JT-07-1813
About the first of January, 1813, I commenced teaching school, for the term of three months. We were then living in a new house unfinished, the chimney up only as high as the first story. About the 10th, a furious storm came up in the night. The wind came down the chimney with great force, and blew the fire over the floor, and under the house, and among the pine shavings. The wind blowing in a whirl burst the doors open, and while the lightnings were flashing, thunders roaring, trees crashing, and our hearts failing, the fire was rapidly kindling in and under the floor! The house withstood the fury of the wind, and by hard exertion, we extinguished the fire without suffering serious loss.
About the first of February, I was taken with the White Swelling, in my right shoulder. I was soon unable to move my arm, or hand, without the aid of the other; and the pain was incessant, and inexpressibly severe, for the space of seven weeks. About this time, there was a report in circulation, and believed by some, that I was not married, but had ran away with Mr. Rittenour’s daughter, without his knowledge or consent; and it was thought that my affliction was a judgment sent on me, to punish my wickedness. This was the religious effusion of Sectarian zeal. O! how intolerant! On the 10th of May, I and my wife started for her fathers’, in Virginia. I preached several times on the way, and arrived there in ten days; having passed Casewell Court house, Danville, Pittsylvania, Major Ward’s, Lynchburg, Amherst Court house, Rockfish Gap, Kiesletown, New Market, Woodstock, and Stoverstown. I preached at my father-in-law’s, to a people with whom I had formerly seen and felt glorious times, in the work of the Lord. Thence I preached at Crooked Run, Newtown, Stoverstown, Round Hill, Timber Ridge, &c. During this time, I was solicited to take my residence in Frederick County, Va., to which I consented. I then borrowed money from the Bank of Winchester, to settle my business in Carolina, whither I started from my father-in-law’s, on the 10th; leaving my wife with her parents.
I settled all my concerns in Carolina, only with my brother Jacob, to whom I owed one hundred dollars; and that I should be under no censure by him, I gave him possession, and a deed of my land, till I should pay him; with the express understanding, that he should not charge interest on my obligation, nor I claim any rent for my premises; and that, when I should pay him, this bargain was to be null. On the 10 of July, I started for Virginia, and preached in several places on my way. On the 20th, I arrived at my father-in-law’s, and found my wife well. August 12th, my wife brought forth a daughter, and we named her Sophronia.
I shortly purchased a lot in Kernstown, near Winchester, and situated there in October following. In the intermediate time, I continued to preach, in various places in Frederick, Hampshire, and Shenandoah counties. I baptized some young converts, and met with some opposition. In September, I went to Carolina. Brother I. Ellis of Frederick county went with me. On the way, at Major Ward’s I met with a man who said he was a believing Jew. He wears no hat--has no name, neither personal nor professional. Never rides. Dresses in a plain robe. Preaches repentance. Remembers Mary in every discourse. Holds no controversy. Takes no money, neither does he use any. Cuts neither hair nor beard. Professes to follow Christ in the regeneration; nor will be own anything in the world. He is an aged man; a great scholar, versed in several languages: the Assyrian, Hebrew, Greek, Latin, French, German, English, &c. Profound in reason; expert in the Scriptures; plain and sublime in his language. Decent, modest, and humble in his manners. Solid and convincing in his discourses. Familiar and naturally fascinating in private conversation.
October 14th, 1813, I moved, and settled myself and family, in Kernstown, Frederick county. Va. At this place I commenced teaching school. My gospel labors were now circumscribed chiefly to Sabbath days. The space of a few months, I enjoyed the sweets of domestic and rural life. I experienced a calm, which has since seemed to be a prelude to a longer and more violent storm of life, than I had ever before experienced.