THE LIBRARY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT CHAPEL HILL ENDOWED BY THE DIALECTIC AND PHILANTHROPIC SOCIETIES UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 00007382735 Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hil http://archive.org/details/memoirsofsamuelmOOjann 'i^t r>/ /**- #■** * • * efffws ^/- to MEMOIRS *1 OF Late of Lincoln, Loudoun County, Va. A Minister in the Religious Society of Friends, (WRITTEN BY HIMSELF.) AT CHAPEL HILL ^" ULiNA ' Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth ; Yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them." — Rev. 14: 13. *io#ir#. PHILADELPHIA: FRIENDS' BOOK ASSOCIAT 1 88l. %!. CHApeS Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1881, by CORNELIA JANNEY, In the Office of the Librarian of Congress, Washington, D. C. PRE FACE. The memoir of my dear father was begun, as he tells us, with the view of leaving it as a legacy to his children, but in his latter years, he was willing that the experience of his long and eventful life, should be used in any way to promote the "Cause of Truth." A few judicious friends have carefully read the manuscript left by him, and they encourage me in the belief that the instructive matter it contains is worthy of publication, and will be valued, especially by those who knew and loved him. C.J. Lincoln, Loudoun Co., Va., jd Mo. 1st, 188 J- CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. Birth and parentage — Some account of his ancestors — Death of his mother — Early religious impressions — Reading the Scriptures — Re- moval to Fairfax — Goes into his uncle's counting-house in Alexan- dria — Self-improvement — Reflections upon the Classics. Page I. CHAPTER II. Edward Stabler and Dr. Dick — Teaches in a Presbyterian Sabbath- school — Establishes with others a First-day school for colored peo- ple — Religious exercises. 1820. Page 9. CHAPTER III. Attends a Methodist class-meeting with William Lamphier — Reflec- tions thereon — Receives a prize for his poem " The Country School- House". — Correspondence with George P. Morris — Becomes a con- tributor to the New York Mirror — Religious controversy in the So- ciety of Friends — A sermon by Margaret Judge — Death of Rachel Ellicott — Poem on Affliction. 1824-25. Page 13. CHAPTER IV. Co-partnership with Dr. Bond — Marriage— Bridal tour — Poem upon Lake George — Labors for the Colored people — Formation of a Benevolent Society— Joins a Colonization Society — Petition to Con- gress for the Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia- Illness and visit to the Red Sulphur Springs — Poem. 1825 to 1829. Page 25. VI CONTENTS. CHAPTER V. Again visits Red Sulphur Springs — His health much improved — Re- moval to Occoquan — Visit from Daniel Quinby — He accompanies him as far as Richmond and Petersburg — Death of a little daughter — Publishes a letter on Christian doctrine — His first appearance in the ministry — Reflections upon the ministry — Indulged meeting granted at Occoquan — Writes " Conversations on Religious Sub- jects" — Joins George Truman in a religious visit to the meetings of Fairfax Quarter — Goes as companion for George Truman to visit the families of Friends of Baltimore — Visits Dunning's Creek with a Yearly Meeting committee — Attends New York Yearly Meeting. i829-'35. Page 37. CHAPTER VI. Publishes a volume of Poems — Business at Occoquan proves un- successful — Removes to Loudoun Co., Va., where he opens a Boarding School. 1839. Page 49. CHAPTER VII. He travels in some of the counties of Virginia, on a religious visit — Death of his father. 1841-42. Page 52. CHAPTER VIII. Visits some meetings within the limits of Indiana Yearly meeting — Endeavors to heal dissensions there — Writes an Epistle to Friends in the State of Ohio. 1844. Page 58. CHAPTER IX. He writes a series of articles upon Slavery — Letters to George Truman and Issac T. Hopper — Letter to his uncle, Phineas Janney — Attends the Quarterly Meeting at Red Stone, in Pennsylvania— Enters into a canvass for free schools in Virginia — Goes to Richmond as dele- gate to an Educational Convention — Letter to a Slaveholder. i844-'46. Page 86. CONTENTS. Vll CHAPTER X. Attends Ohio Yearly Meeting — Answer to Wm. A. Smith's Defence of Slavery — The Grand Jury indicts him for it — He defends him- self and is cleared. 1849-50. Page 96. CHAPTER XI. S. S. Randall suggests his writing the Life of Penn — Two letters from him on the subject — Engaged in the work — Visits his friend ■ S. S. Randall, who assists him in revisirj his book. i85o-'5l. Page 106. CHAPTER XII. He obtains a minute to attend Philadelphia, New York and Genesee Yearly Meetings, with some of the meetings composing them — Some account of his religious exercises while on this journey — Proposi- tion brought to Yearly Meeting for an equitable division of prop- erty held by our branch of the Society — Not then carried, but adopted in 1864 — Hopes entertained of a more cordial feeling be- tween the two branches — Accepts an invitation to visit Thomas Evans of Philadelphia, who expressed himself satisfied with the Life of Penn — At his request adds some doctrinal matter in the next edition — Letters to Caleb Carmalt — Letters to S. S. Randall and Jane Johnson on the Life of Geo. Fox. 185 1. Page Hi. CHAPTER XIII. Attends Philadelphia and New York Yearly Meetings, and some Meetings belonging to them — Interviews with Richard Mott and Stephen Grellet — Letter to Dillwyn Parrish. 1854. Page 130. CHAPTER XIV. Receives a minute to attend Ohio and Indiana Yearly Meetings, and to appoint and attend some meetings within their limits — Is taken with a hemorrhage from the lungs in Illinois — Attends meetings in Vlll CONTENTS. much weakness — Reflections upon the state of the Society of Friends in the West — Salutations from London Yearly meeting read at the Representative Committee of Baltimore Yearly Meeting — A reply to it by him and some others — Some account of the life and death of his son John. 1857. Page 153. CHAPTER XV. Visit to Warrington and other Meetings belonging to that Quarter- Attends Philadelphia and New York Yearly Meetings, and some Meetings composing them — Journey to Eastern Shore of Maryland. 1859-60. Page 172. CHAPTER XVI. Goes to Philadelphia to attend to the publication of History of Friends — Civil war begins — County occupied with Southern troops — Battle of Ball's Bluff — Goes through the lines to attend Baltimore Yearly Meeting— Is arrested when he returns — -Interview with General Evans ■ — After four days' detention is released — Occupation of Waterford Meeting House by Southern troops — Attends Quarterly Meeting at Sandy Spring and other meetings — Tribute to Miriam Gover — Goes with a committee to visit some of the subordinate meetings of Balti- more Yearly Meeting — Death of a sister — Visit to Philadelphia* and New York Yearly Meetings — Passage from Extracts of Baltimore Yearly Meeting — Engaged in writing third and fourth volumes of History of Friends. i86l-'63. Page 188. CHAPTER XVII. With a committee, visits Friends in Iowa who have applied for the privilege of holding a Quarterly Meeting. 1864. Page 209. CHAPTER XVIII. Citizens of Loudoun arrested by Union troops — Goes to Washington to procure their release — Interview with General Sheridan and other military commanders — Part of the prisoners liberated on pa- CONTENTS. IX role, others kept as hostages for exchange — Attends Baltimore Yearly Meeting — Again lays before the meeting his concern that an equitable share of the property shall be offered the Orthodox Friends, which was united with — An extract from the minutes of the meeting — Goes to Philadelphia — A serious accident on the train — General Sheridan's raid in Loudoun — Much distress there — Help solicited from the North, which is cheerfully given — Closing of the war — Death of President Lincoln. 1864-65. Page 218. CHAPTER XIX. With a Minute of Concurrence, with his brother, Asa M. Janney, as companion, attends the Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia, New York and Genesee, and some of the Meetings composing them. 1868. Page 236. CHAPTER XX. Reflections upon his sixty-ninth birth-day — Meets the Committee on Indian Concerns, in Baltimore — A proposition before them from General Grant, that they should take charge of some of the West- ern Indians — They accept the charge — Part of the Indian commit- tee wait on the Secretary of the Interior and Commissioner of In- dian Affairs — Meets the Indian committee in Baltimore, where his name is proposed for Superintendent of Indian Affairs — Accepts the appointment — Makes preparations for a long absence from home. 1869. • Page 249. CHAPTER XXI. Arrives in Omaha — Names of Agents — Meets with a cordial welcome — Holds a Public Meeting — Visits the Winnebago and Omaha Agencies — The hardships the Winnebagoes had met with from the Government — Writes a petition to the Government for the reim- bursement of a large sum of money — Congress refunds it — The first Council — The allotment of land in severalty discussed and agreed to — Addresses them on Religion and Morality — Goes to the Omaha Agency, where the same subjects are discussed in Council with the Chiefs. i869-'7i. Page 254. X CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXII. Some account of the Pawnee Tribe — They are suspected of the mur- der of a white man — The Superintendent holds a council with the chiefs on the subject — Four Indians are delivered up and taken to Omaha — Their trial — After twenty-two months' imprisonment they are admitted to bail — The chiefs and Superintendent and Agent become responsible for them — Superintendent visits some of the Agencies with a deputation of Friends — Congress appropriates $30,000 for Indian civilization — Letter to a convention of Friends held in Philadelphia — Letter to Benjamin Hallowell — Letter to Commissioner of Indian Affairs. 1870. Page 264. CHAPTER XXIII. Letter to a Joint Committee of Friends on Indian Affairs — Resigns his position — Letter from W. H. Macy relating to it — Barclay White is appointed as his successor — He is taken sick with inter- mittent fever — Returns to his home in Virginia. 1 87 1. Page 28 1. CHAPTER XXIV. Attends Ohio Yearly Meeting with James M. Walker as companion — They visit some meetings belonging to it — Attends Indiana Yearly Meeting. 1873. Page 288. CHAPTER XXV. 1875-80. Goes as one of a committee to attend the opening of Illinois Yearly Meeting — Fiftieth anniversary of his marriage — Verses by T. M. J. — Attends the Yearly Meetings of Philadelphia and New York — Visits the Centennial Exposition — Attends Warrington Quarterly Meeting and the meetings composing it — Death of A. M. Janney — Reflections upon his seventy-seventh birth-day — Goes to Wash- ington on Indian affairs — Attends Philadelphia and New York Yearly Meetings — His closing record — Attends Waterford Quar- terly Meeting — Attends the opening of the new meeting-house at Washington — Illness and death — Extracts from memorial pre- pared by Friends. 1874-80 Page 298. Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. CHAPTER I. Birth and parentage — Some account of his ancestors — Death of his mother — Early religious impressions — Reading the Scriptures — Re- moval to Fairfax — Goes into his uncle's counting-house in Alexan- dria — Self-improvement — Reflections upon the Classics. 1801. It has often been to my mind a subject of serious con- sideration, whether it would not be right to leave behind me some account of my life and religious experience, for the benefit of survivors. At an early period I kept a diary, in which I wrote occa- sionally, as a remembrancer for my own use, and I have some memorandums relating to several of my journeys in the gospel ministry. But I have been prevented from keep- ing a regular journal of my life ; partly by the apprehen- sion that I could write nothing on the subject worthy of preservation, and partly by the pressure of other engage- ments. It has, however, occurred to me, that I have experienced many preservations and deliverances, for which I am in- debted to the unmerited mercy of my Heavenly Father, and that some account of these, together with the most interesting incidents of my life, might be an acceptable legacy to my children. 2 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. Being now in my fifty-seventh year, I am admonished, by the approach of old age, that this work, if ever done rightly, must be commenced soon, and prosecuted at such intervals of leisure as »I may be able to appropriate to this purpose. I was born in Loudon county, Virginia, the nth of ist month, 1801 ; being the eldest child of Abijah and Jane Janney, who were members of the religious Society of Friends, and much esteemed among their neighbors. They were good examples of integrity, meekness and purity. My paternal ancestors for many generations were Friends, and so far as I can learn, they were exemplary members of the Society. The earliest among them of whom we have any certain account, was Thomas Janney, of Cheshire, England. He was convinced of the principles of Friends about the year 1654, when the Society first arose in that country.* The next year after his convincement, being then in the 2 2d year of his age, he received a gift in the gospel ministry, and being faithful to the teachings of the Holy Spirit, he improved in his gift, and became instru- mental in promoting the cause of truth. In his native country he suffered loss of goods and im- prisonment for his religious testimony, f In the year 1683 he came to Pennsylvania, with his family, and settled in Bucks county, which was during the time of William Penn's first visit to America. He served as a member of the Gov- ernor's Council, and is mentioned in the letters of William Penn in terms of regard. £ He traveled extensively as a minister of the gospel ; having visited Ireland, and many parts of England, before his emigration to America; and * Piety Promoted ; Vol.1. Philad. Memorials of Friends. 17S7. \ Besse's Sufferings of Friend s; Vol. I, pp. IOO, 104, 105. J Proud's History of Pennsylvania. Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 3 afterwards he several times visited the Churches not only in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, also in New England, Long Island, and Maryland. In 1695 he went, in com- pany with Griffith Owen, to visit his brethren in Eng- land, where, after about eighteen months' service in the work of the gospel, he was taken ill, and died in the 12th month, 1696, in Cheshire, aged about 63 years, having been a minister about 42 years. § In a " Testimony concerning him from Friends of Falls Monthly Meeting," they say: "We loved and highly esteemed him for his work's sake, being an able minister of the gospel, sound in doctrine, endowed with wisdom and a ready utterance, and favored with openings into the mysteries of the things of God's kingdom. He was not forward to offer his gift, having a true regard to the Giver, who said formerly, ' Cast the net on the right side of the ship;' therefore 'his bow abode in strength.' And though the Lord had furnished him with such excellent qualifica- tions, he had so learned self-denial as not to glory therein, but was ready to prefer his friends before himself, and give them the right hand of fellowship ; being careful to keep the testimony of truth clear on all accounts, saying, ' Those that appear in public are doubly bound to do so.' He was of a cheerful and peaceable temper, and innocent and blame- less life." When approaching the close of life, he said : " My care , hath been for my sons, that they may be kept in the fear of God. I have been a good example to them ; I have a care upon me that they may be kept humble while they are young ; that they may bend their necks under the yoke of Christ. If I am taken away, I am very clear in my spirit \ Bouden's Hist, of Friends in America; Vol. II., p. 120. 4 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. I have answered the requirings of God. I have been faith- ful in my day, and I have nothing that troubles my spirit ; my spirit is very clear.* Jacob Janney was the grandson of Thomas Janney. He came from Bucks county, Pa., to Loudon county, Va., about the year 1745, being one of the earliest settlers in that neighborhood where Goose Creek Monthly Meeting was afterwards established. He was, I believe, an Elder of the meeting. His wife, Hannah Janney, who long sur- vived him, and attained to the age of 93 years, was an Elder, highly esteemed, as appears by a memorial from the meeting to which she belonged. They had a large family, mostly sons, and one of them, Israel Janney, was my grand- father, whom I well remember as a dignified and exemplary man ; an Elder of the meeting, and much respected in the neighborhood. In the education of his large family of children, of whom seven sons and two daughters attained to maturity, he was careful to maintain obedience by strict discipline, and they nearly all became useful members of society. My father, who was the eldest son, adopted a mode of parental government less rigorous than that of his father, and he was enabled, through the power of love and the influence of a consistent example, to educate all his chil- dren, of whom twelve attained to maturity, in the prin- ciples and practice of virtue. My mother was of Scottish descent, being the daughter of John and Hannah McPherson, who were exemplary and consistent Friends. At the time of their marriage, they were members of Hopewell Monthly Meeting, Frederic county, Va. itSmith's Hist, of Friends in Penna. Hazard's Register; Vol. I, p. 213. Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 5 I have been told by many persons who knew her, that my mother was a very lovely woman ; but I had not long the advantage of her tender care and counsel, for she was removed by death when I was about twelve years of age. I well remember being called from my bed at night and conducted into her chamber, to take my last farewell and to receive her dying benediction. This brief sketch of my ancestors is intended as a me- morial of their virtues, and an incentive to their numerous descendants to pursue the same course of obedience to the divine law, by which our happiness and usefulness here will be promoted, and our eternal felicity secured in the life to come. May we ever remember that righteousness cannot be transmitted as an inheritance; but each suc- ceeding generation must encounter the temptations and trials incident to this state of being; a victory over sin can only be achieved by reliance upon divine aid, and obedience to the voice of God in the soul. So far from deriving any real merit from the virtues of our ancestors, we may, by neglecting to follow their example, incur a greater responsibility and a heavier condemnation. The rebellious Jews boasted that they had Abraham for their father, while they were without the faith of Abraham and destitute of his virtues. There is, however, an advantage derived from preserving the memorials of a virtuous ancestry, and frequently recur- ring to their example as a means of inciting us to good- ness. This consideration, I believe, frequently operates beneficially upon the youthful mind. For my own part, I can feelingly adopt the language of Cowper : — "My boast is not that I deduce my birth From loins enthron'd, and rulers of the earth; But higher far my proud pretensions rise, The Son of parents passed into the skies." 6 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. I remember that at a very early age I experienced the operation of divine grace condemning me for evil, and inciting me to goodness. I was sent to school when quite young, and soon learned to read, which became a source of pleasure and instruction. There were at that time very few books in the neighborhood. Those possessed by my father were, so far as I can remember, all of a useful char- acter. Murray's Introduction to the English Reader was read in our school by the younger class, to which I be- longed, and I recollect that during the reading of one of the pathetic pieces, I burst into tears, and could not pro- ceed. In my youthful days I took great interest in read- ing the Bible, and so strong were the impressions some- times made upon my feelings during its perusal, that I can remember now the very spot where I -sat, engrossed with its instructive pages. When I read the narratives of the Evangelists concerning the discourses and miracles of Christ, I sometimes thought if I had only lived at the time when he was personally on earth, how gladly would I have followed his footsteps, in order to receive the les- sons of instruction that fell from his holy lips, to be- hold the wonderful works that he did, and to partake of those spiritual blessings that he dispensed to his followers. But I have since learned that we of this generation are as highly favored as any that have lived before us ; because, like those of former ages, we may have access to the Father through the Son, by obedience to the manifestations of his light and grace in our hearts. We have also the advantage of perusing the Scriptures of truth, and of many excellent books calculated to promote piety and virtue ; and in ad- dition to these high privileges, we live in an age and coun- try where we enjoy civil and religious liberty. For the last of these blessings we are, under Divine Providence, greatly Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 7 indebted to our predecessors in the Religious Society of Friends, who by their labors and their sufferings were instru- mental in reviving primitive Christianity and promoting the Redeemer's kingdom. After the death of my mother, my father, having sold his mill and farm in Loudon, removed to Fairfax county, and joining in partnership with two brothers-in-law, they built the mill called Triadelphia, about four miles west of Alex- andria. While residing at my father's house, I attended school in Alexandria for a short time, and was then placed, at about fourteen years" of age, in the counting-house of my uncle Phineas Janney, of Alexandria, who was a commis- sion merchant and an importer of iron. I lived in his family during the remainder of my minority, and until I was married. To him and his wife, Sarah S. Janney, I feel greatly indebted for their kindness towards me, and their long-continued attention to my welfarei At the time I entered the counting-house, I had made but little progress in my studies : Reading and Writing, the rudiments of English Grammar and an imperfect knowl- edge of Arithmetic constituted the sum of my school ac- quirements; but I had a great thirst for knowledge, and took much pleasure in reading. The business I had to do occupied not more than half of my time, and my uncle had no objection to my reading suitable books in the counting-house during leisure hours. I soon reviewed my Arithmetic, and commenced Algebra, and my uncle sent me to a night school to learn the French language. Subsequently I went, as a night scholar, to the school of my valued friend Benjamin Hal- lowell, to study Surveying. My taste for mathematical studies was not sufficient to 8 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. induce me to pursue them with ardor, and the time for such pursuits being limited, I never attained to much pro- ficiency in them. Natural Philosophy and Chemistry were favorite studies with me, and in order to pursue the latter of these sciences with success, I induced a number of my young friends to join with me in forming an association. We purchased apparatus, performed experiments and delivered lectures, which became to us a source of much pleasure, and pro- moted our progress in scientific knowledge. My strongest predilection was for literature, and I read with avidity almost every work that came in my way, ex- cept those that were considered pernicious, and even some of this class occasionally shared my attention, notwith- standing the repoofs of that Divine monitor which pleads with us in the secret of the soul, and condemns for sin. In order to promote my improvement in literary taste, I joined a number of young men in forming a literary soci- ety, which met once a month to read and criticise original essays. This society became to me exceedingly interest- ing ; it was continued for several years, and many of the essays were published in papers devoted to literature. About this period I felt a desire to become disting- uished for learning, and indulged in aspirations for literary fame. In order to assist me in the attainment of these ends, I commenced the study of the Latin Gram- mar. Before I had made much progress, my mind was brought under religious exercise : I wished to scrutinize the motives by which I was actuated ; and finding them not pure, nor, as I believed, consistent with the Divine will, I renounced the study. Since that time I have reflected much upon the subject of the ancient classics, and although I have felt my deficiency in that branch of learning, I can- Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 9 not say that I have ever repented of the decision then made. It is impossible to tell what would have been the result, if I had persevered, and become a classical scholar ; but in renouncing the study I sincerely believed I was doing right ; and I hold that Divine Providence watches over individuals as well as over nations, and by his secret guid- ance shapes our destinies. In looking back on my past life, I can see that in many cases disappointments and afflictions that I regarded as calamities, proved to be blessings in disguise; and many instances that appeared to be of little importance, led to unexpected and beneficial results. CHAPTER II. Edward Stabler and Dr. Dick — Teaches in a Presbyterian Sabbath- school — Establishes with others a First-day school for colored peo- ple — Religious exercises. 1824. About .the time I was approaching manhood, the meeting of Friends in Alexandria was favored with the religious services of two ministers whom I highly esteemed, and from both of whom I derived instruction and consolation. These were Edward Stabler and Dr. Elisha C. Dick. Edward Stabler was the younger of the two, but had been much longer in the ministry. He was a remarkable example of uprightness and purity in conduct and conver- sation, and his ministry was highly appreciated by most of those who heard him. By the members of our meeting he was much beloved. His mind, originally vigorous, was io Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. enlarged by knowledge and strengthened by exercise ; he had a remarkable fluency of expression, and was sometimes eloquent. But it was in familiar conversation that he most excelled; for whatever might be the subject introduced, he could discourse interestingly upon it, and illustrate his views from the rich stores of his memory ; always endeav- oring to blend instruction with enjoyment, and generally ending with some important religious truth. He was always kind and attentive to me, and I made it a practice frequently to stop at his apothecary shop, in the evening, on my way home from the counting-house. On these occasions he generally entertained me, and others who happened to be present, with the rich flow of his colloquial powers, dwelling much upon the beauty of holiness and the goodness of God. His sons were among my most intimate friends, and William, the eldest, after- wards became my frequent companion in religious ser- vices. Dr. Dick had been a gay, fashionable man, and it was not till after he had passed the meridian of life, that he renounced the world and joined in membership with Friends. He was a man of considerable ability, eminent in the medical profession, and possessed of much general knowledge. As a minister of the gospel he spoke forcibly, but not eloquently ; his manner was grave and dignified, and the matter of his discourses was to me very edifying. In con- versation he was agreeable and instructive. After he retired from the practice of medicine, he lived in the coun- try, not far from my father's residence, and I visited him frequently. Although he was an aged man and I very young, he seemed pleased to have my company, and I enjoyed very much his instructive conversation. Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 1 1 About this period of ray life, being of an ardent and active temperament, and desirous of doing some good, I was for some time connected with a Presbyterian Sabbath- school, and went on First-day mornings, to their meeting- house, to assist in teaching the poor. When the duties of the school were over I generally left, in order to attend our own meeting. I do not remember how long this was continued, but at length, becoming dissatisfied with some of the doctrinal views inculcated in the hymns that were sung by the pupils, I withdrew from the school. Soon afterwards, being joined by a number of young Friends, we established a First-day school for colored children, which met in the second story of our meeting-house. It was attended by a large number, and I derived great satis- faction from our labors on behalf of that much-neglected people. My mind was deeply interested in the momentous con- cerns of religion. I read the Bible diligently, and sought for Divine assistance in meditation and prayer ; but unhap- pily I did not always watch sufficiently against temptation, and was often brought under condemnation for sin. In this condition I could adopt the language of the apostle, expressive of a state he at one time experienced : " I delight in the law of God after the inward man, but I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. Oh ! wretched man that I am ! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" This conflict I had to pass through, and it was not until after many years of vicissitude, sometimes rejoicing for victory achieved, at others mourning for defeat, that I was able to say, in humble thankfulness to the Auther of all good, "The law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the 1 2 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. law of sin and death." From the memorandums made during this period, the following passages are taken : — "8th month, 1824. — About this time my condemnation for sin increased to such a degree, that I was almost driven to despair, and sometimes doubted whether there was any hope of salvation left for me. Then, and not till then, did I give up my will unreservedly to God, who, in his unspeakable mercy, granted me consolation and help. From this time I hope, through his love and power, to date my conversion. Grant me once more, Almighty Lord, To supplicate thy throne of grace ; Withdraw not yet thy precious word From me ; oh ! hide not now thy face. My foes encompass me around, On every side their arrows fly ; Heal, heal, O Lord, this deadly wound, — Immanuel save me, or I die ! 'Tis all in vain I arm my heart With firm resolves to shun the snare — The tempter comes with subtle art, Corrupts the guard, and enters there. Thy temple, Lord, have they denied, Thine altars have they broken down, The place where once thy beauty smiled Now seems o'erclouded with thy frown. Once more wilt thou, my Saviour, deign To bless me with thy smile benign ; Oh ! wilt thou yet consent to reign Within a heart so frail as mine ? I feel the burden of my sin, Abhor the masters I have served ; Thine eye hath all mine anguish seen, And all my bitter tears observed. Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 1 3 Oh ! fix within my heart thy throne, From sin's hard bondage set me free ; I'll place my trust in Thee alone, And all my soul devote to Thee. "8th mo. 13th, 1824. — How often have I had to admire the tender mercies of my Saviour. Thou art ever blessed, O Lord, and they only are blessed who live in thee. Thou art the source of life and joy, and they are lifeless and wretched who are separated from thee. Oh ! may I con- tinue to love thee more and more, as I see thy increasing beauty. My heart is, I trust, absolutely resigned to thee now, and I feel that the enemy can never be subdued while there is a disposition to keep back aught of the obedience thou requirest." CHAPTER III. Attends a Methodist class-meeting with William Lamphier — Reflec- tions thereon — Receives a prize for his poem " The Country School- House" — Correspondence with George P. Morris — Becomes a con- tributor to the New York Mirror — Religious controversy in the So- ciety of Friends — A sermon by Margaret Judge — Death of Rachel Ellicott — Poem on Affliction. i824-'25. Among my intimate friends, about the time I arrived at manhood, and for some years afterwards, was Wil- liam Lamphier, a local preacher among the Method- ists, and a devoted Christian. He had, some years before, been my teacher in the French language ; we were fellow-members of a scientific association, and a similarity of tastes and feelings caused us to enjoy each other's soci- ety, although he was many years my senior. 14 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. In the summer of 1824, there was a religious revival among the Methodists in Alexandria, and my friend Lam- phier, being a class-leader, invited me to attend his class. I accepted his invitation, and attended once. Each mem- ber of the class was invited to give in his experience since the last meeting, and I think most of them complied. Some of them offered vocal supplication, and there was among them a manifestation of much zeal, which I thought proceeded from a real desire to lead a holy life. The ten- derness and earnestness which appeared to prevail, had an animating influence upon my mind. I came away rejoic- ing in the belief that there are more good people in the world than we are aware of, and I have ever felt disposed, when I find such, to embrace them as brethren and sisters in Christ. The zeal and activity of the Methodists were very con- genial to the natural ardor of my disposition ; but I came away from that meeting without any inclination to join them, for I was thoroughly satisfied that the principles of Friends approached more nearly than any others to the Christian standard. The Methodists are among the most zealous, proselyting sects of our age. I think the religious exercises they en- gage in are sometimes too much in the will and activity of the creature. They do not always wait sufficiently for that "unction from the Holy One" which alone can enable us to worship aright ; for it appears to me, that to talk habit- ually of religion, and to engage in devotional exercises without some preparation of heart and sense of duty, is cal- culated to diminish our strength and impair our spiritual vision. On the other hand there is, among many sincere-hearted Friends, a "withholding more than is meet, which tendeth Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 15 to poverty." We should not be ashamed or afraid to express our religious convictions, on proper occasions and in a becoming manner. If our hearts arc really deeply interested in the cause of truth, it is reasonable to suppose that in social intercourse with our friends, we must at times, be led to speak of those feelings and aspirations which occupy a prominent place, if not the first place, in our affections. It is especially incumbent upon parents to embrace every suitable opportunity to instruct their chil- dren in the great truths of Christianity, and to lead them, both by example and precept, to seek for those enduring riches which are the inheritance of all who are born of the Spirit, and thus become the children of God. In the Autumn of 1824, I had, after many vicissitudes of joy and grief, attained to some degree of. stability and peace of mind, through the continued mercy of my Heav- enly Father. It was then that a trial of faith and obe- dience was permitted to assail me, by a successful literary effort, which seemed to open a prospect of my youthful dreams being realized. The following memorandum, made at the time, describes the state of my feelings : — "9th mo. 13th. — During the last week my mind has been variously affected, sometimes full of love, tenderness and joy, and at others feeling but little sense of comfort ; yet, through Divine mercy, I have been generally watchful and, I hope, have made a little progress. At one time, being moved by an impulse of Divine love to a charitable action, I was greatly blessed in the performance of it, to my own admiration of the Divine goodness and unspeakable rejoic- ing. Let me, then, in remembrance of the Lord's kindness towards me, both spiritually and temporally, with- hold nothing that he requires of me, but gladly give up all to his service, who has given all that I possess. There is a 1 6 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. satisfaction in doing the Divine will that surpasses all other enjoyments, and I hope I shall never again be willing to feed upon the "husks," but wait patiently in my Father's house, who has enough and to spare, and is a bountiful rewarder of them that diligently seek him. "Some months ago there were some literary prizes offered in New York, and my love of fame induced me to offer two essays for them. On Third day last, my poem enti- tled "The Country School-House" came to hand, pub- lished as the prize poem, with an invitation from George P. Morris, editor of the New York Mirror, to send more essays. This information, which at a former period would have been so flattering, through the gracious dealings of the Lord and the manifestation of his love, was received without much rejoicing; nay, it even caused bitterness of grief to think how my heart had been devoted to those things which I now see are but dross and tinsel, compared with the riches of heavenly love. The moral essay, in verse, which I have on hand, I do not feel at liberty to send until (through Divine assistance) I shall have com- pletely conquered the love of applause. "I have written an essay, in prose, on the love of fame, which I hope will do good, and feel at liberty to send it, as it shows, in part, my reasons for not sending the others." The prose essay alluded to in the foregoing extract was published in the New York Mirror ; and afterwards I sent to the editor of that paper, George P. Morris, a number of essays, in prose and verse, which were published. A correspondence took place between the editor and myself, and afterwards a personal acquaintance was formed. For some years I sent him occasional contributions; but a large portion of the paper being occupied with tales and other light reading, my interest in it gradually de- clined, and I ceased to be a contributor. Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 1 7 About this time my feelings were deeply interested, and sometimes grieved, by the religious controversy then going on in the Society of Friends. The doctrinal views of Elias Hicks were strenuously opposed by several ministers from England, and by many ministers and elders of our Society in this country, who charged him with a denial of the fun- damental doctrines of Christianity. On the other hand, his numerous friends contended that he preached the gos- pel in purity and exemplified it by a holy life. During several years the meetings of Friends were dis- tracted by this controversy ; many pamphlets and other publications were issued on both sides \ it was the frequent topic of conversation, and in the heat of discussion, party zeal was more apparent than Christian charity. The two most prominent ministers of our meeting, Ed- ward Stabler and Dr. E. C. Dick, did not agree in senti- ment concerning the doctrinal points at issue ; the former being satisfied with the views of Elias Hicks, and the latter opposed to them. The following memorandums, made at the time, express my own feelings and impressions: — - " 1824, 9th mo. 20th. — Yesterday morning was a time of trial and deep distress. Our ancient friend E. C. Dick delivered, in our meeting for worship, a testimony which I scarcely know how to record, though I believe it will be right to preserve the remembrance of it. " He stated the pain it gave him and the condemnation he felt at a former meeting, for not standing up and testi- fying to the Divinity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as manifested in the flesh personally on earth, crucified by the Jews, received up into Heaven, and seated on the right hand of God; who is the only Saviour and Mediator between God and man; through whose death we have 2 1 8 Me?noirs of Samuel M. Janney. received the remission of sins, and through whose spirit we are raised up into life eternal, and made living mem- bers of his Church. " He seemed greatly to fear the progress amongst us of those Unitarian doctrines which attribute to Christ no further excellency than that of being a good man, and the first-born among the sons of God, and assume that all, by obedience to the Divine light, may become equal with Christ. 'But,' said he, 'Christ, after his resurrection, told his disciples, "All power is given unto me in Heaven and in earth ;" the Scripture also says he is set down on the right hand of God, and will reign until all his enemies are sub- jected unto him, and then he will come and judge all na- tions ; his elect (or those who have served him) will meet him in the air; the rest he will condemn, and he will create new heaven and a new earth for the righteous to dwell in with him.' "He seemed evidently to allude to a friend in our meet- ing (calling him a brother whom he greatly esteemed), as preaching a different doctrine, and making Saviours of all the Christian graces; whereas there is but one Saviour, 'the man Christ Jesus.' He also alluded to a Friend or Friends in the North as denying the Lord that bought them, and described this belief as an ignus-fatuus that had misled •many, as it was predicted by Christ should be the case in the latter days. " My mind was greatly bowed with grief under this discourse, as there is evidently a difference of belief between two ministers who are the foremost in our meet- ing, and the leaders of the flock. From both I have de- rived spiritual benefit, but more especially from him who delivered the testimony as above stated, whose ministry rm ^ r 1o< " r> b??n particularly blessed to rne. The doc- Memoirs of Samuel M. Jaiincy. 19 trines he preaches are, I believe, the true doctrines of Christ and his apostles ; yet the public mannner in which the testimony was delivered, in direct and pointed oppo- sition to a brother minister (who has been longer in the church), is, I fear, an infringement of the good order of the gospel, and of the discipline which should prevail in the church. For my own part, my desire is that we may follow neither Paul nor Apollos, but wait upon Christ, and, searching the Scriptures diligently, depend upon him who is the Author and Finisher of our faith, for the inter- pretation of the mysteries they treat of. My constant prayer has been that the Lord would shine in the hearts of all, convincing those who err, confirming those who are right, and stirring up the lukewarm to a more lively faith. Oh, that He would be with us, to preserve us from con- tention, and enable us, with meekness and love, to bear with one another ! ' Spare thy people, O Lord ! and give not thine heritage to reproach.' "9th mo. 28th, 1824. — Oh, let me praise the Lord for his unspeakable mercy towards me. I have every day occasion to bless his holy name, and to thank him that he has called me out of the dark path of my own will, into obedience to his gracious commands. Thou, O Lord, dost bless those, who love and obey Thee, with the sweet savor of thy spirit and the pure delight of thy commu- nion, which consists not in elementary types, but in the reality of thy presence and the endearing sense of thy love. Be pleased still to be with me through life, and may my path be as the path of the just, a shining light, bright- er and brighter unto the perfect day. Who is like unto the Lord in glory and strength ; for at his word the enemy was struck with confusion. Who is like unto him in mercy; for he hath heard the prayer of the poor and 20 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. needy when there was none to help ; he hath scattered every foe, and spoken peace to my soul ? Even the hours of his transient absence, though dark and gloomy, are made, through his mercy, the messengers of his love. The soul that has enjoyed his presence may forget the value of the blessing ; but when this is withdrawn for a season, it induces a careful watchfulness and diligent search into the heart, an humble dependence upon his Almighty arm, and prepares again to receive him with thankfulness and joy." For some time after this I was preserved in watchful- fulness and peace of mind ; but not without suffering and solicitude, on account of the unhappy difference of senti- ment existing between the ministers of our meeting. I visited E. C. Dick, and had a free conference with him concerning his religious views. He expressed his belief that Christ came to offer up his body as a propitiation for the sins of the whole world, that through faith in his blood shed for us, we might have remission of sins, and through his spirit we might be raised up into newness of life, and rendered perfect through the measure of the spirit given unto us by him, in whom dwelt the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Soon afterwards I visited two of the elders of our meet- ing, to confer with them on the same subject. I found they placed far less reliance than E. C. Dick, upon the sufferings and death of Christ. They relied on the spirit of Christ as the saving power, and they referred me to the " more sure word of prophecy," as a light shining in the heart more certain than the Scriptures. I came away from this interview much discouraged and burdened with grief, which continued nearly all night, and deprived me of my accustomed rest. Next morning the gloom con- Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 21 tinued, but I was enabled to find some relief in prayer. One of the elders, my dear old friend George Drinker, called in, to whom I stated that, if I had said anything they considered disrespectful in our interview the evening before, I wished to be informed of it, in order that I might make reparation, if necessary ; for I was not above reproof. He replied that I had said nothing improper, but ".very far from it," and he expressed a hope that we might all live in unity and love, and all come to the knowledge of the Truth at last. I then felt a sweet flow of Divine love, which melted my heart and gave rise to a flow of tears. I felt that I could then embrace them all in per- fect love, and I was enabled to pray that we might all seek the truth and find it. After these interviews, I came to the conclusion that it would be my duty to say little on the subject to any one, but to wait and depend on Him " who shutteth and no man can open, and who openeth and no man can shut j" who has the key of David, even Christ Jesus our Lord. During several years, while that religious controversy was agitating the Society of Friends, we were visited by a number of ministering Friends from England, among whom were Anna Braithwaite and William Forster. Their reli- gious services deeply interested me, and I thought they were instrumental in promoting my spiritual welfare. My doctrinal views, at that time, were similar to theirs; but I was so well assured that Edward Stabler and other minis- ters, whose sentiments on some points differed from theirs, were good Christians, that I did not suffer myself to fall under the dominion of that censorious, uncharitable spirit which was then laying waste our religious Society. The doctrines I then held were those called Orthodox, but I could not endure the spirit of bitterness and party zeal by which those doctrines were too often accompanied. 22 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. My feelings were thus expressed in an entry dated 1 2th mo. 9th, 1824: — "Yesterday I was blessed with the sweet communion of the Lord, and partook with thankfulness of the bread of life. But through unwatchfulness, this morning, I was again brought under condemnation, in which state I went to meeting, and sat for some time in a state of insensibility as to spiritual things. At length our dear friend Edward Stabler arose, in the power of a living ministry, and through the co-operation of the spirit of Divine love in my heart, poured in the oil and the wine. He taught us that every dispensation of the Almighty was for our good, and that He has only commanded us to do good and to avoid evil because it is for our present and eternal interest to do so ; ' for the work of righteousness is peace, and the effect thereof quietness and assurance forever.' It is a great mercy that He will not suffer us to enter into the garden of Eden (or enjoyment) while in a corrupt or guilty state, lest we partake of the tree of life and live forever in that state. Oh ! let me submit to the sword of the spirit, which will destroy the evil, and enable me to enter into the Paradise of God." Near the close of the year 1824, being on a visit at the house of my friend Benjamin Hallowell, in Alexandria, on First-day evening, I participated in a religious opportunity in which, after a season of silent waiting upon God, the gospel was preached by Margaret Judge, a minister of our Society, afterwards known extensively as Margaret Brown. Benjamin and Margaret (his wife) were addressed in the language of encouragement, and particularly the former, who was reminded of his trials and deliverances, in which he had found the love of God manifested towards him ; and be was assured that "his feet would be anointed to Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 23 tread upon the high places of the earth." She then ad- dressed me in language not less consoling, stating that I had been with Jesus in the garden, — that my tears shed before him were bottled up in remembrance; and she con- cluded by assuring me that, if I remained faithful, "He would cause me to shine as a bright star in the firmament of his glory." I was humbled and contrited under her communication, which appeared to me to be attended with unction from on high. On the 22d of the 4th month, 1825, my dear friend and step-sister Rachel Ellicott, aged 21 years 16 days, closed her mortal career, to rise, I trust, in a purer and happier realm. The event had been for a long time expected, and we were in some degree resigned to the loss, but still the stroke was severe. She was calm and resigned to the will of her Divine Master, in whom her confidence was placed. About thirty-six hours before her death, when she supposed her end was near, I was sent for to see her. She received me most affectionately, and said she felt calm and peaceful, and hoped she should not be alarmed when the awful time came. After a while a little cloud of doubting came over her mind, when the Comforter seemed to have left her for a season, and she was apprehensive she had not been suf- ficiently earnest in the great work of salvation. I told her that Christ would never leave his disciples entirely, though he sometimes hid his presence from them for a season, for a trial of their patience. She appeared attentive to the remark, and when Dr. Dick, whom she had sent for, came in soon after, she asked him, " Does our kind Master ever leave us for awhile, to try our patience?" He replied that it was frequently the case with even the holiest men, and he related some instances within his own observation, with many passages of Scripture, to relieve and comfort her. 24 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. After awhile she said, "Now, Doctor, let me commune with my own heart." He ceased, and she seemed engaged in supplication, after which the peace and serenity re- turned, and continued, I believe, to the end. The next morning I conversed with her again on the state of her feelings and the prospect of death, when she looked forward to the solemn event with calm resignation to the Divine will. She suffered severe pain until the fol- lowing morning, when she sent for Dr. Dick, and inquired if the time of her release was not at hand, and might not be expected in an hour or two. He thought not so soon, but supposed the pain would soon be alleviated. She lived only about one hour from that time, being quite calm and serene, then she remarked, "I am going," and expired without a struggle. Thus passed away, from earth to Heaven, a pure and lovely being, who had once been the object of my ardent attachment and sanguine hopes, but whose lingering illness had sobered and chastened my feelings towards her, until I regarded her with a brotherly affection and Christian sympathy. To her were addressed the following lines, written during her illness : — AFFLICTION. Though long upon the willow-tree has hung My harp, — or only in the lonely hours Of solitude been swept by sorrow's hand, — Fain would I bring, dear sister, to thine ear, Some soothing lay to cheer th' afflictive hour. And shall I sing the joy affliction brings, How it becomes the messenger of Heaven To call us from our earthly loves and cares, And fix our thoughts on purer things above? Oh ! I have felt how gently it unclasps The tendrils that we twine around those weeds Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 25 Of earth, — which were too weak for our support; And how it gives a surer, stronger stay, To lift dependent man above the dust, In the bright sunshine of eternal love; And when the tempest rages, to uphold The trembling soul. Thou, too, hast felt these things; Thou hast, I trust, found Him, of whom 'tis said That " Moses and the prophets spake," — himself While here on earth, a life of sorrow led ; And is it strange that they whom He designs To reign with him, should share his sufferings too ? " He chasteneth whom He loveth," — let us then, . Dear sister, raise to Him the incense pure Of gratitude, for all his favors past ; Even for afflictions, — which like clouds and rain, Obscure awhile the brightness of our sky, — But are the means appointed to bring forth The tender plant, and to sustain its life. Yet are there times, even in the darkest days, When light shines thro' the broken clouds, and brings Before the mental eye, that heavenly bow, Which gives the promise of a purer sky, Where Truth celestial shall unclouded shine, And love and mercy reign forever more. CHAPTER IV. Co-partnership with Dr. Bond — Marriage — Bridal tour — Poem upon Lake George — Labors for the Colored people — Formation of a Benevolent Society — Joins a Colonization Society — Petition to Con- gress for the Abolition of Slavery in the District of Columbia — Illness and visit to the Red Sulphur Springs — Poem. 1825 to 1829. In the spring of the year 1825, I entered into co-part- nership with my friend Thomas M. Bond, and we. opened a store in Alexandria in the Apothecary business. He had 26 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. been engaged in that line of business and was well instruc- ted in it, but I had no knowledge of it. It was therefore arranged that he should have charge of it, and that I should retain my place as clerk for my uncle Phineas Janney. This co-partnership continued only about a year, when we sold out our stock, and my partner, having studied medicine, went to college in order to prepare himself for a physician. During the summer of the same year, on my recovery from sickness, the following memorandum was made: — "8th mo. 3d. Thou art merciful Oh Lord in all thy dispensations ; I thank Thee for this slight affliction which has in some measure awakened me from the torpor into which I had fallen. Nothing short of entire resignation to thy will and continual watchfulness over myself, will save me from sin and effect the great work of regeneration without which no man can see the Lord." On the 9th day of the 3d month 1826, I was married in Friends' meeting house in Alexandria, to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Elizabeth Janney. Pier parents had been residents of Alexandria, but were both deceased, and she lived with her stepmother Ann Janney. My wife and I were distantly related ; our grandfathers being first cousins. We had known and esteemed each other for many years, and our friendship gradually ripened into a warmer and more tender affection, which being sanctioned and confirmed by the holy rite of matrimony, has resulted in a union that I regard as the greatest of all my temporal blessings. In prosperity and adversity she has been a safe counsellor, a sympathizing companion and a helpmeet steadfast in love and devotion. Soon after our marriage we went on a tour to the Falls of Niagara, thence to Montreal and Quebec, returning by way of Lake Champlain and through several of the New England states, It was a season of unalloyed enjoyment., Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 27 The following lines written at Lake George express some of the feelings experienced during that excursion. LAKE GEORGE. Sweet, peaceful Lake ! how would I love to glide At morn and eve upon thy crystal tide ; Push the light skiff along thy silent shore, Where rocks and verdant woods are hanging o'er; Among the islands on thy bosom rove, In shady nook or cool sequester'd grove ; Or seek some cave beneath yon towering hill, Where mossy rocks the crystal stream distil. But not thro scenes like these, alone, I'd stray, — One dear companion still should cheer my way ; Her brightening eye should on these beauties gaze Her raptured tongue should dwell upon their praise ; Meanwhile the stream of life would glide away, Pure as thy waters, and serene as they. Oh! I have watch'd with rapture lighted eye The earliest dawn that ting'd yon orient sky, — Seen the blue mists around these mountains roll'd, Their graceful outlines ting'd with burnish' d gold, Till from yon cliffs that o'er the waters frown, The sun, uprisen pour'd his radiance down; Chas'd by his light, the sombre shades withdrew, The scattered clouds in wild confusion flew, Clear and distinct each beauteous scene became, And all the mountain tops were fringed with flame. Delightful Lake ! how grateful is the scene, At sultry noon among thy Islands green, Where cool and shelter' d from the scorching ray, The patient Angler whiles the hours away ; Leans o'er the bank, and in the crystal tide Sees round his hook the playful fishes glide, Till some poor victim tempted by the bait Is drawn reluctant to his hapless fate. When o'er yon mountain glows the setting sun, And all the labors of the day are done, 28 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. How would I love, devoid of care, to stray Along thy shores, and watch the closing day, See the last lingering beam of light that gilds, The craggy summits of yon eastern hills, Or mark the shades of evening mantling round Yon ancient fortress crumbling to the ground, Where erst, the sons of men in wrathful hour, Contended fiercely for the grasp of power. Pure, peaceful Lake! long will my heart hold dear The bright remembrance of the hours passed here ; Where love's bright flame and friendship's genial ray A pleasing radiance shed around my way, And gave a lovelier form and brighter hue To every scene that met my wondering view. At the time of my marriage I was engaged in mercantile business in Alexandria, and during many years a consider- able share of my attention was devoted to the subject of slavery and the means of alleviating the condition of the people of color. In conjunction with other members of our religious society, and a few Methodists, I took an active part in forming and conducting an Association which was called the Benevolent Society. To rescue from the poses- sion of the slave traders, persons illegally held in bondage and to enlighten the public mind in regard to the evils of slavery were two of the main objects we had in view. At that time the domestic slave trade was actively carried on in Alexandria, and among its victims were some who were free born, or were slaves only for a term of years. These we sometimes succeeded in rescuing by a legal process, but not unfrequently they were carried off by the traders before we received information of their captivity. On behalf of the Association I wrote a series of essays on slavery and the domestic slave trade, which were published in the year 1827 in the Alexandria Gazette, a paper that had a considerable Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 29 circulation in Virginia. The opposition to such publications in our state was not then so great as it became a few years later, and the views we promulgated adverse to slavery, were read without producing any demonstrations of violence. Slavery was then generally acknowledged to be an evil en- tailed upon us by former generations, which it was alleged could not be removed without much danger, and most of the slave holders maintained that the negroes when libera- ted must be colonized in some foreign country. I was a member of the colonization society, and then believed its purpose of removing the free people of color and liberated slaves to Africa, would be the means of promoting eman- cipation in the Southern States, and of planting a colony that would spread civilization and Christianity in that benighted country. Subsequently I became convinced that the tendency of the scheme of colonization was to quiet the conscience of the people, lead to a false security, and put off, to a distant day the work of emancipation. It must however be admitted, that the planting of the colony of Liberia has been a blessing to the people of Africa, and we have reason to believe that great and bene- ficent results will flow from it. May the Author of all good, cause it to be instrumental in advancing the happi- ness of man by extending the Redeemer's kingdom. About the year 1826 or 1827, our Benevolent Society in conjunction with a similar Association in Washington City got up a petition to Congress for the abolition of slavery in the District of Columbia. We obtained the signatures of about a thousand respectable citizens, among whom were prominent merchants and judges of the District Courts. While soliciting signatures to the petition, I remember that I called on Geo. Washington Park Custis, the step son of Gen. Washington, and the proprietor of the Arlington 30 Memoirs of Samuel M. Jantiey. estate. He treated me with civility, and admitted the evils of slavery, but declined to sign the petition. He spoke freely of the unproductiveness of slave labor, and said; "I am accounted among the richest men in Virginia, yet I seldom have a dollar." He knew that slavery was wrong in principle and disastrous to the best interests of the state, but although he made high pro- fessions of patriotism in his public orations, he made no effort or submitted to any sacrifices to remove an evil which he seemed to deplore. He did, however, follow the example of Washington by providing in his will for the liberation of his slaves. Our petition was presented to Congress, and although it seemed to have no immediate effect, it was in subsequent years, sometimes referred to in the earnest debates that took place on the subject of slavery. The following extracts from the petition will show the sentiments then entertained by many citizens of the District of Columbia. " While the laws of the United States denounce the foreign slave trade as piracy, and punish with death those who are found engaged in its perpetration, there exists in this District, the seat of the National Government, a domestic slave trade scarcely less disgraceful in its character, and even more demoralizing in its influence. For this is not like the former, carried on against a barbarous nation ; its victims are reared up among the people of this country, educated in the precepts of the same religion, and imbued with similar domestic attachments. These people are without their consent torn from their homes, husband and wife are frequently separa- ted and sold into distant parts, children are taken from their parents without regard to the ties of nature, and the most endearing bonds of affection are broken forever. Nor is this traffic confined to those who are legally slaves Memoirs of Samuel Af. Janney. 31 for life. Some who are entitled to freedom, and many who have a limited time to serve, are sold into uncon- ditional slavery, and owing to the defectiveness of our laws, they are generally carried out of the District before the necessary steps can be taken for their release. Nor is it only from the rapacity of slave traders that the colored race in this District are doomed to suffer. Even the laws which govern us, sanction and direct in certain cases, a pro- cedure that we believe is unparalleled in glaring injustice by any thing at present known among the Governments of Christendom. An instance of the operation of these laws, which occurred during the last summer we will briefly relate. A colored man who stated that he was entitled to his free- dom was taken up as a runaway and lodged in the jail at Washington City. He was advertised, but no one appear- ing to claim him, he was according to law put up at public auction for the payment of his jail fees, and sold as a slave for life. He was purchased by a slave trader who was not required to give security for his remaining in the District, and he was soon after shipped at Alexandria for one of the Southern States. An attempt was made by some benevolent individuals to have the sale postponed until his claim to freedom could be investigated, but their efforts were un- availing ; and thus was a human being sold into perpetual bondage at the capital of the freest government on earth without a pretence of trial or an allegation of crime. This odious law was adopted with the old code of Mary- land, from which we believe it has been expunged since this District was ceded to the General Government. The fact of its having been so recently executed shows the necessity of this subject being investigated by a power which we confidently hope will be ready to correct it. 32 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. The existence among us of a distinct class of people, who by their condition as slaves, are deprived of almost every incentive to virtue and industry, and shut out from many of the sources of light and knowledge, has an evident tendency to corrupt the morals of the people, and to dampen the spirit of enterprise by accustoming the rising generation to look with contempt upon honest labor and to depend for support too much upon the labor of others. It prevents a useful and industrious class of people from settling among us, by rendering the means of sub- sistence more precarious to the laboring class of whites; it diminishes the resources of the community by throwing the earnings of the poor into the coffers of the rich, thus rendering the former dependent, servile, and improvident, while the latter are tempted to become in the same pro- portion luxurious and prodigal. * * * " We would there- fore respectfully pray that these grievances may claim the attention of your honorable body, and that a law of Con- gress may be enacted, declaring that all children of slaves born in the District of Columbia after the fourth of July 1828, shall be free at the age of twenty-five years ; and that those laws which authorize the selling of supposed run- aways for their prison fees or maintenance may be repealed. And also that laws may be enacted to prevent slaves from being removed into this District, or brought in for sale, hire or transportation, without however, preventing mem- bers of Congress, resident strangers, or travellers from bringing and taking away their domestic servants." The enactment asked for in this petition appears very inadequate, in as much as the holding of people in bondage till they are twenty-five years of age, and then liberating them would not satisfy the demands of justice. We had to yield something to public opinion, in order to obtain Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 33 signers to our petition, and we asked for as much as we thought could possibly be obtained. For my part, I was in favor of immediate and uncondi- tional emancipation, and did not hesitate to say so ; but knowing the prejudice against it in the minds of the people, I only asked for gradual emancipation. In the year 1828, I entered into partnership with my brother-in-law Samuel H. Janney, to build and conduct a cotton factory at Occoquan, sixteen miles south of Ale- xandria. We had a commercial house in Alexandria where I resi- ded, but in the course of two or three years I found it expedient to remove to Occoquan. Before our removal from Alexandria I had a severe attack of bilious fever which brought me very low, and caused deep searching of heart as to my spiritual condition. After I had so far re- covered as to go out and attend to business I found my health was seriously impaired ; I had a troublesome cough, sometimes attended with spitting of blood and a hectic fever. In this condition I set off on horseback to visit some of the Virginia Springs in the summer of 1829, being accompanied by my father as far as Charlottesville and Monticello. The sublime scenery through which I passed was ex- hilarating to my spirits, and the ride on horseback by easy stages, increased my appetite and strength. At the Red Sulphur Spring in Monroe County, Va., I spent some weeks with very great advantage to my health. The water has the property of reducing the pulse, and in- creasing the appetite. It is much resorted to, by consump- tive patients and many have attributed their recovery from that wasting disease to its healing Virtues. From one of my letters written there to my wife I select the following 3 34 Memoirs of Samuel M. Ja?iney. passage: "I trust my health is now restored, but I am more liable to another attack than before, and I must try to pursue a different course on my return home, but how to effect it I hardly know, as the labors of the counting house cannot be dispensed with while I remain in the business. Men of business insensibly become more and more interested in it until the whole mind is absorbed by it, and life passes on like a delirious dream of care and anxiety until we are awakened by some sudden shock which opens our eyes and changes all our views. Since I left home, I have necessarily passed a good deal of time in solitude, which during the absence of all those objects that lately engrossed my attention, has induced a train of reflec- tions that I trust will never be forgotten." It was then customary at most of the Virginia Springs for the boarders to live in cabins built of logs, or in small frame cottages. There was at the Red Sulphur one large hall used as a dining room which was detached from the other buildings. I had a cabin to myself; it had no glass windows, but had window shutters, a clean floor, and a comfortable bed. I had no books to read except the New Testament, and being lonely I sometimes found agreeable employment in writing verses. Among the best of my compositions at that time was the following poem. A NIGHT SCENE AMONG THE MOUNTAINS OF VIRGINIA. How calm and glorious is the hour of night, In these uncultur'd solitary wilds, When o'er each lowly vale and lofty height, The full-orb'd moon in cloudless lustre smiles. Those lofty mountains with their forests green, And craggy summits towering to the sky, Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 35 How proudly do they rise o'er all the scene, And lift the mind from earth to muse on high. And yon pure rivulet that pours along, Playing and sparkling in the moonbeams clear, How sweet the music of its vesper song, In changeful cadence falls upon the ear. And hark ! the roar of those far-spreading woods, Sinking or rising as the wind sweeps by; Myriads of voices fill these solitudes And send the notes of melody on high. While all His works with one accord rejoice, And pour forth praises to the Great Supreme, Shall man, unmoved, withhold his nobler voice, Nor glow with rapture on the glorious theme ? His bounteous goodness all creation fills, E'en these wild woods where solitude prevails ; He sends His dews upon the untrodden hills, And flowers he scatters o'er the lonely vales. Scenes unfrequented by the feet of men, Display His goodness and proclaim His might; He feeds the wild deer in the secret glen, And the young eagles on the craggy height. His mighty hand the vivid lightning speeds, And bursts the clouds that o'er the hills impend, The mountain stream thro' distant lands He leads, While joy and melody His steps attend. To trace His wonders thro' each varying clime, And all His mercies to the sons of men, Fills the rapt soul with ecstasy sublime, Beyond the efforts of the poets pen. Oh ! solitude, how blissful are the hours, Among thy shades in heavenly musing past, When nature leads us thro' her secret bowers, And contemplation spreads the rich repast. 36 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. Among the haunts of men, the thoughtful mind That fain would rise above the things of earth, Finds her bold flight on every hand confin'd, By care distracted, and reduced by mirth. But in the deep and solemn hour of night, The soul luxuriates in a scene like this, From cliff to cliff she wings her daring flight, O'er foaming cataract, or dark abyss. Or else, uplifted o'er the things of time, By heavenly faith from all her bonds set free, Among the fields of ether soars sublime, And holds communion with the Deity. Oh! how transporting is the glorious thought, That He, whose power upholds yon worlds above, Is ever nigh, and ever found when sought, To save and bless us with a Father's love. E'en His chastisements are with mercy fraught, And seal instruction on the attentive mind ; Driven by disease, these distant shades I sought, And all the fruitless cares of life resign' d. T'was then He met me, and in mercy heal'd The raging fever that my strength depress'd ; His love paternal to my soul reveal' d And swell' d the tide of rapture in my breast. Then Oh ! my soul, mayst thou continual turn, To Him whose power alone can guide thy ways, May love Divine upon thy altar burn, And every thought and feeling speak His praise. CHAPTER V. Again visits Red Sulphur Springs — His health much improved — Re- moval to Occoquan — Visit from Daniel Quinby — He accompanies him as far as Richmond and Petersburg — Death of a little daughter — Publishes a letter on Christian doctrine — His first appearance in the ministry — Reflections upon the ministry — Indulged meeting granted at Occoquan — Writes Conversations on Religious Subjects — Joins George Truman in a religious visit to the meetings of Fair- fax Quarter — Goes as companion for George Truman to visit the families of Friends of Baltimore — Visits Dunning's Creek with a Yearly Meeting committee— Attends New York Yearly Meeting. i82 9 -'35. In the summer of 1830, my health not being fully re- stored, I again visited the Red Sulphur Springs, accompa- nied by my wife, my sister Thamsin, and my cousin Joseph Russell, the two latter being also in bad health. We trav- eled in our carriage, and had a saddle horse with us for my use. This journey through the mountainous region of Vir- ginia, along the Kanawha, and returning through Ohio by the Cumberland route, was very interesting, and to- gether with the healing virtues of the Red Sulphur Springs, did much to restore my health. In the same year I removed to Occoquan, where our cotton factory was situated, sixteen miles south of Alexan- dria. The nearest Friends' meeting was in Alexandria, which I attended pretty regularly once a week, and some- times twice, going mostly on horseback, but occasionally (37) 38 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. taking my family with me. Those frequent rides on horse- back, continued for about nine years, contributed greatly to the restoration of my health ; and being prompted by a sense of religious duty, were blessed in the promotion of my spiritual welfare. I often recur, in memory, to those solitary rides as seasons of religious instruction, when I was permitted to hold sweet communion with the Father of spirits. At that time I was not fully settled in my views respect- ing some of the doctrines professed by Friends, and while attending diligently the meetings for worship, I took no active part in meetings for discipline. In the autumn of the year 1830, Daniel Quinby, a min- ister from western New York, came to our house, and held a meeting in our village, during which I was deeply im- pressed with a sense of the love of God, and my spiritual vision was opened to discern more clearly the truths of the gospel of Christ. Daniel was then an old man, and though provided with a minute of concurrence from his Monthly Meeting, he was traveling alone, with a prospect of going through the Southern States to New Orleans. I felt much unity with him, and thought it my duty to go with him, for a few days, on his journey. He traveled in a vehicle called a sulky, and I went on horseback. We had a meeting for worship at Dumfries, in which Daniel was favored to preach the gospel with acceptance. The Methodist minister residing there gave us a letter of introduction to a widow named Suttle, at Stafford court- house, which on our arrival we delivered to her, and were heartily welcomed, and invited to stay at her house. She said, " I have been expecting you ; for it was made known to me this morning, while I knelt in prayer, that we should have a great meeting here to-day. ' ' Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 39 It was First-day morning, and she immediately took measures to have a meeting appointed in the court-house, and general information given. The meeting was held in the afternoon, and I thought Daniel was highly favored in the exercise of his gift. It was a solemn and impressive opportunity. Our hospitable hostess gave us, in conversa- tion, some account of her religious experience. She said she was for a considerable time in deep distress, feeling the need of spiritual comfort, and finding no one able to help her. One day, as she stood in her porch, which fronted on the public road, she saw a man on horseback approach- ing, and it was impressed upon her mind that she must speak to him. When he came near, she accosted him thus: " How are you, sir? Which way are you going?" He answered, "I am going to and fro in the earth." u What is your business?" " My business is to warn sinners to flee from the wrath to come." " Come in, sir," she said. And when he entered, she found it was Bishop Asbury, of the Methodist Church. He was instrumental in direct- ing her to rely upon Him who is "the Way, the Truth, and the Life," and she found peace in taking up the cross. We continued our journey, and came to Fredericksburg, where we had, in the Methodist meeting-house, a very sat- isfactory meeting. The minister in charge requested Dan- iel to stay and hold another meeting, but he felt most easy to proceed on his way. At Richmond and Petersburg we attended meetings, in which Daniel was favored to speak to edification and com- fort. He then went on board a steamboat bound for Nor- folk and Alexandria. I accompanied him on board, taking 40 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. my horse with me. The captain handed me letters from home, bringing the sad intelligence that my little daughter Ellen, aged about two years, had, during my absence, died of the croup. I left Daniel at Norfolk, and proceeded homeward to join my afflicted family without delay. This journey was attended with salutary effects, in re- moving doubts from my mind, and giving me clearer views of the Christian religion, as a manifestation of Di- vine life and love brought forth in the soul, through faith, obedience and patience. In the autumn of 1831, I had a conversation with an intelligent woman, a member of the Episcopal Church, in which I was led to speak in defence of the doctrines and testimonies of the Society of Friends, and soon after I wrote her a letter, explanatory of the same. This " Letter on Christian Doctrine" was soon after published, in pam- phlet form, by my uncle Phineas Janney, being my first appearance in print as an advocate of religious truth. I think it was in the year 1832, being the year the chol- era prevailed in this country, that I was constrained, by a sense of duty, to express in Friends' meeting at Alexan- dria, on First-day, a few words in gospel ministry. I be- gan by citing the text, " The Lord is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him;" and I pro- ceeded to show that the human soul is the temple of God. " If any man defile God's temple, him will God destroy." I found peace of mind in the performance of this small service, and was overcome with deep emotion. Soon after meeting, my father spoke to me encouragingly, and had reason to believe that the elders of the meeting were sat- isfied. My offerings in the line of the ministry were gen- erally very brief; but as I grew in experience, the gift was enlarged, and in due time my ministry was acknowledged by the Monthly Meeting. Memoirs of Samuel AT. Janney. 41 I remember the counsel of a worthy elder, John Williams, of Waterford, to this effect : " Begin with, keep with, and quit with the life." I have always endeavored to follow til is advice, very seldom, if ever, rising to speak in meeting for worship without a fervent silent prayer for Divine aid ; and I have generally been careful not to extend my com- munications so as to be burdensome to the hearers. Some- times I have had the subject spread out before me in ad- vance of my rising to speak, which enabled me to deliver a connected discourse ; at other times only a few words or a Scripture text have been impressed on my mind, with such clearness as to require expression, and when I stood up to speak, more would be given. In rightly authorized ministry, I think the ideas or emotions to be expressed are from impressions made on the mind by Divine grace; the language or garb in which they are clothed may be attrib- uted to the speaker, and will depend much on his natural or acquired endowments. The effort of a gospel minister should be, while waiting on God in a religious meeting, to withdraw his thoughts from all worldly concerns, watching unto prayer; and when his mind is impressed with a sub- ject and moved to speak, he should wait until he feels that it is the right time ; then he should express what he has to say in simplicity of language, adapted to the comprehen- sion of all, seeking no ornament of style, going directly to the point, and relying not on his own powers of persua- sion, but on the gift of God, the witness for truth in the hearts of the audience. During the latter part of my residence at Occoquan, the Monthly Meeting of Friends at Alexandria, at my request, granted us the privilege of holding a meeting for worship in our village once a month, and appointed a committee 42 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. to sit with us. These meetings were attended by our neigh- bors generally, and were mostly seasons of Divine favor. In the 12th month, 1833, I wrote to my friends Philip E. Thomas and Benjamin P. Moore, of Baltimore, as fol- lows : — "My mind has been impressed for some time with a belief that it would be right to make more generally known, through the medium of the press, the religious sentiments entertained by the Society of Friends, and especially those views that have an immediate bearing upon the practical duties of life. I believe they are founded upon the im- mutable basis of truth, and that they will ultimately pre- vail, when they become more generally understood. But I have felt the importance and delicacy of the task of writing the views entertained by a numerous body of peo- ple, especially when I consider that there may be a diver- sity of sentiment among us on some points, without impair- ing the harmony and love which I trust generally prevail. Therefore I have concluded not to attempt to state any views as those of the Society of Friends, but to write them in my own name, and if they should meet the appro- bation of my friends, to let them be published, and hold myself alone responsible for their correctness." "Accordingly I wrote the two numbers now before the meeting, and after submitting them to several judicious friends in Alexandria and Baltimore, I was advised to offer them to John Comly, of Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, for his " Miscellany," which I did. He examined them, and advised their being published, but as they did not come within the plan of his work, he laid them before the book committee of their Representative Committee, by whom they were also approved ; but they thought best to pub- lish them with the name of the author, and they did not Memoirs of Samaet M. Janney. 43 feel at liberty to do so without the consent of our Meeting for Sufferings, as I am a member of Baltimore Yearly- Meeting." "I have therefore concluded to lay them before that meet- ing, and to ask leave to have them published, not wishing to throw any responsibility or expense upon the meeting; but if Friends are willing, I will take all the responsibility on myself. I have other matter in view, Which I am wil- ling to have published in the same way, and some of my friends encourage me to proceed, believing that a spirit of inquiry in regard to these subjects now prevails in many places, which renders the present time peculiarly favorable for gaining the public attention. If the meeting should think best, under these circumstances, to appoint or con- tinue a committee to examine the next number, which is nearly ready, I will submit it to them for examination. I do not wish to publish, even my own sentiments on these important subjects, without consulting some judicious friends." I remain your affectionate friend, Samuel M. Janney." The work mentioned in the foregoing letter bears the title of "Conversations on Religious Subjects between a Father and nis two Sons." The Meeting for Sufferings (now called the Representative Committee) of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, found no fault with that part of the work submitted to it, but declined to advise its publication ; nor did it interpose any objection to its being published by others. When John Comly was informed of this result, he laid the subject before the Representative Committee of Phila- delphia Yearly Meeting, and I was invited to sit with the 44 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. Book Committee during their examination of the work. The committee was composed of remarkably intelligent, thoughtful men, and I well remember how deeply inter- esting were some of the discussions that took place on * various points of Christian doctrine. Very little change was made in the manuscript, and none but such as I was* perfectly willing to adopt. The work was published in Philadelphia in the year 1835, and so far as I was informed, gave general satisfac- tion to the members of our Religious Society. When the first edition was exhausted, a second was published by T. E. Chapman, a third by John Comly, and a fourth by T. E. Zell, who caused the work to be stereotyped. In the nth month, 1833, my friend George Truman, of Philadelphia, a minister highly esteemed, was engaged in a religious visit to the meetings of Friends within the lim- its of our Quarterly Meeting, and I felt it my duty to join him in the service. While thus engaged, I wrote to my wife as follows : — "Our dear friend George has, I think, been highly favored in his religious services, and so far as I know, has given general satisfaction. I have sometimes felt it my duty to bear testimony to the Truth in a few words, which has been attended with the sweet reward of peace to my own mind. The first meeting we attended together since we left Alexandria, I had a subject opened to my mind, in the early part of the meeting, which appeared to be in- tended for the instruction of the meeting, but I knew the expectations of the people were fixed upon George, and I endeavored to get rid of it and reason it away, but it still remained with me, till I was obliged to rise and express it. He then took up the same subject, and carried it out very satisfactorily. After meeting, he told me not to hold Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 45 back any more, but attend to my own business, for he knew it was my duty to open the subject, and he could not proceed until I attended to my concern. Since then our minds have been baptized into sympathy through every meeting, and so frequently introduced into the same feel- ings and views, that I cannot but admire the leadings and teachings of the Shepherd of Israel." In the 3d month, 1834, I joined my friend George Tru- man in a religious visit to the families of Friends in the city of Baltimore. In a letter to my wife I said : — " We have visited a great many families, generally about sixteen or seventeen a day, and have mostly been favored to feel that the Master's love was with us. Some seasons of deep baptizing have been witnessed, and in a great many instances, almost every one present has been broken, into tenderness. Last night we visited two families at their own request, in which there were no members of our own Society ; and in many cases we have visited large families where there were but one or two of our members ; but all seemed to participate in the feeling of life and tenderness of spirit. I never knew one more completely dedi- cated to the service of God than our friend George, and the feeling of Divine love that covers his mind seems to be felt by many, and I trust it will spread until the whole family and " household of faith" may be baptized together by one spirit into one body. There are many young per- sons here with whom I deeply sympathize, and hope they will submit to the forming hand of our Heavenly Father, who is preparing them for vessels in his house. It seems to be our place to hold out the hand of encouragement to such, — to counsel them to give up in entire dedication to the service of God, who requires of us the first fruits of all we possess, and the entire surrender of our wills to His 46 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. will. This is the only way to attain true peace of mind, for the yoke is made easy and the burden light to those who are entirely devoted to the service of God." In the spring of 1835 I went to meet a committee of Friends at Dunnings' Creek, Bedford county, Pa., under an appointment of the Yearly Meeting of Baltimore, to attend the opening of a new Quarterly Meeting called Centre. As I had a prospect of appointing some meetings, I took a minute of concurrence from Alexandria Monthly Meeting, and had the very acceptable company of my friend William Stabler as companion. We went on horse- back, and attended eleven meetings for worship on our way through the counties of Loudon and Frederick, in Virginia. I was then young and inexperienced in the ministry, and was often brought under deep exercise, from a sense of my insufficiency for so great a work ; but my gracious Master who putteth forth his own sheep and goeth before them, was pleased to help me, so that most of the meetings were favored with life and solemnity. In one of them William Stabler spoke a few words in gospel ministry, which were accompanied with deep feel- ing, both in himself and others who heard them. This, I think, was the beginning of his public ministry. After we crossed the Potomac, on our way to Bedford, we came to a village called Clear Spring. As we rode through it, I felt an impression that it would be right to stop and see if we could have a meeting there. Being strangers, we called at a store to make inquiry, and there found a venerable man, with a long white beard, whose mild countenance interested me very much. As soon as we mentioned the subject, he appeared to take an interest in it, and the storekeeper likewise. They both agreed that it could not be held till even- Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 47 tag, on account of an auction, which would claim the attention of the people nearly all day. The storekeeper volunteered to give notice at the auction, and to obtain a place for us to meet in. The old man, whose name was Myers, sent our horses to a tavern, and asked us to his house. His family being from home, he said he could not entertain us, but wished to pay for us at the tavern, which we declined. He was a member of the society of Chris- tian Brethren called Tunkers, and we were much interested in his conversation on religious subjects. They agree with us in bearing a testimony against war, oaths, slavery, and a stipendiary ministry. He was a minister among them, and supported himself. The Lutheran meeting-house was procured, and a large company of men assembled, but very few women. Brother Myers sat with us on a bench under the pulpit, not being willing to go into it, which was agree- able to my feelings, as it was too much decorated for us. We had a very satisfactory meeting, and the people were attentive. We proceeded on our journey to Dunnings' Creek, twelve miles beyond Bedford, and the new Quar- terly Meeting was opened, a committee of the Yearly Meet- ing being in attendance. It was a season of religious in- struction and spiritual enjoyment. In the 5th month, 1839, with my friend Benjamin Hallowell as companion, I attended New York Yearly Meeting. From letters addressed to my wife, I select the following passages : — "On First-day morning I went to Rose street meeting, where there was a great concourse of people, probably two thousand. After the meeting became settled, I felt a qualification for service among them, and an opening on the subject of the straight gate and the narrow way, that leads unto life, which I was enabled to unfold to the satis- 48 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. faction and peace of my own mind, and the meeting was brought into a good degree of solemnity. George Tru- man followed, and carried out the same views in a very interesting manner, which he said had impressed his mind before I rose. A woman Friend appeared in supplication, and the meeting closed under a covering of Divine favor. " In the afternoon I attended Hester Street meeting — George Truman was also there and the meeting was very large, I thought I was again qualified for service and the subject of the feeding of the multitude by the Divine Mas- ter when the few loaves and fishes were blessed and broken by him, and distributed by the disciples, was brought be- fore my mind in a lively manner, and appeared a striking figure of the way in which spiritual food ought to be re- ceived and distributed through the instrumentality of a christian ministry deriving its qualification from the head of the church and looking to Him for support. But alas ! I was not sufficiently watchful or humble in the per- formance of this service, and after proceeding a while the life of the concern seemed to pass away and I labored without that support which is essential to enable us to do any good in His cause. I drew to a conclusion without my mind being relieved and sat down under a cloud of discouragement, fearing that I had injured the cause and given pain to Friends. After another Friend had spoken George Truman took up the same subject which I had be- gun, and he was enabled to treat it in such a way as relieved me in some measure and brought a good degree of solemnity over the meeting. I left the meeting in much distress and abasement of mind, but my kind friend Ben- jamin Hallowed told me I had said nothing which was in- correct or likely to do any harm, although he was sensible at the time that I was not getting on to satisfaction, and Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 49 he sympathized with me on the occasion. He said I was remarkably favored in the morning, and that I must expect such trying seasons which might perhaps be made the means of bringing me into that humble dependence upon God which is the most important qualification for service in the church." " Last night I attended a large meeting of the committee on Indian concerns, and was glad to find that Friends here are deeply interested for that injured people and about to engage in labors for their relief and improvement. 5th mo. 39th. " The yearly meeting has been conducted Tvith great propriety and good feeling. One of the changes of discipline adopted is to allow women the same pri- vileges as men in receiving and disowning members of their own sex, and to allow them a joint action in the for- mation of discipline. I think it a good change, for women are as capable of transacting church business as men, and by allowing them the privilege it will increase their usefulness." CHAPTER VI. Publishes a volume of Poems — Business at Occoquan proves un- successful — Removes to Loudon Co., Va., where he opens a Boarding School. 1839. In the year 1839 I published a volume of poems, some of which had previously appeared in the New York Mirror. I was encouraged by my friends to believe that they had sufficient literary merit to win popular favor, and the edi- tion of one thousand copies was disposed of readily, but there seemed to be no demand for another edition. Some 50 Memoirs of Sarmtel M. Janney. years later I wrote and published a few other poems, but gradually my taste for poetry declined and I came to the conclusion that I should succeed better in prose, which proved to be the case, as will be hereafter related. My business as a cotton manufacturer at Occoquan proved to be unsuccessful. When my partner and I en- tered into it we thought we had sufficient capital to build the factory, but the cost being greater than we expected we had to go in debt to a considerable amount. In addition to this disadvantage we had no knowledge of the busi- ness and consequently were dependent upon our employes concerning whose qualifications we were not competent to judge. Without entering into a detailed account of our em- barrassments and struggles, it may be sufficient to say, that all our efforts to meet our engagements having proved in- effectual, I concluded to leave Occoquan and remove to Loudon County in the year 1839 with the prospect of opening a boarding school for girls. I brought with me nothing but my household furniture, and the sum of four- teen hundred and fifty dollars belonging to my wife, being the proceeds of a farm derived from her father's estate and secured to her by marriage contract, duly recorded. This money I invested for my wife, in a lot, and in building a house for the boarding school which we called Springdale. I obtained the assistance of an experienced and competent female teacher ; our school was opened with favorable prospects, and soon became popular and moderately profitable. It was a great relief to escape from the care and turmoil of uncongenial and unsuccessful business, and to be en- gaged in the instruction of youth, an employment that suited my taste and brought the reward of peace. I was however still burdened with debts incurred while engaged with the manufacturing concern, and which I was Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 5 1 determined to pay as fast as my means would allow. In order that I might not err in judgment, I laid before the overseers of our meeting and a few other Friends, a state- ment of my affairs, and asked their advice. They approved of the course I was then pursuing in appropriating my earnings to the payment of debts, and I was encouraged by their approbation. In the course of about twenty years I paid old debts to the amount of fourteen thousand dollars, which I was enabled to accomplish — by the profits derived from commissions on several estates which I settled as executor, — by the proceeds of my literary labors, — by the rents of my wife's estate, and by the profits of the school. In all those years of financial embarrassment and earnest effort to retrieve my affairs, I had the hearty sympathy and effective aid of my wife, who generously allowed the in- come from her paternal inheritance to be appropriated to the payment of my debts. I feel thankful to the Author of all good that through His providential care and guidance I have been enabled so to live as to secure the approbation and confidence of my friends. I have observed that nearly all persons who are unsuccessful in business and involved in debt beyond their ability to pay, make mistakes and incur censure. I have doubtless erred in judgment many times, but have endea- vored to do right, and am desirous to make amends as far as possible for any damage I have caused. I acknowledge that had I attended closely to the excllent advice in the Book of Discipline of our Religious Society, I should probably have been preserved from the accumulation of debts beyond my ability to pay, and thus saved from the sorrow and humiliation that attended me many years. The great object of this life being to discipline the mind and purify the heart, it is often so ordered by Divine Pro- 52 Memoirs of Samuel M. Jamiey. vidence that trials and sorrows attend us here in order to wean us from the world, and fix our affections on Heavenly things. CHAPTER VII. He travels in some of the counties of Virginia, on a religious visit — Death of his father. i84i-'42. In the spring of the year 1841, accompanied by my friend Aquila Mead, I traveled in the counties of Fauquier, Culpepper, Orange, Albemarle, and Augusta, in Virginia, in order to hold religious meetings and proclaim the gospel of Christ, as far as ability might be afforded. At Warrenton I proposed to have a meeting in the court-house, but the citizens expressing a desire for me to occupy the meeting-house, I concluded to do so, and notice was given at the Presbyterian and Methodist meetings, in the forenoon. At the time appointed a large congregation assembled, but not being accustomed to our mode of wor- ship, they were at first rather restless. After a time of wait- ing upon God, I felt ability to labor among them, and en- deavor to call their attention, in the first place, to the omnipresence of the Deity, citing that sublime passage from Psalm lxxxix. 7: "Whither shall I go from thy spirit," &c, showing that he is always present with us, though not always felt to be so ; I then appealed to the wonders of his power, wisdom and goodness displayed in the works of creation, but observed that all these evidences of his power can never convert and purify the soul ; for this, we want something more searching and more inti- mately present with us, and this we have granted to us in Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 53 the word of his grace, which is like a " two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." During the latter part of the meeting much solemnity prevailed, and I trust a devo- tional spirit was felt by many. The Presbyterian min- ister was present, and invited us to attend a meeting he had appointed for the colored people, to be held at that house in the evening. We felt it right to go, as he left us at liberty to speak, in case anything should offer for their edification. The meeting was well attended by the colored people, who behaved in a becoming manner. The minister went through his usual course of singing, preach- ing and praying, and also called upon a Baptist to pray, who immediately complied. Being informed that I was at liberty to offer anything I had to say, and having felt my mind exercised for the good of the people, I waited awhile in silence, and then, as I felt authorized, rose and offered some views for their consideration, which were of a prac- tical nature, and couched in as plain language as I could command. A good degree of solemnity was felt, and I was well satisfied that I had been there. At Culpepper Court-House we had a meeting, which was satisfactory to us, and although much pressed by the people to stay and hold another meeting, we concluded to proceed onward. In Madison Court-House we had an evening meeting, which the citizens generally attended, many of them bring- ing their chairs and lights with them. It proved to be a precious season of Divine favor. I began by observing that since we had been traveling through these parts, the main subject of conversation among all the people seemed to be the approaching election, which appeared to engross 54 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. their whole attention ; but I found it my duty to proclaim among them an election of far more importance, in which they might themselves all become candidates for immor- tality. The books are now opened in which we are per- mitted to inscribe our names as candidates for a station among the sons and daughters of God. But in order to obtain this high honor, we must comply with the condi- tions of the law prescribed for our government. One of these conditions is that we must deny ourselves, take up our daily cross and follow Christ. This cross is the power of God operating on the soul, by which we may become crucified to the world and the world unto us. As we follow Christ in the regeneration, we shall become united to him and be members of his body, of his flesh and his bones, and constitute a part of that church of which Jesus Christ is the Head. We shall by this means make our calling and election sure, for the promise of election is unto the seed. "It is not unto seeds as of many, but unto thy seed, which is Christ;" therefore as many as are united to Christ by being born again of the spirit, are elect and precious, and will obtain an inheritance with the saints in light. There was deep feeling manifested by some present, and the meeting ended well. Next morning, while preparing to start on our way, we were informed that many of the inhabitants wished us to stay and appoint another meeting, but we felt most easy to proceed, believing that our service was accomplished among them. At this place we became acquainted with James Carson, w.o had been many years a presiding elder among die Methodists. He expressed entire unity with us, and gave us a list of his friends in several places whither we were Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 55 going, advising us to call on them and say that he wished them to assist us in procuring meetings. We found after- wards that his influence helped to open the way for us. At Orange Court-House I appointed a meeting, in which I was enabled to "labor in word and doctrine," but al- though there was some tenderness manifested, I fear it was confined to a few. At Charlottesville a Methodist minister offered us the use of their meeting-house, although they intended to hold a prayer-meeting there in the evening. He said they would give that up for the sake of our meeting. I appointed one accordingly, which was tolerably well attended, and among the audience were some of the students of the University. After a time of silent waiting, I found some ability to min- ister to them concerning the baptism of the Holy Spirit, beginning with that sublime passage of Isaiah when he "saw the Lord high and lifted up and his train filled the temple." He cried " Woe is me, for I am a man of un- clean lips, and I dwell among a people of unclean lips, for mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Hosts." Then flew an angel, and taking a live coal from the altar, touched his lips and said, " Now is thy iniquity taken away and thy sin purged." This is the baptism of the Holy Spirit and of fire, which can alone purify the heart from all defile- ment ; the same baptism that Jesus Christ still administers by his spiritual appearance in the hearts of all who are willing to receive him and give up their souls without reserve to his government. The influence of this Spirit will always be seen in the good fruits produced, for it will make the followers of Christ as lights in the world, as " a city set upon a hill, that cannot be hid." The Metho- dist minister was in attendance, and offered the house for another meeting, but I felt no authority to appoint one at that time. 56 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. At Waynesville we had a crowded meeting in the Acad- emy. It was a precious season, in which the baptizing power of Divine Truth was felt, and I was thankful to the Author of all good. We arrived at Staunton on Seventh-day morning, 5 th mo. 1st, and it being a time of military parade, we could not obtain a meeting until night. It was held in the Methodist meeting-house, and well attended. The subject of spiritual worship was opened to them briefly, and then the nature of the new birth, showing that it proceeds from the dominion of God being established in the soul, by which man may become a partaker of the Divine nature. I did not feel clear of the place without further labor, and the same house being offered, I appointed another meeting to be held on First day at 11 o'clock. It was well attended, and the principal subject treated of was the effect of the gospel dispensation, when fully submitted to, in promoting peace on earth and good will to men, destroying the enmity in the heart, thereby en- abling the disciples of Christ to bear a testimony against all war and injustice, and all oppression of our fellow-men. On First-day afternoon we came to Port Republic, and held a meeting there at night, in which I was led to set forth the nature of the new-covenant dispensation ; showing that it leads out of all strife and contention, puts an end to war and bloodshed, and when fully submitted to, ends in Christian perfection, which consists in entire obedience to the law of God as manifested in the soul. On Second-day morning we came one and a half miles to Weyer's Cave, and spent about two hours in viewing that wonderful display of Divine power. We then traveled fifteen miles to Harrisonburg, and held a meeting at night in the Masonic Hall, which was crowded. It proved to be a good meeting, being favored with the overshadowing wing of Divine goodness. Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 57 We held one meeting in a school-house at Columbia Iron Works, and one in a private house at Winchester, after which we returned to our homes with thankful hearts. During this short journey I passed through much reli- gious exercise and sometimes mental suffering, but was amply rewarded with peace of mind in the assurance of Divine favor. In the summer and autumn of this year I passed through many seasons of discouragement, in one of which I made the following memorandum, dated nth mo. 21st, 1841 : — "To-day I went to meeting in much gloom, having for sometime past suffered great anxiety about my temporal affairs, under an apprehension that I may not be able to meet my engagements, and may thus bring reproach upon the holy cause that I have publicly espoused. Through the adorable mercy of the great Head of the Church, I have obtained some comfort and consolation, and am determined to trust Him to the end. The language of the blessed Jesus to his disciples was livingly brought before the view of my mind : ' If ye had faith as a grain of mus- tard seed, ye should say to this mountain, be thou removed and cast into the sea, and it should be done.' He gave me faith to pray for the removal from my mind of the bur- den of care that oppressed me, and it was so removed that my thoughts were centered upon Him, and the world with all its concerns was shut out from my view. The language of John the Baptist was then brought before me: 'There standeth one among you the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and unloose : he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.' Although, like the Baptist, I felt myself unworthy to be his servant or minister, I was enabled to bear testimony to the living 58 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. presence of Him who is always with us, and is able to baptize us with the Holy Spirit, if we are only willing to submit to his government." On the 14th of the 1st month, 1842, my father, Abijah Janney, departed this life, in the 67th year of his age. I went to his funeral in Alexandria, which was a season of deep solemnity, being attended by a large number of Friends and neighbors. His interment was on the first day of the week, and in the meeting for worship our friend William Stabler spoke, in a very feeling manner, of the loss we had sustained, and expressed his sympathy. My father occupied the station of an Elder in the Soci- ety of Friends, and was universally beloved wherever he was known. His unblemished character, his meekness and patience, his benevolence and urbanity, made him a welcome visitor in every family of his acquaintance. He expressed his entire resignation to the Divine will, and not a murmur escaped his lips during his illness. I felt com- forted in believing that, having fought the good fight and kept the faith, he has received the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give unto all those who love his appearing. CHAPTER VIII. Visits some meetings within the limits of Indiana Yearly meeting — Endeavors to heal dissensions there — Writes an Epistle to Friends in the State of Ohio. 1844- In the year 1844 I visited some of the meetings of Friends in Ohio, belonging to Indiana Yearly Meeting. My principal concern was to endeavor to heal the dissen- Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 59 sions that unhappily prevailed, and which had caused a separation in Green Plain Quarterly Meeting. The anti- slavery movement and agitation gave rise to dissension among Friends, in consequence of some members being exceedingly active in the measures pursued by the Aboli- tionists ; while others, more conservative, were unwilling to join in the movement and were opposed to their meet- ing houses being opened for abolition lectures. The con- servative members were sincerely opposed to slavery and usually bore their testimony against it in a quiet way, but they generally took no part in the concealment and transportation to Canada of fugitive slaves, very many of whom passed through Ohio and were helped on their way by the Abolitionists. This difference of sentiment and action caused some solicitude for several years, and at length was brought to a crisis by a " Disclaimer " or protest issued by some of the Abolition Friends against certain expressions, condemning their proceedings uttered by a ministering Friend. This Disclaimer, being considered by the conservative class of Friends, a breach of the good order prescribed in the book of Discipline, the Representative committee of Indiana took up the case, and forwarded it to the Yearly Meeting. I inquired of one of the Friends concerned in taking up the case, whether there was any private dealing with the Dis- claimers before their case was taken to the meeting. He said, that he and another Friend went to Green Plain and saw two of them who made concessions, but he thought something of a more public nature was required. There were upwards of forty Friends who signed the Dis- laimer. Indiana Yearly Meeting appointed a committee to attend Green Plain Quarterly Meeting and labor for its help and 60 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. encouragement in the truth. Their labors were unavailing, and at the following Yearly Meeting another committee was appointed who attended several of the subordinate meetings and endeavored to get an acknowledgement from them, but without success. They reported to the next Yearly Meeting that their labors were unavailing. The Yearly Meeting then directed that Green Plain Quarterly Meeting should be laid down and the members attached to Miami Quarter; and a committee was appointed to carry this decision into effect. When this committee appeared at Green Plain Quarterly Meeting in the Fall of 1843, ^ n order to lay it down, the anti-slavery Friends composing by far the larger part of the meeting, refused to comply, alleging that it was not done in unity at the Yearly Meeting and that a Quarterly Meeting could not be laid down without its own consent. The committee then advised the few conservative Friends who concurred with the Yearly Meeting's decision, to withdraw and set up a meet- ing for worship and a Monthly Meeting at a private house, which they did, and attached themselves to Miami Quar- terly Meeting. The anti-slavery Friends still kept up their Monthly and Quarterly Meetings at Green Plain. Such was the state of things among them in the spring of 1844, when accompanied by my friend Isaac Nichols, I visited those meetings. The first one we attended was Miami Quarterly Meeting, held at Waynesville, Ohio. It was a large assembly, and during the meeting for worship, I was led to open the subject of Church government and Christian discipline as taught by the Divine Master. After glancing at the history of the Church in its declension and tne revival of primitive Christianity in the rise and progress of the Society of Friends, I endeavored to show Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 61 that our code of discipline was founded upon the funda- 'mental principle of Christianity, which is the indwelling of Christ, or the Divine Power in his people, and that it pla- ces us all upon equality as to our privileges, every member being at liberty to express his views and sentiments, and the meeting being gathered under the influence of Divine love, adopts those views which meet the witness for God in every heart. It sometimes pleases the head of the Church, to open subjects to the younger members who are watchful . and obedient, but whether they come from young or old, if expressed in tenderness and accompanied by the Divine unction, they usually gain the assent of all. Thus the Church may be preserved in harmony, under the controlling influence of Divine love. In the meeting for discipline, I was concerned to proceed further, in exposi- tion of our mode of Church government, showing the ad- vantages to be derived from meetings of ministers and elders, when held in the authority of truth. When minis- ters deviate from their duty, in the exercise of their gifts, through un watchfulness or any other cause, it is the duty of the ministers and elders, to counsel them tenderly and privately, in order that their service in the Church may not be impaired. If after patient labor, they cannot be brought to a sense of their deviation, the case may then be brought before the Monthly Meeting, which is the executive branch of the Society. When the minutes of the last Quarterly Meeting were read, it appeared that a committee appointed in the Eleventh month, to visit the Monthly Meetings, reported in the Se- cond month ensuing, and stated in substance, that four ministers had lost their usefulness as ministers and proposed that they should no longer be considered as such. This report was agreed to by the Quarterly Meeting, 62 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. thus cutting off the privileges of four recorded ministers, without private labor, and without any action on the part of the meeting of ministers and elders. I requested that the rules of Discipline relating to ministers might be read, which was done, and I then pointed out the mistake made by the Quarterly Meeting, for it has no jurisdiction in such cases, until they come up by appeal from a Monthly Meeting. After a season of deep exercise, and free expression, the meeting very generally coincided with my views, and it was agreed to make 'a minute rescinding the decision of the last Quarterly Meet- ing, in relation to those ministers. The Christian spirit manifested by most of those who spoke, and the final ac- tion of the meeting, were very satisfactory and encouraging to me. During the discussion I informed them of my pro- spect of visiting the families of Friends at Green Plain, without distinction of parties, in order, if possible, to pro- mote a reconciliation, and several who spoke, en- couraged me to do so. On reaching Green Plain we attended the meeting held at Abel Walker's on First-day morning, and had an appointed meeting in the afternoon in the old meeting house. In the latter, I was led to call the attention of Friends to the only foundation on which the Church can be established, which is Christ, or the revelation of Divine power in the soul, and if any man build upon this foundation, his build- ing must be of heavenly materials, that is to say, those principles of righteousness which are " the fruits of the spirit," but if we build of earthly materials, " wood, hay or stubble," our work will be " tried by fire." The meet- ing was solemn, and I thought favored with a sense of the Divine presence, During the week we visited a number of families of Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 63 Friends, engaging with them in Divine worship, and seek- ing counsel of the Lord. Our visits were well received, and in some families there was much tenderness of spirit. On Seventh day a conference or convention of anti- slavery Friends was held at Green Plain meeting-house, which we attended. This meeting had been announced some months before, and was intended for consultation concerning the difficulties at Green Plain, and to consider what course should be pursued. The invitation was ex- tended to Friends at a distance, and the object being con- sistent with the main purpose of our visit, we felt it our duty to attend. After the meeting had sat in silence a considerable time, a member arose and stated the object of the conference, inviting all present to express their sentiments. Although much good feeling was manifested by most of those who spoke, it was to me a season of much painful exercise of mind. I found it my duty to tell them frankly that I dis- approved of the "Disclaimer," and considered such pro- ceedings calculated to lay waste the order and harmony of the Society, although I entirely acquitted them of any intention to produce such results. Friends are amenable to their meetings at home, and it is not proper for others at a distance to take up such cases on report, without giving the parties complained of an opportunity to be heard in their own defence. One friend acknowledged that it had been done in heat and in haste, and he regretted it. Sev- eral expressed their approbation of the spirit in which we came among them, and said they could make almost any concession to the spirit of love, but none to the spirit of domination. I urged the necessity of submitting to the judgment of the Yearly Meeting, by laying down their Quarterly Meet- 64 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. ing ; for although they thought the case a hard one, there appeared to be no other way to produce a reconciliation, and it is our duty in some cases to suffer for the promotion of harmony, and even to " lay down our lives for the brethren." Several of them united with my views, but the general sentiment was in favor of addressing a memorial to the Yearly Meeting, stating their objections to its decision, and asking for a reconsideration. It was at last concluded to appoint a committee - for this purpose, and we were requested to meet with them. I expressed my willingness to do so, but stated that I had no hope of any good being effected by such an address. In the morning we met at Joseph A. Dugdale's, who, being one of the committee, had drawn up an address to the Yearly Meeting agreeably to what he considered the con- clusion of the conference, but he was not satisfied with it, and said that his mind, after a severe struggle, had under- gone a change, and he was now prepared to surrender the whole power to the Yearly Meeting by submitting to its decision. Very unexpectedly to us, the rest of the com- mittee came into his views, and by their request he drafted another report, which they adopted. This report, ad- dressed to the Yearly Meeting, stated in substance, that although they had continued to keep up their Quarterly Meeting in contravention of the decision recorded in the minutes of the Yearly Meeting, and that they considered it a settled axiom among Friends during the time of the separation in 1826-7, ^ iat a Quarterly Meeting could not be laid down without its own consent \ yet being desirous to restore peace, they were willing to submit, by yielding up their books and papers, and laying down their meeting; and inasmuch as the "Disclaimer" has been construed into Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 65 a personal attack, they regret it, but their real object was to place themselves in their true attitude before the public in regard to the statements therein contained ; and they concluded "by desiring that measures might be pursued to bury the remembrance of past differences and strengthen the bond of union without impairing their Christian lib- erty in supporting their testimonies. In the afternoon of First day the convention again met, and this report being presented, it was approved by some, and objected to by others; but at length it was con- cluded to refer it to Green Plain Quarterly Meeting, which was to be held the next day. Feeling my mind clear, and having fully discharged my duty, I concluded to leave them and proceed on my way, after having requested a friend to inform me of the ac- tion of the Quarterly Meeting. At Cincinnati I received a letter from him as follows, to wit : — "After the usual business on Second day was gone through, the subject referred to was introduced and first laid before the women's meeting, by their request, who reported, that they could not, at that time, unite in for- warding it to Miami Quarter in that shape, with which our side of the partition (the men's meeting) mostly united. " Seeing that it could not pass the meeting in that shape, it was proposed to strike out that part which refers to the disclaimer, and consequently submit to the meeting being laid down, thus leaving each member at liberty as regards his connection with the Yearly Meeting, which was mostly united with; but it finally resulted in referring the whole matter to the care of a committee, who are to report in the Eighth month next. From the manifestation of feeling 5 66 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. evinced, it is evident that there is an increasing unwilling- ness to sever their connection with the Society, and from the present aspect of things I should think most likely that, in the Eighth month next, the Quarter will be laid down." The result anticipated was not realized, the reconcilia- tion I hoped and labored for was not effected, but I re- turned home with the reward of peace, feeling that I had made a sincere and earnest effort to restore harmony among Friends that I loved. The result was a schism in that meeting, a considerable number of families resigned or were disowned, and they organized another Society under the name of Progressive Friends. Soon after my return home, I wrote "An Epis- tle to the Members of the Society of Friends in the State of Ohio." It was read in Ohio Yearly Meeting, held at Mount Pleasant in 1844, and being satisfactory, was printed in connection with its minutes. A copy is here subjoined. " EPISTLE. " Dear Friends : — Having been called, as I believe, to labor among you in the love of the gospel) I feel an en- gagement to lay before you, in the form of an epistle, some viewsthat have been deeply impressed upon my mind, concerning the administration of our Discipline and the support of our testimonies. The objects of religious asso- ciation are to strengthen the bonds of love, to encourage to good works, to support the weak, to comfort the mourn- ers, to watch over one another for good, and to reclaim those who have gone out of the way. In order to attain these ends, some rules and regulations pointing out the order of proceeding are obviously necessary, and have been found conducive to the harmony and welfare of Soci- Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 67 ety. It was evidently the intention of the Divine Master that discipline should be exercised in His church, which is clearly shown by the directio ns he has given in relation to dealing with offenders : ' If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone : if he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy brother, but if he will not hear thee, take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established : and if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church ; but if he shall neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.' Matt, xviii. 15, 18. In the Introduction to the Discipline of the Society of Friends, this passage has been justly laid down as the rule for deal- ing with offenders ; and I conceive that in all cases what- soever it is imperative upon members, concerned in the exercise of discipline, to extend private labor, before the case of an offender is taken up by any of our meetings for discipline. The first object of Christian care, in such cases, is to reclaim and restore. It is true that the reputa- tion of Society is an important object, but the only effec- tual way to preserve this, is to act under the influence of that meek and humble spirit which would induce us to stoop down, and wash the feet of those who have gone out of the way. ' If I, your Lord and Master,' said the blessed Jesus, ' have washed your feet, ye ought also to wash one another's feet.' 'Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.' Gal. vi. 1. If this private labor prove 68 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. unavailing, the case must then be reported to the church, and the next question that arises is, how shall the judg- ment of the church be arrived at? There are cases fre- quently occurring in which members do not see ' eye to eye,' and therefore there will often be a diversity of senti- ment ; yet the church is represented as one body having many members of which Jesus Christ is the head ; or as one temple composed of living stones built up ' for an habitation of God through the spirit.' " A church thus united cannot act upon the principle of political bodies where a majority governs, and it is still more objectionable for a minority to assume the right to govern. The only way to preserve ' the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace,' is for every member in our meetings for discipline to draw nigh to the fountain of life and love in order to ' ask wisdom of God, that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not.' James i. 5. While waiting upon Him in this frame of mind, each member is at liberty, as way opens, to express his views with meekness, and if they proceed from the pure openings of the spirit of truth, they will meet the witness for truth in other minds, and, being responded to, will prevail over the meeting. "Thus by abiding in patience, under a solemn covering of Divine life, the members will gradually come to see nearly alike, and those who have expressed different sen- timents will submit until the clerk (who is the servant of the meeting) may be enabled to record the united judg- ment of the body. When discipline cannot be exercised in this manner, it is better to stand still ; for if unity and love do not prevail, it is an evidence that the Spirit of Christ does not sanction our proceedings, and like the Israelites of old we should be careful not to move forward so long as the cloud rests upon the tabernacle, ' whether Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 69 it be two days, or a month, or a year.' Numb. ix. 22. We have in the Acts of the Apostles (chap, xv.) an instructive example showing that discipline was formed and thus ad- ministered in the primitive church. It appears that some of the Jews wished to impose upon the Gentile converts the rite of circumcision, and the observance of the Mosaic law, which occasioned a controversy that was referred to the church at Jerusalem. In the meeting convened to consider this matter, although there was at first a diversity of sentiments and 'much disputing,' yet when James, through the influence of the Spirit of Christ, gave a true judgment, it reached the witness for truth in other minds? and being united with by all, they were enabled to say they were assembled ' with one accord,' and this command- ment 'seems good to the Holy Ghost and to us.' It may be truly said, in relation to the judgment of the church when thus arrived at, ' whatsoever ye shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.' "Let us apply this to the case of dealing with offenders, which is one of the most important and responsible of all the concerns that claim the attention of the church. After private labor has been bestowed in the spirit of meekness, and the case is reported to a meeting of discipline, it be- comes the duty of that body to bestow further labor by the appointment of a committee to visit the offender. Here a watchful care should be observed to appoint such as we believe are best calculated to reclaim the delinquent by going in the spirit of meekness and love. If we send such as are harsh and rigid, or who are known to be inimical to the offender, the labor of love is obstructed, and the main purpose of discipline frustrated. 7o Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. "But if after patient dealing, the transgressor of the Divine law cannot be reclaimed, it becomes the solemn duty of the church to testify that he is separated from our communion, as by transgression he has separated himself from the communion of Christ. The exercise of this power involves an awful responsibility ; for if it should become a practice with us to issue testimonies of disownment against persons that we cannot conscientiously say have broken the Divine law, we shall introduce weakness into the body, and may bring our testimonies into contempt. " The Discipline established in the Society of Friends is, in my estimation, far superiSr to any other that I am ac- quainted with, and when administered in a Christian spirit, is calculated to preserve the harmony of Society and pro- mote the cause of truth. But I believe that it was the intention of the Divine mind that society should be pro- gressive. We are not to sit down at ease resting upon the labors of our fathers; for every generation has its own work to do in order that the testimonies of Truth may be advanced in the world. The history of our Society proves this important truth. Although George Fox and his coad- jutors saw far beyond most of their cotemporaries, and were concerned to bear a faithful testimony against oaths, war, and a hireling ministry, as well as many other evils then prevailing in the world, it was reserved for another generation to advance a testimony against slavery, and the improper use of ardent spirits. When a few faithful Friends began to preach and write against these enormous evils, a considerable number of the members were in the practice of them, and there was nothing in the discipline to bring them under censure. The first laborers in this righteous cause stood almost alone with a host of prejudices arrayed against them, but they placed their confidence in the arm Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 7 1 of Divine power, bearing their testimony with undaunted firmness, yet in meekness and patience, until other faithful minds were convinced of the justice of their cause, and the concern spread from heart to heart, and from meeting to meeting, until the main body of the Society was pre- pared to adopt their views and change the discipline. But this was a slow process, for it required nearly eighty years from the time the concern on the subject of slavery was first introduced until it was finally accomplished. Behold the meekness and patience of these faithful laborers ! They sowed the seed, but it was reserved for another generation to gather the fruit. Yet they received their reward, al- though the work was not accomplished in their day ; for they had the return of peace in their own bosoms. We may here observe the beautiful adaptation of our disci- pline and church government to the progressive nature of man. Every member of the Society of Friends, male and female, has a right to be heard in our meetings for disci- pline ; for in this respect we all stand upon one platform. If a member believes it his duty to propose an alteration of the discipline, he is at liberty to lay it before the Monthly Meeting, and if it receive the approbation of that meeting, it may be forwarded to the Quarterly Meeting, and from thence to the Yearly Meeting, where, if it be fully united with, it is entered on the records, and information of its adoption sent down to all the inferior meetings. It has seldom, if ever happened, that any change has been agreed to when first proposed ; but if it be a right concern, it may be again and again brought forward until it takes hold upon other minds ; for ' Truth is mighty and will prevail.' "It is not to be expected that a large body of men and women should at once see the propriety of altering an in- strument that has received the sanction of our venerated 72 Me?noirs of Sa?nuel M. Janney. ancestors. Alterations are not always amendments, and even when a real improvement is proposed, there will be found, in every religious body, a considerable number of minds who act upon the conservative principle, and cannot see the necessity for any change, when first announced, however salutary it may appear to the ardent tempers who are for pushing forward the work of reformation. It is difficult for these two classes of minds to have sufficient patience with each other; but we should always bear in mind that both of these are conducive to the welfare of society, when kept under the restraining influence of Divine love. The ardor of the one, and the calm, deliberate pru- dence of the other, are both essential to the advancement and safety of the body. If we compare this feature of our church government with the discipline of other religious bodies, we shall perceive its vast superiority. In all others that I am acquainted with, the clergy have an undue share in the formation and administration of discipline. We know that the tendency of power in all governments, and especially in ecclesiastical bodies, is to concentrate itself in a few hands, and the consequence has been that almost every reform, being resisted by those who had the power, in their hands, has failed in the attempt, or been accom- plished by means of a revolution in society. The dissen- tions thus produced have greatly increased the number of religious sects, and in many cases have been as stumbling- blocks in the way of honest inquirers. The unity and har- mony of Society may be equally impaired by a positive determination to stand still, or an eager desire to go for- ward. We should, like the patriarch Jacob, endeavor to move onward and yet be willing to wait for the hindmost of the flock. Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 73 "There is no part of our religious concerns in which these considerations are more important than in supporting our righteous testimony against slavery. If, on the one hand, we are not watchful, we may fall into the dangerous error of endeavoring to palliate or excuse this system of iniquity by pleading the cause of the oppressor, instead of being as a mouth for the dumb ; and if, on the other hand, we allow ourselves to become too much excited by dwell- ing upon the harrowing scenes of cruelty enacted in our land by those who make merchandise of the bodies and souls of men, we may be introduced into a state of feeling that will lead to rash deeds and intemperate language, un- becoming the meekness of a disciple of Christ. Where the destinies of millions of our fellow-creatures are at stake, where the highest interests of humanity are disregarded, and the most sacred rights invaded, it is difficult to restrain the feelings of indignation that swell within the breast ; but I am fully persuaded that a calm, temperate, and yet decided bearing, will have the most salutary influence in promoting the great cause of universal emancipation. Our predecessors in the Society of Friends have, by their faith- fulness, placed us in a situation to bear this testimony with peculiar effect in some of the slave-holding States, wliere the purity of their lives and their fearless devotion to the cause of truth gained for them the confidence and esteem of all. "After liberating their slaves, and in many cases paying them for their services performed while in bondage, they felt concerned to encourage others to pursue a line of con- duct which had been so conducive to their own peace and to the welfare of society. Their efforts were stimulated by active benevolence and tempered with that lamb-like spirit which ' takes its kingdom by entreaty and keeps it by low- liness of mind.' 74 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. " It was in this way that Woolman, Benezet, Mifflin, and Lindley labored in this righteous cause. They not only condemned slavery in their public discourses and in their conversations with slaveholders, but they wrote and circulated numerous publications calculated to throw light upon the subject, and they petitioned Congress and the Legislatures of the several States to obtain relief for the oppressed and freedom for the enslaved. James Pember- ton, whose memoirs are published in c< Comly's Miscel- lany," vol. 7, page 80, was another eminent laborer in the cause, and a worthy Elder in the Society. " In the year 1774 he was among the first of those phi- lanthropists who, as Clarkson says, ' undertook the impor- tant task of bringing those into a Society who were friendly to this cause, and who succeeded in establishing "the Penn- sylvania Society for promoting the abolition of slavery, the relief of free negroes unlawfully held in bondage, and for improving the condition of the African race." He filled several important offices in the Society, and continued a member thereof until his decease.' "This Association, and others of a kindred nature, were instrumental in promoting the abolition of slavery in some of the Northern and Middle States. A similar Soci- ety, composed of Friends and others, was instituted in Baltimore in the year 17S9, and continued in existence more than thirty years, which was highly useful in protect- ing the free people of color, and delivering many that were illegally held in bondage. I mention these facts in order to show that, in the earlier days of our Society, the mere circumstance of Friends uniting or 'mixing' with others in benevolent or philanthropic organizations, was not considered a breach of order. The main point to be observed in such cases is, whether the objects of these Memoirs of Samuel AT. Janney. 75 associations and their mode of action are consistent with our religious principles. It may happen that when the object itself is good, the means used to promote it are incompatible with some of our other testimonies. In such cases it would be better to bear our testimony alone and in our own way, without interfering with the action of others who may be equally sincere with ourselves. " There are many associations in this country having for their object the abolition of slavery, some of which are of a local character, and, for aught I know, may be conducted in a manner consistent with our religious principles. But the main body of the abolitionists are now divided into two great parties, called the Liberty Party, and the American Anti-Slavery Society. The first of these is a political party seeking to elevate anti-slavery candidates to the State and Federal governments ; the other relies upon moral suasion, and has recently proclaimed, at its anniver- sary meeting in New York, that ' the dissolution of the Fed- eral Union is one of the principal objects to be aimed at as a means of abolishing slavery. ' This measure I cannot sanction. The Constitution of the United States, so far as it upholds slavery, ought to be amended, but not de- stroyed ; for if we let go our hold upon this anchor, we know not where the vessel of state may be carried by the tumultuous waves of party spirit. Anarchy and confusion may ensue, and then, when it is too late, we may have to weep over the wreck that our own hands have made. " In the present aspect of affairs we should look well to our steps before we become active members of any polit- ical party ; for I apprehend that none of them are con- ducted upon our principles. We profess to be the follow- ers of a Saviour who proclaims ' liberty to the captive and the opening of the prison to them that are bound;' and 7 6 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. although, like him, we must render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, it should be our main purpose to use all our influence in promoting the Redeemer's kingdom and thus extending the blessings of civil and religious liberty. " There is for us an abundant field of labor in the anti- slavery cause, without joining either of the two prominent abolition parties. The condition of the free colored people requires our sympathy and aid ; the laws even of the free States are unjust and oppressive towards them; and our influence might be exerted in promoting their amelioration. There is also a vast amount of prejudice, both in the free and slave States, against emancipation without removal, which we might be instrumental in dispelling by circulat- ing information concerning its happy effects in other coun- tries, and especially in the British West Indies, where it is proved by experience that the abolition of slavery has been highly beneficial to both the master and the slave. By laboring in these departments we can advance the great cause without compromising any of our other testimonies ; and we should at the same time be careful not to judge harshly of others who believe they are called to take an active part in societies for promoting the same object. Many who are thus engaged are actuated by pure motives and benevolent feelings; and although they follow not us, if they cast out devils in the name of Christ, we should not forbid them, ' for he that is not against us is on our part.' Mark ix. 40. I am far from believing that the cause of emancipation is retrograding ; the moral influence of a large part of Christendom exerted in its favor begins to be felt, and I believe the day is not distant when the arm ot Divine Providence will be displayed in the peaceful deliv- erance of the many thousands who are now held in bon- dage. An impression seems to prevail with some that the Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 77 Society of Friends, as a body, is a pro-slavery Society ; and this epithet has perhaps been applied to us even by some of our o$h members. This is a mistake which ought to be corrected. It should be borne in mind that ours is the only religious society in slaveholding States that bears a testimony against slavery — the only one that, in this respect, does not bow the knee to Baal nor kiss his image. " Our ancestors placed the light upon the candlestick, and although it has sometimes shone but dimly for want of faithful laborers to trim it, yet it has never become extin- guished, but has been the means of imparting light to others as well as illuminating our own household. After having advanced so far as to amend our discipline and become clear of slaveholding among ourselves, is it not surprising that the agitation of this question should pro- duce dissension and division among us? This state of things must proceed from a want of charity or Divine love, which is the keystone of all the Christian virtues. In some things we cannot all see alike, and the only way to secure peace and harmony is to extend that toleration to others which we desire for ourselves. " While we keep under the influence of a truly Christian spirit^ we shall feel bound to place the best construction upon the language and conduct of our brethren, although we may not unite with them in all their views nor approve of all their measures. "We should exercise great forbearance towards those whose life and conversation show that they are actuated by a sincere desire for the promotion of human happiness. If in some things they deviate from our established order through an earnest zeal in supporting one of our most prominent testimonies, let us bear in mind that their case is y8 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. very different from those whose hearts are engrossed by the love of the world, or who transgress our discipline by acts of immorality. "When Peter, through excessive zeal, smote off the ear of the high priest's servant, Jesus reproved him, but did not cast him off; and when, in a season of weakness, he soon after denied his Master, ' the Lord turned and looked upon him,' and that look, full of love and tenderness, so wrought upon his feelings that ' he went out and wept bitterly.' " Oh ! that the spirit of the meek and lowly Jesus might prevail in our hearts, and bear rule in our assemblies; for ' a bruised reed he shall not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench till he send forth judgment unto victory.' Matt. xii. 20. The incident to which I have just alluded in the life of a devoted Apostle, is one among the many evidences we have that even those who have made some progress in the knowledge of Divine things are liable, if not continually watchful, to yield to temptation and fall into error. It is true that Peter had not then become fully acquainted with ■ the spiritual nature of the Redeemer's kingdom, but it appears that long afterwards, and on another occasion, ' Paul withstood him to the face because he was to be blamed.' Gal. ii. xi. How important it is that we who stand in the station of ministers of the gospel, should be vigilant over our spirits, and that our brethren and sisters in profession should watch over us for good, in order to correct our faults, and not for evil in order to report them to the world. We are no less liable to error than other members who are equally devoted to the cause of truth, and in some respects have peculiar temptations from which others are exempted. One of these is found in the dispo- Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 79 sition so often manifested by weak and inexperienced minds to applaud our religious services, especially when a discourse is extended to considerable length, and conveyed in appropriate language. These novices have yet to learn that fluency of speech and beauty of expression furnish no test of gospel ministry ; for although it may be conveyed in 'the words which man's wisdom teacheth,' if it be not in the demonstration of the spirit and of power,' it is utterly worthless in the Divine sight. We should remem- ber the apostolic injunction, 'As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God ; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth : that God in all things maybe glorified.' 1 Pet. iv. 10, n. The ministry of the gospel is a Divine gift which no man nor body of men can confer nor take away. It must be re- ceived immediately from Him who is the ' Shepherd and Bishop of souls,' and in order that it may be properly exercised, we must act in the name which signifies the power of Christ, for 'without me,' said he, 'ye can do nothing.' In order that ministers, when properly called and qualified, may be encouraged to occupy the talents entrusted to their care, and that, when they travel abroad in the service of the gospel, they may be recognized by other branches of the Society where they are personally strangers, it has been found best that the meeting to which they belong should acknowledge their gifts, after a suffi- cient time has been allowed to form a correct judgment. This acknowledgment or recommendation of a minister confers no pre-eminence that should elevate him in his own esteem, or excite the jealousy of others ; for it was said to the disciples, ' One is your master, even Christ, and all ye 80 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. are brethren.' At an early period in the history of our Society, it became a practice to appoint two or more ex-" perienced Friends of each sex to sit with ministers ; and hence originated the office of elders, which I believe also corresponds with the practice of the primitive church; for Paul and Barnabas, while in Asia Minor, ordained or appointed 'elders in every church,' and Titus was di- rected to do the same in every city of Crete. Acts xiv. 23; Titus i. 5. "Paul, in addressing the elders of the church at Ephe- sus, said to them, 'Take heed to yourselves and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers,' (Acts xx. 28); and Peter exhorts the elders to " Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight there- of, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.' 1 Peter v. 2. It appears that the term 'elder' was sometimes applied to ministers, for Peter calls himself an elder; but it may be inferred that this was not always the case, for Paul says, 'Let the elders that rule well be accounted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in word and doc- trine.' 1 Tim. v. 17. I conceive that the office of an elder is to watch with parental care over the whole flock, extend- ing a hand of help and a word of encouragement wherever it is needed. They are not only to sit with ministers, but to endeavor to sympathize with them in their religious exercises ; and when they perceive that a minister, through unwatchfulness or a desire of applause, runs into an excess of words without the life and unction of the gospel, or even if he fall into a habit of delivery unsuitable to the dignity of the subject, it is their duty, in a tender and affectionate manner, to extend suitable counsel. This may also be Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 81 done by other members of the Society, male or female, who may feel it their duty; but there is an obvious propri- ety in this duty being especially committed to discreet, experienced minds, 3uch as elders ought to be ; for if it should become the subject of general remark, the minis- ter's usefulness would be impaired,, his feelings might be wounded, and the harmony of Society endangered- In some meetings there is a jealousy or distrust of the elder- ship, which I sincerely regret, because I believe it was instituted under the guidance of Divine truth, and I am not aware that any change has taken place in the state of Society which renders it unnecessary. Like all other insti- tutions, it is liable to be abused when intrusted to improper hands, and has perhaps in some cases been made an engine of oppression ; but the same may be said of the ministry itself, which although a great blessing when preserved in purity, becomes the most terrible of all scourges when it falls into the hands of a mercenary or bigoted priesthood. We are admonished by the voice of history that the great- est encroachments upon religious liberty have been made by men who professed to be ministers of the gospel; and although we have closed one of the principal avenues to corruption by withholding pecuniary compensation, yet it appears to me that the eldership should be preserved, if it is only as a check upon the power and influence of the ministry. The appointment oi elders belongs to Monthly Meetings, and if unsuitable persons are chosen, the fault rests with them. The description which Paul has given of a good bishop will apply to ministers and elders, for the term bishop only means an overseer in spiritual things. He should be ' blameless, vigilant, sober, given to hospi- tality, apt to teach, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient, no brawler, not covet- 6 82 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. ous, one that ruleth well his own house ; not a novice ; and moreover, he must have a good report of them which are without.' i Tim. iii. The idea of perfect equality in all things which some persons appear to entertain, is one that I believe cannot be realized in practice. According to the parable of the talents (Matt. xxv. 15), it appears that 'to one servant he gave five, to another two, and to another one, to every man according to his several ability.' These talents may represent spiritual gifts, intellectual power, or temporal goods, which are dispensed to men in various proportions according to the will of the great Giver. Our happiness depends upon the use we make of them, and the man who has one or two talents may be as fully blest in occupying them, as he who has five talents. The vessel that holds one measure, when it is entirely filled, is as un- conscious of any deficiency as that which holds two or five measures. "If we lived up to the principles we profess, the Chris- tian church would, for all practical purposes, enjoy a com- munity of goods, for the rich would consider themselves as stewards entrusted with the means of helping their breth- ren, and the gifted in spiritual things, so far from being as lords over God's heritage, would be as ensamples to the flock. If we are not prepared to carry out these principles as we are now situated, should we be any better prepared by retiring into other communities ? It appears to me that the same passions and propensities which now disturb us would be manifested there. The desire of pre-eminence would actuate some, the love of ease would influence oth- ers, jealousy and detraction would sow the seeds of discord ; and where we expected to find a garden of Eden, we should be introduced into a wilderness filled with thorns. "The general aspect of Christendom at the present time Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 83 is one of deep interest to the lover of mankind. It is a season of intense mental activity. How great is the con- flict of opinions? how general the desire for discussion ! what a variety of new schemes are brought forward having for their ostensible object the promotion of human happi- ness ! Although many of these schemes will end in disap- pointment, and many pernicious doctrines are promulgated, I am far from being discouraged at the prospect before us, for I have entire confidence in the power of truth when left free to oppose the progress of error. This state of society is far preferable to that supine indifference which rests content without improvement, and sends forth no aspirations for the relief of suffering humanity. It is cheering to observe that many of the principles and testi- monies which were opened by the light of Divine truth to our faithful predecessors are now rapidly spreading in the world. There are multitudes, not in membership with us, who acknowledge and openly proclaim that war, slavery, and the use of intoxicating drinks, capital punishment, oaths, and a hireling ministry are inconsistent with Chris- tianity and subversive of human happiness. " Should not this consideration increase our confidence in our fundamental principle, the immediate revelation of Di- vine power in the human soul, as the only and all-sufficient means of salvation ; and should it not induce us to cherish in our hearts a deep attachment for a Society which has been so signally blest as an instrument of good to mankind ? But let us not depend upon the labors of our ancestors, like the Jews, who said, ' We have Abraham for our father,' for such a reliance will lead us into dead formality, and then our portion will be given to others more worthy than we. There can be no doubt that the sincere and pious worshippers of all religious denominations are, equally 84 Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. with ourselves, the objects of Divine favor ; for ' as many as are led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God.' " The founders of our Religious Society were a deep spiritually minded people. They did not discover the great truths they promulgated by mere discussion or a dependence upon their reasoning powers ; but they read diligently the Scriptures, and were often concerned to draw nigh unto God in the spirit of prayer, waiting upon Him to know his will and experience his guidance. "I rejoice in believing that there are among you many who earnestly desire the advancement of truth and right- eousness; but I fear there is, with some, too much dwell- ing upon the surface, and too great a desire to seek after new things. It is true the apostle recommends that we should 'prove all things and holdfast that which is good;' but in connection with this he says, ' Pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks ; quench not the spirit, despise not prophesying, abstain from all appearance of evil.' i Thes. v. 17. In order to prove or examine im- portant questions, let us ask for Divine guidance and heavenly wisdom. Although the cultivation of the mind and the acquisition of knowledge are highly commendable, as being conducive to our happiness and usefulness in society, we should ever bear in mind, that that true wisdom which enables us to fulfil all the duties of this life, and prepares us for the next, is only to be attained by com- munion with the witness for God in our own souls. It is justly remarked by Cowper, that ' Knowledge dwells In heads replete with thoughts of other men, Wisdom in minds attentive to their own. Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much, Wisdom is humble that he knows no more.' Memoirs of Samuel M. Janney. 8