Columbia 29nit)em'tj) 
 
 mtJeCttpoflfttJgiJrk 
 
 THE LIBRARIES 
 
 Bequest of 
 
 Frederic Bancroft 
 
 1860-1945 
 
-'/:* 
 
 ELIAS HICKS 
 
 FROM BUST BY PARTHIDGE 
 
THE LIFE AND LABORS 
 
 OF 
 
 ELIAS HICKS 
 
 BY 
 
 Henry W. Wilbur 
 
 Introduction by 
 ELIZABETH POWELL BOND 
 
 PHILADELPHIA 
 
 Published by Fri^ndf^' Geiieful", (J^onferaace Advancement Committee 
 

 COPYRIGHTED IQIO BY 
 ITENRY W. WILBUR 
 
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 Qj CONTENTS. 
 
 ** T.is'i- OF Tr.LusiK.\-ii()\s 5 
 
 ^ Al rHOR S I 'RKI-AfK 7 
 
 ^r^ 1 .\ rRonx'C'i ION II 
 
 Chapter I. Ancestry and I'.oyhnod 17 
 
 Chapter II. [lis Yonng Manhood 22 
 
 Chapter III, First A])])earance in the Ministry 28 
 
 Chapter I\'. i^arly l>al)ors in the Ministry 32 
 
 Cif AFTER \ . Later Ministerial Labors 3S 
 
 Chapter \ 1. Religions jonrneys in 1828 4() 
 
 Chapter \'11, Ideas Ahont the ^Ministry ^J 
 
 Chapter \'1II. The Home at Jericho 66 
 
 Chapter IX. The Hicks Family 71 
 
 Chapter X. f.etters to His Wife 76 
 
 Chapter XI. The Slavery Qnestion 84 
 
 Chapter XII. \^arions Opinions 95 
 
 Chapter XIII. Some Points of Doctrine 107 
 
 Chapter XI\", Before the Division 121 
 
 Chapter X\'. First Tronble in Philadelphia 126 
 
 Chapter XVI. The Time of LTnsettlement ^ i.^'V 
 
 Chapter X\ II. Three Sermons Reviewed 15- 
 
 Chapter X\ 111. The Ih-aithwaite Controversy i6r 
 
4 LIFE AND LABORS OF FIJAS illCKS 
 
 CiiAi'TEK XJX, Ann Jones in Dutchess County i/i 
 
 Chapter XX, The Experience with T. ShilHtoe i8i 
 
 Chapter XXI, Disownnient and Doctrine i88 
 
 Chapter XXII, After the '"Separation" 195 
 
 Chapter XXIII, Friendly and Unfriendly Critics 202 
 
 Chapter XXIV^, Recollections, Reminiscences and Testi- 
 monies 211 
 
 Chapter XX\\ I'utting ott the Harness 218 
 
 Appendix 226 
 
LIST OF II.LUS rkATIOXS. 
 
 Elias Hicks ( from bust, by I'artridgc i Frontispiece 
 
 Hicks Housk and Jkkuho Mi:i:i ixc, I lorsi-.. facing.. 57 
 
 CiiiLDKKN OF Elias Hk ks, facing 97 
 
 Elias FIicks (from painting, by Ketcham ) facing 121 
 
 Surveyor's Plotiixi;, uy Elias liicKs. facing 144 
 
 Facsimile of Letter, facing 105 
 
 BuRvixc (iRorxD Ai Ikriciio. facing 216 
 
AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 
 
 Elias Hicks was a much misunderstood man in his own 
 time, and the lapse of eighty years since his death has done 
 but Httle to make him known to the passing generations. 
 His warm personal friends, and of them there were many, 
 considered him little less than a saint ; his enemies, some 
 of whom were intensely bitter in their personal feeling, 
 whate^•er may have been the basis of their judgment, 
 believed him to be a man whose influence was malevolent 
 and mischievous. It is no part of the purpose of this book 
 to attempt to reconcile the conflicting estimates touching 
 the life and character of this remarkable man. On the 
 contrary, our hope is to present him as he was, in his own 
 environment, and not at all as he might have been had he 
 lived in our time, or as his admirers would have him, to 
 make him conform to their own estimate. In this biograph- 
 ical task, Elias Hicks becomes largely his own interpreter. 
 As he measured himself in private correspondence and in 
 public utterance, so this b(JC)k will endeavor to measure him. 
 
 We believe that it is not too much to say that he carried 
 the fundamental idea of the Society of Friends, as delivered 
 by George Fox, to its logical conclusion, as applied to 
 thought and life, more clearly and forcibly than any of his 
 predecessors or contemporaries. Not a few of those who 
 violently opposed him, discounted the position of Fox and 
 Barclay touching the Inner Light, and gave exaggerated 
 importance to the claims of evangelical theology. What- 
 ever others may have thought, Elias Hicks believed that he 
 preached Christianity of the pure apostolic type, and 
 
8 1.IF1-. AND LAB(^RS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 Quakerism as it was delivered by the founders. It should 
 be remembered that the conformist and non-conformist 
 disputants of tlie seventeenth century talked as savagely 
 alxDut Fox as the early lu'neteenth century critics did about 
 Hicks. In fact, to accept the theory of Fox a])out the 
 nature and (office of the indwelling spirit, necessarily 
 develops either indifference or opposition to the ])lans and 
 theories f)f what was in the time of Elias Hicks, if it is not 
 now, the popularly accepted theology. 
 
 X() attempt has been made to write a comprehensive 
 and detailed history of the so-called "separation." So far, 
 however, as the trouble related to Elias Hicks, it has been 
 considered, and as much light as possible has been thrown 
 on the case. Necessarily this does not admit of very much 
 reference to the setting up of separate meetings, which f(jl- 
 lowed the open rupture of 1827-28, or the contests over 
 property which occurred after the death of Elias Hicks. 
 Even the causes of the trouble in the Societ}' only appear 
 as they seem necessary to make plain the feeling of Elias 
 Hicks in the case, and the attitude of his op]ionents toward 
 him. 
 
 In dealing with the doctrines of Elias Hicks, or his 
 \ iews about various subjects, we have endeavored to avoid 
 the one-sided polic\-, and to discriminate between the mat- 
 ters which would be accepted by the majority of those 
 Friends to-day who are erroneously made to bear the name 
 of Elias Hicks, and the theories which they now repudiate. 
 On the other hand, his most conservative and peculiar ideas 
 are given equal prominence with those which more nearly 
 conform to present-day thought. 
 
 In stating cases of antagonism, especially where it 
 aj)peared in public meetings, we have endeavored rather to 
 give samples, than to repeat and amplify occurrences where 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OI' I'.LIAS HICKS 9 
 
 the same i>iir])(>sc and s])iril wvvc exhibited. The citations 
 in the honk should, therefore, be taken as types, and not as 
 mere isohited or extraorchnary occurrences. 
 
 References to the descendants of hTias Hicks, and 
 other matters relatini;- to his hfe. which do not seem to 
 naturally belong- in the coherent and detailed story, will be 
 found in the appendix. This is also true of the usual 
 acknowledi^nient of assistance, and the reference to the pub- 
 lished sources of information consulted i)y the author in 
 writing- the book. 
 
 2 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 Now and again a human life is lived in such obedience 
 to the "heavenly vision" that it becomes an authority in 
 other lives. The unswerving rectitude ; whence is its divine 
 directness? the world has to ask. Its clear-sightedness; 
 how comes it that the eye is single to the true course? Its 
 strength to endure; from what fountain flows unfailing 
 strength ? Its quickening sympathy ; what is the sweet 
 secret ? 
 
 The thought of the world fixes itself into stereotyped 
 and imprisoning forms from which only the white heat of 
 the impassioned seer and prophet can slowly liberate it. 
 At last the world ceases to persecute or to crucify its 
 liberator, and lo ! an acknowledged revelation of God! 
 This came to pass in the seventeenth century, when it was 
 given George Fox to see and to proclaim that "there was 
 an anointing within man to teach him, and that the Lord 
 would teach him, himself." 
 
 The eighteenth century developed another teacher in 
 the religious society of Friends, whose message has been a 
 distinctly lea\-ening influence in the thought of the world. 
 It is not easy to account for Elias Hicks. He was not the 
 "son of a prophet." Nor was he a gift from the schools 
 of the time in which he lived. In the "Journal of His Life 
 and Religious Labours," published in 1832 by Isaac T. 
 Hopper, there is no reference to school days. 
 
 There is one clue to this man that may explain much 
 to us. Of his ancestry he says in the restrained language 
 characteristic of h.is writings, "My parents were descended 
 
 II 
 
12 LIFE AND LABCIRS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 from reputable families, and sustained a gootl character 
 among their friends and those who knew them." ?Iere, 
 then, is the rock-foundation upon which he Ijuilded, the 
 factor which could not be spared from- the life which he 
 lived— that in his veins was the blood of those who had 
 "sustained a good character among those who knew^ them." 
 Some of the leisure of his youth had been given to fishing 
 and fowding, which he looked back to as wholesome recrea- 
 tion, since he mostly preferred going alone. While he 
 w-aited in stillness for the coming of the fowl, 'his mind was 
 at times so taken up in divine meditations, that the oppor- 
 tunities were seasons of instruction and comfort to him.' 
 Out of these meditations grew the conviction in his tendered 
 soul that it was wanton diversion for himself and his 
 companions to destroy the small birds that could be of no 
 use to them. 
 
 Recalling his youth, he writes: "Some of my leisure 
 hours were <jccupied in reading the Scriptures, in which I 
 took considerable delight, and it tended to my real profit 
 and religious improvement." It may be that this great 
 classic in English, as well as library of ancient history, and 
 book of spiritual revelation, was not only the food that 
 stimulated his spiritual growth, but also took the place to 
 him, in some measure, of the schools as a means of culture. 
 It is plain to see that he had what is the first requisite for 
 a student — a hungering' mind. The alphabet opened to him 
 the ways and means, which he used as far as he could, for 
 the satisfying of this divine hunger. A new book pos- 
 sessed for him such charm, it is said, that his friends who 
 invited him for a social visit, knowing this, were careful to 
 put the new books out of sight, lest he should become 
 absorbed in them, and they lose his ever- welcome and very 
 entertaining conversation. He even had experience as a 
 teacher ; and the testimony is given by an aged Friend, once 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL\S HICKS 13 
 
 his pupil : "1lie manners of Elias Hicks were so mild, his 
 deportment so dignified, and his conversation so instructive, 
 that it left an impression for good on many of his pupils' 
 minds that time never effaced." 
 
 11iat he had not the teaching of the sch(X)ls narrowed 
 his own resources, and, doubtless, restricted his field of 
 \ision. But such a life as his, that garnered wisdom more 
 than knowledge of books, is a great encouragement to those 
 who have not had the opportunities of the schools. We 
 might not know without being told that he had missed from 
 his equipment a college degree ; but we do know that his 
 endowment of sound mind was supplemented with incor- 
 ruptible character; we do know that his life was founded 
 uj^on belief in everlasting truth and an unchanging integrity. 
 The record of his unfolding spiritual life shows that 
 
 "So nigh is grandeur to our dust, 
 So near is God to man, 
 When Duty whispers low, 'Thou nuist,' 
 The youth replies, T can.' " 
 
 There is evidence that Elias Hicks had not only a 
 hungering mind, but that he had in marked degree the open 
 mind, and that he accorded to others liberty of opinion. 
 It is said that he was unwilling that his discourses be 
 printed, lest they become a bondage to other minds. He 
 wrote to his friend, William Poole: "Therefore every gen- 
 eration must have more light than the preceding one ; other- 
 wise, they must sit down in ease in the labour and works of 
 their predecessors." And he left a word of caution to 
 approaching age, when he said in a meeting in New York : 
 "The old folks think they have got far enough, they are 
 settling on the lees, they are blocking up the way." It does 
 not disturb luy thought of him that my own uK^ther remem- 
 bered a mild rebuke from him for the modest fiower-bed 
 that brightened the door-yard of her country home. For I 
 
14 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 discc)\er in him rudiments of the love for beauty. A min- 
 ister among- Friends was once his guest during the harvest 
 season on Long Island, and recalled long after that, when 
 the hour arrived for the mid-week meeting, he came in from 
 the harvest held, and not onl}' exchanged his working for 
 his meeting garments, but added his gloves, although it 
 was hot. midsummer weather. There was certainly the rudi- 
 mentar}' love for beaut}- in this scrupulous regard for the 
 proprieties; but it was kept in such severe check that he 
 could not justif}' the spending of time upon a flower-border. 
 The poet had not then e.\[)ressed for us the sweet garden 
 prayer that might have brought to his sensitive mind a new 
 view of the purpose and value of the flower-border : 
 
 "That we were earthlings and of earth must live, 
 Tliou knowest, Allah, and did'st give us bread ; 
 Yea, and remembering of our souls, didst give 
 Us food of flowers ; thy name be hallowed :" 
 
 From the days in which he preferred his hoiu's of 
 solitude in fishing as opportunities for "divine meditations'' 
 we can trace his stead}' spiritual growth. While his busi- 
 ness life was henceforth subordinated to his labors among 
 men to promote the life of the spirit, he was never indif- 
 ferent in the exact discharge of his own financial obliga- 
 tions : nor was he indifferent to the needs of others. One 
 incident singly marks him as belonging to the School of 
 Christ : "Once when har\ests were light and provisions 
 scarce and high, his (^wn wheat fields yielded abundantly. 
 Foreseeing the scarcity and consecpient rise in prices, specu- 
 lators sought early to buy his wheat. He declined to sell. 
 Thev offered him large prices, and renewed their visits 
 repeatedlv. increasing the price eacli time. Still he reftised 
 to sell, even for the unprecedented sum of three dollars a 
 bushel. But b\' and by. when his poorer neighbors, whose 
 crop; were light, began to need, he ir\ited them to come 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 15 
 
 and get as miicli wheat as they required f(;r use. at tlic 
 usual price of one dollar a bushel." 
 
 He entered into the life of his community and of his 
 times, anticipating by nearly a century the work of Friends' 
 Philanthropic Committees of the present dav. It is related 
 that he was much opposed to an attempt to establish a 
 liquor-selling ta\'ern in the Jericho neighborhood — that 
 when he saw strangers approacliing he would invite them 
 to accept his o\vn hospitality, thus making unnecessary the 
 tavern-keeping business in the sparsely settled country 
 town. 
 
 We would expect that, with his sense of justice antl 
 his appreciation of values, Elias Hicks would place men and 
 women side by side, not onl)- in the home, but also in the 
 larger household of faith, and in the atiairs of the world. 
 It is remembered that his face was set in this direction — 
 that, strict Societ}'-disciplinarian as he was. he advocated a 
 change in the Discipline to allow women a consulting voice 
 in making and amending the Discipline. 
 
 It must be borne in mind that he lived through the 
 Revolutionary period of 1776, and through the War of 
 1812. So true was he to his convictions against war that 
 he would not allow himself to benefit by the advanced 
 prices in foodstuffs; and we are told that the records of 
 his monthly meeting show that he sacrificed much of his 
 property by adherence to his peace principles. 
 
 Neither can we forget the testing that came to him in 
 the institution of slavery. For, according to the custom 
 of the times, his own father was the owner of slaves. His 
 open mind responded to the labors of a committee of the 
 New York Yearly Meeting; and upon the freeing of his 
 father's slaves, he ever after considered their w'elfare, 
 making such restitution as he could for past injustice. 
 
i6 IJF'F. AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 To his daughter. Martha Hicks, he wrote: "My dear 
 love to thee, to thy dear mother, who next to the I)i\ine 
 Blesser has heen the joy of my youth, and who, I trust and 
 hope, will he the com fori of my declining years. O dear 
 chikl. cherish and hel]) her, for she hath done abundance 
 for thee." 
 
 These fruits of the religious faith of Elias Hicks are 
 offered as the test given us by the Great Teacher himself, 
 by whicli to kimw the life of a man. They mark a life 
 rooted in the life of God. Imperishable as the root whence 
 they g"rew. may they feed the souls of men from generation 
 to generation, satisfying the hungry, strengthening the 
 weak, and making all glad in the joy of each! 1dius it is 
 permitted to be "still praising Him." 
 
 Elizabeth Powell Bond. 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 Ancestry and Boyhood. 
 
 'J'liK Hicks family is English in its origin, authentic 
 liistory tracing it clearly back to the fourteenth century. 
 By a sort of genealogical paradox, a far-away ancestor of 
 the apostle of peace in the eighteenth century was a man 
 of war. for we are told that Sir Ellis Hicks was knighted 
 on the battlefield of Poitiers in 1356. nearl\- four hundred 
 years before the birth of his distinguished descendant on 
 Eong Island, in America. 
 
 l-'roni the best available data, it is believed that the 
 progenitor of the Hicks family on Long Island arrived in 
 America in 1638, and came over from the New England 
 mainland about 1645, settling in the town of Hempstead. 
 A relati\e. Robert bv name, came over with tlie body of 
 Pilgrims arriving in Massachusetts in i6ji. 
 
 John Hicks, the pioneer, was undoubtedly a man of 
 alTairs, wiili that strong character which (|ualifies men for 
 leadershi]!. In the concerns of the new community he was 
 often drafted for important public .service. In Seventh 
 month. 1647, it became necessaiy to reach a final .settlement 
 with the Indians for land purchased from them by the 
 colonists tlie \ear before. The adjustment of this trans- 
 action was committed to John Hicks by liis neighbors. 
 When, in i(y(\^. the luiglish towns on the island and the 
 New ^^)rk mainland created a council whose aim it was to 
 secure aid from the (General Court at Hartford against the 
 Dutch. John Hicks was made a delegate from Long Island. 
 In 1665 Governor Nicoll, of New York, called a convention 
 
 17 
 
iS LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLAS HICKS 
 
 to be composed of two delegates from each town in West- 
 chester County and on Long Island, "to make additions 
 and alterations to existing laws." John Hicks was chosen 
 delegate from the town of Hempstead. 
 
 Thomas, the great grandfather of Elias, was in 169 1 
 appointed the first judge of Queens County, by Governor 
 Andross, which office he held for a numljer of years, with 
 credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. 
 
 Tiie town oi Heiujistead is on the north side of Long 
 Island, and borders on the Sound. There Elias Hicks, the 
 fifth in line of descent from the jDioneer John, was born 
 on the 19th of Third month, 1748. He w'as the fourth 
 child of John and Martha Smith Hicks. Of the ancestry 
 of the mother of Elias little is known. There is no evi- 
 dence that the ancestors of Elias on either side were mem- 
 bers of the Society of Friends, still they seem to have had 
 much in common with Friends, and. at any rate, were will- 
 ing to assist the peculiar people when the heavy hand of 
 persecution fell upon them. In this connection we may 
 quote the words of Elias himself. He says: "My father 
 was a grandson of Thomas Hicks, of whom our worthy 
 friend Samuel Bownas ' makes honorable mention in his 
 Journal, and by whom he was much comforted and 
 
 " Samuel Bownas was a minister among Friends, and was born 
 in Westmoreland, England, about 1667. He secured a minute to make 
 a religious visit to America the latter part of 1701. Ninth month 30, 
 1702, he was bound over to the Queens Coun'y Grand Jury, the charge 
 against him being that in a sermon he had spoken disparagingly of the 
 Church of England. The jury really failed to indict him, which greatly 
 exasperated the presiding judge, who threatened to deport him to 
 London chained to the man-of-war's deck. It was at this point that 
 Thomas Hicks, whom Bownas erroneously conchuied was Chief 
 Justice of the Province, appeared to comfort and assure him that he 
 could not thus be deported to England. Bownas continued in jail for 
 about a year, during which time he learned the shoemaker's trade. He 
 was finally liberated by proclamatioa.. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLVS HICKS 19 
 
 Strengthened when imprisoned through the envy of George 
 Keith, ^ at Jamaica, on Long Island." * 
 
 We are told in the Journal, "Neither of my parents 
 were members in strict fellowship with any religious society, 
 until some little time before my birth." ^ It is certain that 
 the father of Elias was a member among Friends at the time 
 of his birth, and his mother must also have enjoyed such 
 membership. Elias must have been a birthright member, 
 as he nowhere mentions having been received into the 
 Society by convincement. It is evident that his older 
 brothers and sisters were not connected with Friends. 
 
 When Elias was eight years of age his fatlier removed 
 from Hempstead t(^ the south shore of Long Island, the 
 new home being near the seashore. Both before and after 
 that time he bewails the fact that his associates were not 
 Friends, and what he confessed was worse— they were 
 persons with no religious inclinations or connections what- 
 ever. 
 
 The new home al'forded added opportunities for 
 pleasure. Game was plentiful in the wild fowl that mated 
 in the marshes and meadows, while the bays and inlets 
 abounded in fish. Hunting and fishing, therefore, became 
 his principal di\ersibn. While he severely condemned this 
 form of amusement in later life, he brought to the whole 
 matter a rational philoso[)hy. He considered that at the 
 
 '' George Keith, born near Aberdeen. 1639. became connected with 
 the Society of Friends about 1662. He came to America in 1684, 
 but finally separated from Friends, and endeavored to organize a new 
 sect to be called Christian, or Baptist Quakers. This effort failed, and 
 about 1700 he entered the Church of England. After this he violently 
 criticised Friends, and repeatedly sought controversy with them. He 
 had quite an experience of this sort with Samuel Bownas. and was 
 considered the real instigator of the complaint on which Bownas was 
 lodged in jail. Keith looms up large in all that body of history and 
 biography unfriendly to the Society of Friends. 
 
 'Journal of Elias Hicks, p. 7. 
 
 'Journal of Elias Hicks, p. 7. 
 
20 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL\S HICKS 
 
 time hunting- and fishing were profitable to him. because in 
 his exposed concHtion "tliey liad a tendency to keep me 
 more at and about home, and often prevented my joining" 
 with loose company, which 1 had frefjuent opportunities of 
 doing without my father's knowledge." 
 
 Three years after mo\'ing to the new home, when Elias 
 was ele\-en years of age. his mother was removed by death. 
 The father, thus left with six children, two ycjunger than 
 Elias. finally found it necessary to divide the family. Two 
 years after the death of his motiier he went to reside with 
 one of his elder brothers who was married, and lived some 
 distance from his father's. It is probable that this brother's 
 house was his home most of the time until he was seventeen. 
 Much regret is expressed by him that he was thus removed 
 from parental restraint. 
 
 The Journal makes possibly unnecessarily sad confession 
 of what he considered waywardness during this ])eriod. 
 He says that lie wandered far from "the salutary path of 
 true religion, learning to sing vain songs, and to take delight 
 in running horses." " Just what the songs were, and the 
 exact character of the horse racing must be mainly a matter 
 of conjecture. Manifestly "running horses" did not mean 
 at all the type of racetrack gambling with which twentieth- 
 century Long- Lsland is familiar. 
 
 In the midst of self-accusation, he declares that he did 
 not "give way to anything which was commonly accounted 
 disreputable, having always a regard to strict honesty, and 
 to such a line of conduct as comported with politeness and 
 good breeding-." ^ One can scarcely think of Elias Hicks 
 as a juvenile Chesterfield. From the most unfavorable 
 things he savs about himself, the conclusion is easily reached 
 that he was really a serious-minded youth, and what has 
 
 ■Journal of Klias Hicks, p. 8. 
 ' Journal, p. 8. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLAS HICKS 21 
 
 always been considered a "_<;(i()(l boy." Tt must be reniem- 
 l)ered, bowever, tliat be set for bimself a bigb standard, 
 wbicb was often viob'ited, as he became what he called 
 "hardened in vanity." Speaking of bis }'Outbful sports, and 
 possible waywardness, his niatiirer judgment confessed, that 
 but "for the providential care of my Heavenly Feather, my 
 life Would have fallen a sacrifice to my folly and indis- 
 cretion." '* 
 
 There is practically no reference to the matter of 
 schools or schooling in the Journal. There is every reason 
 tor the belief that he was self-educated. He may have 
 liad a brief experience at schools of a rather primary 
 character. At all events he must have had a considerable 
 acquaintance with mathematics, and evidently he at an early 
 age contracted the reading habit. Books were few, and of 
 periodical literature there was none. Friendly literature 
 itself was confined to Sewell's^ History, probaljly Ellwood's 
 edition of George Fox's Journal, while he may have had 
 access to some of the contro\'ersial pamphlets of the seven- 
 teenth century period. The Journals of various "ancient" 
 Friends were to be had, but how rich the mine of this litera- 
 ture which he ex])lored we shall never know. Evidently 
 from his youth he was a careful and intelligent reader of 
 the Bible, and regarding its passages, its ethics and its the- 
 olog}^ he became his owm interpreter. 
 
 'Journal of Elias Hicks, p. g. 
 
CHAPTER II. 
 
 His Young Manhood. 
 
 At the age of seventeen Elias became an apprentice, 
 and set abont learning- the carpenter's trade. His mechan- 
 ical experience dnring this period receives practically no 
 attention in the Jom^nal. We know, however, that in those 
 days none of the trades were divided into sectional parts as 
 now. In short, he learned a whole trade, and not part of 
 one. It was the day of hand-made doors, and not a few 
 carpenters took the timber standing in the forest, and snper- 
 intended or personally carried on all of the processes of 
 transforming it into Inmber and from it prodncing the 
 finished product. The carpenter of a century and a half ago 
 had to be able to wield the broad-ax, and literally know 
 how to "hew to the line." 
 
 It is not known exactl}' how long this apprenticeshi]) 
 lasted, but probably about four years. As a matter of 
 course, there was much moving from neighborhood to 
 neighborhood, as the building necessities demanded tlic 
 presence of the carpenters. The life was more or less 
 irregular, and Elias says that he received neither serious 
 advice nor restraint at the hands of his "master." He was 
 brought in contact with frivolously minded young peo})le. 
 and was undul}' carried away with the love of amusement. 
 During this period he learned to dance, and enjoyed the 
 experience. Ikit he considered dancing a most mis- 
 chie^■ous pastime, and e\il to a marked degree. For this 
 indulgence he repeated!)- upbraided himself in the Journal. 
 In his opinion, dancing was "an unnatural and unchristian 
 
 22 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL\S HICKS 23 
 
 practice," iic\cr receiving' the ap'proval "of the <h'\iiie h'.s;ht 
 HI the secret of the heart." 
 
 He passed throuj^h various experiences in tlie endeavor 
 to break awa_y from the dancing hal)it, with many back- 
 shchngs, overthrowing what he considered his good resolu- 
 tions. But finally he separated from all those companions 
 of his youth who beset him with temptation. He says: "I 
 W'as deeply tried, but the Lord was graciously near; and as 
 my cry was secretly to him for strength, he enabled me to 
 covenant with him, that if he would be pleased in mercy to 
 empower me, T would forever cease from this vain and 
 sinful amusement." ^ 
 
 His tirst intimation touching the eternally l(5St condi- 
 tion of the W'icked is in connection with his experience at 
 this time. Wt cannot do better than to quote his own 
 words : 
 
 "In looking back to this season of deep probation, my 
 soul has been deeply humbled ; for I had cause to believe 
 that if I had withstood at this time the merciful inter- 
 position of divine love, and had rebelled against this clear 
 manifestation of the Lord's will, he would have withdrawn 
 his light from me, and my portion w^ould have been among 
 the wicked, cast out forever from the favorable presence 
 of my judge. I should also forever have been obliged to 
 acknoAvledge his mercy and justice, and acquit the Lord, 
 my redeemer, who had done so much for me ; for with long- 
 sufifering and much abused mercy he had waited patiently 
 for my return, and would have gathered me before that 
 time, as I well knew, as a hen gathereth her chickens under 
 her wings, but I would not." - 
 
 His second diversion, and probably practiced after he 
 had given up dancing, was hunting. While not considered 
 in itself reprehensible, wlien the sport led to want(^nness, 
 
 'Journal of Elias Hicks, p. 10. 
 ^Journal, p. 11. 
 
24 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL\S HICKS 
 
 aiid the taking of lite of bird or beast simply for aiiuise- 
 nient. it was vigorously condemned. He says that he was 
 finally "led to consider conduct like this to be a great breach 
 of trust, and an infring-ement of the divine prerogatix'e." 
 "It therefore became a settled princi])le with nic not t(j take 
 the life of any creature, unless it was really useful and 
 necessary when dead, or very noxious and hurtful when 
 lixing." '' 
 
 When the settled con\iction came to him touching the 
 dance and the sportsman's practice, he was probably not out 
 of his teens. This conviction resulted in victory over the 
 propensity, prol:)aI)ly before he reached his majority. The 
 whole experience was an early illustration of the strength 
 of will and purpose \\hich vas characteristic of this remark- 
 able man throughout his entire life. 
 
 Marriage is always a turning-point in a man's life. In 
 the case of Elias Hicks, it was so in a. marked degree. 
 Having l^ecome adept in his trade, at the age of twenty- 
 two, he was married to jemima Seaman. This important 
 event cannot be better stated than in the simi)le. (|uaint lan- 
 guage of the bridegroom himself. He says: 
 
 "My affection being drawn toward her in tliat relation. 
 I communicated my views to her, and received from her a 
 corresponding expression ; and having the full unity and 
 concurrence of our parents and friends, we, after some time, 
 accomplished our marriage at a solemn meeting of Friends, 
 at \\'estbur3\ on the 2d of First month, 1771. On this 
 important occasion we felt the clear and consoling evidence 
 of divine truth, and it remained with us as a seal upon our 
 s]>irits. strengthening us mutually to bear, with becoming 
 fortitude, the vicissitudes and trials which fell to our lot. 
 and of which Ave had a large share wliile passing throuL^h 
 tliis ])robationary state." ^ 
 
 'Journal, p. i,s. 
 * Journal, p. 13. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF I'.I.IAS HICKS 25 
 
 The rec(-)r(ls of \Vcstl)ur\- Monilil\- Me'ctiiii;' CDiitaiii the 
 r)lTici;il exiilence of this marriai^e. whicli was evideiitl}' con- 
 (hicted stricth' in accnnhuice with (hsriphne. h'roni the 
 iiiiiuites of that nieetiiis^' we exti'act llie fi )lli iwin;^' : 
 
 "At a niDiithl} inetini^' held in the meetiiii;' lioiise, ye 
 29th day of \'e Eleventh month. 177U. 
 
 '"Elias Uick.s son of John llieks. of Koekaway. and 
 Jemima Seaman, danj^hter of Jonathan Seaman, of Jerieho. 
 presented themsehes and declared their intentions of mar- 
 riage with each, and this meeting a|)])oints John iMott and 
 Micajah ]\Iott to make enqnir}- into Elias Hicks, his clear- 
 ness in relation of marriage w ith other women, and to make 
 report at the next monthly meeting. 
 
 "At a monthl}- meeting in the meeting house at W'est- 
 hnry ye 2r)t]i da} of ye I'welfth month. 1770, I'llias Hicks 
 and Jemima Seaman ap])eared the second time, and Elias 
 Micks signified they continued their intentions of marriage 
 and desired an answer to their former proposals of mar- 
 riage, and the Eriends who were ap])ointed to make encjuiry 
 into Elias' clearness re])orted that they had made enquiry, 
 and find nothing- l)Ut that he is clear of marriage engage- 
 ments to other women, and they ha\ing consent of parents 
 and nothing- appearing to ohestruct their prcjceedings in 
 marriage, this meeting leaves them to solemnize their mar- 
 riag-e according to the g-ood order used amongst Friends, 
 and appoints Robert Seaman and John Molt to attend their 
 said marriage, and to make rejjort to tlu- next monthl\ 
 meeting it was consumated. 
 
 "On ye 30th day of ye I'irst month. 1771. Robert Sea- 
 man reported that they had attended the marriage of Elias 
 Hicks and Jemima Seaman, and was witli theni both at 
 Jericho and at Rockaway. and John Mott al>o re])orted that 
 he accompanied them at Koekaway and that the marriage 
 was consummated orderly." 
 
 In more wa\-> than one tlie marriage of l-'Jias was the 
 important exent of his life. Jemima Seaman was an only 
 child, and naturally her parents desired tliat she should be 
 near them. .\ few months after tlieir marriage I'dias and 
 Jemima were urged to take u]) their residence at tlie Sea- 
 
 4 
 
26 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 man lioniesteatl, Elias to manage the farm of his father-in- 
 law. The re.snk was that the farm in Jericho hecame the 
 liome of Eh'as Hicks tlie remainder of his hfe. Here he 
 hved and lahored for nearly sixty years. 
 
 The Seamans were concerned Friends, and the farm 
 was near the Friends' meeting honse in Jericho. From this 
 dates his constant attendance at the meetings for worship 
 and discipline of the Society. Besides the family influence, 
 some of his neighhors, strong men and women, and deeply 
 attached to the principles and testimonies of Friends, made 
 for the young people an ideal and inspiring environment. 
 'Jdie Friends at Jericho could not have been unmindful of 
 the native ability and taking qualities of this young man, 
 whose fortunes were to be linked with their own, and whose 
 future labors were to be so singularly devoted to their 
 religious Sc^ciety. 
 
 Jemima, the wife of Elias Hicks, was the daughter of 
 Jonathan and Elizabeth Seaman. The father of Jemima 
 w-as the tifth generation irom Captain John Seaman, who 
 came to Long Island from the Connecticut mainland about 
 1O60. For his time, he seems to have been a man of affairs, 
 and is recorded as one of the patentees of the town of 
 Heiupstead, on the Sound si<le of the island. There was 
 a John Seaman who came to Alassachusetts in the Winthrop 
 fleet of ten vessels and 900 immigrants in 1630. That form 
 of biography which shades into tradition is not agreed as 
 to whether Captain John, of Hempstead, was the Puritan 
 John or his son. 
 
 Running the famil\- hist(^ry back to England, we lind 
 Eazarus Seaman, known as a Puritan divine, a nati^'e of 
 Leicester. He died in 1667. He is described as a learned 
 theologian, versed in the art of controversy, and stout in 
 defense of his position in religious matters. 
 
 The history of heraldry, and the story of the efforts 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ETJAS HICKS 27 
 
 to capltire the Imly se])nlcher. tell lis that Joliii cle Seaman 
 was one of the first crusaders. To this line the Seaman 
 Hneag"e in America is helieved to he attached. 
 
 At some time, whether in his early manhood is not 
 known, Elias Hicks took up sin-Ncyin!.;-. How steadily or 
 extensively he followed that business it is impossible to say. 
 It is n(^t hard. howe\'er. to ilnd samples of his surveying 
 and plotting among the papers of L'lug Island convey- 
 ancers.'' His compass, and the home-made pine case in 
 which he kept the instrument and the tripod, are in exi.st- 
 ence.'" The compass is a simple alfair, without a telescope, 
 of course. Tt folds into a tkat shape, the box not being 
 more than two inches thick, over all. 
 
 ■''Sef cut facing jKige 143. 
 
 "They are in possession of llie great-grandson of Elias Hicks, 
 William Seaman, of Glen Cove, L. I. 
 
CHAPTER III. 
 First Appearance in the Ministry. 
 
 IT1F.KE are many evidences in tlie journal tliat Elias? 
 Hicks a])])reciate(l tlie moral rmd spiritual advantages of his 
 enxironment after he took up his residence at Jericho. He 
 confesses, however, that as he had entered quite extensively 
 into husiness. he was much di\erted from spiritual things 
 for a numher of years after his marriage. During tliis 
 ])eriod he says : 
 
 "I was again brought, by the operative influence of 
 divine grace, under deep concern of mind ; and was led, 
 through adorable mercy, to see that although I had ceased 
 from many sins and vanities of my youth, yet there were 
 many remaining that I was still guilty of, which were not 
 yet atoned for. and for which 1 now felt the judgments of 
 God to rest upon me. This caused me to cry earnestly to 
 the Most High for pardon and redemption, and he 
 graciously condescended to hear my cry, and to open a way 
 before me, wherein I must walk, in order to experience 
 reconciliation with him ; and as I abode in watchfulness 
 and deep humiliation before him, light broke forth out of 
 obscurity, and my darkness became as the noonday. I had 
 many deep openings in the visions of light, greatly 
 strengthening and establishing to my exercised mind. My 
 spirit was brought under a close and weighty labour in 
 meetings for discipline, and my understanding much en- 
 larged therein ; and T felt a concern to speak to some of the 
 subjects engaging the meeting's attention, wdiich often 
 brought unspeakable comfort to my mind. About this time 
 1 began to have (openings leading to the ministry, wdiich 
 brought me under close exercise and deep travail of spirit; 
 for although I had for some time spoken on subjects of 
 business in monthly and preparative meetings, yet the 
 prospect of opening my mouth in ])ublic meetings was a 
 close trial ; l)Ut J endea\ored to keep my mind cpiiet and 
 
 28 
 
LIFE AND LAB(^RS OF ELI AS HICKS 29 
 
 resigned to tlie heavenly call, if it should be made clear to 
 me to be my duty. Xevertheless, as I was, soon after, 
 sitting' in a meeting, in much weightiness of spirit, a secret, 
 though clear, intimation accompanied mc to speak a few 
 words, which were then given to me to utter, yet fear so 
 ])revailed that I did not yield to the intimation. For this 
 omission 1 felt close rebuke, and judgment seemed, for some 
 time, to cover my mind; but as 1 hinnbled myself under 
 the Lord's mighty hand, he again lifted up the light of his 
 countenance upon me, and enabled me to renew covenant 
 with him, that if he would pass by this ofifense, I would, 
 in the future, be faithful, if he should again require such a 
 service of me. And it was not long before I felt an impres- 
 sive concern to utter a few words, which I yielded to in 
 great fear and dread ; but oh, the joy and sweet consolation 
 that my soul experienced, as a reward for this act of faith- 
 fulness; and as 1 continued persevering in duty and watch- 
 fulness, I witnessed an increase in divine knowledge, and 
 an enlargement of niy gift. I was also deeply engaged for 
 the right administration of discipline and order in the 
 church, and that all might be kept sweet and clean, con- 
 sitent with the nature and purity of the holy profession we 
 w^ere making; so that all stumbling-blocks might be 
 removed out of the way of honest inquirers, and that truth's 
 testimony might be exalted, and the Lord's name magnihed, 
 'who is over all, God blessed forever.' " ^ 
 
 Still it appears that his concern for the maintenance 
 of the discipline was more than a slavish allegiance to 
 the letter of the law. More than once he spoke a warn- 
 ing w^ord as to the danger of allowing the administration 
 of the written rule to lead to mere formalism. Once begun, 
 his development in public service was rapid, and his recog- 
 nition by Friends cordial and appreciative to a marked 
 degree. 
 
 Just how long Elias Hicks spoke in the meeting-s for 
 worship, before his "acknowledgment," is not knowm. The 
 records of Westbury Monthly ]\Ieeting. however, give de- 
 
 ' Jounwl, p. 15. 
 
.30 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 tailed information as to this event. From them we make 
 the following- extract: 
 
 '"At a monthly meeting- held at Westbury ye ^9th of 
 Fourth month, 1778, William Seaman and \\'illiam \'alen- 
 tine report that they have made inquiry concerning Elias 
 Hicks, and tind nothing to hinder his being recommended 
 to the meeting- of Ministers and Elders, whom this meeting 
 recommends to that meeting as a minister, and directs the 
 clerk to forward a copy of this minute to said meeting." 
 
 The acknowledg-ment of the ministry of EHas Hicks 
 took place a little n\er se\en }ears after his marriage. 
 From vari()us references in the Journal the inference is 
 warranted that he did not begin to speak in the meeting- for 
 worship until a considerable time after this e\'ent. It is. 
 therefore, probable that his serxice in this line had not been 
 g'oing on, at the most, more than three or four years when 
 his acknowledgment took place. He had only been a 
 recorded minister something oxer a year when his first con- 
 siderable visit was undertaken. 
 
 Unfortunately, the preserx-ed personal correspondence 
 of Elias Hicks does not cover this period in his life, so 
 that we are confined to xvhat he chose to ptit in his Jonrnal. 
 as the only self-interpretation of this interesting- period. 
 
 It appears that the Nexv York Yearly Meeting- was 
 held at the regularlx- api)ointed times all through the period 
 of the Revolutionary War. Previous to 1777 the rneeting 
 met annually at Flushing-, but in that year the sessions were 
 removed to Westbury. In 17(^3 it was concluded to hold 
 future meetings in Xe\v \'ork. 
 
 During- the xvar the British controlled Long Island, 
 and for soine time the meeting house in Flushing was occu- 
 pied as a l)arracks by the king's troops, which probably 
 accounts for moving the yearly meeting further out on the 
 island to W\'stbury. 
 
 In attending the yearly meeting, and in performing 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL^S HICKS 31 
 
 relig-ious visits in tlie particular metninjj-s. passinc; the lines 
 of both armies was a tretiuent necessity. This privilege 
 was freely granted Friends. Touching this matter, Elias 
 makes this reference : 
 
 "This w^as a favor which the parties would not grant 
 to their best friends, who were of a warlike disposition; 
 wdiich shows what great advantages would redound to 
 mankind were they all of this pacific spirit. I passed 
 myself through the lines of both armies six times during 
 the war without molestation, both parties generally receiv- 
 ing me with openness and civility; and although I had to 
 pass over a tract of country, between the two armies, some- 
 times more than thirty miles in extent, and which was much 
 frequented by robbers, a set, in general, of cruel, unprin- 
 cipled banditti, issuing out from both parties, yet, excepting 
 once, I met with no interruption even from them. But 
 although Friends in general experienced many favors and 
 deliverances, yet those scenes of war and confusion occa- 
 sioned many trials and provings in various ways to the 
 faithful."- 
 
 ■ Journal, p. 15. 
 
CH.\P1I-R IV. 
 Early Labors in the Ministry. 
 
 Prouaim.v the tirsl ()fhci:il public service to which Elias 
 Hicks was ever assigned hy the Society related to a matter 
 gi'owing- (Hit of the Revolutinnary War. Under the new 
 nieeting-house in New ^'ork was a large room, usually 
 rented for conimei-cial ])ur])oses. During the British occu- 
 pation this room was a])])r()priated as a storehouse for mili- 
 tary goods. Tile rent was iinally tendered by the military 
 commissioner to some representati\e I*'riends, and In- them 
 accepted. This caused great concern to many members of 
 the meeting, who felt that tlie Society of h^riends could not 
 consistently be the recii)icnt of money from such a som"ce. 
 The matter came before tlie ^'early Meeting in 1779. The 
 peace part\' felt ihat the rent mone\' was blood money, and 
 should be returned, but a \igorons minority sustained the 
 recipients of this warlike revenue. It was iinally decided to 
 refer the matter to the Vearl)- Meeting of Pennsyhania for 
 determinaticMi. A commiitce to carr)- tlie matter to Philadel- 
 phia was ap])ointed. of which F.lias Hicks, then a young 
 man of thirty-one. was a niembei". 
 
 He made this ser\ice the occasion for some religious 
 visits, which he. in c(Mni)any with his friend, John Willis, 
 proceeded to make en roulc. Tlie two I'^'iends left home 
 Ninth month (). I77<;. but took a roundabout route in 
 order to \isit the meetings in\oi\ed in the concern of Elias. 
 Instead of crossing o\er into Xew jerse}' and going directly 
 to Philadelphia, they went up the Hudson \alley to a point 
 above New burgh, \isiting meetings on both sides of the 
 rix'er. Tlieir most northern point was the meeting at Marl- 
 
 32 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL\S lllCKS 33 
 
 boroiii^li. in LHster County, New N'ork. They then turned 
 to the southwest, and \isited the nieetinji;"s at ilardwick ' and 
 Kingwood, arriving at Philadelphia, Ninth month 25th. 
 l^lias attended all the sittings of the yearly meeting until 
 l''ourth-day. when he was taken ill, and was not able to be 
 in attendance after that time. He was not present when 
 the matter which called the committee to Philadelphia was 
 considered. The decision, however, was that the money 
 recei\ed by the New York meeting for rent paid by the 
 British army should be returned. This was done by direc- 
 tion of New York Yearly Meeting in 1780. It may be 
 interesting to note that in 1779 the Yearly Meeting of 
 Pennsylvania began with the Meeting of Ministers and 
 Elders, Sexenth-day, the 25th of Ninth month, and con- 
 tinued until Second-day, the 4th of Tenth month, having 
 practically been in session a week and two days.' 
 
 b^)llowing the Yearly Meeting in Philadel]>hia, the 
 meeting at Byberry was visited, as were those at Wrights- 
 town, Plumstead and Buckingham, in Bucks County, Pa. 
 ( )m the return trip he was again at Hardwick, after which 
 he passed to the eastern shore of the iludson, and was at 
 •Nine Partners. Oswego and Oblong. Turning southward, 
 the meetings at Peach Pond, Amawalk and Purchase were 
 visited. h^-om the latter point he journeyed homeward. 
 
 'Jdiis first religious journey of Elias T licks lasted nine 
 weeks, and in making it he tra\eled 860 miles. Forty years 
 later, many of the places visited at this time became centers 
 of the troul)lesome contro\'ersy which dixided the Society 
 in 1827 and 1828. 
 
 Four years after the concern and service which took 
 
 ' TIardwick was in Sus.sc.n. County, New Jersey. Tl was the home 
 incetintr of Ik-njamin Lundy. the aholitioiiist. 
 
 ' lM-(iin 1755 to 1798, IMiihidelpliia Yearly Meetinji was held in 
 Ninth niontii. 
 
 5 
 
34 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 I'^lias Hicks to Pliiladelphia in 1779. he undertook hi^ 
 second recorded religions \isit. It was a comparatively 
 short one. and took him to the Nine Partners neighbor- 
 hood. He was absent from home on this trip eleven days, 
 and traveled 170 miles. 
 
 In 1784 Elias had a concern to visit neighborhoods in 
 Long Island not Friendly in their character. He made one 
 trip, and not feeling free of the obligations resting upon 
 In'm, he made a second tour. Duringthe two visits he rode 
 about 200 miles. 
 
 He seems to have had a period of quiet home service 
 for about six years, or until 1790. when two somewhat ex- 
 tended concerns were followed. The first took him to the 
 meetings in the western part of Long Island, to Xew York 
 City and Staten Island. This trip caused him to tra^•el 150 
 miles. The next visiting tour covered a w"ide extent of ter- 
 ritorv, and took him to eastern Xew York and Vermont. 
 On this trip he was gone from liome about four weeks, and 
 traveled 591 miles. 
 
 The year 1791 was more than usually active. Besides- 
 another visit to those not Friends on Long Island, he made 
 a general visit to Friends in X'ew York Yearly Meeting. 
 This visit took him to New Jersey, Connecticut, Massa- 
 chusetts and up the Hudson valley as far as Easton and 
 Saratoo^a. Idie Lonsf Island visit consumed two weeks' 
 time, and involved tra\eling 1 1 5 miles. On the general 
 \isit he was absent from home four months and eleven 
 days, and traveled 1500 miles. 
 
 In 1792 a committee, of which Elias was a member, 
 was appointed by the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and 
 Elders to visit subordinate meetings of that branch of the 
 Society. In company with these Friends every meeting 
 of Ministers and Elders was visited, and a number of meet- 
 uigs for worship were attended. On this trip he was at 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL\S HICKS is 
 
 Claremont, in Massachusetts, and desired to have an 
 appointed nieetino^. It seemed that the person, not a 
 I'^riend, who was to arrange for this meeting- did not 
 ad\ertise it. for fear it would turn out a silent meeting, 
 and he would be laughed to scorn. The attendance was 
 very small, but otherwise satisfactory, so that the fearful 
 person was very penitent, and desired that another meet- 
 ing might be held. Elias says: "But we let him know that 
 we were not at our own disposal ; and, as no way ap])eared 
 open in our minds for such an appointment at present, we 
 could not comply with his desire." ■■'■" •' ' ■■ ' '■ 
 
 An appointed meeting was also held near Dartmouth 
 College, but the students were hilarious, and the occasion 
 very much disturbed. Still, the visitor hoped "the season 
 ^vas profitable to some present." ' 
 
 In the following year, 1793, he had a concern to \-isit 
 l-'riends in Xew England, during which he attendecf meet- 
 ings in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine 
 and the Massachusetts islands. On this tri]) he traveled by 
 land or on water 2283 miles, and was absent about fi\e 
 months. It may be interesting to note that the traxeling 
 companion of Elias Hicks on the Xew England visit was 
 James Mott, of Mamaroneck, X. V., the maternal grand- 
 father of James Mott. ' the husband of Lucretia. 
 
 The X'ew England Yearly Meeting was attended at 
 X'ew])ort. The meeting was pronounced a "dull time" by 
 the visitor. 1'his was occasioned in part, he thought, be- 
 cause a \ery small number took upon "them the whole man- 
 agement of the business, and thereby shutting up the way 
 to others, and preventing the free circulation and spreading 
 of the concern, in a proper manner, on the minds of I'^riends; 
 
 ".\dani Mott. the father of Lucretia's liusljaiul. married Anne, 
 daughter of James Mott. 
 
$(> LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 which I huve very t)fteii found io be a very liurtful 
 tendency." 
 
 It seems that in those days the Meeting (jf Ministers 
 and Elders exercised the functions of a visiting committee. 
 Accordingly, the Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders 
 in 1/95 ajjpointed a committee to visit tlie (juarterly and 
 preparative meetings witlu'n the bounds of the Yearly Meet- 
 ing. As a member of this committee, Elias performed his 
 share of this round of service. On this visit a large num- 
 ber of families were visited. 
 
 The visits were made seasons <jf counsel and adxice, 
 especiall}' in the "select meetings." In these, he says, "My 
 mind was led to communicate some things in a plain way, 
 with a \iew of stirring them up to more diligence and cir- 
 cumspection in their families, the better ordering and dis- 
 ciplining of their children and household, and keeping: 
 things *weet and clean, agreeably to the simplicity of our 
 holy profession ; and I had peace in my labor.'' ^ 
 
 Possibly his most extended \isit ui> to that time was 
 made in 1798. 1"hc trip was really begun Twelfth month' 
 12, 1797. It included meetings in Xew Jersey. Pennsyl- 
 vania. Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. On this trip he 
 was from home fi\e and one-half months, traveled 1600 
 miles, and attended 143 meetings, nearly an average of one 
 meeting a day. 
 
 It was on this journey that he seri(3usly began his 
 public opposition to the institution of slavery. On the I2tl! 
 of Third month, at a meeting at Elk Ridge, Md., he says: 
 
 "Truth rose into dominion, and some present who 
 were slave-holders were made sensible of their condition, 
 and were much affected. I felt a hope to arise that the 
 opportunity would prove profitable to some, and I left them 
 with peace of mind. Since then I have been informed that 
 a woman present at that session, who possessed a numl^er 
 
 * Journal, p. 57. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL\S HICKS 37 
 
 of slaves, was so fully convinced, as to set them free, and 
 not long afterwards joined in membership with Friends; 
 which is indeed cause of gratitude and thankfulness of 
 heart, to the great and blessed Author of every mercy 
 vouchsafed to the children of men." ^ 
 
 His perscjnal correspc^ndence on this trip yields some 
 interesting description of experiences, from which we make 
 the following extract, from a letter written to his wife 
 from "Near Easton, ^'albot County, Maryland, Second 
 month 12, 1798": 
 
 "Mary Berry, an ancient ministering Friend, that Job 
 Scott makes mention of, was with us at the meeting. On 
 Seventh-day we attended a meeting with the black people 
 at Easton, which we had appointed some days before. 
 There was a pretty large number attended, and the oppor- 
 tunity favoured. Alary Berry observed she thought it was 
 the most so, of any that had ever been with them. They 
 were generally very solid, and many of them very tender. 
 The white people complained much of some of them for 
 their bad conduct, but according to my feeling, many of 
 them appeared much higher in the kingdom than a great 
 many of the whites. 
 
 "Some days past we were with the people called 
 Xicolites. They dress very plain, many of them mostly in 
 white. The women wore white bonnets as large as thine, 
 and in form like thy old-fashioned bonnet, straight and 
 smooth on the top. In some of their meetings three or four 
 of the foremost seats would be filled with those who mostly 
 had on these white bonnets. They have no backs to their 
 seats, nor no rising seats in their meeting-houses. All sat 
 on a level. They appear like a pretty honest, simple 
 people. Profess our principles, and most of them, by their 
 request, have of late been joined to Friends, and I think 
 many of them are likely to become worthy members of 
 Society, if the example of the backsliders among us do not 
 stumble or turn them out of the right way. There was 
 about 100 received by Friends here at their last monthly 
 meeting, and are like for the first time to attend here next 
 Fifth-day, which made it the more pressing on my mind 
 to tarry over that day." 
 
 ' Journal, p. 67. 
 
CHAPTER V. 
 Later Ministerial Labors. 
 
 In the fall of 1799 a concern to ^"isit meeting's in 
 Connecticut was followed. The trip also took in most of 
 the meetings on the east bank of the Hudson as far north 
 as Dutchess County. He was absent six weeks, and 
 attended thirt\' meetings. 
 
 Fourth month ii, 1801, Elias and his traveling com- 
 panion, Edmund Willis, started on a visit to 'T'^riends in 
 some parts of Jersey. Pennsylvania, and some places 
 adjacent thereto." A number of meetings in New Jersey 
 were visited on the way. the travelers arriving in Philadel- 
 ])hia in time for the Yearly Meeting of Alinisters and Elders. 
 All of the sessions of the yearly meeting were also attended. 
 It does not appear that Elias Hicks had attended this yearly 
 meeting since 1779. Practically all of the meetings in New 
 Jersey ancl Pennsylvania were \-isited (^n this trip. It lasted 
 three months and eig'hteen days, during which time the 
 ^■isitors traveled 1630 miles. 
 
 The personal correspondence of Elias Hicks yields (^ne 
 i.nteresting letter written on this trip. It was written to his 
 \vife, and was dated "Exeter, 4th of Sexenth month. 1801." 
 We (juote as follows: 
 
 "We did not get to Lampeter so soon as I expected, 
 as mentioned in my last, for when we left Yorktown last 
 F"ourth-da}" e\ening. ]j>eing late before we set out, detainetl 
 in part by a shower of rain. It was night by the time we 
 got over the river. We landed in a little town called Co- 
 lumbia, where dwelt a few friends. Although l)eing anxious 
 to get forward, I had previous to coming there intended to 
 pass them without a meeting, but found when there I could 
 
 38 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL'\S HICKS 39 
 
 not safely do it. 'J^lierefore we appointed a meeting there 
 the next day, after which we rode to Lampeter, to William 
 Brinton's, of whom, when I went westward, I got a fresh 
 horse, and I left mine in his care. I have now my own 
 again, but she has a very bad sore on her withers, some- 
 what like is called a 'thistlelon,' but is better than she has 
 been. It is now just six weeks and four days since we went 
 from this place, which is about 48 miles from Philadelphia, 
 since which time we have rode 813 miles and attended 35 
 meetings. Much of the way in this tour has been rugged, 
 mountainous and rocky, and had it not been for the best 
 attendant companion, peace of mind flowing from a com- 
 pliance with and performance of manifested duty, the jour- 
 ney would have been tedious and irksome. But we passed 
 pretty cheerfully on, viewing with an attentive eye the 
 wonderful works of that boundless wisdom and power (by 
 which the worlds were framed) and which are only circum- 
 scribed within the limits of their own innate excellency. 
 Here we beheld all nature almost with its varied and almost 
 endless diversifications. 
 
 "Tremendous precipices, rocks and mountains, creeks 
 and rivers, intersecting each other, all clothed in their 
 natural productions ; the tall pines and sturdy oaks tower- 
 ing their exalted heads above the clouds, interspersed with 
 ])eautiful lawns and glades; together with the almost in- 
 numerable vegetable inhabitants, all blooming forth the 
 beauties of the spring; the fields arable, clothed in rich 
 pastures of varied kinds, wafted over the highways their 
 balmy sweets, and the fallow grounds overspread with rich 
 grain, mostly in golden wheat, to a profusion beyond any- 
 thing of the kind my eyes ever before beheld, insomuch that 
 the sensible traveler, look which way he would, could 
 scarcely help feeling his mind continually inflamed and 
 inspired with humble gratitude and reverent thankfulness 
 to the great and bountiful author of all those multiplied 
 blessings." 
 
 This letter constitutes one of the few instances where 
 Elias Hicks referred to experiences on the road, not directly 
 connected with his ministerial duty. The reference to 
 Columbia, and his original intention to pass by W'ithout a 
 meeting, with its statement he "could not safely do it," is 
 characteristic. Manifestly, he uses the word "safely" in a 
 
40 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLAS HICKS 
 
 Spiritual sense. The call to minister there was too certain 
 to be put aside for mere personal inclination and comfort. 
 
 The reference to his horse contains more than a pass- 
 ins^ interest. Probably many other cases occurred during 
 his visits when "borrowing'" a horse was necessary, while 
 his own was recuperating. It was a slow way to travel, 
 from our standpoint, yet it had its advantages. New 
 acquaintances, if not friendships, were made as the travelers 
 journeyed and were entertained on the road. 
 
 On the 20th of Ninth month. 1803, Elias Hicks, with 
 I^aniel Titus as a traveling companion, started on a visit 
 to Friends in Upper Canada, and those resident in the part 
 of the New York Yearly ^Meeting located in the Hudson 
 and Mohawk valleys. When the travelers had been from 
 home a little less than a month, Elias wrote to his wife, 
 from Kingston, a letter of more than ordinary interest, be- 
 cause of its descriptive quality. It describes some of the 
 difficulties, not to say dangers, of the traveling Friend 
 before the days of railroads. We quote the bulk of the 
 letter, which was dated Tenth month, 16, 1803: 
 
 "We arrived here the 3d instant at the house of Joseph 
 h'erris about 3 o'clock at night, having rode the preceding 
 day from Samuel Brown's at Black River, where I dated 
 my last. We traveled by land and water in this day's 
 journey about forty-tive miles. Very bad traveling over 
 logs and mudholes, crossing two ferries on our way, each 
 four or five miles wide, with an island between called Long 
 Island. About six miles across we were in the middle 
 thereof, the darkest time in the night, when we were under 
 the necessity of getting off our horses several times to feel 
 for the horses' tracks in order to know whether we were 
 in the path or not, as we were not able to see the path, 
 nor one another at times, if more than five or six feet apart. 
 Some of our company began to fear we should be under 
 the necessity of lying in the woods all night. However, 
 we were favored to get well through, and crossed the last 
 ferry about midnight and after. Landed safely on Kingston 
 shore about 2 o'clock, all well. Since which we have 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELI AS HICKS 41 
 
 attended ten meetings, three of them preparative meetings, 
 the rest mostly among other ])eople. \Ve just now, this 
 evening, returned from the last held at the house of John 
 Everit, about four miles west of Kingston. We held one 
 yesterday in the town of Kingston in tlieir Ccnirt House. 
 It was the first Friends' meeting ever held in that place. 
 The principal inhal)itants generally attended, and we have 
 thankfully to acknowledge that the shepherd of Israel in 
 whom was our trust, made bare his arm for our help, set- 
 ting- home the testimony he gave us to the states of the 
 people, thereby manifesting- that he had not left himself 
 without a witness in their hearts, as all ajjpeared to yield 
 their assent to the truths delivered, which has generally 
 been the case, in e\'er}- place where (Uir lots have been 
 cast. 
 
 "We expect to-morrow to return on our way to Adol- 
 phustown, taking some meetings in our way thither, among 
 those not of our Society, but so as to be there ready to 
 attend Friends' monthly that is held next Fifth-day, after 
 which we have some prospect of being at liberty to return 
 on our way back, into our own State. 
 
 "Having thus given thee a short account of our jour- 
 ney, I may salute thee in the fresh feelings of endeared 
 affection, and strength of gospel love, in which fervent de- 
 sires are felt for thy preservation, and that of our dear 
 children, and that you may all so act and so walk, as to be 
 a comfort and strength to each other, and feel an evidence 
 in yourselves that the Lord is your friend ; for you are my 
 friend (said the blessed redeemer) if you do whatever I 
 command you." 
 
 For the three following years there is no record of 
 special activity, but in 1806 a somewhat extended visit was 
 made to Friends in the State of New York. He was absent 
 from home nearly two months, traveled over 1000 miles, 
 attended three quarterly, seventeen monthly, sixteen pre- 
 parative, and forty meetings for worship. 
 
 The years following, including t8t2, were spent either 
 
 at home or in short, semi-occasional visits, mostly within the 
 
 bounds of his own yearly meeting. During this ]>eriod a 
 
 visit to Canada Half-'^'early Meeting was made. 
 
 6 
 
42 LIFE AND LABORS OF KLIAS HICKS 
 
 The lirst lialf of 1H13 he was busy in his business and 
 domestic concerns, really preparing- for a relig"ious journe-y, 
 which he Ijegan on the 8th of Fifth month. He passed 
 through Xew Jersey on the way, attending- meetings in that 
 State, either regular or by appointment, arriving in Phila- 
 delphia in about two weeks. Several meetings in the 
 vicinity of that city were attended, whence he passed into 
 Delaware and Maryland. His steps were retraced through 
 Xew Jersey, ^^-hen he was homeward bound. 
 
 f-'rom 1813 to 1816 we find the gospel labors of Elias 
 Hicks ahnost entirely confined to his own yearly n-ieeting. 
 This round of service did not take hin-i farther from home 
 than Dutches.'^ County. During this period we find him 
 repeatedly confessing indisposition and bodily ailment, 
 which may have accounted for the fewness and moderate- 
 ness of his religious visits. 
 
 In First month, J 816, W'e find him under a concern to 
 visit Friends in Xew England. He had as his traveling 
 con-ipanion on this journey his friend and kinsman, Isaac 
 Hicks, of Westbury. During this trip practically all of the 
 meetings in X'^ew England were visited. It kept him from 
 home about three months, and caused him to travel upward 
 of 1000 miles. He attended fifty-nine particular, three 
 monthly and two quarterly n-ieetings. 
 
 During the balance of 181O and part oi the year 1817, 
 service was ]jrincipally confined to the lin-iits of W'estbury 
 Quarterly fleeting. But it w'as in no sense, a period of 
 idleness. ]\lany visits were n-iade to meetings. In Eighth 
 month of the latter year, in comi)any with his son-in-law,, 
 \'alentine Hicks, a visit was made to son-ie of the meetings 
 attaclied to Philadelphia and Baltimore Yearly ATeetings. 
 .Man) meetings in Xew Jersey and Penn.sylvania recei\-ed a 
 ^isit at this time. He went as far south as Loudon 
 County, Va., taking nieetings cii route, both going and 
 
LIFK AND LABORS OF ELI AS HICKS 4.V 
 
 eoniino-. He must have traveled not less than looo miles 
 on this trip. 
 
 Visits near at liome. and one to some ])arts of New 
 York Yearly Meeting-. occni)ied all his time during;- the 
 year 1818. 
 
 In 1819 a i^-eneral x'isit to Friends in his own yearly 
 meeting engaged his attention. He went to the Canadian 
 border. This trip was a season of extended ser\ice and 
 deep exercise. On this journey he traveled 1084 miles, was 
 absent from home fourteen weeks, and attended seventy- 
 three meetings for worship, three c[uarterly meetings and 
 four monthl}' meetings. 
 
 The years from 1819 to 1823, inclusive, were particu- 
 larlv acti\e. T^lias Hicks was seventy-one in the former 
 year. 1die real storm_\- period of his life was approaching 
 in the shape of the unfortunate misunderstanding and bit- 
 terness whicli divided the Society. It scarcely demands 
 more than passing mention here, as later on we sliall gi\e 
 deserved prominence to the "separation" period. 
 
 He started on the Ohio trip Eighth month 17. i8i(). 
 taking northern and central Pennsylvania on his route. He 
 arrived in Alt. Pleasant in time for Ohio ^'early .Meeting, 
 which seems to ha\e been a most satisfactory- occasion, 
 with no signs of the storm that broke o^•er the same meet- 
 ing a few years later, f^dias himself says : 'Tt was thought, 
 I believe, bv b'riends, to have been the most favored yearly 
 meeting they had had since its institution, and was worth)- ot 
 grateful remembrance." ' During this xisit many api)ointed 
 meetings were held, besides regular meetings for worshi]). 
 (^n the homeward jotu-ney, I'^'iends in the Shenandoah 
 Yalle\-. in Virginia, and in parts of Maryland were \isited. 
 
 'Juurnal, p. 2>77- 
 
44 1-IFF. AND LAR(^RS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 On this trip lie jdunicNed i joo miles, was fr(jni home three 
 months, and attended eighty-seven meetings. 
 
 In 1820 a \isit was made to Farmington and Duanes- 
 Imrg Quarterly Meetings, and in the summer of 1822 he 
 visited Friends in some parts of Philadelphia Yearly ]\'Ieet- 
 ing. On this tri]) the Baltimore Yearly Meeting" was also 
 visited, as were some of the particular meetings in Mary- 
 land. He did not reach Philadelphia on the return journey 
 until the early part of I'welfth month. While his Journal 
 is singularly silent al)(»ut the matter, it must have heen on 
 this visit that he encountered his hrst puhlic opposition 
 as a minister. I'ut. with few exceptions, the Journal 
 ignores the wliole un])leasantness. 
 
 In 1824 he again attended Baltimore Yearly Meeting. 
 The only comment on this trip is the following : "I think it 
 was, in its several sittings, one of the most satisfactory 
 yearly meetings 1 ha\'e ever attended, and the business was 
 C(~)nducted in mucli harmou}- and brotherly love."" " 
 
 On the homeward tri]) he stopped in Philadelphia. 
 Here he suffered a se\ere illness. Of this detention at that 
 time he says: "I lodged at the house of my kind friend, 
 Samuel R. Fisher, who, with his worthy children, extended 
 to me the most affectionate care and attention; and I had 
 also the kind sympathy of a large portion of Friends in 
 that city." * The exception contained in this sentence is 
 the only intimation that all was not unity and harmony 
 among Friends in the "City of Brotherly Love."' 
 
 His visits in 1825 were confined to the meetings on 
 Long Island and iliose in central New York. 
 
 In the latter ])art of the following year he secured a 
 
 Journal, p. .sy6. 
 ' Journal, p. 306. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF FLIAS HICKS 45 
 
 iniiuitc Id visit meetings oi mipi isini;- Concord and Southern 
 Quarterly Aleetin^-.s. within llic hoiuids of Philadelphia 
 Yearly Meeting. In jjassing through Philadelphia he 
 attended (jreen Street and Mnlherr}- Street Meetings, lliis 
 was WMthin a few months of tlic di\-ision of 1827 in Phila- 
 de]])hia Yearly Meeting, Init tlie matter is not mentioned 
 in the Journai. 
 
CHAPTER VI. 
 Religious Journeys in 1828. 
 
 Ox TME JOth of I'hird month, 1828, EHas Micks laid 
 before Jericho Alonthly Meeting a concern lie had to make 
 "a relig-ions visit in the kne of the gospel, to k'riends and 
 others in some parts of our own yearly meeting, and in the 
 compass of the Yearly Meetings of Pliiladeljihia, Haltimore. 
 Ohio, Indiana, and a few meetings in \'ii-ginia." A minute 
 eml)od\"ing this concern was granted him, the same receiv- 
 ing the indorsement of A\'estl)ury Quarterly Meeting, 
 Fourth month 24th. Between this i)eriod and the middle 
 of Sixth month he made a visit to Dutchess County, where 
 the experience with Ann Jones and her husband took place, 
 which will be dealt with in a separate chapter. He also 
 attended Xew York Yearl}' Aleeting, when he saw and was 
 a ]iart of the "separation" trouble which culminated at that 
 lime, ddie Journal, howe\'er, makes no reference either to 
 the Dutchess County matter or to the division in the yearly 
 meeting. These silences in the Journal are hard to under- 
 stand. Cndoubtedly, the troubles of the period were not 
 pleasant matters of record, yet one wishes that a fuller and 
 more detailed statement regarding the whole matter migiit 
 l)e had from Elias Hicks than is contained in the meager 
 references in his personal correspondence, or his j>ublished 
 Journal. 
 
 On the 14th of Sixth month he started on the western 
 and southern journey, with his friend, Jesse Merritt, as his 
 traveling companion. Elias was then a few months pa.^t 
 eighty. 
 
 The two Friends halted at points in New Jersey and 
 PennsN Ivania, holding meetings as the way opened. Service 
 
 46 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 47 
 
 continued in Pennsylvania. C()nsi(lera1)ly in the western part, 
 passing from Pittsburg into Ohio. 
 
 At XVestland Ah^nthl}- Meeting, in PennsyKania, liis 
 first acknowledgment of opposition is ol)served. He says: 
 "A L^riend from abroad attended this meeting, and after I 
 sat down he rose and made opposition, which greatly dis- 
 turl)ed the meeting." ' 
 
 Wdien he arrived at Brownsville, his fame had pre- 
 ceded him. He makes this reference to the experience 
 there : 
 
 "Here we put up again with our kind friends Jesse and 
 Edith Townsend, wdiere we had the coiupany of many 
 Friends, and many of the inhabitants of the town not mem- 
 bers of our Society, also came in to see us ; as the un- 
 founded reports of those who style themselves Orthodox, 
 having been generally spread over the country, it created 
 such a great excitement in the minds of the people at large, 
 that multitudes flocked to the meetings where we were, to 
 hear for themselves ; and many came to see us, and acknowl- 
 edged their satisfaction. 
 
 "At this place we again fell in with the Friend from 
 abroad, who attended the meeting with us ; he rose in 
 the earl}' part of the meeting, and continued his com- 
 munication so long that a number left the meeting, by 
 which it became very much unsettled : however, when he 
 sat down I felt an opening to stand up ; and the people 
 returned and crowded into the house, and those that could 
 not get in stood about the i doors and windows, and a 
 precious solemnity soon spread over the meeting, which has 
 been the case in every meeting, wdiere our opposers did 
 not make disturbance by their disorderly conduct. The 
 meeting closed in a quiet and orderly manner, and I was 
 very thankful for the favour." - 
 
 h\)llowing his experience at Brownsville, Elias re- 
 turned to Westland, attending the meeting of ministers and 
 elders, and tlie meeting for worship. The person before 
 
 ' ThoiTias Shillitoe. 
 •Journal, p. 404. 
 
48 LIFE AND I.AIJORS OF FIJAS HICKS 
 
 mentioned, who may be called tiie "disturbing Friend," was 
 again in evidence, this time reinforced by a "companion." 
 At the instig'ation of Friends, the ciders and overseers had 
 "an opportunity" with the disturbers, but with small suc- 
 cess. The same trouble was repeated on P'irst-day. On 
 this occasion the opposition was vigorous and virulent. In 
 the midst of the second opportunity of the opposing Friend 
 the audience melted away, leaving him literally without 
 hearers. 
 
 From Westland the journey was continued to Pitts- 
 burg", where an appointed meeting was held. Salem, Ohio, 
 was the next point visited, where the quarterly meeting was 
 attended. On First-day a large company, estimated at 
 two thousand, gathered. The occasion was in every way 
 satisfactory. Visits to dillerent meetings continued. There 
 was manifest opposition at New Garden, Springfield, 
 Goshen and Marlborough. At Smithtield the venerable 
 preacher was quite indisposed. llie meeting-house was 
 closed against him, by "those called Orthodox," as Elias 
 defined them. 
 
 One of the objective points on this trip was Mt. Pleas- 
 ant. Ohio, where the yearly meeting of 1828 was held. 
 He arrived in time to attend the mid-week meeting at that 
 place, a week preceding the yearly meeting. A large 
 attendance was reported, many being present who were not 
 members of the Society. The signs of trouble had preceded 
 the distinguished visitor, the "world's people" having a 
 j)henomenal curiosity regartling a possible war among the 
 })eaceable Quakers. There was pronounced antagonism 
 manifested in this mid-week meeting, described as "a long, 
 tedious communication from a minister among those called 
 Orthodox, who, after I sat down, publicly opposed and 
 endeavored to lay waste what 1 had said." ' 
 
 'Journal, p. 411. 
 
I.IFE AND LABORS OF KLIAS HICKS 49 
 
 Duriiij^" the following days meeting-s were attended at 
 Short Creek, Harrisville. West Grove, Concord, St. Clairs- 
 \ille, Phiinfield, W'rightstown and StiUwater. There was no 
 recorded disturbance until he returned tn Mt. f^leasant the 
 6th of Xinth month, the date of the gathering of the 
 Yearly Meeting of Ministers and Elders. When the meet- 
 ing-house was reached the gate to the yard was guarded, 
 "by a number of men of the oi>posing i)arty," who refused 
 entrance to those who were in sympathy with J^'lias Hicks. 
 1'hey proceeded to hold their meeting in the o])en air. Sulv 
 sequent meetings were held in a school-house and in a 
 ])rivate house, the home of Israel French. 
 
 First-day, Ninth month 7th, Mt. Pleasant Meeting was 
 attended in the forenoon, and Short Creek Meeting in the 
 afternoon. The meeting at Mt. Pleasant was wdiat might 
 be called stormy. Elisha Bates and Ann Braithwaite spoke 
 in opposition, after Elias Hicks had spoken. In a letter 
 dated Xinth month loth, written to his son-in-law, Valen- 
 tine Hicks, Elias says that these Friends "detained the 
 meeting two hours or more, opposing and railing against 
 what I had said, until the ])eople were wearied and much 
 disgusted." Xo trouble was exi>erience(l at Shori Creek, 
 although experiences similar to those of the luorning 
 occurred at Mt. Pleasant in the afternoon. Amos Peaslee, 
 of Woodbury, X^. J., was the center of op[)osition at that 
 time. He was opposed while on his feet addressing the 
 multitude. 
 
 In connection with this yearly meeting a nuiul)er of 
 Friends were arreste<l on charges of trespass and inducing 
 a riot, and taken to court. All were members of Ohio 
 Yearly Meeting, except Halliday Jackson,* of Darby. Pa. 
 
 *Halliday Jackson was father of John Jackson, the well-known 
 educator, principal of Sharon Hill School. Halliday was with the 
 Seneca Indians in New York State for two years, as a teacher under 
 the care of Philadelphia Ve:irly Meeting. 7 
 
50 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 For some reason Elias escaped arrest, although in the letter 
 referred to he said : "I have lieen expecting' for several 
 days past todiave a writ of trespass served against me by 
 the sheriff, for going on their meeting-house grounds, by 
 which I may be taken twenty miles or more to appear be- 
 fore the judge, as a number of Friends already have been, 
 although my mind is quiet regarding the event." 
 
 While at Mt. Pleasant the small monthly meeting of 
 Ortht^dox Friends at his home sent a letter "officially" com- 
 manding Elias to cease his religious visits. In regard to 
 this matter, and the general situation in Ohio, Elias wrote 
 to Valentine Hicks: "The Orthodox in this yearly meeting: 
 are, if possible, tenfold more violent than in any other part 
 of the Society. Gideon Seaman, and his associates in the 
 little upstart Monthly Meeting of Westbury and Jericho,^ 
 have sent a very peremptory order for me to return imme- 
 diately home, and not proceed any further on my religious 
 visit, by which they trample the authority of our quarterly 
 and monthly meeting under foot." 
 
 Following the Ohio Yearly Meeting, Flushing,*' in that 
 State, was visited, and the First-day meeting attended, 
 Elias was met before he reached the meeting-house by 
 Orthodox Friends, wdio insisted that he should not inter- 
 rupt the meeting. He entered the house,, but before the 
 meeting was fairly settled, Charles Osborn, an Orthodox 
 Friend, appeared in prayer, and continued for an hour ; and 
 then preached for another hour. Elias thus refers to this 
 occurrence : 
 
 "However, when he sat dowti. although the meeting 
 vras much wearied with his long and tedious coimnunica- 
 
 ^ The Monthly Meeting of Westbury and Jericho was made ufw 
 of a small number of Orthodox Friends, representing only a small 
 minority of the meeting of whieh l''lias llieks was a member. 
 
 " Flushing is about 18 miles from Mt. Pleasant. A Wilburite 
 meeting is the only Friendly gathering now in the place. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL^S HICKS 51 
 
 tions, I felt the necessity of standing- up and addressing 
 the people, wliich brought a precious solemnity over the 
 meeting; but as soon as 1 sat down, he rose again to con- 
 tradict, and tried to lay waste my communication, by 
 asserting that I had not the unity of my friends at home ; 
 which being- untrue, I therefore informed the meeting that 
 I had certificates with me to prove the incorrectness of his 
 assertions, which 1 then produced, but he and his party 
 would not stay to hear them, but in a disorderly manner 
 arose and left the meeting ; but the people generally stayed 
 and heard them read, to their general satisfaction.'" '' 
 
 Meetings were subsequently attended at different points 
 in Ohio, generally without disturbance, until Springfield 
 was reached the 2 2d of Xinih month. Here the Orthodox 
 shut the ineeting-h(juse and guarded the doors. I^lias held 
 his meeting under some trees nearl)y. He says: "It was 
 a precious season, wherein the Lord's power an<l lo\c were 
 exalted over all op])osition." '' 
 
 Preceding Indiana ^>arly Meeting, he was twice at 
 Wilmington, ()liii>. and attended monthly meeting at Center, 
 the first held since the "separation."' 'I'he attendance was 
 large, manv more than tlie house wonld accommodate. 
 Elias savs : "The Lord, our never-failing hel])er, manifested 
 his presence, solemnizing the assemlMy and opening the 
 minds of the j)eople to receive the word preached; breaking 
 dowai all ojjposition, and humbling and contriting the 
 assembly in a very general manner." '' 
 
 Ninth month 27th, Indiana Yearly Meeting convened 
 at Wavnesville. Ohio. It sliould be noted that the "sep- 
 aration" in most of the meetings comprising this yearly 
 meeting had been ;iccom])hshed in 1827, so that the gather- 
 
 Journal, p. 414 
 Journal, p. 41^1. 
 'Journal, p. 415. 
 
52 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLAS HICKS 
 
 ino- in 182S was in substantial unity with the Friends in 
 sympath}- w ith EHas Hicks. A letter written to Valentine 
 and Abigail Hicks, dated Waynesville, Tenth month 3, 
 1828, contains some interesting information concerning the 
 experience of the venerable preacher. He says : 
 
 "The Yearly Aleeting here would have been very large, 
 had there not been a failure of the information of the con- 
 clusion for holding it here, reaching divers of the Quarterly 
 ^Meetings, by which they were prevented from attending. 
 The meeting was very orderly conducted, and the business 
 managed in much harmony and condescension. The public 
 meetings have been very large, favoured seasons, and all the 
 meetings we have attended in our passing along have been 
 generally very large. Seldom any houses were found large 
 enough to contain the people. Often hundreds were under 
 the necessity of standing out doors. Many of the people 
 without came a great way to be at our meeting. Some ten, 
 some twenty, and some thirty miles, and I have been in- 
 formed since I have been here that the people in a towm 
 120 miles below Cincinnati have given it in charge to 
 Friends of that place to inform them when w^e came there, 
 as a steam boat plies between the two places. The excite- 
 ment is so great among the people by the false rumors 
 circulated by the Orthodox, that they spare no pains to get 
 an opportunity to be with us, and those who have attended 
 from distant parts, informing the people the satisfaction 
 they have had in being with us, in which they have found 
 that the reports spread among them were generally false, 
 it has increased the excitement in others to see for them- 
 selves." 
 
 The vearly meeting over, Elias attended meetings en 
 route to Richmond. Ind., and was at the mid-week meeting 
 in that place. Tenth month 8th. Several other meetings 
 were attended, the only disturbance reported being at 
 Orange, where the Orthodox 'iiurt the meeting very con- 
 siderably." On the 19th he was in Cincinnati, and attended 
 the regular meeting in the morning, and a large appointed 
 meeting in the court-house in the afternoon. Both were 
 pronounced "highly favored seasons." 
 
 First-dav. the 26th, he was at Fairfield, where the 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 53 
 
 Ortliodox revived the slory that he was traveling;- without 
 a minute. While Ehas was speaking, the Orthodox left 
 the meeting in a hcnly. He remarks: "But Friends and 
 others kept their seals, and we had a very solemn close, and 
 great brokenness and contrition were manifest among the 
 people; and to do away with the false report spread by the 
 Orthodox, I had my certificates read, wdiich gave full satis- 
 faction to the asseml)ly." '" 
 
 Elias then journcxed to Wheeling", his face being 
 turned homeward, lie held an appointed meeting in that 
 city. It is suggestixe that, notwithstanding the theological 
 odium under wdiich he was supposed to rest, the meeting 
 was held in the Methodist church, which had been kindly 
 offered for the purpose. This w"Ould seem to indicate that 
 the Methodists had not yet taken any sides in the quarrel 
 which had divided the Soicety of Friends. 
 
 After visiting Redstone Quarterly Meeting, in western 
 Pennsylvania, he visited the meetings in the Shenandoah 
 and Loudon valleys, in Virginia. He was at /Mexandria 
 and Washington, and on First-day, Eleventh month i6th, 
 was at Sandy Spring, Md. The meetings about Baltimore 
 and in Harford and Cecil counties were visited. He 
 reached West Grove in Pennsylvania, Twelfth month ist, 
 and encountered some trouble, as he found that the meeting- 
 house had been closed against him. A large crowd assem- 
 bled, better councils prevailed, and the house was opened. 
 The audience was beyond the capacity of the house, and the 
 meeting in every way satisfactory. 
 
 Upon his arrival at West Grove, Twelfth month ist, 
 he sent a letter to his son-in-law and daughter, Royal and 
 Martha Aldrich. In this letter he gives a brief account of 
 his experiences in Maryland and Lancaster County. He 
 says: "The aforesaid meetings were very large and highly 
 
 "Journal, p. 419. 
 
54 LIFE AND LABORS OF El.TAS HICKS 
 
 favored, i^'enerally made up of ever}" descri])tion of people, 
 liigli and low. rich and iM)()r. Romanists, and generally some 
 of e\er_\' prt)fession of Protestants known in onr country. 
 Generally all went away fully satisfied as to those evil 
 reports that have been spread over the country concerning 
 me, and man}- announced the abhorrence they had of those 
 false and slanderous reports." 
 
 It appears from this letter that the traveling companion 
 of Elias. Jesse Merritt, was homesick, and hoped that some 
 other Friend would come from Long Island to take his place 
 for the rest of the trip. In case such a shift was made, 
 Elias requested that whoe\-er came "might bring with him 
 my best winter tight-l)odied coat, and two thicker neck- 
 cloths, as those I have are rather thin. I got a new great- 
 coat in Alexandria, and shall not need any other." 
 
 l''rom a letter written to his wife from West Chester. 
 Twelfth month "th. we learn that John Hicks had arrived 
 to take the place of Jesse Merritt. and he seized that oppor- 
 tunit\- to send a letter home. As the two Friends had been 
 awav from home nearl}- six months, it is not strange that 
 the companion on this journey desiretl to return. He could 
 scarcely have been under the deep and absorbing religious 
 concern which was felt by his elder brother in the truth. 
 The nature of this obligation is rexealed in the letter last 
 noted. In this epistle to his wife. Elias says: 
 
 "Abigail's letter informs of the infirm state of V. and 
 Caroline, which excites near-feeling and sympathy with 
 them, and which would induce me to return home imme- 
 diately il 1 was set at liberty from my religious obligations, 
 but as that is not the case, I can only recommend them to 
 the preserving care and compassionate regard of our 
 Heavenly Father, whose mercy is over all his works and 
 does not suffer a sparrow to fall without his notice. And 
 as we become resigned to his heavenly disposals, he will 
 cause all things to work together for good, to his truly 
 devoted children. I'herefore. let all trust in him, for in the 
 Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 55 
 
 The meetini^s in Delaware, eastern Pennsylvania and 
 New Jersey were pretty g"enerally attended, and with no 
 reported disturbance. First-day, the 21st of Twelfth 
 month, Elias attended the meeting at Cherry Street in the 
 morning and Green Street in the afternoon, and on the 28th 
 he repeated that experience. On both occasions "hundreds 
 more assembled than the houses could contain." '' In the 
 suburban meetings in Delaware and Bucks Counties, "the 
 houses were generally too small to contain the people; many 
 had to stand out-of-doors for want of room; neverthel-.ss, 
 the people behaved orderly and the Lord was felt to preside, 
 solemnizing those crowded assemblies, in all of which my 
 mind was opened, and ability atTorded. to preach the gospel 
 to the people in the demonstration of the spirit and with 
 power, and many hearts were broken and contrited and went 
 aw^ay rejoicing, under thankful sense of the unmerited 
 favor." ^- 
 
 The great crowds wdiich flocked to hear Elias Hicks 
 after the "separation" were probably called together partly 
 because of curiosity on their part, and to a considerable 
 extent becavise of his continued popularity as a minister, in 
 spite of the trouble which had come to the Society. That 
 he was appreciative of what we would now call the adver- 
 tising quality of those who antagonized him, and became 
 his theological and personal enemies, is w'ell attested. In 
 summing up his conclusions regarding the long religious 
 visit now' under review, he said : "My opposing brethren 
 had, by their public opposition and erroneous reports, 
 created such excitement in the minds of the people generally 
 of every profession, that it induced multitudes to assemble 
 to hear for themselves, and they generally went away satis- 
 
 " Journal, p. 423. 
 '" Journal, p. 423. 
 
56 LIFE AND LABORS OK KLIAS HICKS 
 
 fied and comforted." '^ Undoubtedly, the multitudes who 
 heard Klias Hicks preach in 1828 went away wondering 
 what all the trouble was about. 
 
 Elias and his traveling- companion reached home al)Out 
 the middle of First month. 1829. This was one of the 
 longest and most extended religious journevs ever made 
 by him, and was completed within two months of his 
 eighty-first year. On the journey he traveled nearly 2400 
 miles, and was absent seven months and ten days. 
 
 Going carefully over the various journeys of this well- 
 known minister, a conservative estimate will show that he 
 traveled in the aggregate not less than forty thousand miles 
 during his long life of public service. He was probably 
 the best-known minister in the Society of l^>iends in his 
 time. His circle of personal friends was large, and ex- 
 tended over all the yearly meetings. It is necessary to 
 keep these facts in mind, in order to understand how the 
 major portion of Friends at that time made his cause their 
 own when the rupture came. 
 
 The majoritv of Friends at that time were content as 
 to preaching, with words that seemed to be full of spirit 
 and life, and this undoubtedly was characteristic of the 
 preaching of Elias Hicks. To attempt to destroy the stand- 
 ing in the Society of a man of such character and ecjuipment 
 was certain to break something other than the man attacked. 
 This will become more apparent as we consider more closely 
 the relation of Elias Hicks to the controversy with which 
 his name and {x^rson were linked, and with the trouble in 
 the Society of Friends, for which, either justly or other- 
 wise, he was made the scapegoat. 
 
 " Journal, p. 423. 
 
^^J 
 
 ■\ # ■ '^'^ vS ST 
 
 ^£*1S^' " - ^IPs^ 
 
 ^ 
 
 Ir * ■^•^^?:ikl 
 
 ij^^^j^JTs, ,">SjX: -;T , J0 
 
 
 
 
 "^^S 
 
 B ^^. .Ji 
 
 E^^il 
 
 \r'\ 
 
 IP^ 
 
 itl^ilt n^uflril ' 
 
 1 >. " :m , 
 
 ||r^ 
 
 SnQl 
 
 THE MICKS" MOUSE, JERICHO. 
 (See page 66. ) 
 
 FRIENDS' MEETING H(JUSE, JERICHO. 
 ( See page 68. 1 
 
CHAPI^KR VII. 
 
 Ideas About the Ministry. 
 
 To CONSTRUCT from tlie published deliverances, and 
 personal correspondence of Elias Hicks, a statement of his 
 theory and practice touching" the ministry is desirable if not 
 easy. That he considered ])ublic religions exercise an ex- 
 alted function, if of the right sort, and emanating from the 
 Divine source, is abundantly evidenced in all he said and 
 wrote. The call to j)articular and general service, whether 
 in his liome meeting for worsln]). oi- in connection with his 
 extended religious journeys, lie bcliexed came directly fr()ni 
 the Divine Spirit. 
 
 One instance is related, which i)ossibly as clearly as 
 anything, illustrates his feeling regarding the ministry, and 
 the relatiousliip of the Iniinite to the minister. In the fall 
 of i/Si, when his service in the ministry had been ac- 
 knowledged about three years, he was very ill with a fe\'er, 
 which lasted for several months. In the most severe period 
 of this indisposition he tells us that "a prospect opened to 
 my mind to pay a religious visit to some parts of oiu" island 
 where no h'riends li\ed. and among a people, who, from 
 acqtiaintance I had with them, were more likely to mock 
 than receive me." He opposed the call, and argued against 
 it, onb' to see the disease daily reducing his Ixxlily and men- 
 tal strength. He became convinced that in yielding to this 
 call lay his only hope of recovery, and had he not done so 
 his life would have gone out. Having fully recovered, the 
 intimated service was perf(^rmed the following summer. 
 
 He seemed to treat his ministry as something in a 
 measure apart from his personality. He repeatedly referred 
 
 57 8 
 
58 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLAS HICKS 
 
 to liis own ministerial labors in a way not unlike that in- 
 dulged in l)y his most ardent admirers. Yet this was always 
 accompanied witii acknowledgment of the Divine enlighten- 
 ing and assistance. On the 22(1 of Tenth month, 1779. he 
 lield an appointed meeting in Hartford, Conn., a thousand 
 persons being present. Of this meeting he said : "The 
 Lord, in whum we trust, was graciously near, and furnished 
 us with ability to conduct the meeting to the satisfaction 
 and peace of oiu^ own minds ; and to the edification of many 
 present, and general satisfaction to the assembly." ^ 
 
 Speaking of a meeting at Alarket Street. Philadelphia, 
 in Fourth month. iSoi, he remarked: "^ly spirit was set 
 at lil)erty. and ability afforded to divide the word among 
 them, according to their varied conditions, in a large, search- 
 ing and effectual testimony ; whereby a holy solemnity was 
 witnessed to spread over the meeting, to the great rejoicing 
 of the honest-hearted." " 
 
 At a meeting at Goose Creek, \*irginia, the 22d of 
 Third month, 1797, he tells us: "After a considerable time 
 of silent labor, in deep baptism with the suffering seed, my 
 mouth was opened in a clear, full testimony, directed to 
 the states of those present. And many were brought under 
 the influence of that power which 'cut Rahab, and wounded 
 the dragon.' " ^ 
 
 In the acknowledgment of the Divine influence and 
 favor, Elias Hicks had a collection of phrases which he 
 repeatedly used. "-It was the Lord's doings, and marvelous 
 in our eyes," was a common expression. He repeatedly 
 said: "Our sufficiency Avas not of ourselves, but of God; 
 and that the Lord was our strength from day to day, who 
 
 ' J(jurnal, p. 85. 
 
 " Journal, p. 89. . 
 
 ' Journal, p. 69, 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL^S HICKS 59 
 
 is ox'tT all blessed forever." One of his favorite ex- 
 pressions was : "To the Lord be all the praise, nothing due 
 to man." 
 
 Trite and pointed Scripture quotations were always at 
 command, and they were etTectively employed, both in 
 speaking and writing. It will be noted by the reader that 
 not a few nf the expressions used ])y Elias Hicks sound 
 like the j)h rases coined by George Vox. 
 
 That Elias Hicks believed in the plcnar}- inspiration of 
 the preacher is well attested. His testimony was constantly 
 against the "'letter/' with little recognition that the letter 
 could ever ct)ntain the spirit. Here is a sam])le exhortation 
 to ministers : 
 
 "And it is a great thing when ministers keep in re- 
 membrance that necessary caution of the divine Master, not 
 to premediate what they shall say ; but carefully to wait 
 in the nothingness and emptiness of self, that wdiat they 
 speak may be only what the Holy Spirit speaketh in them ; 
 then will they not only speak the truth, but the truth, ac- 
 companied with power, and thereby profit the hearers." * 
 
 He admonished h'riends in meeting, and especially 
 ministers, to "g-et iu'ward. and wait in their proper gifts." 
 The evident theory was that by waiting, and possibly wrest- 
 ling with the manifestation it was possible to tell whether 
 it was froiti below or above. 
 
 Still, there was not an entire absence of the human 
 and even the rational in Elias Hicks' fheory of the minis- 
 try as it worked out in practice. He had e\'idently dis- 
 covered the psychological side of public speaking to the 
 extent of recognizing that even the preacher was influenced 
 by his audience. 
 
 When he was in Philadelphia in 18 16, before the 
 
 * Journal, p. 296. 
 
60 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 troubled times liad arrived, he tells iis that "it proved a 
 hard trying season : one of them [ministers] was exercised 
 in public testimony, and although she appeared to labor fer- 
 vently, yet but little life was felt to arise during the meeting. 
 This makes the work hard for the poor exercised ministers, 
 who feel the necessity publicly to advocate the cause of truth 
 and righte(jusness, and yet obtain but little relief, by reason 
 of the deadness and indilTerence of those to whom the}- are 
 constrained to minister. I found it my place to sit silent 
 and suffer with the seed." ^ 
 
 In a pers(jnal letter. Avhile on one of his visits, Elias 
 Hicks gave the following impression of the meeting and the 
 ministry : 
 
 "To-day was the quarterly meeting of discipline. It 
 was large, and I think in the main a favored instructive 
 season, although considerably hurt by a pretty long, tedious 
 communication, not sufficiently clothed with life to make 
 it either comfortable or useful. So it is, the Society is in 
 such a mixed and unstable state, and many who presume 
 to be teachers in it, are so far from keeping on the original 
 foundation, the light and spirit of truth, and so built up in 
 mere tradition, that I fear a very great portion of the 
 ministry among us, is doing more harm than good, and 
 leading back to the weak and beggarly elements, to which 
 they seem desirous to be again in bondage." '"' 
 
 This is not the only case of his measuring the general 
 effect of the ministry. In Seventh month, 1815, he attended 
 Westbury Quarterly Meeting, and of its experiences he 
 wrote as follows : * 
 
 "Was the parting meeting held for public worsliip. It 
 was a large crowded meeting, but was somewhat hurt in 
 the forepart, by the appearance of one young in the ministry 
 standing too long, and manifesting too much animation: 
 
 'Journal, p. 271. 
 Letter to his wife, dated Purchase, X. Y., Tenth month jg, 1823. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 6i 
 
 Yet, I beliexed, he was under the preparing hand, fitting 
 for service in the Church, if he onh^ keeps low and liumble, 
 and does not aspire above his gift, into the animation of the 
 creature. For there is great danger, if such are not deeply 
 watchful, of the transformer getting in and raising the mind 
 into too much creaturely zeal, and warmth of the animal 
 spirit, whereby they may be deceived, and attribute that 
 to the divine power, which only arises from a heated imagi- 
 nation, and the natural warmth of their own spirits ; and 
 so mar the work of the divine spirit on their minds, run 
 before their gift and lose it, or have it taken away from 
 them. They thereby fall into the condition of some for- 
 merly, as mentioned by the prophet, who, in their crea- 
 turely zeal, kindle a fire of their own, and walk in the light 
 thereof; but these, in the end, have to lie down in sorrow." ^ 
 
 Of the same quarterly meeting, held in Fourth month 
 in the following year, in New York, Elias wrote : "It was 
 for the most part a favored season, but W(jukl have been 
 more so, had not some in the ministry quite exceeded the 
 mark by unnecessary communication. For very great care 
 ought to rest on the minds of .ministers, lest they become 
 l)urthensome, and take away the life from the meeting, and 
 l)ring over it a gloom of death and darkness, that may be 
 sensibly felt." ^ 
 
 His feeling regarding his own particular labor in the 
 ministry is almost pathetically expressed as follows: 
 
 "Meetings are generally large and well-attended, al- 
 though in the midst of harvest. I have continual cause for 
 deep humility and thankfulness of heart under a daily sense 
 of the continued mercy (^f the Shepherd of Israel, who when 
 he puts his servants forth, goes before them, and points out 
 the way, wdien to them all seems shut up in darkness. 
 This has been abundantly my lot from day to day. insomuch 
 that the saying of the prophet has been verified in my ex- 
 perience, that none are so blind as the Lord's servants, nor 
 
 Journal, p. 234. 
 'Journal, p. 268. 
 
62 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 deaf as his messengers. As generally when I first enter 
 meetings I feel like one, both dumb and deaf, and see noth- 
 ing" but my own impotence. Nevertheless as my whole 
 trust and confidence is in the never-failing arm of divine 
 sufficiency, although I am thus emptied, I am not cast 
 down, neither has a murmuring thought been permitted to 
 enter, but in faith and patience, have had to inherit the 
 promise, as made to Israel formerly by the prophet. 'I will 
 never leave thee, nor forsake thee.' This my dear, I trust 
 will be the happy lot of all those who sincerely trust in the 
 Lord, and do not cast away their confidence, nor lean to 
 their own understanding.'" '■' 
 
 Occasionally in his ministry Elias Hicks did what in 
 our time would be called sensational things. In this matter 
 he shall be his own witness. Fourth-day, the 6th of 
 Twelfth month, 1815, at Pearl Street meeting in New York, 
 there was a marriag'e during the meeting, on which account 
 the attendance was larg-e. After remarking that his mind 
 was "exercised in an unusual manner," he says: 
 
 "For the subject which first presented, after my mind 
 had become silenced, was the remembrance of the manner 
 in which the temporal courts among men are called to 
 order ; and it became so impressive, as to apprehend it 
 right to make use of it as a simile, much in the way the 
 prophet was led to make use of some of the Rechabites. ti) 
 convict Israel of their disobedience and want of attention to 
 their law^ and law-giver. I accordingly was led to cry 
 audibly three times. 'O yes! O yes! O yes! silence all per- 
 sons, under the pain and penalt}- of the displeasure of the 
 court.' This unusual address had a powerful tendency to 
 arrest the attention of all present, and from which I took 
 occasion, as truth opened the way, to reason with the as- 
 sembly, that if such a confused mass of people as are 
 generally collected together on such occasions, and from 
 very different motives, and many from mere curiosity to 
 hear and see the transactions of the court, should all in 
 an instant so honor and respect the court, as immediately 
 
 '"' Lettor to his wife, writttii from East Cain, Pa., Seventh month 
 22, 1813. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 63 
 
 to be still and silent at the sini]jle call of the crier: How 
 much more reasonable is it, for a collection of people, 
 promiscuously gathered to the place appointed in a religious 
 way, to wait upon, and worship the Judge of heaven and 
 earth, to be still, and strive to silence every selfish and 
 creaturely thought and cogitation of the mind. For such 
 thoughts and cogitations would as certainly prevent our 
 hearing the inward divine voice of the King of heaven, and 
 as effectually hinder our worshipping him in spirit and in 
 truth, as the talking of the multitude at a court of moral 
 law, would interrupt the business thereof. As I proceeded 
 with this simile, the subject enlarged and spread, accom- 
 panied with gospel power and the evident demonstration of 
 the spirit, whereby truth was raised into victory, and ran 
 as oil over all. The meeting closed with solemn supplica- 
 tion and thanksgiving to the Lord our gracious Helper, to 
 whom all the honor and glory iDclong. both now and for- 
 ever." '" 
 
 Whatever may have been the opinion of Elias Hicks 
 as to the inspiration of the minister, he evidently did not 
 consider that it was so impersonal and accidental, or so 
 entirely outside the preacher, as to demand no care on his 
 own part. The following advisory statement almost pro- 
 vides for what might be called "preparation :" 
 
 "In those large meetings, where Friends are collected 
 from various parts, the weak and the strong together, and 
 especially in those for worship, it is essentially necessary 
 that Friends get inward, and wait in their proper gifts, 
 keeping in view their standing and place in society, espe- 
 cially those in the ministry. For otherwise there is danger 
 even from a desire to do good, of being caught with the 
 enemies' transformations, particularly with those that are 
 young, and inexperienced; for we seldom sit in meetings but 
 some prospect presents, which has a likeness, in its first 
 impression, to the right thing ; and as these feel naturally 
 fearful of speaking in large meetings, and in the presence 
 of their elderly friends, and apprehending they are likely to 
 ha\e something to oiTer, they are suddenly struck with the 
 
 'Journal, p. 248, 
 
64 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 fear of man, and thereby prevented from centering down 
 to their gifts, so as to discover whether it is a right motion 
 or not; and the accuser of the brethren, who is always 
 ready with his transformations to deceive, charges with 
 nnfaithfnhiess and disobecHence, by which they are driven 
 to act without any clear prospect, and find little to say, ex- 
 cept making an apology for them thus standing; by which 
 they often disturb the meeting, and prevent others, who 
 are rightl}' called to the work, and thereby wound the 
 minds of the living baptized members." ^^ 
 
 The responsibility which Elias Hicks felt for the meet- 
 ing" of which he was a member, and in which he felt called 
 to minister, is well illustrated in the following quotation : 
 
 '"I was under considerable bodily indisposition most 
 of this week. ( )n Fifth-day. so much so, as almost to give 
 up the prospect of getting to meeting; but I put on my 
 usual resolution and went, and was glad in so doing, as 
 there I met with that peace of God that passeth all under- 
 standing, which is only known by being felt. I had to de- 
 clare to my friends how good it is to trust in the Lord with 
 all the heart, and lean not to our own understandings, lest 
 they fail us." '' 
 
 This records no uncommon occurrence. He was often 
 indisposed, but the illness had to be severe if it kept liim 
 awav from meeting. 
 
 J)uring his later life he was frequent!}- indisposed, and 
 sometimes under such bodily pain when speaking that he 
 was forced to stop in the midst of a discourse. This 
 happened in Green Street ^Meeting House. Philadelphia. 
 Ele\enth month 12, 1826. On this occasion the stenog- 
 rapher says that after "leaving his place for a few minutes, 
 he resumed." louring this particular sermon Elias sat down 
 twice, beside the time mentioned, evidently to recover physi- 
 cal strength. 
 
 '' Journal, p. 230. 
 " Journal, p. 2.30. 
 
LIFE ANH I.AROKS OF Kl.lAS HICKS 65 
 
 Klias Hicks was not one of those ministers who always 
 spoke if he attended meeting-. Many times he was silent; 
 this being especially true when in liis home meeting. 
 When on a religions visit he generally spoke, hut not always. 
 'J1ial his willingess to "famish the people fmm words,'* 
 tended to his local popnlaritx", is cpiite certain. 
 
 The printed sermons of Elias Hicks wonM indicate that 
 at times he was qnite lengthy, and seldom ])rc;iclied what is 
 known now as a short, ten-minnte sermon, i^stimating a 
 number of sermons, we hnd that they averaged al)ont 6500 
 words, so that his sermons must have generally i»ccnpied 
 from thirty to forty-five minutes in delivery. Occasionally 
 a sermon contained over (Sooo words, wdiile sometimes less 
 than 4000 words. 
 
 9 
 
CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 The Home at Jericho. 
 
 The village of Jericho. Long Island, is about 25 miles 
 east of New York City, in the town of Oyster Bay. It 
 has had no considerable growth since the days of Elias 
 Hicks, and now contains only about a score and a half of 
 houses. Hicksville, less than two miles away, the railroad 
 statit^n for the older hamlet, contains a population of a 
 couple of thousand. It was named for Valentine Hicks, 
 the son-in-law of Elias. 
 
 Running through Jericho is the main-traveled road from 
 the eastern part of Long Island to Xew York, called Jericho 
 Pike. In our time it is a famous thoroughfare for auto- 
 mobiles, is thoroughly modern, and as smooth and hard as 
 a barn floor. In former da}"s it was a toll-road, and o\'er 
 it Elias Hicks often traveled. A cross-country road runs 
 through Jericho nearly north and south, leading to Oyster 
 Ray. On tliis road, a few rods to the north from the turn 
 in the Jericho Pike stands the house which was originaHy 
 the Seaman homestead, where Elias Hicks lived from soon 
 after his marriage till his death. 
 
 The house was large and commodious for its time, but 
 has been remodeled, so that only part of the building now 
 standing is as it was eighty years ago. The house ends to 
 the road, with entrance from the south side. It was of the 
 popular Long Island and Xew Eng"land construction, shin- 
 gled from celler wall to ridge-pole. Vnm rooms on the east 
 end of the h<xise. two upstairs and two down, are practically 
 
 66 
 
1.1 FK AND l.AltORS OF KLIAS HICKS 67 
 
 ns they were in the (hiys of Ehas Hicks. In one of these he 
 had his paralytic stroke, and in another he passed away. 
 The comparatixely wide liall wiiich rnns across tiie honse. 
 with the exception of the stairwa\', is as it was in the time 
 of its disting-nished occupant. A new stairway of modern 
 construction now occupies the o})posite side of the hah from 
 the one of the older time, ddiis hall-way. it is said. Fdias 
 Hicks loved to promenade, sometimes with his visitors, and 
 here with characteristic warmth of feeling' he sped his 
 parting- guests, when the time for their departure came. 
 
 Like the most of his neighhors. Elias Hicks was a 
 farmer. The home place prohahly contained about seventy- 
 live acres, but he possessed detached pieces oi land, part of it 
 in timber. Se\eral years before his death he sold forty 
 acres i^f the farm to his son-in-law, Valentine Hicks, thus 
 consideral)ly reducing the care which adxancing years rmd 
 increased religious labor made advisable. 
 
 Jericho still retains its agricultural character more than 
 some of the other sections of neighboring Long Island. 
 The multi-millionaire and the real estate exploiter have ab- 
 sorbed many of the old Friendly homes toward the West- 
 burv neighborhood, and are ])ushing their ambitious intent at 
 land-grabbing down the Jericho road. 
 
 If Elias were to return and make a visit from Jericho 
 to the meeting at Westbury, as he often did in his time, 
 three or four miles away, he would pass more whizzing 
 automobiles en route than he would teams, and would see 
 the landscape beautifully adorned with lawns and walks, 
 with parks and drives on the hillsides, not to mention the 
 costly Roman garden of one of Pittsburg's captains of in- 
 dustry. Should he so elect, he could be whirled in a 
 gasoline car in a few minutes over a distance which it 
 probably took him the l)etter part of an hour to make in 
 his (lav. As he went along he could muse over snatches of 
 
68 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 Goldsmiths' "Deserted X'illage," like the following", which 
 would he approximately, if not literally, true: 
 
 "Hoards, e'en beyond the miser's wiiili abound, 
 And rich men flock from all the world aroimd. 
 Yet count our gains : this wealth is but a name 
 That leaves our useful products just the same. 
 And so the loss : the man of wealth and pride 
 Takes up the place that many poor supplied ; 
 Space for his lake, his parks extending bounds, 
 Space for his horses, equipage and hoxmds, 
 The robe that wraps his limbs in silken sloth, 
 Has robbed tlie neighboring fields of half their growth." 
 
 But there are some compensations in the modern scene, 
 and however emotionally sad the change, the helpfully sug- 
 gestive side is not in lamentation over the inevital)le, hut in 
 considering the growing demands which the situation makes 
 upon the practical spiritual religion wdiich Elias Hicks 
 j)reache(l, and in wliich his successors still profess to helieve. 
 
 A hundred years ago, wheat was a regular and staple 
 farm product on Long Island, especially in and around 
 Jericho, and on the Hicks farm. But no wheat is raised 
 in this section now. The farmer hnds it more profitable 
 to raise the more i^erishable vegetables to feed the himgry 
 hordes of the great city, which has crowded itself nearer and 
 nearer to the farmers' domain. 
 
 Less than a (juarter of a mile up the road from the 
 Hicks home is the Friends' Meeting House, which Elias 
 Hicks helped to build, if he did not design it. The timbers 
 and rafters, which were large, and are still sound to the 
 core, were hewed by hand of course. Like most of the 
 neighboring buildings, its sides were shingled, and probably 
 the original shingles have not been replaced since the house 
 was built, a himdred and tw^enty-two years ag-(5. The "pub- 
 lic gallery" contained benches sloping steeply one above the 
 other, making the view of the preacher's gallery easy from 
 
LIFE AND LAB(JRS OF FLIAS HICKS 69 
 
 these elevated positions. Over the preacher's gallery, and. 
 facing the one just described, is room for a row of seats 
 l)ehind a railing. Whether this was a sort of a "watch- 
 tower" from which the elders might observe the deportment 
 of the young people in the seats opposite, or whether it was 
 simply used for overflow purposes, tradition dijes not tell 
 us. 
 
 The fact probably is that what is known as the Hicks 
 property at Jericho came to Elias by his wife Jemima. 
 There is every reason t(» believe that at the time of his 
 marriage he was a poor man. and as the young folks took 
 up their residence at the Seaman home soon after their 
 marriage, there was no time for an accumulation of prop- 
 erty on the part of the head of the new family. The 
 economic situation involved in the matter under considera- 
 tion had a most important bearing on the religious service 
 of Elias Hicks. Taking the Seaman farm brought him 
 economic certainty, if not indei)endence. It is hardly con- 
 ceivable that he could have given the large attention t(3 the 
 "free gospel ministry" which he did. had there been a 
 struegfle with debt and difficult\- which was so incidental in 
 laying the foundations of even a moderate success a century 
 and a quarter ago. It is by no means to be inferred, how- 
 ever, that Elias Hicks was ever a wealthy man, or possessed 
 the means of luxury, for which of course he had no desire, 
 and against which he bore a life-long testimony. The real 
 point to be gratefully remembered is that he was not over- 
 burdened with the care and worry which a less desirable 
 economic condition would have enforced. 
 
 In the main, Elias Hicks saw his married children settle 
 around him. Royal Aldrich. who married his oldest 
 daughter, had a tannery, and lived on the opposite side of 
 the road not far away. Valentine Hicks, who married 
 another daughter, had a somewhat pretentious house for 
 
70 LIFE AND LABORS OF FLLAS JIICKS 
 
 the time, at the foot of the httle hill approaching- the nieet- 
 iiii^- house, and just heyond the house of Klias, Robert Sea- 
 man, wlio married the }-oung-est daughter, lixed only a few 
 steps away. Joshua A\'illets. who married llie tliird 
 daughter, resided nn the south side of the island, some miles 
 distant. The tiiue of scattering families, lured h\' business 
 C)Utlook and economic advantage, had not vet arrived. 
 
CHAPTER IX. 
 
 The Hicks Family. 
 
 In the liome at Jericho the children of EHas Hicks 
 were born. Touching his family we have this bit of inter- 
 esting information from Elias Hicks himself: 
 
 "Aly wife, although not of a very strong constitution, 
 lived to be the mother of eleven children, four sons and 
 seven daughters. Our second daughter, a very lovely 
 promising child, died when young with the small pox. and 
 the youngest was not living at its birth. The rest all 
 arrived to years of discretion, and afforded us considerable 
 comfort, as they proved to be in a good degree dutiful 
 children. All our sons, however, were of weak constitu- 
 tions, and were not able to take care of themselves, being 
 so enfeebled as not to be able to walk after the ninth year 
 of their age. The two eldest died in the fifteenth year of 
 their age, the third in his seventeenth year, and the young- 
 est was nearly nineteen when he died. But, although thus 
 helpless, the innocency of their lives, and the resigned 
 cheerfulness of their dispositions to their allotments, made 
 the labour and toil of taking care of them agreeable and 
 pleasant ; and I trust we were preserved from murmuring 
 or repining, believing the dispensation to be in wisdom, and 
 according to the will and gracious disposing of an all-wise 
 providence, for purposes best known to himself. And when 
 I have observed the great anxiety and afdiction, which many 
 parents have with undutiful children who are favoured 
 with health, especially their sons, I could perceive very 
 few whose troubles and exercises, on that account, did not 
 far exceed ours. The weakness and bodily infirmity of our 
 sons tended to keep them much out of the way of the 
 troubles and temptations of the world ; and we believed 
 that in their death they were happy, and admitted into the 
 realms of peace and jov ; a reflection, the most comfortable 
 
 71 
 
72 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELI AS HICKS 
 
 and ioyt)us tlial parents can liave in retjard to their tender 
 off sprin <:;;.'' ' 
 
 The children thus referred to hy their fatiier were 
 the following": Martha, born in ij/i. She married Royal 
 Aldrich. and died in iS^j, at the ad\'anced age of ninet}- 
 one. She was a widow for about twenty years. 
 
 David was born in 1773. and died in 1787. Elias. 
 the second son, was born in 1774. and died the same year 
 as his brother Da\'id. Fdizabeth was born in. 1777- and 
 died in 1779. This is the daughter who had the small 
 pox. Hiere are no records telling whether the other mem- 
 I)ers of the family had the disease, or how this child of two 
 years became a victim of the contagion. 
 
 Phebe. the third daughter, was born in 1779. She 
 married Joshua Willets. as noted in the last chapter. 
 
 Abigail, who married X'alentine Hicks, a nephew of 
 Elias. was born in 1782 She died Second month 26, 1850, 
 while her husband passed away the 5t]i of Third month of 
 the same vear. just one week after the death of his wife 
 
 Jonathan, the third son. was born in 1784. and passed 
 awav in 1802. His brother. John. A\as born in 1789. and 
 died in 1805. 
 
 Elizabeth, evidently named for her little sister, was 
 born in 1791. and lived to a g(^od old age. She passed 
 a\va\" in 1781. She was never married, and occasionally 
 accompanied her father on his religious \-isits. She was 
 known in the neighborhood, in her later years at least, as 
 "Aunt Elizabeth." and is the l)est-remembered of any of 
 the children of Elias Hicks. As the Friends remember her 
 she was a spare woman, never weighing o\er ninety pounds. 
 
 The voung'est child of the familv. Sarah, was born in 
 
 Journal. ]>. 14. 
 
\.\FK AND I.ARORS OF \'AA.\S HICKS 73 
 
 17()3. She inarric'd l\(»l)rrt Scimaii. hci" kinsman, and died 
 in [X35. Kohcrt. licr Inishand, died in 1 SOo. 
 
 It will he seen that the home cat Jericho was a Imuse 
 ac([uainted with £;riet'. Of the ten children, Martha. David, 
 FJias and little Kli/aheth ma<le np the jn\enile memhers of 
 the hotisehold, tip to the time of the death of the latter. 
 Phebe came the same year, while Al)i<;ail was born three 
 rears later, so that there were at least fonr or fne children 
 always g-athered around the family board, liefore the pass- 
 int^- awav of Ellas and l)a\id, tlie famil\- had been increased 
 bv the birth of jonatlian, making- the chiklren lixin^' at one 
 time six. After the death of the three older boys, and the 
 birth of Elizabeth and Sarah, until the death of John in 
 1805. the living- children were still six in number, dhc 
 fi\-e dauo'hters, Martha. Phebe. Abii^ail. l^lizabeth and S.arah 
 all outlived their ])arents. 
 
 Elias Hicks was inidoubtedly a most alfectionate father, 
 as the letters to his wife and cliildren show. How mu.cii 
 this was diluted by the apparent sternness of his relig"i(nis 
 concerns is a matter for the imagination to deteriuine. 
 What were the amusements of this large family is an inter- 
 esting question in this "age of the child." with its surleit 
 of toys and gaiues. What were the tasks of the girls it is 
 not so hard to answer. Of course the}- worked "saiuplers," 
 pieted cjuilts, learned to spin and knit, and possibly to wea\e, 
 and to prepare the wool or flax for the looiu. Tf we read 
 between the lines in the description of their father, we can 
 easily infer that the physically afiflicted sons were neverthe- 
 less- not wdthout the joys of boyhood. 
 
 At all events, if it was an afflicted family, it was also 
 a united one. It was a home where the i^arents were rever- 
 enced by the children, and where there was a feeling of 
 love, and a sense of loyalty. This feeling is still character- 
 
 10 
 
74 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HJCKS 
 
 islic of the descendants of l^lias llicks. It is a sample of 
 the persistence of tlie (pialities of a strong man, in the gen- 
 erations that come after him. 
 
 Oi the four daughters of h'has Hicks who were 
 married, hut two liad cliil(h"en. so that the lineal descendants 
 of the celehrated Jericho preacher are eitlier descendants of 
 Martha Hicks, wife of Valentine, or of Sarah Hicks Sea- 
 man. These two hranches of tlie family are quite 
 numerous. ' 
 
 Of Jemima, the wife of i^^lias Hicks, little is kntnvn 
 apart from the correspondence of her hushand, and that is 
 considerahle. That he considered her his real help-meet, 
 and had for her a lover's affection to the end is abundantly 
 attested Iw all of the facts. Dame Rumor, in the region of 
 Jericho, claims that she was her husband's intellectual in- 
 ferior, but that is an indellnite comparison worth \ery little. 
 That she was at some points his superior is undoubtedly 
 true, and it must be remembered that Elias himself, with all 
 of his great natural ability, lacked intellectual culture and 
 literary training. Jemima was e\identl\- a go(td house- 
 keeper, and manager of affairs. Before she had sons-in- 
 law with whom to ad\ise, and even after that, the business 
 side of the family was a ccmsiderable part of the time in her 
 hands. It is no small matter to throw upon a woman, 
 never robust, the responsibility of both the mother and 
 father of a family during the prolonged absence of the 
 husband. 
 
 The first long religious visit of Elias Hicks lasted ten 
 weeks. At that time there were four little people in the 
 Hicks home, from eight-year-old Alartha to two-year-old 
 Elizabeth, who died that year, while Phebe was born after 
 the return of her father from his Philadelphia tri]). Sev- 
 
 * The descendanis referred ti) will be given in tlieir jimper place 
 in the Appemlix. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF F.I.L\S HICKS 75 
 
 cral of the other extended journeys were made wliile the 
 ehil(h"en of the family were of an a^e reijuirinj^' care. Of 
 course this hiid hihor and responsihihty on the wife and 
 motlier. These she bore without comphiining; and. we may 
 he sure, with executive abihty of no mean order. 
 
 1 1 was a time when women were not expected to he 
 eitlier tln' intellectual ])eers or com])anions of their lnisl)ands, 
 and we cannot justly a])plN' the measurements and standards 
 of to-day, to the women of a century ago. Men of the 
 Elias Hicks tyix-. meeting their fellows in ])ublic 'assemblies 
 and ministering to them, traxeling widely and forming 
 many friendships, wdiether in the Societ}' of Friends or out 
 of it, are likely to be praised, if not petted, while their 
 wives, less known, labor on unappreciated. Such a woman 
 was Jemima Hicks. To her, and all like her, the lasting 
 gratitude of the sons of men is due. 
 
CHAPTKR X. 
 
 Letters to his Wife. 
 
 T\' THK liiiii^- al)sences from lionic, wliicli the religinus 
 \isits of I'^lias Fiicks imoK-ed, as a matter of course many 
 of tlie domestic Ijurdens fell heavily tipon his wife. In so 
 far as he conld atone for his ahsence by sending" epistles 
 home he did so. Tn fact, for the times, he was a voluminous 
 letter writer. 
 
 It was not a time of rapid transit. Distances now 
 S])anned in a few hours demanded da_\'s and weeks when 
 I'dias Micks was actix'e in the ministry. At the best, hut 
 a few letters could reach home from the tra\'eler absent for 
 se\ei-al months. 
 
 In the main the letters which hdias sent to his beloxcd 
 jemima were of the ardent kn'er-like soi't. It seemed im- 
 ])ossil)le. howe\er, for him to a\'oid the preacherly function 
 in even his mo^^t tender and domestic missives. Exhorta- 
 tious to practical righteousness, and to the maintenance of 
 what he cousidered the I'riendly fundamentals, were plenti- 
 fully mixed with his most ])ri\"ate and personal concerns. 
 
 In going o\"er this correspondence one wishes for more 
 discri])tion, relating to the human side of the traveler's 
 ex])eriences. A man who sex'eral times traversed what was 
 realh' the width of habitable Aiuerica, and mostly either in 
 a wagon or on horseback, must have seen much th.at was 
 interesting, and man_\- times humorous and e\'en ])athetic. 
 But few of these things moved Rlias Hicks, or di\"erted bin; 
 from what he considered the ])urely gospel character of his 
 mission. 
 
 .^till there is much worth while in this <lomestic corre- 
 
 ?(> 
 
LIFE AND LABORS f)F FJJAS MICKS 77 
 
 spondence. I"'i"nm it we ci)iii])ile and annotate such extracts 
 as seem Id liel]) re\eal tlie cliaracter nf the man \\li<> wrote 
 tliem. 
 
 On the 13th of I'Ji^hth month, 1 7.SS, l^has was at I'reek, 
 now Clinton Corners, in Dutchess count\', Xew NDrk. h'roni 
 a letter written to his wife tliat da}-, we ([note: 
 
 ■"Aly heart ^lovvs at this time with nuich love and af- 
 fection for thee and otir dear children, with breathing;" desires 
 for your preservation, and that thou, my dear, may be ke])t 
 in a state of due watchfulness over thyself, and tliose dear 
 lambs under th_\- care, that nothino- may interru])t the cur- 
 rent of pure lo\e amon^' \du in my absence." 
 
 A letter dated "L\nn. Massachusetts, )'e 24tli of eightli 
 month, i7<Lv" 'I'l'l \vritten to his wife, is of ])ectiliar interest. 
 We (piote the lirst sentences: 
 
 "I receixed last evening-, at my return to this ])lace from 
 the East, thy very acceptable letter of the U)th instant. 
 . . . Idle contents, except the account of the pain in thy 
 side, were truly comfortable. That part wherein thou ex- 
 l)resseth a resignation to the Divine Will, was particularly 
 satisfactory, for in this, my dear, consists our chiefest happi- 
 ness and Consolation." 
 
 He sometimes ex])ressed a sense of lt)ne]iness in h:s 
 lra\els, l)ut was certain of the nearness of tlie I)i\'ine Spirit. 
 In the letter mentioned al)o\e he said: 
 
 ■"Thou hast cause to believe with me, my dear, that it 
 was He that first united our hearts too-ether in the ])onds of 
 an endeared lo\'e and affection. So it is He that has kept 
 and preserved us all our life loui^. and hath caused us to 
 witness an increase of that unfadini^ love, which as thou 
 expresseth is ever new." 
 
 E\-idently his l)elo\ed Jemima, like Martha of old, was 
 tinduh" troubled about man\' thing's, for we hnd bdias in his 
 letter induli^ing" in the following warning: "And let me 
 
78 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLAS HICKS 
 
 again hint to tlifc a care ()\er tliyself, for I tear llinu wilt 
 expose tli)self 1)\- too nincli Ixidily exercise in the care of tliy 
 business." 
 
 It is sehloni that we hnd even a tiny,-e of coniphiinini; in 
 any of his letters. It seems, howe\-er, that his women folks 
 were not indnstriotis correspondents. In closing" the letter 
 noted he tlnis expressed himself: 
 
 "My companion receives his packet of letters, frecpiently 
 four, ti\e or six at a time, which makes me feel as if 1 was 
 forgotten by my friends. ha\ing received but two small 
 letters from home since I left you. And thou writest, my 
 dear, as if paper was scarce, on very small pieces.'' 
 
 On the T,(\ of Xinth nimith. of the same year, a letter 
 was written to his wife, much like the foregoing. It is 
 interesting to note that Elias was at this time the guest of 
 Moses Brown (in Providence), the founder of the Moses 
 Brown School. The small pieces of paper mentioned are 
 hints of a wifely economy, not altogether appro^'ed by her 
 very econoniical husband. Iliere is a gentle tinge of rebtike 
 in the following, written from Nine Partners, Eleventh 
 month 19, 18 18. The temptation is strong to read into 
 these lines, a grain of humor touching the mtich-talked-of 
 persistence of a woman's will ; 
 
 '"Inasmuch as I have often felt concerned when thus 
 absent, least thou should worry thyself, with too much care 
 and labor in regard to our temporal concerns, and have 
 often desired thee to be careful in that respect, but mostly 
 without effect, by reason that thou art so choice of thy own 
 free agency as to be afraid to take the advice of thy best 
 friend, lest it might mar that great privilege ; I therefore 
 now propose to leave thee at full liberty to use it in thine 
 own pleasure with the addition of this desire, that thou use 
 it in that way as will produce to thee the most true com- 
 fort and joy, and then T trust T shall be comforted, my 
 dear, in thy comfort, and joyful in thy joy." 
 
 A letter dated West Jersey, near Salem, the 6th of First 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF FLIAS HICKS 7q 
 
 month, 1798, mentions a sini^iilar concern abont a]Ji)arel. He 
 exhorts his wife to gnard the tender minds of tlieir chikh-en 
 from "fooHsh and worldly x'anities," and tlien drops into a 
 personal and general statement regarding- what he consid- 
 ered simplicity and plainness as follows : 
 
 "Great is the apparent departure t)(ini primitive i)nrity 
 and plainness among many professors of the truth, where 
 our lots have been cast. Foreseeing that I may often be 
 led in a line of close doctrine to such it has brought me 
 under close self-examination, knowing for certain that those 
 who have to deal out to others ought to look well to their 
 own going. In this time of scrutiny nothing turned up as 
 bringing reproof to my mind concerning our children, but 
 the manner of wearing their gown sleeves long and pinne<l 
 at the wrist. This I found to strike at the pure life, and 
 wounded my mind. 1 clearly saw- my deficiency that I had 
 not more endeavored to have it done away with before I 
 left home, for I felt it as a burden then. lUit seeing our 
 dear daughters had manifested so much condescension in 
 other things, and this being like one of the least, I en- 
 deavored to be easy under it. But feeling it with assurance 
 not to be a plant of our Heavenly Father's right-hand plant- 
 ing, think it ought to be plucked up. Let our dear 
 daughters read these lines, and tell them their dear father 
 prays they may wisely consider the matter, and if they can 
 be Avilling so far to condescend to my desire while absent 
 as to have these things removed, it will be as balsam to my 
 wounded sj^irit. and they will not go without their reward. 
 l>ut their father's God will bless them and become their 
 (jod, as they are faithful to his reproofs in their hearts, 
 and w^alk fearfully before Him. He will redeem them, out 
 of all adversity to the praise and glory of His grace, who 
 is over all, God, blessed forever.'' 
 
 During a visit to Nine Partners. Twelfth month 15, 
 1803. Elias wrote to Jemima. Evidently she had repelled 
 the inference, if not the implication, that she had been negli- 
 gent in her correspondence, for we find the letter in (piestion 
 beginning in this fashion: 
 
 "Although I wrote thee pretty fullv last evening, yet 
 having since that rccei\-ed a precious, refreshing letter from 
 
8t) LIFE AND LABDRS OF l':i.IAS fUCKS 
 
 thee, by fsaac Frost (it heiiij;- the first I ]ia\e received from 
 thee since I left home), but finding- from thy last that thou 
 hast written several. It affords a singular satisfaction in 
 lindinj;- thou hast been mindful of me. lUit 1 have not com- 
 plained, my dear, nor let in, nor indul,i.^ed a thought that 
 thou hadst forgotten me. nor do I believe thou couldst. 
 There is nothing- while we continue in our right minds that 
 can dissolve that firm and precious bond of lo\'e and en- 
 deared affection, which from our first acquaintance united 
 us together, and in which, while writing these lines my 
 spirit greets thee with endeared eml)races." 
 
 It surel)- seems strange that a man who was the father 
 of ele\'en children, that his onl\- source of ])ersonal "reprr)of"' 
 concerning them, was this little matter of the sleeves and 
 the pins. This prohablv is a fair illustration of what ma\' 
 be called the conser\atism of Elias Hicks touching all of the 
 peculiarities of the Society of b^riends. 
 
 The postscript to a letter Avritten to jemima from 
 Shrewsbury, Xew Jersey, Twelfth month 17. 1 707. reads 
 as follows: ".\s thou writes l)ut [)oorl\-, if thou should get 
 Hallet or Royal to write superscriptions on the letters, it 
 would make them more plain for couA-eyance." 
 
 It was onl}' seldom that business affairs at home were 
 referred to in his epistles to his wife. But occasionally a 
 departure was made from this practice. Where these lapses 
 do occtir, it wotild seem that they shouhl be noted. In the 
 fall of 1822 Elias was in the Nicinit)- of Philadelphia, and 
 was stopping with his friend and kinsman, I'jhvard Micks, 
 at Newtown, in Bucks county. 
 
 In this letter he says: "My health is much the same as 
 when I left home. I was disappointed in not meeting any 
 letters here, as I feel very anxious how you all do." We 
 copy tlie balance of the letter, wnth its tender admonition 
 to Jemima : 
 
 "I will just remind thee that liefore T left home I 
 put two old ewes in the green rye on the plains. If they 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF F:I.1AS HICKS 81 
 
 should improve as to be fit to kill, I slimild be willing thou 
 would let Josiah have one of them, as he agreed to split up 
 some of the timber that was blown down in the woods 
 by him, into rails and board himself. The other thou might 
 sell or otherwise at thy pleasure. 
 
 "Now, my dear, let me remind thee of thy increasing 
 bodily infirmities, and the necessity it lays thee under to 
 spare thyself of the burthen and care of much bodily and 
 mental labour and exercise, by which thou will experience 
 more quiet rest, both to body and mind, and that it may be, 
 my dear, our united care to endeavor that our last days 
 may be our best days, that so we may witness a state and 
 (|ualification to pass gently and quietly out of time, into 
 the mansions of eternal blessedness, where all sighing and 
 sorrow, will be at an end." 
 
 Willie in Pennsylvania, and at what is now Vork, 
 Fourth month 3. 1798, he sent a tender missive home. 
 Part of it referred to business matters. He gave directions 
 f<^r preparing the ground, and planting potatoes, and also 
 for oats and flax, tlie latter being a crop practically unknown 
 to present-day Long Island. He then gives the following 
 direction regarding a financial obligation : 
 
 "And as James Carhartt has a bond of sixty pounds 
 against me, of money belonging to a Dutchman, should be 
 glad if thou hast not money enough by thee to pay the 
 interest thereof, thou would call upon Royal or brother 
 Joseph and get some, and pay it the first of Fifth month." 
 
 While at Rahway, New Jersey, Fleventh month 0. 
 iSoi, on his visit to l'>iends in New Jersey and Pennsyl- 
 vania, he wrote one of his most express^^'e letters to Jemima. 
 A postscript was attached directed to his daughters. To his 
 oldest daughter. Martha, he sent an exhortation in wdiich 
 he said: "My desires for thee, my dear, are that thou may 
 be preserved innocent and chaste to the L(M-d, for I can have 
 no greater joy than t(^ find my children walking in the 
 truth." 
 
 That a large part of his concern was fr)r the comfort 
 
 II 
 
82 IJFF'. AM) LABORS OF I-'.LIAS HICKS 
 
 of his wife in ilic Ions;- ahscnces from home is ahundanily 
 sliown in his entire correspondence. The last postscript to 
 the Rahway letter is as follows: 
 
 "And. dear i'hebc and Ahii^ail. remember yom- Creator, 
 who made \ou not to spend your time in play and vanity, 
 but to be sober and to live in his fear, that he may bless 
 you. Be obedient to your dear mother, it is my charge to 
 you. Love and help her whatever you can ; it will com- 
 fort your dear father." 
 
 The 2d of Eleventh month, i8jo, Elias arrived at 
 Hudson, and learning that the steamboat to New \'ork was 
 to pass that day, he prei)ared and sent a letter to his wife. 
 In this letter he says: 
 
 "It may be that some oi my friends may think me so 
 far worth noticing, as to meet me with a line or two at Nine 
 Partners, as 1 have often felt very desirous of hearing how 
 you fare at luime. but this desire hath mostly failed of 
 l)eing gratified. I sui)pose the many things so absorb the 
 minds of my friends at home, that they have no time to 
 think of so poor a thing as I am. But never mind it, as 
 all things, it is said, will work together for good to those 
 that love and fear [(iodj." 
 
 While at Saratoga, in 1793, Elias wrote to Jeniim:i. 
 Tenth month T5th. This is one of his most ardent epistles, 
 "C)h. m\- dear." he sa\-s. "may we ever kec]) in remembrance 
 the (la_\- of our es|)otisal and gladness of our hearts, as 1 
 i)elieve it was a measure of the Divine Image that united our 
 hearts together in the beginning. It is the same that I be- 
 lie\c has. and still doth strengthen the sweet, influential and 
 reciprocal bond, that nothing, I trust, as we dwell under a 
 sense of Divine love and in the pure fear, will ever be able 
 to obliterate or deface." 
 
 Third month 15. 1798. a letter was written from 
 Alexandria, \\a.. from which we make this extract: 
 
 "We came here this morning from Sandy Spring, wdiich 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF KLL\S HR-KS 83 
 
 is upwards of iwctity tiiilcs distant. (lot in timely so as 
 to attend their meeting- which began at the tenth hour. 
 Crossed the ri\er J'otcmiac on our way. We got on horse- 
 back about break of day, and not being very well I thought 
 i felt the most fatigued before I got in, I was ever sensible 
 of before. When I came to the meeting, a poor little one 
 it was. and wherein I had to suiYer silence through the 
 meeting for worship, but in their I^rej^arative which fol- 
 lowed. I found my way open in a measure to ease my mind." 
 
CHAPTER XT. 
 
 The Slavery Question. 
 
 John Woolmax was tlie month-piece of the best 
 Otiaker conscience of the eighteenth centnry on the slavery 
 question. For twenty-hve years before his death, in 1772, 
 he was pleading" with the tenderness of a woman that his 
 beloved religious society should clear itself from complicity 
 with the system wliich held liuman ])eings in bondage. His 
 mantel apparently fell on Warner Mifflin, a young man re- 
 siding in Kent county. Delaware, near the little hamlet of 
 Camden. In 1775 ^Mifflin manumitted his slaves, and was 
 followed by like conduct on tlie part of his father, Daniel 
 Mifflin, a resident of Accomac County, in Virginia. 
 
 Warner ■Mifflin is said to have been the first man in 
 America to \-oluntariI\- give freedom to his l>on(hnen, and 
 to make restitution to sticii of them as were past twenty -one, 
 for the unrecjuited ser\-ice which they had rendered him. 
 Be that as it may. from 1775, until his deatli in 1799, 
 W^arner Alifflin, with tireless zeal labored with Friends per- 
 sonally, and with meetings in their official capacity, to drive 
 the last remnant of slavery from the Quaker fold. His 
 efi:'orts appeared in A"arious monthly meeting mintites 
 throtighout Philadelphia Yearly Meeting, and he was not 
 1)ackward in laying his concern before the Yearly Meeting 
 itself. In 17S3. on the initiative of Mifflin, the Yearly Meet- 
 ing' for Pennsvlvania, Xew Jersew Delaware and tlie 
 Western Parts of Maryland and Virginia, memorialized 
 the infant United States Congress in regard to slavery. 
 The document was a striking one for the time, w^as signed 
 in person by 535 Friends, and w^as presented to the Con- 
 gTess by a strong committee headed by Warner Mifflin. 
 
 84 ' 
 
lifp: and labors of p:lias hicks 85 
 
 These effc^rts at internal deliverance from ccinnection 
 and complicity with slavery produced speedy results, and 
 before the close of the century not a Quaker slave holder 
 remained in the Society, unless in some obscure cases that 
 continued "under care." Having cleared its own skirts of 
 slavery, the meml)ers of the Society became divided into 
 two classes— the one anxious that the Quaker conscience 
 should make its appeal to the general conscience for the 
 entire abolition of the "great iniquity." Idie other class, 
 satisfied with their own sinlessness in this particular, wished 
 the Society to remain passive, and in no way mix with a 
 ])ublic agitation of the mooted question. These two oppos- 
 ing views distracted the Society dow^i to the very verge of 
 the final issue in the slaveholders' rebellion. 
 
 Elias Hicks was three years Warner Mitiflin's junior. 
 He probably saw the Delaware abolitionist during his visits 
 to Philadelphia Yearly Meeting before the death of Mifflin. 
 Whether either ever saw c^r h.eard John Woolman cannot be 
 positively stated. Aliffiin was twenty-seven when the great 
 Xew Jersey preacher and reformer passed aw'ay, and must 
 have fallen under the spell of Woolman's inspiring leader- 
 ship. Elias Hicks could hardly have escaped being influ- 
 enced by this "elder brother," although he may never have 
 seen him. 
 
 The subject nf this biograpli}" was among those who 
 believed that the Society of Friends had a message to the 
 world along the line of its internal testimony against 
 slavery, and he did not hesitate to deliver the message, 
 though it distur1)ed the superficial ease in Zion. Still he 
 had no definite plan apart from the appeal to conscience for 
 settling the prol)lem. 
 
 It must be rememljered. however, that Elias Hicks 
 ])assed awa}' before the real abolition movement, as repre- 
 sented by Garrison and Phillips and their compeers, had 
 
86 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLAS HICKS 
 
 begun its vigorous agitation, or organized its widely applied 
 propaganda. What the attitude of Elias would have been 
 toward 1^'riends becoming members of the abolition socie- 
 ties, which after his death played such an important part, 
 and touching which many Friends were either in doubt or 
 in opposition we cannot even surmise. 
 
 Benjamin Lundy' commenced his literary warfare 
 against slavery, with the ponderously named "Genius of 
 Universal Emancipation." in 182 1. Elias Hicks was one of 
 Lundv's most concerned and faithful patrons, in some of 
 his undertakings.- as appears in his personal correspondence. 
 
 The state of New York provided for the gradual eman- 
 cii)ati()n of its slaves in 1799. so that Elias Hicks had to go 
 awav from home after that period to get into real slave terri- 
 torv. As has been seen he began bearing his testimony in 
 meetings for worship against the institution in Maryland, 
 where slave holding was the l^w of the land until the end. 
 
 There are statements more or less legendar}^ to the 
 effect that Elias was the owner of one slave, but of that 
 there is no authentic evidence, while the probabilities are all 
 against it. li he ever held a slave or slaves, he undoubtedly 
 manumitted them. An act of such imj^ortance would hardly 
 
 ' Benjamin Luntly was born of Quaker parents, First month 4. 
 1789, jn Sussex County, Xew Jersey. He learned the trade of harness 
 maker and saddler, and went to Ohio, where he became very mucli 
 interes'ed in the slavery question. In 1816 he issued an "Address"" 
 touching the evils of slavery. Of this .\ddress, Horace Greely says, 
 it contained the germ of the whole anti-slavery movement. In First 
 month, 1821, he issued the first number of The Genius of Uriivcisal 
 limancipatiou. Lundy was interested in various schemes for coloniza- 
 tion, and assisted many emancipated negroes to go to Hayti, and con- 
 templated the establishment of a colony of colored people in Mexico. 
 He died at Lowell. Illinois, Eighth month 22, 1839, and was buried 
 in the Friends" burying groun<l at Clear Creek. 
 
 -Please inform Benjamin Lundy that 1 have procured fifty-two 
 subscribers, or subscribers for fifty-two books, entitled, "Letters," etc. — 
 Extract from letter to his son-in-law, ValeiUine Hicks, dated Jericho, 
 Eleventh month 6, 1827. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 87 
 
 have escaped record in the Journal, and no reference to it 
 exists. 
 
 The controversies and ihsownments in the Society of 
 Friends on account of the slavery question really came after 
 the death of Elias. The trouble in New York resulting 
 in the disownmeiit of Isaac T. Hopper, James S. Gibbons 
 and Charles Marriott came on more than a decade after 
 his death. This entire controversy has been wrongly esti- 
 mated bv most of the biographers and historians, repre- 
 senting the pronounced abolitionists of the period. It was 
 not simply a contest between anti-slavery Friends and pro- 
 slavery Friends. In fact the moving spirits against Isaac 
 T. Hopper were not advocates or defenders of slavery as an 
 institution. George F. White, who was probably the head 
 and front of the movement to disown Isaac T. Hoj^per, was 
 not in favor of slaver\-. After his death his monthly meet- 
 ing memorialized him. and among other things stated that 
 he had for years retrained fn^n using c(jmmodities made 
 by slave labor. 
 
 The conservative wing oi the Society was opposed 
 to Friends becoming identified with any organization for 
 anv purpose outside oi the Society. George F. White 
 attacked temperance organizations, as he did abolition socie- 
 ties. 
 
 It was a common inference, if not a claim, of the Garri- 
 sonian abolitionists, that there were no real anti-slavery 
 men outside of their organization. In Fifth month. 1840, 
 there was a debate involving the abolition attitude of the 
 Society of Friends in the town of Lynn. Alassachusetts. In 
 this debate William Lloyd Garrison said of the Society: "If 
 it were an abolition society, its efforts would be identified 
 with ours." ^ 
 
 The "Liberator," M^iy i, 1H41, p. 3, 
 
88 IJFK AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 In the same debate Oliver Johnson disputed the aboH- 
 tinii claims of the Society of l^^-iends, saying- : "They have 
 asserted for themselves the claim of lieing- an abolition so- 
 cietv. But we ne\er could get into their meeting" house." * 
 Thus was the test of abolitionism made to hint^e upon hous- 
 mi;- the Abolition Society. 
 
 That the attitude of tlic conservatives was ill-advised 
 and reprehensible may be true. It is also true that this 
 bodv of Friends were not in favor t^f any ettort to over- 
 throw slavery by popular agitation. They held that all other 
 Christians should do what h'riends had done, cease to hold 
 slaves, and that would settle the whole question. However 
 shortsighted this attitude may have been, very few. if any. 
 of the F'riends liolding it. believed in holding black men 
 in bondage. In fact it is pretty safe to assert that at no 
 time after the Society had freed itself from direct com- 
 l)licitv with slaverv was there any considerable number of 
 strictlv pro-slavery Friends in this country. 
 
 In the disowmnents in the Society growing out of tlie 
 slaxerv cc^ntroversy there was never a direct charge of aboli- 
 tionism brought against the accused. In Kennett Monthly 
 Meeting in Chester County. Pa., where in about se\en \ears 
 thirtv-four Friends were disowned, the charge was that the 
 persons had "associated with others in forming, sustaining 
 and supporting a professedly religious organization-' dis- 
 tinct from and not owned by f^'riends, and have whojl}- de- 
 clined attending our religious meetings."" 
 
 Of course, it is true that the h^Mends who took part 
 in the Progressive Friends* movement were ()robably led to 
 
 *The "Liberator." ^L^y t. 1841, p. 3. 
 
 'The "Progressive Friends." 
 
 'Records of Kennett Alonthly Meeting, First nimitli 6, 1857. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 8y 
 
 do SO because the way did not open for tlieiii to he aggres- 
 sively anti-slavery in the parent meeting. 
 
 The colonization scheme, that is a plan to colonize 
 emancipated negroes either in Africa, or in Mavti. or else- 
 where, was prominently urged during the time of Elias 
 Hicks. Benjamin Lundy had a plan of this cliaracter which 
 he attempted to make practical. Evan Lewis.' of New 
 York, in 1820, was interested in an etfort of tliis sort, and 
 sought the advice of Elias Hicks in the matter. 
 
 We have not been able to tind any reply to this par- 
 ticular letter, and are thus not warranted in saying whether 
 Elias Hicks sympathized with such a scheme or not. 
 
 The attitude of Elias Hicks on the slaver)- (piestion is 
 only minutely referred to in his Journal. His private corre- 
 spondence gives his feeling and conduct in the case, in not 
 a few instances. Erom his general disposition one would 
 expect to hnd his objections to slavery based entirel)' on 
 moral and religious grounds. Still, exidence abounds that 
 he had also considered the economic ])hases of tlie (piestion. 
 as note the following : 
 
 "I may further add that from forty years of observation 
 that in all cases where opportunity has opened the wav 
 fairly to contrast the sid:)ject, it has atTorded indubitable 
 evidence to my mind, that free labor is cheaper and more 
 j)rofitable than that d(^nc by slaves." ' 
 
 It seems to ha\'e been laid u|)on him to ])resent the 
 claims of the truth as he saw it. in slave-holding communi- 
 ties. He makes the following statement touching service o\ 
 this kind in Virginia : 
 
 'T have passed through some proving seasons since I 
 
 ' Evan Lewis, a New York Friend and business man. He corre- 
 sponded with King Henry, of San Domingo. Was a warm friend of 
 Elias Hicks, and after the "separation" wrote a pamphlet in defense 
 of Elias. 
 
 * From letter written tn James Cropper, of England, dated Balti- 
 more. Eleventh month j, i8_'J. i:: 
 
90 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 left Baltimore, in meetings where many negro masters at- 
 tended, some of whom held fifty, some an hundred, and 
 some it was thought one hundred and fifty of these poor 
 l^eople in slavery. Was led to treat on the subject in divers 
 meetings, in such a manner and so fully to expose the 
 iniquity and unrighteousness thereof, that some who had 
 stouted " it out hitherto against all conviction, were much 
 humbled and brought to a state of contrition, and not one 
 individual had power to make any opposition. lUit truth 
 reigned triumphantly over all, t(^ the rejoicing of many 
 hearts." '" 
 
 Elias Hicks wrote a nunil)er of articles on the slavery 
 (luestion, and some of them were printed and publicly cir- 
 culated. A letter written at Manchester, England, Seventh 
 month 5, 1 81 2. by Martha Routh, and addressed to Elias 
 Hicks, says : "I have not fc^rgot that I am debtor to thee 
 this w^ay, for two very acceptable and instructive epistles, the 
 latter with a pamphlet setting forth the deep exercise of thy 
 mind, and endeavors for the more full relief of our fellow- 
 brethren, the African race." This letter informs Elias that 
 the authc^r sent his pamphlet to Thomas Clarkson. 
 
 Considerable was written by Elias Hicks on the slave 
 trade, some of it existing as unpublished niantiscript. An 
 article, filling fom- closely written pages oi foolscap, is 
 among- his literary effects. A very long letter was \A'ritten 
 to James Croj^per. of England, on the same subject. Both 
 of these documents were written while the slave-trade l)ill 
 was pending- in the Britisli Parliament. Elias considered the 
 measure entirely inadequate, holding that the domestic pro- 
 duction of sla\"es was as inhuman and abhorrent, if not more 
 so, as their importation . from Africa. In the letter to 
 Cropper this strong statement is found : "Tt ought ever to 
 
 " "Stouted" seems to have been a favorite word with Elias. He 
 habitually uses it as represv.-ntiiig an aggravated resistance to the 
 
 iruth. 
 
 '" l""rom letter wriuen to his wife from .Mexandria. \'a.. Third 
 month 15, 1798. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL-VS HICKS 91 
 
 he remembered that it is one of the most necessary and 
 essential duties both towards ( iod and man. for in(h\idnals 
 and nations to exert all the power and influence they are 
 ])ossessed of. in every rit>hteous and consistent way, to jiut 
 an entire stop to all oppression, robbery and mm-der without 
 partiality, as it respects nations or indi\iduals." 
 
 Many times, in his i)ublished sermons, h'lias flicks dealt 
 with the ini(|uity of sla\'ery. Without doubt he expressed 
 himself in like manner in sermons preached before interest 
 in the man and his utterances caused his sermons to be 
 stenographically reported and published. 
 
 "Oh ! that our eyes might be opened, to see more deeply 
 into the mystery of iniquity and godliness; that we might 
 become con\'ersant in godliness and so reject ini(piity. l"or 
 all this wicked oppression c^f the African race is of the 
 mystery ()f iniquity. The man of sin and son of perdition 
 does these works, and nothing else does them. Justice is 
 fallen in the streets, and in the councils of the nation. How 
 nuich justice there is; for they have it in their power to do 
 justice to these poor oppressed creatures, but they are wait- 
 ing till all their selfish notions are gratified." " 
 
 Elias Hicks was as strongly (^i)posed to the lines (jf 
 interest and economic conduct which indirectly supported 
 slavery as he was to the institution itself. We (piote : 
 
 "And for want of a sight of this oppression, how manv 
 there are who. though they seem not wdlling to put their 
 hands upon a fellow creature to bind him in chains of bond- 
 age, yet they will do everything to help alons: by purchasing 
 the labor of those poor creatures, which is like eating flesh 
 and drinking blood of our poor fellow-creatures. Is it like 
 cf^ming home to justice? For the thief and oppressor are 
 )ust alike; the one is as bad as the other."'" 
 
 " From sermon preached at Xcwtown, Pa.. Twolftli montii iiS, 
 1826. The "Quaker," Vol. 4, p. 183. 
 
 '"From sermon preached at Abington, Pa., Twelfth month 15. 
 1826. The "Quaker," Vol. 4, p. 155. • 
 
92 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 In tlcalinj; with slavery and slaveliolders. his language 
 often bordered on what would now be called bitterness. 
 Here is a case in point : 
 
 "Can slaveholders, mercenaries and hirelings, who look 
 lor their i>-ain from this quarter, can they promote the re- 
 ligion of Jesus Christ? No, they are the cause of its re- 
 proach, for they are the cause of making unbelievers."'"* 
 
 His concern touching slavery Avas largely based on con- 
 siderations of justice, and regard for the opportunity which 
 he believed ought to be the right of all men. In one of his 
 sermons he said : 
 
 "Thousands and tens of thousands have been forbidden 
 the enjoyment of every good thing on earth, even of common 
 school-learning; and must it still be so? God forbid it. 
 Hut this would be a trifle, if they had the privilege of 
 rational beings on the earth ; that liberty which is the great- 
 est of all blessings — the exercise of free agency. And here 
 we are glutting ourselves with the toils of their labor ! . . . 
 Rut this noble testimony, of refusing to partake of the spoils 
 of oppression, lies with the dearly beloved young people of 
 this day. \\'e can look for but little from the aged, who have 
 been accustomed to these things." 
 
 In the sermrin "just referred to," we find the follow- 
 
 mo- 
 
 "We are on a level with all the rest of (jod's creatures. 
 We are not l^etter for being white than others for being 
 black ; and we have no more right to oppress the blacks 
 because they are black than they have to oppress us be- 
 cause we are white. Therefore, every one who oppresses 
 his colored brother or sister is a tyrant upon the earth ; and 
 every one who strentrthens the hand of an oppressor is a 
 tyrant upon earth. They have turned from God, and have 
 
 ■ A series i>t exlemporaneou- discmirses 1);^ FJias Hicks. Joseph 
 .'111(1 Edward I'arker. p. 24. 
 
 - I-Voin scrnnni preached in Pliiladelpliia, Twelttli motuli i, 1824. 
 Farker'.s "Di.scourses by Eli'as tiicks," p. 6o-6t. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLAS HICKS 93 
 
 not that powerful love, which does away all distinction and 
 jirejudice of education, and sets upon equal grounds all 
 those that have equal rights." "^ 
 
 Of the "essays" on the slavery (|uestion written by 
 Elias Hicks, one has survixed, and is bound in the volume, 
 "Letters of Elias Hicks.*" The pani[)hlet in question, though 
 small, like many "ancient" productions, had a very large 
 title, viz. : "Observations on the Slavery of the Africans 
 and Their Descendants, and the Use of the Produce of Their 
 Labor." "' It was originally published in 181 1, having been 
 approved by the Meeting for Sufferings of New York 
 Yearly Meeting. Nearly half of the "essay" is made up of 
 a series of questions and answers. When printed it made 
 six leaves the size of this page. On the subject of the 
 product of slave labor, decided ground w^as taken, the claim 
 being that all such produce was "prize goods." The reason 
 tor this claim was that the slaves originally were captives, 
 practically the \'ictims of a war of capture if not conquest. 
 Among other things the essay argues the rightfulness and 
 justice of any State to pass laws abolishing slavery within 
 its borders. 
 
 While the argumenls presented in this document are of 
 general value, it is proljable that the pamphlet was in the 
 main intended for circulation among Friends, with a view 
 t(0 stimulating them to such acti<^n as would forward the 
 cause of freedom. 1liis essay 1)y Elias Hicks antedated by 
 hve years the address by Benjamin Eundy. already referred 
 to, and was ]jr<)bal>ly one of the first publications in the 
 nineteenth centur}- actuall}' adx'ocating the abolition of 
 slavery. 
 
 In stud\ing tlie slax'cry question it is necessary to re- 
 
 ''Tlie same, p. 79. 
 
 '"■'Letters of Elias Micks." p. 9. 
 
94 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 incnil)er that before the imeiition of the cntt(Mi *;in. about 
 1793, a considerable bitt unorganized and ineli'ective anti- 
 slavery sentiment existed in the country. But after that 
 invention, Avhich rendered slave labor very remunerative, 
 sentiment of this sort subsided so that the Friends, who, like 
 Elias Hicks, advocated abolition during the first (|uarter of 
 the nineteenth century, Avere really pioneers in the attempt 
 which resulted in the freedom of a race. 
 
 At one time church organizations, even in the South. 
 especially the Baptists, passed res(^lutions favorable to the 
 abolition of slavery. Churches North and South in the 
 decade between 1780 and 1790 were well abreast of Friends 
 in this particular. Touching this matter Horace Greeley 
 remarked : "But no similar declaration has been made by 
 any Southern Ba])tist C(Mi\ention since held-hands rose to 
 $1,000 each, and black infants at l)irth were accounted worth 
 $100." '' 
 
 We could make co])ious extracts from the anti-sla\'ery 
 utterances of F.lias Hicks, but our ol)ject is simply to gi\'e 
 the scope of his thinking and ])urpose in regard to this 
 matter. b'ew men at certain |)oints were more altruistic 
 than he, and as an altruist he ccmld not do other than oppose 
 the great social and economic iniquity of his time. h^-(^m his 
 standpoint slavery was utterly and irretrievably bad, and to 
 bear testimony constant and consistent against it was i)art 
 of the high calling of the Christian. 
 
 ■' "Tlio AiiKrio.iii CoiitHct," l)y lloriicc CircL-loy, \'(il. 1 p. ijo. 
 
CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Various Opinions. 
 
 Elias Hicks had very definite ideas on a great many 
 subjects. While in many respects he was in advance of his 
 time, at other points he was conservative. At any rate he 
 was not in unity with some of the prevalent social and 
 economic arrangements. On the (luestion of i)roperty he 
 entertained some startling convictions. Just how much 
 public expression he gave to these views may not be posi- 
 tively determined. That he believed that there were grave 
 spiritual dangers involved in getting and holding great 
 wealth, is abundantly attested in his pul)lic utterances, but 
 we must look to his private correspondence for some of his 
 advanced views on the property question. 
 
 In a letter addressed to "Dear Alsop," dated Jericho, 
 l^^ifth month 14, 1826, he deals quite definitely with the 
 matter of property. After claiming that the early Christians 
 wandered from the pure gospel of Jesus after they ceased 
 to rely on the inward teacher, he makes a declaration on the 
 subject as follows : 
 
 "lUu did we all as individuals take the spirit of truth, 
 or light within, as our only rule and guide in all things, we 
 should all then be willing, and thereby enabled, to do justly, 
 love mercy, and walk huml)ly with God. Then we should 
 hold all things in common, and call nothing our own, but 
 consider all our blessings as only lent to us, to be used and 
 distributed h\ us in such manner and way as his holy spirit, 
 or this inward teacher, may from time to time direct. Hence 
 we should be made all equal, accountable to none but God 
 alone, for the right use or the abuse of his blessings. Then 
 all mankind would be but one community, have but one 
 head, l^ut one father, and the saying of Jesus would be veri- 
 
 95 
 
g6 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL\S HICKS 
 
 tied. W c should no longer call any man master, for one 
 only has a right to be our Master, even God, and all man- 
 kind become brethren. This is the kind of community that 
 1 have been labouring for more than forty years to introduce 
 mankind into, that so we might all have but one head, and 
 one instructor and he (God) come to rule whose only right 
 it is. and which would always have been the case, had not 
 man rebelled against his maker, and disobeyed his salutary- 
 instruction and commands." 
 
 Touching' the "cares and deceitfulness of riches," he 
 liad much to say. He tells us that on a certain day he 
 attended the meeting' of ministers and elders in W'estbury, 
 and sat through it "under great depression and poverty of 
 spirit." There was evidently some confession and not a 
 little complaining, as there is now, regarding the possessi(^n 
 and exercise of spiritual gifts on the part of Friends. But 
 Elias affirmed that the "cloud" o\er the meeting was not 
 "in consecpience of a deficiency of ministers, a? it respects 
 their ministerial gifts, nor fnjm a want of care in elders in 
 watching over them : but from a much more deep anrl melan- 
 cholv cause, viz.: the love and cares of this world and the 
 deceitfulness of riches; which, springing u]) and gaining the 
 ascendenc^■ in the mind, choke the good seed like the briars 
 and thorns, and renrler it fruitless; and ])ro(luce such great 
 deartli and barrenness in our meetings." ' 
 
 Elias Hicks api)arently beliexed that labor had in itself 
 a vital si)iritual quality. In fact he held that the famous 
 injmicti(Mi in Genesis "In the sweat of thy face shalt th(^u 
 eat bread" "was not a ])enalt\'. but it was a di\'ine counsel — 
 a counsel of perfect wisdom and i)erfect love." " It was his 
 opinion that all oppression, slavery and injustice, had their 
 origin in the disposition of men to shirk the obligation to 
 
 ' Jcnirnal of l'"Jias Hicks, p. 233. 
 
 "Sermon proaclied at Abingtoti, Pa., Twelfth month 15, 1826 
 Tlic "Qrakcr." p. 155. 
 
CHILDREN or ELIAS HICKS 
 
 Valentine Hicks (Son-in-Law) Abigail Hicks 
 
 Martha Aldrich Elizabeth Hicks 
 
t.TFR AND l.ABORS OF El. IAS HICKS g; 
 
 labor, thus [)lacini;- burdens on their tcnows, which they 
 slioukl bear themselves. 
 
 Every exhortation toncliin^' labor he relii^iously fol- 
 lowed himself. He records that at the a^e of sixty he 
 labored hard in his harvest held, and remarks with evident 
 ])ri(le and satisfaction as follows : 
 
 "1 found 1 could wield the scythe nearly as in the day.^ 
 of my youth. It was a day of thankful ancl delis^htful con- 
 templation. My heart was filled with thankfulness and 
 gratitude to the blessed Author of my existence, in a con- 
 sideration of his providential care over me. in preserving' me 
 ill health, and in the possession of my bodily powers, the 
 exercise of which were still affordini^- me both profit and 
 delig^ht ; and I was doubly thankful for the continued 
 exercise of my mental faculties, not only in instructing me 
 how to exert and riohtly employ my bodily powers, in the 
 most useful and advantageous manner, but also in con- 
 templating the works of nature and Providence, in the 
 blessings and beauties of the field — a vohmie containing 
 jnore delightful and profitable instructtion than all the 
 volumes of mere learning and science in the world. 
 
 ■'What a vast porti(^n of the joys and comforts of life 
 do the idle and slothful deprive themselves of, by running 
 into cities and towns, to avoid labouring in the field ; not 
 considering that this is one of the principal sources that the 
 graciijus Creator of the universe has appointed to his 
 creature, man. from whence he may derive great temporal 
 happiness and delight. It also opens the largest and best 
 field of exercise to the contemplative mind, by which it may 
 be prepared to meet, when this mortal puts on immortalit}-, 
 those immortal joys that will ever be the lot of the faithful 
 and industrious." ^ 
 
 Tt will probably be disj)nted in our time, that those 
 who labor and attempt to live in cities enjoy lives of greater 
 case than those who till the soil. 
 
 While Elias recognized the obligation to labor, and 
 beliexed it was a blessed privilege, he had learned in the 
 
 'Journal of Elias Hicks, p. 185. i.^ 
 
98 I^IFK AND LABORS OF P:L1AS HICKS 
 
 school of experience that an over-worked hody and an 
 over-worried mind tended to spiritual i)overty. We quote: 
 
 "The rest of this week was spent in my ordinary 
 vocations. My farming business was very pressing, and it 
 being difficult to procure suitable assistance, my mind was 
 overburdened with care, wdiich seldom fails of producing 
 leanness of sjjirit in a lesser or greater degree." ^ 
 
 As offset to this we quoie the following: 
 
 "\\'hal a favor it is for such an active creature as man. 
 possessed of such powers of body and mind, always to have 
 some employment, and something for those powers to act 
 upon ,- for otherwise they would be useless and dormant, 
 and afford neither profit nor delight." ^ 
 
 The building- of railroads in this country had fairly be- 
 gun when Elias Hicks passed away in 1830. Projects had 
 been under w'av for some time, and certain Friends in Balti- 
 more, then the center of railroad activity, had become inter- 
 ested in the enterprise. In a letter to Deborah and James 
 P. Stabler," written in Xew York, Sixth month 28, 1829, 
 Elias expresses himself quite freely regarding the matter. 
 He says: "It was a cause of sorrow rather than joy when 
 last in Baltimore to hnd my dear friend P. E. Thomas' so 
 
 * Journal, p. 151. 
 
 '■Journal, p. 184. 
 
 "Deborah Stabler was the widow of Dr. William Stai)ler. ihc 
 latter being a brother of Edward Stabler, of .Alexandria, the well- 
 known preacher, and close friend of Elias Hicks. Deborah was a re- 
 corded minister. James P. was her son. He was chief engineer of 
 the Baltimore and Susquehanna Railroad in its early construction, and 
 was the tirst general superintendent and chief engineer of the Balti- 
 more and Ohio, and built part of the line from Baltimore to Frederick. 
 He was the author of a small pamphlet entitled, "The Certain Evidences 
 of Practical Religion," published in 1884. He resided at Sandy Spring, 
 Md. 
 
 ' Philip E. Thomas, for many years sat at the head of the Balti- 
 more meeting. He was the son of Evan Thomas, of Sandy Spring, 
 who was a recorded minister. Philip E. was an importing hardware 
 
LIFK AND LABORS OF EIJAS HTt'KS 99 
 
 fully engaged in that troublesome business of the railroad." 
 as I consider his calling to be of a more noble and exalted 
 nature than to enlist in such low and groveling concerns. 
 i*\)r it is a great truth that no man can serve two masters, 
 tor he will either love the one, and hate the other, or h(~)l(l 
 to the one. and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and 
 mammon. The railroad in this case I consider mammon." 
 The ftillowing is an extract from the same letter: 
 
 'Tt afforded me very pleasing sensations to be in- 
 formed of dear James' improvement in health, but it excited 
 some dift'erent feeling when informed that he had taken the 
 |)Iace of Assistant Superintendent of the railroad company, 
 a business I conceive that principally belongs to the men 
 of this world, but not to the children of light, whose king- 
 dom is not of this world : for when we consider that there 
 are thousands and tens of thousands who are voluntarily 
 enlisted in works that relate to the accommodation of flesh 
 and blood which can never inherit the kingd(Mn of heaven." 
 
 The objection to railroads is one of th<)se unaccount- 
 able but interesting contradictions which appear in the lives 
 of some progressi\'e men. By a sort of irony of fate, Valen- 
 tine Hicks, the son-in-law of Elias. a few vears after the 
 death of the latter, became very much interested in the 
 railroad business. The charter of the Long Island Railroad 
 Company was granted Fourth month 24, 1834. In this 
 document Valentine Hicks was named one of the commis- 
 sioners to secure the capital stock, and appoint the first 
 
 merchant, a most successful business man. and tlie first president of 
 the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. Tn the construction and operation 
 of that line of railroad, he was associated with the leading business 
 men of Baltimore. He was for many years an elder of Baltimore 
 meeting. 
 
 " The railroad thus referred to by Elias Hicks was undoubtedly 
 the section of the Baltimore and Ohio which ran from Baltimore to 
 Kllicott's Mills, a distance of 15 miles. It was begun in 1828, and opened 
 in F"ifth month, 1830. Horses were at first used as motive power. 
 This was the tirst railmad built in the United States. 
 
loa LIFK AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 Board of Directors. While not the first president of that 
 company, he was elected president Sixth month 7, 1837, 
 and served in that capacity until Fifth month 21, 1838. 
 
 Elias Hicks at points anticipated the present theory of 
 suggestion touching hodily ailment, if he did not forestall 
 some of the ideas regarding mental healing, and Christian 
 Science. Writing to his son-in-law, Valentine Hicks, from 
 Kaston, Pa., Eighth month 15, 18 19, he thus expressed 
 himself : 
 
 "And indeed, in a strict sense, the mind or immortal 
 spirit of man cannot be affected with disease or sickness, 
 being endued with immortal powers ; therefore all its 
 apparent weakness lies in mere imagination, giving the 
 mind a wrong bia.s and a wrong direction, but it loses more 
 of its real strength, as to acting and doing. For instance, 
 if at any time it admits those false surmises and imagina- 
 tions, and by them is led to believe that its outward taber- 
 nacle is out of health and drawing towards a dissolution, 
 and not being ready and willing to part with it, although 
 little or nothing may l)e the disorder of the bod}*, yet so 
 ])owerfully strong is the mind under the influence of these 
 wrong surmises that there seems at times to be no power 
 in heaven or earth sufficient to arrest its progress, or stop 
 its career, until it brings on actual disease, and death to 
 the body, which, however, had its beginning principally in 
 mere imagination and surmise. Hence we see the absolute 
 necessity of thinking less about our mere bodily health, and 
 much luore about the nfind, for if the mind is kept in a line 
 of right direction, as it is that in which all its right health 
 and strength consisteth, we need not fear any suffering to 
 the body. For, if while the mind is under right direction, 
 the body is permitted to fall under or into a state of afflic- 
 tion or disease, and the mind is kept in a state ' of due 
 arrangement, it will prove a blessing and be sanctified to 
 us as such, and in which we shall learn by certain experience 
 that all things work together for good to those whose minds 
 are preserved under the regulating influence of the love of 
 (lod, which love casteth out all fear." 
 
 Elias Hicks was a firm o|)ponent of the public school 
 svstem, and es[)eciall}" the law which supported such scIk^oIs 
 
LIFK AND LABOKS OF ELIAS HICKS loi 
 
 by general taxation. His views regarding this matter are 
 (|uite fnlly stated in a letter written Fifth month 24, 1820. 
 Jt was written to Sylvanus Smith, and answered certain in- 
 quiries which had evidently been directed to Elias by this 
 l^'^riend. His ol)jection to pul)lic schools, however, was partly 
 l)ased on what he considered moral and religious grounds. 
 He said he had refrained from sending his children to any 
 schools which were not under the immediate care of the 
 Society of Friends. Observation, he said, lead him to be- 
 lieve that his "children would receixe more harm than good 
 by attending schools taught by persons of no religious prin- 
 ciples, and among children whose parents were of different 
 sects, and many very Ic^ose and unconcerned and vulgar in 
 their li\-es and conduct." He also assumed that in the public 
 schools his children would be demoralized "by the vicious 
 conduct of many of the children, and sometimes even the 
 teachers, which would ])e \ery degrading to their morals, 
 and wounding to their tender minds." From his standpoint 
 h'riends could not consistently "take any part in those dis- 
 trict schools, nor recei\-e any part of the bounty given by 
 the legislature of the state for their use." 
 
 Touching the ([uestion of parental authority and indi- 
 \'idual freedom, Elias Hicks also had opinions prejudicial 
 to the public schools. In the letter under review he said: 
 
 "Believing the law that has estalDlished them to be 
 arbitrary and inconsistent with the liberty of conscience 
 guaranteed by the Constitution of the United States, and 
 derogatory to right parental authority; as no doubt it is the 
 right and duty of every parent to bring up and educate his 
 children in that way he thinks is right, independent of the 
 control of any authority under heaven (so long as he keeps 
 them within the bounds of civil order). As the bringing 
 up and right education of our children is a religious duty, 
 and for which we are acc(^untable to none but God only, 
 therefore for the magistrate to interfere therewith by 
 coercive means is an infringement upon the divine pre- 
 roL^ative." 
 
102 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELI AS HICKS 
 
 The <ibser\aiice of 'riianksoi\int>- Day. outside of New 
 England, had not become a common thing in the time ot 
 l^has Hicks. Evidently about 1825, the Governor of Xew 
 ^'ork issued a Thanksgiving Proclamation, which caused 
 Elias to write an article. It was addressed to The Christian 
 Inquirer'' and bore heavily against the whole thanksgiving 
 scheme, especially wdien supported by the ci\il government. 
 In his opinion wherever the magistrate recommended an ob- 
 servance of llianksgi\ing Day. he was simply pla\-ing into 
 the hands of the ecclesiastical power. We quote : 
 
 "Therefore the Governor's recommendation carries the 
 same coercion and force in it, to every citizen, as the rec- 
 ommendation of the Episcopal Bishop would to the mem- 
 bers of his own church. In this \-iew we have the reason 
 wdiy the clergymen in our state call upon the civil magis- 
 trate to recommend one of their superstitious ceremonies. 
 It is in order to coerce the citizens at large to a compliance 
 with their dogmas, and little by little inure them to the 
 voke of ecclesiastical domination. I therefore conceixe 
 there is scarcely a subject that comes under our notice that 
 lies more justly (ipen to rebuke and ridicule than the 
 thanksgiving days and fast days that are observed in our 
 country, for there is nothing to l)e found in the writings of 
 the New Testament to warrant such formalit\- and super- 
 stition, and I full}' ]>elieve in the way they are c<inducted 
 they are altogether an abomination in the sight of the 
 Lord, and tend more abundantly to bring a curse u])on our 
 nation than a blessing, as they toc> often end with many 
 in festivitv and drunkenness." 
 
 in closing his communication h^lias says that in issuing 
 his proclamation the Governor was simply "doing a piece 
 of drudgerv" for the clergy. 1'he folknving, being the last 
 paragraph in the communication referred to, sounds Ncry 
 
 " The Christian Inquirer was a weekly newsi)ai)er in Xew York. 
 sUirtcfl in 1824. It was of pronounced lil)eral tendencies. A good deal 
 of its space was devoted to Friends, especially during the "separation" 
 peric>d. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS . 103 
 
 niiicli like the statements put forward by the extreme 
 secularists in our own time: 
 
 "And has he not by rectjnimending a religions act 
 united the civil and ecclesiastical authorities, and broken 
 ilie line of ])artition between them, so wisely established 
 l)y our enlightened Constitution, wdiich in the most positive 
 terms forl)ids any alliance between church and state, and 
 is the only barrier for the support of our liberty and inde- 
 ])endence. For if that is broken down all is lost, and we 
 become the vassals of priestcraft, and designing men, who 
 are reaching after power by every subtle contrivance to 
 domineer o\-er the consciences of their fellow citizens." 
 
 It is not at all surprising that Elias Hicks was opposed 
 to Free Masonry. On this subject he expressed himself 
 vigorously. This opposition was based upon the secret char- 
 acter of the oath, and especially a solemn pronn'se not to 
 divulge the "secrets of A[as()nr\-, before he knows what the 
 secrets are." 
 
 The anti-masonic movement, l)eing the outcome of the 
 mysterious disappearance of William \b)rgan from Batavia, 
 New York, was at its height during the last years of Elias 
 Hicks. It was claimed that Morgan was probably murdered 
 because of a book published by him in 1826, exposing the 
 secrets of Masonry. Some of the rumors connected with 
 this disappearance acc(^unt for statements made by Elias 
 Hicks in his criticism of the organization. 
 
 Touching the matter of exclusiveness on the part of 
 Friends, Elias Hicks was a conservative of the conserva- 
 tives. To keep aloof from things not connected with the 
 Society he considered a virtue in itself. In referring to a 
 meeting he attended in (loshen. Pa., he said: 
 
 "Had to caution Friends against mixing with the people 
 in their human policies, and outward forms of government; 
 showing that, in all ages, those who were called to be the 
 Lord's people had been ruined, or suffered great loss, by 
 such associations ; and manifesting clearly by Scripture tes- 
 
I04 • LIFE AND LABORS OF EIJAS HICKS 
 
 timony. and other records, that our strength and preserva- 
 tion consisted in standing alone, and not to be counted 
 among the people or nations, who were setting up party, and 
 partial interest, one against another, which is the ground of 
 war and bloodshed. These are actuated by the spirit of 
 pride and wrath, which is always opposed to the true Chris- 
 tian spirit, which breathes 'peace on earth, and good will to 
 all men.' Those, therefore, who are in the true Christian 
 spirit cannot use any coercive force or compulsion by any 
 means whatever; not being overcome with evil, but over- 
 coming evil with good." ^" 
 
 In the article in vvhicli he condenined Masonry. I^^lias 
 Hicks spoke vigorously in criticism of the camp meetings 
 held by some of the churches. He called them "night 
 revels." and considered them "a very great nuisance to civil 
 society." He thought they were promoters of "licentious- 
 ness, immorality and drunkenness." and were more or less 
 reproachful to the Cliristian name, "giving much occasion 
 for infidels to scoff." 
 
 While at Elizabeth, in Xew Jersey. Elias wrote a let- 
 ter 'Mo a young man named Samuel Cox. It seems that this 
 pers(^n contemplated studying for the ministr}- : that his 
 grandmother was a Friend, and Elias labored with the 
 grandson on her account. He said that "human stud)' or 
 human science" could not qualify a minister. -In fact to 
 supp(\se such a thing was to cast "the greatest possible in- 
 dignity (^n the Divine Being, and on the gospel of our Lord 
 lesus Christ." Of course it was asserted that nn'nistry came 
 only by the power of the Spirit, anrl much Scripture was 
 (juoted to prove it. There is little in the writings of Elias 
 Hicks to show that he considered that equipi)ing the natural 
 powers was helpful in making llie .s])iritual ins])iration 
 effective. 
 
 It is evident, however, that P'dias was not indifferent 
 
 '" Journal, p. 76-77. 
 " Letter was datefl. Fifth month 12, 1813. 
 
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LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL\S HICKS 105 
 
 to his own intellectual equipment. He was fond of quot- 
 ing from books the things which fortified his own position. 
 The following shows how he stored his mind with facts, 
 from wliich he drew certain conclusions: 
 
 "Indisposition of body prevented my attending meet- 
 ing. 1 therefore spent the day quietly at home, and in 
 reading a portion of Mosheim's Ecclesiastical History of 
 the Fifth Century, and which is indeed enough to astonish 
 any sensible, considerate man, to think how the professors 
 of that day coidd be hardy enough to call themselves Chris- 
 tians, while using every artifice that their human w^isdom 
 could invent to raise themselves to power and opulence, and 
 endeavoring to crush down their opposers by almost every 
 cruelty that power, envy and malice could inflict, to the 
 entire scandal of the Christian name ; and changing the pure, 
 meek, merciful and undefiled religion of Jesus into an im-' 
 pure, unmerciful, cruel, bloody and persecuting religion. 
 For each of those varied sects of professed Christians, in 
 their turn, as they got the power of the civil magistrate on 
 their side, would endeavor, by the sword, and severe edicts, 
 followed by banishment, to reduce and destroy all those who 
 dissented from them, although their opinions were not a 
 whit more friendly to real, genuine Christianity than the 
 tenets of their opposers ; for all were, in great measure, if 
 not entirely, adulterated and apostatized from the true spirit 
 of Christianity, which breathes peace on earth, and good 
 will to men." '- 
 
 Elias Hicks believed that there was a sure way of 
 'determining conduct, whether it was from "one's own will," 
 or whether it proceeded from the divine leading. In regard 
 to this matter, he said : 
 
 "But the great error of the generality of professed 
 Christians lies in not making a right distinction between the 
 works that men do in their own will, and by the leadings 
 of their own carnal wisdom, and those works that the true 
 believer does, in the will and wisdom of God. For although 
 the former, let them consist in what they will, whether in 
 prayers, or preaching, or any other devotional exercises, 
 are altogether evil ; so on the contrary those of the latter, 
 
 ''Journal, p. -'24. 14 
 
io6 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 let them consist in what they may, whether in ploughing, 
 in reaping, or in any handicraft labor, or in any other 
 service, temporal or spiritual, as they will in all be accom- 
 panied with the peace and presence of their heavenly Father, 
 so all they do will be righteous, and will be imputed to them 
 as such." ^'^ 
 
 His contention regarding this matter is possibly more 
 clearly stated in tlie following paragraph : 
 
 "The meeting was large, wherein I had to expose the 
 danger of self-righteousness, or a trust in natural religion, 
 or mere morality ; showing that it was no more than the 
 religion of Atheists, and was generally the product of pride 
 and self-will ; and, however good it may appear to the 
 natural unregenerate man, is as ofifensive in the divine 
 sight as those more open evils which appear so very re- 
 proachful to the eyes of men. I w^as favored by the spirit 
 of truth, in a large, searching testimony, to the convicting 
 and humbling many hearts, and comfort of the faithful." ^* 
 
 This is not unlike statements often made in modern 
 revivals, touching the absolute uselessness of good works, 
 without the operation of divine grace, in bringing salvation. 
 
 A broader view of goodness and its sources seems to 
 have been taken by Clement, of Alexandria ^^ who said : "For 
 God is the cause of all good things; but of some primarily, 
 as of the Old and New Testament ; and of others by conse- 
 quence, as philosophy. Perchance, too. philosophy was 
 given to the Greeks directly and primarily, till the Lord ' 
 should call the Greeks. For this was a schoolmaster to 
 bring 'the Hellenic mind,' as the law, the Hebrews *to 
 Christ.' " '^ 
 
 '^Journal, p. 218. 
 
 '* Meeting at Uwchlan, Pa., Tenth month 22. I/qS. Journal, p. 76. 
 
 ''" Titus Flavius Clemens, called sometimes St. Clement, and Clem- 
 ent of .'Mcxandria in Church hi.story, was born ei her at Athens or 
 Alexandria about A. D. 153, and died about A. D. 220. He early em- 
 braced Christianity, and was among the most. learned and philosophical 
 of the Christian fathers. 
 
 ""■ "Anti-Nicene Fathers," \'ol. II. p. 305. 
 
CHAPTER XIII. 
 Some Points of Doctrine. 
 
 Klias Hicks had ideas of the future hfe, salvation, re- 
 wards and punishments, sometimes original, and in some 
 respects borrowed or adapted from prevalent opinions. But 
 in all conclusions reached he seems to have thought his own 
 way out, and was probably unconscious of having been a 
 borrower at all. He believed unfalteringly in the immor- 
 tality of the soul, and held that the soul of man is immortal, 
 because it had its origin in an immortal God. Every sin 
 committed "is a transgression against his immutable and un- 
 changeable law, and is an immortal sin, as it pollutes and 
 brings death on the immortal soul of man, which nothing 
 in heaven nor in the earth but God alone can extinguish 
 or forgive, and this he will never do, but upon his own 
 righteous and merciful conditions, which consist in nothing 
 more nor less than sincere repentance and amendment of 
 Hfe."^ 
 
 It will be noted that this statement was made near the 
 close of his career, and has been purposely selected because 
 it undoubtedly expressed his final judgment in the matter. 
 In all probability the words used were not meant to be 
 taken literally, such for instance as those referring to the 
 "death" of the soul. There is little, if any reason to think 
 that Elias Hicks believed in the annihilation of the sinner. 
 
 Touching sin he further explained his position. What- 
 ever God creates is "immutably good." "Therefore if there 
 
 ' From letter addressed to "A Friend," name not given, written 
 at Jericho, Second month 22, T828. 
 
 107 
 
io8 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLAS HICKS 
 
 is any such things as sin and iniquity in the world, then God 
 has neither willed it nor (jrdained it." " His position regard- 
 ing this point caused him to antagonize and repudiate the 
 doctrine of foreordination. Im-oiu his standj^oint this in- 
 volved the creation of evil by the Almighty, a thoroughly 
 preposterous supposition. Again, he held that if God had, 
 "previous to man's creation, willed and determined all of 
 his actions, then certainly every man stands in the same state 
 of acceptance with him, and a universal salvation must take 
 place : which I conceive the favorers of foreordination would 
 be as unwilling as myself to believe." ^ 
 
 Three years after the declaration quoted above, Elias 
 Hicks wrote a letter * to a person known as "J. N.," who 
 was a believer in universal salvation. In this letter he re- 
 vives his idea that foreordination and universal salvation 
 are twin heresies, both equally mischievous. This letter 
 is very long, containing nearly 4,000 words. The bulk of it 
 deals with the theory of predestination, while some of it 
 relates to the matter of sin and penalty. At one point the 
 letter is censorious, nearly borders on the dogmatic, and is 
 .scarcely kind. We quote : 
 
 "Hadst thou, in thy researches after knowledge, been 
 concerned to know the first step of wisdom — the right 
 knowledge cjf thyself — such an humbling view of thy own 
 insufficiency and entire ignorance of the Divine Being, and 
 all his glorious attributes, would, I trust, have preserved 
 thee from falling into thy present errors. Errors great 
 indeed, and fatal in their consequences ; for if men were 
 capable of believing with confidence thy opinions, either as 
 regards the doctrine of unconditional predestination and 
 election, or the doctrine of universal salvation, both of 
 which certainly and necessarily resolve in one, who could 
 any longer call any thing he has his own? for all would 
 
 "Journal, p. i6i. 
 
 'From funeral sennon delivertd in 1814. Journal, p. i6i. 
 
 * Letter dated Baltimore, Tenth month, 1817. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL'\S HICKS 109 
 
 fall a prey to the villains and sturdy rogues of this belief. 
 And, indeed, a belief of these opinions would most assuredly 
 make thousands more of that description than there already 
 are ; as every temptation to evil, to gratify the carnal de- 
 sires, vs'ould be yielded to, as that which was ordained 
 to be ; and of course would be considered as something 
 agreeable to God's good pleasure ; and therefore not only 
 dur goods and chattels would become a prey to every 
 ruffian of this belief, but even our wives and daughters 
 would fall victims to the superior force of the abandoned 
 and profligate, as believing they could do nothing but what 
 God had ordained to be. But we are thankful in the senti- 
 ment that no rational, intelligent being can possibly em- 
 brace, in full faith, these inconsistent doctrines ; as they 
 are founded on nothing but supposition ; and supposition 
 can never produce real belief, or a faith that any rational 
 creature can rely upon." ^ 
 
 We make no attempt to clear up the logical connection 
 between the doctrine of foreordination and the theory of 
 universal salvation, for it is by no means clear that the two 
 necessarily belong together. From the reasoning of Elias 
 Hicks it would seem that he considered salvation a trans- 
 action which made a fixed and final condition for the soul 
 at death, whereas the Universalist theory simply provides 
 for a future turning- of all souls toward God. Surely the 
 supposition that the holding of the views of "J. X." would 
 bring the moral disorder and disaster outlined by his critic 
 had not then been borne out by the facts, and has not since. 
 Neither the believers in foreordination or universal salva- 
 tion have been shown worse than other men. or more socially 
 dangerous. 
 
 "Sin," he says, "arises entirely out of the corrujit inde- 
 ]:)endent will of man : and which will is not of God's crea- 
 ting, l)ut springs up and has its origin in man's disobedience 
 and transgression, by making a wrong use of his libertv." ^ 
 
 '■"Letters of Eli:is Hicks," p. 28. 
 ""Letters of Elias Hicks," p. 30. 
 
no LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 As the sin is of man's voluntary commission, the penalty is 
 also to be charged to the sinner, and not to God. On this 
 point Elias Hicks was clear in his reasoning and in his con- 
 clusions : 
 
 "Hence those who make their election to good, and 
 choose to follow the teachings of the inward law of the 
 spirit of God, are of course leavened into the true nature 
 of God, and consequently into the happiness of God. For 
 nothing but that which is of the nature of God can enjoy the 
 happiness of (lod. But he who makes his election, or 
 choice, to turn away from God's law and spirit, and govern 
 himself or is governed by his own will and spirit, becomes 
 a corrupt tree and although the same justice, wisdom, 
 power, mercy and love are dispensed to this man as to the 
 other, yet by his contrary nature, which has become fleshly, 
 by following his fleshlv inclinations, he brings forth corrupt 
 fruit." ' 
 
 Manifestly the idea that the Almighty punishes men 
 for his own glory had no place in the thinking of the Jericho 
 I)reacher. 
 
 The theory of sin and penalty held by Elias Hicks 
 necessarily led him to hold opinions regarding rewards and 
 punishments, and the place and manner of their application, 
 at variance with commonly accepted notions. In fact, the 
 apparent irregularity of his thinking in this particular was 
 one of the causes of concern on his behalf on the part of 
 his captious critics and some of his friends. One of the 
 latter had evidently written him regarding this matter, and 
 his replv is before us.- l-'rom it we quote: 
 
 "As to the subject relative to heaven and hell, T sup- 
 pose what gave rise to that part of my communication 
 (although 1 have ncnv forgotten the particulars) was a 
 concern that at that time as well as many other times has 
 
 "Letters of Elias Hicks." p. .^,^. 
 
 Le'ter dated Jericho. Third month 14, 1S08. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS iti 
 
 sorrowfully impressed my mind, in observing the great 
 ignorance and carnality that was not only prevailing among 
 mankind at large, but more especially in finding it to be 
 the case with many professing with us in relation to those 
 things. An ignorance and carnality that, in my opinion, 
 has been one great cause of the prevailing Atheism and 
 Deism that now abounds among the children of men. For 
 what reason or argument could a professed Christian bring 
 forward to convince an Atheist or Deist that there is such 
 a place as heaven as described and circumscribed in some 
 certain limits and place in some distant and unknown 
 region as is the carnal idea of too many professing Chris- 
 tianity, and even of many, I fear, of us? Or such a place 
 as hell, or a gulf located in some interior part of this little 
 terraqueous globe? But when the Christian brings forward 
 to the Atheist or Deist reasons and arguments fovmded on 
 indubitable certainty, things that he knows in his own ex- 
 ])erience every day through the powerful evidence of the 
 divine law-giver in his own heart, he cannot fail of yield- 
 ing his assent, for he feels as he goes on in unbelief and 
 hardness of heart he is plunging himself every day deeper 
 and deeper into that place of torment, and let him go 
 whithersoever he will, his hell goes with him. He can no 
 more be rid of it than he can be rid of himself. And 
 although he flies to the rocks and moimtains to fall on him, 
 to deliver him from his tremendous condition, yet he finds 
 all is in vain, for wdiere God is, there hell is always to the 
 sinner ; according to that true saying of our dear Lord, 'this 
 is the condemnation of the world that light is come into the 
 world, but men love darkness rather than the light, because 
 their deeds are evil." Now God, or Christ (who are one in 
 a spiritual sense), is this light that continually condemns 
 the transgressor. Therefore, where God or Christ is, there 
 is hell always to the sinner, and God. according to Scripture 
 and the everyday experience of every rational creature, is 
 everywhere present, for he fills all things, and by him all 
 things consist. And as the sinner finds in himself and 
 knows in his own experience that there is a hell, and one 
 that he cannot possibly escape while he remains a sinner, 
 so likewise the righteous know, and that by experience, 
 that there is a heaven, l)Ut they know of none above the 
 outward clouds and outward atmosphere. They have no 
 experience of any such, but the}' know a heaven where 
 Ciod dwells, and know a sitting with liim a-t seasons in 
 heavenh- places in Christ Jesus." 
 
112 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 It will be remembered that Elias based salvation on 
 repentance and amendment of life, but the bulk of his ex- 
 pression would seem to indicate that he held to the idea that 
 repentance must come during this life. In fact, an early 
 remark of his gives clear warrant f(3r this conclusion.'' He 
 does not seem to have ever ad(3pted the theory that continuity 
 of life carried with it continuation of opportunity touching- 
 repentance and restoration of the soul. 
 
 From the twentieth century standpoint views like the 
 foregoing would scarcely cause a ripple of protest in any 
 well-informed religious circles. But eighty years ago the 
 case was different. A material place for excessively mate- 
 rial punishment of the soul, on account of moral sin and 
 spiritual turpitude, was essential to orthodox standing in 
 practically every branch of the Christian church, with pos- 
 sibly two or three exceptions. Elias Hicks practically 
 admits that in the Society of Friends not a few persons 
 held to the gross and materialistic conceptions which he 
 criticised and repudiated. 
 
 The question of personal immortality was more than 
 once submitted to him for consideration. After certain 
 Friends began to pick flaws with his ideas and theories, he 
 was charged with being a doubter regarding nearly all the 
 common Christian affirmations, immortality included. 
 There was little reason for misunderstanding or misre]v 
 resenting him in this particular, for, however he failed to 
 make himself understood touching other points of doctrine, 
 he was perfectly clear on this point. In a letter to Charles 
 Stokes, of Rancocas, N. J., written Fourth month 3, 1829, 
 he said : 
 
 "Can it be possibly necessary for me to add anything 
 further, to manifest my full and entire belief of the immor- 
 tality of the soul of man? Surely, wdiat an ignorant creature 
 
 " Sl'c paRf 2,^ of this ]K)ok. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF FJ.IAS HICKS it.? 
 
 iiuist that man be that hath not come to the clear and 
 full kno\vledi;e of that in himself. Does not every man feel 
 a desire fixed in his very nature after happiness, that urges 
 him on in a steady pursuit after something- to satisfy this 
 desire, and does he not find that all the riches and honor 
 and glory of this world, together with every thing that is 
 mortal, falls infinitely short of satisfying this desire? which 
 proves it to be immortal ; and can any thing, or being, that 
 is not immortal in itself, receive the impress of an immortal 
 desire upon it? Surely not. Therefore, this immortal de- 
 sire of the soul of man never can be fully satisfied until 
 it comes to be established in a state of immortality and 
 eternal life, beyond the grave." ^" 
 
 There are not many direct references to inmiortality 
 in the published sermons, although inferences in that direc- 
 tion are numerous. In a sermon at Darl)y. Pa.. Twelfth 
 month 7, 1826, he declared: "We see then that the great 
 business of our li\'es is 'to lay up treasure in hea\-en.' " " In 
 this case and others like it he evidently means treasure in 
 the spiritual world. In his discourses he frequently re- 
 ferred to "our immortal souls" in a wav to lea\'e no doubt 
 as to his belief in a continuity of life. His reference to the 
 death of his young- sons lea\'e no room for doubt in the 
 matter.'- 
 
 In speaking of tlie death of his wife, both in his Journal 
 and in his private correspondence, his references all point 
 to the future life. "Her precious spirit," he said. "I trust 
 and believe has landed safely on the angelic shore." Again, 
 "being preserved together fift}'-eight years in one unbroken 
 bond of endeared attection. which seemed if possible to 
 increase with time to the last monient of her life: and 
 
 Letters of Elias Hicks," p. 218. 
 
 " "The Quaker," Vol. IV. p. 127. 
 
 '^ See page 61 of this hook. 15 
 
114 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 which neitlier time nor distance can lessen (5r dissolve; but 
 in the spiritual relation I trust it will endure f(3rever." ^^ 
 
 During- the last ten years of the life of Elias Hicks he 
 was simply overburdened answering questions and explain- 
 ing his position touching a multitude of vicAvs charged 
 against him by his critics and defamers. Among the matters 
 thus brought to his attention was the miraculous conception 
 of Jesus, and the A^arious beliefs growing out of that doc- 
 trine. In an undated manuscript found among his papers 
 and letters, and manifestly not belonging to a date earlier 
 than 1826 or 1827, he pretty clearly states his theory touch- 
 ing this delicate subject. In this document he is more 
 delinite than he is in some of his published statements 
 relating to the same matter. He asserts that there is a 
 dilTerence between "begetting and creating." He scouts 
 as revolting the conception that the Almighty begat Jesus, 
 as is the case in the animal function of procreation. On 
 the other hand, he said : "But, as in the beginning of crea- 
 tion, he spake the word and it w-as done, so by his almighty 
 l^ower he spake the w^ord and by it created the seed of man 
 in the fleshly woml:) of ]\Iary." In other words, the miracu- 
 lous conce[)tion was a creation and not the act of begetting. 
 
 In his correspondence he repeatedly asserted that he 
 liad believed in the miraculous conception from his youth 
 up. To 'J'homas W'illis. who was one of his earliest ac- 
 cusers, he said tliat "althougli there ap])eare(l to me as 
 much, or more, letter testimony in the account of the four 
 Evangelists against as for the support of that miracle, yet 
 it had not rdtered ni}- belief therein." ^* It has to be ad- 
 mitted that the miraculous conception held by Elias Hicks 
 was scarcely the doctrine of the creeds, or that held by 
 evangelical Christians in the early part of the nineteenth 
 
 '"Journal, p. 425. 
 
 ""Letters of Elias Hicks," p. 179. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS f)l' LI. I AS HICKS 115 
 
 century. His theory may be more rational than the popular 
 conception and may be etjually miraculous, but it was not 
 the same proposition. 
 
 Whether Elias considered this a distinction without a 
 difference we know not, but it is very certain that he did not 
 consider the miracle or the dogma growing out of it a vital 
 miitter. He declared that a "belief therein was not an 
 essential to salvation." ^^ His reason for this opinion was 
 that "whate\'er is essential to the salvation of the souls of 
 men is dispensed by a common creator to everv rational 
 creature under heaven." ^'^ No hint of a miraculous con- 
 ception, he held, had been revealed to the souls of men. 
 
 It is possible that in the minds of the ultra Orthodox, 
 to deny the saving value of a belief in the miraculous con- 
 ception, although admitting it as a fact, or recasting it as a 
 theory, was a more reprehensible act of heresy than deny- 
 ing the dogma entirely. ^Manifestly Elias Hicks was alto- 
 gether too original in his thinking to secure his own peace 
 and comfort in the world of nineteentli-centurv theology. 
 
 When we consider the theory of the (li\initv of Christ, 
 and the theory of the incarnation, we find Elias Hicks 
 taking the atfirmative side, but even lierc it is questionable 
 if he was alarming the popular conception. Touching these 
 matters he put himself definitely on record in 1827 in a 
 letter w-ritten to an unnamed Friend. In this letter he savs : 
 
 "As to the divinity of Christ, the son of the virgin — 
 \vhen he had arrived to a fidl state of sonship in the spiritual 
 generation, he was wholly swallowed up into the divinitv 
 of his heavenly Father, and was one with his Father, with 
 only this diiTerence : his Father's divinity was imderived, 
 being self-existent, but the son's divinity was altogether 
 derived from the Father; for otherwise he could not be the 
 son of God. as in the moral relation, to be a son of man. 
 
 ■' "Letters of Llias Hicks.'" p. 178. 
 ""Letters of Elias Hicks." p. 178. 
 
ii6 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL\S HICKS 
 
 the son must be begotten by one father, and he must be in 
 the same nature, spirit and likeness of his father, so as to 
 say, I and my father are one in all those respects. But this 
 was not the case with Jesus in the spiritual relation, until 
 he had gone through the last institute of the law dispen- 
 sation, viz., John's watery baptism, and had received addi- 
 tional power from on high, by the descending of the holy 
 ghost upon him, as he came up out of the water. He then 
 witnessed the fulness of the second birth, being now born 
 into the nature, spirit and likeness of the heavenly Father, 
 and God gave witness of it to John, saying, 'This is my 
 beloved son. in whom I am well pleased.' And this agrees 
 with Paul's testimony, where he assures us that as many 
 as are led bv the spirit of God, thev are the sons of 
 God." '' 
 
 Just as he repudiated material localized places of re- 
 ward and punishment, Elias Hicks disputed the presence in 
 the world of a personal evil spirit, roaming around seeking 
 whom he might ensnare and devour. In fact, in his the- 
 ology there was no tinge of the Persian dualism. Satan, 
 from his standpoint, had no existence outside man. He 
 was simply a figure to illustrate the evil propensity in men. 
 In the estimation of the ultra Orthodox to claim that there 
 was no personal devil, wlio tempted our tnrst parents in 
 h'den. was second onlv in point of heresv to denving tlie 
 existence of (]ih\ himself — the two persons both being es- 
 sential i)arts in the theological system to which they te- 
 naciously held. 
 
 Touching tin's matter he thus expressed himself: 
 "And ;is to what is called a devil or satan. it is something 
 within us. that tem])ts us lo go counter to the commands of 
 G(i(l. ;uid our duty to liim and our fellow creatures; and the 
 Scri])iures tell us there are many of them, and that Jesus 
 cast sex'en out of itne woman." '"^ 
 
 "-\'\w QuakcT." Vol. IV. p. 284. 
 
 '* Fnuii IcUcr to Cliarles .Stokes. Fnurth month 3, 1829. "Letters 
 of Elias Hicks," p. Jij. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL-\S HICKS 117 
 
 He was cliari^ed with Ijeing a Deist, and an infidel of 
 the Thomas Paine stripe, yet from his own standpoint 
 there was no shad(jw of truth in any of these charges. His 
 references to Atheism and Deism already cited in these pages 
 afford evidence on this point. In 1798 he w^as at Gap in 
 Pennsylvania, and in referring to his experience there he 
 said : 
 
 "Whilst in this neighborhood my mind was brought 
 into a state of deep exercise and travail, from a sense of the 
 .L;reat turning away of many of us, from the law and the 
 testimony, and the prevailing of a spirit of great infidelity 
 and deism among the people, and darkness spreading over 
 the minds of many as a thick veil. It was a time in which 
 Thomas Paine's Age of Reason (falsely so called) was much 
 attended to in those parts ; and some, who were members 
 in our Society, as I was informed, were captivated by his 
 dark insinuating address, and were ready almost to make 
 shipwreck of faith and a good conscience. Under a sense 
 thereof my spirit w^as deeply humbled before the majesty 
 of heaven, and in the anguish of my soul I said, 'spare thy 
 people, O Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach,' and 
 suffer not thy truth to fall in the streets." '^ 
 
 Touching his supposed Unitarianisni, there are no di- 
 rect references to that tlieory in his publislied works. A 
 letter written by Elias Hicks to William B. Irish, '" Second 
 month II, 1821, is aboiit the only reference t(3 the matter. 
 In this letter he says : 
 
 "In regard to the L'nitarian doctrine, I am too much a 
 stranger to their general tenets to give a decided senti- 
 ment, but according to the definition gi\en of them by 
 
 '" Journal, p. 70. 
 
 ■" William B. Irish lived in Pittsburg, and was a disciple of Elias 
 Hicks, as he confessed to his spiritual profit. In a letter written to 
 Elias from Philadelphia, Eleven'.h month 21, 1823, he said: "'I tell 
 you, you are the first man that ever put my mind in search of heavenly 
 food." Whether he ever united with the Society we are not informed, 
 although Elias expressed the hope that he might see his way clear to 
 do so. 
 
ii8 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL-\S HICKS 
 
 Dyche in his dictionary, I think it is more consistent and 
 rational than the doctrine of the trinity, which I think fairly 
 makes out three Gods. But as I have lately spent some time 
 in perusing the ancient history of the church, in which I 
 find that Trinitarians, Unitarians, Arians, Xestorians and a 
 number of other sects that sprung up in the night of apos- 
 tacy, as each got into power they cruelly persecuted each 
 other, by which they evidenced that they had all apostatized 
 from the primitive faith and practice, and the genuine spirit 
 of Christianity, hence I conceive there is no safety in joining 
 with any of those sects, as their leaders I believe are gen- 
 erally each looking to their own quarter for gain. There- 
 fore our safety consists in standing alone (waiting at 
 Jerusalem) that is in a quiet retired state, similar to the 
 disciples formerly, imtil we receive power from on high, or 
 until by the opening of that divine spirit (or comforter, a 
 manifestation of which is given to every man and woman 
 to profit withal) w-e are led into the knowledge of the 
 truth agreeably to the doctrine of Jesus to his disciples.'' 
 
 In regard to the death and resurrection of Jesus, Elias 
 Hicks considered himself logically and scripturally sound, 
 although his ideas may not have squared with any prevalent 
 theological doctrines. In repl}" to the query, "By what 
 means did Jesus suffer?"' he answered unhesitatingly, "By 
 the hands r)f wicked men." A second query was to the 
 effect, "Did God send him into the world pttrposely to suffer 
 death?" Here is the answer: 
 
 "Bv no means: but to live a righteous and godly life 
 (which was the design and end of God's creating man iti 
 the beginning), and thereby be a perfect example to such 
 of mankind as should come to the knowledge of him and of 
 his perfect life. For if it was the purpose and will of Gcxl 
 that he should die by the hands of wicked men. then the 
 Jews, by crucifying him, would have done God's will, and 
 of course would all have stood justified in his sight, which 
 
 could not be." "But the shedding of his 
 
 blood bv the wicked scribes and Pharisees, and people of 
 Israel, had a ])articular eiYect on the Jewish nation, as by 
 this the topstone and worst of all their crimes, was filled up 
 the measure of their ini(|uities, and which put an end to that 
 dispensation, together with its law and covenant. That as 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL\S HICKS 119 
 
 John's baptism summed up in one, all the previous water 
 baptisms of that dispensation, and put an end to them, 
 which he sealed with his blood, so this sacrifice of the body 
 of Jesus Christ, summed up in one all the outward atoning 
 sacrifices of the shadowy dispensation and put an end to 
 them all, thereby abolishing the law having previously ful- 
 filled all its righteousness, and, as saith the apostle, 'He 
 blotted out the handwriting of ordinances, nailing them to 
 his cross ;' having put an end to the law that commanded 
 them, with all its legal sins, and abolished all its legal pen- 
 alties, so that all the Israelites that believed on him after 
 he exclaimed on the cross *It is finished,' might abstain 
 from all the rituals of their law, such as circumcision, water 
 baptisms, outward sacrifices, Seventh-day Sabbaths, and all 
 their other holy days, etc." -^ 
 
 Continuing, he says : "Now all this life, power and will 
 of man, must be slain and die on the cross spiritually, as 
 Jesus died on the cross outwardly, and this is the true atone- 
 ment, of which that outward atonement was a clear and 
 full type." For the scriptural proof of his contention he 
 quotes Romans VI, 3 : 4. He claimed that the baptism re- 
 ferred to by Paul was spiritual, and the newness of life to 
 follow must also be spiritual. 
 
 The resurrection was also spiritualized, and given an 
 internal, rather than an external, sig"nificance. Its intent 
 was to awaken in "the believer a belief in the sufficiency of 
 an invisible power, that was able to do any thing and every 
 thing that is consistent with justice, mercy and truth, and 
 that would conduce to the exaltation and good of his crea- 
 ture man." 
 
 "Therefore the resurrection of the dead l)ody of Jesus 
 that could not possibly of itself create in itself a power to 
 loose the bonds of death, and which must consequently 
 have been the work of an invisible power, points to and is 
 a shadow of the resurrection of the soul that is dead in tres- 
 
 "' All of the extracts above are from a letter to Dr. Nathan Shoe- 
 maker, of Philadelphia, written Third month 31, 1823. See "Foster's 
 Re])ort,'' pp. 422-23. 
 
I20 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLA.S HICKS 
 
 j)asses and sins, and tliat hath no capacity to quicken itself, 
 but depends wholly on the renewed influence and quick- 
 ening power of the spirit of God. For a soul dead in tres- 
 passes and sins can no more raise a desire of itself for a 
 renewed quickening of the divine life in itself than a dead 
 body can raise a desire of itself for a renewal of natural 
 life ; but both equally depend on the omnipotent presiding 
 ])0\ver of the spirit of God. as is clearly set forth by the 
 prophet under the similitude of the resurrection of dry 
 bones." Ezekiel, Z7 : 1.-- 
 
 "Hence the resurrection of the outward fleshly body of 
 Jesus and some few others under the law dispensation, as 
 manifested to the external senses of man, gives full evi- 
 dence as a shadow, pointing to the sufficiency of the divine 
 invisible power of God to raise the soul from a state of 
 spiritual death into newness of life and into the enjoyment 
 of the spiritual substance of all the previous shadows of 
 the law state. And by the arising of this Sun of Righteous- 
 ness in the soul all shadows flee away and come to an end, 
 and the soul presses forward, under its divine influence, 
 into that that is within the veil, where our forerunner, even 
 Jesus, has entered for us, showing us the way into the 
 holiest of holies.'" -^ 
 
 We have enflea\'ored to gi\-e such a view of the doctri- 
 nal ])()ints covered, as will gi\'e a fair idea of what Elias 
 Hicks believed. Whether they were unsound opinions, such 
 as should have disrupted the Society of Friends, and nearly 
 shipwreck it on a sea of bitterness, we lea\-e for the reader 
 to decide. It should be stated, liowever. that the opinions 
 herein set forth did nc»t. In- an\- means, constitute the sub- 
 ject matter of all, or possibly a considerable portion of the 
 sermons he preached. There is room for the inquiry in our 
 time whether a large amount of doctrinal o])inion ]iresented 
 in our meetings for worship, e\en thdugh it be of the kind 
 in which the majority apparently believe, wouhi not have a 
 dividing and scattering efTect. 
 
 22 "The Quaker." \'oI. IV, p. 286. Letter of Elias Hicks to an 
 unknown friend. 
 
 23 "The Quaker," Vol. IV, pp. 286-287. Letter of Elias Hicks to 
 an unknown friend. 
 
ELIAS HICKS 
 
 FROM PAINTING BY KETCHAM 
 
CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 Before the Division. 
 
 No BIOGRAPHY of Elias Hicks could he even approxi- 
 mately adequate which ignored the division in the Society 
 of Friends in 1827- 1828, commonly, but erroneously, called 
 "the separation." While his part in the trouble has been 
 greatly exaggerated, inasmuch as he was made the storm- 
 center of the controversy by his opponents, to consider the 
 causes and influences which led to the difficulty, especially 
 as they were either rightly or wrongly made to apply to 
 Elias Hicks, is vital to a study of his life, and an apprecia- 
 tion of his labors. 
 
 We shall not be able to understand the matter at all, 
 unless we can in a measure take ourseh'es back to the first 
 ([uarter of the nineteenth century, and as far as possible 
 appreciate the thought and life of that time. We must re- 
 member that a svstem of dogmatic theology, unciualified 
 and untem])ere(l by any of the findings of modern scliolar- 
 ship, was the central and dominating influence in the re- 
 lisfious world. Authority of some sort was the source of 
 religious belief, and uniformity of doctrine the basis of 
 religious fellowship. 
 
 The aftermath of the French Revolution appeared in 
 a period of religious negation. Destructive, rather than 
 constructive criticism was the ruling passion of the un- 
 churched world. The conservative mind was burdened with 
 a])prehension, and the fear of a chaos of faith possessed the 
 minds of the preachers, the theologians and the communi- 
 cants of the so-called Orthodox Christian churches. The 
 Unitarian u])rising in Xew England had hopelessly divided 
 
 121 16 
 
122 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL'\S HICKS 
 
 the historic church (jf the Puritans, and the conservative 
 h^riends saw in every advance in thous^ht the Ijreakins;- u]) 
 of w Iiat they considered tlie foundations of rehgion. and 
 fear i^ossessed them accorchngly. 
 
 But more important than this is the fact that Friends 
 hatl largely lost the historic perspective, touching their own 
 origin. They had forgotten that their foundations were 
 laid in a revolt against a prevalent theology, and the e\il of 
 external authority in religion. Fr(^m being persecuted they 
 liad grown popular and ])rosperous. The)' therefore shrank 
 from change in zion. and from the oppcjsition and ostracism 
 which always had been the fate of those who liroke witli 
 ai)pro\"ed and established religious standards. Without 
 doubt they honored the heroism and respected the sacrifices 
 of tlie fathers as the "first spreaders of truth." But they 
 had neither the temper nor the taste to be alike heretic, in 
 making Quakerism a progressive spirit, rather than a final 
 refuge of a traditional religion. 
 
 An efTort was made by the opponents of Elias Hicks 
 to make it appear that what they were pleased to call his 
 "unsoundness in doctrine," came late in life, and somewhat 
 suddenly. But for tliis claim there is little if any Aalid e\i- 
 dence. His preaching probabl)- underwent little vital change 
 throughout his entire ministry. Turner, the Rnglish his- 
 torian, says: "But the facts remain that until near the close 
 of his long life Hicks was in general esteem, that tliere is 
 no sign anywhere in his writings of a change of oi)inions. 
 (.)r new departure in his teaching." ^ 
 
 'j^iere is unpublished correspondence which conlirms 
 the opinion of Turner. 1diis is true touching what might 
 be called his theological as well as his sc^ciological notions. 
 
 In a letter written to Elias Hicks in 1805. by James 
 
 ' "Tlif Qual<er>," Frederick Stuns Tumor, p. 293. 
 
LIFE ANi:) LABORS ()1<" LLIAS HICKS 12;, 
 
 Afott. Sr.," reference is made to Elias having- denied the 
 ahsohitel}' saving character of the Scriptures. In this con- 
 nection the letter remarks: "I conceive it is no matter how 
 highly people \alue the Scri])tures, proxided they can only 
 be convinced that the spirit that g-a\'e them forth is superior 
 to them, and to be their rule and guide instead of them." 
 
 In 1806, in a sermon at Nine Partners, in Dutchess 
 County, New York, as reported by himself, he declared that 
 n.ien can only by "faithful attention and adherence to the 
 aforesaid divine principle, the light within, come to know 
 and believe the certainty of those excellent Scripture doc- 
 trines, of the coming, life, righteous works, sufferings, 
 death and resurrection of Jesus Christ our blessed pattern : 
 and that it is by obedience to this iiizvard light onI\ that 
 we are prepared for admittance into the heavenly king- 
 dom." " 
 
 It seems, however, that Stephen Grellet,* if we may 
 take the authority of his biogr;iphers, Hodgson'' and 
 Cruest,'' as early as 1808, was fearful of the orthodoxy of 
 Elias Hicks, and probably based his fear on extracts like 
 the passage cited abo\e. Whate\er may be iiuagined to 
 the contrary, it is pretty certain that at no time for fort\- 
 }ears before his death did Elias Hicks preach doctrine that 
 would liave been satisfactory to the orthodox theologians 
 
 ' This JaiiK-s .Mntt was the father of AniK-, who niarricd Adam, 
 the father of Janios, tlie hiishand of Liicretia. James Mott, .Sr. died 
 ill iSj,v 
 
 ' Journal, p. i J2. 
 
 * Stephen Grellct, born in Limoges, I'Vance, Eleventh month 2, 
 ^773- ^^ scion of the French nobility. Became interested in the Society 
 of Friends when abont twenty years of age. Came to America in 
 1795, and was recorded a minister in Philadelphia, in 1798 Became 
 a New York business man in 1799. ^Nlade extensive religions visits in 
 various countries in Europe, and in many .\merican states. Was also 
 active in philanthropic work. He died at Burlington, X. J., in 1853. 
 In his theology he was entirely evangelical. 
 
 ""Life of Stephen Cirellet," Hodgson, p. 142. 
 " "Stephen Grellet," by William Guest, p. 7^. 
 
124 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 of his time, altliongli lie did not always antagonize the 
 dogmas of tlie churches. 
 
 If Stephen Grellet ever had any personal interview 
 with Elias Hicks regarding his "unsoundness/' the matter 
 was ignored by the latter. In Eighth month, 1808, some 
 months after it is claimed the discovery was made by 
 Grellet, the two men. with other Friends, were on a religious 
 visit in parts of New England. In a letter to his wife, 
 dated Danby, Vt., Eighth month 26, 1808, Elias says: 
 "Stephen Grellet, Gideon Seaman, Esther Griffin and Ann 
 Alott we left yesterday morning at a town called Aliddle- 
 bur}', about eighteen miles short of this place, Stephen feel- 
 ing a concern to appoint a meeting among the town's people 
 of that place." Evidently no very great barrier existed 
 i)etween the two men at that time. 
 
 In any event no disposition seemed to exist to inaugu- 
 rate a theological controversy in the Society of Friends, or 
 to erect a standard of fellowship other than spiritual unity, 
 until a decade after the claimed concern of Stephen Grellet. 
 It appears that in 1818, Phebe Willis, wife of Thomas 
 Willis, a recorded minister of Jericho Alonthly Meeting, 
 had a written communication with Elias, touching his doc- 
 trinal "soundness," Phebe being an elder. That the oppo- 
 sition began in Jericho, and that it was confined to the 
 W'ilhs famil}- and one other in that meeting, seems to be a 
 fairly well attested fact. In 1829, after the division in the 
 Society had been accomplished, Elias Hicks wrote a letter 
 to a friend gi\ing a short history of the beginning of the 
 trouble in jericlio. from wliicli we make the following 
 extract : 
 
 "The beginning of the rupture in our yearly meeting 
 had its rise in our particular monthly meeting, and I have 
 full evidence before me of both its rise and progress. The 
 first shadow of complaint against me as to my doctrines 
 was made bv Thomas \\'illis, a member and minister of our 
 
LIFE AND I.AIiORS OF ELIAS HICKS 125 
 
 own preparative meeting-. He manifested his first uneasi- 
 ness at the close of one of our own meetings nearly in these 
 words, between him and myself alone. 'That he appre- 
 hended that I, in my public communication, lowered down 
 the character of Jesus and the Scriptures of truth.' Aly 
 reply to him was that 1 had placed them both upon the 
 very foundation they each had placed themselves, and that 
 I dare not place them any hi<^her or lower. At the same 
 time the whole monthly meetin,q". except he and his wife, 
 as far as I knew, were in full unity with me, both as to 
 my ministry and otherwise, but as they were both members 
 of the meeting- of ministers and elders they made the first 
 ])nblic disclosure of their uneasiness. Thomas had an 
 ancient mother, likewise a minister, that lived in the house 
 with them; they so far overcame her better judgment as to 
 induce her to take a part with them, although she was a 
 very amiable and useful member, and one that I had always 
 a great esteem for, and we had been nearly united together 
 in gospel fellowship, both in public meetings and those for 
 discipline, for forty years and upward." ^ 
 
 The meeting-, through a judicious committee, tried to 
 (|uiet the fears of Thomas Willis and wife, and bring them 
 in unity with the vastly major portion of the meeting-, but 
 without success. These Friends being persistent in their 
 (Opposition, they were suspended from the meeting of min- 
 isters and elders, but were ]:)ermitte(l to retain their mem- 
 bersln'p in the Societv. 
 
 Letter to JoIiJison Leoi^^ (kite<J Joriciici, 'I'welfth iin;nth 15, 1829. 
 
CHAPTER XV 
 First Trouble in Philadelphia. 
 
 Transferring the story of the opposition to the min- 
 istry of EHas Hicks to Philadelphia, it would appear that 
 its hrst public manifestation occurred in 1819. During this 
 year he made his fifth somewhat extended religious visit 
 to the meetings within the l)ounds of Philadelphia Yearly 
 Meeting. Elias Avas attending the monthly meeting then 
 held in the Pine Street meeting-house, and obtained liberty 
 to visit the women's meeting-. While absent on this concern, 
 the men's meeting did the unprecedented thing of adjourn- 
 ing, the breaking up of the meeting being accomplished by 
 a few influential members. For a co-ordinate branch of a 
 meeting for discipline to close while service was being per- 
 formed in the allied branch in accord with regular procedure 
 was considered irregular, if not unwarranted. The real 
 inspiring cause for this conduct has been stated as follows 
 bv a contemporary writer: 
 
 "An influential member of this meeting who had 
 al)stained from the produce of slave labor came to the con- 
 clusion that this action was the result of his own will. He 
 therefore became very sensitive and irritable touching ref- 
 erences to the slavery question, and very bitter a^jainst the 
 testimony of Elias Hicks. It is believed that this was one 
 of the causes which led to the affront of Elias Hicks in the 
 Pine Street Meeting aforesaid." ^ 
 
 It was claimed in ijie famous Xew Jersev chancer\- 
 
 ' "A rc\ icw uf llic general and particular causes which have 
 prdchiccd the late di.snrders and divisions in the Yearly Meeting of 
 Friends, held in Philadelphia," James Cockhnrn, 1829, p. 60. 
 
 126 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL\S HICKS 127 
 
 case ■ by the Orthodox Friends, that there was precedent 
 for adjourning a meeting wliile a visiting minister in proper 
 t)rder was performing service in a co-ordinate branch of the 
 Society. Be tliat as it may, the weight of evidence warrants 
 the conchision that the incident at Pine Street was intended 
 as an affront to EHas Hicks. Tlie conservative elements in 
 Philadeli)liia had e\idently made up their minds that the 
 time had come to visit tlieir (hspleasure upon the Long 
 Island preacher. 
 
 The incident referred to above must have occurred in 
 the latter part of Tenth month. Elias says in his Journal, 
 after mentioning his arrival in Philadelphia: "We were at 
 two of their monthly meetings and their quarterly meet- 
 ing." ■' He makes no mention of the unpleasant occurrence. 
 
 There seems to have been no further appearance of 
 trouble in the latitude of Philadelphia until Eighth month, 
 1822. This time opposition appeared in what was evidently 
 an irregular gathering of part of the Meeting for Sufferings, 
 At this meeting Jonathan Evans is reported to have said : 
 "I imderstand that Elias Hicks is coming on here on his 
 way to Baltimore Yearly Meeting. Friends know that be 
 preaches doctrines contrary to the doctrines of our Society ; 
 tliat he has given uneasiness to his friends at home, and 
 tliey can't stop him. and unless we can stop him here he 
 must g-o on." * This statement was only ])artiallv true, to 
 say the most possible for it. But a small minority of Elias' 
 
 • I'^ostcr's report, many limes referred to in these pages, is a two- 
 volume work, containing the evidence and the exliibits in a case in 
 the New Jersey Court of Chancer}-. The examinations began Sixth 
 month 2, 1830, in Camden. N. J., before J. J. Foster, Master and Ex- 
 aminer in Chancery, and continued from time to time, closing Fourth 
 month 13, 183 1. The case was brought to determine who should possess 
 the school fund, of the Friends' School, at Crosswick, N. J. The 
 decision awarded the fund to the Orthodox. 
 
 ^ Journal, p. t,S2. 
 
 " "F'oster's Report," pp. 355-356. 
 
i_'8 LIFE AND LABORS OF KLL\S HICKS 
 
 home meeting" were in any way ''uneasy" about liim, what- 
 ever may have been the character of his preacliin"-. It 
 stands to reason that had there been a general and united 
 opposition to the ministry of Ehas Hicks in his monthly 
 meeting or in the New York Yearly Meeting at any time 
 before the "separation." he could not have performed the 
 service involved in his religious visits. It will also appear 
 from the foregoing that the few opponents of Elias Hicks 
 on Long Island had evidently planned to invoke every 
 possible and conceival)le influence, at the center of Quak- 
 erism in Philadelphia, to silence this popular and well-known 
 preacher. At what point the influence so disposed became 
 of general effect in the polity of the Society only incidentally 
 belongs to the purpose of this book. 
 
 Out of the unofficial body ^ above mentioned, about a 
 dozen in number, a small and "select" committee was ap- 
 pointed. The object was apparently to deal with Elias for 
 remarks said to have been made by him at Xew "^'ork 
 Yearlv Meeting in Eifth uK^nth of that year, and re])<>rted 
 by Jose])h \\'hitall. 
 
 The minute under which Elias performed the \isit 
 referred to above was granted by his monthly meeting in 
 Seventh month, and he promptly set out on his \-isit with 
 David Seaman as his traveling companion. He spent nearlv 
 three months visiting meetings in Xew Jersey and in Bucks, 
 Montgomery, Delaware and Chester Counties, Pennsylva- 
 nia, reaching Baltimore the 25th of Tenth month, where he 
 attended the Yearly Meeting. This appearance and 
 service in Philadelphia, he states very briefly, and with m^ 
 hint of the developing trouble, as follows : 
 
 "We arrived in Philadelphia in the early part of Twefth 
 month, and I immediatelv entered on the arduous concern 
 
 "^"Foster's Report," 183T, Vol. I. See testimony of Joseph Whitall, 
 p 247. Also testimony of Abraham Lower, pp. 355-356. 
 
I.IFI-: AND LABORS Ol-' I-.I.IAS HICKS 129 
 
 wliicli J had in prosiject and which 1 was favored soon com- 
 fortably to acconij)lish. We visited the families composing 
 (Ireen Street Monthly Meeting, being in number one hun- 
 dred and forty, and we also attended that monthly meeting 
 and the monthly meeting for the Northern District. This 
 closed my visit here, and set me at liberty to turn my face 
 homeward." ^ 
 
 It will thus be seen tlial the cliai'gc of unsoundness was 
 entered in Philadelphia Meeting for Sufferings soon after 
 h'-lias started on Iiis soutliern \isit. but the matter was held 
 ]>ractically in sus])cuse for four niontlis. Tn tlie meantime 
 I'lias was waited upon b\' a few elders. presumal)h' in 
 accordance with the action of the Meeting for Sufiferings 
 held in Eighth month. This opportunitv was iiad when the 
 \isitor ])asse(l througli Pliiladelphia en route to P)altiniore. 
 There is reason for ])elie\'ing that Elias succeeded in meas- 
 ureably satisfying this small committee. P>ut there was evi- 
 dent!)" an elemeul in Philadelphia that did not propose to 
 be satisfied. 
 
 In Twelfth mouth, when Elias arrived in Philadel])hia 
 from his southern tri]). and began his visits among" the 
 families of Green Street M(»ntbly .Meeting, a meeting of the 
 elders of all the nionthl}' meetings in the city was hastilv 
 called. A deputation from the elders sought an "oppor- 
 tunity" with Elias. and insisted that it be priz-atc.~ His posi- 
 tion was that he was not accountable to them for anything 
 he had said while traveling with a minute as a minister. 
 Elias finally consented, out of regard to some particular 
 l-'riends, to meet the elders in Green Street meeting-house, 
 provided witnesses other than the opposing elders could 
 be present. Among those who accompanied Elias were 
 John Comlv, Robert Moore. John Moore and John Hunt. 
 
 "Journal, p. ,^04 
 
 ' 'Toster's RrpDit." pji. 350-3^^0. "Cockburn"? Review," p. fi6. 
 
 17 
 
130 IJI-'l-: AND I.AROKS ()!•' KIJAS HICKS 
 
 When the meeting- was lield, however, the elders who 
 o])posed l'"Has said thev cinild not proceed, their reason Ijeinj^' 
 that tlie i^ritherint^- was not "select." In connection with 
 this controversy letters passed hetween the opposing- jjarties. 
 One was siij^ied hv ten elders ot' Philadelphia, and is as 
 follows : 
 
 "To Elias Hicks : 
 
 "Friends in I'hi]adcli)hia ha\in,L; for a considerahle time 
 [)ast heard of thy hojdinjj and proinuljj^atint^ doctrines dif- 
 ferent from and repugnant to those held by our relictions 
 society, it was cause of uneasiness and deep concern to 
 them, as their sincere re£,rard and enjj^a.tjem'ent for the pro- 
 motion of the cause of Truth made it very desirable that all 
 the members of our reliiirious society should mo\e in true 
 harmony under the leadino;- and direction of our blessed 
 K'edeemer. I'pon beiuQ informed of thy sentiments ex- 
 pressed by Joseph Whitall — that Jesus Christ was not the 
 son of God until after the baptism of John and the descent 
 of the Holy Ghost, and that he was no more than a man; 
 that the same power that made Christ a Christian must 
 make us Christians ; and that the same power that saved 
 Him must save us — many friends were affected therewith, 
 and some time afterward, several Friends bein^ together in 
 the city on subjects relating to our religious society, they 
 received an account from Ezra Comfort of some of thy 
 expressions in the public general meeting immediately suc- 
 ceeding the Southern Quarterly Meeting lately held in the 
 state of Delaware, which was also confirmed by his com- 
 jjanion, Isaiah Bell, that Jesus Christ was the first man who 
 introduced the gospel dispensation, the Jews being under 
 the outward or ceremonial law or dispensation, it was nec- 
 essary that there should be some outward miracle, as the 
 healing of the outward infirmities of the flesh and raising 
 the outward dead bodies in order to introduce the gospel 
 dispensation ; He had no more power given Hitn than man, 
 for He was no more than man ; He had nothing to do with 
 the healing of the soul, for that belongs to God only ; 
 Elisha had the same power to raise the dead ; that man 
 being obedient to the spirit of God in him could arrive at 
 as great, or a greater, degree of righteousness than Jesus 
 Christ: that 'Jesus Christ thought it not robbery to be e(|ua] 
 with God; neither do I think it robbery for man to be equal 
 
\.]VK AND I.AHORS OF EI. IAS HICKS 131 
 
 with (it)d"; then endeavored to show that by attending to 
 that stone cut out of the mountain without hands, or the 
 seed in man, it would make man equal with God, saying: 
 for that stone in man was the entire God. On hearing 
 which it appeared t(» h'riends a subject of sucli great im- 
 portance and of such deep welfare to the interest of our 
 rehgious society as to require an extension of care, in order 
 that if any incorrect statement had been made it should as 
 soon as possible be rectified, or, if true, thou might be pos- 
 sessed of the painful concerns of Friends and their sense 
 and judgment thereon. Two of the elders accordingh 
 waited on thee on the evening of the day of thy arriving in 
 the city, and although thou denied the statement, yet thy 
 declining to meet these two elders in company with those 
 who made it left the minds of Friends without relief. One 
 of the elders who had called on thee repeated his visit on the 
 next day but one, and again requested thee to see the two 
 ciders and the Friends who made the above statments which 
 thou again declined. The elders from the different Monthly- 
 Meetings of the city were then convened and requested a 
 private opportunity with thee, which thou also refused, yet 
 the next day consented to meet them at a time and place of 
 thy own fixing; but, when assembled, a mixed company 
 being collected, the elders could not in this manner enter 
 into business which they considered of a nature not to be 
 investigated in any other way than in a select, private 
 op]Jortunity. They, therefore, considered that meeting a 
 clear indication of thy continuing to decline to meet the 
 elders as by them proposed. Under these circumstances, it 
 appearing that thou art not willing to hear and disprove the 
 charges brought against thee, we feel it a duty to declare 
 that we cannot have religious unity with thy conduct nor 
 ^\•ith the doctrines thou art charged with promulgating. 
 ••Signed. Twelfth m..nth 10. 1822. 
 
 "Caleb Pierce. 
 "Leonard Snowden, 
 "Joseph Scattergood, 
 "S. P. Griffiths, 
 "T. Stewardson, 
 "Edward Randolph, 
 "Israel Mai'le, 
 "Ellis Yarnall. 
 "Richard Hu mph-hls, 
 "Thomas Wester." 
 
132 IJKK AND LABORS OF HI. I AS HICKS 
 
 To this epistle h'lias Micks made the followini; reply, 
 iwo days having- intervened; 
 
 ■"I'o Calkh Pierce and other Friends: 
 
 " Having been charged hv \(ni with inis(jundness of 
 principle and doctrine, founded on reports spread among 
 the people in an unfriendly manner, and contrary to the 
 order of our T^iscipline, bv Jose])h W'hitall. as charged in 
 the letter from you dated the 19th instant, and as these 
 charges are not literally true, being founded on his own 
 forced and improper construction of my words, I deny them, 
 and I do nt)t consider myself amenable to him, nor to any 
 other, for crimes laid to my charge as being committed in 
 the course of the sittings of our last Yearly Meeting, as not 
 any of my fellow-members of that meeting discovered or 
 noticed any such thing — which I presume to be the case, as 
 not an individual has mentioned any such things to me, 
 but contrarv thereto. ^lany of our most valued Friends 
 (who had heard some of those foul reports first promul- 
 gated by a citizen of our city) acknowledged the great sat- 
 isfaction they had with my services and exercise in the 
 course of that meeting, and were fully convinced that all 
 those reports were false ; and this view is fully confirmed 
 l)y a certificate granted me by the Monthly and Quarterly 
 Meetings of which I am a member, in which they expressed 
 their full unity with me — and which meetings were held a 
 considerable time after our "S'early Meeting, in the course 
 of which Joseph Whitall has presumed to charge me with 
 imsoundness of doctrine, contrary to the sense of the 
 Monthly, Quarterly and Yearly ^^leetings of which I am a 
 member, and to whom only do I hold m3^self amenable for 
 all conduct transacted within their limits. The other 
 charges made against me by Ezra Comfort, as expressed in 
 vour letter, are in general incorrect, as is proved by the 
 annexed certificate; and. moreover, as Ezra Comfort has 
 departed from gospel order in not mentioning his uneasiness 
 to me when present with me. and when I could have ap- 
 pealed to Friends of that meeting to justify me; therefore, 
 I consider Ezra Comfort to have acted disorderly and con- 
 trary to the discipline, and these are the reasons which in- 
 duce me to refuse a compliance with your requisitions — 
 considering them arbitrary and contrary to the established 
 order of our Society. 
 
 "Fltas IItcks. 
 
 "PiUEADEEi'HFA. Twelfth month 2U i8j2." 
 
1.1 FK AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS i33 
 
 As already noted tlie char^-es in the letter of the ten 
 elders were based on statements made l>y Joseph Whitall, 
 snpj)lemented by allegations by l^zra Comfort, as to what 
 Elias had said in two sermons, neither of which was deliv- 
 ered within the bounds of Philadelphia Ouartely Meeting, 
 J'he matters complained of are mostly subject to variable 
 interpretation, and scarcely attnrtl a basis for a religious 
 quarrel, esixxMally considering that the alleged statements 
 were at the l^est garbled from quite lengthy discourses. 
 
 On the same day that I^lias replied to the ten elders, 
 three members of Southern Quarterly Meeting issued a 
 signed statement regarding the charges of Ezra Comfort. 
 It is as follows : 
 
 "We, the undersigned, being occasionally in the city of 
 Philadelphia, when a letter was produced and handed us, 
 signed by ten of its citizens. Elders of the Society of 
 briends. and directed to Elias Hicks, after perusing and 
 deliberately considering the charges therein against him, 
 for holding and propagating doctrines inconsistent with our 
 religious testimonies, and more especially those said by 
 Ezra Comfort and Isaiah P)ell, to be held forth at a meeting 
 immediately succeeding the late Southern Quarterly !Meet- 
 ing. and we being members of the Southern Quarter, and 
 ])resent at the said meeting, we are free to state, for the 
 satisfaction of the first-mentioned Friends and all others 
 whom it may concern, that we apprehend the charges ex- 
 hibited by the two Friends named are without substantial 
 foundation ; and in order to give a clear view we think it 
 best and proper here to transcribe the said charges exhib- 
 ited and our own understanding of the several, viz.. 'That 
 Jesus Christ was the first man that introduced the Gospel 
 Dispensation, the Jews being under the outward and cere- 
 monial law or dispensation, it was necessary there should 
 be some outward miracles, as healing the outward infirmi- 
 ties of the flesh and raising the outward dead bodies in 
 order to indroduce the gospel dispensation ;' this in sub- 
 stance is correct. 'That he had no more power given him 
 than man.' this sentence is incorrect; and also, 'That he had 
 nothing to do with the healing of the soul, for that belongs 
 to God only." is likewise incorrect; and the next sentence, 
 
134 1-iFK AND LABORS OF EIJAS nU:KS 
 
 'That Elisha also had the same power to raise the dead" 
 should be transposed thus to give Elias's expressions. 'By 
 the same power it was that Elisha raised the dead.' 'That 
 man being- obedient to the spirit of God in him could arrive 
 at as great or greater degree of righteousness than Jesus 
 Christ.' this is incorrect ; 'That Jesus Christ thought it not 
 robbery to be equal with God,' with annexing the other part 
 of the paragraph mentioned by the holy apostle would be 
 correct. 'Neither do I think it robbery for man to be equal 
 with God' is incorrect. 'Then endeavouring to show that 
 by attending to that stone cut out of the mountain without 
 hands or the seed in man it would make men equal with 
 (lod' is incorrect; the sentence for that stone in man should 
 stand thus: 'That this stone or seed in man had all the 
 attributes of the divine nature that was in Christ and God.' 
 This statement and a few necessary remarks we make 
 without comment, save only that we were then of opinion 
 and still are that the sentiments and doctrines held forth 
 by our said friend. Elias Hicks, are agreeable to the opinions 
 and doctrines held by George Fox and other worthy Friends 
 of his time. 
 
 "Robert IMoore, 
 "Thomas Tih^ner, 
 "Joseph G. Rowland. ^ 
 
 "[2 ino., 2 1, lS22." 
 
 l^rst month 4. 1823. the ten elders sent a final coninin- 
 iiication to F,lias Flicks, which we gi\"e in full : 
 
 "On the perusal of thy letter of the 21st of last month, 
 it was not a little aiTecting to observe the same disposition 
 still prevalent that avoided a select meeting with the elders, 
 which meeting consistently with the station we are placed 
 in and with the sense of duty impressive upon us, we were 
 engaged to propose and urge to thee as a means wherein 
 the cause of uneasiness might have been investigated, the 
 Friends who exhibited the complaint fully examined, and 
 the whole business placed in a clear point of view. 
 
 "On a subject of such importance the most explicit can- 
 dour and ingenuousness, with a readiness to hear and eive 
 
 * "Cocklnirir.s Rc-vitw," p. 73. 
 
!JFK AND LABORS ')1~ KI.IAS HICKS 1.35 
 
 complete satisfaction oujj;-ht ever to be maintained ; this the 
 (jospel teaches, and the nature of the case imperiously de- 
 manded it. As to the certificate which accompanied thy 
 letter, made several weeks after the circumstances occur- 
 red, it is in several respects not only vac^ue and ambii^uous, 
 but in others (thoui^h in different terms) it corroborates the 
 statement at first made. \\ hen we take a view of the whole 
 subject, the doctrines and sentiments which have been pro- 
 mult^ated by thee, thouirh under some caution while in this 
 city, and the opinions which thou expressed in an interview- 
 between Ezra Comfort and thee, on the 19th ult., we are 
 fully and sorrowfullv confirmed in the conclusion that thou 
 holds and art disseminatinjS; principles very dififerent from 
 those which are held and maintained by i^ur relii^ious 
 society. 
 
 "As thou hast on thy part closed the door aj^ainst the 
 brotherly care and endeavours of the elders here for thy 
 benefit, and for the clearing: our reli|n;ious profession, this 
 matter appears of such serious magnitude, so interesting to 
 the peace, harmony, and well-being of society, that we think 
 it ought to claim the weighty attention of thy Friends at 
 home." " 
 
 ( )ne other conimimicatioii clc^sed the e])istolarv part nf 
 the controversy for the time being. It was a letter issued 
 by twenty-two members of Southern Quarterly Meeting, 
 concerning the ministerial service of Elias Hicks, during 
 the meetings referred to in the charge of Ezra Comfort : 
 
 "W^e, the subscribers, being informed that certain re- 
 ports have been circulated by Ezra Comfort and Isaiah Bell 
 that Elias Hicks had propagated unsound doctrine, at our 
 general meeting on the day succeeding our quarterlv meet- 
 ing in the 11th month last, and a certificate signed bv 
 Robert ]\Ioore. Joseph Turner and Joseph G. Rowland being 
 read contradicting said reports, the subject has claimed our 
 weighty and deliberate attention, and it is our united judg- 
 ment that the doctrines preached by our said Friend on the 
 day alluded to were the Truths of the Gospel, and that his 
 labours of love amongst us at our particular meetings as 
 
 ' "Cockburn's Review," p. 76. As the signatures are the same as in 
 the previous letter, repeating them seems unnecessary. 
 
135 
 
 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL\S HICKS 
 
 well as at our said quarterly meeting- were united with l>v 
 all i)ur members for aught that appears. 
 
 ■"And we believe that the certificate signed by the three 
 Friends above named is in substance a correct statement 
 of facts. 
 
 "Elisha Daw .son, 
 "William Dolby, 
 "Walter Mifflin, 
 "Daniel Bowers, 
 "William Levick, 
 "Elias Janell. 
 "Jacob JPexX n i n gt( )N . 
 "Jonathan Twibond, 
 "Henry Swiggitt, 
 "Michael Offlev, 
 "James Brown, 
 
 George Messeck, 
 William W. Mooi^i,, 
 John Cogwill, 
 Samuel Price, 
 Robert Kemp, 
 John Turner, 
 Hartfield Wright, 
 David Wilson, 
 Michael Lowrer, 
 JACOB Liventon, 
 John Cowgill, Ilnr. 
 
 "Eittle Crefk, 2 nio. 26th, 182.^." 
 
 "I hereby certify that I was at the Southern Quarterly 
 Meeting in the lltli month last. l)ut owing to indisposition 
 1 did not attend the general meeting on the day succeeding, 
 and having been present at several meetings with Elia> 
 Hicks, as well as at the Quarterly Meeting aforesaid. I can 
 testify my entire- unity with the doctrines I have heard him 
 deliver. 
 
 "Anthony Whitely." '" 
 
 All of these communicatif^ns, both pro and con, are 
 jiresented sitnpl}' for what they are worth. When it comes 
 to determining- what is or is not "unsound doctrine," we 
 are simplv dealing- with personal opinion, and not with 
 matters of absolute fact. This is especially true of a re- 
 ligious bodv that liad ne\er attenij)te(l to define or limit its 
 doctrines in a written creed. 
 
 The attempt of the Philadelphia elders to deal in a 
 disciplinarv wav with Elias Hicks on the score of the 
 manner or matter of his preaching was pronounced by his 
 
 ""■Cocklinrn's Kc\ir\v."' p. 7S. 
 
LIFE AND LAHURS OF FLIAS HICKS r.?7 
 
 friends a usurpation of authority. It was held that the 
 t'lders in question had no jurischction in the case, in proof 
 of which the following- parat^'raph in the Disciphne (d' tlie 
 Philadc'l])lna N'earlv Mectin<;" was cited; 
 
 "And our advice to all our ministers is that they he 
 frequent in reading- the Scriptures of the Old and New Tes- 
 taments ; and if any in the course of their ministry shall mis- 
 apply or draw unsound inferences or wrong- conclusions 
 from the text, or shall mishehave themselves in point of 
 conduct or conversation, let them be admonished in love 
 and tenderness bv the elders or overseers where they 
 live." " ' 
 
 It is un(l(nil)ledl\ true th.at a certain amount of encour- 
 agement came to the op])onents of Julias flicks in Plu'la- 
 delphia from some h'riends on Long- Island, and frc^m three 
 or four residents of Jericho, but they did not at tlial time 
 at least officially re])resent an\ meeting" of h'riends at 
 jericlio, either real or ])retended. This far in the cont ro- 
 vers)- the aggressors were contined to those wlio at that 
 time were considered the "weight of the meeting," and wdio 
 at best re]iresented only the so-called "select" meeting, and 
 not the Society at large. At the beginning at least the 
 trouble was an affair of the ministers and elders. It later 
 affected the whole Society, l)y the efforts of the leaders on 
 both sides. 
 
 Incidents are not wanting to show that up to the very 
 end of the c<^ntrovers\- the rank and file of Friends had 
 little \ital intei-est in the matters involved in the trouble. 
 It is related on good authority that two prominent members 
 of Nine Partners Quarterly Meeting in Dutchess Comity, 
 New ^'ork, husb.md and. wife, made a compact before 
 attending the meeting in iMghth month. i<S2S, feeling that 
 
 " Rules of Discipline of the Yearly Meeting of Friends, held in 
 Philadelphia, j8o6, p. 62. 18 
 
^^S LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL\S HICKS 
 
 the issue would reacli its climax at that time. They agreed 
 that whiche>'er side retained control of the organization and 
 the meeting-house would be considered by them the meet- 
 ing, and receive their support. We mention this as un- 
 doubtedly representing the feeling in more than one case. 
 The fact tliat it took practically a decade of excitement and 
 manipulation, to create the antagonisms, personal and other- 
 wise, which resulted in an open rupture, shows how little 
 disposed the majority of Friends were to disrupt the 
 Society. 
 
CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 The Time of Unsettlement. 
 
 Betwekx the trouble related in the last chapter and 
 the culmination of the disturbance in the Society of Friends, 
 in 1S27-1828. there was an interval of four or five years. 
 Tliis period was by no means one of quiet. On the other 
 hand it was one of confusion, in the midst of which the 
 forces were at work, and the plans perfected which led 
 up logically to the end. 
 
 It will be remembered that the last communication of 
 the Philadelphia elders sent to Elias Hicks was dated First 
 month 4, 18J3. They had manifestly failed to silence the 
 ])reacher from Jericho, or to greatly alarm him with their 
 charges of heresy. Just eleven days after the epistle in 
 question was written, the Meeting for Sufferings of Phila- 
 delphia Yearly Meeting assembled. This meeting issued a 
 singular document. ' said by the friends of Elias Hicks to 
 have been intended as a sort of ''Quaker Creed," but this 
 was vigorously denied by those responsible for its existence. 
 The statement of doctrine, which was as follows, was duly 
 signed bv Jonathan Evans, clerk, "on behalf of the meet- 
 ing:" 
 
 "At a Meeting for Sufifcrings held in Philadelphia the 
 17th of the First month, 1823, an essay containing a few 
 brief extracts from the writings of our primitive Friends 
 oil several of the doctrines of the Christian religion, which 
 have been always lield, and are most surely believed by us. 
 
 'The title of the production was as follows: Extracts from the 
 Writings of Primitive Friends, concerning the Divinity of Our Lord 
 and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Published by the direction of the Meeting 
 for Sufferings, held in Philadelphia. Solomon W. Conrad, printer. 
 
 139 
 
140 I.IKI': AND LAHoKS » )!•" KI.IAS HICKS 
 
 being pro(liue<l and read; r)n solid consideration Uiey 
 appeared so likely to be prodiicti\e of benefit, if a publica- 
 tion thereof was made and spread among our members 
 generally, that the committee appointed on the printing and 
 distribution of religious books are directed to have a suffi- 
 cient luuuber of them struck off and distributed accordingly, 
 being as follows : 
 
 "We have always believed that the Holy Scriptures 
 were written by divine inspiration, that they are able to 
 make wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ 
 Jesus, for. as holy men of God spake as they were moved 
 by the lloly (}host, they are therefore profitable for doc- 
 trine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in right- 
 eousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly 
 fiuMiished unto all good works. Kut they are not or cannot 
 1)e subjected tc) the fallen, corrupt reason of man. W'e have 
 always asserted our willingness that all our doctrines be 
 tried I)y them, and admit it as a positix'e maxim that w^hat- 
 soever any do (pretending to the vSpirit) which is contrary 
 to the Scripttu-es be accounted and judged a delusion of 
 the devil. 
 
 "\\'e receix'e and l)elieve in the testimony of the Scrip- 
 tures simply as it stands in the text. "There are three that 
 l)ear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy 
 (Ih(xst. and these three are one.' 
 
 '■\\'e believe in the onlv wise, omnipotent and ever- 
 lasting (^od. the creator of all things in heaven and earth, 
 and the preserver of all that he hath made, who is God 
 over all blessed forever. 
 
 "The infinite and most wise God. who is the founda- 
 tion, root and spring of all operation, hath wrought all 
 things by his eternal W'ord and Son. This is that Word 
 that was in the beginning with God and was God. by wdiom 
 all things w^ere made, and wnthout whom was not anything 
 made that was made. Jesus Christ is the beloved and only 
 begotten Son of God, wdio, in the fulness of time, through 
 the Holy Ghost, was conceived and born of the \"irgin 
 Alary ; in him we have redemption through his blood, even 
 the forgiveness of sins. W'^e believe that he was made a 
 sacrifice for sin, who knew^ no sin ; that he was crucified for 
 us in the flesh, was buried and rose again the third day by 
 the power of his Father for our justification, ascended up 
 into heaven and now sitteth at the right hand of God. 
 
 "As then that infinite and incomprehensible Fountain 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF EIJAS lUCKS 141 
 
 of life and motion operateth in the creatures by his own 
 eternal word and power, so no creatnre has access again 
 unto him but in and by the Son according to his own 
 blessed declaration, 'No man knoweth the Father but the 
 Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him.' Again, 'I 
 am the way, the truth, and the life ; no man cometh unto 
 the Father but by me.' Hence he is the only Mediator 
 between God and man for having been with God from all 
 eternity, being himself God, and also in time partaking of 
 the nature of man ; through him is the goodness and love of 
 God conveyed to mankind, and by him again man receiveth 
 and partaketh of these mercies. 
 
 "We acknowledge that of ourselves we are not able to 
 vlo anything that is good, neither can we procure remission 
 of sins or justification by any act of our own, but acknowl- 
 edge all to be of and from his love, which is the original 
 and fundamental cause of our acceptance. 'For God so 
 loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that 
 whosoever helieveth in him should not perish, but have 
 ^everlasting life.' 
 
 "We firmly believe it was necessary that Christ should 
 come, that by his death and sufferings he might offer up 
 himself a sacrifice to God for our sins, who his own self 
 bear our sins in his own body on the tree; so we believe 
 that the remission of sins which any partake of is only in 
 and by virttie of that most satisfactory sacrifice and no 
 otherwise. For it is by the obedience of that one that the 
 free gift is come upon all to justification. Thus Christ by 
 his death and sufferings hath reconciled us to God even 
 while we are enemies ; that is, he offers reconciliation to 
 us, and we are thereby put into a capacity of being recon- 
 ciled. God is willing to be reconciled unto us and ready 
 to remit the sins that are past if we repent. 
 
 "Jesus Christ is the intercessor and advocate with the 
 Father in heaven, appearing in the presence of God for us, 
 being touched v\'ith a feeling of our infirmities, sufferings, 
 and sorrows; and also by his spirit in our hearts he maketh 
 intercession according to the will of God, crying abba, 
 Father. He tasted death for every man, shed his blood for 
 all men, and is the propitiation for our sins ; and not for 
 ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. He 
 alone is our Redeemer and Saviour, the captain of our sal- 
 vation, the promised seed, who bruises the serpent's head ; 
 the alpha and omega, the first and the last. He is our 
 wisdom, righteousness, justification and redemption; 
 
I4-' MFE AND LABORS OI- KLIAS HICKS 
 
 neither is there salvation in any other, for there is no other 
 name under heaven given amonij^ men whereby we may be 
 saved. 
 
 "As he ascended far above all heavens that he might 
 hll all things, his fulness cannot be comprehended or con- 
 tained in any finite creature, but in some measure known 
 and experienced in us, as we are prepared to receive the 
 same, as of his fulness we have received grace for grace. 
 He is both the word of faith and a quickening spirit in us, 
 wdiereby he is the immediate cause, author, object and 
 strength of our living faith in his name and power, and of 
 the work of our salvation from sin and bondage of cor- 
 ruption. 
 
 "The Son of God cannot be divided from the least or 
 lowest appearance of his owm divine light or life in us, no 
 more than the sun from its own light ; nor is the sufficiency 
 of his light within set up or mentioned in opposition to 
 him, or to his fulness considered as in himself or without 
 us ; nor can any measure or degree of light received from 
 Christ be properly called the fulness of Christ ; or Christ 
 as in fulness, nor exclude him from being our complete 
 Saviour. And where the least degree or measure of this 
 light and life of Christ within is sincerely waited in, fol- 
 lowed and obeyed there is a blessed increase of light and 
 grace known and felt; as the path of the just it shines more 
 and more imtil the perfect day, and thereby a growing in 
 grace and in the knowledge of God and of our Lord and 
 Savicmr Jesus Christ hath been and is truly experienced. 
 
 "\Mierefore we say that whatever Christ then did, both 
 living and dying, was of great benefit to the salvation of all 
 that have believed and now do and that hereafter shall 
 l)elieve in him unto justification and acceptance with God: 
 but the way to come to that faith is to receive and obey 
 the manifestation of his divine light and grace in the con- 
 science, which leads men to believe and value and not to 
 disown or undervalue Christ as the common sacrifice and 
 mediator. For we do afiirm that to follow this holy light 
 in the conscience and to turn our minds and bring all our 
 deeds and thoughts to it is the readiest, nay. the only right 
 way, to have true, living and sanctifying faith in Christ as 
 he appeared in the flesh ; and to discern the Lord's body, 
 coming and sufl^erings aright, and to receive any real benefit 
 bv him as our onlv sacrifice and mediator, according to the 
 beloved disciple's emphatical testimony. 'If we walk in the 
 li'dit as he (("lod) is in the light we have fellowship one 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF EIJAS HICKS 143 
 
 with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his son 
 cleanseth us from all sin.' 
 
 "By the proi)itiatory sacrifice of Christ without us we, 
 truly repenting: and believinj^, as through the mercy of 
 God, justified from the imputation of sins and transgres- 
 sions that are past, as though they had never been com- 
 mitted ; and by the mighty work of Christ within us the 
 power, nature and habits of sin are destroyed; that as sin 
 once reigned unto death even so now grace reigneth 
 through righteousness unto eternal life bv Jesus Christ our 
 Lord.""- 
 
 This deliverance is almost as theological and dogmatic 
 as the Westminster Confession. It scarcely contains a 
 reference to the ftmdamental doctrine of George Fox. It 
 is not too much to say that if it was the belief of the 
 ■'primitive"" Friends, there was little reason, touching points 
 of doctrine, for the preaching of Fox, or the first gathering 
 of the Society. All the ground covered by this doctrinal 
 statement was amply treated in the Articles of Religion of 
 the Church of England, and the Confession of the 
 Presbyterians. 
 
 The abo\e document was issued without quotation 
 marks, or any indication as to what "})rimitive"' Friends 
 were responsible for the sentiments contained in its various 
 parts. By careful examination it will be seen that one 
 sentence, at least, is from Barclay's Apology, "but it proves 
 to be a garbled quotation." We refer to the following 
 sentence in the second paragraph in the above article, re- 
 lating to the Scriptures : "But they are not or cannot be 
 subjected to the fallen, corrupt reason <if man."" l^)arclay's 
 complete statement is here given : 
 
 "Yet, as the proposition itself concludeth, to the last 
 l)art of which I now come, it will not from thence follow 
 that these divine revelations are to be subjected to the 
 examination either of the outward testimony of Scripture 
 or of the human or natural reason of man, as to a more 
 
 ^''The Friend, or Advocate of Truth," Vol. I, pp. 152-154. 
 
144 r.IFF. AND LABORS OF FLIAS ITTCKS 
 
 noble and certain rule or touchstone; for the divine revela- 
 tion and inward illumination is that which is evident by 
 itself, forcing the well-disposed understanding and irre- 
 sistibly moving it to assent by its own evidence and clear- 
 ness, even as the common principles of tiatural truths to 
 bend the mind to a natural assent." ^ 
 
 It u ill he seen clciriy that the reference in the docurneiit 
 issued by the ]\Iceting for Suiierings was not onl}' a mis- 
 quotation trnni Barclay, l)ut also misrepresented his mean- 
 ing'. The latter is particularly true if we refer to the to]; 
 of the same i)age that contains the above extract, where he 
 says: "So would T not have any reject or doubt the 
 certainty of that unerring Spirit which (jod hath given his 
 children as that Avhich can alone guide them into all truth, 
 because some have falsely ])retended to it." * It will thus 
 appear clear that Elias Hicks, and not the Meeting for 
 Sufferings, was supported by Barclay. 
 
 The reference in the third paragraph in tlie foregoing 
 "(leclaratic:n" to the ""three that bear record in heaven" is 
 a cjuotation from 1 b>hn ?:7. It is entirely omitted from 
 the Revised Aversion, and thorotigh scholars in the early 
 vcars of tlie nineteenth century were convinced that the 
 passage A\as an interpolation. 
 
 The statement of belief prei)ared by the Meeting for 
 Sufferings was not approved by the Yearly Meeting, so noth- 
 ing was reallv accomplished by the comi)ilation, if such it 
 was. 
 
 Considering the order of the e\'ents recorded, it is hard 
 not to conceive that the attempt to promulgate a "declara- 
 tion of faith" bv the Yearly Meeting was really intended for 
 persotial a])plicati(m to Elias Hicks. Had the plan suc- 
 ceeded, the elders could easily have attetnpted to silence the 
 
 ^ "Barclay's .Apology." Edition of Friends' Book Store, 304 Arch 
 Street, Philadelphia. 1877, p. 68. 
 
 * "'Barclay's .Apology." Edition of 1877, p. 68. 
 
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 ^ 
 
 
 
 ^^ 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLXS HICKS 145 
 
 Jericho preacher in Pliihidelphia. on tlie ground that he was 
 "nnsfuind" toucliing- the doctrine promulgated hy the Yearly 
 .Meetini,^ 
 
 Tlie task of detailing- all of the doings of this period 
 would he too difticuh and distasteful to he fully recorded in 
 this hook. That the unfriendl)- conduct was hy no means 
 all on one side is ])ain fully true. Still, as the determination 
 of the Philadel])hia elders to deal with Elias Hicks, and 
 stoj) his ministry if possihle. was continued, the effort cannot 
 he ignored. 
 
 In h'irst month. 1)^25. the elders presenterl a charge of 
 unsoundness against Elias Hicks in the Preparati\e ]\leet- 
 ing of Ministers and Elders, the intent heing to have the 
 charge forwarded to the monthly meeting, hut this action 
 was not taken. With phenomenal persistence one of the 
 elders introduced the suhject in the monthly meeting, and 
 secured the apj^ointment of a committee to im-estigate the 
 merits of the case. This committee made a re]:)ort un- 
 fa\orahle to Elias Ilicks. which report, his friends claimed 
 was impro])erly enterefl on the minutes. .\ vigorous. l)ut 
 h\' no means a united effort was made to get this report 
 forwarded to Jericho Monthly Meeting', hut this failed. 
 One of the incidents of this attempt against Elias Hicks was 
 the disownment of a meml)er of the Northern District 
 Monthly Meeting, f(^r remarks made in W'estern District 
 ^Monthly Meeting. The rejjort of the committee against 
 Elias was under consideration, when the visitor arose and 
 said : "If it he understood hy the report — if it set forth and 
 declare, that Elias Hicks, the last time he was in this house, 
 ])reached doctrines contrary' to the Holy Scriptures, or con- 
 trru'v to our first or primitive Friends, heing present at that 
 time. I stand here as a witness that it is utterl\- false." ^ 
 Although this Friend was disowned l)y his monthl}- meet- 
 
 '■ "Ci ckhiini's Review." p. 95, 19 
 
146 IJFI-: AND LABORS OF KLIAS HICKS 
 
 iiijj,- he was reinstated by the Quarterly Meeting. It should 
 he said that the report of unsoun<hiess referred to. con- 
 tained this specific charge: "We apprehend that EHas 
 Hicks expressed sentiments inconsistent with the Holy 
 Scriptures, and the religious ])rincip]es our Society has held 
 from its first rise." 
 
 The troul)le in Philadeli)hia was renewed in an ag- 
 gravated form in \'\rs\ month. 1827 when Elias Hicks ap- 
 peared in the city on another religious visit. Of course 
 the atmos]>here had been charged with all sorts of attacks 
 regarding the x'enerable preacher. L'ndcr such conditions 
 no special advertising was necessary to get a crowd. The 
 populace was curious, not a few wanted to hear and see. 
 for themselves, this man about whom so many charges had 
 ])een made. As a matter of course the meeting-houses 
 were crowded beyc^nd their capacity. It was alleged by 
 Orthodox Friends that the meetings were disorderly, which 
 may have been literally true. But the tumult was increased 
 b\- injecting an element of controversy, into the First-day 
 afternoon meeting in Western meeting-house, on the part 
 of an Orthodox elder. All the evidence goes to show that 
 Elias attempted to qniet the tumult. He seems to have been 
 willing to accord liberty of expression to his opponents. 
 The matter was taken into Western Monthly Meeting, a 
 committee entering the following charge: "That a large 
 and disorderly concourse of people were brought together, 
 at an unseasonable hour, and under circumstances that 
 strongly indicated a design to preoccupy the house to the 
 exclusion of most of the members of our meeting, and to 
 suppress in a riotous manner any attempt that might be 
 made to maintain the doctrine and principles of our religious 
 societv. in opposition to the views of Elias Hicks." ® 
 
 " "Ci^ckhnrn's Ki \ic\\ , 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 147 
 
 1^lie literal truthfulness of this charge in every particu- 
 lar may he at least mildly Cfuestioned. It must be remem- 
 bered that of the Friends in Philadel])hia at that time, the 
 Orthodox were a minority of about ojie to three. The 
 majority of Friends felt that much of the trouble was per- 
 sonal, and they undoubtedly flocked to hear the traduced 
 preacher. The (nitside crowd that came could not right- 
 fully or wisely have been kept from attending public meet- 
 mgs. Both parties had been sowing to the wind, and 
 neither could validly object to the whirlwind that inevitably 
 came. Still Western Monthly Meeting proposed to deal 
 with a visiting minister from another yearly meeting, on 
 points of doctrine, and there can be little doubt that arbi- 
 trary |)roceedings of this sort had quite as much, if not 
 more, to do with kindling the fires of "separation," as the 
 preaching of Elias Hicks. 
 
 Rapidly the trouble ran back to the opi>osition raised 
 by the elders in 1822. Eventually Green Street Monthly 
 Meeting l)ecame the center of Society difficulty. It will be 
 remembered that in the year last written that monthly meet- 
 ing had enjoyed a family visitation from Elias Hicks, and 
 had subsequently given him a minute of approval. After 
 this one of the elders, who acquiesced in this action, joined 
 the other nine in written disapproval of Elias Hicks. The 
 maj(^r portion of the monthly meeting proposed to take 
 the inconsistent conduct of this elder under care, and the 
 matter was handed over to the overseers. In thus hastily 
 invoking the discipline, Green Street Monthly Meeting made 
 an apparent error of judgment, even admitting that the 
 spirit of the transaction was not censurable. This lirought 
 the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders precipitously 
 into the case. Finally Green Street Monthly Meeting re- 
 leased the Friend in question from his station as elder. A 
 question arose on which there was a sharp discussion as to 
 
148 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLAS HICKS 
 
 whether elders were independent of the overseers in tlic 
 exercise oi their (ifticial (Uities. A loni;' line nt conduct fol- 
 lowed, tinally resulting' in the Quarterly Meeting;- of 
 Ministers and Elders sendins^- a report to the q-eneral 
 quarterly meetino-, amounting- to a remonstrance against 
 Green Street Monthly Meeting. This aiJi)eared to he a 
 violation of Disci])line. which said: ".\'one of the said 
 meetings of ministers and elders are in anywise to interfere 
 with the husiness i)f any meeting for discii)line." ' These 
 matters, with the remonstrance of the released (ireen Street 
 elder, would therefore seem to ha\e heen irregularly hrought 
 before the (juarterK- meeting. It was claimed by the friends 
 of Elias Hicks that he had broken n< i rule of discipline: that 
 the charge, that he held "sentiments inconsistent with the 
 Scriptitres. and the ])rinciples of Friends." was \ague as to 
 its matter, and pureK' ])ersonal as to the manner of its cir- 
 culation. Up to tliis point it shdulil be remembered, tlie 
 contro\'ersv was almost entirely centered on Elias Hicks. 
 
 This matter dragged along, a source of constant dis- 
 ttu'bance. a])])earing in perha])s a new form in the Quarterly 
 jMeeting- of Ministers and Elders in Eighth month, i8jC). 
 The immediate acticMi involved api)ointing a committee to 
 assist the Preparatixe Meeting of Ministers and FJders of 
 Green Street Monthly Meeting, the assumed necessity in 
 the case being the reported unsoundness of a Green Street 
 minister, a charge to this effect having been preferred by 
 one member onl\-. Idie situation, however, caused an abate- 
 ment in answering the (|uery relating to lo\e and unity. 
 While these transactions were going on among the ministers 
 and elders. Green Street Monthly Meeting took action wliich 
 remo\ed two of its elders from that station in tlie Society. 
 The two (le])osed elders took their griexances to the general 
 
 ' Rnlc« (if Discipline of the Ye;irly Meeting nf l->ien(L. Iield 
 Pliiladelphia, 1806, p. 67. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL\S HICKS 149 
 
 quarterly meeting. While the quarterly meeting would not 
 listen to a statement of grievances, yet a committee to go 
 over the whole case was appointed. The committee thus 
 appointed, without waiting an}' action l)y the quarterly meet- 
 ing, transformed the removal of the aggrieved elders into 
 an ai:)peal, rnid then demanded that Green Street Alonthly 
 Meeting turn over to that committee all the minutes relating 
 to the case of the two elders. This the Green Street Meet- 
 ing refused to do. Although the case bad never been be- 
 fore the f]uarterlv meeting, tlie committee r)t in(|uiry re- 
 ported to the full meeting, that all of the action of (ireen 
 Street Monthlv Meeting relating to the tW(T elders slioul<l 
 be annulled. It was claimed that, by virtue of the leader- 
 ship which the Orthodox had in the (juarterly meeting, a 
 ])recedent had been established which gave committees the 
 right to exceed the power conferred upon them by the meet- 
 ing which ap])ointed them. The committee had not been 
 a])pointed to decide a case, but to investigate a complaint, 
 h^ollowing this experience, after much WM-angTmg. and 
 in the midst of manifest disunit}-. and against what it was 
 'claimed was the manifest opposition of the major portion 
 of the meeting, the quarterly meeting in Eleventh month, 
 1826. appointed a committee to visit the monthly meetings. 
 This committee was manifestly one-sided, but could ha\'e no 
 possible disciplinarv service from extending brotherly care. 
 Xevertheless at the quarterly meeting in Fifth month, 1827, 
 this committee, for ]M-esunied gospel labor, reported that the 
 large Green Street Monthly Meeting sliould be laid down, 
 and its members attached to the Xorthern District Monthly 
 Meeting. It is not necessary to enter into any argument 
 as to the right of a (piarterly meeting, under our s\-stem. to 
 lav down an acti\e monthly meeting, without that meeting's 
 consent. 1 he laving down of Green Street ^^(^nthly Meet- 
 ing followed the "separation'' in tlie yearly meeting. It 
 --liould ])e said that in Secnd niontli, iXjj, (ireen Street 
 
tso LIFE AND LABORS OF ELI AS HICKS 
 
 Monthly Meeting, attempted to secure consent from the 
 quarterly meeting- to transfer itself to Abington Quarterly 
 Meeting, and subsequently this was done. 
 
 The claim was made, and with some show of reason, 
 that the various lines of conduct taken against (rreen Street 
 Monthly Meeting, were incited by a desire to punish this 
 meeting for its friendl}' interest in Elias Hicks. 
 
 We are rapidly approaching the point where the So- 
 ciety troubles in Pliiladelphia ceased to directly relate to 
 Elias Hicks. It will be remembered that there was trouble 
 touching the preaching of Elias coming by way of Southern 
 Quarterly Meeting in 1822. The facts indicate that a ma- 
 jority of that meeting was quite content to let matters rest. 
 It seems, however, that two members of the Meeting for 
 Sufferings from that quarter had misrepresented their con- 
 stituency in the Hicks controversy. Therefore in 1826 
 that quarterly meeting discontinued the service of the t^o 
 members of the Meeting for Sufferings, supplying their 
 places with new appointments. This action was objected 
 to by the full meeting, the majority holding that members 
 could not have their service discontinued by the constituent 
 bodies which appointed them. An attempt was made to 
 convince Southern Quarterly Meeting that it was improper 
 and illegal to appoint new representatives, if the old ones 
 were willing to serve. It was also claimed that it was 
 "never intended to release the representatives from a 
 quarterly meeting to the Meeting for Sufferings, except at 
 their own request." ^ Surely the Discipline then operative 
 gave no warrant for such an inference.® Assuming that 
 the above contention was valid, the Meeting for Sufferings 
 
 " "Cockbiirn's Review," p. T70. 
 
 "Rules of Discipline of the Yearly MeetivLj of I'Vieufi'-, held in 
 Pliiladelphia, t8o6. p. 54-55. 
 
LIFE AND LAHORS OK EI.IAS lUCKS xsi 
 
 would simply ha\e become a small hierarchy in the Society, 
 never to he dissolved, except at its own request. 
 
 ft would seem, howex'er, that the rules govennni; the 
 JMeetiui;" tor Sutler ins^s were especially made to i^uard 
 ;ii^'ainst just sucli an exercise of ])ower as lias been men- 
 tioned, rhe l)isci[)rme under the heachnt;-, "Meetiui^" for 
 SulTerin^s," contained this pro\ision : '"The said meeting" 
 is not to meddle with an}- matter of faith or discipline, 
 which has not been determined l)v the yearly meeting," '" 
 This will make it ])lain why there was such an anxiet}' that 
 the statement of doctrine issued in [(Sj:^," sh.ould l)e en- 
 dorsed by the yearly meeting, and when that failed, how 
 utterly the statement was without authoritv or binding force 
 on the Societ}' in general or its members in particular. 
 
 '" Tlir ^amc. p. 33. 
 
 ".See patfc i.?(| (if iliis Ixink. 
 
CHAPTER XVI r. 
 
 Three Sermons Reviewed. 
 
 We hav^e reached the point where it would seem in 
 order to consider the matter contained in S(^me of the ser- 
 ?nons preached by Eh'as Hicks, in order to determine, if we 
 can, what there was about the matter or the manner of 
 his ministry, which contributed to the controx'ersy, per- 
 sonal and theol(\<iical, «hich for several years (h'sturbed the 
 Society of Friends. 
 
 The tnuible was initiated, and for sonie time agitated. 
 h\- comparatively few i)eopfe. Two or three h'riends l)e5;an 
 talkin-;- about what Elias said, from memory. Eater they 
 took ktiii^-hand notes of his sermons, in either case using; 
 isolated and (h'sc(^nnected sentences and expressions. Taken 
 from their association with the l)alance of the sermon, and 
 pas.sed from mouth to mouth by critics, they assumed an ex- 
 ag-o-eraled importance, and sto(xI out boldly as centers of 
 contro\ersy. 
 
 All of the evidence goes to show that little attempt was 
 made to g'i\'e printed publicity to these discourses, until the 
 preacher had been made famous by the warmth and extent of 
 the controversy over the character of his preaching. 
 
 A \'olume of twehe sermons preached 1)\' I^lias Hicks 
 at \arious points in Pennsyhania in |S_'4 was published the 
 following vcar in Phila(lel]:)hia b\- Joseph and luhvard 
 Parker. These discourses were taken in short-liand by 
 Marcus T. C. (iould. Two years later, in icSjj, ( iould be- 
 gan the publication of "The Quaker." which contained ser- 
 mons bv Elias. and a few otlier ministers in the Society. 
 In his advertisement of the first volume of this publication. 
 after stating the fact of the controversy which was rapidly 
 
\AFK AND LABORS OF l-M.IAS lilCKS 153 
 
 diNidin^- the Sucictx ot" l'"i"icii<l> in iwo (.•Dntendni'^ i)ariic>. 
 Gould sa\"s : 
 
 "A I this important crisis, the ie])iirlcr and ])r( iprictor ol" 
 the following work was employed hy the joint consent ol 
 both parties, to record in meeting' the s])eeches of the indi- 
 \'idual whose doctrines were ])\ some ])r(tnonnced sonnd. 
 and by others unsound. Since that period he has continued 
 to recorcl the languag'e of the same speaker, an<l others who 
 stand hii^h as ministers in the Societ}'. and the mend)ers 
 have continued to read his re])orts. as the only way of 
 arrivin<>" at the truth, in relation to discourses whicli were 
 \ariously represented." 
 
 It is not our pur])o>(.' in this clia])ler to o-i\-c sermons 
 or parts of sermons in detail. On the other haml. tt) simply 
 review a few of these discourses as samples, because at the 
 time of their deliver}- thev called out opposition from Ortho- 
 (lo.x Friends. It may be fairly inferred that they contained 
 in whole or in |)art the points of doctrinal offendint^' in the 
 estimation of the critics of Elias Hicks. 
 
 The first of the series of sermons especialb under re- 
 view, was delixered in the Pine Street meeting' house. Phila- 
 delphia, Twelfth month \o. rSjf). At the conclusion of this 
 sermon Jonathan E\ans arose, and spoke substantially as 
 follows : 
 
 "I beliexe it to be ri^ht for me to say. that <inr Society 
 has always believed in the atonement, mediation, and inter- 
 cession of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ — that by him 
 all things were created, in heaven and in earth, both visible 
 and invisible, whether they be thrones, principalities, or 
 powers. 
 
 'AVe believe that all things were created by him. and 
 for him : and that he was before all things, and that by him 
 all things consist. And any doctrine which goes _ to in- 
 validate these fundamental doctrines of the Christian re- 
 ligion we cannot admit, nor do we hold ourselves account- 
 able for. 
 
 "Great efforts are making to make the people believe 
 that Tesus Christ was no more than a man, but we do not 
 
 20 
 
154 LIFE AND LABORS OF I-IIJAS HICKS 
 
 Iielieve any s'uch tiling", nor can we receive any such doc- 
 trine, or any thing wliicli goes to inculcate such an idea. 
 
 "\\*e believe him to be King of kings, and Lord of 
 lords, before whose judgment seat every soul shall be ar- 
 raigned and judged by him. W'e do not conceive him to 
 be a mere man ; and we therefore desire, that people may 
 Jiot suppose that we hold any such doctrines, or that we 
 hr.vc any tmity wath them.'' 
 
 Isaac Lloyd said: "I unite w itli bmathan Evans — we 
 never have believed that our blessed Lord and Saviour, 
 Jesus Christ, came to the Jews onlv; for he was given for 
 God's salvation, to tlie ends of the earth." ' 
 
 r<> these doctrinal statements Elias Hicks added: "I 
 ha\c spoken; and 1 lea\'e it for the peo])le to judge — I do 
 not assume the judgment seat." 
 
 It may be informing in this connection t<i examine this 
 sermon somewhat in detail, to see if we can find the definite 
 doctrine wliicli aroused the |)ul)lic opjiosition. The text 
 was. "Let love l)e without dissimulation." Ha\ing declared 
 that there could be no agreement between liatred and love; 
 and that love could not promote discord, he indtilg'ed iri what 
 ma}- l)e called a s])iritnal figure of speech, declaring that a 
 (."lu'istian must I)e in tlie same life. ;m(l li\-e with the same 
 bji'od that Christ did. making the fallowing exjilanation : 
 "As the support of the animal life is tlie Ijjood; so it is with 
 the siiul : the breath of life which (1«k1 breatlied into it is the 
 blood of the soul : the life of the soul : and in this sense we 
 are to understand it. and in no other sense." 
 
 He referred to the rejiroxer of our sins, said that it is 
 (lod who re])roves tis. "Xow. here is the great business of 
 our li\es." he remarked, "not only to know this reprover, 
 but to know that it is a gift from (}od. a manifestation of 
 his own ptn^e life, that was in his son Jesus Christ." Con- 
 tinuing he said : 
 
 " \< the apostle testifies: "In him was life, and the life 
 "llu- Quaktr," \'i>l. i. p. 72. 
 
IJF^'K AND LABORS (^F F-II.IAS HICKS 155 
 
 was tlie li.L;lit ni' men; and llial was the true H.i^lit. wliicli 
 lii^litctli exery man thai coniclh into the worhl.' Xnw can 
 we hesitate a single moment, in rej^ard to the truth of thi> 
 declaration.' \o sensible, reflecting- mind can possibly d>.' 
 it." - 
 
 Touching" the outward and written a^ coiii])arcd with 
 the inner hiw of life, he afVirmed : 
 
 ■■Jlere is a law more coni])rehensi\ e than the hiw d 
 -Moses, and it is clear to every individual of its. as the law- 
 was to the Israelites. For I dare not suppose that the 
 Almight}- would by an}- means tnake it a doubtful or mys- 
 terious one. It would tiot become God at all to sui)])ose 
 this the case — it would be casting- a deep reflection upon his 
 goodness and wisdom. Therefore T coticeixe that the law 
 written in the heart, if we attend to it and do not turn from 
 it to build up traditions, or depend on anything that arises 
 from self, or that is in our own power, but come to be regu- 
 lated by this law, we shall see that it is the easiest thing 
 to be understood that can be, and that all i>ur benefits de- 
 ])end on our complying with this law-. 
 
 "Here ncjw we see what tradition is. It is a departure 
 from this law; and it has the same effect now that tradition 
 had upon the followers of the outward law : as a belief in 
 tradition was produced they were bound by it. and trusted 
 in it. .\nd so people, nowadays, seem to l)e compelled 
 to believe in tradition, and thus the\' turn away from the 
 gospel dispensation, or otherwise the light and life of God's 
 Spirit in the soul, which is the law of the new covenant ; for 
 the law is light and the C(^mmandment a lamp to show us 
 the way to life." ^ 
 
 L'sing" the term, "waslied clean in the blood of the 
 lamb."' lie prc^ceeded to explain himself as follows: 
 
 ".\nd what is the blood of the lamb? It was his life, 
 mv friends; for as outward, material bluod \\a> made use 
 (if to express the animal life, inspired men u>ed it as a 
 simile. Outward blood is the life of the animal, but it has 
 nothing to do with the soul; for the soul has Ud animal 
 blood, no material blood. The life of God in the s<.ul is 
 
 ■" "The Quaker." X'ol. i. p. 5t. 
 ■■■'The Quaker." \'i>\. 1, j>. 61. 
 
156 LIFE AM) LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 the 1)1u(k1 of the soul, and the life of (lod is tlic l>lood of 
 (,kid : and so it was the life and hlood of Jesus Christ his 
 son. i-'or lie was born of the spirit of his heavenly Father, 
 and szcallcKccd up fully and completely in his divine nature, 
 so that he 7cas completely di-rine. It was this that oper- 
 ated, in that twofold state, and governed the whole animal 
 man Avhich was the son c^f Abraham and David — a taber- 
 nacle for his blessed soul. Here now we see that flesh and 
 blood are not capable of being in reality divine : fr)r are they 
 not altogether under the direction and guidance <)f the soul? 
 Thus the animal bod}- of Jesus did nothing but what the 
 (li\ ine i)ower in the soul told it to do. Here he was 
 swallowed up in the divinity of his Father while here on 
 earth, and it was this that was the active thing, the active 
 principle, that governed the animate earth. For it corre- 
 sponds, and cannot do otherwise, with Almighty goodness, 
 that the soul shotild have power to command the animal 
 bodv to do good or evil : because he has placed us in this 
 probationary state, and in his wisdom has set evil and good 
 before us — light and darkness. He has made us free 
 agents, and given us opportunity to make our own election. 
 "Here now we shall see what is meant by election, the 
 election of God. A\'e see that those who choose the Lord 
 for their portion and the God of Jacob for the lot of their 
 inheritance, these are the elect. .\nd nothing ever did or 
 can elect a soul to God, but in this choice.'** 
 
 Ft is not eas\- to see how any one can inipariially con- 
 sider tlie foregoing, es]>ecially the words printed in italics. 
 and continue to claim that Flias Hicks denied the divinity 
 of ("iirist. Xear the end of this sermon we find the follow- 
 ing ])arrigra])li : 
 
 ■'I sav. dearlv beloved, my soul craves it for us, that 
 we ma\- sink down and examine ourselves: according to the 
 declaration of the apostle: 'E.xamine yourselves whether 
 ve be in the faith : prove your own selves : know ye not 
 your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye 
 be reprobates?' Now we cannot suppose that the apostle 
 meant that outward man that walked alxnit the streets of 
 Jerusalem ; because he is not in any of us. lint what is 
 this Jesus Christ? He came to be a Saviour to that na- 
 
 The Quaker," \'ol. i, p. (>2. 
 
IJI-K AND LABORS (JF El. IAS HICKS 157 
 
 tion. and was liinilcd to ihal nation. He came to gather 
 up, and look up the lost sheep of the house of Israel. But 
 as he was a Saviour in the outward sense, so he was an 
 outward shadow of good things to come; and so the work 
 of the man, Jesus Christ, was a figure. He healed the sick 
 of their outward calamities — -he cleansed the leprosy — all 
 of which was external and affected only their bodies — as 
 sickness does not affect the souls of the children of men, 
 though they may labour under all these things. But as he 
 was considered a Saviour, he meant by wdiat he said, a 
 Saviour is within you, the anointing of the spirit of God is 
 within you : for this made the ways of Jesus so wonderful 
 in his day that the Psalmist in his prophecy concerning him 
 exclaims: 'Thou hast loved righteousness and hated in- 
 iquity ; therefore God, even thy God hath anointed thee with 
 the oil of gladness above thy fellows.' He had loved right- 
 eousness, you perceive, and therefore was prepared to re- 
 ceive the fullness of the spirit, the fullness of that divine 
 anointing; for there was no germ of e\il in him or about 
 him ; both his soul and body were pure. He was anointed 
 above all his fellow's, to be the head of the church, the top 
 stone, the chief corner stone, elect and precious. And 
 what was it that was a Saviour? Xot that which was out- 
 ward; it was not flesh and blood; for 'flesh and blood can- 
 not inherit the kingdom of heaven' ; it must go to the earth 
 from whence it was taken. It was that life, that same life 
 that I have already mentioned, that was in him. and which 
 is the light and life of men, and which lighteth every man, 
 and consequently every woman, that cometh into the world. 
 And w^e have this light and life in us ; which is what the 
 apostle meant by Jesus Christ; and if we have not this rtil- 
 ing in us we are dead, because we are not under the law of 
 the spirit of life. For the 'law is light and the rejiroofs of 
 instruction the way to life.'"' 
 
 Unless the so-called heterodox doctrine can be found 
 in the foregoing extracts, it does not exist in the sermon 
 under disctission. 
 
 Two other sermons were evidently l)Oth considered of- 
 fensive and objectionable by the orthodox. One was 
 preached at the Twelfth Street meeting. Twelfth month 10. 
 
 'Thf Quaker," Vol. i, p. 68. 
 
158 LIFE AND LABORS OF KLIAS HICKS 
 
 1826. .'111(1 the other the uth nf the same month at Key'^ 
 Alley, hoth in Philadelphia. At the Twelfth Street meet- 
 in«>', amid nincli eon fusion. Thomas Wistar attem])te(l to 
 contro\ert what hdias flicks had said in certain [)aniculars. 
 While this iMa'end was talkini^'. hdias tried to persuade the 
 audience to be quiet. 
 
 At l\e\'s Alk'}', when I'"lia> had finished. Philadel])iu'a 
 Pemherton. in the midst of a distiu'hance that nearly 
 flrOAAued his \"oice. i;a\e an exhortation in suppm-t nt tlie 
 outward and \icarious atonement. When hriend Pemher- 
 ton ceased, hdias Hicks expressed his ideas rei^ardini;" t^os- 
 ])el order and \ariety in the ministry, for which I'riends had 
 always stood, in which he said : 
 
 "Aly dear friends, God is a God of order — and it will do 
 ine i^reat pleasure to see this meeting- sit quiet till it closes. 
 We have, and claim gospel privileges, and that exery one 
 m'ay be persuaded in his own mind ; and as we have gifts 
 differing, so ought ever} one tcj have an opportunity t" 
 speak, one by one, but not two at once, that all may be com- 
 forted. If any thing be revealed (and we are not to speak 
 except this is the case), if any thing be revealed to one. 
 let others hold their peace — this is according to order. 
 And I desire it. once for all, my dear friends, if yon love 
 me, that you will keep strictly to this order: it will be a 
 great comfort to my spirit."" 
 
 Speaking of the fear of God. he said that he did n(.t 
 mean ''a fear that arises from the dread of torment, or 
 of chastisement, or an\thing of this kind: for that may be 
 no more than the fear of devils, for they. a\ e read, believe 
 and tremble." His theory was that fear must be based on 
 knowledge, and the fear to dis])lease God is not because of 
 what he mav do to us. but wliat. for want of thi< knowledge. 
 we lose. 
 
 .Again, he practically repeated what was e\idently con- 
 
 " "Tlic Quaker," \'(>1. i. |) 125. 
 
I. IFF. AND LABORS OF KIJAS HICKS 159 
 
 si(ltM"(.'<l ;i iruisni: "M}' friends \\c arc not to look fnr a 
 law in (inr ncimiilx »r"s licarl. nor in nuv nc-ii^hhor's l)i»i)k; but 
 we are to look for that law wliieli is to be our rule and 
 i^'uide. in our consciences, in (tur souls; for ibe law is whole 
 and perfect." CcMitinuinii' he remarked: 
 
 "Now, how Concordant tliis is with the testimony of 
 Jesus, when he (|ueried with hi^ disciples in this wise: 
 "Whom do men say that 1 the son of man am?" They 
 enumerated se\eral characters. accordin<^' to the views of 
 the ])eople in that day. l'>ut until we come to this inward, 
 di\ine law, we shall know nothiuL;- ri*^htly of that mani- 
 festation; for none of us ha\e seen liim, nor any of his 
 works which he acted outwardly. But here we find some 
 are guessin:^'. one way, and some another way, till they be- 
 come cruel respecting- different opinions about him, inso- 
 much that they will kill and destroy each other for their 
 opinions. This is the eft'ect of men's turning away from 
 the true light, the witness for God in their own souls; it 
 throws them into anarchy and confusion."' 
 
 In the opinion of b^dias Hicks, it was not the man Peter 
 that was to constitute the rock upon which the church was 
 to be built, but rather the inner revelation, which enabled 
 the discii)le to know that the Master \vas the Christ. "When 
 a true Christian comes to this rock, he comes to know it. 
 as before j^ointed out; and here e\er\- one must see, when 
 they btiild on this di\ine rock, this re\ealed will of our 
 Id^eavenly blather, there is no fear." 
 
 Touching the \ital matters of saKation. we make the 
 followdng extracts from this sermon ; 
 
 "Nothing but that whicli is begotten in everv soul can 
 manifest God to the soul, ^'ou must know^ this for your- 
 selves, as nothing which you read in the Scriptures can 
 give you a sense of his sa\ing and almighty power. Now, 
 the only begotten is wdiat the power of God besrets in the 
 soul, bv the soul uniting with the \isitations of divine love. 
 
 ■"The Quaker," Vi.]. 1. ji. 94. 
 
i6o lAY'E AND I,ABC)RS OF RI.IAS HICKS 
 
 It becomes like a union— the soul >ul)niits and \ iel(l> ilselt 
 up to God and the revelation of his power, and ihus it be- 
 comes wedded to him as its hea\enly Iuis1)aud. Mere, now, 
 is a birth of the Son of ( !od ; and this must 1)e l)es^otten in 
 every soul, as (iod can be manifested by notliin^;- else. 
 
 "Now, what was this Holy (ihost and spirit of truth, 
 and where are we to find it? ITe did not Iea\e his disciples 
 in tlie dark — "ITe dwelleth witli you. and shall be in you.' 
 ]\Iind it, my friends. What a blessed sovereign (iod thi-~ 
 is to be the children of men — a (Iod who has placed a i)c»r- 
 tion of himself in everv rational soid — a measure of his 
 grace sufficient for every ])urpose, for the redemption of the 
 souls of men from sin and transgression. an<I tn lead them 
 to the kingdom of hea\en. And there is no other way. 
 Then do not put it ofT any longer; do not procrastinate any 
 longer; do not say to-morrow, but immediately turn inward, 
 for the day calls aloud for it — e\er}'thing around us calls 
 for us to turn inward, to that which will hel]^ us to dn the 
 great work of oiu' salvation." - 
 
 There seems to lia\e been little, if any, public demon- 
 stration against the preaching of FJias Hicks in meetings 
 where he was present, except in Philadelphia. Tliat is es- 
 ])eciallv true before the coming of tlie English preachers, and 
 the strained conditions that existed just preceding and dm- 
 ing the various acts of separation. Tt will thus be seen 
 that the concern and purpose of the ten men elders of Phila- 
 delphia remained persistent until the end. 
 
 •'The Quaker," V.»l. i, p. 97-' i!^- 
 
CHAPTER Will. 
 
 The Braithwaite Controversy. 
 
 Onk i)|" llie niarkeW incidents (Ini'in^ iIk- ■■separation 
 period was the controxersy between I'.lias Micks and .\nna 
 Braithwaite,' and the still more pointed discnssion indnls^'ed 
 in 1)\- the friends and ])artisans of these two h'riends. I'^"oni 
 our viewpoint there seems to have been a certain amount 
 of unnecessary sensitiveness, which led both these Friend^ 
 to e.\alt to the dii^nitx' of an insult, and ])ositi\e ini])each- 
 tnent of intej^ritx'. matters which ])rol)al)l\ belonoed in tlie 
 doiuain of misunderstandinLi'. It was a])parenily inii)ossil)lc 
 for either to think in the terms >^i the other, and >o tlic con- 
 test wetU I III and ended. 
 
 We shall let her friends state the heL^nmiiiL; and proii- 
 ress (U" .\tnia liraithw aite's reliiiion> lahoi" in America, and 
 quote as follows: "She arri\ed in Xew ^'ork in Im^IuIi 
 month. 1^2,^ h'or seven months she met with no o])])osi- 
 tion. True, ^he alwavs ])reaclied oi-tho(|(.\ (jnctrmo. hut 
 
 ' Anna Braithwaite. daughter of Cliarles and Mary Lloyd, of Bir- 
 mingham, England, was born Twelfth month, 1788. She was married 
 to Isaac Braithwaite, Third month 26. i8og, and removed to Kendal 
 immediately after. She sailed for America on her lirsl visit. Seventh 
 month 7th, 1823. She attended three meetings in New York, and then 
 the Quarterly ^Meeting at Burlington, at which place she seems to have 
 been the guest of Stephen Grellet. She made two other visits to 
 America, one in 1825 and the other in 1827. She returned to England 
 after her first visit to America in the autumn of 1824. The last two 
 visits she made to America she was accompanied by her husband. Anna 
 Braithwaite was a woman of commanding presence, and was unusually 
 cultured for one of her sex at that time. She was something of a 
 linguist, speaking several languages. Her visits in .America were quite 
 extensive, taking her as far south as North Carolina. She died Twelftli 
 month T8th. 1859. 
 
 161 -21 
 
i62 LIFE AN!) LABORS OF l-'.LIAS HICKS 
 
 slic liad made no pnintcd allusions lo ihc reputed >cnlinK-ut- 
 "f |{lias Hicks." - 
 
 It is interestini;- to note that tlic ])ositi\c iJi-eachini;- ot 
 "orthodox doctrine." on its merits, caused no (i])])osition. 
 even from the friends of Iilias llicks. the trouble only 
 comins; when a ])ersonal apj^lication was made, aniomitiuL; 
 to |)ersonal criticism. This is a fine testimony ti> the min- 
 isterial liljerty in the Society, and really a contirmatiou of 
 the claim that spiritual unity, and not doctrinal uniftM-mity. 
 was the true basis of fellowsliip anioni;- b'rieuds. W e (|uote 
 again : 
 
 ■"She visited Long Island in the spring, and had some 
 opportunities of conversing with Elias llicks on religious 
 subjects, and also of hearing him preach. 'Jdiey diltered 
 widely in sentiment, upon important doctrines, and she 
 soon had to conclude that his were at variance with the 
 hitherto well-established principles of the Society. Witl: 
 these views, she returned to New York, and, subsecjuently. 
 about the time of the Yearly Meeting, in May, she con- 
 sidered it an act of duty to warn her hearers against cer 
 tain specious doctrines, which were gradually spreading, 
 and imdermining what she believed to be the 'true 
 faith.' " -^ 
 
 It seems that Anna Braithwaite was twice the guest of 
 Rlias Hicks in Jericho, dining at his house both times. 1'he 
 hrst visit was in I^^irst month. 1SJ4, and tlie otiier in Third 
 month of the same year. They were Ixith good talkers, 
 and apparently expressed themselves with commendable 
 frankness. The subject-matter of these two conversations, 
 however, became material around whicli a ])ro]onged c(Mitro- 
 versv was wag'ed. Before Anna Braithwaite sailed for 
 
 "■'Calumny Refuted; or, Plain Facts rcrstis Misrepre.sentations." 
 Being reply to Pamphlet entitled, The Misrepresentations of Anna 
 Braithwaite in Relation to the Doctrines Preached by Flias Hicks,'" 
 etc.. p. 2. 
 
 ' The same, p. 6. 
 
I.IFK AN!) LABORS OF-" KLIAS HICKS 16;, 
 
 Eng-land. she w rote :i letter io an uiinatned Friend in Mush- 
 ing- relative [<> the interviews with i'dias Hicks, 'i'he letter 
 was (lat(.'(j Seventh month id, 1SJ4. 
 
 After Anna Ihaithw aite's dci)artin'e from this t"onntr\-, 
 the lettei' referred to. with "Remarks in l\e])I\' to Assertions 
 of I'dias I licks."" was |)n])lislied and extensi\el\- circulated. 
 It hore the lollowini;" im])i"int : "F'hiladel|)hia : Printed foi- 
 the Reader. i<S_'4." ' In this collection was a letter from 
 Ann Shipley, of New York, dated Tenth niontli [5. 1824. 
 in which she declares she was present "dnrin^" the conver- 
 sation hetween her | .\nna Braithwaite] and Ellas Hicks. 
 The statement she left was c(~>rrect."" While .Ann Shipley's 
 letter was ])nl)lished without her consent, it seemed to 
 fortify the IJraithwaite statement, and hoth were exten- 
 sively nsed in an attem])t to cast theolo^'ical odinm on the 
 venerahle ))reacher. Tlie possibility that hoth women nii^ht 
 lia\e misnnderstood or misinterpreted I'dias Hicks does not 
 seem to have entered the minds of the Anti- Hicks partisans. 
 
 This particnlar epistle of Anna Braithwaite does not 
 contain mnch material not to be fonnd in a suljsefiuent letter 
 with "notes." which will receive later treatment. In her 
 letter she habitnally S])eaks of herself in the third person. 
 and makes this observation: "When at Jericho in the ddiird 
 month A. B. took tea with E. H. in a social way. She had 
 n(jt been long- in the honse. when he bei^an to speak on the 
 snbject of the trinity, which A. B. considers a word so 
 !.ia'ossly abnsed as to render it undesirable even to make nse 
 of it." ■"' One cannot well suppress the remark that if a 
 like tenacity of purpose regarding- other theological terms 
 had been held and f(^11owed bv all parties to the contri>\ers\-. 
 
 * ]\lo.-;t of the controversial pamphlets and articles of the ".separa- 
 tion" period were anonynions. Except when the articles were printed in 
 regular periodicals, their publishers were as unknown as their authors 
 
 ' "Remarks in Reply to Assertions of Elias Hicks." \k 7. 
 
itM LIFE AND LABORS OF KLL\S HICKS 
 
 the hi.st<jry uf the Society of l^'riends would have been 
 entirely different front the way it now has to be written. 
 
 Touching- the two visits to Elias Hicks, we have direct 
 tcstinionv from the \isitor. We quote: 
 
 ■"1 tlnmiiln on first entering- the house, my heart and 
 ilt'sh would fail, but after a time of inexpressi])le conflict, 
 1 felt a consoling belief that best help would be near, and 
 I think that every opposing thing was in a great measure 
 kept down. . . . He listened to my views, which I was 
 enabled to give with calmness. lie was many times 
 brought into close quarters; but when he ct)uld not answer 
 me directly, he turned to something else. Aly mind is sor- 
 rowfully affected on this subject, and the widespread mis- 
 chief ari'^ing from the propagation of such sentiments."" 
 
 In another letter, written to her family. >;he thus 
 referred to lier interxiew with Elias Hicks: 
 
 ■"1 have reason to think that, notwithstanding the firm 
 and honest manner in which my sentiments were expressed, 
 an open door is left for further communication. We met in 
 love and we parted in love. He wept like a child for some 
 time before we separated ; so that it was altogether a most 
 affecting opportunity." ' 
 
 While these two Friends undoubtedly were present in 
 ihe same meeting during the subsequent visits of Anna 
 Braithwaite to this country, their relations l)ecame so 
 strained that thev never met on common Friendly ground 
 after the two occasions mentioned. 
 
 After the i)ublication of the comnnmication and com- 
 ments referred to. Elias Hicks wrote a long letter to his 
 friend. Dr. Edwin A. Atlee. of Philadelphia.* This letter 
 became the subject of a good deal of controversy, and may 
 have been the exciting cause of a letter which Anna Braith- 
 
 ' ■•.Memoirs of Anna Braithwaite," by her soil, J. Bevan Braith- 
 waite. p. 129-130. 
 
 • The same, p. 140. 
 
 "The text of this letter will be found listed as Appendix B in 
 this book. 
 
LIFK AXn !.Al',t)RS (tl- F.I. IAS IIKKS 165 
 
 waile wnjte KHas Hick-- < >n the i,:;ili <M' ICleventh iiicnth, 
 1824. from Lod^i^c Lane, iicai- l.i\ cr])i lol. This lelter. with 
 elaborate "'notes." was puhli.shed and widely circnlated on 
 this side of the ocean. The letter itself wonld have catised 
 very little excitement. Imt the "notes" were vigorous causes 
 of irritation and antagonism. The authorship of the 
 "ncjtes" was a matter of disjjute. It was claimed that they 
 were not written hv .Anna Braithwaite. and the internal 
 e\i(lence ga\e color to that conclusion. They were not, in 
 whole or in ])art. entirely in her spirit, and the temi)er of 
 them was rather masculine. There were persons who 
 believed, but, of course, without positive evidence, that 
 Joseph John Gurney was their author. 
 
 The letter of Anna Braithwaite contains few points not 
 covered bv the "notes." She charges that Elias had denied 
 that the Scriptures were a rule of faith and practice, and 
 it was also claimed that he repudiated "the propitiatory sac- 
 rifice of our T.ord and Savious Jesus Christ." This, she 
 affirmed, was infidelity of a most pronounced type. 
 
 The "notes" attached to this letter constitute a stinging 
 arraigntnent of the supposed sentiments of Elias Hicks. 
 Thev were considered by his friends such an unwarranted 
 attack as to call for vigorous treatment, and in numerous 
 wavs thev became jioints of controversy. They were mild 
 at first. l)ut personal and almost bitter at the last. The first 
 "note" in the collection briefly, but fully, lays the fotmdation 
 for arl)itrarv authority in religion. It says: 
 
 "Tt is a regulation indispensably necessar}' to the peace 
 of societ\ . and to the preservation of order, consistency 
 and harmony among Christians, that the members of every 
 religious body, and es])ecially those who assume the office 
 of teachers or ministers, should be responsible to the 
 authorities established in the church, for the doctrines 
 whicli thev hold and i)ronudgate." ^ 
 
 *A letter from Anna Braithwaite to Elias Hicks, on the Nature 
 of His Doctrines, etc., p. 9. 
 
i66 LIFE AND LABORS f)F LLLAS HICKS 
 
 There is critical reference to a statement uhicli Anna 
 Hraitliwaite said Elias Hicks made in the Meeting- of Min- 
 isters and Klders in Jericho, touching spiritttal guidance in 
 appointing peo])le to service in the Society. Slie says that 
 l^iias declared that "if each I">iend attended to his or her 
 pro])er gift, as this spirit is endued with prescience, that n<> 
 l'"riend would be named for any a])pointment, hut such as 
 would attend, and din'ing my long cotn"se of exj)erience. I 
 have never appointed any one who was presented from 
 attending either by illness or otherwise." '" 
 
 In his letter to Dr. Atlee. Elias states his expression at 
 the meeting as differing from Anna Uraithwaite's in a 
 material Avay. This is what he declares he said : "That I 
 thotight there was something wrong in the present instance. 
 for, as we profess to l)elieve in the gtiidance of the Sjiirit ot 
 Truth as an unerring S])irit. was it not reasonal)]e to ex])ect. 
 especiallv in a meeting of ministers and elders, that if each 
 I'riend attended to their pro])er gifts, as this Spirit is endued 
 with prescience, that it would be mucli more likely, under 
 its divine influence, we should be led to appoint such as 
 would attend on particular and necessary occasions, than to 
 api)oint those A\'hi> would not attend.'" 
 
 We make these ({notations not only to show the differ- 
 ence in the two statements, but to also make it plain what 
 small faggots were used to build the fires of controversy 
 regarding tlie opinions of Elias Hicks. It looks in this 
 particular citation like, a case of criticism gone mad. The 
 following extracts are from the "notes": 
 
 "We shall now notice the comparatively modern work 
 of that arch-infidel, Thomas Paine, called "The Age of 
 Reason." many of the sentiments of which are so exactly 
 similar to those of Elias Hicks, as almost to induce us to 
 suspect plagiarism." '' 
 
 " The same, p. 4. 
 " The same, p. 23-24. 
 
LIFi-. AND LABORS ()!■ KI.IAS HirKS 167 
 
 ■*\\'c could adduce lar^e (luclalions fn mi auilinrs of the 
 -^anle school with Paiue, showiu^ in the must conclusive 
 manner that the dogmas of Elias Hicks, so far from being: 
 further revelations of Christian doctrines, are merely the 
 stale objections to the relis:ion of the Bible, which have l)een 
 so freciuently routed and driven from the field, to the utter 
 shame and confusion of their promulgators." '- 
 
 11iose who defended Elias Hicks saw in these criti- 
 cisms an act of persecittion. and a veiled attempt to under- 
 mine his reputation as a man and a minister. The latter 
 effort was read into the following paragraph, which was 
 presented as an effort at justifying the criticism of the 
 Jericho jireacher. We qtiote : 
 
 "It was both Friendly and Christian to warn them of 
 the danger of listening with credulity to one whose high 
 profession, reputed morality, and popular eloquence, had 
 given him considerable influence; and if his opinions had 
 been correct, the promulgation of them would not have 
 proved prejudicial to him." '■'■ 
 
 The references to 'J'honias Paine will sound singularly 
 overdrawn if read in connection with the reference of Elias 
 Hicks to the same person.'* It may be asserted with some 
 ilegree of safety that it is doubtful if either P^lias Hicks or 
 his critics ever read enotigh of the writings of Thomas 
 Paine to be really (|ualitled to judicially criticise them. 
 
 \Vlien Anna Braithwaite visited this country the second 
 time, in 1825. .she found matters much more tmsettled than 
 on her first visit. Her own part in the controxersy had 
 been fully, if not fairly, discussed. As showing her own 
 feeling touching the second visit, we qtiote the following 
 from a sermon preached by her : 
 
 "1 have thought many times, wdiile surrounded b\- my 
 
 '" The same, p. 26. 
 
 " The same, p. 21-22. 
 
 '* See page 117 of this book. 
 
i68 LIKK AND LABORS O I-' F.I. IAS IlKKS 
 
 laniily attd my friends, and when I liave bowed before the 
 throne of grace, how ver}- near and how very dear were 
 iny fellow-believers, on this side of the Atlantic, made unto 
 !ny soul. It seemed to me, as if in a very remarkable man- 
 ner, their everlasting- welfare was brought before me. as if 
 my fellow-professors of the same religious ])rinciples with 
 myself were in a very peculiar manner the objects of much 
 solicitude. How have I had to pour out ni\ soul in secret 
 unto the i.ord. that he would turn them more and more. 
 and so let their light shine before men. that all being 
 believers in a crucified Saviour, they may be brought to 
 know for themselves that though 'Christ Crucified was to 
 the Jews a stumbling l)lock. and unto the Greeks foolish- 
 ness; but unto them which are called, both Jews and (ireeks. 
 Christ, the power of God and the wisdom of God.' I say 
 my soul hath been poured out before the Lord, that their 
 light might shine in a still more cons]^icuous manner, 
 through their hearts being brought into dee]i prostration <if 
 soul, that so their works migln glorify their I^'ather which is 
 in heaxen. My heart was enlarged toward every religious 
 denomination: for surely, the world oxer, those who arc 
 belie\ers in Christ ha\e one common bond of union — they 
 are the salt of the earth — the little flock to wdiom the Father 
 in his good pleasure will give the Kingdom. I have often 
 gre.atly desired to be with you. while I am well aware that 
 to many it mtist api)ear a strange thing, that a female 
 should leaxe her home, her family, riud her l'ricn(l>. and 
 should thus expose herself to the public, to jireach the glad 
 tidings of salvation through Jesus Christ : yet I have 
 thought, my beloved friends, that though all may not see 
 into these things, yet surely there is no other Avay for any 
 of us. but to yield up our thoughts unto the Lord." ' ' 
 
 There seem to have been some I'riends desirous of 
 pro(hicing a meeting between Anna I'raithwaile and I'.lias 
 Hicks (hu'ing this \isit. in Tenth month. iS_'5. she wrote 
 him from Kijjp'-- I'.av , Long Ishmd. .She informed him of 
 her arrival, and then stated "tliat if lie wishes to have an\ 
 comniimication with her. she is willing to meet him in tin 
 presence of their mtitnal frietids, or to answer anv letter he 
 
 '"' Sermon and prayer by Atnia Braithvvaite. delivered in Friends' 
 Meeting. Arch Street, Philadelphia. Octoher 26. 1825. Taken in short 
 hand by M. T. C. Gould, stenographer, p. 4-5. 
 
l.II-'K AN' I) LABORS n !• K 1.1 AS HICKS i6y 
 
 ni;i\" wi'ite [o her;'" then slie adds these reiiiai'kable words: 
 'lla\iin;- written to thee sometime ai^o. what 1 thought wa> 
 right, I do not ash an interview.' " '" 
 
 To this communication Elias Hicks made a somewhat 
 lull reph'. He sa)"s tliat her notes of the couxersation. 
 'Mivers of which were without founchuion," led him to 
 wonder win- she sliould even think of having any future 
 communication with him. Fie then says: 
 
 '■'Hiat 1 have no desire for any further conununication 
 with thee, either directly or indirectly, until thou makest 
 a suitable acknowdedgment for thy breach of friendship, as 
 is required by the salutary discipline of our Society ; but as 
 it resi)ects myself, I freely forgive thee, and leave thee to 
 l)ursue thy own w-ay as long as thou canst find true peace 
 and quiet therein." ''' 
 
 It has to be sai«l regretfulls that during Anna i'railli- 
 waite's second visit to this country, she met with lK)th 
 ])ersonal and Society rebuffs. In some meetings her minute 
 was read, but with no e.\})ression of approbation in the case. 
 The Meeting of Ministers and Elders at Jericho appointed 
 a committee.^* to advise her not to appoint an)' more meet- 
 ings in that neighborhood during her stay. .\ good many 
 I'riends objected to her family visits, and, taken altogether, 
 her stay must have been one of trial. 
 
 She came again in the early part of the year 1827. 
 and was here when the climax came in that year and the 
 year foUowdng. 
 
 The English Eriends, who were so nuicli in evidence 
 in otn* troubles, went home to face the Beacon controversy,'* 
 
 '"■"Christian Inquirer," new series, Vol. i.. i8_><\ p. 57. 
 
 '' The same, p. 57. 
 
 " The same, p. 59. 
 
 "This controversy look its name from a periodical call the "Bea- 
 oin," edited bv Isaac Crcwdsnu. In this evanerelical doctrines and 
 
I70 iJFK AND LABORS (JF Kl.IAS HICKS 
 
 then gathering- in England. Tlie Beaconitc movemen" 
 caused several limidred Friends to sever their connection 
 with the Society. Bnt it did not reach the dignity of a 
 division or a separation. Whether the English h'riend'^ 
 j)rotited hy the experiences snffered hy the Society in 
 America is not certain. .\t any rate, they seem to ha\c 
 been al)le to endnre their tlilTerences withont a rn])tnrt 
 After the hjigiish troul)le liad practically snbsided. in 
 1S41, Anna Braithwaite made the following' snggestixe ad- 
 mission, which may well close this chapter: 
 
 "Calm reflection and observation of pa>sing events, and 
 of persons, have convinced me that I took an exaggerated 
 view of the state of society with reference to Hicksism 
 . . . We have as great a horror of Hicksism as ever, but 
 we think Friends generally are becoming more alive to its 
 dangers, and that the trials of the last few years have been 
 blessed to the instruction of man v." -" 
 
 methods were advocated. The Beaconites were strong in advocating 
 the doctrine of justification by faith, and practically rejected the 
 fundamental Quaker theory of the Inner Light. From the American 
 standpoint, the Beaconite position seems to have been the logical 
 development of the doctrines preached hy the EngHsh and American 
 opponents of Elias Hicks. 
 
 '""J. Bevan Braithwaite: a l-'riend r.f llie Xiiuietiiili (\ntuiy," hy 
 his children, p. 59-60. 
 
CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 Ann Jones in Dutchess County. 
 
 In Fifth month. 1828. a year after the division had 
 been acconipHshed in Philadelpliia, a most remarkable round 
 of experiences took phice within the bounds of Nine Part- 
 ners and Stanford (Juarterl\- Meetings, in Dutchess County, 
 New York, hdias Hicks was past eighty years of age, but 
 he attended the series of meetings in the neighborhood men- 
 tioned. George and Ann Jones, Enghsh Friends, much in 
 evidence in "separation" matters, were also in attendance, 
 the result being a series of controversial exhortations, 
 mingled with personal allusions, sometimes gently veiled, 
 but containing what would now pass for bitterness and 
 railing. The "sermons" of tin's series were stenographic- 
 ally reported, and form a small book of ninety-eight pages. 
 
 The first meeting was held at Nine Partners. First-day, 
 Fifth month 4th. Elias Hicks had the first service in the 
 meeting. After he had closed. Ann Jones made the fol- 
 lowing remarks : 
 
 "We have heard considerable said, and we have heard, 
 under a specious pretence of preaching the Gospel, the 
 Saviour of the world denied, who is God and equal with 
 the F'ather. And we have heard that the Scriptures had 
 done more hurt than good. We have also heard the exist- 
 ence of a devil denied, except what arises from our propen- 
 sities, desires, &c." ^ 
 
 * "Strnions" by Elias Hicks, Ann Jones and other-- of tho Society 
 of Friends, at the Quarterly Meeting of Nine Partners and Stanford, 
 and first day preceding in Fifth month, 182S. Taken in shorthand by 
 Henrv Hoag. p. 20. 
 
 171 
 
172 1.1 FK AND LABORS O !• l-:i.lAS HICKS 
 
 After this delixerance, Elias Hicks attain arose and said: 
 
 "I will just obsei"ve that my friends are acquainted 
 with me in these parts, and know me very well when 1 
 speak to them. I came not here as a jud^e, but as a coun- 
 sellor: T leave it for the people to judge. And I would 
 hope to turn them to nothing but a firm and solid convic- 
 tion in their minds. We may speak one by one, for that 
 becometh order. I thought I would add a word or two 
 more. When 1 was young, I read the Scriptures, and f 
 thought that they were not the power, nor the spirit, and 
 that there was but very little in them for me ; but I was 
 vain. But when T had once seen the sin in my heart, then 
 r found that this book pointed to the Spirit, but never con- 
 victed me of sin. 
 
 "I believe that this was the doctrine of ancient Friends ; 
 for George Fox declared that his Saviour never could be 
 slain by the hands of wicked men. I believe the Scriptures 
 concerning Jesus Christ, and David, too, and a host of 
 others, who learned righteousness and were united one with 
 another. I believe that Jesus Christ took upon him flesh 
 made under the law, for all people are made under the law. 
 and Christ is this Light which enlighteneth every man that 
 comes into the world. And now, my friends, I would not 
 have you believe one word of what I say, unless by solid 
 conviction." - 
 
 It w ill be in order to find out what was said by Elias 
 Hicks which called for the personal allusion made by Ann 
 [ones. We are not able to find in the remarks of Elias Hicks 
 on this occasion anything that would justify the strong lan- 
 guage of his critic, especially as to the Scriptures having 
 done more hurt than good. It would seem that the sup- 
 ])lementarv statement quoted must be accepted as containing 
 Ids estimate of the book which he w-as charged with repudi- 
 ating, rather than the critical assertion of his doctrinal 
 opponent. 
 
 There are various statements in the Hicks sermon 
 which denied some of the material claims of popular 
 
 ■ The saint". 
 
LlFli AND l,ABORS OF KLIAS HKKS 173 
 
 thet>logy, but they did not class him with those who denied 
 the existence or spiritual oftke of Christ. In the meetings 
 under review, and at other times, the evidence is abundant 
 that his critics either did not want to or could not under- 
 stand him. He dealt with the spirit of the o-(\si)el, and with 
 the inner manifestation of that spirit in tlie heart. Thex 
 stood for scrijnural lileralness, and for the outward ai)pear- 
 ance of Christ. It is not for us to condemn eitlier side in 
 I lie controversy, but to state the case. 
 
 We produce a few sentences and expressions trom the 
 sermon by Elias Hicks, which might have created antago- 
 nism at the time. Speaking of the "Comforter" which was 
 to come, he said : 
 
 "And what was this Comforter? Not an external one — 
 not Jesus Christ outward, to whom there was brought dis- 
 eased persons and he delivered them from their various 
 diseases. . . . Here, now, he told them how to do : he 
 previously made mention that when the Comforter had 
 come, he would reprove the world of sin — now the world 
 is every rational soul under heaven. And he has come and 
 reproved them. I dare appeal to the wickedest man 
 present, that will acknowledge the truth, that this Light 
 has come into the world ; but men love darkness better than 
 light, because their deeds are evil; yet they know the light 
 ]>y an evidence in their hearts." ^ 
 
 Near the end of this discourse he elaborated his idea as 
 to the inefTectual character of all outward and formal soul 
 cleansing, in the following language : 
 
 "Now can any man of common sense suppose that it 
 (.an be outward blood that was shed by the carnal Jews that 
 will cleanse us from our sins? The blood of Chirst that 
 is immortal, never can be seen by mortal eyes. And to be 
 Christians, we must come to see an immortal view. After 
 Christ had recapitulated the precepts of the law, 'Is it not 
 written in your law, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a 
 
 ' The same, p. 9. 
 
1/4 lAFE AND LABORS ()F KLIAS HICKS 
 
 tooth : but I say unto you, if a man smite thee on one cheek 
 turn to him the other also: and if a man take thy coat from 
 thee, i^ive him thy cloak also.' Don't we see how different 
 the precepts of the law of God are? He tells us how we 
 should do — we should take no advantat^e at all. The 
 Almighty visits us, to iret us willing- to obser\e his law; and 
 if all were concerned to maintain his law. all lawyers would 
 be banished; we should have no need of them; as well 
 as of hireling Priests. We should have no need of them 
 to teach us, nor no need of the laws of men, for each one 
 would have a law in his own mind." * 
 
 The other |M)ints in Dutcliess Couni\- xisited, and 
 in\n]\e<l in the re[)orts of sermons under ci^nsideration, were 
 Chestnut Ricig'e, Stanford and Oblong". At some of these 
 meetings the i)reachers spoke more than once. It does not 
 appear that in the brief coninuuiicatiojis of Cieorge Jones 
 he eitiier directly or indirectly referred to statements made 
 by Elias Hicks, or particularly sought to antagonize them. 
 Ann Jones, however, was not similarly considerate and 
 cautious. Either directly or by inference, she cpu'te g"ener- 
 alh- attempted to furnish the antidote for \\ liat she con- 
 sidered the pernicious doctrine of her fellow-minister. 
 Speaking at Nine Partners Quarterly Meeting, Fifth month 
 "th. .she said : 
 
 *T believe it to be right for me to caution the present 
 company without respect of persons — how they deny the 
 Lord that bought them — how they set at nought the out- 
 ward coming of the Lord Jesus Christ who died for them : 
 they will have to answer it at the awful tribunal bar of God, 
 where it will be altogether unavailing to say that such a 
 one taught me to believe that there was nothing in this. 
 Oh ! my friends ! God hath not left us without a Avitness : 
 Oh, then it is unto the faithful and true witness, 'the testi- 
 mony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy.' I am en- 
 gaged in gospel love to recommend, and to hold out unto 
 vou. that you meddle not with the things of God: and that 
 you cry unto him for help. For what hope can they have 
 
 ' riic same. p. 17. 
 
LIFE AND l,ABORS OF FLIAS HICKS 175 
 
 of present or future .i^ood, or of everlasting- happiness, if 
 they reject the only means appointed of God to come unto 
 the Father through Jesus Christ, tlie messenger of (lod, and 
 of the new covenant?"'* 
 
 At this meeting- Klias Hicks followed Ann Jones in- 
 vocal comniunicaiion. He made no direct reference to 
 wliat she said, the short sermon being largely a reiteration 
 touching the imier revelation to the souls of men, as the 
 reprover of sin, and tlie j)ower which kept from sinning, 
 as against the outward, sacrificial form of salvation. In 
 closing his remarks. FJias Hicks made this statement ; 
 
 "I do not wish to detain this assembly much longer, 
 but 1 want that we should cast away things that are mys- 
 terious, for we cannot comprehend mystery. "Secret things 
 belong to God, but those that are revealed (that are under- 
 stood), to us and our children." And those that are secret 
 can never be found out by the prying of mortals. Do we 
 suppose for a moment — for it would cast an indignity upon 
 God to suppose that he had laid down any name except his 
 own by which we can have communion with him. It is a 
 plain w-ay, a simple way which all can understand, and not 
 be under the necessity to go to a neighbor, and to say, 
 "Know thou the Lord? for all shall know me, from the least 
 of them unto the greatest of them,' as said Jeremy the 
 prophet. It is bowing down to an ignorant state of mind, to 
 suppose that there is no other power whereby we can come 
 unto God, but by one of the offspring of Abraham, and that 
 we have need to go back to the law which was given to the 
 Israelites, and to no other people. He has never made any 
 covenant with any other people, but that which he made 
 with our first parents. That is the covenant that has been 
 made with all the nations of the earth. 
 
 "He justifies for good and condemns for evil. And 
 although every action is to be from the operation of his 
 power, yet he has given us the privilege to obey or disobey ; 
 here now is a self-evident truth : as they have the liberty 
 to choose, so if they do that which is contrary to his will, 
 and so slay the Divine life in the soul : and thus they have 
 slain the innocent Lamb of God in the soul, which is the 
 same thing. All that we want, is to return to the inw^ard 
 
 '' The same, p. 60. 
 
176 L1FL-: AND LABORS (JF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 light in the soul. The Lord had declared beforehand unto 
 them in plain characters, that none need to say, 'Know ye 
 the Lord? for I will be merciful to them, I will forgive their 
 iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.' This 
 was equally the case until the law was abolished : until he 
 blotted out the handwriting of the law, and put an end to 
 outward ordinances. The law was fulfilled when they had 
 crucified him, then it was that that law was abolished that 
 consisted in making their atonements which all had to make. 
 "The people could not understand the doctrine de- 
 livered in the sermon on the mount, although plainh" 
 preached to them. Jesus, when about to take leave of his 
 disciples, left this charge with them: 'Tarry at Jerusalein 
 until the Holy Ghost come upon you'; and then, and not 
 till then, were they to bear witness unto him. He told 
 them that it would bring everything to their remembrance: 
 everything which is by the preaching of the gospel brought 
 to your remembrance ; therefore he says : 'All things shall 
 be brought to your remembrance.' They would not then 
 be looking to anything outward, because he had filled them 
 with the Spirit of truth. What is this, but this Comforter 
 which reproves the world of sin ? All that will obey the 
 voice of this reprover in the soul are in the way of redemp- 
 tion and salvation. 'By disobedience, sin entered into the 
 world and death by sin : but life and immortality is brotight 
 to light by the gospel.' I am willing to leave you, and I 
 recommend you to God, and the power of his grace, which is 
 able to build you up, as you are faithful to its operation." *' 
 
 The last meeting" of the series was held in connection 
 with Nine Partners Quarterly Meeting, Fifth niotith 9th. 
 This was evidentlv the closing session of the Oiiarterl\ 
 Meeting. From these published sermons it wotild seem 
 that Elias Hicks and George Jones were the only Friends 
 Avho engaged in vocal ministry that day. There was nothing 
 specially relevant to the controversy going on iti the Society 
 in either of these short discoiii?cs. 
 
 In reading this collection of seiinons one cannot a\oid 
 the conclusion that, apart from dissimilarity in phraseology, 
 and the matters involved in interpreting Scripture, these 
 
 * The same, p. 71. 
 
l.Il-~l': AND I.AHOkS OF RI.IAS HICKS 177 
 
 I'lit'iids had imicli in common. Had the}" been minded to 
 -^eek for tlie common <^"round. ii is (|uite probable that the_\' 
 would have found that the\' were reall\- (|uarrelin<;' o\er 
 ihe minor, rather than the maior. propositions. 
 
 In h'imhth month. 1S2S. Elias Hicks was on his last 
 religious \isit to the \\\"stern Yearly Meetings. The "sep- 
 aration" in the Xew \'ork "Nearly Meeting" had taken place 
 m b'ifth month, the trouble then passing to the Quarterly 
 and particular meetings. It reached Xine Partners at the 
 ( jnarterh' Meeting held as aboxe. .\nn b^ies attended this 
 meeting, the last sermon in the little \-olume from which 
 the extracts gi\"en in this chapter are taken ha\ing been 
 preached b}" this Friend. There was little new matter in 
 this sermon. Much, by iiuiendo. was laid at the door of 
 those who were pronounced unrirthodox. and who consti- 
 tuted a majorit}' of .the meeting. 
 
 So far as the charge of persecution is concerned, it was 
 repeatedb employed b\" bdias Hicks and his sympathi;^ers 
 in describing the spirit and conduct of the orthodox part}". 
 In this particular, at least, the disputants on l)oth sides were 
 xery much alike. Ann J(Mies' reference to throwing down 
 "his elders and prophets" contains more touching the 
 animus of the controversy than the few words really indi- 
 cate. As will be somewhat clearly shown in these pages. 
 the trouble in the Societ}" (piite largel}' had reference to 
 authofit}' in the church, and its arbitrary exercise by a select 
 few, constituting a sort of spiritual and social hferarchy in 
 the monthl}" lueetings. It w'as this atithoritative class which 
 had been "thrown down." or was likely to be so repudiated. 
 
 ^^'e would by no means claim that with the "separation" 
 an accomj^lished fact, the body of Friends not of the ortho- 
 dox part}" thus gathered b}" themselves became at once and 
 contiiniousl}- relieved of the arbitrary spirit. The hist(^r}" 
 of this branch of the Society from 1827 to 1875. and in 
 
I7H LIFE AND LABORS OF LLL'\S IllCKS 
 
 places down to date, would entirely disprove any such claim. 
 It would seem that wherever the Society lost ground numer- 
 ically, and wherex'er its spiritual life dwindled, it was due 
 largely because some sort of arbitrary authority ignored 
 the necessity for real spiritual unity, and discounted the 
 spiritual democracy upon which the Society of Friends was 
 Ijased. 
 
 The "separation" in the Quarterly Meetings in 
 Dutchess County was perfected in Eighth month, 1828. 
 Both Anna Braithwaite and Ann Jones were in attendance, 
 and evidently took part in the developments at that time. 
 I^lias Hicks w'as on his last religious visit to the "far west." 
 Inf(»rming partnership letters were sent to Elias, then in 
 Alt. Pleasant, Ohio, by Jaccjb and Deborah Willetts,* under 
 date of Eighth month 18, 1828. Jacob gave brief but ex- 
 plicit information as to the division in the several meetings. 
 J^^jr instance, he says that in Oswego Monthly Aleeting one- 
 sixth of the members went orthodox. At Creek, about one- 
 fourth left to form an (M'thodox meeting, about the same 
 proportion existing at Stanford. Nine Partners seems to 
 ha\-e been the center of the dit^cult}', the orthodox leader- 
 ship apparently having been more vigorous at that point. 
 J^till. about three-fourths of the members refused to join 
 the orthodox. A \'erv brief a])preciati()n of the trans- 
 atlantic visitors is given in Jacob's letter. He says: "The 
 Eng-lish Friends are ver\- industri(^us, but I do not lind that 
 
 ■^ Jacob and Deborah Willetts were friendly educators in the first 
 half of the nineteenth century. Jacob became principal of Nine 
 Partners boarding school in 1803, when only 18 years of age, and 
 Deborah Rogers principal of the girl's department in 1806, when at 
 the same age. Jacob Willetts and Deborah Rogers were married in 
 1812. At the time of the "separation," Nine Partners' school passed 
 into the hands of the Orthodox, and Jacob and Deborah resigned their 
 positions, and started a separate school, which they conducted success- 
 fully for nearly thirty years. Jacob was the author of elementary 
 text books of arithmetic and geography, and Deborah was an ac- 
 complished grammarian, and assisted Gould Brown in the preparation 
 of his once well-known English Grammar. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLAS HICKS 179 
 
 it amounts to iinich. I'^rieiuls liaw i^cnerallv become 
 acquainted with their mancruvring." 
 
 I)e1)oi"ah's letter \\as hoth ne\vs\- and personal, and 
 threw interesting sidelights on ihe "separation" experiences. 
 At the close of a sermon by Ann Jones. Eighth month 5th, 
 she made reference to the sudden death of a woman 
 J'^riend of the orthodox party, which is thus referred to in 
 this letter : 
 
 "Perhaps thou wilt hear ere this reaches thee of the 
 death of Ann Willis. She died at William Warings on her 
 way home from Purchase Quarterly Meeting, in an apo- 
 plectic tit. At our Quarterly Meeting Ann Jones told us 
 of the dear departed spirit of one who had lived an un- 
 spotted life, who passed away without much bodily suffer- 
 ing, and whose soul was now clothed in robes of white, sing- 
 ing glory, might and majesty with angels forever and ever: 
 which amounted nearly to a funeral song." 
 
 We make the following extract from the letter of Delv 
 orah Willetts because of its interesting references and state- 
 ments : 
 
 "A week ago I returned from Stanford Quarterly Meet- 
 ing held at Hudson. All the English force was there save 
 T. Shillitoe with a large re-enforcement from New York, 
 but they were headed by L^ men and 25 women of the com- 
 mittee of Friends, and a great many attended from the 
 neighboring meetings, Coeymans, Rensalaerville, Saratoga, 
 &c. The city was nearly full. Anna Braithwaite and suite 
 took lodgings at the hotel. It was the most boisterous 
 meeting I ever attended. The clerks in each meeting were 
 orthodox, but Eriends were favored to appoint others who 
 opened the meeting. Anna Braithwaite had much to say 
 to clear up the charges against her in circulation that their 
 expenses had been borne by Eriends, which she said was 
 false, and never had been done but in two instances, and 
 mentioned it twice or three times that her dear husband 
 felt it a very great pleasure to meet all expenses she might 
 incur, and she would appeal to those present for the truth 
 of what she had said, and then Ann Jones. Claussa Griffin. 
 Ruth Hallock, Sarah Upton and some others immediately 
 attested to the truth of it. Oh. how^ inconsistent is all this 
 
l8o I.IFK AND LABORS OF Kl.IAS HICKS 
 
 in a Friends' niceting^. She alstj s^^ave a long statement df 
 the separation at Yearly Meeting, but she was reminded of 
 her absence at the time, but she replied Ann Jones harl 
 informed her. She accused Friends of holding erroneous 
 doctrine and said l^hebe I. ^^lerritt did not believe in the 
 atonement for sin. Phebe said she denied the charge, when 
 Anna turning and looking stern in her face said, "Did thou 
 not say, Phebe Merritt, all the reproof thou felt for sin was 
 in thy own Ijrcast?" Phebe then arose and was favored to 
 express her views in a clear way with an affecting cuxum- 
 slance that she experienced in her childhood that brought 
 such a solemnity over the meeting that almost disarmed 
 Anna of her hostile proceedings. She stood upon her feet 
 ihe while ready to reply but began in a different tone of 
 voice, and changed the subject, and very soon after, Ann 
 Jones made a move to adjourn when they could hold Stan- 
 ford Quarterly Meeting, which was seconded by several 
 others and Friends in the meantime as cordially and 
 silently uniting with them in the motion. They then 
 retired without reading an adjournment, I afterwards 
 learnt, to the Presbyterian Conference room. I dined in 
 company with Willett Hicks, who said he was surj)rised to 
 see so few go with them after ^ucli a noble etiort." 
 
CHAPTER XX. 
 The Experience with T. ShilHtoe. 
 
 The lirst day after his arrival in America, Tlinnia> 
 Shilliloe ' attended Hester Street Meeting, in Xew York. 
 He tells that/'it was reported that he had come over to helj) 
 the Friends of Elias Hicks." - As this Friend came into 
 collision with l^dias several times, and was second to none 
 in \igor and virnlence among his antagonists, either 
 domestic or foreign, it seems proper to review his con- 
 nection with the controversy, hecanse some added light may 
 llnis he thrown on the s])irit and pnrpose of the opposition 
 to Elias Hicks. 
 
 Of the exj^erience on that first meeting m America the 
 venerable preacher says: *T fonnd it hard work to rise npon 
 my feet, bnt believing that the offer of the best of all helj) 
 was made. I ventnred and was favored to clear my mind 
 faith fnlly. and in a manner I apprehended wonld give snch 
 of the followers of Elias Hicks as were present a i)rett\ 
 clear idea of the mistake they had been nnder of my being 
 come over to help their unchristian cause." ^ 
 
 He had not been seen at that time to converse with n 
 
 ' Thomas ShilHtoe was born in London "about the Second month, 
 1754," Ehas Hicks being six years his senior. His parents were not 
 Friends. At one time his father kept an inn. Joined Grace Church 
 Street Monthly Meeting in London abotit 1775. Was acknowledged 
 a minister at Tottenham in 1790. He learned the grocery business, and 
 afterward entered a banking house. Finally learned shoemaker's trade, 
 and had a shop. Was married in 1778. Came to America in 1826, ar 
 riving in New York, Ninth month 8th. While here traveled ex- 
 tensively, visiting certain Indian tribes. In 1827 he had an interview 
 with President Andrew Jackson. He left New York for Liverpool in 
 Eighth month. 1820, having been in this country nearly three years. 
 Thomas ShilHtoe died in 1836. 
 
 -"Journal of Thomas ShilHtoe," Vol 2. p. 150. 
 
 '"Journal of Thomas ShilHtoe." Vol. 2, p. 151. 
 
 181 
 
i82 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLAS HICKS 
 
 single friend of Elias Hicks, and there is no evidence that 
 during the three }'ears he was in America he mingled at 
 all with any Friends who were not of the so-called orthodox 
 party. 
 
 During the week following his arri\al in this Cduntrw 
 Thomas Shillitoe visited Jericho b}- wa}- of W'estljur}-. Re- 
 garding his visit he says : 
 
 "We took our dinner with G. Seaman ; alter vvhicli we 
 proceeded to Jericho, and took up our abode this night with 
 our kind friend. Thomas Willis. In passing through the 
 village of Jericho, Elias Hicks was at his own door ; he 
 invited me into his own house to take up my abode, \\hich 
 I found I could not have done, even had we not previousl}' 
 concluded to take up our abode with T. Willis. I refused 
 his offer in as handsome a manner as I well knew how. 
 He then pressed me to make him a call ; I was careful to 
 make such a reply as would not make it binding upon me, 
 although we had to pass his door on our way to the next 
 meeting. I believe it was safest for me not to comply with 
 his request." * 
 
 G. Seaman, mentioned abo\e, became the first clerk of 
 the Orthodox Monthly Meeting of W^estbury and Jericho, 
 organized after the "separation," and Thomas Willis was 
 the P^riend who should probabl}- be called the father of 
 the opposition to Elias Hicks. Had the English visitor 
 determined from the start to hear nothing, and know noth- 
 ing but one side of the controversy, he could not have more 
 fully made that possible than by the intercourse he had with 
 Friends on this continent. 
 
 To show how bent he was not to be inllnenced or con- 
 taminated bv those not considered orthodox, it may be 
 noted that while in Jericho he was visited by Friends in that 
 neighborhood, who urged him to call on them. He was at 
 first inclined to acquiesce, but after "waiting wdiere the 
 divine counsellor is to be met with." he changed his mind. 
 
 * "Journal of Thomas Sliillitoe." Vol. 2. p. 154. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 183 
 
 remarking, "I afterwards understood some of tliese indi- 
 viduals were of Elias Hicks's party." ' 
 
 The New York Yearly Meeting of 1827 was attended 
 by all of the ministering- Friends and their companions 
 from England, viz: Thomas Shillitoe, Elizabeth Robson, 
 George and Ann Jones, Isaac and Anna Braithv^aite. There 
 seems to have been a foreshadowing of trouble in this 
 yearly meeting. Elizal^eth Robson asked for a minute to 
 \isit men's meeting, wliich met with some opposition, and 
 was characterized by confusion in carrying out the purpose. 
 Elias Hicks says nothing about the matter in his Journal, 
 and no reference was made to this Friend in his personal 
 correspondence. The English Friends left New York 
 before the close of the Yearly Meeting, to attend New 
 England Yearly Meeting. 
 
 It is not our jjurpose to follow the wanderings of 
 Thomas Shillitoe in America. He was at the New York 
 Yearly Meeting again in 1828, at the time of the "separa- 
 tion." Touching this occasion, the minutes of the meeting 
 in question furnish some information, as follows: "Thomas 
 Shillitoe, who is in this country on a religious visit from 
 England, objected to the company of some individuals who 
 were present with us. and members of a neighboring yearly 
 meeting, stating that they had been regularly disowned," 
 etc. ^ For thus dictating to the yearly meeting, Thomas 
 Shillitoe presented this justification : 
 
 "I obtained a certificate from my own monthly meeting 
 and quarterly meeting, and also one from the Select Yearly 
 Meeting of Friends held in London, expressive of their 
 concurrence with my traveling in the work of the ministry 
 on this continent, which certificates were read in the last 
 
 '"Journal of Thomas Shillitoe," Vol. 2, p. 154. 
 
 ^ From Minute Book of New York Yearly Meeting, session of 
 1828. 
 
i84 LIFE AND LABORS OF LLIAS HICKS 
 
 Yearly Meeting of New York, and entered in the records 
 of that Yearly Meeting; such being the case, it constitutes 
 me as much a member of this Yearly Meeting as anv other 
 member of it." ** 
 
 This may iiave been according to good societ}- order 
 and etiquette eighty odd years ago. but would hardly pass 
 current in our time. For a visitor in a meeting to object 
 t(i the presence of other visitors, on the ground of rumor 
 and with no regular or official evidence of the charges 
 against tlieni. would probably jnit the oljjector into <lisfa\'or. 
 Rut we are not warranted in passing harsh judgment in 
 the nineteenth-century case. The English Friends, right or 
 wrong, came to this country under the impression that the\' 
 were divinely sent to save the Society of Friends in America 
 from going to the bad. At the worst, it was a case of 
 assuming the care of too man}' consciences. 
 
 Soon after the close of the Xew \'ork ^'earl^■ Meeting 
 of 1828, l)oth Thomas Shillitoe and Elias Hicks started on 
 a western trip. Elias seems to have preceded the English 
 I'^riend l)y a few days. The two men met at W'estland.' 
 At this ]>lace lliomas says that Elias denied that Jesus was 
 the son of God. until after the baptism, and opposed tin- 
 proper observance of the Sabbath."* Of course, the state- 
 ments of Elias were controverted by his fellow-preacher, 
 or. at least, an attempt to do so was made. It should be 
 understood that Elias denied that Jesus was the son of God 
 in the sense in which Thomas conceived he was. and he 
 undoubtedly antagonized the obser\ance of the Sal)bath in 
 ihe slavish wav which considered that man was secondary 
 to the institution. 
 
 Part of the mission of our English Friend from thi^ 
 
 '■"Journal of Thomas Shillitoe.'" Vol. 2, p. 311. 
 
 ' Sec page 47 of this book. 
 
 '"Journal of Tliomas Shillitoe." \'ol. 2. p. 328. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 185 
 
 time seems to have been to oppose Elias Hicks, and turn 
 the minds of the people against liim. They both attended 
 Redstone Monthly Meeting. Here Elias presented his 
 minute of unity and the other evidences of good faith which 
 he possessed. At this point Thomas says : "Observing a 
 disposition in most of the members of the meeting to have 
 these minutes read in the meeting. I proposed to the meet- 
 ing to consider how far with propriety they could read 
 them; after their Meeting for Sufferings had given forth 
 a testimou}' against the doctrines of Elias Hicks. But a 
 determination to read his minutes being manifested. Friends 
 were obliged to submit." '* 
 
 Taken altogether, this is a remarkable statement. The 
 "testimony" referred to was the "declaration of faith" \" 
 published by the Philadelphia Meeting f(_)r Sufferings. 
 This document did not mention Elias Hicks, and failed to 
 secure the approval of the Yearly Meeting, before the 
 "separation." It is evident that "most of the members'' 
 were with Elias Hicks on this occasion. Only the few 
 opposers were "Friends" ; so the statement infers. 
 
 The two preachers are next heard from at Redstone 
 Quarterly Meeting, where Thomas was disposed to practice 
 an act of self-denial. He told the meeting that he preferred 
 his own minute should not be read, if Elias Hicks's was 
 received, ^^'e have some evidence from Elias Flicks him- 
 self regarding- this incident, in a letter written to Valentine 
 and Abigail Hicks, from Pittsburg, Eighth month 5. 1828, 
 stating the proposition of Thomas Shillitoe regarding his 
 minute. Elias says : "Friends took him at his word, and 
 let him know that they should not minute it, but insisted 
 that mine should be minuted, expressing very general satis- 
 faction with my company and service, and reprobated his 
 
 * "Journal of Thomas Shillitoe," Vol. 2, p. 330. 
 
 " See page 139 of this book. 24 
 
i86 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 in plain terms, and charged him and his companion with 
 breach of the order and disciphne of the Society, and 
 insisted that the elders and overseers should stop at the 
 close of the meeting and see what could be done to put a 
 stop to such disorderly conduct." 
 
 Thomas then says that he exposed Elias Hicks as 
 an impostor "in attempting as he did to impose himself upon 
 the public as a minister in unity with the Society of 
 P'riends ; the Society having, by a printed document, de- 
 clared against his doctrine, and himself as an approved 
 minister." ^^ Evidently this was another reference to the 
 much-lauded "declaration of faith," although this did not 
 represent an actually authoritative declaration of the So- 
 ciety. At its best, Philadelphia's Meeting for Sufferings 
 was not the Society of Friends ; but the people still wanted 
 to hear Elias. They apparently preferred to interpret him 
 at first-hand. 
 
 Thomas Shillitoe tells us that when they crossed the 
 Ohio River he talked with the woman at the ferry, who 
 protested against the ideas of Elias Hicks, and then remarks : 
 "She kept a tavern, and I left with her one of the declara- 
 tions, requesting her to circulate it amongst her neigh- 
 bors." ^^ Evidently the publican, in this case, was sound in 
 the faith as held by the English preacher. 
 
 Mt. Pleasant was next visited by both Friends, pre- 
 ceding and at Ohio Yearly Meeting. They do not seem to 
 have come personally into collision at this point, and insofar 
 as either makes reference to the occurrences there, they are 
 in substantial agreement.'^ Thomas Shillitoe bears mildly- 
 veiled testimonv to the desire of the people to hear Elias 
 Hicks, in the following statement : "From the great con- 
 
 " "Journal of Thomas Shillitoe," Vol. 2. p. 331. 
 " "Journal of Thomas .Shillitoe," \'o]. 2. p 332. 
 " For other reference to this matter, see page 49 of this book. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 187 
 
 course of people we passed in the afternoon on the way 
 to Short Creek Meeting, where Ehas Hicks was to be, I 
 had cherished a liope we shonhl liaxe had a quiet meeting 
 at Mt. Pleasant."'^ But the contrary w^as the case; to 
 whom the blame was due, the reader may decide. 
 
 It is to be presumed that these two Friends, both of 
 whom performed vahiable service for the Society, according 
 to their hghts and gifts, ne\er met after their w'estern 
 experience. For the want of understanding each other, 
 thev went their wa}' not as fellow-servants, but as strangers, 
 if not enemies. The unity of the spirit was obliterated in 
 a demand f(^r uniformity of speculative doctrine. 
 
 " "Journal of Thomas Shillitoe, Vol. 2, p. 343. 
 
CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 Disownment and Doctrine, 
 
 The ''separation" was accomplished in most meetings 
 in the East by the withdrawal of the orthodox party, after 
 which they set up new meetings for worship and discipline. 
 In a minority of meetings the orthodox held the property 
 and the organization, and the other Friends withdrew. At 
 Jericho and Westbury the great majority of the members 
 remained, and continued to occupy the old meeting-houses. 
 The orthodox who separated from the Westbury and 
 Jericho Alonthly Meetings organized the Alonthly Aleeting 
 of Westbury and Jericho, as has already been mentioned. 
 
 In 1829, when the new monthly meeting was formed, 
 the membership of Westbury Monthly Meeting was as 
 follows: Westbury Preparative Meeting, 193; Matinecock 
 Preparative Meeting, 121; Cow N^eck (now Manhassett), 
 65 : total, 379. Of this number, accessions to tlie orthodox 
 were : From Westbury Preparative Meeting, t,2 ; Matine- 
 cock Preparative Meeting, 2 ; Cow N^eck Preparative Meet- 
 ing, 5 ; total, 39. In Jericho the members of the monthly 
 meeting. Fifth month, 1829, numbered 225. Of this nun> 
 her, nine left to join the Monthly Meeting of Westbury 
 and Jericho, and five were undetermined in their choice. 
 Giving the latter meeting the benefit of the dou1)t. and 
 assigning to it the five uncertain members, the meeting that 
 disowned Elias Hicks was composed of fifty-three meiubers. 
 of whom thirteen were minors and five of only mild 
 allegiance. 
 
 A simple mathematical calculation will show that the 
 188 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 189 
 
 Monthly Meeting of Westburv and Jericho contained 10 per 
 cent. of the Friends who had been members of the two 
 original monthly meetings, which meetings still survived, 
 retaining 90 per cent, of the members. These figures will 
 throw suggestive light on what follows. 
 
 It was the Westbury and Jericho Monthly Meeting 
 which, on the 29th of Fourth month, 1829, adopted the 
 ■'testimony against Elias Hicks," called his disownment. It 
 contained specified charges, wdiich may be condensed as 
 follow^s : He denied the influence or existence of an evil 
 spirit ; doubted the fall of man, and his redemption through 
 Christ; endeavored to "destroy a belief in the miraculous 
 conception of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ"; also 
 rejected a "belief in his holy offices, his propitiatory offer- 
 ing for the redemption of mankind ; and has denied his 
 resurrection and ascension into heaven" ; "he also denied 
 his mediation and intercession with the Father." He was 
 charged with too much industry in promulgating his views, 
 causing great numbers to embrace them, "and has at length 
 become the leader of a sect distinguished by his name." 
 He was also charged with meeting with, and countenancing 
 by his presence and conduct, those who had "separated" 
 from Friends. This had reference to many meetings of a 
 large majority of the Society held at various places in 1828. 
 The "testimony" also alleges that he had many times been 
 tenderly admonished and advised, but that he and his friends 
 "prevented the timely exercise of the discipline in his case." 
 It all, without doubt, sounded very formidable to the little 
 company of Friends who formulated and issued the 
 document. 
 
 This was a remarkable document in more ways than 
 one. The meeting which issued it assumed an authority in 
 conduct hard now to understand, and asserted as facts mere 
 assumptions, and yet we are bound to believe that, in the 
 main, they thought they were performing God's service. 
 
190 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL'\S HICKS 
 
 It must be remembered that the orthodox Friends, in 1829. 
 e\ery\vhere operated on the theory tliat those who con- 
 sidered themseh-es "sound in doctrine," no matter how few 
 in numbers, were tlie Society of Friends, in direct descent 
 from the founders of the faith. It was their rehgious duty 
 to excommunicate all wdiom they considered unsound, e\en 
 though those disowned might constitute tiie oxerwhelming 
 portion of the meeting. That this was the sincere convic- 
 tion of the orthodox Friends all through the "separation" 
 period, and also before and after it, is a demonstrable fact 
 of histor}'. There 'was also a marked disposition to adhere 
 to tradition and to cling to former precedents. If there 
 had ever been a time when Friends had been disowned on 
 account of theological opinions, the practice should be kept 
 up, and practically continued forever. 
 
 That there was a considerable amount of precedent 
 for disowning Friends on points of doctrine is undoubtedly 
 true. In the famous New Jersey Chancery trial, Samuel 
 Parsons gave several cases of such disownment.^ They 
 involved cases in half a dozen monthly meetings, and 
 included charges as follows : Denying the miraculous con- 
 ception ; denying the divinity of Jesus Christ ; denying the 
 authenticity of the Scriptures: promulgating the belief that 
 the souls of the wdcked would be annihilated. 
 
 The orthodox Friends might have done still better, and 
 cited the case of John Bartram,- the father of American 
 botany, who was disowned by Darby Monthly Meeting in 
 1758, for deistical and other unorthodox opinions. It has 
 
 ' "Foster's Report," Vol. i, p. 171. 
 
 - John Bartram, born near Darby, Pa., Third month 23, 1699. 
 Was the earhest native American botanist. He died Ninth month 
 22, 1777. Bartram traveled extensively in the American colonies in 
 pursuit of his botanical studies and investigations. He established 
 the Bartram Botanical Gardens near the Schuykill River, which are 
 still often visited. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 191 
 
 been supposed that Bartrani was disowned by J^'riends tot- 
 placing the fohowing inscription over his door : 
 
 " "Tis God alone, Almighty Lord, 
 The Holy One by me adored. 
 John Bartram, 1770." 
 
 As this sentiment is dated twehe years after the (Hs- 
 ownment,'' it is evident that it was not the primary cause 
 of the action taketi by Darby Monthly Meeting. 
 
 During the period of repressioti in the Society, last- 
 ing frotn about 1700 to 1850, it was not hard to find prece- 
 dent for disowtiing metnbers on almost any groutid, so that 
 the treatment of Elias Hicks, on account of alleged 
 "utisound" doctrine calls for no complaint oti the score of 
 regularity. Disowning tiiembers for that cause iti oiie 
 branch of Friends to-day would be practically iticoticeivable. 
 Its wisdotn at any time was doubtful, and, in spite of 
 precedettts, the practice was not getieral. 
 
 The main point in this tratisaction, however, is that 
 the meeting which issued the "testitnotiy" against Elias 
 Hicks had no jurisdiction iti the case. As a tnatter of fact, 
 he was never a tnetnber of the tneetitig iti questioti, utiless it 
 be asstimed that 10 per cetit. of two tiionthly tneetitigs can 
 Hock by tlietnselves, organize a new tneeting, and take over 
 the 90 per cent, without their ktrowledge or cotisent. 
 
 In the main, we do tiot care to consider or discuss the 
 points in the "testimotiy" under consideration. Those who 
 have folhnved the pages of this book thus far will be able 
 to decide whether the tnain causes as stated by those who 
 prepared atid approved the document were true in fact, and 
 whether they would have constituted a sufficietit reasott for 
 the action of the Monthly Meeting of Westbury and Jericho, 
 had it possessed any authority in the case. 
 
 ^"Memorials of John Bartram and Humphrey ^larshall," by 
 William Darlington, 1849, p. 42. 
 
192 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL'\S HICKS 
 
 Just what E]ias Hicks tliought regarding the matter of 
 Society and discipHnar}- anthorit}' in his case, we have docu- 
 mentary evidence. In a pri\ate letter he said: "For liow 
 can they disown those wdio never attended their meetings, 
 nor never had seen the inside of their new-hnilt meeting- 
 houses, and who ne\er acknowledged their little separate 
 societies? Would it not be as rational and consistent with 
 right order for a Presbyterian or a Methodist society to 
 treat with and disown us for not attending their meetings, 
 and not acknowledging their creed?"* 
 
 There is one point in the "testimony" which cannot so 
 easilv or reasonably be ignored. It says that Elias Hicks 
 "has at length become the leader of a sect, distinguished by 
 his name, yet unjustly assuming the character of Friends." 
 From the assumed standpoint of those who made this state- 
 ment of fact, it had no warrant. That body of Friends in. 
 at least, the Yearly Meetings of New York. Philadelphia, 
 and Baltimore, wdiich at the time of the "separation" housed 
 two-thirds of all the members, was as much entitled to be 
 called Friends, and assume their "character," as the mi- 
 noritv. The distinguishing epithet w^as not of their select- 
 ing or adoption, and those who applied it could scarcely with 
 propriety force it upon those wdio did not claim it or w^ant it. 
 As for leadership, the outcome in 1827-28 was accomplished 
 without either the presence or assistance of Elias Hicks in 
 a majoritv of cases. If those who left the parent meetings 
 and set up meetings of their own were the "separatists," 
 then, in a majority of cases, the name belonged to the party 
 that opposed Elias Hicks, and not to that body of Friends 
 who objected to the Society being divided or perpetuated 
 because of the personality or the preaching of any one man. 
 
 It has to be said that the disow-ning at the time of the 
 "separation" was not all on one side. Jericho Monthly 
 
 'Letter to Johnson Legg. Twelfth month 15, 1829. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL-XS HICKS 193 
 
 Meetiiii;- "lestii'ied a.^ainst" at least four of the (jrthodox 
 part}-. But in e\cry such case, so far as we are aware, no 
 charg-es regarthng doctrine were made against any. The 
 (hsownnients took place because the i)ersons involved had be- 
 come connected with other meetings, and did not attend the 
 gatherings of tliat branch of Friends who issued disown- 
 ments. Both sides undoubtedl}- did many tilings at the 
 time which later would ha\'e been impossible. 
 
 Klias Hicks cvidentlx' approved the general order of 
 the Society in his time touching disownments. In a letter 
 directed to "M}- Unknown Friend," but having no date, he 
 deals with the disownment cpiestion. He goes on to say 
 that it had been the practice of the Society to disown mem- 
 bers for more than a century, when such nieml)ers had 
 dcN'iated "from the established order of Society," and he 
 reaches the conclusion that not to follow this course would 
 lead to "ccMifusion and anarchy." He then says: "l^hese 
 things considered, it appears to me the most rational and 
 prudent, when a particular member of any society dissents 
 in some particular tenet from the rest of that society, if 
 such dissent lireak communion and render it necessary in 
 the judgment of such society that a separation take place 
 between them, that it be done in the same way, and agree- 
 able to the general [iractice of such society in like cases." 
 
 It is quite certain, howe\'er, that Elias Flicks did not 
 think that disputed points of doctrine offered a sufficient 
 ground for disownment in the Society of Friends. In a 
 letter to I^a\-id Evans, \vritten at Jericho, Twelfth month 
 25, 1829, he says: "I apprehend that if the Friends who 
 took part in the controversy on the side of the miraculous 
 conception, and those on the opposition, will full\' examine 
 both sides of the (piestion, they will find themselves more or 
 less in error, as neither can produce sufficient evidence to 
 enforce a rational conviction on others. . . . Surely. 
 
 25 
 
194 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 then, we who beheve in the miraculous conception ought 
 not to censure our brethren in profession for having a dif- 
 ferent opinion from ours, and especially as we have no 
 knowledge of the subject in any wise, but from history and 
 tradition. Surely, then, both parties are very far off the 
 true Christian foundation for keeping up the controversy, 
 inasmuch as it never has had the least tendency to gather 
 on the one hand or the other, but always to scatter and 
 divide, and still has the same baneful tendency." 
 
 The reader will not fail to consider that at this late 
 period Elias Hicks reiterates his personal belief in the 
 miraculous conception, although the ''testimony" of dis- 
 ownment against him charged that he was "endeavoring to 
 destroy a belief in that doctrine." Whatever may have 
 been his belief regarding the matter, it is clear that he did 
 not consider acceptance or rejection of the doctrine a deter- 
 mining qualitv in maintaining a really Christian fellowship. 
 
CHAPTER XXII. 
 After the "Separation." 
 
 A LETTER dated Solebury, Pa., Sixth month 21, 1828, 
 told of some experiences on his last western tri^). It was 
 addressed to his son-in-law, Valentine Hicks. On the jour- 
 ney from jcriclio to New York, Elias was ver)' much 
 annoyed, if not vexed, by the crowds of "vain and foolish 
 l)eople coming from the city and its suburbs to see horses 
 trot." "How ridiculous and insignificant," he says, "is such 
 foolish conduct for professed rational beings ! I can 
 scarcely concei\e in thought an epithet degrading enough to 
 give a just estimate of such irrational conduct." 
 
 The "separation" had just been accomplished in the New 
 York Yearly Meeting, and as this was the first visit he had 
 made to the local meetings and Friendly neighborhoods 
 since that event, it is a matter of interest to learn from his 
 own hand how he was received by Friends in the meetings. 
 Rose and Hester Street Meetings, in New York, were 
 attended the First-day after leaving home. Elias says, in 
 the letter mentioned : "They were both large, solemn meet- 
 ings, showing evidentl}' the cc^mfort and benefit Friends 
 have deri\'ed from the orthodox troubles, (they) having 
 separated themselves from us." This may ha\'e been the 
 superficial view of many who were prominent in sustaining 
 Elias Hicks. They failed to see, as did their opponents, 
 that the "separation" no matter which side went o'ff, was a 
 violation of the real spirit of Quakerism. It was an un- 
 fortunate acknowledgment that "unity of the spirit" was a 
 failure, if it required absolute uniformity of doctrine for 
 its maintenance. 
 
 IQ3 
 
196 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 Passing" over to Xew Jersex', he reports universal 
 kindly treatment. In tliis partienlar he remarks: 
 
 "Indeed we have found nothing in the least degree to 
 discourage or impede our progress, unless it be an excess 
 of kindness from our friends, who can hardly give us up 
 to pass on, without favoring them with a visit in their own 
 houses. And not only Friends, but many who are not 
 members manifest much friendly regard and respect. On 
 Fourth-day we attended Friends' I^Ionthly fleeting for 
 Railway and Plainfield held at Plainfield, Friends having 
 given their neighbors notice of our intention to be there, 
 it was largely attended by those of other professions, and 
 some of the orthodox Friends, contrary to the expectation 
 of Friends also attended. It was truly a very solemn and 
 instructive good meeting, in which truth reigned. I was 
 truly comforted in the meeting for discipline in viewing 
 Friends' order, and the unity and harmony that prevailed, 
 and the brotherly condescension that was manifested in 
 transacting their business." 
 
 Elias Hicks evidently possessed what might be called 
 a grain of humor. In Eleventh month, 1828, when prac- 
 tically all of the "separations" had been accomplished, he 
 wrote to his wife from Redstone. Pa.- He had not been 
 getting letters from home as he desired, and especially was 
 that true regarding the much-valued missives from 
 Jenn'ma. He, therefore, says, toward the end of this par- 
 ticular epistle: "If I do not receive some direct account 
 from liome at one or both of these places ( Alexandria or 
 Baltimore). I shall be ready to conclude that my friends 
 liax'e forgotten me or turned orthodox." 
 
 Evidently there had been a readjustment of society 
 conditions in this neighborhood. He says : "Divers friends. 
 whose names I have forgotten, and some wlio have never 
 seen thee. Init love thee on my account, desired to be affec- 
 tionately remembered to thee. Indeed, love and harmony 
 so abound among Friends in these parts, and the more they 
 are persecuted, the more love abounds, insomuch that T have 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 197 
 
 observed to them in some places, that if they continued 
 faitliful to the openings of truth on the mind, that they 
 would so exalt the standard of love and light, that tlie old 
 adage would he renewed, 'See how the Quakers love one 
 another.' " 
 
 Returning from the long western trip, considered in 
 Chapter VI, Elias was met in New York by his wife and 
 daughter Elizabeth, where Westlnu-y Quarterly Meeting- 
 was attended. Many near and dear Friends greeted the 
 aged minister, inwardly, if not outwardly, congratulating 
 him upon his safe return home, and the labors so faithfully 
 performed. In mentioning the event, Elias says: "It was 
 truly a season of mutual rejoicing, and my spirit was deeply 
 humbled under a thankful sense of the Lord's preserving 
 power and adorable mercy, in carrying me through and 
 over all opposition, both within and without. He caused 
 all to work together for good, and the promotion of his own 
 glorious cause of truth and righteousness in the earth, and 
 landed me safe in the bosom of my dear family and friends 
 at home, and clothed my spirit with the reward of sweet 
 peace for all my labor and travail. Praises, everlasting 
 high praises be ascribed unto our God, for his mercy 
 endureth forever." ^ 
 
 Dark days were approaching, and the heavy hand of a 
 great sorrow was about to be laid upon th'is strong man, 
 who had buffeted many storms, and who seemed now to be 
 feeling a period of calm and quiet. But we shall let Elias 
 Hicks tell the details in his own words: 
 
 "Soon after my return from the aforesaid journey, I had 
 to experience a very severe trial and affliction in the removal 
 of my dearly beloved wife. She was taken down with a 
 cold, and although, for a number of days, we had no antici- 
 pation of danger from her complaint, yet about five days 
 
 ' "Journal," p. 425. 
 
igS LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 after she was taken, the disorder appeared to settle on her 
 lungs, and it brought on an inflammation which terminated 
 in a dissolution of her precious life, on the ninth day from 
 the time she was taken ill. She had but little bodily pain, 
 yet as she became weaker, she suffered from shortness of 
 breathing"; but before her close, she became perfectly tran- 
 quil and easy, and passed away like a lamb, as though 
 entering into a sweet sleep, without sigh or groan, or the 
 least bodily pain, on the 17th of Third month, 1829: And 
 her precious spirit, I trust and believe, has landed safely on 
 the angelic shore, 'where the wicked cease from troubling, 
 and the weary are at rest.' To myself, to whom she was a 
 truly affectionate wife, and to our children, whom she en- 
 deavored, b}' precept and example, to train up in the paths 
 of virtue, and to guard and keep out of harm's way, her 
 removal is a great and irreparable loss : and nothing is left 
 to us in that behalf, but a confident belief and an unshaken 
 hope, that our great loss is her still greater gain ; and 
 although the loss and trial, as to all my external blessings, 
 are the greatest I have ever met with, or ever expect to 
 have to endure, yet I have a hope, that, though separated. 
 I may be preserved from mourning or complaining; and 
 that I may continually keep in view the unmerited favour 
 dispensed to us, by being preserved together fifty-eight 
 years in one unbroken bond of endeared affection, which 
 seemed if possible to increase with time to the last moment 
 of her life ; and which neither time nor distance can lessen 
 or dissolve ; but in the spiritual relation I trust it will 
 endure for ever, where all the Lord's redeemed children are 
 one in him, who is God over all, in all, and through all. 
 blessed forever. She was buried on the 19th, and on this 
 solemn occasion, the Lord, who is strength in weakness, 
 enabled me to bear a public and, I trust, a profitable testi- 
 mony to the virtues and excellences of her long and con- 
 sistent life." " 
 
 Regarding the funeral of Jemima Hicks, and its after- 
 math, rumor has been more or less busy. Tliat Elias spoke 
 on this occasion is certain. It was his eighty-first birthday. 
 His remarks were undoubtedly in harmony, both as to the 
 matter and the hope of a future reunion, with the extract 
 
 "Journal." p 425. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 199 
 
 printed above. There is in existence what purports to be 
 matter copied from a Poughkeepsie newspaper relating to 
 this event. The statement is supplemented by a "poem," 
 entitled "Orthodox Reflections on the Remarks Made by 
 Elias Hicks at His Wife's Funeral." These verses are 
 both theological and savage. Elias is assured that, because 
 of his belief, he cannot hope to "rest in heaven," or meet 
 his wife there. What is strange, however, is that verses, 
 signed "Elias Hicks," and in reply to the poetical attack, 
 are also given. The first-mentioned rhyme may be genuine, 
 as it voices an opinionated brutality and boldness which was 
 not uncommon in dealing with the future life eighty years 
 ago. But we can hardly imagine Elias Hicks being a 
 "rhymster" under any sort of provocation. \i the two 
 "poems" were ever printed, touching the matter in (juestion, 
 some one besides Elias, undoul)tedly is responsible for the 
 rejoinder. 
 
 Near the Lst of Sixth month, and a little more than 
 three months after the death of his wife, Elias Hicks started 
 on his last religious visit. His concern took him to the 
 meetings and neighborhoods within the limits of his own 
 Yearly Meeting. Nothing unusual is reported on this visit 
 until Dutchess County was reached. All of the meetings 
 were reported satisfactory. Of the meetings at West 
 Branch, Creek and Crum-Elbow\ Elias says : 
 
 "Although it was in the midst of harvest, such was 
 the excitement produced amongst the people by the oppo- 
 sition made by those of our members who had gone off 
 from us, and set up separate meetings, that the people at 
 large^of other societies flocked to those meetings in such 
 numbers, that our meeting-houses w^ere seldom large 
 enough to contain the assembled multitude ; and we had 
 abundant cause for thanksgiving and gratitude to the 
 blessed Author of all our mercies, in condescending to mani- 
 fest his holy presence, and causing it so to preside as to 
 produce a general solemnity, tendering and contriting 
 
200 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 many minds, and comforting;- and rejiMcino- the upright in 
 heart." " 
 
 Proceeding- u\) the Hudson, arrix'ing- at Albany on 
 Se\'enth-da}', Eighth month ist. that evening a large meet- 
 ing- was held in the statehouse. Those present represented 
 tlie ii-ihabitants generally of the capital city. Many meet- 
 ings were attended after leaving All)any, which have now 
 ceased to exist. In fact, few. if any. meetings then in 
 existence were missed on this journey. The 17th of Eighth 
 UKMith he was in Utica. Of the meeting in that cit\\ and 
 at Bridgewater. he says : 
 
 "These were not so large as in sonic other places, 
 neither was there as much openness to receive our testi- 
 mony as had generally been the case elsewhere. Our 
 opposing Friends had filled their heads with so many 
 strange reports, to which they had given credit without 
 examination, by which their minds were so strongly preju- 
 diced against me, that many in the compass of these two 
 last meetings were' not willing to see me, nor hear any 
 reasons given to show them their mistakes, and that the 
 reports they had heard were altogether unfounded: how- 
 ever, I was favored to communicate the truth to those who 
 attended, so that they generally went away full}- satisfied, 
 and T left them with peace of mind." ■* 
 
 In [829, under date of Seventh month 9th, in a letter 
 written at Oblong, in Westchester County. New York, he 
 expresses the feeling that the meeting at Jericho sustains 
 important relations to the branch of Friends with which he 
 was connected. The letter was written to his children, 
 Valentine and Abigail Hicks. In it he says: 
 
 Although absent in body, yet my mind pretty often 
 takes a sudden and instantaneous excursion to Jericho, 
 clothed with a desire that we who constitute that monthlv 
 meeting, may keep our eye so single, to the sure and im- 
 
 ^ "Journal." p. 428. 
 * "Journal," p. 430, 
 
LIFE AND LABOr-lS OF ELIAS HICKS 201 
 
 movable foundation of llu- li^lit within, so as to be entirely 
 preserved from all Ik-slily rc-asonin^s, which if j^iven way 
 to, in the least degree, ever has, and ever will, have a 
 tendency to divide in Jacob and scatter in Israel. 1 con- 
 sider that much depends upon the course we take in our 
 monthly meeting.;-, as we are much looked up to as an 
 example and if we make but a small miss, it may do much 
 harm." 
 
 Twelfth month 15, 1829, Ellas Hicks wrote to his 
 friend Johnson Legg-, evidently in reply to one asking advice 
 in regard to his own conduct in relation to the "separation." 
 In this letter Elias says: "In the present interrupted and 
 (listm-bed state of our once peaceful and favoured Society, it 
 recpiires great deliberation and humble waiting on the Lord 
 for counsel before we move forw^ard on the right hand or 
 the left. Had this been the case with otu" brethren of this 
 yearlv meeting who style themselves orthodox, I very much 
 doubt if there would have been any separation among us. 
 For although the chief cause thereof is placed to my account. 
 yet I am confident I have given no just cause for it." 
 
 This statement undoubtedly expresses the real feeling 
 of Elias Hicks regarding the "separation." He could not 
 see why what he repeatedly called "mere opinions" should 
 cause a rupture in the Society. It will be noted that he 
 still refers to the other Friends as "our brethren," and 
 he, apparently, had no ill-will toward them. The letter from 
 which this extract was taken was written only about two 
 months before his death, and was undoubtedly his last writ- 
 ten word on the unfortunate controversy, and the trouble 
 
 that grew out of it. 
 
 26 
 
CHAPTER XXIII. 
 Friendly and Unfriendly Critics. 
 
 Few" men in their day were more talked about than 
 Elias Hicks. The interest in his person and in liis preach- 
 ing contintied for 3'ears after his death. While the dis- 
 cussion ceased to be warm long years ago, his name is one 
 which men of so-called liberal thotight .still love to conjure 
 with, without very clearly knowing the reason why. Some 
 clearer light may l)e tiirown upon his life, labor and 
 character by a Ijrief review of opinions of those who criti- 
 cised liim as friends, and some of them as partisans, and 
 those who were his open enemies, for the theological at- 
 mosphere had not yet appeared in which he could be even 
 approximately imderstood by the men of the old school. 
 
 We shall begin the collection of criticisms liy quoting 
 Edward Hicks, ^ who wrote a comparatively judicial esti- 
 mate of his friend and kinsman. After stating that even 
 the ajjostles had their weak side, that Tertullian "^vas led 
 into a foolish extreme by the fanatical notions of Mon- 
 tanus :'" and that Origen "did immense mischief to the 
 cause of primitive Christianity Iw his extreme attachment 
 
 ^ Edward Hicks, a relative of Elias Hicks, was born in Attle- 
 boro, Pa., Fourth month 4. 1780. His mother passed away when 
 he was an infant, and he was cared for in his early youth by Elizabeth 
 Twining, a friend of his mother. When a young man, he became a 
 member of Middletown Alonthly Meeting in Bucks County by request. 
 He began speaking in meeting when about thirty years of age, and 
 was a little later recorded as a minister. Edward Hicks for many 
 years carticd on the business of carriage maker and painter at Newto-wn, 
 Pa. Although much more orthodox in doctrine than his celebrated 
 kinsman, he was one of the most ardent friends and defenders of 
 Elias Hicks. 
 
 202 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 203 
 
 to tlie Platonic philoso])hy, scholastic divinity and linman 
 learning-," he remarks: 
 
 ■■'Jdierefore, it is among the possihle circnmstances 
 that dear Khas was led to an extreme in the Unitarian 
 specnlation. while oi)])osin^- the Trinitarian, then increas- 
 ing- among- Friends, and now almost established among" 
 onr orthodox Friends. LUit 1 have no recollection oi ever 
 hearing- him in pnblic testimony, and I have heard him 
 mnch, when his specnlative views or manner of speaking, 
 destroyed the savonr of life that attended his ministry, 
 or gave me anA- nneasiness. Bnt 1 have certain 1\' heard 
 to my sorrow, too many of his superficial admirers that 
 have tried to copy after him, pretending to wear his crown, 
 without knowing- anything of his cross, make use of the 
 naked term, Jesus, both in public and private, till it sounded 
 in my ears as unpleasant, as if coming- from the tongue of 
 the profane swearer; and on the other hand, I have been 
 pained to hear the unnecessary repetition of the terms, our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, from those T verily be- 
 lieved Elias's bitter enemies, especially the F^nglish 
 preachers, and have scarcely a doubt that they were sub- 
 stantially breaking- the third commandment. And I will 
 now add my oj)inion fearlessly, that Flias was wrc^ng in 
 entering into that quibbling controversy with those weak 
 Quakers, alluded to in his letter, about the marvellous con- 
 ception and parentag-e of Christ, a delicate and inexplicable 
 subject, that seems to have escaped the particular attention 
 of what we call the darker ages, to disgrace the highest 
 professors of the nineteenth century." - 
 
 An independent, and in the main, a judicial critic of 
 Quakers and Quakerism is F'rederick Storrs Turner, an 
 Englishman. Some of his estimates and observations of 
 Elias Hicks, are both apt and discriminating. Of his 
 preaching Turner says: 
 
 "His great theme was the light within; his one aim 
 to promote a true living spiritual, practical Christianity. 
 He was more dogmatic and controversial than Woolman. 
 There seems to have been in him a revival of the old ag- 
 
 ' "Memoirs of Life and Religious Labors of Edward Hicks," p. 
 92. 
 
204 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 gressive zeal, and something of the acerbity of the early 
 Quakers. "Hireling priests' were as offensive in his eyes 
 as in those of George Fox. He would have no compromise 
 with the religions of the world, and denounced all new- 
 fangled methods and arrangements for religions work and 
 worship in the will of man. He was a Quaker to the back- 
 bone, and st(K)d out manfully fi>r the 'ancient simplicity.'"^ 
 
 With still deeper insight Turner continues his analysis : 
 
 "This was his dying testimony: 'The cross of Christ 
 is the perfect law of God, written in the heart 
 there is but one Lord, one faith, and but one baptism. 
 . . . No rational being can be a real Christian and true 
 disciple of Christ until he comes to know all these things 
 verified in his own experience.' He was a good man, a 
 true Christian, and a Quaker of the Quakers. His very 
 errors were the errors of a Quaker, and since the generation 
 of the personal disciples of George Fox it would be difficult 
 to point out any man who had a simpler and firmer faith in 
 the central trutli of Quakerism than Flias Hicks."'' 
 
 Regarding some of the bitter criticisms uttered against 
 Elias Hicks at the time of the contro\'ersy in the second 
 decade of the nineteenth century, and repeated by the biog- 
 raphers and advocates of some of his opponents. Turner 
 says : 
 
 "This cc^ncensus of condenniation 1)}' such excellent 
 Christian men would blast Hicks's character effectually, 
 were it not for the remembrance that we have heard these 
 shrieks of pious horror before. Just so did Faldo and Bax- 
 ter, Owen and Bunyan, unite in anathematizing George Fox 
 and the first Quakers. Turning from these invectives of 
 theological opponents to Hicks's own writings, we at once 
 discover that this arch-heretic was a simple, humble-minded, 
 earnest Quaker of the old school." ■' 
 
 '"The Quakers;" a study, historical and critical, by Frederick 
 Storrs Turner, 1889, p. 292. 
 
 * The same, p. 293. 
 
 ' The same, p. 291. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 205 
 
 James Mott. Sr.. of Mamaroneck, X. V., was among 
 the friendly, althoniih judicial critics of Elias Hicks. In 
 a letter written I'^ii^iith month 5. 1805, to Elias. he said: 
 "I am satisfied that the master hath conferred on thee a 
 precions gift in the ministry, and I have often sat with 
 pecnliar satisfaction in hearing thee exercise it." He then 
 continues, referring to a si)ecial occasion: 
 
 "But when thou came to touch on predestination, and 
 some other erroneous doctrines, I thought a little zeal was 
 suffered to take place, that led into much censoriousness, 
 and that expressed in harsh expressions, not only against 
 the doctrines, but those who had embraced them. ... I 
 have often thought if ministers, when treating on doctrinal 
 points, or our belief, were to hold up our principles fully 
 and clearly, and particularly our fundamental principle 
 of the light within, what it was, and how it operates, there 
 would very seldom be occasion for declamation against 
 other tenets, however opposite to our own ; nor never 
 against those wdio have through education or some other 
 medium embraced them." 
 
 This would seem t(^ be as good advice at the be- 
 ginning of the twentieth century as it was in the first years 
 of the nineteenth. 
 
 In the matter of estimating Elias Hicks. Walt Whit- 
 man indulged in the following criticism, supplementing an 
 estimate of his preaching. Dealing with some opinions of 
 the contemporaries of Elias Hicks, he says: 
 
 "They think Elias Hicks had a large element of per- 
 sonal ambition, the pride of leadership, of establishing per- 
 ha])s a sect that should reflect his own name, and to which 
 he should give special form and character. Very likely, 
 such indeed seems the means all through progress and 
 civilization, by which strong men and strong convictions 
 achieve anything definite. But the basic foundation of 
 Elias was undoubtedly genuine religious fervor. ?Te was 
 like an old Hebrew prophet. He had the spirit of one, and 
 in his later years looked like one." ° 
 
 •"The Complete Works of Walt Whitman," Vol. 3, p. 269-270. 
 
2o6 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLAS HICKS 
 
 It is not worth while to deny that Ehas Hicks was 
 ambitious, and desired to secure results in his labor. But 
 those who carefully go over liis recorded words will hud 
 little to warrant the literal conclusion of his critics in this 
 particular. He probably had no idea at any time of found-, 
 ing- a sect, or perpetuating- his name attached to a frag-ment 
 of the Society of Friends, either large or small. He be- 
 lieved that he preached the truth: he wanted men to embrace 
 it, as it met the di\ine witness in their own souls, and not 
 other\\'ise. 
 
 Among the severe critics of Elias Hicks is William 
 Tallack, who in his book "Thomas Shillitoe," says that 
 "many of Elias Hick's assertions are too blasphemous for 
 (piotation," while \V. Hodgson, refers to the "filth" of the 
 sentiments of Elias Hicks. Rut both these Eriends use 
 words rather loosely. .Both must employ their epithets en- 
 tirely in a theological, and not a moral sense. Having gone 
 over a large amount of the published and private utterances 
 of the Jericho preacher, we have failed to find in them even 
 an impure suggestion. The bitterness of their attacks, 
 simply illustrates the bad spirit in which theological dis- 
 cussion is generally conducted. 
 
 The fame of Elias Hicks as a liberalizing infkience in 
 religion seems to have reached the Orient. Under date, 
 "Calcutta, June 2C), 1827," the celebrated East Indian, 
 Rammohun Roy," addressed an appreciative letter to him. 
 It was sent by a Philadelphian. J. H. Eoster, of the ship 
 Georgian, and contained the following expressions: 
 
 "Mv object in intruding on your time is to express the 
 
 ' Rammohun Roy was born in Bengal in 1772, being a high-class 
 }^>rahmin. He was highly educated, and at one time in the employ of 
 the English Government. In comparatively early life he became a 
 religions and social reformer, and incurred the enmity of his family. 
 He published various works in different languages, including English. 
 In 1828 he founded a liberal religious association which grew into the 
 P.rahnio Somaj. Roy visited England in 1831, and died there in 1833. 
 
LIFK AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 207 
 
 stratification i have felt in readint^ the sennons you preached 
 at different meetings, and which have since been published 
 by your friends in America. . . . Every sentence found 
 there seems io have proceeded not only from your lips, but 
 from your heart. The true s])irit of Christian charity and 
 belief (lows from thee and cannot fall short of making some 
 impression on every heart which is suscej^tible of it. I 
 hope and pray (lod may reward you for your pious life and 
 bene\-olent exertion, and remain w^ith the highest reverence. 
 "Your most humble. servant, 
 
 "Rammohun Roy." 
 
 A copy of what ptu^ports to be a reply to this letter is 
 in existence, and is probably genuine, as the language is 
 in accordance with the well-known ideas of Elias Hicks. 
 Besides, an undated j^ersonal letter contains a direct refer- 
 ence to the East Indian corres]:)ondence. From it we qttote : 
 "I take my pen to commune with thee in this way on divers 
 accounts, and first in regard to a letter I have recently re- 
 cei\'ed from Calctttta, stibscribed by Rammohun Roy, author 
 of a book entitled, 'The Precepts of Jesus, a (Itiide to Peace 
 and Ha])i)iness." " "" 
 
 A recjtiest is made that William Wharton will find 
 out if the ship-master, I*"oster. mentioned above, would con- 
 \ey a letter to Calcutta. Then Elias expresses himself as 
 follows: 
 
 "1 also feel aTively interest in whatever relates to the 
 welfare and progress of that enlightened and worthy Hin- 
 doo, believing that if he humbly attends to that hath begun 
 a good work in him, and is faithful to its manifestations that 
 he will not only witness the blessed effects of it, in his 
 own preservation and salvation, but will be made an instru- 
 ment in the divine hand of much good to his own people, 
 and nation, by spreading the truth, and opening the right 
 way of salvation among them, which may no doubt prove 
 a great and singular blessing not only to the present, but 
 to succeeding generations. And also be a means of open- 
 
 ' From letter written to William Wharton of Philadelphia. 
 
208 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELLAS HICKS 
 
 iiig the l)liiul eyes of formal traditional Christians, who 
 make a profession of godliness, but deny the power thereof, 
 especially those blind guides, mere man-made ministers, 
 and self-styled missionaries, sent out by Bible and mission- 
 ary societies of man's constituting, under the pretence of 
 converting those, who in the pride of their hearts they call 
 Heathen, to Christianity, while at the same time, judging 
 them by their fruits they themselves, or most of them, 
 stand in as great, or greater need, of right conversion." 
 
 Among- the present-day critics of Elias Hicks, is Dr. J. 
 Rendell Harris, of F^.ngland. In his paper at the ■Man- 
 chester Conference in 1895, this cpiotation from Elias Hicks 
 is given: "God ne\-er made any distinction in the mani- 
 festation of his love to his rational creatures. He has 
 placed e\ery son and daughter of Adam on the same groimd 
 and in the same condition that our hrst parents were in. 
 For every child must come clean out of the hands of God." '' 
 Doctor Harris says Elias Hicks "was wrong not simply be- 
 catise he was tmscriptural, but l^ecause he was unscien- 
 tific." ^" Doctor Harris prefaces this remark by the follow- 
 ing comment on the quotation from Elias Hicks: "Xow 
 suppose such a doctrine to be propounded in this conference 
 would not the proper answer, the answer of an\- modern 
 thinker, be (i) that we never had any first parents; (2) 
 we were demonstrably not born good." '' \\> do not at all 
 assume that Elias Hicks had no limitations, or that he was 
 correct at all points in his thinking, measured by the stand- 
 ards of present-day knowledge or any other standard. But 
 we must claim that in holding that we had first parents, he 
 
 ° "Report of the Proceedings of the Conference of Members of the 
 Society of Friends, held by Direction of the Yearly Meeting in Man- 
 chester," 1895, p. 220. 
 
 '° The same, p. 220. 
 
 " We do not hesitate to say that had Elias Hicks made this state- 
 ment he would have suffered more at the hands of the Philadelphia 
 Elders in 1822 than is recorded in this book. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 209 
 
 was scriptural, 'flic ymny man, hr)\\-c\cr. seems to have 
 been. nnconscii'Uslw of course, between two stools. The 
 orthodox I'^riends in the early part of the nineteenth century 
 claimed that hLlias was unsound because he did not clini;" 
 to the letter of the scripture, and his critic just (juoted claims 
 that he was unscientific althou^li he used a scriptural term. 
 Doctor Harris then concludes that "a little knowledge of 
 e\olution would ha\e sa\ed him (Micks) all that false doc- 
 trine." r>ut how. in his time, cotild he have had any knowl- 
 edge of ex'olution.' .\ man can hardly be criticised for not 
 ])ossessing knowledge absolutely imaxailable in his day and 
 generation. We are then informed "that the w^orld at any 
 given instant, shows almost every stage of evolution of life, 
 from the amrtba to the man. and from the cannibal to the 
 saint. Shall we say that the love of God is equally mani- 
 fested in all these?" '' To use the Yankee answer by ask- 
 ing another question, may we inquire, in all seriousness, who 
 is qualified to say with certainty that it is not so manifested? 
 Who has the authoritx'. in the language of Whittier, to 
 
 . . . "fix with metes and bounds 
 The lo've and power of God?" 
 
 Fdias Hicks was gixen to using figures of speech and 
 scriiitiu'al ilhistrations in a broad sense, and those who care- 
 full\' read his titterances will have nt^ trouble in seeing in 
 the (|uotation used by Doctor Harris sim])ly an attempt to 
 repu<liate the attribute of favoritism on the ])art of the 
 Heavenly Father toward any of his human children, and 
 not to formulate a new philosophv of life, based on a theorv 
 of the universe about which he had ne\'er heard. 
 
 ddie special Labor (^f Elias Hicks, as we may now dis- 
 passionately re\iew it, was not as an expounder of doctrine, 
 
 '"Report Mancliester Conference, pp. 220-221. 
 
210 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 or the creator of a new (logmatism. but as a rationalizing, 
 liberalizing intlnence in the field of religion. He was a 
 pioneer of the "modern thinkers" of whom Doctor Harris 
 speaks, and did much, amid misunderstanding and the 
 traducing of men, to prepare the way for the broader 
 intellectual and spiritual liberty we now enjoy. 
 
CHAPTER XXIV. 
 Recollections, Reminiscences and Testimonies. 
 
 Many statements which have come down to us from 
 the generation in which Ehas Hicks hved. warrant the con- 
 clusion that he was a natural orator. He possessed in a 
 large degree what the late Bishop Simpson, of the Methodist 
 Episcopal Church, called "heart power." We are able to 
 give the personal impression of a venerable Friend ^ now 
 living, who as a boy of eleven heard Elias preach twice. 
 
 One of the sermons was delivered at Center, Del, on 
 the 8th of Twelfth month, 1828, and the other the day be- 
 fore at West Chester. This was on his last long religious 
 \'isit, which took him to the then "far west," Ohio and 
 Indiana. 
 
 Doctor Green says that the manner of Elias Hicks when 
 speaking was very impressive. In person he is described 
 bv this Friend "as above medium height, rather slim, and 
 with a carriage that would attract universal attention." He 
 wore very plain clothes of a drab color. 
 
 With no education in logic, and no disposition to in- 
 dulge in forensic debate, he was, nevertheless a logician, 
 and liad he indulged in pubhc disputation, would liave made 
 it interesting if not uncomfortable for his adversary. 
 
 If he occasionally became involved, or got into verbal 
 deep water, he always extricated himself, and made his 
 position clear to his hearers. Doctor Green tells us that 
 he had an uncle, not a member of meeting, but a good judge 
 
 ^ Dr. Jesse C. Green, of West Chester, Pa., now in his 93d year. 
 Doctor Green ahnost retains the sprightliness of youth. 
 
212 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 of public speaking-, who considered Elias Hicks the most 
 loi^ical i)reacher in ilie Society of h'riends. On one oc- 
 casion lie heard Elias when he became very mncli involved 
 in his speakinji, and as this person put it. he thonglit Elias 
 had "wound himself up." but in a few minutes he came 
 down from his verbid tlij^ht. and made e\"ery jxnnt so clear 
 that he was understood by every listener. 
 
 Henr}- Byran Binns. Whitman's Eui^lish biographer, 
 gives the following estimate of the preaching of Elias 
 Hicks : 
 
 "With grave emphasis he pronounced his text : 'What 
 is the chief end of man?' and with fiery and eloquent eyes, 
 in a strong, vibrating, and still musical voice, he commenced 
 to deliver his soid-awakening message. The tire of his 
 fervor kindled as he spoke of the purpose of human life; 
 his broad-brim was dashed from his forehead on to one of 
 the seats behind hiin. With the power of intense con- 
 viction his whole presence became an overwhelming per- 
 suasion, melting those who sat before him into tears and 
 into one heart of wonder and humility under his high and 
 simple words." " 
 
 We have antjther living witness who remembers Elias 
 Hicks. This Eriend says that she. with the members of 
 her family, were constant attenders of the Jericho meeting. 
 Speaking of Elias she remarks: "His commanding figure 
 in the gallery is a bright ])icture I often see in my mind. 
 His person was tall, straight and firm; his manner dignified 
 and noble and agreeable ; his ^"oice clear, distinct and pene- 
 trating — altogether grand." ' 
 
 We (juote the following interesting incidents from the 
 letter of Mary W' illis : 
 
 "One rither bit T recall was a talk, or sermon, to the 
 
 ""A Life of Walt Whitman." Henry Byran Binns. p. i6. 
 
 ' Extract of letter from Mary Willis, of Rochester, N. Y., dated 
 Ninth month 7, 1910. This Friend is 92 years old. The letter received 
 was entirely written by her. and is a model of legible penmanship and 
 clear statement. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 213 
 
 young especially. He related that once he threw a stone 
 and killed a bird, and was struck with consternation and 
 regret at killing an innocent bird that might be a parent, 
 and its voung perish for the need of care. He appealed 
 feelingly to the boys to refrain from giving needless pain. 
 
 "He was guardian to my mother, sisters and brother, 
 and they and their mother returned his loving care with 
 warm affection, always, as did my father. 
 
 "One of his characteristics was his kindness to the 
 poor. Not far from his home (three miles, perhaps) was a 
 small colony of colored people on poor land, who shared his 
 bounty in cold, wintry weather, in his wagon loads of 
 vegetables and wood, delivered by his own hand." 
 
 Probablv (jne of the most appreciative, and in the main 
 discriminative estimates of Elias Hicks, was made by Walt 
 Whitman. Tlie "notes (such as they are) founded on Elias 
 Hicks," for sucli the author called them, were written in 
 Camden. X. J., in the summer of 1888. Elias Hicks had 
 been dead nearly half a century. Whitman's impressions of 
 the famous preacher were based on the memory of a 
 br»v ten vears old, for that was Whitman's age when he 
 heard Elias Hicks preach in Brooklyn. But personal mem- 
 ory was supplemented by the statements of his parents, 
 especially his mother, as the preaching of their (jld Long 
 Island neighbor was undoubtedly a subject of frequent con- 
 versation in the Whitman home. 
 
 As to the manner of the preacher Whitman says: 
 "While he goes on he falls into the nasality and sing-song 
 tone sometimes heard in such meetings ; but in a moment 
 or two. more as if recollecting himself, he breaks off, stops, 
 and resumes in a natural tone. This occurs three or four 
 times during the talk of the evening, till he concludes." * 
 
 The "unnamable something behind oratory," Whitman 
 says Elias Hicks had, and it "emanated from his very heart 
 to the heart of his audience, or carried with him, or probed 
 
 *'The Complete Works of Walt Whitman," Vol. 3, p. 259. 
 
214 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 iiito. and shook or aroused in them a sympathetic germ." * 
 
 There are a good many anecdotes regarding" Ehas Hicks 
 current in Jericho, going to show some of his character- 
 istics. It is stated that at one time he found that corn was 
 being taken, evidently through the slats of the crib. One 
 night he set a trap in the suspected place. Going to the 
 l)arn in the morning he saw a man standing near where the 
 trap was set. Eli as passed on without seeming to notice the 
 visitor. On returning to the house he stopped, spoke to the 
 man, and released him from the trap. Elias would never 
 tell ^vho the man was. 
 
 Illustrating his feeling regarding slavery, and his testi- 
 monv against slave labor, the following statement is made : 
 Before his death, and following the fatal paralytic stroke, 
 he noticed that the quilt with which he was covered con- 
 tained cotton. He had lost the power of speech, but he 
 pushed the covering off, thus indicating his displeasure at 
 the presence of an article of comfort which was the product 
 of slave labor. 
 
 There is an anecdote which illustrates the spirit of the 
 man in a striking way. He is said to have had a neighbor 
 with whom it did not seem possible to maintain cordial 
 relations. One day Elias saw this neighbor with a big 
 load of hay stalled in a marsh in one of his fields. Without 
 a word of recognition Elias approached the man in the 
 slough and hitching his own ox team to the load i'n front 
 of the other team proceeded to pull the load out of the 
 slough. It was all done in characteristic Quaker silence. 
 The result was the establishment of cordial relations be- 
 tween the two neighbors. 
 
 In bestowing his benefactions, he was exceedingly sen- 
 siti\-e, not wishing to be known in the matter, and especially 
 not desiring to receive ordinary expressions of gratitude. 
 
 ° The same, p. 264. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 215 
 
 His habitual custom was to take his load of wood or pro- 
 visions, as the case might be, leave them at the door or in 
 the yard of the family in need, and without announcement 
 or comment silently steal away. 
 
 During the Revolutionary War, Elias Hicks, in com- 
 mon with other Friends, had property seized in lieu of mili- 
 tary service or taxes. The value does not seem to have been 
 great in any of the cases which were reported to the monthly 
 meeting. We copy the following cases from the records : 
 
 "On the 28th of Eighth month, 1777, came Justice Ma- 
 loon, Robert Wilson, Daniel Wilson, and Daniel Weeks, 
 sergeant under the above Captain (Youngs) and took from 
 me a pair of silver buckles, worth 18 shillings ; two pair of 
 stockings worth 15 shillings; and two handkerchiefs worth 
 5 shillings, for my not going at the time of an alarm. — Elias 
 Hicks, Jericho, 24th of Ninth month, 1777."^ 
 
 The "silver buckles" were either for the shoes or the 
 knees. They were evidently more ornamental than useful, 
 and how they comported with the owner's rather severe 
 ideas of plainness is not for us to explain. The j)rice put 
 on these stockings may surprise some twentieth century 
 reader, but it should be remembered that they were long to 
 reach to the knees, and went with short breeches called in 
 the vernacular of the time, "small clothes." 
 
 "The 3d of Twelfth month, 1777, there came to my 
 house George Weeks, sergeant under said Captain (Thorne) 
 with a warrant, and demanded twelve shillings of me toward 
 paying some men held to repair the forts near the 
 west end of the island, and upon my refusing to pay, took 
 from me a great coat, worth one pound and six shillings. — 
 Elias Hicks." ^ 
 
 We continue the "sufferings," only remarking that the 
 
 "Westbury Monthly Meeting: "A Record of Marriages, Deaths, 
 Sufferings, etc.," p. 231. 
 
 ' The same, p. 234. 
 
2i6 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL'KS HICKS 
 
 "i^reat coat" was an overcoat, the price at the equivalent of 
 about six dollars and a half was not overdrawn. 
 
 "The Sixth month, 1778, taken from Elias Hicks by 
 order of Captain Daniel Youngs, for refusing to pay toward 
 hiring- of men to work on fortifications near Brooklyn 
 Ferry, a pair of stockings worth 5 shillings; razor case and 
 two razors, worth 4 shillings." ^ 
 
 The next record of "suffering" is more than ordinarily 
 interesting in that it shows that the seizures of property 
 were very arbitrary, and it also gives the price of wlieat on 
 Long Tsland at that time. W'e quote: 
 
 "Abcnit the middle of Tenth month. 1779, came Cieorge 
 Wrecks, by order of Captain Daniel \'oungs, and 1 being 
 from home demanded from my wife three pounds, tor not 
 assisting to build a fort at Brooklyn Ferry, for which he 
 took two bao's with three bushels of wheat, worth one 
 pound, ten shillings." ® 
 
 .-\t this rate the market price of wheat was $2.50 per 
 bushel. Possibly this was during the period of scarcity, 
 referred to in the introduction. 
 
 In 1794 Elias Hicks was influential in establishing in 
 Jericho an organization, the scope of which was described in 
 its preanible as follows : "We, the subscribers, do hereby 
 associate and unite into a Society of Charity for the relief 
 of poor among the black people, more especially for the 
 education of their children." ^" 
 
 This society was almost revolutionary at the time of 
 its inception, showing how far-seeing its projectors were. 
 Its constitution declared that the society was rendered nec- 
 
 * The same, p. 242. 
 
 ° The same, p. 254. 
 
 '" This organization has been in continuons existence since its 
 inception. Meets regularly every year, and distributes the proceeds of 
 an invested fund in accordance with its original purpose. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS UV ELL\S HICKS 217 
 
 ossarv l)ecanse of the injustice aiid lack of opportunity 
 wliicli the colored people suffered. The hnpc was expressed 
 that the time would come when (lie hlaek |)eople would 
 cease to he a suhnier^ed and oj-jprosed race, tl was pri 1- 
 X'ided that in case the oris^inal need for tlic societ}- should 
 disappear, its henelits niii^iit he dislrihuted in an}- helpful 
 way. It may he interestino- to note that at the nieetini.i-s of 
 tlie society the scarcity of colored children attending- the 
 school was mentioned with regret. S( > far as we know, tlie 
 Jericho society was tlie hrst organized l'"riendl\- effort in 
 negi-o education. Klias Hicks contrihuled $50 to the in- 
 \'esle(] funds of the org-;niization. 
 
 28 
 
CHAPTER XXV. 
 Putting Off the Harness. 
 
 DrRixr, the series of \isits. reported in the twenty- 
 second cha])ter, Elias was ill a nnmlier of times, and was 
 lorced to rest from his labors. On the retnrn trip from 
 central and western Xew York, he visited for the last 
 time the Hudson Valley meetings which he attended on 
 his first religions journey in 177Q. 
 
 He arrixed in Xew ^'ork the Sth of Ele\-enth month. 
 attending the mid-week meeting at Hester Street that dav. 
 On First-day. the 15th, he attended the Rose Street meet- 
 ing in the morning and Hester Street in the afternoon. 
 Second-day evening, the i6th, a largely attended appointed 
 meeting was held in Brooklyn. He then proceeded toward 
 Jericho, arriving home on Fourth-day, the i8th of' Eleventh 
 month. 1829. 
 
 The "Journal" is singularly silent regarding this 
 Brooklyn meeting". Henry Byran Binns, on what he con- 
 siders good authority, says. "Elias Hicks preached in the 
 l)all-room of ^Morrison's Hotel on Broi:)klyn Heights."' To 
 this statement he lias added this hit of realistic description : 
 
 "The scene was one he (Whitman) never forgot. The 
 finely fitted and fashionable place of dancing, the officers 
 and gay ladies in that mixed and crowded assembly, the 
 lights, the colors and all the associations, both of the faces 
 and of the place, presenting so singular contrast with the 
 plain ancient Friends seated upon the platform, their broad- 
 brims on their heads, their eyes closed ; with silence, 
 long continued and becoming oppressive : and most of 
 all, with the tall, prophetic figure that rose at leno^th to 
 break it."' ' 
 
 '"A Life of Walt Whitman," p. 16. 
 
 218 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 219 
 
 Whitman's own referciice to tliis meeting- is still more 
 striking-. He says that he. a hoy of ten. was allowed to 
 g-o to the Hicks meeting because he "had heen behaving well 
 that dav." The "])rincipal dignitaries of the town" at- 
 tended this meeting, while uniformed officers troni the 
 United States Navy Yard graced the gathering with their 
 presence. The text was, "\Miat is the chief end of man?" 
 Whitman says : "I cannot follow the discourse, it presently 
 l)ecomes very fervid and in the midst of its fervor, he takes 
 the broad-brim hat from his head and almost dashing it 
 down with \iolence on the seat behind, continues witii un- 
 interrupted earnestness. Though the differences and dis- 
 putes of the formal division of the Society of P^riends were 
 even then under way. he did not allude to them at rdl. A 
 pleading-, tender, nearly agonizing- conviction and mag- 
 netic stream of natural eloquence, before which all minds 
 and natures, all emotions, high or low. gentle or simple, 
 vielded entirely without exception, was its cause, method 
 and eft'ect. Many, very many, were in tears." ' 
 
 With the account of this journey of 1829 his narrative 
 in the "Journal" closed. Idiis ])aragraph formed a htting 
 benediction : 
 
 "The foregoing- meetings were times of favor, and as a 
 seal from the hand of our gracious and never-failing helper, 
 to the labor and travail wdiich he has led me into, and 
 enabled me to perform, for the promotion of this great and 
 noble cause of truth and righteousness in the earth, as set 
 forth in the foregoing account, and not suffering any 
 weapon formed against me to prosper. 'This is the heri- 
 tage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness 
 is of me, saith the Lord.' For all these unmerited favors 
 and mercies, in deep humiliation my soul doth magnify the 
 Lord, and return thanksgiving and' glory to his great and 
 excellent name; for his mercy endureth forever."'' 
 
 ' "Tlif Complete Writings of Walt Whitman." Issned under the 
 editorial supervision of his Literary Executors, 1902. Vol. 3, p. 258. 
 
 ' "Journal," p. 438. 
 
220 LIFE AND LABORS OF LLIAS HICKS 
 
 It should be remembered that Elias IJicks was then 
 past his eig-hty-first year. He started on tliis last Inng 
 religious \isit. Sixth month 24th, and was tlierefore absent 
 from home one week less than ti\e months, lie sa\'s him- 
 self, in the last sentence of the "Jonrnar': "We traveled 
 in tliis journey nearly fifteen hundred miles." Tliese are 
 words as impressive as they are simple. 
 
 During this trip many families were visited from the 
 Valley of the Genesee to the City of New- York, where 
 he tarried se^•eral days that he might see his friends in 
 their homes. Whatever may have been their mind in the 
 case, he doubtless felt that the\' would lo(_ik upon his face 
 no more. 
 
 But Elias Hicks was not }et free from his religious 
 concerns, for on First month 21. 1830. he asked for a 
 minute, which was granted b\- Jericho Monthly Meeting, 
 and is as follows : 
 
 "Our beloved Friend, Elias Hicks, presented a con- 
 cern to make a religious visit to the families of Friends 
 and some Friendly people (as way may open), within the 
 compass of this and \\'estbury Montldy Meeting, which 
 claimed the solid attention of this meeting, was united 
 w'ith, and he left at liberty to pursue his [jrospect accord- 
 ingly." 
 
 This is the last minute ever asked for Iw Elias Hicks. 
 But evidently the visits contemplated were ne\er under- 
 taken, for about that time he had a slight attack of paraly- 
 sis, which alTected his right side and arm. Still tlie next 
 day he attended a meeting at Bethpage. and a little later 
 quarterly and monthly meetings in New York. In both he 
 performed ministerial service with his usual pow-er and 
 clearness. From a little brochure ])rinted in i82<;, we 
 quote : 
 
 "Tn the Monthly Meeting, he tr)ok a review of his labors 
 in the city for many years; and then expressed a belief 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 221 
 
 that liis religious services were brought nearly to a close. 
 "After adverting to the great deviations that had taken 
 place in the Society, from that plainness and simplicity 
 into which our principles would lead us, he added, 'but if 
 I should live two or three years longer, what a comfort it 
 would be to me to see a reformation in these respects.' 
 He then spoke in commemoralion of the goodness of his 
 Heavenly Father, and closed with these mem()ral)le words: 
 'As certainly as we are engaged to glorify him in all our 
 works, he will as certainly glorify us.' " * 
 
 P>ut tlie time of ])utting off the harness was near at 
 hand. On tlic 14th of Second month, iSj^o, he suffered 
 a sexere attack of paraKsis wJiich in\i)!\c(l the entire riglit 
 side, and deprixed liini of tlie use of his xoice. When 
 attacked he was alone in his roon.i, but succeeded in getting 
 tn his faniilv in an adjoining apartment. lie declined all 
 medical aid. In a condition of helplessness he lingered 
 until Se\enili-(lay the Jjtli. when he quietly passed away. 
 Although he could onl}- communicate by signs, conscious- 
 ness remained until near the end. 
 
 The funeral was held in the meeting house at Jericho, 
 on h"ourtli-da\-, Tliird month J,(\. Without a storm i"aged 
 in strange contrast to the ])eacc and (|uiet within. A large 
 compan\- braxed the elements, to pa}' their respects to his 
 Worth, as a man and a minister, while a number of \isiting" 
 ministering i^^-iends had sym])athetic serxice at the funeral, 
 after which the burial todk ])]ace in the ground adjoining 
 'the meeting-house, where he had long worshi])i)ed and 
 ministered. 
 
 The last act performed In- l^lias Hicks l)efoie the 
 fatal stroke came, was to write a letter to his friend Hugh 
 ludge.'' of Barnesx-ille, Ohio. Between the two men a 
 
 *"Life. Ministry, Last Sickness and Death of Elias Hicks," Phila- 
 delphia, J. Richards, printer, 130 North Third Street. 
 
 ' Hngh Judge was born abo^it 1750 of Catholic parents. Joined 
 Friends in his young manhood in Philadelphia. Removed to Ohio in 
 1815. Died Twelfth month 21, 1834. He died while on a religious 
 
222 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 
 
 singular sympathy liad long existed, and to Hugh, Fdia^ 
 unburdened his S])irit in this last word to the world. In 
 fact the letter fell from the hand of the writer, after the 
 shock. It was all complete with signature and postscri])t. 
 This letter really summarizes the d(~)ctrine. and states 
 the practical religion which inspired the ministry and 
 determined the life and conduct of this wortli}- h'riend. It 
 may be well, with its suggestive |X)stscri])t, to cl(5se this 
 record of the life and labors of Elias Hicks: 
 
 "Jericho, Second month 14th, 1830. 
 
 '"Dear Hugh: Thy very acceptable letter of the 21st 
 ultimo was duly received, and read with interest, tending 
 to excite renewed sympathetic and mutual fellow-feeling ; 
 and brought to my remembrance the cheernig salutation 
 of the blessed Jesus, our holy and perfect pattern and ex- 
 ample, to his disciples, viz: 'Be of good cheer, I have 
 overcome the world.' By which he assured his disciples, 
 that, by walking in the same pathway of self-denial and 
 the cross, which he trod to blessedness, they might als(o 
 overcome the world; as nothing" has ever enabled any 
 rational being, in any age of the world, to overcome the 
 spirit of the world, which lieth in wickedness, but the 
 cross of Christ. 
 
 "Some mav query, what is the cross of Christ? To 
 these T answer, it is the perfect law of Cod. written on 
 the tablet of the heart, and in the heart of every rational 
 creature, in such indelible characters that all the power of 
 mortals cannot erase nor obliterate. Neither is there any 
 power or means given or dispensed to the children of men. 
 but this inward law and light, by which the true and saving 
 knowledge of God can be obtained. And by this inward 
 law and light, all will be either justified or condemned, and 
 all be made to know Cod for themselves, and be left without 
 excuse; agreeably to the prophecy of Jeremiah, and the 
 corroborating testimony of Jesus in his last counsel and 
 command to his disciples, not to depart from Jerusalem 
 imtil the}' should receive power from on high : assuring 
 them that thev should receive power when they had re- 
 
 visit to Friends in PhiLidelphia Yearly Meeting. Was buried at Kennett 
 Square. He was a recorded minister for many years. 
 
LIFE AND LABORS (3F ELI AS HICKS 223 
 
 ceived the ponrini:; forth of the spirit upon tlicni, which 
 would (juahfy them io hear witness to him in Judea, 
 Jerusalem, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth ; 
 wdiich was verified in a marvellous manner on the day of 
 I'entecost, when thousands were converted to the Christian 
 faith in one day. By which it is evident that nothing but 
 this inward light and law, as it is heeded and obeyed, ever 
 did. or ever can make a true and real Christian and child of 
 Cod. And until the professors of Christianity agree to lay 
 aside all their non-essentials in religion, and rally to this 
 unchangeable foundation and standard oi truth, wars and 
 fightings, confusion and error will prevail, and the angelic 
 song cannot be heard in our land, that of 'glory to God in 
 the highest, and on earth peace and good will to men.' liut 
 when all nations are made willing to make this inward law 
 and light the rule and standard of all their faith and works, 
 then we shall be brought to know and believe alike, that 
 there is but one Lord, one faith, and but one baptism ; one 
 God and Father, that is above all, through all, and in all ; 
 and then will all those glorious and consoling prophecies, 
 recorded in the scriptures of truth, be fulfilled. Isaiah 2:4. 
 'He,' the Lord, 'shall judge among the nations, and rebuke 
 many people ; and they shall beat their swords into plough- 
 shares, and their spears into pruning-hooks ; nation shall 
 not lift up sword against nation ; neither shall they learn 
 war any more.' Isaiah 11. "The wolf also shall dwell with 
 the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid ; and 
 the calf, and the young lion, and the fatling together; and 
 a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear 
 shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and 
 the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the sucking child 
 shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child put 
 his hand on the cockatrice's den. They shall not hurt nor 
 destroy in all my holy mountain ; for the earth,' that is 
 our earthly tabernacles, "shall be full of the knowledge of 
 the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.' 
 
 "These scripture testimonies give a true and correct 
 description of the gospel state, and no rational being can be 
 a real Christian and true disciple of Christ until he comes 
 to know all these things verified in his own experience, as 
 e\ery man and woman has more or less of all those different 
 animal propensities and passions in their nature; and they 
 predominate and bear rule, and are the source and foimtain 
 from whence all wars, and every evil work, proceed, and 
 will contimte as long as man remains in his first nature. 
 
224 LIFE AND LABORS OF ELL-XS HICKS 
 
 and is governed by his animal spirit and propensities, which 
 constitute the natural man, which Paul tells us, 'receiveth 
 not the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolish- 
 ness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are 
 spiritually discerned.' This corroborates the declaration 
 of Jesus to Nicodenius, that 'except a man be born again he 
 cannot see the kingdom of God ;' for "that which is born 
 of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the spirit is 
 spirit." 
 
 '"Here Jesus assures us, beyond all doubt, that nothing 
 but spirit can either see or enter into the kingdom of God ; 
 and this confirms Paul's doctrine, that 'as many as are led 
 bv the spirit of God are the sons of God, and joint heirs 
 with Christ.' And Jesus assures us, by his declaration to 
 his diciples, John 14: 16-17; 'if ye love me keep my com- 
 mandments ; and I will pray the Father and he shall give 
 V(Ui another comforter, that he may abide with you forever, 
 e\en the spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive;' 
 that is, men and women in their natural state, who have 
 not given up to be led by this spirit of truth, that leads and 
 guides into all truth ; 'because they see him not. neither do 
 thev know him, but ye know him, for he dwelleth with 
 vou, and shall be in you.' And as these give up to be 
 whollv led and guided by him, the new birth is brought 
 forth in them, and they witness the truth of another testi- 
 mony of Paul's, even that of being "created anew in Christ 
 Tesus unto good works,' which God had foreordained that 
 all his new-iiorn children should walk in them, and thereby 
 show forth, by their fruits and good works, that they were 
 truly the children of God, born of his spirit, and taught 
 of him ; agreeably to the testimony of the prophet, that 
 'the children of the Lord are all taught of the Lord, and in 
 righteousness they are established, and great is the peace 
 of his children.' And nothing can make them afraid that 
 man can do unto them ; as saith the prophet in his appeal 
 to Jehovah : 'Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose 
 mind is stayed on thee, because he trusteth in thee.' There- 
 fore let every one that loves the truth. f(^r G(xl is truth, 
 'trust in the Lord forever, for in the Lord Jeliovah there 
 is everlasting strength.' 
 
 "I write these things to thee, not as though thou didst 
 iKit know them, but as a witness to thy experience, as 'two 
 are better than f)ne, and a threefold cord is not quickly 
 broken." 
 
 ■"I will now draw to a close, with just adding, for thy 
 
LIFE AND LABORS OF ELIAS HICKS 225 
 
 eiicoura,ycment, be nf ^<iiul cheer. fi)r no new thinL;' has 
 hapjiened to us; for it has e\erbcen tlie lot of the righteous 
 to pass through many trials and tril)ulatii ins in their passage 
 to that glorious, everlasting peace and ha])py ahode. where 
 all sorrow and sighing" come to an end: the \alne <if which 
 is above all price, for when we ha\e gi\'en all that we ha\e. 
 and can gi\"e. and sniTcrcd all that we can suffer, it is still 
 infinitely l)ek)w its real xalnc. And if we are fa\'f)red to 
 gain an inheritance in thai blissful and peaceful abode, 
 Avhere the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are 
 at rest,' we must ascribe it all to the immerited mercy and 
 loving kindness of our Heavenly Father, who remains to 
 be God oxer all. blessed forever! 
 
 "I will now conclude, and in the fulness of brotherly 
 love to thee and thine, in which m\- family unite, subscribe 
 tin- affectionate friend. 
 
 "1-:L1 AS IIUKS. 
 ••To Hugh judge: 
 
 ■"I'lease i)resent my love to all my friends as way 
 opens." 
 
 29 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 A 
 
 DESCENDANTS OF ELIAS HICKS. 
 
 The only lineal descendants of l^lias Hicks are tlmuigla 
 his daughters, Abigail and Sarah. Alngail's husband. X'alen- 
 tine, was her cousin, and Sarah's husband, Robert Seaman, 
 was a relative on the mother's side. 
 
 Descendants of Valentine and Abigail Hicks. 
 
 CHILDREN OF THE ABOVE. 
 
 Gkandchh.drex of Elias Hicks. — Caroline, married 
 Dr. William Seaman ; Fhebe. married Adonijah Underliill (no 
 children): Elias Hicks, married Sarah Hicks; Alary (un- 
 married). 
 
 creat-crandchildren of elias hicks. 
 
 Children of Dr. William Seamax and Caroline 
 Hicks. — X'alentine Hicks Seaman, married Rebecca Crom- 
 well ; Sarah Seaman, married Henry 15. Cromwell : Samuel 
 Hicks Seaman, married Hannah Husband. 
 
 Children of Elias Hicks and Sarah Hicks. — Mary, 
 married Peter B. Eranklin ; Elias Hicks (unmarried), de- 
 ceased; Caroline (unmarried), deceased. 
 
 great-great-grandchildren of elias hicks. 
 
 Children of Valentine H. and Rep.ecca C. Seaman.^ — - 
 W'illiam, married Addie W. Lobdell ; Caroline (infant);^ 
 Henry B.,- married Grace Dutton ; Edwin H. (infant); 
 Howard (unmarried), deceased; \'alentine H. (unmarried); 
 Emily C. (unmarried); Erederic C. married Ethel Lobdell. 
 
 Children of Henry B. and Sarah Seaiman Crom- 
 well. — (ieorge-'' (unmarried); Henrv B. (unmarried), de- 
 ceased. 
 
 'Note — Those marked "(infant)" died in infancy. Thrise witli- 
 out notation are under age and living. 
 
 'Henry B. Seaman is a graduate of Swartliniore College, class of 
 1881. and received degree of C. E. in 1884. Was for three years Chief 
 Engineer of the Public Service Commission of Greater New York. 
 He resigned this position Tenth month I, iQio, because he could not 
 approve estimates desired by the authorities. Since then these esti- 
 mates have been held up as excessive. 
 
 ' When Greater New York was incorporated (ieorge Cromwell was 
 
 226 
 
APPENDIX 227 
 
 ClIII.DRKX OF SaMUKL 11. AND IIaXXAH 11. SkA.MAX. — 
 
 Josc])h 11. (unmarried); Caroline Hicks, married William A. 
 Read; Alary T. (unmarried); Franklin (unmarried), de- 
 ceased; Sarah, married Lloyd Saltus. 
 
 Children of Peter B. anj) jMary Hicks l'"kA\i<i.iN. — 
 Anne M., married Walter A. Campbell. 
 
 great-great-great-grandchildren of elias hicks. 
 
 Children of William and Addie Seaman. — Howard 
 L. (unmarried) ; Jessie M. (unmarried). 
 
 Children of Henry B. and Grace D. Seaman. — Ayres 
 C. ; Henry Bowman. 
 
 Children of Frederic C. and Ethel L. Seaman. — 
 Esther 
 
 Children of William A. and Caroline Seaman Read. 
 — William Augustus ; Curtis Seaman ; Duncan Hicks ; R. Bar- 
 tow ; Caroline Hicks; Bancroft (infant); Bayard W. ; Mary 
 Elizabeth; Kenneth B. (infant). 
 
 Children of Lloyd and Sarah Sicamax Saltis. — 
 Mary Seaman; Ethel S. ; Seymour; Lloyd. 
 
 Children of Walter Allison and Anne AI. Fraxk- 
 LiN Campbell. — Franklin Allison ; Alary Elizabeth. 
 
 Descendants of Robert Seaman and Sarah, Daughter of 
 
 Elias Hicks. 
 
 children of the above.. 
 
 Grandchildrex of Elias Hicks. — Phebe (died) ; Han- 
 nah, married Matthew F. Robbins ; W'illet (died); Elizabeth, 
 married Edward Willis ; Elias H., married Phebe Underbill ; 
 Willct H., married Alarv Wing; Alary H., married Isaac 
 Uillis. 
 
 great-graxdchildrex of eli.\s hicks. 
 
 Childrex of Hannah and AIatthew^ F. Robbins. — 
 Caroline, married Sidney W' . Jackson ; Walter, married Sarah 
 E. Hubbs. 
 
 Children of Eliz.m'.eth and Edward Willis. — Sarah 
 R. ; Alary S. (died) ; Caroline H. (died) ; Henrietta, married 
 Stephen J. Underbill. 
 
 Children of Elias H. and Phebe Seaman. — Alary 
 (died); Samuel J., married Alatilda W. Willets : Sarah 
 (died) ; Anna; Robert, married Hannah W. Willets; William 
 
 elected President of the Borough of Richmond. Although this bor- 
 ough is normally Democratic in its politics, George Cromwell has been 
 re-elected, and is the only president the borough has ever had. He 
 and Henry B. Seaman are double first cousins. 
 
228 APPENDIX 
 
 II., married AFargarct j. Laurie: James II., ma'rried ( t i Ilessie 
 Bridges; (2) b'loreiice 1 laviland. 
 
 ("iin,DRi-;.\ oi- \\'ii.i.i:r 11. wn Makv Sicamax. — iMlward 
 W.: Willet II.; 1-rank W. 
 
 Cii ir.DRiiN OF .Mary II. and Isaac W'li.i.is. — Henry, mar- 
 ried June IJarnes; Koheri .S. 
 
 (;ki: A i-(;ki:at-(;ka\ijchji.dkk.\ of kij.\s hicks. 
 
 ."^o.x oi' C" \KoLJi\i-: AND SiDNiCN' \V . Jackson. — JNI. l"'rank- 
 liii. married Annie W Jackson. 
 
 L'li iLi»Ki;.\ oi- Walticr and S.\raii \\. Jackson.- — Caro- 
 line J., married William ( r. Underhill : Annie II.. married 
 'idiomas Rushmore ; Cora A., married John Marshall. 
 
 CiiiLDRFN OF Henrietta and Stephen J. Undkrihel. — 
 Kdward W., married Emeline Kissam ; Hannah \\'.; I lenry T., 
 married Dorothy Vernon : Arthur. 
 
 Children of Samuel J. and Matilda W. Seaman. — 
 Mary W., married Leon A. Rushmore; Samuel J., married 
 Kthelena V. Lo^art ; Anna Louise; Frederick W . ; Lewis \'. 
 (died). 
 
 1) Accirn-.R oi' I\or.i:Rr and IIannaii W. .Si:a.\l\n. — 
 Phelie U. 
 
 Children of William IL and AL\rgaret L. Se.\man. — 
 William Laurie; Faith Frances (died). 
 
 Children of Jame.s H. and Bessie B. Si:a.\l\.\'. — (ieorgc 
 B. ; Elias ITaviland. 
 
 CinLDRi:.\ OF [a.mes PL and h^LORENCE II. Seaman.— 
 Lertha Lucina ; Willard II.; Helen U. 
 
 great-cjreat-great-c.randchildren of elias hicks. 
 Daughter of M. Franklin and Annie T. Jackson. — 
 Marion l'\ 
 
 ClllLJ)RKN Ol' C.\ROr>lNE J. AND WlLLfAM G. L^NDEKHILL. 
 
 — Mildred; Irene; ^Lu'garet. 
 
 Childri:n of .\nxii-: H. and Tho.\l\s Risii .moke. — Lil- 
 lian A. ; Elizabeth A. 
 
 Sox of Cora .\. and John ]\L\rshall. — John W. 
 
 l)\rGirii'.R OF lll•.NR^' T. and Dorothy L'ndi'.rii ill. — ■ 
 Winifred. 
 
 Son of Mary S. and Leon A. Rush. moke. — Leon A. 
 
Al'FKNDIX 2 JO 
 
 B 
 
 Letter to Dr. Atlee/ 
 
 Lopy of a Idler fruin I'.lias I licks to Dr. i-'dwin A. AlK-t.'. 
 of 1 'liiladclpliia: 
 
 '■Ji:ku no. .\iiuli uio. -'j, 1SJ4. 
 "\\\ \)\:\\< l'"Kii:.\i) : 
 
 ■■'Fliy \(. ry acc-e])tablc letter of the Jytli ultimo came duly 
 to hand, and I have taken my })en not only to acknowledge thy 
 kindness, hut also to state to thee the unfriendlv an<l unchris- 
 tian conduct of Anna Uraithwaite toward me, not only as 
 relates to that extract, hut in her conversation among hriends 
 and other>. traducing ni\ religious character, and >aying I 
 held and promulgated infidel doctrines, etc. — endeavoring to 
 prejudice the minds of Friends against me. hehind my hack, 
 in ()])en \iolation of gospel order. She caiue Iri in\- hduse, as 
 >tate(l in the extract thou sent me, after the (|uarlerly meeting 
 of ministers and elders at W'esthury in First month last. .\t 
 that meeting \va> the hrst time 1 saw her, which was about 
 t'i\e or six months after her arrival in Xew Ndrk. And as I 
 had heard her well spoken of as a minister, J could have had 
 no preconceived oi)inion of her but what was fa,vorable, there- 
 fore. I treated, her with all the cordiality and friendshi]) 1 was 
 capable of. She also, from all outward appearance, mani- 
 fested the >ame : and, after dinner, she requested, in company 
 with A. .S.. a feiuale h'riend that was with her, a i)rivate 
 opp(ivtu;n"t\- with me. .So we withdrew into another room, 
 where wi' continued in conversation for nearly two hours. 
 And being innocent and igncjrant <d' anv cati>e that 1 had 
 given, on m\ jiart. for the necessity of such an o])])ortunit}-. I 
 concluded she had nothing niore in view than to have a little 
 free conversation on the state of those select meetings. 
 
 "But, to my surprise, the first subject she spoke upon, 
 was to call in (piestion a sentiment I hacl expressed in tile 
 meeting aforesaid, which ai)peared to me to be so plain and 
 simple, that I concluded the weakest member in our society, 
 endued with a rational understanding, would have seen the 
 propriety of. It was a remark I made on the absence of three 
 out of four of the representatives ai)pointe(l by one of the 
 preparative meetings to attend the cjuarterly meeting. And I 
 having long been of the opinion, that much weakness had been 
 introduced into our <ociety b}- injudiciotis ap])ointments, I 
 
 * See page 164 of this book. 
 
230 APPENDIX 
 
 have often been concerned to caution Friends on that account. 
 The remark I made was this : that I thought there was some- 
 thing wrong in the present instance — for, as we profess to 
 beheve in the guidance of the Spirit of Truth as an unerring 
 Spirit, was it not reasonable to expect, especially in a meeting 
 of ministers and elders, that if each Friend attended to their 
 proper gifts, as this Spirit is endued with prescience, that it 
 would be much more likely, under its divine influence, we 
 should be led to appoint such as would attend on particular 
 and necessary occasion, than to appoint those who would not 
 attend ? 
 
 "This idea, she contended, was not correct ; and the senti- 
 ments she expressed on this subject really affected me. To 
 think that any, professing to be a gospel minister, called from 
 a distant land to teach others, and to be so deficient in knowl- 
 edge and experience, in so plain a case, that I could not well 
 help saying to her. that her views were the result of a want 
 of religious experience, and that I believed if she improved 
 her talent faithfully, she would be brought to see better, and 
 acknowledge the correctness of my position. But she replied, 
 she did not want to see better. This manifestation of her self- 
 importance, lowered her character, as a gospel minister, very 
 much in my view ; and her subsequent conduct, while she was 
 with us. abunflantly corroborated and confirmed this view con- 
 cerning her. As to her charge against me, in regard to the 
 Scriptures, it is generallv incorrect, and some of it false. And 
 it is very extraordinary, that she should manifest so much 
 seeming friendship for me, when present, and in my absence 
 .speak against me in such an unbecoming manner. Indeed, 
 her conduct toward me, often reminds me of the treachery of 
 Judas, when he betrayed his ]\Iaster with a kiss. And, instead 
 of acting toward me as a friend or a Christian, she had been 
 watching for evil. 
 
 "As to my asserting that I believe the Scriptures were 
 held in too high estimation by the professors of Christianity 
 in general. I readily admit, as T have asserted it in my public 
 communications for more than forty years, but, generally, in 
 opposition to those that held them to be the only rule of faith 
 and practice ; and my views have always been in accordance 
 with our primitive Friends on this point. And at divers times, 
 when in conversation with hireling teachers, (and at other 
 times) I have given it as my opinion, that so long as they 
 held the Scriptures to be the only rule of faith and practice, 
 and bv which they justify wars, hireling ministry, predestina- 
 tion, and what thev call the ordinances, viz: water baptism 
 
APPENDIX 231 
 
 and the passover supper, mere relics of the Jewish hiw, so long 
 the Scriptures did such, more harm than good : hut that the 
 fault was not in the Scriptures, hut in their literal and carnal 
 interpretation of them — and that would always be the case 
 until they came to the Spirit that gave them forth, as no other 
 power could break the seal, and open them rightly to us. 
 Hence I have observed, in my public communications, and in 
 conversation with the members of different denominations, and 
 others, who held that the Scriptures are the primary and only 
 rule of faith and practice — that, according to the true analogy 
 of reasoning, 'that for which a thing is such — the thing itself is 
 more such' — as the Spirit was before the Scriptures, and above 
 them, and without the Spirit they could not have been written 
 or known. And with this simple but conclusive argument, I 
 have convinced divers of the soundness of our doctrine in this 
 respect — that not the Scriptures but the Spirit of Truth, which 
 Jesus commanded his disciples to wait for, as their only rule, 
 they would teach them all things, and guide them into all truth, 
 is the primary and only rule of faith and practice, and is the 
 only means by which our salvation is effected. 
 
 "The extract contains so much inconsistency, and is so 
 incorrect, that, as I proceed, it appears less and less worthy 
 of a reply, and yet it does contain some truth. I admit that 
 I did assert, and have long done it, that we cannot believe 
 what we do not understand. This the Scripture affirms. Deut. 
 xxix. 29 — 'The secret things belong unto the Lord our God, 
 hut the things that are revealed belong unto us and our chil- 
 dren forever, that we may do all the words of this law' — and 
 all that is not revealed, is to us the same as a nonentity, and 
 will forever remain so, until it is revealed ; and that which is 
 revealed, enables us, agreeably to the apostle's exhortation, to 
 give a reason of the hope that is in us, to honest inquirers. I 
 also assert, that we ought to bring all doctrines, whether written 
 or verbal, to the test of the .S])irit of Truth in our minds, as 
 the only sure director relative to the things of God ; otherwise, 
 why is a manifestation of the Spirit given to every man if it 
 it not to profit by; and, if the Scriptures are about the Spirit, 
 and a more certain test of doctrines, why is the Spirit given, 
 seeing it is useless? lUit this doctrine, that the Scriptures are 
 the only rule of faith and j^ractice, is a fundamental error, and 
 is manifested to be so by the Scriptures themselves, and also 
 by our primitive Friends" writings. It would seem that Anna 
 Rraithwaite has strained every nerve in exaggerating my 
 words, for I have not said more than R. Barclay, and many 
 others of our predecessors, respecting the errors in our English 
 
232 APPENDIX 
 
 Iranslation of the Hibk-. liencc it a])pears. that she was deter- 
 mined to criminate me at all events, by striving to make me 
 erroneous for saying that the Gospel handed to us. was no 
 more authentic than many other writings. Sure!}' a ]:)erson that 
 did not assent to this, must be ignorant indeed. 
 
 ■■.\re not the writings of our ])rimitive J-^rienrls as 
 autluiitic as any liook or writing, and esjieciallv such as were 
 written so many centuries ago, the originals of which have 
 ])een lost many hundred years? And are not the histories of 
 |)assing events, written by candid men of the present age. 
 which thousands know to be true, as authentic as the Bible? 
 
 "Ifer assertions, that 1 asked if she could be so ignorant 
 as to ijelieve in the account of the creation of the world, and 
 that I had been convinced for the last ten years, that it was 
 onl}- an allegory, and that it had been esix'cially revealerl to 
 me at a meeting in Liberty Street about that time: that 1 asked 
 her if she thought Adam was any worse after he had eaten 
 the forbidden fruit than before, and that T said I did 
 not believe he was ; and also her asserting, that ] said that 
 jesus Christ was no more than a prophet, and that 1 further 
 said, that if she would read the Scriptures attentively she 
 would believe that Jesus was the son of Joseph : these asser- 
 tions of hers, are all false and unfounded, and must be the re- 
 stilt of a feigned or forced construction of something I might 
 have said, -to suit her own purpose. For those who do not 
 wish to be satisiied with fair reasoning, there is no end to their 
 cavilling and misrejiresentation. As to what she relates as it 
 regards the manner of our coming into the world in our in- 
 fant state, it is my belief, that we come into the world in the 
 same state of innocence, and endowed with the same propen- 
 sities and desires that our first parents were, in their primeval 
 state : and this Jesus Christ has established, and must be con- 
 clusive in the minds of all true believers ; when he took a little 
 child in his arms and blessed him. and said to them around 
 him that except they were converted, and become as that 
 little child, they should in no case enter into the kingdom of 
 heaven. Of course, all the desires and pro])ensities of that 
 little child, and of our first parents in their primeval state, 
 must have been good, as they were all the endowments of their 
 Creator, and given to them for a special purpose. T.ut it is 
 the improper and unlawful indulgence of them that is evil. 
 
 "T readily acknowledge. I have not been able to see or 
 understand, how the cruel persecution and crucifixion of Jesus 
 Chri-t. bv the wicked and hard-hearted Jews, should expiate 
 mv sins : and never have known anvthing to efifect that for 
 
APPENDIX 233 
 
 inc, but the grace of God, that taught uie, agrceahl) to the 
 apostle's doctrine, to deny all ungodliness and tlie world's 
 lusts, and do live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present 
 world: and as I liave faithful!}- abode under its teachings, in 
 full obedience thereto, 1 ha\e been brought to believe that my 
 sins were forgiven, and 1 i)rrniitted to sit under the Lord's 
 teaching, as saith the i)rophet : 'that the children of the Lord 
 are all taught of the Lord, and in righteousness they are estab- 
 lished, and great is the ])eace of his children." And so long as 
 I feel this peace, there is nothing in this world that makes me 
 afraid, as it respects my eternal condition. lUit if any of my 
 friends have received and known benefit frnni aii\- outward 
 sacrifice, T do not envy them their privilege. Ihit, surely, they 
 would not be willing that T shf)uld acknowledge as a truth, that 
 which I have no kind of knowledge of. I am willing to admit, 
 that Divine Mercy is no doubt watching o\er his rational 
 creation for their good, and may secretly work at times for 
 their preservation; but, if, in his infinite wisdom and good- 
 ness, he sees meet to hide il from us, as most consistent with 
 his wisdom and our good, let us have a care that we do not. 
 in the jiride of our hearts, undertake to l>rey into his secret 
 counsels, lest we olTend ; but be content with what he is pleased 
 to reveal to us, let it be more or less, and, especially, if he is 
 pleased to speak peace to our minds. And when he graciously 
 condescends to do this, we shall know it to be a peace that 
 the world cannot give, with all its enjoyments, neither take 
 away, with all its frcwvns. 
 
 "I shall now draw to a close, and, with the salutation of 
 gospel love. I subscribe myself thy affectionate and sym|)a- 
 thizing friend and brother. 
 
 "Elias Hicks.'" 
 To Edwin A. Atlee. 
 
 C 
 
 The Portraits. 
 
 The cut facing ])a.qe 1 _' 1 is a ])hotograpli from the painting 
 bv Henry Ketcham. This was sketched by the artist who was 
 ill the public gallery of the meeting house at different times 
 when Elias Hicks was ])reaching. his presence being unknown 
 to the preacher. It was originally a full-length portrait, but 
 manv vears ago was injured by fire, when it was cut down 
 to bust size. For some time it was in the home of the late 
 Elwood \\'alter. of Englewood. X. f. Lor many years it ha? 
 
 30 
 
234 APPENDIX 
 
 been in the fannl_\- of 1 lcnr\- II. Seaman. It is Ijelieved that 
 the pictures made under (Hrection of the late Edward Hopper, 
 had this portrait as llieir original. The engravings i i the 
 "History of Long Island" and in the "Complete Works of 
 Walt Whitman," are probably basetl on this jiortrait. They 
 have passed through such a "sleeking-up" process, liowever, 
 as to lack the individuality of the more crude production. 
 
 The frontispiece is from a ])hotogra|)h of the bust of 
 Elias Hicks, by the sctdptor. William Ordway Partridge, and 
 was made for Henry B. Seaman. In making the bust the artist 
 used the oil painting referred to above, and all of the other 
 pictures of Elias Hicks in existence, including the full-length 
 silhouette. He also had the bust, said to have been taken 
 from the death mask, and from them all attemj^ted to con- 
 strtict what may be termed the "ideal" Elias Hicks. 
 
 The Death Mask. 
 
 Much has !)een written about tlie death mask of VTias 
 tlicks. from which the bust in Swarthmore Colle^-e, in the 
 New \'()rk Friend's r>il)rary and other places was made. 
 That such a mask \\as taken iidmits of no doubt, and the 
 only clear statement reia,ardin^- the matter is i;i\en below. 
 The Inist is in the ])ossession of Harry B. Seaman. The 
 issue of "Xiles Rejjister" referred to was published only 
 six weeks after the death of Elias Hicks. 
 
 "We understand an Italian artist of this city, has secretly 
 disinterred the body of Elias Hicks, the celebrated Quaker 
 preacher, and moulded his bust. It seems he had applied to the 
 friends of the deceased to take a moulding previous to his in- 
 terment, but was refused. Suspicion being excited that the 
 grave had been disturbed, it was examined, and some bits of 
 |)Iaster were found adhering to the hair of the deceased. The 
 enthusiastic Italian was visited, and owned that, as he had been 
 denied the privilege of taking a bust before interment, he had 
 adopted the only method of obtaining one. We have heard 
 nothing more on the subject, except that the bust is a most 
 excellent likeness." ^ 
 
 ' Quoted from New York Constellation, in "Niles Weekly- 
 Register," April ID. 1830. p. 124. 
 
APPENDIX 235 
 
 E 
 
 A Bit of Advertising. 
 
 As showing the way the presence of ministering Friends 
 was advertised in Philadel])hia eighty-eight years ago, we re- 
 ])n)(hice the following, which a])peared in some o\ the ])a])ers ' 
 of that period : 
 
 "Arrived in this city on the 7th inst.. Elias Hicks, a dis- 
 tinguished minister of the gospel, the IJenign Doctrines of 
 which he is a faithful embassador, has for many years past 
 practically endeavored (both by prece])t and example) to pro- 
 mulgate in its primeval beauty and simplicity, without money 
 and wdthout price. Those who are Friends to plain truth 
 and evangelical preaching, that have heretofore been edified 
 and comforted under his ministry, will doubtless be pleased 
 to learn of his arrival, and avail themselves of the present 
 o])portunitv of attending such appointments as he, under the 
 direction of Divine influence, may see proper to make in his 
 tour of Gos]^el Love, to the inhabitants of this city and its 
 vicinity. 
 
 'A Citizen." 
 
 Philadelphia, December 9, 1822. 
 
 Acknovi^ledgement. 
 
 The author of this book acknowledges his indebtedness 
 in its preparation to the following, who either in furnishing 
 data, or otherwise assisted in its preparation : William and 
 Margaret L. Seaman, and Samuel J. Seaman, Glen Cove. 
 N. Y. ; Robert and Anna Seaman. Jericho, N. Y. ; Henry B. 
 Seaman, Brooklyn. N. Y. ; Dr. Jesse H. Green. West Chester. 
 Pa.: Mary Willis. Rochester. N. Y. : Flla K. Barnard and 
 Joseph J. Janney. Baltimore. Md. ; Henry B. Hallock. Br 
 ivn, X. Y. : John Comly. Philadelphia, Pa. 
 
 ( )i )ii 
 
 ' The Cabinet, or Works of Darkness Brought to Light. Philadel- 
 phia. 1824. p. 33. 
 
236 APrENDIX 
 
 G 
 
 Sources of Information. 
 
 In niakiuii this book tlie tollowiiiif arc the main sources 
 (it iiirorniation that have i)ccn consuhed. which arc reterred 
 
 to those \\lt(t niav wisli to jj;o into ihc (k'tails <if the matter 
 inxdh'cd : 
 
 Journal of i'dia^ Mick>. Xcw York. iS^-'. I'nhH^hcd loy 
 Isaac I". I h >])|icr. 
 
 Idle l.nndy l'"amily. liy WiHiant Llinton Armstrong,. 
 Xi'w r.rnnswick, 1902. 
 
 Ihc Onaker ; A Series of Sermons l)y Members of tlie 
 Society of I'ddends, rhiladclphia. i^2~-2>^. L'td)lished by Mar- 
 cus I". (". ( Inuld. 
 
 A Scries of b^xtcmporancous l)iscoursc>. etc., by h>has 
 ilick-. rbiladcl])hia. 1X25. I'ubhshcd 1)\- bisepli and Ivhvard 
 Marker. 
 
 Letters of I'dias 1 lick^. I 'liikKU'lphia. iSin, Published 
 b\- l\ l'dl\\()0(i Lha])man. 
 
 An Account of the Life and d"ra\el> of Sannicl I'xnvnas. 
 I'.ditcd b\- j. licssc. London, \J^(i. 
 
 AnlcXiccnc l'"atliers. XOl.ll. r.uffalo, \. ^■.. 1S85. 
 Idle Christian Litcratiu-e Publishing Cdmpan}. 
 
 The Quakers. IJy Frederick Storrs ldu-iier. London, 
 |SS(). Swan, Sounenschein & Co. 
 
 .\ Review of the (ieneral and Particular Causo Which 
 Nave Produced the Late Disorders in the Yearly Meeting of 
 I'd-iends Held in Philadeli^hia. P.y James Cockburu. Philadel- 
 phia. 1829. 
 
 I^^oster's Report. Two volumes. 1>\- Jeremiah J. Foster, 
 Master and Examiner in Chancery. Philadelphia. 1831. 
 
 Rules of Discipline of the >'earl\- ^^eeting of I'riends 
 Ikdd in Philadel])hia. iSof). 
 
 The Friend: or Advocate of I'rutli. Philadcliibia. 1.S28. 
 Published by .M . T. C. C.ould. 
 
 An .\i)ologv for the d'rtic christian Divinity, etc. l>y 
 Robert Pjarclay. Philadelphia, 1877. Friends' Book Store. 
 
 ^lemoirs of Anna Braithwaite. By her son, J. Bevan 
 P)raithwaite. Loudon, 1905. Lleadley Brothers. 
 
 The Christian Inquirer. New ^'ork. 182(1. Published by 
 B. P.ates. 
 
 [. Bevan P.raithwaite : .\ h^ricud o\ the Xinetcenth Cen- 
 turv. P>v His Idiildren. London. 1909. Hodder & .Stough- 
 tou. 
 
APPENDIX 237 
 
 Scniidiis 1)\ l'"lias llick>, Ann j()nc> and (Others of the 
 Suciet}- of I'licnds, cic. lirooklyn, 182S. 
 
 Journal of Tlionias Shillilot'. London. iS,V;. i larvey & 
 i )arton. 
 
 Mcnioi-ials of jolni liarlrani and I lum|)ln"c\- Marsliall. 
 Il\' William 1 )aiiin54ton, riiiladcl])liiu, 1849. 
 
 The American C'onllici. I'.\ Horace Greeley. Ilartford, 
 CAinn., 18^)4. ( ). 1). Case &: Co. 
 
 Memoirs of Life and Reli.qinus Labors of Ldward 1 licks. 
 I'liiladelphia, 1851. 
 
 Life of Walt Whitman. Henry Lryan Binns. 
 
 Complete Works of Walt Whitman. 1902. 
 
 History of Lonj;" Island. 
 
 I'roceedings of the Manchester Conference. i8(;5. 
 
 Stephen Crellett. Ily William ( niest. I'liiladelphia, 1833. 
 1 lenry Longstreth. 
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 i'age 72, 25th line, Elizabeth Hicks died icSyi, not lySf. 
 
 Page 73, 2d line, Robert Seaman died 1870, not 1S60. 
 
 Page 74, 7th line, for Martha, read Abigail. 
 
 Page 113, next to last line 2d i^aragraph. for leave, read 
 leaves. 
 
 Pages 2 12, 235 and 242, for Marv Willis, read Sarah L. 
 Willis. 
 
 Page 22O, to children of Valentine and Abigail Micks, 
 add Elizabeth. 
 
 Page 228, 10th line, for Sarah E. Jackson read Sarah E. 
 Robbins. 
 
INDEX 
 
 Abolitionists. Garrisonian. (S7 
 After the "Separation," 195 
 Aldrich, Royal, reference to. 6q 
 Ancestry and Boyhood, 17 
 Appendix, 226 
 Apostolic Christian, an. 7 
 Apprenticeship of E. H., 22 
 Atlee. Dr. Edwin A., E. H.'s let- 
 ter to, .\ppendix B : reference to, 
 166 
 
 r.altiniore Y. M., E. H. attends, 44 
 liaptists. Southern, reference to, 
 
 94 
 Barclay's Apology, quotation 
 
 from, 143-144 
 Bartrani. John, reference to, 190; 
 sketch of, 190; his supposed 
 deism. 190-191 
 Beacon Controversy, the, 169-170 
 Berry, Mary, at Easton, Md., y] 
 Binns. Henry Byran. describes E. 
 
 H.'s preaching. 212-218 
 Black people commended, .37 
 Bnwnas, Samuel (note), 18 
 Braithwaite. .\nna, referred to. 
 49; sketch of (note), 161: 
 writes to E. H., 162: writes to 
 Friend in Flushing, 16.^: writes 
 to E. H. from England. 16.;: 
 writes to E. H. from Kipp's 
 Bay, t68: advised by Jericho 
 ministers and elders, 169; late 
 reference to "Hicksism," 170 
 Braithwaite. Isaac, reference to 
 (note). i6t : reference to. 179- 
 
 Braithwaite, J. Bevan (note). 164- 
 170 
 
 Camp meetings. E. H. condenms. 
 
 104 
 Carpenter. E. H. apprenticed as, 
 
 22 
 Chris't, Divinitv of. 115. 116. 156 
 
 Christ as saviour. 156-157 
 Clarkson, Thomas, receives Hicks' 
 
 pamphlet. 90 
 Clement of Alexandria, reference 
 
 to, 106 
 Conflict, The American (note), 94 
 Court Crier, E. H. imitates, 62 
 Cotton gin, invention of. 94 
 Cropper, James (note). 89: letter 
 
 from E. H., 90 
 
 Dancing, opinion of, 22 
 Discipline, E. H.'s regard for. 29 
 Disownment and doctrine. 188 
 Disownments for doctrine. 190: 
 
 E. H. on, 191-193: during 
 
 slavery agitation, 87-88 
 Division, before the. 121 
 Dutchess County, separation in. 
 
 Doctrine, statement of by Phila- 
 delphia Meeting for .Sufferings, 
 139 
 
 Early labors in ministry, t^i 
 
 Easton, Aid., letter from, y; 
 
 Election, E. H. on, 110 
 
 Evans, Jonathan, opposes E. H., 
 127; clerk Meeting for Suffer- 
 ings, 139; expounds orthodox 
 doctrine, 153 
 
 Exeter. Pa., E. H. writes letter 
 from. .^8 
 
 Family, the Hicks, 71 : E. H.'s 
 statement about, 71 ; children in. 
 
 First Trouble in Philadelphia, 126 
 Fisher, Sanuiel R.. entertains E. 
 
 H.. 44 
 Flushing. O., E. H. meets opposi- 
 tion in. 50: also (note), 50 
 Free Masonry, E. H. on. 103 
 Friends, Progressive (note), 88 
 
 238 
 
INDKX 
 
 -'.59 
 
 Garrisdii. William Lloyd, on So- 
 ciety of I'Viends, i^J 
 
 Gibbons, James S., is disowned, J^7 
 
 (ioldsmitb. Oliver, extract from 
 -Deserted Village," 68 
 
 (lould, Marcus T. C. pid)lisher 
 "The Quaker," 1 5-'- 15.5 
 
 (irellett, Stephen, sketch of 
 (note). 123; questions ortho 
 doxy of E. H., 12,5 
 
 (ireeley, Horace, quotation from, 
 
 <)4 
 (ireen. Dr. Jesse C, reference to, 
 
 _M 1 ; recollections of K. H.. 
 
 211-212 
 Green Street Alouthly Meelint;. 
 
 center of difficulty, 147 140 
 Gurney, Joseph John, reft'rence 
 
 to. 165 
 
 Harris, ])r. J. Rendell. criticises 
 E. H.. 208 
 
 Heaven and hell. !'.. H. on, 1 10- 
 I II 
 
 Hicks, Abigail, daughter of \L H., 
 72; picture of, facing. 97 
 
 Hicks, David, son of E. H., 72 
 
 Hicks, Edward, sketch of (note). 
 202; estimate of E. H., 203 
 
 Hicks. Elias, apostolic Christian, 
 7 : his type of Quakerism, 7 : 
 reading Scriptures, 12; refer- 
 ence to ohl folks, 13: objects to 
 flower bed, 13: sells wheat at 
 low price to neighbors, 14: 
 favors disciplinary equality for 
 wouieti, 15; birth, 18; reference 
 to parents, 11. 19: death of 
 mother. 20: reference to sing- 
 ing and running horses, 20; ap- 
 prenticed to learn carpenterV 
 I rade. 22 ; on dancing. 22-23 • 
 on hunting, 23-24; reference to 
 possibly lost condition, 23: 
 statement regardin,g his mar- 
 ri;ige. 24; marriage application 
 in monthly meetin.g, 25; takes 
 up residence in Jericho, 26; a 
 surveyor. 2j : appears in the 
 ministry, 28-29; regard for dis- 
 cipline, 29; recorded a minister, 
 .^o : passes through military lines 
 in Revolutionary War. 31 ; 
 makes hrst long reli.gious jour 
 ney. 32: visits Nine Partner-;. 
 
 \ermont, elc, 34; visits New 
 l'".ngland, ^^S' visits Philadelphia 
 ;ind Baltimore Yearly Meetings, 
 30 ; first sermon against slavery, 
 3(); letter from Evasion, Md., t,/ ; 
 visit to states south of Xew 
 ^ ork. 38; visit to Canada, 40; 
 visit Xew England meetings, 
 _|2; goes to Ohio, 43; at Balti- 
 more \'. \L. 44; starts on last 
 long religious journey, 46; 
 nu'ets oppositit)!! at Westland, 
 47: experience at I'rownsville, 
 47; at Mt. Pleasant, ().. 48-49; 
 attends Ohio Y. M., 49-.io ; dis- 
 turbance at Flushing, O., .^o ; 
 .ittends Indiana Y. M., ^2: 
 trouble at West Grove. Pa., .^3; 
 extent of his travels, 56: ideas 
 about the ministry, 57; speaks 
 of his own ministry, 58; against 
 premeditation, 59; measuring 
 the ministry. ()0-6i : imitates 
 court crier, 62: advice touching 
 meetings and ministry, 63; is 
 frequently indisposed, 64; his 
 Jericho property. 69; statement 
 .about his wife, 71 ; as a father, 
 ■;2: letters to his wife, 76-83; on 
 the slavery question, 84-94; 
 various opinions, 95; on the joys 
 of labor, 97; ideas regarding 
 railroads. 98; ideas about 
 Thanksgiving, 102: opposes 
 I'reemasonry, 103; some points 
 of doctrine, 107-120; has trouble 
 in Philadelphia, 126-128; writes 
 letter to Philadelphia elders, 
 132; in the time of unsettlenient, 
 139-1.^1: three sermons re- 
 viewed. 1.52-160; is visited by 
 .Anna Braithwaite. 162; writes 
 to Dr. Atlee, 164; writes to 
 .Anna Braithwaite, 169; in 
 1 )utchess County with Ann 
 Tones, 171-176; contact with T. 
 Shillitoc, 184-185; at Mt. Pleas- 
 ant and Short Creek, O., 186- 
 187: disowned by Westbury and 
 Jericho Alonthly Aleeting, 189; 
 ideas about disownment, 193- 
 194; at Rose and Hester 
 Streets. X'ew York, 195; re- 
 marks on reception by Friends, 
 106: assumes the humorous role, 
 \<)(^■. received by Friends after 
 
240 
 
 NDEX 
 
 long WL'Stcni trip, 197; <lcath of 
 wife, 198; visits Dutchess 
 County, 199; preaches in state- 
 house, Albany, 200; letter to 
 Johnson Legg, 201 ; his dying 
 testimony, 204; critics of, 202- 
 2TO; a logical thinker, 211; his 
 kindness to poor, 213-214; deals 
 with corn thief. 214: his dying 
 testimony against slavery, 214; 
 sufferings for peace principles. 
 215-216; helps organize charity 
 society, 216-217: putting of? har- 
 ness, 218-225 ; his last traveling 
 minute. 220; attends his last 
 monthly meeting, 220-221 ; suf- 
 fers stroke of paralysis, 221 : 
 his death, 221 ; his funeral, 221 ; 
 last letter to Hugh Judge, 222 
 flicks, Elias, Jr.. son of E. H., 73 
 Hicks, Elizabeth, daughter of E. 
 H., 72; picture of, facing, 97... 
 Hicks, Sir Ellis, reference to. T7 
 Hicks Family, the. 71 
 Hicks. Jonathan, son of E. H., 73 
 Hicks, John, son of E. H.. 72 
 Hicks, Jemima, wife of E. H., 
 estimate of, 74-75: letters to, 
 11, 78. 79- 80. 81. 82; death of. 
 198; funeral of. ig8-i99 
 Hicks, Martha, daughter of E. H,. 
 
 72; picture of. facing. 97 
 Hicks. Sarah, daughter of E. H.. 
 
 72 
 Hicks, Judge Thomas, great- 
 grandfather E. H., 18: be- 
 friends S. Bownas. t8 
 Hicksville, reference to. 66 ' 
 Hicks. Valentine, son-in-law of E. 
 H., reference to. 66: President 
 Long Island Railroad. 100; pic- 
 ture of. facing. 97 
 
 Hodgson, W.. reference to E. H.'s 
 
 sentiments. 206 
 Home at Jericho, the. 66 
 Hopper, Isaac T.. reference to 
 
 disownment of. 87 
 Humor, E. H. indulges in, 196 
 
 Immortality. E. H. on. 112-T14 
 Indiana Y. M.. E. H. attends. 51 
 Inquirer. The Christian (note). 
 
 T02 
 Introduction. 11 
 
 Jackson, Halliday. arrested at 
 
 Ohio Y. M., 49; statemenl about 
 
 (note), 49 
 Jericho, home at, 66 
 Jericho Monthly Meeting, mem- 
 bers at time of "separation," 
 
 188; E. H. advises, 200 
 Johnson, Oliver, on abolition 
 
 claims of Friends, 88 
 Jones. Ann. in Dutchess County. 
 
 171 ; extracts from sermons. 
 
 171-172 
 Jones. George, reference to, 174- 
 
 176 
 Judge, Hugli, sketch of (note). 
 
 221-222; reference to, 221: E. 
 
 H.'s letter to, 222-225 
 Jesus, death and resurrection of. 
 
 1 18-120 
 
 Keith, George, sketch of (note), 
 
 Kennett Monthly Meeting, ex- 
 tract from minutes, 88 
 
 Kingston. Canada, E. H. writes 
 letter from. 40 
 
 Labor, ideas about, 96-98 
 Lamb, blood of. 155 
 Lewis, Evan (note), 89 
 Liberator, the. quotations from. 
 
 87-88 
 Lloyd. Isaac, statement by. 154 
 Lost condition, reference to. 2.^ 
 Lundy. Benjamin. sketch of 
 
 (note). 86 
 
 Manchester Conference, proceed- 
 ings of (note), 208: quotation 
 from, 208 
 
 Marriage of E. H.. 25 
 
 Marrioi, Charles, his disownment. 
 
 Merritt. Jesse, travels with E. H.. 
 54 : is homesick. 54 
 
 Meeting ministers and elders, a 
 visiting committee, 2,^ 
 
 Meeting for Sufferings, to con- 
 trol inembership, 150 
 
 Mifflin. Daniel, emancipates 
 
 slaves. 8d 
 
 Mitflin. Warner. emancipates 
 slaves. 84 ; presents memorial to 
 Congress. 84: reference to. 85 
 
 Mind, effect on body. 100 
 
 Minister. E. H. recorded as. 30 
 
NDKX 
 
 -Ml 
 
 Ministry, I'"., li.'s first appraraiicr 
 ill, 28; ideas alioiit, 57; speaks 
 of his own, 58 : measuring tiie. 
 60-61 
 
 Miiintr, I'". H/s last Iraxeliiiii,, 2Ju 
 
 Mii-acnlt>iis rmKH-ptinn, the, 114, 
 194 
 
 Monthly Mceling, E. II. alteiul> 
 his last, 220-221 
 
 Mciti. Adam ( note ), 35 
 
 Mott. James, Sr., refei^ence to 
 (note), ,35; writes E. H., 12,3: 
 eritieises E. FE. 205 
 
 Mott. James and Eueretia, refer- 
 ence to, 35 
 
 Mosheim's Ecclesiatical History, 
 refei ence to, 105 
 
 Mt. Pleasant. O., disturhance in 
 meeting at, 48-49: "S'early Meet- 
 ino 1828 at, 49-30: E. H. and 
 T. Shillitoe at. t86 
 
 Xew hjiiilaiid V. M. \isited by E. 
 IE, 35 ; attended l)y English 
 Eriends, 18,3 
 
 Xew lersey. hViends in, ap])ro\'e 
 K. 11., [96 
 
 -Xew Yn\-\< Y. M., attended liy 
 I'jiglish Friends. 183: by T. 
 Shillitoe. 1828. 183: extract 
 from minute of. 183 : T. Shilli- 
 toe objects to visitors in, 183 
 
 X'ine Partners, sermon at, T23 
 
 ()hi.7 V. M. attended by K. H., 48- 
 
 49, 186 
 Oshoni, Charles, prays and 
 
 preaches two hours. 50 
 
 Paine, Thomas, referred to. 117: 
 E. H. on. 117: E. TT. compared 
 with, 167 
 
 Parker's, Hicks's sermons, ex- 
 tracts from, 92-93 
 
 Philadelphia Elders write E. H., 
 1,30-131 
 
 Philadelphia Meeting for Suffer- 
 ings starts charge of E. H.'s 
 unsoundness, 129; issues state- 
 ment of doctrine, 1,39-143 
 
 Pine Street Monthly Meeting 
 offers affront to E. H., 126-127 
 
 Property, E. H.'s views about, 9S- 
 96 
 
 Uuak'erism, lyi)e of, 7 
 
 Quaker," "''riie, extracts tiniii, 91. 
 
 96 
 Quaker creed, a sort of. 139, 143 
 
 Railroad, E. H. opposes, 1)9: the 
 Eong Island, 99; Baltimore and 
 Ohio, 98-99; the first (note), 99 
 
 Recollections, reminiscences and 
 testimonies, 211-217 
 
 Reli.iiious journeys in 1828. 46 
 
 Routli, Martha, writes letter to E. 
 PI, 90 
 
 Roy, Ranimouhan. sketch of 
 (note), 206; writes E. H., io7 
 
 Salvation, universal. 108-109 
 
 Salvation, vital, 159 
 
 Satan, 116 
 
 Schools, public, ideas about, 101 
 
 Seaman, Gideon, reference to, so, 
 182 
 
 .Seaman. Jemima, reference to. 
 24 : marries E. H.. 2.S 
 
 Seaman. Captain John, moves to 
 Long Island, 26 
 
 Seaman. Jonathan. father of 
 Jemima. 26 
 
 Seaman. Lazarus, I\irilan divine, 
 26 
 
 Sermons, leii.gth of, 65 
 
 Shillitoe, Thomas, reference to. 
 47; sketch of (note), 181: de- 
 clines to visit E. H., 182; refers 
 to his traveling minute, 183-184: 
 .goes west. 184: converses with 
 ferry keeper. 186: at Mt. Pleas- 
 ant, 186 
 
 Sin and transgression, 107 
 
 Singing, reference to, 20 
 
 Slavery, first sermon against, ,36 
 
 Slavery question, the, 84-94 : 
 Friends on, 8,^-94: pamphlet by 
 I^. H. on, 93 
 
 Southern Q. M. members of, on 
 E. H., 133-136 
 
 Stabler. Deborah and James, 
 sketch of (note). 98 
 
 Tallock. William, refers to E. H.'s 
 
 assertions, 206 
 Thanksgiving. E. H. on, 102-103 
 Thomas. Philip E.. reference to. 
 
 98: sketch of (note). 98 
 Three .sermons reviewed. 152 
 
 31 
 
242 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Time of unsettlcmenl, 130 
 Titus, Daniel, traveling com- 
 panion of E. H., 40 
 Tnrner, Frcclerick Storrs, refer- 
 ence to, 122; on E. H., 203-204 
 
 Unitarianisni, E. H. on. 117; in 
 
 New England, 121 
 Unsoundness, charge of, 146 
 
 War, Revolutionary, E. H. passes 
 military lines, 31 ; E. H.'s "suf- 
 ferings" during, 215-216 
 
 Westbury Monthly Meeting, mem- 
 heVs at the time of "separa- 
 tion," 188 
 
 Westbury and Jericho Monthly 
 Meeting (note), 50; orders E. 
 H. home. 50; reference to, 188; 
 membership of, 188; disowns E. 
 H., 189 
 
 Wharton, William, reference to, 
 207 
 
 Wheat, E. H. sells at low price, 
 
 Whitall, Joseph, reports E. H. 
 unsound, 128 
 
 White, George F., influential in 
 disownment of Isaac T. Hop- 
 per, 87 ; on slave labor, 87 ; at- 
 tacks various organizations, 87 
 
 Whitman, Walt, estimation of E. 
 H., 205; reference to, 218-219; 
 hears E. H. preach, 219; de- 
 scribes E. H.'s preaching, 213 
 
 Willis, lulmund, traveling com- 
 panion of E. H., 38 
 
 Willis, John, traveling com- 
 panion of E. H., ^2 
 
 Willis, Mary, reference to, 212; 
 her recollections of E. H., 212- 
 213 
 
 Willis, Thomas and Phebe, op- 
 pose E. H., 124; dealt with by 
 Jericho Monthly Meeting, 125; 
 reference to, 182 
 
 Willets, Deborah (note), 178; 
 extract from letter, 179-180 
 
 Willets, Jacob (note), 178; state- 
 ment about division in meet- 
 ings, 178 
 
 Willets, Joshua, son-in-law of E. 
 H., 70 
 
 Women, equality of, 15 
 
 Woolman, John, on slavery, 84 
 
 World, the, against mixing with, 
 103-104 
 
 APPENDIX. 
 
 A. Descendants of Elias Hicks, 
 
 226-228 
 P), Letter to Dr. Atlee, 229-233 
 
 C, The Portraits, 234 
 
 D, The Death Mask, 234 
 
 E, A Bit of Advertisting, 235 
 
 F, Acknowledgment, 235 
 
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