B is c?7;h^2.^' MEMOIRS WILLIAM AND NATHAN HUNT, TAKEN CHIEFLY PROM THEIE JOUENALS AND LETTERS. PHILADELPHIA: URIAH HUNT & SON, 62 N. FOURTH ST. LONDON: ALFRED W, BENNETT, No. 5 BISIIOPSGATE STREET WITHOUT 1858. CONTENTS, PAGE A Testimony from Newcastle Monthly Meeting, in Great Britain, concerning William Hunt 5 Character of William Hunt, by Amos Kersey 13 Memoirs of William Hunt, by the late Editor of Friends' Review 17 His First Religious Journeys 25 Visit to Friends on Pedee River 36 Visit to Friends in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey 38 Visit to Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jer- sey, New York, and New England 61 Visit to Friends in Europe C8 Letters of AVilliam Hunt to Various Individuals: — To Uriah Woolman 83 Zachariaa Dicks 94 Eleazar Hunt 97 Rachel Mills and Sarah Thatcher. 100 Thomas Thornburgh, Sen 102 His Children 107 4 CONTENTS. PAQE An Epistle to the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders of New Garden, Guilford County, North Carolina 113 Letter to William Stanley 117 David Brooks 121 Margaret Beals and Hannah Kersey 127 A Few Words of Margaret Beals in Remembrance of her Brother, William Hunt 130 Letters of WilHam Hunt to his Wife 132 Esther Tuke's Letter to William Hunt's Children 152 Lines to the Memory of Samuel Fothergill, William Hunt, and John Woolman...... 150 A TESTIMOISTY NEWCASTLE MONTHLY MEETING IN GREAT BRITAIN CONCERNINa WILLIAM HUNT. Our dear Friend William Hunt, of New Garden, in Guilford county, ITortli Caro- lina, accompanied by his nephew, Thomas Thornburgh, of the same place, being on a religious visit to Friends of this nation, departed this life at the house of a Friend near l^ewcastle-upon-Tyne. The deep re- gard we bear to his memory and eminent services engageth us to transmit the follow- ing testimony concerning him. • They arrived in London about a week after the Yearly Meeting, 1771, and, attend- 6 A TESTIMONY ing several meetings in that city, proceeded northward, visiting Friends in divers coun- ties in England, and also in Scotland. The ensuing winter was spent in visiting York- shire, Lancashire, and Ireland, returning to London in time to attend the Yearly Meet- ing there in 1772, then attending the Yearly Meetings in Essex, Suffolk, and IlTorfolk, and, proceeding through Lincolnshire to Hull, they took shipping for Holland, and, after visiting the few Friends there, they embarked for Scarborough, but, by contrary winds, landed at Shields the 25th of the eighth month, and, after being at their meeting on the 26th, came that afternoon to the house of a Friend near Newcastle- upon-Tyne. From accounts received, and our own knowledge of his conduct and ministry, we have good cause to believe that in all his travels in Europe he behaved as a faithful minister of Christ, exemplary and uniform in conduct, of a weighty deportment and CONCERNING WILLIAM HUNT. 7 retired spirit; his conversation was grave and instructive, seasoned with love and sweetness, which rendered his company both profitable and desirable; his ministry was living and powerful, deep and search- ing, an excellent example in patiently wait- ing for the clear manifestation of the Divine will, and careful to move accord- ingly, so that his appearances in meetings were mostly accompanied with great so- lemnity, in which he skilfully divided the word, being to the unfaithful as a two- edged sword, but to the honest-hearted tra- vellers in Zion, and to such as were seeking the way to God's kingdom, his doctrine was truly refreshing. He was a man of sound judgment, quick of apprehension, and deep in religious experience; and although he was only in the thirty-ninth year of his age, yet such was his experience and stability, that he stood as an elder and a father in the church, worthy of double honour. 8 A TESTIMONY He attended the meeting at Newcastle on the 27th of the eighth month, 17T2, in which he delivered a short and living testi- mony in the love of the gospel to his friends of that place. That afternoon he was cheer- ful, and expressed his satisfaction in being there, and upon being asked what place they intended for next, he replied he saw no further at present than N"ewcastle. N"ext day he was taken ill, which was not appre- hended to be the smallpox until the fourth day of his illness. When the eruption ap- peared he said to his companion, "This sickness is nigh unto death, if not quite." His companion signified his hope that it might not be so. He replied, " My coming hither seems to be providential, and when I wait I am enclosed and see no further." At another time he made the same remark to a Friend, saying, " It will be a sore trial to my companion if I am now removed." He also mentioned in an affectionate manner his dear wife and children to a Friend who CONCERNING WILLIAM HUNT. attended him, and requested some counsel and advice (which he then communicated) might be transmitted to them, if it should please the Lord to remove him, which was accordingly done. On the third day of his illness two Friends from the country came to visit him, to whom he thus expressed himself, viz. : " I liave longed to see you and be with you, but was put by." One of them said, "I hope we shall have thee with us yet." He answered, " That must be left." The Friend said that whatever affliction we are tried with we may yet see cause of thankfulness. He replied, " Great cause indeed ; I never saw it clearer ; oh the wisdom ! the wisdom and goodness, the mercy and kindness, has appeared to me wonderful, and the further and deeper we go the more we wonder ; I have admired, since I was cast upon this bed, that all the world does not seek after the truth, it so far transcends all other things." Two Friends from Northumber- 10 A TESTIMONY land coming to visit him, he said, "The Lord knows how I have loved you from our first acquaintance, and longed for your growth and establishment in the blessed truth, and now I feel the same renewed afresh;" and said, "He much desired they might fill up the places Providence in- tended, and lay up treasure in heaven," adding, "What would a thousand worlds avail me now?" The disorder was very heavy upon him, having a load of eruption, under which he showed great fortitude and patience, even to the admiration of the physician and sur- geon who attended him, his mind being mercifully preserved calm and resigned to his Master's will, whose presence he found to be near him in the needful time, saying, "It is enough, my Master is here;" and again, " He that laid the foundation of the mountains knows this ; if it pleases Him he can remove it." At another time he said, with great composure, "The Lord knows CONCERNING WILLIAM HUNT. 11 best ; I am in his hands, let him do what he pleases." Perceiving a Friend to be diligent and attentive to do what she could for him, he said, " The Lord refresh thy spirit, for thou hast often refreshed this body, and, whether I live or die, thou wilt get thy reward." After the second fever came on, finding himself worse, he said, " My life hangs upon a thread." The doctor being sent for, he said, " They are all physicians of no value without the great Physician." A Friend said, " I know thy dependence is on him;" he answered, "Entirely." Under- standing that two Friends who had sat much by him did not intend to leave him that night, he very sweetly said, "And will you watch with me one night more ?" On being asked how he did, he said, " I am here pent up and confined in a narrow compass; this is a trying time, but my mind is above it all ;" which was evident to those about him, who were sensible of 12 A TESTIMONY. praises and sweet melody in his heart when few words were expressed. A little before he died he said, triumph- antly, "Friends, truth is over all;" so in great peace departed this life, the 9th day of the ninth month, 1772, and was interred in Friends* burying-ground in Newcastle- upon-Tyne, the 11th of the same month, accompanied by many Friends, upon which occasion a solemn meeting was held, and divers testimonies borne to the truth, in the service of which he lived and died, an example to many brethren. A minister twenty-four years. CHARACTER OF WILLIAM HUNT. BY AMOS KERSEY. He was of a reddish-fair complexion ; his countenance serious, composed, and solid; of a middle-sized stature, and pretty big- bodied, yet very moderate in meat and drink ; neither did he yield much to sleep, being diligent in business and fervent in spirit; of whom I think it may truly be said as it was of George Fox formerly, viz. : " He was indeed an heavenly-minded man, zealous for the name of the Lord, and preferred the honour of God before all 13 14 CHARACTER OF WILLIAM HUNT. tilings. He was valiant for the truth, bold m asserting it, patient in suffering for it, unwearied in labouring in it, steady in his testimony to it; immovable as a rock. Deep he was in divine knowledge, clear in opening heavenly mysteries, plain and powerful in preaching, fervent in prayer. He was richly endued with heavenly wis- dom, quick in discerning, sound in judg- ment, able and ready in giving, discreet in keeping counsel, a lover of righteousness, an encourager of virtue, justice, temperance, meekness, purity, chastity, modesty, humi- lity, charity, and self-denial in all, both by word and example. Graceful he was in countenance, manly in personage, grave in gesture, courteous in conversation, weighty in communication, instructive in discourse, free from affectation in speech or carriage ; a severe reprover of hard and obstinate sinners ; a mild and gentle admonisher of such as were tender and sensible of their failings; not apt to resent personal wrongs; CHARACTER OF WILLIAM HUNT. 15 easy to forgive injuries, but zealously earnest where the honour of God, the pros- perity of truth, or the peace of the church were concerned. Very tender, compassionate, and pitiful he was to all that were under any sort of affliction ; full of brotherly love, full of fatherly care ; for indeed the care of the churches of Christ was daily upon him, the prosperity and peace whereof he studi- ously sought ; for whom this testimony lives in my heart. He lived and died the ser- vant of the Lord." A. K. New Garden, 13th of 10th mo., 1779. MEMOIRS WILLIAM HUNT. BY THE LATE EDITOR OF THE FRIENDS' REVIEW. (ENOCH LEWIS.) Gather up the fragments, that nothing be lost.'' A MANUSCRIPT has been placed in the hands of the editor, bearing evident marks of age, which consists partly of autograph narratives of several journeys, in the service of the gospel, performed by this eminent and devoted minister, and partly of letters addressed by him to divers of his friends. As permission has been given to extract such portions as may be judged eligible for the Review, a brief notice of the life and character of the man may probably be, to 2 17 18 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. some of our readers, an acceptable intro- duction. The materials for such a notice are in- deed very scanty, and as more than three- quarters of a century have passed since his decease, we can hardly suppose that much can now be gleaned from the reminiscences of his friends or numerous descendants. His residence during his maturer life was in Guilford county, ]!!Torth Carolina; but it appears that he was a native of Pennsyl- vania, and was born about the year 1733. It is known that a number of emigrants from the southern part of Pennsylvania re- moved to [N'orth Carolina many years ago, and that New Garden, in Guilford county, where he resided, received its name from a township in Chester county, Pennsylvania. Whether the parents of William Hunt were among the number is uncertain. This valuable Friend became an orphan at an early age, for his father died when he was about twelve years old, and his mother MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 19 at a still earlier period. We find that he was visited with tendering impressions when not more than eight years of age, though he did not then understand from whence they came ; but after the death of his father he was given to see that it was the Spirit of truth which had thus visited and tendered his mind ; and so effectually was the Divine hand laid upon him that his mouth was opened in the ministry before he had completed his fifteenth yjear. By a careful attention to the openings and lead- ings of the light of Christ, he became an able minister of the gospel, rightly dividing the word, to the great edification of the churches among which his lot was cast. His travels in the service of the gospel were commenced as early as his twentieth year, and during his Christian progress he visited all the E'orth American provinces, and nearly all the meetings they contained. He also frequently appointed meetings where none were usually held. Though he had a 20 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. large family in great measure dependent upon his industrj' and care, yet, when called by a conviction of religious duty, he cheer- fully resigned them and his worldly con- cerns to the protection of his bountiful Master, upon whose guardianship he had been taught to rely. In the year 1771, he, in company with his nephew, Thomas Thornburgh, arrived at London on a visit to the churches in that nation. Jhe Yearly Meeting of London had come to a close a few days before their arrival, and during the ensuing year they visited many parts of England, Scotland, and Ireland. After attending the Yearly Meeting at London in 1772, and passing through several parts of the island, they embarked for Holland, and, after visiting the few^ Friends in that country, took shipping again for England. They were not permitted, in consequence of contrary winds, to reach their intended port, but came to land in the neisrhbourhood of New- MEMOIllS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 21 castle-upon-Tyne. He attended one meet- ing in that place, in whicli he delivered a short and living testimony in the love of the gospel. In the afternoon he appeared cheerful, and expressed his satisfaction with being there. When asked respecting his intended procedure, he answered that he saw no further at present than N'ewcastle. On the next day, the 28th of eighth month, 1772, he was attacked by a disease which proved to be the smallpox. He early ex- pressed a belief that his sickness would be nigh unto death, if not quite, adding, " My coming hither seems to be providential, and when I wait I am enclosed, and can see no further." He endured the sufferings unavoidably attending on this afflictive disease with great patience and fortitude, to the admira- tion of those who attended upon him, mani- festing an entire resignation to Divine dis- Ijosal. At one time, in allusion to the goodness and mercy of God, he exclaimed, 22 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAxM HUNT. '' Oh the wisdom ! the wisdom and goodness, the mercy and kindness, have appeared to me wonderful, and the further and deeper we go, the more we wonder; I have ad- mired, since I was cast on this bed, that all the world does not seek after the truth, it so far transcends all other things." About the thirteenth day from the commencement of his illness, he quietly and peacefully passed away from works to rewards. Of his character and ministry. Friends of ISTew- castle Monthly Meeting, where he died, gave a testimony, from which the following is extracted : — "From accounts received, and our own knowledge of his conduct and ministry, we have good cause to believe that in all his travels in Europe he behaved as a faithful minister of Christ, exemplary and uniform in conduct, of a weighty deportment and retired spirit; his conversation was grave and instructive, seasoned with love and sweetness, which rendered his company MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 23 both profitable and desirable ; his ministry was living and powerful, deep and search- ing; an excellent example in patiently waiting for the clear manifestation of the Divine will, and careful to move accord- ingly, so that his appearances in meetings were mostly accompanied with great so- lemnity, in which he skilfully divided the word, being to the unfaithful as a two- edged sword, but to the honest-hearted tra- vellers in Zion, and to such as were seeking the way to God's kingdom, his doctrine was truly refreshing. He was a man of sound judgment, quick of apprehension, and deep religious experience ; and although he was only in the thirty-ninth year of his age, yet such was his experience and sta- bility, that he stood as an elder and a father in the church, worthy of double honour." John "Woolman, who was in England on a religious visit at the time of William Hunt's decease, and who was also removed a few weeks afterwards by the same dis- 24 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. ease, takes the following notice of the event : — " At this place I heard that my kinsman, William Hunt, from North Carolina, who was on a religious visit to Friends in Eng- land, departed this life on the 9th day of the ninth month, instant, of the smallpox, at Newcastle. He appeared in the ministry when a youth, and his labours therein were of good savour. He travelled much in that work in America. I once heard him say, in public testimony, that his concern was, in that visit, to be devoted to the service of Christ so fully that he might not spend one minute in pleasing himself; which words, joined with his example, were a means of stirring up the pure mind in me." It is within the memory of the editor that Thomas Thornburgh, the nephew of Wil- liam Hunt, who accompanied him to Europe, and who was also a minister, was seized with the same disease (the smallpox) while returning through Pennsylvania to his MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 25 place of residence, from a religious visit to Friends in Europe, and was removed with- out reaching home. This event took place in or about the year 1787. Of the earliest journeys of this valuable minister in the service of the gospel very little now appears to be known. In the former part of the manuscript volume already mentioned, a mutilated account of one of those journeys is given: the be- ginning seems to have been lost, and the year is not stated. His travels are said to have commenced in or about his twentieth year. The parts of the country then visited are not specified, but were probably in Vir- ginia or ]N"orth Carolina. Of a meeting at a private house, Thomas Moreman's, where it does not appear that one was usually held, the following account is given, from which it is obvious that, young as he was, he was a valiant advocate of the cause in which he was engaged : — "The people seemed to sit down in 26 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM UUNT. awfulness before God; the meeting began with the sweet overflowing of the pure love of God, which sprang in my heart to the people; but after we had sat some time there came a great cloud of darkness over the meeting, and at length a man named John I^ewbury rose to speak. After he sat down I was deeply concerned to speak against a corrupt ministry ; and, feeling sweet love in my heart to the people, in- vited them to the voice of the true Shep- herd, that was to be heard in their own hearts. After meeting, John E'ewbury came to us in a contentious spirit, and spake many high-swelling words, and went away dissatisfied. Blessed be God for ever- more, who is able to make manifest the works of darkness, and to set his glorious power over all." As we have no intimation that any con- troversy with this man was indulged, we may reasonably infer that William Hunt, having endeavoured to perform his duty MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 27 with fidelity in the meeting, afterwards, observing the modesty which a young man should never forget, left this bewildered man to the convictions of his own mind. He next proceeded up the river — what river is not explained — and appointed a meeting, where one had never been held before. "This," he remarks, "was a solid good meeting, and concluded with fervent prayer. Blessed be the Most High, who was pleased to give me the reward of true peace and solid satisfaction in my own mind, which caused sweet songs of joy and endless praise to spring in my heart unto the everlasting Being who had brought me through many a deep and grievous trial in this my journey. He alone is over all, blessed in himself and in his Son, both now and for evermore. Amen." After this meeting, William Hunt and his companion, William Hoggatt, w^ho ap- pears to have borne him company through- out this journey, set out towards home. 28 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. Their way seems to have been through the wilderness, for we find that they lodged the two following nights in the woods, having ridden on one of those days about forty miles. This kind of accommodation would, in our day, be deemed sufficiently rough and exposing for two young men to put up with ; but they appear to have had, in this wilderness journey, the company and care of two female Friends. On the morning succeeding their second night's lodging in the woods, he mentions : " We were all un- expectedly brought down in pure silence before God, and were renewedly owned with his overcoming love shed abroad in our hearts ; blessed be his worthy name for evermore." After this they had to ride about twenty- six miles, probably through the wilderness, when they found a lodging-place, and there parting with their female companions, Abi- gail Pike and Martha Thornton, they soon reached home. "It being," he says, "the MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 29 first day of the week, I went to meeting, where I met with my dear friends in the fulness of the heavenly Father's love." Though the year when this journey was taken is not clearly designated, we infer that it was previous to his marriage, for he mentions arriving at his brother's, but says nothing respecting his wife. But we find that in the fifth month, 1754, when still not twenty-one years of age, he parted, to adopt his own language, " with my dear wife and friends, in great love and tenderness of spi- rit, to our mutual joy and comfort," to visit the meetings of Friends in North Carolina and Virginia. The first object appears to have been the attendance of the Quarterly Meeting to which he belonged; and we may form an imperfect idea of the toil encountered by Friends of that day and country from the facts noted in this jour- ney. Besides four days' travelling, in which the distance passed over is not stated, but some difiiculty in crossing the water is 30 MEMOIRS OP WILLIAM HUNT. noted, specific distances, amounting to ninety-two miles, are given. And this, we observe, was to attend their Quarterly Meeting. After that meeting, which, including the meeting of ministers and elders, occupied three days, was over, William Hunt and his companion, John Hoggatt, proceeded to visit a number of the meetings in !N"orth Carolina. Of these services he observes that his exercise was "generally pretty close ; but, forever praised and magnified be the worthy name of the most high God, he was pleased at times to set his blessed truth over all, in the demonstration of the spirit and power thereof, to our mutual joy and comfort." "It often," says he, "fell to my lot in this journey to be baptized for the unfaithful professors of the truth, who stood in the form and not in the life and power of religion." Of a meeting in Virginia he remarks, " The Lord was pleased in this meeting to MEMOIRS OP WILLIAM HUNT. 31 set his precious truth over all, to our great joy and comfort. There were many profes- sors that had left the pure life of religion, and let fall the spiritual weapons of warfare, (whereby our worthy ancients were enabled to go forth against spiritual wickedness,) and run into fleshly liberty, pomp, pride, and vain-glory, having shunned the cross, and forsaken the way laid down for the redeemed of the Lord to walk in. Against those the controversy of the Lord in my heart was very great; and, blessed be his worthy name, he was pleased to bear up my spirit in these times of great labour and travail of spirit, so that I can say, by a living sense of his Divine goodness, he re- quires nothing of any creature, but that he gives strength according to the day, as they stand passive in his will. But what can I say ? the work is altogether his own, there- fore to him belong the praise, honour, and glory of his own work, who is pleased to make use of mean and foolish instruments 32 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. for the bringing to pass thereof. And in retaliation for [commemoration of] his strength-renewing hand in this journey, my soul returns humble thanks and praise [to him] who is worthy for evermore." After visiting the meetings of Friends in various parts of Virginia, where there ap- pear to have been a considerable number of the Society located, among whom, in more instances than one, he commemorates with gratitude the manifestation of the Divine presence, melting their hearts, and tender- ing their spirits before him, he found, as he expresses it, " the motion of life as to tra- velling cease;" and after a short delay pre- pared for returning home. He was then at a place called Fort Creek, and he says, " It pleased the Divine will to move on the minds of some Friends of that place to come and see us, so that the Friends of that meeting generally came, and a living time we had together. The healing waters were poured forth, to the joy and MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 33 consolation of the poor mourners and weary travellers, and many burdened souls got ease ; a time, I believe, not to be forgotten by many while we have a day to live in this life. "We parted next morning in great love and brokenness of spirit, feeling the good presence of the Lord therein. The enemy had laboured with subtility to lay waste the heritage of God in that place, and caused many that had been valiants in the Lamb's war to faint, and to let fall their spi- ritual weapons, to the great grief of the faithful seed. With those my soul was often deeply engaged ; and blessed forever be that ancient arm of Divine power, who was pleased to enable me to go through it, for the weight thereof was very great, and many times bowed my spirit very low. Oh that my soul with the living may always sing sweet praise and endless glory unto the high and holy King, who keeps his little ones under the shadow of his hand, and gives them power over all to stand." 8 34 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. While returning through Virginia, he attended a meeting among the few Friends on the Appomatox River, of which he gives the following account: — "It was a close and exercising meeting for some time. The enemy had raised a monster among them, who pretended to be as highly inspired as any of the apostles. I having never heard any thing of it, it caused great exercise and travail of spirit ; but after some time I was constrained in the power of the Lord to bear testimony against that spirit, that set itself above the pure witness of God, and caused separation and division among his people. Friends were greatly broken in spirit, and I felt sweet encouragement spring in my heart to the travailing seed of God, whose souls were greatly bowed down in pain and travail of spirit ; and the meeting concluded to sweet satisfaction." This journey appears to have occupied two months ; and in reference to the last MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. B5 meeting he had previous to his arrival at his own residence, and the feelings expe- rienced on his return home, he remarks, ^' This meeting was very lively and power- ful ; the Lord's good presence was witnessed therein to our joy and comfort; forever praised and magnified be the worthy name of the most high God, who still continued his loving-kindness to my poor soul, with the signet-seal of his eternal Spirit. Oh, the effects of pure peace which I felt on my return home is beyond what I am able to express. I thought it was a full reward for all my various trials and exercises, though at times very great." Only about seven months were allotted to the cares and enjoyments of domestic life, after his return from his former journey, before this devoted servant of the Most High again set out on a gospel mission. His dedication and religious engagements must appear quite remarkable when we re- collect that he was then onlv in his twenty- 36 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. second year. The prospect was a visit to Friends on the Pedee River. This jour- ney, like the previous one, was in consider- able part through a wilderness, for on the second and third nights he and his compa- nions, being four in all, took up their lodg- ing in the woods, having in each case rid- den about forty miles the preceding day. Of this journey but few incidents are re- lated. The small number of Friends who were visited appear to have been thinly scattered over the country, holding their meetings in private houses, and so located that, in passing from one settlement to another, a night was occasionally spent in the woods. In one place he mentions having a meet- ing among the Baptists, "wherein truth was exalted, and the name of our great Lord and Master glorified. We taught them," he says, "by example more than precept, showing them the true worship which stands in spirit and in truth." In MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 37 these brief memoirs we have evidence that he was careful to regard the shutting as well as the opening of the gospel spring ; for of one meeting, which seems to have been among Friends, he remarks, " This was the third time at this place wherein my Master made me an example of silence, thereby directing the people to the great Searcher in themselves." But at others he was enabled to preach the gospel in the demon- stration of the Spirit, still humbly ascribing the honour and praise altogether to the all- bountiful Giver of every good and perfect gift. After a journey of something less than three hundred miles, he was favoured to reach his own habitation in the enjoy- ment of pure and solid satisfaction. An interval of a little more than six years occurs between the journey last men- tioned and the next which appears on the record. In the early part of the fifth month, 1761, being then about his twenty-eighth year, he 38 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. left home with a prospect of paying a reli- gious visit to Friends in Virginia, Mary- land, Pennsylvania, and ]^ew Jersey. His companion was Bowater Beales. After attending their own Quarterly Meeting at Cane Creek, which lasted three days, they took a solemn leave of their wives, who had accompanied them to that meeting, and proceeded on their journey. Some portions of the country through which they passed were then so thinly settled that more nights than one were passed in the Avoods. In the narrative which is preserved respecting the journey we find these gospel messengers visiting the meetings of Friends in Virginia and Maryland, in situations where at this day very few, if any, of the Society remain. Among these William Hunt evidently appears to have laboured diligently and faithfully, frequently having religious opportunities with the families where they lodged. In these engagements, as well as the more public assemblies, they MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 39 were favoured with many refreshing and strengthening seasons. The frequent ac- knowledgment of Divine support, and the general evidence running through the nar- rative that love to the brethren was the clothing of his spirit, serve to impress a conviction on the minds of his readers that the eminent gifts with which he was en- dowed were received and exercised with a single eye to the glory of the Giver and to the promotion of the cause of truth and righteousness in the earth. He was par- ticularly careful not to deck himself with his Lord's jewels, or to assume as his own what he knew belonged to the Dispenser of every gift. This visit appears to have extended to nearly if not quite all those parts of Penn- sylvania and 'New Jersey where any settle- ments of Friends had then been formed. While passing through the interior of Pennsylvania, he attended a meeting which proved an exercising one ; and, though h^ 40 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. found bis way open for some religious exercise, it did not appear to be attended witb tbe same evidence of Divine life wbich be bad sometimes experienced. He tbere- fore made bis communication a sbort one ; and, after parting witb many of bis friends ''in mucb love and tenderness of spirit," be proceeded toward a place wbere be ex- pected anotber meeting to be beld. "But," says be, " I bad not gone far before tbe accuser of tbe bretbren met me in tbe way, and, being but low and dejected before, I cannot express tbe situation my mind was now in. It seemed to me tbat tbe bottom- less pit from beneatb bad opened ber moutb, and witb ber bars bad encompassed me about; tbe very weeds of confusion were wrapped about my bead." Tbe fol- lowing nigbt was spent "in a variety of distressing tbougbts,. not knowing wbat would be tbe end of tbis combat. I brougbt tbings," be remarked, "to tbe nearest in- spection I was capable of, but could not MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 41 tind that I stood condemned for any thing, unless it was for speaking too loud and too fast, to which I was incident." From this remark we may infer that he felt a secret apprehension that he some- times suffered his mind to partake of a zeal and excitement which did not arise alto- gether from the true gospel fountain, and that his ardour may have partaken in some degree of a warmth arising from sparks of his own kindling. In whatever light he viewed his own manner of speaking, the fear here intimated shows the tenderness and watchfulness of his spirit. In the morning, as he proceeded, in company with several of his friends, toward the place where a meeting was expected to he held, his mind was painfully exercised with the prospect, as he expresses it, "of facing a meeting" under the disconsolate feelings which attended him. "But," says he, " at length, through the great goodness of the Almighty, to whom all powers are 42 MEMOIRS OF V/ILLIAM HUNT. subject, there arose a pleasant calm over my mind, and there was a secret intelligible voice passed through my heart, 'If thou wilt be contented, and bear all things just as they come, my presence shall be with thee.' Oh, gracious reviving of my life. In humble dread and awful fear. If thou wilt preserve me from dishonouring thy name, I am willing to endure all things that may come upon me, for thy truth's sake." When they arrived at the place where an appointed meeting was expected, they found that, by some oversight, notice had not been circulated, and William Hunt was not subjected to the necessity of facing a meet- ing there. The Yearly Meeting of Philadelphia oc- curred while he was on this visit, which he attended, it being then held near the end of the ninth month. Of that meeting he re- marks, that the several sittings thereof were owned with a mighty sense of truth, MEMOIRS OF WILLIAxM HUNT. 43 and the business was transacted with much calmness and condescension. In some of them he was enabled, through gracious help, to declare the testimony of truth, to his own satisfaction and that of his friends. Having a number of relatives at that meet- ing to whom he was closely united, he had a religious opportunity, at the house where he lodged, with them and others, from whom, at the close of the Yearly Meeting, lie parted, as he remarks, " with a heart covered with reverent fear and humble dread, under a sense of the many deep trials Sacred Goodness had brought him through." He several times visited John Church- man, whom he pronounces "an ancient worthy minister of great experiences.*' This valuable minister took a private op- portunity to impart to his youthful visitor some advice, which was particularly affect- ing and highly instructive, — thus manifest- 44 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. ins: the care of a father in the church over a bright and promising son. At a subsequent period of this journey, he again visited the same worthy minister, he being then very ill, and in human pro- bability not likely to recover. During a solemn pause, William Hunt says it arose in his heart to tell him he thought he must surmount this wave, and perform some fur- ther service for the truth; to which he meekly answered, " The will of the Lord be done." John Churchman did, soon afterwards, so far recover his health as to go to Phila- delphia, for the purpose of seeking a pas- sage to Barbadoes, which he had a prospect of visiting on a religious account ; but find- ing that all the vessels which were prepar- ing to proceed to that island were furnished with guns for defence — the English and French nations being then at war — he did not feel at liberty even to look at them with a view to taking a passage. Having MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 45 informed Friends in one of their meetings of his sentiments on this subject, he re- turned home, and waited to see whether a clearer way would open. But the concern went off, and he seems to have regarded this religious concern as a measure ap- pointed by a wisdom superior to his own, to enable him to give a full and feeling- testimony against participating in or giving countenance to the destruction of human life. John Churchman lived, after the in- terview to which William Hunt alludes, between thirteen and fourteen years ; and during great part of that time was much engaged in the service of the gospel ; so that the prospect expressed by his visitor was amply verified. When he was about leaving that part of the country, William Hunt paid a parting visit to this experienced minister, who dropped some admonitions which clearly indicate his solicitude that this young and highly valued friend and brother in the 46 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. gospel might not grow more rapidly in the branch than in the root. His experience of man had no doubt strongly impressed on his mind a sense of the danger attendant upon young persons when endowed with extraordinary gifts, natural or spiritual. His expressions were, "I have had sweet unity and sympathy with thee from thy first coming into this province. I am glad thou hast grown in thy gift; yea, and thou wilt still grow if thou sink deep and wait in thy gift; but if thou leave it, thou wilt grow in the top, and many words without life. Therefore wait in the gift, and when thou comes home, see if thou canst not say with Jacob, I am become two bands ; say in the secret of thy soul, Lord, if thou wilt be pleased to blot out my transgressions, I am content." These appear to have been the parting expressions of one who was justly regarded as a father and instructor, both to him and MEMOIRS OF AVILLIAM HUNT. 47 to others, and they made a deep impression on the subject of this notice. At the time when this journey was per- formed, the Society of Friends were labour- ing to clear themselves from the practice of holding slaves ; and this subject did not escape the attention of a mind so tho- roughly alive to the cause of universal righteousness as that of William Hunt. When about leaving Pennsylvania,* he re- marks, "My heart was still pained on account of the poor negroes ; and feeling the way open in their meetiiig for business, [at West ]S"ottingham] I spoke tenderly and closely to the subject, entreating Friends to live deeply inward, and, when truth should dictate the way for their enlargement, not to let self-love hinder so great a work." " The cry of these poor creatures was so * Pennsylvania "was then a slave-holding province. The first law vfhich effectually sealed the doom of slavery in that State was not enacted until nearly twenty years after that time. 48 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. lend lu my ears, that I scarce ate or drank any thing, lest I should partake of the gain of oppression." From this expression we may readily perceive that his views in this respect were very similar to those of John Woolman in relation to the products of slave-extracted labour. Having nearly accomplished the service to which he believed himself called, and taken leave, in great sweetness and tender- ness of spirit, of many of the friends among whom he had laboured, he was expecting to proceed immediately home, when he found his mind drawn towards a meeting which lay fifty miles out of his way. This, he says, was a pinching trial ; he pleaded hard to be excused. But the covenant which he made in his journey was brought into view; when under deep-baptism, he had promised that if the Lord would pre- serve him to the honour of his name, he would offer up not only his nearest enjoy- MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 49 ments, but his life if required. Then, he says, a sweet voice passed through his mind : " What hast thou lacked of my presence? have not I been with thee and supported thee through those dangerous spots of which thou wast sore afraid ? If thou wilt be faithful, I will still preserve, both at home and abroad. Wilt thou now distrust the sufficiency of my power?" Then he says, " With an awful, humble, yet mournful resignation, I said, in the secret of my soul, ' Lord, thy peace is more to me than ten thousand w^orlds. I am w^illingto follow wheresoever thou pleasest.' While I could keep here, my mind was in true quiet and stillness, but the desire I had let in to see my dear wife and little babes had become so strong, that I could not easily put them by; and therefore I spent this night in many a bitter sigh and heavy groan, with frequent weeping." Having attended the meeting in question, he proceeded homeward without further 50 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. delay, lodging one night in the woods on the road, and found his wife and family well, "who," says he, "with many dear friends and near relatives, were glad to re- ceive me once more in the fellowship that is with the Father and with the Son, to whom be rendered dread and humble fear forever." ITear the close of the narrative, this de- claration appears : " Now I know it was the language of the Holy Spirit which said, *Be faithful, and I will preserve at home and abroad.' Oh, saith my soul, that I, with all his anointed, may ever keep a watchful eye to the secret monitions thereof, and give a ready obedience, which alone crowns all our labour with true peace !" After the journey just mentioned, another interval of nearly six years occurs in the manuscript volume, during which no ac- count appears respecting his life or gospel labours. MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 51 Near the end of the fifth month, 1767, we find him again relinquishing the comforts and engagements of domestic life, to per- form a visit in the love of the gospel to Friends in Virginia, Maryland, Pennsyl- vania, !N'ew Jersey, ]^ew York, and ISTew England. His companion in the former part of this visit was Zacharias Dicks, who was also a minister, and appears to have been a member of the same Monthly Meet- ing. The commencement of this journey was attended by a circumstance of no ordi- nary trial. On the night previous to their departure from home, the youngest child of Zacharias Dicks was seized with convul- sions, attended with great apparent suffer- ing. Yet such was his dedication to the cause in which he was engaged, that he was satisfied to set out on his journey, resigning all to Divine disposal. And in this conclu- sion he was encouraged by the mother of the child, who gave him up freely, and ex- pressed her belief that they had best pro- 52 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. ceed on their mission. In this, as in the preceding journeys, we find them taking up at times their lodging in the woods, while passing the mountainous region that runs through Virginia. The first meeting which they attended in that province is mentioned as deeply dis- tressing, from a conviction of the want of a submission to the ''baptizing power of religion, to gather them into the bond and body of Christ," and the consequent dis- order which had crept in among them. Yet we find that, in the western part of Vir- ginia, they met with Friends to whom they were closely united in gospel fellowship, and among whom they had meetings and religious opportunities to good satisfaction. Among these friends was a sister to Zacha- rias Dick's wife, named Hester Haines, who is mentioned as having a beautiful gift in the ministry. From these brief notices we may reason- ably infer, though nothing specific is said MEMOIES OF WTLLIAIM HUNT. i)6 on the subject, that the benumbing influ- ence of slavery was then, as it now is, more prevalent and productive of its natural effects in Eastern than in "Western Virginia. Having visited the meetings of Friends in the northwest of the Blue Ridge and south of the Potomac, they proceeded to York county, Pennsylvania, in which and its vicinity a number of meetings are noted, in places where it is believed few Friends are now located. The condition of Eastern Pennsylvania at that time, compared with what it is now, is intimated by the fact that in their journey from Lancaster to Philadelphia they were furnished with a guide. In this city they were accommo- dated at a long-known seat of hospitality, where the messengers of the gospel received a cordial welcome, — the house of Isaac Zane.* * The hospitality of this house was not by any means confined to ministering Friends, or Friends of any de- 54 MEMOTllS OF WILLIAM HUNT. From Philadelpliia they passed, througti New Jersey and New York, to the country now composing the Eastern States; and, from some remarks as they passed among the Presbyterians in that section of the country, it may be inferred that the anti- pathy to our Society, which has so fre- quently been noted as existing during a preceding age, had then nearly if not totally passed away. During this journey we find numerous instances of religious visits to persons who, from age or infirmity, were in great mea- sure cut ofi" from the usual intercourse of society. These visits appear to have been satisfactory to the visitors, and no doubt were strengthening and consolatory to those who were visited. At a large meeting in the neighbourhood scription. It was the home of the native Indian -who visited the city, particularly if he came on a mission of peace. MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 55 of N'arragansett Bay, he says, " Though we had little to say, yet Adam in Paradise scarcely enjoyed a greater felicity than I did at this time, being brought to an heavenly place in Christ Jesus, where I beheld the brightness of God's glory in the beauty of holiness." "After meeting," he added, "many Friends went to our lodging, where the Father's love was like the refreshing dew spread abroad on the tender grass. We parted from them in much love and affec- tionate nearness," Having proceeded eastward as far as Berwick, in what is now the State of Maine, they addressed the following epistle to the Monthly Meeting of Friends at Casco Bay and Mariconee : — " We, being drawn, in the love and beauty of gospel good- will, to visit the churches in this land, had some thought of coming to you, but think ourselves clear, yet are free to visit you with a few lines, earnestly be- seeching you to stand fast in that faith 56 MEMOIKS UF WILLIAM HUNT. which was given to the saints, that you may grow up together in the perfect bond of true love, knit and united in that fellow- ship which is with God, in Christ Jesus our Lord. "And, dear Friends, if there be any among you who have received the holy anointing as ministers and elders, we ear- nestly exhort all such that they look well to their standing, taking due heed to the gift received, waiting in deep silence till the Lamb comes from the throne to loose the seals of the book of life. So shall you witness the mystery of the holy kingdom discovered in the bright appearance of God's glory. " Our minds are feelingly baptized into death and suffering through this land, occa- sioned, we think, by the foremost rank not keeping their first love chaste and pure, duly waiting to feel their minds seasoned with the salt and virtue of the power of an endless life, whereby they would grow from MEMOIRS OF WILLIAxM HUNT. 57 one degree of knowledge and experience to another, able to endure hardness for the name and cause of truth. " Our sphits fervently breathe to the Fountain and Source of all good for you, though unknown, that you may grow as God's peculiar heritage, like Mount Zion, which is never to be removed, but is to in- herit holiness forever. In this state you will shine as bright stars in the firmament of God's power, giving an illustrious light in that remote and dark corner of the earth. "And, dearly beloved Friends, we fur- ther entreat you carefully to watch over one another for good, sincerely seeking after an humble, reverent, weighty sense of truth, to possess your minds in all your meetings for w^orship and discipline ; so will you be preserved out of all undue heats and pas- sions, with every thing that would interrupt the true peace and harmony of the church. And once more we affectionately address 00 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. all who are concerned in the ministry, that they carefully wait to know the word of the Lord to be as a fire in their hearts, -shut up in their bones ; then shall they stand as the mouth of God, and speak as his oracle. "We sorrowfully apprehend the church in many places sustains great loss for want of ministers and elders being rightly bap- tized into the pure life, from whence they would bring forth the beautifal treasures of God's house to the household, feeding his flock with his doctrine that drops as the dew, and his speech as the small rain. " And, dear youth, we effectually feel the continuing spring of infinite love to reach even unto you, to invite you to draw near to the house of the Lord, where you may witness the turning of his hand, preparing in you burnt-ofterings and sacrifices, until he hath redeemed you through the spirit of judgment and burning. Then will you be- come joyful in the house of prayer, and fruitful in the field of offerings ; and he, the MEMOIRS OP WILLIAM HUNT. 59 Lord of Hosts, will deck you with the orna- ment of his own Spirit, giving you his seal and the "Lamb's mark, whereby you will rise up in the dread and might of his power, to ride upon the high places of the earth, over the earthly mind, which still rules in the children of disobedience. " Our spirits unite in a feeling of sym- pathy and cordial spring of pure love toward all the sheep and lambs of our Father's fold, much desiring that they may not faint or be discouraged in their minds at the approaching trials, or temptations of any kind, with clouds or glooms of dark- ness. As said the royal Psalmist, ' Though I walk through the valley and shadow of death, the Lord is on my right hand : I will fear no evil.' If you choose the Lord for your portion, his promises are yea and amen forever. And for the cry of the poor and needy he will surely arise. Therefore, the language of the spirit in our minds, unto all such as are seeking the city of 60 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. foundations, is, to look diligently, with an inward eye, through and over all things which are behind in this world ; with fer- vent zeal and becoming resolution, press after the Prince and Captain of Salvation. " Thus, dear Friends, having briefly com- municated what came before us on your account, we engage each of you to exert yourselves according to the gift received, and take charge of God's glory ; in whose love, and fellow^ship of the gospel of his dear Son, w^e tenderly salute every sincere mind. " Your friends and brethren, ''Zacharias Dicks, "William Hunt." This epistle is in the MS. without date, but it must have been written toward the close of the summer, 1767, for we soon afterward find them proceeding to Phila- delphia, and attending the Yearly Meeting there, which was then held near the end of MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 61 the ninth month. That meeting, we are told, "was large, and favoured with a de- gree of gospel fellowship, in the union ol which Friends transacted their business in much calmness and condescension." At the close of that meeting, Zacharias Dicks feeling at liberty to return home, he was furnished with a certificate from the meeting of ministers and elders, expressive of their unity with his visit, ministry, and conversation ; and Thomas Thornburgh, nephew to William Hunt, and member of the !N"ew Garden Monthly Meeting, ISTorth Carolina, having attended the Yearly Meet- ing, became the companion of his uncle during the remainder of the journey. Though William Hunt appears to have already paid a general visit to Friends in New England, yet, feeling anew the spring of gospel love toward them, he and his companion set out from Philadelphia a few days after the close of the Yearly Meeting, and, passing through some parts of New 62 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. York, and attending the meetings there, they, on the last day of the tenth month, landed on the island of ITantucket, where they were gladly received by those valuable Friends, William Eotch and his wife. This seems to have been a place of re- markable exercise to William Hunt; for, of the seven meetings which he attended during the nine days he was there, the first four, he says, he " sat under a cloud of thick darkness, in which he felt the mystery of iniquity work in a wonderful manner; after which the Lord, in everlasting kind- ness to his pained children, was pleased to raise the seed of Zion and exalt her horn in the midst of her enemies, so that we had many comfortable meetings, and our hearts were much broken and sweetly united." They visited this island a third time, at the last of which he testifies, "The Lord of all our mercies gave us the seal of his living presence, to our confirmation and con sola- MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. bo tion, in the holj union of true fellowship, as indeed many were the precious seasons I had on this island, although wrong things had much prevailed, and the accuser of the brethren had sown the cruel seed of discord to the wounding of many. Yet a remnant remain, who are earnestly pressing to get from under the cloud into the perfect liberty of the sons of God." His concern, at the time of his third visit, was chiefly to the ministers and elders, most of whom he visited in their families, accompanied by William Eotch, and after- ward obtained a meeting with them, which he sat in silence, as he did the public meet- ing on first-day. Having thus given them an example which proved that his time of speaking was not always ready, he re- quested another meeting of the ministers — nothing being here said of elders — and therein delivered a close, searching testi- mony, pointing out the danger of nourish- ing wrong births, by handing forth food not 64 MEMOIRS OF AVILLIAM HUNT. duly seasoned with lieavenl}^ salt and con- secrated by the living word ; telling them this kind of preaching brought pain and death to the true birth, w-hose begettings were in the holy seed and spring of life. Soon after this, feeling himself clear, they proceeded to the continent, and, after pass- ing through some parts of Massachusetts, — where, at a number of meetings, he says, " The Lord Almighty was near to open the great mystery of iniquity, and gave ability to detect it in its several branches," — they came to the Quarterly Meeting at ^N^ewport, on Rhode Island, in the beginning of 1768. Here, he says, his mind was deeply con- cerned to press friends to the maintenance of good order and discipline, in the meek- ness and w^isdom of truth. Here we find this devoted servant en- gaging in the blessed oifice of a peace- maker. A difference having arisen among Friends respecting the right to some lands, it had long existed, and appeared likely to MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 65 lead to disastrous consequences. Some Friends being engaged in an effort to com- pose this difference, "William Hunt was con- cerned to unite with them. The parties being convened at ten in the morning, a protracted debate, running some time into the night, ensued, when an adjustment was ultimately effected, and the agreement re- duced to writing, greatly to the satisfaction of Friends. What agency William Hunt had in procuring this happy result is not stated ; but there can be no doubt that the presence of a man so clothed with the spirit of meekness and restoring love must have exercised a powerful influence in restrain- ing the ebullitions of passion which real or fancied interests are apt to excite. While returning to their own residence, few events of particular interest appear to have oc- curred. In passing through York county, Pennsylvania, he mentions meeting with Ann Moore, whom he styles his ancient friend and mother in the truth, who was 66 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. instrumental in gathering him to God, and the saving knowledge of his truth. They were, he says, " exceedingly glad to see each other, being refreshed in the Lord by the feeling of his presence, which is the life of his people." This Friend, of whom I find no further account, was probably a minister, who visited the neighbourhood where William Hunt resided in his childhood, and contri- buted, by her ministry, to give a direction to his course from which he never after- ward deviated. To a man who had so fully and livingly witnessed the excellency of the way into which he had been thus led, the instrument of his conversion could scarcely be regarded with less than filial attachment. And yet this same friend had probably extended equal labour to thou- sands who, having never embraced the in- vitations of Divine love which she was commissioned to offer, would feel toward MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 67 her nothing more than a cold and distant respect. It is only those who have embraced the offers of redeeming love that can fully understand how beautiful on the moun- tains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publish eth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good ; that publisheth sal- vation ; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reign eth. Having travelled by water and land, — after being joined by Thomas Thornburgh, — according to estimation, something more than two thousand -^.ve hundred miles, he was favoured with a safe and peaceful return to his family in North Carolina, under a belief that he had performed his duty. The last-mentioned journey was accom- plished within the years 1767 and 1768. A little more than two years was allowed to him in the enjoyment of domestic life be- fore he was again engaged in a gospel mis- 68 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. sioii more extensive than any in which he had been previously employed, and from which he was not permitted to return again to his family and friends. It appears that a concern to visit the churches in Europe had been, during a number of years, pressing with increasing weight on his mind. " After many deep and unspeakable baptisms and close ex- ercises on that account," he gave up to the prospect, and acquainted his friends at home with his concern, and received from them the testimonials of their concurrence, which the order of the Society required. His nephew, Thomas Thornburgh, then a young man, who had some times appeared in the ministry, and who had borne him company through the latter part of his pre- vious journey, consented to become his companion in this more extensive and probably more deeply exercising engage- ment. In the tenth month, 1770, they left the MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 69 habitation of "William Hunt, at ]!^ew Gar- den, Nortli Carolina, Laving the company of many Friends and relations, who were proceeding with them to their Yearly Meeting in Perquimans county. That meeting being over, they paid a visit to Thomas Mcholson, an experienced minis- ter, who had himself been engaged in a gospel mission similar to that in which they were abont to embark ; and they found his account of his travels in Great Britain very interesting and instructive. Though we find in the narrative before us no intima- tion of an apprehension on the part of "William Hunt that he was about to take a final leave of !N"orth Carolina, yet his en- gagements plainly indicate his desire to leave no debt of religious service among his friends there unpaid. About ten days were employed in visits to ancient Friends, and to the meetings in that neighbourhood, after which they passed into Virginia, and, having attended numerous meetings in that 70 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. province and in Maryland, they proceeded, by way of York, in Pennsylvania, to Phila- delphia. From the number of meetings which are noted in the narrative, and their known localities, it plainly appears that, although the churches in Europe were the great object of the concern, it was by no means peculiar to them; but that con- siderable time was occupied, and no trivial amount of labour endured, in the accom- plishment of these visits, which would have been unnecessary in case they had desired to reach their port of embarkation with the least expense of labour and time. In this part of their journey, we several times meet with the humble acknowledgment of sea- sons in which they w^ere favoured with the consoling and refreshing presence of the blessed Head of the Church, opening at times the heavenly mysteries in his wisdom and power, to the edification and joy of the faithful; and to him alone the praise is ascribed. MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 71 About ten days were diligently employed in Philadelphia and its vicinity in visiting the sick, and in the attendance of meetings ; and, having had "many humbling and confirming seasons there in the service of their Lord and Master," they crossed the Delaware into !N"ew Jersey, having the com- pany of Israel and John Pemberton, two Friends who had long held a conspicuous place among the worthies of their day. Proceeding southwardly, they visited the meetings of Friends in the vicinity of the river and bay of Delaware, and along the sea-coast of Plainfield, and thence to Kew York. Their gospel labours in New Jersey, and at the few meetings which they at- tended within the limits of E'ew York, ap- pear to have been satisfactory to them- selves and at times attended with much enlargement in relation to the doctrines of life and salvation. The island of !N'antucket seemed, in this as in the former journey, to have been a 72 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. particular object of concern; for after pass- ing through ITew York and Connecticut, with very little detention on the road, to l^ewport, Rhode Island, and spending about ten days there, to the mutual com- fort and encouragement of themselves and their friends, they embarked for that island. There they remained more than three weeks, diligently labouring in the work of the gospel, and, after the example of the apostle, teaching them in their public assemblies, and from house to house. When they felt clear of Nantucket, they returned to Rhode Island: thence, after being a few days there, they proceeded to some meetings in the interior ofl^ew York, where, he says, '^ the Lord was pleased to manifest the glory of his power, and open the mystery of his pure truth to the renown of his own name." From Kew York they passed through IsTew Jersey, and, without any great devia- tion from a direct road, arrived at Phila- MEMOIRS OP WILLIAM HUNT. 73 delphia in time to attend the General Meet- ing of Ministers and Elders, which was then held there in the spring, and where Friends from most parts of Pennsylvania and 'New Jersey, as well as from Delaware and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, were assembled, and where, he says, " they were refreshed one in another, through the presence of Him who lives forever." As that meeting — which was continued until the year 1799, when the time of holding the Yearly Meeting was changed from the ninth to the fourth month — was held in the third month, it appears that the labours thus far briefly noticed occupied "William Hunt and his companion throughout the winter of 1770-71. The time between the close of the General Meeting just referred to and the beginning of the fifth month was chiefly employed in visiting the meetings on both sides of the Delaware which were located at no great distance from Philadelphia. Among the 74 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. Friends thus visited, William Hunt had a number of relatives in ISTew Jersey, and the meetings with them, he says, " were very comfortable, being seasoned with the sa- voury salt and pure seed of life, in the sense whereof we parted in great tender- ness." The names of the relatives here alluded to are not mentioned; but as John Woolman was a first-cousin to William Hunt, was then living a few miles from Philadelphia, and about a year after that time embarked for Europe on a similar ser- vice, we may reasonably suppose that he was one of the number, and that the parting of such congenial spirits would, under exist- ing circumstances, be particularly tender. On the 4th of the fifth month, 1771, they went, at Chester, fifteen miles below Phila- delphia, on board the ship Mary and Eliza- beth, of which James Sparks* was master. •^ This appears to have been the same vessel and cap- tain that carried John Woolman and Samuel Emlen across the Atlantic in the fifth month, 1772, MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 75 A number of Friends accompanying them to the ship, they had a solemn meeting there, at the close of which they parted in the love of the gospel. In twenty-four hours they were out of the capes, and at the end of twenty-seven days from the time of leaving Philadelphia they were safely landed at London. From these dates it appears that the Yearly Meet- ing was just over w^hen they arrived. A few days having been spent in London, our friends proceeded — taking a number of meetings in their way — to the city of York. At one of these, we are told, many Methodists coming in, they were " led to instruct them by silence that the gospel ministry is not of man, nor by the will of man." At York, we are informed, there " was a large Quarterly Meeting of plain, solid Friends, many of whom were feelingly gathered in the name and power of truth, and became zealously concerned for the 76 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. support of the discipline and gospel order. The meeting was owned by the presence of the Great I AM, the Saviour of his people. It concluded in sweet praise to the holy name, and Friends parted in much love and unity, strengthened by their coming together." Through a portion of their journey southward from York they had the interesting company of that mother in Israel, Esther Tuke, who was then engaged in a visit to iTewcastle and the northern counties. Near Pardshaw, where a large meeting was then held, we find them strengthened and refreshed by the company of two female ministers, Hannah Harris and her companion, Wilkinson, who had visited America in the service of the gospel. The former is spoken of as a woman of deep experience, with a large and lively gift in the ministry. Of these worthies little is probably now known ; but of them and many others, "whose names have MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 77 perished from the earth," we may humbly trust that their record is on high. The journey which was accomplished through the northern counties of England, and some parts of Scotland, though at- tended with the exercises which usually appertain to such engagements, was not marked by many incidents which would be interesting to readers of the present day. At the time of this visit, the Society of Friends appears to have been greatly re- duced in Scotland; yet there were some who were glad to see these gospel messen- gers. At Urie, the ancient seat of the Barclay family, they lodged with Robert Barclay, the great-grandson of the Apolo- gist, by whom they were kindly enter- tained.* * When Richard Jordan paid a religious visit to Europe about the beginning of the passing century, he was led in the course of his travels to this place, and found the ancient residence of the Apologist in possession of a young 78 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. Yorkshire appears to have been a great field of labour to them ; for they " visited that county throughout, being at upward of seventy meetings; and though we had," says he, "many painful exercising seasons, yet the Lord, in his wonted goodness, was graciously pleased to help us, and to give many comfortable opportunities, to the re- freshing of our minds and the strengthen- ing of his people." They twice attended the Quarterly Meeting of Lancashire, and, proceeding to Liverpool, in order to em- bark for Ireland, attended the meetings man, one of his descendants, of the name of Robert Bar- clay. Though this young man made no profession with Friends, he still cherished the memory and preserved many relics of his worthy ancestor. Richard Jordan was hospitably received by him, and was favoured with an im- pressive religious opportunity, in which his youthful host was greatly tendered, and melted into tears. I heard Richard Jordan relate the circumstance. After the oppor- tunity was past, some one who had been present intimated an apprehension that the spirit of Robert Barclay, the Apologist, was hovering over them. MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 79 there, at one of which William Hunt men- tions, "Tne Lord was pleased to give ns a blessed earnest of his love, power, and presence, that should accompany us into Ireland." A passage of twenty-six hours trans- ported them across the Irish Sea to Dublin. After visiting many parts of Ireland, appa- rently all where meetings of Friends were established, their labours on that island were closed at Dublin, where they began. At the national meeting, which was very large, we are told, '' to the praise of Israel's Shepherd, who never fails to stretch forth a hand to help those that seek him aright, the many sittings for worship and discipline were evidently favoured with the owning power and presence of truth, wherein the minds of engaged Friends were much en- larged in wisdom and heavenly knowledge, to communicate sundry weighty advices, both to men's and women's meetings, re- commending closely to them their taking 80 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. charge of God's glory and truth's testi- mony in the several quarters of that king- dom." Having had many strengthening and con firming seasons, they parted with their Friends " in the love of the pure mystery shed abroad in their hearts." At a First- day Meeting previous to their embarkation he says, " The Lord granted the additional seal of his sweetening presence to accom- pany their spirits." A comfortable voyage of forty-eight hours, in which the passen- gers, twelve in number, were all Friends, some of whom were going to attend the Yearly Meeting in London, brought them safely to Liverpool, for which favour the writer of the narrative expresses his grate- ful acknowledgment to the Preserver of men. IS'early a year must then have been passed on the British islands, for we find them soon afterward repairing to London to attend the Yearly Meeting there, where they had MEMOIRS OP WILLIAM HUNT. 81 the satisfaction to meet not only with many of their English Friends from town and country, who were rejoiced to see them, but also with a number of American minis- ters, who were engaged in visits to the churches there. Among these we find the names of Sarah and Deborah Morris and John Woolman. "We were," says he, " truly glad and comforted one in another." The Yearly Meeting at London, we are told, " was large, and much favoured with the owning power and presence of truth, wherein they were enabled to transact the weighty afiairs of the church to their mutual edification, comfort, and strengthen- ing one of another." A little more than two months elapsed between the close of the Yearly Meeting and the attack of the fatal disease which consigned "VYilliam Hunt to the house ap- pointed for all living; and the very brief memoirs that remain sufficiently show that 82 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. this interval was industriously occupied, partly in England and partly in the Low Countries on the continent. When reading this memoir, and observing the frequent evidence of the deep feeling of dependence upon the openings and leading of the true light, and of an active and ardent piety which it exhibits, we can hardly fail to re- gret that so little was written or preserved. William Hunt plainly appears to have been one of those who performed the labours of M a long life in a few years ; and although, according to human estimation, he seems to have been cut off in the flower of his days, he was gathered in his season as one fully ripe. LETTERS OF WILLIAM HUNT TO VARIOUS INDIVIDUALS. TO URIAH WOOLMAN. KiRKLINGTON IN CUMBERLAND, > Sth mo. 7th, 1771. J My dear and truly united relation, — It is with great pleasure and sv^eetness of mind I put pen to paper in order to convey the intelligence that we are yet in the land of the living. Though trying dispensations and proving seasons are often the portion of our allotment, assigned by the great Father, yet he hath not left us altogether in oblivion, but hath hitherto brought up the life out of every horrible pit and lonesome spot to rejoice in his holy name, and to sing praises as before the cherubims of 83 84 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. glory; who had no might to deliver or strength to bring forth, but in him with whom riches and wisdom, skill and under- standing, still remain ; and his hand, being full of blessings, is yet open to his depend- ing children. With deep thankfulness, reverence, and fear, in an humbling sense of his goodness, all that lives and moves within me of the immortal union says hallelujah ! glory and renown to his worthy name who rules in the kingdom of heaven, and hath not forsaken the children of men. Ilosanna to him and the Lamb forever. Amen. Most inwardly beloved friend and cousin, it is with feeling affection I very nearly salute thee, with thy dear wife, and fer- vently desire that the God of truth and perfect wisdom may ever be near to prepare your way, and sanctify your stepping along through the shady vale of probation, keep- ing the mind under an holy watchful sense, and pressing after the prevalence of pure truth, wherein is safe dwelling, and a quiet habitation to the weary soul in every day of trouble. Oh, saith my soul, that thou, bone of my bone, in a twofold relation, to CORRESPONDENCE. 85 whom my life is very nearly gathered, in the heavenly mystery and union of gospel fellowship, not easy to describe in language with pen and ink; but we read: "The Spirit searcheth out the deep things ;" yea, ever since mine eye saw I loved thee with a pure and undefiled love. Thou hast been as my brothers, — as though twins in one and the same family, receiving nourishment from one breast. That thou mayest per- severe in the way of truth and increase in righteousness, is my ardent petition to the Fountain of pure help. "We are, through merciful regard, favoured with tolerable health ; we pursue our journey with great diligence, and are now just ready to enter Scotland. If life should be continued, we may in succeeding time give thee a further account of our progress in this strange land. In the. mean time I remain, with sincere regard, thy affectionate friend and cousin, Wm. Hunt. 86 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. TO THE SAME. Liverpool, 1st mo. 11th, 1772. It is with feeling nearness and uniting regard I now salute my dearly beloved cousin, letting him know that, through merciful regard, we are favoured with health, and have made a considerable pro- gress in this nation. I received two very agreeable letters from thee, one dated in the fifth month and the other in the tenth. The real satisfaction and comfort they gave me, none but a second self can judge. The cordial notes of true friendship in the union of soul, from feeling connections expressed, were truly satisfactory. And, dear cousin, though we have many weary steps and soli- tary moments, deep wadings and close exercises in our pilgrimage through this land, yet being nearly united, and my com- panion very aifectionate, respectful, and kind, makes it much easier. May we, dear cousin, dwell deep in the pure root from whence all our fresh springs arise, and where the fountain of living water is known, that our habitation may flourish, the true Shepherd of Israel delighting to CORRESPONDENCE. 87 bring us to the fold where we may feed on heavenly bread, and lie down under the shadow of his wing with true delight, know- ing him to be the staff and stay of our minds, where we may not only pass over Jordan, and wrestle for the blessing, but make war against the spirit of this world and the deceitfulness thereof, which is hid in the mystery of iniquity, to betray the seed of life, and lull the mind into a de- ceitful peace; to withhold the joy of salva- tion from our souls, and to prevent the Sun of Righteousness from rising with healing balm to all our wounds. Very amiable is the beauty of that fellowship and oneness w^hich I feel to thee ; may it ever tend to sink our minds deeper to the original source from whence it receives its being: then shall the cords of our unity grow stronger and stronger, until the winding-up of our probation here, and our arrival at the desired port, to partake of the full frui- tion with cemented spirits made perfect by faith in the promises. Sweet is often the revival in my memory of the many precious and pleasant moments we have had together from our youth. «8 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. With united regard to thy wife, I remain, affectionately, thine in the love of the truth. Wm. Hunt. to the same. Colchester, 6th mo. 25th, 1772. Truly united cousin, — In the continued feeling of true brotherly regard, in the heavenly relation of the inner man, accord- ing to the tender mercies of our God, I salute thee, and inform thee that we are in health. I received thy very acceptable letter of the third month, which ministered humbling satisfaction to my mind in the sense of the aboundings of that union which is pure. We parted with dear cousin John two days since,* who then was as well as usual. He has great and acceptable service here. The singularity of his appearance is not only strange, but very exercising to many valuable Friends who have had several opportunities of conference with him. The purity of his ministry gains * Meaning, no doubt, John Woolman, who had then re- cently arrived in England. CORRESPONi)ENCE. 89 universal approbation. I hope he stands on that foundation which will bear him through all. He is now going toward Yorkshire, and we are bending for E'or- wich, in company with Sarah and Deborah Morris. Since I wrote to thee from Liver- pool, in the first month, we have been through England, which was a laborious exercising journey ; but Divine help was near to support, and enabled us to pass through many trying dispensations ; blessed be His holy name who is worthy to have the first fruit of all our labours. We now propose, if the Lord opens the way accord- ing to present prospects, shortly to embark for Holland. Thus I give thee a short hint of our stepping along. I shall always re- joice to hear from thee if well, and to sym- pathize with thee if otherwise, as my life is so much wrapt up in that harmonious sweetness of which we so often partook, that neither length of time nor separation of our little frames in the least abates its circulation ; but with renewed satisfaction I remember the pleasant moments we have enjoyed together. Please to give my love 90 MEMOIRS OF WlLLIAxM HUNT. to thy dear wife and all our relations. In affectionate nearness, thy loving cousin, Wm. Hunt. to the same. EoTTERDAM, 8th mo. 7th, 1772. In a renewed sense of that goodness under whose sweetening influence we have had many gracious united seasons, I dearly salute thee, and inform thee that, through Divine regard, we are in health. Ahout ten days ago we embarked for Holland, had a good passage to Amsterdam, where we stayed some days, and then came to this place. The number of Friends in this land is but small ; yet a few there are who re- ceived us gladly, to whom I trust our labour of love in the ministry of the gospel Avill be profitable and strengthening. Beloved cousin, as thou art often a sub- ject of my solid remembrance, with true desire that thou mayest experience the dew of heaven to refresh the little plant of re- nown, I thought it might be acceptable to hear from us that the Shepherd of Israel is still near wherever his voice in wisdom directs our feet; blessed be his gracious CORRESPONDENCE. 91 name. Mayest tliou attend to it, to the laying of a good foundation against the time to come, when all sublunary good shall disappear. This is indeed the crown of all our labours, that when he shall appear we may be like him, fit for the Father's mansion. Let not the perishing things of this world deprive us of so great a weight of glory. I expect our stay here will not be long, and may let thee know further in due time. S. Emlen, who is now with us, and my dear companion, join in love to thee and thy wife. In haste, and with affec- tionate nearness, thy sincere friend and cousin in every distant land. Wm. Hunt. Amsterdam, 8th mo. 18th, 1772. My dearly beloved relations :* — In a fresh sense of that goodness which everywhere brings the whole family of obedient chil- * The four preceding letters appear to have been ad- dressed to Uriah Woolman ; but the present one was evi- dently designed for two or more relations, of whom, pos- sibly, Uriah Woolman may have been one ; but I find nothing in the letter or its address which indicates who those relations were. 92 MEMOIllS OF WILLIAM HUNT. dren into one spirit and communion ol life, wherein they rejoice with exceeding joy one in another, whether absent or pre- sent in the little frames of declining clay ; in this pure life they are fed and their souls nourished by the supplies of the fresh springs: being fitly framed in mind, they become God's building, formed throughout after his image, in righteousness, purity, faith, patience, hope, and charity, wdiich is the end of the commandments. Out of a pure mind I nearly salute you, and inform that we are all well. I wrote of our inten- tion of coming to Holland, soon after which we embarked with Samuel Emlen, who stayed in Holland about seven days, and then returned for England. At our first coming it seemed to be my business to example the people to silence, a practice with which many under our name, as well as others, are too little acquainted, and so miss the advantage arising from the worship in spirit and in truth, which only is and can be pro- fitable. After we had passed through that dispensation of silence, which continued in this city for five meetings, some of which were very large, being attended by other CORRESPONDENCE. 93 people, the Lord graciously opened tlie spring of true ministry, and enabled us to speak of those things which appertain to his kingdom ; blessed be His worthj^ name who is still the sufficiency of his depending ones who lean upon him. There is a sober, seeking people in this land, though not gathered to us as a people, with whom we had many comfortable seasons in meetings and in families. We are this day intending to take shipping for England. I have sent a letter for my dear wife,* &c. I conclude, your affectionate friend and cousin, Wm. Hunt. * It is an affecting consideration that this letter to his beloved wife cannot have reached her until some time after he was consigned to the grave. Residing as she did in the interior of North Carolina, several weeks must have been required to convey a letter from Amsterdam to her place of abode ; and, as he died about three weeks after the date of the above letter, it is not improbable that this communication — certainly one of the last he ever addressed to her — may have been received at the same time with the mournful intelligence that she would see him no more in mutability, (See page 150.) 94 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. TO ZACHARIAS DICKS. The following letter appears without date, but as the Friend to whom it was addressed bore "William Hunt company in the year 1767, through a considerable part of his visit to the Middle and Eastern pro- vinces, now States, it may be supposed that it was written some time prior to that journey. The allusion to him as a com- panion probably relates to some minor ser- vices of which no record appears in the MS. volume. Dear friend Zacharias Dicks : — ISTot hav- ing opportunity to converse, I send this little ambassador to convey some fruit I lately got from the holy land, a little spike- nard and myrrh, the choice spices with which our Lord was anointed before he passed through that painful dispensation of suffering. My mind hath been in a true calm and quiet for some days, free from tempest or tossing of any kind, so that I was ready to conclude that I should have no more to do than sometimes to eat this pleasant fruit, and drink of the well that stands in the CORRESPONDENCE. 95 midst of the court of God. But as I was thus musing with deep admiration, and humble adoration to the great name that had freed me from all my great and sore trials, which, the Lord only knows, were many and grievous to bear, I thought 1 spied a little opening like that which thou knowest lies under the threshold of the house of God, and it ran toward the south, and pointed toward the north, like the glancing of a candle by a glass window, that some of these fruits must be conveyed to those inhabitants ; and as thou art a choice companion to me of God, in the moving of that endeared goodwill which had subsisted between us from the begin- ning, I give the hint, to the end that thou may est keep steady under the preparing hand, that when the full time comes thou mayest be ready to gird on the instrument of war, and appear as a soldier well dis- ciplined therein. I am at all times thy assured friend, "Wm. Hunt. In the MS. volume, to which allusion has been several times made, we find the sub- joined notice of a testimony delivered on 96 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. the 18th of second month, 1770, at a First- day meeting in ISTorth Carolina. The date of this communication, we may observe, was a few years prior to the Revolutionary War; and there can be little doubt that numbers of those who were then present were witnesses about ten years afterwards to the destructive operations of the con- tending armies. " William Hunt, in his testimony, which was very extensive, at that time, after ear- nestly exhorting us individually to examine our foundation whereon we had built, or were building, in urging the necessity of such an examination, used the following expressions : — ' The Lord will visit this land with his judgments, and then it will be known who hath built on the sure founda- tion and who hath not ; for in that time of deep trial the hypocrites, formalists, and nominal Quakers will not only suffer, but many will perish and come to naught, while those who have built on the sure Rock of Ages will be preserved by him in the midst of those trials as in the hollow of his hand. And there are men grown, and CORRESPONDENCE. 97 now within the audience of my voice, that will see these things come to pass.' " The following letters were evidently- written during the last journey, partly in America and partly in Europe. TO ELEAZAR HUNT. Philadelphia, 25tli of 4th month, 1771. Dearly beloved brother : — By these thou mayest understand that we are favoured with a good state of health, after a laborious journey in a cold country.* And although our stay in this land has been much longer than I expected when I parted with thee, yet I dare not call in question the propriety of our stay being consistent with the Divine will, since I have had to believe that I have passed through some dispensations which, if rightly applied, will be of lasting ad- vantage, as preparatory for further service, having sometimes been favoured with the opening of the heavenly mystery and glory of the gospel beyond what I ever had be- * The winter of 1770-71 was chiefly occupied in visit- ing New England, the climate of which could not fail to be severely felt by an inhabitant of North Carolina. y© MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. fore. Yet I would rather speak of those things which are my constant companions, — poverty, weakness, distress, nakedness, the wormwood and the gall ; my soul hath them still in remembrance, and is deeply humbled, being mostly led in a close, plain way. Though there are a number that say amen to the truth, yet I think no age ever afforded an instance more clear of the true ministry being a spectacle to angels and to men than this. Our esteemed friends Samuel Neale and Joel Oxley came to this city about three days ago, and gave us a comfortable account of your state. Dear brother, my mind is often toward you in the love and beauty of gospel regard, with strong desires for your persevering by a gentle advancement in the heavenly march after the Lamb, keeping under that pure and holy sense through which we have often been baptized into one body, and be- come heirs of the true mystery where the treasures of wisdom remain, in the sense whereof my spirit is deeply bowed ; and in language of the sincerest affection I con- clude, and desire that we may be com- panions in the faith, tribulations, and CORRESPONDENCE. 99 patience of Jesus our Holy Head. My very dear love to thy wife and all the children, and to Silas and Mary Williams. Thy brother, William Hunt. TO THE SAME. Dublin, 29th of 4th month, 1772. Dear and well-beloved brother : — Though thy tedious silence has been a matter of uneasiness, and query what is the cause ; since our interest in each other is twofold, having sprung from the same parentage, and been brought forth in the immortal seed, wherein is the union of spirits in the unction of pure love, we cannot but travail deeply for preservation ; and, as this ardent concern prevails, it is wont to impart cor- dial notes of encouragement, caution, or counsel, as the fresh spring shall open celestial converse in our minds. Yet the salutation of my very dear and united love often wafts over the great ocean to thee and all thine, with true desire that you may be gathered into the quiet habitations of safety, and that thou, beloved brother, mayest be kept green in old age by a 100 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. continual supply of nourishment from the root. As for us, our portion is in deaths oft, and perils very many ; yet Divine help has been hitherto near to support and enable us to bear a plain testimony for truth, which I hope is to the satisfaction of the sincere in heart, who see the necessity thereof, the united help of whose spirits has been very consolatory in this strange land. Cousin Thomas joins in the salutation of endeared love to thee, thy wife, and all the children, with Silas and Mary. I conclude, in affec- tionate nearness, thy loving brother, Wm. Hunt. The subjoined letter, addressed to Rachel Mills and Sarah Thatcher, is without date, but, from some passages it contains, seems to have been written in the autumn of 1770. It hath been often in my mind since I left my habitation to visit my dear friends and companions, letting them know how it fares with us. "We have mostly enjoyed a good state of health; and though many CORRESPONDENCE. 101 deep exercises attend us, yet we have had many seals of the Divine owning power and presence, so as to confirm my mind that I was in the way that was well pleasing to the Master. May we ever be content to stand in our lots, and join in a holy con- cern to come up in perfect obedience to the pure will, so far as it is made known, that we may be counted worthy to be heirs of the mystery and fellowship of truth, and also receive the evidence of our eternal in- heritance. Dear friends, I very often remember with what sweetness and unity we travelled in that mighty service of visiting families, so that we may say, in truth, -Precious in the eyes of the Lord is the fellowship of his children, and sweet the remembrance one of another, because the odour of his oint- ment sendeth forth a good smell. "We have not had many appointed meet- ings, but happen to fall in with preparative and Monthly Meetings. We are now on the way to Philadelphia, and from thence expect to proceed along the sea-shore through the Jerseys to ISTew York, from thence to Rhode Island ; and there we in- 102 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. tend, if the Lord will, to embark so soon as it appears safe. I believe it will not be un- pleasant to you to hear that my companion proves very agreeable. He has several times appeared in the ministry, to my own and friends' good satisfaction. With the salutation of affectionate regard to you and your families, I am your friend, William Hunt. to thomas thornburgh, sen. York, England, Gth mo. 27, 1771. Dearly beloved friend : — As a feeling of deep regard often revives thee very lively in memory, with a degree of that uniting sweetness which I had for thee from the beginning, in my very childish years, and which hath ever since accompanied our spirits through the different scenes of life, that have attended the little frame in the torrent of time ; I therein now (though in a far-distant and strange land) very feelingly and affectionately salute thee in the cement- ings of the pure seed of life, which still re- mains near to be our support through every trying dispensation, and which hath abun- CORRESPONDENCE. 103 dantly opened our way in the glorious mystery of the gospel beyond my expecta- tion, for which, with every favour received, I desire to offer that acceptable sacrifice, — a broken heart and a bowed mind. Mayest thou, dear Thomas, with humbling concern, press after that holy sense and savour of life wherein are safety, preserva- tion, and quiet dwelling. As to thy son, let it suffice he is well in the seed; we travel in true unity and perfect harmony, yet not without trials; but true love in the union of souls overcomes all, in that which feels beyond the expression of words. I shall draw to a conclusion in true sym- pathy, with desires that mercy and truth may be the vouchsafed companions of my friend till the curtain of eternal night may be drawn, the evening sun be set, and he bid adieu to the realms of woe and bitter- ness; but the nobler part ascend to its heavenly mansion, and the glory of its im- mortal inheritance. William Hunt, 104 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. TO THE SAME. Lancashire, 5th mo. 19, 1772. Dearly united friend : — My love and life in tlie pure unchangeable truth salute thee, wherein my spirit has been enfolded in thine through many salutations ; yea, when the adversary determined to cut off thy hope from the land of the living, and sepa- rate thee from thy brethren in the mystery of faith and patience, when the powers of darkness wrought and were strong; then mine eye saw thee a prisoner of hope, and the strong arm of the Lord underneath, to bear thee above the floods of many afflic- tions ; and my soul loved thee and clave to thee in that day, because of thy distresses, and was gathered in the holy union of hidden life to thy afflicted mind. These things have often turned in my mind since I last saw thee, with sincere desires that thou mayest experience all those turnings sanctified to the preparing of our immortal salvation, for that part which hath sojourned through a series of probations before thou art numbered to thine appointed lot. I often remember thee with feeling nearness, CORRESPONDENCE. 105 fancying myself enclosed in thy arms, according to thy wonted kindness and affection from my very childhood, which I trust always to remember with gratitude. Perhaps thou wilt like to hear from me respecting thy son, or rather mine, since I have borne him in the bond of the gospel. It is with humbling thankfulness to the Father of all our mercies that I may inform thee I have my desires to him to a wish ; he submits in all things as a son to a father, grows in experience, and appears very prettily at times in a small testimony, wherein he is favoured with the deep sym- pathy of sensible friends. Perhaps few, if any, have travelled so long with less diffi- culty and more harmony. I received thy kind and truly acceptable letter of the eleventh month last, which ministered fresh consolation to my low and often dejected mind, that I was still re- tained in memory and fellowship, which I esteem above all earthly things. Remember us very dearly to Henry Mills, his wife and children, sister Ann Hunt and hers, with thy own. I hope I need not put thee in mind of advising my 106 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. clear wife and little flock, giving them such advice as they shall need in spiritual or temporal afikirs. The love which has subsisted between us and with us from the beginning will descend to our oflspring, as it is often a solid satis- faction to my mind to have a branch of the root, to whom my life is so nearly gathered in the holy mystery and union of pure gospel fellowship. And now, dear Thomas, I must wind up the chain of scribbling, take my leave, and bid thee adieu. I rest thy poor little friend, but true and faithful companion in my exercises. That we may continue in faith and patience which hopeth to the end, which crowns all, is the travail in spirit of thine in the love of truth, William Hunt. • The following letter from William Hunt to his children appears, from its date, to have been written about two weeks after leaving home upon his last journey, and, consequently, after taking a leave which proved to be a final one to those tender ob- jects of his affection. CORRESPONDENCE. 107 My dear children : — There is a deep con- cern often remains on ray mind for you, that you may grow in the pure truth, and witness the rewards of perfect obedience thereto, which is hfe forever ; and then you will be instructed to keep clear of all evil conversation, and to seek after that which is good. Be at peace among yourselves. Eemember not to concern yourselves with other people's afiairs, or to talk of them ; but diligently mind and look after your own business, that you may live in credit and free from want. Mind your reading, and improve what you can in writing ; but above all things seek to be acquainted with the truth, which will lead you into all tem- poral and spiritual virtues. The God of my life, whom I have loved all my days, keep and preserve you to the honour and praise of his great name, to whom I leave and commend you. Your aflectionate father, W. Hunt. The 3d of 11th mo., 1770. 108 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. TO THE BAME. Philadelphia, 4th of 5t]i month, 1771. My dear and well-beloved children : — Feeling m}^ mind often drawn toward you with deep concern for your preservation in the pure and holy truth, that your tender minds may not be drawn away into the spirit of this world, unto unprofitable com- pany, after youthful lusts, in vanity, pride, and disobedience, which lead down to the chambers of death; wherefore, my dear children, seek the fear of the Lord, that you may be a comfort to your tender mother. Live in love. Keep out of all jars and un- seemly conversation, with loud talking. If you diligently observe this my counsel, then will you make my heart glad and my spirit to rejoice for 3'our preservation in the God of my salvation, who hath called me from you for the glorious hope of the gospel of peace. But if, otherwise, you run into these things which bring dishonour to him and his truth, you will be a means of bringing my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave. I am, with my dear companion, well, and CORRESPONDENCE. 109 we intend, if the Lord will, to embark [shortly] for England. That the Lord of my life, who visited me w^hen very young, and brought me into the glorious habitation of his truth, may reveal in you the same mystery, is the fervent prayer of your affec- tionate parent, W. H. TO THE SAME. Liverpool, 1st mo. 8th, 1772. My dearly-beloved children : — It is with the most deep and inward concern of parental affection that I now put pen to paper in order to convey some hints, not only as a token of true love, but of concern for your present and lasting well-being. In the first place, I am fully confirmed that the God of truth and perfect wisdom hath required my absence from you for the testi- mony of truth, which in the richness of his love he hath given me to bear before the nations of many people; and it is with joy unspeakable, in the bowels of feeling ten- derness and true regard toward you, that my mind is often turned toward you, with fervent breathing to the God of all grace 110 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. and glory, that he may be pleased in his unmerited mercy to extend the visitation of his love so efiectually as to gather you to the true knowledge of himself, and keep you through all the slippery spots of youth, that not one of you may ever be a dis- honour to His great name, or reproach the Lord's blessed truth, for which glorious cause I am now in a distant land, separated from social converse with the nearest en- joyments. But ail these wants are supplied by that peace which remains in Him with whom all fulness dwells. And now, dear children, I would earnestly remind you carefully to attend to the advice of your affectionate mother in things both civil and religious, as her experience is much more than yours : be sure to give it a due weight in your minds, that the blessing of Him who lives forever may rest upon all your dwell- ings. Your affectionate parent, W. Hunt. TO THE SAME. Amsterdam, 17th of 8th mo., 1772. My dear children : — Being desirous to maintain an intimate acquaintance with CORRESPONDENCE. Ill you in every distant land where my lot is cast for the work's sake, whereunto Divine Wisdom, in the riches of his mercy, has seen meet to call me on his errands, that my care for you in all things may fully appear, I send you a token, not only of re- gard, but of deep concern that you may grow up in the fear of the Lord and have his holy dread always before your eyes, that thereby you may be enabled to refrain from all youthful lusts and wrong things. Keep- ing in innocency, you will feed in the valleys of deep humility, and drink of the brook which is the fountain of living waters in the truly humbled heart and bowed mind, wherein the Lord delights to dwell by his power and spirit, to refine, wash, and purify from all the leprosy of sin and vile affections that rule in the children of dis- obedience, who are led by the spirit of this world. Oh, my children, let these things sink deep in your hearts, and treasure them up in the secret of your minds, that I may have joy in you, and that you may rejoice in time to come in that you gave up the bloom of life to serve the Lord. Eemember the former advices which I have given you. 112 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. Adhere, I beseech you, to the repeated counsel and admonition of your affectionate mother, and count it none of the least of favours to you that she is still continued with you through much weakness and affliction of body. This is the Lord's doing, and ought to be humbling to your minds. We are well in every way, blessed be the great name of our God, who is our staff and shield, bow and battle-axe, whithersoever he directs our feet. His sweetening power and presence accompany our minds. Glory, worship, and praise to Him that lives for- ever. Amen. We intend to take shipping to-mon'ow for England. Your affectionate father, W. Hunt. By recurring to the memoir, we find that only eleven days intervened between the date of the last of the above letters and the time when the writer was seized by his final disorder. This communication was, there- fore, probably the last Avhich he addressed to his children. N'early eighty years have passed away since the last of these letters was written ; and of the children to whom CORRESPONDENCE. 113 they were addressed one still is, or recently was, among the living. His son N'athan, a worthy and highly- valued minister, attended some sittings of the Yearly Meeting at Kew Garden, [N'orth Carolina, in the autumn of 1849. Our friend Nathan Hunt, then up- ward of ninety years of age, evidently re- tained his religious sensibility unimpaired, though, from the encroachments of age, his physical as well as mental powers in other respects had greatly declined. He was manifestly regarded by his friends as a patriarch in the church, worthy of double honour. TO THE QUARTERLY MEETING OF MINISTERS AND ELDERS AT NEW GARDEN, GUILFORD COUNTy, NORTH CAROLINA. Dublin, Ireland, 26th of 4th mo., 1772. Most dear and inwardly beloved Friends, fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, companions and yoke-fellows, in the pure mystery of the gospel relation, with whom my life in Christ remains hid, so that time and distance only serve to strengthen the cords and renew the cordial notes of celes- tial converse, in the fresh spring and 114 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. unction of true love. God only knows, you are written on the table of my heart, and printed in the secret of my mind, where I often read with great consolation in the midst of many trials, which, indeed, have not been few since we parted with you and every connection in this world. But He who raised our Lord from the dead hath strengthened us by the renewing of our in- ward man in himself, in whom we experience sufficiency, which still remains equal to every allotment pointed out in his wisdom ; I also at times feel the help of your spirits ascend as sweet incense from the holy altar. The concurrence, also, of faithful brethren here with our service hath been truly com- fortable and confirming, that the God of all grace and glory hath not only called us into a strange land, but hath owned our labours of love in the hope of the gospel, to the joy of the sincere in heart. To Him that is all in all I desire ever to dedicate the first- fruits of all my labours, who is worthy of salvation and glory forever. Amen. And now, dearly beloved, and longed-for in the holy union where the covenant of our spirits stand firm, though far absent in CORRESPONDENCE. 115 body, yet, being fitly framed according to the rule and measure of glory which our God in his abundant mercy hath revealed unto us through the spirit of his beloved Son, we cannot be separated ; but, as we draw sap from the root that bare us, we are grafted in the vine, and remain members one of another, feeding at the same table. Still, I have nothing to communicate but that w^hich you have known from the be- ginning. Hold fast, I beseech you, that which you have received, improving in the gift as workmen that need not be ashamed, learning how to divide the word and work aright, discerning w^hen to speak and when to be silent. This I still find to be a close thing ; and oh that they who are elders and companions of those that bear the ark be- fore the congregation may go down with them into Jordan, and see the wonders of the Most High in the deep, dividing the waters in the holy mystery hither and thither, and casting up a way for the seed of promise ! so shall they be endued with a sound judgment and a good understanding, being able to speak a word in season to the weary travellers who may be sometimes 116 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. halting behind their gifts; also, to offer a hint of advice, caution, and counsel to such as are in danger of moving before the true anointing of the pure word which was in the beginning. Thus all may be preserved in the comely order of truth, and you flourish as by the fountains and fresh springs of Shiloh, in the unity of the spirit and perfect bond of consolation one in another. And, dearly beloved, I entreat above all things that you let nothing cold or shy prevail among you, under any pre- tence whatsoever, for that eateth as a canker in the mystery of iniquity, to mar the beauty of our fellowship, wherein is beauty and strength. I speak freely, be- cause I love with unfeigned regard, and believe you will receive this little offering, though mean. Yet it is a fragment of the abundance which is often treasured up in my heart toward you. May it be received from your younger brother in the faith and patience which hopeth and endureth to the end. Farewell, in Him in whom all fulness dwells. William Hunt. The first of the following letters appears, CORRESPONDENCE. 117 from its date, to have been written in his twentieth year ; yet it seems to have been preceded by at least one religious visit to distant Friends. Those to David Brooks were written during his last journey. TO WILLIAM STANLEY. 10th of 4tli mo., 1753. My dear and w^ell-beloved friend: — In the sweetness and oneness of spirit do I salute thee at this time, and also acquaint thee that I am reasonably well at present, through Divine favour; and the nearness and dearness that I feel to thee cause me oftentimes to retire alone in secret, where my cup is made to overflow, and I am near in spirit, though absent in body, deprived of the sweet conversation one with another, which seems, I think, the greatest enjoy- ment we have in this life. But, oh, my dear friend, great hath been the travail and exercise of soul and spirit which I have had since I saw thy face, — so great that some- times I am ready to give up the cause and conclude I never shall be able to go through 80 great and fiery a trial. Many bitter cups 118 MEMOIKS OF WILLL\M HUNT. have I drunk, but this seems the bitterest that ever I had, there being provings within and trials without, which bow me very low into the deep, so that I could desire at times, if it w^ere my dear Eedeemer's will, to take me away from this world, and put a period to all my exercises and trials, where I might remain for evermore ; for indeed I feel but little else than tribulation and trials in this life. But, my loving friend, the Lord hath a glorious work to do for his holy name and truth upon the earth. If we can be so wise as to be faithful to him, he will make us as valiants in Israel for truth's cause. Therefore, be not discouraged be- cause of trials that abound ; for know this, the Lord will have a proved people upon the earth, that will not turn their backs in the day of battle ; therefore let us wait in true faith and patience to hear the still small voice that speaks when the mind is brought down into true silence of all flesh, drawn from earth heavenward, to wait upon the Divine Being, to feel the arising of light and life with dominion, which will give power and victory over every unclean spirit, and chain the old accuser of the COKRESPONDENCE. 119 brethren. So, my dear and well-esteemed friend in the aboundino-s of sweet love and life, do I write these few words, not think- ing myself worthy to advise thee in these things ; only we may communicate a little to each other concerning our pilgrimage through this vale of tears and tabernacle of grief, for the confirmation and consolation one of another in the everlasting truth of our God, who hath made known the riches of his goodness unto us. Therefore, my beloved in the Lord Jesus Christ, let us not think that he has forsaken us because he is pleased to bring us through the fiery fur- nace of trials for the purifying of our out- ward man, so that we may be pure and clean, fit temples for the Lord of life and light to dwell in, and to receive the pure wine of the kingdom for the soul. So, my dear friend in love and life, do I exhort thee to be of good cheer under thy trouble and exer- cise, yet not in folly ; bear about the marks of our dear Eedeemer in all meekness and humility, knowing this, — that all which can happen to us here is as nothing in com- parison of the crown of immortality and eternal bliss which we shall receive as a re- 120 MEMOIKS OF WILLIAM HUNT. ward if we are faithful and faint not. The cause, in some measure, of my exercise is, that Satan, who labours every way to lay waste the heritage of God, hath sown his seed, raised discord among brethren, to the bowing down of the faithful children of the Most High God. Oh, the bitterness he hath caused in some hearts against me ! and I know not for what, except it be for the trial of my faith. I had not read thy letter, neither first nor last, when I wrote my letter to thee by Ann Moore, which when I saw I greatly rejoiced, being thankful to God that he was pleased to put in thy heart to write for my encouragement. As to my coming into those parts next summer, I cannot tell ; but it rests with weight and sweetness on my mind to come and visit you again; but I must wait the Lord's own due and appointed time : until then I dare not move. Thy well-wishing friend and brother in the tribulation and patience of holy Jesus. William Hunt. OOKRESPONDENCE. 121 TO DAVID BROOKS. Nantucket, 15tli of 2d mo., 1771. My right dear and truly well-beloved friend, whom I often remember in that which laid the corner-stone and structure of our building in the heavenly mystery and fellowship of the sons of gospel light, to wit, true love in the pure seed, which hath been revealed and shed abroad in our hearts, to the bringing of us near to God in the communion of our spirits. May that of a deep and humbling concern possess our minds to hold our integrity, and keep the first love pure, with a noble resolution well becoming the fortitude of lamb-like warriors, earnestly pursuing a further re- finement, that the Most High may delight to deposit the holy treasure in the temple that himself hath made clean through the brightness of his coming. Eemember, therefore, and always bear in mind from whom thou wast called, and whereunto thou art called, to be a servant of Christ and to his church. Therefore let a deep travail and laborious exercise of mind be kept close unto, that neither the shame of 122 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. uncleanness nor of uncomeliness may bo seen or discovered, but all hid by the mantle of Divine love, more especially in the house or church of Christ, whether in worship or discipline. Let it be the fervent prayer of thy heart to demean thyself in meekness as a follower of the Lamb, that the great I AM may be pleased to inform thy judgment, and open thy understanding with true wisdom and knowledge to divide the word of truth aright, holding forth the glorious mystery of gospel truth like a well- instructed scribe, who bringeth out of his treasure the dilFerent portions suitable for the household. I write not to discourage thee in any thing, but that thou mayest be, according to thy own desire, "what the Lord would have thee to be." Come, therefore, beloved friend, in good earnest try thy skill ; ap- prove thyself a workman (in this holy structure) that need not be ashamed. My sincere desire is thou may be preserved from all mixtures. With a salutation of love, I subscribe, thy true friend, William Hunt. CORRESPONDENCE. 123 TO THE SAME. London, 9tli of Gth mo., 1771. Dear Friend : — As true love and deep re- gard often bring thee fresh in my remem- brance, with strong desires thon mayest war a good warfare, as a faithful soldier, properly instructed in the holy mystery of the pure word, rightly dividing the gospel truth from all mixtures of thine own will, or the suggestions of him wlio works in the deception, to draw out of the simplicity of the heavenly power and wisdom that is from above, pure and peaceable in the seed, where the purpose of true wisdom is known, and strength received to answer every re- quiring of the Divine will. As one whom I love equal to myself, I entreat, yea, and charge in the fear of God, that thou walk by the same rule, not leaning to thine own understanding, but, keeping in the humility, patience, and meekness of holy Jesus, thou mayest grow in the root and pure seed, able to bear the weight and burden of the Lord's work, in the dominion of his own spirit and power. Keep out of all heats and noisy airs, where thou mayest witness the spiritual 124 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. kingdom of Christ to grow, and know the pure mystery to be unfolded further and further. Now unto the only Tvise and true God, who is able to keep and preserve thee, through Christ Jesus his beloved Son, in every trying dispensation, to the honour of his great name, the glory of his truth, the satisfaction and benefit of his body, the church, whereunto he hath called thee by the word of his power, I recommend thee. With the salutation of love I subscribe my- self thy true and sympathizing friend, William Hunt. to the same. North Hampton, in Old England, \ 14tli of Gthmo., 1771. / Dear Friend: — Because I love thee un- feignedly in the bonds of the gospel of our Lord Jesus, therefore it is that my spirit is drawn toward thee in the pure begetting of the holy seed, wherein we have sweet communion and fellowship, and move in our heavenly march after the Captain of our salvation, under whose banner we have enlisted. Mayest thou, my beloved brother, pursue, as a devoted soldier, with all dili- CORRESPONDENCE. 125 gence, this holy warfare, not entangling thyself with this world, or the spirit of it, but keeping in the peaceable spirit of the Lamb, that thou mayest be further in- structed in those things which appertain to the glory of God, thine own growth and establishment in the mystery of the gospel power, being taught thereby to divide the word aright, seasoned with salt to thine own peace and the joy and comfort of thy brethren. Mayest thou, with thy dear wife, be rightly joined to serve the Lord, being devoted to his pure will, wherein stands our peace forever. With the affectionate salutation of love to you both, I subscribe myself thy friend, William Hunt. TO THE SAME. Cumberland, 2d of 8th mo., 1771. Dearly-beloved friend: — As I feel my mind often drawn toward thee in the pure mystery of gospel union, wherein I may nearly salute thee, with thy dear wife, and if I should repeat some former advices, it will only manifest the continuation of deep regard, feeling a fervent desire for thy 126 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. growth and increase in righteousness: wherefore, then, seek for strength that thou mayest gird on the whole armour of hght, and be a pattern of humility, meekness, and w^isdom to the believers, for hereunto God hath called thee beyond a doubt or scruple, that thou in due time shouldst be prepared to hold forth the mystery of his eternal word in the covenant of pure light. I often long to see thee, but more for thy preservation in an infant state, that nothing may nip thy tender plant, thy steppings along being sanctified by watching and prayer ; that thy feet may stand firm, abid- ing every shock and storm that may arise, from what quarter soever, that if God, in the riches of his love, see meet to continue the thread of time, so as to see each other in the vale of probation, it may be in the fulness of that unity that stands in the power of an endless life. Study to be quiet, and mind thy proper business ; seek peace and maintain the brotherhood ; dwell in that which overcomes all things, and thou shalt approve thyself as a good soldier, well instructed. These things I commit unto thee in the bonds of the gospel, CORRESPONDENCE. 127 wherein I travail deeply for thy persevering in a right march after the Lamb. We are, through Divine help, well ; the Shepherd of Israel is our keeper : although he leads us through dark and lonesome places, yet he suffers no beast of prey to devour. My life, and all that moves within me, unites under the pure seed to wish thee well through every trying dispensation, and sub- scribe myself a lover of Zion's children, and thy sincere friend, William Hunt. TO HIS SISTERS, MARGARET BEALS AND HANNAH KERSEY. LivEKrooL, 1772. My dearly-beloved sisters :— It is with feeling affection and united regard I now salute you, with our dear brother and all the children, being bound to you by a two- fold cord, having derived our being from one and the same mother. Yet, alas ! how low is this original when compared with the glory of immortal union! It is with joy unspeakable and grateful acknowledg- ment I often receive the mercies of our God in the visitations of his love, gathering us to a perfect acquaintance with himself. 128 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. Dear hearts, retain your integrity therein with true firmness ; keep under the holy and humbling sense of pure truth, that under its shadow you may witness great delight; though in this world there may seem but little but a continued scene of probation and additional afflictions, yet when methinks I feel more than usual sym- pathy, we can centre in Him where all ful- ness dwells, and the soul retreats to its native abode, witnessing the fresh springs to replenish the inward man, in the bright appearance whereof we see beyond all mutable connections to the glory of our lasting inheritance, if we can but hold fast that we have received. Be of good cheer, dear sisters, and hope to the end. Do your day's work in the da}^ ; the journey is short, the race will soon be over ; leave nothing undone till to-morrow that is discovered and put in your power to do this day ; then all is yours. Although I am the youngest, yet I have been a pattern to you and others, in that I have, by grace received through faith, made truth's cause the subject of my concern and bent of my actions from my childhood, so that, through the loving-kind- COKRESPONDENCE. 129 ness of Him whose name is Most High, that hath done all these marvellous things, I have a secret hope of being so far fully clear. As for our present situation, we often journey by faith in the promises, and not by sight, witnessing that many trials attend, not easy to describe with pen and ink, (but feeling minds can read in other lines;) yet it is a comfortable situation when we can say we know him in whom we have believed, and that with him there is no want. And now, it is in a language most feeling and affectionate I would send a hint to Cousin Amos and his brothers. Dear children, carefully mind the impres- sions of Divine love, as a teacher in your own breasts ; adhere to the advice, caution, and counsel of your mother with readiness, and by no means run counter thereto ; for if she keeps her sense of truth in so doing, you will grieve the good spirit of God, and not only bring sorrow of heart upon her, but it will return on your heads in the ap- pointed time. Let your delight be in good company, reading and meditating, loving one another, being at peace with all men : so shall the God of perfect wisdom bless 9 130 3IEM0IHS OF VvILLIAM ilUKT. you with the knowledge of his everlasting truth, which is better than bags of silver. Thus, as a token of my remembrance in the eternal and unchangeable truth, I conclude, your affectionate and very loving brother, William Hunt. A FEW WORDS IN REMEMBRANCE OF MY BROTHER, WILLIAM HUNT, DECEASED. O my brother, how lovely and pleasant thou hast been to me ! Thou hast forsaken all that was near and dear to thee in this world to follow the Lamb both by sea and land. Thou didst obey the heavenly voice, and preferred the Lord's work before thine own. Thou hast gone to and fro in many parts of the earth to sound forth the trum- pet of the Lord, and hast been able to speak a word in due season. It was thy delight to meditate on the law of the Lord. Ah, my brother, what shall I say in remem- brance of thee ? Surely I may lament the loss of such a friend ; although I have no cause to mourn though thou art laid in the silent grave, yet livingly speaketh in the hearts of many. Oh, the many deep bap- CORRESPONDENCE. 131 tisms, trials, and exercises thou liast gone through with much meekness and patience ! Thou didst improve thy talents (as if thou knewest how short thy time should be) unto the praise of Him that first did raise thy mind from earthly things to heavenly. Thou hast been a valiant soldier in the holy warfare, to promote the honour and glory of God ; so, after many hard labours and travails for the promotion of truth, thou hast ended thy days in a distant land, w^here I believe thou hast gone to everlasting rest and peace, with glory crowned, amongst saints and angels forever blest. Oh that the Lord would be pleased to raise up many more such faithful labourers in his vine- yard ! Xow we are left behind ; let it be our daily care to keep down in humility, in patience and self-denial, in reverence and holy fear before the Lord, that, when this short and uncertain time here is at an end, we may be thought w^orthy of an inherit- ance amongst the sanctified, where we may sing praises for evermore. So saith one that wisheth well to all mankind. Margaret Beals. 4th of the 2d mo., 1773. 132 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. TO HIS WIFE. My dear, loving wife: — ^Feeling a free spring of life to overspread my mind often toward thee, witli my dear children, in which I freely intercede with the Great l^ame that he may preserve you blameless in a degree of acquaintance with him. Oh, my dear children, how doth my heart and soul long for them and toward them, that they might grow up in the beauty and comeliness of God's holy truth, learning the fear of the Lord God that made them ; and thou, my dear, that hath known much of the turning of the hand of God, in the glory of his appearance, my dear love and life in Christ Jesus, I salute thee, humbly asking the Father and Fountahi of all good that he may be pleased to fill thy heart with the fulness of joy, peace, and consolation in his Holy Spirit. When I was with you I was often hurried in the affairs of life, that 1 might redeem time to serve the Lord, his truth and people, v/hich hath been my de- light from my very childhood ; and although many trials have attended, yet it is now my greatest joy that I gave the prime of age a CORRESPONDENCE. 133 freewill oiFering unto God, v/illingly passing through the many probations necessary to fit the mind in order to receive renewed springs of gospel ministry. I was evermore favoured with a truly composed mind, con- firmed in my gift and duty through the land, freely devoted and cheerfully given up in all things, in which state I witness both access and acceptance. And now, my dear heart and true love, in the beautiful feeling of the presence of our beloved Cap- tain, the Rock of our salvation, do I entreat thee to wait with my spirit for the deep feel- ing of the power of an endless life, in which we shall have amiable and sympathizing converse in the language of truth, which will be pleasant and profitable. What shall I say more than pray for the dew of the everlasting hills and presence of the Holy Shepherd to be over you ? IsTow, dear children, if I should never see you more, — which stands in God's will, — remember to love one another, and obey your dear mother, and do what she bids you with readiness. Learn to read and go to meet- ing; be sober and thoughtful. And I re- main yours in the Lord only. 134 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. And, dear sister, while I am writing to my nearest enjoyments, there is a spring of endeared affection in my heart toward thee, constantly and earnestly desiring that true peace and tranquillity of mind may rest over thee as the dew of Hermon's hill and spring of the valley, to cause the plant of God's right hand to grow and become strong and appear beautiful. In much love and affection, farewell. Wm. Hunt. 8th of 7th mo., 1767. TO THE SAME. Dear and well-beloved wife : — In the true and faithful begettings of the holy seed and beautiful spring of pure life I salute thee, with my dear children, fervently and sin- cerely desiring these may find you under the shadow of the Great Shepherd, w^here is perfect delight through every circumstance. I am with Cousin Tomma, and have been favoured w^ith a tolerable good state of health through a difficult journey, in which Divine Goodness hath often appeared in manifold instances for our help and pre- CORRESPONDENCE. 135 servation, for which I am often engaged with reverence and fear to say, Who is worthy but thou, O Lord, to receive do- minion and glory, worship and perfect obedience forever, whose works are wonder- ful, and his w^ays past finding out, — only as the Morning Star, who hath the key of David, is pleased to open the mysteries of the holy kingdom and discover the riches and wisdom thereof? And now, my dear, that thou may humbly wait with all dili- gence for instruction to conduct wisely be- fore thy own family, and in the house of God, coming up daily in a discharge of duty through every trying dispensation, is the deep travail of my spirit. And oh, my tender children, my heart and mind are moved on every remembrance of you with endeared affection, desiring above all things, my dear children, that you may walk before the Lord in his fear and dread, who then will be your crown and great reward. Once more, my dear wife and children, in much love and affection I commend you to the Watcher and Holy One, that hath been the keeper of my life in and through all hunger and nakedness, perils by sea and land ; but, 136 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. more than all these, what I have gone through on account of false brethren, the Lord only knows, who judgeth all things. Oft have I been afraid I should perish in the ruins of a backsliding people ; but He who is witnessed by a remnant to dwell be- tween the cherubims hath not given me my life for a prey, and sometimes admits me to draw near in the beaut}^ of holiness to enjoy a sweetness unspeakable. I see nothing, dear child, but that I shall return in the Lord's time, yet felt a freedom to write these lines, that, if it should prove other- wise, thou might have a hint of the travail of my soul, and know that I was at rest in the Lord God of my life, who is first and last, yea and amen, forever. We have been through the most part of 'New York and E'ew England, are now in the Jerseys, ex- pect to take a few meetings in our way to Philadelphia, from thence direct into Mary- land, a few meetings in the back part, then, if the Lord permit, home. I trust to see you the latter end af next month ; but it is best not to be uneasy. I hope to keep strictly under the Great Captain's command, in whom only we are one another's joy, CORRESPONDENCE. 137 whether absent or present. Our clear cousin Tomma does bravely as a kind, agreeable companion, and joins in dear love to thee and all our friends. Thy affectionate hus- band, William Hunt. Shrewsbury in the Jerseys, \ 2cl mo. 13, 1768. / TO THE SAME. My right dear and truly-beloved wife : — As I feel my mind drawn and sweetly open toward thee at times in the pure seed, where the union, sympathy, and fellowship of our spirits stand firm in the holy life that hath been revealed and shed abroad in our hearts by the Spirit of the Lamb, through whom we have found admittance into the heavenly mystery of pure truth, and been partakers of the glory manifested to the children of light, for which excellent hope received we are now accounted worthy of the Most High to sojourn apart for a sea- son, may. a deep humbling concern ever possess our minds to dwell in perfect resig- nation to his heavenly will, where the fountain of peace is fully known to flow 138 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. and solace the weary miud under all its fatigues and toils. We have had for most part a good and comfortable journey to this island, being kindly received amongst our brethren, and sometimes favoured with an enlargement of heart and opening into the gospel mystery, wherein we have been comforted together, and confirmed that it was the Lord's will we should come into this land. We have been about nine days on this island, and are now waiting for a fair wind to go for E-hode Island, where we have been some time : we had from thence the company of our truly-esteemed friends James Mitchel and Isaac Lawton. My dear heart, the secret prayer of my mind is, that thou ma}^ experience the fresh springs of pure wisdom and goodness to influence thy mind, so as to be ordered thereby in all things, when time nor distance will not seem long. In love to all friends, I con- clude, thy affectionate husband, Wm. Hunt. Nantucket, 2d mo, 14, 1771. CORRESPONDENCE. 139 TO THE SAME. Philadelphia, 4th mo. 25, 1771. My dear and inwardly-beloved wife : — "WTien I consider the many trying dispensa- tions and hard afflictions thou hast been brought through, of both body and mind, it leads me to renew the language, " Great and marvellous are all thy works thou God of truth ;" when to the eye of human reason it appears a wonder that thou art continued in the earthly frame to this day ; and it is beyond doubt with me that the purpose of pure Wisdom in the lengthening of time is for some great and good end ; may thou, therefore, always be kept in a truly watch- ful inward state, to the end every purpose of pure goodness respecting thee may be fully answered, dwelling in a cheerful re- signation to the Divine will in all things, where thou wilt witness a stepping peace- ably through the crowd of many cumbers, and grow in the heavenly mystery, wisdom, and increase of truth, wherein the time will not seem tedious either of my absence oi other trials that may attend ; and though it 140 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. has at times been a cross to stay so long in this land, yet, as I have great cause to be- lieve it is in the pure wisdom, — the many additional seals of his owning power and presence being near to open through the veil into the treasure of pure wisdom, — lam bound to submit, having never seen till now any vessel or time of embarking, which looks likely to be in about ten days. I am often deeply thoughtful of our chil- dren, with strong desires they may be so preserved as never to be a dishonour to the glory of that truth I am called to bear testi- mony to and for. But I trust, dear heart, thou wilt be directed by pure wisdom to in- struct them in every branch of religious duty in the simplicity of truth, and that the Most High will visit and gather them under his holy banner of pure love. Our esteemed friends Samuel 'Neal and Joseph Oxley came to this city two days past, who gave me a comfortable account of thy state and the children's, also that they believe thou wast better without me than with me, which I trust is a certain truth, since He who searches the utmost treasure of our minds bears me that testi- CORRESPONDENCE. 141 mony that nothing in this world could be the least draught to have parted with so many endearments sometimes. The above- mentioned friends desire to be kindly re- membered in love to thee and all our chil- dren, after mentioning very lively their feeling remembrance of thy cheerful, well- grounded disposition of mind. It looks likely before thou receives this letter, if the Lord of all our mercies prosper our way, we may be in Old England ; to whom I com- mend thee, with our children, and rest thy companion in many exercises, desiring you may dwell in peace with him and one another, seeking peace with all men, that the God of peace may delight to dwell richly in your hearts. Farewell. Thy affectionate husband, William Hunt. to the same. Cumberland, Old England, > 1st of 8th mo., 1771. / Dear and well-beloved wife : — I received thy very acceptable letter, dated the 12th of the 4th month last, which was cause of 142 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. joy and thankfulness to hear you were all then favoured with health, a blessing we have mostly, through merciful regard, par- took of since our parting with thee and other connections of this world. We have had, upon the whole, a comfortable journey so far, having been with many valuable Friends, whose united regard to us hath been very confirming and instructive, many of whom thou knows, to wit, John Storer, Robert Proud, Joshua Dixon, Thomas Gaw- throp, Jane Crosfield, Hannah Harris, Eliza- beth Wilkinson, and Rachel Wilson, who mostly desired to be kindly remembered to thee. We expect next week to go into Scotland. As Friends are few and scatter- ing in that nation, it was thought best to be there in the summer season. I hope and often desire that the God of truth and perfect wisdom may and will be with thee and our children, to direct your goings in the pure light, wherein is safety. We are daily alarmed, by the newspapers from the seaport towns, of the calamitous situation of ^orth Carolina and Virginia, the one by destroying themselves, the other by the de- luge of waters, laying many places in ruin- CORRESPONDENCE. 143 0U8 heaps. But, as our warfare is of another nature, we endeavour to gather from the confused noise, which no doubt many of you have been deeply tried with, yet cannot but feel concern for the inhabit- ants in general, and our brethren in par- ticular, with strong desires they may be preserved in that stability and firmness as becomes the followers of holy Jesus. It was not sorrowful to me to hear that Aunt Elizabeth was gathered to her appointed home, believing she enjoys an immortal crown. Dear little Cousin William Morgan, whom I much loved, will be missed in his own family and in that meeting; but, as true "Wisdom hath seen meet to number him from the evil to come, it is our duty to submit. Give my dear love to his widow. As for my former truly-united companion, Zacharias Dicks, I conclude almost beyond a doubt that he is dead, or else I think he would certainly, by some means or other, have renewed the cordial notes of friend- ship before now, as I principally depended on him to give me a full account of my own affairs and things in general. If he is yet alive, let him know the uniting of my life 144 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. is sealed up in the mystery of the gospel with them who dwell in the pure day. I was in hopes if the lads had learned well to have seen some of their scribbling by this time. My love to thee and thine : all relations and friends, as though named, (wherein Cousin Tomma joins,) to father and mother, and my beloved brother Eleazar in particular. Thy aflectionate husband, Wm. Hunt. TO THE SAME. Cork, in Ireland, 2d mo. 26, 1772. My dear love, to whom is the salutation of my life in that which changeth not, wherein is dominion over all things, be- cause it was, and is, and will be when all things are gone, in these the God of all glory keep thee and my dear children, and then all will be well : whether life or death, Christ the hope of glory is ours, and we are his. As to my health, it is preserved to a miracle, through constant travelling, deep labours, close exercises, being in depths often and trials many. But He who raised Jesus from the dead comforts us amidst all CUKKESPONDENCE. 145 tribulation, by the help of faithful brethren, who are become bone of our bone in the mystery of the new covenant, so that I may say no people were ever more near than some both here and in England, and at the same time not forgetting my kindred in the pure seed at home, with whom the celestial bond remains firm in the unction of pure love, often visiting of you both in the day- time and night-season, being often re- freshed in a sense of the uniting help of the faithful, whose prayers I know ascend to the Great Master as sweet incense for our preservation, which I humbly hope will prevail, to the glory of Him that hath called us, and our mutual joy one in another, in the Lord's good time. I wrote to thee and my dear little companion Zacharias by a vessel bound for "Wilmington, directed to Thomas Hadley, at Cross Creek, in the tenth month. I since wrote to thee from Liverpool, directed to Edward Stabler. I send this to Philadelphia, thinking per- haps some of them may reach thee. About four weeks since, true Wisdom seemed to point our course for this nation : thereto we took shipping at Liverpool, and had a good 10 146 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. passage of twenty-six hours to Dublin. We hope, if the Lord prospers our way as hitherto, we shall be clear of this kingdom BO as to get to the Yearly Meeting at Lon- don, w^hich is in the sixth month. Inquire not after our return home, but dwell in the holy seed, where faith and patience are re- ceived to hope unto the end, that we may be heirs of the promise, and possess one another in the Lord, with whom the secrets of time remain hid. May my dear children so live and walk in the fear of God, love and affection to one another, and in true peace and quietness with all men, as to be a blessing and comfort to thee in the many deep trials thou hast to pass through, is the humbling concern and deep travail of my spirit. With the tender endearments of true love and affection to thee and them, I remain yours in the Lord, and thy loving husband, William Hunt. TO THE SAME. Liverpool, 5th mo. 13, 1772. My right dear and truly well-beloved wife, in that which was, and is, and will be CORRESPONDENCE. 1-17 when we are gone and gathered to our lot and portion with the Lord, do I dearly salute thee, with all our children. I wrote to thee from Cork, in Ireland, soon after our arrival there, giving thee an account of our coming on that island, since which w^e have visited all the meetings in that king- dom, the Lord giving us many precious seasons, and concluded our visit at their National Meeting, held in Duhlin, which was very large, and truly comfortable to many, being eminently favoured with the owning power and presence of truth, wherein many minds were enlarged with wisdom and understanding to communicate weighty advices to the men and women's meetings to take charge of God's glory and truth's testimony in the several parts of the nation. I write this because I know thou likes to hear of truth's prosperity and Friends' zeal for comely order. There is a living remnant preserved in that nation with whom my spirit is nearly united, being bound in the covenant of pure light, though we had painful labour, deep exercises, close engagements, hard travails within and with- out, not easy to express wdth pen and ink ; but 148 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. thou can read and understand these things, and know the deep wadings of my spirit for the Lord's work, that I might rejoice in that day when the last trump shall sound, in that I devoted the prime of life to the hope set before me. And now, dear heart, know and be consolated in the Lord our God, who hath kept and preserved us, and given our lives in the pure seed from time to time, in, through, and over all these perils, (which have not been few,) to stand in the dominion of the unchangeable truth, mak- ing Jerusalem a quiet habitation, and Zion a safe spot of dwelling. To Him that dwells between the cherubims be glory and honour, with sweet praises ascending as from the holy altar which he prepares in the hearts of his contrited ones, who is worthy forever. But my deep concern re- mains for thee and our children whom the Lord hath given us, that thou, my dear love, may dwell deep in the root of life, and receive faith and renew patience, which worketh hope in a mystery that stands firm and is not shaken with any conflicts, having the prospect of a better country when once this weary pilgrimage is at an end. And CORRESPONDENCE. 149 oh, my children, that they may walk in the truth, and never tread on that testi- mony which, with many weary steps and painful moments, I am engaged to bear among many people. We are now arrived in England, having had a comfortable passage of about forty- seven hours from Dublin. Being now two hundred miles from London, we purpose setting out to-morrow, in order to get to the Yearly Meeting there the 1st of next month. "We get on in our service beyond what I could expect, though my little frame is much impaired and my constitution broken ; yet Divine help is near to renew strength of body and mind far more than I dare have hoped for. It is likely I shall have opportunity of writing from London, letting thee know my further prospects, as best Wisdom may please to open our way. Eemember us to thy father and mother, with all the children and other friends. The Lord grant stability and firmness to be the girdle of thy loins, and give thee wis- dom to become a mother in Israel. Thy affectionate husband, William Hunt. 150 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. TO THE SAME. Amsterdam, 8th mo., 1772. Dear heart : — Having a sweet remembrance of thee, a deep and inward feeling sympathy with thee in thy many and various steppings along through a weary pilgrimage, which I trust is com- fortable at times, by the bright rays of Him in whom the fulness still remains, covering the habi- tation of thy mind as with a living canopy of pure love ; then we may say in truth all his ways are pleasant, and paths peace : my spirit salutes thee in the fresh feeling thereof, and gives thee to understand that our service in Holland seems nearly over : purposing if the Lord will, to take shipping in a few hours for England. I wrote thee from London of our intention of Holland, and from Hull of the time of our embarking, at our first landing, of a good passage : as indeed I have nothing to aay of our Holy Captain but that he hath been altogether good, far beyond what I dared to have hoped for : at our first com- ing here the difficulty of speaking by an inter- preter was great, and sunk my spirit exceeding low ; earnestly entreating the Most High that he would be pleased in his abundant mercy to qualify me for every service he called unto : and adorable condescension heard the travail of my CORRESPONDENCE. 151 spirit, and stayed my mind, gathering it unto the habitation of life, and gave me wisdom and utterance to speak of those things which apper- tain to His kingdom. Since which we have had many precious seasons in public meetings and families : for which with all his unmerited favours, preservations by sea and land, let all within me bow in awful reverence before Him, who is still the dread of nations : and to us all in all, God over all, blessed for ever. Amen. Thus, my dear, we have been through the outskirts of our visit to Europe, as Scotland, Ireland, Holland, and the north of Britain ; we now draw towards the centre of our service, which I trust will be accomplished in the Lord's good time. May thou be kept in that which will not think the time long, is often the desire of my mind, and you with us be so ordered in the counsel and wisdom of truth, as all things may tend to the honour and reputation of the great cause, which will turn to our account when time here shall be no more. I have received many comfortable letters from thee, and several from other Friends, all which I acknowledge as tokens of regard. In affectionate nearness, thy loving husband, William Hunt. 152 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. ESTHER TUKE'S LETTER TO WILLIAM HUNT*S CHILDREN. Dear children of a father beloved and honoured by me with double honour, which was his due, accept a few lines, the produce of an heart deeply concerned for your pre- sent and eternal good ; though to you a stranger and unknown, yet, through Divine favour, a near relation to your father in that spiritual kingship which is stronger than death, nor can time erase it out. And now he is removed from us, that you nor I can behold him no more, my love flows strong to you who were so near to him, with desires that you may walk in his steps; and, that it may be so, let me recommend to your serious attention good King David's advice to his son: — "Thou, Solomon, my son, know the God of thy fathers, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind : if thou seek him he will be found of thee ; but if thou forsake him he will cast thee off forever," I trust some of you, who are now as old as your father was when he appeared in the Lord's cause, hath been in a good degree acquainted with your CORRESPONDENCE. 153 father's God; and to you nothing remains but to regard the second admonition, — to serve him with a perfect heart and a willing mind; and as this becomes your case, according to the discovery of his will, you will know his going forth to be prepared as a morning without clouds, and his return as the former and the latter rain, by which you will grow in strength and in the know- ledge of his ways, and so be fitted for ser- vice in his house, and fill up the place of your dear deceased father, and other wor- thies that have gone from works to a glo- rious reward. You know this was what your father most desired for you, above the fatness of the earth, knowing well by living experience that godliness with contentment is great gain, being profitable unto all things, having the promise of the life which now is and of that which is to come ; and in this state you will comfort and be as an husband to your mother in her lonely widow state. Being stripped of one so worthy, she will often mourn in the re- membrance of his tenderness and care; and in these seasons your steady conduct and tender sympathy w^ill help to bear up her 154 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. drooping head, aud perhaps at times make her to forget to mourn ; and your advice and example, being in this manner seasoned with the Lord's fear, may be a means of drawing those that are younger into the same path ; and, as sure as this becomes the case, the blessing of your father's God will rest upon you in dew as from the ever- lasting hills, and neither grace nor glory that he sees is meet for you will be with- held. My heart is filled with love toward you as if you were my own children, and in that tender feeling have I mourned for your loss, knowing well it is exceeding great, which I believe some of you are truly sen- sible of; and I much desire a proper sense of your father's worth and his advice which you have been favoured with may be sealed upon your mind, and, like bread cast upon the waters, return and dwell with you to the end of your da3^s. And now, having wrote in true love those few things as they arose, I think to leave you, after desiring such of you as are eldest to keep near to that hand which hath visited, and the younger to remember their CORRESPONDENCE. 155 Creator in these days of youth, and not grieve his pure witness, having a comfort- able hope that, as this is your case. He who was with your father all his life long, sup- ported him through all his troubles, and gathered him safe to his eternal kingdom of rest and peace, will in like manner bless and be with you ; and though you must expect in this world there will be trouble, yet fear not : it is the way to peace. With an affectionate salutation of tender love I salute you, and remain your sincere friend, Esther Tuke. York, 10th mo. 26, 1772. LINES TO THE MEMORY OP SAMUEL FOTHERGILL. WILLIAM HUNT, AND JOHN WOOLMAN. WRITTEN 1772. "Whence, my friend, that sadly pensive sigh ? Whence those descending sympathetic tears ? Has thy firm bosom met some adverse shock ? Or dost thou feel another's secret woe ? No : 'tis a general, universal grief That swells thy bosom with augmenting pangs ! Thou mourn'st for Zion, mourns the church's loss, By the removal of her valiant sons : For who can view her stately pillars gone, Those firm supports of virtue's weighty dome, And not unite in tributary tears ? No more a Fothergill, with truth's bright shield, Maintains the dignity of Christian zeal ; No more he shines the mirror of the good, The noble standard of aceomplish'd man ! Whate'er of great the moralist can boast, Whate'er superior grace religion gives, 156 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 157 In him portray'd a finished character. "With what persuasive nervous eloquence His lips have utter'd this endearing call: — *' Ye rising youth, the hope of future years, You who have felt the cords of heavenly love To draw and disengage you from the world, Keep near that quickening vivifying power AVhich freed from bondage Israel's favoured sons I So shall you grow, to glad parental love. And stand as warriors in defence of truth ! On you the important cause must soon devolve, Oh, be ye faithful, upright, and sincere," No more he speaks ; his flowing periods cease ! No more he lights devotion's sacred flame ! No longer warms and aids the ascending soul To scale the altar whence his virtues flow'd ; For all proceeded from the throne of Grace : His light, his love, his ardent charity, Were but the emanations of that Sun Whose rays diffusive are the Christian's strength, His bow, his battle-axe, his only hope. Nor less revered the memory of Hunt, That noble veteran in his Master's cause, "Who greatly left his wife, his native land. With every pledge that renders life most dear, To purchase that best gift, — a peaceful mind. You, who with him have oft retired to sit In inward silence, awful and profound, Beneath the shades of Sinai's cloudy top, To wait the unfoldings of mysterious love, You only know the deep and ardent travail 158 MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. Of his mind, — his sympathetic mind, In fello^Y-labouring lent, a secret strength With 3^our8 uniting, raising light and life. And thou, Woolman, venerable seer, Art highly worthy of the plaintive lay : In thee the astonished gazing world admired, What this degenerate age can rarely boast, A faithful follower of a suffering Lord ! 'Twas thine the painful, thorny path to tread; 'Twas thine to bear a Saviour's dying cross ! Redeem'd from earth, and earth's perplexing cares. Redeemed from lawful and unlawful self. Thy mind was tutor'd, fitted, and prepared To enjoy the highest privilege of man, A near companion with Eternal Good, — A fellowship celestial while below, — The certain earnest of immortal bliss ! Thy only wish to hear and to obey The sacred mandate and supreme decree Of Him who calls for purity and peace. Here stop, my pen. — This fainter sketch forbear Of what their retrospective virtues teach. Their bright examples thus address mankind :— " Our painful, arduous warfare now is past ; Our souls, released from earth's penurious soil, Are gone to enjoy the liberty they loved ; That full fruition of triumphant joy For which we labour'd in our militant state. Mourn not for us : the living claim your tears ! Weep for those dead in trespass and in sin ! MEMOIRS OF WILLIAM HUNT. 150 Tread the same steps which centred us in rest ; By good example call to the supine ; The young encourage, animate the weak, Comfort the mourners, strengthen those who faint, That Sion thus may shake herself, and shine With the bright lustre of her ancient days." THE END, BTEEEOTTPED BY L. JOHNSON & CO. PHILADELPHU. This Memoir of Nathan Hunt is published with the sanction of the Yearly Meeting of Friends of North Carolina. BRIEF MEMOIR OP NATHAN HUNT: CHIEFLY EXTRACTED JOURNAL AND LETTERS. PHILADELPHIA: URIAH HUNT & SON, 62 NORTH FOURTH STREET. LONDON: ALFRED W. BENNETT, 5 BISHOrSGATE STREET WITHOUT. 1858. CONTENTS Testimony fkom Springfield Monthly Meeting . . 3 Memoir , 15 Letters to his Wipe 40 Letters to Various Persons 99 Addenda 157 (2) HEARS & DUSENBERT, STEREOTTPERS. ROBB, PILE & M'ELROY, PRINTERS. A TESTIMONY FROM SPRINGFIELD MONTHLY MEETING, CONCERNING NATHAN HUNT. From a regard for the memory of this our dear friend, and the lively recollections we have of his fervent religious engagements and pious labours amongst us, we feel engaged to preserve a brief Memorial concerning him, in the hope that it may prove instructive and encouraging to survivors to contemplate the course of one who was so much devoted to the service of his Divine Master. He was born in the verge of New Garden Monthly Meeting, Guilford county, North Caro- lina, the 26th of the 10th month, 1758. His A TESTIMONY parents were William and Sarah Hunt, both members of the Society of Friends, the former a minister of the Gospel. According to his own account, he was in early life made sensible of the tendering visitations of the love of God, notwithstanding he was naturally of a lively and volatile disposition, and in some measure given to lightness. When about seventeen years of age, he had a reaching visitation, and a renewed view of being called to the ministry ; but, for want of faithfully abiding under the solemn impression, he gradu- ally again partook in associations with jovial companions. But he experienced frequent re- newals of those impressions, giving him a ground of hope, that, notwithstanding his remissness, he was not forsaken. He was mercifully pre- served, even in his greatest departure, from gross evils, or a departure from the peculiari- ties of the Society of Friends in relation to speech and apparel. He was united in marriage to Martha Ruck- man, in the 20th year of his age, and soon after CONCERNING NATHAN HUNT. O he was closely tried by the sudden death of his mother. About this time, the Revolutionary war com- ing on, he experienced much privation by being robbed of his horses, cattle, and other property, leaving him almost destitute of the necessary means of subsistence ; all of which he bore with Christian fortitude. His first appearance in the ministry was in the twenty-seventh year of his age, when he spoke a few words in a meeting in the State of Tennessee. Thus he continued, speaking a few words at a time, for about two years — his min- istry carrying the evidence that it was in the power of truth. In the thirty-first year of his age he experi- enced another severe trial, by the death of his beloved wife. Being thus left with the sole charge of six small children, in which situation he remained more than three years, when he was united in marriage to Prudence Thorn- burgh. Shortly after which he removed and settled at Pine Woods Meeting, within the verge 6 A TESTIMONY of Springfield Monthly Meeting, where, in the thirty-fourth year of his age, and in the year 1792, he was acknowledged as a minister of the Gospel, and from that time to 1796 he fre- quently attended the neighbouring meetings, where his labours were satisfactory and edify- ing. His first travel as a minister was to South Carolina and Georgia, in the year 1796. He being under deep exercise of mind on ac- count of leaving his family, who were dependent on him, he has been heard to say, on that occa- sion, that while following his plough, he heard a voice distinctly say to him: Go, and thou shalt lack nothing, and thy family shall be cared for in thy absence. The impression was so convincing that he instantly gave up, accept- ing it as an intimation from the Lord that he would make way for him. In the year 1797 he obtained a minute of unity and concurrence to appoint meetings westward as far as Lost Creek, in the State of Tennessee. In the year 1798 he obtained a certificate, liberating him to perform a religious visit to Friends and CONCERNING NATHAN HUNT. 7 Others in the Northern and Eastern States, ■which visits he performed in the following year. In the years 1801, 1802, and 1803, he was en- gaged in attending and appointing meetings within the limits of North Carolina Yearly Meeting, and in attending Virginia Yearly Meeting, and some of the meetings belonging thereto. In the year 1804 he obtained a cer- tificate and performed a religious visit to the inhabitants of the Northern and Eastern States. In the year 1805 he was engaged in visiting the Western Quarterly Meeting, and appointing some meetings adjacent thereto. Also, attend- ed Baltimore Yearly Meeting, and some meet- ings in Maryland and Virginia. From 1805 to 1810, he was mostly engaged in visiting meet- ings belonging to North Carolina Yearly Meet- ing, and appointing meetings within the limits of the diiferent Quarterly Meetings, and some out from amongst Friends. In the year 1810 he obtained a certificate liberating him to per- form a religious visit to the inhabitants of Western Virginia, the Middle States, some In- 8 A TESTIMONY dian tribes, Canada, and the eastern parts of New England ; which visit he performed in the year 1811. In this year he removed from Pine Woods, and settled near Springfield, in Guil- ford county, of which Monthly Meeting he con- tinued a member during the rest of his life. From 1811 to 1814 his religious services were within the limits of North Carolina Yearly Meeting in attending meetings, visiting fami- lies, and appointing meetings from amongst Friends. In the year 1814 he obtained a cer- tificate and performed a religious visit to Friends in parts of Virginia, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, and in the year 1815 he performed a religious visit to the inhabitants of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and elsewhere. During the years 1816 and 1817, he was mostly engaged in appointing meetings in the adjacent neighbourhoods, and attending the Western and Westfield Quarterly Meetings. In the year 1818, he obtained the necessary certificates liberating him to perform a religious CONCERNING NATUAN HUNT. \) visit to Friends and others in Great Britain and Ireland ; but, in consequence of affliction in his family, he was prevented from performing said visit until the years 1820 and 1821, in which years that service was accomplished. From 1822 to 1831, his religious services were mostly within the limits of North Caro- lina Yearly Meeting, during which time he twice visited Bush River Meeting in South Carolina, and once to Newbern and Beaufort. In 1831, being under appointment from the Yearly Meeting to attend Virginia Yearly Meeting, and a General Conference of Friends in Philadelphia, he obtained a certificate and performed a religious visit to the Yearly Meet- ings in Virginia, New England, and Ohio, and appointed meetings on his way going and re- turning. From all these visits he returned with satisfactory testimonials of the unity of Friends among whom he travelled. In the year 1832, he obtained a certificate to perform a religious visit to Indiana Yearly Meeting and some of the meetings constituting 10 A TESTIMONY it, but on account of bodily infirmity he was unable to perform the visit. From this time he travelled but little from home ; but often attended in Truth's service the meetings in the adjacent country, and while at Raleigh, under appointment from the Yearly Meeting, he appointed a meeting in that city. It may be proper here to remark, that on the 27th of 7th month, 1829, he experienced another affecting dispensation in the death of his beloved wife, after which he continued to reside with his son Thomas, until the year 1848, when he went to reside with his son-in- law, Joshua Stanley, at Centre. He was ever diligent in the faithful attendance of his reli- gious meetings, wherein he was often led to labour in the power of Truth. In the latter years of his life, through age and infirmity he was unable to attend religious meetings, yet he was green in old age, enjoying the company of Friends, and instant in exhorting his child- ren and all who came to visit him, to improve time while they had it, in attending to the still CONCERNING NATHAN HUNT. 11 small voice in their own hearts, acknowledging that Truth had been his shield and buckler, his bow and battle-axe, through the many tribula- tions that had fallen to his lot. He was sound in doctrine ; his ministry w^as profound, deep, and searching, to the awaken- ing and arousing of the lukewarm ; but as the oil and the wine to the rightly exercised. And having himself drunk deep of the cup of adver- sity, he was ever ready to speak a word in season to those who were weary and heavy laden. lie was faithful in the maintenance of the Discipline of the Church, and active in the transaction of all business relating to it. He was ever ready to advise and counsel those who were labouring under discouragements, and prompt in reproving all manner of disorder, and to labour with offenders in the love and meekness of a Christian. Of him might well be adopted the language of Enoch, ''that he walked with God." In the midst of his varied engagements, he was especially careful not to 12 A TESTIMONY neglect the primary duty of private retire- ment for prayer and self-examination. In his private walks he was ever ready to advise and admonish those with whom he associated. He was kind and affectionate, and easy in his manners, scrupulously careful properly to use the plain Scripture language in all his conver- sation. He was remarkable for his liberality and charitableness in all the private walks of life. He was an ardent admirer of proper and useful education, and liberal in the support of schools. For although he by no means ac- knowledged the necessity of human learning as a qualification for the ministry, or any other station in the Church, yet he believed it highly important that all the powers of the mind, both intellectual and moral, should be duly trained and cultivated ; and feeling the need of educa- tion himself, he was the more earnest in his efforts to procure for the rising generation those advantages which had been withheld from him. He, from the first, took a deep in- terest in the establishment and maintenance of CONCERNING NATHAN HUNT. 13 our Boarding School, and after the Institution went into operation he was frequently there exhorting both the oflScers and students to a proper discharge of their respective duties ; and we believe the influence he exerted at such times has not been without its effect on the subsequent character of those who were thus privileged to associate with him. He was much concerned in the latter part of his life to exhort his children and friends to faithfulness in improving the time and talents committed to their trust. He evinced a great concern for the welfare of the Church, and for the pre- servation of society, that it might not slide into the vain customs, maxims, and favours of the world. And after having stood more than sixty years as a minister, a faithful watchman, and a father and a pillar in the Church, he laid down his head in peace, and doubtless is gathered with the righteous of all generations, whose example seems to say to survivors. Come follow me, as I have endeavoured to follow Christ. 11 A TESTIMONY CONCEKNIN(i NATHAN HUNT. His last sickness was of a very distressing nature, being a cancerous tumour, which had been for several years past making its appear- ance at times on the side of his face. A few months previous to his death, it assumed a very malignant character, causing extreme pain and most trying restlessness, so that he was unable to sleep much ; yet frequent ejacu- lations were heard from him, and short sen- tences, showing where his mind was centered. He said he should ^'be with Moses and the Lamb," and called for his good Shepherd to come and take him away. And on second-day morning, the 8th day of 8th month, 1853, he quietly passed away, as going into a sweet sleep ; and on fourth-day, the 10th of the month, his remains were conveyed to Springfield, on which occasion a meeting was held, which was attended by a large con- course of people, after which he was interred in Friends' burying-ground there. He was, at the time of his death, in the 95th year of his age. A BRIEF MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT, CHIEFLY EXTRACTED FROM HIS LETTERS AND JOURNAL. How instructive and how animating it is, to contemplate the steps of those dedicated ser- vants of the Lord Jesus, who have been as way-marks on the road to Zion ; for " the path of the just is as a shining light — shining more and more unto the perfect day." Perhaps few individuals in the society of which he was so long a dignified and honoured member, have been more extensively known or more gene- rally beloved and valued than the subject of this little memoir ; and though the greater part of his contemporaries have long since passed away, there are many still remaining who well remember the erect and manly form of the aged Christian, his plain drab clothes, dark (IG) 16 MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT. vest, the striking outline of his noble counte- nance, his broad and open forehead, shaded with silvery locks — but most of all his cour- teous demeanour, his simple but polite and graceful manner, and that best ornament, " a meek and quiet spirit," which was indeed so eminently his ; and some no doubt there are, who can recall his hospitable but humble habi- tation — behold him as the venerated head of his own family, dispensing a sweet influence of peace and joy on all around him. His heart was filled with the love of the everlasting Gospel, in which he could salute as brethren, the whole family of man. He knew that " the end of the commandment is charity ;" out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned," and the expressive language of his life and conversation might be said to be, " we are journeying to the land of which the Lord our God hath said, I will give it you. Come thou with us, and we will do thee good ; for God hath spoken good concerning Israel." Being naturally of a diffident, retiring dispo- sition, and fearful of saying much of himself, he has left but few memoranda; yet by the aid of these and some truly characteristic letters of early and later date, we may be able to furnish TRAITS OP CHARACTER. 17 a brief outline of his somewhat chequered path to everlasting blessedness. It may also be well to enumerate a few of the distinguishing traits of his character, as they impressed the writer of this little sketch, who had many opportunities of becoming intimately acquainted with him. He had naturally a clear and comprehensive mind, a vigorous intellect, and sound discrimi- nating judgment ; but very few advantages of education. Indeed he has been heard to say, that the principal part of the learning he had, was acquired by the light of a " pine-knot" as he sat with his brothers and sisters round the family hearth, when the day's work was done. lie was, however, deeply instructed in the school of Christ ; and with the salutary disci- pline of the cross, he was made familiar from his early childhood. In later life there was a striking gravity and dignity about the dear old man, and at times a deep introversion of spirit which seemed to check the least approach to lightness and frivolity, and spread a holy quiet- ness on all around him ; so that it might with great propriety be said of Tiim^ as it was of the excellent founder of the Society of Friends, '^ His very presence expressed a religious ma- jesty." This seriousness, however, was beau- 18 MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT. tifully blended with Christian cheerfulness ; for he well knew what it was to wash and anoint in the presence of his brethren, while plunged into deep and humbling exercise of soul before the Lord — remembering the Apos- tolic injunction, " Rejoice evermore, and in all things give thanks." One little incident may serve to illustrate the wisdom and discretion which might be said to govern all his actions. A short time previous to his attaining the age of fourscore, he resigned his seat at the head of the meeting, observing that he felt best satisfied to do so, while still in the possession of his mental faculties, lest he might be in- clined to retain it when they became impaired, and when he was no longer able to discern the true time for closing the meeting. His grandchildren appear to have been a constant pleasure to him. In many of his letters to his friends, he has given graphic pic- tures of his little pets ; and there are those who can remember to have seen the aged pil- grim sitting at the door of his humble dwelling leaning on the top of his staff, and watching with deep interest their childish gambols, while his benign yet grave and thoughtful coun- tenance seemed to express the patriarchal bene- FAMILY SITTINGS. 19 diction, " The God who has fed me all my life long unto this day, the angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads." Though free from sectarianism, he was warmly attached to those who were of the same household of faith, and the welfare of the society in which he esteemed it a privilege to have had a birthright membership, continued to the close of his life, to be very near to his heart. The practice of retirement and silent- waiting before the Lord, was one which he assiduously cultivated in himself and strongly recommended to his friends. Many who have been inmates of his hospi- table dwelling, can now recall the serious and emphatic manner in which the evening chapter was read ; and then the solemn stillness that succeeded, broken at times by an expression of thanksgiving for their many mercies, or an impressive exhortation to the little grand- children collected round him. To these he usually put questions on the chapter they had heard ; and when this season was over, which was often one of real refreshment, he would take an affectionate leave, and opening the door into his little bed-room retire without a light, and there pass many an hour (we cannot 20 MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT. doubt) in sweet and heavenly communion ; for when his household met him on the following day, the precious influence of his gathered spirit seemed to be shed like holy dew upon them, giving an evidence that he had been with Jesus. Possessing an uncommon share of native eloquence, and dwelling very near to the alone source of all true gospel ministry, he was in- deed enabled to " do the work of an Evangel- ist," and there was such an unction and fresh- ness attending his religious communications, they often made a deep impression on those that heard them. A valued friend who was engaged in a religious visit to North Carolina a few years before the death of this dedicated Christian, gives the following vivid description of him : — " The aged patriarch, Nathan Hunt, is now in his ninetieth year, and as to bodily power is feeble and infirm, walking slowly and bendingly, with a stick. His memory, also, espe- cially with regard to recent events, is a little impaired — but there he sits, in his arm-chair, by the crackling fire, the veteran soldier of Christ — his heart still warm wdth love to the cause, his tongue still eloquent in thanksgiv- ing and praise. * I have much to be thankful EAllLY LIFE. 21 for,' said the old champion, ' my very heart feels it — I love to see the Lord's messengers under my roof, or rather the roof of my child- ren. My soul is still exercised for the peace and prosperity of Zion' (his eyes filling with tears.) His spiritual faculties and perceptions are remarkably clear, and he converses with an unfaltering voice about the things of the king- dom. His remarks are pertinent, his words seasoned with grace. It is truly cheering to see an aged pilgrim thus bright in the midst of years, with a cheerful spirit and a thankful heart, peacefully waiting for the coming of his Lord — having fought the good fight, kept the faith, and well nigh finished his course, still magnifying, not himself, but his office, and ascribing all the glory unto Him in w^hom he has believed, and from whom he humbly hopes to receive that crown of righteousness which is laid up for all who love His appearing. I find it good to be here ; there is a solid satisfaction in thus witnessing the power of true religion." The account of his early life may be given in his own words: — "I was born," said he, " in the neighbourhood of New Garden meet- ing-house, the 26th day of tenth month, 1758. My worthy parents, William and Sarah Hunt, 22 MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT. were both members of the Society of Friends, the former a valuable minister among them. He died whilst on a religious visit to England, at Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in the thirty-ninth year of his age, leaving a widow and eight child- ren, of whom I was the third, and in my four- teenth year, when my father died. I well remem- ber his pious instructions, and my being humbled under them in early life. Something of a solemn nature seemed to overspread my mind. I loved to be alone ; and at the age of seven years I was impressed with the belief that if I was faithful, I should one day have to preach the Gospel. I was, by nature, very volatile, and much inclined to childish lightness, but I can remember that my mind was often very seriously impressed, while sitting in religious meetings, attending funerals, and on other similar occasions. When about twelve or thir- teen years of age, while in the circle of my youthful friends, and the ringleader of their mirth and jollity, I have, at different times, been broken into tears, and had to leave them suddenly. A very reaching visitation, when about seventeen, I well remember. A renewed view of being called to the work of the min- istry, so clearly presented to my mind, I some- UIH MARRIAGE. 23 times thought the time had come for me to speak in meetings, but for want of abiding under the solemn weight, I gradually got oft* into association with my jovial companions again, and the impression grew fainter ; but through the whole of this period there were frequent renewals of these solemn feelings, giving me the humble hope that notwithstand- ing my rebellion, I was not forsaken. And I was mercifully preserved, even in my greatest departure from what the world would term gross evils, and also in plainness and simpli- city of speech and apparel. When twenty years of age, I married Martha Ruckman, and we continued to reside on the same spot where I was born. I was now introduced into a new sphere of life. This had a serious effect upon me, feeling the importance of my situation ; but nothing worthy of remark occurred until I had been married several months, when my mind was awakened and tendered by the very sudden removal of my valued mother. She went to bed in usual health, and was disco- vered by my sister in the morning in a lifeless state. I had attended meetings pretty con- stantly most of my life, but now I was still more regular in the attendance of them, and 24 MEMOIll OF NATHAN HUNT. when in them great seriousness often came over me. About this time I was placed in imminent danger ; within an hair's breadth of being called into eternity. ***** " This introduced me into very serious consi- deration on the uncertainty of time, and an increase of concern prevailed, that I might be in readiness to meet the change, come when it might. While sitting in religious meetings, at this period, a scripture text frequently opened before me with great clearness, but through diffidence and fear I refused to give up, often sitting under such weight that the bench shook under me ; and whilst this deep exercise was upon me 1 was afflicted with sickness nigh unto death. My friends and connexions stood by my bed-side, expecting every hour would be my last.*' He then describes a vision he had, in which a large field of service was opened before him, in the New England States, and thus pro- ceeds : — "I then returned to myself again, and seemed so revived that I told my wife I should live. It appeared clear to me I should be called to the work of the ministry, and labour in that part of the vineyard. My health and APPEARANCE IN THE iMINISTIlY. 25 strength were rapidly restored, and after pass- ing through great suffering, on account of the reluctance of nature to yield, I finally gave up to what appeared to be required of me, and in the twenty-seventh year of my age spoke a very few words in a meeting in Tennessee, which brought great peace and comfort into my mind. The first time I appeared in my own meeting, so great was my brokenness of spirit, that as I walked towards home tears fell from my eyes like drops of rain. In the thirty-first year of my age my wife deceased, leaving me six small children, the eldest ten years old, the youngest but eight days. Her peace was made, her close was a triumphant one, but I was left to mourn the loss of an amiable and kind com- panion. My situation was a very trying one. I had considerable difficulty in bringing up my children, and in a little more than three years afterward married my second wife. Her name was Prudence Thornburgh. She was a true helpmate to me, and a tender mother to my children, always giving me up with cheerful- ness to attend to my religious engagements, and encouraging me in them, taking the charge of my concerns at homo, and managing them with much ability. She was for many years 26 MEMUni OF NATHAN HUNT. in the station of an elder, and set a good ex- ample in tlic regular attendance of all our reli- gious meetings. "About the thirty-fifth year of my age, I was acknowledged as a minister, and after this I frequently attended neighbouring meetings ; but the first journey that I made of any length was in the year 1797, to Georgia and South Carolina. Being under great exercise of mind, on account of leaving my beloved family, who were dependent on the labour of my hands, one day, while following my plough, I heard a voice distinctly say to me, ' Go, and thou shalt lack nothing, and they shall be cared for in thy absence.' The impression was so convinc- ing that I instantly gave up, accepting it as an intimation from the Lord that he would make way for me, and take care of them. At the next Monthly Meeting I opened the prospect to my friends, who cordially united with it, and furnished me with the necessary certificates. I laboured day and night to obtain a little money to defray the expenses of my journey ; but the sum thus collected was by no means sufficient for the purpose, and I left my home relying on the promise that I should lack nothing." [Having attended many meetings in Georgia VISIT TO NEW ENGLAND. 27 and Carolina, and met with some remarkable confirmations of his faith, he says : — " Returning home, I found my family well, and all things comfortable, having the same sum in my pocket I had on leaving home, from which I had been absent about six weeks, and travelled above seven hundred miles, thus strengthening my trust and confidence in him who yet remains to be a covenant-keeping God, having so wonderfully fulfilled the promise made me at the plough, ' Go, and thou shalt lack no- thing, thou nor thine.' " In allusion to the great openness he met with in the course of his journey, N. H. remarks : — " 0, the necessity for an indwelling among Friends, that they might carefully uphold our testimonies, and gather to, rather than scatter from us. In the year 1799, in the eleventh month, I laid a prospect before the Monthly Meeting to visit in Gospel love the Northern and Eastern States, which was freely united with. " My circumstances were still very limited, and I felt it a hard thing to forsake my wife in her then trying situation, but trusting in the promises of Him who never yet had failed to help and strengthen me, I set out peacefully 28 MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT. ^ on my journey, remembering the vision that 1 had upon my bed respecting this part of the heritage, which I before alluded to, and which was most remarkably fulfilled during my visit to the Eastern States. " The prospect of this journey altogether, and more especially, perhaps, my going into Philadelphia (which I had long considered a great place, famous for men of erudition, while I had but little school education), was, as may be supposed, a very humbling one. But lie who put me forth was mouth and wisdom, tongue and utterance, which seemed an answer to my constant prayer that this might be the case, feel- ing deeply sensible that my entire dependence must be on him, and that without his aid I could do nothing. So great and wonderful was his assistance, that many hardly could believe I had not received a good education. Blessed be his name for ever ! My Heavenly Father has been gracious to me beyond what I could ask or think." From 1800 to 1810, N. H. was frequently engaged in the service of his Divine Master, chiefly within the limits of his own Yearly Meeting, except that, in 1805, he visited most of the meetings constituting Baltimore and Virginia Yearly Meetings. MEETINGS WITH THE INDIANS. 29 "1810 — I kid before my Monthly Meeting a concern to visit the western parts of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York (some Indian tribes at Buffalo and Cattaraugus, and at Cold Spring Village), all the Friends' Meetings that were then in Canada, and some particular places in New England. In the back parts of Pennsylvania, I had many difficulties to en- counter — receiving, too, some tokens of Apos- tleship * In perils in the wilderness, hunger and thirst,' &c. ; but in, and through them all, my gracious Helper moTvellously sustained me, bringing me forth to magnify his name. During our stay at Cold Spring Village, we had two remarkable meetings with the Indians : the great solemnity prevailing was very re- markable throughout the meeting, and in the time of supplication I thought I never felt a covering more solemn rest on an assembly anywhere — they seemed to feel what ivas peti- tioned for them. The one at Cattaraugus was not quite so satisfactory ; and when at Buffalo, the Indians had gone out hunting, so that wo could not easily have them called, but had a large and favoured meeting with the people of the town. so MEMOIR OF NATILAN HUNT. Meetings in Canada were very trying, the state of society was low indeed. From thence I went on to the states of Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island; so on to New Bedford and Nantucket, in both which places I visited all the families of Friends ; from thence returned homeward, taking meetings in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, and through all, the Lord preserved me mer- cifully and wonderfully — ' Blessed for ever be his worthy name.' '' In the first month of 1814, 1 got permission from my Monthly Meeting to visit families of Springfield Monthly Meeting, which visit I performed to the peace of my own mind. In the same year I visited parts of Virginia, Penn- sylvania, Ohio, and Indiana, as way appeared to open, with the full unity and approbation of my friends at home, in the performance of which I experienced many deep baptisms and close provings, had many large and truly fa- voured meetings, sometimes laid very low, and then raised up again ; frequently introduced into humbling consideration of the great neces- sity of a living, Gospel, ministry ; and that we, wlio are engaged as ambassadors for Christ, MEETING AT DAYTON. 31 might be faithful in all things to our divine Master, was the earnest breathing of my soul. My mind was often tried with the great dispo- sion of the people to look outward, craving for words, and I was sometimes led to sit in silence a long time, until their expectation had somewhat subsided, and then I was enabled oftentimes to show to them the need there is of centering down in solemn stillness, that we might be fed with the true bread which cometh down from heaven, and can alone sustain the immortal soul, and nourish it up unto eternal life ; quoting our blessed Lord's expression to the woman whom he met at Jacob's well. At a large public meeting that I had at Dayton, there was a company of soldiers present, and I was led to open the great difference between a carnal warfare and a spiritual one, leaving the widows and the fatherless to mourn ; and while engaged upon the subject, I observed the cap- tain's countenance to flush exceedingly, and when I proceeded to point out the awful con- sequences of war, it seemed to be too much for him to bear. He rose and left the house, though all his men continued to the close, which was a very solemn and impressive one. 82 MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT. I think the captain felt no resentment towards me, but that his heart was broken into tender- ness, under the awfully convicting power of truth. After an absence of about seven months, I was again restored to my dear family, and found them all in comfortable health — a re- newed cause for gratitude and thankfulness to him who is the Author of all our sure mercies. Returned my minute to the Monthly Meeting, with testimonials from the various places I had visited of unity and concurrence therein. " On the 4th of 2d month, 1815, I obtained a minute from my friends at home to visit parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and elsewhere, if the way should open. I set out under fear and trembling, but was favoured to perform the visit to the relief and comfort of my own mind ; and I returned said minute to my Monthly Meeting, accompanied with certi- ficates from the Meeting of Ministers and Elders in Philadelphia, dated from the 15th to the 21st of 4th month, 1815 ; an endorsement from Abington Quarter ; one from Concord Quarter ; one from Cain ; one from Bucks Quarter ; one from Iladdonfield, New Jersey ; and one from Monallan Monthly Meeting, set- VISIT TO ENGLAND. OO ting forth that my labours among them had been satisfactory and edifying." From this period to the year 1818, this dedi- cated servant continued to be actively employed in his Master's vineyard, repeatedly visiting the different meetings in his own country, particu- larly those belonging to the Yearly Meeting of which he was a member, being often led into the exercising work of family visiting ; and now he felt his mind drawn by the irresistible influ- ences of heavenly love to " go and see how his brethren fared" on the other side of the At- lantic. In reference to this weighty undertaking, he says:— "On the 9th day of 9th month, 1818, I spread before the Friends of my Monthly Meeting a concern which had weightily im- pressed my mind for several years, bringing it many times into deep and serious conflict, to perform in Gospel love a visit to the inhabit- ants of Great Britain and Ireland, with which my friends expressed entire unity. But about the time I expected to set out, my beloved wife was seized with a paralytic affection, and other trials and difficulties arose, causing me to pass through suffering which I cannot describe, and delaying my journey till the following spring. 34 MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT. However, I left my home in the 4th month of 1820, proceeding on towards Philadelphia, attending several meetings on my way, and getting to New York in time to attend the Yearly Meeting there, embarked soon after the conclusion of it. * * * * "In looking over my past life, I feel dis- posed to commemorate the goodness of my Heavenly Father, in having wonderfully pre- served me in times of imminent danger. Once, when about to cross the river Jumaree, in South Carolina, in a flat, the water being very high, the ferryman put in his pole, and it became entangled in the rocks, and very soon was jerked out of his hands ; as he had neither pole nor oar to guide the flat with, we were driven down the stream with great rapidity, and it appeared as though we must be lost. The river making here a turn, however, brought us near the bank, and we were enabled to seize hold upon some limbs of trees, by which we very quickly stopped the boat. Had we proceeded a little further, a large tree, growing horizon- tally, would, in all human probability, have swept our horses overboard, at least, and not at all unlikely some of us. It was difficult to climb the bank, it was so very steep, and if we PROVIDENTIAL ESCAPE. 35 had been carried on a little further, I think it would have been impossible. There was an- other circumstance took place, when in the eastern parts of North Carolina, which I con- sider worthy of remark. In crossing a high bridge, over a watercourse, the water say from ten to twelve feet deep, my horses started and rushed forward, and breaking down the pillars of the banister, the tire of the front wheel was for a moment half-way oif the bridge ; had it but gone half an inch further off, we must in- evitably have been drowned, but at this awful moment he was checked by an omnipotent and overruling Power, and several friends, who passed before us, seeing the fearful situation we were in, came instantly to our assistance, and turning round the horse on to the middle of the bridge, a strong man present tried to hold him there, but he again rushed furiously forward, and were it not for several trees that grew out of the bank, and held the carriage, which was thrown against them, we must have been precipitated off into the water. But no material damage was sustained, and I have ever looked upon it as a marvellous preservation of my Heavenly Father. * * * * " How wonderful it is, that any human being 3G MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT. should entertain a doubt of the communion of the great Creator with his creature, man, some saying that he has revealed his will to us in Holy Scriptures, and therefore there is no ne- cessity for further intercourse. But surely we must doubt the evidence of our senses if we disbelieve his immediate revelations to the soul. One or two strong confirmations of it just occur to me. A person, not a member of our Society, married a Friend, and though she afterwards inclined to attend the meeting she had been accustomed to, he very much opposed her in it, saying she might unite herself to any sect ex- cept the Quakers, and he would join her. This tried her very much, and in this time of con- flict and close proving, I had a meeting at a place called Freehold, a mile or two from where this person lived. His wife had a desire to go to it, and she prevailed upon him to accompany her. I had another meeting in the evening at Bordentown, to which they also came, and while we were at breakfast, on the following day, he and his wife stepped in. Immediately my feel- ings became arrested, and I could eat but very little more. I drew my chair a small space from the table, and soon a very solemn pause ensued, when, turning towards them, my mind INCIDENTS. o7 was opened in a striking manner to address them both. It seemed to have a powerful effect upon the man, especially, and though he was a stranger to me, I afterwards w^as told that he entirely denied that the Almighty held com- munion with his creatures, but after this he gave it up completely, and said that if the very secrets of his heart had not been told him, which he had never in his life revealed to any one, he might have doubted still ; but here was demonstration irresistible, and he surrendered freely, and became a worthy member and re- spected elder in that Society he had despised, his wife a most acceptable and valued minister. ''Another striking incident occurred while on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. I had a meet- ing in a town in which no Friends resided, and held it in a house belono^ins^ to the Methodists. There was a large assembly gathered there, and after sitting for some time in silence, I thought it ri^ht to rise and address them, which havino; done for a short space of time, I seemed checked suddenly, and led to speak to a particular state, and when that closed, the subject that I rose with opened clearly, and I went on till I re- lieved my mind. At the conclusion of the meet- ing I returned to our inn, and my companion, 38 MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT. passing from the meeting-house another way, I tarried for some time before he came. When he arrived, I asked him what detained him. He said, that as the people left the house there was an aged man went to his son-in-law, and very angrily addressed him thus : ' You have inform- ed the Friend what accusations I am lying under.' He answered that he never saw me in his life before, and had communicated nothing to me. This altercation lasted for some time, the old man still insisting, in a boisterous tone, ' You did, I know you did, inform him of it.' •' These circumstances have been humbling to me, under the full persuasion of the Truth (however much the worldly-wise may sneer), that nothing short of a Divine unfolding on the soul could thus ' have shown to man what his thought was,' when I, the poor unworthy instrument, was wholly unacquainted with the fact. May all glory, and honour, and praise be ascribed unto Him to whom alone they are due, both now and for evermore ! "And at this moment as remarkable a circum- stance as any of the three I have related, has been afresh revived in my remembrance. In 1802, while in attendance on the Yearly Meet- ing of Virginia, I had a public meeting at I^IEETING AT BLACKWATER. 89 Blackwater, where I was led to speak in an impressive manner on the uncertainty of time, the insufficiency of worldly wealth, and the transitory nature of all earthly things, predict- ing solemnly, that death was near, and quoting this text, from Jeremiah 17th chapter and 11th verse : " As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not ; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and in the end be a fool." It was a very solemn opportunity, and there were many present broken into tears. A few weeks after this, I heard that three young men belonging to the wealthiest family in that neighbourhood, had been removed by death since I was there. These were all pre- sent at the meeting, I well knew, as I had lodged during my visit to the Yearly Meeting at their father's house. [These memoranda extend no farther, with the exception of a few remarks that were made on his return from England ; but the subjoined letters, written at different periods, from the year 1800 to 1841, will in some measure supply the deficiency.] 40 .MF.:\TOIR OF NATHAN HUNT. Bedford, 4tb mo. 0, 1800. Most near and dearly beloved Wife : With feelings of affection do I salute thee ; thou hast been brought near to my best life, and in that true sympathy which those "vvho are thus united feel for each other. Stand fast, dear heart, in that which has enabled thee to give up all that was most precious to thee. If I could have laid down my life when I left you, it would have been a sweet thing to me in comparison to drinking of the wormwood and the gail that I was then, and still am, sensible must be my portion. My dear children, I beseech you, remember the frequent entreaties of your father, and be steady to your business, to your home, and to your learning ; dwell together in love, being exceeding kind and tender to your mother, and do nothing without her counsel. I cannot doubt the propriety of the move- ment, though very trying to poor dust and ashes. We have been favoured with assurance of Divine regard. Dear Barnabas is, I believe, rightly bound in the yoke ; when I go down into the deeps, I feel him to go down with me. LETTERS TO HIS WIFE. 41 In much near aiFection to thee and the dear children, I remain Thine in love, Nathan Hunt. Newport (R. L), Gth mo. 15, 1800. Dearly beloved Wife : I salute thee in the cordial Sowings of that love that knows no bounds ; incessant are my mental breathings to the Great Supreme that he may guard thee round by day and night ; keep thee in perfect peace, and that no evil danger may come near thee. We have had many meetings in this state ; some of them large, and seasons of great favour. I have no room to doubt I am right in being here. I expect to go pretty directly on to at- tend the Quarterly Meeting at Nantucket, and thence eastward as the way may open. I re- ceived thy very affecting letter, dated the 18th of last month, in twenty-four days from under thy precious hand ; though the melancholy news of the decease of dear Charity* is truly moving, yet the resigned state of thy mind is more precious to me than the increase of corn, * Charity Cook. 42 MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT. wine, or oil. I believe as thou art thus stayed upon the Lord, he will stay thee with flagons, and comfort thee with the apples of his love. I feel no greater solicitude for my own soul than for thine ; then mayest thou be established on the sure foundation, far above all those fluc- tuating things that in the least degree occasion thee uneasiness. I have had two public meetings in this place ; it was supposed there were three thousand per- sons present. Blessed be the name of the Lord ! His helping-hand was near. I had a memora- ble family-sitting here with many Friends ; a living minister, before we separated, said he had never sat under such a Gospel shower. With tears of deep humility I mention this for thy encouragement. It is best to make but few friends in showing my letters ; but when thou feelest an entire freedom with those who would be more sympathizing than speculative, indulge them. Love to the dear children. From thy sincere and afiectionate N. Hunt. Nantucket, Gth mo. 28th, 1800. Affectionately beloved Wife : Nothing could separate me from thee but LETTERS TO HIS WIFE. 43 the precious testimony of Truth given unto me to bear (as pledges of the Heavenly Father's love unto the people), which is nearer unto me than my own life. We came here yesterday — a day of the most tranquil repose that I have had since I left home. I was not sea-sick in the least. My peace of mind did not continue long ; almost as soon as I landed on this island, my spirit was bowed down under renewed and weighty exercise, till my heart was melted within me, and I retired to conceal my tears. I was drawn to feel after the aged, the widoAvs, and the fatherless ; the sick and the afflicted, with all of whom this place abounds. Spent yesterday in visiting them in their solitary dwellings, and believed it was an acceptable sacrifice unto the great Parent of mankind. 1 am using all diligence to make my way through my allotted portion of labour, which seems not likely to be very small. I am sometimes fa- voured with a comfortable hope, that if I go on labouring faithfully in these Eastern states, my Master will then release me to return to you without much service in the Northern states, though I desire not to be mine own carver, nor to please myself; remembering that the time is hastening when it will be of little con- 44 MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT. sequence to any of us whether we dwelt to- gether or apart, so that our close may be a peaceful one — our setting sun go down without a cloud. Dear children, every faculty of my soul is stirred up for you that you may be good. Write to me every week. Affectionately, Nathan Hunt. Hudson, 10th mo. 13, 1800. Dearly beloved Wife : Although I cannot be gratified in hearing from thee as often as would be desirable, yet I take a secret satisfaction in granting unto thee every indulgence in my power. I arrived in this city last evening, and to-night expect to have an interview with thousands of the people. John Hull, who has been my companion for four months past, has taken leave of me, so that I am now surrounded by strangers only. For some time past, I have almost been worn out with labour and hard travelling ; but am now recruited, although feeling great solicitude on thy account, fearing thou art exposed to many trials. Stand fast, my love and life, my joy and crown of rejoicing ; although beset- LETTERS TO HIS AVIFE. 45 ment may surround thee, yet bear with patience all the turnings of the holy Hand, that He may purely purge away the dross. This I desire for myself and all that is mine, that when we meet no intervening cloud may dim our joy. With much near affection to wife and children, I remain. Yours in tho Lord, N. Hunt. Philadelphia, 2J mo. 3, 1801. Near and dearly beloved : In that sweet spring of love that is ancient and yet new, I salute thee this morning. How often do I visit thee both in thy lying down and in thy rising up, as well as when thou goest to Mount Gilboa, where there is neither dew nor rain, nor field of offering, and where thou findest the river to break forth in high places, and springs in the valleys, I walk beside thee. Absence has only the tendency to strengthen the bands of love, and it is only by the right hand of His righteousness that we are sustamed through this state of trial and vicissitude. I am right well in health, considering the abundant labour that falls to my lot, and I be- 46 MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT. lieve I may acknowledge, with propriety, the Lord is with me. He hath brought me through many deep provings, and I think hath given me a comfortable assurance that He will take care of thee and the little ones, as you look unto him with singleness of eye. There is no possibility of describing the desire I feel to be with you ; sometimes it seems as if I could not bear it longer ; but dare not attempt to stir till the great Master bids me. If I did I should only be a burden to you ; therefore let us abide in the patience till the right time comes. Friends are exceeding kind to me. My home is with my beloved P. and A. Barker, who spare no pains to make me comfortable. I expect to leave this place on 6th day, go down through Delaware and the Eastern and AYestern Shores of Maryland, so on to Balti- more. Think it not likely, as the star now moves, that I shall see you till after the Yearly Meeting, in Virginia, in 5th month next. I am thy affectionate husband, Nathan Hunt. P. S. — Oh, that my dear children may walk in the ways of the Lord, in meekness and hu- mility. This would be my joy and crown of rejoicing, if I should live until declining life ; LETTERS TO HIS WIFE. 47 more to me, truly, than thousands of rams or tens of thousands of rivers of oil, for I behold the folly and uncertainty of mundane things — how soon they will be done ! In tender affec- tion beyond weight or measure, I am your parent, Nathan Hunt. Philadelphia, 4tli mo. 15, 1804. Nearly and dearly beloved Wife : In the cordial flowings of that love that often increased our joy into a river of pleasure, mak- ing hard things easy, and bitter cups sweet, I salute thee and all our beloved children with heartfelt solicitude that you may be the re- deemed of the Lord — plants of his own right hand planting — as much retired from the world as possible — sitting in the tent-door of watch- fulness, that you may be preserved from every- thing which might in any way hurt that pure seed which I desire above all other things to cherish in you. May you in every movement honour that calling for the sake of which I have left all, and am subjected to deep exer- cises, regarding not my life, so that I may win precious souls to Christ. We reached this place on 6th day evening, 48 MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT. after a long and very toilsome journey ; but the kind reception we met with among Friends, quite overbalanced momentary trials. My be- loved P. and A. Barker manifest their usual care and kindness towards me. I am quite well in health, and measurably, I trust, resigned to my allotment. Attended select meeting yes- terday. It was a season of instruction, and I felt much more disposed to hear than to be heard. Attended Pine Street Meeting on 1st day morning, and was opened from the words of Job : — " Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble ; he cometh forth like a flower and is cut down ; he fleeth away like a shadow, and tarrieth not." My beloved wife and children, I feel glowing affections of the tenderest kind to kindle in my heart for you — but what can I further say to invite, to entreat, to stimulate your minds towards your greatest, truest, and eternal interests ? You must do for yourselves, you must know for yourselves ; for if I knew all the mysteries of godliness, and daily imparted them, it would avail you no- thing unless you were acquainted with them for yourselves. Yours, in the Lord, Nathan Hunt. LETTERS TO HIS WIFE. 49 New York, 27th of 5tli mo., 1804. Right near and dearly beloved Wife : With renewed impression of the warmest aflfection I am capable of experiencing I salute thee this morning, sincerely desiring thy pre- servation as on every hand, that all the avenues to thy precious soul may be guarded by the angel of peace, that no temptation may dis- quiet thee, well knowing the insidious wiles of the unwearied adversary, that he is always looking round to see if he can get an advan- tage over us ; and if he finds the poor mind off its guard, he then steps in and makes work for repentance. Oh ! this admits of no time for lightness, but calls on us to watch and pray, and that continually ; and here there is a pre- cious cheerfulness of soul that will support through every trial and vicissitude. Oh ! saith my soul, that all parts of my family may in- cline to seriousness. My beloved children, often reflect upon the dying charge of a great prince to his son, and consider it as though it were addressed to you : '' Solomon, my son, know thou the God of thy fathers, and serve him with a perfect heart and willing mind. If thou seek him he will be found of thee, but if 4 50 MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT- thou forsake him, he -will cast thee off for ever." You have had opportunities above many ; im- prove them, my beloved children, I beseech you, that if your dear father should be favoured to see you again in this probationary state of being, it may be with joy of heart, like unto the joy of harvest, when a plentiful crop is gathered into the garner. Beloved Asenath ! let thy mind be stayed upon the Lord in this the day of thy sickness and of trial. The soul of thy father feels deeply for thee, but I be- lieve the opening arms of Goodness circle round thee. With love to all, your sympathizing and affectionate, N. Hunt. Nantucket, 7th mo. 1, 1804. Affectionately beloved Partner : A renewal of the deepest sympathy and love that I am capable of feeling for thee, attracts my mind towards thee this day ; deep and trying are my exercises and great my labours, though I am humbly resigned to my allotment and bow in reverent thankfulness to the great Author of our being that He is pleased to help in time of need. LETTERS TO HIS WIFE. 61 We have been near a week upon tliis island, and have had several solid meetings and visited the sick and the afflicted ; there seems to he some further service for us jet, but I think it likely three or four days more will accomplish it, and then I hope we shall be turned a little towards you. But I am not my own, and therefore must be willing to be bound and car- ried whither I would not. I have just returned from a large public meeting, where I was ex- tensively engaged, and feel myself exhausted ; but have another one appointed to begin at three o'clock, and how it will fare with me the Great Being only knows. 7th of 7th mo., New Bedford. — The meeting on 1st day, mentioned above, continued long — the Gospel spring opened abundantly, and on 4th day I attended Monthly Meeting on the island ; it was a very close and searching time. On 5th day had a public meeting there, which was the crown of all in Nantucket ; a greater flow of peace I never felt in which I craved my precious wife might partake. We left the island yesterday at nine o'clock, arrived here about six ; and were much disappointed in not find- ing letters, but endeavoured to be patient under it. Thou knovv'est, my dear, receiving these re- 52 3IEM01R OP NATHAN HUNT. membrances is like cold flowing water to a thirsty soul. I feel a deep solicitude for our preservation from contaminating things — from everything that would abate the force of our desires after that heavenly union without which we live in vain. Let us move on, hand joined in hand, through all the chequered scenes of this fast fading world, in which we see in part and know in part — a steady perseverance in well-doing will bring us finally into that clear- ness where we shall "know even as we are known." This is a world of darkness and of pain, but w^e are seeking for a city which needeth not the sun to lighten it ; for the Lord God and the Lamb are the everlasting light thereof, and none of the inhabitants can any more say they are sick. I commend thee and our dear children with mine own soul unto the grace of God, which is able to present us faultless before the Throne of his glory with exceeding joy. In the tenderest affection, thine, N. Hunt. 7th m>o. 8th. — To my inexpressible consola- tion, by last evening's mail, I received thine and Asenath's very welcome letter, which was LETTERS TO HIS WIFE. 58 indeed a balsam to my soul ; setting forth such humility and such submission to divine requir- ings. My dear Asenath, thou art very near to thy father's best life in thy tried situation ; but if it proves as a fountain of life to preserve from the snares of death, rejoice evermore, and in all things give thanks. N. H. New Bedfokd, 7tli of 12tb mo., 1804. Near and dearly beloved Wife and Children : Unto Tvhom are the Teachings forth of my love and life in the unchangeable truth. The engagement of my heart for you is, that none of you may be cast away in that awful hour which is fast approaching, when the living im- mortal part must leave the dying perishable flesh and stand before the Majesty of heaven and earth, and cognisance be taken of every moment of our lives, and every word that w^e have spoken ; certainly this ought to bring us all within the girdle of pure truth, and keep us sitting at the feet of Jesus ; that we may hear this gracious language flowing from his lips, "0 righteous Father! let the rebel live." I intreat you to strive all you can to promote one another's happiness, and thereby to increase 04 MEMOIR OF NATHAN HUNT. your own ; sooth one another in the toils of life. I mark with most peculiar satisfaction the remarks of my beloved wife and daughter. The former, that the children are very respect- ful to her ; the latter, that the attention of a tender mother and the care of affectionate brothers and sisters had been conducive to her comfort in a tedious illness : and the wish ex- pressed that she might number all her bless- ings, was affecting to my heart. Truly Ave ought to number them, for they are great. I have just received Joseph's affecting letter, which gives me pleasure, mixed with pain — pain at the disposition of m.ankind. Oh ! my dear family, keep still the mind attentively turned unto Him who knoweth every heart, and never will leave those who cast their care upon Him. If we can have Him for our friend, truly we need not care who is against us. We must not think it strange wo have to bear reproach for His name's sake, " for they that would live godly," &c. Keep yourselves to your- selves, improving in good things ; attend reli- gious meetings steadily, endeavouring, when there, to worship in sincerity of heart. I expect to leave this place in a few days, and go on to Connecticut. I am pretty much LETTlIllS TO HIS WIFE. 55 closed np from giving a general notice when meetings are appointed, but when they are select, or appointed only among others, the Gospel spring floAvs freely. Affectionately, dear wife and children, yours, N. Hunt. Rahway, 8th mo. 15, 1804. My dearest half : In the flowing forth of that love which issues from the fount of purity, thou art brought near to my best life, even in that hidden union which unites in strongest bonds body, soul, and spirit. Oh, this celestial stream ! It flows from the Sanctuary, and heals all where it comes. It brings forth living creatures in abundance, even fruitfulness in the field of offering, and joy fulness in the house of prayer. In times of dreariness and solitude let us not cast away the shield, neither let go our hold on Heaven, and sink beneath the mighty billows that would overwhelm us. Oh ! here we should stand still, solemnly gathered into quiet waiting, and let a hand mightier than ours work. Soon would it cause these storms to pass away, and placing us on the banks of deliverance, put a new song into 56 ME.MolR OF NATHAN HUNT. the mouth, even salvation and glory, dominion and praise, unto Ilim to -whom they are due. My labours, of late, on Long Island and in Now York have been deep and searching as any 1 have ever had before, and the River of Peace as deep as any that I ever swam in. The Lord will uphold with his free Spirit, and give the joys of liis salvation to all that trust in Ilim. My Master is teaching me neiu les- sons. In the city of New York we met wdth an Indian chief, and a number of other Indians from the Osage Nation, two thousand miles from here. I was pressed in spirit to have a meeting with them, which we had in the City Hall. I spoke to them by two interpreters, first in the French and then in the Indian lan- 'guage, and considering the great flow of expres- sion I generally have in my communications, was favoured with astonishing composure, when I had to stand three or four minutes without uttering a word whilst they were interpreting. The Indians received it with great solidity and satisfaction. I watch the mails, and am much pleased when I receive a letter from you. Oh ! that my descendants may all live in the pure truth, LETTERS TO HIS WIFE. 57 and be kept in the sacred enclosure of divine preservation. Take care of yourselves ; dwell in the fear of Him who is the searcher of hearts, and on whom no deception can impose. He sees us just as we are, and He will do right, and give unto all according to their deeds. May grace, mercy, and peace be with you all. I feel that my soul is bound to you in the fellowship of that life which is hid with Christ in God. And in the Sowings of love, I am yours, in the Lord, Nathan Hunt. 4th mo. 27, 1811. My endeared Wife : The partner of my joys and sorrows, my heart salutes thee, and with the tenderest affec- tion and the deepest sympathy that I am capa- ble of feeling, under the trying conflict that nature has to endure in this long separation. But is there not a gentle voice that whispers "Peace; be still!" Oh! then let patience have her perfect work ; fori believe it is not too much for me to say, with flowing tears, me- thinks I see a habitation prepared for our im- 58 MEMOIR OF NATHAN UUNT. mortal souls, if we but hold out unto tlie en