be brought into, when 
 he returns home to his parents ; his father, it is said, is a professed 
 Atheist, filling a high post in the government. I endeavoured 
 to lay before him the danger he might be exposed to hereby, 
 and the need there would be for him to consult that Divine 
 witness for God, which he had so feelingly acknowledged was suf- 
 ficient, he believed, to guide him in all things appertaining to this 
 life ; telling him it was my belief, if he was favoured to keep his
 
 262 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOfi. 
 
 proper place, as a truly religious character should do, when he 
 returned to his parents, he would become an instrument of great 
 good to others. We passed the evening together, I believe to 
 our mutual advantage; and on reaching my lodgings, I found 
 two packets from England containing the address for Hamburgh, 
 and books. 
 
 Third-day, went to Hamburgh ; presented the burgomaster or 
 head senator and the police-master with books, and reports of the 
 penitentiary in London, which appeared to be received with satis- 
 faction. On examining my packet, 1 found my friends in England 
 had been bountiful in their supply of the address, both to the in- 
 habitants at large, and to the senators and magistrates, but a 
 proof-sheet only of the address to the clergy, of which last I got 
 a friend to procure a sufficient number of printed copies for ray 
 use. I set hard to work to fold up and wafer the addresses : 
 dispatch was now sounded in my car, but the difficulty to en- 
 counter before they were ready for delivery, was to me not a 
 little ; it was necessary to prevent my intentions being noised 
 abroad, lest a stop should be put by the police-master to their de- 
 livery. 
 
 Fifth-day morning I put one half of the addresses in a bag, 
 which was as many as I could manage myself, as they had become 
 bulky, being folded up as letters. I set out with them, not ac- 
 quainted with the usage of Hamburgh ; when I reached the city- 
 gate, an officer at the gate who spoke English, demanded to know 
 what I had in my bag ; this unexpected circumstance for the 
 moment placed me in a trying situation, concluding, after all my 
 care about secrecy, that I should be discovered : after a pause, he 
 said, he wanted toll for what I had in my bag, and asked " what 
 is the value of it ? "" I thought I would say enough ; paid my 
 toll gladly, and proceeded; thankful no obstruction had taken 
 place. Not knowing how far a public exposure of the conduct of 
 those in authority in Hamburgh, might cause them to rise up 
 against my distributing them, this circumstance occasioned me some 
 anxiety to know how to convey the remainder, without being 
 liable to the like examination ; 1 mentioned my situation to a con- 
 fidential friend, who managed to take me and my bag in his car- 
 riage near to the spot I was going to. My countryman in- 
 formed me he had engaged two men to deliver the addresses 
 at Hamburgh next day ; a man of the Jewish persuasion, a 
 kind friend, had engaged to deliver at Altona on the same day. 
 Sixth-day early in the morning I furnished the man with his day's 
 work for Altona, when he took charge of them my looked-for dif- 
 ficulties seemed to vanish out of sight ; but, alas ! how soon were 
 my flattering hopes disappointed by his return, after he had deli- 
 vered a very few, saying he durst not proceed to deliver more, 
 without 1 would allow him to apply to the police-master or the go-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE, 263 
 
 vernor for liberty to distribute them ; that a person to whom he had 
 delivered one, on reading it gave him this advice. I sent for my 
 confidential friend ; we ordered him to bring the whole back again, 
 as I did not feel easy to tempt him into danger, by offering 
 him a greater reward; nor did I feel I should be warranted in his, 
 or myself applying to the police-master for leave to distribute 
 them. As it appeared to me I must go myself this evening with 
 those for the burgomaster, syndics, senators, and clergy, and 
 leave all future consequences, I procured a lad to point out 
 to me their places of abode, and completed this part myself: after 
 which, I went over to Hamburgh, to solicit my countryman to assist 
 me in the distribution at Altona ; not being able on account of my 
 ignorance of the language and the city, to undertake the general 
 distribution myself. On inquiry how the distribution went on at 
 Hamburgh, my countryman informed me that the men who engaged 
 to deliver, when they became acquainted with the contents of the 
 several addresses, refused, through fear, to undertake the deliv^ery 
 of them ; I thus found myself again placed in trouble ; but my 
 kind countryman proposed to make another effort for my help, 
 and engaged three persons ; who appeared to be disposed to be 
 courageous in what they undertook, and who had been used to 
 the employ of delivering papers about the city and burgh : it 
 was concluded to have them addressed, by a person who could 
 write German well, "To the master of this house." My kind 
 countryman provided me with a young man, who engaged to 
 complete them for delivery in Hamburgh on Second-day; thus 
 matters appeared in an agreeable train for my relief. 
 
 Second-day, the distribution took place at Hamburgh, and by 
 Fifth-day morning, the delivery being completed, the men having 
 now in charge those for Altona, I felt relieved ; yet 1 passed an 
 anxious day on the men's account, although they appeared fear- 
 less : how was my mind released, when, in the evening, the prin- 
 cipal man in managing the delivery came to my lodgings, and 
 informed me they had completed their work, and the other two 
 men had cleared out from the city ; 1 was pleased to see him move 
 home, hoping he would get clear before any stir took place. I had 
 charged them to keep from the neighbourhood of the police-mas- 
 ter, until the last of their delivery, which 1 found they had at- 
 tended to. My heart leaped for joy to feel myself once more so 
 much of a free man : may the remembrance of these merciful 
 dealings of the Almighty, in thus bringing about my enlarge- 
 ment, stimulate me to greater faithfulness, and awaken in me 
 more of a willingness, to commit myself and my all to his careful 
 keeping, henceforth and for ever, saith my soul ! 
 
 I had endeavoured to make the best of my situation to my 
 friends in England, unwilling to occasion them unnecessary anx- 
 iety ; aware as I was, from my remote situation, it would not be in
 
 264* JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 their power to afford me relief, and from a renewed persuasion, I 
 was under the best of care, if I did but endeavour to keep there; 
 but until the dehvery of the address was fully completed, from 
 various causes, I never passed a more trying and distressing two 
 months from exercise of mind ; without an individual to confide in, 
 lest 1 should involve others in trouble, as well as want of sleep 
 and want of appetite. Not knowing the difficulty which my 
 faithfulness to my prospects of duty would introduce me into, 
 under a o-overnment, and in a district, where the word of the 
 police-master is very much law, and he a man allowed to be void 
 of any tender feehng or religious sensibility, imperious to a great 
 degree, and very jealous of his conduct, as a magistrate, being 
 called in question ; had it not been for holy help, human nature 
 hardly could have borne up under them; looking for no other but 
 that the steps my duty prompted me to take, Avould involve me 
 in the difficulty I anticipated ; but how did adorable mercy ap- 
 pear on my side, and prove again my deliverer ! 
 
 Sixth-day morning, after a comfortable night's rest, my spirit 
 liberated and permitted to enjoy somewhat of a sabbath again, 
 the weather inviting, 1 rambled into the country a short distance : 
 all nature appeared alive to enjoyment, in which my mind was 
 perhaps never more prepared to participate, or in a more power- 
 ful manner to adopt the language of, " great and marvellous are 
 thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou 
 King of saints !' The time for my quitting these parts appear- 
 ing now near; I could see no other way for me with safety to 
 that part in me, which will exist when this poor frail body is 
 mouldering into dust again, but cheerfully to submit to spend 
 the winter in Norway ; after all my anxiety, and trying to 
 carve and contrive in my own will and wisdom for myself to 
 avoid it. A vessel in the river being about to sail for Chris- 
 tiana in about two weeks, and being recommended as a good 
 tight vessel, the captain speaking English, it became desirable to 
 myself and my friends, that I should secure my passage in her. It 
 appearing to me that the time would suit, I felt disposed to see 
 the captain ; but I found from the caution resting on my own 
 mind, I must not come to any agreement with him, I concluded to 
 take an early dinner, and walk to Hamburgh, and to call on the 
 chief magistrate and other of my friends, which I thought would 
 afford me an opportunity of knowing, if the circulation of the ad- 
 dress went quietly down, as nothing to the contrary appeared 
 yet at Altona. I left my lodgings with that intent ; on my 
 way, I was accosted in English by a young man of decent 
 appearance, requesting to have one of the letters, (the address 
 being folded up in the form of a letter;) feeling in my pocket, 
 and finding (me, I gave it him, and we walked on together 
 in conversation; when I came to the turning that was to
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 265 
 
 take me to Hamburgh, I informed him I must bid him farewell; 
 on which he informed me, he had orders from the police-master to 
 arrest me, and that I must go with him to the guard-house, saying, 
 he was very sorry for my situation, but it was not in his power to 
 help me ; that 1 was to appear before the pohce-master, at three 
 in the afternoon. 
 
 When we reached the guard-house, and I was given in custody 
 to the officer on duty, the young man who brought me, had much 
 in charge to say respecting me, as I supposed, from their fre- 
 quently turning towards me in their conversation ; a pen and ink 
 being on the table, I took a piece of paper out of my pocket- 
 book to write a note to some of my friends ; but I was prevented, 
 and made to understand, it was the charge of the police-master. 
 Beginning to feel myself in danger of suffering from cold, and 
 from the damp of the stone floor, wet and nearly as dirty as the 
 street, I requested a soldier who was coming off duty, and who 
 spoke English, to go to my lodgings and fetch me ray great-coat ; 
 he informed me they dare not, for fear of the police-master. Three 
 o'clock came, and 1 was informed I was not to be had up before 
 six in the evening. This treatment of the police-master would 
 preclude my making my defence, unacquainted as I was with their 
 language, and he very imperfect in his knowledge of mine; but no 
 liberty could I have to send for a friend or for my great-coat, al- 
 though the officer on duty manifested a disposition to be as kind to 
 me as he durst. The soldier who came off duty, aware I was suf- 
 fering from the cold, lent me his great-coat; but this enjoyment 
 was of short duration, when he was obliged to go on duty again, 1 
 could do no other than return him his coat ; this left me in a cold, 
 miserable condition, as it respected my outward man ; but, in 
 adorable mercy, the inner man was made strong to bear it without 
 murmuring. Six o'clock came, I was then informed I must remain 
 where I was until next morning, and at eiglu o'clock be had up 
 before the police-master : by these repeated changes as to my 
 time of having a hearing, I began to conclude the police-master 
 had been overhauling my luggage, and was endeavouring to find 
 something amongst my papers, to commit me to prison upon, besides 
 the address. 1 began by this time to feel the want of food, hav- 
 ing had my dinner earlier than was my usual time ; the officer on 
 duty kindly offered me some of his sour bread and coffee, which I 
 was obliged to refuse, as neither of them suited my stomach : at 
 eight in the evening a fire was made, which somewhat abated my 
 suffering from cold, but how I was to come at food, or be pro- 
 vided with an interpreter, when 1 came before the police-master, 
 I was unable to see. When the soldier who spoke English re- 
 turned from duty again, he expressed his sorrow 1 had got into 
 the hands of the police-master, saying their prisons were miserable 
 places; but endeavouring to know my mind stayed on God, 1 was
 
 26f) JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 preserved quiet ; frequently experiencing the arising up of the 
 assurance from that Almighty Power, whose promises are yea and 
 amen for ever, that not a hair of my head would they be suffered 
 to hurt. It now became my song of joy and rejoicing, that, through 
 my co-operating with that divine help afforded, I had unabatingly 
 exerted my utmost, and accomplished the work assigned ; for the 
 fear of consequences of any wrong step of mine retarding its pro- 
 o-ress, would have weighed more with me than the fear of any 
 sufferino- my body might have to endure, for my faithfulness to 
 my Divine Master's cause. 
 
 The clerk of a kind friend had met me in the street, with the 
 police-officer walking by my side ; in the course of conversation 
 in the evening with his employers, he mentioned the circumstance; 
 they went to my lodgings, and finding I had not been at 
 home since my dinner, they proceeded^ to the police-master, and 
 on inquiry found i was in custody : they kindly offered to be 
 bound for my appearance next morning, if 1 might be per- 
 mitted to sleep at my lodging ; but this was refused ; the liberty 
 of having my bed at the guard-house was offered, but there was 
 no other place for me to lie down upon, but the stone floor, as damp 
 and nearly as dirty as the street. As nothing could be done with 
 the police-master for my relief, about ten at night my kind friends 
 surprised me by entering my place of confinement ; their counte- 
 nances confirming the truth of their expressions of sorrow, to see 
 me in that situation, adding, " But how cheerful you appear to 
 be under your difficulties !" How could it be otherwise .'* my cup 
 overflowed with gratitude, that I had been preserved from flinch- 
 ing from the work assigned me by my Divine Master; and now he, 
 in his wonted goodness and mercy, bore up my head above the 
 billows ! My kind friends soon provided me with a warm mess, 
 and two warm great-coats, the officer on duty with an arm-chair, and 
 one to lay my legs upon; thus I prepared for the night, and put on 
 comfortably; feeling, as i was favoured to do, it was only my poor 
 body they had in bondage ; my spirit was free, and far removed 
 from the molestation of the policcmaster. 
 
 The morning came upon me ere I was aware; when I awoke in 
 the night, the watch-word was in mercy renewed of, " Fear not with 
 their fear, lest I confound thee before them," accompanied with 
 the assurance, that if I maintained my integrity, my body would 
 be such a torment to the police-master, he would be more anxious 
 to clear his hands of me again, than he had been to take me into 
 custody. Early in the morning my kind friends, the Vanders- 
 missons, sent me a plentiful breakfast of chocolate and cake: 
 a countryman of mine making me a visit, he being acquainted 
 with the German language, I engaged him to accompany me to 
 the police-master, to be ready when called upon. The officer 
 came for me ; we proceeded with my kind countryman as my in-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 267 
 
 terpreter. I should have been troubled at being conducted through 
 the streets by a police-officer, on any other occasion ; but my 
 good Master supported me. When we arrived at the police- 
 office, we were left waiting in the passage some time ; whilst 
 the police-master, evidently under great agitation of mind, 
 was pacing up and down his office : we were ordered into his 
 office ; but instead of his noticing us when we were there, 
 he continued pacing up and down the office, muttering to 
 himself. At last, turning about to me, said, if I had been 
 satisfied with delivering those addresses, to the burgomasters, 
 syndics, &c. all would have been well ; but by the general 
 distribution that had taken place, I had broken the laws of 
 their country, which forbid the delivery of any books or pa- 
 pers at the houses of the inhabitants or in the streets, without 
 leave being first obtained of the police-master so to do ; and that 
 in the address I had found fault with the magistrates, charging 
 them with not doing their duty, which might cause the people to 
 be dissatisfied with them. I felt disposed to query with him, were 
 not the charges brought against the magistrates true : but as I 
 must do it through my friend, 1 was unwilling to put him to the 
 difficulty I apprehended it would place him under, aware of the 
 awe the people mostly stand in of the police-master, looking upon 
 him as a lord inquisitor. He again turned from us, pacing 
 backwards and forwards in his office, muttering to himself; turned 
 about to us again, saying, out of respect to the acquaintance I 
 had made in Altona, he should discharge me. My friend said he 
 believed I was become such a trouble to him, he was glad to put 
 my discharge on the footing he did, to get rid of me. He de- 
 manded to know, if I had any of the addresses yet left ; saying, if 
 I had, I must promise not to deliver any more in the city: paus- 
 ing, I told him, if I promised I hoped I should perform ; but 
 that I durst not enter into any such engagement with him : upon 
 which he sent his officer to my apartments, and secured the few 
 he could find. My friends told me the circumstance of my 
 arrest would make more for the cause I was engaged in, than if 
 the police-master had suffered all to pass quietly away; the curi- 
 osity of the people becoming much excited to know, what the 
 Quaker had been writing, for the police-master to be disturbed at 
 it; some would have the address copied, and general dissatisfaction 
 would be manifested at his conduct As the police-master hinted 
 to me, it would be more agreeable to him if I left Altona, not 
 wishing to annoy him by remaining ; as my service here now felt 
 to me brought near to a close, and being in spirit still bound to 
 Hamburgh, I proceeded there in search of lodgings ; where on 
 entering the city I found the conduct of the police-master at 
 Altona had excited disgust in the minds of my friends, who wel- 
 comed me to the city, with the assurance I should find a safe
 
 268 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 
 
 abode amongst them : having procured lodgings in an English 
 family, my comfort was promoted hereby. 
 Here follows the address to Altona :— 
 
 To ALL THOSE AVHO PROFESS THEMSELVES CHRISTIANS ON THE 
 
 Continent of Europe, where these lines may come, but 
 
 MORE ESPECIALLY TO THE INHABITANTS OF AlTONA, WHERE 
 MY LOT IS NOW CAST. 
 
 " Suffer, ray friends, I beseech you, the word of exhortation, 
 in that love, which earnestly desires the eternal welfare of your 
 souls; while I lay before you a subject, which has deeply im- 
 pressed my mind, the subject of the right employment of that 
 day of the week which is set apart by Christians in general for 
 the solemn purposes of divine worship ; a day, let me add, on 
 which, with the exception of such acts of real necessity as may 
 be compared to rescuing a sheep fallen into a ditch, the concerns 
 of this life ought preeminently to give place to those of eternity. 
 
 " My lot being on one of these days cast amongst you, I was 
 constrained in spirit, though in the cross to my own natural in- 
 clination, (foreseeing as I did, it might be the occasion of much 
 painful feeling) to pass through some of your principal streets, 
 and observe how far you, who are claiming the appellation of 
 Christians, were occupying this day in a holy manner to the Lord. 
 And in being made willing thus to give way, to what I appre- 
 hended to be a duty required of me at the divine hand, 1 have 
 to declare, my very heart was pained within me, — I was brought 
 into trouble, — I mourned on your account, in beholding this day, 
 which should be set apart for the worship of Almighty God and 
 for separating our attention from secular concerns, passed in so un- 
 christian a manner. 
 
 " At first, indeed, on observing your shops so widely opened, 
 and your goods so generally and publicly exposed for sale, I 
 entertained a hope that these practices were confined to those of 
 the Jewish persuasion, knowing that there were a considerable 
 number of these amongst you, and supposing that such had 
 observed their sabbath the day before; but, alas! to my grief 
 and astonishment, I perceived myself disappointed; I found, with 
 a very few exceptions indeed, the practice was uniform ; shops 
 generally open, and goods as much exposed to sale as on any 
 other day of the week, carpenters and painters publicly at work, 
 hay carting into the town the whole of the day, porters carrying 
 goods along the streets, &c. not to omit the evening diversions 
 of fiddling, dancing, &c. : there is great reason to fear that 
 sad scenes of iniquity are suffered to be going forward, in many 
 of these dancing houses, on the evening of this day, uncontrolled, 
 which nothing can justify at any time; because all who will
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 269 
 
 seriously reflect on the inducement to frequent such places of 
 dissipation, must see the certain sorrowful effects, which, the 
 practices going forward, will have on the minds and morals of 
 those, who waste their time therein ; more especially the unwary 
 youth of both sexes, who should become the objects of our 
 guardian care ; and what a door of temptation these places are 
 likely to open in the minds of your dependants and servants, who 
 may be inclined to embrace every opportunity afforded them to 
 plunder your property, the better to enable them to gratify their 
 evil inclinations. 
 
 " Oh, make a solemn pause, you more especially, who are in 
 authority, whose place it is to endeavour to see if a remedy 
 cannot be found ; lay these things to heart If we are willing 
 seriously to reflect, we shall surely not be left in a state of igno- 
 rance respecting such conduct as this, but shall behold it as it 
 really is, highly displeasing to Almighty God ;" therefore be ani- 
 mated timely to seek unto him for counsel and help, to be able 
 to apply such a remedy as may effect a cure for this great malady, 
 which has so overspread your borders. 
 
 " Consider the Most High has declared, he is a jealous God, and 
 jealous of his honour; and this is one of the many ways in which 
 he is requiring we should honour him, by setting apart one day 
 out of seven, in which, secular business being laid aside, we may 
 diligently meet one with another, in order to the performance of 
 public religious worship, agreeable to the exhortation of the 
 apostle, (Heb. x. 25,) ' not to forsake the assembling ourselves 
 together:' how reasonable is this service ! but how contrary to the 
 spirit in which it should be discharged, is the too frequent prac- 
 tice, even amongst those who do not wholly neglect to attend 
 places for worship, of giving way to pleasures and amusements, to 
 the theatre, to dancing, to revelling, to cards and other recre- 
 ations the latter part of the day ; as if the whole of it were too 
 much for the concerns of religion, — for that which is indeed the 
 most important business of life ; and as if the sooner any serious 
 impressions were obhterated the better ! Oh, my friends, the 
 whole day is called for : what right, what authority have we to 
 assume the contrary ? Oh, may you not be led into error by 
 false reasoning, by any of the varied devices of Satan ! And now 
 addressing all, let me but just advert to the situation which any 
 of us should be in, if after mispending the whole, or part of this 
 day, which ought to be more especially devoted to the service of 
 the Lord, a voice should, at the close of it, be intelligibly sounded 
 within us, ' This night shall thy soul be required at thy hands.' 
 
 " Can there indeed be any, so void of understanding as not, at 
 times, to be sensible, it is our incumbent duty publicly to honour 
 Him, to whom we are daily indebted for health, strength, the pre- 
 servation of our mental faculties, food, raiment, and other innu-
 
 270 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK 
 
 in 
 
 .^erable temporal blessings ; but above all, for that unspeakable 
 ffift of which the apostle makes mention ? (2 Cor. ix. 5,) unspeak- 
 able, because it is utterly impossible to define its intrinsic value or 
 worth,— that gift of Divine grace freely offered to all, to be the ef- 
 fectual means, (as we fully and faithfully co-operate with it,) 
 whereby we may work out our own salvation with fear and trem- 
 bling before the Lord ; letting our conversation be such, in all 
 our dailv intercourse with men, as may adorn the doctrine of God 
 
 our Saviour. , , 
 
 " For however we may feel the aboundingsof sin in us, and have 
 temptations many ways to combat ; yet as we become truly willing 
 to co-operate with this unspeakable gift— the gift of Divine grace 
 nigh to us and in our hearts, (for here we must look for its all-sus- 
 taining help and strength,) we shall of a truth know grace more to 
 abound, Rom. v. 20, to the counteracting of every motion of evil 
 in us ; it is thus that the root of sin is struck at, and will in time 
 come to be desti'oyed. 
 
 " The Most High has permitted one of his terrible scourges, 
 namely, war, within a few years, to enter your borders. Let me 
 query with you, was it not a time in which the very stout-hearted 
 amongst you were made to tremble, for fear of what might be the 
 issue thereof.-^ And how has the Almighty wrought for your deli- 
 verance again, from your state of bondage ? Why was this scourge 
 permitted ? is a query that presents itself to my mind, whilst I 
 am using my pen ; accompanied with desires that you may be wil- 
 ling to apply it individually to yourselves ; from a conviction in my 
 mind, that the Almighty has no pleasure in the suffering of his 
 creature man ; but that when he permits us to be chastised in 
 any way or manner whatsoever, there is a cause for it on our part ; 
 and that such chastisements are intended for the good of our im- 
 mortal souls, that part which will exist through unlimited ages of 
 eternity, either in uninterrupted bliss, or endless woe and 
 misery. 
 
 " The disappointments and privations which we meet with, as to 
 outward enjoyments, ought to be received as so many proofs of 
 Divine regard ; and the more our affections are loosened from 
 earth, and earthly things, the more sensible hereof shall we be- 
 come, and the more willing to kiss the rod, and him who thus in 
 mercy, from time to time, permits them ; and hereby we shall be 
 brought more and more to a lively sense of the deceitfulness and 
 uncertainty of all terrestrial enjoyments, and come to experience 
 our affections set upon things which are eternal. 
 
 Now, let mc ask, have these blessed effects been produced, yea 
 or nay ? because if these dispensations of unerring wisdom have 
 proved unavailing, and the fruits intended to be produced hereby 
 have not appeared, then should the Almighty, (who is just, as well 
 as long-suffering,) see meet again to visit you, by permitting other
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 271 
 
 of his terrible scourges, pestilence or famine, to enter your bor- 
 ders, how could you (if his former dealings with you have been 
 slighted) approach with confidence his sacred footstool, and sup- 
 plicate him again to stay his outstretched hand ? 
 
 " Say not, we are far removed from such trials as these ; but 
 remember the Lord our God can work how and when he pleases ; 
 and who shall be able to restrain his all-powerful arm ? There- 
 fore defer no longer to enter into a due consideration of this sub- 
 ject; — you in a particular manner who have the power of making or 
 enforcing proper regulations in these respects, and who, by accept- 
 ing offices of civil government, or magistracy, have placed your- 
 selves in responsible stations, — stations which if you faithfully fill, 
 you must become a terror to evil doers ; thus judging for the Lord, 
 and not regarding the favour, or fearing the frowns of men ; better 
 would it have been for you, 1 fully believe, unless this be the case, 
 unless you sincerely endeavour in these stations to discharge your 
 trust acceptably unto God, that you had never entered into 
 them. 
 
 " Are there not, ye Christian inhabitants, many of your neigh- 
 bours of the Jewish persuasion, whose practice, so far as respects 
 the outward observance of their Sabbath, is witnessing against the 
 conduct of many of you, who are professing to be Christians ; 
 judge ye. 
 
 " And now, to those amongst you, who are standing forward as 
 advocates for the cause of God, and the Redeemer of mankind, 
 by widely disseminating the sacred pages, wherein such conduct is 
 so forcibly condemned ; let me say, may the circumstances of 
 your being engaged in this good work, and may the satisfaction 
 you derive from it, animate and encourage to further exertions 
 worthy of the Christian character, and further endeavours in the 
 work of reformation ; and, oh ! may all who have influence and au- 
 thority, consider the danger of winking at evil practices that exist ; 
 especially such as are far from being confined to the dark, or to a 
 corner, stalking about in open day-light ; for it is my firm belief, 
 that so far as a parent or master of a family neglects to reprove, 
 and do his very best to restrain an unruly child or servant, so far 
 he becomes impHcated in the sight of Heaven ; and thus also, that 
 those who are taking an active part in the government of a commu- 
 nity, so far as they neglect to do their very best to put an end to 
 evil practices, they become parties therein. 
 
 " 1 am aware, to remove these practices will be found no easy 
 task ; and aware also of that suffering of mind, which, those who 
 engage in it, must be prepared to experience in various ways, both 
 from within and from without ; for the old serpent will not be 
 wanting to infuse his discouragements into the minds of such: yet, 
 on the other hand, let these be animated in considering, that the 
 Master whom they serve, is the Lord on high, who ' is mightier
 
 272 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHIJ.LITOE. 
 
 than the noise of many waters, yea tluin the miglity waves of 
 the sea;' and I am bold to declare it to be my /irm belief, if the 
 work is'entered upon and persevered in, in a proper disposition of 
 mind, and his renewed counsel and help waited for and co-operated 
 with, it will prosper ; for if the T^ord our God be for us, and work 
 with'us, and we with him, through his renewed aid, who is there 
 that shall oppose us and prevail ? Great things have been accom- 
 plished from very small beginnings ; and my belief is, that if those 
 who may be encouraged to step forward herein, keep under the 
 influence of Divine love in all their movements, in thus endea- 
 vouring to bring about a reformation, and move therein by gentle 
 gradations, a change in these respects will be effected that will 
 prove permanent: persuasion, accompanied by example in the 
 first onset, may do much, but hostility might defeat the whole ; for 
 love begets love, but hostility, or an opposition not in the spirit 
 of love, meets with a reaction of the same nature ; and when once 
 a disposition of this kind is excited, little is the good that can be 
 effected by all our efforts. 
 
 " So remember you have been faithfully warned, you the inhabi- 
 tants of Altona, of your danger ; and if you are not willing to pro- 
 fit thereby , it is my belief that these very exhortations will be found, 
 in a future day, to be amongst the many witnesses against you ; for 
 if we lose heaven at last, (a fear which should frequently exercise 
 our minds, when we keep in view the declaration of Christ, that 
 ' few are chosen,') many are the witnesses that will rise up 
 against us in the great day of account; in addition to that unflat- 
 tering witness for God in our own souls, which is nothing short of 
 the light of Christ in his spiritual appearance in the heart. But 
 be ye willing, I entreat you, to receive him in the way of his com- 
 ing, as a refiner with fire, and as a fuller with soap ; and be willing 
 to know him to effect this great work in us, for which he came into 
 the world, to put an end to sin and finish transgression ; that so his 
 everlasting righteousness may be established in the room thereof: 
 and let me add. you may not be aware how far your example, in 
 these respects may be made a blessing to other parts of this Con- 
 tinent; how far you may thus become instrumental in aiding and 
 assisting in pulling down the strong holds of sin and Satan. 
 
 " So farewell in that love which has caused my mind to be inter- 
 ested, yea deeply interested, in the welfare of your souls. 
 
 " Thomas Shillitoe." 
 " Altona, in the Eighth Month of the year 1821." 
 
 Tlie address to the inhabitants of Hamburgh is of a very similar import, and 
 that to the senators and magistrates, &c. of Hamburgh, rektes to evils and immo- 
 ralities too glaring to be inserted in these pages.
 
 373 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 Second-day morning, I waited on the chief magistrate at Ham- 
 burgh ; he met me with a pleasant countenance, saying, he had 
 received the several addresses, and read them with satisfaction ; 
 that he could give his full assent to the truths they contain ; and, 
 said he, '' you have done our city a great kindness by their cir- 
 culation ; I have no doubt, but in time fruits will appear, but the 
 amendment so necessary amongst us must be a gradual work." 
 Referring to the treatment 1 had experienced at Altona, he assured 
 me I might consider myself secure amongst them, as did also 
 other officers in the government, saying, " Take up your abode 
 with us at Hamburgh ; we esteem your character and motives for 
 coming amongst us ; assured as we are of the purity of your in- 
 tentions, that nothing but true love could have influenced you to 
 have done as you have done : you needed no certificate from your 
 friends, you have already given us the best certificate yourself." 
 In the afternoon I walked to Altona : it appeared the effect of my 
 arrest had not subsided, and that the general sentiment prevailing 
 was, that the several subjects in the address would not have been 
 so likely to have obtained the consideration they have done, had not 
 my arrest taken place ; many remarking, that those in the govern- 
 ment could not bear to have the truth circulated amongst the 
 people. Third-day went to Altona ; made a visit to the governor, 
 who was from home at the time of my arrest : he received me 
 with great respect, apologising in such a handsome manner for 
 what had taken place, that I requested the matter might be passed 
 over. After presenting him with the address to Hamburgh, that 
 for the magistrates, senate and the clergy, with some books, we 
 parted ; he leaving me at liberty to make another call, and inform- 
 ing me I was at liberty to reside in Altona, if I preferred it. I was 
 
 informed, that the pastor of what is called the church, had 
 
 endeavoured to enforce on the minds of his hearers the necessity of 
 a serious attention to the address, saying, its contents were too 
 true, and the advice it contained not to be slighted; for however it 
 might be considered the author had exceeded a little in his obser- 
 vations, it was to be lamented that a foreigner should have cause 
 to make such remarks as I had done, on the conduct of the inha-
 
 2'74, JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 bitants of Altona ; on this account it felt clue from mc to make the 
 pastor a call, to afford an opportunity for liim to point out to me, 
 wherein I had exceeded in any of the charges brought forward in 
 the address. I paid him a visit this morning : he fully relieved my 
 mind on the subject, by saying, he could not point out anywhere, 
 that 1 had exceeded in the charges brought forward against the in- 
 habitants of the city ; but he assured me he was obliged to qualify 
 the observations he made, lest the people should suspect him of 
 beino- one converted to my religious principles, and on that account 
 should slight the remarks he had made : that he himself was con- 
 firmed in the truth of all I had said, but that preaching will not 
 avail much. So long as the police allows of these things that are 
 wrong, the people will avail themselves of them : reform must 
 first be made by the government; they must set the example, for 
 the people look at the example of the higher class, rather than 
 think for themselves. I felt relieved by making this visit, 
 the matter being cleared up to my satisfaction ; which otherwise 
 the busy enemy might have made a handle of, in some of my 
 future provings, to depress and cast me down beyond what was 
 the design of Infinite Wisdom I should have to struggle with. The 
 evening I passed very satisfactorily to myself, in company with 
 two of my friends in the government ; thus another day closed, to 
 account for. Fourth-day, my hoarseness and pain at ray chest, 
 occasioned by my confinement in the guard-house, so increased, 1 
 was obhged to keep at home the whole day ; my kind friend Dr. 
 Steinhiem troubled me not a little, by pronouncing it to be unsafe 
 for me to proceed to Norway, unless some improvement took place 
 in my health. Fifth-day, not feeling clear of the police-master at 
 Altona, I ventured out again; made him a visit to clear my friends 
 of Altona from being suspected in any manner of assisting me, 
 or being privy to the address, before it came into my possession 
 from England. He questioned me very closely where they were 
 printed ; he was shown the printer's name and place of abode in 
 England ; to which he replied, that might all be a deception. I 
 gave him the letter that accompanied them, which after under- 
 standing its contents, and comparing the date with the post-mark, 
 he put out his hand for me ; to confirm what I had said on the 
 subject, I gave him my hand ; he then appeared satisfied. As I 
 could not doubt but that he suspected some of my friends in Al- 
 tona were privy to my proceedings, it was to me cause of great 
 consolation, I did in the outset attend to the intimation in my own 
 mind, not to make any on this side of the water, privy to what 
 I had in hand, until it was ready for delivery, and that I could 
 declare so much to the police-master; although at first, from his 
 manner, it was evident he hardly could give credit to the truth 
 of what I said ; otherwise, I was told, those who had taken a part 
 with me in it would have been in danger of being fined, impri- 
 soned, and perhaps sentenced to hard labour for a time.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 275 
 
 First-day, walked to D. B 's lodgings, where we sat 
 
 down quietly together ; returned home in the afternoon. Third- 
 day, during the observations I made on the immorality and abuse 
 of the First-day of the week prevailing at Altona and Hamburgh, 
 some of the most likely means to help these sorrowful cases at 
 times presented to my mind ; it appeared to me it would be 
 unsafe for me to leave these parts, without committing them to 
 writing, having them translated, and a sufficient number of copies 
 written, to put into the hands of such as manifested an interest in 
 the welfare of these places, 1 therefore proceeded to the accom- 
 plishment of the task, as here inserted. 
 
 A Copy of some proposed Regulations for Altona, Ham- 
 burgh, AND Hamburgh Burg, to secure a better observ- 
 ance of the Day called the Sabbath, &c. 
 
 " No public diversions, exhibitions, open shops, or exposing 
 goods to sale, should be permitted ; no bill-sticking, no cries, no 
 barrel-organs or other music, no singing of songs, no shows or 
 games, no boys flying kites, no waggons or carts, or carriers of 
 burdens in the streets, and all parcels attempted to be brought 
 into the city on the day called the Sabbath should be stopped at 
 the gates. 
 
 " The theatre should claim particular attention. 
 
 " The numerous public-houses and gin-shops, should be re- 
 duced as much as it is possible, and of those which remain, an ar- 
 rangement should be made, that the proprietors shall be obliged 
 to renew their licence annually ; by which means they would be 
 obliged to prevent disorderly proceedings in their houses, as in 
 case of repeated trespassing in this way the renewal of their licence 
 would be refused. 
 
 " All the public offices should remain shut on this day. 
 
 " In Hamburgh Burg the keeping the shops close shut up 
 should be strictly enforced, not only by reason of the importance 
 of this measure in itself, but to induce Altona to take similar 
 measures : the lighting up of the great saloon should also be 
 forbidden. 
 
 " A committee of the most respectable inhabitants of the city 
 should be appointed, to watch that the abuses before mentioned 
 do, neither in the city nor burg, take place on this day, and 
 that the officers appointed by the police or otherwise do their 
 duty impartially, which committee should meet at stated times ; 
 and one of their body by rotation weekly perform the business of 
 actual superintendance, either in person or by deputy. 
 
 " A collection of the laws already existing against ' the profa- 
 nation of the Sabbath,' and of such additions as may be made, 
 and regulations as may be passed for their better enforcement, 
 should be printed in great numbers and distributed. 
 
 t2
 
 27(5 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 " An early proclamation to be made and generally circulated, 
 that the enrolling and licensing the girls of the town, should, from 
 a stated time, be altogether abolished ; and all possible measures 
 used to break up those abodes of wickedness where they dwell. 
 That these poor creatures may not however become a prey to 
 want, but have an opportunity afforded them to return to a better 
 course of life, and thus be enabled by degrees to take their place 
 in respectable society, without the fear of being repulsed by their 
 kinsfolks and friends, all possible exertions should be made to es- 
 tablish an institution where they may be received, and labour 
 provided for them suited to their sex ; there they should find 
 every encouragement to induce them willingly to submit to the 
 rules and regulations of the establishment, to accustom themselves 
 to industry and decency, and so to prepare themselves, by the dili- 
 gence and skill acquired during their continuance in the institu- 
 tion, at their dismissal from it to provide for themselves in a re- 
 spectable way : in the meantime the greatest attention should be 
 directed towards awakening in them a disposition to piety and 
 godly fear, to lead them back to virtue and good morals, by 
 means of religious instruction and strict attention to their conduct ; 
 to this end they should be required regularly to attend the daily 
 reading of the Scriptures. Care should be taken to provide for 
 them food and other conveniences in a sufficient degree, to make 
 them comfortable and content in their new situation ; it is also 
 greatly to be recommended, that the respectable female inha- 
 bitants of the city, even of the higher class, should generally feel 
 interested in the institution, and participate in its superinten- 
 dency, which would greatly contribute to its prosperity. 
 
 " In the house of correction and in the prisons, an opportunity 
 should likewise be afforded to the prisoners for daily hearing the 
 Scriptures read, and they should be required to give their at- 
 tendance."" 
 
 Fourth-day, as the time for my departure was now drawing 
 near, I proceeded to Altona, took my leave of the governor, pre- 
 sented him with a translation of the above-proposed regulations for 
 Hamburgh and Altona ; he expressed the sense he had of the 
 interest 1 had manifested in their welfare, and his desire my views 
 respecting them should be realized. I next proceeded to take my 
 leave of the police-master ; from his manner of repeatedly grasp- 
 ing my hand at our parting, I could not doubt the truth of his ex- 
 pressions of the interest he felt in my future preservation ; and I 
 hope I may say, I felt nothing but love in my mind towards him. 
 I also waited upon the chief magistrate at Hamburgh, some of 
 the burgo-masters, &c. presented them with the translations of 
 the proposed regulations. The preachers in Hamburgh appeared 
 to be divided into two parties ; the one distinguished by the term
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 277 
 
 heterodox, from their not refusing to partake in the diversions 
 going forward on the First-day ; the other orthodox, because 
 they protested against such practices, and are zealous for good 
 order. I received a proposal from one of the latter to make 
 me a visit, except I felt at liberty to visit him at his own 
 home. Feeling most disposed to yield to his latter proposi- 
 tion, I proceeded : in the course of his observations he said, the 
 general addresses he could give his full assent to ; expressing in 
 a feeling manner, the desire which he had felt each might have 
 their service, saying there were laws of their government of long 
 standing, commanding the strict observance of the Sabbath, which 
 laws were about four years ago brought into view ; but some of the 
 ministers are the cause why they are not more enforced, through 
 their lax conduct ; yet he hoped a reformation would take place, 
 by the sound of the gospel being heard again in its pure tone, 
 through the preaching of some young candidates for heaven : we 
 parted affectionately. Feeling my mind drawn to make a visit to 
 a man in Altona, who was considered the principal of a sect called 
 Christian Friends ; having procured an interpreter, we proceeded, 
 and found him a person very low in the world. He gave us this 
 simple account of their origin : in the beginning of this cen- 
 tury a poor shoemaker was brought to the knowledge of God : 
 in time he became acquainted with a man favoured with the 
 like experience ; they regularly went home together from their 
 place of worship, and conversed on the subject the minister had 
 preached from ; after awhile a third joined them, soon after this 
 others manifested a desire to partake with them, until their num- 
 ber became near two hundred. For the first ten years they had 
 no settled place to meet in, going from house to house, as they 
 could be accommodated: a merchant who joined them built a large 
 room for them to meet in. When the police-master had know- 
 ledge of the use for which this room was intended, he sent for the 
 proprietor, and spoke to him on the subject, but no further notice 
 had yet been taken of it. On my inquiring relative to their time of 
 meeting together on a First-day, I was informed they only met in 
 the evening at eight o'clock ; the reason given for their not meet- 
 ing in the middle of the day was, to prevent the clergy complain- 
 ing against them to the police-master, for drawing people from the 
 church ; it was said in their meetings they sat awhile in silence, 
 in order that they might have their minds delivered from all 
 worldly concerns, and be the better prepared to-approacb the Divine 
 Being with acceptance ; they prayed, sung hymns, conversed on 
 things appertaining to their soul's salvation, and read the Scrip- 
 tures. It appeared they durst not acknowledge they had preach- 
 ing amongst them ; yet I was informed this man at times addressed 
 them in their assemblies as a minister; I could not doubt his 
 being a well-concerned man, for whom and his brethren in their
 
 2>7g JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 circumscribed allotment, I felt tenderly ; and I had fresh cause to 
 prize my privileges in being free from tiiosc shackles by which 
 
 they are bound. , , , ^ , t i i 
 
 Fifth-day, made a call on the head of the Lutheran clergy 
 of Hamburgh ; he expressed his full concurrence witii the address, 
 saying, much more depended on the civil authority than on the 
 clero-y ; in trying to enforce the spirit of it, these might recom- 
 men^d from the pulpit its contents, and preach against the pre- 
 vailing bad habits of the town and neighbourhood ; still the im- 
 pressions that might be made on the congregation, would be likely 
 to lose their effect, unless the civil power were diligent in en- 
 forcing the laws, and the inferior officers of the government were 
 better^paid, so as not to be exposed to bribes, and tempted to 
 compromise with evil doers, and sell vice rather than bring it to 
 its just punishment : that the principal clergy did meet occa- 
 sionally, but as different men did not always unite in the same 
 judgment, this frequently prevented their going in a body to lay 
 their grievances before the senate. It was also much to be la- 
 mented that Hamburgh and Altona, so near as they are together, 
 were not under one government ; their diffi^rent interests counter- 
 acted the enforcement of the laws, which was much the cause of 
 the disorder that prevailed in the Burg, neither party being 
 ■willing to sacrifice their temporal interest for the future spiritual 
 welfare of the people. My next call was upon the principal 
 
 preacher of what is called St. Church ; he expressed his 
 
 sorrow there was so much cause for the observations made in the 
 address ; saying, the clergy in former years had not done their 
 duty, with that sincerity and boldness required of them, as pro- 
 fessed overseers and directors of the people ; but they became luke- 
 warm and indifferent in these respects, and he hardly knew how 
 the evils now crept in amongst them were to be remedied ; that 
 the dance-houses should not be allowed, it was there the young 
 people's minds were contaminated, in consequence of their dancing 
 together their blood became heated and inflamed, when their un- 
 lawful passions became stronger than their reasoning powers, 
 whereby they were tempted to gratify them. 
 
 The common report was, the greater part of the licensed prosti- 
 tutes were of the Jewish persuasion ; and feeling my mind drawn to 
 visit a young man, a priest of that sect, accompanied by my friend 
 I^- B as my interpreter, we proceeded to his residence ; he re- 
 ceived us courteously. 1 presented him with the translation of 
 my certificates, which he read with deliberation : from his coun- 
 tenance and frequent motion of his head, it appeared the care of 
 tile Society towards its ministers was approved by him. I also 
 presented him with the address to Hamburgh, to the magistrates, 
 and that to the clergy, which he being disposed to read whilst we 
 were present, we sat quiet, he making his observations as he went
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 279 
 
 along. Having finished them, he said the contents of the several 
 addresses met his full approval, but observed, as they themselves 
 were only allowed in the state, they had no power to interfere in 
 the government ; but so far as it was in his power to enforce the 
 spirit of the address from the pulpit, he would do it ; for however 
 we might differ in matters of faith, it was the duty of all minis- 
 ters to endeavour, as far as in them lies, to enforce whatever con- 
 tributes to the good of their hearers, or to the good of society at 
 large ; although it yet depended on those that hear, whether they 
 would follow the advice given them ; he also said, the law written in 
 the heart of man or conscience was in unison with the law of Moses, 
 and was the best guide to conduct us through the path of life, 
 and that he referred to these to corroborate his preaching ; for 
 after all, he added, preaching only has a reference to these 
 guides. On my telling him, common report says, the greater 
 part of the prostitutes in Hamburgh were of the Jewish persua- 
 sion, as I was in hopes attempts would be set on foot to provide 
 a place to afford them shelter, and give them an opportunity of 
 retrieving their character, exhorting him to take courage, and be 
 willing to do his part towards promoting this good work, — he said, 
 " It is but little we can do ; the devil must first be cast out, and 
 then, if the heart is pure, the fruit will be good:" we parted in 
 feelings of much affection. Although 1 hesitated considerably 
 before my mind was made willing to give up to this visit, con- 
 cluding my friends at home, if they came to hear how 1 had oc- 
 cupied my time of late, would say 1 had strangely rambled from 
 one priest to another ; but now I feel well satisfied in yielding 
 to this pointing of duty, especially so as on inquiry it appears 
 this young man's character comports with the sentiments he ad- 
 vanced ; that he is called a preacher of new doctrines by the Jews 
 here ; and from what I have been able to learn, he is likely by 
 degrees to lead them on to a liking for the New Testament. 
 
 I again turned my attention to the subject of securing a pas- 
 sage in the vessel bound for Christiana, as it was desirable to 
 avail myself of an agreeable captain and good vessel, which I 
 understood was not generally the case, the vessels on this passage 
 being mostly what are called crazy vessels ; but as a cloud came 
 again over my mind, I endeavoured to leave this matter for the 
 present, and do my best to clear out, not doubting but that the 
 way I am to proceed to Christiana will open. I waited on the 
 chief magistrate of Hamburgh, who informed me he had read over 
 the proposed regulations, which he said were good, if they could 
 but be put in practice ; but we must not stand still, if we cannot 
 do all we would ; giving me the cheering information, that the 
 subject of the prostitutes was brought before the view of the 
 public mind, and subscriptions already begun for the purpose of 
 establishing a penitentiary, and that a house was in a state of
 
 280 JOURNAL OV THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 forwardness for the purpose. At our parting, he expressed a 
 hope, on my return to Pyrmont from Norway, I should be able 
 to observe some improvement in the city. 
 
 I beo-an now to feel as if my service here was nearly come 
 to a close, truly humbled I hope under a grateful sense of the 
 mercies of my heavenly Father, in thus dealing bountifully with 
 me as he has done, making way for me in the minxls of those in 
 authority and others, when awakened by a sense of duty to call 
 upon them. Being now got into the Eleventh month, my friends 
 here think my attempting to reach Norway to winter will be 
 attended with danger, and much bodily suffering. My hoarse- 
 ness and pain at my chest continuing, 1 at times looked at re- 
 turnino- to England to winter, as I could not see it would be 
 rifjit for me to winter here ; and proceeded so far as to request 
 the advice of my friends at home on the subject; but I suppose 
 it appeared best to them not to give a sentiment. I felt very 
 desirous, if 1 must winter in Norway, which 1 had from the first 
 of my leaving home been anxious to avoid, now to make the best 
 of my way there, and go by the vessel my friends here had chosen 
 for me, which was soon about to set sail ; concluding, as Copen- 
 hagen has been brought before the view of my mind, as a place I 
 must be willing to spend a short time at, I might take it on my 
 way back to Pyrmont in the spring. But the subject coming 
 more weightily before me, I thought I clearly saw it would be 
 unsafe for me to return to England to winter, or go by the vessel 
 now in the river bound for Christiana ; and that there was no 
 way for me to secure a safe arrival in Norway, but by going by 
 the way of Copenhagen ; that my taking Copenhagen on my 
 return, would not be accepted by my Divine Master ; and there- 
 fore, although the prospect of an overland journey, quite alone 
 appeared discouraging, vuiacquainted as I was with the lan- 
 guage, currency, and usages of the countries 1 should have to 
 travel through, and the doctor advised against ray making the at- 
 tempt from the state of my health, yet as I could see no way 
 \vith clearness to proceed but by way of Copenhagen, 1 began to 
 make arrangements for my departure. 
 
 Sixth-day, ICth of 11th month, after taking leave of several of 
 my friends at my lodgings, I proceeded to Altona; obtained my 
 passport from the governor, with his good wishes for ray safety ; 
 and taking my last meal with my kind friend James Vander- 
 sniissen, who had provided me with provision for my journey, 
 about two in the afternoon I took my seat in the waggon, which 
 I supposed was to convey me to Kiel, the body of which was 
 fixed on the axletrees, in which was slung a single-horse-chaise 
 hcat. This to mc appeared altogether a comfortless convey- 
 ance to travel in at this season of the year, the weather having 
 set in cold to an extreme, and through the whole night. My
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 281 
 
 fellow-traveller in the waggon professed to know some English, 
 but it was t^o little he knew, in addition to which he was so dull 
 of apprehension, that he was no fit companion. Ky their wait- 
 ing for the letter-bags in Hamburgh and Altona, I had to sit 
 in the waggon until it was dark, before we started on our jour- 
 ney : notwithstanding this detention was trying, independent of 
 my suffering from the cold, yet I felt truly thankful when I 
 turned my back on this field of labour, and inward travail, as it 
 had been to me, not feeling conscious of having omitted aught I 
 was favoured to see called for at my hands ; this I esteemed 
 amongst the many favours my heavenly Father has in mercy 
 vouchsafed to dispense during the many solitary weeks I had 
 passed over in Altona, the retrospect of which affords some sup- 
 port to my mind, when looking at the trying journey before me, 
 which from the feelings of my mind threatens some bitter prov- 
 ings. The night set in very dark and rainy, which beat into our 
 vehicle : after we had pursued our journey a few miles, I perceived 
 we entered a river, and travelled up it or across it about half a 
 mile; soon after we left the river a part of our carriage gave 
 way, which in time our driver secured by ropes. As we pro- 
 ceeded, the darkness of the night was such, that our driver con- 
 sidered it to be unsafe to proceed without a light, he therefore 
 called at a cottage, and procured a lantern ; but this was of short 
 duration, the wind and rain were so tempestuous, our lantern 
 being out of repair, the candle would not keep alight, we were 
 therefore under the necessity of making the best of our way in the 
 dark. Before we reached the end of our first stage, our harness 
 broke, which it appeared they had difficulty in mending, so as 
 for us to get forward, with safety. At about ten o'clock we 
 reached Ultzburgh, our first stage, about fifteen English miles 
 from Altona. I had now been in the waggon about ten hours, 
 and felt the need of refreshment : being provided with some 
 thick chocolate in a bottle, I procured some milk; although we 
 halted near two hours, all my efforts to have it made hot, proved 
 in vain ; I was therefore obliged to be satisfied with a drink of 
 cold milk, and we proceeded. About three, on Seventh-day 
 morning, after a few times more breaking our harness, we reached 
 Bramstead, a stage of about fifteen miles further ; here our lug- 
 gage was taken into the post-office: the tavern being opposite, 
 where I found I could procure hot milk, I my bottle of chocolate 
 in my pocket; but through great fatigue I reeled, and struck the 
 bottle of chocolate against a leg of a table, and broke it into 
 small pieces ; the chocolate poured out at the bottom of my 
 pocket and through the flap of my coat: my greatest trouble now 
 was how to get my clothes clean, having no others with me. As 
 1 found I must not expect help from the woman of the house, 
 who looked at me without in any way attempting to lend mc as-
 
 282 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 sistance to make myself clean again, 1 managed by signs to get 
 into the kitchen, procured some water, and I did my best towards 
 cleansing my coat from the grease and soil of the chocolate, dry- 
 ing it by their miserable fire. 
 
 Having lost my chocolate, I ordered, by signs, a breakfast, 
 which 1 had to wait an hour for ; whilst my breakfast was prepar- 
 ino-, I went over to the post-office, to see that my luggage was 
 safe ; when 1 observed a person tying up the bag I had with 
 me with tape ; supposing it had become loose, 1 thought it was 
 kind of him. After having taken my breakfast, observing they 
 were about loading the luggage, 1 proceeded to see that the whole 
 of mine was put in again, when, to my surprise, 1 found the 
 king's seal was put on the tape, as was also the case with my 
 leather trunk. I took my fellow-traveller to them, pointing to 
 the seals ; by signs he made me understand, I must not attempt 
 to open any of my luggage now. As I was altogether a stranger 
 to the usage of the country, and had no opportunity of inquir- 
 ing why it was so, and not observing my fellow-traveller's lug- 
 gage was placed under similar restraint, various were my con- 
 jectures as to the cause of it, and what might be the result; the 
 busy enemy now watched his opportunity to improve the various 
 suggestions that presented to my mind, as the cause of my luggage 
 being thus sealed, and thus to bewilder and distress me, and endea- 
 vour to cast me down below all hope of my escaping being con- 
 fined in one of their miserable prisons. I remembered the go- 
 vernor and the police-master at Altona informed me, their laws 
 did not allow of distributing books or papers without leave of the 
 pohce; having some tracts sent from England, the whole of which 
 I did not feel easy to take with me from Altona, the day before 
 my departure I left some at the guard-house amongst the soldiers, 
 and others I gave away in Altona, a step I had well considered 
 before I attempted to take it : these considerations led me to con- 
 clude the circumstance had come to the knowledge of the police- 
 master, and that he had taken offence at it, whereby my luggage 
 was to be overhauled at Kiel. 
 
 In the afternoon we made another stage, and reached Ploen : 
 here my fellow-traveller left me ; imperfect as I found him in 
 my native language, I felt greatly stripped when we parted : we 
 remained here near four hours, yet twenty English miles from 
 Kiel ; we took in a passenger for Kiel, and changed our carriage, 
 but not a change that added to my comfort, the curtains that 
 should have defended us from the extreme cold night air, were 
 so torn they afforded us but little defence. On our arrival at 
 Kiel, I went in to observe their movements respecting my lug- 
 gage, which was put into a room with the rest ; it being now three 
 o'clock in the morning, as 1 supposed the tavern keepers would 
 be all in bed, and the post-office I found was no place of enter-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 283 
 
 tainment, I considered how I should dispose of myself until the 
 tavern-keepers were up : 1 at length concluded by signs to obtain 
 leave to sit in the waggon until morning. Conversation took 
 place between my fellow-traveller and the post-master, and as 
 they frequently turned round to me, I concluded 1 was the sub- 
 ject of their conversation ; but on what account, I was unable to 
 understand ; but hearing them name the merchant, to whom I was 
 directed to secure my passage in the packet, I felt cheered, and 
 more so, when my fellow-traveller, by signs, invited me to fol- 
 low him to the Packet Hotel. The people were in bed, but he 
 would not leave me until I was safe in the house, and by the 
 bed-side of the son of the hotel-keeper, who spoke English, a 
 comfort altogether this was to me I cannot describe. The 
 young man, hearing of my desire to go by the packet, assured 
 me my luggage could be cleared in time ; but I considered he did 
 not know under what circumstances my luggage was placed. I re- 
 quested to go to my bed, which was more desirable than food, al- 
 though 1 had been kept on short allowance. As there were per- 
 sons in the house going by the packet, I requested to be called 
 when they were, and if it appeared best for me to encounter the 
 passage by sea, I would try to do my very utmost. My kind 
 friend Dr. Steinhiem advised my wearing a warm flannel waistcoat 
 next me, which I had not been used to do ; I therefore put one on 
 the day I left Altona : the irritation it produced was painful to 
 bear, and it occasioned a rash to come out all over my body ; 
 as the eruption increased, the pain in my chest and hoarse- 
 ness gradually left me, which 1 esteemed a great favour. I was 
 called with those who were going by the packet, and did my 
 utmost to rouse myself, the better to be able to give the subject 
 of going all due consideration ; but the way for my proceeding 
 was quite shut up, and why I could not tell. I reasoned, thinking 
 if I met with no other obstruction, than my fatigue of body, al- 
 though it was great, I might regret missing so good a passage as 
 it was likely to be, which I understood is not often the case at 
 this season of the year ; I also feared, if I let this opportunity 
 slip, and remained at Kiel until the packet sails again this day 
 week, we may have to beat about for days to make a passage. 
 The more I gave way to a desire to take my departure in this 
 packet, the more the uneasiness of my mind increased, and 
 the more sensible I was made that my present proper place 
 was to remain at Kiel, and trust for a good passage next week ; 
 being assured if my remaining here was in the line of Divine 
 appointment, that same power which required my halting here, 
 was able to waft me over in the next packet, in as short a time 
 as if I went by the packet to-day, if He sees meet. I there- 
 fore laid me down again to rest my weary bones: the keepers 
 of the hotel, I believe, did what they could to make me com-
 
 234 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SUILLITOE. 
 
 fortable ; but I wanted more caring for, than I had a right to ex- 
 pect at a hotel— some things to be made tliat 1 was abh- to take, 
 and not in the common run of the table dilute. As I did not feel 
 myself equal to go to the residence of the merchant I was addressed 
 to for help, on my first rising this morning I sent to him, who soon 
 made me a visit, and spoke English. I thought he appeared sen- 
 sible of the care I stood in need of and capable of entering into 
 sympathy with me : he left me, and calling again, put the question 
 to me, was I comfortable ? I told him I wanted more quiet than 
 the house afforded, and more of little matters provided for me 
 than I could expect to have where 1 was, 1 therefore should be 
 glad to procure private lodgings : he left me, and soon returning, 
 offered me the privilege of making one of his own family. I felt 
 a difficulty to accept of his kind offer ; but as I was well assured 
 it was made in great sincerity, and fearing his feelings would be 
 hurt if I refused, I accompanied this my kind friend, Abraham 
 Christian Bower, to his own home. He kindly sent his clerk (who 
 spoke English) with me to the post-office, to see about my lug- 
 gage : the officer on duty behaved with great civility ; I gave him 
 my keys, who, after questioning me as to the contents of my lug- 
 gage, gave liberty to have it sent to my lodgings ; and thus my 
 anxieties respecting my luggage were brought to a close. I soon 
 began to feel myself at home in my new abode, my only regret 
 was, the wife of my kind friend was not acquainted with my 
 native tongue ; this regret, she gave me to understand, was great 
 on her part. 
 
 Second-day, my bones were so sore, and flesh bruised, that I 
 was obliged to keep at home, with my mind exercised towards the 
 Lord, who I believe had required me to make this halt, to pre- 
 serve me from running before my guide, and to keep me walking 
 answerably to my profession, and the station I was travelling in, 
 as becomes a minister of Jesus Christ. 
 
 Third-day, to comply with the request of an invalid, I ventured 
 to make her and her husband a visit ; she spoke English well : 
 with them I spent about two hours, to my own, and, I believe, their 
 satisfaction : it would almost appear she had previously known of 
 my intention of coming to Kiel, and, as such, had been storing 
 questions to put to me respecting the members of our Society, its 
 practices, and on various religious subjects. Although in ray pre- 
 sent state of bodily health, I felt unequal to much exertion of this 
 sort, yet so fully convinced was I of the purity of her motives, I 
 knew not how to refuse doing my best to answer her inquiries : in 
 many instances, the information which she had received respecting 
 our principles and practices was very erroneous, but which she 
 acknowledged I had been enabled to clear up to her satisfaction ; 
 and that I had removed from her mind sentiments which she had im- 
 bibed unfavourable to our religious Society ; especially an opinion
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 285 
 
 she had received, that we had no regular ministers amongst us. 
 On returning me my certificates, she said she had not only read 
 them with attention, but with pleasure, in being fully satisfied these 
 reports were not correct, and in observing the watchful care the So- 
 ciety exercises over its ministers : she added, " From the account 
 you have given me of your principles and practices as a Society, it 
 appears to me you come the nearest to the first Christians, of any I 
 have heard of in the present day ; but when I was visiting at a water- 
 ing place, I observed the professors of the established religion, on 
 the Sabbath-day, who called themselves Protestants, attended play- 
 houses, dance-houses, and card-parties ; there was also a settle- 
 ment of some who called themselves Methodists in this place, who 
 protested against these practices of the members of the Establish- 
 ment ; but I observed these Methodists indulged themselves in eat- 
 ing and drinking beyond what I consider true moderation allows of, 
 also in dressing themselves, having their houses furnished, and con- 
 ducting themselves in other respects like the people of the world, 
 aiming at great business to get riches to keep them. I also met 
 with some Roman Catholics who appeared to think much of them- 
 selves, because of their abstinence and fasting on certain occasions. 
 As I am persuaded you will give me an honest reply, pray tell me 
 how is it with your Society in these respects? do they make great en- 
 tertainments, having many dishes on their tables ? Are their houses 
 furnished after the manner of the world ? Do they love to o-et 
 money to keep it ? Are they covetous, and do not distribute ac- 
 cording to their means to those who have need ? " I felt myself 
 brought into a great strait, as my inquirer looked for an honest an- 
 swer to her plain questions, and for the moment was reduced to a state 
 of awful silence ; I however replied, " I hope I am safe in saying we 
 still have preserved amongst us,as a religious Society, those of whom 
 it may be said, they are endeavouring to be found walkino- in the 
 paths of true self-denial and the daily cross, in these and every 
 other respect; yet there are others amongst us who are sorrowfully 
 departing from the law and those testimonies which we profess to 
 believe, as a rehgious Society, we are called upon to hold up to the 
 world." To which she again queried, " Are these departures 
 mostly with those who have joined your Society by what you call 
 convincement, or such as were born' members ? " I did not feel 
 myself under difficulty in making a reply, as it is obvious this de- 
 parture chiefly is to be found amongst those who have had a birth- 
 right: this matter being so far set at rest, another query was 
 brought forward more difficult for me to clear up to her full satis- 
 faction : — " But what does your Society do with those who live, 
 and furnish their houses, and dress after the manner of the world, 
 and those who aim at doing great business to get rich because they 
 are covetous? Do your meetings for discipline, as you call them, 
 disown such ? which you say is the case with your other disorderly
 
 286 JOURNAL OF THOMAS Sll ILLITOE. 
 
 members ; for such 1 consider tliem, according to the account you 
 have given me of what your principles are, and, if lived up to, will 
 lead to the practice of" It becoming trying to me to converse so 
 long together, I was obliged to return home, having done my best 
 to satisfy her inquiring mind ; but as her store of inquiry was 
 not yet exhausted, she engaged my company the next day, and I 
 did not see how I could refuse this request. 
 
 Fourth-day, feeling so much debility from my exertion yester- 
 day, I was obliged to keep at home. Fifth-day, feeling myself 
 recruited, I spent a short time with my female friend and her hus- 
 band, endeavouring to satisfy her mind on the various subjects 
 she brought forward, I presented her with Henry Tuke, on Faith, 
 which I expected would furnish fresh work when we met again. 
 Three young men, students, gave us their company, towards whom 
 something began to stir in my mind, which I believe, had I sin- 
 cerely cherished, would have produced matter for communication ; 
 they left, and they left me under very uneasy and distressing feel- 
 ings : at times, 1 would willingly have requested my female friend to 
 invite them to her house, to afford me an opportunity of relief; 
 but as this proposal had not the sanction of my Divine Master, I 
 found my safety would be in patiently bowing under the secret 
 condemnation I merited, and there let the matter rest, if the way 
 never opened for us to meet again, which never did take place : 
 may I learn more perfect obedience by the things I suffer, is the 
 prayer of my soul ! I returned to my comfortable home, sa- 
 tisfied thus far with my detention at Kiel, notwithstanding 
 this sHp I had made. In the afternoon, accompanied by my 
 kind landlord, I made a visit to pastor Harms, a zealous, and I 
 believe, pious preacher, of the Lutheran persuasion : the ne- 
 cessity of the one saving baptism of the Holy Ghost and 
 fire was pretty fully entered into : the pastor closed the sub- 
 ject by saying, he had read the addresses to Altona and 
 Hamburgh, &c., and was fully satisfied in his own mind 
 I had known something of this baptism, and expressed his 
 earnest desire for my preservation to the end of my arduous 
 journey.
 
 287 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, the way clearly opening in my own mind for 
 me to take my departure on First-day, I went on board the 
 packet to secure my berth ; the appearance of the vessel and 
 captain promised as much outward comfort as I expect to meet 
 with on ship-board : on my way home we called upon my female 
 friend ; painful as it was to me (from a return of the affection of 
 my breath) to keep up much conversation, I had not power to re- 
 sist her inquiries. Passing a large house which before had attracted 
 my attention, I felt constrained to query with my kind landlord 
 who resided there ; I received for answer, a person of the Jewish 
 persuasion : I paused, and proposed our calling upon the owner of 
 the house; we accordingly made him a short visit ; the expression 
 of the apostle at our parting arose in my mind to repeat, " I 
 perceive of a truth God is no respecter of persons, but of every 
 nation, kindred, tongue and people, those who fear him and work 
 righteousness are accepted with him," and the desire that at- 
 tended my mind, should we never meet again in this world, that we 
 might be favoured to meet in heaven ; adding, " but if this is our 
 merciful experience, the alone terms on which an admittance can 
 be thus obtained into the kindom of heaven, is that we fear God 
 and work righteousness :" what I had thus to offer, there was 
 ground for believing was well received, and made deep impression 
 on the mind of the visited. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, I awoke with the assurance that, if I 
 maintained my integrity towards God, notwithstanding my many 
 and unexpected detentions, and having my journey to perform 
 at this late season of the year, I should be wafted over to Copen- 
 hagen with a short passage, and reach Norway safe, to pass the 
 remainder of the winter ; but I must be content to live one day 
 at a time, avoiding all unnecessary anxiety about the morrow. 
 We called upon our female friend and her kind husband: I ex- 
 pected to hear remarks from her on Henry Tuke's work on faith, 
 instead of which she fully accorded with the sentiments the work 
 contained ; except in one instance, that she could not reconcile to 
 her mind the possibihty of those, who never heard of Christ 
 or the Scriptures, experiencing salvation. I was enabled so to
 
 288 JOURNAL OF THOMAS «HILLITOE. 
 
 explain matters to her mind, and by reference to passages in 
 the New Testament, that she acknowledged she did not ex- 
 pect this subject could have been cleared up so fully to her sa- 
 tisfaction : at our parting, in a feeling manner she expressed lier 
 thankfulness to the Almighty, who had thus so unexpectedly 
 brouo-ht us together, and that my visit to Kiel would be in her 
 affectionate remembrance as long as she was favoured with her 
 recollection. In the evening I made a visit to the Dowager 
 Countess Bernstorff : she is very far advanced in life. I was very 
 aoreeably struck with the great simplicity of her attire and unaf- 
 fected manners; she received me with that freedom and ease 
 which is characteristic of those, however exalted their station in 
 life may be, who are in sincerity seeking their way to Zion with 
 their faces thitherward. We spent some time agreeably together, 
 opening our views on matters of vital importance in the work of 
 salvation; her sentiments on these subjects evidenced she was 
 well instructed in things appertaining to the kingdom of heaven. 
 I had a short religious communication to leave with her, which 
 she acknowledged she believed would at times be sweetly in her 
 remembrance, as well as the satisfaction the visit afforded her : she 
 regretted the shortness of our acquaintance, and expressed the 
 earnest desire which she felt, that the blessing of the IMost High 
 might attend all my labours : this visit crowned my week's work. 
 First-day morning, the wind being fair, the captain came to in- 
 form me he should sail earlier than he had at hrst proposed: in 
 mind I was quite ready to take my departure, but this information 
 occasioned me more of a bustle than was desirable : we had a 
 quiet sitting together before we parted. My visit to Kiel will I 
 believe be in my remembrance at times whilst able to recollect at 
 all. I went on board the packet, where I found an abundant 
 supply of sea-store, the bounty of my kind friends at Kiel. In 
 about twenty-five hours we reached Copenhagen, which was con- 
 sidered as quick a passage as is generally made; had it not been for 
 the darkness of the night and the dangerous coast, we should have 
 landed some hours sooner. My kind friend Abraham Christian 
 Bower had written to a merchant at Copenhagen to meet me at 
 the packet, but our arrival being earlier than was expected, my 
 care-taker did not reach in time to receive me ; I therefore re- 
 mained on board a considerable time in a state of suspense, fear- 
 ing the information respecting me had not reached the merchant : 
 viewing my situation as a stranger to the language and usages of 
 the people, amongst whom I felt as if I was now to spend some 
 time ; accompanied also by a deep sense that trials awaited me 
 in Copenhagen, I was unable to suppress the flood of tears that 
 gushed from my eyes. A young man at length came to my as- 
 sistance, but he was so imperfect in the English language, it was 
 but little he could do for me. At the police-office, keeping on my
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SIIILLITOE. 289 
 
 hat excited attention, yet I was handsomely treated. I was taken 
 to a first-rate hotel, and found there was no other way for me but 
 to make the best of my situation for the night : the waiter came to 
 inform me dinner was ready, but my mind was not in a state to 
 sit down in the bustle of a large company ; I therefore declined 
 going, requesting coffee to be brought into my room : this, after 
 repeatedly ringing for it, I procured, waiting at least one hour : 
 in this manner 1 was neglected the remainder of the day without 
 hope of remedy : the master of the house spoke English, and 
 him I was not able to meet with. 
 
 Third-day, a son of Dr. Brand's, who was one of our passen- 
 gers in the packet, and paid me great attention on board, at our 
 parting gave me his father's address and an invitation to the 
 house. 1 proceeded to the doctor's residence ; and on informing 
 him how 1 was circumstanced, his son took charge of me to the 
 Hotel Royal, where I had every accommodation I stood in need 
 of. I now began to feel more of the weight of that exercise I 
 had been introduced into, before and on my landing; Divine good- 
 ness condescended, on this approach of an increasing sense that 
 trials awaited me in this city, to lead me to take a retrospect of the 
 remarkable manner I had hitherto been cared for, and helped 
 through my many difficulties ; holding out to me encouragement 
 still to hope I should be carried through whatsoever might 
 be called for at my hands in this place, if I kept simple in 
 my reliance on all-sustaining help, free from consulting and con- 
 ferring with flesh and blood, fully resigned to the service de- 
 signed for me by my Divine Master here, endeavouring after a 
 stateof nothingness of self, and to know the Lord my God to be 
 all in all with me. 
 
 By endeavouring to keep in this dependent state of mind, I was 
 favoured to see that my course to TVorway being thus directed, 
 was in order that I should attempt to obtain a personal interview 
 with the king, and present him with the addresses to Altona, 
 Hamburgh, the magistrates, clergy, and a copy of the proposed 
 regulations for Hamburgh, and Danish translation of my certifi- 
 cates ; but how to accomplish such an undertaking placed me in 
 a trying situation : the merchant I was referred to here for help, 
 could not understand my native tongue, so that I could not look 
 to him. I clearly saw, except i did my very best to obtain a 
 personal interview with the king, I should not be able to leave Co- 
 penhagen with that peaceful mind, so essential to my pursuing 
 my future prospects of religious duty with that patience and alac- 
 rity of soul the nature of them would require ; under this assur- 
 ance I most earnestly besought the Lord my God, that he would 
 be pleased, as I knew not where to look for help in my extremity, 
 to direct me aright therein : I retired to my bed, but the diffi- 
 culties that encompassed me every way were such that I slept 
 
 u
 
 290 JOURNAL, OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 but little- In the morning I conclutlcd to call upon my kind 
 friend, the doctor, and if the way clearly opened lor it, to lay ray 
 situation before him ; but this not being the case, 1 returned to 
 my hotel, and sat me down in quiet, waiting on the Divine Coun- 
 sellor to know how I was to proceed ; when my attention was un- 
 expectedly turned (having quite forgotten that I had them in 
 my possession) to a list of names given me by a kind friend at 
 Hamburgh, of persons here whom he considered to be religiously 
 disposed ; I therefore searched my trunk for the paper, and hav- 
 ino- found it, I sat down to read the list over, beginning at the 
 first name, pausing at each name as I passed along, until I 
 came to the name of a person whom the paper stated was secre- 
 tary to Count S , prime minister to the king ; here I felt 
 
 a stop against proceeding further in reading them over. After 
 considerable time spent in quiet again, I thought the clear point- 
 ings of duty were to make him a call. I procured a guide, who 
 could act as my interpreter, and we proceeded to the house of the 
 count, where his secretary also resided ; on entering an anti- 
 room, where the messengers were in waiting, we inquired for the 
 secretary, and were informed he was from home, and his return 
 very uncertain. I felt to myself as if I was fixed to the spot, with 
 no power to quit it, which I suppose attracted the attention of one 
 of the messengers, who answered my inquiry, when he again re- 
 plied that Count S was at home. — I considered J was a fo- 
 reigner, and had nothing to depend upon to introduce myself, 
 but the merciful interference of Him, who is King of kings and 
 Lord of lords ; so that I felt my making the request to speak 
 to him would be a bold attempt : but as I could see no other 
 way for me to proceed with safety to myself, I requested the 
 messenger to inform the count that an Englishman, one of the 
 Society of Friends, called Quakers, would be obliged to him for 
 an audience. While waiting the return of the messenger, words 
 are not equal to describe the perturbation of mind I had to com- 
 bat with; every joint felt in motion : but adorable mercy preserved 
 me from sinking below the hope of my being carried through the 
 work, which I believed was assigned me. The messenger returned 
 with this answer, that if 1 would wait, the count would receive me : 
 I was shortly after, ordered into his apartment ; amidst hope and fear, 
 although a hope was felt, as the way had been made easy to me, 
 my proceeding thus far was under best direction, yet fear was up- 
 permost, lest discouragement should prevent me from doing my 
 very utmost in fulfilling all the Divine will concerning me. The 
 count spoke my native tongue, which I esteemed a great fa- 
 vour. I introduced myself to him by presenting him my 
 certificates ; he appeared to read them with attention, making 
 his remarks on parts as he went along, and closing with ex- 
 pressions of approbation, at the care which the Society exer-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 291 
 
 cised over its ministers : he then asked, " Have you any of 
 your Society in Copenhagen ? " I replied, none that I knew 
 of: he then added, " Well, sir, -what can I do for you ? what 
 service can I render you?" This so opened the way for me, 
 I felt no hesitation in informing him how I had been engaged 
 in Altona, and that if ray great Master had any service for me 
 at Copenhagen, I believed it was to present to the king in person 
 the address, and lay before him such matters as at the time might a- 
 rise in my mind; I then requested him to make way for me. He re- 
 plied, the king did not understand English, therefore he could not 
 see what good was to result from the interview: on my pressing the 
 matter, (as I fovmd if I did my part faithfully I must do,) he queried 
 with me, had I the addresses with me, as he should like to see their 
 contents, before he proceeded to obtain an interview for me with 
 the king. This I felt to be a reasonable request, and told him I 
 had not them in my pocket, but I would return to my hotel and 
 bring them for his perusal ; on which he said, he wovdd remain 
 in the way to receive them. On my return he expressed his fear that 
 my hat being kept on my head would be in my way : I was now 
 so carried above discouragement, that I replied, I hoped that would 
 not be the case, and therefore requested he would fix the time for 
 me to M^ait upon him for an answer ; to which he replied, he must 
 attend the king in council to-morrow, that if I would come the 
 day after, he would be in the way to receive me, and inform me 
 the result of my request. Agreeable to appointment I waited on him ; 
 from the kind manner with which he gave me his hand, I felt satisfied 
 he had not taken offence at any remarks which the addresses con- 
 tained. After some conversation together, he informed me the 
 king had concluded to receive me at eleven o'clock to-morrow, 
 and that he, the count, would undertake to interpret for me. I 
 had been thoughtful, if my request was granted, how I was to 
 find such a person to interpret for me as the king might in all 
 respects approve of, but my good Master cared for me in this 
 as well as in every other respect. The count then looking rather 
 earnestly at me, said, " You do not mean to appear before the 
 king in those clothes, do you ?" the breaking my bottle of chocolate, 
 independent of my clothes being very much worn, had given them 
 a greasy appearance ; I told him I had no others with me, as it 
 was uncertain 1 should want my best until summer I had left 
 them at Altona, intending to furnish myself with winter clothes 
 when I reached Norway, but I would endeavour to do my best to 
 smarten myself ; at which he smiled; and thus this subject closed, 
 with his requesting I would come to him the next morning, and 
 he would take care of my being conducted to the palace, and 
 would be there himself to introduce me to the king. On my 
 way to my hotel, fresh trials began, by the enemy to all that 
 is good bringing before the view of my mind my arrest at 
 
 u 2
 
 292 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHII.LITOE. 
 
 Altona, with the difficulties I had to encounter in consequence 
 of it; setting before me how much worse it would be likely 
 to fare with me here, was offence taken at any thing I might 
 have to communicate, by my now being at the very seat of go- 
 vernment, and a government very different to that I was a 
 subject of, for here the word of the king was law : but these 
 buffetings of Satan were not permitted to be of long duration; 
 and yet my baptisms were great, and no experienced, exercised bro- 
 ther or sister being near to console and comfort my tried mind, none 
 1 could look up to for help, but the great universal Parent of all. I 
 set to work, did my best in cleaning and brushing my clothes and 
 hat, which was much in the same trim as my clothes. I kept 
 quiet in my apartment the remainder of the day, and, as may be 
 supposed, passed an anxious night, under deep exercise of mind, 
 that I might be preserved faithful, and deliver the whole counsel 
 given me by my Divine Master. 
 
 I proceeded according to appointment, next day, to the count^s 
 residence, who received me with his usual kindness, and put me 
 under the care of a confidential attendant to conduct me to the 
 palace. Entering a covered passage which led to the interior of the 
 palace, I was struck, or more properly my nerves not a little shook, 
 at the sudden appearance of eight of the tallest, largest men I ever 
 before saw, standing together under arms, whose enormous hair 
 caps and mustachoes gave them a terrific appearance; their coun- 
 tenances also not manifesting a favourable dis])osition towards me, I 
 supposed in consequence of my entering the palace with my hat 
 pn ; although I doubt not this matter about my hat had been ar- 
 ranged by my kind friend the count, from the great respect 
 shown me by the different officers I was with afterwards. I was 
 first conducted into an apartment, where the king's messengers 
 were ; here a chair was kindly ofiered me, where I waited some 
 time ; perhaps the time appeared to me longer than it really was, 
 because I found it very hard work to abide in that state of mind 
 set forth by our holy Redeemer, " When ye shall be brought be- 
 fore kings and rulers for my sake, take no thought beforehand what 
 ye shall speak." The count at length arrived, and took charge of 
 me; whilst he ordered my attendant to be in waiting on me, on my 
 quitting the king again, and to be at my service if I had occasion 
 for him. 1 was now taken by the count into the king's anti-room, a- 
 mongst the great officers of state, to whom the count generally intro- 
 duced me, and such as could speak English manifested a sociable 
 disposition towards me : it was to be expected my keeping my 
 hat on amongst them would excite attention, as this empty mark 
 of respect is more adhered to in Denmark, than in any place I have 
 been in on the Continent; but I could not observe the least appear- 
 ance of disrespect manifested on account of it. It is some relief in 
 trouble, or when under trial, to have a companion to share in the 
 burden with us ; but this not being permitted me, to labour after
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS ^HILLITOE. 293 
 
 resignation to my present allotment was my greatest interest. The 
 door of the king's apartment at length opened, which caused my 
 heart to feel all in motion ; and the count requested I would follow 
 him : at the door the king's chamberlain took off my hat, and kept 
 it till my return into the anti-room again. On entering the king's 
 apartment I found him in waiting to receive me : I introduced 
 myself by a short religious communication, on which the king, 
 through the count, replied, he felt obliged to me for what I had 
 expressed to him, and that I could not have desired better things 
 for him. I then informed the king what had induced me to leave 
 my own home, and come on the Continent, with the manner in 
 which I had been engaged at Altona, a part of his dominions, 
 and also at Hamburgh, having the addresses to Altona, Hamburgh, 
 the magistrates and clergy, with a German copy of the proposed re- 
 gulations, and a Danish copy of my certificates, I requested the 
 king's acceptance of them ; to which he replied he would, and took 
 them from me, saying it was pleasant to him to find my mind had 
 been thus interested in the welfare of his dominions, and that it was 
 his desire to promote, all in his power, religion amongst his sub- 
 jects. A pause for a short space ensued, during which I found 
 I must be willing to introduce a subject, on which I knew a depu- 
 tation from Hamburgh had waited on the king, but had not suc- 
 ceeded in their attempts ; I therefore requested liberty of the 
 king to intrude on his time a little longer, to lay before him, for his 
 serious consideration, a subject which 1 durst not omit. The reply 
 was, " Go on." I then told the king it was respecting the little lot- 
 tery ; and what I was about to remark was not with a view to a reply; 
 but as Altona and Hamburgh are so very near to each other, it must 
 be obvious to the king, it is of importance to the welfare of both 
 places, that friendship and a good understanding should be main- 
 tained between them, the better to preserve the internal quiet of 
 each place, being under different governments ; for if this friendship 
 and good understanding, should by any means be broken in upon, 
 it might in time prove the means of th^ir becoming a great 
 annoyance to each other ; and there was reason to fear this 
 friendship and good understanding was already broken in upon. 
 I again asked leave to explain myself, and was requested, in a 
 kind manner, to relieve my mind. 1 then said, 1 had been in- 
 formed by persons in the government in Hamburgh, that they at one 
 time had a little lottery in their state, but finding it to be so inju- 
 rious to the poor, it was totally abolished in their state, in hopes 
 Altona would have followed their example ; but this not being 
 the case, their views in abolishing the lottery in their own state 
 were frustrated by their poor engaging in the lottery at Al- 
 tona, thereby impoverishing themselves and families ; that on a 
 serious consideration of the subject, it cannot be denied but this 
 lottery m.ust be a great injury to the poor, for, in proportion as the 
 public treasury is enriched hereby, the pockets of the poor must
 
 294 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 be emptied, and they worsted. I then exhorted the king to abolish 
 this httle lottery, and raise the money it had produced towards 
 the support of the state, by levying in some way a tax on the 
 rich, which I beheved would in the end afford the king much 
 satisfaction. I then acknowledged the gratitude 1 felt for the 
 king's kind attention to my remarks, and the desire which 1 felt 
 that the remembrance of it might never be erased from my mind. 
 The opportunity altogether so affected my feelings, 1 could not, 
 when I closed, suppress my tears : the king and my very kind in- 
 terpreter also appeared affected ; when f withdrew, the king took 
 leave of me in a respectful manner. I returned with the count 
 into the king's anti-room, who assured me he felt satisfied he had 
 introduced me to the king. Here a fresh and unexpected trial pre- 
 sented ; from feeling something given me for the ofhcers of state, who 
 were in waiting to go into council ; but I was again strengthened to 
 leave them that which my Divine Master entrusted me with, my 
 kind friend, the count, again interpreting; and what I had to 
 offer appeared to be well received by them, for they kindly gave 
 me their hands at our parting. I now put myself under the care 
 of my attendant to my hotel ; with my mind relieved from that 
 burden I had been labouring under ; feelings of humble grati- 
 tude arose for that Divine assistance, that had been afforded me 
 this day, and I was favoured with a belief that faithfulness had 
 marked my footsteps : I took it for a discharge from further ser- 
 vice in Copenhagen. This little lottery is one the government 
 has under its own care ; so small a sum as four pence may be ad- 
 vanced towards a share in it : I was informed from good autho- 
 rity, the time of drawing brings together such a concourse of 
 ragged miserable objects who have ventured their all, to know the 
 result, as cannot easily be conceived. 
 
 There being only one vessel left in the port bound for Chris- 
 tiana, and likely to be the last this season, I hastened to the 
 merchant, under whose care I considered myself placed, to secure 
 my passage to Norway ; feeling desirous to get quietly away from 
 Copenhagen as soon as I well could. We went on board the ves- 
 sel, but the prospect of my being in any respect made comfortable 
 was very discouraging, she being only forty tons burden ; the 
 cabin was so small I could stand in the middle of it, and nearly touch 
 the sides with my hards: on account of the season of the year 
 the stove was moved into the cabin to avoid the sea breaking over 
 it, and putting the fire out; the berth I was to sleep in was as close 
 to the fire as could be, not to scorch the bedding, and here the cook- 
 ing that was going for^yard must be performed ; all these circum- 
 stances taken into consideration, operated for awhile to discourage 
 me ; but having heard such dismal accounts of the difliculties 
 ot an overland journey at this late season of the year, .as the 
 Mcathcr had ah-eady set in for severe frost and snow, and 
 icuring the vacant berth should be secured by some other per-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 295 
 
 son, I agreed for my passage. I however made a call upon my 
 kind friend the doctor, and informed him of the steps which f 
 had taken in order for my departure, when he gave me such reasons 
 for my not proceeding in the vessel at this season of the year, as 
 to confirm me it would be most prudent to relinquish this plan 
 of going by her to Norway. 1 therefore engaged the mer- 
 chant to settle with the captain in the best way he could ; but in 
 doing this there was no difficulty, for the captain expressed himself 
 satisfied I had come to this conclusion, as he said, if the weather 
 should be stormy, my being in the cabin would put them to diffi- 
 culty, and they could not avoid being a great annoyance to me. 
 Matters being thus arranged, I found my safety was to try and 
 keep in the quiet, and let the morrow take thought for the things 
 of itself 
 
 My mind was introduced into exercise, on account of the 
 queen and princesses, yet as I did not feel sufficient to justify 
 an attempt to obtain an interview, I concluded my safety was in 
 keeping quiet, not doubting but that if this exercise was of the Lord, 
 way would open for its becoming matured, without care or exertion 
 on my part, as I did not feel it laid upon me at present to move 
 in it. I took an early opportunity of informing my kind friend the 
 doctor, that I was clear of the captain of the vessel, and must sub- 
 mit to an overland journey to Christiana as early as matters could 
 be arranged for it, desiring his advice in my movements in this 
 respect. He proposed furnishing me with letters to Elsinore, to 
 procure me letters when I crossed the Sound, and landed at Elsen- 
 burgh in Sweden ; and he advised me to advertise for a travel- 
 ling companion to Christiana. From accounts received of wrecks 
 that have recently occurred on the coast to Norway, I esteemed 
 it a mercy my intentions of going by sea were frustrated ; not 
 only as it respected the danger and difficulties I might have es- 
 caped, but as I now begin to fear my leaving Copenhagen by her 
 would have been, as the prophet Isaiah describes, with haste 
 and by flight, and would have laid a foundation for sorrow on my 
 part. Next day I visited professor Muller, a serious charac- 
 ter : we spent some time agreeably together ; at our parting, he 
 offered me a list of names in Christiana which he apprehended 
 would be of service to me there, adding, " But there is that about 
 you, that will be a sufficient introduction for you anywhere." I 
 continued under exercise about the queen and princesses, yet no 
 way opened in my own mind that justified my taking steps to ob- 
 tain an interview. I made calls upon some of the persons whose 
 names I had on the list, which I brought with me from Ham- 
 burgh ; also upon my kind friend the doctor, to inform him no re- 
 ply had been made to my advertisement for a travelling com- 
 panion. I had, agreeably to his advice, also advertised for a ser- 
 vant, to take charge of me to Christiana, requesting him, should a 
 suitable person offer, to have my letters in readiness. He also told
 
 29G JOURNAL OF THOIMAS SHII-LIIOK. 
 
 me that one of the ladies who waited on the queen, who was a reli- 
 is eharacter, and spoke Enghsh well, residing ni the 1 a ace. 
 
 Sious 
 
 requested I would make her a mornnio- s visit: at the time 1 did 
 not reply; but before I left him, 1 found if 1 did that which to 
 me appeared to be right, 1 must say to him, " If thy friend will 
 appoint a time, and I am informed of it, 1 feel quite at liberty to 
 make her a visit:" this felt to my own mind like the opening 
 ao-ain of a fresh line of service, and, at first view, was trying, as 
 Anew not what it might lead to, nor when or where it would 
 end; for every day's detention now, I understood, would endanger 
 my being detained on the road, from the fall of snow that usually 
 takes place about this season of the year. I heard nothing further 
 about my proposed visit, until 1 called again upon the doctor for 
 my letters ; when he informed me his footman was gone to my 
 hotel to conduct me to the Palace, where his friend would be in 
 waiting to receive me : the footman soon returned and took charge 
 of me° I passed the kings body-guards, as before described ; as-^ 
 cending a flight of stairs on a landing, 1 met with four more of 
 the hke desWiption, and ascending another flight of stairs, I 
 met with two more of the hke description : the pass being narrow, 
 on my approaching the two latter sentinels, (1 suppose from my 
 having my hat on,) one of them viewed mc with great bitter- 
 ness in his countenance, muttering something which evidently 
 bespoke evil towards me ; this occasioned me some unpleasant 
 sensations, and feelings of thankfulness arose when 1 considered 
 myself out of the reach of his fire-arms. In the apartment of the 
 doctor's friend, more of the attendants on the queen and prin- 
 cesses joined us : 1 took my seat with them, but not as if I felt 
 myself a stranger ; the like friendly familiarity manifested itself 
 on their parts. We soon entered into serious conversation, which 
 appeared to awaken in their minds various inquiries respecting our 
 religious Society and its principles ; desiring reasons why we differ 
 from other religious professors on certain points. I was enabled 
 to give such replies as I believe gave satisfaction. 1 produced my 
 certificates, in the reading of which much interest was manifested, 
 and observations were made thereon. After we had passed some time 
 thus agreeably together, one of our company withdrew ; she return- 
 ed again, a young woman following her, of amiable countenance, in 
 ])lain and simple attire : as she made up to me, her attendant in 
 formed me it was the princess royal : thus taken by surprise, for the 
 moment I felt at a loss how properly to notice her. I informed our 
 company, our usual way of showing respect to those we meet with 
 was, by our offering them our hand, which I could gladly do to 
 the princess if I should not give offence by my so doing. On 
 which, the princess put out her hand to me, expressing the satis- 
 faction ray visit had afforded the king, inquiring if I had a family, 
 and after their welfare. Further conversation for a time took place,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 297 
 
 in as familiar a way as would have been tlie case had I been her 
 equal, so easy was her carriage and manners. Feehng something 
 stirring in my mind of a religious nature to communicate to the 
 princess, I informed one of our company to that effect, requesting 
 their aid as my interpreter : the princess being informed hereof, 
 a short pause took place ; during what I had to communicate, the 
 princess appeared solid and attentive. On my acknowledging her 
 kindness in giving me such a patient hearing, she replied, she felt 
 obliged to me for the counsel I had given her, and at our parting 
 she gave me her hand. Having reached the door of the apart- 
 ment, she returned to express the desire which she felt I might be 
 favoured to get safely along, and return to my family in peace. 
 I now took my seat again amongst my kind friends and new ac- 
 quaintance : the subject broken in upon by the entrance of the 
 princess was resumed ; soon after which a message came from the 
 queen, saying, had she not been circumstanced as she then was, 
 she would have seen me ; but as she found I was likely soon to 
 leave Copenhagen, if I would come to the Palace at six in the 
 
 evening, she would receive me, and engage Count S 
 
 to interpret for us : I returned for reply, 1 accepted of the kind 
 offer the queen had made me. After spending some more time in 
 the company of my kind friends, being as much at home as I could 
 have felt myself in my own little habitation, we parted, under the 
 pleasing prospect of our meeting again in the evening, and I was 
 again put under the care of the doctor's footman to take me to 
 my hotel. The interesting manner in which our time had been 
 passed over, the unexpected visit from the princess, and the message 
 from the queen, dissipated from my recollection the painful feel- 
 ings I experienced on passing the last sentinel, nor was I aware of 
 the circumstance until I was close to the man again ; looking at 
 him, I thought his countenance and manner of muttering was 
 more desperate, his tone of voice more revengeful ; I felt truly 
 thankful to be out of his reach, and yet tender of noticing his 
 conduct to any person, not knowing what the result of my com- 
 plaint might be as respected the man. 
 
 In the evening, under the care of the doctor's footman, I pro- 
 ceeded to the Palace, at the time appointed : a person was ready 
 to receive me, who conducted me into the grand saloon : here I 
 found one of my kind friends I had so agreeably passed the morning 
 with was in waiting ; taking my seat by her, she said, " Your 
 communication in the morning has been blessed to me to the pre- 
 sent time: many of your remarks were as applicable to my state, 
 as if you had long been acquainted with my situation, and such 
 words in season, 1 believe, will long be remembered by me."" We 
 again entered into serious conversation, during which, on my 
 remarking, I believed one cause why religion is at such a 
 low ebb on the Continent, which 1 observed with sorrow, is
 
 293 JOURNAL OF THOMAS BHILLITOE. 
 
 the laxity of the clergy : to which she replied, " Therefore we 
 do not see that improvement in the morals of the people so desir- 
 able; for some of the clergy now take hberties whicli were not 
 formerly practised, by attending tlic theatre and other places of 
 amusement, whereby their example unfits them fur the usefulness 
 which they otherwise might be of amongst the people : and that 
 is not all ; is it to be expected, if they are sent for to attend upon 
 the sick, they can be in a fit state of mind to go from the theatre 
 or ball-room to visit the bed-side of such ? I think not." When 
 she closed, another of the queen's attendants, entering the saloon, 
 said, the ladies waiting on the queen and princesses and the 
 queens chamberlain were about to give me their company. I 
 soon found myself amidst my friends, with wliom 1 had spent my 
 time so agreeably in the morning ; after awliile, the young prin- 
 cess was brought in, an interesting, unassuming young person, 
 about sixteen years of age : the count also made one of our com- 
 pany. It being announced the queen was in waiting to receive 
 me, the count led the way, the queen's chamberlain taking off' my 
 hat on our entering the apartment in which the queen was : the 
 queen gave me her hand in an affable manner, and with much 
 earnestness addressed me, which the count gave me nearly as fol-. 
 lows : — " Your visit to the king was satisfactory, and from tli€' 
 great esteem he feels for you, the queen regrets much her not ]ft^ 
 ing able to speak with you in your own language, but the coutit 
 will do his best for us both." The queen then inquired if I had 
 a family, and after their welfare — my own health, with vari- 
 ous other matters. Feeling something in my mind of a reli- 
 gious nature to communicate, I informed the count thereof, who 
 acquainted the queen of it, when a pause took place. Having fully 
 relieved my mind of what came before me in this way, the queen 
 expressed her gratitude for what I had offered, and that my mind 
 had felt so interested in their welfare ; she also hoped the princess 
 would profit by the advice I had given her ; that it was her great- 
 est desire she might be found coming up in the way of her duty 
 to her Maker : she then expressed her concern for my safe guidance 
 and peaceful return to my family. On my querying, would a few 
 books explanatory of our principles be acceptable, the queen re- 
 plied, not only acceptable, but she should feel thankful for them : 
 at our parting, the queen gave me her hand again. I returned 
 to my friends, I hope truly thankful this visit was thus well got 
 through. I was again put under the care of the doctor's footman, 
 and returned to my hotel, making sweet melody in my heart to 
 the Lord, who, in mercy, watched over me, by not suffering me to 
 make the hasty move I should have done, had I gone away by 
 the vessel. 
 
 Having now a pretty clear evidence my service here was nearly 
 at a close, and that it would be safest for me to take further steps
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 299 
 
 for my departure ; for there appeared now no other way for me, 
 than either to push forward to Christiana without loss of time, or 
 remain, and winter at Copenhagen, which I dreaded the very 
 thoughts of. The prospect of procuring a servant was very un- 
 certain ; the frost had set in very severe ; the snow being already 
 deep, and I was informed, from the look of the clouds, there 
 was a probability of a greater fall than has yet been this season ; 
 I therefore requested the hotel-keeper and his family to make 
 inquiry on my behalf: the only applicant in consequence of 
 this second attempt was a man of colour, who professed to 
 speak English ; he had lived hi the service of the hotel- 
 keeper ; but I found, on my inquiry into his character, they 
 were very cautious in saying much on that head ; and that which I 
 could learn about him, rather tended to confirm my mind in that 
 very unfavourable opinion I had at first sight of him. I endea- 
 voured to know my mind brought into a willingnesss to accept of 
 his services, although the prospect of putting myself in the hands of 
 such an unprincipled man, to whom I was a total stranger, during a 
 journey, I was told, of nearly three hundred and fifty miles, which 
 it would take ten or twelve clays to accomplish, was a fresh trial of 
 my faith : but in this time of extremity my Divine Master in 
 ^•mercy renewed this assurance in my mind, that the same in- 
 visible arm of power, which had been, in such a remarkable 
 manner, made bare for my help and deliverance to the present 
 time, if I continued to lean upon it and confide in it, would 
 support me and bring me safe through to the end of my journey, 
 whatever were the difiiculties I might meet with. 
 
 Having thus far arranged for my departure, I called to take 
 
 leave of my kind friend the Count S ; we passed some 
 
 time together in conversation on the slave-trade : this afforded me 
 an opportunity of explaining to his satisfaction a circumstance he 
 had heard of, namely, that there were Quakers in America who 
 continued to hold their fellow-creatures in bondage, which he la- 
 mented. I replied, I believed such individuals are not in mem- 
 bership with the Society of Friends, and therefore the So- 
 ciety cannot be accountable for their conduct ; they either have 
 been disowned for immoral conduct, or for persisting to refuse to 
 liberate their slaves agreeable to the regulations of the Society, or 
 they may be persons who attend our religious meetings, conform 
 in dress and address, but never were in membership with the So- 
 ciety : we parted affectionately. A fear has at times prevailed in 
 my mind which I brought away with me, in reference to the 
 attendants on the queen, whom I met with at the Palace ; and 
 this fear continuing with me, I saw no way for my relief but by 
 being willing to take up my pen, and as matter arose, to commit 
 it to paper ; this 1 accordingly did, which was as follows : the 
 delivery of which a kind friend undertook.
 
 300 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK, 
 
 To SUCH OF THE AtTENDANT-S ON THE QuEEN, WHOSE COM- 
 PANY I WAS FAVOURED WITH AT TJIE PaLACE, THE OTHER 
 
 EVENING. 
 
 " Respected Friends, 
 " Believing, if I had not so hastily departed from the palace, 
 I should have had a little tribute to have left with you, and 
 not feeling quite comfortable on account of my unfaithfuhiess, I 
 sit down to pen what may come before me in the line of re- 
 ligious duty ; hoping it will meet your acceptance, as we arc 
 never likely to meet again in mutability, but to be far separated 
 from each other as to the outward. I feel solicitous that the 
 union of spirit, which I believe was so mutually felt when I 
 was in the enjoyment of your company, may continue to the end 
 of our days ; and that we never may be wanting in a concern for 
 each other's welfare ; individually so running as to obtain the 
 crown, and so fighting as to have the victory, and not as those 
 who run at uncertainty, by fits and by starts, not as those who beat 
 the air. But if this is our merciful experience, (short of which we 
 should not dare to rest satisfied,) I find it is indispensably ne- 
 cessary that we continually, and without wavering, look unto 
 Jesus, with a single eye to his honour, in all our actions and 
 transactions amongst men ; knowing him, who was the author and 
 finisher of the saints' faith, in like manner to become the author 
 and finisher of our faiti;, who, for the joy set before him, endured 
 the cross, despised the shame, and is now sat down at the right 
 hand of God the Father ; making intercession for the sons and 
 daughters of men, but in an especial manner for those who, in 
 the expressive language of conduct are testifying to others, they 
 have none in heaven but the Lord, nor in all the earth they de- 
 sire in comparison of their God; that he is indeed, in their view, 
 the chief amongst ten thousands, and the altogether lovely one. 
 These have experimentally to say, of a truth he is the wonderful 
 Counsellor, speaking in their souls — to their states and condi- 
 tions, as never man yet spake, solving all their doubts and dissi- 
 pating all their fears ; because his inspeaking voice, as formerly, 
 continues to be spirit and life, quickening and animating to a 
 willingness to follow Christ whithersoever he may be pleased to 
 lead, or in whatsoever he may require them to do, or to leave un- 
 done : he is not only to these a wonderful Counsellor, making them 
 wiser than all their teachers can possibly do ; but they know him 
 to be the mighty God, the everlasting Father and Prince of 
 Peace ; availingly saying to the weak ' Be strong ;' and to those 
 who have no might of their own, ' Put on strength in the name 
 of the Lord f strengthening the hanging down hands and con- 
 firming the feeble knees, of such as are ready to faint and grow
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 301 
 
 weary, enabling them to make straight steps to their feet in the 
 way of holiness — that way which is cast up for the ransomed and 
 redeemed of God to walk in. For notwithstanding such may 
 at times have to mourn over their spiritual languor, and say, in 
 the bitterness of their souls, ' to will is present with me, but how 
 to perform that which I see to be my duty, I know not;' yet as 
 patience has its perfect work, such will know, that help still 
 continues to be laid upon one that is mighty to save and able to 
 deliver, and that to the uttermost, all that come unto God, 
 through faith in Christ Jesus our Lord. For although the youth 
 may faint and grow weary, and the young men utterly fall, yet the 
 promises of God stand sure, that ' those who wait upon the Lord 
 shall renew their strength ; they shall mount upward with wings 
 as eagles," — the wings of faith in the sufficiency of the Divine 
 power to make them more than conquerors, — and of love to the 
 cause of truth and righteousness in the earth ; ' they shall run 
 and not be weary, and walk and not faint ;' * thine eye shall see the 
 King in his beauty, and behold the land that is very far off;' and 
 know Jerusalem to be a quiet habitation, at times participating in 
 that holy quietude of mind as an earnest or foretaste of that 
 which is to come ; and if this earnest or foretaste so far surpasses 
 in reality any earthly delight, and which all who have in any de- 
 gree tasted thereof cannot but acknowledge it does, what will 
 the full enjoyment of this eternal reward be ! Let these consi- 
 derations act as a spur to our diligence, to be willing, each one, 
 through holy aid, to do our very best to press forward to the 
 mark for the prize, which is all the Almighty requires of us; but 
 this he looks for, and then he will not fail to bless our best endea- 
 vours, and make them fruitful unto holiness, which is the mark 
 we are to aim at, that we may obtain the prize. ' Be ye holy, 
 for 1, the Lord your God, am holy ;' for without holiness we can- 
 not see the Lord to our comfort. In thus doing our very 
 best, the testimony of the apostle will become our experience, 
 that, through Christ strengthening us, we shall be able to do all 
 things, pass through the troop of temptation and besetments of 
 time, escape being taken captive by our pleasures and lusts, leap 
 over the wall of sin and disobedience, overcome those dispositions 
 and inclinations, which, until overcome, will continue to be as a 
 wall of separation between us and our God, to all eternity, — 
 that impassable gulf we read of between us and heaven ; for until 
 this old man with his deeds, which are corrupt, is put off, we can- 
 not experience a putting on the new man, Christ Jesus the Lord 
 from heaven, the quickening Spirit ; which I crave for you all, 
 as for my own soul, and bid you God speed, remaining very 
 affectionately, your well-wishing friend, 
 
 " Copenhagen, " Thomas Shillitoe.''' 
 
 7th of 12th month, 1821 ;'
 
 was 
 
 s 
 
 3Q2 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 I waited on my kind friend tlie doctor, requesting my letters ; 
 when he informed me, he had been in conversation with the king 
 this morning, who expressed his desire some of our Society, who were 
 the rio-ht sort of Quakers, would settle in his dominions ; saying, as 
 far as°was in his power, he would do his best for their relief, 
 where they had scruples of conscience, but much would depend 
 on the manner of their settling: if they should spread themselves 
 abroad amongst the people, it might prevent his giving them that 
 relief so fully as he would desire to do, especially as it respected 
 the conscript law; for although an absolute monarch, yet it 
 ?as his desire, as much as possible, to preserve peace amongst liis 
 ubjects. Therefore, if Friends were to come as settlers, and 
 .pread themselves abroad, and he was to excuse them from a 
 compliance with the conscript law and other laws of the state, 
 against which they had a conscientious scruple, in preference to 
 oUiers of his subjects, this preference would be likely to produce 
 an envious disposition in the minds of their neighbours toward 
 them, and induce persecution in a way from which he might 
 not be able fully to relieve them. But should they incline to 
 settle as a colony, he had a large track of country in Jutland at 
 his own disposal, good land and good air, which could be pur- 
 chased at a very low price, where, without exposing themselves to 
 difficulty, with respect to their scruples of conscience, they might 
 be able to live in quiet : so much I was requested to transmit to 
 my friends in England, and I was to refer to the doctor for fur- 
 ther information, if necessary. 
 
 I now took an affectionate leave of the doctor and his family, 
 they saying, at our parting, my visit to Copenhagen would long 
 remain in their affectionate remembrance, as will also their un- 
 remitting attention to me continue with me. This parting visit 
 to the doctor cheered me not a little, and revived a hope 
 in my mind, that my coming single-handed, as I had done, to 
 Copenhagen, was in the line of Divine appointment, and that the 
 good cause had not suffered through me, I began to feel like a 
 bird whose'wing-feathers had been clipped, but grown again ready to 
 take its flight. No other offer being made as a care-taker for me 
 but the man of colour above mentioned, as no time must now be lost 
 for my proceeding, fresh trials commenced, which 1 found I must, 
 as much as possible, keep out of sight, or they would be likely to 
 overwhelm me ; assured, as I was, all this was permitted in mercy 
 to my soul, to humble and keep down the creature, and drive me 
 home, for future preservation and help, to an all-wise and benefi- 
 cent Creator, who had done so much for me ; and however se- 
 vere this thorn in the flesh may prove, and my faith may be put 
 to the test, as to a hair's breadth, during this long, dreary journey 
 before me, I believe that I shall be cared for to the end of it by 
 Him, without whose notice a sparrow falls not to the ground. 
 Thus, in unmerited loving-kindness, my good Master deals with me,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 303 
 
 after having owned me by his help, and brought me tlirough 
 many difficulties ; lest the creature should plume itself on what 
 has been accomplished, and be tempted to take to itself that 
 which only and alone is due to the Creator : for so far as we are in 
 any way made instrumental of good to others, our qualification 
 is of the Lord and not of ourselves. As I saw no way for me 
 but to send for this man of colour, and with the help of my 
 friends make as secure a bargain with him as could be ; this was ac- 
 cordingly done. He twice fixed his time of meeting us to come 
 to terms, but did not keep to his appointment. I made a third 
 attempt for him to meet us, which proved effective. 
 
 On our attempting to treat with him, he set so high a value on his 
 abilities to care for me, and manage my money to the best advan- 
 tage, having before travelled in the same capacity, and he was so 
 exorbitant in his demands, that we could not come to terms with 
 him ; we therefore agreed to meet again next morning. 1 passed a 
 trying night, aware I must comply with the best terms that could 
 be made -vvith him, or winter here, being informed those who 
 ■were in the habit of acting in this capacity would not venture out 
 at this season of the year. We met again : when he entered the 
 room, I viewed him amidst hope and fear, his sharping disposition 
 more manifesting itself than it had yet done : whilst my friends 
 were doing their best to bring him to terms, this query passed my 
 mind. Must I commit myself to the controul of this unprincipled 
 man, for so I thought I clearly felt him to be, and as wicked, dark 
 a spirit as I ever before had met with. Pausing and looking on 
 him, the evidence in my own mind was so clear that I must sub- 
 mit, and cast my care on Him who had all power to chain down 
 this man's evil disposition, whereby he would not be suffered to 
 harm my person, that I was enabled to inform my friends they 
 must do their best with him for me, and I must submit to 
 place myself under him and proceed to Elsinore; this, after 
 much difficulty, they accomplished, and an agreement was 
 drawn up and signed by him, that he might not take any ad- 
 vantage of me at my journey's end. He demanded a sum in ad- 
 vance to purchase warm clothing, but none ever appeared 
 whilst we were together. We had twenty-four miles of bad road 
 to travel this night, and it was dark by four o'clock : I procured 
 my passport, and a carriage was waiting on us at the time ap- 
 pointed, which felt cheering to my mind ; although, from the 
 quantity of snow that was falling, and the intense cold state of 
 the air, it looked discouraging ; but my care-taker was not come. 
 After waiting considerably beyond the time, he made his appear- 
 ance ; on one of my friends requesting to see his passport he had 
 none: fears were now excited in the minds of my friends, he either 
 liad not applied for one or could not procure such a ticket from 
 his landlord as would procure him one ; and the police-office was
 
 301 JOTJRNAI. OF THOMAP MriM.ITOK. 
 
 now closed, and would not open again until four in the afternoon. 
 The horses were ordered out of the carriage, as I saw no way hut 
 to wait the police-office heing opened again, and the result of his 
 attempting to obtain a passport. Althougli tl)is was a fre^li trial 
 of faith and patience, yet I considered there was cause for thank- 
 fulness on my part, as the probability was, had he proceeded with 
 me without a passport, he would cither have been imprisoned at 
 Elsinore, or 1 should have been left to shift for myself, or I 
 must have been detained there or come back with him. I 
 found doubts were entertained he would not be able to pro- 
 cure a passport to proceed with me : I now felt as if I must 
 o-ive up all prospects of my getting from Copenhagen this 
 winter; I sat down overwhelmed in distress, and none 1 
 could open my mind to but Ilim, who I was yet favoured to be- 
 lieve had directed my course to Norway this way ; who in 
 mercy again condescended to give me assurance, that although 
 I might to myself seem hedged in as on every hand, unable to 
 see any way to escape from my present difficulties, ail should end 
 well ; and in that faith I rose from the seat on which I had been 
 pensively reclining, enabled to cast away my sackcloth, wash and 
 anoint, and appear amongst my friends with a cheerful counte- 
 nance. Before five o'clock my care-taker made his appearance 
 again with a passport, and we proceeded : the night setting in 
 dark, made our journey tedious, and we did not arrive at our hotel 
 until eleven o'clock at night : our carriage being open in the front 
 I suffered much from the cold. 
 
 First-day morning, I concluded to keep quiet at my hotel, ex- 
 cept procuring my letters, until the people had returned from 
 their places of worship : in the afternoon, there being a boat then 
 to cross the Sound for Elsenburgh in Sweden, taking a suitable 
 opportunity to present my letters, and procure others to Elsen- 
 burgh, we proceeded to the boat. On our way, an agreeable- 
 looking, genteel young man, a Dane, addressed me in Eng- 
 lish, offering his assistance in any way he could serve me; he took 
 the charge of clearing my luggage at the custom-house, my pass- 
 port at the guard-house, and had me safely seated in the boat, 
 and kept in sight as long as we could see each other ; although 
 our time was short for communications, yet I thought there was a 
 union of spirit experienced that words could not convey. We pro- 
 ceeded in a small open boat, — the passage across the Sound being 
 about six miles : on our landing I began to look for difficulties, on 
 account of my keeping on my hat at the police-office, as we were 
 obliged to appear together, being included in one passport, and 
 my care-taker was very lavish with his compliments : at the 
 guard-house the officer on duty treated me with great respect, 
 requesting my care-taker to inform me the necessary passports 
 should be sent to my hotel, to allow of an early proceeding on
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 305 
 
 our way next morning. Reaching our hotel, I was comforted in 
 finding our landlord spoke English : here I purchased a sling-seat, 
 which I afterwards found a great accommodation. My landlord 
 told me when I received my passport, I must go to the governor 
 and show myself, as it was a practice required of all foreigners : 
 but a message came from the governor, saying, he would not re- 
 quire my attendance, which 1 was told was a favour shown me, 
 but why I did not understand. Having a letter given me by the 
 English consul to a friend of his at this place, to assist me in 
 any way 1 needed, although I was cared for by my landlord with 
 every thing I wanted ; yet, as I considered it a respect due to 
 my friend's kindness, who furnished this letter, to wait on the 
 person to whom it was addressed ; I proceeded to his house, 
 and found in company with the master of the house two of 
 his friends, one of whom spoke English : serious conversation 
 took place and continued some time. When I was about to 
 depart, the person who spoke English said, " Do you not re- 
 member to have seen me before.'*" I was not able to recos:nise 
 him ; on which he replied, " I am the person who, in the 
 police-office at Copenhagen, solicited your company to Elsinore, 
 as you were going there as well as myself; since that time I 
 have felt interested in your preservation, from the agreeable 
 impression your countenance made on my mind at that time, 
 and which I believe will long be in my remembrance :" he ex- 
 pressed his regret that his business was not accomplished, or he 
 could care for me to Gottenburgh, the place of his residence ; he 
 furnished me with the following letter to his family : — 
 
 Translation. *'Elsinburgh, 10th December, 1821. 
 
 " The bearer of this, Mr. T. Shillitoe, who intends to travel to 
 Norway, do I introduce to your acquaintance, and beg you to do 
 every thing for him, in order to make him on his journey as 
 comfortable as possible ; help him in every respect, and try to 
 furnish him with every obtainable convenience. 
 
 " J. M. LUNDBERG." 
 
 This unexpected occurrence was fresh cause for humbling my 
 mind, producing feelings of gratitude, in the first place, to my 
 Almighty Care-taker, and then to this my stranger-friend. My 
 kind friend at Elsinore advised me to travel by furbo, which is, 
 forwarding a messenger from station to station, to be provided 
 with horses at such times as they are wanted : this is attended 
 with additional expense, but greatly facilitates the journey, and 
 at times is a saving in the end ; the stages seldom exceed seven 
 English miles : the post-horses are furnished by the farmers, 
 some of whom live several miles from the stations. A merchant, 
 who had arrived from Gottenburgh, advised our taking the com- 
 
 X
 
 306 JOUllNAI. OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 mon run of the road and save this expense, as at this season of 
 the year there was so little travelling on the road ; which we con- 
 cluded to do. . , ,. 1 . 11 
 
 Second-day, we proceeded before it was day-hght m a small 
 open cart, the body fixed on the axle-tree : we met with no diffi- 
 culty about horses the first two stages, but at the third station a 
 company of strolling players had engaged all the horses, whereby 
 we were detained two hours, and we lost six hours in this way to- 
 day : they were on their way to Gottenburgh as well as ourselves, 
 and therefore, to escape them in future, 1 learnt where their stop- 
 ing-place was for the night, resolved to travel late to get a stage 
 before them, which we accomplished by eleven o'clock at night; by 
 this means we saw no more of them : we gave our furbo in charge 
 of the landlord, whose business it was to send it forward. Every 
 thing about the house was so filthy I could hardly eat what they 
 provided for me, or get into my bed. 
 
 Third-day, we proceeded again at four o'clock this morning, 
 fearing the players should start early and overtake us, my being in 
 a house with them was to me distressing : however we were com- 
 fortably off as to horses this day, but miserable as to carts and pro- 
 vision : by travelling late we made a good day's journey. By this 
 time I was fully convinced I had committed myself to a man who 
 would manage my money to his own use. On our reaching the sta- 
 tion at night, I ordered our cart to be ready to start at four the next 
 morning, taking care our furbo was sent forward ; the necessity of 
 making the best of my way to Christiana was strongly impressed on 
 my mind, independent of the apprehensions I entertained, in con- 
 sequence of the inhabitants bringing out their snow-plows to the 
 road-side, that a great fall of snow was soon expected : but we 
 did not reach Gottenburgh until a late hour, worn down by hard 
 travelling from the badness of the road, jolting of the carts, and 
 exposed to the extremity of the frost, and the want of suitable food, 
 and suffering in mind also, in consequence of the quantity of spirits 
 the man,mycare-taker, swallowed down. From the manner in which 
 I clearly saw my money was wasting, I attempted to remonstrate 
 with him, but 1 found 1 must keep quiet. I procured a messenger 
 to conduct me to the house of the merchant I was to apply to, in 
 order to have my Swedish money changed for Norway currency, but 
 it was too late to transact such business that night ; the merchant 
 proposed coming to my hotel next morning. I had so much 
 knowledge of the currency as to be able to ascertain that more 
 than half of my money was expended; I was not yet half-way 
 to Christiana, and I had no means of obtaining more ; whereby 
 tiic probability was, I should not be able to reach my journey's 
 end for want of money. I retired to bed under great distress of 
 mind, unable to discern how I was to reach Christiana, and to turn 
 back, I should be no better off, under the care of a drunkard, a
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 307 
 
 r^ 
 
 swearer, an5 a dishonest man, whose word I could not place confi- 
 dence in. In this trying situation, during the night 1 could see no 
 way for my relief: as Gottenburgh is a port where goods are 
 shipped for England, by my supporting myself here with the 
 money I had left, I might return to England by the first vessel that 
 sailed for any of our ports : but this prospect involved me in 
 very distressing feelings of mind. Whilst thus struggling with 
 accumulated difficulties, look which way I would, strength was 
 again in mercy given me to pour out my complaint before that 
 all-beneficent Being ; who yet in mercy permitted me a glimmering 
 of hope, that my taking this course to Christiana had been under 
 his direction, and bringing again before the view of my mind the 
 assurance He favoured me with before leaving Copenhagen : but 
 where my help was to come from, continued to be veiled from me. 
 Earnest were my cries, that the wormwood and the gall, thus 
 permitted to be meted out, might not be meted in vain, but tend 
 to humble and keep down the creature, and bring it under sub- 
 jection to its Creator. 
 
 Although the cloud that had been permitted to come over my 
 mind had a little broke away, and a glimmering of sunshine ap- 
 peared, yet when the merchant gave me his company in the morn- 
 ing, my situation resumed its former distressing aspect : he seeing 
 I was in trouble, for I could not conceal it, when I laid before him 
 the cause of my distress, he kindly offered to advance all the mo- 
 ney I stood in need of to carry me to my journey's end comfort- 
 ably. I gave him the money I had left, on which he told me nearly 
 two-thirds of the money I brought from Copenhagen was expended, 
 and that I was not half-way on my journey : he then proposed my 
 accompanying him to a merchant who frequently travelled the route 
 1 was to pursue, in hopes of his being able to afford me some help 
 on my way. On entering the house of this person, ray kind 
 friend informed me he had been educated in the principles of the 
 Jews, but had embraced Christianity : he appeared kindly dis- 
 posed, yet it was very little information he could afford me. 
 Feeling something stirring in my mind for the master of the 
 house, strength was given me to put him in remembrance, that unless 
 he had really experienced the one saving baptism of the Holy Ghost 
 and fire, his change of religious profession would be of no avail, 
 with more to that effect ; all which he appeared to receive in an agree- 
 able disposition of mind, saying, he did not know but that he was 
 as good a Christian before he renounced the religion of his educa- 
 tion, as he now was. When we left, my friend expressed his hope 
 what I had communicated, coming upon him so unexpectedly from 
 a stranger, would make such an impression on his mind as to 
 prove of future advantage to him : this act of faithfulness afford- 
 ed me a ray of hope I was still preserved an object of Divine re- 
 
 X 2
 
 308 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SIHLLITOE. 
 
 crard. My kind friend, the merchant, willing to help me in my 
 difficulties, made a further attempt ; from a friend of his, who 
 frequently took the route I was to take, and who had made 
 correct m'emorandums of distances, stopping-places at night, and 
 expenses, he procured the necessary particulars, which he put me 
 in possession of, giving the man an account of every day's work, 
 the time for starting and reaching our sleeping-place at night, 
 the expense of furbo-horscs and carts, and his own expenses, 
 giving him eacli day's money, cliarging me in the presence of 
 the man not to advance any further sum, except on my own ac- 
 count. The man hesitated proceeding under such restraint, 
 but my friend made the account out so clear to him, he was 
 obhged to yield, and I had to take nearly one-sixth part of my 
 money to Christiana. Matters being thus arranged, my kind 
 friend encouraged me to believe I should get well through to 
 Christiana; but my trials were not yet come to a close. After 
 taking an affectionate farewell of my friend, who had arranged so 
 kindly for me, we proceeded on our journey ; the night was dark 
 and the roads bad. I felt thankful we reached Hide safe, where we 
 were to sleep, although at a late hour. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, we started at four o'clock : the heavy fog 
 and great fall of snow we had to travel in, at this early hour in the 
 morning, andin an open cart, would have been more trying, had I not 
 provided myself with an oil-cloth dress, fearing, if my fur coat and 
 cap became wet, they would not only be useless, but might prove a 
 burden to me, from the difficulty 1 must expect to meet with to 
 have them sufficiently dry as to make it safe for me to put them 
 on again : my oil-cloth dress shielded me from the intense cold 
 and fog, and the snow that fell was easily got quit of. We 
 frequently broke our harness to-day, and lost our linchpins, 
 which is no uncommon circumstance in travelling in these farmers' 
 carts : to supply the place of a linchpin that has been lost, the 
 driver cuts a stick out of the hedge, and he proceeds, seemingly 
 unconcerned as to the consequences that may occur, such as 
 our being turned out of the cart on the mountain-road down 
 the dangerous precipices we passed close to the edge of, and 
 over bridges, where the water was deep, and no guard to prevent 
 accidents. We did not reach Quistram, our night's quarters, 
 until late, and we had to wait long for our horses at some places, 
 occasioned by the /wr^^o-money being kept back, no doubt by 
 the man. My stock of white bread being exhausted, and only 
 black sour bread to be procured, I began to suffer on this ac- 
 count. 
 
 Seventh-day, proceeded as the route was laid out by my kind 
 friend at Cottenburgh : we were to reach the steep mountain we had 
 to descend, also a river, before it was dark ; and to reach Wassguard
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 309 
 
 in Norway at an early hour ; but we had to wait for horses at every 
 station to-day, whereby we did not reach the mountain until near 
 seven in the evening. It was now so dark I could not see any part of 
 the way we had to go ; but a terrifying description had been given 
 me by the merchant at Gottenburgh of this steep I had to de- 
 scend : I therefore resolved to do my best for my preservation, and 
 concluded to walk behind the cart, keeping hold of the tail-board ; 
 this I was able to endure for awhile, frequently driving my feet 
 against large pieces of the rock that stood up in the road, and at 
 other times, on a sudden dropping into holes : at length the de- 
 scent was so great, I durst no longer remain behind. I sectlred the 
 arm of the driver, who himself had been obliged to abandon the cart, 
 and with much difficulty, kept on my feet to the bottom, from the 
 mud and stones we had to combat with. We now had water to 
 cross; from the darkness of the night, I knew not how I was to 
 find my way to get safely into the boat. I proposed to my care- 
 taker to offer to hire a candle and lantern, but it was not to be 
 procured : I began to get low in my mind and feeble in body, 
 through fatigue and want of nourishment. Plenty of sour bread 
 and brandy I found was everywhere to be had, neither of which I 
 dare partake of. A stranger observing the difficulty I was under, 
 who was acquainted with the river-bank, kindly gave me his arm 
 into the boat, caring for me until I was safe on the bank of the 
 other side. On my landing, I was kindly invited into the ferry- 
 house, which, from the cleanly appearance of it, I gladly accepted 
 of: we had now six English miles to Wassguard, where we did 
 not arrive till a late hour, fatigued, wet and hungry. 
 
 A very trying circumstance occurred this afternoon, Avhich, for 
 near two hours after we left the station, kept my mind in a state 
 of great anxiety, not knowing what the result might be. At each 
 station where the traveller changes horses, previous to his leaving, 
 a book is brought to him, in which he is required to write his 
 name, nation, place of abode, where he last came from, where he 
 is going, and number of horses he hired, with a space for com- 
 plaints if the horses were not ready by the time the furbo re- 
 quired, or if the keepers' of the station or driver's conduct were 
 improper. I had entered all the particulars required of me, and 
 no complaints about the horses not being ready, it being clear to me 
 the keepers of the stations were not to blame, as appeared uniformly 
 to be the case since we left Gottenburgh. Just as we were ready 
 to get into our cart, on a sudden, my care-taker seized hold of the 
 book and erased what I had written, and wrote in Danish, what I 
 could not tell; but from the rage he appeared in, from, I suppose, 
 his brandy not pleasing him, either in quantity or quality, I con- 
 cluded he had entered complaints that would rouse the tempers of 
 the keepers of the station, and we should have the police after us. 
 I remonstrated with him on account of what he had done, telling
 
 310 JOURNAL OF TH03IAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 him, in my view, he had no right to make erasures in their 
 book, which was under the inspection of an officer of the police ; 
 that in consequence of his erasing what I had written, we might 
 have the police after us, and if 1 should be considered as im- 
 plicated in what he had done, I had no means of making 
 my defence, independent of our being prevented from pur- 
 suing our journey : all the satisfaction 1 could have from him 
 was,*' with an oath, " No ketche, no have'e ;" however we heard 
 no more of it, which I esteemed a favour. Having a good fire 
 in my room, I dried my wet clothes, which was the only 
 comfort the house afforded, every thing in it having misery 
 stamped upon it. 1 did my best to swallow my supper and 
 breakfast, assured they must partake of the filth so apparent 
 both to sight and scent everywhere about the house. During our 
 journeying to-day, I had been frequently thoughtful how I was to 
 dispose of myself to-morrow, it being First-day. Feeling pressed 
 in my mind to make my way to Christiana, as my health was suf- 
 fering through long fasting and want of rest, I concluded to start 
 as usual at four in the morning, so as to reach the end of our 
 second stage at nine in the morning, and not proceed again until 
 afternoon, which would allow my care-taker and the driver an op- 
 portunity, if they inclined, to attend a place of worship : I there- 
 fore ordered our furbo to be drawn out accordingly. The man 
 called me in the morning, and I hastened to get my breakfast, but 
 the horses were not ready. When we came to the next station, al- 
 though so much behind our time, we had to wait near an hour for 
 the horses : it was of no use my questioning my care-taker about 
 the cause of this delay, as I could not believe him if he spoke the 
 truth, and I had no means of obtaining information from the 
 keeper of the station. We did not reach the second station until 
 eleven o'clock, and I found I must silently submit to these impo- 
 sitions, fearing, if I should rouse this man's resolute, determined 
 spirit, as he had in his possession the money that was to carry us to 
 Christiana, he would leave me on the road, amongst persons to 
 whom I should not be able to make myself understood so as to be 
 helped forward. When the afternoon came, our horses were not 
 ready by the time appointed, and thus it continued throughout the 
 day: this threw us so in the night, which being very dark, the roads 
 deep in snow, and in other places with mud from the heavy rains, 
 that we were obliged to stop one stage short of what I had pro- 
 posed ; but my disappointment was abundantly compensated by 
 the clean, comfortable appearance of every thing about the sta- 
 tion, for which I felt truly thankful. I gladly arranged for 
 our journey to-morrow, being informed I was now only twenty- 
 two English miles from Christiana; the thoughts of which seemed 
 to give wings to my mind : although worn down as I was, and 
 willing as I should have been to have rested my weary bones in
 
 JOURNAL 01" THOMAS SHILIilTOE. 311 
 
 bed, I concluded to start again as usual at four next morning, do- 
 ing my best to prevent ray being imposed upon relative to horses ; 
 1 then retired to rest, comforted that the time was nearly arrived 
 when I was likely to become my own master again ; yet when 
 the morning came I very reluctantly left my bed, dreading an- 
 other twenty-two miles on these bad roads, and in tlie uneasy 
 carts ; however, after a clean, comfortable breakfast, I was enabled 
 to take courage, and we proceeded, and were favoured to reach 
 Christiana about one at noon ; thankful, truly thankful did I feel 
 to that Divine Power who had thus, in his adorable mercy, so 
 many ways displayed the all-sufficiency of his subduing, support- 
 ing, never-failing arm, both as it respected my own mind, my 
 poor, almost-worn-out body, and the poor, dark-spirited, wicked 
 individual I had for more than ten days been in the hands of.
 
 312 
 
 CHAPTER XVIII. 
 
 On my arriving at tli€ lodgings of my kind friend Enocli Ja- 
 cobson, it was a fresh trial of patience to find he was from home, 
 and I was unable to understand from any of the family when he 
 would return ; I was weary and hungry, longing to reach the lodg- 
 ings provided for me. On his return, 1 told him, the only re- 
 quest I had to make of him was, to take me to my place of abode, 
 which he complied with ; but on my entering the tavern, my mind 
 felt assured it was not a safe place for me to take up my abode 
 in. My kind friend observing I was not comfortable at the pros- 
 pect of taking up my quarters there, arranged matters for my 
 accommodation in the family of Hans Erricksens ; here I was 
 most comfortably cared for during my stay in Christiana. In 
 conversation with my kind friend Enoch Jacobson, I became 
 afresh confirmed that the route I had taken to Christiana was 
 by Divine direction; for had I proceeded to Norway, agreeable 
 to my prospect when I left my own home, Enoch Jacobson 
 would have been absent from Christiana, and some of the 
 Friends of Stavanger also, on my arrival there ; whereby my 
 difficulties at Christiana might have been very great, from the 
 want I should have felt of that help I had from him at times as 
 an interpreter and companion. O, adorable wisdom in thus lead- 
 ing me about and instructing me ! may I be found walking 
 worthy of these His favours ! 
 
 Third-day, my mind being no longer occupied about my get- 
 ting forward from day to day, I began more sensibly to feel the 
 soreness of my flesh and bones, also great weakness for want of a 
 proper supply of nourishment; which I was fully satisfied nothing 
 but tinie could relieve. To-day the rain began to fall in great 
 quantities, and continued, with little intermission, for several 
 days, whereby I understood the roads became so deep in mud as 
 to render them almost impassable. These rains were succeeded 
 by severe frosts, in consequence of which the roads became so 
 rough, my body hardly could have endured to journey forward; 
 but let me not say how wonderfully I have made my way, but 
 rather liow wonderfully a kind Providence has made way for me ;
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 313 
 
 for nothing short of his merciful interposition could have effected 
 what has been thus brought about. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, 1 enjoyed a privilege I had not done for 
 six months before, of sitting down in a regular appointed meeting 
 of those professing our religious principles. 
 
 First-day, 23d of 12th month, 1821, attended the two meetings, 
 in which a few strangers gave us their company, and which were 
 held in quiet: my friend Enoch Jacobson not being equal to 
 receive and translate long sentences, by care I was enabled to ac- 
 commodate him, and to order my mode of expressions to suit his 
 ability. In the evening we had the company of a student, who 
 occasionally officiates as a preacher amongst the Lutherans. 
 Near the time he was about to depart, feeling something in 
 my mind for him, I felt tried at the prospect, not knowing 
 how it would be received, and I hesitated until he was on his feet 
 to go ; but strength was in this needful time dispensed, whereby 
 I was enabled to desire my interpreter to request he would take 
 his seat again, which he appeared to do as hesitatingly as I 
 had come forward with my request. After we had quietly 
 taken our seats again, I believed it was required of me to 
 tell him there was a hard lesson, which every true gospel minister 
 had to learn, and which he must learn, if the word preached by 
 him profited his hearers : he must renounce the spirit of the 
 world ; not only its more gross pollutions, but those which might 
 be considered more refined in their nature ; such as the customs, 
 fashions, maxims and manners of the world, all of which, if we 
 come to view them through the true medium, the light of Christ 
 Jesus in our own hearts, we shall see are not of the Father, but of 
 the wicked one; (for example goes before precept and actions 
 speaks louder than words;) and that it was my hrm belief, for 
 want of a proper care on the part of some of the priesthood in 
 these respects, the people appeared in such a general way to be 
 going headlong to destruction on the Continent, where my lot had 
 been cast. 
 
 My interpreter informed me, the young man, retorting at my sen- 
 timents, attempted to prove, that though the conduct of a priest 
 might not be consistent with the doctrines and precepts of the gos- 
 pel he preached, yet, if his preaching was sound and orthodox, al- 
 though his example was opposed to what he preached, it might 
 have a good effect on his hearers ; and a while he contended in sup- 
 port of these sentiments. But being enabled to labour with him, 
 to convince him of the fallacy of such reasonings, he acknow- 
 ledged to the truth of what I had advanced, and spent the re- 
 mainder of the evening with us very agreeably ; and from remarks 
 he made at our parting, we were encouraged to hope it had been 
 a profitable time to him. I retired to bed much exhausted, but
 
 314 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SIIILMTOK. 
 
 thankful my heavenly Father so watched over me, as not to suffer 
 the young man to depart without my thus clearing my mind to- 
 wards him. - , . , 1 , • n TV- 
 
 Fourth-day, the usual mcctmg being held was a time ot Di- 
 vine favour. 
 
 First-day, attended the two meetings : some strangers gave us 
 their company. In the afternoon meeting 1 was led to speak 
 so pointedly to a state present, as tried me not a little, after I 
 took my seat again ; in which tried condition I continued to the 
 close of the meeting, fearing I had been led astray, in what 
 I had thus communicated, by the grand adversary, and thereby 
 sadly exposed myself This buffeting I was permitted to en- 
 dure, doubtless in great wisdom, to humble and keep down 
 the creature ; until a friend, who might observe the sadness 
 of countenance I manifested, informed me that what I had had 
 to deliver in the afternoon meeting was as applicable to the 
 conduct and general character of an individual present, as it 
 could have been, had I been acquainted with his whole pro- 
 ceedings for a long time past, and that the individual received 
 it as belonging to himself. I thought I never more sensibly 
 felt, than during my labours this afternoon, the necessity of 
 the instrument becoming like a clean tube, through which liquor 
 passes from one vessel to another, free from the defilements of all 
 creaturely wisdom, activity, and from all the obstructions of the 
 creaturely will in doing or not doing. In the evening we had 
 the company of the student before alluded to. 
 
 Third-day, the commencement of another year ; to me a me- 
 morable beginning, which I believe was the case with the family 
 where my lot is cast. Some portions of my visit to Copenhagen 
 opened before the view of my mind, accompanied with a sense 
 of the savour of that good I was favoured to experience, during my 
 religious engagements there, which produced a holy quiet in me ; 
 and, on my taking my seat with the family at the dinner-table, 
 this feeling I was thus introduced into, appeared to circulate, 
 as from vessel to vessel, until most present in degree manifested 
 a participating in it, so that little conversation took place during 
 our sitting together, and we separated reluctantly. " Gather up 
 the fragments, that nothing may be lost," was the watch-word 
 given me ; I therefore endeavoured to avoid, as much as possi- 
 ble, unnecessary conversation the remainder of the day, lest that 
 which I had thus been permitted to taste of the good word of life, 
 and the powers of the world to come, should be lavished away. 
 
 Fourth- day, 2nd of 1st mo. 1822, attended the usual meeting, 
 at the close of which was to have been held their two months' 
 meeting, but it was adjourned in consequence of the absence of 
 one of their little company.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 315 
 
 Sixth-day. Feasting and merry-making at this time is followed 
 up by persons of all ranks, to a greater degree than I ever before 
 heard of. I found it to be my place to protest against it in the 
 family where I was, by keeping to my own apartment, when they 
 invited their parties, except on one occasion, when a few persons, 
 whom they professed to esteem sober, orderly individuals, were 
 coming to take coffee with them in the afternoon. But my thus 
 giving up to the entreaties of others placed me in a trying situa- 
 tion. The coffee-drinking being over, 1 very soon was convinced, 
 from the repeated roar of laughter the conversation produced, 
 that their sober, orderly dispositions were only, as it were, skin- 
 deep, and not the effect of true submission to the all-regulating 
 influence of the grace of God. Two young men, professing to 
 be under preparation for the ministry, appeared the foremost in 
 promoting conversation and practices, which occasioned the uproar 
 and levity that took place. The company being dispersed, 1 took 
 an early opportunity with the family, on the subject of their 
 guests, for spending time in such a reproachful manner ; and the 
 certain sad effects that must be produced thereby in the minds 
 of most, if not all : these observations were, I understood, car- 
 ried to all the parties in this evening diversion. The two young 
 men who were professing to be candidates for the pulpit, had 
 such hold on my mind, that I was led to crave, I might be found 
 faithful, should it be required of me to labour with them on the 
 subject of their conduct at these evening diversions, humiliating 
 as the task may appear to be. 
 
 Feeling drawings in my mind to visit the bishop of Christiana, 
 accompanied by my kind interpreter, we proceeded to his palace 
 at Opslo : he received us respectfully. I laid before him the 
 views I had taken, of the reproachful manner in which the latter 
 part of the First-day of the week was passed in Christiana, and 
 my firm belief the Almighty looks for the whole of one day 
 in seven to be set apart for religious purposes ; in which remarks 
 he professed fully to unite, and at our parting expressed his satis- 
 faction with the call thus made him. 
 
 First-day, attended the two meetings in course. Returned 
 from the afternoon meeting, hoping to pass a quiet evening ; but, 
 alas ! I was disappointed herein ; for this feasting and merry-making 
 disposition prevailed, treating all days alike, one person after an- 
 other, (without breach of charity it may be said,) void of religious 
 exercise of mind, coming into the family ; I therefore retired to an 
 adjoining room. But here my quiet was soon broken in upon, by the 
 sudden bursting into the room I was in of a number of persons, 
 masked and dressed to personate different characters ; which I 
 was told is a practice followed up at this season of the year, on 
 First-day evenings, in Christiana, by individuals going from house
 
 ;31(J JOURNAL Ol' THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 to house, introducing, as was the case in our family, uproar and 
 confusion; making speeches that, I could observe, tended to ex- 
 cite such feelings of levity, as would m time be likely to produce 
 evil fruits: no quiet Bcttlemcnt was to be come at in tlie family 
 
 afterwards. , . . , , 
 
 First-day, attended the usual meetings, and passed the evening 
 comfortably in the family 1 am in, the day closing with the lan- 
 guage of, " Return to thy rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt 
 bountifully with thee." .... 
 
 Second day, feeling my mind drawn to make a visit to the pro- 
 fessor in theology, who has under his care the young men who arc 
 designed for ministers in the Lutheran congregations, accompa- 
 nied^by my kind interpreter, we called u]nm him. In the course 
 of our visit, I laid before him the evil practice of opening the 
 theatres, and other places of amusement, on the evening of the 
 First-day of the week, and the consequences likely to result from 
 this practice. The dark, bewildered state of his mind was sor- 
 rowfully obvious, from the replies which he made on this and 
 other important subjects; evincing a more dctennined prejudice 
 against our religious Society and its principles, than I ever before 
 had met with ; saying, although he could respect me as an iridi- 
 vidual, yet not the principles which I professed to hold, calling 
 them rauterism, and that it was his opinion all days were alike. 
 A person might be dancing on the First-day of the week, and 
 whilst dancing be acceptably worshipping the Almighty; that a 
 man might be ploughing in his field on a First-day, and while thus 
 ploughing, worship his Maker acceptably ; and he did not believe 
 there was any command under the gospel dispensation, that re- 
 quired us to observe one day more than another. Feeling my- 
 self called upon to protest against these sentiments he had thus 
 advanced, in as few words as possible, I brought to the view of 
 his mind portions of Scripture, to prove the error of these sen- 
 timents, whereby he remained silent on the subject afterwards ; 
 but said, if Luther had been now living, he would have pro- 
 tested against that inward word, which the members of our re- 
 ligious Society profess so much to rely upon ; that he believed 
 with our Society, it was the same the Scriptures term it, the 
 grace of God, the Spirit of Christ within ; but that this inward 
 word was only to be received by reading the outward word, and 
 through the administration of the sacraments ; and was not to be 
 immediately received from God, as professed by our religious So- 
 ciety, which he considered to be a great error in them. 1 queried 
 with him, from whence did he suppose those feelings proceeded, 
 that showed him what was ricrht and what was wrong, and whe- 
 thcr he had not felt his mind influenced with that which was 
 good, when he did that which he saw to be right ? He re-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 317 
 
 plied, he durst not rely upon such feelings, being convinced 
 such feelings, might lead him into error; because, said he, 
 the devil can transform himself into an angel of light, and 
 the Scriptures were the only rule for our conduct through 
 life, which can with safety be depended upon ; and that he was 
 called upon by the Almighty to the situation he was now 
 filling, to instruct young men in theology, that they might be- 
 come true gospel ministers. On his being asked, what part of 
 the Scriptures was it that pointed out to him it was his duty to 
 do thus, he replied his situation was bestowed upon him by the 
 government, the government being ordained by God, what the 
 government did was the will of God ; consequently he was called 
 of God, to the station he now filled as a professor in divinity ; 
 and that individuals that went about the country as I did, under 
 apprehensions of duty, had better stay at home and take care of 
 their families, which he believed would be more consistent with 
 the will of God. He parted from us in a friendly manner, and 
 we could not but entertain a hope, that when he came coolly to 
 reflect on what had passed, his mind would become softened 
 down, and some of that prejudice he had imbibed against our re- 
 ligious Society and its principles would be done away. Through 
 a relation of the professor's, we were informed, he mentioned our 
 visit as an acceptable one to himself and his wife ; and when we 
 occasionally met he carried himself kind towards me, whereby 
 I was led to hope it had been the case. 
 
 Second-day evening, we had the company of one of the young 
 candidates for the pulpit, before alluded to, who made a part of 
 the company at the merry-making ; but from the tried state of 
 mind I was in, I feared to engage to lay before him the view I had 
 taken of his example ; but I found I was not to be excused, as he 
 himself opened the way for my clearing my mind towards him on 
 this subject ; he had heard I had protested against the clergy 
 attending theatres, dance-rooms, masquerades, &c., and had termed 
 them wicked practices, and was come for the purpose of confuting by 
 argument what he had heard I advanced on the subject : in order 
 for which he attempted to prove the possibility of a wicked priest, if 
 his sermons were sound and orthodox, profiting his hearers by his 
 preaching, and thus to justify the conduct of theclergy in their attend- 
 ance of these places of dissipation. I was so strengthened to maintain 
 my standing against his unsound way of reasoning on the sub- 
 ject, as to put him to silence, whereby he appeared to go away 
 evidently disappointed in his expectations : I was made thankful 
 in being favoured to acquit myself in such a way respecting his 
 conduct and his brother-candidate for the pulpit, as to put him 
 to silence ; although it was evident he would gladly have es- 
 caped from the shame he felt on the occasion. We next made a 
 visit to professor Hersleb, a professor in theology, a very liberal-
 
 318 JOURNAL OF TH03rAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 minded man : he allowed me a full opportunity to relieve my 
 mind on the various subjects that came before me, manifesting a 
 care in his replies. Whilst we were sitting together, it was evi- 
 dent he felt that our minds were fav(jured with that savour of 
 good, which unites the children of the same family in one, how- 
 ever different as to name or religion ; which caused the visit to 
 feel precious to visitors and visited. He expressed at our parting 
 the satisfaction which he felt during our sitting together, and 
 with the little matter I had to offer in the line of ministry, also 
 the desire that attended his mind, that the Almighty would conde- 
 scend to strengthen me through my journey, and give me the re- 
 ward of peace, which he uttered in a feeling, broken manner. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the usual meeting; a quiet favoured time. 
 First-day, attended the two meetings ; the strangers that gave 
 their company conducted themselves agreeably, and the evening 
 was passed over satisfactorily ; for which I felt cause of thankful- 
 ness. Second-day, my kind friend. Dr. Hoist, renewed his obliging 
 offer of introducing me to some persons in authority : although 
 for some time past I had felt drawings in my mind to some of 
 these, yet as the time for moving in it did not appear to be fully 
 come, I again acknowledged his kindness, and left the matter for 
 the present. Those whose time appears to be always ready, may 
 not be able to read me ; but I believed my accepting of his offer 
 at this time, and attempting to move in such service, if any be 
 assigned me by my great Master, would have been premature ; 
 whereby I must have expected my movements would have been 
 in weakness, unaccompanied with that religious courage and bold- 
 ness which the truth gives, when a proper care is maintained to 
 move at its command, and under its all-qualifying influence. 
 Fourth-day, attended the usual meeting. Fifth-day, I was led 
 to take a retrospect of many of my religious movements, since 
 my arrival on the Continent ; but, above all, to commemorate the 
 mercy and care of my heavenly Father over me, in his not suffer- 
 ing me to become a prey to the tempter by my returning to Eng- 
 land to winter, instead of pursuing my journey as I have been 
 enabled to do ; may this retrospect properly humble me, and 
 produce the frequent, fervent, heart-felt language of, " I am will- 
 ing, O Divine Master, to follow thee, whithersoever thou may be 
 pleased to lead !"" 
 
 First-day, the meeting this morning was a season of divine 
 refreshment, to those possessed of a sincere desire to be found 
 travelling Zion-ward. What a mercy is this to know, that the 
 Lord is yet with Zion, willing to comfort all her mourners, and to 
 satisfy her poor with bread, wherever scattered up and down on 
 the face of this earth. In the afternoon meeting, for some time 
 I had hard work to come at any true settlement of mind ; but 
 after awhile 1 was favoured to get under exercise, and in time
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 319 
 
 life was felt to arise. We had four strangers in addition to 
 our usual number ; the meeting closed under a good degree of 
 sense, that He who promised to be with the two or three, had in 
 mercy been mindful of us. Fourth-day, attended the usual 
 meeting : during the course of this day a glimmering prospect 
 was opened before me of a further path of duty I had to travel, 
 before the way would open for my departure from this field of 
 labour and exercise, which the fleshy part in me was disposed to 
 shrink from ; but I was favoured to know my mind brought into 
 such a state of resignation to the Divine mind and will, as I hum- 
 bly hope, in sincerity to say, Not my will but thine be done, O 
 my most merciful Care-taker. 
 
 Seventh-day, I was introduced to one of the covmsellors of 
 the state in the ecclesiastical department, in consequence of 
 some difficulties a Friend of Stavanger was brought into; he 
 gave me a full opportunity of freely conversing with him on the 
 subject that had thus brought us together. 
 
 The following copy of a letter of the Bishop of Christian- 
 sands, will give a statement of the complaint brought against 
 the Friend. 
 
 From the Bishop Sorensen of Christian-sands to the 
 
 CONSTITUTED DeAN OF StAVANGER, 
 
 " In a letter 26th last month, the church department has in- 
 formed me, that it has written to the chief-lieutenant of Stavan- 
 ger county, that Elias Eliason Tasted is to be prosecuted by law, 
 for having caused a man to be buried in the same manner as he 
 some time ago did, with two deceased children,* and for which 
 he already is prosecuted ; and also required me, on account of 
 the specification from Elias Tasted, containing the names of those 
 Quakers who live in and about Stavanger county, to ask those 
 persons, who are mentioned in the specification, if they belong to 
 the before-mentioned sect ; and then, if the answer be confirmed, 
 to demand of them a certificate or testimony, that they by any 
 true Quaker Society are acknowledged or admitted as Quakers : 
 each of those persons who profess themselves as Quakers, must 
 besides be told, that he without such certificate cannot be allowed 
 to live in this country or kingdom in quality of a Quaker ; and, 
 that even if he has the said certificates, he must, if he intends to 
 live here, pursuant with the rescript of the 5th of March, 1754, 
 seek for allowance, by sending his humble petition for this pur- 
 pose to his majesty the king ; which, according to what there in a 
 like case is determined, cannot be expected graciously to be 
 granted or permitted, unless .they bind themselves not to make 
 
 * These burials were in the field of a Friend,— there not being a burial-place 
 of Friends.
 
 320 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SIirLLITOE. 
 
 proselytes, and from admitting new members, as also to p»y 
 taxes and duties, as other subjects or bergers of the state. 
 
 " 1822." " ^- SORENSEN.'* 
 
 In the course of conversation with the counsellor, it was evi- 
 dent he had imbibed sentiments to the prejudice of our religious 
 Society, but which we were enabled to answer to his satisfaction. 
 The counsellor candidly acknowledged, they had nothing of an im- 
 moral tendency to charge Elias Eliason with ; l)ut that he and others 
 took upon themselves to marry and bury, without giving notice 
 to those in authority previous thereto, also of births, when they 
 occurred ; refusing also to comply with the ceremonies of the 
 Lutheran church : in such cases he considered such irregularities 
 undertaken by illiterate persons, would lead to great inconve- 
 nience, being contrary to the laws of the country, and would be 
 attended with serious consequences to the Friends of Stavanger ; 
 and as he had given instructions to the Bishop of Christian-sands 
 and the Dean of Stavanger in the case, he could not at present 
 do any thing to relieve Ehas Eliason ; but when the case came be- 
 fore the government, he would give it as favourable a turn as he 
 thought it would bear. I felt well satisfied with our visit, believ- 
 ing, from the kind manner in which the counsellor took his leave of 
 me, that his mind was much softened down towards Friends : be- 
 fore I left him, he told me, to attempt to make proselytes was 
 punishable by their laws, which I received as intended as a kind 
 caution on his part. In the evening, one of the magistrates made 
 me a call, for the purpose of private conversation; by our not un- 
 derstanding each others language, it could not take place : he 
 then requested me to give him my company at his own house, 
 and he would provide an interpreter. This providing his own 
 interpreter, who might put a very different construction on 
 what I said than I intended, placed me in a trying situation, more 
 so than would have been the case had I been left at liberty to 
 engage my kind friend and usual interpreter, but whom, from 
 some cause I was a stranger to, I learnt it would not do for me to 
 propose. I was brought into a great strait, being unacquainted 
 with the object of the interview; to commit replies that would be 
 expected from me to the mercy of a total stranger, required a 
 clear view I was doing right : and to refuse compliance in- 
 volved the consideration, that should offence be taken at my re- 
 fusing (considering the situation in the state the individual was 
 placed in) it might prove the means of Friends here being brought 
 into difficulty at some future time. Pausing a little after the re- 
 quest was proposed to me, I endeavoured to give such a reply as 
 would not be wholly binding upon me to accept of such help as 
 he should provide. This unexpected request caused various con- 
 jectures to pass my mind ; led me to recur to the opportunities I
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 321 
 
 had taken with individuals who had called upon me, particularly 
 the students and others waiting priests' orders, with whom I had 
 dealt plainly, by laying before them the awful importance of the 
 engagement they professed to believe themselves called upon to 
 enter into, and the remarks that were made to me by the coun- 
 sellor, that it was punishable by their law to attempt to make 
 proselytes. These, and such like considerations, were permitted 
 for a time to try me, and prove my faith again in the all-sufficiency 
 of God's power to preserve from all harm : but being favoured in 
 the Lord's time to arrive at that state of quiet resignation to 
 whatsoever he may see meet to permit, my mind was fully satis- 
 fied I might with safety comply with the request of the magistrate, 
 leaving him to fix the time for our meeting ; and thus my mind 
 was set at rest again. 
 
 First-day morning, the attendance of strangers at our meeting 
 was more than usual, who generally conducted themselves well : 1 
 thought I had a sense given me my interpreter was aided by 
 best help, to give a correct translation of what I had to communi- 
 cate, and that the meeting separated under a covering of Divine 
 good : our afternoon meeting was large, and I doubt not proved 
 a season of Divine instruction to many of our minds. In the 
 evening, agreeably to appointment, I proceeded to the house of 
 the magistrate before alluded to ; on his informing me of the 
 cause which had induced him to make this request, I was fully 
 satisfied he was a friend to free toleration in matters of religion, 
 and a well-wisher to the few professing with our religious Society 
 here. In the course of what he had to communicate, it appeared 
 that offence had been taken at some unguarded expressions of one of 
 the attenders of our meeting here, (relative to the Lutheran place 
 of religious worship,) by one of those called the church-wardens ; 
 a man, I was told, well-esteemed in the parish, and that he had 
 laid a complaint before him and the other magistrates, whereby 
 the probability was, the individual might be brought into diffi- 
 culty. I assured him I would give early attention to the sub- 
 ject, not doubting but I should be able to prevail on the indi- ""S^ 
 vidual to do all in his power to bring about a reconciliation ; 
 at which he said he felt satisfied ; and said it was his desire 
 Friends here should be preserved from an increase of difficulties 
 with the government, for want of proper care on their parts. 
 Second-day morning, I went with the individual to the offended 
 party, who gave such explanations and made such concessions, 
 that he acknowledged he was fully satisfied, and could say he felt 
 nothing remaining in his mind but love towards the individual; 
 he requested that the subject, which had so wounded his feelings, 
 might never more be thought of. I waited on the magistrate, and 
 informed him of the result of the visit, which he appeared to receive
 
 322 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 with pleasure, engaging to give notice of it to tlic other magis- 
 trates; and here this unpleasant matter ended. 
 
 I felt my mind engaged to make a visit to Hans Neilson Houghe, 
 thefounder of the sect called the Saints, in Norway, which he, being 
 previously informed thereof, had requested sliould be select. Ac- 
 companied by my interpreter, 1 proceeded to his dwelling, about 
 four miles from the town. He is far advanced in life, his constitu- 
 tion appeared very much broken, it is supposed from his long 
 imprisonment on account of his religious principles. He gave 
 me an interesting account of his first becoming awakened to a 
 sense of true religion ; from which it appeared to me, had he pro- 
 ceeded as it was evident he had begun, he would in time have be- 
 come an instrument in the Divine hand of rousing the people of 
 Norway from that lethargic state, into which they appear to be so 
 generally sunk, professors as well as profane. He informed mc 
 he had read Barclay, and made many remarks on its contents, 
 more particularly on the ministry ; he said, wlien he first found 
 it his duty to preach, such power attended liis ministry, that 
 great numbers were convinced, at different places where his 
 mind was drawn to hold meetings; and several males and fe- 
 males, of those who united with him in holding meetings, 
 came forth in the ministry also, and meetings were settled in 
 different places. By thus pursuing the path of apprehended 
 duty, he was cast into prison by the government ; and his 
 followers were threatened with being imprisoned also, if they con- 
 tinued to hold meetings, and keep on preaching. Feeling 
 himself in this situation, he wrote to such as had joined them- 
 selves to him in religious fellowship, advising them, for their own 
 safety, to obey the government, and cease from holding their 
 meetings and preaching as they had done, but to hold them in pri- 
 vate. He had suffered a long imprisonment, and been fined 
 in two sums ; one for holding meetings and for his preaching in 
 these meetings, and a further sum for his both having preached and 
 published against an hireling ministry, and the reproachful con- 
 duct of some of the clergy of the establishment. In order to ob- 
 tain his liberty he paid the fines, and compromised with the go- 
 vernment for his enlargement again, by promising not to hold 
 meetings or preach as heretofore ; and that he and his followers 
 should attend the Lutheran places of worship again, conforming 
 to all their religious rites and ceremonies: he himself was now filling 
 the office of a priest's assistant in the parish in which he resides. 
 I had to call his attention to that declaration of our holy Re- 
 deemer, respecting those who had put their hand to the plough 
 and looked back, that such were not fit for the kingdom of hea- 
 ven ; and to give it as my belief, in the state of mind he 
 was at present in, this awful sentence was sorrowfully applicable
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 823 
 
 to his situation ; and further, to bring before the view of Iiis 
 mind the situation of the son, who, when his father bid him go, 
 said, "I go; but went not;" but with this difference, — he 
 had in part obeyed the command, which he acknowledged had 
 been given him, but — sorrowful to relate — had stopt short in 
 faithfully fulfilling the whole of it, whereby the designs of Hea- 
 ven, respecting his being thus called or commanded to go forth 
 in the Lord's name, had been frustrated. His countenance mani- 
 fested in a very striking manner his conviction of the truth of 
 what I had offered. Before we parted I was constrained to allude 
 to his conduct, after having suffered fines and imprisonment, for 
 protesting against an hireling ministry, that he should so fall 
 away again from his then goodly purposes, as to be receiving pay, 
 and to become a priest''s assistant and collector of the priest's wages. 
 At our parting he manifested an affectionate disposition ; and I 
 returned home, mourning the dark and dismal spot he appeared 
 to be in, craving that by others' harms I might be warned. 
 
 First-day morning, only our select company at meeting. In 
 the afternoon there was a great coming in of students and others : 
 the meeting settled down in stillness. We afterwards understood 
 the strangers were satisfied in sitting with us. Fourth-day, at- 
 tended meeting, in which we had the company of a stranger, 
 which is unusvial at the mid-week meeting. What I had to 
 offer to my friends, who had a pretty correct knowledge of the 
 stranger, was considered to be a word in season to him. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, much instructed by reading some remarks 
 in Piety Promoted, of P. Brown. " This day," says he, " was 
 a day of hard labour to me, because I was off my guard last 
 night, by entering into a long and needless discourse, which 
 drew my mind from the Lord ; but he was good, and heard me 
 when I cried; for my spirit was bowed in humility before him, 
 and joy abounded when I confessed my error to him." This is 
 an evil practice those who are religiously inclined, without great 
 watchfulness, fall into ; and is one of the many snares the enemy 
 makes use of to embarrass the mind, and draw it away from God, 
 its only sure centre : the wise man has left us this caution on the 
 subject, " In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin." 
 How does it, therefore, behove us to let our words be few and 
 savoury, seasoned with grace, more especially so in mixed com- 
 panies ; not introducing subjects that may invite debate, or excite 
 levity and worldly-mindedness : for however we may be pre- 
 served from following up the debate we have excited, or the 
 conversation that has promoted levity and worldly-mindedness, 
 yet, our being the first promoters of it, I have sensibly felt, 
 attaches to us some of the guilt of its continuance. 
 
 Sixth-day, unlooked-for trials have come upon me. My dear 
 friend and interpreter, who has been a true yoke-fellow, willing 
 
 Y 2
 
 324) JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 to enter into the consideration of my religious prospects, being 
 subject at times to great depression, has become spiritually both 
 deaf and dumb; no ears to hear what is given me to communi- 
 cate through him in meetings, and to those who call upon me ; and 
 he has lost the power of that clear utterance he once possessed : un- 
 der these humiliating circumstances I was unable to see what 
 the result of this deprivation on my part was to be, whether or 
 not the way was likely to open again for my having his help as 
 heretofore, or whether" I must return home, not being able to see 
 whom besides him I could throw myself upon. In the afternoon my 
 friend, the magistrate, called upon me, to accompany me to one of 
 the deans whom I had a concern to visit. I felt so poor, so comfort- 
 less, and tried many ways, that I had concluded to decline the visit ; 
 yet a dread of doing this came over my mind, lest I should put 
 by the right time for it : after contending with the mountains of dis- 
 couragement that had been permitted to rise up, I was enabled 
 to go in that grain of faith I was yet favoured to possess, accom- 
 panied by my poor, tried friend and interpreter, whose situation 
 1 had reason to believe was as distressing to himself as ever 
 it was to me. The dean received me in a truly brotherly man- 
 ner. I presented him with a Danish copy of my certificates, 
 which he appeared to read with interest ; remarking in an agree- 
 able manner, on the arduous undertaking I had before me, and ex- 
 pressing his concern my engagements might be blessed to those 
 where my lot was cast. I presented him with the Book of Ex- 
 tracts, printed by Friends in Norway, which he said he received 
 as an acceptable present, having been desirous of becoming ac- 
 quainted with the principles professed by Friends. It thus hap- 
 pened that, as I was brought into a willingness to become like the 
 simple tube, my embarrassments of mind, respecting my inter- 
 preter''s disqualification to lend me his aid as heretofore, vanished 
 out of my sight ; and whilst endeavouring faithfully to relieve my 
 mind of what came before me in the line of apprehended duty, I 
 thought 1 was favoured with an evidence my interpreter was helped 
 to do his part of the work faithfully ; it was evident his being 
 thus called upon to aid me, had tended somewhat to rouse him 
 from that extreme depression he had yielded to. At our parting, 
 the dean requested I would make him another call, before I 
 quitted Christiana; and I felt truly thankful I had not been 
 permitted to put by this visit at the present time, as I had wished 
 to have done. The magistrate spent the evening with us. 
 
 First-day morning, only our little company at meeting. In the 
 afternoon we had the addition of one stranger. After meeting I re- 
 turned home, hoping to pass a quiet evening ; but this quiet was 
 broken in upon by the coming in of one of the priesthood of the 
 Lutheran persuasion; he kept up a long conversation on, I was in- 
 formed, religious subjects, but handled them in a very unsavoury
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 325 
 
 disposition of mind, from the levity of countenance manifested, 
 and the roar of laughter that was frequently excited. I felt truly 
 thankful that, from my ignorance of the Danish language, I was 
 not able to take any part in the conversation, lest 1 might have 
 been ensnared with others. I watched my opportunity to pro- 
 pose our reading some portion of the sacred writings, hoping this 
 might tend to settle our minds again ; but, to my great surprise, 
 the priest, who should have been the first to promote the practice, 
 appeared startled at this proposal, rose from his seat and left us 
 in this unsettled state. At intervals, during this exercising even- 
 ing, the Lord was pleased to give a little foretaste of fat things 
 in store for me, when, through old age and infirmity of body, 
 my religious services were brought to a close ; provided I main- 
 tained my integrity, delivering his whole counsel given me from 
 time to time, without fear, favour, or affection: thus I was afresh 
 animated to be willing to renew covenant in the language of, " Only 
 be with me in the way that I am to go, by sea and by land ; 
 cause thy preserving power to be ever near, in all I may yet 
 have to pass through, before the awful, closing scene ; even, 
 shouldst thou see meet, when my years have become years of la- 
 bour and sorrow, to require of me to visit thy seed in New South 
 Wales, lead me whithersoever thou mayst be pleased ; only cause 
 thy constraining influence to follow me." 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the usual meeting for worship : a military 
 ofl^cer came in and sat down in addition to our little number. 
 Sixth-day, the last two weeks as distressing as most I have 
 passed through. May I be preserved in patience under these 
 provings, should I have to experience these to be but the be- 
 ginning of the baptisms which await me ; and then, in the end, 
 there can be no doubt, but that I shall have to acknowledge, all 
 has been permitted in wisdom — unerring wisdom, for my pre- 
 sent and eternal good ; because when, (through Divine good- 
 ness,) the way is made in the minds of those we are strangers to, 
 to receive us and our gospel message, (as has been my case here 
 and elsewhere,) great is the danger of our getting up in our 
 minds, instead of continuing to prostrate ourselves in humble 
 submission before that Almighty Power, who thus condescends. 
 
 First-day morning, in addition to our usual attenders, we had 
 a student and a few others. The meeting was held long in si- 
 lence. Feeling an engagement to offer something before the 
 meeting separated, I was encouraged in my own mind to stand up, 
 from a belief that my dear, tried friend and interpreter wovild be 
 strengthened to aid me as heretofore ; the meeting closed under a 
 feeling sense that holy help had mercifully been near for our good. 
 On our approaching the meeting-house in the afternoon, a com- 
 pany of persons, students and others, were waiting for the doors 
 to be opened, who sat the meeting through in a solid manner ;
 
 32G JOURNAL OF THOJIAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 my interpreter's tongue was again set- at li))erty, and tliat wliich 
 was communicated appeared to be well received. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the ueual meeting, in which we had cause 
 to acknowledge we were favoured with the teaching of Him, who 
 still continues to teach as never man taught. In the evening, 
 the other young man, the student who made one of the merry- 
 makino-paVty, (on whose account my mind had been tried,) gave me 
 his company, and received with openness what I had to remark to 
 him on his conduct that evening; he acknowledged, so far from his 
 beino- hurt at wiiat I had offered to him, he admired my honesty, 
 hoping my faithfulness would excite him to greater watchfulness. 
 
 Sixth-day, the weather inviting, I walked out of town ; the 
 scenery the surrounding country afforded, I thought equalled 
 most I have yet beheld ; beautifully planted, stupendous moun- 
 tains, rising one above the other to the clouds, — a vast expanse of 
 sea in prospect, in different directions, — the billows, one rolling after 
 another, upon the varied shore, — the sun warming the earth with 
 his silvery beams, and scarcely a cloud to be seen in the bold hori- 
 zon; the numerous land and water fowls appeared in the full 
 enjoyment of those blessings their beneficent Creator has bestowed 
 upon them: — in a word, I could not suppress the painful idea that 
 man, poor man, only fell short in tiiis full enjoyment designed for 
 him, by his great Creator here below ; and I felt constrained to con- 
 fess, the cause hereof originates with man himself; although this 
 may be the case at seasons, when the world may be permitted to 
 speak trouble, yet joy and gladness is the predominating experi- 
 ence of the upright in heart. 
 
 Feeling drawings in my mind to visit another of the Lutheran 
 preachers, I mentioned the subject to my kind friend and inter- 
 preter, who manifested so much surprise at my proposal, and re- 
 luctance at my making the visit, without giving me his reasons 
 for his unwillingness, that it tried me much ; but as 1 thought I 
 felt that which would warrant my not consenting to be put by, I 
 urged our making the attempt, and we proceeded to his residence. 
 He gave us a very kind reception, and me a full opportunity to 
 lay before him the need there was for him, and others who stood 
 in such stations, to manifest a godly zeal to bring about a better 
 state of things on the First-day of the w^ek, and especially on the 
 evening of that day. He said he united with my observations on 
 the subject, but much rested with the civil authority. I told him 
 there was something required of the clergy, towards remedying the 
 evil practices going forward in Christiana and its neighbourhood ou 
 that day, and 1 stated to him the desire which I felt, he might not 
 be found deficient in doing his part towards this remedy being pro- 
 perly applied. He appeared to receive, what I had to offer, in an 
 agreeable manner, saying, at our parting, the visit had been a 
 comfort to him. On our way home, my companion informed me,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 327 
 
 his reason for hesitating at -my making this visit was, he knew the 
 individual entertained sentiments unfavourable respecting Friends ; 
 he therefore feared we should not ;neet with an agreeable recep- 
 tion ; and he had heard a short time Jbefore, this individual 
 had expressed his dissatisfaction at my coming to Christiana, say- 
 ing, I was come to make proselytes; but it was not likely, through 
 an interpreter, I should make my way much with the people. 
 
 First-day, I hope our meeting this morning was a profitable 
 season to most of us : several strangers sat with us in our after- 
 noon meeting. Fourth-day, attended the usual meeting. 
 
 Fifth-day, through my kind friend Dr. Hoist, I received an 
 invitation from the counsellor of the state, before alluded to, to 
 take a family dinner with him ; and as I knew not but the coun- 
 sellor had something more to communicate relative to the Friends 
 of Stavanger, I accepted his invitation. Accompanied by my 
 kind friend Dr. Hoist, agreeable to appointment, we proceeded : 
 on our arrival at the house, the sight of so many carriages in the 
 yard led me to conclude, instead of a dinner with the family, it 
 was a party I was to mix with. I endeavoured, although thus 
 disappointed, to meet the numerous company, who kindly wel- 
 comed me, with all the affability 1 could muster : the day was 
 passed over on the whole agreeably to myself. The counsellor, 
 his family and friends, some of whom spoke my native tongue, 
 endeavoured all in their power to make me comfortable ; and 1 was 
 led to hope the good opinion I have felt anxious to establish in 
 the minds of the people of Christiana respecting our principles, 
 and the demeanour these principles lead to, was not laid waste in 
 any way by me ; but that such inquiries as were called for on these 
 subjects were answered with Christian courage. 
 
 First-day, attended the usual meeting. Third-day, my kind 
 friend Dr. Hoist called upon me, with an invitation to dine with 
 the governor to-morrow at the palace : I felt disposed to excuse 
 myself from accepting the invitation ; but understanding my re- 
 fusal might give offence, and as my way to refuse did not appear 
 clear to my own mind, I yielded ; aware I was going into the way 
 of danger, I earnestly besought the Lord for help and preserva- 
 tion through the coming day. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the usual meeting;, in which I was fa- 
 voured to receive a portion of that bread which comes down from 
 God, the crumbs of which are more availing to our help and pre- 
 servation in the way of righteousness, than any thing we can re- 
 ceive through instrumental means ; for which, I humbly hope I 
 may say, I felt truly thankful at this needful time. After meet- 
 ing, I proceeded to the palace, not exulting that such a mark of 
 respect was shown me, but in fear and trembling, lest, amidst so 
 much pomp and splendour as I expected to witness, any of those 
 testimonies the religion of the Holy Jesus requires to be ex- 
 alted before the people by his professed followers, should, through
 
 328 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 unwatchfulness or cowardice, not be properly supported and up- 
 held by me. On my arrival, the governor gave me liis hand, ex- 
 pressing his satisfaction on seeing rue at the palace : he then in- 
 troduced me to the countess his wife, who also received me with 
 marked attention. 1 was next introduced to the chief officers of 
 the state, who were generally in attendance, and manifested much 
 affabihty of manners, giving me their hand. Such as spoke Eng- 
 hsh were free in conversation, others regretted our not being able 
 to exchange sentiments; — one in particular, taking me by the hand, 
 requested his friend to inform me, that, although we were deprived 
 of the privilege of conversing together with our tongues, putting 
 his hand to his heart, said, " yet 1 feel we can understand each 
 other here; " his countenance gleamed with the pleasure he felt on 
 the occasion, and which I could say was mutually felt. A mili- 
 tary officer who had some knowledge of our religious Society, 
 manifested some interest for further information relative to the 
 ground of some of our principles, in which I endeavoured to sa- 
 tisfy him and others who gathered round us. During my being 
 thus engaged, a Count Adolph Kugen Rosen, an interesting 
 young man, well acquainted with the English language, came for- 
 ward, manifesting a desire to do his best for my comfort, surrounded 
 as I was by those who were all total strangers to mc. My mind, 
 by this time, had become r^rfectly reconciled to the step I had 
 taken, in yielding to the governor's kind invitation ; I felt no longer 
 myself as a stranger, except as it respected our language. I was 
 given to understand, the governor had kindly interested himself 
 to have me properly cared for at the dinner-table, and had en- 
 gaged the count and my kind friend the doctor, to sit on 
 each side of me. The baron Weddel, who is governor of the 
 castle and field-marshal to the king, manifested a like interest in 
 my welfare, and spoke of the pleasure it afforded him, to have an 
 opportunity to converse about England, where he had his edu- 
 cation, and spent much of his early life. Thus one circum- 
 stance after another combined to render my situation comfortable, 
 beyond what I could at all have looked for when first entering 
 the palace, especially so, when I found myself surrounded by 
 the officers of the state in their uniforms, decorations, and various 
 l)adges of distinction. Being placed between the doctor and 
 the baron, I received every possible attention; the governor, 
 I observed, was frequently calling upon my care-takers to see 
 I wanted for nothing his table afforded. During our meal, 
 great quiet was observed ; and the wine that was drunk at 
 dinner, was taken in great moderation; no sitting to the wine 
 after dinner, but when the meal was over, we retired into the 
 king's audience-room, where the guests formed themselves into 
 parties in conversation for about an hour : coffee was then handed 
 about, and before seven in the evening all quietly departed. On 
 my taking my leave, the governor and his wife manifested their
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 329 
 
 regret wc were not able to converse without an interpreter, engaging 
 me to come again to the palace before I quitted Christiana. I re- 
 turned home, thankful the visit was thus well got through ; on taking 
 leave of the Count Rosen, he expressed his disappointment in being 
 deprived of having the charge of me, and requested of me to allow 
 him to call at my lodgings, which I cheerfully encouraged his doing. 
 My being seated by the baron at dinner, afforded me a favourable 
 opportunity of laying before him a subject, which amongst other 
 services I believed would be required of me to engage in before I 
 was clear of Christiana, viz. a visit to those prisoners in the castle 
 called slaves ; on which he assured me no difficulty should be 
 made to the visit taking place, and kindly invited me to call upon 
 him. 
 
 Sixth-day, the Count Rosen called upon me ; he said he had no- 
 ticed Friends in London, and at times had felt a desire for an ac- 
 quaintance with them : his mind appeared inclined to religious 
 thoughtfulness. I laid before him the views I had taken of the 
 practices so prevailing in Christiana on the First-day even- 
 ing, relative to the theatres, &c. For a time he was silent; he then 
 remarked, he apprehended many who were in these practices had 
 never seriously thought on the subject, but as their parents and 
 grand parents had gone on in the same line of conduct, they con- 
 cluded there could be no harm in their doing the like also, and so 
 kept going on in the same track. My poor mind was afresh 
 plunged into suffering, my interpreter being again unable to render 
 me service through great depression : I mourned in secret on his ac- 
 count, as well as my own, from the renewed evidence given rac 
 that his mind had been in a very peculiar manner preciously vi- 
 sited by the Lord, his God; who, I was frequently led to believe, had 
 designed him for the top-stone of that spiritual building, which he 
 intended to have been set up in these more northern regions, had he 
 submitted to be hewn and squared by the great Master-Wilder. 
 Apprehending the time for my departure was hastening, I con- 
 cluded, unless an alteration took place in his depressed mind, I 
 must either solicit the aid of my kind friend the doctor, or leave 
 the work I have in prospect unfinished : but should the doc- 
 tor be willing even to give up his time to accompany me to the 
 houses of certain individuals I have in prospect to call upon, I 
 could not expect his aid beyond. The thoughts of sitting in 
 meetings, (as there were so frequently strangers coming in,) under 
 exercise of mind for service, and no way for relief, would indeed 
 be trying : I saw no way for me but to spread my cause before 
 the Lord : I turned out of town, and sought a retired place, 
 where in vocal accents I might pour out my complaint ; for I felt 
 assured that the Lord, and He alone, was sufficient to sustain me 
 and help me safely throughout my stoppings in Christiana. 
 
 Seventh-day, from my state of mind and want of sleep, my
 
 330 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 debility of body and faintings I have been subject to of late, 
 increase ; if ever I am to learn iiow to become skilful in mourning 
 and lamentation, I feel as if I was now a scholar in the school 
 where this is taught. First-day morning, one stranger gave us 
 his company ; in the afternoon, a student in addition : my inter- 
 preter's mind beginning to brighten a little, my prospects were 
 more cheering. 
 
 Feelino- my mind drawn to make a visit to the police-lieutenant, I 
 proposed to my interpreter our making the attempt, and was com- 
 forted by his quietly yielding to it. We ])roceeded ; he received us 
 kindly, expressing the desire he had felt, when in company with 
 me at the palace, that we might pass a little more time together. 
 1 produced my certificates; he said it was pleasant to him to know 
 the ground on which I was moving, and if it was in his power to 
 render me, or Friends here, any service, it would afford him plea- 
 sure in doing it, inquiring, if Friends had a suitable place to 
 meet in: he parted from us affectionately, and I returned home 
 thankful, under a hope that the way was opening for me to move on 
 again. 
 
 21st of 4th mo. we waited upon the chief magistrate, agreeable 
 to appointment ; he received us kindly, saying, he had been de- 
 sirous of having some of my company : I presented him with 
 my certificates, and he made his observations on parts of them as 
 he passed along, especially that of the select yearly meeting, 
 showing the care the Society exercised over its ministers. I also 
 presented him with the Book of Extracts, printed here: the query 
 relative to war he read with apparent attention, remarking, " I sec 
 clearly that your principles on the subject of war are not properly 
 understood ; many entertaining an opinion your principles are 
 opposed to government, and that you are not willing to bear any 
 share of its burdens with the citizens in common."" I then cast 
 before him my views of the conduct of the inhabitants of Chris- 
 tiana in the general, but more particularly with respect to the abuses 
 prevalent during the latter part of the First-day ; giving it as my 
 belief, if ever the reformation (which Luther was an instrument 
 in beginning on this part of the Continent, and which was now 
 losing ground,) made advances again, the better attention to 
 the duties of First-day was one thing that must claim par- 
 ticular attention, by that part of the law being repealed, which 
 allows of various amusements going forward on that evening, — 
 practices which I beheved were highly offensive in the Divine 
 sight. I encouraged the chief magistrate to do his part with 
 others I had been engaged to labour with on these subjects, re- 
 minding him, that it was the many hands uniting their strength 
 tliat made light work : we parted affectionately. Fourth-day, 
 attended the usual meeting ; a quiet time, in which I was favoured 
 to lay hold on a little strength.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 331 
 
 First-day sat the usual meeting, in which I had to labour un- 
 der great weakness and discouragement, yet under a hope of hav- 
 ing done my best : the day closed pretty peacefully. Second- 
 day, we had a round of company : I ventured down to dinner, yet 
 in great fear ; my safety appeared to be in as much as possible 
 avoiding to take part in conversation, yet so as not to manifest any 
 thing like sullen silence, which, when yielded to, hurts the good 
 cause. 
 
 First-day, attended the usual meetings; in the evening our 
 quiet was much broken in upon by company : a young man, a 
 priest, came in to take coffee with us : observing him conversing 
 with great glee, and during his conversation making use of 
 the word comedy, led me to inquire, why the priest appeared so very 
 much elated about the comedy ; my interpreter informed me 
 he was enjoying himself at the prospect of his spending this 
 evening at the theatre, a ticket having been given him for that 
 purpose, which he handed round to the company. I found I 
 must be willing to remonstrate with him respecting the great in- 
 consistency of such conduct, and the dangerous tendency of his 
 example, if he spent his evening at the theatre as he proposed, 
 querying with him, had he not been preaching that afternoon ? 
 He replied. He had ; and for any thing he knew, he had given 
 satisfaction to his hearers : to which I found it laid upon me to 
 reply, in the pulpit that afternoon he had professedly been advo- 
 cating the cause of Almighty God, but if he went to the theatre, 
 as he was intending to do, it was my firm belief he would, by his 
 example in being there, be advocating the cause of the devil. I 
 observed from his countenance he could not bear such sentiments, 
 but it was my place to be firm in what I had thus to advance : he 
 pleaded he was not going to act any of the parts in the play, as a 
 justification for his attendance; but 1 felt it right to tell him, as a 
 looker-on he made himself a party to all that was going forward ; 
 and there I left the subject. Second-day, the same young man 
 called ; and frankly acknowledged the disappointment he had met 
 with last evening, by not having that enjoyment at the theatre 
 he had promised himself : he manifested an affectionate disposition 
 of mind. Fourth-day, attended the usual meetings: spent the 
 
 evening agreeably with my kind friend, the . The subject of 
 
 the First-day's amusements so pressed again on my mind, that I 
 felt called upon to revive it ; but my interpreter manifesting 
 a reluctance to be mouth for me, I was under the necessity of 
 
 pressing him to give my friend the what I had offered for 
 
 him to interpret, or to abide by the consequences, which he then 
 did. These observations it appeared pinched my kind friend very 
 hard ; the cause of which was wholly at this time taken from me, 
 or I should have been under greater difficulty in expressing my 
 views, on the conduct of those who were indulging in these amuse-
 
 332 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 
 
 ments, and the fatal consequences likely to result to tlicmselves 
 and others, who, by their example, are encouraged to do the like. 
 1 had reason to believe, at our parting, that the sincere respect 
 he has always manifested for me was not lessened by my faithful- 
 ness. On our way home, my interpreter reminded me of a re- 
 port we had heard, that my friend I had visited was not clear 
 himself of attending these places of amusement on First-day 
 evenings, but which, if I had heard, I had entirely lost sight of. 
 First-day, attended the usual meetings — passed a comfortable 
 evening — retired to rest, setting up my Ebenezer, and saying, it 
 is all of the Lord's mercy, who continues to watch over and care 
 for me, whereby I am enabled to get along from day to day.
 
 333 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 A CAPTAIN bound for Stavanger, proposed to take me as a pas- 
 senger in his vessel, and put into Christiansands, and allow me 
 two days there : it was only a small herring-smack, with very 
 poor accommodation ; yet as my service here appeared near a 
 close, and no other vessel in the port, although the company I 
 was to sail with did not understand my native tongue, nor I theirs, 
 in case of my being unwell, or of being brought into difficulties 
 through distress of weather, or any other cause, I concluded 
 to engage my passage ; assured I should be cared for by that 
 Almighty Power who cares for the very sparrows. Sixth-day, I 
 waited on the Baron Weddel, and expressed my renewed appre- 
 hension of duty to visit the prisoners in the castle ;^ he told me I 
 was at liberty to choose my own time for the visit. First-day was 
 concluded on for the visit to take place : after presenting him 
 with the Book of Extracts and some tracts, we parted. 
 
 First-day morning, attended the usual meeting ; at the close 
 of which the baron accompanied me and my interpreter to the 
 castle, where the prisoners were collected in one large room : on 
 our entering the room where they were collected, my interpreter, 
 on whom I had solely depended, informed me he must decline 
 interpreting for me on this occasion ; I felt myself placed in a 
 trying situation ; 1 had just strength enough to say to him, he must 
 not embarrass me so at this critical time, but assist me by doing 
 his best, which roused him to submit. We had about one 
 hundred and sixty prisoners, with their keepers, the mayor of the 
 fort, some military officers, and others, with a large company 
 round the windows, which were set open. The baron himself 
 first addressed the prisoners, saying, a stranger was come to pay 
 them a visit, and he hoped they would pay particular attention to 
 what he might have to communicate, he being a man fearing God, 
 and much respected here by the first class of the people, and that his 
 view in thus paying them this visit, was to turn their attention to 
 the necessity of living a godly life. These remarks of the baron 
 produced great quietness ; after which a pause took place, and a 
 solemn silence ensued, whereby the minds of those present be-
 
 334 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 came so sensibly impressed vvitli a sense of this solemn covering, 
 that those of the company who were standinrr with their hats on their 
 heads, took them off. I was engaged to impress on the minds of 
 the prisoners, the absolute necessity there was for them in good 
 earnest to seek unto God for help, to witness a truly forgiving dis- 
 position of mind brought about in them towards their prosecutors, 
 those who came forward as witnesses against them, the police 
 that had committed them, and the tribunal that had passed sentence 
 upon them, before they could expect fully to experience that 
 godly sorrow brought about in their minds, which works true re- 
 pentance, and is the only terms on which we can witness forgiv- 
 ness of our sins from Almighty God : encouraging them to en- 
 deavour to bear with becoming patience and resignation, the pre- 
 sent trying deprivations and dispensations they have to endure, 
 as the only way for them to be profited by the many bitter cups 
 they may have to drink, during the remainder of their confine- 
 ment. The opportunity, my companion supposed, lasted about 
 an hour ; when it closed, the mayor of the fort observed, he never 
 before had witnessed the countenances of the prisoners to be so 
 seriously impressed ; that he believed the visit would have a good 
 effect on their minds. The baron then addressed the prisoners 
 again, exhorting them to attend to what had been delivered, and 
 try to amend their lives, whereby they would become happy here 
 and hereafter. He then said, what I had communicated was 
 well understood by the prisoners, and he believed it would have 
 a good effect, and that my interpreter had done justice to my 
 communication ; he also expressed the satisfaction the visit had 
 given him. 
 
 Second-day morning, the baron's servant came with an invita- 
 tion for me and my interpreter to take a family dinner with him, 
 which we accepted, and passed our time agreeably to ourselves. 
 Fourth day, I attended the usual meeting : in the afternoon I 
 
 received an agreeable visit from , informing me he had read 
 
 through the Book of Extracts ; he added, "I think the members of 
 your Society are highly privileged ; for if I happen to do wrong, 
 I have no one that "will come and act the kind part to me, by in- 
 forming me of it, and giving me suitable advice on the occasion, 
 as is the case with you and your members : I admire the advan- 
 tages your members enjoy: it would be a happy world if all man- 
 kind were of your Society ; for if I do wrong, people will laugh 
 at my faults, instead of helping me to amend my ways." 
 
 12th of 5th mo. First-day, after meeting 1 called upon the 
 Bishop of Christiana, and gave him some account of my proceed- 
 ings since my coming here, in visiting the clergy, police, and 
 other officers in the government ; informing him from my own feel- 
 ings on the subject, and from the remarks which at times had been 
 made, by such as I believed were desirous an improvement should
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILHTOE. 335 
 
 take place in the observance of the First-day, that this would not be 
 brought about, until that part of the law was repealed, which 
 allows the Sabbath to cease at six in the evening, and the places 
 of amusement to be opened, and business to commence. That it 
 was my firm belief, if this reformation takes place, the clergy 
 must be the first in setting an example to the people, by ceasing 
 themselves from attending such places ; otherwise a great load of 
 the iniquity, resulting from these practices, would rest on them ; 
 persuaded, as I was, the Spirit of the Lord was grieved because 
 these evil practices are continued. I exhorted the bishop (as head 
 of the clergy) to do his duty, and step forward and petition the 
 king to have this act of parliament repealed ; which step, if 
 rightly taken by him, would afford him a peaceful reflection ; I urged 
 him not to be afraid of offending the great ; but to remember 
 whose ambassador he declares himself to be, and thus nobly sup- 
 port the cause of him whom he calls Lord and Master. Durino- 
 this interview, our minds were favoured with a precious coverino- 
 of good, and my remarks were well received, as appears from 
 the various observations which the bishop made, who closed the 
 subject himself with saying, " I can, and I will do it," meanino-, 
 petition the king. Having obtained this assurance from him, 
 I replied, laying my hands on his shoulders, " I now feel that 
 load which I have so long travelled under, taken off my shoulders, 
 and placed where it properly belongs, on thine ;" beseeching him 
 to be very careful he got quit of it again iri a right way. At our 
 parting, he acknowledged the visit had afforded him satisfaction ; 
 saying, " I greet you most friendly, and wish you a good jour- 
 ney, and that the peace and blessing of God may follow you 
 everywhere." 
 
 My mind still being exercised on account of the prisoners in 
 the castle, and believing I should not get clear of Christiana with 
 a peaceful mind, without being willing to issue a printed address 
 to them, I accordingly sat down for that purpose: when com- 
 plete, I put it into the hands of my friend and interpreter for in- 
 spection, to make the necessary alterations where my mode of 
 expression w.ould make it difficult for the translator to adopt 
 words suitable to the Danish language, and to make a fair copy 
 of it. 
 
 First-day, attended the usual meetings : waited on the Baron 
 Weddle with the fair copy of the address to the prisoners ; read 
 it over to him, requesting him, as I went along, if any parts were 
 objectionable, he would make his remarks on them. Having read 
 it through, he proposed a slight alteration, with the addition of a 
 subject which had already came before my mind, when engaged in 
 committing it to writing, but I let in discouragement about it ; 
 both of which proposals I found I could freely unite with : 
 he then expressed his full approbation of the whole, saying, as
 
 336 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SlIILLITOE. 
 
 nothing of the kind had ever before appeared amongst the pri- 
 soners, he believed it would have its use. Fourth-day, attended 
 the usual meeting : in the afternoon the address was prepared for 
 the translator, who engaged to complete it in three days. Se- 
 venth-day, nothing has yet been done towards the translation of 
 the address, which occasions me much trouble. 
 
 First-day, attended the usual meetings under great discourage- 
 ment, from the depressed state of mind of my interpreter, should I 
 need help in the meeting : passed the evening in a state of mourn- 
 ing ; retired to bed under great distress of mind. Second-day 
 morning; not knowing how soon the summons would come for me 
 to be on board the vessel, and continuinij assured, as I was, I 
 must not leave Christiana before the address was ready to put 
 into the hands of the baron, for distribution amongst the pri- 
 soners, and no translation being yet received, I urged my interpre- 
 ter to go to the man who had it in charge ; when he returned, he 
 informed me it was no forwarder than when first put into his 
 hands. At length, after much delay, and much exercise of pa- 
 tience, I was able to obtain the translation of the address, 
 and got it corrected and put into the hands of the printer, 
 who had orders to print five hundred, it being the desire of 
 the baron each prisoner should have one, and to have some to 
 forward to the prisoners of the like description in other parts of 
 the state. A professor in theology came to my apartments on 
 business, to see my friend Enoch Jacobson ; 1 was walking the 
 room under great exercise of mind during his stay. On his leav- 
 ing, he expressed to E. J. his surprise at the comfortable feelings 
 his mind had been under, during his being in my company, 
 although we had not been able to converse together, and the 
 desire which he felt that the blessing of the Almighty would go 
 with me. On going down into the family, where he met with one 
 of the officers of the state, these feelings remaining with him, it 
 appeared he could not suppress an allusion to them, and his sur- 
 prise at the feelings of good his mind was still in the enjoyment 
 of, which he met with whilst in my company, without a word 
 passing on either side. This is not recorded with a view of at- 
 taching any good to the creature, save as it is in mercy adminis- 
 tered by the Creator ; but as a confirmation, thatwhen there is 
 an endeavour maintained to abide under the attracting influence 
 of the Spirit and power of Christ, having our whole soul engaged in 
 seeking his counsel and support, these precious feelings we may 
 thus be introduced into ourselves, do circulate, as from vessel to 
 vessel, and thus leaven the minds of others into the like precious 
 feeling, so that they are at times benefited hereby. 
 
 Fourth-day, the captain came to inform me he intended to sail 
 the next day. The prospect of my being left behind was very- 
 distressing; but such had now become the debilitated state of
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 337 
 
 my bodily health, from exercise of mind in various ways, inde- 
 pendent of my not having received tlie proof-sheet of the address 
 from the printer, I was ready to conclude I was unequal to en- 
 counter the voyage ; but yet it appeared needful for me to be 
 plain with my interpreter, and inform him, if 1 lost my passage, I 
 must not quit Christiana before the address was printed, and 
 ready to put into the hands of the baron for distribution. This 
 roused him to procure dispatch, and apply to the captain for 
 more time, who agreed to wait for me until Sixth-day ; which in- 
 dulgence I felt grateful for ; hoping, if favoured to accomplish by 
 that time all I have in prospect here, when my mind was thus 
 relieved, my strength would then improve, and it would be safe 
 for me to commit my poor enfeebled body into the hands of the 
 best of all care-takers. Experience has abundantly convinced 
 me, by our endeavouring to keep patient under our varied trials 
 and exercises, the way is more likely to open for our relief, than 
 by our indulging in much of our own creaturely contrivance to 
 effect it. 
 
 Fifth day, I found I should not leave comfortably to myself, 
 without urging the holding the two months' meeting, which had 
 not yet met during my stay, nor for a long time before ; this 
 meeting was accordingly held. An agreeable account was re- 
 ceived and read from the two months' meeting of Stavanger. 
 
 Sixth-day, my difficulties here were all brought to a close, by 
 the printer furnishing me with the quantity of addresses ordered. 
 I waited on the baron with a copy, informing him my friend 
 would furnish him with them for his distribution, when he in a 
 handsome manner expressed the satisfaction, which the concern I 
 had manifested for this class of his countrymen, had afforded 
 him. I felt it my duty, in reply, to say, there was nothing due 
 to me on this account : all praise must be given to that Almighty 
 Power, who had influenced my mind, and fitted me for the work. 
 
 Except for murder of parents, those who are convicted of 
 crimes are sentenced to slavery ; some for a certain terms of years, 
 others for life. They come into the town, and work under a mili- 
 tary guard, armed with cutlass and blunderbuss. Others are vari- 
 ously employed : some allowed to go about without guard; but 
 all have the particular badge attached to this mode of punish- 
 ment, the body of their coat being a grey mixture with dark- 
 brown sleeves ; one front of their breeches grey, the other dark- 
 brown. Some have heavy fetters on their legs ; and such as are 
 refractory, a heavy iron collar in addition, round their necks : others, 
 who conduct themselves properly, have only an iron ring round 
 one leg. They all have comfortable, warm clothing, and look as if 
 they were well supplied with food, and are very clean in their 
 persons : for these comforts I understand they were much indebted 
 to the baron. Here follows the address:—
 
 038 JOURNAL Ol'- THOMAS SHILLITOI::. ^ 
 
 To THE Convicts tn the Castle of Agoerhuus. 
 
 " HavinfT had a previous opportuiiity with you, and yet feel- 
 incr somethfng further on my mind, 1 shall in this way cast it be- 
 fore you, for your serious consideration. In the hrst place, let 
 me endeavour to persuade you to cherish, as much as in you lies, 
 a disposition or desire to read the holy Scriptures ; and as fre- 
 quently as suitable opportunities offer : beseeching tlie Almighty 
 that he would mercifully condescend to enable you to read them 
 to profit; as they are able to make wise unto salvation, tlmntyk 
 faith which is in Christ Jesus, and arc given by inspiration of 
 God, and are profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for 
 instruction in righteousness, that the man of Cod may be j)erfec^ 
 thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim. iii. 15, IC, l/- 
 May I^'also entreat you to be careful and avoid the reading of all 
 publications which may have a tendency, in any degree whatever, 
 to counteract the good effects that will be produced from reading 
 the Scriptures. Remember the advice of the apostle : ' lie not de- 
 ceived, evil communications corrupt good manners;"' so, by tlie same 
 means, the sentiments, which you are sure, more or less, to imbibe 
 by unsuitable reading, will have a tendency to corrupt your minds, 
 and prove like the little foxes that spoil the vines, (Song of Solo- 
 mon, ii. 15,) destroying those buddings of good desires after the 
 Lord, and the knowledge of his ways, that have been produced 
 there through the instrumentality of the Scriptures and other 
 such means. Fail not to cultivate a disposition of thankfulness 
 for the privileges afforded you, of attending your place of religious 
 worship ; for 1 conceive it is our indispensable duty so to do, 
 agreeably to the exhortation of the apostle, ' not forsaking the 
 assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is ; but 
 exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day 
 approaching;' (Hebrews, x. 25;) alluding, no doubt, to that day, 
 when we shall all appear before God, to give an account how we 
 have passed our time here : thus you will be holding out en- 
 couragement to each other to do the like, and bearing public tes- 
 timony to your dependence on and love to Him who has created 
 you for happiness here and eternally so hereafter. When thus as- 
 sembled, be earnest in your desires after that great, all-wise Being, 
 whom you are awfully professing to approach ; that he would be 
 pleased to effect in you and for you such a disposition of mind, 
 as that your thus coming before him may find acceptance in his 
 sight, and prove seasons of renewal of that strength so essential 
 to our coming up in the faithful performance of every good word 
 and work. For I never knew any one who made progress in real, 
 vital religion, that was careless in these respects. But let not the 
 charge of this duty of worship to Almighty God be merely con-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 339 
 
 fined to those times set apart for your assembling together for this 
 purpose ; because it is a duty we should always be found in the 
 acceptable performance of in every situation, even when our hands 
 may be employed about the lawful concerns of this life; it beino- 
 an inward and heart-felt work, confined neither to time nor place : 
 the Almighty being omnipresent, the sigh or the groan of sin- 
 cerity never fails to reach the ear of his Divine mercy, who is all- 
 sufficient for preservation and help. If we are concerned to be found 
 daily looking to, and depending upon him, every place will then 
 become to us a house of prayer ; and an altar would be continually 
 set up in our souls, on which offerings will not fail to be made in 
 righteousness unto him who has promised — ' to this man will I look, 
 even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at 
 my word,' Isaiah, Ixvi. 2. The promises of God are not yea and 
 nay, but yea and amen for ever, confirmed in the daily experience 
 of those who become subject to the terms on which they are pro- 
 posed, being all made conditionally. These hints being attended 
 to, I believe will in due time produce that quiet submission in 
 your minds to your present trying situation, which you at this 
 moment may not be aware of; and also prove the means of assistino- 
 you to withstand the assaults of Satan, should he endeavour to 
 make you uneasy imder your confinement, and thereby be tempted 
 to contrive your escape. But how awful does this subject strike 
 my mind, when I consider if any of you, in the attempt, should 
 lose your natural lives for the sake of the great uncertainty of ob- 
 taining liberty to the mortal part, and thereby plunge the soul 
 into a state of eternal torment ! as I cannot bring my mind to be- 
 lieve that such a mode of conduct can ever meet with the appro- 
 bation of the Divine Being, but be highly offensive in his sight. 
 Therefore should any such ideas be produced in your minds, rest 
 assured they proceed from that same evil power, whose first work- 
 ings in you have brought you to this miserable condition in which 
 you now are ; who will continually be trying divers ways, if pos- 
 sible, to keep you in subjection to him, and to all his allure- 
 ments, until he has effected your total ruin ; for he always has in 
 the end proved himself to be a liar, and the father of lies. 
 Should it so happen that any of you effect this purpose of escap- 
 ing, either by your own contrivance, or through the suggestions 
 of those, whom that same evil power may make use of as his agents, 
 in order thus to deceive you ; I believe I am safe in saying, that 
 your minds then "will become like the troubled sea, when it cannot 
 rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt ; (Isaiah, Ivii. 20 ;) always 
 assailed by fears of being again apprehended, knowing that, 
 should such be the case, you will be placed in a worse situation 
 than you were in before you made the escape. Neither can you 
 look with like confidence towards Almighty God for the con- 
 tinuation of his support, under your increase of suffering, whilst 
 
 z 2
 
 340 JOURNAL OF TlfOMAS SHrLI.ITOK. 
 
 you are from time to time thus transgressing; and instead of 
 that enjoyment of liberty, with which you have Hattered your- 
 selves, by so doing, the probability will then be, you will become 
 a burden to yourselv^es, and no doul)t at times repent that ever 
 you took such a step. Consider also, should you make the at- 
 tempt and be detected, you must then expect it will occasion 
 you a longer detention in your confinement, than probably would 
 otherwise have been the case ; and also deprive you of privileges, 
 which those who have manifested submission to their allotment, 
 may be in the enjoyment of. I can readily believe your situation 
 is a trying one, and that there are those amongst you who have 
 many bitter pangs to feel, many heart-rending seasons to endure, 
 deprived by your degraded state of the enjoyments of social life : 
 husbands separated from wives, parents from their tender off- 
 spring, and children from their parents ; yet by this quiet sub- 
 mission being produced, you will come to see more clearly to 
 whom you are to attach the blame of your being in this suffer- 
 ing condition, than otherwise might have been the case, and 
 which is so essential to your being profited thereby. And if 
 you will only be honest with yourselves, in putting the query, 
 did not my conscience at times make known to me what was 
 right and what was wrong, and have I not been followed by that 
 Divine monitor in my own heart, which if I had attended to would 
 have preserved me from those evil practices which have brought 
 me into this deplorable situation? 1 believe you will then with 
 me acknowledge that the cause has solely rested with yourselves. 
 Be, then, careful how you reflect upon the merciful laws of your 
 country, upon your prosecutors, and those who were brought 
 forward as witnesses again.st you, the police, or the judgment of 
 that tribunal which felt the necessity of placing you under proper 
 care ; but keep in view, as I before advised you, the necessity of 
 aiming in sincerity after a truly forgiving disposition of mind 
 towards all men ; for this I believe must first be experienced be- 
 fore that godly sorrow, which works true repentance, can be fully 
 known; agreeable to the declaration of the inspired prophet, 
 cease to do evil, then learn to do mtII ; (Isaiah, i. 16;) and not 
 till then can we approach the Almighty with confidence, and 
 beseech him that he would condescend in mercy to pass by our 
 multiplied transgressions; and then these your sufferings may 
 not be in vain. 
 
 " Let me encourage you to hope, that the design in putting 
 the law in force against you, on account of your improper con- 
 duct, is not so much with a view to punishment as for vour 
 reformation, that it may prove the means, in the Divine hand, of 
 restormg you to your near connexions, and becoming useful 
 members ai civil and religious society. It is likely, when you 
 consider your degraded situation, vou may be discouraged from
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 341 
 
 entertaining such a hope that this will ever be your experience ; 
 and no doubt the evil power will at the same time try to persuade 
 you, that your case is so desperate, your character now so 
 branded with infamy in the minds of others, that it is quite 
 in vain for you to make any attempt in these respects : but 
 suffer me to say, that if this entire submission to the dispen- 
 sation, which unerring Wisdom has permitted to overtake you 
 for your correction, be but thoroughly experienced, your afflic- 
 tions will then be found so working together for your eternal 
 good, producing such an uniform line of good conduct, as will 
 evince that a thorough change of heart has taken place, which is 
 likely to do more towards your enlargement than any mortal in- 
 terference. Therefore let me once more entreat you to be willing 
 to do your very best towards the accomplishment of this so de^ 
 sirable an end, and in your seasons of dismay, guard against 
 being cast down below hope ; but remember the declaration in 
 sacred writ, that all things are possible to them that believe. 
 Believe then in the mercy and all-sufficiency of that mighty Power, 
 who has the hearts of all men at his command ; as the rivers of 
 water he turns them whithersoever he will ; (Prov. xxi. 1,) and 
 who, of all the sons of men, is able to hinder or prevent him 
 herein ? But if you are thus made witnesses of this his merciful 
 interference, you must cleave unto the Lord with full purpose of 
 heart, resolving to obey all his divine requisitions, by choosing 
 the good, and with holy magnanimity of soul refusing the evil; 
 for he yet remains mighty to save, and able to deliver to the 
 very uttermost, those who come unto him in faith. Should you 
 be released from your bondage, either through the mercy of your 
 king, or by the time expiring for which you were committed, be 
 watchful, then, over your future conduct, lest you be brought 
 into the same situation again; for you will find that you still 
 have the same unwearied adversary to contend with as hereto- 
 fore; and should this become your deplorable situation, imprison- 
 ment may then only end with your natural lives. Endeavour 
 also after a disposition to be kind and affectionate to each other, 
 for by this means you may become instrumental in doing much 
 towards the alleviating of each other's suffering ; but if you pur- 
 sue a contrary disposition, you will be sure to increase your own. 
 Before I close this subject, I feel disposed to give you as correct 
 a statement, as my memory will allow me, respecting one Thomas 
 Barrington, a countryman of mine, of whom it is related, that he 
 was a person of superior natural parts, and had received a liberal 
 education ; but, as he reports of himself, for want of attending to 
 that in his own mind that would have preserved him, he got so in- 
 volved in evil practices, that he became a notorious robber, and 
 was at last, by the hand of justice, stopped in his career: and he 
 being tried in one of our courts of law, was sentenced to trans-.
 
 312 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 portation to Botany Bay, a distant station belonging to the Knglisli 
 nation, to which their convicts are banished ; but, extraordinary to 
 relate,' in the course of time he became such a reformed character, 
 and was so respected for his general good conduct, that it is said 
 he filled the office of a magistrate to the satisfaction of those who 
 had concerns with him, and that he was remarkable for his strict 
 administration of justice towards all: this circumstance should 
 therefore animate and encourage you, in order to press after the 
 like happy change; and that you may, is my sincere desire. 
 
 I remain your well-wishing friend, 
 
 " i'uOMAS ShILLITOE." 
 
 "14th of 5th month, 1822." 
 Extract froji a Letter, written by Enoch Jacobson, giving 
 
 AN ACCOUNT OF THE DELIVERY OF THE AdORESS, BY THE Ha- 
 RON, TO THE PRISONERS AT THE CaSTLE. 
 
 " Christiana, 
 17th of 0th month, 1822." 
 
 " First-day, after thou leftest me in company with the baron, the 
 mayor of the fort, and many others, I attended at tlie castle: the 
 prisoners were assembled in the same large room as when thou 
 visitedst them. The baron had requested me to read the tract, 
 to which I objected, on which he expressed himself willing to 
 read it to the prisoners himself. Before he began to read, his 
 mind appeared prepared to say something himself, but the band 
 of music at the fort beginning to play, fearing it should draw the 
 attention of the prisoners and others who were present, from tlie 
 subject that was about to be laid before them, an officer was sent 
 to request they would cease playing, in the meanwhile all re- 
 mained quiet. When the music had ceased playing, the baron, in a 
 serious manner, himself addressed the prisoners; reminding them of 
 the time thou wast with them, telling them who thou wast, and what 
 thou wast, and what thou at that time told them ; saying, this very 
 man who had been so well disposed towards them before, had now 
 left behind him a printed tract, of which they were each to have 
 one ; desiring them to pay close attention to what was there laid 
 down, as it was written by an individual who wished their eternal 
 happiness, and that they might become reformed characters, and 
 useful members of religious and civil society. He then proceeded 
 to read the tract, and in a way which proved him so fully to enter 
 into the subject which it contained, that the minds of the pri- 
 soners, and the company appeared to be very seriously affected, 
 the baron labouring with them during the opportunity that it 
 might have its intended good effect. I cannot express what I felt 
 at the time, both on account of the baron, and many others who
 
 JOURNAL OF TH03IAS SHILLITOE. 343 
 
 were present : it reminded me of our former visit there. At the 
 close of the reading, the baron addressed the prisoners in an en- 
 couraging manner ; and when they left the room, their counte- 
 nances evinced that the opportunity had been to them a satis- 
 factory one."" 
 
 After having, in adorable mercy, (for so I humbly hope I may 
 say I esteem it,) been brought through all my difficulties thus far, 
 and feeling myself discharged from further service in Christiana, 
 accompanied by my kind landlord, his clerk, and my dear friend 
 and interpreter Enoch Jacobson, who still felt very near to me, 
 towards evening I went on board the fishing-smack, Tobias Ras- 
 mus owner : the separation on their part appeared trying, but on 
 my part my tears were tears of joy, that I had been thus favoured 
 to get safe out of Christiana. There remained an evidence in 
 my mind, that under all the manifold interruptions which I 
 had met with in the way of my religious duty, I had not wilfully 
 left any thing unattended to, which had been clearly manifested 
 to be required of me ; this caused my cup so to overflow with 
 feelings of gratitude to my Almighty Helper and Great Care- 
 taker, that I scarcely regarded myself as again committed to such 
 an unstable element as the great deep. I had very unexpectedly 
 the company of Lance Lasson, a Friend of Stavanger, who spoke 
 English, which added much to my comfort : the wind continuing 
 fair till Seventh-day evening, we reached Moss. 
 
 First-day, we held our little meeting. The wind this afternoon 
 being contrary, we cast anchor, and went on shore at Thorears 
 Island, about two English miles from Thunsburgh : setting my 
 feet on shore again was grateful to my mind ; my health is im- 
 proving. 
 
 Second-day, the wind contrary. Third-day, the wind still 
 ahead ; the prospect of detention on this small dreary island, was try- 
 ing, only two families residing upon it ; I felt desirous to reach 
 Stavanger, and become settled again for a short time ; but the 
 wind again turned in our favour, and we set sail : the vessel being- 
 small, occasioned a deal of motion, pitching from head to stern ; 
 my having only a locker to sleep in, my condition through the 
 night was trying. Early next morning, to get away from the 
 closeness of the cabin, and the offensive smell of the bilge-water, 
 I had my mattress brought on deck, and procured some covering 
 to defend me from the spray of the sea, which came over the 
 deck. The prospect of the foaming waves, with the almost con- 
 tinual dipping of head or stern, and the violent cracking of the 
 vessel as if she was going to pieces, made our situation altogether 
 appear terrific. At this time I found the busy enemy beginning 
 his work in my mind, by endeavouring to sap the foundation of my 
 hold on that Divine Power who had wrought such wonders for me ;
 
 3^4< JOURNAL OF THOJIAS SlllLLlTOE. 
 
 but bein^ favoured still to know Him in whom I had believed, 
 and earnestly seeking for His support and preservation under these 
 painful sensations, my mind again beeame tranqud, and 1 was fa- 
 voured with the assurance, that every nad and every plank in the 
 vessel, was as much under the superintendmg care and controul of 
 the Divine Power, as the mighty waves that roll over and over, 
 and every wind that blows. Alter much tossing and frequent 
 tackincT, we were favoured to arrive safely at Christiansands on 
 Sixth-day morning, where I found a home at a clean, comfortable 
 
 hotel. . , , , • 1 o 1 
 
 1 spent part of tlie afternoon with the bishop borensen antl 
 
 his family. Feeling it laid upon me to endeavour to interest the 
 bishop in the subject I had been so much engaged in at Chris- 
 tiana, relative to the abuses on the first day of the week, 1 
 opened my views fully to him ; laying before him the necessity 
 there was,' in a particular manner, for the clergy to come forward 
 and exert themselves with all possible diligence, in petitioning the 
 king to have the law repealed, which so fully provides for the 
 
 ;^buse. 
 
 My next call was upon Ole Moe, a serious man, of the sect 
 called the Saints, in Norway, of which sect Hans Hough was the 
 founder; I spent some time agreeably with him and his wife. 
 He informed me, a number of serious persons met every First- 
 day evening for religious purposes, which had some hold on my 
 mind ; but as we had already met with considerable detention on 
 our passage, 1 felt desirous, if the wind was at all favourable for 
 our getting on our way, to proceed next day ; I was also aware of the 
 difficulty that would be likely to attend my having a meeting with 
 them, from my friend, whom I supposed 1 must look to for my in- 
 terpreter, being deficient in the knowledge of the English lan- 
 guage. I was tempted to endeavour to put away from me these 
 feelings, and was suffered so to do for a time. AVhen we returned 
 to our hotel, the captain was there to inform us the wind was 
 getting about in our favour, and he wished us to hold ourselves 
 in readiness to come on board early next morning. I had been 
 unmindful that I had a claim to two whole clays at Christian- 
 sands, but as there was then no disposition in me to avail my- 
 self of this privilege, I hastily consented to our complying with 
 the captain's proposal. 
 
 Seventh-day morning early, we left our hotel to go on board the 
 vessel. Going to our boat, we had to cross a vessel on which a num- 
 ber of persons were collected, as if for the purpose of seeing us go 
 on board, amongst whom a respectable-looking aged man so at- 
 tracted my attention, that I was constrained to offer him my hand : 
 he followed us into our boat, whereby I was led to suppose another 
 passenger was added to our number ; but inquiring through my 
 friend of the captain, he informed me he was only come on board to
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 345 
 
 liave some of my company, and that the boat along-side of our ves- 
 sel was to take him ashore again. Although I felt great nearness 
 to the man, yet, from the difficulty 1 was aware we must have to 
 encounter, to understand each other, I felt not a little discouraged. 
 Through the help of my friend, he informed me, that on hear- 
 ing of my arrival, such were his feelings of love towards me, 
 that he could not find words to express them to the full, 
 lamenting much we were not able to converse freely together, 
 needing the aid of an interpreter ; then putting his hand to his 
 heart said, " But I feel we can converse together here, in a way 
 that is beyond words." When he left the vessel again, the 
 tears gushed from his eyes, accompanied by expressions of thank- 
 fulness we had thus met. We proceeded on our way, but not 
 without my mind at times being tried with apprehensions that I 
 had left Christiansands before the right time was fully come ; 
 and when crossing the vessel to the boat, feeling as I then did, 
 (my mind introduced into exercise on account of the company 
 there,) I did not pause as I should have done, in order that I might 
 have more clearly known my Master's will respecting them : but 
 I was led to hope these painful feelings would in time subside; how- 
 ever they were not to be shaken off with all my efforts, and therefore, 
 as there now appeared no remedy that I could see, (concluding the 
 captain would not be willing to turn back and lose his passage,) 
 there was no way for me but to endeavour patiently to abide the 
 indignation of the Lord, until he sees meet to say it is enough. 
 About four in the afternoon, a very heavy fog came on, the wind 
 blew tempestuous and ahead again ; our captain manifested 
 alarm, concluded to make to the nearest harbour for the night, and 
 made for Flekeroa, a few miles from Christiansands ; but after all 
 his efforts to reach this harbour, he was obliged to give it up, and 
 return to Christiansands, where we landed safe late in the even- 
 ing ; for which favour, I hope, from different causes, I felt truly 
 thankful, but for none more so, than it ^ffforded me an opportu- 
 nity of manifesting my entire wilhngness to be anything or no- 
 thing, just as my Divine Master would have me to be. Returned 
 now to Christiansands, I again endeavoured after that quiet, 
 resigned state of mind, in which all fleshly reasoning and consult- 
 ing is buried out of sight, in order to my being favoured to come 
 at a clear sense how far my willingness now to sit with the company 
 at Ole Moe's would be accepted by my Great Master ; for I have 
 aforetime found, from sorrowful experience, that our time is not the 
 Lord's time : being favoured with an evidence that my willingness 
 would be accepted, I conclvided to do all in my power next day 
 towards having a meeting with them at their usual time. There 
 was one great difficulty 1 knew not how to get over, and the more 
 1 reasoned upon it, the more my difficulties increased, viz. my 
 interpreter being so deficient in tiie knowledge of the English
 
 34G JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILMTOE. 
 
 lano-uage; but as I believed 1 was favoured with a clear sense 
 that it^'was a duty required of mc to have a meeting' with this 
 company, I was encouraged to believe tiiat my friend and interpreter 
 would be so helped as that the cause would nut sidler, or that one 
 more competent for the work would be provided : after which, 1 
 retired to rest, leaving the things of the morrow to care for them- 
 selves. 
 
 First-day morning, my interpreter, a young man from New 
 Bedford in North America, and myself, held our meeting, which 
 was mercifully owned by Him who condescended to promise to be 
 with the two or three gathered in his name, which I was led to 
 hope was in a good degree our case. At the close of our meet- 
 ing, the young man, who from his own account, had a birth-right 
 in the Society, in a very tender and aifectionate manner, expressed 
 his thankfulness for such an unexpected opportunity of sitting 
 down with me. After our meeting closed, we proceeded to Olc 
 Moe's ; himself, his wife, and some of his servants gave us their 
 company. Something being given me for his servants, by being 
 faithful to this trust, my mind was made strong to lay before 
 their master all that came before me, relative to my having 
 a meeting with them in the evening, which appcarcfl to be very 
 cheerfully complied with : and when I stated the diliiculty I was 
 under, on account of my friend and interpreter being deficient in 
 the English language, he replied, he could make my mind easy in 
 that respect, and sent for a friend of his, who soon made his appear- 
 ance, and spoke my native tongue Hucntly, offering his services as 
 my interpreter in the evening, which I gladly accepted, having 
 my friend and care-taker as a watcher, lest, for want of a clear 
 view of what my sentiments were, any unsound principles should 
 go forth to the people as mine ; for which duty I could not 
 doubt his being so far competent. Matters being thus arranged 
 for the evening, we returned to our hotel : feeling, as I apprehended, 
 I had something more in^commission for the bishop, we called upon 
 him in the afternoon, and I endeavoured, as ability was afforded 
 me, to impress on his mir.d the absolute necessity there was, (should 
 the king be applied to, and he become willing to repeal that law, 
 which so notoriously countenances the abuse of the First-day,) 
 that the clergy should use their utmost endeavours with the 
 diet or parliament to influence them to confirm this act of the 
 king, which would strengthen the hands of the police in remedy- 
 ing these evils ; but if the clergy neglected to do the very utmost 
 in their power towards having this law repealed by the king and 
 confirmed by the diet or parliament, and these evil practices are 
 continued, it was my firm belief much of the fatal consequences 
 resulting from their continuance would lie at the doors of the 
 clergy. 
 
 When meeting-time came, we proceeded to Ole MoeX who con-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 34*? 
 
 ducted us to a large room, fitted up for the purpose of holdinw 
 their meetings in, where we met with near one hundred person's 
 assembled. After we had sat a considerable time in the meeting, 
 my mind was brought under exercise for service, but my inter- 
 preter had not arrived, which, when he did, the people being un- 
 acquainted with the mode of sitting together in silence, were for a 
 time restless, until I requested they should be informed, if they 
 would endeavour after stillness in themselves, I believed my good 
 Master had something to hand to them through me, his poor in- 
 strument; this had a good effect. Standing on my feet, I 
 reached forward a chair, requesting my interpreter to take his 
 standing by me. Whilst in the exercise of my gift, I was made 
 sensible he was brought under some right feeling of the responsi- 
 bility of the engagement he had entered into, and I was fully satis- 
 fied in my own mind he endeavoured conscientiously to do his best, 
 in giving a correct translation of what I offered; which I was in- 
 formed, after the meeting, was the case : the people appeared at- 
 tentive, and kept very quiet to the close of the meeting. When 
 we were about to quit, the interpreter was requested by the prin- 
 cipal of the congregation to say, the meeting had been to them a very 
 satisfactory one. I had left the meeting-room, but was obliged to 
 return, and press upon the company the great advantages that 
 would result to them individually, if they were but willing to cul- 
 tivate more of a disposition after quietness in themselves, than 
 they at present were acquainted with. I returned to our hotel in 
 hopes of being permitted to sleep on shore, the better to prepare 
 me to endure my miserable lodging-place on board the vessel ; 
 but our captain ordered us on board again to-night, the wind hav- 
 ing changed in our favour. We accordingly went on board, and 
 about twelve o'clock at night took up our anchor, and were on our 
 way towards Stavanger. 
 
 Second-day, we made good sailing. Third-day, entered the 
 mouth of a river, and had a fine sail between stupendous rocks 
 about two English miles, when we cast anchor, and then took to 
 our boat ; after rowing about two English miles more, we landed 
 on an island where our captain's family resided : here he proposed 
 our spending two days, having a rough, mountainous road to tra- 
 vel to Devick, his residence. But 1 felt myself amply rewarded 
 for my labour, a more beautiful retreat from the hurries of this 
 world, I thought I never before had met with. I could not but 
 persuade myself, I might be warranted in degree in comparing it 
 with the abode of our first parents; — beautifully wooded and wa- 
 tered, abounding with birds of various kinds, whose shrill and me- 
 lodious voices echoed in the air; the ground also appeared so fertile 
 as not to require much labour to produce food for the inhabitants 
 and their cattle ; but I had not explored its inhabitants, consisting 
 of five families. When this took place, I do not know I was ever
 
 348 JOUUNAL OK THOMAS Sliri-MTOE. 
 
 more disgusted at any time of my life, tlian with the Hlothful ap- 
 pearance of the inhabitants, our captain's family excepted, hoth in 
 their houses and their land, but above all, their persons. Devick 
 is about four miles from lAindale Town, contains about three hun- 
 dred acres of fine wood, pasture, ami corn-land. 1 feared I should 
 not be able to leave the island with comfort to myself, without 
 having them collected in a meeting cajjacity, and yet to sit 
 amongst them felt to my nature trying, as I cxi)ect(d I could not 
 escape without bringing away with me some of their company 
 which they carried about with them : as 1 saw no way for peace 
 but to submit, I had the captain informed of my concern to have 
 the families generally collected, for the purjjose of having a meet- 
 ino- with them ; he replied, they were not of that description I 
 should feel satisfied to meet with; "neither," said he, "do 1 be- 
 lieve they will meet you." But these replies did not excuse me 
 from the attempt ; I therefore rc(|uested him and my friend to 
 make tlic trial, and give them an invitation; and I believed if they 
 did their best they would succeed : they yielded, and returned say- 
 ing, the invitation was generally well received. 'J'he room I had 
 slept in was given up for the purpose, which afforded me some 
 comfort, not having to sit with them in any of their filthy liouses, 
 and especially so, as I should not have to occupy the room again. 
 They were punctual to the time, and orderly in their behaviour in 
 meeting : we were obliged to pack very close together, some having 
 large families, mostly grown up ; my next neighbour was so fre- 
 quently rubbing and scratching herself during the meeting, my mind 
 was for a time somewhat disturbed by it, expectinrj I should have 
 some of the company that were the cause of her exertions. 
 When I first stood on my feet, it appeared right I should lay l)e- 
 fore them their deplorable situation, as to outward matters, and 
 the feelings that had been excited in my mind on their account in 
 this respect, from a persuasion their situation was capable of great 
 improvement, and not so much so by hard labour as by proper 
 management, and making their children industrious ; I told them, 
 1 had walked over much of their land, and observed fine pasture- 
 ground in some of the bottoms, and on the sides of the hills 
 much covered with loose stones, and other stones which their 
 children were capable of loosening from the soil, and removing them 
 to spots where there was only rock on the surface ; I reminded them, 
 that whilst these stones were suffered to remain on the ground, 
 they were robbing their cattle of a bite, and, in some instances, 
 often two bites in the year ; recommending them to portion out to 
 their children spots of ground to clear of these stones, with the pro- 
 mise of being rewarded with money.if any was in circulation amongst 
 them, to be appropriated towards purchasing such clothing as they 
 stood in need of, which would be doing something towards deliver- 
 ing them from that abject state and misery they were now in.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. , 349 
 
 Their thus inuring their children to early habits of industry and 
 good management, would be the means of their getting more com- 
 fortably through life ; encouraging the children to industry and to 
 assist their parents, laying before them the advantages that would 
 result to themselves, and prove one means of drawing down the bless- 
 ings of heaven upon them. I told them, as I walked round their 
 dwellings, I never beheld a place more calculated to influence the 
 mind in contemplating the wonderful works of creation, from the 
 varied, beautiful scenery which caught the eye in every direction : 
 but they should remember that Satan, the common enemy of man's 
 happiness, found out our first parents, who were more secluded 
 from mankind than they were ; (for it is said they were alone 
 upon the earth;) therefore they must not consider themselves se- 
 cure from his temptations, because their associates were so circum- 
 scribed ; but by watching unto prayer, and that continually, Di- 
 vine preservation would be experienced from his manifold snares 
 and temptations, and the Divine blessing secured on their honest 
 endeavours for outward comforts. Understanding a school-mas- 
 ter attended on the children from Lunsdale Town, I pressed upon 
 them the advantages that might result to parents and children by set- 
 ting apart a portion of time each day to collect their families and 
 read the Scriptures, exhorting the parents to set an example of 
 diligence to their children, when it was safe to cross in their little 
 boat, in attending their place of worship. They manifested 
 attention to what was offered, and when the meeting closed, I was 
 informed many of them expressed their thankfulness that they 
 had been thus noticed, and for what had been said to them ; 
 they left us apparently in a serious, thoughtful frame of mind, 
 and at our departure for the vessel, took an affectionate leave of 
 us. We set sail again, and about ten o'clock at night we were 
 abreast of Los harbour, where, during the last war, a large gun- 
 brig, 1 was informed, was stationed, fitted up by several individuals, 
 which captured a very great number of vessels, whereby the 
 owners and managers of her became very rich, purchased land, 
 and built themselves great houses, and, as Solomon says, had all 
 their heart's desire ; but that now their outward condition had un- 
 dergone such a change again ; some were nearly wanting the ne- 
 cessaries of life, and the great houses of others were ffoing to dc- 
 cay tor want of means to preserve them ; — a striking confirmation 
 " that wealth, gotten by vanity, shall be diminished." (Prov. xiii. 
 11.) The wind and tide being strong against us about midnight, and 
 our captain fearing a storm on this rocky coast, he turned the ves- 
 sel about, and put into a harbour, about six miles back again. I 
 went on shore to get a little release from my miserable lodging- 
 place : the wind being in our favour, next morning we set sail 
 again. About nine we were abreast Los tower : unable to 
 make any more way, we lay beating about the remainder of
 
 350 JOUUNAI- OK THOMAS hHILLITOK. 
 
 the day and part of next night. Next day, we made MJinc 
 way, but night coming on, our captain IVarnig a Htorm, at- 
 tempted to get into harbour, but the tide ran very strong from 
 the shore, and no wind to lielj) us : after we had nearly accom- 
 phshed our purpose, we were driven out to sea again, where we 
 lay tossing about most of the night. I Jut my mind was so merci- 
 fully preserved in the quiet, and free from apprehensions of danger, 
 that 1 was not permitted to feel a desire to be anywhere than where 
 I then was : I consoled myself with considering the favour it was, 1 
 had not to contend with this dangerous, rocky coast in the winter ; 
 thus upon every occasion, as we are brought to a willingness 
 to be entirely resigned to the Divine will, we shall feel cause, 
 under our greatest trials, to labour after thankfulness to Him, 
 who is continually watching over us for our good, in the con- 
 sideration that these trials are not so great as they might have 
 been. Sixth-day, the wind was for a short time in our favour, after 
 which, we were obliged to be continually on the tack to make the 
 most of the day, and the whole of the following night, which 
 greatly increased my sickness and loss of appetite. 
 
 Seventh-day, at noon we were al)reast of Scroog Island ; the 
 captain by agreement, if I requested it, was to set me on sliore at 
 Egarsund, about two miles up the river Seroog ; as I appre- 
 hended I was at the end of my journey by sea for the present, I re- 
 quested we might be landed there with our luggage, but the tide 
 ran so strong from the shore, and no wind to help us, we were 
 not able to get nearer the island than about four English miles ; 
 night was coming on, and if we landed, there was no way but by 
 our being put on shore in the boat, which was very small, and 
 the sea in great motion, tlie prospect of which felt trying : after 
 some conflicts I was enabled cheerfully to submit. When the boat- 
 men had rowed about two English miles, 1 observed they were 
 under some alarm, which I found was occasioned by their having 
 to return to the vessel ; and fearing a fog was coming on. I 
 concluded for their safety we should be landed on the rocks, 
 and wait until we met with a boat to take us up the river ; but 
 before we reached the island a hshing-boat took us up and our 
 luggage. Our passage up the river Seroog was awfully grand ; 
 in some places the pass was so strait between the rocks that we 
 barely made our way along ; in other places, the huge mass of rock 
 appeared suspended above our heads as if ready to fall, many pieces 
 of the same lying in the river. We were favoured to reach 
 Egarsund before it was dark, and, after making some efforts, pro- 
 cured clean private lodgings, which I considered a great favour. 
 First-day, we held our little meeting in our own apartment, after 
 which we endeavoured to search out a young man that had drawn 
 me here, who had once joined the meeting of Friends in Christiana 
 by convincement, and from the account given of him at that
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 351 
 
 time, lie was an ornament to his profession ; but we found he 
 was from home, and was not to return until next morning. 
 Egarsund is so situated amongst the rocks, that there is no road 
 out of it for a carriage ; we were therefore obliged to engage a 
 boat and three men to take us to the first station round the head- 
 land. 
 
 Second-day morning, the young man gave us his company ; his 
 having a knowledge of the English language was an advantage 
 to us both : we sat down together in silence, which contiuvied a 
 considerable time : I informed him the resignation of his mem- 
 bership with the Friends of Christiana was accepted by the two 
 months'' meeting there, but that I mourned the cause of it ; per- 
 suaded, as I was, from the feelings of my own mind, indepen- 
 dently of the report I had received of his consistent conduct 
 whilst at Christiana, that his judgment had not only been con- 
 vinced of the principles of our religious Society, but that he had 
 given ample proof thereof, by a correspondency of conduct with 
 the profession he was making; and entreated him seriously to 
 consider what had caused him to turn aside again from that path, 
 which he then was favoured clearly to see, was the path in which 
 he must go to reach heaven and happiness ; also the sorrow- 
 ful consequences that would be likely to result to others through 
 his falling away again ; the designs of the Almighty in thus 
 visiting his mind becoming frustrated, as it respected those 
 to whom he should have become a way-mark towards the 
 New Jerusalem. As a day of reckoning would overtake him, 
 I entreated him to be willing to consider, how he would be able 
 to stand before the Judge of the whole earth, to account for 
 his time and talents, if he persisted in his disobedience : telhng 
 him, I believed I was divinely commissioned to say, his day 
 of visitation was not clean passed over, but that, notwithstanding 
 his sorrowful declension, adorable mercy still waited his accept- 
 ance, if he was but willing to follow the example of the woman in 
 the gospel, who having lost her piece of silver, lighted a candle, 
 swept her house, and sought diligently after it, until she had found 
 it : earnestly beseeching him to be willing to suffer the candle of 
 the Lord again to be lighted in his soul, which would give him 
 clearly to see the great loss which he had sustained through his 
 unwatchfulness, and be willing to suffer the besom of the Lord's 
 judgments again to pass over his rebellious disposition ; whereby 
 he would come to know a being restored into that favour with 
 Almighty God, which, through disobedience to his revealed 
 will, he had awfully forfeited. He appeared to hear with patience 
 what I had to offer, manifested a pensive disposition of mind, 
 saying, he was sensible nothing I had offered was done with a 
 view of reflecting upon him, for his having fallen away from that 
 which he had clearly known to be his duty, but in sincere good-
 
 352 JOURNAL OH THOMAS HHILLMOK. 
 
 will towards him ; we parted aircctionately. His case was niucli 
 to be deplored, he being a young man of engaging man- 
 ners interestino- in his person, and wc understooil iiighly esteemed 
 in the town for his upright conduct and humane dispotiition ; but 
 the bent of his mind seemed turned to the world again: when 
 ruminating on his situation, the language of the prophet, I was 
 led to fear, was too applicable to him, " 'I'here is no hope." 
 
 Feelino- my mind relieved from further service, we engaged our 
 boatmen to be in readiness to proceed ; we left Kgarsund about 
 eleven this morning. Having some considerable arms of the sea 
 to cross in our little boat, after much tossing, we landed one mile 
 short of Ogne ; our road to the first station lay over rocks 
 and deep sands, which were much drifted. 1 felt greatly fa- 
 tigued : when we reached the station, no suitable carriage was to 
 be hired to take us forward ; we then hired two horses to take us 
 forward, as miserable horses as I think I ever before had to do 
 with ; our luggage we fastened on one, and by myself and my 
 companion's riding alternately, we reached the next station : 
 here we had to hire a carriage, called a cariole, like our fish-carts. 
 I had been informed of the difliculty I sliould have in getting 
 alonff ; the carts which mc should meet with at the dificrent stations, 
 being so bad ; the wheels are cut out of the solid wood, and having 
 no iron tire, they were irregularly worn, which, with the badness of 
 the road, occasioned, frequent jolting and sudden jars, which to a 
 stranger would be almost insupportable : we however engaged this 
 carriage to Stavanger, which proved a great accommodation, rough 
 as it was, when compared with what I observed I must have suffered 
 from the common carts. We reached Soilard by night, and were 
 favoured to procure comfortable lodgings, for this part of the 
 country. By this time I had learned quietly to put up with 
 many things, that would be considered hardships in my native 
 land. We proceeded next morning with a pair of horses that 
 appeared to be hard worked and not half fed, which proved 
 to be the case pretty much through this day's journey ; this 
 greatly lessened the pleasure the journey might have afforded, 
 the weather being serene and fine. During the last stage, our at- 
 tendants, who were to take back the horses, and whose place it 
 is to walk by the side of the carriage, were two females ; we pre- 
 vailed on them to get into our carriage, and we took our turns 
 with them in walking ; the inconvenience which we sustained 
 hereby was amply repaid by the gratitude the poor women mani- 
 fested for this attention shown them, and by the peaceful reflec- 
 tion this submission on our part afforded. I believe we suffer 
 ourselves to be plundered of much of that peace, which a benc- 
 ficient Almighty Creator 'designs for us in this life, through yield- 
 ing to a selfish disposition of mind, and an unwillingness to take 
 our share with others in the difficulties and inconveniences of life.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 353 
 
 O, may I ever remain willing, that my luxuries in life may be 
 given up in order to supply others"' wants or comforts ; and my com- 
 forts at times be given up to supply others' want of necessaries; 
 and that even my necessaries at times may be given up to relieve 
 the extreme distress of others, is what I crave, from the assurance 
 that such conduct is consistent with the true Christian character. 
 This afternoon we were favoured to reach Stavanger, for which 
 I felt truly thankful. On inquiry, we found the vessel we left 
 at Egarsund had not arrived, the wind remaining contrary, 
 whereby had we continued with it, we should have been beat- 
 ing about to make a passage to this time. I obtained clean, com- 
 fortable lodgings, which was cheering to my mind, and an earnest 
 desire was awakened in me to be preserved patient under every 
 trial that may be permitted to fall to my lot. 
 
 A A
 
 354 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 Apprehending my stay here would not be of long duration, and 
 being informed that vessels from licrgen to Hamburgh passed 
 Tannanger, about seven miles from Stavangcr, I proposed in 
 my own mind to write to a merchant at Bergen, whose address I 
 had in my possession, requesting him to inform me when the first 
 vessel would sail from thence for Hamburgh, and to secure a pas- 
 sage in her, to be taken in at Tannanger ; but on my looking 
 more carefully at this proposal, thus made in my own will, sucli 
 a cloud came over me, that I was obliged to relinquish these in- 
 tentions. I was afterwards led to see, had I thus been suffered to 
 have pursued my own inclination in the matter, it might have in- 
 volved me in accumulated difficulty and distress, by influenc- 
 ing my mind to leave Stavanger before the time for it had fully 
 arrived. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended the usual meeting for worship of Friends 
 at this place ; most of their members and many strangers gave 
 their attendance : at the close of the meeting a solid-counten- 
 anced man, unknown to Friends, stood up under much apparent 
 exercise of mind, and expressed himself in a feeling manner, 
 which produced a solemnity over the meeting; under which pre- 
 cious covering the meeting separated. We afterwards learnt 
 that a person who was at the meeting I had at Christiansands, 
 had written an account of the meeting to some of his friends 
 at Stavanger, which had brought this man and others to the 
 meeting that day ; and that the substance of what he expressed, 
 was the commemoration of the Lord's continued goodness to 
 mankind, in still commissioning his servants thus to go up 
 and down in the earth, proclaiming the truths of the gospel, 
 which he could say he had heard that day. At the close of the 
 meeting for worship their two months' meeting was held. The 
 laws of this country required all, without distinction of sect, to 
 render an account to persons appointed by government, of all 
 marriages, births, and deaths that take place in each parish, 
 which requisition Friends here had not complied with ; whereby 
 they had brought themselves under difficulty. As I had been 
 informed by some in authority, that this omission on the part of
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 355 
 
 Friends here, was deemed obstinancy, and opposing the order of 
 the government, and, as I could see no ground for their scruphng to 
 comply with the requisition, in order to prevent a continuance of 
 this omission on the part of Friends, I drew up the f'ollowino- 
 minute, and had it translated for the approval of the two 
 months' meeting, to become a standing minute on their book; and 
 the first minute always read and replied to by Friends who should 
 be appointed to receive these accounts, and hand them to the 
 persons appointed by the government to receive this information. 
 " Are there two or more Friends appointed in this two months' 
 meeting, to see that due notice is timely given to those appointed 
 by the government to receive the same, when marriages, births, 
 or deaths have taken place ? has any case occurred since last 
 meeting, and has it, or have they, (if more than one,) been at- 
 tended to ?" which minute, being approved, was entered on their 
 two months'" meeting-book accordingly. 
 
 Feeling constrained to labour with Friends here to bring about 
 a better observance of true gospel order amongst them, I recom- 
 mended that when they discovered any of their members, or those 
 who were constant attenders of their meetings, walking disorderly, 
 or heard reports of them to their disadvantage, they should labour 
 with them in private, as being the way to promote the unity of 
 the one Spirit, which is the bond of true peace ; and that they 
 should be especially careful how they judged those of other reli- 
 gious societies, or meddled with them relative to their religious 
 rites and ceremonies, unless they were well assured in their own 
 minds that necessity was laid upon them so to do. Also to avoid 
 a too familiar intercourse with those of other religious professions, 
 but to keep in view, that Israel was to dwell alone ; because if we 
 run into the way of temptation for the sake of gratifying our natural 
 inclination, let it be in whatsoever way or manner it may, we can- 
 not expect to receive that Divine support and protection essential 
 to oui escaping the danger we thus willingly expose ourselves to. 
 I felt thankful in believing these remarks, from observations they 
 produced, were seasonable and well received. The son of a mer- 
 chant here, to whom I was quite a stranger, made me a call, say- 
 ing, from apprehensions of duty he came to offer his services as 
 my interpreter, to the houses of such in the government depart- 
 ment, the clergy, and others, as I should feel a concern to visit. 
 I had felt my mind at times, when looking towards visits of this 
 sort, brought under great straits, as the only Friend here ac- 
 quainted with the English language, was very imperfect in his 
 knowledge of it, and he moved in a very humble situation of life, 
 so that I was often led to fear, when the time came for me to 
 make visits to those who moved in the higher circles, independent 
 of this person's imperfect knowledge of the English language, 
 
 A A 2
 
 356 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 and want of capacity to give that correct translation of my views, he 
 might not be so cordially received as would be desirable, in order 
 to afford a free, open opportunity with those 1 visited to receive 
 that which was given me for tliem. Although I considered 
 this extraordinary occurrence as one likely to relieve my mind on 
 this subject, yet it appeared to me to require mature delibera- 
 tion before I accepted of this very kind offer, tliat I might be 
 fully satisfied in my own mind it had the sanction of my Divine 
 Master; otherwise, very improper views might be given of that 
 which I might be entrusted with for communication, to the hurt of 
 the good cause I am professing to promote. After mature delibe- 
 ration on this kind off'er made me by my young friend, 1 believed 
 I might with safety accept of it; we therefore proceeded together, 
 and made some agreeable calls. Seventh-day, my kind young 
 friend had served me so much to the satisfaction of my own 
 mind, tliat I solicited his company at meeting the next time, should 
 1 need his aid: this request I observed appeared to try him much, 
 and I did not feel easy to press him, as he did not profess with 
 Friends: so the matter was left. 
 
 First-day morning, my kind young friend came to my lodgings 
 to accompany me to meeting, although I found he had not got 
 the better of his discouragements at the prospect of a public ex- 
 posure, should I call upon him to interpret for me in the meeting. 
 My mind being brought under exercise for service, when the time 
 for my standing up was nearly come, I informed him to that 
 effect ; when I rose he stood up with me. I'he meeting being at- 
 tended by many strangers, I feared would have been some 
 embarrassment to him ; but he was helped through the task 
 he had to perform, much to the satisfaction of the meeting; 
 and, I doubt not, to the peace of his own mind ; as he in- 
 formed me, when the meeting closed, he should be willing to 
 accompany me to the afternoon meeting, and assist me again : 
 thus the language was afresh excited in my mind, " What 
 shall I render to the Lord for all his mercies thus manifested 
 towards me !" On my way to meeting in the afternoon, a friend 
 met me to say, the meeting-house was already crowded in- 
 side and out, and that amongst those that were assembled, were 
 the parish-priest, and some of the principal families in the town. 
 Soon after I reached the meeting-house, my kind young friend 
 made his appearance : on his being informed who they were that 
 made up a part of the company in the meeting-house, his mind 
 exhibited so much agitation, and he pleaded so to be liberated from 
 the engagement he had made, that I did not feel at liberty to 
 press him to fulfil it, and went into the meeting-house ; besides, I 
 had been informed many in the meeting were so far acquainted with 
 the English language, as to be able, if any thing was communi-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOJIAS SHILLITOE. 357 
 
 cated, to understand what was said. After I had taken my seat, 
 it appeared to me, should I have any thing to communicate in 
 the meeting, I must not call upon the Friend of the meeting or 
 my kind young friend to interpret for me, but deliver that which 
 came before me in the line of apprehended duty, and leave the 
 disposal of it to the Lord ; and yet to address such a large assem- 
 bly in an unknown tongue, as would be the case to the greater 
 part of those who were assembled, (reasoning after the manner of 
 men) seemed like labouring in vain : but I found it would be un- 
 safe for me thus to reason upon it. When my mind was brought 
 under exercise for service, and the time was come for me to rise 
 on my feet, I told the Friend of the meeting, J must deliver what 
 I had to offer without claiming his assistance as my interpreter, 
 which accordingly took place. During the course of what I had 
 to conuiiunicate, the power of Truth so wrought on the mind of 
 one woman, who I afterwards was informed could not understand 
 a word, that she wept aloud, exciting general notice : others 
 manifesting much tenderness, the tears streaming down their 
 faces : the meeting was held in great quiet, and continued so to 
 the last. My kind young friend said he was surprised when the 
 meeting closed, considering my language was unknown to such a 
 large proportion of the company assembled, at the proofs that were 
 apparent in the countenances of many, of the good effects pro- 
 duced by what had been communicated. 1 returned to my lodgings, 
 I hope, truly thankful for that Divine counsel and support 1 had 
 been favoured with : may the praise be given both by preacher 
 and hearers where only it is due, is the prayer of my soul. 
 
 Second-day, accompanied by my young friend, 1 made a visit 
 to one of the clergy; who manifested a good degree of con- 
 cern for the promotion of the Lord's cause ; and a desire that 
 Friends here should be careful in keeping their proper places 
 amongst the people ; he also expressed the high esteem he had for 
 our religious Society, and his desire, that tenderness should be ma- 
 nifested towards Friends respecting their principles, if they could 
 produce testimonials from Friends in England, that they were a 
 part of the same religious body. I informed him they were so far 
 under the care of the Society of Friends in England, that they 
 corresponded with a committee of one of our meetings in London, 
 and had recently received an epistle from that committee ; and 
 having procured a translation of this epistle, I presented him with 
 it, which he appeared to read with considerable interest ; express- 
 ing the satisfaction the contents had afforded him, and the plea- 
 sure he had felt during the short time we had been together. 
 
 In the afternoon, accompanied by my kind young friend, we 
 visited the chief magistrate. I had called at his house before, 
 and he being from home at that time, I left for him the Book of
 
 358 JOURNAL OF THOiMAS SlllI.MTOK. 
 
 Extracts peculiar to Norway, whicli he now tokl me he had read 
 to his satisfaction. I told him, by the book 1 had put into his 
 liands, he would see the conduct which our principles led its 
 members to an observance of, when fully submitted to ; telling 
 him, where shortness manifested itself in any of the Friends 
 here, by not coming up to their profession, and it came to his 
 knowledge, it would be a kindness done the tSociety tenderly to 
 inform them thereof. He replied, he knew nothing but that 
 Friends generally conducted themselves well ; but laid great 
 stress on the necessity of their having testimonials from Friends in 
 England, that they are a part of the same body. 1 made him the 
 same re2)ly which 1 had before made to the priest, and gave him 
 the translation of the Epistle from the committee in London to 
 read, informing him the Friends there, were as much under the 
 notice of Friends in England, as was practicable from their remote 
 situation. He assured me that the statement which J had given 
 him was a satisfactory one, and appeared to entertain a kind dis- 
 position towards Friends of the place, which 1 afterwards was in- 
 formed he had fully maintained. This evening I received a visit 
 from a young woman, who a few years ago had joined Friends 
 here, and at times had spoken in their meetings to the satisfaction 
 of her friends ; but who, to obtain the necessaries of life, had thrown 
 herself into an exposed situation, her affections became entangled 
 with a young man not professing with Friends, to whom she had 
 become married, and had withdrawn herself from the meetings of 
 Friends. She appeared in a very tender, yet mournful disposi- 
 tion of mind, from a sense of the great loss which, through un- 
 watchfulness, she had sustained, as she said, when recurring to 
 past seasons, in which she had been favoured to feel the incomes 
 of that Divine love and life, whereby she was strengthened, (so long 
 as she abode under its influence,) to withstand the assaults of 
 Satan; but now all the good she was once favoured to be a witness of, 
 was withdrawn from her, whereby she found herself left to become 
 an easy prey to the enemy. Feeling, as I apprehended, a sense 
 given me that Divine mercy still waited her acceptance, as ability 
 was afforded, I endeavoured to hold out to her the language of 
 encouragement ; to seek for that help, which, if rightly sought 
 after and faithfully co-operated with, I believed would be found 
 all-sufficient for the great work she had to do, in order to her reco- 
 vering that good state she was now mourning the loss of. At 
 our parting, a hope was raised in my mind, that the oppor- 
 tunity had awakened in her a fresh resolution to make some 
 efforts to obtain that help, which alone she clearly saw was suffi- 
 cient to enable her to experience this good state again. I felt 
 deeply on her account, as well as on account of the loss the meet- 
 ing and the cause had sustained through her fall.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 359 
 
 Fifth-day, an hour before the meeting-time many people were 
 waiting about the meeting-house, and when the meeting was fully 
 gathered, it settled down in much quiet. The Friend, who only 
 had knowledge of the English language, sat next me. I in- 
 formed him that I believed it would be best for me simply to 
 cast before the meeting what might be required of me, and 
 there to leave it, which took place ; and we were favoured with a 
 solid, and, I doubt not to many, a satisfactory sitting together. 
 When the meeting closed, I was rejoiced to find my kind young 
 friend in the passage of the meeting-house, waiting, he said, 
 to see if he could render me any service in a private way, which 
 was truly relieving to my mind ; and as I had a few matters 
 to cast before Friends before I left them, I gladly accepted his 
 kind offer, and requested that the men and women who were 
 members would take their seats again. After a time of quiet, 
 I endeavoured to impress on the minds of those who had 
 families, the necessity of their being careful to give their chil- 
 dren an early and sufficient education, and to induce them to 
 overcome that drawling way, and very low tone of voice in 
 which they were in the habit of expressing themselves, di- 
 recting their faces to the ground, when speaking to persons, 
 whereby I was informed disgust had arisen in the minds of 
 some of the inhabitants against Friends on these accounts. 
 My remarks appeared to be well received, and desires were 
 expressed, I could not doubt in great sincerity, that they 
 might profit by them. The care which my kind young 
 friend had manifested at this time, unsought for by me, en- 
 deared him much to me. In the afternoon I walked out of 
 town about four English miles ; and had a religious opportunity 
 in a family. 
 
 Seventh-day, accompanied by my young friend, I waited 
 upon the lieutenant of the county, with whom I had an agreeable 
 interview, relative to some difficulties Friends were under, whose 
 case was before the ecclesiastical court. He manifested a kind 
 disposition towards Friends there, saying, if those of Stavanger 
 had been able to have produced testimonials of their religious 
 principles being the same as those of Friends in England, the 
 prosecution would not have been commenced. I gave him the 
 same reply I had done to others before, with which he appeared 
 satisfied. I left with him the Book of Extracts ; and after his 
 expressing in an agreeable manner the desire he felt for my get- 
 ting comfortably forward the remainder of my journey, we parted. 
 I felt drawings in my mind to visit an aged couple, about five 
 miles out of Stavanger, parents to one of the Friends of Chris- 
 tiana ; but who I was informed were much opposed to Friends, 
 and would not receive two Friends here from England, on a re- 
 ligious visit. The prospect of my making the attempt felt trying
 
 300 JOURNAL OF THOMAS t«HILLITOE. 
 
 to the creature; but fearing 1 should not be clear in the sight of 
 my Great Master, without making the effort, we proceeded this 
 afternoon, and met with a very cordial reception. Every attempt 
 in their power, according to their limited circumstances, appeared 
 to be made to refresh our bodies ; and we had reason for believ- 
 ing, that what was offered in the line of ministry was well re- 
 ceived; at our parting tliey expressing the comfort which our 
 visit had afforded them. 
 
 First-day morning, as I approached the meeting-house I was 
 plunged into exercise, by observing the great number of people 
 already assembled: when the doors were opened, the meeting 
 soon settled down in quiet, and closed under a covering of good ; 
 a thankful sense attended my mind that holy help had been near, 
 cementing us together in spirit. When the meeting closed, 
 I was again comforted in finding my kind young friend was 
 amongst others in the passage of the meeting-house, to lend me 
 his further assistance. As I expected to take my departure 
 before another First-day, I requested Friends again to take their 
 seats to afford us a quiet parting opportunity together, which 
 took place. Much did not appear to be required of me in the 
 way of ministry : it proved a time in which heart-felt sorrow was ma- 
 nifest, and many tears were siied at the prospect of our being likely 
 so soon to separate ; but I believed 1 felt fully satisfied in my 
 own mind the time was come for it, and that it would be unsafe 
 for me to yield to the entreaties of Friends here, to tarry longer 
 amongst them. After the opportunity closed, feeling something still 
 on my mind to one of the Friends there, I requested my kind young 
 interpreter to remain with the Friend and myself; we sat down to- 
 gether, and having been strengthened to relieve my mind fully on 
 the subject which 1 had been exercised with, the way appeared 
 clearly to open for me to request Friends would arrange for my 
 proceeding towards Bergen. At the afternoon meeting the crowd 
 of strangers was great: the manner in which the people entered 
 the meeting-house encouraged me to hope we should be favoured 
 together. They manifested agreeable attention to what was com- 
 municated, and remained quiet until the meeting closed ; many of 
 their countenances indicating that their minds were seriously 
 affected ; they came up in a feeling manner, and offered me and 
 my interpreter their hands, which led me to hope he had been 
 favoured with Divine help in the discharge of his arduous under- 
 taking. In the evening I returned home with two Friends of the 
 meeting, who reside with their parents, on an island, about five 
 miles from shore to shore. The parents do not profess with 
 Friends, but they received me with great kindness. Before I re- 
 tired to rest, feeling something given me to communicate to the 
 parents, I sought for help to be found faithful to this pointing of 
 ^uty. They received what I had to cast before them with ex-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 361 
 
 pressions of gratitude. Next morning, after a religious oppor-, 
 tunity in the family, we returned to Stavanger. On inquiry being 
 made about a vessel bound for Hamburgh, it was found that there 
 was one lying at Tannanger, about seven miles from Stavanger, 
 waiting for a fair wind, and another was soon to sail from Bergen, 
 which it was expected would pass Tannanger; but whenever I look- 
 ed at taking shipping at Tannanger, such a cloud came over my 
 mind, that 1 saw no way for me but to decline so doing, and yet I 
 could not see any prospect of service likely to open for me at Bergen. 
 In this trying situation, in which 1 was again placed, I thought 
 I might truly say that my faith was put to the test, as to an 
 hair's breadth, from the dread that assailed my mind of en- 
 countering a voyage of near a hundred miles to Bergen, on 
 such a dangerous, rocky coast, as I understood it was, in an open 
 boat. But as my friends here thought I should not be able to 
 endure an overland journey, there appeared no other way for 
 me, if I was favoured with the continuation of Divine guidance 
 and direction, in the safe accomplishing of my further prospects 
 of religious duty, but to submit. After much exercise of soul, 
 and earnest seeking to the Lord not to leave me, until a willing- 
 ness was brought about in me to commit my poor body to his care- 
 ful keeping, I was favoured to experience the contending powers 
 I had so much suffered from to be disarmed ; whereby my fears 
 all vanished out of sight, and I was enabled so' cheerfully to yield 
 to proceed in this way, as not to have a desire in my mind to 
 adopt any other, from an assurance I should be strengthened 
 to endure whatever difficulties might be permitted to fall to my 
 lot on the passage : I therefore requested my friends to ar- 
 range for my speedy departure. After inquiry being made for a 
 boat, and a company of men to take charge of me, and nothing 
 
 offering that appeared suitable, my kind friend, Thomas , 
 
 having a good boat, and he and my interpreter being well ac- 
 quainted with the coa'st, they engaged to provide themselves with 
 such further help as would be necessary, and to take charge of me 
 to Bergen. This circumstance, as I had expected no other but 
 that I must have committed myself to entire strangers, whose 
 language I could not understand, I esteemed a great mercy from 
 my heavenly Father ; which led me secretly to acknowledge this 
 further proof of his superintending care, and say 1 have lacked 
 nothing that was essential to my getting forward, when the time 
 was fully come for my proceeding. May the recurrence to this fur- 
 ther instance of Divine regard, excite in me not only the inquiry 
 of " Lord, what wilt thou have me to do ?"" but a willingness also 
 to yield unreserved obedience to all his requirings ; that I may not 
 be found an ungrateful receiver of these his manifold favours ! 
 
 Previously to my departure I received a visit from two 
 young persons, who have of late become diligent attendcrs of
 
 362 JOURNAL, OF THOMAS SlilLLlTOE. 
 
 Friends' meetings liere ; respecting wliom a comfortable hope was 
 raised in my mind, that if they hold on their way as they have be- 
 gun, they will add strength to this meeting. On inquiry as to the 
 cause that had induced them to come and sit with Friends, aa 
 they lived at some distance from Stavanger, 1 received the follow- 
 ing interesting narrative. They were members of the Lutheran 
 church ; the young woman had been a diligent attender of i)er own 
 place of worship, but afterwards absenting herself for a consider- 
 able time from it, the priest of the parish sent for her ; and 
 when she came before him, he inquired into the cause, inquiring 
 of her, had she anything against him that was the cause of it. 
 To which she replied she had. At this reply he appeared greatly 
 confused. She then told him, she attended the burial of a 
 man who was well known to have been a very irreligious, immo- 
 ral character ; that in a sermon he preached at his grave, he en- 
 deavoured to set him forth to the hearers as a man of good con- 
 duct — one who had walked amongst men as uprightly as the 
 patriarch Jacob did ; that she durst no longer sit under his preach- 
 ing ; and that, for some time after her thus absenting herself 
 from the Lutheran place of worship, she spent her First-days at 
 home, until her mind was divinely turned towards the meeting of 
 Friends. At first she met with great opposition from her bro- 
 ther; but in time her steady conduct so wrought on his mind, 
 that he has now become her steady companion in attending 
 Friends' meetings : they appeared to be coming very near to that 
 principle of light and life, which, if fully yielded to, they would 
 become such true way-marks to others, as to be made instruments 
 in the Divine hand of increasing this meeting. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, we set out on our passage ; I was fa- 
 voured to enter the boat as void of fear as if I had been enter- , 
 ing a carriage to travel on a fine, level road, and not as having a 
 voyage before me of nearly one hundred miles, in an open boat, 
 off a dangerous, rocky coast. We proceeded well on our way 
 until noon, when heavy rain came on, and we put into Corsunt 
 Harbour for the night. These harbours, between Stavanger and 
 Bergen are very numerous : in consequence of the rocks and sud- 
 den squalls of wind they are subject to in this passage, many 
 wrecks occur on this coast. I endeavoured to make the best of 
 the miserable accommodation the house I entered afforded, and 
 next morning we got on our way again ; but we had not pro- 
 ceeded far before a very heavy fog came on, which rendered it 
 very difficult for the boatmen to steer their course with safety 
 amidst numerous sunken rocks. The appearance of the fog, the 
 anxiety manifested by the boatmen for our safety, the frequent 
 occurrence of these sunken rocks in every direction, and my getting 
 rather off my watch, threatened to shake that confidence in the 
 all-superintending care of a Divine Power, with which I began my
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 3G3 
 
 voyage ; but from an assurance that my thus exposing myself to 
 these dangers was not in my own will, but in obedience to His 
 commands, (in whose hands is my life, to do with it as he 
 pleases,) I was favoured with ability to resume my confidence, 
 and all my fears of danger disappeared, not leaving a desire to be 
 anywhere than where 1 then was. The men kept at their labours 
 late this night, to reach a station where we were the most likely 
 to have such beds as we might venture to get into. On Sixth- 
 day we again proceeded, the v/ind being against us, and having 
 considerable arms of the sea to cross, and a strong current to con- 
 tend with, all which made it hard work for our boatmen; who 
 being desirous of relief, and coming up with a fisherman, ap- 
 plied to him, when he directed them to take a course, which 
 soon led us into still water for four or five miles. We passed 
 between lofty rocks, on the tops of which, in places, stones of 
 a great size hung above our heads, as if ready to come down 
 upon us, the passage not being wider than a canal. The 
 quietness and terrific appearance of the whole scenery, during 
 this part of our voyage, were truly awful : the pieces that 
 had fallen down from the top of the rocks into the stream, 
 scarcely allowed us room to make our way forward, until, to 
 our great surprise, we came to a termination of the water- 
 course in which we were. This led us to conclude we should 
 have to return all the way we had come up. Our boatmen 
 held a consultation. One of them concluded to climb up on 
 the highest rock, to ascertain how to proceed. He soon returned, 
 and proposed our taking the luggage out of the boat, and their car- 
 rying the boat over the rocks, whereby we should get into ano- 
 ther water-course that would lead us into the track we must take 
 for Berffen. This we were obliged to do twice before we reached 
 Bergen, which we were favoured to do before it was quite dark ; 
 for which, and the manner in which my mind had been preserved 
 calm and quiet during the voyage, I felt truly thankful. On my 
 ascending the custom-house steps, to have my luggage examined, 
 a person of respectable appearance accosted me in the English 
 language ; but it being late, and being under some anxiety 
 about obtaining suitable lodgings, 1 did not feel disposed to 
 converse with him ; but after I had left him, I turned back, 
 and requested he would assist me in findiug comfortable lodg- 
 ings ; on which he, without hesitation, sent a man with me to 
 the house of a widow woman, a native of Newcastle-on-Tyne, 
 in England, where, during my stay at Bergen, I was comfort- 
 ably cared for. On inquiry, I found the vessel that was to sail, 
 was bound to Altona, that it was a small vessel, with very poor 
 accommodations for such a voyage ; but believing I must not let 
 the opportunity sHp of securing a passage in her, I engaged with 
 the captain accordingly.
 
 36i JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 First-day, we agreed to sit down together in my apartment, 
 to hold our meeting. Before the time for our sitting down, 
 three persons made us a call; and as they appeared disposed to 
 enter into serious conversation, I felt myself brought into a strait. 
 The time for our meeting being come, and not feeling easy to de- 
 sire them to withdraw, 1 requested one of the Friends to inform 
 them of our intended meeting, and leave them at liberty to stay 
 or not. They were disposed to remain with us, and I humbly 
 hope to a good degree of profit, the meeting closing untler a fcel- 
 ino- of solemnity. In the afternoon meeting we had several others 
 in addition to those we had in the morning. On looking back at the 
 service which I believed was called for at my hands this day, and 
 querying in my own mind. Is any good like to come of this day's 
 work, considering how imperfect my interpreter was in the know- 
 ledge of the English language ? the language of the Blessed 
 Master, " Gather up the fragments, that nothing may be lost," was 
 brought to my mind; accompanied with a belief, that if the people 
 did not receive all that was given me to hand to them, yet, if the 
 fragments were but carefully gathered up, the labour of the day 
 would not all be in vain ; which had a tendency to settle my mind 
 down in the quiet. Feeling drawings in my mind to make a visit 
 to the prisoners who are called slaves, 1 mentioned the circum- 
 stance to my friend, the consul for Lubcck and Bremen, to whom 
 1 had a letter of introduction. He informed me they were under 
 the care of the governor ; and on my proposing to wait upon him 
 to obtain his permission, the consul kindly offered to accompany 
 me, which offer I gladly accepted, as he was well qualified to act 
 as my interpreter. The governor received us very respectfully ; 
 but 1 had some difficulty in getting him to enter into my views, 
 he supposing that I intended to publish an account of the 
 manner in which the prison was conducted, and the state of the 
 prisoners ; but when he understood my motive, he without fur- 
 ther hesitation requested me to fix my own time, and the captain 
 on duty should have the prisoners assembled for the purpose, and 
 he should attend upon me. 1 again saw fresh cause for thankful- 
 ness to my good Master, in thus making way for me in the mind 
 of the governor. In the afternoon 1 walked out of town, and took 
 tea with a merchant and his family : feeling my mind drawn into 
 silence, something was given me for communication, and endea- 
 vouring to be found faithful, that which I had to offer appeared 
 to be gratefully received by the merchant and his family. On my 
 way home, I was enabled, as it were, to skip over the mountains, 
 and afresh to set up my Ebenezer to His praise, who stilFiri mercy 
 continues to be my present help in every needful time. 
 
 Third-day morning, 1 made a visit to the Dean of Bergen ; he 
 received me kindly, spoke some English, but understood it better 
 than he could speak it. I presented him with some books, which he
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SIIILLITOE. 365 
 
 received freely. It appearing to be required of me to lay before 
 him the reproachful manner in which the whole of the First-day 
 was abused in Bergen, he gave me a full opportunity to relieve my 
 mind on the subject; and at our parting, he expressed the solici- 
 tude he felt, that my views in taking such a journey might be 
 blessed to those I visited, and that God would preserve me, and grant 
 me a peaceful return to my family : he then added, although there 
 were so many distinctions amongst men, with regard to their pro- 
 fession of religion, yet religion being a heart-felt work, it must 
 become the experience of all, who are favoured to find acceptance 
 with God. I then proceeded with the consul and the friend who 
 had occasionally acted as my interpreter to the castle, where the 
 prisoners are. On our way I solicited the help of the consul as 
 my interpreter, but as it appeared a task of such a public nature, 
 finding it would be trying to him, I did not feel easy to press it ; 
 especially, as he assured me, if my interpreter was at a loss he 
 would assist him if there was need for it. On our arrival at the 
 castle, we were received in a very respectful manner by the cap- 
 tain of the guard, who conducted us to a room where the prisoners 
 were assembled : during a short space of silence, I thought I 
 never felt more need of an increase of faith ; and when strength 
 was given me to open my mouth, it was under such feelings of 
 weakness, that I was led to fear I should not be able to acquit myself 
 so as to obtain full relief to my own mind : but by being willing 
 to make use of the strength mercifully afforded, 1 was favoured 
 with an increase. Great quietness and attention were manifested 
 on the part of the prisoners and their attendants ; the countenan- 
 ces of many of them appearing to be seriously affected. At our 
 parting I found, if I followed the pointings of duty, I must offer 
 each of the prisoners my hand, to which ai the moment a degree 
 of reluctance was felt within ; but there appearing no other way for 
 peace but by my yielding, on offering my hand, they generally re- 
 turned theirs with marks of good feeling. Some who were able to 
 speak English, expressed their desire that the counsel which had 
 been imparted might prove profitable to them, and acknowledged 
 their thankfulness to the Almighty for inclining my heart to pay 
 them this visit. 
 
 The preacher of the German congregation and the consul 
 had informed me there were two members of our religious 
 Society in Bergen : this information took such hold of my mind 
 that I therefore requested them to send the Quakers, as they 
 called them, to my lodgings. They were described to be 
 very poor, but highly respected by people generally, for their 
 uniform steady, good conduct. The man came to my lodg- 
 ings, and brought his wife with him. From the account I had 
 received of their poverty, I was much stvuck with their neat, 
 clean, and respectable appearance ; but soon satisfied myself they
 
 366 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHIMJTOK. 
 
 were not, as was stated, of our religious Society, but part of a com- 
 pany who several years ago sufl'ered great persecution, on account 
 of their religious principles, in the late King of Wirteniburg's 
 dominions. On inquiry, it appeared that, in many respects, they 
 held the principles of Friends, with regard to war, oaths, lan- 
 guage, and respect of persons. The woman, who appeared very 
 intelligent, gave me the following account of some of their suf- 
 ferings, at their first leaving the established religion of tlic nation. 
 Their number was small; their good conduct so gained the esteem of 
 the king, that he gave them a parcel of land for a settlement ; but 
 in time, their number increased to several hundreds. When this 
 great increase came to the king's knowledge, he withdrew his 
 kindness, and began to persecute them ; in doing which, it was 
 supposed he was put on by others ; casting into prison men, 
 women, and children, (as young as ten years of age ;) having the 
 men flogged almost daily, until the blood ran into their shoes, to 
 compel them to renounce those scruples which they believed they 
 were called upon to maintain against war, oaths, flattering lan- 
 guage, hat-honour, and other matters of faith. The governor of 
 the castle, fearing lest their constancy under these sufferings 
 should excite compassion towards them, in the minds of those ap- 
 pointed to execute this rigour of the law, generally attended in 
 person, to see that no part of the punishment designed to be in- 
 flicted should be omitted. One day the individual, who had 
 been an instrument in the Divine hand of gathering this religious 
 body, being brought out to undergo his punishment, the governor 
 standing by to see that it was faithfully inflicted, the poor man, 
 whilst under his sufferings, addressed the governor in nearly the 
 following words, " The Lord will reward thee for thy cruelty, in 
 that thou art so unmerciful towards us." At which the governor 
 smote the poor man several times over his breast with his sword, 
 saying, " Dost thou, thou me.?" to which the poor man replied, 
 " I say, the Lord will reward thee for thy cruelty towards us ; and 
 thoushalt never be able again to witness suchactsof cruelty towards 
 us." At which the governor spurred his horse, and the beast set off 
 with such speed that he fell with him ; whereby his sword was forced 
 out of its sheath, and entering his body at the hip, wounded 
 him in such a manner, that he never was able to leave his bed 
 while he lived. This circumstance reaching the ears of the king, 
 he gave orders, that those who had these poor sufferers in their 
 power, should be careful not to endanger their lives when punish- 
 ing them. Another of the officers was equally cruel; for after 
 having them so severely punished, that when they were loosened 
 from the post to which they had been fastened, they scarcely had 
 strength to stand on their feet ; the next day he would have them 
 driven like cattle to hard work. After long and severe imprison- 
 ment, the king gave them their liberty, on condition that they
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 367 
 
 left his dominions ; whereby the sufferers disposed of what pro- 
 perty they had left, and seven hundred of them engaged their 
 passage in an American vessel, to be put on shore in some part of 
 the United States of America ; but even then their sufferings 
 did not terminate, from their falling into the hands of a cruel 
 captain. The following account of his conduct towards these, 
 his passengers, was given me by Henry Otiley, his wife, and J. 
 Hurtz, passengers. 
 
 She sailed from Holland in I8I7, with seven hundred passen- 
 gers on board, including men, women, and children : each passen- 
 ger was obliged to pay for his passage in her, and for provision 
 during the voyage on going on board. She sailed the next day up 
 the Texel, where she lay at anchor ten days : she then com- 
 menced sailing again for two weeks, and returned to the Texel, 
 the captain alleging they had not sufficient provision and water: 
 here they remained for twelve weeks, the captain saying, the wind 
 was contrary. At the expiration of the first six weeks, the cap- 
 tain told the passengers, the provision, which was to have served 
 them until they arrived on the American shore, was exhausted, 
 and they must purchase their further supply of provision (which 
 he sent for daily to an island near) from him, with the money they 
 had left ; he charging them an exorbitant price for this supply. This 
 continued to be the case for six weeks : several young men on 
 board were desirous of going on the island to purchase for them- 
 selves, but were forcibly prevented. It being with difficulty they 
 obtained a sufficiency of provisions, three hundred died of a fever, 
 occasioned for want of proper food and water : as fast as they 
 died the captain took possession of their effects, and their bodies 
 were committed to the great deep, and sometimes before life was 
 quite extinct. Several young men on board united, and went to 
 the captain's cabin to have forced from him a better supply of 
 provision and water, and found the captain and some of his men 
 armed with muskets; the captain and his men secured those who 
 were the most active in this attempt, and severely flogged them : 
 on any being heard to complain, the captain frequently caused 
 them to be punished ; and when mothers begged, with all submis- 
 sion, for a little water for their infants, saying, they were dying 
 for want of it, the captain would refuse, saying, " Let them die !" 
 He continued these practices, until he considered himself in danger 
 of having the provision taken forcibly from the boat, by those who 
 were no longer able to pay for it. At length the ship, by order of the 
 captain, was put under full sail, notwithstanding his sailors remon- 
 strated with him ; a storm coming on, the three masts were broke, 
 and they were in danger of being lost. A few days after they 
 broke their masts, an English vessel came up to them, the captain 
 of which offered to take the passengers to England : after a long 
 dispute with the steward, the steersman, and the passengers, the
 
 368 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 captain refused the offer. The captain then endeavoured to pre- 
 pare a boat for iiimself to quit the vessel, but the steward, whose 
 Avife and children were on board, would not suffer him to leave 
 the vessel ; cut the rope of his boat and sent it adrift. I'he cap- 
 tain then had the vessel put into Bergen, where he set the pas- 
 sengers on shore, under pretence of the vessel undergoing repair : 
 afte^ which he sold the vessel privately, and disappeared himself, 
 leaving his passengers to shift for themselves ; many of whom 
 were so feeble for want of food, they were not able to land with- 
 out assistance : notwithstanding he had water and provision in 
 the vessel when he decamped. Before their case was fully known 
 in Bercen, I was informed by diifercnt respectable individuals 
 there, some of them died for want, and others from their being so 
 confined for room in the places wherd they took shelter, had a fever 
 broke out amongst them, whereby nearly one hundred of them 
 died : by which means children were left without ])arents to care 
 for them, which children some of the wealthy inhabitants took 
 into their families. Such as had property still in their possession 
 sold it, and went to North America ; but many whom the cap- 
 tain had stripped of all for a supply of food, were obliged to 
 remain behind. Their situation coming to the knowledge of 
 the king of Sweden, he had them conveyed to America to join 
 their countrymen ; but this man, Henry Otiley, and his wife 
 ■were left behind. 
 
 When the woman had proceeded thus far with her recital of this 
 disastrous account, for a while she was unable to proceed, being 
 so bathed in tears, more particularly at that part of it, about their 
 being left behind, and separated from their relations and those with 
 whom they were in religious fellowship ; being left amongst those 
 whose language they could not generally understand, — stripped 
 of all their property, and no religious society with whom they could 
 unite. She further informed me, they had by their industry saved 
 one hundred and twenty-five dollars towards their passage to North 
 America : that there was an American vessel in the harbour about 
 sailing for the United States, which sum they had offered the 
 captain for their passage, it being the utmost they could raise, 
 the household furniture which they used being only lent them , 
 but the captain demanded two hundred and fifty dollars, and they 
 were to find their own provision for the voyage. 
 
 The poor woman appeared to despair of release from their 
 trying situation, if this vessel should leave them behind. Their 
 case so fastened on my mind, I found, without doing violence to 
 my religious feelings, I could not cast them off again. I applied 
 to the minister of the German congregation, who informed me, 
 they were much respected by the inhabitants for their industry, 
 and steady upright conduct ; and manifested much interest in 
 their being helped to join their brethren in North America ; but
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 3fiJ) 
 
 appeared discouraged about the money being raised for this pur- 
 pose. No way appeared to me so likely to raise it, as by a peti- 
 tion being presented to the wealthy inhabitants ; I therefore pre- 
 vailed on the minister of the German congregation to draw up 
 such a one as I could be easy to take an active part in present- 
 ing myself, should no one else be willing to step forward for their 
 help. Although the different individuals 1 spoke to on the occa- 
 sion, gave it as their opinion the money would not be easily 
 raised, I found 1 must not desert the post I had thus taken ; I 
 therefore began the subscription (on behalf of some of my Ger- 
 man friends in London) with twenty dollars, in hopes it would 
 prove a spur to the generosity of the wealthy inhabitants. I 
 then consulted my friend, the Lubeck consul, on the propriety 
 of my going on their Exchange with the petition, at the time 
 when the merchants were generally assembled, and presenting the 
 petition to such as were likely to give : he encouraged my doing 
 so, and agreed to accompany me. 1 then called upon the En- 
 glish consul, to whom I found Henry Otiley was well known, and 
 by whom he was highly spoken of, who encouraged me to be on the 
 Exchange as I had proposed, saying, he would prepare the minds 
 of some of his friends to attend to the petition when presented. 
 Accompanied by the consul, at the time considered the most suit- 
 able, we attended ; and in a short time raised nearly the whole of 
 the amount wanted to complete their passage-money, their provi- 
 sion, and a stock of leather, Henry Otiley being a glover, to em- 
 ploy him on ship-board, that he might not be destitute of the 
 means of raising some money when he landed. The subscrip- 
 tion being now so nearly completed, the two consuls took charge 
 of the petition, assuring me, they would not quit their post until 
 the whole was completed. Fearing lest any shortness should 
 occur, I did not feel myself fully acquitted without giving the 
 consul liberty, if it should be needful, but which was not the 
 case, to apply to my friends at Altona for twenty dollars more on 
 account of my German friends in London. I next proceeded to 
 the captain, who assured me they should not be left ; and then 
 to Henry (3tiley and his wife to set their hearts at rest : but the 
 account of what had been done had already reached them, (if 
 they had not told me so,) their countenances sufficiently mani- 
 fested the gladness of heart that had taken place of sadness and 
 dej)ression, which had been so strikingly pourtrayedin their counte- 
 nances : the woman, in a very pathetic tone of voice, exclaimed, 
 " The ways of the Lord are, indeed, ways of wisdom," accom- 
 panied with as strong expressions of gratitude as she could find 
 words to describe her feelings. Their feelings of gratitude, I 
 thought, could not much exceed my own, in having thus far, 
 under Divine direction, been instrumental in their relief from 
 suffering. 
 
 B B
 
 37() JOURNAL OF THOMAS fiMILLITOE. 
 
 After leaving Henry Otiley and his wife; not feeling to liave done 
 quite all that was required of me, as the vessel they were going in 
 was bound for Kaltiniorc, I returiiod, and wrote a note to two friends, 
 who I supposed resided at that pluee, requesting they would assist 
 them in turning their gloves into money, and so to proceed to the 
 settlement of those who went over before them ; this note was after- 
 wards of singular use to them in England, where they were again 
 brought under fresh trials The consul having engaged to procure 
 their passports, my mind was set at liberty to leave Bergen, when 
 the vessel, I had engaged my passage in to Altona, was ready to 
 sail. I received a visit from the person who accosted me in 
 Kno-lish on my first landing, antl who so kindly cared for me 
 about my procuring a suitable lodging ; although it appeared 
 he was a stranger to (uir religious principles, yet from the 
 remarks which he made on several religious subjects, especially 
 that of oaths, he was evidently convinced in his judgment of 
 many of our religious principles : he lamented his not l)eing, 
 as he termed it, a free man, as he said would have been the case 
 with him, had he been brought up in the mercantile business; 
 but now the fear of giving offence to the government, he frankly 
 acknowledged, was in the way of his ])ubliely avowing his reli- 
 gious principles ; he had a wife and family wholly dependent 
 on him. 1 viewed his situation as a mournful one, but did not 
 feel sufficient to justify much interference on my part. I gave 
 him the Book of Extracts and a few pamphlets. 
 
 Fifth-day, we held our little meeting : in addition to the friends 
 who came with me from Stavangcr, we had the company of Cap- 
 tain Erasmus Jepsen, who resides at Marstal Poa Eroc, in Den- 
 mark, who has long separated himself from the established wor- 
 ship, and sits down in his own house with his family, in order to per- 
 form religious worship as Friends do ; and, from what I was able to 
 understand, his conduct was much the same as that of a consistent 
 Friend. I was led to hope, that this our little parting meeting 
 proved a season, in which we were enabled each one afresh to renew 
 covenants : may we each one be favoured to keep our covenants, 
 and then, should our parting prove a final one as to this world, our 
 souls will again unite in praises and thanksgiving to Ilim, who in 
 mercy lias condescended to snatch us as brands out of the burn- 
 ing. This afternoon I received a further visit from my friend 
 who so -kindly cared for me on my landing; he informed nie, he had, 
 with much satisfaction, read over the^Book of Extracts, which 
 fully comported with his own views, on the various subjects it 
 contained ; he again lamented that his situation in life was a bar 
 in the way of his making that public declaration of his religious 
 principles to the world, which he otherwise should do. Notwith- 
 standing it was evident he was acting against conviction, yet as my 
 way for much interference appeared to be still closed up, I believed
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 3^ 
 
 it was both safer for myself and for him, that I should he sparing 
 in my observations on his trying situation, and leave him to the 
 good Power who alone was able to effect his enlargement. The 
 remarks I felt liberty to make, appeared to be well received ; the 
 tears at times copiously flowed from his eyes ; and at our part- 
 ing he said, he could not find words to express the joy it gave 
 him, when he cast his eyes upon me in the boat, before my land- 
 ing. It was some time after our parting, before my mind was in 
 degree relieved from the painful feelings excited on his account, 
 fearing he would remain a Nicodemas to the end. T propo^ed 
 sending him a Barclay's Apology, which he said he would gladly 
 accept. 
 
 Seventh-day, the captain came to inform me, he should sail 
 this afternoon, or in the evening. The time now being nearly 
 come for my quitting Norway, the extension of Divine preserva- 
 tion and help I have been favoured many ways to experience, was 
 cause of reverent thankfulness : 1 have not passed along without 
 at times anticipating danger, lest I should get off my watch, and 
 be drawn out into conversation beyond my proper business, and 
 my words be made a handle of to my disadvantage : yet on as im- 
 partial a retrospect as I have been capable of taking, of my con- 
 duct as I have passed along, I cannot find I am charged by my 
 Divine Master with having acted the part of a coward in his 
 cause, on account of the language held out to me of caution, or it 
 may be, in some instances, of threatening, in stating, that the laws 
 of Norway are severe on an attempt to proselyte; but endeavouring, 
 both in public and private, before I committed myself by giving 
 a sentiment on a religious subject, to feel something of the woe 
 if I kept silence ; and when this woe was felt, to deliver that which 
 came before my mind in the line of apprehended duty, with be- 
 coming boldness, and in that courage the truth gives : thus fresh 
 cause is felt by me to declare, the Lord has been my shield and 
 buckler, and exceeding great reward. 
 
 At four o'clock this afternoon we set sail ; my companion in 
 the cabin was a I.utheran preacher, whose place of residence was 
 on an island on a rocky part of the coast. At first we had 
 calm weather, but after a while a very tremendous storm of wind 
 and rain came on. The whistling of the wind, and the frequent 
 dashing of the tremendous waves against the sides of the vessel, 
 as if they would have met each other, formed a truly awful 
 scene ; yet my mind was in adorable mercy preserved calm 
 through the whole, and I could say, I was not permitted to feel 
 a desire to be anywhere than where I then was ; although an 
 affecting event at times came before my mind, which occurred a 
 few months past on this part of the coast, of upwards of one hun- 
 dred fishermen and boys leaving Bergen and its neighbourhood to 
 go a fishing, on a fine sun-sliining morning, when a storm suiUlcnly 
 
 B B 2
 
 372 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 arose soon after tlicy left the shore, and tliey not l)eing able to 
 return, it was said, nearly tlie whole of tliem perished. 
 
 First-day, the weather being fine, we made some little way. 
 Second-day, we reached Carr-sun ; here we took in a friend 
 of my companion, the preacher, who spoke English : at Carr-sun 
 we cast anchor. I went on shore for about six hours, which was a 
 great relief; as our vessel was very small, we were sadly pent up 
 for room in the cabin. I purchased a supply of new milk, as I 
 supposed, of which I attempted to have a meal soon after we set 
 sail again, but it was so sour I was obliged to throw it overboard. 
 The wind continuing as it was when we set sail, we steered our 
 course very near Tannanger. Fifth-day, we were f.»voured to 
 get well clear of this most rocky part of the coast ; and out to 
 sea. Sixth-day night, it blew a tempest ; awful both to hear and 
 feel, from the violence in which the vessel was tossed to and I'ro : 
 the Lutheran preacher appeared so much alarmed, he was fre- 
 quently rising up in his bed, calling for the captain, wringing his 
 hands, and weeping in great distress. I did all in my power, by 
 signs, to encourage him to look up to heaven for support ; but it 
 would seem he had no hold there to afford him any consolation 
 amidst all. I was favoured with assurance in my own mind that 
 we should land safely ; at times remembering my great Master 
 had not yet given me my discharge, but had given me clearly to 
 see, when this visit was brought to a close, He had yet further 
 service for me to engage in, and therefore would not suffer me 
 to become a prey to the unstable elements. The weather being 
 likely to prove stormy, our captain proposed taking in a pilot at 
 Heligoland to take us to Cuxhaven, in order that we might 
 reach the custom-house at Harburgh in proper time. 
 
 After a tremendous night, on Seventh-day morning, the storm 
 abated, and we were favoured to land at Altona, about twelve 
 o'clock on First-day night. Here we were informed, during the 
 storm, on Seventh-day night, several vessels were driven on shore, 
 and received damage various ways : fresh cause for thankfulness 
 we were favoured to escape without accident. Having reached 
 Altona, earnest were my desires, if my great Master had any 
 further service for me here, to be preserved willing cheerfully to 
 yield to it : after endeavouring to cherish this disposition of mind 
 from day to day, and make a proper disposal of books sent rhe 
 from England, feeling myself at liberty to prepare for my journey 
 to Pyrmont in Germany, 1 called to take leave of my friends at 
 Hamburgh and Altona ; and found amongst others, 1 must not 
 pass by the police-master at Altona. I gave him my hand, telling 
 him, it was the hand of love, accompanied by a desire if we never 
 should be permitted to meet again in this world, we might meet 
 again in heaven : this salutation appeared to strike him in such a 
 forcible manner, that he gave me his hand in a way that evinced
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. SJS 
 
 sincere regard. After taking leave of dear Henry Vandersmis- 
 sen and family, I was accompanied by a servant of theirs to Har- 
 burgh ; from Harburgh I proceeded by coach to Hanover ; after 
 much fatigue from the construction of our carriage, the badness 
 of the roads, and our slow travelling, we reached Hj^uover early 
 on First-day morning. 
 
 No one understanding English at the hotel I was taken to, 
 was a fresh exercise of patience, as I should have been well 
 pleased with some refreshment ; but being shown the room 
 I was to occupy, and the bed being prepared for me, I satisfied 
 myself with trying to get some sleep, but this I was not able to 
 accomplish. Having a letter to a merchant in the town to assist 
 me as I needed, I procured a messenger to accompany me there : 
 here I met with a brother of the merchant, who spoke English, 
 and kindly proposed to serve me every way in his power. 1 had 
 concluded, by the advice of my friends, to remain at Hanover 
 two days, to recruit my strength after the fatigue 1 should ex- 
 perience from the journey : but on inquiry about a conveyance 
 CO Pyrmont, it appeared I must proceed again this afternoon, or 
 remain at Hanover until Fifth-day : this placed me under dif- 
 ficulty, as it did not feel to me (although my mind was afresh 
 brought under exercise on entering this place) that now was the 
 time for me to make a halt. The subject of my example in tra- 
 velling on a First-day increased my difficulty about proceeding 
 this afternoon on my journey : but such had become the en- 
 feebled state of my body through the fatigue I had endured by 
 sea and by land ; my ancles and feet were so swelled, and 1 was 
 in other respects so uncomfortable, that prudence appeared to 
 dictate to me the necessity of my reaching Pyrmont as speedily 
 as way opened for it, in order to have that care from my friends 
 there which I was greatly needing. Therefore, considering my 
 case to be one of great necessity, in some degree comparable to 
 rescuing a sheep fallen into a ditch, exhausted as I felt myself to 
 be, I had my place secured for the conveyance in the afternoon. 
 Having some of the addresses to Hamburgh in my possession, 
 I put two into the hands of my young friend, requesting him to 
 deliver them to the most serious of the clergy in the place : ac- 
 companied by him, I proceeded to the conveyance, which I sup- 
 posed was to take me to Pyrmont. Towards evening we reached 
 Harmel, here we waited five hours, and changed our carriage for 
 a waggon, with a covered seat slung in it, so miserably stuffed, 
 that from the badness of the roads my back was sorely bruised 
 during the last ten miles of our journey. We did not arrive 
 at Pyrmont until five o'clock on Second-day morning, having 
 been seven hours in travelling these ten miles. How I was to 
 proceed on my arrival, I felt at a great loss to know ; exhausted 
 in body, and having, as it were, no use of my tongue so as to be
 
 3Jf4 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOK. 
 
 of advantage to me, as none at the coach-ollicc could understand 
 
 what 1 said. 
 
 Whilst thus ruminating on the course I muat take, a person 
 who had come in a waggon on the same route from Hariuel, 
 came up, and addressed me in broken English, which caused 
 my heart to leap for joy. I informed him how much I 
 needed to lay myself down upon a hed, asking him if he 
 knew where any Friends lived, to take me to their house. 
 He said he would take me to the house of a family lie said 
 were Quakers, who were in the practice of letting lodgings ; 
 this cheered me not a little, and caused me almost to lose 
 si'^-lit of my siifPerings from my swelled ankles, feet, and sore 
 bones, altliough I hardly knew how to get over the ground, 
 having half a mile to walk. When we arrived at my expected 
 home, from the garb of tliose wlu kept the house, it would seem 
 they were respectable members of our religious Society ; they 
 offered to take me in, but, (why I could not then understand,) 
 I felt fully satisfied I must not take up my abode with them, and 
 therefore told my kind friend who had brought me there, 1 must 
 return to town and seek lodgings there ; although I could gladly 
 have laid down my weary body. We returned into town, and 
 after much search obtained a lodging : bed was more than food, 
 although I had not had a regular meal since my breakfast the 
 preceding morning. I had my bed prepared, and after getting 
 some sleep, 1 rose in hopes of procuring a guide to walk with me 
 to John Seebohm's, where I was to take up my quarters; but 
 this I found was two miles from the town, whieh I was now 
 quite unequal to inidcrtake : necessity therelbre compelled me 
 to remain where I was. Third-day morning, I turned into 
 the garden for air ; hearing some footiteps behind me, I was 
 agreeably surprised at the sight of two Friends, John Seebohm 
 and John Snowden, from Bradford, in Yorkshire ; as they were 
 passing the house my landlord informed them of my being 
 there. I was afterwards conveyed with my luggage to Peace 
 Dale, to John Seebohm's, where 1 soon found myself comfortably 
 at home: here I met with Benjamin Seebohm and John Yardlcy, 
 from England. On my describing to the Friends the situation 
 of the house 1 was first taken to, and the individuals who were 
 the keepers of it, they informed me they had been in member- 
 ship with the Society of Friends here, the man having filled 
 the station of an elder with great propriety ; but through some 
 of the stratagems of the enemy, they had so far swerved from 
 the sure foundation again, that both of them had forfeited their 
 membership with Friends, and had become great persecutors 
 and bitter enemies to the good cause they once espoused, and 
 wholly absented themselves from the meetings of Friends. This 
 account was fresh cause for reverent thankfulness, that 1 had thus
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 375 
 
 attended to the secret caution in my own mind at that time, 
 otherwise my mind might have been influenced by prejudice 
 against the Friends of Pyrmont, in a way that might not 
 easily have been shaken off again. This escape excited in me 
 fresh desires to be preserved steadily attending to my stops in 
 future.
 
 ;j7fi 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the usual meeting ; many strangers came 
 in and sat the principal part of the time : it proved a solid, quiet 
 meeting. Fifth-day put on my round frock and turned out into 
 the garden, to try to do my best at labour ; 1 found it rather try- 
 ing to the flesh, yet I was afraid of flinching from this part of my 
 duty. Sixth-day, my employ occasioned me much pain in my 
 back ; nature was disposed to plead to be excused, yet I found I 
 must be willing to persevere, not doubting but that, in time, these 
 hard things would become more easy ; and as it was a part of the 
 terms on which my Divine Master engaged me in his service, that 
 1 should fill up my leisure time whilst here in some useful em- 
 ployment, when my religious duties did not require my attention, 
 that I might thereby become a good example in this respect to 
 others, I feared, if I refused to comply, my Master «ould discharge 
 me from his service, which would endanger my exchanging my 
 back-aching for heart-aching ; one night's rest would do much 
 towards curing my back-ache, but if heart-aching was to be the 
 result of my flinching from this part of my post, where am I to 
 go to seek a sovereign remedy for it ? — these considerations 
 spurred me on to my duty. 
 
 First day, attended the usual meeting; in the early part of 
 which it was evident there was that to be felt near, which, if it 
 had been yielded to, would have gathered all under its benign 
 influence ; but its progress was sorrowfully interrupted by the 
 going out and coming in of strangers, which is much the case 
 during the season for drinking the waters : in the evening we had 
 a sitting in the family, I thought to good satisfaction. Fourth- 
 day, attended the usual meeting ; many strangers were waiting for 
 admittance ; it proved a solid meeting, the countenances of some 
 of the strangers manifested they had been introduced into some 
 degree of religious thoughtfulness. 
 
 First-day, the meeting was numerously attended by strangers, 
 most of whom staid through the principal part of it, and ap- 
 peared solid, and attentive to what was communicated ; yet the 
 meeting suffered loss by those who left it before it closed, 'l have 
 observed, on the Continent, that there is generally great irrcgu-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 377 
 
 larity in going to and leaving the places of religious worship. 
 Feeling drawings in my minc| to make a visit to the resident 
 preacher at Pyrmont, I sent to him the address to the magis- 
 trates and clergy of Hamburgh, with a message of my intentions, 
 requesting; he would fix the time for it. First-day, the meeting 
 was large, and upon the whole comfortable. Second-day, I re- 
 sumed my daily labour, which is no little relief to my mind, as I 
 get better able to bear it ; being also unable to converse with 
 friends here if they make me visits. Fourth-day, attended the 
 usual meeting, my friend Benjamin Seebohm, who understood 
 the language, being absent, and my mind being brought un- 
 der exercise for service, I was placed in a trying situation ; the 
 thoughts of being obliged to express myself in an unknown 
 tongue, there being those present not professing with Friends, 
 felt to the creature humiliating ; I inquired if there were any 
 present who understood the English language, who could in- 
 terpret for me, but no reply being made to that effect, I could 
 see no other way for my relief, but my being willing to expose 
 myself by expressing what came before me for communication, 
 and there to leave it. Great quietness was observed whilst I was 
 on my feet ; the countenances of not a few appeared solid, and the 
 meeting afterwards settled down quietly, the strangers keeping 
 their seats beyond what is usual. Towards the close of the 
 meeting, something was given me for the members of the meeting, 
 which was a fresh trial, but as there was no way for me to preserve 
 my own peace of mind but to offer it, I did so. After I had sat 
 down, one of the members of the meeting stood up and spoke in the 
 German language ; although I could not understand the words, 
 yet, at the time, a sense was given me they corroborated what I 
 had offered. On inquiring, after meeting, of my friend John 
 Yardley, who was become sufficiently conversant in the German 
 language to understand what the Friend had said, I found my 
 feelings had not deceived me, and that what the Friend offered 
 was a repetition of part of what I had communicated. I 
 wished the Friend to be asked if he understood my words, 
 to which he replied, he was not able, but putting his hand to his 
 heart, said he felt there the import of them. Although the 
 meeting was to me a deeply baptizing one, yet the retrospect 
 afforded peaceful reflection : may 1 never forget these merciful 
 interferences of Divine goodness, but for ever bless his holy name 
 and power, through which my deliverance has been effected. 
 
 First-day, 11th of 8th mo. The people who were waiting 
 about the meeting-house followed us in, but being weary of 
 silence, soon left it again, and were succeeded by others who did 
 the like. This impatience which the people thus manifest after 
 words, calls for an increase of patience, and a godly care, when 
 liic mind is under exercise for service, lest Saul-like, through the
 
 378 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SIMLLITOE. 
 
 importunity of the people after words, we should be tempted to 
 make our offerings before the time ; and on the other hand, that 
 these interruptions do not operate to unsettle our minds, and 
 prove the means of our keeping baek that whieh is given us for 
 the people, when the time for it is fully come. At the close of 
 this meeting, 1 laid before Friends a concern to visit the families 
 of members, attenders, and others who have absented themselves 
 from the meetings of Friends ; my friend John \ardley pro- 
 posing to be my companion, our prospects were united with by the 
 Friends of the meeting, and our kind friend Benjamin Scebohm 
 being returned, was to accompany us as our interpreter. My mind 
 had been for some time exercised with an apprehension it would 
 be required of me to walk in the Alley (or Parade) on a I'irst-day 
 evening, this being the chief place of concourse during the season 
 for drinking the waters ; the theatres, gaming-tables, and prin- 
 cipal shops are situated in the Alley. This evening, accompa- 
 nied by my friends, Benjamin Seebohm and John \ ardlcy, we 
 proceeded, I think I may say for myself, in fear and trembling, 
 unable as I was to see what may be the result ; this step thus 
 taken, afforded a peaceful close to this days work. 
 
 Second-day we proceeded to visit the families, and had six sit- 
 tings ; in some of these sittings I was introduced into feelings, 
 whereby the creaturely part was abased, and self laid low as in the 
 very dust. When the day's work closed, and the retrospect was 
 taken, thankfulness became the clothing of my mind, that 1 had been 
 in mercy made willing to become thus subject. Third-day, pro- 
 ceeded again with the visit to the families. Fourth-day morning, 
 we sat with a poor, honest female, who earns her living by spin- 
 ning, for which she is obliged to work very hard ; she is a striking 
 example of diligence in getting out to meetings ; we had good satis- 
 faction in this opportunity. After meeting, we sat with one of the 
 families that have left the meetings of Friends ; at our parting 
 they appeared affectionate, and we were satisfied with the visit ; 
 the day closed agreeably to us all. Seventh day, we proceeded to 
 the meeting-house to examine the stock of printed books, the pro- 
 perty of Friends in England, but from the tried state of my mind 
 I was unable to take much share therein. May these proofs of 
 Divine regard be blessed to me, and may I be preserved from 
 desiring that these thorns in the flesh, these messengers of Satan, 
 which are thus in mercy permitted to buffet me, should be 
 removed, until they have dene for me that which they are 
 designed to do — which is the secret prayer of my soul. 
 
 First-day morning, the meeting suffered loss by the strangers 
 as heretofore. In the afternoon a few friends met, before whom 
 I opened my views of the danger Friends were in of suffer- 
 ing loss, in consequence of so large a portion of the First- 
 day being unoccupied, there being reason to fear it was not
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 379 
 
 always profitably spent; the youth also, being suffered to be at 
 large, were mixing with those of other societies, and participating 
 in that irreverent disposition of mind so prevalent with the people 
 here. As it did not appear practicable to open the meeting- 
 house in the afternoon, it being situated at the head of one of the 
 ])ublic walks, which are more resorted to by the visitors than they 
 are in the morning, I proposed to Friends the establishing a 
 reading-meeting, to be held on First-day evenings ; some of the 
 time of these meetings to be spent in silence, and some in reading 
 portions of the sacred writings, and such publications of the 
 Society as were best calculated to furnish the mind with a correct 
 idea of our religious principles, and of the virtuous lives of our 
 departed worthies ; which being united with, some Friends were 
 nominated to propose the hour and place to meet at. My friend 
 John Yardley also proposed the establishing a school, to be held 
 two evenings in the week, to instruct the children in the English 
 language, which also met with a cordial reception. In the after- 
 noon, Friends held their preparative meeting, men and women 
 uniting together in conducting the business of it. Although I 
 was not able to understand what passed in the meeting, yet a sense 
 was given me, that in their transacting their business, best help 
 was near : the time and place for the reading-meeting and school 
 was concluded upon, the first reading-meeting to be held to-mor- 
 row evening at Peace Dale. 
 
 First-day, 18th of the 8th mo. This evening we had a pretty 
 general attendance of parents and children at the reading-meeting, 
 the Friends having been previously named for readers, who from 
 time to time were to select suitable matter for reading. After 
 some time was passed over in silence, a few chapters out of the 
 New Testament, and parts of Scwel's History, were read ; a pause 
 having taken place, Friends separated, each manifesting satis- 
 faction at being present at the opportunity. Second-day, accom- 
 panied by my kind friends, John Yardley and Benjamin See- 
 bohm^ I waited upon the resident preacher of Pyrmont, who 
 received us kindly : I introduced myself by giving him my certifi- 
 cate, which he read with seeming attention, making observations 
 as he passed along. I informed him how much I had been dis- 
 tressed in my mind, by observing the manner in which the first 
 day of the week was passed at Pyrmont, querying with him 
 how far he had endeavoured to do his very best towards bringing 
 about a better observance of the day, laying before him the fatal 
 consequence that he must expect would result to himself hereafter, 
 if on his part he was deficient herein ; also the absolute need 
 there is for the professed ministers of Jesus Christ to seek for 
 Divine aid, that, through its all-sufficiency, they may be found 
 valiant in opposing the reign of Satan on the earth, in all his 
 devices and workings, and without fear, favour, or affection, using
 
 3H0 JOURNAL OF THOMAS fcHlLLITOE. 
 
 their utmost influence with those in authority for the suppression 
 of vice. 1 felt much for my dear friend and interpreter, who I 
 believe did his business conscientiously. My friend John ^ ardley 
 had some pertinent remarks to make, the whole of which appeared 
 to be well received, and we could not doubt but that the mind of 
 the preacher was aHve to a desire, that a better observance of the 
 duties of the first day of the week should take place ; but a 
 fear entered my mind, that the fear of man would operate and 
 hinder his doing what would be required of him towards its 
 being brought about. 
 
 First-day morning many strangers were waiting for admittance 
 when we reached the meeting house, amongst whom I made a 
 distribution of tracts ; the meeting soon settled down quietly, and 
 we were favoured to have it continue so to the close ; solid atten- 
 tion appeared to be manifested to what was ofi'ered by those who 
 had to minister: we dined in town. In the afternoon, the two 
 months' meeting was held ; from the precious covering evidently 
 to be felt over the meeting, I was led vj hope a good degree of a 
 right concern for the promotion of the cause of truth and right- 
 eousness, prevailed in the minds of those who took an active part 
 in the business. In the evening we had a large gathering at the 
 reading-meeting held at Peace Dale, which we were led to hope 
 was a favoured time to most ; our hearts bcinij afresh humbled 
 under a sense that Israel's Shepherd was still waiting to be 
 gracious to this part of his flock and family, if there was but a 
 willingness manifested to accept of his continued offers of help on 
 his own terms. 
 
 My mind had for some time been exercised with an appre- 
 hension that it would be required of me, before I cleared out 
 of Pyrmont, to attempt an interview with the Prince of Wal- 
 deck ; the weight of this exercise increasing on my mind, I 
 earnestly besought the Lord to bring to silence every thing in me 
 that was fleshly and of the creature, that so I might be enabled, 
 with holy certainty, to come with clearness to the knowledge of 
 his will respecting me in this matter ; which being, as I believed, 
 in mercy vouchsafed to me, I informed some Friends here of this 
 prospect of duty ; upon which a Friend undertook to ascertain 
 how this interview was to be obtained. Inquiry being made, it 
 appeared that he had lately left the castle of Pyrmont for his 
 winter residence. Although thus disappointed, I did not feel 
 condemned for not having made my situation known to Friends 
 earlier : and on endeavouring quietly to settle down under my 
 disappointment, in time the wav again clearly opened for my 
 relief, under an apprehension of duty to take up my pen. I rose 
 next morning at an early hour, and sat down for the purpose, 
 earnestly beseeching the Almighty to guide me by his counsel, 
 and preserve me faithfully in penning- down what I was clearly
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMy\S SHILLITOE. 381 
 
 commissioned with to lay before him. My faith was now again 
 closely put to the test ; I thought I could truly say, feeling 
 has no fellow, for willing should I have been to have been ex- 
 cused from such a task. Having committed to writing what 
 rose in my mind, 1 submitted it to a few Friends for their 
 approval or rejection ; which being approved, a fair copy was 
 left for translation. Fourth-day, the translation being com- 
 pleted, I signed it, which, with the address to Hamburgh, and 
 that to the magistrates and clergy, was sealed up and addressed 
 to the prince, notified on the outside, " on private business," to 
 prevent its being opened by the prince's secretary, and under 
 cover addressed to the princess dowager, his mother, who was 
 remaining at the castle of Pyrmont, intending to follow the prince 
 in a few days. A Friend took the packet to the castle ; but my 
 way did not appear clear to leave Pyrmont for several days after 
 it had been delivered, not knowing, if offence should be taken, 
 what might be the result as respected the Friends here. The 
 address was as follows : — 
 
 " To THE Prince of VValdeck. 
 
 a 
 
 May it please the prince to permit a stranger a little to 
 intrude on his time. Apprehensions of religious duty have in- 
 duced me to leave my family and native land, to pay a visit in 
 gospel love to some part of the Continent of Europe. In the 
 course of this visit I have had, with painful feelings, to deplore 
 the apparent state of forgetfulness of God, which, in my appre- 
 hension, too generally prevails amongst the people I have visited. 
 
 " This appears a very awful subject to me, when I consider 
 that many of my fellow-mortals, whose souls are equally precious 
 in the Divine sight with my own, and for whom Christ died as 
 well as for myself, are thus advancing in the direct road to 
 destruction ; seeing that, according to the general tenor of the 
 Holy Scriptures, not only the desperately wicked, but all those 
 who forget God, shall be turned into hell ; and, according to my 
 apprehension, this state of forgetfulness of God has no feature 
 more prominent than that of the abominable neglect of the day of 
 the week called Sunday, which is peculiarly set apart by the 
 common consent of all professing Christians for the service of 
 Almighty God. 
 
 " Bear with me, O prince, for I dare not hesitate in saying, 
 that I believe it is a very reprehensible and abominable thing in 
 the Divine sight, and that in no place 1 have as yet visited has 
 this evil appeared so prominent as at Hamburgh, Altona, and 
 Pyrmont, a part of thy dominions. 
 
 " My soul was grieved, in walking through the streets of Pyr- 
 mont, to beljokl, as was the case at Altona, not only the shops
 
 382 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 were generally opened that day as on other days of the week, but 
 that, in the evening, the theatre and other places of amusement 
 were generally resorted to. 1 am aware that an interference 
 in the personal conduct of the inha!)ita!its and visitors, with 
 respect to the manner of spending their time on that day, might 
 be considered an infringement of that liberty which 1 rejoice 
 to find thou art a promoter of: but when I consider that the 
 closing of the theatre and the suspension of business on that day 
 may be fully efFectcd by means of thy authority, I dare n(jt do 
 otherwise than thus lay the subject before thee, respectfully 
 beseeching thee to let it have all due place in thy mind. 
 
 " 1 had intended to crave a ])ersonal interview, but finding 
 thou hadst left Pyrmont, 1 have taken the liberty of thus address- 
 ing thee in writing. 
 
 " Although personally unknown to the Prince, the Almighty 
 knows my heart has been warmed, at times, with such flowings of 
 love towards him, as to lead me in secret to put uj) my earnest 
 supplications to Almighty God on his account; and to crave 
 that no part of the abuse of this day, which should be thus 
 set apart for the service of Him, before whom all must appear, 
 princes as well as subjects, to give an account of the deeds done 
 in the body, may be laid to thy charge in that awful day, O 
 prince ! but that, by exerting thy very utmost endeavours to pre- 
 vent these things in future, thou mayst be found standing fully 
 acquitted in the Divine sight. 
 
 " Yet I fear omitting to give it as my firm persuasion, that as 
 Divine Providence has placed thee, with respect to thy subjects, 
 as the head of a large family, and ruler over many people, if thou 
 shouldst suffer these things to continue without control, there 
 will be a danger of thy incurring the Divine displeasure, and not 
 standing thus acquitted in the sight of Almighty God. '1 hat by 
 endeavouring to be found faithfully filling up the trui^t reposed in 
 thee by Him, (by whom princes rule,) by example and by pre- 
 cept, uprightly exerting thy authority in the support of the cause 
 of God, thou mayst be favoured to secure a quiet and peaceable 
 possession of thy dominions, until the Almighty shall see meet 
 to call thee from works to rewards ; and that then, at that awful 
 period, thou mayst be enabled experimentally to say, with the 
 blessed Master, Christ Jesus, It is finished — the work of salva- 
 tion is finished — and that thy last breath may close with the 
 answer of ' Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou 
 into the joy of the Lord,' is the prayer of my soul ! 
 
 " Tho:vAS Shillitoe.' 
 
 " Peace Dale, near Pyrmor.t, but of Hitchin, in 
 Hertfordshire, England, 20th 8th mo. 1822."
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 383 
 
 This afternoon my kind friends, Benjamin Seebohm and John 
 Snowden, left Pyrmont for England ; this, to me, felt a stripping 
 time. I took a solitary walk, which afforded me a further oppor- 
 tunity of considering the step 1 had taken in addressing the 
 prince ; but, as we must expect will be the case when we are not 
 willing to let well alone, but will be seeking for further and 
 greater evidences of our movements being right, than is designed 
 for us to have, the enemy took the advantage of my unwatchful- 
 ness ; and he well knew where to attack me on my weak side, 
 endeavouring to effect in my mind a regret that I ever gave forth 
 the address, by magnifying all in his power, the dreadful con- 
 sequences that would follow should offence be taken. 1 be- 
 lieve my friends were satisfied as to the rectitude of the step 
 I had taken in this respect ; but when we are not satisfied with 
 the evidence we are favoured with, but go on trying the fleece, 
 wet and dry, again and again, I have sometimes thought we are 
 in danger of being found in the breach of that great command- 
 ment, " Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God." 
 
 Fifth-day, resumed my daily labour. First-day, felt myself 
 much stripped for want of the help of my friend Benjamin !See- 
 bohm. The reading meeting was numerously attended and much 
 favoured : may it continue to be maintained in a proper disposi- 
 tion of mind, and then 1 believe a blessing will attend it. 
 
 Observing the meeting-house, which is the property of Friends 
 in England, was suffering in consequence of the rain that fell 
 round the premises running into the cellar under the meeting- 
 house ; and believing I should not leave comfortably to myself, 
 unless I gave attention to it; I accordingly did so, and by the 
 help of workmen the rain-water was turned quite away from the 
 meeting-house. 
 
 Fourth-day. This was the last meeting, I expected to sit with 
 Friends here. There was a pretty general attendance. 
 
 Sixth-day, I made calls on the different Friends to take my 
 leave of them. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, accompanied by my kind friend John 
 Yardley, Ileft Pyrmont, poor, blind, naked; but yet with great cause 
 for thankfulness, that ! had not to make the addition of, miserable ; 
 leaving it with a peaceful mind ; the retrospect affording me a com- 
 fortable hope, my coming here had not been in my own will. I now 
 found, if 1 did my Great Master's will, I must not pursufe the di- 
 rect route to Minden, but turn aside out of it, and spend a few 
 days at Hanover. The weather being fine, and my mind able a little 
 to unbend, afforded me an opportunity to enjoy the works of the 
 Great Author of all that is worthy of our admiration. But on 
 our entering the gates of Hanover this evening, oh ! the sudden 
 change of feeling which I was again introduced into, I cannot de- 
 scribe ! suffice it to say, I felt indeed as a cart loaded with
 
 384 JOURNAL OF THOMAS .SHMMTOE. 
 
 sheaves, weiohetl down witli exercise. I passed rather a sleepless 
 nio-ht: at intervals in the night my mind was engaged in seeking 
 to^the Lord for his counsel and help, to be able so to demean 
 myself amongst the people as to secure his preservation, should 
 difficulty and danger attend me, if any service was called for at 
 my hand, during my abode here. 
 
 First-day morning, on looking out of the window of my hotel, how 
 was my soul grieved in observing in Hanover, the King of Eng- 
 land's dominions, the First-day of the week as much disregardecl as 
 in most places 1 had been in on the Continent of Europe ! Feeling 
 constrained in my mind to pass through the principal streets be- 
 fore, between, and after the places of worship closed for the day, 1 
 performed this task, for thus it felt to me : my kind young friend, 
 who had given me so much attention when hen* before, again 
 manifested anxiety to render me service, which I gladly accepted. 
 
 Second-day morning, my kind young friend accompanied us 
 to the residence of one of the preachers who spoke English. He 
 received us kindly. Conversation took place on the abuse of the 
 first day of the week, and the manner of its being disregarded in 
 Hanover. 1 was comforted in believing our friend whom we 
 ■were visiting, would gladly have had things otherwise than they 
 were in this respect ; but from the peculiar circumstances of some 
 new laws recently received from England, a wider door has been 
 opened for these abuses, and the hands of those who are desirous 
 of an amendment have been restrained. I felt well satisfied with 
 our visit, and that we had given up to come to Hanover. 
 
 Third-day morning, it being concluded upon by another of the 
 clergy to receive us, accompanied by our kind young friend, we pro- 
 ceeded to his house. We found him a man very far advanced in life, 
 but green in old age. On our entering his apartment, his first ques- 
 tion was, " Which of you was the author of the Address to Ham- 
 burgh.'*" On his being informed, he gave me both his hands, ex- 
 pressing in strong terms the comfort which the reading of them had 
 afforded him; adding, but it was cause of sorrow to his mind that a 
 stranger should have occasion to make such remarks as the address 
 contained, which remarks, said he, are too true ; yet he also rejoiced 
 that his Lord had such a faithful pleader of his cause as the addresses 
 give proof of; and in an impressive manner he uttered the solici- 
 tude of his soul that the Divine blessing might attend my labours, 
 and that the preserving arm of God might accompany me to the 
 end of my journey. After we had left this dear old man, we 
 were informed that a few years ago he made considerable efforts 
 towards remedying some of the prevailing evils in Hanover, espe- 
 cially the abuse ofthe First-day, but he met with so much opposition, 
 that he became weary, and gave the matter up. I found I must 
 endeavour to obtain a copy of the act of the king and council which 
 had been last issued from Carlton House, and which opened this
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 385 
 
 ■wide door for the abuse of the First-day of the week. This I was 
 favoured to accomplish ; but 1 have reason to beheve this would 
 not have been the case, had 1 attempted anything when in Han- 
 over before ; the person who gave me so much information on the 
 subject, and was the means of my being furnished with this copy 
 of the act, was then absent from Hanover, and only returned the 
 evening we arrived there ourselves : another proof of the need 
 of our being careful, that in our religious movements our minds 
 are not influenced too much by human prudence ; for if it be- 
 comes a ruling principle in our actions, we must expect to be led 
 astray from the path of safety. Having procured information 
 relative to the lamentable consequences produced by this late act 
 of the king and council, on the subject of the First-day, also a 
 copy of the act itself, 1 felt myself at liberty to proceed on my 
 way to Minden. What may be the result in future, of my ob- 
 taining this act of the king and council, if permitted to reach 
 ray native land, time only can determine. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, we left Hanover, and proceeded to Minden, 
 a part of the King of Prussia's dominions : lodged at Harmel. 
 
 Sixth-day, our kind friend, John Seebohm, met us there, and 
 we reached Minden in the evening. 
 
 Seventh-day was a time of close proving to my mind ; although 
 Lewis Seebohm had kindly offered to attend upon me on First- 
 days as my interpreter ; yet he being obliged to return home on 
 First-day night, a journey of twenty-four miles, I could not have 
 his help at the week-day meeting, nor any other time. During 
 the afternoon an account was received of the death of one of their 
 members, whose burial was to take place on Second-day, which 
 would be likely to occasion a considerable gathering of people in 
 the grave-yard : this circumstance increased my exercise of mind ; 
 but after all my anxiety, I found it was best for me to aim all in 
 my power to leave the future to care for the things of itself. 
 Late on Seventh- day evening, Lewis Seebohm arrived. I went 
 to his lodgings, and to my agreeable surprise, without being able 
 to come at the knowledge of the death of the Friend, he had ob- 
 tained leave of absence from the managers of the school he super- ' 
 intended, until Third-day, which led me secretly to say, ' Won- 
 derful, indeed, are the ways of Providence : who shall not fear 
 thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name ?' 
 
 Second-day afternoon, accompanied by other Friends, we pro- 
 ceeded to the house of the deceased, and from thence to the grave- 
 yard, where we were followed by a great company of persons 
 who had gathered round the house on the occasion. Consider- 
 able time was spent in silence at the grave-side ; the behaviour 
 of the people was becoming the occasion which had brought us 
 together; and they left the grave-yard again, as if the awful occa- 
 sion had made suitable impressions on many of their minds. 
 
 c c
 
 386 JOURNAL (ii TH(J.^JA^ MUIMTOK. 
 
 This evening, licwis Seebohm, John Seebolnn, and John 
 Yardley were obliged to leave nie to return to their own homes, 
 by which means 1 was deprived of the t.i)i)<.rtuiiiiy of conversing 
 with Friends here, as none of them are acquainted with the Eng- 
 lish language; but I hope, by this time, I have in some good 
 degree learned the necessary lesson of patience under these trials. 
 
 Fifth-day, such a succession of discouragements crowded into 
 my mind, that 1 concluded thire would l)e no way for nie but 
 to risk the consequences of my returning home, and not prcjcecd 
 further on my journey in prospect : I had not a friend I could 
 open my mind to, nor could it have been of much avail, assured 
 as I was, my help, if I was favoured to receive help, was to c»»me 
 from a higher source than poor mortal man. " < ) be pleased to 
 send it, holy Father, in thine own due and ajipointed time, lest I 
 should be tempted to stop short in fullilliug that whieli thou hast 
 for me to do!" was the earnest and fervent breathing of my 
 deeply-tribulated soul. 
 
 Seventh-day evening, my kind friend Lewis Seebohm, again 
 arrived, which afforded mc an opportunity of exchange of senti- 
 ment again. 
 
 First-day morning, there was a great coming in of strangers, 
 who generally sat the meeting through in a solid inanner. 1 had 
 a laborious time; and notwithstanding the capability of my inter- 
 preter, my trials of mind were such, that I had nearly sat down in 
 the middle of some of my sentences. Soon after meeting, my 
 kind friend and interpreter left me again, so that I had to pass 
 my time until Seventh-day, again very much in silence. May 
 I be willing to labour after that state of mind, in which all 
 murmuring is entirely done away, and then all these depriva- 
 tions which I meet with, will work together for good. 
 
 Third-day, I went to one of the Friends out of the town, to 
 seek for some employment in his garden ; but either he could 
 not understand me, or he was not willing I should be thus em- 
 ployed. I was obliged to return home disappointed. I took my 
 round frock, turned out in the afternoon, and tried another of the 
 Friends. I made him understand me so far as to give me a hoe, 
 and portion me a spot of ground to clear from the weeds ; for 
 which my mind felt thankful, under my present circumstances, 
 left solitary as I was. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, rose from my bed in a tried state of mind, 
 when looking at the meeting-time coming. The person who took 
 pity on me, when I first arrived at Pyrmont, resided here as a 
 preacher to the Lutheran congresation, and had kindly offered me 
 
 1.** A OO' 
 
 his assistance. Aware, as I was, that his time was fully occupied 
 with his school and in divers other ways, I had not felt easy to in- 
 trude myself upon him. Some short time after I took my seat in 
 the meeting, my mind was brought under exercise, and matter was
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 387 
 
 given me for communication, but the command to stand up and 
 express what was thus given me was withheld ; I therefore con- 
 cluded I must silently bear the burden of the word, and take it pa- 
 tiently away with me ; but near the time the meeting usually closes, 
 this Lutheran preacher came and took his seat in the meeting. 
 The way now clearly opening for me to communicate that which 
 was still before my mind, I felt at liberty to request the preacher 
 would take his seat by me, and help me out, as I had something 
 for the people, which he did ; saying, if I would be slow in ex- 
 pressing myself, he would do his best for me. He appeared to 
 get forward easily with his task, and a solemnity was brought 
 over the meeting at the time ; thus my difficulties subsided. 
 On my acknowledging his kindness, when the meeting closed, he 
 informed me he had no duty to do on the next First-day, and 
 should I then need his help, he would attend upon me. This 
 free-will offering, so unaccompanied with the semblance of bi2:otry, 
 produced a nearness of affection in my mind towards him. When 
 a suitable opportunity occurred, I had inquiry made of a Friend 
 who was at the meeting, capable of giving a clear opinion, how 
 far the subject I had at that time to lay before them was cor- 
 rectly given. The reply of the Friend was, he believed, as cor- 
 rect a translation of what I then offered was given as well could 
 be : fresh cause for gratitude on my part, and fresh cause to take 
 courage, and trust in the name of the Lord ! 
 
 Fifth-day, the thorn in the flesh Avas permitted to goad me 
 sorely. My soul craves that the designs of Infinite Wisdom, for 
 which these buffettings of Satan are permitted, may not be frus- 
 trated through my impatience, or any creaturely contrivance of 
 my own, to get from under them. Seventh-day evening, Lewis 
 Seebohm and John Yardley arrived. 
 
 First-day morning, the Lutheran preacher gave us his com- 
 pany at the meeting, which was numerously attended by stran- 
 gers, who at the close left it in a solid manner : after which 
 Friends were requested to remain in the meeting-house, before 
 whom I spread a concern to sit with Friends of Minden, Eden- 
 hausen, and Hilla, in their families, which being united with, 
 my friend John Yardley proposed to join me in the visit. It be- 
 ing the time of the vacation in the school in which Lewis Seebohm 
 was an assistant, he was at liberty, and kindly offered to accom- 
 pany us as our interpreter : way thus again opening for my relief, 
 unsought for and unexpected, was a fresh call upon me, in my 
 proving seasons, to endeavour to keep in view the injvmction of 
 the apostle, (Philippians, iv. 6,) " Be careful for nothing; but in 
 every thing, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let 
 your requests be made known unto God ; and the peace of God, 
 which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and 
 minds through Jesus Christ."
 
 388 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SMILMTOE. 
 
 Second-day, we bent our course to Buckeljurgli, about five 
 English miles from Mindcn, and sat with the family of Friends 
 who reside there. Whilst at Pyrmont, I received an invitation 
 from a female of Buckeburgh, not professing with I'ricnds, to 
 make her a visit on my way to Minden ; and feeling easy in my 
 mind to accept the invitation, I returned an answer accordingly : 
 yphen on ray way to Minden we halted at Buckeburgh, but my way 
 was then so closed up as to making this visit, that I concluded it 
 would be safest for me to come over specially for the purpose, not 
 havino- then a prospect of this line of service that has now brought 
 us here : but the way now clearly opening for it, we were con- 
 ducted to her dwelling. On our arrival, we were welcomed l)y an 
 elderly man, who bore the marks of being above the middle rank 
 in life ; he conducted us to the apartment of his sick sister, who 
 had sent me the invitation : this apartment was nearly in total 
 darkness, as her daughter, who was iier companion in her great 
 bodily suffering, was labouring under an almost total loss of 
 sight, whereby she was unable to bear day-light in the room. 
 We sat down together, but conversation taking place interrupted 
 that quiet that was hovering over us ; 1 requested conversation 
 would cease, which being attended to, I Juid much given me 
 for the sick woman, and others in the room. My interpreter 
 had long been acquainted with the family, and therefore from the 
 manner I had to address the sick woman, those present appre- 
 hended he hiid given mc information respecting her ; until he 
 assured them, he was ignorant who the individual was we were 
 about to visit, until we reached the side of the bed in which she 
 was confined, and that, as I did not understand the German lan- 
 guage, the family 1 had left could not give me information re- 
 specting her: this explanation appeared fully to satisfy then), and 
 at our parting, the sick woman and her brother expressed their 
 thankfulness for the visit ; the brother, in a feeling manner, said 
 he desired to profit by what had been communicated to himself. 
 It appeared that the desire for this visit originated in the circum- 
 stance of one of the addresses to Hamburgli having reached the 
 hands of the brother, who fills a high oflRce in the chamber of the 
 Prince of Buckeburgh. I sent him some books, on the receipt of 
 which he returned the following acknowledgment : — 
 
 " Buckeburgh, 14th of October, 1822. 
 " My dear friend ShiUitoe, 
 " It is pleasant to me to employ my pen in the familiar style of 
 the second person singular in writing to thee, it is the language 
 of nature. The consohng words with which thou addresscdst my 
 sister were affecting to me ; I could not do otherwise than love 
 thee, beheving thee to be an evangelical Christian and a faithful 
 servant of the Lord. I shall alwavs think of thee with love. I
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 389 
 
 sincerely thank thee for the books which thou hast sent me, 
 which contain so much that is true and instructive : I receive 
 them as a vahiable present. If thou wilt apply to me for the 
 cost, it would be no more than what is right. J should still con- 
 sider them as a gift of love ; for it does not appear to me to be 
 right for me to receive as a present, that by which others, who 
 are poorer than I am, might be benefited. As I hear thou art 
 likely to travel through France, a country where there is but lit- 
 tle religion and much infidelity, but where there must be also 
 many thousands who are desirous of comfort, and also of a know- 
 ledge of the truth, may the Lord bless and prosper thy labours, 
 and afford abundant opportunity to establish and enlarge his 
 kingdom, and preserve thee in this arduous undertaking, both in 
 body and spirit. 
 
 " My sister greets thee, and hopes that thou wilt retain her in 
 thy affectionate remembrance. 
 
 " L. H." 
 
 On our way home our carriage-wheel came off, and our axle- 
 tree broke by the fall of our carriage, which exposed us to con- 
 siderable difficulty, from the rain and the toil it occasioned us, 
 the roads being in some places deep in mud ; but we esteemed 
 it a favour that worse did not happen to us, which might have 
 been the case had the accident occurred where the ground on 
 either side is several feet below the road. 
 
 Third-day, 1st of 10th mo. we walked to Edenhausen, where 
 there is a small settlement of Friends, and a week-day meeting 
 established. Our first visit was to a family who are farmers. It 
 appeared they had no place so suitable for our sitting with the 
 family as the entrance-hall, which runs through the house from 
 front to back. In the upper part of this hall the family live 
 and cook their provisions : generally there is no chimney, 
 but the smoke which escapes, passes through holes in the 
 wall. On each side of this entrance are stables, or cribs for the 
 horse, cow, calves, pigs, goat, and poultry, which open to this 
 entrance, except just so as to keep these animals from coming 
 out and mixing with the family. From the noise some of their 
 live-stock were making, the prospect of sitting down with the 
 family in this place, was to me discouraging; so much so, 
 that I felt inclined to propose to give it up, as I understood we 
 could not be more suitably accommodated ; but by endeavouring 
 after patience under my trying situation, I was pi-eserved from 
 this unadvised step, as it would have been, and we took our seat^ 
 together ; soon after which the cow put out her head, and gave a 
 loud bellow, and the pigs and the geese became very noisy. This 
 interruption to our quiet continued for some time, when, to my 
 great surprise, all at once became quiet, as much so as if there
 
 390 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 had not been a living creature near besides ourselves ; which quiet 
 continued until the meeting was over, and we had a solid oppor- 
 tunity with the family. In the fourth visit we paid, the wife of 
 the Friend was not in membership : and upon an offer being 
 made her to sit with us, she refused. One of my companions re- 
 o-retted her absence ; but the opportunity closing before she had 
 time to retreat, she was found listening at the door of the apart- 
 ment, which had been left a little open, and at our parting she 
 came and kindly gave us her hand. 
 
 Fourth day, we sat with the family, where the meeting is held. 
 This being the day of their week-day meeting, there was a nume- 
 rous attendance of Friends and others : truth rose into dominion, 
 and it proved (we had good ground for believing) a baptizing 
 time to many. A man, who on being informed of the meeting, 
 appeared to receive the information in rather an opposing man- 
 ner, came and took his seat near my companion, was much ten- 
 dered, and when the meeting closed, took his leave of us in an 
 affectionate manner. A woman also came to our interpreter in a 
 tender disposition of mind, saying she had been a backslider a 
 great many years ; but hoped she could say a willingness had 
 been brought about in her mind that day, through the assistance 
 of the Lord's power, to become obedient to his will concerning 
 her. When the meeting closed, it appeared as if the people 
 hardly knew how to separate. Having closed our visit here, wc 
 returned to Minden. 
 
 Fifth-day, we proceeded to Hilla, about ten English miles. 
 Wc met with two families and one individual in membership 
 with Friends here. After these visits were accomplished we re- 
 turned to Minden, bringing our sheaves with us. 
 
 Sixth-day, we went to Herteford, about ten English miles, to 
 visit a solitary individual who resides there. We had good 
 ground for believing this Friend was very closely united and 
 bound to the principles, which we, as a Society, are making a 
 profession of; but he was unable to provide for his numerous family 
 anywhere so well as where he is thus residing ; he appeared to 
 be in what we should call extreme poverty, but thankful for 
 tiiat portion of this world's goods dispensed to him, although so 
 scanty. 
 
 First-day, Gth of 10th mo. the meeting for worship at Minden 
 Mas large. It was a laborious time, yet fresh cause was merci- 
 fully vouclisafcd to set up the Ebenezer, and say, it has been 
 through the Lord's help alone, I have been enabled faithfully to 
 acquit myself this morning. 
 
 First-day, the meeting this morning was large, in which Truth 
 rose into dominion, to the humbhng of many of our spirits : the 
 sweet (juiet that was to be felt over the meeting, and the solid 
 deportment of the people when we separated, afforded cause for
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 301 
 
 thankiiUiiess. In the afternoon the two months' meeting was 
 held : Friends of Pyrmont, Minden, Kdenhausen, and Hilla 
 make up this two months'' meeting, which is held alternately at 
 Minden and Pyrmont. The business was conducted in much 
 quiet, and if my feelings were correct, under a good degree of 
 concern, that gospel order might be promoted amongst Friends 
 in their several allotments. As 1 was now soon about to take 
 my departure, I found 1 should not be clear of Friends here, in the 
 sight of my great Master, without i-eviving some expressions of the 
 late John Pemberton, who laid down his life at Pyrmont, which 
 were these : " Friends, Truth is a clean thing ;" 1 endeavoured 
 as ability was afforded mc, to enforce the belief which accompa- 
 nied my mind, that it leads to cleanliness in our persons and our 
 houses, as well as in our hearts, if properly yielded to, by our being 
 actuated by its influence ; and it would lead Friends here as well 
 as elsewhere, to set that example of cleanliness in their per- 
 sons and houses, to their neighbours v/hich is so much wanting : 
 I also recommended to men Friends, not to require the women to 
 labour so much out of doors, as now is the case, by their doing 
 much of the servile work, whereby they would have more time to 
 attend to their domestic concerns. What I had thus to offer on 
 these subjects, there was reason to believe, was well received ; and 
 I felt thankful that strength was thus given me to clear my mind 
 respecting them, which I felt was like touching tender places. 
 
 Having felt my mind engaged to make a visit to the general in the 
 army here, accompanied by John Yardley, Frederick Smidt, and 
 my interpreter, we proceeded to his residence. He met us with 
 marks of respect. 1 presented him with some books, which he 
 received in a pleasant manner. It appeared to me right I should 
 acknowledge the feelings of gratitude that had attended my mind, 
 since I had come to Minden, towards the King of Prussia for his 
 indulgence, by granting liberty of conscience to such as were in 
 membership with our religious Society, as regards military de- 
 mands; at the same time I told the general I believed it right for 
 me to cast before his view, (to make such use of it as he should 
 see meet,) the difficulty which two descriptions of persons, under 
 our name, might be brought into, for which there was no provi- 
 sion made, but who might be equally deserving the tenderness of 
 the government under which they lived ; since the indulgence of 
 the king extended to such only as are in membership with the So- 
 ciety of Friends. One description which I have thus alluded to, 
 is, those who, on account of misconduct, have forfeited their mem- 
 bership in the Society, but who manifest signs of sorrow for their 
 outgoings, and have not lost their conscientious scruples with 
 the loss of their membership, who nevertheless conduct them- 
 selves consistently with our principles, and are dihgent in their 
 attendance of our religious meetings ; but the way has not yet
 
 392 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE, 
 
 clearly opened in the minds of their friends to restore them into 
 membership with them ; and therefore, as the law now is, such must 
 either suffer, or violate their conscience, which should be viewed as 
 a sacred thing, (God speaking in the soul of man,) and ought to 
 be preserved inviolate. The other case is, those who are con- 
 vinced of our religious principles, and are conscientiously concerned 
 to act up to them ; but the way had either not appeared to them to 
 be come to apply for admittance into membership, or the Society 
 had not seen that the time was fully come to admit them : these 
 also must be placed in a similar situation with the former, if 
 called upon to comply with military demands. The general gave 
 me a full opportunity to relieve my mind, assuring me, should any 
 such cases come under his notice, he would do all in his power 
 for their relief; saying, although he regretted we could not con- 
 verse more freely together, the visit had afforded him satisfaction. 
 At our parting, I informed the general I had no desire to screen 
 such as were not worthy of his lenity ; and any attempt to impose 
 on him might be prevented, by his requiring a certificate from two 
 respectable members of our Society, that such who claimed his in- 
 dulgence, were in profession with us and of consistent conduct. 
 
 Second-day morning, accompanied by Frederick Smidt and 
 my interpreter, I made a visit to the Stadt-governor, at the 
 Stadt-house. I had proposed, from the feelings of my own 
 mind, to visit him at his own house out of the town ; but as it was 
 thought by my friends better to visit him at the Stadt-house, 
 I yielded; but on entering his apartment I discovered my error 
 in not going to his own house, as we found him so surrounded by 
 persons on public business, that I despaired of my being able to 
 obtain a hearing. I saw no way but to desire my interpreter to re- 
 quest the governor would go with us into a private room, which 
 he complied with. I laid before him what might be the trying 
 situation of the above two descriptions of persons, relative to the 
 taking an oath, as I had before done to the general, which 
 case might come under the governor's immediate notice ; request- 
 ing he would make such use of my remarks as would tend 
 most to the peace of his own mind ; I reminded him that con- 
 science was a tender thing, and that such as acted conscienti- 
 ously towards their Maker must become good subjects to their 
 king. The governor made judicious remarks on what I had thus 
 laid before him ; assuring us he would not lose sight of my obser- 
 vations, but do all in his power towards the relief of those whose 
 cases came before him ; he expressed the satisfaction this short in- 
 terview had afforded him, and the regret he felt that our ac- 
 quaintance had not commenced sooner. I presented him with 
 some books, and at our parting, he said he would take the neces- 
 sary care a])()ut my passport; but as I proposed leaving INlinden 
 early next morning, fearing lest, through the hurry of business,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 393 
 
 the governor should forget, as we had to go by the police-office, 
 we called ourselves. On entering the office, tlie lieutenant of the 
 police ordered us chairs, saying he was at the Friends' meeting yes- 
 terday, and was well satisfied at being there ; lie signed my passport, 
 and would not allow me to pay the usual fees ; gave me his hand 
 affectionately at our parting. I now was able to look at quitting 
 Minden with a peaceful mind. After having made these last- 
 mentirmed visits to the general and the governor, I fell in com- 
 pany with a young man under convincement, reputed to be of 
 very steady conduct, but the way had not yet opened in Friends' 
 minds to receive him : he was labouring under difficulty for re- 
 fusing to comply with military demands, and the hearing of this 
 circumstance awakened in my mind feelings of gratitude to my 
 Divine Master, who had thus strengthened me to labour with the 
 general and the governor on this subject. 
 
 15th of 10th mo. 1822, 1 left Minden, and reached Billifield by 
 night, where 1 was kindly cared for by my friend Lewis Seebohm 
 and his wife : we were informed at Minden, by crossing the coun- 
 try to Newn Churchen about twelve o'clock at noon, I should 
 meet with a diligence hung on springs. Fourth-day morning 
 early, we left Billifield for Newn Churchen, about ten English 
 miles ; our road lay through deep sands, and such holes and 
 hollows, that I fully expected we should be upset. Twelve o'clock 
 came, but we had not reached our journey's end ; and on in- 
 quiry of the peasantry, our distance from Newn Churchen, we were 
 told it was four miles. We did not reach Newn Churchen until 
 one o'clock, and found the diligence did not arrive at the tavern 
 we were stopping at until ten o'clock at night ; my friends who 
 came with me intended to have seen me seated in the diligence, 
 which 1 could have been glad of, in order that everything relative 
 to my getting forward might have been arranged with the superin- 
 tendent of the carriage ; but as they and the carriage we came in were 
 expected to return by night, 1 was obliged to endeavour after 
 resignation, and be left amongst strangers, at the uncertainty of my 
 having a place in the diligence when it arrived. Not one person 
 in the house where I was to be left, could understand me, nor 
 could I understand them. My friend, before he left me, did all 
 in his power to interest the family I was to stay with to care for 
 me. The carriage did not arrive until twelve o'clock at night, and it 
 proved a heavy waggon fixed upon the axletrees instead of a diligence 
 hung on springs ; but this disappointment was soon got over by 
 my finding there was room for me to proceed by it. After halting 
 about two hours, we started ; about mid-day we arrived at Pader- 
 born, where we changed our conveyance for one that would afford 
 relief to my fatigued body. As 1 was standing at the door of the 
 hotel where the diligence went from, being very pensive and unable 
 to make the people at the diligence-office understand about my
 
 394< JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 
 
 paying my fare and packing my luggage, a young man of genteel 
 appearance came to me, and offered his services ; he kindly under- 
 took to care for me in every thing I stood in need of, and waited 
 to see me seated in the carriage and started : by his interceding 
 with the post-master, the superintendent gave me every attention 
 1 required. When we arrived at Cassel, having a letter to the 
 post-master, I was taken to a clean, comfortable hotel, which was 
 a great privilege; yet, none of the family speaking English, was 
 some take-off; but I procured what satisfied me by signs, the 
 keepers of the house manifesting a desire to do all in their 
 pov/er for my comfort. Next morning, whilst at my breakfast, 
 a respectable looking man came into the room, whom the keeper 
 of the hotel made me understand could speak English ; I there- 
 fore addressed myself to him. At first he carried himself very 
 shy and distant ; but by persevering to secure his attention, he 
 became more disposed to notice me, querying with me, as I was a 
 stranger to every language but my native tongue, what had 
 caused me to undertake such a journey. My certificates being 
 the best explanation to his question, as preventing much further 
 inquiry, 1 gave him them, which he appeared to read with 
 interest, pausing as he went along. After reading them he 
 became more sociable, and desirous to afford me every as- 
 sistance in his power ; he also gave me the address of a person 
 who he said was one of our society. In the evening I went to the 
 residence of this person, saying I was an Englishman, he 
 opened his door and gave me a hearty welcome to his 
 house; his first question was, what had brought me to the 
 Continent .'' As usual, I gave him my certificates, on which he 
 made his remarks as he passed along. On my inquiring relative 
 to his situation, it appeared he stood in the station of a bishop, or 
 inspector of the different congregations of the French reform in 
 this place and its neighbourhood, who are very numerous. We 
 spent our time together, I hope to mutual edification. Next 
 morning he made me a call, and we had much interesting con- 
 versation ; and as I intended to leave Cassel that afternoon, and 
 had my luggage to see to, he settled all these matters for me, 
 giving the managers of the diligence charge that the superintendent 
 should give me every attention I needed. Matters being all thus 
 arranged for my departure, I accompanied the bishop to the hos- 
 pital for the aged poor. In four of the wards I had something to 
 communicate, which he interpreted, expressing the satisfaction my 
 labours in this way had afforded him, and we took an affectionate 
 leave of each other ; but before we parted, he kindly inquired of 
 me if I needed any pecuniary aid, as he was willing to furnish me 
 with it ; but I assured him my good Master had abundantly 
 cared for me in this respect. In consequence of a letter which I 
 brought from Pyrmont to the post-master at Cassel, I was given
 
 JOURNAL OF TH03IAS SHILLITOE. 395 
 
 to understand he had arranged for my being taken to a comfort- 
 able hotel on our arrival at Frankfort. I took my seat in the 
 carriage, expecting, as heretofore, to be obliged to endure in 
 silence such difficulties as I met with by the way. A female who 
 sat opposite me addressed me in German : I shook my head as a 
 token of my not understanding her. A young man, a military 
 officer, who sat in another corner of the carriage, expressed in 
 good English his surprise that, at my time of life, and wholly un- 
 acquainted with the language of the country wherein I was travel- 
 ling, 1 should undertake such a journey ; after which he manifested 
 a desire to lay himself out for my accommodation evexy way, as 
 we passed along ; in procuring such things for me as were most 
 suitable for me to take, and seeing 1 was not imposed upon at the 
 places of entertainment, also that I did not take forward money that 
 would not pass where 1 was going, without loss. When we 
 reached Frankfort, he took me with him to his hotel, accompa- 
 nied me to the bankers, saw my money was correct, then went 
 with me to the coach-office ; he also pressed me to accompany 
 him to his own home, but as I could not comply with his request, 
 he then engaged my place forward to Basle, and arranged with the 
 liotel-keeper to give me every attention in his power ; after which 
 he left me for his estate on the Lower Rhine ; but before we parted 
 he gave me an engraving, with a view of his estate, requesting I 
 would accept of it as a mark of his esteem, accompanied with his 
 address, and his desire, if any Friends should come to the Lower 
 Rhine they might be addressed to him, and he should feel a plea- 
 sure in rendering them any service in his power. 
 
 23rd of 10th mo. 1822. Left Frankfort, and after two days and 
 two nights' travel I was favoured to reach Basle. I was recom- 
 mended to a hotel, where I was told the waiter spoke English ; 
 but this waiter was a lad who had obtained a little smattering of 
 it, and so dull in comprehending my meaning, I was, more fre- 
 quently than not, disappointed in my expectations of what I 
 wanted, and what was to be done for me; frequent occurrence of 
 these circumstances (like Socrates"' wife) teaches patience, an in- 
 gredient I have very little of in my natural composition ; but 
 grace, I find, is able to do all that is needful towards our witnessing 
 patience to have its perfect work in us, that so all things may 
 work together for our good. I procured a messenger to conduct 
 me to the house of my kind friend Theophilus Bloomhardt, who 
 received me with marks of sincere regard, speaking the English 
 language well. His services became very useful to me with 
 regard to my luggage, which was to come by a waggon which I 
 was informed was to keep company with our carriage ; but through 
 this friend's help I found it would not arrive until noon on First- 
 day. This circumstance felt trying to my nature, and the wea- 
 ther continuing fine, and the moon still affording good light, 1 felt
 
 396 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 disposed to move forward by the next conveyance to Geneva ; 
 but had I thus hastily proceeded, 1 have good cause for be- 
 lieving it would have occasioned my return dgain to Basle. 
 
 First-day evening, my kind friend Theophilus Bloomhardt 
 invited me to accompany him to a meeting of a few select friends, 
 with liberty to use my own freedom with respect to my hat, or in 
 any manner conforming to such religious ceremonies as they were 
 in the practice of, which I accepted. The meeting was held in a 
 large room attached to a meeting-house ; here I met with upwards 
 of two hundred persons assembled. Such was the covering of 
 good I was favoured to feel on entering the room, that my soul 
 saluted them as brethren and children of the same great Almighty 
 Power, by whom I was professing to be actuated in my proceeding 
 in this my wilderness travel. Endeavouring to retire to the gift of 
 Divine grace in my own heart, and feeling something given me to 
 express amongst them, when their meeting closed I gave notice 
 of it to my friend, who kindly offered to interpret for me. 
 Although I could not understand what passed in their meeting, 
 yet I thought a sense was given me, that towards the close of 
 it a disposition for hastily getting through that which they pro- 
 fessed to meet for was yielded to, whereby the service which 
 these meetings might be of, was in degree laid waste; my thus 
 i-emonstrating with them hereon appeared to find place in their 
 minds, and it produced an acknowledgment of desire to be wil- 
 ling to act more up to it in future. I returned to my hotel, not 
 only with a peaceful mind, but thankful at the disappointment 
 I had met with about my luggage; earnestly craving to be pre- 
 served resigned to such further service as may be required of me 
 here, and not to take steps towards my proceeding to Geneva 
 until the way opens for it with great clearness. My friend, 
 Theophilus Bloomhardt, is head of a college here ; duty prompt- 
 ing me, I requested liberty to have a meeting with the students, 
 which was consented to. 
 
 Second-day evening, I had accordingly a meeting with the 
 students and a few others : we sat a considerable time together in 
 awful solemn silence, after which strength was jjiven me to rise 
 on my feet, and I hope I may say faithfully to deliver that which 
 was given me to communicate to them, and from the affectionate 
 manner they pressed towards me when I was about to leave the 
 room, I thought I had ground for believing what I had offered 
 was well received. I returned home, feeling fresh cause to set up 
 my Ebenezer, and say, it is the Lord's doing, and truly marvellous 
 in my eyes. 
 
 Third-day, the way now clearly opening for my moving towards 
 
 Geneva, I secured a place in the next conveyance to Berne. The 
 
 burgo-master of the canton having expressed a desire I would 
 
 ^ make him a call, accompanied by my kind friend, we waited upon
 
 JOURNAL OF IHOMAS SIIILLITOE. 39^ 
 
 him this afternoon ; he is far advanced in life, and green in old 
 age, manifesting an anxious concern to be found filling his situa- 
 tion, as head-senator of the canton, in a way that would redound 
 to the honour of his Creator, and the good of his fellow-creatures. 
 I thought I could fcehngly subscribe to the truth of this, as 
 Basle exhibits a striking proof of how much a well-regulated 
 police can do, towards preserving good order in a large city like 
 this, and a proper observance of the First-day of the week ; the 
 quiet and order with which it was passed throughout the whole 
 of the day was very consoling ; for any thing I could observe, 
 business of every description was wholly suspended, no tippling in 
 public-houses, few people seen in the streets, except when the 
 time came for their assembling at their different places of religious 
 worship, and then it was gratifying to see how numerous they 
 were. At our parting, the burgo-master expressed the satisfac- 
 tion the interview had given him, to which I could fully subscribe 
 as it respected myself. I intended to return to' my hotel, but 
 my friend told me, he had" another call he wished me to make; 
 after a pause, he said, he was desirous of introducing me to a 
 general conference of their preachers in this part of the coun- 
 try. The proposal at first startled me, but a fear predomi- 
 nated over my discouragements, that if I refused to accept the 
 offer that had been made me out of brotherly kindness, I should 
 have cause to be sorry for my so doing. 1 found about thirty of 
 their preachers assembled : feeling my mind brought under ex- 
 ercise for service, 1 informed my friend thereof, who" kindly offered 
 to interpret for me : the company gave me a quiet, full opportu- 
 nity to relieve my mind ; on my quitting the meeting, some ex- 
 pressed a desire the Divine blessing might attend me, others, in 
 an affectionate manner, gave me their hands ; after which, and 
 taking an affectionate farewell of my kind friend, I arranged for 
 my departure to Berne at four o'clock. 
 
 On Fourth-day morning, we left Basle for Berne, from whence 
 a coach would start two hours after my arrival for Geneva. I 
 had procured a letter to the post-master at Berne, to secure me 
 a place forward by that conveyance ; but I had not proceeded 
 far on my way to Berne before my mind was impressed with a 
 sense of the necessity there would be for me well to consider, be- 
 fore I presented the letter to secure my place forward by the next 
 conveyance. Under these impressions, earnest were my desires 
 that the Lord my God would be pleased, if it was not his will 
 that I should proceed by the next conveyance to Geneva, to raise 
 in my soul such a partition-wall between me and Geneva, that I 
 should not be able to proceed on my journey, until he was pleased 
 to remove it out of my way. We lodged one night on the road, 
 which did not add to my comfort. 1 was put into a cold, comfort- 
 less bed-room, which 1 found I must submit to, unequal to re-
 
 398 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 monstvate against it ; and the waiter was either dull of compre- 
 hension, or did not like to let me have my milk and bread supper, 
 having to wait for it a full hour : having obtained it, I endeavoured 
 to cast all my care on Him who had in mercy thus far brought 
 me through, and retired to my bed. Such had been my anxiety 
 to secure my place at Berne, by the next conveyance to 
 Geneva, that a young man of the college had written to his bro- 
 ther at Berne to meet me at the coach, and go with me to the 
 coach-office, lest the letter I had to the post-master should not 
 be attended to. When the coach arrived at Berne, I felt sa- 
 tisfied I must not present my letter to the post-master: I looked 
 about for my stranger-friend, who I concluded, if he had been 
 there, from the description given of me, would have taken me in 
 charge ; but as no one came forward in that way, and I had his 
 address, observing a man who I supposed wanted a job, I en- 
 gaged him to take me to where my letter was addressed, when my 
 stranger-friend was at his door ready to go to the coach. I had 
 concluded to take up my abode at a hotel, but this would not do; 
 my friend kindly welcomed me to his house, and to take up my 
 abode with him : apprehending a refusal would be a grief to him, 
 I yielded, and found myself quite at home : his speaking English 
 well, added much to my comfort. He informed me he had ex- 
 erted himself the preceding day, and had so arranged his outward 
 concerns as to leave himself at liberty, should I incline to make a 
 longer halt at Berne than I had at first proposed to do, to attend 
 upon me; he manifested every way in his power the satisfaction, as 
 he said, which it afforded him, to have a member of our religious 
 Society under his roof. 
 
 The information which he received respecting our religious 
 Society, originated in a paragraph he a few years ago met with 
 in the British Magazine, of the year 177^5 page 22, which he 
 said, made such an impression on his mind he had it translated, 
 and circulated amongst his friends, which he read me in English. 
 The account is short, but the author of it appears to have done 
 the Society justice, in what he has given forth respecting it; it 
 did not appear that his knowledge of Friends extended much 
 beyond the information he then received. His mind seemed to 
 be all alive for further information respecting our principles, and 
 the reasons for differing from all other professing Christians in most 
 respects. I did my best to satisfy him, but regretted much the 
 want of suitable books to leave with him, from the thirst he 
 manifested for further acquaintance with our principles and 
 practices, and the general ground of them. In the course of the 
 day, we made an interesting visit to a serious family, and to the 
 family of the police-master, by whom we were kindly received ; 
 here I met with a pious young woman, who spoke so much Eng- 
 lish as for us to be able clearly to comprehend each other's views
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 309 
 
 on some religious subjects. At our leaving, her mother, who 
 appeared anxious for her children's welfare, desired her concern 
 might be expressed for my preservation. The way appearing 
 now to open for my proceeding to Geneva, my place in the dili- 
 gence was secured. 
 
 Fifth-day, as I was not to set out until twelve at noon, and I 
 had occupied so much of the time of my kind friend, I requested 
 he would feel himself at liberty to attend to any outward matters, 
 until near the time I was to start by the diligence. During the 
 doctor's absence, I received a visit from one of his brothers ; when 
 he found we could not converse together, the disappointment he 
 manifested cannot be easily described, but by putting his hand to 
 his heart, and again applying his hand to my heart, and by other 
 signs, he tried to make me understand we could converse there. 
 He then went to his brother's hbrary, and brought me a large 
 volume of copper-plates applicable to the chapters in Matthew, 
 Mark, Luke, and John, these he turned over one after another in 
 a very animated manner ; by signs and striking ex-pressions in 
 his countenance he strove to get me to understand the views of 
 his mind on the different subjects they had an allusion to. When 
 he came to that part where our holy Redeemer cast out the devils 
 and caused them to enter the herd of swine, his raptures surpassed 
 what can be conceived, as did his labour to make me understand 
 that Christ would still enter our hearts, and work such mira- 
 cles for us, if we look up to Him, and were wilhng to receive 
 Him into our hearts. He next fetched a map of England, 
 making me understand he wanted to know my place of residence : 
 the map being on a small scale, Baldock was the nearest place in 
 it to Hitchin ; I pointed to Baldock, but not feeling quite satis- 
 fied myself, I showed him my certificates, and made him under- 
 stand how near Baldock was to Hitchin. My German copy of 
 my certificates being in my pocket, I gave them to him to read ; 
 after he had finished reading them, he sat awhile quiet, and then 
 kneeled down by the sofa on which I was sitting, and supplicated 
 in a short but very fervent manner. Although I was not able to un- 
 derstand a word he uttered, except Jesus Christ, yet great power 
 attended what he offered ; and a sense being given me, that I had 
 been the object of his fervent petition, I was with him bathed in 
 tears. Shortly after he showed me by signs we must now part, 
 clasping me in his arms as if he could not submit to a separation ; 
 this unexpected circumstance made such an impression on my 
 mind, that I felt it for awhile like a brook by the way, cheering 
 my drooping spirits when exercised with the prospect of a long 
 journey before me, and the difficulties I might have to encounter 
 on my entering the territories of France. When my kind friend 
 returned from visiting his patients, previously to my departure, 
 he supplied me with fruit and other matters in abundance for mv
 
 400 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 journey, and proceeded with me to the coach-office, where our part- 
 ing was mutually felt to be a severe struggle to the affectionate 
 part ; he saying, there were many persons in Berne I should feel a 
 pleasure in visiting. These remarks led me afresh to consider 
 how far I was acting in accordance with the Divine will in now 
 leavino- it ; but as 1 believed the time for my stay here was fully 
 accomplished, I clearly saw the danger there would be in my 
 suffering the affectionate part to detain me beyond the right time. 
 One of our company in the diligence spoke the English language, 
 which afforded me a more cheering prospect than I had antici- 
 pated ; I understood he was going to Lyons, and he manifested 
 a disposition to be accommodating : but my expectation of having 
 his company to Lyons was soon clouded again, by his informing 
 me he was out on a journey of pleasure, and intended to spend, at 
 the least, one day at Lausanne, and two days at Geneva. I would 
 gladly have secured my passage forward by the next conveyance to 
 Lyons, but fearing I should make the same error here at Geneva, I 
 had nearly done at Berne, I concluded to proceed to a hotel, and 
 deliberate before I took such a step. On my arrival at my hotel, 
 I was taken to the room intended for me to occupy, which was an 
 inner room : not feeling comfortable in i.iy own mind to accept of 
 it, I objected to it ; another was shown me, and a third, but all 
 being inner rooms I was constrained to object to them, notwith- 
 standing they would have contributed much to that quiet I seemed 
 to stand in need of: a fourth was offered me, where the windows 
 of it opened into the principal street, which I accepted of; not 
 doubting but by my refusing to occupy those before offered, I had 
 done what was required of me to do, as time may afterwards 
 prove. After mature deliberation, the way not being clear for 
 me to proceed forward by the next conveyance, I procured a mes- 
 senger to conduct me to the places of address of my several letters. 
 My first call was upon a pastor who had separated himself from the 
 established religion of the country, and who spoke my native 
 tongue. Accompanied by a kind young man, a countryman, I 
 walked about two miles out of Geneva, and called upon a person 
 to whom I had a letter of address, and found him to be one with 
 whom I could take sweet counsel : as matter arose in my mind I 
 endeavoured to be faithful, although what I had to express was 
 much in the line of conversation, yet, under a humbling hope I 
 was influenced by Divine requirings therein, it became like water 
 poured upon the thirsty ground, having an increasingly so- 
 lemnizing effect on his pious mind : he walked with us to the city, 
 my mind continued to be vocally exercised as we walked along 
 together, and at our parting he expressed in an agreeable man- 
 ner the obligation he felt himself under to his friend in Eng- 
 land, who had been instrumental in bringing us to be thus ac- 
 quainted.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 40J 
 
 Second-day, as I was recommended to my hotel by my fellow- 
 traveller, whom 1 left at Lausanne, I concluded he would come 
 to the same hotel, and made inquiry, but he had not arrived ; and 
 way not opening in my own mind to proceed, 1 rode out of the 
 city, and spent part of the day with a pious young man, to our 
 mutual comfort and edification. On the way to my hotel I made 
 a short visit to a pious countrywoman, long a resident on this 
 part of the Continent, who has had persecution to endure for her 
 faithfulness to the law of her God. 1 felt much comfort in being 
 in her company. 
 
 Third-day, whilst lying in bed this morning, the way for my 
 departure so clearly opened in my mind, I concluded to go to 
 the coach-office, and secure my place forward to Lyons for to- 
 morrow morning, and cast my care on that good Power who 
 never yet had failed under all my extremities to bring me safely 
 through ; but before I had finished breakfast, a waiter came to 
 inform me the person I had been inquiring after, had arrived 
 at a late hour the preceding night. On my entering his apart- 
 ment, the pleasure he manifested at our meeting again, 1 thought 
 could not equal my feelings of gratitude to my Divine Master, 
 when he told me, he would accompany me forward to Lyons 
 to-morrow morning if 1 was desirous of it: on which we proceeded to 
 the coach-office, secured the only two places not taken. My mind 
 being thus set at rest about my proceeding, I spent part of the 
 day with an interesting family, where I had the company of seve- 
 ral religious young men. The evening I passed with a pious 
 family, and two interesting young men, who were pastors ; one of 
 them put the following question to me, " Was it not possible that 
 a sermon prepared before hand, if the person who prepared it and 
 was to preach it, was sincere in his desires of doing good, praying 
 earnestly to Almighty God to assist him when writing it, 
 would be profitable to his hearers .''" I replied, I durst not 
 pronounce the impossibility of it ; but as it was a subject I 
 had at times thought much upon, it uniformly had closed thus 
 with me, — -that that which was offisred in the way thus de- 
 scribed, at best, could only be compared to hashed meat, or meat 
 that has been warmed over again, which neither has the same 
 savoury taste, nor does it appear to possess the same nourishing 
 quality as it would have, had it been set before those who were to 
 partake of it, when first prepared : after pausing a while he feel- 
 ingly expressed his full assent to the truth of my reply, and I 
 left our company under a comfortalble belief that this evening's 
 engagement will long be remembered by them. 
 
 Before I left Geneva I was constrained in my mind to call 
 vipon the pastor to whom I made my first visit, and lay before 
 him two ways, whereby Satan assaults the ministers of the gos- 
 pel of Christ ; the one way is, by his endeavouring through 
 
 n D
 
 402 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 discouragement to cause them to lag beliind their good Guide, 
 in order that he may defeat the designs of Infinite Wisdom re- 
 specting them, by laying waste the service they were designed to 
 be of to others ; but when he finds after all his efforts in this 
 way, such have resolved through holy aid to press through all 
 towards the mark for the prize, he will then exert his utmost 
 endeavours, in the other way, to cause them to run before their 
 good Guide, hurrying them into things never required at their 
 hands, or before the time was fully come for them to engage in 
 the services designed for them. Having aus acquitted myself, wc 
 separated affectionately. 

 
 403 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Fourth-day, 6th of 11 mo. 1822. I left Geneva under exercise 
 of mind, on account of many of its fearless inhabitants; yet 
 the belief that the time for my tarrying there was fully accom- 
 plished, afforded me a degree of peace. When we entered 
 the territories of France my luggage was examined : the searchers 
 behaved with great civility, and yet had it not been for the 
 help of my old companion, who joined me again from Lausanne, 
 I should have been placed in a trying situation by my pass- 
 port being detained, the cause of which 1 could not have as- 
 certained but through his means, which was for it to be sent 
 to Paris for examination, and to be forwarded to me again at 
 Nismes in two weeks, a paper being given me which was to 
 serve me instead. My being thus cared for, was fresh cause of 
 awakening in me the language of. What shall I render to the 
 Lord, who is thus caring for me, and watching my wants, to have 
 them all supplied? May nothing be withheld — no beloved 
 Isaac — no right hand, or right eye : should such be the case, how 
 will the sin of ingratitude cleave to me in a future day ! 
 
 Fifth-day, we reached Lyons : here my companion left me. 
 Feeling anxious to reach Congenies, to be settled for a short 
 time, 1 had nearly brought myself into difficulty, through hastily 
 making up my mind to proceed by the diligence to Nismes that 
 evening. Being furnished with a letter at Geneva, to a Pro- 
 testant preacher here, I proceeded to his residence to obtain 
 assistance ; but to my great disappointment, I found he could 
 not understand my language. 1 had provided myself with a 
 written request, in the French language, of — " Please take me 
 to some person who can speak Knglish,'"' — which I presented to 
 him : he appeared at a difficulty to comply with my request. This 
 detention set my impatient disposition at work, frorii a fear it would 
 prove the means of my losing my place in the diligence that 
 evening; but he made signs to me to follow him, took me to 
 an English family, who had me conducted to the coach-office, 
 and I took my place to proceed to Nismes in the evening. 
 When I returned, my room being cold and comfortless, with the 
 
 DD 2
 
 let JOURNAL OV THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 prospect of liaving to sit long again in a carriage, the day being 
 inviting, I left my hotel to walk out of the city : observing a fine 
 open road, over a bridge, 1 made towards it, but suddenly felt 
 such a stop in my mind 1 durst not proceed ; but for what reason 
 1 was not able to understand. I returned into the city, and rambled 
 down as dirty, crooked, and narrow a lane as any I afterwards met 
 with in Lyons. My mind was engaged in eommemorating the 
 Lord's merciful dealings with me tiius far, at the same time 1 felt 
 almost overwhelmed at the prospect of the journey before me; 
 ■when, turning suddenly round the corner of a street, I felt some 
 persons brush by me; but my eyes were so fixed on the ground, 
 that 1 had not the least perception whether they were male 
 or female that had passed, until a hand was laid upon my arm. On 
 looldng up, to my great surprise, two women 1' riends stood before 
 me, which almo.'st overset me. It appeared that these Friends, Eli- 
 zabeth Charlton of Bristol, and Priscilla Scales of Taunton, in So- 
 mersetshire, were at this place waiting the return of Lewis Majolicr 
 that evening, to proceed next day for Nismes and Congenies. 
 I went to the coach-office and procured a transfer of my place 
 in the diligence for the following evening, and had my luggage 
 conveyed to the hotel, where my friends v^ere lodging. For 
 awhile I was scarcely equal to realize this unexpected occurrence, 
 and found it needful to take care 1 was not over-elated at it. In 
 the evening Lewis Majolier arrived. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, I turned out for a walk, rejoicing at the 
 prospect of my being likely to be so well cared for to Congenies, 
 but my joy was of short duration. Before I left my native land, 
 Lyons was often brought before the view of my mind, when look- 
 ing towards the south of France ; and now it appeared to mc 
 I must not hastily take my flight from this city, but be willing to 
 endure the portion of suffering alloted to me here. Appre- 
 hensions of duty being awakened in my mind, to have a meet- 
 ing with the inhabitants, bowed me to the very earth ; to effect 
 which, I felt there was no time to be lost. I returned to my 
 friends, informed them how I was circumstanced, which tried 
 them as well as myself to proceed in it ; but seeing, as I appre- 
 hended clearly, if way was made for my having a meeting, 1 must 
 look to the Protestant preacher, (to whom I had a letter of 
 recommendation, to assist me in my getting forward to Conge- 
 nies;) we accordingly waited on him. He received us kindly. 
 On my informing him how it was with me,- and that I was come 
 to throw myself upon him for help, he manifested a willingness 
 to enter into a view of my situation, and to accommodate me 
 with a place for the meeting, and give information of it for Se- 
 cond-day evening, which time appeared to him the most likely for 
 the meeting's being held to advantage. He called upon us in the 
 evening, to see if any further arrangements were necessary. 
 Lewis Majolicr's family affairs required his speedy return, and
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 405 
 
 Elizabeth Charlton's husband being indisposed, rendered her 
 apcedy return needful also. I could not feel easy they should be 
 detained on my account, thankful to a kind Providence 1 had 
 already been helped by them as I had been, so I left them at 
 liberty to return ; and the managers of the coach-oflices being 
 applied to, transferred my place to the time best suiting myself. 
 
 Seventh-day, my three friends left me, and proceeded to Co^- 
 genies. 
 
 Secondrday, at the time appointed for the meeting, accompanied 
 by a young man, an P]nglishman, for my interpreter, we proceeded 
 to the Protestant temple, which was under repair. Here we found 
 a large upper room, accommodated with seats for the meeting, and 
 well lighted up : many persons were assembled, but mostly stand- 
 ing in conversation. I requested my countryman to desire they 
 would take their seats, and cease their conversation ; but from 
 their being persons of the first rank in the city, I could not pre- 
 vail on him to make this request, which placed me in a trying 
 situation ; I therefore saw no way but my trying after quietness in 
 myself, and attending to my own proper business. Feeling myself, 
 as I believed, called upon to address the assembly in the line of the 
 ministry, at my request, my interpreter desired such as could find 
 seats to take them, which request was complied with, and all 
 soon became quiet. A young woman, while I was speaking, was 
 very light in her behaviour, trying to effect the like behaviour 
 in a young man, but in time she became more seriously disposed : 
 from the unsettled state of the meeting at its commencement, it 
 held long, but the people remained quiet until it closed. 
 
 Third-day, 12th of 11th mo. 1822, accompanied by my coun- 
 tryman, 1 made a visit to the Abbe Savage, at the Roman Catho- 
 lic chapel. He received me in a free, affable manner. I repre- 
 sented to him some of the scenes of riot and excess I had been 
 a witness to in Lyons, on the preceding First-day ; and told him 
 the Catholics as well as the Quakers, declare their belief in 
 Christ as being the Son of God, and sent into the world to set 
 mankind an example how they should walk. Believing my mind 
 had been rightly directed in making him this visit, I found I must 
 put this question to him, which I told him I did with a mind open to 
 conviction : Was there any thing in the tenets of the Catholic 
 religion, or could he point out to me any thing in the doctrines, 
 precepts, or example of our holy Redeemer, that in any way jus- 
 tified this riot and excess I had thus been a witness of? To which 
 he replied ; not any thing, either in their tenets or in the sacred 
 writings, that justified these practices ; and that he was one in sen- 
 timent with me, in seeina; cause to lament the abuse of the day set 
 apart for religious worship. I wished him to consider, as these 
 were his sentiments, how far he himself had been faithfid in ex- 
 erting his utmost inHucnce, without fear, fjivour, or affection, to-
 
 406 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 wards having these evil practices suppressed ; because, as we were 
 both far advanced in life, we could expect no other but soon to be 
 called upon to give an account of our conduct ; and if we have 
 been conniving at evil practices in others, instead of doing our part 
 towards their being removed, we shall have a sad account to give. 
 He acknowledged himself obliged for my observations, and re- 
 quested my prayers for him. I returned to my hotel with a 
 heart overflowing with gratitude to my Almighty Helper, who 
 had given me strength to deliver what v/as laid upon me ; after 
 which I made visits to some pious individuals. 
 
 Feeling my way open to take my departure this evening, I 
 proceeded accordingly ; the son of the coach-master, having been 
 at the meeting, had secured a comfortable seat for me in the dili- 
 gence, and put me under the care of the superintendant, by 
 which means I was favoured to proceed comfortably, and we 
 reached Nismes on Fifth-day night. Sixth-day, my kind friend, 
 Lewis Majolier, came in search of me, with whom 1 proceeded 
 to riongenies. 
 
 First day, attended meetings there. My kind friend, James 
 Charlton of Bristol, who was here on account of his health, became 
 my interpreter ; and as he had obtained a pretty thorough know- 
 ledge of the French language, he was of great use to me. 
 
 Previous to my leaving Geneva, the grievous abuse of the 
 First-day of the week in that city took such hold of my mind, as 
 to influence me to attempt an opportunity with those in au- 
 thority ; but not succeeding in obtaining a full relief to my own 
 mind, the exercise reviving, accompanied with apprehensions of 
 duty to take up my pen, I addressed the governors, magistrates, 
 and clergy on the subject ; and after submitting it to my English 
 friends and Lewis Majolier, it was ordered to be translated into 
 French : this subject being thus accomplished, my bodily health 
 improved. 
 
 Believing it would be of advantage, both to my mind and 
 body, I endeavoured, as far as I was able, to assist in com- 
 pleting the wall of the burial-ground here, by which means my 
 time passed more comfortably to myself, than otherwise would 
 have been the case. 
 
 First-day, Lst of 12th mo. the meeting was large; at the close 
 of which was held an adjournment of the two months' meeting. 
 Much labour has been bestowed on the Friends here, to excite 
 to a greater individual concern for the welfare of the cause of Truth ; 
 and although it appears like hoping against hope, earnest are my 
 desires that Friends may not suffer discouragement to prevail, 
 and hinder their doing what their hands may find to do ; leaving 
 the issue to the Lord. A reading meeting is now established, as 
 at Pyrmont, which was well attended at this time ; some few 
 strangers gave us their company ; Divine goodness was pleased
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 407 
 
 to condescend to be near to us ; and such was the precious cover- 
 ing felt over the meeting, when it closed, that the people were 
 unwilling to separate. These precious feelings, we afterwards 
 understood, were generally experienced, so as to become the subject 
 of conversation ; some saying, " We never before felt the like ;" 
 others, " The love of God warmed our hearts."" A young 
 woman who was at the meeting, but not professing with Friends, 
 we were informed, said to another young woman professing 
 with Friends, who was not at the meeting, but had been spending 
 her time unprofitably to herself, " Your heart must be as hard as 
 an anvil, to prefer spending your time as you have done this even- 
 ing, and thus slighting your privilege, by not attending the read- 
 ing meeting." 
 
 Fifth-day, the meeting this morning was large, and a favoured 
 time. O these tokens of adorable love and mercy ! how my soul 
 craves, there may be known more of a gathering under its all- 
 preserving influence. 
 
 First-day morning, we had a comfortable sitting together ; at 
 the close of which, the two months' meeting was held : the read- 
 ing-meeting in the evening was attended by many strangers, and 
 we had good ground for hoping it would prove a profitable, in- 
 structive season to many. The disorder occasioned in the two 
 months' meeting by a painful case that came before it, made such 
 impressions on my mind, that I saw no way for me to get pro- 
 perly from under them, but by being willing to make a visit to 
 the individuals tlie most conspicuous in occasioning it : with the 
 help of one of my countrymen I proceeded, and endeavoured to 
 do that which appeared to be my proper business : we had rea- 
 son for believing our visit was kindly received. Some cases 
 having come under my notice that required the care of the over- 
 seers, I endeavoured to encourage them to a timely faithful dis- 
 charge of their duty. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended the usual meeting ; in which I should have 
 been wiUing to have kept silence, could I have been satisfied it 
 was my proper allotment ; but I found if I preserved my own 
 peace, I must proclaim the absolute necessity of our being willing, 
 first to renounce our own ways and the ways of the world, before 
 we can come to know in our own experience, the ways of the Lord 
 to be ways of pleasantness and his paths peace. 
 
 Sixth-day, my mind had been at times exercised with appre- 
 hensions it would be required of me to make a visit to the mayor, 
 which subject has come weightily before me this day, accompanied 
 by earnest desires that the Almighty will direct my movements 
 herein, and grant that they may be rightly timed ; from the as- 
 surance, that if we are favoured to obtain relief to our own minds, 
 when brought under exercise for religious usefulness, all our 
 movcn^ents must be rightly timed; for except this is the case.
 
 408 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 how can we expect to be favoured with a portion of the Lord's 
 strengthening, quahfying presence to accompany us therein : it 
 being^as impossible for us to do the Lord's work in our own time, 
 as itis for us to do it in our own strength. 
 
 Seventh-day, the time for making a visit to the mayor being 
 come, I requested the assistance of my kind friend, James Charl- 
 ton, as my interpreter : we proceeded to his residence, he received 
 us in a kind, affectionate manner, and I laid before him the 
 dangerous consequences resulting from the dancing-rooms and 
 gaming-houses being opened, especially on the First-day of the 
 week, and the practice of playing at bowls, ball, &c. on that day. 
 He in strong terms condemned these practices, as having a ten- 
 dency to bring together numbers of young persons, and leading 
 to pernicious consequences ; but as the laws of the nation allow 
 these places to be opened on a First-day after the places of worship 
 are closed, the mayor has no authority to close them, except any 
 disturbance is occasioned in them : a case of this sort having oc- 
 curred, the mayor informed us he had then closed them. I endea- 
 voured to press upon him the necessity of his being firm in his 
 not allowing them again to be opened, giving it as my behef, that 
 so far as our authority extends, if we fail to exert it faithfully in 
 preventing practices that are evil, we become parties in the sight 
 of Almighty God in all the evil consequences. I laid before him 
 a case that had come under my notice of a lad in Congenies, 
 who liad no visible means of obtaining money to gamble with, 
 attending the gaming-table, to the grief of his parents, to play 
 on credit ; and I stated, that on further inquiry I found it was 
 a common practice to admit even children to game on credit. I 
 endeavoured to press upon him the necessity of his speedy inter- 
 ference, to put a stop to such practices as would be likely to be 
 promotive of dishonesty in the youth, by which they might hope 
 to furnish themselves with the means for gratifying their inclina- 
 tions for this propensity to evil. He acknowledged his full con- 
 viction of the truth of what I laid before him on the different 
 subjects, and I could do no other than give him full credit for 
 his willingness to do his part towards remedying these matters. 
 We next waited on the Protestant clergyman, who received us 
 kindly, and manifested a disposition to hear what 1 offered to 
 him, and to unite his endeavours, with others, in having the evil 
 practices which abound amongst them removed. 1 had it in 
 charge to remind him, that the situation we professed to be called 
 upon to fill was an awfully important one, requiring our utmost ex- 
 ertions, both by example and precept, that we may be found faith- 
 ful in warning the people of their danger, otherwise we are coun- 
 tenancing them in their evil practices ; and if such should be the 
 case with us, we shall have a sad account to give of our steward- 
 ship in the great day of reckoning. JJeforc 1 left him, I pro-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 409 
 
 posed for his consideration, whether an advantage would not be 
 likely to result to the youth amongst them, by assembling them 
 on First-day evenings to read the Scriptures and other suitable 
 books ; he allowed he believed such a practice would be bene- 
 ficial, and keep the youth out of unsuitable company, but the 
 Protestants were so numerous they could not assemble them in 
 one house ; but he could recommend their uniting in companies 
 for this purpose, and would take the subject into consideration, 
 and consult his consistory on it : we parted in a friendly manner. 
 We then visited the adjoint mayor, who is a Catholic, he received 
 us respectfully ; I spread before him my prospects of the neces- 
 sity of keeping the dancing-rooms closed, and prohibiting the use 
 of the gaming-tables, especially on First-days : but this he op- 
 posed, saying, the law allowed of their being opened at noon on 
 Sundays : we parted in a friendly manner. We then called at 
 the house of the Catholic priest, to whom, after some difficulty, 
 we obtained admittance : on my expressing my sorrow on account 
 of the diversions going forward on the First-day, he said he had 
 attempted an improvement amongst his parishioners, and had also 
 applied for the interference of the civil authority ; expressing his 
 earnest desire for a reformation. On my return home 1 felt 
 thankful these mountains had, through holy help, been travelled 
 over. 
 
 First-day morning, we had a large meeting, in which I was 
 engaged to labour with the youth, not to slight that day of Divine 
 visitation which was mercifully extended, lest they should draw 
 down upon themselves the displeasure of heaven, and that the 
 declaration pronounced against Jerusalem formerly should be 
 pronounced against them, — their house left desolate, and the 
 things belonging to their souls' peace be for ever hid from their 
 eyes. The afternoon meeting was small, few of the young men 
 giving us their company ; I was constrained to call the attention 
 of parents and heads of families to this lamentable continued neg- 
 lect of duty on the part of the young men, so conspicuous on First- 
 day afternoons, and to urge them to consider if something further 
 was not required at their hands towards endeavouring to remedy 
 this evil practice they were in : giving it as my belief their parents 
 might be well assured they were neither in suitable company, nor 
 was their time properly occupied ; and that I was fearful the cause 
 of Truth suffered through their evil example. The reading meet- 
 ing was largely attended by Friends and others ; it proved a 
 season of comfort and encouragement to such as were desirous to 
 be found in the way of well-doing, and of the daily cross. 
 
 Second-day, I went to the school-room, and took my seat amongst 
 the scholars : during the pause that succeeded the reading, my 
 mind became charged with observations, and advice to one of the 
 lads, who had manifested a refractory disposition ; the offering of
 
 410 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 which produced considerable tenderness in his mind. My friend 
 Priscilla Scales, had something to communicate, which had a ten- 
 dency to excite tenderness in many of their minds. 
 
 Third-day, Priscilla Scales and myself went to Aujargues, 
 about two miles from Congenies. Our first call was upon a young 
 man who is engaged in business ; having but seldom seen him at 
 meeting, and then unseasonably late, I found I must be faithful 
 in treating with him on this subject; his wife not professing with 
 Friends, and they having a family of small children, caution I 
 considered was necessary in making my observations on this part 
 of his conduct, and I proposed his steering a middle path, by 
 their endeavouring to do their best to set each other at liberty to 
 observe a timely attendance ; seeing the Lord requires the whole 
 burnt sacrifice, if we fall short in devoting the whole time 
 which is set apart for these religious duties, we cannot expect 
 our approaches before the Divine Being will find full acceptance 
 with him. What was offered appeared to be well received : the 
 Patois, Avhich is a mixture of French, Spanish, and Italian made 
 it trying to me, because that which 1 offered had to pass through 
 two translations. Fifth-day, attended the usual meeting. 
 
 First-day, our meeting was small ; the reading meeting was 
 well attended, many strangers coming to it : we were favoured 
 with a quiet, instructive opportunity, for which many of our 
 minds were made thankful. 
 
 Second-day, my friend Priscilla Scales and myself feeling 
 drawings in our minds to sit with such Friends as were unnecessa- 
 rily at Somnieres at the day of balloting for the army ; we made 
 them a visit, endeavouring to impart such counsel and admonition 
 as came before us in the line of apprehended duty, which we had 
 reason to believe was well received. 
 
 Fifth-day, 23rd of 1st mo. 1823, the meeting this morning ga- 
 thered well : the good Shepherd, in mercy, condescended to stretch 
 forth his crook, for the help of those who were willing to lay hold 
 upon it. Early in the meeting I felt an engagement to stand up ; 
 but fearing to interrupt that holy quiet that was spread over us, 
 1 kept silence, until the word given me to proclaim became as a 
 fire in my bones, so that I durst no longer refrain from saying, 
 that if ever we are favoured to reign with Christ in his kingdom, 
 wc must be willing to suffer with him in this world, by daily 
 dying to self and to sin, maintaining the daily warfare against the 
 enemies of our own household, our own heart's lusts, resisting unto 
 blood, continually eyeing our great captain, Christ Jesus, until 
 the victory becomes complete ; and then the blessing dispensed to 
 Israel formerly will not fail to become our experience ; the cloud 
 by day and the pillar of fire by night will be vouchsafed to us. 
 
 First-day morning, our meeting was well attended, and Divine 
 mercy was again extended to the humbling of many minds. Ihe
 
 JOUKNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 411 
 
 reading meeting gathered early, and so crowded by Friends and 
 others, that I doubted our coming at any true quiet; but in time 
 the meeting settled down in such a quiet as I have not often known 
 exceeded ; affording fresh cause for the acknowledgment of " good 
 is the Lord, and worthy to be waited upon, and feared, served, and 
 obeyed!" The destitute situation of the young people of Con- 
 genies, for want of employ, having claimed much of our atten- 
 tion, we have been desirous of a way being pointed out to us, 
 whereby they might be assisted in this respect ; assured, as we 
 have been, that want of suitable employ has been one of the 
 causes of their being so much in league with those of other socie- 
 ties, and being unable at times to earn sufficient to support nature. 
 A plan for their relief was adjusted, which it appeared likely in 
 time would have effected the end designed ; but in consequence 
 of a rumour of war between France and Spain, it appeared most 
 prudent to discontinue any further steps towards its being put in 
 practice; yet it being a subject of so much moment to the wel- 
 fare of the rising generation who are professing our principles here, 
 that a hope is raised in my mind, at a future day their situation 
 may engage the attention of Friends in England. There is a con- 
 siderable number of persons professing with Friends, and a meeting 
 regularly held at Giles, a part of this two months' meeting, 
 situated about twenty EngHsh miles from Congenies ; these are 
 generally visited by such Friends as come on a religious account 
 to the South of France, and they had frequently been mentioned 
 to me ; but as no way opened in my mind to proceed to make them 
 a visit, I durst not attempt it. 
 
 First-day, attended the morning meeting, which was small. 
 The afternoon meeting was large, but gathered stragglingly : I 
 hope it was to many a profitable meeting. The reading meeting 
 was crowded, and offers of Divine help, it was evidently to be felt, 
 were extended to the helpless ; but there was reason to fear the 
 minds of some of the youth suffered loss through the improper 
 conduct of others in profession with us : the transgressors were 
 treated with on this account. 
 
 Second-day morning, I left my bed in a very tried state of 
 mind, which continued with me through the whole of the day. 
 In the evening, going into the school-room whilst the children 
 were reading, a few remarks sprung up in my mind for communi- 
 cation, which, after reasoning with them for some time, I was en- 
 abled to utter: this little act of faithfulness procured me a morsel 
 of heavenly comfort, and I retired to bed again with thankfulness 
 for this mercy thus vouchsafed. 
 
 Floating, as I feel myself, on the ocean of difficulty and dan- 
 ger, oh ! the need there is for me to be careful in all my religious 
 movements, lest I should plunge myself into those troubled wa- 
 ters I have at times so much dreaded. Holy Father ! keep me, I
 
 412 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOfe. 
 
 pray thee, in the hollow of thy mighty hand, until that portion 
 of labour thou hast assigned inc on this side the great deep is 
 fully accomplished, that when the time for my departure clearly 
 opens to view, it may be with the peaceful reilection of having 
 done what I could ! 
 
 Fourth-day morning, fresh trials and temptations open each 
 day to the mind, as a fresh call to labour for that bread which 
 alone is sufficient to sustain the soul, and keep it alive unto God. 
 A letter, received this morning from my native land, s])eaks of war 
 between this country and Spain, and the probability of England 
 being involved in it: on the reading of which, Satan entered 
 my mind like lightning, suggesting to me danger, which in my 
 low seasons 1 liad anticipated I should be involved in, if such a 
 circumstance took place before 1 was liberated to return home; 
 this, for the moment, was permitted to over|iower me, and pro- 
 duce great depression: but pausing, I was favoured to resume 
 my confidence in the never-failing arm of Omnipotence, to carry 
 me safely through all the trials that awaited me, and sweetly to 
 call to remembrance the covenants I had made and of late re- 
 newed, under a sense given me that my Divine Master had a 
 further field of labour for me to enter upon, after my return ; 
 whereby 1 was enabled to turn my back upon these reports, and 
 the suggestions of Satan, and my peace was not again disturbed 
 by them. The meetings of Giles and Cordognan were again 
 by Friends here mentioned to me, if I could fix upon a time to 
 make a visit to the Friends of these meetings ; but however 
 my passing them by may be a solitary instance, my way in this 
 respect continued quite closed up ; I find it will not do for me, 
 unbidden, to go in the same track which others have gone in be- 
 fore me, and I again gave the subject the go-by. 
 
 Fifth-day, we had a small meeting, but in unmerited mercy it 
 was owned by Israel's Shepherd. Earnest have been my suppli- 
 cations for days past, that the God of my life would be pleased 
 so to direct my course to the end, that nothing may be taken 
 home with me, which I should have left on this side of the great 
 deep. 
 
 First-day morning, a small meeting : the afternoon meeting 
 better attended by the young men than is usual ; as was also the 
 case at the reading meeting, which was cause of rejoicing to some 
 of our minds. 
 
 Second-day, Priscilla Scales and myself went to Fontanes, a 
 village about six miles from Congenies. Sat with an aged Friend 
 and her grandson, who appear warmly attached to the principles 
 we profess, and full of love to those whom they believe to be con- 
 cerned in advocating the cause of truth and righteousness. Had 
 an open, satisfactory opportunity with the rest of the family. 
 From their situation, on account of distance, and the bad road in
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 413 
 
 winter they would have to travel, we encouraged them, when they 
 were not able to reach Congenies, to sit down together in their 
 own house on First and week-days, fixing upon an hour the most 
 suitable, and to be punctual in keeping to it, which advice ap- 
 peared to be well received. 
 
 Fourth-day, I received letters from England, with an account 
 of the prospect of the removal of a near relative, who was 
 anxious to see me once more. Agreeable as such an interview 
 would be to us both, it excited afresh in my mind an earnest 
 seeking to the Lord, to be preserved watching against any effort 
 or anxiety to be released from further service here, and to return 
 home, until the way clearly opened for it. This evening brought 
 a proof-sheet of the address to Geneva, which being* corrected, 
 a suitable number was ordered to be printed for distribution. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended the usual meeting, which was small. First- 
 day morning, the meeting was well attended, but greatly dis- 
 turbed through the disorderly gathering of it, a subject that was 
 spoken to in a plain and close manner. The reading meeting- 
 was well attended. 
 
 Fifth-day, the meeting small, but a quiet, favoured time. 
 
 Sixth-day put me in possession of the address to Geneva, and on 
 Seventh-day it was forwarded to two of my friends there, to whom 
 I had reason to believe my mind had been rightly directed 
 for taking the charge of their distribution. The address was as 
 follows : — 
 
 " To THE Governors, Magistrates^ and Clergy of the 
 
 Town or Geneva. 
 
 " In the course of a long journey of a rehgious nature, which I 
 have recently performed through some parts of Norway, Germany, 
 and other states on the Continent of Europe, afflicting have been 
 the feelings produced on my mind on observing, in the different 
 places where my lot has been cast, with how little respect and 
 attention the First-day of the week (called Sunday) was regarded ; 
 how much this day, designed principally for religious edification 
 and the service of God, was abused by all ranks and classes of the 
 people, and occupied in business, amusement and dissipation. 
 On reflecting, at times, on the way most likely to be effectual for 
 the removal of the evils which this forgetfulness has evidently pro- 
 duced, I have been ready to say in my heart, ' There is no hope;' 
 but on my arrival at Basle, and observing the more becoming 
 manner in which its inhabitants pass this day, all labour and 
 business being suspended, and all dissipation and amusement en- 
 tirely prohibited, these circumstances, together with the quiet and 
 order that prevailed in the streets, exhibited a cheering proof 
 of what a well-regulated police is capable of effecting towards 
 the observance of this day in a manner more conformable to
 
 414) JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Divine command, which was, that one day in seven should be 
 set apart for the service of God, and I am not able to discover, in 
 any part of the Old or New Testament, that it l)as been annulled 
 or made void. By this command, it was to be kept free from all 
 unnecessary labour, business, and attention to lawful things, that 
 so the mind as well as the body, may possess that state of repose 
 and disentanglement from worldly cares, so essential to our ex- 
 periencing the soul's becoming qualified to ascend in holy aspira- 
 tions to its great Author and Benefactor, for forgiveness for our 
 past conduct, which may not have been in full accordance with 
 his pure mind and will ; and to implore strength to withstand the 
 future temptations, and encounter the future difficulties that may 
 be permitted to assail our minds, amidst that hurry and bustle, 
 more or less attending the business of this world. And surely if 
 our duty requires our being thus liberated on this day from un- 
 necessary care, even in lawful things, we cannot flatter ourselves 
 that we shall be excused if we spend our time in sensual pleasure 
 or gratification. From the example of Basle, I was encouraged in 
 a hope, that as 1 advanced further into Switzerland, I should 
 observe a gradual improvement in these respects ; but, alas ! my 
 disappointment when in your city, and the painful feelings that 
 were again excited in my mind, are more easily to be conceived 
 than described, for on looking out of the window of my hotel on 
 the morning of that day of the week, I beheld persons employed 
 in carting household furniture and other commodities in and out 
 of the city as a matter of course, numerous shoe-cleaners em- 
 ployed in your streets the greater part, if not the whole of the 
 day, and the minds of the people appearing as much occupied 
 about their outward concerns as at any other time. It is true that 
 an appearance of decency is so far maintained, that the shutters 
 of your shop-windows are pretty generally closed ; but whilst the 
 practices I have mentioned are suffered publicly in your streets, 
 and remain uncontrolled, what good ground can there be for sup- 
 posing that business within the walls of shops, warehouses, and 
 counting-houses, is suspended in the manner that the duties of 
 the day require. But even here, the evil practices to be found 
 amongst you do not terminate, for the evening of this day of the 
 week, which ought to be dedicated to the Lord, is occupied by 
 diversions that appear likely to prove even more extensively fatal 
 in their consequences: your theatres, private and public balls, 
 card-parties, &c. are open, and the persons who indulge in these 
 amusements appear to consider themselves herein quite justified ; 
 justified either in consequence of the imperfection of your laws, or 
 the weakness, the negligence, or the example of those whose duty 
 it is to enforce them, and to warn the people of their danger. Oh, 
 ye magistrates, and ye governors, whose duty I apprehend it to 
 be to liold up and strengthen the hands of the magistrates in
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 415 
 
 the discharge of their important trust, read in the Epistle of Paul 
 to the Romans, xiii. 4, where you will see that, according to the 
 words of the apostle, you are to be found ministers of God for the 
 encouragement of those that do well, and as his ministers for the 
 punishment of those who do evil, by violating any of his divine 
 commands, as it respects sabbath-breakers as well as house- 
 breakers, for the same Divine Lawgiver, who declared, ' Thou 
 shalt not steal,' declared also, ' Thou shalt keep holy the sabbath- 
 day ;' and by one of the apostles we are expressly told, that ' he 
 that offends in one point, is guilty of all,' (James, ii. 10); 
 which I understand to mean, is equally a transgression in the 
 sight of God ; and in the truth of this declaration I am a firm 
 believer. 
 
 " Remember, the magistrate must not be invested with power 
 in vain ; whatever difficulties a faithful discharge of his duty may 
 involve him in, he must be willing to pass through evil report 
 as well as good report, and not fear the censure, the ridicule, or 
 the displeasure of high or low, rich or poor ; for should any thing 
 of this nature intimidate him, and prevent a faithful discharge of 
 his trust, by not putting in force the laws against transgressors, 
 it would have been better that he had never accepted the import- 
 ant station, or having accepted it, and finding insurmountable diffi- 
 culties opposing the faithful discharge of his duty, to have then 
 relinquished it : for in the great and awfid day of inquisition, 
 when every man's works will be tried and weighed in the just 
 balance, it is my firm belief that those who have accepted posts of 
 such great importance, in the execution of which the welfare of a 
 state and the souls of its inhabitants are so much involved, and 
 are not endeavouring faithfully to fill up their stations, will be 
 found in a situation similar to the unprofitable servant whom we 
 read of in the gospel, who had accepted his Lord's talent, and 
 when called upon to render an account, had no excuse to make 
 for his neglect of duty, but the difficulties attendant on faith- 
 fully occupying with it ; it appears from our Lord's reply, that it 
 would have been better for him not to have accepted it, for by so 
 doing, he prevented its being occupied by another who might 
 have acquitted himself with more fidehty. Make the application, 
 bring the subject home to yourselves, my friends, and, where it is 
 needful, suffer it to prove the means of stimulating to greater ear- 
 nestness in the discharge of your important trust, or to a willing- 
 ness no longer to stand in the way of those who may feel more 
 true zeal for the honour of God, for his holy cause, and the wel- 
 fare of their fellow-citizens ; for I believe it is utterly impossible 
 for you or me fully to calculate the baneful consequences that 
 these evening amusements produce, particularly on the minds of 
 the unwary and inexperienced youth, their time on this day being 
 so much at their own disposal, and being thus left at liberty to go
 
 41C JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 where they please, can it be cloul)tcd that those who are in the 
 habitual neglect of attending any place of worship, arc strength- 
 ened in this neglect by the attendance of such amusements. And 
 such bein"- our natural proneness to seek satisfaction in the sen- 
 sual gratifications (for 1 cannot consider them in any other point 
 of view), is there not every reason to fear that the minds of such 
 of the youth, in a particular manner, who are in the practice of 
 attending a place of worship in the morning, and who spend the 
 evening in this way, will be so occupied in anticipating the plea- 
 sure they then expect to receive at the theatre, dance, or card- 
 party, as to render them unfit for the duties they are assembled 
 to perform? Or admitting the contrary to be the case, and that 
 some of them may be favoured to receive good impressions by 
 assembling for the purpose of worship, is it not almost certain, 
 that, if they spend the evening at any of the different places 
 of amusement, these good impressions will become like the seed 
 ive read of in the parable, that fell by the high-way side, which 
 the fowls of the air devoured ; is it not, 1 repeat, almost certain 
 that the light, airy disposition of mind produced by these diver- 
 sions, and the conversation of the company they fall into, will 
 overpower the good they may have received, and leave them more 
 poor and destitute than ever, thereby becoming robbed and spoiled 
 of the strength that had been mercifully imparted to them, and 
 intended to have proved the means, in the Divine hand, of ad- 
 ministering to their help, in combating their temptations and dif- 
 liculties ? 
 
 " Let me, therefore, entreat you, oh ! ye governors and magistrates, 
 ivho have accepted the oversight of the conduct of your fellow- 
 citizens, and oh ! ye priests, ye professed ministers of the gospel of 
 Christ, who, on accepting your appointment, are declaring your- 
 selves called upon to undertake the awfully important charge of 
 the souls of the people, — let me entreat you, 1 say, to examine 
 how far you are endeavouring, individually and collectively, faith- 
 fully to discharge the duties of the important trust you have re- 
 spectively accepted, lest, in consequence of any neglect of duty in 
 any respect, the language of the inspired prophet should be found 
 applicable to anyof you: ' Oh! my people, they which lead thee, 
 cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths.' (Isaiah, iii. 
 12). Consider how far it has been your chief care to warn the un- 
 ruly; and whether you have been, as is the duty of those entrusted 
 with power, a terror to evil doers ; for if a deficiency has been 
 manifested in any of these respects, either by priests,, magistrates, 
 or governors, whether proceeding from a winking at wrong things 
 in others, or by uniting with the people in these practices, it is 
 my firm belief that a great load of the iniquity will rest on your 
 shoulders, that much of the evil consequences resulting from 
 them will lie at your doors. Think not, therefore, that you
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 4] 7 
 
 are excused from stepping forward, and doing your utmost to- 
 wards providing a remedy for these things, by pleading tliey v/erc 
 introduced amongst you during the time your city was under the 
 dominion of foreigners ; but rather make a solemn pause, and take 
 a retrospective view of what the Lord has done for you, and his 
 remarkable interference in bringing about your enlargement, and 
 breaking the yoke from off your neck. Examine how far it has 
 been your daily care, to be found making suitable returns for 
 the favours of the Almiglity — this signal favour of Divine mercy ; 
 by exerting your utmost endeavours to remove from amongst you, 
 all those evil practices, which they introduced, and left behind 
 them. Otherwise, inasmuch as that God, with whom you, as well 
 as 1, have to do, declares himself to be a jealous God, jealous of 
 his honour; and that those who dishonour him he will lightly 
 esteem ; is there not then reason for you to fear he may permit his 
 overflowing scourges, yet more terrible in their effects, again to 
 enter your borders ; for I believe the Spirit of the Lord is grieved 
 because of these things ; and should such a visitation be permitted, 
 while these evil practices exist, with what confidence can you look 
 up to him, and implore that his judgments may again be stayed ? 
 Perhaps some of you may plead, by way of excuse, that different 
 situations of governments alter cases, and that Basle,, which I have 
 beUeved it right for me to hold up as an example of what may be 
 effected by the care of a well-regulated government, is in different 
 and more favourable circumstances than Geneva. Supposing this to 
 be the case, yet I dare not admit this as a sound principle to aroue 
 upon, that any local circumstances cannected with a state, or any of 
 its rulers, can justify the neglect of every exertion in their power, 
 to effect a proper dedication of one day in seven to our rclio-ious 
 duties, and thus giving testimony, in this day, to our dependence on 
 a Supreme Being. Remember, delays are dangerous ; and many 
 have found, from sad experience, when it has been too late, that 
 procrastination has been the thief of their time. Put not off, 
 therefore, any longer an individual scrutiny; but let each inquire 
 in the secret of his heart, Have I done my part towards applying 
 a remedy for these evils ?■ — and should a deficiency appear in any, 
 let the time past sufhce ; and for the time to come, may such be 
 willing, as well by good example as by persuasive precept, to use 
 all diligence in attempting, by some means, gradually to arrest 
 the progress of these pernicious practices ; for I am fully per- 
 suaded, that by uniting efforts herein, much may and will be done 
 towards its accomplishment. Whilst I was in your city, I made 
 several attempts towards a personal interview with some of you, but 
 not seeing my way to continue longer amongst yon, I was deprived 
 of that privilege; and after my arrival here, this subject con- 
 tinuing still to press upon my mind, 1 believed tiie only way for 
 my relief to be, my thus addressing you ; accompanied with sincere 
 
 E E
 
 4.1fJ JOURNAL OF TITOMAS SlIILLITOE. ^- 
 
 desires. that it may be blessed to the encouragement of every one 
 to step forward and do his part towards this desirable end. I 
 remain, althouoh unknown, your well-wishing friend, 
 
 .' 1 HOMAS OHILLITOE, 
 
 " Of Hitchin, in Hertfordshire, England, but now at Congcnies, 
 Departement du Gard, France."" 
 
 3rd of 1st mo. 1823. First-day morning, the meeting was 
 laro-e : the reading-meeting was well attended, and closed satisfac- 
 torily. Second-day morning, accompanied by my kind friend 
 James Charlton, we made a visit to the Protestant preacher; a 
 report being in circulation in the village that he was in the habit 
 of playing at bowls on the First-day. 1 informed him of this report 
 respecting him, and that I did not dare to leave Congenies without 
 mentioning it to him. He did not deny the charge, but excused 
 himself by saying, he might sometimes, on that day, stand and see 
 them play. I felt I must tell him, if I had been guilty of such 
 conduct, I should feel myself implicated in those evil practices ; 
 adding, that if the youth followed his example as spectators, there 
 would be a danger, in time, of their becoming players as well as 
 others ; for Satan would be ready to whisper in their ear, if they 
 felt any thing like reproof on the attempt, there could be no harm in 
 their playing, as their minister encouraged them by his being a 
 lookcr-on ; that if we profited the people, it must be by our good 
 example as well as precept, and I hoped he would avoid, in 
 future, being present on such occasions. He replied, young 
 persons frequently diverted themselves in this way, after their 
 meeting in the morning was over ; they had been advised to abstain 
 from these amusements during the time appointed for religious 
 worship, but the custom of playing at bowls, &c. after their worship 
 was over, had been established perhaps four hundred years ; and 
 he did not consider he was acting improperly, or taking any part 
 in their amusements, nor did he apprehend he was ministering 
 cause of stumbling to others, by his standing thus to look on, 
 quoting, by way of justification of his conduct in this respect, the 
 expressions of the apostle, " Rejoice with them that rejoice." I 
 told him, that was not the rejoicing the apostle alluded to. After 
 some further observations on the dangerous tendency of his ex- 
 ample in this respect, we parted in a friendly manner. Although 
 unwilling to acknowledge the impropriety of his conduct, he car- 
 ried conviction in his countenance from a sense of its being 
 wrong ; and I left him thankful to my Almighty Helper, in thus 
 strengthening me to do what to me appeared to be a duty. 
 
 Fourth-day, in company with my friend Priscilla Scales, we 
 made a visit to a young woman not in profession with our reli- 
 gious Society, who had long been confined to a sick-bed, and 
 ap[)eared fast advancing towards the close of life : a number of
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 419 
 
 ])ersons were in her room, variously engaged in conversation. 
 Believing my mind to be charged with something for the sick 
 woman, 1 desired they would cease conversation, which took 
 place; my friend, Priscilla' Scales, gave her in French what I 
 communicated, except- a passage in Scripture I closed with, my 
 friend fearing her doing justice to it; and an individual present 
 engaged to read it to her from the French translation. The sick 
 woman received what had been communicated, as a fresh token of 
 Divine regard ; saying, it had introduced her mind into such com- 
 fortable feelings, that she should be thankful to be permitted to 
 depart under them, for that which had been communicated, felt 
 at that time more to her than bags full of gold and silver. 
 
 I afterwards paid a farewell visit to the mayor, to express the 
 satisfaction which his steady conduct had afforded me, in refusing 
 to allow of the dancing-rooms being opened, as great efforts for 
 their being opened had been made by the young men ; they not 
 succeeding, the young women went in a body, and unable to 
 prevail to have their request granted, one of the company went on 
 her knees to solicit the mayor to yield to their entreaties. As 
 ability was afforded, I endeavoured to encourage the mayor, to re- 
 main firm in the determination which he had previously com- 
 municated to me ; observing to him how quiet the village had been 
 on First-day evenings, since they had been closed : to which he 
 replied, it was his determination to keep them closed during 
 his continuance in office ; and expressing his desire for my safe 
 return, we parted affectionately. 
 
 Fifth-day, the meeting was small ; apprehending it would be 
 safest for me to have a religious opportunity with the ministers, 
 overseers, and their wives, seven o'clock this evening was proposed 
 for it, and we met accordingly. At our first sitting down together, 
 I was closely tried with great inward poverty, accompanied by such 
 a load of fears, that my calling friends thus together, was either 
 something I had worked myself up to, or I had not observed the 
 right time for moving in it : but by endeavouring to keep in the 
 patience during this stripping dispensation, it tended to my cen- 
 tering down to the gift of Divine grace in myself; and as 1 be- 
 came willing to move under the influence of that grain of faith in 
 mercy dispensed, matter was given me for communication, which 
 I had reason to believe was well received : may I be found en- 
 rolling this fresh interference of Divine mercy, amongst the innu- 
 merable blessings he has been pleased to dispense, since my arrival 
 on this side the waters. 
 
 First-day morning, the meeting was well attended ; at the close 
 of which the two-months' meeting was held ; the queries were 
 read, and answers prepared, to go to London Yearly JNIeeting. 
 This afforded an opportunity to speak more fully to the state of 
 things here: the youth were laboured with, relative to tlicir con-
 
 4-20 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 tluct, botii in meetings and out of meetings, to endeavour to bring 
 them to a proper sense of the loss they themselves sustained, for 
 want of greater circumspection of conduct, as well as the injury 
 their example was likely to be to others ; what was offered ap- 
 peared to be well received. 1 he afternopn meeting was small ; 
 but the reading meeting was well attended, and from the unwil- 
 linoness manifested on the part of the people to leave, hopes were 
 entertained that it had been a season of profit to some. 
 
 Fourth-day, after an almost sleepless night, I felt so under the 
 weio-ht of the mountains, witli my mind assailed by fears, that, 
 after all I have passed through, in endeavouring to fulfil that 
 wiiich I liave believed was the Divine counsel respecting me in this 
 journey, the enemy will in some way so gain upon me, that I shall 
 return home in disgrace. O ! for patience in these seasons of buf- 
 feting, and for ability to flee for help to that merciful Redeemer, 
 who told his poor disciple, " Satan hath desired to have thee, that 
 he may sift thee as wheat ; but I have prayed the Father for thee, 
 that thy taitli fail not."" 
 
 Fifth-day, although it is not permitted me to say, the winter is 
 over and gone ; yet to have, if it be but a glimmering prospect of 
 its declining state, my soul says, it is enough. First-day, the 
 morning meeting was well attended ; the afternoon meeting 
 was better attended by the youth ; and the reading meeting was 
 well attended. Friends separated under a favoured sense, that 
 holy help had been extended. 
 
 Second-day, rumours of very warm debates in the Chamber of 
 Deputies at Paris having alarmed the English residents there ; so 
 many left, that the police was unable to supply passports in due 
 time, some hundreds having crossed to Dover and other ports in' 
 Kngland : but my place was to remain quiet where 1 was ; this 
 state of mind being attained to, I considered it to be a great mercy 
 from heaven dispensed to me. 
 
 Fifth-day, way opened for me to begin to make some arrange- 
 ments for my leaving Congenies. First-day morning, the meeting 
 was well attended ; at the close of which the adjournment of the 
 two-months^ meeting was held, and certificates were signed for Pris- 
 cilla Scales and myself: the afternoon meeting was well attended, 
 as was also the case with the reading meetinij. 
 
 Second-day we made arrangements for our departure; our places 
 being secured to Lyons for Sixth-day. Fourth-day, my friend 
 Priscilla Scales and myself made calls on Friends. I felt tried, in 
 consequence of my not having received an account from Geneva, of 
 the receipt of the packet of the addresses ; and yet, beheving we 
 had done right by engaging our places for Lyons, a hope was in 
 my mind 1 should not be disappointed, but that 1 sliould receive 
 it before we left Congenies. Fifth-day morning, letters arrived 
 from Geneva, informing me of the receipt of the addresses, of which 
 the following are extracts : —
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 421 
 
 " Geneva, March 11th, 1823. 
 " May GocVs blessing accompany you in every place, and rest 
 upon everything you undertake for the advancement of his king- 
 dom ; and in particular, in your endeavour to excite in our magis- 
 trates and clergy a desire for the due observance of the Sabbath-day. 
 
 I received your packet, and after conferring with M V 
 
 on the most useful manner of distributing your address, I con- 
 sidered his proposal a desirable one ; it was to carry your address 
 himself to the council of state, to announce your intention, and 
 deliver a copy to each of its members, to address one to each of 
 the six auditors employed in the execution of the police-laws of 
 the city, and to send one to each of the mayors of the country 
 districts, also to send to the pastors as many copies as there are 
 members. This measure was partly put in execution yesterday, 
 the remainder will be distributed amongst our friends : we have 
 thought it best the address should reach the members of the 
 government, previously to its being more publicly known. May 
 tile Lord conduct you to your country and family, and may your 
 union with your friends, when your present pilgrimage is over, 
 partake of an imperfect foretaste of your entrance into the hea- 
 venly country ! Those of Geneva to whom you are known, retain 
 a very pleasant remembrance of your short stay ; and should they 
 never see you again whilst inhabiting an earthly tabernacle, they 
 hope to meet you at the foot of the throne of mercy. My 
 departure from home deprives me of the pleasure of naming each 
 of them in particular ; but I can say they all continue united to 
 you, as does he who commends himself to your Christian affection 
 and your prayers, and who remains yours, sincerely attached, 
 
 " L. P. D." 
 
 " Geneva, 17th March, 1823. 
 " I received the copies of the address to the magistrates and 
 clergy of Geneva, which you had the kindness to send me, and 
 immediately dispatched a part of them to the council of state, 
 and others to the venerable company of pastors and magistrates 
 engaged in the police department. Notwithstanding the excel- 
 lency of your views, and the purity of your intentions, 1 can 
 scarcely hope that your efforts will be crowned with a full and 
 speedy success : we are in a state of convalescence, after a long 
 and serious illness, and political bodies are more difficult to restore 
 to a healthy state than human subjects ; however, we have made 
 some progress, and, with the help of the Almighty, we shall pro- 
 ceed still further. We retain a very agreeable remembrance of 
 your too short sojourn amongst us ; we all love to indulge the hope 
 of seeing you again in this world, and should rejoice in receiving 
 an assurance of meeting you in a better state of existence. Do
 
 422 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 not forget Geneva in your prayers, nor tlie person who had 
 the satisfaction of becoming acquainted with you in tliat city : 
 accept the assurance of my respect. 
 
 " M V •" 
 
 Attended the usual meeting, at the close of which we took a 
 parting farewell of Friends here, most of whom were waiting 
 about the carriage to see the last of us ; it to them appeared to 
 be a heart-rending season, in which 1 trust I may say, we our- 
 selves were sharers. We left Congenies about noon, and were fa- 
 voured to reach Nismes safely in the evening. 
 
 Sixth-day, feeling drawings in my mind to visit the Protestant 
 clergy and the Catholic bishop of Nismes, accompanied by my 
 kind friend James Charlton, we proceeded, and were received by 
 the Protestant clergy with marked attention. I was constrained 
 in my mind to lay before them the importance of the station they, 
 with myself, professed to be called upon to take, amongst the 
 people ; and the great necessity there was for us to become 
 preachers of righteousness in our lives and conversation, as well 
 as in doctrine, thereby encouraging the people to faithfulness unto 
 God ; and to maintain their protest (by their example) against the 
 wicked practice in use here on the First-day of the week, of the 
 people assembling in the Amphitheatre, to bait a bull by men 
 hired for this wicked purpose. I was comforted in finding this 
 circumstance had obtained their very s 'ious consideration, from 
 the dreadful consequences so frequently attending it. When the 
 poor animal received an injury, or the combr'ers were injured by 
 him, the acclamations of joy manifested by the spectators, we 
 were informed, were great beyond conception ; so that neither the 
 bloody scenes occasioned hereby, nor the death of a combatant, 
 which at times occurred, appeared to soften the minds of the 
 spectators ; but rather tended to promote their ferocity ; — women 
 as well as men sharing in these scenes of barbarity. 
 
 We were informed more had been done in Nismes than any other 
 place in France, towards improvinoj the moral character of the 
 Protestant population. An interesting young man, in much sim- 
 plicity, informed us, he had under his care for instruction a num- 
 ber of young persons, whom he met for that purpose every two 
 weeks; and he was hoping for their meeting more frequently on 
 this occasion. Some little fruits of this labour were apparent ; 
 schools for mutual instruction, and also Sunday-schools for chil- 
 dren and adults were established, it being on the youth their 
 hopes of succeeding were chiefly placed. At our parting, such 
 feelings of gratitude appeared to be excited for this sudden and 
 unexpected visit, and the counsel that had been imparted, that 
 he said, he felt unequal to find words to express himself to the
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 423 
 
 full. In some of our visits we were informed all the appoint- 
 ments of late made of bishops and clergy in the Roman Catholic 
 congregations, were of those who were the most attached to their 
 superstitions, and opposed to the introduction of education 
 amongst the people, which our interview afterwards with the 
 bishop confirmed. I attempted to find a clew to the bishop, by 
 procuring a letter of introduction : having been informed I should 
 find a difficulty in obtaining admittance to him, and if I did 
 gain admittance, that 1 should not be well received by him : my 
 attempts failing, 1 found my peace consisted in our proceeding to 
 the episcopal palace, and requesting an audience with him, which 
 we accordingly did. On our application to see the bishop, we 
 were ordered to be there again at three o'clock in the afternoon. 
 We called upon one of the Protestant clergy, who behaved in a 
 brotherly manner, and appeared to receive my observations in a 
 kind disposition of mind : at our parting, on my informing him 
 of our intention of making a visit to the Roman Cathohc bishop, 
 he replied, he was acquainted with him, and spoke of him in 
 handsome terms, very different to all I had heard before respect- 
 ing him, offering to give me an introductory note to him, which 
 I gladly accepted. The following is a translation of the note. 
 
 " I take the liberty, my lord, to recommend to your notice the 
 ini cresting stranger who will hand you this note, and who desires 
 a short interview with you relative to objects worthy of your pas- 
 toral solicitude : I readil], take the present opportunity of renew-* 
 ing the homage of my profound respects, and to say, that 1 am, 
 
 " My lord, 
 " Your humble and obedient servant, 
 
 " Oliver de Sanden." 
 
 At the hour appointed, we proceeded to the palace. I told my 
 friend, whilst on our way, I expected our keeping on our hats 
 would give offence : although I had viewed the attempt to obtain 
 an interview as a very formidable thing, yet I became cheered, 
 hoping our note would procure us an admittance; but I did not 
 look for more satisfaction in the inteiview than obtaining relief to 
 my own mind. On our arrival I sent my note to the bishop, and 
 we were immediately shown into his apartment, where we found' 
 him and a priest together. The countenance of the priest on our 
 entering the bishop-s apartment with our hats on, bespoke great 
 contempt, and from the manner the bishop received us, we could 
 not suppose it was otherwise with him also. I handed the bishop 
 a translation of my certificates, requesting my friend to say, they 
 would inform him of my motives for leaving my own home ; he re- 
 ceived them, but before he could have read one of them half through.
 
 424 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 in apparent displeasure, he put them away from him, expressing 
 his dissatisfaction with our visit, saying, " I have notliing to do 
 with vou; you are not in my jurisdiction, and I do not want any 
 of your instruction or interference;" turning over and over the 
 note we had brought to him, as if resentment rose in his mind 
 against the writer of it, and he wished to get quit of us again. But 
 such were the impressions on my mind, that it appeared to me the 
 way had been made thus far for us, even should I be given in charge 
 to his military guards, which were placed at the entrance of his 
 palace, and that 1 must not suffer myself to be put by, from leaving 
 with him what appeared to be required of me, except he and his 
 priest turned me out of the room by force. I therefore kept my 
 standing, saying to my friend, for whom I hope I was not defi- 
 cient in feehng and sympathy, " James, thou must give him what 
 I have for him ; tell him, I am shocked at the practice at Nismes 
 of baiting the bull, and the more so, that it should be allowed on the 
 day called Sunday ; and as it is in the power of the clergy to prevent 
 this wicked practice, and more especially so in the power of the 
 Catholic clergy, whose influence over the people is unbounded, it 
 is my firm belief, so far as they refuse to exert their utmost in- 
 fluence and authority to do away with these evil practices, they 
 become parties with the actors of them in the sight of Almighty 
 God, and are implicated in all the guilt which is incurred by their 
 continuance." Whilst I was thus expressing myself, the bishop 
 continued to turn over the note we brought him, with a counte- 
 ' nance big with displeasure ; saying, these matters were no busi- 
 ness for either him or me to meddle with, nor did he require my 
 interference, or wish to hear any thing I had, to say. Feeling 
 myself clear of the bishop, I put out my hand, saying, I could 
 give him the hand of love, accompanied with a desire to meet 
 him in heaven, continuing my hand stretched towards him ; he 
 fixed his elbow against his side, put forth two of his fingers, 
 which I took hold of: 1 then offered my hand to the priest, he 
 fixed his hands close down to his sides, would not condescend to 
 go as far as the bishop had done, crying out, " Aliens, aliens ! " 
 in a disposition of mind, evincing that had it been in his power, 
 and had the Inquisition been near, it should have been our lot. 
 I left them with a heart filled with gratitude to my adorable Al- 
 mighty Helper, for the support he was pleased to bestow on my 
 companion as well as upon myself, and thankful I had been en- 
 abled to yield to this portion of duty. 
 
 We left Nismes this evening for Lyons, where we were favoured 
 to arrive safely. I was not able to pay the carriage of the addresses 
 to Geneva further than Lyons ; the coach-master at Lyons having 
 some knowledge of me, and having manifested a disposition to show 
 me kindness, 1 therefore addressed the parcel to him, inclosing the
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 425 
 
 parcel for Geneva properly addressed, with more than sufficient 
 money to pay the carriage of the^ parcel forward, and by note pro- 
 posing to receive the balance when I came to Lyons. Now calling 
 for my balance, it did not appear my parcel had ever come to hand 
 here, but, which my acknowledgment proved had been the case, 
 at Geneva ; it was supposed the money had been taken out and the 
 parcel taken forward ; I therefore thought it a favour I had re- 
 ceived an account of its safe arrival at Geneva before I left Conge- 
 nies, otherwise this circumstance would have occasioned me some 
 uncomfortable feelings as I proceeded on my journey. In the 
 evening we had the company of several serious persons at our hotel. 
 We left Lyons for Paris in a new-built carriage ; took our 
 places in what is called the coupon, which is intended to carry 
 three persons ; after we had taken our seats, a third person came, 
 who was a man of such bulk that we were so wedged down in the 
 carriage, as to be obliged to complain of our suffering ; on which 
 we were informed, the seat was one foot shorter than the usual 
 measurement allowed for three persons, it being a mistake of the 
 coach-maker's. In this situation we were obliged to travel three 
 days and nights before we reached Paris ; but here we were 
 taken to a clean, comfortable hotel, which somewhat abated my suf- 
 ferings : but my companion was so exhausted through the fatigue 
 of our journey, that I began to be apprehensive we should be de- 
 tained here. A letter having been given me to a family in Paris, 
 on Seventh-day I called with it, and spent a short time agreeably 
 with them in conversation on interesting subjects : the meeting 
 with here one and there another, whom we have good ground for 
 believing have the cause of truth at heart, is as a cordial to the 
 mind. 
 
 Whilst on my way here, fears were awakened in me, that I 
 should not be able to clear out of Paris, without endeavouring to 
 obtain an interview with the Catholic archbishop : this subject 
 coming weightily before me, and believing I should not be able 
 to leave with peace to my own mind without attempting to obtain 
 it, I procured a guide to a friend who resided near the city, for 
 his advice how to proceed in the most likely way to effect an in- 
 terview, as it appeared that that day and First-day were the two 
 last days of what is called Lent and Paque, great festivals. This 
 placed me in a trying situation, our places being engaged for 
 Second-day for Calais, and our passports ordered by the mes- 
 senger before we were aware of it ; the coach for Third-day being 
 full, we could not have procured a transfer of our places to that 
 day : all these considerations led me to try the subject again, if 
 under all the circumstances 1 might not be excused from attempt- 
 ing an interview with him on Second-day ; but as there appeared 
 no way for my acquittal but to do my part towards it, I wrote a 
 note to the archbishop, requesting he would allow me as early an 
 
 F F
 
 426 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 audience as was admissible, and received for answer, I should be 
 received on Second-day morning. My difficulty now was to pro- 
 cure an interpreter in whom I could place confidence ; aware of the 
 care that is necessary in selecting the person to whom we commit 
 ourselves and our sentiments : two persons were proposed to me, 
 and feeling more easy to accept the one than the other, here the 
 matter rested for the present. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting with a family of Friends and two 
 young men. 
 
 Second-day, with my interpreter, we proceeded to the palace of 
 the archbishop ; we were introduced to his chaplain, who ap- 
 peared with several letters in his hand ; he inquired my business, 
 I told him I attended agreeably to appointment, in reply to a let- 
 ter I sent to the archbishop, he turned over the letters, mine ap- 
 peared amongst them : he then queried what was the nature of 
 my business, eyeing me very sternly, I suppose on account of my 
 hat being kept on. I told him I did not feel at liberty to mention 
 the subject ; he then left me again for awhile, and returned, still 
 urging to know the nature of my communication ; I told him I 
 had a subject to lay before the bishop, in which I hoped he would 
 feel an interest : he again left me, and returned, saying, the 
 bishop was at breakfast, and after breakfast he had business of 
 great consequence to attend to. I proposed waiting, or coming 
 again at such time as the bishop should appoint ; to which he 
 then replied, the bishop will not see you at all. Believing I had 
 now done all in my power towards obtaining an interview, I re- 
 turned to my hotel, and sat down in the quiet : feeling something 
 yet hanging about me, as if I was not quite clear of the arch- 
 bishop, it was laid upon me to take up my pen and address him. 
 I endeavoured, after a willingness, accompanied by earnest cries 
 to the Lord to assist me therein, and penned the following : — 
 
 "To THIS Archbishop of Paris. 
 
 " Paris, 31st of the 3rd Month, 1823, 
 " May it please the archbishop to permit a stranger, a member 
 of the Society of Friends, commonly called Quakers, to introduce 
 to his notice a subject, which he had hoped, by a personal inter- 
 view, to have submitted to his consideration. I have been spend- 
 ing some time in the neighbourhood of Nismes, where a practice 
 is existing that I understand is nowhere besides to be found in the 
 nation of France ; and as Nismes is so far remote from thy residence, 
 I concluded it might be possible the practice had never come under 
 thy notice ; the practice of baiting a bull in the amphitheatre by 
 men, on the day called Sunday, a practice which I have viewed 
 with horror, believing, as I do, it is criminal in a threefold point 
 of view : in the first place, as it respects the notorious abuse
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 427 
 
 of the day, which, by Divine command given to Moses, was 
 to be set apart free from all labour and business, consequently 
 neither dissipation nor pleasure could be allowed of, and the 
 whole of the day dedicated to the service of God ; secondly, 
 as it respects this grievous abuse of the good creatures of 
 God, which were sent for our use; and thirdly, its tendency 
 must be to corrupt the minds of those who assemble on such 
 occasions, and effect that hardness of heart towards the brute 
 creation, which, as it gains ground in their minds, there is every 
 reason for apprehending will, in time, produce the like unfeeling 
 and cruel disposition towards their fellow-creatures, which is sor- 
 rowfully too apparent on these occasions ; for I understand, when 
 the combatants of these poor animals, by their dexterity, break his 
 limbs, or in any other way occasion his suffiering, and cause the 
 blood to stream from him, or any of these persons are tossed by 
 him, so as to occasion an injury or fracture, the acclamations 
 of joy which take place on such occasions, surpass conception ; 
 and it sometimes occurs that the combatant is carried off" the 
 ground with the loss of his life, or the injuries he receives in 
 time occasion his death. I therefore most earnestly crave, that 
 this subject may have such place in the mind of the archbishop, 
 as that he may be encouraged to exert his utmost endeavours to 
 terminate such a cruel and unchristian practice ; believing that his 
 interference in this matter would find acceptance with Almighty 
 God. I have long been persuaded, such is the influence and au- 
 thority which the clergy, especially so thoseof the Roman Catholic 
 persuasion, have over the minds of the people in this land, that a 
 proper exertion of this influence and authority would have a 
 tendency to check, and in time annihilate, this as well as other 
 evil practices existing ; and that so far as we neglect to use, to tlie 
 utmost of our power, our influence and authority to remove such 
 evil practices, it is my firm belief, that in the sight of heaven, we 
 make ourselves parties with the actors therein, and are implicated 
 in all the guilt that is the consequence of their continuance. 
 
 " I remain, very respectfully, 
 
 " Thomas Shillitoe." 
 
 After procuring a translation of it, and putting of it in such a 
 train for delivery as could not admit of a doubt but that it reached 
 his hand, I felt like a man who, having finished his week's labour, 
 was looking forward with a degree of satisfaction at the approaching 
 day of rest ; accompanied with this caution, although my services 
 on this side the water were now brought to a close, care would be 
 necessary when I was favoured to reach my native shore, not to 
 hasten over the ground, but again mind my steps. Priscilla Scales 
 and myself left Paris in the evening, and we were favoured to reach 
 Calais safely. The weather becoming boisterous, we were detained
 
 428 JOURNAL OF TH03rAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 there until Sixth-daj' morning, when we left Calais l)y the steam- 
 packet, and were favoured to land safely at Dover about noon. 
 First-day attended meetings there ; had » religious opportunity at 
 a Friend's house in the evening, with several young Friends. 
 Second-day morning, I left Dover for Rochester ; attended a 
 meeting in the evening appointed at my request, in which I was 
 favoured to obtain relief to my own mind, for which favour I hope I 
 felt truly thankful: every thing appeared to wear a fresh face 
 again, beino- able to speak in meetings without an interpreter, and 
 understand conversation that was going forward, occasioned new 
 feelings not easy to describe. Third-day, reached London. Here 
 I was informed that Henry Otiley and his wife, respecting whom 
 I interested myself at Bergen, in Norway, and who went out from 
 that port in a vessel bound for Baltimore, in North America, had 
 come under the care of Friends in England; the vessel run 
 aground on the Essex coast, the captain put them on shore, and 
 when the vessel was in train for sailing, left them behind. Henry 
 Otiley and his wife, not able to make their case known, were 
 reduced to great distress ; meeting with a Friend, they presented 
 the note I had given them at Bergen, addressed to Elizabeth 
 Coggeshall, at Baltimore ; the Friend having knowledge of my 
 hand-writing, took them under his charge ; they were ordered up to 
 London, cared for by Friends there, until a passage was provided 
 for them in a vessel bound for Philadelphia, and every necessary 
 care taken for them on their passage. This account produced 
 thankfulness in my mind, that 1 had attended to my impression 
 of duty, by returning to give them this note, which had thus 
 brought them under the care of Friends here. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended Tottenham meeting. Seventh-day, reached 
 Hitchin, where after an absence of a year and ten months, I was 
 favoured to find my dear wife well ; for which I hope I may say, 
 all that was within rae blessed His holy name, who had so many 
 ways cared for me, and brought me safely through so many dan- 
 gers and difficulties. 
 
 END OF VOL. I. 
 
 LONDON: 
 
 PRINTED BY JOSEPH RICKERBY, 
 
 8HERE0URN LANE. 
 
 :?
 
 JOURNAL 
 
 ov 
 
 THE LIFE, LABOURS/AND TRAVELS 
 
 OF 
 
 THOMAS SHILLITOE, 
 
 IN THE 
 
 SERVICE OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 
 
 " A faithful man shall abound with blessings ; but he that maketh haste 
 to be rich, shall not be innocent." — ^Proverbs, xxviii. 20. 
 
 " Seest thou a man diligent in his business, [his Lord's husiness,'\ he 
 shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men [d/Wi/]." — • 
 Proverbs, xxii. 29. 
 
 IN TWO VOLUMES. 
 VOL. II. 
 
 LONDON: 
 HARVEY AND D A R 1 O N, 
 
 GRACECHURCH-STREET. 
 
 1839.
 
 LONDON : 
 
 JOSEPH RICKERBY, PRINTER, 
 SHERB00RN-1.ANE.
 
 VOL. IT. 
 
 CONTENTS OF CHAPTERS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII.— Page 1. 
 
 The Author presents an Address to the King (George IV.) at Windsor — 
 His prospects of religious service on the Continent, 18-24 — Pays visits 
 to the London Police Magistrates, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and 
 the Bishoj) of London — Proceeds to Hull. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV.— Page 14. 
 
 Sails to Hamburgh — Proceeds to Altona; his services at both places, also 
 at Hanover — Visits families of Friends at Minden, &c. — Proceeds bv 
 Pyrmont, &c. to Berlin — Interesting visit to the Crown Prince. 
 
 CHAPTER XXV.— -Page 33. 
 
 Visit to Spandau Prison — His interesting interview with the King of 
 Prussia — Returns again to Spandau ; memorable time w^ith the pri- 
 soners — His Address to pious persons in the higher circles at Berlin — 
 Is left alone. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI.— Page 51. 
 
 Proceeds to Hamburgh, and thence to Kiel and Copenhagen — His inter- 
 view with the Crown Princess — Addresses the King of Denmark — Visits 
 the Crown Prince and Princess Caroline — His other engagements in Co- 
 penhagen. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII.— Page 69. 
 
 Quits Copenhagen for Elsineur, and sails to Cronstadt — Arrives at Peters- 
 burgh ; settles in lodgings for the winter — His trying circumstances 
 whilst sojourning in this city. 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII.— Page 88. 
 
 The Author witnesses the great flood at Petersburg, (11th mo., 1824) — 
 Writes an Address to the English Protestants in Russia — His deeply 
 interesting interview with the Emperor Alexander — Second visit to the 
 Emperor — Visits the prisons — Prepares to journey homeward with 
 Daniel Wheeler — Quits the Russian territory. 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX.— Page 118. 
 
 Proceeds by Memel, &c. to Berlin, and thence to Helvoetsluys ; sails 
 to Harwich — Reaches home (3d mo., 182o) — Visit to Buxton— His in- 
 terview with the Duke of Devonshire — His prospect of religious ser- 
 vice in America. 
 
 CHAPTER XXX.— Page 132. 
 
 Leaves home for Liverpool— Sails for New York, (7th mo. 1826)— Oc- 
 currences on the voyage — Arrives at New York.
 
 iv CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI.— Page 150. 
 
 Visits meetings in and about New York — Elias Kicks. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXII.— Page 169. 
 Quits New York, and proceeds northwards — Visits Indian settlements. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII.— Page 190. 
 
 Proceeds towards Upper Canada ; visiting many meetings, also some 
 Indian settlements. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV.— Page 215. 
 
 1827. Meetings in Upper Canada — Returns to New York ; attends Yearly- 
 Meeting there : also that of New England, and many meetings therein. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV.— Page 241. 
 
 Returns to New York, and thence to Philadelphia — Attends Baltimore 
 Yearly Meeting — His visit to a slave-merchant — Interview with the 
 President of the United States — Visit to a slave-owner — Returns to 
 Philadelphia — Hicksites . 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI.— Page 287. 
 Attends meetings in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania, &c. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII.— Page 306, 
 
 Attends the Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia, (1828) ; also that of New 
 York — Scene of riot thereat through Hicksite violence, &c. — The Au- 
 thor's treatment by the Hicksites — Returns to Philadelphia. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII.— Page 324. 
 
 Proceeds towards Ohio — Visits many meetings — Frequently falls in with 
 Elias Hicks — Various troubles from the Separatists — Attends Ohio 
 Yearly Meeting — Tumultuous conduct of the Hicksites. 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX.— Page 349. 
 
 Visits meetings in Ohio and Indiana — Attends Indiana Yearly Meeting — 
 Proceeds to North Carolina — Slaves — Attends North Carolina Yearly 
 Meeting ; also divers meetings in his way to Virginia — Reaches Rich- 
 mond. 
 
 CHAPTER XL.— Page 373. 
 
 Returns to Baltimore — Attends many meetings — Reaches Philadelphia — 
 Attends the Yearly Meeting there (1829) : also those of New York and 
 New England — Visits the Penitentiary at Sing Sing — Sails for England, 
 and reaches home. i 
 
 CHAPTER XLI.— Page 392. 
 
 His affectionate Address to all who are making a profession of the Chris- 
 tian name, &c. (1831) — His visit to the Bishop of London — Speech at 
 a meeting of the Temperance Society — Visit to the King and Queen at 
 Windsor in 1832 — His affectionate Address to the King, &c. — Conclud- 
 ing Remarks — His last illness and death.
 
 JOURNAL 
 
 OF THE 
 
 LIFE OF THOMAS SHILLITOE 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 In the Fifth month, 1823, I left my own home, and proceeded to 
 London, to attend the Yearly Meeting. During my attendance of 
 the Yearly Meeting, I found Friends were desirous to have details 
 of my journey on the Continent from myself; but aware that my re- 
 tailing out many occurrences, and some rather new in themselves, 
 accompanied by such displays of Divine interposition, might pro- 
 duce observations tending to set up the creature, rather than promote 
 that disposition of mind which I clearly saAv^ to be the only safe one 
 for me, viz. a sitting as with my mouth in the dust, if so be there 
 may be hope that my dedication has found full acceptance in the 
 sight of my heavenly Father; 1 therefore believed it safest for me, 
 after a summary of my proceedings had bfeen read in the Yearly Meet- 
 ing, to request Friends would excuse me from entering into further 
 details of my journey out of meeting, from a belief that it would not 
 tend to my profit. I felt thankful in being permitted once more 
 to sit down with Friends in a yearly meeting capacity, and in wit- 
 nessing the continuance of ancient goodness, whereby the concerns 
 that came before tlie meeting were conducted in much harmony. 
 
 Previous to my leaving London, it appeared to me right to put 
 into the hands of my friend Josiah Forster, for translation, the 
 German copy of the act of the king's council, relative to the better 
 observance of the first day of the week at Hanover, without any 
 clear prospect at the time I should be called upon to make use of 
 it. The desire to know why or wherefore I was giving my 
 friend this trouble, appeared to me to be quite beside my proper 
 business. In the Eighth month, I received the translation, which 
 
 VOL. u. B
 
 2 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 introduced me into exercise of mind, but without any prospect as 
 to the use 1 was to make of it. 
 
 The time drawing nigh when I must lay before my friends 
 apprehensions of further service on the Continent of Europe, 
 my situation would, at times, have been almost insupportable, 
 had I not been strengthened, like David, to feel myself brought 
 into that state, in which, with him, I could say, " I cried with 
 my whole heart, hear me, O Lord; I will keep thy statutes," 
 (Psalm cxix. 145;) yet such were my fears, lest through any 
 misstep I should be involved in perplexity, that sadness of lieart 
 was frequently my companion. Yet my help must come from 
 God alone, if I am favoured to come forth from my present tribula- 
 tion acceptably in his most holy sight. 
 
 It seemed to me that the time was come, when I should have to 
 make use of the translation of the Act of the king and council of 
 Hanover. I sat down and deliberately perused it, beseeching the Al- 
 mighty to direct me in the disposal of it ; and believing it was re- 
 quired of me to address the king (George IV.) on some of the sub- 
 jects which the Act contained, I took up my pen, earnestly craving 
 to be furnished with matter suited to the purpose. After spending a 
 suitable portion of time in inward retirement, waiting on the Lord 
 for his holy help, I proceeded to write, and having completed my 
 address, I went on Third-day, 20th of Fourth-month, 1824, accom- 
 panied by my kind friend, Peter Bedford, to \V indsor. On being 
 informed the king was going from the castle to the lodge : we 
 proceeded to the long-walk in the great park ; and earnest was my 
 solicitude to be enabled to discharge this act of apprehended duty, 
 in a way that would, on a retrospect, afford relief to my own mind. 
 We at length perceived the king coming in his poncy-chaise down 
 the long-walk ; when he came nearly abreast of us, we advanced a 
 little towards the middle of the road ; I had the packet in my hand, 
 containing the German copy of the act of the king and council, 
 the same translated, and my address on some subjects which it 
 contained. The king stopped his horses, and we approached the 
 carriage. On my asking the king, in a respectful manner, if I 
 might be permitted to present him with a packet, he replied, "Yes, 
 Friend, you may." Several years having elapsed since I had had 
 an interview with him at Brighton, and the king having lost much 
 of that florid countenance he then had, also appearing aged, and 
 being wrapped up in a loose drab great-coat, instead of an 
 uniform, which he wore on the former occasion, some hesita- 
 tion arose in my mind lest I should be mistaken, and it should 
 not be the king. I, therefore, looking up at him, inquired, " But 
 is it the king?" to which he replied, "Yes, Friend; I am the 
 king : give it to the Marquis of Conyngham ;" who received it with 
 a smile ; on which the king said, " Now you have handed it to
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILMTOE. 3 
 
 me." After a sliort communication which I had to make to the 
 king, he said, " I thank you."" We then acknowledged his con- 
 descension, withdrew from tlje carriage, , and returned to London 
 with grateful hearts. 1 was favoured to reach my own home 
 again, and enjoy it for a time. The address was as follows : — 
 
 " May it please the King, 
 " To permit a subject, who believes he can say he has thy 
 present peace and eternal welfare at heart, even as his own, to 
 lay before thee some matters in which thou art deeply concerned, 
 in the sight of that Almighty Being, by whom thou acknow- 
 ledgest thyself called to the throne. Having lately been engaged in 
 a long journey on the Continent of Europe, under apprehensions of 
 religious duty ; during my travels mourning and lamentation were 
 mostly the clothing of my mind, in beholding the extreme immo- 
 rality of the people ; and that in some of the states they were 
 licensed by government, and protected by the police, in following 
 wicked practices. Above all, I found, with but little exception, 
 the Sabbath, (as it is called,) or first day of the week, (set apart 
 for Divine worship,) abused in the most notorious manner, by 
 civilized nations professing the Christian name. These scenes of 
 iniquity, with the too evident fearless disposition of mind which 
 prevailed amongst every class and rank of the people, coming so 
 frequently under my notice, brought along with them the mourn- 
 ful language of the prophet Jeremiah, (xv. I7,) ' Were they 
 ashamed, when they had committed abominations ; nay, they were 
 not at all ashamed, neither could they blush ;"■ which is too sor- 
 rowfully applicable to the general state of mind of the people 
 amongst whom my lot was cast. I apprehended myself in duty 
 called upon to remonstrate in some of the states with those in 
 authority, by a printed address on the subject of some laws which 
 had a tendency to build up the people in iniquity, as well as with 
 the people themselves on the subject of their evil conduct. I always 
 entertained a hope, when recurring to thy dominions, that in all thy 
 German states, laws and regulations were framed, which would 
 preserve thy subjects there, as well as at home, in a due respect for 
 the day called the Sabbath, and thus setting a good example of mo- 
 rality to the Continent of Europe ; not that I mean to be understood, 
 that there is not great room for improvement at home in these 
 respects ; but this, I believe, does not so much arise from defects 
 in the laws, a* from a want of more vigilance in some places on 
 the part of those whose duty it is to enforce them. Of the effects 
 which a well-regulated police is capable of producing, I had also 
 satisfactory proof at the town of Basle, where * the Sabbath "■ is 
 passed in a becoming manner — quiet and order prevailing in the 
 streets ; all business being suspended, and dissipation and amuse- 
 ment entirely prohibited. 
 
 b2
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 "As I had a prospect of spending some time in Hanover before 
 my return, amidst all my secret trouble because of the abomina- 
 tion of the people, a cheering hope would frequently revive, that 
 there my deeply tried mind would experience some relief: but 
 alas! how were my expectations disappointed! how did all my hopes 
 vanish ! how were my bonds increased ! sorrow indeed filled my 
 heart ; I was bowed as into the very dust, to find from appearances 
 there, the day called the Sabbath to be disregarded and abused as 
 much as in any place where my lot had been cast : and that which 
 added to my affliction was, to find the people warranted herein 
 (as they conceive) by rules and regulations having thy own signa- 
 ture : for, during a short interview with some of the seriously 
 disposed there, on my remarking, with evident feelings of sorrow, 
 the manner in which 'the Sabbath' is abused, the reply was, 
 ' Our new rules and regulations sent from England have much 
 contributed to it, so that we have no power to help things.' I 
 procured a copy in print of those regulations, and a translation 
 thereof, which I enclose herewith, for the purpose of reference ; 
 with remarks on those parts, which I apprehend (notwithstanding 
 the general purport of the regulations and the royal introductory 
 admonition,) tend to frustrate the intention of the whole, and are 
 by too many of the king's subjects made use offer that purpose ; 
 and I crave of the king, as he values his own soul and the souls of 
 his German subjects, a serious perusal of the whole ; beseeching 
 the Almighty, that he will give thee to see all their evil bearings, 
 and the wide door which is thus, O king, set open by thy autho- 
 rity, for thy German subjects to be found in the breach of laws 
 both moi-al and divine ; and that no time may be lost in applying 
 such remedies, as to the king may seem meet, and which may be 
 promotive of the temporal and eternal interest of his German 
 subjects; for it is ' righteousness which exalteth a nation, but sin 
 is a reproach to any people.' Bear with me, O king, if I presume 
 to say, that these rules, set forth by thee (in the preamble of 
 which it is stated, that it is by Divine authority thou art placed 
 on the throne of thy royal father,) must be in accordance with 
 the law of God, and of Christ Jesus our Lord, if thou art favoured 
 to witness the blessing of heaven to descend upon thee and upon 
 thy dominions, and to experience Divine wisdom to guide thee 
 and thy counsellors, in the management of the important affairs 
 of the state. 
 
 " Extracts from the regulations respecting the day called 
 the Sabbath: 'It is prohibited throughout the whole of the 
 day, to hold masked balls, &c. &c. &c. Unmasked balls, sledge- 
 parties, playing at nine-pins in public gardens, or in private 
 gardens (if in the neighbourhood of the church,) and public 
 music, shall not be allowed till three o'clock in the afternoon.'
 
 JOURNAL OK TJIOMAS SHILMTOE. 5 
 
 Here permit mc to remark, what a wide door is set oj)cii (or 
 those who are disposed to indulge in these several gratifica- 
 tions, to absent themselves from their place of wor-hij), and 
 spend their time the whole of the day, so that it he not in 
 the neighbourhood of ' the eliurch,' in this loose, irreligious 
 manner. 
 
 " Extracts: — ' To open the theatre, to keep marriage-feasts, 
 or other large parties in public-houses is forl)id on the first days 
 of the three great annual fasts, and on penance and prayer days, 
 and on the other Sundays and fast-days; these sliall not \)c 
 allowed, until after the conclusion^of the afternoon service, viz. meet- 
 ings of journeymen, club-meetings, or for releasing of apprentices, 
 and for admitting journeymen, and masters, or any such meetings 
 as are obnoxious to the main object of Cliristian holidays, ^\■ilh 
 regard to the time allowed for the continuance of dancing-parties, 
 more especially in public-houses, this is left to the police, and 
 their regulations respecting this subject.' 
 
 " Extracts : — ' During the moni'mg and aftenioon service on 
 Sundays or fast-days^ all shops or booths shall be shut, and no 
 trade or profession shall be carried on in public or in private 
 workshops, except in cases of necessity, w/ien the police has 
 granted leave: all buying and selling, with the exception of medi- 
 cine at the apothecaries' shops, the erecting of booths or stands in 
 the public market-places, brewing, malting, butchering, the carry- 
 ing of water for brewing, carrying flour, or beer, and in (jcnrral 
 every thing which occasions a particular disturbance, .shall he 
 prohibited. All public-houses and inns, tea and coffee-houses, 
 ale-houses, journeymen's club-houses, as well as all weighing and 
 packing-houses, shall be kept closed during these times; and no 
 person shall be admitted to the former, except travellers ; nor 
 shall any refreshment be handed to any, except travellers an(' 
 sick persons.' 
 
 " 1 was myself a mournful witness of the operation of these regu- 
 lations. Looking out of the window of my hotel at Hanover, on 
 the morning of the Sabbath, 1 beheld household goods removing, 
 and various articles conveying about the streets, shops of all de- 
 scription opened, as on another day, and the people as active in 
 their worldly concerns, as if it had been one of the six days ap- 
 pointed by the JNIost High for labour ; uyttil the time when the 
 service at the places of worship began ; and all hudness again 
 commenced the moment they were closed. I noticed several 
 persons, apparently of the middle class, who came thither long after 
 the time the people generally had assembled, and the same descrip- 
 tion of persons leaving the place together, apparently before the 
 service was over. I found reason to suppose, and did afterwards 
 learn, that these were shopkeepers, who, having kept their shops 
 open till the last minute allowed by law, were anxious to have
 
 6 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 them open again, as they call it, timely, or before their neighbours 
 had dispersed after the public worship. Wishing on this day to 
 call upon a merchant, I was shown, as a matter of course, into his 
 counting-house, where I found him transacting business with 
 different persons, as they came in to him ; which I understood 
 was pretty generally the case with the merchants before, between, 
 and after, the afternoon services. Shooting-parties were turning out 
 at noon, to sport away the remainder of the day. After three 
 o'clock all business was going forward, handicrafts publicly at 
 work, nine-pins rattling, with shouting occasioned thereby in dif- 
 ferent directions, gaming-houses opened, and diversions of dif- 
 ferent kinds going forward; in all which the people think them- 
 selves supported by the new regulations. How mournful has this 
 consideration been to me, when recurring to the laws on this sub- 
 ject, applicable to my native land ; where we may, if we are in- 
 clined, enjoy the privilege of quietly passing ' the Sabbath,'' a pri- 
 vilege of which thy religiously disposed German subjects are 
 deprived, unless they live in very secluded situations. On read- 
 ing the regulations, and beholding these effects, trembling took 
 hold of me at the thought, that thy German subjects should be 
 upheld in setting such an evil example to the Continent of 
 Kurope. I crave the Almighty, that he may be pleased to assist 
 thee and thy counsellors in remedying these evils, for so I believe 
 they appear in his sight ; and permit me to add my belief, that so 
 long as they are suffered to remain, thou stands a party, O king, 
 before God, to the consequences resulting from them ; and I fear 
 that I shall not stand acquitted in the Divine sight, if I do not, in 
 that feeling of Christian love and obedience, which I owe to thee 
 as a subject, express my belief, that if these regulations are not 
 repealed (the regulations permitting them,) they will be found 
 heavy in the scale of condemnation against thee in the great and 
 awful day of account. 
 
 " To produce the greatest possible uniformity of good conduct 
 amongst thy subjects, with respect to morality and due respect 
 for ' the Sabbath,'' there must be a consistency in thy laws on 
 this subject, in all thy dominions; for the laws of Almighty God 
 are not subject to alterations, they do not change to meet the cor- 
 rupt inclinations and views of depraved man, but remain the 
 same, to every nation on the face of the earth, to the end of time : 
 and this consistency in thy acts with the Divine will, 1 crave may 
 become thy chief care and concern, even to be found governing 
 thy subjects as one who is to give an account of this great and im- 
 portant stewardship; that thou mayst be favoured, (as I often crave 
 for thee,) in the winding up of time, to exchange thy earthly for 
 an heavenly crown. And oh, that the king may not be deterred 
 from this his duty, by the apprehension of giving dissatisfaction 
 to any party ! Remember, thou professest to rule for God ; there-
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS klllLLl i OK. 9 
 
 fore dare to be faithful to the trust thou acknowlc(l«^e.st to be 
 committed to thee, leaving all consequences to the disposal of 
 Him, who has the hearts of all men at his command, and is able 
 to chain down that evil disposition which would rise up in any of 
 thy subjects ; whose dissatisfaction is of small moment, compared 
 with the displeasure of Almighty God. Let me, then, again 
 beseech thee, O king, well to consider these remarks, and let them 
 have due place in thy mind ; that so one part of the cause of these 
 evils may be removed : and then I humbly hope that, in time, 
 much of these evil fruits will have gradually disappeared, and the 
 minds of thy religiously disposed German subjects will be relieved 
 from that load of suffering, which 1 believe some have to bear, be- 
 cause of the abominations of the people. And inasmuch as by the 
 interference of Divine Providence, the enemies' forces have been 
 expelled from their possession of thy dominions on the Continent of 
 Europe, and an end put to that terrible slaughter and bloodshed, 
 and thou art in quiet possession of thy German states, permit me 
 respectfully to query with thee, is it not a loud call upon thee to 
 exert thy utmost endeavours to root out those evil practices ; 
 otherwise, should the Almighty see meet again to plead with the 
 inhabitants of the Continent, by his judgments, yet more terrible 
 than any thing they have experienced, because of their impeni- 
 tence and irreligion, what ground can there be to expect that 
 these thy subjects wull be spared .'' Such were my feelings on 
 their account, when amongst them. And now, that the blessing 
 of Heaven may rest upon the king and his counsellors, in delibe- 
 rating on this and all other matters of the state, is the earnest 
 prayer of my soul. 
 
 " Thomas Shillitoe." 
 '' Hitchin, Herts, 12th of 12th Month, 182-3." 
 
 After obtaining certificates from my own monthly and quar- 
 terly-meeting to visit Pyrmont, INIinden, Berlin, and in parts of 
 Russia, where truth should open the way ; I left my own home,* 
 on the First-day, sixteenth of Fifth month, 1824; attended meeting 
 at Hertford in the afternoon, — proceeded to Tottenham, attended 
 the evening meeting there ; after which I walked to London. 
 
 17th. Attended the select Yearly Meeting, which adjourned to 
 the afternoon : at the adjournment I opened my concern to visit 
 some parts of the Continent of Europe, and my prospect of duty 
 to spend most of the winter in Petersburgh. Certificates were 
 ordered accordingly. 
 
 First-day morning, attended a funeral at Esiier in Surry, of a 
 Friend, whose removal from time into eternity was sudden and un- 
 expected to her friends. Theopportunityat thegrave-side continued 
 long; there was good ground for believing it proved a prolitable 
 season, not only to the relations of the deceased, but to many
 
 8 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Others. I attended the severcal sittings of the Yearly Meeting, in 
 whieh silence appeared to be my proper province ; in being fa- 
 voured thus to see my right place in these meetings, and to be 
 enabled to keep it, I esteemed a groat mercy from my Heavenly 
 Father. I'he activity of the creature is so soon stirred up, in 
 some minds more than others, in these meetings, especially wlien 
 the meeting becomes agitated with some matters that are brougiit 
 before it : on such occasions dispositions like my own, require to be 
 exercised in more than a common share of watchfulness, in order 
 that we may be preserved from meddling in matters which we are 
 not called upon to do. 
 
 27th 5th mo. The Yearly Meeting closed its sittings : my cer- 
 tificate being signed and delivered to me, increased my bonds, ac-r 
 companied by fresh excitement to be preserved cleaving inspirit to 
 the Lord, in order to my being favoured to experience his all-sup- 
 porting arm of power, to bear me up and sustain me through 
 every trial, that may await the faithful discharge of duty. Unaccom- 
 panied, for ought 1 had any ground as yet to suppose, by a sym- 
 pathizing brother ; on my way from meeting to my quarters, 
 pondering over my solitary situation in this respect, my kind 
 friend Thomas Christy overtook me, and })rocecd!ng with me to 
 my lodgings, offered to be my companion to Minden. This offer 
 coming so unexpectedly (we not having conversed on the subject,) 
 was fresh cause of thankfulness to my mind. I met the com- 
 mittee on continental concerns, appointed by the Meeting for 
 Sufferings to arrange matters for my departure ; to whom I opened 
 my prospects of the time when the necessary passports shovdd be 
 in readiness. But there was a subject which had long pressed on 
 my mind, the weight of which I found 1 must in some way be 
 relieved from, before I left my native shore ; assured if 1 did 
 my part towards its accomplishment, by casting myself upon my 
 friends, and they were not willing 1 should proceed in the service, 
 the will would be accepted for the deed, and the burden would 
 . be removed from my shoulders : otherwise it appeared to me it 
 would be a heavy load to carry with me out of my native land, 
 and at times prove the means of impeding my progress in my 
 religious engagements on the Continent. 1 therefore opened to 
 the committee my prospects of duty before I embarked for the 
 Continent, of visiting the principal acting magistrates of the dif- 
 ferent police-offices in London, also a member of the privy-council, 
 and the secretary for the home department. After suitable deli- 
 beration on my religious prospects, I was left at liberty to pro- 
 ceed ; my kind friend John Eliot, wrote to a member of the privy- 
 council, who was considered the most suitable to try to obtain an 
 interview with, it being several days before a reply was received, 
 in consequence of his indisposition, this suspense was a fresh ex- 
 rrcise of faith and patience : not feeling myself at liberty to take
 
 JOURNAL Ol'' THOMAS SHILLITOK. 9 
 
 much active part in preparing for my departure for tlie Continent, 
 until the prospect before me was accom])lishecl, yet 1 was at times 
 desirous to lose no time in prosecuting my journey, so as to 
 escape the equinoctial gales in the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Fin- 
 land, which are said so frequently to prove fatal, and to reach 
 Russia sutHciently early to become gradually seasoned to meet 
 the approaching winter. 
 
 Accompanied by my kind friend Peter Bedford, on the fourth 
 of Sixth month, we visited the resident magistrate at Land)eth 
 Street, who received us with great cordiality : I laid before him, 
 in his official capacity of magistrate, the evil and very sorrowful 
 consequences resulting to all classes in society by the open disre- 
 gard of the First-day of the week ; the day set apart by general 
 consent of all professing Christians for the worship of Almiuhty 
 God ; calling his attention to a prominent occasion of this almse, 
 the shops being opened for the sale of newspapers, and their 
 being sold about the streets on the day called Sunday ; together 
 with the gin-shops and public tea-gardens being opened on this 
 day ; and the drunkenness suffered in the evening at the public- 
 houses round about the suburbs of the city, where it is carried 
 to a great excess, it aflbrded great relief to my mind, to meet with 
 such a willingness to hear what I had to offer, and to enter into 
 the views 1 had been enabled to take of the various matters I had 
 to lay before them. I had viewed this engagement as being likely 
 to prove very up-hill work ; but from the desire the magistrate 
 evidently manifested to do his part towards a remedy, and from 
 the open reception we met with, I was enabled to take fresh 
 courage, and renew my covenants with Him, who had, I was led 
 humbly to hope, called me to it. 
 
 5th of Gth mo. Accompanied by Peter Bedford, we proceeded 
 to Union Hall, in the liorough of Southwark, where the crowd 
 of persons waiting on the magistrates was so great, there appeared 
 no hopes of our obtaining a suitable opportunity ; we therefore 
 claimed the advice and assistance of a friend near, who wrote a 
 note to the magistrate on the bench, requesting a private inter- 
 view, which it appeared could not be granted ; but an offer being 
 made, that if i was willing to come to the hall I should be heard, 
 for a while placed me in a trying situation ; fearing lest my not 
 accepting the present opportunity for relieving my mind the way 
 for it would not open again. 
 
 Deliberating on the matter in the best way I was capable, and 
 finding it was likely that many persons would be within hearing 
 of what I had to offer, and catch a part, and very imperfectly 
 catch other parts of what was said, and thus circulate very erro- 
 neous reports of it ; from these considerations it appeared to re- 
 quire greater clearness than I was able to attain to, that tills was the
 
 10 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 right way for me to proceed ; I therefore found it safest for me to 
 relinquish it. On further inquiry, it appeared, tliat the most active 
 magistrate, and the one most hkely to enter into the consideration 
 of my views, was not on the bench that day. Understanding that 
 he resided in the neighbourhood of Peckham, and the way open- 
 ing in my mind to attend Peckham meeting next day, I en- 
 gaged my young friend, Joseph Sterry, to accompany me. 
 
 First-day, Gth of Cth mo. I attended Peckham meeting ; after 
 which we made a visit to the magistrate of Union Hall, who re- 
 ceived us kindly. When he came to understand the motive of 
 our making him this visit, he manifested a willingness to enter 
 agreeably into the consideration of the subjects 1 laid before him; 
 in addition to these, I felt my mind constrained to mention to 
 him a circumstance to which I had been a witness that morning, 
 and which 1 was well informed was a common practice on First- 
 day mornings, viz. for persons to assemble in a foot-path field 
 near town, to fight their pitched battles ; whereby hundreds of 
 people were collected, and great uproar takes place. It appeared 
 the magistrate was a stranger to this circumstance ; he handsomely 
 expressed his obligation for the information, assuring us that the 
 necessary steps to prevent the practice in future should be taken, 
 and the other matters attended to, as far as was in his power. 
 
 Second-day, accompanied by my friend Luke Howard, we 
 waited on the principal active magistrate belonging to the 
 police-office. Queen Square, Westminster, who received us very 
 respectfully ; he gave us a full opportunity to say what came before 
 us, manifesting a disposition to enter agreeably into the consider- 
 ation of the various subjects thrown before him, and expressed a 
 desire to do his part towards a remedy. 
 
 Third-day. accompanied by my friend John Eliot, we waited 
 upon the chief-magistrate at the police-office, Hatton Garden, 
 who received us with kindness, manifesting a wiUingness to 
 do his part, as far as he was entrusted with power, to remedy the 
 evil practices mentioned to him : the sad consequences attendant 
 on the tea-gardens, were generally adverted to by those magistrates 
 whom we visited, as being the cause of producing immorality in 
 many of the youth, and defeating the exertions of the police in en- 
 deavouring to clear the streets of prostitutes, and thus to remove 
 these temptations to evil out of their way ; the tea-gardens being 
 the place of resort for these disorderly females ; and the evils pro- 
 duced by the gin-shops being opened, as was the case in the 
 neighbourhood of the poor, at four or five in the morning, which 
 laid the foundation for the drunkenness so apparent in these 
 neighbourhoods. We could not doubt a sincere desire prevailed 
 in the minds of most we visited, to help these things which are 
 so much out of order : but it was evident, if good in these respects
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. U 
 
 was to be effected, it must originate with the higher powers • the 
 fines now allowed by law to be levied for misdemeanours, being 
 so limited, were by no means adequate to remedy the existing 
 
 V/ YlXo* 
 
 Fourth-day, accompanied by my friends Luke Howard and 
 Thomas Richardson, we waited upon the lord mayor at the 
 Mansion-house, who received us in a courteous manner. My en- 
 deavouring faithfully to lay before him various subjects as they 
 presented, afforded me a peaceful reflection. 
 
 Sixth-day, accompanied by my friend Luke Howard, we pro- 
 ceeded to Lambeth Palace, and obtained an interview with the 
 Archbishop of Canterbury ; to whom 1 opened my concern on va- 
 rious subjects, as I had done to the different magistrates : in- 
 forming him, that a disposition of mind generally prevailed with 
 them, towards remedying these evils, were their hands made suffi- 
 ciently strong for the work: I pointed out the need there was 
 for their hands to be strengthened by the higher powers to induce 
 this necessary reformation ; laying before him the necessity of 
 his exerting his influence with the rulers of the nation toward 
 such laws being framed, that would prove an effectual means of 
 checking these existing evil practices. We parted, I trust, under 
 feelings of goodwill ; and I was reverently thankful, that strength 
 had been given me faithfully to acquit myself. 
 
 Seventh-day, we waited on the Bishop of London, who also 
 received us in a respectful manner; with whom I enlarged much 
 on the subjects I had laid before the magistrates ; to wliich he 
 appeared to give agreeable attention, uttering as I proceeded 
 frequent expressions of assent. I endeavoured in a becoming 
 manner to lay before him, how much it might be in his power, 
 from the situation in which he stood, to promote the application 
 of proper remedies for the evils existing in the nation ; exhorting 
 him to do his very utmost towards its being brought al)out. The 
 interview afforded me relief; and 1 left the bishop under feelings 
 of regard, for the candid opportunity he had afforded us. 
 
 First-day morning, attended Winchmore-hill meeting; where I 
 trust I was favoured to acquit myself faithfully : attended Tot- 
 tenham meeting in the afternoon, in which I kept silence ; but I 
 left the meeting-house under a fear I had not been right in so 
 doing ; yet Divine mercy and tender compassion, when our dis- 
 obedience is not wilful, fails not again in due time to manifest 
 itself; whereby my unfaithfulness was not suffered to remain as a 
 sin unto death against me. Second-day, attended the morning- 
 meeting of ministers and elders, — to me a low, exercising time ; 
 although from testimonies borne by others, it proved a time in 
 which the wing of Divine regard was stretched over the meeting. 
 My intended companion continuing anxious to be moving towards 
 the Continent, J felt not a little on his and his iiimily's account;
 
 12 JOURNAL Ol- THOMAS SIllLLITOE, 
 
 with respect to myself, altliougli a release from further service on 
 this side the water would have been acceptable to my own mind, 
 yet, through adorable mercy, I was favoured to know a centering 
 in quiet resignation to the Divine will ; not doubting, but that in 
 due time, way would be made for such release. Fourth-day, no 
 answer being received to the note to the privy counsellor, a 
 second note was forwarded ; his indisposition continuing, placed 
 me in a trying situation, as it respected my intended companion ; 
 although I believed I clearly saw, if I kept in the patience, way 
 would be made for an interview. Fifth-day, a reply to the 
 note to the privy counsellor was received, appointing Seventh-day 
 for the interview with him ; and a note from the secretary of 
 state for the home department, appointing the afternoon of 
 Seventh-day for our interview with him. What a fresh call was this 
 to unite with the Psalmist, in the pathetic language, " Good is the 
 Lord, and worthy to be praised,"" and patiently waited upon. 
 Seventh-day, we waited on the privy counsellor, who received us 
 respectfully, allowing a full opportunity for laying before him the 
 various subjects that arose in our minds ; we acquainted him with 
 the agreeable manner we had been received by the different j)olice- 
 magistrates, and the willingness they had manifested to unite in 
 endeavouring to further such measures, which the higher autho- 
 rities should see right to adopt, for remedying the evils I had 
 laid before them : and that to effect this desirable reformation, 
 the hands of the magistrates required in some way to be strength- 
 ened ; well assured as 1 was, if there was a waiting on the part of 
 those who were to strengthen their hands, for Divine wisdom to 
 direct them in applying a remedy, and a willingness to move 
 under its influence, Divine strength would be afforded to rise 
 above the reproach of the libertine part of the people. 
 
 My way, after this opportunity, opened to make efforts towards 
 my leaving for the Continent; and we proceeded to the foreign- 
 ollice, to procure passports. Agreeably to appointment, we waited 
 on the secretary of state for the home department, who gave us 
 a full opportunity to relieve our minds. I had prepared a card 
 with the names of the different police-magistrates we had called 
 upon, which we presented to the privy counsellor and secretary of 
 state : we also presented to the bishops, the members of the 
 privy-council, the secretary of state, and each of the magistrates, 
 a work on the principles of Friends, which appeared to be well 
 received. I came away desirous of being preserved from anxiety, 
 as to the result of my many secret baptisms, both before and 
 during, the prosecution of this short but humiliating engage- 
 ment. 
 
 First-day morning, 20th of 6th month, attended Iloddesdon 
 meeting; walked to Hertford, attended their afternoon meeting. 
 Second-day, proceeded with my dear wife to Hitchin ; then pro-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 13 
 
 cecded by mail to Shcfndd. Fourth-day, to Barnsley ; some 
 outward affairs there claimed my attention, which brought me under 
 fresh exercise of mind, fearing I should become improperly in- 
 volved in them. Earnest were my cries, whilst on my way there, 
 for preservation from any of the wiles of the evil power; to escape 
 which, I was strengthened to make some temporal sacrifices. 
 
 First-day morning, attended meeting at Sheffield; then taking 
 leave of my dear daughter and grand-children, accompanied by 
 my son-in-law John Heppenstall, I proceeded to Doncaster ; 
 attended their evening meeting. Second-day, whilst at my 
 breakfast, I was seized with a violent attack of spasmodic affection 
 in my throat, which appeared to alarm my friends : this so en- 
 feebled my bodily strength, that I feared being able to proceed 
 on my journey ; but feeling the necessity now laid upon me to 
 press forward, I was made willing to commit my enfeebled body 
 to the care of Him, who is abundantly able to renew strength, 
 and give ability to accomplish all he requires of us. We pro- 
 ceeded to Thorn : on our arrival at the steam-boat office, and 
 inquiring for my luggage, which had been sent forward by the 
 coach, I was assured it was in the steam-boat. On landinir at 
 Hull, and inquiring for my luggage, it was not to be found in the 
 boat ; nor any account of it could be obtained. This involved 
 me in considerable embarrassment, fearing it should prove the 
 means of our losing our passage in the next vessel sailing for 
 Hamburgh. After considerable exertion on the part of my 
 friends, it was traced to an out-building at an inn on the road, 
 where it had been left by the coachman.
 
 14 
 
 chaptp:r IV. 
 
 Fifth-day evening, my kind companion Thomas Christy and 
 myself proceeded on board the Laurel, Captain Morgan ; and 
 after a passage of three days we were favoured to land safely at 
 Hamburgh. On Second-day morning, soon after our landing, 
 I proceeded to Altona, where 1 called upon an old acquaintance. 
 On his hearing of my views of wintering in Petersburgh, he pro- 
 posed introducing to me a friend of his, who termed himself a 
 primitive Catholic, and who had been residing in Petersburgh a 
 considerable time. The prospect of such an interview at first 
 appeared desirable ; but I soon felt in my own mind, I had not 
 sufficiently weighed the proposal; for whilst the messenger was gone 
 to invite their friend to give me his company, it came out, this per- 
 son had been banished from Russia, in consequence of his religious 
 principles clashing with the established religion of the country, 
 and his having brought over to himself numerous followers, as 
 well as published some works obnoxious to the established clergy. 
 This account alarmed me not a little, not knowing how I might be 
 drawn out into conversation by him, and what might result to 
 myself, should he keep up a correspondence with those there who 
 were his followers. I felt so fully convinced of the necessity of 
 my remaining ignorant altogether of his situation, both here and 
 there, that I begged of my friends on no account to encourage a 
 disposition in their friend to give me the least information on either 
 of these heads. From a fear I should be in danger some way or other 
 of being involved in difficulty, by my continuing in his company, if 
 I did not take the greatest possible care, I therefore, in as hand- 
 some a manner as I was capable of, refused his kind offer of 
 introduction to his friends at Petersburgh, and soon left him again, 
 thankful that I continued as ignorant at our separation as to any 
 detail from himself, relative to occurrences in his case, either 
 there or here, as when we first met. 
 
 Leaving the residence of my kind friend, it appeared to 
 me, if I acted consistently with my duty, I must call upon 
 the police-master who arrested me when here before, and 
 committed me to prison, (whereby my bodily health sustained
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 1,5 
 
 some injury,) and to give him my hand of love, for I felt 
 nothmg but love towards him as a man ; tliis 1 accordingly 
 did. He received my hand with marks of kindness. I also culled 
 upon the governor, who welcomed me again to Altona. Third- 
 day, accompanied by my kind friend Thomas Christy, we pro- 
 ceeded to the senate-house to call upon the chief magistrate ; we 
 were received with great respect by the different officers of the state, 
 and were introduced to him, although he had many persons with 
 him, and others waiting in an anti-room, also crowds of people at 
 the entrance, waiting to be admitted to him. At the sight of 
 us, his countenance manifested the pleasure which our meeting 
 once more afforded him, and I could say it was mutual : he sus- 
 pended his business to give us some account of the state of things 
 amongst them, since my ffrst visit to Hamburgh ; saying, with 
 apparent satisfaction marked by his expressions, that improve- 
 ment in morality was making progress in the city ; that twelve 
 young women were about leaving the penitentiary, some to return 
 to their own homes, and others to service ; and in order that 
 such as had no parents might be sheltered from the danger of 
 falling into the like temptations again, a house was provided to 
 receive them on leaving the penitentiary, and work provided for 
 them, until suitable situations could be found for them ; which 
 house was solely under the management of some of the respecta- 
 ble female inhabitants ; and he added, that hopes were entertained 
 of further improvements taking place. I had previously heard a 
 similar report, and also that some progress was made in the better 
 passing of the First-day. Previously to our landing, papers 
 were brought on board our vessel, by an officer of the police, for 
 the regulation of the behaviour of the sailors on shore, which 
 produced no little cheering in my mind, hoping, from this circum- 
 stance, something good was at work at Hamburgh ; and however 
 slow it may advance, yet, if it keeps proceeding, hopes may be 
 entertained, that in time this improvement will become yet more 
 conspicuous. Feeling tender of the time of the magistrate, and 
 of the time and feelings of the numerous persons waiting to have 
 a hearing, we concluded to withdraw, and make him another call. 
 At our parting he furnished us with an order to inspect their new 
 establishment for the reception of the sick, presenting us each 
 with a handsome engraving of Cuxhaven, the lighthouse, bathing- 
 rooms, &c. which 1 cheerfully accepted, from a belief that he de- 
 signed it as a token of his respect. Understanding that the old 
 senator on Hamburgh Burgh had been removed by death since I 
 was last here, and the power of remedymg the evils stiil existing 
 on the burgh now rested with his son, as senator and bailiff' of the 
 burgh: feeling my mind drawn to make him a visit, I found I 
 must either cheerfully give up to it, or endanger my incurring 
 the displeasure of that Almighty power, who never yet had failed
 
 IG JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 to be strength to me in seasons of tlic greatest weakness : I tliere- 
 fore informed my clear companion, Thomas Christy, how it was 
 with me. 
 
 Fourth-day, Thomas Christy and myself, accompanied by 
 Morris Birkbeck,"of Hamburgh, proceeded to his residence on the 
 burgh ; but he was from home. '^I'he task of paying him this 
 visit, was so truly humiliating to the creaturely part in me, that I 
 would gladly have excused myself from any further attempt to 
 see him ; but a mode of procedure like this, 1 was soon fully 
 satisfied would not prove likely to secure for me, that future aid 
 and assistance, which, from the nature and extent of my religious 
 prospects, I should stand in great need of from Israels Shepherd; 
 I therefore endeavoured to ascertain when he was most certain to 
 be at home ; which being done, we left a message, proposing to 
 wait upon him at a time likely to be the most suitable. 
 
 Whilst I was on a religious visit to the Continent of Europe be- 
 fore, I was informed there were pleasure-gardens of considerable ex- 
 tent in the neighbourhood of Altona, which the proprietor was in 
 the practice of setting open the whole of the First-day of the week 
 for the amusement of the public ; which had a tendency to draw 
 multitudes of persons from their homes, to herd together in the 
 drinking-houses in the neighbourhood, and to neglect the attend- 
 ance of a place of religious worship. This subject took such 
 hold of my mind, that i was led to apprehend I should not 
 acquit myself faithfully, either towards my great and good 
 Master, or the propi'ietor of these pleasure-gardens, unless I was 
 willing, when the way clearly opened for it, to make him a visit 
 on the occasion. Although I felt myself at times weighed down 
 with exercise, when the subject came before me on a former occa- 
 sion, yet the way never opened with clearness to obtain an inter- 
 view when I left Altona before. 
 
 On our leaving the residence of the police-master at Hamburgh 
 Burgh, I told my companion, Thomas Christy, how it had fared 
 with me when here before, relative to the proprietor of these plea- 
 sure-gardens ; and that 1 believed now was the acceptable time for 
 me to make an attempt to obtain an interview with him : we 
 therefore proceeded to his house ; but on inquiry found he was 
 gone to business: this circumstance of our not finding him at home, 
 as I had hoped at this early hour in the morning, for the moment 
 discouraged me, fearing an opportunity with him in his counting- 
 house might not be attended with that quietness of mind I was 
 so desirous of finding him in. We however proceeded to his 
 counting-house, where I had hoped to find him in a room alone ; 
 but we were introduced to him amidst numerous other persons, 
 who gazed upon us, I suppose on account of our keeping on our 
 hats. On requesting an interview with him he readily consented, 
 but did not leave his desk, as I expected he would have done ;
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SH I I,I,ITOIJ. ]J 
 
 this occasioned mc fresh discouragement, as it did not appear to 
 me it would be right to say, what I might have to con)mu- 
 nicate to him, before others. I therefore requested a private 
 interview with him, to which he appeared readily to comply, and 
 took us into another apartment. Strength being given me, I laid 
 before him the different views which arose in my mind, of the sor- 
 rowful consequences likely to result, from his opening the gardens 
 on the First-day of the week for the amusement of the ])uljlic, 
 and more especially so in the early part of that day : he aj)peared 
 to receive what I had to offer in an agreeable disposition of mind ; 
 saying, he was fully sensible of the purity of my motive, and 
 what I had thus thrown before him would become a subject of 
 his consideration. 1 returned to our hotel, making sweet melody 
 in my heart to the Lord, in that he had not only given me courage 
 to press through every discouragement, and favoured me with 
 strength to discharge this debt, but had also opened a door in the 
 mind of our friend to receive what I had to offer. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, agreeable to our appointment we waited 
 upon the police-master and senator in Hamburgh Burgh. I found 
 I must endeavour to acquit myself faithfully towards him, if 
 peace of mind was to be my portion ; although 1 should find it 
 hard work, yet I believed there must be no attempting to palliate 
 any thing 1 might have to lay before him. I informed him of 
 some observations that were made to me by the president and 
 police-master of Altona, relative to the very notorious manner the 
 First-day of the week was abused in the Burgh, and the wicic- 
 edness from week to week 1 had seen practised there the 
 whole of that day, which should be set apart for the purpose of 
 religious worship ; giving it as my firm belief, that unless he, the 
 senator, did his very best towards removing these evil practices, 
 he would find in a future day, that a great load of the iniquity 
 thus practised, would rest on his own shoulders. He informed us 
 attempts had of late been made to remove some of the evils I 
 had enumerated ; that the females who used to sit in front of the 
 houses to entrap the unwary, were compelled to keep close in 
 their houses : this improvement 1 thought I had noticed as I 
 passed over the Burgh. He further informed us, that much lay 
 with an old senator, who lived at Hamburgh, towards making 
 further improvement in the state of things; and he declared 
 his willingness to do his part towards it, provided liis said 
 colleague, was willing to strengthen his hands. I had been 
 informed that the great saloon, which is very much resorted 
 to on First-day evenings by disorderly women, and many of 
 the houses in the Burgh, which harbour those females, was 
 the property of this young man's father: finding this 
 property had chiefly fallen to him, I believed, if i did my 
 Divine Master's work faithfully, I must tell him that the 
 
 VOL. II. ^'
 
 18 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILMTOE. 
 
 money produced to him by these means, would never prosper 
 with Iiim, and that he would not be permitted to have any 
 enjoyment of it. We parted, as far as I was capable of 
 observing, in a friendly manner ; for which I felt truly thank- 
 ful. I found I must discover the residence of the old senator at 
 Hamburgh, to whom he had alluded ; which we accordingly did. 
 We then paid a visit to the great hospital, which we were informed 
 was capable of accommodating fourteen hundred patients, male 
 and female : one of the committee, in addition to the apothecary, 
 conducted us through the different apartments : the cleanliness, 
 comfort, and order of the institution, together witli the magni- 
 tude of it, was, I believe, truly gratifying to all our company, in 
 one of the wards, something arose in my mind to leave amongst 
 them : it was pleasant to observe the quiet and attention mani- 
 fested on the occasion, and the affection shown at our parting. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, accompanied by my dear companion, 
 Thomas Christy, we proceeded to the residence of the old senator, 
 the colleague of the young man above mentioned — the senator on 
 the Burgh ; but I was under considerable embarrassment of mind ; 
 for Morris Birkbeck, whom I had looked to for our interpreter, 
 was prevented attending upon us : which ever way my attention 
 was turned for help, all seemed in vain : when reaching liis house 
 we were not able to make ourselves understood by any of the fa- 
 mily. We therefore came away again ; but discouraging as our 
 prospects were, I durst not give up the matter, as one not to be 
 accomplished, if I persevered in doing my very best towards it ; 
 yet my greatest fear was, lest, while I was in search of an interpreter, 
 he should leave his house, and so slip away from us : but we had 
 not gone many yards from the house, before I met with one of 
 the principal officers of the police, who had always carried himself 
 handsomely towards rae when at the Stadt-house ; he was a Ger- 
 man, and spoke English well. I thought I felt that in my own 
 mind, which would warrant me to stop him, and tell him, I ar- 
 rested him into my service ; which I accordingly did. Being taken 
 by surprise, and unacquainted with the subject I meant to impose 
 upon him to translate, he appeared, at first, rather to hesitate ; but 
 he soon readily consented to render me the help 1 might require of 
 him. We all proceeded to the house of the old senator again, 
 and were shortly after introduced to him. I endeavoured, as matter 
 arose in my mind, to lay things close home to him, which he ap- 
 peared to bear more patiently, than might have been expected, 
 from his apparent marks of consequence and his advanced life. 
 
 Feeling my mind drawn to make a visit to the prisoners, we 
 obtained liberty for it ; and on Seventh-day morning, accom- 
 panied by my companion, Thomas Christy, and a merchant 
 of the city, who gratuitously fills the office of inspector, we pro- 
 ceeded to the prison ; which, being under considerable repair, did
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE, ]9 
 
 not admit of the prisoners being generally assembled : there was 
 no other way, therefore, but to visit them in their cells; where we 
 found ten, sometimes twelve, confined together. On the men's 
 side of the prison, in the iirst cell, we found ten men, nine of 
 whom we were informed were desperate characters : the first sight 
 of them, together with the confined space within which we were 
 locked together with them, felt to me trying, as I concluded, the 
 keeper (who was with us) could do very little to effect our safety, 
 should they be disposed, from any thing that might be communi- 
 cated, to take offence, and resent it upon us : but being enabled 
 to flee to the great Keeper of us all, who had never yet failed to 
 care for me in my most trying moments. He was pleased to give 
 me the unshaken assurance, that if I was faithful in dcliverin<' 
 his whole counsel, not a hair of my head should be suffered to be 
 harmed ; and strength was given me to put on courage and trust in 
 his name, in breaking silence. On requesting our kind friend the 
 merchant, to interpret for me, he at first appeared at a loss to un- 
 derstand my views ; but hesitation did not long remain with him, 
 for he soon manifested zeal in the cause, being evidently helped 
 by best help : his ready flow of expression was striking to us 
 both, as well as the effect which appeared on the minds of the 
 prisoners ; so that if the prisoners felt evil-disposed towards us. 
 that evil disposition was chained down. I had many hard thino-s 
 to say to them, yet accompanied by a language of encouragement 
 to seek for Divine help, to be enabled so to conduct themselves 
 towards each other, as that, by their example, they might be in- 
 strumental in improving each other's minds ; and thereby become 
 improved, under the trying situation in which they were placed, by 
 learning obedience to the Divine law, by the things they were 
 now suffering. From the countenance of one of the prisoners, I 
 was led to apprehend he hardly could bear some part of what 1 had 
 to communicate ; but they parted from us respectfully. Our feel- 
 ings of sympathy were much excited on hearing of the situation 
 of one of the prisoners, a young man about thirty years of age, 
 neat and clean in his person, of a very interesting countenance, 
 and of agreeable manners, who was sentenced to this mode of con- 
 finement for life, in consequence of a murder which he had com- 
 mitted when about sixteen years of age : during and after this 
 opportunity, the tears kept rolling down his cheeks ; his heart 
 seemed so full, he had not power to express a word of his feelings. 
 We were informed his character for good behaviour stood high in the 
 estimation of the conductors of the prison, and that attempts had 
 been made to have some part of his sentence remitted ; but the 
 attempt had failed. Although I felt much for him respecting his 
 future prospects of confinement, yet not suflficient to warrant any 
 interference on my part ; for watchfulness was necessary, lest 
 the affectionate part should be set to work unbidden. After visit- 
 
 i 2
 
 20 JOUKNAL OF THOMAS ISHILLITOE. 
 
 ing more of the men's cells, and some of the women's apartments, 
 my bodily strength so failed, notwithstanding the increasingly 
 animating manner in which my interpreter conducted himself, that 
 1 was obliged to retire to the parlour of the prison ; where every 
 kind attention was paid me. Feeling myself a little recruited, l)ut 
 not equal to endure further excitement, nor did I feel pressed in 
 my own mind to attempt it, we took our leave, acknowledging the 
 kind attention that had been shown us : our obliging interpreter also 
 expressed, in a feeling manner, the satisfaction which he had had 
 in accompanying us. We were much gratified by the cleanliness 
 and order which we observed in the prison, and in the persons 
 of the prisoners, and in finding that every prisoner was in posses- 
 sion of a Testament and other religious books, and that at a stated 
 time every day, the practice of having the Scriptures read in each 
 of the cells was obligatory. I returned to my hotel, with the 
 heart-felt language of " Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that 
 is within me, bless his holy name : " may I never be suffered to 
 forget all his manifold benefits ; may the help he has conde- 
 scended to vouchsafe to me this day, both immediately and instru- 
 mentally, be so imprinted on my mind, and be remembered in my 
 future seasons of conflict, as that dismay may not be permitted to 
 prevail ; but that the language of my soul may continue to be^ 
 " Draw me, O Lord, and 1 will again run after thee." 
 
 Feelino" clear of Hamburgh, about mid-day we crossed the 
 Elbe to Harburgh, in the Hanoverian dominions. First-day in- 
 tervening, by travelling hard on Second-day, we reached Hanover 
 in the evening. I apprehended it would not be safe for me to 
 leave Hanover, without attempting to obtain an interview with 
 the Duke of Cambridge, who is governor. We inquired how an 
 interview was to be obtained ; but this inquiry did not afford us 
 much encouragement, understanding that the duke had arrived 
 late the evening before, from a long journey, and that matters 
 of state would be likely to claim his immediate attention, as he 
 was to leave Hanover again the following day : we however 
 took sueh steps towards it, as we were directed. We made a call 
 upon my friend, who, when I was travelling from Cassel to 
 Frankfort on the Main, rendered me his kind assistance : our 
 thus unexpectedly meeting again, appeared to be mutually grati- 
 fying. He informed us he had been at the palace, and was struck 
 with seeing my name in the book there. A messenger soon in- 
 formed us an audience would be granted, at the time concluded 
 on by the Duke. This introduced me into fresh exercise, and 
 earnest were my cries to the Lord for help, to be found faithful 
 in delivering his whole counsel, however in the cross to the 
 creaturely part ; and to deliver it as well as to hear and receive it. 
 These engagements, if rightly entered upon, from the nature of 
 the situation occupied by the parties visited, tend much, very
 
 JOURNAL OK THOftlAS SHILLI TOE. 21 
 
 much, to reduce and humble the creature; great care beinj,^ 
 necessary to give no just occasion of offence in word or deed, and 
 also to be preserved from daubing as with untempercd mortar, 
 and sewing pillows under the arm-holes, crying peace, when war 
 is the word to be proclaimed against Babylon, as it respects 
 either spiritual or carnal things. 
 
 Third-day morning, accompanied by my kind companion, we 
 proceeded to the palace, to be in readiness when called upon : it 
 was soon announced that the duke was in readiness to receive us. 
 My feelings, at this moment, may m.ore easily be conceived by 
 such as have been placed in a similar situation, than words can 
 describe; for all that ever 1 had aforetime experienced, of the 
 puttings forth of the great and good Shepherd of his sheep, 
 seemed to flee away, as if I never had been acquainted at any time 
 with it : but Divine mercy did not suffer me to sink below hope of 
 its being again renewed ; and that he who had thus called to the 
 work, would care for its completion, and not only be to me mouth 
 and wisdom, tongue and utterance, but also would open the way 
 in the mind of the duke, to receive that which was given me for 
 communication. The duke received us in a very respectful man- 
 ner. Feeling it laid upon me to remark on the grievous abuse 
 of the First-day of the week in Hanover, I endeavoured to do 
 it faithfully, giving him a detail of -my proceedings respecting it 
 since I was there before, by addressing the king at home on the 
 subject. I presented the duke with a book on the doctrinals 
 of Friends, and a German copy of the address to Hamburgh ; 
 which he obligingly received. I thought, as 1 proceeded, I felt 
 the way open in the mind of the duke, for receiving what I had 
 to communicate ; I could not refrain offering my hand at our 
 parting, which the duke accepted; and I can say, it is with feelings 
 of near affection towards him that 1 make this record. We were 
 afterwards informed, through a channel of which we could not 
 doubt the correctness, that our visit had been an acceptable one 
 to the duke. 
 
 One woe is passed, but another has risen up. I found the way 
 would not open for us to quit Hanover, until I attempted to 
 obtain an interview with the head police-magistrate. On my in- 
 forming my kind companion hereof, we proceeded to the police- 
 office, where we found him. We were received by him in a 
 courteous manner ; after taking our seats, strength was in mercy 
 given me to* impress on his mind, the necessity of his feeling the 
 responsible situation in which he had placed himself, by accepting 
 as he had done the office which he now filled under the govern- 
 ment ; that he might be able to see how much lay in his power 
 to do, towards remedying the evils which I had enumerated as 
 existing in Hanover ; giving it as my firm belief, that so far as 
 he fell short in faithfully doing his utmost towards their being
 
 22 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 removed, the evil consequences resulting from their continuance 
 ■would rest on his shoulders, and he would have a sad account to 
 give in that great day, when all would have to render an account 
 of their time and talents. It was no easy task to be found 
 faithful, when hard things were given me to communicate, lest he 
 should rise uji in opposition, as wc were completely in his power: 
 as a man, I also felt not a little for my dear companion ; hut I 
 was thankful, as I proceeded, in bcHeving such fears as these 
 were o-roundless ; and what was communicated to him was received 
 in love. He took an affectionate leave of us, and refused the 
 usual fees on granting us our passports. 
 
 Feeling my mind released from further service in Hanover, we 
 proceeded on our journey, and reached Minden that night, about 
 thirty-five English miles. P'ifth-day morning, wc called upon 
 our ancient friend, Frederick Smidt, who, although fast de- 
 clining as to the body, appeared in a sweet, tender frame of mind. 
 After he had recovered from the surprise the sight of us occa- 
 sioned, he appeared cheered at once more seeing Friends from 
 England. Feeling drawings in my mind to sit with Friends in 
 their families at Edenhausen and Hilla, accompanied by Lewis 
 Seebohm of Pyrmont, and John Rash of INIinden, we proceeded 
 to Edenhausen, and entered on the work ; accomplished four 
 visits that evening, and returned, not a little fatigued, to our 
 quarters ; where our kind hostess had done her best in providing 
 beds for us. 1 was favoured to pass the night better than I had 
 anticipated ; although my weary body was not much refreshed, yet 
 1 hope I was not deficient in cherishing a grateful disposition for 
 this very best accommodation, which our friends could with their 
 slender means afford us ; for truly nothing appeared to be want- 
 ing on their parts to add to our comfort. Sixth-day, we visited 
 the remainder of the families, and reached Minden that evening. 
 
 Seventh-day, we proceeded to Hilla, about ten ICnglish miles 
 from Minden, sat with a single man, also with one large interesting 
 family, the children being all grown up to man's estate, and then 
 with a man and his wife ; these being the whole that compose this 
 meeting. Recurring to a consideration that frequently arrests 
 my attention, as the day is closing upon me — " Here is another 
 day passed over to give an account of;" the retrospect of which 
 afresh excited in my mind feelings of gratitude, for the help mer- 
 cifully vouchsafed to us by the great head of the church. 
 
 We returned to Minden, and had a sittincf in one familv ; but 
 my companion findinc; himself much exhausted, which was the 
 case also with myself, we were obliged to rehnquish our intention 
 of proceeding further in the visit that evening. Feeling my mind 
 engaged to sit with such of the inhabitants of Edenhausen as had 
 separated themselves from the national place of religious worship, 
 which circumstance had taken place since I was in this neighbour-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILHTOE. 23 
 
 hood before, I proposed the same to Friends of Minden; and if 
 way opened for it, for them to conclude about the time. First-day 
 afternoon appearing the most suitable for holding this meeting, 
 the two months' meeting falling in course on that afternoon, it was 
 concluded for a few Friends to meet as usual, and adjourn it to 
 Second-day. First-day morning, the meeting for worship at 
 Minden was numerously attended by Friends and others : consi- 
 derable labour fell to my lot. When the meeting broke up, the 
 people generally, appeared loving towards us, especially some 
 mihtary officers. Although to the creaturely part in me, it was 
 hard work, to acquit myself faithfully amongst them, so that I 
 could gladly have taken my seat again earher than I did, (if I 
 durst have done so,) the retrospect afforded a consoling hope, that 
 1 had been in the way of my duty ; which was fresli cause for 
 thankfulness, that my great and good Master had counted me 
 worthy, by strengthening me, to advocate his glorious cause 
 amongst men. Jn the afternoon, accompanied by my kind com- 
 panion, Thomas Christy, we proceeded to Edenhausen ; the 
 meeting was held with much quiet in a long hall : about eighty 
 Friends and others assembled. I was led humbly to hope that 
 it proved a season of profit to many. We returned to Minden in 
 the evening. Second-day morning. Friends met ; and after a 
 suitable time spent in quiet, the business of the two months'* 
 meeting was proceeded with : it was consoling to our nunds to 
 observe such a willingness to allow ample time for deliberation, on 
 the several subjects that came before the meeting ; also the una- 
 nimity that prevailed, and the care to make way for us, who were 
 strangers, fully to relieve our minds. 
 
 One of tlie Friends of Edenhausen, Earns Pytesmyer, having 
 been under prosecution for military demands, and we being 
 desirous to come at a clear knowledge of his case, we invited him to 
 our hotel. In the course of our investigation of his case, it appeared 
 that he had prepared a petition to the king of Prussia ; but from 
 his very remote situation from Berhn, and the want of means 
 to undertake the journey, his case seemed a very hopeless one. 
 As we had a prospect of being at Berlin, and feeling much for the 
 Friend under his sufferings, which appeared to afilict him sorely, 
 we obtained a sight of his petition. Friends again met in the 
 afternoon, according to adjournment ; the queries were answered ; 
 the meeting continued to be conducted in much harmony, and 
 separated under a thankful sense, that Divine goodness had con- 
 descended to be near for our help. Third-day morning, wc 
 called upon an individual who had forfeited his membership ni 
 the Society of Friends, when I was here before: my nund had 
 then been introduced into a feeling for his situation, but suffer- 
 ing the right opportunity to pass by, when I should have relieved 
 my mind ''towards him, the way did not clearly open afterwards,
 
 2l< JOURNAL 01' THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 for it : but his situation coming again fresh before me, I thank- 
 fully embraced this opportunity of endeavouring to discharge this 
 duty. Although I had no reason, from my own feelings, to 
 suppose, that what 1 had to offer was resisted ; yet a fear attended 
 my mind, that it found but little entrance into his. What a 
 mercy it should be esteemed by us, when our unfaithfulness, in not 
 observing the right time of moving in our religious duty, does not 
 cause our Divine Master quite to turn his back upon us ; but that 
 he is willing to employ us again. But O! the care which is 
 necessary that we do not presume on this his unmerited mercy ; 
 as our fiiithfulness out of season deprives us of that fulness of 
 reward, which otherwise would be our experience. W'e returned 
 to our hotel, and by the help of our kind friend, Lewis Seebohm, 
 entered into the consideration of the petition of Earns Pytesmyer 
 (the Friend of Edenhausen) to the king of Prussia, against whom 
 it appeared judgment had been given, but not executed. We 
 endeavoured fully to investigate the nature and several bearings 
 of the judgment of the tribunal, that had passed the cruel sen- 
 tence against him;* and after making some alterations in the peti- 
 tion, it was put in a train to be transcribed, and to receive the 
 f-ignature of Earns Pytesmyer. When at times looking towards 
 Berlin, apprehensions kept rising up in my mind, that it would 
 be required of me to endeavour when there, to obtain an interview 
 with the king : from information we had received, it appeared he 
 was at a watering-place, a great distance from Berlin, where he was 
 to take up his abode for some time : this occasioned me fresh 
 conflict of spirit, from the strait I felt myself brought into, how 
 to proceed when I was clear of Pyrmont ; whether to proceed to 
 the watering-place, where report said the king had taken up his 
 abode for some time ; or whether we should go to Berlin. 
 Earnest were my secret cries to the Almighty, when my mind 
 was free from exercise on other religious accounts, that I might 
 be directed herein by my Divine INIaster. If we proceeded from 
 Pyrmont to the watering-place, and the king should have left it 
 for Berlin, our following him there would occasion us some days'* 
 unnecessary travelling ; but after all my anxiety on this subject, 
 if I was ffivoured to prosecute M'hat I at present had before me, 
 so as to afford a peacefiil retrospect on my leaving Pyrmont, the 
 business of the morrow must be left to the morrow ; with the 
 assurance, that as was the day, so would be the counsel and help 
 for the fulfilling the business of the day ; if there was but a moving 
 forward one day at a time in simplicity : and here I was enabled 
 to leave this subject for the present. Fourth-day, our visit to the 
 families of Friends here was brought to a close. Fifth-day, I 
 
 * [That his jiroperty sliouKl be confiscated; that he should be incajiable of in- 
 heiiliiigany properly, aud ol" carrying on duy business in that country.]
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 25 
 
 went to meeting, very unequal to face a crowd— poor, blind, 
 naked, and miserable indeed ; gladly would 1 have been, could 
 1 have found a sufficient excuse from the indisposition I hiboured 
 under from a sleepless night, to have remained at our hotel ; but 
 this could not be: the meeting was numerously attended by 
 Friends and others ; and in it strength was afforded me to labour, 
 and to obtain relief to my own poor, tried mind. The people 
 separated in a quiet, solid manner, — many manifesting an affec- 
 tionate regard towards us. 
 
 After taking rest and refreshment, we took an affectionate fare- 
 well of Friends there, which caused many tears and expressions 
 of deep heartfelt sorrow, to which their countenances bore witness. 
 We proceeded towards Pyrmont : our first halt was at Bucke- 
 burgh. We called on the counsellor of the chamber of the prince 
 and his sister ; her countenance appeared placid, and her mind 
 much more quiet than when I saw her before : our unexpected 
 visit was very grateful to them. We proceeded to Hameln, where 
 we took up our abode for the night. Fifth-day, we reached 
 Pyrmont, and proceeded with a visit to the families of Friends. 
 Sixth and Seventh-day, we continued our visit to the families. 
 First-day, the meeting was numerously attended by strangers ; 
 the frequent going out and coming in of such, was an exercise of 
 patience. At the reading meeting in the evening, the members 
 and attenders of meeting very generally gave us their company : 
 a sense of holy solemnity was mercifully to be felt near to us, 
 during the time of silence, of reading, and of verbal communica- 
 tion ; for which favour 1 believe most of our minds experienced a 
 sense of thankfulness. 
 
 Fourth-day, we began to make preparations for our departure 
 from Pyrmont ; attended the usual meeting, and took an affec- 
 tionate leave of Friends: finished packing our luggage. We 
 proceeded to Hameln that evening, where we lodged. Fifth- 
 day morning, by starting early, we reached Brunswick to lodge, 
 weary in body, but I believe we could say, peaceful in mind ; 
 which was cause for great thankfulness on my part. Sixth-day, 
 we left Brunswick, where we had been informed the king of 
 Prussia was to leave Toplis for Berlin, but that his stay would be 
 very short there : this information made it needful for us to use 
 our utmost endeavours to reach Burgh that night, a journey of 
 seventy-five English miles, which we were favoured to accomplish 
 at a late hour, much exhausted through the shaking of our 
 waggon over the bad roads. The nearer we approached the 
 capital, the more the weight of the prospect before me increased, 
 
 Seventh-day, we left Burgh, intending to reach Potsdam, a 
 journey of sixty-five English miles, by night, which we were 
 favoured to accomplish. First-day we remained quiet in our 
 hotel, until we understood the places of worship were closed. Nc-
 
 26 JOURNAL OK THOMAS 8HILLIT0E. 
 
 ccssity appearing to compel us to leave Potsdam for Berlin, a jour- 
 ney of about twenty English miles, we were favoured to arrive 
 there safely, late in the evening. We had been addressed to 
 private lodgings ; but when we arrived at the house, the whole of 
 the family were from home: fatigued in body, and under in- 
 creasing exercise of mind, I had been looking forward with some 
 degree of comfortable hope, when we reached Berlin, I should 
 be favoured to witness some outward quiet in private lodgings ; 
 but, alas ! my disappointment in this respect was very trying to 
 the fleshly part, as night was fast approaching. Persons who 
 passed the streets observing we were strangers, and labouring 
 under difficulty, proposed to our interpreter different places for 
 our accommodation ; at last we proceeded to the place we under- 
 stood the most likely for us to find shelter, which proved to be 
 only a common waggoners'' house, and so full of guests as scarcely 
 to allow of our finding Ijeds : here we were glad to lay down our 
 weary bones, although our bed-room windows looked into the 
 common stable-yard, and the traffic which was going forward 
 there during the night allowed of but little quiet : our bed-rooms 
 were very small, and abounded with fleas and flics ; the weather 
 was extremely hot : this, together with the smells from the 
 numerous stables, and a violent storm of thunder and light- 
 ning, occasioned ray having a very distressing night. Second- 
 day, we procured lodgings which promised us more comfort : 
 about mid-day, accompanied by my kind companion and Lewis 
 Seebohm, we proceeded to one of the universities in search of a 
 professor, with whom I had made an acquaintance when at Ham- 
 burgh ; he not being at home, we left our address. In the course 
 of the evening he made us an agreeable visit, and offered to give 
 me the names of a few serious persons in Berlin, which I gladly 
 accepted, under feelings that led me to hope they would prove 
 the means, in some way, of helping me in the prosecution of my 
 religious prospects there, as I had come without reference, except 
 being in possession of a letter from a kind friend in England, 
 addressed to a person who, it appeared, was one of the chaplains 
 in attendance about the court. Having heard of William Hoff- 
 man, who, by the inhabitants of Berlin, was reputed to be of our 
 religious Society, we made him a call that evening. We found 
 him living in a poor, miserable apartment ; his room so small, we 
 could scarcely sit down to be comfortable. We learnt that his 
 means of subsistence were derived from teaching a few young 
 men the French and English languages. It appeared, during 
 our conversation with him, that he was one amongst many more, 
 whose minds had been awakened, when Sarah Grubb visited these 
 parts ; most of whom, he told us, -were now removed by death, 
 and others had sorrowfuliy made shipwreck of their faith. Wil- 
 liam Hoffman, it appeared, did not associate for worship witii any
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 27 
 
 of the different professors, but secluded himself very much from 
 society : from reports we received, he was much esteemed for his 
 circumspect conduct. He had several Friends' books in iiis pos- 
 session ; we added to his little stock as far as our means allowed, 
 and left him under feelings of regard. Third-day morning, we 
 called upon an individual, towards whom my heart glowed°with 
 feelings of religious love, although quite strangers to each other : 
 by endeavouring to abide under these precious feelings, willing, 
 should any little service be called for, to be faithful therein, 
 matter was given for communication : by yielding obedience I 
 found peace, accompanied by a belief that my offering was well 
 received. 
 
 AVhilst on my way from Pyrmont, my mind was at times tried 
 with the consideration of how I was to proceed, should my pro- 
 spect continue with me of a visit to the King of Prusssia, in order 
 that an interview might be obtained ; for want of introductions, 
 having nothing but the letter given me by a kind friend in Eng- 
 land, I endeavoured at times to console myself with a hope that 
 this letter would be able to do the needful for me ; but the event 
 proved this was not to be the means through which my help was 
 to come. We next proceeded to the residence of the person to 
 whom this letter was addressed ; but he was not at home. This 
 disappointment produced fresh cause in my mind to seek for 
 Divine help, to be preserved in a becoming manner in the exer- 
 cise of faith and patience ; earnestly craving of the Lord that all 
 my movements might be directed by Him. We concluded to 
 make another attempt to present this letter, and proceeded accord- 
 ingly, under anxious feelings of mind, to meet with him. The 
 subject of an interview with the king pressed now with increas- 
 ing weight on my mind, accompanied by a fear, lest the want of 
 prudent promptness on my part, or a too hasty movement to 
 attempt its being effected, should mar all my hopes of a faithful 
 discharge of duty, and involve me in condemnation of mind, from 
 which I never might be able to rise ; but adorable mercy did not 
 leave me to become a prey to the temptation of despair, but 
 awakened afresh in my mind the assurance, that, although some 
 bitter cups would be meted out to me to drink, before the way 
 would open with clearness for me to take my departure from 
 Berlin, yet if I maintained a full and perfect reliance on that 
 never-failing arm of Omnipotence, which thus far had carried me 
 through my many provings, I should still find it to be all- 
 sufficient, and know of a truth the Lord's strength to become per- 
 fect in the times of my greatest weakness. When we reached the 
 residence of this person, again we were alike disappointed ; 
 and from the feelings of my own mind, I believed it would be 
 safest for me, at present, not to make further attempts to sec him. 
 
 We returned to our hotel, and endeavoured to sit down in
 
 28 JOURNAL. OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 quiet : after awhile the way seemed to open on my mind witli a 
 degree of clearness, that it would be right to read over delibe- 
 rately the list of names of serious persons given us by my friend 
 the professor, who called upon us from the university ; this we 
 accordingly did, and with a care on my part whilst they were 
 being read over, if the feelings of my mind were particularly di- 
 rected to one name more than another, to keep that name in 
 view; and when the list was gone through, to see how far it would 
 be right for me to make such individual a call. \\ hilst the 
 
 o ... 
 
 list was thus read over, my mmd was m a particular manner 
 bound in spirit to an individual therein named, I therefore pro- 
 posed our proceeding to his residence, which we accordingly did ; 
 but he was absent from home. Although I felt some disappoint- 
 ment, yet I was not discouraged ; for a secret hope attended my 
 mind, that I was now in a proper channel for help : we then 
 made inquiry when we should be most likely to meet with him at 
 home, which having learned, I was favoured to return in quietness 
 to our hotel, and 1 retired to rest ; enabled under holy help to re- 
 new covenant, to be willing to do my very best, in accomplishing 
 whatsoever appeared to be the Divine mind and will concerning 
 me, whilst resident here. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, 4th of 8th mo. 1824, we again pro- 
 ceeded to the residence of the individual, who yesterday was ab- 
 sent from home ; finding him within, we sent a request by the 
 servant, that when it was convenient, he would allow us to have 
 an interview with him; on which we were soon shown to his apart- 
 ment. I presented him with my certificates, which he appeared 
 to read with attention : feeling as I did the evidence in my own 
 mind that I had now taken the right course towards way being 
 made for the discharge of apprehended duty ; I felt as if 1 was 
 with a well-disposed friend, although, as to the outward, we were 
 total strangers to each other. During the time he was reading my 
 certificates, I was afforded a suitable opportunity for retirement of 
 mind, with a view to my seeing with some degree of clearness 
 how I was to proceed, in order to my receiving that help from him, 
 which it was the design of my Divine Master he should afford me. 
 I then informed him of my apprehensions of duty, to obtain, if 
 possible, an interview with the king, and that I must throw mjself 
 upon him for help, in pointing out the most certain way for me 
 to proceed to obtain an interview : this appeared to affect his 
 mind with momentary embarrassment, but as it regarded myself, 
 the belief I was favoured with, that these my movements were thus 
 far ordered by the Lord, gave me confidence, that all would work 
 together for good at last. After pausing, he gave us the address 
 
 of Count , who, we were informed, filled a station about 
 
 the court, as likely to afford me help, and he encouraged us to call 
 on the countess, and make use of his name. This interview thus
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 29 
 
 far Tvas cheering to my mind, and acted as a spur to my ex- 
 ertions. 
 
 The king, we were informed, was expected at Berlin that day 
 for a short time. The call was proclaimed in the ear of my soul, to 
 lose no time in the attempt to obtain an interview with the Count 
 
 • : we therefore made the best of our way to his residence ; 
 
 but on our arrival we found he was from home. We made ap- 
 plication for an interview with the countess, which was readily 
 granted us : she spoke good English, so that our interview pro- 
 mised more satisfaction than otherwise might have been the case ; 
 and the more so, from the proof she gave us in conversing with 
 her, of her genuine piety and true humility of manners, standing 
 in the exalted station which she did. Whilst we were in convert 
 sation with her, a person advanced in life entered the room, who, 
 from the ribbons and stars which hung about his person, appeared 
 to be a man of some distinction in the government : he took hi.s 
 seat amongst us, and we found he spoke some EngUsh, which I 
 had a fear would prove an obstruction to my having such a full 
 and select opportunity with the countess as appeared desirable : 
 but I was assured in my own mind I need not be afraid, before 
 this person, to present the countess with my certificates to read ; 
 as this appeared to me to be the best way to proceed prepa- 
 ratory to my informing her of my views in calling upon her. 
 Being desirous of having as early an interview as could be well 
 allowed us with the count, after waiting awhile, not knowing but 
 our new comer-in would soon depart, which not taking place, all 
 my fears respecting him vanished, and 1 could no longer hesitate 
 to present my certificates to the countess, and afterwards to our 
 new comer-in : the latter appeared to read them with much in- 
 terest, making his observations on parts as he went along, so that 
 it was evident that his mind was favourably impressed towards 
 our religious Society. My good Master having thus in mercy 
 condescended to open a wide door for me, to lay before the coun- 
 tess and her visitor my apprehensions of duty to have an inter- 
 view with the king and his son the crown-prince, I accordingly 
 did so ; during which, I thought I felt as I went along, that they 
 were in degree permitted to be dipped into a feeling of my situa- 
 tion, and that interest was excited in their minds on my account. 
 I presented the stranger with a copy of the address to Hamburgh, 
 which he read ; and having finished the reading of it, he said, he 
 was to meet the king; on his arrival, to whom he should present the 
 address, and inform him of my request to have an interview with 
 him. At his departure he expressed in a feeling manner the 
 desire which he entertained, that the Divine blessing might at- 
 tend my engagements. We then took leave of the countess, con- 
 cluding to wait on the count the next morning. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, we proceeded to the residence of the Count
 
 30 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SUILLITOE. 
 
 ; on our getting sight of the house, I observed a carriage 
 
 drive swiftly from the door, which led me to fear we should he 
 disappointed in seeing him, which proved to be the case. The 
 countess hearing we were in the hail, had us invited into her 
 sitting-room; and we passed a considerable time in conversation 
 with her and her female companion, which perhaps at another 
 time would have been very intercstino- to me ; but being made 
 somewhat sorrowful because of our having missed the count, I 
 was deprived of that pleasure, which I was led to apprehend my 
 dear companion T. Christy partook of: we returned to our hotel, 
 and in the evening we made a further attempt, and found the 
 count at home. On our being introduced to him, I thought it 
 was evident the countess had prepared his mind for the business 
 we were come upon, as he received us with open arms. We sat 
 down together under feelings of much solemnity ; 1 gave him my 
 certificates to read, and then laid before him my prospect of duty 
 to attempt an interview with the king and his son, the crown- 
 prince ; telling the count I must throw myself upon him for help, 
 and requesting his utmost exertions for my relief. I felt such an 
 evidence, after I had thus expressed myself, of his willingness to 
 do his part faithfully towards my views being accomplished, that 
 I was fully satisfied Avith the matter being thus left under his 
 care. We returned again to our hotel, and shortly after this in- 
 terview with the count, information was received that the crown- 
 prince had been applied to on my account, and that the time for 
 our waiting" on him was concluded upon ; at which the creaturely 
 part in me began to feel dismay : but O ! the merciful evidence I 
 was favoured with, that the all-sufficient arm would be near to 
 sustain me in the needful time ; whereby I was enabled to hold 
 up my head in hope, that neither the cause in which I was en- 
 gaged, nor my kind friend the count, who had thus been in part 
 instrumental in making way for me, would become disgraced 
 through me. 
 
 Fifth-day, 11th of 8th mo. this day being appointed for our 
 having an interview with the crown-prince, we left our hotel ac- 
 cordingly, — I may say of myself, feeble in body and feeble in mind ; 
 and arrived at the castle. The prince's apartments being under repair, 
 he had taken up his abode in a different part of the castle, and our 
 guide not being expert in inquiring for the prince's new apartments, 
 we lost much time in finding the entrance to them ; this added not 
 a little to the discouragement of mind I was suffering under, fearing 
 that we should be behind the time appointed by the prince. At 
 length we made out the entrance, and were shown into an anti- 
 room, in which were several livery-servants, attendants on the 
 prince, one of whom took charge of us : our passing through the 
 rooms with our hats on, appeared to excite surprise. After wait- 
 ing awhile in the room, in which we were left by the servant, our
 
 JOURNAL OF THOBIAS SHILLITOE. 31 
 
 kind friend, the count, gave us his company ; and shortly after in- 
 troduced us to the prince. On our entering the prince's apart- 
 ment ; he received us in an affable manner, offering mc his liand : 
 having seen my certificates, he was by them acquainted with my 
 views in coming to this country. After he had put some ques- 
 tions to me, and I had made replies, I informed him, that during 
 my residence at Berlin, my mind had been renewedly impressed 
 with a belief, that the present day was an important one to Prussia, 
 — a day of renewed visitation from Almighty God, — a day in which' 
 the light of the glorious gospel of Christ Jesus our Lord, was 
 afresh dawning in the hearts and minds of many of the inhabi- 
 tants of that nation : to which the prince replied, he believed so 
 too. I then added, " earnest had been the prayer of my soul, 
 that nothing on the part of the prince, the clergy, or the people, 
 might be suffered to prevail, that would have a tendency to retard 
 the progress of this good work ; but that Prussia might become 
 the beauty of nations, and praise of the kingdoms and states that 
 surround her : and in order that this good work might go forward 
 in a way that I believed was consistent with the Divine will, 
 there were some matters that must claim the proper attention of 
 those who were in authority ; one of these matters had appeared 
 to me to be, that endeavours should be used on the part of the 
 government, to bring about a proper respect for the day called 
 Sunday ; not a superstitious, but a correct religious observance of 
 it, in a manner consistent with its original design ; otherwise, if 
 things were suffered to go on as they then were, I was led to fear 
 they would be the means of drawing down on Prussia the dis- 
 pleasure of Almighty God, and not his good pleasure." 
 
 The prince appeared to receive kindly what was offered on 
 this and other subjects ; and I concluded with expressing the 
 desire which attended my mind, that the prince and princess 
 might become true help-meets to each other, instrumental in the 
 Divine hand in furthering each others' present and eternal wel- 
 fare, and uniting in a concern to be found holding out, by their 
 example, this language to each other and to the people at large, 
 of, " Come, let us go up to the house of the Lord, to the moun- 
 tain of the God of Jacob ; who will teach us of his ways, and we 
 will walk in his paths." At our parting, the prince taking hold 
 of my hands, in a feeling manner said, — " Do not forget me, — do 
 not forget me." On my saying, I hoped our keeping on our hats 
 had not hurt the prince's feelings, he handsomely replied, " If I 
 had suffered my feelings to have been hurt by it, you would have 
 had cause to have thought badly of me." We presented the 
 prince with several Friends' books, and the address to Hamburgh. 
 The prince then informed us, he understood from the king, that 
 arrangements were making for my having an interview with him 
 also.
 
 32 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 We made an early call on our kind friend tlie count, he being 
 in attendance on the prince, when we made our visit to him, and 
 for whom I felt much at] the time, from his not being able toun- 
 dcrstand what passed ; and the responsibility that would attach to 
 him, should any thing I might have had to say give offence: but on 
 my informing him how it was with me in this respect, he replied, 
 he was glad to be present at the opportunity ; for although he 
 could understand but very little of what I had to say, yet he was sa- 
 tisfied that he was made sensible of the substance, from the feelings 
 he had here, putting his hand to his heart. The prince also, after 
 our departure, he said, told him, he rejoiced at having made ac- 
 quaintance with those good men ; the count further adding, the 
 desire which he felt, that we might remember him in our prayers 
 to Almighty God.
 
 33 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 
 No information having been received of the arrangements for our 
 visit to the king, we waited on the Prince \\'itgenstein, who is in 
 attendance on the king: he received us in an affable manner. 
 On his being made acquainted with the cause of our thus calling 
 on him, he informed us that the king had left Berlin for his palace 
 at Charlottenburg, but was expected to return on Second-day ; 
 but as he should be with the king befo^gp that time, he would use 
 his endeavours that my wishes should be accomplished. Having 
 felt drawings in my mind to pay a visit to the prisoners in the 
 state-prison at Spandau, about ten English miles from Berlin, to 
 which criminals are removed after sentence is passed against 
 them ; and the subject coming before the view of my mind with 
 increasing weight, whilst we were sitting with the Prince Wit- 
 genstein, and in a manner that led me to believe it would be right 
 for me to open my prospects to him in this respect, I there- 
 fore mentioned the subject to him, requesting his advice how 
 to proceed to obtain permission. I had rather doubted the 
 liberty being granted us, as I understood that one of my country- 
 men, who had obtained this permission, had made such unfa- 
 vourable reports in print, relative to the state of the prison and 
 prisoners in various respects, that it gave great offence to those 
 in power. The prince however put the question to me, whether 
 curiosity was my motive for desiring to visit the prison; but when 
 I told him my real motives for making the request to him, he 
 appeared agreeably disposed to enter into my views, and gave us 
 a letter. From the many titles upon the address of the letter, we 
 supposed the person to whom it was addressed was a person of con- 
 sequence in the government. With this letter we proceeded as 
 directed: but, from the manner in which wc were received, it 
 did not give me a favourable opinion as to our reception by the 
 person to whom the letter was addressed. I concluded our stand- 
 ing in his presence with our hats on, caused him to treat us with 
 a kind of hauteur we had not before met with : this I found, 
 without great watchfulness, the creature was ready to recoil at; 
 but feeling the evidence in my own mind, that the cause which 
 had brought us to him was not my own, but my Divine INIaster's, 
 VOL. II. a
 
 34 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 ] endeavoured to rise above noticing his treatment of us. We 
 were ordered to be with him again the next morning. Seventh- 
 day morning, we proceeded to ascertain the result of our visit 
 with the letter presented yesterday. I was not wholly without 
 apprehension, that our request would not be granted, from the 
 manner in which we had been received : had this been the case, I 
 could have sat down satisfied with a refusal, believing my move- 
 ments thus far in the business, had been under the influence of 
 best Wisdom, and that the will would be taken for the deed. 
 Although the individual carried himself with as much distance 
 towards us as before, yet he furnished us with two letters, one 
 addressed to the governor of the prison at Spandau, and one to 
 admit us to the town-prison ; that for the town-prison we were 
 ordered to present to the chief-magistrate of the city for his sig- 
 nature. We accordingly proceeded to his residence. I may re- 
 mark, that the town-prison is for the reception of those who are 
 waiting to take their trial ; here great caution is used in admit- 
 ting persons of any desi^ption, before the prisoners have been 
 tried. At first he spoke rather sharply to us; but when he en- 
 quired of me, was curiosity my motive for desiring to go to the 
 town-prison, and I presented him with my certificates, and he had 
 read them, he appeared cheerfully to add his signature to our 
 order, saying, had not his engagements with government concerns 
 required his attendance elsewhere, he would gladly have attended 
 us himself. W^e proceeded to the prison and produced our order ; 
 the person in authority met us at the gate, and asked us, had we 
 not called at his house, and been disappointed at not meeting with 
 him at home. To our agreeable surprise, he proved to be the ma- 
 gistrate, whose name, amongst other serious persons in Berlin, 
 had been furnished us by my kind young friend, the professor 
 before mentioned. The countenance of our kind friend, the magis- 
 trate, bespoke the pleasure which the prospect of having to attend 
 upon us afforded him ; and from the feelings of affection awakened 
 in my mind towards him, his company felt equally grateful to me. 
 Our first visit was to a man about twenty years of age, in a room 
 by himself; his legs were chained to the floor, and one arm to the 
 wall ; the cause of which, we were informed, was, that he had 
 repeatedly made his escape from prison : he was committed to 
 this prison for having twice wilfully set fire to buildings, whereby 
 a whole village was destroyed ; for which, about two years ago, 
 sentence of death was passed upon him : but the merciful laws 
 of Prussia, and the merciful disposition of the king, had thus far 
 prolonged his life : his present coerced situation, notwithstand- 
 ing the greatness of his crime, awakened in me every feel- 
 ing of pity I was capable of. I endeavoured, as ability was 
 afforded, to lay before him the awful situation he was placed in, 
 through his own evil conduct, not knowing how soon an order
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 35 
 
 might come for his execution : he appeared very calmly to hear 
 what I had to say, without, as we could observe, manifesting 
 signs of sorrow for his conduct, or a sense of the awful uncertainty 
 of his life, until, at our leaving him, I gave him my hand, when a 
 change took place in his countenance, and he grasped my hand 
 very sharply. I have since been informed, that the severest part 
 of his sentence is, by the mercy of the king, remitted. We next 
 proceeded to the women's department, consisting mostly of young 
 persons : with them we had an interesting opportunity ; most of 
 them were brought to tears, manifesting at our parting, a grateful 
 sense of this token of Divine regard : after which, we were con- 
 ducted to a large room, in which, by order of our friend the 
 magistrate, the keepers brought out the prisoners from their places 
 of confinement, and collected them together. In addition to the 
 magistrate, the keepers, and prisoners, we had the company of 
 several genteel looking men, who remained until the opportunity 
 closed, which was conducted with great quiet. At our parting, 
 the prisoners generally evinced tenderness, giving us their hands 
 at our leaving them. 
 
 After this we called upon the pastor, to whom my friend's 
 letter was addressed. I was struck with his fine person, and 
 the very polite manner with which he received us, and his 
 great profession of pleasure it gave him in meeting with us. 
 After he had read the letter of my friend, I presented him with 
 my certificates. On my remarking to him the reproachful 
 manner in which the first day of the week was occupied in Prus- 
 sia, by business going forward in the day-time, and the thea- 
 tres open in the evening, with dancing and card-parties, he 
 expressed his surprise these practices should not be considered 
 allowable ; saying, it was his opinion people might be in such prac- 
 tices as these on the Sunday evening, and not be doing wrong ; and 
 should any of his hearers question him on the subject, he should 
 not hesitate to give them liberty to do so. I requested him to 
 consider the awful and important situation he had placed himself 
 in, by accepting of his appointment as pastor, adding, if such 
 Avere his real sentiments, which he had now been advancing, I 
 hoped he would be very careful not to express them in future. 
 He appeared confused, and as if he hardly knew how to bear 
 what i had been offering to him ; although the time spent with 
 him was very exercising to my mind, yet 1 was thankful the oppor- 
 tunity had been afforded me, to testify against such unsoundness 
 of principle, and to acknowledge the mercy it had been to me, tiiat 
 I had been disappointed by not being able to meet with him at 
 home, in the more early stage of my being in Berlin ; the proba- 
 bihty would be, that instead of his helping my cause, 1 should 
 have had to experience my way made more difiicult from his 
 
 situation and views. 
 
 D 2
 
 36 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 First-day morning, ray dear companion Thomas Christy, our 
 kind interpreter, (a young man who had shown us much atten- 
 tion,) and myself, left Berlin for Spandau, where we arrived 
 about ten o''clock. Whilst our breakfast was preparing, we 
 made inquiry when (what is called) the service would be likely 
 to close at the prison ; apprehending if I could sit with them 
 before they then separated, it would make less of a diffi- 
 culty in my visiting the prisoners than by their being specially 
 assembled for the purpose. Hearing the bell begin to chime for 
 the prisoners to assemble in their place for religious worship, I 
 placed myself at the door of our hotel, where I had a full view of 
 the entrance into the prison : and when I observed a person i 
 supposed to be the chaplain of the prison, making towards it, 
 with my interpreter we met him before he entered the prison, to 
 whom 1 proposed my sitting with the prisoners, after he had 
 done with them. He informed us it rested with the governor to 
 grant such permission ; this being the case, we proceeded to the 
 prison, and were introdiiced to the governor, who received us 
 kindly. I informed him what my motives were for wishing to see 
 the prisoners, and my desire to have them as much as possible all 
 together ; on which we were requested to attend at the prison at 
 twelve o'clock, that being the dinner-hour of the prisoners, and then 
 we were assured an opportunity of seeing them should be afforded 
 me. I felt it right for me to request, that the pastor of the 
 prison should be informed of our intention, and if he inclined to 
 attend, his company would be acceptable. 
 
 We proceeded at the time appointed, and found the go- 
 vernor, at sight of us again, considerably agitated in mind, 
 and alarmed at the prospect of my intended visit to the pri- 
 soners so generally together : he appeared to bring forward 
 every excuse he was capable of, to discourage me from making 
 the attempt, telling us that many of the prisoners were such 
 desperately wicked creatures, that it would be dangerous for 
 us to venture in amongst them. From that assurance I was fa- 
 voured with, which never yet had failed me, I was persuaded 
 that they would not be suffered to harm a hair of our heads ; so 
 that I felt as if I should not have hesitated to have gone in amongst 
 them alone, could 1 have made them understand my language. 
 Notwithstanding all the difficulties which the governor threw in 
 our way, 1 found 1 must persist in my determination to see the 
 prisoners, if it could possibly be allowed ; when he observed I 
 continued so firm in my determination, as that none of his argu- 
 ments were sufficient to overcome me, and cause me to yield to 
 his fears of consequences, he trembled, but at length yielded, and 
 introduced us to the women prisoners ; the pastor also gave us 
 his company. Here we found about seventy assembled, which we 
 understood were all the female prisoners, except a few who were 
 ill. The pastor placed us on a flight of steps, and the governor
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOIv. 3^ 
 
 gathered them in a circle around us: quiet soon prevailed, such 
 3 quiet as I have not often known to be exceeded. Before I had 
 expressed much of what I had to offer amongst them, the tears 
 rolled down their cheeks : this tenderness spread nearly over 
 the whole company ; with some it appeared an effort to avoid crying 
 out, tmder the sense they were favoured with in their own minds, 
 of Divine conviction : one young woman was obliged to be borne 
 away by some of her companions. This opportunity proved the 
 most heart-melting which I ever was before a witness of: and on 
 my informing them of my desire at our parting to give each of 
 them my hand, they crowded round me in an affectionate manner 
 for that purpose. The large portion of good wholesome provisions 
 served out to the women, with the clean, neat appearance of their 
 persons and apparel, and the order that appeared to be preserved, 
 did great credit to the managers of this prison. 
 
 On our quitting the women, although 1 found the pastor 
 and governor were well satisfied with our visit to them, yet 
 I was aware that fear still predominated in the mind of the go- 
 vernor, and that a consultation was going forward how we 
 were to see the men together, their yard not being considered 
 a safe place for them all to be collected together : it felt evi- 
 dent to my mind that hesitation was still working in the mind 
 of the governor, against our seeing the men all assembled ; and 
 he still expressed his fears, that a disturbance would take place 
 amongst them, adding, that some of them were such terrible cha- 
 racters. However, 1 continued to feel that which I thought war- 
 ranted me in saying, my confidence had not left me, and I was 
 not afraid of going amongst them. The governor, finding his ar- 
 guments did not prevail with me, proposed, that instead of admit- 
 ting us now, as I had expected, we should come again to the prison 
 at three in the afternoon, when he would have the men collected in 
 the chapel : the event proved this delay was only to allow time to 
 separate such prisoners as they feared were the most likely to 
 commit outrage. I requested our interpreter to tell the pastor, X 
 should be sorry to give just occasion of offence to him or any 
 present by our keeping on our hats in their chapel, to which he" 
 replied, we were at liberty to use our own freedom in that respect. 
 On entering the prison in the afternoon, we were followed by 
 several persons of genteel appearance, besides the police-master 
 and the principal officer of the military department. The go- 
 vernor then informed us, that the prisoners were collected in the 
 chapel. Seeing a convenient seat near the pulpit, we took our 
 seats there ; quietness soon prevailed ; the prisoners generally ap- 
 peared solid and attentive to what was communicated : some of 
 them were tendered to tears. The opportunity being over, the 
 governor arranged the prisoners on one side of the chapel, as I had 
 requested, to give each of them my hand at our parting, notwith- 
 standing the flesh had pleaded against it, lest I showld by such
 
 38 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 means take a disease, or if any of the prisoners slioulcl be mali- 
 ciously disposed, it would be affording them an opportunity of 
 doing me an injury. They however passed away in a very or- 
 derly manner, and appeared grateful, pressing their hands in mine, 
 and would have saluted it, had I not put them by from so doing. 
 The number of men thus collected appeared few to what I had 
 expected to have seen, and why it was so, I was at a loss to un- 
 derstand ; and it so happened that I did not feel that relief to my 
 own mind on leaving the men, as I had done when leaving the 
 women. We retired to the governor's apartment ; shortly after 
 we had been there, he surprised me by laying before us, taken 
 down in short-hand, what bad been communicated in the chapel 
 to the prisoners ; this circumstance occasioned me some momen- 
 tary embarrassment, but the retrospect afforded a peaceful reflec- 
 tion as far as I had gone. There still felt in my mind a shortness 
 in our visit to the men, which I could not account for : however, 
 we returned to Berlin, thankful to Almighty God for the help he 
 had in mercy vouchsafed to us this day. As far as respected my 
 visit to the women, my mind continued to feel fully relieved ; but 
 my visit to the men did not afford me that full relief I had hoped 
 for, but why such should be the case I was still unable to un 
 derstand. 
 
 Second-day, as the concern still remained with me to make a 
 call on the Stadt-director and chief police-master, I again looked 
 at attempting the discharge of this duty ; but the way did not 
 open for it with sufficient clearness to justify my proceeding. No 
 intelligence as yet being received relative to an interview with 
 the king, was indeed, an exercise of patience ; and such were 
 my plungings, that I was led to conclude, should a messenger ar- 
 rive fixing the time for it, that I was not equal to the task. We 
 received agreeable visits at our hotel, from the magistrate who at- 
 tended upon us at the town-prison, and from the young man who 
 accompanied us to Spandau, which proved a little cheering to my 
 mind ; believing they were, as well as others we have met with in 
 Berlin, rightly concerned to be found seeking the way to Zion, 
 with their faces thitherward. The cause of my mind not feeling 
 fully relieved by my visit to the men prisoners at Spandau, now 
 became developed : for it came out that the governor had sepa- 
 rated the most desperate characters, and kept them back, so that 
 we were not allowed to see them. This circumstance would, I 
 feared, from my feelings, involve me in the necessity of attempting 
 a further visit to them, which would be trying to my mind, as 
 well as to my dear companion, Thomas Christy, who was soon ex- 
 pecting to leave Berlin for Hamburgh on his way home. I had 
 at times entertained a hope, 1 should have been at liberty to have 
 accompanied him thus far, on my way for Cronstadt in Russia ; but 
 every gate of Berlin appeared in my view closed against me : my 
 prospect of a visit to the Stadt-director, and police-master, making
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 39 
 
 calls on persons I had not yet seen, and appointing a meeting for 
 such as inclined to give their attendance, still remained with me ; 
 but no authority was felt to move towards the accomplishment of 
 them. My dear companion, as well as my friend Lewis Seebohm, 
 for whom my sympathy was excited, (as their calls home were now 
 become very pressing,) were both solicitous, as well as myself, to 
 be able to come at something definite with regard to an interview 
 with the king : a further application to the prince Witgenstein 
 was therefore proposed, but my way did not appear clear to move 
 in it. 
 
 Third-day, on our way to the hotel, we met our kind friend 
 
 who had given us the address to the Count , who informed 
 
 us he had understood from very good authority, that the king 
 had so many engagements before him, he would not be able 
 to see us before he left Berlin. This report coming from an 
 attendant at the court, my companion wished me to consider as 
 decisive information ; but from my own feehngs on the occasion, 
 I could.not give up the hope that the way might be made for me 
 to obtain the desired interview ; and I believed that nothing would 
 be so likely to bring it about as quietness and entire confidence, (if 
 my concern was rightly begotten,) that the same Almighty Power 
 who had thus begotten it in my mind, and in whose hands the 
 heart of the king was, would, in his own time, make way for the 
 accomplishment of it. We had not long returned to our hotel, 
 before, to my humbling astonishment, a messenger arrived from 
 the prince Witgenstein, requesting our interpreter to wait upon 
 him : after waiting a considerable time to know the result, Lewis 
 Seebohm returned with a message from the prince, saying, that 
 the king would receive us at Charlottenburgh the following day ; 
 that all things would be arranged at the palace for our reception, 
 and that the prince would introduce us to the king. Although, as 
 far as respected the prospect of ray more speedy release from 
 Berlin, this message was relieving to my mind, yet the increased 
 load of exercise of mind it occasioned, can only be felt to the full, 
 by those who have been placed in a similar situation : to appear 
 before an 'absolute monarch, whose word is law, to plead the 
 cause- of Him who remains to be King of kings, and faithfully 
 to deliver His counsel, be it what it may, involves the mind 
 in many awful considerations. The reception of this mes- 
 sage, was followed by such a stripped state of mind, that I was 
 tempted to conclude the movement I had thus made, was under 
 the influence of the adversary of all good ; in order that my 
 weakness might be exposed to those, in whose minds 1 had already 
 found a place ; which brought on a severe attack of nervous 
 cough, that tried me much ; yet under all these discouragements, 
 I was favoured with strength to crave of the Lord my Hod, (who 
 is all-sufficient to fill the vessel of my mind in the needful time,)
 
 40 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 to empty and strip me, as he saw best for me, and best for the 
 lionour of his cause, when my faith and faithfulness to his requir- 
 ings were to be put to the test. Oh ! the earnest cries I was 
 enabled to put up to be preserved, faithfully delivering that which 
 I was favoured clearly to see to be the counsel of my ])ivine Master, 
 without yielding to those slavish fears of man ; which, if yielded 
 to, more or less disqualify for doing the Lord's work faithfully. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, the fore part of the niglit I was favoured 
 to sleep well, and to have my mind preserved quiet, which was 
 another great favour ; but I found that to witness this quiet state 
 of mind, which was so essential to the well ordering of my steps 
 in the prospect of duty now before me, unremitting watchfulness 
 was indispensably necessary ; as the adversary of all good was 
 diligently watching his opportunity to set my mind afloat, with 
 considerations of what I should say to introduce myself to the 
 king ; but Divine mercy bore me up against this torrent, which 
 rushed upon my mind ; for, indeed, had it been yielded to, it would 
 have robbed me of the heavenly quiet in mercy dispensed. 
 
 We left our hotel this afternoon for Charlottcnburgh, about 
 four English miles from Berlin : on our arrival at the palace, the 
 sentinel brandished his naked sabre to us to come forward, when 
 a person, who spoke English, took charge of us, and conducted 
 us into an apartment of the palace. As soon as the palace-clock 
 struck three, the person in attendance upon us informed us the 
 king had finished his dinner, saying, the king's practice was to 
 sit down to the dinner-table at two o'clock, and rise again from it 
 at three, allowing himself only one hour to take his dinner. In 
 this respect I thought this monarch set a good example to the 
 great men in my native land. The person in attendance upon us 
 requested us to follow him into the garden, where the king would 
 see us, as I had requested to be excused from an introduction in 
 the usual form : this mode to me felt a pleasing one. Waiting 
 at the spot where the king was to meet us, the person in attend- 
 ance announced to us, " The king is now advancing up one of the 
 avenues towards you," and immediately withdrew. The Jiing then 
 approached us, attended by the prince Witgen stein and his aide- 
 de-camp : on coming up, he inquired, " What is your busin(?ss ?"" 
 We then first presented to him the petition of Earns Pytesmyer, 
 which he took and handed it to his aide-de-camp : on the king's 
 being informed the petition was on behalf of a member of our 
 religious Society, who had been under prosecution on account of 
 his conscientious scruples against serving as a military man, he 
 replied, it was not his intention they should have proceeded thus 
 against the Friend. On the king''s being reminded, on a former 
 occasion he had said, conscience with him was a sacred thing, he 
 replied, " It is so, and the man shall not svifFer." We afterwards 
 heard that he remitted the whole of the sentence. 1 then re-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 41 
 
 quested the king would accept of some Friends' books, wliicli his 
 aide-de-camp took charge of. Observing the king made use of 
 some English expressions, on my saying, " I perceive the kino- 
 does speak English f' he replied, " A very little." 'J he importan't 
 moment was now arrived, when I believed I was called upon to 
 address the king in the Lord's name : on my taking off my hat 
 when I began to speak, the king took off his cap. After 1 had 
 expressed a few words, the king replied, " I see what he wants,— 
 Sunday to be well observed ; tell him I have read his address to 
 Hamburgh, and it has pleased me much ;" adding, " I wi^h the 
 Lord may bless you in these your undertakings." I then de- 
 clared it to be my belief, that the present was a very important 
 day to Prussia, — a day of renewed visitation from Almighty God, 
 — a day in which the light of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ 
 our Lord, was dawning in the souls of many of his subjects, and 
 the desire which attended my mind was, that nothing mio-ht be suf- 
 fered to retard the progress of this glorious gospel-day in his 
 dominions ; but that it might so spread and prevail, that Prussia 
 might become the beauty of nations, and the praise of the sur- 
 rounding kingdoms ; setting an example of hoHness to the rest 
 of the Continent ; that in order for which there are some mat- 
 ters in the state which must be remedied, amongst which is 
 the sorrowful abuse of the day called Sunday, which loudly 
 calls for a remedy. To which the king replied, " I am one with 
 you in this respect, but it requires time ; such disorders are not 
 easily remedied." I then rephed, " I am not wishing to pro- 
 mote a superstitious observance of that day, this would be of 
 little avail ; but an observance of it agreeable to the design of its 
 first institution ; and that it was my firm belief, by the king's 
 thus endeavouring to do all in his power towards promoting true 
 religion and righteousness amongst his subjects, it would do more 
 towards his being preserved in a peaceable and quiet possession 
 of his dominions, than all the fortifications or armies he could 
 possibly raise. To which the king replied, " I believe so myself:"'' 
 to which I found I must add, " Except the Lord keep the city, 
 the watchman waketh but in vain, except he build the house, in 
 vain do they labour who build it:" to the truth of which the king 
 by his countenance and motion of his head i;ave a solid assent. 
 Before we parted, I felt constrained to lay before the king the 
 reproachful manner in which the First-day was passed at JMindcn; 
 informing the king I had made a visit to the police-master on 
 that occasion : the king inquired what the police-master said ; on 
 hearing his reply, the king said, " It shall be attended to." 
 
 We were now, as we supposed, left alone in the garden ; but the 
 person who took charge of us here soon joined us again, and gave 
 us to understand he had received orders from the king to attend 
 upon us to the mausoleum, a new erection in the garden of the
 
 42 JOURNAL OF THOMyVS SHILLITOK. 
 
 palace, the burial-place of the late queen ; and to conduct us 
 about the palace. This mark of respect we could not but feel 
 grateful for, although 1 should have been willing to have passed 
 quietly to our hotel, on leaving the king ; as our inclinations 
 would not be more gratified by what we should see, than it had been 
 by the handsome, patient hearing, the king had indulged us with : 
 but fearing, as the person who was in attendance upon us, was 
 very urgent that we should go through the palace, if the king 
 should question him, and he could not say we passed through it, 
 the king might think our guide had neglected us, and he might 
 come into blame, we concluded to follow him. The great simplicity 
 of the furniture in a suite of rooms occupied by the late queen, 
 was gratifying, showing the humble state of her mind : a table 
 stood by her bed-side as she left it, on which remained the Bible 
 she used. Her memory I found was still precious to many of her 
 subjects, on account of her good example. Feelings of reverent 
 gratitude filled my heart, in the belief, that, through the extension 
 of holy help, this day's work (although very trying in prospect) 
 was well got through : the retrospect afforded fresh cause for 
 making sweet melody in my heart to the Lord, and singing, 
 " Hitherto the Lord hath helped me."" May He alone have the 
 praise from the visitors and the visited, is the prayer of my 
 grateful heart ! 
 
 In the eveiiing we were visited by an interesting young man, 
 who had been educated in the Jewish persuasion, whose mind had 
 been awakened in consequence of a Testament having been put 
 into his hands: his countenance and demeanour bespoke the 
 divinely-gathered state of his mind, which appeared the more 
 evident as we became further acquainted with him. My dear 
 companion, Thomas Christy, continuing to feel anxious to return 
 home, I no longer durst attempt to detain him ; and 1 began to 
 believe that the time for my own departure was not very distant : 
 the thoughts, however, of my being left alone, felt trying. I also 
 found that my kind friend, Lewis Seebohm, would be glad to be 
 released, on his family's account ; but 1 saw no way of safety for 
 me, but to endeavour after patience, and entire resignation to my 
 present allotment ; and to move forward from day to day, as the 
 clear pointings of duty may require of me. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, my companion engaged his place in the 
 diligence to Hamburgh ; after which, returning to our hotel, and 
 feelinff in our minds that something; was due from us to the 
 prince Witgenstein, for the kind attention and assistance which 
 he had afforded us, we drew up the following address : — 
 
 " To THE Prince Witgenstein. 
 " It is with feelings of gratitude, we request thou wilt permit 
 us to acknowledge thy kindness in making way for us, who arc
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 43 
 
 Strangers, to express to the king, whose confidence thou cn- 
 joyest, the words that were in our minds, and which we think 
 nothing less than the feehngs of rehgious duty woukl have war- 
 ranted us in doing. 
 
 " We are thankful for the opportunity, and thankful to the 
 Almighty Creator of all things, and to the king, that we came 
 away with our minds relieved, and we trust thou wilt share with 
 us in the peaceful reward. 
 
 " We are desirous of expressing a little matter respecting the 
 prisoners at Spandau, believing thou hast their welfare much at 
 heart. We wish to suggest, how well it would accord with the 
 king's kind disposition towards these poor creatures, for the 
 governor to be directed to furnish a Testament to eacli of the 
 prisoners, male and female, who shall desire to have one, and who 
 the governor is satisfied are likely to make a proper use of it ; 
 and as a further reward for good conduct, a hymn-book and other 
 small books which may be approved ; and those who have books, 
 to be allowed a small box with lock and key, which may be made 
 in the prison. A prisoner, when his work is done for the day, 
 would then have a book to resort to, instead of spending his time 
 in hurtful conversation. 
 
 " We further suggest, whether an advantage would not arise 
 from one of the best readers reading to the rest of the prisoners 
 every evening : the prisoners at Hamburgh, we observed, were 
 each furnished with books, and we think to great advantage. 
 
 " We are, with feelings of sincere regard, 
 
 " Thy affectionate friends, 
 
 " Thomas Christy, 
 " Berlin, 10th of 8th mo. 1824." " Thomas Shillitoe."' 
 
 After signing the above, my dear companion took the diligence 
 for Hamburgh, leaving me to fill up my measure of suffering anil 
 exercise, which I thought still awaited me here. The circum- 
 stance of the governor at Spandau having kept me from seeing 
 those prisoners who were considered to be the most desperate 
 characters, began now so to operate on my mind, as to lead me 
 to apprehend it was one of the matters that detained me at Berhn; 
 and yet i was ready to fear attempting another visit, when I con- 
 sidered the difficulty that might attend a second application for 
 that purpose, and the blame that would attach to me, should any 
 of the governor's fears be realized; and yet I felt a dread on my 
 mind of the consequences of my rebelling against that conviction, 
 (which was gaining so much ground on my best feelings;) 1 
 therefore found I must be wiHing to attempt a further visit to the 
 men prisoners at Spandau. Great and powerful were the strug- 
 ghngs between flesh and spirit on this occasion ; but seeing no
 
 44 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILMTOE. 
 
 way for me to come at a peaceful, quiet state of mind, but by 
 cheerfully surrendering my life and all into the Divine keeping, I 
 was enabled to breathe forth the language of, " Here am I, Lord, 
 send me whithersoever thou pleasest." This resignation being 
 thus brought about in me, the way appeared to open for me, to 
 make a second application to the prince Witgenstcin, for liberty 
 to visit the men prisoners again at Spandau : our address of 
 acknowledgment of the prince's kindness being still in my pos- 
 session, I made the following addition to it: — 
 
 " So far as my visit to the prisoners went, when at Spandau, 
 it was to me satisfactory ; but as this visit was only partial — those 
 considered to be the most desperate characters amongst the men 
 not being present at the opportunity, from a fear they might prove 
 unruly — and my mind still feeling anxiously engaged for their 
 welfare, I do not sec I can leave Berlin comfortably to myself, 
 without making another journey to Spandau, and visiting these 
 also, if I may be permitted so to do. If the prince should feel 
 his mind easy to assist me in this matter, (as I am not sure tliat 
 my former letter will be sufficient to admit me for that purpose 
 again,) I shall feel truly thankful for it." 
 
 " Thomas Shillitoe." 
 
 Sixth-day, having made this addition, my kind friend Lewis 
 Seebohm proceeded to the prince's residence ; he being from home, 
 the letter was left. Seventh-day morning, a messenger from the 
 prince came to our hotel, requesting Lewis Seebohm would wait 
 upon him at his own residence. On his being introduced, the 
 prince told him, that on the receipt of my second request to visit 
 the prisoners at Spandau, he himself waited on the minister of jus- 
 tice, and read my request to him, in order that no difficulty should 
 be laid in the way of my making a second visit to the prisoners 
 at Spandau ; he then desired Lewis Seebohm to call on the minister 
 of justice for the order of admission ; and added, that directions 
 were forwarded to the Bible Society to furnish the prisoners with 
 Bibles. The order for admittance not being prepared, the minis- 
 ter of justice engaged to send it to our hotel in the course of the 
 evening. The way opening in my mind this morning, to make a 
 visit to the commandant of the city and to the minister of the 
 police, we proceeded to the minister of the police. On our first 
 interview, from the distant manner in which he carried himself 
 towards us, I felt discouraged ; there being something in such a 
 carriage that is humiliating to the carnal nature ; but as we are 
 willing to suffer Divine grace to rise into dominion in our own 
 minds, it raises us above the slights and scornful looks of man. 
 By endeavouring to keep to my own exercise, the way opened for 
 me to lay before him my motives in making this visit to Berlin : to
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 45 
 
 which he appeared to give agreeable attention, allowing me an 
 opportunity to express what came before me in the line of reli- 
 gious duty : he then kindly conducted us to the door himself, 
 and parted from us in a very friendly manner. We next waited 
 on the coomiandant of the city, who received us courteously. On 
 my laying before him various occasions of immorality, which were 
 within his sphere and power to remedy, he united with me in my 
 views, and expressed his willingness to do his best towards their 
 being remedied; but added, that such were his difficulties in 
 attempting any thing, that it was discouraging. I felt as if I 
 could give him full credit for what he said, and could not but 
 sympathize with him. He said, the subjects I had mentioned to 
 him, he hoped, when a suitable opportunity occurred, to lay before 
 the king. These two visits being thus comfortably gone through, 
 1 enjoyed a peaceful quiet. Whilst walking along, I was accosted 
 by my friend the chief magistrate of the city, saying, " So you 
 are about to make another visit to Spandau. I would wish you 
 not to go again. Are you not afraid .?— Don't you know some of 
 the prisoners murdered the last governor ? " Although I re- 
 ceived his counsel as a mark of his kindness towards mc, I found 
 it safest for me to say as little as possible in reply, having heard 
 of this circumstance since our last visit, and that a bowl of scald- 
 ing liquor had been thrown by one of the prisoners into the present 
 governor's face ; nevertheless this caution of the chief magistrate 
 caused me, for a time, to feel keenly on the occasion, and to con- 
 sider there was not only my own life, but that of my interpreter, 
 the governor, and perhaps other attendants, at stake. Nature was 
 roused, and all within me capable of it became as an army set in 
 battle-array, pleading to be excused from the attempt of a second 
 visit to Spandau ; but He, who I was led to believe required this 
 service of me, well knew my sincerity, and the earnest desire that 
 attended my mind (if this service really was of his requiring) to 
 be enabled to stand firm to my post : He mercifully condescended, 
 after he had suffered the discourager to assail me for a short 
 season, to raise up my head, in hope that strength w^ould be given 
 me in the needful time, to proceed in this awful and important 
 engagement before me ; and that neither hurting nor destroying 
 should be suffered to come upon me or any one of my helpers 
 therein. 
 
 This evening a messenger arrived with an order from the 
 minister of justice, [of which tiie following seems to be a rough 
 translation :] — 
 
 " There is no hesitation that the institution for correction and 
 improvement, and all the prisoners, at Spandau, including those 
 tliat are separated, may be shown to the gentleman of the deputy* 
 
 • Probably and the deputy, meaning his interpreter.
 
 4G JOUUNAL OF 'illOMAb SIIILLI'IOE. 
 
 of the comniunioii of Quakers in London, and l)c presented before 
 liim, that he may converse with them ; which the director has to 
 mind. 
 
 *' KiRCHEiN, Minister of Justice." 
 
 " Berlin, 14th August, 1824." 
 
 " To the Institution for Correction and Iniprovement." 
 
 This order being received, I found it best to engage a carriage 
 to take us to Spandau in the morning, in order to return in good 
 time in the evening, when I proposed to sit with such indixiduals 
 as were disposed to give me their company ; lor which purpose our 
 landlord furnished a large room ; and some serious ])ersons had 
 engaged to give suitable notice. This step being taken, 1 began 
 to feel as if my work at Berlin was now nearly brought to a close. 
 
 It was diflicult to have my mind divested of the circum- 
 stance of the murder of the former governor at Spandau, 
 and the recollection of the alarm of the present governor, 
 on my former request to see them all together; these consi- 
 derations, I found, without great watchfulness, were in danger of 
 producing such agitation of mind as would be very unprofitable 
 for me. I had concluded, in the course of the night previous to 
 our proceeding to Spandau, to empty my pockets of my money, 
 watch, pocket-book, and my penknife more particularly; for, by 
 having my penknife about me, 1 might be the cause of furnishing 
 them with the means of my own destruction : this I accordingly 
 did. But on mature deliberation on the step I had thus taken, I 
 was mercifully led to see, that it was the effect of that departure 
 from a full and entire reliance on Gods arm of power, which the 
 enemy was endeavouring to bring about in niy mind. I sensibly felt 
 the performance of this very act had produced weakness, causing 
 the hands that had been made strong, through the power of the 
 mighty God of Jacob, rather to fall again. I therefore returned 
 to my chamber, and replaced each of these articles as they were 
 before, taking particular care that my penknife was not left behind. 
 Early in the morning, Lewis Seebohm, also the young man who 
 was our former companion, and myself, left our hotel for Spandau : 
 on our arrival there, we were told our former visit had excited 
 astonishment in the minds of the people of the town, that our love 
 should be such as to induce us to leave our families and cross the 
 ocean to visit their land, and that we should remember the poor 
 prisoners of Spandau, who seemed to be forgotten by every body. 
 After taking our breakfast, we went to the prison ; but the go- 
 vernor was not to be spoken with before ten o'clock : however, 
 vie met with our old friend the pastor of the prison, who received 
 VIS kindly, and conducted us to the chapel, where we found about 
 fifty young men prisoners receiving instruction, which we were
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 47 
 
 informed was closely attended to ; some of them appeared to 
 have made considerable improvement in writing, as we were told 
 was also the case in their reading. The quiet and order observed 
 was pleasant to behold, as well as the agreeable countenances 
 many of them exhibited, as if they rightly appreciated the 
 privilege of being thus cared for. Feehng something stirring 
 in my mind towards them, my interpreter informed them thereof, 
 on which the pastor kindly requested such as were reading to 
 cease. W hat 1 had to communicate appeared to obtain attention. 
 At our parting, the pastor invited us to take our dinner with him, 
 but this we respectfully declined, for my dinner now felt the most 
 distant thing from my mind. At the time proposed for us to see 
 the governor, we returned to the prison. On being introduced 
 to the governor, I presented him with my fresh order from the 
 minister of justice, to visit the prisoners again : his countenance 
 bespoke the effect it had on his mind, as he showed himself un- 
 comfortable and much agitated, probably from two causes — the 
 peremptory manner in which the order was couched, and the fear 
 still prevailing in his mind of those, whom he called the most 
 desperate of the prisoners, being loose together in the yard. For 
 a time he appeared like a man recovering from a violent electric 
 shock, and then again stood like a petrified subject. During this 
 season of proving to the governor and my companions, I trust I 
 was not void of a proper feeling for him, and for them ; but I 
 found I must maintain my post with firmness. After the 
 governor had a little recovered himself, he brought forward, as 
 before, many reasons to prevent my seeing the prisoners ; but as 
 his excuses did not prove effectual, he next tried what he could do 
 by persuasion, saying, that from his knowledge of the disposition 
 of some of the prisoners, it would be dangerous to attempt to 
 have them assembled as I wished. No such apprehensions, how- 
 ever, prevailed with me, in whatever way I viewed the matter ; 
 yet I humbly hope I may say, I was not lost to a feeling of 
 sympathy for those who were to accompany me, and who were 
 not able to see and feel the subject as I was enabled to do. The 
 governor seeing there was no other way, yielded to my request, 
 and ordered all the men prisoners to be assembled in the great 
 yard of the prison. On entering the yard where they were assem- 
 bled, I observed that the number assembled far exceeded what I 
 had met with in the chapel at my first visit, there now appearing 
 from three to four hundred prisoners : many forbidding counte- 
 nances I could not recollect to have seen before, whose legs were 
 loaded with irons, but not their hands. Had they been disposed 
 to have injured us, I thought, as I viewed those who were placed 
 in front, we should only be like so many grasshoppers amongst 
 them. Besides ourselves and the governor, we had the company 
 of the head-officer of the town, several military officers, and
 
 48 JUURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 some of the inhabitants. Our kind friend the pastor placed us 
 on a flight of steps, very suitably for the occasion, and the pri- 
 soners formed a circle in front of the steps. After a j)au8e had 
 taken place, the governor addressed the prisoners : although I 
 could not understand a word which he expressed, yet 1 had a 
 clear evidence that his matter was appropriate to the occasion, 
 and that he was assisted Ity best help in doing it : his observations 
 produced such a remarkable quiet over the whole assembly, that 
 not the motion of a foot or clink of a fetter was to be heard. 
 This address of the governor seemed very much to open my way 
 in the minds of the prisoners : 1 cannot call to remembrance a 
 time when 1 have found a more open door to receive what was 
 communicated, than in this opportunity ; the countenances of 
 many of the prisoners appeared sorrowfully aflected, and bathed 
 in tears ; and the quiet solid manner in which they behaved 
 during the whole of the meeting, considering what a rough, un- 
 cultivated company they appeared to be, was a striking proof of 
 the sufficiency of the power of God, now as formerly, to controul 
 and bring into subjection, the evil power in man ; that thus He 
 alone, whose right it is to reign, may have the dominion. Having 
 been favoured with ability fully to relieve my mind towards them, 
 I found I must propose to give each of the prisoners my hand of 
 love, before I left them ; the governor then arranged them for 
 that purpose : in this step I was led to believe the prisoners ge- 
 nerally sympathized, for, although they were not able to express 
 themselves on the occasion in my own language, their counte- 
 nances and the manner of their pressing my hand, I thought fully 
 indicated this disposition of mind.* 
 
 Having thus taken a farewell of the prisoners, we retired to the 
 governor's apartment, who seemed now at a loss to know how to 
 manifest his kindness sufficiently towards us. The pastor not 
 following us, I felt anxious to take our leave of him ; but before 
 we had finished the repast which the governor had kindly set 
 before us, the pastor joined us again, informing us he had been 
 
 • In a letter written from Berlin, to our dear friend T.S., some years after this 
 period, his correspontient thus expresses himself : — "I am sureyour visit at Ber- 
 lin, and especially the attention you paid to the prisoners, has been of very great 
 benefit. Since that time, there has been formed a society for instructing and 
 amending the prisoners. This very important branch of Christian charity has 
 formerly been too much neglected. The society has done much good already, 
 and will do much more, if thev keep a single eye, and do all thev do, to gloriiy 
 Christ." 
 
 In this and other letters written to T. S . from the Continent, (several from 
 persons of rank,) are often to be met with, expressions of n.uch warmth of feeling 
 towards their much esteemed, aged visitor; indicating how closely they became 
 united in the bonds of Christian love to our friend. " As often as 1 hap- 
 pened," says the above letter, written after his return from America, " i;o speak 
 to Friends coming from England, I used to ask them, I may say in some de- 
 gree with the tender feelings of Joseph, ' Docs my father ShiUitoc yet live 9 ' "
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 49 
 
 detained with tlie prisoners, who had requested liim, in the name 
 of the whole of them, to express their thankfulness for tlie visit, 
 and that many of them could say, the words that had been 
 delivered amongst them reached to their very hearts, and they 
 hoped, would, in a future day, produce good fruits. May all the 
 praise be given, where alone it is due, is the prayer of my soul ! 
 We parted from the governor very affectionately ; and the pastor 
 accompanying us to our hotel, expressed the regret which he and 
 others felt, that our stay amongst them was of so short a duration. 
 We were informed, a man of considerable account in the world, 
 was much in the practice of asserting it to be his belief, there 
 was flo such thing as people being actuated by the love of God in 
 their conduct towards each other. Our first visit to Spandau 
 having excited much conversation amongst the town's-people, from 
 the manner in which our motive for making this visit was viewed by 
 some, as proceeding purely from the love of God, this man took 
 up the subject in support of his own opinions ; in the course of 
 his arguing, his mind became so convinced that nothing short of 
 the love of God to the poor prisoners could have intiuenced our 
 minds to leave our homes and families, endure the hardships by 
 sea and land which we must have done, that he acknowledged he 
 must now abandon his former opinions on this subject. 1 returned 
 with my companions to Berlin, thankful that my good Master 
 had not suffered my manifold discouragements to cause me to 
 rebel against Him. My great care now was, how I should get 
 through the evening's work before me, viz. the holding a meeting 
 with such individuals as were inclined to give us their company. I 
 fancied I could have been glad to have been anywhere else rather 
 than at this occasion, notwithstanding I had so recently had cause 
 tp bow in reverent acknowledgment to the mercy and goodness of 
 the Lord, in helping me through the last scene of trial. Oh ! 
 how did my poor mind, in its reduced and stripped condition, crave 
 after a willingness to become any thing or nothing, that so 1 might 
 be found keeping my proper place amongst the people this even- 
 ing ! I found, whilst the meeting was gathering, a young man was 
 preparing to take down in short-hand what might be communicated; 
 but I prevailed on him to desist. The meeting gathered early, 
 and soon quietly settled down : the room was as full as it well 
 could be : the people appeared serious and attentive, and we un- 
 derstood, that they were well satisfied with the meeting. 
 
 Second-day morning, my prospects of being liberated from 
 Berlin began to brighten ; the gates were now set open for my 
 departure, which rejoiced my heart, on account of my kind, com- 
 panion Lewis Seebohm. I proceeded to the post-office, and se- 
 cured my place in the diligence to Hamburgh on Fourth-day. 
 
 Third-day, my friend Lewis Seebohm left me for his own 
 home. I was now alone, no one in the hotel being able to under- 
 stand me, except at times by signs : this made it trying, when 
 
 VOL. II. ^
 
 50 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 visitors came, with wlioni I was deprived of the o|>j)urtuinty ol' 
 an exchange of sentiment. My mind having been frequently in- 
 troduced into exercise, on account of some pious persons that 
 were about the court, I believed, if the way clearly opened for it, 
 I must be willing to try to have them l)rought together in a 
 meeting capacity : but there appeared such insurmountable difli- 
 culties in the way, that J gave u\) the prospect, and I had reason 
 to believe properly so : yet my exercise continued, and by endea- 
 vouring to keep j)atient under it, the way in due time opened for 
 my relief, by taking up iiiy pen, and committing to writing that 
 which arose in my mind, which was done as follows : — 
 
 " To THE SJiRIOUSLY AWAKENED MiNDS, WHO ARE MOURNING, 
 IN THK HIGHER ClRCLES OF LIFE, IN 1>ERLIN. 
 
 " Berlin, IGth of Htli Montli, 1824. 
 " The more exalted the situation of life we are by iJivinc Pro- 
 vidence permitted to be placed in, the greater need there is for 
 humility of heart ; a virtue that never appears more conspicuous 
 than when it is really to be found imprinted in the general tenour 
 of conduct and converse of such as arc travelling on in the higher 
 walks of life ; nor is its influence ever so likely to be productive 
 of real ^ood to others; because, the more elevated our situation 
 of life may be, the more extensive will be the influence of our 
 example, whether it be good or whether it be evil. I have there- 
 fore, in my solitary moments, earnestly craved, that all who may 
 1)0 placed about the person of the king, and every branch of his 
 family, and others who may be })laced in affluent situations in 
 life, whose lips may have been mercifully touched, as with a live 
 coal from off the holy altar, may keep humble, little and low in 
 their own estimation ; for this will be the way, and the only way, 
 for such to experience the Lord to teach them of his ways ; and 
 by keeping in meekness and true fear before him, know him to direct 
 their steps, guiding them in the paths of true judgment, causing 
 such who thus love him to inherit substance. It is the great that 
 must set an example of faithfulness to God, and an entire dedi- 
 cation of heart to him and his cause, before those who are 
 moving along in more humble life ; it is these who must lead the 
 way into the patlis of holiness of life and conversation, if the 
 Lord's work goes forward and prospers in this land, as he de- 
 signs it should ; and my soul craves it may do. And now, with 
 the feelings of Gospel love and thankfulness, for the kind reception 
 of my feeble endeavours, and the assistance I have met with, I take 
 my last farewell of those amongst you. I have made acquaintance 
 with many, of whom I can say, they are as bone of my bone. 
 
 " Thomas Shillitoe."" 
 
 The above being put into the hands of a faithful, pious indi- 
 vidual about the court, for circulation amongst those to whom it 
 was addressed, my services here closed.
 
 CHAPTER XXVf. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, accompanied by some of our newly- 
 formed acquaintance, I took the diligence for Hamburgh, which 
 I was favoured to reach on Fifth-day, with songs of praise in my 
 heart to that Almighty Power, who had so mercifully cared for 
 me every way. On my arrival at Hamburgh, I felt disposed to 
 spend some time amongst my friends there, expecting it would be 
 the last time we should be likely to meet on this side of eternity ; 
 but I found Hamburgh was not to be a resting-place for me : my 
 halting there, longer than was necessary for me to recruit my 
 strength and to prepare for my journey, would subject me to 
 danger. My friends in England had proposed my making an over- 
 land journey to Petersburgh, and forwarded me letters to Dantzic, 
 Memel, and Riga. On my reaching Hamburgh, some captains 
 at my hotel advised my going by sea, to Cronstadt, in Russia, to 
 escape the difficulties of an overland journey, in consequence of 
 my not being acquainted with any language but my native 
 tongue ; and to sail from Lubeck, in preference to Elsineur, the 
 Lubeck vessels to Cronstadt being well fitted up for the accom- 
 modation of passengers ; but if I sailed from Elsineur, 1 must 
 take such accommodation as the merchant- vessels afforded ; and 
 my sailing from Lubeck would occasion me much less travelling 
 by land ; Lubeck, therefore, had the preference in my mind, in- 
 dependent of that reluctance which I felt to set my feet again in 
 Copenhagen, which I should do if I sailed from Elsineur; but 
 the more I inclined to go by Lubeck, the clearer I thought I saw 
 my taking shipping there would endanger my being in some 
 way (I knew not how) involved in difficulty. 1 therefore endea- 
 voured after a wiUingness to take shipping at Elsineur ; but fresh 
 difficulties presented: a diligence left Hamburgh daily for Lu- 
 beck, and arrived the same day ; and when my fare by it was 
 paid, I should have no further difficulty. I had already expe- 
 rienced the inconveniences attending a journey by a conveyance 
 from Hamburgh to Kiel, and feared to attempt to encounter 
 this mode of jrettino; forward again ; but after all these considera-
 
 52 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 tions, they were not found sufficient to warrant my proceeding 
 to Lubeck. Tlicre appeared, therefore, no other way for me but 
 travelling by extra post, and advertising for a companion to share 
 in the expense ; which I accordingly did. No reply being made 
 to the advertisement, I applied to an English coach-master to 
 send me forward the first stage, trusting to a kind Providence to 
 care for me the remainder of my journey. 
 
 On Second-day, I left Hamburgh, in hopes my driver would be 
 one who understood my native tongue; but in this I soon found 
 myself disappointed. We had a considerable extent of water to 
 pass through, which, from the careless manner of the driver, I 
 was in great fear that an accident would occur. A short distance 
 before our arrival at our first station, a respectable-looking man 
 came out of a house, asking me questions ; but we could not un- 
 derstand each other, neither could the driver help us out, upon 
 which he drove on : this person, however, followed us to the post- 
 house, for what I was unable to make out. I found, also, none of 
 the family could help me. Observing a person standing at the 
 door of one of the rooms of the hotel, waiting to have his horses 
 put to his carriage, although not of a very prepossessing coun- 
 tenance to apply to for help, yet I ventured to step up to him, 
 and put the question to him, could he speak English "^ He re- 
 plied, by pointing his finger for me to go into the room, where I 
 found an agreeable-looking female sitting, to whom I addressed 
 myself; on which she made me understand the person who had 
 thus followed me was the inspector of the customs, to whom I 
 must open my luggage : she also cared for my being sent forward 
 the next stage. 1 presented her, the inspector and the post-master, 
 with some books, which appeared to be well received, and went on 
 my way again, rejoicing in being thus far cared for ; and yet, 
 at times, 1 was made thoughtful how I should be able to manage 
 when night came on ; but a kind Providence so ordered for me at 
 every station I came to, that I met with all the help I stood in 
 need of, until I came to my lodging-place for the night, agreeably 
 to the route made out for me by the coach-master at Hamburgh, 
 whose kindness had sent me to a clean, comfortable hotel. Two 
 females in the family spoke English fluently, which was consoling. 
 After passing a comfortable night, next morning I proceeded on 
 my way, and reached Kiel that evening, under feelings of grati- 
 tude to that Almighty Power, whose mercies are over all his 
 works. I drove to the Packet-hotel ; my kind friend. Christian 
 liauer, would not suffer me to remain there, but had my lug- 
 gage taken to his own house, who, with his very kind wife showed 
 me every attention in their power. Our thus unexpectedly meet- 
 ing again, afforded mutual gratification ; which appeai'ed to be the 
 case with the Professor Teonscn and his wife, and others I liad 
 made an acquaintance with. The Countess Bcrnstorff having
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 53 
 
 heard of my ])eing at Hamburgli on my way to Kkl, urofc to 
 request I would inform her of my arrival, and she would come to 
 her town-rcsidenee ; whereby I had much of the interesting com- 
 pany of this pious, aged woman; who, I was led to believe, felt 
 it a great privilege to retreat from the bustle and pageantry 
 of the court, to which she was exposed in her husband's time, 
 from the high station which he filled in the iJanish government. 
 
 Fifth-day, 2Gth of {5th month, I took leave of my friends at 
 Kiel, and went on board the steam-packet for ( 'opeidiagen. 
 After being some time on board, a young man, who 1 supposed 
 was of some account in the world, havinji his servant attendir)<; 
 on him, showed a disposition to be familiar with me. As he spoke 
 my language, I was cheered at the prospect of making liis 
 acquaintance. We had also on board a person advanced in lii'e, 
 who, from the star he wore on his coat, and the great attention 
 paid to him by the captain and crew, I concluded was a person 
 who stood high in the government, with whom my new-formed 
 acquaintance appeared to be in company. The young man mani- 
 fested so much interest in my comfort, as to show me every 
 attention in his power : the elderly man also carried himself as 
 handsomely towards me as circumstances would allow of, (from 
 our not being able to understand each other,) having me to sit down 
 with them at their dinner-table, and partake of their provision — 
 a separate table being provided for them, from the rest of the 
 cabin-passengers. The secretary of the English ambassador at 
 Berlin, entrusted me with a packet to the English ambassador at 
 Copenhagen, which I engaged to deliver myself, provided I went 
 that way ; otherwise 1 was to put it in a channel for delivery. As 
 I was directed, 1 informed my new acquaintance of the charge 
 I had in my possession, and the desire 1 felt to get quit of it 
 before I slept that night, requesting him to put me in the way so 
 to do. The young man informed his elder friend of this, and 
 they kindly offered to take charge of its delivery ; but I informed 
 them that I had engaged, if 1 reached Copenhagen, to deliver it 
 myself, gratefully acknowledging their kindness. When wc came 
 within a short distance of Copenhagen, a boat came alongside of 
 us, which I soon perceived was for my friends, who had shown me 
 so much attention, whose company I had looked forward with 
 pleasure to have had on my landing, and to have received their 
 assistance at the police-oHice and custom-house : but now my 
 hopes, it appeared, would be disappointed in this respect, as no 
 boat came out that I could hire to land me with them ; but, to 
 my agreeable surprise, they informed me of their wish I should 
 take a seat with my luggage in their boat, and they would take 
 care to clear my luggage and passport for me ; which oHer I 
 gratefully accepted. On our landing, 1 observed great attention 
 was manifested by those who had assembled to see the ])acket
 
 54 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHIM-ITOK. 
 
 arrive, to the company I was in. My elderly friend, on our 
 reaching the shore, kindly gave nic his hand, and we parted ; the 
 young man cleared my luggage and passport, then put me into 
 a carriage, with directions to take me to my hotel, and we parted. 
 On reaching my hotel, I procured a messenger to accompany me 
 to the English ambassador's, and delivered my charge into his 
 liands. The longer I am spared in mutability, the more clearly 
 I am convinced of the necessity there is for us to attend to such 
 intimations, whilst thus moving about in religious service, as 
 we may be favoured with from place to place, and to abide 
 quiet and in patience, where our lots are cast, until the time for 
 our departure is fully come : had I yielded to the kind impor- 
 tunities of my friends at Kiel, to pass another week with them, 
 and go by the next packet-boat, I should have deprived myself of 
 the help I have received, and afterwards received, from the young 
 man, and his uncle, (as he proved to be,) Count Shoolburgh, the 
 commandant of the city of Copenhagen. 
 
 Seventh-day, on my way to my kind friend Dr. Brandis, I ob- 
 served a person before me in the uniform of those who attend on 
 the king ; on coming up to him, he addressed me familiarly in 
 English, which a little surprised me, until I found it was the 
 Baron Pichlicn, my kind young friend when on board the steam- 
 packet; who very kindly invited me to dine with him. I made a 
 very interesting visit to the doctor and his wife, who were under 
 great affliction in consequence of the death of the attendant on 
 the queen, with whom 1 had made an acquaintance when here be- 
 fore ; they informed me, her bodily sufferings had been very great, 
 which she bore with exemplary patience ; that her sick-bed and 
 closing moments had had an awakening effect on many about the 
 court. I presented the doctor with some books : some I had which 
 I wished to put into the hands of the princess, I mentioned this 
 to the doctor ; he gave me a note to one of the attendants on the 
 queen, of whom I had some knowledge, and ordering his carriage 
 out, he gave his coachman instructions to drive me to the palace 
 of Fredericksburgh. When we arrived, the coachman left me in 
 the carriage, whilst he went with the note ; when he returned, I 
 found myself placed in difficulty, not being able to understand a 
 word he said, but Copenhagen ; by which I supposed my friend 
 to whom the note was directed was at Copenhagen. 
 
 Whilst 1 was musing in my mind to know how I was to pro- 
 ceed, not feeling easy to give it up as a matter not to be accom- 
 plished, (although I could not see how it was to be brought about,) 
 two handsomely-dressed young women came out of a door of the 
 palace, and crossed a grass-plat : the coachman called out to me, 
 " Crown-princess," on my repeating, " Crovv-n -princess," he re- 
 plied, " Ya." I sprang out of the carriage with my books, and 
 hastened towards them : on my advancing, the princess halted,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS 6HILL1T0E. 55 
 
 looking pleasantly at me, and gave mc her hand ; but not being 
 able to understand each other, the attendant on the princess no't 
 speaking English, as I hoped would be the case, we all appeared 
 disappointed. The way not opening in my mind to leave the 
 books with the princess, I again withdrew, and was driven back 
 to the doctor's residence. It appeared the princess was going to 
 take breakfast with a family, whose gardens abutted against the 
 doctor's gardens, and where my friend would be in attendance ; 
 this induced me to inquire as to the propriety of my going there 
 with the books ; on which a servant was sent with me, and in- 
 structions given how to proceed. At first I doubted whether any 
 advantage would result from the step I had thus taken, until a 
 person, like an upper-servant in the family, came and took my 
 note, manifesting, after he had read it, some interest on my behalf: 
 he informed me I must wait ; he then returned, and conducted me 
 into the garden, where my friend expressed much satisfaction 
 that we were permitted to meet again. The princess and the 
 female head of the family soon made their appearance ; each in a 
 kind manner gave me her hand, as also did the rest of the com- 
 pany ; a livery-servant soon entered the garden with chocolate and 
 cake for the princess and the rest of the company ; on which I 
 drew back ; being solicited to partake with them, 1 hesitated, but 
 on again being entreated, I accepted their kind offer. Breakfast 
 being over, I presented the princess with the books; she requested 
 her attendant to inform me, she regretted she could not converse 
 with me in my own language, also the pleasure it afforded her 
 that they were still remembered by me: apologising for my having 
 thus intruded myself, I was requested not to consider it an inti'u- 
 sion : then feeling it best for me to withdraw, they each gave me 
 their hand. 
 
 On my return to Copenhagen, I overtook my kind friend the 
 Baron Pichlien, one of the attendants on the king, who kindly 
 offered to take me to the great royal library, which I accepted, it 
 is a handsome and very commodious building, well adapted for 
 the purpose, and furnished with a great store of books : I found 
 a shelf set apart for books printed by our religious Society, and 
 regretted to see it so barely supplied, not more than four books, 
 which when all were put together, would not make a volume 
 larger than the Apology. The librarian regretted they had not 
 a better supply of Friends' books, which he thought would be 
 read : I therefore furnished him with such books as my means 
 afforded. This evening I waited on my kind friend the Count 
 Schimmilman, with some books ; he received me with his usual affa- 
 bility : on giving me his hand, he expressed in warm terms the plea- 
 sure our once more being permitted to meet again afforded him, 
 adding, with apparent feelings of sorrow, " We have had a great 
 loss in one of your old friends, one of the ladies of the court is 
 deceased, since you were last here; her experience in religious
 
 5G JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 matters was great : her bodily sufferings during her indisposition 
 were great beyond description, but these she bore without ever 
 uttering a complaint : she often spoke of you, and lier mind ap- 
 peared much occupied about you: she became more and more 
 one in sentiment with you in matters of rehgion, and made a very 
 peaceful close ; her loss is greatly felt by all about the court. 
 This was the individual who was in waiting to receive me in the 
 grand saloon, when i made a visit to the queen on my last journey. 
 After spending some time agreeably with the count, we parted af- 
 fectionately.* 
 
 Having a prospect vfhen I left England of proceeding to 
 Russia by way of Dantzic, I had requested my friend at Peters- 
 burgh to address my letters to the former place, for my instruction 
 how I was to proceed when I reached the Russian territories; but 
 now having changed my route to go by sea, I feared that the 
 letter to my friend ut Petersburgh would not reach him in time 
 for my having his reply before I left Elsineur ; and doubts were 
 also in my mind. whether the address of the letter was correct; — 
 these considerations came over me like a flood, and as if they 
 would overpower every good desire ; but from this perplexfty of 
 mind I was in a very unexpected manner released, by a person 
 at the hotel, to whom I was an entire stranger, coming into my 
 room who spoke English well ; he proved to be a merchant from 
 Petersburgh, travelling on account of his health. On his under- 
 standing which way I was bound from Copenhagen, (unsought for) 
 he kindly offered his services, and gave me a letter to his brother 
 at Cronstadt, the port in Russia at which I was to land ; request- 
 ing that every attention should be shown me, as if it was done to 
 himself. This I received as a further token of the watchful care 
 of my Divine Master, afresh exciting in my mind earnest desires 
 to be found faithfully serving him, whatever might be the dan- 
 gers that might threaten me in the prosecution of clear prospects 
 of duty. I still pleased myself with the hopes of being able 
 to proceed on the morrow for Elsineur ; and having some books 
 yet to dispose of, I concluded the early part of the morning would 
 be sufficient for that purpose. Apprehensions were awakened in 
 my mind of danger, if I took any of my books with me to Peters- 
 burgh, although I had not heard of any prohibition in this 
 respect. My friends considered it necessary that my passport 
 should be signed by the English ambassador ; but it being 
 First-day 1 hesitated going to him for his signature ; but con- 
 sidering that my friends deem.ed it to be so very necessary, 
 and the uncertainty of what to-morrow might produce, by his 
 being from home, and as it did not appear to me like going to him 
 in the regular course of his business, but amongst the things that 
 might be termed an act of necessity, I proceeded to his residence. 
 On my way there I passed by the royal theatre ; the doors being 
 
 ^ Vol. i. p. 2CIG-7.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 57 
 
 open, my attention was arrested by observing carpenters, brick- 
 layers, and others publicly at work, preparing for the diversions 
 that were to take place in the evening of the day : this si<dit alto- 
 gether struck as at my very life, and great fear came over me that 
 my liberation from Copenhagen was not so near as I had expected: 
 sighing was my lot, and crying for help to be found faithful to what- 
 ever should be the result of this morning's walk. The ambassa- 
 dor signed my passport, in addition to the signature of the police- 
 master, and sent it for me to the Russian ambassador for his sig- 
 nature, which he considered most advisable. I returned to u?y 
 hotel, and found after all I had not obtained my great Master's 
 passport to leave on the morrow, as I had been expecting ; the 
 gates of Copenhagen appeared closed against me, and this warn- 
 ing voice arose, " Go not out by haste or by flight, but fulfil 
 the whole of the appointed time ;" this I found must be attended 
 to, if 1 secured a safe guidance back again to my native land. 
 
 I saw no way for me, but ,to endeavour to labour after entire 
 resignation, to be willing to do all that appeared to be the Divine 
 requiring respecting me : after sitting down in quiet, with my 
 mind turned inward to the Lord for his counsel and help, a visit 
 to the crown-prince and his princess came again before me, and 1 
 found that I must be willing to do my part towards its being accom- 
 plished, if I left with a peaceful mind. By thus w-aiting to be 
 directed herein by Him, who remains to be the wonderful coun- 
 sellor, my attention was turned to my kind friend the Baron 
 Pichlien, as a person who might help me through this difficulty. 
 I therefore waited upon him, and informed him how I was cir- 
 cumstanced, and that I was come to throw myself upon him for 
 help : he informed me, he was under engagement to dine with 
 the prince that day, and he would take care to make my request 
 known to them. My room being very close, and the weather ex- 
 tremely hot, I turned out of the town for fresh air : the day 
 was beautiful, scarcely a cloud to be seen, — all nature appeared 
 alive to that enjoyment the great Creator of the universe designed; 
 but such were the feelings afresh excited in my mind from the 
 remembrance of my morning's Avalk to the ambassador's, and 
 what arose with me on the occasion, that 1 felt unetjual to parti- 
 cipate in these things as I gladly would have done. 1 also felt 
 my situation here, being without any friend qualified to sympathize 
 and counsel me in my movements. 
 
 I apprehended it to be required of me in some way to lay before 
 the king, my views on what I had observed at the theatre on First- 
 day, also other matters which I had noticed, whereby that day 
 had been publicly abused : after turning the subject of an inter- 
 view over again and again, I felt fully satisfied, that if a suitable 
 channel could be found, whereby I could be assured that what was 
 offered to my mind to commit to writing for the king, would be 
 put into his own hands, this would be the best way for me to pro-
 
 58 JOURNAL OK THOMAS Slill.LITOK. 
 
 ccctl: but how it was to be cflcctcd with certainty, I at present 
 was not able to see. 
 
 In the evening I waited on an individual, wliom I was satisfied 
 1 could make a confidential friend ; to him 1 made known my 
 situation, and the mode I proposed to adopt; with which my 
 friend fully united. It was his opinion, that the parliament 
 bein<^ now sitting, there would be some difficulty in obtaining 
 such a quiet, suitable opportunity with the king, as was desir- 
 able. On my inquiring of my friend how I should be able 
 to procure a translation of what I might have to commit to 
 writing for the king, he was fully of the judgment, that it would 
 be better for it to be conveyed to him in my own language, 
 whereby no one would be implicated in it. He also gave it as 
 his opinion, when the king observed my signature, he would put 
 it into the hands of a suitable person to be translated : I returned 
 home to my hotel, and after again being favoured with a time of 
 quiet, with my mind turned inward to the Lord for his counsel, I 
 took up my pen and wrote an address to the king, from which the 
 following are extracts : — 
 
 [He addresses the king chiefly on the manner in which the 
 First-days are passed at Copenhagen, shops being open, public 
 works going on, theatres opened, and other frivolous diversions 
 observable.] 
 
 " A fear continues to attend my mind, that the judgments of a 
 great and terrible God, may again manifest themselves on the 
 Continent of Europe, in a very different way and manner to what 
 has been experienced heretofore; for notwithstanding the slaughter 
 and bloodshed that then took place, and the distress which the 
 different nations were in many ways exposed to, tending to humble 
 the stout-hearted amongst the people ; yet time may prove, not- 
 withstanding all that such had to endure, it was but the begin- 
 ning of sorrows, to that which may yet be in reserve ; without there 
 is, through Divine aid, more of a willingness manifested on the 
 part of the people, than has as yet appeared, to be found walking 
 more consistently with the doctrines and precepts of the gospel of 
 Christ Jesus our Lord. And should the Almighty see meet, 
 because of the impenitence, and rebellious disposition of mind, 
 which so evidently prevails over too many of all ranks amongst 
 the people, to suffer others of his yet more terrible messengers to 
 enter again the borders of this Continent, the pestilence,* or 
 famine, or even both of these messengers of woe ; with what con- 
 fidence can the people be able to approach his Divine Majesty 
 for support under their afHictions, or to supplicate that his all- 
 powerful arm may again be stayed. 
 
 " Are not those who have it in their power to remove such 
 temptations out of the way of the unwary and inexperienced 
 
 * [It will not be forgotten, that a few years after this period the cholera 
 spread its fearful ravages over Eurojie, &c.] "
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 59 
 
 youth, loudly called upon to do their very utmost toward the 
 effecting of it ? inasmuch as I believe, so long as these tempta- 
 tions to do evil remain, those who have the power invested in 
 them to remove them, and are not thus engaged to do their very 
 best towards its being brought to pass, are placing themselves in 
 an awfully responsible situation, by making themselves parties in 
 the sight of Almighty God, to all the evil consequences that may 
 follow their continuance. Feeling, as I do, such a lively in- 
 terest in thy present and eternal welfare, O king, and for every 
 branch of thy family and every one of thy subjects, accompanied 
 with earnest desires that Denmark may for the future be found 
 setting an example of righteousness to the Continent of Europe, 
 and hereby become exalted in the Divine estimation, and in the 
 estimation of surrounding nations, I trust, if I may seem to have 
 expressed my feehngs on these important subjects a little warmly, 
 thy kindness of disposition, O king ! will, 1 believe, give me 
 credit for my assuring thee, it proceeds from an apprehension of 
 religious duty, and from that true love and affection which have so 
 frequently glowed in my heart towards thee ; craving, as I often 
 have done when at my own home, that the greatest and choicest 
 of all blessings, a double portion of the good Spirit of God and 
 our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, may more and more descend 
 and continue to rest upon thee and all thy counsellors, in the 
 conducting of these and all other matters relative to the well 
 ordering of thy dominions ; which continues to be the fervent 
 prayer of my soul. 
 
 " I remain, with all due respect, 
 
 " Thomas Shillitoe."" 
 
 " Of Hitchin, Hertfordshire, Old England, 
 but now at the Royal Hotel." 
 
 Second-day morning. Having thus far been enabled to obtain 
 relief to my mind, the prospect appeared fearful of putting into 
 the hands of an absolute monarch what I had penned, situated 
 as I was, a stranger to the language of the country, and thereby 
 rendered unequal, except through an interpreter, to plead my 
 own cause should offence be taken against me ; but Divine 
 mercy graciously condescended to compassionate my frailty and 
 momentary want of confidence in Him ; and again enabled me to 
 hold up my head in hope, that He who had required this offering 
 at my hands, if I was but wilHng to move in it in faith, would 
 not suffer any harm to come upon me in consequence. 
 
 Third-day, 1 received information from my kind friend the 
 baron, that the crown-prince would receive me at his palace ni 
 town that morning, and that his servant should conduct me there ; 
 and that the Princess Ciiroline would afterwards receive me at
 
 GO JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 the palace at Sorgenfrey. At the time appointed we proceeded 
 to the palace of the crown-prince, who received me in an affable 
 manner : the books which I presented him with, he pleasantly 
 accepted. I was constrained to lay before him the abuse of the 
 First-day, which I had myself witnessed ; the ])rince favoured me 
 with a full opportunity to relieve my mind. I informed the prince 
 I had prepared something to lay before the king on these abuses, 
 which i had witnessed the preceding First-day, requesting his ad- 
 vice as to delivering it, that 1 might be fully satisfied it would 
 come into the king's own hands : he advised my sending it under 
 cover to the king's daughter, the crown-princess, whom the 
 prince called my friend. The prince appearing to have much 
 business to attend to, a care was necessary on my part not to 
 overstay the right time ; 1 therefore took my leave of him, and 
 at our parting he expressed his satisfaction with the visit, in- 
 viting me to make him a second call. I then proceeded to 
 Sorgenfrey : on my way there, the sulyect of my sending the 
 address to the king, under cover to the crown-princess, closely 
 occupied my mind; after mature deliberation, I could see no 
 way for my full acquittal, but my putting the address myself 
 into the hands of the princess for the king ; then it appeared I 
 should have done all that my great Master required of me ; but 
 short of this 1 saw clearly I must not satisfy myself. On my ar- 
 rival at the palace, a person was in readiness to receive me, who 
 spoke English, who introduced me to the Princess Caroline: the 
 princess speaking my native tongue, made the visit more interest- 
 ing ; for speaking through another, 1 have found to be a great 
 take-off' from the enjoyment of an interview of this sort, especi- 
 ally with pious characters, whose sentiments it feels so desirable 
 to have genuine. The princess received me in an affable manner. 
 Having paid a visit to England, she became acquainted with 
 some members of our religious Society : it appeared to afford her 
 pleasure in having this opportunity of inquiring after their wel- 
 fare. On the princess taking her seat, she requested I would do 
 the like, which I complied with. After taking chocolate with her, 
 we entered into serious conversation on various subjects, particu- 
 larly the manner which the First-day was abused in Copen- 
 hagen ; and I informed her of the necessity I had been brought 
 under of addressing the king on the subject, which address I 
 saw no way for me to forward to the king, but by putting it in the 
 hands of the crown-princess for that purpose : to which the prin- 
 cess replied, the crown-princess was coming to her in the after- 
 noon, on which I requested the princess would inform her, that 
 it would be the means of affording great relief to my mind, if 
 she would allow me to put the address into her own hands, to de- 
 liver it herself to her father, the king ; and I would wait on her at 
 the palace of Fredericksburgh at nine the next mwning : this the
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. CI 
 
 princess appeared gladly to undertake for me. After a religious 
 communication, which obtained her solid attention, and present- 
 ing her with Hugh Turford's Grounds of a Holy Life, it 
 being the only remaining book in my possession, we parted ; the 
 princess saying, that the conversation and visit altogether had 
 been to her an interesting one ; with which I could freely unite 
 on my part. I returned to my hotel, and on reading over the address 
 to the king, I found I must copy it over afresh ; for such was the 
 state of my nerves at the time I wrote it, that in some places it was 
 hardly legible ; and yet my nerves were at this time in such a state 
 that 1 doubted my mending the matter by attempting to recopy 
 it ; but by being willing to do my best, I was helped beyond 
 my expectation at this time to accomplish my task. I retired to 
 bed weary both in body and mind ; yet I humbly hope not for- 
 getful of the help that Divine mercy had condescended to favour 
 me with, in the course of this day. 
 
 . Fourth-day, rose early and put myself in trim to proceed in 
 time to Fredericksburgh ; my bodily strength had become much 
 enfeebled through exercise of mind and want of sleep ; the wea- 
 ther was also very sultry, so that my walk looked discouraging. 
 On my way thither, I clearly saw I had nothing but Divine inter- 
 ference to lean upon, to make the way easy to me ; earnest were 
 my secret petitions to Him, who I believed had called to the work, 
 that he would be pleased to continue near to me in the needful 
 time. The adversary, however, did not fail to endeavour in vari- 
 ous ways to divert my mind, from being centered where only my 
 help was to be found ; for he would be setting my mind at work 
 in contriving to sail from Elsineur as speedily as possible, to reach 
 Russia before the equinox ; but I was mercifully enabled to with- 
 stand his assaults, having the assurance afresh sealed on my 
 mind, that if I simply attended to what appeared to be my pro- 
 per business, he who calls to the work, and can command the 
 equinoxial gales at his pleasure, will waft me safely over to the 
 Russian shore; and when my appointed time there is fulfilled, 
 give me a safe passage back again to my native land ; which as- 
 surance brought tears of joy from my eyes. Having time to 
 spare, on reaching the palace I walked into the gardens, which 
 are open to the public, hoping to' meet some persons there of 
 whom I could inquire the way to the apartments of the crown- 
 princess ; but in this I was disappointed. The tin)c drawing 
 near at which I had proposed to wait upon her, 1 advanced towards 
 the palace in fear, least 1 should be found exceeding the bounds 
 allowed to such as were not of the family. I continued walking 
 in the front and at the side of the palace, hoping if the princess 
 had concluded to grant my request, she would see 1 was under 
 difficulty how to obtain admittance to her. As no person came 
 to my help, seeing an entrance leading to a court-yard, I
 
 62 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 ventured in, when a servant came up to me, saying, " Arc 
 you an Knglisliman and a Quaker?" wljich comforted mc 
 not a little : he then conducted mc up a lliglit of stairs, at 
 the head of which were placed two sentinels ; but to whonj, 
 I found from my conductor, the necessary caution had been 
 given, not to interrupt me because of my hat being kept on ; 
 they suffered me to pass without noticing it. 1 was then 
 conducted to the apartment of the princess, who was attended 
 by one of the females, with whom I spent some time so 
 agreeably when at Copenhagen before. The princess received 
 me with lier usual affability of manner : on my informing her 
 the cause of my intruding on her kindness, and putting Uie ad- 
 dress into her hands directed to the king, she assured me she 
 would deliver it herself into her father's own hands ; which assur- 
 ance gave me a full discharge on this subject. After passing a 
 short time in serious conversation with the princess, through the 
 means of her attendant, she inquired after my family, expressing 
 her desire that I might reach home in safety : she then gave me 
 her hand, and I withdrew, and returned to Copenhagen, with heart- 
 felt gratitude to that Almighty Power, who had thus in mercy 
 made way for me through the cloud and thick darkness, which at 
 one time spread over my mind. In the afternoon I called upon 
 the bishop ; but he not speaking English, I left him under expec- 
 tations that I might be excused making hiui another call. 1 re- 
 turned to my hotel, endeavouring after that state of quietness 
 and confidence in which our strength consists ; whether it be to 
 abide in our tent whilst the cloud remains on the tabernacle, or 
 to move forward when the cloud is wholly taken away again. 
 
 As the way did not open with sufficient clearness to warrant 
 my making preparations for my departure as yet, I endeavoured 
 to know patience to have its perfect work in me : at length a 
 fresh line of service opened before me of a humiliating nature, 
 that of visiting the prisoners. Upon inquiry I found it was 
 very doubtful, whether liberty would be granted. I called 
 upon my kind friend the baron, and again informed him of 
 the trying situation of mind in which I was, not being aware that 
 the granting liberty to visit the prisoners rested with his uncle, 
 the Count Schoolburgh. Tlit baron manifested a disposition to 
 enter into my religious engagements ; so that I felt fully satis- 
 fied to leave the matter with him, and returned to my hotel to 
 Avait the result of his application to his uncle. In the evening 
 the baron called upon me to say, all matters were arranged for 
 my seeing the criminals, and also to see the military prisoners if 
 I had a desire so to do. I had no idea the military prisoners 
 would have been considered a part of my request, nor could I see 
 I had any thing to do with such, whose confinement solely pro- 
 ceeded from disobedience of military orders ; but my trials were
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. G3 
 
 not as yet over. I had now to look towards a suitable inter- 
 preter, one who was thoroughly acquainted with the Danish and 
 English languages : my kind friend the baron would have been 
 competent to the task, but his various engagements in govern- 
 ment concerns at that time, claimed his whole attention ; I there- 
 fore could not feel easy to press on him to engage in the task. 
 As far as my slender means would allow me, I made efforts to 
 procure an interpreter myself, but all proved fruitless, and dis- 
 may seemed as if it would have covered me as with a garment ; 
 for I could see nothing before me, but that after all the'^kindness 
 of the baron and his uncle in granting me this privilege, 1 must 
 relinquish further attempts to have my prospects accomplished : 
 thus closed as trying a day as most I have had to pass througli. 
 But if all does but move and work together to humble self, so^as 
 really and truly to be of no reputation at all ; this will be well 
 worth suffering for, even should the cups, yet to be handed out 
 to me, be more bitter than those I have had to drink. 
 
 Third-day, 31 st of 8th mo. 1824. After a sleepless night from 
 the discouragements I was under in procuring a suitable in- 
 terpreter, it occurred to me I might apply to the EngHsh 
 consul for help, he having carried himself kindly towards me ; 
 but the way not clearly opening for my so doing, I found it 
 would be safest for me to relinquish it. Earnest were my prayers 
 in this critical moment, to be rightly directed in my choice of an 
 interpreter ; my peacefully quitting Copenhagen, and proceeding 
 on my way, seemed so much to depend on my getting through 
 what I had then before me, in a way so as to secure the stamp of 
 Divine approval on it. Endeavouring to keep quiet under my 
 discouragements, my attention was turned to my kind friend 
 Dr. Forrchambre : I went to his residence, but I was unable to 
 make out whether he was at home, or where he was to be found. 
 1 returned to my hotel, feeling an evidence in my own mind I 
 must try again to see him. I made another attempt without suc- 
 cess : after remaining at home several hours, as quietly as the 
 nature of my situation would allow, I made a third attempt, but 
 without succeeding ; on which I concluded not to attempt any 
 further to see him. I then called upon my kind friend Dr. 
 Brandis, and informed him of my trying situation ; one of his 
 family gave me notes to two persons, each of whom would be 
 competent to help me : the notes were sent as directed, but 
 neither of the parties were to be met with. It then appeared 
 to me, that it would be right for me to make another attempt 
 to see Dr. Forrchambre ; 1 therefore proceeded to his residence, 
 and found, as before, his door was made fast, the house being let 
 out to different families. I resolved to traverse the house from 
 the bottom to the top, to try to make him out, when coming to a 
 room-door, I heard a voice as if a person was lecturing. I con-
 
 64 JOURNAL OP THOMAS yHII.LITOE. 
 
 eluded to remain until the lecture closed, when 1 knocked at the 
 door, and the doctor himself opened it, and took me into his own 
 apartment, ^^^e were soon followed by another agreeable-looking 
 man, who took his scat with us. After some conversation had 
 passed, I informed the doctor what had brought mc in search of 
 him, at the same time claiming his help : he pleaded his inability, 
 from not being thoroughly acquainted with the English language ; 
 but he assured me his friend, who had given us his company, whom 
 he considered a serious character, was fully competent to afford 
 me the help I stood in need of. His friend at first requested to 
 be excused from taking upon himself so much responsibility, but 
 on my informing him of my circumstances, he at length yielded, 
 and ao-reed to attend upon me on the morrow in the afternoon. 
 
 Fourth-day, having at times felt drawings in my mind to make 
 another visit to the bishop, to the minister of police, and to my 
 kind friend Count Slioolburgh, the doctor kindly offered to 
 accompany me to these places. We proceeded to the Count 
 Shoolburgh's : our meeting appeared to afford him pleasure, 
 which I could truly say it did to myself; he informed me 
 he had given orders for such of the prisoners who worked 
 on the fortifications to be detained at home, that my views 
 of seeing them together should not be thwarted ; and that the 
 officers in the prison had orders to meet my views in all respects. 
 After taking an affectionate farewell, we proceeded to the minis- 
 ter of the police, who received mc kindly, saying, every thing at 
 the prison was ordered to meet my wishes in all respects ; he 
 requested, if I had any observations to make, 1 would do it, 
 I laid before the minister of the police the views which had 
 come before my mind, on the improper manner in which the 
 first day of the week was spent, and conspicuously so in 
 Copenhagen ; with my continued belief, because these things 
 were suffered thus to go* on uncontrolled by those in authority, the 
 Spirit of the Lord was grieved thereby. He assured me consi- 
 derable improvement had taken place, and he hoped would yet 
 go forward. I presented him with the address to Hamburgh, 
 which he said he received with pleasure. We next called on the 
 bishop, to whom I opened my views on the evening amusements 
 on First-day, with my full persuasion, that if the clergy were 
 willing, faithfully to do their part towards the removal of these 
 evil practices, their influence alone would be likely to do much 
 toward it. I also laid before him, the need there was for him 
 to be found faithfully doing his part in this necessary work. 
 He appeared patiently to receive what I had to offer, assuring 
 me, he was desirous of doing all in his power towards remedying 
 these things. I cannot feel myself acquitted in the Divine 
 sight, without laying these subjects before those who are 
 in authority, and whose example is looked at on account of
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. G5 
 
 the station they are filling amongst the people. May I be pre- 
 served faithful in doing what my hands find to do, with all my 
 might, (leaving the result to the Lord,) is the travail of my soul. 
 
 At the time appointed this afternoon, my kind helpmeet in the 
 work waited upon me ; the assurance in my own mind before 
 we proceeded, that I might confide in his doing his best in 
 giving the correct sense of what I might have given rne for the 
 prisoners, afforded me some consolation. Our first visit was to 
 the city prison, called theJugshuuset : we found the governor 
 had received orders to admit me, but he could not at first be 
 made to understand my views for desiring to visit the prisoners. 
 This placed me in a trying situation ; and when this was in 
 degree brought about, I had to contend with the same diffi- 
 culty 1 met with at Spandau with the governor there, for the 
 governor objected to the prisoners being assembled, they 
 being what he called such desperate characters. I hope I 
 was not void of feeling for my interpreter and the governor, who 
 appeared so much intimidated at the prospect of going amon«-st 
 them assembled in a body. I found a considerable number of 
 those the governor considered the most orderly, were working in 
 one room together. I requested to be conducted to this apart- 
 ment ; on which we were attended by the governor and some of 
 his officers. I observed (as is the case on some parts of the 
 Continent) a strong military guard dispersed about the prison ; 
 but my dependence 1 found must be firmly fixed on that Divine 
 power, that is able to chain down the evil dispositions in the minds 
 of the prisoners, should there be a desire in any of them to harm 
 us : and that I must not lean in any degree to these arms of flesh. 
 Jt occurred to me, should the prisoners rise up against us, 
 (which I had not the least fear would be permitted to be the case,) 
 if the military were to fire, I should stand no better chance of 
 my life than the prisoners. In this apartment we met with 
 eighty men prisoners, employed in preparing and dyeing worsted 
 for the manufacturers : the governor having informed us there was 
 another company in an adjoining room ; I persuaded him to have 
 them brought to join these eighty, who were now with us, and he 
 ordered his officers to unlock their door and bring them to us : 
 quietness soon took place. What I had to communicate appeared 
 to be generally well received : heart-felt sorrow was in a striking 
 manner imprinted on many of their countenances ; and great quiet- 
 ness continued throughout the opportunity. At our parting I 
 gave each of the prisoners my hand. He then conducted us into 
 another large work-room without my making the request, and 
 ordering his officers to unlock the doors where the rest of the 
 prisoners were, they were assembled with the rest in this room. 
 After the governor had arranged them for all to hear, as my inter- 
 preter's voice was notstrong, the governor addressed them, [ 
 
 VOL. II. *'
 
 GO JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 was afterwards told, in a very appropriate manner, endeavouring 
 to impress their minds with a sense of tlie diflieulties I must have 
 passed through, to eonic to visit their country and tliem in this 
 way, from the purest of motives ; he then exhorted them in an 
 impressive manner to give attention to what I should have to 
 say to them. This proved a quiet solid opportunity, both to the pri- 
 soners and the officers of the prison, most of them giving me 
 their hands, I was led to hope, with feelings of gratitude to that 
 Divine power, who thus influenced my mind to make them this visit. 
 The governor then conducted us to the women's department, 
 where seventy prisoners were assembled; the chief of whom were 
 prisoners for life, except their good behaviour should merit the 
 interference of the king, who has the power of remitting any part 
 of their sentence. The women were variously employed ; they 
 were very clean in their persons and apartments, generally appear- 
 ing healthy, which was also the case with the men. The governor 
 arranged the prisoners in order l)efore us, and the opportunity 
 was quietly conducted : the prisoners were so generally broken 
 into tears, that I found it hard work fully to obtain relief of 
 mind : on parting from them, one woman very far advanced in life, 
 clasped my hand so very tight that i had great difficulty in getting 
 away from her. It was pleasant to observe the respect which 
 they manifested for the governor and the officers of the prison. 
 We parted under feelings of affection for the governor and his 
 officers, and proceeded to the great prison, called the Stockhuuset, 
 where those who are considered the most desperate of the crimi- 
 nals are confined : many of them are chained together, and cm- 
 ployed under a strong military guard on the fortifications. On 
 our arrival at the prison, the captain of the guard was waiting to 
 receive us ; we were, however, kept some time, which to me 
 might appear longer than it was, from the solicitude I laboured 
 under to have this last part of my work accomplished : it ap- 
 peared that the cause of our detention was, a mistake as to the 
 time of our visit, and that the men who worked on the fortifica- 
 tions, had been kept in the prison the whole of the morning 
 awaiting our visit ; but of this arrangement I had not been in- 
 formed, so that in consequence of not attending at the time 
 appointed, they were liberated in the afternoon to go to their work, 
 and had not all returned. The prisoners were at length assem- 
 bled in a large court-yard, whither the captain of the guard, my 
 interpreter and myself proceeded: the sight of so many hundreds 
 of my fellow-creatures, very heavily loaded with fetters and chains, 
 was truly affecting to me, so much so that I felt as if I should 
 have sunk under this exhibition of human woe and misery. I 
 could not help deploring the wretchedness and depravity observ- 
 able in many of their countenances, v.hich 1 was led to fear pro- 
 ceeded from the hardened state of their hearts, induced from
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. (jj 
 
 long imprisonment, and the degraded .state into wljjdi they felt 
 themselves brought, by being so publicly exposed to view, when 
 marched to and from their work, chained together under a mihtary 
 guard ; indeed the countenances of some appeared as if tiiey were 
 ripe for committing the most heinous acts of l)arbarity ; never- 
 theless, the fear of danger from them was not permitted to have 
 any place in my mind. Great pains were taken to arrange them 
 round the yard, and we were placed in a situation the most 
 favourable for all the prisoners to hear: but on taking our station 
 I observed, that the military guard of the prison was placed behind 
 the prisoners, who were arranged before us: this, for the moment, 
 made rather a terrific appearance, and led me, as before, to consi- 
 der, that if a disturbance were to take place, and the military were 
 ordered to fire, it was very unlikely we should escape with our 
 lives. But being favoured to resume my former confidence in 
 that arm of Divine power, which remains invincible, I was 
 borne up above all these discouraging considerations ; feelino- 
 my mind centered where alone help is to be found, to aid me 
 in faithfully discharging that which appeared to mc to be my 
 duty, towards these my poor wretched-looking fellow-creatures. 
 ^I'he quietness that soon took place, was such that had it not 
 l)een for the objects before me, I might have supposed I was 
 standing beside the grave of a Friend. 
 
 I thought I had a sense given me that my interpreter was fa- 
 voured with best help, and would be enabled to get through 
 with peace to his own mind, as he afterwards acknowledged, ex- 
 pressing the thankfulness he felt, that this opportunity of assist- 
 ing me had thus fallen to his lot. The behaviour of the pri- 
 soners during the whole of the time we were with them, was' be- 
 coming the occasion. The countenances of many appeared solid, 
 and, as if sorrow for their misconduct filled their hearts, the 
 tears stood in the eyes of some, and trickled down the cheeks of 
 others. It being rather late in the evening, and feeling myself 
 much exhausted, I requested that the prisoners might be informed 
 that I felt unequal to give them each my hand as 1 wished to have 
 done, and therefore I hoped they would excuse my not doing so : but 
 this omission of mine has often since occasioned me some severe 
 plungings of mind ; and from what I at times feel when this visit 
 comes up into view, ha<l 1 to pass through the same opportunity 
 again, I would rather it was necessary from exhaustion to carry 
 me off the spot, than to omit, as I did, giving these poor crea- 
 tures each one my hand of love. Before we parted, the captain 
 of the guard addressed the prisoners, my interpreter informed me, 
 in a very impressive manner, recommending them to attend to tiie 
 advice which had been giving them. We were then conducted 
 by the captain of the guard to his apartments, where wine and 
 fruit were provided for'us. Before we left the captain, as a token 
 
 F 2
 
 68 JOUKNAL OF THOMy\S SHILLITOE. 
 
 of remembrance of this opportunity, he requested I would write 
 on a slieet of paper my name and i)]aee of abode. Reeollecting 
 that I had one of the pamphlets, " 'i'houghts on the Importance 
 of Rehgion," at my liotel, I told liim I should be glad to present 
 it to him, if I had tlie means of conveying it to him: on my reach- 
 ing my hotel, a person from the captain was waiting to convey the 
 book to him. And now I was made fully sensible, it was through 
 the superintending care of Israel's Shepherd, that my service in 
 this place was brought to a peaceful close. The gates of Copenha- 
 gen appearing set wide open to me, I ordered a carriage for the 
 morrow to take me to Elsineur. 
 
 K 
 
 \
 
 69 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 Sixth-day, 9th. mo. 1824, I proceeded to Elsincur. I do not 
 know how to describe my state of mind at the present time more 
 correctly, than by saying, that I felt Hke one of tlie porters em- 
 ployed in London to carry heavy burdens, who, having finished 
 his day's work, lays by his knot. Being released for the present 
 from the heavy load of exercise of mind i have had to endure 
 since coming into the city, I was favoured to reach Elsincur in 
 the afternoon. The prospect of embarking upon the great deep, 
 led me further to consider nty motive for undertaking a voyage to 
 Russia ; but there appeared no other way for me to come at true 
 and substantial peace, but quietly to subject my poor nerves to 
 such perils as Divine wisdom might' see meet should attend me on 
 my passage there. I waited on my kind friend Charles Fenwick, 
 the English consul, with whom a letter was waiting for me from 
 Daniel Wheeler, giving me instructions how to proceed on my 
 arrival at Cronstadt, and conveying an invitation to his house, 
 which was truly acceptable ; for I was sensible of the need there 
 would be for me, when at Petersburgh, to try to find a safe shelt- 
 ering-place, where I might be out of the way of much company, 
 and in an English family. I informed the consul of my desire 
 to take the first vessel for Cronstadt, whenever he could recom- 
 mend to me a suitable one ; but the wind was now contrary for a 
 passage to Russia. I was told the wind had been for .some time 
 favourable, but now it had tacked about, I might be detained here 
 some days. I found, without great watchfulness, and endeavour- 
 ing through holy help to cast my care on that Divine Power, who 
 had in such a wonderful manner cared for me, that I should be- 
 come involved in so much anxiety and perplexity about getting 
 forward, as to rob me of that consolation, which, I had reason to 
 believe, the retrospect of njy late religious movements was in- 
 tended to afford me. , 
 
 Seventh'day, feeling my mind impressed with a sense of the 
 necessity of sending my papers and memorandums to England, 1 
 lost no time in making up a packet for that purpose, which I gave 
 
 m
 
 70 JOUIINAL OK THOMAS SUM.M'IOK. 
 
 in cliarge to the consul to forward by post, lost tlie wind should 
 suddenly tack about again : my books 1 hail disposed of, except 
 my Bible, in a way 1 was led to hope would be useful ; for 1 
 had a sense given me before I left (.Copenhagen, that it would be 
 unsafe for me to take more books with me to Russia than my 
 Bible, and that a jealous eye would be upon me when I arrived 
 at Petcrsburgh. 
 
 About four o'clock on First-day morning, I was called uj), 
 and informed that the vessel, in which the consul wishetl me to go, 
 was in sight. I had to take a boat to get on board, and was truly 
 thankful when I was safe on the deck ut' the Henry, of Hull, ('ap- 
 tain Aleggat. There being no passengers in the cabin, 1 had it to 
 myself: sickness keeping oH', 1 passed the day comfortably. 
 
 Second-day, the wind was contrary, which ])roved an exercise 
 of patience to our ship's company. I retired to bed, and got 
 some sleep until near morning, when I was awoke by a violent 
 shouting, with great uproar on the deck, as if all hands were in 
 full motion to escape some danger, and the vessel 1 sensibly felt 
 had whirled round ; but I could feel nothing so proper for me as 
 keeping quiet in my bed: after awhile 1 found the vessel resumed 
 her station again, was under sail and all was quiet. Un incjuiry 
 next morning into the cause of this awful alarm, the captain in- 
 formed me that a foreign vessel under full sail, instead of keeping 
 her right course, when in full sail, had crossed our course near us; 
 the probable consequence of which was, had not our captain used 
 the precautions which he did, that one or other of the vessels would 
 have gone to the bottom. This merciful escape produced feel- 
 ings of gratitude in my mind for the care of Him, who thus in 
 mercy watches over us by night and by day, and in times of dan- 
 ger prepares a way for our escape. 
 
 Third-day, the wind in our favour, but the weather so foggy 
 that our captain considered it dangerous attempting to make much 
 way through the Gulf of Finland, the passage being narrow and 
 the coast dangerous. Night coming on, and our captain fearing a 
 storm, the necessary preparations were made against danger from it; 
 the forked hghtning that appeared in the horizon was truly awful; 
 yet after all these trying circumstances, I was favoured to retire 
 to rest in full confidence that I should be watched over, and 
 cared for by that Divine Power, to whom I found I could appeal 
 for the sincerity of my motives; in thus exposing myself upon 
 this unstable element. 
 
 Fourth-day, the wind much in our favour ; about midnight we 
 cast anchor abreast of the guard-ship, stationed in the channel. 
 
 Fifth-day, the regular officers came on board to take down our 
 names, and seal up our luggage ; we proceeded again, but were 
 detained some time before we could enter the harbour of Cron- 
 stadt, in consequence of some vessels having arrived from Lubeck,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 7^ 
 
 which sailed about the time I should have taken shipping tlicrc ; 
 had I sailed, as I was advised to do, from that port, 1 should 
 probably have been a passenger in one of them. On my landing, 
 I found the passengers, M'ho came in these vessels from Lubcck, 
 were all of them involved in great distress, their luggage being 
 seized along with the vessels, in consequence of their having 
 large quantities of goods concealed on board, for the purpose 
 of smuggling them into Cronstadt. On observing the great dis- 
 tress some of the passengers were involved in, by their not being 
 allowed to take from the vessel any thing more than the clothes 
 they had on them, I felt a fresh cause for thankfulness on my 
 part, and a further proof of the watchful care of Israel's Shep- 
 herd over me ; that this might be engraven on my heart as with 
 the point of a diamond, ne\'er more to be defaced, was the earnest 
 prayer of my soul. After our vessel had made her way into port, 
 amidst the confusion these I.ubeck vessels had occasioned, we 
 were visited by another set of officers ; the captain accompanied 
 me on shore to the different offices to clear my luggage, and pro- 
 cure my passport; on which occasion I met with civil treatment, 
 except from some inexperienced young men in the long-room, 
 one of whom took my hat from me and detained it for awhile. 
 Having procured my passport and cleared my luggage, ac- 
 companied by my kind captain, I went on board the steam- 
 boat for Petersburgh : here we also met with some of the 
 passengers who came in the vessel from Lubeck, whose si- 
 tuation appeared a pitiable one, especially some females, as they 
 had not been suffered to bring away with them the least change 
 of apparel of any kind. My kind friend Samuel Stansfield was 
 waiting on the quay to take charge of me, a poor wanderer in a 
 strange land as 1 felt myself; and he hired a,droskey, the carriage 
 used here for hire, which took me to his store ; we then proceeded 
 on foot to the house of my kind friend Daniel Wheeler, who met 
 uie on the road, and, with his wife and family, gave me a kind 
 reception. I felt grateful to be once more in the company of 
 members of our religious Society ; and nothing appeared to be 
 wanting on their parts, in endeavouring to make their house a 
 comfortable abode for an Englishman. This retreat out of the 
 city felt to me very desirable, concluding in my own mind 1 
 should escape many callers, whom 1 might otherwise be exposed 
 to the danger of meetino-, which at times 1 had been led to anti- 
 cipate with a sort of dread that proved distressing- to my feelings; 
 for 1 was aware of my open communicative disposition, and I 
 knew not how far I might at unawares be drawn into conversa- 
 tion, and thereby be brought into difficulty. But, alas ! before 
 the day closed, 1 was made sensible that this quiet abode was not 
 to be my resting-place, during my tarriance on this ])art of the 
 Lord's footstool ; but I must be wilhng to submit to take up my
 
 'J 2 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 residence in the centre of the city ; under the assurance, tliat if I 
 ke|)t humble and simple in all my movements, Divine mercy 
 would so watch over me, that I should not he harmed, 'i he pros- 
 pect of my being obhgcd to quit this quiet, and, as I viewed it, 
 sheltered situation, caused me sadness of heart for a short time ; 
 but, after some sleepless nights, seeing no way for me to secure 
 Divine protection but by yielding, I informed my kind friend 
 Daniel Wheeler how I was circumstanced in this respect, and re- 
 quested him to inquire after several lodgings in English families in 
 the centre of the city, that I might have choice of the one which 
 best accorded with what to me appeared to be Divine direction. 
 
 Sixth-day, I much enjoyed my quiet retreat out of the bustle 
 there was in the city, and to breathe the clear fresh air of the 
 country. 
 
 Seventh-day, I went to Petersburgh in search of lodgings ; 
 made calls at several places ; and, as far as respected the accom- 
 modation for my poor body, nothing was wanting but the sanction 
 of my Divine Master, whom I had most earnestly supplicated 
 to direct me in the choice of my temporary abode in this 
 city : this was wanting, which with me was the principal thing to 
 look to. A family was mentioned to me by my friend Daniel 
 Wheeler, but on inquiry, it appeared they were not in the prac- 
 tice of taking in boarders. My mind, on first hearing of these 
 lodgings, felt perfectly at liberty to accept of them, if I could have 
 them ; but this 1 found was a very doubtful matter. I requested 
 to be taken to them, that 1 might try if way could be made for 
 my accommodation : the owners of the house received me kindly, 
 and on taking my seat in their apartment, such were the feelings 
 of my mind that it was pronounced home to me. On my request 
 being made known to the family, I was informed I could not be 
 accommodated with two rooms, which I might have had at the 
 other places I had seen, and that it would take a day to prepare 
 the one they were willing to spare me ; for this offer of one room 
 1 felt truly thankful, being persuaded in my own mind it was the 
 right place for me to pitch my tent; I therefore agreed to accept it. 
 
 First-day, we held our meetings at Daniel Wheeler''s, in all 
 about twelve in number ; it rarely occurs that any of the inhabi- 
 tants give their company, although it is known in the city that 
 such meetings are held on First-day morning, First-day afternoon, 
 and Fifth-days. 
 
 Second-day, f took possession of my new apartment ; from the 
 kind manner I was received by my hostess, a cheering hope was 
 raised in my mind that I should find myself much at home under 
 their roof; and I resolved to put up with every inconvenience as 
 to the body, rather than by seeking ease this way, to expose my- 
 self to dangers which might subject me to sufferings both of body 
 and of mind ; for I often felt myself placed as on a pinnacle.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. TJ 
 
 wliich called for my watching well, not only all my words and 
 actions, but my looks and appearance as I passed alon-r the 
 streets ; the truth of which soon manifested itself ° 
 
 Third-day, 21st of 9th month, having apprehended it to be 
 requn-ed of me to make records, from day to day, of the won- 
 derful manner the Lord my God was leading me about, instruct- 
 ing and confirming me in the never-failing all-sufliciencv of his 
 power, to effect for man all things essential to his salvation, 1 was 
 much tried in my mind (after leaving Copenhagen) to arrange for 
 continuing the practice, when I reached the Russian territories, in 
 such a way, that should I come under difficulty, and my papers 
 be seized, they might not prove a means of involving me in greater 
 difficulty. After thinking on various modes of procedure, I be- 
 lieve 1 am safe in saying it was suggested to my mind by my 
 good Master, that the only safe way tor me to pursue, would be 
 to make notes of my daily walks, the state of the weather, unac- 
 companied by observations on objects I passed ; or when my atten- 
 tion was arrested by particular subjects or circumstances, and in 
 order to bring them again before the view of my mind, to add, 
 ' this day read such a chapter,' — taking care to make choice of 
 one the most in accordance with my views at the time ; as, for 
 instance, the 23rd chapter of Jeremiah, and that part of the 
 chapter which more immediately applied to the subject or circum- 
 stance which had engaged my attention ; then to make a small ink 
 dot in my Bible against the part so applying to my views at the 
 time, to which I might refer on my return to England. By this 
 mo<le, should my papers be seized, as I understood had been the 
 case with one of my countrymen, a short time before my 
 arrival, nothing could be made out against me, than what might 
 be the practice of all who are desirous of preserving health of 
 body and health of nnnd. I spent the afternoon at Ockter, about 
 seven English miles from the city, the residence of George Ed- 
 munds, one of the English Friends. 
 
 People began to manifest an anxiety to know my induce- 
 ment, at the approach of winter, for coming to Petersburgh ; 
 on my examination at C ronstadt, before the admiral appointed for 
 that purpose, relative to my motives for going to Petersburg, I 
 could not say I was come to purchase their hemp, tallow, &c., and 
 they could not suppose that to see my friends merely could have 
 been my motive ; and I found it was not in my power to advance 
 any other reason, not being able to see, as yet, any line of reli- 
 gious service laid out for me : I therefore was led to crave, that 
 through the superintending care of Israel's Shepherd, I might be 
 preserved "by the word of truth, — by the power of God, — I)y the 
 armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left ; thri)ugh 
 Iionour and dishonour, through evil report and good report ; 

 
 ^4 JOURNAL OV THOMAS SHILLITOK. 
 
 l)C'ing considered "as a deceiver, and yet true." (Cor. ii. (l) \Vith 
 this desire closed a day of deep inward exercise. 
 
 Seventh-day, my mind was tried at the j)rusj)ect of sj)ending 
 a lon<^, dreary winter in this severely cold climate, without at 
 present any clear view of good arising from it, either to myself or 
 others ; but believing that (juiet submission to this and every re- 
 quiring of my JJivine Master, was my proj)er province, I laboured 
 after it. 
 
 First-day I walked out of town to meeting : with gratitude we 
 had cause to acknowledge, that Divine aid was near, uniting us 
 together in labouring after a portion of that bread, whicli alone is 
 able to nourish up the soul unto eternal life. 
 
 Third-day, the weather being very gloomy, I had concluded to 
 pass my time at home; but I found my health recpiircd I should 
 devote my usual time to walking, which 1 did with reluctance. 
 On my way home 1 met four companies of prisoners under a mili- 
 tary guard, some for depredations, others for strolling from the 
 estate of their baron, and others for not being able to produce a 
 passport; they were on their way to tlie police-office for examina- 
 tion. 1 looked at them with feelings of pity, considering it was 
 all of Divine mercy, 1 was not suffered to be one amongst them. 
 
 Fourth-day, accompanied by my kind friend, Samuel Stans- 
 field, I went to the custom-house about my luggage : our keeping 
 on our liats excited notice ; my luggage was examined, but not 
 before tlie question was put to me, iiad I any books. I had been 
 informed, since my coming to Petersburgh, no English books on 
 religious subjects were suffered to be brought into the country ; 
 this made me thankful that I yielded to the intimation in my own 
 mind, either to part with my books in Denmark, or return them 
 to my friends in England: 1 was therefore able to say, no; but 
 before my luggage was opened, it occurred to me I had a small 
 poetical work in the German language, the gift of a friend at 
 Altona: therefore I had the officer informed to that effect ; the 
 book was taken in charge, until 1 had signed a notification, engag- 
 ing me to present it to the censor for his inspection. 
 
 Samuel Stansfield being about to return to England, felt trying 
 to me, as I should be left in the city alone, a stranger to the lan- 
 guage and manners, and not knowing how to market for myself: 
 as I was not permitted to remain at my kind friend Daniel 
 Wheeler's to winter, and as I was so far removed from my 
 friends in England, I found it hard work at all times to keep in 
 that entire submission, in which I could adopt the language, 
 " Not my will, but thine be done, O Lord." 
 
 Fifth-day, walked out to \'olkova ; attended the usual meeting. 
 The days being very short, 1 walked home to tea ; passed the re- 
 mainder of the day in reading, and reflecting on my solitary situa-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SMILLITOE. 75 
 
 tion, accompanied with desires that I might be preserved, hd)our- 
 ing after becoming gratitude, that a kind Trovidence had put it in 
 my power to procure all the outward comforts I stood in need of, 
 —food, warm clothing, and things suitable to the climate, in which 
 I was to winter. 
 
 Sixth-day, 1st of 10th month. During my walk this morning, 
 I was favoured with a humbling sense of my being in my proper 
 allotment ; which enabled me to make sweet melody in my iieurt 
 to the Lord, and to crave the continuation of his Divine counsel 
 and help, to be able to keep my proper place amongst the ])eople ; 
 whose eyes might be upon me, watching my actions and ways 
 more than I was at all aware of. But this rejoicing was not of 
 long duration ; the enemy of all good found other work for me, 
 by suggesting to my mind this query, what good was likely to 
 result from the labour and toil I had passed through, and the ex- 
 pense which my coming to Russia had occasioned ; but no way 
 being open for me to spend my time otherwise than 1 was then 
 doing, after having endured much conflict as the result of these 
 suggestions, I was favoured again to experience a good degree of 
 quietude of mind; and 1 had to witness in the vision of light, a glim- 
 mering prospect of duty to make visits to the emperor, who was 
 now absent from the city on his travels. Whilst under the exer- 
 cise of this humiliating prospect, I thought il" the way should 
 open for the full accomplishment of these visits, and if my ex- 
 ample, in leaving all and coming, in the love of the gospel, to this 
 country, had a tendency to convince and confirm the judgment 
 of only a solitary individual, of the efficacious working of this 
 love of God on the mind of man, when fully co-operated with, it 
 would be enough ; for, as the judgment becomes thus awakened, 
 and a willingness is brought about to bow to the holy influence of 
 this love, on the part of the awakened mind, fruits corresponding 
 with its Divine nature will in due time manifest themselves ; and 
 the example of such, like leaven, may prove the means of leaven- 
 ing others into the like spirit and holy disposition of mind. 1 
 received an account from my own home that my family were well ; 
 which I hope I numbered amongst the manifold blessings, my 
 heavenly Father has showered down upon me, during my painful 
 pilgrimage in this land. 
 
 Seventh-day, the weather inviting, I commenced my usual 
 walking : from the agreeable change in the weather, I rambled 
 until I unexpectedly found myself in the summer-gardens in front 
 of the palace of Peter the Great : 1 made a halt to take a survey 
 of this humble edifice, which produced in my mind this conclu- 
 sion, respecting the founder of it ; that amongst the vices this great 
 monarch had to contend with, he had not given proof, that tempta- 
 tion to splendour, was his besetting sin. I returned home, weary 
 in body, but thankful I was made willing to be gazed at; for by
 
 ^6 JOUIiNAL OF inOMAH SIJJI.MTOK. 
 
 this lime I began to attract considerable attention as a foreigner, 
 and one called a Quaker ; for 1 apprehended it to l)e recjuired 
 of nie to choose the most public jjlaccs for tny daily walks. 
 My breathing was to Him, who only could strengthen mc patiently 
 to yield to every dispensation, which he may permit me to be tried 
 with ; and thus, I trust, all things will eventually work together 
 for good, even these humiliating seasons, in which ^we become a 
 o-azing-stock and wonder, because we cannot bow to the god of 
 fashion, so much worshipped, and cringe to the Hamans we at 
 times fall in the way of. 
 
 Third-day, took my usual walk. Ob, the suj)erstition that 
 abounds in this city ! How is obeisance to crosses and pictures, 
 substituted for that repentance and amendment of life, which God 
 looks for ! A heavy load of condemnation, I fear, will rest on the 
 Greek clergy on this account; not willing to enter the kingdom 
 themselves, through Christ the door, tiiey arc not promoting it 
 amongst those they call their Hock. 
 
 Fourth-day, I commenced my morning's walk ; but by pur- 
 suing it too long, 1 found myself so weary as to unfit me to sit 
 down to read to much prolit ; afresh reminding me of the lan- 
 guage of the preacher, — ' to everything there is a season, and a 
 time to every ])urpose under heaven.' May I so aim to come at 
 the knowledge of this right time and season, and regulate all my 
 movements by it, as to escape that hurry and perturbation of mind, 
 — the consequence of our movements, in civil and religious matters, 
 not being thus rightly regulated and timed. My afternoon's 
 walk I endeavoured to moderate. On my way home 1 was met 
 by one of my countrymen, (who has taken a kind part in endea- 
 vouring to better the state of the prisons, and the condition, of the 
 prisoners,) who was on his way to make his usual visit to these 
 abodes of human misery, and who kindly invited me to accom- 
 pany him there ; I was not a little tried on the occasion, feeling 
 myself under the necessity, as heretofore, of refusing his kind 
 offer, as my time for such visits did not appear to be fully come. 
 I returned home, well satisfied that my friend''s importunity to 
 go with him, did not prevail. Oh, the need I feel, and in a par- 
 ticular manner since my feet have been set in this city, to know 
 every inch of ground I am to travel on m.easured, before one step 
 is taken in the line of apprehended duty ! 
 
 Sixth-day, the weather rainy, yet I took my morning's walk. I 
 begin to get bolder in venturing about the city alone, having by 
 this time obtained the knowledge of several way-marks, which rise 
 above the tops of the houses, to steer my course home by ; other- 
 wise, [ find, I should frequently be brought under difficulty, for 
 want of a knowledge of the Russian lansuacfe : althouc;h at times 
 the want of this knowledge places me in a trying situation, yet I 
 often am led to appreciate my ignorance in this respect, because I
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. ^7 
 
 hereby escape the danger of being drawn into conversation, on 
 thnigs that do not concern me, nor comport with tlie sacred 
 errand upon which I am professin^• to be come from home. 
 
 Seventh-day, the weather wet and gh)omy ; my mind partook 
 of gloom also, on looking at the solitary situation, in which I am 
 very soon likely to be left, by the departure of Samuel Stans/ield : 
 but by endeavouring after patience and confidence in llim, who 
 was my morning light, the assurance was again vouchsafed, that if 
 I on my part maintained my integTity, by being fiiithful in all 
 thmgs, I should be cared for to the end, and be safely conducted 
 to my family again. 
 
 First-day, walked out of town to meeting . in both mectinus, 
 silence was the word of command given me: what a mercy to "be 
 able to understand the Master's voice, when to speak, and when 
 to keep silence ! 
 
 Third-day, the wind last night was very tempestuous, whilst I 
 lay comfortably on my bed : I considered it a ftn'our, when 1 heard 
 it blow a hurricane, that I was not on the v.ide ocean. Thus 
 should our inward exercises be great, and our outward condition 
 and deprivations be such as not to be equalled by many, as we 
 may think, if our minds are but centered on the sure foundation. 
 Jesus Christ, the same to-day as yesterday, able to deliver to the 
 very utmost, we shall often feel the need there is to endeavour 
 to cherish a thankful disposition of mind, that our situation is 
 not so trying to nature as otherwise it might have been ; and 
 thus be enabled to bless the Lord for his past favours, and 
 humbly hope for more. During my afternoon's ramble, ruminat- 
 ing on the seemingly useless manner in which I am spending my 
 time, Satan ceased not to bestow great labour and pains to pro- 
 mote a disposition in me, to fish for cause to condemn myself; 
 but in adorable mercy, he was not permitted to effect his pur- 
 poses; for, with respect to my not being engaged in much religious 
 service at present, whilst the cloud rests, as it continues to do, 
 on the tabernacle, it must be unsafe for me to go forth of my 
 tent. 
 
 Fourth-day, the ground covered with snow : this sample of the 
 approach of winter looks trying to my nature, considering the 
 inclemency of the season here, when compared with that in my 
 native land. 
 
 Fifth-day, accompanied by my kind friend Samuel Stansfield, 
 I walked out to meeting, which to me proved a time of deep 
 inward conflict of mind. I do not record this in a spirit of com- 
 plaining, being well assured these seasons of inward desertion are 
 in great mercy permitted by that Almighty Power, who deals 
 with us, as a wise parent deals with the child, whose future Avell- 
 doing he has most at heart; not always dandling his tender
 
 78 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 charge on his knee, but letting him feel his feet on the ground 
 whicii he is to tread upon. 
 
 Sixth-day, during my ramble this morning, I came to a (jlreek 
 chapel, at the door of which stood a burial-car, the body being in 
 the chapel ; when the body came out, I paused and viewed the 
 awfid procession as it moved on to the place of interment; which 
 awakened in my mind this deeply and affecting consideration, 
 that no more sacrifice for sin can now be made, as it respects the 
 poor individual, whose mortal remains are al)out to be committed 
 to its mother-earth : this consideration was accompanied by 
 fervent cries to the Lord for strength, to witness my day's work 
 to keep pace with the day ; that the work of salvation may, when 
 the same awful period approaches me, be finished. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, tlie day being inviting, I enjoyed my 
 walk in the afternoon. I received a visit from a young man, 
 whose mind appeared awakened to a sense of good impressions; 
 but my way felt very much closed up, so much so that I did not 
 feel at liberty to enter freely into conversation with liim on 
 religious subjects, and therefore turned the conversation to the 
 state of agriculture in Russia: before he left me, he informed 
 me he had been a close follo^ver of the person who was introduced 
 to me in Aitona, who had been banished this country, because of 
 his religious opinions : it was the same person respecting whom my 
 mind was at that time impressed with a caution, to avoid all con- 
 versation with him relative to his conduct here, and the conduct 
 of this government towards him. The young man informed me, 
 there were many in Petersburgh, who still adhered to this man's 
 religious opinions. I felt thankful, when I came to hear of these 
 things, that I had been on my guard, and had not entered into 
 much religious conversation with him; which, had 1 done so, might 
 have proved one of the snares of the evil fowler. 
 
 First-day, walked out to meeting; at the close of which their 
 three-months' meeting was held, in which the queries were read 
 and considered. 
 
 Second-day, the frost was so severe that I was obliged to cut 
 my walk short, and remain the rest of the day at hoDse reading, 
 having a supply of books from Friends here. How oucht we to 
 appreciate our privilege, who have received an education, to be 
 al)le, through Divine help, to comprehend the various su!)jects, 
 laid before us through the instrumentality of the scriptures, 
 which are able to make wise unto salvation through faith, which 
 is in Christ Jesus. 
 
 Fourth-day, much of my time is occupied in reading and 
 walking: this appears to me to be my great Master's will at 
 present respecting- me, to which my mind has at times become 
 reconciled, considering that my appearance, in parading tlie most
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 79 
 
 public walks in the city, (where many of tlie people spend much 
 of thejr time,) excites notice. As 1 feel it a duty for me so to do, 
 and am generally known to be one of those called Quakers, it is 
 impossible for me to say how far some may be excited from 
 curiosity, to wish to search into our religious principles and prac- 
 tices, and what may prove the result of such inquiry. But after 
 all, it appears to be enough for me to know, I am called upon to 
 make myself thus conspicuous. 
 
 Fifth-day, walked out of town to meeting ; in addition to our 
 own little company, we had the company of a Frenchman and 
 a German. A lively interest was, 1 believe, excited in some 
 of our minds on their account, that they might be favoured to 
 know Jerusalem to be a quiet habitation ; which we could not doubt 
 they were desirous of being found aiming at. 
 
 First-day, walked out to meeting, accompanied for the last 
 time by my kind friend Samuel Stansfield. 
 
 Third-day, after being favoured with a comfortable night's 
 rest, and refreshed by a bountiful breakfast, for both of which 
 blessings, I humbly hope I may say, feelings of gratitude were 
 my theme, I pursued my morning's walk towards the Neva, 
 where the ice was coming down in large masses from the lake ; on 
 this account great preparations were making to be able, at a 
 short notice, to remove the bridge of boats that were near the 
 admiralty: this occasions a great interruption to the foot pas- 
 sengers and carriages, and much confusion to those who had 
 business to transact at the custom-house and other public offices 
 on the island. The evening was a time of general illumination, 
 but here it is not an act of the people individually, but a govern- 
 ment concern, and performed by placing rows of lamps on the 
 edge of the foot-paths : all was conducted with quiet. 
 
 As I was not giving proof that I came to this country to trade 
 with the inhabitants, great jealousy was excited in the minds of 
 some in authority respecting me ; amongst whom, as I was 
 credibly informed, reports were in circulation, that I had been 
 travelling all over the Continent, and giving away a great deal of 
 money wherever I came, and that my motives for so doing must 
 be, to bring the people over to myself, in order to excite rebel- 
 lion. M^hen this report reached my ears, through a well-wishing 
 Friend, who received this information immediately himself from a 
 person very active in the government, it may well be supposed 
 it awakened in my mind some painful considerations ; more 
 especially having heard of a recent circumstance of one of my 
 countrymen being ordered out of his bed in the dead of the night 
 into a carriage, and hurried away to the frontiers, without any 
 previous notice of the cause : yet I was somewhat prepared to 
 meet reports of jealousy being excited in the minds of the 
 authorities respecting me, from the painful feelings of my own
 
 80 JOURNAL OV THOMAS SUILLITOE. 
 
 inind in tliis respect ; which caused mo to he very careful to give 
 no jfround on my part ibr suspicions, tliat iny motives for coming 
 to Petersburgli, were any other tlian they were. I tlierefore 
 carefully avoided at all times, except I could give ample proof 
 I had business, setting a foot in any of their establishments ; I 
 confined my walks to places of common resort, and then kej)t 
 straight forward, avoiding, as much as 1 could, any intercourse 
 wiih strangers; and when I was accosted in the streets by such, 
 I gave tliem a short civil answer, and left them, pursuing- my walk 
 again ; for 1 thought I clearly saw herein only 1 was safe. 
 
 Fourth-day, after a sleepless night, I turned out to take my 
 morning's walk, but the frost had disappeared : the damp state of 
 the air was such, it affected my breathini; to that degree, that I found 
 exercise out of doors became oppressive. During my short morning's 
 ramble, feeling a precious benefit to result from a daily care 
 over the mind, that 1 might be enabled, with the Psalmist, to 
 say, " Bless the Lord, O my soul ! and forget not all his bene- 
 fits, " (Psalm, ciii. 2,) 1 had to recur to the exercise of mind 
 f was frequently introduced into, whilst on my passage from 
 Klsineur, when looking to my becoming a resident here, accom- 
 panied with earnest breathings of soul to the Lord my God, that 
 he would be pleased, if the way did not open for me to become an 
 inmate in the family of any of the Friends here, that li^; would 
 provide for me a safe, quiet abode ; and I was led to admire his con- 
 descension in answering my prayers in the manner he has done : 
 the petition was raised in n.e for the continuation of his watchful 
 care over me, whose ear is ever open to such an innumerable com- 
 pany of petitioners, supplying all their manifold wants at one 
 and the same time. Well indeed exclaimed the Psalmist, " his 
 greatness is vmsearchable,"" and he is " greatly to be praised ;"" 
 and well also might the inspired prophet break forth in the de- 
 scriptive language, " Wonclcrful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, 
 the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace V 
 
 During my walk this afternoon, I called at the warehouse lately 
 occupied by Samuel Stansfield; on entering it, a young English- 
 man, an attendant there, pointing to a person standing at a 
 counter, remarked, " That is a Russian nobleman, who speaks 
 English well; he has been making various inquiries respecting 
 you, and has expressed a desire to make your acquaintance.''" I 
 therefore offered him my hand, which he received ; on which he 
 endeavoured to draw me out into conversation, manifesting an 
 eager disposition to investigate narrowly my motives, for coming 
 to Russia at this inclement season of the year. INot being able 
 to make out any thing to answer his evil purpose of ensnaring me 
 in my words, he next queried with me, could I give him any 
 books. I was made thankful I had so attended to the intimation 
 in my own mind, before I left Denmark, to dispose of them all
 
 JOURNAL or THOMAS SHILLITOI-. i]\ 
 
 no 
 
 there, that I could therefore say in truth, that I brought .,» 
 Enghsh books with me to Russia ; on which he left me? never 
 after manifesting any disposition, when we met in the street, to 
 make my acquaintance any further ; but passed me from time to 
 time. This escape out of the hands of such a designing man, I 
 considered I was in duty bound to add to the long list "of proofs 
 of that Divine mercy that has followed me : a prohibition being 
 made against books being brought into the country, this reques*t 
 for them was a trap laid for me, (as I was afterwards informed,) 
 had I been able to answer his demands : similar attacks I met 
 with in my walks ; but by following the caution given me in my 
 own mind, of making a concise, civil reply to the questions put to 
 me, and speedily leaving the parties again, 1 escaped their snares. 
 
 Fifth-day, walked out to meeting; the road was so deep in 
 mud, as to occasion it to be laborious getting along. I took my 
 tea with a family, the mistress of which had been educated in our 
 religious Society, but who married out from amongst Friends ; she 
 retained the marks of a woman of orderly conduct, which I have 
 found mostly continues to be the case with such ; at least as far as 
 the term orderly conduct comports with the ideas which the world 
 attaches to it, however widely they may depart from that dis- 
 tinguishing badge of simplicity in their outward garb, which the 
 consistent members of our religious Society feel themselves con- 
 strained to observe. 
 
 First-day morning, from a restless night, and the weather 
 proving rainy to an extreme, a disposition to stay at home I found 
 was gaining upon me, which I felt fully satisfied, if I gave way 
 to, peace of mind would not result from it : I therefore resolved 
 to try and do my best, and went to our meeting for worship. 
 Our little gathering was owned by the good Master's presence, 
 which the rightly-exercised mind will be constrained to acknow- 
 ledge is enough, and will not feel anxious about instrumental help. 
 
 Second-day, 1st of 11th month, my mind has again been 
 brought under exercise on account of the English residents in 
 this nation, accompanied with desires that we may in all things be 
 found setting a good example to the native inhabitants ; I appre- 
 hended, before I am clear of the city, the way will open for me 
 to cast off my exercise on their account. During my ramble this 
 morning, my solitary situation much occupied my thoughts ; and 
 such discouraging prospects presented themselves to my mind, on 
 taking a view of my remote distance from my family and friends 
 in England, that I became almost overwhelmed in the contem- 
 plation of them ; but Divine mercy condescended to renew to my 
 mind the assurance, that if on my part I steadily maintained my 
 integrity, He would not fail to care for me every day and every 
 way : this afresh animated me to renew ray covenant, and to say, 
 
 VOL, II. ®
 
 82 JOURNAL OF THOMAts SHILLITOE. 
 
 if, like the apostle, I am but favoured to finish my course with 
 joy, I am willing to follow thee, my Divine Master, whithersoever 
 tnou may est be pleased to lead me, even into prison, or unto 
 death, so that thy good presence does but go with me. 
 
 Third-day, after breakfast and reading, I rambled round the out- 
 side of the gardens and palace built ])y the I'rince l*otemkin, a fa- 
 vourite of the Empress Catherine, and afterwards to the monastery. 
 The weather was clear and inviting, and my mind being busily 
 occupied, I exceeded so much my usual time in my ramble, that 
 when I reached home, that which might have afforded relief to 
 the body, tended to op})ress it. Passing by one of the canals, at 
 the time when the labourers on board the barges, which convey 
 the rubbish from the city, were about taking their dinner, which 
 consisted of black bread and salt, with either a poor drink they 
 call quash, or water, I was forcibly struck, and somewhat reproved, 
 l)y observing the uniform care they manifested, to fix their 
 attention on a cross placed on the top of one of their places of 
 worship, and devoutly asking a blessing on what we should con- 
 sider a very miserable meal, before they attempted to taste it. 
 The like care I have observed was manifested after they finished 
 their meal, returning thanks for it, before they took a tool in their 
 liand again to resume their labour. Although there may be rea- 
 son to fear, with many of them, this, their devotion, is performed 
 in the oldness of the letter, and not in the renewings of the Spirit 
 on their minds; yet watching them, as at times I have done, I 
 have not dared to doubt, but that sincerity was the governing 
 principle, in the minds of some of this poor, degraded part of my 
 fellow-creatures, in this act of duty. 
 
 Fourth-day, took my usual walk : retired early to bed ; had a 
 very restless night, through exercise of mind, with doubts, and 
 fears, which Satan brought before my view. Towards morning I 
 went to sleep, and dreamed I beheld a mountain on my right 
 hand, whose top extended into the clouds, out of my siaht ; on 
 the side of this mountain I observed a path, as if formed without the 
 labour of man, very rough and rugged, and barely affording room 
 for the feet of one traveller to go on it at a time. Abutting against 
 the foot of the mountain, but considerably below this narrow 
 path, was a broad, level gravel-path, very smooth and pleasant to 
 look upon ; at the entrance of this broad, level gravel-path, I 
 perceived a vast cavity below, as if the foundation on which this 
 path stood was not sound, and had given way, and let those who 
 had been venturing on it into the cavity below. 1 was told I 
 must take the narrow path, which I accordingly did; I then 
 thought I heard a voice, (as clearly and intelligibly as ever I 
 heard a voice with my outward ears,) saying to me, " This narrow 
 path thou must continue to keep upon, although it will not allow 
 of thy having a companion, to share with thee in the sufferings that
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 83 
 
 will await thee, wliilst travelling on this rough and rugged narrow 
 way. I observed there were great stones, standing up in places in 
 the very track the feet must go. I was assured, if 1 observed great 
 circumspection and watchfulness day by day, no harm would be 
 suffered to befal me; but without this circumspection and watchful- 
 ness, there would be a danger of my dashing my feet against these 
 stones, which I saw standing up in the path, and of being thereby 
 precipitated into the vast cavity below me; and then it would fare 
 with me as it had done with travellers on the same narrow path 
 before me, who, by growing weary of the difficulties they had to 
 encounter in their journey, and through a desire to make trial of 
 the broad, smooth, level path, became indifferent and careless how 
 they moved along, and in time were precipitated into the vortex 
 below. I felt constrained, although with fear and trembling, to 
 venture as far as I durst, to see its immense depth; and fob- 
 served at the bottom a body of water in continual motion, like a 
 whirlpool; the sight of this, and the manner in which I was 
 warned of my danger, (unless I maintained my daily watch,) made 
 such an awful impression on my mind, that for days afterwards it 
 continued to be the subject uppermost with me ; I could not but 
 view my dream as very significant of the path I have hitherto had 
 to tread, and which I am led to believe I shall have to tread whilst 
 I remain in this city, if I escape the hands of the police, (who I 
 understand consider me a dangerous person ;) and that it is de- 
 signed as an intimation in mercy for my future government, and 
 to confirm me yet more in the necessity of my having my mind 
 stayed on God, and only on him, in all my steppings, without 
 letting in discouragement. My situation may be said to resemble 
 the owl in the desert, the pelican in the wilderness, and the 
 sparrow alone on the house-top; for I passed days and days, 
 and hardly exchanged a word with any one, except when I 
 went out to meeting, or asked the family I was residing with, 
 for my common necessaries ; for the way did not open in my own 
 mind to hold converse much with them on other subjects. 
 Why it is so with me, I have no right to query ; my Divine 
 Master knows there is cause for it, or he would not lay me under 
 this restraint. I have no companion here I can feel at liberty to 
 call upon for help, should I need it, assured as I am my motions 
 are all as narrowly watched as they well can be ; besides, should 
 I be brought into difficulty through any stratagems of those who 
 are watching over me with such an eye of jealousy, my friends 
 might be brought into difficulty also ; so that I find my solitary 
 situation a matter of absolute necessity on my part, and I endea- 
 vour quietly to yield thereto, trying, as at times it is, to the flesh. 
 Fifth-day, walked out to my dear friend Daniel Wheeler's ; 
 attended meeting : we were favoured with a quiet, comfortable 
 sitting together. On my way home, my kind friend, John Vcn- 
 
 g2
 
 84 JOUUNAL OF THOMAS blllLLITOE. 
 
 iiing, took me to the Lancastcrian school : a pleasing hope may 
 be entertained, that through this and other such means going for- 
 ward in this city, the work of reformation is making progress. 
 
 Seventh-day, rambled up and down the Newskoi Piospekt, a 
 place of the gi-eatest resort for the gentry in the city : it exceeds 
 a mile in length. During this walk, my mind felt so sweetly cen- 
 tered in God, that the great bustle of people, carriages, and busi- 
 ness that was going forward, were not sullered to interrupt that 
 view given me of the character of our potent enemy : Satan is 
 described by our Lord, (John, viii. 44,) as being a murderer from 
 the beginning, a father of lies ; to the truth of which I could set 
 my seal, craving, as I have done this day, to be preserved, aim- 
 ing continually at the character of the perfect and upright man, 
 eschewing evil ; if but, as it were, a grain of faith is at times dis- 
 pensed to me, may 1 be found so faithfully occupying with it, as 
 to know it to become efficacious to my escaping all the snares of 
 this great enemy of good. 
 
 Another week closed with the language of, " Return unto thy 
 rest, O my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." 
 First-day, I walked out to meeting ; in both the morning and 
 afternoon meeting, fresh cause was experienced to acknowledge, 
 that the promise to the two or three had been in mercy dispensed. 
 I returned home, and spent the evening quite alone ; near my 
 time of going to bed, one of my countrymen came to propose 
 calling upon me on the morrow, and introducing me to the Prince 
 Alexander Galitzin. 
 
 Second-day morning, visited the Prince Alexander Galitzin, 
 who received me in an afRible manner ; being obliged to converse 
 through an interpreter, was a take-off from my enjoyment, yet I 
 felt well satisfied with my visit. On my return home I received 
 a letter from a friend in England, the reading of which occasioned 
 me some alarm for my personal safety, from some remarks it con- 
 tained relative to my movements in Petersburgh, lest my letter 
 had been opened at the post-office, (which 1 had been informed 
 was the practice with letters of foreigners,) and I be called upon 
 by the police for an explanation of that part of my letter. It felt to 
 me that I might be placed in a difficulty to give such an explana- 
 tion as the police woulci accept ; who would be more disposed to 
 put their own constructions on the remarks my letter contained, 
 and act accordingly, than to give me credit for any thing I might 
 have to say on the occasion ; independent of the tendency it might 
 have, to increase that jealousy which had existed respecting 
 me, from nearly my first entering Petersburgh. I passed a 
 distressing night in consequence of it, unable to come at that 
 settlement of mind which I longed for, until I had written to ray 
 friends in England, requesting I might not be written to by 
 Friends, or even by my own family, during my stay here; unless
 
 JOURNAL OF TH03IAS SHILLITOE. 85 
 
 sickness or death occurred in my family, and then to be careful to 
 confine the letters solely to the case, without any addition whut- 
 soever. 
 
 First-day, walked out to meeting, which proved a time of re 
 newal of strength ; for which favour I returned home well re- 
 warded for the exertion my walk had occasioned. I passed the 
 evening as usual alone, and retired to bed at eight o'clock, accord- 
 ing to my accustomed practice. About ten o'clock, I was on a 
 sudden awoke out of my sleep by the violent rattle of a carriao-e 
 along the street, which stopped at the door of our house ; upon 
 which a person and my landlord became engaged in very loud 
 and earnest conversation in the Russian language, for about a 
 quarter of an hour; during which, as I was unable to understand 
 what passed, the distressing feelings of my mind were indescrib- 
 able. As it appeared best for me to ask 'no questions as to the 
 cause of my being thus alarmed, I remained silent on the occa- 
 sion ; but next day I changed ten pounds of my paper-money 
 into Dutch ducats, that I might not be destitute of money that 
 would pass current to help me forward, should the jealousy ex- 
 cited in the minds of the police respecting me brino- me into 
 difficulty. 
 
 Third-day, was passed in reading and walking : I returned 
 home cold and fatigued, yet under a humbling sense of the favour, 
 that I had to return to a comfortable room, good supper and bed ; 
 my cup overflowed with gratitude to Him, who had thus bounti- 
 fully given me all things richly to enjoy : may the exercise of 
 my mind continue to be, " Search me, O Lord, try me and 
 know my ways, prove me and know my thoughts, and if iniquity 
 lodge in me, make use of such ways and means as thou seest 
 meet, thoroughly to purge me from it, and keep me in the lowly 
 valley of humility, and in the entire nothingness of self; that so 
 all I am and all 1 may be through thy Divine help, may be to thy 
 honour:"' thus closed another day peacefully. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, a variety of concurring circumstances 
 which occupied my mind, impeded my night's rest : may these 
 waking hours in the night season, which so frequently fall to my 
 lot, be profitably passed, is what I earnestly crave. On my turn- 
 ing out the next morning to take my usual exercise, i felt dis- 
 couraged from having to contend with a severe frosty wind, which, 
 in this northern clime, is very keenly felt by foreigners ; a sample 
 of what I may expect to have to bear, which led me to sigh and 
 cry for strength, to be able patiently to endure every difficulty, 
 which, in the ordering of Divine Providence, may be my portion 
 during my stay on this side the great deep ; then I believe, if 
 I am favoured to know a daily abiding in patience, that cause 
 for thankfulness will in the end be the clothing of my mind, 
 that a willingness was brought about in me to spend the winter
 
 86 JOURNAL OF THOMAa SHILLITOE. 
 
 in this cold, dreary climate. During my ramble, to-day, my 
 attention was much occu])icd in viewing the awful situation of 
 Uzzah ; who, unbidden, put fortii his hand to the tottering ark, 
 and what was the dreadful result of his presumption : I endea- 
 voured quietly to dwell under the impressions this sulyect pro- 
 duced on my mind, in my present trying situation : being varioubly 
 exercised, without a prospect of way opening for my relief, earnest 
 were my petitions to my Almighty Helper, that 1 might be pre- 
 served in quiet submission to every dispensation of his wisdom, 
 until the word of command for my relief was clearly and distinctly 
 heard to go forth. 
 
 Fifth-day, I walked out to meeting : our little company was 
 owned by the Master of all rightly-gathered assemblies ; for 
 which favour, I believe it may be said, thankfulness filled our 
 hearts. 
 
 Sixth-day, after breakfast and reading, I turned out to take my 
 usual ramble under great depression of mind ; but Divine goodness 
 was very merciful to me, and gave me to see, that, although not 
 much visible actual service had yet fallen to my lot, Petersburg!! 
 was my proper place of abode for the present ; and that I had no 
 cause to be anxious about any thing, save to be preserved keeping 
 my proper place amongst the people ; watching well ray words 
 and actions, keeping in the lamb-like disposition of mind towards 
 all. O what confidence towards God, this doing our very best be- 
 fore him, and being found walking circumspectly before all men, 
 gives us in times of close besetment, whether from within, or under 
 the various trials we may have to pass through from things without ! 
 amongst the things without, I find it hard work to be obliged to 
 refuse the kind importunities of different persons in the city to 
 take my dinner with them ; but I still continue to see with clear- 
 ness, that if I am favoured to know all kept quiet within, I must 
 take up the cross in tliis, as well as in every other respect, and 
 content myself with my simple fare at home. 
 
 First-day, I walked out to meeting, and returned home in the 
 evening, which, as usual, I passed quietly alone. 
 
 Second-day, pursued my usual exercise ; during which a de- 
 gree of anxiety was excited in my mind, as to the mode of my 
 returning to England ; but being made sensible it was not a 
 subject for me as yet to suffer my mind to be taken up with, I 
 besought the Lord for patience, until the way for my return 
 opened more clearly on my mind, than is the case at the present 
 time. 
 
 Third-day, after a very sleepless night, I turned out to take my 
 usual ramble ; but nature was so feeble, and I was so disposed to 
 totter as I passed along the streets, from the warm, damp state 
 of the air, that I was obliged to cut my morning's walk very 
 short ; I returned home, and commenced reading in the prophet
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 87 
 
 Hosea ; and, if my feelings are correct, relative to the ttatc of 
 mind of the generality of the people in this great city, he sets it 
 forth clearly in a very few words. " There is no truth, nor mercy, 
 nor knowledge of God in the land ; by swearing, and lying, and 
 killing, and stealing, and committing adultery, they break out, 
 and blood toucheth blood," (iv. 1, 2.) 
 
 Fourth-day, I turned out to take my usual exercise ; but I was 
 soon obliged to retreat from the place I had first aimed at, on ac- 
 count of the great bustle in the neighbourhood of the palace, the 
 worthy emperor having arrived the preceding evening after a 
 long absence. 
 
 Fifth-day, I walked out to meeting; the subject of my getting 
 to my own home attacked me again, but it was soon put to 
 silence, as I became earnestly desirous to be kept in patience, 
 until the time of my stay here was fully accomplished ; to be so 
 helped, I hope I esteemed a favour, when I consider what a bun- 
 dle of impatience I am by nature. 
 
 By accounts received to-day, the body of ice floated from the 
 south coast, and collected at the mouth of the INIole, which ren- 
 dered it needful to cut it away for vessels to go out to sea ; this 
 circumstance, I understand, threatens the approach of more severe 
 weather than I have yet experienced.
 
 88 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 Sixth-day, 19th of 11th mo. 1824, but little sleep last night, from 
 the most severe tempest of wind and some rain, which I ever remem- 
 ber. I little expected what an awful scene this city, in a few hours 
 after I left my bed this morning, would exhibit. On entering the 
 apartment of my hostess to request my breakfast to be sent into 
 my room, she asked if there had been much rain in the night, as 
 there was much water in the street; not supposing, as afterwards 
 proved to be the case, that this water floated up the common 
 sewers, from the swell of water in the river. After taking my 
 breakfast, I proceeded to take my usual walk ; but, to my sur- 
 prise, I found we were so surrounded by water that 1 was obliged 
 to return home. On telling my landlady that we lived in an 
 island, she smiled at me, not aware of the fearful consequences 
 that very soon followed. Observing the servant of an English- 
 woman, who lived under the same roof, unable to reach home in 
 her return from marketing, I proceeded to go and inform her mis- 
 tress of her situation, and crossed the yard to her apartment dry- 
 shod : although not five minutes had elapsed before I attempted 
 to return home, every thing was floating in the yard. I stepped 
 on a cellar-window, and from that into the door of a bakehouse, 
 where the water followed me in such a body, that I concluded no 
 time must be lost in making my way home : I waded through it, 
 and had I hesitated many minutes longer, the rise of the water 
 was so rapid, I could not have reached my home. A hole was 
 afterwards obliged to be cut in the wall of the same bakehouse, to 
 save the life of a woman who had taken shelter there. After 1 
 left it, getting quit of ray wet clothes, 1 took my standing at the 
 windows of our apartment : the streets very soon exhibited a scene 
 of great distress ; men wading up to their arm-pits in the water ; 
 one woman up to her neck : 1 watched her with no little anxiety, 
 expecting to see her slip off" the foot-path on to the road, where 
 it would have been over her head. Horses and carriages were 
 swimming in the streets, until they durst not venture forward, the 
 passing being altogether dangerous. The water in a short time 
 rose in the streets eight feet ; and then to twelve feet. The 
 ground-floor of the house in which I was a resident, was occupied
 
 JOURNAL OF THOxMAS t^HlLLl'J'OE. 89 
 
 by a grocer ; the water rose up to the ceiling of tlie tihop ami his 
 other apartments, without allowing him time to move his goods 
 or household stuff, its progress was so sudden and rapid. Iiuil 
 the water had reached its height, its advance was truly awful : il 
 was to be seen hastening up the sides of the houses, first reacliing 
 the bottom of the window, then the top of one pane of glass, and 
 so on until both doors and windows were quite out of sight. iMy 
 landlady seemed to have no other expectation, but that it would 
 cover the tops of the houses, and we should all perish. 
 
 About eleven o'clock the flood reached its height; from that 
 time until about four in the afternoon, the most awful stillness I 
 ever witnessed prevailed : as far as my eyes could see, not a person 
 was to be observed at any window, nor any thing in the streets that 
 had life, excepting a poor horse that was fastened to a small cart, 
 and had made his way thus far towards home, but durst not ven- 
 ture further ; he had preserved his life by placing his fore-feet 
 on some steps, which lay high above the foot-path, whereby we 
 could observe he was only barely able to keep his mouth above 
 the water. About four in the afternoon, a policeman came in a 
 boat, and let this poor prisoner loose, when he swam into a yard 
 that was near : tliis policeman was the first person, except our 
 own family, whom we had seen anywhere, from ten in the morn- 
 ing vmtil this time in the afternoon, when the water began to 
 retire. Consoling as the prospect of its retreat was, it was 
 distressing to observe the devastation that had taken place : 
 for as the water retired, it set the doors of those shopkeepers 
 which opened out' into the street wide open; whereby many 
 of their articles that were floatable passed down the streets 
 to the canals, and so out to sea. My landlady feared that 
 the whole city would be so under water, as that none would 
 escape with their lives ; the shock she received from this ap- 
 prehension was so great, that she never recovered from it 
 during my stay in Petersburgh. The impressions of my mind 
 at the time were, that it was a visitation in mercy from Al- 
 mighty God to the inhabitants of this great city. During the 
 whole time when standing at the windows, and viewing the 
 progress of this awfully awakening scene, my mind was in 
 adorable mercy preserved calm and quiet, free from the least 
 emotion of fear, that what my landlady so dreaded would take 
 place. The darkness of the night, the impracticability of lighting 
 the lamps, and scarcely a person or carriage passing along the 
 streets, produced a quiet that was striking to the mind. This, 
 together with the remembrance of the continued cries, for near 
 two hours, of a poor man on his carriage, who was driven under 
 the gateway of the house I was in, and to whom no assistance tor 
 a length of time could be given, had so pierced my ears, that it 
 was some time before I was able to rise above it.
 
 90 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILUXOE. 
 
 Seventh-day, 20th of 11th mo. the waters had left the streets : 
 after breakfast I went out to view the calamity, which this extraor- 
 dinary visitation to this magnificent city had occasioned. Scarcely 
 a bridge has escaped uninjured by it, and many are carried quite 
 off their bearings : part of one of the large bridge of boats across 
 the Neva, was left standing against the walls of the palace : 
 rafts, small boats, with two of the large steam-boats employed in 
 going to Cronstadt, were left in the city, on what is called the 
 island. Here the effects were more severely felt than in the 
 city ; houses, with the people in them, were taken off their founda- 
 tion, and carried out to sea: some of these poor inhabitants were 
 observed sitting on the roofs of their houses, to save life as long 
 as they were able. On the Catherine Hoff road, in a row of 
 cottages, two hundred and fifty women and children were found, 
 to have fallen victims to this awful visitation ; the men being 
 from home at their M'ork, escaped. The number of horses, 
 horned cattle, and pigs, that perished, was said to be very great. 
 In walking through the streets of the city, it was affecting to ob- 
 serve the sorrowful countenances of the shopkeepers, standing at 
 their doors, whilst their servants were bringing into the street the 
 remains of the wreck of their property ; some of them appearing 
 as if they had no power left to lend a helping hand, but stood 
 as if they were paralyzed : others stood in awful amazement ; 
 scarcely a word was to be heard in passing through the streets. 
 To exhibit to the full the dreadful consequences of this visitation 
 seems to be out of the power of man. 
 
 Notwithstanding this awful visitation, and the distress conse- 
 quent upon it to-day, yet so prevalent here is the French principle 
 of keeping up the spirits of the people, in order to turn their atten- 
 tion from serious reflection ; that the commandant of the city or- 
 dered all the theatres to be opened this evening ; but this coming 
 to the knowledge of the worthy emperor, the order was counter- 
 manded, and they were kept shut. According to various reports, 
 the emperor proved himself to be the father of his people, not 
 leaving the wants of such of his poor subjects as had suffered from 
 the inundation, to the inspection of the police, or any other of his 
 officers, but going himself in person, and attending to their wants ; 
 so that it was believed many were placed in a better condition than 
 they were in before. First-day, I walked put to meeting : for two 
 miles there was scarcely a fence standing, on one side of the road ; 
 the land was covered with glass lights from the gardener's grounds, 
 also temples, summer-houses, boats, timber of various descrip- 
 tions, crosses out of the burial-grounds, parts of coffins, the dead 
 bodies of some who had perished from the flood, and a variety of 
 cattle, that had perished also. My kind friend, Daniel Wheeler, 
 and his family, in consequence of his high situation, had escaped. 
 
 This awful visitation, which had thus taken place in the cityj
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 91 
 
 loosened my bonds ; the cloud which had rested on the taberna- 
 cle seemed gradually removing. It appearing to me I must be 
 willing to take up my pen, and address the inhabitants gene- 
 rally on the solemn occasion ; I looked towards the abode of my 
 kind friend Daniel Wheeler, as being likely to afford me a quiet 
 retreat for the purpose, and put my nightcap in my pocket accord- 
 ingly ; but the way not appearing clear in my own mind for so 
 doing, believing I must not risk involving my kind friend and his 
 family in any of my engagements, but have the responsibihty 
 rest on myself, I returned to my lodging, with my mind fully 
 prepared to take up my pen, should the concern remain with me. 
 1 retired to bed at my usual time ; but the enemy beset me on 
 every hand, to discourage and deter me from making an attempt 
 towards this address, setting before me such a picture of the distress, 
 which my conduct, (if I pursued my determination to address the 
 inhabitants of Petersburgh,) would involve me in, as words cannot 
 fully describe ; and when he found his discouragements in this 
 way were of no avail, he held up in a yet more terriHc manner, 
 the certainty of my falling into the hands of the police, and that 
 if offence were taken, it would constitute me a crown-prisoner, 
 whereby the fort would be the place of my confinement, and per- 
 haps one of the cells there, which are untler the bed of the river, 
 and which I had heard of as swarming with hungry rats ; he could 
 not have devised a stratagem more likely to have foiled me in my 
 attempt. Between these assaults, and the striving in my own mind 
 to be preserved faithful to Divine requirings, I passed a distressing 
 night. Towards morning I became a little more composed, and 
 favoured with a little quiet sleep ; but such were the frightful 
 ideas produced by the thoughts of being locked up amongst a 
 swarm of hungry rats, (creatures to which I have a natural aver- 
 sion,) that it was some time before I could shake off the effects of 
 these ideas. 
 
 Second day, apprehending my friends in England would receive 
 the intelligence of the awful visitation which this city had expe- 
 rienced, and be anxious on my account, I wrote to them, giving a 
 short detail of it ; and as some light now began to shine on my 
 path, I thought I saw pretty clearly that it would be right for me 
 to attend the next Yearly Meeting in London ; and if so, I should 
 be obliged to return overland, as the probability was, the port of 
 Cronstadt would not be open in time for vessels to get out. I 
 therefore requested my friends in England to furnish me with 
 letters to Riga, Memel, and Dantzick. 
 
 Fifth-day, walked out to meeting; a great number of dead horses, 
 cows, and pigs were being carted out of the city, in order to be 
 burnt. Sixth-day, I was obliged to keep at home, having taken a 
 heavy cold, from standing a short time in a shop that had been
 
 ■ "sr 
 
 92 JOURNAL OF THOMAS iHILLlTOE. 
 
 under water. Seventh-day, not able to use my daily exercise. 
 First-day, although much indisposed, I walked out to meeting ; 
 but feeling my cold getting worse, 1 did not stay the afternoon 
 meeting. The accounts received to-day from Cronstadt state, 
 that two vessels were dashed to pieces in the storm, but the crews 
 were saved ; and that great distress was occasioned by the inun- 
 dation in that town. 
 
 Second-day, in my ramble this morning I was met by five 
 English sailors, part of the crew of a vessel from Liverpool, which 
 was wrecked on one of the islands in the Gulf of Finland 
 during the late storm : although total strangers to each other, 
 our meeting appeared mutually agreeable. Except men are 
 churls indeed, I have found these feelings are generally excited, 
 when we are permitted to meet our countrymen in a foreign land. 
 On my way home this afternoon, I was joined by an Englishman, 
 who was a resident in a part of the palace called the Hermitage, 
 appropriated to natural curiosities and paintings : he gave me a 
 kind and pressing invitation to make him a visit, and view the 
 rarities which the Hermitage contained. My natural inclination 
 would have prompted me readily to accept his invitation, but my 
 duty told me, that to see rarities and paintings was not the errand 
 that brought me from my native land to visit this city ; I there- 
 fore was constrained to decline his kind offer, at which I thought 
 he felt disappointed, as I could not doubt but that he was de- 
 sirous of doing me a kindness. 
 
 Third-day, the weather threatening to be stormy, drove me 
 home earlier than usual : in the afternoon I ventured out again, 
 and walked to the Newskoi Prospekt ; the crowd of people and 
 carriages, many of whom came to pass away the time, was not 
 suffered to dissipate that sweet covering of good desires, with which 
 my mind was favoured ; but amidst all this display of finery and 
 bustle, I was enabled to strew my tears, and offer up my prayers 
 before the Lord, that I might be preserved faithful in everything 
 which he should see meet to require of me in this nation, more 
 especially in this city ; and for a safe return home, when the time 
 for my departure should be fully come. Divine mercy conde- 
 scended to dry up my tears, giving me the assurance, that if I 
 continued faithful in doing his will. He would care for me every 
 way to the end of my journey home, and afresh bringing to my 
 remembrance the repeated intimations which I had received, that 
 he had service for me to perform amongst my brethren on the 
 American shore, with such clearness, that all my doubts about my 
 safely getting out of this country, and reaching my own home, va- 
 nished out of sight, and as if I never had them to contend with. 
 But, O ! the messengers of Satan, how hard are they to endure ; 
 but they are, I doubt not, permitted, in great wisdom and unutter-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 93 
 
 able loving kindness, to prove our faith in the all-sustaining arm of 
 God, and our constancy towards him ; in order that, by our patiently 
 endunng them all throughout the Lord^s appointed time, these 
 tribulations may work patience, and patience experience, and ex- 
 perience hope, that maketh not ashamed ; because the love of God 
 IS shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost, which is given unto 
 us. I returned home, and retired to rest, under a humbling hope, 
 that another, day of my pilgrimage in this city, (which has-been a 
 place of sore exercise of mind to me daily since my lot has been cast 
 in it,) has been as well passed over as many days of my life; for 
 which favour, under a thankful sense thereof, the exclamation, 
 " What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits ?" was the 
 language of my mind ; accompanied with an earnest desire, that 
 there may not be a failing in doing what may be called for at my 
 hand, during my sojourning in this place ; otherwise how will this 
 inquiring language thus uttered, rise up in a future day, and con- 
 demn me. 
 
 Fourth-day, in my rambles this morning, I bent my course to 
 Catherine HofF, a village about a mile and a half from the city : 
 had I made my visit to it previously to the late inundation, I 
 suppose, from the remains left by that awful visitation, I might 
 have fancied myself entering one of our well-built, well-planted 
 villages in some of the flats on the banks of the Thames. I 
 was informed, that large sums of money were last summer ex- 
 pended by the government on this spot, in order to form some- 
 thing similar to the Elysian Fields in the neighbourhood of 
 Paris, to draw the inconsiderate inhabitants out of the city on 
 the First-day, when the diversions were to be more generally 
 going forward, to a greater abuse of that day, if possible, than 
 takes place in the city : but, alas ! how uncertain, how short- 
 lived, have all these attempts proved, when the great and ter- 
 rible One, who inhabits eternity and dwells on high, whose 
 name is holy, who inhabits the holy place, sees meet to arise, and 
 assert his power and sovereignty, fulfilling his determination, 
 because of their wicked ways ; — I will overturn, overturn, over- 
 turn ;" and it shall be no more. I stood and viewed with aston- 
 ishment the remarkable manner, in which this declaration of the 
 prophet had been fulfilled on this spot, in a more striking and 
 destructive way, than in any other part of the city or its suburbs 
 that I had seen or heard of; how all that the art, skill, and 
 labour, which the invention of man was capable of producing, to 
 gratify the evil imaginations and desires of the corrupt heart, had, 
 as it were, at one stroke been hurled away together; not a vestige 
 of these inventions was left standing anywhere, except part of a 
 newly-erected building, where I was informed much of their wicked 
 nightly practices went on : the stairs and part of the foundation 
 of this building were carried away, the gravel walks thrown up,
 
 94 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 the plantations destroyed, and the labour that had been bestowed 
 as completely laid waste, as it is possible to conceive. Whilst 
 viewing these remains of the Lord's judgments, I was led secretly 
 to crave, that these things might prove a means of awakening in 
 the minds of those, who had been the frequenters of this place of 
 folly, dissipation, and wickedness, a more serious consideration of 
 their ways and doings ; but, alas ! from the manner the people 
 continue to conduct themselves, there is no ground for cherishing 
 this hope on their account. 
 
 Fifth-day, I walked out to meeting, and was well rewarded for 
 my labour in going to sit down with the little company I met 
 with, independent of the enjoyment of having the opportunity of 
 a little conversation, as I mostly pass the day over without ex- 
 changing a sentiment with any one, except, as necessity compels 
 me, with the family I am in ; towards whom tiie caution in my 
 mind continues to be, to carry myself, on all occasions, witli the 
 greatest possible care as to conversation, and yet to manifest a 
 kindness of disposition toward them, and gratitude for the atten- 
 tion I receive. 
 
 Sixth-day, my kind friend Daniel Wheeler sent his droskey 
 for me, and with him and his family I spent the day, an enjoy- 
 ment which I seldom have partaken of since coming to the city, 
 except on meeting-days ; for, understanding that I continue to 
 be considered by some in authority as a suspicious character, I feel 
 it necessary to be careful, not to expose any of my friends here to 
 the danger of becoming implicated with me. 
 
 First-day, walked out to meeting; the wind setting strong across 
 the road, I was greatly annoyed by the burning of the carcases of 
 the cattle and pigs, that were brought out of the city, where they 
 had perished during the flood ; it not being considered best to 
 bury them, lest the wolves should be attracted thereby. The days 
 being very short, I did not stay the afternoon meeting, having 
 nearly five English miles to walk to my lodgings. 
 
 Believing the time to be fully come when I must be willing to 
 take up my pen, and as matter rose in my mind, to commit it to 
 paper, in an address to the inhabitants of Petersburgh, I devoted 
 the afternoon and evening to this service, which, when I had 
 finished, my mind felt relieved from some of the load of exer- 
 cise I had been brought under, since the awful visitation which 
 this city had witnessed. 
 
 Second-day, my mind continued to be charged with an appre- 
 hension of religious duty to attempt a visit to the emperor. I 
 waited on a merchant in the city, with whom I had made a slight 
 acquaintance, who was on terms of friendship with the emperor's 
 private secretary, through whom my request must be conveyed. 
 On my informing him of the cause of my now -waiting upon him, 
 he engaged to call upon the secretary, and to inform him of my re-
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOK. 95 
 
 quest: having thus far done my part towards bringing about that 
 which I beheved would be required of me, before th? way woukl 
 open for my quitting the city, I did not lose my reward of peace 
 1 hird-day, brought me under fresh difficulty : my friend who 
 yesterday had offered to assist me in obtaining an interview with 
 the emperor, appeared to regret he had taken such a task upon 
 him, as he requested to be excused from the performance of it I 
 therefore concluded it would be best for me to adopt my usual 
 plan of doing my business myself, by addressing a note to the 
 secretary, leaving the result to that Almighty Power, who, 1 
 firmly beheved, was able to make the way easy for me, if it was 
 his design I should be admitted to the emperor; I therefore 
 wrote a note as follows : "I am one of the Society of Friends ; 
 and feeling, as I have done for some time, my mind exercised 
 with apprehensions of religious duty, if possible to obtain an in- 
 terview with the emperor, I shall feel myself greatly obliged to 
 thee, his secretary, and served, by thy endeavouring to^make 
 such way for me, as may be in thy power." This note was for- 
 warded to him by a messenger whom my friend provided for me 
 for that purpose. The circumstance of my friend's refusal to 
 fulfil his engagement, was at first trying; but I believed that 
 Divine goodness was making way for my release from some 
 of my weights and burdens, and that if patience were but# 
 enough abode in, these dispensations would be sanctified ; al- 
 though my faith, patience, and obedience never were more fully 
 put to the test. Having forwarded my note to the emperor's 
 secretary, from the peaceful feeling in my mind, I was enabled 
 to hold up my head in hope, that my movements thus far were 
 in the line of Divine appointment ; and thus I was freed from all 
 anxiety as to the result of it. 
 
 Fourth-day, patience is indeed very requisite, when we are 
 lying, as it were, on our oars, waiting for the word of command 
 to be clearly given to get under way again : although at times, I 
 feel as if the time for my release from the field of labour here was 
 hastening apace, and that an overland journey must be submitted 
 to by me, yet I dare not at present take any step whatsoever to- 
 wards arranging for it ; having the assurance in my own mind, 
 that every thing needful for my safe return to my family again, 
 will, in due time, be provided for me. 
 
 Fifth-day, I walked out to meeting. 
 
 Sixth-day, I rambled to the great market ; the snow was falling 
 heavily, I walked under cover for near two hours, and then re- 
 turned home. A person called upon me to-day, inviting me to 
 make him a visit ; although I could not doubt but that his invi- 
 tation was given in great sincerity, I found I must decline it, 
 which placed me under difficulty ; but as it appeared clear to 
 my mind my safety was in being willing to take up the cross by
 
 96 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. * 
 
 fleclining, I endeavoured to do so in as handsome a manner as I 
 was capable of, so as not to give just occasion for oficnce to 
 be taken at it. The evening closed by reading in " Piety Pro- 
 moted," and by mental prayer for strength to be enabled to hold on 
 the way of well-doing, and bear the daily cross to the end. But, 
 
 ! the fears that I am at times tried with ; being almost ready to 
 cast away the shield, as if it never had been anointed, or I had 
 never known any thing of its miraculous sufficiency to ward oft' 
 every blow of Satan. Before I retired to rest, a glimmering 
 prospect was afforded of my safe landing on the shore of Harwich. 
 
 Seventh-day, 11th of 12th mo., such have been my secret 
 plungings this, day, and the fears and misgivings which 1 have 
 had to pass through, that nature at times seemed nearly ex- 
 hausted. Having finished a fair copy of the address to the in- 
 habitants of Petersburgh, I was not able to know, how it is 
 to be disposed of, or who will dare to translate and print 
 it ; for nothing can go to press in the city, without first hav- 
 ing the sanction of the censor. When my bed-time arrived, 
 
 1 saw no other prospect but that of my having a distressing 
 night to pass through : my inclination would have led me to 
 remain up through the night, but fearing that the family I was 
 in would notice my so doing, and be anxious to come at the 
 
 ^cause of it, which I should not be able to disclose to them ; such 
 was the state of nervous irritability I was sunk into, that I found 
 it would be difficult for me to lie quietly in bed ; my feet were 
 more like the feet of a corpse than of one in whom a spark of 
 life existed, yet there was no way but to go to bed, and endure 
 the suffering that might follow. Divine mercy however failed 
 me not, but continued to be my stay and staff' during this long 
 and trying night, for so I thought it ; and I anxiously watched 
 for the peep of day, when I might be able to rise from my bed 
 without notice being taken by the family, and to parade my room. 
 That the Lord alone who thus sustains, may have the praise 
 and full dedication of the remainder of my days, is the earnest 
 desire of my soul. 
 
 First-day, walked out to meeting ; after again reading over the 
 address to the inhabitants, 1 signed it : on inquiry, I was fully 
 satisfied a translation could not be procured, nor printed copies, 
 as no one would dare to attempt to undertake either of these 
 offices of kindness : my mind continued to feel relieved as far as 
 I had thus proceeded. There appeared no way for me but to 
 keep in patience, until the way for disposing of it was seen 
 with greater clearness, than at present was the case with me. 
 
 Fifth-day, I walked out to meeting ; the change from a fine 
 clear frost to close, damp, warm weather, occasioned my walk 
 to be very oppressive ; the next day was, however, fine, clear, 
 and frosty.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 9? 
 
 Seventh-day, a time of close exercise of mind from various 
 causes ; but the day closed quietly. What an unmerited mercy 
 when after a storm the calm comes. First-day, walked out to 
 
 meeting 
 
 Second-day, no reply to my note to the secretary ; yet I am 
 preserved in patience as to the result, which I hope I esteem a 
 favour. 
 
 Third-day, 12th of 12th mo. as I was turning out for my 
 morning's walk, a messenger presented me with a letter, demand- 
 ing forty copecks, which 1 cheerfully paid him ; sui)posing it came 
 from the secretary, and would prove the means of dett-rmininrr 
 the result of my note to him ; but this was not the case, as ft 
 only appointed a time for my waiting upon the secretary. 
 
 Fourth-day, agreeable to appointment, I waited upon the secre- 
 tary, prince Alexander Galitzin ; who received me cordially, and 
 informed me the emperor had concluded on seeing me ; the time 
 for the interview however was not fixed, but timely notice would 
 be given me. Apprehending it would be right for me to put the 
 emperor in possession of my certificates, I left them with the prince 
 for that purpose. The subject of disposing of the address I had 
 signed, came again closely before the view of my mind : the way 
 for me to obtain an interview with the emperor being now clear, 
 it appeared to me I must place it in his hands as the father of his 
 people, to dispose of it as in the wisdom of truth he might be 
 directed. 
 
 Continuing to feel a lively exercise of mind on behalf of my 
 countrymen residing in this nation, more particularly those who 
 reside in Petersburgh, Cronstadt, and Moscow ; and apprehend- 
 ing I should not acquit myself acceptably in the sight of my 
 great Master, unless I was wilhng to commit to paper that which 
 arose in my mind for them, in the love of the gospel, I took 
 up my pen, and addressed them also ; and, as no printed copies 
 could be obtained, a few copies were written, which I placed in 
 the hands of the preachers of the English congregations here, 
 and put some in train for Cronstadt and Moscow, requesting 
 care should be taken to give them all the publicity possible ; 
 which 1 had reason to believe would be the case, from the agree- 
 able manner in which they were received, and from the con- 
 clusion come to of reading it at the close of their worship. 
 
 The address was as follows : — 
 
 An Address to the English Protestants in Russia, more 
 
 PARTICULARLY TO 1 HOSE RESIDENT AT PeTEKSUURGH, CroN- 
 STADT, AND MoSCOSV. 
 
 " Since my lot has been cast in this city, I have felt a lively in- 
 terest for the best welfare of the native inhabitants ; before land- 
 
 VOL. II. H
 
 98 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 ing on this shore, my mind ^vas warmly engaged on your account, 
 niv dear countrymen ; accompanied with more than usual feel- 
 ings of solicitude, that you may be found walking as becomes the 
 gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; thereby proving 
 yourselves instrumental, through Divine help, towards leavening 
 the minds of the people, like the leaven we read of, (Matt. xiii. 
 33,) which a woman took and hid in three measures of meal until 
 the whole was leavened. As far as my observation has gone in 
 different places, the example of the English people is much 
 looked up to ; on which account I have felt the more solicitous, 
 believing that the present is a day of great importance both here 
 and elsewhere, upon the Continent of Europe : a day in which 
 the light of the glorious gospel of Christ Jesus, has dawned in 
 the souls of many scattered up and down, and will more and 
 more dawn. It therefore appears to me of serious consequence to 
 the prosperity of this great work, that you, who are placed here and 
 there amongst the people, should keep in constant remembrance 
 these expressions of our dear Lord, when personally upon earth, 
 to his immediate followers, (Matt. v. 14, 15, 16.) " Ye are the 
 light of the world ; a city that is set on a hill, cannot be hid : 
 neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel ; but 
 on a candlestick, and it giveth light to the whole house : let your 
 li^ht so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and 
 glorify your Father which is in heaven.'"' Far be it from me to 
 charge you with a want of care in this important respect, from any 
 outward information or knowledge of how matters are with you. 
 I came a stranger to all, and have felt it right for me to keep so. 
 It would be uncharitable and unwarrantable in any, to doubt the 
 propriety of your claim to your being followers of Christ ; yet a 
 jealousy, yea a godly jealousy — arrests my mind, on account of 
 many of you in this respect ; I fear, if my feelings be correct, 
 ye are not an example to the native inhabitants, in an en- 
 deavour to come out of the spirit of the world ; by keeping aloof 
 from those national amusements, and from that total neglect of 
 the Sabbath-day, so sorrowfully apparent in many of them. In 
 a degree of that love, which desires the welfare of the human 
 race all the world over ; allow me to press the query individually: 
 Art thou in health, my brother .? art thou in health, my sister.? 
 has it been thy constant daily care to be found preservecl in that 
 watchful state of mind which the royal Psalmist was in, when 
 he declared, (Psalm, i. 9, 10,) " I said, I will take heed to my 
 ways, that I sin not with my tongue, 1 will keep my mouth with 
 a bridle, while the wicked is before me." For it is only as this 
 disposition of mind is abode in, that we can reasonably expect 
 Divine regard and approbation. The enemy of all righteousness 
 has none who serve his purpose better, no agents which more 
 steadily or firmly support and promote his cause amongst man-
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. l)(J 
 
 kind, than professing Christians, who are not willin£T to be found 
 coming up in the practical part of true religion ; ihr the ^rreater 
 profession such are making, the more they talk about rc^lirrion 
 the more they deceive themselves as well as others; instead 
 of coming to partake of that living and eternal substance, 
 which will endure, they are but following an empty shadow. It 
 matters little by what devices or stratagems Satan prevails, so 
 long as he can satisfy mankind, and prevent them from coming 
 to the true knowledge of God, and keep them from an acquaint*^ 
 ance with that Power which can save. This great adversary of 
 man's happiness, will let people go to their place of worship ; he 
 will not hinder their pleading for rites or ceremonies ; he will 
 furnish them with argument from the holy Scriptures to support 
 their cause : so long as he can keep them worshippers in the out- 
 ward court, and hinder the inward work from going forward in 
 the temple of the heart, his purposes are fully answered. But to 
 return to these worshippers in the outward court, they serve 
 Satan various ways ; they often become stumbling-blocks to the 
 weak, but honest inquirers, who are anxious to know the feet of 
 their minds turned into Zion's paths ; and when difficulties pre- 
 sent to those who have really felt a desire to be helped over them, 
 the adversary brings forward to their view the example of these 
 eager hearers of the word, but slothful doers of it; by this 
 means he often checks the sincere desires that are begotten, and 
 causes a stopping short of that which has been before aimed at. 
 
 " Now, seeing we are called unto glory and virtue, and that 
 we have to contend with an unwearied adversary, ever on the 
 alert, seeking whom he may devour : how great is the necessity 
 for each of us to watch and be sober, using all diligence to make 
 our calling and election sure, before we go hence and are seen 
 of men no more. There is no work, nor device, nor wisdom, 
 nor knowledge in the grave, whither we are all hastening ; as 
 the tree falls, so it lies ; as death leaves us, so judgment will find 
 us ; and from the decision of our all-merciful, all-wise, and all- 
 just Judge, there is no appeal. 
 
 " Let none be spending their time, that treasure of eternal 
 consequence, in vain ; but let obedience keep pace with know- 
 ledge, whilst the day of merciful visitation is lengthened out, 
 lest the night come upon us ; and those things which belong unto 
 our peace, should be for ever hid from our eyes. 
 
 " The Lord is no respecter of persons ; but in every nation 
 he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted of 
 him : it is also declared, that a manifestation of the Spirit is 
 given to every man to profit withal ; if we walk in the Spirit, 
 we shall not fulfil the lusts of the flesh : the primary means of 
 immediate Divine help, the Holy Spirit, is freely administered 
 unto all ; the grace of God, which bringeth salvation, hath ap- 
 
 H 2
 
 100 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Deared unto all, teaching all. The holy Scriptures are bounti- 
 fully distributed ; which are able to make wise unto salvation, 
 through faith which is in Christ Jesus, and are profitable for doc- 
 trine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 
 These sacred writings, although a secondary means, were given 
 forth by inspiration of God; designed, in condescending mercy, for 
 the help of man ; and they have the blessed tendency to direct our 
 minds to the primary means, even Christ Jesus, the alpha and 
 omeo-a, the beginning and the ending, the first and the last, the 
 way, the truth, and the life, the only way to God, as declared 
 by himself, ' No man cometh to the Father, but by me.' (John, 
 xiv. 6.) Are there not sufficient and reasonable grounds to be- 
 lieve and hope, my dear countrymen, that if you were found 
 walking as becometh the gospel of our Lord and Saviour, your 
 actions would speak louder than words, to the surrounding na- 
 tives .'' When we consider the gracious means afforded, outward 
 and inward, for the help of mankind, by an all-bountiful Crea- 
 tor ; together with the laudable efforts of the Bible Society, and 
 the labours of many pious (christians, can we attribute the small 
 appearance of fruit amongst the Continental nations to any other 
 cause, than the want of faith, and a fulness of conformity in the 
 professors of Christianity to the doctrines, precepts, and example 
 of the self-denying Jesus ? The primary and secondary means are 
 all-sufficient and abundant ; it is the thread of Christian example 
 that is so much wanting, to make a three-fold cord to the praise 
 and glory of God — the promotion of the great work of righteous- 
 ness in the earth, our own peace while here, and eternal happiness 
 hereafter. Be intreated then to consider what I say, and the 
 Lord give you understanding in all things. 
 
 " Whilst I am addressing others, I feel the need of taking 
 heed to myself; which 1 humbly hope will never be lost sight of 
 by your sincere friend and well wisher. 
 
 " Thomas Shillitoe." 
 " Petersburgh, 12th mo. 1824." 
 
 Fifth-day, I walked out to meeting, and returned home to tea, 
 at times not a little thoughtful how I should acquit myself before 
 the emperor ; but this 1 found was not a subject for me to dwell 
 upon : I therefore endeavoured, as much as in me lay, to leave 
 this subject and retire to bed, in hopes of a night's rest. 
 
 Sixth-day, I felt weighed down with the prospect of an inter- 
 view with the emperor. I turned out for a short walk, fearing a 
 long absence from home, in case a messenger should come in my 
 absence. On my return home, I received a letter from the secretary, 
 appointing an interview with the emperor, for six o'clock this even- 
 ing ; it stated that a carriage would be in attendance upon me, and 
 a person to conduct me to the palace, who was unacquainted with 
 the English language, whom I was to follow, after I left the car-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 1()1 
 
 riage. After reading the letter, my feelings at the moment may 
 be better conceived by such who have been placed in a sitnilar 
 situation, being about to make a visit in the name of the Moti 
 High, to an absolute monarch. I kept quiet at home the re- 
 mainder of the day ; I endeavoured well to consider the propriety 
 of my putting into the hands of the ein})eror the address to the 
 inhabitants of Petersburg, and leaving it solely at his disposal ; and 
 I apprehended my proceeding thus was the only way for nw. to 
 obtain relief to my own mind. I enclosed it, with the address to 
 the English Protestants, in a sheet of paper for that purjjosc. I 
 had told a friend of mine, i was led to apprehend one interview 
 with the emperor would not afford tr.c a full opportunity to relieve 
 my mind ; to which my friend replied, he did not think a second 
 could be obtained, giving me such reasons as satisfied me, that 
 it would not be for want of a willingness on the part of the cm 
 peror to comply with such a request for a further opportunity, so far 
 at least as prudence dictated to him. I endeavoured to be in readi- 
 ness early, as I was requested by the letter to be punctual to the 
 time. The carriage with my guide arrived at my lodgings an 
 hour before the time my letter specified, which placed me in 
 a trying situation, as I knew not how to account for it, fearing 
 some alteration had taken place in the time since the appointment 
 was first made, and that a second note had, by some means, not 
 come to my hand. On inquiring, the guide informed my land- 
 lady his orders were to be with me in time, which was the cause of 
 his coming to me thus early. 
 
 On our arrival at a back entrance of the palace, my guide left 
 me in the carriage, where I was kept waiting a considerable time, 
 I concluded from our being still too early : at length my guide 
 returned, and took charge of me. At the entrance, I passed the 
 centinel on duty; but no notice was taken, that I could observe, of 
 my hat being kept on : my guide then conducted me through a 
 long and very dreary passage, in which the few lamps that were 
 lighted, gave but a very dim light, which cast somewhat of an 
 awful feeling over my mind, until I came to an open space ; here 
 a young man was in waiting to take charge of me, who conducted 
 me up stairs, at the top of which, one who, I suppose, is called a 
 lord in waiting on the emperor, was in readiness to receive me, 
 who conducted me into the emperor's private apartment, and 
 there left me. As silence was strictly observed on the part of 
 those who had taken charge of me, not a word passed, or a look 
 from me, that could express any thing like surjirise at this pro- 
 found silence, thus so uniformly observed. After taking my seat in 
 this room a short time, I observed the handle of the door, opposite 
 to that by which I had entered, move, which led me to conclude 
 some person was about to enter ; on which I rose from my seat ; 
 when a rather tall person, with a placid countenance, came into
 
 102 JOURNAL OK THOMAS aHILLITOE. 
 
 the room, so plain in his attire, as to ornaments generally worn hy 
 sovereigns, as to iniluee me to put the question to him, " Am 1 
 n"W in company with the emperor?" to which he replied, in an 
 affable manner, " \ es, you are." He iield out his hand to me, 
 and taking his seat on a sofii, placed me l)y him. After he had 
 inquired after Stephen Grellet and William Allen, for whom in 
 warm terms he expressed his sincere regard, I laid before the 
 emperor the manner in which my mind had been exercised, on 
 account of the notorious abuse of the First-day of the week in 
 Petersburgh ; I informed him tlie only Avay that had opened in 
 my mind for my relief, was by taking up my pen and committing 
 to writing matter as it came before me in the line of religious 
 duty, addressed to his subjects generally ; but as I had been well 
 informed, the press was now so restricted, that even the Mora- 
 vians were denied the liberty they had heretofore enjoyed, of hav- 
 ing their new-year's hymn printed, it was not possil)lc 1 could 
 have the address translated and printed ; * that therefore I be- 
 lieved I should not be able faithfully to acquit myself in the 
 Divine sight in this matter, but by giving the address in 
 charge to him, whom I was to consider the father of his people; 
 desiring, as 1 most earnestly did, that Divine wisdom would 
 be pleased to direct him in the right disposal of it : on which 
 he appeared cordially to receive it from my hands. After 
 this subject was thus disposed of, various matters were en- 
 tered into, during which I brought into view such subjects as 
 to me appeared ripe to bring forward ; other matters which my 
 mind had been exercised with, 1 found I must as yet keep in 
 the back-ground; yet I felt not a little tried, lest, as my friend 
 had told me, there should be no probability of my having a 
 second interview. However, a secret hope crossed my mind, that 
 if these further matters, not yet ripe for communication to the 
 emperor at this time, were subjects Divine wisdom saw meet I 
 should lay before him, the Almighty was able, without any care 
 of mine, to make way for it. Thus 1 was enabled to leave things, 
 and simply to attend to the business of the present time ; for I 
 think I never witnessed my mind more unshackled, or felt more 
 freedom from all restraint, and more at liberty to unbosom my 
 whole soul, than I did on this occasion, to the pious emperor, on 
 every subject as it rose in my mind to lay before him, both as it 
 respected himself as sovereign, and his subjects he was permitted 
 to rule over; feeling more as if I was sitting by the side of 
 a servant dependent on me, than by the side of so great a 
 monarch. Towards the close of this interview, the emperor very 
 pathetically expressed himself in substance as follows : " Before I 
 
 * On inquiry, I was well assured, if I procured a translation of the address in 
 Kiifrland, and liad it |)rinlcd there, they must be smujigled in, and then no one 
 would dare to i-irtulate them.
 
 JOURNAL Of THOMAS SHILLITOE 103 
 
 became acquainted with your religious Society and its principles, 
 I frequently, from my early life, Yelt something in myself, which 
 at times gave me clearly to see, that 1 stood in need of a furtlicr 
 knowledge of Divine things than I was then in possession, of; 
 which I could not then account for, nor did I know where to look 
 for that which would prove availing to my help in this matter, 
 until I became acquainted with some of your Society, and with 
 its principles. This I have since considered to be the greatest of 
 all the outward blessings the Almighty has bestowed upon me ; 
 because hereby I became fully satisfied in my own mind, that tliat 
 which had thus followed me, though I was ignorant of what it 
 meant, was that same Divine power inwardly revealed, which 
 your religious Society have from their commencement professed 
 to be actuated by, in their daily walks through Hfe ; whereby my 
 attention became turned with increasing earnestness, to seek after 
 more of an acquaintance with it in my own soul : and I bless tlie 
 Lord, that he thus continues to condescend to send his true 
 gospel ministers, to keep me in remembrance of this day of his 
 merciful awakening to my soul." He then added, " My mind is 
 at times brought under great suffering, to know how to move 
 along ; I see things necessary for me to do, and things necessary 
 for me to refuse complying with, which are expected from me. 
 You have counselled me to an unreserved and well-timed obe- 
 dience in all things; — I clearly see it to be my duty; and this is 
 what I want to be more brought into the experience of: but when 
 I try for it, doubts come into my mind, and discouragements pre- 
 vail : for, although they call me an absolute monarch, it is but 
 little power I have, for doing that which I see it to be right for me 
 to do." 
 
 I feared my intruding longer on the time of the emperor, 
 having, I believed, cast off the whole of what my mind was 
 at this time charged with to deliver to him ; and yet it felt 
 trying to me to leave him, not knowing if I ever should have 
 another opportunity of fully relieving my mind ; however, as it 
 appeared best for me so to do, I made the effort to be moving : on 
 which the emperor requested we might have a quiet sitting together 
 before we parted, which accordingly took place. When 1 rose from 
 my seat to go, the emperor, taking hold of my hand, and, turning 
 towards me in the most affectionate manner, said : " I shall not 
 consider this as a parting opportunity, but shall expect another 
 visit from you, before you set off for your own home." This cir- 
 cumstance afresh awakened in my mind a feeling of reverent grati- 
 tude, that I had been preserved from putting fortli the hand, 
 when the command had been to stay it. On my being about to 
 retire from the emperor, the case of Hezekiah was brought to my 
 remembrance, although from a different cause, when he turned his
 
 104 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SllILLITOE. 
 
 face to the wall and wept : for I observed the emperor turned him- 
 self from me, as I fully believe, in order to give vent to his tears of 
 gratitude to that Almighty Power, who in mercy had been pleased 
 to favour us together with the precious overshadowing influence 
 of his good presence ; an evidence of which I never remember 
 to have been more sensible of. 
 
 I was then conducted to my lodgings in the same quiet manner, 
 and by the same conveyance ; deeply sensible of my inability to set 
 forth my feelings of gratitude to Almighty God, in making the way 
 so easy as it had been to m.c. Whilst thus in company with the 
 emperor, he made particular inquiry after the health of my friend 
 Daniel Wheeler, which appeared to be rather declining; on whieh 
 1 informed the emperor it was my belief, that nothing would be 
 so likely to restore him to his usual health as breathing his native 
 air, and associating with his friends at the ensuing Yearly Meeting. 
 The emperor replied, " He shall go." 
 
 Seventh-day, 25th of 12th mo. after breakfast and reading, I 
 pursued my usual exercise out of doors. The temperature was fif- 
 teen degrees below freezing.* The people and cattle made a pic- 
 turesque appearance from the hoar-frost, more particularly the 
 coachmen and sledge-drivers, their large long beards resembling 
 a mass of snow, suspended from their chins. Although this 
 severe change has taken place, I think I have suffered more from 
 cold in my own country, than I suffered here to-day : my clothing 
 was warm, to meet the change out of doors; and on my returning 
 home I stripped off my warm clothing : the internal warmth I 
 met with in the house, from the fires kept in different parts of the 
 house, abundantly compensated for the parting with my warm 
 clothing. 1 was not able during the winter, but once, to bear a 
 fire in my own apartment. 
 
 First-day morning, the wind boisterous, and the snow fell so 
 very fast, that my turning out of town to take a bleak walk to 
 meeting was discouraging ; but as I set oflf' with a good will to 
 do my best, although I found it a difficult task to proceed, the road 
 in places being so blocked up with snow, I was enabled to reach 
 my kind friend Daniel Wheeler's, at the moment the family were 
 about sitting down to hold their meeting ; and 1 returned home in 
 the afternoon, the city feeling to me to be my proper place of 
 residence ; otherwise it would have been more congenial to my 
 natural disposition, to have passed more of my time with my 
 friend Daniel Wheeler and his family. 
 
 I had a conversation with Daniel N^ heeler on what had passed 
 between the emperor and myself, relative to the state of my said 
 friend's health, and the probability of his receiving benefit by 
 a visit to England : a cheering prospect was afforded me, from 
 
 • Probably 2 cleg, below >ero of Fdhrenheit's thernu)iiieU*r.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE, 10,5 
 
 a hope I should be privileged by having him for my care-taker, 
 and companion to England. 
 
 Second-day, SJth of 12th mo. the weather fine: I pursued my 
 exercise of walking in the evening. I had to labour hard to know 
 a task accomplished, which I have often found a very didicult 
 one, that of leaving the things of the morrow to caru for them- 
 selves. 
 
 Third-day, mostly spent in walking and reading. My land- 
 lady being frequently indisposed and confined to her bed, (more 
 particularly so since the awful inundation, when the ringing of 
 the alarm-bell and firing of the cannon, announces that the Neva 
 is rising above its wonted level,) it is my lot to be left to the mercy 
 of a dirty, idle, voracious Russian servant-girl, whohasno knowledge 
 of the English language, and who plunders me of my provision 
 every way she can : I am not able to see any remedy for it, but by 
 my bearing all with patience ; believing, as 1 do, my getting into 
 these lodgings, was in answer to my earnest prayers to the Most 
 High, to provide for me a safe sheltering place, and which I have 
 hitherto believed it to be the most so 1 could have found in the city. 
 1 therefore am made willing to endure all my increased difficulties 
 as it respects the body, rather than risk the danger of my getting 
 into difficulties of a nature that would be harder to bear, and 
 to be extricated from again. 
 
 Fourth-day, the cannon frequently firing, the water in the 
 Neva is rising, which alarms some of the inhabitants of the city. 
 When the late awful visitation took place and the water subsided, 
 it was reported, that some who lived on the island, being absent 
 from their own home at the time, finding on their return that 
 their families had perished in their own dwellings, and in other 
 instances, their house and family were all taken out to sea, 
 became bereft of their senses ; and others put an end to their 
 existence. This led me to consider, what a mercy it is to be able 
 to find a sure anchoring place, in seasons of trial like these. 
 
 Sixth-day, the weather wet and warm, I rambled on the banks 
 of the Neva, where great preparations were making on the ice for 
 the accommodation of carriages and foot-passengers travelling 
 upon it. With this day the year 1824 closes, and I hope I may 
 say, I feel thankful to the Great Author of every blessing, so 
 many of which he has been pleased in unmerited mercy to dis- 
 pense to me. 
 
 Seventh-day, the first of the First month, 1825. The new year 
 commences with a heavy fall of snow. I walked out, in hopes the 
 air would brace up my nerves, which proved the case. 
 
 First-day, walked out to meeting : my dear friend JXnnicl 
 Wheeler having received some official intelligence of his being 
 set at liberty to make a journey to England, we freely^ conversed
 
 lOG JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 together on the subject, altliough no time was fixed for our de- 
 parture. 
 
 Second-day, I walked out to the frozen market, wliich I found 
 well stocked with oxen, calves, sheep, pigs and poultry of most 
 descriptions ; also game in great abundance, with fresh iish, all in 
 a frozen state for winter store, which are purchased by the inha- 
 bitants, and deposited in their ice-cellars for family use. The 
 oxen and sheep were placed on their hind legs in an erect posture, 
 stripped of the clothing which nature gave them, wliicli had 
 rather a disgusting appearance. 1 understood that the sellers of 
 these articles, being fearful of a change taking place in the 
 weather from frost to thaw, were anxious to sell, as a change to 
 mildness would render their various articles of much less value 
 for depositing for winter store. 
 
 Seventh-day, the weather still continuing very severe, 1 bent 
 my course to the Neva, which exhibited a pleasant appearance: 
 the different paths marked out on the ice for passengers and for 
 carriages, were decorated on each side with fir-trees, that 
 passengers might keep their course with safety. Great numbers 
 of persons were driving on it, seemingly fearless ; but as necessity 
 did not require my venturing on it, 1 kept on firm ground. 
 
 Fifth-day, Gth of 1st mo. walked out to meeting : accompanied 
 by my friend Daniel Wheeler, we rode to George Edmundson's, 
 one of the English Friends who resides at Octcr. VVe crossed the 
 Neva on the ice; on our reaching the midway of our journey over, 
 I was led to query with myself, what had induced me to make this 
 venture, and I was thankful when we reached the shore again, 
 preferring firm ground. I now had my departure from Peters- 
 burgh announced in the newspaper, according to custom, as the 
 time for it was concluded on. 
 
 Seventh-day, 8th of 1st mo. the time being come, when I 
 must announce to the emperor my prospect of leaving Peters- 
 burgh, 1 wrote the following note to his secretary ; 
 
 " I have been notified in the newspapers as about to leave this 
 country, and I should wish to be at liberty in two weeks : it is 
 necessary I should secure my place as early as well may be in the 
 diligence to Riga, but this 1 cannot feel easy to do, having given 
 the emperor to expect I should not depart without thus craving an 
 opportunity to take my leave of him. I wish respectfully to say, 
 I am now holding myself in readiness to wait upon him, at such 
 time as he may think most suitable to appoint. 
 
 " Thomas Shillitoe." 
 " Petersburgh, 8th of 1st mo. 1825." 
 
 In reply to which, in the course of the day, I received a note 
 from the prince, informing me I might make the necessary arrange-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. ] ()7 
 
 ments for my departure, as the time for my taking leave of the 
 emperor would be certainly announced to me in the course of two 
 weeks. 
 
 Third-day, by the help of an Englishman, I went to the dili- 
 gence-office, to obtain information respecting the time of their 
 departure, and the weight of luggage which would be allowed each 
 of us, and the time for rest and refreshment on the road : I 
 had called myself previously at the office, and received very 
 insulting behaviour from a young man in the office, on ac- 
 count of keeping on my hat there ; of which behaviour I in- 
 formed my friend and interpreter, who mentioned the cir- 
 cumstance to one of the managers, and the young man was 
 spoken to respecting his conduct towards me : but on more 
 maturely considering the subject, during my moments of quiet 
 when alone this evening, I felt cause for regret that I had not 
 quietly passed over this insult ; fearing his insult operated as much 
 to hurt my pride, as wearing my hat in the office did the young 
 man's pride ; and I trust what I have felt on the occasion, will 
 prove as a watchword to me in future, to be more willing to 
 endure all things for the cause' sake. 
 
 Fifth-day, walked out to meeting, and found my dear friend 
 Daniel Wheeler busily occupied in arranging his outward concerns 
 for our departure : the prospect of my having such a care-taker, 
 caused my heart to overflow with gratitude to that Divine Power, 
 who rules all things, and who does all things well ; I have indeed 
 fresh cause to acknowledge, in his thus making a way, where at 
 one time no way appeared to open, for my help on the way to my 
 own country. 
 
 Sixth-day, after breakfast and reading, I turned out to take 
 my morning's ramble : the thermometer sixteen degrees below 
 freezing, the day fine, and my mind more at rest than has been 
 the case for some months past, from the prospect of our soon being 
 on our way to England : what a mercy it will be, if I am favoured 
 to reach it safely, not knowing the dangers that may await us 
 durino- so long a travel over-land, at this season of the year. 
 
 Seventh-day, the weather not so severe, nor so congenial to my 
 nerves. I have sometimes thought twenty-four or thirty degrees 
 below freezing, as they sometimes have it here, would suit my 
 constitution better than the warm close weather we at times have 
 in my native land ; and I have at times felt rather desirous to wit- 
 ness one of these pinching days before my departure. 
 
 First-day, walked out to meeting ; at the close of which was 
 held the preparative meeting, in which the queries were answered 
 to Balby monthly meeting in Yorkshire,— the Friends who reside 
 here being members of that monthly meeting. 
 
 Third-day, I walked on the banks of the Neva, which was be-
 
 ]08 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 come a very busy scene ; the crowds of people collected on the 
 ice near the palace, awakened in my mind great apprehensions of 
 their danger. This being the day for what is called the christen- 
 ing of the waters, a ceremony performed annually, 1 had ob- 
 served for some time men employed in erecting at the back of 
 the palace on the ice, an octagon temple, to which the people 
 were now hastening in every direction : this building, 1 was in- 
 formed, was for the accommodation of the bishop and clergy, 
 who ofliciated in performing the ceremony, with such of the royal 
 family who are able to attend, which they all are expected 
 to do, if able. I might have gone with the multitude, and 
 have been one in observing the ceremony performed ; but it 
 appeared safest for me to bend my course directly home, lest by 
 going in the way of danger unbidden, I should get into difficulty, 
 which I should have escaped had I taken up the cross, and not 
 have suffered my curiosity to prompt me to step aside out of the 
 path of duty : the Divine witness telling me in plain tetms, 
 1 had no warrant given me for countenancing such supersti- 
 tious proceedings by being a looker-on. I was met the day pre- 
 ceding this ceremony by one of my countrymen, who informed 
 me of it, saying, the talk of the people is, that the emperor has of 
 late contrived to be on his travels at this time, and so to be ab- 
 sent from the city ; but he is now in Petersburgh, and it will be 
 as much as his life is worth, if he does not attend : but neither 
 the emperor nor his empress were present on the occasion ; they 
 left the city for one of their country palaces at a few miles 
 distance the evening before ; which, perhaps, was going as far as 
 the emperor saw to be required of him in bearing his testimony 
 against this superstition ; but his absence did not pass over with- 
 out remarks being made in consequence. The ceremony of 
 Avhat is termed the christening the waters, I was informed, is as 
 follows : — a square hole is left in the floor of the temple, and a 
 hole cut in the ice to correspond with it ; when the company are 
 assembled, a man by a rope lets down a pail through these holes, 
 and brings up water out of the river Neva. The bishop then 
 puts a crucifix into this pail of water, and uses some form of 
 words ; after which the water in which the crucifix was immersed, 
 is poured through the hole again into the river, and the credulous 
 multitude are induced to think, that the water, which the night 
 before was unwholesome, is now by this ceremony purified and 
 rendered fit for use. 
 
 Seventh-day, hearing that one of my countrymen who was in- 
 tending to go to England wanted company, I made him a call ; 
 it appeared probable that he would make one of our party, which 
 would be likely to add to our comfort by its enabling us to 
 have a carriage much to ourselves. After my return home, 1
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 1 ()<) 
 
 had some sore conflicts to pass through ; the enemy, who f„r 
 a httle season had been so chahied down, as not to be able, with 
 all his efforts, to weaken my confidence in that Divine Power, 
 which had thus far directed my course, and favoured me with 
 strength to keep on the narrow path, now appeared to be let loose 
 upon me ; so that my situation from his varied suggestions and 
 discouragements, might be, 1 thought, fitly compared to fighting 
 with beasts, or the nature of the beast : but as I was favoured 
 still to know the Almighty, in whom I liad believed, to be suf- 
 ficient to keep ine from becoming a prey to Satan, and as I la- 
 boured after ability to maintain my confidence firm in Him, after 
 He had seen meet, that my faith should be again thus closely 
 tried, He was pleased to speak peace again to my poor tribu- 
 lated mind. 
 
 A messenger brought me a note from the prince Galitzin, ap- 
 pointing this evening for me to make my visit to the emperor. 
 Some matters still continuing to press on my mind, which were 
 not ripe for communication when with the emperor before, I am 
 led to believe I must not now dare to withhold them from him ; 
 although I am fully sensible they are tender subjects for me to 
 meddle with. The prospect of this visit has at times humbled 
 me as into the very dust, looking towards it with dismay, lest I 
 should fall short in delivering that which I may be favoured 
 clearly to see, is the whole counsel of my Divine Master to this 
 absolute monarch. But in these seasons of tribulation 1 am 
 bound in gratitude to acknowledge, I have not been left destitute 
 of the assurance, that if I am but faithful in all things in the 
 clear vision of light, required of me in the winding up of this 
 religious engagement, I shall know of a truth that all things will 
 work together for my good. 
 
 As before, late in the evening, a carriage arrived from the 
 palace, and my former guide took charge of me : again on my 
 arrival I was conducted to the emperor's apartment, who re- 
 ceived me with his usual affability, giving me his hand, and seat- 
 ing me on the sofa beside him. He then informed me he had 
 read the address to the inhabitants of Petersburgh, which I had 
 put into his hands, with the contents of wliich he was well satis- 
 fied. I stated to him the impracticability there was for me to ob- 
 tain a translation of my address, and have them printed in England. 
 I was fully satisfied if they came into the country they would be 
 destroyed: therefore as the emperor appeared willing to take the 
 charge of it, 1 did not feel myself at all justified in attempting 
 to prescribe any precise mode for him to pursue ; but only ex- 
 pressed the concern of my mind, that he might be strengthened 
 to seek after Divine wisdom in the right disposal of it. In this 
 expression of my feeling, he appeared fully to unite ; and in thus
 
 110 JOURNAL OF THOMAb SIIILLITOE. 
 
 leaving tlie matter with him, my mind was favoured to experience 
 peace. On my saying, there were some matters of importance to 
 the welfare of his dominions, which I found I durst do no other- 
 wise than lay before him, although they might be delicate mat- 
 ters for me to touch upon : the emperor replied, " Why hesitate? 
 I am open to receive all you may have to say on any subject.*" 
 The way being thus mercifully made plain for me, for so I evi- 
 dently felt it to be, to the humbling oC my very soul in deep 
 prostration before the Lord, who had, in the renewings of his 
 mercy thus dealt with me, I endeavoured in as concise and im- 
 pressive a manner as possible, to obtain full relief to my own 
 mind : I endeavoured to keep under my exercise, and as sul)- 
 jects wei'c one after another brought before my view, strength 
 was mercifully given me faithfully to acquit myself. Amongst 
 the subjects which I had to lay before him, one more particularly 
 was, the very debased state of vassalage by which the greater 
 part of his subjects were held in bondage to others, and the awful 
 consequences that eventually must result from it. This was a 
 subject which I rejoiced to find had lain near his own heart : he pre- 
 sented me with a small work on Colonization, containing proposals 
 calculated to bring about a remedy for this evil in his dominions. 1 
 then adverted again to the punishment by the knout, practised in 
 this country : in my former visit, I had fully expressed my feel- 
 ings of horror on this subject, and 1 was then glad to find that it 
 had occupied the mind of the emperor; he inquired of me 
 what other mode of punishment could be adopted, that would be 
 likely to work such a reformation in offenders as was desirable. 
 On my proposing to him to substitute the tread-mill, it appeared 
 so agreeably to meet his ideas, that I was led to ask if I might be 
 at liberty on my return home, to forward to him such printed infor- 
 mation on the subject, as my friends in England were able to 
 furnish me with. He replied, such information would be very ac- 
 ceptable ; it being his desire that reformation should be the object 
 kept in view, rather than whatis deemed, the punishment of offenders. 
 In conversation afterwards with the merchant, through whom this 
 information was to be conveyed to the emperor, I learned that 
 the society in England for the improvement of prisons, had, a 
 considerable time ago, sent over to this merchant a complete 
 model of the tread-mill in full work, with figures placed on the 
 wheel, to show its operation ; an order was at the same time re- 
 ceived, that it should be presented to the emperor, which order was 
 produced to me ; but through fear on the part of the person to 
 whom it was consigned, this model was kept back, from his having 
 understood such a mode of treating prisoners here would be 
 warmly opposed by the police. I informed the emperor of this 
 circumstance, requesting he would give me the liberty to foi*-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. HI 
 
 ward it to him, to which he consented; desiring it mij^ht be put 
 up in a box, and sent to his secretary for him ; wliic5i was ac- 
 cordingly done. 
 
 Having felt my mind more at liberty, since mv first visit to the 
 emperor than heretofore, to make a few calls before my departure, 
 I visited the Bible-printing and distributing oflice in the city : 
 having made memorandums, from the information given me i)y 
 one of the managers of the institution, of the declining state in 
 which it was, 1 left the following copy thereof with the em- 
 peror : — 
 
 " The sales of the Holy Scriptures increased gradually until 
 the year 1823 ; since that time they have rapidly decreased ; in the 
 last half-year of 1824, scarcely any orders have been received 
 from the societies in the interior : at present there are no orders, 
 and no prospect of any ; the sales in Petersburgh, where there is 
 free access to purchase, have been equal to preceding years ; the 
 funds, also, are rapidly on the decrease, and were not the society 
 obliged, by its declining state, to part with many of their workmen, 
 they would not half meet the expenditure. The Bible Society is 
 now looked upon as a proscribed institution, and is quite deserted. 
 This cannot be wondered at, as the central committee have not 
 met for the last seven months ; the correspondence with the inte- 
 rior has almost entirely ceased ; their Journals,* for the two last 
 months have not been published, owin^ to the manuscript copies 
 being detained by the metropolitan bishop, in whose hands they 
 are placed for his signature before they go to the press. I 
 was shown eleven hundred copies of the first volume of the 
 Old Testament, which have been printed several months, and 
 bound ready to be distributed ; but not a single copy is permitted 
 to be sold ; out of twelve presses and two printing-machines, which 
 were in full employ until the beginning of the year 1824, four of 
 these presses are only now employed, to finish the work that was in 
 hand at the beginning of the last year ; the workmen have been 
 gradually discharged, and when this work is finished, the printing- 
 office, unless a change takes place, must be shut up. In the 
 book-binding department, the English journeymen are mostly 
 discharged, and are gone home : those who remain are employed 
 in repairing the books that were injured by the late flood : when 
 this work is finished, these will also be discharged, and the 
 book-binding office will be shut up. Thus an institution 
 considered, at the time, the finest of its kind in all Europe, 
 and which promised fair to be one of the means of drawing 
 down the blessing of heaven upon the Russian empire, and the 
 
 * This .Journal is a magazine tliatcanie out monthly, giving a statement of the 
 various proceedings of the Bible Institution, antl furnished witli anecdotes of 
 persons who, coming into possession of the Uible, hud found comfort from it, and 
 to show that it was eagerly sought after by many.
 
 ]12 JOURNAL or THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 admiration of every sincere Christian, established at a very great 
 expense, is neglected and falling to decay ; and vhile, it is 
 said, the people are anxiously desiring a supply of the Old 
 Testament in their native tongue, they are denied this privilege. 
 Seeing things are thus managed, may I not add the language 
 of the Most High, through one of his prophets, ' Shall J not visit 
 for these things !' " 
 
 A full opportunity having now been afforded me to relieve my 
 mind of all that I apprehended was required of me to express to the 
 emperor in the line of religious duty, a pause took place ; feeling 
 myself constrained to kneel down in supplication, the emperor went 
 on his knees by my side: after rising from our knees, and sitting 
 awhile quietly together, the time for my departure being come, 1 
 rose to go, and after holding each other most affectionately by the 
 hand, he saluted me, and we took a heart-tendering farewell. 
 
 Being conveyed back to my lodgings, and taking my seat in 
 my apartment, it was with great difficulty I could refrain from 
 proclaiming aloud my feelings of gratitude to Almighty God. 
 For a while, I felt like one lost in admiration ; but after- 
 wards, the retrospect of what had fallen from my lips caused me 
 to tremble ; but in due time, Divine goodness in mercy conde- 
 scended to pour into my heart and mind such a portion of the wine 
 of consolation, as he best knew I was able to bear ; for I soon be- 
 came sensible a care was now as necessary on my part, that 1 might 
 be enabled to withstand the wiles of Satan, as ever it was when my 
 mind was under exercise for the service, which I had been thus 
 mercifully enabled to accomplish. My bonds being now so loos- 
 ened, 1 felt nearly ready to take my departure. 
 
 First-day, I walked out to meeting; my mind felt so lightened, 
 that I seemed scarcely to feel the ground 1 passed over ; being 
 ready to conclude those I met, who had before noticed my coun- 
 tenance, must see relief now imprinted on it. My friends parti- 
 cipated with me in my feelings, when 1 informed them how 
 mercifully I had been cared for, and helped through this second 
 visit. 
 
 Second-day, I walked to a merchant in the city, to fix for 
 making a visit on the morrow to the prisons ; on my way home 
 I had a very severe fall on the ice which I had to pass over, which 
 shook my whole frame to that degree, that I feared for a time I 
 should be disabled from enduring the journey before me. 
 
 Third-day, accompanied by my kind friend, I visited the two 
 prisons for men : the practice of reading the scriptures daily to 
 the prisoners is still kept up. On its being announced the reading' 
 was about to commence, it was gratifying to observe the readi- 
 ness with which the prisoners assembled, and the quiet and order 
 they manifested : they generally appeared clean in their persons, and 
 their apartments were in as good condition as the nature of such
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. ]J3 
 
 places will allow of. We next visited the prison for females- 
 here also the prisoners were clean and well clothed, their counte- 
 nances seem to indicate, that they were well cared for. Here 
 reading commenced, which was also conducted in a solid, agree- 
 able manner; the men and women prisoners arc generally em- 
 ployed. 
 
 From the female prison, we returned to one of the men's 
 prisons : on our arrival, we found fifteen convicts in an outer 
 room, attended by a file of soldiers, preparing to walk to Siberia, 
 a journey that takes them one year to accomplish, at the rate of 
 fifteen miles a-day, as I was informed : some of them had irons 
 on their legs, which they were to travel with, and which, 1 was 
 told, weighed fourteen pounds ; formerly the fetters worn by 
 such prisoners weighed forty pounds, but the present humane 
 emperor had not passed over these abodes of misery, in his endea- 
 vours towards relieving suffering humanity, for he reduced the 
 weight of their fetters to what they now are. The prisoners 
 were busily engaged in stripping ofJ' their own apparel, and 
 clothing themselves with coarse warm garments of every descrip- 
 tion necessary for the journey : their countenances appeared 
 various,. — some very hardened and inattentive to their situation ; 
 others appeared sorrowful, and as if human nature would yield up 
 life, before they reached the end of their journey. The distressed 
 state of mind a young man manifested, who I was told was one 
 of the poor nobles, made such an impression on my mind, that 
 some days elapsed before 1 wholly forgot him ; he was loaded with 
 irons, which he was to travel in to the end of his journey, if he ever 
 reached it, his eyes so red and inflamed with weeping, that it was 
 truly distressing to look athim; at times he appeared like one frantic, 
 repeatedly exclaiming, in the Russian language, "Can nothing be 
 done for me.^^" I understood the greatest cause of his distress was, 
 his having to leave behind him his aged mother, who was waiting 
 to witness his departure. I was informed his offence was, he had 
 been an officer in the army, and had struck his superior officer, 
 for which he was sentenced to Siberia, to work in the mines for 
 the remainder of his life. My friend had furnished himself with a 
 Testament for each of the prisoners, who generally icceived it as 
 if they considered it a treasure, putting it up carefully in a hand- 
 kerchief; the young officer in particular was at a loss sufficiently 
 to manifest his gratitude for this gift and companion in his 
 miserable allotment; he went down on his hands and knees 
 to kiss the feet of his donor: the scene altogether was dis- 
 tressing. Before we quitted, I found I must venture to express 
 a few sentences to them : how far my friend's timidity suffered 
 him to give the whole or not, 1 found I must leave, and be 
 satisfied that I was strengthened to do my part. We passed the 
 
 VOL. 11. ^
 
 Ill- JOIUNAL OK THOMAS SHILMTOE. 
 
 aged mother of the officer in the passage: the sight of her oc- 
 casioned me an aching heai't. 
 
 Fifth-day, I walked to meeting, and arranged matters for our 
 departure — a subject that was pleasant to us both to attend to. 
 A young man, a Russian, who was to be placed under our care, 
 and who was going to England for education, made the fourth in 
 our carriage, so that we had it wholly to ourselves. I had made 
 memorandunis of my visit to the emperor, l)ut in such a way as if 
 they concerned a private individual ; which, with a few other me- 
 morandums I had of late ventured to make, I had sewed up in the 
 lining of my fur-coal, to bring along with me ; but on further 
 considering this matter I thought, should I be searched at Riga, 
 as I was given to expect would be the case, (being still eyed, as I 
 believed, by the police as a suspicious character,) the very con- 
 cealment in this way of these memorandums might liring me into 
 difficulty. I therefore put all my papers and such of my letters 
 as 1 had not destroyed, into the hands of (jcorge Kdmondson, to 
 bring to England with him ; as he was coming by vessel, no 
 difficulty would occur. 
 
 Second-day, occupied with callers, packing, attending to my 
 passport, and making purchases for my journey. This preparing 
 to see my native land, my dear wife and children, felt con- 
 soling; and especially so, having, as I was led to believe, an 
 evidence the time for making such preparation was fully come. 
 
 Third-day, I paid a visit to the Prince Alexander Galitzin. 
 During this parting interview, I endeavoured faithfully to lay before 
 him the state in which I found the Bible institution, and the cause 
 of its being now at a stand-still : we parted under feelings of sincere 
 regard as brethren, however differing in name and external per- 
 formances as to religion, yet, I trust, earnestly desirous, that in our 
 daily intercourse amongst men, we might each be giving proof, 
 that our chief care was to be found fulfilling the Divine 
 command to Abraham of old, " Walk before me, and be thou 
 perfect." This visit closed my services in this city. 
 
 I rode out to my kind friend Daniel Wheeler's, in hopes of 
 taking a quiet farewell of his family; but I had not been long 
 there, before I was followed by two of my countrymen ; I soon 
 left the house to avoid interrogations, but which might have 
 drawn from me that which was best should not become a subject 
 of general knowledge : my visits to the emperor had been kept 
 secret as much as possible, for as th^y took place after dark, I 
 proceeded unobserved. 
 
 Fourth-day, 9th of 2nd mo. I was thankful that the time for 
 my release was come ; for I can truly say, after the first week 
 I became a resident in the city, I never retired to my bed with 
 any degree of certainty, that I might be permitted to enjoy it 
 quietly until day-light in the morning. This morning my friend
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. W.'j 
 
 Daniel Wheeler, the young Russian, the Englishman and myself, 
 left Petersburgh by sledge for Riga : this journey of about four 
 hundred English miles, we performed in Your days and nights' 
 constant travelling, except when we halted to change horses' 
 and take refreshment. Our journey was impeded when within 
 five miles of Riga, by coming to a part where the wind had blown 
 away the snow, and left the ground quite bare; and as our 
 sledge would not travel on the bare ground, we were set fast 
 for several hours. Our vehicle was like two bodies of a single- 
 horse chaise, placed back to back on the sledge ; the aprons and 
 curtains were in a very tattered condition, so that the wind 
 forced its way into our carriage, and when near morning, the air 
 was cold to an extreme ; on this occasion our patience was tried, 
 for the drivers were not able, with all their shouting and beating 
 of the poor horses, to get them to move along. Discouraging as 
 our prospect was, and suffering as I did from the cold, fatigue, and 
 want of nourishment, the assurance was renewed, if my feet re- 
 mained sure on the narrow path round the mountain, rough 
 and rugged as at times I should find it to be, it would lead 
 me safe to my native home ; I therefore endeavoured to do my best 
 to keep quiet, and cast all my care on that merciful Creator, 
 who cares for the very sparrows. After we had procured an 
 additional horse we proceeded, and at length reached our hotel 
 at Riga, wanting food, rest and refreshment for the weary body. 
 
 Pleasant as our arrival was this morning, as to the flesh, yet 
 my secret exercises were increased, from my having been in- 
 formed of the probability of my luggage and person being 
 searched by order of the governor, who, it was stated, was a 
 rigid bigot. I had not to my knowledge any thing about my 
 person or in my luggage, (except a large volume of the New 
 Testament, given rne by the emperor, with his own signature 
 in it,) which I could conceive might subject me to difficulty ; 
 yet should such a search take place, the fear of consequences, 
 and of undue advantages being taken of any default, of which, as 
 a stranger, I was ignorant, operated upon my susceptible mind. 
 
 Second-day morning, after a comfortable breakfast, we left our 
 hotel, and crossed the river Dwina , on the other side of which 
 we were informed, a coach would be waiting to convey us forward ; 
 but to my great disappointment, our conveyance was a German 
 waggon, fixed on the axletrees : the curtains of this waggon were 
 so tattered and worn, that it was ill calculated to defend us 
 against the intense frosty night-air; but 1 found, if we went for- 
 ward, we must submit to the inconvenience : at the end of our first 
 stage, we entered Courland, when the face of the country began 
 to improve. On our arrival at Mitau, we took a fresh carnage 
 but in no respects more commodious than the former. \»e liad 
 not left IMitau an English mile, before we found we had com- 
 
 I 2
 
 116 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 mitted ourselves to a very drunken driver, and a superintendant 
 not much better : whilst we were being driven over a bad piece 
 of road at a very furious rate, we lost our linchpin, and the hind 
 wheel came off"; we could not prevail on our driver or con- 
 ductor to turn back and provide us with another carriage ; we 
 were therefore obliged to submit and proceed, yet not without 
 serious apprehensions of danger on our part, from the wheel 
 coming off again, having only a piece of wood out of the hedge 
 to keep it in its place ; but we were favoured to reach our next 
 station, without further accident, where we changed our driver, 
 and had our carriage-wheels properly repaired. We felt thank- 
 ful in being put under the care of a sober driver : during this 
 stage we reached the banks of a river, over which, with our 
 heavy waggon, four horses, eight persons, and our luggage, we 
 were to cross on the ice ; the prospect of which was trying ; but 
 as it would not do for me to quit the waggon, I besought the 
 Lord to give me strength to acquit myself properly on this trying 
 occasion, and he failed not to confirm me in the assurance, that he 
 still continues to give power to the faint; and to such as feel they 
 have no might of their own, and steadily look to him for help in 
 the needful time, he condescends to give strength. Gratitude 
 filled my heart, when our carriage was safe on land again. 
 
 After travelling through a very fatiguing night, my dear com- 
 panion Daniel Wheeler, roused me towards day-break, by in- 
 forming me we were making our way towards another river, which 
 soon appeared in view ; the state of the ice on which we had to 
 cross, appeared truly terrific ; in many places a separation had 
 taken place, and from its rotten state the water was flowing over 
 it. At first I drew back ; to travel upon it appeared more than 
 my feeble frame and agitated nerves knew how to bear; and yet, 
 if my companions did so, it would not do for me to remain 
 behind. Divine mercy, however, in this time of sore trial, 
 graciously enabled me to cast all my care on Him, and brought 
 before the view of my mind, the manner in which I had been 
 hitherto watched over ; thus was I enabled to take fresh cou- 
 rage, and cheerfully concluded to keep with my companions. The 
 driver and superintendent, after consulting together for some 
 time, concluded it would be safest to take off" the horses and turn 
 them loose, to make their own way across, and for us to keep the 
 track which the horses took, and by the help of some men, by 
 tying a rope to the pole of the waggon, and keeping at a dis- 
 tance from it, draw it over. Our trials I was led to consider, 
 great as they were, might have been greater had it occurred in 
 the dead of the night. Observing a s^limmerinff li^ht on the other 
 side of the river, which we supposed to be the post-house, we 
 made up to it, truly thankful when we reached the house. The 
 first object presented to our view, was a woman far advanced
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLIXOE. II7 
 
 in age, with as care-worn a countenance as I ever remember to 
 have seen, spinning at this early hour in the morning, ])y the 
 light of a spht stick placed in a piece of iron against the wall ; 
 every thing about her person and house bespoke the greatest 
 possible indigence, but much innocence was imprinted on her 
 countenance : after standing awhile and looking on her, as she 
 also did on us, I was inclined to put into her hands a piece of 
 money equal to eight-pence ; which having done, she seemed as 
 if she hardly could beheve the truth of what she saw she was in 
 possession of, viewing it with surprise, and such a smile of grati- 
 tude as I have not often beheld : my companions doing the like, 
 I expect she became richer than she had been for a great length of 
 time. Unable by words to express her gratitude, she endeavoured 
 to manifest it by attempting to kiss our hands and our clothes. 
 We felt not a little gratified, that by so small a donation we had 
 thus added to her present comfort ; the scene altogether, to me, 
 proved a fresh excitement to number my blessings, which ap- 
 peared multiplied indeed, when compared with the state of this 
 poor aged woman. 
 
 We proceeded on our journey, and after a day and night hard 
 travel, on Fifth-day morning, the 16th of 2nd month, we reached 
 the frontiers of the Russian territories.
 
 118 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 After our luggage had undergone an examination and our pass- 
 ports were signed, we proceeded to Nemenerzat, in Prussia. 
 Here we took a fresh carriage for Memel, where we arrived in the 
 afternoon. I felt truly thankful to be once more in a land of 
 more liberty. The rivers and roads beginning to break up, we 
 feared detention ; on which account we thought of securing our 
 places in the diligence to Berlin, which was to set off the next 
 morning from Memel ; but as we understood we should have, by 
 this conveyance, to travel eleven days and nights before we 
 reached Berlin, and but little opportunity allowed to rest, much 
 worn down by hard travelling as we were, and the poor accommo- 
 dations various ways we had met with, we relinquished this plan, 
 having several offers of conveyances to Konigsberg ; but if we ac- 
 cepted of these offers, we must travel the strand-road, which we 
 had made up our minds not to do, on account of some alarming 
 accidents that had recently occurred from the quicksands. 
 
 Fifth-day, having procured pretty comfortable quarters, our 
 party were refreshed by a good night's rest ; we concluded to 
 proceed next morning to Konigsberg, about one hundred and 
 seventy-four English miles, and contracted with a man for that 
 purpose. 
 
 Sixth-day moi-ning, we pursued our journey ; our carriage 
 measured in length seven yards, and two yards across, in which 
 were seats slung ; but so uneasy were they, that we were glad to 
 seat ourselves on our luggage, and at times to lie down on the 
 straw at the bottom of the carriage ; the top was covered with 
 canvas, and a hole left on one side for us to enter ; but so 
 small, that we were obliged to creep in head-first ; the difficulty 
 to me was such, that I was obliged to have help in getting 
 in. About seven in the evening we reached our quarters for 
 the night, having travelled about fifty-two English miles. 
 After taking refreshment, we retired to bed, but the night's rest 
 of some of our company was greatly interrupted by the howling 
 of the wolves in the neighbouring woods, and the fleas with which 
 our beds abounded. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, we proceeded on our way. After we had
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 119 
 
 travelled about five English miles, our driver made a Italt, idling 
 us he must go and see if the ice on the river, which we liad to jjuss, 
 would bear us. He returned, telling us, a carriage had lately at- 
 tempted to pass, but the ice gave way and let it into the river. As 
 our driver resolved to venture, we quitted the waggon to go over on 
 foot. My dear friend, Daniel Wheeler, had a very narrow escape 
 from the loss of his life ; for had he not been warned at tiie moment, 
 he was about to step upon a piece of ice which would have let him 
 into the river; but we were all favoured to make a safe landing. 
 I now comforted myself, in hopes the bitterness of our journey in 
 this respect was over. This being the most dangerous time of 
 the year for travelling, as the rivers are breaking up, I was led at 
 times to consider how far I had overstayed the rigiit time at 
 Petersburgh ; but as I felt fully satisfied this iiad not bten the 
 case, I endeavoured to seek after a continuance of Divine sup- 
 port, that I might be the better prepared to meet such further 
 trials of this sort as yet might await us. We soon caine to ano- 
 ther large tract of water, which we had to cross, and whence men 
 were plying with sledges to take passengers over, one of which 
 we engaged, and reached land. After we had' travelled some 
 distance, I observed on the road many carriages and persons 
 collected together ; on our reaching the spot, we found we were 
 come to a branch of the river Memel, not having crossed it 
 on our leaving the town ; the ice had become dirty, and put on 
 a rotten appearance, whereby these people thus collected were 
 afraid to venture over the river, which is supposed to be at least 
 half a mile across. The man at the ferry-house appeared anxious 
 to have us for his guests, but we felt no ways incHned to gratify 
 him with our company ; as far as we were able to observe, we had 
 not yet seen a more uncomfortable place, and his countenance to 
 me was more forbidding than his house. We inquired of our 
 driver how he meant to proceed. He informed us of his intention 
 to take his horses from his waggon, and attempt to get his waggon 
 over. The man who had brought us safe over the latter watcr,^ 
 had followed us with his sledge, and offered to take charge of 
 us again. As my friend Daniel Wheeler felt his mind easy to 
 venture across, which was my case, we sat down in the sledge, 
 in full confidence that we should be landed safely at Tilsit, on the 
 other side. On our landing, the sledge returned and brought 
 over our two young companions; our waggon and horses soon 
 followed us ; after which the company we found at the ferry- 
 house ventured over one after another. We made a halt at 
 Tilsit, and took our dinner, after which we ])rocceded on our 
 journey; our driver left the post-road, to take what he called^ 
 a nearer way to Konigsberg. We lodged at a small house of 
 entertainment by the road-side; but from the closeness of our 
 bed-room, the abundance of fleas, and the noise of the wolves u)
 
 120 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 an adjoining wood, some of us had but little sleep during tlie 
 night. If by taking the route we had, the route was shortened, 
 our road was not mended by it; for our horses were so covered 
 with mud from head to foot, that it was not an easy matter to 
 ascertain the colour which nature had given them. On our arrival 
 at Konigsberg, we engaged our places in the diligence to Konitz. 
 
 Third-day, feeling desirous of ascertaining the state of the 
 river which we had next to pass over, I bent my course this 
 morning towards it ; but I found the road so deep in mud, I was 
 obliged to abandon my intention in this respect. During my 
 short ramble, 1 was led to take a solemn and awakening retrospect 
 of my visit to Petersburgh, which produced in my soul the 
 acknowledgment, that it was through Divine mercy and Divine 
 interference only, that way had been made for me to obtain that 
 full relief from the long trial and exercise of mind which I had 
 endured, whenever Russia came before me whilst in my native 
 land ; and earnest cries were raised to tlie Ijord my God, that 
 he would be pleased to continue still to make use of such ways 
 and means as to Him should seem best, to effect that profound 
 humility, abasement, and nothingness of self, so essential to my 
 future preservation in that way, which will be most pleasing to 
 him. 
 
 Fourth-day, having yet, as we are informed, three rivers to 
 cross, and being unable to come at the true state of any one of 
 them, the prospect of our proceeding would be trying, but from 
 the merciful assurance 1 am favoured with, that notwithstanding 
 the difficulties I may yet have to contend with, I shall have a 
 safe convoy to my own home, if faith and patience arc but in a 
 becoming manner steadily maintained. At our first starting, we 
 had a good road and comfortable space in our carriage : but when 
 we arrived at the end of our first stage, two persons were added 
 to our number, which, with the bad road we had again to contend 
 with, rendered our sufferings great ; our wheels sunk into such 
 deep mud-holes, that we were near being turned over in them ; 
 and the only person in our company who could understand us, 
 was so sound asleep, that it was with difficulty we awoke him to 
 make him order the driver to open the carriage-doors and let us 
 out; we felt thankful when the door was open, and we had obtained 
 our liberty : the weather was dry over our heads, but we suffered 
 much from the piercing cold ; so that every way, great as our 
 difficulties may be, we shall see cause for thankfulness they were 
 not worse, as they might have been: as we were a considerable dis- 
 tance from any help, such was the immense weight of our carriage 
 that had it turned over, all our efforts put together would not 
 have been sufficient to have set it up again. 
 
 Fifth-day, 21th of 2d mo. this day about noon we reached Ma- 
 rienburg; our patience was again put to the test, by being detained
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. llil 
 
 waiting for the letter-bag, and from other causes, until six o'clock 
 in the evening; this detention was tlie more trying, as the proba- 
 bility was, it would occasion our having to cross two frozen rivers 
 in the night, and that very dark ; and we were informed that the 
 road which we had to travel was bad ; for we had been obliged to 
 leave the great road on account of the waters being much out. 
 When we came to the river Nogart, there being but little ice 
 floating, we passed over without much difficulty in a barge built 
 for the purpose ; but on our landing, the sample of the road we 
 had to travel presented a discouraging appearance ; and our con- 
 ductor told us we should not be able to make more than one 
 mile in an hour, and we must have an additional waggon to take 
 our luggage. The face of the country appeared so generally 
 under water, that we were at times obliged to bend our course 
 east, west, north, and south, through large pools of water ; 
 and, when able to keep the high-road, it was barely wide enough 
 to take our waggon ; sometimes on each side of it there was a 
 very deep precipice, at the bottom of which was water : in this 
 dangerous situation we travelled until one o'clock in the morning ; 
 yet, trying as it was, we had much to be thankful for, as the 
 night proved clear and star-light, and the moon gave some light, 
 which it scarcely had done since we had been on our journey. 
 We had another river to pass to come at the lodging-place, which 
 our conductor had been aiming at ; but on our reaching the 
 banks of it, we were informed it would not be safe for us to attempt 
 to cross until day-light ; we were therefore taken to a house for 
 the entertainment of travellers ; on inquiring for beds, none 
 could be procured, and the floor of the only room in which we 
 could be accommodated, was merely covered over with pea-stalks. 
 On entering this room where we had to take up our lodging for 
 the night, dirty-looking, miserable men and women put their 
 heads out of the pea-straw to gaze on us ; others were drinking, 
 smoking, and making a noise : clean straw was brought in for 
 us, upon which I could gladly have laid down my weary 
 bones, but for fear of damp, and the vermin 1 might collect 
 from my next neighbour, as they were lying pretty thickly about 
 the floor, except where others were sitting drinking and smoking : 
 we concluded to keep on our fur-coats, and, by the help of a table 
 to lay our heads upon, to try to get some sleep. Towards morn- 
 ing, we enjoyed some quiet: and at day-light a pretty general 
 sallying out took place of men and women : some of the men 
 proceeded to prepare the way through the ice for our departure. 
 1 rejoiced to see the peep of day, and was glad to turn out 
 of our filthy apartment, and get away from the fumes of the 
 spirits and tobacco, to breathe the fresh air ; but when we came 
 to take a view by day-light of the road which we had travelled 
 to reach this miserable abode, and the danger we had been ex-
 
 122 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 
 
 posed to, whilst it occasioned a chill of dread all over me, it awak- 
 ened afresli in my mind such feelings of gratitude, as caused 
 songs of praise secretly to arise to that Almighty Power, who had 
 thus in mercy watched over us, and preserved us from all iiarm. 
 AVhen the men had cut a passage for us over the river Vistula, 
 which is a considerable width, a boat was in readiness to receive 
 us and our luggage. I felt a little tried on getting into the boat, 
 from the large sheets of ice floating round us; 1 esteemed it a 
 favour when we reached land again ; yet on being informed, that 
 before we could be accommodated with a carriage to go forward, 
 we had a branch of this river still to cross, and its surface like 
 that which we had left, a fresh trial presented itself to my 
 mind ; we however made our way through the ice better than 
 1 at first expected we should do, from the immense quantity that 
 had floated down and collected like small hillocks. We were 
 truly glad when we reached Dirschaw, feeling ourselves in need 
 of refreshment. On entering our fresh carriage, it promised 
 more case than we found in that we had left, and which we 
 had reason to believe would have been the case, had not the 
 roads been much cut up during the thaw, and a severe frost now 
 again set in, by which means the roads were rendered so rough, 
 that my shoulders and elbows were full of pain, and my sufferings 
 were hard to bear : the like was the case with my dear com- 
 panion, so much so, that we could not have endured it many 
 hours longer. We reached Konitz on Seventh-day morning ; 
 here we concluded to rest awhile to recruit our strength, and get a 
 little eased of the soreness upon our bones and flesh, for we felt 
 much bruised. Expecting we should have to cross the river Oder 
 on the ice, we felt solicitous to ascertain the state of it, and 
 learned from the post-master it was considered safe to pass over ; 
 but a short time might render it impassable from the floating down 
 of the ice, and then we might be detained at the ferry-house for 
 two weeks or more ; and should a thaw take place, the roads for 
 awhile would be impassable without great risk of our lives : 
 weary and sore as we were, yet this put a spur to our exertions ; 
 we therefore engaged a waggon, had it well littered with straw, 
 which accommodated us and our luggage, and we proceeded on 
 our journey again. , 
 
 On Second-day, taking provision with us, we travelled about sixty- 
 five English miles before night. At the post-house we were informed, 
 that from the route which we had taken we should escape the 
 ferry, and pass over a bridge lately erected over the river Oder. 
 Third-day, we reached Fredericksburg to lodge, having travelled 
 about sixty-five English miles this day ; to effect which, we were 
 obliged frequently to leave the post-road and travel on the 
 farmers' grounds. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, we left Fredericksburg; during the
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 123 
 
 afternoon we arrived at the bridge which took us safe over the 
 Oder, thankful we had taken this route. The river being broken 
 up, the ice was floated down in such large masses, as would have 
 rendered our passing by the ferry dangerous, if not detained us 
 there. This day we entered on the Chausste^ a new road on the 
 plan of our mackadamized roads in England, which gave us a 
 cheering hope of our being likely to reach Berlin the following 
 day ; this we were favoured to accomplish by travelling one 
 stage in an open waggon, by which means I caught a severe cold. 
 So anxious were we to get forward, that we took the earliest op- 
 portunity, after obtaining information respecting the best route 
 for us to take, to hire a carriage to Minden : matters being thus 
 concluded on, I made a call on my dear friend the magistrate F — , 
 the Count V — , and most of those I had made an acquaintance 
 with, when here before : this unexpected opportunity of our once 
 more seeing each other, appeared to be mutually gratifying. In 
 the evening a person of the name of Lindly, formerly a Catholic 
 priest, but who had embraced the Protestant religion, called on us ; 
 he had spent some time in Petersburgh, and was cotemporary with 
 the person I met with at Altona, who had been banished from Pe- 
 tersburgh on account of his rehgious principles : he manifested 
 much 'anxiety for information respecting those he had left behind 
 in Petersburgh, who were united to him and his companion in reli- 
 gious sentiments, of which he said there were not a few ; but as 
 silence was to me the word of command, and I had felt so much 
 the necessity, when in Petersburgh, of avoiding too free inter- 
 course with those I was a stranger to, I was not prepared to con- 
 verse on this subject. We also received a visit from the magistrate 
 F — , who informed me he had recently received a visit from the 
 pastor of the prison at Spandau, (which prison, I visited when here 
 before,) by whom he was assured, that a great improvement had 
 taken place in the conduct of the prisoners, since that visit was 
 paid to them ; that both the men and women had become much 
 more orderly in their conduct, and their behaviour at their place of 
 worship was now very becoming. This account felt like marrow 
 to my very bones, and awaked secret cries to the Lord my 
 God, that the praise and the glory might all be given to him, and 
 to him alone. I was not able to enjoy an exchange of sentnnent 
 when I called on the Count V—, his amiable countess being 
 from home, who was conversant in the English language, but 
 with which he was unacquainted. I made him a second call, 
 with an interpreter, but the count was from home ; in consequence 
 of which he addressed me by letter, which 1 think right to give a 
 place in these memoirs, as it may afford the reader some idea ot 
 the purity of his mind ; and the blessing it may prove to tlic 
 kingdom of Prussia, that her next sovereign in succession, has
 
 124 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK, 
 
 sucli a pious aide-de-camp, as the count, so near Iiis person. 'I'lie 
 letter Englished is as follows : — 
 
 " My dear and honoured friend, 
 " I have been very sorry that we missed one another, and your 
 hasty departure deprives me of the hope of our meeting again : 
 in the meantime, receive my sincere thanks for the valuable book 
 you sent me, and for the undeserved kindness which \ou have 
 shown me. 1 forwarded the other copy to his royal highness the 
 crown-prince ; he is greatlyobliged to you for his present. ^ our 
 kind fellow-traveller has also thought of us, and sent my wife and 
 children a supply of small and large books, which they find quite 
 a treasure. 1 am really quite ashamed of your kindness : my 
 wife, who has been some months from home, intends to send you 
 her written acknowledgment. 
 
 " Thus you have heaped upon us, who feel poor, the blessing 
 of love : and what shall we do .'' we pray the Lord of mercy and 
 of all life, that he will bless you both with his richest blessings, 
 that he will give unto us all, the communion of the Spirit, and the 
 love of the Father, and his fear. 
 
 " With sincere and cordial love, 
 
 " I am, my dear friend's faithful and 
 
 " devoted friend and brother, 
 
 " Charles Count V — ." 
 « Berlin, 2d March, 1825." 
 
 Sixth-day, we left Berlin, and reached Brandenburg to lodge. 
 Seventh-day, we reached Magdeburg early in the evening, where 
 we took up our abode for the night. Next day we proceeded on 
 our journey in hopes of reaching Brunswick to lodge, expecting 
 we should find a continuation of the Chaussee, as we had been 
 led to understand would be the case ; but after leaving Magde- 
 burg, to our great disappointment, we came on some road as 
 bad as any we had yet met with, which continued the whole of 
 this day's journey : we repeatedly expected to be overturned ; 
 and after twelve hours' hard travelling, at times fearing our horses 
 would not hold out, we advanced no more than thirty miles on 
 our way. We had furnished ourselves with provision, or we 
 must have suffered on that account ; as the only house we came 
 to during the day, was not able to furnish us with clean, com- 
 fortable necessaries of life : next day we reached Brunswick to 
 dinner, and Payne to lodge. My kind companion, Daniel Wheeler, 
 and myself, felt ourselves so much exhausted by these two days'" 
 journey, and so desirous of getting to bed, that we omitted our 
 usual precaution of airing our sheets, and coverlet ourselves, these 
 we suppose were damp, which occasioned our taking a heavy
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 125 
 
 cold. Next morning we proceeded towards Hildesheim ; but our poor 
 horses were so oppressed in consequence of the bad road, that we 
 concluded, on reaching the end of our first stage, to excuse the 
 man from proceeding further with us, and to travel extra post to 
 Elze: this has been a large populous town, but in the eleventh 
 month last, nearly the whole of it was reduced to ashes, whereby 
 numerous sufferers lost their all ; the most deplorable picture of 
 distress which _ I ever beheld presented itself as we travelled 
 through the ruins, exciting in my mind great sympathy for those 
 who were the objects of it. At Elze we engaged our places in 
 the diligence for Minden, which place we reached about five 
 o'clock next morning : on our arrival here, rest to our fatigued 
 bodies would have been truly acceptable ; but it appeared best 
 that we should engage our places in the diligence, which was to 
 set off at nine in the morning for Emmerick, a frontier-town in 
 Prussia ; this only allowed time to clean ourselves, take refresh- 
 ment, and make a short call on some of the Friends. Here we were 
 informed that we should again travel on the Chaussee, but in this 
 we were greatly disappointed, for from the badness of the road, our 
 heavy lumbering waggon, the great weight of luggage, and long 
 stops which our drivers made on the road, we did not average 
 more than two and a half English miles an hour, which to me 
 proved an exercise of patience ; but I was favoured, through 
 the continuation of that Divine mercy that yet followed me, 
 sensibly to feel the need there was for me, to endeavour quietly 
 to submit to these disappointments ; otherwise there would be a 
 danger of my being robbed, and spoiled of those feelings of 
 gratitude that had been awakened in me, for the favours vouch- 
 safed during this wearisome and perilous journey, which I had, 
 through Divine help, thus far been enabled to accomplish. 
 
 We reached Munster, where we were detained ten hours, which 
 afforded us an opportunity of resting our weai-y bodies on a bed. 
 We had been assured that we should have the same carriage the 
 whole of the way to Emmerick, but this did not prove to be the 
 case ; this circumstance caused us some difficulty, in seeing our 
 luggage was all again rightly packed. We had a more roomy 
 carriage : but notwithstanding which we felt so sore and bruised, 
 that we were obliged to take four places for three of us, the young 
 Englishman ha^dng previously left us ; had we not adopted this 
 plan, I believe we could not have gone forward this day. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, we proceeded on our journey ; our road be- 
 came still worse, and 1 was fully satisfied of the truth of the re- 
 port of some of our friends in Petersburgh, if the winter had 
 happened to have been quite broken up, and succeeded by those 
 • falls of rain that frequently take place at this season of the year, 
 the roads would have been so deep in mud as to render them for 
 a time impassable ; so that every way, great as our trials of pa-
 
 126 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 tience have been, and much as our bodies have suffered, we have 
 great cause to be thankful, that v/e have been so cared for, and 
 watched over by that Almighty Power, who regards the very 
 sparrows ; and that we have been thus far brought safe on our 
 way. About two o'clock on Seventh-day morning, we reached 
 Bocholt, where we again changed our carriage, and were detained 
 two hours in a cold, comfortless kitchen : the sight of our new 
 carriage was discouraging, it was smaller, and only a basket-wag- 
 gon ; the curtains of which were so worn, we were but very little 
 screened by them from the cold damp night-air. We reached 
 Emmerick about eight o'clock in the morning, and I took a fresh 
 cold, my throat became very sore, and the roof of my mouth was 
 so much swelled, that I found it difficult to converse. 
 
 From Emmerick, we took our places to Arnheim, a frontier town 
 of Holland, which place we arrived at in the evening ; we then se- 
 cured places in the diligence for Amsterdam, where we arrived 
 safely the following day. I made a few visits to some of my 
 friends there : as the packet from Rotterdam for England would not 
 sail before First-day, we agreed with a coach-master to take us to 
 Helvoetsluys, and on Third-day morning we proceeded on our 
 way. Having reached Marsland Sluice, which was only about 
 half-way there, our driver would not convey us any further ; we 
 were therefore obliged to take a boat across the sluice, and when 
 we reached the shore on the other side, to take a carriage to the 
 Brill, where we had to cross and take a carriage forward. These 
 trials were all abundantly compensated, by knowing I was now 
 making progress near to my native land, to enjoy the privilege of 
 being understood in my own language. The wind being fair for 
 England, promised us a quick passage : we reached Helvoetsluys 
 before dark, where we learned the packet for Harwich was to sail 
 next morning at nine o'clock. 
 
 Fourth-day, J 6th of 3d mo. 1825, we went on board the packet, 
 and set sail with a fair wind. From the peaceful retrospect I was 
 enabled to take of my visit to Petersburgh, all the deprivations, 
 perils, and dangers I have had to pass through, seemed to sink 
 into nothing. The wind continuing fair, about ten at night we 
 could discern the lights on the English coast ; and had it not 
 been for the danger of the sand-banks, we might have made a 
 landing by four o'clock the next morning ; but which we did 
 not effect until eight o'clock, having had a passage of twenty- 
 three hours. After the examination of our luggage, taking 
 refreshment, and trimming ourselves, we took coach for 
 London, which we were favoured to reach safely in the evening. 
 I proceeded to Tottenham, and on Seventh-day to my own home 
 at Hertford. 
 
 Second-day, I attended the quarterly meeting held at Hertford, 
 and gave in to the meeting a sliort report of my visit to the Conti-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 127 
 
 ncnt, to the satisfaction of my friends, as I liail reason to hclieve. 
 Feeling myself so much exhausted, I was obliged to leave the meet- 
 ing before its business was got through. My journey now accom- 
 plished, and that daily excitement to push on being now over, I 
 began more sensibly to feel how much nature had been exerted 
 beyond what it could bear. Whilst labouring under this state of 
 debiHty, a letter arrived, giving an account of the dangerous state 
 of health of our children at Sheffield. My friends, as well as 
 myself, thought that I was more fit to take to my bed, than to 
 undertake such a journey ; but as I was led to apprehend my 
 sufferings from not seeing them, should a removal take place with 
 either of them, together with the suspense we might be kept in, 
 would be greater than the fatigue of the journey, on Sixth- day 
 morning, accompanied by my dear wife, 1 proceeded l)y coach to 
 Sheffield, which we reached the next day. I continued in such 
 a state of debility for some time, as not to be able to get out to 
 meeting. I found it indispensably necessary to endeavour all in my 
 power to keep in the lowly valley ; lest the dew, which I was 
 favoured to witness resting on my mind, should be suddenly dis- 
 sipated, through my too freely conversing on my religious move- 
 ments on the Continent, or by reason of worldly matters that had 
 transpired in my absence, in the settling of which, Divine inter- 
 ference had been manifest in a remarkable manner ; I never felt 
 more need of all the help designed for me to have, than at the 
 present time. 
 
 22nd 4th month, 1825, although in a very low and depressed 
 state of mind, yet I humbly hope I may say, I am made truly 
 thankful in feeling earnest desires begotten in my soul unto tlie 
 Lord, that he would be pleased to preserve me from suffering my 
 mind to be in any way entangled with my worldly matters; but 
 that he would give me strength to commit them all to his careful 
 keeping, and preserve me from doing more toward a further arrange- 
 ment of them, but as he in his wisdom shall see meet to guide 
 me therein : and if the pointings of duty should be for me to 
 commit the whole disposal of them to my children's management 
 in future, to enable me cheerfully to submit to it. In the fifth 
 month, although I felt hardly equal to the undertaking, yet I 
 went up to London to attend the ^'carly Meeting ; but further 
 religious service which was in prospect pressed on my mind, and 
 spurred me on to be willing to try and do my best, in order to 
 return my certificate to the select Yearly INIeeting, and give in my 
 report this year ; for should I be constrained to come forward to 
 my monthly and quarterly meetings with a religious prosjjcct, 
 which my mind has again been brought under the exercise of, and 
 be hberated by these meetings, the way might be clear for me to lay 
 my religious prospect before the select 'i'carly Meeting next year. 
 I therefore proceeded by coach to Hertford, and from thence to
 
 128 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE, 
 
 London ; attended the select Yearly Meeting, and returned my 
 certificate, and gave in a report of my proceedings, which was a 
 relief to my mind. I felt thankful strength was given me to attend 
 the several sittings of the Yearly Meeting. 
 
 My mind continued to feel a lively interest and frequent exercise 
 of mind, on behalf of the dear Emperor Alexander of Russia, and 
 his faithful friend the prince Alexander Galitzin, as well as the 
 prince's secretary; feeling my mind drawn to make the same mani- 
 fest, by presenting each of them with a religious publication, which 
 to me appeared suitable for the occasion, I wrote letters to ac- 
 company them, and committed them to the care of a kind fjicnd 
 for delivery. 
 
 That to the emperor was as follows : — 
 
 " I'homas Shillitoc has taken the liberty of requesting his dear 
 illustrious friend will accept of this small token of his continued 
 sincere love and regard. He has to recur daily, with feelings of 
 satisfaction, more easily conceived than described, to those pre- 
 cious overshadowiiigs of Divine regard, of which he was made 
 very sensible during the interviews he was favoured to have with 
 his illustrious friend; for whom his earnest breathings of soul con- 
 tinue to be, that Almighty God may be pleased, according to the 
 riches of his grace, so to strengthen him with might, by his Spirit 
 in his inner man, as that he may be enabled, with holy mag- 
 nanimity of soul, to rise above all the slavish fear of man, and 
 above every discouragement that Satan may be permitted to lay 
 in the way of a faithful walking before God : that thus his illus- 
 trious friend may be found standing in the allotment designed for 
 him in this state of probation; and finally, through the merits of 
 the great Redeemer, receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away." 
 
 Prudence seemed to dictate my not inserting the name 'emperor,' 
 lest the parcel should be intercepted. 
 
 That to the prince Alexander Galitzin, and his secretary, was as 
 follows : — 
 
 " I' believe I can safely say, a day has not passed since our 
 parting, wherein I have not recurred to the frequent opportunities 
 we had together, and been made renewedly sensible of the pre- 
 cious savour of Divine love, which then so sweetly united our 
 hearts in sincere desires for each other's welfare. 
 
 " Daily have my prayers been put up to the Lord Almighty, 
 whose power alone can preserve in heights and in depths ; that he 
 may be pleased to support your heads above every billow, which, in 
 the ordering of his Divine wisdom, and for the accomplishment 
 of his inscrutable designs, may be permitted to arise : and I am 
 well assured, that if he alone be looked unto and depended upon, 
 he will do thus for you, and enable you to continue to run in the 
 ways of his requirings without being weary, notwithstanding the 
 many discouragements with which the enemy of all righteousness
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 1 -29 
 
 may be permitted to assail your minds, 'i hat tliis may be our 
 united experience, is the fervent prayer of my soul. Please accept 
 of a small token of my remembrance. 
 
 " Thomas Shillitoe." 
 
 The Yearly Meeting being over, I returned to Slieffield. Not 
 getting better of that lassitude, weariness, and increase of pain in 
 my shoulder produced on the Continent, it was proposed for me 
 to spend some time at Buxton, to bathe and drink the waters, which 
 I consented to, and 1 found great relief thereby. During my stay at 
 Buxton, I was disposed one morning to go into the poor's 
 bathing-room, whilst the men were bathing ; but from the small- 
 ness of the place, the want of proper ventilation, and the smell 
 of the men's dirty clothes, I was under the necessity of imme- 
 diately leaving it. I was well informed, that the poor patients 
 were often obliged to dress themselves wet, for want of towels, 
 which many were so poor they could not bring with them ; and 
 when they came out of the bath, they had to stand on the bare 
 stones, or sit on a stone seat without matting, to undress and 
 dress ; and thus, though some might derive benefit, others were 
 more likely to have their sufferings increased. Believing I should 
 not feel myself acquitted in point of duty, unless I did my utmost 
 fully to investigate the accommodations of these baths for the poor, 
 1 set about the business in good earnest. When I liad fully satis- 
 fied myself by witnessing the manner in which these baths were neg- 
 lected every way, (except the bare use of the water.) the next con- 
 sideration was, how these things were to be remedied ; and I found 
 1 must not leave Buxton, if 1 was favoured to preserve a peaceful, 
 quiet mind, until I had made every effort in my power towards the 
 accomplishment of this object. I turned my attention first to one 
 person and then to another in the place, to whom I might open 
 my views ; but I did not seem at liberty to confer with any of 
 them on the subject. I was informed that visitors hud already 
 felt much on account of the neglected state of these baths, and 
 in consequence of their exertions, an assurance had been given 
 that the evils should be remedied; but after they left Buxton 
 nothing had been done. 1 was brought so under the weight of 
 the subject, that it appeared to me I must make a visit in 
 person to the Duke of Devonshire, the baths being his pro- 
 perty. I therefore drew up a fair statement of all things relative 
 to the defects of these baths, and walked to Chatjvworth. As 
 I walked there, I felt somewhat discouraged. Having no letter 
 of introduction, I called at the house of a Friend at Bakewell, 
 hoping through him to obtain a letter of introduction from the 
 clergyman of the parish ; but the Friend was not at home. I 
 proceeded under the belief, that the bet of introduction would 
 accompany me if I only went in the faith, that He, who, I hun - 
 
 VOL. II. ^
 
 130 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 bly hope I felt, had called me to the work, was able to make 
 the way easy for me to obtain the ear of the duke ; I therefore 
 proceeded. On my arrival at the porter's lodge, 1 was informed 
 the duke did not receive any verbal messages. I had put into 
 my pocket one of our works on the principles of our religious 
 Society, thinking, if a difficulty should arise about my obtaining 
 an interview, this might in some way be a help to me : I then 
 wrote the following note, and sent it to the duke : — 
 
 " One of the Society of Friends, wishes in person to present the 
 Duke with a work, which he hopes the Duke will find an interest 
 in reading." 
 
 The note being sent, I was immediately introduced to the 
 duke, who received me with great affability, requesting 1 would 
 take a seat : on my presenting him with the book, he expressed 
 the satisfaction he had in receiving it, and in a handsome manner 
 proposed paying for it ; to which, of course, I fully objected. 
 I then opened to him the main subject which had been the cause 
 of my making him the visit. It appeared he was wholly unac- 
 quainted with the neglected state of these baths for the poor ; for he 
 said, that it was his desire that the poor when bathing should be 
 made as comfortable as the rich ; he treated the subject in an open, 
 agreeable manner, manifesting an inclination to receive any infor- 
 mation 1 was capable of giving him. On my begging leave to 
 read the observations which I had made relative to the wants of 
 the poor's baths, he readily granted my request ; a copy of which 
 I left with him, recommending him to visit them himself when 
 the men were bathing, that he might see and judge for himself 
 what was necessary to be done there, to render the poor comfort- 
 able, which he assured me he would do, and that the needful should 
 be done ; he expressed the obligation in strong terms, which he felt 
 himself under to me, by my laying this matter before him, and we 
 parted in a friendly manner. 1 walked back to Buxton, rejoicing 
 that the way had been made thus easy for me. Although from the 
 extreme heat of the weather, and the distance I had to walk, being 
 at least twelve miles, I felt greatly fatigued ; yet the satisfaction 
 of mind resulting from my exerting myself in doing my very best 
 for the help of those, who were not in a way to help themselves, 
 abundantly recompensed me. It soon became noised abroad that 
 I had been to Chatsworth, to the duke, and the supposed errand 
 I had been on ; this reached the ear of the individual in whom 
 the duke confided to see that these matters were properly attended 
 to ; he soon afterwards made me a call, informing me, if I had 
 spoken to him, the needful should have been done. But I had 
 from good authority understood such promises had before been 
 made by the same individual, but never realized. I was therefore 
 persuaded no way was so likely to effect a remedy, as going to the
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 131 
 
 principal, as I had done. I left Buxton sliortly after; but I 
 received accounts from vi^^itors wjiom I left behind ine, that soon 
 after my departure the necessary improvements for the accommo- 
 dation of the poors' baths took place, for both men and women. 
 
 9th of 3d mo. 1825. My son-in-law received a letter from a Friend, 
 who was desirous of laying before me a prospect of duty, \^hich 
 would be required of him to make a visit to New South W'ales ; 
 but as my mind was under exercise, from an apprehension the 
 time was nearly come, when 1 must be willing to lay before my 
 friends a prospect of religious duty, to visit t'riends on the con- 
 tinent of America, and that it would be unsafe for me to enter 
 into the Friend's concern, I durst not read the letter. The latter 
 end of this month, accompanied by my dear wife, wc returned to 
 our own home. 
 
 Second month, 1826. My religious prospects to visit the con- 
 tinent of North America being now matured, 1 this day informed 
 the Friends of my own monthly meeting thereof, and a certificate 
 was granted me accordingly. At the quarterly meeting, in the 
 Third month, I again opened my prospect of duty, to pay a 
 religious visit to Friends on the continent of America; which 
 being united with by the quarterly meeting, an endorsement 
 was made on the monthly meeting's certificate, and signed by 
 the clerk. Having proceeded thus far towards my being set at 
 liberty, and my dear wife becoming so infirm, as to make it ne- 
 cessary she should be nearer meeting than we at present were, and 
 it being her desire again to settle in the compass of Totteidiam 
 monthly meeting, I engaged a residence for her there, to which 
 place we moved previously to the Yearly Meeting. At the select 
 Yearly Meeting, in the Fifth month, 1826, I opened my prospect 
 of duty to pay a religious visit to Friends in America ; and this 
 meeting, after solid deliberation thereon, ordered a certilicate to 
 be prepared ; which being done, and signed, was given me ac- 
 cordingly. 
 
 21st of 6th mo. attended the quarterly meeting of Hertford, 
 of which I still remained a member, and from Hertford, 1 pro- 
 ceeded to Hitchin, to take leave of my dear children and friends 
 there. 
 
 K 2
 
 132 
 
 CHAPTER XXX. 
 
 Sixth-day, 21st of 7tli mo. 1826. I left my dear wife, family, 
 and comfortable home at Tottenham ; proceeded to London, and, 
 accompanied by three Friends, afterwards took coach to Shef- 
 field, in Yorkshire ; at which place we were favoured to arrive 
 safely on Seventh-day afternoon. 
 
 First-day, attended the usual meeting there ; in which I hum- 
 bly hope I may say, I endeavoured to acquit myself in such a 
 way as would be the most likely to secure to me that continuance 
 of Divine regard, which I awfully felt my situation in prospect 
 would in a more especial manner need. The meeting in the 
 afternoon was largely attended, and I believe proved a time of 
 Divine favour, to the humbling of my heart. 
 
 Second-day morning, 24th of 7th mo., attended to some ar- 
 rangements for my departure, and on Third-day morning, accom- 
 panied by my dear son-in-law, John Heppen stall, proceeded to 
 Ackworth school to attend the general meeting of that institution 
 next day ; on our arrival we were kindly received by Robert 
 Whitaker, his v/ife, and other members of that family. Here I 
 met with divers Friends from different parts of the nation, which 
 appeared to be mutually consoling. It is a great favour thus to 
 find that the bond of true discipleship is not dissolved. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, the meeting for Divine worship com- 
 menced ; it was attended by Friends and some others not in pro- 
 fession with us, and proved a season in which the Ancient of 
 Days was pleased, in his renewings of mercy, to condescend to come 
 down and tabernacle with us, to the comforting of the minds of 
 such as were rightly concerned to gather to that place of true 
 waiting, where alone a right qualification for the performance 
 of acceptable worship is to be known. After this, the con- 
 cerns of the institution were entered upon : being one, amongst 
 many more, nominated as a committee to examine the children's 
 progress in learning, I quietly submitted to my name standing, 
 rather than set an example of refusing ; notwithstanding I felt so
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. ] .'J.'j 
 
 enfeebled both in mind and body, with the prospect of the n-nrlv 
 approaching trials that awaited me, I coidd ghidly have been ex- 
 cused. In the evening, after supper, the usual pause took place ; 
 and by endeavouring faithfully to cast before my frieiuis that 
 which I believed was given me for communication, the dav closed 
 peacefully with me ; for which, I hope I may say, I was favoured 
 to feel humbly thankful. 
 
 Fifth-day evening, the business of the general meeting con- 
 cluded, with feelings of gratitude accompanying many of our minds 
 for the ftivours that had been dispensed by the great I Am, during 
 its several sittings, and in mercy continued to the end. After 
 the close of the general meeting, I proceeded to Doncaster, lodged 
 at Richard Cocking's, and next day returned to Shenield. 
 
 Seventh-day, 29th of 7th mo. 1 proceeded by coach for Liver- 
 pool, with my son-in-law John Heppenstall ; which place we 
 reached this evening, and were kindly received by our mutual 
 friends, Thomas and Frances Thompson, by whom I was informed 
 my passage in the packet, about to sail for New York on 
 Third-day, had not been secured, agreeably to my request : the 
 captain feared he could not make me comfortable, as he wished to 
 do, in consequence of the crowd of cabin-passengers that were 
 going in her, mostly gay young men ; and should they be dis- 
 posed to sit up late at night, singing, dancing, and drinking, as at 
 times is the case, they would greatly annoy me, and the captain 
 might not have it in his power to prevent it. I'hcre being two 
 merchant vessels about to sail for New York the same day, it was 
 by my friends apprehended I should be more comfortably accom- 
 modated by going in one of them : it was too late this evening to 
 attend to this matter, so that the subject was left until Second- 
 day. First-day, I found it hard work to stand up in meeting this 
 morning ; 1 delivered that which to me appeared to be the counsel 
 of my Divine Master. The evening meeting was largely attended, 
 it was a very exercising time ; yet 1 felt thankful my lot was cast 
 amongst Friends in this place; believing there were yet preserved 
 in this meeting, those who are mourning the dcsolati(m which the 
 spirit of the world has occasioned, within the borders of our once 
 highly-favoured Society. Spent the evening at my ciuarters : this 
 day closed under a comfortable hope I had been found in the 
 faithful discharge of apprehended duty; and earnest were my 
 desires to be preserved moving under the guidance of Divine 
 wisdom, in securing my passage across the mighty ocean. 
 
 Second-day morning, 31st 'of 7th mo., the way appearing to 
 open with clearness in my mind, I proposed a few Friends to ac- 
 company me first on board the packet ; apprehending it would 
 not be safe for me to relinquish a passage in her, in favour ot one 
 in either of the merchantmen, until I had a clearer evidence than
 
 134 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 at present I was able to come at ; notwithstanding all the difli- 
 culties a passage in the packet seemed to threaten. Accom- 
 panied by my kind friends Thomas and Frances Thompson, 
 and other Friends, we proceeded on board the Pacific, packet- 
 ship, Captain Crocker, bound for New York ; we took our seats in 
 the cabin : my spirit was bowed in humble prostration before the 
 throne of Divine grace, accompanied with earnest desires to be 
 favoured with all-sufficient help, that a wiUingness might be 
 brought about in me cheerfully to yield to the Divine will. 1 
 was favoured to get into that quiet, where alone the voice of 
 the true Shepherd is to be known ; and a clear sense was, as I 
 believed, given me, that if I vere faithful to present conviction, I 
 must submit to have my passage secured in the Pacific, and not 
 suffer my mind to be perplexed by seeking further ; 1 therefore 
 informed my friends to this effect : and being encouraged by my 
 friends to attend to my feelings on this subject that had brought 
 us together, my passage was secured in the packet. 
 
 Third-day, 1st of 8th mo., accompanied by my son-in-law, T., 
 and F. Thompson, and divers other Friends, we went on board 
 the packet. I humbly hope I could say, I felt truly thankful in 
 feehng myself so much at home on board ; my mind was calm, 
 without a desire to leave, until, if permitted so to do, I should 
 land on the other side the Atlantic ocean. We soon left the dock, 
 and were towed by a steam-boat about five miles down the river 
 Mersey ; the wind being unfavourable for us to proceed on our 
 voyage, we cast anchor for the night. Many of the cabin-passen- 
 gers returned by the steam-boat to the shore again ; but as I had 
 taken an affectionate farewell of my friends, and had indulged in 
 the prospect of them on the pier, as long as my eyes were capa- 
 ble of this enjoyment, I concluded it would be best for me to re- 
 main quietly on board, and occupy my time in arranging my lug- 
 gage, before the hurry occasioned by the other passengers, who 
 would be alike occupied, commenced. Captain Crocker had 
 kindly given up to me his own berth ; which being about the 
 centre of the vessel, and having it to myself, 1 passed the night 
 very comfortably ; yet not without some feelings of doubt, how 
 it would prove with us when the cabin-passengers returned to the 
 vessel. I could not but anticipate the probability of our fre- 
 quently interrupting each other, from the small space we had to 
 occupy compared with our^ number ; there were twenty-seven 
 cabin-passengers, a considerable number in steerage, with our 
 captain and his men, in all amounting to seventy-five souls. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, we had a very awful storm of thunder 
 and lightning ; but my mind was, through Divine mercy, pre- 
 served quiet through the whole ; under the assurance I was as 
 safe^ and a^ much under the Divine protection at sea, as on the
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 133 
 
 dry land. About ten o'clock, our captain and the remainder of 
 my fellow-passengers came on board: and about luiH' an liuur 
 after their arrival, we set sail with a fair wind for New York. 1 
 was truly glad that I remained on board, and embraced the op- 
 portunity of arranging my luggage, from the confusion occasioned 
 for a time by those who went on sliore. About Icn this even- 
 ing we passed Holyhead. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, the wind fair; I began to feel symptoms of 
 sea-sickness, but it lasted a very short time: 1 became more com- 
 fortable the remainder of the day ; although my dear wife and 
 children at times glanced before the view of my mind, yet I was not 
 permitted to feel anxiety on their account, or for aught 1 had left 
 behind me. My greatest concern now was, having thus embarked 
 on the bosom of the great deep under an apprehension of Divine re- 
 quiring, that during my separation (whether shorter or longer) from 
 them and my outward concerns, 1 might be preserved so fully and 
 so faithfully attending to my great Master's business, and so 
 patiently abiding in that sphere of action he may see meet to 
 place me in, as that, when my service on the American shore 
 shall be over, if permitted to return to my native land, it may be 
 with the reward of that soul-enriching peacc^ which ever will in 
 due time follow obedience unto Him. 
 
 Sixth-day, the wind fair : at ten this morning we came in iiiglit 
 of Cape Clear, and about noon we lost sight of land and entered 
 the Atlantic Ocean. On taking a view of some of my giddy and gay 
 companions on ship-board, and looking towards the approaching 
 First-day of the week, I felt very thoughtful as to the manner in 
 which I feared it was likely to be spent ; unless early care was 
 taken to endeavour after as quiet an observance of it, as the na- 
 ture of our situation and variety of our dispositions would admit. 
 I therefore took an opportunity to speak to the captain on the 
 subject, proposing our endeavouring to pass the First-day of the 
 week, as much as possible, consistently with the design of its being 
 set apart from the other six working days ; to which he replied, 
 he hoped it would be the case ; and here the matter rested for the 
 present. I had been led to consider, when the passengers re- 
 turned to the vessel again, that the first impressions we receive of 
 liking or disliking each other, are the most lasting; and that 
 when once the mind has received an unfavourable bias, or an im- 
 pression of disgust, in consequence of any improper demeanour 
 on our parts, it becomes an almost insuperable bar to that line of 
 usefulness which otherwise we might be of. My own comfort- 
 able procedure from day to day, (whilst confined in such a narrow 
 space as we were— only the cabin or the deck for our accommoda- 
 tion,) and the way opening in the minds of my fellow-passengers 
 to receive any proposals 1 should feel it right to make to them, 
 with respect to the manner of passing the First-day, wovdd there-
 
 136 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 fore mucli depctKl on my carrying myself in the onset as cour- 
 teously and allably as 1 could towards all ; at the same lime, not 
 countenancing actions or expressions, by keeping silence when 
 dpty called upon me to rebuke ; but being careful at all times to 
 feel the necessity laid on me so to do, and that it be done in the 
 spirit of love and meekness ; otherwise to keep silence, and let the 
 countenance manifest, we do not approve of words or actions op- 
 posed to the doctrine of Christ our Saviour. 
 
 Seventh-day, wind fair, which I hope I esteem a great favour : 
 may I give proof thereof by my consistent conduct at all times 
 and on all occasions, whilst confined in this small space ; and not 
 expect more from my fellow-passengers than I have a right to look 
 for, considering their age, education, variety of dispositions and 
 j>ropensities ; but endeavour to bear with Christian patience and 
 fortitude any unpleasant occurrences, should such take place. 
 
 t irst-day morning, calm weather : we make but little way. 
 My sickness has wholly subsided, and my appetite continues 
 good ; yet my mind is afresh brought under exercise, at the pros- 
 pect of proposing to my fellow passengers our assembling to-day 
 in a religious capacity : may I be preserved, keeping my proper 
 place amongst them every way. At the breakfast-table, this 
 morning, 1 received strength to propose, that we should fix upon 
 an hour to collect together, to sit down to read the Scriptures ; 
 this seemed to be as far as I felt myself authorized to go ; 
 with which the captain and passengers united, and proposed our 
 meeting at half-past ten this morning. A general muster took 
 place accordingly : after a short pause, one of the most giddy 
 of our company, a well educated man, proposed himself to take 
 my Bible and be the first reader. On my being queried with, if 
 I had any choice where our reading should commence, having 
 thus far been fjxvourcd to gain their attention, I felt most easy to 
 leave this matter to themselves. After a suitable time had been 
 spent in reading, a pause ensued ; and feeling, as I was led to be- 
 lieve, my mind charged with something for communication, that 
 which was offered appeared to be generally well received. I had 
 proposed in my own mind to make a visit to the steerage-pas- 
 sengers and the ship's crew, and read to them ; but before I 
 could make the effort towards it, a giddy young man of our com- 
 pany proposed such a measure being adopted, and offered to 
 accompany me with my Bible, and others offered their assistance 
 in reading to them ; which accordingly took place ; those who 
 attended, of the steerage-passengers and men, behaved orderly, 
 manifesting satisfiiction that they had been thus far noticed ; and 
 the day passed over quietly, beyond my expectation. Supper 
 being over, I proposed closing the day by some one of us again 
 reading a suitable portion of the sacred writings, which was joined 
 in with, and our company assembled in the lound-house. Aftev
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 137 
 
 all were seated, and a quiet took place, first one and then another 
 of our company read ; after which a little quiet ensued, and one 
 of our company, a serious young Englishman, proposed givin*-- 
 out a hymn. For a moment 1 felt in a strait between two; bu*t 
 as I was not bound to take an active part with them in this 
 matter, it appeared best for me quietly to keep my seat amongst 
 them. When it was over, I felt thankful, in that I had reason^to 
 believe my not joining my voice with theirs therein, had not 
 lessened that regard which they increasingly manifested towards 
 me. Soon after our separation, we all retired early to bed. 7'he 
 day having thus comfortably closed, was cause of thankful- 
 ness to my own mind ; and there was good ground for believing 
 it was so w'th others in our company. This day's proceeding 
 afresh excited in me feelings of gratitude to my Divine Master, in 
 that he was pleased to preserve me from abandoning the taking 
 my passage in the Pacific. 
 
 Second-day, not making much way to New York : my mind 
 continues to be preserved in patience ; a virtue necessary for those 
 to have a good store of, who traverse the great deep, where there 
 is nothing to look to but the unstable element, besides Him, 
 under whose controlling power alone it is, to command a storm 
 or a calm. Yet the adversary assaults me not a little with fears 
 and discouragements, if possible, to lay waste my confidence 
 in the Divine ail-sufficiency, to care for and protect me on every 
 hand ; but Divine mercy continues still to watch over me : that I 
 may never be permitted to forfeit this Divine superintending care 
 and protection, is the earnest prayer of my soul. 
 
 1 hird-day, fair weather, but the wind so very light, we make 
 but little way. How entirely, under our present circumstances, 
 are we dependent on that Almighty power, who can command the 
 winds and be obeyed ! Towards evening a brisk gale sprang up, 
 which had a cheering effect on the countenances of many of my 
 fellow-passengers, who were longing to reach our destined port. 
 1 hope I am not unmindful of the favours I am in the enjoyment 
 of, in being preserved in resignation, as to the event of a short or 
 a long passage. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, going through the night at the rate of 
 seven knots an hour, and continuing so to do ; from the motion 
 of the vessel, some of us feel disposed to l)e a little squeamish ; 
 but towards noon the wind slackened. What a mercy it is from 
 our heavenly Father, to be made willing, in every state, therewith 
 to be content ! During my time of retirement this morning, I 
 was led to see with the eyes of my soul, as clearly so as ever I 
 beheld any object with my outward eyes, myself landed in the 
 city of NcAv York, and a man approaching me in full speed, 
 and I was led to believe his mind was charged with combustible 
 matter to pour out upon me. This, at first, caused that degree
 
 188 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 of sadness to come over my mind, which I cannot describe ; but I 
 was favoured with the assurance, if my dependence continued to 
 remain firmly fixed on that arm of Divine preservation, which had 
 brought me through so many difficulties and dangers, this man 
 would be restrained by that same invisible arm of power from 
 doing me harm ; after which my mind became tranquillized again. 
 
 Fifth-day, going at the rate of eight knots an hour, which 
 caused great motion in the vessel. I found I must try to keep as 
 quiet as possible, or there would be a danger of my being quite 
 laid by. The man I had seen during my retirement yesterday, 
 came to-day fresh before the view of my mind ; but an assurance 
 attended from Him, who never fails to fulfil all his gracious pro- 
 mises, (if on our part we are careful that the conditions of them 
 are faithfully complied with,) that if I was earnestly concerned to 
 keep near to Him, who had called me forth into his service, care- 
 fully avoiding meddling with matters that I was not called upon 
 to meddle with, patiently enduring such opposition as I might 
 have to meet with, in a faithful discharge of apprehended duty, 
 the sure Rock of defence would be found to be a shelter for me in 
 every storm. 
 
 Sixth-day, wind favourable : we have been out at sea only ten 
 days, and it is supposed we have made at least one-third of our 
 passage. 
 
 Seventh-day, 12th of 8th mo. Weather continues very fine ; 
 our passengers generally in good health. I often crave Divine 
 support, to be preserved keeping my proper place amongst them ; 
 especially as way appeared to be opened in their minds, to receive 
 any thing and evei'y thing I may have to offer, whether by way of 
 counsel or reproof; they also showed me every mark of respect, 
 when I have at any time felt it required of me to give a suitable hint, 
 on its being evident their conduct has not quite savoured of a 
 Christian spirit. About noon, we hailed an English brig, bound for 
 Liverpool. It appeared we had been now eleven days from our 
 moorings, and sailed 1300 miles. I have been permitted for a short 
 time this day, to have my mind occupied in thinking on my dear 
 wife and family; but 1 find it will not be profitable for me to in- 
 dulge much in this way, and considering (as my great Master well 
 knows) that an over-anxious disposition of mind is one of my very 
 weak sides, I esteem it, I hope, a favour, that his restraining hand is 
 thus laid upon me. May 1 continue resigned to every one of his 
 dispensations, however opposed to human nature. I cannot help 
 looking forward with some degree of thoughtfulness towards to- 
 morrow, accompanied with earnest breathings of soul towards the 
 Lord, that he would preserve me keeping my proper place 
 amongst our ship's company. 
 
 First-day, the wind a-head this morning, which occasions our 
 being on the tack. The motion of the vessel is very trying
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 13<J 
 
 to US passengers, which led me to fear our intended sitting 
 together this morning, as heretofore, would be prevented ; 1)11° 
 when the time appointed came, 1 requested our kind captain 
 to promote our being called together, which he cheerfully ap- 
 peared to do ; we mustered pretty strong, considering the 
 change that had taken place in the motion of our vessel; whereby 
 some of our company to-day were much indisposed. When all 
 were seated, a suitable pause took place, and a few chapters out of 
 the New Testament were read by different individuals of our com- 
 pany ; after which we again sat in quiet. Matter arose in my 
 mind for communication; but, from the indisposition 1 was 
 labouring under, owing to the sickly motion of the vessel, I 
 feared the probability of my being able to acquit myself to any 
 advantage to our company, which caused much hesitation in my 
 own mind ; yet I felt a dread of the consequences of withholding, 
 not doubting but that inward poverty would be the result ; but 
 after a struggle, I was favoured with strength to yield to appre- 
 hended duty. The evening closed with reading, as before, all 
 retiring quietly to bed at an early hour. 
 
 Second-day, the wind still a-head, and from the constant un- 
 comfortable motion of the vessel, many of my fellow-passengers, 
 as well as myself, feel much exhausted. 
 
 Third day, 15th. The wind yet a-head, a fresh call for the 
 exercise of patience : may I be preserved from manifesting any- 
 thing even like a contrary disposition before my fellow-passengers, 
 is what I desire of the Lord my God. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, after a sleepless night, owing to our fre- 
 quent tacking, and the rolling of the vessel, I went on deck, and 
 found, by inquiry, we had made but little way during the night, 
 the wind still continuing a-head. By endeavouring to keep in 
 the quiet, under our present trying situation, I was favoured to 
 attain to that state of mind, in which I thought I could truly say, 
 I had not the least shadow of a desire to be anywhere than where 
 I now actually am. Although for the first eleven days we had 
 made more than one-third of our passage, for the last five days we 
 have been continually on the tack, and made but very little way. 
 Amongst such a company, I found it difficult to come at a secure 
 spot for retirement ; I shifted from place to place, above and 
 below deck, but in vain, until I took my seat behind the mast of 
 the forecastle. Some of my omissions on shore found me ont. in 
 this the most secluded spot I could come at, and 1 durst not do 
 otherwise than suffer them to have their full scope in my mind; 
 although my thus giving place to the painful remembrance of 
 them occasioned some very deep-felt secret sighs, yet I was led to 
 view it as a mark of Divine mercy and regard, in thus bringing 
 again before the view of my mind my short-comings, in order that 
 I may take warning thereby in my future moving along ; and
 
 l40 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 more especially so, in that I thought I was favoured with the 
 evidence in myself", my disobedience did not lie against me as 
 wilful. This proved a season, not only of renewing covenant ; 
 but earnest were the breathings of my exercised soul, that faith- 
 fulness might (through that adorable help that I was led to be- 
 lieve would, from time to time, be offered for my acceptance,) so 
 mark all and every of my footsteps on the American shore, as that 
 I might be preserved from adding to that catalogue of omissions, 
 which, at times, rise up in my mind and reproach me. 
 
 Fifth-day morning : we have passed a very blowing night, with 
 the wind still a-head, the ocean greatly agitated ; many of us much 
 indisposed in consequence. A day of as great exercise of faith 
 and patience as most that I have known ; a day of frequent re- 
 newing of covenant — a day in which my mind has been brought 
 to a willingness (I humbly hope in godly sincerity) to say to 
 my great Almighty Benefactor and Preserver, ' I am willing to go 
 anywhere, and to any one, thou mayst be pleased to send me, 
 and through the continuance of thy holy aid, to deliver thy 
 whole counsel, be it whatsoever it may.' The prospect I have had 
 for many years, of making a religious visit to New South Wales, 
 glancing afresh before the view of my mind, occasioned some deep 
 heart-felt sighs ; that if it should continue to be a Divine re- 
 quiring, my great Master would not leave nor forsake me ; until a 
 cheerful resignation was brought about, to yield to his requiring 
 in this and every other matter of duty. 
 
 Sixth-day morning ; Going on deck, the captain reported, we 
 were now pursuing our right course, which was cheering to our 
 minds, and at the rate of five knots an hour : expectations were 
 held out, of our reaching soundings on the banks of Newfoundland 
 by twelve o'clock to-night, if we continued this course ; but at 
 sunset the wind very much abated, and we had a very trying 
 night from the rolling of the vessel : I passed a very sleepless 
 one. A calm came on, and from the increase of the rolling of 
 our vessel, I was obliged to take my position at full length on the 
 deck. During the stretching of my weary body on this hard 
 bed, my mind was led to contemplate the unbounded power of the 
 great Ruler of the whole universe ; — that the sovereign on his 
 throne, has no more place with Him, than the beggar on the dung- 
 hill, but as it becomes the sovereign's chief care and concern to 
 be found walking in that way which is well pleasing unto his great 
 Creator ; by whom he, as well as the meanest of his subjects, will 
 be judged in a future day, for the deeds done in the body. These 
 considerations led me afresh into near sympathy with my dear 
 sovereign, surrounded as he is by temptations, and by those 
 called his friends ; who, there is reason to fear, will prove the 
 worst of enemies — flatterers, a description of persons who sur- 
 round those in power: and my soul was led to crave for him a
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLMOK. 11] 
 
 continuance of that help, wljich alone can enable him, now in his 
 advanced life, to choose the Lord for his portion ; and thcrchv 
 secure for himself that celestial crown designed for him. 
 
 Seventh-day morning. O, holy FatherT keep me in the hollow 
 of thy Divine hand this day; that so, through my good examnjt- 
 to the multitude inclosed with me by these wooden walls, who 
 appear watching my movements, thy great name may be glori- 
 fied, and inquiry begotten after the more acceptable way of 
 serving thee, our God. 
 
 First-day morning. The little wind we have is still a-head : 
 a degree of solicitude accompanies my mind tliis morning;, that 
 quietness as a canopy may cover our minds, and that no'thino- 
 on my part may be promotive of the contrary. At the time pro*^ 
 posed, we collected together pretty generally ; and after all were 
 seated, and a pause had taken place, one of our company com- 
 menced reading: when the reading closed, a pause took place 
 again, and we separated much in quiet. After which, accompa- 
 nied by some of my fellow-passengers, we proceeded to the fore- 
 castle, and collected such of the steerage-passengers and men as 
 were at liberty to give us their company : after reading to them, 
 a pause took place ; feehng, as I apprehended, my mind charged 
 with something for communication, that which I had to offer 
 appeared to be well received. In the evening, on my proposing 
 to our kind captain our reading, he ordered the round-house to 
 be lighted up, and a pretty general assembling of our companv took 
 place : reading commenced, and the evening closed quietly, and in 
 a manner becoming the occasion for which the day was set apart ; 
 each retired early to bed. 
 
 Second-day morning : after passing a comfortable night, I went on 
 deck, and found the wind was still a-head of us ; yet, through that 
 adorable mercy, which, I was favoured renewedly to experience, 
 was watching over me, guarding me on the right hand and on the 
 left, I was preserved both from being over-elated when we were 
 making speed on our passage, and from bein'j: cast down when 
 we were tossed to and fro by the mighty billows, (which roll one 
 after another against the sides of our vessel,) making little or 
 no way on our passage. Nor had I the shadow of a desire this 
 morning to be anywhere but where I now am ; feeling truly 
 thankful, as I humbly hope has been the case, I have been 
 enabled, in my conduct and conversation amongst our shi])'s 
 company, to set an example of quiet submission to this, as well 
 as every other dispensation of Divine wisdom. He deals with 
 us, his unworthy creatures, as a tender father ; when he permits 
 our worldly undertakings to be prosperous, or all our fairest pros- 
 pects to be blasted, whether gradually, or as in a moment, 
 when the destroyer is suffered to enter our borders, — yet all is in 
 mercy, unmerited mercy. A small part of our company sat
 
 142 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 longer than usual after dinner, over tlicir wine, which tlircatenod 
 to produce a disposition to disturb the quiet of the rest of the 
 company on board : such a circumstance not having l)efore oc- 
 curred, I proceeded to the cabin, and in a kind, persuasive way, 
 entreated them to quit their bottles and glasses, and give us their 
 company on deck, with which, in a short time, they appeared 
 pleasantly to comply. Whilst 1 was sitting in the round-house 
 this evening, part of our company came in one after another, 
 and taking their seats, soon began to sing ; on which I arose to 
 retire, which being observed by them, tlicy proposed to desist 
 from their singing, if 1 wished tliem, rather than offend me : 
 but as I did not feel that which would have warranted such a 
 request on my part, never having heard, since coming on board 
 the vessel, any thing escape any of their lips in this way that was 
 indecent or immoral, I left the round-house. I felt satisfied with 
 proceeding as I had thus done, aware that if we are favoured 
 to preserve that place in the minds of our fellow-passengers, so 
 that a word of caution, counsel, or reproof is well received, we 
 must not expect more from them than would be consistent with 
 their education, manner of bringing up, natural disposition, and 
 advancement (if they had known any) in religion. 
 
 Third-day morning : the wind continued a-head of us : we 
 sailed for awhile with a prospect of a short passage ; but how it 
 may fare with us is all uncertain : we have no power to help our- 
 selves on this trackless ocean ; it is enough to be favoured to 
 know our minds preserved in stability, and to be able to say in 
 sincerity of soul unto Him, who when he commands is obeyed, 
 whether it be a storm or a calm, a wind favourable to our prospects 
 of things, or opposed thereunto, ' Thy will be done.' This being 
 the state of my mind, I humbly hope, as I am not able of myself 
 to come to it, 1 feel truly thankful for the favour. 
 
 Fourth-day : the wind a little changed in our favour ; but 
 towards noon it turned a-head again. We have not, as yet, 
 reached the banks of Newfoundland, so little way have we made 
 for the last twelve days. The weather continues to be very fine, 
 which is a great favour for us passengers, both in the cabin and 
 in the steerage ; for the state of the air being very oppressive, we 
 must have suffered much, if we could not have remained on deck 
 until we retired to rest; notwithstanding which, I found ^it hard 
 work at times to bear up against that dizziness in my head, and 
 uncomfortable sensation in my stomach, as well as those mis- 
 givings inwardly, which often arose before the view of my mind ; 
 which if I had given way to, might have proved the means of my 
 losing hold of the anchor of hope and shield of faith. 
 
 Sixth-day morning; the wind still a-head of us: our ship's 
 company separated into little parties, some playing at drafts, 
 others ut cards, for amusement, it not appearing that money had
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. I'i3 
 
 any share in these matters, and nothing but quietness and pood 
 humour prevailed. Although I would rather have seen them 
 employing their time in a way more profitable to their own minds, 
 yet on casting my eye over them, I remembered (and there- 
 fore kept silence) the old adage, * of two evils, choose the least ;' 
 concluding, their being thus employed might be the means of 
 their being- preserved from that which would be the greater 
 evil, namely, sitting at their wine and spirits ; a certain sum 
 being fixed for the passage, wine and spirits included, of which 
 a great variety and abundant supply was laid in, for the cabin-pas- 
 sengers to call for at all times, and the quantity not limited. This 
 proved a trying day to me, from the misgivings I had to combat 
 with, when considering the small space between us and eternity, 
 and that the starting of one of the planks of our vessel, in all 
 probability would inevitably soon send us to the bottom of the 
 mighty deep. I had almost come to the conclusion, from the fears 
 thus awakened in my mind, 1 should not be able to retire to my 
 bed again ; but I was led to consider, that as I had hitherto been 
 enabled to hold up to my fellow-passengers, the absolute neccf^^^sity 
 of our maintaining an entire trust and confidence in the sufficiency 
 of the Divine power to preserve vis amidst every danger, should 
 I be queried with as to my motive for not retiring to rest as usual, 
 the only reason I should be able to give for my conduct in this 
 respect would expose me to censure, and I should condemn 
 myself. However, by endeavouring after that help that has never 
 yet failed me in seasons like these, I was enabled again to lay 
 hold of it when bed-time came, and lie down in full confidence no 
 harm would befall us. 
 
 A fair wind sprung up, and we are going seven knots an hour, 
 advancing now towards the banks of Newfoundland. Our ship's 
 company appeared much cheered with the prospect before us ; 
 yet I could not but regret, that instead of a quiet feeling of gra- 
 titude to the great Author of all good, for this change that had 
 taken place in our circumstances, a disposition towards levity pre- 
 vailed with some of our ship's company. First-day now fast 
 approaching again ; I look towards it with earnest desires, that 
 nothing may be found wanting on my part towards promoting 
 the proper observance of it. 
 
 First-day morning, the vessel rolled so much in the night, I 
 had but little rest, yet the wind continues fair for us. Although 
 it is supposed we are two hundred and fifty miles from land any 
 way, yet a small bird, resenibling our yellow-hammer in England, 
 settled on our rigging ; we also had a sight of some whales at a 
 distance, one of vast size first throwing his head and shoulders 
 out of the water, and then his tail and the other part of his body, 
 spouting at a tremendous rate : it might have been gratifyuig to 
 our eyes to have had a nearer view of him, yet, consider mg what an
 
 14)4 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SlilLLlTOE. 
 
 enemy he might have proved by a nearer ajiproaeh, I was better 
 satisfied that our distance from him proved as it did. ^Ve held 
 our meeting as usual, and were favoured with a soHd, and, 1 hope, 
 to some, a profitable time. I was comforted, wjien the time of 
 silence took place, to observe the quiet that continued over us, 
 and the disposition manifested to remain so, until it appeared 
 right for us to separate. At the time of our meeting's breaking 
 up, a fishing-vessel appeared in sight, at anchor ; our captain 
 made towards her, and put out our long-boat : the mate and a 
 few of the passengers went on boaid, in hopes of being able to 
 procure some fresh fish, but found, on their arrival, all their last 
 week's catching was salted down ; yet they were willing to allow 
 our company the use of their baits, hooks, and lines, for the pur- 
 pose of a supply for their present wants, which privilege they em- 
 braced, and in a short time they returned again to the vessel, 
 with forty-nine fine cod-fish ; some, it was supposed, weighed 
 thirty pounds each. Although I could not be a partaker of them 
 myself, yet I felt a secret pleasure, not easily to be described, on 
 account of the steerage-passengers, who were to partake of this 
 feast, which the mighty deep had thus afforded them, and who 
 had been now living much on their salt provision. This fishing 
 excursion occurring on the breaking up of our meeting in the 
 cabin, the minds of the steerage-passengers appeared too unsettled 
 to be likely to take any interest in our reading to them, as hereto- 
 fore, and therefore it was not attempted ; but on inquiry, it was 
 thought seven o'clock in the evening might be a suitable time to 
 call them together for that purpose. When the time came, some 
 of the cabin-passengers, who had given up to read to them, failed 
 not to remind me of it, and we assembled accordingly. At first 
 f felt discouraged, from a fear we should not have been able to 
 come at that quiet so desirable. An Irishman, a steerage pas- 
 senger, became quarrelsome ; but he was prevailed upon to be 
 quiet, whilst one of our company was reading from the sacred 
 pages ; which contain matter suited to all states and conditions of 
 mankind. Wounded and bruised as we may have become, through 
 yielding to the world, the flesh, or the devil, or to all of them, 
 yet we shall find, as we peruse these sacred writings, with minds 
 rightly directed to the great Author of them, they will not fail to 
 bring us to the spot where a sovereign remedy will be found ; and 
 if we are but willing to have it applied to the full, and our wounds 
 searched to the very bottom, soundness of religious principle, ac- 
 companied by soundness of conduct and conversation, will be 
 brought about. Seated as I was on the forecastle, the vast ex- 
 panse of the mighty ocean before me, its agitated state, the sea 
 running very high, the rolling motion of the vessel through the 
 great foaming waves, together with the occasion we were then 
 assembled about, introduced my mind into very awful feelings.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. Mj 
 
 The fishing excursion had rather an iinscttliag efTect on some of 
 our cabin-passengers, so much so, that I felt discouraged as to th.3 
 probabihty of reading to profit, before we retired to rest ; and yet 
 I did not feel satisfied to omit proposing it, which, wlien done, 
 appeared to be cordially united with ; we therefore pretty gene- 
 rally assembled in the round-house, and very soon quietly settled 
 down. After the reading closed, during which a good degree 
 of attention was manifested, I ventured, as ability was° af- 
 forded, to plead the cause of truth and righteousness ; and for 
 aught I could observe, what I had to ofi'er was well re- 
 ceived. A good degree of solemnity continued during a consider- 
 able pause that took place before we separated ; after which, as 
 we were rising from our seats, a young man manifested a disposi- 
 tion to excite levity in the minds of two young women who had 
 conducted themselves orderly during our sitting, proposing their 
 singing a psalm or a hymn with him. From the light, airy 
 disposition, which evidently prevailed in his mind, I found 
 myself called upon to interfere. I told him if he would sing a 
 psalm or a hymn, in such a serious disposition of mind as was 
 well suited to the occasion, he must be left to his hberty so to 
 do ; but that, if he attempted it in the light airy disposition of 
 mind he was then in, it was my belief it would be nothing 
 short of offering an insult to the Divine Being ; and that sacred 
 things were not to be thus trifled with. He thanked me for my 
 observations, and there the matter ended. I was favoured to retire 
 to rest peacefully, and with contentedness of mind ; counting it, 
 I hope, a mei'cy to be spared from that anxiety, which seemed to 
 accompany the minds of some of my fellow-travellers to reach the 
 shore of New York. 
 
 Second-day morning, the wind was favourable, which was a 
 cheering prospect to our ship's company, in which I also was a 
 partaker, accompanied with feelings of gratitude that the weather 
 continued so favourable for our being on deck, and that health 
 prevailed throughout the whole ship's company. The state of the 
 air has greatly changed to cold, since coming to, and while 
 we were on, the banks of Newfoundland. We observed a whale 
 sporting about this day, which somewhat varied the scene, as we 
 rarely have had a vessel in sight. 
 
 Third-day, I passed a very trying night, from the constant 
 motion of the vessel ; towards morning, the wind sunk nearly to 
 a calm, yet we are making some way towards our port, but the 
 weather again became very oppressive, I could hardly keep on 
 deck until our awning was put up. A large water-spout appeared 
 in sight this morning ; our distance from it was supposed to be 
 about six miles ; it was very visible to the naked eye : a great 
 number of porpoises sporting about, enlivened the dreary same- 
 
 VOL. II. L
 
 14f> JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILJLITOE. 
 
 ness of the ocean. The heat was very oppressive, — the thermo- 
 meter stood at 8(F in the shade. 
 
 Fourth-day moruing, the wind rather tacked about, yet pretty 
 much in our favour, and the weather rather moderated from 
 a pleasant breeze springing up. New South Wales has been 
 uppermost with me part of this day, should it be required of me 
 to make the sacrifice ; the prospect of the length of such a 
 voyage, and the detention I might experience, my advanced age, 
 and the parting from my dear wife, never more to see her again 
 in this world, have bowed me as into the very dust ; until 1 was 
 enabled to address my great Almighty Master in the language of, 
 " I am resigned to go anywhere; only draw me by thy Spirit and 
 power, and make me willing to run after thee." I'his state of 
 true resignation, to what may be the future requirings of my 
 Divine Master, being tlius attained, I was favoured to rise again 
 as out of the deeps, and to enjoy the social company and con- 
 versation of my fellow-passengers, which previously I had no capa- 
 city for, until this baptism was thus far accomplished. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, the wind again a-head. I have been led to 
 view the quiet retreat I left at Highbury, near Hitchin, and con- 
 trast it with my present situation, enclosed in such a small space 
 on the mighty ocean, amidst svich a numerous company of indi- 
 viduals, who before I came on board the vessel, were strangers to 
 me, — the vessel rolling to and fro, with hardly a quiet corner to be 
 found for suitable reflection, — also a frequent pain in my head from 
 dizziness ; — yet not a desire is suffered to overpower my mind 
 to be anywhere than where at present I am. Surely this must 
 be the Lord's doing; and how can it be otherwise than mar- 
 vellous in mine eyes, in-as-much as, by nature, I have such an 
 utter aversion to being on the water, and am such a bundle of 
 impatience and anxiety : may I never forfeit His favours, but be 
 found willing to devote the few remainder of my days here, to the 
 work and service my great and good Master may see meet to call 
 me to, is the prayer of my soul. We made but little way to- 
 day ; the wind inclined to be more fair towards evening. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, 1st of 9th mo. 1826. Almost a calm, and yet 
 the motion of the vessel, from the disturbed state of the ocean, 
 caused some of us to feel very unwell. Our captain proclaimed 
 us to be about two hundred and fifty miles from New York. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, wind fair, running eight knots an hour ; 
 hopes are now entertained, if this wind continues, of our reaching 
 New York by Third-day next. 
 
 First-day morning; wind fair, making our course about four 
 or five knots an hour : may I be found faithful in our little meet- 
 ing this day, should any thing be required of me to offer therein. 
 Our thus gradually advancing towards our destined port feels
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. ) j-J 
 
 animating, aliliough the testimony in my own mind is, that Ijonds 
 and afflictions await mc there; yet these feelings are acconii)aiiied 
 with the assurance, "I tlie Lord will be with thee:" He 
 never yet deceived or disappointed any, whose reliance continues 
 to be hrmly established on Him for help and protection in every 
 needful time. I sighed however, and cried for preservation 
 amidst the dangers that I felt awaited me on the shores of North 
 America. At the usual time this morning, we assembled in the 
 round-house: after all were seated, and a suitable pause had 
 taken place, (which from our first commencement I had recom- 
 mended, both previous to our reading and after it closed,) several 
 chapters were read ; during which, I thought the great Master 
 fulfilled his gracious promise, of being in the midst of us : we 
 separated under feelings of that holy solemnity, which nothing of 
 the creaturely part can possibly effect. The weather was very fine ; 
 the great serenity that covered the wide expanse of ocean before 
 us, to a mind capable of meditating on the wonderful works of an 
 Almighty Power, cannot but occasion feelings of awful wonder 
 and astonishment. A few days past we were riding on the proud 
 waves, tossed to and fro, hither and thither, at their pleasure ; to- 
 day this boisterous unstable element appears comparatively almost 
 without motion: we keep gliding along towards our port, almost 
 imperceptibly. In the evening our reading took place, as usual, 
 in the round-house ; it proved a favoured meeting : the day 
 closed with feelings of reverent gratitude to the Author of ail 
 our mercies, who had been pleased to be with me from time to 
 time, since traversing this watery element, and surrounded by such 
 a variety of individuals, of different dispositions and religious 
 professions ; and who had strengthened me to support our various 
 testimonies, I humbly hope I may say, in a good degree of faith- 
 fulness. 
 
 Second-day morning: going our right course: we began to 
 feel something of the breezes of the land, whereby the painful 
 sensations in my head and stomach abated; the weather was fine 
 and serene, and our vessel going about six knots an hour, to- 
 gether with the prospect of our being likely soon to see New 
 York, occasioned cheerfulness on all countenances. Although 
 the prospect of our thus hastening to port proclaims relief to my 
 poor, frail tabernacle, yet it also proclaims thraldom and capti- 
 vity to my spirit ; but an assurance attended, that Divine mercy 
 and preservation will be near in the needful time, and be found 
 all-sufficient to preserve to the end, if faithfully looked unto and 
 depended upon. 
 
 Third-day morning ; a brisk, fair wind, but on account of the 
 great swell of the ocean, we find it hard work to keep upon our 
 feet or on our seats. I have been enr^bled. (on looking to- 
 wards the time of my landing on the American shore) to crave, 
 
 L 2
 
 148 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 that obedience to every clear manifestation of duty may mark ali 
 my footsteps, and that the whole counsel of my great Master 
 given me to communicate, whether in the assemblies of the people, 
 or privately to individuals, be faithfully imparted ; and also, that if 
 opposition in any way be my lot, whilst travelling on the shores of 
 North America, I may be favoured to live so near to the great Pre- 
 server of men, as to be kept from opposing again in my own spirit ; 
 but if a reply be warranted, that it may be done in the spirit of love 
 and meekness ; or if silence is to be observed, that my lips may be 
 kept sealed by that Almighty Power, who best knows when we 
 should speak, and when we should keep silence ; to whom alone 
 must the event be left. Made soundings again this afternoon in 
 thirty-two fathoms ; and the colour of the water is much changed 
 in a very short time. 
 
 Fourth-day morning; when I went on deck, the wind was again 
 a-head : how evident was the effect of this disappointment in 
 the countenances of many of our company ; but my mind, 
 through the extension of Divine help, is preserved in quiet sub- 
 mission to our present detention ; although my hopes were 
 awakened last evening, that we should have seen Long Island 
 before the sun-set. This detention afforded me an opportunity 
 of taking a retrospect of my conduct amongst my iellow-pas- 
 sengers and our ship's company ; how far I had been endeavour- 
 ing to keep my proper station amongst them ; as a kind Provi- 
 dence had given me considerable place in the minds of most if 
 not all on board. After some very heavy rain, with thunder and 
 lightning, the wind towards noon became more fair for making 
 way towards our pprt. 
 
 Fifth- day morning ^ih of 9th mo. ; the wind changed in our 
 favour, and we sailed at about ten knots an hour ; cheerfulness 
 again resumed its place on each countenance : expectations were 
 now held out, we should be abreast of Long Island by the after- 
 noon ; and at noon one of our crew went aloft, and shouted out 
 " land in sight," which we were not able yet to discern ; but in 
 a short time after, a small spot of land became visible to the 
 naked eye on deck. Upon this cheering prospect, all hands 
 began to be preparing to reach the shore, as it was now ex- 
 pected we should land at New York by night. At two o'clock 
 a pilot came on board our packet, by which means we found that 
 health prevailed in the city ; but, to our great disappointment, 
 (for I felt I had a share in it,) our pilot informed us, we should 
 not be able to reach New York with this tide, but must wait 
 the tide to-morrow morning. Some of our passengers proposed, 
 when we threw out our anchor, to take to the pilot-boat, and 
 goon shore in her to-night; but as the number was limited by 
 law, and it was necessary also that the quarantine surgeon should 
 attend on board the packet, to ascertain the health of our whole
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE, 1 I9 
 
 ship's company, the proposal was ohligcd to be ahandoiitd. 
 We now had the land on both sides : these sweet and ixlrcsli- 
 ing land-breezes cheered not only our spirits, but even our poor 
 cow, (whose eyes had appeared dim durinL,^ the passage, and 
 whose voice 1 had never heard before,) put her iiead out of 
 her crib and lowed in a most animating manner, with her ears 
 forward, her eyes sparkling, and sniffing up the air of the land, 
 as if rejoicing with us at the prospect of once more setting her 
 foot on some green pasture. We reached the quarantine vl-.ssel 
 about six in the evening, the surgeon stationed in her came 
 on board our packet, and soon set us all at liberty to go on 
 shore. A steam-boat, lying off'Staten Island, was haded, which 
 soon reached us ; the cabin-passengers with myself went on 
 board her. Although I apprehended my friends in New 
 \^ork were apprised of my coming in the Pacific, yet as the 
 packet could not get up this tide, they would not be hkely to 
 expect my arrival this night, which was fast coming on. 
 Having no recollection of the name of the street where Elizabeth 
 Bowns (the Friend with whom I intended to take up my abode) 
 resided, I began to fear 1 had taken a wrong step, by not remain- 
 ing on board the packet another night; but a person in the 
 steam-boat, I supposed observing me to be a stranger, kindly 
 inquired of me my place of destination, offering his services to 
 assist me in finding out my quarters. On my informing him whose 
 house I was bound for, I found he had no knowlcd'j-c where the 
 residence of Bowns was, but kindly proposed to take me to a friend 
 of his, and a member of our own religious Society, who, he said, 
 would conduct me safely to my quarters. 1 felt my mind re- 
 lieved on this subject, and found fresh cause for thankfulness on 
 my part, as it was dark when we landed. I was taken to the house 
 of my ever afterwards kind friend William F. Molt, who proposed 
 my taking up my abode with them ; but as I was led to believe 
 the pointings of best Wisdom, before 1 left my own home, had 
 been to take up my abode under the roof of K. Bowns, I felt 
 most easy, although late in the evening, to proceed to her residence, 
 and see how far she was able to accommodate me without difficulty 
 to herself: I however found a wide open door in her mind, and 
 that of her very kind widowed daughter, for my accommoda- 
 tion. I had anticipated the pleasure of a night's rest on shore ; 
 but, alas ! was disappointed, although every thing had been done 
 to add to my comfort in this respect, not being able to come at 
 any sleep the night through : like the miller who could not sleep 
 unless the mill was at work, so I could not sleep, from missmg 
 the rocking and motion I had been accustomed to on ship-board : 
 I had to pass such another trying night before I was able to 
 j-ecover my usual habit of sleep again on shore.
 
 150 
 
 CHAPTER XXXI. 
 
 Seventh-day, 9th of 9th mo., 1826. I feel quite at home in my 
 quarters, and every possible attention appears to be shown me ; 
 nevertheless, sighing was almost the constant companion of my 
 mind through this day. It appearing safest for me to remain 
 as ignorant as possible relative to the state of things amongst 
 Friends on this side the water, I therefore gave hints to callers 
 on me to this effect, as suitable opportunities opened for it. 
 This circumstance I afterwards found had excited alarm, and 
 occasioned fears in the minds of some of my kind friends re- 
 specting me. The followers of Elias Hicks had circulated a 
 report, that I was coming over to their help, and that therefore 
 they should lay claim to me when I arrived. 
 
 First-day morning ; after a refreshing night's rest, I arose from 
 my bed with my whole soul turned to the Lord in secret suppli- 
 cation, that his preserving power might be known to encamp 
 round about me through this day, the approach of which I had 
 feit a dread of. Feeling drawings in my mind to attend the 
 upper meeting-house in Hester-street in the morning, I proceeded 
 thither, under close exercise of mind to be preserved, if called 
 upon to advocate the Lord's cause, from exceeding my com- 
 mission on the one hand, and on the other to be found faithful, 
 by declaring that which appeared to me to be the whole counsel 
 of my great Master, whom I desired fully to serve. During my 
 silent waiting before the Lord, a feeling of reverential thankfulness 
 sprang up in my mind, in that 1 had attended to what I believed 
 was a Divine intimation, before I left my own home, and since my 
 landing on this shore, — to remain as clear as possible from con- 
 versing on the state of things amongst Friends on this side 
 the water ; being satisfied my bow would be thereby strengthened, 
 and that suspicions of my speaking from information would be far 
 less likely to attach to me. I found it hard work to rise upon my 
 feet ; yet believing the offer of the best of all help was made, I 
 ventured, and was favoured to clear my mind faithfully, and in a 
 manner that I apprehend would give such of the followers of 
 Elias Hicks as were present, a pretty clear idea of the great 
 mistake they had been under, of my being come over to help
 
 JOURNAL OF IHOMAS SHILLITOK. 151 
 
 their unchristian cause. A Friend closed the meeting in solemn 
 supplication, and we separated under a humbling sense, that 
 Divine Goodness had, in mercy, again condcscendc°d to own His 
 honest-hearted little ones in this part of the heritage. Uavino- 
 drawings in my mind towards Rose-street meeting-lTouse, 1 mo- 
 ceeded thither in fear and trembling ; j)eing aware of the danger of 
 building our hopes for the future on any former experience, a^nd of 
 the need there was of a fresh supply of that Divine strength, which 
 alone can be found sufficient for every good word and work. 
 Feeling myself called upon to labour with the time-serving pro- 
 fessors under our name, He who, I humbly hope 1 may say, saw 
 meet to call to the work, gave ability for the faithful performance 
 of it. In the evening I received visits from some of my country- 
 folks and other Friends ; and being much exhausted I retired 
 early to bed. 
 
 Second-day ; my way seems closed up as respects any future 
 movements, and yet I cannot see 1 am to spend much of my time 
 in the city at present. May quietness as a canopy in mercy, be 
 permitted to be the covering of my mind ; that so I may be 
 preserved from taking any premature step, to escape any suffering 
 that may be designed for me to pass through in this city. 
 
 Third-day, having been informed that the monthly meeting of 
 Purchase fell in due course to-morrow, it obtained considerable 
 place in my mind ; and my friends havino- knowledge hereof, 
 kindly arranged matters for my proceeding this afternoon, it being 
 a distance of about thirty miles from the city. Accompanied 
 by my kind friends, J. R. Willis and wife, we set off", and 
 reached the house of Hannah Field, who had been very accept- 
 ably engaged in a religious visit to the meetings of Friends in 
 Great Britain, by whom and her husband we were kindly received. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, we rode about two miles to meeting ; the 
 number of Friends collected to attend the monthly meeting was 
 considerable : but I understood, on account ol the season of the 
 year, the meeting was smaller than usual, the members of this 
 meeting being chieHy in the farming business. 1 felt well satis- 
 fied in giving up to attend this monthly meeting ; at the close of 
 which, I found I could not comfortably leave, witiiout telling 
 Friends I had experienced the great need there was for me to be 
 especially upon my watch, that no opportunity was suffered to 
 pass by unimproved, wherein ever so small a portion of Divine 
 help was to be obtained ; feeling as I did the need of a daily fresh 
 supply, and the assurance tliat opportunities of this sort would 
 frequently be found, if diligently sought after : thus the pause 
 previous to and after we have been partaking of the bounties of 
 Heaven at our tables, if rightly engaged in, would often prove a 
 season, in which a renewal of strength would be known, by hea- 
 yenly bread bcin^ dispensed to our minds ; as will also be the
 
 152 JOURNAL Ol' THOMAS SHILLITOB. 
 
 case, where the practice of" daily reading the Scriptures in our 
 families is properly attended to and conducted. We returned to 
 William and Hannah Field's. After dinner, I felt something on 
 my mind to the young people, and having discharged myself of 
 this part of apprehended duty, we proceeded to Richard Mott's 
 to tea. Fifth-day, accompanied by I. R. Willis, we returned to 
 New York, 
 
 The way now appeared a little to open for me to move round 
 about the city of New York. Feeling drawings in my mind to 
 attend Flushing meeting, on Long Island, on First-day, the 
 needful was done to provide me with a suitable care-taker ; this 
 was with me a very essential part my friends had to take on my 
 account, to see that my companions or care-takers were such, as 
 were sound in the ftiith once delivered to the saints. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, IGth of L.'th mo., accompanied by Samuel 
 Wood, of New York, we proceeded by steam -boat for Flushing, 
 on Long Island, to the house of Samuel Parsons, whom we found 
 to be much out of health ; we were affectionately received by his 
 wife and their elder son. I felt afresh introduced into a very 
 stripped state of mind, accompanied with many doubts and fears, 
 how I was to travel on in the path that now began a little to 
 open before me. In the afternoon, we took our tea witli the widow 
 Bowns, who now owns and occupies the residence in which George 
 Fox held the first meetings kept up by Friends on Long Island; 
 near to which are now standing, in a healthy state of preserva- 
 tion, two very large oak-trees, under which the meetings used to 
 be held, when the lix)use they first met in became too small to 
 accommodate them. Feeling drawings in my mind to have meet- 
 ings with Friends on this island, arrangements were made for my 
 taking them one after another : this practice, of thus purposely 
 calling Friends toi^ether, felt trying to my nature ; and yet I 
 could see no way but to submit to it. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Flushing ; notice was also sent 
 forward to Cow-neck, for a meeting with Friends there to-morrow, 
 and one at Matini-cock on Third-day. At Flushing I found a 
 considerable body of Friends ; the meeting, to me, was a very 
 exercising one, yet I was strengthened to clear my mind of that, 
 which, to me, appeared to be the burden of the word to some 
 within the walls of the meeting-house ; in doing which, I felt re- 
 lieved. After meeting, I went home to dine with a very young 
 new-married couple ; to whom I had to hold out the language of 
 encouragement, and crave of them a willingness to suffer the 
 kingdom of heaven to become the first and principal thing in 
 pursuit. In the afternoon we proceeded to Greatneck, in North 
 Hempstead ; and in consequence of heavy rains, we had a very 
 dangerous road to travel, but through Divine mercy we escaped 
 accidents.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 153 
 
 Second day morning, visited a Friend who had been confined 
 to her bed four years, a striking example of patience under her 
 accumulated sufferings : these opportunities should be seasons of 
 lasting instruction to us, who are favoured to pass a long life free 
 from such humiliating interruptions to social enjoyment; and 
 should produce the inquiry in our minds, of " How' much owest 
 thou unto thy Lord ?" and, again, how far it has been our chief 
 care to make such returns, as our Divine Benefactor is looking 
 for from us. Attended meeting at Cow-neck, which, I believe 
 to most, proved a quiet, satisfactory meeting : I felt thankful 1 
 had given up to be at it. After meeting we rode to the house 
 of Obadiah Jackson, who, with his wife and children, attend the 
 meetings of Friends; we were kindly cared for by them ; after 
 dinner we proceeded to Matinicock.' and reached the house of 
 Henry Titus, by whom we were kindly received. Third-day 
 morning, attended Matinicock meeting, where I found a large 
 body of Friends standing outside the meeting-house ; and on en- 
 tering the house, many had taken their seats : the prospect of 
 such a company being called together at my request, felt awful 
 to me ; I however endeavoured to attain to a state of mind in 
 which I might be wilhng to become anything or nothing amongst 
 them, — either to sit in silence through the meeting, or, if ser- 
 vice amongst them was called for at my hands, to endeavour after 
 a faithful discharge of duty. Two solid Friends, at the close of 
 the meeting, stood up and expressed the concern they had each 
 been brought under, that the weighty remarks that had been de- 
 livered amongst them at that time, might be remembered, and 
 that Friends would be ^villing to profit by them ; these testimo- 
 nials were words in season, and consoling to my tried mind. 
 After meeting, we rode to a kind Friend's, where we took our 
 dinner. In the eveninsr, we reached the habitation of our ancient 
 friend, Gideon Seaman, an elder in Society, and a Gideon, in the 
 discharge of this awful and important station, and truly worthy of 
 double honour: here I met with my kind friend, Henry Hull, 
 who was once in our land on a religious visit, and is now travel- 
 ling with a minute from his own monthly meeting in truth's 
 service. 
 
 Fourth-day, being their monthly meeting at Westbury. on our 
 reaching the meeting-house we found a large body of Friends as- 
 sembled. I took my seat in the gallery, under much feeling of 
 weakness, and ffreat unfitness for service, more hke one that 
 required ministering unto, than to be called upon to minister to 
 others ; my secret sighs were put up to Him, who alone can pre- 
 serve us in our right places, when thus cast amongst our Friends 
 in the capacity of labourers in the work of the gospel. In meet- 
 ings for religious worship, and tliose for transacting the affairs of 
 the Society ,°1 am more and mure convinced, that unless the Lord
 
 154 JOUUNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOK. 
 
 build tlie liouse, or, in other words, unless, in our attempting 
 cither to build or repair the waste places, we wait to feel the re- 
 ncwings of the qualifying Spirit and power of Christ, to assist us 
 thcrefn, our labour will be in vain. By endeavouring to keep 
 little and low in my own mind, suffering with the suH'ering seed, 
 wliicli, if my feelings were right, was under bondage, strength was 
 mercifully dispensed in proportion to the labour called for ; and I 
 trust that a door of entrance was opened in many minds, to receive 
 that whicli was communicated. 
 
 V^'c took our dinner with G. Seaman ; after which we proceeded 
 to Jericho, and took up our abode this night with our kind friend 
 Thomas Willis. In passing through the village of Jericho, Elias 
 Hicks was at his own door ; he invited me into his own house to 
 take up my abode, which I found I could not have done, even had 
 we not previously concluded to take up our abode with T. Willis. 
 I refused his offer in as handsome a manner as I well knew how. 
 He then pressed me to make him a call ; I was careful to make 
 such a reply as would not make it binding upon me, although we 
 had to pass his door on our way to the next meeting. 1 believe 
 it was safest for me not to comply with his request. During the 
 evening, individuals who came into my lodgings, intimated that 
 a call from me would be acceptable, at the same time pressing it ; 
 I rather hastily concluded on a willingness to comply ; but my 
 mind afterwards feeling uneasy with this conclusion, and de- 
 sirous of being rightly directed herein, by quietly retiring to that 
 sure place of waiting, where the Divine Counsellor is to be met 
 with, and his still, small voice distinctly heard, and known to 
 prevail over all the reasoning powers of man's wisdom, — this word 
 of caution was intelligibly proclaimed in the ear of my soul, — 
 " Keep out of the way of temptation." I therefore relinquished 
 this conclusion, and in doing so I found peace. I afterwards 
 understood some of these individuals were of Elias Hicks's party. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, as meeting-time drew nigh, my exercise in- 
 creased, accompanied with such feelings of fear as 1 have not often 
 had to experience. Earnest desires attended my mind, that faith- 
 fulness might mark my steppings, should I be called upon to 
 offer any thing in the meeting. I had told my companion the 
 desire I had felt, that Jericho might prove to me a quiet habita- 
 tion ; and I could have further added, but respecting this 1 have 
 my doubts. I went to meeting and took my seat ; the meeting 
 settled down into quiet. I thought it evidently felt to me that 
 there were watchers in the meeting, those who would watch my 
 words, in order, if possible, to make a handle of them, and turn 
 them to their own account, in order to help that unrighteous 
 cause they were aiming to promote: notwithstanding which, I 
 was borne up above these discouragements ; and when the time 
 was fully come, I was enabled to stand upon my feet, and declare
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLlTOt;. 155 
 
 what appeared to me to be the word of the Lord, in a close 
 searching testimony. After I had taken my seat again, K. Hicks 
 stood up, saying as follows: " I have been renewedly confirmed 
 in this meeting, that our God is a God hearing prayer : it was 
 the prayer of my heart in sitting down in this meeting, that as 
 we had a dear friend with us from a distant land, we might be 
 edified and instructed by his ministry. How fully has the prayer 
 been answered, how clearly has he been led to set forth the c-fli- 
 cacy and sufficiency of the Divine light, as ye have often heard it 
 held up in this place ; I appeal to this assembly if it is not the 
 same doctrine, that ye have heard these many years past. I 
 unite (said Elias Hicks) with the words of John Locke, ' Outward 
 testimonies may deceive, but internal evidences cannot err.' '"'* 
 The above was given me by a Friend of the meeting who 
 
 [*Itmay be useful, both as caution and inforniatiou to Friends, to give an ex- 
 tract from a letter written by a much esteemed Friend of Philadeli)iiia, to the 
 author of the Beacon, soon after the appearance of his book, in America, wiiicii 
 will show what Elias Hicks meant by the phrases " Divine li^ht" and " internal 
 evidences." 
 
 " There is a natural tendenc}' in the human mind, when not under the regu- 
 lating jiower of the Spirit of truth, to run into extremes; and under sucii cir- 
 cumstances, it often happens, that in our zeal against a certain class of errors, 
 we lose the true meciium, and slide into those of an opposite character. Sucii, 
 I apprehend, has been the case in writing this book (the Beacon). Iii thy anxiety 
 to expose the monstrous errors of Hicksism, and to guard Friends against the 
 dreadful consequences which must result from it, tiiou hast suH'ered Ihy mind to 
 be carried away by a false, thougii specious train ot reasoning ; and concluded 
 thai the precious Scripture doctrine of the sensible guidance of tlie Holy S])irit, 
 was the cause ot the awful delusion, which unhai)pily spread over so large a por- 
 tion of our Society here. 1 am as strongly opposed to Hicksism as any one; and I 
 have had sufficient acquaintance with it and its advocates, to know, that it was 
 not the belief of the aforesaid Christian doctrine, but a gross perversion and abuse 
 of it, which produced and spread the delusion of E. H. and his Ibllowers. It 
 was going from this docti'ine, and trusting to the strength of his own reason, and 
 in this state studying the Scriptures to iind arguments to support his unbelief, 
 that carried him away ; and after thus bringing himself to disbelieve the truths 
 of Christianity, he then made use of the doctrine of the light within, as a cloak 
 to conceal the deformity of his infidel opinions, the more easily to insinuate 
 them among his hearers. 
 
 ^ But with all his pretensions to the guidance of the light of Christ, he nuifcd 
 with thee in rejecting it; for I know well from my own PC(iuaintance with him, that 
 he believed in nothing more than human reason ; which was what he meant by the 
 term he so often used — " immediate revelation'' ;— declaring, that without it, we 
 should not know a tree from a horse, nor a horse from a man. It was therefore 
 the rejection of the doctrine of Holy Scripture respecting the guidance of the 
 Sjjirit of Christ in the soul of man, which led him into his errors ; and this unde- 
 niable fact ought to be a solemn warning, to all those who are tempted to fall 
 into the same error, of rejecting the safe and certain guide, which in tlie mercy 
 of a gracious Creator, has been kindlv dispensed to us. It is one of the subtle 
 stratagems of the enemy of souls, to beguile and deceive the members of our 
 Society by the false notion, that the doctrine of the light witlnn leads to Hicks- 
 ism ; for," having failed to sweep away the Society by the floods of infidelity, 
 -and seeing that 'those who are left are clean escaped from that ]nt, and abhor its 
 iioUutions, he is now trying the more plausible and specio.is jilan of misrepre- 
 senting and perverting the true Christian doctrines of Quakerism; and tliu>. 
 bv his Iving insinuations, persuading them to desert lliat doctrine, ar.l turn 
 b'ack again to the carnal and formal profession and views, out ot which llifcH- were 
 redeemed."]
 
 15G JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHItLITOE. 
 
 was present, and made memorandums of what passed at that 
 time. So far from this snare taking with me, (for so I have since 
 viewed it,) I was disgusted with these remarks of E. Hicks, for 
 which I often think I cannot be sufficiently thankful. A recur- 
 rence to this subject brought fresh to my remembrance the pros- 
 pect I had when on ship-board, in which I saw, after my landing, 
 a man approach me, full of combustible matter to pour out upon 
 me ; but Divine mercy protected me from the harm that then 
 awaited. I began now to see clearly the absolute need there 
 would be, to take strict heed to the injunction given me before I 
 left my own home, of " Go not from house to house ;" and to be 
 especially careful to feel that it was safe for me to go where my 
 friends proposed ; for I was now aware that E. Hicks and his 
 party designed, if possible, to enlist me into their unchristian-like 
 service. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, (22d of 9th mo.) we attended the meeting 
 at Bethphage, where we had the company of Anna Willis and her 
 son Thomas, which was a great comfort to me. This meeting- 
 house is placed pretty much in the centre of a small full-grown 
 wood ; the horses are tied to the trees round about the meeting- 
 house : every thing had a rustic appearance, a simplicity that 
 would be likely to strike a stranger as I was. Friends gathered 
 more irregularly than I had yet observed on this side of the 
 water. 1 had to tell them, if solitude and a retired situation 
 would secure for them good meetings, they were in a peculiar 
 manner privileged, to what such were, who, when they meet 
 together for the purpose of religious worship, meet in the throng 
 of thick-settled cities and towns ; but to have good meetings we 
 must come together with good hearts and good minds, hearts 
 and minds — that were entirely devoted to God out of meetings; 
 without which there could be no presenting our bodies a living 
 sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is our reasonable 
 service. The rude and idle manner of sitting of some of the 
 men and lads, had so attracted my attention, that I found it 
 would be unsafe for me to suffer the meeting to separate, and 
 not lay this subject before the members of the meeting, which I 
 endeavoured to do in as tender a way as 1 well knew how, consi- 
 dering the nature of the offence ; recommending Friends to bring 
 the young men and lads up to the top of the meeting, that they 
 might be more under notice than was the case where they now 
 took their seats. The remarks which I thus had to make, ap- 
 peared to be well received ; some of the members of the meeting 
 stood up, and acknowledged the necessity of such steps as I had 
 proposed being taken. In the afternoon we proceeded to Jerusa- 
 lem : on my entering the meeting-house here, as my view was 
 only to Friends, I was apprehensive they had not attended to my 
 request, and that we should have a crowd of such, as do not usually 
 attend our religious meetings ; but this I afterwards understood was
 
 JOUIiNAL OF TliOMAb SlULLlTOi:. 1^7 
 
 not the case. The meeting was held in a private-house; it 
 was a new-settled meeting, and the last Solomon UndcThiJl' at- 
 tended, in which he was acceptably engaged in the exercise of his 
 gift; although feehle in body irom advanced age, yet strong in 
 his attachment to his great Master's cause, which he had Ijoldly 
 l)leaded through much suffering; he had been brought forward as 
 delinquents by Ellas' Hicks and his party, (who made up by far 
 the greater part of the meeting,) with some other mend)ers of 
 Jericho monthly meeting, because they durst not unite with i:iias 
 Hicks in his unsound doctrines. After meeting, Samuel Wood 
 and myself rode to Hempstead. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, we left Hempstead for Flushing, hoping 
 to reach New York this evening ; on arriving at the lum.se o^t" 
 our friend Samuel Parsons, we were informed, that the corpse of 
 a Friend, whom, when we were there before, we had left in a very 
 weak state of health, had then left the house in order for inter- 
 ment ; I had hoped, after such a succession of exercise, we should 
 have been permitted to have quietly proceeded to New York ; our 
 bodies needed some refresliment, but time would not allow of it, 
 unless we disturbed the meeting by going in after it was settled ; 
 we therefore proceeded to the meeting-house, where 1 took mv seat, 
 bowed in spirit under a sense of great poverty and strippedness, 
 perhaps as much so as I have at any time known: but as matter 
 opened on my mind, and a willingness was brought about in me, 
 when the time was fully come, to disclose it to the meeting, 
 strength was afforded in the needful time ; and wc had reason 
 for believing our company on this solemn occasion was acceptable. 
 After the meeting closed, apprehensions were awakeneil in my 
 mind, that my desire to reach New York this evening might be 
 disappointed ; having had some fears to contend with, that 1 should 
 be obliged to return to Jericho, and attend their First-day morning 
 meeting ; but after weighing this matter in tlie best way I was 
 capable of, and my mind being brought to be fully resigned to 
 go back to Jericho if it really were required, 1 felt excused 
 from this bitter cup, and we proceeded on our way to New 
 York ; which place we were favoured to reach safely early in the 
 evening, and I was kindly received by my ho'-tess P^lizabeth 
 Bowns, and her kind widowed daughter, Sarah Minturn. 
 
 First-day, attended Rose-street meeting. It is trying to my 
 nature to refuse the importunity of my friends to visit them, 
 my natural disposition being very open and coninnmieative ; Iiut 
 I am satisfied with the caution given me by my J)ivine .Master, 
 before I left my own home, and from time to time rej)eated 
 since, — of " Go not from house to house. " 
 
 Fourth-day, (27th of 9th mo.) attended Hose- street meeting ; 
 at the close of the meeting for worship, the ])reparative meeting 
 was held ; apprehending I was now favoured with a more clear
 
 158 JOURNAL OF THOMAS feHILLITOE. 
 
 prospect of some future movements, wliidi i am to he willing 
 to make after the monthly meetin<( to he held next week in 
 this city, I informed the preparative meeting that I helieved 
 it would be right for me to attend some of the meetings within 
 the compass of Purchase quarterly meeting, before the time 
 of holding the quarterly meeting for New York ; and then to 
 proceed to attend the quarterly meetings,* with such of the 
 monthly and other meetings as fell in course, belonging to the 
 Yearly Meeting of New York. This information appeared to 
 obtain the solid and weighty deliberation of some minds in the 
 meeting, and a general concurrence with my views was expressed : 
 yet there is reason to fear, from that which afterwards took place, 
 the motives which induced this general concurrence with my 
 movements were from a very different source : some members of 
 the meeting were accordingly nominated to provide the necessary 
 accommodation for my travelling ; who were requested also to 
 turn their attention toward a Fiiend as a suitable companion for 
 me. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended Hester-street meeting: I felt truly thankful 
 my lot was this day cast amongst Friends of this meeting, it being 
 a memorable meeting to many of us, a time in wliich it might truly 
 he said, by the living members of the body, we were favoured to 
 witness a being baptized together into the one, eternal, invisible 
 Spirit ; and in degree permitted to partake of the same spiritual 
 meat, and to drink of the same spiritual Rock, which rock is 
 Christ, by his inward and spiritual manifestations to the souls of 
 such, as in simplicity and godly sincerity continue to look up to 
 him 
 
 Sixth-day, through close exercise of mind, and much bodily 
 indisposition, I had a trying day of it. In the evening many 
 Friends dropped in to see me : after awhile conversation ceased, 
 and a sweet quiet ensued , during which, we were favoured afresh 
 to witness, of a truth, that He, who in mercy condescended to 
 visit our forefathers in the beoinning, when we were first gathered 
 to be a people, was still in mercy continuing to manifest Himself 
 to be near to us; to help us in the faithful support of those Chris- 
 tian testimonies, and in the promulgation of those Christian princi- 
 ples, which they were made instrumental, in the Divine hand, of 
 spreading as from sea to sea, under great and sore travail of mind, 
 subject to great depi-ivation of bodily comforts, and even to great 
 bodily suffering : under a grateful sense of His mercy this even- 
 ing closed, and a fresh call was hereby proclaimed in the ear of 
 my mind, " Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me 
 bless his holy name, and forget not all his benefits." 
 
 First-day morning, (1st of 10th mo. 1826,) rode to INIanhattan 
 Ville, about five miles out of the city, and attended meeting 
 there ; this being only an allowed meeting, a committee of Friends
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 159 
 
 of New York ^vere under appointment to attend it, in addition 
 to tlie small number of Friends who reside in the nei-hbourhcod 
 For a tune after I took my seat, I had much sufterinff of mind 
 to endure, through a fear I had missed my way in leaving the 
 city. I endeavoured after as correct a view as possible of my 
 motive for so doing, without being able to see otherwise than that 
 It was pure, having but one desire in my so doing, which was that 
 I might be found in the way of my religious duty. I believe 
 It right for me thus to record and expose my various trials, for 
 the help and encouragement of those who may come after me ; 
 not doubting but that such seasons of probation are permitted 
 m very great mercy to attend us for a time, in order that they 
 may prove the means in the Divine hand, of stimulating us to 
 be willing to try the fleece, both wet and dry. After" endea- 
 vouring patiently to bear up under these provings of mind, deli- 
 verance came from that all-bountiful hand, Avho, when he 
 pleases, says, " It is enough." When the meeting closed, I felt 
 truly thankful I had given up as I did, to sit with Friends here ; 
 it proving, (as a Friend of the meeting, before it broke up, ac- 
 knowledged,) a solid opportunity. Feeling drawings on my mind 
 to attend the afternoon meeting in Hester-street in the city, we 
 were favoured to reach the meeting-house in seasonable time ; the 
 meeting was very largely attended. There was good ground for 
 believing, that it proved a solid, satisfactory opportunity to niany ; 
 some, 1 had no doubt, left the meeting-house under an evi- 
 dence, that the comforting, solacing presence of Him, who re- 
 mains to be the resurrection and the life to His humble dependent 
 children, had in adorable mercy, condescended to fulfil His gra- 
 cious promise to those gathered in His name, — that He would be 
 in the midst of them : this being thus mercifully granted, the 
 mind becomes relieved from anxiety about instrumental help. 
 
 Second-day morning. The continued importunity to visit be- 
 comes increasingly trying to me; 1 hardly know how to refuse the 
 terms made use of by some, to effect a compliance on my part, 
 they are so pressing ; and yet such are the fears that continually 
 attend my mind, that a compliance will involve me in difficulty 
 which I never may be able to rise out of, that it is very neces- 
 sary for me to be careful, lest it should imperceptibly lead me 
 into a labyrinth, and disqualify me from seeing my way with 
 clearness to move forward in future. From the mixed state of 
 many Friends' families in this city, some sound and others un- 
 sound in our principles, it requires great circumspection in visit- 
 ing them ; the latter generally giving abundant proof of their 
 having a great life in argument, and being very forward in attempt- 
 ing to introduce their unsound doctrines at all times, and on all 
 occasions, and not generally strict in keeping to the truth, when 
 they report any part of a conversation that may have taken place
 
 IGO JOURNAL OF THOMAS SMILLITOE. 
 
 between them and such as cannot unite witli tliein in their erro- 
 neous views of subjects of vital importance. 
 
 Third-tlay, attended the monthly select meeting ; but through 
 the giving way on the part of a few of its members to listen to 
 those unsound principles, which now are industriously propagating 
 by K. Hicks and his adherents, this meeting has become like a 
 house divided against itself. It proved a suffering meeting to 
 wade through, there appearing no way for the relief of the sound 
 members of this meeting, but patiently to wait the full time when 
 the Lord shall see meet to effect their deliverance. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended Hester-street meeting-house, where the 
 monthly meeting is held. When the queries had been answered, 
 Samuel Wood, who had kindly offered to accompany me, and 
 drive the horses, informed the monthly meeting thereof: after he 
 had so done, the meeting appeared to settle down quietly under 
 the consideration of the subject; much expression of concur- 
 rence was made with iiis proposal ; but an op])osing spirit 
 evidently manifested itself on the part of the disaffected mem- 
 bers of the monthly meeting, who objected to S. Wood's 
 accompanying me ; this brought the meeting under consider- 
 able eml)arrassment, and placed me in a very trying situation. 
 I informed the meeting S. Wood offered liimself to accom- 
 pany me, and that his former services had been very accept- 
 able ; after which, I found my safety was in sitting, and silently 
 hearing what passed, without any further interference on my part; 
 the oppositionists continuing warmly to object to S. ^Voods hav- 
 ing a minute to accompany me. After much time being spent on 
 the subject, there appeared no other way to proceed, than by sub- 
 mitting the consideration of providing me with a companion to a 
 standing committee of the Meeting for Sufferings, which I after- 
 wards understood consi.'^tcd of four Friends, two of wliich num- 
 ber were with tlie sound part of the Society, and the other two 
 in league with E. Hicks and his party. 1 thought I might truly 
 say, 1 was brought now into a very strait place, and for a time saw 
 no way for my help, believing unless S. Wood was given to accom- 
 pany nie, I should not be able to prosecute my religious engage- 
 ments in visiting the meetings of this Yearly ^Meeting ; the op- 
 position to his accompanying me was conducted with such deter- 
 mination, I could not see how this difficulty was to be got through. 
 The meeting closing, one of the individuals who had opposed S. 
 Wood''s accompanying me, said, in a show of kindness, that i 
 could not doubt but he could give me good reasons why he ob- 
 jected to S. W. as a companion for me ; to which I was silent, 
 believing it would be unsafe for me to converse with him on the 
 subject, and I kept as much as possible from conversmg with any 
 one on what had passed in the monthly meeting. A glimmer- 
 ing of hope unexpectedly opened before mc, that, if I endea-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOIMAS SHILLITOE. lO'l 
 
 voured to keep in the quiet, and carefully avoided givin-r way to 
 unnecessary anxiety under my present trials, the way woChl open 
 for my enlargement, however great the improhability might ap- 
 pear at present ; and that I should know the I.ord's powt^- to he 
 all-sufficient to preserve me from the dangerous deadening in- 
 fluence of this opposing spirit, which, acting under the control of 
 the prince of the power of the air, works in die hearts of the chil- 
 dren of disobedience, and which was so evidently, and in a most 
 sorrowful manner, dividing in Jacob, and scattering in our Israel. 
 
 Sixth-day, I found my situation, in consequence of my being dis- 
 appointed in my prospects relative to my kind friend S. ^V°ood, 
 had excited great sympathy, both in the city and elsewhere,' 
 amongst Friends; but being preserved, as 1 had been, in the 
 quiet since the monthly meeting, I thought I felt it required of 
 me to request my friends not to cherish any anxiety on my ac- 
 count ; believing, as I at times was favoured to do, that when the 
 time was fully come, way would be amply made for my depar- 
 ture from the city, to pursue my journey before me ; and that it 
 would be unsafe for me to enter much, if at all, into conversation 
 relative to what had passed in the monthly meeting ; because, 
 trying as this disappointment had felt to me at the first, a quiet 
 submission on my part would be a more likely way to help me, 
 than any thing of my own contrivance or activity could possibly 
 eflf'ect. 
 
 Seventh-day, I found my friends were kindly interested about 
 me, and that, on my return home from collecting a few articles 
 necessary for my journey in prospect, a Friend came to inform 
 me, Adam and Anna Mott were intending to be at Cornwall 
 quarterly meeting, and were willing to take charge of me thither 
 and back again to New York. This offer, although no alteration 
 had taken place in my mind relative to S. Wood, I felt most easy 
 to accept for the present. 
 
 First-day morning, attended Hester-street meeting, wliich was 
 larae, and several weighty testimonies were borne: if any service fell 
 to my lot, it was to endeavour to promote in some minds a willing- 
 ness to look to the Divine Counsellor in themselves, that they 
 might be favoured to see that rotten foundation, on which they 
 •were building their views of religious matters, and thereby risking 
 their eternal happiness. Although I found it hard work to ob- 
 tain relief, yet fresh cause was felt to set up the Ebenezer, 
 to the praise of Him, who, when he calls to the work, gives 
 strength for the performance of it, although at times greatly to 
 the abasement of the creature, that He alone may have the praise. 
 In the afternoon I sat with Friends at Rose-street meetnig, 
 which was small : several Friends in the evening came to my 
 quarters to take their leave of me ; we had a quiet solid sitting to. 
 gether, affording some relief; for my mind had been much tried 
 
 yoL. II. ■*'
 
 162 JOURNAL OF THOBIAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 after the close of the afternoon meeting at Rosc-strcct, and I was 
 altogether unable to understand why ; for 1 could not see but that 
 I had been in the way of my duty, in standing upon my feet, or that 
 I had kept back any part of what was given me for the people, 
 or that I had added any thing of my own, or that I had missed my 
 way either by standing up too soon, or had kept my seat beyond 
 the right time. Trying as this baptism was to human nature to 
 endure, yet I felt thankful for it; and for that Divine support which 
 I had experienced whilst labouring under it, not doubting but that 
 such trying dispensations are intended in mercy, to humble the 
 creature, that so all boasting may be excluded, and that all the 
 praise that may appertain to our very best religious performances 
 may be given to the Father and his Son Christ Jesus, to whom 
 only it belongs. 
 
 Second-day, 9th of 10th mo. 1826. Accompanied by Adam 
 Mott and his wife, I left my comfortable abode in the city : we 
 were favoured safely to reacli Richard Motts this evening. 
 
 Third-day, we attended the select preparative meeting of Ma- 
 maro-neck ; a quiet and comfortable meeting. Fourth-day, we 
 attended the monthly meeting, which was large ; if any religious 
 service was called for at my hands this day, it was to me com- 
 parable to that of entering the cellar of a large old building, to 
 examine the foundation on which this building stood, and search- 
 ing out the decayed stones and rotten timbers in the foundation 
 on which the building was standing, in order that they might be 
 removed ; that so way might be made for sound materials being 
 placed in the foundation in their room. In the monthly meeting 
 it appeared evident, that unsoundness of principle had made in- 
 roads on the minds of some who were busy-bodies, and took an 
 active part in the concerns of society, thereby standing in the way 
 of such as were qualified to come forward and lend a helping hand 
 in the discipline. The day closed peacefully ; in the evening we 
 rode to our kind friend Hester Griffin's, where we took up our 
 abode for the night. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, very stormy, which was discouraging, as we 
 intended to be at the monthly meeting of Shapaqua, about seven 
 miles' ride : accompanied by Edmund Griffin, we proceeded ac- 
 cordingly. In the meeting for worship, I had to open the state 
 of things amongst Friends of this meeting, in such a pointed 
 manner, that when I took my seat I was plunged into a sea of 
 discouragement, fearing what i had thus communicated had pro- 
 ceeded from the transformations of the evil one. Gladly would 
 I have made my escape from the meeting-house, could I have 
 done it with any propriety ; but by endeavouring to settle down 
 into the quiet, that I might be favoured to come at a true sense 
 how far my movements at this time had been in the vision of light 
 or not, an elderly Friend stood up, and in a solid, feeling manner
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. ICi 
 
 expressed his full concurrence wich the plain truths, that had been 
 delivered in such a weighty manner amongst them l)y a stranger 
 from a distant land, and the desire he felt that the lahour winch 
 had been thus bestowed might become profitable to them. Ear- 
 nest were the breathings of my soul, that the sound of my voice 
 might not be heard during the transacting the business of this 
 monthly meeting, unless the woe was felt : and at the close of 
 this meeting, Friends expressed their thankfulness our lot had 
 been thus cast amongst them. After meeting, we rode to the 
 house of Moses Suttorn, at Crocon Valley, and took up our abode 
 for the night. On recurring to the baptism I had been introduced 
 into in the meeting for worship, after I had been engaged in reli- 
 gious service, I thought there was cause for thankfulness on 
 my part, however, during the continuance of this dispensation ; 
 although it was to the creature most humiliating; but the assur- 
 ance attends my mind that it was permitted m great mercy to 
 humble me ; and earnest were the cravings of my soul, that 
 the same Divine mercy and loving kindness, that had thus per- 
 mitted me to be tried and proved, would not spare me ; l)ut 
 continue to make use of such ways and means, from time to 
 time, as were necessary to keep me truly humble, in a state 
 of nothingness, and entire dependence upon Him, who alone 
 remains to be a covert from the heat, a shelter from the storm, 
 and the shadow of a mighty rock in that weary land, in which we 
 may for a time be permitted to have our dwelling, Avhcn the blast of 
 the terrible one may, for the trial of our faith in our holy Re- 
 deemer's power, be suffered to come up against our walls : thus 
 closed this day. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, accompanied by the son of Moses Suttorn, 
 we proceeded to Amawalk meeting-house. I felt cause for 
 thankfulness in being introduced to that state of mind, which, 
 if abode under, would prove preparatory to receive the wine of 
 the kingdom, should my Divine Master see meet to dispense 
 a portion, whether for m)' own consolation and comfort, or to 
 mete it out for the consolation and comfort of others. We un- 
 derstood' the meeting was not so largely attended as p.enc- 
 rally is the case : much close exercise of mind and religious 
 labour fell to my lot ; but as faithfulness obtained the as- 
 cendency over that fearfulness which is of the creature, the reward 
 of peace became the result. Testimonies were borne by some 
 Friends of the meeting, at its close, in confirmation of the necessity 
 of such plain truths as had been delivered amongst them ; and 
 there were expressions of desire, that Friends would consider 
 them as a fresh proof of that Divine regard, which was still mani- 
 fested towards the members of their meeting: for that nothing 
 short of Divine aid could have effected such clear views of their 
 states, in the several particulars that had been spoken to ; and 
 
 M -2
 
 ICf JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 tliat if such to whom they belonged would not be willing to profit 
 by tlieai, it would redound to their own condemucition : these re- 
 marks, made by ^'eighty Friends of the meeting, were to me like 
 a brook by the way. After meeting, we proceeded to Benjamin 
 Griffin's, at Amawalk. I was given to understand, that reports 
 were in circulation in this quarterly meeting, relative to my being 
 closeted alone with Klias Hicks for an hour, and that I had de- 
 clared to a member of Society, who was one of his adherents, that 
 thi£7 state of things amongst Friends in England, when J left it, 
 was worse, with respect to the prevalency of a separating, dividing 
 spirit, than in this land, and that the followers of K. Hicks had 
 brought me over to their party. Although 1 well knew all these 
 reports to be utterly false and unfounded, yet, on my first hearing 
 them, they occasioned me some painful feelings, not knowing how 
 they might have a tendency to block up my way in the minds of 
 some Friends. I had proposed to myself endeavouring to have 
 them cleared up ; but taking the best view of the subject I was 
 capable of, it appeared safest for me to move quietly forward, 
 and mind my great Master's business ; under an assurance, that 
 these false and unfounded reports respecting me, would in time 
 remedy themselves : and here I was enabled to leave this painful 
 mattei'. 
 
 Seventh-day ; after an early dinner we left Amawalk towards 
 Pek's-kiln, and lodged at the house of x\braham Carpenter. 
 
 First-day morning : we attended Pek's-kiln meeting. In the 
 afternoon we walked about two miles to take tea with a Friend's 
 family, where we found a number of young people : conversation 
 took place, in which I took a share, until I found I could no 
 longer take any interest therein, and yet I feared to give way to 
 feelings ray mind was brought under, lest I should get into a 
 habit of preaching when not called upon ; and through a fear of 
 this sort, I kept silence until some of the company rose on their 
 feet to leave the house, which obliged me to request their taking 
 their seats again, and strength was afforded me to obtain relief. 
 I returned in the evening to James Brown's, with a peaceful 
 mind. 
 
 Second-day, ICth of 10th mo. ; accompanied by my kind com- 
 panions, Adam and Anna JMott, we proceeded on our way to 
 Cornwall quarterly meeting : reached Canterbury, the residence 
 of the vvidow of David Sands, who spent many years in the 
 service of truth in Old England. 
 
 We attended the select quarterly meeting for Cornwall, which 
 appeared to be composed of some solid weighty Friends, who 
 manifested a lively zeal for the preservation of soundness in this 
 part of the body. As I endeavoured to stand resigned to be any- 
 thing or nothing, Divine regard mercifully condescended to be 
 near for my help, enabling me to rejoice under a sense of the
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. Hio 
 
 sufficiency of his Divine power to give strengtli for tlic perform- 
 ance of that work whereunto, I humbly hope 1 may say, I felt 
 His renewed call. The quarterly meeting for the general concerns 
 of the Society commenced with a meeting for worship, which whs 
 largely attended : the meeting for discipline was greatly disturbed 
 by many young men coming into the meeting-house in a noisy 
 and rather rude manner : after it had become settled again, feel- 
 ing as I apprehended, an engagomcnt of mind to speak publicly 
 to them relative to their conduct, I endeavoured to do so in 
 as affectionate a manner as the nature of such an offence allowed 
 of; which, I had reason to believe, was a relief to the rightly 
 exercised members of the meeting. Cornwall is a newly settle<I 
 quarterly meeting ; the members of it at one time formed a part 
 of Nine Partners' quarterly meeting. The summary manner in 
 which the queries from the monthly meetings were answered, 
 brought me under the necessity of casting before the meeting the 
 view that 1 apprehended had been given me on this subject. 
 This appeared to give courage to others, Mho before had kept 
 silence, to express their uneasiness with this practice, which the 
 monthly meetings had thus fallen into : the meeting was brought 
 under considerable exercise, that in future the monthly meetings 
 should be more explicit in answering their queries, on which 
 account a minute was made to go down to the monthly and 
 preparative meetings, to enforce a compliance with the views the 
 meeting had taken on the subject. Observing the men's meeting 
 was drawing to a close, and my mind continuing to be exercised 
 with a subject in which the women were equally concerned with 
 the men, I requested, if agreeable to the men and women's meet- 
 ing, the shutters between the two apartments might be raised, 
 which took place accordingly. In obtaining full relief to my 
 own mind, I was brought under the necessity of going more into 
 particulars than felt pleasant to my natural inchnation ; yet there 
 was ground to believe, what was offered was well received hy 
 many, if not all : and fresh cause there was for me to say, 
 hitherto the Lord hath been my stay and my support; to him be 
 the praise given. The concluding meeting for worship was held, 
 the next morning, which was largely attended, and proved a 
 favoured time, closing with solemn prayer and thanksgiving to 
 Almighty God for his unmerited mercies; in that he had been 
 pleased once more to manifest his regard towards tlie members 
 of this quarterly meeting; under a grateful sense of which Friends 
 appeared to separate. In the afternoon we proceeded^ to the 
 Lower Clove, and took up our abode at the house of Zcl)ulon 
 Townsend. 
 
 Seventh-day, 21st of 10th mo. we rode to Jonah Odett's. 
 The road over the mountains not admitting of a carriage to 
 travel upon it, we were obhgcd to take another route, which made
 
 IQQ JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 our journey about twenty-seven miles, and a part of this road was 
 so very bad, it appeared at times dangerous for us to proceed. I 
 endeavoured after patience, under a belief no harm would be 
 suffered to befall us ; and thankful we were when favoured to 
 reach the Upper Clove in safety. 
 
 First-day morning : we proceeded to Cokeatt meeting-house, 
 about one mile and a half distant, l)ut the road was worse than any 
 we had travelled the day before. There are but very few members 
 to keep up this meeting, yet, by comers-in not professing with our 
 Society, we had a considerable attendance : in the evening after 
 Jonah Odett's family was collected, and the opportunity of read- 
 ing being closed, a pause took place ; when counsel, 1 humbly 
 trust, suitable to the states of some of the younger parts of our 
 company was plentifully handed out, which I was ready to hope, 
 would not be lost sight of. We were much comforted in being 
 in this family, and the solid manner in which the evening was 
 passed, rewarded me for giving up to attend this meeting. 
 
 The next day, my companions Adam and Anna Mott and 
 myself proceeded towards New York, a journey of about forty 
 miles, which place we were favoured to reach late in the after- 
 noon ; here we parted, having myself been most kindly and affec- 
 tionately cared for by them. 
 
 Third-day : during my sleepless hours last night, some of my 
 future prospects of religious duty occupied my mind, not being 
 able to look to any one for a companion for a continuance, but 
 my kind friend Samuel Wood; 1 endeavoured to dwell patiently 
 under the weight of this subject, when Truth appeared to me to 
 point out the propriety of having the standing committee of the 
 Meeting for Sufferings called together, to whom was referred the 
 care of providing me with a companion, of which number I found 
 S. Wood was one ; and that it would be proper for me to attend, 
 and lay before them the trying situation I was placed in, no 
 reason whatsoever having been brought forward to the monthy 
 meeting already mentioned, for objecting to S. W.'s being my care- 
 taker. 1 opened the views 1 had of this subject to a few suitable 
 Friends, all of whom concurred with me herein ; but it appeared 
 best to leave the summoning of this committee until I returned 
 again to New York, after I had attended the quarterly meeting 
 of Flushing on Long Island. 
 
 Fourth-day morning : accompanied by Adam and A. Mott, I 
 proceeded to Flushing, on Long Island, to attend the quarterly 
 meeting, and was kindly received by Samuel Parsons and wife. 
 The select quarterly meeting began this morning : tlie queries 
 were answered, but in such a summary way, as to render it diffi- 
 cult to come at the true state of this part of the Society ; these 
 answers were passed over by the members of this meeting in 
 silence. I found I must lay before Friends the loss which meet-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SIIILHTOE. lO"? 
 
 ings sustained by answering the queries in such a summary way, 
 as It opened a door for smothering up wron^ things, which mi<>ht at 
 tunes creep into this part of the body. In one of tlic select mmithly 
 meetings, from the answers brought up, it was clearly manilcst, 
 that a breach of love and unity existed, and that these wounds- 
 were so deeply rooted, as to proclaim the language, that help 
 was wanting. Although I evidently felt that there would be 
 great opposition made by a party in the meeting to takin-i such a 
 step, yet I durst not do otherwise than propose the adoption 
 of this measure ; this was warmly objected to by a party in 
 the meeting, but by the weighty solid part of the meeting it" was 
 united with; divers Friends saying, that attempts had been 
 made to have a committee formed to visit the select monthly 
 meetings, but such a measure had been uniformly opposed. The 
 prospect of Truth's prevailing over this spirit for awhile was 
 cheering, but such a determination to quash the proposal mani- 
 fested itself again, that this hope was almost lost sight of; and 
 yet it did not appear right to Friends, who had the welfare of 
 Society at heart, that this prospect of a committee's being thus 
 set apart should be too easily abandoned. Friends were encou- 
 raged by some well-concerned strangers present, to maintain their 
 standing with becoming firmness. While this subject was thus 
 agitated, the mournful desolation that prevailed in the select 
 monthly meeting of Jericho became more exposed, by those of 
 that meeting who so warmly opposed a committee being appointed, 
 whereby such a scene of oppression became developed, as would 
 have pierced the hearts of most present. These things strength- 
 ened the hands of the sound members of the meeting, in their 
 apprehension of the need of a committee being now appointed, to 
 visit the several select monthly meetings ; and by Friends endea- 
 vouring in patience to maintain their ground, truth prevailed 
 over that opposition, and a committee was obtained, to the relief 
 of the sound members of the meeting, but not until we had sat to- 
 gether from ten o'clock in the morning till live in the afternoon. 
 
 The next morning the quarterly meeting for discipline com- 
 menced : the answers to the queries brought up from the monthly 
 meetings were couched in such general terms, as rendered it difli- 
 cult to come at a correct statement of the situation of the 
 monthly meetings ; but it appeared in the present state of this 
 quarterly meeting, nothing could be done to remedy this mode 
 of answering. 
 
 Seventh-day was spent in packing to prepare for the journey 
 before me ; and the -way now clearly opening for it, I requested 
 that the committee, who were entrusted with the care of providing 
 me with a companion, should meet, and that I should be allowed 
 to sit with them dvu'ing their deliberations. I endeavoured to 
 open to the committee niy trying situation, having left my native
 
 168 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 land to visit Friends on this continent, and no prospect opening 
 of any Iricnd as a companion so suitable but S. Wood ; besides 1 
 should not feel myself bound to accept of a companion, though 
 proposed by the committee, with whom I could not fully unite. 
 These remarks appeared to make some impression on the mind of 
 one of the individuals who were opposed to S. Wood's going with 
 me, and I was told were likely to have influence in the monthly 
 meeting. The committee commissioned one of their company to 
 lay the matter again before the next monthly meeting, and to 
 see that some 1 riend took charge of me to Purchase quarterly 
 meeting. 
 
 First-day : attended Hester-street meeting in the morning; 
 Rose-street in the afternoon : the latter meeting I sat through 
 under much silent suffering, except at the close, when my mouth 
 was opened in a few words : in the evening we had a large 
 company at my quarters, mostly young people : a time of solemn 
 quiet took place.
 
 10!) 
 
 CHAPTER XXXn. 
 
 Second-day morning, SOtli of 10th mo. 1826 : I left the hospit-. 
 able abode of Elizabeth Bowns in Broom-street, accompanied by 
 my esteemed friend Henry Hull, in order to attend Purchase 
 quarterly meeting ; and reached Puchard and Abigail iMott's before 
 it was dark. Third-day, we attended the select quarterly meet- 
 ing, which was small, a time in which we were favoured to witness 
 the wing of Divine regard stretched over us, contriting some of 
 our spirits ; for which favour the meeting appeared to separate 
 under feelings of reverent gratitude and thankfulness to Him, 
 who sits on the throne, and the Lamb immaculate, only worthy 
 of all adoration and praise, world without end. 
 
 The next day the quarterly meeting for church affairs com- 
 menced ; the meeting for worship previous to entering upon the 
 business was very largely attended by men and women Friends. I 
 doubt not to some it proved a time of close exercise and travail,that 
 the Truth might have dominion over that spirit which was secretly 
 at work in the minds of divers of the members of this quarterly 
 meeting, to divide in Jacob, and scatter in Israel. The meeting 
 for discipline then proceeding with its business, the queries 
 were answered from the different monthly meetings, but in a 
 summary way. I found, if peace of mind was to be my portion as 
 I passed along, however it might be in the cross to the creaturely 
 part, there was no other way to come at it but by simple obe- 
 dience; I therefore ventured to cast before Friends the loss 
 which I believed they were sustaining, by this summary way in 
 which the answers were brought up to the quarterly meeting 
 from some of the monthly meetings ; thus depriving themselves 
 of that help from the quarterly meeting, which otherwise they 
 might receive by clear, explicit answers. It appeared to me, 
 there was reason to fear the discipline in some of the monthly 
 meetings was handled in a superficial manner; and by keeping 
 under my exercise, strength was afforded me, I hope I may say, 
 in the wisdom of Truth, to point out the means whereby they 
 might be enabled to apply a remedy : what 1 had to offer 
 appeared to be well received, many solid Friends expressing their 
 concurrence with mv concern on the various subjects 1 had
 
 170 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 alluded to, and their tliankfulness that I had been strengthened 
 thus faithfully to labour amongst them. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, the parting meeting for worship was held : 
 soon after 1 had taken my seat in the meeting, I was brought un- 
 der exercise, as I apprehended for religious service ; but before it 
 appeared to me that the time was fully come to stand upon my 
 feet, a stranger to me in the body of the meeting expressed a very 
 few words, but so fully comporting with the opening my mind 
 had been occupied with, that I felt myself brought under a very 
 great strait ; for my exercise continued, and yet I hesitated to 
 stand up, lest the individual who had broken the silence of the 
 meeting should be in league with that disaffected part of the 
 body, which had been gaining ground in this quarterly meeting. 
 My faith became very closely proved : 1 hesitated to move with 
 the opening, lest I should become instrumental in feeding that, 
 which my friends might think wanted starving, and yet 1 knew 
 not how to keep silence : the struggle became very trying to my 
 bodily frame, as well as to my deeply oppressed mind, fearing I 
 had done wrong in not standing up sooner. But through patience 
 and perseverance in endeavouring to come at the mind and will of 
 my Divine Master, strength was given me to rise, and help admi- 
 nistered to acquit myself, 1 had good ground for believing, to the 
 satisfaction of my friends. On inquiry, I found my fears relative 
 to the Friend who broke silence in the meeting, were without founda- 
 tion: after the meeting closed, I humbly hope I may say my heart 
 overflowed with feelings of gratitude to that Divine Power, who 
 had not suffered me to become an easy prey to that evil one, who 
 is watching his opportunities, if possible, to frustrate the Lord's 
 work from going forward in the earth. We proceeded to Hester 
 Griflrin's to take our dinner : my expected companion, S.Wood 
 had not arrived, but my mind was preserved calm and quiet, 
 which I considered a great favour, and a state 1 had no power 
 to command. 
 
 Henry Hull, intending to proceed to Peek's-kiln, and the 
 way opening in my mind to accompany him there, we moved 
 forward accordingly to James Brown's, who afterwards kindly 
 offered to be my companion to Nine Partners"' quarterly meet- 
 ing ; Henry Hull then left me and returned home. The 
 carriage which my friends of New York had kindly provided 
 for me, was not considered, by Friends who were acquainted 
 with some of the road we should have to travel, at all equal 
 to such an undertaking ; and J. Brown offering to accommodate 
 me with a family waggon of his own, much better calculated 
 to stand the hard work I should require, I gladly accepted it ; 
 yet it tried me to be obliged to take a step that might appear in 
 any degree like passing a slioht on the kindness of Friends of 
 New York, in setting me out as they had done, with their best
 
 JOURNAL OF THoaiAS SHILMTOK. lyl 
 
 to accommodate my advanced age. About six o'clock this cven- 
 nig S. Wood arrived at my quarters, for vliich I felt thankful, 
 his monthly meeting having furnished him with an unlimited 
 minute to attend me : what can I say, but that it was the Lord's 
 doing, andean it be otherwise than marvellous in mine eyes? 
 
 The next morning, S. Wood, James Brown, and myself left 
 Peek's-kiln for Poughkeepsie. At Fish-kill we halted to give our 
 horses a bait ; while sitting in the hotel a funeral passed the win- 
 dow attended only by persons of colour, which excited remarks 
 from some company who were in the room with us, rather of a 
 contemptuous nature; this wounded my feelings, and the be- 
 haviour of the mourners appearing to be becoming the occasion, 
 awakened in my mind a degree of sympathy towards this degraded 
 part of our fellow-creatures, accompanied by a willingness to 
 join them to the place of interment ; but as we were circum- 
 stanced, having barely enough time to reach our place of destina- 
 tion before it would be dark, and not knowing the course they 
 were taking, 1 kept my feelings to myself We proceeded on our 
 journey, and to my agreeable surprise, after we had left Fish- 
 kill about one mile, 1 thought I observed the carriages standing 
 that had passed our hotel with the funeral. I suppose my re- 
 marks thereon and my manner of doing it, caused my com- 
 panions to propose our halting, when we came to the place of bu- 
 rial, which we accordingly did: S. Wood accompanying me, we 
 proceeded into the burial-ground ; the body had been deposited, 
 and the last sod was then being laid on the grave, and some of 
 the company had already quitted the grave-side. I requested the 
 company to be called together again, which they seemed to do 
 v.'illingly ; a solemn quiet ensued, and that which I had to offer 
 appeared to halve a humbling effect on many of their minds: the 
 quietness they manifested, and the weight over many of their 
 countenances, encouraged me to believe this act of dedication, 
 which I had been thus strengthened to make, was received with 
 feelings of gratitude on the part of the burial-company. NV c 
 v,'ere ^voured to reach the residence of my countryman, 'J homas 
 Smarts, at Poughkeepsie, before the day-light had quite disap- 
 peared. 
 
 First day morning, attended the usual meeting at this place, 
 which was larije, several of the town's people being present. A 
 meeting had been appointed at my request, for members and at- 
 tenders of meetings, at Pleasant Valley this afternoon, about the 
 distance of seven miles ; the meeting was largely attended by 
 Friends and others, and we took up our abode for the night with 
 Silas Downing, who, with his attentive wife, amply cared for all 
 
 our wants. 
 
 Second-day morning, 6th of 11th mo. we proceeded on our jour- 
 ney to Nine Partners, and took up our quarters at Friends' school,
 
 172 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 and were kindly cared for by tlic superintendents, Asa Upton and 
 liis wife. The select quarterly meeting beginning at eleven this 
 morning, 1 found myself encircled by a goodly company, as far as 
 external appearances went, which led me to hope, if the inside of 
 the cups and platters was in accordance with the plainness and 
 simplicity of the outside, we should be favoured with a precious 
 meeting together, and have to declare, as in tlie beginning of our 
 religious Society, the glory of the Lord so filled the house of each of 
 our hearts, that there was no room or occasion for the ministers to 
 minister. Alas ! I had no such glad tidings to proclaim, but to 
 warn some present against that spirit of disafl'cction, which was 
 secretly at work in the hearts of many of the disobedient mem- 
 bers of our religious Society, sapping the foundation of that true 
 religion and righteousness, which aforetime they liad been favoured 
 in some degree to experience. 
 
 The next morning. Friends assembled to transact the affairs 
 of Society : the meeting for worship was large ; we were early 
 favoured to settle down in outward quiet, and the calming, quiet- 
 ing influence of the Spirit of Truth prevailed, to the gathering of 
 the minds of very many to that true place of waiting, where the 
 voice of the Divine Counsellor is clearly understood. The time of 
 our thus sitting together was a laborious one to me: being fearful 
 to break in upon the precious quiet that was over the meeting : but 
 keeping in the patience, strength for the work was mercifully given, 
 whereby I was enabled not only to obtain relief to my own mind, 
 but to the relief of the honest-hearted members of the meeting. 
 In the evening I felt my mind drawn towards having a religious 
 opportunity with the children of the school, of which there is a 
 considerable number, both young men and boys, young women 
 and girls. It is the practice amongst Friends on this continent, in 
 farming districts, to have their children at home for the summer 
 six months; partly in consequence of the difficulty they are un- 
 der to hire labourers in the summer-season, and partly because 
 some of those masters, who undertake to teach school in country 
 places, only engage for the winter half-year : thus many of both 
 sexes are kept at school to an age when the youth in Great Britain 
 have nearly finished their apprenticeship. I proposed to the 
 superintendent and my companions, to have a sitting with the chil- 
 dren ; the scholars were collected accordingly, and 1 hope our 
 time together was not unprofitably passed. Although I am un- 
 able to record any account of this quarterly meeting for discipline, 
 yet 1 believe it will not be well to omit the following observa- 
 tions nmtle to me by a Friend in the station of elder in this meeting, 
 after it closed, hoping they may prove a strength to some, and 
 caution to others. " Some soldiers appear valiant by the fire-side, 
 but when they are brought into the field of battle, they manifest 
 great cowardice : we have too many of these fire- side valiants, who
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 173 
 
 liave dene liarm amongst us, by conversing boldlv by their fire 
 sides on the declension which has lalvcn phice in our Society but 
 have not been bold enough to declare, as they should have done 
 their sentiments in our meetings, which is the right place for tiieni 
 to relieve themselves. I am glad to find we have one valiant 
 come amongst us, and I hope thou wilt be able to proceed as thou 
 hast begun, by avoiding much, if any, information out of meet- 
 ing, speaking to matters only from the knowledge that is driven 
 thee as they arise in thy own mind in passing along; and then, 
 thou wilt have nothing to fear: if the archers should shoot attliee' 
 they will not be able to wound thee ; so be encouraged to hold on 
 as thou hast begun." These remarks felt like a cordial to my 
 mind, coming at a time when I was disposed, as I often have 
 been in passing along from meeting to meeting, to call in question 
 what I have communicated, and to fear my comino- over to this 
 continent was all a delusion of the enemy, and to conclude at times 
 it would be safer for me to pack up, and return home. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, the closing meeting commenced, which 
 was largely attended ; some few not in profession with Friends 
 gave us their company : much religious labour fell to the lot of 
 others, until near the close of the meeting, when my mind became 
 charged with that, which to me appeared like a little legacy to 
 leave behind me, but which from a fear of dissipating that pre- 
 cious covering that was over the meeting, by making unnecessary 
 additions, I had nearly taken away with me : but venturin"- on 
 my feet in that faith which ever did and ever will give the victory 
 over carnal reasoning, I was favoured to obtain relief to my own 
 mind, and the meeting closed under that precious covering which, 
 as a canopy, had been spread over us ; some Friends whose judg- 
 ment in spiritual matters I thought I was fully warranted in esteem- 
 ing, after the meeting closed, expressed their entire satisfaction 
 with my having thus given up. 
 
 My companion, S. Wood and I rode to Stamford, and took 
 up our abode with Henry Hull and wife, from whom we received 
 every marked attention our wants needed. We the next day at- 
 tended Stamford select quarterly meeting : owing to the state of 
 things in this meeting, and the oppression the living members 
 of it were labouring under, I had not smooth things to declare, 
 as I found nothing would tend to my relief but plain dealing 
 and firmness in my manner of expressing myself, both on the 
 answers to the queries, and such other subjects as came before 
 the meeting : from observations made by some members of the 
 meeting before it closed, I was led to hope my services amongst 
 them had been acceptable. The meeting for discipline was large, 
 divers Friends from Purchase and Nine Partners' quarters giving 
 their company. As we intended being at Hudson meeting on 
 First-day morning, Friends proposed a meeting being appointed
 
 ]74 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SJMLLITOE. 
 
 for me at Athens on First-day evening and one at Cocymans on 
 Second-day ; but not being able to see my way clear to have a 
 meeting appointed at Athens, I requested further time to consider 
 of it; and weighing this subject in the best way I was capable, 
 I found I must not venture upon such a meeting on my own 
 account. 
 
 First-day, we crossed the Hudson-river to Hudson ; on our 
 reaching the meeting-house, we found the meeting already ga- 
 thered : if my feelings respecting this assembly were correct, it 
 appeared to me but very few of our members were truly awake to 
 their best and eternal interest ; — a more distressing meeting I 
 had not sat since landing on the shore of the United States. 
 I felt thankful when the meeting closed, ^ — the retrospect affording 
 a consoling evidence 1 had not kept back aught I should have left 
 behind me for those assembled : a dear friend, after meeting, told 
 my companion, he knew of no meeting of Friends where there 
 was more need of the doctrine that had been delivered than Hud- 
 son. Hannah Barnard, who made such a schism amongst 
 Friends in Ireland, by spreading unsound religious principles in 
 that nation, was once a member of this meeting. 
 
 Second-day morning, we proceeded to Cocymans : the horse- 
 boat, which was to take us across the river, being aground on the 
 other side, we were detained ; and the road we had to travel being 
 up-hill, and full of large stones, we were not able to make 
 much speed without danger of injuring our carriage; the time 
 for the meeting was left to the Friends there, so that we 
 were not acquainted with it. I became very uncomfortable, fear- 
 ing we should not reach the meeting-house in proper time : on 
 our getting in sight of the meeting-house, we observed the 
 Friends standing about it as if the meeting had then broken up, 
 but we reached them before any had gone away except one young 
 woman. Friends collected around us, and we informed them the 
 cause of our not reaching in due time, and our willingness now to 
 sit down with them if they saw it best to go into the meeting- 
 house again ; or, if it appeared to them more desirable, a meeting 
 should be held in the afternoon, we were quite willing to conform 
 to their wishes : after considering our proposals, Friends con- 
 cluded to go into the meeting-house again, and the meeting soon 
 became settled. From a sense which I believed I had given me of 
 the deplorable state of things in this meeting, with respect to those 
 who are at ease in a bare profession of religion, as well as in respect 
 of the youth, it proved a time of sore exercise before I could rise upon 
 my feet; but by patiently waiting upon the gift bestowed, strength 
 was in due time given to engage in the work which I believed was 
 assigned me. The terms I had to express myself in were such, 
 as at times caused me to halt, before I could utter what came before 
 me ; my halting was not the effect of doubting what came before
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SIIILMTOE. 1 J.^ 
 
 nie for communication being in full accordance with tlic Korrowful 
 state uf things, but from" a fear lest .some .should nut be \\\\\\u' u, 
 bear what I had to olier, and so leave the meeting ; but diib 
 did not prove to be the case, Friends remained quiet until we 
 broke up the meeting. Before we separated, some Friends ac- 
 knowledged themselves much satisfied they had not dispersed, a« 
 well as their unity with what had been offered in the meeting ; 
 saying, there was great need for it, and if the young ncople 
 were but willing to receive it, this meeting would prove a bfessing 
 to them. We accompanied Thomas Bedel and wife home, where 
 we took up our quarters for the night. 
 
 Accompanied by our kind landlord and his son, we proceeded 
 toward Duanesburg, in order to attend that quarterly meeting: 
 after travelling about thirty-four miles of very bad road, and 
 passing over some dangerous, broken wooden bridges, we reached 
 the house of Isaac Gaige in safety ; for which favour, 1 humbly 
 hope I may say, feelings of gratitude flowed from my heart to 
 that Almighty Power, who had watched over, and thus preserved 
 us from harm. 
 
 The next morning we attended the select quarterly meeting, 
 wliich was small. 1 endeavoured to be found faithful to the por- 
 tion of labour assigned me among this little company ; I was 
 ready to hope there was good ground for believing it would not 
 all be in vain. 
 
 Fifth-day, IGth of 11th mo. 1826. The quarterly meeting 
 for discipline was held, which I understood was thinly attentled by 
 its members; both the meeting for worship and that for discipline 
 were to me trying meetings: at our quarters in the evening we 
 had a comfortable sitting together, and the day closed with the 
 language of "• Return unto thy rest, O my soul ! for thou hast 
 been abundantly cared for ;" and whether the people will hear or 
 forbear, I thought I was favoured with an evidence that, by co- 
 operating with that helping hand which was in mercy extended, 
 I should be clear. 
 
 The next day a meeting for worship was held ; many not in 
 profession with our Society gave us their company : although I 
 believe the command was given me early to hand out to the 
 people, yet I had not courage to obey, until the words given me 
 to stand up with, became so much as a fire in my bones, that I 
 durst no longer withhold them ; my service (if any fell to my lot) 
 was to our own members. After meeting, we rode fourteen miles 
 to Schenectady, over a very rough road and broken bridges, to 
 the house of John Marsielus. 
 
 Seventy-day morning, we rode to the widow ^Merrick's, at New 
 Town, who had buried her husband only the preceding day ; we 
 found her in a very feeble state, as to her bodily health, sur- 
 rounded by many children, who appeared disclosed to endeavour
 
 17^5 JOURNAL OF THOaiAS SIIILLITOE. 
 
 to supply the loss of their father, by their kindness and attention 
 to her. 
 
 First-day morning, attended New Town meeting, which was 
 small, and was much hurt hy the disorderly gathering of it. If 
 my feelings be correct, the life of religion is at a very low 
 ebb amongst the members ; yet I was comforted in a hope, there 
 was preserved a little remnant, whose garments had been mea- 
 surably kept clean, and that there was a hopeful prospect in some 
 young men. After meeting, we proceeded to Troy, about fourteen 
 miles, to attend a meeting in the evening at my request, for members 
 and such as attend our meetings. As we passed down the street to 
 the meeting-house, observing how much the lights in the meeting- 
 house would attract attention, I feared it would bring a crowd of 
 those of other religious societies, contrary to my view ; on entering 
 the yard and the l)ouse, this appeared to be the case. I took my seat 
 in the gallery, but for awhile 1 would gladly have been anywhere 
 than where I then was : but endeavouring after resignation to my 
 present allotment, in being seated with such a mixed congrega- 
 tion, earnest were my cries to Him who hears in secret, that He 
 would be pleased so to watch over me, that I might keep my right 
 place amongst those now assembled ; which secret petition, I 
 liumbly hope I may say, was mercifully granted, to the contrit- 
 ing of my spirit, on the retrospect of this evening's work. 
 
 Second-day morning, we left Troy and rode to Saratoga, and 
 on the following day, we attended the select quarterly meet- 
 ing : from the answers to the queries that were exhibited, 
 gospel order appeared sorrowfully broken in upon ; the prospect 
 of making any remarks was trying to human nature, from that 
 sense I thought I had given me, of a high-towering self-exalted 
 disposition, which was uppermost in the minds of some, who wanted 
 to take the lead in transacting the business of the Society ; but 
 as there was a waiting in patience until the right time was fully 
 come for me to open my mouth, strength was given for the 
 labour of this day ; not only to the relief of my own mind, but, 
 if expressions are to be depended upon, to the comfort of the 
 little remnant of that quarterly meeting, whose garments are not 
 stained by the polluted religious principles, (if they can be called 
 religious,) afloat in the minds of some of the members of this 
 
 part of the body. Ruth and Sarah U. Smith, of Stanford 
 
 quarterly meeting, travelling as ministers, with certificate, very 
 acceptably made a part of our company. 
 
 Fourth-day morning: themeeting for worship commenced: several 
 women, with their young children being present, and the children 
 becoming rather restless and uneasy, it was needful for me to aim 
 at having my mind brought into patience, (there appearing no 
 alternative, but that it must be endured,) even by knowing it to 
 be stayed where all that M'ould disturb comes to be subdued, so
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 177 
 
 that we are mercifully carried above it : tliis was tlie case witli 
 our l^rieiids in the beginning, when the rude rabble came into 
 their meetmgs with officers and drums to break them up. The 
 difficulty must be great to some of the parents of these chil- 
 dren, tor they must either stay at home themselves, or brin^r 
 their children to meeting with them, not having the mcaiS 
 to enable them to hire servants to take charge of the chil- 
 dren, or frequently no person to be hired they can fully con- 
 fide m : 1 thought I could sympathize with my sisters who 
 were placed under any of these circumstances, and bid them 
 God speed, in pursuing this their often trying path of duty. 
 A practice amongst Friends in country situations was a greater 
 annoyance to me, than the infants that were brought to meet- 
 ing, namely, the bringing their dogs with them, and often- 
 times into the meeting-house ;— two or three sometimes are walk- 
 ing about the house during the whole of the meeting for wor- 
 ship, and if not in the house, quarrelling and barking on the 
 outside great part of the meeting-time : this not being a matter 
 of necessity, I found myself called upon to protest against such 
 a disorderly practice. The meeting for discipline commenced 
 its business, and it was sorrowfully evident, from the answers 
 to the queries, that the enemy of all righteousness had made his 
 inroads into each of the monthly meetings : breaches of love and 
 unity were acknowledged by them all ; and, from the manner in 
 which these deficiencies were passed over by the meeting, there 
 appeared very little prospect of any good being done at present. 
 Those who were preserved from the contaminating influence of 
 infidel principles, which were so evidently at work in the minds of 
 some who placed themselves in the fore-rank, and were endeavour- 
 ing, if possible, to bring all to their anti-christian level , yet these 
 had suffered fear so far to take hold of their minds, that they 
 were robbed of that strength, which would have been as a shield 
 of defence in every of these times of discouragement and dismay. 
 
 The next day the concluding meeting for worship was held : 
 after dinner Samuel Wood and myself rode to Milton, and took 
 up our abode at Jonathan More's. 
 
 Sixth-day, we proceeded towards Mayfield meeting-house, in- 
 tending to be there on First-day. We found the road very rough, 
 and very dangerous, from the snow that had fallen in the night 
 and the frost ; but our greatest difficulty had not as yet come to 
 our knowledge. At a distance we observed a cloud of smoke 
 in the valley, which we found, on reaching the bottom of the hill, 
 was occasioned by a house taking fire very near to the bridge 
 we should have to pass over ; it was then burning, and those in 
 attendance had laid some of the principal timbers that were on fire 
 on the bridge, which obliged us to venture our horses and carriage 
 down a very rugged deseent and through the brook : although I 
 
 VOL. II. N
 
 lyjj JOURNAL OK THOMA:i SHILLITOE. 
 
 had full confidence in my companion, yet the prospect of such 
 an expedient as this was a trial of my faith. We made a halt 
 at our kind friend Seaman Carpenter's, at Galloway : here we re- 
 freshed ourselves and our horses. A little matter I had to offer 
 before we proceeded again, and we had cause to hope our visit was 
 a seasonable one. A Friend went with us, whose road home 
 was part of our way to our next halting-place ; he kindly offered 
 to be guide to the end of this days journey ; but as we under- 
 stood from him the road we had to take was not difficult 
 to find, and he gave us such directions as my companion thought 
 was quite sufficient, we declined his kind offer. But coming to 
 where three roads met, we were brought into difficulty, only 
 having been told of a right-hand and a left-hand road ; we endea- 
 voured to pursue the course we thought most likely to take us to 
 our port, but we soon came to where three crossroads met again 
 which increased our difficulties: night was fast coming on, and no 
 appearance of any house near to inquire at ; the weather was also 
 very cold and frosty. For a time I felt much tried, not expecting 
 any other but that we should be obliged to sleep all night in our 
 waggon, and the poor horses be exposed to suffering, after a hard 
 day's work: at length 1 became more composed, and resolved to 
 make the best of our trying situation : a hope also revived in my 
 mind that we should be favoured to arrive safely at our intended 
 resting-place, gloomy as the prospect was. We were, however, 
 soon brought into fresh trials, by coming to a place where several 
 roads met: whilst pondering over our increased difficulties, we 
 espied some persons in a sleigh coming towards us : this was to 
 lue a cheering circumstance, and they soon put us on our right 
 road, so that we reached the house of Levi Seymore in safety, 
 but not before it was nearly dark. By him and his wife we were 
 kindly cared for. 
 
 First-day morning, (26th of 11th mo.) we had three miles to 
 ride to meeting ; the road was so bad, it was more like being tossed 
 about in a vessel at sea, than riding in a carriage : the morning 
 being very wet, the meeting was smaller than usual, and greatly 
 disturbed by late comers-in ; in the evening we had two short re- 
 ligious opportunities. 
 
 Second-day morning, the snow had nearly all disappeared, and 
 as there had been a frost in the night, the prospect of the journey 
 before us bore a more cheerful aspect : the day was serene and 
 clear, the sun shone warm, and our road was much on the banks 
 of the Mohawk river ; the lofty mountains clothed with fine 
 toweling evergreens, in many places reaching down nearly to the 
 water's edge, added greatly to the beauty of the scenery; yet the 
 bad roads we had to travel, and, at times, the precipices near 
 the side of our road, little protected against danger, were a great 
 take-off from my enjoyment. Wc were favoured to reach an inn 
 for the iiioht.
 
 JOURNAL OK rH(K\IA.-^ SMU,I,Iloli. 1 Tl) 
 
 Third-day morning, wc proceeded on our journey ; our pros- 
 pect appeared discouraging; a storm of snow coming on. and ilio 
 road before us bad to travel, led me to consider the propriety of 
 my movement, in proposing to make my way to Canada at this 
 season of the year ; but viewing the subject again, as well as I was 
 capable of, I could see no other way for me but to proceed, and cn- 
 ;deavour to attend the monthly meetings in Canada, before the next 
 half-year's meeting: I therefore concluded, it would tend most 
 to the peace of my own mind, to try and lose sight of any difllcul- 
 ties that should present themselves in the prosecution of appre- 
 hended duty. By great exertions we were favoured to reach 
 Utica before it was so dark as to render it diflicult for us to make 
 our way through the town ; and we were kindly cared for by our 
 friend, Seth Peckham. 
 
 We made a few calls upon some of the Friends who reside 
 here, and who manifested a wish w-e should have a meeting with 
 them ; but way not opening for it in my mind, we proceeded on 
 our journey towards Bridgewater, and were favoured to reach the 
 house of Daniel Mott, who, witii his family, kindly supplied all 
 our wants. 
 
 The next morning-, (30th of 11th mo.) we pursued our journey 
 to Brothertown, an Indian settlement. A member of our Society, 
 formerly resided in this settlement, and his house being occujiied 
 by his son, we were bending our course that way, when we met our 
 intended landlord, Thomas Dean, who halted on our informing him 
 what had brought us so far on our way : he kindly offered to re- 
 turn with us, and render us every assistance in his power towards 
 the object we had in view, but which help he told us we had nearly 
 been deprived of, as his road would, in a few minutes more, have 
 led him off that in which we were travelling. On our reaching his 
 comfortable abode he welcomed us as acceptable guests, although 
 he did not profess with Friends : by him and his wife every mark 
 of hospitality was manifested. Six in the evening being proposed 
 by Thomas Dean, as the most suitable time for the Indians to be 
 collected, we were most easy to leave this matter entirely to his 
 judgment. Having a prospect of a meeting with the Stockbridge 
 Indians the next day, he kindly sent forward a messenger to lix 
 the time for a meeting with them. The school-house in Brother- 
 town was the place concluded upon for the meeting it was 
 apprehended from the shortness of the notice, the badness of the 
 roads, and the probability of the night being dark, that the 
 attendance would not be large. At the time appointed wc pro- 
 ceeded to the school-house; the meeting was long in gather- 
 ing, but after it was fully gathered, a precious covering was to 
 be felt. For a considerable time, such was my emptied and 
 stripped state of mind, that I was tempted to regret 1 ever had 
 the people called together; but endeavouring to keep patient 
 
 N 2
 
 180 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 under these provings, a very sliort simple sentence came weightily 
 before my mind to stand up with, and by yielding to this little 
 opening, more enlargement was known. Great quietness was 
 observed through the whole of the meeting. Our kind landlord 
 informed us, a more orderly meeting had not been known there ; 
 1 humbly hope I was not deficient in labouring after feelings of 
 gratitude for this distinguished token of the continuation of Divine 
 help. As the Indians came into the school-house, I observed 
 they placed, in an erect manner, on each side of the fire-place, 
 very long pieces of stick, like wands: this, on inquiry, I was 
 informed, was light-wood, burning like a torch or link, which the 
 Indians had provided to conduct them to their own houses again. 
 After the meeting closed, we observed those burning sticks 
 moving about in various directions ; the number that assembled 
 being considerable. 
 
 At an early hour in the morning we left the abode of our 
 kind friend Thomas Dean, whose care for us every way ap- 
 peared to have been unremitting ; we were accompanied by a 
 young man, an Indian, as our guide to the settlement of the 
 Stockbridge Indians. We had a dirty, rough, hilly Indian 
 road to travel, which occasioned us to be rather behind the time 
 appointed for the meeting ; it was to have been held at Captain 
 Henderick's, an old Indian chief; but on reaching his habitation, 
 it appeared he had been suddenly seized in the night with some 
 bodily indisposition, and his bed was in the room where the meet- 
 ing was to have been held. In consequence of this circumstance, 
 we held our meeting at the house of an Indian woman ; she had 
 been partly brought up by a Friend of Philadelphia, but after 
 she grew to woman's estate, returned into the settlement of her 
 ancestors, and resumed the Indian dress and manners : she evi- 
 dently retained a very grateful remembrance of the kindness she 
 had received from Friends, and the sense of obligation she was 
 under to them, for their care of her in early life ; and seemed 
 pleased she had it in her power to accommodate us with a place 
 for the meeting, and to care for us for the night, for which it ap- 
 peared she had ample means. The meeting was small, but we 
 had good ground for believing it proved satisfactory ; the Indians 
 generally behaved in a solid and attentive manner, and appeared 
 reluctant to leave us when the meeting closed. This settlement 
 of the Stockbridge Indians, we understood, had been of late years 
 greatly reduced, near one thousand one hundred of them having 
 emigrated to the west of this settlement at Statesburgh, near 
 Green Bay, in order that they might get out of the way of those 
 temptations they found themselves exposed to by the increase of 
 the white people settling amongst them ; choosing ratlier to en- 
 dure the deprivations they would have to meet with in a new set- 
 tled country, for the sake of that quietness and simplicity, which.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. lUl 
 
 (from the conversation we had with some, who arc now again on 
 the wing to take their departure,) they eonsider to he mott eon- 
 sistent with a truly rehgious life; they told us they had already 
 been to see the spot they were about to emigrate to, and they ap- 
 peared to rejoice at the prospect of the quiet they sliould enjoy with 
 those gone before them. From the accounts given us, I could not 
 doubt, that the conduct of the white people towards tliis artless, 
 and (unless first provoked to acts of violence) unofibnding race 
 of mankind, had been injurious, by their using every artifTce to 
 entice them to drink until they became drunk, and then taking 
 the advantage of them by getting possession of their lands. I mar- 
 vel not at the expressions of Red Jacket, the great Indian chief 
 of the Buffalo Indians, wWch, I have been well informed, was to 
 this effect :— " Whether the Great Spirit sent the white pco])le 
 amongst us or not, I cannot tell ; but this I can tell, since they 
 have come amongst us, they have taught us many bad practices 
 which we never before were acquainted with." A sorrowful tale 
 for a poor uneducated Indian to tell of any professing the Chris- 
 tian name ! Our kind Indian hostess proposed sending word to 
 Oneida, of our desire to have a meeting to-morrow with the In- 
 dians of that settlement, which ofxer we gladly accepted ; they 
 also proposed to guide us there, provided we M'ould take up our 
 quarters at her house until the following day, which we cheerfully 
 accepted. The evening was passed over very much to our satis- 
 faction, part of it occupied with a religious opportunity in litr 
 own family, and hearing her relate some interesting statements, rela- 
 tive to some of her own and her Indian neighbours' progress under 
 the difficulties which they had been exposed to from time to time, 
 through the treachery of an agent and missionary, appointed by 
 the State to care for them, who brought heavy expenses against 
 them, and then took possession of some of their best land to cover 
 their demands ; she added, " We want none of their care, we are 
 quite capable of caring for our affairs ourselves : " — this we were 
 well satisfied was the case with our landlady, who appeared to 
 possess powers of mind equal to most worldly transactions. She 
 often appeared in raptures, when contrasting the disinterested con- 
 duct of Friends towards her and her Indian brethren, with that of 
 the mercenary missionaries (as she said) and agents that had come 
 amongst them. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, we left this hospitable Indian mansion, a 
 name it fitly deserves, when compared with most other Indian huts; 
 we were accompanied by our kind landlady, her step-father, and the 
 daughter of the pious old Indian chief, Scannadore, and proceeded 
 towards Oneida, having nothing but an Indian road to travel on : 
 in consequence of a heavy fall of snow in the night, the deep 
 holes which we had to pass being filled up, we could not avoid 
 them, which made it trying to our horses and ourselves. In
 
 182 JOUIi.-^AL Of JllO.MAs; SIIII.IJTOK. 
 
 one of these sloughs, our waggon gave such a crack, that I 
 expected our axle-trees were broken, and that we should be 
 set fast in the middle of it; my companion's courage appeared 
 to serve him better than mine, and with help, we made our way 
 safely out again Having thus passed this slough, I was led 
 to hope the worst v/as over, but I soon found we had a river to 
 ford. I'his, however, we surmounted, and came to the school- 
 house, where the meeting was to have been held, agreeable to 
 a})pointment the night before ; but it was much after the time 
 fixed, owing to our difJiculties in getting along. There being no 
 gathering at the school house, as we had expected, we rode to the 
 house of an Indian family, to wht)m the charge of giving notice 
 had been entrusted ; when, to our disappointment, we were told 
 that so far from the notice having been given, they had been 
 wholly unacquainted with our intention, and as the weather con- 
 tinued so very stormy and unfavourable for the people col- 
 lecting, it would now be in vain to give notice. Proposals were 
 made to us to remain at Oneida that night, the family of the 
 liouse offering to accommodate us ; but all that was within me 
 capable of any feeling of what comfort was, recoiled at the pros- 
 pect of taking up our abode here, from the extreme filthy ap- 
 pearance of the inhabitants, and every thing belonging to the 
 house ; and yet 1 durst not leave the settlement without being 
 willing to do my part, by submitting to any deprivation of comfort 
 ill order to obtain a meeting amongst them. Whether our kind 
 hostess, who had conducted us here, observed any thing in my 
 countenance that bespoke unpleasant feelings, at the prospect of our 
 accepting the proposal of stoj)ping in this family for the night, or 
 that she felt satisiied herself it was not likely we could make our- 
 selves comfortable ; she proposed our going further into the set- 
 tlement, and trying to obtain accommodation at the house wh.ere 
 the Episcopal preacher lodged, and which had been the residence 
 of the chief Scannadore ; this proposal I gladly fell in with, 
 believing as I did, we could not possibly be ivorsted by this 
 attempt. 
 
 On our arrival at the house, understanding the preacher was at 
 home, we applied to him to know if we could be each accommo- 
 dated with a bed, and such provision as the family aflEbrded, 
 and pi'ovision for our horses ; which being submitted to the 
 family, they engaged, if we were willing to take things rough as 
 we found them, to do their best for our comfort; which to me was 
 a cheering reply, inasmuch as cleanliness, as far as our eyes could 
 see, was attended to. The prospect of the comfort we were 
 likely to have in our ne'w abode, when compared with the Indian 
 house we had last left, was a fresh call for gratitude on my part, 
 and I humbly hope I was not much, if at all, deficient in an en- 
 <leavour to labour after it, and to say in the language of holy
 
 JOURNAL OF TH03IAS SHILLITOE. 1 J{; j 
 
 David, "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within n.c- 
 bless Ins holy name, and forget not all iiis benefits!'' who had 
 thus made way for us in this wilderness, amongst an Indian race 
 to possess the comforts which the poor, frail tabernacle stands in 
 need of 1 gladly helped to unload our luggage, and cheerfully 
 took possession of a seat in our new abode, manifesting myself to 
 be at home. Way opening for it in my own mind, at a suitable 
 time, I informed the preacher the errand that had brought us to 
 the settlement of the Oneida Indians, producing to him my cer- 
 tificate to read ; which having done, he proposed giving up i)is 
 place of worship and congregation to-morrow to ine, consisting of 
 the Indians of this settlement, or to read to them the service of 
 the day and not give them a sermon. On considering both these 
 proposals in the best way I was qualified to do, it felt most easy 
 to me to accept of his latter proposal, in doing which we after- 
 wards were led to believe we had done right. But there appeared 
 one great difficulty to attend my mind in yielding to this latter 
 proposal, which I named to my kind friend who had made me this 
 very liberal offer, which was, our sitting amongst them during the 
 time of their religious performance with our hats on, feeling, as I 
 did, a care on my mind to be preserved from wilfully hurling the 
 feelings of those who did not profess with myself In reply, he, 
 with apparent cheerfulness, informed us, he did not wish us to de- 
 part in the least degree from our accustomed manner of acting in 
 our own place of worship ; thus this matter, which to me appeared 
 as a huge mountain to encompass, was brought to a clo^c, and 
 peacefully so to my own mind. We passed the evening with 
 the young man, the preacher, in his own apartment, which added 
 much to our comfort. During our conversation, I found that if 
 I had any thing to communicate to-morrow, it must be conveyed 
 to them through an Indian interpreter, and that by our arrange- 
 ment for the day, v/e should secure a better attendance, as tliey 
 pretty generally attend their place of worship on a First-day. 
 
 First-day, at the time appointed, we proceeded with our friend 
 the preacher to the meeting-place, a commodious building erected 
 by the state, but at the expense of the Oneida settlement ; tiie 
 government disposing of so much of their land as covered the 
 charges. On our arrival, our friend placed us in two chairs 
 on the platform of what is called the altar, taking his seat in the 
 reading-desk ; the Indians, we were told, gathered very strag- 
 glingly at this time of the year, when deprived of the rays of the 
 sun to show the correct time of the day, having scarcely a clock or 
 watch in their possession. The women assembled with their clean 
 blankets over their heads ; such as had infants had them fas- 
 tened upon a board, which board, with the infant thus secured, 
 is placed in an erect position against the side of their scat ; 
 after which the mother appeared to have no further care ; they
 
 184 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 manifested a devotedness of soul to that Almighty Power before 
 whom they professed to be thus assembled, equal to any thing 
 in this way 1 had ever before witnessed. The solidity observable 
 in the countenances of the women, and their whole deportment, was 
 well worthy of imitation by such as may rank the highest amongst 
 professing Christians. This seriousness of deportment was not 
 so manifest amongst the men, who took the opposite side of the 
 house to that of the women. Reading being gone through, our 
 friend requested the interpreter (who is paid for his services by 
 the state, but at the Indians' expense ultimately,) to inform the 
 congregation they were not to expect, as heretofore, a sermon 
 from him that day, as I had desired to hold a meeting amongst 
 them, he had therefore given up that time to me which would 
 have been thus occupied ; after which a pause took place. Feel- 
 ing my mind entrusted with matter to communicate, when 1 
 rose on my feet, my interpreter prepared himself to fulfil the en- 
 ffaerement he had undertaken, for Mhich I understood he was 
 fully competent ; solid attention appeared to be given to what I 
 had to offer, and 1 was led to believe, from the orderly quiet man- 
 ner in which they separated, that what had been communicated 
 was understood and was well received by them. Feeling my mind 
 relieved from further service amongst them, I informed our friend 
 to that effect, on which he immediately gave out a hymn. 1 could 
 see no other Avay for us but quietly to keep our seats, which wc 
 did during the performance of this solemn act, for so it felt to me 
 to be with many of them ; if my feelings on the occasion were 
 correct, not a doubt remaining in my mind (althougli I could not 
 understand a word, it being in the Indian language) but that 
 many of them felt the awful import of the words they uttered. 
 The women appeared to take the most active part, the melodious 
 sound, with the frequent gradual rise and fall of their voices, 
 equalled in melody and solemnity any thing of the kind which I 
 had before been a witness to. After the meeting closed, we re- 
 turned to our lodgings and took our dinner. I felt well rewarded 
 in my own mind that we had thus pressed through the various 
 difficulties that had presented, to obtain a meeting with these 
 Indians. After dinner, under feelings of near affection, which 
 we had reason for believing were mutual, we parted from our kind 
 friend the preacher and the family, who had every way in their 
 power, I believe, cared for us, and rode twelve miles towards the 
 settlement of the Onandaga Indians, and we took up our abode 
 for the night at an inn. 
 
 Second-day morning, 4th of 12th mo. 1826, we pursued our 
 journey ; the roads had been so much cut up, with deep 
 holes, which we could not at times avoid passing through, 
 made travelling this day very fatiguing. About noon we were 
 favoured to reach the house of a member of our Society, in
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. ] {{5 
 
 the Onandaga settlement, who, with his family, arc placed there 
 by the \ early Meeting of New York, for the improvement of the 
 Indians of this settlement. On inquiry, I found there was but little 
 probability of our having a meeting with the Indians of this settle- 
 ment, the men being mostly gone hunting for deer, and from the 
 difficulty of procuring an interpreter who would be fully competent 
 to the task. We spent three days in the settlement, calling at some 
 of the Indian huts, and viewing the improvements that had taken 
 place under the care of Friends. We had frequent visits from 
 the chief, who is in possession of a large stock of cattle and piers, 
 and his farm well cultivated and fenced, which we observed was 
 very much the case in this settlement, as far as we went over this 
 beautiful and fruitful valley. I much regretted our want of a 
 suitable interpreter, as it foreclosed our making some inquiries 
 which we might have felt disposed to do, and which I had no 
 doubt would have produced from them undisguised and disinte- 
 rested replies. The evening before we left the house of our kind 
 friends, it appeared that it would tend to the relief of my own mind 
 to request a sitting with the family of the chief, his grandson, (who 
 speaks English,) and such of the Indians who inclined to give us 
 their company. The chief, his grandson, two men, and seven 
 women attended : after I had relieved my mind of what came 
 before me, a pause took place, and the grandson of the chief, in a 
 feeling manner, endeavoured by little and little to do his best to 
 communicate to his grandfather and the other Indians the sub- 
 stance of what I had been delivering. Then the chief, in reply, 
 said it had afforded him great comfort, that I had been thus sent 
 across the great water to visit them, and that he hoped his grand- 
 son would remember what had been delivered by me, and would 
 not be suffered to return to his old bad ways again, but keep on 
 more and more improving in his good conduct ; adding, that his 
 mind had been comforted under the feelings he was favoured with, 
 whilst I was communicating amongst them good counsel. The 
 next morning we affectionately parted from them and the kind 
 family, under whose roof we had been so amply cared for. 
 
 Whilst in the Onandaga settlement, desirous of having some 
 correct view of the belief which the Indians have of God and a 
 future state, I was informed they were cautious of conversing 
 on these subjects ; but some months after I had visited the set- 
 tlement, a kind friend there, by letter furnished me with the fol- 
 lowing par " ' - • ^ - 
 
 in these m< 
 
 previously ..v,.v.v. . — o 
 
 there is a great and good Spirit, who is omnipotent, omniscient, 
 omnipresent, the Creator of every thing that is good ; but that he 
 never had any thing to do with evil, nor could, for it is contrary to 
 his nature ; that he has not only made man intelligent, hut has, in
 
 U5G JODKNAL OK IMOJIAS SIlILLlTOli. 
 
 infinite mercy, given liim a portion of liis own good Spirit, to pre- 
 serve him from all evil, and instruct him in every thing tliat is pro- 
 per to be done ; that from this source arises man's accountability, 
 and that he will receive a reward in exact proportion to his works, 
 whether ^ood or evil. They also believe in the immortality of the 
 soul, future rewards and punishments, and a perpetual judgment- 
 seat in the mind, which is always accusing or justifying us for our 
 conduct ; that heaven is a place inexpressibly delightful, where the 
 good will live with the Great Spirit eternally : their idea is, that 
 the passa<;e, or bridge, that leads to this happy place, is not 
 broader than a hair or the edge of a knife ; yet that there is 
 no difficulty in the good passing it, for angels meet them, and 
 conduct them over ; they also believe, that beneath this narrow 
 passage there is a dark, horrible pit, full of every loathsome and 
 tormenting disease, where the wicked are for ever punished ; that 
 when the wicked attempt to cross this bridge, there is no help 
 afforded them ; they therefore fall into it, and it is impossible for 
 them to get out again." " I know this,"" says the Friend, " to be 
 a correct statement, having resided several years amongst them." 
 
 After leaving the Onandaga settlement we proceeded to Ska- 
 neateloes, and reached the house of Lydia Mott. During the 
 frost, my foot slipped off the step of our waggon, whereby I 
 received a considerable wound on my leg, and being exposed to 
 the frosty air, it became very much swelled and inflamed : I felt 
 thankful to find I had reached the house of a good doctress and 
 nurse, by whose kind and unremitting attention my leg soon 
 began to mend, which I esteemed a favour, as the frost was now 
 becoming very severe, and we were likely soon again to be much 
 exposed to its pinching influence, which would have proved un- 
 favourable to its healing. 
 
 First-day, (10th of 12th mo.) attended meeting at this place. 
 The next day was held the preparative meeting, which was at- 
 tended by a committee under appointment of the monthly meeting 
 of Scipio, to visit the several preparative meetings of this monthly 
 meeting. The answers to the queries were brought into the meet- 
 ing, ready prepared by the overseers. This practice placed me 
 in a trying situation, inasmuch as, to make objections to what 
 was brought in by the overseers appeared like doubting the ve- 
 racity of the Friends who had prepared the document for the 
 meeting ; and yet I found nothing but faithfulness and plain- 
 dealing would acquit me in the sight of that Divine Being, who 
 alone was able to sustain through the future trials that might 
 await me in my wilderness"' journey through time : 1 therefore 
 earnestly besought the Lord for counsel in my movements, and 
 when that was in mercy clearly unfolded, for his sustaining help, 
 that faithfulness might mark all my stcppings in that meeting. 
 Before the meeting closed, vocal acknowledgments of gratitude
 
 JOURNAL OP TH031AS SHII.LITOE. 
 
 «7 
 
 were made by a Friend of the monthly meeting, for the niereiful 
 help that had been dispensed, during the transacting the weiglity 
 matters that came before the meetino-. 
 
 Third-day morning, we had nine miles to ride to attend 
 Sempronms meeting : when breakfast had closed, feeling a call 
 of duty to relieve my mind of an exercise which it had been 
 brought under, I endeavoured to seek after holy help to dis- 
 charge this duty : we parted under feelings of affection for each 
 other, and were favoured to reach the meeting-house before the 
 time of Friends' assembling, for which there was cause of thank- 
 fulness, considering the badness of our roads. The prepara- 
 tive meeting, being under adjournment to accommodate the vi- 
 siting committee, was held here this day : we here met with a few 
 well-concerned members of our religious Society ; but there was 
 reason to fear, as it respected others, little more remained with 
 them than a claim to outward membership. Akhougli my bein"- 
 willing to sit where the people sit, as it respected the bulk of this 
 meeting, was the way to enter into suffering, which the creature 
 was ready to recoil at; yet 1 was sensible this must be the cnsc 
 with us, if we labour in the Lord's vineyard to the benefit of the 
 people. After meeting was over, my companion, myself, and the 
 committee, proceeded towards Salmon Creek meeting, and took 
 up our abode at Jacob Griffin's. 
 
 The next morning we attended meeting at Salmon Creek; 
 the state of the Society here was trying to the rightly-exercised 
 members amongst themselves as well as the visitors ; yet it was 
 pleasant to find a willingness to receive the close doctrine that was 
 offered amongst them, and to observe the apparent love that was 
 manifested towards us at our parting. After meeting, we pro- 
 ceeded towards Scipio, and took up our abode for the night at the 
 house of the widow Line's. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, attended Scipio preparative meeting : the 
 meetino held long. Friends appearing disposed to go into the 
 state of this meeting more fully than i at first expected would be 
 the case ; much counsel was imparted through different instru- 
 ments, I humbly hope, rightly fitted for the work. The meeting 
 closed to good satisfaction upon the whole, though the spirit of 
 unsoundness of principle, and a disesteem of the Sacred Writings, 
 which afterwards made such havock in this monthly meeting, had 
 already a little manifested itself at this time. After meeting, we 
 rode to Aaron. 
 
 Sixth day, we attended the North-street preparative meeting, 
 where we found a considerable body of goodly-looking Friends, 
 with whom we had as comfortable a meeting as any that has 
 fallen to our lot, since coming into this monthly meeting ; 1 con- 
 sidered it a favour, our being thus incorporated with the com-
 
 IJUJ JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 mittec during our passing tlirough these montlily meetings : after 
 meeting, we rode to Union Springs. 
 
 The following day, we attended the preparative meeting : here 
 Friends have a commodious, nearly new-built meeting-house, beau- 
 tifully situated in a very retired spot, with but quite a small number 
 to attend it. If 1 had any sense given me of the state of our So- 
 ciety here, the life of religion was at a very low ebb ; yet it was 
 pleasant to find a disposition on the part of the members to go 
 further into the state of things than the answers to the querie-s 
 brought in by the overseers had done. Intending to go to Junius 
 meeting to-morrow, and the distance being too far for us to reach 
 in the morning, we requested Friends* assistance in pointing out 
 a suitable stopping-place to-night : the Seneca Falls was pro- 
 posed to us, where we were informed resided a family who were 
 members of our religious Society : after taking our leave of the 
 committee, and the kind friends with whom we took up our abode, 
 we pursued our journey to the Falls. 
 
 First-day morning, we rode to Junius before breakfast : 
 here we found a large new-built meeting-house, erected under the 
 expectation of there being a very considerable settlement of 
 Friends, but after the house was finished, most of the new settlers 
 emigrated to some of the back settlements ; in consequence of 
 which the meeting was small, as to members of our Society ; a few 
 not in profession with Friends attended ; but the whole of us 
 made a desolate appearance. The straggling and unseasonable 
 manner of the meeting's gatherin<i-, together with the careless 
 posture in which some took and kept their seats, was cause of 
 much exercise to my mind ; the sorrowful tendency of which was 
 felt, by keeping the meeting for a length of time in a very un- 
 settled state. I found my peace very much depended on my being 
 faithful, by recurring to these painful circumstances: before we 
 separated, in fear and trembling I ventured on my feet, crav- 
 ing of the Lord to keep me faithful to his requiring ; and in the 
 course of what I had to communicate on these disorderly pro- 
 ceedings, I was led to address some individuals implicated 
 therein, who were taking an active part in the concerns of the 
 Society, and to lay before them the loss they were sustaining 
 themselves, and the danger there was of their example encouraging 
 others in these practices. After I had been thus engaged, when 
 taking my seat again, my mind was plunged into great suffering, 
 through a fear that took possession of it, that I had not had a 
 sufficient warrant for expressing myself as pointedly as 1 had 
 done, and that it had been the enemy's work to lead me into 
 difficulty : I would gladly have slunk out of the house before the 
 meeting broke up, to miss remarks that I thought I should 
 not escape hearing. Before I got clear of the meeting-house
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 189 
 
 premises, when the meeting broke up, a goodly-like aged woman 
 P'riend came up to me, giving me her hand in an affectionate 
 manner, exhorted me with much apparent feeling of mind, to he 
 faithful in my moving along in the service assigned me amongst 
 Friends, adding, with tears, " I am one of those thou was led so 
 pointedly to address near the close of the meeting, and I hope 
 thy exercise will not be lost upon me." These remarks felt as a 
 cordial to my tried mind, accompanied by feelings of gratitude, 
 that dismay had not been permitted quite to overwhelm me ; I 
 did not doubt my Divine Master well knew the need there was for 
 me to pass through this dispensation, to humble and keep down 
 the creaturely part in me.
 
 190 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIII. 
 
 Second-day, J 8th of 12th mo. 1826, wc rode to Rochester, a new- 
 settled city : in the evening, whilst sitting in the family with 
 whom we abode, my mind was brought under religious exercise, 
 accompanied with matter for communication ; but conversa- 
 tion was so continually kept up, I felt unequal to come at that 
 quiet my soul longed for, in order to obtain relief. I retired to 
 bed, sad although not sick, a state of mind the Christian tra- 
 veller must expect to be frequently baptized into, if a real desire 
 continues alive in the soul to be made willing to suffer for and with 
 Christ, whilst he continues to be under suffering and persecution 
 in the hearts and minds of so many among us in the present day; 
 this I believed I was given to see and understand, was sorrow- 
 fully the case in this meeting. A hope was awakened in my 
 mind, that if I was careful to watch it, an opportunity might be 
 found, should my exercise continue with me, at the close of 
 our taking breakfast next morning ; but by the coming in of 
 persons of other societies, no quiet could be attained : this free 
 access to the private apartments of Friends in this country, 
 which those of other societies are allowed, is a great interruption 
 to the orderly conducting of families, and I doubt not injurious 
 at times to both parents and children, by the hearing of con- 
 versation inimical to their best welfare. 
 
 The next morning, we took our leave of the family who had 
 kindly entertained us, accompanied by Henry Moser, we pro- 
 ceeded towards Hartland this night, and lodcred at an inn. We 
 continued our journey, and reached my kind countryman, Michael 
 Robson's, in time to attend the select monthly meeting in the 
 afternoon. Attended the monthly meeting the next morning, which 
 was held in a log meeting-house : the meeting was not fully ga- 
 thered until an hour after the time appointed, which had a very 
 unsettling effect. I was constrained to endeavour to awaken the 
 attention of the well-concerned members of the meeting to this 
 subject, to consider if something more was not required than had 
 been done towards a remedy : what service I had amongst the
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. ]()] 
 
 Friends of tins meeting, to the creaturely pan was humilialin.r 
 yet I trust 1 had no cause to be dissatisfied with that winch had 
 fallen to ray lot ; the closing minute made on their books after 
 noticing my certificates, stated that my gospel labours had been 
 acceptable. 
 
 I had requested my kind companion, Samuel Wood, to inform 
 me when we were in the neighbourhood of any of the Indian set- 
 tlements; this I found was now the case, and that the settle- 
 ment of the Tonawonta Indians could be taken on our way to 
 Canada, whither we intended soon to bend our course; I also 
 learnt that there were Friends attending the monthly meetin^r 
 who resided about nine miles from this settlement, and who were 
 well acquainted with the Indians of the Tonawonta tribe, by beinf 
 at times called upon to be in council with them, when any matter's 
 of importance between them and the white people claimed their 
 attention. These Friends being spoken to on the subject, very 
 kindly offered to give us any assistance in their power towards 
 collecting them ; but on turning the subject over in my own mind, 
 I durst not give expectation at present of my being likely to 
 accept of these kind offers of service. 
 
 Sixth-day morning : after rather a sleepless night, partly oc- 
 casioned by the exercise of mind 1 was brought under, that I 
 might be rightly directed in the matter respecting the Tonawonta 
 Indians, and not have to return again, after I had passed the road 
 that led to their settlement, we proceeded towards Lockport 
 through the woods, on a new road. Little more, however, appeared 
 to have been done to this road, than cuttinfj down and clcarino- 
 away the trees for carriages to pass, and making a few ill-contrived 
 bridges, by laying trees across some of the worst of the swampy 
 places which we must otherwise have passed through ; these trees 
 were placed the reverse of what they should have been, and some 
 of them were so far apart, that the wheels of our carriage very nar- 
 rowly escaped dropping down between two of these trees. Some 
 of the mud-holes we had to go through were so deep, it was diffi- 
 cult for our horses, when appearing to exert their utmost strength, 
 to raise us out of them again : a large tree had been blown down 
 across our road, which at first sight threatened to impede our 
 journey, but as no other way appeared for our help, we were 
 obliged to risk our wheels, and exert our endeavours to get the 
 waggon over it; which having accomplished, wc pursued our 
 course by a letter H which we found cut on the trees, denoting 
 where the high road lay to our place of destination, which we 
 were favoured to reach in safety, and were kindly received by 
 Ralph Coomstock and family. 
 
 Ihe next morning, we made a visit to a sick Friend, and 
 a few other calls : I was led to hope our time thus spent had not
 
 192 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 been unprofitably passed over, cither to ourselves or to those wc 
 visited. 
 
 First-day morning ; we attended meeting at this place ; it was 
 a new settlement of Friends ; the meeting was held in a log 
 meeting-house ; it was much crowded by Friends and others. I 
 almost despaired, for a considerable time, of our being able to 
 arrive at such a quiet settlement in our minds, as to l)e favoured 
 with any thing like a qualilication to perform the important duty 
 we professed to be met about ; but I humbly hope it was 
 experienced by some of our company. I felt thankful when it 
 closed, that our lot had been thus cast with Friends of this meet- 
 ing. We dined with a >oung couple ; had a sitting in the even- 
 ing in their family ; and thus this day closed, in addition to those 
 gone before, to account for to a just and a jealous God, — an awful 
 consideration ! 
 
 A very heavy fall of snow occurred during yesterday and in 
 the night; the prospect of our proceeding towards Canada looked 
 very discouraging, not knowing whether it would be better to take 
 our waggon, or procure a sledge for our accommodation ; but on 
 consulting our friends on the subject, they advised us to continue 
 our waggon. Being given to understand, that on our way to 
 Lewis Town, we should pass very near a settlement of the Tus- 
 carora Indians, this brought me into fresh exercise ; yet I was 
 preserved in a calm, quiet, and resigned state of mind, should 
 we be called upon to make a- halt at this settlement, and thus 
 was I enabled to pass the remainder of the evening comfortably, 
 under a hope I should be favoured (if I kept simple enough in 
 my views, as we approached near to this settlement,) clearly to 
 see what steps, if any, were to be taken towards having a meeting 
 with them. 
 
 Third-day morning, (2Cth of 12th mo.) accompanied by Jesse 
 P. Haines, we began our journey towards Lewis Town : my mind 
 being preserved in quiet, and not disposed for conversation, af- 
 forded me an opportunity of endeavouring to come at a clear sight 
 and sense of what would be right for me to do, when we arrived at 
 the road that led to the settlement of the Tuscarora Indians. We 
 halted at a tavern near the road which led to the settlement, on which 
 I told my friends how it fared with me, —that I feared to pass on; 
 and yet the prospect of a meeting with them appeared very discou- 
 raging, from the probable difficulty of our being able to procure 
 a suitable interpreter ; but after all, I was willing to leave my 
 friends to do that which to them appeared to be for the best : on 
 which my companion and our guide proceeded towards the settle- 
 ment, to ascertain if a suitable interpreter could be found out, 
 and if the Indians could be collected, in order to our having a 
 meeting with them to-morrow morning. After a shorter absence
 
 JOURNAL OF TH.)MAS SHILLITOE. ]():} 
 
 than I at all expected, they returned, informing mc, that they 
 had met with an aged man, who lived in the settlement, and acted 
 as their interpreter, who engaged to give notice of the meetin<r 
 to be held in their school house at ten o'clock to-morrow morn"- 
 mg. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, the snow continuing to fall heavy, and 
 the cold so very intense that it was said to be thirty degrees be- 
 low zero, made the prospect of our having the Indians 'collected 
 discouraging : on our arrival at the school-house, no Indians were 
 assembled : we proceeded to the log-house of the interpreter, who 
 assured us, notice had been given of our intention ; but as 
 the morning was so stormy, and the cold so severe, it was doubt- 
 ful whether many of them would venture out to attend the meet- 
 ing. During our sitting with the interpreter, lie cave us some 
 account of a son of his, who had been long confined at his own 
 home through sickness : from the impression made on my mind, I 
 proposed to make him a visit : we proceeded to his log-house, 
 found him a cripple in his hmbs, but was kindly cared for by his 
 mother and family, and he understood the English language 
 well. After some time spent with him in conversation on various 
 subjects, I found it best for me to endeavour after silence as 
 much as possible, and when he put questions to me, to give as 
 short a reply to them as I wxll could, so as not to give him to 
 suppose I was offended at his so doing ; then watching my time 
 to express that which it appeared to me was given to lay before 
 him for his consideration, and the future government of his con- 
 duct. He appeared to settle down quietly, and ceasing to put 
 any more questions, he afforded me a full opportunity to re- 
 lieve my mind ; and at our parting, he expressed in a feeling 
 manner his thankfulness for the counsel that had been com- 
 municated to him, and the desire which he felt, that the 
 Divine protection might go with me and conduct me safe to my 
 own home again. I thought if nothing further resulted from our 
 coming to this settlement than this visit, I was well rewarded for 
 it. We returned to the interpreter's house, but none of the 
 Indians had arrived at the school-house ; it being now past eleven 
 o'clock, and knowing; how slow the Indians are in their move- 
 ments, we concluded it would be best for us to wait until tweJve 
 o'clock before we took our departure. Whilst we were waiting in 
 the interpreter's house, some Indians came in, whom I requested 
 to take seats, and we dropped into a .short quiet : that which I 
 had to offer amongst them appeared to be well received, and at 
 our parting they manifested signs of thankfulness for our visit. 
 
 We then proceeded on our^way to Lewis Town, and after 
 refreshing our horses and ourselves, having suffered not a little 
 from the intense severity of the weather, we concluded to cross 
 the Niagara river to ^uecn's-town this evening. The access to 
 
 VuL. II. **
 
 19i JOUIINAI, OK I'lKHVIAS SM 1 1,1 11 OE. 
 
 the ferry-boat is down a very steep road, covered with ice, and 
 having no guard at the side of it nor at the foot, (which is 
 very near the edge of this deep river,) I coukl not divert my 
 mind of apprehensions of great danger ; but there appeared no 
 alternative, Canada being the place 1 was to spend the winter 
 in, and this appearing to me to be the route I must take. Our 
 poor horses with all tlieir care, could hardly keep any footing as 
 they went down, so tiiat it appeared miraculous the carriage did 
 not overpower them ; but we were favoured to reach the bottom in 
 safety. 1 he next diliiculty to be encountered was, how to get 
 the horses and carriage safely into the boat and out again, but 
 to my humbling admiration, we were favoured to land safely on 
 the shore of U})per Canada: gratitude clothed my mind to 
 Him, who remains, as lie ever was, suflicient to enable his 
 creature man to bear all things and to endure all things, when in 
 liumble confidence he is made willing to cast his care wholly upon 
 Him, who is God over all, blessed for evermore ! We had another 
 great steep to ascend to the custom-house, which, after such a 
 day of severe travel, was exercising to us and heavy upon the 
 horses. After passing the custom-house, we proceeded to our 
 inn, in hopes of meeting with good provision and comfortable 
 beds, after the difficulties which we had encountered. I could 
 not doubt, but that the keeper of our inn was disposed, as far as 
 his means would allow him, to do his best ; our provision was not 
 to be complained of, but our fire was so scanty, our lodging so mi- 
 serably cold, and we were so sparingly supplied with covering, 
 that 1 passed an uncomfortable night. 
 
 Fourth-dav morning, we rode several miles to the tavern at 
 the Niagara Falls to breakfast ; we observed at a distance of at 
 least five miles, the mist rising like a large white cloud in the air, 
 from the immense fall of water that passes over this wonderful 
 production of nature ; and we were assured, when the wind is fa- 
 vourable for it, the roaring noise could be heard eighteen miles. 
 After refreshing ourselves and our poor horses, we proceeded to- 
 wards Black Creek ; the snow was now so deep on the ground 
 that our horses had hard work to drag our waggon along ; after 
 much patience on our parts, and perseverance on the part of our 
 horses, we were favoured before dark to reach the house of Daniel 
 Pounds, at Black Creek, who undertook to have a sledge pro- 
 vided for us to pursue our journey. 
 
 First-day morning, we attended Black Creek meeting. I had 
 hard things to deliver in this meeting, yet I felt comfortable 
 under the renewed assurance, that Divine mercy is still follow- 
 ing the gainsayers amongst us, in order to bring them back again 
 from that state of captivity to outward ease, indifference, and a 
 life of indulgence to the creature, which many amongst us are 
 giving proof of various ways that they have sunk into,— sitting
 
 JOURJVAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK 1<J5 
 
 down fat and full, and kicking at those Divine reproofs which 
 continue in mercy to be followini> them. 
 
 Fourth-day, 3d of 1st mo., 1827, 1 attended the select monthly 
 meeting; but it was an hour after the time appointed our littJu 
 company, of five in number, assembled: this circumstance oc- 
 casioned the answers to the queries (which were brou^dit to the 
 meeting ready prepared) to be hurried through. The monthly 
 meeting for business followed this meeting, commencing with a 
 meeting for worship, which was largely attended by Friends, and 
 some few persons not in profession with us : the answers to tlio 
 queries occupied some considerable time, a desire being mani- 
 fested by a few well-concerned Friends, that the true state of the 
 meeting should be forwarded to the half-year's meeting: the 
 meeting closed to a good degree of satisfaction. 
 
 The next morning, our sledge being in readiness for us, we 
 left Daniel Pounds, and proceeded on a road newly-cut through 
 the woods, about twenty-three miles to Pelham ; a kind young 
 man offering to take the charge of driving us, we gladly ac^ 
 cepted his services, which spared us much anxiety, from the 
 difficulties we should have had to encounter with our new vehicle 
 in making our way with safety, the road being barely wide enough 
 in places for our sledge to pass the most crooked and sharpest 
 turns we had ever yet met with ; stumps of trees were standing 
 close to the road, some three feet high, we had the greatest possible 
 difficulty to avoid being upset from the jolts occasioned when 
 coming in contact with them : trees also were lying at times across 
 the road, over which we were obliged to make our way in the best 
 manner we could ; my back and shoulders suffered very severely 
 from the shocks I received. I felt truly thankful when we ar- 
 rived safely at the comfortable home of Samuel Taylor and wife, 
 at Pelham. 
 
 Our sledge required some more covering over our heads tlian 
 we had been provided with, to secure us from the inclemency of 
 the weather, which we found was on the increase, we had this 
 attended to ; we then took an affectionate leave of Samuel Taylor 
 and his wife, and proceeded on our journey, accompanied by 
 a Friend, who took the charge of driving our horses. Our road 
 to-day lay pretty much through the woods ; we frequently came 
 to large dead trees close to the road-side, sometimes hanging over 
 the road, as if they were in the very act of falling : and as I 
 had heard of a fatal accident that had recently occurred by a 
 tree falling on a stage-coach, and two persons losing their lives 
 in consequence, my faith was not a little tried ; but I found I 
 must look beyond all these fears, to Him who, I was led humbly to 
 hope, had called me forth thus to journey in his service. 
 
 Seventh-day, we rode twelve miles to breakfast : our tract this 
 day was chiefly through the woods, which at this time of the year 
 
 o 2
 
 190 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE 
 
 make a very dreary appearance. I did not feel disposed to join 
 much in conversation on any subject, my mind being turned in- 
 ward unto the Lord for his counsel in my future movements. At 
 Ancaster, the place to which we were going, I understood there 
 was a small settlement of Friends, and an allowed meeting; and 
 about ten miles further, a settlement of the Mohawk tribe of In- 
 dians. My companions appeared to be looking towards our sit- 
 ting with Friends at Ancaster in their usual meeting to-morrow, 
 and, if I siiould feel it riglit, to visit the Mohawk settlement, to 
 do it on Second-day, and send forward a messenger to the settle- 
 ment to inform them to that effect : altliough the subject had 
 much occupied my attention, yet it appeared best for me to keep 
 quiet until we should reacii our quarters at Ancaster, which we 
 did about noon, and were kindly received by our friend, Obed 
 Wilson. 1 took my seat in our temporary abode in solemn 
 silence, in which state of mind 1 was mercifully much preserved, 
 until 1 was able to come at some clearness as it respected my 
 future movements. 1 soon found the arrangement my companion 
 had in viev/ was in accordance with Friends at Ancaster, but con- 
 trary to the prospect which opened in my mind ; there appeared, 
 however, no way for me to move different from that which had 
 opened before me ; and I ventured to say, if I had a meeting with 
 Friends of Ancaster, it must be that afternoon or evening, and 
 proceed to-morrow morning early to the Mohawk settlement. 
 This plan I observed appeared to try the P'riends of Ancaster, 
 who were desirous we should pa*s the First-day amongst them ; 
 tills being the case, 1 humbly hope I may say, I endeavoured 
 again to give the subject all due consideration ; but as no way 
 opened in my mind but that of pursuing my first prospect of 
 duty, I told the Friends of Ancaster if 1 had a meeting with 
 them, they must fix the time for it this afternoon or in the even- 
 ing : the evening was agreed upon and notice given. Friends 
 met in a common sitting-room in a private-house. Soon 
 after taking our seats in the meeting, I felt not a little disap- 
 pointed, in observing- that my request, in regard to giving notice, 
 had not been attended to, but that information of the meeting 
 had been spread far and wide in the neighbourhood : the people 
 coming in, we were soon so closely packed together as to render 
 the air of the room very oppressive, and occasioned the infants to 
 be very restless ; a great fire had been made up, which not a little 
 increased the oppressive state of the air of the meeting-room. A 
 hope accompanied my mind when we separated, that this meeting 
 might prove of lasting benefit to some of our company, and that 
 my movement thus far had not been in my own will. 
 
 First-day morning early, we proceeded to the Mohawk Indian 
 settlement, about two miles from the Grand River Bridge, Under- 
 standing that some Friends who had visited this settlement te'bre.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 107 
 
 had received attention from the children of the late Ca])tain Brant 
 an Indian, we proceeded to the house of his widow; hut to cur 
 great disappointment, found she could not speak or understand 
 J^.nghsh, so as to be any help to us; the gravity of her countc 
 nance and her sohd deportment raised regret in my mind at not 
 being able to converse with her. Being advised to proceed to 
 the house of Dr. Henry Aaron Kill, who also is an Indian, and 
 has acted as an interpreter, when. Friends l.ave had meetings in 
 these settlements, as the distance for us to walk was consider- 
 able, and the snow in places very much drifted, my kind 
 companions proposed my staying behind ; but as I have always 
 found It tended most to the peace of my own mind, with the kind 
 assistance of my friends, to follow up my own business, and share 
 with them in the difficulties as long and as far as my nature will 
 hold out, we accordingly proceeded to the house of Dr. Hill ; 
 but on our arrival, we found he was absent from home : his 
 • man, who could understand English, on hearing our business, 
 recommended us to go to the house of the chief, about half a mile 
 further. On our entering the hut of the chief, he appeared to 
 receive us with marks of pleasure, and spoke Enghsh well. On 
 his hearing the business that had brought us to the settlement, he 
 manifested his full approval of our views, informing us that Dr. H. 
 A. Hill and the Episcopalian preacher lately sent over from Eni;-- 
 land, would be at the widow's of C aptain Brant before they went 
 into the Indian place of worship, at which the English preacher 
 officiated. We accordingly made our way there as speedily as 
 w^e were well able, in order to ascertain if a meeting could be ob- 
 tained in their place set apart for religious worship, as it had been 
 free for Friends aforetime, and to consult the doctor as to the 
 best time for its beine,- held, with the manner of oivincr notice. 
 After waiting at the widow's, the preacher from England and Dr. 
 H. A. Hill, who acted as the preacher's interpreter, came : my 
 companion proposed to me to give them my certificates to read, 
 which I accordingly did : after they had read them, I gave 
 them to understand what had been my views in coming to the 
 settlement; on hearing which, my countryman, the preacher, de- 
 murred as to our having the use of the Indian place of worship. 
 A person present queried Avith him, had there not been a prece- 
 dent to justify such a grant ? to which the doctor replied, not only 
 as it respected Friends, but also as it respected other reliuioiis 
 professors, the use of the house had been hitherto granted them ; 
 notwithstanding which, the Episcopalian preacher manifested his 
 decided determination we should not be indulged with this privi- 
 lege ; we therefore proposed holding a meeting in the school-house 
 next morning;. It appeared evident to us, the doctor would gladly 
 have given us permission if it had been in his power. He kindly 
 offered to give notice of the meeting to be held to-morrow, at the
 
 1 !)}{ JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 dose of their vorsliip to-day, and to meet us at the sehool-master's 
 house. Previous to tlie nicetini:, my companions expressed a be- 
 lief this day's woik would not all be time lost, with which my 
 mind could fully unite : the countenance of the Kpi^coj)alian 
 preacher, whilst rea(hn<j, my certificate, 1 thought evidently mani- 
 fested that some of the expressions he met with therein touched 
 him to the quick, although lie o))posed our having the use of the 
 house. Having thus far done a»l in our power towards our views 
 being accomplished, we rode to Hurford, and were kindly re- 
 ceived by James Fell and his wife, where 1 was favoured to have 
 a comfortable night's rest. 
 
 Second-day morning, we proceeded to the settlement again : 
 on our approachinii, the Indian place of worship, observing the 
 window-shutters opened, and the bell ringing, I was ready to con- 
 clude the preacher had recanted his former opinion ; but this we 
 found was not the case, but that the doctor had given orders for 
 the bell to be rung, to give notice of the time of the meeting. 
 After arriving at the school-house, several male and female In- 
 dians assembled : our interpreter appeared to iiive what we had 
 to offer, in a manner that led me to hope he felt some of the 
 weight of it; from the solid countenances some of the company 
 manifested at our parting, I was encouraged to believe our visit 
 would not be altogether in vain. 
 
 The next day we left Burford, and proceeded towards Norwich, 
 and took up our abode at the house of Frederick Stover. In con- 
 sequence of the divided state of the members of this select 
 monthly meeting, this meeting had been dissolved by the half- 
 year's meeting, and such of the members as retained their sta- 
 tions were united to the select meeting of Yonge-street. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, the meeting for discipline was preceded 
 by a meeting for worship, which was largely attended, but much 
 interrupted by the late comers-in to the meeting, and the great 
 number of dogs that were brought to the meeting-place, barking 
 most of the meeting-time : but, alas ! as the business of the 
 monthly meeting proceeded, I found there was much more to try 
 the rightly-exercised mind than these things ; it soon became 
 manifest, that the enemy to all right order in religious society 
 had obtained a place in the minds of not a few of the members of 
 this meeting, and that the meeting was become like a house 
 divided against itself: and unless a remedy be soon applied, there 
 appeared no other prospect, but that this monthly meeting must 
 be dissolved, as had been the case with the select monthly meet- 
 ing : the meeting sat six hours, not because of the multiplicity of 
 business that came befoi-e it, but from a want of unanimity in trans- 
 acting the concerns of the Society. 
 
 On Sixth-day (12th of 1st mo.), we left Ancaster, on our 
 way to York, and made a halt at the residence of a man who
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 199 
 
 once had been in membership with Friends. When he under- 
 stood how we were engaged, he inquired if T intended to make 
 a stop amongst them and give them a sermon; this matter being 
 mentioned to me by one of our company for my consideration, I 
 thought I could truly say there was no answer from my Great 
 Master that would have justified me in taking such a step; and 
 therefore we moved forward and lodged at an inn. 'JMie Messa- 
 sagua tribe of Indians had at times come before me, and occa- 
 sioned me some exercise of mind ; understanding we were in the 
 neighbourhood of a settlement of part of the tribe, the subject 
 again came weightily before me ; but the mixed company we were 
 obliged to sit with in our inn, and the conversation kept up, pre- 
 cluded me from coming to any clear judgment in the case. 
 
 The next morning, we rode thirteen miles, and breakfasted 
 at an inn, which afforded" us an opportunity of making inquiry re- 
 specting the road to the settlement, and the individuals that had 
 the most influence in this portion of the tribe. While these in- 
 quiries were going on, I felt so stripped and emptied of all 
 good, that the prospect of our proceeding to try to have a meeting 
 with them felt very humiliating; and yet I found I must stand 
 resigned to it, if I preserved a conscience void of offence in the 
 sight of Him, before whom every knee must bow, and every 
 tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord over all. Having re- 
 ceived the necessary information, we pursued our journey towards 
 the River Credit, where this part of the Messasagua tribe reside: 
 the depth of snow, unbeaten road, and a large tree lying across it, 
 so impeded our progress, that I feared we must have turned back 
 again ; but our driver so skilfully managed this matter, as to force 
 our horses and our sledge over the tree, but not without some 
 suffering; to ourselves from the iolt we had to endure. Soon after 
 which, we entex^ed a road so grown over with trees and shrubs, 
 that one of our company was under the necessity of resorting to 
 our axe, which we carried with us, and to cut our way through ; 
 but my mind was preserved quiet through the whole of these 
 trials of faith and patience ; and on leaving this narrow pass, we 
 soon found ourselves entering upon a part of the settlement. 
 Agreeably to the direction we had received, we proceeded to the 
 house of Peter Jones, an Indian of half-blood ; he spoke English 
 well ; we had previously been informed he was a pious man, and 
 a preacher in connexion with the society of Methodists. On our 
 reaching his habitation, we found it clean and well furnished, 
 which appeared to be generally the case in this settlement, as far 
 as our observations extended, every thing about the settlement 
 manifesting marks of civilization. He received us with cordiality : 
 I presented him with my certificates, which, when he had read, I 
 opened my prospect of a meeting with the Indians in their settle- 
 ment ; to which he unhesitatingly replied, there would be no dif-
 
 200 JOURNAL Ol THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 liculty, showinj^ us their inecting-placc. He went to tlic door of 
 his house, blew his horn a few times, soon after which 1 ol)servcd 
 the Indian men and women, the latter wrapt in their clean 
 blankets, as is their custom, making their way towards the meet- 
 ing-house. Not more than half an hour had elapsed, i'rom the 
 time of our first arrival, before our kind friend Peter Jones in- 
 formed us he believed the meeting was now gathered ; and he 
 taking the lead, we followed him. 'i he building is a commodious 
 one for the united purposes for which it was intended,— a meeting- 
 house and school-house, equal to accommodate nearly three hun- 
 dred persons : the wompn were seated on one side of the house, by 
 themselves, and the men on the other side, the youth and children 
 seated immediately under the notice of the preacher and the more 
 aged Indians of the settlement, in order to have the oversight of 
 them during the time of religious worship : the solid deportmei.t 
 of both the men and the women was very conspicuous. Feeling 
 myself called upon to stand upon ii^y feet, my kind friend, P. 
 Jones, rose with me, delivering in the Indian language, sentence 
 by sentence, what I had to offer to the people, and in a disposition 
 of mind, that evidently proved he was brought under the weight 
 of the task he had to pcrf'.rm : we had reason to believe what we 
 had to dehver amongst them had found place in their minds, from 
 the tenderness that was manifested when the meeting closed: under 
 feeling.^ of gratitude for that help we had been in mercy favoured 
 with from our heavenly Father, we separated. This we were 
 informed v,as the first visit of the kind that had been made to the 
 settlement by Friends. I felt thankful when taking our leave of 
 our worthy friend, P. Jones, and this part of the tribe, in believing 
 we had left an open door for such of our friends as should here- 
 after feel a like concern. From the acknowledgment made by him, 
 of the satisfaction the meeting had afiorded them, and the desire 
 that was expressed that we might have them in remembrance 
 when absent from them, I left the settlement well satisfied we had 
 not passed them by, and made our way through the woods again 
 into the main-road, taking up our ab(Kle for the night at an inn. 
 First-day morning, we rode to York to breakfast, and concluded 
 • it best, as there was not any meeting of Friends in this place, to 
 remain at our inn during the day, as quietly as our situation 
 would allow of, except making a visit to an individual who once 
 had a claim to membership in my native land. I had been in- 
 formed, there were several serious persons in the town, that no dif- 
 ficulty would be found in having a meeting, and that the town's 
 people were expecting such would be the case ; I hope I can say 
 in great truth, I stood quite resigned to have taken such a step, 
 could I have seen with clearness it was called for at my hands. 
 Some of the company at our inn, who by some means became 
 acquainted with my errand to this country, queried with me, if 1
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 201 
 
 did not mean to have a meeting in tlie town; but I had to infnrm 
 them, except I felt differently to what 1 had yet done on that 
 subject, I must pass quietly away to-morrow on my iournev • mv 
 answer produced this query, Why were they to be passed' bv? 
 Irom my own feelings, I might have repHed,-perhaps they had 
 more of a desire to hear than to practise, for this felt to me to be 
 much the case : m the evening, we had a very relievino- oDjior- 
 tunity with the only member of Society here, and his motherless 
 children. 
 
 I was glad the way clearly opened for us to quit York the 
 next morning, it being the time when the session of parliament 
 was about closing, and a great deal of party spirit, we understood 
 at work in the minds of the people, M^hereby the town was kept 
 in continual bustle, and much appearance of gaiety and dissipa- 
 tion : we were favoured to reach Joseph Piersons, at Yon-e- 
 street, before dark. ^ 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the select monthly meeting, which was 
 very small ; after the close of it, I was favoured to return to my 
 quarters with a peaceful mind ; thankful for the strength that had 
 been mercifully vouchsafed to me, whereby 1 felt comforted in a 
 hope that faithfulness had marked my movements. We were 
 much importuned to divide our time amongst Friends hereaway, 
 and dine at one place, take tea at another, sup at another, and so 
 go on from day to day ; but being afresh warned by the good 
 Remembrancer, if I expected to escape that danger which awaited 
 me, 1 must attend to the salutary caution I had received, before I 
 left my own home, of, — " Go not from house to house," 1 with 
 feelings of gratitude yielded to the warning, leaving my kind 
 companions at liberty to accept or reject such invitations as they 
 pleased ; but I kept close to my quarters: and in doing which, i 
 afterwards had clearly to see my safety was, from the sorrowful 
 manner in which unsoundness of principle had developed itself, — 
 having spread nearly over the v/hole of this meeting. 
 
 Fifth-day morning; (18th of 1st. mo.), my inward plungings for 
 a time felt hard to the creature to bear; yet, as patience was la- 
 boured after, they proved the means in the Divine hand of pre- 
 serving me from joining in that very wide field of conversation which 
 took place at our quarters before the meeting, and which I have 
 ever found has had a tendency to unsettle and scatter the mind, and 
 divert it from the true centre and entire dependence on that Om- 
 nipotent arm, which alone is able to prepare usfor the performance 
 of Divine worship, or for rightly taking an active part in the affairs 
 of the Society. The meeting for worship was disturbed by the 
 unseasonable manner of its gathering. I was constrained to stand 
 up, and utter nearly the following expressions: — " God is a (iod 
 of order, and by him actions are weighed in a just and ecjual 
 balance, who will not condemn the innocent, neither will he acquit
 
 202 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SUILLITOE. 
 
 the guilty ; and therefore the Almighty can have no fellowship 
 with those who had occasioned the disorder that had taken place 
 this day, if the cause for so unseasonable coming into the meeting 
 had not been produced by unavoidable circumstances, but was for 
 want of proper care and forecast, on the part of those who were the 
 cause ofit, who ought so to leave their outward concerns and home 
 as to allow of their being able to reach the meeting-place by the 
 time appointed." The meeting for discipline lasted six hours ; 
 the spirit of disaffection and of party was evidently to be felt at 
 work in the minds of not a few of the members of the meeting, 
 which in due time was fully manifested to be the case. 
 
 We next rode to Pickering. The way opening with clearness 
 in my own mind, I ventured to call upon two families of Friends 
 in the neighbourhood, natives of Ireland, and a young couple; in 
 all of which there was a call for religious service ; the day closed 
 peacefully. 
 
 First-day morning, attended the usual meeting held at this 
 place ; at least one hour had elapsed before the meeting could 
 come at any degree of settlement from the members of the meet- 
 ing being so unseasonable in their attendance, some not coming in 
 until near the time the meeting closed. I sat and mourned under 
 a sorrowful sense of the prevalency of this evil practice amongst 
 the members of our religious Society in this wilderness part of 
 the country. 
 
 We the next morning left Pickering, intending, if possible, to 
 reach Alderman to-night, a journey of fifty-two miles : stop- 
 ping on the road to take our dinner at an inn, we had the com- 
 pany of our kind friend Peter Jones, the Indian of the Messasa- 
 gua tribe. Our thus meeting again appeared to be mutually con- 
 soling to our minds ; on inquiry, he informed us he was on a 
 rehgious visit to a settlement of Indians in the neighbourhood : 
 it appeared he was known to our landlady and her family, and 
 from their conduct towards him was held in esteem. They urged 
 him to stay and have a meeting with them, adding, perhaps, he 
 might do as much good thereby as going to the Indian settlement ; 
 to which he replied, with very great apparent chffidence, perhaps, 
 he might take a meeting with them on his return ; his counte- 
 nance and whole deportment bespoke the gathered state of his 
 mind to the one only qualifying power for religious usefulness 
 amongst mankind: v/e parted under feeUngs of much affection, and 
 proceeded on our journey, and were favoured before it was quite 
 dark to reach Freeman Clark's. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, we attended the usual meeting lield at 
 Ameliasburg, which was small. I felt satisfied in our sitting with 
 this little company, and left the meeting under a fresh occasion of 
 gratitude on my part, for the help that had been given me to ac- 
 i[int myself faithfully amongst these Friends. Before we sepa-
 
 JOURNAL OK JHDMAS MMI.LirnK. ^O'} 
 
 rated, a Friend stood uj) under much apparent fx( r(•i^(• ..1 niirxl, 
 exhorting Friends not to try to put away frotn them the truths thai 
 had been declared tliat day,— the state of the mcetinjr, he said, hav- 
 ing been so clearly laid down ; for if there was not a wiljinfrncss to 
 receive that Ahich had been thus olfered, it would redound to 
 their own great loss in a future day. Thus Divine goodness at 
 times condescends to permit the poor, weary, disconsolate travel- 
 ler to receive a word of encouragement, it feeling like a cordial to 
 my mind. We rode to ^\'e8tlake, and were kindly cared for by 
 Jonathan Boardman and his family. 
 
 We intended to go to Grass-point meeting next morning, 
 which we had been informed was only eleven miles distant, 
 but now we were informed, that we were at the distance of 
 eighteen or twenty miles from it. 'J he frost being more severe 
 than had been known for several years, the days short, and the 
 snow in places very deep on the ground, idl combined to- 
 gether to discourage our proceeding ; some Friends also expressed 
 their doubts about its being meeting-day in course at Grass-point, 
 which involved my mind in yet greater difliculty : but, after all, 
 J found nothing would do for me, but to labour to surmount it, 
 and proceed. This being concluded upon, a kind Friend oHered 
 to drive our horses, and we gladly accepted his services. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, we proceeded on our w ay before sun-rise : 
 I had passed a sleepless night, and found myself in a very feeble 
 state as to the body, and not much otherwise in my mind : we 
 rode about six miles to breakfast at tiic house of a Friend, where 
 we found some promising young people, and a man advanced in 
 life, a visitor, who was so talkative it seemed almost impossible 
 to come at any quiet. I felt something stirring in my niinti to- 
 wards the young people, but as our time was so eireumscribed, 
 and this man continuing so intrusive in conversation. I saw no way 
 for me but to burst out with a few words in the midst of his con- 
 versation ; on which silence took place, and my mind being fa- 
 voured to obtain relief. We proceeded on our way, and reached 
 Grass-point in time for meeting, which fell in due course this day. 
 'J he meeting was very small, but 1 felt well satisfied we had pressed 
 through these difficulties to sit down with the little number we 
 found gathered there. 
 
 26th of 1st mo. I827. Understanding there was a large settle- 
 ment of the Mohawk Indians in this ncighi)ourhood, and feeling 
 drawings in my mind to have a meeting amongst them, I opened 
 my prospect on this subject to Friends, who informed us, a t'riend 
 had recently had a meeting amongst them : this led me to hope 
 they were not so much under the controul of the Fpiseopal clergy 
 as I found was in some instances the case with the .Mohawks, with 
 whom we had obtained a meeting. Some Friends kindly offered 
 to proceed to the settlement, and incpiire whcllur a meeting
 
 204 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 could be obtained ; but feeling as I apprehended that it would 
 be most likely to afford peace to my own mind if I accompanied 
 them, I made the proposal; to which one of the Friends replied, 
 there was the Bay of Quinton to cross upon the ice, about a mile 
 and a quarter over : at the heariui^ of this, I was at \he first not a 
 little dismayed, but I found I must yield and proceed with them. 
 On our first coming upon the ice, I involuntarily exclaimed aloud, 
 " Into thy careful keeping, O thou Preserver of men, I commit 
 this poor body of mine !" the prospect of this undertaking ap- 
 pearing, as it did to me, awful ; for we had not travelled far on the 
 bay before our horses were up to their knees in snow and water, 
 our sledge plunging first on one side and then on the other, as if 
 we should be upset : although I never lost my confidence in the 
 sufficiency of Divine power to preserve from harm amidst the 
 greatest dangers, yet my arms, shoulders, le<;s, and thighs con- 
 tracted a soreness 1 cannot describe. We were favoured to land safe 
 at the settlement; but then we had to return the same way, and 
 were informed, we must expect to find the places we had thus 
 travelled through worse on our return. We proceeded to the 
 school-house, at which we found the schoolmaster, with his 
 scholars : on our informing him of our business at the settlement, 
 he told us, with apparent regret on his part, that the archdeacon 
 of the Episcopalian clergy had recently written to him a letter, for- 
 bidding any dissenters having meetings in that settlement, and 
 that their place of worship was wholly under his control. On 
 inquiry, I found they had not been visited by the archdeacon, 
 (who was the only person in attendance upon them,) for now two 
 months ; and that the Indians stood so much in awe of him, that 
 if a meeting were appointed anywhere in the settlement they 
 would be afraid to attend. The probability of the cause is this, 
 that the archdeacon has the controul, we were informed, of what 
 is called their jj)-esents when they are handed out to them, 
 which is the interest due for land purchased of them by the 
 English nation, and paid them in articles of clothing, blankets, &c. 
 My mind was affected with feelings of hoiTor on reflecting upon this 
 conduct of the archdeacon, who had taken upon himself, as he 
 had done, the religious care of this portion of our fellow-creatures, 
 and yet was in such an almost total neglect of them ; and would 
 not suffer such as might feel their minds interested in their best 
 welfare, to attempt to do their part towards their improvement. 
 We found about twenty Indian children under the care of a school- 
 master, who appeared to be a well-conducted man : two of his 
 scholars were full-grown lads, and pretty good English scholars. 
 I observed the copy that one of them was writing contained the 
 word ' Godliness;' feeling it laid upon me to query with the lad, 
 if he correctly understood the meaning of the word 'godliness,' I 
 found him very diflident in giving his reply, yet, it was evident
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SMILMTdi;. 2()5 
 
 the question thus put to him produced some serious scnsil.ilitv 
 in his mind: whilst I was engaged in explaining to him mv views 
 on this all-important word, others of the scholars, as well an him- 
 self, appeared to give attention. I endeavoured to impress on hin 
 mind the great need there was for him, now in c-arly life, to ;.!„, 
 to be found daily living a life of godliness, which 'he would he 
 enabled to do, if he was willing to accept of Gods offered help; 
 and that this would be the way for him to be fitted for heaven 
 and happiness, when he came to die. 'J'he tears fell from his 
 eyes, and a degree of solemnity manifested itself on the counte- 
 nances of others of the children. I felt well satisfied with the 
 time we had thus spent with the master and the scholars, and 
 that it was well worth encountering the danger I thought wt- had 
 been carried through, and yet had to encounter. I%ouId hut 
 liope our labour would not be all lost on the lad, and some 
 others of the scholars ; and that our vis.it to them, although so 
 short, would at times come up in their remembrance. We left 
 the school again, and proceeded towards the bay : on our return, 
 the snow and water was considerably above our hcrse's knees, and 
 we so rocked from side to side, that our driver, who was well ac- 
 quainted with the pass, told us, he expected no other but that 
 we should have been upset in the deepest of it; the water flowing 
 up through the cracks in the ice occasioning this difliculty. After 
 I had endured no little trepidation of mind, yet, without loss of 
 confidence in the outstretched-arm of Omnipotence, I felt truly 
 thankful, not only for our safe arrival on land again, but increas- 
 ingly so for having been preserved from giving way to discourage- 
 ment, or declining to accompany the Friends across the bay to 
 the settlement. 
 
 First-day morning, attended meeting at Adnlphus 'i'own, 
 which was small: I felt well satisfied in sitting with l-'riends of 
 this meeting: in the afternoon we proceeded towards Westlake 
 again, and reached Holloway, and took up our residence with 
 Joshua Waring and wife. 
 
 Third-day morning, we were favoured to reach ^Vestlakc, after 
 having much difficulty to encounter from the snow and severe 
 cold; attended the half-year's select meeting, which was very 
 small, considering this half-year's meeting is composed <»f four 
 monthly meetings : the travelling being so very diliicult had, no 
 doubt, in degree, contributed to prevent a more general attend- 
 ance of its members. The state of this part of the body, from the 
 answers to the queries brought up from the select monthly meet- 
 ings, was very discouraging; and to look for an imj)rovi'ment 
 from the existing circumstances under which the Society is labour- 
 ing in this half-year's meeting, — the prevalency of unsoundness 
 of principle, a disposition to undervalue the sacred writings and 
 the wholesome discipline established, felt to me like hoj)ing
 
 206 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 against hope ; and that little more at present could be done by 
 the members of this lialf-yeur'-s meeting, wlio were preserved alive 
 in the truth, than to bear their portion in lamentations, be- 
 cause of the desolations that prevail in the camp; for truly it 
 may be said of this part of the heritage, — " Death is come up into 
 our windows, and is entered into our palaces, to cut off the 
 children from without, and the young men from the streets." 
 The prospect of a succession of faithful standard-bearers, from 
 the present conduct of the youth, is altogether discouraging. 
 By endeavouring to acquit myself faithfully in the discharge of the 
 little that I was entrusted with to communicate, I was favoured to 
 leave the meeting peacefully, which is an ample reward. 
 
 Fourth-day, (31st of 1st mo.) the half-year's meeting for discipline 
 commenced with the meeting for religious worship : the morning 
 proved so very stormy, and the snow fell in such abundance, that 
 the meeting was very long in gathering ; and from the great 
 number of infants which were 1 expect of necessity brought to the 
 meeting, 1 very much feared our being able to come at any quiet , 
 but having aforetime found from experience, that when placed 
 under such circumstances, so much depended on my aiming to 
 attain to quietness in myself, and having my mind and attention as 
 much as possible abstracted from every outward object and vocal 
 sound, I endeavoured after this inward quiet, and found the de- 
 claration still remains to be a truth, " As is thy day, so shall thy 
 strength be." An adjournment took place to the close of the 
 meeting for worship to-morrow. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, the meeting for worship was largely at- 
 tended by Friends and others, with a great train of infants; some 
 of them would not be restrained from running about the meeting- 
 house, others manifesting a fretful, impatient disposition to get 
 out of their confinement ; notwithstanding these impediments to 
 that quiet so desirable in these our religious meetings, by endea- 
 vouring to have my mind as much as possible brought into resig- 
 nation to my present allotment as respected myself, the meeting 
 closed under a thankful sense that the arm of Omnipotence had 
 been near for my help, whereby I had been enabled to bear all 
 things and endure all thinss which otherwise would have tried me 
 niuch in this meeting ; and I have learned afresh the lessons of 
 patience and forbearance with and towards others, who, in the 
 outward, were differently circumstanced to myself. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, my very kind companion S. Wood, feeling 
 his mind drawn towards his own home, being pretty much ex- 
 hausted and worn down in his bodily strength with the fatigue of 
 travelling, and the inclemency of the weather, left me under the 
 care of Benjamin Birtsall, until I should reach Pelham again. 
 The prospect of my kind companion, S. Wood, having to travel 
 so many hundred miles home alone, feeble in body, and exposed
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 
 
 207 
 
 to the extremity of the cold, as he must be, ni-ht and day was a 
 fresh and continued trial to my mind, until 1 luard of h'is safe 
 arrival at his own home, but in a yet more enfeebled state of 
 body than when he left me. 
 
 First-day, 4th of 2d mo., attended the usual mcctinrr held at 
 Ameliasburg. 
 
 'J hird-day, we attended the meeting of Coal-creek : Friends 
 meet in a private room, which was much crowded, and for want 
 of better management in making the fire, the air of the room be- 
 came so oppressive, that some of our company were under the 
 necessity for a short time to leave it, which proved a i'-reat inter- 
 ruption to the quiet of the meeting. After the mecttng closed, 
 we went home with John Valentine, formerly of the city of Dublin! 
 in Ireland, to their very comfortable, hospitable log-house, which' 
 furnished every comfort for the weary traveller, and that sweet, 
 outward quiet, which in degree conduces to quietude of mind ; and 
 this, at times, proves instrumental in replenishing the bodily 
 powers. Here tarrying for the night, I received a fresh lesson of 
 instruction, that man wants but httle here below, to come at the 
 real enjoyment of this life. I thought the situation of this family, 
 settled as they were in the woods, near six miles from any high- 
 road, out of the way of the temptation to make a figure in life, 
 which is so continually before the eyes of those who live in cities 
 and towns, was a striking one ; and so truly content they appeared 
 to be with their allotment : yet the enemy of all righteous- 
 ness, I found, had obtained hold in the minds of some of the mem- 
 bers of this meeting, by producing a' warm disagreement relative 
 to the place for building a meeting-house upon, which has pre- 
 vented its going forward, although they are much incommoded 
 where thev now meet. 
 
 We rode to Pickering, and next day to Uxbridgc, mostly through 
 the woods : a large tree having fallen in the night across our path, 
 we were obliged to do our best in making our way through the 
 brush-wood, which not a little harassed our poor horses, but we 
 were favoured to reach our quarters early in the evening. 
 
 First-day, (11th of 2d mo., 1827,) the wind during the night 
 blew a hurricane, , which awakened fears in my mind, as our jour- 
 ney to Whitchurch after meeting to-day lay thr(>ugh the woods, 
 that we should have much difficulty to contend with, before we 
 reached our quarters at night ; but as it rarely happens much 
 advantage is gained by our anticipating difiiculties, 1 endea- 
 voured so to cast all future care of this sort behind me, as 
 not to have my mind unfitted for that which might be the 
 duty of the coming day. Attended the usua! meeting here, 
 in which I was enabled to enter into near sympathy with 
 the few members of the meeting, who are mourning under 
 a sense of that state of barrenness and poverty, with wjijcb
 
 208 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 many of these brethren in religious profession arc contenting them- 
 selves: after meeting we proceeded to Whitchurch, a journey of 
 twelve miles througii the woods; the snow was very deep, and 
 we had at times snow-drifts to pass over in the valleys ; they 
 had the appearance, on approaching them, of letting us in and 
 smothering us and our horses. I felt truly thankful when we 
 reached our destined abode for the night, where v/e were kindly 
 cared for by our friend Asey Randall. 
 
 Fifth-day, we attended the monthly meeting at Yonge-street ; 
 the meeting for worship was largely attended ; many of other so- 
 cieties gave us their company. Early in the meeting I rose on my 
 feet, and delivered that which 1 believed was the word of the Lord 
 to the people. After I sat down, an acknowledged minister, who stood 
 high with a party in the meeting, ai*ose, declaring that our suppos- 
 ing Adam's transgression had in any way affected his posterity was 
 an absurd thing, and to suppose the coming of Christ in the flesh 
 was to redeem mankind fronti sin, was equally absurd. Never 
 before having heard such a manifest public avowal of these anti- 
 christian principles, which were so evidently making their way in 
 the minds of many of our Society in this half-year's meeting, I 
 was brought into a trying situation ; but feeling I must not suffer 
 the meeting to close without endeavouring, as help should be 
 afforded me, to maintain the ground I had taken in the opening 
 of the nieeting; and yet the consequences were to be feared from 
 the strong party the individual had in the meeting ; I stood upon 
 my feet, and informed the meeting, notwithstanding what had 
 been last communicated was''in direct contradiction to what I had 
 offered in the meeting, and altogether at variance with the well- 
 known doctrines of the Society of which I was a member, yet I 
 durst not recall a word of any thing I had offered. In propagat- 
 ing these anti-christian principles, a party-spirit had so spread in 
 the minds of some of the members of this meeting, and such oppo- 
 sition to the conducting the discipline in the true spirit of it was 
 manifested, that the meeting sat from eleven in the morning until 
 near six in the evening before it closed. 
 
 Sixth-day, 23d of 2d mo., 1827, ^^ proceeded towards York, 
 where I expected to find letters from home, not Ijaving yet received 
 any since I landed on the American shore ; but this was not the 
 case : my patience was to be further tried in this respect, as I 
 heard that a letter from England had been in the post-office for 
 me, but was forwarded to the place we had left last : we took up 
 our abode at an inn. 
 
 Seventh-day, having a journey of fifty miles to accomplisli, to 
 be at Pclham meeting to-morrow, we made an early start, but 
 found the snow so deep and such drifts to encounter, that we were 
 in groat danger of being overturned ; but before it was quite dark 
 we reached in safety our friend Stephen Becket's.
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOK. 209 
 
 First-day morning, we rode about Civc miles to Polliam mcclinir- 
 house, the meetmg was large; it appeared to separate iiiulcra s.)- 
 lemn covermg, for which I humbly hope many olour minds ^s•.•^e 
 made truly glad. 
 
 On Fourth-day we left Pclham, and rode to Black-creek: — 
 here we attended the usual week-day meeting ; it was to me a 
 tnne of inward quiet, for which I hope I felt truly thankful to 
 that Almighty Power, who only is able to .still that roving of the 
 mind, which the unwearied enemy fails not to produce and foster, 
 if he can, to defeat the end proposed by our assembling together. 
 We next rode to the house of Joseph Mash, where we ret-eived 
 every possible attention. On Sixth-day we left this comfortable 
 family, and took to our waggon again, for the ferry at Black-rock, 
 in order to cross the Niagara river, which ferry is above the great 
 Falls. The scow, as it is called, which was to take us," our 
 horses, and waggon over, appeared very small for the purpose ; 
 and in consequence of the current's running very strong, we were 
 obliged to pass a considerable way up the river, which is consi- 
 dered about three-quarters of a mile wide at this crossing. 1 be- 
 gan to fear one of our horses would have become unruly, but we 
 were favoured to land safely on the Buft'alo side of the river ; 
 here I received good accounts from home of my dear wife and 
 family. We then rode to Hamburgh, and were kindly receivc(? 
 by John Durham's wife and family, he being from home. 
 
 First-day, we attended the usual meeting held here, which was 
 greatly disturbed by the noise of the dogs brought by members of the 
 meeting, also by Friends moving to and from the stove to warm them- 
 selves. Endeavouring to acquit myself faithfully on these and other 
 subjects which arose in my mind, I left the meeting-house peace- 
 fully. In the afternoon I had a religious opportunity with a num- 
 ber of young Friends, and the day closed with feelings of grati- 
 tude for the help that had been dispensed : may the praise of all 
 be given to Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, — is the 
 prayer of my soul. We attended the monthly meeting held at 
 this place next day. 
 
 Fifth-day, we proceeded towards Collins : on our way we were 
 informed, that the bridge over a stream which crossed the main- 
 road, over which we were to have travelled, was broken down, 
 and we were advised to take a road through a swamp ; we pro- 
 ceeded agreeably to the instruction given us, without much dilli- 
 culty for a few miles; after which our dilliculties began. My 
 companion, who had been a great traveller in this wilderness- 
 country, acknowledged he never before had met with such a dan- 
 gerous, bad piece of road, as we had now come to ; in one pl;ice 
 we were all obliged to get out of the waggon and take to our feel 
 to get it through the swamp ; in consequence of which, stepi)ing 
 as I supposed, on a parcel of leaves, I sank down into a mud-hole 
 
 I'^OL. TI.
 
 210 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 half-way up my legs, and had not my companion come to my as- 
 sistance, finding myself sinking deeper and deeper, it hardly 
 seems likely I could have extricated myself i'rom this perilous 
 situation. The road we were upon was so narrow, we could not 
 turn about our carriage to pvirsue our journey back again; and to 
 proceed forward, appeared to be attended with great danger and 
 difficulty to ourselves, our carriage, and our poor horses, which 
 last were obliged to put foirth their whole strength to bring the 
 waggon out of the mud-holes. But we found again to our discourage- 
 ment, that we had as great a difficulty to encounter, by coming to 
 the stump of a very large tree, which we could only pass on one 
 side ; on the other side of our road there was a mud-hole, which 
 appeared deep enough to take in the whole of our carriage, and 
 the road was so narrow we doubted the possibility of our escaping 
 an upset ; but as no other way appeared for us than to at- 
 tempt to do our best, my companion keeping the horses to their 
 work with all his skill, managed to get the carriage through, but 
 not without apprehension the harness and carriage had received 
 damage. This last effort was so great, that our poor horses for 
 some time after, when they came in sight of a hole, in which was 
 mud or water, appeared struck with so much terror, that they 
 would make a halt, and then plunge through with all their might : 
 tit length we reached our friend Samuel Tucker''s. 
 
 The next morning, we proceeded to Collins meeting-house, 
 and attended their monthly meeting. A difficult case came 
 before the meeting, which considerably agitated the minds of 
 Friends, so much so, I could not but fear, unless there was more 
 of a disposition manifest to labour after brotherly condescension, 
 it would have a tendency to break that bond of love and unity, 
 which only will preserve our religious Society as a city that is 
 compact together. After meeting we rode to our friend Isaac 
 Shearman''s. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, we rode to David Pound's, intending to 
 be at Clear-creek meeting to-morrow. My mind having been 
 drawn to make a visit to the Seneca tribe of Indians at Cataragus, 
 the concern continued with me, and being now in the neighbour- 
 hood of their settlement, I opened my prospect to some Friends 
 of Clear-creek, who arranged matters for a meeting with them on 
 Second-day. 
 
 First-day morning, (4th of 3rd mo.) attended Clear- creek meet- 
 ing: the house was much crowded by Friends and others; it proved 
 to me an exercising, trying meeting ; and yet I thought I felt cause 
 for thankfulness, that my lot had been amongst Friends here. 
 The next morning, accompanied by several Friends, we pro- 
 ceeded to the Cataragus settlement, as emptied and stripped as I 
 think I ever witnessed ; I was even tempted to call in question 
 the propriety of the step which had been taken by Friends at my
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILMloK. :>ll 
 
 request, to have the tribe called together. I M-hcd and 1 wept 
 in the inmost of my soul to the Lord for strenirth, that I micdit 
 be preserved faithful to his rcquirinos ; and if silence was the 
 word of command in the meeting I was about to have with the 
 Indians, it might be faithfully maintained by me. f)n our 
 arrival at the council-house, where the meeting was to be held, 
 I could scarcely suppress my voice being heard in a strain of 
 language, which would have disclosed the feelings of anguish my 
 soul was plunged into. We found some chiefs and other Indians 
 were already assembled in the council-house, a building con- 
 structed of wood, about one hundred feet by thirty feet; tlfe Hour 
 was boarded, except three spaces of bare earth left for kindling 
 fires ; over each of which a space was left in the roof for the smoke 
 to escape ; these holes also were intended to admit light, there not 
 being windows to any part of the house. On each side of the 
 house were platforms placed about four feet wide, to answer the 
 purpose of seats, and to sleep upon when their councils lasted 
 longer than one day. The head chief received us with marks of 
 respect, and which, as far as my observation served mc, has been 
 the case wherever I have met with Indians of any tribe, who have 
 manifested great respect for members of our Society. They were 
 very slow in gathering : after we had waited an hour, the chief 
 warrior, Wondongluthta, a man of grave countenance, stepped 
 forward, and taking off his hat and placing his hands on the back 
 of a chair, he expressed himself, through the interpreter, as 
 follows ; which was afterwards confirmed to me by a Friend pre- 
 sent well versed in the Indian language. 
 
 " Brother, we received a notice two days ago, by a particular 
 friend, that you requested an opportunity with the Indians of 
 Cataragus ; this is the day you wished to meet with us, we have 
 now come together at your request ; we are pleased to see you, 
 also the kind friends who are with you, and are thankful we have 
 all met in good health. Brother, we understand you have come 
 a long journey from a distant country, and have crossed the great 
 salt water ; and, amongst others, to visit us red people living in 
 this place. Brother, the Good Spirit must have strengthened 
 your mind in so great an undertaking, and we hope he will still 
 be with you, and protect you on your way- We are now ready to 
 hear what you may have on your mind to say to us ; we are 
 always disposed to listen to the counsel of those who frel a desire 
 for our welfare, and we wish you to communicate freely the whole 
 of your message to us. You must not feel disappointed that wc 
 are not all got together ; many of our people are gout- to the 
 woods to make sugar ; we will at some convenient tinte explain to 
 those that are not present what we shall hear from you." (A 
 Friend, well acquainted with their manners, assured mc this would 
 ^ r 2
 
 212 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 be faithfully performed.) " Brother, it is our custom in this way 
 to introduce strangers, you arc now at liberty to proceed." 
 
 After the chief warrior, \^^ondongluthta, had closed what he 
 had to offer, and which he appeared to do in a solid, feeling man- 
 ner, and great quietness being observed by the other Indians, he 
 retired to his seat again : a pause then took place, and believing 
 I had something giving me in commission for them, I stood up 
 on my feet. The Indian who had been engaged as my interpre- 
 ter arose, as did also my kind friend Jacob Taylor, a resident 
 from his birth near the settlement, giving the interpreter such 
 assistance as he appeared to stand in need of Great quietness 
 was observed during the time 1 was in testimony amongst them ; 
 and when I had closed, after a pause, the chief warrior again 
 stepped forward, resuming his place at the chair as before, and 
 expressed himself in a very broken, feeling manner, as follows : — 
 
 " Brother, we have listened with attention to what you have 
 said, — your words have sunk deep in our minds; — we hope we 
 shall remember your good advice : — we are not in the practice of 
 making long speeches after such opportunities, but we wish you 
 to know that we thank you for the concern you have manifested 
 for our welfare. We feel sensible of the truths you have told us, 
 and we will try to treasure them up in our minds; — we feel 
 thankful to the Good Spirit for his continued care over you, and 
 for the present opportunity afforded us." 
 
 After giving our hands, both to the Indian men and women, 
 we parted ; and I returned to our friend David Pound's for the 
 night. The Seneca tribe of Indians at Cataragus having di- 
 vided, one part of the tribe was distinguished by the title of 
 the Missionary party, the other the Pagan party ; this was occa- 
 sioned by a missionary coming into the settlement against the 
 minds of many of the tribe, and endeavouring to impose re- 
 hgious sentiments upon them, which some could not receive ; 
 such as these, — that the Scriptures were the only means whereby 
 they could obtain salvation ; and that they were to be the only 
 rule for their conduct ; that he the missionary alone was to be 
 looked up to by them for a correct explanation of the Scriptures, — 
 they not being competent themselves to understand them, and 
 therefore they must not put their own constructions upon them : — 
 endeavouring by these means to keep them, as has been the case 
 with the clergy of the Roman Catholic denomination, in bondage 
 to himself, and, as those who are denominated the Pagan party 
 say, to enable him to live an idle life. On inquiry which of these 
 parties were the most orderly in their conduct, I was informed 
 from undoubted authority, by a Friend residing very near the
 
 JOURNAL OF THOBIAS SHILLITOE. 213 
 
 settlement, that those who were denominated the Pagan pan of 
 the tribe were more sober, industrious, Iionest, and upright in 
 their transactions, and were better husbands, than was the case with 
 those denominated the missionary party. At the close of what 1 com- 
 municated, I recommended them when collected in each other's 
 houses in the evenings, that such as were able should read the 
 Scriptures to those who were not able to read them, in preference 
 to spending their time in such reading, conversation, and prac- 
 tices as were unprofitable. I was informed the Scriptures were 
 called "the holy book'; a term given to them by the mission- 
 ary part of the tribe. My friend, Jacob Taylor, told me, he 
 had been spoken to by some of the Indians after the meeting, 
 who informed him, my calling the Scriptures "the holy book" 
 had made an unpleasant impression on their minds respt-cting 
 me, as they supposed by my calling the Scriptures the holy book, 
 I favoured the opinions of the missionary, whose conduct and re- 
 ligious sentiments they felt themselves so much opposed to. This 
 circumstance occasioned me some uncomfortable feeling, as being 
 likely to defeat the end proposed in my having a meeting with 
 them : I therefore concluded it best to commit to writing some- 
 thing to clear me in their view, from holding such opinions as the 
 missionary professed to hold, and I gave forth a paper nearly as 
 follows : — 
 
 "To THOSE OF MY ReD BRETHREN OF THE SeNECA TRIIJE, WHO 
 GAVE ME THEIR COMPANY IN THE CoUNCIL-HOUSE, ON THE 5t11 
 
 OF 3rd month, 1627. 
 
 " My dear Brethren, 9th of 3rd mo. 1827. 
 
 " My reason for using the term ' holy book ' was, that I sup- 
 posed the interpreter might the better understand how to explain 
 my views to you ; but finding, since I left you, that some were 
 not well satisfied with that part of my mode of expression, I now 
 declare, that so far from my believing the Scriptures to be the 
 only means of salvation, and sole rule for our conduct, I am 
 decidedly opposed to such dangerous and false opinions on such 
 important subjects as these are. I consider them to be the writings 
 of holy men in former ages, who were inspired by the Great Spirit, 
 and that they contain good counsel and advice. I>ut, brothers, I 
 consider such, as tell you that they are the only rule or means of 
 salvation, to be under the influence of a wrong spirit ; for if we 
 are to believe such sentiments as these, what must have become 
 of millions of our fellow-creatures before the Scriptures were in 
 existence ? Are we to suppose they are all eternally miseral)lc ? 
 And what must become of the millions now in existence in the 
 world who never have heard, and never may hear, of these wrmngs. 
 Does not such an opinion charge the divine and t^racious Creator 
 with the wilful destruction of his creatures.? I believe such
 
 214 JOUilNAL OF THOaiAS SHILHTOE. 
 
 missionaries liave made a wronii; use of these writings to answer 
 their own views, whieh the Good Spirit does not own. Being 
 well assured, brothers, when present with you, that the Good 
 Spirit in each of our hearts and minds, is all-sufficient for our sal- 
 vation, if we never should be able to read those writings. With 
 sincere desires for the welfare of the whole of my red brethren, I 
 commend them to the care and protection of the Great Spirit, and 
 bid your farwell. 
 
 " Thomas Shillitoe.'" 
 
 This paper I committed to the care of my kind friend Jacob 
 Taylor, from whom I received the following note : — 
 
 "Collins, 3rd mo. 24th, 1827. 
 " On the2()th instant 1 had a seasonable opportunity to explain 
 to both parties of the Cataragus Indians the communication thou 
 left with me : I believe it was entirely satisfactory to them, and 
 left a favoural)le impression, which will not soon be forgotten ; 
 their missionary being also present, but made no objection, and all 
 ended quietly."
 
 215 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIV. 
 
 rr . 
 
 Fourth-day, 7th of 3d mo. 1827, we rode towards C()llin.s nicctin^ 
 house, and took up our abode with our friend Charles Wood. First- 
 day morning, we proceeded towards Eden, where an indulged meei- 
 ing is held, there being- about fourteen families and parts of families 
 that were considered to belong to this meeting. We had previously 
 been informed, part of our road lay through a wood ; on cnterin<r 
 which, no regular beaten track was to be observed : in some 
 places, trees which had recently been cut down, were left across 
 the only path we could take ; and no other way remained, but to 
 do our best in passing over them, to the danger of throwing down 
 our horses and breaking our carriage- wheels : it was with the 
 greatest difficulty I could keep my seat in the waggon. After 
 our faith and patience had been thus exercised, we were, though 
 cold and fetigued, favoured to reach in safety the Friend's house 
 where the meeting is held. After taking some refreshment, we 
 took our seats at meeting with the aged couple belonging to the 
 house, and three other small famihes, and one individual : it 
 proved a very suffering meeting to me. I was afresh persuaded, 
 these meetings held in rooms where the ftimilics generally live, are 
 not, generally speaking, from different causes, attended with much 
 benefit to those who attend them, especially when so largely 
 attended as this meeting would be, if Friends belonging to it 
 were rightly engaged, to be found coming up in the faithful dis- 
 charge of their duty of assembling themselves together for the 
 purpose of religious worship. I left them sorrowing, on account 
 of the deplorably low state of the Society here, and the manner 
 in which the cause was, 1 feared, suffering by the continuation of 
 this indulged meeting : Friends here are so much away from the 
 care and oversight of the well-concerned members of the moiuhly 
 meeting. After meeting, we rode to cur friend, Levi Ikuiting's. 
 where we took up our abode for the night. 
 
 Third-day morning, we road to Orangevillc, and took up our 
 abode with our friend Jeremiah Butler: here also we found ano- 
 ther of these indulged meetings of long standing, with an in- 
 dulged preparative meeting. The' next morning we sat down
 
 216 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 with an agreeable little company of Friends. At the close of the 
 meeting for worship, wliich is held in a private house, the pre- 
 parative meeting sat : I felt considerable regret, during our sitting 
 together, from the manner in which the meeting appeared to be 
 interrupted for want of better accommodation : on mentioning 
 this subject to Friends, it appeared that ground for building a 
 meeting-house was provided : we left Orangeville, and returned 
 next day to Hamburgh. 
 
 Seventh-day, (17th of 3rd mo.) we rode to Boston, where there 
 is a small settlement of Friends, and took up our abode for the 
 night, at the widow Kester's. 
 
 First-day morning, we attended the usual meeting held at this 
 place, which was small, but the quietest meeting I have attended 
 since I came on this side the water, as it respected a timely 
 attendance, and Friends keeping their seats : the time of our 
 sitting together was a season in which 1 thought we had cause to 
 acknowledge, that our God had not forgotten to be gracious to us. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended their usual midweek meeting ; at the 
 close of which was held the preparative meeting, in which the 
 queries were answered, as in other parts of this Yearly Meeting, the 
 overseers bringing their answers ready prepared for the meeting's 
 use. I endeavoured to rouse Friends to a consideration of the 
 necessity there was for each one to consider for himself, how far 
 the answers that were intended for the monthly meeting did or 
 did not convey a correct state of their meeting, and if any short- 
 ness appeared in any part of the answers, that those who were 
 aware of such shortness should be found faithful in opening to 
 the meeting wherein the deficiency was : after meeting we rode to 
 Hamburgh, to our kind friend John Durham's. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended Hamburgh midweek meeting, at the close 
 of which the preparative meeting was held, which was to me a 
 time of suffering, when the queries were to be answered, especially 
 that query relative to the timely attendance of meetings, and 
 behaviour therein; for I did not dare to suffer the answer to pass as 
 it was brought in by the overseers, without making remarks on the 
 great neglect manifested as to a timely attendance, and the manner 
 in which the meetings were disturbed by the young people fre- 
 quently going to the fire to warm themselves, and Friends bring- 
 ing their dogs to meeting with them, suffering them to be 
 walking about the meeting for worship the^whole of the time, 
 also the noise occasioned in the yard by their barking and 
 fighting; my faithfulness 1 found opened the way for other 
 Friends to relieve their minds on these subjects, with which they 
 said they had long been burthened ; this appeared to bring the 
 meeting under considerable exercise and concern, that if possible 
 these things might be prevented in future, several Friends ex- 
 pressing a hope that the remarks whicli had been made might not 
 be forgotten. Although suffering had been my lot at this timC;
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 217 
 
 yet in being thus helped to be found faithful, I thouLdii there was 
 cause for thankfulness on my part. 
 
 I felt drawings in my mind to attend an indul-ad meetinc 
 at a place called Holland, where there is a small settleincnt of 
 members of our religious Society, and made a call on an indivi- 
 dual in our way, who is not in membership with any religious 
 body of professing Christians : he had published a work, in 
 which he sets forth the religious principles he holds, professing to 
 be one in principle with Friends, especially so on tiie subject of 
 war, he constantly attends ourreligious meetings, preaches in them, 
 and holds public meetings up and down as Friends do ; but yet 
 it appeared the solid part of the meeting were not satisfied with him, 
 although his demeanour, dress and address in most respects were con- 
 sistent with that which a member of our Society should manifest. 
 On inquiry into the cause of Friends being divided in their senti- 
 ments respecting him, and the ground of dissatisfaction. 1 found 
 that he had been a soldier in the late war, and was wounded in 
 battle,inconsequenceof which the American government had settled 
 a pension on him for life; this pension, notwithstanding he had 
 published his avowed principles against war, it was pretty generally 
 understood, he continued in the regular receipt of, but no Friend 
 of the meeting was able to confirm it as a fact. I could not divest 
 my mind of a fear, — in consequence of the active part some Friends 
 had taken in the sale of his publication, and in attending on him 
 at his public meetings, — also his appearances and constant attend- 
 ance of our meetings, — being allowed to preach, and the countenance 
 he received from some members of the meeting to continue so 
 to do, — if he really w^as continuing to receive his pension from the 
 government for his services during the war, the reputation of 
 the Society was in danger of sufi'cring through his conduct He 
 received us very kindly : these subjects coming weightily before 
 me, 1 had great strugglings of mind to endure, before 1 could be 
 willing to yield to open my mind on them; but as my desires were 
 earnestly put up to the Lord for strength to be enabled to divide 
 the word aright, that so what I had to offer to him might be 
 words that were fitly spoken, strength was given me to take the first 
 step, by desiring his children might be requested to leave the 
 room, which took place. As it appeared Friends were divided in 
 their opinions relative to his receiving his pension, some profcss- 
 inf; to believe he did receive it, and others that he did not, but 
 all was conjecture ; 1 therefore at once put the question to him. 
 Was not a pension settled upon him by the government of the 
 United States, in consequence of wounds he received in the field 
 of battle during the late war 't To which he replied, it was the 
 case. I then queried with him, was he still in '.he practice of 
 regularly receiving this pension.^ He frankly acknowledged, he 
 was. 1 then endeavoured to lay before him the inconsistency of
 
 21U JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE, 
 
 such conduct, with his declared testimony against war in the 
 book he had published and widely circulated : I also related 
 some remarks to him of a captain in the American army respect- 
 ing him ; " I have read 's book and his outcry against war ; 
 
 but whilst he is exclaiming against war, he continues willing to 
 drink the broth, Avhich those who have the management of military 
 matters, have to give away." The only attempt he made to justify 
 his conduct for continuing to receive his pension, was by saying, a 
 sum of money was raised at the close of the war for pensioners, and 
 to keep up a naval establishment ; and as the pensioners died off, 
 their pension was to go into thenavalfund, he continued to receive 
 his pension, not so much for his own use, but that the naval resources 
 should not be increased by his refusing to receive his pension. 
 As ability was afforded me, I endeavoured to lay before him the 
 inconsistency of his conduct, with the doctrines and precepts of 
 Christ, whose cause he was making such a high profession of and 
 publicly espousing ; by having people called together and holding 
 meetings with them, professedly for the sole purpose of exalting 
 the Redeemer's kingdom ; and imposing himself, as he had done, 
 upon Friends, by presuming to preach in their meetings, whilst he 
 was in so great a breach of one of their fundamental principles. 
 I told him, were I in his situation, until I had strength given me 
 to sacrifice gain received through such an impure channel, 1 
 should not dare to speak again in the Lord's name, but must 
 keep silence, and especially so in the meetings of Friends ; where 
 his appearances, I was informed, were very frequent, and of consi- 
 derable length : and I added, with respect to his holding meetings 
 with those who do not profess to have a scruple against war, I 
 believed the more thinking part of those who read his work, and 
 heard him preach " Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling- 
 block, to the wise Greeks foolishness ; but, to them that believed on 
 him, the power of God and the wisdom of God," and who were 
 acqviainted with his conduct by continuing to be in the receipt of 
 a reward for his services in the field of battle, I believed among 
 such his labours would be made null and void. I told him, how- 
 ever some Friends may have carried themselves towards him, so as 
 to encourage him to preach in their meetings, yet I believed in the 
 end, it would be found by him that they had not been his 
 best friends ; but that they would be the cause of his sitting down 
 short of that experience in the work of righteousness, which by 
 this time he might have attained to, had he been faithful to that 
 very precious visitation, which I could not doubt he had been 
 favoured with. He received what 1 had to communicate without 
 any further attempt to palliate matters ; and yet it was evident, 
 that, although he could not maintain his ground on Christian princi- 
 ples, upon which he had been at ease, as a warrant for his con- 
 tinuing to receive his pension, the prospect of his being obliged
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 219 
 
 to sacrifice it brought him into a very great strait ; on ^vhic•h 
 account 1 hope I was not deficient in a ^vilMngness to sy.npathist. 
 with him,-he haying a sickly wife, a large family of children, and 
 as 1 was informed, a poor farm to bring them ui) upon. I hope 
 I may say, I felt truly thankful to my great and good Master, in 
 that he had not only given me utterance to the relief of my own 
 mmd, but had also opened a door of entrance into this pcrsonV 
 mmd so to receive what I had to offer; and I could not but 
 hope, from the affectionate manner in which he took his leave of 
 us at our parting, that what had been communicated would be- 
 come as a nail fastened in a sure place. 
 
 On First-day morning we sat with the few Friends of 11 olland- 
 meeting, in a small new-built log meeting-house ; part of a commit- 
 tee appointed by the monthly meeting to have the care of Friends 
 here, also gave us their company. A cheering prospect accom- 
 panied my mind, if the few well-concerned Friends of this new- 
 settled meeting are favoured to keep their places as faithful 
 members of our Society, there will in time be a gathering as from 
 the highways and hedges. 
 
 Third-day, (27th of 3rd mo.) we rode to Hamburgh, and attended 
 the select meeting there. 
 
 Fifth-day, my face was turned towards Clear-creek ; the Indians 
 in the Buffalo settlement came before my mind, accompanied 
 by a belief I should not be able to leave these parts peacefully, 
 unless I stood resigned to have a meeting with them on First-day 
 next ; I tried after quietness to be able to arrive at some conclu- 
 sion before we proceeded on our journey, but this I was unable 
 to do; a Friend who came into the family kept up such a con- 
 tinual conversation, sometimes addressing himself to me, and 
 then again to others, I was obliged to leave the house. I then 
 called upon a Friend, who I had understood was acquainted with 
 some of those who resided in the settlement, to whom 1 felt it best to 
 put some questions on the subject ; and after being favoured to get 
 a little into quiet, so as to be able to turn the Heecc, I found it 
 would be safest for me to have Friends called together; which 
 being done, I opened my prospect of duty of having a meeting in 
 theBuffalo settlement with the Indians next First-day ; wliieh being 
 united v/ith. Friends concluded to do the needful for its accom- 
 plishment. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, we proceeded to Clear-creek, attend the 
 monthly meeting to be held there : the meeting was well attended 
 by its members, and the business of it conducted in an agreeable 
 manner. 
 
 The next day we proceeded to Hamburgh : on our arrival thcrr 
 we were informed, the Indians in the Buffalo settlement received, 
 with expressions of satisfaction, the recpicst to have a meeting 
 with them.
 
 220 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 First-day morning-, 1st of 4th mo., 1H27, accompanied by my 
 kind friend Samuel Taylor, John Dunham and his family, and 
 Other Friends, wc proceeded to the council-house of the Buffalo 
 Indians, where the meeting was to be held ; here we found the 
 head ciiief of this district and others of the Indians, who wel- 
 comed us with countenances that manifested they received us 
 cheerfully. The Indians are very slow in their movements, 
 whereby the meeting was not fully gathered until an hour after 
 the time that had been proposed by themselves ; I was informed 
 the person engaged as interpreter, was not in a fit state of mind 
 to undertake such a service. An Indian man, who spoke the 
 English language, was then proposed to me, and feeling willing 
 to accept of his services, we took our seats, the men at the upper 
 end of the house, the women at the lower end. The chief then 
 stepped forward, and expressed the pleasure it had afforded him, 
 that so many Friends had given them their company, and their 
 readiness to hear what 1 had on my mind for them : after which 
 he took his seat again and a pause took place. After I had deli- 
 vered what was given me in commission for them, the chief then 
 stepped forward again, and expressed the satisfaction my commu- 
 nication had afforded them. My mind feeling relieved ; the head 
 chief and his company appeared to part from us very affection- 
 ately. The company we had sat with, I understood, were denomi- 
 nated Pagans, because they had opposed a missionary coming 
 amongst them. I returned to Hamburgh again, satisfied that I 
 had given up to the service. We proceeded on our journey, and 
 on Fourth-day reached Henrietta, and attended the meeting held 
 there. The meeting was small, and it was a time of close ex- 
 ercise to me to come at a right settlement of mind : after meeting 
 we rode to Rochester. 
 
 Fifth-day, we attended the mid-week meeting here : such hard 
 things were required of me to deliver to the Friends of this meet- 
 ing, that when I had taken my seat again, I was led to call in 
 question all that I had offered amongst them ; but when the meet- 
 ing closed, a Friend, whom I looked up to as one of pretty clear 
 discernment, informed me there was great need for the remarks I 
 had delivered in that meeting : (time also proved the necessity of 
 them, for afterwards the members of this meeting, pretty gene- 
 rally, united themselves to the separatists in this Yearly Meeting.) 
 Thus, in our times of proving, the Hand of help through instru- 
 mental means, is sometimes afforded to our relief, when we may 
 be almost ready to faint and grow weary. After meeting we rode 
 to Farmington, 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Galen, in consequence of there 
 being a funeral, the house was much crowded, and I humbly 
 hope it is not presuming to say, the truths of the gospel were 
 largely declared to the people, and the necessity of diligence in
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 221 
 
 the great work of salvation, whilst the day of grace was IcnfrtI.ened 
 out ; the people manifested a solid, attentive disposition of mind • 
 there was reason for believing it was a time of renewed visitation 
 to many. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the select quarterly meeting at Scipio, 
 which was small : the business was conducted with great unanimity', 
 and proved a season of refreshment to my mind. 
 
 The next day, the quarterly meeting for the general concerns of 
 the Society commenced with a meeting for Divine worship, which was 
 largely attended; it proved a season in which encouragement was 
 held put to the faithful. The business of the meeting for churcli- 
 affairs was conducted in much harmony and brotherly condescen- 
 sion ; it closed under a grateful sense, that holy help had been 
 near in transacting the various matters that came before the 
 meeting. 
 
 Sixth-day, the public meeting was held, and we separated un- 
 der feelings of gratitude to the Great Head of the church, in that 
 He had been pleased once more to own us by His hfe-giving 
 presence, to our comfort and consolation : in the afternoon we 
 rode to Union-springs. 
 
 First-day morning, attended meeting at South Farmington ; it 
 proved to me a time of deep inward labour and travail of spirit to 
 reach the spring of Divine life ; too many of those I was sitting 
 amongst, there was reason to fear, were contenting themselves 
 with having a name to live, yet at the same time were strangers 
 to that practical part of true religion in wliich righteousness con- 
 sists. The meeting, I understood, was small to what it would 
 have been, had the members of the meeting been informed a 
 stranger would have been there ; but I had no warrant for such 
 information being given, wishing if I did sit with Friends of this 
 meeting, to see them in their every-day clothes. 
 
 Third-day, (17th of 4th mo.) attended the select quarterly meet- 
 ing, which was small; to me it felt a low, trying meeting. 
 
 Fourth-day, the quarterly meeting for church-affairs com- 
 menced with a meeting for worship ; at the close of which 
 Friends entered upon the concerns of the Society ; after the 
 meeting had gone a considerable way into its business, the meet- 
 ing was greatly interrupted by the return of a number of lads 
 and young men who had left the house when the meeting for 
 worship closed, and who had remained out of the house thus un- 
 seasonably; but that spirit of insubordination, liberty and equality 
 so pervades religious, as well as civil society in some places in this 
 land, that all prospect of applying a remedy to this, as well as 
 other evil practices amongst our youth, appears hopeless ; and 
 thus the hope of a succession of ftiithful standard-bearers being 
 raised up amongst them, is feeble.
 
 222 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Fifth-day, 19th of 4th mo. 1827, the closing meeting for worship 
 was held ; after which wc rode to Galen, where we took up our 
 abode for the night. 
 
 First-day, we attended meeting at New Hartford ; the meeting 
 was chiefly composed of those of otlier religious persuasions ; 
 afterwards v/c rode to Utica. On Fourth-day we attended Gal- 
 way meeting, which was attended by heads of families only, it 
 not being much the practice to bring the children to week-day 
 meetings hereaway ; this subject I found 1 must allude to in the 
 meeting, and also the practice of Friends bringing their dogs with 
 them to meeting. Wc rode then to Milton, and took up our abode 
 for the night. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended Milton meeting, after which we rode to 
 Saratoga. I understood that on the morrow we should have to 
 cross the river in what is called a scow ; we also heard that the 
 late heavy rains had occasioned such a flood and current in the 
 river that it had been deemed unsafe to venture ; as however there 
 did not appear any other course for us but to proceed, I retired 
 quietly to bed, leaving all further considerations of the subject 
 till morning. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, ^e proceeded to the ferry ; when we were 
 about the middle part of the river, the current ran at a great rate, 
 one of our horses became very uneasy, so much so, I feared his be- 
 coming unmanageable ; the bottom of the scow to the tide-edge 
 was so very low, we could not have prevented his going over into 
 the river had he been so inclined. I hope I may say, I felt 
 truly thankful when our horses and waggon were safely landed on 
 the eastern shore in the state of Vermont. We proceeded towards 
 Danby, intending to reach Salem this night ; but after we had 
 pursued our journey about ten miles, we were obliged to alter 
 our course, being informed that the bridge on the road we were 
 taking to Salem, had the day before broken down, and let a waggon 
 and horses into the stream. I thought it might be considered a 
 merciful escape for us, and fresh cause for gratitude, amidst all 
 our trials, that we have hitherto escaped harm this way, consider- 
 ing the many rotten and decayed bridges over deep waters we had 
 passed. 
 
 Seventh-day, after travelling over a rough, mountainous road, 
 we were favoured to reach our kind friend Aaron Roger's, at 
 Danby, this afternoon. 
 
 First-day, attended their usual meeting ; many of their mem- 
 bers and attenders of meeting, we were informed, were absent, 
 but if we could stay and have another meeting amongst them, a 
 more general attendance would be likely to take place ; but not 
 feeling the necessity laid upon me to yield to this information, I 
 concluded it would be safest for vis to leave to-morrow. 
 
 Thkd-day, 1st of 5th mo., 1827, we proceeded by Granville
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 1>23 
 
 towards Qucensborough, and after a fati-uing and licavv div's 
 travel, we were favoured to reaeh our friend Caleb ])cans I 
 attended the select preparative meeting; a small cornprmy and 
 next day was at the monthly meeting, in whicli I was comforted 
 in feeling the early, quiet manner in which the meetin<r settled 
 down We next proceeded by Fort Ann, Shoreham," towards 
 ^errisburgh: our horses appeared so jaded with the last three 
 days bad roads which we have travelled, that I feared their hold- 
 ing out through this day's journey ; when ^ve reached the tavern 
 we were to bait our horses at, we could neither procure oats nor 
 Indian corn for them ; the grasshoppers had been so numerous 
 the last summer as to destroy the crops of grain in this part of 
 the country ; nothing but hay could here be procured. 
 
 Fkst-day, 1 attended Strasburgh meeting ; in the afternoon we 
 rode to Monkton, a meeting being appointed to be held there at 
 my request ; whilst on my feet, engaged in testimony, a child, 
 that was running;, about the meeting-liouse, placed itself before 
 me, looking up in my face, smiling and playing its little antics, 
 on which I made a full stop, requesting the mother of the child 
 would take it to herself, which, to my great grief, occasioned the 
 mother to leave the meeting ; assured, as I since have been, that 
 had I endeavoured simply to attend to my IMaster's business, the 
 actions of this innocent child would not have embarrassed my 
 mind during the exercise of my gift. We took up our abode for 
 the night with our friend Joseph Hoeg. 
 
 Fourth-day, I attended the select quarterly meeeting, very few 
 in number ; and, next day, the quarterly meeting for discipline : 
 the business of this, as well as other meetings in tliis quarterly 
 meeting appears to be very much done by the clerk, very few (if 
 there are such) manifest by their words a godly zeal for the right 
 support of the discipline of the Society. 
 
 Sixth-day, the public meeting was held ; after which we rode 
 to Shoreham. First-day, attended the usual meeting. 
 
 Second-day morning, accompanied by A. Potter, his wife and 
 daughter, and another waggon of Nathaniel Potter''s, we pro- 
 ceeded towards Easton. On our stopping to bait, the women 
 complained much of the head-ache from the heat of the sun, 
 their waggon not having a cover over the top. 1 offered them 
 seats in our waogon, and took my seat in one of tlieirs. In 
 going down a hill, at a sharp turn, one of the swingle-trees of our 
 traces came off, forced the waggon against the horse's heels, set 
 them a kicking in a violent manner ; at this trying moment the 
 neck-yoke came off, whereby the whole weight of our waggon com- 
 ing upon the horses, forced them across the road down a steep, it was 
 said thirty feet ; my companion and a young woman jumped out, 
 in going down the precipice the horses broke loose from the waggon 
 and ran off with the traces at their heels : the waggon in going
 
 224 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 down turned over, whereby a young woman was forced out through 
 the top of the waggon, but without receiving much injury from 
 her fall ; the waggon turned over a second time, and threw out 
 the wife of Abner Potter, but how, she was unable to tell. We 
 soon procured medical assistance, and miraculous to say, no limbs 
 were broken or displaced ; our carriage was much injured and our 
 luggage scattered abroad ; our horses were brought to us without 
 receiving much damage, but the woman Friend was so much 
 bruised and cut by the fall, we were obliged to proceed lo Kaston 
 and leave them behind, but in a few days they were able to return 
 home. I thought there was fresh cause indeed to acknowledge 
 the mercies of the Lord, they are new every morning, and be- 
 cause thereof the sons of men are not consumed. 
 
 Third-day, attended the select quarterly meeting, and next day 
 the quarterly meeting for discipline, which was small. After at- 
 tending the public meeting the next day, we rode to Troy. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Crum Elbow .^ after meeting we 
 rode to Poughkeepsie, and took up our abode for the night with 
 my kind countryman Thomas Smart, 
 
 Second-day, we reached my kind friend James Brown's, at 
 PeckVkiln ; and on Fourth-day morning, my home at New York, 
 where I was kindly received and cared for by my much-esteemed 
 friend Elizabeth Bowns, and her daughter Sarah Minturn. On 
 my arrival at New York, I found- my kind companion, Samuel 
 Wood, had been placed in a very trying situation, in consequence 
 of some unfounded and evil reports, that were set on foot respect- 
 ing him and myself, by those very individuals who so strenuously 
 proposed to the committee appointed to provide for my journey, 
 (which was before S. Wood had proposed to accompany me) that 
 nothing should be wanting to make me comfortable on my jour- 
 ney that my advanced age required ; charging us with very un- 
 founded reports. My companion had ascertained with whom this 
 report had originated in the city, but the individual would not 
 give up his author, and when requested to meet the overseers on 
 the case, would not come forward. I therefore addressed notes to 
 the overseers, and the individual who had, it was said, been the 
 author of these reports in the city, requesting the party to meet 
 us at Rose-street meeting-house at a time proposed. The over- 
 seers met us, but the individual, the author of this report in the 
 city, would not make his appearance : after clearing ourselves of 
 these charges to the overseers, as our accuser would not come for- 
 ward, nor furnish the name of the other party referred to in the 
 report, I considered I had done all required of me in the matter, 
 and there I left it^ 
 
 Seventh-day morning, attended the first sitting of the select 
 Yearly Meeting, which was chiefly occupied in calling over the 
 representatives, reading our certificates who were from Europe,
 
 JOURNAL OF TirOMAS SHILLITOE. 023 
 
 and the certificates of Friends from other Yearly Mcptinc^'s, whicli 
 were not a few, after wliich tlie meeting adjourned to thf af- 
 ternoon. 
 
 Second-day morning, tlic Yearly Meeting for tninsic ling the 
 afRiirs of the Society, commenced with an evidence, that amidst 
 all the discouraging prospects on account of the sad state of 
 things in this Yearly Meeting, by the spreading of unsound prin- 
 ciples, the outstretched arm of Omnipotence was still extended 
 towards us as a religious body, under all our jn-ovinfrs 
 
 Fourth-day, the select Yearly INIecting again satT this proved 
 a deeply baptizing season to many ; matters were spoken to in the 
 authority of Truth, in a way that, I doubt not, had a tendency to 
 stimulate to faithfulness those of whom it might be said, they 
 were ready to faint in their minds, through the fear that at times 
 seized hold of them, of the Society becoming deluged by those 
 antichristian principles which were threatening to carry all away 
 with them. Fresh cause was, 1 believe, felt by not a few, 
 to be willing to set up the Ebenezer to the praise of Him, 
 who was pleased again to appear on the side of those yet left 
 in this Yearly Meeting, who, for Zion's sake, durst not hold their 
 peace, nor, for Jerusalem's sake, be at rest, whilst the enemies 
 of righteousness were endeavouring to make such inroads in the 
 camp. The confusion and uproar which prevailed in some of the 
 latter sittings of tlie men's Yearly Meeting, and the abuse offered 
 to those who occupied seats in the ministers' gallery, especially sucli 
 as were from England, equalled any thing my pen can describe. 
 My countrywoman, Elizabeth Robson, had a concern to come 
 into the men"'s meeting ; when the subject was spread before the 
 meeting, some of Elias Hicks's party made objections to her 
 being allowed ; but their objections being overruled, as she entered, 
 a great number of those wlio opposed her coming into the meet- 
 ing, left the meeting in a body, and remained in the yard until 
 she left the meeting, when they returned. Trying as these 
 sittings were from day to day, 1 thought it was a favour, that 
 Friends were enabled quietly to sit through them to tlie end. 
 
 Seventh-day afternoon, the last sitting of the select meeting 
 was held : from the disordered, divided state of this part of the 
 body, when an attempt was made for a committee to be nomi- 
 nated to visit the select quarterly and monthly meeting?:, it met 
 with violent opposition : a female member of Jericho montiily 
 meeting, fearing the clerk should make a minute to that effect, 
 left her scat, and placing herself by him, laid hold of his elbow, 
 and told him he should not make a minute; in this very tried 
 state, without being able to effect any thing, the meeting sat until 
 past eleven o'clock at night. 
 
 Fifth-day, 7th of 6th mo. 1827: after taking an an'ectionatc 
 leave of my kind landlady E. Bown and her family, and other 
 
 VOL. II.
 
 226 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 friends in the city, in company with my countryfolks, George and 
 Ann Jones, Isaac and Anna Braithwaite, and divers other Friends, 
 I went on board the Washington steam-boat for Newport on 
 Rhode Island, in order to attend the Yearly Meeting for the New 
 England States. We proceeded on our way without impediment, 
 until about the middle of the night, when on a sudden 1 found, 
 from some cause, our progress was retarded, which excited in my 
 mind some serious apprehensions: I did not rise and go on deck, 
 as my naturally anxious disposition would have prompted me to 
 have done, but tried to keep quiet in my berth. On inquiry in 
 the morning as to the cause of this detention, we were told that a 
 heavy fog came on, which rendered our proceeding dangerous ; 
 soon after we proceeded again, the great swell of the water occa- 
 sioned the vessel to be so continually in motion, that very few 
 of us escaped the terrible sickness experienced by many who 
 venture upon this unstable element. 
 
 About eleven o'clock the next morning, we were favoured to set 
 our feet on shore at Newport, where divers Friends were wait- 
 ing to receive us. I went to the home of my kind friend Stephen 
 Gould, who, with his attentive wife, afforded me every accommo- 
 dation my debihtated body required. 
 
 Seventh-day, I rode out to Portsmouth, about nine miles ; here 
 the select Yearly Meeting was held for the accommodation of 
 Friends from the country, who may be on their way to attend the 
 Yearly Meeting. This meeting was not large ; it was a time in 
 which there was cause to acknowledge that holy help was near ; 
 in the afternoon the meeting for sufferings was held, the busi- 
 ness of which appeared to be conducted in much harmony. 
 
 First-day morning, I attended the meeting held at Portsmouth ; 
 the house was crowded, the meeting being attended by many not 
 of our religious Society, which we understood was the case at 
 Yearly Meeting time : from the light, airy disposition manifested 
 by many of these at the close of the meeting, it was to be feared, 
 their coming was more for pleasure than from a real desire to be 
 benefitted. In the afternoon I attended the meeting held at New- 
 port : the house, which is very large, was crowded, and numbers 
 were standing in the yard ; the concourse of people lead me to 
 fear we should not be able to hold the meeting in that quiet which 
 was so desirable ; but holy help being mercifully near to those 
 who were called forth to labour in this part of the Lord's vineyard, 
 a belief was produced in some minds, that the labour of this after- 
 noon would not all be lost ; but v.'ould become, in the experience 
 of some of our numerous company, like bread cast on the waters, 
 which would be found after many days. 
 
 Second-day morning, the meeting for managing the affairs of 
 the Society commenced : in the opening of this meeting we were 
 favoured with a renewed evidence, that the Lord in mercy was
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SIIILLITOE. 1»27 
 
 v.aiting to be gracious to us in tliis our collected capacity ; if on 
 our parts we were but willing in all our movements to await Iiis 
 puttuig forth into service. The meeting adjourned until the after- 
 noon, when the same holy quiet was again vouchsafed on our 
 sittmg down to business ; tliis to me, after enduring what we had 
 to pass through from the unruly spirits we sat amongst in the 
 Yearly Meeting of New York, felt like breathing in another and 
 a purer air. After the business of the meeting liad been gone 
 through, it closed under a feeling sense of the continuance of 
 Almighty help from Him, who graciously condescended to de- 
 clare, he would be witli his humble dependent children unto 
 the end of the world. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, a meeting for worship was held, wliich was 
 attended by many not in profession with our religious Society ; we 
 were favoured to have a still, quiet meeting before our parting, 
 according to human probability, never all to meet again in tins 
 world of probation and trial. After this meeting, accompanied 
 by a kind Friend, I rode to Tiverton, a distance of about eleven 
 miles, and lodged at A. Barker's. 
 
 On First-day morning attended Tiverton meeting, where I 
 found a small company. I felt well satisfied I had given up to sit 
 with the few I found here. I then rode about five miles to 
 attend the afternoon meeting at the Falls, where there is a much 
 larger body of Friends ; with those of other societies, who gave 
 their attendance, the house was rather crowded. I left the meet- 
 ing under a hope 1 was in my right place in coming to it. On 
 our way towards our carriage, we made a call upon a sick P'ricnd : 
 the evening was hastening on apace, and we having five miles to 
 ride back again, I had concluded in my mind not to make any 
 halt here ; but I soon was made sensible if I would go along under 
 feelings of Divine approbation, I must not chalk out a way for 
 myself. Feeling thus unexpectedly stopped in my proceeding, I 
 yielded to express that which I believed I was entrusted with for 
 expression, and had reason for believing I had been made an 
 instrument in the Divine hand of comforting the sick Friend, 
 and in degree I hope to the edification of others that were pre- 
 sent : after which 1 was favoured to know in some good degree, 
 what it was to go on my way rejoicing, which I had nearly de- 
 prived myself of, had I pursued my journey home to my quarters, 
 as I had at first intended. 
 
 Fourth-day, 20th of 6th mo. 1827, attended the preparative 
 meeting of Aponeganset; the overseers not being prepared with 
 answers to the queries as usual, to go forward to the monthly 
 meetino-, occasioned some exercise to Friends' minds, but by 
 patience being resorted to, answers were prepared, which the 
 meeting appeared to settle quietly under, and I felt satislied in 
 sitting with this little company. 
 
 q2
 
 228 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Fifth-day, I attended the preparative meeting at Newtown, 
 which 1 also found to be small. I took my seat in the meeting 
 under feelings of very great depression, and would gladly have 
 been any were than where I then was; but by labouring after quiet 
 submission to this dispensation of Divine wisdom, I humbly hope 
 I may say, it proved to me a truly profitable one, and 1 was 
 enabled to leave the meeting under feelings of tlie renewed cause 
 there was for mc to set up my Ebenezcr again, to the praise and 
 glory of the Lord my God, who had thus in his mercy sustained me 
 when I was nigh unto fainting in my mind. In the afternoon I 
 rode to New Bedford, where I was kindly received by William 
 Roach, jun. and his very kind wife. 
 
 Attended the select monthly meeting here, which is composed 
 of the select members of the monthly meetings of Dartmouth, 
 Westport, and New Bedford ; they being so few in number in 
 each of these monthly meetings, are not considered equal to 
 holding separate meetings : the queries were answered in the 
 meeting, but from the backwardness of Friends in not so fully 
 describing the state of their several meetings, this part of the busi- 
 ness went very heavily forward, and the time of the meeting was 
 very unsuitably contracted, and yet I trust, under all our discou- 
 ragements, there was cause to hope, it had not been an unprofit- 
 able meeting to some of us. 
 
 Accompanied by a kind companion, we rode to "Westport, 
 to attend the monthly meeting to be held there this day : here 
 we found a pretty large body of Friends, and many not in 
 profession with our religious Society, gave us their company 
 in the meeting for worship. I found it hard work to relieve 
 my mind ; what I had to communicate being more especially to 
 the members, and such as were in the constant attendance of our 
 religious meetings ; but T felt cause to esteem it a favour, when 
 the meeting closed, in believing I had been strengthened fiiith- 
 fully to acquit myself. 
 
 First-day, 24th of 6th mo. 1827; attended meeting at New 
 Bedford; the morning meeting was much larger in attendance 
 than I had expected to have seen it : from the sorrowfully di- 
 vided state which this meeting has been in, through the anti- 
 christian principles which had taken hold of the minds of its 
 members, I had looked towards this meeting with feelings of great 
 discouragement ; I took my seat under great depression. Feeling 
 something stirring in ray mind for communication, I struggled 
 with it for awhile, until at last I found, if I left the meeting-house 
 in peace, I must give up, and therefore ventured to stand upon 
 my feet, and in a feeble manner uttered what had been given me : 
 Avhen the meeting closed, I was led to hope, the labour thus be- 
 stowed would not all prove in vain. The afternoon meeting was 
 to me a time of close travail to obtain full relief to my own mind.
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS .SHILI.J'KtK. 2J9 
 
 The next day, I made a few social visits— 1 was led to hope not 
 unprofitably to the visited: the (hiy closed peaceCully, for w'hich 
 1 felt truly thankful to that J)ivine Power from whence all uood 
 comes. 
 
 Third-day morning, about five o'clock I left New Ikdford 
 and went on board a packet-ship for Nantucket, a passage of 
 sixty miles; we were favoured to land on the island of Nantucket, 
 about twelve o'clock at noon this same day. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the North meeting ; the mcirs side of the 
 house was very thinly attended, there being on this island a much 
 greater proportion of female members of our religious Society, 
 many of whom are in a state of widowhood, occasioned by the 
 dangerous occupation the men embark in, many being engaged 
 in the whale-fishery: from the great distance the vessels now 
 have to make their voyages in search of (ish, it takes them 
 sometimes two years from their home. Here again I met with 
 my kind friends Smith Upton and his wife, whose company, as I 
 was now amongst strangers, felt like a cordial to my mind. At 
 the close of the meeting for worship, the monthly meeting for 
 this district was held : the queries were at this time answered ; 
 the Friends of the meeting manifested a willingness to receive 
 any remarks, those who were thus come amongst them had to 
 make; we were favoured to separate under a covering of that 
 good which is not at our command, and therefore calls for grati- 
 tude on our part. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, I attended the South meeting, where wc 
 found a much larger body of Friends, but the far greater pro- . 
 portion on the women's side of the house My sufferings in this 
 meeting were great, on account of the disgraceful behaviour of a 
 number of lads in the meeting, belonging to Friends; I durst 
 not do otherwise than throw this subject before the monthly 
 meeting. I was comforted in finding what I had to oM'er on this 
 occasion obtained considerable entrance into the minds of several 
 Friends, and obtained much of the meeting's deliberation, wjiich 
 ended in a proposal for a few Friends being convened to consider 
 of some measures being adopted, which would be the most likely to 
 effect a remedy. The business of the meeting was conducted in 
 much quiet; and Friends separated under a feeling of tliat .solem- 
 nity which brings us near together, and unites us in desires for an 
 increase of these precious feelinLiS. 
 
 We attended the select monthly meeting, composed of the 
 select members of the North and South monthly ineelings, 
 the queries were answered for the quarterly meeting, in doing 
 which the meeting appeared to be brought under a care, to send 
 forward such answers as should convey to the (Hi;iiterly meeting 
 the true state of things amongst them. 
 
 First-day, (1st of 7th mo.) this morning I» attended the South
 
 230 JOURNAL OF THOaiAS ^iHILLlTOE. 
 
 meeting, which was very largely attended by Friends and others ; 
 it was considered a solid, favoured meeting. In the afternoon I 
 attended the North meeting, which was said to be a large meeting 
 for that district; it was a time to be commemorated. I returned to 
 my quarters in the evening much exhausted ; here I found seve- 
 ral Friends in waiting to have some of the company of the 
 stranger, but I felt more disposed to retire to my bed, this I 
 found would not bring peace to my own mind ; very soon after I 
 took my seat amongst them, silence took place, but which I did 
 not feel at all disposed to cherish, apprehending it would be 
 likely to prove the means of my detention from retiring to my 
 bed, which 1 very much desired; but by yielding to this silence, 
 which I could no longer doubt was not of man, and endeavouring 
 to settle down quietly under it, 1 found my Divine Master had 
 some service for me in this company ; I endeavoured to be found 
 faithful in the discharge of what might be called for at my hands ; 
 and retired to my bed, breathing afresh the language of, " What 
 shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits ? " who has been with 
 me through this day's work. 
 
 Third-day afternoon, attended a funeral ; the company which 
 assembled at the house was very large, and (as is the case with 
 Friends on this island) a meeting was held at the house ; in con- 
 sequence of which the company who assemble at the house, do not 
 feel it obligatory on them generally to follow the corpse to the 
 grave-yard ; but apprehending if I did as I should do, although 
 1 had a full opportunity to relieve my mind at the house, I must 
 be willing to follow the corpse to its last depositing place, which 
 I did ; here we had a large company of Friends, and of other 
 persons not in profession with our religious Society. I found 
 little more was now expected than depositing the remains ; I did 
 not see how I could with peace to my own mind let the people 
 depart, without requesting them to try to become more collected; 
 and stepping on an elevated spot, the most suitable situation to be 
 generally heard, I delivered that which appeared to me to be the 
 counsel of my great Master; in doing which I was favoured to 
 leave the grave-yard with a peaceful mind. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the select quarterly meeting, and the 
 next day the quarterly meeting for the fjeneral concerns of the 
 Society, which commenced with a meeting for worship. This 
 meeting, I believe, proved a time of instruction and comfort to 
 many ; it closed with solemn supplication through a beloved sister, 
 and thanksgiving for that Divine condescension which had been in 
 mercy manifested towards us at this time. The meeting for 
 discipline was conducted in much quiet, yet it was evident it 
 suffered loss for want of more promptness on the part of Friends, 
 in speaking to the business tliat came before the meeting. 
 
 Seventh-day morrting, the wind being fair, I took my depar-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAi? SUlLLlIOi:. 231 
 
 ture in a packet for Falmoutli, in company witli ahoiit forty- 
 seven other Friends, on llieir way liouic iruni the cpiarterly nicct- 
 ing; and after a passage of about five hours, we were luvuured to 
 land safely. This afternoon, we called on a Friend who appeared 
 to be plunged into a state of as much despair as I ever before had 
 met witli ; his horror of mind, from his own acknowjed-rment, ap- 
 peared to surpass any thing I had ever heard of; he had no tar 
 to receive encouragement to look for that help, which, I was fully 
 made sensible, only could prove availing. 1 understood he had 
 been made an instrument in the Lord s hand of good to others, 
 having received a gift in the ministry, and had been considered 
 by his friends very lively in the exercise of it. J)uring my sitting 
 with him, my feelings were such, that I could not divest my mind 
 of an apprehension, he had reasoned with clear manifestations of 
 duty, until the right time for the discharge thereof was clean pa.s.sed 
 oyer, whereby this great weakness had been suffered to come upon 
 him ; in which sentiments 1 found I was not alone. The sorrow- 
 ful state I left him in, made such an impression on my mind, 
 that I craved it might prove a wateh-wortl to me from lime to 
 time. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Falmouth, which was large. I 
 was ready to hope the concern expressed by a Friend at the close 
 of this meeting, that what had been offered at that time might be- 
 come as bread cast on the waters, and be found by some many 
 days hence, Avould be fulfilled. 
 
 Being clear in my mind of Friends in these parts, my kind 
 landlord drove me to Yarmouth on Cape Cod, where I was kindly 
 received by Abiel Aikin and his family. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended the mid-week meeting here ; many not in 
 profession with us gave their attendance, to whom I was enabled, 
 I humbly hope I may say, clearly to point out the absolute ne- 
 cessity there was for man to experience, through tlie eli'ectual 
 working of the power of Christ in his heart, a being enabled to 
 walk in his footsteps. 
 
 First-day, attended the usual meeting at Sandwich, which was 
 large, by the coming in of such as did not profess with our So- 
 ciety. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended meeting at Pendirokc, which was small ; 
 at the close of the meeting for worship, was held their preparaiivc 
 meeting; this proved a solid, and I believe, a favoureil meeting 
 to most, after which, we proceeded to Shepherd's to lodge. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, when breakfast was over, the family was all 
 assembled for the purpose of reading the Serii)tures. I rejoieed at 
 this opportunity, believing, as I did, it was coiiseientiuusly prac- 
 tised, and not a mere formal matter ; after which wc proceeded to 
 Long-plain, and were kindly received by Obadiah Davis and \m 
 wife.
 
 ti 
 
 232 JOURNAL OF TH03IAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 First-day morning, (22nd of 7tli iifio.) attended tlic mcetinj;^ at 
 Jjong-plain ; this, and the afternoon meeting were considered by 
 1^'riends to have been solid, satisfactory meetings ; the orderly 
 manner in which the people left the meeting-house, I thought was 
 a proof they had met with something more than words ; no dis- 
 position was manifested to converse, each one seeming disposed 
 to go quietly to their own homes. 
 
 Fourth-day, accompanied by my kind young friend Joseph 
 Tillinghurst, we walked from New Bedford to Aponegauset to 
 attend the monthly meeting of Dartmouth : the meeting was 
 small in consequence of its being the hay-season : when 'we 
 are truly alive to our eternal interest, this fails not to stimu- 
 late to seek the kingdom of heaven in the first place, and when 
 duty calls us from our outward concerns, to leave them, and com- 
 mit them to the great Care-taker, who is a]>le to do better by them 
 in our absence, than we can do by remaining with them, and 
 neglecting our duty to Him, from whom all our blessings pro- 
 ceed. I felt well satisfied I had given up to sit with the few who 
 gave their company on this occasion ; yet I could not but regret 
 the dull, heavy manner in which the business of the meeting was 
 conducted, for want of a more lively interest being manifested on 
 the part of the members, in matters that came before the meeting ; 
 whereby more was imposed on the clerk than Truth at all war- 
 rants. This evening we returned to Nev/ Bedford. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, feeling drawings in my mind to make a 
 call upon a family, I proceeded alone, believing it would be better 
 for me so to do ; on taking my seat amongst them, I was plunged 
 into such distressing feelings as 1 have not often had to experience: 
 after a time of waiting, matter rose in my mind to communicate, 
 and I endeavoured after faithfulness : what I had to offer ap- 
 peared to be kindly received, yet it felt to me like hoping against 
 hope. Accompanied by my kind friend, Abraham Shearman, we 
 made a visit to an aged Fi-iend, who had been eight years con- 
 fined to the house in consequence of an accident, with whom we 
 had a sweet, quiet, religious opportunity. I left her with the as- 
 surance, she was sensible of being under better care than poor, 
 frail, mortal man, and that her bitter cup of long confinement, was 
 sweetened by the fresh incomes of the good presence of Kim, 
 whose pi'esence administers life to the soul. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, made my last visit to my kind friend 
 William Roach, now in his ninety-third year. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Centre, which was large, and 
 very soon settled down in quiet, which, I believe, was generally 
 felt. h]arnest were my inward cries to he preserved keeping my 
 proper place in this meeting : the opening given me to stand up 
 with, was so small and simple, I saw no other prospect, if I 
 barely stood up with it, but I should expose my own weakness,
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHM.LIToK. o;j;j 
 
 and be unable to proccefl either to my r.wn relief or the profit of 
 the people : I sat Ion- under the exercise of it. fearin.' to statui 
 up, and fearnig to take away with me that which had been ini 
 parted to my mind for communication ; at len-th, in -rtat weak 
 ness and fear, I ventured to rise; and for this act of faith and 
 faithfulness Divmc Wisdom condescended to (h-al bountif.dlv to 
 me His help, for the faithful dischar^a. of his requirin..-,' in 
 this meeting-. And yet after this season of Divine favour, (which 
 1 believe the meeting was considered to he,) I was tempted to 
 call in question what I had communicated in the meeting: sea- 
 sons of this sort, although hard to the creaiurely i)art to hear, 
 after we have, as we believe, done our very best in the faith- 
 ful discharge of apprehended duty ; yet of this I have been rc- 
 newedly persuaded, they are in great mercy permitted to be our 
 portion to humble and keep down the creaturely part ; that so (u.d 
 only may have the glory, if patience under these humihating 
 dispensations has its perfect work, they will not be suffered to 
 harm us, but prove the means in the Divine hand of stimulatin«- 
 us, to be willing to take a faithful rctrosjiect of our movements^ 
 and beget in us an earnest desire, if such may have been the case, 
 to see when and where we have missed our way. 
 
 Second-day morning, accompanied by a friend, wc made a visit 
 to a female Friend in the meridian of life, a^Iio had been con- 
 fined to her bed near twenty years ; the appearance of the lan- 
 guishing condition she lay in was very affecting : a sliort time 
 after we took our seats in the room, we drojijjcd into solemn si- 
 lence, and after some time spent in this waiting state of mind, 
 matter was given for communication suitable to her tried con- 
 dition, and grateful were the feelings that accompanied my mind 
 for the opportunity that had been thus afforded. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the quarterly select meeting for Hhofle 
 Island, which was a small, but quiet, favoured meeting. 'I'he 
 next day, attended the quarterly meeting for Society concerns, 
 which commenced with a meeting for worship : the business that 
 came before tiie meeting for discipline was conducted in much 
 harmony and brotherly condescension, and, 1 belii-vc I may say, 
 Friends were comforted in being thus together. Having a j)ros- 
 pect of attending the school-committee at Providence next morn- 
 ing, it appeared necessary to proceed after the close of tin.-* meet- 
 ing to-night, as we had a ferry to cross about half a mile over, 
 and which is sometimes so dangerous, that the ferry-men will not 
 venture to put their boat out : it was now blowing a very lieavy 
 gale, and seemed doubtful whether we could get across this after- 
 noon ; but I found I must not risk the morning, if wc weie able 
 now to get a passage. 1 therefore proposed our going down to the 
 ferry ; but when we arrived, we found other I'riends in waiting, 
 the ferry-men not being willing to take their hortes and carriages
 
 234) JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 across, the wind and the current being very strong; but after 
 waiting a considerable time, the wind rather abated, and the boat- 
 men consented to take us over. Our horses and carriage so filled 
 the boat, that but little room was left for us comfortably to stow 
 ourselves: it proved a tossing time, the wind ahead, and a rapid 
 current running against us, some of our horses appeared not 
 a little terrified ; about six in the evening we were favoured to 
 land on the opposite shore, for which mercy, thankfulness was 
 the clothing of my mind, causing my cup to overflow with feel- 
 ings of gratitude to our Almighty (yare-taker. We proceeded to 
 the hospitable abode of our kind friend Moses Brown, of Pro- 
 vidence. 
 
 Sixth-day morninp:, attended the school-committee held at the 
 institution, a fine healthy situation, on an agreeable eminence, 
 and a short distance from the town of Providence. After the ex- 
 amination of the children closed, a suitable pause took place : I 
 felt well satisfied with the manner in which this day had been 
 passed over. 
 
 Seventh-day, attended the meeting for sufferings, which was 
 held at the school. First-day morning, attended meeting in Pro- 
 vidence; the number of Friends of this meeting is small. In the 
 afternoon I attended the meeting held at the school; this, to me, was 
 a very suffering time, occasioned, I had cause to believe, by myself, 
 for want of a more timely yielding to rise on my feet, and give 
 the meeting that which 1 was entrusted with for communication ; 
 yet I felt cause for thankfulness I was not permitted to take away 
 that which, I had no doubt in my own mind, was given me for 
 others. I left the meeting peacefully, but I had reason to be- 
 lieve not with that fulness of the reward, which otherwise would 
 have been dispensed, had a more timely obedience to clear point- 
 ings of duty taken place on my part. 
 
 Second-day, 6th of 8th mo. 3827, accompanied by Jonathan 
 Longdon, we rode to Smithfield quarterly meeting, to be held 
 there. We attended :' the select quarterly meeting, which was 
 small ; the answers to the queries were read and passed over in 
 silence by the members of the meeting, as if all was well with 
 the heads of the tribes, but which did not appear to be the case ; 
 by endeavouring after a right qualification to relieve my mind on 
 various subjects, more particularly applicable to this part of the 
 Society, I left the meeting thankful for the help afforded so to do. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, the meeting for worship was numerously 
 attended by Friends and others ; after which, the meeting for the 
 aflairs of the Society commenced : the answers to the queries 
 were the chief business that came before the meeting. Although 
 much weakness was manifested in these answers, yet they were 
 passed over almost in silence. I ventured to attempt to relieve 
 my mind on some subjects, and in having thus done my best,,I
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHII.LITOK. 235 
 
 left the meeting more peacefully, than 1 liad reason to believe 
 Avould have been the case had 1 kept silence. 
 
 Seventh-day, accompanied by James N. Fry, I proceeded to 
 Lynn, and took up my abode with my friend Isaac liassett. 
 On our way to our quarters 1 observed many people collected 
 in the front of a house, and persons sitting in the windcjws, 
 which led me to inquire what was the cause of it; on wliicji 1 was 
 informed a burial was about to take place, of a young woman wlio 
 had a birthright amongst Friends; but having imbibed tli 
 
 ose 
 
 anti-Christian principles, which had deprived many in that meet- 
 ing of their membership in the Society, she became one amongst 
 them. My mind was arrested with apprehensions of duty to 'rive 
 my company at the burial ; but on making inquiry whether the 
 body was to be buried in the grave-yard of Friends, I was in- 
 formed that was not to be the case, but in a piece of ground joining 
 to Friends' burial-ground, which had been purchased l)y those who 
 had thus left the Society, for their separate use. This informa- 
 tion brought me into a great strait ; I found the father of the 
 young woman, who was a member of Society, had requested some 
 Friends to take the charge of conducting the funeral for him, and 
 ■which they had undertaken to do. How to proceed under these 
 circumstances, to me felt difficult ; the ground in which the body 
 was to be deposited, had been purchased by persons, who, as well 
 as the deceased, had manifested themselves hostile to the Society 
 and to its fundamental principles ; but trying the Heecc, as I hope 
 I may say I endeavoured sincerely to do, I concluded it would be 
 best for me to go to the house of a Friend, where we should be 
 able to see when the corpse left the house, which I accordingly 
 did ; but the company had arrived at the prave-yard before 1 had 
 strength to proceed, and did not reach the grave-side until the 
 parents had turned from the grave in order to quit it ; on which 
 I requested the company, if they were easy so to do, would make 
 a halt, which appeared to be readily complied with ; and after a 
 short pause had taken place, strength was given me to plead the 
 cause of my Divine Master amongst them, and declare, as we all 
 had but one journey to perform through this world, before we ar- 
 rived at our eternal abode, how much it behoved us to be espe- 
 cially careful we performed this journey well ; inasmuch as there 
 would be no returning to this world again, to correct any errors 
 that had been made, either in religious principles or in ])ractiee: 
 great quietness was to be felt, and the minds of many ap])iared to 
 be solidly affected. I was led humbly to hope I had not been 
 out of my place in taking this step. 
 
 First-day morning, attended meeting here ; it was a large ga- 
 therino-: many of those who had separated themselves from the 
 Society and our religious meetings, I was told, gave their attend- 
 ance. It proved a time of close inward exercise for the arising of
 
 236 JOURNAL Ol? THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 that Divine life, wliicli is the crown of all our asserablin^s together, 
 and which was, in degree, mercifully experienced. The afternoon 
 meeting, I was informed, was numerously attended by those who 
 had separated themselves from our religious Society. After I had 
 done, as I apprehended, my very best in endeavouring, as ability 
 and matter was afforded, to plead my great Masters cause ; yet I 
 sat down short of that relief whicli I had hoped for, when closing 
 my communication, which plunged me into some discouragement; 
 but before the meeting separated, a Friend stood up, and in a few- 
 words endeavoured to press upon all present the necessity of being 
 willing to profit under tiie testimony that had been borne amongst 
 them that afternoon : I hoped, from the quiet these observations 
 brought my mind into, that not much of a short-coming, or any 
 thing of an overdoing would lie against me on this occasion, in 
 the evening we had a great collection of Friends at my quarters: 
 although the evening was variously passed over, partly in social 
 conversation and partly in a religious opportunity, we separated 
 under something of an evidence that holy help had been near to us. 
 
 Second-day morning, (13th of 8th mo.) I rode to Boston, where, 
 in the early period of our religious Society, Mary Dyer and others 
 suffered death on account of their religious principles. The So- 
 ciety of Friends here are now no more ; the meeting-house belong- 
 ing to Friends was so far gone to decay, as to render it expedient to 
 pull it down, since which the ground has been disposed of, it being 
 pretty much in the heart of the city. Friends have it in prospect to 
 purchase a more retired spot, and build again for the accommoda- 
 tion of pubhc meetings, and to fulfil the will of the donor who gave 
 the ground on which the old meeting-house formerly stood. I was 
 informed, if 1 had a desire to have a meeting with the inhabitants, 
 a place could easily be procured for me : I could not say, I had 
 not at times had some expectations such a service might be 
 called for ; but as no way opened with any degree of clearness, 
 that it would be proper for me to take such a step as this, after 
 I had visited one of my fellow-passengers to America, we returned 
 again to Lynn this evening. 
 
 Attended the select quarterly meeting for Salem, held at 
 Lynn, which was very small; the disaffection that had taken 
 place in this quarterly meeting having, I understood, swept away- 
 some of the once useful members of this part of the body, as well 
 as from the main body of this quarterly meeting. I felt thankful 
 in having to partake with them in a feeling of the sufferings they 
 had endured, and were still in degree, 1 had reason to believe, at 
 times, labouring under, for the body's sake, even the church. 
 
 Fifth-day, the quarterly meeting for transacting the affiiirs of 
 the Society commenced with a meeting for worship, which was 
 largely attended by Friends and others ; it was considered to be a 
 time of Divine favour. The meeting for discipline, to me, was a
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. O'^T 
 
 low, trying time; yet, by endeavouring to feel a renewal of Jjj. 
 vine strengtl,, to be enabled rigbtly to aequit .nyseir anM.njr.st my 
 friends I eft the meeting under feelings of gratitude for the help 
 which had in merey been vouchsafed to me. In the aftcrn,«„I 
 in company with two other Friends, I called upon one of the 
 families, who, with many others in this place, had been carried 
 away with these unsound principles— tiie sorrowful eflccts of which 
 had occasioned Friends here so much suffering: I went in fe-ir 
 and trembhng On our sitting down, conversation took place 
 which continued to be kept up on the part of the family as lonr' as 
 there was power left ; but when He, who has all power in heaven 
 above and in the earth beneath, sees meet to proclaim in the car 
 of the soul of man, 'Be still,'— notwithstanding all the opposition 
 that may be felt in the mind to silence, how remarkably is that 
 disposition to keep up conversation, and that fear of silence which 
 has been manifested, subdued, which was the case at this time. 
 After patiently enduring question after question to me, in order 
 to keep up conversation, a solemn pause took place, which con- 
 tinued sonie time ; during which I had great strugglings to ol)- 
 tain the victory over that creaturely fear, and thos°e doubtings 
 which came into my mind like a flood, lest, if any thing given me 
 for communication, would not be received ; but endeavtnirin" to 
 be found faithful to that which was called for at my hands, strength 
 was given me to break silence ; and although a p'art of that winch 
 I had to communicate, was trying to my nature to be obli'^ed to 
 utter, yet, at our separation, all the parties acknowlcdgeci the 
 thankfulness that they felt for the visit; the truth of which I 
 thought their countenances and conduct bore testimony to. 
 
 The next day, accompanied by my friend Joseph Metcalf, we 
 proceeded to Salem, where we were kindly received by Abijah 
 Chase. First day morning, attended meeting there: the' meeting 
 v/as large, many of other religious persuasions gave us their 
 company. That share of religious service which fell to my lot this 
 morning, there was reason to believe, had a solemnizing effect on 
 the minds of not a few. A Friend, in a feeling manner, after I 
 had taken my seat recommended to the solid attention of tliohc 
 assembled, the communication that had gone forth in that meet- 
 ing. The afternoon meeting was also largely attended by those 
 not of our religious Society. 
 
 21st of 8th mo. 1112']. This evening reached our friend .lolin 
 Brown's, at Dover, in the State of New Hampshire. Fourth-day 
 morning we left Dover for Berwick, where the quarterly meeting 
 is. to be held. We were favoured to reach our friend .leshua 
 Header's, in time to attend the select quarterly meeting, s^h'wh was 
 small ; and if 1 was qualified to ibrm a correct judgnunt if the 
 state of society as it respects this part of the body, things are at a 
 lov/ ebb. 
 
 Fifth-day, the quarterly meeting for discipline was held : the
 
 238 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 meeting for Divine worship was large, many not of our religious 
 Society attended. Tiiis meeting to me was a very trying one, occa- 
 sioned, I was led to fear, because so few of those present, who 
 were making a profession of the necessity of silently waiting be- 
 fore the Lord, to become qualified by him to perform that worship 
 which he calls for from his dependent creature man, were willing 
 to accept of the means that would be afforded, if rightly sought 
 after and patiently waited for. The business of the meeting for 
 discipline seemed to go heavily forward : it did not appear, that 
 ' many hands,' at all times, ' make light work ;' the meeting was 
 large, but those who were rightly qualified to help forward the con- 
 cerns that came before the meeting, appeared to be very few in num- 
 ber. INIuch of the business of the meeting rested with the clerk ; 
 and when such is the case, those who are endeavouring to fill such 
 a situation rightly, claim the sympathy of their friends, it too often 
 occurring, that those who sit silent in the meeting when subjects 
 are before it, are the readiest, out of the meeting, to pull to pieces 
 what the clerk has done according to the best of the judgment 
 given him. 
 
 First-day attended meeting at Dover : on our reaching the 
 meeting-house, we found a crowd standing in the yard ; the bottom 
 part of the house soon became fdled ; it appeared that half of the 
 meeting were not of our own religious Society, the people be- 
 haved solidly and attentively, and when the meeting closed, 
 seemed to manifest rather an unwillingness to separate. 
 
 We rode to Rochester, where we visited a Friend declining fast 
 in her bodily strength, having a ftimily of ten children to leave 
 behind her to lament her loss : we had an agreeable religious 
 opportunity with her and her numerous family ; there was cause 
 for believing that what was given me to communicate, felt as a 
 balm to her deeply tried mind. Fourth-day, attended meeting 
 here, which was largely attended by Friends and others ; the 
 people appeared generally to sit solidly, and when the meeting was 
 over, although it lasted nearly three hours, they manifested an un- 
 willingness to depart. Fifth-day, attended meeting at ; some 
 
 Friends from Rochester also met us, so that the house was nearly as 
 full as it could well be ; we sat a considerable time in silence, and 
 although it was late in the meeting before I had strength to 
 stand on my feet, and deliver that which I believed was given 
 me for communication, yet the people's minds appeared to be 
 kept very quiet to the last. After meeting we proceeded to 
 the high-road, which, being rocky and hilly, we did not reach our 
 quarters until a late hour. 
 
 Sixth-day, we had in prospect reaching Sandwich to-night, so 
 as to have a day's rest before First-day, and two Friends of Sand- 
 wich calling upon us this morning, (who were anxious to reach 
 their own homes,) proposed our moving forward with them early, 
 after we had taken our breakfjist ; but feeling, as 1 very unex-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 231) 
 
 pectedly did to myself, a stop in my mind against our procccdinf,', 
 it appeared safest for me to have these two IVicnds set at Hherty 
 to return home at their own time. By endeavouring to get 
 into that inward quiet, where tlie still small voiee of the High 
 and Holy One is clearly and distinctly to be heard, the way 
 opened in my mind to be willing to have the few Friends here 
 called together, who hold their meeting in a private house, 
 leaving the time to be fixed by Friends themselves : eight 
 o'clock this evening was concluded upon as the most suitable, on 
 account of the absence of part of some families. Uuriu"- conver- 
 sation with the family I was in, I was led to put the question to 
 the female head, — had any individual of late years in that neigh- 
 bourhood joined the Society by convincement ? to which 1 was 
 informed, a woman had joined Friends some years ago by 
 convincement, and lived in the neighbourhood : she was, for 
 awhile after she was received into membership, a very diligent 
 attender of meetings, a clean-handed woman, and much beloved 
 by Friends and others, and she had been very useful in meetings 
 for discipline ; but Friends had been deprived of her conijjany 
 nearly two years, she having sunk into a despairing state of mind. 
 Feeling my mind drawn to make her a visit, I proposed it to the 
 Friend at whose house I was staying, (.Joseph Varney,) and wc 
 proceeded to her residence. Her husband, who does not profess 
 with our religious Society, received us kindly, and introduced us 
 to his wife: the weather was very warm, yet we found her shut 
 up in a close room, with pieces of woollen cloth hung against the 
 windows, and placed at the bottom of the door, to prevent the 
 air from blowing upon her ; the air of the room was so oppres- 
 sive, I scarcely knew how to bear it, and she herself was clothed 
 as if it had been a severe cold winter's day ; her countenance 
 manifested a mind harassed beyond describing, and wholly ab- 
 sorbed in caring for her poor body, frequently putting some- 
 thing into her mouth to chew. Believing, as 1 did, from the 
 impressions my mind received, that it was more a temptation 
 of Satan she was labouring under than bodily disease, in order 
 to prevent her usefulness in her neighbourhood, and in the 
 monthly meeting to which she belonged, I ventured boldly to 
 declare to her this to be my belief, calling her a cumber-ground,-— 
 finding if I spoke at all to any good purpose, it must be in jilain 
 terms; and yet I was fearful, as I proceeded, she woulil not 
 bear my plain dealing ; her husband sitting by, I knew not what 
 he would think of me, a stranger as 1 was. After delivermg to 
 her what arose in my mind, which I was led to believe truth war- 
 ranted me in doing, I entreated her to accept of that Divnie help 
 which I believed, from the feelings of my own mind, still awaited 
 her acceptance, and to break off from that bad companion in her 
 own heart and mind, which had brought her into this situation, 
 and was depriving her family and the religious Society oi whicli
 
 240 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 she was a member, of tliat usefulness she was designed for. In a 
 little while evident proof appeared, that her mind was somewhat 
 reached, and the bent of it a little turned to that Divine VV^itness 
 in herself, which manifests all things ; her countenance gradually 
 became more placid, — that harassed appearance it had l)ornc gra- 
 dually disappeared, and she began to brighten up, as if she had 
 been favoured afresh to lay hold on that faith, which gives the vic- 
 tory over the power of the accuser and tormentor of the brethren : 
 she then began to speak as follows : " I have been hoping that 
 some Friend would be sent for my relief, who would be able to dip 
 into my tried situation, and my mind was confirmed in the belief 
 this would be the case." Her plea for absenting herself from 
 meetino- had been the want of health ; she now acknowledged her 
 belief that her declining state of health, and being plunged into 
 her deplorable state of mind, through the ascendancy the adver- 
 sary had obtained over her, was suffered to arise from her unfaith- 
 fulness in not being willing, when called upon, to open her mouth 
 as a minister; but dwelling on her small capacity for such a work, 
 and that nothing she might communicate would be likely to 
 profit others, and by her thus continuing to withstand the call, 
 instead of becoming a useful member of religious Society, and 
 of that use in her own family and to mankind at large, which 
 she was designed to have been, she feels herself a cumber-ground. 
 At our parting, she, in an animating manner, expressed a hope to 
 o-et out to meeting again, and the desire she felt this visit might 
 be blessed to her, and that I might never be permitted to become 
 rusty, as she was become, for want of being willing to become 
 useful in the ^dastcr's service. She and her husband pressed us 
 to make a longer tarriance ; but it appeared safest to leave her 
 under her present impressions, lest conversation should prove the 
 means of dissipating them. On our way home I was furnished 
 with the following particulars respecting this individual. She 
 had been a zealous member of another religious society ; and 
 was highly esteemed by those she then was in profession with, for 
 her piety and strict attention to all their religious rites and cere- 
 monies; she had made the bread for what is called the sacra- 
 ment. One night, whilst lying in bed, it was revealed to her, 
 that there was a teacher in every man and woman, that could 
 teach them more effectually the way of life and salvation, than 
 any outward minister could do : this impression continuing with 
 her, and her mind becoming confirmed in this truth, she was 
 obliged to cease from attending the place of worship she had 
 frequented, and withdraw herself from the company of the mi- 
 nister she had so much esteemed, to the great grief of those 
 in profession with her, by whom she was universally beloved : 
 she also felt herself enjoined to remain in retirement at home, 
 her husband attending their place of religious worship alone ; 
 this she continued to do for a considerable length of time.
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS .SHII.LITOE. i>tl 
 
 A Friend being in tliis nciglibourhood, liatl a concern to have 
 a meeting with the inhabitants, on which account a general invi- 
 tation was requested to be given ; but as the residence of this 
 family was remote from the higli-road, and from the phicc where 
 the meeting was to be held, some Friends considered, as they wc-rc 
 such rigid professors in their own way (not knowing anyih'ing of 
 what was the state of this woman's mind,) it would be of no avail 
 to inform them thereof. But by some means the information 
 reached her, and she with her husband came to the meeting : from 
 which time she continued steadily to attend Friends' meetings, 
 her husband, on meeting-days, bringing her to the end of tiie 
 lane, that led to the Friend's house where the meeting was held, 
 and afterwards coming to meet and take her home a>^ain. After 
 awhile he came with her to meeting himself, continuing to do 
 so as long as she herself kept to meeting. She had been 
 much given to dress and following the vain fashions of the 
 world ; but her mind becoming further visited by this same 
 Divine power which at first awakened her, she came to see the in- 
 consistency of all these things with a true Christian walking ; 
 whereby she was enabled to put away from her all her finery, and 
 in time it became very evident, the chief adorning she was aspiring 
 after, was the hidden man of the heart. She applied after awhile 
 to be received into membership with Friends, which request was 
 complied with. Being a woman naturally of much sweetness of 
 disposition, added to her honest simplicity and very becoming de- 
 portment every way, she became an ornament to our religious .So- 
 ciety, and continued so for some years ; but, alas ! it appears the 
 enemy enviously strove against her, and against the cause she so 
 foithfully espoused, and by little and little prevailed, and again 
 turned the feet of her mind aside from the right way of the Lord, 
 which she had given such proof she preferred before every other way. 
 The meeting, which had been appointed at my request, proved 
 a quiet, solid opportunity ; afterwards I retired to rest, thankful 
 I was not permitted to proceed with the Friends to Sandwich, as 
 I felt anxious to do.* 
 
 [• Bv a communication from a Friend at Providence If. Island, date 7lh nio. 
 1829,to'iier "esteemed and faithful labourer in the gosjjel, Thomas Sliilliloe," the 
 following additional information is obtained resjieciing the ind vidiial visilfd by 
 the author, as above described, which, it is believed, will be interesting to the 
 
 reader. i • . i 
 
 " The next meeting-dav (after T. S.'s visit,) she attended ; after which her 
 kind husband, who appeared to be a person of some note, yet not a niembcr of 
 the Societv of Friends, called on a neighbour of his, who observed to luin, that 
 his wife attended meeting this manthiff; to which he rei)lied, with animation,— 
 < Yes, an aged gentleman came from (Jld England, to tell my wife lier diily ; 
 and she thinks it is time to attend to it.' , ^ . , , ,•,- .1 
 
 " From that time she has enjoved her family and friends, and .Iihgentiv at- 
 tended meetings; and is thankful that she is released from that slate ol de- 
 pression she had for a long time been afflicted with; and is desirous that Thomas 
 ShiUitoe may know, previous to his leaving this country, that In- vi<il w;.. a 
 
 blessing unto her."! 
 
 R 
 VOL. II.
 
 24-2 
 
 CHAPTER XXXV. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, (1st of 9tli mo., 1827,) we proceeded 
 to Sandwich, and reached the house of Cyrus Beede, where we 
 took up our abode for the night. 
 
 The next day attended their usual meeting, which was very large, 
 owing to the coming in of those of other societies ; at the close of 
 the meeting I requested the men and women members to stop, 
 which they accordingly did, to whom I proposed for considera- 
 tion, (the members of the meeting being numerous, and not out 
 of the reach of the meeting-liouse twice on a First-day,) their 
 holding an evening meeting during the summer-season: this sub- 
 ject being mentioned appeared to be a relief to many minds, 
 and especially so in the manner it was laid before the whole 
 meeting. In the afternoon we proceeded to the north meeting- 
 house, where a meeting was appointed to be held at my re- 
 quest; the house was greatly crowded, and the weather so 
 oppressive, I much feared our being able to hold a meeting in 
 quiet, but we were not only favoured with a quiet, but a solemn 
 time together ; under a sense of which we separated. 
 
 Third-day, we rode to Falmouth ; and on Fourth-day attended 
 the select quarterly meeting, which was small ; the queries were 
 answered in such a summary way, that the true state of the meet- 
 ings could not be come at ; if my feelings were correct, the state of 
 this part of the body here was in a very low feeble, condition. I 
 endeavoured, as strength was afforded me, faithfully to leave with 
 Friends of this meeting, that which I believed was given me for 
 them. 
 
 Fifth-day, 6th of 9th mo, 1827, the quarterly meeting for disci- 
 pline commenced with a meeting for worship; this meeting was large, 
 being attended by those not in profession with our religious Society. 
 I marvelled not at the plungings I had endured, on my taking my 
 seat in the meeting-house, from the close searching testimony I 
 had to declare to the members of this quarterly meeting: although 
 what I had to offer was close and pointed, I was thankful to find 
 it had found entrance into some minds ; so as to call forth public 
 expression from individual members of the meeting, in confirma-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILMTOK. 213 
 
 tion of tlic trutlis that liad been j^ivcn nie to deliver. The incctinL' 
 for discipline was equally trying ; the answers to the queries exhi- 
 bited a sorrowful pieture of the low state of tlie .Society in this 
 quarterly meeting ; and yet there was cause for rejoicing to find, 
 there were a few individuals left, who did manifest a desire for the 
 welfare of the cause of truth and righteousness; but I was not 
 able to divest my mind of a fear, that faintheartedness was a ilis- 
 position prevalent with such, for the defects that were noticed in 
 the answers to the queries, instead of being seasonably attended 
 to, were suffered to remain and be passed over in silence from 
 quarter to quarter. By endeavouring to accjuit myself faithfully in 
 the meeting for discipline, I was favoured to retire from it with a 
 peaceful mind, thankful I had been made willing to share in the 
 sufferings, which the well-concerned members of this meeting, I 
 believe have, at times, to wade through. 
 
 Sixth-day, the breakfast being over, some of our company were 
 on the move ; but my mind feeling charged with something for 
 communication before we separated, 1 was obliged to burst into 
 expression, which produced a quiet settling down again, affording 
 me an opportunity for my relief; after which we proceeded to- 
 wards Brunswick, in the state of INIaine, where we were kindly 
 received by Stephen Jones and his family. 
 
 First-day, attended Durham meeting, which was large ; my 
 friends considered it to have been a solid, favoured meeting. The 
 next day, we rode to Lichfield, and were kindly cared for by our 
 friend Noah Farr. I had been apprehensive, for several days, I 
 must have a meeting with Friends at this place before the quar- 
 terly meeting : I opened my prospect to suitable Friends of the 
 settlement, and they appeared readily to unite with it; to accommo- 
 date us on our journey afterwards, the meeting was obliged to be 
 appointed to be held at an earlier hour than usual next morning. 
 
 Third-day morning, from the early hour the meeting was ap- 
 pointed, I was led to fear it would gather stragglingly, and be 
 thinly attended ; but this was not so in either respect, the house 
 being nearly full. I felt much tried with poverty and stripped- 
 ness on taking my seat, which led me to fear I had not sufliciently 
 digested the subject, before 1 took this step of having Friends 
 called together ; I was suffered to remain for a considerable time in 
 this tossed state, to the abasing in me of all that was of the creature, 
 whereby a willingness was brought about to become any thing or 
 nothing, whatsoever my Great Master willed 1 should be: but 
 He condescended, in his own due and appointed time, to say, It 
 is enough, and light arose out of obscurity ; and I was favoured 
 to leave the meeting, well satisfied I had yielded to this pointing of 
 duty. After taking some refreshment, we rode to A'assalhorougii, 
 and were ftivoured to reach our friend INIoses Slcepen's. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the select quarterly meeting here, which 
 
 R -J
 
 244 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 was considerably larger than most I bad of late attended ; there 
 appeared to be many Friends who, from their solid countenances 
 and general demeanour, were concerned for the promotion of the 
 welfare of the Society : but when the business of the meeting was 
 gone into, it was distressing to observe such a want of religious 
 animation in the right conducting of the business, by not giving 
 tliat due attention to the answers to the queries, which it was evi- 
 dent the state of some of the meetings called for. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended the quarterly meeting for discipline ; the 
 house was very much crowded ; the meeting for worship held very 
 long, as did the meeting for discipline. Friends, I believe, sepa- 
 rated under feelings of thankfulness for that Divine condescension 
 and goodness which had been near to us at this time. After meeting, 
 we rode sixteen miles to Hollowell, and took up our abode at the 
 widow Ramsdens, who, with her children, kindly cared for us. 
 
 Seventh-day, we rode to Portland, a large, thickly-settled town. 
 First-day, attended their usual meeting : Friends here are few in 
 number ; some of other societies gave us their company. This, to 
 me, was a trying meeting, the life of religion appearing to me to 
 be very low amongst Friends. After meeting, we rode about ten 
 miles to Scarborough, and had a religious opportunity in a large 
 family, (part of them not in membership with Friends;) they were 
 placed in a very solitary situation, no meeting being held nearer them 
 than Portland : Ave took up our abode with them for the night. 
 
 Third-day, we rode to Hopkin's village ; having a hard day's 
 travel, we were anxious to reach our journey's end, hoping to find 
 a quiet abode, from the character we had received of the tavern 
 we were to stop at for the night ; but on our entering the village, 
 all appeared to be bustle and confusion, it being the day when the 
 young men had turned out to be trained for the army ; to proceed 
 further would not be doing justice to our beasts, we therefore re- 
 solved to make the best of our situation. The widow who kept 
 the tavern appeiired to be willing to do all in her power to care for 
 us, and make us as comfortable as circumstances would allow of. 
 
 The next morning, we rode to Ware, to the north meeting- 
 house ; the meeting was small. In the afternoon we rode to our 
 ancient friend Daniel Gore"'s, and took up our abode for the night. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended meeting in Ware, at the south meeting- 
 house : Friends coming in from the north meeting, occasioned a 
 large gathering. 
 
 Seventh-day, we rode to Cumberland, and were favoured to reach 
 the comfortable abode of my kind companion, Joseph Metcalf. 
 First-day, attended meeting here : we had a great coming-in to 
 the meeting of those of other religious societies. The people ap- 
 peared solid, and I felt satisfied my lot had beenthus cast amongst 
 them ; and here, if service has fallen to my lot in this Yearly 
 Meeting, for the present it closed.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOxMAS SHILLIToE. 245 
 
 Second-day morning, accompanied by my kind companion I 
 rode to Providence, where I was informed it was their montlilv 
 meetnig on Fourth-day next. 1 was willing to give this suhiect 
 all due consideration ; but my face, 1 had good ground for believ- 
 ing, was now rightly turned to New York, to reach there by first 
 conveyance. The steam-boat proceeding on the morrow after- 
 noon, I arranged for my departure: my kind companion, Joseph 
 Metcalf, now left me, after we had travelled together in mueh 
 harmony. 
 
 Third-day afternoon, 25th of 10th mo., after taking an affcc 
 tionate farewell of my kind friend Moses Brown and Ins family, 
 with many other Friends, I went on board the steam-boat, ami 
 was favoured to land safely at New York on Fourth -day, and was 
 kindly received by my esteemed friends, Elizabeth Bowns and 
 family. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended Hester-street meeting, at the close of wliich 
 the preparative meeting was held much in quiet, which was a 
 great fa,vour, as the state of the Society is now becoming more 
 distressing, in consequence of the disaU'ected part of the nicmbers 
 here becoming increasingly clamorous. In the afternoon, at- 
 tended an adjournment of the preparative meeting of Kose-strcet, 
 which was held on account of an application by the disaffected part 
 of the Society for a certificate, to be addressed to (irecn-strcct 
 monthly meeting in Philadelphia, that meeting-house being in 
 the possession of those who have seceded from the Society ; iu 
 consequence of which that monthly meeting has been dissolved. 
 Many Friends very promptly rejected this request ; the clerk 
 also refused to make a minute, which should order one to be pre- 
 pared for a meeting they could not hold correspondence with ; on 
 which the disaffected part of the meeting became very turbulent, 
 proposing that the clerk should be displaced. This proposal pro- 
 duced great commotion : individuals of the disaffected party were 
 called upon to name a clerk ; the name of one of their own j)arty 
 being brought forward, he was ordered to the table, to make a 
 minute displacing the clerk that had been regularly appointed l)y 
 the meeting, and to confirm this fresh appointment, also ordering the 
 clerk of the preparative meeting to quit the table, and give \\\) the 
 books and papers; but this order not being complied with, at- 
 tempts were made to obtain forcible possession ; but their attempts 
 fiiiling, they were obliged to make their minute on loose paper. 
 During these hostile proceedings, the clerk and sound members of 
 the meeting were, in a very remarkable manner, kejjt from mani- 
 festing any thing like impatience or resentment on account of tlic 
 abuse and outrage thus committed. Their newly-aiipointed clerk 
 opened their meeting, the regular clerk of the meeting and Friends 
 sitting quiet, not taking any part in their transactions ; their new- 
 ly chosen clerk made a minute, ordering a certificate to be pre-
 
 246 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 pared, addressed to Green-street monthly meeting, appointino- in- 
 dividuals of their own party to prepare it for the next prepara- 
 tive meeting, to go to the monthly meeting. Having accom- 
 j)lished their business, and about to adjourn, a Friend re- 
 quested those Friends who felt themselves aggrieved at the pro- 
 ceedings that had taken plaee, would remain in the meeting- 
 house. This request at first occasioned great confusion, some of 
 the disaffected party saying they would not leave Friends in the 
 meeting-house ; but, in time, the newly-chosen clerk and most of 
 liis party left the meeting. After which a considerable time was 
 spent in silence, Friends' minds were much broken and tendered 
 luuler the consideration of this sad state of things amongst them ; 
 a sweet quiet was to be felt over the meeting, and after the casting 
 before the meeting of the views that had passed the minds of many. 
 Friends relative to the proceedings that had taken place in the 
 preparative meeting, Friends being much exhausted, it was con- 
 cluded better to adjourn to Seventh-day afternoon. 
 
 Seventh-day afternoon. Friends again met, and endeavoured 
 to come at a judgment how to proceed, in order that a remedy 
 might be proposed, that such inconveniences as had been expe- 
 rienced at the last preparative meeting might not occur in future : 
 it was concluded to select a committee to prepare a statement of 
 facts for the monthly meeting. This proved a calm, quiet oppor- 
 tunity, and the meeting adjourned to Second-day morning. 
 
 First-day, attended Hester-street meeting in the morning, and 
 Rose-street meeting in the afternoon, both of which meetings 
 were to me seasons of much inward labour and exercise to come 
 at any real settlement of mind. 
 
 The next morning, the aggrieved Friends of Rose-street pre- 
 parative meeting met, when the committee appointed for that 
 purpose produced a statement 6f the proceedings at the late pre- 
 parative meeting of Rose-street, drawn up in as conciliating lan- 
 guage, and couched in as impressive terms as the nature of the 
 case would allow of, wliich was to be laid before the monthly 
 meeting by a committee appointed for that purpose. 
 
 Third-day, attended the select monthly meeting, which is com- 
 posed of the select members of the city and Flushing : the queries 
 were answered, and some of the deficiencies that were apparent 
 in this part of the body spoken to. Although this meeting was a 
 time of inward suffering to many ; yet I was led to hope it would 
 prove to some of us a profitable season. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended Rose-street meeting. After the meeting 
 for worship closed, the men retired into their apartment, to transact 
 the business of the monthly meeting. My kind friend John Hancock 
 had offered to accompany me towards Baltimore, until some other 
 Friend offered, he being considered by the sound members of the 
 monthly meeting as a suitable Friend for my purpose, and he had
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITob:. 'J H 
 
 concluded to mention the subject to the monthly mc-cting; but 
 from the proceedings going on in the meeting, he felt discouraged 
 about opening his prospect of accompanying me. To relieve 
 his mind from further care, I proposed, when a suitable time 
 offered, to do it myself, which 1 accordingly did. 'I'his pro- 
 posal met with much opposition from some of the disafiecicd 
 party ; but by keeping in the patience, the proposal made its 
 own way, and he was set at liberty. The case rei)resenting the 
 situation of Rose-street preparative meeting was ])resented, and 
 great opposition made to the reading of it ; and after much time 
 had been spent, the meeting concluded to have it read, which 
 was done. After the subject had considerably agitated the 
 meeting, how to dispose of it ; the disaffected part of the meet- 
 ing, who now very much bore rule, not by soundness of j)rinci- 
 ple. but by violence, would not allow of any further notice bciiif 
 taken of it, and the clerk being with them, a minute of adjourn- 
 ment was made. Before the minute of adjournment was read, 
 a Friend proposed, that such Friends as prepared the case 
 relative to Rose-street preparative meeting, and any other Friends 
 who inclined, should stop in the meeting-house after the adjourn- 
 ment was read ; the number who remained became more consi- 
 derable than at any other opportunity, amongst whom were 
 many young people : this was a time in which those who composed 
 the solid part of the meeting appeared to be brought very near 
 together ; the weight and exercise of their spirits appeared to have 
 an influence on the Minds of some of the youth ; their counte- 
 nances, I could not help thinking, bore this testimony ; and after 
 weighty and solid deliberation had taken place in viewing the 
 state of this monthly meeting, and many interesting observations 
 had been made, Friends adjourned to a future day. A very 
 dressy young man expressed his thankfulness in being at this op- 
 portunity, saying he had not known such quiet and comfort in a 
 meeting of Friends for a long time before. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, accompanied by my kind friends Samuel 
 Wood and John Hancock, we proceeded towards Kahway ; after 
 crossing the New York river by a steam-boat, in passing through 
 Newark, some boys were throwing pieces of paper into the air, 
 which had been torn off a wall ; one of these pieces falling before 
 our horses, and the wind gathering under it, so frightened one of 
 them, that he made a jump, whereby his hind leg went over the 
 pole of the carriage ; this set them both a kicking with such 
 violence, there appeared no other prospect but that every tlung 
 belonging to the carriage within their reach, would be broken 
 to pieces, and we should be prevented from proceeding on our 
 journey. A collection of people about a tavern-door immedi- 
 ately came to our assistance, at the risk of tJicir being injured
 
 218 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 themselves ; tlie liorses continued to kick and ])lunge until they 
 were quite loosened tVoni the carriage. (Jne of" our liurses sncjrted 
 and trembled at such a rate, through fear, it was considered doubt- 
 ful whether we could with safety pi-occcd with them ; but putting 
 them awhile in the stable, and washing the wounds which the 
 plunging had occasioned, it was proposed wc should venture. 
 From the feelings of my own mind, I yielded to it, under 
 the assurance, that no further harm would befall us. Here my 
 kind companion Samuel Wood, parted from us, and wc were 
 favoured to reach the house of our kind friend Robert Bown's 
 this evening in safety, I hope under a thankful sense of tlie 
 mercy we had experienced in the preservation of our lives. 
 
 First-day morning, attended Kahway meeting ; I had no plea- 
 sant things to deliver : I felt cause for thankfulness that I was not 
 sensible of any thing like resisting that which I had to offer; this 
 I found was the judgment of some Friends of the meeting, 
 as well as myself In the afternoon we rode to Plainfield, a 
 meeting being appointed at my request ; it was largely attended 
 by Friends and others, and considered to be a solid, satisfactory 
 meeting ; much encouragement being held out to the mourners in 
 Zion, because of the desolating effects which unsoundness in princi- 
 ple was making in our borders. After this meeting was over, I was 
 told the greater part of the members of these two meetings I had 
 last attended, had united in sentiment with the disaffected part of 
 the Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia. I esteemed it a great fa- 
 vour that this day's work was, as I trust "Vas the case, well got 
 through ; I felt afresh the need of great watchfulness on my part 
 over the whole of my conduct, as it now appears I am become as 
 obnoxious to the followers of Elias Hicks, as my country-folks arc, 
 who are here on a religious visit. 
 
 Second-day morning, we proceeded towards Trenton : our 
 horses performed their journey well, yet at times manifesting they 
 had not forgotten the fright they had received ; Init my confi- 
 dence in that overruling Providence, which had thus far cared for 
 me, abiding with me, 1 was enabled to pass along without yield- 
 ing to that slavish fear which my nature is so much prone to ; we 
 were favoured to reach the house of our kind friend, Samuel 
 Paxton, in due time. Friends were desirous we should have a 
 meeting ■tvitli them ; I had also been looking at the same subject, 
 but as I understood some of the Friends lived at a distance, calling 
 them together on purpose, felt rather trying to me ; neither was 
 this subject so fully matured in my mind as to warrant such a step 
 being taken this evening ; I therefore proposed leaving the subject 
 until the next morning. 
 
 Third-day morning, earnest were my cries to the Lord to be pre- 
 served from suffering the fear of man so to predominate, as to be
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. i>.|.'j 
 
 the means of putting me l)y from having- a meeting witli Friends 
 here, if it was required ; and after mueh weighty delilxration 
 the way opened m my mind to yield to Friends being eahed to- 
 gether. I passed the afternoon agreeably with a family, who liad 
 a few children under tlieir care for education ; the day thus far 
 closed peacefully, an ample reward for every sacrifice we may 
 have made in crossing our own wills. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, 1 awoke with the prospect of the meeting 
 called this day at my request, accompanied with earnest desires', 
 that I might be preserved in my proper place therein : if any re- 
 ligious service fell to my lot this day, it was to warn such as were 
 in danger of being carried away by the tide of ungodly princi- 
 ples. In the afternoon we rode to Kurlington, and reached my 
 kind friend Stephen Grellet's early in the evening. Fifth-day, at- 
 tended meeting here. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, we proceeded to Philadelphia, and reached 
 our kind friend Thomas Stewardson's to dinner. The minds of 
 some Friends in the city appeared to be a little tried, from a re- 
 port in circulation, that the disaffected members of this Yearly 
 Meeting, in conjunction with those who had been disvniited be- 
 cause of their unsoundness of religious principles, were about es- 
 tablishing a Yearly Meeting in this city, to commence next 
 Second-day. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Arch-street ; in the afternoon, 
 the North-street meeting. 
 
 Second-day, attended the select meeting of Philadelphia 
 monthly meeting. I felt comforted in sitting down with this little 
 company. 
 
 Third-day morning, 16th of 10th mo., 1827, with my kind com- 
 panion James Brown, of Peck's-kiln, who had now taken charge of 
 me, I rode to Springfield to attend a meeting appointed at my re- 
 quest. I had understood the body of Friends was not large here, 
 and that it v/as expected several would be absent attending the 
 new Yearly Meeting, in Philadelphia : on our reaching the mcct- 
 ing-house, although we were there in proper time, the meeting was 
 fully gathered ; the attendance was much larger than I had looked 
 for : on inquiring into the cause, I was informed, notice had been 
 given of our intentions of being here to-day, at the close of their 
 First-day meeting : it had become widely circulated, and brought 
 many of their members to meeting, who, at other times, are very 
 seldom seen here ; and that some of those who had been at Phi- 
 ladelphia to attend what is called the new Yearly Meeting, had 
 returned to be at this meeting. We took up our abode for the 
 night at our kind friend Joseph Evans's. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, we pursued our course to Concord meet- 
 ing, which we were favoured, after travelling over a rough and
 
 250 JOUUNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 hilly road, to accomplish in due time ; the gathering on the men's 
 side of the liouse was very small. I found it hard to obtain re- 
 lief to my exercised mind, but by endeavouring to keep my eye 
 single, and have my dependence simply placed on Him, who 
 only can help in every needful time, I was enabled to leave 
 the meeting with a peaceful mind ; Lriends expressing the comfort 
 our unexpected visit had afforded them. We rode to West Town 
 school, where we were kindly received. 
 
 lifth-day morning, this being tiie day on which the mid-week 
 meeting is held in this establishment, a meeting being also held 
 at the same time at Birmingham, a few miles apart from the school, 
 and believing that Truth pointed to Birmingham meeting this morn- 
 ing, and afterwards to have a meeting with the family of this esta- 
 blishment, with such as usually attended, I left the family to con- 
 clude on the time; and accompanied by our kind friend Rachel Price, 
 we rode to Birmingham meeting-house. This meeting proved an 
 exercising time to me ; yet I felt thankful in believing it had 
 proved a solid, satisfactory opportunity to most ; expressions of 
 thankfulness were made by many Friends for this unexpected visit. 
 In the course of what 1 had to communicate, I expressed the re- 
 gret I felt to see no children on the men's side of the house, and 
 only three on the women's side ; this led me after meeting to inquire 
 into the cause, to which I received the following reply : — that 
 much pains had been taken to prevent children and young people 
 being brought to the mid-week meeting; that there was a prepa- 
 rative meeting-school held on the meeting-house premises, within a 
 few yards of the meeting-house, and the teacher of this school was 
 a member of our religious Society,. yet the children were kept at 
 school whilst the mid-week meeting was sitting. From this ac- 
 count given me, I felt thankful 1 had spread my exercise on this 
 subject as I had done before the meeting. 
 
 Sixth-day, attended the meeting appointed at West Town 
 school ; the solid, orderly behaviour of the children during the 
 sitting of the meeting, and on parting from it, did great credit to 
 the superintendent and their numerous other care-takers. This 
 afternoon we left the establishment, and rode to Wilmington, 
 and reached our kind friend Samuel Camby's, before it was dark. 
 The watch-word being renewedly proclaimed in the ear of my 
 soul on entering Wilmington, of, " Go not from house to house,'"' 
 1 found it must, as much as possible, be diligently attended to, 
 as great importunity continued to be used with me to go here and 
 here. 
 
 First-day morning, attended Wilmington meeting under feel- 
 ings of great depression ; when the time came for me to open my 
 mouth amongst them, I felt a dread of standing upon my feet, 
 and yet I dreaded keeping silence ; but laying hold of the little
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 251 
 
 Strength that was afforded, I stood up uith these words " I will 
 divide them in Jacob, 1 will scatter them in Israel;" callin.r upon 
 those assembled to be willing to put the query home individuallv, 
 is not this language of, " 1 will divide them in Jacob, and scatter 
 them in Israel," sorrowfully applicable to tlie state of thin-s in 
 this meeting,— and that every one would examine into the cause 
 why things were thus amongst them ; and I warned Friends against 
 being earned away by the tide of ungodly principles, and those 
 notions and speculations on religious sulyects, which many bifore 
 them have been carried away with to their great injury, calling 
 the attention of the meeting to a view of the fruits brought forth 
 by the promoters of these desertions in principles. When the 
 meeting broke up, I was given to understand my communication 
 had pinched some harder than they were willing to bear without 
 exposing themselves : an elder, who soon afterwards made a part 
 of the new monthly meeting of Wilmington (set-up by the dis- 
 affected party) told me, as I was leaving the house, when the 
 meeting broke up, I had given great dissatisfaction ; another, who 
 took a very active part in setting up this new monthly meetin"-, 
 and depriving Friends of the use of their meeting-house, beset 
 me, saying, the meeting had been more like a theatre than a place 
 of worship ; saying, they were quiet among themselves, and that 
 it was the English Friends coming amongst them, that had occa- 
 sioned all the unpleasantness that had taken place. I found it 
 would not be safe for me to go into any further explanation than 
 to say, they were all strangers to me ; as such, I could have no in- 
 dividual in view in what 1 had to offer in the meeting, i tliereforc 
 must leave matters. I began tofeelmy situation as I journeyed along 
 more and more awful, and advancing, as I was, towards Baltimore, 
 hastening into the way of greater danger, I was sensible that an in- 
 crease of watchfulness would be necessary as to the company 1 as- 
 sociated with, and where I took up my abode. The afternoon meet- 
 ing was, I understood, larger than usual ; I hope 1 can truly say, 
 I did not try either to please or displease, this afternoon, but sim- 
 ply do my duty if any thing was given me for communication. 
 When this meeting closed, the individual who in the morning 
 said, the meeting was more like a theatre than a place of worship, 
 and charged English Friends who had come over on religious 
 visits, with being the cause of the disturbance now ])revailing 
 amongst Friends, was waiting at the door of the mccting-housc, 
 to express his satisfaction with the meeting this afternoon : an- 
 other person said, he was well satisfied that my lot liad l»een 
 cast amongst them that day : under all, whether approbation or 
 disapprobation, 1 found aiming at quietness in myself was the 
 only safe spot for me to know an abiding in. W e had a large 
 company in the evening at our quarters, amongst whom were
 
 252 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 some who had manifested dissatisfaction in the morning: we liad a 
 short, solid rehgious opportunity togetlier, and we separated under 
 feelings of more nearness towards each other, than was manifest 
 by some towards me at the close of the morning meeting, for 
 which I felt truly thankful. 
 
 Second-day morning, accompanied by our friend John Tatum, 
 we left Wilmington, and rode to New Garden to attend an ap- 
 pointed meeting there ; the day being very stormy, I looked for 
 a small company at meeting, but we had a large gathering ; it 
 proved, as at many other places, a time of close labour and tra^ 
 vail to come at the spring of Divine life ; feeling, as I appre- 
 hended, much of the spirit of disaffection prevailing in the minds 
 of many in the meeting, I found it hard work to be brought to a 
 willingness to stand upon my feet, and make the offering that I 
 believed was given me for communication amongst them ; the 
 meeting closed in much quiet, and I was led to hope it would not 
 prove lost time to some who had given up to attend the meeting. 
 We went home with our kind aged friend William Jackson, who 
 made a religious visit to my native land many years ago, and 
 we took up our abode with him for the night. 
 
 Third-day, attended an appointed meeting at West Grove, 
 which was large : I found it hard work to come at that true settle- 
 ment of mind, which brings the creature into a willingness to be- 
 come anything or nothing in his own eyes and the eyes of the 
 people, even just what his Divine Master wills he should be 
 amongst this deluded company, for such I thought I evidently felt 
 was the case. 
 
 The next day we rode to West Nottingham, and attended their 
 mid-week meeting, which was very small ; when the meeting 
 closed, Friends expressed their satisfaction at our unexpected 
 visit to them. It being their select meeting, I sat with the little 
 company that composed it ; the queries were read, and answers 
 brought into the meeting ready prepared ; the meeting appeared 
 to enter into a due consideration of what was brought in for the 
 quarterly select meeting ; after meeting we rode to Deer-creek. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended meeting there ; the painful s jnse I was 
 brought under in this meeting, that unsoundness of principle, if 
 my feelings did not deceive me, had overspread nearly the whole 
 of this meeting, I am not able fully to set forth ; I soon was made 
 sensible, that what 1 had to communicate was not well received, 
 and that I was surrounded by watchers, such as were watching 
 for the halting of English Friends, as the spirit of prejudice against 
 them was evidently increasing. 
 
 Sixth-day, we were now turning our faces towards Baltimore, in 
 order to attend that Yearly Meeting ; the prospect of which 
 made me sad, — feeling, as I apprehended, that bonds and afflictions
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS EHILLrTOK. 253 
 
 awaited mc tlicvc. Wc stopped to bait our horses at a tavc-rii 
 where we met with a large company of members of our Society' 
 on their way to this Yearly Meeting, like ourselves; who, m.i! 
 withstanding they pretty generally carried themselves rcsncctfullv 
 towards us, it was sorrowfully to be felt there was an obstruction 
 to that famihar intercourse with each other, which has from the 
 commencement of our Society been our characteristic l)a(lgc. We 
 were favoured to reach Baltimore, and the house of our kind 
 friend James and Martha Carey in the evcnino-. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, 27th of lOth mo., U'dJ, attended the 
 first sitting of the select Yearly Meeting ; the business of this 
 meeting, it was sorrowfully evident, had now l)ccome a mere for- 
 mal matter; the answers to the queries, peculiar to this part of 
 the body, brought down from the quarterly meetinus, instead of 
 their being read in the meeting and time being allowed for consi- 
 dering their contents, were given to the clerk to prepare a sum- 
 mary of them, to be brought to the adjournment of the meeting. 
 Although my mind was painfully affected at this mode of doing 
 the business, yet I did not feel liberty to make remarks thereon, 
 being fully satisfied it would become the concern of Friends, who 
 remain firmly attached to our ancient principles and practices, when 
 separated from those who are trampling upon them, to reorgan- 
 ize the manner of doing the business of this Yearly ^Meeting, 
 and restore order again : the meeting adjourned to tlie afternoon. 
 At the adjournment this afternoon, the queries, the answers, and 
 the summary were hurried through. Towards the close of tlic 
 meeting, after a severe struggle, 1 gave up to express what I Iiad 
 on my mind; for which, in this perilous time, I hope I may say, 
 I was made truly thankful. 
 
 First-day morning, attended the meeting for the western district 
 of this city, which was very large; feeling my mind brought under 
 exercise for service in the meeting, and being aware there were those 
 present who had publicly opposed the gospel truths which some 
 of my countryfolks had to declare, I felt almost ovcrwhehncd 
 with discouragement; but endeavouring, after entire submission to 
 whatever should be the will of my Divine Master, when the time 
 was fully come for me to stand on my feet, and declare my gospel 
 message, strength was in adorable condescension and mercy given 
 me, in proportion to the work ; and that opposing spirit, 1 had 
 so much dreaded, vanislied out of sight, and a free course felt for 
 what I had to offer to tlie meeting. Before the meeting closed, a 
 few remarks were made that evidently manifested dissatisfaction 
 with a part of what 1 had delivered ; but from the evidence in my 
 own mind, that I had offered nothing but what Truth woidd bear 
 me out in, it appeared safest for me to keep quiet. At Old 'I'own 
 meeting in the afternoon, my dilliculties were not lessened; but as 
 patience was sought after and abode in, and a willingness ex-
 
 251' JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHTLLITOE. 
 
 pcricnced to become anything or nothing in the Master's hands, 
 ability was received to rise above all my discouragements ; I trust 
 I may say, I felt truly thankful that another day of danger and 
 suffering was got through. 
 
 Second-day, at ten o'clock, the meeting for the general affiiirs of 
 the Society assembled ; after calling over the representatives, the 
 answers to the queries from the several quarterly meetings corres- 
 ponding with this Yearly Meeting, were delivered in but not 
 read, being given to the clerk to prepare a summary to be laid be- 
 fore a future sitting of this Yearly Meeting : the meeting ad- 
 journed to the afternoon. At the adjournment, epistles were read 
 from most of the Yearly Meetings on this continent, and one 
 from the Yearly Meeting of Friends in Great Britain ; the clerk 
 informed the meeting he had in his possession two epistles from 
 Philadelphia ; one from that Yearly Meeting in correspondence 
 with this Yearly Meeting, in the Fourth month last ; and one 
 from a body, styling themselves, the New Yearly Meeting of 
 Friends, held in Philadelphia, in the Tenth month last. The 
 disaffected party opposed the reading of the epistle from the 
 Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia which had been in correspondence 
 with this Yearly Meeting, manifesting a determination that that 
 only should be read which came from the New Yearly Meeting, 
 held in the Tenth month last ; this brought the sound members 
 into great difficulty, who bore their testimony faithfully against 
 their proposed disorderly proceedings : the disaffected party 
 showing a determination to carry their point, the clerks being 
 of their party, and it evidently appearing the sound members no 
 longer had either influence or authority over the meeting, they 
 were obliged to sit quietly and submit. An epistle from the meet- 
 ing for sufferings in Philadelphia to the meeting for sufferings 
 belonging to this Yearly Meeting, setting forth the proceedings 
 of the Separatists in their Yearly Meeting, was requested to be 
 read in this meeting, but this by the Separatists would not be al- 
 lowed ; the meeting adjourned in great commotion until next 
 morning. In the evening, attended the meeting for sufferings, in 
 which the circumstance of withholding from the Yearly Meeting the 
 reading of the epistle from the Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia 
 in the Fourth month last, was brought forward and fully spoken 
 to, and the reading of it in the Yearly Meeting urged by Friends 
 as far as truth bore them ; but being so much opposed by those 
 who were of the disaffected party, there appeared no way for 
 Friends but to submit. 
 
 Fourth-day, the meetings for worship were both open ; feeling 
 drawings in my mind to attend Old Town meeting, my companion 
 James Brown and myself proceeded accordingly ; the quiet of 
 the meeting was greatly interrupted for some time by members 
 of Society and others, coming in companies from the other meet-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILMTOE. g^ 
 
 J.J 
 
 v^" 1 t^ ""•"'* conspicious of tl.e Hicksite preachers of tl.is 
 Yearly Meeting, and some of the same class from Pennsvlvanii 
 were here, my being placed in the oallery ^vith them f.,r a time 
 was trymg; I would gladly, if I durst, have left the meetin.^ 
 such was the unsettlement ; but by endoavourino- to come a 
 that help, which alone is able to still the commotion of the 
 mmd ot man, and stay the swelling of this Jordan, I was fa- 
 voured to rise above the painful and discouraging feelings I had 
 been thus tried with. Those who had left the other meetinr'- 
 house, running after the Hicksite preachers, being more anxious 
 for outward declarations and eloquence of speech, than willing to 
 bow to the more sure word of prophecy in themselves, might be 
 gratified by what they heard, but not truly satisfied. 
 
 Fifth-day, the meeting assembled according to adjournment ; the 
 committee on epistles, which consisted of the Hicksite part of the 
 meeting, brought in an epistle, addressed to that body who held 
 a Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia in the Tenth month last, which 
 was read and ordered to be signed by the clerk on behalf of the 
 meeting, and forwarded to that body. After Friends had pro- 
 tested against these disorderly proceedings, they were oblifrcd to 
 submit. The business of the Yearly Meeting being gone throngh, 
 orders were given to inquire if the women had any thing to lay he- 
 fore the men's meeting. I felt myself brought under the neces- 
 sity before we separated, to request the shutters miuht be raised 
 between the men's and women's meetings; a short pause beino- 
 made on this proposal, the wovuen's meeting being consulted, the 
 closing minute of the men's meeting was read, and tlie shutters were 
 raised ; after an opportunity had been afforded me, in which I 
 endeavoured to be as concise as possible, so as to be able fully to 
 relieve my own mind, the meeting separated. From remarks 
 made by different individuals, it appeared that this last opportunity 
 which men and woman had of sittinjj touether, had a cementinjr 
 efreet on many minds ; a time in which it might truly be said, the 
 gathering arm of Omnipotence was afresh extended to this j)art 
 of His heritage. I had looked towards attending this ^' early 
 Meeting with a secret dread, but I could not now feci cause fur 
 regret I had attended it, notwithstanding I had some rough and 
 rather insulting usage to endure in some of the meetings. My 
 kind companion, James Brown and myself spent this afternoon 
 with our kind friend Gerrard T. Hopkins. 
 
 Having felt drawings in my mind to visit the prisoners in 
 the gaol, I acquainted him with what I liad in jirospect, re- 
 questing him to consult Friends, and if way opeiieil for such 
 a visit, to conclude upon its taking place at the time that best 
 suited the views of those who had the charge of the prisoners. 
 Sixth-day, 2d of 11th mo., 1827, this morning we proceeded
 
 25G JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 to the gaol : a court having been lately held to hear causes, wlien 
 we arrived we found considerable bustle in the hall, wlierc we 
 were to take our seats, and the prisoners to be assembled ; some 
 prisoners discharging and fresh ones coming into the gaol ; much 
 conversation going forward which threatened to have a dissipating 
 effect on the minds of both visited and visitors. I very mucli 
 doubted our being able to come at any right settlement, so that 
 my views in making this visit would be likely in any good degree 
 to be answered ; but after awhile the bustle subsided, and we be- 
 came quiet. When the religious opportunity closed, and we were 
 about to take our leave, the prisoners generally appeared solid, 
 and in a manner we could not doubt of tlieir sincerity, expressed 
 tlicir thankfulness for the opportunity ; and one of the prisoners, 
 rather an elderly man of the Jewish persuasion, appeared to ma- 
 nifest in a striking manner a sense of gratitude and susceptibihty 
 of feeling, and as if he wanted words to convey to the full what 
 he had felt, he closed what he could say with, " You have been 
 sent from Bethel." I felt fresh cause for setting up the Ebenezer, 
 and saying, " Surely hitherto it is the Lord that hath helped 
 me."" I retired to bed, but my portions of sleep during the night 
 were few in number, and those very short. 
 
 My mind had been occupied with an apprehension of religious 
 duty to make a visit to a great slave-merchant, who resided in the 
 city, where the needy slave-holders, and such as had slaves who 
 were refractory and difficult to manage, were encouraged, by his 
 weekly advertisements, to come, and find a ready market for them, 
 A large building is erected on his premises like a prison, to secure 
 them until he had, in his profession, a suitable complement to 
 send to different places, where there was a demand for them. I 
 found from his character, as a man, independent of his employ- 
 ment, he was of a very ferocious disposition, so much so, that 
 many, we were told, stood in dread of him ; notwithstanding 
 which, this subject had now taken such hold of my mind, I saw 
 no way for my relief but to be willing to attempt an interview with 
 him. Seventh-day morning, we called upon a Friend, to whom I 
 opened my trying situation relative to my making a visit to this 
 slave-merchant ; we found if we did make such a visit, it would 
 be best for us to go alone ; we accordingly proceeded towards his 
 residence : on our way I felt much for my companion, from what 
 I had heard of the unsubdued will and wicked disposition of 
 mind of the slave-merchant, and the danger we might be exposed 
 to from the large dogs, I was told, he kept loose about his pre- 
 mises, to the terror of those who passed by his dwelling ; but 
 there was no way for me but to cast my care on Him, who had so 
 many times preserved me as from the paw of the bear and the 
 jaws of the devourer. As we advanced towards the house, one
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 257 
 
 of these great, nerce-looking animals came out at us, follow,-,! l.y 
 another of the hke kind, as if they would have .eizetl us : ihciV 
 noise soon brought out one of the liouse-slaves,and, as we supposed 
 the slave-merehant himself, whose countenance looked as fitTce as 
 his animals, querying with us in a stern, commanding manner 
 ; What IS your business ?^ J oflbred him my hand, feeling notliin^ 
 m my heart but love towards him as a man ; saying, I would be 
 obhged to him to suffer me to have a little conversation with him. 
 He asked us into his house ; on my requesting- liim to have tlic 
 dogs taken care of, saying, I was a nervous man, he attended 
 to It ; on our ascending the steps of liis house, we observed 
 more of these large dogs chained about the yards. He showed 
 us into a very elegantly-furni.shed parlour; on the shelf of 
 the chimney-piece was a pistol, which to me appeared to be ready 
 cocked for use, should he at any time be put to the test of defend- 
 ing himself; he ordered us to take a seat on a sofa, and placed 
 himself near us. I gave him my certificates to read, which he 
 appeared to do attentively ; this afforded us an opportunity of hav- 
 ing our minds brought into quiet after our besetnicnt by the 
 dogs, and their master's angry countenance. When he returned 
 my certificates, the reading of which appeared to have somewhat 
 softened his mind, he said, ' I suppose you are going about 
 preaching the gospel;' to which I replied, ' I profess to be so cir- 
 cumstanced.' I then endeavoured, in a tender, feeling, but decided 
 manner, to open the subject that brought me to his house, telling 
 liim, I came on behalf of the poor coloured-people; that I lived in 
 a country where the inhabitants were all free people, but I found 
 I was now in a slave-holding part of the United States of 
 America ; and by an advertisement I had of his in my possession, 
 it appeared he was a dealer in these coloured people, who were 
 kept in slavery. I requested him to pause for a moment, and endea- 
 vour, as much as possible, to place his own parents and nearest re- 
 latives in the very situation of those poor creatures he had at times 
 purchased and sold again, thereby separating the nearest connex- 
 ions far from each other, — husbands from wives, and children from 
 parents; and try how far such acts as these he was in the practice 
 of, accorded with such feeling of humanity as he would wish 
 should have been exercised towards his own parents and relatives ; 
 with more to the same effect than my memory serves me to relate. 
 He appeared to hear me patiently, and tried to justify his 
 conduct, but with coolness and deliberation ; saying, he was 
 educated in a slave-holding state, — that his father was a slave- 
 holder, but that his mother was a pious woman, in connexion 
 with the Methodists; — that she was in the practice of reading 
 the Bible to her children, and that her pious care for liim he 
 yet remembered, and some of the good counsel that she 
 gave him; that through her influence his lather manumitted 
 
 VOL. II.
 
 258 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 about seventy slaves : she died -when he was young. On his 
 father marrying again, he found he must leave home, or render 
 it unpleasant to his parents, which he did not desire to do, and 
 therefore he entered into the army, and was at the battle of New 
 Orleans : after the war was over, the army was broken up : on 
 quitting the army he found himself in debt, and not knowing 
 what employment to take to, and extricate himself from his 
 difficulties, a relation encouraged him to 1)ecome a slave- 
 merchant, ofll'ering him funds to commence this trade, which 
 he accepted ; yet saying (we thought feelingly so) it is a bad 
 business, and that he had concluded to give it up, and had been 
 making arrangements for that purpose. But some of his em- 
 ployers, in the first rank of slave-holders, and even some who 
 were making much profession of religion, would not allow of his 
 giving up his business, but urged him to go on with it. He laid 
 great stress on the encouragement he received from this latter 
 description of his bartcrers, from which I was led to fear, when 
 he felt any qualms of conscience on account of the manner he 
 was getting his wealth (as he was deemed wealthy), the en- 
 treaties of this latter class would be resorted to by him to 
 salve over the wounds of conscience he at times might experience, 
 which I could not doubt had been the case at times with him : 
 he also pleaded having the laws of the state to sanction him in 
 his traffic, which opened the way for me to go further into the 
 subject : but in time it evidently was manifest, that the Divine 
 witness was so reached in him, as to compel him to cast away all 
 his weapons of defence. He gave it as his opinion, that before 
 twenty years were passed over, slavery would be brought to a 
 final close, if the work was rightly gone about. By this time we 
 thought we never witnessed the declaration — that the lion should 
 lie down with the lamb, more fully exemplified. He assured us 
 again of his determination to quit his business, and acknow- 
 ledged the gratitude he felt for the visit, took his leave of us in an 
 affectionate manner, conducting us himself quite off his pre- 
 mises. As we quitted him, his countenance, which on our first 
 approach appeared terrific, was so changed, that he was pleasant 
 to look upon. Every thing about his elegant house and his 
 yards, told, in plain terms, that he considered himself living in 
 continual danger of losing his life. I believe he was often re- 
 membered by us during the day afterwards. I felt truly thankful 
 to the great Preserver of men, when we reached our place of des- 
 tination again ; and more especially so when we were informed of 
 this slave-holder's treatment recently to a Friend, who had been 
 active in pi-omoting abolition, by throwing the Friend down in 
 the street, and trampling upon him to that degree, that it was 
 thought his life was in danger therefrom. 
 
 First-day morning, attended the south meeting-house : in the
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. l>5y 
 
 afternoon our kind friend Gerard T. Hopkins, and otlier t'riends, 
 called upon us to proceed to the Penitentiary, to make a visit iJ 
 the prisoners, for which, arranf,a'ments hud been previously made : 
 on arriving at the institution we were kindly received by the jirin- 
 cipal keeper and other officers, who conducted us to the mens aj)art- 
 ments, where two hundred and seventy i)risoncrs were asseinhlfd ; 
 their behaviour was generally very becoming, and the meeting 
 was conducted in a solid manner : when it was over 1 found I 
 must request to be permitted to give each of the prisoners my 
 hand, as they passed away ; the generality of them ap})eared very 
 grateful for the religious opportunity, and manifested tenderness. 
 We next proceeded to make a visit to the women, only thirty in 
 number, and twenty-six of these were people of colour, with whom 
 we had a religious opportunity ; at parting I gave them my hand : 
 one woman of colour held me so fast, I had a difficulty to get 
 loose from her again, and when that took place, she burst out 
 aloud weeping sorely. After these opportunities were over, we 
 walked about the different apartments in the prison ; being in the 
 yard, one of the prisoners, with the consent of the principal keeper, 
 came up to me, saying he was an Englishman, from Woolwich, 
 sentenced to a few years' imprisonment : he importuned me to 
 intercede with the English consul to have the remainder of his 
 time remitted ; and on inquiry of the governor relative to his 
 conduct, he informed me he had not a better-conducted man in 
 the prison. I could not put from mc the request of my coun- 
 tryman the next day ; I accordingly applied to the British consul 
 on his behalf: on my being afterwards at Baltimore, and in- 
 quiring after my countryman, I found he had been liberated, 
 and was gone home to his native land. Accompanied by our 
 kind friend Hugh Balderson, we rode to Elkridgc. 
 
 Third-day, attended a meeting held here at my request ; the 
 house was pretty generally filled by Friends and others. I l)c- 
 lieve it was considered a satisfactory meeting ; after meeting, 
 accompanied by George Elliot, we rode to Sand ^^prings. 
 
 The next day, we attended meeting here; the morning being very 
 stormy, the meeting was very small : but this was not the case 
 in the first commencement of our religious Society, when Friends 
 could not hold their meetings because of the opposition tluy at 
 times met with from those in power and the rude rabble: but now 
 these matters are made easy to us, and we are protected in hold- 
 ing our meetings in quiet, gredter indifrercncc in the attendance of 
 them prevails. At the close of tlie meeting for worship, tl)c 
 monthly meeting was held ; there being but little business bc-fore 
 the meeting, it was soon quietly got through. A Friend of the 
 meeting, who came to our lodging, took leave of us to go liomc, 
 but after he had reached the door to leave, came back again to 
 
 s2
 
 2G0 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 say his mind had been prejudiced against the English Friends, 
 but that the prejudice liad been done away by that which had 
 been communicated to the meeting in the Une of the ministry: 
 these remarks felt like a cordial to my mind, as my companion 
 had, in a feeling manner, to allude in the meeting, as well as my- 
 self, to the sorrowful divisions that had and were taking place 
 amongst Friends, and to point out that which appeared to us to 
 have been the cause hereof, and the only remedy that would 
 effect a more close union again ; things were greatly out of order 
 in this meeting in that respect. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, attended meeting at Indian Springs, which 
 we understood was larger than it usually is ; the meeting soon set- 
 tled down into quiet, and the people appeared solid and attentive. 
 W'e then rode to the city of Washington, which we did not reach 
 until it was nearly dark : wc took up our abode with our friend 
 James Hosier. 
 
 Seventli-day morning, (10th of 11th mo. Ui27,) my mind 
 being drawn to make a visit to the President of the United 
 States, 1 mentioned the subject to my countryman Samuel 
 Brook, who had for many years held a situation in the 
 treasury department here; on which he kindly offered to go 
 to the president's house and inquire if he was at iiome ; this 
 prospect afresh bowed my spirit before the Lord in secret 
 cries to him, if way should open for me to have an inter- 
 view with the president, to be preserved faithful to that which 
 appeared to be the Divine will. Samuel Brook soon returned 
 with a message from the president, saying he was at liberty to 
 receive me at such time as best suited myself. My companion 
 James Brown and myself soon waited upon him, by whom we 
 were received in a kind, respectful manner: 1 presented him 
 with my certificates, which he appeared to read with attention : 
 this practice of offering my certificates when making such visits 
 to those not of our own religious Society, I have found to be 
 attended with a two-fold benefit, as being the most agreeable 
 mode of introducing myself, — my certificates explaining my views 
 in leaving my own home fully, dispensing with the asking of many 
 questions which otherwise would in all probability be put, and 
 affording time, if any perturbation of mind may have taken 
 place, to endeavour after composure again. On the president 
 returning me my certificates, I informed him, that during my 
 travels in the United States of America, various matters had 
 attracted my attention ; some of which had been brought before 
 the view of my mind since I had arrived at the capital, which I 
 must lay before him for his serious consideration ; one of which 
 was the very distressed situation of two very aged and infirm 
 women, one of them having quite lost her sight, the daughters of
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. Of) I 
 
 g' 
 
 the old chief of the Orida tribe, Scannadore; who, when Hvin 
 was highly esteemed by those who were of influence in conrrress 
 tor his piety, uprightness of conduct, and great powers of mind ' 
 these two aged and infirm women, have now no other means of 
 supporting themselves, but by begging their food from day to day 
 ot their tribe, wno are poor themselves: I therefore requested him to 
 take their deplorable case into consideration, and if there were any 
 of the funds of the state that could be appropriated to their sui)- 
 port to be so kind as to attend to them. He assured me it should 
 obtain his attention. I further informed him, I had been pain- 
 fully affected in observing, that spirituous liquors were gene- 
 rally retailed in the grocers' shops in this city as well as^New 
 York and other places in the United States ; which practice, 
 according to the view I had of it, opened a wide door for intem- 
 perance, because persons who, in the commencement of their 
 intemperance, would be ashamed to be seen going into a common 
 dram-shop, (and especially so a respectable-looking female,) could 
 enter a grocer's shop to get their dram, and not be suspected of 
 indulging themselves in such evil practices ; it also opened a 
 door for servants who were that way disposed, when sent by their 
 employers to these places of temptation to fjill into these evil 
 practices, until they became confirmed drunkards. 1 recommended 
 the president to lay the subject before the members of congress, 
 and by so doing, if he could do no more than this towards endea- 
 vouring to remove this great evil, T believed he would find peace 
 in so doing ; — counselling him not to fear man, but to fear the 
 Lord, that so he might be found filling the important situation 
 He had permitted him to be placed in, consistently with the 
 Divine mind and will : I added, it has long been my firm belief, 
 that according to the power invested in us, so if we did not exert 
 that power and influence, as far as in us lies, in preventing evil 
 practices, we ourselves become implicated therein in the sight of 
 Almighty God, with those who are actually in the practice of 
 them ; and that I feared the people of the United States had forgot 
 again that Almighty hand which had brought about their de- 
 liverance from that warfare they had been involved in ; and that 
 it was my belief, if wickedness continued to increase in the 
 United States as it had done, a scourge in some way or another 
 would again be permitted to come upon the people of the United 
 States of America ; — with more than I can call to remembrance. 
 At our parting, the president expressed the satisfaction our visit 
 had afforded him ; in which we felt cause to unite, in that he had 
 given us such a full opportunity to relieve our minds. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting liere ; most of the meinl)crs of 
 this meeting had given proof of unsoundness in religious prin- 
 ciples ; the meeting was nearly one hour in gatiiering ; this is 
 one amongst many other disorders which these unsound prinei-
 
 202 JOURNAL OK 'J'HOMA^■ SHILLITOK. 
 
 pics, HOW SO widely spread amongst us in this lanil, has intro- 
 duced into our religious Society. I bcliuve hoth my comi)anion 
 and myself were favoured to cjuit the meeting with our minds 
 relieved, yet not witiiout our having public opposition to bear 
 with. We were obliged to exert ourselves to reach the afternoon 
 meeting at Alexandria in due time. 
 
 Second-day morning, we proceeded on our way to attend the 
 monthly meeting of Fairfax, to be held at Watcrford; we had a 
 very trying day ^s journey of thirty-six miles, at the close of whicli, 
 for about one hour, wc were brought into a great strait; night 
 came fast on, and we were travelling on a road we were strangers to, 
 where neitlier inhabitant nor liouse was to be met with : it became 
 so dark, that we concluded it would be unsafe for us to proceed 
 much further, and therefore if we did not in a few minutes more get 
 sight of some building to shelter ourselves in for the night, we 
 must be content to take ii|> our lodging in our waggon. I felt 
 more for our poor horses than myself, the herbage being entirely 
 burnt up ; but on a sudden we observed, and that was all we 
 could say, something like the top of a barn, which we ventured 
 to make towards, and soon discovered a glinuuering light, which 
 led us to the liouse of the family we were intending to take up our 
 abode at for the night. I hope I may say, I felt truly thankful 
 to our great Almighty Care-taker for this favour in this very need- 
 ful time: we met with a kind reception from the lamily, and were 
 glad to retire to bed after such a day of fatigue to both body and 
 mind. 
 
 Fourth-day, we attended the monthly meeting : the meeting for 
 worship was large ; the business of the monthly meeting appeared 
 to be conducted in a summary way, for want of Friends fechng a 
 more lively interest in the concerns of the Society. After the 
 monthly meeting we rode to Goose Creek. The next morning- 
 attended monthly meeting there; the business appeared to be 
 conducted with a good degree of care, that the right order of the 
 discipline should be maintained; the subject came before us of 
 petitioning the legislature on behalf of the people of colour in 
 this state, whose humane masters had granted them freedom, but 
 not having the means to emigrate with their families to a free 
 state, by the time limited by the law of the state, were in danger 
 of being by law again sold into bondage ; forty of them, the 
 meeting was informed, had becn-j by the attorney of the state, 
 presented to the grand jury, who, it was said, were generally 
 chosen of men who were the most likely to see this law rigidly 
 put in force. It was concluded by the meeting that the repre- 
 sentatives should report this case to the quarterly meeting. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, we left the comfortable house of our kind 
 friend Jonas Janney, and rode towards Hopewell. We forded the 
 Schannadere river, the approach of which to me appeared awful ;
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 2G3 
 
 but by endeavouring to keep near to the great Care-taker, I was 
 preserved m the quiet, until wc were favoured to land safely on 
 the other side. 
 
 Seventh-day, (17th of 11th mo.) attended the quarterly select 
 meeting for Fairfax held at Hopewell : this, to me, was a very 
 exercising time ; it felt hard work to the crcaturely part to deliver 
 that which came before the view of my mind for communication ; 
 but by endeavouring to keep near to Him, our great Helper, 
 strength was mercifully given to deliver what I had in charge, 
 whereby I was favoured to leave the meeting peacefully. I ifad 
 reason to believe, that comfort was afforded to the honest-hearted 
 members of this meeting, who were suffering under the weight of 
 the prevalency of unsound principles, which were so sorrowfully 
 spreading amongst the members of this quarterly meeting. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Hopewell, which was large ; it 
 was nearly an hour after the time it should have been gathered, 
 before we were favoured to settle down into quiet. We had 
 a large party at my lodgings in the evening, who were very full 
 of conversation ; but I could not give much, if any attention to 
 it, my mind being introduced into exercise for religious service. 
 I suffered one short interval of silence after another to pass over 
 unimproved, until a fear came over my mind as to the conse- 
 quences, should the company separate, and I be not faithful to that 
 which I believed was committed to me. I requested Friends to 
 be silent, fearing such opportunities as I had missed would not be 
 found again before a separation took place. My request was 
 yielded to, which afforded me an opportunity for relief; yet I had 
 no other expectation but that it would have produced opposition ; 
 the chief of our company were professedly in connexion with those 
 who deny the fundamental doctrines, which we, as a Society, have 
 ever held, as regards the Divinity of our Redeemer ; one of them was 
 a leading man, and Goliah in their cause ; but all passed off quietly. 
 
 The next morning the quarterly meeting for discipline com- 
 menced ; the subject of petitioning the legislature on behalf of the 
 people of colour obtained much consideration ; and the monthly 
 meetings in which these cases existed, were encouraged to proceed 
 therein as truth might open the way. The meeting closed upon 
 the whole comfortably. 
 
 Third-day, we proceeded towards Newmarket : on our arrival 
 at Harper's-ferry, which we had to cross, we found three waggons, 
 with six horses each, had reached the ferry before us, and were 
 waiting to go over; there was only one boat to convey pas- 
 senger's and carriages, and we had no time to spare to get to our 
 quarters before night: we offered to purchase the hrst turn when 
 the boat returned from the other side, but the waggoners were so 
 imposing we did not feel easy to fall in with their demand, not 
 aware of the difficulties they were able to expose us to on the
 
 264 JOURNAL, OK IHOWAb SHILLITOE. 
 
 otlior side by going over before us. After an exercise of patience, 
 we were favoured to land on the other side. ]3ut here our greatest 
 trials with the wa<;goncrs began ; the pass, by the river-side, for 
 a great distance, was so narrow, as not to allow of one carriage to 
 pass another, except in a very few ])laces, where the rock had 
 been cut through for this purpose : we were much tried with their 
 slow travelling, which appeared to be nnore on purpose to annoy 
 us, because we would not yield to their imposition, than from 
 necessity ; and if we attempted to turn into one of these places, 
 to get before them, they would either turn their horses across the 
 road, or gallop on to prevent us. In making a further attempt to 
 turn into one of these nooks, to pass by them, our wheel touched 
 one of their waggons; upon this, the driver came out of his waggon 
 in great fury, and threatened he would stone our waggon to pieces ; 
 we had no other expectation but he would have done us and our 
 waggon an injury. I felt not a little tried at our being at the mercy 
 of such a lawless set of unprincipled men ; but one more consi- 
 derate than the rest assisted us when an opportunity offered, and 
 with some difficulty we got quite clear of them, but did not reach 
 our tavern until it was quite dark. 
 
 We proceeded to Newmarket, and next day attended meeting 
 
 at Bush Creek, an old cold meeting-house ; it proved a solid, quiet 
 
 meeting. I felt well satisfied I had given up to attend it, from 
 
 a hope in my own mind, that those desolating principles, which 
 
 have so spread in other meetings in this land, had not made much 
 
 way amongst Friends here. We reached the house of Edward 
 
 Hatton, the only surviving son of Susannah Hatton, (afterwards 
 
 Lightfoot;) and on seventh-day attended Warrington select 
 
 (quarterly meeting, held at Pipe Creek, a time of close exercise, 
 
 both of faith and patience ; yet feelings of gratitude to my heavenly 
 
 Master prevailed with me, in that he had been pleased to favour 
 
 me with strength, whereby the retrospect of this day's labour 
 
 afforded a consoling evidence I had acquitted myself faithfully in 
 
 his cause. 
 
 First-day morning, (25th of 11th mo, 1827,) attended meet- 
 ing at Pipe Creek, which was large, many being obliged to 
 remain on the outside of the house. Second-day morning, the 
 quarterly meeting for discipline commenced ; the meeting for 
 worship which preceded it was, I believe, by most present, 
 considered a memorable one ; it called forth from an expe- 
 rienced, aged Friend, the acknowledgment of belief, that what 
 had gone forth in the line of the ministry, would, as the wise man 
 expresses it, be like bread cast upon the waters, that would be 
 found after many days. 1'here being but little business for the 
 quarterly meeting, it soon closed. 1 left the meeting under a 
 painful sense of the great loss sustained by Friends of this quar- 
 terly meeting, for want of greater promptness in attending to the
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. :>()5 
 
 concerns of the Society in their montlily and ouartcrly mcttm-rs 
 through givmg way to fears that have not tlicir fouiulatim. in tlic 
 truth; and yet no way opened for me to reheve my mind more 
 fully on the subject than I had done ; having, as I hope was the 
 case, endeavoured to do my best, I found 1 must there leave it 
 After meeting, we rode to New Windsor, and took up our abode 
 ^r the night at the widow Hibbert's. Tliird-day, we rode to 
 Baltimore and were favoured to reach our friend James Ca- 
 rey s in the afternoon. The next day, attended the mid-wiek 
 meeting, which was very small ; the meeting was considered to 
 be a solid, fixvoured time; at the close of which was hckl tiie pre- 
 parative meeting. We went home to dine with our kind friend 
 Gerard T. Hopkins. 
 
 During our travel through a part of IMaryland, our road lay 
 through the estate of a great slave-holder : the feelings I was iiii- 
 pressed with at that time frequently came up in my view. To-day, 
 dinner being over, and sitting quietly with my mind turned toward* 
 the Lord, \yith desires that 1 might be able to see my way riglitly 
 out of Baltimore, I was brought under an apprehension of duty to 
 make a visit to the owner of the estate I had recently passed throu-jh 
 in Maryland, who was a great slave-holder, and who I understood 
 was in the city. It being considered best we should go alone, my 
 companion and myself proceeded to his residence. VVhiist on our 
 way, I became very thoughtful how I should open my prospects 
 to him. Labouring thus under these discouraging impressions, 
 the saying of the great Master revived in my mind, " Take no 
 thought before -hand, what ye shall speak,"" — accompanied with such 
 power, that all my fears were dissipated ; I therefore endeavoured 
 to keep in the quiet, and near the Divine power. On our reaching 
 his house and inquiring for him, we were shown to his apartment, 
 and met with a very handsome reception. After we had taken 
 our seats, and answered a few questions he put to us, 1 opened 
 to him the business that had brought me there, by telling him I 
 understood he was a great slave-liolder : to which he replied, I 
 was correct, he was a slave-holder, having upwards of three hun- 
 dred slaves in his possession. I endeavoured to lay before him 
 the injustice of holding his fellow-creatures in bondage, and to 
 work upon his feelings, by urging him to be willinu" to j)lace liis 
 own parents, his children, his relatives, in a similar situation 
 with his slaves, and liable, at pleasure, to be separated, — near re- 
 latives far from each other, during their natural lives ; and tlius to 
 be willing; to brincr the matter home to his own mind, how 
 he would feel if he himself were placed under similar cir- 
 cumstances with his slaves : I pressed upon him the necessity 
 of doing his duty by them, and to liberate them in his lifetime, 
 or if he did not choose to liberate them in his lifetime, I 
 found 1 must query with him, had he liberated them by his will r
 
 26*G JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 to which he replied, he had willed his slaves to his children and 
 grandchildren, who would do as well by them as he had done. I 
 replied, that was more than he could assure himself of, inasmuch 
 as, though he might bequeath to his children and grandchildren 
 great property, (he being reputed to be very rich.) he could not 
 insure their being able to keep this great property together : va- 
 rious were the ways Providence had power to make use of, to strip 
 them of all he might bequeath them, and without any power on 
 their part to prevent this being the case ; — the slaves he left his 
 children and grandchildren, then, in all probability, must have 
 new masters ; and it was my firm belief, should this be the 
 case, whatever were the sufferings his slaves were brought into in 
 consequence of his not doing his duty in liberating them whilst he 
 had it in his power, by will or otherwise, he would stand account- 
 able to his INIaker for the sufferings his slaves might be involved 
 in ; I further urged upon him, as he valued his immortal soul, 
 the importance of his being willing to make this sacrifice. He 
 replied, " Our views differ." I again urged him, as he valued 
 his own soul, to be willing to consider Avell the subject I had 
 believed myself called upon by the Almighty now to cast before 
 him ; and to manumit his poor slaves whilst it was in his power, 
 and put them in a way to provide for themselves, as he was able to 
 do it. To T^'hich he replied, that manumitting his slaves would 
 be doing them a great injury, — that they were lazy and improvi- 
 dent, and not capable of caring for themselves, and would not be 
 alive, if set free, three or four years after they were liberated ; 
 now, he said, they were well fed, well clothed, received religious 
 instruction, he himself being a Catholic, and the spot they lived 
 upon was so healthy, they increased so fast, that they were 
 obliged at times to sell them off to other masters to reduce 
 their stock ; and such as were what he called ugly, not very man- 
 ageable, were sent off to the slave-holders in South Carolina. 
 My companion told him, if their lot should be cast in the 
 indigo-works there, they seldom survived three or four years ; 
 this seemed to make an impression on his mind ; he only re- 
 plied they would be well cared for. He spoke of his practices of 
 separating parents from children, children from parents, and near 
 relatives from each other, (when his slaves became too numerous 
 for him, or were difficult to manage,) with quite as much seeming 
 indifference as a farmer could speak of selling his calves from his 
 cows, or his pigs from their mother ; he again attempted to justify 
 his conduct in not being willing to grant his slaves their liberty, 
 by saying they were lazy, and that keeping his slaves was to him 
 ^ losing concern ; but afterwards he sadly committed himself, by 
 adding, he was afraid, in harvest-time, to employ white men, lest 
 they should spoil his negroes, saying the white men were drunk- 
 ards and lazy ; he preferred negroes in harvest-time, they being
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHIKMTOK. '_'(>7 
 
 industriou.s and sober, were more to })C (UpeiHkd lux.n than wl.iie 
 men. On his maknig these remarks, I told him, that Irom the 
 last confession he had made, he could not justify himself, on the 
 ground he had attempted, in the siglit of his Alakcr, in leaving 
 his slaves m bondage, as he intended to do ; and I unu-d him 
 again well to consider the subject 1 had proposed to hun. and 
 whilst he had it in his power, to liberate his slaves ;- -wishing him to 
 consider what a precious testimony against this praetiieofholding 
 our fellow-creatures in bondage, lie would leave behind him, when 
 the separation took place between soul and body, and his death 
 became announced in the pubhc newspapers, if it could be said he 
 had liberated all those he had held in bondage ; for he was not 
 aware how much his example in this respect might have aq in- 
 fluence on the minds of others, and promote the like conduct in 
 them. From the remarks he had, it was evident, unintentionally 
 made, relative to the white men and negroes, it ai)pearcd he was 
 sensible he had sadly committed himself, in a way he did not in- 
 tend, which prevented his making further efforts to justify his 
 conduct. I entreated him to consult his pillow on what had been 
 communicated. We left him, well satisfied in giving up to this 
 humiliating service, and I was thankful in believing I had done all 
 that was required of me in the discharge of apprehended duty, and 
 had in this respect fulfilled the injunction of the apostle, " lie not 
 partakers of other men's sins, but reprove them;" which cannot he 
 the case in my view, if, when our minds arc brought under exercise 
 on account of the conduct of others, which our judgment is sensibly 
 affected with a belief is not in accordance with the will of (Jod, 
 and we feel ourselves called upon to labour with them to bring 
 them to a proper sense of it, — we neglect so to do, from whatso- 
 ever cause our omission may arise, we become implicated in degree 
 with them in the Divine sight. At our parting, he treated us as 
 he received us, with great politeness and civility, oflcring himself 
 to conduct us to the door. My companion thought he had got 
 hold of that he would not be able easily to got quit of. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, we left our kind friend. Tames Carey's, intend- 
 ing to go to Darby meeting on First-day ; therain falling very heavy, 
 we could not reach Havrc-de-Grace that night, as we had proposed. 
 The next day, the prospect of pursuing our journey was tliseourag- 
 ing, from the great quantity of rain that had fallen during the 
 night, and its continuing to fall ; we started as eafly as we were 
 able : when we reached Havre-de-Grace, we had to pass the 
 Susquehannah river, about one mile over, the fog was .so great 
 we could not see many yards before us, which made our crossing 
 appear dangerous ; but greater trials began soon after to manifist 
 themselves after we landed ; in consequence of the great (pian- 
 tity of rain that had fallen siilcc our leavii^g IJahimore, the rivers 
 we had to ford had risen to that height as to make it dangerou-
 
 268 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 attempting to cross some of them. On our approach to the first 
 of these, we ol)scrved a stage-coach standing on tlie opposite side, 
 afraid to venture through ; seeing us come up, the driver hailed 
 us, bidding us to come along, but I toUl my companion, as lie 
 was the first at the river we must not let him ])ro(it by our ex- 
 perience; and therefore we made a full stand, on which the driver 
 ventured, and by going through a field, avoided the deepest part 
 of the water ; we kept a sharp look-out at the route he took, and 
 by care in taking the same, we safely reached the other side. A 
 passenger in the coach kindly warned us not to attempt to cross 
 the next river without the assistance of a coloured man, who had 
 piloted them safely through, whom we must hale from the other side 
 of this river. On our approaching the next river, it made a yet 
 more formidable appearance in width and strength of current ; wc 
 haled the coloured-man, who came over a high foot-bridge through 
 the water to our assistance, and by his driving our waggon some 
 way round, brouglit us safe to the oth.er side, where we left travel- 
 lers apparently afraid to venture over anywhere ; we found the 
 best ford very deep and dangerous, and were thankful when we 
 reached. land again. This was called the Little Elk ; we had yet' 
 the Big Elk still to ford, which was considered the most dangerous; 
 a carriage and horses, we were informed, some years ago had been 
 carried away by the current : there was away round, we were told, 
 whereby we might escape fording this Big Elk ; but if we took 
 this road, we should have to travel in the night to reach Wilming- 
 ton, if we reached it at all to-night, which might endanger our 
 reaching Darby timely for meeting on First-day. My kind com- 
 panion gave me my choice ; I considered this subject in the best 
 way I was capable, feeling not a little of the responsibility at- 
 taching to my concluding to ford the river instead of going round, 
 where we were told there was a bridge to cross over this Big Elk, 
 but a long way round. As however I felt quite easy in my twn 
 mind to ford the river, we proceeded ; on our way towards it we m t 
 a respectable man, and inquired of him, if we could ford the river 
 with safety ; he informed us, he beUeved the river was yet safe 
 to ford ; we therefore ventured ; the current was running very 
 strong, and before we reached the other side, for a short distance, 
 the water was so deep our horses and carriage swam ; thankful I 
 was when our horses found foot-hold again, and more so when we 
 came to shore : we were favoured to reach Wilmington^ safely 
 about dark, where we were kindly received by our friend Samuel 
 
 Lanbv. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, 1 St of 1 2th mo., 1 827, 'we proceeded towards 
 
 Darby ; this meeting had now become as disaffected a meeting as 
 any in Concord quarter : the prospect of sitting the meeting for 
 worship to-morrow app.carcd trying. Our kind landlord, Nathaniel 
 Newland, entertained us in the evening with the following rela-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOn. OfJ() 
 
 tion. I>"^ing the ,var between Great Britain and America, in 
 the year 18 2 ; Darby meeting-house of Friends was occu .i ■ 
 by some of the American army, but on Friends applying to' the 
 commanduig-officcr for liberty to meet in it on nicctm-r.d-.v. it 
 was granted and the house was as well cleared at such'ti.n'cs' as 
 the nature of the situation of the army would allow of: many of 
 the army sat down mth Friends in their meetings, the officers and 
 soldiers sitting at the back part of the house to make room for 
 Friends at the front of the meeting-house ; they conducted them- 
 selves m a solid manner : at the first of Friends" sitting d..^^n to 
 hold their meetings in this way, the swords and other accoutre- 
 ments of war that hung about the walls of the meeting-house 
 appeared awful and terrific; but in time these feelings ''beeamr 
 much lessened, and their meetings were times of Divine favour 
 —some Friends now acknowledging they never sat more favoured 
 opportunities, either before or since, as these were. 
 
 First-day morning, we walked to the meeting, which was lar-'-e ; 
 I had such close things to deliver, I was ready to fear it would have 
 stirred up (from some in the ministry who were of the disafl'ectcd 
 party) opposition to what I had offered ; but, as my dear com- 
 panion observed after meeting, the opposing disposition was 
 chained down. The behaviour of some young people was so re- 
 proachful, that I was brought under the necessity of noticing it; 
 such disorderly behaviour in meeting among the young men more 
 particularly prevails, where this disaffection has taken place. We 
 had various invitations to dinner when meeting l)roke up ; one 
 individual, who afterwards in public-print endeavoured to vilify 
 my character, importuned me much ; but it appearing safest to 
 keep out of harm's v/ay, we returned to our quarters. In the after- 
 noon we rode to Philadelphia, where we wee kindly received by 
 Thomas Stewardson and his attentive family. 
 
 Second-day, visited the Friends'' Asylum for persons disordered 
 in their minds ; the house is commodious, tlie grounds for the pa- 
 tients are rather extensive, and laid out agreeably, and the situation 
 is healthy; there appeared no lack of any thing likely, in the va- 
 rious circumstances of malady the patients were labouring under, 
 to add to their comfort. The next morning, attended the north 
 meeting; after the meeting for worship, an adjournment of the 
 monthly meeting was held, many cases were before this meeting of 
 individuals, who had united themselves to the new Yearly Meet- 
 ing held in this city, which issued in orders for testimonies of 
 denial. Friends appeared to act with great caution, and with 
 unanimity in these sorrowful cases, manifesting a right concern 
 for these their erring brethren. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended Pine-street meeting, at which there was 
 a marriage ; it proved to me a quiet, favoured meeting : in the 
 afternoon we crossed the river Delaware into New Jersey, ami
 
 2']() JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 were kindly cared for by our friend Benjamin Cooper and hh 
 family. 
 
 Attended Chester monthly meeting, held at Moor's Town : 
 a separation had taken place in this monthly meeting, but 
 Friends and the Hicksitcs still meet together in a meeting for 
 worship capacity ; when the meeting for worship closed, Friends 
 continued to keep their seats ; the clerk of the monthly meeting, 
 having united himself to the Hicksites, kept possession of the 
 books, and taking his seat at the table, had the advantage of 
 Friends, and opened their meeting first. Friends sat quietly, — there 
 appearing no other way inider the trying circumstances in which 
 they were placed. After the clerk of the Hicksite monthly meet- 
 ing had read the opening minute, one of the Hicksites called for 
 my certificates ; pausing on the request that had been thus made, 
 1 stood up, saying, as I did not consider those who were now 
 about to transact monthly meeting business the legitimate monthly 
 meeting of Chester, I could not offer my certificates to them, and 
 here the matter closed ; except that one of their party replied, my 
 services in the meeting for worship had been acceptable, but ex- 
 pressing myself as I had done, by not allowing them to be the 
 legitimate monthly meeting, I must be acting under the influence 
 of the evil power ; silence to these observations appeared to be 
 my duty. When the Hicksites had done their business they quitted 
 the house, and Friends proceeded quietly with theirs, and the 
 meeting closed comfortably. After meeting we proceeded to 
 Evesham, and took up our abode at my kind friend Job Hain's, 
 who had ofl^ered to release my companion James Brown, he be- 
 lieving the time to be come when it would be right for him to re- 
 turn to his family ; we, having travelled together in much harmony 
 and gospel fellowship, now took an affectionate leave of each 
 other : this separation at first felt like a stripping time to me. 
 
 Sixth-day, attended the monthly meeting held at Upper Eve- 
 sham, where I met with my countryfolks, George and Ann Jones ; 
 the quarterly meeting's committee gave their attendance at this 
 meeting ; no separation had taken place in this monthly meet- 
 ing, the clerk being with Friends, the business went on in 
 its regular course ; several cases were on the monthly meet- 
 ing books of those members who had united themselves to 
 the Hicksite yearly, quarterly, and monthly meetings ; the bu- 
 siness of the meeting appeared to be conducted imder much 
 concern for the welfare of the cause of Truth, and we separated 
 under feelings of gratitude, and a favoured sense that best Help 
 had been near in transacting the several matters that came before 
 the meeting. 
 
 Seventh-day, (8th of 12th mo.) attended the monthly meeting of 
 Lower Evesham ; no division having taken place in this monthly 
 meeting, in appointing representatives to the quarterly meeting.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILL.ITOE. 27 1 
 
 the namqs of some were brought forward who liad attcndod the 
 Hicksite Yearly Meeting, wliicli names were (.l.jfcted to l.y 
 friends : all quietly passed on, and a nomination made of Friends 
 tor that purpose : the meeting closed under feelings of thankful- 
 ness for that Divine help that had been extended. After meetin-' 
 we rode towards Cropwell, and had a very full opportunity with a 
 Friend and his wife, whom we could not doubt were well-meaning 
 individuals, but were in danger of being drawn aside by the 
 Hicksite party, by having attended some of their meetings ; the 
 woman, at times with tears flowing from her eves, expressed the 
 earnestness of her desire that her soul might be preserved doing 
 what was right, either remaining with the monthly meeting slit- 
 now was a member of, or to join the new monthly meeting 
 that was set up, adding, she was wearied with the contention 
 which of late had prevailed amongst Friends. The man appeared 
 more decided at first, and, as if he had fully made up his mind 
 to become a member of the new monthly meeting, and yet open to 
 hear what we had to offer to him on the subject : at our retiring 
 to bed, he manifested a willingness to enter again into the con- 
 sideration of consequences, if he pursued his determination of 
 joining the new monthly meeting : my companion meeting with 
 the man next morning, who told him he had passed a sleepless 
 night ; this afforded me some hopes he yet might, in mercy, 
 escape the snare. 
 
 First-day, we attended meeting at Cropwell, it was large ; a 
 considerable portion of which consisted of young people : if any 
 right religious labour fell to my lot in this meeting, it was to 
 guard Friends against the danger of associating with that spirit 
 that is at work, to cause rents and divisions amongst us, and to 
 call their attention to an observance of the fruits which this spirit 
 has already brought forth, fruits as opposite to tlie doctrines and 
 precepts of Christ as light is to darkness : the meeting was lield 
 in great quiet, the young people keeping their seats until the 
 meeting closed. After taking our dinner, we rode to Hannah 
 Hopkin's, where we were kindly cared for. 
 
 Second-day morning, attended the monthly meeting, which was 
 large, occasioned by the quarterly meeting's committee being 
 there, also some who called themselves members of the new Yearly 
 Meeting in Philadelphia, and from other meetings in connexion 
 with that new Yearly Meeting. I arose on my feet with these 
 words ; " Fret not thyself because of evil doers ;"" having the 
 language of encouragement given me to hold out to the Milling in 
 Israel, who might be ready to let go their dependence on that 
 arm of Divine Power which hitherto hath sustained them, not to 
 yield to the enemy's insinuations, and conclude their way is hid 
 from the Lord, and their judgment passed over from their (jod ; 
 ])ut to be wiihng to ponder the fruits brought forth by this divid-
 
 2^ri JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 inn- spirit wliidi had so sorrowfully cntcrccl into our borders : for 
 by bringing their fruits to that Light which gives a clear discern- 
 ment in thiniis Divine, it will be fully manifest, that they are not 
 M-rought in God, and therefore will in due time come to nought. 
 When the meeting for business opened, great confusion took 
 place ; some members of the monthly meeting, who had been 
 active with others in setting up new meetings, and locking 
 Friends out of their meeting-houses, ofl'ered a paper to be read 
 in the monthly meeting, but which the meeting stood firm 
 ao-ainst : when they could not prevail in this way, one of the ad- 
 vocates for its being read, informed the meeting, the paper con- 
 tained a proposal to the monthly meeting, that those who had 
 become memi)ers of these newly set-up meetings should have 
 liberty to withdraw from the monthly meeting without the odium 
 beino- attached to their character of being disowned by the 
 Society ; this compromise (could they have prevailed on Friends 
 to have yielded to) it was apprehended, would have entitled 
 them to a part of the property of the monthly meeting. Before 
 the meeting closed, one of the, disaffected party invited all who 
 were willing, after the monthly meeting was over, to remain to 
 hear the paper read, and went into the women's house, giving the 
 same invitation. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, the select quarterly meeting for Haddon- 
 field was held, which at the commencement of it was trying, 
 occasioned by some men and women, part of a committee ap- 
 pointed by the Hicksite Yearly INIeeting, to visit the quarterly, 
 monthly, and other meetings o*f Friends, being in attendance at 
 this select meeting, and refusing to go out of the meeting-house ; 
 but as it became evident that the general voice of the meeting 
 was opposed to their remaining, they withdrew^ ; after which the 
 bvisiness of the meeting was quietly proceeded in. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, (13th of 12th mo.) the quarterly meeting 
 for discipline commenced. Friends ■ having been so interrupted 
 in their proceedings with their business at their quarterly meeting 
 in the 9th mo. last, by those who had united themselves to the 
 Hicksite Yearly Meeting, had concluded it best for the present to 
 suspend the meeting for worship, heretofore held previously to 
 entering- upon the business, in order to prevent such difficulties in 
 future as had then occvu-red; and they appointed a suitable number 
 of doorkeepers to attend the door of the men's and women's house, 
 to keep these meetings select: the doorkeepers made fast the back- 
 doors of the meeting-house, expecting to have opposition to contend 
 with at the front-doors as much as they itiight be equal to ; but some 
 members of this quarterly meeting, who had united themselves 
 to the Hicksite Yearly Meeting, and been active in setting up 
 new quarterly and monthly meetings, whose cases had not yet been 
 brou"-ht before the monthly meeting, were early in their attend-
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. KH 
 
 ance at the meeting-house, and unfastened the back-doors, and 
 bus let into the meeting-house, those whom the doorkeepers 
 had refused, as havmg forfeited their membership in the Soeietv 
 1 he meeting being gathered, the clerk opened tbe nnarterlv 
 meeting, after whieli divers Friends requested that those who had 
 no claim to sit m that quarterly meeting, would leave the meet- 
 mg-house; but with these requests they manifested a determina- 
 tion not to comply, the Hieksite party ordering the clerk to unit 
 the table, saying they had nominated a clerk of their own, whom 
 they ordered to take possession of the quarterly meeting books. 
 t rom the contentions and determinedspirit which the Hieksite piirty 
 manifested, I was led to fear they would have used force to have 
 gained their point in obtaining the books ; Friends however mani- 
 fested calmness and composure through the whole of this trying scene, 
 and after considerable exercise of patience, as no persuasions were 
 of any avail, they concluded it would be best to adjourn to Sixth- 
 day morning : this proposal met with violent opposition from the 
 Hieksite party, and when two men Friends went into the women's 
 meeting to inform them of the adjournment, two of the Hieksite 
 party followed them into the women's meeting, declarin<' the 
 larger number of the meeting was opposed to this adjournment, 
 and intended to go on with the business of the quarterly mectino- ; 
 but not being received by the women's meeting, as the ofliciul 
 messengers from the men's meeting, the women's meeting ad- 
 journed to the same time : before the adjournment could be read, 
 one of the Hieksite party stood up, and requested such as chose 
 to stop, to remain in the meeting-house and transact the business 
 of the quarterly meeting. After the adjournment was read, 
 Friends quietly retired. 
 
 Matters now ran high against the Englisli Friends, who were en- 
 gaged in religious service on this side of the Atlantic ; in one quar- 
 terly meeting, the enmity against them was such, that proposals 
 were made by the Hieksite party, that such minutes as were on the 
 books of that meeting, acknowledging our certificates l)eing pre- 
 sented to their meeting, should be cancelled ; or a minute made 
 expressive of the meeting's dissatisfaction with our movements 
 amongst them. I found it very needful, not only to aim at pati- 
 ently bearing all, and enduring all things, but also to be especially 
 careful, that no root of bitterness was suffered to spring up in my 
 mind, against the authors of such evil and unlounded reports as 
 they were circulating respecting me. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, Friends again met, free from interruption 
 from the Hieksite party; the time of silence previous to their 
 entering upon the business was a solemn season, the business 
 that came before the meeting being conducted in much harmony ; 
 and Friends separated under a thankful sense, that Divine aid 
 had been mercifully extended towards us at this time. 
 
 VOL. II. "*'
 
 274 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Seventh-day, we proceeded towards Great Egg Harbour, and on 
 First-day attended meeting there. 1'his is a very small meeting 
 of Friends, yet the house was nearly full by the coming in of 
 those not of our Society, who conducted themselves in a solid 
 manner. 
 
 Second-day, 17th of 12th mo., had a meeting at Galloway, ap- 
 pointed for members and attendcrs of meetings : when the meet- 
 ing was gathered, it was evident the invitation had been ex- 
 tended beyond my request, which plunged me into fresh exercise, 
 that I might be preserved keeping my proper place in this 
 mixed assembly ; when the meeting closed, 1 was led to hope, 
 the labour of this day's work would not all prove like the seed 
 that fell by the way-side; — not doubting but that the hearts of 
 some of our company were prepared by the good Husbandman, 
 to receive with gladness what had been given by Him for commu- 
 nication. In the afternoon we made a visit to a Friend upwards of 
 ninety years of age, whose faculties appeared bright, but who ex- 
 hibited as striking a picture of suffering humanity, as most 1 have 
 ever met with ; a cancer had entirely destroyed one of his eyes, and 
 was proceeding rapidly towards the other, and he was reduced in 
 body to little more than skin covering his bones : but amidst all 
 his sufferings, not a murmur, not a complaint was uttered ; such 
 was the quiet, peaceful state of his mind, it was instructive to sit 
 with him ; a striking confirmation of the language of the Psalmist: 
 " Thou wilt make all his bed in sickness." Psalm xli. 3. 
 
 Third.day, we proceeded to the township of Washington, near 
 the Mullicus river, and took up our abode with David Mapps and 
 his kind wife, both coloured people, and members of our religious 
 Society : we attended aii indulged meeting in a new m.eeting- 
 Jiouse, about three miles from our quarters, at a place called 
 Bridge Port. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, we left the comfortable residence of our 
 kind friend David Mapps, who accompanied me to Little Egg 
 Harbour. 
 
 Fifth-day, we attended meeting at Tucker's Town ; there are 
 but few members of our religious Society belonging to this meet- 
 ing, yet the house was much crowded by the coming in of those 
 not in profession with us, many of whom we understood were at 
 the meeting at Bridge Port yesterday, and had come the distance 
 of nine miles to attend this meeting: the people sat the meeting 
 through in much quiet : after meeting, accompanied by our kind 
 friend David Mapps, we rode to Barnagat, where there is a small 
 settlement of Friends. As the way did not clearly open in my 
 mind to have a meeting with the Friends of Barnagat, i felt it 
 necessary to say so much to our kind companion. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, before our departure, I was given to under- 
 stand, our not having a meeting with Friends here was a disap-
 
 JOUHNAL OF THOMAS hUlLUTOh:. •>7'; 
 
 pointmcnt to them ; but it nppcarcd ri^rht for us to proceed on 
 our journey; we accordingly did, accompanied by J>. .MappH 
 -hose services this day we found to he of great use to us, our 
 road being through much of a wilderness country, and so very 
 intricate, it was with great difllculty we made out our port before 
 It was dark. ' 
 
 Seventh-day, we left our kind friend Jolin Morcton's, and pro- 
 ceeded to Squancombe, where a meeting was appointed to be 
 held at the eleventh hour this morning : I was led to hope a 
 degree of religious sensibility had been alrcsh awakened in sonic 
 ininds that were present ; the meeting separated much in tlie (luiet ; 
 afterwards we rode to Shrewsbury. 
 
 First-day morning, attended meeting at Shrewsbury, which I 
 was informed was more largely attended than has been "the case of 
 later times; many who were not in membership, who had been in the 
 constant practice of attending this meeting, had withdrawn their 
 attendance in consequence of the unsound doctrines which at 
 times the Hicksite preachers held forth, wlicn attending this 
 meeting ; the time of silence, I could not doubt, was, to'^many 
 that were present, a time in which the silence of all flcsli was truly 
 known ; the meeting separated with feelings of that holy solemnity, 
 that is the crown of our religious gatherings. We passed 
 by Monmouth and Croswicks to Bordentown, where we met 
 with part of a committee of the quarterly meeting, to visit this 
 meeting; it being the day their preparative meeting was to 
 be held, several of the disaffected party from other meetings 
 were present, evidently by appointment, to assist the members of 
 this meeting (who had all but one young man joined tiie new 
 Yearly Meeting) in opposing the proceedings of the quarterly 
 meeting's committee; before the meeting for worship had sat 
 nearly its usual time, the members of the meeting (e.xcej)t this 
 young man), and the Hicksites from other meetings, rose up 
 in a body, left the meeting, and went up into the chamber where 
 tlie men transact their business, stamping with their feet as they 
 proceeded ; this young man, the committee, and myself, following 
 them, but before we could reach our seats, the clerk was reading 
 his opening minute. I could not avoid remarking on their dis- 
 orderly proceedings in breaking up the meeting forworshif) as 
 they had done, but a determination was manifested not to re<,'aril 
 any thing that could be offered. One of the quarterly meetings 
 committee, on behalf of the whole, queried with the clerk, whether 
 he was acting as clerk to the preparative meeting of Horden- 
 town, established by the monthly meeting of Croswicks, and in 
 subordination to the quarterly meeting of lUirlington ; but these 
 remarks, although again repeated, were treated with evident 
 contempt, replying they knew of no quarterly meeting's commit- 
 tee. After hurrying through the business of their meeting, they 
 
 i :?
 
 270 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOK. 
 
 arose in as disorderly a manner, as was the case in the meeting for 
 worsliip, went away, and left the committee, the solitary young 
 man, and myself, on out seats. We understood the women's 
 meeting was not in a much better state; after meeting, we rode 
 to our kind Friend Samuel Lundy's, at Croswicks. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended meeting at Croswicks ; it being prepara- 
 tive meeting here also, the clerk of the said meetint^, took his 
 seat at the table : but as the clerk, with many more of the mem- 
 bers of this meeting, had been assisting in setting up separate 
 meetings, the committee of the (juarterly meeting put the same 
 questions to the clerk of this preparative meeting as were put to 
 the clerk at Bordentown. Some of the Hicksite party replied, 
 they had nothing to do with any quarterly or monthly meeting's 
 committee, ordering the clerk to go on with his business. Friends 
 consulted together, and being satisfied it was the business of their 
 new preparative meeting they were transacting, concluded to ad- 
 journ to a Friend's house near, and choose a fresh clerk and trans- 
 act the business in its regular way, leaving their old clerk in pos- 
 session of the books and papers of the meeting ; the women 
 being informed of the proceedings of the men's meeting, ad- 
 journed also ; the day being stormy, and the cold as severe as 
 had been known this season, made it very trying to botli men and 
 women to have to turn out of their warm meeting-house, and seek 
 a place to do the business of the meeting in. By procuring some 
 planks, with the help of the chairs in the family, who so kindly 
 accommodated us, vve soon became settled down again, and 
 Friends were favoured to get through their business with satisfac- 
 tion. Six of the cases of those who had been the most active in 
 endeavouring to bring about their disorderly proceedings, were 
 ordered to be carried forward to the monthly meeting, and the 
 meeting concluded, if a more suitable place could not be found, 
 to meet again at the same place to hold the next preparative 
 meetinij. After this meeting we rode to Evesham. 
 
 The following interesting narrative was given me by a Friend, re- 
 specting Edward Andrews, the father of Peter Andrews, mentioned 
 in John Woolman's journal, who was the first member of our Society 
 that settled in Little Egg Harbour, and the instrument in settling 
 a meeting there. Before E. Andrews became convinced of the 
 principles of Friends, he kept a boat, and played the violin on 
 board his boat, to collect people for the purpose of dancing and 
 frolicking. One day when on shore in his walks, a human bone lay 
 in his path, which he took up, the viewing of which produced such 
 serious impressions on his mind, that he never was able to get from 
 under them again ; he buried the bone : these serious impressions 
 so increased upon him, and led him to take such a clear view 
 of the danger of pursuing his mode of conduct and manner 
 of obtaining a livelihood, that he burnt his viohn, forsook his
 
 JOURNAL OK IMOMAS SHlLLlluK. ^T/ 
 
 old course of life, and became convinced of the princiiiles of 
 Friends. He did not hastily make a change in his outward garb, 
 and before any material alteration took phice in this respect, his 
 mouth was opened in the ministry. Apprehending himself called 
 upon to have a meeting appointed at Croswicks for those of other 
 religious societies, he informed Friends hereof, but his friends 
 could not then allow of his having such a meeting : on his way 
 home, after his friends had thus put his concern by, he stopped 
 at a brook to water his iiorse, and whilst his beast was drinking, 
 the following considerations passed his mind : If tliis stream (at 
 which his horse was then drinking) was a living stream, was it pos- 
 sible that man could wholly stop its progress ? when it was i)re- 
 sented to his mind that it might be dammed up for a while, but 
 even was this to be the case, in time it would find its way over 
 the dam, or make its progress through some other channel. These 
 considerations, under his then trying situation, proved instructive 
 to his mind, and he was led to conclude, that if his concern, 
 which he had cast before his friends, proceeded from the living 
 fountain and spring of Divine Life and Light, and if he was care- 
 ful to keep in the faith and patience, in due time way would open 
 for him in the minds of his friends to have a meeting at Cros- 
 wicks ; which accordingly proved to be the case, and it was sup- 
 posed it was at this meeting, which E. Andrews afterwards had at 
 Croswicks, that Robert Farrington alluded to when he said, that 
 E. A. was the first instrument, in the Divine hand, of proclaiming 
 in the ear of his soul the awakening call, which, by his attending 
 to, brought him into a nearer acquaintance with the tiuths pro- 
 fessed by Friends. These circumstances are well worthy the notice 
 of such, who may be placed in a similarly trying situation. 
 
 Seventh-day, we rode to Pleasantview, to the house of lienja- 
 min Cooper. 
 
 First-day morning, attended Newtown meeting, which I under- 
 stood was larger than usual ; this it was supposed was occasioned 
 by two of the Hicksite preachers being at this meeting on that 
 day, steps having been previously taken to publish the same. 
 Although the prospect of sitting a meeting with these two inihvi- 
 duals felt trying to my mind, yet by endeavouring to do what my 
 hands found to do in the meeting, 1 left well satisfied 1 had been 
 there : in the evening we rode to Joseph \Vhittle's% at U oodbury. 
 
 Second-day, we attended monthly meeting at \\'oo(ll)ury ; after 
 the meeting for worship was over, and previous to the busi- 
 ness of the meeting for discipline being proceeded in, it being 
 known to Friends there were persons present who had been 
 disowned, and others of this meeting who were under dealing, ni 
 consequence of their having united themselves to the Hicksilc 
 party, a request was made to such to withdraw : but this they ui a 
 very determined manner refused to do, treating tlie committee ot
 
 2^8 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 the quarterly meeting and some of the members of the monthly 
 meeting, in a very abusive manner. After much exercise of pa- 
 tience, and they continuing to persist in refusing to withdraw, 
 Friends were brought to the necessity of adjourning their business 
 to a future day, and of leaving the disaffected party in the meet- 
 ing-house, going on with the business of their new monthly meet- 
 ing. After meeting v/e rode to Scull Town, and were kindly re- 
 ceived by our aged friend Sarah Scull. 
 
 Third-day m.orning, 1st of ]st mo., 1828, we rode to Piles- 
 grove to attend the monthly meeting there ; the meeting for wor- 
 ship was large. I found it hard work to obtain relief to my mind 
 amidst so many evil spies as this meeting was composed of; there 
 being a close eye kept by the disaffected party upon English 
 Friends who are travelling in the work of the ministry, if possible 
 to detect any thing about them in word or deed to make a han- 
 dle of to their disadvantage. In the meeting for worship, a 
 young man towards the middle of the house stood up whilst I 
 was on my feet, and opposed what I had advanced in the meeting; 
 silence to me appeared the safest reply I was to make to him. 
 The meeting for worship being over, the clerk of the monthly 
 meeting, who had joined the disaffected party, taking possession 
 of the table to go on with their business, the same individuals 
 being present who were at Woodbury, and some of Pilesgrove 
 meeting, who were under dealing by their monthly meeting, 
 Friends of the monthly meeting requested they would withdraw ; 
 but the same determined spirit was manifested by them, as was 
 manifested yesterday; and after much exercise of patience on the 
 part of Friends, and having to endure many insults, Friends sat 
 quietly until the disaffected part of the meeting had finished their 
 business ; when they left the house, Friends nominated a clerk 
 to go on with the business of the monthly meeting, but their 
 numbers, both men and women, were now so much reduced, it 
 became a subject of consideration whether it would not be most 
 advisable for the present that men and women should meet toge- 
 ther : the men accordingly adjourned to the women's meeting- 
 house. The young man who had publicly opposed me in the 
 meeting for worship, came into the women's house and sat down 
 amongst us, but with a seeming air of contempt, as if in his own 
 mind he was disposed to say, " What can these feeble Jews do ?" 
 Our thus sitting together was a truly humbling, heart-tendering 
 season to most, if not all, of our little company ; before the meeting 
 closed, this young man's countenance was evidently changed ; 
 when the meeting closed I followed him out of the house, telling 
 him, I wanted to give him my hand of love, at which he imme- 
 diately advanced towards me and gave me his hand. I then in- 
 formed him in this last meeting we had sat together, the seci'et 
 prayer of my soul to the Lord on his account had been, that He
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOt:. iJJl) 
 
 would be pleased to lay His liaiid upon him, tliat \h- niiglit he 
 constrained to remain with the little ((.mpany hi- had luM hat 
 with m a monthly meeting capacity : this he appt-ared to receive 
 with marks of respect, assuring me it would aflnrd him great 
 pleasure if I would give him my company at his own house; hut 
 as I did not feel it would he safe for me to give any sueh expec- 
 tation, I told him I was obliged to him, and we parted. After 
 meeting, we rode to Salem. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, attended meeting here ; the mcitiiig tur 
 worship being over, the clerk took his seat at the table and 
 opened the monthly meeting, the company we met with at Piles- 
 grove, and other meetings of disowned persons and under deal- 
 ing, being present, were requested to leave the nu-etiiig-house ; to 
 which request a violent resistance was manifested, some of these 
 declaring their determination to maintain their right of a seat in 
 that house to the last, making use of as insulting and provoking 
 language, as words could well furnish, in which I was not ex- 
 cused from a share ; for they manifested as bitter and ranting 
 a spirit as the Keithites in early times, and a determination to 
 worry Friends out of their property in their meeting-houses, 
 declaring their intention, if possible, to secure possession. After 
 Friends had borne with them near three hours, hearinu their 
 scurri ous language, they adjourned the monthly meeting to Sixth- 
 day. After the adjournment we rode to Greenwieli ; the waters 
 in places were very much out, which made it dangerous for us 
 to pursue our journey, but we reached our friend \\'illiam Shep- 
 herd's in safety ; this 1 esteemed amongst the many favours a 
 kind Providence has showered down upon me during my travels 
 in this land. 
 
 The next day we attended Greenwich meeting; this monthly 
 meeting consists of two preparative meetings, llpj)er (ireenwich 
 and Alloway's Creek : when the meeting for worship eloscd, Friends 
 entered upon the business of the monthly meeting. It was known 
 to the Friends of the monthly meeting, that in .Mloway's Cn-ek 
 there was a large proportion of its members that favoured the se- 
 paratists, but it was not at this time supposed that they wen in 
 such a state as to be determined on a separation ; it afterwards 
 appeared, however, that a couple from Alloway's Crei-k meeting 
 had passed the monthly meeting in order for marriage, and some 
 of the members of Alloway's Creek were appointed to in(|uirc into 
 the clearness of the parties, and report to this meeting. One of 
 the members of that meeting being present, he was ealled upon 
 to report, to which he replied a report would I)e made at another 
 place, handing a paper to the clerk, saying, the preparative meet- 
 ing of Alloway's Creek had ordered him to be the bearer of it ; 
 the purport of which was a request to the monthly meeting to 
 agree, that the preparative meeting of Alloway's Creek should be-
 
 280 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHII.LITOE. 
 
 come a monthly meeting separate from Greenwich monthly meet- 
 ing;. It afterwards appeared, that such of tiie members of Allo- 
 ■way's Creek meeting as favoured the separatist party, had already 
 taken this step, and were sitting as the monthly meeting of Allo- 
 way's Creek, and transacting business as sucii, at the very time 
 this paper was presented to the monthly meeting, and which 
 newly set-up meeting received the report relative to the couple 
 that had passed the previous monthly meeting. After the paper 
 had been read, as the meeting could not unite witii the proposal 
 of Alloway's Creek meeting, a committee was appointed to visit 
 that preparative meeting, on which the bearer of this paper left 
 the meeting, uttering aloud a sort of petition, in which he made 
 use of tiic Lord's name in a disposition of mind that brought a 
 sort of chill over my whole frame Although this was an exer- 
 cising meeting, yet I felt well satisfied in having to enter a little 
 into the sufferings, which this small part of the body had this day, 
 and may have more fully, to pass through. I had been looking 
 towards the monthly meeting of JNIaurice river, but on my being 
 informed that, except two families, the whole monthly meeting of 
 Maurice river had joined the separatists, it appeared best to re- 
 linquish my prospect of attending that monthly meeting. After 
 meeting we rode to Salem, but did not reach our kind friend 
 WilUam Miller's until late. 
 
 Sixth-day, attended the adjournment of Salem monthly meet- 
 ing ; in the evening, accompanied by our kind friend Joseph 
 Whittall, wc rode to Joseph Ogden's, and took up our abode for 
 the night. 
 
 First-dav, attended the meeting which was large, at Evesham 
 Friends not having yet separated from the Hicksites in a meeting for 
 worship capacity ; but there is no other prospect but that Friends 
 must quit the meeting-house themselves. It felt trying to sit 
 down in a meeting capacity with those, who are not only un- 
 sound in the fundamental doctrines of Christianity altogether, but 
 in spirit bitter enemies to our religious Society ; yet when I at 
 times compare my situation u ith that of my friends on this side 
 of the Atlantic, myself only a sojourner for a short time, they 
 residents here, to endure, it may be, a long continuance of these 
 trials, and tho varied scenes of suffering that may grow out of 
 these schisms, which have been made in our religious Society, I 
 thought my present trials would hardly bear to be brought 
 into comparison with theirs ; but I sec no other way for me but 
 to labour to stand resigned to the Great Mastery's will, either to 
 keep silence or to be found in the faithful exercise of my gift, in 
 doin"- which I do not know 1 ever was more fully made sensible of 
 the truth of the language of one of the apostles, " When I am 
 weak, then am I strong. ' In the afternoon we rode to our kind 
 friend John Cox's near Burlington.
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITuK. J}{1 
 
 Second-day, (7th of Istmo.) attended monthly meetin.r at liuHinir- 
 ton ; when the meetnig for worship closed, the clerks took their beat 
 at the table, and as it was not known to the meeting that there were 
 any present, who had not a claim to a seat in that meetin<', the 
 clerks proceeded with the business of the monthly mcetin'r "wliid, 
 was quietly gone through ; but before the meeting separakd, (,nc 
 of the members of the meeting stood up, and requested that tliosc 
 who were favourable to the newly organized Yearly Meeting, 
 held in Philadelphia in the Tenth month last, would stoj) in the 
 meeting-house when the meeting closed, in order to organize a 
 monthly meeting in connexion with that Yearly Meeting.^ When 
 the monthly meeting closed, Friends quietly withdrew, leaving 
 such of their members as favoured this new Yearly Meeting in 
 possession of the meeting-house. 
 
 Third-day morning, we rode to Crosswicks to attend the 
 monthly meeting to be held there this day; the meeting for 
 worship being over, the clerks took their seats at the table 
 and [opened the monthly meeting, when a Friend arose and 
 requested, as there were so many strangers present, if there 
 were any who had not a right to sit in that meeting in con- 
 sequence of having been disowned by the Society, or bein"- 
 under dealing by their monthly meeting, they would leave the 
 house ; but as no individual arose to leave the meeting, and 
 Friends had waited awhile, the meeting went on with its bu- 
 siness for about half an hour, when a member of the meeting- 
 stood up, saying, he was a member of a monthly and (juartcrly 
 meeting that was not known to the Yearly INIceting of l'"rieiuLs 
 of Philadelphia ; on which the meeting found itself under the 
 necessity of requesting him to withdraw, but this he refused to 
 do. The meeting continuing to press the matter, he persisted 
 in his determination to keep his scat, in doing which he was 
 encouraged by the strangers, and by some of the members of 
 the monthly meeting. Aware that no entreaty would be of any 
 avail, it was concluded to adjourn to a Friend s house about two 
 miles from the meeting-house, where some provision had been 
 made for holding the monthly meeting, should Friends be obliged 
 to leave the house, this I found was not an unexpected circum- 
 stance to some of the members of the meeting. The weather 
 being very stormy, the rain freezing as it fell to the ground, made it 
 trying to walk, and dangerous to ride, the horses being hardly ai)le 
 to keep upon their feet. The men occupied a large kitchen, 
 and the women an adjoining room, and soon settled down into 
 quiet again ; it was supposed about three-fourths of this monthly 
 meeting remained behind in the meeting-house. The cases of 
 some of their members who had been active in assisting to 
 establish the new Yearly Meeting, in the lOtli mo. la^t at I'hila-
 
 * 282 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 delphia, were brought from the preparative meetings to this 
 monthly meeting, and appointments made to visit such ; and after 
 the business of the nieeting had been conducted in much 
 harmony and firmness, that the disciphne might be put in force 
 against offenders without partiaHty, the meeting concluded to 
 meet again at this same place next month. We took up our 
 abode for the night at our kind friend Amos Hendrickson's. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended monthly meeting at Upper Springfield ; 
 here we also had the same company of intruders as obliged Friends 
 yesterday to quit their meeting-house : the meeting for worship 
 being over, the clerks took their seats at the table, and opened the 
 monthly meeting ; those who had not a claim to sit in the monthly 
 meeting were requested to leave the meeting-house, but they 
 manifested a determination to remain, in which determination 
 they were encouraged by some of the members of the meeting. 
 Friends finding their entreaties were in vain, concluded to 
 adjourn to the school-house, on the meeting-house lot, informing 
 the women's meeting thereof; on which one of the separatists' 
 party went into the women's house, ordering the women to keep 
 their seats, saying the business of the men's meeting was about 
 to be proceeded in. As the school-house furnished only one apart- 
 ment, the men and women held a consultation there about a place 
 to meet in to do the business of the monthly meeting ; the extre- 
 mity Friends of this meeting found themselves placed in, had a 
 humbling effect on many minds, especially so on the female side 
 of the house, some of whom were contrited unto tears, doubtless 
 in part from the painful circumstances some were placed in, 
 having left near connections remaining with the sorrowfully de- 
 luded multitude. After Friends had quitted the warm meeting- 
 house, and stood as long quietly together as they were well able 
 to do in this comfortless place, the weather being very severe 
 and no fire, it was concluded to hold the monthly meeting next 
 Sixth-day at Mansfield : we went home with our kind friend 
 William Newbold. 
 
 Fifth-day, we proceeded to Mount Holly ; in this monthly 
 meeting a separation had already taken place, and Friends were 
 driven out of their meeting-house, and were obliged to meet in 
 a school-house, to hold their meetings for worship, the men's 
 monthly meeting being held in the academy : about fifty males 
 and females remain with Friends. John Woolman, who was a 
 member of this monthly meeting, a Friend informed me, had a 
 sight of this dwindling that has now taken place, as the conse- 
 quence of the conduct of the then members of the meeting, in 
 the case of a man of colour of good character, who had long 
 attended Friends'" meetings, and who applied to the monthly 
 meeting of Mount Holly to be received into membership with
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. •JJJ.'J 
 
 Friends. When his case was before the mectin^r, it ai)pcarcd 
 from the report of those appointed to visit him, he was fullv cun- 
 vmced of the principles wliich our religious :<ociety hold, and his 
 waliang among men was in full unison tiierewiih, yet his hein" a 
 man of colour was urged against his being received. 'Wlun a miimte 
 was made objecting, on these grounds, to his request being granted, 
 John Woolman stood up, saying, it appeared to be his duty to de- 
 clare, that because of this partiality now manifested by this monthly 
 meeting, in the case last concluded upon, a .sense was given hiiu 
 thatthis monthly meeting would dwindle and become reduced again. 
 The clerks and registers of this monthly meeting were gone oil" 
 with the separatists, who have kept possession of all the books 
 and papers of the monthly meeting. The newly-chosen clerks, 
 with the assistance of the quarterly meeting's committee, managed 
 to get through the business with more dispatch tiian might have 
 been expected : several cases of delinquency, in consequence of 
 the separation that had taken place, were brought forward by the 
 preparative meeting of Mount Holly ; the state of the prepara- 
 tive meetings of Vincent-town and the Mount came under con- 
 sideration ; in one of these meetings it appeared, that all the 
 members of it except one, had joined the separatists, and in the 
 other only three remained with Friends. After mature delibera- 
 tion, the meeting concluded, it would be most to the reputation 
 of the Society to dissolve these two preparative meetings, and 
 join them to Mount Holly : the meetings for worship at Vincent- 
 town and the Mount came next under consideration, and it aj)- 
 pearing to the meeting best that these two meetings should be 
 discontinued, minutes were made accordingly ; and as the monthly 
 meeting had not the controul of these meeting-houses of ^'inccnt- 
 town and the Mount, those Friends in the neighbourhood were 
 advised, as opportunity was afforded, to make it publicly known, 
 that the monthly meeting had directed these meeting-houses 
 should be shut up, in order that the Society should not be made 
 accountable for any doctrines that in future might be advanced 
 in either of them. The little company left to contend with a host 
 of strong, self-willed members, had a warm claim on the sympa- 
 thy of their friends : I thought it was fully manifest they were 
 falling into the ranks of the willing in our Israel, and my soul 
 could salute them as such, and bid them God speed. 
 
 Sixth-day, attended Evesham monthly meeting, a separation 
 having taken place in this monthly meeting, Frienils wire 
 favoured to hold their meeting in quiet; yet not without an 
 increase of suffering of mind from the numerous cases of de- 
 linquency that were necessarily brought to the monthly meeting, 
 and the prospect of the hostile treatment they had to expect in 
 performing the duty which the meeting committed to their 
 
 charge.
 
 284 
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 The next day I attended monthly meeting at Upper Evesham. 
 The meeting for worship being over, the elerks took their seals 
 at the table, and opened the monthly meeting. This monthly 
 meeting had not separated, and it appearing to the meeting 
 there were none of those present who had so disturbed the other 
 monthly meetings, the meeting went quietly on with its busi- 
 ness. When it was finished, one of the members of the monthly 
 meeting laid a paper on the table, and requested that it should 
 be read ; on which it was proposed their usual practice should be 
 resorted to, of nominating some Friends to go out of the house, 
 read the paper, and inform the meeting if it was proper to read it 
 in the meeting. Four Friends were accordingly nominated, who 
 returned with the paper, giving it as their judgment, that it was 
 not proper to be read in the monthly meeting. After a pause, 
 one of their members replied, as the paper was not allowed to be 
 read, he requested those who were in favour of the newly-or- 
 ganised Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia would keep their seats 
 at the close of the meeting, in order to choose a clerk and to 
 establish a monthly meeting of their own. Friends quietly with- 
 drew, leaving, it was afterwards ascertained, a few men and boys 
 behind in the meeting-house. After meeting, we rode to our kind 
 friend Joseph Evans's, at Cropwell. 
 
 First-day, (13th of 1st mo.) attended Haddonfield meeting : the 
 meeting was large, and settled down in quiet ; it proved a time 
 in which the promise of the Great INIaster might with reverent 
 gratitude be said to be fulfilled. 
 
 Second-day morning, attended monthly meeting there ; the 
 meeting was large, a considerable number, both men and women 
 of the separatists, said to be part of a committee of their new 
 yearly and quarterly meeting, attended ; the clerk took his seat 
 at the table, and opened the monthly meeting. After this was 
 done, the meeting was informed that there were present divers in- 
 dividuals, who, according to the discipline of the Society, were 
 not entitled to sit in that monthly meeting whilst the business of 
 it was proceeded in, some of them having been disowned by other 
 meetings, and others were under dealing by this monthly meet- 
 ing. Friends, in as tender and persuasive a manner as possible, 
 requested them to withdraw ; but they refused, although entreated 
 to do so by divers of the members of the monthly meeting and 
 quarterly meeting's committee, declaring their determination to 
 keep their seats; they were headed by an individual who once stood 
 well with his friends as a minister, but who has united himself to 
 the body of separatists,— a man of goodly appearance and manners, 
 and thereby calculated to do more towards the furtherance of this 
 schism, than those who are attempting to effect their purposes by 
 outrage ; respecting him it might truly be said, his words were 
 smoother than butter, yet it was evident war was in his heart, and
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 283 
 
 softer than oil, yet were they like drawn swords. After the meetinjr 
 had spent more than two hours in trying to prevail on theni to leave 
 the meeting, amidst great abuse, and after that exercise of faith 
 and patience so necessary to be experienced under such trying cir- 
 cumstances, if preserved from minuling with that wicked spirit in 
 which they were evidently acting. Friends proposed an adjourn- 
 ment of the meetmg. The women's meeting sent a deputation 
 into the men's meeting, for advice how to proceed under the trying 
 circumstances their meeting was placed in, by a number of womcS 
 who had intruded themselves into their meeting, who had no claim 
 to a seat there, some of them having- been disowned, and others of 
 them being under dealing by the monthly meeting, and who would 
 not leave the house ; they were informed of the men's meeting 
 being in the same situation, and when the men's meeting had con- 
 cluded on what steps it was best to take to extricate them from 
 their present difficulties, the women's meeting would be informed 
 thereof. As no way appeared for the relief of the meeting, but 
 an adjournment, it was concluded to adjourn to next Second-day, 
 and a Friend ordered to inform the women's meeting thereof; 
 on which the intruders ordered one of their party to go into the 
 women's meeting and request the women to keep their seats, as 
 the business of the monthly meeting was about to be proceeded 
 with. Before the adjournment was read, a young man, apparently 
 not much more than twenty years of age, stood up, calling upon 
 the overseers to take notice of all who left the meeting when the 
 adjournment was read : before which, one of the separatists in- 
 formed Friends, if they would assure them they should have one 
 of the meeting-houses belonging to the monthly meeting to hold 
 their meetings in, they would quietly leave the house, and that 
 they were willing Friends should have the liberty of choosing which 
 they were desirous of retaining for themselves : but they were in- 
 formed no such compromise could be made : the door-keepers 
 being sound with Friends, they, knew they had no means of keep- 
 ing Friends out of their meeting-houses, as is the case when, by 
 their varied artifices, they can bring the door-keepers over to 
 their party. 
 
 Third-day morning, we rode to Moors- town, to attend Chester 
 monthly meeting, to be held there that day : a separation having 
 already taken place in this monthly meeting, our prospect of a 
 quiet meeting was cheering to the mind : the meeting ior worship 
 was a solemn time, and the concerns of the monthly meeting were 
 conducted with becoming deliberation and solemnity ; the clerk 
 of the monthly meeting, and those appointed as registrars having 
 joined the separatists, were in possession of the books and j);jpers 
 of the monthly meetings, they persisted in refusing to give them 
 up to Friends, which is generally the case. After meeting, my
 
 28G JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 friend Job Haines returned home, whose kind services I desire 
 ever to keep in remembrance. I rode attain to Pleasant View, 
 the comfortable abode of my kind friend Benjamin Cooper. 
 
 The next day, proceeded to Philadelphia, where I was cared for 
 by my esteemed friend Thomas Stewardson, and his wife and 
 family. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended Arch-street (Mulberry-street) meeting and 
 preparative meeting, comforted in being able to sit down with 
 Friends again in quiet, after so much warfare.
 
 2»7 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVI. 
 
 Sixth-day, (18th of 1st mo. 1828,) attended the meeting for suf- 
 ferings : various trying circumstances, in consequence of tlie out- 
 rages, which the separatists were watcliing their opportunities to 
 annoy Friends by committing, came before the meeting, and which 
 were deliberated upon and spoken to, I could not doubt, in a 
 truly Christian spirit. 
 
 First-day morning, attended Twelfth-street meeting, wliicli was 
 large ; in the afternoon the North-street meeting— a full attend- 
 ance for an afternoon meeting, and a quiet, favoured time. 
 
 Second-day, crossed the Delaware, and was met on the other 
 side by my kind friend Benjamin Cooper, whom 1 accompanied to 
 Haddonfield, to attend the adjournment of the monthly meeting: 
 we were favoured with a quiet, comfortable meeting together; 
 such a one, the Friends of that meeting acknowledged they had 
 not for a very long time witnessed. After meeting, I returned 
 again to Philadelphia. 
 
 The next day, attended North-street monthly meeting. Not- 
 withstanding door-keepers were appointed to keep the nieetings for 
 discipline select, a person under dealing escaped their vigilance, 
 and managed to take his seat in the monthly meeting : after the 
 clerk had opened the meeting, a request was made, in as kind a 
 manner as words could well be found to do it, that if there were 
 any present who had not a right to sit in that meetinjj, they 
 would withdraw ; on this request being repeated without edict, 
 the request was made in more plain and pointed terms, which 
 aroused the individual from his seat, who positively asserted his 
 right to sit there, and his determination not to quit the meet- 
 ing: Friends, not willing to resort to force, adjourned the meeting 
 until the afternoon. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended Pine-street monthly meeting. I felt 
 comforted in sitting with Friends of this meeting, there yet being 
 left amongst them many well-concerned members of our Society, 
 who appeared rightly concerned for the proper support of our 
 wholesome discipline. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended Arch-street monthly meeting : various 
 cases of delinquency came before it, on account of .n-parution
 
 288 - JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 from the Society, in principle and practice. I was comforted in 
 sitting in this meeting, as well as others in this city, in observing 
 the quietness and deliberation tliat was manifested in transacting 
 the various matters that came before them. 
 
 Seventh-day, accompanied by my kind friend, Bartholomew 
 Wistar, I rode to German-town, and took up my abode with my 
 friend Ruben Hains. First-day, attended meeting there ; the 
 day being stormy, the women's side of tlie house was thinly 
 attended : if my feelings were correct, there appeared great open- 
 ness to receive what was communicated, and I felt well satisfied I 
 liad given up to attend this meeting. In the evening, I pro- 
 ceeded to my kind friend and new companion, Joel Woolman's, a 
 nephew of John Woolman, whose valuable journal is in print. 
 
 Second-day, my kind companion accompanied me to Abington, 
 to attend a monthly meeting there, composed of the members left 
 in the monthly meetings of Abington and Horsham : these two 
 meetings united in one, formed an agreeable body of Friends to 
 conduct the business of a monthly meeting. Both monthly meet- 
 ings, it appeared, were deprived of their meeting-houses, their 
 books, their funds, their registers, their clerks and overseers, who 
 were gone off with the other disaffected members of these monthly 
 meetings. Friends in this their collective capacity, were remark- 
 ably supported under their varied trials, manifesting nothing but 
 a spirit of love towards those who had been, and were the cause 
 of them. The meeting adjourned to the afternoon, to receive the 
 report of a committee to propose to the meeting suitable Friends for 
 overseers, in order that cases of delinquency might no longer 
 remain unattended to ; in the afternoon, it was comfortable to 
 observe how much like brethren of one monthly meeting. Friends 
 met ; evidently manifesting an tmited desire harmoniously to 
 draw together in the support of the discipline : the meeting closed 
 under a grateful sense of the favours bestowed by the Divine 
 Master this day. Fourth-day, attended Gwynned select prepara- 
 tive meeting. 
 
 Fifth-day, ^31 St of 1st mo. 1828.) This being- the day of Gwynned 
 monthly meeting, we rode to the house of Thomas Chalkley Jamel, 
 who had kindly offered Friends two rooms to hold the monthly 
 meeting in ; report was made that the separatists had in their 
 possession the funds for the support of the poor and schools : cases 
 of delinquency were brought forward, and committees were ap- 
 pointed to visit the defjiulters ; some of those who were advanced 
 in life, and had taken an active part in the discipline, having 
 joined the separatists, the concerns of Society rested very much 
 on the shoulders of the middle-aged and young men, whose coun- 
 tenances appeared to manifest a sense of the weight and importance 
 of the concerns, they were now called upon to take an active part 
 in, and gave hopes of a succession of faithful standard-bearers
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHII.LITOE. 289 
 
 for the Lord's cause : a young couple passed this mcctinrr unat- 
 tended by parents on either side, they having gone ofi' with the 
 separatists, but had been so far prevailed upon as to send their 
 consent in writmg to the monthly meeting: their case excited 
 the sympathy of their friends. 
 
 Sixth-day, attended the select meeting for Abington and Ilors- 
 hani, reduced to three men ; the queries were answered, and a 
 good degree of care manifested to send forward to the quar- 
 terly select meeting a correct statement of their situation. 
 
 The next day, rode to Philadelphia, and attended the select 
 quarterly meeting there : here I met with my kind countrywoman 
 Elizabeth Robson, which was cheering to my mind ; the time 
 proved comforting and strengthening to me. 
 
 First-day morning, (3rd of 2nd mo.) attended Pine-street meet- 
 ing ; a considerable number of young people of both sexes were 
 present, some of whose countenances manifested, I thought, that 
 they were under the preparing hand for usefulness in the church. 
 In the afternoon, attended Mulberry-street meeting; a still, (juiit, 
 favoured time. The quarterly meeting for discipline commenced 
 the next day ; the body of Friends from the different meetings, 
 placed as door-keepers to prevent intruders entering the meeting- 
 house, made rather a formidable appearance. The tryin'j; situation 
 into which this quarterly meeting was brought, in various ways, 
 through those who have gone off from the Society, obtained much 
 solid deliberation, accompanied, I could not doubt, with earnest 
 desires on the part of such as were taking an active part in the 
 concerns of Society, tliat Divine wisdom should regulate all their 
 movements. I felt well satisfied in having to share with Friends 
 this day in the sufferings which they have to endure from such 
 painful circumstances. There seemed ground to believe tliat 
 Divine regard is still extended towards this part of His heritage ; 
 for which favour may the members of this quarterly meeting be 
 found walking worthy of the continuance thereof 
 
 Fourth-day, rode to German-town, and attended the select 
 quarterly meeting for Abington : this meeting was small ; the 
 business that came before it appeared to be conducted in much 
 harmony. 
 
 Fifth-day, the quarterly meeting for discipline commenced, and 
 after sitting six hours, we separated under feelings of gratitude, 
 that Divine help had been in mercy extended, whilst transacting 
 its concerns. After meeting, I rode to the abode -of my kind com- 
 panion Joel Woolman. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Frankfort : the separatists keep- 
 ing possession of Friends', meeting-house, the meeting is held in a 
 private house. Friends arc greatly incommoded thereby, the 
 rooms being so crowded, that the air became very oppressive be- 
 fore the meetins: closed. 
 
 VOL. II.
 
 290 JOURNAL OF THOMAS t^HILLITOE. 
 
 Fourth day, rode to Calne ; attended the select quarterly meet- 
 ing. From the answers to the queries, it evidently a|)peared 
 there was a want of a lively zeal in this part of the family ; yet 
 there appeared to me cause for rejoicing;, in tliat there is still left 
 in this meeting an honest few, who are desirous they may be 
 found giving proof of their fidelity to the I^ord and his cause. 
 
 Fifth-day, the quarterly meeting commenced ; the previous 
 meeting for worship was held in quiet. When the clerk 
 had opened the meeting, a pause ensued, after which an el- 
 derly Friend stood up, and requested, if there were any pre- 
 sent who had not a right to sit in that meeting, they would 
 withdraw ; but this request not being complied with, a Friend 
 stood up, saying there were such in the meeting, and therefore 
 Friends could not go on with the business until they withdrew : 
 much entreaty was used to induce them to do so, on which the 
 disaffected party declared their right to sit, although the meeting 
 was informed they had been disowned by their monthly meeting. 
 As they persisted in refusing to leave the meeting, and made 
 use of very abusive and bitter language, a proposal was made 
 by Friends to adjourn the meeting ; but this the disaffected 
 party in the meeting opposed witli great violence. After we 
 had sat nearly three hours, subject to these interruptions, 
 the meeting concluded to adjourn to Friends' meeting-house in 
 Downing-town, till the next morning. When this conclusion was 
 come to, one of the violent separatists from Philadelphia, who 
 had come to aid those of his party in this meeting, came forward 
 on their behalf, in a very dictatorial manner, and urged the dis- 
 affected part of the meeting not to suffer an adjournment to take 
 place. When he found he could not effect his purposes, as far 
 as language was capable to effect it, he endeavoured to per- 
 suade the disaffected party not to suffer the clerk to take the 
 books and papers away with him, making use of as strong lan- 
 guage as he well could, to rouse them to prevent him ; and I 
 expected, when the clerk left the meeting, he would have had 
 an attack made upon him ; but he took such care to secure the 
 books and papers, as would have rendered it very difficult for 
 them to have effected their purpose. Two elderly Friends went 
 into the women's meeting to inform them of the conclusion 
 which the meeting had come to, on which the disaffected party 
 nominated two young men to go into the women's meeting to 
 contradict this message, who followed the two elderly Friends into 
 the women"'s apartment ; one of these young men was a son of 
 one of these elderly Friends ; such are the sorrowful effects of this 
 spirit of unsoundness of principle, that it neither regards age nor 
 sex, nor is it subject to parental restraint or affection. The next 
 morning, attended the adjournment : the meeting for worship was 
 short, but I believe it was a time of favour which many will long
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SlIILLITOF. 0{j] 
 
 remember. When the meeting for discipline was opened, Friends- 
 minds appeared to be much contrited, under a sense of the try- 
 ing situation they were in ; a desire after that oneness of 8i)irit, in 
 the conducting of the discipHne which constitutes religious har- 
 mony, 1 thought was evidently manifested : a great field „f labour 
 must necessarily open for the faithful members of this quarterlv 
 meeting, who are much to be sympathized with. After the meet- 
 ing had held nearly seven hours, and been closely engaged, it 
 concluded under feelings of gratitude to that Aln.i..hty Power 
 who had given strength to conduct the business of the meeting, 
 lor any thing that appeared, to the satisfaction and comfort of all 
 present. 
 
 Seventh-day, we rode to Concord, and were kindly received by 
 our friend Nathaniel Sharpless. Attended the quarterly meeting 
 of Concord, in which a separation has taken place, in consequence 
 of which a great load of business has fallen upon those who re- 
 main faithful ; but few of the elderly active members are left, so 
 that the meeting now very much consists of middle-aged and young 
 persons ; yet 1 did not doubt, but that, if the 1-riends of tin's 
 meeting moved along in faith and faithfuhiess, and put the dis- 
 cipline m force against the host of offenders, without fear, favour, 
 or affection, notwithstanding their accumulated difficulties, they 
 would, in due time, be helped to rise above them. 
 
 First-day, attended Kennet-square meeting ; a large meeting, 
 chiefly composed of young people ; the young men have scarcely 
 a mark left aboijt them, whereby they would be known to be of 
 our religious Society ; it was considered to be a solid, satisfactory 
 meeting ; after which we rode to our kind friend John Phillips's, 
 and took up our abode for the night. 
 
 Second-day morning, the 18th of 2nd mo., we rode to New 
 Garden, to attend the western quarterly meeting, to be held there, 
 in consequence of the separatists having possession of Friends' 
 meeting-house at London Grove, where the quarterly meeting is 
 usually held : here I met with my kind countrywoman, Elizabeth 
 Robson. This day we attended the select quarterly meeting, 
 which is greatly stripped of its members in consequence of the 
 schism that has taken place ; the few that remain appeared as if 
 they were nearly sinking under their discouragements ; and instead 
 of looking to that Power for help, who remains all-sufliciont to 
 quicken, prepare, and qualify for every work and service in his 
 church, they seem to be querying, Who amongst us is sufficient for 
 these things ? We could not see much prospect of their hands 
 becoming strong for the work they have to do, whilst they mani- 
 fested such a reluctance to leave their meeting-houses, continuing 
 to meet with the seceders in a meeting for worship capacity : the 
 necessity of their finding a place to meet in separately was laid 
 before them, in order to their becoming helped properly to take 
 
 u :s
 
 292 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 lip the many prominent cases of delinquency amongst them. 
 Although we had to sufl'cr in this meeting, there was cause for 
 thankfulness in believing the solitary few were yet under the care 
 of the great and good Shepherd; who would help them, if on 
 their parts they were but willing, with full purpose of heart, to move 
 alono; in the discharoe of their relij^ious duties, under his Divine 
 counsel, and co-operate with the help aflbrded, knowing no man 
 after the Hesh in judgment. 
 
 Third-day morning, the quarterly meeting for discipline com- 
 menced with a meeting for worship ; the weather was cold and 
 wet, which made it trying to Friends not to have their horses 
 properly cared for, deprived as they were of their usual accom- 
 modation, at the meeting-house fitted up for holding the quarterly 
 meeting, by those who have gone off from the Society. At our 
 first sitting down in the meeting for worship, a very precious 
 silence was felt over the meeting ; in reading the answers to the 
 queries, great weakness was manifested, from an evident want of 
 willin<i:;ness in the minds of those, who should stand forward in 
 conducting the concerns of the different meetings, to accept of that 
 TIand of help that was still stretched forth, which would be found 
 all-sufTicicnt to enable them to rise above those discouragements 
 under the weight of which they were now mourning : encourage- 
 ment was held out to the willing, by various instruments, to use 
 the little strength afforded, as the way for them to receive more 
 strength. Before the meeting closed, divers testimonies were 
 borne, encouraging the members of this meeting to consider this 
 as a day of renewed visitation, and be willing to accept of it as 
 such. 
 
 We next proceeded to East-land, and to Little Britain, to at- 
 tend Nottingham quarterly meeting. Whilst on my feet in this 
 meeting, I was made sensible from my feelings, that what I was 
 offering was not well received by some ; one aged man, who sat 
 directly under me, whilst 1 was speaking frequently turned round, 
 I supposed to see if 1 had not taken my seat; which, when I had 
 so done, he immediately arose, saying, he never had heard such 
 an unbecoming sermon preached before ; charging me with having 
 come there to try to breed discord among them, who were a meet- 
 ing in full unity and harmony one with another, adding, they did 
 not want any foreigners to dictate to them how they were to con- 
 duct themselves ; they were capable of conducting their business 
 without any foreign aid, and more to that effect. I found it was 
 safest for me to keep quiet, and if any thing was required of me 
 during the transacting the business of the meeting, to be faithful 
 in communicating it. The answers to the queries were read ; it 
 appeared safest for me to suffer the deficiencies acknowledged 
 therein to pass unnoticed ; but when the meeting was about se- 
 pai-ating, I was brought under the necessity of standing up and
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 001 
 
 saying, from the answers to the queries which had hcen read it 
 must appear to every impartial and unprejudiced mind nresc-nt, 
 .that the individual who sat under me had not been correct in the 
 statement which he had given, of the situation of the members of 
 this select meeting relative to love and unity ;— that we were in a 
 dangerous condition when we supposed things were better with us 
 than they really were, and I added, that the answers to the (mcries 
 from three out of four of the select preparative meetings, declared in 
 plain terms that there was a want of love and unity in tl.eir meet- 
 ings; if such were the case in their smaller meetings, liow could it be 
 expected, in this their collective capacity, that things would be with 
 them as was stated by the individual under iiie, that they were a 
 meeting mfull unity and harmony one with another? Some attempts 
 were made by one of their company, who afterwards manifested 
 himself amongst the foremost in the separation that took place in 
 the Yearly Meeting, to palliate what the individual under me had 
 said, but here I felt most easy to leave the matter. When the 
 meeting separated, this individual, who attempted to smooth over 
 ■what the elderly man who sat under me had said, followed me to 
 my waggon, and in a fawning way said to me, " Good father, 
 do not meddle with these divisions amongst Friends;" — but I f^avc 
 him no other reply, than saying, what 1 had communicated amongst 
 them was, I believed, in the line of apprehended duty, and that 1 
 had not a desire to recall any thing I had offered in the meetinf', 
 and there I left him. 
 
 Sixth-day, attended the quarterly meeting for discipline : such 
 was my depressed state of mind, that I despaired of being equal to 
 stand up and declare to the meeting the opening I believed given 
 me ; but breathing for help, strength was afforded me to stand 
 up, although the meeting had become unsettled in consequence of 
 a request by the disaffected party to close the partition shutters ; 
 from the quiet observed, I was led to hope what I had to offer was 
 not wholly rejected. When the meetinjj,- for discipline opened, a 
 minute was read, said to be from London-grove monthly meeting 
 of Friends, but it was well known to the active members of this 
 quarterly meeting that it came from a newly set-up meeting, in 
 connexion with the Yearly Meeting of the separatists in Philadel- 
 phia ; it gave liberty to a female travelling as a minister to visit 
 families in part of this quarterly meeting : the separatists having 
 the controul of this quarterly meeting, dismay had obtained such 
 hold of the minds of the sound members of it, that they suffered 
 a minute to be made, expressive of the meeting's unity with her 
 services and her proceeding with her visit, without opposing the 
 measure. Believing in this case, and at that time, that opposi- 
 tion would be unavailing, silence appeared to be my proper jjlacc 
 through the meeting ; but when the meeting was about separat- 
 ing, I felt it required of me to say, a great loss had been sus-
 
 294 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 tained by many of our members liglitly esteeming their privilege in 
 having the Scriptures in their possession, and neglecting to have 
 them read in a collective as well as individual capacity in their 
 families ; that this, 1 believed, had been one of the causes whereby 
 the disorders now prevailing had crept into our religious Society. 
 I expected no other but opposition to what I had offered, but all 
 passed quietly over. After meeting I found some of the sound 
 members of this quarterly meeting, were placed in a very trying 
 situation, relative to the liberty granted to the individual to visit 
 families, and they asked for my advice how to proceed. 1 told them, 
 although the quarterly meeting had sanctioned her proceeding, I 
 did not see how they could receive a visit under a minute received 
 from a Hicksite monthly meeting. 
 
 First-day, we rode this morning to Old Chester : this meeting 
 is principally composed of young people, and some not in member- 
 ship with us ; we were rather behind the time (by the clocks here) 
 at which the meeting sliould be gathered ; this caused me some 
 little uneasiness, and which I found I could not well get from 
 under, until I had made such an apology for this apparent dis- 
 order, as I believe I was justified in doing, from the bad state in 
 which we found the roads ; it proved a quiet, satisfactory meet- 
 ing, I believe, to most ; after which we rode to Philadelphia, 
 where I was again well cared for, after as fatiguing an afiernoon"'s 
 travel as most I have passed through, by my very kind friends 
 Thomas Stewardson, wife, and family. 
 
 Second-day, (25th of 2d mo. 1828,) went on board the steam- 
 boat for Burlington ; attended the select quarterly meeting there, 
 where I met my kind countrywoman Elizabeth Robson : far se- 
 parated as we were from our own homes, and near and dear con- 
 nexions, it was no little consolation to meet in this way, although 
 it was but for a day or two at a time. Here 1 received intelli- 
 gence that a separation had now taken place in all the quarterly 
 meetings within the compass of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, 
 at which I could not but rejoice, as it respected the welfare and 
 comfort of the sound members of these quarterly meetings. 
 Friends in their select capacity, were favoured to sit down quietly 
 together, the wing of Divine regard being, in adorable mercy, 
 spread, as a canopy, over us, to the humbling of many of our 
 minds for this renewed favour. 
 
 Third-day, the quarterly meeting for discipline was held, and 
 was attended by part of the Yearly Meeting's committee ; various 
 matters of importance occasioned by the separation that had taken 
 place, came under the consideration of the meeting, and were 
 considered in much harmony : after the meeting had sat nearly 
 seven hours, Friends separated under feelings of gratitude to the 
 Author of all good for the help vouchsafed this day, in proceeding 
 with and arranging the difficult matters that came before the
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SMILMTOK. 295 
 
 meeting. This afternoon wc crossed tlie Delaware, and rode to 
 our kind fnend Moses Comfort's, in the neighhourhood of Penns- 
 bury, formerly the residence of W. Penn; but nothing is now re- 
 mammg of his residence, the brew-house excepted, wliich is, by 
 additions, made into a farm-house. 
 
 Fourth-day, rode to Falls, and attended the select quarterly meet- 
 ing of Bucks ; the few members left in this quarterly meeting, 
 appeared to be closely united in the bonds of gospel-fellowship : 
 one individual excepted, who, from remarks he made on matters 
 that came before the meeting, appeared in eminent danger of 
 swerving with those ah'cady gone off from this meeting : the bu- 
 siness of the meeting was conducted with a becoming solemnity ; 
 and Friends were comforted together under a grateful sense of the 
 mercy extended towards them, in being delivered from the spirits 
 of those, who long had brought upon them burdens at times almost 
 insupportable. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, attended the meeting for discipline, which 
 proved a time of close exercise and travail, from the many trying 
 circumstances that had arisen in consequence of the separation 
 in its monthly and preparative meetings ; Friends had been de- 
 prived of their meeting-houses, and, in some instances, of their 
 books, papers, and registers ; the funds belonging to some of 
 those meetings and the schools, being nearly all under the con- 
 troul of those who had seceded from the Society. It was con- 
 soling to find Friends were not disposed to sink under these 
 varied trials, but manifested a disposition to make use of tlic 
 little strength that was left amongst them, to get through their 
 difficulties: after the meeting had sat seven hours closely occujjied, 
 Friends separated under a thankful sense of the favours received 
 this day from the Great Head of the church ; some acknowledg- 
 ing it felt to them like the return of old times. 
 
 On Seventh-day we rode to Buckingham, and next morning 
 we sat with Friends there; the meeting was held in a com- 
 modious kitchen, the separatists being in possession of Friends' 
 meeting-house : fresh cause was felt by many of us to acknow- 
 ledge of a truth, that the mercies of the Lord fail not, in that he 
 condescended afresh to own us with his life-giving presence in this 
 
 our meeting 
 
 Second-day morning, (3rd of 3rd mo.) I received a visit from an 
 individual whose appearance was very orthodox, professing to have 
 long had a desire to have some of my company, and that nothing but 
 love on his part had been his inducement to make me this visit ; he 
 pressed me much to come to his house and take up my abode for 
 the next night. As I ever wish to put the most favourable cc)nstruc- 
 tion on the° conduct of others which circumstances .viU allow and 
 not rashly to judge their motives to action, 1 made the usual re- 
 ply I have found it best for me to make, where persons arc stran-
 
 296 JOURNAL Of THOMAS SHILLITOP:. 
 
 gers to me, — I was obliged to him ; this, I think, I may, with 
 safety say, when an invitation is given to the house of another, 
 until I am fully satisfied their motives for so doing are not pure ; 
 but he continued to press my acceptance of his invitation. I 
 then informed him, my lodging-places whilst attending the monthly 
 meeting had been laid out by my friends at the quarterly meeting, 
 a step 1 wished them to undertake for me, I therefore must decline 
 his invitation, and he went away : after he had left me, I was in- 
 formed he was one of the most bitter and foremost amongst the se- 
 paratists of Buckingham meeting. Buckingham meeting-house 
 being in possession of the separatists. Friends have been obliged 
 to hold their monthly meeting at Plumpstead, a distance of eight 
 miles : the door-keeper, of that house, although gone off with 
 the separatists, assured Friends, so long as he continued in his 
 office, he would open the meeting-house for them to hold their 
 monthly meeting in ; but the separatists being dissatisfied with 
 this man's conduct in this respect, displaced him, and appointed 
 another door keeper, in hopes he would not give Friends this pri- 
 vilege ; but this man, although one of the separatists' party, when 
 he obtained possession of the keys of the meeting-house, followed 
 the example of the man they had displaced, and opened the 
 house for Friends. The separatists finding this to be the case, 
 and having hired him for a given time, could not displace him; 
 they then appointed a committee to try to bring about a com- 
 promise with Friends of Buckingham and Plumstead, and a 
 party of this committee called upon some of the active members 
 of this monthly meeting; in order to ascertain how far their com- 
 mittee, who had this in charge, would be likely to be received 
 by the monthly meeting ; but not finding encouragement from 
 the Friends they called upon, they took such measures with their 
 new door-keeper as to have the meeting-house doors at Plump- 
 stead closed against Friends. On the morning of the monthly 
 meeting, accompanied by our kind friend Daniel Gillingham, we 
 proceeded to Plumpstead ; when about a mile from Plumpstead 
 meeting-house, a Friend stopped us, informing us the meeting- 
 house was altogether shut against Friends ; this having come to 
 the knowledge of the Friends in time, a member of that meeting, 
 kindly offered to accommodate Friends at his house, whither 
 we proceeded, and found the best done that could be, by planks 
 and chairs for the purpose of holding the monthly meeting. The 
 meeting for worship was crowded, after which, when the men and 
 women separated, each party was comfortably accommodated, and 
 the business of the monthly meeting was entered upon in a quiet 
 solid manner : the disappointment and trials of this day I was 
 led to hope would have a tendency to bring Friends yet nearer 
 together, and unite them more closely in the bonds of true reli- 
 gious fellowship.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHII-LITOE. I>y7 
 
 Nineteen testimonies of denial against woimn, and upwards 
 of thirty-six against men, who had been numhcrs of thi« incnihly 
 meeting, were issued this day, and the parties ordered to I.e pro- 
 perly informed thereof; various other matters wliiih had gn.wn 
 out of that lamentable seliism which had taken phice, octnipii-d 
 the meeting until nearly five o'clock in the afternoon ; after 
 which, we rode to our friend Robert Comfort's, wlierc we took up 
 our abode for the nijrht. 
 
 Third-day, we attended WrightVtown monthly meeting, held 
 in a private house ; various testimonies were signed and others 
 ordered, against such as were gone off from the Society. 
 
 The next day, we attended Solebury monthly meeting, which 
 was held in a waggon-house ; there being a good loft over it, 
 Friends had fitted it up for the men's meetinp, in as convenient 
 a manner as the nature of the building would allow of: the busi- 
 ness chiefly consisted in reading, signing, and concluding upon 
 fresh testimonies against their members wiio had gone off from 
 the Society, which did not appear to be lightly entered into by 
 the Friends of this meeting. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, (6th of 3d mo.) rode to Falls to attend the 
 monthly meeting there held ; the door-keeper continued to open 
 the meeting-house for Friends on quarterly and monthly meeting- 
 days, although united with the separatists ; Falls and Newtown now 
 compose one monthly meeting. Six testimonies of denial, nineteen 
 other cases for the issue of testimonies, and fifty-eight new 
 cases of delinquency on account of uniting with sej)aratists, were 
 brought from the women's meeting to the men's monthly meet- 
 ing ; a long string of disownments was read over, which had been 
 issued at their last monthly meeting, and many more testimonies 
 were signed for men, besides numerous fresh cases brought forward. 
 Notwithstanding the difficult task which the active members of 
 this meeting had to perform, in bringing forward to the monthly 
 meeting the names of their near relatives, and such as at one 
 time were their most intimate and bosom friends, together with 
 the reports given to the meeting of the insulting behaviour and 
 abusive language experienced, without regard to age or sex, it 
 was to me truly admirable to observe with what Christian firmness 
 Friends accepted of the appointments of the meeting, and the 
 proof they gave of having faithfully fulfilled those they hail 
 previously accepted : and I think 1 am safe in saying, from obser- 
 vations 1 have made in the different monthly meetings 1 have 
 attended, that the cases of delinquency were determined upon in a 
 truly Christian spirit; and manifested that Friends were more 
 desirous of restoring the delinquents than of (lepri\ing them of 
 membership. After the meeting had been closely engaged for 
 jiearly six hours, Friends separated under feelings of gratitude
 
 298 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 to the great Head of the militant church for the help mercifully 
 vouchsafed to tliis meeting. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, accompanied by my friends James and 
 Jane Moon, attended Middle-town monthly meeting, which was 
 held at the house of Josiah Comfort, who kindly gave us the best 
 accommodation in his power ; but we were obliged to pack so 
 closely together, that it made it trying, yet Friends appeared 
 much preserved in patience. Various testimonies of denial were 
 signed on behalf of both the men's and women's meetings, 
 numerous testimonies were ordered to be brought to the next 
 monthly meeting, and a long string of fresh cases were brought 
 before the meeting : the meeting-houses, except one, also the 
 books, papers, records, and schools were in the possession of 
 the separatists. As Friends had not the controul of the schools, 
 they were brought into a great strait to know how to dispose 
 of their children in order for education. The few Friends left in 
 this meeting were strengthened to get through the varied trying 
 tasks they had to perform in support of the discipline, with 
 much unanimity and firmness ; and the meeting separated under 
 a feeling of precious love and harmony which prevailed in 
 the transacting the various matters that came before the meeting; 
 we returned to our kind friend Benjamin Comfort''s, where we 
 took up our abode for the night. 
 
 First-day morning, the separatists having possession of Friends' 
 meetinff-house at Derbv. the meetinor is now held about one mile 
 and a half from the town, a wheelwright's shop being hired and 
 fitted up for the purpose. Friends at first, when the separation 
 took place, were discouraged, apprehending their number would be 
 so small ; but this has not proved to be the case, for before the 
 separation took place, some not in membership, but who had 
 been in the constant attendance of Friends' meeting, and in con- 
 sequence of the unsound doctrines they at times heard therein, 
 had left the meeting-house of Derby, again gave Friends their 
 company at this meeting-place. It was supposed near one hun- 
 dred Friends and others were packed together this morning: 
 a degree of solemnity was felt, which is not at our command, being 
 mercifully vouchsafed from the great Author of all our blessings, 
 I believe, many felt it to be cause of humble gratitude. 
 
 Second-day morning, we rode to Wilmington. The monthly 
 meeting not falling in due course before Fifth-day, an opportunity 
 was aftbrded me of a little rest, both of body and mind, which I 
 began to feel I stood in need of; my general health had con- 
 tinued good, yet the bad roads tried me so much, that I was led 
 to fear I should have been under the necessity of lying by, if not 
 of ceasing to travel altogether. 
 
 Fifth-day, (13th of 3d mo.) attended monthly meeting. Friends
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SIIILLITOE. 'H)0 
 
 were mucli united in transacting tlie business that came before the 
 meetmg: as yet no cases of deUnqueney had been taken up. 
 Feeling drawings in my mind to have an opportunity with the 
 men and women together, it was proposed that the inin bhould 
 go into the women's house, when the business of the women's 
 meeting was ended, which they did; this afforded me an op- 
 portunity of casting before Friends my views of the loss they 
 were sustaining, in consequence of their contimiing to hold their 
 meeting for worship with those who had gone from the Society 
 in principle, as it had a tendency to produce weakness, and a 
 disqualification to come forward in the proper exercise of the 
 discipline, which this monthly meeting was called upon to do. 1 
 felt thankful strength had been afforded me to relieve my mind 
 on this subject, it having for some time dwelt with me, and the 
 more so as I understood other Friends' minds had been relieved 
 thereby. I had for a considerable time felt a concern to visit a 
 member of this meeting, who has united with the sej)aratists, 
 and was the printer and in part reputed editor of a work whitli 
 set forth principles the most destructive to vital religion, and 
 which held up our religious Society in as contemptible a point of 
 view as words well could pourtray. I could not see it would be 
 best for me to go to him alone, nor look towards any one to ac- 
 company me but my kind companion Joel Woolman ; but the sub- 
 ject had not so far ripened on my mind as to allow of my opening 
 my prospects to him, and his own monthly meeting needing his jielp 
 he had taken the first place in the coach to leave me to-morrow 
 morning, whereby I felt myself placed in a very trying situation, 
 hemmed in indeed on either side. As I did not feel it would do 
 for me to request a Friend of the meeting to accompany me in 
 the visit, should it be likely to take place, the prospect of losing 
 my kind companion J. W. was an exercise of faith and patience, 
 although at times a glimmering prospect would pass before my 
 niind, if my concern was a right one, and I endeavoured to keep 
 quietly under it, way would open for its accomplishment. 1 
 retired to bed with my mind exercised with this subject, unal)Ic 
 to see any way how it was to be brought about, and yet comforted 
 under a hope, if it was a right concern, way would be made for 
 it which I could have no idea of. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, J. Woolman went to the coach he was to 
 go by, and finding every seat was occupied, he returned to my 
 quarters again : the feelings which this unexpected circumstance 
 produced, I cannot better describe (being at the time weighed down 
 with the subject of the visit still in prospect,) than by saying, 
 my heart felt as if it leaped within me for joy ; although as it 
 respected myself, suffering was likely to be the result of his disap- 
 pointment. I then saw there was no time to be lost, but I must 
 inform J. W. how it was with mc, and proposed if he fell easy .s(»
 
 300 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 to do, our walking together to the house of the individual, rather 
 than send a messenger to inquire if" he were at home ; this we 
 accordingly did, and soon obtained an interview. After exchang- 
 ing a few remarks on the state of the weather, a pause ensued ; 
 this afforded me a further opportunity to crave the aid of that 
 wisdom, which alone is profitable to direct in all things; a portion of 
 which I thought I never felt more the need of, to preserve me from 
 hastily endeavouring to unburthen my mind towards him, on the 
 subject of his separating himself from the Society : this I en- 
 deavoured to do in as few words and as tender language as I knew 
 how. He heard me with apparent patience, until 1 had finished 
 what was on my mind on this subject ; he then replied, I had 
 twice uttered hard things against those who had separated from 
 the old Yearly Meeting, and joined themselves to the newly set- 
 up one, yet he believed my visit to him was from apprehensions 
 of duty, and that I was sincere in what I had expressed to him, 
 and he accepted it as such, and always had entertained and still 
 did entertain a regard for me. I found it would not do for me 
 to quit, until I had cast before him my views respecting his being 
 the printer, and in part the reputed editor, of the newspaper 
 before alluded to ; from which charges he did not attempt to 
 clear himself, nor did it appear to be any part of my business to 
 interrogate him on these subjects, feeling the need of being care- 
 ful I did not overact my part, which might have produced con- 
 troversy to my own hurt. 1 told him, from the little knowledge I 
 had of the work, it was my belief, nothing that ever had been 
 printed and circulated, had tended more to promote deistical 
 principles amongst mankind, and strike at the root of vital 
 Christianity, independent of the attempts it held out to vilify the 
 Society of Friends, and render them odious in the eyes of the 
 world ; — that it was my firm belief, that unless those who were 
 active in editing, printing, and promoting the circulation of this 
 ■work, did soon desist therefrom, they would (if permitted to re- 
 tain their natural faculties till the winding up of time,) have a 
 bitter portion administered to their minds at that awful period. 
 As far as the power of expression was given me, I entreated 
 him from this time forward to cleanse his hands from it, and 
 endeavour to get into quiet, and seek for Divine help to re- 
 trace the steps he had taken in that path, which had caused him 
 to separate from our religious Society. A pause took place, 
 during which a degree of solemnity was to be felt near us ; after 
 awhile he made his observations on the former part of what I had 
 to communicate, relative to his separating from Friends in a very- 
 cool and deliberate manner. I did not feel that it was required 
 of me to recall any thing I had then offei'ed, nor to make any 
 additions ; except as he had been silent on the subject of the 
 newspaper, I felt it required of me again to cast before the view
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 301 
 
 of his mind what I had before declared, which I believed would 
 be the sorrowful closing result of the neglect of a timely dehimintr 
 from promotmg in any way the circulation of the newspaper 
 alluded to ; I exhorted him in the most affectionate manner to 
 consult his pillow on what 1 had ofiercd to him, and no h)nger 
 dare to touch, taste, or handle this unclean thing : and hen- we 
 closed the subject, and parted, 1 believe, under feelings of kind- 
 ness towards each other,— he expressing (and I could not doubt 
 but sincerely) his satisfaction with the visit. He aj)pearing to be 
 a man of naturally amiable manners ; I could not but mourn 
 oyer him for some time after we separated, and I humbly hope I 
 did not lose sight of the merciful dealings of the Almighty with 
 me in this time of conflict, in that he was pleased in such an 
 unexpected manner to open the way for the visit, and give me 
 strength fully to relieve my mind on this trying occasion. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, my kind companion J. W. left me ; in 
 the afternoon, accompanied by my friend John Saturn, we rode 
 to Hockesson ; and attended meeting there the next morning. 
 A separation as to meetings for discipline had taken place in this 
 monthly meeti\ig, but not in their meetings for worship : the 
 meeting was large, a great proportion of young people being at 
 it ; it proved a still, quiet meeting, more so, I was informed, 
 than had of late been the case, and Friends appeared to sepa- 
 rate under some feelings of solemnity. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the meeting at London-grove, which is 
 held in a stone house. 1 felt well satisfied we had given uji 
 to sit with this solitary, reduced company, not doubting but our 
 visit had been seasonably made ; as ftir as my capacity was equal 
 to it, I was made willinir to go down into suffering with the 
 suffering seed that was left in this meeting ; under the consider- 
 ation of the bitter plungings and hidden baptisms they must 
 have to endure, in the right exercise of the discipline over their 
 delinquent brethren, who are so numerous, and their own num- 
 ber so small, to put the discipline in force. This aftcriioon 
 we rode to Centre, attended meeting there : this meeting, as 
 a meeting for worship, has not separated. It is very trying 
 to stand up in these mixed meetings, when we have reason to 
 believe the bulk of those whom we are about to address arc 
 opposed to sound Christian principles ; yet 1 durst not tlo oilier- 
 wise than stand up and declare, — great was the mystery of ini- 
 quity, and great also the mystery of godliness, and not to be 
 fathomed by man in this natural unregenerate state, by the 
 strength of his reasoning powers and great natural ae(juircments ; 
 — urging also the necessity of our being so reduced, as to know 
 a bec°ommg babes in Christ, and a receiving from hmi the sincere 
 milk of th'e word, that so we might come to experience a grow- 
 ing thereby from grace to grace, and one degree of strength
 
 302 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 
 
 to another ; until we become strong men for the Lord, and for 
 the promotion of liis glorious cause. However these observa- 
 tions might be received as idle tales by some that were pre- 
 sent, I felt thankful I had not taken these matters away with 
 me ; after meeting, I received a very pressing invitation from 
 an individual, hut I found my safety depended on my refusing, 
 which 1 accordingly did, and afterwards understood this invitation 
 was from one of the foremost amongst the disaffected members in 
 this monthly meeting. 
 
 First-day, (23d of 3d mo.) attended meeting at Kennet-square; 
 Friends meet with the separatists. This to me proved a very 
 suffering meeting, the rude behaviour of some of the young 
 people was such, that I felt called upon publicly to notice it ; 
 some of them at first appeared disposed to stout it out, but a 
 sense of shame became at last manifest. After meeting we rode 
 to Kennet, and took up our abode for the night at our kind 
 friend Edward Semple's. 
 
 Fourth-day, we attended Marlborough meeting ; here we also 
 met with a mixed company ; the meeting was long in gathering, 
 but it separated under that precious quiet, which as a canopy had 
 in mercy spread over us. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended meeting at Fallowfield ; this meeting was 
 held in a school-house. Friends being shut out of their meeting- 
 house by the separatists : our meeting consisted of about twenty 
 individuals ; it was held in an orderly, becoming manner, and 
 I humbly hope it might be said, it was a time of edification to 
 some of us, if not generally so. 
 
 First-day morning, I had for some time apprehended when I 
 reached this place. West Chester, I should be called upon to make 
 a visit to an individual in the neighbourhood, who once was engaged 
 in religious service in my native land ; fearing any longer to put it 
 off, we made a call upon him on our way to meeting ; although he 
 had united himself to the new Yearly Meeting of separatists in 
 Philadelphia, we were kindly received. After some few observa- 
 tions were made relative to matters in my native land, a quiet en- 
 sued ; when I was helped to break silence, and communicate that 
 which to me appeared to be the counsel of my Divine Master. I 
 was heard quietly through, but from replies made, it was evident he 
 felt disposed to justify his conduct, and to consider himself whole; 
 but it was lamentably manifest, that that eye, which once had 
 been anointed clearly to see those things which appertain to the 
 kingdom of Christ, was again become blinded. A separation in 
 the meeting for worship at West Chester had not taken place ; it 
 was a quiet, solid meeting, except that an attempt was made by the 
 individual above alluded to. to impress the minds of such as were 
 willing to receive it, that all order and discipline in Society should 
 be levelled to man's inclination ; feeling myself called upon to
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 303 
 
 enter my protest against such doctrine, I endeavoured to do it 
 faithfully, which I afterwards understood had been to the relief of 
 many Friends^ minds. We rode to West Town school, and attended 
 the aftenoon meeting: here we met part of a committee appointed 
 by the Yearly Meetnig to attend to this institution's concerns ; in 
 the evening we met in the boys' school-room, the children being 
 collected for reading- previous to their retiring to bed ; and I was 
 led to hope that what was offered amongst them, would be remem- 
 bered by, at least, most of the elder boys: thus, a trying day 
 in prospect, was, through adorable help, brought to a" peaceful 
 close. 
 
 Second-day morning, accompanied ])y our kind friend Peter 
 Price, we rode to Middletown, and attended Chester monthly meet- 
 ing : numerous testimonies of denial were signed, and testimonies 
 ordered for the next monthly meeting ; many fresh cases were 
 brought into the men's meeting, and numerous cases reported 
 from the women's meeting, all the result of unsoundness of reli- 
 gious principles. Although I felt considerable fatigue of l)ody, 
 yet I was thankful in being made willing to share with Friends in 
 their sufferings in these meetings. 
 
 1st of 4th mo. 1828. Third-day morning, my kind companion 
 John Satum, jun. having calls home, we parted in near affection, 
 uniting in expression that our short time of travelling together 
 had been to mutual satisfaction ; Joshua Sharpless, a member of 
 Birmingham meeting, kindly engaged to take charge of me for a 
 short time. The separation that had taken place in the Society, 
 renders travelling to such as come from Great Britain more diffi- 
 cult than formerly, and the difficulty is increased of taking such 
 from home for any length of time, on account of Society's concerns 
 in their own meeting, the number of suitable Friends for com- 
 panions is therefore much reduced. We rode to where Friends of 
 Derby hold their meetings to attend monthly meeting; the principal 
 business that came before it was issuing testimonies of denial, order- 
 ing others for next meeting, and receiving fresh cases of delin- 
 quency, and also cases of the like kind from tlie women's meeting. 
 The school-mistress of the monthly meeting school continuing with 
 Friends, had been ordered by those who had separated from 
 Friends, to bring the children to the separatists' meeting for wor- 
 ship, which she refusing to do, they had warned her out of the 
 school ; this circumstance occasioned the meeting some exer- 
 cise how to proceed, there however appeared no other way but for 
 Friends to let the matter take its course. In the afternoon wc 
 rode to Willett's Town. 
 
 Fourth-day, my kind companion Joshua Sliarpless, accompanied 
 me to Goshen, to attend monthly meeting there; the business of 
 this meeting principally consisted in issuing testimonies, ordering 
 testimonies, and receiving fresh eases of the like kind from the
 
 304 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 women's meeting ; it was consoling to observe, notwithstanding 
 the very few active members left in this monthly meeting, the 
 lively zeal they manifested for the rightly-conducting of the dis- 
 cipline, whilst, as was reported, they were defied by those they 
 visited to have power to put the discipline in force against them. 
 
 Sixth-day, attended the monthly meeting of Concord ; the chief 
 business of this meeting consisted in issuing testimonies of denial, 
 ordering others, and receiving fresh cases of delinquency. The affairs 
 of the meeting appeared to be proceeded with in a good degree of 
 concern, that they should be conducted under right authority. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Chichester ; the prospect of 
 attending this meeting had been trying to me, for I do not know 
 when I have felt more of the spirit of opposition than in this 
 meeting. Whilst I was on my feet engaged in religious service, 
 a man who sat in the gallery near me (one of the separatists) 
 stood up and opposed what I was delivering. I felt it safest not 
 to take notice of him, and he sat down ; the meeting kept quiet, 
 and continued so to the close of it : after which we rode to Wil- 
 minijjton. 
 
 The next day we attended monthly meeting at Hockesson, 
 where I met with my dear aged friend William Jackson. Our 
 little company was favoured to experience the fulfilment of the 
 promise to the two or three rightly gathered ; these sifting times 
 have been the means of bringing Friends nearer together in the 
 bond of true religious fellowship. Friends of this monthly meet- 
 ing had not as yet felt strong enough to deal with their delinquent 
 members. 1 was truly glad that my lot had been cast amongst this 
 little handful, hoping that their hands would yet become strong 
 for the work whereunto, as faithful members of this monthly meet- 
 ing, they are called ; in order that the reproach brought upon the 
 cause of Truth, by those who are acting so in opposition to it8 
 principles, may be thus far wiped away. 
 
 Third-day, (8th of 4th mo.) we proceeded to Keunett to attend 
 the monthly meeting there. Friends not having felt strength 
 to take up the cases of those of their members, who have united 
 themselves to the newly set-up Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia, 
 the business of the meeting was very soon finished. 
 
 Fourth-day, my kind friend Benjamin Sharpless, took the 
 charge of driving me to Bradford, to attend that monthly meet- 
 ing, which continues to be large ; the separation in Calne quarterly 
 meeting, of which this monthly meeting is a branch, having so 
 recently occurred, no cases of delinquency have as yet been 
 brought to the monthly meeting. 
 
 We rode to our kind friend William Jackson's at New- 
 Garden, and attended monthly meeting there ; the meeting 
 for worship was a favoured time, after which the meeting for dis- 
 cipline commenced: the clerk of the monthly meeting being
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. .30.0 
 
 gone off with the disaffected part of the meeting, the present 
 clerk being new at his work, the business proceeded slowly; yet it 
 was cheering to find, stripped as this meeting was, Friends had 
 strength to proceed to put the discipline in force a-ainst their 
 delinquent members. 
 
 Sixth-day, attended monthly meeting at Doe Run ; this meet- 
 ing appears to have been more stripped of its active members 
 than any meeting I have yet attended ; only four eklcriy men re- 
 mained to take an active part in the monthly meeting, which ap- 
 pears so dispirited that no efforts have yet been made to take up 
 the cases of delinquency ; some of the overseers, the clerk of the 
 monthly meeting, and the books, are witii the separatists. 
 
 Seventh-day, (12th of 4th mo.) we attended London-^irove 
 monthly meeting : from accounts given me by two members of 
 this monthly meeting, it appears that the desolation through un- 
 soundness of principle occasioned amongst them is distressing. 
 Friends here, whilst they heard of wars and rumours of wars, 
 appeared to partake of so much peace and harmony witliin their 
 borders, that it was hoped they would have escaped that which 
 came upon them like a thunder-storm, the dreadful consequences 
 of which they were unprepared to meet : so secretly and artfully had 
 the plans been laid which produced the separation, th;it nearly 
 the whole of this once large monthly meeting was swept away like 
 a mighty deluge ; the overseers on both sides of the house went 
 off with the separatists, who also had possession of the books and 
 papers. It was encouraging to find this little remnant so nearly 
 united in love towards each other, and in desires to strengthen 
 each other's hands in a faithful discharge of their religious duty, 
 by standing firm in the support of our wholesome discipline 
 against offenders. When looking at this diminutive company, 
 and the host of opposers they would have to encounter, my very 
 soul craved for them, that the outstretched arm of Omnipoteiice 
 might be made bare for their help, in all their encounters. After 
 meeting we rode to Birmingham. 
 
 First-day morning, attended Whitelands meeting, which was 
 small ; a great number of the usual attenders of this meeting, it 
 was supposed, were gone to Philadelphia to attend the \ early 
 Meeting of those who had seceded from Friends: in the evening 
 we returned to Birmmgham. 
 
 Third-day morning, I left Wilmington by steam-boat for I iu- 
 ladelphia: a number of the seceders were on board the boat, troin 
 whom I kept aloof, aware of the life they have in controversy, 
 which I never yet found ended in much satisfaction. 
 
 VOL. IT.
 
 30(i 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVII. 
 
 Fourth-day, (IGth of 4tli mo., 1828,) attended Twelfth-street 
 meeting for worship, in Philadelpliia, after which was held their 
 monthly meeting: the next day, attended Mulberry-street meet- 
 ing, which was a favoured time. 
 
 Sixth-day, attended the meeting for sufferings ; the several 
 matters that came before the meeting were treated with much 
 deliberation and weight ; the meeting adjourned to the afternoon : 
 on our first sitting down again, a solemn covering came over the 
 meeting, under which Friends were favoured to transact the busi- 
 ness that came before them, and adjourned to the close of the 
 Yearly Meeting. 
 
 First-day morning, attended North-street meeting ; in the after- 
 noon, feeling drawings in my mind towards Pine-street, I sat with 
 Friends there: the meeting soon settled down into that holy quiet 
 which is not at our command, and when in mercy vouchsafed to 
 us, calls for gratitude on our part : I doubt not many minds were 
 comforted in this meeting. Took tea with J. W. Morris; a 
 large company were present ; after tea we had a religious oppor- 
 tunity together, not sought for, I humbly hope I may say, in the 
 will of the creature, but yielded to, under feelings with which 
 we were favoured, amidst social conversation, that the command 
 was proclaimed without the sound of words to effect it, " Keep 
 silence before me;" this opportunity I was led to believe proved 
 a season of renewal of strength to some of our company. 
 
 Second-day, (21st of 4th mo.) attended the first sitting of 
 this Yearly Meeting, the attendance was large ; it was consi- 
 dered by some Friends that the attendance was not much smaller 
 than in ordinary times. The meeting was opened under a very 
 solemn covering, great quietness prevailed; the becoming de- 
 portment of the young men, and the attention they manifested 
 to the various matters that came before the meeting, (I hoped 
 it might be said,) evinced the interest they felt in the concerns 
 of the Society, and produced the cheering prospect of a succes- 
 sion of helpers in the church. 
 
 Second-day, 28th of 4th mo., this day the Yearly Meeting closed 
 its sittings ; the meeting continued throughout to be large in 
 attendance, and Friends parted under a grateful sense of the help
 
 JOURNAL OF TirOMAS SIIILLITOE. .'JO? 
 
 which had in mercy been dispensed, in transacting tl.c various 
 important matters which came before the meeting. 
 
 Fourth-day, crossed the Delaware river to New Jersey, and 
 the next day, attended meeting at Old Springfield; the meeting 
 gathered at the same time that of the sejjaratists did ; this to mc 
 was to be regretted, from a fear that it would tend to keep up that 
 famdiar intercourse between the youth amongst us and them. 
 
 Seventh-day, 3rd of 5th mo., attended the select preparative 
 meeting for Upper Springfield, held at Mansfield ; it was ..mall by 
 deaths, and by desertion from Friends: I thought it was evidenilv 
 to be felt, that the Great Head of the Church was mercifully 
 near to^ this little tried company, waiting to show himself willing 
 to comfort the mourners amongst them, and in his own time to 
 give beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment 
 of praise for the spirit of heaviness. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at East Branch ; the number of 
 Friends is small, but those of other societies came crowding into 
 the meeting-house, whereby we had a large gathering, which 
 settled down very much in quiet, and continued so to the close. 
 1 felt well satisfied that I hacl given up to sit with this company : . 
 may the praise be given where only it is due, is the frequent, 
 fervent prayer of my soul. 
 
 Second-day, rode to Crosswicks to attend the select meeting 
 for Chesterfield, which met in the school-house. Friends ap- 
 I>eared much cast down at the desolation occasioned amongst 
 them, through a departing from the principles of the Society ; the 
 few members left appeared to be banded together by that love which 
 is stronger than death, and which, if abode in, will carry them 
 through all their future exercises. We took up our abode for the 
 night with a Friend, whom we found in a very trying situation, — 
 his mother and others of his nearest relations having gone off with 
 the separatists. 
 
 Attended Chesterfield monthly meeting, held in a private 
 house ; the weather being warm, and Friends being packed 
 close together, occasioned it to be an oppressive sitting: the 
 meeting continued until past five in the afternoon ; the testi- 
 monies of denial issued, the consideration of other cases where 
 visits had been made, and fresh cases brought forward in both 
 meetings, were so numerous as to occasion Friends being detaimd 
 to this late hour. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, we rode to Mansfield, to attend Upper 
 Springfield monthly "meeting : numerous cases of dclincpu ncy 
 came before us, in consequence of the separation ; it was pleasant 
 to observe such a willingness manifested to submit to appoint- 
 ments to visit their disorderly members : after meeting wc rode to 
 our kind friend Joseph EUiss. 
 
 x-2
 
 308 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Fifth-day, we rode to Mount Holly, to attend the monthly 
 meeting there. It was encouraging in sitting with Friends of 
 this meeting to observe, that under all the insults and abuse 
 which the reports showed they met with, in visiting those who 
 had gone off from Friends, there was no relaxation in putting 
 the discipline in force ; the help of the quarterly meeting's com- 
 mittee appeared to be of singular service to this little company, 
 in holding up their hands and counselling them when under diffi- 
 culty. 
 
 Seventh-day, (10th of 5th mo.) rode to Trenton ; the separatists 
 have the controul of the meeting-house here, the doorkeeper being 
 with them ; they have set up an afternoon meeting, which had long 
 been discontinued by direction of the quarterly meeting ; they 
 had also altered the First-day morning meeting from eleven to 
 half-past twelve o'clock. 
 
 First-day, the alteration in the hour of meeting is to take 
 place for the first-time to-day, which has placed Friends in a 
 trying situation ; but as there appeared no other way for Friends 
 to act, but to keep to the hour heretofore agreed to by the 
 quarterly meeting, they accordingly did so; the disaffected persons 
 meeting at an earlier time, it was feared the meeting would be 
 disturbed by the separatists leaving the meeting again before 
 the usual time of its breaking up ; but they sat until it appeared 
 time to break up the meeting, and Friends considered it to have 
 been the most quiet meeting that had been known at Trenton for 
 a long time. As it respected the Friends of this meeting, and 
 the reputation of the Society, I could not regret the separatists 
 had adopted such a measure, observing it had a tendency to 
 rouse Friends to a willingness to seek out for a place to meet se- 
 parately from those who were trampling on the principles of the 
 Society. 
 
 Feeling drawings in my mind to make a visit to the state- 
 prison, this afternoon was concluded upon by the managers as the 
 most suitable time for it ; the weather being warm, the prisoners 
 (upwards of seventy in number) were seated in the yard ; their 
 behaviour was becoming, and from the solidity manifested by 
 many of them, I was led to hope I had not been out of my 
 place in requesting this opportunity ; we were very handsomely 
 treated by the managers at our parting. Although the giving up 
 to this service had cost me very painful feelings ; yet now it was 
 accomplished, I could go on my way rejoicing. 
 
 Second-day morning, 12th of 5th mo., we rode to Shrews- 
 bury, and were kindly cared for by the widow of my friend S. 
 Williams. Although a separation had taken place in the meet- 
 ings for discipline in this quarterly meeting, yet Friends having 
 adjourned to this place to hold the quarterly meeting next Fifth- 
 day, I found I was likely again to be introduced into warfare, the
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLlTOi:, ;j()9 
 
 separatists having conckulcd to hoU their (luartcrly njct-tinL' at 
 the same time and place. 
 
 ^ The next day, attended an adjournment of this monthly mectin'r; 
 It was encouraging to observe tiie few members h-ft in this mcJt- 
 mg were so ahve to the welfare of the Societv, and no di^po^iicn 
 manifested in any of its members to flimh fnnn the calla of 
 the meeting. 
 
 Attended the quarterly select meeting : as the separatists oc- 
 cupied that part of the house heretofore used by this mectin", 
 it was held by Friends in the women's side, keeping as far a;, thiT 
 were well able to do from the partition, so as not to be annoyed 
 by what passed in the other meeting. 1 believe it might be said 
 to be a time in which Friends were comforted together, and 
 afresh encouraged to be willing to hold on in whatever way it 
 might be required of them to take up the daily cross. 
 
 Fifth-day, Friends met as usual to hold tlicir quarterly 
 meeting, the separatists met with them; wlicn it was considered a 
 suitable time, a Friend proposed that the shutters should be 
 closed, to separate the men and women ; on which one of the sepa- 
 ratists seized the clerk's ta1)lc, brought it to the front of the meet- 
 ing, took a paper out of his pocket with minutes all ready pre- 
 pared, and read over an opening minute of their meeting, and the 
 names of their representatives ; one of the Friends of the (juartcrly 
 meeting remonstrated with him on account of tliese proceedings, 
 but all was of no avail; Friends were obliged to leave tlie meeting 
 and go to the house of a Friend, and proceed with the business of 
 the quarterly meeting in the best way circumstances would al- 
 low : the like was the case with the women Friends. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Stoney Brook ; this is a small 
 meeting ; it is apprehended nearly one half of its members are un- 
 sound, but are afraid to manifest their principles ; the generality of 
 the neighbourhood, who do not profess with Friends, arc reputed to 
 be serious, religiously disposed Episcopalians, Baptists, Methodis-ts, 
 and Presbyterians, and warmly opposed to those who hold the 
 doctrine of Elias Hicks. In the afternoon we made a visit to an 
 aged Friend confined to the house, and her sister; our visit 
 appeared grateful to them both. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended Plainfield monthly meeting; the nueiii.-; 
 for worship was a time which called for thankfulness : the buMness 
 of the monthly meeting appeared to be comlucted in much bar- 
 Diony ; this meeting had been much stripped of its members, and 
 some of its overseers. Friends had not as yet found their way 
 open to do much in dealing with their delinciucnt members, who 
 had set up new meetings. I concluded, from the number of uuli- 
 viduals that were present, there must be those who had joined m 
 the separation; but their cases not having yet been brought for- 
 ward, they still had a claim to sit in the monthly mcetmg ot
 
 310 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Fricncls. Although T feared it would rouse such, if there were of 
 this description present, and prevent the meeting breaking up 
 in that quiet in which it had been conducted, 1 found if I were 
 faithful to apprehended duty, that I must call the attention of 
 Friends to consider, if there were not a danger of their suffering 
 the right time to pass by for effecting a separation in a meeting 
 for worship capacity, — giving such reasons for this step being 
 taken, as 1 found accorded with the views of most, if not all, who 
 took an active part in the concerns of the meeting ; on which a 
 committee was nominated to take the subject into consideration, 
 and propose the most convenient place for such a purpose. 
 
 Fifth-day, my kind companion T. Curtis and myself proceeded 
 to New York, Avhere after all the perils by land, and through 
 false brethren, to which 1 had been exposed, we were favoured 
 to arrive in safety, and 1 hope under a thankful sense of the 
 many merciful preservations I had been a witness of. We were 
 kindly received by Elizabeth Bowns. 
 
 24th of 5th mo. Seventh-day morning, attended the first 
 sitting of the Select Yearly Meeting of ISew York, which was large. 
 After the meeting was opened and the representatives called over, 
 Friends were informed, there were a number of persons present who 
 had separated themselves from the religious Society of Friends, and 
 who had becnregularlydisownedby the respective monthly meetings 
 to which they had belonged; these persons were several times re- 
 quested to withdraw, that the meeting might proceed with its busi- 
 ness, agreeably to our established rules, which require that the 
 meeting should be select; but this they dechned doing, giving suffi- 
 cient proof, by their disorderly conduct, of their determination 
 to disregard the entreaties of the meeting. During this scene of 
 clamour and confusion, Friends were preserved in a remarkable 
 manner in Christian meekness and firmness, — not a word, that I 
 could observe, escaped from any Friend denoting impatience or 
 hostility; for which favour many of our minds were bowed as into 
 the very dust before Him, who had, in this time of danger, thus far 
 preserved us in the hollow of his Divine hand. After endur- 
 ing; for several hours much abuse from these intruders, who were 
 countenanced in their conduct by several members of the meetuig, 
 who had identified themselves with the separatists, the meeting 
 adjourned to the afternoon, directing the representatives to consider 
 of, and propose to the next meeting, a suitable Friend to serve as 
 clerk. Agreeably to adjournment. Friends met; one of the re- 
 presentatives, who had, in various ways, identified himself with 
 the separatists, informed the meeting, he was requested by a part 
 
 of their number to state, they had agreed to propose for 
 
 clerk, the person thus proposed being one of those who had also 
 united himself with the separatists : a Friend, one of the 
 representatives, also informed the meeting, that he had been
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. .'jll 
 
 authorized by the representatives whilst ahogcther, to state as 
 their prevailing sense, that Joseph Brown should he nominated lor 
 clerk;— many of the representatives confirmed this last report. 
 The meeting was again thrown into a state of confusion hy the 
 conduct of some of the separatists, aided and encouraged hy dis- 
 affected members of the Yearly Meeting: but amidst airiht-.^c 
 trying circumstances, Friends continued to be mercifully pre- 
 served calm. After they had sat until near night amidst thchc com- 
 plicated trials, and there appearing no prospcrt that the separatists 
 would withdraw from the meeting, Friends adjourned to Fourth- 
 day morning. 
 
 First-day morning, attended Hester-street meeting, which was 
 large; the meeting was early interrupted by a communication 
 from one of the ministers of the separatists, but the solenmity was 
 resumed with which at its first sitting down the meeting was fa- 
 voured. In the afternoon I attended Rose-street meeting, where 
 1 escaped the company of the numerous preaeliers of the separa- 
 tists : the meeting was held in quiet, although much crowded. 
 
 Second-day morning, 26th of 5th mo. 1820, the Yearly Meeting 
 for the general concerns of the Society assembled ; the house was 
 crowded to an unusual degree before the time appointed: the cleric 
 (Samuel Parsons) opened the Yearly Meeting, which done, 1 found 
 1 must stand upon my feet, and endeavour to lay before the 
 meting that which I believed my mind had become charged 
 with, althouoh I dreaded making the attempt, being aware, from 
 the conduct some of the leading part of the separatists manifested 
 towards me, that I was become increasingly obnoxious to them, 
 but I durst not keep silence ; I therefore rose witjj nearly these 
 words : " I obtained a certificate from my own monthly and 
 quarterly meeting, also one from tlie select Yearly .Meeting of 
 Friends held in London, expressive of their concurrence ^\ith my 
 travelling in the work of the ministry on this continent, which 
 certificates were read in the last Yearly Meeting of New York, and 
 entered on the records of that Yearly INIceting; such being the ease, 
 it constitutes me as much a member of this Yearly Mt-eting as any 
 other member of it ; as such 1 therefore dare do no other than 
 enter my protest against the meeting's proceeding with its busi- 
 ness, whilst so many persons are in the meeting who have no claim 
 or right to sit in this Yearly Meeting."* I was suflcrtd to pro- 
 
 [* The rules of discipline of New Vork Yearly Meeting direct, tlial •• aUcr 
 the case of an ofiender is brought to a meeting, he is not to attend any ot onr 
 meetings for discipline." There were present in this nicetnig verv many 
 individuals, whose cases had not onlv been brought to a mcctinff, but who 
 had been regularly disowned, according to the discipline and gwd order ot our 
 Society; and consequently the Yearly Meeting could not, c<.nsistcnlly, with 
 its own remilations, proceed to tlie transaction ot any business. Ironi-'llie 
 Friend." Philadelphia, G uio. 2H, 182».l
 
 312 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 ceed without interruption, and was humbled under a thankfirl 
 sense of support, that I had not flinched from the step I had 
 taken. This called forth other Friends in support of the 
 meeting's becoming select before the business of it was gone 
 into ; but the disaffected part of the meeting manifested a deter- 
 mination that those who were disqualified to sit in the Yearly 
 Meeting should remain, using many unsound arguments to sup- 
 port them in their determination. Elias Hicks also declared they 
 had a right to sit this Yearly Meeting, saying, he should have no 
 objection to the meeting going on with the business, if there were a 
 number of Presbyterians in the house at the same time; he further 
 added, those who had set up the new Yearly Meeting in Phila- 
 delphia, of which these individuals were members, were not the 
 seceders, but that the few left of the old Yearly Meeting were 
 the seceders; that with the consent of his own monthly meeting 
 he had attended the new Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia in the 
 second week of the fourth month last ; that it was attended by 
 a large proportion of the members of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, 
 and the eastern shore of Maryland, and from all the quarterly 
 meetings but one representatives had come, which meeting con- 
 sisted of the cream of these quarterly meetings. Friends maintain- 
 ing their ground against the business of the meeting being pro- 
 ceeded in, whilst those who had no right to sit in the meeting were 
 present; the separatists then ordered the clerk in a very command- 
 ing manner to go on with the business of the meeting, until at last 
 many of them manifested a disposition to become riotous in 
 order to compel his proceeding. A Friend stood up and pro- 
 posed, such Friends as were desirous of preserving the order of 
 this Yearly Meeting, should adjourn to some suitable place to 
 transact the business, which proposal was fully united with by 
 of.ier Friends, but opposed with violence by the separatists. 
 Whilst matters were thus going on, the clerk, aware that it must 
 tsrminate in a separation, prepared a minute to that effect — to 
 adjourn to the basement-story of the meeting-house, which he 
 stood up to read ; on which an outcry took place, ' Don't let him 
 read it,'— 'pull him down;' — others calling out, ' He is no clerk 
 of the Yearly Meeting, — we have a clerk of our own; — the repre- 
 sentatives have met, and we have chosen a clerk :' but this being the 
 opening of the Yearly Meeting, the representatives had not yet re- 
 ceived their orders from the meeting to meet for that purpose. E. 
 Hicks then called upon their new-chosen clerk to come forward, 
 which he did over the backs of the forms, and heads and shoulders 
 of Friends, some of whom were incommoded by it : on his reaching 
 the front of the clerk's table, E. Hicks put out his hand to assist 
 him in gaining admittance to the table, but by some means he 
 failed, on which some of the Hicksite party turned their newly-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 31.3 
 
 cliosen clerk heels first into the clerk's seat. Attempts were now 
 made to wrest the minute the clerk had made out ofliis hands 
 jvhich they were not al)le to cff'ect, nor prevent his reading of it- 
 but to preclude what he thus read bein- heard over the meeting 
 they struck then- sticks against the wall of the house, tluv sian.ped 
 on the floor with their feet and umbrellas, they h.^.trd and 
 hissed, and some were heard to swear : the windows bcinr' down 
 the tumult was so great, people outside of the house co.npared h 
 to thunder at a distance. The minute of the adjournment hcin.' 
 read, Iriends left the house and went towards the basement- 
 story, but care had been previously taken by the Hicksite party 
 to keep Friends out of this part of the house by locking the doors 
 against them ; one of their party threatened l-"riends w ith cnse- 
 quences if they attempted an entrance, on which a t'ricnd pre- 
 sent proposed our adjourning to the medical coUe-e in Duane- 
 street, which accordingly took place, l-'rom the soFemn manner 
 in which Friends moved slowly along the streets, many strewing 
 their tears on the way, from having left behind them some near 
 relatives and some intimate frienAs, together with the painful feel- 
 ings occasioned by the scene of uproar and violence they had .so 
 recently escaped, inquiry was made by people, " Was a burial 
 coming ?" On reaching the college, and after taking our scats, 
 a time of silence ensued; praises were vocally offered up, to the 
 great Shepherd of Israel for this signal deliverance of his people, 
 when the waters of the Red Sea were made to ^tand on heaps. 
 Daniel Heaviland, a very aged blind Friend, broke forth in a 
 melodious manner, and acknowledged his spirit was now set at 
 liberty, and his lips unsealed to speak of things he had seen for 
 nearly forty years, and who it should be that would introduce 
 such disorder and confusion in the Society ; adding, thirtv-five 
 years ago, when the Yearly Meeting was held at W'esthury, 
 on Long Island, two women I riends from across the great 
 water,* sitting in a room bv themselves in the Friend's house 
 "where he lodged, seeing him pass the room-door, called him in, and 
 pointing to E, Hicks, who was in another room, said, '* 'I'hat man 
 will, someday or other, be a troubler in Israel."" — He said that the 
 scene we had passed through in this Yearly Meeting was clearly un- 
 folded to his view before he came to the city, and he expressed his 
 thankfulness to his heavenly Father for this great dtiiverancc. 
 " But," said he, " dear friends, there will yet something come to 
 pass, if my feelings have not deceived me, that will more fully 
 try our foundation;" and he exhorted Friends to get so deep as 
 that they might be able to stand. This was a heart-teiulering time, 
 not only to the aged and middle-aged, but some of the youth 
 
 [■ Believed to be Mary Ritlgcway and Jaiio Watson.)
 
 314 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 were also observed with their heads resting on their hands, weep- 
 ing.* 
 
 The meeting being opened, the women became the subject of 
 consideration, and some men Friends were deputed to attend at 
 Rose-street house, where their Yearly Meeting was then sitting. 
 The comfortable change of feeling produced in the mind, between 
 entering the meeting-house of Hester-street this morning and the 
 college, is not to be conceived to the full : the meeting adjourned 
 to the afternoon. At the time adjourned to, Friends met; the 
 committee from this meeting to attend to the women Friends re- 
 ported, that the gates of Rose-street meeting-house, (where the 
 women's Yearly Meeting is held,) were found locked, and that 
 they were denifed an entrance to the women's house; also that a de- 
 putation had been sent to the women from the body they left in 
 Hester-street meeting-house. From the prospect of the trying si- 
 tuation the women Friends were likely to be placed in, some 
 men Friends were requested to lend theiu such assistance as they 
 were able. The meeting being informed that the women were alike 
 circumstanced as the men had been, it was expected they must 
 leave their meeting-house, and as the African Methodist meeting- 
 house had been offered for their accommodation, it was concluded 
 to accept it. 
 
 'J'hird-day morning, the women went into the lobby of their 
 house, and adjourned to the African Methodist meeting-house, 
 accompanied by some men Friends. These trying circumstances 
 under which Friends were now placed, had become noised abroad in 
 the city, and much sympathy appeared to be manifested, and 
 great quiet was observed by the people, as we passed through the 
 streets. The meeting for sufferings stood adjourned to Hester- 
 street house this evening ; the clerk and others of us proceeded 
 there accordingly. On our arrival, we were informed by one of 
 E. Hicks's party, there was no longer a meeting for sufferings, it 
 
 [* It will doubtless be, to many readers in this countjy, very affecting, and 
 to those previously uninformed quite astonishing, to find what excesses of 
 disorder and of unchristian conduct the followers of Elias Hicks committed, 
 in tlieir attempt to overthrow the good order and Christian principles of the 
 Society in America. Although it is ahiiost painful to see them again thus 
 exposed in this .Journal, yet these occurrences (now become matters of his- 
 tory) ought to awaken in our minds reflections of profitable and solemn in- 
 interest, as well as feelings of humble and reverent gratitude. It is be- 
 lieved, tli;.': throughout the narrative of these distressing scenes, " the marks" 
 of the patient, peaceable disciple of Jesus, are to be discovered in the con- 
 duct of our suffering brethren in that land; and for whom our sympathy will 
 not fail to be afresh excited on the perusal of these accounts. While we may 
 be led to reflect upon our state of comparative quiet and exemption from such 
 distressing trials in this country, may we ever remember that the enemy of all 
 righteousness has various other modes of assailing us, if we keep not the watch in 
 the light of the Lord, and cleave with earnest faith unto the Captain of our salva- 
 tion :— a building is not more effectually overthrown by direct open force, than 
 by a secret undermining and removing of it from its true foundation.]
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. .-Jl.j 
 
 having been dissolved; and that Friends wouhl not he admitted 
 into that house or any part of it, to iiold such n.cetin.r 
 
 tourth-day, the select meeting, standing adjourned to the Hih 
 have this mornuig assembled; most of those who at the forn"; 
 meeting had improperly intruded themselves, again took their 
 seats in this meeting; and K. Hieks and his party manifesting a 
 determination that the clerk nominated by the,r party should stand. 
 Iriends could not proceed to business, and therefore were oblitrtd 
 to move to the other end of the house, and endeavour after a« 
 much quiet as the nature of their situation wouhl allow • J.^cpli 
 Bowne was appomted clerk to. the select meeting; after which 
 b riends adjourned to the college.* 
 
 This being the day appointed for both the mceting-h.niscs 
 in the city to be open for religious worship, and time not 
 allowing for any arrangement for Friends holding their meet- 
 ings elsewhere, the separatists having both meeting-houses 
 now in their possession, after considering the subject, Vricnds 
 were left at liberty to attend either of the two meeting-houses 
 or not. Accompanied by my kind friends, Rowland (ircen 
 and Daniel Wood, we proceeded to Rose-street house ; although 
 we were early in our attendance, yet, on our entering the house, 
 we observed the ministers' gallery was crowded from end to end ; 
 some Friends under the gallery leaving their seats for us, wc 
 occupied them. As it evidently appeared to be a plamied thin" 
 to crowd the gallery thus early by the separatist party, to keep us 
 from our seats, I found great care would be necessary on my part 
 to watch against any thing like a spirit of enmity or resentment 
 taking place in my mind towards any on this account. A very 
 short time after we had taken our seats, a leader of the separatist 
 party stood up : on his taking his seat he was quickly followed by 
 another, both of them held forth doctrines tending to strike at 
 the very root of vital religion, and in as direct opposition to the 
 acknowledged principles of our ancient Friends as words could 
 well convey : these were quickly followed by a female of their party, 
 who used very strong expres;^ions in what she called scttim,' her 
 seal to the gospel truths declared in the two foregoing communi- 
 cations. My mind was brought under exercise, and yet I felt n 
 dread at the idea of standing up to discharge my duty, cx|)cct- 
 ing no other but it would produce opposition ; but wjicn 1 believetl 
 the right time was come, I ventured to rise, and after having, in 
 as concise a manner as 1 was capable of, borne my testimony to the 
 necessity of our experiencing the aid and assistance of the Spirit 
 and power of Jesus Christ, who suffered without the gates of Jeru- 
 salem, if the great work of our souls salvation becomes that com- 
 
 [" IL is stated in " The Friend," tliat at least two-tliirds ofall the niini!<tiT« 
 and elders of New York, wlio were in attendance, cunlinued willi FrieiitlA. |
 
 316 JOURISAL OF THOMAS SHILHTOE. 
 
 plete work, which it most assuredly must become, to entitle us to 
 a seat in the kingdom of heaven. 1 further exhorted, for the sake 
 of those not in profession with our religious Society, that the feet of 
 their minds might not be turned from the sure foundation, by any 
 thing that had been before communicated ; and I recommended to 
 their perusal a pamphlet published by the meeting for sufferings in 
 Philadelphia, entitled, " A Declaration of our religious Principles," 
 containing Extracts from our ancient Friends' writings on the 
 doctrines owned by^our religious Society, which i informed them 
 could be easily obtained by applying to some sound member of 
 our religious community in the city ; and I advised them to com- 
 pare the principles there laid down, (which continued to be the 
 principles of the sound members amongst us to this day as a re- 
 ligious body,) with the unsound doctrines that had been advanced 
 this morning; and not to charge the Society with holding principles 
 which it does not, that wc may not be blamed for that which we 
 cannot own or allow to be the truths of the gospel. The opposing 
 spirit was so chained down, it was remarked by Friends afterwards, 
 that none of the usual marks of disapprobation were manifested, 
 such as coughing, shuffling of the feet, and blowing the nose, 
 which, by the separatists, are at times very prevalent in our meet- 
 ings, when any thing is offered which they do not approve. After 
 I took my seat, two Friends had very acceptable service in the 
 meeting, which closed under a good degree of quiet. On my leaving 
 my seat, I was beset by three or four of the supporters of E. 
 Hicks, one grasping my hand so tight I found it difficult to extri- 
 cate myself, evidently wishing to draw me into controversy, but which 
 I found it safest to avoid, and proceeded to leave the house ; but I 
 had not advanced much further, before I was attacked by another 
 of this party coming from between the forms towards me, exclaim- 
 ing in a loud tone of voice, " By square and by rule works every 
 fool ;"" he thus followed me down the meeting-house to the door, his 
 gestures and countenance being such, a Friend who was near came 
 between us, as he said, fearing he would have proceeded to per- 
 sonal violence. Some females not professing with Friends coming 
 towards us, called out shame at his behaviour, saying, my age, if 
 nothing else, should have restrained him from attacking me as he 
 had done. Thus ended this trying day, as it had been in pros- 
 pect to me. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, before I left my chamber, I was in- 
 formed there were two of the separatists waiting for me below 
 stairs, having been previously told that the Select Yearly Meet- 
 ing of the separatists had appointed a committee of that meeting 
 to visit me, and that some of this committee had been in diligent 
 search of me the preceding day. Understanding one of these in- 
 dividuals was a person at" whose house 1 had been twice kindly
 
 JCninNAL OF IHOMAS SHILLITOE. 317 
 
 entertained, as such, until I had an oflicial proof from himself of 
 his busniess with me, 1 did not feel comfortahle at t'he idea of 
 refusing to see him ; 1 therefore provided myself with tuo Miitahle 
 inends to bear me company, who were at hand. On takintr 
 our seats, one of the separatists^ committee informed me, ihev 
 were deputed by their Select Yearly Meeting to say, the un- 
 soundness of my ministry had occasioned great uneasiness to 
 the members of their meeting; that they were commissioned by 
 their Select Yearly Meeting to order me not to proceed further 
 on my visit, but return home. To which I«ma(lc nearly the fol- 
 lowing reply: " I deny the authority of your .Select' Nearly 
 Meeting, or your having any thing to do with me; you have 
 already committed yourselves on this subject, for on Fourth-day 
 last, when assembled with you, before a separation had takeli 
 place m the select department of the Society, K. Hicks stood up 
 in that meeting and expressed his surprise at seeing me and my 
 country-folks, with other Friends, come into the meeting-house ; 
 saying, we had no business there, we had separated from you and 
 had no more to do with you; and that any remarks we might have 
 to make in that meeting, no notice should be taken of them. If 
 we at that time had nothing to do with you, on the same ground 
 you can now have nothing to do with us, and therefore I shall be 
 obliged by your meeting giving me no more trouble." AVe parted 
 apparently with kindness, for which I felt thankful. .Shortly after 
 which 1 received the following addressed to me : — 
 
 " At a Yearly Meeting of ministers and elders, held in New 
 York, and opened the 24th of 5th mo. 1828, and met again by 
 adjournments the 28th, 29th, 30th, and 31st of the same in- 
 clusive. 
 
 " This meeting has been brought under exercise and concern, 
 on account of the movements of our friends from Kngland, now 
 on a religious visit to this country, and apprehending their ser- 
 vices in the line of the ministry ought to cease, as it is evident we 
 have not united therewith, believing their labours have had a tend- 
 ency to produce discord and division in Society ; and it appear- 
 ing that labour has been frequently extended in the course of tlieir 
 visits in different parts of the Yearly Meeting, without |)rodueing 
 the desired effect, a committee was therefore appointed to inform 
 them thereof, and as a personal interview has been in some in- 
 stances refused, they are authorized to comnuinicate the above 
 minute in writing, and that the clerk be directeil to sign it on be- 
 half thereof, and that a copy be directed to our subordinate meet- 
 ings of ministers and elders, and to the Yearly and Second-day 
 morning Meeting of ministers and ciders to l)e held in London." 
 ""[Extracted from the minutes ] 
 
 " John IJakrow, Clerk."
 
 318 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 First-day, attended Rose-street house in the morning ; we had 
 a very trying meeting from the antichristian doctrines we were 
 obliged to hear advanced before a crowded audience, many of 
 whom were not in profession with Friends ; in the afternoon 
 attended a solid, quiet meeting, held in a large school-house at 
 one of the extremities of the city. 
 
 Second-day, (2nd of 6th mo. 1828,) after the meeting had sat 
 until near eleven o'clock at night, the Yearly Meeting closed. 
 
 Fourth-day, this being the day when the monthly meeting for 
 New York is held, iM no separation had taken place in that meet- 
 ing, Friends proceeded to their meeting house, where the monthly 
 meeting is usually held ; after the meeting had sat about an 
 hour, one of the separatists proposed the meeting should go to 
 business, and Friends with the separatists, retired to the base- 
 ment-story as heretofore. Great excitement having taken place 
 in the minds of the young people who had gone off from the 
 Society, on the occurrence of this monthly meeting, they gave a 
 very general attendance. The meeting for discipline being opened, 
 the clerk of the Yearly Meeting of Friends of New York laid 
 on the table extracts from their Yearly Meeting ; the clerk of the 
 monthly meeting, who is in connexion with the separatists, laid 
 on the table also extracts from the Yearly Meeting of the sepa- 
 ratists, and contended for the reading the extracts from their 
 Yearly Meeting, in which he was warmly supported by their 
 body, but Friends maintained their testimony against the pro- 
 priety of such a step. After Friends had passed through a time 
 of sore exercise, and the determination being manifested on the part 
 of the separatists to have the extracts from their Yearly Meeting 
 read, it was proposed to adjourn the monthly meeting; and svich 
 Friends as could not favour the disorderly proceedings, which the 
 meeting had manifested a determination to pursue, were requested 
 to retire to the back part of the meeting-house, and appoint a 
 clerk for the day, and then conclude upon a place to adjourn to ; 
 this measure was warmly opposed by the separatists, but Friends 
 retired to the back part of the meeting-house, where, being partly 
 accommodated with seats, and getting into as much quiet as the 
 nature of their situation would allow, they appointed a clerk, and 
 concluded upon adjourning to Rose-street meeting-house at ten on 
 Sixth-day morning. This step being taken, it evidently wrought 
 such a change in the countenances of the suffering members of 
 this monthly meeting as cannot well be set forth in words ; thus 
 another day of trial, in anticipation dreaded by not a few, was, in 
 adorable mercy, passed over. 
 
 I had been looking towards Flushing monthly meeting 
 to-morrow, but my bodily strength appeared so much ex- 
 hausted by long sittings and continual exercise of mind, that 
 1 had concluded I must give up the thoughts of such an
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SMII.LITOE. 31'.) 
 
 attempt; but as I found I could not get comfortably from under 
 the weight of it, I requested my compatiion to l)c in n-adiness, 
 and we proceeded accordingly. My mind by this time had be- 
 come a little seasoned to bear these tumults, which 1 again 
 looked for at Flushing. It was expected there would be a part 
 of a committee of the se] n-atists' Yearly Meeting, both nun and 
 women, in attendance ; at this monthly meeting, the clerk of the 
 Yearly Meeting of Friends of New York laid on the clerk's 
 table the extracts from that Yearly Meeting. Extracts from the 
 Yearly Meeting of the separatists were also laid on the clerk's 
 table, with an epistle from that \' early Meeting. This produced 
 the like disorder which took place in the monthly meeting of New 
 York, but Friends were preserved in (juict, amidst all the abu- 
 sive language and provocation they received from some of the 
 members of the monthly meeting and the committee of the sepa- 
 ratists. Endeavours were used by the separatists to prevent 
 those w^ho were strangers speaking in support of the order and 
 discipline of the Society ; after the minds of Friends had been 
 thus exercised for about two hours, in support of their right to 
 have the extracts from the Y'carly Meeting of Friends read in 
 their monthly meeting, and the determined opposition manifest to 
 it by the separatists and their committee, calling the Yearly 
 Meeting of Friends a spurious Y'early Meeting, and one they 
 could not own, it appeared the best way to suffer those who de- 
 nied their allegiance to the Y'early Meeting of Friends in New 
 York to go on with their business, and for Friends to sit quiet 
 and not take any active part therein, the clerk of the monthly 
 meeting being with the separatists. The separatists proceeded 
 to business ; a deputation came in from the women's meeting, in- 
 forming men Friends of the trying situation they were placed in, 
 by divers females being present who had no right to sit that meet- 
 ing, and who would not withdraw. On which the women Friends 
 were informed, the men Friends had concluded to remain in the 
 meeting-house and transact the business of the monthly meeting. 
 Some of the separatists objected to leave Friends in possession of 
 the meeting-house, for this purpose, but this not being generally 
 persisted in, they accordingly left Friends in the house alone, the 
 clerk taking away with him the books and papers belonging to the 
 monthly meeting. The women Friends then came into the men's 
 meetino- to say, the women separatists had finished their business, 
 but were determined not to quit the meetin<i-house whilst the 
 women Friends were there. The men's business being nearly 
 finished, they were informed to that effect, and that the men 
 would then five up their house to them to transact their business 
 in; the women therefore took possession of it. Thus closc<l 
 this trying day ; trying, not only as it respected the chllicult.cs 
 Friends had to meet with, but as it respected such well-disposed
 
 320 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 individuals whose minds had been wrought upon, cither from the 
 affectionate part overpowering their better judgment, or by being 
 argued out of it, and iiad united themselves to this body. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, we returned to New York, and at the time 
 of the adjournment of the monthly meeting went to Rose-street. 
 Although some Friends had waited on the property committee, re- 
 questing the use of the house to accommodate the adjournment 
 of the monthly meeting, the doors were locked against them ; 
 men and women continued to collect in the street until we formed 
 a considerable company. Friends were preserved, under their 
 trying circumstances, in the quiet, and from much conversation ; 
 some aged and infirm females taking their seats on the steps of 
 the houses opposite to the meeting-house, appeared to excite at- 
 tention : after waiting a considerable time beyond the hour when 
 Friends were to have sat down to business, as no entrance into 
 the house was allowed, the gates continuing to be kept locked, 
 we quietly moved on in a body to the Medical College in Duane- 
 street, to hold the adjournment of the monthly meeting. 
 
 Seventh-day, (7th of 6th mo. 1828,) in a very feeble state of 
 body, 1 left New York and rode to Rahway, where I was again 
 kindly received by Robert Bowns and his family. I could gladly 
 have yielded to more indulgence than has been common with me 
 since 1 left my own comfortable home, but there was no way for 
 me but to proceed on my journey. 
 
 First-day morning, I found it hard work to prepare for meeting, 
 and had 1 given way, I should have concluded I could not sit 
 meeting this day ; but this I found would not bring peace to my 
 own mind, nor would it be likely to secure for me a fresh supply 
 of that help I should stand in need of, in order to my getting com- 
 fortably through the journey I had before me ; 1 therefore re- 
 solved to do my best. Whilst I was on my feet in communica- 
 tion, one plain-looking man left the meeting-house, and I expected 
 no other but his example would have been followed by others ; 
 but this was not the case : it proved a day of sore conflict to my mind, 
 yet in that the unruly spirits were thus made subject, and were in- 
 duced to remain in the meeting-house and hear what I had to offer 
 to them in the line of the ministry, I was made thankful ; as well as 
 in believing my friends were not dissatisfied with this day's work 
 thus far. Rode this night to our friend David Clark's, at Stoney- 
 brook, a distance of nearly thirty miles. I felt greatly exhausted 
 when we reached the end of our journey ; but was comforted in 
 my mind, I had not done as ray inclination would have prompted 
 me to have done, and passed by Railway meeting. 
 
 Second-day, we reached my comfortable home at Phila- 
 delphia ; here I received the welcome intelligence, that my kind 
 friend James Emlen had given up to be my companion in the 
 journey before me, which was not a little cheering to my tried
 
 JOURNAL 1)1 IHOMAS 8H1LLIT0K. 321 
 
 mind, under the present difficulties tl.at exist in finding KuitaMe 
 companions who are able to leave home for any Jenfrth of time 
 
 Fourth-day I reached Kvesham, and attended tlie select (luaru-rly 
 mcetmg of Haddonfield : I felt well satisfied in siitin.' d..w„ «nce 
 more with the few Friends of this meeting, who remain attarh.-d 
 to the ancient order of our religious Society. 
 
 Fifth day, attended the (juarterly meeting for the general cr.ii- 
 cerns of the Society : Friends were oi)liged to meet nun and 
 women apart, with the shutters closed, to avoid the interruptions 
 they had experienced from those who had no right to sit these meet- 
 ings. In this quarterly meeting a desire appears to prevail that 
 the discipline may he supported, and irospel order maintained in all 
 their meetings: after the meeting closed I returned to Thiia- 
 delphia, to prepare for my journey in prospect. On my way 
 across the Delaware in the steam-boat, a large company of sepa- 
 ratists were on board, who had been to attend their cpiartcrly 
 meeting at Haddonfield. Friends having refused to open the 
 meeting-house to them, they had obtained forcible entrance : 
 some of them in a loud tone of voice, evidently for mc to lu-ar, 
 boasted what a comfortable quarterly meeting they had. which 
 led me to query in my own mind, how could that 'be, under the 
 circumstances in which they had gained admittance into the 
 house to hold that quarterly meeting ; but silence appearing best 
 for me, I observed it. 
 
 Sixth-day ; my bodily debility so increased, it was found neces- 
 sary I should get into the country ; I went out accordingly to the 
 house of my kind friend Israel Morris. 
 
 First-day, attended Merion meeting, which was licld in a 
 school-house, the meeting-house being occupied by the sej)a- 
 ratists : our company was not very small ; it proved a (piict, and 
 I believe, a comfortable meeting. 
 
 Third-day, 17th of Cth mo., accompanied by my Kind friend 
 Israel Morris, I rode to Haverford, and attended their week-day 
 meeting; the separatists having the controul of the meeting- 
 house, had changed the day of holding the week-day meeting, and 
 locked the meeting-house against Friends on the usual day of 
 meeting ; in consequence of w liich, I was informed by a Friind of 
 the meeting, they met for about two months at the gates of the 
 meeting-house yard, on the day for holding their mid-week meet- 
 ing, and sitting in their carriages, [waggons, &c.] they held their 
 meetings in that way. A private house being eni|)ty in the neigh- 
 bourhood, Friends have since held all their meetings there. I 
 felt well satisfied in sitting down with the little company 1 found 
 here. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, I left my friend F. Morris's, mmh un- 
 proved in my strength, and proceeded to ISIidcile-town, to attend 
 the preparative meeting. Friends here have .separated ns rc- 
 
 VOL. II.
 
 322 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 spects meetings for discipline, but still meet with the Hicksites 
 in meetings for worship : when the preparative meeting was 
 opened, a young man, one of the separatists' party, remaining in 
 the meeting, was requested to withdraw, before Friends proceeded 
 with the business ; but this he positively refused to do, and after 
 a considerable exercise of patience on the part of Friends, the 
 meeting was adjourned to a private house. Men and women united 
 in considering the subject of a separation in meetings for worship : 
 on going into the subject, a fear prevailed in some minds, lest 
 Friends should become weary of suffering, and by this means get 
 from under these trials before the right time; some acknowledging, 
 that, trying as their situation in these meetings for worship had 
 been, yet they would rather endure these sufferings longer, than 
 that the meeting should take any premature steps for relief : it 
 proved, I believe, a humbling time to most. A committee was 
 proposed of men and Avomen Friends, to take the subject under 
 consideration, and report to the preparative meeting ; and Friends 
 separated under an evidence that the step they had taken thus 
 far, was owned by Divine goodness ; and they believed the 
 time was not very distant, when way would clearly open for their 
 release. Friends were not much longer tried by being obliged 
 to meet with this unchristian-like company ; for shortly after the 
 subject of a separation had been considered by Friends, the sepa- 
 ratists themselves prepared the way for Friends' release. At one 
 of their week-day meetings, before the meeting had sat its usual 
 time, the disaffected part of the meeting rose up in a body, 
 and left the house with a view of breaking up the meeting, but 
 Friends quietly kept their seats ; and when they broke up the 
 meeting, an elder reported, that a visit had been made him by 
 one of the separatists on behalf of the whole, telling him they 
 should no longer submit to his breaking up the meeting. 
 
 First-day morning, attended meeting at New Town : the op- 
 posing spirit was so chained down, although what I had to offer 
 amongst them was such, that I looked for no other than many 
 would leave the meeting, yet all kept their seats ; after meeting, 
 two women Friends, who had been drawn away by the separatists, 
 came to a member of the meeting, melted into tears, saying, 
 " We could acknowledge to the whole truth of what the aged 
 Friend had to offer in the meeting, and wish our love to be re- 
 membered to the dear old man." I mention not these things as 
 taking any thing to myself, but from a sense of Divine mercy, 
 in these times of treading down, in permitting these little earnests 
 to be in this way dispensed of that better inheritance, if a holding 
 out unto the end in the way of well doing and the daily cross, is 
 but in faith and faithfulness experienced. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended Middle-town week-day meeting, and the 
 day following Chichester meeting, which was small, but still and 
 comfortable.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 323 
 
 First-day, attended Stanton mectinp^. which con<<isted very 
 much of young people ; it was pleasant to observe the ouiet anil 
 order that prevailed; although it was evidently to l)e rdt, that 
 the life of religion was at a very low ehb in this meeting. I felt 
 satisfied I had yielded to come and sit down with this company : 
 I was told it was the most quiet meeting that had been known at 
 Stanton for a long time, there being some very bitter spirits 
 amongst them. We returned to Wilmington in the evening. 
 
 Second-day, Friends held their monthly meeting here; several 
 of the quarterly meeting's committee gave their attendance: 
 Friends believing it would be to advantage to meet separately, in 
 a meeting for worship capacity, from those who had .seceded, a 
 committee was appointed to do the needful in effecting it. I 
 rejoiced that this step was about to be taken, not doubting but 
 that it would prove one means of their being l)cttcr qualilied to 
 deal with their delinquent members, some of whose cases they liad 
 now taken up. After meeting I rode to Concord, and was kindly 
 received by Nathan Sharpless. 
 
 Third-day, 1st of 7tb mo. attended monthly meeting here; the 
 business of the meeting chiefly consisted in attending to cases of 
 delinquency, on account of the separation which had taken place 
 in the meeting. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the monthly meeting for West Ches- 
 ter. The meeting was occupied in the consideration of a sepa- 
 ration in meetings for worship ; a committee was appointed to con- 
 sider the subject, and, if way opened for it, to propose measures 
 for their relief. The cases of their delinquent members also occu- 
 pied much time. Friends appeared to move along in much 
 harmony. Fifth-day, returned to Philadelphia. 
 
 yJ
 
 324 
 
 CHAPTER XXXVIII. 
 
 Seventh-day, (5th of 7th mo. 1828,) my kind friend James Em- 
 len and myself took our departure, for our intended visit to Ohio. 
 First-day, attended Plymouth meeting, held at the house of Han- 
 nah Williams. Here we met with from sixtv to seventv Friends, 
 many young people, whose countenances I thought denoted they 
 were under the preparing Hand for usefulness in the Society. 
 
 On our way towards Sadsbury, we understood Elias Hicks was 
 before us, and had been holding a large meeting in an orchard. 
 Falling in company with a serious EpiscopaHan, who had been at 
 the meeting, I queried with him, was he satisfied with the doctrine 
 he had heard ? to which he replied, " His doctrine will not do for 
 me ; he cries down all laws, both moral and Divine ; if people re- 
 ceive his doctrines, I should not be safe out of my house in the 
 evening, nor in my bed at night." Having some pamphlets, and 
 the declaration printed by the meeting for sufferings in Phila- 
 delphia, in which the doctrines of Friends are contrasted with 
 those of E. Hicks, by extracts taken from his printed sermons, I 
 gave him some for distribution, to wipe away any reproach that 
 might attach to the Society, in consequence of any sentiments 
 advanced, which he appeared gladly to accept. 
 
 Third-day, attended monthly meeting at Lampeter ; it being 
 harvest-time, I was told the meeting was thinly attended. My 
 mind had been early in the meeting brought under exercise for 
 service, but my faith was at such a very low ebb, it was not until 
 the meeting had sat a very long time, that I had strength to stand 
 up and endeavour to cast off that which I believed I was commis- 
 sioned with. The meeting for discipline was to me a very trying 
 one ; fear and dismay evidently prevailed in the minds of the 
 few well-concerned Friends who were left in the meeting, to the 
 hinderance of their coming forward in the right exercise of the 
 discipline : most of the overseers being gone with the separatists, 
 I requested the meeting to be willing to turn its attention to the 
 subject of overseers, and try to settle down into quiet; and then I 
 believed truth would point out the necessity of a few Friends 
 being nominated to bring into the meeting the names of the
 
 JOURNAL or THOMAS SHILLITOE. 325 
 
 most suitable Friends amongst tliem, to (ill up the vacancy in 
 the number of overseers in both meetings. Althou-h ilitre 
 was a disposition manifested in some to put off taking this Hicp a 
 little longer, yet the meeting went into a nomination which ii ap- 
 peared was a relief to some minds. It was known to l-riindn 
 of this meeting, that E. Hicks was at Columbia mceting-hoUM?, 
 where those who had separated from Friends in this meeting were 
 holding their monthly meeting, and that K. I licks inlen<h-d 
 having a meeting in Friends' meeting-hou.se here. This circum- 
 stance appeared to bring some of the members of this meeting 
 under difficulty how they should proceed in the case ; an it ap- 
 peared all the trustees of this meeting-house were with Frieruls, I 
 thought it was right for me to encourage them to be faithful and 
 do their duty, by warning the door-keeper against opening the 
 house on his or his party's request, whereby, .should the door- 
 keeper be prevailed upon to open the house for E. Hicks, Friends 
 would be clear. After meefing we rode to Lancaster, and to<»k 
 up our abode for the night at the house of one of the judges of 
 the supreme court, by whom we were kindly cared for. 
 
 We proceeded by Abbot's Town to Chambcrsburgh. When op- 
 portunity was afforded in passing through the dilferent towns and 
 villages, I endeavoured to obtain an interview with the preachers 
 and serious members of the different denominations of professing 
 Christians, with whom I left a number of the Declaration and other 
 pamphlets printed by the meeting for sufferings in Philadelj)liia : 
 it appeared as I went along, that the principles of E. Hicks 
 were known, and great opposition to them was manifested. As it 
 was understood he was to take this .same route, I felt it retpiired 
 of me to inform people thereof, that they might not be taken by 
 surprise should a request be made by his party for the use of any 
 of their meeting-houses in the name of Friends. 
 
 At two places where we stopped, 1 met with some serious indivi- 
 duals, with whom I left some of the Declaration and pamphlets; they 
 appeared to receive them gladly, saying they had heard of E. Hicks, 
 and the dangerous doctrines he was endeavouring to propagate. W'c 
 had hoped to reach Redstone on First-day, but this was not prac- 
 ticable. On inquiry, we found there was a settlement of l-'riends 
 near Bedford, a distance we could comfortably reach by Stveiuh- 
 day night; but on further information, it ajipeared that this meeting 
 was apart of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, which involved me in .some 
 serious considerations, not knowing ])Ut it might be a part of the 
 separatists' Yearly Meeting of Baltimore; and yet how to di>i)ose 
 of ourselves on First-day 1 could not see : I therefore found it 
 best for the present to leave this subject, hoping some wav would 
 more clearly open for us when we reached Bedford. Our journev 
 to-day was over a very mountainous country ; theday was dear and 
 the scenery fine ; but, to me, travelling on a road unprotected on
 
 326 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SKILL ITOE. 
 
 either side above the vast precipices we had to travel near the edge 
 of for many miles, deprived me of that enjoyment which I might 
 have experienced. 
 
 Seventh-day, we reached Bedford in the evening. On our 
 enterino- the town, my mind was again turned to the subject of 
 how we should be disposed of to-morrow. On a sudden I espied 
 a Friend standing at the tavern-door we were making towards, 
 and to my agreeable surprise it proved to be our kind friend 
 Israel Morris, of Philadelphia, here on business, who we found 
 had been making some inquiry of the tavern-keeper, relative 
 to the state of Dunning's Creek meeting, near this place ; by 
 which it appeared that the doctrines of E. Hicks had not made 
 much if any way amongst the members of that meeting, so as 
 openly to- manifest they were carried away with them. 
 
 First-day, a very heavy storm of rain, thunder and hghtning 
 came on early this morning ; this presented a very discouraging 
 prospect to my mind, when looking towards attending Dunnings 
 Creek meeting, for the distance, we were told, was ten miles, and 
 a cross-country road; 1 had already experienced the difliculty of 
 travelling these cross-country roads, — the weather also looked very 
 uncertain ; but I found I must not look at these discouragements, 
 but be willing to do our best to reach the meeting in due time. 
 We accordingly proceeded, accompanied by our kind friend I. 
 Morris, allowing ourselves nearly three hours for our journey, 
 but which we found to be time httle enough for the undertaking, 
 as the distance exceeded what had been stated to us, and the 
 roads were so stony and dangerous, that my companion expected 
 twice we could not escape being turned over. When we reached 
 the meeting-house. Friends were pretty generally gathered. Our 
 thus unseasonably coming into the meeting calling for some 
 apology, for example's sake, I informed the meeting how we 
 had been put to difficulties to get along as we did. When the 
 meeting closed, it appeared our visit was cordially received 
 by most. I distributed amongst them some of the Declaration 
 and other pamphlets, printed by the meeting for sufferings of 
 Philadelphia, which appeared to be well received. Our kind 
 friend Thomas Bower, with others, inviting us to take our dinner 
 with them, we accepted his invitation : he proposed, as we had 
 concluded to get on our way this afternoon, to pilot us into the 
 high-road again. His services we found of great advantage to us, 
 the way to the high-road being very intricate, and at times bad to 
 travel upon ; and after a day of both exercise of mind and great 
 bodily fatigue, we were favoured to reach a comfortable tavern, 
 about twelve miles from Bedford, on our way to Ohio. 
 
 The next day, we proceeded on our journey, and ascended the 
 Alleghany Mountains. Fourth-day, after having waters to ford, 
 and roads to travel so washed by the rains as to make it at times
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 327 
 
 dangerous, we were favoured to reach Brown's \'illc, tlic first htt- 
 tlcment of Friends we met since we left Dunning h Creek ; wc 
 took up our abode with my kind countryman ]3avid iJinns. 
 
 Fiftli-day morning, we crossed the river, and rode to West 
 Land, where we attended meeting. The demcaiuiur of many of 
 those assembled more comported with the conduct of spccia'torH 
 met to hear a lecture, than people professedly met together with 
 hearts devoted and turned inward to the Lord : I durst do no other 
 than endeavour to lay before them the offensive manner in 
 which they were thus placing themselves before the Almighty. As 
 far as outward observation went, it did not appear that what vias 
 thus offered was wholly rejected. After the meeting for worship 
 closed, the preparative meeting was held ; the (jueries and th'c 
 answers brought in by the overseers were read, but very Httle 
 time was allowed for the consideration of them. The clerk who 
 managed the business of the meeting, conducted it in a very off- 
 hand way, manifesting a disposition opposed to any interference : 
 the few sohd members of this meeting claimed the sym])ailiy of 
 their friends, as a great part of the meeting were prepared to unite 
 with the separatists when an opportunity offered for it. Our 
 minds were again brought under difficulty to know where to shelter 
 ourselves, and escape the habitations of those whom the leprosy 
 of unsound princij^les had taken hold of: a member of the meet- 
 ing inviting us to his house, we accepted his invitation, and were 
 made truly thankful to feel ourselves safely cared for. 
 
 First-day, we attended meeting at Pike-run : the meeting- 
 house having been burnt down, and such being the divided 
 state of this meeting in consequence of unsound principles, a new 
 meeting-house had not been erected ; the meeting was held in a 
 cooper s shop. I found it hard work ftxithfully to accpiit myself in 
 this meeting ; but, as far as I was favoured so to do, I had reason 
 to hope the minds of sound Friends were much relieved. After 
 1 had taken my seat, I was constrained to rise again, and press 
 upon Friends the necessity of being careful to make a right use 
 of our time on the First-day of the week ; to endeavour as much 
 as possible to close our worldly concerns on tlie seventh day of 
 the week, that nothing but acts of necessity might occupy our at- 
 tention on the First-day, and that wc might not by any thing be 
 rendered unfit for the duties of religious worshij); and 1 ex- 
 horted Friends to restrain their children from wandering alxuit on 
 First-day afternoon. After meeting, I was informed there was a 
 member of Society present, who had been holding meetings round 
 about the neighbourhood, for the very purpose of disseminating 
 E. Hicks 's doctrines on this iiead, protesting against the Mjper- 
 stitious conduct of religious professors, in setting apart the First- 
 day of the week for religious purposes. Such was the low siau- 
 of thhv'S in this meeting, it api)eared, on impiiry. no lu.lue had
 
 328 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 been taken of the conduct of this individual. In tlie afternoon wc 
 made a visit to a young couple ; the father of one of them is a de- 
 cided Hicksite. I had no more in view when I entered their 
 house, than a social visit ; but feeling my mind brought under 
 religious exercise, whilst others were engaged in conversation, I 
 waited for a suitable opportunity to claim their attention. 1 found 
 I was not alone in believing a door was opened in the minds of the 
 young people to receive the word of exhortation and encourage- 
 ment given me for them. We returned to Westland, and took 
 up our abode at our kind friend, George Smith's. 
 
 Fifth-day, it was understood that notice had been very widely 
 circulated, that E. Hicks was to be at this monthly meet- 
 ing, the neighbourhood having for many years been noted as a 
 place where Deism greatly predominated. On coming in sight 
 of the meeting-house, although the meeting-time hud not as yet 
 quite arrived, the crowd assembled on the outside of the house 
 awaiting his coming, was very great ; when he entered the meeting- 
 house, the crowd of members of our Society, and others that 
 followed him in, filled every vacant seat. He very soon stood up 
 to speak ; in the course of what he delivered, he denied the 
 miraculous conception of Christ, saying, he did not become the 
 Son of God until the time when he was baptized of John ; he pro- 
 tested also against the proper obsei'vance of the First-day of the 
 week, encouraging the assembly to be satisfied with attending 
 their place of worship on a First-day morning, and that then it 
 would be lawful for them to devote the remainder of the day to la- 
 bour and other worldly concerns; also protesting against the laws 
 of the United States of America, for compelling its inhabitants 
 to observe one day in seven, as a day of rest from the concerns of 
 this world. Feeling myself called upon to clear our religious 
 Society from holding such anti-christian principles as had been 
 thus asserted by E. Hicks, I stood up, and as ability was afforded, 
 endeavoured to remove from the minds of those serious indi- 
 viduals who might be present, any unfavourable impressions 
 that had been made respecting the Society of Friends, in conse- 
 quence of the doctrines which E. H. had been holding forth on 
 the subject of the miraculous conception, the divinity of Christ, and 
 the proper observance of the First-day ; informing the assembly 
 that the doctrines which had been now advanced were not the 
 doctrines of the Society of Friends, but altogether at variance with 
 the principles which they hold on these important subjects; inas- 
 much as no society of professing Christians were more tenacious 
 in the support of a firm belief in the miraculous conception, the 
 divinity of Christ, and a proper attention to the First-day of the 
 week than the sound members of our religious Society ; and that 
 I conceived it to be a great blessing to mankind that one day in 
 seven was thus set apart for religious purposes ; that if the United
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 329 
 
 one 
 
 btatcs ;vere to repeal this law, requiring the observance of „... 
 day 111 seven for religious purposes, it would be a great injury to 
 ' the people at large; that the sound members «.f our reliLMous 
 Society considered it a duty incumbent on thtm to avoid all un- 
 necessary attention to worldly concerns on the First-day of the 
 week endeavouring after a proper observance of the day by 
 attending our religious meetings, and devoting the remainder «.f 
 the day to retirement, reading, and conversation suitable to the 
 occasion of the day. On which E. Hicks again stood up, and dc-- 
 / clared Rober^t Barclay was one in sentiment with him, and that our 
 Friends in the beginning of our religious Society, after they had at- 
 tended their meetings, devoted the remainder of the I-'irst-day to 
 kbour, and some of them suffered imprisonment for their so doing. 
 After E. Hicks sat down, 1 felt it safest for me to add, if any of oCr 
 Friends thus suffered, it was for doing acts of necessity, which 
 the laws of God allow, and not that they followed their callings 
 as on another day of the week. To this he made no further 
 reply, having nothing to support him in these his assertions, but 
 a solitary instance in Sewel's History, of a Friend, who was a 
 shoemaker by trade, and had promised a pair of shoes to his 
 customer by First-day, and could not perform his promise without 
 setting to work at them until past twelve o'clock on Seventh-day 
 night, who by an ill-disposed neighbour was informed against for his 
 so doing, and imprisoned. I recommended the audience to apj)ly to 
 the sound members of our religious Society for the Declaration 
 printed by the meeting for sufferings in Philadelphia, where tliev 
 would find the doctrines of the Society set forth, and contrasted 
 ■with those held by E. Hicks : and here the meeting closed. 
 
 First-day, we proceeded to Redstone : a report had been sent 
 abroad, that Elias Hicks was to be at this meeting to-day ; and 
 before we reached the meeting-house, the crowd standing outride 
 of it made me sad, having no desire to sit another meeting with 
 E. H. unless an improvement should, in adorable mercy, take place 
 in his religious principles. When he entered the meeting-house, 
 this train of people came in after him, until the house was lilled, 
 and many were obliged to remain on the outside. Believing I 
 was called upon early in the meeting to say a few words, 1 stood up 
 with nearly these expressions, "The law came by Moses, but the 
 comers to it were not made perfect ; yet it proved to such as re- 
 ceived it aright, the bringing in of a better hope, by leading 
 them to that grace and truth that came by Jesus Christ." After 
 which E. Hicks arose, and it was evident, I believe, to Friends 
 as well as myself, his power of expression did not rise to that 
 height of opposition as to overturn these truths of the gospel I 
 believed I was called upon to declare. 
 
 Third-day, attended the select meeting of elders ; there being 
 no minister belonging to this preparative meeting, it was sorrow-
 
 330 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 ful to observe the countenance given to E. Hicks in this meeting 
 by nearly all its members. 
 
 Fourth-day, the monthly meeting was held. A Friend from 
 Ohio Yearly Meeting stood up in the meeting for worship, and 
 proved, by a variety of scripture passages, the necessity of our 
 experiencing salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord, who was 
 crucified without the gates of Jerusalem. After which E. Hicks 
 stood up, and endeavoured, by twisting and turning texts of scrip- 
 ture every way his inventive brain was capable of, to lay waste 
 what had been thus offered. I found I durst not do otherwise 
 than declare against the unsound principles which he had been 
 advancing, and which he charged the Society with holding from 
 the beginning ; 1 likewise felt myself called upon to expose his 
 presuming to impose himself upon the public, as he was doing, 
 as a minister in unity in our religious Society ; adding, that so far 
 from the sound members of our religious Society having unity 
 with his doctrines and him as a minister, they had in the different 
 Yearly Meetings publicly protested against him as a minister, 
 and the doctrines he professes to hold. J recommended the 
 audience not to depend wholly on my report, but to apply to 
 the sound members in the neighbourhood for a pamphlet, en- 
 titled " A Declaration," &c. printed by the meeting for sufferings 
 in Philadelphia, in which they would find the doctrines of the 
 Society contrasted with those of E. Hicks, and then to judge for 
 themselves. Here this matter ended : the meeting for discipline 
 commenced ; E. H. produced his minutes from the monthly and 
 quarterly meetings, informing the meeting he was a member of 
 the oldest monthly meeting on the continent of America, estab- 
 lished by George Fox, and which had continued a monthly meeting 
 of Friends to this present time. Observing a disposition in most 
 of the members of the meeting to have these minutes read in the 
 meeting, 1 proposed to the meeting to consider how far with pro- 
 priety they could read them ; after their meeting for sufferings 
 had given forth a testimony against the doctrines of E. H. ; I in- 
 formed the monthly meeting, the minutes he had produced to the 
 meeting were not regular, not being signed by the clerk of the 
 women's quarterly meeting, as the discipline of New York Yearly 
 Meeting requires, the clerk of the women's quarterly meeting- 
 being sound with Friends, which was not the case with the clerks 
 of either the mens-monthly or quarterly meeting. But a deter- 
 mination to read his minutes being manifested. Friends were 
 obliged to submit : after meetin<T we rode to Providence. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended monthly meeting here ; this meeting is 
 small. We were comforted, in sitting with this little company, in 
 observing by a minute on their book the care they manifested to 
 prevent this evil seed, which had been spreading in the Society, from 
 getting into their borders ; and that they hud by minute displaced
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 331 
 
 one of tliclr overseers on account of his having attached himself 
 to the Hicksite party : m the afternoon we rode to Hed.iunc, aud 
 next day to Westland. 
 
 Seventh day, the quarterly meeting for the more general con- 
 cerns of the Society commenced : notice had heen circulated, uc 
 were informed, many miles round the country, that K. H was to 
 be at this quarterly meeting. At an early hour the house was 
 crowded ; iL. H. took up most of the time of the meeting, cndea- 
 youring to overturn various Scripture testimonies which are given 
 in confirmation of the divinity of Christ, and that sure fouuda- 
 tion on which the holy men of old built their hopes of an eternal 
 rest. I durst not do otherwise, before the meeting separated, than 
 expose E. H. as an impostor, in atten)pting, as he did, to impose 
 himself upon the public as a minister in unity with the Society ^>i' 
 Friends; the Society having by a printed document declared 
 against his doctrines and him as an approved minister. The 
 meeting then proceeded to business ; our certificates were pro- 
 duced, E. H. and his companion produced theirs also ; after 
 they had been read, a proposal was made, that these certifi- 
 cates should be entered on minute ; I informed the meeting 
 if I might have a choice, I would rather the minuting of my cer- 
 tificate was omitted, if the certificate of E. Hicks was to be mi- 
 nuted also, as I considered the meeting, under the circumstances 
 in which he stood, could not, with any propriety, minute his certi- 
 ficates. Much time was spent on this subject. E. H.\s party striv- 
 ing hard to have his certificate minuted on the quarterly meeting 
 books; but not effecting their purpose, this disappointment ap- 
 peared to rouse E. Hicks and his attendant, who laid a complaint 
 against me and my companion before the quarterly meeting ; in 
 which his party united, and called out to the elders and overseers 
 to take charge of us, urging our being dealt witli for having [)roken 
 the discipline. I informed the meeting I was willing to meet the 
 elders and overseers generally, but not a committee of ilicm, 
 having seen for myself how much this part of the meeting were 
 partizans with E. H., as some of the elders had been I'urnifcliing 
 him with barns, fitting them up for holding his meetings in, 
 and giving notice of the same ; I further added, they must pro- 
 duce their books of discipline : it was proposed, that we should 
 meet at the close of the meeting to-morrow. 
 
 First-day, .3d of 8th mo., attended Westland meeting, which 
 was crowded to an extreme. E. Hicks stood up, made a very 
 lengthy communication, saying, the second coming of Christ, that 
 had been spoken of, was that same power that dehvered the chil- 
 dren of Israel formerly, and not that same Jesus who suflertd 
 without the gates of Jerusalem; endeavouring also, as far as words 
 could go, to lessen the value of the sacretl writings, and, in a 
 fawning way, took his leave of the congregation. I had made
 
 332 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 lip my mind before I came to meeting, if any thing K. Hieks 
 should offer called forth from me the necessity of any reply, rather 
 to be willing to suffer by keeping silence than have to contend ; 
 l)ut I durst not keep my resolution, and suffer the attempts he 
 had made, to invalidate the truths of the gospel, to pass un- 
 noticed : on my standing up, E. H.'s party rushed out of the 
 Ijouse in a body, many of those, not in profession with Friends, 
 following their example ; on which I requested the meeting to 
 keep quiet, and those who were on their feet took their seats 
 quietly again until it closed. After meeting we met the elders 
 and overseers ; I told them, if the cause of our coming to- 
 gether was traced to its foundation, it would be found it was the 
 elders and overseers that had broken the discipline, by counte- 
 nancing and encouraging K. Hicks's giving notice of his meeting, 
 and providing places for him to hold meetings in, in violation of 
 the judgment of the meeting for sufferings of their Yearly Meet- 
 ing, which meeting had testified against his doctrines. 1 requested 
 their rules of discipline to be read, by which they intended to 
 criminate us; which being done. Friends told the Hicksite party 
 these rules did not apply to us, for we had not opposed K. Hicks 
 whilst speaking. After they had striven hard to criminate us, 
 und found they could not effect their purpose, they left us and 
 Friends in the meeting-house, and withdrew disappointed, as some 
 of their countenances manifested : thus Truth triumphed to the 
 rejoicing of the few sound members of this quarterly meeting. 
 This evening we reached Washington. As I felt it laid upon me 
 to caution the inhabitants of this place against Vj Hicks's impos- 
 ing himself upon them as a minister in unity with Friends, and 
 as it was expected he was coming here in his way to Mount 
 Pleasant in Ohio, 1 went for this purpose to the residence of the 
 head of the college, who is a preacher amongst the society of 
 Methodists, and who was as I found acquainted with the unsound- 
 ness of E. Hicks's doctrine : I presented him with some of the 
 Declarations of the meeting for sufferings in Philadelphia, and 
 extracts on the divinity of Christ, which appeared to be gladly 
 received. The retrospect of this day's work was cause of hum- 
 ble thankfulness. 
 
 Second-day morning, we proceeded on our journey ; crossed 
 the Ohio river. On my lauding on the other side, the woman at 
 the ferry told me, she supposed I was E. Hicks, who she said it 
 was reported was on his way to Ohio ; I found she had some 
 knowledge of his principles by her manner of protesting against 
 them ; she kept a tavern, and I left with her one of the Declara- 
 tions, requesting her to circulate it amongst her neighbours. It 
 appeared that all professing with Friends in this valley had lately 
 gone off with the separatists, except the Friend and his wife 
 with whom I lodged ; two zealous preachers of the Hicksites, who
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 333 
 
 once stood well with Friends as approved ministers, had been 
 in this neighbourhood industriously sowing the seeds of disaf- 
 fection. 
 
 Third-day, we rode to Middletown, and were kindly cared for 
 by Samuel Boulton ; attended their select meeting. Here we met 
 with a little company of simple honest-hearted Friends, the disaf- 
 fection not haying obtained any footing in this department of the 
 monthly meeting; we were much comforted in sitting with them, 
 although we found they were in trouble, but not wholly cast down', 
 — perplexed, but not dismayed. The said two zealous advocates 
 for the principles of E. Hicks, had proposed to the disaffected 
 members of the monthly meeting holding a meeting of con- 
 ference with them ; these meetings of conference are for the pur- 
 pose of laying down their plans to annoy Friends in their meet- 
 ings for discipline, by encouraging persons who have lost their 
 membership, or are under dealing by the monthly meeting, to re- 
 main in the meeting-house when the business is entered upon, in 
 order that they may worry Friends out of their meeting-houses. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended the monthly meeting : when the meeting for 
 discipline was opened, it being known to Friends that there were 
 in the meeting divers individuals who had no claim to sit in the 
 monthly meeting, they were repeatedly requested to withdraw; which 
 they refused to do; one of their party informed the meeting of their 
 intention to hold a new monthly meeting in the woods, if Friends 
 would not allow them the use of the meeting-house, and to call it 
 Middle Town monthly meeting : another of their party proposed 
 to Friends an amicable settlement about the property of tlie 
 monthly meeting, that they should have an equal interest in the 
 meeting-house with Friends, and that Friends should hold their 
 monthly meeting on one day of the week, and they would hold 
 theirs on a different day. Friends having the controul of the 
 meeting-house, the door-keeper being with them, the separatists 
 could have no power over it, (except, as has been the case in other 
 places,) they broke the meeting-house open, and took off the locks, 
 and put on new ones of their own. The disaffected part of the 
 meeting, and such as had no claim to sit in the meeting, conti- 
 nuing to manifest a determination not to leave the house ; and as 
 the quarterly meeting was so near as not to allow of a convenient 
 adjournment to answer the queries and appoint representatives, 
 rather than resort to violent measures to clear the house of such as 
 had no claim to sit the monthly meeting, it was concluded to 
 go on with such of the business as concerned the quarterly meet- 
 ing, and other business requiring to be early attended to. I 
 felt it required of me to stand up and say, a snare had been laid 
 for Friends, and if they did not take care they would be caught 
 in it : a proposal had been made for a compromise, bu t no com-
 
 334 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 promise must be entered into hy Friends of tluat meeting witli 
 those wlio chose to separate from them, nor must they allow 
 them to hold a separate monthly meeting in their meeting-house ; 
 and as to what had been said about Friends driving them into the 
 woods to hold their monthly meetings, and thereby exposing their 
 delicate women to danger of suffering in their health, that was an 
 artifice. Various cases of delinquency for separation were brouglit 
 forward, and testimonies of denial issued : Friends being deter- 
 mined to go on with their business, and the separatists finding that 
 if they persisted remaining in the house till Friends had finished, 
 there was no prospect of their having daylight to hold their new 
 monthly meeting, rose up in a body and left the house. Going 
 into a wood that was near, they raised their voices to such a high 
 pitch, in preaching, praying, and transacting their matters, that 
 they were distinctly heard by us ; but Friends, endeavouring 
 to keep in the quiet, were enabled to go on with their business ; 
 and this day of storm closed with feelings of gratitude to the 
 Almighty, who had thus in mercy made a way for Friends, where 
 no way appeared at all likely, for them to get through the con- 
 cerns of the monthly meeting to satisfaction. 
 
 Some Friends at West-land, who made a part of the con- 
 ference of elders and overseers, being aware that we had a 
 prospect of being at this quarterly meeting, and that E. Hicks 
 and his companions also intended to be there, in order to refute 
 any misrepresentation that might get abroad relative to that con- 
 ference, forwarded to a Friend of this quarterly meeting the fol- 
 lowing statement, of which he furnished us with a copy : — 
 
 " Feeling much sympathy for our dear friend T. Shillitoe, 
 and his companion James Emblen, who, we are informed, are 
 going on to your quarterly meeting, we thought it our duty to 
 say, that their company and gospel labours have been acceptable 
 and satisfactory to us. Elias Hicks has also appointed and at- 
 tended a number of meetings within the compass of our quarterly 
 meeting, which has produced great disorder and confusion, T. 
 S. and J. E., feehng it their duty to attend several of our meet- 
 ings where he was, and not only to detect his doctrine, but to give 
 such information to the audience, as had a tendency to mar his 
 prospects to such a degree, that he and his partisans were much 
 exasperated against them ; and yesterday, in our quarterly meeting 
 for discipline, when the minuting of E. Hicks's certificate was re- 
 jected by a number of Friends, on the ground that it had not the 
 signature of the clerk of the women's meeting of his own quarterly 
 meeting, (which their discipline required,) and further, that his 
 ministry had been disapproved by his own Yearly Meeting, 
 Elias, in reply to something Thomas had said, rose and informed
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 33' 
 
 the meeting, that what that Friend said was false K HirU »,;„ 
 companion, and their followers carried their point so far in ac 
 cusmg our said Friends with a breach of di«ciVline, for opr>osing 
 a minister in his preaching, (though they did not oppose hhn 
 whilst on his feet,) that they entered a complaint in the course 
 of the meeting against them, to the elders and overseers Our 
 said l^nends cheerfully consented to meet them, if the elders and 
 overseers were all present, with a book of diseipline. No doubt 
 but their intention was to prevent them from havin.r any further 
 opportunity of exposing their leader. Most of tlfe elders and 
 overseers convened, this afternoon, had a hearing in the presence 
 ot Ihomas and James, (Elias not present,) and with all the inrrc- 
 nuity of such as favoured the separatists, they failed in their at- 
 tempt. We therefore hope that no misrepresentation of the case 
 whatsoever may have place with you, believing you are aware 
 that many stratagems are made use of, in the disturbed state of 
 our Society, to carry points. After consulting together, wo felt 
 best satisfied to give you the foregoing brief information, craving 
 your sympathy, protection, and brotherly regard for them, be- 
 lieving them to be vessels for the Master's use." 
 
 [Signed by five Friends.] 
 
 Information being received by some Friends of this quar- 
 terly meeting, that Elias Hicks was in the neighbourhood, in- 
 tending to be at the quarterly meeting, this being the day when 
 the select quarterly meeting was to be held, Friends consultecl 
 together, and concluded it would be best to keep the doors of the 
 meeting-house locked until the time for the meeting's gathering 
 was fully come, and then for Friends to proceed in company with 
 the Friend who had the key. On our reachinii" the mcetin<r. 
 house, Elias Hicks and his companion were waiting for admit- 
 tance, two Friends of the meeting informed them they could not 
 be allowed to sit that meeting : as Friends persisted in this 
 determination, after some time they left the meeting-house, and 
 one of their party in Salem furnishing them with a school-house, 
 there they held their select quarterly meeting. In the afternoon 
 we attended part of a committee of the meeting for sufferings, 
 appointed to assist the quarterly meetingr, as it was known, in 
 addition to the separatists of this quarterly meeting, others of the 
 like description were come from a distance, to aid them in their 
 designs of sitting the quarterly meeting. This aflorded Frit-nds 
 an opportunity of conferring together, relative to what was best to 
 be done to preserve quiet in the quarterly meeting. It was con- 
 cluded safest at this time to meet with shutters closed, and not, 
 as heretofore, have a public meeting, there being door-keepers ap-
 
 330 JOURNAL OK JUOiMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 pointed by the diifcrcnt monthly meetings to i)rc.scrve tlie meeting 
 select. The subject of" the meeting on First-day also claimed 
 attention; it having been notified that E. Hicks was to be at that 
 meeting, a great crowd of people was expected. It was concluded 
 it would be advisable that a few Friends siiould wait upon K. Hicks, 
 and inform him it was the determination of Friends, if he came to 
 the meeting on First-day morning, and attempted to stand up 
 and preach, to expose him to the audience, by informing them 
 wliat was the situation he stood in amongst Friends. This visit 
 to him had the desired effect, so far as it respected Friends being 
 permitted to hold all their meetings in quiet. Flis party, finding 
 there was no place for them in Friends^ meeting-house, made 
 additions to the school-house, where their First-day and quarterly 
 meeting, and one or more public meetings were held. 
 
 Seventh-day, the quarterly meeting assembled, which was 
 largely attended by Friends, and acknowledged to have been the 
 most quiet and comfortable quarterly meeting that had been 
 known for many years. 
 
 First-day morning, we attended Springfield meeting, about 
 five miles from Salem, in which I believe the Friends of the 
 meeting considered I had good service. 
 
 Second-day morning, we rode to New Garden ; the separatists 
 having possession of the meeting-house, and books and papers of 
 the quarterly meeting, P'riends expected to be shut out of the 
 meeting-liouse. The time for holding the select quarterly meet- 
 ing being come, we proceeded to the meeting-house, and finding 
 the doors open, Friends took their seats. After the meeting 
 for business was opened, Friends were informed there were 
 four individuals present who had been members of the select 
 meeting, some of whom now stood disowned by the monthly 
 meeting, of which they had been members, and others of them 
 were also under dealing ; they were therefore requested to leave 
 the meeting ; but this not having the desired effect, a minute was 
 made to adjourn into the women's apartment, when one of the 
 intruders informed Friends they would not be admitted into that 
 part of the house. Two Friends being requested to try the dif- 
 ferent doors into the women's house, they reported the doors were 
 all made fast : Friends then adjourned to an old meeting-house 
 near, which had been long out of use, a mere shell ; in case of need, 
 some Friends had provided a few rough forms for their accommo- 
 dation. The business of the select quarterly meeting was quietly 
 gone through : when the meeting closed, Friends' minds were not 
 a little agitated about the quarterly meeting on the morrow, al- 
 though it was not known to F^'riends that F^. Hicks had arrived, yet 
 notice had been given a month before," that he was to be at this 
 quarterly meeting, and it had also been given out at their meeting
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 337 
 
 at Salem. From various reports in circulation, it appeared K. 
 Hicks s visit to the different meetings heloncring to this Yearly 
 Meeting, is not favourable to hi,,, and hi.s follouxTs, havin- a 
 tendency to confirm the minds of the serious part of proiHZvr 
 Christians of different religious denon,inations, that the charge of 
 Ills holding deistical doctrines is correct. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, one hour befoie the time for the meeting s 
 gathering, the company of separatists, and those who did not pro- 
 fess with Friends, proceeded to the meeting-house in carriages 
 and on horses, in great numbers; this plan being laid, it was rc- 
 ported, at their last meeting of conference, in order that they 
 might occupy the gallery and other parts of the house, and keep 
 Friends from having their proper seats therein, and that their 
 clerk might take possession of the table. Although it was knf.wn 
 that they had this in view by coming to the meeting-house thus 
 early, yet Friends deemed it best for them not to act thus disorderly, 
 but keep as near to the right time as would be consistent with good 
 order. About ten minutes before eleven (that being the hour for 
 Friends to meet,) we left our quarters, which were very near the 
 meeting-house, in company with other Friends. On our arrival 
 at the meeting-house, we found every seat was filled, many 
 standing in the alleys, and on the outside of the house. I pressed 
 through the crowd to the ministers' gallery, (my companion fol- 
 lowing me,) which appeared to be closely packed from end to 
 end by E. Hicks and his party, some of whom scarcely made the 
 appearance of persons professing to be of our religious Society ; 
 two persons who were in the gallery observing us, left their 
 seats for our accommodation, which we accepted of. It did not 
 appear to me hke being in a meeting-house of Friends, for some 
 were standing upon the seats, with countenances manifesting 
 more of a disposition to disturb the meeting, than promote the 
 quiet of it. E. Hicks, soon after we entered, stood up, and 
 asserted, that mankind did not suffer any loss through the dis- 
 obedience of our first parents, — that the idea of a mediator ])etwecn 
 man and his Creator was gross in its nature, and a belief herein 
 must be offensive to Almighty God, recommending the people to 
 the light, (that principle he said which George Fox and our (irst 
 Friends recommended to the people,) but not to that Jesus Christ 
 who appeared personally amongst men for salvation,— declaring this 
 to be an impossibility. I found, if 1 were faithful to the pointings 
 of duty I was favoured with, I must stand u)) and inform the 
 audience that this Divine principle in man, which (i. I'ox and our 
 first Friends recommended the people unto, K. Hicks had dcimd, 
 it being nothing short of Christ in his second coming into the soul of 
 man without sin unto salvation ; this was that light they spoke of, and 
 as such, E. Hicks could not be warranted in imposing hiiiisolf as he 
 was doing upon the people, as one in profession with Friends, he 
 
 VOL. II.
 
 338 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 having himself departed from the faith which they hold in the 
 divinity of Christ: 1 then informed the assembly that seven out of 
 eight of the Yearly Meetings on this continent, and the Yearly 
 jNleeting of Great Britain had testified against the doctrines which 
 he preaches, and do not own him as a gospel minister ; the Yearly 
 Meeting also, to which he formerly belonged, having circulated a 
 printed epistle containing a paragraph to the same ell'ect : there- 
 fore the Society of Friends do not hold themselves accountable for 
 any unsound doctrines he may attempt to propagate, and his pro- 
 ceeding as he now is doing, is contrary to the judgment of the 
 sound members of the body ; — with more than 1 am able to remem- 
 ber. I expected no other Ijut to be pulled down ; but the evil dis- 
 position was chained by Him who has all power. Soon after 1 had 
 taken my seat, some of the separatists ordered the shutters to be 
 closed between the men and women, which was done. Two stout 
 men had taken their scats at the clerk's table, and others had placed 
 themselves in the forms near theiji ; the clerk demanded his usual 
 seat at the table, which was refused him, the separatists saying, 
 the clerks of the meeting were seated at the clerks' table, and they 
 ordered them to open the meeting. The overseers, in the name 
 of the meeting, then demanded the clerks' table, ordering the 
 individuals seated there to quit, and give the clerks their seats, 
 that Friends might go on with their business; but this they con- 
 tinued to refuse to do, — the separatists ordering their clerks to 
 keep their seats and go on with the business of their meeting. 
 
 The request of the overseers being treated with contempt, it 
 was then proposed that the representatives would nominate three 
 of their number to demand, on behalf of the meeting, of those 
 who were seated at the clerks' table, to leave their seats, and 
 suffer the clerks to go on with their business, which was as 
 peremptorily refused. One of the individuals at the table called 
 upon those who were travelling with certificates to present them, 
 on which E. Hicks's certificates, and his companion's minutes 
 were quickly handed to the table, and one of the individuals at 
 the table stood up, beginning to read them. Friends being sa- 
 tisfied it would not do to go on with their business amidst such 
 confusion, and such a mixed multitude, the clerk made an open- 
 ing minute upon his knee, calling over the names of the repre- 
 sentatives, from which it appeared very few of them were able to 
 gel into the meeting-house ; after which Friends adjourned to a 
 school-house : the women being placed in a similar situation with 
 the men, adjourned to the old meeting-house. Before Friends 
 left the meeting-house, one of the separatists informed Friends 
 they were disposed to agree to an amicable division of the po- 
 perty ; to which Friends made no reply. The school-house was 
 too small for our number assembled in it, yet we were favoured 
 soon to settle down in the quiet ; the business that came before
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SlIILMTOE. .'J.'JO 
 
 the 
 
 meeting was conducted in mucli liarinony, and many testimo- 
 5 were borne to the loving kindness of the Lord, who had that 
 day dehvered the members of this quarterly meeting from the 
 confusion and distress to wliich they had of late been cxijosed in 
 their meetings for discipline. 
 
 Sixth-day, (15th of Hth mo.) proceeded to .Mount Pleasant • 
 the road was so deep in mud and holes, that it was necessary at 
 times to support our carriage to prevent its turning over. Wc 
 attended the select quarterly meeting, held at Mount Pleasant; 
 several weighty matters came before it, and great unaninuty pre- 
 vailed. 
 
 Seventh-day, attended the quarterly meeting for the general 
 concerns of the Society : numbers of the .sei)aratists from other 
 quarterly meetings assembled, before the doors oi" the meeting- 
 house were opened. The meeting for worship was quiet ; after 
 which the meeting for Society concerns was opened, when recpiest 
 was made that such as had been.disowned or were unck-r dealing 
 by their monthly meetings, should withdraw ; it being known to 
 Friends there were such individuals present : the request was re- 
 peated again and again. As persuasion had no efrect. the clerk 
 was requested to take down the names of those who had no claim 
 to sit in the quarterly meeting : at lirst they professed not to re- 
 gard these steps the meeting was taking, yet after some further 
 contention on the part of the separatists, one of their leading men 
 proposed to withdraw, another followed him, but the clerk con- 
 tinuing to take down their names, they generally left the meeting. 
 After a time of quiet, Friends went on comfortably with their bu- 
 siness, and separated under feelings of reverent acknowledgment, 
 that hitherto it was the Lord, who, in the riches of his mercy, 
 had thus helped them out of their great dilliculties. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Mount Pleasant ; it was con- 
 sidered large, many of the town's people giving their company, 
 and it proved a quiet meeting. 
 
 Second-day, we rode to Smithfield to attend the monthly meet- 
 ing there ; the meeting for Avorship being over, the clerk opened 
 the monthly meeting : many being present who had no claim to 
 sit in this meeting, they were requested to withdraw, which rc(|uest 
 was repeated again and again, but without the desired ellcct. 
 Some of the separatists, far advanced in age, stood up and en- 
 couraged this disorderly proceeding, claiming their right to sit in 
 these meetings, — until a proposal was made to take down the names 
 of such ; the clerk proceeding to do so, they withdrew, except 
 two of my own countrymen, who stood it out to the last ; after 
 which Friends were favoured to proceed quietly with their bu- 
 
 siness. 
 
 Third-day morning, wc rode to Short-creek, and attended the 
 monthly meeting there ; the meeting for worship was large, and I 
 
 z 2
 
 340 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 believe to many it proved a season of renewal of strenp'tli ; the 
 business of the monthly nieeting was conducted with much unani- 
 mity, a religious concern being manifested in the active members 
 of the meeting for the welfare of the cause of truth and righte- 
 ousness : many testimonies of denial were issued and many 
 ordered to be brought to the next monthly meeting, against indi- 
 viduals who had united with E. Hicks''s party in setting up new 
 monthly meetings. 
 
 Sixth-day, we attended Flushing monthly meeting, which was 
 held in quiet, and the business which came before it was con- 
 ducted with more dispatch than is often the case in these back- 
 settlements of Friends. After meeting we rode to Barnsville, 
 a journey of sixteen miles, chieHy through woods and some newly- 
 opened roads; we did not reach our quarters until after sun-set. 
 
 Seventh-day, attended Still Water monthly meeting : the meet- 
 ing for worship was a very exercising time ; necessity, I believed, 
 was laid upon me to warn Friends against the danger of being 
 implicated with two of the Hicksite preachers, who had recently 
 been very active in endeavouring to bring about a separation in 
 this quarterly meeting ; I felt myself constrained, if I did my 
 duty, to describe them to be great apostates from the faith they 
 once preached. Those who had not a claim to sit in the monthly 
 meeting, quietly withdrew, which I afterwards understood was very 
 unexpected to Friends : from the large portion of business that 
 came before the monthly meeting, we did not separate till late. It 
 has been pleasant to observe in this and the other monthly meet- 
 ings, where cases of delinquency have been brought forward, a 
 disposition of great tenderness manifested towards those who were 
 the subjects of them. 
 
 First-day, attended Still-water meeting, which was large ; it 
 was considered by Friends the most solemn, comfortable meeting 
 that had been known there for a long time. 
 
 Second-day, 25th of 8th mo. 1828, we rode to Somerset to at- 
 tend monthly meeting there. The meeting for worship was large ; 
 I had to proclaim amongst the members the language of, " Come 
 away from them, and be ye separate," as a renewed call of the 
 Most High in mercy to some present ; also to hold out the lan- 
 guage of encouragement, if an unreserved willingness were mani- 
 fested to obey the call, that help would be vouchsafed, which would 
 be found all-sufficient ; but if there were a continuing to unite 
 with those who had so sorrowfully departed from the right way of 
 the Lord, great suffering in a future day would be the result 
 thereof: the meeting was preserved in, quiet. When the meeting for 
 discipline was about to commence, a large part of our company with- 
 drew, they having been either disowned or were under dealing by the 
 monthly meeting, for having united in setting up separate monthly 
 meetings. The queries were answered, and numerous testimonies
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS sniLLITOE. .341 
 
 of denial signed for both men and women, otl.crs ordered for next 
 monthly meeting, and fresh cases were brou^dit forward 
 
 1 he next day, attended the select quarterly meeting, hehl at 
 fetUlwater : the meeting was informed before it was fuIU LMthorL-d 
 that some persons were on their way who had been mnnl.crs ,4' 
 this select meeting, but who had been disowned in consequence or 
 uniting themselves with the separatists : on their making the at- 
 tempt to enter the house, and the door-keepers i)reventing them 
 they assembled on the meeting-house lot, where tliey luld their 
 meeting, preaching and praying, so much to the annoyance of 
 i^riends, that they were obliged to close the widows of the mcet- 
 mg-house. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, 27th of 8th mo., the day of Stillwater 
 quarterly meeting ; my companion and myself on proceeding to- 
 wards the meeting-house, observed a vast crowd of people aiSem- 
 bled ; the nearer we approached, tlic more awful the commotion 
 appeared ; the countenances and action of many manifested a de- 
 termination to make their way into the house, by resortiu"- to 
 violent means, if no other way would effect their designs : by 
 pressing through the crowd we gained admittance. The tumult 
 increased to an alarming degree ; the consequence of keeping the 
 doors fastened any longer were to be dreaded, as the mol) were 
 beginning to break the windows to obtain an entrance that way, 
 and to inHict blows on some of the door-keepers ; it was therefore 
 concluded to open the doors. The door of the men's house being 
 opened, to attempt to describe the awful scene to the full, woulil be 
 in vain for me to do. The feelings of alarm awakened in my mind 
 were such, as almost to overpower my confidence in the all-super- 
 intending care of a Divine Protector ; the countenances of many 
 as they entered the house, seemed to indicate that they were ready 
 to fall upon the little handfull there was of us in the ministers' gal- 
 lery, there being few others in the house. Some of their party 
 forced up the shutters between the men''s and women's house, as 
 if they would have brought the wiiole of them to the <;round, 
 others ran to the doors which had been made secure, seizing them, 
 tearing them open, and some off the hinges ; the like outrage 
 they committed in the women's house; the cracking and ham- 
 mering this occasioned for the short time it lasted was awful to me, 
 not knowing where, or in what, this scene of riot and excess of wick- 
 edness of temper would end. The house was very soon crowdc<l to 
 an extreme, the separatists taking possession of one end of the 
 men's house and Friends the other ; no sooner was the meeting 
 become a little quiet, than the preachers of the separatists began 
 uttering their Deistical doctrines, one after another; they attempt- 
 ing to prove man had not suflfered loss through the disobedience of 
 our first parents, endeavouring to make ihc sacrifice of Christ of 
 none effect, and speaking irreverently of the Scriptures. I durst 
 not do otherwise, trying as it appeared to be, than stand up and say,
 
 342 
 
 JOURNAL OF TIIOJIAS SIlILMToE. 
 
 If there were any present not in j)rofe,s8ion \vitli our Society, I 
 wished them to understand that the doctrines wliich had been ad- 
 vanced, were not the doctrines of Friends, and therefore I hoped we 
 sliould not be chanfed with liohhng such unsounil principles, nor 
 considered accountable for what had been offered. I stated that 
 it was my belief, that the sorrowful confusion and distress whieh 
 had taken place that niornin^r, had j^rowu out of those unsound 
 doctrines, which of late had been (lisseminated and received by 
 many amongst them. 
 
 Trying as the prospect of our situation was, it appeared best 
 to proceed with the business amidst the iiost of opposers and stran- 
 «;ers present ; the representatives were called over, the answers to 
 the(jueries read, and a summary prepared : had 1 not been present 
 I could not have conceived it woultl ha\'e been possible for 
 Friends to have conducted the l)usiness of a quarterly meeting 
 so quietly, and given attention to the several matters before tlie 
 meeting, circumstanced as they •were, — the sc])aratists going on 
 with the business of their new quarterly meeting at one end of the 
 liouse and Friends at the other. One of the most active in this 
 riot exhibited charges against me and other ministers, and against 
 some active members of Stillwater (juarterly meeting, charging us 
 ^vith acts of violence towards him, signing the same, and circu- 
 lating it in a Hicksitc work, called " Tl^ Friend, or Advocate 
 for Truth." The door-keeper, and other Friends who were pre- 
 sent at the time, drew uj> certificates clearing me and otlicrs of 
 the charges so wickedly l)rought against us, signed it, and pub- 
 lished it in a weekly publication of the Society, called " The 
 Friend," and also in Bates's Repository, to which no reply ever 
 appeared. Friends were favoured to get comfortably through 
 their business, closing under a grateful sense, that it was the Ix)rd 
 who had in mercy been the stay and stafl'to their minds through 
 the difhculties of this day ; and desires were put up to the throne 
 of grace to be enabled to be found walking worthy of these his 
 favours. 
 
 First-day, 31st of 8th mo., 1828, we rode to Benjamin Vale's, 
 where the meeting is now held, composed of those who remain 
 with Friends of Plainficld, Clairsville, and Concord meet- 
 ings, the separatists having possession of these three meeting- 
 liouses. The room being small, many were obliged to sit outside 
 the house. I went to meeting in a tried state of mind : a thorn 
 in the flesh is often my companion, doubtless in great mercy to 
 keep down the creaturely part, lest any thing like being exalted 
 above measure should appear and take root, through the acknow- 
 ledgments made in meetings of approbation of my ministry and 
 services amongst my friends : the meeting was held much in the 
 quiet, and proved a comfortable, and, I hope, an encouraging one 
 to many of our company. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended meeting at Mount Pleasant ; on first
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILHTOE. 34^ 
 
 sitting clown in the meeting-house the wing of Ancient Goodness 
 wvas m mercy spread over us; as Friends came into the liou.se one 
 after another, the awe that was brouglit over their minds was to he 
 observed, from the manner in which they toolc their seats : 1 liad 
 cause to say, it was good for me I was there. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, the first sitting of the Select Yearly 
 Meeting commenced : at the time appointed for the meeting to 
 assenible, Elias Hicks and two other preachers of his party tried 
 to gain admittance, but being refused, they replied that they could 
 hold their meeting in the open air, as George Fox did, furnishing 
 themselves with chairs ; in company with about twelve of the select 
 members of this Yearly Meeting, who had united themselves to 
 the Hicksite party, they accordingly held their meeting on the out- 
 side of the meeting-house fence : although their voices were at 
 times heard in our meeting, yet it did not appear the meeting 
 suffered thereby, except as it respected the minds of Friends 
 being affected with sorrow on their account. In the afternoon, 
 attended the meeting for sufferings. Friends being aware of the 
 difficult situation they were likely to be placed in, on the day when 
 the Yearly Meeting for the general concerns of the Society was to 
 commence, a consultation took place on the subject ; and it was 
 concluded, to have the usual doors open, and that the door-keepers 
 should be requested to do their best to keep the meeting select, 
 but not to use force. 
 
 First-day morning, attended the meeting at Mount Pleasant : 
 it may easily be supposed, the prospect of going to meeting 
 this morning must have been formidable in appearance : the house 
 was crowded, and before the meeting was fully gathered, Klias 
 Hicks stood vip and occupied much time in setting forth doctrines 
 opposed to all Christian principles. After he had taken his seat, 
 a Friend rose and informed the audience of the situation in 
 which Elias Hicks stood with his friends at home ; this he did in 
 order to do away any unfavourable impressions respecting Friends, 
 which might have been made upon the minds of any from the 
 doctrines which E. H. had advanced. From the great con- 
 course of people we passed in the afternoon on their way to 
 Short Creek meeting, where E. Hicks was to be, 1 had cherished 
 a hope we should have had a quiet meeting at Mount Pleasant ; 
 but we had not long been settled down before two of the preachers 
 of the separatists rose one after the other ; on their being re- 
 quested again and again to sit down, the Hicksite party shouted 
 from various parts of the meeting, manifesting such vio ence ot 
 temper, that it appeared safest to suffer them to go on. Although 
 it was as distressing a meeting as most I ever sat ni, yet when it 
 closed, I could not say I regretted my lot was thus east amongst 
 Friends, to sliare with them in their exercises. 
 
 Second-day, 8th of 9th mo. : at eight this morning the com-
 
 Si^ JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 mittcc of men and women Friends on Indian affairs met, tp 
 wliicli committee strangers were invited, of which number 1 consi- 
 dered myself to be one. When the business of this commktec 
 closed, Friends and the clerks remained in the house : the time 
 for the gathering of the Yearly Meeting on the general concerns 
 of the Society being nearly come, these Friends filled up the 
 ministers"' gallery and front seats. Printed notices had been 
 served on E. 1 licks and others, and copies nailed on the doors of 
 the men's and women's house, signed by the trustees of the pro- 
 perty, warning them not to enter the meeting-house during the 
 sittings of the Yearly Meeting ; the numerous door-keepers were 
 also in attendance, but the separatists became so violent, it 
 appeared no longer possible for the door-keepers to maintain their 
 posts, unless they repelled force by force. Friends conferred 
 together, when it appeared safest to request the door-keepers to 
 desist from their charge, and leave the doors ; this taking place, 
 the mob, headed by two of the preachers of the separatists, poured 
 into the house like a torrent, accompanied by some of the rude 
 rabble of the town ; they violently forced open the doors that had 
 been kept fast, — some young men entering the women'shouse, com- 
 mitted the same outrage. After the meeting had become quiet, 
 beyond what could have been expected, all circumstances consi- 
 dered, the clerk, Jonathan Taylor, opened the Yearly Meeting 
 amidst this crowd of intruders; on which one of the scparatists'party 
 stood up, and declared he was authorized by the members of Ohio 
 Yearly Meeting to order the clerks that were then at the table to 
 quit, and give place to such clerks as they should choose for them- 
 selves, at the same time naming an individual for the office ; which 
 nomination was confirmed by many of the separatists shouting 
 out at the same time " That's my mind, that's my mind ;" " Why 
 does not our clerk come forward.^" The separatists then crowding 
 between the front seats, and up to the table, ordered the Friends 
 who were standing near the clerks' table to quit; but their de- 
 mand not being complied with, they began to use violence, on 
 which the clerks were ordered to take down the names of such as 
 appeared to take an active part in such proceedings. The takirig 
 down the names of such as were the most active in this riot did 
 not check their proceedings ; finding they were not likely to 
 succeed in driving Friends from the front of the table, they 
 endeavoured to do so by a door behind the clerk : my seat being 
 next to the clerk, a man of large stature and bulk came over 
 the gallery-rail almost upon me, and after him two young men. 
 I was on the point of getting up to leave the house ; but before I 
 was upon my feet, one of the separatists near me looking up, ex- 
 claimed the gallery that w^as over our heads was falling : a great 
 crash at this moment was heard over our heads, which it was 
 afterwards proved had been produced by one of the separatists'
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SIIILLITOE. 34^ 
 
 party breaking a piece of wood. Immediately on an alarm beintr 
 given the gallery was falling,' from the other side of U, e S 
 there was an outery 'The house is falling;' The don, a^ the 
 women s house was thrown open, and they were told the house 
 was falling; a sudden rush in every direction produced a sound 
 not unlike thunder, and brought down a small part of the ceilinir 
 m the gallery ; this raised a considerable dust, and had the ai, 
 pearance of the walls giving way, and the ceiling comin^r doJn 
 altogether Whilst I was making my way from my seat, a Friend 
 informed the meeting it was a false alarm ; the separatists, who 
 had crowded into the ministers^ gallery, and given this alarm, 
 instead ot making their way themselves out of the house, called 
 out, " Make way for the old Friend f others said, " Let the old 
 friend come by ;" so that I had no difficulty until I reached the 
 door, where the crowd was very great. Some were thrown down 
 and were in danger of being trampled to death ; a young Friend 
 (who was one amongst many more) told me they forced the 
 sashes out with their feet, and tumbled out of the windows: one 
 young man, (report says,) in his fright, dropped out of an upper 
 -window. The separatists having now obtained access to the door 
 at the back of the clerks' table, voices were heard above the 
 general uproar, " Now is the time, rush on," which they did, 
 but not being able to get possession of the table, it was broken 
 to pieces. In a short time I returned into the meeting again. 
 When the tumult and uproar had somewhat subsided, it was pro- 
 posed that we should leave this scene of riot; which being united 
 Avith, Friends adjourned to Short Creek meeting-house, and the 
 clerk made a minute, stating the cause whereby Friend:* were 
 brought under the necessity of quitting their own house. (Jn 
 taking our seats in Short Creek house, many minds were afresh 
 contrited before the Lord for his merciful deliverance., 'i he 
 chief subject that occupied attention at this time was, what 
 measures Friends were to adopt to secure a peaceable enjoyment 
 of their privileges in holding their meetings select : the names 
 which had been taken down of those who had been the most active 
 in the riots, and in breaking the clerks' table, were read over ; 
 a very becoming care was manifested on the part of tVicnds, 
 where mercy could be shown, to strike such names oil" the li;;t ; 
 Friends were called upon to make such statement to the meeting, 
 as they would be able to do if brought forward as witnc.'^scs in 
 the case before a court. After which four Friends had it in charge 
 to wait upon a judge at Stuben-ville, to lay before him the .situ- 
 ation Friends were placed in, and to deliver to him tlie names of 
 such as had been the authors of their diilicultics. 
 
 Third-day morning, a few Friends met in the mccting-housc lot 
 at Mount Pleasant, and opened the adjournment of the }>ekct 
 meeting, and adjourned again to Short Creek mccling-housc.
 
 34!6 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 admittance liaving been denied them to Mount Pleasant meeting- 
 house. The Yearly Meeting standing adjourned to ten o'clock 
 this morning, Friends were advised to make a formal demand 
 of the men's and women's house ; Friends therefore, assembled 
 in the yard of the meeting-house at Mount Pleasant, and the 
 trustees for the property, with two of the representatives went 
 into the meeting-house, the separatists' meeting being then sitting 
 in it, and in an avidible manner, demanded quiet possession of 
 the house to transact the business of the Yearly Meeting of Ohio 
 select ; after much quibbling on the part of the separatists, when 
 pressed to give a decisive answer to this question, whether they 
 were willing quietly to resign the meeting-house ? the answer they 
 gave was, " There is no reply ;" the separatists' then resumed 
 their business. Notice was now given, that Friends being kept 
 out of their house, would open their Yearly Meeting in the 
 yard; men and women collected accordinjily at the front of the 
 meeting-house, the men to the east and the- women to the west: 
 here we had a large and solemn meeting. The pacific nature of 
 our holy profession was again manifested by Friends, after having 
 asserted their right and made a formal demand of their property, 
 then submitting to hold their meeting in the open air, rather than 
 resort to force, their disturbers being less perhaps than one-third of 
 their number. Divers living testimonies were borne to the praise 
 of that Almighty arm, which had thus far in mercy sustained 
 Friends, and preserved them in meekness and patience, amidst 
 their accumulated difficulties. Friends were informed, that, in 
 consequence of the injury which Jonathan Taylor, the Yearly 
 IMeeting's clerk, had received yesterday from the pressure at the 
 table, he was unable to give his attendance, the assistant clerk was 
 therefore requested to open the adjournment, which was accord- 
 ingly done; after whicli the Yearly Meeting was adjourned to 
 Short Creek meeting-house, in which not a few of our company 
 on this solemn occasion were bathed in tears ; some of the youth 
 also distinguished themselves in this respect amongst others. 
 
 Fourth-day, 10th of 9th mo., Friends met according to adjourn- 
 ment, and were favoured with a solid sitting together ; the meet- 
 ing being opened, a minute was made, excluding from the se- 
 veral sittings of this Yearly Meeting such members of Society as 
 had united with others in producing the riot at Mount Pleasant 
 meetincr-house, and who had otherwise identified themselves with 
 the separatists. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, the Friends again met ; the meeting con- 
 tinued large, and the weather being fine, was a favourable cir- 
 cumstance, as many were obliged to take their seats under the 
 temporary awnings out of the meeting-house, the windows having 
 been taken out to accommodate the numerous company. The 
 clerks being obliged, with other Friends, to be in attendance on the
 
 JOURNAL OK IHO.MAS ."HILLITOE. 347 
 
 judge, relative to the riot on Second-day, such of the rcprcKcnta- 
 tives as were not thus cnga^rfd, retired into the wood ojipositc to 
 the meetnig-housc, to consider of suitahle Friends to wrve the 
 meeting ;is clerks during their ahscnce. Friends were favourwi 
 •with a quiet, comfortable sitting to^ctlier. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, the meeting" again asscmhled, and matters 
 which came before it were conducted in great harmony ; the trials 
 which Friends had passed through, had brought them vcr>- near 
 to each other, baptizing them together under a sense that the con- 
 cerns of the church they were met to transact, were not tlieir own, 
 but the Lord's, who 1 believe was much looked unto for counsel 
 and help throughout this time of close travail and exercise of 
 spirit. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, the meeting continued to be largely 
 attended ; Divine goodness still condescended to own us together 
 with his enriching presence, to the contriting of our spirits, can 'i 
 tears of gratitude to flow down the cheeks of many in the incii.: ._. 
 In the afternoon, I attended an adjournment of the meeting for 
 sufferings, in which we were again refreshed together, under a re- 
 newed sense, that the Lord is still in mercy condescending to oHt-r 
 liis help to our poor revolting Society. 
 
 First-day morning, feeling drawings in my mind to attend llarris- 
 ville meeting about seven miles distant from Short Creek, accom- 
 panied by my friend Rowland Green, we proceeded there; we liad 
 not long been seated in the gallery before one of the preachers of 
 the separatists accompanied by many more of his associates, en- 
 tered the house, and occupied a great deal of the time of the 
 meeting; when he took his seat again, I felt it l:iid upon me to 
 inform the assembly that the individual who had spoken had no 
 right to stand up and preach in that meeting, he having been 
 disowned by the Society of Friends. Although this meeting wa.s a 
 very suffering one, yet on comparing my feelings of mind with 
 my companioiii's on our way back again, it appeared we neither of 
 us felt cause for regret that we had given uj) to attend this meet- 
 ing ; believing our sufferings therein, would not all !)e in vain. 
 On our way from meeting, we were joined by a goodly looking, 
 middle-aged woman Friend, apparently under great alHietion, 
 which I found was occasioned by her husband having joined the 
 Hicksitcs, and he was now staying behind with them. 
 
 Second-day the Yearly Meeting again met ; when a report funn 
 tlie Indian Committee was received, from which it appeared the 
 school had been suspended: Friend's minds were exercised with 
 desires, that they might not remit their care over this part of our 
 fellow-creatures, as far as their means and ability was cijual to. 
 
 Third-day morning, the Yearly .Meeting again met. and at- 
 tended to the various concerns which still claimed attention, juj 
 having grown out of the present trying state of the Society, from
 
 348 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 the unsound principles, which had made such inroads in the minds 
 of many of our members. Under a reverent, thankful sense of the 
 help which had been extended, whilst conducting the several 
 weighty matters before the meeting, and after expressions of 
 concern that Friends might be found walking worthy of the con- 
 tinuance of these Divine blessings, Friends separated in great 
 nearness towards each other ; the cheeks of most were bedewed 
 with tears of sympathy and affection, at the prospect of the 
 sufferings that awaited them, through the opposition to be 
 expected from their revolting brethren in their several meetings 
 at home.
 
 349 
 
 CHAPTER XXXIX. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, my companion and myself left our comfort- 
 able abode at our kind friend Jonathan I'aylur's, and procetdiil 
 towards Indiana : in the evening we were favoured to reach 
 Zanesville. It being reported Klias Hicks had been at this 
 place, and procured the use of the (Jourt-house, and held a 
 meeting there, as I had still in reserve some of the Declarations 
 of the meeting for sufferings in Philadelphia, I devoted some 
 time in visiting the preachers of the difierent religious denomi- 
 nations, (except the Roman Catholic,) and delivered to those 
 we met the Declaration, which appeared to be well received ; I 
 also left others for distribution. One individual observed, tliat 
 he had heard much which had been said on both sides, and had 
 been desirous of seeing something official from Friends them- 
 selves ; he was therefore glad to receive the Declaration, in- 
 tending to make it known to his hearers. 
 
 First-day morning, attended meeting at Zanesville : it was a 
 quiet time, and I hope a season of instruction to some. After meet- 
 ing we pursued our journey through Alexander, where I distributed 
 some of the Declaration, and then on to Circleville, where wc 
 understood Elias Hicks and several men and women had halted on 
 their way to Indiana, but had not held a meeting there. We took 
 up our abode for the night at a tavern. I called upon some of 
 the leaders of the different religious denominations there, and left 
 some of the Declarations, whicTi appeared to be well received. 
 
 Third-day, we proceeded to Dry Run. It felt pleasant to get 
 into a settlement of Friends again, from the didiculty we had ex- 
 perienced in being obliged to be at taverns, spending our evenings 
 in such mixed companies as we frequently met with thereat. The 
 prospect of a journey of five hundred miles before me, after (piitting 
 Indiana, when I must have this inconvenience to combat, of being 
 at taverns to victual and lodge nearly the whole of the time, was 
 trying ; yet I found it was a subject not prolitable for me to dwell 
 upon, satisfied that no unnecessary anxiety of my own could make 
 any change for the better, in the trials which were to fall to niy 
 
 lot. 
 
 Sixth day, attended the preparative meeting held at A\ alnut-
 
 350 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 creek ; notice having been given of my desire to sit with P'ricntls 
 of this nieetins, we were informed a general attendance of them 
 had taken place, and we had good ground to believe our visit was 
 an acceptable one to Friends of this meeting. 
 
 Seventh-day, We attended the monthly meeting at Fairfield, the 
 meeting for worship was numerously attended by persons not in 
 profession with Friends ; it proved to inc an exercising season, 
 yet I humbly hope 1 was found faithful, in declaring that which 
 appeared to be the word of the Lord through me, his feeble in- 
 strument. In the afternoon we proceeded to Wilmington, about 
 sixteen miles, and were favoured to reach it before dark; here wewere 
 informed K. Hicks and his party had a meeting in the court- 
 liouse, which at first was numerously attended; but the doctrines 
 he advanced, caused many of the most respectable of his hearers 
 to leave the house before the meeting was over. 
 
 F'irst-day morning, we reached to Centre, attended meeting there; 
 a large proportion of this meeting consists of young people who 
 profess to continue with Friends, but from their external appear- 
 ance it would seem they were ignorant of what they were mak- 
 ing a profession of 1 was constrained to endeavour to impress 
 their minds with a sense of the mercy they enjoyed, in that 
 there were yet preserved amongst them so many aged brethren 
 and sisters, who had not dared to bow the knee to the Baals 
 which had of late been travelling amongst them, nor to kiss the 
 image they had been setting up : great quiet prevailed over the 
 assembly. 
 
 Third-day morning, we rode to Wainsville ; on our arrival 
 we were informed Elias Hicks and his party had possession of the 
 meeting-house, and were holding what they termed, Indiana 
 Yearly Meeting of Friends. This placed me in a very trying 
 situation. I endeavoured to learn whether it was likely their 
 meeting would close that night, and, if not, whether the week-day 
 meeting would be held as usual on the morrow; but this infor- 
 mation I was not able to obtain, yet I was given to understand 
 that a public meeting was to be held on the morrow morning in 
 Friends' meeting-house, but that the hour for holding this meet- 
 ing could not be ascertained. I endeavoured to give the subject 
 all due consideration, my situation feeling to myself a very cri- 
 tical one ; as I thought I clearly saw if the meeting was to be 
 held at the usual hour for the week-day meeting, it would be 
 right for me to attend it ; but if the hour was altered by E. H. 
 and his party, who had taken possession of the meeting-house, it 
 thereby becoming the meeting of the separatists, I should be ex- 
 cused. I was informed there was a settlement of F'riends at 
 Springborough, about eight miles distant, on our way to Indiana; 
 and believing the pointings of duty directed my mind there that 
 night, we concluded to proceed, as we could easily return to
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. .351 
 
 attend the meeting at Wainsville next morning, if tlic hour of 
 the meeting was not changed : the woman Fycnd at whose house 
 we were, also kindly offered to inform us if no alteration took 
 place m the hour of holding the meeting. We accordingly left 
 Wainsville, under an assurance in my own mind of he? faith- 
 fully fulfilling her engagement, and proceeded to Springborough, 
 where we took up our abode for the night. Here wc understood 
 that the house we called at in Wainsville, was opened to the 
 separatists attending their Yearly Meeting, for victuals and lodg- 
 ing, whereby I felt well satisfied we had left W^iinsvillc for the 
 night; and I continued to feel assured I could place confi- 
 dence in the woman Friend for information. 1 passed rather 
 a sleepless night, the meeting of Wainsville coming before the 
 view of my mind ; but 1 endeavoured to labour after entire resig- 
 nation, which, I believe, I am justified in saying, I was favoured 
 to experience fully brought about, although the prospect threat- 
 ened certain suffering to my mind, if my poor body escaped. Wc 
 rose early to breakfast ; as no information relative to \V^ains- 
 ville had come to my hands, I concluded the time for holding the 
 usual mid-week meeting was altered, as being the cause the Friend 
 had not Avritten to me ; and, as we had a long day's journey 
 before us, I proposed our moving on our way to Richmond. 
 After a long fatiguing day"'s journey, we were favoured to reach 
 our friend John Smith's in the evening, who, with his wife and 
 family, showed us every kind attention we needed. 
 
 Sixth-day, on my entering the meeting for sufferings, a Friend 
 stopped me, saying, " The Friends of Wainsville were disap- 
 pointed at not seeing thee at their week-day meeting, a note 
 having been sent thee, saying, the time for holding that meeting 
 was not altered." This information for a time struck me almost 
 speechless ! I was not able to make any reply ; but was led se- 
 verely to reproach myself for my neglect in not making the need- 
 ful inquiry before I left Springborough, if any note had come for 
 us from Wainsville. The sufferings of mind 1 was plunged 
 into for this neglect, my pen cannot describe to tlie full ; I was 
 led to conclude, if my guilt for this omission and unwatchfulness 
 in not more carefully attending to my Master's business, conti- 
 nued to weigh me down, as it now was permitted to do, I must 
 not pursue my journey further, but return home; as I was 
 unable to see any probability of my being benefited or of my be- 
 nefiting others by attending the sittings of this Yearly Meet- 
 ing, unless, in adorable mercy, the weight of guilt I was labournig 
 under, was somewhat removed. I experienced as great suffering 
 of mind, as I think I ever endured; look which ever way I would, 
 every door of palhation and consolation appeared closed against 
 me, all which I hope I endeavoured to bear suih that bceonung 
 patience due from such an ungrateful servant to such a merciful
 
 352 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Master. After much inward struggle, I was favoured to experience 
 more calmness and composure, yet I was not without fearful ap- 
 prehensions I should not so rise above my present trying feelings 
 of mind, as to be able to give attention to matters that might 
 come before the Yearly Meeting, which I was desirous of doing. 
 But as patience was abode in, that merciful Almighty Being, (who 
 ■well knew my falling short in duty towards him in this matter was 
 not wilful, but the sorrowful effect of great unwatchfulness on my 
 part,) in his own time was pleased to condescend to say, it is 
 enough ; which mercy, I hope I may say, I received with feelings 
 of reverent gratitude and thankfulness. The note alluded to, I 
 afterwards understood, had fallen into the hands of a Friend, who 
 had yielded to carnal reasoning on the subject, and concluded our 
 attending the meeting in question at Wainsvillc, n.ight be the 
 means of promoting a disposition in E. Hicks and his party, to 
 come and disturb Friends at their Yearly Meeting of Indiana, 
 and that I might take Wainsville on my way to Carolina : but I 
 found no such compromise would be accepted, and therefore durst 
 not make the attempt. 
 
 Seventh-day, attended the select Yearly Meeting, which was 
 large ; thewGreat Master being pleased to own us together : for 
 the unmerited favour of my being able to participate with my 
 friends in these feelings, unworthy as 1 am, I hope I felt truly 
 thankful. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at White Water, about one mile 
 out of Richmond ; great crowds were moving along towards 
 the meeting-house, which was thronged, and a great concourse 
 of people were outside, it was supposed there were nearly four 
 thousand persons in and out of the house: Friends were con- 
 strained to acknowledge, that the Ancient of days in His un- 
 merited mercy, was pleased to condescend to come down, and 
 show Himself abundant in loving kindness to His revolting, back- 
 sliding people. At the close of the meeting, one of E. Hicks's 
 party gave notice of a meeting to be held by E. H. on Fourth- 
 day at Richmond. 
 
 Second-day morning, attended the African committee : the care 
 which Friends of this Yearly Meeting (Indiana) had manifested 
 for this too-much neglected portion of our fellow-creatures, was set 
 forth in a report laid before this committee, by which it appeared 
 Friends had exerted themselves for their welfare. The Yearly 
 Meeting for transacting the general concerns of the Society, as- 
 sembled this morning, and was very large. It being known that 
 there were some individuals in the meeting who had no claim, to 
 sit there, they were importuned to leave the meeting-house ; but 
 as they manifested an unwillingness to do so, they were informed, 
 unless they left the meeting, their names would be exposed and 
 minuted down by the clerk ; on which several left the house, and
 
 •JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 353 
 
 it then appearing the meeting was select, the dcrk.s i)roceeilc(l 
 with the business of the Yearly Meeting. 
 
 Third-day morning, attended tlie adi'uiinnnent of the lueeting 
 for sufferings : the names of such of the meiobers of this meeting 
 as had united themselves to the sepjiratist party were brought for- 
 ward, in order to their being laid before the Yearly Meeting ; the 
 meeting's taking such a step as this, it was evident, closely tried 
 the minds of some Friends present, but Truth prevailed over the 
 affectionate part, and by the meeting's keejjing in patience, a 
 general uniting in such a step prevailed, and the names were 
 ordered to be taken forward to the Yearly Meeting. 'I'he meeting 
 again assembled and the business that came before it, though it 
 occupied much time, was conducted in great harmony. 
 
 Fourth-day, the public meeting for worship was held ; K. Hicks 
 had also appointed a meeting, to be held at the same hour in a 
 barn adjoining the meeting-house lot, which his party had fitted 
 up for him ; notwithstanding which, the meeting of Friends was 
 large, and proved a quiet, favoured one. How short-sighted we 
 are ; my being put by from my attendance at Wainsville, did not 
 hinder E. Hicks from trying to annoy Friends at this Nearly 
 Meeting, as far as he had power. In the evening I attended an 
 adjournment of the Indian committee, which committee it ap- 
 peared was placed in a difficult situation, in consequence of the 
 funds which were originally designed to support the concern, 
 being in the hands of those of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, who 
 have identified themselves with the separatists. It further ap- 
 peared, that application had been made by missionaries of other 
 societies to take the charge of the Indians, but that the latter had 
 uniformly rejected their offers, stating, that they had taken the 
 Quakers by the hand, and would hold them fast ; that they al- 
 ways gave them good advice, and told them things which made 
 them glad. 
 
 Fifth-day, (23rd of 10th mo.) attended an adjournment of the 
 select meeting, where divers weighty testimonies were borne, and 
 important remarks made on the state of this part of the body. 
 
 First-day morning, the meeting for worship was very large, 
 although E. Hicks had appointed a meeting to be held in the 
 barn adjoining the meeting-house lot at the same liour ; we were 
 favoured with a quiet, comfortable sitting together. 
 
 Second-day morning, the Yearly INIeeting again met, and after 
 a sitting of nearly six hours, closed under a very precious and 
 awful covering. 
 
 On Third-day morning, I set out, in company with several 
 Friends, to return eastward ; the next day at noon we reached 
 Cincinati. Feeling drawings in our minds to sit with Friends 
 there, a meeting was appointed to be held that evcnnig, and we had 
 
 VOL. II. '^ ^
 
 354 JOUIINAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 cause to believe both visitors and visited were satisfied with the 
 time we thus passed together. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, we again pursued this long journey before 
 us, crossed the Ohio river in a horse-boat, and landed in Ken- 
 tucky, a slave-holding state ; on which my feelings were awakened 
 to a thankful sense of my being no man's slave. On Second-day 
 morning, about half a mile out of Mount Vernon, we had a con- 
 siderable mountain to ascend, and, to make it more easy of access, 
 bodies of trees were laid from the foot to the summit ; a heavy 
 fall of rain in the night, and a very large drove of fat hogs 
 which preceded us, had occasioned our road to be very slippery ; 
 on reaching about half way up the mountain, our carriage 
 ran back, our horses turned round, and turned the carriage 
 off the road into a hole about three feet deep, amongst the rocks ; 
 I was favoured to escape unhurt, although in the carriage : we 
 managed through help to have our carriage brought on the road 
 again, and pursuing our journey, we reached the top of the moun- 
 tain in safety. This morning, we were met by a company of slaves, 
 some of them heavily loaded with irons, singing as they passed 
 along ; this, we were informed, was an effort to drown that suffer- 
 ing of mind they were brought into, by leaving behind them wives, 
 children, or other near connexions, and never likely to meet again 
 in this world. A short time after we met another company ; one re- 
 spectable-looking, rather well-dressed slave, attracted my attention, 
 with his hand grasping the hand of a fine-looking girl, about fourteen 
 years of age, his countenance appeared very dejected and melancholy ; 
 I was led to conclude, from the affection with which he appeared to 
 treat the girl, that she must be his child, whom, in all probability, 
 he expected soon to be compelled to part with for life. After this 
 came two waggons, in which they were conveying some more who 
 were not able to walk, also the coloured children, all going to be 
 sold at a market, like cattle. The time being come for us to bait 
 our horses, whilst they were feeding, I walked to some distance 
 from our tavern, and observed a handsome carriage standing, 
 which I supposed belonged to a pedlar, as it appeared to be loaded 
 with coarse woollen goods : I addressed myself to the owner of the 
 carriage, telling him he had a load of more bulk than weight ; on 
 which he replied, his carriage contained the clothing of the com- 
 pany of slaves we had passed on the road, of which he was the 
 owner, saying, he was seeking a market where he might dis- 
 pose of them to the best advantage. I told him his business was 
 a very bad one, and that a day of reckoning would come in which 
 he would have to account to his Maker for his conduct towards 
 these poor creatures. 'He replied, he believed so too, but said, I 
 have them, and what am I to do with them ? I told him, I be- 
 lieved, were I in his situation, my duty would point out to me the
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SIMLMTOE. 355 
 
 iiccessity of liberating them, and if it were not in n.y n..wer to do 
 It m any other way to sell all my goods and chattels, and part 
 ^ith the ast cent I had, to assist them in getting to a froe country. 
 Jo which he rephed. It was a bad trade, and he wished it wL 
 whaly done away w,th. I told him to consider, that same Al- 
 mighty Power which created him, created the coloured people; and 
 I questioned him, should his wife and children be torn trom bin) as 
 these poor creatures had been torn from their near connexiom, 
 how would he feel under the like circumstances ? lie replied he 
 should feel It a hard case to be reduced to; I told him he'had 
 better die poor than amass wealth by such means as he was aim- 
 ing at. I then made inquiry into the situation of tiie respectable 
 coloured man 1 had seen with the other slaves ; lie informed me 
 that this man had left behind him a wife and children, the pro- 
 perty of another slave-holder. When he took his leave of me he 
 said, he hoped he should remember the remarks I had made to 
 him. 
 
 Sixth-day, our road to-day lay over the Blue Mountains ; the 
 ascent being gradual, our difficulties did not commence untd we 
 reached the summit and began to descend ; the descent is com- 
 puted to be near two niiles to the foot of the mountain ; my com- 
 panion remained in the waggon and 1 footed it, fearing the injury 
 of our waggon, from the great steep we had to descend, the large 
 stones in the road, and trunks of trees we had to travel over ; be- 
 fore we had near reached the bottom, we had so splintered one of 
 our axletrees, and broke some of our bolts, that 1 began to doubt 
 our being able to accomplish arriving at the house where wc 
 proposed to take up our abode for the night. On our arrival 
 at the foot of the mountain, we durst not attempt to proceed until 
 our repairs were accomplished. We observed a despicable-look- 
 ing tavern, not a pane of glass in any window in the house, nor 
 did it appear there ever had been ; the night threatened to be 
 very cold and frosty ; how we were to take up our abode here for 
 the night, after such a fatiguing day's journey, I was at a loj-s to 
 comprehend : on querying with the tavern-keeper, if he could 
 take us aud our horses in, he replied, he would do his best to 
 make us comfortable, which rather cheered me ; on wliicli I told 
 him we would be satisfied with his best. The rest of our company 
 soon arrived, and after we had refreshed ourselves with a g«iod 
 hot supper by a comfortable fire, — our landlord and his family 
 defending the windows with various woollen articles, we received no 
 injury, but passed a comfortable night ; I had a good bed and 
 plenty of covering. Next morning we again j)ursucd our journey ; 
 and took up our abode at an inn for the night : two men wlio 
 were strangers to us, formed a part of our company in our sitting- 
 room ; they inquired of us relative to the droves of fat hogs wr 
 had met on the road ; on our giving them such information as we 
 
 A A 2
 
 oSO JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 were able, one of them o1)served, lie had talcch a drove of six 
 liundred to one of the markets, and offered them at ten per cent, 
 discount, and to take them out in negroes (!) but could not succeed. 
 On my companion rcmarkin<4 to him as to his trading in his fellow- 
 creatures, he excused himself by saying, if he had made such an ex- 
 change it would have been for his own private use ; but in the course 
 of our conversation he exposed himself, and gave sufTIcient proof 
 his motives for trying to make this purchase, were not such as he 
 would have had us to suppose ; for on our remarking, we had 
 met a waggon-load of negro children, and men and women on 
 foot, he said he would have purchased the whole cargo if he could 
 have agreed with the owner of them about the price. Although 
 1 felt much at the time he made these remarks, yet silence then 
 appeared to be my proper place ; but in the morning, before wc 
 parted, I found it laid upon me to open my mind to him freely on 
 the iniquitous practice of dealing in, or keeping in bondage, our 
 fellovv-crcaturcs, and to warn him against pursuing such evil 
 courses ; closing my remarks by declaring it to ])e my firm belief, 
 that in this enlightened age, 'neither slave-holder nor slave-mer- 
 chant would ever find a seat in the kingdom of heaven. These 
 remarks appeared to strike him very forcibly, and silenced him for 
 a time ; I thought from a good degree of feeling, that he acknow- 
 ledged his belief of the truth of what I had advanced : he theiv 
 gave me his hand, I thought affectionately, and we parted. I 
 went on my way, rejoicing that I had thus far been found faithful, 
 in leaving with him that which tome appeared to be the counsel of 
 my Divine Master ; for which, 1 hope I may say, I felt truly 
 thankful, inasmuch as deep-felt sorrow and suffering had been 
 rny portion pretty much since the close of the Yeai'Iy Meeting. 
 The fruits of my short coming relative to Wainsville, had again 
 become heavy to bear, and I durst not try to get from under my 
 sufferings by any artifice of my own, assured, as I was, when it 
 was good for me to be released, all-sufficient help would come 
 from the Lord's holy sanctuary. It was enough for mc to be fa- 
 voured with the continued assurance, that my short -coming did 
 not lay as a sin against me, but as an act of great unwatchfulness 
 on my part. I believe it right for me to record these things, that 
 they may become a warning to others. 
 
 Early this afternoon we reached the comfortable abode of our 
 kind companion, Abel Coffin, after a journey of about five hun- 
 dred and sixty-six miles, and eighteen days' travel, without rest, 
 except part of a day, and at night. I was weary in body, but, 
 through adorable mercy, quiet in mind ; and I humbly hope, able 
 to say, bowed in feelings of reverent thankfulness for the preserva- 
 tion every way which we had experienced. The weather much 
 favoured us, but little rain having fallen whilst on our journey ; 
 but during this night, there was a heavier fall of rain than has
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOK, .'io? 
 
 been known for a long time, which in all i)n.hal.inty nuisi havo 
 nnpeded our journey, had we not arrived as wc were favoured to do. 
 beventh-day, (l.st of 11th mo.) attended the select Yearly 
 Meeting for North Carolina, held at New Garden, which was 
 large. Caution, counsel, and encouragement were dealt out to 
 the tendering of many of our hearts; causing feelings of huin'l.lc 
 gratitude to the great Dispenser of these favours through his poor 
 instruments. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Deep River, which I understood 
 was smaller than usual, occasioned by the great quantity of rain 
 that had fallen since our arrival. In the afternoon we i)roceedfd 
 ■ to New Garden. 
 
 Second-day, attended the opening of the Yearly Mcetintr, which 
 was numerously attended. The next morning we attended an 
 adjournment of the meeting for suft'ertngs, which was chiefly oc- 
 cupied in the concerns of the negroes under Friends' notice. 
 Friends here are much to be sympathized with, on account of the 
 great load of care and exercise that has devolved upon this part 
 of the Society, in consequence of the unjust and oppressive laws 
 of their state, relative to this long-neglected race of our fellow- 
 creatures. After the close of this adjournment the Yearly Meet- 
 ing again met : the state of this Yearly Meeting, as exhibited 
 by the summary answers to the queries, was proposed to become 
 the first subject of consideration ; and in order that it might 
 be more effectually entered into, it became a joint concern of men 
 and'women Friends, and the shutters were raised between their 
 houses. The clerks of the men's and of the women's meetings 
 read the summaries which had been prepared from the answers of 
 their respective meetings ; the deficiencies in the answers of both 
 meetings were fully considered, and were spoken to in a con- 
 vincing and awakening manner : it proved a season of favour, 
 which I believe never will be wholly erased from minds that were 
 present ; — vocal praises were offered for this continued mercy. 
 The meeting was further brought under exercise, on account of that 
 departure, which had of later times taken place amongst the mem- 
 bers of this Yearly Meeting, from plainness of dress and address, 
 and not altogether confined to the youth ; many pertinent remarks 
 were made thereon, and much salutary advice conununicatcd. 
 The following circumstance was related in the meeting, by a 
 Friend who was an eye and ear witness, and who hail acted as 
 one of the jurors in the case : — four men were called forward to 
 be witnesses in a trial before the court, and were reipiired to take 
 the oath ; all were dressed fashionably alike. On being directed 
 to put their hands upon the book, ail were sworn but one. and 
 they departed, leaving the one standing; which the judge ob- 
 servino-, he addressed "this individual in nearly the following lan- 
 o-uao-ef' *' Do you afiirm !" He answered, " Yes." " Arc y*.u
 
 3j8 journal of THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 a Quaker ?" He said, " Yes."" " Do you belong to that church 
 or Society ?" He said, " Yes." After a little pause, the judge 
 replied, " The time had been, that the members of that Society 
 "vverc known by their peculiar dress and appearance ; but it is 
 not so now ; you could not be known by your dress, you are like 
 a ship on the sea or privateer sailing under false colours, that it 
 may not be known." I felt it best to give this circumstance a 
 place in these memoirs, should they ever meet the public eye, in 
 hopes it may prove as a watchword to such, who may be tempted 
 to gratify their natural inclination, by departing from that sim- 
 plicity into which the Truth first led its followers. 
 
 Fifth day, after a sitting of about five hours, the Yearly Meet- 
 ing finished its business — under feelings of gratitude, that the 
 several sittings of it had been owned by the extension of holy 
 help. 
 
 Sixth-day, we rode to our friend .Joshua Stanley's, at Centre, 
 and attended the select quarterly meeting for the western quarter, 
 which was small. Seventh-day, attended the quarterly meeting 
 for discipline, which was large ; but it gathered very disorderly. 
 
 First-day, we rode to Providence, and sat with Friends of that 
 meeting ; amongst whom, through holy help, J humbly hope, 1 
 was favoured faithfully to acquit myself. In the afternoon we 
 rode to Salem, to attend a meeting there, appointed at my request. 
 Second-day evening, I was favoured to rest in body and mind 
 in the well-conducted family of our companions from Indiana — 
 D. Clerk. 
 
 Third-day, we rode to Marlborough, to attend an appointed 
 meeting, which was long in gathering, but in time the house was 
 nearly filled : many infants were brought in, but my mind was 
 not suffered to be disturbed by them, which I hope I esteemed a 
 great favour. Our kind friend Nathan Hunt, who was once en- 
 gaged in religious service in my native land, gave us his company. 
 I had to advocate the Great Master's cause with such as were 
 trampling on his precious testimonies, and to hold out the lan- 
 guage of encouragement to the few (for they appear to be very 
 thinly strewed in this meeting) faithful follov/ers of " the l.amb 
 of God, which taketh away the sins of the world :" after meeting 
 we rode home with Nathan Hunt. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, attended the monthly meeting of Spring- 
 field. In the meeting for worship I had to stand up with nearly 
 the following expressions : " When a careless, lukewarm, indif- 
 ferent disposition of mind is given way to, by the female head of 
 a family, domestic matters are generally brought into confusion ; 
 carelessness in domestic matters being the mother of waste, and 
 woeful want is frequently the consequence hereof; and this will 
 apply with respect to spirituals as well as temporals." I felt not a 
 little tried at being obliged to express myself in this way, but I
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 359 
 
 was afterwards informed, what I had thus offered was a very appro- 
 priate subject for some in the meeting to take home in every 
 sense of the word. 
 
 Fifth-day, went to an appointed meeting at Union, which wc 
 were informed was pretty generally attended by its mcnibers, and 
 some Friends from a neighbouring meeting. Althougli I liad 
 close things to deliver to the unfaithful, yet Friends appeared 
 generally to part from us affectionately. 
 
 Sixth-day (l-ith of Uth mo.) we went to Deep Creek ; on our way 
 we had to ford the river Yadden, said' to be a quarter of a mile 
 across, which we found very deep : fording these rivers, which arc 
 rendered dangerous by the rains, often puts my faith in the super- 
 intending care of an Almighty Power closely to the test. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, attended the select quarterly meeting for 
 Westfield, held at this place, in an old log meeting-house ; the 
 mortar in many places was out of the joints, and only one small 
 window was glazed; we were obliged to sit with both the doors 
 open for light ; the frost being very intense, 1 suffered not a little ; 
 there was no convenience for making a fire in the house. The 
 houses of the attenders of this meeting not being in a much 1)ettcr 
 state than the meeting-house, those Friends v/ould not sufi'er as I 
 and my companion did from that cause. The meeting was 
 small, many Friends having left this quarterly meeting, and set- 
 tled in Ohio, partly, it is said, on account of North Carolina 
 being a slave-state. There being but little business, this meeting 
 closed a considerable time before the quarterly meeting for disci- 
 pline commenced ; and no Friends' houses being near, as the meet- 
 ing-house was situated quite in the woods, we, who are strangers 
 to such a mode of proceeding, found it to be a great exercise of 
 patience to endure what wahad to sjaffer from the cold. The quar- 
 terly meeting for discipline was very small; the few well-concerned 
 members of it were much to be felt for. 
 
 First-day, the meeting was very largely attended by those not 
 of our religious Society; many were obliged to remain outside of 
 the house; the meeting was considered to be a time of Divine 
 favour, — holy help being near to enable those who had to minister, 
 to divide the word aright : I believe praises ascended from the 
 hearts of many to the God of all comfort and consolation. Wc 
 had a solid sitting in a Friend's family in the evening, which 
 closed another dav, in addition to those gone before, to account 
 for to Him, who sees not as man sees, but who looks at the 
 heart, and weighs not only our actions, but our motives to action, 
 in a just and equal balance. May I not, when weighed in tins 
 balance, be found wanting, is the secret breathing of my soul ! 
 
 In passing through the Moravian settlement, on our way 
 to this quarterly meeting, I left with the preachers of it 
 some of the Declaration of the meeting for sufierings in rini .-
 
 3G0 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 
 
 dclphia ; during this halt, apprehensions were awakened in me, 
 that sonxe rcHgious service would be called for at my hands in this 
 settlement, before I was clear of North Carolina. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, we reached Newberry meeting ; notice 
 liaving been given to members, and such as were in the practice 
 of coming to Friends' meetings, I understood there was a pretty 
 general attendance. I hope I was favoured to feel truly thankful 
 for that help which had been administered, and that my mind was 
 relieved : may the praise be given, where only it is due ! 
 
 The next day, attended meeting at Concord ; we sat in this meeting 
 nearly half an hour, before we had any addition to the kind family 
 where we had lodged ; in time, three men and one young woman 
 were added to our number, which made the whole of our meeting. 
 Before the meeting separated, a Friend stood up and expressed 
 the satisfaction it had afforded him in being one of our little 
 company : and he advised Friends to treasure up what had been 
 cast before them : I left the meeting, thankful 1 had given up to 
 attend it. 
 
 Sixth-day, (21st of 11th mo.) proceeded to New Salem, and 
 attended the select quarterly meeting there, which was small, in 
 consequence of the great quantity of rain that had fallen : some of 
 the Friends of this meeting resided on the other side of the Deep 
 River, which they have to ford to get to meeting, and which had 
 risen, it was supposed, fourteen feet above its usual height. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, the quarterly meeting for the general 
 concerns of the Society commenced, which was considered to be 
 very small, occasioned, it was supposed, by the difficulties in tra- 
 velling : I thought there was good cause for believing that the 
 meeting separated under a grateful sense of that continuance of 
 Iioly help, which had been extended in transacting the several 
 matters that came before it. 
 
 First-day, attended what Friends here call the public meeting, 
 because there is in general a large attendance of those not of our 
 religious Society on the First-day after the quarterly meeting ; 
 the house was filled with company. We were favoured with a 
 quiet, comfortable sitting together, and I left the meeting-house 
 thankful, however the expectations of the people might be disap- 
 pointed, that 1 was preserved from attempting to offer that which 
 was not intended to be given to others. We had a comfortable 
 sitting in the family at our quarters, before we retired to rest ; 
 and thus closed another day, to account for to Him who will judge 
 of our actions according to our motives to action, whether pure 
 or not pure, and who will reward us accordingly in that day, when 
 there will be no possibility of our correcting the errors which we 
 may have made. 
 
 Second-day, in company with our friend Phineas Nixon, we 
 ventured to ford the Deep River ; the current was very strong,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE, 3QI 
 
 and the bottom rocky, our l.orscs appeared not t,. like to contend 
 
 with It, yet wc were favoured to get .safely through, and reaehed 
 
 our friend P Nixon's quiet abode to dinni. ThiuUday, 1 rcsU-d, 
 
 and wrote a letter home to my dear wife and family 
 
 Fourth-day, attended monthly meeting at Deep Creek: I had 
 
 to labour with those who were at ease in Zion, trusting to what a 
 
 name to religion would do for them,-I believe to the relief of the 
 
 mmds of the few faithful followers of the Lamb in this monthly 
 meeting. ^ 
 
 Seventh-day, attended New Garden monthly meeting- the 
 meeting for worship was to me a very low time. After the meet- 
 mg had sat a considerable while together, a Friend proposed th^t 
 the business of the monthly meeting should be entered upon ; I 
 had sat for a great part of the meeting under the weigiit of some- 
 thing to communicate ; but fearful of breaking silence%nd fearful 
 also to keep the little opening my mind had been exercised with 
 any longer, 1 ventured towards the close of the meeting to stand 
 up and cast before them my little oflcring, to the relief "of my own 
 mind, and the quiet settling down of the meeting; for whicii 
 fiivour 1 hope I may say I felt truly thankful. 
 
 First-day attended Dover meeting : if any service fell to my 
 lot, it was to labour with those who were settled as on their lees, 
 easy and' unconcerned, as it respected a consistency of conduct 
 with the profession they were making ; also to warn such against 
 the sorrowful consequences that would eventually result from this 
 careless, unconcerned disposition of mind, if continued in. The 
 meeting closed under a precious covering of good. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended Hopewell meeting, which gathered very 
 irregularly ; but after it was fully gathered, we were favoured to 
 settle down in that holy quiet, which, if carefully abode umler, 
 needs not the medium of words to render our coming together 
 truly profitable : this meeting was, I believe, a time of renewed 
 visitation to many of the members of it; sympathy was produced 
 in my mind towards the few still preserved, truly alive to the j)ro- 
 motion of the cause of truth and righteousness. 
 
 Fifth-day, (4th of 12tli mo.), we attended the monthly meeting; 
 at Deep River ; and, if my friends did not flatter me, I had good 
 ground to hope I was in my place in being with them. May the 
 good opinion of my friends tend to abase the creaturely part, and 
 awaken in me a humbling sense of the great need there is, in all 
 states and situations, for continued watchfulness ; that so the praise 
 and the glory may be given unto God for the word of his grace, 
 without whose renewed aid nothing that is truly good can ever be 
 accomplished. After meeting, we rode to our friend Jeremiah 
 Hubbard's. 
 
 First-day, we went to Kcnnct meeting-house ; it was as rainy 
 a morning as ever I remember to have turned out in, yet the
 
 362 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 meeting was large. I felt much for the few honest-hearted mem- 
 bers of this meeting ; it appeared from feelings my mind had to 
 experience, whilst silently sitting amongst them, that the living were 
 scarcely, if at all, sufficient to bury the dead. Oh ! how such are 
 to be felt for, whose lot it is thus to sit solitary in meetings and 
 out of meetings ; yet there is this consolation they have to flee to, 
 in all their seasons of dismay they may have to endure, that the 
 Lord knows them that are his ; and in the day when he makes up 
 his jewels, if there is but a faithfully continuing in the way of 
 well-doing, and in the daily cross, to the end of the race, he will 
 spare them, as a man spares his only son that serves him. 
 Fourth-day, attended meeting there, which I was favoured to 
 leave under a hope I had not been out of my place. 
 
 Fifth-day, we rode to Sherbourn, attended their mid-week 
 meeting, which was very small ; a little child was running about 
 the meeting-house nearly the whole of the time ; and as if it was 
 disposed to come up into the gallery whilst I was on my feet. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, we rode to our kind friend Nathan Hunt's, 
 at Springfield. First-day, attended meeting at Pine Wood, which 
 was very small ; it appeared to me Friends here were scarcely 
 equal to keep up a meeting reputably, although we were led to 
 believe there were two or three, who in a good degree felt at- 
 tached to the cause of Truth, and were desirous to be found 
 walking answerably to its dictates. At the close of the meeting, 
 a man stood up and gave notice he was to preach a funeral ser- 
 mon in that meeting-house, on a day he specified ; I observed 
 some Friends conversing with him after meeting ; but as I sup- 
 posed he was a person not of sound mind, I left the house and 
 Friends with him : but on inquiry, it appeared a person not a 
 member had recently been buried in Friend's grave-yard adjoin- 
 ing to this meeting-house, and that the man was correct in his 
 mind, and the use of Friends' meeting-house was granted him to 
 preach a funeral-sermon for the friends of the deceased : such is 
 the low state of things in this meeting ! 
 
 Feeling as I apprehended the time was come for me to give up 
 and be willing to attempt to hold a meeting in the Moravian set- 
 tlement at Salem, I proposed the same to my friend with whom 1 
 lodged; the village being wholly under the controul of that religious 
 community, I uiiderstood Friends and others (except in one in- 
 stance) had been refused that privilege ; yet I saw no way for my 
 reUef, but by being willing to do my part towards its accomplish- 
 ment. We proceeded to Salem : on our reaching the settlement, 
 we waited upon one of the active members of the Society ; I pre- 
 sented him with my certificates, which he appeared slightly to look 
 over, and returned them to me again, which proved rather discourag- 
 ing ; but I found 1 must not be cast down thereat, but do my part. 
 I informed him of my apprehensions of duty, to try to Iiavc a meet-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE, .'JGS 
 
 ing in the settlement ; but tliis it appeared, did not meet \m views 
 with cordiality, he replied, that no meeting could l)e had hefore 
 evening, and then it was doubtful whether such a lil)crty could he 
 granted me, yet he oftered to go to one of the ministers on the 
 occasion, and bring us word. Believing, from the feelings of my 
 mmd, it would be safest for us to accompany him, always having 
 as yet found it best for me myself to try to obtain an interview 
 with the principals, who might have any thing to do with my reli- 
 gious concerns, where it could be obtained ; 1 therefore proposed 
 our going with him, and we set out togetlier ; but on his ol)jecting 
 to this, and one of our company proposing our returning to our 
 tavern, he then urged it again ; 1 yielded from persuasion, but 
 not from conviction, for which I afterwards suffered dec ply in my 
 own mind. In about an hour our messenger returned i(» us, say- 
 ing he had not been able to see the person necessary to be con- 
 sulted, nor could he be seen until one o'clock, and that it was 
 uncertain if he could then be seen ; adding, lie suppoxd wc 
 could not stay so long as that. I felt as if lie wished to get <iuit 
 of us, but we concluded to wait until that hour; I endeavoured 
 to put on in the best way I knew how, being fully satisfied 1 had 
 done wrong in returning to our tavern, and that if way did not 
 open for me to prosecute my religious prospects, I should have 
 cause to reflect upon myself, as not having done all that was in 
 my power towards its accomplishment. When one o'clock came, 
 and our messenger did not arrive, 1 made inquiry who was the 
 chief person in the settlement, and where he resided ; on receiving 
 the necessary information, 1 concluded we must go to him ; we 
 therefore proceeded: on our way my mind became very much 
 tried, lest the steps I was now about to adopt should ofiend our 
 messenger, and thereby block up my way for effectinir what 1 had 
 in prospect ; but after all, I could see no course but for us to pro- 
 ceed to the house. On our arrival, we were directly introdoced 
 to him ; he received us very cordially, to whom 1 opened my 
 prospects of a meeting in their meeting-house ; but this at first 
 did not appear to be united with ; I was kindly offered the use of 
 their school-house for a meeting, but this not according with my 
 views, I was obliged to decline the offer. Feeling it laid upon me, in 
 addition to what I had before proposed to him, to reipiest to have 
 a meeting with their ministers and elders, in fear ami trendding, 
 I think 1 may say, I ventured to do so ; this latter rccjucst beyond 
 my expectation appeared to be readily fallen in with, and four 
 o'clock was concluded upon for their ministers and elders to 
 assemble for this purpose ; the other meeting was to be furilu-r 
 considered. I felt thankful now I had thus pursued my pros|)ccU, 
 and that way had been made for me so far. 
 
 We were careful to be punctual in keeping lo lIic imie ap- 
 pointed : the company we met with was small. Afi'r i Imrt
 
 564 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 interval of silence, I expressed the regard I had Ipng entertained 
 for the Moravian brethren, but the sadness that had covered my 
 mind in passing through their settlement some weeks l)efore, 
 on being informed they were in the practice of holding men in 
 slavery. 1 then related the interview 1 had had with a slave- 
 merchant in Baltimore, who attempted at first to justify his 
 trafficking in his fellow-creatures, by the example of iridividuals 
 who did so, and yet were (he said) making a profession of Chris- 
 tianity. 1 endeavoured to impress on the minds of our little com- 
 pany, the necessity there was for them to grant their slaves their 
 liberty as a Christian duty, and to set a good example to such 
 as might be at times awakened to see the iniquity of the practice 
 of holding our fellow-creatures in slavery. We were informed 
 their members were advised against the practice. Although I 
 felt much tenderness towards this little company, yet I found 
 I must press upon them the necessity there was, that, ranking high 
 as they did, as professors of Christianity, they should make it a part 
 of their discipline, and one of the terms of continuing in reli- 
 gious membership with them, as our Society had done. I found 
 great openness to receive what I had to ofl'er ; and I believe 
 we were brought very near to each other in the bonds of true 
 religious love. On my asking the question, if it would be allowed 
 me to have a meeting in the town in their house that evening, 
 a united consent was expressed : one of our estimable company, 
 for so I felt them to be, expressed a fear, as our manner of 
 sitting together to worship was so different to others, the children 
 might not behave as orderly as they would Mash them. They 
 however fixed the time, and undertook all other arrangements 
 for the meeting. We had a large and satisfactory meeting ; 
 the chapel, which is a commodious building, was well lighted 
 up, and, contrary to the expectation expressed to us, the 
 children, of whom there was a considerable number, behaved in a 
 solid becoming manner. The meeting being over, after taking 
 an affectionate .leave of our kind friends, who granted me this 
 privilege, we returned to the tavern, the individual who at first 
 became our messenger, kindly accompanying us thither, and 
 attending upon us until we took our departure ; he parted from us, 
 as I hope I can truly say, I did from him, in feelings of near aifec- 
 tion : we rode about six miles to the house of an attender of 
 Friends' meetings, where we took up our abode for the night. 
 
 First-day, (14th of i2th mo.) attended meeting at Eno, which 
 we found to be very small, partly, we were told, occasioned by 
 marriages from amongst Friends : our visit appeared to be re- 
 ceived well. The retrospect of this day affording a peaceful close, 
 1 humbly hope 1 was not deficient in my care to return the Lord 
 thanks. 
 
 First-day, attended Sutton's Creek meeting, which was small,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOHIAS SHtLLITOE. 3G3 
 
 having been reduced by dcatlis and removals into free KtatcK. 
 J^ amily concerns calling ray kind companion home, I could not do 
 otherwise than willingly release him, aware that his own monilily 
 meetmg had need of his help, from the sorrowful convuIsi<.n that 
 had taken place therein: we parted in near alfcction, after having 
 travelled together many months in much harmony ; he Icit mv 
 for a time in a very stripped state. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended Newbegun Creek meeting, composed of 
 Friends and others, and a considerable niunber of coloured people: 
 the meeting was held in quiet: I was led to hope the minds of 
 some were introduced into a feeling sense of what was oflered, 
 one woman in particular (not professing with our religious So- 
 ciety) who came into the meeting as witJi stretehed-out neck and 
 wanton looks, before the meeting closed manifested much tend, r- 
 ness, and as if she was really brought down into the valley of true 
 pleading, where the voice of the Shepherd is clearly and distinctly 
 heard. 
 
 1st of 1st mo. 1829. Fifth-day, attended the Narrow's meet- 
 ing, after which we attended a committee of Friends, who have 
 the charge of a considerable number of free coloured people, 
 some of whom have been freed by Friends, and others have been 
 willed to Friends by persons not in profession with our Societv, 
 in order to their becoming freed ; the great load of care that has 
 devolved on this committee, calls for the near sympathy of their 
 absent friends, from the ignorance and uutowardness of those 
 they have to do with, in addition to the severity of the laws of 
 the state relative to free coloured people. 
 
 Seventh-day, attended the monthly meeting of Pine Wood ; we 
 had a large meeting of Friends and others, and I hope our sitting 
 together might be said to be a time of comfort and encouragement 
 to the feeble-minded ; the concerns of the meeting for discipline 
 appeared to go heavily forward, for want of a more lively zeal being 
 manifested, to assist the clerk by properly speaking to matters 
 that were before the meeting. 
 
 First-day, attended Beech Spring meeting, at which were many 
 not in profession with Friends, amongst whom there appeared 
 much openness to receive what was communicated, and the meet- 
 ing separated under a degi-ec of solemnity. 
 
 Wainsville has been uppermost with me when out of meetings, 
 sometimes in meetings, much of late ; I dare not try to get from 
 under the distressing feelings it occasions, until help is sent from 
 the Divine source of comfort : what would I not give, were it 
 possible I could realize the return of the Fourth-day morning 
 before I left Springborough, with the information I received at 
 Richmond relative to the meeting at Wainsville ! but how 
 merciful is my heavenly Father, who docs not bring it against me 
 as a sin, but as an act of great unwatchfulncss on my part !
 
 366 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, attended Little River meeting, and the 
 next day, attended Symond's Creek meeting; we had the com- 
 pany of many not of our religious Society, in whose minds I was 
 led to fear there was not much openness to receive what was 
 offered ; and yet the necessity being felt to labour as ability was 
 afforded, I found there would be no way for me to secure that 
 peace which only can sustain the soul, but by being faithful, 
 and leaving all to the Divine disposal. 
 
 Seventh-day, attended Sutton's Creek monthly meeting ; the 
 weather was severely cold, and the meeting-house being a cold com- 
 fortless place, occasioned me much suffering during the meetings, 
 the doors being obliged to be opened the whole of the time to give 
 sufficient light. 
 
 First-day, attended Wells meeting ; the weather continuing 
 very severe, here I also had a suffering meeting, — daylight ap- 
 pearing through the roof in at least twenty places, and the doors 
 obliged to be open for light ; this meeting, from a large one, is 
 now so reduced, partly by Friends moving into the free states of 
 Ohio and Indiana, and partly by deaths, that it is expected it must 
 be discontinued. 
 
 Fourth-day, accompanied by my kind friend Aaron White, wc 
 had a meeting at Rich Square, notice having been given of my 
 desire to see the members and attenders generally, the meeting 
 was large ; and Friends kept their seats more than is often the 
 case during the time of the meeting. Here I met with a number of 
 solid Friends, in sitting with whom I felt good satisfaction. 
 
 Fifth-day, (15th of 1st mo. 1829), we proceeded towards Vir- 
 ginia; and on Seventh-day attended monthly meeting at Gravelly 
 Run, which is greatly reduced by Friends moving into the western 
 country, and it is likely to be more so : I felt well satisfied in 
 sitting with Friends of this monthly meeting, some of whom are 
 to be felt for, as they have to come forty miles to attend their 
 monthly meeting. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting here : some not in profession with 
 Friends gave us their company ; it proved to me an exercising, 
 trying meeting. In the evening we had a quiet religious op- 
 portunity in a Friend's family : after which, taking a retro- 
 spect of the proceedings of this day, before I retired to rest, 
 feelings of gratitude and praise to the great Author of all that is 
 truly good, were in mercy the clothing of my mind. 
 
 Third-day, attended Stanton's meeting; a considerable body 
 of Friends, I was informed, once composed this meeting, but now 
 it consists of only two families ; these have since that time re- 
 moved into the western country, and the meeting-house is shut 
 up. 
 
 The next day, attended meeting at Black Creek ; many not of 
 our Society gave us their company.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SIIILMTOK. ;jf)7 
 
 Fifth-day, attended Johnson's meeting: and on Scvcoth-dav, 
 the monthly meeting for the western branch; it was Ion.' m 
 gathermg, which greatly interrupted the ,,uiet .etthng of the 
 meeting: at the close of tlie monthly meeting the select meet intr 
 was held, consisting of six, in the station of elders ; there are now 
 only two acknowledged ministers left in the compass of this 
 Yearly Meeting. ' 
 
 First-day ,^ttended Summerton meeting, which was large a.id 1 
 huinb y hope a profitable one to some of us, a season in whidi 
 the lukewarm and indifferent were laboured with. 
 
 Second-day morning, we set out on our journey to i.ynch- 
 borough, a distance of about two hundred miles, and chiefly away 
 from Friends. ^ 
 
 Fourth-day, we took up our abode at a tavern for the nigjit; 
 this has been to me as trying a day as any I have had to pass 
 through for some time ; my short-coming relative to Wainsvillt- 
 coming before me, this thorn in the flesh goaded me sorely ; 
 this messenger of Satan was permitted to bullet mc Bcvcrely, aiid 
 yet I durst not ask for it to be removed until my Divine Master 
 pleased, believing it is one of the means he sees meet I should 
 be tried with, in answer to my secret petitions to him, to humble 
 me, and keep me in the low valley of self-nothingness, and in that 
 entire dependence on Divine aid for the performance of every 
 rehgious engagement. From the quantity of snow that had 
 fallen, and bad roads, our poor horses were greatly fatigued ; wc 
 were truly thankful when on Seventh-day night, about dark, wc 
 reached Lynchborough. 
 
 First-day, 1st of 2nd mo. 1829, attended the meeting of I'riends 
 of Lynchborough, about three miles from the town, a cold comfort- 
 less meeting-house ; the meeting was long in gathering, which 
 caused it to hold beyond its usual time, but the peo])le re- 
 mained quiet to the last ; I felt well satisfied in having given up 
 to travel thus far, at this inclement season of the year, to sit 
 with Friends of this place, although the prospect of a suc- 
 cession of faithful standard-bearers was discouraging. 
 
 Second day morning, we left Lynchborough : it rained and 
 froze, which made the prospect of our journey discouraging; but 
 we were favoured to reach the neighbourhood of Wick's meeting, 
 on Seventh-day evening. 
 
 First-day, the meeting was held in a Friend's liousc : after 
 meeting, our kind friend Richard Jordan piloted us through the 
 swamp, the water being very deep. 
 
 Sixth-day, attended the select quarterly meeting at Itlack- 
 •water : it was to me a low trying meeting ; I was led into near 
 sympathy with the little number I met with, endeavouring to 
 press upon them the necessity there was to keep near to tiie 
 spring of Divine life in themselves, as the only way to exi)e-
 
 368 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 ricncc preservation in their low seasons, when led to take a view 
 of the stripped state of the cliurch within their l)orders. 
 
 Seventh-day, we attended the quarterly meeting- at Black 
 River ; and on First-day attended meeting ("or worship there ; a 
 more disorderly meeting I never attended ; a great crowd of 
 persons assembled not professing with Friends, many of whom 
 remained outside the house during the meeting in conversation, 
 where they made up a fire and regaled themselves. A consi- 
 derable number of people of colour made a part of our com- 
 pany, whose good behaviour must, I think, have shamed many 
 of the white people who were in the meeting : in the evening 
 we had a quiet religious opportunity at our quarters. 
 
 Fourth-day, we attended meeting at Burleigh : a few not 
 members attended. 
 
 Fifth-day, we rode to Richmond, and were kindly received 
 by our friend Thomas Lad. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting there, which was very long in its 
 gathering ; but in time it settled down in outward quiet, and I was 
 led humbly to hope the silence of all flesh was in degree known by 
 not a few of our company. A visit to the penitentiary had a little 
 exercised my mind, but the way had not yet opened with clear- 
 ness to speak to my friends on the subject. 1 returned to my 
 quarters. Fearing the result of my giving way to unnecessary 
 discouragement, and not doing my part towards the discharge of 
 this apprehension of religious duty, I opened my prospects to my 
 kind friend Thomas Lad : matters were arranged for my pro- 
 ceeding to the house of the superintendent of the prison, who 
 kindly granted my request ; the prisoners, about one hundred 
 and fifty in number, were assembled. Great quietness was mani- 
 fested on the part of the prisoners, and I was favoured to leave 
 the prison with feelings of gratitude to my great Almighty Master, 
 who had in mercy been a present help to me in the needful time. 
 
 Second-day morning, we rode to Cedar Creek, and on Fourth- 
 clay, attended the select quarterly meeting : if my feelings were 
 correct, there is yet left in this meeting those who are preferring 
 the cause of truth and righteousness to every other thing. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended the quarterly meeting for discipline, which 
 is reduced to a very few. 
 
 Sixth-day, we returned to Richmond. 
 
 S,eventh-day morning, being brought under apprehensions of 
 duty to attempt to hold a meeting in the place of religious 
 worship, built on the ground where the theatre had stood, which 
 was destroyed by fire some years ago ; on informing my friend 
 Thomas Lad thereof, as the place was the property of the Epis- 
 copalians, it appeared best to apply to the bishop ; therefore, ac- 
 companied by my companion and a son of my landlord's, we 
 proceeded to the house of the bishop, by whom we were kindly
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHIM.ITOK. .%*9 
 
 received After he liad m;ule a few in(,uirie.s relative- 1., tlu- time I 
 Jett Kngland, and other indifferent niatters, I prelaced my husi- 
 ness with him by presenting him my certificates, and when 
 he returned them, I said to liim nearly as follows ; ' Wla-ncver 
 my mind has been turned towards Richmond, it has been accom- 
 pained with a belief, that if I reached this city it would be re- 
 quired of me to be willing to apply for leave, to hold a meeting in 
 the place of worship built on the ground where that theatre stood 
 which was destroyed by fire, not then knowing to what religious 
 sect It belonged ; but understanding it was the property of the 
 Episcopalians, I am come to throw myself upon the kindness .»f 
 the bishop for his aid in the matter." 'I'o which he answered, 
 " I am but an individual ; it is the vestry in whom the power rests 
 to grant such a request ; I will consult the vc.stry to-morrow : if 
 they should not be willing to grant the use of the church, there 
 is a large school-room in the grave-yard, with which perliaps 
 they would be willing to accommodate you ; or there is a large 
 room at the capitol,* which I expect you might have for the 
 purpose, if applied for." I paused for awhile and found no way 
 open in my mind that would justify me in accepting either of the 
 two last-mentioned places, but that I must keep firm to my first 
 prospect of religious duty, if 1 had any such meeting in Rich- 
 mond ; I therefore informed the bishop to this effect : *' I have 
 believed it was right for me thus to cast myself upon thee for 
 help, and having now done as far as in me lies, in order that this 
 part of my religious duty should be carried into effect, if the way 
 does not open for my request being granted, I believe, as respects 
 myself, the will will be accepted for the deed:" I then requested 
 him to be so kind as to send me a note when the mind of the vestry 
 was known. On which the bishop queried with me, " had I any 
 prospect, if liberty should be granted mc, of referring to the 
 theatre ?"" I told him, if way opened for my request being granted, 
 I was not prepared with any thing in prospect to ofler there. lie 
 said his reason of patting this question to me was, that a friend of 
 his engaged to preach for him on a Sunday afternoon, whose mind 
 having been previously occupied with the consideration of thea- 
 trical amusements, introduced the subject in the course of his 
 sermon ; his so doing gave great offence to some who held pews, 
 many of whom instantly leaving their seats, went out of the 
 church, and this circumstance appeared to lay the foundation for 
 a new theatre's being built; for some of those who thus withdrew 
 at that time began a subscription for the purpose, and followed 
 it up until money was raised for the completing of one: until this 
 circumstance occurred, they had no theatre in Richmond after 
 the former one was consumed. 
 
 • The cai/tol contains the general (.ouvt-hniisos or otYwc^ of tlu- Slate. 
 VOL. II. B B
 
 370 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting there, wliicli was small ; the pros- 
 pect of a succession of rightly qualified members to maintain that 
 wholesome discipline established amongst us, is as discouraging as 
 in any meeting I have yet attended on this continent, both as it re- 
 spects male andfemale, — very much owing I believe to the sad effects 
 of a too free intercourse with those out of our own religious Society. 
 I left the meeting under a hope that what I had to offer amongst 
 them would not all be lost ; I had not daubed as with untempered 
 mortar, but had given faithfully that which appeared to me to be 
 the counsel of my Divine Master, whom, I hope I may say, I 
 desire to serve with a perfect heart and a willing mind. I passed 
 a few silent moments at the monument erected over the deposi- 
 tory of the few mangled remains of the sufferers, when the thea- 
 tre was consumed ; from the various inscriptions, it appeared that 
 seventy-three souls, including two children, were, by this disas- 
 trous circumstance, plunged into eternity, comparatively speak- 
 ing, as in a moment ; the consideration of which produced awful 
 feelings in my mind, more easily felt than described ; especially 
 ■when I recalled to mind the manner in which they were spending 
 their precious time, and the gaiety of disposition excited in most, 
 if not all, by the vain pleasures that were set before their eyes, 
 when the curtain of the night of death was thus awfully drawn 
 over them. 
 
 Third-day, attended meeting at Wain Oak ; the meeting suf- 
 fered greatly owing to the disorderly manner of its gathering ; 
 the prospect here of some of the young men becoming useful 
 members in the Society was more encouraging than is generally 
 the case in this Yearly Meeting. 
 
 Seventh-day, attended the monthly meeting at Wain Oak ; this 
 meeting suffered from a lack of that religious energy, which is in 
 degree the life of our meetings for discipline, and for want of 
 which, in those who should help forward the business, more is 
 imposed upon the clerk than meetings are at all warranted in 
 doing. 
 
 First-day, our meeting was small, but I hope it proved to 
 some of us a time of renewing covenant: that we may be as care- 
 ful to be found keeping our covenants as we are to renew them, 
 is the frequent fervent breathing of my soul. 
 
 Second-day, rode back to Richmond, where I found a note 
 from the bishop, saying, he had conversed with a few of his 
 friends, who considered it inexpedient to grant my request, but if 
 I would use the capitol for a public meeting, he would with 
 great pleasure attend the service. I gave the capitol a further 
 consideration, which I found could be easily obtained, but the 
 way not opening for me to move further in it than 1 had gone, the 
 matter rested there. 
 
 Third-day, having still in my possession a few printed sheets
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 'i'Jl 
 
 on theatrical amusements, lieadcd witli the (juery, " Why don't 
 you go to the play ?" I procured a young man to conduct me to 
 the residences of some of those most esteemed for their piety and 
 rightly tempered zeal for the good of otiiers, amongst the Bap- 
 tists, Presbyterians, and Methodists, and furnished each of 
 these with some of these sheets, accompanied with this charge, 
 " I have now done my part towards having publicity given in 
 this city, to the salutary advice and caution these sheets of paper 
 contain ; be faithful and do thy part." I found tluy were well 
 received, and where they were read over, accepted as a treasure 
 in a needful time, when exertions were making to promote stai^c 
 entertainments : thus closed my engagements at Richmond, I 
 humbly hope under a grateful sense of the need I had, afresh to 
 set up my Ebenczer, to the praise of Him wliu had helped me. 
 and been present with me in every time of trial. 
 
 u M 2
 
 372 
 
 CHAPTER XL. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, 14th of 3rd mo. 1829, wc rode to Jennito, 
 and were kindly received by a Friend of that place ; and on Fifth- 
 day attended meeting there, consisting of three families; many 
 not in profession with Friends gave us their company, and we 
 were favoured with a quiet solid sitting together. 
 
 Seventh-day, attended Cedar Creek monthly meeting. 
 
 First-day, attended Caroline meeting, consisting of two whole 
 families, and part of two other families ; the house was nearly 
 filled by the coming in of the neighbours. I believe there was 
 ground to hope that what was offered was by some received 
 gladly. Had a quiet sitting in the family before I retired to rest, 
 and in the retrospect of having endeavoured to do my best to- 
 wards a faithful discharge of this day's work, fresh cause was felt 
 for singing the Lord's praise, who had in mercy been my stay and 
 my staff* through this day's exercise of faith and patience. 
 
 Third-day, we proceeded towards Alexandria, and reached Ferris- 
 burgh that night ; the next night we reached Ward's tavern with 
 2;reat difficulty, from the danger we were frequently in of being set 
 fast in mud-holes or turned over, — the heavy falls of rain hav- 
 ing washed the road and made such guDeys in some places as 
 barely to leave room for our carriage to pass between them and 
 the bank on the opposite side : on conversing with our tavern- 
 keeper on the state of the road we had travelled, and inquiring 
 into the cause we had not met one carriage since we left Ferris- 
 burgh, we were informed, travellers had found it so dangerous, 
 that the steam-boat conveyance had been considered preferable. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, after we had comfortably refreshed our- 
 selves, we pursued our journey, but soon found we should not 
 have to say the last part of our journey was the best ; my 
 companion appeared at times apprehensive of our not being 
 able to get to our journey ""s end without some injury to our 
 horses, carriage, or ourselves ; but through the watchful care of 
 that Almighty Power, without whose notice a . sparrow falls not 
 to the ground, we were favoured to accomplish this journey of 
 eighty miles in three days, and reached Alexandria in safety this 
 evening, not having seen a carriage of any kind on the road since 
 we left Ferrisbureh. As I advanced towards Alexandria the
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. .'i/.'i 
 
 watchword was in mercy powtrfullv proclaimed jn the car of mv 
 soul, « Into whatever city or town ye enter, incpiirc uho is 
 worthy, there abide; go not from house to house ;"—althou^'h I 
 was well aware, that a steady, uniform attention on my part to^this 
 Divme mjunction, would expose me to much suffering of mind. 
 The family in which I was most kindly cared for when here 
 before, as well as some other families who 'had been unremitting 
 in their attention to me, had united themselves to the separatists' 
 party in this Yearly Meeting. 1 thought I never felt greater 
 need of attending to the injuncti(m of, " Prav always ; pray 
 without ceasing, "—lest the affectionate part should be so'wrough't 
 upon, as that the feet of my mind should be turned oH' 
 from the sure foundation, which I soon found I was in great 
 danger of; our arrival in the city being quickly noised abroail, I 
 had invitation after invitation from fan)ilies, wjio had been 
 amongst the most active in the separation that had taken phice in 
 the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore. Aware how generally the 
 members of the Society at Alexandria had gone off with the 
 Hicksites, I had, before I left Yirginia, written to a l-'ricnd of 
 Baltimore, requesting him to inform me where I could be safely 
 housed ; and having received the necessary instructions on this 
 head, I endeavoured after holy help to be preserved firm in keep- 
 ing to my quarters, notwithstanding all the importunities I had to 
 encounter, to visit here and there amongst those who had denied the 
 faith: however,accompaniedby my companionandlandlord, 1 called 
 upon the amiable family with whom I had taken up my abode when 
 here before. Our meeting appeared to be mutually trying — 
 trying to them, as they expressed themselves, that 1 had changed 
 my quarters, — and as trying to me, if not more so, on account of 
 that which had been the cause of my being obliged so to do. 
 I felt my mind drawn to make a visit to those individuals, who 
 were esteemed the most pious amongst the Episcopalians, Pres- 
 byterians, Baptists, and Methodists, for the purpose of leaving 
 with them what I could spare of the printed sheet on theatrical 
 performances ; they appeared to receive them with feelings of 
 gratitude, and to be viewed as help sent in the time of need : the 
 theatre in this place had been long shut up on account of repairs, 
 and was to be opened again in a few days ; much pains, I was in- 
 formed, had been taken, through the public papers, to obtain a fidl 
 attendance when it should be opened, by endeavouring to .wt 
 forth the benefit and advantage of theatrical amusement?;. Some- 
 thing to counteract these attempts, I understood, had been in 
 contemplation by some of the more serious part of the city, but 
 it was not yet effected; I was led to rejoice 1 had yielded to these 
 simple pointings of duty, not being aware at the time of the stale 
 of things here relative to the theatre. 
 
 First-day morning, 1 rejoiced that the time was come for mc to
 
 374 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 leave Alexandria ; and more so, that strength had been afforded 
 me by my Heavenly Father, to rise above the affectionate part, by 
 withstanding the importunities of those whose spirits 1 could not 
 now associate with, as it respected religious opinions, — the com- 
 mand having been renewedly ushered into my mind, of " Touch 
 not, taste not, handle not, the leaven of their spirits."" Accom- 
 panied by a kind friend and his wife, we rode to the city of 
 Washington, to sit with the four individuals in that city now 
 with Friends ; the few left at Alexandria and Washington, now 
 make one meeting, which at present is held in a sitting-room 
 belonging to one of this little company ; two young women, not 
 in membership with Friends sat with us : the Divine Master, who 
 told his followers, " Lo, I am with you always," condescended, 
 in his mercy, to own us in our sitting together; causing feelings of 
 gratitude, I believe, to flow in our hearts. 
 
 Second-day morning, part of a committee appointed by the last 
 Yearly Meeting to visit the quarterly, monthly, and other meet- 
 ings within the compass of this Yearly Meeting, having notified 
 to Friends their intention to sit with such of this meeting, as had 
 not united themselves to those who had seceded from the Society, 
 application was made for the use of their own meeting-house, 
 it being in the possession of the Hicksites, but it was re- 
 fused ; on which, application being made to the Baptists for the 
 use of their house for the purpose, we understood it was cheer- 
 fully granted. Having yet a few sheets left of the printed paper 
 on theatrical performances, and apprehending it would be right 
 for me to put them in a channel to be made public, I waited on the 
 preachers of the different religious denominations in the city, and 
 found it was gladly received, with an assurance from them of 
 making it public through the newspapers and other channels. 
 
 Fifth-day, part of the Yearly Meeting's committee, with the 
 Friends of this place, also such as had been disowned, and others 
 who had been in the practice of attending Friends'' meeting, but 
 had not united themselves to the Hicksites, met at the Baptist 
 meeting-house ; several also who had joined the separatists and 
 other religious persuasions gave their company, the doors not 
 being shut against any during the meeting for Divine worship : the 
 people generally appeared solid, and 1 doubt not but that it was a 
 season of profit to not a few. When the meeting for worship 
 closed, such as had been disowned, and others who were in the 
 practice of attending Friends' meetings, but had not united them- 
 selves with the separatists, were encouraged to remain in the 
 house and keep their seats ; a Friend on behalf of the committee 
 informed those who remained with Friends the cause of their 
 being thus convened, and such means were proposed for the help 
 of those yet left with Friends as Truth appeared to dictate ; 
 the meeting separated under a humbling and thankful sense that
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS f-HII.LITOK. 375 
 
 best help li.ul I)('«n incrcifully vouchsafed in conducting the 
 several matters that were brought forward as important to be 
 attended to. 
 
 First-day ; a separation having taken place here, the njcoting 
 •was held in a large room offered for the use of Friencls ; it was 
 supposed that more than one hundred Friends and others were 
 present. Second-day mornini;- I proceeded to Haltimore. 
 
 Fourth-day, 1st of 4th mo., I j)rocecded to Deer Creek ; and 
 on Fifth-day, attended Friends' meeting there; the llicksites 
 keeping possession of Friends' meeting-house, the meeting is now 
 held in a private house ; here are yet left a few solid Friends to 
 keep up this meeting. 
 
 Sixth-day, attended meeting at Eastland ; the mcctinij-housc 
 being in possession of the Hicksites, the few Friends of I^ittlc 
 Britain and Eastland are united in one meeting. Several not in 
 profession with us gave their attendance ; 1 believe Friends were 
 comforted in their sitting together. 
 
 Seventh-day, we returned to Baltimore. First-day ; both the 
 meeting-houses in this city being in the possession of the Hicks- 
 ites, Friends hold their meeting in a chapel built by a private in- 
 dividual, of whom it is rented, until they can build for their own 
 accommodation ; here 1 found a very respectable body of Friends 
 left ; the morning and afternoon meetings were well attended by 
 Friends and others, and proved solid, satisfactory meetings. 
 
 Second-day, I rode to Gunpowder, accompanying a part of the 
 Yearly IMeeting's committee of men and women Friends, and to<»k 
 vip my abode with my kind friend Thomas Scott. The Hicksites 
 having possession of the meeting-house belonging to I'riends, they 
 had the use of the meeting-house belonging to the Methodists' 
 Society. 
 
 Third-day, the committee and Friends of this meeting met, and 
 they were encouraged to seek out a place to meet in for the pur- 
 pose of religious worship, which, as yet, it did not appear they 
 had strength to do, as they sometimes met with the Hicksites, at 
 other times staid at home,'and some of the young people went to 
 the Methodist meeting ; these are some amongst many more of the 
 sorrowful effects which this dividing spirit has produced. Friends 
 of Gunpowder manifesting a desire to embrace the present oppor- 
 tunity to put in practice what had been proposed, a time was con- 
 cluded upon for them to meet and consult together, as to the most 
 suitable place for them to hold their meetings for worship in. untd 
 some more permanent situation could be provided. Alter meet- 
 ing we rode to Baltimore. i i /• 
 
 Fifth-day, attended the week-day meeting there ; at the close of 
 which was held the monthlv meeting. Friends not havmg yet 
 taken up the cases of those who are gone oil with the scpa-
 
 376 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 ratists, there was but little business ; the meeting closed under a 
 thankful sense, that Divine support was near, to help this deeply- 
 tried company, during the difliculties that await them. '1 he se- 
 paratists in this city, it appeared, were active in issuing their tes- 
 timonies of denial against Friends, without ever attempting to visit 
 those they thus testified against, sending their testimonies of denial 
 by lads and coloured people, and at times throwing them into the 
 houses of Friends. On Sixth-day, 1 left Baltimore. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Wilmington, in their new 
 meeting-house, the Hicksites having possession of tliat which be- 
 loniis to Friends; the morning meeting was well attended, i rejoiced 
 in sitting down with Friends of this meeting thus select. 1'he 
 afternoon meeting was larger ; several of the separatists, it was 
 observed, had given their attendance; the meeting closed under 
 a grateful sense, that in this our collective capacity, we had not 
 been forgotten by the Great Head of the militant church. 1 
 spent the evening with my kind friend Samuel Hillis, his family 
 and scholars ; the children being collected before retiring to rest, 
 reading commenced out of the sacred pages, closing with a time 
 of sweet, solemn silence. 
 
 Third-day, we rode to Philadelphia, where I was again kindly 
 received by my friend Thomas Stewardson, his wife and family. 
 Fourth-day, attended Twelfth-street meeting, the solemnity of 
 which was much broken in upon, through late comers-in ; before 
 the meeting for worship separated, 1 found, if I did right, 1 muht 
 notice this disorderly proceeding. At the close of the meeting 
 for worship the monthly meeting commenced, the business of 
 which appeared to be conducted with much deliberation and 
 
 weight. 
 
 Fifth-day, I was at Arch-street meeting, which, for a mid-week 
 meeting, appeared well attended, and 1 trust it proved a season 
 of profit to some. At the close of the meeting for worship, the 
 preparative meeting was held; Friends appeared to dwell under 
 the weight of the cases of delinquency brought forward by the 
 overseers, previous to their being reported to the monthly meeting. 
 
 Sixth-day, sat with Friends in the meeting for sufferings, 
 which was attended by its members pretty generally, as appeared 
 when the names were called over; divers remarks were made, 
 which were applicable to the present tried state of the Society 
 and the trials that are yet expected to grow out of the schism 
 which has taken place : 1 believe it may be said with reverent gra- 
 titude to the Author of all our blessings, that it was a good be- 
 o-inning of the Yearly Meeting, and an earnest of Divine help 
 mercifully dispensed to us at that season. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, attended the Select Yearly Meeting, at 
 which a large body of (may 1 not say in truth) solid, weighty
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILMTOE. 3 
 
 // 
 
 Fncnc s assembled. Before the meeting separated, I ii.Cormftl 
 i^ riends my services in this land appeared to me near coming to 
 a close there being no prospect of my sitting with h'riend.s in an- 
 other^ early Meeting in this city. The lueeting adjourned i.. 
 the afternoon : these sittings were worthy to be had "in remem- 
 brance, to the praise and glory of Israel's Shepherd, who Ih still 
 in mercy condescending to evince to those who sincerely depend 
 upon him, that he is ever watching over .such iV)r good. 
 
 First-day morning, attended Pine-street meeting, and North- 
 street in the afternoon, whereby 1 escaped the crowd there was at 
 some of the other meetings, such is the prevalency of desire to 
 hear what the servants have to say ; but how little fruit do we 
 see in a willingness to obey the counsel of the (ireat .Master 
 through his servants. 
 
 Second-day, (20th of 4th mo.) the Yearly jMccting for transact- 
 ing the general concerns of Society commenced : this meeting: was 
 considered large, and continued its sittings until Seventh-day, in 
 much quiet ; the several matters that came before the meeting 
 being conducted in much harmony and solid deliberation ; the 
 young men manifested that attention to matters before the meetin", 
 which must revive a hope in the minds of their elder brethren, that 
 they really felt an interest in what was going forward. 
 
 First-day, attended Arch-street meeting in the morning, and 
 Pine-.street in the afternoon, which was well attended by Friends 
 and others : it proved, I have no doubt, a comlbrtalile meeting to 
 many, and closed under a precious solemnity. iSot feeling easy 
 to take my horses and carriage to New York, fearing lest the 
 separatists should seize them as common stock, as they had done 
 property belonging to Friends of New York Yearly Meeting, I 
 left them at Philadelphia to be disposed of, and the money to be 
 remitted to the treasurer of the meeting for sufi'erings of New 
 York Yearly Meeting. 
 
 Third-day morning, we went on board the steam-boat for New 
 Y^ork, where we were favoured to arrive that evening, and I was 
 again kindly received by my friend Elizabeth Bowns, and her 
 family. 
 
 Fourth-day morning, accompanied by my kind friend \\illiain 
 Hawkshurst, we proceeded to Long Island, and attended the ad- 
 journment of the monthly meeting of \Vestbury and Jericho, hcld^ 
 at the house of John 'I itus; at this adjournment a testimonial of 
 denial against Elias Hicks was produced, and twice read over with 
 great deliberation, accompanied, I believe, with feelings of rcurot 
 on the part of most present, at the necessity of the course the 
 meeting was then about to take: alter nuieh time had Ijeen spent, 
 and the meeting generally uniting in the pr(ii)riety of what had 
 been prepared by the committee, the clerk was ordered to sign it
 
 .3/8 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 on behalf of the meeting, and two Friends appointed to ofier him 
 a copy. I think I may say I never was before at a meeting, where 
 the issuing of a testimony of denial appeared to excite so much 
 painful sensation, or when I have witnessed more of solemnity 
 accompanying the pause which took place, after this painful task 
 the meeting had to perform was thus far closed. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, we returned to New York. 
 
 First-day, sat with Friends in their newly-erected meeting- 
 house, the day being rainy the meeting was smaller than usual ; 
 we were favoured with a quiet sitting together : the afternoon 
 meeting was pretty well attended, and I beheve to many, or most, 
 it was a time of Divine favour. 
 
 Second-day morning, attended an adjournment of the meeting 
 for sufferings : from minutes on the book, it appears the troubles of 
 Friends through the medium of the Hicksite party are increasing 
 in this Yearly Meeting ; but yet it was very consoling to the 
 mind to observe Friends so preserved in meekness and resignation 
 to their allotted portion of suffering. 
 
 Fourth-day, 6th of 5th mo. 1829, attended the monthly meet- 
 ing of New York ; the meeting for worship was well attended 
 for a week-day meeting, and it was a time in which I doubt not 
 the minds of many were favoured to know something of the 
 Lord's preparing hand, qualifying them to enter upon the weighty 
 concerns of the Society committed to their charge ; the great load 
 of business in consequence of the separation that had taken place 
 in the monthly meeting, and the feelings of sorrow evidenced in 
 the minds of many, in consequence of the necessity there was for 
 the meeting, to draw the line of the discipline over such as were 
 their relatives, and at one time their bosom friends, called for 
 much sympathy. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended the monthly meeting at Flushing on Long 
 Island, which is held in a private-house, the Hicksites keeping 
 possession of the meeting-house of Friends ; about six men and 
 fifteen women are left with Friends in this monthly meeting ; yet 
 strength was mercifully vouchsafed to this little company, to 
 give timely attention to the cases of those of their members who 
 had seceded ; no disposition that I could observe was manifested 
 to shrink from the painful task allotted them by the meeting. 
 
 Seventh-day, accompanied by my late kind companion Samuel 
 Wood, we rode to Mamaroneck, where we were kindly received 
 by our friend Richard ISIott and his wife. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting in their new meeting-house, the 
 Hicksites keeping possession of that of Friends : about one half 
 of the former meeting, I was informed, remain with Friends. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended Purchase meeting, held in a new meeting- 
 house, the Hicksites having possession of that belonging to Friends ;
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 3'JQ 
 
 when the meeting for worsliip closed, much husincHs came lu-fore 
 the monthly meeting, which appeared to lu- conducteil wiiji wi-JMht, 
 and in the unity of the Spirit ; although it was painful to ohhrrve 
 the task many liad to perform in treating with thi-ir dt-lincuuiii 
 members, yet the care that was manifested to deal ttndi-rly l)y 
 all, was very commendahle. 
 
 Fifth-day morning, attended Shappaqua monthly meeting ; ihc 
 Ilicksitcs having possession of Friends' meeting-house.^ 'I'hig 
 monthly meeting still continues large, and many sr.lid, wiij,dity 
 Friends belong to it; the meeting for worship was iield in a store; 
 a great deal of business fell to the lot of this monthly meeting in 
 consequence of the separation ; hut, as many hands make bghi 
 work, the Friends were spared that great weight of sufltriiig which 
 falls to the lot of some of their brethren, wjicre nearly the whole 
 of the meeting is gone off from Friends. 
 
 Sixth-day, attended Amawalk monthly meeting, held at Croton, 
 the Hicksites having possession of the meeting-house; there is yet 
 left to this monthly meeting, a considerable number of Friends, and 
 amongst these not a few hopeful young people : the meelim; held 
 nearly five hours, the chief business was the attending to cat>ci> of 
 delinquency in consequence of the disaffection of many of the 
 members of the meeting. In going through the monthly meelini;8 
 of this quarterly meeting since the separation, I was much com- 
 forted in observing the agreeable change that had taken j)lace, both 
 in meetings for worship and discipline ; there was none of that 
 restless, disorderly conduct, which is the fruit of that spirit of in- 
 subordination which prevailed in the minds of those who have taken 
 their flight: the quietness restored to these meetings is not easily t«> 
 be described. The meeting for worship and that for discipline were 
 seasons, in which Divine goodness in mercy condescended tocxtcn<i 
 His arm of all-sufllcient help, whereby b riends were comforted to- 
 gether, arid afresh encouraged to renew their covenants. Ikforc the 
 closing minute M-as read, clesires were feelingly expressed l)y differ- 
 ent Friends, that it might be a day long reiuendHTed by them. 
 
 First-day, attended the meeting at Pcckskiln, wjiich was held 
 in a Friend's house, the Hicksites having possession of the mecU 
 ino-.house. Many of the serious, respectable inhabitants gave us 
 their company ; the meeting was conducted in much cpiiet. and, I 
 believe, it proved a time of comfort and encouragement to seek- 
 ing minds. 
 
 Second-day morning, we rode to Poughkeepsie, and had a meet- 
 ing with the "few Friends left tliere ; many not in profession with 
 out- religious Society attended : my mind being relieved from the 
 exercise^I was under when entering the house, I said, it is enough, 
 and as much as the poor, unworthy instrument has any (if an) ) 
 
 claim to look for. 
 
 Third-day, we rode to Pleasant-valley, wluic tlurc still ri -
 
 880 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLFTOE. 
 
 iniiins one faiuily and a few individuals with Friends ; those re- 
 maining at I'oughkeepsie and this phice, now unite in making up 
 one meeting. Having felt drawings in my mind to sit with 
 Friends there ; on our arrival 1 was informed the Hicksites, hear- 
 ing of my intentions, cameforward, and informed Friends, the doors 
 of the meeting-house woidd be open for me ; as no other place 
 could he found so suitable, Friends gave notice of the meeting to 
 be held there this evening. At first hearing of this circumstance, 
 1 felt placed in a trying situation ; but notice having been given, 
 and it being late in the day, and considering that the house was 
 the property of Friends and not of the Hicksites, my mind set- 
 tled down quietly under this unexpected circumstance. The meet- 
 ing was largely attended by those of other societies, also by many 
 of the Hicksites : it was conducted with much quiet, and was, I 
 hope, profitable to some present. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended monthly meeting at Creek, whicli was held in 
 tlieir commodious new meeting-house, the Hicksites having posses- 
 sion of Friends'' former meeting-house. Although this meeting has 
 experienced a great stripping, yet it was an encouraging prospect 
 to behold, how the liands of the few left were strengthened for 
 the labour, which had fallen, and would fall to their lot, as re- 
 spects their backsliding brethren, unless they seasonably return. 
 
 Sixth-day, attended the monthly meeting for Nine Partners, 
 lield in one of the school-rooms, — the Hick'sites having possession 
 of Friends' meeting-house. Friends here are greatly reduced, 
 and, it would seem, almost ready to cast away the shield of faith, 
 as if it had never been anointed, and to sink under their varied dis- 
 couragements, and the perplexing and trying circumstances in which 
 tliey are, and yet may be, involved through the Hicksites' party ; 
 who are annoying, in every way they possibly can, the Yearly 
 Meeting's institution here, for the education of the youth. I have 
 not attended a monthly meeting of this Yearly Meeting, which 
 had a greater claim on the sympathy, and needed more the help 
 of their friends : encourngement was held out to the few faithful 
 members left in this meeting, that they might be willing to make 
 use of the little strength they had, as the only way to know an 
 increase. 
 
 Seventh-day, '2Sd of 5th mo., 1829, attended the first sitting 
 of the select Yearly Meeting of New York, which was large, con- 
 sidering the mournful schism which had taken place within its 
 borders. Apprehending my services amongst Friends on this 
 continent were nearly brought to a close, I felt it right for me to 
 inform the meetinsf to that effect. 
 
 First-day, Friends occupied the usual meeting-room and base- 
 ment story ; both of which meetings were well attended and 
 quietly conducted. Second-day, the Y^carly Meeting for trans- 
 acting the general concerns of the Society commenced, which was
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 3}{1 
 
 held in the basement-story, the women occupying the meeting- 
 house. The men's meeting was large : divers testimonies were 
 borne to the goodness of the Lord, in thus again permitting us to 
 sit down together, tree from that spirit of contention and tumult 
 with which aforetime these meetings liad been tried. 'J lie \' early 
 Meeting continued by adjournments from day to day until Seventh'- 
 day, when it closed under a very precious solemnity, which favour 
 not being at our command, feelings of gratitude for the same were 
 evidently the clothing of our minds. 
 
 First-day, our morning and afternoon meetings were attended by 
 many serious persons not in profession with Friends, and they 
 were owned by the good presence of the Great J lead of the 
 church, Christ Jesus. 
 
 Second-day, the 1st of 6th mo., I left New York, and went on 
 board the steam-boat for Newport on Rhode Lsland, in New 
 England. Fifth-day, attended meeting ; the morning being wet, 
 the meeting was small. First-day, attended the meeting of l-riends 
 held on this island ; it was large, and was attended by persons 
 not in profession with our religious Society : it proved a quiet, 
 solemn meeting. Second-day morning, we crossed another ferry, 
 about two miles over ; the weather being very foggy, crossing 
 these ferries appeared rather a formidable thing. Fourth-dav, 
 attended the week-day meeting, held at Weston ; a considerable 
 number not in profession with Friends, gave us their company. 
 
 First-day, this meeting was attended by many not in profession 
 with our Society, whose solid and weighty deportment, manifested 
 somewhat of a sense of the importance of the great duty of thus 
 coming together ; 1 felt well satisfied that my lot had been cast 
 amongst Friends of this meeting. Fifth-day, walked to South 
 Kingston, and attended the mid-week meeting there ; this is a 
 small meeting of Friends, but being attended by many not in 
 membership, we had a considerable gatiiering ; my faith being at 
 a very low ebb, I found it hard work to rise upon my feet, and 
 attempt to obtain relief for my exercised mind ; the meeting set- 
 tled down in quiet, under which we were favoured to separate. 
 Sixth-day morning, I returned to Newport, and the next day rode 
 to Portsmouth, to attend the select Yearly Meeting held there : 
 here I met with my countryfolks, George and Ann Jones. In the 
 afternoon I attended the meeting for sufferings ; divers subjects 
 of importance were weightily considered. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Portsmouth ; the number of 
 carriages and horses at the meeting-house at an early hour was 
 great ; the house soon became crowded with Friends and others, 
 very many were obliged to remain out of doors for want of room 
 in the house ; tlirough the prudent care of the door-kccpcrs, the 
 meeting was held very mucli in quiet, compared with what was 
 the case the preceding year ; and although the meeting held
 
 ;i}i2 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 long, yet the people quietly kept their seats until the close. The 
 afternoon meeting was also very large, and was preserved in quiet; 
 from testimonies that were })orne by divers Friends, and the lan- 
 guage of supplication and thanksgiving which was uttered, there 
 was good cause for encouraging a hope, that it would prove a day 
 of renewed visitation to some of our numerous company. 
 
 Second-day, 15th of Gth mo.. Friends met at Newport, when 
 the Yearly Meeting for the general concerns of the Society for 
 New England commenced ; and after adjourning from day to day, 
 closed its sittings on Fifth-day evening. 
 
 Seventh-day, attended monthly meeting at Westport, which was 
 large, a number of hopeful young people making a part of it. In 
 the afternoon I visited a Friend, a minister, who had long re- 
 mained at home under great depression of mind. I endeavoured, 
 in as tender a way as possible, to rouse him, believing discourage- 
 ment was the chief cause which had deprived his friends of his 
 company at their meeting : viewing the sorrowful situation this 
 dear friend had slidden into, strong cries were raised in my heart to 
 the Lord to be preserved from thus giving way, whatever suffer- 
 ings of body my getting out to meetings might expose me to. 
 
 First-day morning, attended meeting at New Bedford: the 
 afternoon meeting was large; the calming influence of Divine love 
 was mercifully extended towards us ; 1 hope it proved a profit- 
 able meeting to some. Third-day, attended the select prepara- 
 tive meeting, which was small ; a good degree of concern was 
 manifested for the welfare of this part of the body, and the meet- 
 ing closed under a feeling of thankfulness for the comfortable quiet 
 which had been spread over us. Fourth-day, having a prospect 
 of attending the monthly meeting of Nantucket, and the wind 
 continuing contrary for the packets to return, both of which were 
 on the Nantucket side, I felt tried lest I should not be able to 
 reach in time for the monthly meeting : under these discouraging 
 prospects, a hope at times would cross my mind, that the way 
 would yet open for me to reach the island in due time. I set out 
 to make a few morning calls, but had not proceeded far from my 
 quarters, before a Friend came in search of me, with the unexpected 
 information, a small sloop would sail for Nantucket in about half 
 an hour : although I would rather have chosen a larger vessel, I 
 feared the consequences of refusing this opportunity. The wind 
 had been very tempestuous, in consequence of which the ocean 
 was greatly agitated, and our vessel being small, her bow fre- 
 quently pitched deep into the water, whereby we were much tossed 
 to and fro ; but we were favoured to land safely in the evening. 
 
 Fifth-day, attended the week-day meeting, in the south meet- 
 ing-house ; at the close of which was held the monthly meeting 
 for the south and north district, there now being only one 
 monthly meeting on this island. It being known to some Friends
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SJIILI.ITOE. 383 
 
 in the monthly meeting, that there Mas an aged man present, 
 formerly a resident on the island, who liad ioiaed the Hick- 
 sites m the state of New York, request was made tl.at the 
 meeting should be select ; this request Mas made atrain and 
 again without effect; at last he stood up, saving, he supposed 
 he was the person alluded to, pleading his right to sit that meet- 
 irig ; yet he informed Friends if it was the mind of the majority 
 of the meeting he would quit. Many Friends stood up and re- 
 quested him so to do, but it soon became manifest that he bad already 
 made a party on the island, who favoured his principles ; these 
 pleaded for his remaining in the monthly meeting ; but Friends 
 continued to urge his leaving it, which he now refused to do, 
 finding he had a party in the meeting to support him in staying : 
 Friends, not being willing to resort to force, adjourned until the 
 afternoon, requesting the door-keepers to keep the meeting select. 
 Friends were fearful he would have given them trouble at the en- 
 suing quarterly meeting; but finding he could make so little way 
 with Friends here, he left the island. If Friends had not thus 
 stood firm against his sitting in the meeting, as they did, it is pro- 
 bable, as the Hicksites have threatened to try their strength in 
 this Yearly Meeting, (saying, Nantucket was their strong-hold,) 
 they would have been encouraged to have made a beginninrf on 
 this island to effect their evil designs on the Society. 
 
 First-day morning, attended the south meeting, and in the 
 afternoon the north meeting, which last was large for an afternoon 
 meeting ; both of these meetings, I hope it may be acknowledged, 
 were profitable seasons to some of us. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the quarterly select meeting ; it was to 
 me a low, trying time, the harp continuing, through the whole of 
 the meeting, as on the willoAvs. Fifth-day, the quarterly meeting 
 for the general concerns of the Society commenced ; the meeting 
 for worship was attended by a considerable number of those not 
 in profession with Friends ; the meeting for discipline was quietly 
 conducted, Friends appearing to move along liarmoniously in the 
 business. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, 4th of 7th mo., went on board one of the 
 packets, in company with divers other Friends, and after a passage 
 of ten hours, we landed at New Bedford. 
 
 First-day, attended meeting at Allen's-neck ; I would gladly 
 have proceeded for New York, but 1 feared omitting this meet- 
 ing ; the day being wet, the meeting was smaller than usual. If 
 any service fell to my lot this day, it was to labour with an inili- 
 vidual present, who had been favoured with a precious Divine visi- 
 tation, and had given proof to his friends of having joined in 
 with it, by running well for a time, and manifesting by his conduct 
 that there had been a giving in his name to foHow Christ ; but he 
 had broken his goodly resolutions; and his conduct bespoke a Ian-
 
 ;i8i JOmiNAL OF THOMAS .SHILLITOE. 
 
 guagc, as if he repented of wliat. had been done. I endeavoured 
 to lay before him the sorrowful state into which he had fallen, 
 both as it respected his own soul's salvation, and tlie influence 
 which his example might have over others, and earnestly beseeched 
 him to be willing to stand resigned to renew his covenant with the 
 Lord his (Jod, if so be the lengthened mercy of Divine grace 
 siill awaited his acceptance. I found it very hard work to obtain 
 iiill relief to my own mind on this very gloomy subject. After 
 the meeting closed, a Friend informed me, that an individual, 
 who sat in the gallery near me, who was once an approved minis- 
 ter, but had lost his standing, had swerved into a contentious 
 spirit, and had become tinctured with tlic Hicksite principles. 
 
 Third-day, I proceeded to Providence, where I was kindly re- 
 ceived again by my hospitable friend Moses Brown. Fourth-day, 
 attended meeting at the school, and the day following I attended 
 the usual meeting held there, which was small ; the meetinir se- 
 parated under a covering of solemnity, which is very precious 
 when we are favoured with it. Seventh-day, I went on board 
 the steam-boat for New York, which place we reached early 
 on First-day morning. I sat with Friends in this city this morn- 
 ing ; the meeting was very large, as was the case also with the 
 afternoon meeting;; the quietness restored to Friends in these 
 meetings is, I believe, felt as a fresh cause for gratitude. 
 
 Second-day afternoon, attended a burial : the Hicksites having 
 taken possession of the burial-ground. Friends were obliged to ap- 
 ply to them for leave to inter the body ; several of tliem attended 
 at the house and grave-side, but no interruption took place from 
 their preachers, although there were one or more present. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended the monthly meeting of Westbury and 
 Jericho, held at John Titus's ; although these two meetings have 
 been so stripped as to make it necessary to unite them into one 
 monthly meeting, yet there still appears to be a respectable num- 
 ber of well-concerned Friends to support the meeting : in the 
 evening we returned to New V ork. 
 
 Sixth-day morning, I left New York, by steam-boat, for Bur- 
 lington, in New Jersey. First-day morning ; I had often been 
 led to sympathize with the few Friends left at Bristol, deprived 
 as they have been by the followers of Elias Hicks, of their meet- 
 ing-house ; but the way never clearly opened in my mind before 
 th?s morning to sit with them. Accompanied by my kind friend 
 Samuel Emlen, we crossed the river Delaware, and proceeded to 
 a farm-house on the banks of another river, where the meeting of 
 Friends of Bristol is now, lield : the number in attendance at the 
 meeting was considerable, many not professing with Friends 
 making a part of our company. I hope I was not out of my 
 place in yielding to this apprehended duty. We had intended 
 being at the afternoon meeting at Burlington in due time ; but
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS feHlLLITOE. ;J8.5 
 
 when we reached the ferry, the boat was on the other side „f the 
 river, and having to wait its return, we were not able to accom- 
 plish our object until half an hour after the time of nieetin--- 
 but being conscious we had done our best for a timely attendance' 
 we went into meeting. ' ' 
 
 Second-day, in company with several Friends. I went on board 
 the steam-boat for Philadelphia, where my friend l^homas Stew- 
 ardson and his family received mc again with their usual kindness. 
 Ihird-day, attended North-street preparative meeting, which, 
 after a time of dose exercise, 1 was favoured to leave with a 
 peaceful mind. 
 
 Fourth-day, attended Twelfth-street monthly meeting, and the 
 next day Arch-street preparative meeting: cases of ddinquency 
 for joining the Hicksites were produced, which obtained much 
 weighty deliberation before they were ordered to go forward to 
 the monthly meeting. My mind had for some tinie past been 
 exercised with apprehensions that it would be recpiired of me, be- 
 fore 1 left this continent, to attempt a visit to the state-prison in 
 the city, also the House of Refuge; but the way not clearly 
 opening for it until now, i consulted a few Friends on the sub- 
 ject, and they undertook to make arrangements for the visits to 
 take place on the morrow. 
 
 First-day morning, accompanied by my kind friend Thomas 
 Stewardson and Philip Garrett, we proceeded to the state-prison ; 
 on entering it, some persons were in conversation in the centre 
 room, one of whom was expressing himself with great warmth to 
 the keeper : from what I heard while sitting in an inner room, 
 the person so expressing himself had come to the prison under the 
 same views with myself, and being refused the liberty of seeing 
 the prisoners, was offended : I felt not a little for the man. We 
 were shown to the place set apart for religious worship ; the pri- 
 soners (about three hundred) were then assembled : the meeting 
 was orderly conducted, and when it closed the prisoners quietly 
 departed, and placed themselves about the yard. 1 gave them 
 each my hand, most of whom appeared to receive it affectionately. 
 In the afternoon we attended the House of Refuge, where we met 
 with about eighty-four males and twenty-five females ; the ma- 
 nagers appeared to manifest a' lively interest in the welfare of the 
 institution : earnest were my desires that they might not grow 
 weary in a steady attention to this good work, in which they were 
 thus engaged. The children were assembled in a room set ap.irt 
 as a place of worship : the quiet, orderly sitting of both sexes did 
 great credit to the managers. This, 1 understood, was the first 
 meeting Friends had had -in this institution 
 
 Second-day morning, (26th of 7th mo. liJ21),) Friends from a\i 
 the Yearly Meetings on this continent (except one,) assembled at 
 Arch-street meeting-hou.se, as a committee to take into tlicii 
 
 VOL. II. ^ ^
 
 386 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 
 
 consideration the general state of tlie Society ; from the weighty 
 deliberation with which the subjects were entered upon, and the 
 harmony which prevailed, 1 considered it a favour to have had 
 the privilege of being present on the occasion. 
 
 'I'hird-day, attended North-street meeting, which was large. 
 Fourth-day morning, attended Pine-street meeting ; after the 
 meeting for worship, the monthly meeting was held : these meet- 
 ings were owned by the Great Master, and proved, I doubt not, 
 times of comfort and consolation to drooping minds. 
 
 Fifth-day, sat with the meeting of conference, in which I was 
 comforted under a sense that we were yet favoured, as a Society, 
 with an evidence, that the Lord our God has not forgotten to be 
 gracious to us, but is still offering his aid in rebuilding the waste 
 places, and repairing the breaches which sin has made in our 
 walls. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, (1st of 8th rao.) after taking an affec- 
 tionate leave of my kind friend Thomas Stewardson and family, 
 with many other Friends who felt very near to me, 1 went on 
 board the steam-boat for New York ; where we were favoured to 
 arrive safely that evening. 
 
 The new penitentiary of Sing Sing .had for a long time so fas- 
 tened on my mind, that 1 found I must now do my part toward a 
 visit to the prisoners there, otherwise I believe the way will not 
 clearly open for my departure from this land on Seventh-day 
 next, as I have been in hopes of doing, on my voyage to my own 
 country. To effect this, I found it was necessary for me this 
 evening to exert myself, and call' in all the help I could muster 
 from my friends. My kind friends Samuel Wood and William 
 Waring exerted themselves as far as they could in the city for that 
 purpose ; but it appeared, if liberty to make the visit was to be 
 obtained, it rested very much with the governor of Sing Sing, 
 which was thirty miles from New York : there was then the un- 
 certainty, when we reached there, of being allowed the privilege of 
 seeing the prisoners ; but as I could see no way for me, but to make 
 every effort for its accomplishment, and my said friends kindly offer- 
 ing to accompany me, we proceeded, on First-day morning, for Sing 
 Sing ; — this day appearing to me the most suitable time to see 
 prisoners, who are on other days occupied in labour. On our 
 reaching the penitentiary, and entering the house of the governor, 
 he received us with attention ; we had procured a letter of intro- 
 duction from a person of some account in the city of New York. 
 When the governor had read the letter, and heard from me my 
 errand, he told us the time of their worship had been over an hour 
 and a half; and according to their usual practice, it being the 
 only day the officers and keepers of the prison could be at home 
 with their fiunilies, and attend their own meetings, they were dis- 
 charged from their duty, and the prisoners were locked up in their
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLITOE. 387 
 
 cells, until the return of the keepers in the evening. This seemed 
 
 stayed my tnue at Philadelphia, and how I could have attended 
 earlier than I had done, I did not see ; but trying to keep in the quiet, 
 a ray of hope sprang up in my mind, with a caution, not easily to 
 abandon my prospect of duty. After a while, it api)erircd to me 
 the next expedient I must try was, to inquire of the governor if any 
 time the next day could be allowed for me to have a meeting with 
 the prisoners, adding, we should be willing to wait such time as 
 might be thought the most suitable. On my putting this ques- 
 tion to him, he made a pause, and then replied, it was a serious 
 thing to stop five hundred men from their labour for an hour ; 
 adding, but it may not be time lost : they shall not, therefore, 
 return to their work after breakfast, and if we would come to the 
 prison about eight o'clock next morning, he would have the pri- 
 soners assembled in the galleries, — a chapel not yet having been 
 erected for the purpose of Divine worship. Matters being thus 
 arranged, we hired a small vessel to take us across the Croton 
 Bay, to the house of the widow of Robert Underbill, where wc 
 took up our abode for the night. 
 
 Second-day morning, the sons of our kind landlady took us 
 over the Croton Bay, accompanying us to the prison ; a short 
 time after our arrival there, we were informed the prisoners were 
 ready to receive us : upwards of five hundred were collected in four 
 galleries, two on our right hand and two on our left ; a large 
 platform stood in the centre, on which seats were placed for us ; 
 these galleries, we understood, were well constructed for hearing, 
 when they are all assembled for worship. The prisoners stood in 
 great order, and after a suitable pause, in fear and trembling I 
 rose on my feet, beseeching my Divine Master to preserve me 
 from uttering a word, unless given me by him, that might 
 have a tendency in the least degree to prove a wound in any 
 mind, which was in the way to be healed soundly without instru- 
 mental interference. I had anticipated having opposition to con- 
 tend v/ith in the minds of some of the prisoners, but such feelings 
 as these were not manifested, or at least a sense was not given me 
 of it, if such were the case ; and I felt nothing but openness to 
 receive what I had to communicate ; quietness prevailed until 
 notice was given for the prisoners to retire. After the opjiortunity 
 was over, the governor acknowledged he never before had observed 
 the prisoners manifest so much attention to what was communi- 
 cated. I felt truly thankful this engagement was, I hope, well 
 got through: I would gladly have given the prisoners my hand, 
 but fearing lest I should exceed the bounds of the liberty winch 
 
 c c 2
 
 'AHH JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 had been granted me, 1 reluctantly restrained my inclination 
 in this respect, as it would have been attended with considerable 
 difficulty, from the manner of their retiring again. '1 he governor 
 afterwards took us over this truly admirable institution for reclaim- 
 ing those who have offended against the laws of their country : 
 this evidently appeared to be the chief thin^ he aimed at ; and 
 as far as human means are likely to prove availing to this desirable 
 end, I never have yet met with any thing that to me appeared so 
 likely to effect it. I had no idea of danger from being encom- 
 passed by more than five hundred prisoners in one place, many of 
 whom, it was to be supposed, had been as abandoned characters 
 as the state could produce, and who were free from all that 
 restraint which chains, fetters, and handcuffs might in degree have 
 effected. 'Ihere appeared such an air of confidential authority 
 throughout the establishment, and unaccompanied by anything 
 like terror or dread when the governor came in sight, (although 
 he is absolute,) that I felt as secure in walking amongst them, as 
 I possibly could have done had they all been free men, and work- 
 ing for a master from whom they expected to receive pay at night 
 for the labour they had been performing. In going tlirough this 
 establishment, I was agreeably struck with the uniform cleanli- 
 ness of the persons and linen of the prisoners : their decent garb 
 was free from those badges of disgrace, which I had observed in 
 other prisons on this continent and on the continent of Europe; 
 their generally healthy appearance, but above all their counte- 
 nances, (which are said to be an index to the mind,) without excep- 
 tion, as far as our observations went, manifested freedom from any 
 thing like a ferocious, morose, resentful disposition, on account of 
 the discipline they were under. The profound silence observed 
 in every part whilst the prisoners were at work, was very striking; 
 they are not allowed to hold any kind of communication with each 
 other, however slight or transient, from the time they enter the 
 prison to the expiration of the term of their confinement : to 
 prevent conversation, becomes a great part of the business of the 
 overseers, who are men of character and known to be trusty, and 
 ■who are constantly in attendance upon the prisoners when out of 
 their cells ; and so rigidly is this silence observed by the prison- 
 ers, that if one prisoner has a tool which another is in want of, he 
 is not allowed to ask his fellow-prisoner for it, either by words 
 or by signs, but must apply to the overseer, who is to act as the 
 middle-man. Each of the prisoners has a separate cell, about 
 seven feet long, and about seven feet high, and of sufficient 
 width, having an iron door, the grating of which is large enough 
 to admit of light to read at the farthest end of the cell ; a 
 good-sized window being opposite every cell-doori the cell is ven- 
 tilated by a square hole in the ceiling, communicating with a 
 sort of chimney, which runs up to the roof of the building : in
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. HH'J 
 
 summer the windows being kept open, air is admitted to the 
 prisoners in their cells, and in winter the building is, we were in- 
 formed, made comfortably warm. A good-sized l}il)le hangs up in 
 each cell for their use, but no other books, we undcrsiood, were 
 furnished,— the governor considering the Bible to be tlie most suit- 
 able book for them ; and although at the moment I rather regretted 
 they were not indulged with a greater variety of religious reading, 
 yet on hearing the reasons given for these restrictions, I was after- 
 wards fully convinced the judgment of the governor in this respect 
 is correct. The building now erected will accommodate eigiit hun- 
 dred prisoners, the whole of which has been built by the prisoners 
 themselves, who are now preparing to build workshops in addition 
 to carpenters', tailors', and smiths' shops already in use. \\'atch- 
 men are placed on the different landings during the night, to 
 prevent any communication amongst the prisoners ; these watch- 
 men are furnished with shoes made of wash-leather, whereby 
 their movements cannot be ascertained by the prisoners wiiilst 
 they are on their duty, which gives them an opportunity of hear- 
 ing the fiaintest attempt at communication made by one prisoner 
 to another. We were requested to stay to see the prisoners take 
 their dinner, which I gladly accepted, for I thought I could wil- 
 lingly have passed the whole day in the establishment, so fully 
 convinced was my mind, that reform, not punishment, was the 
 great object in the discipline laid down, and thus rigidly enforced. 
 On notice being given by a bell, the prisoners ceased from their 
 work, and arranged themselves in order to march, not two and 
 two, but one behind the other, to prevent the slightest opportu- 
 nity of communication : they were attended by their overseers to 
 a window, where, by a sort of machine, as they approached this 
 window, their dinner was handed to them, wiiich each man taking, 
 went directly into bis cell. After all were served, which was com- 
 pleted in about twenty minutes, each man was locked in his cell to 
 eat his meal, which consisted of boiled pease, about six ounces of 
 pork or beef, and about the same quantity of Indian corn and 
 rye bread, with water to drink. At breakfast they had the same 
 food, but rye-coiTee sweetened with molasses; at night Indian 
 meal boiled thick with water and molasses: their provision, although 
 coarse, appeared amply sufficient ; their persons manifested no 
 lack of food. When the prisoners were all secured in their cells, 
 a horn was blown to give notice to the few ccntinels that were on 
 duty on the top of the rock (about five or six in number) to get their 
 own meals ; by the time the prisoners were allowed to take their 
 meals, the sentinels returned, and blew a horn, to notify to the 
 keepers they were all at their posts ; when the cells were unlocked 
 the prisoners, attended as before by their overseers, marched to 
 their work again. In visiting the hospital, out of five hundred and 
 twenty prisoners, there were but five confined there ; some of these
 
 390 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 were injured through accidents at their work. But what appeared to 
 us the most extraordinary of all was, there not being any fence what- 
 ever to enclose this establishment ; the whole was open to the 
 river on one side, and the surrounding country and rock on the 
 other : on the rock were stationed a few sentinels under arms, 
 which to me was the only unpleasant circumstance in the establish- 
 ment, whose orders, we were informed, were that if any of the 
 prisoners were observed by the sentinels to attempt their escape, 
 to hail them, and then, if they persisted, to fire ; only one in- 
 stance, we were informed, had occurred of the loss of life in con- 
 sequence of attempting to escape. The only punishment in use 
 for offences is a small whip of about six cords, each cord about 
 the thickness of a child's finger, but no knots at the end of any 
 of the cords, only the ends bound round with a piece of thread to 
 prevent their untwisting ; twelve strokes on the bare back are 
 inflicted for the first offence, and for the next offence it is 
 doubled, but the governor informed us a repetition of this punish- 
 ment has not often been necessary ; for although it is not remem- 
 bered that the skin of any of the prisoners who have undergone this 
 punishment, has been broken by it, yet one of the prisoners who 
 had been in the army, and suffered the punishment inflicted there- 
 in, and had undergone this punishment, acknowledged, for the 
 time it lasted, the effects of this punishment in the prison, was 
 harder to bear. On leaving this interesting establishment, I 
 could acknowledge that the one-half of the order and manage- 
 ment of it had not before been told me. We parted from the 
 governor. Captain Lynes, much gratified by his frankness of dis- 
 position and unremitting attention, and returned in the evening 
 to New York. 
 
 Third-day, I went on board the Silas Richards, Captain Hold- 
 rich, master, bound for Liverpool, believing I might now with 
 safety secure a passage in her : I made an agreement with the 
 owners not to be a contributor towards the spirits and wine drank 
 on board, which I found, if I acted agreeably to the convictions 
 of my own mind, I must do, or take my passage in the steerage ; 
 for I had been a painful witness of the unbounded liberty given to 
 passengers on board these packets of drinking to great excess, 
 in consequence of a certain sum being charged for the passage, 
 wine and spirits being included, with liberty to call for what 
 they like, and when they like. 
 
 Fourth-day, sat with Friends in their monthly meeting, which 
 was chiefly occupied in attending to the various cases of delin- 
 quency that came before it, in consequence of the separation. 
 
 Fifth and Sixth days were occupied in taking leave of Friends 
 in this city, and preparing for my departure. 
 
 Seventh-day morning, 8th of 8th mo. 1829, accompanied by my 
 kind and attentive landlady, Elizabeth Bowns, her daughter Sarah
 
 JOURNAL OP TH0MA8 SHILLITOE. 391 
 
 Minturn, and her grandsons, Robert liowns and Robert Minturn, 
 my late kind companion Samuel Wood and daughter, and divers 
 other tViends, after an allectionatc and long farewell of each 
 other, I went on board the steam-boat, which was to take 
 tis down to the packet. There were only five cabin-passengers 
 besides myself, but a great number of steerage-passengers ; the 
 captain kindly accommodated me with a large state-room. Be- 
 fore we had made much way, a severe storm of tiiundcr, li;4htning, 
 and rain arose, after which the air was more cool and temperate ; 
 we sailed with a wind, which, had it continued, it was expected 
 would have taken us to Liverpool in about twenty days; but wc 
 were so frequently becalmed, and had a head-wind to contend 
 with, that our expectations in this respect were frustrated. On 
 taking a pilot on board, he informed us there had been the most 
 severe storm on the Irish coast that had been known for several 
 years; many vessels had been wrecked and lost: this information 
 afresh excited in my mind thankfulness that our first ])rospect of 
 a quick passage had been frustrated ; for hud we made our passage 
 agreeably to our first calculation, the probability was, we shoukl 
 have been in the very mouth of it. 
 
 Seventh-day afternoon, after a passage of twenty eiglit days, 
 I was released from the society of two as wicked men — cal)in- 
 passengers, as 1 ever before had been in company with, and I set 
 my feet on one of the docks in Liverpool, where I was kindly 
 received by Thomas and Frances Thompson and other Friends. 
 
 Fourth-day, I went by coach to ShcHield ; and on Srvc nth- 
 day, proceeded by coach to London. 
 
 First-day, attended Gracechurch-street meeting, and a burial 
 at Bunhill-fields, where I met with a mournful company round 
 the grave-side of a young woman, whose removal had been 
 sudden and unexpected to her parents. After which a kind young 
 friend drove me down to Tottenham, where I found my dear 
 wife and children, favoured with health. W c mutually enjoyed 
 each other's society again, after my absence from home of three 
 years and one month. May I never forget the multipHed mercies 
 of my Divine Care-taker, amidst the many perils and dangers, to 
 which I have been exposed; but above all, in that He was 
 pleased to hear and answer my daily petitions to him to jircscrvc 
 me out of the hands of men of unsound piincii)les, who, I had 
 good ground for believing, were watching for opportunities to 
 ensnare me ; and in that the retrospect aHbrds a consohng evi- 
 dence, through adorable morcy and preservation, that nothing of 
 an offensive nature have they justly to lay to my charge. OIi . 
 may I in future be found walking worthy of these unnicnied 
 favours, saith my soul !
 
 39-* 
 
 chaptp:r xli. 
 
 In tlie year 1830, apprehending I was tailed upon by my Divine 
 Master, to bring more generally into view some parts of the Ad- 
 dress, 1 had believed it recjuired of me to issue a few years back, 
 to our own religious Society, I endeavoured to know this subject 
 properly matured, and when I believed this was the case, a care 
 was on my mind to be favoured to see the right time for me to 
 engage in it : believing this time was fully come, I earnestly 
 besought the Lord for help, to select such parts and make such 
 additions as would be in accordance with His holy will. Hav- 
 ing, as I apprehended, been enabled to do the needful in this 
 respect, and put it into the hands of a friend for revision, in 
 the year 1831, it was printed for circulation as follows : — 
 
 '* An affectionate Address to all who are making a 
 
 PUOFRSSiON OF THE ChUIs'HAN NAME, MORE ESPECIALLY TO 
 THOSE WHO, IN TULIB Kl.SPKCTl\E N LIGHBOLRHGODS, ARE 
 SETTING THE GOOD liXAMPLE OF A REGULAR ATTENDANCE AT 
 A PLfVCE OF RELIGIOUS WORSHIP.* 
 
 " In the first place let me put you in mind of the nature and 
 importance of our taking upon ourselves this profession, this 
 name of Christ, which demands of us, that through his holy 
 help we depart from iniquity : ' Let every one that nameth the 
 name of Christ depart from iniquity,' (2Tim.ii. 19,) by living, 
 acting, and moving in all our civil, as well as religious engage- 
 ments, under the influence and government of the Spirit of Christ 
 Jesus, our Lord and Lawgiver; that whether we eat, drink, or 
 whatsoever we do, God may in all things be glorified. (1 Cor. x. 31.) 
 
 " Christ must become the chief corner-stone of our building, 
 our fundamental principle ; therefore let us well consider how far 
 the general tenour of our conduct, corresponds with this profes- 
 sion ; how far we are each earnestly endeavouring to be found 
 in all things conformable to the example and precepts of this 
 great and holy pattern of all Christian perfection, — of Him who 
 has trod the path of temptation and trial before us, but rejected
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS 8HILLITOE. 393 
 
 every snare of the enemy. Should this not be the case with us, 
 IS there not a danger, from our example, to the less concerned 
 part of manknid, who, watching our progress in the Christian 
 course with a jealous eye, will have to consider us like the evil 
 spies to the children of Israel, and thus receive, through c^ur luke- 
 warm profession, discouragements, and hinderances ; instead of 
 being attracted to a pursuit of the prize, by our more obvious faith- 
 fulness ? ' Be ye holy, for I the Lord your God. am holy.' (Dcut. 
 xix. 2.) ' Be ye perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is 
 perfect.' (Matt. v. 48.) 
 
 " Let us remember, that however we may be at peace with 
 ourselves by thus professing, but not doing, the best in our power 
 to attain this perfect stature of the Christian, that whatever our 
 name or denomination as to religion may be, we are but branding 
 ourselves with the odious character of hypocrites in tlie estimation 
 of the more irreligious part of mankind : and let us call to mind, 
 that the sad effects of this dissembling will not end here ; for if 
 this mode of conduct be persisted in, we must expect that we 
 shall incur the woe pronounced by our blessed Lord ; ' Woe unto 
 you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites : for ye shut up the king- 
 dom of heaven against men : for ye neither go in yourselves, 
 neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.' ('Matt, xxiii. 
 13.) If every one that nameth the name of Christ is to depart 
 from iniquity, is it not in an especial manner obligatory on all who 
 are making a profession of Christianity, to endeavour to attain to 
 a state of purity of conduct and converse amongst men .'' 
 
 "In addition to the declarations of holy men of old, handed 
 down to us through the medium of the Sacred Writings, I be- 
 lieve that the first reformers were also raised up in their day to 
 bear testimony to the sufficiency of that d'vinc princi{)le of light 
 and life in all mankind, through Jesus Christ, which would direct 
 them to the heavenly Canaan, and strengthen them to walk in 
 obedience thereunto ; these confirming the truth of their testi- 
 mony by the general tenour of their conduct ; giving ample proof 
 to even the more careless, that through submission to its holy 
 appearance in their hearts and minds, they were mercifully re- 
 deemed from the world and its spirit — not only from its pleasures, 
 but also from its profits — and were enabled fo count all things ap- 
 pertaining to this life but as dross and as dung, so that they might 
 win Christ. (Phil. iii. 8.) Thereby they became as an ensign to 
 the nations ; and were, I doubt not, made preciously instrumental 
 in the Divine hand, to awaken others, and gather souls unto (iod. 
 
 " But, alas ! my professing Christian brethren, of every deno- 
 mination, is there not cause, in this day, to take up the lamenta- 
 tion against us and say : ' How has the gold become dim, and the 
 most fine gold changed.^' How is the love of God, and tiiat h;:-
 
 39 fe JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 • 
 
 mility and self-denial formerly so manifest, now, by many professing 
 the Christian name, exchanged for the love of other things — the 
 pleasures and treasures of this world, and an eager desire to make 
 an appearance of greatness amongst men ! That this sorrow- 
 ful change has taken place, and is increasingly so amongst the pro- 
 fessed followers of a meek and humble Redeemer, cannot be 
 denied — cannot be controverted. 
 
 " Yet, notwithstanding the siftings that have of late years so 
 frequently occurred, relative to our commercial concerns as a na- 
 tion, there is reason to fear that many have not profited by the 
 things they have had for a time to endure, whilst sailing on 
 the unstable ocean of commerce. Although they have seen, with 
 clearness, the instability of all mundane concerns, the utter uncer- 
 tainty of them, and the necessity of seeking after durable riches 
 and righteousness, yet they have lost sight of these again when a 
 season of calm has succeeded the heavy gales they had to endure, 
 and the danger that threatened. Thus they had become ' like 
 unto a man who beholding his natural face in a glass, goeth his 
 way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.' 
 (James, i. 23, 24.) For want of abiding under these renewed 
 visitations of the great Head of the Church, how evident is it that 
 we soon forget again our own deformities, and are thus in danger 
 of adding sin to sin. 
 
 "Do not these things loudly call upon all professing Christians, 
 to be individually willing to enter timely into the closet of the 
 heart, and seek for divine help to shut the door thereof against 
 carnal reasoning, the unsanctified use of great acquirements, and 
 the love of the world, which there is cause to fear has overpowered 
 the better judgment of many of the well-disposed amongst the dif- 
 ferent professors of Christianity ? Hereby, as we ])ecome willing to 
 stand open to Divine conviction, we may be favoured each one to 
 see in what manner and how far we may have contributed to this 
 sorrowful declension, and timely amend our ways and our doings ; 
 seeing we are yet mercifully followed as a nation, immediately, by 
 the great Head of the Church, Christ Jesus, the sent of the Father, 
 in his spiritual appearance on our souls ; in order, that through a 
 willingness on our parts to become subject to his all-controlling 
 power and government, he might redeem us from all iniquity ; and 
 also, instrumentally, with line upon line, line upon line. Oh ! how 
 applicable is the language of the Most High, (formerly uttered,) 
 to his dealings as respects this our highly-favoured nation : ' How 
 shall I give thee up, Ephraim ? How shall I deliver thee, Is- 
 rael ? How shall I make thee as Admah.'' How shall I set thee 
 as Zeboim ?' (Hosea, xi. 8.) — cities that were overthrWn for 
 their rebellion. Then how can we magnify that mercy and long- 
 suffering which has hitherto spared us .'* Must it not be by un-
 
 JOURNAL OF inOMAy SMII.I.ITOE. .'395 
 
 reserved obedience to the dictates of the Holy Spirit, in our daily 
 walks througii life ? 
 
 "May we no longer, as professing Christians, he louiid 
 walking unworthy of these multiplied niereiLs, l)ut he prevailed 
 upon to return to tlie good old ways ; that we may also l)e found 
 in those paths of holiness of life and conversation, in which the 
 holy men of old, and first reformers walked, even under hore tra- 
 vail of mind and suffering of body, waste of their outward sub- 
 stance, and persecution unto death, f )h ! let us be no hingcr 
 trampling upon their testimonies, by slighting the many great and 
 gracious privileges of this day of outward ease, free from tlic 
 dangers and persecutions our forefathers were exposed to, and 
 unmolested as it respects our various religious tenets ; lest, if wc 
 still continue refusing to yield our necks to the same precious 
 yoke of Christ, which they took upon them, and will not cast away 
 from us those things which have led into captivity to the world, 
 to its spirit, its maxims, its manners, and deceitful ways — our go<l8 
 of gold, of silver, of wood, and of stone, — the Almigiity may see 
 meet, after long forbearing in love and mercy with this our fa- 
 voured nation, to rise up and plead with it in judgment; and ihe 
 declaration formerly uttered respecting the children of Israt-l may 
 be fulfilled respecting this land : ' You only have 1 known of all 
 the families of the earth : therefore I will punish you for all your 
 iniquities.' (Amos, iii. 2 ) 
 
 " I have long been led to believe, that the advancement of the 
 Redeemer's kingdom is more especially obstructed by such as arc 
 making a profession of religion, and are active members of the 
 society they are in connexion with, contending for the faith once 
 delivered to the saints in words, but whose general conduct re- 
 specting their commercial transactions, manner of living, liouses 
 and furniture, does not correspond with that humility and self- 
 denial, which the doctrines, precepts, and example of our Holy 
 Redeemer enjoin ; thus giving proof that they are friends of the 
 world, and not of Christ Jesus : the fruits brought forth by such, 
 also testifying, that witliin they are like the whited sepulchres, 
 full of dead nien's bones and all uncleanncss, (.Matt, xxiii. i?7 ;) 
 and that the spirit of the world is the governing ])rincij)le in most,^ 
 if not in all, their actions amongst men ; pursuing the world as if 
 they counted gain godliness, and not,. as must be the case witli 
 the true disciples and followers of Christ, godliness with content- 
 ment to be the greatest riches; (1 Tim. vi. 5, (5;) proclaim nig, 
 in the language of conduct, their disregard of the nature and ex- 
 tent of their business, if there be but a prospect of a good jirofit 
 attached to it ; whereby the gifts, which the god of this world be- 
 stows upon these his votaries, have blinded the eyes of many who, 
 I doubt not, were once favoured to see clearly the things which 
 belong to peace and salvation. Oh ! these profes.sing worhlhngs.
 
 396 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 who say they are Jews, and are not, but whose fruits testify for 
 them that they are of the synagogue of Satan ! And how can it 
 be likely to prove otherwise, but that such unworthy professors of 
 the Christian name, who are refusing to become subject to the 
 governing principle of Christ within them, will be stumbling- 
 blocks to the honest inquirer after Zion, and instrumental in turn- 
 ing the blind out of the right way of the Lord ? 
 
 " So, let us look to ourselves, my highly professing brethren ; 
 you, in an especial manner, to whom these remarks more imme- 
 diately apply, — you who are resolving to effect an impossibility, 
 to be heirs of two kingdoms. I would humbly hope, that instru- 
 mental labour, under the Divine anointing, is bestowed by many 
 who are, under different denominations, professing faith in our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and who are standing forth in his 
 name, to advocate his cause against the world, the liesh, and the 
 devil : and I cannot doubt but that the word thus preached has 
 been, at tiiues, believed in and received. But is it any marvel, 
 that so little fruit appears from this labour, when on comparing 
 things with things, the conduct of some of the more active mem- 
 bers and esteemed pillars in the different religious communities, 
 has been found so at variance with the doctrine preached, and 
 this even with some who are standing forth as the Aarons and the 
 Hurs by the side of the Lord's messengers, (Exodus, xvii. 12,) as, 
 1 doubt not, to cause others to leave their place of worship with 
 sorrowful hearts ; and who, instead of resolving, through the re- 
 newals of Divine aid, to pursue the path that has been pointed 
 out towards the heavenly Canaan, have been tempted to form this 
 conclusion, — that they would rather remain as they were, and not 
 persevere, as they clearly saw the inconsistency of many, who 
 stood high in profession, (see 2 Peter, ii. 20, 21.) 
 
 " Nor do the sad effects of this dissembling end here. I believe 
 we may trace its sorrowful consequences to the rising generation, 
 as being one of the causes, and not one of the least, that so few 
 in early life, in this day of outward ease as to liberty of conscience, 
 are coming forward in true religious usefulness, by being ex- 
 amples of real vital religion, in the different communities of which 
 they are members; thereby serving the Lord's cause, by the re- 
 ligious exercise of their spirits, and by an endeavour to be found 
 walking amongst men, consistently with the doctrines, the pre- 
 cepts, and example of our holy Redeemer. They may appear 
 active in the religious concerns of the society they are in com- 
 nninion with, and yet be strangers to this religious exercise, with- 
 out which none of us can become helpers in the Lord's cause, 
 and lights in the world. (Matt. v. 14.) 
 
 " Tile enemy of all good is ever on the alert, and ready with 
 baits to answer his purposes; so that when the good hand of 
 Divine help has been held out towards any, and they have been,
 
 .'".IT.N'AL or THOMA> ,,.i,.ii,,,. 3t>y 
 
 favoured to see and feel the need of a htill further ht-paration 
 from all sublunary things, and the mind has ht-comc exercivt-.l 
 with desires to experience this ; thin lie has i-n(I( . d to 
 
 counteraet the gracious designs of Omnipotence, \>y ra. .._ .moun- 
 tains of difficulty and discouragement in their way, and trvini< to 
 persuade them that the ])ath thus opened to their view in not lo 
 be trodden by mortals. And as a confirmation of tli ' evil 
 suggestions, turning their attention towards such, in .. par- 
 ticular manner, wjio are standing foremost in taking an active 
 part in religious matters, and are making a great pn.fcHhion of 
 spirituality, but arc not coming up, in a consistent conduct, with 
 the nature and spirituality of the gospel of our Lord and s .v ;.,,,r, 
 Jesus Christ ; whereby there is reason to fear the pure wr r 
 
 God, in such awakened minds, lias often again been put t<» sdcncc. 
 " I cannot doubt but tliat a desire to do a great stroke of busi- 
 ness, get great riches, and make a great figure in the world, \h ah 
 much some men's besetting sin as ever the love of strong drink 
 has been that of others. 1 am aware tliat persons of the latter 
 habits are deemed the most immoral ; but if our minds arc unfitted 
 for the faithful discharge of our civil and religious duties, whether 
 such disqualification proceeds from the love of gold and worldly 
 splendour, or of strong drink, I believe the crime is still heinous 
 in the Divine estimation. An overcharge of business, and a de- 
 sire to make a splendid appearance in the world, must distjualify a 
 man for a faithful discharge of his civil and religious duti'eK. 
 When the mind, and spiritual faculties of any person are so be- 
 numbed and overcome, if not with surfeiting and drunkenness, 
 yet with the cares and gratifications of this life, (I.uke, xxi. lH.) 
 with the love of his gold and silver, houses and lands, so intent 
 on his mortgages and bonds, his interest, and compound interiht, 
 trying to make a heaven here below ; whilst in this state of mind, 
 is there not sufficient ground for believing that his r( !■ ' •- per- 
 formances and offerings are made like the ni<f«rards, - n^ly ; 
 scarcely at his place set apart for religious worship in due time, 
 with his heart so full of the world, so much like the inn of old, 
 that there is no room, no fit place for his Saviour there ; it is no 
 marvel that such should be thus spending the time they profess to 
 sacrifice to the Lord, to little or no beiufit to themselves, or 
 those with whom they are in religious connexion. I hojH? I may 
 in truth say, I have not been wanting, at times, in endeavouring 
 to cast a veil of charity over the conduct of such, who, it is evi- 
 dent, have become, in this way, Satan's bond-slaves, wedded to 
 the treasures and splendour of this world ; and at such times my 
 heart has been sad on their account, under an assurance, that 
 whatsoever our temptations and besttments may be, or our dan- 
 gers through the evil example of others, to whose company wc 
 may be unavoidably exposed, if wc arc but willing to resist and
 
 398 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 seek for Divine Help to overcome them, both he, who covets great 
 trade, great riches, and to make a figure of splendour in the 
 world, as well as he who covets strong drink, will then experience 
 a sure way prepared in due time by the Lord, for his merciful 
 escape from this otherwise impassable gulf, between him and an 
 eternal resting-place with the righteous ! for the Scriptures de- 
 clare, that neither drunkards nor covetous shall inherit the king- 
 dom of God, (1 Cor. vi. 10 ;) and again, that ' without holiness 
 no man shall see the Lord.' But if we will continue to harden 
 our hearts against the holy intimations and offers of restraining 
 love, that thus in mercy follow us, we must expect to wander into 
 the many byeways, and crooked paths of the enemy of our 
 soul's peace ; and shall be making for ourselves a labyrinth 
 which we never may clearly escape from, and which, it is to be 
 feared, has been the case with many that are gone before us. 
 Restraint must be submitted to by those who will live godly, in 
 Christ Jesus : not only as to the quantity and quahty of our trade 
 and business, but also in the use of the Lord's outward bless- 
 ings, which he has in mercy given us richly to enjoy : and that 
 mode of getting a livelihood must be avoided, which either di- 
 rectly or indirectly, has a tendency to lead away the mind from 
 the pure, peaceable, and self-denying path, and to foster the con- 
 trary disposition in ourselves or others. 
 
 " In proportion as the mind is let out, and desires increase after 
 wealth and worldly greatness, it becomes indifferent as to conse- 
 quences, neither fearing the overcharge of quantity, nor properly 
 regarding the quality of business. Happy had it been for many 
 in those seasons of sore conflict, which commerce has, at times, 
 of later years, experienced, had they willingly and timely yielded 
 to those divine intimations they had been favoured with ; for I 
 believe that none ever were suffered to turn aside from the path 
 of safety, totally ignorant thereof; but that in the beginning of 
 their erring and straying, the witness for God followed them, and 
 at times smote them : but if we will disregard its invitations and 
 secret monitions, it is then most just on the part of Almighty 
 God, to leave us to the power and insinuations of Satan, the god 
 of this world, who rules in the hearts of the children of disobe- 
 dience. (Eph. ii. 2.) Yet even whilst thus promoting the cause 
 of the evil one, such may continue to make a fair show in the 
 flesh, as to a profession of religion, and to be very tenacious re- 
 specting some externals, as were the Pharisees, (Matt, xxiii. 23;) 
 things comparable to the mint, anise, and cummin ; and in which 
 Satan will not oppose them, so long as they rest satisfied herewith, 
 and continue to rebel against the light of Christ Jesus in their 
 souls, (Job, xxiv. 13,) refusing to submit to the heart-cleansing 
 operation of God's word and power, which alone can effectually 
 cleanse the inside of the cup and platter. (Matt, xxiii. 25, 26.)
 
 JOURNAL OF TH05IAS- SHILLITOE. .'^99 
 
 at- 
 own 
 
 Happy, I say, had it been for many, hud they in due time 
 tended to the pure limitations of the Divine Spirit in their own 
 souls, m their trade, and in tlie right use of the Lord ,rd 
 
 gifts ; who now are, through this negleet, plunged, with i; !,.i. 
 
 hes, into accumulated didiculties, and unluokcd-for distresH ; and 
 respectmg whom, the declaration of the apostle has been verified, 
 ' They that will he rich, fall into temptation and a snare, and into 
 many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in desirueiiun 
 and perdition.' ' For the love of money is the root of all evil ; 
 which, while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and 
 pierced themselves through with manv sorrows.' (1 'I'im. vi. 10.) Jg 
 it to be wondered at, that such disgraceful failures in the di»chart,'c 
 of just debts should so sorrowfully prevail with those who art- 
 making a profession of the Christian name, when their conduct 
 has been so opposed to their profession, which (' ch 
 
 that they be men fearing God, and hating covet., i . . < , . ^od. 
 
 xviii. 21.) How opposite is this disposition of mind, (the Jove of 
 the world,) to that warfare which the true Christian fihould daily 
 maintain ! For as this is brought about in us, and abode in, the 
 mind as much dreads the approach of any of Satan's gildcil baits, 
 as if surprised by any venomous creature, whose wound is fatal : 
 because, if we suffer ourselves to be beguiled l)y him, bpiritual 
 death will surely follow. And there is ground for believing that 
 this has been sorrowfully verified by not a few, who liad given 
 proof that they were the visited children of the Lord our CJod, 
 having covenanted with him, and for a time evidently con- 
 firmed their covenants by sacrifice ; but who, for want of continu- 
 ing to ask wisdom daily, (James, i. v.) to go in and out with ac- 
 ceptance before the Lord, (who still fails not to grant liberally to 
 those who thus ask of him,) have given the riches and t:rcatnc8« 
 of this world the preference ; and if they have been sufii red to 
 obtain their heart's desire, it has been evident, that what they 
 have coveted did not come alone, but was attended by its never- 
 failing companion, — those who covet an evil covetousne.vs, (Habb. 
 ii. 9,) must expect to possess leanness of soul; the sorrowful con- 
 sequences of which Avill be, unfruitfulncss towards (iod ; wliic-h. 
 although it may appear to be very slow in its gradations, will as- 
 suredly take place, whatsoever such may have known aforetime oi 
 an enlargement of heart towards God, and the cause of our Holy 
 Redeemer. For when the door of the heart is opened towards 
 covetousness and the love of this world, its pleasures and gratifi- 
 cations, and there is a stumbHng at the cross of Christ, (Gal. vi. 
 14,)— refusing to become crucified unto the world, and to let the 
 world be crucified unto us; this love of (jod once known nn«l 
 felt, in time takes its departure, and leaves in the soul an awful, 
 aching void. 
 
 " Consider from whence the detcrmin;Uion proceeds, which
 
 400 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 many have ventured upon making this willingness to sacrifice 
 every thing tliat should he nearest and dearest to them, in order 
 to gratify their thirst for wealth, and the making of a splendid 
 ap])carancc in the world — to add ten thousand to ten thousand, 
 and double it, and treble it again, if possible. Let these things 
 speak for themselves ; can they proceed from any other disposi- 
 tion than the love of the world ? Oh ! let such who are profess- 
 ing to be called by the Lord's name, of whatever denomination of 
 professing Christians they may be, (for it is for such I feel so deeply 
 interested,) consider, whether the apostle's declaration be not true, 
 (as to them,) that the love of the Father is not in them. (1 John, ii. 
 15.) For many years it has appeared to me to be a reproach to 
 the character of any professing the Christian name, that when 
 summoned from works to rewards, it has been found they have 
 left large sums of money behind them of their own accumulation. 
 Oh ! what a cloud has it brought over their best actions, however 
 conspicuous they may have stood in the religious society they 
 have been in communion with Oh ! the sorrowful feelings which 
 have clothed my mind on account of such, language fails me to 
 set forth. I find that, if my feeble efforts are accepted, the whole 
 council given me must be imparted. (Acts, xx. 27) I would not 
 be understood to criminate those who leave large property behind 
 them, which they came to by inheritance ; but even when this is 
 the case, great care is necessary on the part of such, that a righte- 
 ous distribution is made of it at their death, which, 1 believe, 
 would be more conducive to their peace, when about to leave this 
 world, than if they had left their property, in large sums, where it 
 did not appear to be needed. ' He that oppresseth the poor, to 
 increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely 
 come to want." (Prov. xxii. 16.) Let these considerations have 
 due weight with us, that by a right distribution of our property, 
 we maybe preserved from embittering our last moments. The idea 
 may be new to some, but it has long been my belief, that we shall 
 be made as much accountable for the righteous disposal of our 
 property when we leave this world, as we are for the right use of 
 it whilst we have it in our possession. 
 
 " Some profess to say, when remonstrated with on these sub- 
 jects, that they are at a loss to define the word, ' enough' of this 
 world's goods : this difficulty, I am fully of the mind, solely rests 
 with themselves, in the first place, through an unwillingness to 
 have their wants circumscribed by that Power, which is from 
 above : and in the next, for want of a sincere desire to have this 
 word defined for them by that AVisdom, which is as competent to 
 direct in this, as in any other important step in life. It is a duty 
 we owe to the body, to make suitable provision for its comfort and 
 conveniences, especially for old age ; that we may rather be help- 
 ful to others, than require their help ; and also to put our children
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 401 
 
 in a way to get their living by moderate industry, and to provide 
 forsuchof them who may not be in a capacity to keep them- 
 selves. When a kmd Providence has intrusted to us so much as 
 may answer all these lawful purposes, if, after this, there remains 
 a disposition to accumulate, and we give way to such disposition, 
 Til ' believe, we are violating that command of the J)ivinc 
 IVJ aster, ' Lay not up for yourselves treasure s upon carth,^ (Matt 
 VI. ly ;) and that we are giving full proof where our hearts arc 
 iNot that 1 apprehend it would be better for all who have attained 
 this competency to quit their trades and occupations, because some 
 , may be more m the way of their duty in continuing to pursue 
 them honourably ; when, besides introducing dcservin.' persons as 
 their successors, they may be the means of helping the widow and 
 fatherless, the infirm, who frequently are obliged to labour under 
 extreme pain and suffering, and those who, althougli industriously 
 disposed, cannot succeed in whatever they may undertake as mas- 
 ters for themselves ; — but there must be 'no adding to the enough 
 on their own account, lest that enough, which has been mercifuUy 
 dispensed, be taken away again ; for, ' covet all, lose all,' is, I 
 believe, a maxim, the truth of which has often been confirmed by 
 such conduct. 
 
 " I am aware of the trying state of trade and commercial affairs, 
 and the great difficulty many honest minds have had to struggle 
 through, who are obliged to give credit in their trade, thus de- 
 pending on others to make good their own payments ; yet I be- 
 lieve complaints of want of punctuality in fulfilling engagements 
 would not be so general as they are, were such in earnest to do 
 every thing in their power that the chief cause, the inordinate 
 pursuit of business, might be removed. Therefore, by others' 
 harms may you take warning ; and lessen your temporal concerns 
 where necessary, you that have been permitted to weather the 
 storm that has at times blown with fearful violence. It is true 
 there have been some intermissions, something that at times might 
 be termed sunshine ; and a hope has been entertained by many of 
 those who had deeply felt the pressure of the times, tliat the 
 worst was past, and that better times, as to trade and commerce, 
 were hastening. How soon has the expectation of such been dis- 
 appointed ! and how many that have been tempted, by these pros- 
 pects, to venture out on the wide ocean of commerce, have again 
 become a total wreck ! the next cloud that has gathered exceed- 
 ing those which had gone before in magnitude and terrific appear- 
 ance, sometimes as if ready to burst and carry destruction before 
 it. My brethren, where vour trade and business exceed tiic l)ounds 
 of Christian moderation, lessen them with all tlio resolution of 
 which you are capable. Take especial heed to the Good Pilot 
 at the helm : get into a safe port, if possible — to as safe an an- 
 choring-place as the nature of your various outwnrd circumstances 
 
 VOL. II. ' o ^
 
 402 JOURNAL OP THOniAb SIIILLrfOE. 
 
 in tlicsc times will allow of, before the day of tlie Lord come ' upon 
 every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is 
 lifted up; and he shall l)el)rou<fht low : and upon all the eedarsof 
 Lebanon, that are high and lifted up, and upon all tiie oaks of Ba- 
 shan, and upon all the high mountains, and upon all the hills that 
 are lifted up, and upon every high tower, and upon every fenced 
 wall, and upun all the ships of Tarshish, and upon all ])leasant 
 pictures.' (Isaiah, ii. 12 — KJ.) Uead the remainder of this re- 
 markable chapter, and the foregoing one, and let none be saying, 
 ' such things have been declared aforetime, and what has come of 
 it ?' lest their calamity come upon them as a thief in the night, in 
 a day when they look uot for it, and at an hour when they arc not 
 aware. (1 Thess. v. 2, 3. Matt. xxiv. 44 — 51.) 
 
 '* You that sail on the wide ocean of trade and commerce, and 
 have its tempestuous billows to contend with, and to whom it has 
 appeared as if nothing less than a total wreck could be the result, 
 be no longer unwilling to act the part of the wise mariner; for, 
 when danger like this threatens him, he looks well to the helm, 
 reduces his sails, and lightens the vessel by lessening his cargo, 
 rather than risk the loss of the whole. I am not unmindful of the 
 distress, that nature must have to endure, before the mind is at all 
 likely to be brought into a willingness to take such steps as these; 
 and I think I can enter into feeling with those who have families, 
 and have so far extended their manner of living, as that, from the 
 depressed state of their trade, and the losses they are assailed 
 with, their income barely covers their expenses, while, perhaps, 
 their families are increasing ; because it is gratifying to human 
 nature to appear to the world to be increasing in its substance, but 
 mortifying to retrench, lest it should be suspected that we are 
 going down hill in the world. This must be the case with many 
 in the present day, or I am mistaken in my view of the state of 
 things. Many must be content with the moderate portion of the 
 thiuLis of this life allotted by a wise Providence for them. Lessen 
 your business, and regulate your family expenses accordingly, 
 otherwise you may be brought into the same trying situation that 
 many are now in, who once carried their heads high in the com- 
 mercial world, and moved, in what are called, the more genteel 
 circles, but who have now no bread at all they can strictly call 
 their own. 
 
 Let me now claim your attention, who are females in families, 
 by pressing upon you the necessity of your being willing to do 
 your part in facilitating the escape of your husbands and parents 
 from the troubled waters and sunk rocks of commercial difficulty, 
 which the keen eye of human policy is so often unable to discover. 
 With you generally rests the management of household affairs : 
 it being chiefly for these supplies that the labouring oar is kept at 
 work : you must be willing (both mothers and children,) to ex-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 403 
 
 amme closely the mode and circumstances of your expenditure 
 ivith a mind fully made up to relieve, as far as in you lies, the head 
 ot the family, who may have both wind and tide to contend with 
 Where it is needful, search your houses, search your tahles, search 
 your garments : and where any expense can be spared, seek for 
 Holy Help to pursue the path of Christian moderation. I am 
 well assured, from our natural proneness to gratification, that it will 
 require Holy Help to take such steps as these; but this I am also 
 as well assured will not be wanting, if sought after in a proper 
 disposition, ' the perfect heart and wilHng mind^ accompanying 
 our endeavours after it. Hereby we shall find that those things 
 which have been sacrificed, being calculated onlv to please the 
 vam mind in ourselves and others, and to pamper'a depraved ap- 
 petite, had not the effect of contributing to our real comforts. 
 Regard not the world's dread laugh, but set your intimates and 
 neighbours this salutary example of Christian moderation ; an ex- 
 ample, I believe, that all who profess faith in Christ, and in the 
 sufficiency of his power to redeem from all iniquity, are in a pe- 
 culiar manner called upon to hold out to the world at large ; al- 
 though this mode of proceeding may, for a time, produce a 
 sore conflict to such, supposing that they shall let themselves 
 down in the eyes and estimation of the worldly-minded, yet, in 
 the end, they will appear more honourable than those who have 
 compelled the head of the family to go on pushing business, to 
 keep up an appearance which their circumstances do not justify, 
 clothing and feeding themselves and their children with that which 
 they were not able to pay for. And you that are of bodily ability, 
 be entreated to learn to wait more upon yourselves ; teach your 
 children industry and a well regulated economy, even admitting 
 they have a prospect of a large patrimony, remembering that 
 riches have win^js, (Prov. xxiii. 5,) and various may be the ways 
 and means Providence may see meet to permit this their patri- 
 mony to take wings and fly away from them, and they be left, as 
 others have been before them, who were once similarly circum- 
 stanced, but now placed in a very destitute situaiion as to out- 
 ward support. It must be self-evident to every rightly-considerate 
 mind, that there is great need in the present day to press upon 
 parents the necessity of this wholesome practice, wholesome both 
 for body and mind ; for, next to a pious example, accompanied 
 by a religious education, parents cannot bestow a better portion 
 on their children, than instruction in industry, and the art of liv- 
 ing well at little expense. Labour is a part of the penance en- 
 joined on man in the fall ; ' By the sweat of thy brow shalt thou 
 get thy bread.' (Gen. ix. 19.) This sentence, pronounced upon 
 Adam, I believe, descends to all his posterity. I do not mean to 
 infer, from the words of the text, that all are called upon to be 
 engaged in manual and servile work, but that all are called upon 
 
 I) D 2
 
 404 JOURNAL OI" THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 to be usefully employed in some way or other for the good of their 
 fellow-creatures. 1 fully believe that suitable employment, under 
 the regulating influence of an all-wise Oeator, is salutary, and 
 qualifies us the better to feel for, and proportion labour to those 
 who may be placed under us : it may even prove a secondary 
 means of keeping our nature under subjection, which we cannot 
 be ignorant is corrupt, and requires much subduing — something 
 to check its impetuosity, and have rule in all our actions. There 
 is yet another precious advantage resulting from bringing up chil- 
 dren in habits of well-regulated industry and economy ; a mode- 
 rate share of business will then be found suflicient to bring up a 
 family reputably, when our wants are confined to real comforts 
 and conveniences, which I find the religion of Jesus fully allows 
 of. It is those things which have nothing to recommend them 
 but show, and an appearance of what the world calls gentility, 
 that the religion of Jesus Christ opposes in each of our minds, 
 did we but attend to it more faithfully. For want of this atten- 
 tion, how easily do we become bond-slaves to appearances ; and 
 where this well-regulated industry and economy are wanting, and 
 idleness and fulness of bread prevail, how little is to be observed, 
 in the conduct of such, of reverential thankfulness for the boun- 
 ties they are receiving from heaven. Although I am well aware 
 that our constitutions are so varied by nature, we cannot, nor 
 must we presume to draw a precise line one for another, respecting 
 that in which real comforts and conveniences consist ; yet I am as 
 fully satisfied as I am of my own existence, that we have a Divine 
 principle implanted in each one of us, (to the truth of which the 
 sacred writings, from the beginning to the end of them, bear am- 
 ple testimony, although spoken of under various characters, such 
 as — ' the law written in the heart' — ' the Spirit in the inward 
 parts' — ' the Teacher that cannot be removed into a corner' — 
 ' the anointing that teaches as man never taught' — ' the inspeak- 
 ing voice of God,"* &:c. &c. &c.,) and if we are willing to receive 
 and attend to its secret and sacred monitions, it will not fail faith- 
 fully to impart to us a knowledge of the conduct we must each 
 one pursue, so as that we may be found only in the right and 
 proper use of the good things of this life, which our beneficent 
 Creator has given us richly to enjoy. It will be clearly pointed 
 out to us, what are the real comforts and conveniences allowed us, 
 and what are the imaginary ones, the use of which we are to deny 
 ourselves. If we neglect to attend to these secret monitions in our 
 own hearts, we must expect, from our natural proneness to grati- 
 fication and the delights of the world, that we shall in various 
 ways violate the trust our heavenly Father has reposed in us, by 
 using these temporal things contrary to his designs, and to our 
 unspeakable and eternal loss. 
 
 " When we are made willing thus to move in true humihty,
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOK. 405 
 
 we are prepared the better to meet reverses that may come upon 
 us. Let none be saying in tlieir liearts, ' I am out of the reach 
 of reverses,' because none are out of the reach of them ; for how- 
 ever variously our outward substance may be secured, all sublu- 
 nary things are unstable as water; and various as may be our re- 
 sources, every supply may be cut off. The l^hilistines may be 
 permitted to stop all the wells which we have dug for ourselves 
 and our children; (Gen. xxvi. 15;) the Most High may per- 
 mit his great army of little causes to enter our vineyards and 
 olive-yards, and strip us of all, without power on our parts to 
 prevent the devastation : for what the palmer-worm leaves, the 
 locust may eat ; and that which the locust leaves, the canker-worm 
 may eat ; and what the canker-worm leaves, the caterpillar may 
 so destroy, that not the least vestige of our former greenness and 
 greatness may remain. (Joel, i. 4.) This has been the case within 
 my memory. The crafty have been so taken in their own crafti- 
 ness, and the lofty so brought down from their seats, and men of 
 low degree exalted, that he who was the servant, has become the 
 master, and his master's children have served his children. (Job, 
 V. 13.) What has been, may be again ; for thus has the AU-wisc 
 Disposer, to whom belong the cattle of a thousand hills, and 
 every visible thing, (for nothing is mine or thine any longer than 
 he sees meet we should possess it,) evinced his sovereignty and 
 power to humble his creature man ; thus convincing him of the 
 great uncertainty of all visible things. (Psalm, I. 10.) ]\Iay these 
 turnings and overturnings, both in commercial concerns and in 
 families, which from time to time we have heard of, and of which 
 some have more keenly felt the smart, prove the means of stimu- 
 lating us to an honest endeavour to forget the things tliat arc be- 
 hind, all of which are perishing, and renewedly to seek for Holy 
 Help, to be found daily pressing forward to those which arc before 
 and which are eternal ! 
 
 " I am afraid, my sisters, to close this subject without adding 
 another hint, from an earnest desire which 1 feci, that you may 
 not be found deficient in doing your part, every way in your 
 power, in bringing about that necessary reformation in family con- 
 cerns which is so much wanting. 1 would suggest to you an expe- 
 dient essential to be put in practice, in order to enable yen the 
 better to keep your family expenditure within proper l)ounds, 
 having myself experienced its salutary effects when I had a de- 
 pendent family around me ; which is to determine to purchase, 
 with ready money, the various articles consumed for family use; 
 and that we resolve to perform this task, however mortifying it 
 may prove to ourselves and our children, by dej)riving us and 
 them of many things the natural disposition may crave. I am 
 fully persuaded that great advantage would result from tliis prac- 
 tice, both to parents and children, more especially to such who,
 
 400 JOURNAL OF THOMAS BHILLITOE, 
 
 at times feel themselves straitened to carry on their business re- 
 putably ; for when these difliculties are felt by honest minds, it be- 
 comes obligatory on such, (if they get through their diiliculties,) 
 closely to inspect the manner of their expenditure, and this will 
 afford an opportunity of timely checking any unnecessary expense 
 that may have crept into the family; but when things for family con- 
 sumption are mostly, if not all, had upon credit, this opens a wider 
 door, both for parents and children, to greater indifference, both 
 as it respects expediency and cost, than Christian moderation at 
 all justifies ; and the children of such parents are in danger of 
 being brought up ignorant of the real use or value of property. 
 The purchasing of goods for family consumption on credit, often 
 proves a serious inconvenience to tradesmen, especially to those 
 with a small capital, for ittoo frequently proves that such purchasers 
 are not very ready to make payment in due time ; and when this 
 is the case, are we doini; as we would be done by ? Is not this 
 golden rule sorrowfully violated by such unpunctual proceedings ? 
 (Matt. vii. 12.) 
 
 " I have long viewed it as a mean practice, and beneath the 
 dignity of a professed follower of Christ, to consume in any way 
 the property of another, before I have paid for it (except uncler 
 some peculiar circumstances) ; for general usage does not justify 
 me (to say no more) in wrong practices. The professed followers 
 of Christ are not to view things as the world at large does ; but 
 through the more pure medium of truth and uprightness. How 
 needful is it, that those of every denomination, who are making 
 a profession of the Christian name, should frequently recur to 
 that which they are making a profession of, and as frequently 
 compare their practice therewith, and how far it corresponds with 
 the doctrines, precepts, and example of Him whom they profess 
 to call Lord and Master; and bring their deeds to that Light, by 
 which, in a future day, they will all be judged, and sentence 
 passed, not only according as their actions have been, but their 
 motives to actions will also be taken into the account. 
 
 "Whilst we are so commendably engaged in circulating the 
 Sacred Writings and religious tracts, in order to awaken the minds 
 of the more unthinking part of mankind on these all-important 
 and most interesting subjects, if our labour is blessed to those 
 amongst whom these distributions are made, I am increasingly 
 persuaded that we must, in the first place, give proof ourselves 
 of the happy effects which these Sacred Writings have had upon 
 our own minds, that they are indeed ' able to make wise unto 
 salvation, through faith which is in Christ Jesus,' (2 Tim. iii. 
 13, 15 ;) the tenour of our conduct and conversation correspond- 
 ing with those doctrines which the Sacred Writings contain. 
 Example will do more towards reforming the lives of others 
 than precept, — actions speak louder than words.
 
 JOURNAL OF THOiMAS SHILLITOE. 407 
 
 "The introduction, which of late years has taken place in 
 London and its neighbourhood, of what ure called Sunday news- 
 papers, and the frequenting, on the first day of the week (called 
 Sunday,) the public news-rooms, which arc now instituted in 
 most cities and market-towns in this kingdom, has been a great 
 injury to the minds of many ; for the practice of rea(Hnii the 
 news previously to going to a place of worship, must tend, in 
 degree, if not altogether, to unfit the mind for approaching the 
 DivineBeingwith that entire devotedness of soul wliich Me requires. 
 And if there has been with any a refraining from this injurious 
 practice, (to go no further,) until tlieir returning from their place 
 of religious worship, — or if the practice has not been indulged in 
 until the evening of this day, — if any benefit has been received, or 
 any serious impressions made during their attendance there, — has 
 it not had this baneful tendency, that these serious impressions 
 thus made, this benefit thus experienced, have been in part, if not 
 altogether, dissipated ? Do the sad effects end here i I fear 
 not : but where it is known such practices exist with those who 
 are making a profession of the Christian name, such exam- 
 ples of earthly-uiindedness open a wide door for those, who arc 
 deemed libertines, to indulge in making this day of the week 
 a day of pleasure and gratification. May those of the former 
 character, who may have been setting this ungodly example, be 
 willing to take home to themselves the language uttered by one of 
 the prophets, speaking in the Lord's name, to a highly-favoured 
 people in his day : ' Ob, Israel, thou hast destroyed thyself;' 
 and experience the subsequent part of the text fulfilled respecting 
 themselves; 'but in Me is thine help.' (Hos. xiii. 9.) 
 
 " I cannot, with peace to my own mind, conclude, without 
 expressing the earnest solicitude of soul which 1 I'cel, that those 
 who are moving in the higher walks of life may be wilUng, 
 through Holy Help, to come forward, and by example, lead those 
 who rank in the middle class, and the poor, in the path of true 
 humility and self-denial: for if. we, as a nation, are delivered 
 from the bondage and captivity of pride and extravagance, into 
 which every class of the people, down to the poor, are sorrowfully 
 sunk, this so necessary reformation should begin with you who are 
 moving in the higher circles in life : then I have faith to believe 
 your example would be so blessed by Divine Providence, that 
 the iniquity charged against Sodom of old may no longer be 
 found too generally applicable to our awful situation as a nation ; 
 pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her. 
 (Ezek. xvi. 49.) Hereby you will be doing much towards bet- 
 tering the condition of those who are moving in the muhUv mnks 
 of life, and of the poor ; this, 1 firmly believe, you are called ui>on 
 by Almighty God, the giver of every temporal as well as spiritual 
 blessing you enjoy, to be found acting heie below. I hat every 
 
 'O J
 
 408 JOURNAL OF TH05IA8 SHILLITUi:. 
 
 class amongst the people may be willing to unite with that All- 
 sufficient ilelp, which I believe still awaits our acceptance as a 
 nation ; and suffer it so to operate in our hearts and minds, that 
 an increase of that salt which has thus far saved us, as a nation, 
 from becoming the object of the Divine displeasure, may be found 
 amongst the different denominations of professing Christians; 
 which is, at times, the secret breathing of my soul." 
 " TotteiihaiH^ \iitof btli nio. 18^1." 
 
 New South Wales still being of late the subject of my daily 
 thoughts, notwithstanding a report was in circulation amongst 
 Friends, that 1 had given up this prospect of religious duty ; 
 in consequence of which report, I felt my mind brought under 
 the necessity, in the Select Yearly Meeting, to inform my 
 friends that this concern still remained with me : although of late 
 there have been siasons in which 1 have been disposed to query, 
 whether " a ram " would not be caught ; I earnestly craved, 
 if such should be the will of my Divine Master, that 1 might be 
 preserved patiently waiting to know His further mind and will, 
 and Him to prepare the offering, until it becomes that whole burnt 
 sacriffce lie is calling for, — offered up in His own time, and way, 
 and manner. 
 
 Having for some months past felt drawings in my mind to make 
 a visit to the Bishop of London, on the 12th of ;jth mo. this year, 
 agreeable to a previous appointment, accompanied by my kind 
 friend Peter Bedford, we waited on the bishop at his resi- 
 dence, who received us kindly. Having taken our scats, after a 
 short pause, 1 felt myself constrained to inform the bishop, 1 
 had been an acknowledged minister in the Society of Friends 
 upwards of fffty years, which I found had placed me in an awful 
 and responsible situation; inasmuch as I was aware my example 
 was looked at by the body. This led me frequently to consider how 
 far the general tenour of my conduct and converse corresponded 
 with the doctrines, precepts, and example of our holy Redeemer, 
 and how far I was earnestly concerned by example and precept, 
 to use my utmost influence in cheeking any wrong practices that 
 were in danger of creeping and did creep into the Society ; from 
 an assurance that by such neglect on my part, I should be crimi- 
 nating myself in the sight of my Maker, by my becoming a party 
 thereto. I then informed the bishop, one subject I had to lay 
 before him was, the abuse of the First-day of the week, called 
 Sunday, saying I had read the address which the bishop had 
 written on the subject, and was comforted that one of the higher 
 order of the Episcopalian clergy had come forward, and protested 
 against the existing abuses of this day, and had pointed out 
 some of the sorrowful consequences resulting therefrom ; and that 
 I did most earnestly crave, that the bishop might seek for Divine
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 409 
 
 help to use his inttuence to the utmost, in order that a rcmcdv 
 niight be apphed : that I could not divest my mind of a hope 
 that our sovereign and his royal consort, by seeking for Divine 
 help, would be made a blessing to this nation, by bringing gra- 
 dually about that reformation so much wanted : that thrce^'years 
 out of the last five, I had been in America ; on niv return to 
 my native land, I was sorrowfully affected in observing the in- 
 creasmg abuse of the Sabbath, and the baneful effects of what 
 are called Sunday newspapers. In tliis the bishop most fully 
 concurred ; on which I again expressed the desire of my mind, 
 that the bishop might be engaged to seek for Divine help to be 
 enabled to do his duty faithfully without fear, favour or affection: 
 to which the bishop replied, (meaning Divine help) " Without it 
 I can do nothing." I then informed him, there was another 
 subject 1 must lay before him, which was, the great increase of 
 intemperance ; — fearful as I was, unless some steps were taken to 
 arrest its progress, it Avould arrive at a similar height to that 
 which it attained in this country about a century back — having 
 heard from my father a deplorable description of the extent it 
 had then reached. 1 presented him with a small volume of the 
 tracts published by the Temperance Society, which the bishop 
 received with pleasure. I then urged him to promote the objects 
 of the Temperance Society, assuring him the exertions already used 
 had been made a great blessing ; on which it appeared the bishop 
 saw some difficulty in acting in this way, intimating that some 
 fiscal regulations on the part of government would be necessary in 
 order to suppress it: to which I involuntarily said, in the warmth 
 of my feelings (but which was evidently well received,) " But, my 
 dear friend, do seek for Best Help, to enable thee to do what 
 thou canst." I was stopped from apologizing, as I was about to 
 do, for the freedom with which I had addressed the bishop, by 
 his saying, " All Christians should love one another:'"' to wjiich 
 I replied, ''• I do feel that I am speaking to a friend."" Books 
 on our religious principles were then handed to him, which 
 the bishop appeared to receive acceptably. During the whole of 
 the interview, the bishop heard us with much courtesy, and in a 
 friendly and kind manner, observed it was desirable to have the 
 good wishes of all Christians, and that he was glad in receiving 
 the visit ; he shook hands with us, and escorted us to the door, 
 and soon after became President to the Tenipera"nce Society, and 
 a warm promoter of its interests. 
 
 [Our friend T. S., it is believed, took a very warm interest in the 
 establishment and extension of these Temperance Societies. At 
 a meeting of the British and Foreign Temperance Society at 
 Exeter Hall, London, in the 5th month, 1833. he addre«^scd the 
 meeting upon the baneful effects of ardent spirits and liigh living 
 upon himself, in the earlier period of his life, and upon the re-
 
 ■410 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 markablo benefit he had experienced from a total abstinence 
 from all stimulating drinks, as wine and fermented liquors, as well 
 as from animal food. As his speech contains much information on 
 the subject, not to be met with in this journal, the following re- 
 port of it is here introduced, as published by the Temperance 
 Society : — 
 
 " I believe I am safe in saying, that duty has brought me here 
 to-day, to prove, from my own experience of more than thirty 
 years, (which is said to be the best schoolmaster,) that ardent 
 spirits are not essential to the health and to the comfort of man- 
 kind; and also to prove the fallacy of the opinion abroad, that 
 where individuals have been in the habitual use of them, it is 
 dangerous for such to abandon their use all at once. 
 
 " A fright when a lad brought on a very severe nervous com- 
 plaint, which increased as I grew up. ^t the twenty-fourth year 
 of my age, my health became so impaired, that my medical at- 
 tendant ordered me to quit London altogether, and put me on a 
 very generous diet; a beef-steak, and some of the best ale that 
 could be procured, were ordered for my breakfast, and at my din- 
 ner and supper plenty of good ale and wine, and, to avoid obesity, 
 vegetable diet. This mode of dieting myself I pursued for twenty 
 years ; my health gradually declined ; my nerves were so en- 
 feebled, that twice I was confined to my bed from the sudden 
 sight of a mouse. These frights, too, which proceeded from dif- 
 ferent causes, produced such dread, such horror, such debility, 
 and such sinking, and frequent craving for food and stimulants, 
 for several days afterwards, and my frame became so overcharged 
 with the quantity of food and liquids, and my nervous irritability 
 so increased, that I felt as if I could not live. Smoking, and spi- 
 rits and water, were then recommended. Although the quantity 
 was increased from time to time, they did not produce the effect 1 
 desired. I became alarmed at the consequences, not knowing 
 where it would end. These not producing sleep, I was then ad- 
 vised to have recourse to laudanum. I began with ten drops, yet 
 I found I was obliged to increase my dose three drops every third 
 night, until 1 got to one hundred and eighty drops; I left off at 
 that quantity. In addition to my nervous attacks (I apprehend 
 in consequence of my generous and high manner of living), I be- 
 came bilious, rheumatic, and gouty ; I frequently had very bad 
 colds and sore throat ; and I can only describe the situation I was 
 brought into, by saying I went about day by day, frightened for 
 fear of being frightened, a dreadful situation indeed to be living in. 
 
 " I made a visit to a medical friend of mine in Hampshire, 
 where I spent some time. This afforded him an opportunity of 
 observing the state of my health, and the effect which my manner 
 of living had on my constitution, and before I quitted his house 
 he advised me to make a general change in my manner of 
 living, to abandon my beef-steak, to abandon the use of all fer-
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 411 
 
 lYientecl liquors, and to use animal food but very sparingly. At 
 first It appeared to me as if human nature could Iiardly he willing 
 to submit to my friend's prescription ; for my physician in London 
 had desn-ed me to double my portion of ale in lilc morning, saying 
 my hypochondriacal habit required it. However, 1 again called 
 upon hira for his advice, in as debilitated a state of body, I 
 thmk, as I well could be. His advice to me was, to procure some 
 of the oldest Madeira wirie that could be got, and to take a bottle 
 of it in as short a time as possible. A friend of mine provided me 
 some, which he told me was twenty years old. 1 believe it is best 
 thus to go into the details of what 1 suffered. I took the bottle 
 of wine between the hours of eight and ten at night, and it pro- 
 duced very little more effect (such was my state of debility) than 
 if I had taken so much water. At length, feeling satisfied of the 
 sincerity of my friend above mentioned, who had enforced on me 
 the necessity of a general change, I made up my mind to seek for 
 help from Almighty God, that I might give the recommendation 
 a fair trial, — satisfied, as I was, that nothing short of His help 
 could enable me to endure the conflict I must undergo. When 
 I returned to my own home, favoured, as I believe I was, with 
 that holy help that would bear me up in making the attempt, I 
 proceeded all at once, (for I found tampering with these things 
 would not do,) and gave up my laudanum, fermented liquors of 
 every kind whatsoever, and my meat breakfast. My health began 
 gradually to improve, although I felt some of the effects of my 
 old complaint in my stomach after I had taken my dinner meal : 
 I therefore confined myself v/holly to vegetable diet, and my 
 health has gradually improved from that time to the present ; so 
 that I am able to say, to the praise of Him who enai)lcd me to 
 make the sacrifice of these things, that I am stronger now, in my 
 eightieth year, than I was fifty years ago, when in the habit of 
 taking animal food, wine, strong malt liquor, and spirits and 
 water ; and my bilious, my rheumatic, and my gouty complaints, 
 I think I may say, are no more. Nor have I, since this change, 
 ever had an attack of that most dreadful of all maladies, hyjio- 
 chondria : — I call it most dreadful, from what I have felt of it : 
 it exceeds derangement, because when derangement takes ])lace, 
 the mind is gone. I find, from continued experience, (it being 
 thirty years since I have eaten fish, flesh, or fowl, or took fer- 
 mented liquor of any kind whatever,) I find abstinence to be the 
 best medicine ; 1 do not meddle with fermented liquors of any 
 kind, even as medicine. 1 find I am capable of doing better with- 
 out them, than when I was in the daily use of them. 
 
 " It is an opinion that it is necessary to take ardent spirits 
 when people are travelling, to defend them from coltl. Now I will 
 mention two striking instances of my experience to the contrary. 
 Having to travel from Copenhagen, in Denmark, to Christian.!, in
 
 412 JOURNAL OF THOMAS ^UILLITOE. 
 
 Norway, eleven clays' journey before me, in carts that had no 
 covering" over them, in tlic twelfth montli, that is December, when 
 the frost was very severe, my friends tolJ me 1 must have spirits. 
 We sometimes started at four in the morning, and travelled till 
 ten at night, at that season of the year, fearing the falls of snow 
 might have a tendency to impede our journey ; during which I 
 never took any thing stronger than coffee ; while the man whom I 
 hired to take charge of me was taking his spirits, and seemed as if 
 he could not do without them. I have reason, however, to believe 
 I suffered less from cold than he did. I Kpcnt the <rreater part of 
 the winter in Petcrsburgh, and travelled on sledges, without 
 having recourse to any thing stronger than coffee. I do not say 
 my mode of living would do for all constitutions, but I am sure 
 that if persons had but courage to make a trial of it^ it would suit 
 a t;reat many, and be the means of procuring and preserving their 
 health better, than living in a more generous way. 
 
 " When I think of my friend who put me upon this mode of 
 living, I am satisfied that he did more towards my comfort here, 
 and towards my endeavouring to seek after a better inheritance in 
 the world to come, than if he had given mc ten thousancj sove- 
 reigns. It is probable that such a present would have promoted 
 an increase of the indulgence in which 1 was living; and it would 
 have been almost sure to increase that state of disease, which I 
 had from time to time been labouring under. 
 
 "In another way, also, was I favoured to experience help, in 
 abandoning all these things ; this arose from the effect my absti- 
 nence has had on my natural temper. My natural disposition is 
 very irritable, which was not helped in my nervous complaint, 
 irritability being very much attached to such complaints. 1 am 
 persuaded that ardent spirits, and high living, have more or less 
 effect in tending to raise into action our evil propensities, which, 
 if given way to, war against the soul, and render us displeasing to 
 Almighty God. When I recur to the effects that the use of ar- 
 dent spirits had on my health and on my mind, I am renewedly 
 confirmed in the belief, that the good Power never had any 
 thing to do in producing them, and therefore they must have 
 been produced by the evil power — that power which envies our 
 happiness hei*e and hereafter." 
 
 A gentleman present said, T. Shillitoe had walked from Totten- 
 ham, six miles, to attend the meeting, and would probably walk 
 home again.] 
 
 On Fifth-day, 27th of 9th mo. 1832, I left town, accompanied 
 by three Friends, for Windsor, — arrangements having been made 
 for me to have an interview with the king at the castle, in order 
 to present him with an address on some subjects which had pre- 
 viously deeply occupied my thoughts, the presentation of which ap-
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SUILLITOE. il3 
 
 peared to be a duty I could in no other Way get relieved from. We 
 reached Windsor by ten o'clock, and were conducted to the castle; 
 my friend Peter Bedford and myself were taken to the apartments 
 of the king's private secretary, Sir Herbert Taylor : after some time 
 we were conducted to the apartment of the king, who was standing 
 to receive us, but moved towards us on our entrance. We were 
 with him about twenty minutes ; he was quite unattended by any 
 person whatever, and it may be said he received us very graciously. 
 He soon entered into familiar conversation with mc,'and turned 
 to my companion, as if to remove all undue restraint; he then 
 held out his hand to receive the books we took with us, which my 
 companion gave him ; after which I handed the address I had pre- 
 pared, which the king took of me, opened it, and intimated that he 
 would further look at it. A little pause then ensued: on the 
 king's having knowledge that I had crossed the Atlantic, and tra- 
 velled through Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, he then inquired 
 if there were any of our Society in Berlin, and whether the 
 Hernhites belonged to our community, saying, they. are found in 
 almost all parts of the world ; he further observed, that the 
 Friends or Quakers have no appointed ministers. My companion 
 then informed him that I was an acknowledged minister of the 
 gospel, had travelled in this capacity, and had been admitted into 
 the presence of the king and queen of Denmark, and other branches 
 of that family, and that our late kings, George the Third and 
 Fourth, had also allowed me that privilege. I thou^iht it right 
 to say, that I believed the king would not be offended at our ap- 
 pearance before him with our hats on, and that it was not out of 
 disrespect : to which he promptly replied, " You know I am 
 aware of that." Under a degree of solemn feeling. I tlun ex- 
 pressed that I felt thankful to Almighty God, (hat he had been 
 pleased to renew in my mind at this time, that earnest solicitude 
 which at times I have experienced for the welfare of the king, ac- 
 companied with earnest desires that the Almighty would be 
 pleased to incline his heart so to walk in the ways of His requir- 
 ings, that he might become a blessing to the nation over whom he 
 is permitted to reign ; beseeching the Lord, on the bended knees of 
 my soul, (though not of my body,) to incline the heart of the king 
 to seek daily for help, to be enabled to maintain the noble resolu- 
 tion of one formerly, — " Let others do as they may, I will servr the 
 Lord;" and then, when called upon to surrender up his earthly 
 crown, that he might be favoured to receive the crown designed for 
 him to wear in the kingdom of heaven. To which the king ma- 
 nifested serious attention. I then acknowledged his kindness in 
 allowing me this interview, and said, there was still another favour 
 I was anxious to obtain, but I feared it would be requesting too 
 much. The king promptly inquired, " What is it ?" I then t<.Id 
 him I was desirous to present two books to the queen, ^nd r., h iv,-
 
 414 JOURNAL OF THOMAS; BMILLITOK. 
 
 the privilege of addressing her in a few words, if it would not be 
 unpleasant to her. The king replied, " I have no doubt she will 
 readily comply with your wishes;" and he immediately rang the 
 bell, and sent a message to the queen by one of the servants. The 
 king then inquired if Penn v/as not the first Quaker, and if there 
 were not many of our Society in America, also if there were many 
 in Scotland, and added, he knew there were in Ireland. He 
 ■was informed George Fox was prior to William Penn, and I then 
 incjuired if the king would like to receive SewePs History of 
 Friends, and the Book of Extracts, containing an account of our re- 
 ligious principles and the rules of the .Society, to which he replied 
 in the affirmative ; he desired they might be sent for him to Sir 
 Herbert Taylor. 
 
 The messenger not liaving returned from the queen, my com- 
 panion expressed a fear that we were unsuitably trespassing on the 
 time of the king, to which he replied, not at all. My companion 
 then acknowledged the condescension of the king to us, and his de- 
 sire that the Divine blessing might rest upon him during the 
 remainder of his reign. The messenger being returned informed 
 us, the queen would receive us in her drawing-room, and we 
 were then conducted to the queen''s apartment ; after waiting 
 there a few minutes, the queen, quite unattended, walked into the 
 room, — a striking example of simplicity in her attire for her ex- 
 alted station : after a few introductory remarks, the queen sat 
 down, and desired us to be seated, which we accordingly did. We 
 presented her with two books, and a printed copy of the address, 
 ■which she received in an obliging manner ; after a short pause, I 
 told her that 1 was one of the deputation who presented the ad- 
 dress of the Society of Friends to the queen on her accession to 
 the throne, — that at that time, and frequently since then, the queen 
 had been brought to my remembrance ; and my mind had been 
 impressed with a belief, that a kind Providence had favoured her 
 ■with a mind capable of entering into feeling for those ■who were in 
 distress, which feelings of sympathy, I believed, the queen was 
 disposed to cherish ; under these impressions I had often regretted 
 that she had not the opportunity for becoming more fully ac- 
 quainted with the distress of thousands, and tens of thousands of 
 her subjects, who were wanting sufficient food, clothing, and fuel, 
 principally arising from a want of employment, which I consi- 
 dered was chiefly occasioned by articles for clothing and those for 
 domestic purposes, being manufactured by machinery, which I 
 considered had been injurious to the nation in another way also; it 
 being allowed on all hands that goods manufactured by hand were 
 oenerally much more serviceable than those made by machinery. 
 As I did believe the queen was desirous to relieve the distressed as 
 far as in her power, when these subjects had been presented to uiy 
 mind it had appeared to me that the queen's example and influence
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 415 
 
 le 
 
 might relieve some of the distress, and draw down upon licr th. 
 blessing of the poor ; and whilst I did not wish to be considered 
 as dictating to the queen, 1 could but recommend wliat appeared 
 to me likely to afford relief, by suggesting that in the palace such 
 articles as are made by hand should be used ; wliicli tlic queen did 
 not object to. My companion, being a silk-manufacturer, then 
 acknowledged the kindness of the queen in having adopted the 
 use of silk manufactured in Spitalfields, which he said he l)eiieved 
 had already been of much service ; the satisfaction that gleamed in 
 the countenance of the queen at this information was very striking;. 
 The queen then inquired, if the poor weavers were better em- 
 ployed than they had been, and informed us, that the silk furniture 
 of the palace was of that manufacture. After a pause, 1 tlien 
 felt it my duty to address the queen nearly to the following effect : 
 J feel thankful to Almighty God, that He has been pleased afresh 
 at this time to awaken in my mind those earnest desires which at 
 times I have felt, that the queen may be made a blessinf to the 
 nation, by seeking to the Almighty for help to be found so filling 
 her station, that, when called up by Him to surrender her tem- 
 poral crown, she might be prepared to receive an eternal one. My 
 companion then acknowledged the kindness of the queen in hav- 
 ing favoured us with the interview, and expressed his sincere de- 
 sire, that God Almighty might be pleased to bless her. When 
 we rose from our seats again, at our parting, the queen took off 
 her glove and gave us her hand. On leaving the queen's apart- 
 ment, Sir Herbert Taylor, who appeared in waiting to receive us, 
 paid us the greatest attention, entering into familiar conversation 
 with us, saying, " You must see over the palace," and proceeded 
 with us ; after having passed through the private rooms and state- 
 apartments, we were conducted to an apartment where wc partobk 
 of some refreshment ; and we were thankful the visits to the king 
 and queen had been accomplished, without, we trust, cause for 
 offence to be taken by any one. My own mind being relieved from 
 that great load of exercise I had been and was labourini: under, 
 at the time of our entering the king's and queen's apartments, 
 feelings of gratitude now filled my heart to the gladdening of my 
 countenance, which was visible to my friends. It is right to 
 acknowledge that throughout the whole, from our entering the 
 palace to the time we left it, every one to whom we were intro- 
 duced treated us with the utmost civility and kindness ; and I 
 desire to render unto Him, the Author of all good, thanksgiving 
 and praise for having made the way easy, as it has been to nic, 
 and enabling me to perform that which I believed He required at 
 my hand. Sewel's History was forwarded to the king by my 
 companion, who received a very handsome acknowledgment of it 
 from Sir Herbert Taylor, stating, the king received it most graci- 
 ously. The Book of Extracts being under revision, it is intended
 
 4] 6 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 to send one of the new edition. The address, which was printed, 
 
 is as follows. 
 
 An Affectionate Address to thk Kino and his Government. 
 
 " May it please the king 
 " To receive the respectful and affectionate address of one of his 
 subjects, whose mind has, of later times, been deeply impressed 
 with sincere desires for his welfare, and that of his royal consort and 
 native country, accompanied with fervent prayer to Almighty (iod, 
 that we may, as a nation, at this awful awakening crisis, manifest an 
 entire willingness, through God's all-sufficient help, ' to break off' 
 our sins by righteousness, and our iniquities by showing mercy 
 to the poor, if it may be a lengthening of our tranquillity.' (Dan. 
 iv. 27.) But if this change is thus happily brought about in our 
 land, it has long been given me to see that in the onset it must 
 become a government work ; may I therefore be allowed to say, 
 not only to the king, but to all those who hold the reins of go- 
 vernment under him, that there must be an entire willingness 
 manifested on your part, through the help of Almighty God, to 
 remove out of the way of the people those temptations to evil, 
 which by licence, and by your not controlling them, are sanctioned 
 by your authority. 
 
 " If this reformation goes forward, and becomes more and more 
 an individual work, you must be willing, O ! ye rulers, to stand 
 forward, unshackled by the fear or favour of man, and thus to 
 show yourselves to be on the Lord's side. I am aware this will 
 be no easy task which you are loudly called upon to perform, and 
 that you will have much discouragement to contend with, both from 
 within and from without ; but then it will be the more necessary 
 for you to endeavour to keep in view, that the Master whom yoir 
 will thus serve is ' the Lord on high, who is mightier than the 
 noise of many waters ; yea, than the mighty waves of the sea ;' 
 and that if He be for you and work with you, and you with Him, 
 through His divine aid, — who is there that shall oppose you and 
 prevail ? 
 
 " Permit me to remind you, that by merely appointing a fast for a 
 day, we cannot find acceptance with God, appease his displeasure, 
 and cause Him to withhold his just judgments from us, as we have 
 sufficiently proved ; for since that day has passed over, the threat- 
 enings have yet been more awful. The impending calamity, the 
 disease which has baffled the skill of medical aid to fathom its 
 origin, has from time to time made its terrific appearance in other 
 parts of our nation, and spread its deadly influence amongst the 
 inhabitants ; allowing such who have fallen victims to its unpa- 
 ralleled force but very little time for that necessary preparation of 
 soul which we all must experience before we leave this world, if 
 we are favoured to live with God and Christ Jesus in a happy
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 117 
 
 eternity. Have wc not then reason to fear, that because of our 
 national and individual transgressions, the Spirit of the Lord is 
 daily grieved, and that tills language of the psalmist (I'salin vii. 
 12,) may be applied in this our awful situation : ' If he turn not, 
 he will whet his sword; he hath bent his bow, and niado it ready ;' 
 and yet how have these threatenings of this awful disease, which 
 has so partially visited our land, been permitted, from time to 
 time, in degree to subside; as if we were, as a nation, to be ex- 
 cused from the severe stroke — from the rod thus shaken over us, 
 which has fallen to the lot of other nations, liut the partial sub- 
 siding of this disease, which has taken place in different parts of 
 the nation, I have been led to view as permitted in great mercy to 
 us, by Him who remains to be the King of kings and Lord of 
 lords. If we will hear his voice, and receive his counsel and 
 obey it, it seems to proclaim in our ears, as a nation, this lan- 
 guage — if ye will now * repent, and do your first works,' by 
 * breaking off from your sins by righteousness, and your iniquities 
 by showing mercy to the poor,' the deadly potion which your mani- 
 fold sins and accumulated transgressions have merited, shall not 
 be meted out to the full. But unless we are willinfj, throu<;h 
 God's help, to ' repent and do our first works,' 1 dare do no other 
 than say, that I greatly fear we shall not be spared more than 
 other nations have been. 
 
 " Should the Almighty see meet, thus to chasten us as with 
 scorpions, and ' rebuke us in his hot displeasure," — should the 
 destroyini? ang-el be commissioned to smite our nation, vou wlio 
 hold the reins of government will be no more secure in your 
 costly dwellings from the awful desolation it may occasion, than the 
 poorest cottager, — the Almighty power not being confined to place 
 or space, agreeably to the language of the Psalmist, (l*s. cxxxix. 7-) 
 ' Whither shall Tgo from thy Spirit ? or whither shall I ilc-e from 
 thy presence I" If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there; if I 
 make my bed in hell, behold thou art there ; if I take the win-js of 
 the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the si-a, even 
 there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me. 
 If I say, surely the darkness shall cover me, even the night shall 
 be light about me ; yea the darkness hideth not from tlu-e. but 
 the night shineth as the day, the darkness and the light are both 
 alike to thee.' Therefore, whilst time and opportunity are 
 afforded, let us be willing, through (iod"s all-su(iicient help, to 
 amend our ways : for should the Lords judgments bo nu'tcil out 
 to us as they have been to other nations, which oi' us ran assure 
 ourselves that we shall be spared to witness the awful dcsolatioti 
 and thinning of the people which it may occasion ." JiutO! 
 how have I'been comforted at times, when my min.l has been 
 under the pressure of these subjects, in the- belief that Divine 
 mercy and all-sufficient help still await our acceptance as a nation, 
 
 VOL. II.
 
 418 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 and as individuals ; and in believing that the language of the 
 Almighty, through one of the prophets of old, to a highly- 
 favoured yet rebellious people, as we have been and yet are, is 
 still continued to us. Hosea, xi. 8, 9- ' How shall 1 give thcc 
 up, Ephraim ? How shall 1 deliver thee, Israel ? how shall I 
 make thee as Admah ? how shall I set thee as Zeboim ? Mine 
 heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together. 
 1 will not execute the fierceness of mine anger ; I will not return to 
 destroy Ephraim ; for I am God, and not man ; the Holy One 
 in the midst of thee : and I will not enter into the city.' 
 
 " H' we thus become the objects of Divine mercy and loving 
 kindness, let mc again say to you, who hold the reins of govern- 
 ment, in whom the power is vested to do much towards bring- 
 ing about this reformation, which the Lord calls for from us as a 
 nation, — you must manifest an unreserved willingness to come for- 
 ward and do your part towards it, by removing the cause of the 
 evils which abound and are increasing amongst us, — by no longer 
 giving occasion for it to be said, ' The leaders of the people 
 cause them to err.' I am persuaded that a blessing would attend 
 your recalling all licenses that have been issued, which allow of 
 theatres, opera-houses, and all other places of vain amusement 
 in the nation, and your prohibiting all such licenses in future, 
 and enacting such laws as shall prevent horse-races, bull and 
 bear-baiting, cock-fighting, gambling-houses, &c. &c. if you would 
 be thus found so far doing your part towards removing the temp- 
 tations out of the way of the people, which are thereby held out 
 to them to frequent such nurseries of vice. 
 
 " Another enormous evil in which this nation is deeply impli- 
 cated, is that of slavery. Nobly resolve, O ! ye rulers, imme- 
 diately to abolish this iniquity in all our dominions, that the cries 
 of the jxior, injured, and deeply afflicted Africans, may no longer 
 be permitted to ascend to the ear of their God and our God, 
 against our guilty nation : for He will most assuredly, either in 
 time or eternity, punish their oppressors, and such as are uphold- 
 ing them in the continuance of this oppression, (unless they timely 
 repent of the sufferings and cruel bondage which our highly pro- 
 fessing nation has long sanctioned,) by allowing them to become a 
 sacrifice to the merciless interest of their owners. 
 
 It has also appeared to me, that you must endeavour, through 
 your own good example, to effect such an observance of the first 
 day of the week (called Sunday,) as will be acceptable to Al- 
 mighty God ; then you may hope for Divine direction and sup- 
 port, in using those means you are called upon to do, as rulers of 
 the people, by enforcing those good and wholesome laws, which, 
 through the aid of Divine Providence, our legislators have been 
 enabled to enact upon the subject. 
 
 [The author then proceeds to recommend] *' a total prohibition
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 419 
 
 of an evil practice, wliich has been allowed to take place in iIiIn 
 nation within my memory, on the day called Sunday, a practice 
 which I have, from its conimencement, viewed as a grievous one 
 on that day, that of the sale and delivery of what are called 
 Sunday newspapers ; the reading of which I anj persuaded must 
 have a tendency, in degree, to demoralize the minds of such as 
 indulge themselves in it, and unfit them for that proper occupa- 
 tion of the day which the Lord calls for from his dtjjindfnt 
 creature, man. Oh ! how have I mourned, at times, on aee(»unt 
 of those in authority, who are sanctioning this grievous disre- 
 gard of this day, by not exerting that power you are vcstcti 
 with, which is amply sufficient to prevent so notorious n proach- 
 ful a practice, in a highly professing Christian nation : for it m a 
 solemn consideration, that you will one day have to aceouni 
 to God for your conduct, how far you have been endeavouring, 
 through His aid, (which awaits the acceptance of the wlmlc hu- 
 man race,) to be found, in the awfully resjxinsible Kiiuation He 
 has permitted you to take in the government, in all thingH 
 and on all occasions, aiming to please God, and not to gratify the 
 corrupt inclinations of men. Remember, I beseech you, tliat 
 power is vested in you to prevent these evil practices, which arc- 
 increasing amongst us. For how do I behold with sorrow of heart, 
 on the morning of the day called Sunday, the busy deliverers of 
 these newspapers hastening from house to house, to put the incon- 
 siderate purchasers of them as early as possible in jiossession «if 
 their fatal contents, — fatal, because such as willingly venture int«) 
 this trap of the devil, which he has prepared in order to divert the 
 minds of the people from God, are in a greater or less degree 
 thereby unfitted for a correct and faithful discharge of the duties 
 of the day. 
 
 " How lamentable is it to observe on this day also, how much the 
 practice is increasing, of persons travelling by stage-coaches, wln» 
 are busily employed in reading these papers. If you do not 
 exert your authority to the utmost, to prevent or remove ilu-sc 
 evils, you sanction them ; and thus, it has long been my belief, 
 that in the sight of Almighty God, you become implicated in all 
 the evil consequences resulting from their continuance. So con- 
 sider, I entreat you, as you value the eternal well-being of your 
 own souls, and the souls of the people, the awful situation \ou 
 are placing yourselves in, and those who are ensnartHJ by ihiir 
 continuance, so long as you allow those evils in the nation which 
 are within your province to remove. Be willing, then, to <!<• 
 your part, through God^s help, to have these things removed. 
 
 " In my early life, the practice of reading a newspapc r on the 
 day called Sunday, was considereil liy those who n»a<le a prob-»- 
 sion of religion, as highly reprehensible; but, alas' hi.w in tbi- 
 
 fc K -
 
 420 JOUUNAIi OF THOMAS SHILMTOK, 
 
 (lay are we, as a nation, degenerated in this and other respects ; 
 and liow applicahle has become the hin<ruage of the prophet to 
 our mournful situation: (.ler. vi 15,) ' Were they asliamed when 
 they had eotnmitted abominations ? nay, they were not at all 
 ashamed, neither could they blush ; therefore they shall fall 
 amonjrst them that fall : at the time that 1 visit them, they shall 
 be cast down, saith the Lord.' 
 
 " The opening of neirs rooms, in different parts of this nation, 
 on the day called Sunday, is another evil that should claim your 
 vigorous exertions to put a stop to ; as also the manner in whicli 
 the day is abused in London and its neighbourhood, by the 
 stage-coaches travelling the whole of the day, from London to the 
 villages around, and not confined to morning and evening, as was 
 mucli the case a few years ago, greatly to the quiet of the city 
 and villages. And sullcr me to query with >ou, is not some- 
 thing called for at your hands, in order effectually to urge the 
 necessity, on the part of those who employ the poor, to pay them 
 their earnings at such an early hour on the Seventh-day, called 
 Saturday, as may do away with the necessity for the shopkeepers 
 opening their shops on the morning of the day called Sunday, to 
 supply the labouring classes of the people with the necessaries of 
 life, which is in part occasioned by their not receiving their wages 
 until a late hour the night before, and, in some instances not 
 until what is called Sunday morning. A care of this sort would 
 facilitate a better attendance of both the shopkeeper and the poor 
 at a place of religious worship, and do much towards a more ap- 
 proj)riatc occupation of the day. 
 
 " And may I earnestly entreat you, O ! ye rulers, no longer to 
 suffer the temptations to exist which have produced that unpa- 
 ralleled increase of the sin of drunkenness, which has of late years 
 taken place in our nation, from the reducing of the duty on ardent 
 spirits, and which has so demoralized the minds and manners of 
 the people, in youth, middle-life, and old age. Oh ! the drun- 
 kenness, poverty, starvation, and misery which this reduction of 
 the duty on ardent spirits has entailed on our nation ! The load 
 of national guilt that has been accumulated by this means is in- 
 calculable. In addition to this sin of drunkenness, there is ano- 
 ther evil attendant upon the increased distillation of ardent spirits, 
 which is, the great destruction of that valuable grain which a 
 beneficent Creator has in his mercy bestowed upon us for our 
 support, whilst many of the poor are suffering for want of suf- 
 ficient food. If this alarming waste is suffered to continue, can 
 we look for any other consequences than that of calamitous na- 
 tional want ? Therefore be willing now, even now, to do your 
 part toward preventing an accumulation of our nation's guilt, that 
 you may no longer become sharers therein ; but by increasing
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILHTOE. i2l 
 
 the duty on this baneful article, may prevent the use of it, except 
 in cases of real necessity, and only to be dispensed by medical 
 practitioners. 
 
 " As guardians of the people, and as magistrates, in your 
 various districts, exert your authority all in your power, that 
 drunkenness in public-houses be prevented, and that none be 
 allowed to sit in those houses on the day called Sunday, except 
 such as are travellers. A care of this sort will tend much to 
 better the condition of the poor, and be one means of drawing 
 down a blessing from heaven on yourselves, by your manifesting 
 a decided determination to be found judging and acting righte- 
 ously in the sight of God; that so the day called Sunday may 
 become as a Sabbath-day, a day of rest ; one in whicli, with the ex- 
 ception of such acts of necessity as may be compared to rescuing 
 a ' sheep fallen into a ditch,' the concerns of this life should un- 
 reservedly give place to more important duties. 
 
 " By your thus doing your part (but nothing short of it) to- 
 wards the general reformation which the Lord is expecting from 
 us as a nation, it would indeed be " an acceptable day to the 
 Lord," a fast he would be well pleased with ; and it would, I be- 
 lieve, be an offering he would condescend to accept at our hands. 
 I would not have it concluded, from what 1 have said in favour of 
 setting apart one day in the week more especially for religious 
 purposes, that 1 place so much stress upon it as to think the 
 attending on public worship, on one day, will make amends for 
 the misconduct of other days ; or that the observance of any rites 
 or ceremonies will be available to obtain the favour of heaven, 
 whilst we remain in a state of transgression, and are violating the 
 righteous law of God written in our hearts. 
 
 " Although I have no hesitation in believing, that the day re- 
 cently set apart professedly as a day of fasting and humiliation, 
 was devoutly observed by many pious individuals in the nation, 
 yet so long as the evils I have enumerated are countenanced by 
 our government, whether by licence, or they are suficred to go on 
 uncontrolled, and pride and luxury continue to abound, 1 very 
 much fear the language of the Most High, through his ])roplici. 
 will stand against us as a nation, should the day of the Lord s 
 judgment be yet more awfully revealed, and then what will a 
 national decree for a fast, one day of humiliation, avail, consider 
 ye ! (Isaiah, i. 12, 13, 15, 16.) ' When ye come to api)ear before 
 me, who hath required this at your hand, to tread my courts ? 
 Bring no more vain oblations; incense is an aboniniation unto 
 me ; the new moons and Sabbaths I cannot away wuh ; it is 
 iniquity, even the solemn meeting. And when ye spread torth 
 your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you : yea, when ye make 
 many prayers I will not hear. Waish you, make you clean, put 
 away the evil of vour doings from before nune eves; cease to ^Xk^
 
 422 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE. 
 
 evil ; learn to do well.' And again, (Isaiah, Iviii. 4, 5, 0, '], }{, 
 9.) ' Ye sliall not last as ye do this day, to make your voice to he 
 heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day 
 for a man to afllict his soul ? Is it to how down his head as a 
 bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him ? wilt 
 thou call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord ? Is not 
 this the fast that I have chosen ? to loose the bands of wicked- 
 ness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, 
 and that yc break every yoke ? Is it not to deal thy bread to 
 the hungry, and that thou bring the poor which are cast out to 
 thy house ? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him ; and 
 that thou hide not thyself from thine own Hesh ? Then shall thy 
 light break forth as the morning, and thy health shall spring 
 forth speedily ; and thy righteousness shall go before thee. Then 
 shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer ; thou shalt cry, and 
 lie shall say. Here 1 am.' 
 
 " Kvery act on our part, as a nation, short of this, I dare do no 
 other than say, we have abundant cause to fear, will be but offer- 
 ing an insult to the Majesty of Heaven, and adding to our national 
 guilt. Suffer me, therefore, to quote the language of the psalmist, 
 (Fs. ii. 10, 11, 12,) ' Be wise, therefore, O! ye kings: be in- 
 structed ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and 
 rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye 
 perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. 
 Blessed are all they that put their trust in him ;' and allow me 
 to add, that my soul craves, that by observing the fast recom- 
 mended by the prophet, which we are assured the Lord will accept, 
 we may be enabletl, both in a national and individual capacity, to 
 say, (Ps. Ixvi. 20,) ' Blessed be God, which hath not turned 
 away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.' 
 
 *' Thomas Shillitoe." 
 
 "Tottenham, 7th of 9th mo. 1832." 
 
 END OK THE JOURNAL.
 
 423 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 Our friend Thomas Shillitoc, after liis return from America, con- 
 tinued to reside at Tottenham, near liondon, until the ch)sc of his 
 life. It does not appear that he left home again with certificate 
 in the work of the ministry ; hut he was remarkably diliircnt in 
 attending our religious meetings, both in his own village, ami, 
 when able, those held in London, on behalf of the Society at 
 large. He was an eminent example of perseverance in attend- 
 ing meetings for Divine worship, even when under much bodily 
 suffering, as well as of punctuality to the time appointed. One 
 day, when much worn down by disease, on going to meeting, it was 
 observed to him, had he not better stay at home, as he appeared so 
 poorly? He replied, " No, I believe it is rccjuired of me to go, as 
 long as I can ; when 1 cannot walk, my friends must carry me.'"* 
 Less than two weeks previous to his decease, he attended, under 
 great weakness, the concluding sitting of the Yearly jNIeeting of 
 ministers and elders in 1836. 
 
 While our dear friend was diligently engaged in his Master's 
 service, in what might be considered the work of the evening, with 
 the sincere desire and endeavour to finish his day's work in the 
 day, his spirit was often clothed with mourning, on account of the 
 inroads which the enemy of all righteousness was permitted to 
 make within our borders, and to overthrow the faitli of some. 
 At this period of trial and of proving, he was often concerned, a.s 
 a faithful watchman on the walls, to sound an alarm, to warn his 
 friends of the near approach of the enemy, and to encourage tlicm 
 to be unmoved, and steadfast in " the faith once delivered unto tijc 
 saints." On one occasion, about this time, whilst cncouraumg to 
 faithfulness, and signifying his intention to attend at his post of 
 duty so long as strength remained, he added in a solemn manner 
 these words : ' My Master's orders arc—' ^V'atchmen, lie at your 
 posts. " Thus did he endeavour to stir up his hretiiren unt.) ddi- 
 gence, to strengthen the weak hands amongst them, and to confirm 
 the feeble-mind'ed, some of whom can now arise and call him blcsseil; 
 
 * He resided within two or three (h)ors ol'lhc ineclinK-hoiisc.
 
 424 JOURNAL OP THOMAii bHILLlTOE. 
 
 wliilst lie did not fail to raise l)is warninfr voice af:^'!'"^' the spirit 
 of the world, as well as the delusions of the wieked one, by whieh 
 too many have been indueed to forsake some of those Christian 
 testimonies and principles held amongst us as a Society from the 
 beginning. His faith was firm and unshaken, tliat the Lord, in 
 his own time, would i)e pleased to cause, not only the recent, but 
 the desolations of many generations to be re[)aired ; and he said, 
 " I believe the latter house will be greater than the former." 
 
 Having been favoured to experience, through the good hand of 
 liis Ciod upon him, that he could do all things required of him, 
 through Christ, who strengthened him, he was frequently engaged 
 to press upon others the necessity for, and benefit of, perfect obe- 
 dience to the revealed will of the Most High ; that thus all might 
 become, like Caleb and Joshua of old, of whom it is recorded, 
 that they had " wholly followed the Lord." 
 
 The afflicted and the poor continued to share in his sympathy, 
 and labours of love ; his exertions on behalf of the latter class, in 
 his own village, were conspicuous, even to within a short period 
 of his decease. Having rai.scd a subscription among his wealthier 
 friends and neigh])ours, to provide more comfortable arrangements 
 for the poor inmates in the almshouses at Tottenham, he attended 
 to the outlay, and sometimes personally inspected the progress of 
 the work ; and shortly before his decease, he had the satisfaction 
 of visiting the houses au the eve of their completion; when he 
 said, the retrospect of his interest therein was very consoling to 
 liis feelings. 
 
 His partner in life, who was several years older than himself, 
 survived him near two years. She was remarkably fitted as a 
 companion for him, under his peculiarly exercising services; afford- 
 ing a striking instance of the overruling care of his great Lord arid 
 Master, in best providing for those who wholly trust in Him, in 
 that important union of marriage. Her exemplary conduct and 
 patient acquiescence in their frequent and sometimes long separa- 
 tions from each other, were very instructive.* 
 
 On one occasion, a few months before his departure, at a time 
 when our faithful ministers were exposed to much gainsaying, and 
 " perverse things " were spoken unjustly' against them, he ex- 
 pressed himself with much tenderness of spirit, to a friend who 
 had called upon him, in the following terms; at the same time 
 adding, that such had been his sentiments, during the whole course 
 of his religious life. — " I feel I have nothing to depend upon, but 
 the mercies of God in Christ Jesus. I do not rely for salvation 
 
 * A few weeks previous to her departure (which took place at Hitchin, at the 
 
 atlvanced age ot 92,) she said, with much earnestness, " O ! that I mav he prepared, 
 
 ' when niv time coines." Her last ilhtess was a very short and suflermg one; 
 
 towards the end of which it was evident, from her tone of voice, that jirayerand 
 
 praises were the closing engagement of her soul.
 
 JOURNAL OP THOMAS SHILLlTOE. 425 
 
 upon any merits of my own ; all my own works are as filthy rags : 
 — my faith is in the merits of Christ Jesus, and in the oflering he 
 made for us. 1 trust my past sins arc all forgiven me,- that they 
 have been washed away by the blood of Christ, who died for m'v 
 sins. It is mercy I -want, and mercy I have ; and notwithstand'- 
 ing I thus speak, I am sensible, that I must not presume upon 
 this mercy ; but it is only as I endeavour, through Divine ashist- 
 anee, to walk circumspectly, that 1 can hold out to the end." 
 
 He was taken more alarmingly ill on tlie •'jth of the (ith rno. 
 1836 ; and his sufferings from bodily debility became very great. 
 He supplicated that his faculties might remain clear to the very 
 last, and that he might praise his Maker with his last breath. 
 " I desire," he added, " with truth and sincerity of heart, to say, 
 — ' Thy will be done.' O ! that I could get within the j)earl 
 gates — just within the pearl gates." 
 
 Early in the morning of the next day he became much worse 
 from debility, and his breathing being difficult, he said, " It is 
 labour, but not sorrow. Oh ! deliver me, if consistent witlj thy 
 blessed will. I am in the hands of a merciful God : — take me ; I 
 can give up all in this world. Oh! come, come, blessed .lesus ' 
 if it is consistent with thy blessed will. Into thy careful keeping 
 — into thy merciful hands — I commit my dear children, and my 
 dear grandchildren, — all-merciful !" 
 
 After sleeping comfortably the following night, he .said, "Oh ! be 
 pleased to preserve me in patience, — waiting, waiting. Oh! Divine 
 mercy, ?end,0 send, if consistent with thy holy will, send my release. 
 Oh ! take me in thy arms, and carry me — bear me hence. 1 feel 
 getting weaker and weaker; — the thread will presently untwist." 
 
 " Oh ! heavenly Father, be pleased, if consistent with thy 
 blessed will, to say—' This is enough.' Send, send, oh ! mer- 
 ciful Father, help, that I may not let go my confidence. Oh ' 
 assist me in your prayers, that I may be released from the shackles 
 of mortality. Oh ! take me, holy Jesus, 1 pray thee, to thyself. 
 Oh ! have mercy ! have mercy !" 
 
 He afterwards said, " My love is to every body— the wicked 
 and all ; I love them, but not their ways. Oh ! for patience, for 
 patience,— no murmuring,— no complaining— but cheerful suhmi- 
 sion. Oh I Lord Jesus ! have mercy on me. Son of David 
 have mercy on me. I truly know sorrow, as to the Wv, but not 
 as to the mind:— Oh ! my head aches, but not my heart. M hat 
 am I better than other men ? But now I shall have to appear 
 to answer for my precious time ; what have I done that I should 
 not have done, and left undone that I should have done ? 
 
 To his medical attendant he said : " Does there seem any pro- 
 bability of a speedy release? I will take any thing in moderation 
 that will not affect my intellect. I want to go out of the world with 
 a clear head, and a clean heart. Oh ! bear with me, if I am impa- 
 
 VOL. II.
 
 426 
 
 JOURNAL OF THOMAS SHILLITOE, 
 
 tient; the restlessness of the body, but not of the mind, you can 
 liave no conception of. Perfect obedience to our heavenly Fatlier, 
 as made known in the secret of the heart, — this is the faith con- 
 tended for. 
 
 Third-day, addressing his wife, he said : " 1 should like us to 
 lie down together, and be buried in the same grave,— All that 
 ever I have done is but as filthy rags. Oh ! let it be known, that 
 I contend to the last with unremitting confidence and assurance 
 for the second coming of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to the 
 saving of the soul. Oh ! what should I have been now, if I had 
 not submitted to his baptism, to the baptism of fire.''" To Dr. 
 H. he said, "Am I not weakening fast.^" Dr. H. replied, 
 " 1 fear thou art." He replied, " Oh ! do not fear, but rejoice, 
 rejoice, on my account. Oh, pray for me, with me, that my 
 faith "fail not. Oh ! good Lord Jesus ! cast a crumb of help, 
 and deliver me. I earnestly pray thee to come ; come quickly, 
 if I dare lay claim to be thy servant." 
 
 On inquiring the day of the week, and being told it was Fifth- 
 day, half-past ten o'clock, he said, " Friends are at meeting; 1 
 hope they will be benefited by being there." 
 
 About ten at night, he said, " I have been helped through 
 many a trying night." And again, about three in the morning, 
 after having had some sleep, " I have passed a better night than 
 I could have expected, but it has been through my dear Re- 
 deemer sustaining me. I hope 1 am kept from murmuring : 
 1 desire cheerful submission, for I cannot help myself, nor can 
 any man help me. Oh ! the balm — the oil poured into my 
 wounds for my short-comings. — I desire to submit, and say, ' thy 
 blessed will be done.'" 
 
 On being taken worse, he said, " Oh ! surely this is death ; I 
 thank thee for it." 
 
 Seventh-day morning, on inquiring the day of the week, and 
 being told the morrow Avould be First-day, he said, " The whole 
 day to be devoted to the service of God. I will try to sing for 
 mercy. — Mine eyes have seen thy salvation, and thy glory ; when 
 shall I feel thy presence ? — My friends must not think more 
 highly of me than they ought to think ; if I have been any thing, 
 it has been of grace, not of merit.'" He many times requested 
 that patience might be granted him, and desired a friend who 
 visited him, to be valiant in the earth. 
 
 On receiving a message of love from a friend, he again said, 
 his " love w^as to every body, all the world over, even the. worst 
 sinner, he loved them, but not their deeds ; — tliat his love was 
 universal, to all the human race ; '"' and added, " if it were not so, 
 how miserable indeed should I feel. Oh I holy, blessed Jesus," 
 he exclaimed, " be with me in this awful moment. Come ! oh ! 
 come, and receive me to thyself; and, of thine own free mercy, in 
 thine own time, admit me into thy heavenly kingdom !"
 
 JOURNAL OK THOMAS SHIM.ITOK. i'2'] 
 
 It is believed his supplication, that his faculties might remain 
 clear to the last, was mercifully granted ; thouiih he was not 
 able to articulate for the last two hours. About two o'clock on 
 First-day morning, he was moved into a more comfortabh' posi- 
 tion, after which he became faint, and from that time gradually 
 sank away ; so that those about him could only discover !»y close 
 watching, when he ceased to breathe. 
 
 He died on the 12th day of the ()th mo. UWfi, aged about 
 eighty-two years ; and his remains were interred in Friends* l)ur)'- 
 ing ground at Tottenham on the 17th of the same, after a ver)- 
 solemn meeting. 
 
 " Blessed are the dead, which die in the Lord ; — yea, saith the 
 Spirit, that they may. rest from their labours ; and their works 
 do follow them."" 
 
 THE EXD. 
 
 loxdon: 
 
 PKINTED BV JOSKPII IllrKEBnv, 
 SKEIlBOIRN • \^".