A solemn covering spread over us, under which the multi-
tude dispersed. I felt peaceful and thankful. In the after-
noon we had the company of interesting friends. The
time passed in pleasant and agreeable conversation, and the
visit closed with a repast such as Divine grace alone can
furnish.
15th. ā This day has passed in peaceful quiet, busily
engaged in domestic duties, thoughts often turned toward
56 JOUR X A I. O F
the end of all things here, dwelling upon the soul's final
destiny when ushered into His presence "Who only hath
immortality dwelling in the light."
16th. ā My soul doth magnify the Lord, my spirit hath
rejoiced in God my Saviour. I know Him to be mighty
and merciful, my soul draws nigh unto Him in faith. " The
Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer," He changes
not, but remains the same to-day, yesterday, and forever.
To the praise of His eternal name be it spoken, " He bring-
eth down the lofty from their seats, and exalteth them of
low degree." " Oh that men would praise the Lord for His
goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of
men."
17th. ā Made a visit more from duty than from pleasure,
and feel rejoiced again to sit by my own fireside, in holy
quiet, aside from all commotion, confiding in His care
" Who sees with equal eye, as Lord of all, a hero perish
or a sparrow fall." During this year I obtained a minute
to visit in gospel love Western Quarterly Meeting, with
most of the meetings belonging to it. The weather was
cold, and, being subjected to exposure, a heavy cold settled
on my lungs, and caused extreme suffering. Some appoint-
ments being made, I kept up too Jong in order to fulfill
engagements. The last meeting was at Kennett Square; it
was crowded and laboriously exercising, though the Foun-
tain of Life was opened, and words presented freely with
the subject, but I was so worn with a deep cough and con-
stant exertion, that further service was impossible, and
months of illness followed.
Second month 17th, 1851. ā In looking over my mem-
oranda, I find the last date over one year ago, and what
have I gained? It is true 1 have passed through a great
SARAH HUNT. 57
deal, like the furnace seven times hotter than it is wont to
be heated, but I fear impurities still exist and I am not
what my God would have me to be. I greatly desire to
live up to my profession, to exhibit a Christian spirit in my
walk, my words, my daily conduct every day. But alas,
my frailties! they beset me night and day, and I am indeed
brought low. I have lived fifty-three years, seen and felt
much, witnessed, many changes, though many blessings
remain. I would weep, but tears avail little or nothing, ā a
weak emblem of the depths of feeling. Yet they are at
times a source of relief for the moment. While I write I
remember one of old much stronger than I am, much more
deserving of favor, was buffeted by the messenger of Satan,
and was strengthened to endure by the promise, " My grace
is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in
weakness." If I am upheld it is not of myself, but by
grace, mercy, and truth. Earthly crowns I have long since
cast down, the beautiful and lovely have faded ; God alone,
His goodness and His grace, have power to charm. Many,
very many, silver cords are loosed and golden bowls
broken.
Second month 21st. ā Very rainy ; many houseless and
homeless while we sit comfortably by our warm fire. May
gratitude ascend to the Giver of every good and perfect
gift, and truly it does from the altar of my heart.
22d. ā The first sound that saluted my ear this morning
was the firing of cannon in honor of him who is called the
Father of his Country; a poor way indeed to exhibit
feelings of respect ; no doubt he was a great man and did
what he thought right ; however this may 1 e this kind of
manifestation is not right ; much property is uselessly ex-
pended, often attended with loss of life or limb. Whatever
58 JOURNAL OF
has a tendency to harden the heart cannot rank among
the virtues approved of God, and all else is of little account.
28th. ā This is the last day of the Second month, 1851,
the mildest for the past century it is said, ā no snow and
mostly pleasant sunshine, very unusual for the season.
Third month 10th. ā A bright, clear morning, with some
snow remaining. My feelings are depressed. I desire
Divine aid, but a sense of unworthiness comes over me
when I would look to my Redeemer. He knows the heart,
and I hope in His mercy, that He will not cast off forever
such as draw nigh to Him in great poverty. In the evening
some friends came, and their company was pleasant, and in
great measure dispelled the gloom that all day had cast a
shade over me : there is no doubt in mv mind we were
formed for society. Our great Pattern walked among men,
nor did He retire except to pray. He also commanded His
disciples to let their light shine in the world ; not to put
their candle under a bushel, that the effect of faithfulness
to the movings of His spirit might be seen.
Twelfth month, 13th. ā Haddonfield Quarterly Meeting
was held at Moorestown. The weather was pleasant, and
the gathering large. The holy anointing was poured forth ;
the gospel preached in the right authority ; the business
conducted in harmony ; the flocks were gathered and
watered, and some made to rest as at noonday. We had
the company of a number of friends to satisfaction.
19th. ā Still raining and windy, 20th cloudy, 21st still
cloudy, with frequent sprinkles of rain. Warm enough for
vegetation to grow, and the earth puts on a mantle of green.
Ah, how different from this time last year, when a bed of
languishing was my 1 t, and gloom rested on all visible
things; now I am enjoying the restoration of this great
SAEAH HUNT. 59
blessing of health, and though I may fall short of what
was intended when ushered into being, my desires are
incessant to be found filling up my measure, that when the
summons come I may be ready and willing to leave the
mutable and enter upon the ever-enduring.
26th. ā I feel very low, poor and stripped every way, and
under this sense commit myself to a compassionate and
merciful High Priest, who trod this path and felt forsaken
before me. He was despised and rejected of men, and in
the hour of His greatest extremity all forsook Him and
fled, even His chosen, who had eaten and drank with Him,
and partaken of His benefits and blessings. Ah, it is one
thing to reign with Christ and quite another to suffer for
His name's sake, cast out as evil while those we have loved
stand aloof from us, and the more trying are these things
when on examination we cannot find we have given occasion
for the enemy to triumph.
27th. ā Lord, be with them that are gathered in Thy
name, whether by the fireside or collected especially to join in
worshiping Thee, that the good may be strengthened every-
where. Let Thy spirit follow such as wander from Thy
presence, for it is Thy will and good pleasure that all should
come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. Be
pleased to crown the gathered Church with Thy loving-
kindness, for these, under whatever name, have among them
members that seek Thee and desire to honor Thee in their
lives and conversation. Thou knowest some who have been
washed have turned again to their pollutions; may it please
Thee to turn Thy holy hand upon them and refine them
still more. Yes, leave them not in their backsliding, but
make them meet for Thy Heavenly Kingdom, that Thou
mayest be glorified in all. Thou knowest there are in some
60 JOURNAL OF
places such as profess Thy name, yet crucify the Son of Thy
love, and the life is borne down and the light smothered
because the wisdom of this world rules. Let Thy righteous
judgments arrest these to their humiliation, that in Thy life
they may see light, and seeing themselves also, may humbly
ask of Thee strength to resist temptation, and ability to
walk in the strait and narrow way that leads to life
eternal, giving unto Thee the honor due Thy name.
Fifth Month 5th, 1851.ā A very rainy day. In the
afternoon went to Philadelphia, and attended the Quarterly
Meeting of Ministers and Elders; it was solemnized by the
power of the Highest, by which spirits that revolt from His
law are bound now as in ancient days. But ye that under-
stand what this meaneth, rejoice not in this alone, but rather
rejoice that your names are written in the Lamb's Book of
Life. My soul has been filled with thanksgiving to my God,
and my intercessions to my Father are almost continual.
Keep me, Father, keep me in the hollow of thy hand,
that I perish not. Forgive my sins and make me meet for
Thy Heavenly Kingdom.
6th. ā The frail bark sutlers and trembles from yester-
day's exposure, but the mind is enriched by the consolation
of the spirit. Our Yearly Meeting for 1851 has afforded
continued evidence of Divine regard, notwithstanding our
many shortcomings and want of faith in and obedience to
Divine reopiisitions. From session to session the Holy
anointing was felt to descend and rest like' dew upon the
tender plants, refreshing the spirits of such as love the
Father of lights above all. Harmony prevailed in trans-
acting the business, inspiring thanksgiving and praise.
The meetinff of Ministers and Elders issued a minute of
advice, recommending all their members to stand fast in
8 Alt A JI JI U NT. 6.1
that wherein they had believed, that they be not moved
away from the hope of that gospel that stands not in word
but in power, the effect of which is to unite the members of
the one body into one spirit ; " that the strong bear the
infirmities of the weak, not pleasing themselves," with more
to this effect, which was transmitted down with very general
unity. May it prove as balsam to heal where wounds are
made, that gospel order be preserved in every department
of Society. In the general Yearly Meeting both men and
women Friends issued minutes of advice to all our con-
stituent branches, suited, I think, to the present low state,
as shown by the reports brought up from the Quarters, that
such as will may perceive there is yet a living exercise in
the body collectively for the preservation of every member
wherever situated. We were blessed with the company of
several Friends from other Yearly Meetings, whose company
and gospel labors have been edifying, their example comport-
ing with their mission.
25th ā I feel the awfuluess of a being formed for immor-
tality, gifted by the Creator with faculties and powers for
usefulness, with the certainty affixed that one day an
account must be given for the application of all these, as
goods received not to be wasted. Time, O time, thou art
ever on the wing! and soon will thy sands be run, and
every soul now in existence be launched into eternity's vast
ocean, incomprehensible to mortals. O just and Holy
One, enable me to walk in Thy fear, to live under the in-
fluence of Thy Spirit, careful in all my movements that I
bring no dishonor to the Author of my being in any way
May my words be few and savory, seasoned with grace, or
let me be silent and appear as a fool, for the love I bear
Thee. Thou knowest I delight in Thy law, that the world
62 JOURNAL o r
La receding from me; its glory, with the beauty of every-
thing corruptible, is changed. Thou hast shown me I need
not expect much thai is pleasurable in anything that has
the inscription of change written on it by its author, and
my humble petition to Thee is for an increase of faith and
patience to endure all things allotted to me here, with an
evidence that Thou wilt receive my spirit into Thy presence
when all my trials are accomplished.
26th. ā Feel very much stripped; cast down but not
destroyed ; with little inclination to enter into anything
around me. Few there are that can meet my state, and very
seldom do I communicate with these, for almost every out-
ward spring that in former days cheered and gladdened the
heart is dried up. My Father ! enable me to say and to
feel that " all my well-springs are in Thee."
30th. ā A feeling of loneliness is mine ; I sit as one of the
solitary in families ; I Ions; to be able to say with the Holy
Jesus, I am not alone, for the Father is with me. The
Fathers in the visible church are few, and these seem to me
to manifest too little of that kindred feeling that should
abound in the brotherhood, where God is acknowledged to
be the one Father on whom the children call, and His only-
beffotten "The way, the Truth, and the Life," by whom
salvation is known.
Sixth month 4th. ā Attended the Monthly Meeting at
Haddonfield. The feeling that prevailed was above all
price. Though their rights had been trespassed upon by
our brethren called Orthodox, their meeting-house pulled
down without consulting them in the matter, there appeared
no hostile feeling or disposition to retaliate, and an evidence
was furnished that the Almighty "dwelleth not in temples
made by hands," that He delights to dwell with the contrite
S A R A II II U N T . 63
in heart, and such as tremble at His word, such as delight
in His law. May the Spirit of forbearance and Christian
endurance abound in all our members everywhere, then
should we deepen in the root of pure and undefiled religion
by an exemplification of a meek and quiet spirit that re-
joiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth, delighting
in the practice of justice and equity among all men every-
where.
12th. ā Our Quarterly Meeting was held at Medford,
and evidence was furnished that God is good. The Shep-
herd fed His flock, and such as loved Him rejoiced,
and gave thanks in His name who is " God over all,
blessed forever, amen." Such was the covering when the
meeting closed. Like Peter when he beheld the transfigura-
tion on the Mount, I would gladly have tabernacled in it,
and dwelt under it, always feeling an unwillingness to turn
again and mix with the multitude, where worldly themes
and differences among men engross the mind and conver-
sation, often dissipating what little strength has been gained
by watching unto prayer and fasting from self-indulgence.
When shall we see Christians disposed to dwell on heavenly
things wiih the earthly under their feet? Father, enable
me to attain to so full an establishment in Thy truth as
never to be moved from it. This pearl is more precious
than all outward treasures.
loth. ā I feel drawn in spirit toward the sheep and lambs
of Christ not yet gathered into the fold, with His language,
Invite them into my pasture, where th~re is ever verdure,
where springs from the Fountain of Life are ever flowing,
and say to them, In my Father's house there is bread
enough and to spare ; regard not the forms of a vain
world ; " let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which
64 JOURNAL OF
doth bo easily beset us, and let us run with patience the
race that is set before us," bearing the cross that we may
inherit the crown.
21st. ā How can I say my Redeemer liveth when I feel
infirmities press upon nie on every side, casting a shade
over the beauties of this world ? I know one of the temp-
tations presented to Jesus was to cast Himself down, that
the angels had charge over Him to bear him up. My great
concern is to keep the balance of the mind, and labor to be
content in whatsoever state I am placed, that I may feast in
secret under all besetments, and have meat to eat the world
knows not of. I feel very unfit to instruct others, and a
prospect of public service bows me very low. My help is
in the Lord and in the word of His grace.
22d. ā Attended two meetings appointed for me in the
city. Both were solid and attentive. Very closely have I
scanned myself and all that was spoken, and do not see
that anything escaped my lips that truth did not own,
though I feel a weight remaining and seem not permitted
to rejoice. This may be to prove my faith, and I remember
the saying of an apostle whose devotion is an example to
all, "Ye have need of patience, that after ye have done the
will of God, ye might receive the promise." A spirit that
would shut the kingdom of Heaven against men still lives
and as of old prevents many mighty works being done in
the Father's name.
20th. ā In the evening attended a meeting held in Com-
missioners' Hall at Kensington. A crowded audience, very
attentive and quiet. The fountain of love and life Mas
unsealed by the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. My heart is
humbled in remembrance of the favor. The people were
invited to " Christ in them, the hope of glory," in whom is
SARAH HUNT. 65
life and loving favor. A covering of solemnity prevailed,
and I said in the conclusion, It is enough, and since a
holy calm has pervaded my mind with the seal of Divine
approbation, which is all I crave.
Seventh month 2d. ā " Day unto day uttereth speech,
and night unto night showeth knowledge." To the reflec-
ting, contemplating mind, not the knowledge that puffeth
up, but a knowledge of self and all its subtle entwinings.
3d. ā Called to see a sick friend who has lain nine years
entirely helpless from paralysis. She manifested no impa-
tience, and seemed glad to see us. Ah, what a blessing is
health, and how wisely ought time to be employed w r hilst
we are able to move about, for w r e know not what calamities
may overtake us !
4th. ā This is the seventy-fifth anniversary of our
(so-called) national independence, and how my heart was
filled with sadness when my morning slumbers were broken
by the sound of artillery and the cannon's roar. How long
will these things be? How long will the disposition pre-
vail to destroy one another ? How long ere every weapon
of destruction will be converted into implements of useful-
ness, and the kin<>;dom of this w r orld be ruled bv love
and kindness ? Hasten the day, if it please Thee, when the
sword shall be sheathed forever.
The morning of the 5th has come, and with it loneli-
ness and sadness, and a deep sense of strippedness ; no smile
of affection from son or daughter to greet me on rising,
or cheer me at noonday. A few days more, and life's brief
journey will be over, its joys and sorrows forgotten.
6th, First-day morning.ā My spirit goes after my chil-
dren in their remote dwellings. O Father, hear and
accept the prayer of Thy servant for these. Keep them
66 JOURNAL OF
from evil, and stay their minds in an abiding trust in
Thee. Be their comfort in afflictions, and feed them with
the bread Thou only bast power to give, that they may eat
thereof and bless Thy holy name. -Thou knowest I have not
asked for them riches or long life, but the gift of Thy Holy
Spirit, to the redemption and sanctification of their immor-
tal souls, that they may live in Thy fear, and enter into
the rest Thou alone canst give. And for myself, my petition
is that thou wilt enable me to keep that faith that over-
comes the world, and that all everywhere may "Come
taste and see, that tbe Lord is good, amen." Every day
should be spent as though it were the last. But alas,
bow far otherwise it is with most, seemingly regardless of
tbe slender tenure of life and tbe uncertainty of its con-
tinuance, absorbed with cares and passing events ; seeking
satisfaction in almost everything other than the only reliable
source,ā that is, a knowledge of God, His truth and their
own frailties, listening to the voice of His spirit, the unction
from the Holy One, that teaches truth and no lie. Our
meeting was solemn, and in the afternoon we had a pleasant
social circle numbering eight, some from a distance and
some our own members. I enjoyed it much, as I mostly
do, but often have to regret my lack of ability to turn
conversation into instructive channels ; perhaps this is
coveting more than is meet.
13th. ā A crowded meeting in the city; many went
away for want of room. After these seasons of exercise it
is mostly my lot to retire into a desert place to hold a
close scrutiny over myself and all that has passed. If any
have been comforted it is the Lord's doing, and to Him be
the praise.
S A K A II II U N T. G
> i
19th. ā Being about to leave my pleasant home to visit
the sick and solitary, I pray the Father most fervently to
prosper my way and preserve me and mine in all places
where we may be. Be with us that go, O merciful
Protector, and with those that stay, that by watching unto
prayer we may know Thee to be our preserver and our
strength, our salvation and our exceeding joy in time, and
meet for an entrance into Thy heavenly kingdom.
Eighth month 4th, 1851. ā My heart was cheered in
meeting many kindred spirits in Kew York and parts
adjacent; such as have known regeneration through the
gift of the grace of God, and the effectual working of gos-
pel power, being saved from sin and its wages, death, and
made alive unto God through faith in the second appear-
ance of the Son of God, revealed by His spirit in the
heart. Oh that there were enough of these to save the pres-
ent generation from the flood of absurdity and deception
that is rushing in from every quarter, threatening a second
deluge. Many have already been swept away by the over-
flowing surge of human invention, and ceased to believe in
the inward principle of light and love revealed in the
heart, "The Lord from Heaven, a quickening spirit." My
prayer for these is that they may see whence they have
fallen, repent, and do the first works, lest they utterly
perish in their gainsaying.
Eighth month 7th. ā Myself and beloved husband ob-
tained minutes from Chester Monthly Meeting to attend Ohio
Yearly Meeting, and meetings on our way to and coming
from it. When the time came for setting off we left ; as
regards myself, I can say in full faith I was following Him
who inspired Paul in a night vision to go to Macedonia and
help the brethren. For this very purpose are religious
68 JOURNAL P
associations formed, ā to help and encourage one another in
all that is good. But such as become too wise to submit to
rules instituted in the wisdom of truth for regulating and
binding together the members of bodies thus drawn together,
that they may encourage one another in well doing, lose
the benefit and become estranged from the commonwealth
of Israel, or in other words enjoy not those privileges de-
signed to benefit all of a like precious faith. We passed on
without in'erruption, and reached Mount Pleasant on the
29th. Took lodgings at Samuel Griffith's, and I feel to
commend the simplicity of their way of entertaining the
large company, who were made heartily welcome at their
home during Yearly Meeting.
30th. ā The Meeting of Ministers and Elders assembled,
and entire harmony prevailed.
From Mount Pleasant we went to New Lisbon, where
we had two meetings, then to Salem, where we had an even-
ing meeting. Having relatives here we made it our port for
a few days, and attended meetings around the neighborhood,
returning at night to lodge. From Salem we went to
Columbiana, Carmel, and New Brighton, which closed our
religious labors in this journey. Turning home from here
we were favored to reach it in safety. Now, being again
at home, I feel thankful for the special favor of a kind
Providence in enabling us to fulfill what we had in
prospect, to our own satisfaction. The journey through
the country was to me exceedingly interesting.
Tenth month 5th. ā The sudden decease of a neighbor
called together a large company on Third-day. May all
be ready, with their lamps trimmed and burning, to meet
the like summons. O Father, continue Thy calls from the
third to the eleventh hour, that such as heed them not in
SARAH HUNT. 69
the morning may be gathered in the evening, and know of
a truth that Thou art God, gracious and long-suffering,
forgiving iniquity, transgression and sin, showing mercy to
thousands that love Thee and keep Thy commandments.
8th. ā A pleasant, calm and comfortable day spent alone
with my husband, with the heart turned heavenward by the
power of truth, of life and of love/stronger than death. I
delight in the law of the Lord after the inner man, and
meditate therein day and night and find pleasure ; and in
fulfilling this law there is comfort without alloy. " In the
world there is tribulation, but be of good cheer," said the
Immaculate Lamb. Helj) me to press on until I attain,
O Holy One ; help, Lord, for I am poor and needy ;
sanctify my afflictions to the purification of my immortal
soul, I beseech Thee, that I may rest with Thee when done
with time !
Tenth month 14th. ā We need an increase of minds