a religions life, but of a natural tendency. The happiest
days and years of my life have been those given up in mv
Master's service. These may be dwelt upon with pleasant
sensations, and no regret.
Fifth month 4th. ā "Whatsoever thv hand findeth to do,
do it with thy might." Give thy mind to it in earnest, what-
ever it be. In the line of duties the more willingly they
are entered upon, the better is the effect upon ourselves and
others. There is no time to lose ; life's brief period will
soon be passed. One is dropping on the right hand and
another on the left, and how soon the announcement will
be made, Thy turn has arrived, I know not. To watch and
be ready constitutes a very important part of the business
of life. I have just finished attending the meetings of our
Quarterly Meeting. In Haddonfield gospel light and
truth rose and triumphed in their own blessed authority.
At Medford quite a company collected, and my way was
open to expostulate with them on the necessity of conversion
and the now birth, without which there is no admission into
the Kingdom of Heaven. In the afternoon, at Evesham,
the danger and the necessity of individual obedience were
the themes dwelt upon. It is indeed good for us to mingle
together, as beings formed for intercourse both religious and
civil, and in tilings of vital importance having one general
interest.
Seventh month 2d. ā From my youth up I have loved
the law of my ( rod. It is perfect, converting the soul ; it is
pure, making wise the simple. None can study it or medi-
tate upon it without being somewhat improved ; for here is
SARAH HUNT. 153
made known the will of the Creator and a view of his
attributes given, more clear than ever came through any
secondary channel. And yet the records of the past ages
show that mankind have enjoyed the same privileges from
the earliest ages. Hence the value of corroborative testi-
mony. It strengthens our faith, as " Two are better than
one," " and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken." Since
my last record I have attended Genesee Yearly Meeting,
having a certificate of unity from our Monthly Meeting,
endorsed by the Quarterly Meeting, and though it was
evidently a low time, yet we had to acknowledge that God
is good, and I trust some minds were encouraged. Emmor
Comly and wife were with me. My exercises were very
great ; the duties of home seemed pressing ; I was divided
between the two, and felt for a time that I could not go nor
could I stay ; my state was inward anguish, so strong were
my desires the balance should turn right, whatever might
be the result. Finally, after weighing the subject long and
seriously, viewing the uncertainty of life and the awful ness
of a gospel mission, I resolved to go, committing my all to
an infinitely wise care-taker, who presides everywhere. I
could not get from under the pressure of feeling produced by
circumstances, but my Master was good to me, and on various
occasions unsealed the spring of L fe, that I could speak of
His goodness in the great congregations. In the public
meeting on First-day at Farmington I had to speak of the
fulness of the gospel of Christ, with its excellency and its
sufficiency to bless all mankind, if they would believe in it,
receive it and obey it. Hundreds listened with deep and
solemn attention ; a feeling arose and spread over the
assembly which produced a covering of holy awe, and under
its influence prayer and praise ascended to God from the
154 J D RNAL r
altar of many hearts, bowed in the attitude of adoration,
worshiping in spirit and truth. Bless the Lord, O my
soul, and forget not all his mercies ; praise Him in heights
and depths ; retire always after seasons of high favor, and
sit low at the King's gate, and there wait His commands
and willingly obey. Every sitting of the Yearly Meeting
of the women's side was favored in an unusual degree;
all was harmony. The good Shepherd had compasssion on
the multitude, brake the bread, and commissioned His
servants to hand it forth, until all that were capable of rea-
lizing whence good cometh were satisfied, and I hope none
were like the heath in the desert. No doubt the oppor-
tunity will be remembered and recurred to by very many
so long as life lasts. May thy heritage, O God, be
blessed ; may it be cultivated by wise and good servants ;
may it be watered, and bear fruit to thy glory. J. P. and
myself appointed an evening meeting in Rochester, a low,
low r , low time. Though we felt Joseph was still alive, yet
he w T as in prison, and there we had to visit and minister
unto him. When he will arise and burst the bonds, and
stand in the presence of Kings, putting to defiance " the
wisdom of the wise, the understanding of the prudent, " is
only known to God in the highest heavens. He may yet
become a fruitful vine, filling the store-house with corn, and
dealing it out, too, to the hungry Egyptians, that now
despise him for his very littleness. With God all things
are possible. After this we returned to our friend Phebe
Frost's, and sitting down together we had a refreshing,
comforting time, wherein exhortation flowed, and encour-
agement also. Prayer was offered with praises, in which I
believe all present united. First-day morning at Wheat-
land my mind was arrested with the angelic anthem sung
SARAH HUN T . 155
when the announcement was made that the long looked-
for Messiah had indeed come into the world, with an
enlarged view of the blessings that would flow in upon
mankind by coming under the government of the Prince
of Peace, and how willingly they would offer the best of
all they had in possession, even gold, frankincense and
mvrrh. We went the same afternoon to Mendon. Here
was presented the subject of unbelief, which prevents any
good effect from an outward ministry, even though it be
rightly authorized. The want of faith in the hearer did
not excuse the preacher ; having received a gift, he must
occupy it when authorized so to do, and thus secure his
own peace, leaving all considerations for the one great
desideratum of making his calling and election sure. The
danger of self-exaltation, that these shall be abased and
the humble exalted, with the case of Nebuchadnezzar,
was largely dwelt upon, ā -how he was brought to acknowl-
edge there was a God in Heaven. The children of the
captivity were also brought to view, how they were preserved
in the furnace and the lions' den, and by their faithfulness
was the power of the great Eternal magnified. May others
follow their example, and stand forth for the testimonies of
truth, though it hazard their lives! In returning we
stopped in Albany, and with less than three hours' notice
had a very interesting company assembled at Friends'
Meeting House. My only Helper was present to furnish
such openings of gospel favors and privileges as gained the
attention, or arrested those gathered in a manner that
produced a very solemn quiet. All seemed leavened into the
one spirit that gives God the praise of His own works
Though it is a thoughtless, restless age, yet there are in all
places some reflecting minds, some that look beyond the
lofi JOURNAL O F
present moment and think of immortality and eternal
judgment, and for the sake of these are blessings showered
down, and God's mercies renewed or His power revealed,
to the awakening the careless and lukewarm, and pleasure-
seeking, who think life is given for amusement and to trifle
away, living as without God in the world. I pray for these
that they may see their condition and repent, amend their
ways, receive forgiveness, and be made partakers of the
promise made to those who overcome : " They shall inherit
all things." From Albany we came directly home. God
is my all in all ; may He be my strength and my stay ; then
I shall not give out entirely though outward help be with-
drawn. Send light from Thy Sanctuary, O my Father,
to illuminate my path. Let thy grace be my teacher in
every condition, Thy Holy Spirit my comforter. Bless
my companions in life with an abundance of Thy goodness,
that in its aboundings they may see the loveliness of Thy
truth, its excellency and value; and embracing its unfold-
ings be transformed into Thy likeness, and beautified with
salvation.
Seventh month 25th, 1857. ā To-day I am sixty years
old. Though much of the past lies buried in oblivion,
blasted hopes and faded joys stand registered on every page
as life's leaves are turned over, and joys never again to be
revived, hopes never to be renewed, because the sources
whence they sprang are cut off forever. May I so move
as not to offend my Maker, wound my own soul, or injure a
fellow being. Sixty years' experience should teach wisdom,
should lead to an entire dependence upon God.
26th. ā In a good degree calm and resting upon God.
Thy name, O Father, be praised now and forever. A solemn
silence prevailed till near the conclusion of meeting to-day,
SARAH HUNT 157
when prayer and thanksgiving were offered. A large
company was assembled, very interesting to the beholder,
and I hope the great Supreme was worshiped, in spirit
and in truth.
Eighth month 28th. ā Since my last entry much of
interest has transpired. Many dear friends have shown
they are mindful of us by calling to see us in a social
way, which strengthens the ties that bind together, and
increases feelings of interest one for another. It is
encouraging to have a manifestation of remembrance given,
either by a relative, friend, or stranger. Angels sent on
errands full of love, from whatever quarter they come,
minister consolation, and open springs whence gratitude
flows to God. These evidences I highly appreciate, for I
often feel as one alone in the world, and can adopt the
exclamation of Job : " Oh, that I were as in months past,
as in the days when God preserved me ; when his candle
shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked
through darkness. As I was in the days of my youth,
when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle ; " when
the Almighty was yet with me, when my children w T ere
about me, when in all I put my hand to do or presumed to
say, approval instead of censure rolled in on every side.
It is so much easier to go with the current than against it,
yet true dignity of character consists in maintaining the
right through evil as through good report, and at this point
I aim. God grant me strength and wisdom equal to every
emergency ; then I will hold fast my integrity, and come
off more than conqueror, through faith in the continued
assistance of his Holy Spirit, the all-sufficiency of the free
gift of grace revealing His will and strengthening to fulfil
158 JO R N A L o F
it. Then will the end be more blest than the beginning, and
the works of the Creator praise Him forever.
Ninth month 23d, 1857. ā My Master is very good, or I
should long ago have been cut off from amongst men, so
far have I fallen short in the ministerial work when fields
of service opened and spread before my mind. How shall I
answer? Will He acquit me because He knows " the spirit
is willing but the flesh is weak " ? Deferring from time to
time brings poverty, and anguish of spirit, and mourning,
when I might be joyful in the house of prayer if only fruit-
ful in the field of offerings. This delinquency does not
arise from a rebellious spirit, but from discouragements
that have seemed insurmountable.
[The following letter is found at this place in the journal.]
to the m embers of dljanesburgh quarterly
Meeting :
Moorestown, N. J., 10th mo. 7, 1857.
Dear Friends : ā In the earliest ages of mankind,
" They who feared the Lord spake often one to another,
and a book of remembrance was written." It may be
supposed these manifestations of interest were well-pleasing
to God, and beneficial to men ; and we may thus be encour-
aged to fulfil the high obligations, one towards another,
which attend a sense of the mercy and goodness of our
Heavenly Father toward all His intelligent creatures. We
have an example, too, in the heart-moving messages of the
apostles, written in love and sent abroad to the scattered
tribes, exhorting all to steadfastness of faith and upright-
ness in life and conversation, under whatever trials might
attend them ; warning on the one hand, and encouraging
SARAH HUNT. 159
on the other, that nothing might move them away from
the hope of the gospel, " That stands not in word, but
in power."
Onr worthy predecessors also frequently presented tes-
timonials of tender regard for the welfare and advance-
ment of the believers, in the teachings of the spirit ā the
word nigh in the heart, and in the mouth. Their saluta-
tions went forth as the lively effusions of the spirit, some-
times written in loathsome prisons, where for the word of
God, and the testimony of Jesus Christ, they suffered the
loss of all earthly comforts. It will not therefore seem new
or strange that I should make use of the means approved
and practiced in other days, to impart to you the flowings
forth of that pure stream of gospel love, by which you
have been brought so near to my feelings that I could
participate in the different states and exercises under which
you travail, for the soul's emancipation from the bondage
of sin, and her entrance into " the glorious liberty of the
sons of God." This blessed change from death to life,
from darkness to light, can be effected only by simple
obedience to the admonitions and openings of divine grace.
Through this unspeakable gift, mankind are put in posses-
sion of "the unsearchable riches of Christ," and know Him
to be their resurrection and their life ; and, because He
lives in them, they live also ; not in the oldness of the
letter, but in the newness of the spirit. Such draw daily
supplies from the pure river of life, issuing from the throne
of God and the Lamb, which is His Holy Spirit in them ;
and the least stream from the spring of life gladdens the
heritage wherever it flows.
Seeing, then, dear friends, the only true source of conso-
lation and strength is with you and in you, oh turn unto it;
160 jo r R N A I. o P
fix the attention upon it ; bow with reverence to its mandates,
for it is none other than the voice of the great Eternal, -peak-
ing from the habitation of His Holiness, calling from the
throne of His glory, holding out the sceptre of His love,
and inviting all to come and inherit the good things He hath
in store for them that love Him and keep His command-
ments Let every one be encouraged to leave the things that
are behind, and press forward to those that are before, even
to the mark for the prize of the high calling of God, in Christ
Jesus. May the aged put on strength in the name of the
Lord, and in His name set up their banners. Pie who hath
been with you in six troubles will not leave you in the
seventh. Look to Him of whom it is said, " In all their
afflictions He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence
saved them." Lean upon Him, and He will support you,
even in the last conflict, when the spirit leaves the clay
tenement and exchanges the struggles of mortality for an
eternal rest. Let the middle-aged gird up the loins of their
minds, and, watching unto prayer, enter cheerfully upon the
work assigned them, seeking an unction from the Holy
One that will enable them to stand forth in heavenly
meekness and overcome all that stand opposed to the
blessed truth. Let them speak in the persuasive language
of example, " Follow me, as I follow Christ." And I do
most affectionately entreat the young to resist the vanities
and follies and vain amusements of the day, and cultivate
the more noble faculties of their minds, with reference to a
life of usefulness, that will close with peace to themselves,
and glory to their Great Creator. Let your petition be for
wisdom and an understanding heart. Then you may
confidently trust in your Heavenly Father's care over you,
and provision for you. It is best for you. He has the power
SARAH HUNT. 161
to adJ riches and long life ; but above all you will know
that contentment which is a continual feast. And may the
precious children listen to the voice of the Lord, as did
Samuel, that they may grow up in His temple, and stand
among His prophets, that out of their mouths praise to His
great and glorious name may be perfected. Finally,
brethren and sisters, farewell. May the grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the
Holy spirit, be with you always.
In Gospel Love,
Sarah Hunt.
Tenth month 12th. ā It has not been the manner of my
life to put off, but weigh openings made to the mind, and
when they settle as duties required, to endeavor to fulfil
them. But of latter time it seems more difficult ; with
increased age the physical force relaxes, and it requires
great effort to put aside obstructions, and exercise that
"grain of faith " that removes mountains. I am, for want
of this, deferring a religious concern that should have been
accomplished this season, and though I have returned
my minute for good order's sake, having held it several
months, the weight still rests upon me, and I do most
solemnly i> ra y m y hfe ma y t> e spared till way opens to
perform a service, so clearly pointed out, for my Master,
the bearings whereof are of very serious import to myself,
and, I doubt not, to others.
Eleventh month 15th. ā We were favored to have the
company of T. Janney, wife, and children, to our mutual
comfort. It being First-day, they attended our meeting
and mingled in spiritual devotion. M. K. J. had a savory
communication, which was acceptable.
162 JOU R N A L O V
21st. ā We again liad several friends with us. I always
feel desirous that social mingling may be made profitable.
by guarding against evil speaking, that at least no one may
be injured.
Twelfth month 20th. ā Attended meeting at Frankford,
and in the city attended a large evening meeting at Cherry
Street house. It was long and silent, but for a few expres-
sions dropped from me. I spent three days in the city, and
called upon quite a number of Friends ; some lonely widows,
some aged and infirm. Found some meek and humble, wait-
ing in confidence for the blessed Master's instructions, relying
on His protection. With these I could sympathize, having
myself no other dependence.
24th. ā Went over to Camden and sat with a few friends
there. A heavenly covering spread over us, and I felt we
were owned by the Head of the Church. From Camden I
came home.
27th. ā Attended a meeting appointed at three in the
afternoon at a large hall in Camden. Many assembled,
and I hope the blessed cause of truth was not dishonored.
All were quiet, and very attentive ; the opening presented
was the perfect law of God written in the heart and
printed in the thoughts, with the necessity of keeping our
inward eye fixed upon it, and so doing, the cesult would be
all we could desire. " But whoso looketh into the perfect
law of liberty and continueth therein, this man shall be
blest in his deed." Now closes the year 1857. In look-
ing over it I find some shortcomings, but on the whole
much to inspire gratitude and thanksgiving to my God.
O my Father, accept this humble tribute from Thy child,
and keep me in the time yet to come attentive and obed-
ient to Thy requirings !
SARAH HUNT. 163
First month 1st, 1858. ā Spent the day mostly in
endeavoring to make children happy. Rode to Evesham
Mount with my grandchildren, and let them run and
frolic free as air, with innocent glee and mirthfulness,
gathering moss and acorns. The weather pleasant and
balmy.
2d. ā Went to Rancocas, and spent the day with my
children. Subjects of grave importance have occupied
the mind ; my Creator remembered with solemn reverence.
His mercies recounted, with reflections on how much is due
Him for an existence, and how I may best honor Him the
little time I have to stay here.
3d. ā A large and solemn meeting, wherein the loving
presence of our Father in Heaven spread over us a
canopy.
4th. ā Mild and beautiful without, ā a feeling of lamenta-
tion rests w r ithiu : " If thou, Lord, shouldst mark iniquities,
O Lord, who shall stand ? "
5th. ā Calm and pleasant ; mind peaceful and thank-
ful, dwelling in the closet, and there communing with the
soul's beloved. Ah, His voice is sweet, His countenance is
comely.
8th. ā My morning sacrifice is prayers and tears. It is
evening now, and the heart's oblation is thanksgiving to
my God, in that the mind has been tranquil and peaceful.
May He guard me through the night.
10th. ā First-day our meeting was large and solemn ;
man's free agency, as understood by Joshua, was brought to
view when he gave the people their choice : to serve idols,
their appetites and passions, or the true and living God ;
but they must abide by their decision, and so would he, for
he was fully resolved at all hazards to serve that God
164 JOUB N A L O F
whose power he had proved was all-sufficient in all emer-
gencies. Oh, let this be mine, always to trust in the true
and living God, and serve Him with all the mind, soul,
heart, might, and strength.
14th. ā Still delightful weather; a blessing to all, espec-
ially the poor. A good meeting to-day, some time silent ;
then some appropriate remarks followed.
precious silence, I love thee more
Than all the pearls upon India's shore.
1 love to draw and drink from the well that is deep,
And say to my soul, Thy constant vigils keep;
Stand clad in Heavenly armor, be firm and true,
And thou shalt know old things done away and all made new.
For when the will of self is wholly slain,
The precious Lamb of God doth rule and reign :
Angelic anthems only fill the soul,
When over all Jehovah has control.
All this rose so lively in my meditations I left it with
the assembly. How deeply it impresses my own mind as
the immediate inspirings of the Divine Gift, for it rose with
such clearness and beauty.
16th. ā 'We had the company of some interesting intelli-
gent young married people ; it was enlivening to me. I
always enjoy the society of such. It is an in t crest inn- period
of life, children growing up around, and parents endeavoring
to bend their own energies in the right direction, and lead
their children with due regard to their well-being every
way.
17th. ā Still pleasant and warm fur winter. Meeting
mostly silent; near the close a Friend said "It was right
to put ourselves in the way of receiving good, and by
retiring to the inward Teacher, we should be instructed in
all that was needful."
S A R All II U NT. 165
21st. ā Pleasant, bright morning ; what a beautiful world
we live in ! May I ever adore the Creator and upholder ! My
Father and my God, keep me ever humble, and in a state
to realize my dependence upon Thee, that from my heart
may rise the incense of gratitude for all Thy favors, whether
great or small.
27th.ā Went to New York ; lodged at Amos Willetts' ;
found himself and wife in poor health. It grieves me to
see the change time is making, prostrating so many valuable
members up and down, gathering one here and another
there to their final rest. But why grieve ? Soon I shall
pass through death's portal, and, I hope, join the ransomed
in the Church triumphant. Attended Westbury Quarterly
Meeting in Hester St., N. Y. It was large, and the Master
was in the midst. After several pleasant visits among
friends, I came to Trenton, where I stayed over night.
Lodged at Isaac Stephens'. Their aged mother, Hannah
Stephens, lives here with her children. A quiet and peace-
ful home, where filial affection flows out in the constant
attentions declining years require, to smooth the downward
passage to the tomb. I spent three nights, making some
social visits, and attended their meeting, where the stream
of pure gospel love was opened, and the word had free
course. Second-day w T ent to Crosswicks and attended the
meeting of Ministers and Elders ; on Third-day attended the
Monthly^ Meeting, and then home. I was at>sent one week,
and enjoyed much, and I hope did no harm ; feel cheered
and comforted in taking this little round.
Eighth month 2d, 1858. ā Our Quarterly Meeting wis
about the middle of Third month. I always greet its
arrival with satisfaction, as affording an opportunity for
mingling spiritually and socially with those of different
166 jo v i: n \ l of
ages ; and even the countenances of those we have never
met before arc cheering sometimes, if they bear the impress
of the Redeemer, ā if the deportment exhibits the meekness