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diff --git a/42164.txt b/42164.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 1838719..0000000 --- a/42164.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8877 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Eli and Sibyl Jones, by Rufus Matthew Jones - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - - - - -Title: Eli and Sibyl Jones - Their Life and Work - - -Author: Rufus Matthew Jones - - - -Release Date: February 22, 2013 [eBook #42164] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELI AND SIBYL JONES*** - - -E-text prepared by Heiko Evermann, Julia Neufeld, and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images -generously made available by the Google Books Library Project -(http://books.google.com) - - - -Note: Project Gutenberg also has an HTML version of this - file which includes the original illustrations. - See 42164-h.htm or 42164-h.zip: - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/42164/42164-h/42164-h.htm) - or - (http://www.gutenberg.org/files/42164/42164-h.zip) - - - Images of the original pages are available through - the the Google Books Library Project. See - http://www.google.com/books?id=iHg4AAAAMAAJ - - -Transcriber's note: - - Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - - Small capital text has been replaced with all capitals. - - - - - -[Illustration: ELI JONES.] - -[Illustration: SYBIL JONES.] - - - - - ELI AND SIBYL JONES: - - THEIR LIFE AND WORK. - - BY - - RUFUS M. JONES. - - "Our wills are ours, we know not how; - Our wills are ours, to make them Thine." - - _In Memoriam._ - - PHILADELPHIA: - PORTER & COATES. - - - - -COPYRIGHT, 1889, - -BY PORTER & COATES. - - - - - TO - - THE SWEET AND SHINING MEMORY - - OF - - PLINY EARLE CHASE, - - WHOSE SCHOLARSHIP AND CHRISTIAN MANHOOD INSPIRED - YOUNG MEN TO RICHER AND PURER LIVES, AND - WHO AS TEACHER POINTED STUDENTS - - TO THE - - GREAT MASTER, - - THIS BOOK - - IS - AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED - - BY HIS PUPIL. - - - - -PREFACE. - - -In our busy and material lives we all need to be reminded at times -that there have been and still are among us those who have deadened -love of self, whose struggle on earth, far from being to amass any -kind of treasures, is to bring before as many human beings as possible -the great plan of salvation, the means of elevation from degradation -to lofty Christian individuality, and the source of a power and a love -which are making all things new in proportion as submission is given -thereto. - -We are not always conscious of the strength exerted around us by -seemingly trivial forces, but their work is no less important in the -development of the globe than the violent upheavals which overawe us -by their stupendous might. So, often, quiet lives extend a wider -permanent influence for the welfare of man than do those of men and -women who receive the unstinted praise of their contemporaries. - -ELI and SYBIL JONES have done valuable service, and have lived lives -full of teaching to those who wish to enter upon a course of devoted -obedience to the same Master. I have prepared this sketch of their -lives and work from the love which I feel for them, and in the hope -that it will interest and profit others. I am conscious that the stamp -of youth is on the work, but I am certain that it has been undertaken -and accomplished in the spirit of sincerity. - -The visit to Liberia was wonderful in many ways, and should have been -published after their return, so that their work might have brought -forth more decided fruit. The letters from Palestine and Syria were -written for the _Friends' Review_ by Eli Jones and Ellen Clare Miller -(since Pearson). Extracts have been chosen to give their descriptions -of the country and the nature of their work there. - -The book has been prepared in the midst of other work, and that must -in part be the apology for its imperfections. Having as a young man -received invaluable help from these two Friends, and feeling that -their words and lives have done much to throw light on the true path -which broadens into the "highway of holiness," it is my hope that this -simple recital may in a measure repay what I owe them and find a place -of usefulness in the world. - - 3d mo. 13, 1889, FRIENDS' SCHOOL, Providence. - - - - -CONTENTS. - - - CHAPTER I. - PAGE - EARLY YEARS, 9 - - CHAPTER II. - - AT SCHOOL AND AT HOME, 18 - - CHAPTER III. - - MARRIAGE WITH SYBIL JONES, 27 - - CHAPTER IV. - - FIRST VISIT, 40 - - CHAPTER V. - - EAST, WEST, AND SOUTH, 54 - - CHAPTER VI. - - VOYAGE TO LIBERIA, 60 - - CHAPTER VII. - - WORK IN ENGLAND AND IRELAND, 108 - - CHAPTER VIII. - - NORWAY, GERMANY, AND SWITZERLAND, 127 - - CHAPTER IX. - - WINTER IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE, 141 - - CHAPTER X. - - IN THE MAINE LEGISLATURE, 160 - - CHAPTER XI. - - IN WASHINGTON, 169 - - CHAPTER XII. - - MISSION-WORK, 185 - - CHAPTER XIII. - - LETTERS FROM SYRIA, 199 - - CHAPTER XIV. - - SECOND VISIT TO THE HOLY LAND, 251 - - CHAPTER XV. - - SYBIL JONES: HER LIFE-WORK AND DEATH, 268 - - CHAPTER XVI. - - ALONE AT HOME, 285 - - CHAPTER XVII. - - LATER VISITS TO THE EAST, 292 - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - AS A FRIEND, 299 - - CHAPTER XIX. - - HIS PLACE AS A WORKER, 307 - - - - -ELI AND SYBIL JONES. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - -_EARLY YEARS._ - - "Man is the nobler growth our soil supplies, - And souls are ripened 'neath our northern skies." - - -The man whose early life was passed in the isolation of primeval -forests, and who grew to manhood carrying on an unceasing struggle to -turn the rough, uncultivated soil into productive fields, gardens, and -pasture-lands, has worked into his life something which no coming -generation can inherit or acquire. He has missed the broad culture of -the schools and universities, he cannot gain the intellectual skill -which long study gives, but he has had a training which lays a -foundation for the keenest judgment and for prompt decision in -complicated circumstances, and his soul in solitude has taken in -truths of God which often escape men lost in the tumultuous world of -business and pleasure. The men who were born during the first quarter -of a century after our national life began have nearly all been -characterized by special traits which will perhaps not appear again in -the more developed growth of the nation. It has not astonished us to -see a man leave his little cottage after twenty-five years of toil -and go through all the grades of honor, reach a position from which he -could hardly go higher, and finally depart from a life unspotted, -respected by mankind. - -But in this development there is no chance: he mounts by a law which, -if we knew it, is as unvariable as that of gravitation. The powers of -the mind and soul seek a field in which they may be put to work at -profit. It cannot be uninteresting to follow the course of a man who -has shown--at least to those who have known him well--that there was -something in him of value to the world. In measuring the worth of any -man, we must not be dazzled by the glare of earthly glory, but calmly -inquire what he has done that has built itself into other lives, and -we must look beyond outward things to see in how far he has been the -honored tool of the Supreme Worker. - -The family of Jones is a large one, and its genealogical table would -make a long story. Welsh John succeeded Welsh John, and was called -John's son until time wore the name down to Jones. Generation after -generation they held their place and did their work among the Welsh -hills, until one of them was called upon to steer the Mayflower with -its precious load to Plymouth. Eli Jones writes in a letter dated 1st -mo. 9th, 1888: "I have been reading Bonvard's _Plymouth and the -Pilgrims_, from which I learn that Isaac Robinson, son of the Rev. -John Robinson, pastor of the Pilgrim Fathers, was an early settler at -Plymouth, and that he became a Quaker. Our grandmother Jepson was a -Robinson, and, for aught I know, great-great-great-grandniece of this -very Isaac Robinson. The captain of the Mayflower was a Jones. With -him we claim kindred, and that claim is readily allowed. Now, if our -great-great-great-grandsire was the venerable patriarch who led in -prayer and gave the memorable parting charge[1] to the Pilgrims, and -if his son, our great-great-greatuncle, was, as history relates, a -trading man in the colony and a 'convinced Friend,' it is certainly -fitting that we should take a lively interest in what occurred among -our kin in 1620." - - [1] John Robinson's charge is as follows: "I charge you, before God - end his blessed angels, that ye follow me no further than ye have seen - me follow the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord has more truth yet to break - forth out of his holy word. I cannot sufficiently bewail the condition - of the Reformed churches, who are come to a period in religion, and - will go at present no further than the instruments of their - reformation. Luther and Calvin were great and shining lights in their - times, yet they penetrated not into the whole counsel of God. I - beseech you remember it--'tis an article of your Church covenant--that - you be ready to receive whatever truth shall be made known to you from - the written word of God." - -Much later, after many settlements in different parts of New England -had failed, and the Pilgrim and Puritan colonies were in prosperous -growth, three brothers bearing the name of Jones came to this -continent. One of them found a forest home on the bank of the -Androscoggin River, six miles from Brunswick, in the township of -Durham and District of Maine. Quite a large number of friends -collected here, and a meeting-house was built not far away. There was -a large Friends' meeting at Deering, near Portland, and the name of -Jones was common among its members. The monthly and quarterly meetings -at each place were frequently visited by Friends from the other, -necessitating a foot-journey of fully forty miles through almost -pathless woods. The house is still standing in which Abel Jones was -born. He determined to leave his home and go farther north. He -travelled on horseback up the Kennebec River as far as Vassalboro', -and then rode ten miles east to the north-eastern end of what is now -China Lake, in earlier times often called the "Twelve-mile Pond," -because it is twelve miles from Augusta, the State capital. His young -bride, Susannah Jepson, rode on horseback from North Berwick, a -distance of one hundred and fifteen miles. She was attended by her -brother alone, and brought only what a pair of saddlebags could hold. -Here in a little house, in the year 1807, their first child was born -and named Eli. A letter was at once sent to the young child's -grandfather and grandmother at Durham. The letter came to the nearest -post-station, twelve miles away, and was taken in charge by an elderly -Friend who lived there. He volunteered to start out at once to carry -the letter to its destination, thinking it might contain valuable -information. As he listened to its contents at the end of his journey -he made the significant remark, "Is that all there is in it?" and -jogged back home. - -One's first thought would be that if a child was to be brought up in -the Maine woods, it would make very little difference in what part of -the State the spot happened to be; but it is not at all so. As a young -life is very susceptible to outward scenes and every-day events, we -can hardly estimate the moulding influence of little things. - -The life of the few families in the early history of China would be -exceedingly interesting if we only had a graphic sketch from the pen -of one of its settlers. Owning the acres they cleared and tilled and -the houses in which they dwelt, they called no man master, but they -bowed in reverence before their heavenly King and obeyed His -commandments. They did their day's work week after week, little -thinking that a generation would come which would wish to follow the -story of their trials and triumphs, their joys and sorrows; and now -almost all that is left us is the inherited strength from their sturdy -lives and a few stories of their sufferings. - -Without doubt, nothing in nature had more influence on the bent of Eli -Jones's mind than China Lake and its beautiful shores. A boy placed on -the bank of a lake stretching off seven miles becomes inheritor to a -domain more vast than the acres of water it contains. He feels that he -owns so much of this world's glory, and this feeling of ownership -lifts him out of the common, dull round of life. Year by year he owns -more in proportion as his soul expands and he sees more of God's work -and God's love in the painted sunsets beyond the western shore and in -the forests above and below the placid waters. No one who has not -experienced it can appreciate the worth of a lake to a boy. It is not -simply because he can fish there, or can swim there, or can make a -rude boat and so float on its surface. That is its chief worth to the -thoughtless boy, but it was not all to the keenly perceptive child who -was father to the man Eli Jones. It was his great playmate whom he -loved. It was at the same time his teacher, whose "various language" -spoke a Father's presence and His love. - -It is very monotonous toil changing a rough forest to a productive -farm, but a youth becomes a familiar friend to stumps, hillocks, and -rocks; to him the mounds are Indian graves, the tall stones mark the -final resting-places of mighty chiefs, and his imagination fills the -round of work with marvellous scenes. Very many, doubtless, see only -their work and the fruit of it, but there are a few who see mysteries -and learn lessons wherever they are placed, so that monotony is -changed to endless variety. Eli Jones was one of those boys who make -gain from ethereal things. - -The spot which Abel Jones chose for his home had many of the -characteristics of a scene in Maine. Hills were backed by other hills, -and not far in from the lake was a mile-long "horseback."[2] The trees -were not pigmies in those days, but giant oaks and pines, - - "Whose living towers the years conspired to build, - Whose giddy tops the morning loved to gild." - - [2] These ridges are very abundant in Maine, and are supposed to owe - their origin to glacial action. - -There were dense forests of cedar, and the scattered bass-woods made -the whole place fragrant in the spring. Never had an axe swung in -these solitudes, and the mighty power of the ages was felt as these -stout pines met the breeze. It was no small privilege to be canopied -with such a tent as their meeting tops made. - - "Whoso walks in solitude - And inhabiteth the wood, - Choosing light, wave, rock, and bird - Before the money-loving herd,-- - Into that forester shall pass, - From these companions, power and grace. - On him the light of star and moon - Shall fall with purer radiance down; - All constellations of the sky - Shed their virtue through his eye. - Him Nature giveth for defence - His formidable innocence. - The mounting sap, the shells, the sea, - All spheres, all stones, his helpers be." - -China had first been settled in 1774 by a family of Clarks. There were -four brothers, two of whom were Friends. They cut the first tree that -a white man's axe had ever felled in the township, and began to survey -the land for homes. The two Friends chose the eastern and the others -the western side of the lake. Life in the midst of the Maine forest -implied struggle, and these families were courageous. No report of -possible gold-mines or other hidden wealth drew them and those who -followed them, but the desire to seek out quiet homes for themselves -and their children where the temptations to a life of uselessness -would be few. Trials they expected, and they were not spared. It was a -hand-to-hand contest with want. At one time a cow was nearly the only -valuable possession of the little company, and this was accidentally -shot for a deer. The men went often ten miles through the woods, by -the aid of "spotted" or "blazed" trees, to get their corn ground. We -are told that in one case the mother was forced to put stones, in lieu -of potatoes, in the hot ashes to induce her crying hungry children to -go to bed until they should be called, and often the potatoes which -had been planted were dug up to be eaten. Indians and the wild animals -were around them, continually causing fear. In a cove at the -south-western shore of the lake is a large heart, called the -"Indian's heart," cut in a huge boulder, and in spring nearly covered -by water. This marks the encampment of a tribe of Indians naturally -friendly to their white neighbors, but exceedingly treacherous. On one -occasion they visited the settlers in a body, and while the latter -were unsuspiciously entertaining them they threw water on the guns of -the white men, and only the darkness of the night saved these from -destruction. - -Gradually one family after another was added to the community, and as -they all came for the same purpose, the settlement was composed of -strong characters. These farmers had the idea that it should not be -the chief aim of those who till the soil to grow rich, or to fill the -market with choice vegetables, or to gain an easy livelihood, but -rather to send out from their households sons and daughters marked by -strength of character and able to do manly and womanly work in the -various spheres of the world. Their visible workfield may have seemed -narrow and roughly hedged in, but they felt the needs of the future, -and did their best to raise a tower of strength in the land by -properly training their successors. The horizon which shuts in their -real domain expands as the times grow riper. - -The first Friends' meeting in China was held about 1803, in a private -house two and a half miles from the south end of the lake. Abel Jones -was married to Susannah Jepson in this house in 1806, and about seven -years later a meeting-house was built, to which Eli was taken even -before it was wholly finished. This building was heated by a wood-fire -under an iron kettle, and in every particular it was plain and rough; -but no more sincere praises to the Lord have risen through the arches -of marvellously wrought cathedrals than in this forest meeting-house. -Eli Jones's grandfather on his mother's side was the first -acknowledged minister in this meeting. Eli first heard the gospel -preached in this house, and here he saw the occasional visitors from -afar. Each year, which added its natural increase to the boy's -stature, was marking a no less evident growth of mind and vigor of -spirit. His mother taught him that "serving God and keeping His -commandments was the whole duty of man." He was shown by the quiet -example of both parents that honest work in the right spirit is an -essential part of pure and undefiled religion, while the lives of -Joseph, Samuel, David, and Daniel were put before him, showing him the -justness of God's dealing in the different ages, both in rewarding -righteousness and in punishing unrighteousness. Those heroes of faith -of the Old Testament made a deep impression on him, as they must on -every young person whose mind is not corrupted by the unnatural and -impossible fictions of the present day; but the pages which told of -Christ's work and words, His life and death, were so fixed in his mind -and heart that the great Master early began to shape and strengthen -the character of His chosen disciple. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -_AT SCHOOL AND AT HOME._ - - "My mind, aspire to higher things-- - Grow rich in that which never taketh rust." - - PHILIP SIDNEY. - - -The opportunities for study in China were not enough to satisfy a boy -with even a moderately strong desire for knowledge. Books were as rare -as in the days before John Gutenberg, and Eli Jones has often said -that if he had been asked ten times a day what he most wished for, he -would have answered each time, Books. The fact that he longed so to -read, and that he was almost entirely confined to the Bible, resulted -in his becoming thoroughly familiar with the different parts of that -great Book. It furnished him his poetry, his history, and his ethics; -it was his reading-book and his spelling-book. Joseph in his coat of -many colors and David with his sling were as much acquaintances of his -as were the few boys he played with. David's lament for Jonathan and -Deborah's song of triumph, the spiritual melody of the Psalms and -Isaiah's rapt words, made him feel the power of Hebrew poetry, while -the New Testament was helping him to know the manliness and divinity -of Christ. What boys acquired in those days was well acquired, and if -they did not have as much learning, they often were imbued with a -better learning than at the end of the same century. It is certain -that Eli had the spirit to learn, and did what he could to lay a -proper foundation. - -While he was still very young he came with his father and mother to -live at the south end of the lake, and there was built the house which -has been the birthplace and home of so many of the Jones family. -During the years of political excitement and fierce war against the -mother-country--the years between 1812 and 1815--hardly a rumor of the -outside strife had penetrated the long line of unbroken forests. While -men were dying daily to force England to respect American rights, and -while Europe was united to crush Napoleon, the citizens along China -Lake were building brick-kilns to make material for the chimneys of -their houses, doing their every-day work without knowing, perhaps, -that Bonaparte was in the world, and having no fear that a war-cloud -might break over them. Thus the future lover of peace dwelt in peace, -and he did not need to learn the horrors of war by experience to hate -it. - -A schoolhouse was built just over the hill north of his home, and -thither he went to be taught; but the terms were very short, and the -teachers only knew a few first principles, though they faithfully -labored to fix these in the minds of their pupils. One teacher, after -working two days on a problem in long division, gave the result to Eli -Jones, saying, "I know that is right now, but I can't explain it to -you or tell you why it is done that way." Eli had an exalted opinion -of one of the teachers who held sway in this little house, and has -often spoken of him with affection. He spent a whole winter teaching -his older pupils to spell ordinary English words correctly, and took -Eli through the spelling-book until all the words in it were fixed -visibly in his brain, where they have since remained; and in all his -teaching since spelling has been one of the branches which was not -elective in the course. - -During the winter of 1827 he had the benefit of the charitable fund at -the Friends' School in Providence, R. I. He divided the half year with -another scholar, so that he had only three months, but he was prepared -to make the most of this opportunity. He took ship-passage from Bath -to Providence. The first night after his departure from home his -mother passed in walking the floor and worrying for her boy tossed on -the sea, as she supposed, but he was quietly sleeping all the while in -his berth on the ship, which had anchored in the harbor on account of -fog, and sailed the next morning. - -Friends' School, which had been opened at Portsmouth in 1784, was in -its second organization less than ten years old when he came to it, -but it was firmly established, and was often visited by its -foster-father, the venerable Moses Brown. The institution consisted of -one tall, massive brick building looking toward the south, and two -lower transverse wings, to which successive additions have been made -to meet the needs of the times. In front and rear of the buildings -were extensive grounds divided into yards, lawns, and groves of oak -and chestnut trees, then in their youth, now majestic with the -increase of half a century. Beyond the boundary of the school -property, toward the river which Roger Williams had crossed in his -search for a peaceful abode, were great forests of ancient maples, -oaks, and chestnuts, with hillsides of towering hemlocks, and swamps -where the boys, who did not study botany, sought for little beyond the -extermination of a marvellous race of black snakes. From the cupola of -the middle building was a prospect of wide extent, showing to the -new-comers the whole State at a glance, and placing before their eyes -the waters of Narragansett Bay. - -Enoch Breed--called universally "Cousin Enoch"--was at the head of the -school as superintendent, while his wife, "Cousin Lydia," was the -matron. She was a sweet, lovely lady, and her presence was felt by all -in the school. "Cousin Enoch" was not an educator, but he was a kind, -fatherly man, a shrewd manager, a good farmer, and an exemplary -character. He always wore his broad-brimmed hat, and was never seen -outside of his private room with it off; the boys looked upon him as -their patriarch, and, indeed, it is said that on one occasion he was -asked if he were Methuselah, and dryly answered, "No, I am Enoch." - -Isaiah Jones taught the mathematics, and was considered a very -successful teacher. The other instructors were David Daniels, who -taught what Latin was then required; George Jones, Moses Mitchel, -Abigail Pierce, and Mary Almy. - -Reading, spelling, and grammar were the only classes which recited; -all the other work of the school was done privately, each student -being independent and going as slowly or rapidly as his brain-power -and ambition prescribed. Mathematics was the important branch, and -each boy copied problems and their solutions into interminable -copy-books. The school-room was small and lighted by tin oil lamps on -the desks. In this room there were often one hundred and fifty boys: a -number of these were appointed as monitors to report all disorderly -conduct to the teachers. - -The meetings were held in the building in an upper chamber, where boys -and girls and teachers sat in the same room. These were generally -silent meetings, but occasionally William Almy or Doctor Tobey came to -give them counsel. - -Among the schoolmates of Eli Jones were James N. Buffum, since -ex-mayor of Lynn, Mass., and Peter Neal, also since ex-mayor of the -same city, now on the committee of the school. The latter relates that -Eli Jones received the "christening" always given new boys in those -days, and his remark on that occasion was characteristic of him. The -old students were put in line at night on the play-ground, and among -them stood the newcomer. A "dummy" with swollen cheeks came to each -boy in turn, and was answered by all, "Um!" until he reached Eli, who, -as instructed beforehand, said, "Squirt," when suddenly his face was -filled with water. Instead of the attack which the boys expected, Eli -quietly remarked, "_That was cleverly done_." Peter Neal remarks that -if he had been known as he was a month later, he would have received -no christening. - -His schoolmates relate that he was a good boy, and that he was -generally liked. In his youth he was much troubled by an impediment in -his speech, and he early resolved to remedy it as much as possible. He -was the only one of scholars or teachers in the boarding-school who -was accustomed to speak in the Friends' meeting. He had already begun -to speak at home, and, notwithstanding the trial which it was to him -as a young man, he stood up among the boys and forced his voice to say -what was in his heart. Few who heard him on those occasions are alive -now, but these few remember how it impressed them to see one who -played with them on the campus and sat with them in classes speak so -earnestly before them and all the rows of solemn Friends. They -respected his message, for his life was pure. - -He had a dread of the nursery, and resolved to keep out of it, but he -was taken with typhoid fever, and after vainly fighting it off at last -succumbed to be doctored in the vigorous way of those times. He had a -long, hard siege of it, and lost a number of weeks from his brief -term; but this short break from his usual life and the intercourse -with cultivated teachers and scholars could not fail to leave its -impress. It lifted his aspirations and widened somewhat the course of -his thoughts, giving an impulse to his future life more valuable than -mere knowledge. While it is to be regretted that so short a time was -given him for satisfying his longings for a higher education, we -rejoice that he knew so well how to school himself and to be a teacher -to himself. He was a good mathematician, and his copy-books show that -he was no tyro at figures; but he affirms that his drill in the old -spelling-book was of far greater worth to him than his higher -mathematics. - -When he reached home from Providence, he found a young brother -twenty-one years younger than himself. This was Edwin, the youngest of -the family of eleven, and to him fell the homestead and the care of -the father, mother, and sister Peace. - -There is still standing a little red building, about one mile from -South China, called the Chadwick Schoolhouse, in which many a man has -laid his ABC foundation. Its external and internal appearance would -not lead one to suppose that this was a "temple of learning" or any -other kind of a temple, but not a few successful men look back to it -with a feeling of reverence, and the near presence of a yard where -many others of its day tenants of earlier time lie under toppling -stones, just carved enough to tell the names and some of the virtues -of those beneath, gives somewhat of a sacredness to the little -building. It was in this house that Eli first opened his mouth to -speak in the assemblies of the people. He was quite young, less than -fourteen, when he arose in a meeting in that house and said, "Behold -the Bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him." On their way home his -grandfather asked who had spoken in the "body of the meeting," but the -grandmother checked her husband with a slight nudge and answered the -question by a motion of her finger. A few years ago a very aged man -came up to Eli Jones and said, "I remember the first time you ever -spoke in meeting, and I know what you said." From this time on he was -often heard briefly in religious assemblies, and he was encouraged by -older Friends to be faithful in delivering his message when impressed. - -After his return from Providence School, Eli Jones began to be a -definite worker for the bettering of the world, and the seeds he then -planted have brought forth the blade and the ear, and now the full -corn is in the ear. He and a few others organized a temperance -society of which he was the secretary; and many meetings were held in -China and the adjoining town. Essays were written and speeches were -delivered against the use of intoxicating drinks. This organization -was made two years before the Washingtonian movement was started, and -its influence in the State was great, aiding undoubtedly the enactment -of the "Maine Law" which has made itself felt in all our States and in -many of the other countries. - -The same winter he was one of a small company which met to start a -public library. They formed a successful library association. Books -soon began to come in, and from that day Eli Jones has not wanted for -reading matter. With few exceptions, when absent doing higher work, he -has attended the meetings of this association and aided it by his zeal -and counsel. - -It is a matter of interest to notice a young man who had just barely -become a full-fledged citizen turning his mind so strongly toward -enlightening those near him, and that, too, in a community where he -did not have the example of any predecessor to arouse him and spur him -on. He was travelling a new road, and building as he went. The secret -of it all was that there was something in him which forbade rest and -inaction. In early years he saw fully that the part of man which ate -and slept was not the important part, but that there was something -within him which could span space and time, and which was spoken to by -the whisperings of the Spirit of the eternal Ruler. - -At the present time biographies are within the reach of all boys, and -they can see how great men and good men have made their lives -complete--how they shaped their course, what goal they set before -them, and what lifted them to the mark. In his youth, Eli Jones had -almost no possibility of knowing from the record of other lives how -best to build in youth. His father was a righteous man, whose actions -were living epistles, and his mother was a living, teaching Christian. -From both he inherited much and learned much; but "there is a divinity -that shapes our ends," and, once in the hands of the great Potter, -there is a marvellous shaping of the clay. Biographies, all good -books, and directions in the right way are helps, but submission to be -trained and then used by the Master Builder, is infinitely more of a -help in the making of a right man. - -Great men of all ages have recognized a power, a daimon, an -ecstasy--or, better, a Spirit--inspiring them, urging them to seek -truth and beauty, to live lives of truth and beauty and goodness, and -to shun as their greatest enemy everything that distorts and ties -weights to their flying feet. Everything teaches the man who is to be -wise; but most of all the Spirit teaches those who give ear unto Him; -and if any one thing has made the life of Eli Jones a success, it is -that he listened actively to the voice which said, "Give me thine -heart." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -_MARRIAGE WITH SYBIL JONES._ - - "I see in the world the intellect of man, - That sword, the energy his subtle spear, - The knowledge which defends him like a shield-- - Everywhere; but they make not up, I think, - The marvel of a soul like thine." - - BROWNING. - - -In 1833, Eli Jones was married to Sybil Jones, the daughter of Ephraim -and Susannah Jones. - -Susannah was the daughter of Micajah Dudley, son of Samuel Dudley, a -great-grandson of Samuel Dudley of Exeter, N. H., the eldest son of -Gov. Thomas Dudley, the pilgrim of Plymouth, said to have been -descended from the lineage of the earls of Leicester. Both Sybil -Jones's parents and grandparents were Friends, and her grandfather and -great-grandfather Dudley were preachers of fine talents and high -character. - -Ephraim Jones was a "noble man" and a strong character. He was often -deeply lost in thought, to such an extent that many anecdotes are -related of his absent-mindedness which are very amusing. He did not -want in vigor of mind, and he was one of the marked men of the town. -Some are still alive who remember him as he stood up at quarterly -meeting and took his text, "If thou hast run with the footmen, and -they have wearied thee, then how canst thou contend with horses? and -if in the land of peace, wherein thou trustedst, they wearied thee, -then how wilt thou do in the swelling of Jordan?" He was a man who -left a remembrance behind him, and the strength of his life has not -been lost. His wife Susannah lived to the good old age of ninety-four, -and was loved by all who saw her. "Grandmother Jewel" was her name in -her old age. Eli's mother, who was nearly as old, was also named -Susannah, and it was a memorable day for the grandchildren when these -two grandmothers talked together of the olden time. "Grandmother -Jewel" was very deaf, but otherwise she was a vigorous woman as long -as she lived, and, ripe with years and blessed with the fruit of those -years, she passed from this world a few months before her daughter. - -It is told that when Eli Jones visited Sybil Jones with the purpose of -asking her to become his life-companion, the latter, not suspecting -the weight of his mission, took down the Bible to read a chapter, as -was always customary in those days before visitors returned home. On -this occasion Sybil Jones opened to the twentieth Psalm, beginning, -"The Lord hear thee in the day of trouble; the name of the God of -Jacob defend thee, send thee help from the sanctuary and strengthen -thee out of Zion; remember all thy offerings and accept all thy -burnt-sacrifices; grant thee according to thine own heart, and fulfil -all thy counsel." The mission was accomplished successfully, and for -forty years the lives of Eli and Sybil Jones were linked together by -the bonds of deep and pure love, while their aims, longings, and -desires were merged into the one purpose of showing to the world that -there is a love which transcends all earthly affection, and that God's -love is an unbroken canopy which shelters the races of the round -globe. Herein was their love continually made more perfect. I may -quote as applicable to them the beautiful words of Izaak Walton, -written to express the regard between the saintly George Herbert and -his wife: "For the eternal Lover of mankind made them happy in each -other's mutual and equal affections and compliance; indeed, so happy -that there never was any opposition betwixt them, unless it were a -contest which should most incline to a compliance with the other's -desires. And though this begot, and continued in them, such a mutual -love and joy and content as was no way defective, yet this mutual -content and love and joy did receive a daily augumentation by such -daily obligingness to each other as still added such new affluences to -the former fulness of these divine souls as was only improvable in -heaven." - -Sybil Jones was born at Brunswick, Me., in 1808. Her birthplace was -very near the early home of Abel Jones. Only her youngest years were -spent here, but she always had a love for her first home, and one of -her early poems, written at about the age of twenty-one, speaks of it -with fondness. - -Her early life was spent at Augusta, "which was the birthplace of -those deep religious impressions that formed the motive power of a -life pre-eminently consecrated to the service of her Redeemer and the -human race." She often felt that the sermons and exhortations to which -she listened during her early years were not of such a nature as to -bring her to a saving knowledge of the sacrifice and love of Christ. -Perhaps too little care was taken in those days to fulfil the Lord's -command, "Feed my lambs;" and it is possible that our Society would -have been more strongly built up if those good men who preached -zealously to _edify_ the _Church_ had done so more effectually by -taking the little ones by the hand and pointing them to the Source of -satisfying life. - -A good Methodist minister at Augusta spoke kindly to Sybil Jones of -her highest welfare, and she was very much helped and instructed by -him in the way of life. She came to realize that she must be born -again, and she accepted Christ, by whom alone she could become a child -of God. Her love for the Methodists became very strong, and it was a -most humiliating cross to her to obey her father's will that she -should show her Quakerism by wearing a Friend's plain bonnet. There is -a true anecdote which may properly be told, since it shows what her -will was by nature, as we shall see later what power she had when it -was in harmony with God's will. She was to attend China monthly -meeting with her father, and he insisted that she should wear the -"plain" bonnet. His request conflicted very much with her -determination, but it was not possible to move him from his purpose. -There was no course which could be taken to avoid wearing it, but she -put it on bottom side up, and rode with it so from Augusta to China. -But she fortunately saw and felt the simplicity and sincerity of -Friends, as well as the spirituality of their faith, and she became -firmly fixed in the belief that to be a true Quaker was to be a -genuine Christian, a faithful follower of Jesus as he and his apostles -marked out the road; and I must believe that if we all looked to the -same source for light and guidance, and if we strove as earnestly to -walk closely in His footsteps as she did, we should have little need -of apologies and defences for our simple faith. - -In 1824-25 she attended the Friends' School at Providence, and for the -next eight years she was engaged in teaching. She felt a deep interest -in all that concerned her pupils, and it was the beginning of her -efforts to open to the eyes of the young a new world of knowledge, -beauty, and truth. One who has taught with a heart in the work will -never cease to look upon children with loving eyes; and they were -always the especial objects of her regard irrespective of their race -or color. - -While still a teacher her father took her one day to attend Sidney -monthly meeting, across the Kennebec River, about twelve miles from -China. Lindley M. Hoag, then a young man, was at the meeting. He felt -called to deliver a message to some one in the women's meeting, and an -opportunity was given him to accomplish his purpose. He went to the -women's side of the house and powerfully and clearly set forth the -state of mind of some one present, and with prophetic words he pointed -out the future course of this young Friend if she should be fully -faithful to her inward promptings. Sybil Jones knew that he was -laying open her heart, and she was much moved. When her gift as a -minister was acknowledged, and she went out to hold meetings, she -found Lindley Hoag present at the first one she attended, and for some -time it seemed to her that she could not speak before him; but she -overcame the feeling and was well favored to speak. This guidance from -ministers who were moved to speak to her case, and the power given to -her to declare the condition of others, were strikingly illustrated -during her whole life. - -During these years of teaching she was much given to writing, and she -not only copied many of the poems of her favorite authors, but she -composed numerous poems on various subjects, and wrote short maxims -for the rule of her conduct and life. It is very striking and touching -to see how she regarded the brevity of life, for almost all that is -left of her compositions is tinged with thoughts of death and the -grave. One poem is written "To Consumption," and she seems to have -been impressed with the feeling that her days were to be few, but she -hails with joy the beginning of another life and the freedom from the -cares and troubles of this present world. After saying how soon -"life's sickly dream" will be over she writes-- - - "Oh may my future hours be given - To peace, to virtue, and to Heaven, - My hopes retain immortal birth, - My joys ascend above the earth, - My steps retrace the path they trod, - My heart be fixed alone on God!" - -While still young she burned most of her prose and poetic -compositions, partly because she was so often forced to read them -aloud to company, and very little from those years remains. - -The following short poem may be as interesting as any, as her early -wish here expressed was so perfectly fulfilled in the character of her -accepted life-companion: - - "What! shall a face, then, win my heart, - Mere symmetry of form? - Such thrilling raptures _this_ impart - With _love my bosom_ warm? - As well might ocean's billow heave - When not a wind did rise, - As Fancy thus my heart deceive - And fix my wandering eyes, - No; 'tis the beauty of the soul - That could my bosom fire; - This would my tenderest thought control, - And love and truth inspire." - -The thoughts expressed in some of her maxims show the bent of her -mind, whether they are original or not. For example: "If you are told -that another reviles you, do not go about to vindicate yourself, but -reply thus: My other faults, I find, are hid from him, else I should -have heard of them too;" "Fix your character and keep to it, whether -alone or in company;" "No man can hurt you unless you please to let -him; then only are you hurt when you think yourself so." - -Whatever her early attempts may show, Sybil Jones was certainly of a -highly poetic nature. Her whole organism was so delicate that musical -tones proceeded from her at the slightest touches from within or -without. Melodious words came almost unsummoned to her lips as she -plead with sinners to come to the waters of life and "drink without -money and without price." John Bright told the present writer that it -was always a delight to him to listen to her, and that he regarded her -as a poet of high degree in her thought and expression. - -So with her daily duties and her thoughts of life and the future she -developed from girlhood to womanhood, and at the age of twenty-five -became the wife of Eli Jones. The joy and fruit resulting from their -union show unmistakably how fully they were suited for each other, and -they gave each other mutual help and inspiration. Their married life -was begun at South China upon a farm which has since been divided into -a number of smaller ones. The young wife was very careful in her -expenditures, and an accurate account of all their expenses and their -income was minutely kept by her. - -The Friends' meeting-house was three miles away at Dirigo. Thither -they rode through the long, quiet woods every First and Fifth day to -take their places among the rows of Friends waiting upon the Lord. Few -houses made with hands have received more devoted worshippers, and few -places have been more hallowed by the presence of pure souls met with -one purpose, that of honoring the Ruler of the universe and learning -from His Holy Spirit. Here, in the presence of sympathizing listeners, -the voices of these two young Friends were often heard, and they were -early enrolled among the ministers of the Society. The phrase of the -early Friends was truly fitting in their case: "Their gifts were -acknowledged." The men and women of China meeting made it their -greatest endeavor to serve God acceptably in the path of daily duty -and self-denial. One by one their beautiful lives have ended; happily, -a few of them are yet left as examples, but a Quakerism--or rather a -Christianity--which could round and perfect such characters had no -earthly origin. China meeting at this time did not abound in powerful -ministers, but its members were men and women whose lives were -transparent and pure. They were "diligent in business, fervent in -spirit, serving the Lord," and they lived sermons. There has almost -always been in this community one or two Hymenaeuses and Philetuses who -have drawn creeds for their private guidance and who have severely -troubled the Friends; but such disturbances have generally resulted in -the exaltation of the true faith, and as in the natural world the -struggle to overcome hindrances to growth adds strength and vigor, so -a wolf in sheep's clothing within the fold increases the vigilance of -the spirit and the dependence on the great Shepherd. There were many -intricate questions now and then arising for discussion which gave -valuable instruction to the young ministers, and they were gradually -being prepared for useful service. Those of other denominations who -know only of a training in a theological seminary as a fitting for -preaching and teaching cannot understand how they were being taught in -this remote country village; but "by the Spirit's finer ear" they were -hearing truths of life and immortality, and on the Rock they were -building characters of gold, silver, precious stones. - -Eli Jones was a hard-working man, not only doing his farm-work, but at -different times owning shares in mills at Albion and in China and -assisting in the work of running them. After living a few years at -South China he removed to Dirigo and settled on a farm near the -Friends' meeting, where he lived until 1886. - - * * * * * - -While Eli Jones was in London in 1875 he wrote to Sarah Fobey, a -lifelong friend of his beloved wife, for her recollections of their -school-days together, and her thoughts as to Sybil Jones's spiritual -exercises then and since. She wrote from Montreux, Switzerland, as -follows: - -"My mind is filled with sweet and precious memories of the dear one. -She and I met at Friends' School in Providence in 1825. We met as -strangers, but a feeling of sympathy which is not easily explained -soon drew us together, and our intercourse there was the commencement -of one of the most delightful friendships that in all this changing -scene grew stronger and brighter with every passing year. I remember -her as one of the most studious pupils in the school, always coming to -her class with her lessons fully prepared and reciting them in a -manner that gained the admiration of her classmates. She had great -love for the beautiful, and a keen enjoyment of beautiful language -whether poetry or prose, and committing to memory, as she did, with -ease, her mind thus early became stored with much that was an -enjoyment to her in after years. In our Scripture lessons we made our -own selections, hers were always the most beautiful portions of the -Bible, often from Isaiah and the Psalms, a long chapter thoroughly -committed to memory, and recited in a manner which showed she -appreciated the truths it declared. - -"To her schoolmates she was most kind and affectionate, and by her -readiness to assist them in their lessons and in every way to do them -good gained their universal love and esteem. - -"She had a great flow of animal spirits, and entered with warmth and -interest into all our innocent pleasures and amusements; but such was -her sense of justice and of right that she would never overstep the -bounds of order nor disobey the regulations of the school. Of her -religious feeling and experience at that time I cannot speak. It was -not the custom then, as now in our Society, to speak of conversion or -to tell what God had done for our souls; and I had supposed that it -was not until after her return home that she gave her heart to Jesus -and became fully and entirely a child of His, ready to do His bidding, -and desiring above every other consideration to follow Him in the way -of His leading. How faithfully she did so, going from place to place, -from city to city, from State to State, finally from continent to -continent, declaring the unsearchable riches of Christ! One of the -most affectionate and loving of mothers, she counted nothing too near -or too dear to part with for His blessed name's sake. - -"How many sinners she has warned! how many inquirers she has pointed -to Jesus, the door of hope! how many mourners she has comforted! She -faithfully obeyed the injunction, 'Sow ye beside all waters,' and the -seed thus sown has taken root, and will continue to bear fruit long -after we shall have gone to join the dear ones who earlier than we -have entered into their Master's rest. Who can calculate the amount -of good that one such life of dedication and devotion has -accomplished? It seems to me that a faithful record of it should be an -incentive to others to seek to follow her as she followed Christ. To -me she was the most remarkable woman I have ever met, and I feel it to -have been a peculiar blessing to have known her so long and loved her -so well. Now, as I write, 'Memory opens the long vista of buried -years,' and my heart travels through them all. I linger around sunny -spots, happy hours, days of delight, seasons of sweet spiritual -communion, in which she related to me the wonderful dealings of her -heavenly Father toward her, and the remarkable manner in which she was -often supplied with means to accomplish the service she believed He -required of her--how when there seemed no way for her to move He made -a way. - -"She always seemed to me to be so spiritually-minded, and to live so -near her Saviour, as to be led and guided in a remarkable manner by -Him. I remember her when she opened her prospect to go to Europe for -the last time. She rises before me now, as she has often done, as I -saw her then. Soon after the meeting of ministers and elders assembled -Doctor Tobey arose and said, 'If there is a subject of particular -interest and importance to come before the meeting, this seems to be -the proper time.' - -"She had not expected to present it at that sitting, but, as she -afterward told me, she said to herself, 'That surely means me.' - -"She sat a little, while a feeling of great solemnity overspread the -meeting. She then arose with the most beautiful and heavenly -expression of countenance, her whole soul filled with the engrossing -subject, and with a grace and elegance of manner of which she was -entirely unconscious told us in beautiful and touching language what -she felt called to do in the service of her Lord, gratefully -acknowledging His many mercies thus far in her journey of life, and -her unshaken confidence and trust in Him for all that was to come. The -meeting was greatly moved and she was liberated with entire unity. - -"How lovely and sweet she was! and, though she lived so many years and -did so much good in them all, it always seems to me that she died 'in -the midst of her years.' - -"Oh, we should have liked to keep her longer, the dear one! But He who -seeth to the end knew when to close the strife-- - - 'Knew when to loose the silver cord, - To break the golden bowl, - And give to her that richest gift, - Salvation of the soul.'" - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -_FIRST VISIT._ - - "He who in glory did on Horeb's height - Descend to Moses in the bush of flame, - And bade him go and stand in Pharaoh's sight-- - Who once to Israel's pious shepherd came, - And sent him forth his champion in the fight,-- - He within my heart thus spake to me: - 'Go forth! Thou shalt on earth my witness be.'" - - SCHILLER. - - -In the autumn of 1840, Sybil Jones was liberated by her Friends to -attend meetings and do religious work in the provinces, Nova Scotia, -and New Brunswick. In this work she was attended by her husband, and -they passed through many trying circumstances; but, being sustained -from above, they came home bringing sheaves with them and feeling that -they had been instruments in God's hand of doing good. A brief account -of this journey was kept by Sybil Jones. It has never been published, -but is full of interest to all those who love to follow the steps of -devoted servants of the Lord. - -During the first winter of the Revolutionary War, Benedict Arnold and -a band of soldiers forced their way over almost insurmountable -obstacles through the Maine woods to capture Montreal, Quebec, and the -other Canadian strongholds. Historians have followed their track, -carefully noting every detail of their march, recording what they -suffered and what injuries they inflicted, and that, too, though the -expedition failed of its end and many a fair young life was lost in -vain. Certainly, we can well afford to follow the pilgrimage of two -soldiers of the cross fully as heroic, carrying to those otherwise -perishing the news of life and salvation. - -Sybil Jones was thirty-two years old when she made this visit; she was -in delicate health, and obliged to leave her two young children, James -Parnell and Narcissa, behind; but her whole soul was in the work, and -she writes as she would have done when years had fully developed her. -In this and her other diaries there often occur expressions which to -the frequent readers of Fox and the early missionary Friends may sound -stated and formal, but there is a life pervading the whole which shows -conclusively to a thoughtful person that these phrases are not forms, -but words clearly expressive of what she felt burning in her heart, -and they add to rather than detract from the weight of her account. -There is a wonderful depth of meaning and originality in the -expressions of Friends which unfortunately is lost sight of by -continual use, just as in all language word-metaphors which subtly -picture thoughts become cold by use and lose their picturesqueness. In -reading the pages recording the earnest labors of long ago let us read -in them all that was put there by looking for the feeling and life -under the words: - -"Left home with a certificate from some of my friends to visit some of -the British provinces, the 23d of 8th mo., 1840, in company with my -husband. He also has a certificate for said service. Being -disappointed in a female companion, we had either to resign the -prospect of a visit this season or proceed with no other company than -our dear friend Daniel Smiley, who, with a minute from his monthly -meeting, concluded to accompany us to Nova Scotia. It was a trying -case, but, feeling as though the present time was the right time, we -informed the committee appointed by the monthly meeting for the -purpose of providing us with suitable company, how it was with us. -They met with the elders, and informed us of their conclusion, which -was that they thought best for us to proceed if it seemed like the -right time, as we had informed them. We had to proceed on the prospect -of apprehended duty under discouraging circumstances, yet I trust with -a humble reliance on Him who hath said, 'I will be a defence unto -Israel.' Being favored to resign ourselves to His direction and -protection, we felt our only strength to be in Him, feeling, too, the -consoling assurance that our dear friends we have left behind will -travail in exercises with us for the Truth's honor and our -preservation from every hurtful thing. We leave our dear children in -the best place we could find.... Above all, we have felt a humble -trust that He who never slumbers will keep them; and in remembrance of -the blessed promise, that all things shall work together for good to -them that love and fear God, I have been enabled under multiplied -discouragement to adopt the language, 'Thy will, not mine, be done.' -Blessed be His name for ever who has been with me in six troubles, -and has given me assurance that He will not forsake even in the -seventh if my place is where Mary's was of old. - -"We attended two meetings the day we left--one in Windsor, the other -in Whitefield--which were very trying meetings.... - -"_Second day, 31st._ Arrived at Joseph Ester's in Calais; had a -favored meeting this evening in the Calvinist Baptist meeting-house. -The people here are so attached to Friends that they think it a -privilege to let us have a house for a meeting. The Baptists claimed -the privilege, and we thought best to improve it. After meeting I took -cold from the damp air so frequent in this place, and was confined to -the house till 9th mo. 4th. Proceeded to an appointment at St. -Stephen's (English side), First day, 9th mo. 6th, at two P. M., at the -Methodist house, which was a humbling season to the poor creatures, -but the eternal truth reigned over all, and I hope the 'blessed Master -of assemblies' had the honor, for it was by the might of His power -that the tall cedars of Lebanon bowed and the oaks of Bashan bent. -Nothing is too great for Him to do for us when our trust is in Him. -May it ever be placed there! Second day, 7th, had a meeting at St. -Stephen's in a Baptist house; put up at Ruggles's temperance house; -felt quite at home here; they were an interesting family. We sat with -the family before leaving them, and divine ability was given to speak -in the language of encouragement to them, assuring them that a -_little_ with the incomparable blessing of a peaceful mind was better -than hoards of gold obtained in a way to injure our fellow-creatures. -The demoralizing effects of the sale and use of ardent spirits were -lamentably felt here. The landlord told us that he was once in the -habit of keeping them for travellers and others, but became convinced -that it was wrong. It brought him into a close trial, he told us, for -this was the chief source of income. He said he prayed to his heavenly -Father to direct him what to do, and the answer was that he must carry -on the baking business. He accordingly entered into it, and with the -assistance of two or three daughters he made a good income. Oh that -all would go and do likewise who are in this iniquitous practice, that -must surely prove, if persisted in, their condemnation! - -"_8th._ Parted from several of our dear friends who came to bid us -farewell, and proceeded on our journey; came about noon to Oak Bay, -parish of St. David's, a small village. Here we paused a little, but -proceeded. My mind became distressed for leaving the place without -trying to have a meeting, which I kept to myself until we had -travelled about two and a half miles, when I was obliged to request -our dear friend to turn about; which was crossing to us all, feeling -very anxious to get along, having been detained from my ill-health, -meetings, etc. beyond our expectations. But on turning toward the -place I think we all participated in the reward of peace. We stopped -at William Josling's, who met us with tears of joy. Oh may we omit -nothing required of us, but be willing to do and suffer His will who -will do all things well! This evening had a meeting in the Baptist -house. It was a solemn season, and to the honor of truth, I trust. -Lodged at William Golding's, who was in a tried state of mind owing to -entanglement with the doctrine of predestination. He spoke of the -circumstance of Pharaoh where the Lord said, 'For this same purpose I -have raised thee up;' also named the passage from the apostle, 'Hath -not the potter power over the clay, of the same lump, to make one -vessel for honor and another for dishonor?' He said that he considered -it as a temptation of the enemy, but at times could hardly keep it out -of his mind. As the subjects opened to my mind I endeavored to explain -them.... He seemed satisfied, and said he had never had so clear an -explanation before. Not feeling clear of the place without trying for -another meeting, we accepted the Methodist house, which was kindly -offered. A Universalist encountered me after meeting. I endeavored to -keep near best help. He became silent, and I think the truth sank deep -in his heart. We parted in mutual love and good feeling. He was a -member of the legislative council, a man of talents. We called on the -Methodist minister and his wife, who received us gladly; we thought -them sincere-hearted followers of Christ. Parted under a feeling of -holy relationship. Left this place for Tower Hill, in the parish of -St. David. Arrived in a lonely-looking place, very desolate, where -were a few inhabitants and a schoolhouse. There are few here who -reflect, I think, that they must die, and that it is needful to -prepare for that solemn event. We left them under serious impression, -I think. We called on a woman apparently dying, who said she was not -prepared to die; her sins were not forgiven. The family and several -neighbors present were in great distress. I felt moved to call her -attention to Jesus, who alone could help, reminding her of the -penitent thief upon the cross. Surrounding beholders were warned to -seek the Lord while in health, and not put it off till a dying bed, as -the pains of the feeble body were enough to bear, without the -indescribable pains of a wounded conscience. We called again on the -sick woman, who seemed a little revived. I felt drawn to impart some -words of encouragement, also to supplicate our heavenly Father on -behalf of all present. My dear husband imparted some words of -encouragement to her. We then left her bedside, where extreme poverty -and want were strikingly apparent, with some assurance that she would -find forgiveness and go in peace. We proceeded to meeting. A large -number of thoughtless mortals were assembled. We had to travail in -deep exercises for the awakening of life. Dear husband supplicated for -divine aid, which was mercifully granted. Truth finally obtained the -victory. It is the Lord's doing and marvellous in our eyes. - -"_15th._ Had a meeting at Bearing in a schoolhouse at the fourth hour, -and one at Mehanas, parish of St Stephen's, at seven--the last a truly -contriting season. I proceeded, accompanied by my dear husband, to -visit some public-houses and places where liquor is sold, and to visit -some serious people. This work of apprehended duty was most -humiliating to the poor creature, but cheerful submission clothed my -mind with sweet peace. We were treated kindly by all, and all -expressed their thankfulness to us for calling, and received civilly -what we had to deliver to them, saying they knew the right, but were -unwilling to do it. Not feeling clear of these parts without a meeting -with the Congregationalists at Calais, though I thought it probable -that they would not grant it, I informed our company of it, who -encouraged me to attend to the opening. Accordingly, a messenger was -despatched, and returned word that they were expecting to meet in the -evening for a prayer-meeting, and would cheerfully give up the meeting -to us without a single objection. The Lord will make a way where there -appears to be no way. In the evening we met with them, and had a good -meeting, mutually satisfactory. - -"_17th._ Sat down at the house where we were staying with the family -at meeting hour. Our little number with the family were enough to -inherit the Saviour's blessed promise, 'There will I be in the midst -of them.' We gave no notice, but two or three neighbors somehow got -information and joined our company. At first it was a stripped season. -The cloud as big as a man's hand was hardly discernible, but in the -Lord's own time He blessed us indeed. His power arose to the -contriting of all present. It was truly a refreshing time, in which we -could say, 'The Lord is my goodness and fortress, my high tower.' - -"_18th._ Had a meeting at the Ledge in St. Stephen's at two o'clock. -Some of the true wrestling seed were present, who were visited in -their low dwelling-place and refreshed with the circulating influence -of divine love, which spread even to the skirts of the assembly. I am -ready to say, 'The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.' 'He brought -me into his banqueting-house, and his banner over us was love.' - -"_26th, which was First day._ Had a meeting in the city of St. John, -in the Methodist chapel in Germania street, at 2 P. M., and one at 6 -o'clock in the parish of Portland, in the Methodist house. Several -thousand souls met with us this day, and the Lord blessed us -abundantly to the refreshing of the weary traveller toward the city of -rest. Lodged at the Methodist preacher's, William Temple, who was -truly hospitable. On the morning of the 28th went to the steamboat -bound to Annapolis, but, it being stormy, the captain deemed it -improper to put out to sea. Having our horses and carriage put on -board at high tide, and could not get them off until tide served -again, we felt some anxiety, fearing we had not done right in this -procedure, as the elements seemed against us. We met with a man named -Abial L. Brown on board, who kindly asked us to go home with him and -remain until the boat should go. We gladly accepted his invitation and -went to the house, where the family received us with affection, set -some refreshments before us, of which we gladly partook, not having -taken any breakfast and having walked some distance in the wet and -cold. After being thus refreshed and having warmed ourselves, we felt -inclined to assemble the family for a religious opportunity, which was -gladly acceded to on their parts. The season was a truly comforting -one. Afterward we inquired for a woman who had spoken to us the -evening before after meeting and manifested a great desire to have an -interview with us. From our description one of the daughters kindly -offered to try to find her, though they could not tell her name. She -made a successful attempt, and soon came with Elizabeth Girard, as she -said her name was. She was a Friend in principle, though belonging to -the Methodists. She lamented much the extravagant conformity to the -vain fashions of the world, which is at enmity to Christ--said they -had sorrowfully departed from the simplicity which marked the members -in their rise in Wesleyan days. She spoke of the spiritual worship -very clearly as that which was alone acceptable unto God. The storm -subsided at about ten o'clock. We left, accompanied by E. G., who went -to the steamboat with us. After our imparting some advice to this dear -friend, she left. At about one o'clock we left St. John's City, and in -twelve hours were across the Bay of Fundy at Annapolis. I was not very -seasick; He who holdeth the waters in His hand preserves us yet. -Little vital religion is felt in this part of the heritage. The people -here have many advantages for a livelihood. The land has a rich soil, -and the Annapolis River flowing through it in the midst of an -extensive valley, where many of its farms stretch along its banks, the -rich products may be borne through the river into the Bay of Fundy to -distant parts. Thus was a kind Providence bountifully blessed, but a -worldly spirit is prevailing among them. - -"_14th._ Held a meeting at Granville, and on the 15th went over -Young's Mountain. Again not feeling clear, had a meeting in the -evening, a memorable season of humbling contrition to most present. A -young man named James Van Blarcum, being at this meeting, was -convinced of the truth. May the Lord give him strength to suffer for -His cause, which will no doubt be the case if he proves faithful!"[3] - - [3] James Van Blarcum was at work on a house when the notice was given - for this meeting. On hearing that a woman would preach, he said he - would go and hear what these heretics had to say. It was a revelation - to him; his eyes were opened, and the whole course of his life - changed. A few years after this he came to China, so that he might - know more of Friends and their principles. At first his family were so - displeased at his becoming a Quaker that he was forced to leave his - home, though he was afterward highly respected by them all. He became - a powerful minister in the Society, and was for a number of years - connected with Oak Grove Seminary. He was married to Eunice, sister of - Eli Jones. - -Eli and Sybil Jones attended many more meetings in the provinces, -among them Annapolis, Wilmot Mount, Wolfville, Falmouth, Pictou, and -Truro, making many weary journeys, some days riding as much as -forty-three miles to hold a meeting. These long rides were attended -with many discomforts, as it was the eleventh month, and the weather -extremely raw and cold. The roads were in poor condition, and the mud -oftentimes almost impassable. Sybil Jones describes the difficulties -encountered in making their way to Truro: "Coming to two roads about -noon, we inquired of an innkeeper the direct road to our destination. -We followed his directions, found excellent roads, but, being through -a thick forest, it was rather lonely. The weather being cloudy, night -came on early, without discovering any opening in the dense forest -that encompassed us. The thought did not occur that we might be on the -wrong road until the horses began to wade very deep in mud. My husband -sprang out of the carriage to lead the horses. After proceeding a few -steps, the mire growing deeper, he ordered the carriage stopped, and -after travelling around some time in the dark he exclaimed that we -were on the wrong road--that we had come to the end of a road. Our -feelings can better be imagined than described. Strangers in a -strange land, in a vast wilderness at the end of our road, and the -night being without even starlight, I shall never forget my feelings. -We found our carriage was fast in the mire. After unharnessing the -horses, which with some difficulty leapt out on hard footing, the men -soon pried the carriage out and harnessed to return, while I stood on -a dry spot where my dear husband had placed me. I was afraid that we -had been directed there for a wicked design, when these words came to -me: 'Judah's lion guards the way, and guides the traveller home.' -After going back about fifty rods we discovered a light, and, going to -it, found that it proceeded from a little hut. The people said that we -could get across the woods, to the right road by going a quarter of a -mile, and kindly offered to go with us and show us the way. We -followed through the roughest road I ever passed. One had to hold the -carriage behind to keep it from upsetting. We arrived safe on the -road, happy and thankful." - -They had many "opportunities" in family circles, which they always -found refreshing. They met with great kindness, although in many -places they were greatly grieved to find that the spirit of the world -held sway over the people. In many cases a great controlling power was -felt, and they left believers much strengthened in the Lord to cope -with the adversary. Owing to the inclemency of the weather they deemed -it expedient to return to their homes. The homeward journey was long, -and they were often able to get but scanty accommodations; but they -ever found the "Lord a covert from the storms," and proved Him to be -"as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land." They were greatly -cheered on retracing their steps to find that the seed scattered on -their journey of love had fallen in good ground. The tavern-keeper -with whom they had labored so lovingly had given up his sinful -business, and was now keeping a strictly temperance house. Indeed, -there was now no rum sold in the town. With deep interest and love for -the dear people in the field in which they labored, and looking to God -to bless their labors, they took their way to the home where were the -dear children whom to leave was so hard. - -It was the beginning of winter before they prepared to return, so that -it was impossible for them to use the carriage with which they made -the journey, and it was finally decided to put the carriage on -runners, and in this way the long return journey was made. - -Some years later they went over the same ground by carriage on a -second visit to the provinces. In one place, as they were driving -along through a long wood, they were met in the road by a huge bear, -which stood its ground for some time, but finally retreated and -allowed the Friends to go on their mission. Soon after this visit Eli -Jones felt that it was his duty to go over the meetings of Canada and -to speak to the Friends there, both in the different assemblies and by -their firesides. His dear wife in the mean time was making a tour -through New England, doing the work which was laid upon her. It was a -trial for them to be so widely separated, but each was in the proper -place. Sybil Jones was brought low with sickness and forced to hasten -home. Eli Jones came from his field of service, and called on his -friend Daniel Smiley, where he found his wife very ill; but recovery -was granted, and they came rejoicing to the family at home. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -_EAST, WEST, AND SOUTH._ - - "I have always been thinking of the different ways in which - Christianity is taught, and whenever I find any way that makes it - a wider blessing than any other, I cling to that: I mean to that - which takes in the most good of all kinds, and brings in the most - people as sharers." - - -After their return from this last visit they passed a few years in -quiet work at home, often attending the different quarterly meetings -in New England, and generally taking an annual trip to Newport to be -present at the yearly meeting, which was occasionally attended by -Friends from the West and from Great Britain, bringing thither -knowledge of far-off lands where the whitening fields called for more -laborers. - -In 1845 they felt called to go over the meetings of Friends in nearly -all parts of the United States, and this and the next year were mostly -taken up with that work. - -Eli Jones has since travelled over this ground many times, and has -often visited the different yearly meetings of America, but always -with quite different feelings from those which were in their hearts at -the first extensive visit. John Wilber had been "disowned" by the -Friends only two years before, and his upholders who had separated -from the Society were in many of the meetings which they visited. -There was a general feeling of sorrow that a second unhappy division -should appear in the midst of peaceful neighborhoods and the animosity -arising from fruitless argument had weakened the loving spirit and -dampened the zealous ardor of many who should have been the unbiased -spokesmen of the gospel of Christ. - -Eli and Sybil Jones endeavored to draw the two parties together into -the house of faith and true belief. It is almost impossible in the -midst of church differences for any one who is interested to be -unprejudiced in his judgment. Bitterness shows itself in the hearts of -the most loving. Differences are exaggerated and words are -misunderstood for things. The main body are over-eager to win back -those they are losing, while they are inflicting deeper wounds by -their too hasty blows at what seems the heresy of their opponents, and -the latter cherish a feeling of glory in the size of the rent they are -making. These two Friends tried sweetly and gently to persuade those -differing with them that the ancient Rock was the only foundation for -their building. They visited the families of nearly all the meetings -and impressed their thoughts on the individual members. If perhaps -they accomplished little in cementing the two bodies, they did much to -strengthen the weak and to point the unsheltered to a Tower of safety -and defence. It may be interesting to follow them in a few extracts -from Sybil Jones's journal: - -"Left home 9th mo., 1845, with a certificate to visit in the love of -the gospel the yearly meetings of Ohio, Indiana, Baltimore, and North -Carolina. We took passage on the steamer John Marshall from Augusta -to Boston, and from there by cars to Lynn, where we attended their -quarterly meeting. Friends in this meeting are brought under deep -exercise on account of the attendance of a committee from the -Separatists and John Wilbur in person. They took full liberty to throw -out their sentiments and bore very hard on Friends, all of which -Friends were mercifully favored to bear with true Christian patience. -After being detained seven hours the meeting adjourned until nine the -next morning, at which time they convened without interruption and -were greatly refreshed together. - -"From Lynn we went to New Bedford, where a small meeting of the -Wilburites is held, some of whom we called to see and were treated -kindly, but were painfully afflicted in spirit under a sense of their -alienation from the unity of the Spirit by which we are called. -Friends here are not numerous, but upright standard-bearers. In the -morning attended Newtown meeting, which was also attended by the -Separatists (a few being here). After a time of solemn retirement -before the Lord truth rose into dominion and a contriting time it -was." - -They went on by boat to New York, and from there to Philadelphia and -Baltimore, where John Meader, Thomas Willis, Richard Carpenter, and -others met them to go in their company farther west: "We reached Mount -Pleasant the day previous to select meeting, which began the 8th of -9th mo. The spirit of bitterness has made sad havoc here. The four -visiting Friends were duly proved in suffering with the suffering. No -notice was taken of any certificates on their minutes. The servants -of the Lord in attendance were of one heart and one mind, and there -were times amid the conflict that the gracious ear, I doubt not, -inclined to the fervent petition, 'Lord, save us or we perish.' A calm -stole over the troubled waves, and ability was vouchsafed to proclaim -the unsearchable riches of Christ. - -"The meeting closed on the 12th of the month, and the next morning we -proceeded on our way to Cincinnati. We took the steamer New Hampshire, -and were more than five days on the Ohio River. The water was low, so -that we were often aground some hours. We had a meeting on board with -the passengers, and it was crowned by the presence of Him who holds -the waters in the hollow of his hand and causeth the mountains to flow -down at His presence. We were treated with great kindness and respect. -The first part of our passage I noticed some playing cards, which -brought me under great exercise, and after carefully examining the -subject I thought it my duty before retiring to rest to walk to the -table and express my feelings. Asking leave of them, I proceeded to -relieve my mind, which was received kindly, and I saw no more -card-playing afterward. I felt great peace in taking up this cross. -May I always be willing to do His will who leadeth safely and -sustaineth the soul amid every conflict! - -"We arrived in Cincinnati on the 18th. After our arrival I informed a -Friend that the subject of visiting families had rested with great -weight upon my mind; which he communicated to some of the select -members, and it resulted in an opportunity with all of them. I opened -the subject before them, and a sweet cementing season of divine -approval was graciously afforded. They fully and feelingly united with -us and encouraged us to proceed therein." - -They visited nearly all the families in that region, and felt -encouraged in the labor. She writes: - -"I believe it is the design of the Head of the Church to pour out a -rich blessing on this part of His inheritance; indeed, He seems -turning His hand upon the little ones, and will, I believe, raise up -valiants among the youth, who will publish with the voice of -thanksgiving and tell of all His wondrous works." - -Having done much work in Ohio and Indiana, they came over the -Alleghany Mountains, and revisited Baltimore, forming many pleasant -acquaintances with the Friends in that city, and holding meeting for -public worship, as well as visiting the families for more quiet work. -They next turned toward the South, and reached North Carolina in time -for the yearly meeting. There was much feeling here in regard to the -separation, and an epistle from the Separatists was rejected at this -yearly meeting. - -In regard to the slaves, she writes: - -"Vital religion is very low. Truth has fallen in the streets, and -Equity cannot enter in some places. Here is a suffering seed in many -portions of this land of slavery. Friends have borne in meekness a -noble testimony against its iniquity, and, though they often feel -disheartened at the shadowy prospect, I believe their upright example -has had, and will still have, salutary influence. The Lord has -inclined His gracious ear to the multiplied cries of the oppressed, -and those who suffer for them as being bound with them, and will -hasten the blessed day when Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hand unto -God and the oppressor shall no more oppress. - -"There are so many rents and divisions throughout Christendom that -many are crying, Who shall show us any good? I earnestly desire that -these overturnings and siftings may tend to draw the people to the -living eternal Substance, to build on the ancient Foundation of all -the holy prophets and apostles. There is great need of more dedication -and a stirring up to greater diligence in this land." - -The work and service in Carolina were carried on in great bodily -weakness, and often Sybil Jones was compelled to remain at home while -Eli Jones and the Friends with them attended the meetings. At the -beginning of the new year they returned to their Maine home to pass a -few quiet years before undertaking a still more extensive journey. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -_VOYAGE TO LIBERIA._ - - "Be sure they sleep not whom God needs, nor fear - Their holding light his charge, when every hour - That finds that charge delayed is a new death, - - * * * * * * * - - So intimate a tie connects me with our God." - - BROWNING. - - -There is wonderful harmony in God's work in the different kingdoms and -sub-kingdoms of His domain. When His method of working is resisted, -there is always harsh conflicting, and finally He removes the -obstacle; but wherever we look, so long as there is a submission to -His plan, there is never a jar, never a halt on the road to the great -end which He has in view, be it in the growth of a tree, in the motion -of a world through space, in the maturity of animal or human life, or -in the development of spiritual being. But the first rule that must be -fulfilled before He can rightly use any of His intelligent creations -is that they fully submit themselves to Him to be trained and used. -Just as the brook yields strict obedience to the gentle impulse which -moves it from its source on through its winding channel to its home in -the great ocean of waters, so all who are to be the servants of the -Most High must be _willing_ to become the instruments through which He -works, and must let Him flow through unhindered. Those whom He will -use He prepares just as much, and in a higher sense, as He makes the -lily grow--not by any toiling and spinning on its part, but by putting -a life within it which animates and builds up the whole structure; and -as the lily adorns the spot in which He puts it, so His workmen should -beautify the vineyard where He sets them. - -It is a very marked fact in the lives of the two of whom I am writing -that they not only gave themselves up to be prepared by Him who was to -use them, but they also waited until He showed them where they should -work. There is work everywhere which is waiting to be done, nor does -any one do well who idly sits still until he is told just where to -begin, but God has His chosen workmen fitted on purpose for a special -place, as much as an earthly master-builder, and the time comes to -every one when it is imperative for him to hear the order which he is -to execute. The Lord spake unto Moses often, and He who made known His -ways then has power to tell His will to whom he wishes now, and the -proper messenger does not embark before the message comes. - -I find in the earlier life of Eli and Sybil Jones that their great, -absorbing wish was that they might be in full harmony with Him whom -they served. They looked up to be taught, and He gave just the right -service to enlarge and strengthen their powers, so that they might be -prepared for the more difficult undertaking which now presented -itself. No one who reads the journal which follows will think they -went to Liberia prompted by their own feelings, but the service was -evidently _laid upon them_. - -To understand properly the struggle through which Sybil Jones passed -before leaving her home, it will be necessary to picture to ourselves -the circumstances surrounding her nearly half a century ago. She had -grown to womanhood in a little town in Maine, having exceedingly -limited opportunities for obtaining a knowledge of the world and the -ways of men and women; she was now the mother of five children, who -needed their parents' care; she had just undergone the sorrow of -seeing many dear to her pass from earth, while still others of her -family were already on deathbeds: and now she was to go from all that -earth held dearest to her, perhaps never to see even her own country -again. To-day to travel is the ordinary course; fifty years ago it was -a rare and momentous event for one to go far from home. It would seem -most hazardous to a frail woman to go from Maine to Baltimore, there -to embark, not in a steamer with modern conveniences, but in a -sailing-packet with rough passengers and still rougher crew, for the -west coast of Africa. Let us not wonder as we read her account that -she waited long and counselled earnestly with her own heart, for if -she should go self-sent only perils insurmountable would be before -her, but on God's errands, sent by His command, she knew of nothing to -fear. - -The _Friends' Review_ for 6th mo. 28, 1851, has the following -paragraph: "In the meeting of ministers and elders of New England -Yearly Meeting on Seventh day, 14th, our dedicated friend Sybil Jones -opened a prospect of an extensive religious visit to Great Britain, -Ireland, some parts of the continent of Europe, Sierra Leone, Liberia, -and some islands on the west coast of Africa and in the West Indies; -and her husband, Eli Jones, informed the meeting that he believed it -his duty to bear her company in this extensive and arduous engagement. -The subject obtained the weighty and feeling consideration of the -meeting, and, though Friends were fully sensible to the magnitude and -importance of the undertaking and of the apparently inadequate state -of her health, such a current of unity with the prospect was -experienced that all doubt of its propriety was taken away; and they -were accordingly liberated for the service. The sympathy and prayers -of their friends will unquestionably follow them." - -As the most of the following year's work was in Liberia, it may be -well to speak briefly of the position and condition of that country. - -Liberia is a negro republic on the west coast of Africa. Its length -along the coast is about three hundred and eighty miles, and its -entire area about twenty-four thousand square miles. Sierra Leone, the -country to the north of Liberia, was colonized by colored men from -Great Britain, assisted by such men as Grenville Sharp, Wilberforce, -and Clarkson, the first settlement being made in 1787, and composed -partly of negroes who had served in the British army during our -Revolutionary War. This and successive colonies were terribly weakened -by the death-stroke of the African fever, but they were finally -successful; and American philanthropists, who were eager to help an -unfortunate race, founded here in 1822 a colony of freedmen who might -enjoy the political and social privileges denied to them in the United -States. The town of Monrovia was founded and named after James -Monroe, then President. They landed in the midst of heathendom, and -the first years were years of struggle; but these colored men showed -that they could govern themselves. They drew up a constitution much -like the American, the first article of which read, "All men are born -equally free and independent, and among their natural inherent and -inalienable rights are the rights of enjoying and defending life and -LIBERTY;" and the fourth section, "There shall be no slavery within -this republic." - -The republic has a President, Senate, House of Representatives, and a -judicial department, so that good laws are passed, explained, and -enforced. In 1847 the republic declared its independence, and was -finally in 1861 recognized by the United States as a sovereign state. -The Methodist Church established a mission here in 1833; the -Presbyterian Church followed this example, and sent J. B. Penny into -the field the same year. The American Episcopal Church was at work in -the republic as early as 1836, while the Baptists turned their -attention there in 1845, so that it was in fact a "missionary -republic." The present population of the republic comprises about -18,000 civilized negroes, chiefly of American origin, and 1,050,000 -half-wild natives, who are gradually adopting a settled life and -conforming to the habits of their civilized countrymen. Professor -David Christy said in a lecture in 1855: "If a colony of colored men, -beginning with less than a hundred, and gradually increasing to nine -thousand, has in thirty years established an independent republic -amidst a savage people, destroyed the slave-trade on six hundred -miles of the African coast, put down the heathen temples in one of its -largest districts, afforded security to all the missions within its -limits, and now casts its shield over three hundred thousand native -inhabitants, what may not be done in the next thirty years by -colonization and missions combined were sufficient means supplied to -call forth all their energies?" - -It was during this visit to Liberia that Eli Jones first felt his -heart fill with zeal for missionary work. One day, going to pay a -visit to President Roberts, he found a large band of fierce natives -assembled in the President's room to have him arbitrate their quarrel. -The dispute being settled peacefully, the President introduced Eli -Jones, asking a noble-looking chief if he would like to have this man -go with them to talk about God to their tribe. The prompt and earnest -answer was, "Yes, and we will build him a house if he will come and -stay." At once he saw in mind the needs of these and the thousands of -other human beings waiting for some one to bring to them the fuller -teaching of the way to a higher Christian civilization, and from that -date he was more than ever desirous to be an instrument of help. - -The following poem was written by Elizabeth Lloyd[4] on the departure -of Eli and Sybil Jones for Africa: - - [4] Afterward Elizabeth Howell. She is the author of the beautiful - lines entitled "Milton in his Blindness." - - THE GOSPEL MESSENGER. - - "Behold, I will send my messenger." - - Dedicated to a service high and holy from above; - Guided by the inward teaching of a heavenly Father's love, - Listening to the soft monitions whispered in her spirit's ear, - Answering to the call like Samuel, "Lo, my Father, I am here," - Child-like in her meek submission, His appointing to fulfil, - Trusting in His strength for safety, she went forth to do His will. - - Bearing up His "ark of promise," she the weak became the strong, - In her heart a hymn of praising, on her lips a triumph song; - "Thou hast vanquished, O my Saviour--Thou who bore my sins for me; - Sanctify with thy anointing sacrifices made for thee. - As of old Thou ledst Thy children, showing them the cloud by day - And by night the fiery pillar, so lead me along my way. - - "If I falter, if my heart be tempted by its doubts and fears, - If my eyes, to heaven uplifted, see Thee only through their tears; - If the clinging of love's tendrils bind my thoughts to things of earth, - And between me and my duty come the dreams of home and hearth,-- - Oh have pity on me, Father, and if I should go astray - Let Thy angels, Faith and Patience, point me to the narrow way. - - "Clear before me let the shining of Thy holy light arise, - Far behind me cast the shadow of my own poor sacrifice. - Can I doubt when I remember how the sea was cleft in twain, - And, a wall of waters rising, left a valley in the main - That Thy people might pass over on the golden-sanded path, - So to sing their song of triumph, safe from the pursuer's wrath? - - "Can I fear when I remember Thou didst feed them day by day, - With thy manna, that like hoarfrost round the tents of Israel lay; - In the wilderness wast with them till their tarriance was o'er, - Sweetened Marah's bitter fountain, opened Horeb's rock-bound door? - Nay, Thy power and might, as ever, all omnipotent shall be: - 'Rock of Ages,' what can move me if I lean my soul on Thee?" - - Where the palms of Afric gather up the tropic heats by day, - Where the jerboa and the lion in their evening shadows play, - Where the streams are coral-bedded and the mountains gemmed with gold, - She is bearing forth a treasure human heart alone may hold-- - Oil to pour on troubled spirits, seed to sow in barren place, - Soothing balm of consolation, knowledge of anointing grace. - - "Ethiopia and the islands," far away her mission lies: - From the sweet New England homestead underneath her native skies, - To Liberia's dark-browed children, Sierra Leone's struggling band, - She has messages from heaven, guided by the Father's hand. - She is pointing out salvation: "Christ has no partition-wall; - We are children of one Father, and His love redeemed us all." - - Oh, the fettered slave may hear it, sinking 'neath his weight of woe; - In the northland, in the southland, streams of gospel love may flow. - Not a partial gleam, a star-ray, gilding but a single night, - Was God's thought in His creation when He said, "Let there be light;" - Not a single soul's redemption when that piercing cry went up, - "Eloi lama sabacthani!" ere He drank death's bitter cup. - - But a world-illuminating flood of radiance was born - When the angels sang rejoicing o'er the earth's baptismal morn, - And the souls of all created, and the souls of all to be, - Are partakers of redemption by that death on Calvary, - That divine self-abnegation of the holy Son of man-- - Thought sublime in its expansion, theme beyond our finite scan. - - Oh, the human heart a temple for the Saviour's love may be - In all nations, in all climates, on the land or on the sea: - Sect or color bars not entrance; only Sin her watch may set, - Keeping Him without the portals till with dew his locks are wet; - But He ceases not from calling, "Garnish and make clean for me; - Drive away the money-changers, in their place let angels be." - - Through His instruments He calleth, humble tho' they be and weak, - That the deaf ears may be opened and the sealed lips may speak, - That the maimed may halt no longer, and the blinded eyes may see, - And the lepers, healed and cleansed, glorifying God may be. - Ignorance and sin are blindness, but as morning after night - Is the heart's regeneration when God says, "Let there be light." - -The following account has been selected from Sybil Jones's journal. It -was written to be published soon after their return, but publication -was delayed, and now for the first time it is made public. It will -show, as few other writings, the emotions and strivings of a sincere -seeking soul. Her journals speak little, especially in her earlier -visits, of natural surroundings and ordinary events, for her spiritual -work seemed so weighty that nothing was allowed to turn her eyes from -that: - - * * * * * - -SO. CHINA, _12 mo., 1850._ Painful are the baptisms that my poor -trembling soul tries to endure patiently. Forgive me, most gracious -God, if I dare repine. Death seems again lingering on our borders, and -the remnant of a once large family must soon diminish. My worthy -father seems drawing near the silent grave, but full of bright hopes -of a mansion in the eternal city. Though well knowing that the "Judge -of all the earth" will do right, yet sad is the thought that soon we -must lose his cheerful society and instructive counsel. Oh that this -deep affliction may prove a salutary cup to the soul, though very -bitter to the taste! I learn many awful lessons while sitting by his -bedside. It is a foretaste of heaven sweetly blended with a hope of -reunion around the throne. My soul is weighed down with the prospect -of more extended service in the cause of our holy Redeemer, and -lingers tremblingly on Jordan's banks. Oh, this Jordan seems awful, -but I must descend to its bottom, and may the eternal God be my -refuge, and underneath the everlasting arms! The billows overwhelm, -and I sink in deep mire where there is no standing. My health is frail -and my spirits flag. But amid all, the unchanging Rock is my support. - -_1st mo., 1851._ With the unity of my friends I performed some errands -of love in some portions of our own yearly meetings. I went forth in -fear and much weakness, but through abounding mercy the peace of God -fills my heart. In the course of this visit I had a very interesting -public meeting in Nantucket. My spirit had long lingered around that -little island of the sea, and sweet was our communion together in the -love and power of truth. Dear father met me joyfully and expressed -great thankfulness for being permitted to meet me again below. He said -his soul was filled with a Saviour's love, and he longed to go home to -his heavenly rest, to join with saints and angels in singing the song -of Moses and the Lamb for ever and ever. It was a time of blessed -communion. My mind is deeply impressed with the language uttered -frequently in my inward ear: "Go offer a sacrifice similar to my -servant Abraham's;" which causes great fearfulness to come upon me, -and a sense of utter unworthiness and inability for such a momentous -work, feeling the least and last of those who name the great Name. - -_2d mo._ Dear father seems near his eternal joy. He told me to-day -that he had been thinking I had a prospect of some service in a -distant land, and wished to know if I thought of such a thing. As I -had not named it to any one, and felt restrained from speaking of it, -I hesitated, but at length opened my feelings, at which he seemed -introduced into much sympathy, and desired me to be faithful, and then -placed his hands upon me, and poured out a fervent prayer to our -Father in heaven on my behalf for His holy presence to go with me, and -His almighty power to keep me from all evil. It was a solemn season, -for the painful and yet happy thought mingled in this communion that -when my frail bark must venture on dangerous seas his would be for -ever anchored on the shore of immortal joy. - -This day I have been summoned to my sainted father's bed of death. He -was happy, full of heavenly peace, and, resting his ransomed spirit on -his Saviour's breast, there breathed his life sweetly away. Our loss -is great, but his gain glorious. - -_2d mo._ We have conveyed his cherished form to its last -resting-place, and Jesus was with us and presided over all. Oh let his -name be praised and his matchless goodness be adored. - -_3d mo._ My dear brother Augustine, whose health has been declining -for some years, seems rapidly following father, at which our hearts -are so stricken that sorrow's bitter tears, fast falling on a sainted -father's grave, are even shared by our dearest brother, on whose cheek -flushes the crimson hectic omen of dissolution. The painful thought of -the departure of our dear brother, the last earthly prop of the -family, seemed agonizing to our hearts. While these afflictive -dispensations are meted out, my spirit dwells in the great depths of -self-abasedness, and bears upon it too the burden of a Saviour's love -to sinners in a far-distant land. Oh fix the trust of my -tempest-tossed soul immutably upon the unchanging Rock! - -To-day I have returned from visiting my sweet brother. He thankfully -acknowledges the mercy of being so calm and comfortable, though -rapidly hasting to the silent grave. Soon after the Lord saw fit to -plunge his soul into deep baptism for its purification. His distress -seemed entirely indescribable, but, being encouraged to believe it was -a refining process, though thus painful, to prepare him to partake -more fully of the joys of God's salvation, his faith seemed -strengthened to hope for mercy and deliverance in the Lord's time; -which time at last came, and ushered in the dawn of a glorious morning -without clouds. His heart was full of songs of joy. His constant theme -was the unsearchable riches of Christ. One day when I entered his -sick-room, he exclaimed, "Dear sister, I am glad to see thee: I want -to tell thee the joy of my soul. I have heard the language, as -intelligibly as anything I hear with my outward ear, 'Speak -comfortably unto Jerusalem, cry unto her that her warfare is -accomplished, her iniquity is pardoned, for she hath received at the -Lord's hand double for all her sin;' and, though I am most unworthy, I -believe this is applied to me, for my peace flows like a river." He -lived about five weeks from this time, and had indeed no more -conflicts; not a doubt or a cloud obstructed the continual shining of -the glorious Sun of Righteousness. He often said that he was as full -of songs of joy as his poor heart could hold. - -Deep baptisms abide me, and such a painful sense is given me of my own -inability and nothingness that I am ready to shrink from attempting to -open the subject to my friends. My poor tempest-tossed soul dwells -near the valley and shadow of death. Liberia seems to press upon my -mind, but can all this be called for at such weak hands? - -I have omitted to mention in its place a testimony of my dear -brother's to me a short time before his death. In an interview -together he thus expressed himself: "Dear sister, I have thought for -some time past that the Master had a service for thee in distant -lands across the ocean, and I have this to say to thee: _Go_ with thy -life in thy hand. It should not concern thee whether thou sees thy -native land again or not: heaven is as near there as here. Go and tell -the sinner of a Saviour's love; bear the good tidings to lands afar -off. I wish you to make timely arrangements, so as to move along -quietly." I replied: "Dear brother, I do not wish to repine at my lot, -but I have been thinking that thou art soon to be released from the -conflict, and that I must remain still longer in the field, and may -make some misstep and never reach thy glorious home." To which he -replied, looking at me most impressively: "The dear Saviour will never -leave thee; He will never leave thee, but when thy work is finished he -will bring thee to meet me in heaven." This seemed a renewed evidence -that the service was required, but so deep was my sense of frailty and -entire inability to do the work that I could not believe that the -Master would select me to go on such an important embassy, a service -of such vast moment. The evidence had been very clear, but the feeling -of unfitness for the work seemed to hedge up the way entirely, and I -thought unless some person would come to me and tell me the Lord -required it and would fit me for the work, I would not take a step. I -thought I could not receive it but from some one clothed with gospel -authority; and in looking over this class I selected dear Benjamin -Seebohm, who I knew was somewhere in America. I was very much reduced -in health, attributable to painful watchings and partings, for I slept -little and had little appetite for food. Our monthly meeting day -arrived, and, though my health was so frail that I had gotten out to -meeting but little for some time, I felt an almost irresistible -impression to go. I accordingly went. As I entered the door almost the -first person I met was Benjamin Seebohm. I could not have been more -surprised at the appearance of any person. In a moment my request -rushed into my mind, and thought I, "I am caught now; I have done -wrong in asking this sign, and may the Lord forgive me and in mercy -overlook this presumption, and not grant the request unless it is His -will, in condescension to my low estate." The meeting gathered under a -great solemnity. It seemed to me that this weighty service fell upon -it, and after a time of very solemn silence dear Benjamin arose and -took up an individual case, and so exactly described my feelings and -the service that no doubt remained but the Most High had sent him with -this message to me. My soul was poured out like water and all my bones -shook. I thought all present knew it was I, though not one but my -husband had been apprised of it (it having been to me too sacred a -thing to speak of). Indeed, I thought I was a spectacle for men and -angels, while the thoughts of my heart were revealed before many -witnesses and the work of the Lord proclaimed in demonstration of the -Spirit and with power. He spoke most cheeringly--explained feelings of -poverty as preparatory to this work, that the creature may be laid low -in the dust and the blessed Name alone be magnified; said the Lord -would abundantly furnish for every good word and work; that he reduced -the creature that all dependence on itself might be entirely removed, -and our confidence firmly fixed on Himself, who is the eternal -foundation of wisdom and knowledge. I did not see Benjamin again -until the day after my dear brother's funeral, when he came to our -house and lodged. He had a meeting in the place, and precious and -heart-searching was his gospel message. He likewise had a sweet -opportunity with the mourners at the house of my lamented brother's -widow. Long will this beloved Friend and his consoling heavenly -testimony be remembered. - -_5th mo., Seventh day._ To-day is our select meeting, and my trembling -spirit is loth to fly, and yet afraid to yield. Who, indeed, can know -the agony of my spirit, save - - "He who rolls the planets in their spheres - And counts the lowly mourner's tears?" - -I thought it best to name my prospect to my two oldest children, a son -sixteen and a daughter twelve. The reply of both was, "Go, mother," -though their full hearts would hardly allow utterance until tears lent -relief. With me words were nearly lost in feeling as I stood on -Jordan's bank again to tempt its fearful tide and deeper tread beneath -its wave. I had sat down to compose my thoughts for meeting, with my -grief-worn mother, by the side of the cradle where lay (all -unconscious of the deep pangs that rent our hearts) my dear little -Grelet, about ten months old. The rest had all come in and were seated -around, when my dear James Parnell, as if fully conscious of what was -passing in his mother's heart, took a book and commenced reading the -following lines: - - "FORWARD AND FEAR NOT. - - "Forward and fear not; the billows may roll, - But the power of Jehovah their rage can control. - The waves are in anger, but their tumult shall cease; - One word of His bidding will hush them to peace. - - "Forward and fear not; though trials be near, - The Lord is thy refuge; whom shouldst thou fear? - His staff is thy comfort, thy safeguard His rod; - Be sober, be steadfast, and hope in thy God. - - "Forward and fear not; though false ones deride, - The hand of the Highest is with thee to guide; - His truth is thy buckler, His love is thy shield; - On, then, to the combat--be sure not to yield. - - "Forward and fear not; be strong in the Lord, - In the power of His promise, the trust of His word. - Through the sea and the desert thy pathway may tend, - But He who has saved thee will save to the end. - - "Forward and fear not; speed on the way, - Why dost thou shrink from thy path in dismay? - Thou tread'st but the path that thy Leader hath trod; - Then forward and fear not, but trust in thy God." - -So appropriate and touching were the sentiments that we were brought -into tenderness. - -I have had many fears that the weight of the important visit will not -be fully valued by all my dear friends. My earnest prayer has been -that they may feel its weight as I have done, if it is of the Lord; if -not, that they may see it right to take the burden and release me. I -have this day ventured in great fear and much trembling to open my -prospect in the select meeting, and, to my trembling admiration, it -fell with solemn weight and awfulness upon the assembly. The great -Head of His own Church dispensed His holy power and presence and -condescended to be a Spirit of judgment to those who sat in judgment, -and an entire unity prevailed and cemented our hearts together in the -strong bonds of gospel fellowship and love, and the great Name was -held in reverence by those about Him. I feel somewhat relieved, and, -having cast the burden upon my friends, the return of evening finds me -trusting in my Saviour in sweet peace. - -To-day is our monthly meeting, my health very frail, and my spirit -awfully bowed before the Most High. A sense of utter inability to -proceed in this momentous subject brings my soul into the dust of -death, but "I will look unto the hills from whence cometh my -strength." I was unable to attend the first meeting, and in great -bodily infirmity went to the last meeting to attend to the business -before me. I was strengthened to stand up and to open to my dear -friends the service on my mind for the Lord my God in a distant land. -It fell with great impressiveness, and yet as the gentle dew, upon the -solemn assembly, and all present seemed to have a sweet feeling of -unity and sympathy. The mountains indeed flowed down at the presence -of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob. - -To-day our quarterly meeting convened, and it was signally owned by -the holy Head. In and over the first meeting was a sweet solemnity, -which lost none of its sweetness after separation to transact the -weighty business of the Church, which to me never seemed more weighty. -I was mercifully helped again to spread the important prospect before -the Church, which received its full and cordial unity, and many living -testimonials were given forth to the power and goodness of Him whose -ways are not as our ways. My heart was reverently bowed before Him who -makes a way through the roaring billows of discouragement and causeth -the mountains to flee away at His presence before the footsteps of His -little ones. - -_6th mo., Newport._ Arrived on the island last evening, and to-day I -have to bring my prospect before the Church in its select yearly -meeting capacity. While I have not a doubt but the great Master -requires me to make the sacrifice of laying the burden upon my friends -for their disposal, I feel a fervent desire that we may not be -permitted to proceed unless it is the Lord's will. May it please Him -in whom are the treasures of wisdom and knowledge to dispense the -spirit of wisdom and judgment to the Church, and may the awfulness of -the service, with a sense of His dread majesty, power, and holy -cementing love, mantle the whole assembly! I took my seat with my -friends as a weaned child, passive in His holy hands whose will only I -wished to know and do, with great fear upon my spirit. The Lord helped -me to declare unto the Church what seemed to be His holy will who -declareth unto man what are His thoughts, who maketh the morning -darkness and treadeth upon the high places of the earth. The Lord, the -God of hosts, is His name. A solemn awe pervaded the assembly, and at -the place of prayer each spirit seemed to wait until a door of -communication was opened by Him who openeth and none can shut. The -mind of the blessed Head through the eternal Spirit was given forth in -many living testimonials. Great unity prevailed. The prophetic -declaration seemed applicable: "God came from Teman and the Holy One -from Mount Paran; His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was -filled with His praise." My soul returns unto her rest with songs of -joy. The endorsements placed upon our certificates by the select -meeting of ministers and elders have been read to-day, which brought -the subject again before the meeting, and it proved the calling of a -solemn assembly and the charge reposed in the Church. Our beloved -Benjamin Seebohm expressed, near the conclusion, that he had never -seen the trust of disposing of these weighty affairs better redeemed -than in the present instance. The convocation was concluded in -reverent, fervent supplication by dear Lindley Murray Hoag, wherein -near access was granted to the mercy-seat. We were committed to the -holy keeping and safe guidance of the blessed Shepherd when we should -be in distant lands across the great deep, and a rich heavenly -blessing was implored upon our tender children, whom for Jesus' sake -we must leave behind. - -This evening we had a youth's meeting, which, as it reflected no glory -upon the creature, may have brought honor to the Creator. Our yearly -meeting was highly blessed with the holy Presence, which continued -through its several sittings. On leaving the island the language of my -heart was, "Thou, O my Father, hast dealt very graciously with the -last and least and most unworthy." But now comes the bitterness of -death, to leave all most dear in this life and go with our lives in -our hands at the bidding of the blessed Master; but my earnest prayer -is that we may be cheerful givers, for the Lord loveth such. Every -step thus far has been taken in the ability which He gives us. As He -has ordered our steps, so may we be fully His. - -After reaching home we began making arrangements for embarking. It -seemed best to break up the family, as no suitable person could be -found to take care of the dear children, and we desired in this thing -to be directed by Him who hath called us to His work. Our eldest son -intends going to Haverford, a Friends' college in Pennsylvania, with -which we are well satisfied. As he is at the tender age of sixteen, we -had felt much solicitude as to his place and associates, and this -prospect seems favorable, as he will have good company, and dear -Marmaduke and Sarah Cope of Philadelphia have most kindly offered to -take particular charge of him. - -Many have been the marks of divine regard to us and ours. We had often -thought of Liberia on the western coast of Africa as our first step, -but thought we must of necessity go by way of England; but in the -midst of our arrangements we received intelligence that the Liberia -packet was daily expected from the coast, and would return soon--that -it was the safest and most comfortable conveyance, and that it would -stop for a few days to two weeks at most of the principal ports on the -African coast, so that we could lodge on board every night; which was, -with little exception, an entire protection from the acclimating fever -so dangerous to the life of a Northerner. We sought in this exigency -divine direction, as we must leave so much sooner than we had planned. -This brought the final parting so near that heart and flesh seemed to -fail, and the dear children seemed much grieved and cast down at this -sudden wrench, as it were, of heart from heart in the most tender and -endearing relations. Our dear brother Cyrus seemed on the verge of -eternity: we had hoped to have seen him quietly at rest ere we left -our native land, and to have more time to visit our other beloved -relatives. We were brought very low, even into the deeps, before the -most high God, and there in fervent supplication raised our hearts to -heaven in this our hour of need; and the watchword was, "Gird on thy -sword, take thy helmet and march; the Lord hath need of thee now, for -the enemy mustereth his host, and my soldiers must be in readiness." -Impalpable mountains seemed to intervene, and high and fearful swelled -Jordan's deep waves. In this great strait the language was -intelligible: "Stand still and see the salvation of God." - -_7th mo. 14th, Second day._ We received a telegraphic despatch that -the ship would sail the 20th, which would occur the next First day. -Our time seemed limited indeed. To-day our monthly meeting occurred, -and it was the greatest solemnity, I think, ever witnessed there. Then -came the pangs of parting; the ties of consanguinity and gospel -fellowship were being suddenly and unexpectedly torn asunder; we might -meet again, but probably it was a final separation to some present. -Our hearts were poured out like water before the Lord and for each -other's welfare. Several touching testimonies were given forth--I -might safely say as the Spirit gave utterance. Dear James Owen from -Indiana delivered a solemn and pathetic message touching the case of -our immediate departure. Our prayers were that our departure from -those with whom we had so long endeavored to labor faithfully might -stimulate them to greater dedication and faithfulness. - -_17th._ Making arrangements for our expedition, believing it to be a -divine opening for us, entirely without our aid or concern. This P. M. -we must leave and proceed as far as Vassalboro' to take the cars -to-morrow morning. What tongue can tell my soul's anguish as the tears -flowed fast from each child's almost bursting heart? Had it not been -for the gentle accents of a Saviour's love, "It is I, be not afraid; -leave thy children with me," I could not have left them. We took our -dear children to the home of dear husband's father, two of whom--viz. -Sybil Narcissa and Richard Mott--we intended to take to Providence -School. There we must bid adieu to dear brother Cyrus, father and -mother, brothers and sisters, and friends who had collected to take -their leave. Here we had concluded to leave our little Susan Tabor, -about three years and a half old, who would often look in my face and -exclaim with a touching look that reached my very heart, "Don't leave -me, mother, thy little daughter; I will be a nice little lady; thee -won't leave me, will thee?" The strength of Israel was my confidence -at that moment. Our dear brother took our hands, and after pronouncing -the words, "The Lord be with you!" he whispered the last and sad -farewell while all around were weeping. We then took an affectionate -leave of all present, and left the sweet scenes of childhood for -perhaps many a year. Then proceeded to our friend Daniel Runnel's, -where was our Eli Grelet, not quite a year old. My heart yearned over -this lovely boy, whom I must cast from me. Then we separated, taking -the train for Providence School and dear James Parnell, who was to -take us to the cars. We arrived at our esteemed friend Alton Pope's, -where many Friends had collected, among whom were the Indiana Friends -and dear John D. Lang and wife. We sat down together for a little -time, and great tenderness and solemnity prevailed. I have lost two -dear brothers and five sisters and an estimable father, but never did -such hallowed, solemn, and unearthly feelings steal over my -overcharged heart as on this memorable day. We rose early in the -morning, and after taking leave of our much-loved friends, Alton and -Theodate Pope, hastened to the cars. Dear James seemed more cheerful -than I supposed he could be. At length we reached the depot, and the -painful moment came to bid adieu to our dear child; his bosom swelled -with emotion and fast fell the bitter tears. With a full heart I -pronounced my last parting blessing: "Dearest boy, farewell; God bless -and keep thee! I make this request as though it were my last: give thy -heart to thy dear Saviour now in thy youthful days; He will comfort -thy heart when we are far away." We arrived at New Bedford the same -evening. On our way we paused a few minutes at Portland, met our dear -friends R. and Sarah Horton, had a parting opportunity at the depot. -Next stopped a few minutes at Lynn, and several friends accompanied us -to Boston, where we had to wait about an hour, which was very -pleasant, as the company of those dear friends was very cheering to -us. They brought us several packages of useful and interesting things -for our comfort on board of the ship. Our hearts were touched with -grateful feelings for their Christian kindness. At New Bedford lives -my only sister; her health is so frail it is not probable (should we -return) that she will survive till that time. - -_18th._ This morning we took the cars for Providence. The children -seemed to forget their trouble in their interest in new objects. We -stopped about four hours in Providence, where we left the children and -parted with our friends Joseph and Sybil Estes, who had accompanied us -from Vassalboro'. We took our leave of the dear inmates of the -Friends' school in a collective capacity--a very solemn season, our -two little ones being with them. We bowed before the Most High and -commended them to the care of Him whose mercy endures for ever. The -dear children, with several others, went with us to the depot, where -dear Samuel Boice and wife joined us. We gave a farewell glance to -all. The dear little ones' faces were bathed in tears. Here it would -be proper to say that we received the kindest attention from the -superintendents, Silas and Sarah Cornell, and many others. These dear -friends exerted themselves to procure some more needful things for us -with great interest. Having so little time, and going by the way of -Africa, we were lacking in some things which they most kindly -supplied. May Heaven's blessings rest upon them! - -_7th mo. 20th, 1851, Chesapeake Bay, on board Liberia packet._ We -arrived in Baltimore about ten o'clock last evening, and found the -ship had left the wharf and stood off about eight miles waiting for -us, and that we should be expected to be on board this morning. Having -taken a solemn and affecting leave of the last familiar face in our -native land, we retired to our room, and, though now separated from -all most dear, we felt the loving presence of our Saviour. - -_21st._ Made some arrangements to fit up our little "floating home" to -make it as agreeable as possible. Captain and officers very kind, and -all seem inclined to try to make us happy. - -_22d._ Retired to our cabin after breakfast to read a portion of -Scripture and to wait upon the Lord. I felt drawn to supplicate the -throne of grace for all on board our frail bark, that the God of our -lives would keep us in safety and bless and protect our precious -children in our absence. Our time is mostly taken up in writing, as -the pilot will return at the capes. Dear Eli is engaged a part of the -day in teaching the emigrants to read, cipher, etc. We have some -interesting conversation with them, and find them as a whole rather -intelligent, and even pious. - -_24th._ Calms and head winds seem to be our daily portion, but the -heavenly Pilot holds the ship and the winds in His holy hands. -Teaching the emigrants and writing to our friends keep us busy; health -comfortable. - -_26th._ To-day brisk wind; we expect to pass the capes. At six o'clock -the pilot-boat came alongside and took off the pilot and a large -package of letters. We shall not hear from home or have any means of -sending intelligence until we reach Africa. - -_27th._ We behold another morning in safety. It is First day, but -fearful has been the night. We had a thunder-shower with furious -winds. The rain fell in torrents and the thunder rolled deep, while -the vivid lightning seemed to envelop the ship in liquid fire. Our -trembling vessel would dash into ocean's depths apparently, and then -rise upon the mountain wave. We were brought to test ourselves whether -we were willing to make our graves in the caverns of the deep or gird -on the armor for the Lord's battles. To-day we entered the Gulf -Stream. We are making ten miles an hour. We are so enfeebled with last -night's rolling that we are neither of us able to sit up. The approach -of night again fills us with apprehension. The night again stormy. We -looked up in that hour of dismay and found an eye to pity and an arm -to save. - -_29th._ Stormy night, exceedingly rough; not safe to stay in our -berths. With loss of appetite we are somewhat reduced. Felt somewhat -as Noah's weary dove that found no place of rest above the cheerless -waters. - -_30th._ Boisterous weather still, but we are rapidly nearing Africa's -distant coast. Our helpless souls hang on Thee. - -_31st._ Rather more calm. My dear Eli is improving, though still -feeble. A number of sweet little birds cheered us to-day, following -the ship some distance. I think that they deserve a better name than -"Mother Carey's chickens." At eleven o'clock we took our seats in our -cabin (it being meeting-day at home) to try and worship Him who -remains with them. Our spirits refreshed in blessed communion. At the -evening sacrifice we had a fresh assurance of the angel of the Lord's -presence. Delightful evening, every sail spread with fair wind. At -twelve o'clock, 1360 miles from Cape Henry. We feel our infirmities, -but can sing of the Lord's judgement and mercies. - -_8th mo. 2d._ We have proceeded rapidly since leaving the capes; this -is the seventh day since leaving them, and we have gone two thousand -miles. Providence has sped us on our way. We find some very -interesting persons among the emigrants, with whom we converse freely; -we find them engaged to serve their God with diligence and love. - -_First day._ A most charming morning. At eleven o'clock we sat down in -our little meeting. We have felt a very painful exercise since being -on board this ship. Our souls have been lifted up to God alone, that -He would order our service for Him among the inmates of the ship, and -the time, not daring to move (whatever we may suffer with the burden -upon our spirits) until the command is given: for this we wait in -watchfulness and prayer. After meeting it seemed best to us to try for -a meeting, and, no obstacle appearing, at the time appointed nearly -all assembled, and the short silence was blessed with His presence who -is invisible. With awfulness and fear we ventured to make known our -requests, and our dependent souls were made joyful in the house of -prayer. Great solemnity pervaded the assembly, and these desperate -spirits seemed contrited and made to fear. We were comforted with the -spirits of a little band of humble followers of the Lord in this -meeting, whom doubtless the Saviour loves. So great was my relief -after this meeting that the language of my soul was, "Return unto thy -rest, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." Last night -seemed sweet and peaceful. We heard neither oaths nor imprecations, -with which our ears had been saluted many painful nights before our -meeting. Fearfulness came upon us often when we heard the great Name -blasphemed, and such angry threats that we thought there was great -danger of their killing each other. A great change is apparent, -especially with the captain. May the Ancient of Days be honored for -His power! - -_5th._ This morning the ocean is very smooth, scarcely a breath to -ruffle the blue. We have made little progress for two days. A sail has -been just in sight since First day P. M. We have been a little -suspicious of it. This morning we discovered a small boat approaching; -there was considerable conjecture with regard to the business of the -little messenger. She came alongside, containing six men, one of whom -tremblingly ascended the side of the ship, assisted by a rope. He -looked around, apparently with mingled emotions of hope and fear; his -first idea must have been that we had a cargo of slaves. He was met -with looks of kindness, and informed us that the first mate was ill -and that he came to obtain some assistance. It seemed they had been as -shy of us as we of them, but at length necessity had driven them to -the hazardous attempt. We had a colored physician on board, but he -seemed very unwilling to go with them, still fearing that some trick -might be played upon us. My husband offered to go with them, for which -my heart rejoiced, for I had felt a secret distress for them, and -thought we might be becalmed for some good to them. The little boat -left the ship, and had not rowed half the distance before a brisk fair -wind arose and filled our flagging sails, and away we made for the -disturbed vessel, and soon came alongside. The boat returned for -medicine, etc. It afforded my dear Eli great satisfaction to give them -a little assistance from our small stock of comforts. To nearly all of -us it seemed a providential interposition. A strong breeze now wafts -us on with thankful hearts, I trust. The ship proved to be a whaler -from Provincetown, out seven months. They wished for some books, and -we had the pleasure of furnishing them with several interesting books, -tracts, and papers, with which they seemed delighted. To-day we take -the trade-winds, so that we have a fair prospect of a quick voyage; -for this we feel we depend on Him who commands the wind. It seems that -all hearts on board try to manifest their kindness and respect. - -_6th._ Every sail filled with a delightful breeze. Were greatly -refreshed together in reading and meditation upon Him who is our only -crown of rejoicing in our low estate. Ability was granted to ask a -blessing on the dear children. We have a very pleasant company--have -not heard a profane word since the meeting. I never saw so great a -change in a ship's crew. It is indeed the Lord's doings. - -Saw a nautilus to-day. It spread its thin sail to catch the rising -breeze. The sailors call it a "Portuguese man-of-war." Dear Eli is -quite seasick to-day. At eleven o'clock sat down with as many -emigrants as could be comfortably seated in our cabin, to try to -worship Him who graciously sustains us upon the rolling deep. It -proved a season of heavenly communion. - -_8th mo. 3d, Sixth day_, lat. 33 deg. 53' N., long. 36 deg/ W. A school -of porpoises played round the ship for some time this morning. They -seemed delighted at amusing us, jumping several feet out of the water -and darting to and fro. We seemed nearing the shores of such intense -interest to most on board, and, though a sea-life is not desirable, I -do not feel anxious about reaching Africa. Great and fearful is our -responsibility, and dangers seen and unseen are in this untrod path. -May the God of our salvation have mercy upon us and direct our every -step! - -_First day, 10th._ Unable to sit up this morning. Dear Eli sat by my -birth during meeting-hour, and our hearts were raised in aspiration -heavenward. P. M. Able to sit up toward evening, and we concluded that -it would be best to try for a meeting, which collected a little after -sunset under a clear sky and a full moon, all canvas filled. The moon -shed a mild intermingled gleam through the shrouds of our gallant -ship, and delightful indeed were our meditations. The silence was at -length broken by dear Eli in a feeling testimony to the universality -of divine grace. The people were encouraged to forsake their sins and -come to Jesus the Saviour of the world. It was a sweet, heavenly -season. We felt to tell them that it was not a light thing to be thus -remembered by Him who rolls the planets in their spheres. A great -change is apparent in all on board. Everything is almost as we could -wish, compared with what it was when we came. May we do nothing to -diminish the reputation of our beloved Society! - -The captain says that we are about six hundred miles from the coast of -Africa in a straight line. - -_14th of 8th mo._ Saw a whale to-day: shall pass the tropic of Cancer -to-night; chilly. About two days' sail from Cape Verde. - -_17th._ Cool and pleasant, very different from expectation in a -tropical climate. I have been ill to-day; dear Eli somewhat better. It -being First day, we were present in spirit with our friends at home in -their meeting. Spoke a ship, and the captain and dear Eli took boat -and went off to her. She proved to be the St. Paul, bound to Cowes. We -sent a few lines home by her. - -_20th._ A dreadful storm is on the main, and our ship is like a leaf -in the winds. Several sails are split, and we may lose all before -morning. - -_21st._ My dear Eli is not able to sit up much, which saddens me. - -_25th._ But little progress. I do not feel much anxiety but for my -dear Eli, who seems failing every day from loss of appetite and want -of things to make him comfortable, and for the poor emigrants, many of -whom suffer from the same causes. - -_26th._ This evening there is quite an excitement on board. My Eli -discovered land; the captain thinks it may be Grand Cape Mount. The -captain just called us on deck and a novel scene presented itself. Our -ship seemed gliding through a stream of liquid fire, while each -crested wave shed a beautiful silver light amid sparkling gems that -bespangled the whole face of the deep. Thinking we might soon reach -land, it seemed right to have another opportunity with the emigrants, -which we obtained this P. M. We felt an impression that some one -present would soon be taken home to rest in Jesus. It proved a -satisfactory season, thankfully received by them. - -_28th._ This morning early we were saluted with the joyful -intelligence that we were near Cape Mesurado. We hastened on deck, and -once more beheld the "dark green robes of earth," which never seems so -lovely as after a sea-voyage. The noble promontory is nearly covered -with a thick forest, interwoven with luxuriant vines that hang in rich -drapery from the branches of the trees, and the stately palm tree -rears its lofty head high in air, like some tall cliff. It was Nature -in her chastest charms arrayed. Soon my thoughts were diverted from -this deeply interesting scene to one as novel as can well be imagined. -The native canoes appeared, manned by natives without clothing. Soon -the water seemed almost alive with them, and the air rang with strange -sounds. We made ready to go on shore. I cannot describe my feelings at -this moment, but, like Peter, I thought that I must call nothing -common or unclean that God had cleansed. The captain, dear Eli, and I -were soon seated in one of our boats manned by natives, and in a few -minutes passed the bar in safety and reached the city of Monrovia, -just in rear of the cape, and with grateful emotions set our feet on -the shores of Africa. - -B. V. R. James welcomed us to the shore, and kindly invited us to go -to his house and refresh ourselves. We proceeded up a gentle ascent -through the city as far as his house--were pleasantly received; took -breakfast and dined with them. Called on President Roberts and his -wife, who received us cordially; delivered our papers and letters; -they kindly invited us to call again and make our home with them if -agreeable. Called also at James B. McGill's, a very interesting -family, and returned before nightfall to our floating home. It has -been a fine day, though in the midst of the rainy season. - -_29th._ Just returned from shore; had a pleasant day and a delightful -walk. Took breakfast at James McGill's, who with his pleasant wife -entertained us very cheerfully. Dined with Beverly Wilson, a Methodist -minister, who with his wife interested us highly. Visited the -Alexander high school, B. V. R. James teacher. It contained seventy -scholars, fifty of whom were present. They reflected credit on their -competent teacher by their advancement and circumspect demeanor. We -thought them as good scholars as those of the same age in America. We -imparted some religious instruction and suggested some trifling -improvements, with which the pious teacher and pupils seemed pleased. -One is our Master, even Christ, and all we are brethren. - -_30th._ Morning rainy; dear Eli has been ashore; thinks the place -increases in interest every time he visits it. He has made two -appointments for to-morrow, one at the Methodist and one at the -Baptist house. - -_31st, First day._ Morning rainy, but we thought best to try and meet -our appointments. Arrived in time, but got somewhat wet; changed -clothes. We felt it to be no ordinary occasion as we passed through -the throng to our seats and then mingled in sweet and sacred communion -for the first time with dear brethren and sisters in a distant land, -for whose souls we had long borne the burden of a dying Saviour's -love. The silence was impressive, and the streams of that river that -gladdens the heritage of God circulated sweetly through the assembly. -The holy fervor of gospel love filled our hearts to the great -abasedness of the creature. Ability was given us to show forth that -living faith that works by love to the purifying of the heart, and to -point out the difference between this saving faith and a dead faith -that the world and its spirit will overcome. We were melted together -as the heart of one man. The Lord reigned gloriously. At the close of -this solemnity the people wished to get our hands, giving -demonstrations of great joy at meeting us, and bidding us welcome to -their shores with great blessing. Dined at James B. McGill's. Our -afternoon meeting was increasingly interesting. We were led to explain -the nature of that worship which only can be acceptable to God. -Returned to our ship with the testimony sealed upon our heads. Not -unto us, but unto Thy great Name, be all the honor. - -_9th mo. 1st._ Morning rainy; had to remain in the packet; evening -more pleasant. Passed our time in writing, reading, etc. - -_9th mo. 2d, Third day._ Morning rainy; dear E. went ashore. He seems -quite improved, which is very cheering. We feel quite at home on -board, though far away dwell the hearts bound to us by the tenderest -ties. - -_3d._ We went on shore and called on Sarah Smith, a pious colored -woman who keeps a place of refreshment; then called on President -Roberts and wife, and had a very interesting conversation on several -subjects relative to the interest and welfare of the republic. The -President was truly courteous and affable. In his manner there is an -elegant simplicity adorned with Christian piety. He said, "I am truly -thankful the Lord has sent you here, and for your prayers for us in -your native land." His wife's highest ornament is piety, which is -sweetly cherished in her gentle heart. After dinner, accompanied by -the President and his wife, we repaired to the Presbyterian place of -worship (a previous appointment). The house was crowded, but orderly -and still. It was given us to deal very plainly with the people. - -_4th._ Raining; dear E. went on shore and visited a native town, with -which he was much interested. I felt the privation of remaining in the -ship; I was somewhat impatient at being confined in my cage-like -cabin. The deck being very wet, I was somewhat circumscribed, but in -settling up the day's accounts I did not feel fully satisfied, and my -earnest prayer is that I may keep my mind stayed on the Lord. - -_5th._ Just returned from shore; have enjoyed the day much. Visited a -private school taught by Georgianna Johnson, and suggested some -improvements. Called on President Roberts and wife (they being -directors of two or more female benevolent societies) to obtain their -consent to meet those societies at their own time and place. We met -them the following day, and had a very interesting conference. -Suggested some improvements, such as ameliorating the condition of -those immigrants, many of whom are destitute of employment or not -willing to work, who lead a wretched life of indolence and -consequently vice. The President said that it was a source of much -solicitude to himself; he was fearful of the continuance of this state -of things. We suggested a house of industry. This struck him -pleasantly as the very antidote needed. Called at George R. Ellis's, -who is a magistrate. We were kindly received. - -_6th._ Went on shore; had a very interesting opportunity with the -Ladies' Association (some of the most intelligent females in Liberia). -They managed their business in a correct and orderly manner, and by -their records and accounts show that they are doing much for suffering -humanity here. The emancipated slaves are sent here nearly penniless, -except their portion of land, which is an unbroken forest, and six -months' provisions, which are exhausted during the process of -acclimating. The fever reduces them much. It is the judgment of the -most intelligent residents of Liberia that it is best for the -immigrants soon after their arrival to take up their farms and work a -small portion of each day, clearing their land and planting sweet -potatoes, and with the abundance of fruit growing around them they -could live comfortably. This has been tried by some, and far less die. -With the fever much depends on keeping up the courage; there is but -little chance for those who abandon exercise. - -_7th._ We went on shore at an early hour; took breakfast at Uriah -McGill's. Went to a First-day school containing ninety-four children, -twenty-five of whom are natives; the latter are not able to read the -Bible. At half-past two attended a meeting for the children. The -Baptist house, being the largest, was selected, and was well filled; -they were orderly and attentive. I trust impressions were made that -will never be effaced. - -_8th._ E. went on shore. In the afternoon he returned with our valued -friend James B. McGill and two colored ladies, with their servants, -the latter going to Greenville, Sinon county. We left the shores of -Monrovia with a comfortable evidence that our labors were acceptable -to Him who had sent us forth. We were quite cheered with the prospect -of saying that we had personal acquaintances in Liberia. - -_9th._ Anchored in Bassa Cove. Thank God for the blessings and mercies -that have attended us on this embassy of love! - -_11th._ Came to anchor off Greenville. - -_13th._ Went on shore and made arrangements for meetings--in the -morning at the Baptist house, in the afternoon at the Presbyterian. -The Methodist minister cordially invited us to attend the afternoon -sitting of the quarterly meeting, saying the meeting should be at our -disposal to worship in our own way. We were refreshed in the Lord. - -_First day, 14th._ Had good meetings. At the Presbyterian house many -stood about, not able to get inside. We were blessed together in -heavenly places. Dined at Judge Murray's. - -_Second day, 15th._ Set sail for Cape Palmas; anchored on account of -head winds. I fear we cannot visit the town, Settra Kroo. - -_16th._ We are in sight of Settra Kroo still. May the Lord keep us in -safety! - -_17th._ At anchor off Nasma Kroo; went on shore; called at the only -two colonist houses there, then visited the native village. Here a -strange scene presented itself: the females were entirely naked, -except a small covering about the loins, mothers with their naked -infants on their backs, from one month old and upward; lasses with -their skin painted indelible black and shining with palm oil, with -which they are besmeared, came in crowds and surrounded us, gazing at -me, crying, "White mammy;" others ran from us with fear. We gave the -mothers some crackers, and soon every one that could get a child -(sometimes quite as big as the pretended mother herself) had one -packed on her back to get a cracker also. They are a very shrewd -people--fine forms and well-proportioned. We visited the queen, who -has a separate room in the king's house. He was absent; she received -us quite graciously: her body was striped with white paint. We thought -best to try for a meeting. The king's house was selected. One of the -natives undertook to notify the meeting. He passed on before us, -stopping at each house, and very soon the people might be seen running -from every point toward the house where they were to have a "God -palaver," as they call it. A number gathered. A native named Giando -undertook to interpret for us. They were attentive--promised with -clamorous acclamation that they would do as we told them. The meeting -was relieving, and we have great cause for gratitude. Before we left -the village several females had painted their faces white, which made -them look ridiculous in the extreme. - -_18th._ Set sail for Cape Palmas again. Came to anchor after sunset. - -_19th._ Went on shore; called at Dr. McGill's; they received us -pleasantly. He occupies the vacancy made by the lamented death of -Governor Rupworm. Dined at F. Burns's, the Methodist minister. We -were interested in the information they gave us of the colony and -natives. The latter have three villages very compact, and with all the -heathen customs, the most disgusting of which is their unclad forms -that are seen in every direction, forming a striking contrast to the -neat dwellings, decent clothing, and intelligent countenances of the -colonists. On the outermost point of this high promontory is a -lighthouse, and about it the colonists' houses stand surrounded with -fine gardens and the beautiful African fruit trees. Made an -appointment at the Methodist house for to-morrow. - -_20th._ We have not been able to meet our appointment, the swell is so -great. We have been somewhat disappointed in not getting to town, but -are sure that all is well under the supervision of Him who commands -the elements in His own consummate wisdom. - -_21st, First day._ Beautiful morning; got safely on shore, and had a -large meeting in the Methodist house. In the sweet covenant of peace -and joy the meeting closed. - -_22nd._ Got on shore, and rode in a small carriage drawn by natives -about two miles into the country, accompanied by Dr. McGill and his -amiable wife. Delighted with the scenery. The dwellings of the -colonists are comfortable, but most of their farms are uncultivated; -very rich soil. We have a strong apology to make for the indolence in -Africa: most of the settlers hitherto are emancipated slaves, worn out -with hard service in the land of oppression, from which they have been -sent after their spirits and strength are wasted by unrequited toil. -Then they meet this enervating climate. A number of energetic -husbandmen should be sent out with every colony to inspire them. -Manual-labor schools would doubtless succeed here, but the present -operations must fail to arrive at the happy results anticipated by the -philanthropists. - -_23d._ Went on shore and had a most interesting meeting with the -children. Many youthful eyes were bedewed with tears as they heard the -glad tidings of a Saviour's love. - -_24th._ Had a meeting at the Episcopal house. The Lord was with us. We -gave books and tracts. - -_25th._ We were saddened by the conviction that some of us would meet -no more on earth. We left Cape Palmas with an additional interest for -Africa. We feel that we are only the pioneers--that the Lord will send -yet more honorable members of his household to this land. - -_27th._ Very weak. Came to anchor off Sinon. My E. went on shore, but -I thought best to remain, write, and arrange for to-morrow. E. -returned wearied, but much delighted with his excursion into the -country. - -_28th._ Went early on shore, and, taking our vessel's boat and crew, -proceeded up the Sinon River about two miles to a colonist settlement. -Our meeting was well attended and the word was heard with gladness. We -walked in a footpath some distance in a smart shower, and were wet and -much fatigued. Rested and dried our clothes a little before the -meeting. The people more industrious than any we have seen before in -Liberia. - -_30th._ Went on shore; had a meeting in the Baptist house. It was a -final parting and a heavenly season. No doubt that we shall have the -prayers of these dear people. - -_10th mo. 3d._ Anchored this P. M. off Bassa. - -_4th._ Went on shore, but with much difficulty, it being the worst bar -on the coast. We proceeded along the coast until we found a place to -land in safety. The natives managed with great skill, and as soon as -we came near land they sprang into the water and caught me, and in a -minute set me down high and dry, seemingly highly gratified, -exclaiming "Mammy no wet." We called at a little cabin and got a cup -of tea made, and when the rain subsided we proceeded to the town. -Beautiful country, covered with orange trees and guava, but farms -sadly neglected. I think the plough is needed as much as missionary -labors, for without the former the latter cannot accomplish much. - -P. M. Very rainy; had a ride in a hammock, or rather a substitute for -one--a piece of native cloth with the ends fastened together with -ropes, and a pole passed through loops; the poles rested on the -natives' shoulders. It was placed on the ground for me to step in and -lie down, but I begged the privilege of walking, which was refused, as -it would injure my health, for the rain was pouring. I did not like -it, although I did not get wet. The idea of a bier was constantly -presenting itself, together with the fear that it was too great a -burden for the poor natives. A terrible storm came up on our way back -to the ship, and we nearly lost our lives in the angry waves. - -_5th, First day._ Had a meeting in the evening on board, as it was -very rainy. In retirement this day we could say with the Psalmist, -"How precious are thy thoughts unto me!" - -_7th._ Went ashore and had a meeting at Edina, on the north side of -the St. John's River. It proved a memorable solemnity. - -_8th._ Went on shore and had a meeting on the south side of the St. -John's, at Bassa. The blessed Head of the Church was pleased to feed -the hungering multitudes through His poor instruments. A number -collected to witness our departure, and we took an affectionate leave -of them, mingled with sadness, on our final departure from Bassa Cove. - -Set sail about five o'clock with a brisk wind, which would take us to -Monrovia by sunrise, but it soon became calm, and we came to anchor. -The Lord knows what is best. - -_9th._ We are quite anxious as we approach Monrovia, for here we must -decide whether to remain in Africa and wait a passage to England -(should none offer before the packet leaves), or return to Boston and -thence embark to Liverpool. I trust we are resigned to either as the -Lord wills. - -_10th._ Anchored off Cape Mesurado. Dear Eli went on shore and found -letters from home. We read them together with much joy, as they -contained intelligence that all was well with the dear children and -those at home. Boundless is our debt of gratitude. One of the -immigrants who was in good health at the time of our last meeting on -board is dead. We learned that she died in peace, but was cruelly -treated by her husband. - -_11th._ Went on shore accompanied by the President's wife. I took a -bundle of tracts and visited all the sick and infirm, distributing -tracts and imparting such messages of gospel love as were given me. - -_First day, 12th._ Went on shore quite comfortably, although it was -wet, and attended a meeting at the Baptist house. Our meetings here -have been signally blessed. Truly the Lord's name is great in Zion. - -_13th._ Rainy, but got on shore, and made calls and distributed -tracts. No way opens yet for Sierra Leone. We are wholly dependent on -Him who makes a way. - -_14th._ Called at U. McGill's, J. B. McGill's, Beverley Willson's. I -then distributed tracts, and I think that I never saw so much -gratitude manifested in any part of the world I ever visited. As I -passed their little cots they followed me in numbers; even children -joined, holding out their hands begging for a tract. At length all -were gone, but a few more on board. - -_15th._ Dear Eli went up the river St Paul, and visited New Georgia, -Upper and Lower Caldwell, Virginia, and Kentucky. I spent the day -making calls and giving tracts. - -_17th._ It is a time of seeking the Lord among the people. The youth -are flocking to the Saviour. May a glorious accession be made to the -militant Church from Africa! - -_19th._ Went on shore, and had a meeting at the Methodist house, and -it was a solemn occasion, as it was our final meeting. - -_20th._ Went on shore for the last time, as the ship would sail at -three o'clock. Made several calls, one on a sick immigrant from -Antigua. Has been sick seven months, reduced to a skeleton; said he -had a wife and two children in his native land. As he spoke of them -his eyes filled with tears, and "God's will be done!" fell from his -trembling lips. - -I went with some ladies to the highest point of this commanding -promontory. Had a fine view of the town and mountains toward the -interior. We met many a smiling face and heard many a "Thank you" as -we stopped at the little cots to distribute tracts. The Liberians are -very anxious to get these little messengers, and read them with -interest. We hope they may be a blessing to them. I handed one to an -aged woman, who clasped it to her bosom and exclaimed, "The Lord bless -you! I will keep it to read while I live, and when I die I will have -it put into my coffin." - -We have left Monrovia, and as the land recedes from view the pangs of -separation from many, if not all, are keenly realized, not only by us, -but by the group on shore. But as the clouds dispersed around the -setting sun his last sweet rays rested upon the rich foliage, and -then, veiling his face in a mantle of crimson clouds, withdrew. We -leave Africa with sheaves of peace. - -_21st._ Made little progress to-day. Though our returning in the ship -is very unexpected, yet all is peace, and it seems to us to be in the -will of Him who brought us in safety across the mighty deep. No way -has opened for us to go to Sierra Leone or England. We intend to -return to America (if no new opening appears) and embark at Boston for -Liverpool. In this way we may see our little ones; which seems almost -too great a favor. We have thoughts of stopping at St. Thomas, and -thence prosecuting our contemplated visit among the islands, if we can -make an arrangement with the captain that will answer and it seems -right. - -_22d._ Delightful weather. This morning in silent waiting before the -Lord He gave us to feel His holy presence near, and an assurance that -He would still lead us and instruct us. - -_23d._ The captain concludes to leave us at St. Thomas if we desire -it. We had looked toward home, but the prospect seems somewhat like -closing up. The will of the Lord be done! - -Some swallows appeared this morning and flew into the cabin. They -lingered about all day. They may be emigrants from cold New England's -clime. They brought with them sweet thoughts of scenes and lands far -over the blue depths of ocean. - -_28th._ Clear weather. Think it may be best to abandon the thought of -returning home, and stop at St. Thomas, one of the West Indies, and -commence our next labors. This seems a favorable opening, for a -Northern tour will be too great a change of climate. My health seems -greatly improved by a warm climate. - -_30th, First day._ We sat down for meeting together, it being -meeting-day at home. We felt as the disciples journeying toward -Emmaus; we felt our hearts warmed and tendered together. - -_31st._ St. Thomas is in our minds' view, but whether we shall get -there or not lies in the bosom of futurity. It will probably take two -weeks longer to reach there if the ship touches it. Our daily prayer -is to be directed aright. - -_11th mo. 1st._ Dear Eli is much better, and my health is quite good. -The cook is quite sick; I fear he will not recover. He is in great -distress both of mind and body. How wise to prepare for such an awful -time in health! - -_2d._ Last evening we read a chapter by the bedside of the distressed -sailor. My heart was poured out in prayer. - -_3d._ We are sailing ten knots an hour toward our native land. The -captain does not think, on further reflection, that he can -consistently stop at St. Thomas. We had given up to go if the way had -been clear, and therefore think the hand of the Lord is in it. He will -accept the will for the deed. The cook seems recovering, and truly -penitent. He told me that a testimony delivered at our last meeting on -board was for him. He has been previously a very profane and wicked -man. This is a fresh instance of the mercy and longsuffering of the -Lord. - -_6th._ We are approaching our native land with the sheaves of peace, -but feeling still bound to the work, not knowing the things that may -await us there. May my whole life be dedicated to His service who has -so remarkably blessed my going out and coming in! - -_20th._ The captain concludes to set his course for Baltimore, hoping -to reach Cape Henry before our stores fail. - -_9th._ About ten o'clock a pilot-boat came alongside and left a pilot. -Providence permitting, we may soon set our feet on the wharf at -Baltimore. Soon we must bid adieu to our home upon the ocean. We are -encouraged with the regular and sober deportment of all on board, and, -though our passage has been a protracted one, we do not regret it, -while we have beheld with thankfulness the operation of the Lord's -hand upon the crew of our brave ship, to which, with its inmates, we -shall now bid adieu with emotions of gladness and regret. Oh may all -that have sailed together here anchor at last in the kingdom of God! -Farewell! - - * * * * * - -Soon after their return Eli Jones wrote an article for the _Friends' -Review_ setting forth the conditions of this African colony, and -recommending that some more work be done to help these enterprising -freedmen and the less enlightened native tribes within the republic of -Liberia. The article was reprinted, and was read by many. Still later, -while at work in North Carolina, he received a call from the president -of the African Colonization Society to attend one of their meetings in -Washington, which he accordingly did. As he entered the hall where the -exercises were being held a gentleman was delivering a discourse in -which he endeavored to show the impossibility of an equality between -negroes and white men, and consequently the hazardousness of the -experiment of allowing them to rule themselves. The chairman then -announced that the next speaker was to have been Eli Jones, but that -he had not yet seen him. - -To his surprise, a man rose in the back of the hall, threw off his -overcoat, and came to the platform. He gave his name as the one called -for, and began to give his knowledge and opinion of Liberian -colonization. He took as his text the remark of the former speaker, -saying that he as a landowner and tiller of the soil went from Maine -to Liberia, where he stood on an equality with the landowners there; -but as he came in the presence of President Roberts there was not an -equality, since he, the white man, stood below the vigorous, wise, -strong-minded colored President of the republic. From that he spoke -for an hour feelingly and emphatically on the excellence of the work -going on in Africa, at the same time impressing the need of further -aid. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -_WORK IN ENGLAND AND IRELAND._ - - "Their single aim the purpose to fulfil - Of truth from day to day; - Simply obedient to its guiding will, - They held their pilgrim way. - Yet dream not hence the beautiful and old - Were wasted on their sight - Who in the school of Christ had learned to hold - All outward things aright." - - WHITTIER. - - -Eli and Sybil Jones reached Baltimore in the middle of winter, and -experienced the joy of being once more among Friends and in their own -loved country. Having been kept and continually supported to -accomplish their work, they now were filled with thanksgiving to Him -whose pillar of cloud and fire had gone before them by day and by -night, and they were prepared in spirit for the still longer journey -which was before them. They visited friends and relatives on their way -to Maine, and were everywhere joyfully received. Their children had -all passed the time of their absence pleasantly, and had gained in -mental and physical growth. - -It was an interesting sight when their townsmen met to welcome them -home. One can see them in the monthly meeting, which was held at this -time. Many who came but seldom, rode over the hills that day to sit -down on the unpainted seats and listen if they did not worship, and an -unusually large number were present when the hushed stillness told -that meeting had begun. One father and the mothers of the two -ministers were there, brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts; many who -had always known them, and some who had never seen them,--all bowed -their heads before the Mighty One, and - - "Low breathings stole - Of a diviner life from soul to soul, - Baptizing in one tender thought the whole." - -Even the cold-hearted felt a warmth steal in, and the low-spirited -were exalted in their minds. No one who sat under that silence doubted -that the Lord was speaking to "the spirit's finer ear;" and when the -seal was broken and the moved lips opened in vocal thanksgiving many -hearts rose in harmony. A brief, quiet prayer from a full heart, when -the spirit of the whole meeting rises with it, reaches where eye -cannot see, and comes not back void. Words are human, but power is -divine. - -We can see Eli Jones rise from his wonted seat and slowly speak his -text: "When the poor and needy seek water and there is none, and their -tongue faileth for thirst, I the Lord will hear them, I the God of -Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers in high places, and -fountains in the midst of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a -pool of water, and the dry land springs of water." His companion sees -many before her who have grown cold while they have been answering the -call from Ethiopia, and sweetly she asks them to whom they will go if -they forsake Him who alone has the words of eternal life. Together -they sound the alarm and call upon their friends and neighbors to -stand firm and quit them like men while they go out again to reap in -other vineyards. At the close of this day Sybil Jones could say, "He -brought us unto his banqueting-house, and the banner over us was -Love." - -Once more they separated from home-friends and took their little -children to West Hill, N. J., the lovely home of Eliza P. Gurney, who -had asked that the two youngest boys, Eli Grelet and Richard Mott, -might be left with her during their parents' absence.... On First day -they attended the meeting at Burlington, and sat in company with -Stephen Grelet and Richard Mott, for whom the boys had been named. -Stephen Grelet, that great apostle, who had given messages from the -King of kings to potentates and princes in all the countries of -Europe, who had shown men's equality by holding his finger to the -Pope's extended finger, and who was now waiting to be ushered into -another and a higher court, addressed them thus: "The Lord has -provided for your children in your absence, and thus given striking -demonstration of His love to you; and now this testimony is applicable -to you, my dear friends: 'I will be with thee whithersoever thou -goest, and will guide thee with mine eye, and afterward receive thee -into glory;' so go, dear friends, cheerfully, for the Lord will be -your all-sufficient Helper." - -After visiting their other children, at Haverford College and at -Providence, they finally sailed from Boston the 31st of 3d mo. on the -steamer "Niagara" for Liverpool. A goodly company of Friends from -Lynn and elsewhere were on the wharf to wave them adieu. - -It was an uneventful passage, except that an iceberg was discovered -exactly in their course just in time to turn the ship from the danger. -Sybil Jones writes of it: "I got on deck while it was in full view, -and gazed with wonder and delight upon this magnificent frosty -traveller from the frigid North to milder skies. It seemed like an -island all of light consolidated into form, or as a cathedral whose -stately spires pierced the eternal sunshine. The first rays of the -morning sun gave to its pure, spotless whiteness a brilliancy and -beauty that seemed almost of heavenly extraction. It reminded us of -the infinitely more splendid and soul-ravishing charms of nature's God -and heaven's eternal King, of whose mercy it seemed the white-robed -harbinger." - -On their return voyage, the ship, sailing at a rapid rate in a dense -fog, found itself almost upon a gigantic iceberg, a mighty pyramid of -ice. It seemed to all on board that the ship must be crushed. An -infidel who was a fellow-passenger hurried on deck and cried out, "In -an hour we shall all be lost, but let us die like philosophers."--"No," -said Sybil Jones, rising to her feet; "if we are to meet death, let -us do it as Christians." In God's goodness all were spared. - -They were delighted with their first sight of England, to find such -abundant verdure instead of the snow and ice which they left on the -hills of New England, and they were more delighted still to find warm -hearts waiting for them, among whom was Benjamin Seebohm, who had -been a former messenger of good to them. It was nearly time for Dublin -yearly meeting to begin, and they crossed over to Ireland to attend -it. This was an occasion of great interest, and the two American -Friends had weighty service to perform; but Sybil Jones was taken ill -with severe irritation of the spine while the meeting was still in -session. She finally found relief for that time, and was able to -attend some of the meetings. Their friend Mary James Lecky was always -ready to attend to their comfort, and they did not want for pleasant -homes. - -Their visit to Balitore is thus described: "We left for Balitore in -the comfortable coach of our dear friend Mary J. Lecky. Our route was -most pleasant and interesting--beautiful groves, rich fields of waving -grain, with herds and flocks scattered over the flowery lawns; stately -dwellings and white cottages, with now and then some ancient castle in -ruins, wearing a vesture of deep green woven by the evergreen ivy, -which flourishes in rich foliage on its time-beaten walls and -dilapidated towers. The golden furze may be seen in abundance on hill -and dale, and is a lovely ornament to the variegated scene. The hedges -that skirt the way are bespangled with yellow and crimson primroses, -bluebells, violets, and many other little wild flowers, forming a -radiant wreath entwined with the graceful ivy. We admired the scene, -and talked much of Erin, the green isle of the ocean. At one o'clock -we arrived at Balitore, or, as it is sometimes called, the 'Classic -Vale.' Dear Elizabeth Barrington--the 'Princess Elizabeth,' as she is -sometimes called--gave us a cordial welcome. The charms of this little -village, loveliest of the plain, are sweetly enhanced by the memory -of departed worth, talent, genius, virtue and piety which once -flourished here."[5] - - [5] It was at Balitore that Edmund Burke received his early education, - at the Friends' school conducted by Richard Shackleton, to whom he - often wrote and attributed much of his careful training. - -Day after day they attended meetings and visited families, though -Sybil Jones was in such a state of health that it was merely her will -which kept her from bed; she continually spoke of the "frailty of the -tabernacle," but the strength of the spirit forced the body to obey -and do its part of the work; and as the time drew near for the London -yearly meeting they turned thither. Everywhere they directed their -eyes a new beauty of landscape, a majesty of mountain, or a charm of -antiquity met them; but Sybil Jones was forced to close her eyes on -all this outward loveliness, and as as she rode along, reclining on -her seat, she comforted herself "in the presence of Him who verily -knows what is best for us; health and life, with every other blessing, -are in his hand." - -The meeting began on the 17th of Fifth month, and now for the first -time in their lives they were sitting in the parent yearly meeting of -the Society of Friends. For more than two hundred years the Friends of -Great Britain have annually assembled in London, and the power of -these meetings is wonderful. Some of England's greatest minds have sat -in silent waiting there, and have raised their voices in regard to the -proper ordering of the household of faith, and some of her lowliest -sons and daughters have not been hindered from sitting in the same -seat with these great lights, and their words have been listened to -with equal deference. English conservatism has kept this meeting much -as it was in earlier days, while broad ideas and liberal notions have -been disseminated, so that no stiff cloak of formalism has settled -over the body. The Spirit which giveth life is sought for, but the -iron yoke of the letter does not rest upon them. The voices of "just -men made perfect" have, in all the generations since George Fox, -pleaded from full hearts that the Lord might have here a "peculiar -people," separated from the world and satisfied with the one honor of -being "fellow-citizens with the saints." - -Eli and Sybil Jones had many comforting sessions in this meeting, and -they not only did the work which was in their hearts for the -strengthening of those assembled, but they were themselves made more -strong and more useful members of the Church for this work in the -harmonious company of united English Friends. - -The effect of their utterances and the impressiveness of the gathering -were beautifully and eloquently described by Elihu Burritt, who was -present, and who was afterward associated with Eli Jones in the Peace -cause. This passage is from his diary, dated the 21st of fifth month: - - - THE QUAKER MEETING. - - "LONDON, May 21, 1852. - - "This has been a day of deep interest. In the morning I went to - the meeting of public worship in the Devonshire House, which was - filled to the utmost capacity by Friends from every part of the - kingdom. As a spectacle no human congregation can surpass it in - impressive physiognomy. The immaculate purity of the women's - dresses as they sat a mountain multitude of shining ones, arising - in long quiet ranks from the floor to the gallery on one side of - the house, the grave mountain of sedate and thoughtful men on the - other, presented an aspect more suggestive of the assemblies of - the New Jerusalem than any earthly congregation I had ever seen. - In a brief time the last-comers had found seats or - standing-places, and then a deep devotional silence settled down - upon the great assembly like an overshadowing presence from - heaven. The still, upbreathing prayer of a thousand hearts seemed - to ascend like incense, and the communion of the Holy Spirit to - descend like a dove, whispering its benediction and touching to - sweeter listening serenity those faces so calm with the breath of - its wing; and out of the deep silence of this unspoken devotion - arose one, with trembling meekness, to unburden the heart of a - few brief message-words to which it feared to withhold utterance, - lest it should sin against the inspiration that made it burn with - them. From another part of the house arose the quavering voice of - prayer, short, but full of the earnest emotion of supplication - and humble utterance of faith and thanksgiving. Then moments of - deeper silence followed, as if all the faculties of the mind and - all the senses of the physical being had descended into the - soul's inner temple to listen to and wait for the voice of the - Spirit of God. How impressive was the heart-worship of those - silent moments! There was something solemn beyond description in - the spectacle of a thousand persons of all ages so immovable that - they seemed scarcely to breathe. The 'Ministers' Gallery' was - occupied by a long rank of the teachers, the fathers, and the - mothers of the Society from different parts of the country, who - seemed to preside over this communion like shepherds sitting down - before their quiet flocks by the still waters of salvation. In - the centre sat a man and a woman a little past the meridian of - life, and apparently strangers in the great congregation. The - former had an American look, which was perceptible even to the - opposite extremity of the building, and when he slowly arose out - of the deep silence his first words confirmed that impression. - They were words fitly spoken and solemn, but uttered with such a - nasal intonation as I never heard before, even in New England. At - first and for a few minutes I felt it doubtful whether the - unpleasant influence of this aggravated peculiarity would not - prevent his words of exhortation from having salutary effect upon - the minds of the listening assembly. But as his words seemed to - flow and warm with increasing unction, little by little they - cleared up from that nasal cadence and rounded into more oral - enunciation. Little by little they strengthened with the power of - truth, and the truth made them free and flowing. His whole - person, so impassive and unsympathetic at first, entered into the - enunciation of these truths with constantly increasing animation, - and his address grew more and more impressive to the last. He - spoke nearly an hour, and when he sat down and buried his fingers - under his broad-brimmed hat, and the congregation settled down - into the profound quiet of serene meditation, I doubted whether - it would be broken again by the voice of another exhortation. - But in the course of a few minutes the form of the woman who sat - by his side--and it was his wife--might be perceived in a state - of half-suppressed emotion, as if demurring to the inward monitor - of the Spirit that bade her arise and speak to such an assembly. - It might well have seemed formidable to the nature of a meek and - delicate woman. She seemed to struggle involuntarily with the - conviction of duty, and to incline her person slightly toward her - husband, as if the tried attributes of her heart leaned for - strength on the sympathy of his, as well as on the wisdom she - waited from above. Then she arose calm, meek, and graceful. Her - first words dropped with the sweetest enunciation upon the still - congregation, and were heard in every part of the house, though - they were uttered in a tone seemingly but little above a whisper. - Each succeeding sentence warbled into new beauty and fulness of - silvery cadence. The burden of her spirit was the life of - religion in the heart as contrasted with its mere language on the - tongue, or what it was to be really and truly a disciple of Jesus - Christ. Having meekly stated the subject which had occupied her - meditations and which she had felt constrained to revive in the - hearing of the congregation before her, she said: 'And now, in my - simple way and in the brief words which may be given me, let me - enter with you into the examination of this question.' At the - first word of this sentence she loosed the fastenings of her - bonnet, and at the last handed it down to her husband with a - grace indescribable. There was something very impressive in the - act as well as in the manner in which it was performed, as if she - uncovered her head involuntarily in reverence to that vision of - divine truth unsealed to her waiting eyes. And in her eyes it - seemed to beam with a heavenly light serene, and in her heart to - burn with holy inspiration and meekness, and to touch her lips - and every gentle movement of her person with an expression - eloquent, solemn, beautiful as her words fell upon the rapt - assembly from the heaven of tremulous flute-like music with which - her voice filled the building. Like a stream welling from Mount - Hermon and winding its way to the sea, so flowed the melodious - current of her message, now meandering among the unopened flowers - of rhymeless poetry, now through green pastures of salvation, - where the Good Shepherd was bearing in his bosom the tender lambs - of his flock; next it took the force of lofty diction, and fell, - as it were, in cascades of silvery eloquence, but solemn, slow, - and searching, adown the rocks and ravines of Sinai; then out - like a sweet-rolling river of music into the wilderness, where - the Prodigal Son, with the husks of his poverty clutched in his - lean hands, sat in tearful meditation upon his father's home and - his father's love. More than a thousand persons seemed to hold - their breath as they listened to that meek, delicate woman, whose - lips appeared to be touched to an utterance almost divine. I - never saw an assembly so moved, but so subdued into motionless - meditation. And the serene and solemn silence deepened to - stillness more profound when she ceased speaking. In the midst of - these still moments she knelt in prayer. As the first word of her - supplication arose the men, who had worn their hats while she - spoke to them, reverently uncovered their heads as she kneeled to - speak to God. Long and fervent was her supplication. Her clear - sweet voice trembled with the burden of the petition with which - her soul seemed to ascend into the Holy of holies, and to plead - there with Jacob's Father for a blessing upon all encircled - within that immediate presence. She arose from her knees, and the - great congregation sat down, as it were under the shadow of that - prayer to silence more deep and devotional. This lasted a few - minutes, when two elders of the Society, seated in the centre of - the 'Ministers' Gallery,' shook hands with each other, and were - followed by other couples in each direction as a kind of mutual - benediction as well as a signal that meeting was terminated.--At - this simple sign the whole congregation arose and quietly left - the house. Such was the experience of a couple of hours in a - Quaker meeting." - -The last day of the yearly meeting Sybil Jones spoke out her feelings -in regard to total abstinence. She was probably the first person who -publicly stated to an English audience the necessity of taking such -high ground to overcome the evils of intemperance, and, though much -sympathy was expressed, there was a deep feeling on the part of some -against her expressed views. She writes: "This day has concluded the -yearly meeting; my spirit was bound down under a weight of exercise, -but divine help came and enabled me to testify the gospel of the grace -of God in a way most humiliating to the creature; but some, it may be -hoped, were led to examine how far their example of righteousness and -temperance had reached to give a check to the crying sin of this -nation, that not only their husbands and brothers be influenced by -their example, but also their neighbors, and whether there was not -something for them to do in this matter, even total abstinence if it -may be required. When this was done my peace abounded, and I hope no -harm was done. Many dear Friends seemed to feel much sympathy, and a -precious solemnity came over us." - -For weeks after leaving London these "two recruiting-officers labored -hard to enlist soldiers for their Captain" through the northern -counties of Ireland. Not only Friends and other Protestants came to -hear them, but often there were priests present at the meetings, and -many Irish Catholics heard them preach the gospel. Sometimes Sybil -Jones seemed to be "standing on the verge of eternity," but as the -body grew frail it seemed the soul waxed strong and her messages -became more impressive. All she saw as they rode from one village to -another attracted her attention, and she rejoiced that the Creator had -made the earth so fair, while she was brought into great sadness at -the poverty and oppression of the unfortunate, and the lack of vital -religion which was often found. There was great need of wisdom in -telling the whole truth to her mixed audiences, to have it come to -them as the one thing they needed to make their unhappy lives happy, -and her soul went out in her utterances to their souls and stirred -them to believe. There was hardly a town which they visited where -error had not been taught and superstitions ruled the hearts of the -people, and many who had suffered deep wrongs felt that there was no -justice in the earth. To such it was announced, "Light is sown for the -righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart;" but they felt that -"nothing short of the omnipotent Arm could deliver these souls from -popish thraldom and make them free through the power of Jesus Christ." - -Mary James Lecky continued to accompany them, and she was an almost -indispensable companion, providing for their comfort and safety and -opening ways for their service which to them alone would have been -closed; and as Sybil Jones was under a daily weight of infirmity, she -was a strong arm to lean upon, and encouraged her as a sister when her -heart grew weak from the abundance of trial.[6] - - [6] Mary James Lecky filled her carriage with loaves of bread from the - baker's, and as they drove along roads where poverty was everywhere - terribly present, she distributed her stores for the bodily needs of - the poor suffering peasants, while Sybil Jones earnestly told them of - the Bread of life. In the original meaning of the word, "lady" is the - _bread-giver_. Did ever two more worthy the name go out to fulfil the - duties belonging to that title? - -A few passages from their journal will tell much of their earnest -efforts and ceaseless longings to help this people, and also the -difficulties with which they were beset. At Galway, once a famous -seaport town on the west coast of Ireland, they write: - -"_9th mo. 15th._ Called at an early hour upon the vicar, an Episcopal -clergyman, D'Arcy, who attended our meeting and kindly invited us to -come to his residence and he would take us to the school and make way -for any religious service to which we felt called. He received us -heartily and entered into the plans we wished to execute. He -accompanied us, with his amiable wife, to the asylum for aged females -and to the school. We had service for Him who sent us, much to our -comfort, and, we may trust, to their edification. The dear children -listened with delight and interest to all that was offered, and many -appeared tender. They are improving finely and getting a good -knowledge of the Scriptures, which may be of lasting benefit to them; -but oh the hunger and rags were apparent enough to pain the hardest -heart. Our company distributed some relief among them as seemed most -prudent; the evil might be wholly remedied by giving them work and a -fair compensation. The Irish are not naturally idle; there is abundant -proof to the contrary. - -"_16th, Fifth day._ This morning visited the poor-house and school -connected with it; all neat and orderly, good improvement; about -thirteen hundred inmates. We had the children collected for religious -service, and it was a good time. They were mostly Roman Catholics. -They were serious and seemed contrited." - -"_17th._ Two friends with my Eli called on the Roman priest and -informed him of our intention to hold a meeting for the inhabitants; -he was civil, but said none of his people would attend." - -At another time, while they were in the city of Galway, Eli Jones was -told that he would be stoned by the Catholics if he attempted to -preach. He at once called on the priest, told him that he was an -American, and obtained a promise from him that his people should be -allowed to come to the meeting that evening. Before a large audience -of the most bigoted Roman Catholics he arose to preach the gospel of -redeeming love. It was the part of wisdom to gain his hearers, for -their souls could not be reached until the barrier of their prejudice -was broken down. He began: "A virgin shall conceive and bring forth a -son, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty -God, The Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace;" "Hail, thou -that art highly favored, the Lord is with thee, blessed art thou among -women;" "They found Joseph and Mary and the babe." After hearing these -passages they were all ready to listen to him, and then, as he says, -"I soon left the _mother_ and talked to them of the _child_." - -"_The 20th, at Conamarra._ People mostly in rags worn to strings, -winter near, hunger everywhere; but a better time is coming, we hope. -They seem emerging from the shades of superstition and moral darkness, -having seen in some degree the light which enlightened the Gentiles -and the glory of Israel. May the bright and morning Star shine in its -resplendent beauty over this neglected land! May the labors of the -faithful ministers of Christ be more abundant and their service for -Him be crowned with cheering success! and may the seed sown, though -often with weeping, trembling, and much fear, bring forth an -hundred-fold! - -"_21st._ We arrived at Clifden in time for a meeting held in a -courthouse. Many sober people came who seemed glad to hear of the way -of life, but others, set on by the priests, disturbed the meeting, so -that it was not a very comfortable time; but I secretly rejoiced in -being counted worthy to suffer for His name's sake who sent us forth." - -On the 28th Sybil Jones was taken very ill with influenza. They were -fortunately at Kilnock, among very kind friends. Here they were kept -nearly a month. Eli Jones improved all the time, holding meetings -almost continually, while his wife, confined to her room, "was in -great peace" and the triumphal anthem was on her lips: - - "If Thou shouldst call me to resign - What most I prize--it ne'er was mine-- - I only yield Thee what was Thine; - Thy will be done." - -After six weeks, nearly all of which had been weeks of illness and -hence time taken from the work, she writes: "I like to note now and -then the fleet footsteps of Time. I perceive he will not stay his -rapid course for me, and therefore I most earnestly pray so to number -my days and to apply my heart with diligence unto wisdom that each -golden hour may bear upward the incense of a grateful, devotional -spirit still more and more dedicated to the work and service, of so -vast and infinite importance, that my heavenly Father has assigned to -His poor, unworthy child, and that the holy discipline of the cross of -Christ may nurture and increase every grace of the eternal quickening -Spirit of my dear Redeemer. While the truth is indelibly stamped upon -my spirit that I can do nothing without Him, I believe 'I can do all -things through Christ that strengtheneth me.' May these afflictions of -the shattered citadel, which now confine me to a lonely room and often -a sleepless couch, be sanctified to the promotion of righteousness and -true holiness in myself and others, that in every dispensation -thanksgiving may arise to the blessed name of the Lord!" - -Near Lisburn she was again a prisoner from sickness for about four -weeks, and earnestly she prayed for guidance and strength to bear -whatever came for her. - -"_The 30th of 1st mo., 1853_. I think I have seen, by the light that -has never yet deceived me, my path across the Channel to -Liverpool--that if I trust in my Saviour alone for bodily and -spiritual strength, it will be accomplished and marvellous deliverance -wrought. This morning I mentioned my prospect to my dear husband of a -speedy release from this place. He seemed doubtful of its -practicability with safety to my health. I replied, 'Nothing is -impossible with God. I believe He will bring us through this Jordan.' -We thought of Third day, as a steamer would sail at 4 P. M., but it -did not seem clear, and I was thrown into doubting and fear. After -seeking divine direction I felt a blessed trust that on Fifth day we -might with safety leave these shores. - -"_Third day._ My dear Eli mentioned a prospect of a public meeting at -Carrickfergus, and this was a confirmation that our plan was right." - -On Fourth day they held a farewell meeting, and there was much -expression of mutual love, and, the Irish Friends gave thanks for the -long service which had been performed in their land. For almost a year -the gospel had been preached over the island to high and low, to rich -and poor. Eli Jones visited, with perhaps one exception, every meeting -in Ireland, and met personally some members of nearly every Friend's -family on the island. No suffering or other hindrance had kept these -two servants from sowing seed in all kinds of soil, and they came from -the field believing that their sowing would bring forth fruit after -many days. Sybil Jones went to her train on a couch, and was obliged -to make the whole journey to Liverpool in the same way, but she was -soon at work again at Manchester. Here she rested while Eli Jones -visited the surrounding meetings, and the prospect of still more -extended work began to appear to them. Certainly, few laborers have -gone out in a more determined spirit to overcome all obstacles to -carry the gladdest of all news to ears as yet ungladdened by it. They -visited the quarterly meetings at York, Leeds, Lancaster, Darlington, -and Birmingham, and Sybil Jones rested while Eli attended Dublin -yearly meeting. She was visited by Harriet Beecher Stowe, and they had -a time of prayer together. There were many interesting incidents -connected with their visits at the different cities and the various -homes. Joseph Sturge came to talk with them of temperance and slavery, -and told them he intended to contribute to the support of New Garden -Boarding-school, where some of the children of the South might have -the privilege of gaining better knowledge. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -_NORWAY, GERMANY, AND SWITZERLAND._ - - "A voice spake in their ear, - And lo! all other voices far and near - Died at that whisper full of meanings clear." - - WHITTIER. - - -Eli and Sybil Jones attended the London yearly meeting of 1853, and -were liberated to go to the Continent for gospel work in Norway, -Germany, and France. Mary James Lecky was their companion, and was in -all respects a most suitable person for this service. Unknown -difficulties were before them; new races of people were to be touched -through an unknown language; hard journeys were to be made by a -feeble, almost invalid woman; still, they turned toward the shores of -Norway, believing that He whose finger pointed the way would shield -them with His hand. Once more they unquestioningly gave immediate -obedience to the word of their great Captain, and they knew His ways -well enough to be assured that the result would be the desired one. - -Joseph Crosfield offered to go as a caretaker for the little party, -and he was of great help to them. When they arrived at Liverpool from -Ireland, an elderly doctor was called to see Sybil Jones. After -examining her trouble carefully, he said, "You know David had it in -his heart to build the Lord an house. In his case the will was taken -for the work; so it must be in yours. You must stop your work and go -south, or go to your home at once." If this doctor had followed his -patient, he would have found her in the northern latitude of Norway. -The great Physician's order conflicted with that of the doctor, and -there could be no doubt which was to be followed. - -On the 11th of 6th month they embarked on the steamer "Courier" for -Christiansand, being joined by James Backhouse and Lindley M. Hoag, -making a company of six. The passage was very rough, and all on board -were brought low with sea-sickness, but the German Ocean was soon -crossed, and they came into port at Christiansand, finding it light -enough at midnight to read and write and to see the beautiful -Norwegian scenery around them. - -The western coast of Norway is everywhere indented by arms of the sea -called fiords; the coasts are rough and rugged, overhung with crags of -rock beaten and worn by the age-long dash of these northern waters. -Into these fiords has rushed the ship of many a bold seaman, and the -shores are tilled by a hardy race, carrying in their veins the -civilized blood of the old Norse warrior. These descendants of -Northern mythology rejoice when messengers come to tell the simple way -of life and joy through the Saviour, and their boats are ready to bear -strangers from one promontory across the fiord to another. They come -in crowds to hear of the better way, and yet in many places they have -escaped the thraldom of Thor and Odin only to bow their necks to the -yoke which the priests make them bear. - -"There are many flourishing towns and villages pleasantly situated on -the fiords, easily accessible by boat. The scenery is grand and -picturesque--lofty mountains, verdant lawns, and flowery vales, with -now and then a beautiful cascade or mountain-torrent rushing and -mingling its snow-white foam with the crystal waters below. Formerly -the Friends' meeting was held at Stavanger Fiord, but there were -numerous Friends scattered along the coast. - -"_6th mo. 25, 1853._ This day the Norway yearly meeting commenced at -ten o'clock. A deep solemnity came over us. A few words with life and -feeling from dear Mary J. Lecky opened the way for L. M. Hoag, who -testified the gospel of the grace of God to a deeply interested -assembly. In the afternoon we assembled for business, which was -conducted under a good influence and very orderly. The subject of -addressing King Oscar on account of the suffering of some of the -members by the exaction of tithes was discussed and referred to a -committee. Two persons were received into membership, and two more -applied. The certificates of ministers present were read, after which -several lively testimonies were borne and counsel offered, and all -ended well." - -When the yearly meeting was finished the Friends held meetings with -the prisoners and visited the different schools, holding meetings also -at their hotels and once or twice in a barn. They went as far north as -Bergen, where they had remarkable assemblies of people notwithstanding -the fact that the priests spread the report that these Quakers were -dangerous people and did not believe in God. They were refused -permission to visit the prisoners; however, they sent Bibles and -tracts to them, not being allowed to distribute them in person. The -inhabitants of Bergen were highly displeased at the conduct of the -ecclesiastics, and it seemed that many more came to hear the Friends -for themselves on account of the unchristian spirit which was -manifested toward them, and numbers came to their hotel to be -instructed. It was very touching to their tender spirits to see an -eagerness for better things so crushed out by so-called teachers. "The -flock look up and are not fed." Having done what they could, they -returned to Stavanger, and spent much time visiting families and -holding public meetings. When they took the boat to leave this place -the people wished they would send them more "good bodies" to teach -them. - -They travelled all the way from Stavanger to Christiansand, a distance -of ninety-four miles, in an open boat, walking across the isthmuses -from one fiord to another and carrying the boat over with them. From -Christiansand they went by boat to Christiania, where they had a -meeting with the seamen, besides other public meetings, all well -attended. Then they prepared to leave Norway for Kiel, Denmark, on -their way to Germany, having travelled twelve hundred miles in Norway, -mostly by boat, and having held fifty meetings, besides visiting many -families; in all of which work they were wonderfully helped with -strength, and the Spirit of the Lord was with them. - -The 16th of 7th month they left Norway, bound for Denmark. They -sailed down by Jutland and entered the Cattegat. Along the shores they -saw "highly-cultivated fields of grain, white for harvest, shepherds -keeping their flocks beside the meandering streams, reposing beneath -the shade, while the sheep were feeding in green pastures, which were -interspersed with neat red-roofed cottages." - -They went directly to Minden, where most of the few German Friends -live, who, unfortunately, are becoming fewer and fewer. After visiting -these families and attending their mid-week meeting, they rode to -Oberkirchen in Hesse. "Soon after reaching our hotel," they write, "we -were visited by the police, who inquired our business, telling us we -could not be allowed to hold any public meetings in the place--that it -would be contrary to the law to allow any dissenter from the Lutheran -Church to hold a meeting. We informed them we had no such purpose, but -came to visit those who had left the public worship and professed with -us. They then withdrew, appearing quite ashamed of their business; but -after coffee, when we were engaged in prayer, they again appeared, -telling us that if we intended to have a public meeting they must -request us to leave the place. We told them again our intention, and -they took our names and withdrew. We asked our landlord why peaceable -American citizens were molested by the police and their business -inquired into, assuring him that it was the first time in all our -travels in various countries that we had been remanded before the -authorities--that many of their countrymen came unmolested to our -country and were treated civilly. He replied that the conduct of the -police had highly displeased him, and on inquiring into the cause of -it he found that the priests had sent them." - -From Minden, Eli and Sybil Jones went on to Pyrmont, where they -attended the "two-months" meeting. They held a public meeting in the -Friends' house, and some people of note came to hear them. One, a -Russian noble of high birth; Dr. Menke, one of the privy council of -the prince of Waldeck, who was said to be one of the most learned men -in Prussia; also Frederick Fickenscher, the son of the dean of -Nuremberg; besides many Jews, all of whom heard "Jesus Christ, and Him -crucified," preached. - -Eli Jones had some opportunities for conversation with Fickenscher, -and he impressed on him the importance of our opinions in regard to -war, oaths, and other subjects, and he was urged to accept the gospel -in all its fulness. Dr. Menke came to express to them his satisfaction -with the meeting, saying that he _had_ thought that the views of -Friends were rather _fabulous_, but he was now satisfied that they -were evangelical, and he hoped what he had heard would be useful to -him. They revisited Minden, and had much service among Friends and -others, both publicly and in private. They held a large meeting in the -Minden theatre, of which Eli Jones writes: "A full attendance, several -clergymen present. Some Friends seemed to doubt the propriety of -holding a meeting in a building usually applied to theatrical -purposes; but, to my mind, there was a fitness in the place, that we -might have an opportunity to speak to a class which we could hardly -reach anywhere else." - -From Minden they journeyed by short stages south, stopping at -Duesseldorf, where they visited the schools and charity institution; at -Cologne, Bonn, Strasbourg, Basle. In Basle they held a meeting with -sixty young men, students at the Basle mission-house, who were looking -forward to becoming missionaries in the different parts of the world. -A fellow-feeling led them to point these young men to the words of the -Lord: "Without me ye can do nothing." They then took a carriage, going -as far as the Lake of Geneva. It was so arranged that Sybil Jones -could recline, being then far from well. - -Sybil Jones writes: - -"_10th mo. 8th._ This morning set off for Geneva by steamboat from -Vevay. It being near the head of the lake, our starting-point was -delightful, and our trip on the fair blue water interesting amid the -grand mountains which encircle the lake. They rise like vast -battlements above the clouds in some places. Mont Blanc, the monarch -of mountains, was pointed out. We arrived at the ancient, interesting -city of Geneva about four o'clock. From our room at the Hotel du Rhone -we have a fine view of the Rhone, which leaves the lake a few yards -above and dashes by our windows, washing the basement story with its -blue waters, hastening on to mingle with the great Mediterranean. - -"_9th._ The work never seemed more weighty and watchfulness and prayer -more needful. Our company attended a meeting held by Merle d'Aubigne, -the author of the _History of the Reformation_. He made a report of -the proceedings of the Evangelical Alliance held at Berlin, giving -interesting information of the state of feeling existing between the -different religious denominations on the Continent, who find -themselves more in unison than formerly. - -"_11th._ Held a large meeting in the Casino. The Lord was with us. -Dear Christine Alsop interprets well; indeed, we lack nothing. - -"_12th._ To-day several serious persons have called, with whom we have -had very interesting conversations about the things which appertain to -eternal life. A very agreeable person came to offer his thanks for the -privilege of the meeting, adding, 'I think it will do good, for I have -been examining the Epistle of Paul, and I am certain he did not mean -to forbid a woman's preaching the glad tidings of a risen Saviour, but -rather counselled the women not to be asking improper questions in -their church-meetings nor to exercise authority or teach in the matter -of church discipline; for it is plain that holy women of old _did_ -prophesy (that is, preach), and that Paul did not attempt to hinder -them. He also informed us that a philosophical deist was present last -evening whom he had never seen at a religious meeting before, and that -he fully expected that he would turn it all into ridicule, but, to his -astonishment, he looked serious and said, 'I never heard anything like -this; I scarcely know what to say. It was surely an interesting -discourse.' So we do indeed see that God sometimes chooses 'the weak -things of this world to confound the mighty.' We were informed that -many came who were never seen at meetings on ordinary occasions. -Attended another meeting at the 'Locale,' which was sweet and -refreshing. - -"_13th._ Some pious persons have called, among them a very devoted -_pasteur_ with his daughter, whose name is Lalia. They called just as -we were seated for reading the Scriptures, and joined us. During the -silence I felt the spirit of supplication, but it seemed not to belong -to me to pray vocally, and I said that if any person felt it a duty to -pray I hoped that he would be faithful. Unknown to me, the _pasteur_ -had just asked C. Alsop in French if there was liberty; she replied in -my words. It was a precious season of prayer and praise. In the -evening we attended an appointment for youth and children. It was -large and solemn, and I reverently trust Christ was preached. - -"_14th._ The interest of the people in our meetings still increases, -and many inquirers come to see us, thanking us for the privilege and -asking if there will be more meetings. Jane Bingham and sister, with -Maria Ferris, arrived to-day from Montreux, not having heard of our -meetings until we had left. They are Friends from England; it was -pleasant to meet them. A female superintendent and teacher of young -ladies called and took tea, and seemed very devoted to the cause of -her Redeemer. She follows this business not for gain to herself, but -for gain to others. Her pupils are occupying prominent places, adorned -with wisdom and virtue. - -"_15th._ Robert Fox, son, and daughter arrived to-day and took -lodgings with us. Our party numbers twelve. It is pleasant to meet -these dear friends while on a tour for their health. We took a short -ride this morning in a carriage provided by dear M. J. L. to the -country-seat of the Count de Selon, who was an ardent advocate of -peace. In the grounds is an obelisk raised over his remains, with -interesting inscriptions on the subject of peace. We hope his faithful -labors may not be lost. From this beautiful place we had a fine view -of Mont Blanc at sunset; which was magnificent. The snows of ages -changed to crimson; the beautiful azure lake and the fine city of -Geneva lay in loveliness before us. - -"_16th._ To-day held two precious meetings at our hotel, to which a -number of serious people came, and expressed themselves especially -pleased with the _silence_, saying that it was needed in these times -of commotion. - -"_17th._ Returned by steamer to Lausanne. Took lodgings at a hotel -which is on the spot where Gibbon wrote his celebrated _History of the -Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire_. Had meeting of much interest; -many _pasteurs_ present. A _pasteur_ full of the spirit of peace -informed us that many who had preached against war in Lausanne had -suffered imprisonment. The _pasteur_ wished us to go to Lyons and -preach two such sermons there, saying that they were needed. He did -not understand that we could not preach except we were sent, nor give -forth anything but what we receive at the time. - -"Took steamer for Vevay; dined at the hotel, and in the evening held a -meeting in the Casino, after which we rode to Montreux and took -lodgings at a _pension_. Next day held a large meeting at the national -place of worship called the 'Temple.' It was a solemn and instructive -convocation. The forenoon was occupied in a pleasant walk by the lake -at the foot of a mountain, on the side of which stands the village -and old chapel of Montreux; on the left and before us the ancient -castle of Chillon, and the Dent du Midi Mountain covered with snow. On -the right lay the lovely lake, on the other side of which rises a -majestic range of mountains. I became weary of walking, and we called -at a mansion just on the border of the lake. The master is a young -Jew, and of a very tender Christian spirit. We had delightful -conversation with him on heavenly things. He had attended one of our -meetings, and was much struck with our manner of worship. He said that -when we began to speak (Christine and myself) he imagined we had -composed the discourse and committed it to memory, but soon he -perceived the interpreter made a mistake, which rather puzzled him, -and another mistake convinced him that she could not have known what I -was to say previously. Indeed, he thought it was spoken so rapidly it -must come from the heart as it was uttered. He was much edified, and -spoke of those solemn truths with great diffidence and tenderness. His -name is Samuel Samelson. May Israel's gentle Shepherd lead him to the -blessed knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus and enable him to -confess Him before men! Our young friend provided me with a donkey, -which conveyed me to the residence of the Hustlers, who have resided -here some time. They were formerly English Friends, and received us -with joy. The wife is in very delicate health. We sat together in -sweet heavenly silence, and the language of the Spirit through the -poor instrument was encouraging and humbling. Returned on the donkey -by a shorter route on the side of the mountain. My heart responded to -the music of birds and the smile of Nature. After dining we took a -drive to Chillon, the ancient chateau where Bonnivard was imprisoned -on account of his political views for several years. The chateau -stands in the lake. Within it is a range of dungeons below the surface -of the water where prisoners of state and the condemned are confined. -Across one of the vaults is a beam black with age where the executions -took place. It is said two thousand Jews perished here by the hands of -enemies. As we viewed these walls and sombre apartments we were struck -by a sense of man's inhumanity to man and the rapid flight of events -so momentous. How long, O Lord, ere thou takest unto thyself the great -power and reignest? - -"_22d._ Called on a bereaved father and mother who were mourning the -death of an only child. We told them of Him who wounds that He may -heal. We also visited a widow and her daughter who knew dear Stephen -Grelet, and remembered his heart-searching ministry among them. -Pasteur Godet was with us a short time. He is a pious, humble -Christian from Neufchatel, who has left the honors of the world (he -had been tutor of the king of Prussia), a man of learning and talent; -which qualities seem sweetly sanctified. At two o'clock P. M. attended -a youths' meeting. - -"_23d._ A meeting was held at the Hustlers', which our party attended, -but I was quite ill in bed, but reposing in Him who is my only source -of joy. - -"_24th._ Not able to proceed. Dined in the _salle_, and with a -grateful heart was able to return thanks vocally, which seemed to -impress the large company with a serious air. After dining, several -spoke to us kindly, among whom was a baroness from Sweden, who warmly -pressed us to go thither, saying there were many in Sweden who would -receive us warmly, and her own house should be at our disposal for a -home. Invited the family and boarders to our evening reading. Much -tenderness was shown. Many have called on us and expressed their -gratitude for our visit and gospel labors among them. We are sweetly -united to a living seed in this land. - -"_25th._ Took our departure from this highly interesting field of -labor after an affectionate parting. We took the omnibus to Villeneuve -and found the steamer ready. After passing the most magnificent -scenery we were soon again at Lausanne. Made arrangements for a -meeting next day. - -"_26th._ In the morning held a meeting with the prisoners in the -beautiful prison here. I think it the finest and most comfortable I -have ever seen in any land. Our visit was deeply interesting, and the -poor girls were nearly all in tears, and seemed truly grateful for the -message of love to them. In the evening held a large and favored -meeting at the Casino. Our boat was detained by the dense fog, so we -were obliged to remain another day, which seemed providential, as a -_pasteur_ called and told us of two Moravian schools taught by -pasteurs, one of whom had expressed regret at not hearing of our -meeting or not seeing us. He offered to accompany us to one of the -schools. C. Alsop, our interpreter, had gone to visit an acquaintance, -so Mary Millman, a sweet-tempered girl who spoke English well and who -accompanied us, acted as interpreter. The kind pasteur received us -cordially, and offered to assemble the girls; which was agreeable to -us. I think we have seldom known a more heavenly season. The Lord -poured out a rich blessing upon us. We returned with songs of praise -to our hotel. Have had many calls to-day from Christian brothers and -sisters, expressing their interest in our labors among them. A very -zealous person called who spoke with much tenderness of J. and M. -Yardly, who were instrumental in her conversion. Held a meeting in the -evening which was much blest. - -"_28th._ Set off early this morning to visit the Moravian school for -boys, taking the same kind interpreter with us. We received a hearty -welcome, and were informed that the boys had just assembled to -commence Scripture history, and that if we could feel something good -to say to them they would be so glad. Dear E. replied that we came for -that purpose. We were soon seated in a pleasant youthful congregation. -Some countenances testified that they had been with Jesus. The pasteur -read a chapter; solemn silence ensued, then a gentle shower of gospel -love descended and the little plants revived. I cannot doubt but there -are young men in this institution who will fill important places of -usefulness, perhaps ministers of the gospel who will publish the glad -tidings to lands remote. Surely such men, fearing God, are much needed -in this degenerate age. The pasteur offered a sweet-spirited prayer -with tears of gratitude, and we came away. Reached the steamer in good -time. We feel much fellowship with many dear friends in Lausanne. -Arrived at Geneva, and, concluding to go on to Lyons at once, we had -to sacrifice our desires to see the dear friends again." - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -_WINTER IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE._ - - -Before going on to speak of the work of Eli and Sybil Jones among the -Friends and other Protestants in the south of France, a brief sketch -of the rise and growth of the little branch of our Society there may -be in place. The story is full of interest and could be studied to -greater length with profit, but only the briefest reference to it is -admissible here. - -Louis XIV. of France decided in 1685 to revoke the "Edict of Nantes," -passed in 1598 by Henry of Navarre, granting liberty of worship and -repose to all parties in the Church. The revocation was the most cruel -order ever issued by any king. It commanded the demolition of all the -Protestant chapels that remained standing, and forbade any assembly or -worship; all opposing ministers were ordered to leave the kingdom -within fifteen days; the schools were closed; all newborn babes were -to be baptized by the parish priests; evangelical religionists were -forbidden to leave the kingdom, on pain of the galleys for men and -confiscation of person and property for women. It is calculated that -six hundred thousand Protestants left France during the twenty years -following the revocation, while many suffered cruel deaths and many -others spent their lives in the galley-ships. The great struggle made -against this royal edict was along the Cevenne Mountains in the -departments of Lozere, Drome, Ardeche, Gard, and Herault. The -Protestants were called Camisards, perhaps from the word _camisarde_, -a night-attack, but its origin is unsettled. Many of the ministers in -Cevenne had been executed, and enthusiasm was raised to the highest -pitch. Deprived of their pastors, men, women, boys, and girls became -animated by the spirit of prophecy. "Young girls had celestial -visions; the little peasant-lasses poured out their utterances in -French, sometimes in the language and with the sublime eloquence of -the Bible." They assembled under the name of "Children of God," and -marched commanded by two chiefs, Roland and Cavalier. The insurrection -was widespread, and for a long time they overcame or evaded the royal -troops. "The Lord of hosts is our strength!" said one prophet. "We -will intone the battle-psalms, and from the Lozere to the sea Israel -shall arise." - -They are thus pictured by a contemporary sent to deal with them: "They -are stark mad on the subject of religion, absolutely intractable on -that point; the first little boy or girl that falls a-trembling and -declares that the Holy Spirit is speaking to it, all the people -believe it, and if God and all his angels were to come and speak to -them they would not believe them any more; they walk to execution -singing the praises of God and exhorting those present, insomuch that -it has been necessary to surround the criminals with drums to prevent -the pernicious effect of their speeches." No men and women were ever -more in earnest or filled with more zeal, but it was often a misguided -zeal and the cause was dishonored by fearful bloodshed. Their camp -was named the "Camp of the Eternal," and they marched to battle -singing the grand version of the 68th Psalm, "Que Dieu se monte -seulement." Among them were many who were sincere, many on whom the -Spirit rested, and there was a grand principle animating them. Much -that seems so excessive may be excused on the consideration that they -were driven to fury by persecution and they bore in their veins the -hot blood of a southern race. - -How the little company of peace-loving Friends came from these -_Camisards_, these _Children of God_, has been a question. There is a -manuscript still in existence of a letter supposed to have been -written by some pastors of Geneva which was received and circulated -through the Cevenne. It was an appeal for these struggling brethren to -throw away the sword and cease from bloodshed. "It must be the Lord's -arm," it goes on to say, "and not yours, which shall put an end to -your captivity. Do all you can to obtain the desired object by a holy -life, and not by the works of darkness." - -After receiving this letter there was some abatement from their -accustomed acts of cruelty. Among those who claimed the gift of -prophecy was a young woman named Lucretia. Her influence over the -people excited the jealousy of the leaders. When they attempted to -silence her she called out, "Let those who love me follow me." Many -followed her, and her house became a place for meetings. From this -company, it has been said, the Friends in Congenies are descended. The -author has seen a wine-cellar at Fontanes, in the house of Samuel -Brun, where these Friends met for many years. The walls were lined on -the inside with wine-casks to keep the sound from going out, and -Samuel Brun has in his possession a large Bible which for a generation -was built into the wall of the building. Everything which has been -recorded shows the sincerity and quiet determination of these people -to worship God as the New Testament required. Year after year they -took their flocks out on the hills or tilled the more gentle slopes of -the mountains, and they never forgot to meet in their secluded vault -to praise God together for the blessings which He gave them. There was -a tower of Constance at Aiguesmontes of terrible repute, but they were -undaunted and possessed "the brave old wisdom of sincerity." - -And this is how they became known to their brother Friends, as is told -in a tract compiled by Friends at Manchester, England: "In the -struggle for independence in 1776 the American colonies received -sympathy and aid from France. There was at that time living at -Falmouth a surgeon named Joseph Fox, a member of the Society of -Friends, who both by education and conviction regarded war in every -shape as forbidden by the gospel. He was part owner of the 'Greyhound' -and the 'Brilliant,' two cutters which traded along the Cornish coast. -The other owners of the cutters decided to fit them out with license -to waylay and capture merchant-vessels of the enemy. Joseph Fox of -course protested. Being one alone, his protest was disregarded and the -vessels were armed. The war broke out so unexpectedly that many French -crafts fell an easy prey to the English cruisers, and the 'Greyhound' -and 'Brilliant' succeeded in capturing two valuable merchantmen, -together with some small coasting-vessels. Joseph Fox believed it to -be his Christian duty to claim his share and hold it in trust to be -restored to the rightful owners. In 1783 peace was restored, and the -next year Joseph Fox sent his son, Dr. Edward Fox, to Paris to -advertise for the owners of the plundered property. A proceeding so -unheard of was naturally looked upon with suspicion, and before the -doctor could obtain leave to insert his advertisement in the _Gazette_ -he had to communicate with the Count de Vergennes, one of the French -ministry, who required a formal declaration that his real object was -such as it professed to be. - -Meantime, Joseph Fox died. In consequence of the public notice -application was made by numerous parties; all the claims were proved -to be well founded, and a chief part of the money was proportionally -distributed amongst the owners of the two merchantmen and their -cargoes. Those who had been sufferers by the capture made an -acknowledgment through the _Gazette_ of this rare act of restitution, -stating their desire "to give the publicity which it merits to this -trait of generosity and equity, which does honor to the Society of the -Quakers and proves their attachment to the principles of peace and -unity by which they are distinguished." - -"Besides the applications for the restored property, Dr. Fox received -at the same time a reply of a very different character. It was a -letter with this address: 'The Quakers of Congenies-Calvisson to the -virtuous Fox.' The writers describe themselves as a little flock of -about a hundred persons, and express their joy to hear of the efforts -used by the advertiser to fulfil the commands of Christ. They -represent themselves as opposed to war on Christian principle, and as -being in consequence an object of hatred and contempt to their -fellow-citizens, both Catholics and Protestants. Especially do they -condemn the wars engaged in by the latter to keep possession of their -religious liberties. This letter led to further correspondence and to -a journey to London by De Marsillac, one of their community. From his -accounts English Friends discovered, to their surprise, that there had -existed in the south of France for sixty or seventy years a Christian -Church which, besides its testimony against war, held spiritual views -regarding worship and the ministry identical with their own." - -The origin and discovery of these Friends can hardly fail to interest -those who are not already familiar with them. They were often visited -by Stephen Grelet, who greatly strengthened them and increased their -influence. One who has not been among them can hardly realize how this -little flock, surrounded on all sides with perils and enemies, rejoice -to welcome those who come to bring them strength and cheer. Many leave -the country to escape the army, some marry with other Protestants, and -the outlook is not encouraging for their continuance as a distinct -body; but they have a good history behind them, and should receive -every possible support to hold firm for the help of coming -generations. - -When Eli and Sybil Jones went among them it was a time of -discouragement, and they both felt that there was a great service for -them to do. It is not easy to find just what they did, but we know -that for three months they carried on almost ceaseless labor to help -and instruct not only the Friends, but all the Protestants and -Catholics where it was possible. The pastors with one accord opened -their places of worship and approved and welcomed them. - -There are many now in Nismes and vicinity who speak with great feeling -of them, and it is evident that all were deeply impressed by their -consecration and earnestness. We need not seek too eagerly for the -results of such work, for it is impossible to measure the good done, -either in counting those converted or those renewed. Two earnest -Christian ministers exert an influence and power in a community which -can be no more easily weighed than the ripples on the sea can be -counted. - - - SOUTH OF FRANCE. - -"Set off in the diligence for Lyons, ninety miles distant; fine roads, -good accommodation. The grand scenery delighted us, though tinged with -autumnal frosts. We did not make ourselves known in Lyons. It was -First day, and it was odd and deeply affecting to an American guest to -rise on this morning and behold it a market-day, all bustle and -tumult. The state of morals is very low on the Continent. - -"_31st._ Took steamer on the Rhone for Avignon. Met a very interesting -missionary from New York going to Rome. We had an interesting -conversation on the qualifications of missionaries, their trials, -painful separations, etc. Having both known them, we could the more -readily enter into sympathy and fellowship. Lodged in a hotel in the -dull popish town of Avignon. - -"_1st of 11th mo._ Set off by rail for Nismes, where we were greeted -by our friends. - -"_2d._ Attended Friends' meeting, and received visits from several -members. We were comfortably settled at a hotel near the Friends' -school, which we wish to visit when we have leisure from other -service. - -"_3d._ Dear Eli went to Congenies to-day to attend meeting. We have -seen dear John Yardly on his return from his Russian mission. He gave -us pleasant accounts of the work of the Lord in that land and in -Turkey--said he found much openness and many Christian brethren. Some -have suffered loss of nearly all things for the excellence of the -knowledge of Christ. - -"_5th._ The two-months' meeting commenced. Great discouragement seems -to prevail, and little contending for the faith once delivered to the -saints. It is indeed to be lamented that the light burns so dimly that -was no doubt kindled by divine love, but for want of watchfulness it -gleams but faintly amid surrounding darkness. If those who profess the -blessed Name in this land were real converted characters! But, as in -ancient time, 'All are not Israel that are of Israel.' Oh may it -please the Lord to revive His work in this day! Toward the close life -seemed to spring up, and much solemnity prevailed. Meeting for -business assembled in the afternoon, and was a refreshing season. We -trust some were made to see where they had been straying. The meeting -concluded with more religious weight and signs of life, and from the -hearts of some arose the song of thanksgiving. Dear John Yardly's -company was indeed precious. I like his evangelical spirit and -devotion to the gospel of Christ. - -"_7th._ Attended a meeting at the Methodist house, which was much -favored. Spoke from the first of John. My dear husband and our kind -helpers, R. and C. Alsop, went to St. Giles for a meeting. - -"_9th._ We took a walk to an old ruin said to be the temple of Diana. -We also went to La Fontaine, where a large volume of water springs -from the earth. We also saw a beautiful Corinthian temple--'la Maison -Carree'--said to be eighteen hundred years old. - -"_11th._ Held a meeting for some serious soldiers who have lately left -the Roman Catholic worship. We had a good meeting with them; one of -their number spoke very well, at the close of our meeting, on the -immediate teaching of the Holy Spirit. This evening went to Congenies -by diligence, accompanied by R. and C. Alsop, leaving dear Eli to -attend meeting at Nismes." - - * * * * * - -After this Eli and Sybil Jones and their kind friends and helpers -attended many meetings at Nismes and at neighboring towns, going often -to Congenies and Fontanes. Meetings at the latter place seemed -especially opened and favored. Also held meetings, much assisted and -encouraged by the _pasteurs_, at Calvisson, Cordonion, Aujargues, -Aubais, and Vistric, many of which, they had evidence, were singularly -blessed by the Master of assemblies. They had many pleasant meetings -with the young people, and were helped to utter words of cheer and -encouragement to those whose life-work was just beginning. Very frail -in body, and at times almost sinking under the felt duty, yet they -sought to improve every moment of time, not wishing to make any plans -without a direct showing from their heavenly Leader. All places of -Protestant worship were open to them, and they often used the large -national places of worship called "temples." In Fontanes they held a -greatly blessed meeting in the parlor of their friend Daniel Brun. -They were always saddened, especially after a meeting at Saint Giles, -by the noticeable scarcity of men in meetings. Indeed, they found in -their meetings generally in France mostly women and children. - -One of the morning meetings in the Friends' house at Nismes was a most -remarkable instance of the overshadowing of the divine Spirit. The -solemnity was most impressive, so that many wept before a word was -uttered. Sybil Jones was favored to see the time to rise and testify -to the people that a "pure spiritual worship is what is required, and -is the highest joy of Christians." The visitors attended meeting at -the school supported by Friends in England, and felt it to be a -profitable occasion for all present. - -Sybil Jones's mind was often occupied with deep thoughtfulness of the -infinite importance of their mission to this land, and she besought -the Lord earnestly that their dependence might be on no other, and -that all their labors might be Heaven-directed. It was very cheering -to these tired laborers to have persons come to them after meetings to -acknowledge that they had been strengthened and to converse on those -things which pertain to godliness. - -They attended a meeting sustained by young men in Nismes for general -improvement, reading useful books, etc. They were invited most -cordially to come by the young men, who told them that if they wished -to speak to them on religious subjects, they would be pleased to hear -them. E. and S. Jones felt it a providential opening, and S. Jones was -led to speak from the text, "The Lord loveth an early sacrifice." - -They felt especially moved to thank the Lord for the "way" so -wonderfully made for them. They had not had to ask for a place to hold -a meeting, but when they felt the impression a place was always -offered. This seemed most wonderful to them, as the laws of France -forbid an assembly exceeding twenty persons at any place except in a -"temple" or consecrated place. Sometimes they had but "crumbs" to hand -out to the spiritually hungry, but at other times they had abundant -refreshing from the Master's table. They prayed ever that the -"creature might be abased" and that whether in "heights or depths" -they might wear the entire "armor of faith." - -On the last day of the year 1853 they were at the home of Lydia -Majolier at Congenies. Sybil Jones writes: "This is the close of the -second year since I left the land I so dearly love. The retrospect of -the whole affords consolatory reflection. With the remembrance of -innumerable mercies my poor little sacrifices sink into -insignificance. May they be accepted by Him who looks at the heart! If -any good has been done, it is the Lord's doings.--Grant, most merciful -God, that the year 1854 may all be devoted to Thy service, with more -faith and love!" - -The next two-months' meeting was a season of great encouragement. The -meeting for worship was large, and the Master honored it with His -life-giving presence. The meeting for business was a blessed season, -and all felt that the power of the Lord had been abroad in the land; -two members were received and two young men requested to be admitted. -At meeting of the school committee it was concluded "to solicit -subscriptions from Friends here, and see what amount could be raised, -and propose to Friends in England that the school be continued under -the care of Justine Paradon as superintendent and Clarence Benoit as -teacher, and that a school for boys be opened under the instruction of -Jules Paradon, with an assistant. The committee were encouraged to -persevere in the work, as the school had already proved a blessing to -the youth, and by some changes for the better might be more so." - -A long rainy period hindered these dear Friends from holding many -meetings. They occupied the time when they were confined to the house -in writing to America, studying French, etc. - -At a meeting held in an outlying village at the house of a woman named -Ann Mapit all seemed tendered before the Lord. Near the close a woman -left and went to her aged father, who had not attended a religious -meeting for fifty years, and begged him to go and hear these people, -"for they preached as though they would take them all to heaven." The -old man came and was quite moved, and spoke highly of the meeting, -although he had said on a former occasion, when a meeting was proposed -for a Friend, that they "would beat the drums." They saw plainly the -wonder-working power of God. On every side they saw evidences of the -"shaking" power. - -In Calvisson the pasteur himself, a kind Christian man, chose to -interpret for them, which they thought a great condescension, as it -would doubtless expose him to ridicule from some who did not approve -of a woman's gift in the ministry. They held a powerful meeting at -Congenies, and found that many were there who had not attended a -religious meeting before for twenty years. They thought it prudent for -a time, being much worn by long service, to rest and try and gain some -strength to go on. Eli Jones's health was especially poor. After this -short respite they were much refreshed for the work, and attended a -meeting at Auvergne numbering fully eight hundred or a thousand -people. They appreciated fully the support of the pasteurs, which was -so lovingly tendered them. - -They felt everywhere the disastrous effects of the degraded position -of women. Having so much manual labor to perform, they are unfitted -for the proper care of their children; consequently, both their minds -and bodies are frequently uncared for, and the home, that great -training-school, is not rendered as bright and attractive as it should -be. This, S. Jones thought, is what makes the French people so -volatile and often skeptical. The places of public amusement are often -sought in preference to the home. - -Their work among the soldiers was a wonderful thing. Many came to -their meetings, and, laying aside their swords and taking off their -caps, sat meekly down to hear the glad tidings of "peace on earth and -good-will toward men." A remarkable movement sprang up among them. -One of their number said that at one time but three of them met for -worship, but lately nine had joined their number, and they felt much -encouraged. Many meetings were attended by these soldiers, who seemed -to appeal directly to Eli and Sybil Jones's sympathies. - -They held a meeting at St. Hippolyte with the few Friends there, at -the Moravian meeting-house, and were very urgently pressed to hold -more meetings in that place. Fears were often felt by their friends -that order could not be maintained in their meetings, owing to the -novelty of the thing; but they always, even in very large audiences, -met with the utmost respect and attention. They went on one occasion -to Marseilles, and took a short trip on the Mediterranean, and felt -that they gained some strength by the change. Sybil Jones, accompanied -by some of her friends and the good pasteur Abausit, who had been such -a kind friend and interpreter, went to Montpellier to visit the -prison. They were much pleased with the neatness and order of the -entire establishment, and met the most courteous treatment from the -chaplain and director. There was much tenderness shown by the -prisoners. There were in the prison eight hundred Catholic and -fourteen Protestant prisoners. They were not allowed to speak to the -former, but were enabled to pray earnestly for the other poor souls. -They held a very large meeting in the afternoon, and it was to them a -precious season. Sybil Jones visited two prisoners in their cells, and -pleaded tenderly with them. - -They then returned to Nismes and held a large meeting. One of the -pasteurs told them, in explanation of their kind reception on every -hand, that the Society of Friends moved along so prudently, peaceably, -and happily that they were received by all as Christian brethren. At a -meeting in St. Hippolyte great contrition was felt by a man who had -not attended meeting for many years, and would not permit his wife to -go, and forbade his sister to enter his house because she was -religious. He received his sister after the meeting, and seemed -greatly humbled. They felt that the Lord was speaking through his -instruments, and were encouraged to go forward. They held many large -and much-blessed meetings at Gallargues and Congenies, and visited -many to whom they were attracted, as they showed a concern for their -souls' welfare. Many came to inquire of them the "way," and they -formed many acquaintances and felt a binding interest in the people, -whose souls were so precious. - -When the two-months' meeting again assembled they had renewed cause -for encouragement. It was a meeting graciously ordered by the Lord. -The meeting for worship on First-day morning was remarkably covered -with divine power and goodness, and Eli Jones seemed unusually -"clothed upon with gospel unction." The meeting for business admitted -into membership a man who had been a Methodist minister, and received -requests from twelve others. They were once invited to the home of a -good pasteur named Mensard, where they met five other pasteurs, and -their conversation was most pleasant concerning the ministry and -"things of the kingdom." - -And now they felt that the burden of souls in the south of France was -rolled off, and they were sweetly released for service in other -fields. They held a large parting meeting, and many came to take -leave, among them a poor soldier in whom they were greatly interested. -He had been ordered to Constantinople without the companionship of any -of his religious friends. Of this they were not aware, and it was -remarkable that they felt impressed to read the ninety-first Psalm, -which seemed so suited to his case, and Sybil Jones was wonderfully -helped to pray for the poor soldier. The parting with the -school-children was an affecting season, and they at last set off, -leaving a large group of friends at the hotel-door for whom their -hearts reached out in tenderness and love. - -They went to Avignon, and from there by boat on the Rhone to Lyons. On -First day they attended three meetings in that city; where they found -an earnest, seeking people. They lodged with a dear friend who was -received into membership at the last meeting. He seemed to be exerting -a religious influence about him. They enjoyed their intercourse with -his interesting family, and M. J. Lecky offered to take their youngest -son, Benjamin, to England to obtain a knowledge of the English -language; which pleased his parents and he was committed to her care. -They spent one day in the great capital, and admired the magnificent -and stupendous works of art with which Paris is adorned. Sailed from -Havre for Southampton. There they attended one meeting, and thence -proceeded to London. They attended Suffolk quarterly meeting. The -power of the Lord was felt, especially by the young. Lodged at -Richard Dikes Alexander's. - -In London they lodged at Thomas Norton's, and attended London -quarterly meeting. Attended Brighton select meeting, and stayed at -Daniel Prior Hack's. They also attended meetings at Croydon and Lewes, -and Gloucester quarterly meeting; all of which were honored by the -Master's presence. On the 11th of 4th mo. they set off for Plymouth, -and soon after sailed for the dear home in America, leaving all their -work with the Master, for it was all done in His name. They carried -with them sweet memories of the aid and fellowship extended to them by -the French pasteurs. They also carried with them numerous written -testimonials of the pasteurs' appreciation of their labor of love -among them. The following is a letter from the pasteurs and elders of -Calvisson expressive of their feeling toward these laborers in the -Master's vineyard who had come from a distant land: - - * * * * * - -"We, the pasteurs and elders of the church of Calvisson (Gard), -declare that we have received the visit of Eli and Sybil Jones, -ministers of the Society of Friends. They have held two edifying -public meetings in our temple, before a numerous and attentive -audience, as well as a special meeting for the children of our -schools. Moreover, they have held a pastoral conference at Calvisson -(Gard), at which eleven pasteurs of our consistory and the neighboring -churches were present. We are happy to thank these dear friends for -the evangelical words they have brought to us. Their presence has been -for us a means of edification and of encouragement. Their prayers and -their exhortations, impressed with great spirituality, have produced -deep convictions and been visibly blessed, and have penetrated into -the hearts of all those who have had the privilege of hearing them. -The interest they have manifested for the salvation of souls and the -advancement of the kingdom of God has touched us in a lively manner, -and has given us the impression that they do not propose any other end -nor any other recompense for their sacrifices and their labors. They -have spoken amongst us the words of peace and charity, nor has -anything in their discourses wounded any faithful soul, either as -regards his faith or his individual opinions. We ask that in an -especial manner the divine blessing may attend the spiritual ministry -of Mr. and Mrs. Jones. We desire that the dear brother and sister may -be instrumental in shedding around them, wherever the Lord may call -them, that humble confidence in the wisdom from above that -characterizes all their discourses and their lives. May the Father of -spirits, who holds our hearts in His hand, grant to their prayers and -their efforts the awakening of souls and of consciences! Our Church -will always preserve a precious remembrance of these dear friends, and -sends them, through us, the expression of its prayers and its -gratitude. We declare that we know individually that Eli and Sybil -Jones have also visited the greater part of the numerous churches -which surround us, and that everywhere their preaching has been heard -with the same interest and the same edification. All our brethren have -been, like ourselves, moved and charmed by the unction and the grace -of their Christian exhortations. In the belief thereof we have given -to them the present certificate. - -"TEMPIE, Pastor-President of the Consistory of Calvisson. - -"THEODORE ABAUSIT, Pastor. - -"REANT, Moderator of the Consistory. - -"C. BERNARY, Treasurer. - - "CALVISSON (Gard), _March 10, 1854_." - - - - -CHAPTER X. - -_IN THE MAINE LEGISLATURE._ - - "When Christ came into the World peace was sung; and when He went - out of the world peace was bequeathed." - - -The first decided action of the Maine Legislature in regard to the -sale of intoxicating liquors was taken in the autumn of 1846. Much -work had been done during the two preceding years in the towns to -arouse the people to the necessity of bringing about an entire -revolution, and the temperance organizations worked zealously to base -all the structure they built on total abstinence. The foundation truth -was laid by Jesus Christ in Judea in words that meant, "If any one of -thy passions or appetites causes thee to do wrong, cut it off and cast -it from thee." The _necessity_ for total abstinence was vigorously -enforced by Eli Jones whenever he spoke. Enough believers in -temperance were sent to the Legislature in 1846 to pass a law "to -restrict the sale of intoxicating drinks." This was followed in 1851 -by an "Act for the suppression of drinking-houses and tippling-shops." -This was the well-known "Maine Law," and forbade the manufacture for -sale of intoxicating liquors, except cider. Unadulterated cider in -quantities of five gallons and upward might be sold. There were -thirty-nine other sections directed against liquor-selling, -drunkenness, and the habit of drinking in the community. This law -accomplished a very beneficial work. One of its great results was to -bring the temperance question more emphatically before the other -States and nations. At home it made drinking disgraceful and took away -to a great extent the temptation from the young men. While in small -towns it was nearly a perfect success in closing all shops, in the -cities there was not vigilance enough to carry out its purpose, and -many felt that more vigor must be used. - -Three years later, in 1854, the town of China elected Eli Jones by a -large majority over two other candidates to represent it in the -"House" of the Legislature. It was expected that he would carry to the -State capital the views which he unceasingly expressed at home, and -that he would agitate a still further reform, or, as he expressed it, -"put new teeth into the old law." The choice was wholly unexpected to -him, and he was working for the election of his lifelong friend, -Ambrose Abbot. He was given a prominent place on the committees, and -especially the Committee on Temperance. He worked almost continuously -to bring about the desired legislation, but seldom spoke, most of his -work being in the committee. - -This was a memorable winter at Augusta, and many excellent men were -there in the different branches of the State government. It was a -great opportunity for a true Friend to show to legislators the worth -of his principles. Eli Jones was the only man who refused to rise when -the governor called upon the united House and Senate to take the oath -of office, and he stood alone to give _affirmation_ that he would -faithfully perform his work. As was said before, Eli Jones, though -earnestly at work for the good of the people of the State, did not -address the House. Some members, who knew him intimately and wished to -call him to his feet, arranged a plan, not as a personal jest, but as -a scheme to gain a speech. In the course of the session the -appointment of a major-general to the second division of the Maine -militia came in order. - -In 1838, Maine had undertaken to assert by force of arms her title to -a region near the northern boundary claimed both by her and by Canada. -There was much mustering of troops at the capital, and fully ten -thousand soldiers marched through the deep snow and fierce cold to -drive the enemy from Aroostook county. Though they were brave and -ready for battle, happily no blood was shed and peace was wisely made; -but the "Aroostook War" became famous as a subject of banter and many -jokes were made at the expense of its officers. The old nursery rhyme -was quoted: - - "The king of France, with forty thousand men, - Marched up the hill and then--marched down again." - -Primarily for these two reasons, to urge Eli Jones to his feet and to -joke the former officers by appointing a Quaker, an avowed -peace-advocate, he was chosen unanimously to fill the vacancy in the -office of major-general. - -The nomination was so wholly unexpected that he was at first perplexed -at his situation. Much was at stake and wisdom and caution were -needed. Having his horse at Augusta, he drove that night to his home -at Dirigo, fifteen miles away, chiefly perhaps to discuss his course -with his family and the Friends most suitable for counsel. After -talking into the night with his brother-in-law, James van Blarcom, he -walked the floor alone until the new day was dawning. On arriving -again at Augusta he found the occasion far more important than he had -anticipated. The news had spread that the Quaker was to speak in -regard to his appointment; and the Representatives' Hall was crowded, -not only most of the Senate being present, but numbers from the city. -The subject of the business was introduced, and Eli Jones, rising, -spoke in substance as follows: - -"Whatever my ambition may have been in times past, my aspirations have -never embraced such an office as this as an object of desire. I can -assure the House that my election as major-general was an honor wholly -unexpected. It is true that when the governor announced to this House -the existence of the vacancy, a member privately remarked to me, 'I -shall vote for you,' but I replied to him, declining the honor and -proposed to return the compliment. - -"To my mind there is something ominous in this occurrence. I regard it -as one of the wonderful developments of the times. Who of us that -assembled ten years ago in quiet and retired places to affix our -signatures to pledges of abstinence from intoxicating drinks would -have believed that in 1855 we should be elected to the seats we now -occupy amidst the overwhelming rejoicing of the people, pledged to the -support of the Maine Law? Who that at that time had visited the -plantations of the South, and seen the slave toiling under the lash of -the taskmaster, would have believed that in 1855 the people of the -larger portion of this great land would have roused up with a stern -determination to subdue the encroachments of the slave-power, and -pledge themselves never to cease their labors until the wrongs of -slavery should be ameliorated--nay more, till slavery itself should be -abolished? Still more wonderful, who would have believed that the -State of Maine, that a few years since gloried in an Aroostook -expedition, and was noisy with military training and the din of arms, -would in 1855 exhibit the spectacle of a peaceable member of the -Society of Friends being elected to the post of major-general of a -division of the militia, and that too by the Representatives of the -people in their legislative capacity? - -"But I have endeavored to regulate my own conduct by the principle -that legislation should not go very far in advance of public -sentiment, and it seems to me that this election may possibly be ahead -of that sentiment. I submit this suggestion in all candor. It is -generally understood that I entertain peculiar views in respect to the -policy of war. If, however, I am an exponent of the views of the -Legislature on this subject, I will cheerfully undertake to serve the -State in the capacity indicated. With much pleasure I should stand -before the militia of the second division and give such orders as I -think best. The first would be, 'Ground Arms!' The second would be, -'Right about face! beat your swords into ploughshares and your spears -into pruning-hooks, and learn war no more!' And I should then dismiss -every man to his farm and his merchandise, with an admonition to read -daily at his fireside the New Testament and ponder upon its tidings -of 'Peace on earth and good-will to men.' - -"If, on the other hand, it should be determined that my election is a -little in advance of the times, I am willing, as a good citizen, to -bow to the majesty of law, and, as a member of the Legislature, to -consult its dignity and decline the exalted position tendered me by -the House; and I will now decline it. With pleasure I will surrender -to the House this trust and the honor and retire to private life." - -This speech was delivered amid interruptions of loud applause, and -made a great sensation throughout the State. And not in Maine only; it -was commented on in many of the newspapers and appeared in the columns -of English journals. Pictures of the fighting Quaker were made, with -the order to his troops printed below. It even came out in an African -journal; so that what seemed like an unimportant pleasantry on the -part of the members of the Legislature gave Eli Jones an opportunity -to preach peace to a very extended audience, and his voice was heard -far beyond the little State capital. From this time he was regarded -with much respect by all the members, and he received encouragement -and support in whatever he desired to accomplish. - -At the close of the session he called to thank the governor for his -kindness to him and his help in different ways, and he remarked to the -latter that he had been in rather a peculiar place during the winter -and had felt somewhat like a "speckled bird." The governor said, "Mr. -Jones, what you call being a 'speckled bird' has given you more -influence than anything else could possibly have done." Whatever he -may have accomplished in other lines during his term of office, he -gave powerful testimony in favor of peace and temperance and against -the use of oaths, and he went back to his quiet farm in China -thoroughly respected by all with whom he had been associated. - - - OAK GROVE SEMINARY. - -It may be a fitting place to speak of his connection with Oak Grove -Seminary, as he was at work for its interests not long after this -time. As I have in my possession a letter written by him in regard to -the beginning and early days of the school, I will insert it here: - -"Oak Grove Seminary was started about the year 1850 by John D. Lang, -Samuel Taylor, Ebenezer Frye, Alden Sampson, and Alton Pope. They had -in view the guarded and religious education of the children of -Friends. It was to be a '_select_' school. William H. Hobbie was the -first principal. I visited his school and thought him a wonderful -teacher. He stood before his class without a book, and seemed to be -himself the book. Up to that time I had never seen the like. Franklin -Paige, the present publisher of the _Friends' Review_, followed -William Hobbie in the principalship. Financially, the undertaking -after a while proved a failure, and the school was closed. - -"At a meeting of the yearly meeting's committee on education, held in -China in the autumn of 1856, I advocated an effort being made to open -Oak Grove Seminary again. It was opposed by some on the ground that we -needed primary schools more than high schools: to that idea my answer -was, We must first have high schools to prepare teachers for the -primary schools. A meeting of the original proprietors of the seminary -was called, and the question put to them, 'Are you willing to have -other Friends join you in opening the seminary?' Samuel Taylor -replied, 'We want to know first what you will do; we do not want to -depend upon a rope of sand.'--'What are the conditions on which we can -join you?'--'Do as much as we have; give $2500.' To this Alden Sampson -replied, 'It is useless to think of opening the school with $2500; we -must have $15,000. If you will raise that amount I will give $1000.' -Ebenezer Frye responded as liberally. A committee was appointed to -raise the fifteen thousand dollars. Eli Jones, William A. Sampson, -Joseph Estes, and Thomas B. Nichols were the chief workers in raising -the proposed sum. They were successful. It was nearly all subscribed -by six hundred Maine Friends. They constituted an association for the -opening and management of Oak Grove Seminary. - -"In the summer and autumn of 1857 the boarding-house was built. James -van Blarcom was chosen principal, and Sarah B. Taber of Albion -teacher. It was found that James van Blarcom's engagements would not -allow of his occupying the place for one year, consequently Eli Jones -took this position for the first year. The school opened in the 12th -month, 1857. The season had been wet, and the building and preparation -for the school proceeded slowly. Much hard work devolved upon the -principal and teachers. The pupils were numerous, and the spring term -brought 140. A case of scarlet fever, resulting in the death of a -lovely girl, rapidly reduced the number, which has not been reached -since. - -"At the opening of the second year Albert Smiley became principal and -James van Blarcom governor and boarding-master. - -"Albert Smiley was followed by Augustine Jones, and he by Richard M. -Jones. - -"Oak Grove has furnished principals for Friends' School at Providence -for nearly a quarter of a century, and to the Penn Charter School of -Philadelphia for about thirteen years. Ten or twelve of its pupils -have been or are ministers in the Society of Friends; some are to-day -leading business-men. - -"The writer of this notice has been connected with the management of -the institution for the last thirty years, sometimes influentially, -sometimes wellnigh powerless. As the record has been made, so it will -stand. I have rejoiced in the times of its prosperity; I have wept -over the ashes of its fine buildings, its library, its geological -museum. I now see the second temple rising from the ashes of the first -with an unlooked-for splendor. May it long stand for the benefit of -our race and the glory of God!" - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - -_IN WASHINGTON._ - - "Follow with reverent steps the great example - Of Him whose holy work was 'doing good;' - So shall the wide earth seem our Father's temple, - Each loving life a psalm of gratitude. - Then shall all shackles fall; the stormy clangor - Of wild war-music o'er the earth shall cease; - Love shall tread out the baleful fire of anger, - And in its ashes plant the tree of peace." - - WHITTIER. - - -Sybil Jones was at work in the Southern States during a part of the -year 1860, and returned to her Northern home only a few weeks before -the attack on Fort Sumter. The sound of war carried sorrow to the -hearts of herself and her husband. They were loyal to their country -and the great cause of human freedom, but they were loyal also to the -Prince of peace. - -"They prayed for love to lose the chain; 'Twas shorn by battle's axe -in twain!" - -For years they had longed to see the light of freedom break in on the -South, but they had hoped no less for the day "when the war-drum -should throb no longer" and universal peace should gladden the long -watchers for its dawn. Now they saw the oncoming of a most terrible -civil war, threatening the life of the nation. They mourned for -mothers and fathers who must see their boys go to the field; they -thought of the homes shattered for ever; but they did not yet realize -that their eldest son was to go forth to return only on his -shield--that the son who had urged them to go forward in the work of -love in Liberia, their noble son, was to be demanded as a sacrifice. - -The war was hardly begun when James Parnel Jones resolved to -volunteer. President Lincoln's call seemed a call to him. He had been -a logical reader of Sumner, and had closely watched the development of -slavery, and to his mind the war to save our nationality would -necessarily free the slaves. He wrote from the South: "Did I not think -this war would loose the slave's chains I would break my sword and go -home." - -That it was hard for him to go when his parents were praying for peace -there can be no doubt, but his mind was filled with the thought of -saving the life of a nation, and he certainly felt that the path of -duty was in that direction. - -The members of the Society of Friends felt almost universally that -they owed allegiance to two fatherlands. "There was a patriotism of -the soul whose claim absolved them from the other and terrene fealty," -and there was a manifest inconsistency between being members of -"Christ's invisible kingdom" and taking arms in support of a dominion -measured by acres.[7] Some felt otherwise, and they took upon -themselves the hard duty of turning from society and friends to do -battle. - - [7] Whittier thus gives the position which the Society of Friends - held: - - "Nursed in the faith that Truth alone is strong - In the endurance which outwearies wrong, - With meek persistence baffling brutal force, - And trusting God against the universe; - Are doomed to watch a strife we may not share - With other weapons than a patriot's prayer; - - "Yet owning with full hearts and moistened eyes, - The awful beauty of self-sacrifice, - And wrung by keenest sympathy for all - Who give their loved ones for the living wall - 'Twixt law and treason." - -James Parnel came home wounded, but returned to his command before his -furlough had expired. He went back with the feeling that the days left -him were few: he indistinctly saw what awaited him. In an engagement -to carry a strong point held by the enemy at Crystal Springs, near -Washington, he was struck by a ball from a sharpshooter. The ball had -glanced from a tree and brought him a mortal wound. The two hearts -deeply wrung to have their son go into the war at all were pierced at -the news of his death. We can hardly conceive their grief for him for -whom they had so earnestly prayed and agonized in his absence. -Henceforth whoever wore a soldier's uniform had a place in Sybil -Jones's heart. Her unspent love went out to all who were suffering on -the field and in the hospitals, and she could not rest at home. -Obtaining the needful credentials, she took up in a new form the -arduous service of her active and consecrated life, bearing the gospel -cheer to the wounded and dying in Philadelphia and Washington. She -could tell the soldiers of her own son, and so touch their hearts, and -her sympathy and love brought joy to many a poor sufferer. The -aggregate of her visits shows that she preached and talked to thirty -thousand soldiers. To and from the field of her labor, at the depots, -wherever she saw a uniform, she went to speak gentle words and to bear -good news; and only those to whom the balm came can tell the good -accomplished. Once more she met a kind reception from all. Soldiers -and prisoners welcomed her, and those high in power listened with -respect to her messages. She comforted the widow of President Lincoln, -and twice stood before his successor, President Johnson, and -faithfully warned him to rely on the Ruler of the universe for counsel -in guiding the helm of state. - -She left home in 1st mo., 1865, with a certificate for service. On her -way to the field in which she felt called to labor she visited her -children in Philadelphia, and attended meeting at Germantown, where -she was favored with a gospel message. She also attended Twelfth -street meeting and the large quarterly meeting in Arch street, where -she was constrained to speak for her Master. She then proceeded to -Baltimore, accompanied by Lydia Hawkes of Manchester, Maine. In this -city she met her dear husband, who had been separated from her for -three months. He was much worn by his labors as distributing agent of -the New England Friends. He had distributed to the necessities of the -freedmen food, clothing, beds, etc., according to the quantity sent to -the mission. He had visited them from hut to hut, administering as -well to their spiritual as to their temporal needs. They together -attended Baltimore quarterly meeting, and on the 9th of 2d mo. arrived -in Washington. - -Sybil Jones rested a few days, and then commenced the labors for which -she was liberated. Her first service was in Judiciary Square. She, -with her companion, was taken there in an ambulance, and they were -preceded and introduced by their dear friend Jane James, who often -gave them like aid. They were pleasantly received, and permission was -granted them to perform any religious service. They visited nine wards -and had service in the chapel, speaking words of comfort to those -confined to their beds. Much seriousness and tenderness was apparent. -They also went to the hospital at Armory Square, visited all the wards -of the sick and wounded, and had chapel service. It seemed that some -were turning to the Lord. - -Eli Jones went for a short time to Philadelphia to try and gain a -little strength, being very weary with his labors among the colored -people. The mud was very deep and the work of distributing very hard. -Their son, Richard Mott, accompanied his father, having spent the -vacation from his studies at Haverford College with his parents at -their post of duty. - -Camp Hospital was also visited. They were taken out in an ambulance by -Dr. Upton, who was courteous in every way. The poor wounded ones -seemed thankful for the interest exhibited for their souls' welfare. -Carm Hospital was visited, and all freedom was given them to point the -sick and suffering to the Lamb of God. Many were in tears at the close -of service in the chapel. Her own torn mother's heart gave Sybil Jones -great earnestness in prayer for the bereaved ones in the far-away -homes as she was called upon to attend the funerals of the soldiers. -Often more than one coffin stood on a form before them, and the -occasion was made a solemn admonition to the survivors to be ready -when the Lord should call. One of the meetings was attended by a -surgeon who had led a profane and dissolute life. He was reached by -the Spirit of God, and in a meeting rose and said, "I have been living -for hell; I looked toward it as my home, and fully expected it; but -God has had mercy on my soul and pardoned my sins, and I mean to serve -Him the rest of my days." Nearly all were in tears. When the service -was over the soldiers rushed to his arms weeping with joy. He said to -them: "I have treated you badly and sworn at you, but by the grace of -God I will never swear again." His conversion had a wonderful effect -and was a powerful testimony for the truth. - -Columbia Hospital was visited. They found a very conscientious, loving -superintendent in one of the wards, a lady named O. L. Pomeroy. In -this ward they held a most blessed meeting and made an appointment for -another. - -They were obliged to move from their lodgings on account of sickness -in the family, and were most kindly received by their good friends -William and Jane James. They found it a great privilege to be so cared -for. - -They went to Lincoln Hospital, where were five thousand men. Their -ministrations were much blessed: at a later visit they found four -hundred more wounded soldiers from City Point. The afflicted men were -all broken down with suffering and were ready for the consolation of -the gospel. The field indeed seemed white unto the harvest. A lad told -them that he had been in the Crimean War, and had served two years in -this. He was an Englishman. He showed them a silver medal gained by -valor in the former war. Sybil Jones said, "I hope thou art seeking a -crown in that higher warfare?" He quickly replied, "I am pressing -after it with all my might; I am looking to Jesus as my Captain." - -She sighed for "universal peace to reign" as she witnessed the untold -miseries of cruel war. It was wonderfully touching to hear the bright -testimonies of those poor feeble ones who had lain for months on their -emaciated backs. Many were passing away. No one could bear to tell one -poor dying youth that he could not live, and in all tenderness Sybil -Jones said to him, "I think thou cannot get well; what is thy hope?" -He replied, "In Jesus I believe; he has forgiven my sins. Tell my -father and mother I have gone to heaven." Some seemed insensible of -their danger, but were faithfully warned to prepare to meet their God. -As these faithful messengers of good tidings saw the terribly mangled -brought in, and beheld their patience and tenderness, they were sick -at heart and prayed for the terrible tide of war to be stopped. They -met with much kindness from Surgeon-general Barnes, who gave Sybil -Jones a pass to all the hospitals in the United States, and a special -one for the department of the South, with half-fare on Government -transports. - -Sybil Jones was presented to General Auger, the military commander of -the District of Columbia. He said that he was much pleased with her -mission. He was spoken to concerning the interests of eternity. She -was presented to Secretary Stanton and Colonel Harder, and was pleased -with their demeanor and readiness to aid her work in every possible -way. The Centre Guardhouse was visited and its four hundred inmates -lovingly warned to be ready. - -On 4th mo. 1st, 1865, great excitement was felt in the capital city, -as the President was personally directing affairs at Richmond, and the -fall of the rebellious city was hourly anticipated. On the morning of -the 3d came the joyful intelligence that the Confederate capital had -been evacuated, and a great tide of rejoicing swept over the loyal -States. Sybil Jones describes the scene in Washington as follows: - -"I was very fearful the inhabitants would be too full of joy to -remember their great Deliverer and give thanks unto His name. We went -to Camp Fry, and had to press our way through the throng, often -pausing to note the variety of emotions exhibited--all joyful, but -neither ridiculous nor profane. A subdued awe seemed to hold in check -the lawless and dissipated, and tears of joy suffused the eyes of -passers-by. The whistles of the engines, the roar of cannon, the music -of the various bands, and the shouts of the multitude, mingled with -the prayers, praises, and hallelujahs of the colored people, some down -on their knees in the dust of the street, others dancing like David -before the ark of the covenant on its return to its place,--all -commingled in one mighty jubilant song which I trust was not devoid of -the grateful tribute of praise to the great God of heaven and earth. -We at length entered the ward of the sick and wounded of two -regiments, about two thousand men. As we passed in I said, 'To-day is -the nation's jubilee, and we have come to present our thank-offering -with you, as you cannot join the street celebration.' A smile and -'Thank you' went round and brightened up the scene. We read a -beautiful psalm and bore a testimony to the power and goodness of God, -not only in hope of the full and entire emancipation of the slaves, -but in disclosing to us to-day, behind the folds of the dark -war-cloud, the silver lining of peace. We besought them to come to the -Lamb of God, seeing his mercy and loving-kindness had been so great to -them as to spare them amid the din of battle when their comrades had -fallen all around them." - -Sybil Jones and her friends visited Seminary Hospital, and found among -the wounded a young Friend from Illinois, who was much comforted by -hearing the gospel tidings from a member of the Society he loved so -well. A sad scene presented itself in Douglas Hospital. There had just -arrived three hundred terribly mangled soldiers, some passing away, -some in agony with lost limbs. It was an indescribably painful scene, -and the one "Physician of value" was recommended to the poor -sufferers. - -They addressed many prisoners of war, deserters from the South, and -refugees. They were listened to with seriousness, and many were in -tears. On a visit to Stanton Hospital, Sybil Jones met a young man -from Maine named Eben Dinsmore. He told her that her son, James Parnel -Jones, had been his captain when he first enlisted, and afterward his -major. He spoke in the highest terms of his kindness to the men and -his unspotted name, and said he heard a soldier of the same regiment -say that he was with him from the time he was wounded until his death, -and never saw a person die so happy, singing as he passed away. - -At this time Sybil Jones and friends moved their lodgings, at the kind -invitation of their friend Isaac Newton, to make their home with him -for a while. - -On the 15th of 4th mo. came the dreadful news that the good man who -had stood so nobly at the head of the nation in this dreadful crisis -had gone from works to reward, slain by the hand of the assassin. The -great joy was turned into deepest mourning that he who was so endeared -to all loyal hearts could not be with them to enjoy the restful time -of peace. They held a meeting in the rooms of the Agricultural -Department, and were comforted in their great grief by the presence of -Him who said to the troubled waves, "Peace, be still." A visit was -made to Stone Hospital, and it was found that the suffering ones there -had had little religious instruction, but seemed grateful for -Christian counsel. One poor fellow, who was dying and felt his lost -condition, was entreated to look to the "Lamb of God." - -A young lady came one day to Isaac Newton's and asked if a Quaker lady -who preached was there. She said that some one had been thinking how -appropriate it would be to have a Friends' meeting, for the awful -stroke inclined them to be silent. Isaac Newton offered his parlors, -and Sybil Jones consented. She says in her diary: "We met at seven -o'clock, and it was one of the most blessed seasons I have enjoyed in -this city. The silence seemed to have healing in its wings and balm -to the stricken spirit." Much service was done in Emory Hospital; the -poor fellows on their beds were visited one by one, and each was -lovingly spoken to. They held meetings at Emory Hospital for the -convalescent soldiers, and by all they were most gladly received. -Harwood and Finley Hospitals were fields of labor, and in each the -gospel message was thankfully received. At first the surgeon in charge -said that he never allowed service in the wards where the men were -badly wounded or passing away. Sybil Jones said to him, "Doctor, -wouldst thou take the responsibility of keeping the gospel from dying -men, the suffering soldiers of our country, far from their homes and -mothers?"--"No," said he, "but I do not want them disturbed."--She -said, "Our services never disturb; we are a quiet people." She then -told him that she had a pass to all hospitals in the United States, -but would not insist upon entering without his full permission. He -then gave it most freely. The service was gladly received, and it -seemed like drops of rain on a dry and thirsty land. - -Sybil Jones felt that she must bear a message of her heavenly Father's -love and sympathy to the widow of the lamented President. She had been -ill, confined to her bed in the White House, since the fatal stroke. -Sybil Jones says of the visit: "All crushed and broken under the heavy -stroke, I spoke to her of the heavenly Chastener's love and care, and -said that He could bind up the broken heart and give peace. She -cordially invited us to come again. Her two sons, one about ten and -the other about twenty, were at home, and very affectionate and -attentive to their suffering mother, though themselves evidently -feeling very deeply the sad event." - -Sybil Jones felt that she was given a message for Secretary Stanton. -She in company with others went to his house in the evening, and, -passing a guard of soldiers, was most kindly received by his -interesting wife, the Secretary being absent. They spent an hour in -pleasant conversation, and then the Secretary came and greeted them -kindly. Very soon silence reigned, and Sybil Jones, after asking -permission, rose and addressed the Secretary, telling him that as he -had been raised up by the Almighty for the important duties of his -office, he must dispense justice and judgment in the fear of God, -plead the cause of the oppressed, and humbly in all things do the will -of the great King, and the eternal God should be his refuge. She told -him that, though his life had been sought, the angel of the Lord had -guarded him, and if his trust was in Him no harm should befall him. -After her remarks the Secretary rose and thanked her most profoundly, -and told her that her gospel message was most grateful, and said that -he needed the prayers of the people and that his trust was in God. - -Sybil Jones went again by invitation to call on the President's widow. -She was still in bed, much prostrated. The rooms were all lighted as -in the days when their master paced through them with the weight of -his mission pressing upon him. One lone sentinel guarded the -mansion--a strange contrast to the past, when a strong guard was -deemed necessary. The desolate lady gave them a sweet welcome, and -told them some cheering incidents of her husband's last days. She -said that several times during the last day he lived he said, "This is -the happiest day of my life." He seemed to feel that the great work -was done, and he rejoiced that the cloud which hung over his beloved -America had lifted. Sybil Jones then spoke to her cheeringly of the -sympathy of Jesus with the sorrowing sisters of Bethany--that in her -boys she had a charge to keep for the King. After a season of feeling -prayer they parted tenderly. - -Stone Hospital, a beautiful home for the weary, suffering soldiers, -was visited, and a wonderfully convicting season it proved. Sybil -Jones was greatly saddened on a visit to the jail by its filthy -appearance. Old and young were crowded in together, and the young in -crime were by association with the vicious and degraded hastened in -their downward course. - -Feeling that she was called to labor in Alexandria, Sybil Jones went -across the river to that place, and found a kind welcome at the -temporary home of James P. Barlow, he, with his family, having fled -from his own home on account of rebel persecution and confiscation. -She had a meeting with the convalescents in the colored hospital, and -had most interesting services in Slough Barracks. She also had a large -meeting at the Soldiers' Rest, where she addressed thousands of -soldiers, all orderly and attentive, while a tear might often be seen -tracing down the bronzed cheeks. Wonderful changes were apparent in -this place since the abolition of slavery. Slave-pens were -appropriated to useful purposes. One was used as a court of justice, -where traitors took the oath of allegiance to their country and to the -government. - -Sybil Jones then returned to Washington, and did what she could in the -hospitals there, and then, feeling again the call to Alexandria, she -returned to that place, and after more service owned and blessed by -the Master she left this great field of labor and went once more to -her children in Philadelphia, and thence to her own home. - -On the 16th of 4th mo., in 1866, she again left her home, accompanied -as far as Providence by her son Grelet, and bearing a certificate from -her friends granting freedom for such service as she was called to -perform. She attended meetings at Salem, Lynn, and Burlington, -visiting prisons, hospitals, and reformatory institutions. She went to -Richmond, Va., and attended the small meeting of Friends there, and -with them praised the Lord for bringing them through the bloody -rebellion and allowing them once more to assemble under the banner of -peace. She attended many meetings here; had a meeting in a -penitentiary, where the poor inmates had not heard the gospel sound -for five years, since before the dreadful struggle. Many Bibles were -distributed and families visited. - -In a town near Richmond it was thought very doubtful if she could -obtain a meeting, as the feeling against the North was so strong. When -the Methodist minister was applied to, a young man present exclaimed, -"That Quaker lady must have a meeting; she is the mother of my college -classmate, Major Jones. She must have a meeting, and we will do our -best to get the people out." The meeting was a large one and blessed, -and the people expressed their thanks at the close. - -After much loving service in the prisons and elsewhere, Sybil Jones -went once more to Washington, holding meetings and doing all she could -to "lift the skirts of darkness." She felt that she had another -message to bear to the White House, where now, at the head of affairs -of state, was the late President's successor, Andrew Johnson. She had -a most touching interview with the President's daughter, the wife of -Senator Patterson. They mingled their prayers and tears, and then -Sybil Jones was presented to the President. He was surrounded by -supplicants, mothers, advocates of right, and artful politicians. -While waiting for audience the President's little granddaughter -offered to her a beautiful bouquet of flowers, and, drawing her close, -Sybil Jones spoke to her of the infinitely more beautiful flowers of -heaven. The President courteously gave her permission to speak. She -told him her message, and told him that it was in the name of the -"King of kings." He thanked her seriously, and many were in tears. It -was a most impressive scene. - -After this, Sybil Jones returned to Maine, but she was not permitted -long to enjoy the sweet associations in the home so dear to her. The -impression seemed to gather force daily that she must once more cross -the ocean. These words came to her often with great emphasis: "Get -thee out of thy own country and from among thy own kindred to a land -which I shall show thee." Once more she cast her burden upon the -meeting, and found, as ever, the sweet sympathy and unity with her -call to go forth that were ever accorded her. She was liberated for -the service that she felt was hers to perform, and her "peace flowed -like a river." - -Before engaging in the work in Europe, Sybil Jones obtained a -certificate from the monthly meeting to visit the prisons and -penitentiaries in some of the Southern States. She visited most -institutions of that character in many of the large Southern cities, -bearing the news of life and salvation to the poor erring ones. Many -tracts and Bibles were distributed and much work was done in the -vineyard of the Lord. Once more she bore a message to President -Johnson. She went to the White House on a reception day for the -President's daughter, and passed in with the throng. On every side -were seen the glory and parade of this world that will pass away, but, -obtaining audience with the President and his daughter, she spoke to -them of the pleasures that are eternal. The Lord helped her to declare -the truth, and she went away trusting that it would not be "in vain in -the Lord." Her whole soul was rejoiced to see the great change that -had swept over the South since the shackles of slavery had been -removed. Those who had been slaves now stood up men. She felt that -there is indeed "a God who judgeth in the earth, and He only worketh -wonders." - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - -_MISSION-WORK._ - - "'Tis time - New hopes should animate the world, new light - Should dawn from new revealings to a race - Weighed down so long." - - BROWNING. - - -There was comparatively little known among Friends about the land of -the Bible from personal observation before 1870, and some of the best -works on the history, the geography, the manners, and customs of -Palestine have been written since that date. The visits of Eli and -Sybil Jones to Syria, and the letters which they and their companions, -Alfred Lloyd Fox and Ellen Clare Peason (born Miller), wrote from -there have done much to bring that country to the careful notice of -Friends; and the interest felt in the missions at Brumanna and -Ramallah has induced many to study their situations and to become -better acquainted with that whole region, incontestably the most -important on the globe if we associate with the soil what has -transpired there for the benefit of the race. We call it the "Holy -Land," and the religious enthusiasts of the Middle Ages felt that it -was a profanation for infidels to hold the sepulchre of the Lord and -the cities where He taught; so that thousands rose from all Christian -lands to win back the captured territory, and blindly gave their -lives for what they thought a sacred cause. In those days the Crusades -opened the eyes of Europe and showed to the people the civilization -and wonders of this Eastern land, and they brought back accounts from -the cradle of early civilization which changed the thoughts and ideas -of the age. American missionaries began to work in Syria in 1823, not -to win the soil from the hands of infidels, but to gain the souls of -those living in blindness, ignorance, and sin; and their endeavors -have been greatly blessed, although these strongholds yield slowly to -the most vigorous assaults. - -Until the fourth century after Christ feasts were held annually in -Syria to commemorate the death of Adonis--or Tammuz, as he was called -in Syria--and his birth was celebrated again in the spring. These -rites came from the story of Adonis being killed at the sources of the -river which bears his name. This stream, which comes down with a -swollen current in autumn, carries away much red iron ore; this gives -the water a reddish color, which was said to be caused by the blood of -Adonis, while in the spring Adonis was supposed to rise from the dead -in all his beauty, at which time all gave themselves up to -unrestrained joy. It was this mourning for Adonis of which Ezekiel -speaks: "He brought me to the door of the Lord's house, and, behold, -there sat women weeping for Tammuz" (or Adonis). All the heathen -temples were destroyed and the worship stopped by Constantine the -Great. At present there are in Syria about one million Mohammedans, -two hundred and fifty thousand Maronites, two hundred and thirty-five -thousand members of the Greek Church, eighty thousand Roman Catholics, -eighty thousand Druses, thirty thousand Jews, but only five thousand -Protestants; besides many other kinds of religions. - -The Maronites are thought by some to have taken their name from -Maroon, an abbot who lived near the Orontes in the sixth century. He -was considered as a saint by these people, though by the pope he was -deemed a heretic. In the time of the Crusades the Maronites joined the -Christian army from the West, and so came in contact with the Roman -Church. They are divided into four orders--Jesuits, Franciscans, -Lazarists, and Capuchins--over whom one patriarch is the governor. The -order of the Jesuits, with the influence of the patriarch, has from -the first opposed the work of all missionaries, and a heap of stones -near the convent of Kanobin marks the spot where a missionary was -martyred in 1830 by the will of the Maronite patriarch. - -The Druses are perhaps the most remarkable people of Syria, and they -are, too, the most mysterious. It was formerly thought that they were -the descendants of a band of the crusaders who were left behind and -finally forgot their land and religion, taking their name from the -count of Dreux. There is a more plausible theory which identifies them -with some of the tribes introduced into the Palestine by Esarhaddon, -the great Assyrian, in the seventh century, B. C. Their name seems to -have come from Ismael Darazi, and dates no farther back than the -eleventh century A. D. - -Hakim, one of the caliphs, who reigned in 1019, and who seems from his -tyranny and fanaticism to have been a madman, maintained that he had -direct intercourse with the Deity, and that he was an incarnation of -the divine intelligence. The claim was made known in the mosque at -Cairo by Ismael Darazi, whose testimony was hostilely received by the -people and he himself compelled to flee; but he at last succeeded in -winning over the ignorant inhabitants of Mount Lebanon, whence the -origin of this religion. The Druses hold that there is only one God, -indefinable, incomprehensible, ineffable, and passionless--that he has -made himself known by ten successive incarnations, lastly by Hakim. -They believe in the transmigration of souls, and they say that -virtuous souls pass into Chinese Druses, but those of the wicked into -dogs or camels. These people have a high reputation for hospitality, -and especially toward the English or Americans. God, they say, is -great and liberal and all men are brothers, though in their bloody -massacres they forget this, as Christians sometimes do. - -The last hundred years have witnessed fearful struggles between the -Maronites and Druses, and the rivers have run red--not from the -supposed blood of Adonis, but from that of human beings--and many -Christians have fallen victims. - -Another sad fact is the low position which woman holds in Palestine. -It is only Christianity that can put her in her true place as man's -equal. - -Those, then, who go to Syria to herald the gospel and plant the seeds -of progress in the hearts of these people have as much to contend with -as those who go among uncivilized heathen, or perhaps more. Here they -are opposed by uncompromising bigotry, by the despotic hand of a -mighty ruler, and they must find untold obstacles in a land where the -muezzin's voice is heard from a thousand Moslem minarets, with the -hate which has ever existed between the two religions, and has not -been lessened by the contests around Jerusalem for the possession of -the holy sepulchre. But missionaries are peacemakers, and it is well -that members of the Society of Friends have been led to do work -here--a Society which would proclaim the "truce of God to the whole -world for ever;" a Society which would give to woman the nobility for -which she was created. We may hope that the hills which witnessed the -chorus of angels singing, "Peace on earth, good-will to men," shall -look on a community in which this is fulfilled, and, though -Jerusalem's altar-fires have gone out, there may a brighter light -shine into the hearts of a people worshipping God in spirit and in -truth. - -We can hardly realize that this important land, "the cradle of -revelation," is so small that it is only about the size of Wales. -"From Dan on the north to Beersheba on the south is a distance of only -one hundred and thirty-nine miles, and the paltry breadth of twenty -miles from the coast to the Jordan on the north increases slowly to -only forty between the shore of the Mediterranean at Gaza and the Dead -Sea on the south." - -To this little country, made great and again humbled, raised up and -again degraded, to this people divided into so many religions, Eli and -Sybil Jones felt a call to bear the gospel first promulgated from its -hills and in its valleys. - -They were liberated by China monthly meeting, Vassalboro' quarterly -meeting, and New England yearly meeting, and embarked from Boston on -the 10th of 4th month, 1867. - -"The last meeting attended by them before leaving their home in Maine -was thronged by their townspeople, many of whom had known them through -life, and several ministers from other societies from the overflowing -of their hearts expressed their desire for the divine blessing upon -their labors as ambassadors for Christ. Between our two friends, and -upon the same bench, sat their two aged mothers, respectively in their -eighty-fourth and eighty-ninth years. The latter arose in the presence -of the large assembly, and, referring to the prospect that she should -not meet her dear children again in this life, expressed her -willingness to give them up for the sake of the Lord. They were -attended on board their steamer by a large delegation of Friends from -Lynn, Salem, New Bedford, and Providence. Here they mingled in -Christian sympathy and in a season of religious fellowship, giving -their fellow-passengers the opportunity of witnessing such brotherhood -in Christ as used in the olden time to induce the exclamation: 'See -how the Quakers love one another!'" Among those who came to bid them -adieu and attend their religious exercises were John A. Andrew, -governor of Massachusetts, and General Banks. It was especially -interesting, as marking a striking contrast to the treatment which the -missionary Quakers two hundred years before received at the hands of -the Boston officials. - -John G. Whittier, who at one time had a desire to accompany them, -wrote the following beautiful verses for the occasion: - - "TO ELI AND SYBIL JONES. - - "As one who watches from the land - The lifeboat go to seek and save, - And, all too weak to lend a hand, - Sends his faint cheer across the wave,-- - - "So, powerless at my hearth to-day, - Unmeet your holy work to share, - I can but speed you on your way, - Dear friends, with my unworthy prayer. - - "Go, angel-guided, duty-sent! - Our thoughts go with you o'er the foam; - Where'er you pitch your pilgrim tent - Our hearts shall be and make it home. - - "And we will watch (if so He wills - Who ordereth all things well) your ways - Where Zion lifts her olive hills - And Jordan ripples with His praise. - - "Oh! blest to teach where Jesus taught, - And walk with Him Gennesaret's strand! - But whereso'er His work is wrought, - Dear hearts, shall be your Holy Land." - -Letters from Eli Jones and his companions will be given farther on to -show the nature of their work, the places visited, and something of -the good accomplished. Many of these letters are exceedingly -interesting, and, being written on the spots which they describe, they -throw new light on the scenes of the Bible-land. For the present I -wish to follow out briefly the part these two Friends have taken in -what may be called distinctive mission-work. - -After being engaged for about a month attending meetings in and about -London, mostly among the poor, and doing some work in Scotland, they -began their journey, stopping with the Friends in the south of France, -embarking from Marseilles for Greece, and thence going pretty directly -to Beirut in Syria. They had as companions and helpers that earnest -and sweet-spirited Christian, Alfred Lloyd Fox of Falmouth, England, -and Ellen Clare Miller of Edinburgh, for whom, as she is still living, -words of eulogy are happily not yet in place. They spent some months -holding meetings, visiting schools, and doing much quiet work up and -down nearly the whole length of Palestine. Sybil Jones being all the -time in feeble health, they finally returned to England to spend the -summer. Sybil went to Ireland, and Eli held meetings in different -parts of England. Meantime, Alfred Fox and Ellen Clare Miller, who had -become much interested in the work going on in Palestine, had raised a -considerable sum of money to assist the mission-schools and general -religious work in the Holy Land, and about seven hundred pounds were -collected, some of which was sent to those needing it. As the summer -went on, Eli and Sybil Jones each separately, began to feel that they -had still further work in the East to do, and the way opened for them -to return to the work which they had left unfinished. Ellen Clare -Miller again attended them, also Richard Allen and Captain Joseph Pim. -What money remained was put into their hands to be spent as they saw -fit to promote education and spread the gospel in Syria. - -While in the neighborhood of Jerusalem they visited Ramallah. There -was a boys' school in this place, and here they were met by a young -woman who asked that she might be helped to teach a girls' school. Eli -Jones asked her if she could teach, to which she answered, yes. After -consideration it was decided to take some of the money which had been -entrusted to them to start this young woman--Miriam--in the work of -educating the girls of the neighborhood. On returning to England at -the end of their visit, and reporting what they had done at Ramallah, -it was at once accepted by the English Friends, and the little school -thus begun was adopted and liberally supported. Ramallah became the -seat of the mission and school of the London Friends, and was -carefully watched over, built up, and maintained until 1888, when it -was decided to be best for American Friends to take it in exchange for -their interest in the Brummana mission on Mount Lebanon. It will be -called the Eli and Sybil Jones Mission, and the New England Friends -are ready zealously to take up and carry on the good work which for -eighteen years has received the support of English Friends. - -During this same visit, while at Beirut in the year 1869, they met -Theophilus Waldmeier, who was engaged in the British Syrian schools. -He became much interested in the strangers, and desired to learn more -of their religious principles. "Their addresses were so powerful and -edifying," he writes, "that our hearts were touched, and I began to -think that their religious principles must be of a superior nature. I -went to the hotel where they lodged and made their acquaintance, and -from that time I have believed that the Quaker principles are the -right basis for a true spiritual Church. When these dear Friends left -the country their blessed influence remained upon my heart, though -they had not the slightest idea of it, nor had I any hope of seeing -them again." - -Two years later Theophilus Waldmeier met Stafford Allen, and -accompanied him, his son, and Joseph Price to Baalbek, so that they -became closely acquainted, and he was invited to come to Stafford -Allen's house in London, which he did in 1872, and here he made the -acquaintance of Hannah Stafford Allen, Robert and Christine Alsop, and -others, and he became more and more familiar with the spiritual views -of Friends, and later he joined himself to their Society. - -He visited the different missions around Mount Lebanon, and he found -that there was none at Brummana. It was told him that the inhabitants -of Brummana were the greatest thieves and liars in the world. "They -are Maronites, Greeks, and Druses, and the evil report of them has -filled the country even unto Egypt. Every one is afraid of them. The -American missionaries wanted to establish a mission among them, but -they were expelled from the place in 1831, and the Bibles and -Testaments which they distributed among the people were publicly -burned." This showed that here was indeed the spot for a mission, but -it would take courage and manly work to establish it. But the order -seemed to come to Theophilus Waldmeier, "Go forward;" and on the 9th -of the 4th month, 1873, he gave in his resignation to the committee of -British Syrian schools, and it was not long before he was settled with -his family at Brummana. But, unsupported, he felt he could do little, -and he wrote an earnest letter to Hannah Allen for assistance; and -this letter was sent to Eli Jones. Hannah Allen sent pecuniary aid to -Theophilus Waldmeier for his family. Eli Jones received the letter a -little before New England yearly meeting opened, and took it with him -to that meeting, not knowing what it would be best to do. Charles F. -Coffin attended this yearly meeting, and he made an earnest plea that -New England Friends should identify themselves with some mission-work. -The subject was taken up and a committee appointed, the names of Eli -and Sybil Jones being among the number. Eli Jones at once urged that -something be done to help Theophilus Waldmeier, and fifty dollars was -raised to be sent to him. Eli Jones was requested to write and find -how the religious views of Theophilus agreed with those of Friends, -and the answer gave satisfaction to all. American Friends were now -ready to take hold of the work on Mount Lebanon, and were anxious to -join with English Friends in support of a mission there. Eli Jones -wrote to Theophilus Waldmeier: "I am glad to be able to say that our -Friends in New as well as in Old England seem much interested in thy -work on Mount Lebanon. I think that thyself and dear wife and your -helpers may be encouraged to give yourselves to the work of the Lord -there, with full trust that your temporal wants will be supplied." -After much correspondence it was arranged for English Friends to join -those of New England yearly meeting in furnishing funds for the -support of the new mission; committees, secretaries, and treasurers -were appointed. T. Waldmeier was encouraged to go on with what he had -begun, with the certainty that his wants would be supplied. He did -so, and the work prospered. He has had much to endure, but he has -persevered, and much of the success of Friends' work on Mount Lebanon -is due to his faithfulness and courage. English Friends have from the -first nobly done their part to support this post of service, and they -have shown an untiring interest in it. Eli Jones has felt almost a -father's love for this Mount Lebanon mission. He has worked for it, -begged for it, and prayed for it. His original fifty dollars, -collected from New England Friends, was the first contribution sent to -it, at least by Friends, and from that time on he has not ceased to -stretch out his hands and heart to help it. He would be the last to -claim any honor for the success of either of the missions in -Palestine; he is among those who have helped to plant and water, and -God himself has given a good increase. - -In 1876, Eli Jones, Alfred Lloyd Fox, and Henry Newman again visited -the Holy Land, and especially the slope of Mount Lebanon. A meeting -was held there, and Eli Jones read an epistle from the foreign mission -committee appointed by New England yearly meeting, expressing the -belief that a meeting should be organized at Brummana. After -deliberation a meeting was organized in the usual manner, consisting -of six native Christians and the family of T. Waldmeier. - -During this same visit they started a boys' training-home. The winter -was spent in getting the training-home ready to open and putting it on -a proper working basis. A house was rented from one of the emirs of -Mount Lebanon, in which the boys of the mountain began to be trained. -This house and the one occupied by T. Waldmeier were those in which -lived the two emirs who gave the order to burn the Bibles and -Testaments of the early American missionaries. The spot is still -marked near the training-home where these Bibles were burnt, and some -of the inhabitants still live there who helped execute the order; so -that the children of the men who put fire to the Bible are now being -taught on this same spot from this same book. - -In the spring of 1880 an appeal was made for a girls' training-home at -Brummana, T. Waldmeier judging the cost of building and current -expenses would be about ninety-five pounds. Not long after Eli Jones -wrote: "At our New England yearly meeting thy appeal for a girls' -training-home was read, and elicited a ready and remarkable response. -Soon after the meeting we found that the subscription had reached -eleven hundred dollars. The women Friends of New York yearly meeting -also raised two hundred dollars, thus making thirteen hundred dollars -in the hands of our treasurer, George Howland, for the purpose of -erecting a home for girls on Mount Lebanon." - -So much money was collected that during the winter Eli Jones in the -name of the committee authorized the work to begin, and on the 27th of -10th month, 1882, the new building was completed. Eli Jones, then in -his seventy-sixth year, again crossed the water to be present at the -dedication of it. Three hundred persons, among them princes and -princesses, were there to see and hear the ceremony. Eli Jones read -Prov. xxxi., and spoke for an hour and fifteen minutes on the subject -of female education. The fifteen girls who were to be educated sat in -a semicircle on chairs before Eli Jones, and stood up and sang a hymn -at the close of the meeting. Charles M. Jones of Winthrop, Maine, had -attended Eli, and they worked for three months to accomplish the -transference of the mission into the hands of three English and three -American trustees. The management of the work was considerably -remodelled during this winter. It is a difficult matter to obtain a -perfectly clear title to land in Palestine, and the Friends were -obliged to go through eight different courts before the affair was -thoroughly settled. - -The Ramallah Friends' mission was visited, and much was done to -encourage the workers there. New England Friends at present are -earnest to accomplish much good at Ramallah, and there has been a -striking liberality manifested by them in this field. Eli Jones, now -in his eighty-second year, can never again visit in the body these two -spots which he fondly loves, but he rejoices in his last days that the -cause so near his heart is receiving so warm a support, and the -advance which has been made prophesies the day when the Syrian wife -shall have a woman's voice and a woman's power, and when the -marvellous blessing of Christ's immeasurable love shall be felt in the -hearts of those who now sit in darkness, though in the land where "the -great Light has shined." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - -_LETTERS FROM SYRIA._ - - -Eli and Sybil Jones were most cordially liberated by Friends for the -work in Europe, which was shown them as a field white unto harvest in -which they were called to labor. They set sail from Boston in the ship -"China," 4th mo. 10th, 1867. They attended Dublin and London yearly -meetings, and visited the meetings throughout England, and then -carried their labors into Scotland. Of the visit in this country Eli -Jones writes to the _Friends' Review_: - - LONDON, 9th mo. 6, 1867. - -Having returned to this city again from what has been to us a very -pleasant and satisfactory tour throughout parts of Scotland, and -especially to those towns where members of our religious Society -reside, I take my pen to give a few jottings from my note-book. On the -12th of 8th mo. we left Newcastle-upon-Tyne for Glasgow in Scotland, -distant by rail one hundred and twenty-five miles. The day was -delightful, and as we passed on at the rate of thirty or more miles -per hour we saw much calculated to please and instruct. Crossed the -Tweed near its mouth, where the old town of Berwick enjoys a fine -outlook upon the German Ocean, and where a halt of a few minutes -reminded us that we had really reached the land of Scott and Burns, -of Jaffrey and the Barclays, and of others whose names are familiar to -the readers of Scottish history. Our course after leaving Berwick lay -through extensive fields of ripening corn--or, as we Americans would -say, of grain--interspersed with broad belts of potatoes and turnips, -the whole indicating careful culture and a higher type of agriculture -than I had previously noticed. As we approached Edinburgh there was -less land under the plough, and instead green pastures cropped by -numerous flocks of sheep, with an occasional sprinkling of other -stock. Passing through the last-named city, we noticed the monument -erected to the memory of Walter Scott. Its architectural beauty can -hardly fail to catch the eye of the traveller. Another hour, through a -valley of great fertility, brought us to Linlithgow, the birthplace of -Mary queen of Scots. The royal castle is still standing. At the close -of the day's travel we found ourselves at Glasgow, and, taking a -hurried lunch at the house of William Smeal, were seated in the -meeting of ministers and elders at the hour of seven, when visitors -and visited were comforted together. - -_13th._ Were present at the two-months' meeting--a favored season. At -a joint meeting following that for worship the ministry of Eliza -Wigham was approved. It was instructive to witness the freedom of -expression, not only of the aged, but of young men and women, who -cheerfully lent their aid to help the Church redeem her "charge" in so -important a matter. Attended two meetings in Edinburgh; lodged at the -house of William and Jane Miller. The next day, in company with these -dear friends and others, went by rail to Aberdeen by way of Stirling, -Perth, Dunbar, and Stonehaven. This ancient city of the North, of -which Alexander Jaffrey was provost (or mayor), and in whose prisons -many of the early Friends were incarcerated for conscience' sake, is -in 57 deg. 8' 57" north latitude, and lies upon the river Dee. It is -built of gray granite. The houses are from two to four stories high, and -present a clean and substantial appearance. A statue of Queen Victoria -standing near the centre of the town is much admired. It is of white -marble upon a pedestal of red granite highly polished. In the chapel -at King's College a structure of the fourteenth century is shown, a -pulpit--a relic from an ancient cathedral of the twelfth. Great labor -must have been performed by hands no longer active to produce in the -solid oak the carved figures and forms seen in this edifice of a -bygone age. The other college buildings are of modern date. The -general meeting of ministers and elders was held on the 17th. Godfrey -Woodhard, William Ball, Thomas Wells, and Sarah Tatham in the ministry -were present from England. The latter has been for some weeks our kind -companion and caretaker. - -_10th, First day._ Two meetings for worship were held, both well -attended, the latter more numerously than could be accommodated in the -house, several remaining near the door; all quiet and attentive. Most -Friends present in the ministry took part in the vocal exercises, in -which Christ was exalted as the rightful Head of His Church and as the -world's only Saviour. The business of the general meeting is the same -in character as that of a quarterly meeting. It was held on the 19th -of the month, preceded by a meeting for worship. We may trust both -were seasons of encouragement to Friends in this land, so remotely -situated one from the other and accustomed to meet for worship in -comparatively small numbers. While in Aberdeen we visited Barbara -Wigham, now nearly ninety-three years of age, a valued minister who -seems quietly waiting the pleasure of her Lord to leave her post of -watching for a seat among the blessed. How delightful to look upon the -ripe corn in the ear ready to be garnered! She is the daughter-in-law -of John Wigham, who some years since travelled extensively in America, -going as far east as Nova Scotia. - -Left Aberdeen the morning of the 21st for Stonehaven, sixteen miles -distant, where we had arranged for a meeting in the morning. This is a -neat little town, nearly two miles from Ury, the ancient home of the -Barclays, including the noted Apologist. The present "laird of Ury," -John Baird, and his wife, Margaret Baird, kindly showed us about their -palace-home and its extensive gardens redolent with fruit and flower, -and in other ways continued to make our call a very pleasant one. -Among things of special interest was shown a stool of rather clumsy -make labelled "Library Stool of Robert Barclay the Apologist." -Tradition and facts point to this as the veritable seat of that -eminent Christian scholar while writing his unrefuted and as yet -unanswered book, _The Apology_. A lengthened walk through field and -pasture brought us to the "Sarcophagus" of the Barclay family, located -upon an eminence overlooking the estate and its surrounding country, -including Stonehaven and parts of the German Ocean. The building is of -stone, with recesses in the interior walls containing tablets -descriptive of members of the family, from Colonel David Barclay to -Robert the Younger, who died in 1854, there being five in a direct -line of the name of Robert. A larger tablet contains a synopsis of the -history and genealogy of the family, running back many years prior to -the time in which the name of Barclay finds a place in the history of -Friends. The estate is large. One of its owners during his life -cultivated two thousand acres and planted out one thousand five -hundred other acres. At the time of our visit its pastures were -enlivened by the presence of large herds of horned cattle and a flock -of eight hundred ewe sheep, four hundred lambs, a portion of this -year's increase having been disposed of previously. Numerous beeches -of startling dimensions grace the lawn, and near where stood the old -homestead an old yew tree, now in the strength of its power, reminds -one that it might have enjoyed, and probably did enjoy, youth -contemporaneously with the ancient "laird of Ury" and with his son the -Apologist. The present dwelling is one of modern date; its predecessor -and the "old Ury meeting-house" were removed to give it place. - -Our meeting at Stonehaven was a relieving one. The family from Ury -attended, and we were glad of their company. Thence we went forward to -Glasgow by way of Dundee, accompanied by our kind friend, Robert -Smeal, the gifted editor of the _British Friend_. Held large meetings -at each of the above-named cities. - -On the 24th, after a meeting at Kilmarnock, went that night to -Edinburgh. Next day and first of the week met Friends and others at -their place of worship. Here closed our religious labors in that -interesting country, and we came pretty directly to this place, taking -in meetings at Carlisle, Manchester, and Birmingham. Affectionately -thy friend, - - ELI JONES. - -Eli Jones, in a letter dated 9th mo. 26th, thus alludes to service -ahead: "We intend to leave London this evening for Paris, and after a -few days there and among Friends in the south of France, embark at -Marseilles for Greece; call at a few places in that classic land; -thence pretty directly to Beirut in Syria, where, if the Lord shall -make a way for us to labor in His service, we may spend some weeks in -visiting school-missionaries and such others as may be disposed to -hear the good news in the land of the Crucified One, and return by way -of Jaffa, Alexandria, Cairo, and the island of Malta. We have as -companions and helpers in the work our young friends Alfred Lloyd Fox -of Falmouth, England, and Ellen Clare Miller of Edinburgh. Much kind -interest has been manifested by Friends here in relation to this new -field of labor." - -One of the companions of E. and S. Jones wrote the following account -of their labors in the south of France to the _Friends' Review_: - -"Eli and Sybil Jones and party left London on the 16th for Paris, -_via_ Folkestone and Boulogne, having letters of introduction from the -secretaries of the Turkish Mission, Church Missionary, and Jewish -Church Mission societies, and to various persons in the East. We had -a smooth, pleasant passage of about two hours, S. J. reclining most of -the time, and E. J. and companions remaining on deck watching the -disappearing lights on the English coast and then those on the French -shore coming into view. We spent the night in Boulogne, going on the -next afternoon to Paris. The three following days we spent in Paris. -We visited the Exhibition and went to the stand of the Bible Society, -where we were greatly interested in the account of the work done -during the time of the Exhibition. They have distributed, thus far, -1,800,000 copies of the Scriptures or portions of the Scriptures. -Among others, eight hundred priests have received these, so that we -cannot but hope that a large amount of good has been effected. While -Eli and Sybil Jones were at the stand numbers of people came for the -little gratuitous French, German, and Italian Gospels, and seemed much -pleased to receive them. Our friends had the pleasure themselves of -giving some copies to soldiers and others. The gentlemen at the stand -were much interested in E. and S. J.'s mission to the East, and -supplied us with Arabic and Turkish portions for distribution there. -On First day we attended the Friends' meeting at the Congregational -chapel, 23 Rue Royale, at 9 A. M. About forty persons were present, -among others L. Mellor and her husband from Philadelphia, whom it was -pleasant for E. and S. Jones to meet. The meeting was a memorable and -impressive one, ministry and supplication flowing freely. Soon after -the Friends' meeting the usual Congregational meeting was held, at -which we remained, the pasteur inviting E. and S. Jones to come to -his afternoon meeting in the Avenue des Ternes, where they might have -an opportunity of addressing those present. We accordingly went, and -found a small but serious gathering of English and Americans; the song -of the angels on the night of our Saviour's birth was dwelt upon. Next -day E. and S. J., having been invited by the secretary of the -Evangelical Alliance to be present at the usual service in the Salle -Evangelique, we went thither at the appointed time, but were sorry to -find on arriving that, though free opportunity was offered for Eli -Jones to speak, the committee could not allow Sybil Jones to do so. -Under these circumstances Eli Jones declined to take any part in a -service which would so distinctly have compromised one of our -Society's leading views. On Third day we left Paris for Lyons. E. and -S. J. much enjoyed the country with its long lines of poplar trees -edging the streams and canals, and vineyards terracing the slopes of -Cote d'Or. We slept at Lyons, setting out the following morning for -another day's journey to Nismes. Nismes was reached between nine and -ten P. M., our Friends less tired than after the journey of the day -before, having much enjoyed the scenery. Jules Paradon, who for so -many years had been an interpreter for Friends and their kind helper -in the south of France, came early to the hotel on the following -morning to welcome the Friends back to Nismes. Lydia Majolier and -other Friends also called, and an arrangement was made for a meeting -to be held at the Free Church the same evening, the pasteur kindly -giving up his usual service to E. and S. Jones. A good meeting was -held, about one hundred being present. Jules Paradon interpreted the -free gospel message and the prayer for France, her rulers, her -pasteurs, and her people. Much joy was expressed at seeing E. and S. -J. again. Much fruit of their labor here fourteen years ago is -evident. There seems much good stirring among the young people who are -connected with Friends. Some of those who were at school when E. and -S. J. were last here bear marks of their influence. On the 3d we drove -to Congenies, about twelve miles from Nismes, through the rich -vineyards and oliveyards of the South. There are not many Friends at -Nismes, but the little meeting-house was well filled. In the evening a -meeting was held, and about ninety present, half of them men. It was -an interesting sight to see the men in their working dress and the -women--many of whom had been working hard all day--listening so -attentively and seriously to the loving and encouraging words spoken -to them. Much feeling was shown as they spoke to the Friends after -meeting. E. and S. Jones and their party were kindly lodged at the -house of George and Lydia Majolier, and the following day were driven -to Fontanes to see Friends in that neighborhood. We were hospitably -entertained at the house of Daniel Brun, a minister of our Society. A -meeting was held in the afternoon, about forty present; L. Majolier -interpreted. E. and S. J. addressed words of warning and encouragement -to all. Daniel Brun prayed for a blessing upon the seed sown. On First -day the meeting convened at 10.30 A. M. at Congenies, many Friends -coming from other places, so that the little meeting-house was again -filled, J. Paradon having come over to interpret. Sybil Jones dwelt -upon the nature of true worship. Eli Jones dwelt earnestly upon -woman's part in regenerating and elevating the world, reminding us of -what a prominent part she played in the fall, and, on the other hand, -both in the Old Testament history, and still more in the New, how many -noble women are written about. These were held up as not unattainable -examples. A large and very interesting meeting was held at 4 P. M. at -Nismes in one of the Protestant places of worship. On Second day E. -and S. J. visited two girls' schools for the poorer classes, at both -of which they spoke to the children, encouraging them to pray morning -and evening for help for the day and forgiveness for what they had -done amiss. - -"On Third day we were at St. Gilles, where we were very kindly -entertained at Anna Vally's, where a meeting was held in the afternoon -for the few Friends in the place, and in the evening a good meeting -was held in the temple. The following day a large meeting was held at -Calvisson, six hundred being there, and Pasteur Abausit himself -interpreting. On Fifth day a farewell meeting was held with the -Friends, thirty or forty in number, at which much tenderness of -feeling was shown while S. J. urged and encouraged them to fight for -the faith once delivered to the saints. She dwelt earnestly on the -need of their forgiving those who had injured them, as they hoped to -be forgiven. Many tearful farewells were said and earnest desires -expressed for E. and S. J.'s welfare, and for a blessing on the labors -of their hands. On Sixth day we left Nismes at noon, reaching -Marseilles about 5 P. M., whence we hope to sail this afternoon for -Athens, thence to Beirut, where we look to be about the end of the -month." - - * * * * * - -We give below a letter from Ellen Clare Miller, written on board the -steamer "Godavery" to the _Friends' Review_: - - SMYRNA, 10th mo. 25, 1867. - -It falls to my lot to give some account of the very interesting visit -to Athens of our dear friends Eli and Sybil Jones.... It was a time -never to be forgotten. Our account was written from Marseilles, from -which port we embarked on Seventh day, 10th mo. 12th, reaching the -Piraeus on Fifth day morning. We had a safe and pleasant voyage, -receiving much kindness from the captain, who seemed a superior man. -There was not opportunity for much outward service on board, but -earnest desires were felt and loving prayers raised that our tarriance -there might be for good to those who sailed with us.... - -On the 16th the fine ramparts of the rocky, sterile hills of Southern -Greece came into view, and all that day we coasted along that most -interesting country, with its mountains rising up from the very edge -of the sea, here and there a poor little village with its scanty olive -trees set in the hollows of the hills, or a solitary house for the -shepherd or goatherd. It was past midnight when we sailed into the -Piraeus, very calm, with beautiful starlight and a very soft air; and -so we landed in Greece. - -We did not know quite what we should do, landing at midnight in a -strange country and hearing only a strange tongue, but we were -wonderfully provided for in this respect. A Greek gentleman, who was -our fellow-passenger returning to Athens, very kindly did for us all -that could be done, getting our baggage through the custom-house -without detention--which at that late hour was a great relief--and -taking us to a comfortable hotel. It is difficult to convey the great -interest of our visit to Athens, which should, I think, be confirming -to all who go in simple faith where they feel themselves required to -go, believing that the way and the work will be opened up before them. -Such has been everywhere the openness to receive our dear friends that -surely He who put it into their hearts to visit this place, and who -when "He putteth forth His own sheep goeth before them," prepared the -hearts of the people in a wonderful manner to receive them, and opened -the way for their mission among all. It was very interesting next -morning to find ourselves opposite the Acropolis with its ancient -ruined temples and fortifications, and the less conspicuous but still -more interesting little eminence beside it, Mars Hill, from whose -rocks, where the council of the Areopagus sat, Paul spoke. - -On Fifth day, the 17th, Eli Jones and Alfred Lloyd Fox delivered -letters of introduction to J. H. Hill, chaplain of the English -embassy, who for more than thirty years, with his wife, has been -teaching the Greek children. There is a great work going on in Athens -in reference to the poor Cretans who have fled from their own islands -and taken refuge in Greece. Thousands have come to Athens, where they -have been provided with food and clothing, and schools have been -opened for the education of their children. We visited five of -these--some more than once--where E. and S. Jones had an opportunity -of speaking to the children, and often to the poor Cretan women. Some -were widows; others had lost their children, others whose husbands and -children are still engaged in the war. All had lost their homes and -their whole possessions. It was a very affecting sight to see these -poor sorrowing creatures thronging to speak to the friends, thanking -them for their words of loving sympathy and comfort, and for the help -and sympathy sent them from America. At all the schools the message of -our dear friends was to point both children and parents to Jesus as -the one who is able under all circumstances to give peace and -happiness to the soul. The message, which to many was a new one, -seemed to go home to their hearts, and seed was sown with fervent -prayer which we must believe will be blessed to these poor creatures -and to Greece by Him who giveth the increase. Demetrius Z. -Sackellarios, editor of _The Star in the East_ and treasurer of the -American and Greek fund for the support of the Cretan schools, very -kindly and efficiently interpreted on several occasions. He is a Greek -by birth, but spent several years in America, and his wife, A. -Josephine Sackellarios, is an American lady. There are indeed several -Americans in Athens, with whom we had some very delightful -intercourse. - -We spent First day evening with Dr. Hill and his family, and (through -the medium of Edward Masson, a Scotchman, and formerly one of the -judges of the supreme court of Areopagus) E. and S. Jones had an -opportunity of addressing a school at Dr. Hill's house for between -twenty and thirty Greek girls of the upper classes. Several were -introduced to them from Macedonia, Asia Minor, and many parts of -Greece and the islands, besides Athens. An impression seemed to be -made that evening which we trust will not soon be forgotten. After -visiting another of the schools on First day, where we saw five -hundred children taught on the national-school system, and some Cretan -women spinning and weaving their native silk, we went to the prison, -where Sybil Jones had obtained permission to speak to the prisoners. -Leave was granted for all the prisoners, about one hundred and fifty -in number, to come into the courtyard, in the centre of which was a -large plane tree, under the shadow of which all stood, the poor men -forming a large semicircle around S. Jones and D. Sackellarios, her -interpreter, and the others. It was a striking scene and a time of -great interest. The men were exceedingly attentive, and many were -moved while S. J. spoke to them for nearly an hour. She sympathized -with them in their present condition. She related some narratives of -prisoners who, having found their Saviour in prison, had been filled -with joy, and she prayed for them that they too might be brought to -Him. The governor of the prison seemed very grateful--said he hoped -the words spoken would be blest to the souls of the poor prisoners; -and many said it was a day never to be forgotten. It was found that -the prisoners had no Bibles, but an arrangement was made that each -should be supplied with at least a Gospel. We spent the evening very -pleasantly at the house of Dr. Kalopothakes, where we met most of the -missionaries, to whom, after the First of Romans had been read, E. and -S. J. addressed many words of encouragement, as they did on a similar -occasion on Third day morning, when many came to the hotel to take -leave, alluding to the refreshment it had been in coming to a strange -land to meet with those to whom, as servants of the same blessed -Master, they could feel united in one common love and faith, partaking -together of the one true communion and speaking together the language -of Canaan. All present were deeply affected, and a strong impression -was made there as on all other occasions. Some said that the visit of -these dear Friends to Athens was just what they had long desired and -prayed for--that what they had brought was as a message from the -Saviour to encourage them in their work; and D. Sackellarios said that -the day of his interpreting for them was the happiest of his life. The -same morning E. and S. Jones visited the theological college for the -education of young Greek priests. It is under the superintendence of a -young Greek, who seems a serious man. He has one or two Friends' -books, and is desirous to know something of our Society. S. J. -addressed a few words both to him and to the students, encouraging -them to give their hearts to the Saviour and to attend to the teaching -of the Holy Spirit in their hearts. - -E. and S. J. also received a visit from the Cretan bishop of Kissaruss -to thank them for their visits to the schools and their interest in -the Cretan children, and through them to express gratitude to the -American people for their help and sympathy. He also asked for the -prayers of Americans that Crete might be made free. - -We sailed from the Piraeus 10th mo. 22d, landing at Syra the following -morning, where E. and S. J. visited the school for Greek children -under the care of F. A. Hildner, a Basle missionary, who has been for -thirty-seven years engaged in work on this island. Here, as before, -the gospel message was spoken to the children and a cheering visit -paid to the missionary. We re-embarked on Fifth day, and after running -for some time pretty near the coast we sailed into the beautiful bay -on which Smyrna stands. The city looks bright and Eastern with its -light-painted, square, flat-roofed houses, among which towers and -minarets rise. Behind the city rises a steep bare hill crowned with a -mosque and the ruins of an old castle. The mountains rise all round -the bay, greener than any we had seen since leaving the south of -France, and with olive trees and vineyards round their base. - -To-day, the 25th, we went on shore, and were driven up and down the -narrow, roughly-paved streets of Smyrna, in which we saw many sights -reminding us we were in Asia--the trains of laden camels, the veiled -Turkish women, the fine large cypress trees shading the graveyards -with their painted inscriptions in foreign characters. We visited the -deaconesses' home, where fourteen of the sisterhood educate between -two hundred and three hundred children, many of the upper class. The -establishment is in beautiful order, and a bright and Christian spirit -appeared to reign in it. We hope to-morrow to continue the voyage to -Beirut. Our dear friends are pretty well, though needing rest. Thine -sincerely, - - ELLEN CLARE MILLER. - -Ellen Clare Miller writes again in 11th mo. to the _Friends' Review_: - - BEIRUT, Syria. - -The account of the journey of our dear friends E. and S. Jones was -brought down to the time of our leaving Smyrna. Having now reached -Beirut in safety, they wish thee and their friends in America to know -as soon as may be of their welfare, and of the pleasant and very -interesting voyage which we were favored to make safely and -comfortably. Since our arrival here, on Sixth day, the weather has -been so broken and stormy that we do indeed feel that there is great -cause for thankfulness to Him who holds the winds and waters under His -control. - -We sailed from Smyrna about noon on the 26th, gradually losing sight -of the beautiful mountains which rise up on the south-west side of the -bay with their fine coloring of gray, pink, green, and purple, which -gives such a charm to the hills about this coast. We passed Chios and -Samos--Patmos with its great interest as the isle to which the beloved -disciple was banished by the emperor Domitian, and where the wonderful -visions were revealed to him. The following day, First day, the 27th, -we reached Rhodes, and, the steamer stopping for a few hours, we went -on shore, going up the steep street where on either hand stand the -half-ruined, strongly-built castles and houses once occupied by the -Knights of St. John. Over each doorway may still very plainly be seen -the various coats-of-arms of the members of the order, the grand -master having a larger house and more elaborate escutcheon. We passed -a mosque at the time when the congregation were coming out, and saw -each man resume his shoes at the door; there were no women. We were -allowed to look inside, but not to enter more than a step or two. It -was a plain, whitewashed building, with matting, but no seats; texts -from the Koran painted here and there upon the walls, and a kind of -pulpit from which the Koran is read. There are many Jews and -Mohammedans at Rhodes. It was sorrowful to think how many there were -who were professing to worship God, but in so mistaken a manner. E. -Jones and A. Fox distributed a great many portions of Scripture and -tracts in Arabic, Turkish, and Hebrew, as they did all along the coast -at our various stopping-places, so sowing much good seed, some of -which at least may, we hope, take root and bear fruit. - -The whole of the following day was spent in coasting along that part -of Anatolia formerly called Lycia, Pamphylia, and Cilicia, keeping -very near the shore. It was a great privilege to pass near scenes of -such interest as those regions through which Paul and his companions -passed, and to see the very places on which their eyes must have -rested. Cyprus was visible on the right, but too distant from us to -obtain much idea of its appearance. Early in the morning of the 29th -we found ourselves in the harbor of Mersina, the port of Tarsus, about -ten miles from that city, of which Paul was a citizen. This latter -place itself we could not see, but we were shown the direction in -which it lay among the mountains, and the point where the Cydnus flows -into the sea with its cold waters fresh from Taurus, whose snowy tops -we plainly saw. The ship remained here till the afternoon, shipping -wheat, and we were much interested in seeing a train of one hundred -and fifty camels winding down from the direction of Taurus and moving -slowly along the shore to discharge their freight at the warehouses -upon the quay. We then turned our faces southward, passing not far -from Antioch, which, however, cannot be seen from the sea. We stopped -a few hours at Latakia, near which rises the cone-shaped Mount -Cassius. Soon after passing this we had our first view of one of the -spurs of Mount Lebanon, crowned with snow. This grand and extensive -range became more and more conspicuous until we reached Tripoli, which -lies beautifully at its feet in a fine wide bay. We sailed very near -the island of Aradus, the ancient Arvad, opposite to which lies "the -entering in of Hamath" so often mentioned in the Bible, the boundary -of the Land of Promise, though never of that really possessed by the -Israelites. The weather was very fine, but extremely hot, all the time -we were on the water. - -The first day we were in Beirut the sirocco was blowing a hot, -enervating wind. Beirut looks beautiful, either from the sea or land. -It is built along the shore at the foot of Mount Lebanon. We find -several American and English missionaries, many of whose schools we -have visited and have been much interested in them; also attended some -religious meetings. As it is the rainy season, the Friends are not -able to get on quite so fast with their work as might otherwise be -the case; but they have been warmly received, and their visit seems to -be a very opportune one. Our party are all in usual health. The dear -Friends think their health is improved, decidedly so, since they left -America. Thine sincerely, - - ELLEN CLARE MILLER. - -Another letter from Ellen Clare Miller, from Mount Lebanon in 11th -mo., 1867, to the editor of the _Friends' Review_, says: - -"The last account forwarded to thee of our dear friends E. and S. -Jones was brought down to the 12th of this month. The great storms -which had prevailed up to that time, severer for the season than had -been known for many years, passed away on that day. A remarkably fine -rainbow, double and sixty degrees in height, one foot resting on the -sea and the other on the base of Lebanon, appeared that evening just -before sunset, giving very welcome promise of the return of fine -weather. This was very cheering, as the heavy rains had for the time -suspended the work of visiting schools, except that of E. B. Thompson, -which adjoins M. Mott's house. We are not able yet to give a very -clear statistical account of the many schools in Beirut and Lebanon -for the education of boys and girls, but there is, indeed, a great -work going on through their agency--a work of very widely extended -influence. E. B. Thompson has fourteen schools under her influence, -some in Beirut, some in the mountains. E. Saleeby, a Syrian, who has -spent some time in Scotland and England, and whose efforts are -principally supported by subscriptions from the former country, has -many more under his care. The American missionaries have stations at -Beirut and in several towns in the mountains, and we are at present at -a boarding-school for training Syrian girls for teachers, conducted by -two young ladies from England, sent out by the Society for Promoting -Female Education in the East. They have at present only eighteen -girls, on account of their limited means; the school will accommodate -thirty, and the education given and the Christian influence extended, -here as at other schools which we have seen, are very telling, and are -raising the women to a very different position from that which they -formerly occupied even among the nominal Christians in the country. -The prejudice against their education was very great among all sects, -and still exists, from the Mohammedans, who believe that woman has no -soul, among the Druses, Maronites, and Catholics, and the somewhat -more enlightened Protestants, who are now, through these schools, -awaking to the advantage of having their daughters educated. - -"The people everywhere seem very intelligent, and there seems much -openness to receive missionaries from the Society of Friends, whose -spiritual teaching is much needed in these parts; and we hope the feet -of some may be directed to this Bible land, where the fields are -already white unto harvest and the laborers few, and that Friends may -see their way to lend funds to carry on this great work of Christian -education among the females of the East. There is an innate nobility -in them, and a gentleness and warmth of feeling in the women, which, -when so developed, produce a fine character. Those who cannot speak -English look at us with eyes full of love and interest, and by their -expressive gestures convey more than many of our words would do. We -became much interested in the girls of E. B. Thompson's principal -school, which we frequently visited, Eli Jones taking the Scripture -class several times. He found their knowledge of the Bible and their -understanding of its truths equal, if not superior, to what we should -find in our own schools in America and England. Besides this school, -E. and S. J. visited the infant school in connection with it, also -three smaller branch schools under E. B. Thompson's direction, and a -boys' school conducted by two very superior young men, native -teachers, but also under her superintendence. They also went to the -Prussian Deaconesses' Institution, where the children receive a good -education under Christian influences; then to the school for girls -under the care of Dr. Bliss, the American missionary: of this latter a -native Syrian and his wife have the immediate superintendence, -residing in the house with the boarders. The children everywhere are -well instructed in the Bible, and commit a great deal to memory both -from the Arabic and English Scriptures. In all the schools the Friends -delivered their message, exhorting all to use diligence to advance in -their education, that through the instrumentality of her young men and -young women Syria may rise among nations, and encouraging them to seek -earnestly and prayerfully after a knowledge of Him without knowing -whom, with all their learning and knowledge, they cannot be truly -great--often kneeling in prayer with the teachers and scholars before -leaving the school. They attended also a meeting for the Home Mission -Society, where they addressed, through the medium of M. Bosistani, its -principal, the college for the education of Syrian young men, as well -as the American and E. B. Thompson's school, who were all present. - -"On Sixth day morning we started for Sook-el-Gharb, a little village -twelve miles from Beirut on the side of Lebanon, two thousand feet -above the sea, where we intended to remain an hour or two visiting the -schools there, and then to continue our journey a little farther to a -village which we might make our headquarters while visiting the -schools in that neighborhood, it being considered that the -mountain-roads would have sufficiently recovered from the effects of -the storm to be passable. The wind and the rain had, however, been so -much more violent than is usual at this season that the road was much -worse than had been expected, the path being in some places washed -away by the torrents, which, wearing themselves a rough channel down -what had been the road, had thrown up a wall of large loose stones on -each side, making the journey in some parts dangerous, and so -fatiguing that Sybil Jones was very much exhausted on arriving at -Sook, and unable to proceed farther without a rest of two or three -days. As much care as possible had been used in getting her up the -mountain, riding being the only means of travelling on these steep, -rough mountain-roads, with their ascents and descents more precipitous -than can be well imagined without being seen; but the shaking and -exertion were quite too much for her back, unused to such exercise, -and she was confined to bed, suffering much from pain and weakness, -until Third day, the 19th, when she was carried in a chair to this -place, twenty minutes' ride distant from Sook, by a comparatively -level path. The exertion of this so tired her that with great -reluctance she had to decide that she must give up the prospect of -going farther into the mountains. Eli Jones and A. L. Fox are -accordingly visiting the various mountain-schools, while she is -remaining at the school in Shumlan. It is a great disappointment and a -trial of faith to both the dear Friends that it has thus been ordered -so differently from what had been planned; but we cannot but believe -that it will be overruled for the best. The ride from Beirut to -Sook-el-Gharb is a very interesting one. We halted for some time at a -little rude khan at the side of a little stream of clear cold water, -where we rested a while under the shade of a fine evergreen oak, and -had some refreshments, being offered cakes of the Arab bread, which is -very thin and flat and baked of coarse flour, producing the effect of -a small sheet of chamois leather; though rather tough, it is sweet and -quite edible, and in constant use in this part of the country. They -tear off a piece, roll it up, and dip it into their food, instead of -using knives and forks; and we were much interested in hearing that it -was still the practice in doing honor to another at table to present -him with such a piece dipped in the choicest part of the mess, -reminding us of our Saviour's gift to Judas. Our view from this -village is very fine. We look down on the Mediterranean, ten miles or -more distant, but looking in this deceptive atmosphere not more than -three or four miles off. Between us and it intervene the terraced -sides of Lebanon, laid out in mulberry-gardens or newly sown with -wheat. Our stay at Sook, though unintentional, seemed to be in right -ordering, for service opened up there. The mistress of the house where -we were, E. Saleeby's wife, was dangerously ill, and has since died, -and her husband felt the dear Friends' visit one of great comfort and -entertained us with much kindness. E. Jones and A. Fox visited the -boys' and girls' school there, as well as at Abeih and Bhamdun, some -hours' ride from Sook, E. J. examining the children in Scripture and -in other branches, speaking to and praying with them, and distributing -English and Arabic books. He also held meetings at Sook and Shumlan in -the school-house, attended by the schools and several of the -villagers, where the words earnestly spoken were attentively and -gladly received. We have heard twice from E. J. and A. L. F. since -they left us--good accounts. We were hoping to have seen them back -last evening, but they did not appear. We suppose that they must have -gone farther than was at first intended." - - * * * * * - -The following is a letter from Eli Jones, written to the _Friends' -Review_ a few days later than the above letter from E. C. Miller: - - - SYRIA AND PALESTINE. - - SHUMLAN, 12th, 21st, 1867. - -My dear Sybil feeling unable to go farther over these almost trackless -mountains without time for more rest, it seemed best for her and E. -C. Miller to remain at the boarding-school for girls at this place -under the care of two English ladies, Lucy Hicks and Mary M. Jacombs, -while A. L. Fox and I should proceed in the work. Accordingly, on the -22d of last month we left at eight o'clock in the morning on -horseback, attended by an efficient dragoman named Georgius, an -interpreter, Ibrahim, and Abdallah and Hassan, muleteers. After a ride -of two hours we reached Abeih, and were kindly cared for at the house -of Simon Calhoun and wife, American missionaries. He has been many -years in this country, and is, we learn, much esteemed by all classes. -Our first call was at the school of the Druses. The provost of the -school and the teacher of English met us at the gate and gave us a -cordial welcome; then led us to an apartment where sweetmeats and -coffee in tiny cups, according to the custom of the country, were -served. In answer to our question whether the Holy Scriptures were -read in the school, the teacher of English assured us that they were -read by his class. He is a student from the American school, and will -do what he can, I doubt not, in his delicate position to inculcate -Christian sentiment among this peculiar people. - -In the afternoon we visited the boys' and also the girls' school, -under the care of the American mission, and were pleased with the -advance they have made in their education: we spoke to the children in -each school, William Bird interpreting, as he did in the evening, when -we met the young men at the Abeih seminary for the education of native -teachers. This institution has been in successful operation for the -last twenty-five years. Each student is expected to devote from one to -two hours each day to the study of the Holy Scriptures. These students -may now be met in almost all parts of Syria and in Mesopotamia and -Egypt. - -_Seventh day, 23d._ Rode to Deir-el-Kamr; found lodgings at the -school-house, where E. B. Thompson has a small school. After dinner -took an hour's ride to Beteddin; called at the palace of Douad Pasha, -governor of the pashalic of the Lebanon. The governor was not at home; -we were met by some of his subordinate officers, with whom we had -interesting discourse. - -_First day, 24th._ At an early hour we mounted our trusty steeds, and -reached Mukhtarah about ten A. M. Riding up to the palace of the great -Druse chief, Said Beg Jumplatt, we found the two young princes about -to set out on a ride to pass the day with friends in a neighboring -town, accompanied by N. Gharzuzee, the tutor of the younger prince, -and other officials. They offered us the hospitalities of the house as -long as we were disposed, which we accepted, and were soon informed -that the princes had given up their anticipated pleasure, saying they -preferred to spend the time with us. The elder prince is nearly -eighteen years of age, and married; the younger is about thirteen -years old, bright and intelligent, and really "the hope of my house." -His tutor, N. Gharzuzee, who is a native of Syria, has spent several -months in England; he speaks our language well and appears to be an -earnest Christian. As Christians we could not fail to feel greatly -interested in seeing such a man in so important a position, where he -is teaching this young man, destined, so far as we can see, to fill -the highest place of influence among this heterodox people--not only -sciences and languages, but the pure and unsophisticated doctrines of -the Bible. At one P. M. we met the children of the American mission -and of E. M. Thompson's schools, with several of the parents. After -listening to a very satisfactory examination of the children in the -Scriptures, I addressed them, N. Gharzuzee interpreting in an able -manner. The meeting was one to which I recur with sincere -satisfaction. - -_25th._ Had our morning reading in Arabic, after which prayer was -offered in English, in which strong desires were expressed in the name -of Jesus, on behalf of the young princes, for the various members of -the household and for Syria. We left after many a cordial shake of the -hand and with many a "God bless you!" and "May you return to your own -country in peace!" Near one o'clock P. M. we saw in the distance the -snow-clad top of Hermon, which we seemed approaching. What thoughts -filled our minds--thoughts too big for utterance--as we stood upon -"the heights of that goodly mountain Lebanon," and saw the noble cone -of Hermon rising majestically toward the meridian sun, while southward -near its base lay the division of Naphtali, a portion of the "land of -possession," where we hoped to arrive on the following day! "The north -and the south, Thou hast created them; Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice -in Thy name." - -Passed near a peasant at work with a curious plough drawn by a pair of -tiny bullocks. We each took a turn in guiding the plough, and felt a -pleasure for the time in occupying a place so often honored by -prophets and good men of old in this historic land. About the time of -the going down of the sun we reached Jezzin. Weary from the long -journey, I lay for a time upon a rug near the fountain while our -dragoman went to look for lodgings. During that brief time many a -maiden came forth with her pitcher to draw water. What strong evidence -this that we are nearing the Bible land! Lodgings were soon announced. -On reaching the room intended for our reception we found several -members of the family busily engaged in covering the floor with -matting, and near the seat of honor a fine carpet was spread. -Presently, finding I was weary, a thin mattress--or perhaps, as would -be better understood in our country, a thick comfortable--was added as -a bed. Here, stretching my weary limbs, I sought needed rest. By the -time, however, that we were fairly domiciled a large circle of men -came in and engaged in their favorite occupation, smoking. Though the -fumes of the pipe have for us no attraction, but rather the contrary, -still, finding our neighbors inclined to be social, we strove to make -the conversation profitable and if possible edifying. In the course of -the evening our kind hostess inquired if we would like water for our -feet? On our replying in the affirmative, "a lordly dish" well filled -was brought, and we were told all things were ready. Think what must -have been our surprise on being told that the young woman standing -near had volunteered to wash the strangers' feet! Fearing that our -refusal might be misunderstood, we placed them at the disposal of the -"little Syrian maid." With what thrilling interest ought we hereafter -to read the account of what transpired when He whose blood cleanses -from all sin "girded Himself and washed His disciples' feet," saying -to them, "If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye -also ought to wash one another's feet; for I have given you an example -that ye should do as I have done unto you!" - -The morning of the 26th the priest of the place came in, with whom we -had some pleasant intercourse. After breaking our fast we told the -family that it was our practice, before proceeding on the journey of -the day, to read a portion of Scripture and endeavor to lift up our -hearts to God in prayer, and we gave them an invitation to be present. -They all remained with us, as did the priest. We need not inquire to -what society these people belonged; suffice it to say, they -entertained strangers, they washed our feet, they fed the hungry, they -bade us go in peace, and refused our money as a recompense. After a -ride of two hours we halted at Cafer Huney, a little village on our -route, to have our horses' feet examined by a blacksmith and shoes set -if needful. While waiting we went to the fountain, where several -persons collected. After a time spent in pleasant conversation we -spoke to them of the heavenly country and of salvation by Jesus -Christ. We left with them copies of our Lord's miracles in Arabic, -which they received gladly. One of these rustic villagers, a lame man, -offered me his cane as a walking-stick with such hearty good-will, -saying he had others at home, that I took it and found it very useful -in making the steep descent of Lebanon in the afternoon. Near sunset -we reached the foot of the Lebanon range, and then crossed the Litany -(named on many maps Leontes) on one of the few bridges to be found in -this country. An hour and a half more brought us to the little town of -Abbel, toward which we had looked as an Arab village where it might be -difficult to find secure and comfortable lodging for the night. Ere we -entered all was shrouded in darkness, for the night had set in, but, -as it proved, a glad surprise awaited us. In reply to our first -inquiry for lodgings we were told that "the American church would be -the best place for us to stop at." A little farther on we were -accosted by one with whitened locks, who, taking our hands, shook them -with both of his with brotherly cordiality, and then with a light led -the way to the comfortable house erected within the past year as a -place for worship and a school-house by that devoted band of men whose -praise is in all the churches in this land--the American missionaries. -By the time we had entered several of the brethren had arrived. The -house is without seats. Mats were quickly arranged for us; then -followed the arrangements for supper. A _canoon_ filled with charcoal -with which to heat the water for tea first arrived; then one brought -bread, another eggs, a third sugar, and another melons; and _such -melons_! worthy the land that produced them. All things being ready, -the travellers sit upon the floor about the inviting meal, and while -they are busily engaged in satisfying the calls of hunger the company -increases; and here our responsibilities widen, for as we have been -privileged to partake of their good things for the sustenance of the -body, we are in duty bound, as far as may be our power, to meet their -spiritual and intellectual wants. I trust this evening, our first in -Palestine, was spent to the mutual benefit of all concerned. On the -morning of the 27th the school-children and several of the parents -came in, to whom we spoke words of encouragement in the pursuit of -useful knowledge, and especially that which "maketh wise unto -salvation." An hour more brought us to Krhyam, where we met another -school. We spoke to them of Him who is the only "Hope of Israel." -Again in the saddle, we rode away across the extensive and fertile -valley of Marjaiyum. - -Just before reaching D'Mimas we met William Eddy of New York State, a -minister in connection with the American mission. On learning our -intentions, he kindly proposed to return to D'Mimas, that he might be -with us during our stay; his presence and kind care contributed -largely to our comfort. Here we visited another school and met several -of the brethren socially. The subject of education, and especially the -education of women, was freely discussed. We endeavored to show them -that no people can be happy or prosperous while woman holds a degraded -position among them, and that it is in vain to look for great men -where good and virtuous mothers are not to be found. As we press -onward what a view opens before us! One short hour farther we stand -upon a rocky knoll near the ancient town of Abel, where Joab claimed -Sheba the son of Bichri as a condition of peace. Looking eastward, -toward our right are the hills of the ancient Bashan, thickly dotted -with oaks, those emblems of strength; toward the left Hermon lifts -his head to heaven in solemn and solitary majesty. Not far are the -sites where stood Laish, Dan, and Caesarea Philippi of the Scriptures, -which we hope to visit before nightfall, and all around on either hand -we have spread out before us one of the great battlefields of the -Bible. We spent a short time in the town distributing a few Arabic -books, and met with, as far as we could learn, the only -school-teacher, who told us he had under his instruction fourteen -boys. We tried to give him encouragement in the work, and gave him a -copy of the Psalms. - -Soon after mid-day we reached Tell-el-Kady, "the hill of the judge," -the Dan of Scripture. Two things are here worthy of special notice: -the fountain of the Jordan and the site of the ancient city of Dan. -The Tell is cup-shaped, and bears evidence of being an extinct crater. -On an island of rocks in size little more than sufficient to -accommodate our party, and beneath the wide-spreading branches of an -ancient oak, we took our humble mid-day meal. We had scarcely begun to -satisfy our own appetites when a mounted Arab, armed to the teeth, -rode up and asked for food, to whom we gladly gave a portion, for, -once fed from our store, he becomes an ally, not a foe. Perhaps I -ought here to add that on our way to this place from Abel we were -accosted by an armed Arab, who demanded "backsheesh" as I rode abreast -of him: feeling that we owed him naught but love and good-will, we -gave him no money, and were suffered to pass without further -molestation. The ruin of the ancient city of Dan is very complete; a -few broken walls, fallen stones, and pieces of pottery are all that -are left to tell of a people long since passed away. - -The story of Dan is soon told. Originally an agricultural colony of -the Phoenicians, called Lessem or Laish, it was captured by six -hundred Danites from the towns of Zorah and Eshtaol. The capture of -Laish by the Danites in the north was the fulfilment of Moses's -prophetic blessing to the tribe: "Dan is a lion's whelp; he shall leap -from Bashan." Deut. xxxiii. 22. - -Another hour's ride brought us to Banias, standing amid the ruins of -the ancient Caesarea Philippi. The modern village is inhabited by some -one hundred persons of the Moslem faith, who live in wretched -ignorance and poverty. We lodged at the house of the sheik; a room was -assigned us and mats spread. There we stretched our weary limbs, but, -as the sequel proved, not so much to sleep as to contemplate upon the -fact that we had nearly reached the base of Hermon and the site of -Caesarea Philippi, and upon the record that our Lord, after healing the -blind man at Bethsaida, "came into the coast of Caesarea -Philippi"--that not far from this place He made that striking appeal -to His disciples: "Whom say ye that I am?" and soon after, taking -three of His disciples, "He went up into a mountain, and was -transfigured before them." Yes, - - "I tread where the Twelve in their wayfaring trod, - I stand where they stood with the Chosen of God-- - Where His message was heard and His lessons were taught, - Where the blind were restored and the healing was wrought." - -The next morning, before leaving, we conversed with a son of the -sheik, himself a husband and father, upon the importance of education. -He acknowledged his own inability to read, and further said that the -children were all needed by their parents to work; and as to woman, -her business was to care for the house and meet the wants of men, and -if she did not do this well she must be beaten to make her do it. Such -is the state of civilization where once stood a great and prosperous -city, whose architectural ruins attest the fact that its citizens must -have been men of skill and taste. Again in the saddle, we turned our -course northward. Near noon we ascended a high elevation, where our -dragoman halted and called out, "Look! look!" Facing southward, we -looked and saw Hermon on our left standing in majestic greatness, and -beyond, far to the south, the waters of the Sea of Galilee. Mid the -glare of a noonday sun the little sea seems a molten mass of silvery -hue. We have within the scope of our vision a mountain whose name is -accepted as a word of beauty, a valley of great natural fertility, and -the arena of mighty deeds done by men whose record is found in the -"Book of books," and whose God is the Lord. Here young Jordan springs -into life and links its destiny with the waters of Merom, and onward -the eye stretches to that now placid sheet where in a dark and stormy -night the chosen band were troubled, and where a compassionate Saviour -allayed their fears. - -We dined at Rasheiyet,[8] at the house of a native Protestant -minister, where we were kindly entertained. He accompanied us to the -school of the American mission. We were pleased with what we saw, -more especially with the students' knowledge of scriptural history. -Several hours more brought us to Hasbeiya; we lodged at the -school-house and had our mats spread upon the seats, thus -extemporizing a bedstead. Next morning about twenty of the girls came -in to meet us, and also two of the female teachers. We spoke of the -way of life and salvation, with such words of encouragement as we -found in our hearts. A ride of several hours brought us to Rasheyya -el-Wady. We lodged at the house of one Moses, the first person of the -place who embraced Protestant views. - - [8] In tracing out the course of these travels I have used the - spelling given in Bradley's _Atlas of the World_. - -Next day, 1st of 12th mo., held a meeting at the school-house. I felt -strengthened, as I trust, to preach "Christ, and Him crucified," as -the only way of life and salvation. On the following day at an early -hour we passed out of the town by the light of a lantern. At half-past -one P. M. we began to ascend Lebanon. At one place near the top we -found our path literally strewed with fossils (bivalves); some of -these we collected to take home with us. After a journey of nearly -fifteen hours we reached Shumlan, our mountain-home, and were glad to -find our companions in comfortable health, and I trust a feeling of -thankfulness was felt to our heavenly Father for His protecting care -so mercifully granted during our separation. Very sincerely, thy -friend, - - ELI JONES. - -We give below some extracts from letters written to the _Friends' -Review_ by Ellen Clare Miller, giving a definite account of the number -and working of the schools in Beirut and Lebanon for the education of -the young sons and daughters of Syria. E. and S. Jones have visited -the greater number of them, and found many different kinds of -laborers--Americans, English, Scotch, and Syrian--all doing a good -work for the land: - -"Most of those among the natives who are true Christians, and who are -exerting a good influence upon the people here, refer gratefully to -the American missionaries as those who were instrumental in bringing -them to the truth. The American mission has stations at many places -among the mountains, most of which have been visited by Eli Jones and -A. L. Fox; and besides those in the north of Syria, which we shall not -see, they have three in Sidon and its neighborhood under the care of -W. Eddy, which we hope soon to visit. The Syrian Protestant college of -which Dr. Bliss is president is an institution where Druses, -Maronites, Greeks, Armenians, and Protestants together receive a -literary, scientific, and medical training under Protestant influence. -E. and S. Jones visited this college last week, when they met -twenty-eight of the young men, whom they were invited to address. Eli -Jones set before them clearly and forcibly the great power of -individual influence possessed by each student, the influence their -institution must exert on the land, the measure it was of the power of -the country, as no stream can rise higher than its source, and as the -fountain is the stream will be. Sybil Jones, as an American mother who -knew much of such institutions in her own land, affectionately urged -them to work perseveringly and prayerfully in their studies, that each -one might leave the world better for his having been in it. It was a -very interesting visit; the young men, a fine, intellectual-looking -company, listened with great attention, and afterward gathered round -the Friends to express their thanks for their kind interest in them. - -"There is a large girls' school in Beirut, under the immediate care of -a Syrian and his wife, but superintended by the wife of Dr. Bliss, Dr. -Thompson's wife, and other ladies. This we have visited more than -once, when E. and S. Jones have spoken to the children." - -"Besides the school at Shumlan, which is under the care of the English -Society for Promoting Female Education in the East, the schools -supported by England are all in the hands of Elizabeth Bowen Thompson, -whose work is a very extensive one. Her schools are at present twelve -in number--five at villages in the mountains--all (with the exception -of one recently opened at Ainzabatte, where an English young lady is -stationed) taught by natives who have been trained by E. B. Thompson -herself. Her work here began in 1860, when the fearful struggle -between the Druses, Maronites, and Mohammedans made so many widows and -orphans. These Elizabeth Thompson gathered around her at Beirut, -providing for and educating them. Since then the field has gradually -opened before her, until she has now seven day-schools in Beirut and -its immediate neighborhood, and a normal training-school of upward of -sixty boarders. All of these E. and S. J. have visited, many of them -frequently." - -"There are many daughters of Jews and Mohammedans among E. B. -Thompson's scholars, and it is very interesting to hear these little -girls singing Christian hymns with the others and repeating and -listening to passages predicting the coming of the Messiah alike of -the Jew and the Christian, and testifying of Jesus as the Christ. E. -and S. Jones had a very interesting meeting with about forty of the -native teachers and others connected with these British schools. There -is a large girls' school, with an orphanage, under the care of the -Prussian deaconesses, similar to the one we visited at Smyrna. Here -Sybil Jones had an interesting time with the sisters and the children. -She also visited the hospital, an establishment in beautiful order, -under the care of four of the sisterhood, where, in a large house -finely situated near the seashore, the very poor are kindly nursed and -cared for. A school for Jewish children, conducted by missionaries -sent out by the Jews' society in Scotland, has lately been established -in Beirut. To this also the Friends paid a visit, which was spoken of -by teachers as very helpful." - -"We left the terraced sides of Lebanon on the last day of the year, -returning to the region of the palm, orange, and prickly pear. The -weather has this month been very fine, though broken now and then by -one of the fierce, sudden winter storms with their rushing rain and -violent thunder and lightning. This wild climate suits Sybil Jones -remarkably well; she has been better since returning to Beirut than -she remembers to have been before, and she enjoys the riding on -donkey-back. Eli Jones is better than when we first landed in Syria, -though the bracing air of the mountains suits him better than this -more relaxing temperature. We have visited most of the missionaries. -Friends and their principles were almost unknown here, but we have -been most kindly received, and we hope way has been made for others of -our Society who may come to this country. E. and S. Jones one day -visited the Beirut prison, into which they were admitted without -hesitation, and where they had the pleasure of speaking to about forty -poor creatures, and of pointing them to Him who alone has power to -break our spiritual fetters." - - * * * * * - -Below we give extracts from a letter of Eli Jones to the _Friends' -Review_, written from Jaffa in Palestine: - -"_2d mo. 17th, 1868._ E. C. Miller's health appearing not quite equal -to a long journey, and finding it not possible to obtain more than -three seats in the diligence for Damascus on the 25th of 1st mo., it -was arranged that our young friend should 'stay by the stuff' in -Beirut while the other members of our party went forward. Accordingly, -at the early hour of two o'clock A. M. we arose, breakfasted at -half-past two, and at three took conveyance for the station, and at -four precisely, with shawls, wraps, sandwiches, etc., were nicely -packed in the coupee of the diligence." - -"Our ride increased in interest as the young day grew upon us, and by -the time the sun had thrown his full blaze of light athwart the -western slope of Lebanon the objects seen through the transparent -atmosphere of this land presented a most delightful view. Our course -was sufficiently tortuous to enable us at times to look down upon -Beirut and its surrounding olive- and mulberry-orchards, stately -palms, and suburban villages, while beyond lay the Great Sea, dotted -here and there with the sail of many a merchant-ship, and then again -Sunnin, the highest western point of Lebanon, snow-capped, stood -majestically before us clad in the changing hues of early morning." - -"Reached the summit near ten, and after another hour's ride of almost -flying speed we looked down upon the great valley of Buka'a or -Coele-Syria, bounded on the east by the Anti-Lebanon, clothed in its -snowy vesture, while far to our right Hermon, the imperial monarch of -Syrian mountains, was seen, in its appearance fully justifying the -appellation sometimes applied to it--that of a silver breastplate." - -"Just as the darkness of night shut out from our view the fertile -valley in which Damascus stood, our last relay of animals was attached -to the carriage, consisting of six white horses; and fine specimens -they were. A little farther on our attention was arrested by the sound -of water on our right, and we were told that it was the Barada River, -the Abana of Scripture. 'Are not Abana and Pharpar, rivers of -Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?' The remainder of our -journey lay along the fertile valley of this ancient river. It may, -with the strictest propriety, be termed a 'river of Damascus,' as it -divides the city into two parts and furnishes a liberal supply of -water to many of its inhabitants. We found comfortable quarters at the -Dimitris' hotel. The proprietor, a Greek, speaks broken English and -strives to make the stay of his guests as agreeable as circumstances -will admit. - -"_26th._ Sent our certificates to the missionaries for their perusal. -At 12 M. attended the prayer-meeting of the few persons here who speak -English. After some singing and prayers, and a rather long theological -discussion, liberty was given to others to speak. My dear Sybil -availed herself of the opportunity to express the feelings which lay -with weight upon her heart. This was done briefly, when she knelt in -earnest supplication on behalf of those present and for the spread of -the glorious gospel of God our Saviour." - -"The next day visited two of the schools under the care of the -missionaries; strove to encourage teachers and pupils to act well -their part. Then went to the home of one of the Bible-women employed -by E. B. Thompson to go from house to house and teach such women as -desire to read the Bible." - -"During our stay in the city we had frequently at our morning readings -of the Holy Scriptures the company of the Bible-women and a few -others, when our hearts were made glad in the Lord."... "A few weeks -previous to the abdication of Louis Philippe the French obtained a -foothold in Algeria, after a lengthened struggle of fifteen years or -more, when Abdel-Kader, the sultan of the Arabs and one of the most -remarkable men of his nation, was induced to surrender to the power of -the French, on the condition that he might be allowed to retire to a -Mohammedan country as a stipendiary exile."... "He is a follower of -Mohammed, the founder of Islamism, and has shown his devotion to the -teachings of the Koran by a pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina and by a -lifelong adherence to the religion of his fathers. In 1860 thousands -of Christians in the Lebanon and in Damascus were massacred in cold -blood, instigated by the deadly hate of the followers of the false -Prophet, while hundreds of others, men, women, and children, fled from -their pursuers and took refuge in the house and about the premises of -Abdel-Kader, who in the exercise of the influence his position gives -him, and from the promptings of a kind heart, aided by his trusty -followers, shielded the helpless ones from the fury and fanaticism of -his co-religionists. Once the mob approached his house and demanded -with frantic yells that the Christians within it should be delivered -up to them. He, accompanied by a strong body of his followers, went -out to confront the yelling crowd. 'Wretches!' he exclaimed, 'is this -the way you honor your prophet? May his curse be upon you! Shame on -you! shame! You will yet live to repent. You think you may do as you -like with the Christians, but the day of retribution will come. The -Franks will yet come and turn your mosques into churches. Not a -Christian will I give up. _They are my brothers._' The mob -withdrew."... "Abdel-Kader[9] was at length enabled to repose. He had -rescued _fifteen thousand souls_ belonging to the Eastern churches -from death, and worse than death, by his fearless courage, his -unwearied activity, and his catholic-minded zeal. All the -representatives of the Christian powers then residing at Damascus, -without one single exception, had owed their lives to him. Strange and -unparalleled destiny! An Arab had thrown his guardian aegis over the -outraged majesty of Europe. A descendant of the Prophet had sheltered -and protected the (professed) Spouse of Christ. The day previous to -our leaving Damascus it seemed right to seek an interview with this -noble exile, and from a full heart, in my own name and in behalf of my -country and fellow-professors, thank him for his kind and humane -interposition, by which, under Providence, so many fellow-beings were -rescued from an untimely and a cruel death. Passing up the street upon -which the house of the great chief stands, and having Abou Ibrahim for -a guide (who, by the way, claims descent from Aaron), we observed -Abdel-Kader enter the gateway just before we reached it, where he was -standing when we arrived. Our guide having addressed him, he kindly -noticed A. L. Fox and myself, and, cordially beckoning us to follow -him, led us to a simple reception-room, where, being seated, we had an -opportunity of saying what lay nearest to our hearts, and enjoyed the -pleasure of feeling that it was kindly taken.[10] While in Damascus we -were in the 'street called Straight,' and visited the place indicated -by tradition as the house of Judas, where the blind Saul of Tarsus -lodged. We were shown the house of Ananias, who was sent to cure the -penitent of his blindness, and the place in the wall where the -disciples took him by night and let him down in a basket. I am not -surprised that the Christian traveller feels some misgivings as to the -identity of these places when he remembers that the evidence is mainly -traditional. There is, however, scarcely room to doubt that the modern -city occupies the site of the Damascus of Scripture, and that the -'street called Straight' is the identical one entered by Saul on that -memorable day that gave to the Gentile world a great apostle and to -the Christian Church one of its brightest luminaries."... "The -conversion of Paul was one of the most momentous events of Scripture -history. The fiery zeal of Saul the persecutor was not extinguished--it -was sanctified."... - - [9] From _Life of Abdel-Kader_, by Col. Churchill. - - [10] Eli Jones spoke his mission in English. Alfred Fox translated it - into German, and the Jew gave it to the Arab sultan in his own - language. Through the medium of three of the world's great languages - the representatives of these three great religions expressed their - thoughts to each other, and the burden of the thoughts was love and - gratitude. The message being given, refreshments were put before the - strangers, and then Abdel-Kader withdrew as a courtesy, so that these - visitors might not be constrained to go out backward from his - presence--an honor due to him as sultan. - -"Paul the missionary retained all his former energy, boldness, and -determination. In Damascus he first preached 'Christ crucified;' then -he went into Arabia, then to Antioch, then through Asia Minor; then he -passed the Hellespont to Greece; and then he went a prisoner to Rome, -where he preached the gospel though chained to a heathen soldier. The -apostle Paul occupies the first place among the New-Testament -worthies."... "Damascus is as old as history itself. It has survived -generations of cities that have risen up in succession around it and -have passed away. While they all lie in ruins, Damascus retains the -freshness and vigor of youth."... "Outside of the eastern gate of the -city is a leper hospital, which to this day is supposed by the -inhabitants to occupy the site of Naaman's house."... "There are in -the city about thirty thousand Christians, ten thousand Jews, one -hundred thousand Mohammedans, and of Protestant Christians less than -one hundred, all counted." - -"On the 31st of the month we returned to Beirut by diligence. During -our stay of five days at Damascus snow had fallen upon the mountains, -but not so as materially to retard our progress until we had nearly -reached the summit of Lebanon, when, being furnished with a train of -twelve animals and four outriders, aided by a strong force of men, we -proceeded without much detention, arriving at our comfortable quarters -in good time."... "We anticipate leaving in a few days for Jerusalem, -should the weather permit and the health of our party prove equal to -the effort."... "With love to all who love the truth as it is in Jesus -Christ, - - "ELI JONES." - -The following are extracts from a letter from Ellen Clare Miller, -written a few days after the return of Eli Jones and A. L. Fox from -Damascus: - -"Eli Jones had a meeting at Beirut with some of the young Syrian men -of the town, which, though it was a stormy night, was well attended -and an interesting time. On First day, the 9th, he had a very good -meeting in a suburb of the town at the house of one of the principal -men in the neighborhood."... "It was a very interesting group, upward -of one hundred being present, some of the turbaned old men leaning -forward on their staves with their eyes fixed on Eli Jones while, -after the reading of the twelfth of Ecclesiastes from the Arabic -Bible, he addressed them through the aid of our kind interpreter, -Maalim Saleem, seeking to bring all before him, old and young, to -enter into the service of Him whom he had from his youth proved to be -a good Master." - -"On the 7th, Sybil Jones had a meeting with the women connected with -E. M. Thompson's school, at which she spoke to them for about an hour -of our need of a Saviour."... "Many of these women have learned to -read, and they are very anxious that a school should be opened for -them where they may be taught to read and sew by a native teacher." ... -"She visited also some of the poor women at their own homes and -the Bible-women employed by E. M. Thompson, all of whom seemed very -ready to receive a visit from one having their best interests at -heart, and to listen gladly to the word spoken."... "On Second day -evening a meeting was held by Eli and Sybil Jones with the -Arabic-speaking congregation at Beirut, who readily responded to the -invitation to meet them. Eli Jones addressed them from the words, 'The -law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.'"... -"Sybil Jones followed, urging the necessity of a heart-changing -repentance."... "Sybil Jones paid interesting visits to some of the -harems at Beirut, the first time we had been inside any of those -'gilded cages,' where the poor women, without the resource of books, -for they cannot read, or of work, for they cannot sew, talk, sleep, -dream, and smoke life away, without the variety of walking out, for -they cannot be trusted abroad, and unable to look out into the world -except through a lattice. We went under the care of E. M. Thompson, -who obtains ready access." ... "We were driven as near the first house -as the carriage could be taken, but on alighting had to ascend a -steep, rough, narrow road, crossing a watercourse here and there, then -a branch road of steps, then another torrent-path. The roads of -ill-governed Syria are deplorable indeed. At last we reached the door -of a large but unpretending-looking house, or rather group of houses, -for one opened out of another. Here lived four families, related to -each other, of the first rank in Beirut, the grandmothers, the wives -of the house, girls, and children, in the flowing dress of the East, -sitting on the floor by the ashes of the braziers or crouching on the -divan, all but the youngest smoking the unfailing nargileh with its -long flexible tube. They received us most cordially and -affectionately, and seated us by their sides, and through the medium -of one of E. M. Thompson's native teachers Sybil Jones spoke to them, -and also E. M. Thompson; but it was very difficult to secure the -attention of the company for any length of time; they could not -refrain from laughing and chatting together. Poor creatures! some of -them looked almost devoid of intellect with the long pipe-tubes in -their mouths; others were very pretty and seemed quite to appreciate -the loss they sustained by being uneducated. Some of the highest -Mohammedan families are very anxious that E. M. Thompson should open a -school for their elder girls, where they would send them if no man was -allowed to look upon them. The desire for education is waking up among -them in a remarkable manner." ... "The ladies are all waited upon by -dark, white-teethed African female slaves in scanty clothing. Sherbet, -coffee, and sweetmeats were handed round, and it is an insult to -decline partaking, however many houses we may have visited." ... "Poor -creatures! we could not but desire that the true light might enter -their dwellings and shine into their hearts." - -"We sailed from Beirut on the 12th, and came down the coast in the -night, passing in the darkness Sidon, Tyre, Mount Carmel, and Caesarea. -After a rather stormy passage we anchored next morning before Jaffa, -which rises up from the sea on a round hill, at each side of which is -a sandy bay."... "It is difficult by description to give much idea of -Jaffa with its steep, narrow, dirty, and muddy lanes, and -street-stairs which climb up the hill among the old, dilapidated -houses crowded irregularly together."... "Jaffa is very ancient, and, -notwithstanding its extreme dirtiness, an interesting place."... "The -most interesting place to visit in the town itself is the -supposed--and, indeed, well-authenticated--site of the house of Simon -the tanner, which stands by the sea-side, rising up above the -town-wall. The building now standing is not supposed to be the very -one in which Peter lodged, but to have been built on the spot where it -stood. In the courtyard is a very ancient well which helps to identify -the place, and beside it is a large stone trough of undoubted -antiquity, probably used to soak hides in, and partly covered by a -large flat stone like a currier's table." - -"There is mission-work going on at Jaffa; P. Metzler, a German -educated at the Basle institution, carries on a mill, with part of the -profits of which he supports a girls' day-school."... "Eli Jones with -A. L. Fox visited this school the other day, when he spoke to and -examined the children, with whose intelligence and answers he was much -pleased." - -"While the Friends were in Damascus I was present at a native wedding, -where the honored guests were each furnished with a taper to hold; -which had a great interest as a remnant of the going forth with lamps -to meet the bridegroom alluded to in the parable of the Ten Virgins. -New light too has been thrown on the expression 'heaping coals of fire -on his head' by finding that it is customary for the baker when he -clears his oven at night to give away the living embers to those who -will accept the kindness; and we have met persons in the evening -carrying these coals away on their heads in large open braziers. It is -remarkable how little the customs of the people have changed within -the last two or three thousand years." - - * * * * * - -After the above letter was written the Friends went from Jaffa to -Jerusalem, thence to Marseilles, having held many meetings and -interviews with teachers and scholars in the schools, which are doing -a great work toward causing the light of day to dawn upon unfortunate -Syria. The following extracts from a letter written by Eli Jones to -the _Friends' Review_ from London will state clearly the reasons for -their leaving Palestine sooner than was expected: "We are again in -this great city, and comfortably quartered at the house of our very -kind friends Stafford and Hannah S. Allen, where we are seeking rest -and a renewal of strength for further service for our good Master. For -more than two months past my dear Sybil has been suffering from an -attack of disease, leaving her at times very weak; consequently, we -were unable to accomplish fully what we had in view in the Orient, -leaving several places in Palestine and in Egypt that we might hasten -the time of embarkation at Alexandria in order to bear our invalid to -a more favorable climate, as the only thing likely to facilitate a -cure. The voyage, with the use of remedies prescribed by the physician -on shipboard, arrested the disorder for a time, and we hoped the cure -might prove permanent; but the journey by train from Marseilles to -Nismes proved too much for the strength of our charge, and the -disorder rallied with fresh force and continued for some time, but -again yielded to skilful treatment and nursing by our dear friend -Lydia Majolier, whose kindness and sympathy, with those of our -much-loved friends in the south of France, greatly cheered all our -party. Near noon of the 8th we took the train for Paris, and thence to -London by way of Boulogne, where we arrived after a journey of -thirty-three hours' continuance. Dear S. bore the journey admirably, -and we now entertain the hope that a few days of quiet and rest may be -of great use, so that we may be able to proceed to Dublin in season -for the yearly meeting. Our long sojourn in the East has not been -without its trials. Sometimes they seemed to us peculiar, and when we -attempted to look into the future it seemed doubtful if not dark. -Still, that kind Hand always stretched out to save has gently led the -way and shielded us from harm. Blessed be the name of the Lord!"... -"A. L. Fox left us last evening for his home, where we now fancy him -in the society of wife and child, father and mother, brothers and -sisters, to whom he is tenderly attached and by whom he is greatly -beloved. Dear E. C. Miller intends to remain until Second or Third day -of next week before she leaves to join the home-circle, by whom she -will receive a warm welcome, but saddened by the thought that one dear -sister waits not on earth to welcome the coming one, but in another -and higher scene of existence." - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - -_SECOND VISIT TO THE HOLY LAND._ - - -The cause for which the two Friends came to England before fully -accomplishing their work in Syria was the extreme feebleness of Sybil -Jones. A change and partial rest seemed imperative. - -They soon began to labor in Cornwall, and they were gratified to find -"Quakerism still vital" in this place where George Fox had sowed the -seed exactly two centuries before. Considerable time was spent and -much edifying work done at Falmouth, where they were pleased to find -so many Friends of high literary and scientific attainments. The small -meetings of the neighboring villages received new life from the -earnest words and encouraging advice of the travellers. - -One of their letters describes the visit to a meeting at Come-to-Good -in the parish of Kea: - -"Here is a meeting-house belonging to Friends built more than two -hundred years ago. It has a most primitive appearance. The walls are -of stone, the abutments of the same material; the roof is thatched -with straw. It is in a rural and retired spot. Only one Friend, and he -of more than fourscore years, resides in the neighborhood; but the -many grassy mounds that press about the door tell of generations that -have passed away. The meeting here was one of great interest, and one -to which we recur with unfeigned pleasure. He who, we doubt not, has -from time to time met his servants here and at that altar of 'unhewn -stones,' was now present to bless the waiting ones. In this humble -structure George Fox proclaimed the good news with his wonted zeal and -with all the energy of a reformer." - -In the same letter Eli Jones writes with great feeling: - -"A little farther on we reach the Land's End. Here it stands, a bold -promontory, with granite fingers pointing toward the New World. As I -climb these mighty bulwarks that have successfully defied the power of -Old Ocean through every change of time, and look out upon the unstable -waters toward the setting sun, what thoughts of kindred and country -fill my breast! Lord of life, great Spirit in the centre of all -worlds, bless thou them!" - -For more than two months they dwelt at Plymouth, during which time -Sybil Jones gained strength rapidly, although she was in a very -critical condition. A Friend from that city writes of their message -there: "I believe there are many in this part of the country who will -have reason to bless God in eternity for the visit and gospel labors -of Eli and Sybil Jones." Members who had never before opened their -lips in public bore testimony that they desired to be on the Lord's -side. - -The southern part of England was faithfully travelled over, and the -joys of a "life hid with Christ in God" proclaimed to the people, who -everywhere received the messengers and the message gladly. The various -meetings of Ireland were again attended. A warm reception was given to -the American workers, who were already well known there from their -previous efforts, and an earnest and loving spirit seemed to pervade -many hearts. As this year (1868) was closing, Eli Jones, with a heart -full of love to God for his immeasurable blessings, wrote to one of -his friends in the land which he so loved: - -"As we turn to other households and to our country, and to other -countries and peoples, we see everywhere evidences of the -superintending care of Him in whom we live and move and have our -being. And are we not reminded by divers tokens for good that light is -advancing? And may we not accept as true the words of the poet: - - 'Upon the great dial-plate of ages - The light advanced no more recedes'? - -If this be so, let us bind on our armor, and as the newborn year takes -its place as the successor of those that are past, and after it shall -have done its full measure of service in the long line of years shall -give place to others, who we hope may be blessed in their deed and -doing far beyond their progenitors. - -"On the closing day of the last year I stood with my fellow-travellers -upon the western slope of Mount Lebanon, and there reviewed the past -and looked prayerfully forward to the incoming year--a year whose -history will soon be complete. And what a history! and what a work has -been accomplished!--work in which millions have been actors. The -citizens of the two great English-speaking nations, Great Britain and -the United States, have with unprecedented unanimity at their late -elections declared in favor of religious liberty and of political -equality. In Spain multitudes seem only waiting to claim for -themselves and their countrymen these inalienable rights of all men. - -"Even in Turkey, where the teachings of the Koran and the False -Prophet have dominated so long, see we not bright rays of light here -and there amid the darkness? I think we do. The Christian woman with -her firman from the sultan is diligently instituting schools where the -children of the Jew, the Christian, and the Mohammedan are taught -_not_ the _Koran_, but the _page_ written by inspiration of God. - -"If we turn to Madagascar, that far-off island of the sea, we observe -much with which to fill a large page in the history of the year just -closing. A queen has reached the throne who looks approvingly upon the -workers among her pagan subjects, while thousands press about those -who tell the good news of salvation by Jesus Christ, and hear them -gladly; while Liberia, India, China, and Japan can each furnish a page -that shall tell of light advancing and declare to the world that 'God -is love' and the 'Father of us all.'" - -As the winter passed and Sybil Jones felt new strength come from her -partial rest in Great Britain, while her husband continually carried -on the work, sometimes alone, sometimes with her help, they each began -to feel that there was more work to be done in the East, though -neither had spoken to the other in regard to it. The 22d of 2d mo., -their prospect having become definite, with the full approval of -English Friends they once more embarked for Syria. They spent nearly a -week in the south of France, revisiting their many friends there and -encouraging them all to continue on in their lives of service to the -Master. The meetings were very large, sometimes fully five hundred -being present, and they found their work done sixteen years before had -left a lasting impression. - -After a delightful voyage over the blue waters of the Mediterranean -they came to Alexandria, where there were many opportunities offered -for spreading the news of the way of life through the Saviour. Here -and at Cairo there were many who gladly listened to the great truths -which they were inspired to preach. There, where Napoleon had told his -soldiers that forty centuries looked down upon them from the heights -of the Pyramids, these missionaries of love labored to point their -hearers to the Ancient of Days, whose habitation is from eternity and -which standeth sure. The different mission-schools of Northern Egypt -were visited and helped in various ways. - -Of this work Ellen Clare Miller, again their companion, writes: - -"The visit to Egypt was altogether of remarkable interest, there -being, especially among the native Christians at Alexandria, an -interesting and open field for the spread of _spiritual Christianity_, -and an earnest longing in the minds of some after a closer -_acquaintance with the teaching of the Holy Spirit and His appearing -in the soul_." - -The 16th of 4th mo. they came to the end of their journey, and camped -outside the city of Jerusalem. At once they began the work of visiting -schools and holding little meetings for all who wished to hear the -gospel, not only in Jerusalem, but in all the surrounding villages. As -these laborers rose before the groups gathered round them on the very -spots where the works of our Master were wrought and where his words -were spoken, with the scenes of the greatest historic events -stretching out before them, a new power seemed to fill them, and their -souls were stirred for the salvation and upbuilding of the people of -this Holy Land. No class of its inhabitants was neglected; even the -lepers were recipients of their message. Eli Jones visited the -community of these unfortunate beings, and tried to induce them to -come to the hospital prepared for them, telling them also of Him who -came into this world to deliver us from even a worse disease than -leprosy. - -A letter from Eli Jones, written from Burkin, will suffice to give the -reader an idea of their travels and a description of some of the -places visited. Among others he speaks of Ramallah, where the -mission-school was begun during their visit there. The letter was -written for the _Friends' Review_: - -"Tented near this little town, the time of day something past 'high -noon' and the heat at 94 deg. in the shade, I take the time to jot down -a few thoughts, or perhaps I should say facts, for the perusal of my -North American correspondents. Since I last wrote thee we have passed -through portions of the ancient country of Egypt, have looked with -feelings of admiration and wonder upon her pyramids and hieroglyphics, -the former standing out to-day in all their primeval strength to tell -of the _greatness_, or perhaps more correctly of the _folly_, of their -builders, and the latter as we saw them upon the lasting rock -apparently as clearly defined as when fresh from the hand of the -recorder. - -"The Nile, emphatically 'the river of Egypt,' still flows onward to -the sea, and in its season annually waters the country, giving -abundant fertility to the soil, which if cultivated with skill and -care would make the adopted country of Joseph again the granary of the -world. We had a very pleasant sail upon this wonderful river, -embarking near the spot where floated the ark of bulrushes containing -the Hebrew child who in the fulness of time became the leader and -deliverer of Israel from their long bondage in the land of the -Pharaohs. At the time of our visit the river was spanned by a bridge -of boats, thrown across by order of the viceroy on the occasion of the -marriage of some members of his family: this circumstance gave us a -carriage-ride for several miles where otherwise we must have had -recourse to donkeys as a mode of conveyance. - -"A canal has been constructed extending from the Nile near Cairo to -Suez upon the Red Sea; these places are also connected by the -railroad; much of the way this runs parallel to the canal. On our way -to the latter place we followed the iron horse for five or six hours -across the desert of sand which must needs be passed, and which is -enlivened only by the moving sails upon the canal, the untiring steeds -that bore us on, and those tell-tale wires which, as with loving -arms, are embracing not only the seas and fertile lands, but also the -desert wilds. An highway (Isa. xi. 16) _is_ here, and shall not _this_ -desert yet blossom as a rose? To our party the Red Sea was an object -of much interest: as we sailed out upon it we beheld at our right the -mountains through whose defiles the Lord's people are supposed to have -passed on their approach to the water's edge, where, notwithstanding -the hot pursuit of their enemies, they were to hear the assuring -language: 'Fear ye not; stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, -which He will show to you to-day; for the Egyptians which ye have seen -to-day, ye shall see them again no more for ever;' and on our left was -the gently-sloping strand where they made their exit from their watery -way, and where we subsequently landed, some of our party going a -little way into the interior to drink of the waters at the 'well of -Moses,' which remaineth unto this day. Let the God of Israel be -magnified, and let not His wonderful works be forgotten by the -children of men. - -"During our brief stay in this part of Egypt we had occasionally the -opportunity of observing the progress of the work upon the projected -ship-canal across the Isthmus of Suez. Of its ultimate completion and -success its projectors are very sanguine, and it is equally clear that -for the attainment of that end great engineering skill has been -displayed and a large expenditure of money been made, and such a -measure of unfaltering perseverance and of unflagging determination to -overcome opposing difficulties brought into requisition as have been -manifested in few other enterprises undertaken by man. - -"On the 6th of the 5th mo. the male members of our party left for -Jericho, travelling the very road, we may suppose, upon which the man -was journeying who 'fell among thieves, who stripped him of his -raiment and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.' We -halted near mid-day under the 'shadow of a great rock,' and not far -from the spot made ever memorable and dear to the Christian by one of -the most beautiful and instructive parables of our blessed Lord--that -of the Good Samaritan. - -"We found the way rough and in some places difficult, yet there are in -several places indications that in the centuries past, perhaps in the -days of Roman rule, there was a highway here where the chariots of -Jehu and Jabin might have 'rolled harmlessly on.' - -"Our tents we located near the modern Jericho, which is supposed to -occupy the site of Gilgal, the camping-ground of the host commanded by -Joshua, and where he did 'pitch those twelve stones which they took -out of Jordan' in commemoration of their miraculous passage through -the waters. Almost immediately upon reaching this place we put -ourselves in communication with the people. Found the entire -population Moslem, not one of whom can read, and the evidences of -moral degradation, especially among some of the females, were -remarkable. It should be said, however, that when we spoke to them of -matters of the highest moment, and read to them from the sacred -volume, the majority listened with some approach to respectful -attention. - -"In the evening the sheik and some twenty or more of the men of the -village responded to an invitation to come to our tent: we read a -portion of Scripture and spoke to them of the beneficial effects of -education upon a people, and of our individual duties to God. Our -remarks were ably seconded by Prof. E. C. Mitchell of Alton, Ill., who -kindly united with us in striving to stimulate the inhabitants of -Jericho in the way of mental and moral improvement. At the close of -the interview they assured us that we were the first persons who had -ever offered them a helping hand or spoken to them of a better way -than the one they were then pursuing, and added that on the next -evening they would tell us whether they would accept our offer to give -them a school. At an early hour next morning we were on our way to the -Dead Sea, where we enjoyed the luxury of a bath in its bitter and -buoyant waters; thence we passed on to the Jordan, to the place where -thousands of pilgrims come in commemoration of the passage of the -pilgrim band from Egypt under the lead of Joshua, and of the baptism -of the world's great Deliverer by John, that the righteousness of the -law might be fulfilled. Here we lunched and duplicated our bath in the -Dead Sea: found the current of the river strong and rapid, requiring -much care to retain one's position. The water is shoal, but of -sufficient depth in places to allow of baptism by immersion. - -"On our return to Jericho the sheik kindly engaged to convene some of -the people in the town, where we met fifty or sixty persons, and among -the number several females, who brought their long pipes and engaged -in smoking as they took their seats upon the ground. Their faces and -breasts were sadly tattooed, and on the whole they presented a -spectacle not easily matched short of the Western wilds of America. It -is, however, but justice to this country to say that during my long -stay here I have nowhere else seen its like. The motley company were -addressed by Prof. Mitchell and others of our party, and we cherish -the hope that this labor will not be in vain in the Lord, but that in -due time fruit may appear. Soon after reaching our tents several of -the men called to say that they wished a school for their children, -and if we would send a teacher they would gladly receive him. I hope -the means may be found to support a school at this place. The good -influence would extend rapidly to the towns around. - -"First day, 9th of the month, some of our party at an early hour in -the morning were at Bethany, the town of Mary and Martha, where we -collected upon the top of a house such persons as we found at liberty, -and read the account of the raising to life of Lazarus, as recorded by -the evangelist, after which we trust Jesus Christ was preached as the -resurrection and the life. - -"At half-past two P. M. of the 11th we left Jerusalem on our journey -northward, and soon after reached the top of Mount Scopus, where on -our right we enjoyed a delightful view of the Dead Sea, the valley of -the Jordan near its mouth, and beyond the mountains of Moab, and, -turning to review the ground travelled over, we had Jerusalem full in -view; and perhaps from no other point is the city seen to greater -advantage than from this, unless it be from Olivet. Tradition tells us -that Titus, the Roman invader, selected the top of Scopus for his -camping-ground, from which he could easily observe much that was -transpiring in and around the doomed city. - -"We now leave, probably for the last time, the city dear to Jew and -Greek, to Moslem and Christian, and especially dear to us who have -found an open door to preach there Christ, and Him crucified. - -"Some half hour on our way from Scopus we turned aside a little to -look upon the village of Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, the home of -Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah. Resuming our course, we soon reached -'Gibeah of Saul.' The place is indicated by little more than a conical -hill, which lay to our right. On our left and more distant, capping a -high eminence, Mizpah was seen. Farther on Ramah was reached, the home -of the good Samuel, 'and Samuel judged Israel all the days of his -life. And he went from year to year in circuits to Bethel and Gilgal -and Mizpah, and judged Israel in all those places. And his return was -to Ramah, for there was his house, and there he judged Israel, and -then he built an altar unto the Lord.' - -"Reaching Ramallah, some three hours from Jerusalem we found our tent -in readiness to receive us. The town occupies an elevated position -overlooking the distant plain of Sharon. The air was cool and bracing. -12th, visited a boys' school at Ramallah. In the afternoon some of our -party visited one at Jifneh, the Gophna of Josephus. 13th, went to -Bethel, distant one and a half hours from our encampment. - -"On approaching this place, so noted in Scripture records, we observed -the remains of a cistern 314 feet by 217 feet, constructed of massive -stones; the southern side is entire, the other sides are more or less -ruined. A portion of the enclosure is now used as a threshing-floor. -Here also is a fountain at which the cattle of Abraham often drank in -former days, and at which the maidens of Sarah were wont to fill their -pitchers as the Arab maidens do still. - -"The Bethel of to-day is a miserable Moslem village with a low, -uneducated population, amongst whom we were unable to find more than -one person who could read. He is the one who calls the people to -prayers; to him we gave a tract and the Psalms of David in Arabic. - -"As we spoke to some of the inhabitants of our great Father in heaven, -and of our obligations to serve Him, we were answered with little more -than a vacant stare and an expressed wish for backsheesh. What a -contrast between these followers of the False Prophet and him who is -called the 'father of the faithful,' who here spread his tent and here -rendered true homage to the great _I Am!_ and how unlike the patriarch -Jacob, who here, beneath heaven's broad canopy, slept, as many an Arab -now sleeps, on the bare ground with a stone for his pillow! Here he -dreamed of the ladder which reached from earth to heaven, and on which -the angels were ascending and descending, and on awakening was so -impressed with the holiness and majesty of Jehovah that he -exclaimed,'How dreadful is this place! This is none other than the -house of God.' And here the cheering promise was given him: 'In thee -and all thy _seed_ shall all the families of the earth be blessed; and -behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou -goest.' - -"Here Samuel, worthy of double honor, a prophet of God and a judge in -Israel, came on his yearly circuit from Gilgal and Mizpah to hold his -court and render righteous judgment between brethren; and thitherward -turned the steps of Elijah and Elisha while fulfilling their high -commission as servants of God. - -"And here too came the youthful king Josiah, as foretold by the -prophet, and brake down the high-places of Jeroboam, and burned down -to the ground the grove that grew up on the hill for the worship of -Astarte. - -"On our return from Bethel we held a meeting at Beeroth--now called -Bireh--with a few Christians and Moslems. Our interpreter read the -fifth chapter of Matthew, after which I drew their attention to the -teaching of the gospel, dwelling at some length upon the words, -'Therefore whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even -so unto them.' They listened with marked attention to all that was -said. On leaving we were told that a few years since a difficulty -arose from a very slight cause between two families in the town, and, -spreading to others, the spirit of strife and revenge grew higher and -higher till in their murderous fury forty-four persons lost their -lives, and since then the spirit of revenge had shown itself in other -ways. Only the night before our meeting valuable fig trees had been -destroyed from the same cause, and we were told that some of the -parties concerned were present and heard our words of exhortation. - -"Beeroth was one of the four cities of the Gibeonites, whose curious -story the name will at once recall. It is also thought to be the -halting-place of Joseph and Mary when they found that the child Jesus -was not among their friends and kinsfolk of the party. Ramallah, -twenty minutes from Beeroth, is professedly a Christian village, -occupying a commanding position from which we get a fine view westward -down the mountain-sides of Benjamin and Ephraim, and over the broad -plain of Sharon to the Mediterranean. - -"Toward evening we held a meeting at the Protestant school-room in -this town. The crowd of men, women, and children became so dense that -nearly every one assumed a standing position, and all seemed very -eager to see the strangers, and, as I thought, very curious to hear a -woman address a public assembly. My S. J., taking her stand upon a bed -in a corner of the room, spoke earnestly and at considerable length -upon the way of life and salvation, to which many listened with fixed -attention. - -"_14th._ At the request of S. J., a meeting was appointed for females; -many responded, and a satisfactory meeting was held. Meantime, the -male members of our party called at the Latin convent. Found the monk -at its head with a school of eight or ten boys, which he summarily -dismissed upon our entering, assigning as a reason that it was time -for them to leave, though it was but ten o'clock in the morning. From -the answers which he gave to our numerous inquiries we were induced to -think that although he and his associates may not do much to enlighten -the people around them, yet that as an individual he is really loyal -to the Church of which he is a member, and that he considers -salvation very unlikely, if not impossible, apart from conformity to -its rules and its traditional observances. - -"In the evening a meeting was held with males only, in which they were -exhorted to prepare to meet their God in peace by repentance toward -Him and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, and also to a faithful -performance of their several duties as husbands, fathers, and -brothers, that so the position of women may be elevated in this land -and her children prepared for a useful career among men. - -"I am closing this sheet at Beirut, the 12th of 6th mo.; and as the -mail closes very soon, I have only time to add that our party are in -good health and look to turning their faces homeward in a few days. - - "Thy loving and sincere friend, - "ELI JONES." - -It will not be possible to give the further details of the faithful -efforts of this little party to promote the highest earthly and -eternal welfare of the inhabitants of this once highly favored land. -They visited all the spots made sacred by the steps of Him whom they -followed, but they went not to satisfy their desire of beholding: they -bore tidings of joy to the sorrowful. They pursued their journey as -far north as Beirut, preaching in every city and village, and leaving -in many places money behind them for the advancement of education. -Wholly devoted as they were to the service of the Lord, with great -love for all the human souls where they went, and power being given -them to tell the story of a mighty Deliverer, the fruit of work must -have been very abundant. We do not need to count those converted in -such work for the Lord, and even if we could we should still be unable -to estimate the value of the seed thrown broadcast over the land, -which may long lie dormant and finally bud into new grain. - -On the 22d of 6th mo. Eli and Sybil Jones, with their companions, E. -C. Miller, Joseph Pim, Richard Allen, and T. C. Wakefield, sailed from -Beirut for the Occident, stopping on their way at Athens, Marseilles, -and Geneva, and reaching London the 10th of 7th mo. Soon after their -arrival in England the two American Friends embarked for their home. -Sybil Jones's work in the Eastern continent was now complete, and she -had the great satisfaction of feeling that she had in every particular -obeyed the call of Him whom she served. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - -_SYBIL JONES: HER LIFE-WORK AND DEATH._ - - "For ever blessed be His name who bore - Her blood-washed, white-robed spirit on and on, - Through dark, deep waters to the radiant shore, - Her warfare ended and the victory won. - - "Her children, underneath her native skies, - Rise in the North, the South, the East, the West: - In Europe, Asia, Africa they rise, - Her sons and daughters, and pronounce her blessed. - - "Oh for a zeal like hers, to never tire! - Oh for a faith like hers, to follow still - The cloud by day, by night the glowing fire, - That led her on to do her Father's will!" - - DELPHINA E. MENDENHALL, "_To Sybil Jones._" - - -After the return from the East a few more days were left for Sybil -Jones to tell the same story to men and women nearer her own home. Her -frail body had carried her to many shores, and had not given way until -she was once more among lifelong friends. - -She had presented Christianity to Mohammedan women "from the standard -of equality of sex in social life, religion, and the ministry of the -word." She had entered the "gilded cages" of Eastern harems and "borne -the gospel with a sister's love to those unhappy inmates--glad tidings -which they had never heard until proclaimed by her lips." With no -relaxation of fervor, with no diminution of power, she continued to -tell those not living in communion with God that "to be -carnally-minded is death," and with the earnestness of one saving -drowning men from the depths of the sea she stretched forth her hands -and raised her touching voice to save them from a still worse death, -the wages of their sins. The series of general meetings which Friends -had just begun to hold gave her an opportunity to come before large -audiences of all denominations, of the different classes. Many who -came were unconverted; many more were in a dangerously lukewarm state; -others needed strength and comfort. To one and all she proclaimed the -great truth that whosoever liveth unto himself dieth, but "whoso hath -the Son hath life;" and to the hearts where sorrow and discouragement -and doubt dwelt she spoke of a joy for the world, an encouragement "to -press toward the mark for the prize," a faith and belief that -overcome. Over those long Maine hills, in the balmy air of autumn, -fresh from the yellow grain and mellow fruit, or creaking through the -snowdrifts of mid-winter, she and her husband, both with the same -thought uppermost, rode to sit down on the high seats of those -broad-based, low-eaved Friends' meeting-houses, and to rise again and -speak messages of healing inspired by the great Physician. She loved -to live, for every day gave her one more chance to call to the unhappy -to be made happy. She loved to live, because she enjoyed the beautiful -things which God brought daily before her eyes in His book written -with His own hand. It was, too, a joy to her to be with her family, to -be a mother to her dear children, a wife to her wedded fellow-laborer, -and a friend to the many who loved her; but while she loved life she -knew enough of our God to be assured that when her "bark sank it would -be but to another sea," and that what we call death is but going from -a chrysalis life to a fulness of knowledge and a fulness of life. No -change that merely freed her of what could die and left her wholly -immortal could be terrible to her, and so she had never, in all the -days of extreme sickness which she had passed, had other thought than -that she was being kept from work. To the very last she pleaded with -her wonted earnestness: "I beseech you in Christ's stead, be ye -reconciled to God," and she loved to quote the hymn which expressed -the aspiration of her soul: - - "Oh, if _one soul_ I've pleaded with - Meets me at God's right hand, - My heaven will be two heavens - In Immanuel's Land." - -The thought has often been expressed that as the spiritual life of a -man or woman grows, develops, and gains complete mastery, the body -gradually takes on a new and deeper beauty; a something which had not -formerly existed shines out and hallows the face, and somewhat as the -setting sun puts over the clouds a glory which throughout all the long -sunshiny day had not been seen, so a brighter gleam comes out from a -ripened soul, and it becomes more than ever evident that the -inhabitant of the clay house had come "trailing clouds of glory from -God who is its home." This was decidedly true with her. The tall, -erect, queenly person, the large head, high forehead, deep hazel -eyes, the smile which so often played upon the lines of her -countenance,--all took a new meaning as the "light which never was on -sea or land" shone through them, proving that her "citizenship was in -heaven" and that she indeed was "a fellow-citizen of the saints." We -know not what is beyond our ken for such as she, but we believe that -He who created such a wondrous home for the mortal part has otherwhere -a proportionally magnificent domain for that which dieth not. A few -hours before she died she exclaimed in the words of the martyr -Rutherford: - - "Oh, well it is for ever, - Oh, well for evermore, - My nest hung in no forest - Of all this death-doomed shore." - -And on the afternoon of the 4th day of 12th month, 1873, she left the -life of toil and struggle for the life of reward. - -Ellen Congdon of Providence wrote in fitting words: "I have taken -comfort in the midst of this great bereavement to the Church militant -in thinking of the rejoicing and the welcome as her ransomed spirit -took its place among the redeemed of all generations. Yet, far, far -beyond even this must have been the holy rapture with which she -realized the fulfilment of that gracious promise: 'Thine eyes shall -behold the King in His beauty, and thou shalt see the land that is -very far off.'" - -The governor of the State showed his appreciation of the departed one -in the following extract from a letter to her son Richard: "Had it -been possible I should have been present at the funeral services. I -remember your mother from my boyhood, and received the news of her -death with profound sorrow. She exemplified the true Christian -character in a degree rarely equalled in this life; indeed, she has -always appeared to me more in the heavenly than the earthly. In her -death the Christian religion has lost one of its brightest ornaments -and noblest defenders. Yours is the priceless consolation which the -gospel and the remembrance of a life so full of noble deeds afford. -Any words of mine would be poor and weak, but I cannot forbear -conveying to you and your much-esteemed father, whom I have known and -honored for many years, my heartiest sympathy. Yours very truly, - - "SIDNEY PERHAM." - -Her funeral, held in the Friends' meeting-house, was attended by a -large company of friends, relatives, and neighbors. The citizens of -the town came in large numbers to look for the last time on the one -whom they loved and reverenced. Harriet Jones, Samuel Taylor, Sarah -Tobey, and others spoke feelingly. "All hearts were moved," says one -who was present, "as our venerable and highly esteemed friend Eli -Jones arose, controlling the feelings of a heart filled with sorrow, -and revealed what had heretofore been kept by him--viz. the -manifestation of divine power that had attended her mission while they -travelled in foreign lands; also the blessing following her labors -during the past few months in attending some one hundred and forty -meetings, principally in her own State, in which she appeared like a -reaper gathering the harvest." - -It is never well for us to speak over-highly of any one or of the -service of any one. Power speaks for itself. We spend no breath of -praise on the might of Niagara or the majesty of Mont Blanc. God has -made them so that they tell us themselves continually of their -grandeur. In like manner, the character and work of his human -creatures tell to their generation and the following ones their -strength and worth without the aid of man's voice. - -What Sybil Jones did and said has been felt and has made its -impression in the world, and no word which now might be spoken could -add to what she really accomplished. For sixty-five years she went -about doing what she seemed to have been sent to do. She was under no -shackles of creed, but she had a faith which anchored her; she built -on a foundation which had already been laid, and she wasted none of -her energy seeking answers to unnecessary questions. Her whole heart -was in her work, and nothing held her back in her desire to go on -herself to perfection and to call others thereto. The power of her -spiritual discernment was shown in numerous cases where she told -minutely the state and feeling of some before her, and she felt out -wonderfully the proper course for her to take. She seemed to grow -stronger as she engaged in a new field of work, and not unusually she -left her bed of sickness to undertake an arduous journey for an -absence of one or two years. She went from Ireland to Norway on a -couch, and there endured remarkable hardships, but grew stronger as -she worked, and was almost daily before the people for the next six -months. She had a striking influence over unprincipled and dangerous -men, and she never hesitated to go alone among the greatest outcasts. -The swearing sailors on the ship for Liberia grew more gentle as they -knew her, and she walked fearlessly into the cell of one of the worst -prisoners in the United States: he was touched to tears and blessed -the day that brought her to him. - -As a minister she was especially gifted in exhortation and prayer, but -she knew the Bible, and she knew experimentally the meaning of its -promises and commandments. Her use of language was remarkable: every -thought she wished to express was clothed richly, every truth was made -clear to her hearers, and no words were wasted. God gave her a voice, -not like Milton's, "whose sound was like the sea," but soft as the -wind in the trees and strong to reach the farthest seats. There was a -music in it which charmed, and a reserved power and volume which she -could use when the occasion called for it. - -The good people in the south of France still say, "She seemed to us -like an angel;" which shows how her earnest tones and kind deeds -impressed these simple-hearted people, who saw too few that loved to -feed the sheep and the lambs. Her active work in the ministry began -with her first visit to the provinces. Between that time and her death -she went as a herald through her own land; to Liberia, to England, -Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, and France; to -Scotland, Greece, Egypt, and the Holy Land. Few women, if any, before -her had been called to so many and so widely separated peoples. By -every race and nation she was kindly received, and she was enabled to -speak to them boldly and with such power that the lives of those who -heard her were noticeably changed. Standing often where woman never -stood before to speak, she lovingly urged the multitudes of ignorant, -unsaved hearers to come to the Lord for teaching and salvation. The -effect of her live words on those who had heard only formal preaching -can hardly be described. When in her most earnest attitude, she was -calm in her pleading, avoiding all that was sensational and speaking -simply to reach the heart. There has never been a more striking -instance of reliance on the divine Voice in the soul. There were -numerous occasions in her life when not only all her friends, but -skilful physicians, concurred in advising her to rest her exhausted -body when she felt work immediately before her. In every case she -replied, "I have this work to do now; I cannot take another course;" -and in no case was she mistaken. Once at least she went from her own -home to the train on a couch, but the results of the visit could leave -no one in doubt from whence came the command for her to go forth. - -Like Madame Guyon, it was her unceasing desire to bring her individual -will into full harmony with the will of God, and like her she sought -earnestly to distinguish minutely between her own impulses and the -promptings of the Spirit of God; not unlike Madame Guyon, she knew her -place to be where she could work actively among men for their -enlightenment. No small part of her work was with soldiers and -prisoners. Following the example of Elizabeth Fry, she went where sin -had made the deepest stains. Not only did the inmates of wards and -cells become gentler as she talked to them, but they regarded this -world and the next from a different standpoint when she had finished -speaking to them of the one hope which she had come to bring them. - -As she understood the New Testament, and as she interpreted the -whisperings within her, it seemed clear that the disciple of Christ -must devote himself or herself to uplifting a larger or smaller -portion of the human race, the radius of influence depending on the -number of talents received--that each servant's work might be -different, but each one must get into an attitude to _find_ his task, -and then all must work to produce fruit for the same harvest-home. - -The following is quoted from Harriet Beecher Stowe in her _Sunny -Memories of Foreign Lands_: - -"C. had been with Joseph Sturge during the afternoon to a meeting of -the Friends, and heard a discourse from Sybil Jones, one of the most -popular of their female preachers. Sybil Jones is a native of -Brunswick, Maine. She and her husband, being both preachers, have -travelled extensively in the prosecution of various philanthropic and -religious enterprises. - -"In the evening Joseph Sturge said that she had expressed a desire to -see me. Accordingly, I went with him to call upon her, and found her -in the family of two aged Friends, surrounded by a circle of the same -denomination. She is a woman of great delicacy of appearance, -betokening very frail health. I am told that she is most of her time -in a state of extreme suffering from neuralgic complaints. There was a -mingled expression of enthusiasm and tenderness in her face which was -very interesting. She had had, according to the language of her sect, -a concern on her mind for me. To my mind there is something peculiarly -interesting about the primitive simplicity and frankness with which -the members of this body express themselves. She desired to caution me -against the temptations of too much flattery and applause, and against -the worldliness which might beset me in London. Her manner of -addressing me was like that of one who is commissioned with a message -which must be spoken with plainness and sincerity. After this the -whole circle knelt, and she offered prayer. I was somewhat painfully -impressed with her evident fragility of body compared with the -enthusiastic workings of her mind. In the course of the conversation -she inquired if I was going to Ireland. I told her yes, that was my -intention. She begged that I would visit the western coast, adding, -with great feeling, '_It was the miseries which I saw there which have -brought my health to the state it is in._' - -"She had travelled extensively in the Southern States, and had in -private conversation been able very fully to bear witness against -slavery, and had never been heard with unkindness. The whole incident -afforded me matter for reflection. The calling of women to distinct -religious vocations, it appears to me, was a part of primitive -Christianity; has been one of the most efficient elements of power in -the Romish Church; obtained among the Methodists in England; and has -in all these cases been productive of great good. The deaconesses whom -the apostle mentioned with honor in his epistle, Madame Guyon in the -Romish Church, Mrs. Fletcher, Elizabeth Fry, are instances to show -how much may be done for mankind by women _who feel themselves -impelled to a special religious vocation_. The example of the Quakers -is a sufficient proof that acting upon this idea does not produce -discord and domestic disorder. No people are more remarkable for -quietness and propriety of deportment and for household order and -domestic excellence. By the admission of this liberty the world is now -and then gifted with a woman like Elizabeth Fry, while the family -state loses none of its security and sacredness. No one in our day -charges the ladies of the Quaker sect with boldness or indecorum, and -they have demonstrated that even public teaching, when performed under -the influence of an overpowering devotional spirit, does not interfere -with feminine propriety and modesty. The fact is, that the number of -women to whom this vocation is given will always be comparatively few: -they are, and generally will be, the exceptions, and the majority of -the religious world, ancient and modern, has decided that these -exceptions are to be treated with reverence." - -John G. Whittier writes in his poem, the "Meeting:" - - "Welcome the silence all unbroken, - Nor less the words of fitness spoken-- - Such golden words as hers for whom - Our autumn flowers have just made room, - - * * * * * - - Or haply hers whose pilgrim tread - Is in the paths where Jesus led; - Who dreams her childhood's Sabbath dream - By Jordan's willow-shaded stream, - And of the hymns or hope and faith - Sung by the monks of Nazareth - - Hears pious echoes in the call - To prayer from Moslem minarets fall, - Repeating where His works were wrought - The lessons that her Master taught-- - Of whom an elder Sibyl gave - The prophecies of Cumae's cave." - -In conclusion, it will be proper to insert the following brief sketch -from one who knew her most intimately: - -"Naturally extremely timid, when duty called her fearlessness was -wonderful. With nerves so sensitive that the closing of a door would -often startle her, in God's service she looked calmly upon death and -danger in every form. Though much and acceptably before the public, -the truly feminine graces ever stood forth prominently in her -character. With her own hands she often performed the duties of her -household, always entertaining much company, not only from neighboring -States, but from foreign lands; guided to manhood and womanhood five -children, and soothed the last hours of many of her kindred. With a -bodily frame very much enfeebled by a complication of diseases, she -was constantly being reminded of the uncertainty of her life, and ever -lived nearer to heaven than earth. Her mind was frequently absent, and -when called back it was found to have wandered after some poor soul -who had not yet received the 'good news' which her life was -consecrated to publish. So little did she notice the landmarks of this -earthly journey that the writer of this can affirm that scenes and -places through which she had passed a score of times were ever new and -unfamiliar to her absent gaze. When engaged in missionary labors her -faith that God would care for her and hers was deep and constant. -God's commands were her sole guide of her life; when these reached her -she prepared to obey them without a thought of the means. Her -invariable remark was, 'I am the King's daughter: the gold and silver -are mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.' Before her -faith-inspired energy every difficulty vanished. She left the aged and -enfeebled mother or the babe at her breast, committing them to the -Master in child-like trust. Through all she clung with the relentless -grasp of an abiding faith to the promises of her prayer-answering God, -and if ever a cloud came over her way she remained on her knees until -she saw its 'silver lining.' It may, then, with truth be said of this -woman that her leading aim on earth was the winning of souls to Jesus -Christ of Nazareth, the staff on which she leaned the faith of -Abraham, and prayer her 'vital breath.'" - - * * * * * - -There are a few extracts from some of the letters written by Sybil -Jones very near the end of her life which will be read with interest, -since they set forth the progress of the active religious work which -Friends in New England were just beginning at that time, and also give -expression to her faith in regard to such work with reference to the -necessity of an abiding defence against everything which might hinder -permanent blessing. - -She writes, 1st mo. 31, 1870, to her dear friend S. T.: - -"I agree with thee that a revival is greatly needed, and that one is -really begun and is prospering is cause for grateful songs of -thanksgiving and praise to Him who causeth the outgoings of this -brighter dawning to rejoice. Let our united prayers go up to the -'throne of God and the Lamb' that upon all the glory there may be a -defence. That this glorious visitation will have its temptations we -must know, for whenever the Spirit of Christ begins to work for the -salvation of souls through the blood of the Lamb, Satan presents -himself to defeat by various stratagems, if possible, the blessed -work. My faith is, however, that the Most High will protect his own -children and his own work, and cause it to prosper and spread -abundantly. The bow of promises spans the whole. There is a great -awakening in these parts; many old sinners are turning to the Lord and -speaking of His great love. Young people too are bringing their early -offerings to Him, for which my heart rejoices greatly." - -_9th, 22d, 1873._ She writes from Oak Grove Seminary in Maine: "My -dearest S., I am still here, and have been so ill I thought I might -not see my dear sister any more below or reach my dear little home, my -earthly tent; but my gracious Lord has led me up from 'the crossing' -again thus far, and I rejoice in His will, whatever it may be. I have -reached this place on my way home, and hope to be able to go in a few -days if the Lord will. - -"Thou may have heard of the wonderful outpouring of the Holy Spirit at -the general meeting in Winthrop. I attended only one session, but I -never was more happy. Peace and glory reigned around while poor -sinners were coming to Jesus. The gospel full and free and in -apostolic simplicity was preached, and great was the company of those -who heard it and were moved by its power through the Spirit. - -"I cannot tell thee much now. I was laid aside with _my Beloved_, and -oh the richness and fulness of His love to His weak child! I seemed to -enjoy all that was passing in that wonderful tent where three thousand -were present on First day. Many from city and country said they never -heard such a powerful gospel message before. People are calling in -every direction for the Friends to come and hold meetings. Let us be -instant in prayer, ready to do our part in the vineyard of the Lord." - -_4th mo. 20, 1873._ Not many months before her own departure she -writes of her mother's death in a letter to S. T., headed "Travellers' -Home:" "I have been watching a sweet loving mother to the banks of the -stream where all of my own family save my lonely self had passed -before. I felt sure she would see the beautiful summer-time on earth -no more; of this she too was aware, and made all needful arrangements -for the event to her desirable. She appeared more and more angelic in -expression and features as the time drew near to leave us. Her prayers -and exhortations at the family altar were offered in great -self-abasement, but wonderfully beautiful and fervent. The last night -was a glorious time to her: though in great suffering, her face -appeared so youthful and fair, beaming with such serenity, that all -could bear witness to her victory through the blood of the Lamb. Her -last sentence only will I mention. Near the close she exclaimed with -both cold hands uplifted: 'Glory! glory! glory! I see the angels!' -after this only the word 'glory,' faintly uttered could be heard." - -The last public religious service of this dear Friend was at Windham, -Maine, during a general meeting held there. Of this last visit a -Friend who was present writes: - -"First day evening, 11th mo. 3d, 1873, to a crowded house she preached -for half an hour from the text, 'If I will that he tarry till I come, -what is that to thee? Follow thou me.' As the meeting was to close, -she stood and most impressively repeated a farewell hymn, dwelling -upon the lines, 'Farewell, poor sinner.' Pausing, she three times -repeated these lines. None of us ever listened to a voice of such -melody: it is indescribable--so solemn the message, so full of -entreaty the tone. - -"Her husband attended meeting at Deering on Fourth day following, but -she remained in the house. Her messages to individuals in our -neighborhood are treasured as coming from one so near the border as to -be freighted with heavenly sanctity. - -"From report of quarterly meeting committee I quote: 'We cannot close -this report and do justice to appointment and the precious memory of -Sybil Jones (since gone to the eternal rest) without referring to her -attendance at the general meeting in company with her husband. It was -a great blessing to us to be recipients of this closing labor of her -peculiarly devoted life. Many can bear witness to the heavenly -expression of her countenance, her calmness, earnestness, yet -tenderness of spirit, and the unusual unction which attended her -ministrations as she pleaded _with_ and _for_ the erring and labored -to restore the waste places of our Zion." - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - -_ALONE AT HOME._ - - "Nor blame I Death because he bare - The use of virtue out of earth: - I know translated human worth - Will bloom to profit otherwhere."--_In Memoriam._ - - -It need not be told, and it could not, how the loss of his wife -affected Eli Jones, already venerable with age. Those only who have -borne a like sorrow know the depth of the wound. The strength of his -character and the weight of his love were never shown more fully than -in the first years of his widowed life. War had taken his first-born, -his sons were at their work in the world, his eldest daughter was -married, and the youngest daughter alone was still with him. Though -sixty-six years of age, he was yet strong, and knew that much more -work was before him if his life should be spared. There was no time -given him to rest. Not his to question the ways of Providence, but to -work while the day lasted. He could turn his face to no field where he -was not reminded of her who had diligently stood by his side, and his -loneliness gave a new power to his words. As Tennyson of his departed -friend, he could say: - - "Far off thou art, but ever nigh; - I have thee still, and I rejoice; - I prosper circled by thy voice; - I shall not lose thee though I die." - -For the first few years after the separation he was generally engaged -near home. The duties of farm-work filled up the spaces between the -monthly, quarterly, and general meetings which he attended. The little -black horse that all his townsmen knew so well grew very familiar with -the winding roads to Vassalboro', Brooks, St. Albans, Manchester, and -other near-lying towns. "Uncle Eli has come" made all who had gathered -at the meeting-house rejoice, and, whether the subject was peace, -temperance, or salvation, he spoke strong words to stir the listeners. - -During all his life he has loved to till the soil; trees seem to be -near friends of his. Lowell is - - "Midway to believe - A tree among his far progenitors, - Such sympathy is his with all the race." - -Eli Jones hardly claims relationship with the birches, but they are -his close friends, and he has had many happy hours working among his -trees. Perhaps he never was a farmer such as the editors of -agricultural journals would extol, and it is certain that the hilly -fields, with here and there a ledge of rock, in his farm at Dirigo -would never have allowed him to accumulate wealth, even if his work -had been exclusively there; but he felt the nobility of the calling. -There was no yoke of bondage to the soil over him, and he got nearer -Nature's heart as he planted, as he dug, and as he harvested. Those -who exhort to a higher spiritual life can never know too much of the -mysteries of animal and plant life; they can never be too conversant -with the trials and pains which daily toil brings to those to whom -they preach. Paul could touch hearts when he appealed to tentmakers; -Peter had an unwonted power when fishermen were before him; and he who -holds up hands hardened by hoe and spade will gladly be heard by those -who have left the oxen in the furrow to listen to the gospel. Slavery -to work narrows the mind, as any slavery does, but diligence in some -business will never lessen the depth of a true Christian or weaken the -influence of an endowed minister. Eli Jones has always been loved by -all the animals in his house and barn, for there is true philosophy in -the line, "For Mary loved the lamb, you know." His sheep would come -from all corners of the pasture when he came to their feeding-place, -and often he took his cane and walked out to give them salt and to -learn their ways. Sheep that are loved grow best, and his flock was -proof of it. After work he sat under one of the large maples near the -house, and while resting, if alone, carefully studied the higher and -lower laws of the birds over his head and the insects at his feet. I -do not believe he ever knowingly stepped on a worm or beetle, and no -life of any kind was ever willingly destroyed by him. He could mow on -Fifth day until time for meeting, and then hay-making, and the -possibility of showers were out of the realm of his thought, for there -was a higher work which needed an undivided mind. - -Nothing inanimate has interested him more than fossils and geological -specimens. He made a large collection of them, and whenever an unusual -stone showed itself under his hoe, it was examined. The perfection of -the minute shells, and consequently of the long-dead animals that once -dwelt in them, deeply impressed him. The variety of trees and flowers -which were growing in his garden and grounds astonished those who were -acquainted only with the birches, beeches, maples, pines, hemlocks, -the ordinary growth of the Maine woods; but he was delighted to see -trees of other climes flourish in the hard Northern soil of his -fields. His apples, pears, and grapes have reached the heart of many a -boy who has wondered why his father has always lived contented with -"Bitter Sweets" when "Early Harvests" are so good and easy to raise; -and an invitation to spend a day in this garden of the Hesperides was -not soon to be forgotten; and in fact it was a day of growth in the -boy's better nature. - -There was something still more gratifying than such an invitation: it -was to sit in the "South Meeting-house" when "little David" or Samuel -or Joseph was the text. Others might instruct the heads of the -meeting, but little eyes, sometimes heavy with sleep, opened and grew -larger as the shepherd on the hills of Bethlehem had his arm nerved by -the strength of the Lord or as Samuel cried, "Speak, Lord, for thy -servant heareth." He drew pictures of those far-off scenes until a -panorama seemed unrolled and young and old saw the mighty characters -of the early dispensation working before them; and it was not long -before a new light came over those same hills and new songs filled the -air: "Rejoice, for unto you is born, this day, in the city of David a -Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." - -During these days of farm-life Eli was often chosen to fill the -different town offices. As "supervisor of schools" he used to hear the -geography lessons and make the map look so large and real that the -scholars felt that it in fact represented solid earth. Then he was -sure to ask the whole school some question which would start a train -of new thoughts, and he was not likely to leave the school-house -without setting forth in a novel way the need of learning how to spell -and the mistake of trying greater fields of work before this one was -conquered. - -It was in the "town-meeting--the old "New England town-meeting"--that -he showed his peculiar tact and strength. The men of the town were -there to settle the knotty question of "new roads," "improved -schools," "care of the poor," and a long list of similar points. It is -always a question with boys "how they make Presidents," and it is no -less so how they make "selectmen and supervisors;" and on these great -days young statesmen were being taught there. The speakers for and -against the different articles in the "warrant," stood up on benches -and spoke. A moderator was appointed who kept order and decided -difficult points. The younger, non-voters, were surprised to hear such -eloquence and to see such weighty matters handled by men whom they -knew only as great woodcutters or haymakers; but it really seemed to -them that another Demosthenes must be in the midst of them when Eli -Jones began to argue down the weak schemes and prop up the wise plans -for public improvement. At least one listener remembers how one -important point was settled. The question had been discussed whether -the town should pay up its "war debt" and by taking on itself a double -tax for one year throw off the burden of a heavy tax each year to pay -interest-money. It had been decided affirmatively, but after the -meeting was over and the citizens had gone home and talked with their -wives, it began to seem to many that too great a step had been taken, -and a call was issued for a new meeting to rescind the vote. There was -much feeling, and the signs of a strongly divided camp were evident. -The stir indicated that the question was momentous. A plain but strong -argument was given to rescind the vote on the ground that it would be -wiser to divide the amount and take a number of years to pay it than -to impoverish the poor farmers by forcing such a tax upon them at one -time. It may have been because the writer was very young and -impressible, but the reply seemed to him masterly and worthy of a much -greater occasion. Not a word was lost; the answer was brief, and its -burden was that it was time to be free from the stigma of this debt, -which either those present or their children must pay, and that if -every citizen would play the man and do his duty now the debt would be -blotted out, and easily. A vote was taken, and by a large majority it -was agreed to leave the next generation free from debt by paying it at -once; which was done. - -The work of a man for the bettering of his own town is not -unimportant, though it may seem so when we consider the greater fields -of usefulness. He who has roused his neighbors and helped them find a -better way of educating their sons and daughters has accomplished a -work of immense importance. If all the towns and villages were taken -care of, the State would soon rest on a sure foundation, and he is a -skilful physician who labors to _heal_ the troubles in the towns which -supply _life_ to the cities. Eli Jones has always said that the great -aim must ever be to get the individual home in a proper condition. It -is not possible to show how much he quietly did in the years he spent -at Dirigo, but certainly it was time well used, and we need not lament -that he was "hemmed in" by county lines. What he did is poorly and -briefly recorded here, but it is written imperishably somewhere, not -infrequently on the impressible hearts of men. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - -_LATER VISITS TO THE EAST._ - - -The later visits of Eli Jones to Palestine and their object have -already been spoken of. With an accurate knowledge of the land and its -customs, as well as of the needs of its people, he was especially -adapted to taking a prominent part in directing the work of education -there. He has always had a faculty for raising funds, and, having been -especially successful in gathering money for building and necessary -expenses, the time seemed to have come for opening a boy's -training-home on Mount Lebanon. It had seemed best to organize a -meeting of the Society of Friends at Brummana, so that he went in 1876 -to assist in person the accomplishment of these two designs. - -He sailed alone to Liverpool, and then with Alfred Lloyd Fox, who had -accompanied him on his first visit, and Henry Newman, proceeded to -Beirut, and thence to Brummana. - -They rode on horseback up Lebanon, and not far from Brummana beheld a -most touching sight. The children of the school stood at a bend in the -road, each carrying a bouquet of flowers, which they held aloft as -their aged benefactor approached, and all these _Syrian maidens_ -together gave their greeting in English: "Welcome, our dear friends!" -This simple, sincere manifestation of affection deeply impressed the -venerable messenger of Christ and cheered his heart. It was like the -loving welcome from his own children upon nearing his own home. - -A winter of work was passed pleasantly at the mission and among the -natives. In company with Theophilus Waldmeier, the American and -English messengers visited Rustin Pasha, the governor of Lebanon, who -not only received them courteously and gave them much assistance, but -has ever shown himself a good friend of the Friends' mission. - -Eli Jones has had the good fortune to win the favor of those high in -authority, and he has used well his opportunities to impress the -dignitaries of those lands. On the way from Joppa to Jerusalem he was -in the same hotel with the governor of Palestine. The latter, hearing -that a missionary of the Society of Friends was in the house, wished -to see him. They met and talked together as friends. The governor -showed himself a man of wide culture and liberal views, believing in -the elevation of woman as a potent means of civilization, his own -daughters being students of science and literature. He had a clear -conception of American civilization, and understood the position and -history of Friends, showing much interest in their work at Ramallah. -As they parted he asked with much feeling that his aged American -friend would pray for him and Palestine. - -Again, in 1882, Eli Jones sailed for England on his way to the Holy -Land, to be present at the opening of the girls' training-home and to -obtain a legal transference of the mission to the Society of Friends. -Charles M. Jones of Winthrop, Me., was his valuable companion. They -were met in Liverpool by Alfred Fox, who, though not able to attend -them on this journey, went as far as Marseilles to see them well on -their way. They landed in Joppa, and soon after their arrival were -invited by the Episcopalian clergyman to come to his house to meet and -address a little company. They found a large number assembled, and Eli -Jones was told that he might address them in English, with the -assurance of being perfectly understood; so that here, in that ancient -city where Peter was taught to regard as clean all cleansed by God, -the walls of division were again taken down and a minister of the -Quakers preached the gospel in the English language to an assembly of -Episcopalians. - -On landing at Beirut they visited the American school in that city, -and were asked to address the scholars, which they did. After the -exercises were over the lady in charge of the school, finding from -their conversation that they were Friends, said with much surprise, "I -thought you were Presbyterians." They were warmly welcomed at the -Mount Lebanon Mission-school, and were occupied there and at the -Ramallah mission until the spring of 1883. - -On their return, Alfred Fox stood on the wharf at Marseilles to greet -them. He did not leave them until their steamer sailed from Liverpool, -and there waved them a long farewell. His death not long after removed -from this world a grand Christian gentleman, the dearest friend of Eli -Jones's later life. - -The fourth journey of the latter to Palestine successfully -accomplished, the faithful servant of God returned to the familiar -scenes of his own home, not to seek the rest of one who puts the armor -off, but to spend the last years which God's goodness had given him in -declaring with the zeal of vigorous manhood the business of soldiers -commissioned by the Prince of peace. Each year which puts its weight -upon him lessens the probability of his re-seeing Lebanon and -Jerusalem, but no spot except that which eighty years have made almost -sacred to him as home has so many memories and attractions touching -his heart. When he went from home bowed with age to undertake his last -visit some one said, "I fear thou wilt never come back to us." He -replied, "Lebanon's top is as near heaven as my native China is." - -He has twice visited the missions in person, and each time found work -for three or four months. He has always been greatly loved by those -for whom the work is being done. Being asked once the reason for his -success with these Arabs, he replied, "Because I am of the people. I -go down to their condition, but do not stay there; I endeavor to bring -them up." They are very strong in their affections, and dislikes as -well, and they are exceedingly keen to see their real benefactors. Eli -Jones experiences his greatest pleasure taking these children around -him and teaching them in his characteristic way, while they love him -as a good father. In the answers to his questions he was often -surprised by the originality of the little pupils. One day as he was -talking to a class of girls he asked where the Jordan rises; -immediately came the answer. Again, "Where does it end?"--"In the Dead -Sea." "And what becomes of the water, as the Dead Sea has no outlet?" -There was a long silence, when a little Arab girl replied, in a -simple, beautiful metaphor, "The sun drinks it up." On one occasion he -found the children sitting on the floor to be taught; he at once -ordered seats for the room, though he was told they would not use -them. He replied, "We will see; if you get them from the floor upon -good seats, you have raised them so much from their low condition." -When he next went to the room he found them proudly sitting on their -new seats. One little girl who could speak English came over by his -side and said, "We thank you for these seats." When he was about to -come back and to separate from them they stood round him with tears in -their eyes to wave him a farewell. - -The questions are often asked, "Is the gain worth the cost? Does the -improvement correspond to the outlay and effort?" There is but one -answer. These Druse boys and girls are eager to be taught, not only to -read and write, but to understand the story and teachings of Christ. -They go from the school entirely different persons, and they are -wholly unwilling to go back to their unchristian manners of life. They -are capable of becoming good scholars, and many of them are ready to -teach others. The character of the natives around Mount Lebanon has -completely changed, while those being trained are now in a condition -to exert an elevating influence on those about them. - -Mission-work, like all other work, must consent to be tested by its -fruits. The work of Friends on Lebanon and at Ramallah will stand this -test well. - -In a letter to his friend S. F. T., Eli Jones writes to express his -feeling of loneliness without his wonted companion, and the nature of -the work being done in the Holy Land at the time of his third visit -there in 1876: - - BRUMMANA, 1st mo. 8, 1876. - - While my fellow-travellers and Th. Waldmeier have gone to a - distant village to attend to matters of business, I have been - left to my own reflections, and I have in an unusual manner - missed the sympathy and the words of cheer in times of trial that - I was sure to receive from her who has been called up higher - before me. Her words were as balm to my troubled breast, but now - I plod on alone. My life would be too sad and weary to be borne - did I not trust that an Eye of compassion beholds me here even as - when in my native land surrounded by loved friends. - - We left England on the 9th of 11th mo., and spent several days in - France attending ten meetings in that country; then embarking at - Marseilles for Alexandria, where we spent a few days meeting old - acquaintances and attending to what seemed called for. Again we - went on board ship, and next day came to Port Said at the mouth - of the Suez Canal, the morning after we were in Joppa. Here we - visited the institution under the instruction of Jane Arnot, a - woman of _great faith_ and of _much works_, who has a school of - sixty girls. We found her occupying a new house erected on the - very spot where our tent was pitched a few years ago, and where - we had a meeting one First day afternoon with the people of - Joppa. - - We reached Beirut the 31st of 12th mo., and the next day came to - Brummana, where we received a warm welcome. Hanne Ferach, my - little Bethlehem girl, rushed forward and grasped the hand of her - old friend with the cordiality of a loving daughter; also several - of the citizens came to bid us welcome to their town. All this - was unexpected, and, to speak honestly, it moved our hearts and - was a delightful ending of a long journey. - - We are much pleased with the work begun here. On First day our - meeting frequently numbers over one hundred, the Bible meeting in - the middle of the week over thirty. - - In the room where I am setting a teachers' meeting is going - forward preparatory to the labors to-morrow, which will be the - first of the week. Sitting around the table are ten preachers and - teachers; two of these are female. Their conversation is all - Greek to me, but it is very interesting to see them arming for - their work from such an armory. - - The Sabbath-school numbers sixty, while there are six schools in - operation through the week, reaching at least two hundred and - thirty children; all these are emphatically Bible-schools. - - - - -CHAPTER XVIII. - -_AS A FRIEND._ - - "Be ye complete in Him." - - "God's own hand must lay the axe of inward crucifixion - unsparingly at the root of the natural life; God in Christ, - operating in the person of the Holy Ghost, must be the principle - of inward inspiration _moment_ by _moment_, the crucifier of - every wrong desire and purpose, the Author of every right and - holy purpose, the Light and Life of the soul."--UPHAM. - - -Eli Jones was a birthright member of the Society of Friends, and as -far back as there is any record the family had been a Friends' family, -so that he inherited an inclination to the manners and views of the -Society; and it was as much expected of him that he would make these -views his own as it was that he would be a worthy son of his parents -and grandparents. Quakerism was the air which a Friend's child -breathed seventy-five years ago, and it was a poor child that longed -for another atmosphere. It was a startling revelation to a boy that -there were people in the world who said _you_ to one person, and it -required an explanation. - -Eli had little opportunity of reading the lives of the Friends of -former times, and he had no way of finding out the "philosophy of -Quakerism," but his father and mother and the whole circle of his -connections had a definite idea of what they believed, and their -lives were more teaching than many books would have been. The -different meetings were regularly attended by the young members, and -they early became accustomed to the ways of doing the necessary -business. He learned to respect the body which transacted its business -so quietly and orderly, and which had such a loving and successful -plan for reaching the state and standing of the different members. - -The monthly readings of the "Queries" placed each soul in the silent -confessional before its Lord, while the general "Answers" gave -opportunity for efficient counsel. It was a living Church, and its -light shone before men. There were excellent examples of pure -Christian character in the Society at China--ministers, elders, and -members who would deeply impress the young, who thought of no other -course than following in the steps of their predecessors. The quiet -strength and sweetness of the best members of the Society, their -guilelessness and sincerity, have had great weight in holding young -men, and have done what austere teaching could never have done. The -call to confess Christ, as they proclaimed it, was also a call to a -higher manhood and nobler living. - -Eli Jones early loved Friends, and his love has continually augmented. -He has done his work in the Society, going out on his own various -missions each time with its sanction; and he has experienced fully the -help which comes from the united and loving support of the Church at -home. His life has been widely useful in great measure because he was -a Friend, for the work he has done could properly have been done only -in Friends' way, and he could never have succeeded under the -restrictions of any other church organization. He was qualified to be -a Friend minister, but he was not adapted to be one of any other -denomination. - -About forty years ago, as he was beginning to preach, there appeared -in New England a new phase of thought. Its centre was at Concord, -Mass., and its adherents were called _Transcendentalists_. They held, -among other things, that to really know man must have something in him -which transcends human knowledge or the knowledge of the senses. In -order to know truth a light must shine into man's mind from the Source -of light, and who ever would know himself, the world and the Supreme -Being must have a God-given teacher in his own breast; but these men -maintained that this was a _natural_ endowment of the human mind--a -wonderful gift, but given in the _same way_ as memory. The difference -between Transcendentalism and Quakerism has been thought slight; it -is, however, immense. The Society of Friends has never believed that -man by _nature_ has any power or light within him capable of -satisfying his longings or of gaining salvation for his soul. While -Friends do not lose sight of the facts that Christ the Son of God came -to be a perfect ensample for us; that He came to give us life, and to -give it more abundantly; that He is the Light of the world; that the -true follower of Christ should strive to be Christ-like, to come up to -"the full stature of Christ;" and that there can be no compromise with -any sin, but a gradual growth in firm character, high manliness, a -daily striving for sincerity and purity,--their great theme for the -comfort of a lost world has been that there is life in the acceptance -of Christ; that there is health through our abiding union in Him, and -thenceforth growth and development by virtue of our oneness with Him -whose blood cleanses and whose Spirit quickens. Manliness and high -morality, necessary graces of the Christian, have been attainable by -all nations and all ages to a higher or lower degree. "_Jesus Christ -came into the world to save sinners_," and all men of every degree are -there included. Felt necessary in all ages, foretold in types and by -inspired prophets, and heralded by messengers from heaven, at length, -in the fulness of time, the Saviour came. He came not to bring a creed -or bonds or forms: He came to bring salvation, freedom, spirituality. -He came to publish a new kingdom, which could be entered only through -Him. He finished His work fully, and, about to depart, He promised to -"pray the Father, and he shall give you another comforter -(strengthener), that He may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit -of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, -neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for he dwelleth with you, and -shall be in you;" having said before, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, -He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and -_greater works shall he do; because I go unto my Father_;" "Howbeit, -when the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all the -truth;" "That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh -into the world." Whoever believes the truth of the gospel record to -its fullest extent, and actually accepts salvation through Christ, -becomes not only a better man, but a new man; he will live henceforth -not for this world, but for that which is to come; he will conquer -and throw aside all his besetting sins; and he will be a "living -epistle" publishing the greatness of the good news to all others: -furthermore, no work for his Lord will seem to be too great to be -undertaken, for the promise is, "greater things shall ye do; for I go -unto my Father." - -Now, Eli Jones while a young man accepted his Saviour and experienced -this new birth, and, seeking first the kingdom of God, he has not -ceased to labor for the greatest possible bettering of the world. -This, he believed, could be best done by spreading a knowledge of -Christ and by endeavoring to bring about a literal fulfilment of His -teaching. Christ, the source of life, the source of light, and a -perfect example to be followed, has been his theme. Peace, total -abstinence, and high education came in course as proper causes for him -to uphold. He has always believed in supreme guidance, and before -undertaking work has waited until the inward ear heard the voice, and -so his going forth has been blessed. His whole life testifies that he -has not deceived himself, and that he has not worked for his own -material gain. He has always stood against formalism and spoken for -spirituality, and he has wished for life to so abound that formality -in any way could not exist. He has felt that all Christ's devoted -followers must in some way, by life or voice, obey the command given -to the first apostles: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the -gospel to every creature;" and the message which he has carried has -always been, "Ye must be born again." The equality of man and woman -and the equality of all men and all women, equality of worth before -the Creator, has made him earnest to gain for woman her _real rights_, -and he has felt the necessity of raising in the social scale all who -have been bound down in any degree by the bonds of prejudice. - -Points of doctrine have been little discussed by him, for he has felt -called to live and preach the gospel, the same tidings which Paul went -to Macedonia to declare--not to discuss and argue in regard to -questions which can be settled only when we enter "the land which is -very far off." There are some things which must be clearly fixed, -great cardinal truths on which to be wrong is to be wholly wrong; but -a broad spiritual interpretation of the whole Bible, by the aid of the -Holy Spirit, gives any seeking man enough teaching on necessary points -to guide him; and Eli Jones has gladly received in addition all the -help he could receive from the _wisdom given_ to other men and women, -such as fathers, counsellors, and elders. - -Penn asked, "How shall I know that a man does not obtrude his own -sense upon us as the infallible Spirit?" and he answers, "By the same -Spirit." Whatever is said contrary to the Scriptures, though the -guidance of the Spirit is professed, must be accounted a delusion.[11] -No man regrets more than Eli Jones that there are those who speak -their own words as the truth given to them, for words become lifeless -whenever the brain is allowed to speak for the Spirit, whenever any -one deceives himself and gives his own thoughts for oracles; and he -has felt that Friends, of all people, should beware of self-love and -self-will, and that the individual members should ever be ready to -receive benefit from the counsel of others. Each human being has a -special field to till in the great vineyard. He who has climbed a -height is more than ever duty bound to reach down hands of help to the -weak. The gifts differ, but it is every man's business to find out for -what he was sent, and then do the mission--do it "ever in the great -Taskmaster's eye;" do it for no reward, but for the truth's sake; and -He who sends the workmen into the field will send the basket for their -supply. Whether doing quiet work at home or more extensive work -abroad, Eli Jones has had one mind--to obey orders; and whenever he -has been free to do temporal work for his own support and for his aid -in gospel work, he has improved every opportunity, imitating the -example of the tentmaker, while Friends have generously furnished the -means for him to go out into distant fields. - - [11] _New England Discipline_, p. 14. - -He has lived to see a decided change come over the Society in his own -section--a change almost universally apparent. In his early manhood -came the great separation of the "Hicksites," and he felt keenly the -want of harmony in 1840-45, when John Wilber opposed Joseph John -Gurney; but he has ever hoped that the small body of spiritually-minded -Friends would hold fast to their faith, maintaining harmony -throughout, and not provoking or exaggerating differences of opinion. -Most who grew old with him have passed away, and some with the belief -which saddened their old age that the end of their Society was near. -He has continually--and never more than in his old age--believed in -the progress of humanity; he has seen in history and in his own life -how one generation carries on the truth rejected by the former one; -and in his thoughts faith and hope have been united. He trusts that in -God's plan there is endless progress, and until something higher and -purer and more perfect than Friends' conception of Christ's work and -teaching appears the Society will be needed, and there will not be -wanting those who hold fast the excellent spiritual truths of -Quakerism, and a practical Christianity lived out with daily -circumspection in their thoughts and words and deeds. He is impressed, -as were the founders of our Society, with the truth that Christianity -is both a faith and a corresponding life. The words of his old age -have been not less acceptable and effective than those of his early -manhood, and he has not changed his message. The earnestness with -which he has pleaded for the essentials, the liberality he has shown -in regard to non-essentials, and the rounded completeness of his life -have given him a wide influence and have made him justly loved; but -his strength has always been his calm faith in Jesus Christ. - - - - -CHAPTER XIX. - -_HIS PLACE AS A WORKER._ - - "Quit you like men." - - -The people of a city or country in which is some great natural wonder -or some magnificent work of man become so accustomed to its grandeur -that only the largest-minded of them continue to appreciate its -excellence and gain culture from it. This is not true of men. A man -who has the qualifications to instruct and the power to inspire his -deemsmen will have renewed power, and will gain a stronger influence -over all of them, as age brings matured wisdom. Few greater blessings -can come to a community than to have a strong man working like leaven -in the midst of it, and few posts of honor are more to be coveted than -to be a part of all that is best in one's environment. - -Eli Jones has decidedly influenced his township, and he has the -satisfaction of feeling in his old age that he is without enemies and -in possession of a numerous company of friends, the "uncle" of all who -know him. He has had the good fortune--or, better, the good -judgment--to know just what his place was. He has done each duty, -never wishing that he might have found something greater to do, and -now his services combined into one whole make a record which men of -great fame often fail to gain. - -One of the best tests of a man's power is his influence over the -young. There is a time in early life when there is a longing for real -help, when a young person feels groping in the dark for the right -road, which he wants, but cannot find. Eli Jones has been at hand to -throw, by his counsel and Christian advice, light on the right path, -and many a man and woman stands to-day fixed firmly in a good place -and on a high road to a better because he spoke a good word or reached -out his hand when there was need of just that word or encouragement. - -His love of education and his fondness for books have made themselves -felt. He has been one of the foremost in founding and sustaining two -schools--"Oak Grove Seminary" and the "Erskine High School." The -latter partly owed its existence to him. He has started and built up a -number of libraries, and he has wished to leave coming sons and -daughters supplied with a fountain from which to draw. Not a few of -the college graduates who have gone out from China received their -first impulses to higher aspirations from him, in one way or another. - -In temperance work he has taken his part. He began to speak for total -abstinence as a boy, which has been his theme ever since, and he took -active part in securing a majority for the Prohibition amendment in -the State of Maine. - -For many years he was an active member of the "Sons of Temperance," -and as Grand Worthy Patriarch of that organization he did much -permanent good in the State. In this work he was intimately associated -with Ex-Governor Sidney Perham, Neal Dow, John Kimbal of Bangor, D. -B. Randal, the aged patriarch of the Methodist Church, and others of -the ablest advocates of the Maine law. - -It was once a law of the State that the selectmen of each town should -appoint some suitable man to fill his cellar with various liquors, and -whose sole right it should be to sell such articles. For one year Eli -Jones was appointed to act as liquor-agent for the town. Strange -picture, that of a well-known Quaker minister and prominent advocate -of total abstinence holding the office of drink-dispenser to his -townsmen! It can be imagined with what feelings the toper would enter -his yard, make known his desire, and what words of advice he would -receive instead of the foaming glass. - -It is needless to say that no cellar was stored that year, and during -his term of office the community abstained. - -In 1852, at the time of his first visit to England and Ireland, but -few Friends in those countries had heartily espoused the cause of -total abstinence. Since that time a great change has taken place. "To -hail from Maine is _now_ no discredit to the visitor. _Then_ a -specimen from Maine was looked upon with some distrust." - -It will not be out of place to refer here to his connection with the -origin of the "United Kingdom Alliance." Its essential declarations -are as follows: "1. That it is neither right nor politic for the state -to afford legal protection and sanction to any traffic or system which -tends to increase crime, to waste the national resources, to corrupt -the social habits, and to destroy the health and lives of the people. -2. That the traffic in intoxicating liquors, as common beverages, is -inimical to the true interests of individuals and destructive of the -order and welfare of society, and ought therefore to be prohibited. 3. -That the history and results of all past legislation in regard to the -liquor traffic abundantly prove that it is impossible satisfactorily -to _limit_ or _regulate_ a system so essentially mischievous in its -tendencies.... 7. That, rising above class, sectarian, or party -considerations, all good citizens should combine to procure an -enactment prohibiting the sale of intoxicating beverages, as affording -most efficient aid in removing the appalling evil of intemperance." - -This was a union against intemperance on a most uncompromising -platform, and its work during the last quarter of a century has been -enormous. The simple facts of Eli Jones's connection with this -organization are as follows: As he was returning from Dublin yearly -meeting to London he found himself in company with Nathaniel Card, a -Friend of Manchester, England. Their conversation turned upon -temperance, for our friend had not been silent on this subject during -his stay in Ireland. Nathaniel Card became much interested, and wished -to take an American temperance paper, as well as to have a copy of the -Maine prohibitory law. He was given the address of Neal Dow, and a -correspondence was opened. About eighteen months after this -conversation, Eli Jones being in Manchester, three gentlemen called on -him. Nathaniel Card was one of them, who as speaker said, "We are the -officers of the British and Foreign Temperance Alliance, and whatever -results come from its formation _began_ with our conversation on our -return journey from Ireland." - -Many English Friends have been connected with this organization, and -Eli Jones had the opportunity at the time of his later visits to -England to attend some of the meetings and to hear the beneficent -results of its far-reaching influence. - -His work for the advancement of peace has been lifelong. He has -strained his eyes to catch glimpses of a better era, in which the -literal and spiritual teaching of Christ shall be fulfilled in a -universal brotherhood of men and nations; and he has lived to see -already "a flood of prophesying light." When over eighty years old he -was sent as a delegate to the Friends' Peace Conference at Richmond, -Indiana, in 1887, and his voice was often heard discussing with -younger men and women the wisest course for binding nations into -families by bonds of love, so that rust may dull the carnal weapons of -war, - - "And the cobweb be woven across the cannon's throat, - To shake its threaded tears in the wind." - -He has always looked with joy on the advance of the human race, and he -has had uncompromising faith in actual and triumphant progress. -Nothing has made his crowning years more bright than the thought, ever -present with him, that the good is gaining a gradual ascendency, and -that man's lot, already a happy one, is becoming more happy. He has -seen nations that have sat in darkness rising to stand in the -joy-bringing light, and he has trusted the future will bring mature -fruit. This buoyant hope has not only made his life joyous, but has -pervaded all the messages of his later years, and he has shown that -optimism which every true Christian must feel, for his Master "doeth -all things well." - -He felt called above everything else to preach the gospel, but he was -sent to preach not only from the text which John the Baptist gave, but -also he has "spoken unto men to edification." He has held up the -perfect mark, the goal, "a life hid with Christ in God." Every power -of man, physical, moral, mental, spiritual, is to be developed and -expanded to its fullest extent, and then brought into strict obedience -to the will of God. We are not in our place until we yield the same -obedience to the celestial laws that we yield to the laws of -gravitation. Character--which implies integrity, purity, -unselfishness, love, patience, self-forgetfulness, and temperance--means -the truth we have received, made our own, and put in action. Hence Eli -Jones has spent his life telling all people to seek first of all the -kingdom of heaven, which is righteousness and peace and joy in the -Holy Ghost--to give their whole lives and beings to the Lord, and to -build up pure Christian characters. The strength and manliness of his -life have made his messages weighty, and the clearness of his thought, -with his abundance of strong English words forcibly arranged, has -caused his speaking on whatever subject to be effective. His speaking -has always been from the fulness of his heart and with all the energy -of his individuality. Never has he been known to speak weakly or -unemphatically. If he had no message, he kept his seat, and if he -rose to speak it was because he had something which he deeply felt and -which it was important for those present to hear. - -Of medium height, possessing a very large head, penetrating, earnest -eyes, and impressive in his movements, his rising always gained him -attention. His voice, which in childhood had been imperfect, grew -clearer and more emphatic with use, and by constant attention to -careful enunciation he gained the power of distinct expression to such -a degree that after having on one occasion found it necessary to speak -continuously in the Newport meeting-house for three hours, he was told -by those in the farthest galleries that not a word had been lost. In -his most earnest appeals he is decidedly eloquent, and many there are -who have heard in his vigorous words that call which lifts souls from -dreamy thought to action. Not one of his sermons has been put on -paper, for he spoke as the words came to his mouth, and reporters were -not present; but there was a clearness and connection as marked as was -the strength of the individual parts, so that his utterances if -printed would be highly valued. If those men do us the greatest -service who give us the clearest view of our relation to God and our -duty to man, then we owe him gratitude, for he successfully helped -feet that were failing to find a surer foothold on the abiding base of -the Rock of Ages. - -Further, he performed the true part of the citizen of a democracy, the -part of one who sees the brother and sister mark on every forehead. -Every person who hopes and prays for the highest success of the -principles of our government will have moments of trial for his faith -as he sees the multitudes of responsible citizens who exercise their -high privileges in town and State moved by no higher thought than the -accomplishment of a selfish aim; he will feel a deeper gloom still -when he learns in how many hearts respect for pure men and sacred -principles and reverence for the Ruler of men and nations have been -obscured by the mists of party schemes and personal self-love. Eli -Jones as a Quaker has clearly proclaimed the only basis on which a -democracy can build with a reasonable hope of a beautiful and -permanent structure. In a nation where every man is a legislator, -every man must - - "Feel within himself the need - Of loyalty to better than himself, - That shall ennoble him with the _upward_ look;" - -nor can he be a safe sharer in the rights of government who has not -intimate converse with the Voice which calls for an _inward_ look. -Through a life of over eighty years he has sought to act at the -ballot-box so that the largest number of human beings might feel the -good effects of his vote. - -Again, his life is an interesting example of continuous development. -Though beginning early to obey the voice of duty in regard to public -speaking, he had reached nearly the age of forty before he was really -at work. Year after year since he has seen with clearer vision, and, -catching the teaching of the nautilus, he has made - - "Each new temple, nobler than the last, - Shut him from heaven with a dome more vast," - -and, feeling more truly each year the serious business of a denizen of -earth, he has doubled his diligence to quit himself like a man. - -There has been a deep vein of humor running through his whole life, -and the genuine "mother wit" often found in New Englanders has shown -itself in him to a marked degree. His answers to difficult questions -always come at once, and have a keenness which goes to the marrow of -the subject. Those who have listened to his conversation and heard his -illustrative anecdotes need no example to call to their mind his -native humor, for it has continually shown itself. The uniformity of -his disposition should be spoken of. Calm and equable under trying -circumstances, he was a strong support to his beloved wife when in -feeble health she seemed almost weighed down, and he was especially -fitted by this quality for the perplexing difficulties which -necessarily beset a laborer in foreign lands. - -His ripe years have been passed at the foot of China Lake near his -boyhood's home, and he has sat in the meeting as a father in the midst -of his family. Now and then called forth for short service, he has -loved to hasten back and to be at home. - -At the time I write he is still permitted to dwell among us, and we -are fortunate in having before our eyes one who has the weight of many -years of experience and wisdom. - -When riding with him around China Lake one lovely summer day some of -us younger members of the party pointed out a church-spire in the -distance, and asked him if it was not a beautiful picture--the spire -rising from the abundant green of the surrounding trees and pointing -to the cloudless blue sky. Slowly he said, "Yes, but it would be -better if we knew that all who sit there owned what is above the -spire;" and we felt, as we looked at his genial face lighted up as he -gazed aloft, that "his citizenship was in heaven" and that "for him to -die" would be "gain." There is a domain on earth which only the true -servant enters, and there is a realm of which we do not speak -definitely that opens its gates to admit those who hear the "Well -done!" of the great Master. Blessed indeed is he whose life has been a -preparation for the city where no sun is needed, but where the glory -of God is the light, and the lamp thereof is the Lamb. - - - - - * * * * * - - - - -Transcriber's note: - -Variations in spelling, punctuation and hyphenation have been retained -except in obvious cases of typographical error. - -Some mismatched double quotation marks were left as in the original. - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ELI AND SIBYL JONES*** - - -******* This file should be named 42164.txt or 42164.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/2/1/6/42164 - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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