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  LIFE, TRAVELS, AND GOSPEL LABORS
  by Joseph Thomas
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The autobiography of Joseph Thomas documenting his life, extensive travels, and
gospel ministry, providing a firsthand account of itinerant preaching in early
American Christianity.

  Chapters: 63

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  TABLE OF CONTENTS
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    1. JT-00.2-P R E F A C E.
    2. JT-00.3-ABOUT THE ELECTRONIC EDITION.
    3. JT-01-1791-1807
    4. JT-02-1808
    5. JT-03-1809
    6. JT-04-1810
    7. JT-05-1811
    8. JT-06-1812
    9. JT-07-1813
   10. JT-08-1814
   11. JT-09-1815
   12. JT-10-1816
   13. JT-11-1817
   14. JT-12-Supplementary: From Sister Christiania Thomas
   15. JT-13-Supplementary: Joseph Thomas' Letter.
   16. JT-14-Supplementary: About Elder Joseph Thomas.
   17. JT-15-Supplementary: Obituary of Elder Joseph Thomas.
   18. JT-16-PREFACE TO THE POEMS.
   19. JT-17-To the Memory of Elder Joseph Thomas
   20. JT-18-ON MY NEW PEN.
   21. JT-19-AN ELEGY
   22. JT-20-ON WINTER.
   23. JT-21-THE RURAL CHRISTIAN
   24. JT-22-RETIREMENT.
   25. JT-23-THE POLAR STAR.
   26. JT-24-THE ROSE.
   27. JT-25-A DIRGE.
   28. JT-26-A THOUGHT ON WAR.
   29. JT-27-THE VERNAL SEASON.
   30. JT-28-AN EVENING THOUGHT.
   31. JT-29-THOUGHTS OF RETIREMENT.
   32. JT-30-AN APOSTROPHE TO THE EVENING STAR.
   33. JT-31-THE WONDERS OF CREATION.
   34. JT-32-A PRAYER IN TROUBLE.
   35. JT-33-ODE ON THE PRIMEVAL AGES.
   36. JT-34-THE ALLUREMENTS OF THE WORLD FORSAKEN.
   37. JT-35-ODE TO SPRING.
   38. JT-36-AN APOSTROPHE TO THE MOON.
   39. JT-37-THE WORLD TURNED PEACOCK.
   40. JT-38-BIGOTRY REPORTED.
   41. JT-39-WOMAN.
   42. JT-40-AN ELEGY,
   43. JT-41-DESCRIPTION OF NIGHT.
   44. JT-42-A REFLECTION ON READING HISTORY.
   45. JT-43-AN ELEGY,
   46. JT-44-OLD AGE.
   47. JT-45-A DREAM--SUCH AS POETS FEIGN.
   48. JT-46-ON THOUGHT.
   49. JT-47-A WORD TO THE FAIR.
   50. JT-48-DIALOGUE
   51. JT-49-AN APOSTROPHE TO GEN. BRADDOCK.
   52. JT-50-MAN--A COMPLICATED ANIMAL.
   53. JT-51-AN ADDRESS TO THE AMERICAN FAIR.
   54. JT-52-A VISION,
   55. JT-53-EPISODE,
   56. JT-54-THE DEVIL ADVERTISED.
   57. JT-55-THOUGHTS ON THE 39TH CHAPTER OF JOB.
   58. JT-56-FAREWELL TO YOUTH--AN ALLEGORY.
   59. JT-57-ON SOLITUDE.
   60. JT-58-ON MY OLD PEN.
   61. JT-59-Impressions of Elder Joseph Thomas.
   62. JT-60-LINES, COMPOSED WHILE STANDING AT THE WHITE PILGRIM'S GRAVE,
   63. JT-61-The Tombstone Inscription

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  CHAPTER 1: JT-00.2-P R E F A C E.
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P R E F A C E.

THERE are several reasons why we offer the public, in the present form, THE LIFE
AND POEMS OF JOSEPH THOMAS; better known as "THE WHITE PILGRIM." First, we think
it will be received with favor, and be useful to the candid reader. It breathes
of the spirit of firm reliance upon God and exhibits the workings and prompt
decisions of a faithful, honest conscience, acting up to its convictions of
duty, and receiving as a reward, blessings appropriately bestowed upon a
faithful, Christian man. It will unquestionably aid the honest, earnest seeker
to know and do his duty to God and man, under the full conviction that he will
in no wise lose his reward.

Secondly, It will tend to settle questions which seem to have bewildered many
minds. Who was the White Pilgrim? Where did he hail from religiously? When was
he born? When and where did he die? The publisher has heard him claimed to be an
old Negro, Methodist-Episcopal preacher. He has also in possession a book
published not many years since, containing a piece of poetry, found in this
work, composed by Rev. JOHN ELLIS, of Dayton, Ohio, on visiting his grave, which
is claimed to have been handed down from an old Indian tragedy, commencing with
the line:

"I came to the spot where the White Pilgrim lay." The publisher does not claim
for it great literary or poetical merit, and yet some of the scintillations of
his poetical genius are seldom surpassed. With the hope that this little volume
may serve the cause of truth, it is dedicated to the candid public by the
PUBLISHER.


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  CHAPTER 2: JT-00.3-ABOUT THE ELECTRONIC EDITION.
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ABOUT THE ELECTRONIC EDITION. The electronic edition of Joseph Thomas’s Life,
Travels, and Gospel of Eld. Joseph Thomas, More Widely Known as the White
Pilgrim, to Which Are Added His Poems: Religious, Moral, and Satirical (New
York: M. Cummings, 1861) has been produced from a photocopy of the printed text.
Thanks to Hans Rollmann for providing this photocopy of the book. The following
biographical sketches of contributors to this book are taken from: Appleton’s
Cyclopedia of American Biography, edited by James Grant Wilson and John Fiske.
Six volumes, New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1887-1889.

BADGER, Joseph, clergyman, born in Gilman-ton, New Hampshire, 16 August 1792;
died 12 May 1852. His father, revolting against the Calvinism in which he had
been educated, had become a deist, and Joseph was given no religious training.
When he was ten years old his family removed to Crompton, Canada, then almost a
wilderness. He was converted in 1811 while visiting his native place, and in
1812 was baptized and began preaching without connecting himself with any
regular Church. He traveled for a time with a young man named Adams, who shortly
afterward united with the Methodists; but Badger determined to "go forth and
preach a free salvation to all who would hear." After laboring for two years in
Lower Canada with great success, Badger received ordination at the hands of the
Free-will Baptists, but maintained his independent position. In 1814 he returned
to New Hampshire and preached with remarkable success, though his methods made
him unpopular with the Calvinists. In 1817 he preached as an itinerant in the
state of New York, and the Churches that he founded joined the denomination
known as Christians. After a preaching tour through the west in 1825 and a visit
to Boston, Mr. Badger returned to New York, where he edited the Palladium, at
that time the organ of the Christian denomination. A stroke of paralysis forced
him to give up work, but he preached again for some time before the final shock.
See Life of Joseph Badger, by E. G. Holland (New York, 1854).

CUMMINGS, Moses, clergyman, born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, about 1816; died
in New York City, 6 January 1867. He entered the ministry of the Christian
denomination at the age of eighteen, and labored for many years in New Jersey
and New York. From 1854 till 1862 he had editorial control of The Christian
Messenger and The Palladium, the central organs of the sect of which he was a
member. He was a determined opponent of slavery, and a friend and admirer of
Horace Mann, whose peculiar educational views received his cordial support.

Addenda and corrigenda are earnestly solicited.

Ernie Stefanik Derry, PA

6 August 2003.

Updated Electronic Edition Notes

Original page numbers removed from the text, obvious spelling errors corrected,
and headings inserted by Bradley Cobb, September, 2012.


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  CHAPTER 3: JT-01-1791-1807
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1791-1807

I, Joseph Thomas was born in North Carolina, Orange County, March 7th, 1791. My
parents were natives of Pennsylvania, who, in an early period of their lives,
soon after being wedded together, emigrated to the place where I was born. Being
among the first settlers who penetrated the uncultivated wilds of that part of
the country, soon found that frugality and industry were indispensable to their
subsistence, consequently became inured to the common hardships of a laboring
life, by which they shortly obtained a comfortable competency. Not many years
rolled away, till they found themselves possessed of a considerable share of
honest wealth, surrounded with several children--sons and daughters. The
Revolutionary war came on which soon spread devastation and death over that
section of country. The British, commanded by Lord Cornwallis, plundered and
devoured the last remains of my father’s property, excepting his land.

After this war, my parents, by their industry, repaired their wasted fortune and
obtained the second time a sufficient living. But alas! the day of prosperity
soon passed away and was succeeded by the storms of adversity, affliction and
distress. The property they had accumulated, by a change of times, which a
course of intemperance, on my father’s part, was spent, scattered and entirely
wasted! By this time, they had nine children, seven sons and two daughters, the
most of whom were grown men and women, but myself, being the youngest child. The
first seven years of my life, I had the guardian care of a dear father and the
affectionate attention of a fond mother, in which home I was taught to read,
write and cypher. In the year 1798, hard necessity compelled that I should be
separated from my parents, and from my once peaceful home! My abode was now
appointed me in a strange, inhospitable and cruel family! It was stipulated,
that, while there, I should go to school; but my ungenerous host evaded this,
and engrossed my time entirely to his own purposes. At this unfriendly place, I
dwelt almost two years, and every leisure hour, I employed myself in reading the
books my father had given me, among which my favorites were the Economy of Human
Life and the New Testament. At this place I was cruelly treated, suffering the
extremes of hunger and cold, &c., &c. Here I often bewailed my parents’
misfortunes, and the loss of my former home, and learned by hard necessity, the
distressing condition of many helpless children, who are constrained from their
parents, to dwell among unfeeling strangers. During this period I thought about
dying, and much about eternity, which, with my natural disposition; caused me to
be more solemn and melancholy, than boys at that age commonly are. When I was
about nine years old one of my brothers (who was a married man) living in
Grayson county, Virginia, came and took me away from this cruel and inhospitable
place, and I cheerfully went home with him, about 150 miles from the place of my
nativity. Being now, more than before, among strangers, I continued to feel
melancholy, and as an orphan cast upon the mercy of a friendless world. I had no
one to look to for There I soon found myself as an orphan, or like one without
father or mother, though in name had both, yet in reality had not the protection
nor advice of the one, nor the affectionate caresses of the other, for mountains
and rivers intervened between us. Here I had no one to look to for the support
of my body, the improvement of my protection, advice, or for sustenance but my
brother. He was kind to me and soon engaged me to a school, near his abode, to
which I went some months and made a pleasing proficiency in reading, writing,
and arithmetic. In December 1801, when I was nearly ten years old, I was taken
with the White Swelling in my left knee, and was soon unable to walk, or to
stand upon my feet during the space of eighteen months. In this time I felt the
most excruciating pain that humanity is capable of supporting. It was long
anticipated from day to day, by myself and those who saw me, that my agonies and
affliction, would soon terminate in death. Once, while lying helpless on my bed,
my brother being absent, my sister-in-law found occasion to leave home. Previous
to her going, she carried in some dry fuel and laid it in the chimney place,
between the fire and chimney side. In a short time after her departure, the fuel
caught fire and conveyed it to the wood of which the chimney which was composed,
and were soon kindled into a furious blaze, roaring up the chimney and gathering
into the logs on that end of the house. Lying with my face towards the fire, I
apprehended the danger, but was utterly unable to move out of the place. My
thoughts and feelings on this occasion were inexpressible, for death, to all
appearance, was inevitable. I tried, but tried in vain to escape from my bed,
and found no alternative but to resign myself to the mercy of God, and to the
devouring element. The fire increased until one side of the chimney was burnt
through and the end logs of the house considerably kindled. But what was
astonishing and pleasing to me by the time I thought the blaze would be kindling
in the roof, it descended the chimney and presently subsided. And yet the more
was I convinced of the interposition of divine goodness, when in a few hours the
fire became entirely extinguished! This I thought was the "Lord’s doings and
marvelous in my eyes." From this singular deliverance, (as I esteemed it) I
received an impression, that God would preserve me, and not let me die with my
present complaint.

While in this affliction, the misdemeanors and sins of my former days came into
review, and I felt the compunctions of a guilty conscience. I sincerely
regretted my sins and promised a better course of life, if I should be spared. I
found comfort in the gospel promises and believed I was prepared to die. In the
month of March 1802, after being confined near eighteen months to my bed, in
which time one of bones of my left was taken out, with the loss of many small
pieces. I was again able to stand on my feet, and to walk by the aid of
crutches. Not long after this till I could walk without their assistance! I now
viewed myself as a miracle of God’s almighty goodness--as a stranger upon the
stage of action, and as one who had just come from the regions of the grave and
shadow of death!! Not long after being restored to my feet, till lost sight of
the goodness of God, forgot the solemn promises I had made to him, and again
began to wander in the forbidden paths of youthful folly and sin. In a few weeks
I was taken with a complaint similar to that which I was so severely afflicted
with in my leg, in my opposite thigh bone, and was soon unable to walk. In this
attack, I was again severely afflicted, and for some months confined to my bed,
and it was now thought I never would walk any more. I again renewed my promises
and besought the Lord to have mercy on me. In a few months, beyond the most
sanguine expectations, I was enabled, the second time, to rise and walk, and was
looked upon as a wonder, while I was seen running and playing with my former
associates!

Early in the year 1803, I was removed to Montgomery (now Giles) county,
Virginia, to take my residence with a brother, who at that time kept Bachelor’s
Hall. He was then a frolicsome young man, and the people, old and young about
the place, generally were uncivil and wicked. I was, of course, insensibly drawn
from the paths of morality and religion, and too often constrained to imitate
some of the practices predominant around me. In the latter end of the same year,
I was removed to neighbor Andrew Johnston’s, on New River, in the same county,
as a boarder to go to school. In this man I found a friend, and the first moral
preceptor I had met with. I have since always remembered him with gratitude and
affection, for the moral and wholesome instructions which he gave me, during my
stay with him. My teacher also became partial and particularly attentive to me.
I took the best advantage, and made the wisest improvement from the instructions
of these men, that I could. Here I dwelt about one year, in which time I found
myself far advanced in arithmetic, considerably so in mathematics, geography,
&c. When my time expired here, Mr. Johnston would receive nothing of my
boarding, nor the teacher for my tuition. During this term, I had many serious
reflections and often refused to play at school, from the solemn impressions,
sometimes made on my mind. I had a New Testament which I carried with me, which,
in all my leisure hours, I read with great pleasure, and became particularly
fond of those places that spake of the blessed Jesus, the Savior of the world,
and of the miracles and wonderful works which he wrought among men. My mind was
often seriously exercised, and I frequently dreamed of attending the sermons and
travels of the Savior, where thousands were congregated. I often imagined, in my
sleeping hours, that I was preaching the gospel to hundreds and thousands, in
different parts of the world!! In November 1804, I left my benefactor, my
teacher and my youthful acquaintances, and went to Grayson County again, and in
the neighborhood where I had been so much afflicted. I hired myself to my
brother’s father-in-law, the term of one year, for ninety dollars. One third of
this time I taught school, and the balance I worked up the farm. Religion was
scarcely named by any person about here in those days. Vice and irreligion
prevailed. I heard one sermon in this time, which was the first religious
meeting I had been at since I left Carolina. The discourse awakened and
encouraged me to pray. Lorenzo Dow came through the country about this time, and
caused the people to talk something about religion. I read his chain, which had
a serious and lasting impression on my mind. I felt condemned before God. Guilt
hung heavy on my soul, and I again more frequently resorted to prayer. But I
felt no relief from the convictions and anguish of a broken spirit. In October
1805, my engagement being fulfilled with the man I lived with, I received my
wages, and went on to Carolina, to see my mother and other relations I had
living there. My aged mother rejoiced to see me, after the absence of five
years, and that God had preserved me through all the afflictions and necessities
that had befallen me. There was a great revival of religion about here at that
times. Preaching and prayer meetings were frequent. I attended some of them, and
felt pleased to hear the name of God praised, though I could not experimentally
join the glad song. After a few weeks I left my mother and other weeping
friends, and returned to Grayson county in Virginia again. On my way, my heart
was almost drowned with sorrow. I felt that I had no home, and that I was
destitute of the salvation of my soul, which I desired above anything on earth.
In Grayson I hired with my brother, whom I had formerly lived, the term, of
three months. Here my distress of mind increased, and I was soon convinced that
my soul was in too much danger of being lost, if I continued long in so wicked a
place. I resolved that when my time was out, I would leave this part of the
country. In March 1806, I went to Carolina again, the place of my nativity, and
commenced living with my brother James and my mother, who lived together. I now
went frequently to meeting, and read much in the Scriptures. My former
convictions became more pungent and my sins rose more conspicuous to my view.
This was in the time of the celebrated revival, when it was no strange thing to
hear many, old and young, profess religion, and to see them engage in the
unaccountable exercises of shouting, dancing, hallowing, jumping, laughing, &c.
&c.

There was a great Union meeting, (by some called Camp meeting) appointed to be
held near where I lived, in October 1806. I looked forward to this meeting with
pleasing expectations, and strongly hoped that at it I might find the pearl of
great price, the salvation of my soul. At this meeting, preachers and people of
different denominations met. On the first day of meeting, I went early to the
place, where by seeing the numerous tents and wagons already arranged on the
ground, and the crowds of people pressing from every direction, my mind was
solemnized and penitential tears stole from my eyes. The first sermon was
delivered by a traveling man, then immediately from Georgia, who professed to
belong to no party, but to the Church of Christ in general. His text and sermon
were concerning Naaman, the leper, who was commanded to dip himself seven times
in the river Jordan. In his description of Naaman, I thought some person had
told him my feelings and my character. I thought the most he said was aimed at,
and intended for me. Near the conclusion of his sermon, many had fallen to the
earth around me, crying for mercy, and I fell among them. I sent for the
preacher to come and pray for me. Many prayers were offered for me, but alas, my
heart was too unbelieving to receive the blessing I had so long sought, and
without which, I was now sensible I would be miserable and utterly lost. The
exercises of my mind during this meeting, were various and sometimes
inexpressible. At times I felt some consolation, and almost concluded that I was
redeemed front my sins, by the blood of Christ. At other times, my heart would
so fill with unbelief, that I would almost conclude there was no mercy nor
salvation fur such a wretch as I. As the following occurrence, which took place
during this meeting, was so very singular, and made an impression which is not
yet eradicated from my mind, I will here relate it. Being tired and sleepy, one
night I lay down in a tent, and while I slept, I imagined I saw a very aged and
grave man stand at the door of the tent, and heard him call to me; I answered (I
thought) and asked him who he was? He said, "I am Isaiah, the Prophet." Upon
which he said to me, "rise up and I will give you something which came from
heaven." I obeyed. He then showed me a piece of wood, near the size and shape of
a small man, and it seemed deeply stained all over with blood, and said, you
have a long journey to travel which you must shortly commence, and you must
carry this all the way with you. He then held a small loaf of bread in his hand,
and said, "you must take this loaf, and when you get weary and faint, eat of it.
This loaf will last you about forty-eight years and six months, about which
time, for the sake of what you carry, strangers shall kill you." He then handed
them to me, and told me to receive them as the gifts of God. I took the wood and
stood it by me, and received the bread in my hand. I ate a small portion of it,
and immediately I felt it strengthen, cheer and animate me in every part, and I
became so happy I could not forbear leaping, praising and thanking God. My
agitation awoke me. I felt happy, and thought for a moment, that God had sent a
heavenly visitant to feed me upon the bread of life, and had converted my soul
while I slept. But my comfort shortly fled, unbelief again beclouded my mind,
and I went to the stand where the preachers were, and requested them to pray for
me. But I could not feel my soul fully relieved from doubts and sorrow. On the
eighth day from the commencement of this meeting, it drew to a close. During
this time, the love of God was manifested in the union of his children of
different professions, in the conviction of many others who left the ground
seeking the Lord. I left the ground solemn and mournful, not fully believing I
had yet obtained the forgiveness of my sins. After this meeting, I continued to
seek the Savior, by constantly attending meetings, by private prayer, and by an
attentive reading of the Scriptures. I was for some time tossed to and fro in my
mind, sometimes almost sunk in despair, burdened with grief and sorrow and at
other times felt glad that the Lord had showed me so much mercy. For some months
the exercises of my mind, were so conflicting and distressing, that my flesh
reduced almost to a skeleton; and I could enjoy but little comfort in anything
on earth. On the 7th of May, 1807, early in the morning, having spent the night
previous, in groans and tears, I arose and sought a private place in a distant
wood, where I often had resorted, determining if there was yet mercy with God
for me, I would wrestle with him in prayer, till I would find deliverance from
the intolerable burden that pressed my sorrowful soul. I found the place I
sought, and sometime after sunrise, I found the Lord Jesus. The love of God was
shed abroad in my heart--I found the blessing I had so long sought, and for
which I had shed so many tears, and uttered so many groans. O! the glory, the
transporting joys that filled my soul! Had I the wings of an eagle, and the
voice of a trumpet, I, would have declared to the whole world, the wonders God
had wrought on my soul. The joys of that day were unutterable and never to be
forgotten.

Immediately when I experienced this change, a manifestation of equal plainness
was made to my mind, that I should follow Jesus in the ordinance of baptism, by
immersion, as a public testimony of my faith in him, and of my hope in the
resurrection of the body to eternal life. It was also made plain to me at the
same time, that I should have to preach the gospel, and not only to those who
are nigh, but also to those afar off. Some days I enjoyed uninterrupted peace
and great tranquility of soul. Not long till my mind became exercised on the
subject of connecting myself to some religious denomination. To be suited in
this matter, I was involved in deep concern and deliberation, as I found it
difficult to determine for the best. It was now evidently my duty, when I
presented myself as a petitioner to a church for membership, I should also offer
myself a candidate for the ministry of the gospel. I had been made acquainted
with the principal doctrines, and with the church government of the
Presbyterians, the Methodists, the Calvinists and Freewill Baptists. The
Presbyterian or the Baptist church would have suited me in point of their
government; but their doctrine, to my mind, so evidently apposed the doctrines
of the Scriptures, and the whole course of my experience, that I thought it
unnecessary to offer myself to either. The most of the important points of the
Methodist doctrine, seemed to accord with my faith; but their government
appeared to me, to be so evidently contrary to that of the primitive church of
Christ, and such as I thought would abridge that liberty which the Lord had just
given me, I could not, in conscience, offer myself to them. I conversed with a
Freewill Baptist preacher, concerning his doctrine, government, &c. I shortly
found some things in the way, and such that prevented my joining in membership
with him. I then requested him to baptize me by immersion, but he would not,
unless I would join his faith and order. This was a source of grief to my soul,
as I already began to discover this difficulty, that I would either have to
sacrifice my conscience and my faith, or, as I thought, stand alone and be
opposed by the surrounding sects.

About this time I heard of a people who called themselves Christians, and who
professed to take the Scriptures for their rule of faith and practice. I was
informed where one of their preachers lived. I went to see him, to get
information on this subject, which at this time gave me great concern.

He informed me that they, as a people, regarded the Scriptures as the only rule
of faith and practice; that they held open and free communion with all
Christians; that they owned no name but CHRISTIAN--that there were no Popes,
Bishops, nor Presiding Elders among them; and that they were all alike amenable
to each other, and had an equal voice in all matters that concerned the church.
I rejoiced to hear of such a people, for this seemed to be the plan must
favorable to Christian liberty, and the most similar to that church established
under the Apostles. I their told him of the exercises of my mind concerning the
ministry. He encouraged me, and informed me where I might see a number of those
preachers at a meeting, to be held at Raleigh, N. Carolina, about fifty miles
distant, to whom he thought I had better present myself as a candidate for the
ministry. Shortly after this, I presented myself to the church, of which this
man (B. Rainey) was pastor, for membership amongst them. They received me as a
member, dad gave me license as an exhorter. I now began to close up my little
worldly concerns, and prepare for an itinerant life in the gospel. I exercised
in exhortation frequently through the neighborhood, but my efforts were weak and
much ridiculed by many who heard me. Many excuses and difficulties I brought
forward to exonerate myself from the arduous and important task that imposed on
me. But nothing less than a compliance, promised any relief to my troubled mind.
My mother, relations, and the most of those who conversed on the subject,
rigidly opposed the undertaking. And had I not been strongly convinced, that the
spirit of the Lord inspired and moved me to the work, I would not have assumed a
calling for which I thought myself so little qualified. I counted the cost--I
determined to obey God, rather than be intimidated by man, or overcome by
inferior obstacles.

I now surrendered all pretensions to the advantages of this world, and to the
gratification of carnal appetites. I bade farewell to ease, to the hopes of
honor, to the popularity, and to the friendship of a gain-saying generation, and
freely sacrificed them all upon the cross of Christ, resolving to follow the
footsteps of Jesus, whom I now took to be my only friend. I considered myself
starting on a mission, the most important ever engaged in by man, and on a
pursuit which was to occupy my constant and assiduous attention, during the
remainder of my days. The 19th day of October 1807, when I was sixteen years and
about nine months old, I bade farewell to my mother, my relations, and to a
sneering world, and started for the meeting in Raleigh, and thence to people and
lands unknown. In going six miles I was upon strange ground! I traveled fourteen
miles, and tarried all night with an old Christian preacher, Elder Debruler, who
I soon learned was going to the same meeting. Next morning we went on about
thirty miles into the neighborhood of Raleigh, and held meeting. Here I was
called upon to speak. The cross was great--I spake but little and closed with
mortified and discouraged feelings. I soon retired and spent the most of the
afternoon in prayer, meditation, and reading.

Friday 22d, we went on to Raleigh, where I was introduced to a family with whom
I was received during the meeting. At 12 o’clock preaching commenced. Here were
James O’Kelly, and William Guiry, the most eminent and popular of that church in
the Southern regions. During this meeting, I opened my mind to J. O’Kelly on the
subject of baptism, and desired him to immerse me. But in explaining the nature
and use of baptism to me, he made it mean pouring. I believed from his age,
experience and abilities of mind, he must be right, and on the Sabbath day of
the meeting, I was baptized (as we then called it) in that way, I was received
by the preachers, as one licensed to make trial of my ministerial abilities.
Here were four candidates, young men, besides myself, presented themselves at
this meeting for the ministry. All were received, and each was appointed to
travel and labor with an Elder, till the next union meeting, which was to
convene in six months.

I was appointed to travel with J. Warren, on James’ river and some of the lower
counties of Virginia. Before I left Raleigh I was ridiculed and insulted by a
Methodist preacher, whom I took to be a Deist, until I was informed otherwise.
By this I found, that not only the non-professor but sectarians, whose policy
and craft I did not promote, would oppose and endeavor to hinder my progress in
the cause I had espoused. From this meeting I started in company with my
intended preceptor and benefactor, and two other preachers; and we traveled
together four days. We held several meetings, and I being called on to
officiate, either if I refused or complied, I felt confounded and ashamed, and
was soon convinced that the preachers were of opinion my inability would
disparage and injure the cause I wished to support. I now was upwards of two
hundred miles from home, a stranger in a strange part of the world, having no
friend to assist, encourage or strengthen me in the glorious cause I had
espoused.

Friday, 29th October, I and the man I was to travel with, parted from the other
preachers, and fell upon a long chain of appointments which had been previously
given out for him. I soon found my companion was an irritable, illiterate man;
and so little acquainted with human nature, that he knew not how to make proper
allowance for inexperience and youth. Believing I could not perform as an
acceptable preacher, he became tired of me, and frequently advised me to give up
the task and go home. He often tried to offend and mortify me in private, and in
company. One day while speaking, I observed I considered myself as a lamb sent
out among wolves, &c. At this a man in the congregation took offence--rose up
and commanded me to hush, and with an angry countenance, coming forward, seemed
determined, as he said, if I did not hush to pull me down. Some of the people
interfered, and the congregation were generally disturbed. The preacher told me,
he thought this was an evidence that I was doing harm and ought to quit. But I
told him I took this as a trial for my faith, and not as an evidence that I was
not called to the ministry.

We traveled on through Mecklinburgh, Lunenburgh, Prince George, Prince Edward,
Queen Ann, Henrico, Chesterfield and Amelia counties in Virginia, in which time
the trials, temptations and difficulties of my mind, were inexpressible. By this
time, I plainly discovered the preacher felt little concern for my interest, or
solicitude for my success. Hearing of another Christian preacher by the name of
Thomas Reeves, and he being recommended as a more suitable man for me to travel
with, I resolved, though he was upwards of an hundred miles from me, I would go
and see him. In December I bid adieu to the old preacher, who had been a source
of grief to me, and started on by myself through a strange part of country, and
in six days I found T. Reeves in Surry county, Va. I introduced myself to him,
as one of the weakest laborers in the vineyard of our Lord.

I soon found him of open, free and liberal mind--kind and affectionate in his
disposition. He received me to travel with him, and promised to lend me all the
aid and support he could afford.

We went on, and for many days held meetings once, sometimes twice every day. My
timidity, which had been a great obstacle in the way of my speaking, now began
to wear off, and I felt a little more liberty, but was yet so weak and
unpopular, that the most of the brethren advised brother Reeves to dismiss and
send me home. But he thought I ought to make a longer trial, and frequently
exhorted me to application, diligence and perseverance, and if I would be
faithful, he had no doubt but that God would make me an instrument of much good.

About Christmas, we were some miles below Norfolk, and went to brother Rice
Haggard’s, a Christian preacher. I found him to be of strong intellect, and of
profound piety. He exhorted me to be faithful, and the Lord would make me
useful. I loved him and received with joy his counsels.

We turned our course and went up the country again--passing through Norfolk,
Portsmouth, Suffolk, the Isle of Wight county, Surry and Southampton. Here we
came to old brother B. Barrett’s, (a Christian preacher.) Here the work of the
Lord revived. Brother Barrett gave me good counsel, and by his affectionate
conversation, I was much consoled, strengthened and encouraged.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 4: JT-02-1808
========================================================================

1808 Our travels were bounded in form of a circuit, which we performed in four
or five weeks. Every round turned up new trials, temptations and scenes. The
many lonesome and disconsolate feelings, that revolved in my mind, could be but
faintly painted by the most vivid imagination.

About the fourth time, in going round our appointments, it was frequently
observed to my companion, what proficiency, what unparalleled improvement I had
made! I now began to find the attention and kindness of the people, drawn
towards me, which taught me something more of human nature. I now learned, when
a person could not help himself, and was in essential need of a friend, he
seldom found one, and when he could do without friends, he generally could find
them plenty under that name. In April, 1808, brother Reeves left me, and started
for Tennessee. I continued on the circuit, till the last of May, and saw that
the Lord had revived his work in many places, and souls were converted. In the
last of May, I left this part of the country, and directed my way for my native
place in N. Carolina. During this time, I had expended the amount of my funds I
had started with, which was $40; but at the time I was starting for Carolina, a
man put five dollars in my hand, which I regarded as an instance of God’s
goodness to me. In June. I preached to a large congregation, on the old camp
ground, where I had received my convictions. Many who came to laugh at me, as
they had done before, were constrained to weep, and many of the professors
rejoiced and gave praise to God. I held several meetings in the neighborhood,
and saw the tears mourner, and heard the shouts of happy Christians. In the
latter part of June, I bade adieu to my mother and brother, whose eyes were now
filled with tears, and started to travel on a route assigned me, in the higher
parts of Virginia. In five days I reached my circuit, at Major Ward’s, on
Staunton river, Campbell county, Virginia. In this journey I was, while
preaching, insulted with scurrilous language, at Pittsylvania Court House, and
at Ward’s springs. From Major Wood’s, I went to New London. Thence on Sunday, I
preached at a place called the Tabernacle. Here a Methodist preacher encountered
me. He said, he could not see for his part, how any person could be so blinded,
as to pretend to go about the country preaching, and be connected with no
society, and bound by no discipline! I replied that I belonged formally to the
people, who professed as much religion as he seemed to have, and that I had that
book, the Bible, for my discipline; whence all creed-makers, pretended to derive
their authority for their disciplines, and if theirs were good, of course mine
must be much better. My circuit included Campbell, Bedford, Amherst, Nelson,
Buckingham, Prince Edward and Charlotte counties. From Tabernacle, I went on and
crossed James and Tie rivers, and came in among the hills and spurs of the south
side of the Blue Ridge mountain. Here many of the people appeared to be rude,
uncultivated, and apparently hardened in sins. But the Lord gave my words access
to some of their hearts--some professed religion under my ministration, in those
regions. The country is truly picturesque in the summer season, exhibiting in
rich variety, the features of sublime and awful solitude, and the fascinating
charms of rural scenery. At Stony point meeting house, I held meeting, where a
revival commenced; several souls were professedly brought to the knowledge of
the truth, and added to the church, and many of the brethren were comforted and
built up in the faith of the gospel.

I now obtained the name of the boy preacher, and from motives of curiosity, &c.,
my congregations were generally large, and it pleased the Lord frequently to
attend my discourse with the energy of his holy spirit, to many of their hearts.
In Charlotte county, a Methodist preacher undertook to give me a little
drubbing, in public, by telling the congregation I was one of the tail end of
the Methodists--an O’Kellyite, and the people should be aware of such renegades,
&c. I observed, the Methodists as a body, had not only one head, but three,
which made it a monster; but that I had not until then, considered upon its
having a tail, but according to him it had one. But I thought he was mistaken
about its having dropt from the body, for it had just struck me, that as every
member of the body is included between the head and the tail, the Bishops must
be the head, and the class leaders the tail of the Methodist church; and that it
yet cleaves to the body, and as related to me I truly never made any part of
this apparatus. And as respected being an O’Kellyite, I was no more one, than he
was an Asburyite, and I could not see why the one should not be as respectable
as the other. Not long after this a Baptist preacher of great celebrity, and
rhetorical powers, tried his skill in a congregation against me, and after
ridiculing my rotten Arminian, Mushroom doctrine, observed to me, I ought to go
home, and stay there till I had read and studied Dr. Gill’s Body of Divinity. I
informed him that I had read Dr. Gill, and had found the dry bones and skeleton
of a body, but could find no meat nor nourishment on it, to feed my soul. In
Charlotte county, on Big Fallen, I preached in a neighborhood where a revival
commenced. Several professed faith in Christ, and many were awakened to a sense
of their sins. Some were taken with the exercise of the jerks, which was a new
and strange thing to the people, and the first instance of the kind I had seen
in Virginia.

Thence I preached in Campbell Court House, and again at Major Ward’s. In this
route, I included upwards of two hundred miles, and attended about thirty-five
preaching places. In October, I left the South, and went over on the north side
of the Blue Ridge. On Craig’s creek, I preached several times to weeping
congregations. Thence I went over a high mountain, and preached several times on
the sources of Sinking creek, where I constituted a church, under the Christian
name, Here at old brother Peck’s, a Methodist preacher opposed me in public, and
declared that the Scripture was not a sufficient rule to govern the church, as I
had said, unless it had eyes to see and a mouth to speak, &c. The people became
offended at his spleen, and abruptly dismissed themselves. Thence I made for
Raleigh, in N. Carolina, to a Union meeting. In my journey, I passed through
Fincastle, Liberty, New London, Major Ward’s, Pittsylvania Court House,
Danville, Casewell Court House, Hillsborough, and arrived in Raleigh on the
second day of the meeting. On my way, in the solitary pine-deserts, lying
between Pittsylvania Court House and Danville, I lost my way, and was under the
necessity of tying my horse to a bush, and I took my lodgings by the side of an
old tree, for the night. This was a time and a place for poetical fancy, and
Christian meditation! In Raleigh, I met with many preachers, collected from
different quarters, and all seemed united in the glorious cause of Christian
liberty, and in the free communion of the children of God. The meeting lasted
four days, in which time, several were converted and added to the church. On
Tuesday, I left Raleigh, and went on in the company of B. Raney, for Haw river,
my native place, and tarried all night with the pious James O’Kelly. This man as
a Christian, as an orator, as a reformer, as the father of the Christian
Society, (so called) and as a man of strong mental abilities, needs not the
eulogiums and the panegyric of my pen, to recommend him. This was an instructive
and happy night to me. In two days from this place, I arrived at my mother’s. I
preached several times to attentive and weeping assemblies among my old
acquaintances. I then, by request, met with the Presbyterians at their
sacramental occasions, at Hawfields, Enon, Cross roads, &c. At these meetings
the great work of the Lord was marvelous among the people. Here I found the
Presbyterians were as noisy and seemed to have as much religion, as any people I
had seen. In November, I started westward, and preached at Big Buffalo, Guilford
Court House, &c., and on the Little Yadkin ; at widow David’s, &c. I crossed the
Blue Ridge at Flour Gap. Here I had the most extensive and delightful prospect
of creation, I ever had. Around me the tremendous spurs of the mountain,
projected their lofty heads, and with frowning majesty seemed to overlook the
clouds! Thence I could see the distant hills and little mountains thrown, as it
were, by a careless hand, yet in beauteous order, over distant lands below!!
Numerous farms, with many rural and picturesque scenes, rose into review,
watered by purling rills and gurgling brooks, while distant Yadkin rolled along.
Yonder stands Ararat, or the Pilate mountain, about forty miles distant, rising
like an awful pyramid, crowned as with a turret, of three hundred feet in
perpendicular height, on the lofty mountain’s top! I went on to my brother
Moses’ on Chestnut creek, in Grayson County, Va., with whom I lived in the days
of my affliction. I now commenced preaching to those who had seen me while I lay
tortured, as man thought, on the gloomy borders of death! Religion was yet
little known among these people. It pleased the Lord to awaken a number to a
sense of their need of a Savior, while I taught them the way of life. From this
time, a revival began in those regions. In December, I bade adieu to my brother
and family, and went into Wythe county, and preached at Newel’s lead works, on
New river. Thence I turned my course to the route, I had been traveling the
summer preceding. The weather was now excessively cold, and I was but thinly
clad. I crossed Little and Big Reed Islands, bold and rapid mountain streams. In
the latter, my horse stumbled and wet me. My clothes soon became frozen, and to
keep my feet from freezing, I drew my stockings, and walked with dry leaves in
my shoes. The country was thinly settled, and I had no opportunity of eating or
warming, till sometime in the night. In three days I came again to one of my old
homes, in Bedford county, and felt glad and thankful to God for his mercies, and
for his preserving care towards me.

I now went on preaching, on the route I had traveled the summer previous, with
unremitted zeal, exposures of body, fatiguing labors, and with an intense
application to reading and study.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 5: JT-03-1809
========================================================================

1809

Sometime in January, 1809, while traveling, night overtook me north of New
London. It was dark and rainy. The top of a tree fell in the road so near me,
that a limb struck me and so badly wounded me, that I had to sit some time by
the road side before I was able to ride. About 9 o’clock, I came to brother
Wright’s, and felt thankful to God that I was alive. My reflections this night,
on the goodness of God, were comforting to my soul. In some places the work of
the Lord prospered, and I felt encouraged and thankful that I was made an
instrument of doing good to the souls of men.

January 28th, I had to cross James’ river to reach my appointment. The ford, I
found was difficult and dangerous, as there was much ice in the way. In places
the ice would bear my horse, and in some places it would break through the ice.
In the splashing of the water, I became mostly wet and my clothes were soon
stiffly frozen. Sometimes the ice forced me out of the ford, into almost
swimming water, and I nearly despaired of reaching the shore! However, I arrived
on the bank, and found my path to ascend sidelong a tremendous hill, mostly
glazed over with solid ice! I pulled off my shoes, and drew myself along by
bushes, thinking and fearing every moment my horse and myself would fall from
the awful verge, into the river below! But thanks to my great Preserver, I
ascended safely, but through great peril, while my bones ached with cold, and my
clothes rattled with ice. I went to my appointment, being almost frozen, and
preached to a people who gladly heard the word.

I now found that persecution and popularity had united to toss my name abroad. I
found them to equiponderate in the scale of my reflection, to my advantage. So
that by the one, I was not abjectly depressed, nor by the other, elevated in my
own estimation, beyond the moderation of the Christian character. My constant
prayer was, to be delivered from the pride of the human heart. O! (thought I)
when shall these towering notions, these worldly thoughts, this love of
applause, this vexation at persecution cease. O! when shall I be resigned to all
circumstances, and be contended in the varying situations of this fluctuating
scene of life! O, when shall I gain that holy courage, that divine and undaunted
disposition of soul to stand firm and unshaken--that heavenly zeal to persevere,
when derision, persecution and slander, with their thousand tongues, burst forth
in united clamors, to sink me down in shame. O! for that meek and quiet spirit,
which is in the sight of God of great price; that I may feel humble and thankful
in prosperity, and patiently resigned in adversity and affliction. In March I
crossed the mountains, and went again to Craig’s creek, Botetourt county,
through much snow, ice and cold, and piercing wind. In this visit I found that
the Methodists who had formerly manifested friendship to me, had turned to be my
enemies and persecutors, and were now as cold and barren to me, as the mountains
they inhabited. They debarred me from preaching in their public and private
houses, but their opposition only seemed to increase my congregations, and open
my way among the people. While preaching here, the Lord touched the hearts of
some of the wicked and brought them to the knowledge of the truth. Truly did the
wilderness turn to a fruitful field, and the desert blossom as the rose. Here I
had an additional proof of the changeable and uncertain nature of Sectarian
friendship. I was taught never to trust in Sectarian love, further than I saw
it, nor to confide in their pretended attachments, longer than I was with them.
From this place I returned to my appointments whence I came, and found in some
places religion reviving and souls were converted, and in some places the people
seemed careless and unfeeling, and I apparently was of little use to them.

April 10th, I attended at Chaney Chapel with John Robinson and others, who professed to be Republican Methodists. I preached and communed with them. I believed in their religion, and felt sweetly united with them in Christian love; but I did not believe in their little discipline and confession of faith, which seemed to have been borrowed from the Methodists and Presbyterians. Nor did I believe in their name, as I thought, it more properly belonged to the Beast, than to them. The vernal season, with all her reviving and blooming charms, now began to expand her blushing beauties round. The cold north winds cease to blow, and the white mantling snows are melted. The rising summits of the distant hills, and the fertile vales that lie between, now display their gay and living verdure. The birds flutter and sing, and fill the green woods with their melodious song. O! thought I, when, in like manner, will the storms of persecution, contentions and oppositions, that chill the Christian world, cease to blow. When shall the wide-spreading and darkening clouds of anti-Christian errors, be dissipated, and leave our Christian horizon to pour the illuminating rays of divine light upon the intellectual world. When will this long raining and hard freezing winter roll away, to usher in the charming and delightful spring. When Christians of every sect, like birds of every name, shall rise, revive and sing a universal song of victory, over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name! From this place I attended at several places, where I saw some good was done; but at one place I had a severe trial. A drunken man made an interruption in the congregation, by calling me a d---d fool, liar, hypocrite, &c., threatening to beat my d---d brains out. He was taken out of the house, and the doors shut against him; and after throwing some stones against the wall on the roof, he went away.

Within a few weeks past, I have seen many evidences of the divine favor, in the
conversion of sinners, and some partial appearances of that union and peace,
which shall one day consolidate and harmonize all God’s people. My soul has been
enraptured in contemplating the glories of that happy day, when Anti-Christ
shall be destroyed, and when Jesus shall be King in all the earth, and his name
one. May 15th, I held a two day’s meeting at brother Sledd’s (a preacher) near
the Blue Ridge. We held a communion, and the Lord blessed us, and gave us a
refreshing time. From this place, accompanied by brother Sledd, I started to a
union meeting, to be held at Shiloh meeting house, in Halifax county, Va. On our
way we held meeting at Major Ward’s to a large assembly. At this place, I
received an anonymous letter, containing six very difficult and perplexing
questions; deeply involving the doctrine of Calvinism, Deism, and Universalism.
The writer insisted for an answer, and as I fully thought those doctrines were
not tenable, but could be refuted by Scripture and reason, I answered them. I
have room here to insert neither the questions nor the answers. From this place
we went on and reached at brother Chapel’s, a Christian preacher. The people
were careless and unaffected. We thence went home, and tarried during the night
with brother T. Jeter, a Christian preacher, of considerable eminence, but a
slave holder! Here we met with Wm. Guiry and with F. Plummer, from New England,
who were directing for the same meeting, to which we were going. The next day we
all went on to the neighborhood of Shiloh. On Friday, 19th of May, the Union
meeting commenced. At candlelight I was set forth to preach. I did so, to the
joy of my own soul, and thought to the comfort of others. But F. Plummer, (from
New England) immediately rose up in the congregation, and in his discourse
observed, "such preaching (alluding to mine) was not fit for God, men nor
Devils." This, with some other impertinencies, disgusted the most of the
preaching brethren, so that he was but coolly received. Though he came to open a
communication between, and to unite the Christians in the East and South
to-ether, he did not succeed in his mission. At this meeting, I saw and met with
my dear brother T. Reeves, who had led me along and given me aid in the
ministry, when I was weak and helpless. On Monday afternoon the meeting closed.
It was solemn to see the preachers embracing each other, probably for the last
time they should meet on earth. And to see the weeping mourners dropping the
penitential tear, and saying to the preachers, "pray for me." This evening I
left the meeting ground, and went on four miles towards Danville, and tarried
all night at the house where a daughter had been convicted of her sins, at the
meeting, and was yet under great distress and affliction of mind. ’Twas said she
slept none, but prayed and mourned all the night !Next morning I again prayed
for her, and while engaged in the duty, she found redemption in the blood of the
Lamb, the forgiveness of sins.

Thence I passed on, crossed Dan river, and at night held meeting at brother
West’s; but my wind was clouded, and it was with difficulty I could find
anything to say. After meeting, I felt mortified and much depressed. Next
morning I was informed that a man was sensibly convinced of his sins, while
hearing me preach, and was constrained to fall on his knees, on his way home,
and prayed mightily for God to be merciful to his soul.

Thence I directed my way for my native place, and in the evening arrived safely
at my Mother’s, and found her, my brother and relations well. During a week I
preached in the neighborhood, in the day and at night the Lord tendered some of
the people’s hearts, some of whom rejoiced aloud, and some cried for mercy. On
the last Sunday in May, I met with J. O’Kelly, at Apple’s meeting house, near
the High Rock of Haw river, in Guilford county. The congregation was large and
deeply affected. We had the communion, in which many of the Presbyterians, and
some of the Methodists joined with us. From this place I went on westwardly,
through Guilford, Stokes, Iredel and Surry counties, preaching almost every day,
sometimes twice in the day. In Iredel, I could not do many mighty works, because
of the Presbyterians! Their religion seemed to consist in keeping the Sabbath,
and in withstanding everything that was not Calvinism! I went on through Grayson
and Wythe counties, in Va., and preached fifteen times in ten days, among my old
acquaintances, in which time some professed religion, and some mourning under a
sense of their sins, promised to seek the Savior until they should find him,
precious to their souls.

I then returned to North Carolina, tarried two days with my relations, and went
on to the lower part of the state, in the regions about Edenton. My profession
was strange here, and my access to the people was difficult. Some of the
Methodists liking my doctrine, took me in till their circuit riders came round
and alarmed them, that I was an O’Kellyite, and charged them to keep me out of
their houses, and forthwith they obeyed them!

I found the mosquitoes and gnats to be exceedingly troublesome, the sectarians
very bitter, and the water extremely bad and insalubrious. In my travel, not far
from Tarborough, I called at an inn, late in the evening, and asked the landlord
to stay all night, telling him I had no money. He began to interrogate me very
impertinently. I answered him. He swore he thought I was some runaway apprentice
boy, and that the horse I was on was a stolen one, and he had a great mind to
take me up as such. I told him he was welcome to do so, and in this way I should
get a night’s lodging with him. However he cursed me to be gone as he would not
trouble his mind about it. I started, and in going a short distance, by the
light of the moon, I discovered a path that led through a thick woods, which I
followed. After going about two miles through a dry, lonesome swamp, I came to a
rural mansion, where I was received and hospitably entertained. This night,
while lying in the bed my mind was led into an ample contemplation of the
goodness of God, and his various dealings with me, which filled my soul with
inexpressible consolations. Here many lonesome scenes and joyful hours, which I
had seen, rose into review. The many dangers I had passed, and the deliverances
I had found. The occasion produced the following:

O may I always find thy grace so sweet, As now I lay me down at Jesus’ feet; O
way transporting joys bear live above, All earthly objects, or a creature’s
love. The next morning, my host having discovered that I was a preacher, invited
me to stay and preach, which I did at candlelight, to an attentive and serious
audience. On the next morning, when I was about to start, my host gave me one
dollar, commended me to the protection of Almighty grace, and bid me God speed
in the heavenly road.

I now directed my course for the old route or circuit, which I had before
traveled, with brother T. Reeves. About the 15th of July I arrived there, at a
place called Holy Neck. I now went on preaching nearly every day, in the
counties of Southampton, Nancemond, Currituck, Norfolk, Isle of Wight, and
Surry.

About the 1st of August, I held meeting at Lebanon meeting house, in Surry
county, when a revival commenced. Old professors were animated, many of the
wicked were convicted, and some were converted. The cries and prayers of the
congregation increased during the day. At night we repaired to brother Sudkin’s
to worship, and the meeting did not close till Tuesday; in which time thirteen
souls professed to be brought from darkness to light, and loudly praised their
Savior.

Thence I preached at Bartley’s, Holaway’s, Chapell’s, and at brother B.
Barnett’s. At his house the work of the Lord revived. His son Mills was
convicted of his sins, while I was preaching of the return of the prodigal son.
Two of his daughters obtained the forgiveness of sins, and several others. On
the second Sunday in August, I returned and held meeting at Lebanon, were
perhaps 2000 people collected. Brother Barrett, the preacher met with me, and
brought his son who was yet seeking the Savior. At this meeting be professed to
have the love of God shed abroad in his heart. At candlelight, while mourners
were praying, and a general noise was in the congregation, a man came to me with
a stick concealed under his coat, and asked me to come out to the yard, and pray
for a mourner who was there crying for mercy, I started out with him, but before
I came to the door, another man pulled me back, and as I was returning to the
pulpit, the man with his stick came and struck at me, but the blow was warded.
He then caught hold of me and was about to beat me with his club, but was
prevented by others, and put out of the house. I tarried three days in the
neighborhood, and held meeting from house to house, almost all night and day. In
this time seven gave evidence of being born again, and were added to the church.
On Wednesday I went on, and preached at brother Holaway’s. On Thursday morning,
I started to my appointment, several miles distant, accompanied by two of
brother Holaway’s daughters, and one of their cousins. In our way we had to
cross a stream of water, over which a new bridge was erected, and was in in
unfinished state, having no banisters, and the plank loose on the sleepers. I
went foremost on the bridge. When I was nearly over, brother H.’s youngest
daughter’s horse became frightened at the shaking of the bridge, and instantly
ran back on the end of the planks, and threw himself and his screaming rider
into the stream! The water was about fifteen feet deep, and of considerable
width. I jumped from my horse, and ran without pulling off my hat, coat or
boots, and leaped into the stream to save the drowning damsel. Before I reached
her she caught me round the neck, and with much exertion I broke her hold. I
took her by the arm with one hand, and with great difficulty, and at the hazard
of my own life, conveyed her to the shore. Where I brought her to the bank, the
water was deep; but by the assistance of the other two women, who had been
screaming almost to distraction, we raised her on the bank, but to all
appearance dead! A large portion of water poured out of her mouth, and we
presently observed symptoms of life. In the space of half an hour, she recovered
life and strength to speak. In broken accents she began to express her thanks to
me, that I had saved her life, and said if it had not been for me, by this time
she would have been in hell. I told her that her thanks belonged to God, who had
preserved her life that she might take warning to repent. For the space of two
hours she was unable to ride. We then helped her on her horse, and by the
assistance of her sister holding her on, she was enabled to return homeward, but
for want of strength, had to tarry with an acquaintance by the way for the
night. This circumstance brought conviction to her soul--she sought, the Savior
by earnest prayer, and shortly found him in the forgiveness of sins. This was
also the means of awakening two of her brothers to a sense of their sins, both
of whom shortly professed faith in Jesus; and one of them, Zachariah Holaway,
shortly commenced preaching, and remains steadfast and useful to this day.

I went in my wet clothes to my appointment, where the people were waiting for
me. They thought strange to see me so very wet, on so clear a day, and some had
it soon reported that I was drunk, and had fallen into the mill pond, &c.!

Thence I went to brother Carrett’s, where the little revival that had started, was yet spreading, and taking many, both old and young, out of Satan’s kingdom, into the liberty of the children of God. From this place I went on my circuit, preaching to people in some places, apparently hard as stones, and at some places I saw appearances of good, till I came again to Lebanon, where the work of the Lord was yet spreading. The last Sunday in September, I spoke to a large congregation, and several professed religion. When meeting closed, I started out to my horse. When I came to him, two men were standing by, one with a large pocket knife open in his hand, the other held a large stick. One of them observed I ought to have a d---d beating, and that they intended to give it to me. They said because I had bewitched the people--set them crazy, &c. The one raised his stick to strike me. I looked him in the face, and said Lord have mercy on your poor, wicked soul; at which his stick fell out of his hand, and his face turned pale. The other shut up his knife, and looking frightened, said, we can’t hurt him. By this time, some others drew up and threatened to prosecute them for the assault, and they withdrew. A few weeks after this, we had a communion at brother B. Barrett’s, where Wm. Guiry met with us. At this meeting several professed to be born again, and many were brought to their knees in tears and prayers. When we were about communing, it wicked mob collected and came to disturb us. Some of them were repulsed, and some remained in the house, and by way of mocking having furnished themselves, they ate bread and drank wine in commemoration of their Lord--and this they did, being intoxicated!! Shortly after this, one of them felt convicted for his crime, and became a sincere praying man.

About this time, brother Mills Barrett, who professed to be my son in the
gospel, being under exercises to preach the gospel, started out traveling with
me, and continued mostly with me during my stay on that circuit. In which time,
he made a rapid improvement and seemed to bid fair to be a useful man.

December 24th, I traveled all day facing an intense cold wind. Being thinly clad
and having no great coat, about dark I felt myself numb and sleepy. I became
alarmed, believing I would freeze. I alighted to walk, but was scarcely able to
get along. Sleepiness had almost overcome me. In walking a little distance, I
came to fire by the roadside, which perhaps had been left by wagoners. I kindled
it, and warmed myself until I felt my strength return and my drowsiness leave
me. I deemed this I providential deliverance from death, which I believe had
already commenced to work on me!! Having warmed myself, I went about three
miles, and came to old brother George’s almost frozen again.

Here I was soon made comfortable by the kindness of the family, and felt
thankful that I had a merciful God, who was always mindful of me.

Shortly after this, being in the neighborhood of Lebanon, the brethren hearing
of my sufferings, bought me a great coat.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 6: JT-04-1810
========================================================================

1810

During the winter I followed up my appointments with unremitted zeal, often
suffering hunger, cold, persecutions, oppositions and threats of violence. In
several places the work of the Lord revived, and I felt consoled and fully
compensated it, seeing souls converted to God. In the month of March, 1810, two
Christian preachers, R. Dooly and R. Clark, from the west, came into my route. I
introduced and recommended them among the brethren. We traveled together some
days. They were highly esteemed, and seemed to be useful. In April I felt my
mind strongly inclined to leave those regions, and sound the gospel in places
far distant. I felt the more clear in doing so, as those men intended to stay in
my circuit, till the Union meeting, which was to be held at Lebanon in May.

About the last of April, I gave my farewell discourse to the people, and to the
young converts at Lebanon. This was a solemn, though joyful time. Though we gave
the parting hand, perhaps to see each other’s faces no more in the flesh, we had
a strong hope that we should meet in a better country, where we shall part no
more. Thence I went on from place to place, till I came again to brother
Barrett’s. Here I preached and parted from the many happy young converts and
faithful old soldiers of the cross, with whom I had enjoyed many happy hours in
the worship of God. By looking over my memorandum, I discovered that within the
last nine months, when I started to come to this route, I had held about three
hundred meetings, and seventy-three souls had professed a happy change from
darkness to light, through the instrumentality of my labor, and many brought to
a knowledge of their sins, who I hoped would have cause to thank God that he had
ever sent me to proclaim liberty to their captive souls. By loud and frequent
speaking--with the many devotional exercises, that devolved on me, I was now
afflicted with a distressing cough and spitting of blood.

I bade farewell to brother Barrett and his affectionate family, and directed my
course for my native place in North Carolina. In ten days, having preached
several times by the way, and suffered some distresses among strangers, I
arrived in Haw River at my mother’s. Next day I attended an appointment
previously made for me. But with so much bodily weakness I could scarcely
perform service. I attempted to hold several meetings in the neighborhood, but
could not extend my voice to be heard by a large audience. It was now thought I
had the consumption, and I was advised by friends to leave off speaking, and
relax my studies, that I might recover. On the 29th of May, I bade farewell to
my mother and brother, and started, weak in body and much reduced in flesh, for
the western and frontier countries. My contemplations during the day, were
serious and mournful. The journey before me, the danger and distress I might
meet, revolved in my mind. After riding forty miles, I called at an inn, in
Stokes county, so weak and faint, that I could not get into the house without
assistance. I felt during the night my complaint to increase. The landlord was
previously acquainted with me. He seemed deeply interested for me, and wished to
call for a physician, but I objected. Next morning I was unable to ride. I
tarried till the next day. I had gained a little strength, and thought I could
ride. I started on my journey again, and in only going a few miles, was
convinced I was too weak to get along. I turned back, and in two days arrived at
my mother’s. I was there confined several days. Coughing and spitting blood
harassed me day and night. In about four weeks, I recovered a little strength,
so that I could ride slowly, and speak so as to be heard by a congregation.

June 29th, I started and traveled in various parts of N. and S. Carolina,
frequently preaching to large congregations. In some instances the power of God
attended the words of my mission, and several persons professed to be converted
under my ministry. In these regions I found several companies of believers, who
had collected themselves, together, under the name of "Christians," taking the
Scriptures only for their rule. My coming to them, seemed like the coming of
Titus. The weather was excessively warm here, and the people unhealthy and pale,
but I felt myself recovering, and my strength increase. The land is very poor,
except on some of the rivers, Pedee, Santee, &c., interspersed with pine and
scrubby oak, sandy, level, and swampy. Thence I turned my course, and about
Fayetteville, Newbern and Raleigh, in N. Carolina, I preached frequently. I went
on through Wake, into Warren county, on Roanoke river, where I had some happy
meetings. At Liberty meeting house, two souls professed to be brought to the
knowledge of their sins forgiven. Here I met with J. O’Kelly. We went over the
river into Virginia, and traveled several days together, and preached to large
and attentive congregations. I returned to Carolina and held meeting at brother
Gill’s, where brother Mills Barrett met. We traveled together through Warren,
Granville, Orange and Casewell counties--crossed Dan river and went into Halifax
county, Va. Thence returned into Carolina--went through Casewell, Rockingham,
Guilford and into Orange county, and came to my mother’s, having preached almost
every day, and frequently at candlelight; in which time, I saw thirteen souls
delivered from the power of darkness, and translated into the kingdom of the Son
of God. Many others were brought to a deep sense of their sins, and signalized
themselves as mourners in Zion. We held a few meetings in the neighborhood.
Brother Barrett and I then parted, and he returned, I suppose, to Virginia. By
this time (September) I had almost recovered from my complaint. My spitting of
blood had almost ceased, and my cough troubled me but little.

October 14th, 1810, I started for the western country. I went sixteen miles and
came to a communion occasion, held at Apple’s meeting house, in Guilford county,
Here I met with brother R. Dooly. This was a happy time to many of our souls.

Monday 15th, I and brother Dooly, went on our journey, and tarried all night, in
Salem, a Moravian town. These people live as one family. The town is elegant,
the streets are neat, and the people are sober, quiet, and peaceable. Thence we
crossed Yadkin river, and put up at T. Anderson’s in Rowan county. In this
neighborhood, we held a five day’s meeting, and administered the Lord’s Supper.
Here fifty-five Presbyterians forsook their confession of faith, and declared
themselves the Lord’s free children. From this meeting I directed my course
westwardly, and traveled twelve days, and arrived at a great meeting, held by
the people called Christians, at Hopewell meeting house, on Bledsoe creek, West
Tennessee. In this journey I preached three times--passed through Jonesborough,
Leesburg, and Greentown, in East Tennessee. Crossed Nolechucky, Walaga, Clinch,
Holstein, Big Emera, and Cumberland rivers. In the wilderness, I suffered hunger
and cold, being exposed to an incessant rain one whole day, and did not arrive
at the stand where I had to put up, till late in the night. At this meeting,
preachers and people were all strange to me, only one preacher whom I had seen
before. I was kindly received, and admitted to preach on Sunday to the
congregation, which was large, and attentive. I found the Christian preachers
and the brethren here, to be much like those in the South, differing from them
mostly on the subject of baptism.

Thence I directed my course for Duck river. Nov. 9th, I attended at Bethlehem
meeting house, with several other preachers, on a communion occasion, which
continued four days. During this time there was much exercise (as it is called)
among the people. This exercise consists chiefly in shouting, dancing, jumping,
hollowing, laughing, &c., &c. From this meeting I traveled one hundred and four
miles, in three days, and held three meetings. People are but thinly settled
here. Their houses consist of small cabins, and some who have lately arrived in
the country, dwell in tents. The face of the country is exceedingly fertile and
beautiful, and when cultivated and improved, will certainly yield those
adventurers an ample remuneration for their present sufferings. I preached in
Columbia, a county town, lately laid out on Duck river, to in attentive
audience. I visited and preached to the settlers on Bigby and Elk rivers, and
Richland creek. My audiences were small, but attentive, and individuals seemed
to be deeply interested in the salvation of their souls.

November 23d and 24th, I rode through a large extent of uninhabited country. It
was mostly covered with cane. The fertility of the soil, and the grandeur of the
timber, fir exceeded anything I had ever seen. In yonder deep, lonely grove I
roam’d unseen, ’Mid tow’ring oaks and herbage ever green; Where beasts of prey,
and prowling vultures haunt, And the dread savage made my heart to pant.

I returned to Columbia again, held meetings there, and in the region round
about. Thence turned my course for Cumberland again, and preached at the Fishing
Ford of Duck river.

November 29th, I rode twelve miles to my appointment in the rain. No person met
me at the appointed place. In the evening I put up at a preacher’s house. I
found him to be singular in his sentiments. Among many other novelties, he
entirely rejected family prayer, as a burden laid on us by priest craft.

December 1st and 2nd, I held a two days’ meeting on Stone’s river. The brethren
appeared to be happy, and we thought the Lord was with us. Here I was met by
brother Adams, a Christian preacher, a man of learning and information. From
this place I went home with him, and preached at his house. Thence I preached
about every day, till I came again to Hopewell. Thence to the barrens of
Kentucky.

December 15th and 16th, I held a two days’ meeting at brother Mulky’s. Here
brother Dooly met me. The people felt the weight and power of truth. A sister
gave a discourse, which discovered a strong mind, and a zealous soul, and that
went with energy to the hearts of the congregation. I preached in the regions
round about, till December 29th. In which I had some happy seasons with the
people of God, and met with some trials and distresses.

December 27th. I started for the old settlements of Kentucky. In the night I put
up at Col. Cacy’s, in Adair county. I preached at his house, and several times
in the neighborhood. There is no church of the Christian name here; but I
conversed with some Methodists and Baptists, who appeared to be tired of their
creeds, and of that spirit of bigotry, which has too long kept the children of
God from fellowship and union.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 7: JT-05-1811
========================================================================

1811

Thence I went three days through a poor and thinly inhabited part of the
country--suffering a day’s rain, crossing Green river, and many other rapid
streams; some of which were full, and dangerous to be crossed. I came to brother
I. Reed’s, a Christian preacher, from Virginia, who lived near Kentucky river.
With him I was refreshed. He introduced me among the Christian brethren. I
preached almost every day, and sometimes twice in a day, in those regions, and
frequently to large congregations, where I saw many happy brethren, and many
weeping mourners, and some who professed to be born again. Thence I went to
Lexington, and held meeting at brother Edes’.

January 13th, 1811, I held meeting at Mount Tabor and Bethel meeting houses. At
Tabor the people were dull and lifeless. I preached at brother I. Elmore’s, a
Christian preacher, with whom I had been acquainted in Virginia, and with whom,
in his own house, I had often taken sweet counsel. I continued to preach in
Lexington, and in the regions round, until March 22d. During this time, I saw
the work of the Lord revive in several places, and a number of souls professed
to be born of God, through the instrumentality of my feeble labors.

March 22d, I bade farewell to my friends in Lexington, and started to Cane
Ridge. At Cane Ridge meeting house, and about there, I held several meetings to
large and deeply affected audiences. This place is sacred and memorable, in my
estimation, because the people who now are called " Christians," for the first
in the west, here discarded all human catechisms, confessions of faith,
doctrines and disciplines of men, and publicly declared themselves, henceforth,
to be known, as a religious body, by no other name than that of Christian, and
to take the Scriptures only, for their rule of faith and practice. From this
place I went on and preached a few times in and about Concord meeting house.
Here I saw some remarkable instances of the jerks, Thence I started for Fleming
county, and traveled all day in an incessant rain. When I came to Licking river,
it was very full and rapid. While crossing in a boat, she struck a stump, which
stroke split a plank of the boat, and the water began to run into her, but we
narrowly escaped sinking, by arriving at the shore just before she filled. I put
up at one of the brethren’s near Flemingburgh. Next day I preached in the
neighborhood, where we had a happy and memorable time. Thence, on Cabin creek.
On the Ohio river, I preached several times. Here the spirit of the Lord was
marvelously among the people. Some were convicted of their sins, and two
professed to have the love of God shed abroad in their hearts.

I crossed the Ohio river, and preached on Eagle creek, and at West Union. Thence
I made for Clear creek. My road was uninhabited till I came to New Market. Soon
after passing this place, night overtook me. My road was muddy, the night was
dark, and I found no house to stop at, till late in the night. I came into
Hillsborough, and put up with a Quaker, who used me kindly. Next morning, I went
to brother G. Wilson’s on Clear creek. I preached in his house and in the
neighborhood. I preached in Hillsborough. The audience was deeply affected, some
of the Methodists shouted, and sinners wept. Thence I preached at brother
Gibson’s.

April 19th, I started to return to the Ohio river again, by the way of West
Union. This day I traveled a solitary road, and a concurrence of circumstances
turned my meditations on the subject of the origin of the Devil. I inquired how
he came? I thought on the popular opinion--that he was once all angel of light,
and probably one of the highest order. To this I answered, if he once were an
angel of light, &c., the highest created celestial being was peaceable, and, of
course, not in a secure state. Again, I could not account how temptation could
be introduced to, or sin be committed by a pure, perfect, and glorified spirit.
I also thought, that if sin affected the breast of this angel, or angels, while
in heaven, it must have had a similar effect in the heavenly world, to that
which it produced on our earth when introduced in Eden. This would make a hell
of heaven. I thought of the passages that favored this doctrine. Jude 6, Isaiah
14:12, 13, 14. From the context of these passages, I concluded the one in Isaiah
alluded to the king of Babylon, and the one in Jude, to the man of sin, or those
who spake great swelling words. Again, where there is no law there is no
transgression; and sin is a transgression of the law. How a pure spirit, the
immediate emanation of God, could have a law, or what kind of a law could be
given them, was utterly beyond my reach to understand. My thoughts transported
we beyond myself, and for the moment I sunk into a maze of skepticism. I asked
what is the Almighty? Is my existence real or imaginary? I stopped my horse. I
was on the regions of despair.

I felt miserable! Lamenting my condition, in full confidence that there is a
God, I cried, Lord save me. My hope returned, and my doubts fled away. Coming to
myself, I became afraid I might destroy myself. Having no weapon but a penknife,
I took it from my pocket and threw it into the woods! I thought of these words,
"Thy God whom thou servest continually, is able to deliver thee;" which gave me
great comfort. Temptations and gloomy prospects continued to depress my mind
during the day. In the evening I held meeting in West Union, but I felt
embarrassed and confused. I slept but little during the night. I rose at the
dawn of day, and walked to the woods. I viewed the spacious firmament, which was
clear and tranquil, richly decked with her thousand stupendous orbs of light. I
saw the orient beams of day, gild the eastern horizon, and with inimitable
beauty irradiate the western sky. The scene struck me with amazing conviction.
Here is the Mighty God exhibited throughout his boundless empire! The birds
awoke from their slumbers, and with varied notes tuned their early anthems to
the coming day. Innocence and joy seemed to sound through all the surrounding
woods. My mind emerged from her gloom. My soul was overwhelmed with gratitude
and love. With inexpressible raptures I mingled my song with the warblers of the
grove, and sang:

"When we are raised from deep distress, Our God deserves a song, We take the
pattern of our praise From Hezekiah’s tongue." This was it joyful morning, and
one to me, never to be forgotten. From this place I went on, and preached at
Eagle creek. Here the Lord displayed his love in the redemption of one soul, and
in the conviction of two others, who presented themselves as mourners; for, and
with whom we prayed. After meeting, as I was riding on the bank of the Ohio, a
thunder storm came on, and a flash of lightning, my horse frightened and threw
me off him. Not being dangerously hurt, I caught him, and in the midst of the
rain and hail, I came to a small cabin and took shelter. After the shower, I
crossed the river, and held meeting at candlelight on the Kentucky shore, at a
house where a sick woman lay, apparently nigh unto death. In this audience there
was rejoicing and weeping. Thence I preached at Cabin creek, where there was an
old sinner convicted, and be desired that prayer should be made for him.
Christians rejoiced and sinners mourned. Thence I crossed the Ohio--preached
twice on Eagle creek. Then went on and preached at West Union. From there to
Brush creek and preached several times, and on Sunfish. People are but thinly
settled here, and have but little preaching. I did not see much sign of my being
profitable to them. I returned to Clear creek, and held meeting at I.
Kirkpatrick’s (a Christian preacher) and on Sunday at the meeting house nearby.
We had a happy time.

Thence I started for the Scioto country. The second day, I preached at the house
of a Methodist, near a place called Oldtown. Thence I came to brother Wilson’s.
I preached at his house to a few people. Several miles front this place, I
attended a meeting, in conjunction with it young Methodist preacher, by the name
of Bascomb, now the orator. His sermon contained some gross inconsistencies, and
some cutting reflections against the profession to which I belonged. I
endeavored to rectify his mistakes--a controversy ensued. We ended about where
all such fruitless contentions end--where we began! Thence I preached at the
widow Wolf’s, on North Paint, where the exercise of the people was marvelous in
my eyes. May 2d. From this place I directed for my appointment on Deer creek,
near where Yankeetown is now known. In this day’s travel, I was delighted with
the face of the country called the barrens. The extensive plains, clothed with
living verdure, variegated with wild flowers of every tint and hue, while the
rich perfume of the blooming roses, is wafted on the wings of every passing
zephyr, prompted in me an enthusiasm of pleasure, but rarely felt. At night I
preached to a few people. Next day I preached lower down the creek. After
meeting I went to brother Alkier’s, a Christian preacher. Near his house I held
a two day’s meeting in an unfinished meeting house, on the bank of Deer creek.
May 6th. In the morning I prepared and started on my way for Philadelphia. In
going a few miles, I lost my way and wandered in the barrens for some hours, but
falling in at a cabin, I was directed towards the Pickaway Plains. I presently
came to the Scioto, and crossed it at Westfall, and went through the Plains--a
delightful prospect. I put up and tarried all night in New Lancaster. The next
evening I tarried in Zanesville, on Muskingum river, and held meeting in the
Court house. On the next day, at 10 o’clock, I held meeting in the same place.
Thence I went on several days. One evening a man followed me some distance with
a gun. By his manner I apprehended he designed mischief against me. He left the
road and took the woods; but as far as I could see him, he partly kept the,
direction of the road. Shortly after he was out of my sight. I came to a creek,
it was then it little dark. While my horse was drinking, I thought I heard a gun
snap. I whipped up my horse, went over the creek, and ascended a small hill. I
then saw the man coming through the woods towards me. I then dismounted my
horse, gave him a stroke with my whip, and sent him on in a trot. I then went
towards the man and hailed him as a friend. I told him I was a preacher, a
stranger, &c., and, as I was almost run out of money, I wished him to tell me
where I could find a religious man’s house to stay during the night. He
pretended to tell me. I then bid him adieu, and went on. He came into the road,
and went back towards his home. Getting out of sight, I ran to overtake my
horse; for I was yet afraid that he might take a nigh turn, and overtake me
again. I came up to my horse, mounted, and rode him with speed fur some
distance. I found my road kept a pretty straight direction, and presently
thought myself out of danger. I traveled, I thought, ten miles and came to a
house, where I tarried for the night. May 11. I started in the rain, and the
rain fell incessantly during the day, and I became wet and cold. In the
afternoon, I put up at an inn, and called for something warm to eat. The two
women of the house soon fell into conversation with me. I found they had been
brought up Presbyterians. While dinner was preparing for me, the young woman
asked me if I were a professor of religion? I answered yes. She asked me of what
denomination. I did not tell her, but told her to guess. She tried, but did not
guess right. She then said she did not believe I had religion, but I will know,
said she, when dinner comes on; for if you are a religious man, you will surely
say grace. Dinner came on, I sat down and began to eat, without saying grace, as
they could hear. In a short time, I asked her if she thought I could preach?
Preach! said she, you can preach about as much as I can. Said I, if you will get
the liberty of this house for me, I will try what I can do at it. She asked the
landlord for the house--he seemed to be as fond of the joke (as they thought) as
she was, and granted the house, and immediately sent off a boy to tell the
people to come to preaching, to-morrow at 12 o’clock. After the boy was gone,
she said to me, are you not sorry? Not much, said I. Before I repaired to bed, I
asked leave to pray. In prayer the young woman was brought under conviction, and
constrained to weep. After prayer, I exhorted her, and pointed out her salvation
in the great Redeemer. Next day the people gathered, and I preached to them.
When I started from the place, the young woman promised to seek the Savior till
she found him.

Thence I went on, crossed the Ohio river, and preached in Canonsburg. Thence
through Pittsburgh--I preached in Bedford Court house, Pennsylvania. May 24th, I
arrived in Philadelphia. I put up with John Hunter, Esq., deacon in the
Christian society. An appointment was made for me, at their meeting house, that
evening, at candlelight. Before meeting came on, Elias Smith and John Gray, from
New England, arrived. I preached to an attentive audience. On the next evening,
I heard E. Smith preach. I preached during several days in different places in
the city. Two souls professed religion, and were joined to the church.

Thence I went into the great Valley, (so called) in Chester county, Penn. I hold
several meetings there, and met much opposition from Sectarians. Here I became
acquainted with R. Pucheon, a Christian preacher.

Thence I went into Delaware above Newport. I preached with success--souls were
awakened, and some forsook their creeds and disciplines, and promised to take
the Scriptures or their rule. From this place I went and preached in Newark,
Christiana, Elton, Charleston, at Susquehanna river, Haverdegrace, and in Port
Penn. Thence I returned to Newport--held several meetings, and the work of the
Lord continued to revive. I then went on to Philadelphia by the way of
Wilmington and Old Chester. In the city, I found the work of the Lord
prospering, among the Christian people, and members were added to them.

I now became acquainted with a young man by the name of R. F. Ferguson, who
related to me his experience, and the manner in which the Lord was calling him
to preach the gospel. I heard him in exhortation. I thought he might be useful.
I informed him, if he would turn out to the work of an Evangelist, I would sell
my saddle, &c., and purchase a gig, in which I would give him a seat, and take
him with me through the country. He promised to do so, when his apprenticeship
would expire. This would be about the following Christmas.

I traveled and preached in different places in Pennsylvania and Delaware, and in
Philadelphia, to average more than once a day, until September. During which
time, I suffered much persecution, and many lonesome and disconsolate feelings,
cause I was sometimes destitute and in want. In this time I was baptized by
immersion in the river Schuylkill, and ordained an elder of the Church of Christ
in the city of Philadelphia.

Having purchased a double-seated gig, I made ready to start towards the South.
My farewell sermon was appointed to be in our meeting house, in the city. We had
a weeping time, yet many of us rejoiced in spirit, in hope that we should meet
again, where parting is not known.

September 20th. In the morning, brother R. Ferguson and I concluded that he
should meet me in Alexandria, (D. C.) about the ensuing New Year, in order to
travel with me to preach the gospel. I left the city in the company of E. S. to
attend a union meeting in Virginia. We preached in Newport, Delaware, at night.
After we crossed Susquehanna river, my horse tired. E. S. was riding in my gig
with me. He left me with my tired horse on the road, and took passage in a hack
to Baltimore. With difficulty, I passed on to Alexandria. Thence I went into
Fairfax county, Va., about Fall’s church, and held meeting. Here I had two
dollars given me. This took me to Fredericksburg, where I held meeting. Thence
to Dickinson’s Chapel, where we held our union meeting. Here, I saw among many
other preachers, Z. Holloway, and M. Barrett, my gospel children. From this
meeting, I returned to Alexandria and to Fairfax, where, especially, about
Fall’s church, I had some precious and soul reviving meetings.

About the 16th of October, I went forward to Shenandoah county. On the 19th I
arrived at Wm. Smith’s, on Cedar creek. My road was exceeding muddy; my horse
was poor and small. Twice I had to prize my gig out of the mire. My money gave
out, and I had to beg a night’s lodging at an inn. I preached at Smith’s,
Boehm’s, and in Stoverstown, to large audiences. At Boehm’s I held a communion,
and introduced washing of feet among the brethren. The work of the Lord
prospered. Near Stoverstown I baptized eight persons, in the presence of a
weeping multitude.

Thence I went to Winchester, and preached in the Presbyterian meeting house.
From this place I went on, and preached on the 3d Sunday in November, at Mr.
Rittenour’s, to a few people, not much softer than stones. Here, for the first
time, I saw her, who afterwards became my wife. Thence I preached in Shenandoah,
in different places, till the first of December. I then returned to Fairfax
county. I held meetings in different places till the 23d. I then went to
Alexandria. I left word with a friend, that when R. F. Ferguson came on, he
should be directed to find me at brother Gunnel’s, in Fairfax.

December 26th, brother F. came to me. We tarried in the neighborhood eight days,
and preached at several places, and saw some appearances that good was done in
the name of the Lord. Brother F. is now only an exhorter. Thence we returned for
Shenandoah. The third day we suffered extremely by the cold winds, ice and snow.
After traveling thirty miles, sometime in the night we came to M. Rittenour’s,
in Frederick county, hungry, weary, and almost frozen. The family was very kind,
and the affectionate attention paid me by Christiania, created in me a fond
attachment.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 8: JT-06-1812
========================================================================

1812

I preached in Shenandoah and Frederick counties in a number of places. At M.
Rittenour’s, after preaching a few times, the work of the Lord revived. In the
space of two months, about sixty-five persons had professed to be converted, and
about seventy-two I baptized in the neighborhood. During this time, in other
places the work of the Lord revived; several came to the knowledge of the truth,
and I baptized them. On the third Sunday of February, I attended at the Round
hill, with a large audience. A Mr. M. Fry, a Methodist preacher, had put in an
appointment at the same time and place. He told me he intended to preach, and
then hold class meeting. I saw he was for an opposition. I told the people that
all who wished to bear me, should follow me to brother Carter’s. The people all
followed me, but a few, with whom he neither preached nor held class meeting, as
I was told.

March 21st, 1812, I proposed, for the first time, the subject of marriage to
Christiana Rittenour. I told her that if she was not prepared to give me a
decisive answer, she might consider on the subject one week. Her answer was
deferred. In our next interview, our marriage was decided on. It was agreeable
to her parents.

April 5th, 1812. On Sunday evening at candlelight, in the house of Michael
Rittenour, I was married to his daughter Christiana. About this time, it was
reported that I had a wife in the State of Ohio, and many other things
prejudicial to my character. I continued to preach in the regions round, until
April 30th, with unwearied diligence; suffering much persecution and opposition;
and the Lord abundantly blessed my feeble labors, to the comfort and to the
salvation of many souls.

April 30th, 1812, I left my father-in-law’s--my wife and me--and started for
North Carolina. I and brother Ferguson now parted. He was to stay in the regions
round here, to attend to the work of the ministry. The first Sunday in May I
preached in Fall’s church, in Fairfax county, and then at different places in
the neighborhood, to attentive and some seriously affected audiences. Thence in
Alexandria, Ocquecon, Dumfress, Stafford Court house, and Fredericksburg. In
this last place I put up with my kind friend C. Clark, a Christian preacher.
Thence to Wm. Guiry’s. He is a man of great natural and acquired abilities--has
been of great popularity and usefulness. But I am afraid he is indulging too
much in the vanities of this world. Here I was detained three days, by a great
fall of rain. After leaving this place, in going a few miles, I came to a creek
that was yet full and very rapid. Fearing to venture in the water with the gig,
I loosed the horse, and took my wife behind me, and ventured in. The horse was
directly borne down by the current, below the fording place, and my wife fell
off the horse into the stream! With much difficulty I saved her from drowning,
and brought her to the shore. I then hitched my horse into the gig and drove in;
but about the middle of the stream, one wheel hitched against a rock, and the
horse, in drawing, broke the harness, went on, and left his gig and its contents
in the stream. I was with hazard and difficulty that I finally extricated all
from the water! Leaving this place, we presently came to another stream, more
large and dangerous than the other. On the bank, we came out of the gig, and
immediately the horse became frightened, and took to the stream; a number of
books and some other articles were tossed out of the gig, and lost in the water,
and we were then left behind! I then waded and swam the stream--overtook my
horse, and with much trouble I brought all over safely. I then went on, and
tarried two days at old brother Gwatkin’s. Here I preached to a weeping
audience, and felt much better than I did six years ago, when I was here, soon
after I began to try to preach. Then I was despised and rejected. Here I was
offered fifty acres of land, with a good house on it, etc., if I would settle
myself, and take charge of the church in that place.

Thence I went on, and preached in Richmond; and at brother Gils’s, a Christian
preacher, near Petersburg. Here I met brother Z. Holloway, my son in the gospel,
who had made great improvement. From this place, I went up the country,
preaching almost every day. Crossed Roanoke river, and came into North Carolina,
and called at brother Moss’s. I preached at Liberty meeting house, to an
attentive and serious congregation, and was publicly opposed by brother T.
Morris, a Christian preacher. As he was an aged man, I made no reply. Thence to
the White Plains, and at several other places, to Hillsborough. From this place
I went on to my mother’s. I felt thankful to my Heavenly Father, that I had been
spared during an absence of eighteen months. In this time, I traveled about
seven thousand miles, preached four hundred and sixty times, and saw about
ninety-two souls delivered from the power of darkness, professedly through my
instrumentality!

Here I left my wife, and traveled through Guilford, Stokes, Iredel and Surry
counties, in North Carolina; and Grayson and Whythe counties, in Virginia. In
this route, I saw and felt some precious seasons of spiritual joy and
prosperity. In Grayson, I was rejoiced to see that a great reformation had taken
place amongst the people, since I first visited them with the gospel. Thence I
returned on the game route, and arrived safely at my mother’s, where my wife
was, having been absent about four weeks, traveled about four hundred miles, and
preached thirty times.

Here I bought fifty acres of land, and began to improve on it. So soon as I
became located, meeting house doors were shut, and a furious opposition, by the
Methodists, Presbyterians, and Baptists, raged against me! I had several places
erected in the woods to preach at, but some of the public speakers of the sects,
fearing, as they thought, I would lead the people astray, frequently met me at
those places, and opposed me, to the great disturbance of the congregation. It
was not an uncommon thing now, for a preacher to say, (while in his pulpit,) of
me, that I ought to be put into prison--should be closed in a dungeon--should
not be suffered to preach, and one, that I, with all my books ought to be burnt!
I now had reason to believe, that if the laws of our country favored the
blood-spilling spirit of Anti-Christ, the former times of strife and vengeance
would soon roll on again, when one professed Christian, could triumphantly cut
off the head of another, and rejoice to see a brother dissenter, expire in the
flames, if he should not subscribe to his human-made creed, and receive all his
unscriptural dogmas! When I would go to the meetings of those people, I could
hear them pray for Christian union--tell us to love one another--could hear them
shout, and praise God, &c. How inconsistent! What disparity between example and
precept! What hypocrisy! How degrading to the cause of Christ.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 9: JT-07-1813
========================================================================

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.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 10: JT-08-1814
========================================================================

1814

About the first of June, 1814, I was led into a more serious, honest, deliberate
and general consideration of religion, and its various duties, than had ever
before revolved in my mind. I now contemplated religion to be entirely spiritual
and pure. I was rationally convinced, that the surrounding sects were deluded,
and, that I was a better imitator of them, than of the precept and example of
the meek and lowly Jesus! It was shown to me, that I had greater things to do,
than I yet had done, and a heavier cross to bear. I would have to bear a full
and faithful testimony against Anti-Christ, and against the pride and fashion of
this world; both by precept and example. The article, and the manner of dress,
came into view, and was considered no small thing. A white dress, so frequently
mentioned in the Scripture, indicative of the bride having made herself ready
for the marriage; and the innocence and purity which should characterize every
minister of Christ, was the one evidently dictated for me. My mind was seriously
exercised, and daily oppressed with what I took to be the "burden of the Lord."
My soul became like the troubled ocean. My hours of sleep were disturbed, and
the business of the day, often interrupted by the agitation of my feelings. My
flesh grew lean, and my appetite failed. I was impressed with the duty of
preaching, after the example found in Mark 6th, and Luke 10th; and that I should
deny the present fashion of dress, both as relates to cut and color, and
particularly to refuse black. I was impressed to wear white, to represent my
traveling in great tribulation, to meet with those who are clothed in white
around the throne of God.

October 29th, 1814, I removed my family to Shenandoah county, near Woodstock,
and commenced a school there, the term of six months. About the first of
December, I received a letter from Carolina, stating that my brother had sold my
possessions there, and retained my note! O! the treachery and deception of man!


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 11: JT-09-1815
========================================================================

1815

Finally, after many heart struggles of mind, I gave up to obey the duties made
plain to me. I promised my Savior if he would be with me, and prepare my way
before me, that I would follow him in the mortifying path which he had
manifested to me, though it should draw on me the scorn, derision, and contempt
of all the world.

I sold my possession in Kernstown, my horse, etc., and prepared to travel on
foot to preach the gospel. Before my school expired, I traveled a short route in
my new mode and manner, and on my return, my feet were very sore and blistered.
An old professor said, "well, Thomas, won’t this beat you out of your foolish
notion of following Christ!" I told him, I thought not.

July 6th, 1815, I gave my family to God and to the word of his grace, and
started, as a stranger, and yet well known, as a deceiver, and yet true, to
preach the everlasting gospel to them that dwell on earth. I went on through
Frederick and Hampshire counties, and returned again, having been about thirteen
days, preached twenty-three times, and walked 130 miles. I was now celebrated by
the name of "Crazy Thomas." In the manner I traveled, I discovered the pride and
hypocrisy of professors’ hearts, and saw that they were further from the pure
gospel than I had ever before anticipated!

July 21st, my wife brought forth a daughter, and we named her Philomela.

July 29th, I started on a long journey towards the South. I preached in Mount
Pleasant, where as I heard some years afterwards, there was a vain, fashionable
young lady brought under conviction, and sought the Lord until she found him. I
preached in New Market, on Smith’s creek, Harrisonburg, Miller’s Iron works, and
in several places onward to Staunton, where I met with a kind reception among
the Methodists; but I smarted for it afterwards. I passed through Augusta and
Rockbridge counties, where I experienced sufferings and persecutions among the
Presbyterians. At Cop’s meeting house, in Botetourt county, I preached several
times, where a reformation commenced. Here I obtained the name of the "Pilgrim
Preacher;" which has exceeded all others given me.

Thence I preached in Fincastle, in the Methodist meeting house. Some or the
Methodists shouted, and sinners wept. From this place, I directed my course over
rugged and towering mountains, to Craig’s creek. On this creek I preached in
several places, to people apparently as hard and barren as the mountains that
surrounded them. I observed a lamentable falling away among the people, from the
cause of religion, since I had visited them seven years ago. From here I went a
pathway over an exceeding high mountain, to Sinking creek; on the summit of
which, I had an ample display of nature’s wildest and sublimest features. On
Sinking creek I preached at J. Webb’s. Having left this place, a violent
thunderstorm overtook me in the wild and strange woods; a great rain fell, and I
became very wet. I came on to Spruce Run, where night met me. She with sable
mantle, wrapped the high raised mountain’s top in lonesome darkness, and whelmed
the lowly sunken dell, into which I was descending, in thicker gloom. In this
solitary wild, hungry, wet and faint, I called in at a cabin, and tarried during
the night. But, alas! I found nothing to satisfy my hunger but cucumbers without
salt. Here nature represents a picturesque and retired scene, well calculated to
inspire the poet’s muse, and contemplation of the philosopher. Next morning, I
went on my way, and, in going a few miles, I came to New river. I had some
difficulty in crossing it. I traveled some distance up the river. Here nature is
clothed, not in garlands and roses, smiling in perennial and never-fading
verdure, but stands frowning in the most sublime and majestic attire. Here
Walker’s mountain (as it is called) to all appearance, by some tremendous
catastrophic, has been cleft asunder, from base to summit, exhibiting towery
rocks, lonesome and far-projected pinnacles, while pile upon pile, add wonder to
the romantic figure! Through this mighty chasm, runs the roaring river, while
foam, wave and tumultuous fury perfects one of the grandest and most majestic
pictures of nature. My path led along the river’s brink, over and between the
dangerous rocks that pile the rugged way. Passing this place, I was introduced
into a large and fertile bottom, where I appeased my hungry appetite on May
apples, its they are called, having eaten nothing for nearly forty-eight hours,
and having walked about fifty miles. Late in the evening, tired and hungry, I
came to J. Toolinger’s, where I was refreshed and comforted. Next day,
(Sabbath,) I met with Mr. Morris, a Methodist preacher, at Page’s meeting house.
The preacher objected to my preaching in the house. By request of the people, I
preached to them in the woods.

Then in Newbern, on Pea creek, etc., passing through Montgomery, Wythe and
Grayson counties, preaching more than once a day, generally to large
congregations. From Grayson county, I went into North Carolina, preached at the
house of Gov. Henderson. Thence onward to the Moravian towns, where I was kindly
received, and admitted to preach in their meeting houses. Thence in different
places on the Yadkin river, and near to Salisbury.

Thence I turned my course, and retraced on my journey, till I came to Newbern,
in Montgomery county, Va. Thence I went to Montgomery Court house; and while I
was passing the street, a man hailed me--said he had heard of me, and wished me
to stop and preach for them. I did so. Thence on Roanoke, I preached to an
audience who had gathered to raise a house. Walking a log over the stream, I
fell into the water, and was under the necessity of swimming out. In Salem,
Botetourt county, I was kindly received, and preached twice in the Methodist
meeting house. It was reported here, and believed by some, that I was crazy, and
had ran away from my family. A man told me that he was then immediately from
Newtown, near my father-in-law’s, and he was there told by a Methodist, that my
father-in-law believing I never would return, went with his wagon and moved my
family to his house, to take care of them! This gave me some uneasiness. Thence
I preached near Amsterdam, and in Fincastle. Here from the post office, I lifted
a letter from my wife, which gave me great consolation, as it unwittingly
contradicted the above report.

Thence I went on to Cop’s, Pattonsburg, and at different places in Rockbridge.
Here I traveled one whole day in the rain, and ate nothing. After dark I was
admitted to take shelter in the house of a Presbyterian; but he gave me nothing
to eat. Next morning he charged me thirty-three cents, and a stranger, who was
present in time of reckoning, paid it for me. I went nine miles to brother
Menga’s, in Augusta county, and was again provided with a breakfast, having
walked forty miles, and fasted thirty-six hours. I preached in Middlebrook and
in Staunton, where I found some Methodists had turned against me. Thence, I
preached on North river, Harrisonburg, New Market, Mount Pleasant; and on the
26th of October, I preached at brother S. Hickle’s in Shenandoah where my family
met me. On the 28th, I arrived at my own dwelling, and preached to a large
audience. I felt great consolation in my soul, and very thankful to God on the
occasion that I had been preserved through many trials and dangers, and was
permitted to see my family and friends again in health, in this land of changes.
In this journey I was absent ninety-two days, preached ninety-seven times, and
walked upwards of eleven hundred miles--endured many hard trials and
difficulties--delivered from some imminent dangers--endured much
persecution--saw that some professors were convinced of their errors--some
sinners convinced of their sins, and brought to the knowledge of the truth.

I preached a few times in my neighborhood. Thence into Frederick county, at and
about my father-in-law’s, where I was yet known by the name of "Crazy Thomas!"
Some said it was a dishonor to the gospel, for a preacher to wear such a garb as
I did; though it was white and generally clean. Some said it was scriptural, and
the most suitable. Lo! I found again, what I had long known, that the people
would differ in their opinions. Thence into Hampshire, and from there I returned
home. I was absent four weeks, preached twenty-nine times, and walked upwards of
an hundred miles, the most of the distance in snow and mud.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 12: JT-10-1816
========================================================================

1816

I now commenced teaching school, a term of three months. During which time, I
preached frequently in the neighborhood--at Hottel’s school house. Squire Hottel
tried to prevent me from preaching there, and disturbed the congregation; but
did not accomplish his purpose.

About the last of February my school expired, and my family was received, for a
time, at my father-in-law’s. I preached frequently in the neighborhood, and
baptized some, and a few professed religion.

April 14th, 1816, I went on my way, directing my course to Maryland. In
Martinsburg and in Shepherdstown, in Virginia. For Sharpsburg, Stone meeting
house, Funkstown, Hagerstown in Maryland I preached to large congregations.
Thence I returned to my father-in-law’s, on the same route, and found my family
well. In this journey I was absent thirteen days, had preached sixteen times,
and walked upwards of one hundred miles. I felt joyful in spreading the gospel,
while many seemed to feel its power. And though I endured some difficulties, my
soul triumphed in the God of my salvation.

April 29th, I directed my course towards the Northern hills. I preached at the
Round hills, at brother Hawkin’s on North river, Park’s Valley, Forks of Capon,
at Sandy ridge, brother Hull’s, brother T. Nesmith’s, three times in
Jarrettstown and in Bucklestown; where a Methodists preacher, in his sermon
ridiculed me, and though I was present, he told the people I was ignorant,
superstitious, enthusiastic, &c., and that they ought not to bear me preach. The
people did not take this for gospel. Thence I returned to my family. I had been
absent fifteen days, preached seventeen times, suffered some necessity and
persecution, and saw some joyful prospects of the work of the Lord. May 14th, I
directed my course up the country, I was absent twenty-four days, preached
thirty-two times, baptized three young converts, who professed religion under my
ministry, and walked about one hundred and sixty miles.

Thence I preached in a number of places in Frederick and Shenandoah counties,
and baptized five, who had lately professed religion, near my father-in-law’s.
On the 10th of July I purchased a horse, as I had found it impracticable to
convey my books, which I had printed, on foot.

July 13th, I directed my course for Philadelphia. On my way I preached at
Jarrettstown, Bunkershill, Bucklestown, Martinsburg, and Shepherdstown, Va. In
Sharpsburg Stone meeting house, Funkstown, and other places in Maryland. Thence
in several places to Philadelphia. In the city I preached several times. The
Christian brethren now have a spacious and decent brick meeting house on
Christian street. Thence to the Great Valley, and from there to Delaware, near
Wilmington, where I met with two of my gospel children, not known to me before.
They were born of God five years ago, and are yet faithful and zealous in the
cause.

Thence near Newport, Christiana, Newark, &c., and returned to Philadelphia. I
preached several times, and administered the Lord’s Supper to the brethren, in
Mount Zion meeting house.

Thence I returned, and arrived where my family dwelt, on the 6th of September;
found my children in health, but my wife was in a sickly state. In this journey
I was absent about seven weeks, had traveled about 700 miles, and preached
fifty-one times. I saw some good attend my labors-- met with some severe
trials--suffered persecution and distress, and was enabled to glory in
tribulation.

About this time, having a notion of removing my family to the State of Ohio, my
brother-in-law, Jacob Little, having the same intention, we made a sale of our
property. I then went into Maryland, by special request, and preached at Antitem
Iron works, and at Keedy’s meeting house, &c., and returned in five days, having
preached eleven times.

About the 15th of September, Jacob Little started for the West, taking my
things, which I had reserved for housekeeping, with him. I intended to follow
him, with my family, when I should return from another journey.

September 29th, 1816, I started with my family, in a little carriage, for the
Western parts of Virginia. I preached in Stoverstown, Woodstock, Mount Pleasant,
New Market, Harrisonburg, Staunton, brother Menga’s, Pattonsburg, Cop’s,
Fincastle, Salem, Montgomery Court house, Newbern, Pea creek, and at Nythe Court
house, where some of the rabble stole my carriage, run it half a mile out of
town, and left it standing in a man’s yard. I then went into Grayson county, and
preached in different places.

Almost five years before this time, I had, while living in North Carolina,
endorsed a note of seventy-five dollars, for my brother Jacob, which I thought,
and had understood, had been paid long since, having passed several transfers,
was here presented to me for payment. I immediately paid it. This was a hard
stroke.

Thence I returned nearly on the same route, until I arrived at my
father-in-law’s. In this journey I was absent about seven weeks, preached forty
times, met with some hard trials, and traveled about seven hundred miles.

I now was informed that my brother Jacob had been here, and had sold my note,
which he held against me, to D. Faucett, and that the man expected immediate
payment! Alas! thought I, this is surely the climax of infidelity, and of
injustice.

Now all my calculations and arrangements were frustrated. I went to see the
owner of the note, and found that it was transferred to Col. J. Gilkeson, who
was kind to me, in this case, by waiting six months for payment. I now could not
go on to the West, as I intended in consequence of this debt. I had sold out,
and sent to the West, my household property, and had nothing wherewith to keep
house.

Previous to this, D. Hess, of Maryland, had invited me to bring my family to his
house, that I might preach the more in his region; but at that time I thought it
would not suit my arrangements. Now to comply with his request, was the only
opening that I could see Providence had made for me.

December 2d, I arrived with my family at my friend D. Hess’s in Washington
county, Maryland. We were received with affection, and treated with great
hospitality and kindness. For which I hope to feel ever grateful to him and his
family; and pray that they may be amply rewarded in the great day of
retribution.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 13: JT-11-1817
========================================================================

1817

I left my family at D. Hess’s, and continued to preach in different parts of
Maryland--into Baltimore several times; and several times in different places in
Virginia, until the 27th of March, 1817. Within this time I preached
seventy-four times, and traveled about seven hundred miles. I met with many
oppositions and persecutions from the Sectarians, whose interest it was to put
me down. During this time I sold a great many Hymn books, sermons, and the
"Pilgrim’s Muse," which I had printed.

March 17th, 1817, my wife brought forth a son, and we named him Lorenzo.

March 27th, 1817, I went on my way, directing my course for the Western country.
I preached at my father-in-law’s, in Frederick county, Va.

Thence in Stoverstown, Woodstock, Mount Pleasant, New Market, Harrisonburg,
Staunton, Menga’s. Thence I traveled all day in the rain. After night, I put up
in a disagreeable cabin, where I found no bed, had nothing to eat, tied my horse
to a bush, where he remained till morning. At Pattonsburg, Cop’s, Fincastle,
Salem, Montgomery Court house, Newbern, Sauncer’s on New river, in different
places in Grayson county, Wythe Court house, where a man passed a twenty dollar
counterfeit note on me, which I had afterwards crossed in the bank of
Philadelphia.

Thence at different places in Abington, and on to Bean’s Station, in Tennessee.
Large congregations generally attended, and in some places I saw the work of the
Lord prosper, and thought the Lord was with me.

Thence I took the Kentucky road; crossed Clinch mountain and Clinch river, and
lay all night on the bank. Here commences a lonesome and extensive wilderness,
with here and there a cabin, to take the traveler’s money. Passed Tazewell Court
house, Powel’s river, Cumberland Cape,--a dreary, rugged and desolate part of
the world. A suitable residence, only for the venturous hawk, or the more lofty
soaring eagle.

O! the sublimity of nature’s works. What tremendous confusion seems to spread
along the distant wild. A thundergust came up. O! what majestic rumbling in the
mountain forest. I called at a little hut, on Yellow creek. A mighty hail came
on. I came on to Lexington in Kentucky, where I hoped to meet with friends and
brethren; but by the influence of R. Dooly, my way was straightened, and my
former friends treated me coolly. Thence I went on to Cane ridge, and attended a
meeting of the Christian brethren, at Concord, where I wished to have the
difficulties settled, but charges not being provable, the matter remained where
it had been. From the conduct or the brethren, with many of whom I had formerly
enjoyed many happy seasons, and had parted from them in Christian fellowship, I
was left astonished at the instability and uncertainty of mortal’s friendship. I
was rejected on the ground of vile and foundless slander.

I found a friend in Dr. Mitchell, and in a few others. May 8th, as I was making
my way to Maysville, in a large forest, the top of a dead tree broke, and fell
so sudden, that my creature being much frightened, suddenly wheeled round and
throw me, but a little distance from the ponderous limbs, which otherwise would
have crushed me to death. I was somewhat hurt by the fall, but felt unspeakably
thankful that my life was preserved. I crossed the Ohio river, at Maysville. I
preached in different places in Ohio, and came and held meeting at my brother
Griffith’s, and at my brother-in-law’s, Jacob Little’s, in Green county. Thence
I preached in different places in the States of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and
Maryland, till I arrived where my family dwelt, which was on the 20th of May,
1817. In this journey, I was absent about sixty days, traveled upwards of 1,400
miles, preached forty-seven times, expended forty-seven dollars, and had two
dollars and seventy-five cents given me. I met with necessities, hard trials,
and much persecution, and was sometimes greatly dejected in my mind, and
disgusted at the deception and treachery of many professors of religion.

June 9th, I and my family took our leave of our dear and kind friends in
Maryland, and on the 12th, I arrived it my father-in-law’s, in Frederick county.
Va. I left my family here, and in a few days directed my course for Maryland.

I preached in Battletown, Charlestown, and at Harper’s Ferry, in Virginia. In
Pleasant Valley, Middletown, Frederickstown, New Market, Popular Springs, New
Lisbon, Hiettstown, Clarksburg, and Baltimore, in Maryland. I returned on the
same route, and arrived at my father-in-law’s on the 17th of July. In this
journey I was absent twenty-eight days, traveled about three hundred miles, and
preached twenty-nine times. Congregations were generally so large that we
frequently had to sit in the woods. I saw great success, in some places, attend
my labors, and felt glad that priest craft was weakening, and that creeds and
confessions were losing their influence.

I preached several times in the neighborhood, and thence on Back creek, at
Gonotown, Nesmith’s, Hull’s, C.’s, L.’s, Forks of Capon, Sandy Ridge meeting
house, Park Valley; at Sandy Ridge again, where I organized a church. Thence I
returned to my father-in-law’s and found my family well. In this journey I was
absent seven days, traveled about one hundred miles, and preached thirteen
times; suffered some necessity, and saw and felt some joyful seasons of the love
of God. It was not uncommon, when the people knew where I put up, for them to
come in at night, and fill the house, expecting to hear something from me!

July 30th, I started for the Western country, accompanied by D. Hess, of
Maryland. I went through different parts of the State of Ohio, as far back as
Mad-river, and the Great Miami. I purchased eighty acres of improved land, of
James Love in Rush creek, a few miles from, the town of Rushville, in Fairfield
county, for which I was to pay eight hundred dollars. I paid him four hundred
dollars in hand. The balance was to be paid, one hundred dollars annually;
commencing in twelve months after the ensuing April. I returned to my
father-in-law’s the 27th of August, having been absent four weeks--traveled
about nine hundred miles, and preached seventeen times--many incidents I omit.

September 4th, I directed my course up the country. I preached at Stoverstown,
S. Hickle’s, Narrow Passage, Biddle’s, Hickle’s school house, Mount Pleasant,
New Market, and on Smith’s creek, in Rockingham county. Here I organized a
church. Thence I returned on the same route, and arrived at my father-in-law’s.
I was absent sixteen days, traveled a hundred and forty miles, and preached
eighteen times. I met with some persecution--saw some melting effects of the
word preached among the people--had some trials and temptations, and had grace
given to console and deliver me.

I must for the present, bring this compend of my travels to a close; necessarily
leaving out several years of my life. Though in this space of time, I have
passed through some of the most severe and important trials, and remarkable
circumstances that have occurred during my days.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 14: JT-12-SUPPLEMENTARY: FROM SISTER CHRISTIANIA THOMAS
========================================================================

Supplementary: From Sister Christiania Thomas From sister Christiania Thomas,
Grassy Point, Madison co., Ohio, March 27, 1835.

BROTHER BADGER:--I never have seen your face, but your name has long stood high
and valuable in my estimation, both as Editor of the Palladium and a minister of
that gospel which makes free from sin and from the bondage of a proud and
tyrannical clergy. More recently you have gained a place in my heart, and
Christian affection which I cannot easily describe.

Since my husband has taken his long tour to your country, New York, and left me
here to take care of the "stuff," for some time I felt easy for his sake,
fearing that while among strangers and in all extremely cold climate, he might
not meet a kind reception among his strange brethren, and be neglected and left
to suffer in a strange land. But by your unexpected and truly gratifying letter
to me; by the notice taken of him in the Palladium, and by his own letters, I am
truly happy to learn that he is universally and kindly received, and that his
labors are blest among you. When I joined with him in matrimony I agreed never
to stand in his way in preaching the gospel, and I have reason to be thankful
that God has to this day enabled me with all cheerfulness not only to submit,
but to aid him by my prayers, industry, and economy to continue and extend his
itinerant labors over the world. He has suffered much for Jesus’ sake, for the
salvation of perishing sinners he has sacrificed the world. My soul has always
gone with him in his arduous and distant travels, has panted high for the
prosperity of the cause, has participated in his griefs and trials. Anxieties
and solicitude have often spread a gloom over many solitary and lonesome nights.
But the success with which God has often attended his labors, has so often been
to me like a morning without a cloud, and as the brilliant sunshine to in soul.
I have gladly suffered with him for the sake of Jesus, and I strongly hope I
shall be a sharer of his reward in heaven. My condition in life confines me at
home, but even here Jesus is precious; my soul is often happy and elevated with
the news of the Palladium, to hear that my Savior has an humble, free people in
the cold and distant state of New York, and that many precious souls are still
embracing the gospel there. Our church is not very large, about forty-five in
number, not very popular and wealthy, but I trust they are humble, pious,
faithful, relying on God. We have had many happy little meetings, and some
refreshing seasons, and a few added to the Lord among us since the absence of
Elder Thomas.

I wish you and all the dear brethren in New York, who have administered comfort
to my husband, to receive the grateful acknowledgments and warmest thanks from
her who intends by the grace of God to meet you in heaven. Let all the sisters
who have preaching husbands, whose hearts burn with the holy fire of the ancient
evangelist, give them up to God, and be willing to partake of their sufferings
that they may share their reward. I remain the Pilgrim’s wife, and your sister
in the Lord.

Christian Palladium, Vol. 3, No. 24.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 15: JT-13-SUPPLEMENTARY: JOSEPH THOMAS' LETTER.
========================================================================

Supplementary: Joseph Thomas’ Letter.

Union Vale, Dutchess co., N. Y. March 1, 1835.

DEAR BROTHER:--According to your request, having a moment’s leisure, I will
narrate to you a few particulars of my journey that have occurred since my last.
At Fonda’s Bush, I was joined by my good old brother in Christ, Elder J.
Andrews, whom I had seen on Stone’s River, Tenn., twenty-five years ago. Our
meeting was comforting and encouraging to me, as it renewed and associated many
youthful and happy scenes and feelings long gone by, never to be seen and felt
in reality again. In the evening I preached to a crowded audience, composed
mostly, I suppose, of rigid sectarians, and non-professors. I gave some of their
systems a push as I passed along, which, without a prop, will give them a shake.

Next day I passed on to Craneberry Creek, and preached in Elder Andrews’
congregation to a full house. Here my soul felt sweet liberty in proclaiming the
good tidings to sinners, and the word seemed to enter the hearts of many. The
Lord was with us. From this place I went on to Broadalbin, and preached in a
neat and convenient meeting house, belonging to the Christian church, on
Thursday evening. In the same place, on Saturday twice, and on Sunday, to very
large and solemn congregations. During these meetings the brethren seemed much
comforted and strengthened, and many weeping eyes appeared in the solemn crowd.
I hope great good will result from this meeting, as we had evidence that the
Lord was with us. From this place I resumed my travel, and on Sunday evening, I
met a numerous assembly in Galway. Here great solemnity rested on many
countenances, and brethren seemed confirmed in the truth of the gospel. This was
a time and place of notice and lasting remembrance with me. This was a plain,
decent, humble, and old fashioned meeting house, and the first house of worship
ever erected by the people called Christians in the State of New York, about
twenty years since! And here I saw some of the old veterans who first enlisted
in the good cause of Christian liberty in this State, whose hearts were yet
warmly engaged in the spirit of that blessed gospel which made them free. Here I
was met by Elders King, Rider, and Mosher, and yourself, and felt myself highly
favored and strengthened to be reinforced by such a phalanx of soldiers,
panoplied and so well qualified to fight in the ranks of Christian freedom. From
this place, accompanied by Elder Rider, I went to Milton, and at night preached
to a few people. The first small congregation I have met in the State. But here
we proved that the Lord is not confined to time, nor place, nor numbers, for he
bestowed a blessing on the souls of several of his children, who met with us
here. On the next morning, I made a visit to that memorable, worthy and almost
worn out laborer in the vineyard of the Lord, Elder L. Hathaway, who lives in
this vicinity. He is one of the old stock of preachers, brought into the
Christian cause, some twenty years ago, when the object of such men were not
then to stiff, and starch, and brush up in Babylonish habiliments, and vapor in
the world’s fashion, but the object was to reform the corruptions of
Christianity in the simplicity and plainness of the spirit of the gospel. The
solemnity of his countenance, the plainness of his hair, the simplicity of his
dress, and the dignity of his mien, strongly reminded me of the days of my
youth, when our first Christian preachers in the South forsook Babylon, and all
the gaudy trimmings of the world to follow Jesus. Then they were plain, serious,
pious, holy, zealous, regardless of popularity, and of the world’s admiration,
and were astonishingly successful in winning souls to Christ. Long live those
first, worthy, weather-beaten heralds of the cross! Our visit was truly pleasant
and soul refreshing, and an acquaintance which cannot be erased from my memory.

Here I was joined by Elder J. King, who was to accompany me to my appointments
one week. At night, I met a large assembly in Ballston. Here is a neat and
spacious Christian meeting house. Our meeting at this place was serious and
interesting and here I saw the good, venerable old sister Miller, who opened her
door for the first Christian preacher in the State. From this place we rode
thirty miles, crossed the Mohawk river on the ice, came into the mountains where
the snow was very deep and the wind excessively cold. At night I preached to a
very large assembly, in a plain and handsome Christian meeting house in Berne.
The people were attentive and serious, and I think many good impressions were
felt, but here for the first time in all my journey, by the many fatigues I have
borne, and the chilling winds of the day, I failed in strength, and could not
finish my discourse. Here I became acquainted with Elder Taylor, whose talents
are promising, and whose soul seems to be on fire in the good cause. From this
place, I went on and the next evening I preached at Westerlo, in a plain and
spacious Christian meeting house, to a crowded audience. There the Lord was
good; I felt strong and happy, and the word went with power to the hearts of
many. I tarried the night with Elder Teats, whose kindness refreshed and
strengthened me. From this place we went to New Baltimore, and put up with
brother Miller. At night brother preached, I was unable to attend. Thence we
went to Freehold, where a large audience was waiting for me, in a neat and
elegant Christian meeting house. Here I preached with uncommon freedom, and the
Lord’s spirit came down upon us like rain upon the mown grass. This was a time
of from the presence of the Lord. Here I became acquainted with Elder Spoor, a
gentleman, a Christian and all endeared friend to me. On next day, Sunday, I
preached at the same place, to a crowded audience. The good Lord again poured
out his Spirit, to the great joy of many of his children, and to the tendering
of the hearts of some of the ungodly. After sermon, brother Spore conveyed me to
New Baltimore, where in the Christian meeting house, at night, I preached to a
large and attentive congregation. This was a solemn and interesting season. In
all these regions the Christian cause is respectable, and far ahead of the
orthodoxies that surrounded it. Next morning I parted from my dear brother
Spore, hoping to meet where the weary rest; and went on my journey, crossed the
great river Hudson, on the ice, in company with brothers King and Taylor. On the
bank of this river I parted from brother King, who had been a kind and agreeable
companion and pilot to me one week. At night, I preached to a large audience in
the Christian meeting house, in Clermont. The people were serious, and we had a
good time. I tarried the night with Elder Winans. The next day I went on, and
preached to an attentive audience in Rock City. Next day in our meeting house in
Milan, to a large assembly, where, while I was treating on the nonsensical
speculations of the Trinity, two or three bigots fled, and left me conqueror in
the field. Here I met with Elder J. Marsh, whom I had seen seven years ago in
Ohio. With him I spent an agreeable night. Next day, I proceeded to
Stanfordville, and in a spacious and neat Christian meeting house, preached to a
large and solemn audience. At night and on the next day, I preached at the same
place. These were softening and refreshing seasons. I put up with brother
Sherrill, who with his family treated me kindly, and with whose company I was
highly pleased. Thence I came and preached at brother Fowler’s to a full
audience. This worthy old man and family were kind to me. Thence in our meeting
house in this place, this day, (Sunday,) to a large assembly. The people here
appeared more careless than common, yet I think the Lord was with us, and the
brethren were comforted. The people all have, since my last to you, been kind to
me, and in some instances, liberal and bountiful, for which I feel grateful, and
hope the Lord will reward them. In my next, when in New York City, I think I
shall give you some general observations. I am yours in Christ.

JOSEPH THOMAS, (Pilgrim.) [From the Christian Palladium, Vol. 3, No. 22.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 16: JT-14-SUPPLEMENTARY: ABOUT ELDER JOSEPH THOMAS.
========================================================================

Supplementary: About Elder Joseph Thomas.

We have enjoyed the unspeakable pleasure of spending a week in the company of
this distinguished and devoted servant of the most high God. He has a strong
constitution and is capable of enduring more fatigue, and preaching more sermons
than common men. His mind is also strong, clear and energetic, and his manners
purely southern and agreeable. In all the congregations he has visited in this
State, he has been received with that friendship and kindness which has ever
characterized the churches in this State.

He designs to be at Freehold, Green co., next Sabbath, and will pass on through
Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester counties to New York city. After visiting the
New Jersey Conference, we hope he will conclude to extend his mission to all the
Conferences in New England. We are confident his visit would be a blessing, and
we think he is desirous to accomplish it, if the churches feel disposed to
sustain him in his arduous labors. Let all the congregations who may be favored
with his visits, show how much they love the truth he brings.

We are authorized to give appointments for him as follows: With Elder Hathaway’s
congregation in Milton, this evening (the 16th). At the Christian chapel in
Ballston, 17th evening. At the Christian chapel in Berne, 18th. With Elder
Teats, 19th. With Elder Spore, 20th, 21st, and 22d. With Elder Winans, 23d. With
Elder Marsh, at Milan, 24th and 25th. At Sanfordville, 26th and 27th. At Israel
Fowlers’s 28th. With Elder Roberts, at Clove, March 1st. The second Sabbath in
March, he will be in New York with Elder Walter.

[Christian Palladium, Vol. 3, No. 20.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 17: JT-15-SUPPLEMENTARY: OBITUARY OF ELDER JOSEPH THOMAS.
========================================================================

Supplementary: Obituary of Elder Joseph Thomas.

Several times with unspeakable pleasure, within six months past we have placed
the above name at the Head of articles in the Christian Palladium; but now the
task is painful. While we commence this article, sensations of the most
impressive and afflicting kind, press upon our thoughts. A few weeks ago this
strong, healthy man, in the prime of life; this bold, invincible servant of
God--this profound logician and orator, was by our side; our warm friend and
able counselor. A short time ago, thousands of smiling Christians were crowding
the chapels in different parts of the country, to hang upon his melting strains.
But alas! his work is done! his earthly course is finished! He will never more
weep over perishing sinners, or warn them to flee the wrath to come--he will
never again stand by the side of the poor mourner, to pour the balm of
consolation into the afflicted bosom, nor hold out the hand of friendship to
cheer and encourage the humble disciples whose faces are Zionward. No, that
voice which imparted such animation and joy, is silent; that hand which was
given in token of Christian fellowship is now cold in death.

"By foreign hands his dying eyes were closed; By foreign hands his decent limbs
composed; In foreign lands they raised his mound. By strangers honored, and by
strangers mourned."

Elder Thomas was about forty-four years of age, near six feet high, light
complexion, straight, athletic, strong, proportioned, and was the picture of
health. Twenty-eight years of hard labors and had debilitated him; he was,
active, brilliant and cheerful. His name was dear throughout the great valley of
the Mississippi, and all the churches in the Southern States. We believe he was
a native of North Carolina. His journey East, the past winter, has rendered him
dear to all the churches, and has been its blessing, and has brought him, as we
believe, to the zenith of his popularity, and he was ready to depart, and be
with Christ.

It is truly singular that four distinguished men, all in the prime of life, who
have journeyed from the west to the east, (as far as this State,) within three
years past, are now all gone down to the grave. Yes, Kinkade, Miles, Lawrence,
and Thomas--faithful servants of the church--bold messengers of Jesus, have left
the walls of Zion. Mysterious are the ways of Providence, but we submit; all is
right; "the Judge of all the earth will do right."

It is supposed, Elder Thomas took the Small Pox in New York, though not exposed
to it, to our knowledge, only by walking the streets. He expired on the 9th of
April, 1835, at the residence of Elder J. S. Thompson, Johnsonburg, New Jersey.
We doubt not that every possible attention was rendered him in his last
afflictions, by Elder Thompson and his friends. His sufferings were great, but
he was patient and resigned, and often named his kind and bereaved family with
that tenderness peculiar to his affectionate manners and fine sensibility. On
this melancholy occasion, after describing his sickness, Elder J. S. Thompson
writes to us as follows:--

"Every possible comfort was administered to him, but the skill of physicians and
the aid of friends was baffled. We entertained strong hopes of his recovery
until one or two of the last days of his life. His earthly sufferings were
closed on Thursday, the ninth of this month, between seven and eight o’clock, A.
M. His mortal remains were that evening committed to the dust in the burying
ground in this place by a few friends. Elder Currier and myself were present.
The next Sabbath Elder Currier preached a funeral sermon from Matthew 26:44.
’Therefore be ye also ready for such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man
cometh.’ My acquaintance with my deceased brother was short, but I believe he
was a worthy and good man. O, how my heart felt for him when he said to me, ’Now
this is the Small Pox, (he being unwilling to believe it until he was broken out
with it) I fear I shall never see my family again.’ But that God, in whom he
trusted, was his consolation and hope, and I sincerely believe he has gone from
his labors to a heavenly reward.

"Judge ye my feelings that my strange brother was at my humble dwelling not more
than fifteen days from his first welcome, hoping for life and to return to his
family, must fall by the hand of death, and by strangers be conveyed to the
dust, but I have an approving conscience that my duty to him as a stranger has
been discharged. Since his death, I have written to his bereaved widow and
children, now fatherless. May the God of the universe verify his promise to be
the ’widow’s God," and may his fatherless children trust in him forevermore."
The exit of Elder Thomas is a public loss, which will be extensively felt. It is
particularly so to us; he was our personal friend--he was a decided friend to
the Christian Palladium and General Measures; he was calculating to exert all
his influence in the West, for a general union of exertion between the East, and
West. His labors, no doubt, would have accomplished much, and we expect he would
have been appointed to fill the office of one of our Executive Committee, as
soon as there had been a vacancy. But we are disappointed, and a prominent
friend of general measures has fallen, and is cut off in the midst of his days
and usefulness. Again, he was pledged to us, and we were every day expecting a
communication from him on the subject of our early history in the South. We know
of no man now living, so capable of the task. We cannot but indulge the hope
that something among his papers, will be found prepared for our use on this
subject. We request Elders Thompson and Walter, and Col. Sager to look to this,
if it is proper for them to examine his papers. Our history we fear in the
South, will forever be imperfect, unless his pen has been employed on the
subject. Elder Thomas wrote a history of his life some years since. He also
published quite a volume of poems of his own composition. His likeness was
accurately taken in New York, in his white dress. It will probably be engraved
for binding with this volume.

We would offer his afflicted family our kindest sympathies in their deep
affliction and bereavement. May that religion the husband and father has so long
and successfully taught, and which gave him joy and comfort in his last moments,
be their hope and never failing portion. We feel thankful that his lot in his
sickness was cast among kind friends. We well know the kindness and
constitutional benevolence of Elder Thompson; the suffering stranger could not
have fallen into kinder hands.

While our aged ministers are dropping off, was it not for the vast number of
young men who are coming forward, a heavy gloom would gather and over-shadow our
prospects. But the Great Eternal God presides; his cause is our cause, and his
mighty truth will live and exert a happy influence, and make men free, when all
the faithful watchmen who now boldly stand forth in defense of the gospel, shall
slumber with brother Thomas in the sweet repose of death.

We have just received the following tribute to the memory of Elder Thomas, from
a worthy correspondent, which we admit with pleasure, and also request Elder
Millard not to forget this case when his mind is in the right state:

Farewell to thee, my brother--thou art gone to be at rest-- The master’s summons
calleth thee to mansions of the blest; To join with the redeemed ones, and with
them ever stand, In spotless robes around God’s throne--a radiant, holy band.

Farewell to thee, my brother--the cross thou hast lain down, To bear the palm of
glory, and to wear a starry crown, In that land of peace and gladness, a happy,
joyful guest-- Where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest.

Farewell to thee, my brother--for the voice divine hath spoken; The seal of
death is on thee now, the golden bowl is broken. We give thee back to dust
again--the mortal to the sod-- Peace to thy slumber, brother--we will not chide
the rod.

But we’ll think upon thee, brother, as still we journey on, And hope to strike
glad hands with thee, when our pilgrimage is done, Where death can never enter,
nor sorrow rend the breast-- Where the wicked cease from troubling, and the
weary are at rest.

MERITI AMICUS.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 18: JT-16-PREFACE TO THE POEMS.
========================================================================

PREFACE TO THE POEMS.

What I am, as a poet, must be left to a scrutinizing public. If these poems
should come before the Literati, the Reviewer, or the self-created Critic, whose
business and whose delight it is, to find faults, and to declaim Columbia’s
Muse; and within whose falcon claws many useful and aspiring geniuses have
suffered a painful and lingering death; they should remember who I am, and
whence I came. By reading the preceding sketch, they may learn that I was born
in obscurity, and have struggled into their notice only by nature’s force.

I have read no language but my own, and have traveled no land but the land of
FREEMEN. Their country has a long sea-side strand, indented with noble rivers,
bays and harbors, where ride a thousand gallant vessels, ladened with the riches
of the globe, interspersed with towns and cities, whose lofty spires and
magnificent structures, bespeak an enterprising and patriotic nation. Their
country has its mountains too, stretching from one boundary to the other, where
nature has played her wildest freaks, and exhibited her most gigantic wonders.
Their country has its Western forests, where awful solitude reigns--its
beauteous plains, where variegated flowers and roses bloom as far as eye
explores--its copious rivers pouring from unknown lands to the ocean. Here
beauty, variety and sublimity, unite and constitute the most propitious land on
the face of nature. This is the country I have traveled--the only field which
has furnished my imagery, and inspired my muse.

I have been constrained, for years past, to court the muses with assiduity and
great delight; but dare not say that one of them has deigned to smile on me! I
have courted them, not so much in Libraries, as in the lonesome mountains, and
the diversified fields of nature. Not within the walls of Colleges; but among
the grass-grown graves of the dead, and the silent tomb stones. Not so much in
the cities and the world’s gay bustle, as along the moss-grown banks of the
meadow streams, or on the margin of the babbling brooks, that play along the
sequestered wilds. There have I seen them leave their snow-white limbs in the
lucid wave; but coy of my approach have frequently retired beyond my ascent the
towering steeps of great Parnassus. Oft have I pursued their flight till clouds
and frowning shades have hid them from my view. Oft have I searched in their
frequented and solitary haunts, their fairy traces, and bowry seats, among the
ivies, the cyprus shades, and green woods, till I, as oft, have become
bewildered, exhausted and hopeless! And were it not for the infinite pleasure I
feel in gaining a distant and transient glimpse of the soul transporting form of
famed URANIA, I would long since, have ceased my overtures in utter despair. But
she has fascinated me. By some magic spell she has wooed me to her haunts,
where, at distance I sit in silent but pleasing melancholy, and listen to the
illimitable notes that fill her varied song. The melting music that warbles in
her airs, has thrilled through my veins, and inspired in me a rude imitation of
her soul-entrancing carols.

I have not mused in silent halls, without the cares and wants of life to
interrupt my meditations, nor have I written these poems where ease and books
and literary friends have surrounded me; but in the midst of oppressive trials,
cares, and wants--on the side of the road, when weary and hungry--on the banks
of rivers, or on the mountain’s top; or when I could retire a moment from the
clamors of a strange family, or steal a welcome hour from hard manual labor, the
most of them have been brought forth.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 19: JT-17-TO THE MEMORY OF ELDER JOSEPH THOMAS
========================================================================

To the Memory of Elder Joseph Thomas

From the "Christian Palladium," Vol. 4, No. 4. By Eld. W. Laure.

Pilgrim, farewell! thy funeral knell has rung, Thy race is ended, and thy work
is done. Thou art gone from time; thy body is at rest; Thy soul, transported,
shines among the blest.

Thrice happy soul! thus by thy Master fed; Jesus, thy Shepherd, has in safety
led Thee through to pastures green, where thou shalt shine, And solace in the
beams of love divine. Your little hillock marks the spot where lies The man of
God, to obtain the prize, Forsook in youth earth’s fascinating charms, Eager to
clasp true riches in his arms.

Through trials sore he ran the heavenly way To the bright climes of everlasting
day-- His sun is set, the storm of life is o’er: The much loved, useful THOMAS
is no more!

No more on earth art thou in sorrow found; No more a weeping pilgrim, traveling
round, To bear the tidings of salvation free, And sound aloud the glorious
Jubilee.

Oh, no! thy work has hastened to a close, And angels borne thy spirit to repose.
We mourn thy loss with many a falling tear, While Heaven forbids the wish to
hold thee here.

Whilst here on earth, how many a secret sigh Roll’d through that sainted bosom,
now on high! How often flow’d the sympathetic tear With friends and kindred
which he held most dear!

Wife, children, home, obedient to the call He for the sake of Jesus gave up all,
In distant lands the flag of truth to wave, And in a distant land he found a
grave.

Forbear to murmur, humbly kiss the rod, And bow submissive to the will of God.
The pilgrim’s gone--his work on earth is ended; His pure spirit has to heaven
ascended.

There, rob’d in WHITE, while glory crowns his brow, At Jesus’ feet with raptured
millions bow. Oh, glorious state! where all the saints shall dwell In perfect
bliss, no more to say, "Farewell!"


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 20: JT-18-ON MY NEW PEN.
========================================================================

ON MY NEW PEN.

You now are new, you look quite fair, But you are formed for toil and care; You
soon must plunge within that ocean, Where you must swim in vast commotion! Your
fate’s unknown, but I will say, You’ll meet with tempests in the way Unless you
sail with every tide, And make each veering wind your guide,

Surrounding hosts of furious foes, Will from afar, your course oppose; And all
combine to sink and drown you. And in the deep with vengeance frown you,

One thing that augurs ill, I think,-- You’re doom’d to dabble in the ink! The
task that seems laid out for you, Is quite unpleasant--painful too.

If you intend to be correct, The faults of men you must detect, And tell them of
their sins and blunders, In melting strains, and loud as thunders,

Like maddened bees they’ll then arise, And sting you deep, your words despise.
For your advice they’ll loudly blame you-- Misrepresent and much defame you. My
dear young friend, now let me say, You’d better tread the beaten way; And never
fail all men to flatter, If right, or wrong, that makes no matter,

Look o’er their faults, and let them be, What others do is naught to thee. Go
join yourself to some big creed, And that will license every deed; Your friends
will then in swarms surround you, And priestly ease and wealth abound you, The
world will then admire the feather, Caress and praise you altogether! When you
behold the priests’ corruptions, And all their craft and interruptions, Say not
a word against their plan, But join the most applauded clan; Be priest yourself
that interest take, And then be mute for conscience’ sake; You’ll find it will
your store increase, To shear the flock and take the fleece,

Pen up your fold within their bounds, Nor let them tread forbidden grounds! Go
feed them on old Popish stuff, On men’s inventions, huge and rough, And swell
them up with pride and fashion, And give them John’s or Martin’s ration! They’ll
scarcely then suspect you wrong, But loudly praise you in the throng,

They’ll love, and fear, strictly obey you, And for your service richly pay you.
Now take my word, while you are young, Lest you be beaten, bruis’d and stung.
And if you will be wayward led, You may too late think what I’ve said. To this
the pen in warmth replied, Thou hypocrite and worse beside, To try to lead me
from the truth, And make me Devil in my youth, Your sage advice I must despise,
And deem it fruitless and unwise;

I heard it with surprise and horror, It fill’d my soul with grief and sorrow. I
see mankind by priests are blinded, But few sincere and honest minded,

They’ve made religion cloak to hide, The works of darkness, sin and pride. I
will not crowd their beaten way, But tell them they are gone astray.

I’ll take the word of God in hand, And on that rock by faith I’ll stand, And
loud oppose the priests’ inventions, Their numerous creeds, and bad intentions.
And though I should be quite alone, And represented sad, forlorn; Though priests
should rise in hosts around me, They shall not daunt, nor once confound me.

I’ll try to teach the truth, and say, Beware of priests, their craft and way,
Their orthodox is now astray!

I care not what they say of me, I was a quill, and quill I’ll be, I’ll mark
their faults--their faults I’ll scribble, Though they may rage and loudly
quibble;

I will not seek my future fame, Nor sink at censure on my name; I’ll speak in
prose and various measure, Without regard to earthly treasure.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 21: JT-19-AN ELEGY
========================================================================

AN ELEGY On the death of RICE HAGGARD, an eminent preacher of the Gospel--well
known, and highly esteemed, in the South and the West by the Christian brethren.
He died at an advanced age in Champaign county, Ohio, when on a journey to
preach the Gospel.

O! Haggard! thou hast left the house of clay, And wing’d thy passage to immortal
day! Kind Angels hail’d thee to their bright abode, And shouted welcome, valiant
son of God.

Imagination points me now thy throne, Among the saints and highest seraphs
known, There dwells thy spirit, and forever reigns, Triumphant in high heaven’s
supernal plains.

No storms distress thee in thy sweet repose, But heavenly peace on thee thy God
bestows. Thy toils are ended, and thy fortunes found, Where golden treasures and
rich spoils abound, Eternal honors crown thy worthy brow, And scenes celestial
open to thee now!

I hail thee gladly in thy robes of white, On streets of gold--in mansions of
delight. No howling winds, nor tempests beat thee there, Nor earthly wants to
generate thy care,

Thou hast escap’d thy native land below, To ever live where trees ambrosial
grow; Thou hast behind thee, left a name revered, That once consoled the saint,
and sinners fear’d?

In youth thy God commanded thee away, From fond pursuits and objects of the
day-- To leave the plough, and all thy friends around, To seek a Savior and the
gospel sound.

Thy parents poor, had never taught thee then To read the Bible, nor to use the
pen; But in the smooth sand thou didst learn to write, And taught thyself to
read by faggot light!

Not long till science shone upon thy mind, Thy sins forsaken and thy soul
refined, The Savior’s call to sound the Jubilee, Was loudly heard and then
obey’d by thee.

In melting strains thy youthful voice was heard, And weeping eyes among the
crowds appear’d; Thy sonorous voice, like silver trumpet’s sound, Awak’d the
sinner from his sleep profound; Convinced him he was on the downward way,
Constrained him to repent, to weep and pray.

Thy friends--a num’rous train, now left in tears, To mourn thee absent for some
tedious years, Do fondly hope to meet thee once again, Where death is foil’d in
heav’ns extended plain.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 22: JT-20-ON WINTER.
========================================================================

ON WINTER.

Farewell, ye pleasant shades and blooming flow’rs, Ye passing zephyrs and
refreshing showers, Farewell, ye plumy birds in mellow lay, And all ye pleasures
of a summer’s day.

Cold winter comes and nips with frost the bloom, And shrouds the forests with a
sullen gloom He binds the mellow earth in icy chains, And shakes his hoary locks
and grimly reigns.

He comes in howling tempests, frosts and snow, And swells his chilly blasts on
all below; He drives his northern storms along the sky, And growls loud terrors
as he passes by.

Dark clouds presage his giant presence near, And forests loose the foliage of
the year; He binds the waters--flings his snows amain, And drifts the mountain
and the distant plain.

Beneath his steps a thousand insects die, And skulking beasts unite a frighted
cry, His chilling breath makes nature’s beauties fade, Despoils the umbrage of
the bow’ry shade. The songs are hush’d that thrill’d along the plain, And flocks
and herds lie down with sullen pain; The summer birds have fled his chilling
sway, To chaunt their notes along in milder day; The plains and forests mourn
his frosty hand, The feeble sun scarce peeps upon the land. So shall the days of
youthful sports be sped, And wintry age shall whiten on the head,

No revel scenes to cheer the old man’s pow’rs, But dull and cheerless drag his
tedious hours; The charms of earth now fading in his eye, Bid him farewell, and
far forever fly!


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 23: JT-21-THE RURAL CHRISTIAN
========================================================================

THE RURAL CHRISTIAN

There lives a man remote from pride, From ostentation free, The holy spirit is
his guide-- But few so kind as he.

No gorgeous pillars prop his dome, Nor pompous art display’d; But there remains
his humble home, Immersed in willow shade.

Around this antique dwelling grows, The sweet perennial flowers, That scent the
zephyr as it blows Along the leafy bowers.

The waving blue grass makes the green, And woos the passing eyes; While flowing
shrub’ry deck the scene, And Lombard poplars rise.

A fruitful garden then extends Along the passing way; And with surrounding
beauty blends, And crowns the toils of May.

But all this outward rural bloom, Can faintly point to thee, The bliss that
decks the cottage room, When strangers come to see.

The wants of nature are supplied, By mercy’s tender hand; With this the man is
satisfied, And would no more demand.

His humble wife and children sweet, In harmony unite; And round the throne of
mercy meet-- Enjoy supreme delight.

There meekness, peace and friendship dwell, Upon that hallow’d ground; And from
each breast sweet praises swell, For blessings they have found.

His wealth is more than shining dust, Or more than kings bestow-- A hope of
crowns that cannot rust, Releas’d from earth below.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 24: JT-22-RETIREMENT.
========================================================================

RETIREMENT.

Let me retire from noisy fire, From cares of wealth and scenes of strife, And
build my cottage where Kind nature gives a cooling spring, And merry birds wild
anthems sing, And flowers spontaneous there.

From sordid cares my mind would soar, And trace the ways of God the more, And
swell his praises high; My want’s but few would be supplied, I’d seek no more on
earth beside, But look beyond the sky.

Should winter blow his Boreal storm, I’d make my little cottage warm, And gather
round the fire; My babes would smile and prattle sweet, My wife, myself, and all
would meet, In one harmonic choir.

I’d teach the infant mind to pray, And point it to a brighter day, Than
transient suns can give; I’d join myself in holy song, The praise of God I would
prolong, And thus I’d wish to live.

Should vernal suns expand the green, And blooming beauties deck the scene, I’d
take the pleasant share; To cultivate a little soil, And see my labors and my
toil, A welcome harvest bear.

The world might pass me by with scorn, Esteem me wretched and forlorn, Not
worthy of her train; She might not know I had a name, Unless it were contempt
and shame, Erratic in the brain.

But why should I regard the world? With all her glories wide unfurl’d, And all
her golden store? She proffers more than she contains, Her pleasures turn to
grief and pains, And satisfy no more.

Her noisy sons who dash the street And scorn their equals when they meet, Know
not their danger nigh; But soon, alas! their race will end, And then without a
heavenly friend, How wretched must they die!

But me, the giddy world knows not, Obscured within my rural cot, I have what
nature gives; For me the sun shines bright and clear, For me refreshing rains
appear, For me the harvest lives.

I envy not the rich man’s store, I have his share, and ten times more, A
heavenly peace within; My God in all his works I praise To him my raptur’d soul
I raise, Above the world and sin.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 25: JT-23-THE POLAR STAR.
========================================================================

THE POLAR STAR.

All hail I thou midnight constant guide, Thou steady polar star; The sailor on
the stormy tide, Salutes thee from afar.

When wind and billows long prevail, And clouds of darkness rise, Then sailors’
art and courage fail, Beneath inclement skies.

On boist’rous seas unfriendly tossed, The vessel runs astray; The pilot has his
compass lost, Nor knows the dang’rous way.

But when the clouds disperse and fly, And heaven grows calm and clear, He sees
thee shining in the sky, And bids farewell to fear.

His course direct, by thee he learns, And seeks the destined strand; The dangers
of the deep discerns, And finds his native land.

The lonely pilgrim as he strays, Nor devious path can see, May boldly tread the
sylvan maze, And safely trust in thee.

But should the sky thick clouds resume, And hide thee from his sight, He’s lost!
and wanders in the gloom, And wanders from the right.

Ah! could we always see thee plain, Nor clouds to interpose, We then could ride
the stormy main, Nor fear the wind that blows.

But yonder shines a brighter beam, Amid the throne of heaven; His blest
illuminating gleam, Lights up the darkest eve’n.

While sailing on the tide of life, The boist’rous billows roll, The stormy winds
of angry strife, Alarm the fainting soul.

Sometimes how dark the hemisphere, How roll the seas below-- How nigh the rocks
of death appear, How strong the tides of wo!

My vessel tossed on distant seas, Her sails are ripped and torn; She reels
before the stormy breeze, And makes me pensive mourn.

But all the dangers that arise, Can’t make me yet despair; I see my pilot in the
skies, Who smiling, points me there.

This steady star I keep in sight, As on the waves I’m driven; The veering breeze
may blow me right, And land me save in heaven.

Then let me not so much complain, And let me weep no more; This star directs
across the main, Towards a peaceful shore.

Propitious star, forever shine, And never withdraw from me; Direct this devious
course of mine, Over this tempestuous sea.

O! lead me on to those bright plains, Where my rich treasure lies; Where saints
immortal feel no pains, Nor tears bedew their eyes.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 26: JT-24-THE ROSE.
========================================================================

THE ROSE.

Within the garden there expands, A blooming fragrant flower; That captivates me,
as it stands, With its enchanting power.

Its modest grace, and sweet perfume, So harmonize together, Old Eden can’t its
tints assume, In lovely vernal weather!

Its sweet companions smile around, And wave their proudest orders, But such a
beauty can’t be found, In all the flowery borders.

Its dress is rich beyond compare, Plain, humble, unassuming, More beauteous than
its kindred fair, More od’rous, sweet and blooming.

Kind nature hath on it impress’d, A rich perfume to lave it, We long remember it
is blest Though winds annoy and wave it.

But, O! this sweet enchanting rose, How thick with thorns surrounded-- I’ve
tried to pluck it, as it grows, But often have been wounded.

Its thorns have pierced me to the sense, Before I thought of danger, And
frequently inflict offence, To the incautious stranger.

The full blown rose will fade away, Its glory soon be blighted, Its beauty
wither and decay, Not worthy to be plighted.

There is a rose of sweeter grace, And ever more inviting, It is the lovely
female face, With all her charms delighting.

This lovely, captivating form, The raptured soul surprises; The stoic heart, her
features warm, While strange attachment rises.

Here virtue, beauty, grace conjoined, In every blooming feature, How tender,
sweet and well refined, Infatuating creature!

No jewel half so priz’d I see, The best and richest treasure, A faithful friend
she’s prov’d to me, The meed of human pleasure.

But, O! that bloom may soon decay, With clouds be overshaded, I would lament the
ruthless day, That saw her scath’d and faded.

But should the bloom in virtue shine, I always will remember, That tender
friend--I call her mine, In frosts of bleak December.

’Tis virtue that will never fade, Let virtue’s robes adorn her, I then will love
her in the shade, And will not, cannot scorn her.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 27: JT-25-A DIRGE.
========================================================================

A DIRGE.

Lord, what am I? Ah, who can say? A man! a worm! a clod of clay! Ingenious form,
of wond’rous birth, Of high degree, a child of earth.

Corrupted matter, low confined, Possess’d of spirit closely joined, Impoverish’d
reptile, drowned in woes, Without a friend--pursued by foes.

My life, how like the gliding stream; Or like the nightly vanish’d dream; My
transient day is nothing more, Than bubbles bursting on the shore.

The oceans tow’ry billows rise, And seem to climb amid the skies, But soon they
sink, and roll away, Not co-existent with the day.

So would I vainly place my seat, That men should move beneath my feet, But soon,
alas! I must descend, Where dust enfolds our earthly end.

But tho’ I have short time to stay, In this imprisoned tent of clay, I have a
mind--that mind can trace Beyond the grave, a boundless space.

This reasoning sense, a part divine, Death can’t destroy, nor grave confine,
That speaks a God, proclaims an hour, When death shall lose his tyrant pow’r.

I feel within, a lucid ray, That ope’s to me eternal day, An ardent sense to
grasp a prize, Not found where earthly treasure lies.

I will forsake those swarms that play, Like floating gnats on summer’s day, That
skim along like butterflies, And fell unfledg’d with sad surprise.

I claim no kin to their gay race, I count their pride my low disgrace, Their
wealth, their pleasure, and their fame, Are flitting shades--an empty name.

I claim my kindred, not with earth, And none but those of heavenly birth; No
hoards I seek of golden ore, But look for treasures valued more.

The earth can’t long confine me here, I’ll bid farewell without a tear, To all
her cares, and mount the skies, And seize my lov’d, immortal prize.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 28: JT-26-A THOUGHT ON WAR.
========================================================================

A THOUGHT ON WAR.

Like mighty storms on winter’s sky, Descending from the hills, That rake
destruction as they fly, And sweep the trembling rills.

So war with his attendant host Approximates the field, There champion chiefs
their courage boast, Nor will the contest yield.

They give command and rush amain, The soldiers bleed around,

And countless numbers lick the plain, And bleed upon the ground.

When foaming streams together meet. And toss their surges high, When, on the
rocky shallows beat, The rooted forests die.

So chief with chief, and mall, with man, In battle’s dread affright, Commix and
rage, and kill who can, And heap the bloody sight.

From wing to wing the carnage runs, No hiding place is near, Wide wasting death,
in cannon guns, In sword, in dart and spear.

A thousand thunders shake the sky, The frighted clouds look pale, A thousand
heroes gasp and die, And blanch upon the vale.

Promiscuous slaughter raves along, And thins the rank and file, How soon, alas!
he wastes the throng, And heaps the reeking soil.

Relations, friends and brothers dear, In murd’rous conflict meet, And stain with
blood the polish’d spear, And die at other’s feet.

Let ocean break divine decrees, And whelm the guilty shore Let pestilence tile
cities siege, And slay a thousand more.

Let earthquakes shake the distant strand, And wide dispart the earth; Alarm the
nations as they stand, And stop their guilty mirth.

Let famine rage along the plain, And waste our wicked race, Let glutton’d
monarchs feel the pain, And wear a haggard face.

And should our crimes yet more inflame, O Lord, thy dreadful ire, Then teach us
all our guilt and shame, By mildews, blasts and fire.

These are thy scourges, Lord, we know, To humble human pride, But stay thy hand,
nor strike the blow, And better things provide.

But war with his attendant woes, Is not from thee, divine, From hellish passions
he arose, And no descent of thine.

Let nations know the gospel strain, And hear the Savior’s lore; Let them the
Christian cause maintain And war shall be no more.

Let swords be made to plough the field, And spears to sickles turn; O, may the
world to Jesus yield, And his example learn.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 29: JT-27-THE VERNAL SEASON.
========================================================================

THE VERNAL SEASON.

Farewell, thou stormy rig’rous blast, Your gloomy horrors now are past, And all
your frowns seren’d at last, By smiles of lovely spring. From orient realms the
vernal sun, Appears again--the prize is won, His cheerful beams reviving run,
And make creation sing.

The torpid insects move again, Forget the gripe of winter’s chain, And scatter
o’er the smiling plain, And tell their modes of joy; A thousand notes of music
sweet, Resound aloud from each retreat, With one accord the songsters meet, And
all their tongues employ.

The savage beasts of fiercer flame, The herds and flocks of ev’ry name, Their
various joys aloud proclaim, While sounding anthems swell; The far sequestered
forests join, The heaths and meadows all combine, And sound aloud the hymn
divine, The God of nature tell.

Unnumbered charms attract the sight, The purple, blue and spotless white, That
dress all nature with delight, Inflame my ravish’d soul; The umbrage of the
distant trees, The pinks awaken’d by the breeze, The blushing rose, well formed
to please, My senses sweet control.

The orchards smile in fragrant bloom, The desert wastes their flowers assume,
And wanton zephyrs waft perfume, Along the passing air; The lofty mountains ope
their green, The low sunk vales that lie between, Put on the beauty of the
scene, And wave enchantment there.

Let stoic hearts conjoin to sing, The parent of returning spring, And mount on
soft, celestial wing, Above the earthly clod; Let nature teach their souls to
raise Unceasing thanks and songs of praise, And mingle in harmonic lays, To
their Creator God.

The scene how like the vernal years, When youth in every face appears, And
nought to start the trickling tears, Nor cause the rising sigh; The rapt’rous
prospects wide extend, While hope and joy each other blend, The flattered youth
desires no end, And thinks no blasts are nigh.

Remember that the rose will fade, And all the beauty of the glade, With all the
foliage of the shade, Shall droop and die again; So may the fondest, blooming
face, The object of an am’rous race, Soon wither into cold disgrace, And heave
the heart in pain.

Temptations haunt the female’s way, By chance the fondest passions may Allure to
danger, quite astray, O youth, be well aware; Be modest, virtuous--ever try,
Trust not the fancy of your eye, Lest from your heart your comfort fly, And
leave a sorrow there.

Behold the time is drawing near, When transient charms shall disappear, Again
all nature shall be drear, And chant no more to you; Endure a chaste and
virtuous toil, Enjoy the season with a smile, And take a large immortal spoil,
For that shall be your due.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 30: JT-28-AN EVENING THOUGHT.
========================================================================

AN EVENING THOUGHT.

The vernal season bloomed around, The sky was clear and mild, I mused upon the
scene profound, Without a thought, defiled.

The fainting sun declined my view, Low sunken in the west, His golden beams
through ether flow, And charmed my thinking breast.

Calm may my moments roll away, And not a crime be seen, Nor darkening clouds
conclude my day Nor tempest intervene.

And when this life on earth shall end, And day shall close in night; Then may my
soul to heaven ascend, To hail supernal light.

Then can my friends in raptures say, The pilgrim’s gone to rest, He’s wing’d
along his airy way, To be forever blest.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 31: JT-29-THOUGHTS OF RETIREMENT.
========================================================================

THOUGHTS OF RETIREMENT.

O could I find some distant spot, Amid wild nature’s bowers, ’Tis there I’d
build my humble cot, And spend remaining hours.

I need not then forget to sleep, Nor should my soul repine, For cruel wrongs I
need not weep, Nor blush for deeds not mine.

The richest man I’d envy not, With all his silken pride, I’d pity his unhappy
lot, With servants at his side.

His gold, his purple and his lace, And all his pompous store, Will run him
through all airy race, And leave him wretched, poor.

I want my portion, not of dross, Nor outward gaudy show, What this proud world
esteems but loss, And melancholy woe.

A golden treasure safe in heaven, A crown of glory there, The crimes committed
be forgiven, My Savior’s image bear.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 32: JT-30-AN APOSTROPHE TO THE EVENING STAR.
========================================================================

AN APOSTROPHE TO THE EVENING STAR.

Let me admire You evening star, Bright beaming in the West, He rides on his
ethereal car, To light the world to rest.

The murmurs of the distant stream, Come rolling on the ear, While glances of his
silv’ry beam Around his groves appear.

Alas! how short, though blest, his stay, With this our dreary world. His welcome
hours roll fast away, How soon in darkness furl’d

Farewell, if thou must hasty go, And leave me here alone, Cease not to shine on
travelers low, And cheer them when they groan.

Transcendent light! thou heavenly beam, Now on my soul arise, And wake me from
my fairy dream, And brighten round my skies.

O never roll thyself away, But shine forever clear, That I may walk in cloudless
day, And lose my nightly fear.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 33: JT-31-THE WONDERS OF CREATION.
========================================================================

THE WONDERS OF CREATION.

I’ll sing aloud creation’s wonders, And praise my God in every lay, And speak of
lightnings, roaring thunders, That fill the heart with dread dismay. O stop ye
vain, and look around you, Behold the blackness of the sky. The terrors of a God
confound you, As raving whirlwinds pass you by.

All nature quakes at death so nigh her, And trembles at the steps of God;
Electric matter flashes fire, And mountains shudder at his nod. Great hail
storms from the clouds descending Fall rapid on the trembling ground, Strong
trees before the tempest bending. Groan sadly with the dismal sound.

Now let me trace the starry regions, When sable clouds are roll’d away:
Astonished see the shining legions, Irradiate the close of day. I see the orbs
of lucid glory, Roll swift along the realms of night, But who can tell their
mystic story, Or trace their far ethereal flight.

Imagination’s highest flying, Can never bound the ample place, Where those
revolving globes are viewing In tracts of wide eternal space. The moon in lunar
blaze advances, And climbs the firmament on high, While every star in glory
dances, Far round the vast extended sky.

The sun appears in brighter blazes, And pours his floods of light around, He
rolls along his louder praises, Nor once forgets the song profound. His presence
cheers the earth with gladness, And all the nations hail him near; Before him
flies chaotic sadness, And sable spectres disappear.

I now will view the earth around me, And see th’extended scene below; Here
wonders rising still astound me, Where rivers, seas and fountains flow. There
lies the great, expansive ocean, Old mother of the distant spring, Raised into
high, tremendous motion, By Neptune’s wide encircling wing.

The rivers’ far sequestered sources, Unceasing search the distant main, Thro’
rugged mountains burst their courses, Nor once attempt to start in vain; Through
fertile vales they often wander, In lonely deserts push their way; ’Tis on their
banks I often ponder, Upon life’s swift descending day.

For on the lofty mountain’s bower, I have beheld the distant scene, The marks of
a creative power, In every object intervene. The far projected rocks ascending,
Sublimely fills the roving eye, The ruder steeps around extending, Seem lost
amidst the azure sky.

Far off I see the rural village, And wide surrounding meadows there. The fertile
valleys smile with tillage, And waving harvests richly bear; Methinks I see the
rustic smiling, While ruddy milk maids pass along: O would they in their daily
toiling, Ascribe to God their constant song.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 34: JT-32-A PRAYER IN TROUBLE.
========================================================================

A PRAYER IN TROUBLE.

I long to rise and sear away, And leave distress behind; O would those clouds
that make me stray Forsake this troubled mind.

O would the sun once more arise, And shine forever bright, That I might wipe my
weeping eyes, And bid farewell to-night.

Too long, alas! I’ve been oppressed, With sorrow, grief and sin, And none but
Christ can make me blest, Or give me peace within.

’Tis for his sake I’d leave all things, Upon this earthly sphere, O, had I but
celestial wings, I’d soon with him appear.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 35: JT-33-ODE ON THE PRIMEVAL AGES.
========================================================================

ODE ON THE PRIMEVAL AGES.

My flut’ring fancy flies along O’er all the wide creation, The ard’ous flight
she would prolong, See each and every nation, View golden days by poets sung,
When harmony abounded, And man and Eden were but young, And vocal praise
resounded.

She there would pause and look around, To see the plains extended, And hark to
hear the song profound, Of ev’ry creature blended. Along the margin of the
glade, Were copious rivers gliding, Promiscuous flocks beneath the shade, In
mutual bliss abiding.

The elements of nature slept, Nor heard were storms and thunder, No man had ever
sigh’d or wept, Nor caus’d to quake and wonder. Young zyphyrs gently fann’d the
rose, And played along the bow’rs, Transporting joys, unmixed with woes,
Refreshed the cheerful hours.

She there beholds all men unite, No rumors heard among them, The law of love was
law of right, Nor conscious guilt had stung them. Propitious nature gave them
bread, She gave them milk and honey, With liberal hand each one was fed, Without
the aid of money.

No blood had stain’d their harmless hands, Unknown were wars and plunder, No foe
had found their peaceful lands, To cut their cords asunder; Shepherds and swains
in concert meet, To tune the Edenian lyre, Matrons and maids each other greet,
And join the gleeful choir.

Their festivals were crowned with joy, All had an equal portion, A thousand
tongues the song employ, Far distant from commotion; No changing clime had yet
been seen, Nor elevated mountains, The vocal plains were ever green, Refresh’d
by cooling fountains.

Long lived those sons in Eden born, No foul disease annoyed them, No hapless
child was found forlorn, No pestilence destroyed them; A thousand years were as
a day-- A day of purest pleasure, The sky serene--it rolled away, And crowned
their earthly treasure.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 36: JT-34-THE ALLUREMENTS OF THE WORLD FORSAKEN.
========================================================================

THE ALLUREMENTS OF THE WORLD FORSAKEN.

Kind heaven command my soul away, From all sublunar things, Nor let me make a
moment’s stay, Beneath a seraph’s wings.

I’ve seen the world unfold her arms, And spread her smiles around, But anguish
broods beneath her charms, And hidden tears abound.

She bears a cup of fancied joys, And dances as she goes; The sons of folly she
decoys, And leaves them drown’d in woes.

O, let me fly from her below, And seek my constant rest, Where tranquil joys
serenely flow, In heav’nly grace possess’d.

Let me arise above the fame, Of riches and renown, Above in earthly monarch’s
name, To an immortal crown.

My soul from all pollution clean, Shall soar above the world, Tho’ at me all her
arrows lean, With all her unfurI’d.

Let me from all her haunts retreat, Her dazzling charms forbear, Nor may the
wanderings of my feet, Be found familiar there.

I sing farewell to friendship here, To all the world’s delight; Her proudest
glories disappear, And close in endless night.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 37: JT-35-ODE TO SPRING.
========================================================================

ODE TO SPRING.

Hail! thou lovely vernal season, Welcome to this cheerless earth, Welcome to our
sense and reason, Parent of reviving birth. Earth is full of music sounding,
Nature smiles in blushing grace, At thy presence swarms abounding, Singing in
their new born race.

Now the groves and distant mountains, Ope their umbrage to the day, On the meads
along the fountains, Bleating lambkins frisk and play. Wintry storms have ceased
their blowing, Gentle breezes fan the sky, Birds are singing, herds are lowing,
Hungry beasts forget to sigh.

Morning zephyrs wake the roses, Sweet flow’rs dress the vales below, On the lawn
the swain reposes, Hears the brooks in murmurs flow; Larks awake our morning
slumbers, With an early song of praise, Vocal groves with various numbers, Fill
the earth with tuneful lays.

Come on ye mild refreshing showers. Swell the bosom of the earth, Wake up the
vegetative powers, Let them have a fruitful birth O, let me see the orchards
blooming, Rustics healthy plough the green, And the milk maid unassuming,
Pensive moving over the scene.

Wake up the heart and tune the lyre, Sing an anthem to the sky, Let male and
female form the choir, Raise seraphic music high, Join the song, ye pensive,
fearful, Send it up to God in heaven, Let the soul be always cheerful, Always
tranquil, smooth and even.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 38: JT-36-AN APOSTROPHE TO THE MOON.
========================================================================

AN APOSTROPHE TO THE MOON.

O moon! arise, fair nymph of heav’n. Unveil thy lovely face, Shine o’er the
hills, light up the ev’n. Nor stay thy welcome race.

Thou contest forth a blushing maid, All mantled o’er with gold, Before thee
flies the misty shade, And clouds are from thee roll’d.

Thy golden beams are hail’d with joy, Among the woodmen here, The lonely
shepherd and his boy, With new strung harps appear.

The smiling hills and mountains glow, With glancing dew-drops bright, The
babbling brooks with pleasure flow Along the silent night.

I’ve seen thy twinkling beams, Along the darksome shade, Then rais’d alone, a
solemn song, And nightly fears were laid.

But in one night of solemn toil, Thy face shall blush in blood, And from thy
orbit thou shalt roll, Far through a fiery flood!

Thy deep blue shall then be lost, Thy disk no more shall glow, Thyself in wrecks
of matter toss’d, Shall to that ruin go!

But now thou dost in splendor ride, In thy ethereal car. Expand thy smiles of
gladness wide, And send thy glories far.

Disperse your clouds, ye winds that blow, And let this maid of night, In full
effulgence blaze below, And give the shades her light.

So may my clouds of error fly, And light within arise, That I may fear no danger
nigh, Beneath my cloudless skies.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 39: JT-37-THE WORLD TURNED PEACOCK.
========================================================================

THE WORLD TURNED PEACOCK.

Among domestic fowls I see, Whate’er his name or nature be, He is a fop, I
answer thee, And loves to show his feathers; When vernal stills serene the
skies, He struts about and proudly tries, To show his graces to our eyes, And
looks disdain on others.

I grant ’tis beauty there we find, In that long train he drags behind, He looks
quite gay and well refin’d, No other half so gaudy; He wide expands his plumage
round, Where azure, gold and blue abound, He vainly treads along the ground,
Craves praise from every body!

But this vain fowl of which we boast, Of all the fowls the public toast, Is not
often used to broil or roast, Nor ever worth his feeding; His plumage lasts not
half the year, When that may chance to disappear, He looks quite shabby, full of
fear, And indicates low breeding.

He makes no music when he sings, He cannot fly with unfledg’d wings, No profit
to the public brings, His pageantry has faded; He’s nothing left our note to
gain, We all rejoin and now disdain, The flow so proud and once so vain, And now
so just degraded.

Thus the vain word with all her beaux, When dress’d in ribbons and fine clothes.
Her beauty and her grandeur shows, Disdaining all below her; Too much engaged to
look ahead, She turns and struts where she may tread, Her trimmings all to
public spread She wishes all to know her.

Her sweet perfume and curled hair, Her silks, and bows, and ribbons there,
Behold the sight! who can forbear, To love And run and take her? She dazzles in
her plumage gay, She turns her beauties to the day, And struts along the public
way, Ah! who could well forsake her.

She now assumes a sword in hand, Turns gen’ral, giving loud command, Stands head
of the surrounding band, While thousands round adore her; Her epaulettes and
buttons blaze, She now achieves in martial ways, The universal public gaze, That
flashes far before her.

She oft turns merchant and declares, Superior worth is all her wares, The giddy
youth turns round and stares, And sees them all so pretty; ’Tis there she
flatters--often lies, Deceives the vain, offends the wise, And hides the faults
from him that buys, Talks pleasantly and witty.

She’s a coquette in every art, She shows at first the better part, And charms
the vain, deluded heart, And brings him on to love her; I see each sex and every
age, In warm attachment all engage, Run after her with equal rage, Determin’d
all to prove her.

She courted me with lurid charms, I fell within her closing arms, My thirst
allay’d--I felt alarms, I wanted then to leave her; Again she clasp’d me to her
breast, And said she’d make me further blest, Remove my fears and give me rest,
But I would not believe her.

I broke her gold-ensnaring chain, And turned from her with strong disdain,
Resolved to love her not again, Nor hear her voice enchanting; I set my heart
above her name, Despised her with contempt and shame, And now for high, immortal
fame My soul is ardent panting.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 40: JT-38-BIGOTRY REPORTED.
========================================================================

BIGOTRY REPORTED.

A horrid thing pervades the land, The priests and prophets in a band, (Called by
the name of preachers,) Direct the superstitious mind, What man shall do his God
to find, He must obey his teachers.

Those leaders, differing in their mode, Each traveling in a different road,
Create a sad division; Each one believes he must be right, And vents at others
all his spite, Contemns them with derision.

Their proselytes around them wait, To hear them preach, and pray, and prate, And
tell their growing numbers; They love to hear their preachers tell, The adverse
sects will go to hell, All laid in guilt and slumbers.

Each party has its special rules, Borrowed from bishops, popes and schools, And
thinks them best of any; And yet they change to suit the times, And differ in
the different climes, To catch the passing penny.

They are directed to obey, And never tread another way, All others are deceivers
; All those who do dissent from this, Are not within the road to bliss, Nor can
be true believers.

Some thousands thus are dup’d and led, By prejudice and priestcraft fed, Who
love to bold contention; Their old confessions they defend, For human rules do
strong contend, The ground of much dissention.

Is this religion? I God forbid, The light within the cloud is bid, My soul be
not deceived The Great Redeemer never told The priests to separate his fold, And
this I’ve long believed.

I love religion--do declare, That peace and love are ever there, And universal
kindness; The Bible is my rule for this, It points me to eternal bliss, Dispels
Sectarian blindness,

Let Christians now unite and say, We’ll throw all human rules away, And take
God’s word to rule us; King Jesus shall our leader be, And in his name we will
agree, The priests no more shall fool us.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 41: JT-39-WOMAN.
========================================================================

WOMAN.

The richest blessing men can find, On all the earth below, Is woman, faithful,
true and kind, Blest soother of our woe.

When elements of nature rise, And threaten to devour, She like an angel of the
skies, Bespeaks a milder hour.

When fortune frowns and we’re distress’d, And thousand sorrows swell, Her mild
caresses make its blest, We think that all is well,

In distant lands, where strangers are Unkind, and cruel too, Site shows the same
affection there, A tender heart and true.

She feels the weight of all our sighs, And all our groans she hears, She pities
oft with weeping eyes, Nor spares her streaming tears.

When sickness makes our spirits faint, We languish and deplore, Her fondling
smiles ease all complaint, And we repine no more.

When melancholy fills the heart, And darkens all the day, She has the pleasing
sov’reign art, To drive it all away. Pure gold without her is but dross, For
gold has never blessed, She is the crown of every loss, The richest crown
possessed.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 42: JT-40-AN ELEGY,
========================================================================

AN ELEGY, On the death of Mrs. DIANA GOWDY, of Xenia, Ohio, daughter of John and
Elizabeth Morgan, of Shenandoah County. Va. who departed this life October 10,
1829, in hope of a happy immortality. Aged about 27 years.

O! help me muse to sing that worthy name, And give her virtues to immortal fame,
That generations yet unborn may read: The female graces all in he’ll agreed.

In infant years she was her parents’ pride, No child so comely, nor so lov’d
beside, Her form her beauty and her nat’ral grace, Were mostly perfect of the
female race. Kind nature dress’d her for her fairest child, Beheld her kindling
charms, and fondly smil’d; She stored the virtues in her youthful breast, And
seem’d content that she was thus possess’d.

She was accomplish’d with politest mien, In all her movements elegance was seen,
Her modest worth and cultivated mind, Bespoke her plainly, polisli’d and
refin’d.

As flowing lilies, and the opening rose, Expand their blushes when the zephyr
blows, And pour their charming beauties on the sight, And give the raptur’d soul
supreme delight; So were a thousand charms upon her plac’d, None were so
beauteous--so supremely grac’d, She was the pride and toast of all the fair, And
all delight in her presence there.

She was not careless of that better part, That lifts the soul and purifies the
heart, She learned her Savior, and his laws obeyed, And safe in heaven her
future hope she laid; Her soul was pious, innocent and mild, To heaven related,
nor by earth beguiled.

In her full blown arrived her bridal day, Her consort lived in regions far away,
Few days were I passed, she left her native lands, And took her distant home
where Xenia stands.

She graced the station of a virtuous wife, And lived remote from vanity and
strife; With generous hand she often blest the poor, Who sought a pittance at
her parlor door, Her name was honored, and her name was dear, And sounded sweet
in every listening ear, She was too good on earth to be confined, Her soul was
fit with angels to be joined.

Her bridal years were few--they roll’d away, And brought distress, a mournful
weeping day; Stern death approach’d, and in his arms she slept. Her husband,
friends, and distant strangers wept, She left a husband drowned in flowing
tears, And solemn gloom ’mong num’rous friends appears; No time, nor place, can
wipe away the grief, That bursted from their hearts without relief. O! dreadful
day! that saw her buried deep In silent dust! how did spectators weep; And while
their streaming tears fell from their eyes, Her soul ascended to the upper
sides.

What anguish wrung her tender parents’ breasts, When first they heard, "in dust
Diana rests;" Their house was fill’d with mourning and with gloom, Far from
Diana’s sacred honored tomb! Could they have wept around her dying bed. Could
they have seen her lying pale and dead, Could they have walked the solemn
fun’ral stop, And seen the spot where their Diana slept! They could have borne
their grief with less despair, To bid farewell to dear Diana there!

She calmly died, her eyes were clos’d in peace, And all her sorrows in one
moment cease; The angels met her at death’s iron door, And safe conveyed her to
the heavenly shore! Methinks she mounted on celestial wings, And there with
Christians and with seraphs sings! Why weep ye, parents? Your Diana stands,
Enrolled in glory in celestial lands; Your child has left a painful world below,
And found a land where living pleasures flow.

No fell disease to fade her beauty there, No parting pains, nor world’s
distressing care, She dwells in peace--o’er tyrant death she reigns, And wears
her crown in heaven’s supernal plains.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 43: JT-41-DESCRIPTION OF NIGHT.
========================================================================

DESCRIPTION OF NIGHT.

How dull, how dark, how sable is the night, She’s hid creation from my raptur’d
sight, Horrific clouds come rolling round the sky, And on the hills in tow’ring
columns lie! The distant vale is wrapp’d in silent gloom, Where darkling birds
their boding notes resume. No twinkling star thro’ opening clouds appears, No
brighter moon to banish nightly fears, But winds loud howling in the mountain
far, Rush on amain in their ether’al car; A sullen breeze drives wide the
cottage door, And warns the owner to prepare for more. The valley stream slow
murmurs to the ear, But murmurs mournful as the breezes veer.

From yon lone tree, not distant from the grave, Where lie the wise, the coward
and the brave, I hear the owl long hooting o’er the dead, Along the place where
ghostly shadows sped! Far distant, where the lonely cottage stands, Beside the
gurgling brook, in wilder’d lands, The howling dog is heard--the echoes mourn,
And on the quivering breeze are distant borne.

The stag lies snuffing on the mountain side, The timid hind, his faithful,
bouncing bride, Becomes alarm’d but hears the breezes pass His spiry horns--then
nips the mossy grass. The bounding roe is in the rocky cleft, In nightly
slumbers he is lonely left; The heathcock’s head is hid beneath his wing, The
woody warblers have forgot to sing, The fearless beasts and all the merry birds,
Have sought retreat, and the domestic herds, No sounds concordant in the passing
air, The owl’s loud hoots, are only wafted there; Or yelling wolf along the
cottage way, Or barking fox who seeks his nightly prey.

The lonely stranger in the desert wide, Has lost his way, and knows not where to
guide; Thro’ shrubs and thorns, a devious course he bends, In miry bogs, in
winding rills descends; He fears to tread, he fears the ghosts of night, He
trembling goes, but wanders from the right. The old trees groan along the silent
ground, And passing goblins whisper in the sound! Alas! he tries, but tries in
vain to know, Where he should find a safer path to go; He finds no friend to
loud him timely aid, But sinks in death amid the gloomy shade!

So would the prodigal with flowing eyes, With lifted hands and penitential
cries, Deplore his wayward course so eager run, But now so wretched--nought but
mis’ry won. My friends receive the pilgrim for the night, Solace his sorrows
till the morning light, And when his journey and his days shall close, O, may no
fears disturb his last repose.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 44: JT-42-A REFLECTION ON READING HISTORY.
========================================================================

A REFLECTION ON READING HISTORY.

The blazing sun in rapid haste, Conveys the time away, And so the ancient ages
waste, And splendid works decay.

I’ve read of ancient cruel war, That wakens up my soul, I see the tide of blood
afar, And seas of crimson roll.

What have my ancient fathers done? How have the sages fled! They fell in battles
lost or won, All mingled with the dead.

The lofty spires and towers they made, The grandeur of a day, Are long ago in
rubbish laid, Like shadows fled away.

The proudest kings who nations sway’d, Have fallen from the throne, Death called
them to his lonely shade, And made their power his own.

What is all this pomp I see? This grasp for human power? A pomp of nothing! and
’twill flee, In the ensuing hour.

How long in dust my fathers sleep-- I soon most follow there; Those eyes shall
then forget to weep, And all those tears forbear.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 45: JT-43-AN ELEGY,
========================================================================

AN ELEGY, On the death of MRS. NESMITH, who departed this life May, 1822.

Some poets choose the names of noble birth, To sound their fame far thro’ the
list’ning earth, And tell they conquered, or they rul’d a throne, While
trembling thousands their dominion own.

But I will sing a name in earth remote, (O, for poetic fire! to touch my note,)
And tell the virtue and the grace that lie Concealed from notice of the public
eye. An aged female, youthful once and gay, That bloom’d as roses in the vernal
day; Her youth she spent in fashion’s flow’ry road, Perhaps forgetful of herself
and God!

She early wedded to a man unknown, To smiling fortune, or to high renown, Became
obscure, and by the world oppressed, By hard misfortune, and by sin, distressed:
Her worldly prospects from her cottage fled, Like noon-day shadows, all her
pleasures sped, And left her hopeless in the world below, To drink unmixed the
cup of human woe.

She found this life a burden hard to bear, And night had sunk in clouds of dark
despair; But, O! that God who rules in worlds on high, Loud bade her stop, for
she should never die; That word from Heaven like ten-fold thunders roll,
Addressed the sorrows of her sinking soul: "Long hast thou lingered on this
weeping vale, Where grief abounds and thy life’s comforts fail; But thou hast
sinn’d, and sinn’d a thousand ways-- Withheld from God thy service and thy
praise. Dost thou not fear to stand before his throne, Where all thy crimes must
shortly be made known? This life at which thou hast repin’d so long, For thy
eternal bliss I will prolong."

These words address’d, like brilliant floods of day, From off her soul rent all
the clouds away; She then beheld herself--herself accused, She saw her Savior by
her sins abused; Not fit to live, and now afraid to die, Aloud for mercy she
began to cry-- She sought a blessing such as God bestows, And found redemption
from her former woes; Her soul releas’d, to love divine restored, The world
forgotten was no more deplored. By grace illum’d, by grace of God forgiven, She
look’d for her reward laid up in heaven.

Like patient lambs to strokes of death resign, She bears her grief and doth no
more repine; The pomp of fashion and the lap of ease, Her humble soul could now
no longer please-- This earth too mean to seek a resting place, She found a
rest--a rest in heavenly grace. Renew’d in heart, she leads a pious life, A
fondling mother and a virtuous wife.

Like well-oil’d lamps bestow a brilliant light, To show the path in a bewilder’d
night, So her example all around her blaz’d, While saints admir’d, and careless
sinners gaz’d, She read the Bible, and by faith she found, Celestial manna
flow’d on earthly ground; She built her hope on that foundation stone, And
sought the aid which comes from God alone.

Like eagles soar in their lofty flight, Leave meaner prospects far beneath their
sight. So did her soul and her affections rise, Nor found a home beneath the
upper skies. She was a Christian, and to Christians join’d, And not in word--to
works of love inclin’d, No selfish sect, nor human creed, could hold Her pious
soul from loving all the fold. No grace nor virtue that adorns our race, But
seem’d with her to find a welcome place.

When health and friends would in her cottage meet, She sat like Mary at her
Savior’s feet; In sickness she resigned herself to God, And bore with patience
the afflicting rod, When death approach’d, with age her head was gray, She met
the stroke without the least dismay. A husband, sons and daughters wept around,
A mother who had won the heavenly ground. They saw the triumphs of a Savior’s
blood, Disparting all the rage of Jordan’s flood! They saw a saint triumphant
gain the shore, Where tempests rage, and storms arise no more, They heard her
last expiring words declare, "Come follow me, a crown of glory wear."

If absent souls can speak to mortal’s ear, O! give attention and profoundly
hear; Methinks I hear the sister’s voice so sweet, Where ransom’d saints and
angels kindly meet, Recounting all her worldly troubles o’er, Where souls in
triumph are distress’d no more.

Do I imagine that I hear her say-- "O, children, stop, if in the downward way!
Return from sin, nor onward farther go, Lest you may sink in dreadful depths of
wo; My pious son, my pious daughter, too, Hold on your way, your Savior still
pursue; Not long till death shall ope the gates of bliss, And let our ransom’d
souls each other kiss.

Here pains forgotten--souls exalted high, Receive full pleasure in the boundless
sky; Stand firm, my children, in a tempter’s land, Go on to conquer--reach the
heavenly strand, And here we’ll meet on King Immanuel’s shore, Where grief, and
pain, and death distress no more."


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 46: JT-44-OLD AGE.
========================================================================

OLD AGE.

My beauty fades, my eyes grow dim, My frame must soon decay, I feel that every
active limb, Must soon be lifeless clay.

This lamp of life that burns below, Will soon exhaust, and die, This vital fount
shall cease to flow, And all its streams be dry.

I will not tremble at the stroke, If Christ but lend his aid, Although the
thread of life be broke, This flesh in dust be laid.

And though this mortal frame repose, Beneath the grassy clod, My ransom’d soul
shall rest with those Who worship with their God.

Then it shall join in holy song, In praises all divine, With the triumphant
heavenly throng, In endless ages shine.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 47: JT-45-A DREAM--SUCH AS POETS FEIGN.
========================================================================

A DREAM--SUCH AS POETS FEIGN.

Far in a grove alone I stray’d And sought a silent bower, I sat me down beneath
the shade, To muse the happy hour.

The scene was charming to my sight, The wild birds sweetly sang, The vocal woods
gave me delight, And far around me rang.

The place was paradise to me, My thoughts rov’d on amain, I’d found the spot I
long’d to see, And bliss without a pain.

The sweetest feelings of the soul, In one celestial stream, Bore me away with
sweet control, In a seraphic dream.

Methought I saw a damsel fair, And tears were in her eyes, Her head, her breast,
and arms, were bare, I heard her bursting sighs.

I heard her call, and call aloud, To those who pass’d her by, But few among the
busy crowd, Gave her the least reply.

I stopp’d and look’d her in the face-- ’Twas then she sweetly smil’d, Her
features shone with heavenly grace Far more than nature’s child.

I stepp’d toward her, and I cried, O, tell to me thy name, And tell me where
thou dost abide, And whence thy sorrows came.

With diffidence and down-cast eye, In modest tone she spoke, She wiped a tear,
and gave a sigh, And thus her silence broke.

"My name is Charity and Love, Descended from the skies, My native home is heaven
above, Where no distresses rise.

I left the happy millions there, To visit all mankind, I would their restless
souls prepare, A better world to find.

I long have called to every class, To take me by the hand, But some would mock,
and deafly pass, And let me weeping stand.

Some years ago I passed along, Where multitudes reside, And several of the
gazing throng, Engaged me for their bride.

The merchants took me in their store, And learned of me to smile, But this they
did to sell the more, And gain the peasant’s toil.

Mechanics too, of every kind, Entreated me full well, While flatt’ry and deceit
could find, A better way to sell.

But now the times severe have grown, And labor gives no gain, Their hearts are
hard as hardest stone, And me they all disdain.

They’ve turn’d me from their parlor doors, And ston’d me in the street, I find
no place upon their floors, Nor aught of them to eat!

I then besought the priestly clan, To gain a shelter there, Some took me in and
soon began, To celebrate the fair.

They’d dress me up on Sabbath day, And lead me to the place, Where hundreds meet
to sing and pray, And wait for heavenly grace.

But all the week their acts proclaim’d Their negligence to me, They seldom loved
to hear me nam’d And would my presence flee.

Their love to me was not unfeigned, But few I found were true, When thy their
worldly objects gained, They bade me long adieu.

They’ve led me up the pulpit stair, To preach abroad my fame, But oft have
scandalized me there, And push’d me down with shame.

They often rave, and drive me far, From where they stand to preach, And in the
zeal of pulpit war, Their prejudices teach.

They all agree, and have combin’d, To kill me, if they can, They have hunted up
and down to find, And drive me from their clan.

This is the cause, young man, I tell, Why I must wander here, And why so high my
sorrows swell, And I so sad appear.

I now must seek the wilderness, Nor find a cottage nigh, I there must wail my
deep distress, And vent for man my sigh."

I’ll go with thee, I loudly said, And give thee my embrace, With thee, for mail
my tears I’ll shed, In the sequestered place.

These words addressed, I then awoke, And pondered well the theme, And, O! how
charm’d by her that spoke The substance of my dream.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 48: JT-46-ON THOUGHT.
========================================================================

ON THOUGHT.

Amazing thought! how rapid dost thou fly! O’er all the world and round the ample
sky, Thou dost the meads and flowery plains survey, Where nature wantons in
delightful play. From shade to shade thy golden wings have flown, From pole to
pole, and thro’ the burning zone. The tow’ring hill where human never trod,
Where lofty cedars to the whirlwinds nod, Thou dost ascend and fearless travel
there, And stretch thy soaring pinions in the air. Stupendous mounts, projected
in the cloud, Where fork’d lightnings play, and tempests shroud, Where rocky
walls sublimely fill the sight, Thou dost unwearied speed thy wond’rous flight.
Thou canst delight in beauties of the glade, And play along the wild,
sequester’d shade, And trace the rivers as their courses lead, Along the
mountains and the grassy mead. Where rising towns in beauteous order stand, And
superb cities deck the sea-side strand, Where smoky hamlets thro’ the country
rise, And rural landscapes bloom beneath the skies; There thou dost fly and
revel on the scene, And widely wing creation’s vernal green. Where Ætna
struggles and emits her smoke, Or Hekla’s mouth with burning cinders choke, Thy
vent’rous wings have borne thee in thy race, To view the wonders of the dreadful
place. The gloomy caverns underneath the ground, Thou dost survey and wing the
dread profound; In martial fields where death and fury fly, And roaring cannons
shake the smould’ring sky. Along the place in trembling thou hast fled, And
sadly saw the dying and the dead. When sable night is muffled round the spheres,
And gloom and sadness fill the world with fears, Then thou art fearless, ever on
the flight, The darkest abyss naked to thy sight! When fierce tornadoes travel
o’er the world, And sumptuous cities are in ruin hurl’d, In dread confusion thou
dost hover there, Or trace the whirling storm along the air.

Thy wakeful nature never knows to sleep, Thou brav’st the billows of the flowing
deep, Thou climb’st the tow’ring waves in midnight hours, And smoothly glid’st
above their frightful pow’rs. The earth too narrow for thy ample bounds, Thou
dost ascend and try the heavenly grounds, In floating ether thou hast found the
way, To trace the planets round the source of day. In thy adventures thou hast
found the land, Where trees ambrosial and a Savior stand. The blooming lily and
the vernal spring, There saints immortal and the angels sing. O! dwell forever
in that happy place, There grow and flourish on a Savior’s grace, Rove o’er the
plains and rise th’eternal height, Slid stay thyself in uncreated light.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 49: JT-47-A WORD TO THE FAIR.
========================================================================

A WORD TO THE FAIR.

Ye beauteous fair! if you’d prepare, To live a happy life, You must discern, and
fully learn, The pleasures of a wife.

While you are young, your path is hung, With snares on every side, You look for
bliss, but, O, you miss, Till you become a bride.

Then if you can select a man, And give him all your heart, When this you do, be
ever true, Nor act the coquette’s part.

But first remind, be sure to find, A man of sober name. Let him be found of
morals sound, And long of virtuous fame.

Know him to be from vices free, A man or generous mind, And one that feel s,
another’s ills, Affectionate and kind.

A handsome face, in am’rous race, Too often does decoy, And riches are sometimes
a snare, And may your bliss destroy.

Now ask your heart, if he’s the part, You only do admire? Or is it gold which
you behold, That kindles your desire?

As men deceive, don’t you believe, Your ev’ry lover’s tale, If love should pain,
you must refrain, Nor let it soon prevail.

Be not in haste, but always chaste, Be modest and refin’d, And when you can,
obtain the man, To whom you would be join’d.

Let him be sure your heart is pure, And wait for hymen’s tie, To bless the day
when females may With their fond wish comply.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 50: JT-48-DIALOGUE
========================================================================

DIALOGUE

Between Missouri, the Eastern States, the Southern States, and Middle States,
during the session of Congress of 1821, on the Missouri Question.

MISSOURI TO THE EASTERN STATES.

Dear sisters, why are you so bold, That you reject my motion, Last year I was in
Union roll’d, To have it legal portion; But now your wit and language strain,
And in the Congress thunder, You strive to turn me off again, And cut our bands
asunder.

You wish me not to hold a slave, My black and stolen treasure, Some motive else
you seem to have, I’ll tell you at my leisure; I think you wish to raise a jar,
And sound the nation’s feeling, To light the match of civil war, And set us all
to reeling.

You can but know what you have done, Is very bold and daring, Thro’ all the
South loud clamors run, A fearful omen wearing; My sister States who hold their
blacks, Are all with me united, We will retain those precious snacks, And not by
you be frighted,

You now pretend to say ’tis wrong, That bondage be admitted, I cannot hold the
sable throng, And be in Congress seated; You err in this politic strife, Now
give the subject over, And let me own what’s dear as life, Your spleen no more
discover.

EASTERN STATES TO MISSOURI.

You call us sisters, very well, But if we’re true relation, You can no longer
buy and sell, The freedom of creation; We’ll never give our vote again, That
slavery be extended, We’ll save you of the moral stain, Tho’ you be much
offended.

Our motive’s pure, our cause is good, We’ve nothing kept concealed, On freedom’s
side we long have stood, And nothing else revealed; The Constitution is our
guide, In all our long debating, By it you must be laid aside, Though all your
angry prating.

At this you grin and wildly stare, And, blame the true heart Yankee, You raise.
the strife you cannot bear, And then you call us pranky; No other cause we have
in view, No scheme for war we’re laying, But that you may not hold a slave, We
wish in ev’ry saying.

SOUTHERN STATES TO THE EASTERN STATES.

Dear sisters, we must tell you plain, In this dispute we blame you, Because this
point you long maintain, It surely will defame you; Our property we will defend,
In spite of all your brav’ry, We cannot think to condescend, To lose the pelf of
slav’ry.

Let us alone who love the trade, Of bart’ring human nature, Let this young,
nymph* be sister made, And now no longer hate her; You boast of freedom, so do
we, Then let us cease our jarring, Lest we may live to see the day, When sisters
may be warring.

*Missouri.

MIDDLE STATES TO THE SOUTHERN STATES. In justice we no more forbear, But loudly
speak for freedom, To hold your salves it is not fair, To whip, and starve, and
bleed ’em; And if the cold and stony heart, Will hold those sons of sorrow,
Missouri shall not have a part, No bondage from you borrow.

We have no wish to raise a fight, But on this ground we settle, We will defend
fair freedom’s right, With all our might and mettle; Let this young nymph wash
out her shame, And then we will receive her, Until she does we’ll spurn her
name, And keep her out forever. THE POET TO ALL.

Restrain your tongues upon this theme, And let no more be spoken, Or else, it is
no idle dream, Our bands will soon be broken; I am no friend to human sales, Nor
to such loud contentions, O’er all the States great fear prevails, That you will
make dissentions, I would advise to give, and take, And not be over rigid, Wind
up disputes for friendship’s sake, Nor longer be so frigid; Let all unite before
you rise, And be no more divided, And strengthen all the nation’s ties, On this
be all decided.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 51: JT-49-AN APOSTROPHE TO GEN. BRADDOCK.
========================================================================

AN APOSTROPHE TO GEN. BRADDOCK.

Braddock! the pride of Britain’s lands, Commander of her train. Who drove in war
the Gallic bands, Or slew then, on the plain.

Thy steed was like the bounding roe, Thy sword a blaze of fire, Thy charge upon
th’invading foe, Like winter whirlwinds dire.

Thy wrath was like the gath’ring storm, That darkens round the day, When
trembling trees in sad deform, Would gladly flee away.

Like lightning gleaming across the sky, And wings destruction far, The terrors
of thy sword did fly, Along the field of war.

Thy voice was like the rolling floods, That tumbles from the hills, That sweeps
the cottage of the woods, And floats away the rills.

Or like loud thunder to thy foes, Were words of thy command, Thy conq’ring arm
with death bestows, The reeking, trembling land,

Like a tall oak that lifts its head, And braves the winter’s sky; So Braddock
stood--nor did he dread, The hosts that pass’d him by.

Thy arm reclaim’d the bloody field, From Gallia’s strongest host, The vanquish’d
foes the contest yield-- The arduous contest lost.

To save thy brethren from the grave, And peace to them restore, Thou sail’dst
across th’ Atlantic wave, And hail’d Columbia’s shore.

Thy march was thro’ a desert wide, To meet the bloody sight, George Washington
was at thy side-- Advised thee how to fight.

But, O! thy heart disdain’d the thought, Of learning arts of war, Or by a
"buckskin" to be taught, From Britain’s Island far.

But soon, alas! the savage yell, Resounded thro’ the vale; Like blighted figs
thy soldiers fell, And the sad day bewail.

’Twas far in mountains of the west, That Braddock bravely bled, ’Tis there thy
bones are now at rest, Among the silent dead.

Tho’ once so valiant and so brave, That Gallia dreaded thee, But now thy
dwelling is the grave, Beneath a mournful tree.

How low thy mansion and thy head, In silence thou dost dwell, A grave of earth
is now thy bed, A loathsome wormy cell.

Calm as the lake thy peaceful breast, When winds distress no more, When stormy
winds are lull’d to rest, Nor beat upon the shore.

Two mossy stones that stand for thee, Are only left to say: "Braddock the great,
behold and see, Has moulder’d here in clay."

No mother left to mourn thee slain, Nor wife to call thy name, The hooting owls
o’er thee complain, Thy lonely grave proclaim.

The trees that grow around the spot, The waving thistles there, This hero’s name
have ne’er forgot, But waft it on the air.

The stranger when he passes by Thy grave o’er grown with moss, Shall say "Great
Braddock here doth lie, His nation’s dearest loss."


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 52: JT-50-MAN--A COMPLICATED ANIMAL.
========================================================================

MAN--A COMPLICATED ANIMAL.

MAN’S nature is so mix’d and wrought, So various in his act and thought, That
all the beasts which stock the earth, And insects of degraded birth, Are seen in
him--in him they move, In him they hate, devour and love.

The LION in man’s anger growls, In man’s ambition there he scowls, He treats his
weaker fellows low, And boasts his courage and the woe, The warrior walks the
martial field, And thousands to his prowess yield, He stalks the conqueror of
the plains, And like the Lion lives and reigns; He moves in majesty and
splendor, And to this Lion all surrender.

In man’s revenge the TIGER lurks, He’s fierce and cruel in his works; In scenes
of blood be takes delight, And seeks his prey in silent night, When none suspect
their danger near, He plunges deep his fatal spear, And sates in gore, his
cursed passion, Much like the Tiger’s dreaded fashion.

In man’s deceit the WOLF behold, He seeks his living from the fold, He sometimes
feigns to be a friend, But that’s his plan to tear and rend, He is ferocious,
and will try, To kill and slay, but always sly, He sneaks along the midnight
path, And meditates his meal of death. ’Tis by deceit, the ground is gain’d,
Where He is gorg’d and you are pained, He slays your peace--fills you with
sorrow, And, like the Wolf, he’s gone to-morrow.

The HORSE runs fearless in the field, ’Mid cannons, guns, and swords, and
shields, And man, the hero, like him goes, Undaunted in the midst of foes, His
courage leads him in the way, Where hosts around in eager play, He loves the
conquest--pushes on, And gains the goal, or dies forlorn; He feels no rein, but
onward dashes, And, like the horse, cares not for lashes.

The ASS is stupid--stubborn too, He will not drive, nor follow you, He takes his
own directed way, Nor cares if he should go astray; So man is stupid--often
found, To tread forbidden, desert ground; His real good, he slow discerns, And
from his danger seldom turns; His stubborn will forbids to bend, Nor can be
turned by foe or friend, His own direction he will take, That right or wrong
he’ll not forsake, Tho’ he be scourged, and badly bruis’d, Reprov’d aloud, and
long abus’d, His life’s a load, he cannot bear it, And, like the ass, his brays
declare it.

The OX that labors in the fields, And patient to his master yields, He draws his
burden all the day-- Consents to give his toil away. Poor man, like him the yoke
must bear, And in his labor take a share; Innur’d to toil--short rest he knows,
He bears a load of ills and woes, Strong fate has bound him to his task. And
why? He need not murm’ring ask, He toils in patience--hopes for gain, His cares
increase--his hopes are vain. What he acquires some others get, And wanton on
his labor’d sweat, At last he finds his fruits are squander’d, And like the
ox--nor this he ponder’d.

The crafty FOX strays far away, And seeks by wiles his nightly prey, He sucks
the blood of harmless name, And gallops off in guilt and shame; And when pursued
he’s hard to find, Among the woods so long inclin’d, His cunning art can soon
prepare, A scheme to ’scape pursuers there. So man, on gain and fortune bent,
Leaves native soil and home’s content; He forms his plans with artful guise, To
snatch the prey with sad surprise. He takes by stealth the peasant’s toils, And
sates his thirst on nightly spoils-- Secretes his crime from public view, And
seeks the place where none pursue. He veils himself in dark designs, Unknown to
most discerning minds, He’s not mistrusted in his deeds, Till by his craft his
booty bleeds; He then withdraws to distant places, And saves himself in swiftest
races.

Behold the nature of the BEAR, In saddest mode he travels where Dark solitude
and silence brood, Along the desert mountain wood; He growls along the gloomy
night, His aspect surly in the light; He is no friend to creatures round, But
always sad and surly found, So man in melancholy strays, A murky solitary maze;
He finds the earth a barren wild, Himself akin to sorrow’s child; His heart
grows hard as days roll on, His aspect sad, his soul forlorn, He groans his
sorrows to the day, And in his desert loves to stray; He thinks he has no friend
below, And lurks desponding to and fro; He is a friend to none around him, Much
like a Bear I’ve always found him.

The MONKEY ranges o’er the woods, And on his neighbors oft intrudes; He’s ’most
a fool, but full of play, He’s apt to steal and run away, He’s quite diverting
in his turn, He’ll imitate, pretend to learn, He’s full of motions, full of fun,
He laughs at mischief he has done; He is a pest where’er he be, He is
despised--you laugh to see. And what is man, but monkey grown? He lives on
labors not his own; He cheats, defrauds, and pilfers too, And if he can, takes
more than’s due; He plagues his neighbors where he goes, And then complains they
are his foes; He makes pretensions to be wise, He would sometimes in science
rise; But soon, alas! you plainly see, He imitates what others be; His words and
manners, and his mien, Are borrowed--this is plainly seen; He thinks he’s wise,
he thinks he’s great, But empty skulls you can but hate, If you could see how
nature made him, Ah! monkey-like, she did degrade him.

The SHEEP, a harmless creature made, In innocence has trod the glade; His nature
mild, he thinks no ill, To strokes of death resigns his will; He gives his
fleece without complaint, Nor murmurs when he is almost faint; He seems
defenceless, often slain, By bloody prowlers of the plain; Forgetting home, he’s
apt to stray, And in the mountains lose his way. So man that’s born of heavenly
mind, To peace and virtue strong inclin’d, The ills of life in patience bears,
Nor vexed beneath a crowd of cares; The gross insults and every wrong, Receiv’d
from the surrounding throng, He suffers long, nor once complains, In all his
sorrows, grief, and pains; He thinks no ill--treats all as friends, Nor his own
life by war defends; Defenceless in himself he goes, Sometimes abused by cruel
foes. He strays sometimes too far from home, Too long in wilds he learns to
roam, Perhaps by wolves is turn asunder, Much like the sheep that loves to
wander.

The DOG remark’d for sense and thought, By instinct, and by practice taught,
Will long defend his owner’s cause, Urg’d on by nature’s rigid laws; He’ll trace
his game, though out of sight, Nor lose the track by day or night. His use is
known--his friendship great, But dreadful to incur his hate. So man is taught,
on nature’s base, To run his game, a tedious race, His object always out of
sight. He still pursues with ard’ous flight; And if he once should cease the
prize, He hunts again, away he tries, His life’s a race that often leads O’er
mountains, hills, and miry meads; He may be useful to the throng, Not to himself
his spoils belong, He’ll bite and snarl in time of danger, And scarce befriend
you when a stranger.

The SERPENT crawls and licks the dust, By heaven’s sentence true and just; He
takes his food by thousand wiles, And thoughtless innocence beguiles; He lies
secreted in the grass, And slily watches all that pass, And waits a chance, his
poison slings, And each unweary victim stings; He’s cursed and hated where he’s
known, On him there’s no compassion shown! So man is curs’d, and low debas’d,
And by his foes is often chas’d; He hunts the desert for his bread, And throws
all nature into dread; In secret places often lies, Not easy seen by passing
eyes, Deep hidden, there he waits his prey, Flings death and terror o’er the
way; His tongue is poison, and his breath Gives hydrophobia--fearful death! He
lures the harmless, bites them then, And hides in gross, or murky den; His name
is hated--none pretend, To love, respect, or call him friend; His poisons seen
in every feature, He’s like the snake, a dreadful creature.

The LIZARD of contempt’ous name, That lowly crawls the dust in shame, Seeks
gnats for food, or lives on air, And starves almost on empty fare. So man is
seen in low disgrace, And meanly crawls his shameful race; The golden gems that
round him play, He tries to catch along the way; But fast they fly, nor can be
find, Enough to satisfy his mind; He grovels in the dust and lives, On empty
things, and seldom thrives; He pants for something--tries to get it, But, like
the Lizard, cannot eat it.

The common TOAD that jumps along, And fills the air with sadden’d song, Would
swiftly bound his wanton’d road, But slow he moves--himself a load, He swells
with wind his little size, And puffs mean greatness to your eyes; But watch him
when his wind is gone, He sinks beneath indignant scorn! So man pretends to rise
and run, His course is full of noise and fun; He tries too fast to leap and
climb, What he pursues is not in time. Himself a load he cannot bear, He faints,
and falls beneath it there; With haughty pride his bosom swells, His windy feats
he often tells, He looks quite big--not well refin’d-- A pompous show--but
little mind. He puffs with greatness, not his own, With empty wind he’s stuff’d
and blown; For in himself he’s lank and leaner, Than any Toad, he’s poor and
meaner.

The swarms of GNATS that move along, In wide, promiscuous, giddy throng, Sport
on awhile in vernal day, But soon from earth are swept away! So man in long and
endless train, Is seen to dance the flow’ry plain. He mixes in the countless
host, On frolic wing tumult’ous tost, He airy sports on fortune’s boon, And
spends in play his vernal noon; But sable winds drive him from sight, And close
his dance in endless night; His life is short--uncertain vapor, Like floating
gnats in evening caper.

The HORNET builds ingenious nest, And there presumes to make his rest-- A bold,
a wild, a restless thing, And fights with sharp, envenom’d sting. So man with
skill, almost divine, Constructs the palace--makes it shine, He calls it home--a
resting place, But often wings a desert chase, He roves a stranger thro’ the
wood, In search of foreign, empty good! His nature wild--not easy tam’d, And
fiercely bold--not often sham’d; Disturb him not, for if you do, He’ll fight,
and deeply sting you too; He loves to pierce us, you would scorn it, But marvel
not for he’s a hornet.

The BUZZARD cleaves his trackless way, And scents afar his putrid prey; He
leaves the richer good behind, And lives on carrion, if he find. So man in
flight, on mischief bent, Pursues his course with eager scent, Talks none of
good, but scandal brays, And stirs corruption as he strays; He never tastes the
meat that’s sweeter, But Buzzard like a carrion eater!

The EAGLE, lofty bird on flight, Soars oft away from vulgar sight, He builds his
nest on mountains high, Where seldom seen by human eye, He owns the forest’s
wide domains, And there majestic lives and reigns. So man, in science rises
high, He climbs, and soars, and wings the sky; He measures globes, and blazing
suns, And thro’ ethereal regions runs; He knows the north, the burning zone,
O’er every clime his wings are flown; By daring thought, he leaves below, (His
meaner fellows plung’d in woe,) Sublimely soars, and ardent gains The heaven’s
high hills and her broad plains, ’Tis there he builds his downy nest, In that
high region takes his rest, ’Tis there he reigns forever king, And undisturbed
by meaner wing; He loves the region, lives adoring, And, like the Eagle, high is
soaring.

The GEESE are noted for their noise, They gabble loud, unmeaning joys, They
dabble in the muddy ground, And mean and filthy they are found; They don’t
aspire, nor leave the place, But live in folly and disgrace. So man, a noisy
being is, When drunken, sordid joys are his, He gabbles nonsense and abuse, He
talks no good--of little use, He fills the ear with jargon sound, And bills his
filth and mischief round. He deals in slander--dirty stuff, And drains the
puddle--not enough; His walks are low, and seldom rise, He’s base, and filthy,
and unwise; He grovels low and squalls his slander, And paddles much like goose
and gander.

The SWINE that lives on husks and corn, Looks sullen, sad, and grunts forlorn,
With his long snout he roots the soil, And fattens on the poor man’s toil; He’s
always greedy and untaught, In mud he wallows--low in thought! So man on meanest
treasures feeds, And runs where love of money leads; His soul grows sordid and
debased, He grunts for more and looks disgrac’d; He snouts the poor man out of
door, Takes all he call, and seeks for more. His manners rough and quite
uncouth, And cares for none but self in truth; When fat and full, he’ll tusk you
deep, He’ll make you fly or make you weep. He grunts and eats, and greedy
swallows, He’s like the hog, in mud, that wallows.

The crawling WORM that moves along, Despis’d and trodden by the throng; He
cannot turn, nor fly the way, But often crushed; an easy prey; He’s soft and
frail--composed of shame, Dirt and corruption is his name. So man of dust, in
dust remains, Pursu’d for prey and writhes in pains, His thoughts, so sordid,
seldom rise, Death stares him where he crawls or lies, Dangers race him round
the earth, And often crush him in the birth. He cannot run nor fly his doom, But
soon must find a lonesome tomb; He loves the dust, the dust he’s sweeping, And,
like the worm, corruption creeping.

He’s like a BUG, he’ll pinch and bite, And, like a CAT, he’ll scratch and fight;
He’s like a crooked, tender SNAIL, That’s easy crush’d along his trail.

He’s like the MOLE, that digs his way, From public view, from open day; He’s
YELLOW JACKET, quick and fierce, And with a sting will deeply pierce, And like a
WASP along the fences, Will deeply goad you to the senses.

The MUSHROOM grows, and spreads out soon; Turns black, and dies before ’tis
noon; Some men are so, they’ll quickly shoot, They rise and flourish without
root; But soon, alas! such fade away, And leave black marks of their decay.

Man’s like an eel --a slip’ry fish, He’ll twist and flounce, elude your wish;
You scarce can hold him--often find Him gone, and left the scurf behind.

He’s like the monstrous CROCODILE, Pretends to weep his conquer’d spoil; He’s
like a BAT that’s blind in day, And in sad darkness loves to stray. I think he’s
like a POSSUM too, He grins his anguish when untrue; Or like the CRICKET, should
I say? That idly chirps his hours away! He’s like the OWL that hates the light,
But pours his sorrows on the night. The lust and rage of every beast, Down from
the greatest to the least; The fiercest passions of their race, And fearful
natures that disgrace, Are plainly seen in human life, The scene of every pain
and strife!

O, man! why hast thou fallen so?

Created first the lord below-- Intelligent, and harmless, mild, Heaven’s holy
image in the child; Exalted once, without a foe, Without the plague of vice and
woe. But, O! thy state, how badly chang’d! Thy glory fled, thy mind deranged!
More savage now than beasts of blood, Than monsters of the raging flood. More
hated than the snakes in grass, Than all the reptile tribes that pass; More
cross’d, distress’d and full of pain, Than all that moves on earth’s broad
plain. Reform thy manners, I’ll remind thee, Of better nature let me find thee.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 53: JT-51-AN ADDRESS TO THE AMERICAN FAIR.
========================================================================

AN ADDRESS TO THE AMERICAN FAIR.

My muse advent’rous, shall attempt to sing, The pleasing prospect of the op’ning
spring, Shall dare to tempt Alcinda’s feet abroad, To tread wide nature in her
flow’ry road. When cooling zephyrs fan the flow’ry way, And twitt’ring, birds
their vernal gambols play, When meads are green and fields are deck’d with
flow’rs, Then spend the transports of some cooling hours. Regale your eyes o’er
all the landscape wide, And count the brooks that round her margin glide-- Go
view the rills that gently play along, What rising glories to the grass belong!

Ascend the mound, and seek the cooling shade, And view the wonders which your
God has made, ’Tis hence you see the mountain’s lofty brow, And hills far
distant interpers’d below; Disorder seems to spread itself around, But skill
divine in matchless beauty’s found. The rising poplar in the expanding green,
And humble glories deck the op’ning scene, Behind you vista see the village
there, Where swains are toiling for their worldly care. See rural mansions
rising round the grove, And harmless herds in wanton pleasures rove; The drifted
smoke descends along the vale, And seems to mourn where absent lovers fail!
Thine eye beholds the distant river roll, Thou hear’st her murm’ring o’er the
rocky shoal; Her winding channel bends along the land, And opens where the smoky
hamlets stand; Perhaps she pours a copious tide away, Amid the vale she makes a
long delay, And forms those banks where wand’ring lovers go To vent their
sorrow, and to weep their woe.

The distant bells sound faintly to the ear, Or you the lowing herds at distance
hear; The milk-maid wanders o’er the passing way, Hies home her cattle in their
roving play.

The rustics now lay down their tools awhile, And homeward walk to cease from
dusty toil, They whistle forth their notes of comic glee, And seek the cot of
loving wife, to see The babes and wife with sweet ecstatic charms, Now meet the
rustic with extended arms! Far o’er the hill is tun’d a mournful lay, Where
lovers with the flute or spinet play.

O! hear the birds sweet singing to their loves, Thro’ all the green, thro’ all
the vocal groves Their varied notes, their trilling anthems run, And mournful
most when low the ev’ning sun; Some sing aloud, ambitious to be known, And
others plaintive scarcely not their own-- Some strike a note to chant a
partner’s theme, Some mourn in absence, and to weep they seem, In lonesome woods
amid the growing glooms, A songstress sweet, her sweetest notes assumes, Philoma
sings and lulls them all to sleep, And while they rest she can’t forbear to
weep; She chants the grove, delightful is her lay, She soothes the lover in his
midnight way. Thou hear’st the dove, a sweet and mournful song, A plaintive
note, a note of something wrong; The lay is solemn, and the note sincere, Her
mate seems absent and can never hear-- She coos, she calls, expostulates the
groves, To give to her the absent one she loves; At eve’s approach, she haunts
the lonesome tree, To call her love, and hopes her love to see-- Then bends her
head, and covers o’er her wing, She sleeps in silence, and no more can sing.

Look down the vale, the rising lily see, There beauty flows in full variety, Her
modest stature decorates the green, No spot, nor wrinkle, in her bloom is seen.
A modest form behold! without pretence, Like virtuous maids in harmless
innocence.

Behold the flow’rs expand in living bloom, Display their glory, and their grace
assume; Their varied hues in rising beauties glow, In fields extensive, and in
vales below. Some rise in blue, and some are tinged with gold, And numerous
shades in modest pride unfold. No mimic art, nor toilsome hand, has plac’d Their
beauteous order--all by nature grac’d; Their careless form displays more beauty
there, Than prudes could show with all their finic care. Behold them tremble as
the zephyrs move, Inhale their fragrance, and their odors prove; The sweet
perfume that passes thro’ the air, Must give delight, and quell the rising care.
Now see the blushes in the orchards spread, Where lovely nymphs in vernal
seasons tread, Their mingling graces and their beauties rise, To charm the soul
and captivate the eyes; The fanning breezes lull the swain asleep, And softly
o’er the swelling bosom creep; They drive the perspirating heat away, And chant
thy voice to join creation’s lay.

Contemplate now on what thy walk may teach, Let vocal woods thy tender passions
reach; Let brooks and rills and mountains, meads, and flow’rs, Now preach thee
wisdom, and refine thy pow’rs. Remember long what various notes were sung, What
diff’rent meanings in their anthems rung; The merry warblers sang their lays
along, And tun’d their pleasure to the busy throng, But evening shades o’er all
the valleys spread, And struck their music and their pleasures dead. So wanton
youth who sport on fortune’s boon, In pride and pleasure spend their vernal
noon; Their theme delightful, seems to charm the ear, While care is fled and all
distressful fear; But hoary age destroys their empty mirth, Their day grows dim,
their joys of little worth; Their sun declines and brings sad darkness on, Long
silence reigns and all their pleasures gone!

The fainting sun reclines beyond thy sight, E’er shadows roll their darkness
into night Thy walk resume, and find the homeward way, And ne’er forget
creation’s vocal lay. As ye advance, let converse cheer the mind, With morals
wise, and sentiments refin’d; Walk slowly on, and keep the house in view, And
talk of wonders which are ever new; Ensnare thy courtier with the skill of
thought, Let heav’n and earth be in thy subject bro’t. Rehearse the beauties
that on earth extend, Their place, their use, their various orders blend; Talk
oceans rivers, mountains, kingdoms o’er, Forests, fields, and all the distant
shore; Let nations, empires and their arts be told, Their pride and grandeur,
and their feasts of old. On nature dwell, and in thy accents know What grades
subservient crawl the earth below; The lion yonder roars his anger round, While
distant herds stand trembling at the sound; There burden’d camels rove the
desert sand, And here, the horse submissive ploughs the land; The scaly nations
swimming in the sea, The plumy birds, and the industrious bee, And insects too,
that meanly crawl the earth, Of honor less, and less of real worth, Should serve
for thee in conversation’s strain, And thus is man a complicated train. E’er
daylight’s gone return, and near the door Converse more freely than thou didst
before-- Near to the house when summer’s grass is green, When shining stars and
brighter moon are seen, There sit awhile, thy social moments spend, And round
the skies thy copious thoughts extend. While sprinkling dews revive the drooping
rose, And murm’ring zephyrs wake their short repose, And waft perfume along the
passing air, Let pleasure pass in conversation there. Thy rosy cheeks with
modest grace shall shine, As virtue, knowledge, and good sense are thine; With
mind inform’d let rapt’rous visions fly, And trace the wonders of the boundless
sky.

Compare those orbs that rove expansive space, To youthful lovers in their wonted
race; Some glow with light, and shine effulgence near, But soon withdraw--their
glories disappear! They soon perform their rapid flight in air, And leave the
horizon in dark despair; The vulgar eye, once dazzled with the train, Now meets
the dark and looks for light in vain! Some far remote with less resplendence
glow, But constant honors from their orbits flow; As they advance their fair
ether’al race, They shine in glory and increase in grace; Their midnight luster
dwells upon the sight, And cheers the horrors of the sable night; They move in
grandeur o’er our beggar’d world, While blazing comets are in ether hurl’d.

So men and manners differ in degree, They show their parts, but in their parts
we see Some shine in grace and grandeur not their own, For grace and grandeur
they have never known; Their bows are borrow’d, and their language too They glow
and dazzle only while they’re new.

Tho’ gaudy plumes bedeck the coxcomb race, A short acquaintance brings them to
disgrace! The men of virtue shine in virtue’s dress, They glory not in dross--in
tinsel less; Their minds a store house, only known to few, Their worth
intrinsic, and their friendship true; Behold them in their native luster bright,
Reflect resplendence and increase in light; Their hearts are warm, their
faithful hearts declare, Their pure intentions to solace the fair. Such men can
bless the charmer of their hearts, Their fix’d affection never once departs;
Their flame of virtue ever shall remain, While fops and beaux may show their
parts in vain.

A man of manners, and a man of worth, Has estimated all the things of earth;
With balance justly, he has weighed them all, And down, like trifles, he has
seen them fall; He’s not content with mere external things, From deeper mines he
knows true pleasure springs. A mind serene, an upright soul he knows, Can only
triumph over human woes; His soul pacific, like a tranquil bay, He lived last
year as he would live to-day; The path of riot he has seldom trod, He learns his
duty in the Book of God-- The happy nymph who weds a man like this, Shall find
her days replete with purest bliss. A theme untouched must yet belong to you, In
strains sublime I would the theme pursue-- Ne’er let those hearts that round thy
heart entwine, Presume you never learn’d a thought divine; Extend your thoughts,
let holy visions run, And catch new fire from the eternal throne.

Now trace all nature to the great first cause, And tell the use of his immortal
laws-- His potent word produc’d the spacious seas, His power controls all nature
as he please; His wond’rous skill brought forth the race of man, And bound in
golden chains the social plan; The bond of union both the sexes join’d, And
Hymen’s mystic ties link’d mind to mind! God feeds, supports, preserves the
human race, And condescends to visit them with grace; With liberal hand
compassionates the poor, A Savior comes, the sinner to restore; His boundless
love pervades his vast domain, Would woo the soul when joys eternal reign. We
read in words, by inspiration giv’n, Our never-fading crown laid up in heav’n.

Extend your thoughts, and let your thought arise, And meditate the bounty of the
skies; Behold yourself a creature of a day, Perhaps in angel now debased in
clay, And, O! that clay so wonderfully wrought, By God created and by Jesus
bought! That handsome form, that animated frame, The pow’r and wisdom of your
God proclaim; Remains dependent on his bounteous hand, For all the blessings
which you now command. His great compassion and preserving care, Should woo thy
soul to penitential pray’r.

Think not a prayer in exercise too low, Nor blush when silent tears repentant
flow; The ground of prayer is sacred to the good, There Ab’ram, Moses and the
prophets stood. Immortal women on that holy ground, Obtained a blessing and a
Savior found; That is the place where mortal worms receive The stamp of fame,
with their Creator live; The soul exalts, becomes unfeign’d, upright, Prepares
to tread the golden walks of light.

Alcinda, try to make your tomb the skies, And write your epitaph that ever dies!
Make one your friend who never will betray, Nor leave you sad in the distressing
day-- Give him your hand, and not your heart withhold, Who decks the bridal day
with crowns of gold! Traverse with him, wherever he may go, Nor once forsake his
great commands below; He’ll dress you o’er in garments white and clean, Nor
spot, nor wrinkle, nor a fault be seen, In pious virtues and in Christian grace,
Thy life shall shine amidst thy kindred race; No pious soul but would rejoice to
see, Those blissful graces center all in thee. No loss of honor--these thy life
sustain, For now thy glory and thy wealth remain. No disappointments call
distress thy mind, For grace commands thee here to be resign’d.

The weaker vessel now shall pass along, Triumphant sail amid a pirate throng; No
boist’rous surge shall plunge her in the deep, Nor dang’rous quicksands give her
cause to weep-- Her sails expanded, and her port in view-- Her acclamations, and
her hopes renew; She weighs her anchor, and her perils cease, She gains the
shores of everlasting peace, Where troubles end in lands of sweet repose,
Beholds with pleasure bow she ’scap’d her woes; She sees her treasure, as she
gains the prize, And sings her blissful fortune in the skies.

Is this Alcinda? Will she hear my song? To her the strains of Poesy belong. The
gifts of nature and of grace combine, To make her virtue and her beauty shine;
While thus adorn’d, I’ll sing her worthy name, And hope high heaven will record
her fame.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 54: JT-52-A VISION,
========================================================================

A VISION, Representing a view of the different parties of religion, and their
conduct towards each other.

Ascending on a mountain high, I saw the distant scene, Extending onward to the
sky, Nor clouds to intervene.

Around the place I wond’ring stood Arose a cooling spring, Which ran along the
shady wood, Where birds wild anthems sing.

I tasted of the waters there, And to my great surprise, An instant banish’d all
my care, And quick’ned both my eyes!

I felt my inward strength increase, And heal’d was ev’ry wound; I felt a cure
from all disease, My sense was strong and sound.

I then beheld far off before, A field extensive there; I saw a thousand sheep,
or more, Along the brook repair.

I went toward that pleasant plain, And on the margin stood, I yet had felt no
inward pain, Nor thought of aught but good.

But here a thousand thoughts arose, To make new pains arise; I saw the cause of
many woes-- The cause of weeping eyes.

I saw the cots and houses stand, Thick crowded on the place, There men abode,
and gave command To all the sheep-fold race.

A wall enclos’d this pleasant ground, But broken look’d the wall-- ’Twas first
intended as the bound, Of sheep and shepherds all.

I look’d within, and did behold, An unsuspected scene: Innumerous fences, new
and old, Cross to and fro the green.

In ev’ry field I saw some sheep, And there a shepherd too; His own he’d watch
and try to keep, And only this he’d do.

But most of all what pain’d my heart, I heard the lambkins mourn, In ev’ry fold
there seem’d a smart, A countenance forlorn.

They were one fold, all in one plain, But were asunder driv’n; And now they vent
their grief and pain, And mourn from morn till eve’n.

Tho’ separated by a fence, They lov’d their likeness still, They told their love
by instinct sense, And mourn’d their broken will.

I saw the sheep would often try, To push the fences down, That they might all
together lie, And all their sorrows drown.

But shepherds, constant watching there, Would fright them soon away; And strong
their fences would repair, Lest they should go astray.

Another cause of grief I saw, The shepherds disagreed; Each had a rule and
sep’rate law, His flock along to lead.

The shepherds clamor’d--often fought, Alarm’d their flocks so tame; The cause of
this I serious thought, And found it to their shame.

When lambs were yean’d in this one’s fold, He’d sing the shepherds lay, But that
one then would be so bold, He would steal the lambs away.

A sharp dispute would then ensue, Sometimes a bloody fight, The strongest would
the theft pursue, And boast his conquering might.

This one proclaims the wicked deed, And shouts aloud his joy, When he beholds
his brother bleed, Or can his peace destroy.

That one, tho’ vanquish’d, threats his foe, Returns him all the pain, From fold
to fold each one would go, To pilfer o’er the plain.

Each shepherd mark’d his tender lambs, And taught them what to do; The fold were
known by different names, And separate pastures knew.

I saw some pastures eaten bare, The sheep were poor and lean; Briers and burrs
were plenty there, No herbage to be seen.

They then would try to leave their bounds, For better pastures try, But
shepherds guarding well their grounds, Would chase them back to die.

Long time I look’d,--I sought to find, If I could learn the cause, Why shepherds
did such burdens bind, And urge such rigid laws.

I understood the shepherds were Engag’d for wages high, They gained their bread
and raiment there, And did their wants supply.

They’d shear their flocks and keep the fleece, And sell it out for gain, And
thus their store they did increase-- Grew pompous, proud and vain.

No wonder then, thought I, for true, The shepherds were so mean, Why they should
keep their flocks in two, And why their flocks so lean.

For o’er the plain I heard a sound, The shepherds were amaz’d-- A gen’ral clamor
went around, And I astonished gaz’d!

Some men had enter’d on the plain, Their words around me run; They sounded loud
the melting strain: "We’ve come to make you one."

These men appear’d in shepherd’s dress, They bore the shepherd’s rod; They wore
the garb of righteousness, And look’d like men of God.

Some had a torch of burning flame, To burn each fence away, The fire confus’d
and put to shame The hirelings all the day.

Some took the sword and soon began To make the hirelings bleed-- The hirelings
muster’d all their clan, For once they all agreed!

They chose to fight against a few, But soon they fled away; They were unarm’d,
and cowards too, And trembled with dismay.

Those valiant men, like men of God, Triumphant march’d along; They burnt the
fences far abroad, Nor fear’d the threat’ning throng.

They sounded loud the message sweet, The message from above: "That ev’ry fold
should quickly meet, And dwell in peace and love."

The sheep from diff’rent folds began To gather round the place, Where they were
taught to be but one, And feed on richer grace.

A fold soon gather’d and was large, At first the sheep were bare; Those men, as
shepherds, took the charge, To nurse and feed them there.

The shepherds left their houses, lands, And all on earth beside, To tend upon
this flock’s demands, And for its wants provide.

They led the sheep thro’ frosts and snow, O’er hill and dale they went,
Refresh’d them where sweet waters flow, And thus their time they spent.

These men were often hungry, cold, Grew weary, poor, and faint; They took no
fleece from off the fold, Were silent in complaint.

This fold increas’d--spread o’er the green, The sheep were fat and strong; Then
I beheld another scene, Of something cruel, wrong.

The men who fed them shortly pin’d, In poverty and pain, They saw the sheep were
not inclin’d, To give them of their gain.

The faithful shepherds were but few, The sheep would not obey; They wanton’d on
the shepherd’s due, And thus they went astray.

Ah! cruel sheep, responded I, Ungrateful and unkind, To see your worthy
shepherds die, For them no raiment find.

They spent their time, and money, too, To save you from your grief, But now they
find no love from you, To give them blest relief.

Now give your shepherds what you owe, And then they’ll lead you on; Or else
you’ll soon return to woe, Be destitute--forlorn.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 55: JT-53-EPISODE,
========================================================================

EPISODE, To the memory of Elder Joseph Nesmith of Virginia.

Let the proud muse delight herself to raise, The names of heroes to immortal
praise; Let her record the wonders they have done, What feats achiev’d, and
battles they have won.

An humble muse shall now vibrate the lyre, My bosom swell, and all my theme
inspire To tell the thousands--thousands yet unborn, The heavenly virtues that
my friend adorn.

My God convinc’d him in his sportive youth, The ways of error, and the force of
truth, And turn’d the current of his mind away From all the sins of this
adult’rous day. He cloth’d him meekly with his mantling love, And touch’d his
lips with hallowed fire above; God gave command that he should now declare, And
far abroad the name of Jesus bear. His mind enraptur’d with celestial views,
With meek consent the heavenly call pursues, Apostle-like, untaught in priestly
schools, Nor fill’d with jargon, known in priestly rules; He deals the word
direct, by Jesus giv’n, And points us out the narrow way to heav’n. His mind
capacious--richly stor’d with sense, Sublimely soars with charming eloquence. He
paints creation in poetic strains Describes the beauties of the flow’ry plains;
And tells the grandeur of the rising hills, The copious rivers and the gliding
rills. Like birds of lofty wing in airy haste, Ascending high above the world’s
broad waste, To shun a storm from thund’ring skies below, And seek a rest that
none but they can know, So he with rapt’rous wing yet more sublime, Devoutly
soars above our stormy clime, And seems to travel in the regions where He
plucks, and wears ambrosial laurels there; In strains seraphic he his message
tells, And like a flood his flowing bosom swells. He seems to ope the golden
gates of bliss, To show the saints, who bask in endless peace; He tells the
glories of the eternal throne, In transports sweet, and language all his own.

Like eagles wing their far ethereal flight, Above the meaner birds from mortal
sight, He mounts aloft on wings sublimely high, And brings glad tidings from the
upper sky. His art is simple and his language chaste, And all his metaphors seem
rightly plac’d; His gestures suited to the theme he tells, From reason cool to
burning rapture swells; He pours the torrent of his soul around On all who
listen in amaze profound. Like flowing streams increase their flow’ry sides, And
form, at least, extensive sea-like tides; So have his flowing accents sweetly
rung, And heav’nly strains increased upon his tongue. He seems acquainted with
the human mind, With logic and philosophy combin’d; He shows the nature of
immortal laws, That God’s the author of effect and cause; Dead matter can’t
produce itself and live, In thousand forms like we behold it thrive; Nor could
more chance together dumb and blind, Transform her image into Newton’s mind. And
as we see all matter round us grow. In bodies move and in the water flow, As
suns illume, and globes revolve in space, And none can leave their orbit’s
destin’d place; A pow’r must form, a pow’r divine control, The myriad worlds
that in wide ether roll; All nature speaks, and loud declares a God, Who form’d
and rules the Universe abroad.

In him our God has humbled human pride, In him, the Christian tempers all abide;
And like resplendent jewels richly shine, When smooth’d and polish’d from the
diamond mine; The things of earth, he would esteem as dross, And glory only in a
Savior’s cross.

The world’s deceit--her clamors on his name, Her tongue of slander, and her
tongue of fame, Can never lure this humble man of prayer, To taste again her
poison’d pleasures there; The wealth he seeks is not of sordid dust, Nor gold
that cankers, nor the hoards that rust; He’s plac’d his treasure in the upper
skies-- Eternal life is his immortal prize. He lives by faith, by faith he sees
the land, Where faithful saints with crowns of glory stand; A blissful portion
he enjoys below, And tastes the pleasures sinners never know.

He preaches freedom in the Savior’s name, To cheerless captives sunk in lawless
shame; He opes the gospel like expanded gates, Where boundless grace for
starving thousands waits-- Declares the gospel is the rule of life, The bonds of
union free from war and strife; For church discipline ’twas by Jesus given, To
rule and guide the high-born sons of heav’n. His souls abhors the rage for party
names, That kindles passions into fearful flames; And separates the fold asunder
wide-- That makes the Christians in their forms divide; He loud proclaims that
Christian union sweet, Where all distinctions in one int’rest meet; Where
useless forms and names are done away, And saints rejoice and all together pray.

Go on my brother--preach the word of God, May Jesus guard you in the heavenly
road; I’ll follow on, and meet you in the land, Where we’ll rejoice in one
celestial band.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 56: JT-54-THE DEVIL ADVERTISED.
========================================================================

THE DEVIL ADVERTISED.

A busy body in the land, Goes wand’ring up and down; The schemy scoundrel long
has plann’d, To gain a great renown.

I cannot give a full detail Of features, nor his size; But I am told he has a
tail, A face, and ears, and eyes.

His month, they say, is monstrous wide, And like a cat he claws; A human voice,
a shaggy hide, His feet like lion’s paws.

It is supposed he has two wings, And like an eagle flies O’er all the world, he
knows all things, And wiser than the wise.

He like an angel oft appears, And with a lovely face, Pretends to shed a flood
of tears, And mourns our wretched race.

He’s very social and polite, Converses free and loud, He’s busy all the day and
night, To charm and lead the crowd.

His parentage is yet unknown, And none can tell his birth; In his descent he was
alone, And has no kin on earth.

But tho’ he’s old, he’s very gay, And handsome, tall, and straight; He courts
the fair without dismay, On them he’s fond to wait.

And they are fond, tho’ strange to tell, That he should join their train; And
none can please them half so well, Of him but few complain.

He visits them in private rooms, And so familiar there, That like a husband he
presumes To fondle with the fair.

He often helps them when they dress, He makes their corset boards, He pins their
ruffles--gives caress, Officious aid affords.

When ladies gather round their tea, In fashionable style; He visits there in
merry glee, And cheers them up the while.

He’s foremost there in telling news, He tattles till he knows; And deals out
slander and abuse, Destruction on his foes.

He tries his guests to entertain, And tells what neighbors do; Of them he always
will complain, In slanders old and new.

He travels far from East to West, And visits high and low, He drives from
thousands all their rest, And fills their hearts with woe.

He boasts his courage and his skill, In battles, blood, and fight, How soon his
thousands he can kill, And put his foes to flight.

He loves a dram, and often drinks, A drunkard’s double share; He staggers,
swears and often sinks, In mud and scandal there.

Ah! then he raves and storms along, He threatens all around; But soon he feels
amid the throng, His head upon the ground.

He is a hypocrite, I say, For I can well declare, When saints collect to sing
and pray, I have beheld him there.

He sometimes groans, and shouts aloud, No one so good as he; But quickly when he
leaves the crowd, He’ll wrong and slander thee.

He often fills the solemn place, Where preachers ought to stand; Presumes to
publish heavenly grace, To sinners o’er the land.

He is a Fatalist, you know, His doctrine, strange to say, Predestinates a part
to woe, And some to realms of day.

He thus deceives the heart of man, Persuades him all is well; And leads him in
this wicked plan, Along the road to hell.

He is a lawyer--often pleads, The guilty must go clear, Disputes and suits, and
quarrels breeds, Without remorse and fear.

He seems expert in all the arts, He laughs, and he can weep; He’s always arm’d
with hidden darts, And haunts where misers sleep.

He is a liar and a cheat, A gambler and a rake; And with the proud he has a seat
He never will forsake.

He is a thief, and robber too, He robb’d me of my all, And I am left as beggars
do, Upon my knees to fall.

I can’t describe the dress he wears, He changes every day; When for the church
in black prepares, And ruffles for the play.

His name I cannot fully tell, I’ve heard them call him "Devil;" "Old Sam," "Old
Boy," an "Imp of Hell," "The source and root of evil."

He has a mask upon his face, By which he’s better known; He bears the letters of
disgrace, For blackest crimes, his own.

If any one will safely bind, And bring him to the squire, A thousand dollars he
shall find, And more if he require.

Confine him close within some jail, Nor let him loose again; Sweet peace shall
then o’er all prevail, And bliss without a pain.


========================================================================
  CHAPTER 57: JT-55-THOUGHTS ON THE 39TH CHAPTER OF JOB.
========================================================================

THOUGHTS ON THE 39TH CHAPTER OF JOB.

In wind and storm the dreadful God descends, And speaks to Job, while Job with
awe attends His sonorous words, like ten-fold thunders sound, Shrill thro’ the
air, and shake the smould’ring ground. Presumpt’ous Job, to speak against thy
God, To murmur at my sore avenging rod.

Gird up thy loins, before my presence stand, And answer, if thou canst, when I
demand; Look round the earth, then view the spacious sky, What boundless wonders
fill the roving eye! No chance directed, but the works divine, That form’d the
globe, and made the planets shine. Thou can’st not know, till I reveal to you,
How first wide nature’s fields arose to view, Trace up effects, search out the
latent cause: The first is found by universal laws, This is the source whence
all creation came, Jehovah self-existent, God the name.

I spoke, chaotic darkness fed away, And light effulgent form’d the coming day, I
laid creation’s first foundation stone, And rear’d the temple by my strength
alone, I roll’d confusion, and disorder far, And hush’d forever the chaotic war,
The air I parted from the solid earth, And fire and water form’d the living
birth; With compass vast I scrib’d all ample round, And formed the measure of
the rising ground. I stretch afar the Equinoctial line, The Orient light forever
there to shine; I pois’d the earth in atmospheric air, And bade it roll within
its orbit there. From West to East I bade it fly along, And to this motion day
and night belong; I fix’d its axis in the steady poles-- As it revolves and
round its circuit rolls, The seasons turn, to change the earth’s green robe, And
bear their balmy sweets around the globe! I furrow’d deep, and cleft its ample
side, And there the waters roll their rapid tide. I rent her bowels--scoop’d a
dreadful steep, Where scaly monsters swim the wond’rous deep; I clos’d the dark
recess from mortal sight, And hid her wonders in eternal night; Tho’ she may
toss her waves immensely high, And lash the summit of the lofty sky; The furious
winds may on her bosom blow, But she can never pass her bounds below; Her raging
billows die at my command, And spend their fury on the reeking sand; Thus far
thy flowing tide may come, I said, And here thy proudest waves be ever staid.

I now demand of thee, and canst thou tell, Who caused the day, and where the
light doth dwell? Who gave command for morning light to spring, And fly abroad
on universal wing? To gild the horrors of the western skies, Thence Ebon
darkness from her chamber flies, Where stop the cheering beams of rosy light,
That rend the curtains of the sable night? The adoring savage sees the blazing
flood, And flies the vengeance of his guilt and blood; East thou researched the
bottom of the main? Or known the place where Leviathans reign? Did thy
adventurous foot traverse the path That leads to all her dismal mates of death?
Canst thou declare why she remains so low, While thousand rivers in her bosom
flow? Is it her center or her bed that sinks? That keeps her even with the
flowing brinks? Canst thou declare these strange phenomena, And tell where all
her rivers flow away?

The human heart contains the crimson flood Where circulate a thousand streams of
blood; In the left side I placed the ventricle, And marked the route, the great
canal, Where flows the blood received in thousand tubes, To all extremes the
current thus protrudes. At the extremes of this constructed frame, I placed the
valves to play their constant game, The arteries, hence, like copious rivers
flow, Receive their portion from the distant toe, And pour the torrent in the
trembling heart. The living current glides thro’ every heart, The heart
receives, the heart conveys away The thousand strains that thro’ the system
play.

So I have placed in ocean’s secret bed, A thousand channels which are ever fed,
With copious torrents from the mother main, Which fill forever every distant
vein. Those secret streams convey the tide away, And burst their passage into
open day. This is the source whence all the rivers flow, Or cooling brooks that
glide the earth below; The springs replenish from the distant main, And find a
passage, and return again! Hast thou beheld the horrors of the gates? Where
ghastly death with his pale trophies waits! Canst thou inform where his dread
spoils are laid In lands Elysian, or Tartarian shade? Where groan the wicked who
despised their God? Where stay the righteous--in what blest abode? Has this fell
monster swept them all away, And laid them level in a tomb of clay? Have kings
and beggars here together met? Do slaves and tyrants with each other set? Do
they promiscuous in sad silence sleep Where none rejoice, and all forget to
weep? Do they pass on and leave their first abodes, And rise and glow, and live
in other modes? And transmutated in a thousand forms, Do they exist in fish, or
beasts, or worms? The sceptic mind would feign believe it true, But truth divine
I’ll now reveal to you.

Tho’ death may conquer in a thousand fields, And strip the soldier of his
boasted shields; Tho’ he may sweep the wide extended earth, Of every grade, and
every different birth, And sate his sable mansions with the slain, I’ll conquer
him, and let the righteous reign! Poor coward man too oft regrets to die,
Unknown, untaught where he’s destined to fly; Great death leads forth the
righteous to repose, Where they forget this warring world of woes. They seem to
slumber till they bear the sound: "Arise ye nations underneath the ground!" ’Tis
then they’ll mount on high celestial wing, And say: "O! death, where is thy
boasted sting?" Not so the wicked--when they close their eyes, In hopeless
sorrow, and despairing cries, Death’s gloomy shade redoubles all their pains,
Their souls are anguished where grim darkness reigns; Their conscious guilt
awakes their troubled souls, And points them where the fiercer anguish rolls.

Their dreams are frightful in their dark abode, They fear the stroke of some
avenging rod; And when they hear the last day’s trumpet sound, They’ll burst the
barriers of their gloom profound, The conscious guilt in which they left the
world, When they behold the Prince of Grace unfurled, Shall fast increase in
that terrific hour, As he displays his justice and his power.

I’ll summon death from his triumphal car, And raise his conquered millions from
afar; The trembling monster shall no longer boast, His blood and carnage, and
his numerous host. I’ll blot his memory from the book of fame, To cease forever
in eternal shame; I then will reign thro’ all the realms abroad, And shining
millions own me for their God.

Hast thou traversed the surface of the globe, Or seen the beauties of her
verdant robe? Hast thou beheld her far sequestered shade, Where howling horrors
and thick gloom pervade? Didst thou ascend the mountain’s lofty brow, To view
the landscape interspersed below? Who formed the hills, or hast the mountains
drawn, And stretch’d the margin of the flowery lawn? Who reared the rocks,
projected far in air? No human foot can ever venture there! Hast thou beheld the
wondrous way To the fair chambers of effulgent day? Where are the floods of
ever-flowing light, That blaze resplendence on the raptured sight?


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  CHAPTER 58: JT-56-FAREWELL TO YOUTH--AN ALLEGORY.
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FAREWELL TO YOUTH--AN ALLEGORY.

Farewell to beauty, blooming flowers, And all their sweet delight To pebbly
brooks and shady bowers, And all that charm the sight.

Those blooming months are rolled away, When songs attuned the plain; Far fled
the sweet perennial day, That soothed the rising pain.

Cold winter now with horrid gloom, Comes raving through the air, And strips the
earth of all her bloom, And leaves it sad and bare!

The rural rustic nightly hears, The Ærial storms arise; Tumultuous noise invades
his ears, And rumbles round the skies.

The forests groan in silent night, To warn the world of pain, The skulking
beasts in wild affright. Scud fast along the plain.

How fair the morning of my day, When ev’ry cloud withdrew; Enchanting flowers
allured my way, And the soft zephyr blew.

The landscape opened far and wide, Where every beauty grew, And youthful
pleasure’s flowing tide, Extended to my view.

Those pleasant hours I thought would stay, The flowers forever bloom, I little
thought the rising day Would close in sullen gloom.

But, O! the mid-day sun withdrew, The darkling clouds came on-- The stormy winds
in fury blew, All nature looked forlorn!

The dreadful storm around the sky, In burning lightning flew; The bending
forests gave a sigh, And I stood trembling too.

Amid the gloom I heard a groan, It hollow whispering said, The pleasures of thy
youth are flown, Thy golden dreams have fled."

I looked around with sad surprise, And saw the plain was bare, The flowers had
faded in my eyes, And every beauty there.

The rose had withered, and the thorn On ev’ry briar grew; I felt alarmed and
faint, forlorn, When far more comfort flew.

My heart was pained and full of woe, I felt no true delight; The howling winds
remained to blow, My day was turned to night.

Farewell to youth, to former joys, And my companions gay; ’Tis withered age my
peace destroy, And points me to the clay.


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  CHAPTER 59: JT-57-ON SOLITUDE.
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ON SOLITUDE.

Ye silent shades I now have found ye, Conceal me from the multitude; Enclose
your leafy wreaths around me, Nor let a vagrant foot intrude; Here let me drink
your cooling fountains, And hear sweet birds attune their lays, Along the dells
and rising mountains, O, let me hear what wisdom says.

’Tis here I long have wished to wander, Far from the noisy scenes of life; O!
give me now some time to ponder, And live secluded from all strife; O let me
build my cottage lowly, And spent my life’s short remnant here, And as I walk
the green moss slowly, I’ll wipe away the world’s cold tear.

Let others boast their carnal pleasure, And feast on what the world contains,
I’ll envy not their golden treasure, Nor all the spoils of conquered plains;
Content with charms of nature’s glory, I’ll seek no more of human pride, Nor
longer or hear the fatal story, Of those who swim her silv’ry tide.

The boasted soldier, long victorious, All laureled over with rising fame, Must
soon be conquered--fall inglorious. And hear no more his sounding name: The
gorgeous monarchs--pride of nations, The lords of all the earth below; O see
them leave their pompous stations, And down to dust and silence go.

I see the forest leaves are faded, And all the flowery plains decay, Like age,
by foul diseases aided, Turn pale and wither into clay; My moments like an arrow
flying, Convey me swiftly to the ground, Soon my friends may see me dying, And
shed their needless tears around.

The stormy winds around me roaring, Now strip the green leaf foliage bare, Here
as I sit this life deploring, I see death’s image travel there; What sweets, I
ask, can earth afford me, In all her pomp and airy show, When crippled age with
sorrows load me, When death shall strike his fatal blow!

Here in a mood of gloomy sadness, O let me think of future time; Here let me
rise in silent gladness, While I survey your heavenly clime; There cease those
sorrows, tears and sighing, That fill my heart with bursting grief, There sound
those songs of Christians vying, Who find salvation and relief.


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  CHAPTER 60: JT-58-ON MY OLD PEN.
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ON MY OLD PEN.

Go, you scrub, and rant no more, Rest awhile, and sleep, and snore; End your
labors and your motion, Lest you sink in your black ocean.

Toil has made you rough and plain, Neighbors say you give them pain, Some
declare you touch and rub them. Ruffian-like would wound and drub them.

Once your bill wits tough and long, Dabbled much in prose and song, Harsh has
been your broken measure, Worth few thanks and less in treasure.

Raging like the storm that blows, Murmuring at the faults of foes, Making loud
and dreadful clatter, About a small and trifling matter.

Need you care how others sill, How they end or how begin? Priests, you say, the
church oppresses, Need you feel for her distresses?

No, my sir, were you to try Till you’d famish, starve and die-- Could you roar
like Vulcan’s thunders, Still they’d hold their creeds and blunders.

Weeping, as you do in verse, Makes your case with them the worse; Tears provoke
them up to madness, Scorning at your gloom and sadness.

Tear the mountains all away, Plant them in the roaring sea Then you may create
the creature, Form anew his every feature.

But, alas! you never can Turn the wayward course of man, Give yourself no
further trouble, Lest you make your sorrows double.

Let creed makers take their way, Like the gnats that swarm and play, Let them
push their Anti courses, Death will end their feuds and forces.

This addressed, the feather said: Thousands wish me dumb and dead; But their
threats and constant clamors Still increase my toils and stammers.

Now I will lay down awhile, Cease my travel and my toil, If I sleep I will be
dreaming, Crazy brains will still be teeming.

Rest is not designed for me, Sleep or waked, I yet must be Thinking, when my
slumber ended, Some will say the pen’s amended.


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  CHAPTER 61: JT-59-IMPRESSIONS OF ELDER JOSEPH THOMAS.
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Impressions of Elder Joseph Thomas.

BY J. E. BRUSH.

One beautiful Sabbath morning, in the Spring of 1835, I was one of a large
audience who gathered in the chapel then known as the First Christian Church,
under the pastoral care of Elder Isaac N. Walter. Presently a man dressed in
white, bearing a modest, mild expression of countenance, arm in arm with the
Pastor was seen to ascend the pulpit, and was introduced as Joseph Thomas, the
White Pilgrim, who at once proceeded to address his numerous hearers. His
preaching was in harmony with his general appearance: mild, persuasive, and
evidently dictated by love for souls. I never saw a countenance more indicative
of what I have ever regarded as the stamp of the spiritual than his. Of his
talents as a preacher I can only speak in general terms. His oratory was of the
winning and persuasive style, his knowledge of the Scriptures appeared to be
remarkably good. An anecdote in point was related to me by Elder Walter.
Theological controversy was at that period quite frequent. Elder Walters was
several times, involved in it by ministers of other denominations assailing his
position; although planting himself in the defensive, he showed no unwillingness
to defend his cause. He appeared to be in his element. While engaged in debate.
On one occasion, he was approached by a clergyman, who proposed to debate the
question of the Trinity--three on each side; naming himself and two others for
the affirmative, leaving it to Elder Walter to name his associates. He promptly
accepted the challenge, and remarked that Wm. Lane and Joseph Thomas were at
hand, and would be his associates. When the Reverend gentleman heard who were to
act with him, be at once reconsidered his proposition, and concluded that he
would drop it, or reserve the subject for further consideration! It is needless
to add that Elder Walter heard no further from his proposed antagonist. Eld.
Thomas endeared himself to the people during his brief stay in our city. Wm.
Hillyer, a portrait painter of much celebrity, painted his portrait, and sent it
as a present to Mrs. Thomas; and on the occasion of the funeral address, by Eld.
Walter, in the chapel (which was crowded,) this portrait was exhibited. Its
faithfulness was generally remarked, and the audience testified their respect by
a generous collection of $50 for the benefit of his family. A very correct
lithograph was drawn from the portrait by Geo. W. Mathews, from which the
likeness in this work was faithfully taken. The peculiarity of his white dress
undoubtedly added much to the notoriety which everywhere greeted him; though,
independent of that, his excellent evangelical gift rendered his services very
acceptable. Once--and only once--I heard him allude to his dress. He said in
substance that he chose it because it was typical of the robes of the saints in
glory; that he had found very little inconvenience in its use, and appeared to
be quite contented in his choice.


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  CHAPTER 62: JT-60-LINES, COMPOSED WHILE STANDING AT THE WHITE PILGRIM'S GRAVE,
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LINES, COMPOSED WHILE STANDING AT THE WHITE PILGRIM’S GRAVE,

By Elder J. Ellis.

I came to the spot where the White Pilgrim lay, And pensively stood by his tomb,
When in a low whisper I heard something say, How sweetly I sleep here alone.

The tempest may howl, and the loud thunders roll, And gathering storms may
arise, Yet calm are my feelings, at rest is my soul, The tears are all wiped
from my eyes.

The cause of my Savior compelled me to roam I bade my companion farewell, I left
my sweet children, who for me now mourn, In far distant regions to dwell.

I wandered an exile and stranger below, To publish salvation abroad, The trump
of the Gospel endeavored to blow, Inviting poor sinners to God.

But when among strangers, and far from my home, No kindred or relative nigh, I
met the contagion, and sank in the tomb, My spirits ascended on high.

Go! tell my companion and children most dear, To weep not for Joseph, tho’ gone;
The same hand that led me thro’ scenes dark and drear, Has kindly conducted me
home.


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  CHAPTER 63: JT-61-THE TOMBSTONE INSCRIPTION
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The Tombstone Inscription The friends of the White Pilgrim have recently erected
a most beautiful Italian in Marble Monument over his grave, at Johnsonburgh,
Warren Co., New Jersey, at an expense of about one hundred dollars. The
following inscription is placed upon it:--

JOSEPH THOMAS, Minister or the Gospel of the Christian Church, Known as the
"WHITE PILGRIM," by reason of wearing white raiment. Died April 9th, 1835. Aged
forty-four years, one month and two days.


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Source: https://sermonindex.net/books/thomas-joseph-life-travels-and-gospel-labors/
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