God in all lowliness of mind for its bestowal on so poor and
unworthy a recipient. I long to be able to move under its
influences without the obstructions and hindrances that
impede my way. Perhaps I do too easily yield to these,
neglect my duty and have poverty for my portion. Much
damage was done to shipping by the late severe snowstorm,
and many lives lost. Merciful Father, I give Thee thanks
that Thou hast kept me hitherto ; leave me not, I humbly
pray Thee. Let me lean upon Thee and find favor. Not for
myself only do I ask Thy tender care, but for every human
being Thou hast formed, that the outcast may be gathered,
the dispersed brought home, the luke-warm aroused to
vigilance, the sinner to repentance, that all may come and
drink of the fountain of living waters, and bathe themselves



SARAH HUNT. 125

in the purifying streams that flow from the boundless ocean
of Thy love. None ever seek thy face in vain.

Fifth month 18th, 1854.— Our Yearly Meeting has
just closed. I think some renewed their strength, and others
saw the necessity of more self-reduction. As a people we
have nothing wherein to glory ; our members need to come
more fully to a willingness to die daily, — die to self and its
activity, — and live unto God, which would enable all to say,
I came not to do mine own will, but the will of Him that
sent me, and finish His work. I know when men and
women are humble under the mighty hand of God, no flesh
can glory in His presence. All our righteousness is as
filtfty rags ; so weak and insignificant does all we can do
appear, that humiliation covers the mind as a mantle. Our
garment then is not made of many pieces, but woven
throughout without a seam, — a robe prepared by Him who
has power to redeem.

Seventh month 13th. — The morning is lovely and cool,
crowned with Heaven's own blessings, but my mind is with
the mourners. The children of my valued friend, Emmor
Kimber, move from the city this morning with the remains
of their precious mother, to their old residence at Kimber-
ton, where she is to be laid beside her husband. They lived
long in love together, and will repose side by side in the
silent grave. For her we need not mourn ; she has lived a
long and useful life, and is gathered as a shock of corn fully
ripe to her eternal rest. Both these friends were inexpress-
ibly dear to me, and I love the children for their sakes.
May these know the same redeeming power to crucify them
to the world and renew them up into the image of Christ,
that through the wonderful working power of Divine grace,



126 JOURNAL OF

they may put on the beautiful robes of salvation, and stand
in the presence of God without spot or wrinkle or stain.

15th. — I awoke this morning with a great weight resting
upon my feelings, I know not why, but will rest under it, as
my practice is, until the effect designed is produced, or the
intent discovered. Oh for a closer walk wiih God, that I
may know Kis will and do it !

Eighth month 2d. — I feel that there is no condemnation
in them that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the
flesh but after the spirit, bringing their deeds to the light,
that it may be made manifest whether they are wrought in
God, yea or nay. Though all the world's censure of\en
rests heavily upon these, it cannot take from them their
inner crown — the consolations of the spirit.

Eighth month 10th, 1854. — My feelings are sad and
lonely. I would not have believed it possible at one time
in my life, when surrounded by counsellors and advisers of
the wisest and best, ever to have felt so entirely stripped of
every outward reliance of the kind. I turn away from
human beings to Thee, my unfailing support, my God and
my Jud^e. Suffer not the afflictions that remain to over-
power ; keep me from evils both small and great, that I may
not dishonor my holy profession, or lose my crown. Oh
how deeply has my soul drunk in the streams of celestial
joys when mingling with Thy servants in former days!
but now those streams are dried up, and I find I must look
to and draw consolation and strength from the fountain
only. Happily for such as I am God is unchangeable, and
our blessed Redeemer casts off none who come to Him.

24th. — Since my last note I have been to Shrewsbury
Quarterly Meeting. It was small, but the Master was
there to break the bread and bless.



SARAH HUNT. 127

I have just passed my fifty-seventh anniversary.
Alas ! how quickly do the fleeting moments number up
the years allotted to man. Truly, " He cometh forth
like a flower, and is cut down ; he fleeth also as a shadow,
and continueth." Of what account are all labor and
exercise and sorrow ? If they serve to humble and insure
acceptance with the Maker, the most important end will be
answered. O my soul! if tribulations fit thee for the
kingdom, thou hast shared largely in those ; thy path has
been through multiplied reductions, until thou hast nothing
to glory in but infirmities.

26th. — May I keep the one thing needful ever in view,
and wait in all lowliness of mind for instructions from the
one gracious Lord and Lawgiver, and when His will is
made known, willingly and cheerfully fulfil the little He
requires from so poor a servant as I am. He is a rich
rewarder ; none but His obedient children can comprehend
the sweet inflowings of peace, which ever follow meek sub-
mission and implicit confidence. I feel it right to visit the
brethren and see how they fare. With this feeling I
obtained a minute from the Monthly Meeting expressive
of unity.

Ninth month 10th, 1854. — Have attended Burlington
Quarterly Meeting. There was life felt in the select meet-
ing ; a feeling of harmony prevailed. The public meeting
was large. Our state to me resembled that of the Disciples
when the storm arose and they were tossed by the billows.
Though the Master was there, He did n >t arise for their
help until called upon ; then He showed them His power
was sufficient. If our trust were here we should find in
every extremity a present Helper. Though there was much
expression, I could not rise above a low and somewhat



128 JO URN LL OF

depressed Btate. Since then I have been at Bucks Quarterly
Meeting. There was a large gathering, and I trust some
minds were edified and some awakened and comforted. Not
much public service fell to my lot, but I traveled in secret
for the welfare of all without respect to persons. We had
an appointed meeting at Pennsburv, where a few Friends
live. My way was open to speak gospel truths among
them. Thence to Bristol in the eveniDg, where a large
collection assembled, and Christ our head was in the midst
to bless, breaking the bread that sustains the immortal
soul. Dear Harriet I. Moore closed with solemn prayer
and thanksgiving. Lodged at Joseph Warner's.

Ninth month 16th. — I am indeed reduced to a very
low extremity ; all outward helps removed ; every depend-
ence broken off, like a pelican of the wilderness; a sparrow
on the housetop could not be more lonely. Cast me not out
of thy sight forever, O my Father and my God ! renew a
right spirit within me, and keep me, I pray Thee, under
the influence of that covering that breathes " Peace on
earth, good will to men." Make me meet for Thy king-
dom when my portion of sadness and sorrow 7 shall be filled
up, that I may rest in Thy presence forever. Thou Gcd,
art unchangeable ; to Thee I come with all my infirmities,
and ask grace to help in time of need; this time Thou
knowest is always.

17th. — The meetings both at Middletown and Newtown
were well attended and comfortable opportunities. Various
states were opened to my mind with clearness, and the
anointing furnished ability to testify "what mine eyes had
seen, my hands handled; what I had tasted of the good Word
of life." Some I believe were touched as with a live coal
from off God's holy altar. Meeting closed with thanks-



SARAH HUNT. 129

giving to Him without whose assistance all labor is in vain.
A morning appeal. My God! Thou knowest all things.
Thou knowest that I love Thee more than any earthly sub-
stance, and desire to serve Thee in the way of Thy requir-
ings. Keep me from evil of every kind ; enable me to
do Thy holy will.

Tenth month 6th, 1854. — This week I have attended
the Monthly Meetings of Burlington Quarterly Meeting
with my husband and Mary Jessup. I felt myself bene-
fited, as my heart was enlarged in love toward the visited
in all places where we went, and now the labor is accom-
plished I am privileged to rest in tranquillity and peace.
My trust is in Him who " leads forth His people like
sheep, and guides them in the wilderness like a flock." He
is my strength and my stay, whose word of old was, " Touch
not mine anointed, nor do my prophets harm." Ah, His
preserving power is a sun and shield ! In all these meetings
my exercise and labor were to show the fruit of the spirit
to be " sown in peace with them that make peace," and to
endeavor as ability was furnished to hold up to view the
blessed results that follow a course of conduct in accordance
with the simplicity of the gospel of Christ.

Tenth month 14th. — Went to Fallsington, Bucks Co., Pa.

15th. — Attended meeting : life did not rise into domin-
ion as at some other times. In the afternoon went over the
river to Trenton, where a large company was collected, and
my way was open to speak in the name of the Highest ; I
hope to His honor, and the edification of the sincere in
heart.

16th. — Returned home feeling poor and needy. Lord,
enable me, I pray Thee, to cast all my care upon Thee, and
rest under the shadow of Thy wing, now and forever.



130 JO U R N A.L I'

Twelfth month loth, 1854. — Since my lasl entry I have
been mostly at home, exercised in spirit because I see "the
harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few," and my con-
viction of duty would lead nie to follow in the footsteps of
those who wandered in sheepskins, in goatskins, in dens, in
caves of the earth, that they might publish to a benighted
world the gospel of life and salvation, finish their course
with honor and inherit the promises. My love for Him
who early visited my soul, and conferred his grace upon me,
transcends everything besides. I know He has not given
talents to be bound up in a napkin or buried in the earth ;
I see the necessity of working while the day lasts ; time is
hastening on apace ; old age is near. May my last days be
consoled by the reflection that I have endeavored meekly to
fill up my measure in every department. God grant my
many misses may not be imputed sins! I will cast my care
upon Him and confide in His mercy ; " He sees not as man
sees" but knows the motive that prompts to action and
may approve when men condemn. There have been times
in my religious career when I could perceive my best
friends were concerned lest I should be exalted above meas-
ure, either from the clear openings of gospel truths, with the
ability to disclose them to the people, or from the favor
shown me by mortals weak as myself. But could they have
looked deeper than the outside, and seen how I was eared for
by the great Preserver, all these fears would have vanished.
By the grace of God by which 1 am what I am, I see my
liability to fall or lose the pearl of great price. A feeling
of acceptance with my Father in Heaven is always before
me. He that knows how we are constituted, knows also
how to deal with His obedient children, and so to carry out
His own purposes that they may never for a moment lose



SARAH HUNT. 131

sight of their dependence on Him. There have been times
when I could see and feel that some I loved most dearly
thought me aspiring or claiming something to myself, when
every feeling of my heart would revolt from anything so
foreign to the humility becoming an ambassador for Christ.
Oh the subtlety of the serpent ! if he can only beguile the
mind from its right centre, and divert it from its own
proper business, and get it occupied without scanning all as
with a vulture's eye, there is no lack of employment then.
The lamentation may well be taken up by such : " They
made me keeper of their vineyards, but mine own I have not
kept. I have been down in my gardens to see if the vines
flourished, if the pomegranates are budded, or whether the
tender grapes appear." O my Soul, thou knowest thy
place of safety is at the King's gate, clothed in sackcloth,
though thy fellows see it not !

To-day closes the year 1854. It has been fraught with
very many sweet and heart-cheering events, mixed however
with their opposites. But changeable as all things here are,
and subject as Ave are to disappointment, I am of the opinion
there is more joy than sorrow, more to be thankful for than
to complain of. My very soul abounds with gratitude to
God. What shall I render for all Thy benefits? Devotion,
thanksgiving and praise, in that Thou hast kept me as the
apple of Thine eye, nor suffered the devourer to prevail.
And now, humbled in thy presence, I ask Thy holy power
to shield me, Thy spirit to instruct and guide me through
the time that is yet to come. I forgive all, and hope to be
forgiven. I can most sincerely ask for all the " blessing
which maketh rich, and adds no sorrow with it."

First month 27th, 1855. — Nearly a month of the year
has passed away. Deep indeed, O my soul, have been the



132 JOURNAL OF

trials thou hast had to pass through, known in their fulness
only to God ! By His almighty hand thou hast been up-
held. Cast all thy care upon Him, and wait in the attitude
of an humble suppliant for continued succor in every calam-
ity, until the short journey of life is accomplished. Keep
the faith in heights and in depths, and fight the good fio-ht
with every foe thou hast to combat, until the course is run,
that a crown immortal may be thine. Ah, a little while
longer and the scene will close ! Hope in all thou hast to
pass through that through the mercy of God in Christ Jesus
thy light afflictions that are but for a moment compared
with eternity, may work out for thee " a far more exceed-
ing and eternal weight of glory " — a rest no man can dis-
turb.

Third month 2d, 1855. — Aspirations ascend to God on
High, who has chastened but not killed ; cast down but not
destroyed.

Fourth month 1st. — My child that for four months has
been languishing with disease of the lungs still lives. I
thank God her mind is tranquil and resigned to her lot,
whether it be to leave her husband and children and all
things here, or to stay longer if it be His will who holds in
His hand the issues of life and death. I approach Thy
throne, O God, and ask forgiveness for her sins of omis-
sion and commission, if aught there be opposed to Thy
blessed requiringa which are all in wisdom and mercy.
Grant that every dispensation meted by Thee may brino- us
nearer to Thyself, until Thou hast made us fit for Thy
kingdom. Thou knowest we have not desired great things,
but little with quietness, and to rest under the shadow of
Thy wing, and to feel that Thou art with us, Thy rod and
Thy staff comforting our spirits. I have been mostly at



SARA If HUNT. 133

home this winter. Had an appointed meeting in Moores.
town for apprentices, children, and day laborers. It was
well attended, and crowned with a sweet solemnity. Those
at Bordentown and Mount Holly were large, and though
exercising to me, closed satisfactorily, and now, O my
God ! I give Thee thanks that Thou hast kept me hither-
to, and I will look to Thee forever, and hope in Thy mercy.
Thou knowest it is my meat and drink to do Thy will.

Fourth month 4th. — Under a great discouragement
went to Haddon field, and sat with friends in their Monthly
Meeting.

Fifth month 20th. — Prevented by feebleness from
attending my own Yearly Meeting, and passed the time
quietly at home. Accounts are satisfactory. What shall
we render for the continued care of the good Shepherd ?
May our return be the incense of thanksgiving from grate-
ful hearts.

Sixth month. — We attended New York Yearly
Meeting, wherein the great Helper manifested Him-
self in a heart-tendering manner from session to session,
raising some from a very low estate to declare His
goodness and exhort others to trust in His power.
" There is no enchantment against Jacob, nor divination
against Israel ; " abiding in their tents, they are safe.
From New York I went to Rochester to visit my de-
clining daughter, upon whom the blight of consumption
has fixed its mark. I could do but little for her but com-
mend her also to God, for I am truly sorrowful: may I
not repine. Maria Fox says, "There is but a step between
mourning and murmuring " ; may I be kept from the
latter, though I be called to part with all my choicest
treasures. Be thou, O God, my all in all ! Thou gavest



184 JOURNAL OF

and Thou takest away ; grant me strength to bless Thy
name.

Seventh month 6th. — And is it indeed true ? Our well
beloved sister, Harriet I. Moore, is now an inhabitant of the
world of spirits. She was ready to meet the messenger, with
the wedding garment on. In her was exhibited the suffi-
ciency of the power of Divine grace to redeem the immortal
mind from the thraldom of customs at variance with the
spirit of Christ, and to establish a circumspect walk in a
life of self-denial and the cross. She was the daughter of
a slaveholder, but was early given to see the iniquity of
the system, and to bear her testimony against it with
meekness and simplicity. Adopting when a young woman
the principles of the Christian religion as professed by
Friends, she became a public advocate of those great and
unchangeable truths calculated to confer the highest bless-
ing upon mankind, by bringing them under the govern-
ment of the Prince of Peace. Her testimonies were clear,
concise, and impressive, meeting the witness for God in the
hearer. And now that her work is done " she, being dead,
yet speaketh," saying to survivors, " Follow me as I followed
Christ." To me she was a sister truly beloved. AVe had
taken sweet counsel together, and walked to the house of
God in company. Grant, O Father, I pray Thee, that I
may hold out to the end, and finally be united with loved
ones gone before, in celebrating Thy name through all
eternity, for Thou art worthy of all glory and honor, adora-
tion and praise, now and forever.

Seventh month 21st, 1855. — Arrangements have been
made for my going to Germantown to-day, a place I have
long felt drawn to by impressions that come " as the wind
that bloweth where it listeth." I feel very solemn ; it may



SARAH HUNT. 135

be I shall never return. It is always trying to leave my
husband, even for a day, especially when he is more feeble
than usual. I commit him and myself to God ; may He
care for us and preserve us, and finally grant us admission
into His kingdom. I could make this petition for all
everywhere. "All that will come may come and partake
of the waters of life freely." Happy and blessed privilege !
would that the whole human family might avail themselves
of it, and thirst no more.

If my daily record is tinged with gloom, it is not
because the way of obedience is hard, but because of the
many obstructions that prevent my coming up in that line
both in social and religious life. Substantial peace is
always the result of simply following the internal guide ;
may this testimony stand recorded for future generations.
The spontaneous language of my heart is, " Good is Thy
will, O Lord," concerning me. " Be it unto me according
to Thy word." Thou art my rock and my refuge, my
safe hiding-place, my hope, my salvation ; in Thee do I put
my trust.

26th. — This morning I bowed the knee in prayer for
myself and my two remaining children, whose condition is
critical. O my Father, bless whether life or death be
their portion ; grant resignation to Thy most holy will in
all things. May we be of Thy sheep, that none can pluck
out of Thy hand, and may I follow Thee in the way of
Thy requirings the little time I have to stay in mutability,
and then enter into Thy rest.

Tenth month 4th, 1855. — How time flits by ! more than
two months have passed without any record of events,
though much of interest has transpired. I have been visiting
meetings in Bucks county, Pa. Some were very solemn



L36 J O D R X A L F

and impressive ; indeed, every feeling seemed bound in awe
before God by the arising of His mighty power : His ever-
lasting name be praised. Let Him work ; He doeth all
things well.

Tenth month 22d, 1855. — The notes I make are to com-
memorate the goodness of God, and to inspire confidence
in some poor, wayworn traveler on his journey to the haven
lving beyond transient scenes. Two weeks past have been
spent wandering to and fro, not for any earthly gain or
honor, but for the approval of that God who gave me be-
ing. I have been in Bucks and Chester Counties, and at
Byberry, where many gathered. The subject opened was
the water of the river of life, flowing in every direction,
illustrative of the goodness and the mercy of our Heavenly
Father to all classes everywhere, leaving us without excuse,
if not purified and made meet for admission into His king-
dom. From Byberry, I went to Abington, Horsham and
Warminster. In all these places there seemed an openness
to receive, and I trust the name of the great Helper was
magnified. Ah ! our holy Helper will be mouth and wis-
dom, tongue and utterance, to such as have no other de-
pendence. At Gwynedd, Plymouth, Norristown, in even-
place, a solemnity prevailed that of ourselves we have no
power to command. The praise be given where it is due.
In all these places there are numbers of precious young peo-
ple under the preparing hand, bending their minds to the
visitations of the Father's love May they keep centered to
the gift, take heed to its operations, and then they will know
it to be sufficient in every emergency. Thence we passed
into the limits of Western Quarterly Meeting. We were at
Fallowfield, and sat with Friends in their Preparative
Meeting of Ministers and Elders in the morning, and in the



SARA II H T N'T. 187

general meeting in the afternoon. Lodged at J. 8. Wal-
ton's, who has been with us as companion.

In tranquillity and peace closes the year 1855. God be
praised ; He has led me through deep waters, and now I can
praise His great and excellent name. By His grace I am
what I am ; to Him I owe everything, and He knows all is
often offered up in whatever form He requires. He has
blasted earthly hopes and broken the ties of kindred ; but
He has increased my hold on heaven's ever-enduring conso-
lations, and fixed my reliance on Him who has power to be-
stow them. My sixth child has lately been summoned to
the Eternal world, gathered in her prime from scenes of
uncertainty. Her existence was brief and she suffered much.
To her, tedious days and wearisome nights were appointed,
but through all she murmured not, nor complained. Sub-
mitting herself, her husband and children into the hands of
a merciful Creator, she breathed out her life in peace, and,
no doubt, now rests with her Saviour and God. A cheerful
smile, like a sunbeam of the morning, would play upon her
countenance when her distress of body amounted to an-
guish. I must bear this testimony to her worth and the gen-
tleness of her spirit. I never saw her contend for anything.
When a little child she would yield what she most loved
rather than assert her right; when she saw uneasiness, her
whole aim was to allay it ; so she grew up, and so she lived
the short period of thirty-three years, then left for a higher
and holier sphere. I never knew that she had an enemy •
as she lived, so she died, at peace with God and men. She
made no pretension to sanctity : her delight was in filling
up the duties of each day as it came, making the best of
everything, and brightening the pathway of life around her
wherever she went. Ours the loss, hers the gain. Soon



138 JOURNAL OF

shall I "join the innumerable caravan that moves to the
pale realms of shade." May my lot of salvation be hid with
the saints: may I join those who have been found worthy
to enter sooner that city "whose walls are salvation, and
whose gates are praise! " All else I leave.

First month, 1856. — Bright, beautiful and lovely the
new year opens, with clear sunshine and all the majesty of
winter, and there is a touching sensation awakened that
kindles emotions of gratitude to God, that in the revolution
of countless ages His promises have not failed. " Day and
night, summer and winter, seed time and harvest " still con-