ICtbrarg
lutuprattg nf PtttHburgli
'Darlington M^orial Library
(HiVLBB Cf..T
Suok- C;^^5G Avi
O R,
Hiflorical Account
O F T H E
LIFE, TRAVELS and
Christian Experiences,
OF THAT
Antient, Faithful Servant of Jesus Christ,
TEO MAS C HAL.K LET, ;^;^f
Who departed this Life in the Island of
TORTOLJ, the fourth Day of the Ninth
Month, 1 74 1.
I vjUl feud theft that efeape of themtinto the Nations, to Tarfhini, Pull,
and Lud, that draw ths Bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the Ijles afar
off, that have not heard my Fame, neither have feen my Glory ; and th/y
jhall declare my Glory among the Gentiles. Ifaiah Ixvi. 19,
The Second Edition.
LONDON:
Printed and Sold by Luke Hinde, at the Bible
in George-Tardy LomhardStreet. ly^i.
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f-^
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[iii]
THE
TESTIMONY
O F T H E
Monthly-Meeting of Friends
I N
VHILADELVHIJ,
Concerning our Antient, Worthy Friend,
THOMAS CHJLKLET, Deceafed.
THE ChnJlianExpcnenccs of the Faithful
being ufeful to dired: fuch as are defirous
of following them in the Paths of true
Religion and Virtue, and their good Examples
fhining with the greateft Clearnefs, when they
have, with the Flefli, put off all human Infir-
mities ; Juflice to their Memory, and a Concern
for the Benefit of their Survivors, demand our
grateful Remembrance of them, and the contri-
buting our Endeavours to render their Labours
ufeful to Pofterity. ^
A 2 The£b
[in
Tliefe Conliderations engage us to preface the
Writings of this our efleemed Friend and Elder
in the Truth, with this Teftimony concerning
him.
He was a Member of our Monthly-Meeting
above Forty Yeais, fo that feme of us had Op-
portunities of being intimately acquainted with
him, and of knowing his Fidelity and Diligence
jn promoting the Caufe of Truth, and the Edi-
fication of tLe Church of Chriji-, this having been
the principal Engagement and Concern of his
Mind, and which he preferred to any other Con-
fideration ; as will evidently appear to thofe, who,
with an honeft and unprejudiced Intention, pe-
nife his Journal of his Life and Travels.
By this it will appear, that he was, in the
early Part of his Life, fenfibly affedted with the
Vifitation of divine Life and Grace, and, by ad-
hering thereunto, was preferved from the Vani-
ties and Follies, which often divert and alienate
the Minds of Youth from the due Remembrance
and awful Regard of their Creator \ fo that he
was enabled to bear a Teftimony of Chriftian
Patience and Self-denial in his youthful Days,
and, by keeping under that Exercife, as he ad-
vanced in Years, attained to further Knowledge
and Experience in the 'Work of Religion, in
which he had a Sight of the Necellity of keeping
in a State of Humility, and of bearing the Crofs
of ChriJ}, v/hich mortified him to the World ;
fo that tiie Lofs many fuftain by the anxious Pur-
fuit
f ^3
fuit of the lawful Things thereof appearing to
him, he was concerned to avoid it, and in Obe-
dience to the Precept of Chrijt, tojeek fij-ft the
Kmgdom of Gody and his Righteoujnefs^ having
Faith in his Promife, that all theje ihings (necef-
fary for him) fjould he added.
Thus the Love of God influencing his Mind,
and opening his Underflanding, he became con-
cerned for the general Good of Mankind, and
received a Gift of the Miniftry of the Gofpel of
Chri/i^ before he had attained the Age of Twen-
ty-one Years j in the publick Exercife of which,
he foon after travelled thro' many Parts of Eng^
landy and into Scotland, and the next Year, be-
ing 1697, he came to vifit Friends in this and
the adjacent Provinces of America^ where his
Miniftry and Converfation were to the Comfort
and Edification of the Faithful (asfome of us can
with Satisfaction declare, from our Knowledge
and Remembrance of him at that Time^ and
the near Fellowfliip and Union he then had with
Friends here (^wc believej contributed to his more
fpeedy Determination of fettling among us, which
he afterwards thought it his Duty to do, tho*
the leaving his Parents and Relations ('as he after-
wards exprefted) was no fmall Crofs to him, be-
ing of a dutiful and affe<5lionate Difpofition.
After fixing his Refidence among us, he per-
fever'd in his Concern and Labour for the Edifi-
cation of the Churches, and gathering People to
Faith and Dependance on the inward Teachings
A3 Qf
[vi]
of Chrijl, and for that Purpofe only he travelled
many long Journies and Voyages through the fe-
veral EngliJI;) Colonies on this Contiment, and mofl
of the Illands in the We(i-Indtes, and in Europe,
through England^ Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Hol-
land, Frizeland, and feveral Parts of Germany^
and the adjacent Northern Kingdoms-, and in
many of thefe Places his Miniftiy and religious
Labours were blefled with the defired Succefs,
of which there are yet fome WitnefTes living, and
others who were convinced of the Principles of '
Truth by his Means, became ferviceable Mem-
bers of the Church, and continued therein to the
End of their Lives.
But as the wife King Solomon formerly obfer-
ved, that one Event cofneth to the Righteous, a?id to
the Wicked, (o it happened to this good Man,
who met with various LofTes and Difappoint-
ments in his temporal Eftate ; after which, the
Circumflances of his Aifairs engaged him to un-
dertake fome Bulinefs, in the Management of
which he was obliged to crofs the Seas frequently :
This, however, did not abate his Zeal and reli-
gious Care to make ufe of all Opportunities of
vifiting the Meetings of Friends when among
them, and of calling, at other times, to fuch
who might be accounted as the Outca/i d?/Ifrael,
cud the Dijperfedof ]uddh, or as Sheep not yet of
the Fold of Chvid ; and his Services of that Kind
are worthy to be commemorated, having been
often produdive of good EiFeds.
His
I vii ]
His Patience was remarkable in Difappoint-
ments and Afflictions, of which he had a large
Share ; and his Meeknefs, Humility and Circum-
fpedtion, in the general Courfe of his Life and
Converfation, were confpicuous and exemplary;^
and as he frequently exhorted and admoniihed
others to the Obfervation and Pradlice of the
many excellent Precepts and Rules of Chriji, our
Lord and Law-giver, and more efpecially thofe
cxprefled in his Sermon on the Mount (which
contains the Sum of our moral and religious Du-
ties) fo he manifefted himfelf to be one of that
Number, whom Chriji compared to the wile
Builder, who laid a fure Foundation ; fo that his
Building flood unfhaken by the various Floods
and Winds of Tribulations and Temptations he
met with, both from within and without.
He was a Lover of Unity amongfl; Brethren,
and careful to promote and maintain it, (hewing
the Example of a meek, courteous, and loving
Deportment, not only to Friends, but to all o-
thers, with whom he had Converfation or Deal-
ings y fo that it may be truly faid, That few
have lived Jo imiverfally beloved and refpeSled among
us : And it was manifeil: this did not proceed
from a Defire of being popular, or to be feen of
Man : For his Love and Regard to Peace did
not divert him from the Difcharge of his Duty
in a faithful Teftimony to thofe that profefled the
Truth, that they ought to be careful to maintain \
good Works ; and he was often concern'd zeal-
oully to incite and prefs Friends to the Exercife
of
[ viii ]
of the good Order and Difcipllne eflablifhed in
the Wifdom of Truth, by admonifliing, warn-
ing,, and timely treating with fuch as fell fliort
of their Duty therein, and by teftifying againft
thofe who, after loving and brotherly Care and
Endeavours, could not be brought to the Senfe
and Pradlice of their Duty 5 and thereby he fome-
times (har'd the Ill-will and Refentment of fuch
Perfons.
The feveral ElTays he wrote on religious Sub-
jeds at Sea, are further Proofs that his Mind
was principally engaged in the great Bufinefs and
Concern of Religion 3 and as he continued under
the fame Engagement to the End, we are fully
perfuaded the Words with which he conclu-
ded his laft publick Teftimony on the Illand of
Tortola^ maybe truly and properly applied to him,
'That he had fought a good Fight ^ and had kept the
Faith^ and, we doubt not, he now enjoys a Crown,
of Righteoujnefs, •
Much more might be truly faid of his Integri-
ty, Faithfulnefs and Worth, but we do not think
it neceilary ; our chief Intention being to exprefs
our refpeclful Remembrance of him, and our
Unity with his Labours and Services, and in or-
der to aflure thofe, to whom he was not perfon-
ally known, of the Truth of what he has him-
felf wrote of his Life and Travels j for we believe,
as he was a Man fignaily influenced with the
Spirit of univerfal Love and Good-will to Man-
kind,
[ix]
kind, this was his chief Motive for writing; and
we are lincerely defirous that his good Defign
may be anfwered, and that the Glory of every
good and perfedt Work may be attributed to that
divine Power alone, which can quahfy others to
fupply the Places of thofe faithful Minifters and
Servants of Chrift^ who have been of late Years
removed from among us, and are of that Num-
ber, of whom it is written, Blejfed are theDeady
which die in the Lord^ from henceforth, yea^ faith
the Spirit^ that they fnay reji from their Labour s^
and their Works do follow them.
Signed on Behalf, and by Appointment of
the Monthly-Meeting of Friends in Phi^
ladelphia, the Twenty-eighth Day of the
Second Month, 1749, by
ISRAEL PEMBERTON.
JOURNAL
OF THE
Life, Labours, Travels, 6^c.
o F
THOMAS CHJLKLET
J JAVING great Catifi to acknowledge the Re-
*1 gard and ProteB'ion of Divme providence in the
feveral Stages of fw;^ Life^ I think it ma'^ be of
Service to others^ to leave behind me the following Ac-
count of my Life and 'Travels.
WAS born on the Third Day of the Third Month 1675;
1675, in Southwark, and defcended of honeft C/STSJ
and rehgious Parents, who were very careful of
me, and brought me up in the Fear of the
Lord •, and oftentimes counfellcd me to Sobriety, and
reproved me for Wantonnefs ; and that h'ght Spirit,
which is incident to Youth, they were careful to nip 'I
in the Bud : So that I have Caufe to blefs God,
through Chrift, on the Behalf of my tender Parents.
And I may not forget the Dealings of God with me 16S4,
in my very tender Years. When between eight and vx"y->w»
ten
2 Th JOVR-N AL of
1684. ten Years cf Age, my Father and Mother fent mC
«wO(^v-> near two Miles to School, to Richard Scoryer, in the
Suburbs of London. I went moftly by my felf to the
School ; and many and various were the Exercifes I
went through, by Beatings and Stonings along the
Streets, being diftinguifhed to the People (by the
B,idge of Plainnefs which my Parents put upon me)
of what Profeflion I was j divers telling me, ^Twas
710 more Sin to kill me^ than it was to kill a Dog.
Rotherhith ^^out this Time the Lord began to work flrongly
pariih, in on my Mind by his Grace, infomuch that I could not
^outhwark forbear reproving thofe Lads who would take the
Name of the Lord God in their Mouths in vain, re-
minding them of tiie third Commandment, ^hou foalt
not take the Name of the Lord thy God in vain^ for the
Lord will not bold him g^dltlefs that taketh his Name
in vain ; and of Chrift's Saying, Every idle Word that
Men fjall fpcak, they fjall give an Account thereof in the
Day of Judgment ; for which I was mocked and de*-
rided by fome, and others would fometimes refrain
from fuch bad Words when I reproved them.
One Timel remember I was amongil fome Men, one
of whom I had reproved, and he told the reft of it,
and turned to me, and faid. That I was no Chri'
Jiian, and afl-:ed mc, •when I faid the Lord's Prayer ?
I afked him if he laid it ? He laid. Yes. I then allied
him how he could call God Father, and befo wicked
as to fwear and take God's Name in vain ? which I
had heard him often do; and I toid him what Chrift
faid to the Jews, 2m are of your Father the Devil^ be-
l^J^ J ^^^y^ his IVorks ye do-, and that thofe that did the
Devirs Work could not truly call God Father, ac-
cording to Chrift's Doctrine. So being convicted in
their Confciences that what I faid was true, they were
all filenr, and wondered that I, being lb young, fhould
fpeak in fuch a Manner; in which I remember I had
great Peace and good Satisfadion : And from thence-
forth thefe Men let me alone,
Notwith-
rnOMAS CHALKLET, 3
Notwithftanding I hated to hear wicked Words, I 1685.
loved Play exceedingly^, being perfuaded that there {^^'^^
was no Harm in that, if we ufed no bad Words.
One Time I was at Play at a Neighbour's Houfe with
the Children, and in the midft of my Sport I was
reach'd to with ft rong Convidions, infomuch that I
could not forbear Weeping. The Childrens Mother
obferving that I wept, laid. Why do you Weep,
Tommy ? I told her I could not tell, except it was
becaufe I was a nnughty Boy. Oh\ faid fhe, don't
lelievehim, for that's the Devil tells you fo, for you are
the left Boy in all our Street. But I knew I was told the
Truth by Convi6lion, and that fiie was miftaken :
For I plainly undcrftoodby clear Conviftion, and by
the holy Scriptures f which I had been trained up in the
Readino- ofj that I was too vain and wanton ; for I
loved Mufick, Dancings and playing at Cards., and too
much delighted therein betimes, and was followed with
the Judgments of God therefore in the Secret of my Soul.
Whad did in thofe Sports and Games, I always took
care to do out of the Sight, and without the Know-
ledf^e of my tender Parents -, for I was afraid of their
Reproofs and Correaion, the which I was fure to
have, if they had any Intelligence of it.
I remember that, unknown to my Parents, I had
bought a Pack of Cards, with Intent to make ufe of
them when I went to fee my Relations in the Country,
where there was Liberty in the Family fo to do, at a
Place called Woodford^ about feven Miles from Lon- wooiferi,
don, where I got Leave fometimes to go •, and at the in £irf*".
Time called Chriftmas, I went to fee them, and five
Miles on my Way went to a Meeting, at_ a Town
call'd Wanflead ; at which Meeting, a Minifter oUvav.jietd,
Chrift declared againft the Evil of Gaming, and par-
ticularly of Cards •, and that the Time which People
pretend to keep Holy, for Chriil's Sake, many of them
fpend moftly in Wickednefs, Sports, and Games s even
■f fome
4 Ti;^ J O U R N A L ^
1685. fome pretending to be Religious: And, generally
WV*^ fpeaking, more Sinand Evil iscommitted in this Time,
than in the like fpace of Time in all the Year befidesj
fo that the Devil is ferved inftead of honouring Chrift.
From this Meeting at Wanjlead^ I went to the Houfe
ol my Relations, v/here the Parfon of the next Parifh
lodged that Nighr, who ufed to play at Cards with
them fometimes •, and the Time drawing near that
"we were to go to our Gam^es, my Uncle called to the
Doelor, (as he called him) to me, and to my Coufin,
to come and take a Game at Cards ; at which Mo-
tion I had llrong Convi6lions upon me not to do it,
as being Evil •, and I fecretly cry'd to the Lord to keep
me faithful to him ; and lifting up my Eyes, I faw a
Bible lie in the Window, at the Sight of which I was
glad. I took it, and fat down, and read to my felf,
greatly rejoicing that I was preferved out of the Snare.
Then my Uncle called again, and faid, Come^ Doc-
tor, you and /, and 7ny Wife and Bmghter^ will have
£1 Gamt at Cards, for I fee my Coufin is letter difpofed.
Then he looked upon me, and faid. He was better
difpofed alfo. So their Sport for that Time wasfpoiled,
and mine in that Pradlice for ever ; for I never (as I
I remember) play'd with them more, but as foon as
I came Home, offer'd my new and untouch'd Pack of
Cards to the Fire. And of this I am certain, the Ufe
of them is of evil Confequence, and draws away the
Mind from Heaven and heavenly Things ; for which
Keafon all Chriftians ought to fhunthem as Engines of
Satan t And Mufick and Dajuing^ having generally the
fame Tendency, ought therefore to be refrain'd from.
The Sentiments of the Waldenfes, a People in great
Efleem among Proteflants^ are worthy the Con-
sideration of all true Protefiants and Chriftians -, which
were ** That as many Paces, or Steps, as the Man
«' or Woman takes in the Dance, fo many Paces or
" Steps thev take towards Hell/*
i
THOMAS CHALKLET. $
I very well remember the Work of God upon my 1685.
Soul, when I was about ten Years of Age ; and par- C/*/\J|
ticularJy at a, certain Time when I had been rebelling
againft God and my Parents, in Vanity and Lightnefs:
And has I had offended both, fo I was corredted by
both : For I had not only the Anger of my Parents,
but the Lord frown'd upon me, infomuch that I trem-
bled exceedingly, and was as tho* I heard a vocal Voice
fay to me, fFbai will become of thee this Night, if I
fiould take thy Life from thee? At which I was amazed,
and in great Fear. Then I covenanted with God,
that if he would be pleafed to fpare my Life (for I
thought God would have taken my Life from me
that very Moment^ I would be more fober, and mind
his Fear more than I had done before.
Neverthelefs I broke Covenant with God my Ma-
ker, my Adverfary tempting me fo to do, telling me
I was buta Child, and that it was natural for Children
to be brilk and to play, and that God would wink at
my Childhood ancf Youth, and it was time enough for
me, when a Man, to become Religious. But flill
God followed me with his chaftiling Rod, and ofteij
put me in Mind of my Covenant that I made with him
in my Diftrefs ; and that he had granted my Requeft '
which I then made to him ; and unlefs I would take up
a Crofs to my own corrupt Will and Inclinations, he
Ihould take me out of the World. Then, Oh then !
I cried, Lord help^ or I die! Save me^ or 1 perifb >
for ever! I cannot keep thy Covenant, nor do thy
Will, without thy Help and Affiftance ! And indeed
if the Lord had not helped, I had been undone for
ever.
So I continued bow'd down in my Mind, calling on
the Lord -, thinking and meditating on Heaven and
heavenly Things: But, as I am fcnfible, I had an in-
ward Enemy that always fought my Hurt and Over-
throw, I have Caufe to blefs God, who by his Grace
(as niine Eye was turned to \i) helped me to do his
Will,
6 T;?'^ J O U R N A L c/
1685. Will, as he was pleafed to manifeft it to me i fo that
t-'^VNhJ thereby feme Change was wrought on me, both in-
wardly and outwardly.
And I then began to delight in ReadingandSobriety,
which before were irkfome to me : And when I read
the holy Scriptures, I defired that God would open
them to my Underrtanding, which he did to my Edi-
fication many Times. I alfo begged earneftly ot the
Lord, that he would be pleas'd to be with mc, and
make me like to thofe his Children and Servants, of
whom I read in the holy Scriptures, who faithfully
ferved him all their Days. And when I read of the
Crucifixion of our bleffcd Lord and Saviour Jesus
Christ, it would break my Soul into Tendernefs. I
thought it was enough to awaken and humble any
Soul that was well-meaning, and had any Senfe of the
Power, Love, and Grace of Chrift. Thus I wenc
on for fcveral Years, feeling that Peace which paffeth
natural Underftanding, which many Times accompa-
nied my .poor and needy Sou! : And being advanced
to about 14 or 15 Years of Age, I remember that
I ufed to Ihun the Crofs of fpeaking in the plain Lan-
Thfmet g^^g*^ fwhich I, alvvays read in the holy Scriptures)
Seuthvuark. to thofe whom I converfed with, except my Father
and Mother, who would not allow me to fpeak other-
wife : I was convided in my Confcience that it was not
right to play the Hypocrite after that Manner; and
on a certain Time I had Occafion to fpeak with an
Officer, a great Man in our Neighbourhood, and my
Heart moved within me for fear I fhould fhun the
Crofs of Chrifl : For it was Chrift's Language to
all, as we may read in the New Teflament -, and the
Scriptures, from Genefis to the Revelaimn^ fpeak Thee
and Thou, to a fingle Perfon, in a general Way.
So I took up the Crofs, and faid Thee to him ;
and he was much afiVonted, and faid, T^hee} whatdofi
ihou Tbee me for? I foberly afl<ed him if he did
not fay Thee to his Maker in his Prayers ? and whe-
■ ther
"Thomas chalklek 7
ther he was too good, or too great, to be fpoke to
in the fame Language in which he vaddrds'd the Al-
mighty? Unco which he made no Reply, but (etm'd
to fall from his Paffion into Admiration., as one imic-
ten in himfelf. And he bore roc Relpid: ever aftcrj
and I greatly rejoiced that I was preferved faithful.
Tho' it may look like a little Thing to fome^ yet I
found it good (as the Scripture faichj /w( to defpife the
Dayof fmall 'Things.
About the twentieth Year of my Age, I was pref- 1694.
fed and carried aboard a Veffel belonging to a IVIan of '^./^/-v
War. I was put down into the Hold in the Dark,
'not having any Thing to lie upon but Cafks •, and
what made it worfe to me, I was among wicked, de-
bauched Men *, and as we were fhut up in Darknefs,
fo was their Converfation dark and hellifh. In the
Morning (for which I longed more than the Watch-
men) the Lieutenant called us up on Drck, and exa-
mined us whether we were wil ing to lerve the King.
He called me to him, and aflced me, If I were
'juilling to ferve his Majefi-j ? I anlw^rM, that I was ^•
willing to ferve him in my Bufinefs, and accord-
ing to my Confcience-, but as for War or Fighting,
Christ had forbid it, in his excellcrnt Sermon on the
Mount •, and for that Reafon I could not be^^r Arms.;
nor be inftrumental todeftroy or kill Mi-n. Then the
Lieutenant looked on me, and on the People, and faici.
Gentlemen i what Jhall we do with this Fellow ? he
fwear^ he will not Fight. The Commander of the
VcfTel made Anlwer, No^ no ! he will neither
Swear nor Fight. Upon which they turn'd me on
Shore. I was thankful that I was delivered out of
their Hands ; and my tender Parents were glad to
fee me again.
Now as I grew in Years, the World began to take
too much Root in me •, and my unweaned Enemy
would tell me that it was lawful enough (and indeed
I fee that he hurts many with lawful Things, with
B whom
8 fk JOVRN AL of
169^4. whom he knoweth the unlawful Things will not take)
"•••"V""^ and here I had been loft if God had not been gra-
cious to me. But he, in whofe Prefence I delighted,
withdrew, and deprived me of that Enjoyment which
was graceful and comfortable above all Things to my
Soul. Then did I pray, with Tears, O that it might
be vv'ich me as it was at other Times before ! and I was
willing to let the World go, rather than Grace and
God's Giory. The Pfalmifi faith. No good Thing
^nll he with 'hold from them that walk uprigbil'j, Pfal.
Ixxxiv. Verfe 1 1.
j^Cqr. About this Time there was a great Concern on my
i-.^/^ Mind, rightly to diftinguifh between the Voice of
Chrift, and the Whifperings of Satan, and thus it
open'd to me : That Chrift, the Truth, always fpeak-
eth Good, and for a good End, and that there is divine
Life to the Soul in this Speaking ; but the Devil never
fpeaks Good, unlefs fometimes for a bad End, and
then not Goovl in Reality, only coloured with a good
or fair Shew.
And keeping under this Exercife, the Lord appeared
tome again, and many Timd refrefh'd my Heart with
his Goodnefs. And when I was in my Bufinefs
•amongft Men, I did witnefs the holy Ghoff, the
Comforter, to be near me ; which was more to me
than all the World, or the Riches, Glory, and Beau-
ty of it *, the Love of God being fo fweet to my Soul
and Spirit, my Breathings, Prayers, and Supplications,
were to the Lord, that my Neighbours, Acquaintance,
and Relations, might alfo partakeof the like precious
Faith and Love which I enjoy'd ; and that the Chil-
dren of Men might anfwer that great and good End
for which the Lord did create them -, which is, that
Glory, Honour, and Praife, might afcend and be gi-
ven to him.
1 had fuch a Senfe and Fear of Difhonouring God,
that I often, with Tears, cry'd, Never let me live to
dilhonour Thee. Oh ! it had been better for me, that
I
THOMAS CHALKLET, 9
I had never been born, or my Mother's Womb had 1695.
been my Grave, than that I Ihould live to difhonour KyyTsJ^
Thee, or wilfully reproach the Nameof'Chrift, who,
with the Father, is only worthy ot Divine Honour.
In this Concern I felt theGofpel Power of our Lord
Jefus Chrift to work upon my Soul, and the Word of
God was as a Seed in my Heart, groWingand opening
in me, fpeaking to me, and making my Underftanding
fruitful in the Things of his Kingdom ; and in that A-
bility which was given me of God, through his Grace
^nd holy Spirit, I exhorted People to Repentance and
Amendment of Life; and I always humbly defir'd the
Help and divine Influence of God's eternal Word
therein. Oh ! I did fervently pray, that I might mini-
fter the Gofpel in the Power of Jefus ; for I clearly
difcern'd in the Light of the Son of God, that all
MiniftringoutofChrift's Power, was neither edifying
nor efficacious unto Souls : Therefore I did earneftly
befeech God for the Continuance of the Gift of his
Spirit, that I might be enabled to preach the Gofpel
in the Power of Chrift Jefus. The Concern that was
upon me on this Account at that Time, is hard, to be
cxprefs'd in Words.
The latter End of the Year 1695, my Father fenc
me into EJfeXy on fome Bufmefs, which, when I had
accompli Hied, I vifued fome Meetings of Friends there,
and my Mind being much affefted with the Apprehen-
fions of an impending Storm, ('the Nation being about
this Time threatened with an Invafion from France^ in
favour of the late King James^ fo that there was Ex-
pedation ot much Bloodfhed and Confufion in the
Land) I wrote a Letter to my Parents, and another
to Friends of the Evening Meeting (kept Weekly at
my Father's Houfe)exprefringmy great Thankfulnefs
to the Almighty, in Remembrance of the many pre-
cious Vifitations of divine Love and Favour we had
been made Partakers of, to the uniting our Hearts to
him, and to one another ; and my earned Prayer*
B 2 and
10 'Th/J OU R N A L c/
1695, and Supplications, that we might be preferved in true
-/"V~^ Love, and the Unity of the Spirit, which is the Bond
of everh\{ling Peace, and that the World might be
made fenfible of this true Peace, which abounds in
thofe who love and fear the Lord, and truly believe
in the Name of Jefus. Oh ! furely they would then
depaf-t from Sin., and abandon Iniquity .> by which they
incur the Wrath of the Lord^ and provoke the jufi 0ns
to Anger ; fo that the Line of Conjufon feems to be
f retched over the City and Nation, and the Eye of the
Faithful feeth it to the Grief of their Souls. Tet the
Mercy of the Lord, even of the juji Cod (who will
render a jufi Reward to every one according to bis Deeds
done in the Body) is fill handed forth to the Land,
Oh that the Inhabitants thereof would confider their
Ways J and be wife.^ and turn to the Lord with unfeign-
ed Repentance, while the Day oj Mercy lafteth, before;
it be faid^ Now it is hid from thine Eyes, for the Lord,
even the God and Falhtr of Spirits, hath fiid. My
Spirit fJmtl not always drive with Man, for that he
alfo is FlefJj^ Gtn. vi. 3.
1696. On the Hxpiration of my Apprenticefhip, having
""y^V""^ fervedmyFarherfaichtuUyfeven Years, lenteredmore
ftrongly into Covenant with my heavenly Father and
Mafter, to ferve him all my Days, thro' his AfTi-
ftance; and was foon after drav/n forth, in the Spirit
and Love of Chriif , to vifit the Meetings of Friends
Weftward irom London^ viz. thro* Surry, Suffex^
Hampjbire, Wiltfhire, Devonfloire, and Cornwall, to the
Land's End; in which Journey I was accompanied
by William Hornould. Ac one of our Meetings at
Falmouth in Cornwall, two Men fcalled Gentlemen)
came from the Inn to hear the Strangers -, and after
Meeting, they laid they could take their Oaths that I
was a Jefuir, and that they had heard me preach in a
RomiftJ Q^w\'^t\ m France \ which was utterly falfe:
For I nc'.er was in France in my Life. Befides had I
been
THOMAS CHALULET. ii
been a Papiji, or popijhly inclin'd (which I was not) i 696.
I was too young to be a Jefuit. <^/~V~v^"'
Indeed I thought I was mean for the Work of the
Miniftry, but the good Remembrancer brought thoie
Truths to my Remembrance, which flrengthened me
in the Work and Service of God. The Spirit hreatk-
eth ivbere it lijleth ; Out of the Mouths of Babes and
Sucklings thou hajl perfected Praife^ &:. We having
great Peace in our Labours in this Journey, and be-
ing edify'd therewith, return'dto L^;?^^;/, after about
four Months Abfe. ice from Home. '
And after I had been two Weeks at Home, my dear 1 607.
Mother departed this Life, in a fweet Frameof Spirit, t/VN."
praifing the I ord. She was one who lived the Life London.
of the Righteous, and whofe latter End was like theirs,
and left a good Report behind her, being well belo-
ved (I think I may fafely fay) by all our Neighbours;
not only by thofe of our own Society, but others al-
fo, to whom fhe was often very helpful.
So I went to my Calling, and got a little Mony,
(a little being enoughj which I was made willing to
fpend freely, in the Work and Service of my great
Mafter Chrift Jefus. And about this Time I was con-
cerned to travel into the North of £;7^/^»^, md Part
oi Scotland^ which I did in that Ability God gave me ;
and that Difpenfation which I had freely received, I free-
ly handed forth to the People, devoting my Strength
and Time to fervehim (that had done fo much forme;
and I had the Satisfa6lion to find divers conftrlFing the
Truth, as it is in Jefus. In this Journey I was from
Home about four Months, being moRly alone as to
any Yoke-fellow in that Work, travelling many Hun-
dreds of Miles, btingas far as Edingburgh^ in Scotland^' Eii^,i,.ff.^i,
"where our Meeting was in the Street, we being lock'd
out of our Meeting-houfe by the then Power, and
great Numb-rs of People were there. This News
being carried to the ProvoO: of the City, he faid, The
Qjakers would do more Hurt out of Doors, than •
B 3 zvithiu, .
12 W^ JOURNAL c/
1697. within, and he ordered Friends their Key. Since
vx"V^ which I have undcrftood that Friends in that City have
enjoyed their Meetings in the Meeting-houfe ; and
fometiines when the Rabble have difturbed Friends,
the Magiftrates have fent Officers to difperfe them.
Now^fter I had vifited the Churches of Chrift in
divers Parts of En^^and^ and had many fweet Seafons
:v of God's Love, and good Opportunities with my
Friends, and others in this Nation ; fthe Word of Life
being declared in the Simplicity of the Gofpcl, in fe-
veral Places People were very open-hearted, and re-
londoH. ceived the Teftimony of it with Gladnefs.) And after
I had been at my Father's, and at my Calling, a little
, after this~North-country Journey, I found myfelf en-
gaged in the Love of the Gofpel to vifit Friends
in America •, and having acquainted my Friends and
Relations of my Mind (they being wijlii g to give me
up) in order for the Voyage, Friends of the Monthly
Meeting gave me a Certificate, and I iiad another from
the Meeting-of Miniders in London.
My Father, and feveral other Friends with me, took
Boat from London^ and accompanied me to Grave/end^
on the 2 iff of the 10th Month 1697, and I went on
'jp.'rt/. board ihtSiKi^Jofiah^'Thoinas Z.z^r/f«^,Mafler,andfail'd
that Day from Gravefend, and got to the J)owns the
next Day, where we tarried fome Days for a fair W ind ; _
» in which Time leverai others that were concern'd in
the fame Gofpel-labour, came on board, viz.Tbojnas
Turner^ William Ellis^ and Aaron Atkinfon. In about
four Days Time the Wind was fair tor us, and we fet
'\« sc*, S;,i]^ and in a little Time we got out of Sight of the
Land •, foon after which the Wind was contrary, and
vv^e proceeded but a fmall Diftance for feveral Weeks;
the Weather was rough and the Sea boifterous, fo that
with the Motion thereof, mod of the PafTengers were
Sick. In this Time we loft a Lad, that fell into the
Sea (as he was drawing a Bucket of Water) and was
drowned j the Ship running fwiftly, he could not be
faved.
tHOMAS CHALKLET, 13
faved, altho' it was fpeedily endeavoured. Several 1697.
odiers died before we got over ; but for the mod Part ^^r-y^
we were Healthful. The Lord be prais'd, he was,
is, and will be, with thofe that faidifuUy ferve him to
the End.
We were three Ships in Company, but by Diftrefs
of Weather, foon after we came out, we parted.
After we had been at Sea about eight Weeks (on the
25thofthe i2thMonthjwefawtwoVeffelsafternofus.
One of them came up with, and the People hailed us,
and told us they came from Brijlolt and had been out
ten Weeks. The other came up with us next Day.
The People informed us they had been at Sea ^twtn.
Weeks, and that they had a dreadful Time of it.
She had loft Part of her Topmaft, and herSpritfail
Topmaft was gone. She was a new Ship, and never
at Sea before, belonging to London^ and bound for
Virginia^ as near as we could underftand : Our Ship
loft none of her Tackling, thro' the great Mercy of
God to us, tho' the Wind and Sea was wonderful high
at Times ; the Mate told me I might go to Sea all
my Life, and not fee the like j he faid he had been at,
orufed theSea, twenty Years, and neverfawitfo rough
and high before. We had Meetings twice a Week, fe-
veral of which were comfortable and refrelhing Meet-
ings, towhichmoftofthePaffengers, being in all about
Sixty in Number, fometimes came-, and feveral of
them were affeded with the Senfe of Trutii, and the
Lord ftrengthened our Faith and Hope in him.
Oh for ever blelTed be the living and eternal God,
who kept my Soul above the Fear of Death, Hell,
and the Grave ; for my Truft was in him, and he
did bear up my Spirit above the Waves of the Sea ;
and in the Time of Tolling with Tempefts, I was
comforted and chearful, praifing the Lord in my
Heart, both in the Day Time, and in the Night Seafon.
I was much concerned in my Mind, for many of the
PalTengers, who with the fecond Mate, and feveral of
B 4 the
H^ I'be JOU RN AL 0/
1697. the Seamen were very Sick (by fome it was thought
yw^ near unto Death) I cried to the Lord to heal tiiem, in
the Name of his dear Son, and that it might be a
M^ans to convince them of the Efficacy ot Love to,
and Faith ia Chrift Jefus, the Phyfician of Value ; and
the Lord was pleafed to heal them. The Mate of the
' Shipdcfired that I would come and pray by him. I
went to him, and prayed in the Power and Name of
the Lord Jefus Chrift, and the Lord helped him ; that
he faid he was fine and eafy, and thanked me tor my
, Love; and in a jitiie Time he recover'd. Several
othersof theSeamen andPaflensers I was inflrum.ental
to help in their Sicknefs. The Lord blelTed my En-
deavours in fupplicating him, on their Behalf, and
adminiflring what I had to them. One of the Seamen
iaid. He was bound to pray for me as long as he lived ;
and- that the Lord u-ould hlefs me. Another ot the
PafTengersfaid, That I was the blejfed BoBor ffor there
•was not a Surgeon, or Do6lor, in the Ship.) I was
very free to communicate of what I had to any fick
Perfon in the Ship, and feveral blefTed the Lord on my
Behalf. Indeed 1 thought I could fcarcf'. do enough
for any that were jn Diftrefs. I write not thus, that
I might feem popular, but with my Mind bowed
before the Lord. Many Times in this Voyage there
were Confultations in my Mind, whether I had befl
write a Memorandum hereof; but at laft conceiving
in my Spirit that it might ftrengthen and excite Love
to God, and Faith in his beloved Son, in true Belivers,
1 wrote as aforefaid ; and tlien 1 was fatisfied, and
gave the Glory to God.
Before we came to the Land, we faw a Ketch which
had faved the Lives of fome that belonged to a Ship
that was a little before founderM in the Sea : Who faid
alfo, that a Fleet of New- Engl and Ships who had been
upon that Coaft, by ftormy Weather, were forced to
Barbadoes, and within a few Days after we faw the
land oi Virgiuia^ and alfo a New-England Ship,
who
rnOMAS CHALKLET.
is
who failed or came from England three Weeks before
us. We arrived within the Capes of Virginia the gift
of the id Month 1698, and overtook the 7^/^« and ^^P"«f
Margaret J a Ship that came out of the Englifh Channel ' ^"*"^-
with us (the Mafter, Ihomas Salmon, being dead) and
the next Day we anchored our Ship at the Mouth of
Patuxent River in Maryland^ where our Boats were
hoifted our, and we were rowed up Patuxent River
twelve Miles, to Arthur Toung's Houfe, where we
Jodged that Night •, and for our Prefervation and fafe
Arrival, we blefs'd the Lord our God, and mv Spirit
prais'd him who lives for ever and ever. Our Voyage
was above twelve Weeks, it being then Winter Time,
and lor t^ie moft Part the Winds lo high, that the
Ships could carry but little Siil, which made our
VoyagC' the longer.
About four Days after we ]anded, we had a Meeting f^tuxem
Bear Patuxent River: And a blelTed one it was ! When River, m
it was ended, we went (that Night) to Daniel Raw- ^'"'>^^''"'^'
lings, and from thence to the Clifts^ to Richard John's,
a Friend that came with us from England^ at whofe
Houfe we had a Meeting, wherein God's Prefence was
powerfully felt. We had feveral Meetings on that
Side the Bay called the Weftern Shore, and then we
failed over to the Eaft Side of Che/apeak Bay, with
Thomas Everden^ in his Sloop, went to his Houfe,
and had a Meeting, where many People came. Here
we met with our Friends, Jonathan Tyler ^ Henry Pay-
ton^ and Henry P^3;/o«'s Sil>er. W^hile I was at this
Friend's Houfe, there was one Robert Cathing, who
being very ill, fentfor Thomas Everden^ and he (not
being very wellj defired me to vifit the fick Perfon.
So I went, and the Man was near to Death. Howbeit
he faid he was comforted mu:h with the Vifir, and
that he never had received fo much B-nefit by the Pa-
rifh Priefl in his Life : Jltho\ faid he, // cofi me
dear for what I had \ and if ever 1 live to get over
jt^ by the AJfijiance of Qod I fhall have nothing to
■ ' dd
i6
1698.
Vir^iniHt
Marykni.
itia.
r^^ J O U R N A L 0/
do with them more. But, he faid, he jhould ?iot
live three Days. And before the End of three
Days he expired. He defired (if I were not gone) I
would be at his Funeral. On Notice hereof, about ten
Friends went j and there was a greu many People, •
among whom we had a good Opportunity, and ma-
ny weighty Truths were opened to them in the Love
of God J and fome of them were tender and wept ;
and the moft, if not all (I think I may fay) werefolid
and weighty.
From Thomas Everden's Houfe we went to George
bruit's, at whofe Houfe we had a Meeting. This
Friend and I went to an Indian Town not far from his
Houfe, becaufe I had a Defire to fee thefe People,
having never feen any of them before. When we came
to the Tovv^n they were kind to us, fpoke well of
Friends, and faid they would not cheat them (as fome
others d\A.)
From George Truii's, in Maryland, we went down
to Virginia ; and in Accomack and Northampton Coun-
ties we had large Meetings, and I hope they were ef-
fedtual to many ; I think my Hope is not without
Ground. In thofe Parts we had feveral Meetings,
where we were informed Friends had not had any
before. And really I cannot but blefs the Lord for
the Opportunities v/e had with the People ; for the
Goodnefs of God, thro' Chrift our Lord, was great,
both to us and them, and with Tears they did acknow-
ledge the Truth. Now Thomas Turner^ who had
hitherto accompanied me, went by the Sea Side the
neareft Way to Philadelphia ; and afterwards I had
a Meeting at George Truit'% Brother's, and on the
firft Day, another near the Court-houfe, and went to
Ihomas Everden's, and fo to Levin Denwood's., and
thence to Nanticoke River, and vifited Friends up
the Bay until I came to the River Choptank, about
which there is a pretty many Friends. So I v/ent on,
and took the Meetings till I came to Philadelphia, in
and
THOMAS CHALKLET, %7
and about which Place, and in other Parts of the Pro- 1 6gS.
vince of Fenfyhania^ I had many large and precious v^"V'>w'
Meetings, the Power of the eternal Son of God
being wonderful, in which Power we many Times
bleffed his Name together. It was in my Heart much
to exhort Friends to Love to God, and to Unity one
with another, without which there is no fulfilling the
Law or Gofpel. There are many Friends in that Pro-
vince, and many fober young People, which greatly
rejoiced my Spirit ; fothat for their Encouragement,
the Lord opened my Mouth in a prophetick Manner
to declare unto them the Bleffings which he had in
Store for them, on Condition of their Walking in the
Truth. Glory to God on high ; Untruth decays, and
the Branches of it mightily wither; the Darknefs is
much paft, and the true Light fhineth glorioufly in
many Souls. O powerful Praifes be given to God,
who is Light for ever !
From Philadelphia I went to Burlington, and fo to
CroJwickSy where we had a large Meeting under the weft"
Trees, where fome were convinced of the Truth. J^rfj.
From hence I went to Shrewjhury^ and had Meet-
ings there : From Shrew/bury we went (moftly by
Water) to PFoodbridge and Staten-Jjland, from thence state*
to Long-Ifland, being accompanied by feveral Friends, ^l^^^n^^g^
On Long'IJland we had feveral large and good Meet- °"^
ings, wherein Chrift was preached freely ; and after we
had been two Weeks there, we went on board a Sloop
bound for Rhode-Ijland^ and by the Way we touched
at Fijher's, and Block Iflands, and on the firfl Day
Morning we fet fail from Block- IJland lo, Rhode-Jjland, E'^"'''
the Yearly Meeting being juft over when we got there. Jflands
That Evening we failed over to Connanicut-lfland, On j/and,
the third Day of the Week had a Meeting; there, and ^
irom thence we went over to JSarraganfet^ and had a ifland.
Meeting, and fo over to Rhode-IJland again (where Narreg^n.
Ruth Fry, a fober young Woman, was convinced, and ^'^^'
remained a Friend till her Death.) Here I met with
feveral
Warwick
and Pro-
videnee.
Salem.
Hampton.
The J O U R N A L 0/
feveral travelling Friends. From the IQiind we went
over to the Main, and had a large Meeting on firft
Day, at a Place c^lkd Greenwich. It was thought
there were about five Hundred People, and many of
them were tender. We went over the fime Night to
the Ifland ; and after fev-ral open Times with Friends
and others on Rhode-lfland, about twelve Friends of
that Ifland wen r with me to PFarwick and frovidence
Yearly Meetings, in our Friend Borden's Boat. We
fet Siil about Noon, and having but Jictle Wind, it
was late in the Night before we got there, and very
dark, infomuch that we could neither fee nor know
one another, but only by our Speech, and the Dark-
nefs occafioned us to run our Vefiel againlt the Rocks ;
but at laft we got on Shore (with our Horfes) and after
going over a very dirty Slough, we entered a difmal
Wildernefs ; fo that thefe Difficulties occafioned our
not getting to the Friend's Houfe till the next Day,
which, being the laft in the Week, we had a Meet-
ing ; and on the firft Day we had a large and fatis-
fafiory Meeting. Many of us were fo united in the
IjQve of God, that it was hard for us to part one from
another. ,'
From Troviddnce I went to Bofion and Salem, where
I Jiad Meetings, and from thence to Hampton. In
thofe Parts God Almighty hathfhortned the Power of
Perfecutors, and hath brought his righteous Judgments
lipon them for their Unrighteoufnefs. Oh that New-
England*^ ProfefTors might live in the Senfe of the
fame, and repent. I being a Stranger and Traveller,
could not but obferve the barbarous and unchriftian-
]ike Welcome I had into Bojlon., the Metropolis of
New-England. Oh! what pity (faid onej it was,
that all of your Society were not hanged with the other ^
Four I In the Eaftern Part of New-England God hath
a Seed left of his People. From
* Mdrrmdule Stevenfon, IFilliam liohinjon^ Mxry Dyer, and
IfiUUm Lsdir.1, who were put to D^ath in 1659 and id'o.
rUOMAS CHALKLET. 19
From thence I returned in order to get a Paf- 1698.
fage to the Ifle of Nantucket \ and from a Place s^/^\'-^
called Cujhnet, we failed over t© the faid JQand in a-
bout ten Hours, where we tarried leveral Days, and
had Five Meetings. The People did generally ac-
knowledge to the Truth, and many of them were
tender-hearted. Some of the Ancient People faid, HaMueket,
That it was never known that fo ?nany People were toge-
ther on the IJJand at once. After the firft Meeting was
over, one alked the Minifter (fo called) Whether we
might have a Meeting at his Hoiife. He faid with a
good Will, We might. This Minifter had fome Dif-
courfe with me, and afl<;ed, What induced me to come
hither., being fuch a young Man. I told him that I had
no other View in coming there, than the Good of
Souls, and that I could fay with the Apoftle, that
aNeceflity was laid upon me, and Wo would be to
me if I did noi preach the Gofpel. Then iaid he, /
wiJJj you would preach at m-j Houfe in G O D's Na?ne.
So next Day we had a Meeting at his Houfe ; and
on the firft Day we had the largeft Meeting that
we had on the Ifland. It was thought there were
about two Hundred People. The Lord in his Power
did make his Truth known to the Praife of his
Name. Oh ! how was my Soul concerned for that
People ! The Lord Jefus did open my Heart to
them, and theirs to him : They were alfo loving
and kind to us. The chief Magiftrate of the Ifland
defired that I would have a Meeting at his Houfe,
there being no fettled Meeting of Friends before I
came -, and after Meeting he difputed about Religion
with me. 1 thought we weie both but poor Difputantsi
and I cannot remember all that pafs'd between us, but
that in the Clo'e of our Difpute, he faid, I difputed
with your Friends in Barbadoes, and they told me^
That we mujl cat the fpiriiual Flejhy and drink the
fpiritual Blood of Chrijl : A?id, iaid the Governor,
Did ever any one hear of Juch Fiejb and tlood j for
is
20
The ]OVK'N AL of
jLynn,
Salem.
Ifle of
Shoali.
is it not a Contradi5lio?i in Nature, that Flejb and
Blood Jhould be Jpiritual ? O furely, faid I, the
Governor hath forgot himfelf; for what Flefh and
Blood was that which Chrift faid. Except ye eat my
Flefh,, and drink my Blood, ye have no Life in you. IVhy^
faid he, I don't think they were to gnaw it from his Arms
and Shoulders. Then I told him, he had anfwer'd
himfeU. Thus our Difpute ended. [And from that
Time forward they have continued a Meeting, and
there is nov/aMeeting-houfe, and a Yearly Meeting
for Worfhip, it is a growing Meeting to this Day,
and fe veral publick Friends are raifed up amongft them,
who preach the Gofpcl of Chrift freely.]
At this Time a Friend was convinced, whofe Name
was Starhucky who became very ferviceable, and lived
and died an eminent Minifterof Chrift on that Ifland.
Several Scores of themcame and accompanied us to the
Waterside-, and when we embarked on board our
Sloop, they defired that I would come and vifit them
again. So I recommended them to the Grace of our Lord
Jefus, and we parted in great Love and Tendernefs. In
the Evening ofthe next Day we got to the Main Land,
where we were gladly received. Now it was in my
Heart again to vifit the Eaftern Parts of New-England
before I left America \ therefore I went to Bofion Yearly
Meeting, thence to Lynn and Salem, where we had a
Iweet comfortable Time ; likewife to the Yearly Meet-
ing at Dover, and fo to Pifcataway, where we had feve-
ral Meetings, which were profitable Opportunicies to
many. From Pifcataway, J ames Goodbridge 2J\d I went
over to the Ifle o^ Shoals -, we had with us a ChurcH-
member ofthe Prefipytcrians, whofe Brother invited her
over with us to the faid Ifland, to the Meeting which
was at his Houfe ; and while he was talking with her in
the Yard or Garden, I fa w a Bible, and took it, and
read therein. When flie came into the Houfe fhc afked
me. What I did with that Book ? I told her, Ifjhe
was offended I would lay it down. No,' Noy faid fhe,
don'i
"THOMAS CHALKLET, 21
ilont think to come off fo^ for -jou dtfown or deny that 1698.
Book. I told her. She was mijlaken ; and afked, t^V%J
Who told herfo? Why^ faid fhe, cur Minifter in his
Pulpit. I replied, 'That it was a great Ahufe upon us^
for I had been trained tip from my Childhood in the
Reading and Belief of the Scriptures^ and my Father
and Mother were Friends ('chat is, fakers.) She wil-
ling to try me further, faid, Did your Father and Mo-
ther fuffer you to read the Bible when you were a little
Boy? Tes, faid I, and gave me Corre5lion when I was
not fo willing to read therein as they would have me.
Then., faid fhe. Our Minifler has h elf d you -^ and f nee
you fay fo, if it pleafe God, I will go and hear you:
She went with us to Meeting ; and after it was over
fgoing Homej one afked her^ How fhe would an--
fwer it to their Minifler, for going to Meeting. She
replied, // was a Truth fhe had heard, and fhe would
fiand by it through the Grace of Chrijl^ and need not be
afloamed of it (though we are of ourfeJves but poor
weak Creatures J This Woman was fober and religi-
ous, and one of good Report. By the foregoing we
may fee how Slanders flow from fome Pulpits ; the
more is the Shame and Pity ! We went on, and preach-
ed the Gofpel of our Lord Jefus Chrift in that Ability
he gave us, with which the People were affeded, and
would have had us tarried longer, but we could not
("although they much importuned us) becaufewe had
appointed a Meeting at Oyfier River. After we had
had feveral Meetings about Pifcataway and Dover^ we
went to Hampton.^ where we had Meetings -, and at Ham%n,
Salijbury we had a large open Meeting, as it was fup-
pos*d, of about three Hundred People (which was at
this Time accounted a great Concourie of People there-
abouts ',) alfo at Jamaica and Haverill v/e had Meet-
ings, and from thence went to Salem and Lynn again,
where we had good Service for Truth, and then to
Bojlon, and had a Meeting at the Meeting- houfe, and
another at a Friend's Houfe in the Evening, at which ^°^''^^'
there
22 r/je JOVkN AL of
1698. there were m.iny People. From Bojlon I went to vifit
w-^'S''''^ Friends about Cape Cod, till I came again to Rhode-
jjland. By the Way I met with Aaron Atkinfon^ who
was on a ViPr to Friends in New-Englfind. I had fe-
vera) c;oo'i Opportunities, and powerful IVIeetings in
thofe Part.'i, and Truth wrought a Tendernefs in divers
at Rhode IJland, The Pretence of him, who faid.
Where two or three are met in my iSame^ there am I in
the midjl of them ^ being fenfibly witnelTcd by many ;
for nc- was with us of a Truth. From thence I went
Narraian. round the Narraganjet Country, and had Meetings at
■^''* feveral Places, and was accompanied by John Rodman
and William Beackly^ thro' ConneElicut to Long- IJlandy
which is accounted two Hundred Miles. We had one
Meeting by the Way, in which Cnrift was preached to
CoHHcfti. them, as he is the Li^ht of the World, at a Place
where we were told there never was a Friend's Meeting
before. I came to Long-Ifand about two Weeks be-
fore the General Meeting, and vifited Friends in feve-
Lon^ ral Places on this Ifland, as at Ha?npftead^ Jenifalem^
ifland. Jericho^ and Bethpage^ where there were large Meet-
ings, and much Opennefs among the People, and fome
were convinced. We had a Meeting at a Place called
Matifiicok, where I met with fome ot the People cal-
led Ranters, whodifturbed our Meeting. I may fay-
as the Apoftle Paul (only altering Ephefus to Mati-
nicok) that I fought with Bealb there •, and thence I
New travelled to New-Tork, where we had two Meetings;
J"*""^- from thence we went to l\\tJerfeySi and there we had
Jcrjeyt. ^^^^^^^ ferviceable Meetings that were large •, and fo to
Penfihania^ where there are many very large Meet-
ings ot Friends, and the Lord is with his People there,
and profpereth them fpiritually and temporally. Here
I met with my dear Friend, JVilliam Ellis. From
F^nfyiva. pjjiiadelphia, Richard Gove (of that City; and I tra-
velled to Maryland, and vifited Friends on the Weft-
ern Shore, and from thence to Virginia. In Virginia^
viriinia. ncaf James\ River, I met with an aged Friend whofe
Name
'THOMAS CHAyLKLET. ^
Name was William Pvrter. He was ninety- two Years p6g8.
of Age, and had then a Daughter two Years old *. vj>*v*^s>''
We had feveral Meetings there amongft Friends and
others, many being wellfatisfied concerning the Truth, .-^ .■ .*.
and ipoke well of it.
And after we had had feveral good and open Meet-
ings in ^fr^z^z/i^, we found ourfelves clear oi America^
and in order for our Paffage, we agreed with our
Friend F. Johnfan^ on board the Elizabeth and Mary^
to ca rry us ior England.
On the nth of the Firft Month 1698-9, we were igqg.q
accompanied on board by feveral Friends, who abode\.x-sy-sJ
with us all Night -, and the next Day, being the firft
Day of the Week, we had a little comfortable Meet-
ing, and then parted in much Love, having the Evi-
dence of the Power of the Almighty with us. We
waited for a fair Wind until the 20th of the aforefaid
Month,, and left the Gapes of Virginia that Day, and
at Night we got our Ship into a failing Pofture •, and
I was glffjd in my Spirit, that I Vv-as feccing my Face
towards my native Land ; and more glad that I was
returning. with Peace in my Bofom.- On ! the Power At sex.
and Prefenceof Hirn who faid, Go teach all Nations,
was fweet to my Sdyl at that Time, and now in fome
Meafure I enjoy'd the Fruits of my having laboured
in that Ability God had given me. Glory to God,
throVChrift, who is worthy for ever ! The'Prefc^c^^
of God was with us on the great Ocean, and we were
ftrengthened through liis Goodnefs wonderfully. We
C had
^^*Some Years after I law him, and he was weeding Indinn Corn
with a Hoe. He was then about 106 Years of Age, and had.
upwards of feventy Children, Grand-Children, and c^r.-at-Grand-
C hildren. We wer« divers Friendsof us to fee him and he preach-
ed to us a fhort, but very aiFeding Sermon, which was (as near as
I remember_) Verbatim thus; " Frien (s, you are come to fee me
" in the » ove of God. God is Love, and thofe that dweUin
" God dwell in Love. I thank God, I feel his. Divine life
•^ every Day and every Night.'* He lived to fee his above iwenti-
ohed Daughter married, and died, aged 107 yeajte.tt»i.*iU hj.oi
a4 ^-7h J OVR-N AL of "^-"^
1699. had feveral good Meetings on board our Ship, and
W*^ were opened (m the Love of God; to the poor Sea-
men very largely.
At Sea. When we launched forth into the Deep, we were
feveral Ships in Company ; but we had been but a lit-
tle Time at Sea, before we loft Sight of them all. Se-
veral Ships pafTed by us about a Week after we fail'd;
and about this Time we faw a very large Whale, who
lifted himfelf part out of the Water with his Mouth
open, which looked like the Entrance of a large Cave.
We likewife faw feveral other large Sea Filh, fuch as
GrampufTes, Sharks, (^c. All which fhew forth the
wondrous Works of the Great Creator of all Things.
Elizabeih IVebb and Elizabeth Lloyd went over with
us in this VelTel, both virtuous Women. About two
Weeks the Winds were moftly fair for us, in which
Time we got finely on our Way ; but for above a
Week afterwards the Winds were moftly contrary, and
the Ship had a great Motion, which caufed fofne of us
to be Sea-fick, efpecially Elizabeth Lloyd f (who was
but weakly.; One Night our Sailors thought that an
Enemy or Pyrare was near us, who fired two Guns,
and.fo paired by us ; but it being Night, we could not
certainly know what fhe was. I rather judged it might
be fome Ship in Diftrels, for we faw one of the Ships
that Evening that came out with us, and the next
Morning we could lee none at all, and there was hard-
ly any Wind that Night, lo I feared that our Compa-
nion had fprung a Leak and foundered ; and when I
told our Mafter my Opinion, he faid, he feared the
fame likewife. Now for two Weeks Time, or there-
abouts, we beat about the ^ea, and made little Pro-
grefs.
+ She was the Daughter o^ThomAs lloyi, late Deputy-Gorer-
nor of Pefijjlvania. he lived and died a virtuous Woman;
and, I thinK, generally beloved by all who were acquainted
with her. When (he died fhe was the Wife of Daniel Zuchaty, a
Merchant at Bofton, New-Enghnd, well known, and much be-
loved tiicrc, for his Piety and Virtue;
THOMAS CHALKLET, 2^
grefs. Howbeit we had feveral good Meetings, where-
in we gave Glory to God our Saviour ; and for ever
Jet it afcend, faith my Soul, to him over all ! After -^^^ea.
contrary Winds, about two Weeks, the Wind fprung
up Wefterly, and was fair for feveral Days *, in which
Time we got finely on our Way again, and left the
Wejiern IJlands about two Days Sail behind us ; and
then the Wind was contrary again. Contrary Winds
are commonly tedious at Sea(butefpecially to thofe
that know not where to ftay their Minds) but we being
feveral Friends of us on board that were PalTengers,
had oftentimes good Meetings feveral Times a Week ;
and if any of our Ship's Company came to Meeting,
they always were fober, and fometimes tender ; and
truly, God's Love was extended towards them. And
when it was not our Meeting Days, we fpent not our
Time idly, but for the moft Part in Reading the holy
Scriptures, and Writing, i^c. in which we were ac
fundry Seafons greatly refrelhed, flrengthened, and
comforted. O my Soul ! glorify God thy Maker,
and Chrift thy Saviour for ever, in the Senft? of his
Goodnefs and Mercy, both by Sea and Land, by
Night and by Day ! After we had been aim oft (tvQn
WeeksatSea, we thought that we were near the Land,
but we founded feveral Days, and found no Bottom,
altho' we let out Abundance of Line, I think above
300 Yards.
About this Time our Doctor dreamed a Dream,
which was to this Effed:, himfelf relating it to me :
He faid, " He dreamed that he went on Shore at a
*' great and fpacious Town, the Buildings whereof
*' were high, and the Streets broad ; and as he went
*' up the Street he faw a large Sign, on which was wri-
" ten in great golden Letters SHAME. At the Door
*' of the Houfe (to which the Sign belonged) flood
«* a Woman with a Can in her Hand, who faid unto
" him, Do5lor, will you drink? He reply'd, with
** all my Heart, for I have not drank any Thing but
C 2 *« Water
'The JOURNAL o;^
" Water a great whiL^ (our Wine and Cyder being all
'* fpent, having h;.d a long Pnffige) and he drank a
At Sea. 4t hearty Draught, which he faid, made him merryj
■'•--■•' *' To went up the Street reeling to and fro., when a
'* grim Fellow coming behind him, clapp'd him on
*' the Shoulder, and told him, that he arrejledhim in
'^ the Name of the Governor of the Place. He afk-,
«« ed him for what, and faid. What have I done ? He^
*•' anfwered, tor Jlealing the Woman's Can -, the Can
'* he had indeed, and fo he was had before the Gover-
'' nor, which was a mighty bfack Dog, the biggeft
** and grimclt that ever he faw in his Life ; and Wit-
" nefs was brought in againfthim by an old Companion
*' of his, and he was found guilty, and his Sentence
" was to go'^Prifon, and there to lay for ever."
He told nte this Dream fo punctually, and with fuch
an Emphafis, that it afi^efted me with ferious Sadnefs,
and caufed my Heart to move within me (for to me
the Dream feemed true, and the Interpretation fure^
I then told him he was an ingenious Man, and might
clearly fee the Interpretation of that Dream, which ex-
a<5lly anfwered to his State and Condition, which I thus
interpreted to him : " This great and fpacious Place,
" wherein the Buildings were high, and the Streets
*^ broad, is thy great and high Profe/Tion: The
" Sign, on which was wrote Shamet which thou
'*« laweft, and ilie Woman at the Door, with the Can
'*• in her Pland, truly reprefents that great, crying
" and fhamefu! Sin of Drunkennefs, which thou
'' knows to be thy great Weaknefs, which the Wo-
*' man with the Can did truly rcprefent to thee: The
" grim Fellow which ar relied thee in the Devil's
*' Territories is Death, who will afluredly arreft all
" Mortals: The Governor which thou faweft, re-
'* prefentinga great black Dog, is certainly the De-
*' Vil, who after his Servants have ferved him to the
" bSil, will torment them eternally in Hell." So he
got upj as it were in haite, and faid, God forbid I It is
nothing
"THOMAS CHALKLET. 27
nothing but a Dream. But I told him it was a very 1699.
Significant One, and a Warning to him from the »->'''y*^
Almighty, who fometimes fpeaks to Men in Dreams, channoi,
la ^tvtxi Weeks after we left Sight of the Land of
America^ we faw the Scil^ Iflands, and next Day we
faw the Land of England, which was a comfortable
Sight tousi in that God Almighty had preferved us
hitherto, and that we were fo far got on our Way.
■We drove about the Channel's Mouth for feveral Days
for want of Wind ; after which, for two Days the
'Wind came up, and we got as far up the Channel
as Lime-hay^ and then an Eafterly Wind blew frefh for
feveral Days, and we turned to Windward, but rather
loft than got on our Way, which was tirefome and te-
dious to fome of us.
Now about this Time (being fome Days after the
Doflor's Dream) a greivous Accident happened to us.
We meeting with a Dutch Veffel in Li?ne-bay a little
above the Starts hailed her, and fhe us. They faid
they came from Lijhon, and were bound for Holland,
She was loaded with Wine, Brandy, Fruit, and fuch
like Commodities j and we having little but Water to
drink (by reafon our PalTage was longrr than we ex-
pe6ted) therefore we fent our Boat on board, in order
to buy us a little Wine to drink with our Water. Our
Daflor, and a Merchant that was a PafTenger, and one
Sailor, went on board, where they ftaid fo long until
fome of them were overcome with Wine, altho' they
were defired to beware thereof ; fo tiiat when they
came back, a Rope being handed to them, they (being
filled with Wine unto Excefsj were not capable of
ufingit dexterouOy, infomuch that they overfet the
Boat, and fhe turned Bottom upv/ards, having the'
Doctor under her. The Merchant caught hold of a
Rope called the Main Sheet, whereby his Life was
faved. The Sailor not getting fo much Drink, as the
other two, got nimbly on the Bottom of the Boat,
and floated on the Water till iuch Time as our other
C 3 Boat
s^ ^^ JOURNAL 0/
Boat was hoifted out, which was done with great
Speed, and we took him in 9 but the D<;6lor was
drowned before the Boat came. The Seaman that fat
upon the Boat faw him fink, but could not help him.
This was the greatefl: Exercife that we met with in all
our Voyage •, and much the more fo, as the Doflor
was of an evil Life and Converfation, and much gi-
ven to Excefs of Drinking. When he got on board
the aforefaid Ship, the Matter fent for a Can of Wine,
and faid, Do^or^ will you drink? He replied, YeSy
with all my Heart .^ for I've drank no Wine a great while.
Upon which he drank a hearty Draught, that made
him merry (as he faid in 'r;isDrc'amj*j.^.ndnotwithftand-
ingthe Admonition which wasfoclearly manifeftedto
him but three D.iys before, and the many Promifes
he had made to Almighty God, fome of whsch I was
a Witnefs of, when ftrong Convictions were upon
him, yet now he was unhappily evercome, and in
Drink when he was drowned. This is, I think, a
hvely Reprefentacion of the tender Mercy, and jufl
Judgment of the Almighty to poor Mortals i and I
thought it was worthy to b- recorded to Poflcrity, as
a Warning to all great Lovers of Wine and ftrong
Liquors. This Exercife was fo great to me, that I
could not for feveral Days get over it ; and one Day
while! was mufingin my Mind on thole Things re-
lating to the Dodor, it was opened to me, that God
and his Sc^rvants were clear, and his Blood was on his
own Head ; for he had been faithfully warned of his
evil Ways.
We were obliged by contrary Winds to put into
Plymouth Harbour, and from Pfynouth I went by
Coach to London^ where I was gladly received by my
Relations
N. B. This Relation about the Dcflor's s-ream, when I
was at Birbadoes, I had Occalion to write about it to a friend in
Jrehnd, which he got printed there, and is the fame with this
in Sujjftance, only that is fomew hat fuller and larger.
THOMAS CHALKLEr 29
Relations and Friends. In this Journey I travelled
about 2000 Miles by Land, and 6000 by Water. I
got to the Yearly Meeting of Friends in London, in
the Yean 699 (which waslargejand was atdivers pub-
lick Meetings for the Worlhip of Almighty God. I ^ondon^
may truly fay, the holy Ghoft was amongft us, blefTed
ed be God our Saviour for evermore.
In this Year I thought it my Place to enter into a
married State, and I acquainted my Father of my De-
lign, and that I inch"n'd to make Choice of Martha
Betterton, a religious young Woman, whom I entirely
lov.'H for that Pi'^ty, Virtue, and Modefty, which I
beheld in her ; {I was in the twenty -fourth Tear of my
Age, andjhe in her twenty-firjl.) I jikewife acquaint-
ed her Father and Mother with my Intentions, to
which both our Parents confented ; her Father faying
(when I fpoke to him) Go together, and the Lord blefs
you together. And my Father faid, If I was worth
my Weight in Gold, fhe defervedme. The Heartinefs
ot both our Fathers in/ this Matter, was more to
me than a Portion of ^Iver or Gold, of which we had
but very little -, but our Love to each other was very
great, and being well and honourably grounded, ic
was not eafily Ihaken. So after Confent of Parents,
we propofed our Intentions of Marriage to the Month-
ly Meetings unto which we belonged ; and becaufe I
had been travelling in America, I had Certificates
from my Brethren there fnot onlyj of my Induftry
and Labour in the Minillry, with the good Effedts
thereof, but alfo of my Clearnefs in Relation to Mar-
riage -, and after having twice publifh'd our intention?,
we had Liberty of the faid Meeting to proceed to the
Solemnization of our Marriage, which was accom-
plilhed at Devon/hire -Houfe^ in London (at a Meeting
appointed for that End) on the 28th Day of the
feVE^Month, in the aforefaid Year, in the Prefence
of many hundreds of People, and many worthy Bre-
thren and Elders. A Day of Days it was to my Soul!
D 4 wherein
30 ?^^JOUrRNALY
1 699. wherein I was made fenfi-ble of the Love and Goodnefs
v/V"'*^ of God in a pirticular Manner, which to mc;, was an
Earncftof ourfuturewell-doing. My dear Wife wasone
who truly loved and feared God, and had an excellent
Gift of the Miniftry given unto her, and was fervice-
able therein. [A Paper cornii.g to my Hands of her
ov/n Hand- writing and compofing, I tranfcribeit here.
She calls it An Account of the Exercife t/Martha Bet-
terton, viz. " As I was walking in the City of- London^
'' with a Concern on my Mini, in beholding the
*' abominable Pride of the People -, it opened upon
'* my Mind in this wife: IVo^ Wo I 'Jo the Crown oj
" Pride ! And then I was deeply bowed in my Spirit
•' before the Lord, and it was faid to me, I ivill yet
*' /pare a little longer ; / have Sheep which I will ga-
*' ther Home to me^ and there [hah he one Shepherd
** and one Sheepfold. Then 1 faid in my Heart, Ob
*' Lord ! Shall I be one of thy Sheep bt longing to thy
*' Sheepfold of eternal Refl. And again it was anfwer-
*' ed me, Aly Sheep hear ?ny Voice, and they follow
*' me. Then a Cry was railed in me, Caiife me to
" hear thy Voice -, and not only jo., but enable me to
*' obey the fame. And then this Charge was returned
*' tome. Be thou faithful y]
'fM-v-^ Soon after I was married, I had a Concern to vifit
iiufx. Friends in the Counties of Surry^ Sujfex^ and Kent,
js>idKm- ■vi^iTiich J performed in about two Weeks Time, and
came Home and followed my Calling, and was indu-
ftrious therein ; and when I had gotten fomething to
bear my Expences, and fettle my Wife in fome little
Eufinefs, I found an Exercife on my Spirit to go over
■feiitrJ. to Ireland, to vifit our Friends and Brethren on that
Ifland, in vjh'ich fViuiafnI'own/Ijend zccon\pa.nied me,
and Friends in that Nation were generally fatisfied
Vv'ith our Service amongthem. When we had been
from Home about ten Weeks, and had vifited moft
Farts oi that Nation, having had many Meetings
among Friendsj and others, we found Freedom in
our
THOMAS C HALKLET. 31
our Minds to return Home, which we did, being 1699.
comforted in our Service, and bleffed the Name of s.y\-^
the Lord.
After fome few Months I acquainted my Wife and
my Bather, with her Father and Mother, that I
thought it my Duty to go over and live in America, '
To which Propofal, my Father confented, tho' with
Tendernefs of Heart, confidering that I muft be fo
far feparated from him. I alfo laid it before the
Monthly Meeting of Friends at Horjly-down^ in Souih-
wark (of which Meeting I was a Member j who con-
fented to it (tho' fomewhat unwilling to part with us)
and gave us their Certificate, to let our Brethren
know that we were in Love and Unity with them,
and walked according to our ProfefTion. And when
we were ready, and in order for going, we agreed for
the Freight of our Goods and Servants, with John.
Snowdon^ and Ihipped them on board the Jofiah^
bound for Maryland. When the Ship was at Grave/- a^evef.
end, and ready to fail, feveral of our dear Relations '«''•
and Friends accompanied us to the Ship, on board
of which we had a good Meeting, and took our fo-
Jemn Leave of one another, as never expeding to fee
each other any more in this World. It was a folemii
Time indeed ! We prayed for one another, and fo
parted, our Ship failing that Evening, and we got to
Margate-Road, where we anchor'd, and the Wind a great
fprung up very frefh, and blew tempeftuoufly, iQ^^rmm
that we broke our Cable, and lofl our bed Bower- RoadT^'
Anchor, and drove violently towards the Goodwin
Sands, We let go our Sheet- Anchor, and three more,
•which were all we had, but they did not ftop her •,
upon which theMafler ordered the Carpenters tofland
by the Main-maft, with their Axes upon their Shoul-
ders, and when he gave the Word, then they were to
cuttheMaft. The People in the Ship fthere being
divers PafTengers) were in a great Conlternation, ex-
ipefting nothing but Death : But for my Part, being
exceedingly
32 "Tk JOURNAL of
1699. exceedingly Sea-fick, and having been in many
-/"VnJ Storms, I was not fo much iurprized with this, the
Sailors fometimes making a great Noife when there
is but little Danger •, but there was more Danger than
I was aware of, as appeared afterwards. One of
the Paffengers came weeping, and faid. Our Cafe was
very had. The Dodor alfo came in the fame Man-
ner; and cry'd, Oh ! Mr. Chalkley, we are all dead
Men! Then I thought with myfelf, I would go out
on Deck, and fee what the Matter was •, and when
on Deck, J went to the Pilot, who had the Lead in
his Hand, and he founded, and cry*d out. Lord havi
Mercy upon us ! (he is gone., jheisgone^ Jhe is gone! by
which I perceiv'd that we were very near the Goodwin
Sands, on which many Ships have been loft with all
their Crews. In this Senfe of Danger I feni for the
Paflengers into the Cabin, and told them that I
thought it would be v/ell for us to fit ftill together,
and look unto, and wait upon God, to fee what he
would pleafeto do for us ; that, if Death came, we
might meet him in as good a Frame of Mind as we
could, and that we might not be furpriz'd beyond
Meafure: And as we were thus compofed in our
Minds, a Concern came upon my dear Wife, andfhe
prayed to God, the Father, in the living Power and
Senfe of his Son i and he heard from his holy Habita-
tion, and anfwered the Prayer : For immediately af-
ter the Wind abated, and our Anchors held us.
This was a great Deliverance, which is not to be for-
gotten. When we faw the long'd-for Morning, we
were very near the Sands, and the Sea ran prodigi-
ouQy high, and broke upon them mightily, fo that
we were forced to leave our Cables and Anchors, and
make the beft of our Way to D^^/, as well as we
could. One of the Owners being on Shore, and fee-
ing us in Diftrefs, fent off a Cable and Anchor to us ;
and we anchored before Deal with our new Cable and
Anchor, and fent a Boat for our other Anchors and
CableSj
THOMAS CHALKLET. 33
Cables, when it was Calm, which brought them to 1700.
us. And after we had fupply'd ourfelves with what we v-^'V*^
wanted, we put to Sea again, and had fair Winds till
we got as far as the Wefiern IJlands^ where Captain jvcrum
Cant being in Company with us, he fpoke with our iJiuHds.
Captain in the Evening, and the two Captains con-
cluded it would beftormy that Night, which happened
accordingly. They took in their Sails, and we all
but our Mainfail ; notwithftanding which, the Storm
was fuch, that we loft our Main-maft, fprung the
Head of our Fore-maft, and broke our Crofs jack-
yard, and thus lay rowling upon the Sea for about two
Weeks ; The Ship Brijiol Merchant coming by in that
Time, lent us a fpare Top-maft, of which we made
a Main-maft, and a Top-maft of our Top-gallant-
maft, and lo refitted out as well as we could, and had
a pretty good PafTage afterwards. We were about
eight Weeks from the Lands- End to the Capes of capesof
Virginia ; had Meetings twice a Week on board, and yirgimt.
they helped to ftay our Minds on our Maker, tho* our
Bodies were toffedtoand again on the mighty Waters.
We went on Shore at Patuxent River, and went by MsryfoKg
Land to Herring-Bay, where I, my Wife, and Fami-
ly, tarried that Winter ; and I, with my three Ser-
vants, followed my Calling. In the Spring we tranf-
ported ourfelves, our Goods, and Servants, from j^^q,
Maryland to Perifihania, where we intended to fettle >o''-\,«Jj
when we came from our native Country. At Phila- Pf>i/ade!.
delphia I bought a Lot of Ground upon the River De- ^^""^
laware^ and there I followed my Calling that Summer;
and in the Fall I had an inward Call to vifit Friends in
Barhadoes, which I propofed to our Monthly Meet-
ing, and they certified on my Behalf, that they had
Unity with me in my Propofal, Converfation and Mi-
niftry: So I took Ship at Philadelphia (about the
20th ot the 7th Month, 1701J on board the Mra^
ham. Street^ Commander, and was about a .^
Month on our Voyage ; Jofiab Langdale (was with
me.j
34
"The JOURNAL /
v^
1701. mej We had feveral good Meetings in the Ship to
v./'V"*^ our S-;tisfa<5lioni and were well received, and had
Earbadoes. many Meetings at Barhadoes^ which were often very
large and open, and fome of the People loving and
tender. We had feveral Meetings at Bridge-Town^
Speight's Town^ the Springs and the Thickets^ and at
Pumpkin-Hill i and after being there about fix Weeks,
ticmudnt, we went in a Sloop to Bermudas^ where we found but
very few Friends, yet had Meetings in feveral Places,
and at the Houfes of fome People who were not of
our Profeflion ; and the longer we tarried, the larger
ouf Meetings were -, and many began to be affedt-
ed, and fpoke well of us and our Devotion, but fome
were difturbed, and fpoke to the Governor to break
up our Meeting (which at the Defire of one of the
Inhabitants we had appointed at his Houfe^ upon
which he fent Orders by one of his Colonels to break .
Tjp our Meeting, which troubled divers fober People.
After this I met with the Governor at the Houfe of
one Judge Stafford -, and he being a moderate Man,
we had the following Difcourfe, viz.
Gov. How do you like our Country ? We are but
a little Spot in the Sea.
*T, C. I like it well for its moderate Climate.
If the People were moderate alfo, it would be well.
Gov. Doth it anfwer your End in coming?
'^. 5". C. My End in coming, was to vifit the People
in Chriftian Love.
Gov. Do you think the People will be brought
over ?
T. C. If they are brought to Truth and Righteouf-
nefs, it will be well for them. That is the End of
our coming.
Gov. If you had acquainted me with your Defign,
when firft you came, you had done well. It was
your Duty.
T. C. If we had known the Governor's Will herein,
or that thou v/ouldft have fpoken with us, we fhould
have
rHOMAS CHALKLE T. 3^
have readily anfwered it: But knowing nothing of jyoi, ■
it, we could not tell but that it might be.taken for i^vSi
Rudenefs in us, confidering our hom,e).y,„W^y-, and.
Manner of addreffingfuch Men. '.t.^-Jr/ ,., .
Gov. Then your Defign in coming here was to
preach. Had you no other End ?
' 3l C.'Tes.. As we found a Concern upon us to
preach, and a De fire in the People to hear.
Gov. Why don't you- tarry with them ? That looks
ftrange. Flere the People are affed:ed with you,
and you go away and leave "rfiem : Upon my Word
I blame you for that.
T. C, We don't direft them to Man, but to the
Lord Jefus Chrift, their Teacher, and Bilhop of
their Souls. And whyfliould our leaving them look
flrange to the Governor ? For it was the Pradice of
the Apoilles of our Lord Jefus Chrift, and his own^
Pradice and Command to his Followers. And fur-
ther the Apoflles Cwhich Word fignifies Ambafiadors
or Meflengersj fay, Follow us^ as we are Followers of
Chrift. And they travelled up and down the World
preaching, the Gofpel j and our great Lord himfelf
had not whereon to lay his Head,
Gov. The Apoilles were infpired Men : Infpired by
the Holy Spirit to preach the Gofpei. I fuppofc you
don't pretend to be infpired.
y. C. Every true Chriftian ought to pray for the
Pouring out of the holy Spirit, .or holy Ghoft upon
him. The Church of England * alfo prays for it,
the Receiving of which is Infpiration.
Gov. Your Reafons being grounded on Scripture,
you are well grounded ; for no Man can deny the
Scriptures. Then you fay yoa are infpired?
T. C. I hope lam. I pray for it with great Ear-
neftnefs.
Gov. Then it is but alk, and have, you think.
T. C
* Of which Church the Governor was a Member.
36 "TJoe jOVKN AL of
1 70 1. T. C. If we afk in Fnith, without wavering, we
v./V'"*^ IhaJl receive, according to the Doftrine of Chrift and
his Apoftles in the New Teftament.
Gov. Well, If any have a Defire to hear you, you
may preach and welcome.
After I had this Difcourfe with the Governor,
it was reported on the Ifland that the Governor had
given us a Licenfe to preach fwhich Report was not
true, further than the aforefaid Difcourfe) and then
we had larger Meetings than before. We had a Meet-
ing at Judge Stafford's Houfe, and one at a Houfe
not far from his.
It is obfervable, that this Ifland hath formerly been
a very healthy and fruitful Place. Red Cedar, or
Sweet Wood, is ail the Timber they have in the
Ifland, with which they build their Houfes, make
their Houfhold Goods, build their Ships and Sloops,
and make their Fires •, fo that there is continually a
fragrant and pleafant Smell, which we could fmell at
Sea fome time before we faw the Land ; and it is yet
a pretty healthy and fruitful Ifland, but not fo heal-
thy and fruitful as formerly. In one of the Meetings
I was concerned to let them know, that it was the
Evil of their Ways and Doings that had caufed the
Almighty to with-hold from them the Fruits of the
Earth, and to make their Ifland moreunhealthful than
formerly it was. After Meeting the Judge told me,
I had faid truly, for that was the Caule i and if I
had fpokemore rothat Matter, or on that Subject, I
had done well. Several were convinced at this Time
on this Ifland.
Soon after an Opportunity offered, in a Sloop be-
longing to this Ifland, that was bQund^ov Philadelphia^
in which we (being clearj embarked, and on our
At Sea. Voyage had indifi^erent good Weather, only one hard
Gale of Wind, which c;\uled us to hand our Jib. A
Molatto Man na ned Stavo Cbeing the Mafl:er s Ser-
vant) went out upon the Bowfprit to hand the Sail,
and
HHOMAS CHALKLET. 37
and there came a Sea and wafhed him ofF; and the 1701,
VefTel ran over him ; and, in aJl probability, he had {^Y'SJ
certainly been drowned, had he not been a good
Swimmer ; for he fwam, as we judged, three Quar-
ters of a Mile, before he got to the Sloop, it not
coming into any one's Mind to lower the Sails, until I
Iharply order'd it to be done, which they then did
readily ; and the Courfe of the VelTel being flopp'd,
he foon got on board, having flripp'd himfelf of
his Clothes in the Sea, and brought them in his
Mouth. I was very thankful for the poor Fellow's
Life, and praifed the Lord in the Secret of my Soul,
for his Prefervation. In about two Weeks Time we
arrived at Philadelphia, and I had great Peace in my phUadeU
Labours in this Vifit, in which I was from Home/*'**
about five Months. The Friends of Barbadoes were
fo well fatisfied with this Labour of Love, that they
certified the fame by Way of Certificate, more than
is proper for me to mention. But tho' they thought
fo well of me, yet I had occafion to think very meanly
of myfelf, for I was emptied to exceeding great fpiri-
'tual Poverty at Times.
After I came Home from Barhadoes and Bermudas, 1702.
I followed my Calling ; and kept to Meetings dili- •%i^'%''NJ
gently •, for I was not eafy to be idle •, either in my
fpiritual or temporal Callings ; and at Times travelled
in the Work of the Miniftry in our own Province Cin
which there are many large Meetings of Friends, and
they increafe and multiply from time to time.) Since
my fettling in this Province, which is now about a
Year, fome Hundreds of People are come here to
fettle, and divers Meeting-houfes are built; and I do
certainly know from above, that this Province of
Penfyhaniay and City of Philadelphia, will flourifli
both fpiritual ly and temporally, if the Inhabitants will
love (and live \x\) Righteoufnei's, and in the Fear of
God i otherwife the Hand that planted them can foon
pluck them up. After fome time I was drawn fotth
to
3§ "the JOVRN AL of
1703. to vifit Friends m Maryland^ Virginia^ and North'
/"V"^ Carolina^ and went with the Unity of Friends, hav-
ing their Certificate (according to the good Order
eftablifhed among us) fo about the 26th of the firft
Month, 1703, 1 went thro Maryland^ and vifited
fiiaryMi. priends in Virginia and North-Carolina, to the River
Nofthc'a. PamphlicOy where no travelling publick Friends (that
roima. ever I heard of) were before, and we had fcveral
Meetings there on each Side of the River. One Day
going out of our Canoe through a Marfli, I trod on
a Rattle-fnake fwhich is accounted one of the mofb
poifonous SnakeSy^ but it only hiffed at me, and did
no Harm. This was one Deliverance, among many,
the Lord by his Providence wrought lor me ; and I blefs
his holy Name for all his Mercies. In going to,
and coming from this Place, we lay two Nights in the
Woods, and 1 think I never flept better m all my
Life. It was the eighth Hour in the Evening when
I laid dovm on the Ground one Night .fmy Saddle
being my Pillow) at the Root of a Tree, and it was
four a Clock in the Morning when they called me.
When I awoke, I thought of good JacoFs Lodging
he had on his Way to Padanara?n, when he faw the
holy Vifion of Angels, with the Ladder, whofe Top
reached to Htaven. Very fweet was the Love of God
to my Soul that Morning, and the Dew of the ever-
lafbing Hills rcfreihed rae ; and I went on my Way
prailingrheLord, and magnifying the God of my Sal-
vation. In this Journey I met with another remarkable
Deliverance ; going over a River eight Miles broad,
we put our Horfes [we being eight Men and feven
Horfes] into two Canoes ty'd together, and our
Horfes flood with their Fore- feet in one, and their
Hind- feet in the other. It was calm when we fet out,
but vi'hen v/e were about the Middle of the River the
Wind arofe, and the Seas ran high, and fplit one of
our Canoes fo that with our Hats we were obliged to
ca^ out the Water ; and with much DifHculty (at laft)
all
"THOMAS CHALKLET. 39
all of us, with our Horfes, got fafe on Shore, through 170?.
the good Providence of God. And on Return ^^''VN^
xhvou^ North-Carolinay we had feverallarge Meet-
ings, and an open Time it was ; as alfo at Nanfimund
and Chuckatue, and feveral other Places in Virginia ;
and when my Service was over in thofe two Provinces
I went back to Maryland, and vifited Meetings there,
and then went Home. As near as I can compute it,
I rode about a thoufand Miles in this Journey. After fjjUaiti.
which I ftaid at Home, following my Bufmeis, in phia.
order to the Maintenance of my Family, being
blefled with Wife, Children, and Servants, and
with other Things ; for which I am truly thankful.
While I was at Home I vifited the neighbouring 1704.'
Meetings as I found a Concern on my Mind ; and v/v~^
on the 6th Day of the third Month, 1704s I laid be-
fore our Quarterly Meeting of Minifters and Elders
an Exercife that was upon my Mind, to vifit our
Friends Meetings on Long-IJland, Rhode-IJland, and
in New-England, and the Places adjacent ; from
which Quarterly Meeting I had a good Certificate
Cwhich I thought it my Duty to endeavour to live up
unto ;) and being accompanied with feveral Friends to
Burlington and Crojwicks, Jofeph Glajler being my j^feyu
Fellow- labourer in the Work of the Gofpel ; at the
two aforefaid Places, we had Meetings, and then we
travelled to New-Tork and Long-]Jla?id-> where we had ia»^-
divers Meetings ; ^s:\\.Flufhing^ fFeftbury, Jerufalem,^^'*''^'
Jericho, Bethpage^ Matinicock^ and alfo at Pt^eli- Chef-
ter, ontheMain, and from thence we travelled to
Rhode-IJland Yearly Meeting, which was large and ^^^^J*
ferviceable to many. From hence Jofeph Glajler
went towards Bofton, the inland Way, and I went
by the Sea-fide, and we met together, after I had
been at Meetings at divers Places, viz. Darttnouth and Dmm0wth,
Nantucket Ifland, at which Ifland there are large
Meetings, People there being moftly Friends, and a
fober growing People in the beil: Things •, tho' not
D of
40 "Tk ]0VR1<^ AL of
1704. of our Society when they firft received the Truth-,
vS*"^ yet they received it with Gladnefs; and altho' divers
of the People called Prejbyterians were very cruel in
their Expreffions, and bitter in their Spirits againft us,
yet there were fome who went under that Name,
who were more open and charitable towards us, and
received us gladly with Tendernefs •, and at fome
Places we had Meetings at their Houfes to our mutual
Satisfadtion. We like wife had Meetings at Suckanufet,
^find-witi. Sciluak^ and Sandwicb. About this Time the /i'^iiw^i
were very barbarous in the Deftru6lion of the Eng-
Ufh Inhabitants, fcalping fome, and knocking out
the Brains of others (Men, Women, and Children)
by which the Country was greatly alarmed, both
Night and Day -, but the great Lord of all was pieaf-
ed wonderfully to preferve our Friends, efpecially
thofe who kept faithful to their peaceable Principle,
according to the Doctrine of Chrift in the holy
Scriptures, as recorded in his excellent Sermon which
he preached on the Mount, in the vth, vithand viith
Chapters of M^///:?^'K^5 which is quite oppofite to Kill-
ing, Revenge, and Deftrudion, even of our Enemies:
And becaufe our Friends could not join with thofe of
fighting Principles and Pradices, fome of them were
put into Prifon ; divers People railing and fpeaking
very bitterly againft their peaceable Neighbours, and
v/ifiiing the ^lahrs might be cut off. Some of the
I^^a-iv- England Prieils and Profeffors were fo bitter
againit Friends, that inflead of being humbled, un-
der the mighty Hand of God upon them, in fuftering
the Indians to defiroy them, they exprefs'd their En-
mity againft the poor ^mkers, on a Day appointed
for Kumiliation and a Faft j and particularly in a Ser-
mon preach'd byoneof their Prieits, which he divided
into three Heads, viz. Fir/?,That the Judgments of God
were upon them, in letting Joofe the favage Indians
to deftroy them. Secondly^ In that he with-held the
Fruits of the Earth from them (for there was great
Scarcity)
THOMAS CHALKLET, 41
Scarcity, j Ihirdiy, That the ^z^^^^(?rs prevailed, and ' 1704.
wfere fuftered to increafe fo much among them ; which '^/y^\Jl
he faid, was worfe than the Indians dedroyingof them,
and gave this abfard Reafon for it, Tbe Indians ds-
firoy our Bodies, but the Qiiakers deftroy the Soul. ^ This
is an abominable Falfhood ; for it is Sin that deftroys
the Soul : And fuch as thofe that preach to the People
that there is no Freedom from it in tiiis World, co.n-
tradidt Chrift's Dodlrine, Be ye perfect, &c. And that
ot the Apoftle's, He that is born of God cannot Sin.
And thus their blind Guides miftake Light for Dark-
nefs, and Darknefs for Light. Among the many
flundreds that were (lain, 1 heard but of three of our
Friends being killed, whofe Deftru6tion was very re-
markable, as I was informed (the one was a Woman,
the other two were Men.) The Men ufed to go to
their Labour without any Weapons, and. trufted to
the Almighty, and depended on his Providence to pro-
ted them (it being their Principle not to ufe Weapons
of War, to offend others, or defend themfelves) but
a Spirit,of Diftruft taking Place in their Minds, they
took Weapons of War to defend themfclves ; and'
the J;z^fi3«i, who had feen them feveral Times with-
out them, and lettb.em alone, faying, They were peace-
able Men^ and hurt nobody^ therefore they would not
hurt ihem^ now feeing them have Guns, and fup-
pofing they defigned to kill the Indians, they
therefore fhot the Men dead. The Woman had re-
mained in her Habitation, and could not be free to
go to'a fortified Place for Prefervation, neither fhe,
her Son, nor Daughter, nor to take thither the litcle
Ones ; but the poor, Woman after fome Time began
to let in a ilavifn Fear, .and did advife her Children to
go wij:h her to a Fort not fi\r from tficir Dwelling.
'D 2 Her
..yj.i v-,;J ^-' /_ ,•
, i'iiviin ?.;.-.v I •; . . ;____
* This Prieft was foon after Idlled by the IfiJijj.;:s-, as I was
told by a Miiiifter.
42 " r/je ]OVRN AL of
1704. Her Daughter being one thattrufted in the Name of
i^'yyj the Lord, the mighty Tower, to which the Righteous
flee and find Safety, could not confent to go with her;
and having left a particular Account in a Letter to
ker Children of her and their Prefervation, I think it
worthy to be inferted here in her own Words.
<« \ 7|T HEN the cruel Indians were fuffered to kill
« VV and deftroy, it was Ihewed me, That I
" muft ftand in a Teftimony for Truth, and truft:
« in the Name of the Lord, that wasa ftrong Tow-
*' er, and we fliould wait upon him. And I often
*' defired my Mother and Hufband to fit down, and
** wait upon the Lord, and he would fhow us what
" wefhoulddo: But I could not prevail with him,
*' but he would fay it was too late now, and was in
*' great halle to be gone ♦, but I could not go with
*' him, becaufe I was afraid of offending the Lord :
*» But ftill he would fay I was deluded by the Devi),
♦' fo that my Mother would often fay, ^ Houfe divided
** could not Ji and', and fhe could not tell what to do,
*' altho' fhe had moft Peace in flaying, yet fhe had
*' Thoughts of moving, and faid to me. Child, Can
'^ thee certainly fay it is revealed to thee that we fhould
*-^ ftay\ if it he ^ I would willingly flay, if I was fur e it
*' was the Mind of God. But I being young, was
<* afraid to fpeak fo high, faid. Mother, I can fay
*' that It is fo with me, that when I think of flaying
«' and trufling in the Name of the Lord, I find great
'* Peace and Comfort, more than I can utter, with
♦* a Belief we fhall be preferved ; but when I think
<' of going. Oh the Trouble and Heavinefs I feel,
«» with a Fear fome of us fhould fall by them I And
** my dear Mother fighed, and faid, She could not
•« tell what to do. But I faid to them, If they would
•' go, I would be willing to flay alone j if thev found
** Freedom, I was very willing, for I was afraid of
*' offending the Lord. But ftill my poor Hufband
♦* would
THOMAS CHALKLEr. 43
^^ woM fa.yt I took a wrong Spirit for ihe right. And 1704.
*« he would fay how I fhould know, For if I was ^-^-^^
'' right, I would he willing to condefcend to him. And
*« then I faid, in Condefcention to him I would move;
*' but I hope the Lord' will not lay it to my Charge,
*' for was it not to condefcend to him, I would not
*« move for the World ; and after I had given away
<« my Strength, in a little Time there came Men
*« from the Garrifon, with their Guns, and told us,
*' They came for us, and told us, The Indians, they
" thought, might be near; and then away we went i
'< and my Mother went in with my Brother-in-
" law, altho' I perfuadcd her not to do it. But fhe
*« faid, (Vhy, my Child is there : And why may not I
** he with him as well as thee ? And fo we went along
*' to Hampton, to my Hulband's Brother^s. But O
«' the Fear and Trouble that I felt! And told my
*' Hufband it feem'd as if we were going into the
" Mouth of the Indians. And the next Day was the
" firft Day of the Week; and our dear Friend,
<« Lydia Norton, came with my dear Mother ; and
*' in her Teftimony, fhe faid there was there that
'' was very near to her Life, that was very near
" Death. O then 1 was ready to think it would be
" I, becaufed I believed we had done amifs in mov-
*« ing, and great Trouble was I in, and told dear iLj^/a
" of it ', but fhe comforted me as much as fhe could,
*' and faid, She did not think it would he I. And my
*' dear Mother went to my Sifter's again, to the
" Garrifon, where fhe found herfelf not eafy ; but,
*« as fhe often faid to many, that fhe felt herfelf in a
*' beclouded Condition, and more fhutfrom Counfel
'* than ever fhe had been fince fhe knew the Truth ;
" and being uneafy, went to move to a Friend's Houfc
" that lived in the Neighbourhood ; and as fhe was
«« moving, the bloody cruel Indians lay by the Way,
** and killed her. O then how did I lament moving!
'• And promifed if the Lord would be pleafed to fpare
D 3 '' my
44 Jh J OVR'N Ah of
16S5. ^« my Life, and Hufband, and Children, and carry
1/^"^) tc ys Home again, I would never do fo more. BuC
" O the Fear, and Trouble, and Darknefs, that
'*• fell upon me, and many more at that Time ! And
*' three or four of us kept our Meeting : But altho*
" welat and v/aitedas well as we could, yet we fat
*^' under a poor beclouded Condition, till we retur--,
*■' ned Home again, then did the Lord plcafe to lite
'' up the Light of his Love upon our poor Souls.
*' O then I told my Huiband, alci.o' he had built a
'■'^ little Houfe by the Garrifon, I could not move
" again. So he was v/illing to ftay while the Winter
*■' Seafon lafted, but told me he could not ftay when
'f Summer came, ior then the Indians would be
«' about i and fo told me, That if I could not go to
',' the Garrifon, I might go to a Friend's Houfe that
*Vwas near it.- And i was willing to pleafc him, if
*■'■' the Lord wasv/iliing •, and then applied my Heart
^': to knov/. the. Mind of Truth, and it was fhevved
^' mie, that if Lmoved again, I fliould loofethe Senfe
** of Truth, r.ndl fhould never hold upniy Head
*' again. O then I told my Hufband he muft never
'.' au'i me to move again, for I durft not do it. Still
'' he would fay it v/as a Notion, till our dear Friend
*' 'Tbcmas Slor\\ came, and told him. He did not fee
'•'' that 1 could have a greater Revelation than I had*
, ** And fatisfied my Huiband fo v/ell, that he never
**^ aflced memore to go, but was very we 1 Contented
" to ftay all the Wars ; and then Things were made
«•• more eafy, and we law Abundance of the wonder-
*' ful Work.s, and of the mighty Power of the Lord,
" in keeping and preserving of us, when the Indiana
" were at our Doors aad Windows, and at other
" Times ; and how the Lord put Courage in you,
••' my dear Children ; don't you torgct it, and don't
" think that as you were young, and becaufe you
■ '> knew little, fo you feared nothing ; but often con-
." fider how you ftaid at Home alone, when we went
'* to
THOMAS CHALKLET, 45
c* to Meetings, and how the Lord preferved you, 1704.
^' and kept you, fo that no Hart came upon you : v-'^'Vn.'
^^ And I leave this Charge upon you. Live in the Fear
** of the Lord, and fee you fet him always before
*« your Eyes, left you fin againft him : For if I had
" not feared the Lord, and felt the Comforts ot his
*' holy Spirit, I never could have ftood fo great a
" Trial, v/hen fo many judged, and faid, I was de-
" luded, and that all the Blood of my Hufband and
" Children, would be required at my Hands ; but
*^ the Lord was near to me, and gave me ftrength
'« and Courage, and Faith to trufl: in him, for I
" knew his Name to be a flrong Tower, yea, and
" flronger than any in the World •, for I have oftimcs
*' fled tnere for Safety. O BlefTmg and Honour,
«' and everlafting high Praifes, be given to the Lord,
«• and to his dear Son, our Saviour and Mediator,
" Chrift Jefus, Amm. Mary Doe.
• A Neighbour of the aforefaid People told me.
That as he was at Work in his Field, the Indians faw
and called him, and he went to them. They told
him, That thf^y had no Quarrel with the ^mkers,
for they were a quiet, peaceable People, and hurt no-
body, and -that therefore none fhould hurt them.
But they faid that the Pre/hyterians m thefe Parts had
taken away their Lands, and fome of their Lives,
and would now, if they could, deflroy all the
Indians.
l^hofe Indians began about this Tim.e to flioot Peo-
ple down as they rode along the Road, and to knock
them on the Head in their Beds, and very barbaroufly
murdered many : But we travelled the Country, 'and
had large Meetings, and the good Prefence of God
was with us abundantly, and we had great inward Joy
in the holy Ghoft in our outward Jeopardy and
Travels. The People generally rods and went to
D 4 their
46 7b^ J OVR'N AL of
1704. their Worfliip armed, but Friends went to theif
s-/"V"^ Meetingo without either Sword or Gun, having their
Truft and Confidence in God.
After having had divers good Meetings in thofeEa*
BofteH, Uc. ftern Parts of New-England, I return'd to Salem^
Lynny Bojlon^ and fo on towards Rhode-IJland^ and
Harragan ^lx. divcrs adjacent Places ; as in the Naraganjet
oirmoutb. Country, we had divers Meetings, alfo at Dartmouth^
Sandwich^ and Scituate. As I was entering into the
Town of Bojlon in Company with many others, a
Man rode up to me, and aflc'd in a fcoffing Manner,
Whether I faw or met with any Quakers on the Road ?
I pleafantly told him, we fhould not tell the Prejhy-
terians, lead they fliould hang them. He not think-
ing of fuch an Anfwer, went fneakingly away.
Now having thoroughly vifited Friends in thofe
Parrs, in Company with my Friend Thomas Story, I
ComeSii^t j.,.^^gijg^ through Conne^icut Government, and had
'in'i'd ffveral Meetings in that Colony •, and came to Long-
IJland, where we had divers Meetings to the Satisfac-
tion ot ourfelves and Friends. From Long-IJland^ at^
ter we were clear of the Service and Exercife of the
Work of the Miniftry, and had vifited Friends
Meetings as we travelled ; and in divers Places found
Opennefs among the People who were not of our
Profefiion (which fometimes came in great Numbers
to our Meetings, and leveral were convinced in fome
good Degree, and many comforted, ftrengthened,
and edified, in Chrifl our Lord J we came to Phila-
fhiiadcU delphia, the Place of our Habitation. Let ffaith my
f^/<f. Soul) his Name have the Praife of all his Works for
ever.
After being at Home fome Time, I vifited Friends
Meetings in our own County, and feveral Parts of
New-Jer- Nezv-Je7'fey, Maryland, and the Lower Counties on
f'y- Delaware. At Joneses I appointed a Meeting at a
CmmUs. publick Houfe near the Court-houfe fgeneral Notice
M^ryhftd. being given thereof^ there came one ■ ■ < Crawford,
a.
THOMAS C HALKLET. 47
a Prieft, with many of his Hearers, and in the Begin- 1704.
ning of the Meeting he read a Sermon fas they called W'*VNJ
h) which was a Tranfcript of the Work of fome of
our Adverfaries, which we defired to have from them
to anfwer. They faid. If I would anfwer it myfelf^ I
Jhould have it. The which I tuld them I fhouid, if
they would let me ; but tho* they promifed it, they
did not perform, but were worfe than their Word.
We heard them read it over patiently ; and after they
had done, we had our Meeting. The Auditory was
large, and nioft of the Magiftrares were at it. The
Prieft's Reading, and my Teftimony occafioned this
Meeting to hold long -, after which as we were getting
on Horfeback, the Prieft cry'd out among the Peo-
ple, 'That he did not think we Jhould go away fo fneaking-
ly. We having twenty Miles to ride that Night, and
he near his Home, he having the Advantage in that
Refpecl, fome thought it made him the bolder, for
he let me get on Horfeback before he uttered that
fneaking ExprefTion, I told him, to challenge was
enough to fet a Coward to work, and we were no
Cowards ; for he knew we could venture our Lives
for our Religion, which I queftion*d whether he would
do for his ; fo 1 difmounted, and he having the Bible
open in his Hand, 1 being near him, chanced,
againfl my Will and Knowledge, to touch it with
my Foot. Look you ^ Gentlemen^ fays he, he tramples
the Word of God under his Feet. For which grafs
Abufe his own Hearers openly rebuked him, and puc
him to Shame. Then he faid. He would prove us no
Minifiers of Chrijl. I bid him prove himfelf one,
and he would do the Bufinefs. Well^ fays he, how
(hall we know who are Chriffs Minijiers? Why, faid
I in anfwer to him, art thou willing to be try'd by
Chrift's Rule, for he hath given us a plain Rule to
know them by. What is that Rule P Let*s hear it,
fays he. 'Tis fhort, but full, namely. By their Fruits
you Jh all know them: For Mm don^t gather Grapes of
7hornSf •
4^ fT/;^ JOURNAL o/
1705. thorns ^ nor Figs of Thiftks; wherefore by their Fruits
N-OT"^ tliey are known. I den-j ilj fays Priefl Crawford {for
that was the Name he v;ent by here, he going under
anotiier eliewhcre) that they are known by their Fruits.
I anfvvered. Then tliou denies the plain and naked
Truth of Chrift. So I called aloud to the People to
take Notice what a blind Guide they had-, and
indeed he was wicked, as well as blind, and his
Fruits not good ; which may make one fuppoH-, that
he was not willing to be tryM by his Fruits: For
foon after, Nevv's came that he had a Wife in Eng-
land^ and as he had another here, his Fruits VN/ere
wicked with a Witnefs ; and according to Chrift's
Doftrine, no Good could fpring from his Minillry,
therefore he proved himfelf by his evil Deeds to be
no Minifler of Jefus Chrift. Near the aforefaid Place
we got a Meeting fettled, which is called Little Creek
Meeting •, and about the fame Time a Meeting was
eftabliflied, and a Meeting-houfe built at D//c/(*-Cr,?<?L
The People in thofe Parts about this Time began
mightily to fee through the formal Preaching of fuch
as preach for Money or Hire, who love the Hire,
tho' they don't love to be called Hirelings.
Kottin^. In the Year 1706, having fome Concerns ift the
*iZrf% Province of Maryland^ I had divers Meetings as I
'^*"" ' travelled on the Road, as at Nottingham, Elk River,
Northeafr^ Sufquehannah^ Bufj -^vA Gunpoivder'R'wtxs,',
at feme of which Places 1 don't know that there had
been any Meetings before. At one of thefe Meetings
were one Edwards a Prieft, and a Lawyer the Attor-
ney-General, and feveral of the Juftices of the Peace.
The Pried was angry, and faid, // was an unlawful
AJjhnhly, the Houfe not being licenfed by Law. The
Juftices told him, That he and his People being there
to hear, if any unwarrantable or falfe Do6lrine was
preached, he had a fair Opportunity to lay it open
before all the People. So they deiired him to hear
patiently and quietly. He feem'd to like the Propo-
;^ fmon,
rno MAS CHALKLET. 49
fition, and fat down by me. We had not fat down 1706,
long before I flood up, and fpoke to the People fome
confiderable Time-, and the Lawyer fit oppofice to
me, and took what I faid in Short-Hand, for about
Half an Hour ; but growing weary, he laid down his
Pen, and took out of his Pocket a Bottle of Liquor,
or Spirits, and faid, Come Friend, here is to thee^
(or you) )'(?« have fpoke a great While ^)ou need foraething
to refrej]j '^ou. So I made a Stop, and laid to the
People, here is your Minifler, and here is fome of the
Fruits of his Miniftry, of which he and all fober Peo-
ple may be afhamed. And then I went on again
without any Oppofition till I had done ; but after-
wards they were in a Rage, and threatned what they
would do to me, if ever I came to have a Meeting
any more there. But I told 'em if they had Power
to take our Lives from us, they were not dear to us
for the Sake of Chrift and his Gofpel ; and that we
did not matter their Threatenings. I defired the
Lawyer to give me a Copy of what he had written :
He went about it, but did not do it ; neither was he
candid in penning my Words •, for feveral of the Peo-
ple then prefent did bear Witncfs he had not writ it
Verbatim^ nor truly taken the Senfe of what I fpoke,
v/herefore I charged him to be Jufl, otherwife he had
many WitnefTes againfl him ; at which the Prieft bent
his Fifl, and held it up to me, but did not ftrike me,
and away they went in a Fret. Soon after we h:id ano-
ther Meeting at the fame Place, which wtis large and
quiet. The Man of the Houfe being an Attorney at
Law, had got his Houfe licenfed, and tho' the Priefl
and Lawyer threatned hard, they came not.
Aquila Pica, HighSheriff for the County, living at
the Head of Bujh River, near the main Road, built
a Meeting-houfe at his own Charge, and had it Wctn-
{td, at which we had many good Meetings. About
this Time alfo was built a Meeting-houfe at a Place
called Nottingham^ which is a large Meeting, and
greatly increafes. When
so The JOVRISI AL 0/
1706. When I was travelling in thofe Parts I had a Con-
^y^^SJ cernon my Mind to vifit the Jndiam living ne:ir Suf-
"'^ °^'^'' quehannabj at Conejiogoe, I lay it before the Elders
of Nottingha7n Meeting, with which they exprefTed
their Unity, and promoted my vifiting them. We
got an Interpreter, and thirteen or fourteen of us tra-
velled through the Woods about fifty Miles, carrying
our Provifions with us, and on the Journey fat down
by a River, and fpread our Food on the Grafs, and
refrefhed ourfelves and Horfes, and then went on
chearfully, and with good Will, and much Love to
tht^ooY Indians; and when we came, they received
us kindly, treating us civilly in their Way. We
treated about having a Meeting with them in a religi-
ous Way, upon which they called a Council, in which
they were very grave, and fpoke one after another
without any Heat or Jarring •, fand fome of the moft
Efteemed of their Women /do fometimes fpeakin their
Councils.) I afked our Interpreter, Why they fuf-
fered or permitted the Women to fpeak in their Coun-
cils ? His Anfwer was, "That fome Women were wifer
^ than fome Men. Our Interpreter told me. That they
had not done any Thing for many Years without the
Counfel of an ancient grave Woman ; who, 1 ob-
ferved fpoke much in their Council ; for I was per-
mitted to be prefent at it j and I afked, What it was
the Woman faid ? He told me fhe was an Emprefs ;
and they gave much heed to what flie faid amongft
them ; and that fhe then faid to them. She looked upon
cur Coming to be more than natural, hecaufe we did not
£ome tobwj^ or fell., or get Gain^ hut came in Love and
Refpe^ to them., and defired their IVell- doing both here
and hereafter ; and further continued, That our Meetittgs
among them might be very beneficial to their young People,
and related a Dream which Ihe had three Days before^
and interpreted it, viz. " That flie was in London^
'' and that London was the fineft Place fhe ever faw (it
'' was like to Philadelphia, but much bigger) and Ihe
*' went acrofs fix Streets, and in the feventh fhe faw
William
THOMAS CHALKLET. 51
«* William Penn ^rt2ichmg to xht People, which was 1706.
" a great Multitude, and both Ihe and William Penn 'v/"V*V,
*' rejoiced to fee one another ; and after Meeting fhe
*' went to him, and he told her. That in a little Time
*' he would come over and preach to them alfo, of
*^ which flie was very glad. And now fhe faid her
" Dream was fulfilled, for one of his Friends was
** come to preach to them." And (headvifed them
to hear us, and entertain us kindly ; and accordingly
they did. Here were two Nations of them, the ^^^d*-
ca^s and the Shawnefe. We had firft a Meeting with
the Seneca* s, with which they were much afFedledj and
they called the other Nation {viz, the Shawnefe) and
interpreted to them what we had fpoke in their Meet-
ing, and the poor Indians (particularly fome of the
young Men and Women) were under a folid Exercife,
and Concern. We had alfo a Meeting with the other
Nation, and they were all very kind to us, and defired
more fuch Opportunities* the which, I hope Divine
Providence will order them, if they are worthy thereof.
The Gofpel of Jefus Chrift was preached freely to
them, and Faith in Chrifl, who was put to Death at
Jerufalem^ by the unbelieving Jews ; and that this
fame Jefus came to fave People from their Sins, and
by his Grace and Light in the Soul, fhews to Man
his Sins, and convinceth him thereof, delivering him
out of them, and gives inward Peace and Comfort
to the Soul for Well-doing, and Sorrow and Trouble
for Evil-doing •, to all which, as their Manner is,
they gave publick AfTents ; and to that of the Light
in the Soul, they gave a double AlTent, and feem'd
much affected with the Doctrine of Truth ; alfo the
Benefit of the holy Scriptures was largely opened to
them -f. After
t'ris worthy of Notice, that at the firft Settling o( Penfyl-
vmix, William Penn took great Care to do juftice to Che h/diunst
and bought his Land of them to their Satisfaftion, and fettled a
Trade with them j fo that whereas the Indians were deftrudive
to other Colonies, they were helpful to Pcnfiilvmi.i ; and to this
Cay they love to hear the N^mc of WILLIAM PENN.
52 72;^ J O U R N A L 0/
1 706. After this we returned to our refpedtive Hibitatfons,
ly^iTSJ thankful in our Hearts to the God and Father of our
Lord Jefus Chrift. Several of the Friends that went
with me exprefs'd their Satisfaction in thisVifit, and
offered themfelves freely to go again on the like
Service.
EggHar- 1 alfo was concerned foon after to vifit the People
*'""'• about Egg-Harbour and Cape- May ^ and had divers
Meetings amongft them, and feveral Meetings were
fettled in thofe Parts, and the People fomewhat re-
formed from what they had been before they were vi-^
fited by Friends, as themfelves told me falter a Meet-
ing we had with them) that they ufed to fpend the
Sabbath Days in Sporting and Vanity until Friends
came among them, and now they met together to
worfhip God, and his Son Jefus Chrifl. At our
coming amongfl; them feme Backfliders and Apoftates
•were difpleafed. One (in a very bitter Spirit) called
lis, Curfed and cruel Devils. Another v/rote againfl
us. To him I lent an Anfwer, for which he fcanda-
lized me in one of his Alm.anacks, and publickly be-
lied me in Print-, which Lies I fwept away with a
<Small BrQ07nj printed in this Year 1706, to which I
never underitood that he return'd any Anfwer, nor
that he wrote againfl: Friends afterwards, tho' he had
made it his Practice before for feveral Years.
At Little Egg-Harbour liv'd a Friend whofe Name
was Edward Andrews^ who, as himfelf told me, had
been a Leader of the People into Vanity and Folly, as
Miifick, Dancing, t^c. But the good Hand of the
Lord being upon him, wrought a wonderful Refor-
mation in him, and made him an Inft rument to lead
People into Truth and Righteoufnefs, and gave him
an excellent Gift of the Miniilry of the Gofpel of
Chrifl y fo that he was made inflrumental in the ga-
thering of a large and growing Meeting, molt of the
People thereabouts being -convinced, and a great
Reformation and Change wrought in their Converfa-
tions.
THOMAS CHALKLET, 53
tions. This Friend told me. That when he was very 1707.
rude and wild, he was mightily reached unto at the '-/'VNJ
Meeting we had under the Trees at Crofwicks^, lb
that he could not go on with his Vanity as before,
after which he had ilrong Conviftions on him, which
wrought Converfion in the Lord's Time, after he
had gone thro' many and deep inward Exercifes.
After thefe feveral Tourneys were over, and I had ^Madei-
cleared myfelf, I was fome Time at Home, and fol-
lowed my Bufinefs with Diligence and Induiiry, and
throve in the Things of the World, the Lord adding
a Bleffing to my Labour. Some People would tell
me that I got Money for Preaching, and grew Rich
by it-, which, being a common Calumny ca ft upon
our publick Friends that are Travellers, I iliall take
a little Notice of ic, and leave it to Pofterity. That it
is againft our Principle, and contrary to our known
Fradiice and Rule, to take Money for our Preaching
the Gofpel ofChrifr, and the publifliingof Salvation
through his Name unto the People -, for according to
Chri{t*s Command, PFe^ Receiving it freely j are to
give it forth freely : And I can fay without Vanity or
Boafting, I have fpent many Pounds in that Service,
befides my Time, which was, and is, as precious to
me, as to other People: And rifing early,, and laying
dovv'n late;- many Days riding 40, 50 and 60 Miles a
Day, which was very laborious and hard for my Fiefh
to endure (being corpulent and heavy from the 27th
Year of my Age -,) and I can truly fay, that I never
received any Money or Confideration on Account of
thefe Services, either diredlly or indirectly; and yet
if any of our Minifters are NecefTitousor Poor, v/e re-
lieve them freely, not becaufe they are Preachers, but
becaufethey are Needy ; and when we have done thofe
Things, we have done but'our Du.ty: And well will
ic
* See Pa^e 17J
54 Tk ]OVRN AL of
1707. it be forthofethathavedifchargedthemfelves faithfully
-/'"V"*^ therein! Such will (befides the Earned ot Peace in their
own Souls in this World) have a blefled Reward in
the glorious Kingdom of the Lord and his Chrifl in
;hat World which is to come. It is well known
that I have fpent much of my Time (fmce I have been
free from my Apprenticelliip) in Travelling and
Preaching the Gofpel, being out often many Months,
and fomedmes a whole Year, and more •, and at In-
tervals I have been aptto thinkthe Time long, till I got
to my Bufinefs and Family ; and fo have divers Times
made more Hafte than I fhould have done, which has
brought Trouble on my Mind, and is a Trouble to
me unto this Day ; which may be a Caution to thofe
who travel in the Work of the Miniftry hereafter,
not to make too much Hafle from the Work of
Chrift ; and yet there ought to be Difcretion ufed ;
for a Minifter may flay too long, as well as return too
foon, which may be perceived as we keep the Eye of
our Mind to our Divine Guide.
fJv^fif' -^^^^^ I ^^^ ^'^^^ ^^- ^"^ ^^*^"^ Home for fome con-
Friend* m, fiderable Time, a weighty Concern came upon me to
Silt'" vifit Friends in the Weft-Indies, and feme Parts of
"Off. Europe^ as it might pleafe the Almighty to open my
Way j and as it was to be a long Travel, both by Sea
and Land, and hazardous, by reafon it was War
Time, and many Privateers out at Sea, I fettled my
Afi'airs by Will, and otherwife, that if I fhould not
live to come Home again. Things relating to my out-
* ward'Affairs might be done honourably and well: For
at this Time, as at many others, I can truly fay, 1
gave up my Life freely for my holy Matter's Sake,
and in his Caufe, who faid. Go teach ail Nations, &c.
On the 29th of the Sixth Month, 1707, I had a
Certificate from the Monthly-meeting of Friends at
Philadelphia, fignifying their Unity with my Under-
taking, and Defires for my Welfare ; and a tender
Concern was on my Mind that I mighclive according
"THOMAS CBALKLET, ^^
to what my Brethren had certified concerning me. I ,^Qy
Jikewifelaid my Exercife before the General Meeting f^yL/^
of Miniflers and Elders held for the Provinces of Pen-
fylvania and Neiv-Jerfey, on the 2 2d of the Seventh
Month, who alfo fignificd their Fellowrhip with my
intended Travels and Journey, and recommended me
to the Grace of God, and in much Love and Tender-
nefsl parted with my dear and loving Wife, and my'
near and affedlionate Friends and Brethren.
I had for my Companion and Fellow-labourer in
the Work of the Gofpel, my dear Friend Richard
Gove^ who alfo had the Approbation and Unity of
Friends in this Journey and Undertaking.
We went on board a Sloop at Philadelphia^ bound
for Barbadoes, John Knight^ Mafter, about the 27th
of the Eighth Month, in the aforefaid Year,
After a few Days Sailing down the River Delaware,
we put to Sea, and in about a Month's Time we came
within Sight of Barbadoes, where we metwith a Pri- ^^ ^^
vateer, which chafed, and had like to have taken us-, chafed*
but the orood Providence of God preferved us out of ^^ ^ ^'^^'
the Hands of thofe Enemies: For ever blelTed be his
Great Name .' In this Chafe the Seamen were uneafy,
and belched out wicked Oaths, and cuvkdthQ ^iakers^
wifhing all their VefTels might betaken by the Ene- '
my, becaufe they did not carry Guns in them : Ac
wiiich [Evil] I was grieved, and began thus to ex-
poflulate with them : Do you know the worth of a
Man's Life ? (Guns being made on Purpofe to deftroy
Mens Lives •, j were this Ship and Cargoe mine, fo '
far as I know mine Heart, I do ingenuoufly declare,
I had rather lofe it all, than that one of you Pnould lofe
his Life ("fori certainly knew they were unfit to die.)
Lives ! fay they, we had rather loje our Lives than
go to France. But, faid J, that is not the Matter %
Had you rather go to Hell, than go to France? They
being guilty of great Sins and Wickednefs, and con-
victed in their own Confciences, held their Peace, and
E faid
^6 ?2r J O U R N A L c/
1707. faid no more the about poor fakers ; and when we
s-zSr**-^ got within Gun-Shot of a Fort on Barhadoes^ the
Enemy left chafing us.
Next Morning early we fafely arrived at Bridge-
M'rlaioer. I'oivn^ in Barbadoes, where our Friends gladly received
us ; amongft whom' we labour'd in the Work of the
Gofpel for about two Months •, and from thence, af-
ter having had divers good and edyfying Meetings for
/ttti^M, the Worfhip of God, we failed for Antigua^ and ftay'd
fome Days there, having Meetings, and vifitingour
Brethren. From Antigua we fail'd fer Nevis, but the
Aton:[er> Wind being contrary, we put in at Montferrat (an Ifle
that hath a great Mountain in it, on the Top of which
is a Hoc Spring of Water, which boils up, and the
Mud of it is clear Brimftone ; fome of which we car-
ried onboard ourVelTel \ the which is admirable, and
lliews the wonderful Works of God. They fay that
the Spring is hot enough to boil an Egg.) From this
AVwV. 3 Hand we failed to Nevis, and had Meetings with thofe
fev/s Friends that were there, with whom we parted at
the Sea-Oiore in great Love and Tendernels: After
'/f,i/;.//i/. which we fliiled co an Ifland called Anguillay and were
civilly treated there by the Generallity of the People;
as alfo by the Governor, George Leonard, at whofe
Houfe we had Meetings. I remember that after one
Meeting the Governor went into his Porch, and took
ihe Bible, and opened it, and faid, By this Book, if
people believe the holy Scriptures, I am able to convince
the IForld, and prove thai the People called Quakers,
are the People of God, and that they follow the Example
and DoBrine of Chr'ijl, and the PraBices of the Apojiles
and primitive Chriftians, nearer than any People in the
World \ (f. c, generally fpsaking.^ At this Ifland
leveral People were heartily convinced, and did con-
Jefs to t\i>z Truth, among wnom a Meeting was fettled.
Here was never any Friend before, as the Inha-
bitants faid, / intreat ihe Lord Jehovah to preferve
ihe fncere-hearted among them- in hii holy Fear ^hilji
they
"THOMAS CHALKLET, S7
they remain in this World -■, and not them only ^ hut all 3707.
that love and fear him, in all Kindreds and Nations^ n^/'V^
and amongfi People of all Profeffions whatfoever. This,
in the univerfal Spirit of God's Divine Love, is the De-
fire of my Soul. Back from Anguilla we went to Nevis, Nevir;
and from Nevis to Antigua -, and notwithftanding our Anti^ntt.
Sloop was a dull Sailer, yet we were preferved from
the Enemy, to the Admiration of ourfelves. Friends,
and others, our Courfe being in the very Road of the
Privateers. Jufl as we got into the Harbour and were
landed, a Privateer came by with a Prize along with
her, as we fuppofed, which excited our Thankfulnefs
to the Lord for our Prefervation. Here we met
with the Packet-Boat bound for Jamaica, and thence
for England. We ftaid a little at the Ifland call*d
Saint Chrifiophers. In our Way to Jamaica we faw st, Ciri.
a fmall Privateer, that gave us Chafe, and it being -'^''^*"■^•
calm, fhe rowed up towards us. The Mafter pre-
pared the Veflel to fight, hoifting up his Mainfaii,
and putting out our Colours. In the Interim fome
were bold, and fome forrowtul. Oat came to me, f.|^^(.gj j,
and afked. What Ithoughtof it ? i^nd what I thought a Friva-
of the Quakers Principles now? I told him I thought ^^^'
I was as v/illing to go to Heaven, as himfeif was ;
to which he faid nothing, but turned away from me.,
Another ailced me, What I would do now? I told him, ■
I would pray that they might be m?ide better, and
that they might be made fit to die. Then in the midfl:
of their Noife and Hurry, in Secret I begged of the
Almighty, in the Name, and for the Sake of his
dear Son, that he would be plealed to caufe a freflj
Gale of Wind to fpring up, that we might be deli-
vered from the Egemy without fhedding Blood (well
knowing that fev/ of them were fit to die) and even
whilfl: I was thus concerned, the Lord anfwered my
Define and Prayer, for in a few Minutes the Wind
fprung up, and we foon left them out of Sight, our
VeJTel failing extraordinary well, and the next Day
E 2- we
58 r^j£' J O U R N A L of
1707. we got to Jamaica^ and had divers Meetings, 'viz. at
y^^'y^^ Port-Ro'jaly Kingjlon^ and SpaniJh-'To'wn, &c. At a
Jamaica. y[(.^^^^a at Spanijh-Town^ there were divers Jews^ to
whom my Heart was very open, and I felt great
Love to them, for the Sake of their Fathers Abra^
baniy Jfaac^ and Jacobs and they were fo affe^led
with the Meeting, that they fent us fome unleavened
Cakes, made with fine Flour and fweet Oil, it being a
Feftival Time with them. We had a Meeting at fort-
Ro^al^ in a Place where the Earthquake had deftroyed
a large Building, in which Meeting I had occafion to
remind them or the righteous Judgments of God,
which had been juftly intiidted on them for their Sins
and Wickednefs. Some wept, and fome were rude.
The People here, as I was intormed, were generally
very wicked. After having had divers Meetings, the
Packet in which we had taken our Paflage, being
oblig'd to flay but ten Days, we went off fooner than
we otherwife fnould have done, and folemnly taking
I^cave of thofe Friends that were there, we went on
Sails for t)oard our Vefiel, in order for England^ by God's
i«£Aj«/ ?ermiflion. We got readily through the PVindward
Pajjage^ which is between the Iflands of Cuba and
llifpan'ida ; and divers Times after we left Jamaica^
we were chafed by feveral Ships, but they could not
come up with us. One Ship of twenty-eight Guns
gave us Chace after a great Storm, and was almoft
up with us before we could well make Sail ; they
being eager of tlieir Prey, fent their Hands aloft to
let their Reefs out of the Topfaiis, in order to make
more Speed, and came running mightily towards us,
arixl gained mucli upon usi we fearing to make Sail, by
rcafon of the Storm, and the Sea running very high,
and our Malts being therefore in Danger, we were
ibme Time in Doubt, whether we fhould efcape or
not: But whilft we were in this Conflernation, down
came the Fre'/ich Ship's three Topmaftsatonce, fo we
cfcapcd, and kfi her, and went rejoicing on our Way,
that
THOMAS CHALKLET. 59
that we were thus delivered. This was one of the ^7^7-
great and remarkable Deliverances among the many ^y^"^
I met with, by the good Hand and Providence of
the Lord, my great and good Mafter, whom I hopi
to ferve all my Days.
After having been at Sea about fix Week?, we began
to look out for Land, and in two or three Days we
founded, and tound Ground, at about ninety Fathoms ;
after v/hich we faw tv/o French Privateers, that gave
us Chace about four a Clock in the Morning, andpur-
fued us vigoronfly ; but failing better than they, we
run them out of Sight by eight a Clock the fame
Morning, and in about two Hours after we faw the
Land of Ireland i it being mifhy Weather, with Rain 0«tJ^e
and Wind, our Mafter thought it belt to lay by and Swiia
forbear Sailing, that Coaft being Rocky and dan- eminent
gerous, by which Means the two Ships ("that gave us ^"^^'^•'
Chace) came up with us, and found us not in failing
Order, and were in Gun-fhot of us before we were
aware of it. What to do now we could not tell, until
they began to fire at us ; but in this Emergency and
Strait our Mafter refolved he would rather run the
VefTel on Shore than they fliould have her, fhe being
richly laden with Indigo, Silver, and Gold, reckoned
to the Value of Fifty Thoufand Pounds. In this
Strait, we muft either fall into the Hinds of the
French^ who were our Enemies, or run againft the
Rocks j and we thought it beft to fall into the Hands of
the Almighty, and trufl to his Providence -, fo to-
wards the Rocks we went, which looked with a ter-
rible Afped. The native Irijh feeing us, they came
down in great Numbers, and ran on the Rocks, and
called to us, faying, 'That if we came any nearer we
Jhould he dajhed to Pieces. Then our Mafter ordered Gotfafe
the Anchor to be let go, which brought her up be- ^frr^^o't
fore fhe ft ruck ; and, with much ado, he put his
Boat out into the Sea, and put in all the Paffengers,
in order to fct them on Shore, the Waves running
E 3 very
6o r^^ J O U R N A L ^/
1707. very high, fo that it looked as if every Wave would
vO/*^ have fwallowed us up ; and it was a great Favour of
Providence that we got to Land in Safety. The Pri-
vateers not daring to come fo near the Shore as we
did, after firing at us, v/ent away, and our Mafter
carried the Ship into the Harbour of Kin/ale, m
Ireland. Thu& thro' many Perils and Dangers we
were preferved, and got fafe on the Irijh Shore, fof
v>^hich, and all other the Mercies and Favours of the
mod High, my Soul and Spirit did give Glory and
Praife ! In this Voyage we were about feven Weeks
at Sea.
When I came from my Home at Philadelphia^ I
did intend fthe Lord permitting^ to vifit Friends in
Ireland^ and being accidentally call on Shore there, I
thought it my Place firft to go thro* that Nation. I
had been in Ireland 2iho\xi nine Years before, and then
being but young, and now being more grown in
Body, my old Acquaintance and Friends did not at
lirft know me ; but we were kindly and lovingly re-
ceived by our Friends and Brethren in that Nation,
where there is a great and numerous People, thatferve
and worfhip the Father in Spirit and in Truth, and
who have divers good and wholefome Orders efta-
blifh'd amongft them, in the Unity and Fellowfhip
of the Gofpel. In this Nation we had many and large
Meetings after our Landing, vifiting Friends Meet-
~ ings along to the North, many, not of our Society,
coming to them, among whom we often had good
Service, to our and their Satisfa6tion, as they often
declared, Richard Gove being dill with me. Friends
from their National Meeting certified to our Brethren
in America^ of our Service and Labour of Love
among them, after we had travelled feveral Hundred
Miles, and vifited Friends Meetings generally, and
fome other Places where it was not ufual. While I
was in Ireland^ under a Concern for the Profperity
of Truth and Religion, I wrote an Exhortation to
the
UnOMAS CHALKLET. 6i
I 707»
the Youth, and others, which was afterwards printed v..^^^
there.
We took Ship in the North of Ireland^ at a Town scothnd.
csiUedDonagbadee, being accompanied with divers Bre-
thren, who brought us on our Way after a godly Sort.
We got to Port-Patrick^ in Scotland, after about five
Hours Sail, in order to vifit thofe few Friends that
were fcattered about in that Part of the Nation. Peo-
ple in thofe Parts looked very fhy on us, and did not
care to difcourfe with us on Matters Civil or Religi-
ous, which I thought unreafonable. The firftTown
or City we came to in which we had a Meeting,
was Glafgow (accounted the fecond City in North-Bri- ''j^""'"'
tain) where, in our Meeting for the Worfliip ofthe Al-
mighty, we were fhamefully treated by the People,
throwing Dirt, Stones, Coals, &'c. amongft us, and
by divers other A6tions unbecoming Men ftho* Hea-
thens or Infidels) much more People profefTing Chrifti-
anity ; fo that I was conflrained to tell them, that
tho' 1 had preached the Gofpel to many Heathens^ and
to divers Jews^ as alfo to Indians and Negroes^ and
had travelled in many Countries and Nations in the
World, in feveral Quarters thereof, and many Thou-
fands of Miles, yet I mufb needs fay, that I never met
with the like Incivilities, and fuch Icurrillous Treat-
ment, no not in all my Travels. I alfo told them,
that I had preached the Gofpel of Chrifl among their
Brethren in New-England, and in Bojion, where they
formerly hanged the fakers, and cruelly perfecuted
them for their Religion, and yet they did not treat us
fo brutilhly even there. And further I told them,
that I lived in thofe Parts oi America, and what Ac-
count I Ihould have to carry Home to their aforefaid
Brethren, of our Treatment in Glafgow^ the fecond
City in Scotland, I derir*d them to confider of it, and
be afhamed, if they had any Shame. This a little
abafhed them for the prefent, but afterwards they
were as bad as ever. There were at this Meeting
E 4 divers
62 r/je ] O VKN A L of '
1707. divers Collegians, who were very rude. I afked if
^-^'V*^ that was their Way of treating Strangers? And that I
belived their Teachers in the Univerfity did not allow
of fuch ill Manners, by which th§y fcandalized them-
felves, th-ir City, and Country. From this City we
went to Hamilton zv\d Gerjloore^ where they were; more
Uamiitoc civil. At Gerjhore a Man of Letters, and fober Con-
and G-f- verfation begged trar I would pray to the Almight^'^j
that he would eflab ifli him in the Dodrine which he
had heard that Day, This being rare in thofe Parts,
170a. therefore I thus minute it here. We went on towards
^Merd^. ^^^ North of Scotland, to Aberdeen^ and thereabouts,
where there is a tenderhearted People, among'whom
we had feveral large Gatherings, and fome that were
not of us, exprefs'd their Satisfadion. In the North
I met with a G^^ntleman, who coming from a .Noble-
man's Houfe, joined me, and aflied me, // I knew
Robert Barclay? I faid not perfonally, but by his
Writings I knew him well. He told me, That he
(Barclay) bad not left his Fellow inScothnd. We after-
wards travelled Southward, where there were but few
Friends, and linall Meetings •, yet we may lay, that
the Goodnefs, Love and Prefence of Him, who faid,
Where two cr three are gathered in ni'j Name^ there am I
ut the mid/l of thern^ was oftentimes witnefTed to be
with us, blefled be his Holy Name. Oh ! that the
Children of Men would praife him in Thought, Word,
and Deed, for he is worthy. So in great Reverence
and holy Fear, we travelled along towards South-
Britain^ had feveral Meetings at Edinburgh^ and di-
Aiinhurgh. vers Other Placcs ; ■xl^od.i Berwick u^on Tweedy where
there were many Soldiers who were very rude. The
Devil hath had many Battles with us, ever fince we
were a People, in order to hinder us in our Worfhip, but
we generally came off with Victory, as we did here
alfo, thro' Faith in his Name, Who hath loved us^
and manifefied himfelf to us. Thofe rude Soldiers
throwed their Hats into the Congregation, in order
to
THOMAS C HAL KLET. 63
to difturb us, and hinder us in our Service, but were 170&*
at lafl alham'd and difappointed. At this PJace my L/V>J
dear Friend and Fellow-traveller, Richard Gove, and I
parted : I was for going by the Eaft Sea-Coaft up for
London^ and he inclin'd towards Cuviberland^ after we
had travelled about a Year intheWorkoftheMiniftry,
in great l.ove and true Friendihip, in which Work we
were true Helpers one of another-, and as we had labour-
ed together in the Work ot Chrifl, fo we parted in his
Love. Now from Berwick I travelled along to New-
cadle •, had one Meeting by the Way, and feveral
good Meetings at Newcajlle^ Sunderland^ Shoten, and jv^tct.t/j
Durham^ and feveral other Places in the Bifiioprick of Sunderiai
'Durham. The Winter coming on apace, it began to
be bad travelling-, and I being already much fpenc
by it, defign'd to go fpeedily up to London\ and
taking fome Meetings in my Way, as at Stockton^
Whitby.^ Scarborough^ Burlington^ Hull^ and Brigg^
and fo on thro' Lincolnjhire^ where I went to vifit a Ucoufiihn
Friend that was Prifoner in the Caftle of Lincoln^
becaufe for Confcience Sake he could not pay an
ungodly Prieft the Tythes of his Labour. From
Lincoln I proceeded to Huntington., about which
Place we had feveral large Meetings, fo on to Baldock^
where T met with my Father and John Gopfil, who
came from London to meet me, which was a joyful
Meeting, for I had not feen my Father for about nine
Years. The Love and Tendernefs between us, and
the Gladnefs in feeing each other again, cannot well
be exprefied (but Ibelieve it wasfomewhat Wk&Jacoh
and Jofeph's Meeting in Egypt j) it was affefting and
melting : Blefied be the Almighty that gave me once
more to fee my tender and aged Parent! So from
Baldock we went to Hitching, and had a Meeting ther^,
as alfo at Hertford, from whence, with feveral
Friends, I went to Enfield, v/here I met with my
dear and only Brother George, and there were with
us feveral of my Relations, and divers others oi our
Friends .-
64
t;^^ JOURNAL o/
Icndos,
Wtrtfori.
foire.
3708. Friends: We were heartily glad to fee one another.
'-''VN^ From Enfield we went forward for London^ and by
the Way we met with feveral Friends (of the Meeting
of Horfiydown, to which I did belong from my Child-
hoodj who came to meet me, and accompanied us
to London.
I {lay*d in and about the City moft of the Winter,
vifiting iVIeetings when I was well and in Health •, for
thro' often changing the Climates, I got a fevere Cold,
and was ill for feveral Weeks, fo that I was not at
any Meeting, which Time was very tedious to me ;
not fo much becaufe of my Illnefs, as that I was de-
prived of divers Opportunities and Meetings fwhich
are in that City every Day of the Week except the
laftj When I was a little got over this Illnefs, I
went into Herlfordjhire, and fome Parts adjacent,
and had Meetings at Staines, Langford^ Uxbridge^
Walford, Hempfiead., Bendijh, Albans^ Market-Street ,
Hitching^ Hertford^ Hoddefdon^ and then return'd again
to London.
After I had been at Lo7idon a while, I vifited feveral
other Country Meetings, as Winchmore-Hill^ Totten-
haniy IVandfworth^ Plaijlow^ Deptford, and Eppingy
and then (laid about London fome Weeks waiting for
a PafTage for Holland^ which I intended to vifit before
I left my own Habitation.
And on the 14th of the Firft Month, 1708-9, I,
with my Companion, John Bell, after having ac-
quainted our Friends and Relations (having their Con-
fent) and taking our folemn Leave of them, we went
down CO Grave/end) and (laid there two or three Days
for a fair Wind. We went on board the Ship ^nne^
John Duck, Mafter, bound for Rotterdam, in Com-
pany with a Fleet of Veffels waiting for Wind, i^c.
When the Wind was fair we failed for the Coafl of
Holland^ and when we arrived on that Coafl the Wind
was contrary, and blew very hard, fo that fome of
«be Ships in Company loll their Anchors ; but on
the
About
Lond*H,
THOMAS CHALKLET, 65
the 27th of the fame Month we arrived fafe at Rotter- 17 eg.
dam in Holland. On the Firft Day Morning we went v./'V^
to Meeting at Rotterdajn, where Friends have a Meet-
ing-houfe ; and we ftaid ar this City feven or eight ^f"a®*^,.
Days, and had fix or ieven Meetings, and were com- urdam.
fortedwith our Brethren and Sifters, and greatly re-
frefhed in the Lord Almighty. At this City we fpoke
without an Interpreter, becaufe moft in the Meeting
underftood Englijh. From Rotterdam we travelled by
the Trackfcoot, ('or Boat, being drawn by Horfes,
which is a pleafant eafy Way of travelling) to a
large Town called Harleh, where we had a Meeting, HarUm.
and fpoke by an Interpreter ; to which Meeting came
divers of thofe People called Menomjh : They were
very foberand attentive, and ftay'dall the Time of
the Meeting, and fpoke well of it.. From Harlem we
went to Amfierdam, the Metropolis o^ Holland, where j/imleriam.
Friends have a Meeting-Houfe. Here we had feve-
ral Meetings and ftay'd about a Week. On the firlt
Day we had a large Meeting, to which came many
Peopleof divers Perfuafions and Religions, as J^wj,
Papifis, and others ; and we had a good Opportunity
among them, and feveral were tender. A Jew came
next Day to fpeak with us, and did acknowledge.
That Chrift wasthe Minifter of that Sanctuary and
Tabernacle that God had pitched, and not Man %
and that he was fenfibie of the Miniftry of Chrift in
his Soul ; and, faidbey my Heart was broken while
thatSubjed: was fpoken of in the Meeting. ' I was
glad to fee the Man tender and reached ; but too ge-
nerally fpeaking, the poor Jews (the Seed of good
Jacob) are very dark and unbelieving. I have met
with but very few of them in my Travels that have
been tender ; but I do love them for Abraba?n, I/aaCy
and JacoVs Sake. At this Meeting William. Sewel (the
Author of the Hiftory of the Rife and Progrefs of the
People called fakers) a tender-fpirited upright Man
interpreted for me. From Amfierdam we went to*
North'^.
66
r^^ J O U R N A L ^y
1709.
North
Holland.
Ktrlhigam.
Mmidffi,
Norlb'HollaNdf and John Claus and Peter R^yard went
with us to interpret for us •, fo by Boat, or Scoor,
we travelled to a Town called Tw'ifk^ where we had
tv/o Meetings, Friends having a Meeting-houfe there ;
from ^w'ljk we went back again to Amfterdain^ and
had two large Meetings there on the Firft Day, and
Second Day in the Evening we went on Ship-board,
in order to crofs the South Sea to Herlingam^ at which
Place we had two Meetings, and we and Friends were
glad ro fee one another : And indeed, we being as one
Family all the World over, are generally glad to fee
each other. From this Place we travelled Eaftward
through Eafl-Frie/Iand, and went through feverai
great Towns and Cities until we came to Emhden, the
chief City in Eafi-Friefland, where we had a comfor-
table Meeting by the Bed-fide of one of our Friends
that lay ri:.k. •, and feverai of her Neighbours came in
and ftay'd till the Meeting ended •, fome of them were
very tender and loving, and wifhed us well, and were
well fatisfied. After Meeting we fet forward for
Hamburgh, it being four Days Journey by Waggon,
and pafied along through divers Towns and Cities :
We alfo travelled through the City of Oldenburgh,
and a Place of great Commerce aWed Bremen. A
Magiftrate of this City took Notice of us, joined him-
felf to us, ?nd went with us to the Inn, and then very
lovingly took leave of us, and defired God to blefs
us. The People at our Inns were generally very
loving and kind ro us, and fome would admire at my
coming fo far only to vifit my Friends, without any
Views of Advantage or Profit outwardly. When we
Mamhurgh got to Hamburgh we had a Meeting at Jacob Hageri's,
and thole that were there, were well fatisfied with
the Doctrine of Truth, blefTed be God, v/ho, I may
fay, was with us at that Time and Place ! At Ham-
burgh there was at Meeting one who had preached
before the King o'i Denmark \ who, as I underftood
by our Interpreter, was turned out of his Place, tor
preaching
OldfHiur^
-and Ere •
"THOMAS CHALKLET. 67
preaching the fame Truths that we had preached 1709.
there that Day ; at which Meeting were Papijfs, Lu- v^St'^
therans^ Calvinijts, Menonifts^ Jews^ &c. All of
them were fober, and generally expreired their Satis-
fadion. I had fo much Comfort in that Meeting,
thati thoughtitwas worth my Labourin coming from
my Habitation, the Anfwer of Peace was fuch to my
Soul, that I greatly rejoiced in my Labour in the
Work of Chrift. From hence I travelled to Frede-
rickjladt, it being two Days Journey (where Friends /ja^r.
have a Meeting- houfe.j We ftay'd about ten Days,
and had nine Meetings in this City, Some of the
Meetings were very large, and the longer we ftay'd,
the larger they were. This Frederkkjladl: is a City in "
the Dominions of the Duke o^ Holjiein^ and was the
fartheft Place we travelled toEaftward; and from
hence I wrote a fmall Piece, called, A loving, invita-
tion unto Toiing and Old in Holland and effewhere •,
which was tranflated into the German and Low-Dutch
Languages ; and divers ImprefTions of them werealfo
printed in England,
We travelled in this Journey thro' fome Parts of
the Emperor of Germanf% Dominions, as alfo of the
Kings of Denmark and Sivedeland^ and of the Duke of
Oldenburgh's and Prince of Eaft-Friejlandh Territories, '
befides fome Parts of the Seven Provinces ot the united
States. We parted with our Friends of this City of
Frederickjladt^ in much Love and Tendernefs, and
with our Hearts full of good Will one towards ano-
ther, and fo went back to the City of Emhden a nearer e^^j^^,,^
Way, by two Days Journey, than to go by Ham-
lurgh. We crofs'd the Rivers Eyder^ Elfe, and
Weijer •, over which lafc we were rowed by three Wo-
men, The Women in thoje Farts of the World are
jirong and rcbuft, and ufed to hard Labour. I have
feen them do not only the Work of Men^ hut of Horfes 5 .
it being common with them to do the mofi laborious^ anci
ths Men ths lightejl and eafteft Work. I remember tloat
I
68 rZ^ J O U R N A L of
lyo-^' I once /aw near Hamburgh a fair well-drejjed Woman^
^y^"^^ tvbcfy by her Drefs, or Appearance^ was a Woman of
fome Notey and a Man {which 1 took to be her Hujband)
walking by her^ and fhe was very great with Child, and
the Way difficulty being up a very fteep Hill, and he did'
not fo much as offer his Hand^ or AJfiflance to her \
which, however it might look to a Man of that Country ^
it feem^d very flrange tome, being a Briton. For viy
Part, I thought it unmanly ^ as well as umnannerly : On
which I obferve, that I never in any Part of the Worlds
faw Women Jo tenderly dealt by as our Englifh, or Bri-
tifli Women, which they ought to value and prize highly^
dnd therefore, to be the more loving and obedient to their
Hi'.fbands, the indulgent Englifhmen •, which Indulgence
I blame 7Wt, but commend, fo far as it is a Motive to
flir them up to hove an A Faithfulnef,
In this Journey between Frederickjladt and Emhden^
we had tour Days hard travelling, and were twice
overturned out of our Waggons, but we got no
Harm, which was admirable to us •, for once we fell
Waggon and all over a great Bank, juft by the fide
of a large Ditch, and did but juft lave ourielves our
of the Ditch. The next Time weoverfet upon Stones:
We wondered that none ot us were hurt, particularly
myfeh, I being mucli heavier than any of the reft ;
but thro' the Mercy of God, we got well to Embden
the fecond Time, and had a Meeting upon a Firft
Day, and immediately after Meeting we took Ship
for Z)f//2;(?^/('which was from Embden about nine or
l^eifztsu j.^^ EngliJIo Miles by Water j and with a fair Gale of
Wind, got there in lefs than two Hours Time. We-
fpoke by Interpreters all along, and were divinely
helped to preach the Gofpel to the Satisfadion of
, others, and our own Comfort ; and the Friend who
interpreted for us, was fenfible of the fame divine
AfTiftance, to his Admiration, for which we were all
truly thankful. But notwithftanding we were fo open-
ed, to the Satisfadion of ourielves, our Friends, and
th.e
rnOMAS CHALKLET, 69
the People, yet we were fometimes emptied to ex- 1709;
ceeding great fpiritual Poverty, and in the Senfe of v-<vn«/
our Want and Need, we did many Times pour out
our Souls and Spirits in humble Prayer and Suppli-
cation to the rnofl: High, for his Help and Strength,
that it might be made manifefl: to us in our Weaknefs;
and we found him a God near at Hand^ and often a pre-
fent Help in the needful 7ime, and had a fweet Anfwef
to our Prayers. O! that my Soul, with all the
Faithful, may dwell near to him, in whom alone is
the Help and Strength of ail his faithful Servants
and Minifters ! Amen,
From Delfzeel we went to Groeningen, the chief ^'■'"»'«*
City in Groeningland^ and fo on to a River called the*^'"' *
Wouder^ and to a Town named Goradick^ where we
had a Meeting with a few Friends there, and fome of
their Neighbours came to the Meeting. It was to us
a comfortable Meeting, and they were glad of it,
they being butfeldom vifited by Friends. From this
Place we travelled by Waggon co Hervine, where we Hervinc.
lodged that Night, and next Day went by Waggon
to Leuwar den. Ichappenedthat we had generally very Leuwtr-
fine Weather while in thofe open Waggons, in which '^'^''*
we travelled feveral Hundred Miles, fo that Jacob
Claus^ our Companion and Interpreter, tho' he had
travelled much, faid he never had obferved the like
before -, which Obfervation I thought good to make,
with Thanks to the Almighty.
From the City of Leuwarden^ we came by Water ^^.^j-^ ^^
to herlingen, where Friends were glad to fee us, and
we them. We had a Meeting in Friends Meeting-
houfe, and a good comfortable One it was, blelTed be
the Lord for it ! From hence we crofTed the South-
Sea, and had a contrary Wind, which made our Paf-
fage long and tedious. We were two Days and two
Nights on this Water before we got to Amfierdam, in
all which, and the next Day, I talted no Food, being
three Days fafting. I was willing to keep my Body
-- under
4>nfitrdam.
70 T;6(? J O U R N A L c/
1709. under, and found it for my Health ; neirher had I any
v-'-OT"'"--' Dtjfire of Food in thofe three Days, in which Time
Arnjferdam. ^^ ^^^ ^^° Meetings. We arrived at Arnfterdam
about the fixth Hour, on the Firft Day Morning,
an'd had two Meetings at Amjlerdam that Day, which
were quiet, and many People came to one of them :
But we could not be clear without going again to
. ^ North-Holland •, fo from Amjlerdam we went to Horn^
where we had a Meeting in the Collegian's Meeting-
houfe, and it was to Satisfacflion : The People were
very loving, and divers very tender, even more than
we have ufually feen. They defired another Meeting,
but our Time would not admit of it, we having ap-
pointed a Meeting at Twijk the next Day, which we
Twijk- J^,^^^ -j^ the Meeting-Place, as alio another at a Friend^s
Houfe. The next Day we returned to Am(lerda?nt,
and had a Meeting, which began about the fifth
Hour, which was the laft Meeting we had in this
City, and I hope \t' v/ill not eafily be forgotten by
fome. After it we folemnly took our Leave or' Friends,
and departed for Harlem^ where we were well refrefh-
ed in the Love and Life of Chrift Jefus, our dear
Lord, and good Mailer. From Harlefn we went
with feveral Friends to Rotterdam^ where we had two
"" *"• Meetings, and in the Evening we went to vifit a
Friend that was not well, with whom we had a Meet-
ing, and affecting Time, and the fick Friend was
comforted and refrellied, and faid, flie was much bet-
ter than before ; and we were edified, and the Lord
our God praifed and magnified over all, who is
bleffed for ever.
In thofe Parts, viz. Holland., Frlefland, Germany,
&c. we travelled 972 EtigliJJj Miles, all in Waggons
and VefTels. We came not on a Horfe's Back all the
Time. It was about nine Weeks that we ftay'd in
thofe Countries, travelling therein, and getting Meet-
ings
Harlem,
HHOMA^ CHALKLET. ji
ings where we could, which were to the Number of 1709.
Forty-five, thus accounted ;
At Rotterdam
10
. At Horn i
Harlem
3
Hamburgh 1
Amfierdam
10
Embden 2
Twijk
4
Frederickjladt 10
Herl'ingen
3
Goradick i
'All thefe are large Cities, except Iwijk and Gora"
dick.
From Rotterdam we took Ship for London, and on
the 30th of the Third Month 1709, we failed down
the River Meufe to the Briel^ in the Ship Anney John
Duck Matter, but he miffing the Convoy, we took
our Paflage in the Packet ; and fo from Helvoetjluys
we failed over to Harwich^ and thus fafeiy arrived in Harwichi
our native Land, bleffing Almighty God for his many
Prefervations and Deliverances by Sea and Land.
A bout this Time (after a long Continuance of War^
there was great talking of Peace •, but the old Enemy
to Peace, Truth, and Righteoufnefs, broke it oiF by
his evil Working in Man : Neither can there be any
lafting Peace, until the Nations come to the Witnell-
ing of the peaceable Government and Spirit of our
Lord Jefus Chrifl:, to be fet up and eftabiifhed in
themfelves. The Lord bring it to pals, if it be his
blelTed Will, with Speed, for his holy Name's Sake!
Amen.
As I have had great Peace and Satisfaction in my .
Travels in Holland and Germany^ fo, for exciting
others under the like Exercife, I may truly fay, that
there is Encouragement for faithful Minifters to labour
in the Work of the Gofpel : For I know not that I
ever met with more Tendernefs and Opennefs in Peo-
ple, than in thofe Parts of the World. There isa
great People which they call Af^«o«z/?j, who are very
near to Truth, and the Fields are white unto Harveft
F amone;
ipfwich.
Cekhefter,
London*
Yearly
|»{eenn£;
72 TZ^^ J O U R N A L c/
1709. among diver of that People, fpiritually fpeaking. Oh?
that faithful Labourers, not a few, might be fent of
God Almighty into the great Vineyard of the World,
is what my Soul jind Spirit breathes to him for !
After lodging one Night at Harwich^ we came to
Ipf-dvich, and from thence to Colchejler^ and ftay'd
there the Firft Day, and had two Meetings; and had
a Meeting at Birch and CoggeJJjalU and then back to
Cokhejler^ where we took Coach for London^ to the
Yearly Meeting ot Friends, which was very large. I
gave fome fhort Account of my Travels to the faid
Meeting, with which Friends were fatisfied, and made
a Minute thereof. I had been about twenty Months
from my tiabitation, and from my dear and affecftio-
nateWife, and from any manner of Trade and Bufi-
nefs, either direftly or indiredlly, being all that Time
wholly given up in my Mind to preach the glorious
Gofpel of God our Saviour, without any outward
Confideration wh.uever, taking my great Mafler*s
Counlel, As I had freely received from him, fo I freely
gave *, and had that folid Peace in my Labours that is
of more Value than Gold, yea, than all the World.
From the Yearly Meeting I travelled thro* fome
Parts of moft of the Counties in England^ and alfo in
Wales : In which Service, I laboured fervently, and
often travelled hard, in Body and Mind, until the
next Yearly Meeting 17 10, having travelled that
Year about Two Thoufind Five Hundred Miles, and
had near Three Hundred publick Meetings, in many
of which there were much People, and oftentimes
great Opennefs. I being at fo many Friends Houfes,
and at fo many Meetings, if I was to be particular in
the fame, it would be too voluminous, for which,
and fome Reafons befides, I only give a general Ac-
count thereof here.
1710. In this Year (viz. 17 10) my dear Friend and Fel-
^-Or^>-^ low-traveller, Richard Gove, departed this Life, at
Vi (Its the
Meetings
of Fiicnds
in £n,^ltin4
Uxhridge^ about fifteen Miles from London,
^>>
at our
Friend
THOMAS CHALKLET, y-^
Friend Richard Ruharcljon's Houfe. He died ofa 1710.
Confumption. We travelled together in great Love
and Unity, and the Lord blefied his Work in our
Hands. We were in Company in the IVefi-India
Iflands, Ireland, and North- Britain, till we came to
Berwick on Tweed. We met together again at London,
and he vifited fome other Parts of Britain, in the Time
I was in Holland and Germany. He was an inofFenfive,
loving Friend, and had a found Teftimony, which
was ftrviceable and convincing, and was welJ-beloved
in Philadelphia, where he Jived. He left a good Sa-
vour and Report behind him (I think) where-ever he
travelled in the World.
Now at this General Meeting in London, I had a ^«'«''^''
good Opportunity to take my Leave of my dear M?etm=
Friends and Brethren in my native Land, not expell-
ing to fee it, or them any more, in this World. Oh !
I may truly fay, it was a folemn PcU-cing ! It was a
folemnTimeto me indeed. After the Yearly Meet-
ing was over, I took my Paflage in the Maryhope,
"John Annis Mafter, bound for Philadelphia -, and on
the 29th of the Fourth Month 1 7 1 o, at Gravefend, after G^viwf
having taken my folemn Leave of our Relations, and "''^'
feveral of my dear Friends, we fet Sail, and overcook
the Rujjia Fleet at Harwich, and fo joined cliem, and
failed with them as tar as Shetland^ which is to the
Northward of the Ifles of Orkney. We were with the
Fleet about two Wrecks, and then left them, and fail'd A^ sea*
to the Weflward for America. In this Time we had
rough Seas, which made divers of us Sea-fick. Af-
ter we left Shetland, we were feven Weeks and four
Days at Sea before we faw the Land of America, and
glad we were when we got Sight thereof. In this Time
we had divers fvveet and folemn Meetings, viz. on
Firft Days and Fifth Days, wherein we worfliipped
and praifed the Great JEHOVAH, and many
Things were opened in the Spirit of Love and Truth,
to our Comfort and Edification. We had one Meet-
F 2 . ing
74 ne JOVKN AL of
1 7 1 o. ing with the Germans or Talalines, on the Ship's Deck,
and one that underftood both Languages interpreted
for me. The People were tender and wrought upon,
behaved fober, and were well fatisfied : And I can
truly fay, I was well fatisfied alfo.
In this Voyage we had our Health to Admiration;
and I fhall obferve one Thing worthy of my Notice.
Some of my loving and good Friends in London^ fear-
ing a Sicknefs in the Ship, as fhe was but fmall, con-
fidering there were fo many Souls on board her,
being ninety-four in Number, they, for that and
other Reafons, advife*d me not to go in her *, for they
loved me v/e!l, and I took it kindly of them : But I
could not be eafy to take their Advice, becaufe I had
been long from my Habitation and Bufinefs, and which
was yet more, from my dear and loving Wife; And
notwithftanding the VefTel was fo full and crowed,
and alfo feveral of ttie People taken into the Ship fick
in the River ot Thames, yet they mended on board the
VefTel apace, and were foon all brave and hearty,
being perfedlly recovered at Sea, and the Ship, thro'
the Providence of the Almighty, brought them all
well to Philadelphia^ in the Seventh Month 1710:
'ph'iii!'" (I think I never was in a more healthy VefTel in allmy
Time, and I thought this peculiar Favour worthy to
be recorded by me.) We had a very pleafant PafTage up
the River Delaware^ to our great Satisfadion, the
Palatines being wonderfully pleafed with the Country,
mightily admiring the Pleaiantnefs and the Fertility
of it. Divers of our People went on Shore, and
brought Fruit on board, which was the largell and
finefl: they had ever lecn, as they faid, viz. Apples,
Pcaches3 ij^c.
I was from my Family and Habitation in this Jour-
ijey and Travel for the Space of three Years, within
a few Weeks ; in which Time, and in my Return, I
had fweet Peace to my Soul, Glory to God for ever-
more ! I had Meetings every Day when on Land, ex-
cept
fhiijdtl-
THOMAS CHALKLET, j^
cept Second and Seventh Days ('when in Health, and 1710,
nothing extraordinary hindered j and travelled by Sea '-/^VNJ
and Land Fourteen Thoufand Three Hundred Miles,
according to our Englijh Account. I was kindly and
tenderly received by my Friends, who longed to fee
me, as I did them, and our Meeting was comfortable
and pleafant.
After this long Travel and Voyage I ftay'd at
Home, and looked after the little Family which God
had given me, and kept duly to Meetings, except
fomething extraordinary hindered. Divers People
when I came Home raifed a falle Report of me, and
faid, I had brought Home a great deal of Money and
Goods, that I had got by Preaching ; which was ut-
terly falfe and bafe ; for I brought neither Money or
Goods, fo much as to the Value of Five Pounds, ex>
cept my wearing Apparel ; fo much the Reverfe, that
I borrowed Money at London to pay for my Accom-
modations Home, the which I faithfully remitted back
again to my Friend that lent it me, to whom I was
much obliged for the fame : And if I might have
gained a Hundred Pounds per Annumy it would not have
tempted me to undertake that, or fuch another Journey.
Soon after my Return Home again, 1 vifited a few
neighbouring Meetings, which were large and edify-
ing. Friends being glad to fee me again return'd Home
from that long Journey. And I did ("as I had Reafon
to do) blefs the holy Name of the Lord, for his many
Prefervations and Deliverances by Sea and Land.
After fome Stay at Philadelphia, I went down with
my Wife and Family into Maryland, to a Corn-Mill Maryland,
and Saw-Mill, which I had there, in order to live
fome Time, and fettle my Affairs : And after being
there fome Time, my dear Wife was taken ill of a fore
Difeafe, which fome thought to be an Ulcer in the
Bladder, and I had her up to Philadelphia, fhe being
carried as far as Chefter in a Horfe-litter, where fhe
continued for fome Months, in much Mifery, and
F 3 extream
76 The JOVK'NAL of
• -•D." :r:n
1 71 1, extream Pain, at the Houfe of our very kind Friends,
David and Grace Lloyd, whofe Kindnefs to us in that
fore, trying, and exercifing Time, was great, and is
not to be forgotten by me, while I live in this World.
FromC/6^7?^r we removed her again in a Litter, being
r-i'adfi accompanied by our Friends, to Philadelphia, where
/^;j. Hie continued very ill all that Winter, often thinking
that Death tarried long, and crying mightily to the
Lord, Ob! Come azvay, come away I This was her
Cry Day and Night, 'till at laft ftie could fpeak no
more. As we lived together in great Love and Unity,
being very affefbionate one to another •, fo being now
left alone I was very folitary, and fometimesforrowful,
and broken into many Tears, in the Senfe of my Lofs
and Lonefomnefs. This my dear Wife, was a virtuous
young Woman, and one that truly f'^ared God, and
loved his dear Son •, from whom Ihe had received a
good Gift of the Miniflry, and was ferviceable to ma-
ny therein. I had five Children by her, four Sons and
one Daughter, all which I buried before her, under
three Years old. At the Yearly Meeting before Ihe
died, fhe was fo wonderfully carried forth in her Mini-
ftry, by the divine Grace, that divers of her Friends
believed fhe was near her End, fhe fignifying fome-
thing to that Effeft in her Teftimony, and that fhe
fliould not live to fee another Yearly Meeting : And
, fo it came to pafs ; for fhe died before another Yearly-
Meeting, being aged about thirty-five Years, and a
married Woman about thirteen Years. Her Body
was carried to Friends Meeting-houfe in Ihiladelphia,
■and buried in Friends burying Ground, being accom-
panied by many Hundreds ot our Friends, in afolemn
Manner: And my Heart was greatly broken in Con
fideration of my great Lofs ; and being left alone as to
Wife and Children, I many Times deeply mourned,
tho' I well knew my Lofs was her's and their Gain !
Here 1 fhall end the firfl Part of the Journal of
fome Part of my Life and Travels, omitting many
Meetings,
TtHOMAS CBALKLET, yy
Meetings, and leffer Journeys, which I performed : 1711.
And the Accounts here given, have been moftly gene- ^yv^
ral, not defcending into many Particulars ; tho' the
adding fome Things might have been inftruftive and
agreeable : The whole being intended as a Motive to
ftir up others to ferve, love, and faithfully follow,
and believe in Chrift. :
The End of the Firji PART.
78 ^-1*?
JOURNAL
OF THE
Life, Labours, Travels, 6^c,
OF . .1 ■.,.
TUO MAS CHJLKLET.
PART 11,
NOW gave up my Time moftly to travelling,
for about the Space of two Years, in which I
vifitedthe Meetings of Friends in the Provinces
^j^fy^a- M^ of Penfyivania, Eafi and Wejl Jerfey^ Mary-
Jerfey. land, Virginia^ and North-Carolina^ and back again
v^r^lnft ^'^ Philadelphia^ and then to New Jerfey again : Alfo
North Ca. to Long-IJlandj Rhode- I/land^ Conanicut-^Jland, Nan-
Thiia'dd- tucket' IJland^ and New-England^ and thro' thofe Parts
tkta. on my Return to Philadelphia. In thefe Provinces,
hfi7nd, ^^' ^ travelled fome Thoufands of Miles, and had
Rhode. many large Meetings (fome in Places where there had
' ^' not been any beforej and fome were convinced, and
many would acknowledge totheTeitimony of Truth,
which
''THOMAS CHAL KLET. 79
which was declared by the Help and Grace of Chrift ; 1713.
and many Times, my Heart was, by the Afliftance v>'"V**>'
of that Grace, wonderfully opened to the People. It
I fhould be particular in the Account of thefe Jour-
nies, it would enlarge this Part of my Journal more
than I am willing.
In Virginia I had a Meeting at Jamss''s River,
where a Prieft of the Church of England^ with fome
of his Hearers, made fome Oppofirion fafcer our
Meeting was over j and were for difpu ting about Re-
ligion -, and he openly declared, " The Spirit was
'' not his Guide, nor Rule ; and he hoped, never
" fhould be. Bur, he faid, the Scriptures were his
*' Rule, and that there was no Need of any other -,
'' and that they were as plain as Gunter*s Line, or as
*• I, 2, 3." I told him. The Scriptures were a good
fecondary Rule, and that it were well if Men would fq^uare
their Lives according to their Dire5iions ; which we, as,
a People, exhorted all to : But that the holy Spirit, front
which the holy Scriptures came, muft needs he preferable
to the Letter, that came from it ; and without which holy
Spirit, The Letter kills, as faith the Apofile. I alfo
afked hiqi, How he j or any el fe, without the Light, or
Influence of the holy Spirit, could underjland the Scrip-
tures, which were paraholically and allegorically expref-
fed, in many Places? And further to ufe his own Ex -
prefTion, How could any underftand Gunter's Line,
without Gunter'j Knowledge ? Or without they were
taught by Gunter, or fome other? Neither can we be
the Sons of God, without the Spirit of God. V/hich
he anfwered not, but went away.
In New-England, one Jofeph Metcalf a Prejhyterian
Teacher at Falmouth, wrote a Book, intitled. Legal
Forcing a Maintenance for a Minifier of the Gofpel^
warrantable from Scripture, &c. Which Book, a
Friend o( Sandwich gave me, and defired I would an-
fwer it ; which, after finding fome Exercifc on my
Mind, for the C^ufe of Truth, I was willing to un-
dertake ;
8o The JOVKN AL of
17 [3. dertake ; and accordingly wrote an Anfwer thereto,
<y\^^ which I called, Forcing a Maintenance , not warranta-
ble from the holy Scriptures^ for a Mini Her of the Gofpch
In which I endeavoured to fet the Texts of Scripfure
in a true Light, which he had darkened and mifrepre-
lented by his chimerical Dodirines,
In this Year 171 3, I went from Philadelphia^ in the
Hope Galley^ John Richmond Mailer, for South-Caro- •
Una, We were about a Month at Sea •, and when it
SouthCa- p'^^^^<^ G"^ '^^--^t we arrived at Charles -Town^ in
Toiffia. South-Carolina, v;e had a Meeting there, and divers
others afterwards. There are but few Friends in this
Province -, yet I had feveral Meetings in the Country:
The People were generally loving, and received me
kindly. What I had to declare to them, I always
defired to fpeak to the Witnefs of God in the Soul, and
according to the pure Do6lrine of Truth in the holy
Scriptures-, and there was Opennefs in the People in
feveral Places. I was feveral Times to vifit the Go-
vernor who was courteous and civil to me. He faid,
J deferved Encouragement -, and fpoke to feveral to be
generous, and contribute to my Affiftance. He
meant an outward Maintenance *, for he would have
me encouraged to flay among them. But I told him,
■ ~ that tho' it might be a Practice with them, to main-
tain their Miniflers, and pay them Money for preach-
ing, it was contrary to our Principle to be paid
for preaching •, agreeable to the Command of our great
Mafter, Chrifl Jefus, who faid to his Miniflers,
Freely you have received^ freely give : So that we are
limited by his Words, whatever others are ; And-
thofe who take a Liberty, contrary to his Doclrine
and Command, I think, mufl be Antichrijl^s^ accord-
ing to holy Scripture. The longer I flaid there, the
larger our Meetings were ; and when I found myfelf
free and clear of thofe Parts, I took my PaiTage for
rireinia, V'lrginia in a Sloop, Henry Tucker Mafter. I had a
comfortable and quick PaiTage to Ja?nes*s River, it
being
rHOMAS CHALKLET, 81
being about two Hundred Leagues. The Mailer of the 17 13.
VeffeJ told me. That he believed he was blejjed for my (.OTN*
Sake. I wiflied him to hve fo as that he might be
blefled for Chrifl*s Sake. And fome Reformation was
begun on him in our Voyage ; which was the Good-
nefs of God, thro' Chrift, to him, and not to be at-
tributed to me, any farther than an Inftrument in the
divine Hand ; tor of ourfelves we cannot do any Thing
that is Good, it being by Grace, thro' Faith, that
we are faved, which is God's Gift to the Souf.
After I had been fome Time in Virginia^ I got a
PalTage up the Bay of Chefapeak^ and had feveral
Meetings in Maryland, Friends being glad to fee me ; Maryland,
and we were comforted in Chrift our Lord, t made
fome little Stay at a Place I had in that Province,
called Longhridge, and then returned to Philadelphia, nuaieu
where I lodged at the Houfe of my very kind Friends /*'<'♦
Richard 2in^ Hannah Hill'-, and was oftentimes at di-
vers neighbouring Meetings ; and fometimes had
good Service therein.
About this Time I had an Inclination to alter my
Condition of being a Widower, to a married State ;
and the moft fuitable Perfon that I (with fome of my
good Friends) could think upon, was Martha^ the
Widow ot Jofeph Brown: And on the 15th of the
Second Month 1714, we were joined together in 1714.
Marriage, with the Unity of Friends in general. We U<»'V>J.
had a large Meeting at our Marriage, the Solemniza-
tion thereof being attended with the Grace and Good-
nefs of God •, and, for Example-fake, we made but
little Provifion for our Guefts : For great Entertain-
ments at Marriages and Funerals, began to be a grow-
ing Thing among us, which was attended with divers
Inconveniencies.
My Wife wasafober and religious young Woman,
and of a quiet natural Temper and Difpofition ; which
is an excellent Ornament to the fair Sex : And indeed
it is fo both to Male and Female •, for according to the
holy
S2 r^^ JOURNAL c/
1714. holy Scriptures, A meek and quiet Spirit is with the
*^^.^^ Lord of great Price.
The i^rft Child we had I called Abigail (ov the Fa-
ther's Joy, as the Word fignifiesj and while fhe lived,
I had Joy and Comfort in her, even more than I
could expeft, her Age confidered ; for flie lived but
about eighteen Months, yet in that Time gave fre-
quent Proofs of an uncommon Capacity, and dropt
fuch extraordinary Expreffions, that I have faid to
her Mother, This Child is too ripe for Heaven to live long
on Earthy therefore let its not Jet our Hearts upon it.
And I have thought, that in tins Child, the Saying of
Chrifl was fulfilled, even in the Letter of it. Out of
the Alouths of Babes and Sucklings, thou hafi perfected
Praife^ Mat. xxi. 1 6.
I was at divers Yearly Meetings in 1715, viz. at
Choptank in Maryland -y at Shrewfbury and Salem in
.shri-wfb ^^"^-Jerfey \ all which Meetings were very large and
Salem comfortablc ; many Tilings being opened therein,
tending to the convincing and eftablifhing the People
in the Truth and Doftrine ofChrift. I was likewife
at divers other Meetings in thofe Provinces j which were
■large and fatisfaftory.
At Salem Yearly Meeting I was fent for to the Pri-
fon, where [here was a young Woman that was to be
tryM lor her Life. Shedefir'd that I would pray for
her, and charged me to warn the young People to be
careful not to keep bad Company : For^ faid fhe, it
has been viy Ruin, and brought me to this Shame and
Reproach. She had been tenderly brought up and
educated, I knew her when flie wore a Necklace of
Gold Chains, tho' now fhe wore Iron ones : Upon
which Subjeft I had afterwards a large Opportunity
to ipeak to the People in a very moving Manner ;
which feem'd to very much afte6t the Youth,
and others in the Meeting, which confifled of
many Hundreds of People. I faw this young
"Woman afterwards, the Jury acquitting her ; and
I
THOMAS CHALKLET. 83
I told her, that her Life was given her for a Prey -, 1715.
and reminded her, how it was with her when Ihe was v./'V^^
in Prifon in Chains ; and I advifed her to walk more cir-
cumfpeAly for the future j which (he faid, llie hoped
fhc fhould do.
In the Year 1716, I had fome Concerns which ^
drew me to the Id^ind of Berjnudas (to which IQand I tJ^^
went twice that Summer.) My Family increafing, I
traded a little to Sea for their Support and Mainte-
nance : And I can truly fay, I carried on my Affairs
and Bufinefs in the Fear of God, having an Eye, or
Regard therein, more to his Glory, than to my own
Intereft. We had a rough PafTage to this Ifland fin
the firft Voyagej and were forced, by Diffcrefs of
Weather, to cafl fome of our Goods into the Sea;
and the Storm being very violent, fome of the Seamen
thought we fhould be devoured by the Waves j and
asfor me, they hadfhut meupin theCabin alone, all in
©arknefs, and the Water came in fo that they were Ats«a.
forced to take it out in Buckets. When the Storm
was a little over, the Mafler came to me, andafked.
How I did all alone in the Dark ^^ I told him, Pretty
well ; and faid to him, / was very willing to die if it fo
pleafed God: And indeed I did expeft no otlier at
that Time. After this great Storm was over we ar-
rived at Bermudas in a few Days ; but going into the ^^^^^^^^
Harbour the Bottom of the VefTel ftruck the Rocks,
but we got well in •, for which I was thankful to the
Almighty. I (lay'd on the Ifland about a Month, and
had feveral Meetings, to fome of which, many came
who were not called Friends. They were all iober,
and fome well fatisfied j and the People of the Ifland
generally received me lovingly, and were very kind to
me. (Our AncieniSy who bore the Burden and Heat of
the Da)\ met tvith very different Treatment. 1 tenderly
deftre that we who come up after them^ may he truly
humble and thankful to the Almighty for all his Mercies I)
By
H
7'he ]OURN AL of
1716.
fhilaitl-
fhia.
By Reafon of my outward Affairs, I had Oppor-
tunities with fome Perfons of great Note and Bufmefs
on this Ifland i and fometimes opened the Principles
of Friends to their Satisfa(^ion ; fome of them told
me. They never underjiood fo much concerning our
Friends before ; and if what I faid was true, they had
been mifinformed. Divers fuch Opportunities 1 had
with feveral on this Idand, there being but very few
of our Society.
Thefe are called the Summer IJlandSy or Bermudas,
there beingmany little Iflands in themidll of theMain
llland, in Form like a Horfe-lhoe, and are but two
Hundred Leagues diftance from the Capes ofDelware,
It is rare to fee Hail, Snow, or Ice there.
After I had done my Bufinefs, and had been for fome
Time on the llland, I had a ready and comfortable
Paflage Home, where I was joyfully received.
Semudat, After fome little Stay at Home, I went the Second
Time (that Summer) to Bermudas, and then alio I
had fome Meetings, and did fome Bufinefs on the
llland. It was my conltant Care, that my worldly
Affairs fhould not hinder me in my religious Concern
for the good ot Souls. It happened at this Time there
was a mighty Hurricane of Wind, fo that it blew
many Houfes to the Ground, and very many Trees
up by the Roots, and rent divers Rocks afunder,
which I was an Eye-Witnefs of: Tho'it is to be ob-
ferved, that thofe Rocks in the Summer I/lands, are
not fo hard as in fome other Parts of the World, par-
ticularly to the Northward •, for here they faw them
with Saws, and cut them with Axes like Wood. I
was told there were fixty Sailof VefTels then at thefe
Iflands, and all drove on Shore but three, and ours
was one of the three that rode out the Storm ; for
which I was truely thankful. In this great Storm, or
Hurricane, feveral Sloops ("there being no Ships) were
driven upon dry Land, fo that after the Storm
was over, one might go round them at High Water,
and
THOMAS CHALKLET. ^^
and feveral blown off the dry Land into the Water.
One that was ready to be launch'd, tho' faflened on
the Stocks with two Cables and Anchors put deep in
the Ground, yet the Violence of the Wind blew her
into the Water, and daflied her all to Pieces.
About this Time the Bermudas People had got a
vaft Treafure of Silver and Gold, out of the Spa?iijh
Wrecks; and at a Meeting which I had with a pretty
many People on the Firft Day of the Week before
the Hurricane, or Storm of Wind, it came weightily
on my Mind to exhort them, Not to he lifted up there^
with, nor exalted in Pride : For I declared to them^
that thejame Hand that took itfrotn the Spaniards, could
take it from thofe who now had got it out of the Sea ; and
if he pleafed^ by the fame JVay ; which was a Storm that
cajl away the Ships going for Spain, And indeed fo it
happened the fame Week ; for it was reckoned by Men of
Experience and Judgment, that they had lofi more by the
Storniy than theyhadgainedby the lVrecksoftheS)Tp2inhr6s»
A foberold Man (not of our Profeflion) told me the
next Day after the Hurricane was over, that what I
fpokein the Meeting was foon come to pafs: And he
added, I was a true Prophet to them. Many Houfes
that were not blown down, v/ere uncovered. My
Landlord's Houfe being old, feveral thought it would
be down -, but by the good Providence of God, it
was one of them which ftood. I was in my Store,
which ftood alfo; tho' I expeded every Minute when
it would have been blown down. It was by the
Mercy of God we were preferv'd, and not for any
Merit of ours. I intreated the Lord in the midft of
this great Wind, that he would pleafe to fpare the
Lives of the People ; for many of them being Sea-
faring Men, were very unfit to die •, at which Time
I thought I was fenfible of the Anfwer of my Prayer,
and he was pleafed to be intreated for them ; For,
notwithflanding the Violence ol the Storm, and the
great Deflrudion it made, yet not one Man, Woman,
or
86 r^^^ J O U R N A L ^/
1716. or Child, nor Creature was loft, that I heard ofin all
y\'^-^ the Ifland, which was to me very admirable. The
Friend of the Houfe came to me after the Storm
abated, and faid, Tbs Lord had heard my Prayers for
them, Altho* they could not by any outward Know-
ledge, know that I had prayed for them, yet they had
a Senfe given them, that I was concern'd for them before
the Almighty ; which indeed was true. Oh! That we
may ne'Der forget the 7nerciful Vifttatiom of that High and
Lofty One, who inhabits Eternity !
While I was on the Ifland I was invited to, and
kindly entertained at the Houfes of fevera! of the Gen-
try, and at the Governor's, who invited me feveral
Times to his Houfe : And once I was with him, and
fome ot his chief Officers at Dinner, with divers of
the firft Rank, where I was treated very kindly ; and
after Dinner the Governor*s Pradlice was to drink the
King's Health, and he hoped I would drink it along
with them- Tes^ faid the reft at the Table, Mr.
Chalkley (as they called mt) will furely drink the King^s
Health with us. So they palTed the Glafs, with the
King's Health, till it came to me i and when it came
to me, they all looked ftedfaftly at me, to fee what
I would do Cand I looked as ftedfaftly to the Al-
mighty j and I faid to them, I love King George, and
wifh hmi as well as any Subjed; he hath *, and it is
-known to Thoufands that we pray for him in our
Meetings and Aflemblies for the Worfhipof Almighty
GOD : But as to drinking Healths, either the King's,
or any Man's elfe, it is againft my profefled Principle,
I looking on it to be a vain, idle Cuftom. They
replied, That they wiffjed the King had morefuch Sub-
jeils as I was •, for I had profe£cd a hearty Refpe6i
for him: And the Governor and they were all
very kind and friendly to me all the Time I was on
the Ifland.
Alter 1 had finifiied my Concerns I embarked in the
Sloop Dove for Philadelphia Cfhe being confign'd to
me
"THOMAS CHALKLET. I2,y
me in the former and this Voyage. j It being often ly i6i
calm andfmall Winds, our Provilion grew very Icanty. iyVK)
"We were about twelve Pcrfons in the Veflcl, fmall
and great, and but one Piece of Beef left in the BarreU
and for feveral Days, the Wind being contrary, the
People began to murmurj and told difmal Srories
about People eating one another for Want of Provi-
fions ; and the Wind being ftill againft us, and, for
ought we could fee, like to continue, they murmured
more and more, and at lall, againft me in particular
(becaufe the VefTel and Cargo was confign'd to me,
and was under my Care) fo that my inward Exercife
was great about it •, for neither myfelf, norany inthe
VefTel, did imagine that we fhould be hall fo long as
we were on the Voyage: But fince it wasfo, I feriouily
confidered the Matter ; and to flop their Murmuring,
I told them they fhould not need to call Lots fwhicii
was ufual in fuch Cafesj which ot us fhould die firil,
for I would freely offer up my Life to do them Good.
One faid, God blefs you^ I 'will not eat any of you.
Another faid, He would die before he -would eat any of
me j and fo faid feveral. I can truiy fay, on that
Occafion, at that Time, my Life was not dear to me,
and that I was ferious and ingenuous in my Propolici-
on : And as I was leaning over the Si:l- oi iihe Veilel,
thoughtfully confidering my Propofal to the Com-
pany, and looking in miy Mind to him that made me,
a very large Dolphin came up towards the Top or Sur-
face of the V/ater, and looked m^e inthe Face , and I
called the People to put a Hook into the S;fa, and
take him, for here is one come to redeem me (laid I to
them-,j and they pjt a Hook Into the Sea, and the
Fifn readily took it, and they caught him. He was
longer than myfelf: I think he was about fix Fee c
long, and the largeft that ever I fav/. This plainly
fhev/'d us that we ought not to diflruft the Provi-
vidence of the Almighty. The People were quieted
by this A(5t of Providence, and murmured no more.
G . We
8S ' 77j^ J O U R N A L 0/
1716. We caught enough to eat plentifully of till we got into
v./'V^^ 'the Capts of Dela-zvare. 'Thusl faw it was good to depend
tipn the Almighty\ and rely upon his eternal Arm ;
which^ in a particular Manner, did preferve us fafe to
our defired Port^ Uejjed he his great and glorious Name,
through Chriji jor ever !
fhiiadei- I now ftay'd at, and about Home, for fome Time ;
^Mn imi ^^^^^ whlch I was coocemed to vifit Friends in feveral
Newjcr'. Places, and in the adjacent Provinces, 21?^ Maryland,
f'^' New-Jerfe^, &c. and was at many Marriages and Fu-
nerals, at which, many Times, we had good Oppor-
tunities to open the Way, and alfo the NecefHty to be
married to Chrift Jefus, the great Bridegroom of the
Soul j and alfo to exhort the People to confider and
prepare for their latter End and final Change ; which
many Times v/as ianftified to divers Souls, and the
Lord's Name was glorified, who is worthy thereof.
In the Year 1717 f went into Maryland^ to look
after my Afi'airs in that Province, and as I travelle4 I
Ntith-' had divers Meetings at Nottinghafn^ and at Bujh- River,
vi?)!/^and '^bout which Time at BufJj-River, feveral were con-
Sxupeiv- vinced. The Meeting I found in a ^growing Conditi-
Mj^/imd^' ^" ^" ^'-'^^ which is good, feveral Perfons meeting toge-
ther in Silence to worfiiip God, according to Chriil's
Inllitution, which was, and is, and ever will be, in
Spirit and in Truth: And for the Encouragement
-of ail fuch, Chriil; hath faid. That fuch the Fa-
ther feeketh to ivorp/ip him : and again. Where two or
three are met together in my Name^ there am I in the midfi
of them. And if Chriil: be in the midft, there is no
abfolute Need of Vocal Teaching, except it be the
Will of the Lord to call any to it. Let the fpiritual
PhiiMdet' Chriftian read and judge.
fhia,t^c. After my Return I had feveral Meetings in the
Country near Philadelphia ; and about the latter End
of the Eighth Month I was at divers Marriages, one
of which was on the Third Day of the Week, about
fifteen Miles above Pbikdelphia, over Delaware River.
The
THOMAS CHALKLir, 89
The next was over the River again, about twenty-
Miles below the City : The third was about twenty
Miles further down the River, and on the oppofite
Side at Salem (on the following Days ;) fo that I crof-
fed Delaware River three Times in three Days, and
rode about one Hundred Miles. The Meetings were
all large, and Matter fuicable to the Occafion freely
opened to the People. Thefe Remarks arc not intend-
ed to fet up Man, or exalt Flelh, but to ftir up
others to come up to the Work of Chrift in their Ge-
neration : All the Glory and Godlinefs of Man is but
as the Grafs, which foon withers, without we dwell in
the Root of true Religion, and holy Life of Chrift ;
and that God may have the Glory of all his Works,
is the End of all the Labours and Travels of the Ser-
vants and faithful Miniftersof Chrift.
In the Tenth Month 1717, divers Con fi derations -j-^j^g,^
moving me thereto, J took a Voyage to Barbadoes, Voyage ro
in the Snow Hope, J. Curtis Matter, and from s^^^^"^^-
thence to Great Britain and London •, partly on ac-
count-of Bufinefs, and hoping once more, it it plea-
fed God, to fee my aged Father, my Brother, Relati-
ons, and Friends; which Voyage I undertook in tlie
folid Fear of God. I defiredthe Concurrence of my
Wife, and my Friends and Brethren of the Meeting to
v^hich I did belong, in this Undertaking, the which I
had in a general Way, and the good VVillies and Pray-
ers of many Particulars, with a Certificate from our
Monthly Meeting, fignifying their Unity with my
Converfation and Miniftry, and prefent Undertaking:
And I felt the Love and Goodnefs of God therein, but
in many Refpefts it was a great Crofs to me, as the
leaving my beloved Wife and Children, and many of ^
my dear Friends, whom I loved well in Chrift: And ''^'
the Crofting of the Seas always was troublefome to me,
being fickly at Sea, efpecially in windy or ftormy Wea-
ther-, and the Confinement was worfetomefor the Time
than a Prifon •, for it would be much ea fie r to me to
G 2 be
90 r/^t? J O U. R N A L of
1717. be in Prifon on Land, upon a good Account, than in
l/VN^ Prifon at Sea, I always looking on aShip to be a peri-
lous Prifon, tho* my Lot was to be much therein :
And as for my natural Life, I always gave it up when
ever I went to Sea ; and I thought that was the lead
Part of the Hardfhip, never putting much Value
thereon ; and I think I had rather die at sny Time,
than go to Sea, it being fo contrary to my Nature and
Difpofition, as well as Inclination: But to Sea I
went, tor the Reafons mentioned, and got from Phi-
ladelphia to Neivcajlle the firfb Night in the faid Vef-
fel, and to Elfinburgh next Day, where we lay for a
fair Wind about two Days ; and when the Wind was
fair, we fail'd to Bombay-Hook, where we met with
two other VeiTcls bound out to Sea, who waited alfo
for the Wind. We lay there two Nights, and then
on the Firft Day Morning fet Sail, the Weather being
bitter cold, and the Ice very thick on the Sides of our
Veffel, and on our Ropes. The fame Day that we
left Bombay- Hock we got out to Sea, took in our Boar,
^^^^' and went on our Way -^ and in four or five Days we
got into warmer W^eathcr.
In this Voyage I wrote fomething on the Common
Prayer^ ufed by fome of the Church of England^
whofe Converfations were very loofe and corrupt,
wbi-h I entitled. One truly tender Scruple of Confcience,
about that For 7n of Prayer called the Common Prayer,
as ufed by the Church of England and her Members^ &c.
In this our Voyage we faw feveral Ships but fpoke
with none ; and in twenty-feven Days, from our
jB(j>-i.7^cf/. Capes, wQ-^rnviA 2ilBarbadoe5, and came to an An-
chor in Carlifte-Bay.
I had been twice in Barbadoes before, but this was
the quickeft PafTage by one Day. Here I was loving-
ly and tenderly received by my Friends. I took my
good Friend, Jcfeph Gamblers Houfe, for my Quar-
ters, moft of the Time whilfl I ftay'd on the Ifland -,
^ and 1 vifued Friends Meetings feveral Times over,
there
rnOMAS CHALKLET, 91
there being five of Friends Meeting-houfes in the ijij.
Ifland, and our Meetings were Ibmetimes large and ^-''"V^
open.
Our Stay was longer here than we at firft expedled,
by ReaTon of a great Drought, they having no Rain
for moie than a Quarter of a Year, which was a great
Hindrance to Tr;ide on the Ifland. While I was this
Time in Barbadoes, our ancient Friend George Gray
died. I was at his Funeral, at which there were many
People *, and on this Occafion we had a large Meet-
ing if our Meeting-houfe at Spr eights-Town^ where I
had a feafonable Opportunity with the People, open-
ing to them fhe NecelTity of preparing for, and think-
ing of their latter End; and preffed them earneftly -
thereto. They were generally attentive and fober,
and lome were broken into Tendernefs. While we
were burying tlie Friend, there appeared a difmal
Cloud hanging over the Ifland, fuch an one as I never
faw before : It was to my thinking, of the Colour of
the Flame of Brimftone, and I expeded there would
have been a great Storm, or fome mighty Guft, and
much Rain, they having had very little for many
Weeks, or fome Months j but it went over, and
there was no Rain, nor Wind, as I remember. Soon
after fome People came in from Sea, and they faid,
that from that Cloud it rained Afhes -, and they
brought fome of the fame to the Ifland, fome of which
Aflies I have now before me : The Tafte of them
feems to me to be a little fulphurous, and have fome
glittering Particles in them, in Colour and Smell I
think they differed little from common Aflies. Here-
in the Almighty and Infinite Being fignaily fhewed his
Mercy and Favour to poor Mortals ; for had not his
Mercy prevented, he could as eafily have rained down
the Fire as the Afhes, who rained down Fire and Brim-
ftone on the Cities and Inhabitants of Sodoin and Go-
morrah, for their Pride and Idlenefs, much of which
abounds among the Inhabitants of Barbadoei^ the Peo-
G 3 pie
92 Tbe ]OURlS^AL of
1717. pie being very luxurious. Oh ! may the luxurious In-
l"^^*^"^ habitants of that Ide^ as alfo all others, confider ihtif
Ways and Doings, and not provoke the great Lord,
the Sovereign of Heaven and Earth, as many of them
do by their evil Lives, and voluptuous Converfations 5
and that they would kifs his Son, tho' not with a Ju-
das's Kifs, of Profeflion, or fpeakiog well or fair of
him only, but with divine Love manitefted through
Obedience, while his Wrath is but a little kindled a-
gainfl them before it break-out into a Flame.
After this Funeral I was fent for to Bridge-Town, to
the Burial of a Mafter of a Ship, a young Man, who
was very trefh and well a few Days before. There
was a great Appearance of People, and I was pretty
largely opened in the Meeting, on the Words of the
Prophet, where he fays, yill Flefh is Grafs^ and all
the Goodiinefs thereof j is as the Flo-wer of the Field, "^he
Grafs wither ethf the Flower Jadeth, becaufe the Spirit
of the Lord bloweth upon it : Surely the People is Grafs.
I'he Grafs vjithereth^ the Flower fadeth ; but the IfVord
of our God Jh all Ji and for ever, Ifaiah xl. 6, 7, 8.
And I treated of this Word, its Wonderfulnefs,
its Duration, and its Work in Man : As alfo of the
fading Conftitution of mortal Man, tho' young and
ilrong, as that young Man was a few Days before,
whofeCorpfe was then before us.
I was at divers other Burials on this Ifland, which
indeed doth prove a Grave to many New-comers, it
being a hot Climate, makes thofe who are not accu-
ftomed to it, very thirfhy, and by Reafon of the ex-
iream Heat, it is not eafy to quench their Thirft ; fo
that what is called moderate Drinking, throws many
Strangers into a violent Fever, and oftentimes is the
Caufe of their Death. I note this as a Caution to any
who may tranfport themfelves there (that may fee ihisj
that they may fhun that Danger, which might be
avoided by drinking cool Drinks, of which they have
many Sorts very pleafant, viz. Cane, Sugar-reed, and
White
'THOMAS CHALKLEir, 93
White Sorrel, Pine, Orange, and divers others: 17 17.
And I ad vile fuch, as they love their Health, to re- s^V^
frain from drinking much hot Drinks or Spirits.
I faw feveral Curiofities in Nature in this Ifland,
which among the great Numbers of the Works of
God, do fhew forth his Praife and Glory. One to
the Leeward Part of the Illand, which is called the
Spout, fends up a vail Body of Water into the Air,
occafioned by a great Cavity in the Rocks under the
Water, which may be feen in calm Weather, when
the Sea is low ; but when the Wind blows (a great
Body of Water being pent in a large hollow Placej it
forces it up into the Air, fometimes ten, fifteen, and
twenty Yards high, according as the Strength of the
Wind is more or lefs, and makes a Report like a Can-
non, or Thunder a great way off. 1 believe I have
feen it ten or twelve Miles out at Sea. I was alfo at a
Place called Oiiver*s Cave, which we got to with fome
Difficulty, in goingdown the fteep and craggy Rocks.
There is on the outward Part next the Sea, a very
large vaulted Place, in the Form of a Half-circle,
about one hundred Fetrt high, as near as I could guefs.
In this large Vault, behind a Rock, is the Mouth of
the Cave, not the Height of a Man at the firfl En-
trance ; after one is in, a few Yards, one may walk
upright comfortably, the Bottom being pretty plain
and fmooth for about a hundred Yards, and then we
come into a large Cave which is form'd archwife, and
about ten or fifteen Yards high, as we thought, being
much higher in the Middle than the Sides, but almoft
as regular as if it had been done by Art, which we be-
held with Admiration, by the Help of Wax-Candles,
and other Lights, that we made and carried for that
Purpofe.
When I had done my Bufinefs in Barhadoes^ having
been about thirteen Weeks there, our Veifel being
loaded, we failed from thence the loth of the Second
Month 17 1 8, for London,
G 4 We
7'he JOVRN AL of
"We had a good PaiTage, being five' Weeks and two
Days from Barbadoes to Great-Britain^ in which we
faw divers VefTels at Sea, but fpoke with none •, and
after Sight of the Land, we got in two Days to Beachy-
Head, which is about fifteen Leagues from the Downs
or Deal. We failed along the Shore by Folkfione.,
where we took in a Pilot, and had a comfortable Paf-
Lmdon. fage through the Downs^ and up the River of 'Thames
to London^ where I met with my dear and aged Fa-
ther, and loving Brother, Sifter, and Couftns, and
many other of my near anddear Relations and Friends.
In this Voyage I wrote fome Things which opened
in my Mind at Sea, upon that excellent Sermon of
Chrift's upon the Mount., as it is recorded in tiie holy
Scriptures of the New Teftament, in the vth, vith,
and viith Chapters of the Evangelift Mattheiv^ but
havefince heard that the fame is much better done by
an abler Hand ; and therefore it may fuffice here to
give the Advice, which in the Courfe of my Travels
1 have often had occafion to do, that the ProfefTors
of Chriftianity fhould frequently readthisSermon, and
be careful to practice the fame ; that they may not
only be Chrifliansin Name buiin Deed, and in Truth.
Alter vifiting my Relation,', and fome Meetings of
our Friends in, and about London^ ^nd having finifh-
ed my Bufinels, being ready to return homeward,
divers Friends accompanied us from London to Grave-
Jend ; and the Wind not being fair, we went to Ro-
fi?^/i?r, .and hada Meeting there ; and then back to
Gravefendt and there took a folemn Farewel of our
Friends, recommending one another to the Grace of
Chriil ; having this Time made but little Stay in Bri-
tain.
In the Fifth Month 1718, we failed from the
Dozvns in the aforefaid Snow Hope, divers Friends, "viz.
At Sea. John Danfon, Ijaac Hadwin., John O.xley^ Lydia Lan-
cajlerj Elizabcib Raiviinjon and RebcccaTurner, being
in Company with us : After about nine Weeks Paffag^
from
"THOMAS CHALKLET. 95
from Land to I'and, having had Meetings on Firft 1718.
Days and Fifth Days on board all the Voyage, we ^^<'V^
came all fate and well to Philadelphia^ thro' the Bler-^/;/^^ "'
fing of God, where I flay'd with my Family a few
Months, and then took another Voyage for Barhadoes
and Britain. I was under Ibme Concern more than
ordinary, as to the Support and Well-being, or Ac-
commodation of my Family, the Circumftances there-
of being a little changed by the Increafe of Children,
remembring the Words of the Apoftle, That thofe who
had not that Care and Concern^ were worfe than Infidels ;
my Lord Jefus (whofe Servant I profefs myfelf to be)
alio faying, It is better to give than receive -, wherefore
an Opportunity offering of the Confignment of a
Vefiel and Cargo (the Snow Hope^ IVarner Holt
Mailer) to Barbadoes, and from thence to London, and
fo to make Returns Home again for Philadelphia, I
embraced it ; tho' with Reluctance, to leave my very-
loving Wife, Children and Friendy, all whom I
tenderly loved and refpedled. I alfo had in my Eye
an Hope, thro' the Bleffing of God, to obtain where-
with to accommodate my Friends, who were Stran-
gers and Pilgrims in this World for Jefus Sake, as I
alfo had been myfelf-, and that they might find a
Place or Home, and Refrefhment under my Roof ;
not to Excefs, but to Comfort and Edification ;
which in Sincerity, is all the Grandeur I covet or de-
fire in this World : So after due Confideration, on
the fecond Day of the Eleventh Month 17 18, we fee
Sail from Philadelphia, many Friends taking their .
Leaves and Farewel of us for that Voyage. Thus
with Hearts full of Love and Good-will, we parted
with our Friends, and went down the R iver about five
Miles, where we run aground, but got off next Tide,
and next Day came to an Anchor at Chejler, On the
4th Day of the Month we fet Sail, and got to New-
cafile about the eleventh Hour ; it being Meeting-
P-ty, we went to Meeting, where our great Lord
was
9^ ^r^^ J O U R N A L ^
17^8. was pleafed in fome good Meafure to own us with his
living Prefence, and comfort us with his Love ; blef-
fed be his holy Name ! In the Morning we failed to
Reedy- IJIand, where we flay'd for the Tide, and in the
Night our Cable parted, which we knew not of till the
Morning, and then we had gone from the Place where
we anchored, about a League : But tho' the VelTel
drove about the River, yet llie did not go on Ground:
We droppM our other Anchor, and fent the Boat to
feek for that which was parted from us, but could not
find it until the next Tide, and then could not get it
up, and were unwilling to go to Sea without it ; which
occafioned us to (lay feveral Tides before we could get
it : At laft with much Difficulty we weigh'd it, our
Men's Clothes being much frozen ; for it was very cold,
and froze extreamly hard. After this we wentdownto
BombayHook, where was alfo another VefTel going
out to Sea. Next Day the Wind was againfl us, and
it fnowed much, and froze hard ; and that Night the
River and Bay was filled with Ice as far as we could
fee, and it drove very hard againfl our VefTel, fo that
-we wifhed for Day; for we thought fometimes it
would have torn our Bows in Pieces ; but our Anchor
and Cable held us, we thought, to a Miracle (for
which we were thankful to the great Keeper of all
thofe who put their Trufl in him.) When the Tide
turned for us we got up the Anchor, andfo let her drive
•with the Ice down the Bay; The other VefTel did the
fame. It was now dangerous moving, go -which
way we would. The VelTel in Company with us at-
tempted to go back again, but feeing that we did
not, as we fuppos*d, came to Anchor again, and
we both went down the Bay together ; and the Wind
fpringing up fair, we got clear of the Ice in a few
Hours Time -, but by this Hindrance we could not
get to Sea that Day, but were obliged to come to
Anchor near the Middle of the great l^Tiyoi Delaware^
and the Night being fair and calm, we rode it out
lately.
"THOMAS CHALKLET. gj
fafely, which if it had been windy Weather, would 17 19.
have been dangerous. Early in the Morning (of the <^/>^/'-o
9th Day of the IMonth) we got to Sea, and loon left ^*^'^*"
Sightofthe Land. NextDay the Wind was high, and
the Weather proved ftormy for feveral Days, info-
much that our Main-deck was under Water mofl of
the Time, fo that we were forced to go before it for
feveral Days together. We alfo fhut up our Cabirt
Windows, and weretofTed exceedingly, and I was very
Sea-fick ; and we began in this Storm to fear falling on
the Rocks of Bermudas^ which we were near, as we
imagined, and the Windfet right on the Ifland. But
when we had palTed the Latitude o^ Bermudas, we met
with fair Weather and Winds (all the remaining Part
of our PafTage being pleafant and comfortable^ by w
which I was led to confider the Viciffitude which .«.
Mortals may expert while on this unliable terraqueous" *
Globe, which is full of Changes i and I ftrongly de- ^^^'-^ ■ -^
fired to be rightly prepared for that World which is
eternal, and its Joy and Filicity permanent ; at which
blefTed Port, I hope in God's Time, thro' his Grace,
fafely to arrive. Thus thro' Storms, Tempefts, Ice,
and Snow, we left thofe frozen Climes, and crolTed
the Tropick of Cancer (between which, and that of
Capricorn, there is neither Froll nor Snow at Sea, at
any Time of the Year) and the Wind always within
a fmall Matter one Way, viz. Eafterly (except in
Hurricanes and violent Storms, which fometimes they
have in thofe Parts of the World.^ We arriv'd at
Bridge-Town, in Barhadoes, in one-and-twenty Days, Bihradtf^^
which was the quickelt PafTage that ever I had, this
being the fourth Time of my coming hither, where I
was always kindly received by my Friends.
About this Time War was declared againft Spain
by the King of Great- Britain, by Proclamation, in
Bridge-Tow/ij which put fuch a Damp on Trade, that;
there was little Bufinefs, and the Marl<:ets low and
dulja which made my Stay lonsjer than I would have
chofe >
9S 72^? J O U R N A L oj
1719. chofe ; hut my '^Viends, among whom I had many
\jr\-\J OpporiLinicies, feem'd rather pieas'd than otherwife ;
telling me, That they did not earn if I was to ft ay there
always^ if it "joere my Place: Ar...i when I left Barba-
does Friends gave m:" baiter Credentials than I
thought I d:fL'rvecl A Friend of mine giving
me Intelligence that the Market v/as better at Antigua
than at Barbadoes^ I dilpatch'd my Affairs, and look
Part of our Cargo there, and was kindly received by
our Friends. We were about three Days in our Paf-
An>kita. ^^§^' ^'^'^ ^^^ ^""^ Weather therein. At Antigua I
had divers Meetings, my Bufinefs at no lime hin-
dered me in my more weighty Service; for I always,
through divine Help, made that give Way to my
religious Duty, in v/hich I ever found Peace and in-
ward Satisfaftion. In about five V/eeke I finifhed my
Bafinels in this Ifland, having no fmall Satisiadion in
coming to it ; and our VelTel being now loaden, we
took our folemn Leave, and with the good Wilhes
oimany, departed for England.
Our Friends there fignified to their Brethren, that
they were glad of my Company, and that I was fer-
viceable to them, the' I came upon Bufinefs. My
Hand, when need required, was to my Bufinefs, but
my Heart was, and I hope is, and ever fliall be,
freely given up to ferve the Lord, in that Work
whereunto I believe he has called me. We have
Liberty from God, and his dear Son, lawfully, and
for Accommodation's Sake, to work or feek for
Food or Raiment ; tho' that ought to be a Work of
Indifferency, compar'd to the great Work of Salva-
tion. Our Saviour faith. Labour not for the Meat
which perijheth^ but for that which endureth for ever^
or to eternal Life: By which we do not underfland,
that Chriftians muft negled their necefTary Occafions
and their outward Trades and Callings ; but that
theirchief Labour, and greatefl Concern ought to be
for their future Well-being in his glorious Kin2;dom 5
■ ■ ° ° elfe
rnOMJS CHALKLET. gg
elfe why did our Lord fay to his Difciples, Children^ ^7^9-
have you any Meat ? They anfwered, A'i? ; and he bid ^./''V^
them ca/l their Nets into the Sea, and they drew to Land
a Net fidl of great FiJIoes ; and Fifliing being their
Trade, no doubt but they fold them, for it was not
likely they could eat 'em all thcmfelves. Alfo the
Apofrle ot Chirll fays. He that doth not take care of his
Family^ is worfe than an Infidel: And the Apoftle
PW (the great Apoftle of the 6V;//f/(?j) wrought with
his Hands, even v/hile he was in his Travels, and in
the Work of the Gofpel ; and others tailed of the
Benefit of his Labour naturally, as well as fpiritually.
It is alio written. That he that zvill not Work^ foall not
eat. By this, and much more, which might be
noted, it appears that v/e not only have liberty to la-
bour in Moderation, but we are given to underftand,
that it is our Duty fo to do. The Farmer, the Tradef-
man, and the Merchant, do not underftand by our
Lord's Doftrine, that they mull negled their Calling,
or grow idle in their Bufinefs, but muft certainly
work, and be induftrious in their Callin.g;s. We all
ought to underftand, that our Hearts and Minds
ought to be out of the World, or above the Nature
and Spirit of it. 'Tis good and profitable for boih
Soul and Body, rightly to diftinguifh between earthly
and heavenly Things, and to be careful how they mix
the one with the other i for it is an eternal Truth,
that God and Mammon cannot dwell together, or join
together in the Heart. If our Love is more to God
than the Creature, or to Heaven than Earth, then
will he dwell in us and with us: But if our Love is
more to the Creature than to Chrift, or to Earth than
Heaven, then will he not dwell with us, but will leave
us to ourfelves -, for the Lord Omnipotent will not.
admit of any Rival,
On the I ich of the Fourth Month 1719, we left
Antigua, ftood clofe to the Wind till v;e again crolTed
the fropick, and got into thofe Latiaid'rs where th?
V/inds
loo rie J OVRN AL of
1 7 19. Winds are variable. Sailing in the great Deeps wc
iy^\'\J faw the Wonders of the Lord, particularly in divers
Kinds of Filh, they living upon one another in the Sea,
the great Fifhes on the fmall Ones •, and Mankind too
much relembles them in that Refpefb. About the
Latitude of 33 North, our Mafter, PFarjier Holi, fee-
ing d.Scoo\ of Porpoifes about the Ship, tho' he was
not very well, and had not been for moft of the Voyage^
he took his Harpin-Iron, and ftruck one of them, and
we took him into the VefTel, out of v/hich we got ele-
ven Quart Bottles of Oyl ; and we mofl of us eat
heartily of this Fifh, which agreed with our People
very well. They fry'd his Liver for our Mefs, of
which I eat a large Meal, which was well-tafted, and
eat more like frelh Beef than Fifh. I make this Me-
morandum of ir, that if any fhould take them when
their Provifions are fcarce, they may eat freely with-
out Danger, according to our Experience. When we
had been at Sea about three Weeks, being near the
Latitude of 40 North, and about the Longitude of
42, tho' it was in the midil: of Summer, we faw an
Ifland of Ice, at which we ail marvelled, and judged
that there had been a fevere cold Winter in thofe La-
titudes on the Land of America. When we faw this
Ifland of Ice we judged ourfelves not far from the
Banks of Ne-zz-foimdland. Hitherto v/e had eafy Gales
of Wind, and many Calms, which made our Pafiage
leem long to us. We faw two Sail of Ships about
thofe Latitudes, but fpoke with neither, being willing
to Ihun them as it was War-time.
We had in this Voyage Weekly Meetings for wor-
(hipping the Almighty, in which the great Lord both
of Sea and Land, was pleafed greatly to manifeft his
Name and Truth amongfl us, tor which my Soul of-
ten fecretly and openly blefTed and praifed his divine
and glorious Name and Truth -, for he bore up my
drooping Spirit, fo that I could truly fay with the
Royal Plalmift (not becaufe he fpoke it only, but alfo
being
mOMAS CHALKLET. loi
being an experimental Witnefs thereof) The Floods have lyig.
lifted up, O Lord, the Floods have lifted up their Voice : \^<'\^
The Floods lift up their Waves. The Lord on High is
mightier than the Noife of many Waters^ yea, than the
mightyWaves of the Sea, Pfalm xciii. 3, 4. This the
King wrote of his own Experience in a fpiritual Senfe %
but I may fay without boafting, I have witnelTed the
Rage and Noife of mighty Waves and Waters, both
natural and fpiritual ; the one, as tho' it would fwal-
low up my Reputation among Men, and the other,
as tho* it would fwallow up my Perfon, in this my
watery Peregrination : But'blejfed he the Name of him
that is holy and eternal^ who indeed is ftronger than the
Noife of many Waters, or than the mighty Waves of the
Sea, either inwardly or outwardly., I will through his
Strength, magnify his Name^ becaufe he is worthy : And
may I do it for ever !
About the nth Day of the Fifth Month, we faw
great Flocks of Birds, which we judged came from
the Azores, or Weflern IJlands, near which v/e rec-
koned ourfelvesto be. The 21ft Day we faw, and
came up with, a French Ship, which had been fifhing
on the Banks of Newfoundland, and was bound for
Havre de Grace, in France, the Mafler of which came
on board us, and our Captain went on board them.
We exchanged fome Rums and Sugars (of our Sea-
StoresJ for their French Wine and Cyder, and fome of
our Provifions for fome of their Fifh. The Captain
was a Protejlant, and very courteous to us : The Re-
gent oi France at this Time being kind to the Proie-
jlants, fo that they increas'd much in that Kingdom.
The Frenchman feeming dcfirous to know what Reli*
gion I was of, I told him, by an Interpreter, that I
was one called a ^laker, or Trembler^ and that our
Principle was to do Good to all Men, and not to hurt
any Man, according to Chrift*s Dodlrine, Not to ren-
der Evil for Evil, but to overcome Evil with Good.
When they went away and rook I^eave of us, they
defired
I02
r/je ] OVRl<i AL of
1719. defired me to pray for them, the which I remembred
t/'VNi? with Tendernefs of Spirit, and having but little Wind,
we kept Company for feveral Days ; but the Wind
fpringing fair, we wifhed them well, and went on
our Way, our VeOei outfailing moft we met with ;
and a few Days after we met with a New-England Ship,
who came out fix Days before us from Antigua. Wc
were then in the Latitude of about 50 North, and
294- Degrees of Longitude from the Lands-End of
Great-Britain. The 30th Day of the Fifth Month,
we founded, and found Ground at 28 Fathom, and
on the ift of the Sixth Month, we faw the Lands-
End o^ Engl and J all our Company being in Health,
and well ; for which my Heart was truly thankful,
to that great and infinite Being, whofe Providence is
over us poor Mortals in all Parts of the World , and
who reigns over Sea and Land, and is worthy of
Adoration, Worfhip, Service, and living Praife for
ever I
In a few Days we came into the Englijh Channel,
and going up the Channel there came one of the King's
Yatch's, and they prelTed moft of our Men •, the beft
Hands we had they took from us, and carried them
on board a Man of War, after which we came to An-
chor at Folkftone^ where I left the Vefiel, and got a
Hor fe to Dover ^ and from Dover took Coach toLondon.
In the Coach were divers Perfons who began to talk
about the fakers, and fpoke againft their plain Way
of Living and Cloathing, and faid. That they did not
tinderjland their unfajhionable IP'ayofConverJation ; nei'
ther was it the Way to gain Profelytes. Upon which I
afked them, Whether they underfiood Paul, the great
Apojlleof the Gentihs? who faid. Be ye not conforma-
ble to the World (i. e. the FaJJjions of it) for this great
Reafony The W^orld, and the Fafhions thereof, paf-
feth away •, which is a great Truth, and it is -plainly
feen how fickle and changeable the World is in its vain
Faflnons and Cufloms, wlmh^ tofolloWy in all itsfoolifh
Cuts
Channel,
Dover-
^rHOMAS CHALKLET. 103
Citts and I'urns^ or Changes^ mufl^ ofConfequence^ make 1 7 1 9.
a Man or Woman very foppiJJj andapi[h. 1 told them, s/V^^
That our Religion was agreeable to the holy Scriptures,
whichy. , if they did not under fl and, neither could they un^
derjland us ; for theBo5lrine of Chrijl anS his Apoflles,
was generally therein very plain , and the Do^rinein
i.ChriJl^s excellent Sermon on the Mounts is clear and plain
to very low or mean Capacities : So they difcourfed no
more ot Religion till we came to London, where once london,
more I met with my loving and aged Father, a Man
fearing God, and having a Gift of the Miniftry of the
Gofpel of Chrift, and well-beloved of his Friends and
Neighbours, who, with others of my near and dear
Relations and Friends, received me gladly.
After fome Months Stay among my Relations and
Friends in London, we fold our Ytiffcl the Snow Hope,
and bought another Ship which we called the Trine-
Hope {JVarner Holt Mailer) and when I had done my
Bufmefs I failed in the fame Ship for Penfdvania. We
had Meetings on board the Veflel twice a Week, in ^' ^^*
^which.the Almighty was pleafed to favour us with his
good Prefence. Sobriety, and the Fear of God, and
Faith in his beloved Son Chrift, ;was often recom-
mended to the Youth then on board the Veflel with
us, of whom there were divers, who tranfported them-
felves to y/wm^'^, in order to fettle there. Atone
Meeting on board I was tenderly concerned to remind
them of Jacob, who in his Youth, left his Country
and Relations, to fojourn in a ftrange Land, and how
in that Undertaking, he fought the Lord, and his
BlefTmg, more than any outward Thing; and that
he was greatly blefTed with many Favours from Hea-
ven above, arid alfo from the Earth beneath, and
they were advifed to take him for their Example %
And many other Things were tenderly opened to
them in the Love of God, and in his Fear and Coun-
fel they were exhorted from time to time.
H Ic
104 77j^ J O U R N A L of
1719. It being Winter-Time we failed to the Southward,
v^V*^ and got into warm Weather, and were on our Paffage
{tvtn Weeks and Ibme odd Days from Land to Land,
m which Time we faw feveral Veffels, and fpoke with
one, whofe People faid, they were chafed by a ^urk^
but got from him, at which they greatly rejoiced.
We apprehended it was our Ship that they faw over
Nigiit, tor we faw a Sail that crowded from us as fafl
,',v ... as fhe could, and it being near Night, we fhorten*d
Sail, and fo fhe left us •, but in the Morning came up
with her, and being pretty near, both they and we
put out our Colours, and being both Englijhmen, we
fpoke to each other, and were glad to meet with fome
of our own Nation upon the great Ocean ; but our
VefTel failing beft, we took our Leave of them, wilh-
ing them a good Voyage. We met with rough Seas
■^n^\ high Winds in the latter Part of our Paffage, till
we came to the Capes of Delaware., which we all re-
. , joiced to fee, and we had a pleafant Paffage up the
Bd.Y and River to Philadelphia, where I had once
inore a comfortable Meeting with my dear Wife and
Family, which I gratefully acknowledged as a high
Favour from the Hand of the Almighty.
We arrived at Philadelphia the ifl of the Second
^2# Month 1720; after which, I flay'd at, and about
.^^y^-,/-*!^ Home, for fome Time (and I was not idle, but kept
f/.77«./f/- to my Bufinefs, and to Meetings j and having a Defire
fit*. ^Q fgg j^y jpriends in the Province of Maryland, at
(heir General Meeting at fFeJl River, I was accom-
panied by Jfaac Norris and Ihomas Majlers (^both fo-
ber young Men.^ It had been a Time of pretty
much Rain, and the Waters thereby being out and
high, going over a Ford of Brandy-wine, my Mare
got among the Rocks (it being a very rocky Creek)
ihe fell down, and the Stream being very flrong, Ihe
fowled upon me, and being intangled with the Stir-
Tup, I could not eafily clear myfelf, but I gave a
fpring from her, and fwam to clear myfelf from her 5
and
THOMAS CHALKLET. 105
and when I was clear, I got to her again, and lay'd 1720.
hold of her Mane, and through the good Providence t^V^J
of God, got well out with the Mare on dry Land,
which was a remarkable Deliverance. In three Days
we got to IVefi River, to the Yearly Meeting, which Maryiani.
was large, and Friends were glad to fee me, I having
not been there for feverai Years. I was out on this
Journey about two Weeks, and rode about 300
Miles ; and after my coming Home, I travelled pretty
much in and about the Provinces of Penfylvania and
New-Jerjey.
In the Year 1721, Thomas Lightfoot and I, with
fVilliam Mrowne, went to a Meeting at BuJJj-River, .J^L^Ji
and going over Sufquehannah- Ferry ^ the People were
fiddling and dancing. When their Dance was over, I
afked them Cbelieving them to be Protejlants) Jf they
thought Luther to be a good Man? They replied, 2?j,
there was no doubt of it. Well, fa id I, and fo do /;
and I will tell you what he fays concerning Dancing,
** That as many Paces as the Man takes in his Dance,
«* fo many Steps he takes towards Hell ;" which
fpoil'd their Sport, and they went away, and we went
on ours towards the Meeting ; and a good Meeting in
was ! and we after it returned by Way di Nottingham,
and had a Meeting there, and one at New-Garden,
and fo on to Philadelphia. I was from Home about
a Week, and travelled in this Journey about 150
Miles, and was well fatisfied therein.
In the Years 1721 and 1722, I went feverai Jour-
neys, and had many large Meetings, travelling many
Hundreds of Miles, of which Inegleded to keepa par-
ticular Account, hardly thinking what I did worth
recording; but divers of my friends in many Parts of
the World, put me upon fomething of this Nature,
to which, at length, I gave up, and tound fome Bene-
fit and Satisfadion therein, in looking back and con-
fidering the Dealings of God with me in my Youths
and upwards.
H 2 From %
ftr.yyvH
io6 ^y^^ J O U R N A L ^y
1722."^ ¥vom Philadelphia I went to the General Meeting
at Shrew/bury, in Eafi-Jerfeyy where I heard of J,
G*s being wounded by a young Man, with a Sword,
ot which he died, lamenting that he did not take the
Counfel of his Friends -, as young Men, who flight
the Coun(el of thofe that wifh them well, commonly
do, either fooner or later, if the Day of their Vifita-
tion be not over. Some few Days after this' Meeting
atShnw/hury, I vifited Friends on Long-If.and, and
returned Home again, having travelled about 300
Miles. In my Stay at, and about Home, I wrote
lomething concerning Perfections in Anfwer to a
jiamelefs Author 5 as alfo fomething concerning Pre-
dejlinatwn^ or EUulion and Reprobation.
\\\ the Year 1722, 1 went back in the Woods to
Buckingham^ the Great Swamps Perkiomy^ Manaha-
tavuny^ and Oley^ where I had Meetings, travelling over
great Mountains, from which we could fee many
Miles. I travelled in this Journey about 150 Miles,
and returned Home in about two Weeks ; and after
ibying Ibme Time at Home, and vifiting neighbour-
ing Meetings I went to the Yearly Meeting of Friends
on I.ong'ljlafkfy which Meeting was very large, many
People mot of our PerfuailonJ being there, and were
very lober. Many Things were opened in the Love
of Chrilf, and his great Love was declared to that
great Congregation. The Parable concerning the
prodigal Sort, came before me to fpeak of to the Peo-
ple in a very moving Manner, and ftrongly to invite the
Youth to lay hold of the Love of the Father in his
Son, CO poor Souls: And indeed it is a wonderful
Parable, fetcing forth the infinite Love of the great
J^ord of all to his poor Creatures. Many were afFed-
ed and reached to at this Meeting, and the Almighty
waspraifed and glorified, who alone is worthy.
From thence I went and had a Meeting at New-
2'orky and then fet forward to Woodhridge, where we
had a comfortable Meeting 5 Naaman^ the AJfyriariy
. . being
THOMAS CHALKLEK loj
being much the Subjefb of that Day's Work : And 1722,
that one Thing loved and efteemed more than Chrill, wv>^
what ever it be, is to be avoided, and the People
warned to be careful to cleave clofe to the God of
Ifrael Cfpiritual Ifrael) and to give up all which is
contrary to his Nature, and to take up Ch rift's Crofs,
and follow him : For it is thofe who follow him in the
Regeneration, that are to be Heirs of his Kingdom.
In this Year alfo I was at the Burial of our Friend
^Jonathan Dickinfon, at which we had a very large
Meeting, he was a Man generally well-beloved by his
Friends and Neighbours. In this Meeting a PalTage
(he had often told me in his Health) was brought to
my Remembrance, I think, worthy to be recorded
to the End of Time, which is as follows : " It hap-
'' pened at Pori-Royal, in Jamaica, that two young
*' Men were at Dinner with Jonathan^ and divers
*' other People of Account in the World, and they
" were fpeaking about Earthquakes (there having
" been one in that Place formerly, which was very .
" dreadful, having deftroyed many Houfes and Fa-
" milies;) Thefe two young Men argued that
** Earthquakes, and all other Things came by Na-
*' ture, and denied a fupernatural Power, or Deity;
'' infomuch that divers, furprized at fuch wicked
^' Difcourfe, and being afhamed of their Company,
" left it; and at the fame Time the Earth fhook, and
" trembled exceedingly, as tho' aftoniflied at fuch
"" Treafon againfl its Sovereign and Creator, whole
'' Footftool it is : And when the Earth thus moved,
*' the Company which remained were fo aftonifhed,
" that fome run one Way, and fome another, but
*' thefe twoatheiftical young Men ftay'd in the Room,
'^ and Jonathan with them, he believing that the
*' Providence of Almighty God could preferve him
" there, if he pleafed, and if not, that it was in vain
** to fly *, but the Hand of God fmote thefe two
«« young Men, fo that they fell down ; and, as
H 3 *' Jonathan '
loS rZ;^ JOURNAL 0/
1723- " Jonathan told me, he Jay'd one on a Bed, and the
v-^'V"*^ " other on a Couch, and they never fpoke more,
*' but died roon after.'* This was the amazing End
of thefe young Men: A dreadful Example to all A-
/ theifts, and difTolate and wicked Livers. Oh! That
' young People might he roamed^ that the Hand of God
might he upn them for Goodj and that they would ten-
derly he concerned for their Salvation.
On the 30th of the Fourth Month 1723, my tenth
Child, x\2imtdil'homas^ died about Midnight (having
before buried nine.) It was fome Exercife to me thus
to bury my Children one after another; but this did
a little mitigate my Sorrow, that I knew, that could
I have all Things relating to them according to my
Defire ; could I fee them grow up to be fober Men
and Women, well married, have a Competency in
the World, ^c. yet it was fafer and better for them,
and they more out of D:nger, bf.ing taken away in
their Infancy and Innocency ; and I fervently begged
of the Almighty, that he would be pleafed to take
them away while innocent, rather than that they fliould
live to be vicious or unrighteous Men and Women,
and to bring Scandal on the holy Name of Chrift, and
upon our Chrittian Profeflion ; which Confideration
did mightily tend to fettle and quiet my Mind in my
(orrowf ul Exercife. The Great Lord of allfan£fify the
Sorrows and Affii^ions of his People and Children-) and
grant them the Fulfilling of that hlejfed Portion of holy
Scripture^ that all Things fhall work together for the
Good of them that love and fear God : Evenfo^ he it ^ fait b
my Soul!
Removes In the Sixth Month of this Year I removed from
fj,^^^^' t'^^ ^'^y ^"^o the Country, to a fmall Plantation I had
at Frankfort, in order to be more retired, and for
Health's Sake, &c. finding fome declining in my bo*
dily Strength, which I take to be very much owing to
the fevere Colds and Hardfhips I have fuftained in my
long and hare! Travels, more efpecially in the Wilder-
ncfs
tHOMAS CHALKLET. 109
nefs of America ; for without Vanity I may fay, that 172'^.
Falwayslov'd Temperance, and have been fomecimes s-/^-^
isealoufly concerned to preach againft Intemperance i
and tho' I cannot now take fo long Journeys as I have
formerly, my Spirit earneftly travels for the Welfare
ofSion, and the Peace and Profperity of all thofewho
love, fear, and ferve God, and believe in his Son.
On the Sixth Day of the Eighth Month, icpleafed
God to give me another Son, whom I named George,
after my Father, Brother, Nephew, and King ; and
tho* this Name is now a great Name among Men, I
confider'd that no Name can preferve Life, fo I gave
him up to the Will of him who gave him to me, and
defire, if I have no Name thro' Children to Pofterity,
I may have a Name in the Lamb's Book of Life,
which I have ever efteem'd far above a Name amongft
Men.
After my Removal to this Place I was not idle,
but vifited neighbouring Meetings, and in the Eighth
Month I went to Shrewjhury General Meeting, where shreuuf'
there were many Hundreds of People, and the Truth *'"'-^'
declared had good Impreffion upon the Minds of
many ; fome after Meeting, who were not of our So-
ciety, acknowledged to the Truth, and tl*ac they
were glad they were there. In this Meeting I was
concerned for the Welfare of Mankind, and the Ex-
altation of the holy Name of the Almighty, to declare
the univerfal Love of God to Man, from feveral Texts
of holy Scripture, as that Paffage concerning Jacob
and Efaji^ and Peter and Cornelius^ and iomething
concerning the Objeflion made againfl us, the People
called ^akerSy that we do not acknowledge the holy
Scriptures to be ihe Word of God\ for tho' we believe
that the Scriptures came by divine Infpiration, yet we
are clearly convinc'd by their Teftimony, and by the
Spirit of Truth in our Hearts, thatChriftis the eternal
JVord of Gody by whom all Things were made and
created, and do ftill exift.
H 4 From
1 10 \nje JOVRU'A L 6/
\\
1723. From Shrew/bury^ with divers other Friends, I
w^y-^ rode to Crofwicks, where on the Fifth Day, we had a
CrcfMickj, ^gj,y comfortable Meeting, in which the ancient Love
and Goodnefsofour heavenly Father was with us, to
the tendering our Hearts into Tears of Joy, fome of
us being likewife affe6ted, in Remembrance of the
Goodnefsof the Almighty to us, in the Meeting we
had in this Place under the Trees about twenty- five
Years fince. The great Subjeft of Faith and Works
was fpoken to ; as, that the Romans feem'd to lay too
much Strefson Works, and the Lutherans^ Calvihijls,
and others, too little : But our Principle led us to
join both together; the Almighty havingjoined them
together, none ought to feparate them. ThisSubje6b
of Faith and Works having been much in Debate a-
mongfl profefTed Chriflians, it is on my Mind hereto
mention a few Things deduced from the befl Autho-
rity :
The Firjl IS, Without Faith^ it is impojjiihle to pleaje
Cody Heb. xi. 6.
Second, Faith is the Gift of God. • •'
Third, Faith zvorks by Love. : ; ■■
Fourth, Faith is the Evidence of Things not feen^
and the Suhflance of 'Things hoped for. , ,- •
Fifth, Faith without Works is dead. . ' '^'-"■"''"
' Sixth, The Jufi live by Faith.
Seventh, 7m believe (or have Faith) in God, believe
dlf) in jne, Johnxiv. i.
And the Author to the Hebrews fpeaks excellently
concerning the Power of Faith, and the mighty Won-
ders wrought by it. Note, this living, faving, true,
and divine Faith, muft be in the Heart, thro*, and
in Chrift Jefus the Son of the living God, wHio is,
and always will be, the Author and Finifher of it in
every true Believer.
Atcer I came from Shrewfbury, I vifited divers
CV^/r neighbouring Meetings^ and lome in Ci^-f/^ifr County,
t*^^xi\ where I had Meetings for nine Days fucceffively, fome
Oi
mo MAS C HALKLET. iii
of which were very large (particularly at Providence 1723,
and Gojhen) in which I was opened to exhort them to «v^r>
keep to that plain, honeft Way of Life and Converfa-
tion, which our Fathers and Elders were found in, and
to remind them of the Sufferings they endur*d for their
Teftimony to the blefled Truth, in the firft breaking
forth thereof in the lafl Age ; and I was concern*d to
Ihow them, that the Almighty, who had bieffed us
with plenty of temporal BlefTings, would continue the
fame to us, if we were careful to live in his Fear ; but
that otherwife, we might exped his Judgments for
Dilbbedience,
And after my Return 1 continued about Home for
fomeTime, it being Winter Sealbn, and bad Travel-
ling, and I not fo capable of travelling as formerly':
But I had great Peace and Tranquility of Mind, in
that I had freely given up my youthful Days to ferve
my Creator, and the fame Love and Zeal was yet frefli
and warm in my Heart, for the Glory of hi? great
Name ; and I ftill have a full Refolution, through his
Strength and Grace, to ferve him, the great Lord of
all, all my Days, according to the Light and Strength
given to me.
Our Yearly Meeting at Philadetphiaxhh Year was
large, in which our Friend Benjamin Kid^ from Eng-
land, being with us, had good Service. 1 cannot for-
get a Concern which was upon me at this Meeting,
that the univerfal Love of God, through Chrilt,
might prevail amongft Mankind, and to prefs Friends
to manifefl to all People the Influence thereof, by
their exemplary Lives and Converfations.
In the Second Month 1724, Iwentinto New-Jer- 1724,
fey as far as Sbrewjhur-j^ where, on a Firfl Day, we
had a large Meeting, to general Satisfa(5lion i and
the next Day we had another, wherein the Love and
Goodwill of God, thro' Chrifl^, was opened freely to
the People, and our Duty to forgive one another was
largely treated oi ; and it was plainly fhewn, that with-
out
ai2 r^^ JOURNAL 5^
1724. out forgiving others, we could not be forgiven of
^-^•V*^ God, as Chrift faith, If -je forgive Men their Irefpajfes^
your heavenl'j Father will alfo forgive you : But if ys
forgive not Men their 'Trefpaffest neither will your
heavenly Father forgive your 'trefpaffest Matth. \w. 14,
1 5, ^c, and much more to the fame Effecl on that
Subject i as alfo Chriil's Anfwer to Peter^ who afked.
How oft a Man fhould forgive his Brother if he trefpajfed
againjihimf Feter fays ^ till f even Times? Our Lord
Jefus anfwers, I fay not unto thee^ until feven Times^
but until feventy Times feven. Match, xviii. 22. And
again Chrift fays. If thy Brother trefpafs againfl thee
feven Times in a Day, and feven Times in a Day turn
again unto thee, faying, I repent, thou fhali forgive him,
Luke xvii. 4. Wnich hard-hearted People think
a great Hardfhip, but Chrift*s Crofs muft be taken
up, and born daily, if we will be his Difciplcs and
Followers in Deed, and in Truth, as well as in Pro-
feffion.
Afterwe had reconciled fome Differences at Shrewf-
Wlenef. hury^ we went to a Place called Menefquan, and had a
9tm. good, open Meeting, and moft of the People of that
Place were there. It was a good Time, and I hope
the Opportunity will not foon be forgotten by divers
that were there. From this Place we travelled to
€r0fwickr. Crofwicks^ and had a good Meeting. After Meeting,
a Friend told me that fome would fay, I fpoke by In-
formation, hecaufe I had opened fome Matters which were
exa^ly to the State and Condition of fome there : But I
knew nothing of their State and Condition, otherwife
than as it was then immediately opened in my Mind;
neither had I been told any Thing concerning them
diredly or indireftly : And from thence we travelled
MurnnittK, to Burlington, where the Monthly- meeting of our
Friends had defired, that I would be alfiftant to help
to end a Difference which had happened through Mis-
take, and continued for feven Years (fince the firft
O:cafion was given^ and thro* divine Afiiltance, our
Hearts
rnOMAS CHALKLET. 113
Hearts beihg filled with the Love of Chrifl, we fo 1724.
prevailed upon the differing Perfons, that they gave v^or^
each other Satisfaction, with Hopes that they fhould
live in Love for the future ; and Friends of the Place
greatly rejoiced at the End of that Difference. As
I went along this Town, fome Friends told me of a
religious People fome few Miles diftant, whom they
defired I would have a Meeting with. I defired them
to fee if it would granted, and let me know ; which
was done, and we had a Meeting, and were kindly
received, and the divine Nature of the Gofpelof Chrift
was freely opened to them, and in great Love we
parted from one another. I travelled in this Jour-
ney about two Hundred Miles *, and when I came
Home, my dear Wife and Family gladly received
me with Hearts full of Love : And this Teflimony I
think proper, for feveral folid Reafons, to leave be-
hind me of my virtuous and loving Wife, That fince
we were married, fhe never hindred me in that Service
my great Mafter called me unto, in all the Time of
our living together : We always parted, for the Sake
of the Gofpcl of Chrift, in pure Love, and in the
fame Love we always met again.
Soon after this Time I met with feveral great LofTts
by Sea and Land, and myfelf and my little Daughter
were dangeroufly fick, fo that our Recovery feem'd
doubtful-, yet fhrq' the Mercy of God, we both re-
covered, for which I praife his Name.
After fome Stay at Home, I was again moved in
the Love of Chrift, to vifit the General Meetings of
Duck-Creek and Salem, i\.t P-uck-Creek we had a large. „
and fatisfadory Meeting. From Duck-Creek I ap- Oeck.
pointed a Meeting at George' s-Creek, which was a good Gg»r-t's
Meeting. The next Morning we went over to Eljln- <^'''''*-
hurgby and fo on to Cohanfie, where I met with two o{ Cohanfte,
my Fellow-labourers in the Work of Chrift, Thomas
Lightfoot and Benjamin Kid. We had a Meeting to-
gether at Cobanfse, in whicl^ the People were exhorted
"'.?" to
114
r^^ J O U R N A L 0/
1724.
jUkwayt
Creek.
Salem-
rraHhfort,
Aifi't^iyt.
to Sobriety and juft Dealing. The contrary of both
is too obvious at fuch Times as Fairs ; there being di-
vers of the Fair People there as well as others, the
Nature of Chrift's Work in the Heart, was fomewhat
fpoke to, but not fo open a Meeting as fome others,
the People thereaway being too flack and dull as to
Religion. Next Day we had a Meeting at Ailoways-
Creek, where we all three had fome pretty clofe Work;
and from thence we went to the General Meeting at
Salem^ which was larger than common, on account of
the faid Friend (5(?;//a/;?i;; XzW's) being there ; who, in
the Love of Chrift came from England^ to vifit the
Churches in this Part of the World. There were fo
many Friends and others here at thisTime, that fome
Houfes were fo filled, that there was not Room for all
that came to lodge there. After this Meeting I re-
turn'd Home, and in a few Days went into Chefler-
County^ and travelled above 100 Miles ; and when I
came Home I underftood, that fome for Want of a
true Senfeotthe Work of Chrifl, had been cenfuring
me for my Travelling and hard Labour in the Work
of the Miniftry of the Gofpel of Chrift; tho*, by the
lame Rule of judging, the Apoflles of Chrift, and
our ancient Friends, who travelled much, cannot
efcape their Cenfure ; for in all my Travels, I have
had an elpecial Regard to the Unity of the Brethren,
and never knowingly went abroad without it: But let
this Caution be recorded for the Inftru^ion of all fuch
forward Judges •, Let them he careful of judging Chriji's
Servants, lejt their IVords become their Burden : Judge
nor, that ye be not judged {faith our great Lord)ior
with what Judgment ye judge, ye fhall be judged.
Soon after my Return from Chejier-County, I was
at a Marriage at Abington, which was one of the mofl
folemn I have been at •, and on the 15th of the Third
Month, at the Youth's Meeting at German-town^ to
my g'-eat Satisfaiftion ; and on the 23d of the Came
Month, I went to the General-meeting of Minifters
and
"T HO MAS CHALKLET. 11$
and Elders at Burlington; at which Meeting, feveral 1724.
ThingsrelatingtotheGofpel-miniflry were declared ; v^/'V"^
as its being a free, a clear, and a powerful Miniftry, ^'"^^"'^""*'
reaching to the Confcience, and convincing of the
Danger of continuing in Sin : x\nd divine Charity was
much recommended, without which. All Minijlry is
but oi founding Br afs, &c. From this Meeting I went
with Walter Herbert^ into Bucks-County^ and at Ne-
Jhaminy we had an open, tender Meeting. From thence
I went to Buckingham, and was at a jjarriage of a Son Buckini'
and Daughter in-law of Thomas Canbfs. The Meet- f'^^-
ing was large, and Friends well fatisfied j and it was
obfervable, tho' I was very hoarfe, thro* a Cold I had
taken, and could hardly fpeak in common Converfa-
tion, yet it was much taken away in my Miniftry, fo
that I was carried thro' the Service to our Admira-
tion, ^for which I was truly thankful. After this
Meeting I returned Home with true Satisfaction, fach
as is much more valuable than Silver and Gold, two
mighty Idols in the World.
After a little Stay at Home I went on a Firft Day jfy^„,,fgy,^
to Notth-lVales or Gzvinneed^ where was a pretty large North ^
Meeting, many young People being there, to whom '*^'''^';
I was concern'd to fliew, that Chrilt is the Way by
which we muft come into the true Church, thro' Re-
generation, and that ail who invent other Ways are
Thieves and Robbers. I rode twenty- five Miles that
Day, and the next Day came to Frankfb^'t, and was
at the Burial of an ancient Friend, Joan Orpwood^ at
which our Friend John Salkeld was, with whom I was
the next Day at Philadelphia^ at our Third- Day Meet-
ing, which was a good Meeting.
• On the 4th Day of the Fourth Month, intending
foon to take a Journey to Long-IJland^ I thought it a
proper Time to alter my Will, as I had kept one by
me for divers Years before, confidering the Uncer-
tainty of Life. On the 5th of the Fourth Month I
went XoMerionio vifitan ancient Friend, John Roberts^ Mir:m:
who
ii6 t:^^ JOURNAL (2f
1724. who was fick near unto Death, where I again met with
y\r^John Salkeld The Friend exprefled his Satisfaftion
in this Vifit, and we had a Reward of Peace in the
Exercife of that Chriftian Duty of Vifiting the Sick,
which is recommended by the Apoftle to the primitive
Churches of Chrift. After we had been fome Time
with our faid fick Friend, we went to the Meeting
which had been appointed for us feveral Days before,
»nd was large and fatisfa<5lory ; for which favourable
Vifitation we blefled the great Name of the Almighty,
and parted tenderly in Chriftian Love and Good-will.
The Friend we went to vifit died the next Day. He
was a Helper of the Poor, and a Maker of Peace in
the Neighbourhood: Of fuch, Chrift faid, Blejfedare
the Peace-makers i for they Jhall he called the Children of
God,
On the 10th of the Fourth Month 1724, I had a
Concern to write the lollowing Epiftle to Friends i(i
the Ifiand of Barhadoes.
Frankfort^ the lOth of the 4th Month 1724.
A« 'Epiftle
fo Friends
In Baibtt-
Dear Friends y
IN the tender Love of God, our heavenly Fathers
and of our Saviour Jefus Chrift, do I, your Bro-
ther, at this Time greet you, and wilh you Health
and Salvation. Underftanding by a concerned
Friend, that of late feveral of our Friends are taken
away from you by Death, a Concern came on my
Mind to put you in Remembrance of your latter
End, and of the Caufe of Chrift ; and alfo, of the
Profperity of his blefled Light and Truth in your
(in that Refpedl, poor, tho* in fome others, rich and
luxurious^ Ifland : The Pofterity of many that have
been taken away there, as well as in divers other
Places, having gone aftray ; and that it may not be
fo with thofe who are left beliind, let a weighty Con-
cern come upon you. O dear Friends ! let your
' Prafticcs
^HOMASCHALKLET. 117
Praftices and Expreflions, manifeft to the rifing Ge- 1 724.
neration, that the Welfare of their Souls, more than^^'SrV
of their Bodies, is at Heart with you ; and do not
indulge them in that which you in yourfelves were
convinc'd to be of an evil Tendency, when your
Hearts were firft reached by the Power of Truth.
How many Youths have been loft, thro* the Loofe-
nefs of the Example of their Elders, and thro* aa
undue Indulgence of them in Vanity, Folly, Pride,
and Idlenefs ! Woful Experience doth but too much
deciare that they are many: O they are many in-
deed, who have been loft by fo doing ! Wherefore
dear Friends, clear yourfelves of your Children ;
and, if they will obftinately go aft ray, faithfully
bear your Teftimony againft them, in Life, Doc-
trine, or Expreflions and Converfation, which will
witnefs for you when you are dead and gone, and
your Heads laid in the filent Grave. Thus will
your Youth, thro* the BlelTing of God, and your
Endeavours, come up in your Places, or at leaft
you will be clear, and their Blood will be upon their
own Heads. A pure ftrift Watch is required of
you in Converfation, in all thofe Relations : Firjl,
That God may be glorify'd. Secondly^ That your
Childrer may be exampled. Thirdly, That your
Neighbours may be edity'd, or built up in pure Re-
ligion: And Fo/^r/^/)', That you may die in Peace
with him that created you, and died for you-, re-
membring the blefTed Dodrine of Chrift Jefus, Lei
your Light fojhine before Men^ that others, feeing your
good Works, may glorify your Father which is in Hea-
ven, And again ; Tou are as a City Jet on a Hill,
which cannot be hid. And as you thus train up your
Children in the Way which they fhould go, when
they are young, you may have Reafon to hope they
will not depart from it when they are old ; for ma-
ny have been convinced of the Truth, as it is in
Jefus Chrift, thro' the good Converfation of his
Followers.
nS ^he JOURNAL.^/
1724, * Followers. And how can we expect to die well, ifwe
^•V\) * do not live welJ ? Or can we exped the Anfwer of
' IVelldoney ifwearenotin the Pradtice of doing well?
» And 1 do define and earneftly exhort Friends to
< read the holy Scriptures, and wait to feel the Pow-
* er from which they fprung, thro' the holy Writers,
' and alfo to teach them to their Children. And,
' dear Friends, let me prevail with you in the Love
* of God and his dear Son, to keep clofe to your
* Meetings for the Worfhip of Almighty God, and
* for the well-ordering of your Society ; and do it in
* the meek Spirit, for that is of great Price with the
*- Lord ; and when in your Meetings, get into a reli-
* gious Exercife, and lively Concern for God's Glory,
* and your Souls Peace and Profperity. I pray the
* holy Lord of Sabbaoth, to open your Hearts to
' him in the Reading of this Epiftle, as mine is open
• * to you, my beloved Friends, that you and I may be
' edified (tho* outwardly feparated) as we were
' when together i and if we fhould never meet more
* in this World, that we may meet in the Kingdom
* of God, where we may never part more. Amen,
' Hallelujah, faith my Soul!
'I defire this may be copied and read at the Clofe
« of one of each of your particular Meetings, and, if
* it could be readily, in every Family of Friends ; to
* all whom is my very dear Love in Jefus Chrift,
' whofe Servant I am, and hope to be to the End,
* and I am an entire Lover ot Souls, and a Well-
wifher of 6V6//i's Profperity.'
<
r. CII ALKLET,
On the 1 1 th of the Fourth Month I left Home on a
Journey loLong-JJiancU in order to viiit Friends Meet°
ings, and alfo to negotiatefome Bufinefs I had there;
Suriin^m.^)^^ firft Meeting 1 had was at Burlington^ where
I had occafion toadvife them to keep in Remembrance
of
THOMAS CHALK LET, 119
of that ancient Love which firft united our Society 1724.
together, and in which, in Times of cruel Perfecu- Ky^^TSi
tion, fome freely offer'd to fufFer the Imprifonment of
their Bodies to obtain the Liberty of their Friends in
Confinement. From thence we travelled to Amho'j^ Amjo^,
and fo over to Staten-Ijland. The Day being very
hot, and the Evening cold, I got a fevere Cold,
which I did not get clear of for about two Weeks,
notwithftanding which, I went to Meetings, tho* ill
in Body. The firft Meeting I had on Long-IJland,
was at Fliijhing^ on a firft Day : A comfortable Fh^ingi
Meeting it was! in which was clofely preffed, the
Taking up the Crofs of Chrift, by all who defire to
be his Difciples, and that without it we could not be
true Chriftians. From Flujhlng we went to Mujketto- MuAat*^,
Cove, and had a Meeting there on Third Day, ^''''■*
■which was large, and to general Satisfaction, and
fome were. there that were newly convinced. I feeing
the Opennefs of the Meeting, advifed Friends to build
a Meeting-houfe there, which they approved of. On
fourth Day we had a Meeting at IVdftbury^ and on rj^^^^^
fifth Day at Cowneck. From Coiuneck I went to the Cowneci
South-fide of the Ifland, and had a Meeting at Cap-
tain Hicksh. The Neighbours, who were not of our
Society, came generally to this Meeting, and they
were prefTingly exhorted to come to Chrilt, and the
"Way opened unto them. It was a good Time, and I
thought a Time of Love to us all ; tho' before the
Meeting I was exceedingly fbut up in myfelf, fo that
the Meeting was very beneficial to me, among the
reft, to fee how the Lord could work by his Power,
and unlock the Soul, as in a Moment, as he did for
my poor Soul at Times. O may 1, with Chrift*s
Followers and Minifters, ever depend upon him, is
my Petition ! From Rockway ('for fo is the Place cal-
ledj.we went to Wejlbury^ and had a very large Meet-
ing on a firft Day ; and, as 1 was informed, fome
were convinced there that Day. From hence I went
I to
Rockvuay,
120 r^^ J O U R N A L Df\ ;
1724. to a Place called Fo/?^r's Meadows, where we had a large
Jr-^^V*^ Meeting in one Duejhurf^ Barn. After this I went
Meadows, over to the Main Land, and had a Meeting at a Place
-Wefichcf- called fVeJicheJler. From thence we went to FlufJoing,
and had a large Meeting on a fifth Day^f the Week^
in which the right Training up of Children, and care-
rtuOjing. ^"^ Education of Youth, waszealoufly recommended.
Hmington. From Flu/hing 1 went to Huntington^ where fome
were lately convinced of the Principle of Truth as it
is in Chriil Jefus, fome of whom were excommuni-
cated by the Prejbyterians^ with whom they had for-
merly join'd. We had a pretty large Meeting in a
Friend's Barn, where one Prieft Prime oppofed me, as
he alfo had my Friend Benjamin Kid fome Time before,
of which, by Letter, I gave an Account to my dear
F'fiends nomas lAghtfoot and Benjamin Kid, defiring
them (in their Return from New-England) to have an
Evening Meeting there. The Grounds of this Prieft's
Cavilling, or Difpute, was that I had declared.
That it is the Light of Chrifl, or his Spirit, which
convinceth the World of Sin, and not a natural Light,
or the Light of a natural Confcience ; from whence
he took Occafion to charge me with denying a natu-
ral Confcience, the Fallhood of which I charg*d upon
him before the Auditory, and defired him, if he had
any Thing on his Mind, to write it tome, to which
I promi-s'd to return him an Anfwer.
From Huntington I went to the General, Meeting of
/&wi«H;j; Friends iield at Neii'lown, which was fo large that the
Meeting-houfe could not contain the People, and the
Weather being extreme hot, the People without Doors
were fome of them uneafy, and went to and fro; but
thofe that were in theHoufe, and fo near as they could
hear, were very attentive, and as far as I could learnj
generally fatisfied. Our next Meeting was at NeW'
^(VfTtlrk. Torky which was the quieteft Meeting 1 ever had there;
and tiiofe few Friends at New~Tork, and fome that
were there from Long-Jjland^ parted with us in the
Love
tHOMAS CHALKLET, izi
I-ove of Chrift, and in the Fellowfhip of his blefled 1724.
Gofpel ; and fo I travelled homewards, having good v-'''"v-^
Satisfadion in vifiting my Friends -, and when I came
Home, I found my dear Wife and Cliildrcn in f'^^^^ort;
Health, fou- which I blefs God.
After this Journey I kept to Meetings at and about
Home as ufual, and was at the Fifth-Day- Meeting
in Philadelphia, when Samuel }'reJion was married to f^ijadeu
Margaret Langdale (the Widow of my dear Friend ^ "**
and Fellow-traveller Jofi ah Langdale -.) The Meet-
ing was large, and the Parable of the Virgins, and
the Bridegroom's Coming at Midnight, was opened,
with an Exhortation to the People to be ready againft
that Hour, and that they fhould take Care to have
the holy Oil of divine Grace in their Hearts.
After this Meeting I hadfome Affairs which called
me into Chefier -County^ and on the Road my Horfe ciefur*
gave a fudden and violent Start out of the Path, and ^*''"'^*
threw me down, and before I could get up again, he
flruck my Face, and on my right Eye with his Foot,
being newly Ihod, which flunn'd me for the prefent ;
but as foon as I opened that Eye which was unhurt,
I perceiv'd that I lay on my Back, under my Horfe's
Belly, with my Head between his fore Feet. He
flood ftill, andlgotonmy Hands and Knees, the
Blood flreaming out of my Nofe and right Eye, and
while I was bleeding, a Mnn and Woman came by,
and flay'd till I had done Bleeding, and faw me mount-
ed on my Horfe again. I went forward, being about
two Miles from the Houfe I intended to go to, and
after riding about a Mile, I met with a Friend that
knew me, and was furprifed to fee me (o bloody, and
went with me to Randal Mayling\ (a faithful, hcneft
Friend, who was upwards of eighty Yea-s of Age,
and had fufFered much for his Protefllon of the Truth
in his younger Yearsj where feveral tender-hearted,
motherly Women dreffed my wounded Eye. I was
truly thankful to the Lord for his Providence towards
mein this Deliverance, among many others, which he
K 2 m
122 T'/je JOUR Isi AL of
1724. in his Goodnefs hath vouchfafed to me. I ftay'd a£
<y\'-*^ this Friend's Houfe three Nights, and mended apace,
and the Friend accompanied me to my Houfe at Frank-
fort^ where my loving Wife, with fome Surprize, re-
ceived me very affeftionately ; and thro* her Care and
continual Application, I recovered, that I could fee
pretty well with Speftacles, which I was obliged to
ufe for fome Months. Such Accidents plainly Jhew us
the Necejfity of preparing for fudden Deaths as we know
not when^ or how, we may go off the Stage of this Life.
On the 25th of the Fifth Month, I received a Let-
ter from a Perfon in the County q{ Burlington, relat-
ing to Water- Baptifmy to which I made Anfwer as
follows :
« ^TpHY Lines I received laft Night, in the Per-
^ 1. ufing of which, there was a Chriftian Love in
* my Heart towards thee, tho' unknown by Face, and
c I have much Freedom of Mind to anfwer thine, ac-
' cording to thy Rcquefl, and my fmall Ability. Firfl
* then, We are near in Sentiments to each other in
' the grand Chriftian Principle of faving Religion,
' which is the Work of the holy Spirit of Chrift upon
* the Soul, fof that is the Baptifm which is Chrill's,
► and is truly laving, and abfolutely necefTary toSal-
* vation ; Chrift's Bjptifm being but one, which is
"• with the holy Ghoft, and with fpiritual Fire or Wa-
^ ter ; Johji'^ being the Element, or Figure ; and
^ CHRisT'sbeing the Spirit, Power, and Divine Sub-
* llance, and is to be with the Church of Chrifl, and
* with his true Minifters to the End of the World.
^ Secondly, In Anfwer to thy ^ery. Was Water-
* Baptifm (that is, the Element) not commanded by
* Chirji himfelf, in Matth. xxviii. 19? I anfwer, I
< believe not. My Reafon is this, becaufe the holy
« Ghoft, or Spirit, is mentioned in the Text, or that
* Command, in exprefs Words, and Water is not^
* and therefore we omit going into outward Water,
« ' and
THOMAS CHALKLET. 125
and for other Reafons as followeth. 'Thirdly^ That 1724.
' Water-Baptifm, which was Jo/j^'s, was pradlifed by \.y\~^
'• the Apoftles, is true; but it was not praftifed by
' Chriflr, who, no doubt, would have done it if ic
had been abfoluteJy neceffary •, for he difdained not
to wafh his Difciples Feet, a much more de-
fpicable Office than that of the Baptifmal Cere-
mony i So becaufe Chrifl did not himfelf pradice
it, nor, as we conceive, commanded us to go into
material Water, we therefore forbear it. Fourthly^
That the Apoflles did baptize with Water, we deny
not -, and that they were circumcifed, and did cir-
cumcife, isalfo undeniable. Now, muft we circum-
cife becaufe the Apoftles did, and were themfelves
circumcifed ? Confider that carefully, and I hope
that wil' give thee fome Sight or Light into, or
concerning the Difpenfation of Water-Baptifm,
which was JohrCs, Baptifm, and was glorious in its
Day and Difpenfation, in pointing at Chrift's Bap-
tifm, until it came, which was the Subftance, and
was with fpiritual Fire, and fpiritual Water, and
will continue for ever. To Chriil, and his Bap-
tifm, I heartily dired thee for further Inftruftion,
in whom is Light, and that Light is the Life of
Men, or Life, and that Life the Light of Men.
* And further, I would write a little of my own
Thoughts concerning Water-Baptifm, and on
fome Texts of Scripture, being Chrift's own Words,
viz. He that helieveth^ and is baptized, fjjall be
faved, and he that believeth not, fhail be damned, or
condemned, M^ry^ xvi. 16. N-ow this muft needs
be underftood of the Spirit's Baptifm i for it would
be abfurd to fay, or believe, that all who are bap-
tized with the Element of Water, are faved, or all
who are not baptized with Water, are damn'd ;
therefore it is the Spirit's Baptifm, that all profeffing '
Chriflianity ought to come unto to witnefs Salva.
tiori. Again, Chrift fays, Except a Man be bom cf
I 3 ' fVaier
124 r^^ JOURNAL^
1724. ' Water, and of the Spirit^ he cannot enter into the
v^^V*^ ' Kingdom of God, or of Heaven, Matt. iii. 5. This
' divers will have to be a Mixture of the Element
' Water, and of the Spirit ; but Chrift fays. It is the
' Spirit that quickenethy the Flejh profiteth nothing: The
' Words that I /peak unto you, tbey are Spirit, and they
* are Life^ John vi. 63. And that which is born of
^ the Flefh^ is Flejhj and that which is horn of the Spirit,
' is Spirit^ John ii'. 6. According to which Doc-
' trine, 1 iiave F.ath to believe, that outward,
< flclhly, or elementary Water-B:ipcifm, profics little
' or nothing to tne Soul. Again, Why fh^uld the
* Water in that Place be underftood of the Element,
* any more than the Fire in rhe other, viz. To behap-
' iized with the hcly Ghoji, and with Fire? Since Chrift
^ faid, My Words lioey are Spirit and Life. Remem-
* ber the Well of Water that fprings up to eternal
' Life in the Believers : Remember the Water
* that Chrifl: gave, whofoever drank of it was never
' to thirft more. This is all fpiritual, which the
' carnal Mind cannot comprehend or enjoy, but is
"■ witnefTed by the fpiritual Mai". And further, if we
' confider what Confufion there is in the World about
« this Water Baptifm, it may well put a tender-feek-
' ing Soul upon further Search into the Nature of
« holy, faving Baptifm. The Papijls have one Way;
* the Lutherans and Calvinijls anoiher ; the Baptijis,
' they have another -, and all differ fo widely, that,
* generally fpeaking, they will not worfhip together;
« neither are they ever like to be reconciled, except
' they come to the holy Spirit and divine Power of
' Jefus, the good Saviour and precious Guide of
* Souls. That Saying of his hath ofren been a Com-
' fort to me in deep Exercifes and DiflrefTes of Mind,
* when he faid to his Difciples, It is expedient for you
* that I go away ; for if I go not away, the Cornforter
* will mi come ; hut if I go away^ I will pray to the
' Father, and he willjend the Comforter, the Spirit of
' Truth, in my Name, and when he his come^ he jhall
' lead
THOMAS CHALKLET. 125
lead you y and guide you into all Truth \ he fhall take of 1724.
mine^ and give it unto you ^ andjhall bring all Things u^'^WI
to your Remembrance^ that I have fpoken unto you.
And that he was to convince the World of Sin ;
and that he fhall abide with you for ever. May
the precious Gift of the Spirit be given to thee, and
to all true Seekers of God, h\s Chriftand Kingdom,
is my real Defire, and humble Peayer to the moft
High. [See the four Evangelijts for the Promife^
they not wording it alike.']
' Having anfwered the moft of thy Letter, I
would add a few Lines more, viz. I have known
fome who could not be fatisfied with Words about
this Point of Baptifm with Water, until Chrift had
by his Spirit given them Satisfadion in themfelves;
and as thou comes more and more into clofe Com-
munion with his Grace and Spirit in thy own Soul,
I hope thou alfowilt have better Satisfaction tlian
that of Words only. I have known fome of the
People called Baptijis, who have been convinced
of the Truth, according to our Way and Principle,
to whom all the Writing, and Difputing, and
Reading, and Preaching, about this Point, could
never give ample Satisfaction, until they had it in-
wardly and immediately from Chrift, manifeftcd to
them by his holy Spirit in their Hearts, as aforefaid.
Tho* I would not be underftood to be againft fatis-
fying one another as much as lieth in our Pov/er,
and as we find Opennefs in the Love of God and
Chrift. And further, I never underftood that any *
of our Society were abfolutely againft fuch prac- ^
tifing of it, who could fee no further, or did really
think in their Confcience it was their Duty fo to do:
But we believe, that we fee beyond the Figure or
Shadow, and are come to the Subftance, tor the
Reafons mentioned, and many more wkich might
be given. Several Treatifes have been written upon
this Subjed, one of which is very full (before we
I 4 * were
126 r/je JOVR'N AL cf
1724. * were a People) by WilUatn Deli^ a wife and learned
ty'\'\lf ' Man, and one who had a krge Senfe of the Power
' of God: And among us Barclafa Apology, and a
' Treatife by John Gralton, who was a Baptiji
* Preacher, and one by Jofeph Pike : And alfo here is
* a little Book of Tho??ias lJpfher\ fa Baptijl Peacher
* before he came ro join with us) which I fend thee,
' with whom I v.ms well acquainted, as alfo with
* thofe Men who fubfcribed it. If thou applies thy-
* felf to Richard Smith, of Burlington^ he is as likely
* as any I know to help, th^e to thofe Books, all
' which are larger on the Subjc6t, and have given Sa-
' tisfadlionto Thoufands about it i tho' fome, aslhave
' faid, could never be fatisfied with Words. In rt-ad-
« ing the latter Part of thy Letter, I WdS tenderly af-
* fe(5ted, and my Prayers to the Almighty were, that
* he would plcafe to direct thee by his Power and
' Spirit, and the Grace of his dear Son, who hath
* faid, He that cometh unto ;«<?, 1 will in no wife caji
* cff. Now, tender Frirnds Chrift is the true Light,
* that lighteth every Man that cometh into the
« World, by which Light thou mufl; walk to the
* Kingdom and City of God. He is the Door into
* the true Sheepfold : He is the Truth, in whorn
* thou muft believe : He is the divine Life and Light
* oftheSoul: He is the true Chriflian's All in all:
*■ And, as the Kingdom is within Cas faid Chrift) fo the
* Kingis alfo within, and without alfo. He is God
*• Omnipotent, Omnifcient, Qmniprefenr, theimmor-
* tal Jehovah, and is God over all, bleffed for ever.
* And as a Servant of his, I recommend thee, with my
•■ own Soul, unto him for Prefervation and divine
' Direction 5 for it is the great Work of Chrifl's true
^ Minifters and Servants, todireftthefeeking, travel-
^ ling Souls to him ; to whom, with the Father, and
* the eternal Spirit, be Glory, now, and evermorQ.
* Amen. ■ From thy allured Frier.d in Chrifl.
"THOMAS CHALKLET. iij
ThcPerfon to whom I wrote this Letter, fome Time 1724,
after informed me, it gave him great Satisfa6l:ion. s^"Vn^
After I had (tay'd at Home fome Time, and pretty
well recovered of the Hurt I had by my Fall, I vi-
fited fome Meetings about Home, as Philadelphia, ThUadti-
jibington, and German-town. In feveral ot thofe Meet- /"*"» Scc,
ings I was concerned to exhort Friends, as our Meet-
ings and Worfhip was, in this Province of PenfyU
vania, a kind of national Worfhip, to beware that
they did not indulge themfelves in the Sins of the Na- .
tions, but to be careful to keep to the holy, felf-denying
Life of Jefus.
On the 5th of theSixth Month, between the Hours
of nine and ten in the Night, there was an Earthquake,
which divers People were very fenfible ot ; and about
this Time divers People were taken off with a violent
Fever -, and I was concerned in feveral Meetings to
put the People in Mind of their Mortality, and Short-
nefs of Time here ; and alfo of the Uncertainty of ir,
and the Neceffity of fpeedy Preparation for their final
Change and future Well-being. In the aforefaid
Month I was at our Youths Meeting in Philadelphia^
where I was concerned to advife Parents to do juflly
to their Children, in the divers Relations of a Child^s
State ; to be jult in Correction, and to be fure to
give them Learning, and train them up in Reading
of the holy Scriptures, they being ahle^ thro' Faith in
"Chrift, to make us wife to Salvation. I alfo was earneft
in Exhortation to the Youth^ to qbey and honour
their Parents, and to have a Care not to be difobedienc
to their Fathers and Mothers. I had a Concern alfo
to remind that large Congregation, that the Almighty
had ftretched out his Arm of Power, with his Rod,
and had given the People of this Land three Strokes
therewith, as a gentle Admonition towards Heart-
preparation, to meet him, and to prepare for their
latter End, or final Diffolution : Which was Firji,
A Sicknefs, or peftilential Fever, which carried ofi'
many '
128 ne JOURNAL of
1724; many of the People. Secondly, An Earthquake, of
\*Or^-^ which divers in Town and Country were very fenfible,
Thirdly^ A terrible Whirlwind, fuch as we never be-
fore heard of in this Land, that I remember. They
were admonilhed to take particular and fpecial Notice
of thofe gentle Strokes of the divine Hand, for if he
pleafed he could as foon take away many by Sicknefs,
as a few, and if he pleafed he could have made us a
Defolation, as well as the Country about Mount
^tna^ ox Port-Royal in Jamaica^ not very far from us;
and he could alfo blow us away with a Wirlwind of
his Wrath, and could as eafily have blown down all
our City, as tbcfe few Houfes in the Country.
Next Day after this Meeting I went with John Rod-
man to the Quarterly General-meeting of Worfhip in
Chefier the County oiChefier, which was large and fatisfadlory*
County. ^j^g ^^^^ ^^^^^ gj^^j^ Month I was at the Burial of
the Wife of Richard Tf^aln^ a virtuous and good Wo-
man. Some of her laft Words were, ** Some Mens
9»irSfii ii Sins go before-handto Judgment, and fome follow
*' after them ; and that her Sins were gone before,
•' which was a great Comfort to her, now fhe was
*^ going to leave the World." It was a large Meet-
ing, and a feafonable Opportunity that we had at the
^ruHkfffft, Funeral. The People were called upon to work, while
it was called To-day, Becaufe, as our Saviour faid,
the Night eometh^ wherein no Man can work.
In this and the foregoing Year I met with various
Trials and Exercifes : As Firji^ Great inward Poverty
and Want. Secondly^ Great LofTes in outward Affairs.
And Thirdly, The evil Spirits of divers ftirred up
sgainft me, to report Falllioods concerning me, with
many other fore Exercifes both inward and outward.
As to the Firfi, I had often been try*d that Way,
and found by Experience, that 1 muft wait upon
God my Saviour, for frefh and renewed Vifitations
from above •, in which Exercife, I had always in the
Lord's Time, Comfort from him, as by the fame
Exercife
r HO MAS CUALKLET. 129
ExerciTe I had now the fame Comfort alfo; but I 1724:
thought it very long, and the Enemy did greatly en- O-^VXI
deavour to break in upon my Patience now more than
ufual: But my Heart ftill depended in Faith and
Hope upon the Lord my Redeemer and Saviour,
and in his Time he was pleafed to help me, blefled
be his holy Arm and Power tor ever ! Many blefied
Saints and Servants of Jefus were brought to my
Mind, who were in the like Condition, fo that I had
a fecret Jv^y in their Company (who met with the like
in their Travels to the holy City. j Secondly^ as to my
outward Lofles, I thought with myfelf, peradventure
it might be beft for me : And I remembred that
many, through the Increafe of outward Riches, were
exceedingly hurt as to their inward State ; and tho' I
(or any good Man) might be concerned for our Chil-
dren, to get and leave fomething for them ; yet I
plainly faw, that generally fpeaking, much Riches
doth much Hurt to Youth. This was a melancholly
Obfervation that I had made in my Life and Travels,
and I fee at this Day that it is an univerfal Diftemper
(a very few excepted^ wherefore I cry'd mightily to
God, that he would give to me and mine the Gift of
his Grace and holy Spirit, whatever our Circum-
ftances might be in the World. In this alfo I faw that
Patience was an excellent Virtue, and that the Meek
had the beft Inheritance of the Earth, if they had
ever fo little of it ; and that- true Happinefs did not
confift in earthly Things, which my Experience had
largely taught me. And Thirdly, As to the bafe and
evil Treatment I met with (which was more than I
had ever met with in all my Life before) great Endea-
vours were ufed to leflen my Reputation, as a Man
and a Chriftian -, all which proved falfe and fruitlefs,
and in due Time my Innocence was made maniieft j
and I confidered that they could not ufe me worfe than
they had done my Lord and Mafter, and that the De-
yil was angry with any who endeavoured to dethrone
him,
130 "Tk J OUR'N AL of
1717. him, and pull down his Kingdom, at the Foundation
v/S*"*^ of which, thro' the Help of my Mafter, I had many
a Stroke or Blow, with fuch Weapons as he was plea-
fed to furnifh me withal.
The lalt of the Sixth Month, and the ift of the Se-
venth Month, was the Quarterlyand Youths Meeting
at Burlington, at both v/hich i was. At the Quarterly
Meeting I was concerned to open to that Meeting, how
all along the Church of God was governed by his Spi-
rit, in the Tim?; of the Law, and Mofes was an Inftru-
ment dierein ; and thatv/hen it was too hard, and too
much Work for Mofes^ he was advifed to get the
Help and Afliftance of the Elders •, and that the fame
Power and Spirit ot God that was with and upon
Mofe^^ was upon the Elders who affifted him in the
Affairs of the Church, and Congregation oftk Lord's
People ; fo that it was governed by God's Spirit, and
is to be governed by the fame ftill, and not by the
Will of Man, nor according to the Will of Man in
his corrupt Nature. And when Jfrael went from
God's Power and Spirit, the Lord left them, but atlafl
fent to them his only begotten Son, our dear Lord
and Saviour Jefus Chrift •, and he was, and ever is,
to be Governor of his Church, thro* his holy Spirit,
•which, he told his Dicifples, he would pray the Father,
end he (hould fend unto them the Comforter^ the holy
Ghofi, or Spirit, the Spirit of fruth, and he fhould abide
■ with them for ever, and fhould lead and guide them into
all Truth ', which fweet and precious Promifes that he
made to them, the true Believers do witnefs to be ful-
filled at this Day. Glory to his Name for ever, he is
the wonderful Councellor, mighty Saviour, and Prince of
Peace ! of whofe Peace and Government there fh all never
he an End, and upon whofe Shoulder the Government is
to he for ever, for whofe Power, and holy Spirit,
Friends were exhorted to pray and wait, and to be
fenfible of it in the Difcipline and Government of the
Cl^urch now in this Gofpel Day, in which is a brighter
Manifeftatiorj
"THOMAS CHALKLET. 131
Maniftetion of God's Love, thro' his Son, than in 1724,
the Time of the Law. The Youths Meeting was al- v*/Sr^
fo large, and divers Teftimonies were born, by Way
of Exhortation and Counfel to the Youth. They were
with much Tendernefs advifed to take Counfel of their
Eiders, and were fhev/n how it faired with fome young
Men, who flighted the Advice and Counfel of the El-
ders; and that one, when on a Dying-bed, cried ouc
in the Bitternefs and Agonies of his Spirit, Oh! that
I had taken the Counfel and Advice cf my friends, for
then I had not been here, nor in this Condition. The
Youth were advifed to beware of keeping bad Com-
pany, and fpending their precious Time in Taverns,
which hath undone many fair and promifing Youths :
And it was fhewn, how 2, young Man might cleanfe his
Wa'^s, by taking heed thereto, according to the Word of
God, which liveth and ahidethfor ever, and v/hich the
holy Scriptures proceeded from -, and they were ear-
neflly exhorted to read and praftice what was writtea
therein : And a very tender Time we had in Prayer
to God, thro* his dear Son, to preferve us all in his
Fear, both Youth and Aged -, and fo our Meeting
broke up, and we parted in the fweet Love of God,
and his Chrifl, our holy Saviour.
My Troubles in the World, and in the Things o^ Frankforx^
it, being many, and my outward LofTes being great •,
as alfo was my inward Poverty of Mind and Spirit, I
took my Pen, and wrote one Day as followeth : Oh!
if it he right in the Sight of God, how do I long to he un-
clothed of this frail and mortal Body, that my Soul and
Spirit jnight mount up into the (ztherial Plains^ and re
pofe itfelf in the vaft expandi?7g Arins of its Maker ^ and
mofl fweet Saviour for ever !
Being at and near Home fome Time after I came miaM-
from Burlington^ I vifited the Mttixn^^ ui German-toivn ^^'°* ^'^'
and Philadelphia, which v/ere large, and fome good
Senfe of Truth was in the Hearts of divers. I »vas
concerned at that Meeting at Philadelpkia to let ihe
People
132 7^^ JOURNAL c/
1 724. People know. That as God had bleffed the People of
^xS"^^ that City, and the Province, with fpiritual and tempo-
ral Bleffings, and made the Land naturally fruitful, to
thelnriching many of the Inhabitants, he nowexpedied
Fruits from them of Piety and Virtue •, and that if there
was not a ftridler walking with God in Chrift Jefus,
they might expefl his divine Hand, which had vifited
them with Favours from Heaven above, and from the
Earth beneath, would vifit them with a Rod in it,
and that he had already given them fome gentle
Strokes therewith.
Yearly OuT Yearly-meeting was this Year 2.x. Burlington^
M€ati«g fo{. j-j-^e Provinces of New-Jerfey and Penfjlvania, the
Service of which our Quarterly-meeting appointed me,
with divers others, to attend. It was a large and com-
fortable Meeting, and many went Home thankful to
the holy Name of God and Chrifl, that they were
there.
I fhall end the fecond Part of the Journal of my
Life and Travels, when I have tranfcribed Part of a
Letter which my dear Father wrote me, when eighty
odd Years of Age, he having been a Minifter of Chrift
y above forty Years, which followeth :
LovitJg Son^ Thomas Chalkley,
Alerter * T^ H I NE dated the 11th oF the Tenth
t'^hir^ * JL Month 1723, I received, and was very glad
to hear of your Welfare, and that the Lord hath
given you Children : And I pray the Almighty God
that he may preferve th?m with you, that they
may be a Comfort to you in your latter Days ; and
that if the Lord may be pleafed to continue them
with you, that they may, as they grow in Days,
■ grow in Grace, and in the Knowledge of our Lord
and Saviour Jefus Chrift ; and that the Lord may
' be pleafed to preferve us all to the End of thofe few
Days we may have in this World, that then we may
lay down our Heads in Peace and in full AfTurance
'of
father.
THOMAS CHALKLE T. 133
« of everlaftingBIelTednefsfor ever and evermore.— 1724.
* Iblefs the Lord chat he has preferved me fenfible t^^VNJ
* othis blefled and holy Spirit, whereby my Under-
* (landing is indifferent clear and v/ell , confidering my
* Age ; and the Lord in his great Loving-kindnefs
1. 1 do feel to help me to my great Satisfaflion, in
^; my little Service for him.
> * Having this Opportunity by a Friend of your
fi Town, was willing to let you hear of our Welfare
« and Health. I am in as good Health at prefent as
* I have been for many Years, and can make a Shifc
* to go over London- Bridge^ and to the Meeting at
* Alder/gate^ and to the Peel-Meetings from my Houfe
« in Shad-Thames. And the Lord hath been
* pleafed to be with me now in my poor aged Con-
* dition. >
* So, dear Son, my dear Love is to thee and thine^
* and to Friends that may enquire, afccr us. Divers
' Friends give their Love to thee, wliofe Names I
5 can't remember.
* With repeated Love to you all, I refl thy aged^
fi.and Cthereby thro' Pain; afflicted Father.
GEORGE CHALKLET,
Southwark, Londo'i^r^thof the 6th Month lyi.^.
P. S. « Thy Brother George^ his Love is to you all;
* and I defire ther: to lei; us hear of you as Op-
* portunity may ferve.*
To fee my dear Father's Hand- writing, now he
was above four-fcore Years oi Age, was very afreding
to me J and the more, b .caure I expeded it might
be his laft ; [which it m:s.) The Anfwcr I lent
to my dear Father's Letter is as followcth:
frankfort^^
134
ne JOVRN AL of
1724,
Ab An-
fwer to my
Father's
ZtStter.
Frankfori, zid of the Sib Month 1724.
My dear Father^
THINE, per James PFilkins^ I received with
Joy, and was greatly comforted to hear that
thou waft yet alive ; and efpecially that thou art fa-
voured, now in thy old Age, with a Senfe of the
Gift of God, thro' the holy Spirit of his dear Son,
our bleffed Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift.
The Reading of thine did mightily refrefh and
tender my Heart and Spirit, not expecting many
more fuch Epiftles from thee, by Reafon of thy
great Age. But my very dear and truly honoured
Father, if we fhou Id never hear from, nor fee one
another more in Mutability, yet arc we, while here
on Earth, as living Epiftles in one anothers Hearts,
wrote by the Finger, or Hand of God. I have
Hope alfo, that we fhall meet where we fhall never
part more, in the glorious Kingdom of God and
his Chrifl.
* We are all in good Health, I humbly thank the
Lord, and if it be his Will, fhould rejoice to hear
that thefe find thee (my tender and loving Father,
with my dear Brother and Sifter, and all my loving
Coufms, and our Friends in general) in hke Health.
—I defireto know exadly, thy Age in thy next,
if thou art able to write to me, and if thou lives
where thou did formerly, or with Brother orCoufin,
which will be very acceptable to me.
' Thus, withunfpeakabieLove from Self, and Wife,
to thee my dear and aged Father, and all Relations,
and Friends, I remain thy loving and dutiful Son,
THOMAS CHALKLET. i
"The End of the Second PART.
'3
r"
JOURNAL
OF THE
Life, Labours, Travels, &c.
o F
THOMAS CHJLKLET.
" PART III
IN this Year 1724 I met with various Trials,
Afflidtions, and Tribulations •, and had not the ^^J^
fecret Hand of the Lord, which 1 felt under-
neath, bore up my Spirit from finking fl think)
I could never have waded thro* them.
I was now removed (as already relatedj into the
Country for Retirement, which I greatly loved and
delighted in ; but as foon as I was a little fettled there,
the Enemy of all Good endeavoured to difquiec my
Repofe, by ftirring up fome bad People againft me,
who lived near, and in Time paft had fawn'd upon
me : And, to add to my Afflidtions, I loft a Veflel,
in which, I fuppofe, I had upwards of Five Hundred
Pounds i and another Veflel came in almoft a Wreck,
K in
136 t;^^ JOURNAL of
1724. in which I fuffered in my Intereft feveral Hundreds
t./Sf'^S^ more, and a third I heard of, in which I had the hke
Lofs •, and about the fame Time I had alfo a good new
Barn burnt to the Ground in a few Minutes, fo that I
was exceedingly ftripp'd that Way : And to add yet
more to my Exercife, I was forely afflifted with Sick-
nefs, having a Swelling in my Jaws, Mouth, and
Throat, to that Degree that I could neither fpeak nor
fwallow for Tome Time, nor eat nor deep for about
leven Days (as I remember) without great Difficulty.
What the Diftemper was, we could not be certain.
Some fuppos'c] it to be the Quinfey, others an Impoft-
hume i alfo my little and only Daughter at the fame
Time was likely to die ; and as for my own Part, I
was very willing to go, if it fo pleafed God •, for I faw
thro' the Deceit of the World, and that the Friend-
fliip of it was not permanent; and in my fore Afflic-
tions in Body, Mind, and Intereft, it fared with
me as with "Joh^ for divers of my pretended Friends
added to my Afflidions by undue Refledions ; whom
I pray the Lord to forgive for his Son's Sake ! At
thefe Times the Remembrance of that Saying of
Chrift, 'That the very Hairs of 'jour Head are numbred,
Matth. X. 30. at Times fupported me in Hopes, that
all would work together for Good.
When I got a little well, fo that I could go to
VhtLiid Meetings, I went to Gertnan-town, Abingtoriy Pbila-
'■'"'' [tclpf::a^ and Darby. My firft going abroad was to
Philadelphia^ where, on a firft Day, we had a large
Meeting, an.d divers Things were opened in my Mind.
1 told them they had Mojes and the Prophets^ and
Jesus Christ, who was arilen from the Dead; for
neither Death, Hell, nor the Grave, could detain the
Lord of Life and Glory. And I was opened to de-
clare to them, that they had a great Advantage of
the Coming of Chrift, not only in his Appearance at
Jerufalem^ but as he came to, and fpoke to the Heart,
by his inward and Ipiricual Appearance j and that this
Gofpel-
THOMAS CHALKLET. i.y
Gofpel-Difpenfation was by his Coming, made more 1724.
conrpicuous, bright, and glorious, than that which ^••y^
went before. Friends were very glad to fee me
abroad again Cthcy having expeded daily to hear I
was dead) and there was Tendernefs over the Meeting,
and God overall, thro' his dear Son our Lord Jefus
Chrift, was praifed and glorified, who is worthy for
ever.
In this Year two fober young Women, Elizabeth
Levis and Jane Fenn^ were concerned to vifit Friends
in the Ifland oi Barhadoes^ and they meeting with fome
Difcouragement, in Chriflian Love I wrote them the
following Letter, to encourage them in the Work of
Chrift.
Frankfort, iJiofiheiithMonthi'ji/^,
My dear Friends^ Elizabeth Levis and Tane Fenn,
« 1 "l-NDfiRSTANDING by our Friend Grace
* Ij. L/o)»<^, that you have propofcd your Intentiori
* o\ vifiting thofe few Friends in the Illand of Barba-
* does^ and that you meet with fome Difcouragemenc
* inwardly and outwardly, therefore it is in my Mifid
* to comfort and flrengthen you in fo great and good
' an Undertaking ana honourable Work, as is that
* of the Caufe of Chrifl, who, for our Sakes crofTed
' himfelf abundantly beyond ExprefFion, more than
* ispolTiWefor us to do for his Sake, or the Sake of
' his People, whom we may fo entirely love, as to
* lay down our Lives for his and their Sakes. But
' what is our. Lives, to the Life of the only-begotten
* Son of God ? And truly, we mufl give them up
' often, if we have the Caufe of Souls at Heart ; and
* then he often gives them to us again, Glory to his
' holy Name for ever ! As Chrift laid. He that will
' jave his Life, (hall lofe it^ and he that will lay down
' his Life for my Sake and the Gofpel, Jhall find it -»
* which reacheth your Cafe in this Undertaking.
K 2 And
138 'Tbe ]OURl^ AL of
1724. ' And indeed, fomeof our Lives, in our own Senfe,
^^/•-V^v^ * is hardly worth mentioning, confidering the Caufe
< of Chriit.
' And, dear Children of our heavenly Father, I nmy,
^ thro' fomegood Experience, truly inform you, that
* there is much Opennefs in many People on that
* IQand, and good Encouragement I have had, from
«■ above, in my Vifiring the People there ; tho%
' true it is, the Inhabitants, too generally, are Lux-
*- urious, and much given to Vanity : Yet I have this
' Seal in my Heart, that the Lord hath a Seed in
* that Place who defires to ferve him, and that Seed
' will furely join with you in your Exercife, and you
«" will be comforted one in another, and in the Lord.
' And that there are Differences among them, isalfo
"■ true -, but they have the more Need of being vifit-
•^ ed by fuch, who are, thro' their wife Condu6t and
« healing Difpofition, likely to heal thofe Breaches
'^ which are, or may be among them. Some, indeed,
^ have gone among them and have done Hurt, by a
' rafh and turbulent V/ay of Management, and by fo
^ doing, have rather made the Breaches wider, than
* by a meek and loving, as well as lowly Difpofition,
* lelTened their Differences, and healed them.
' i\nd, tender Friends, tho' it may feemhard for
^ you in fcveral Confiderations, to give up to go to
' Sea, and alfo to divers who love you, and are nearly
' related to you -, know ye, and fuch fo concerned,
<-' « I'hat the Lord is ftronger than ths Noifeofmaifj Wo-
^ tersy and than the mighty Waves of the Sea, And I
« really believe that you, as well as my Soul ('with
' the Servants of Chriftj have, and will experience it
* to be fo, as David did, whofe Words they are.
« I remember the Words of our great Lord and
« Mafter Jefus, when he fent forth his Servants to
' preach his Word and Gofpel ; I fend you forth as
' Lambs among J'Volves. No queftion but you, like
' innocent Lambb, before your Return Cif it pleafe
God
THOMAS CHALKLEr, 139
^ God to give you to us again) may meet with the 1724.
* Wolves Spirit, or the Spirit of the Beafl, in feme
* or others among whom you may travel ; then will
* the Counfel of Chrift, added to his Commifllon, be
* good for you to keep clofe to ; Beye wife as Serpents^
* but innocent or harmhfs as Doves.
* And, dear Maidens, I Jook upon it as your Crofs
^ is great, you being two innocent, chafte young
* Women, to give up your Names to crofs the Sea,
' which I know is a great Crofs to a chafte Woman,
' or Man either, the Seamen, too generally, being
' rude, difiblute People ; fo your Crown will be
' great alfo. I have known that by keeping near to
f Chrift, and his Truth and Power, there hath been
' a wonderful Reformation divers Times in feveral
' of thofe rude Seamen ; and fome have been fo far
' convinced, as to be exceedingly kind, andtofpeak
" well of Friends and their Converfition, when it has
' been coupled with the Fear and Wifdom of God.
When I have gone to Sea, I always found a religi-
ous and chriftian Concern upon me, for the poor
Sailors, the good Effe6ts of which, have been much
more than I may fpeak of; but give this little Hint
for your Encouragement and Information.
'Well, dear Souls, if you go, I believe the Lord
will go with you ; and fure I am, that my, Spirit
will go along with you, which will not hurt you, if
it do you no good. And altho' my Exerciles and
Tribulations of late have been very great, both fpi-
ritual and natural, yet my very Heart within me
affefts the Caufe of Chrift, according to the beft of
my Underftanding ; and I heartily wifli well to all
my Fellow- Labourers, whoarefaithful, painful Ser-
vants of Chrift, and difinterefted, except as to the
Intereft which they defire in Chrift and his Kingdom,
for the Sake of which, they love not their Lives unto
Death. ^ Z
* I
HO r^^ J O U R N A L 0/
1 724. * I mud now take Leave, after putting you in nrind
t,.yy\) ' of remembring me, your poor Friend and Brother,
' when before the Til rone you arefupplicatingtheFa-
' ther of Mercies in fecret, even as my Heart is ten-
« derly bowed and broken into Tears on your Behalf
^ at this Time. The Lord be with you, and fan<5lify
* the prefent Exercife and Concern that is upon you,
* and you to himfelf, with all the faithful Lovers and
* Followers of the Lamb, ibro* bis Word^ whofe Word
< u Truth. I am your Friend and Brother, in the
« Fellowfhip of the Gofpel of Chrift Jefus our great
* Lord and good Matter •, and blefled are all thofe,
* who by their fearing to offend him, manifefl him ro
' be their Mafter, and by their honouring him, ma-
« nifeft him to be their Lord.'
T. C.
Cheffer I" ^^ Twelfth Month I wenttotheQuarterly-meet-
county. ing of Friends, held at Providence^ for Chefier County,
for Difcipline and Worjhip; which Meeting was
large, and a Concern came upon Friends at that
Meeting to fupprefs Excefs in Eating and Drinking,
and great Entertainments at Marriages and Funerals,
and fpending Time idly in tippling Houfes ; as alfo
in feveral other Things for the well-ordering our So-
ciety, in which appeared great Love and Unanimity.
> The People were reminded of God's Love to them in
this Land, and many Favours were recounted to them,
which he had favoured the Inhabitants of the Land
v^rith, which v/ere very fingular, and that iie expefted
they fhould bring forth Fruits chat might be anfwera-
ble to the Labours of Love, which the Lord Jhad be-
ftowed upon them.
About this Time I had it in my Mind to write to
one who was confcientioufly concerned to preach the
Gofpel of Chrift, but was under great Exercife on
that Occafion.
Frankfort,
^HOMAB CHALKLET, 141
1724;
Franhforty 2^th of the iitb Month 1724, •v^'V^-'
My Friend^
SINCE I lad Tiw thee and converfcd with thee,
thou haft often been in my Mind, and thy Ex-
ercile has come before me; and not having an Op-
portunity to converfe with thee perfonally, I take
this Way of communicating my Mind, hoping in
Chrifl thou wilt reap fome Satisfailion and Advan- -
tage thereby. I think I know thou art concerned
for Chrifl's Caufe, asalfo was that eminent Minifter
Apollos, Yet was inftru^ed more perfe^ly by good
Aquila and PrifciJh. The Subjed on which I have
it in my Mind to write to thee, is the Miniftry of
theGofpel of Chrift Jefus, which 1 believe to be
very different from that which it is generally taken
for, in moft Parts of the World, by many profefTmg
Chriftianity. Firfi, Thegreatefb Part of Chriften-
dom, fo called, calls and eledls their Minifters
themfelves, and will not call them unlefs they have
School-learning, altho' Chrifl called and chofe un-
learned Men, as to that Sort of Learning, and the
Apoftles were called, K!ot according to the Will of
Man^ hut hy the Revelation of Chrift Jefus. And
Chrift thanked his Father that He had revealed the
Myft£ries of his Kingdom to Babes and Sucklings. And
the wife Jews (the Scribes and Pharijees) admired at
the Apoftles, who fo wonderfully preached Chrift,
and were fo v/onderfully carried forth in their Mi-
niftry, and yet few of them were Men of Learning;
fo that the Call, Eledion, and Wages ot Chrifts
Minifters, isfpiritual, and not carnal, and therefore
their Miniftry is with divine Life and Power, by
which they are qualify'd for this Service without
either Study or Premeditation: Tho' it is not deni-
ed, that Chrift may fhew a Minifter before- hand,
what he ftiall, or is to fpeak, at fuch a Time or
K 4 ' Place,
142 ne JOVR-^ AL of
1724. * Place, as he may fee meet; but that fludying or
writing Sermons, and afterwards preaching, or ra-
ther reading them to the People, was, or is, the
Practice of the true Miniilers ot Jefus, our great
Lord and Mailer, is deny'd ; of which, I do be-
lieve, thou haft a real Senfe.
^ I fhall impart to thee fomething of my own Ex-
perience for thy Edification in this great Work, viz.
As in the Work of Converfion, or Regeneration,
there is a Growth and Increafe from the State of a
Child to that ot a Man in Chrilt, fo in the Work of
the Miniftry, or preaching the Gofpel, there is alfo
a Growth from a Babe to an able Minifler, in all
which the Power and Grace of the holy Spirit muft
be our Guide, our Help, and Support, keeping
clofe to which, we Ihall encreafe in divine Wifdom
and found Judgment, and our Hearts and Under-
flandingswillbe more and more opened and -nlarged.
The Apoftle Paul hid, When I was a Child^ I /pake
as a Ch'ild^ underjiood as a Child, and thought as a
Child', and yet he was an excellent Child of God,
and Minifter of Chrift, and as he grew in his Gift,
and Chrift*s Grace, he became a v/onderful, fervice-
• able Inftrumentin the Hand of God. Now a Child's
State in the Miniftry is too much overlooked by
'• many, feme thinking to be Men, as foon as they
• are brought forth into the Miniftry ; and, according
• tomy Obfervation, divers have been at a Lofs, and
■ fome quite loft, for Want of a patient Continuing
• in Well-doing, and not waiting to feel a Growth
'- and Increafe from above, have gone on in their
• own Strength and Will, perhaps againft the Advice
■ and InftruClion of a found and honeft Aquila and
• Prifcilla^ and have been hurt ; and fome, who had
• received a Gift, have had that fame Gift taken from
' them, even by the Lord, who gave it them.
' As I take it, a true Minifter of Chrift, is to take
no ThoiJght what to fay, but it will be given him in
'the
"THOMAS CHALKLET. 14:
€ the fame Hour that which he fhould fpeak to the 172
T*
People (that is, in a general WayJ and if it is not
given from above, I believe he or Ihe ought to be
filent ; for they receive freely, if they do receive any
Thing from Chrift, and fo they ought freely to ad-
miniffer ; and where little is given, little is required,
all which is plain from Ch rift's own Words in the
New Teflament ; and Chrid's Crofs is to be taken
up by his Minifters in their Preaching, as well as
in their Converfation.
' It is a Practice which the holy Scriptures have
not acquainted us with, that the Minifters of Chrift
fhould take a Verfe, or a Line, out of the holy
Scriptures, and write, or ftudy before-hand, , a Dif-
courfe on it, and preach it, or rather read it, to the
People. The holy Men of Old (as we read both
in the Old and New Teftament) fpoke as they were
moved by the holy Ghoft, and by it they were
gifted for the convincing, converting, and reform-
ing the World, and for comforting and edifying of
the Saints, quite contrary to the latter Praftice of
modern-reading Divines, who difpute, write, and
preach, againfl the immediate and divine Revelation
of the Spirit of Chrift, and therefore cannot be of
his Minifters, but mufl be the Minifters of y^nti-
chrifij and Minifters of the Letter, and not of the
Spirit of Chrift, or of his Gofpel. And where the
Apoltiefays, When I was a Child^ Ifpoks as a Childy
I take him to point at the being brought forth
newly into the Work of the Miniftry, as well as
the Work of Converfion, and that he ufeth thofe
ExprefTions by Way of Comparifon, and therefore
I compare it thus: A Child when it firft begins or
ventures to fpeak, he fpeaks but a few Words, and
thofe ftammering fometimes, and its Judgment is
weak, and muft be put upon fpeaking by his Fa-
ther over and over, if he be a backward Child,
otherwife if he be forward, and fpeaks too much,
W^^'s'^^rf
144 r^ J O U R N A L 0/
1724. ' he iscurbM by a wife Father: And thus, according
w^'^"^ * to my Obfervation, it hath pleafed our heavenly
* Father to Inftrud his Children in the Miniftry, and
' as a Child in Chrilt, I would fpeak a little of my
' Experience unto the Child, or Children of God.
' When I firft felt a Necefiity on me to preach the
< Gofpel, I had but a few Sentences to deliver, in
* great Fear and Tendernefs, with fome Trembling,
* with which my Brethren were generally fatisfied
* and edified; and after fome Time I felt a Concern to
* preach the Gofpel in other Countries, and to other
' Nations fthan that in which I was born) which to me
' was a very great Crofs -, but feeling the Woe of the
' Lord to follow me in not giving up to it, I in fome
*• Time took that Crofs up, for Chrift's Sake and the
* Gofpel's : And in taking it up, I experienc'd the
' Truth of the Apoflle*s Dodtrine, Thai the Gofpel of
*• Chr'ifl is thi Power of God unto Salvation^ to ever-^
* one that helieveth^ Rom. i. 16. Thus thro' a con-
' tinual Labour and fpiritual Travel, I witnefTed a
« Growth in Experience, and an Enlargement in
* ExprefTions and heavenly Dodlrine ; and my Heart
' was mightily enlarged to run the Ways of God's
' Commandments, and divers were convinced, and
' fome, I hope, thoroughly converted, and many
' comforted, and God, thro' the Miniftry of his dear
< Son, glorified, who is thereof only worthy for ever.
' In all which I t^ve nothing to boaft of nor glory
' in, faving in the Crofs of Chrift ; for what is Pauh
' or Apollos, or Cephas^ but Inftruments? (\ would
' not be underftood to compare with thofe Apoflles,
^ but to endeavour to follow them as they followed
* Chrifl.) Chrid is All in all: He is the great Teach-
*■ erot Teachers, and the highell Schoolmafter of all:
' And he fliys. He that will be my Difciple^ mujl firji
' deny himfelf^ and take up his Crofs, and follow me.
' We do not find any where in the New-Teftament,
^ that Chrifl's Minifters or MelTengers were only to
« fpeak
rnOMAS CHALKLET, 145
* fpeak or preach to one Meeting of People, or that 1724-
* they were called or hir. d by Men ; for then it would WNJ
* have heen necelTary Man fhould pay them ; but
* Chiift fays. Freely you have received^ freely give -,
' and go forth^ &c. Matth. xxviii, 19, 20.
* And, my Friend, I find to this Day, that it is fafe
* for me when T am miniftring to the People ; when
.^ the Spring ot divine Life and Power (from which
* found Truths and edifying Matter fprings and flows
' into th^ Heart or Underftanding) abates or flops,
^ to ftop with it, and fit down, and not to arife, or
* fpeak publickly to the People, without fomefpiri-
* tuai Impulfe or Moving, and Openings.
' I would h?ive this taken no otherwife, but as one
* Friend and Brother opening their States and Con-
* dition to another for Edification, and theftrength-
* ning each other in Chrill. And as I fear left I
* fhould exct-ed the Bonds of a Letter, therefore
^ Ihall conclude thy real Friend in Jefus Chrift,
r. C. '
The 25th of the Twelfth Month I was at the Buri-
al of the Wife of Randal Spikeman. It being our
Fifth-day-meeeting, divers fober People were there
not of our Perfuafion, and I was drawn forth to fpeak
,^0 the People of the Death of Chrift and his Merits,
and to fhew them that there is no Merit in the Works
of Man, as he is Man, or in a formal Righteoufnefs
or Holinefs;
In our Yearly Meeting at Burlington it was agreed,
that the Families of Friends ftiould be vifitcd, and
foon after our Monthly-meeting appointed me, with
other Friends, to vifit the Families ot Friends of our
Meeting ; in which Vifitation, many were comforted
and ediiy'd, both Youth and Aged ; and wc could
truly fay, that the Power and Grace of God, and the
Iweet Love of Chrift accompanied us from Houfe to
Houfe,
146 t:^^ J O U R N A L ^y
1724; Houfe, to our mutual Comfort *, and we were fo ex-
tyysj traordinarily opened and guided to fpeak to the States
of the People in their Families (that were unknown and
Strangers to usj that fometimesfomeof them were rea-
dy to think that we fpoke by Information, when in
Truth we were clear of any fuch Thing, and only
fpoke from what was immediately given to us, with-
out any Information from Man or Woman ; which to
us was fometimes very wonderful, aud caus'd us to
praife the great Name of the Lord.
In the Firft Month, the General-meeting at Phila-
delphia was a folid, good Meeting, and ended in a
Senfe of Grace and Truth, which comes by Jefus
Chrill. Next Day, being our Week-day-meecing,
our dear Friends, Elizabeth Levis^ and Jane Fenny
took Leave of us, they intending for the Ifland of
Barbadoes ; and it was fuch a Parting Meeting that
will not foon be forgotten by fome of us then prefent.
Suriinpon, After this Meeting I went to Burlington, to vifit
one that was fick, and under fome Trouble of Mind
for going aftray, and greatly delired to come into the
right Way, with whom I had a good, feafonable
Meeting, to her Comfort, and my own Satisfadion.
Upon this Vifit I would remark, that it is a great Pity,
that Youth, when in Health and Strength, fhould
put off the Work of their Salvation, and forget the
inofl High, till either Sicknefs or Death overtake
them. And then. Oh ! The bitter piercing Cries and
Groans, and terrible Agonies the Soul is in, which,
timely by Repentance, and Amendment of Life,
, might be avoided.
I was afterwards at Meetings at Philadelphia, Miri-
^^7^5* o», German-town, &c. and had fome Service and Sa-
'^'''''^^^'*^ tisfadion therein. And on the 2d of the Second
Month, the Friend whom I vifited as above, was bu-
ried, and the Relations of the Deceafed fent for me to
the Burial. The Perfon being well-beloved, there
v^asa large Appearance of People of divers Perfbafion?,
and
"THOMAS CHJLKLBT. 14.7
and we had an Opportunity at this Funeral to exhort 1725.
the People to live fo as that they might die well ; and \>S'**«'.
that the Way to die in the Favour of God, was
to live in his Fear -, and Charity to thofe who diflenc ' 1
from one another, waspreflingly recommended from
the Apoftle's Words, that If we had Faith to remove
Mountains^ and to give all our Goods to the Poor^ and our
Bodies to be burned, yet if we wanted Charity, we were,
hut like founding Brafs, and a tinkling Cymbal, i Cor.
xiii. I, 2, 3. And alfo our Belief of the Do6trine ot
the Refurredion of the Dead was aflerted, in
ContradiAion to that grofs Calumny caft on our So-
ciety of denying it.
The latter End of the Second Month, I was at a
Marriage at Horfham (at which was prefent William
Keith, our Governor) and I was concerned to fpeak ^^ ^"^'*
of the End of that great Ordinance, and of the Hap-
pinefs of thofe married Perfons who fulfil the Cove-
nants they make in Marriage, and what Strength and
Comfort the Man is to the Woman, and the Woman
to the Man, when they keep their Covenants, and
that they are the contrary when they break them:
And I alfo opened the Methods prefcribed by our
Difcipline, to be obferved in Marriages, and bur Care
to prevent any clandefline Marriages amongft us.
After this Meeting I return'd Home withoui going to
the Marriage Dinner, as I generally avoided fuch
Entertainments as much as I could, having no Life
in, or Liking to them, being fenfible that great
Companies and Preparations at Weddings, were
growing Inconveniencies among us, the which I was
confcientioufly concerned to difcourage. And a few
Days after my Return Home, at our Meeting at
Frankfort^ I was concerned particularly to exhorc
Friends to keep to Plainnefs in Language, Drefs,
&c. according to the Examples given us in the holy
Scriptures, particularly that of Daniel and his Com-
panions •, and to caution againll vain and indecent
FaOiioRs,
hs
1725.
SaUiv,
Cohattjlf,
€esr^e*s
Creek.
Nottin^-
Nifucafile,
Center',
Kennetf
rk ]OVRN Ah of
Fa fhions,which,with Concern, I ha veobferv'd to prevail
too much among fome who make ProfefTion with us.
In this Second Month I went to the Yearly-meeting
of Friends at Salem, and by the Way had two Meet-
ings at Woodberry-Creek. At Salem we had a large
Meeting, and our gracious Lord was with us, to the
bowing many Hearts before him, and many Teftimo-
nies were given of the Goodnefs, Love, Mercy, and
Grace of God, and his dear Son, our Lord JefusChrift.
From Salem we travelled to Alloways-Creek and Cohan-
fie^ and from thence to Elfinburgh^ and ferried over
the River Delaware, with our Horfes, to George^s-
Creek, and had Meetings at all thofe Places. At
George\-Creek^ one, not a Friead, came to me after
Meeting, and faid, He thanked me for my Advice and
Counfel ; and feeni'd heartily affefted with the Doflrine
of ChrilV. From George' ^-Creek we travelled to iVb;-
tingham, and had a large Meeting on a Firft-Day,
and another (very largej on the Second-Day, where
were many People of divers Perfuafions. The Houfe
could not contain us, fo that we met in an Orchard.
A folid Meeting it was ! wherein the mighty Power
of the Creator was declar'd of, as alfo the Divinity of
Chrift, and his Manhood, and People were exhorted
to be careful ot forming any perfonal Ideas of the Al-
iTiighty ; for the holy Scriptures do plainly manifeft,
that God is a wonderful, infinite, eternal Spirit, and
therefore is to be worfhipped in Spirit and in Truth,
and outward Reprefentations of the Lord Jehovah,
borders too much on Idolatry. Pretty much was de-
livered on that Head; and I was told after Meeting
that divers Papijis were there, tho' I knew nothing ot
, it. From Nottingham I went to Newcajlle, and had a
Meeting there, and then vificed a fick Friend, with
which he exprelTed niuch Satisfaction ; and then went
on to the Center^ K.en7iet^ and Marlborough, and fo to
the Monthly-meeting at New-Garden, where we had
a large, open Meeting, wherein were Ihewn, that
thofe
^ THOMAS CHALKLET, 149
ihofe who meddled with our Difcipline, in the WiJ), 1725.
Nature, Spirit, and Wifdom of Man only, could do SiOO^
but little Service, and that our Difcipline, asalfoour
Worfliip and Miniftry, ought to be performed in the
Wifdom and Power of God, thro* the Grace and,
Spirit of Chrift.— — -From New-Garden we went to
Birmingham, had a large Metting, and I was much
drawn forth to the Youth, of whom many were there.
From Birmingham we went to the Quarterly-meeting
for Difcipline and Worfliip at Concord^ in Chejler- conari.
County, which was larger than I had ever ken there
before. In the Quarterly-meeting of Difcipline,
Friends were exhorted to keep to the Crofs of Chrill,
and to fpeak to Matters in the Fear of God, and to
avoid and fhun as much as in them lay, Self-Will,
Humour, Pride, and Paflion ; fhewing that the rough,
crooked, unhewn, unpolifh'd Nature of Man, could
never work the Righteoufnefs of God, and is contrary
to the meek, Self-denying Life of Jefus. John Sal-
keld, and Jacob Howell^ then fignified that they were
going to vifit Friends in Long-Jjland and Rhode-ljland^
the Senfe of the Call, Labour, and Work of the Mi-
niftry of the Gofpel, and of the Love of Chrift (in the
Freenefs of \i) to Mankind, took fome good Hold
on divers in that Meeting, and the great Name of
God, and his dear Son, thro' the holy Spirit, was , f '
glorified. % ' : ;
From this Meeting I came Home (having been out: '- ,
on this Journey near three Weeks, at twenty Meet-
ings, and travelled more than 200 MiKs^ and found
my Wife and Children in Health, and we rejoiced to
fee each other ; but my Rejoicing was in Fear, even
almoft to Trembling, left I fhould be too much lifted
up when Things were agreeable to me.
After my Return Home T went to feveral neigh-
bouring Meetings, and on a Fifth-Day was at Pi?i/^-
delphia ^t thQ Marriage of Richard Smiih and Eliza-
^htb Powell, The Meeting was large, i,r|d the Marriage
folemnly
150 r/je JO VRN AL of
1724. foiemnly celebrated, and the People were eaneftly
v-^Sr^*^ increaced to love Chrift above all, and to manifeft
that Love by keeping his Comman-dments, and that
not in Shew or Words only, but in the Heart and
Affedions.
About the latter End of the Third Month, I went
to the Quarterly-meeting of Miniflers and Elders for
Suriin.noH. ^h^ County of Burlington ; and from thence to Stony-
Stony'' Brook ', whcre on the Firft-day, we had a large Meet-
'^"'^ ' ing (in Jofeph Worthy's, Barn) which was crowded with
■'• People, and was a folid, good Meeting. From Stony
Crof-juicks. Brook I went to Crofwicks, and v/as at their Youths
Meeting, which was the largelL I had ever feen in
that Place •, I told them they might fay as the Sons
of the Prophets did, l^jat tbd Place was too Jlre^ght for
them^ and advifed iliem to enlarge it. I was glad to
fee fuch a large Appearance offober People, and fo
great an Increafe of Youth (yci this Wildernefs of
yy7;/mt\';J and exhorted them to live in the Fear of God,
that his BlefTings might Itill be continued to them ;
and an Exercife was on my Mind for the Welfare of
the young People, to fhew them the Danger of Sin
and Vanity, and of keeping ill Company, and fol-
- lowing bad Counfel ; and that the young King Reho-
loan {Solomo'ii!^ Son) loft the greateft Part of his Fa-
ther's Kingdom, by following the Company and
Counfel of vain, young Men ; and that many young
Men in this Age had loil and fpent the Eftates their
Feathers had left them by the like Condudl, and
brought themfelves to Ruin, and their Families to
Poverty and Want. Divers lively Teftimonies were
delivered in this Meeting, and it ended with Adoration
and Praife of Almighty God ; and tho* the Meeting
held more than four Flours, the People did not feem
willing to go away when it wasover j for indeedit was
a folid, good Meeting. The Bufinefs of the Quarterly-
meeting was carried on in Peace and Love ('that
being the Mark the Dlfciples gf Jefus were to be
knowa
"THOMAS C HALM LET, 151
known by) and Friends were exhorted with a great 1725.
deal of Tendernefs to keep^that Mark. v/>/-s
In this Journey I travelled about ninety Miles, and
was at four Meetings, being from Home four Days,
and was much fatisfied in my Journey •, but met with
fome Exercifewhen I came Home, hearing of fome
LofiTes and Damage to my Efface •, fo that I found
after 1 had (diCC0v6^\n<y to my beft Endeavours^ done
the Will of God, I had need of Patience, that I might
receive the Promife. I was fenfibie of the MelTenger
of Satan, the Thorn in the Flelh, which the Apoille
fpeaks of.
About this Time a loving Friend of mine informed
me, that one whom I very well knew in Barhadoes^ a
Minifter of our Society, had gone into an open Sepa-
ration, fo as to keep Meetings feparate from his Bre-
thren, and contrary to their Advice : I was concerned
in Love to write ^ few Lines to him, to remind him
of the unhappy State and End of fuch, who, notwith-
flanding the brotherly Love and kind Treatment of
Friends, had feparated from us, and lofing the Senfe
of Truth, which had made them ferviceabie in the
Church, were a6ted by a rending, dividing Spirit,
by which the Enemy of our Happinefs had lo far ob-
tain'd his End, as to make fome Diiturbance for a
Time •, but few, if any, of thefe Separaciils, have
had further Power than to promote and miinrain their
feparate Meetings during their own Lives ; fuch
Meetings having, in every Inftance 1 have known (ex-
cept one, and that lafted not long)dropc on the Deach
of the Founders. And tho* we think it our Duty to
teflify againft, and diiown all fuch i yet this Difown-
ing is only until the Perfons oifending, from a real
Senfe of, and Sorrow for their Faults, acknowledge
and condemn the fame ; then the Arms of Chrift, and
of his Church, are open to receive and embrace them -
I therefore earneflfy befought him to confider the
Danger of offending any who love and believe in
L Chrift
152 T/j^JQURNAL of
1725. Chrift (tho' never fo little in their own or other Mens
v^V"-'-' Efteem) for we cannot have true Peace in departing
from the pure Love of God, his Truth, and Peo-
ple \ to which I added the following Sentences cue
of the New-Teftamens»
1. By this fijall all Men kno-zu that ye arc m'j Difdples^
if ye have Love one to another, John xiii. 35.
Don't lofe rhis Mark.
2. JFe kno-iv that ive have fajfed from Death unto
Life, becaufe ive love the Brethren. He that loveth not
his Brother., abideth in Death, 1 John iii. 14.
3. He thai loveth not, k?!Ozveth net God ; for God is
Lcve, iv. 8.
4. He that d'xelleth in Love^ dwelleth in God, and
Cod in him,' \6.
Aiir^^tH- About the latter End of the Fourth Month I was at
^h!a^^''^ a Meeting at Ahington, occafioned by a Burial ; and
Gfrman. in the Beginning of the Fifth Month, I was at a Mar-
ti/u;), riage in Philadelfijia -, and was foon after on the Firft
Day at two Meetings at German-to-ivHy where I went
to vifit a Friend who had not tor lome Months been at
Meeting, being in a difconfolate Condition •, I invited
her to Meeting, where the Love and Goodnefs of
Chrift to the poor in Spirit was largely manifefted,
and the Friend alter Meeting faid, fhewas better, and
aiterwards recovered, and kept to Meeting?^. I was
frequently at the Week-day Meetings at Philadelphia ;
tor I thought that Week not well fpent, in which I
could not get to Week-day Meetings, if I was in
Health.
In this Month I was at the Burial o'i George Calvert^
who was one of fober Life, and juft Converfation,
and being well-beloved by hi? Neighbours, he left a
good Report behind him. Soon after which I was
mcrieu. at Merion Meeting, which was large and folid : The
People were tenderly exhorted. That neither outward
Favours, nor fpiritual BleiTings, might make them
giow forgetful of God ; but that in the Stnfeof the
Increafe
Ni(hamz*
rnOMAS CHALKLET,
Increafe and Enjoyment thereof, they might be the
mdre humble ; and forafmuch as the Chriftian Church
in former Ages was corrupted by temporal Riches -^.rd
Power, it was intimated, that as we had Favour
fhewn us from the Government, ind Increafe of out-
ward Things, v/e fiiould be very arcful nor. to abufe
thofe Priviledges, by growing proud and wanton, or
envious, and quarreifome ; bu.i To do jujlly^ love Mer-
cy ^ and walk humhlj "doith God.
In this Month I was at Middlelown in Bucks County,
at the Burial of my dear and intimate Friend John
Rutlidge (who died very fuddenly) at wbicln Burial
there were above rooo People : He was weli-beloved
among his Neighbour?, and was a ferviceable Man
where he lived : I admired to fee fuch a Number of
People upon fo fhort Notice, he dying one Day in t!i( ny.
Afternoon, and being buried the Day following : Di-
vers Teftimonies were born concerning the wonderful
Works and Ways of God. It was a folid bowing
Time, wherein many Hearts were broken, and melted
into Tendernefs. After Meeting a young Man came
to me trembling, and begg'd that I would pray for
him, for he had fpent too much of his Time in Vanity,
and had ftrong Convidions on him lor it, and had
been greatly aiie£ted and wrought upon that Day: I
exhorted him to deny himfelf, and to take up his
Crofs, and to follow Chrill, who hath laid, He -would
in no wife cajl off thofe who catne to hi?n [in true P'aith.]
He went from me very tender and loving, being bro-
ken in his Spirit.
From thence I went to Gwynnedd (or North ^^^^/i?i) iVi?r/»-
where on the firfl Day of :he \Nt':k wc had ,. very iraUf,
large Meeting •, in the Morning of the Day, a Voice
awoke me, wliich cry'd aloud, faying. Rewards
AND Punishments for well and evil Doings
ARE sealed as AN ETERNAL DeCREE IN HeAVEN,
which confirmed me that Mankind were happy 0:*un-
Jiappy in that World which is to ^ome, according to
L 2 their
J54 TX-f JOURNAL c/
1725. their Deeds in this Life; if their Deeds be good fas
L/VX> Chrift faid) their Sentence will be. Come ye Blejfed ',
if their Deeds be evil, Depart from me all ye that vjork
Iniquity^ and go ye Curfed^ &c. And^ if thou do* fl welly
fJjaU thou not he accepted ? And if thou do'fl not well,
' Sin lieth at the Door. And again, / have no Pleajure
in the Death of the Wicked^ hut that the Wicked turn
from his Way^ and live. Thefe, with many more
Texts ot the fame Nature, contained in the holy Scrip-
tures, are contrary to the Doctrine of perfonal Elec-^
tion and Reprobation, as fome hold it. We had
a Meeting alio in the Afternoon of the fame Day,
which was fatisfa6lory to many ; our Hearts being
filled with the Love of God, for which we thankfully
praifed him. The next Day we had a Meeting of
Minifters, in v;hich they were exhorted to wait for
the Gift of the holy Ghoft, without which there can
be no true Miniiter nor Minidry. I was concerned
to put them in Mind to keep clofe to Chrift, their
holy, fare Guide, and Bifhop, to be cautious of go-
ing before, leaft they fhould mifs their Way, and of
flaying too far behind, for fear we fhould lofe our
Guide ; and to he careful to keep a Cofifcience void of
Offence towards God^ and alfo towards Man \ that we
might fay to the Pc^ople truly, Folloiv us^ as we fol-
low Chrift ; that our Converfation might confirm and
not contradict our Docftrine, for our Saviour fays,
^•y their Fruits ye fhall know them ; Men do not gather
Crapes of Thorns, &c. and of fuch as fay and do not,
he charged his followers not to be like them, Matth.
xxiii. 3. The next Day v/e had another very large
Meeting there, in which many Tilings were opened
and declared, tending to eftablifli and build us up in
our Faith in Chritl. After this Meeting, parting
with my Friend John Cadwalladcr, who had accom-
panied me, 1 cimt homeward, lodging that Nigbc
at Alorrls Morris's (whofe Wife was very weakly)
vvidi whom we had a tender Time.
The
THOMAS CHALKLET. 155
The 29th of the Fifth Month I was at the General 1725.
Meeting at German town ^ which was a large and good v-x v-s^
Meeting -, going Home I went to fee Richard Buzb}\ ioZnr'
who was not well ; he fliid the Company of his Friends
revived him. Next D.iy I went to vilit Jane Breint-
nall, who was feized with the Dead-Palfy on one
Side, and the Lord was pleafed to comfort us to-
gether, as (he exprefled, to our mutual Satisfaction.
O.T the 30th of the faid Month was our Quarterly-
meeting of Minillers at Philadelphia^ where humble fhUaiei-
Walking with God was recommended and pray'd for, Z'^"'*'
and it was defired that Minifters might be exemplary
therein, having Chrift for their Pattern.
On the ifb of the Sixth Month, I was at our Meet-
ing at Frankfort^ which was a dull Meeting to me and
divers others, a lively Exercife of Spirit being too
much wanting among many, and clofe walking with
God in Converfation : If we would really enjoy the
Love and Prefence of Chrift in our religious Meetings,
we ought to keep near to him in our daily Converfa-
tion, which that v/e might d^o^ was humbly defired
in Supplication and Prayer to God.
The young Man who came to me under great Con-
cern of Mind after the Funeral ot John Riitlidge^
wrote to me, that he was followed with the judgments
of God for his manifold TranfgreiBons, defirihgthat
I would pray for him. In Anfwer to his Letter, I
wrote him to the following EfYed: :
Frankfort, jth of the 6th Month 1725.
' npHINE from Burlington of the 26th of the c,tb
' Jl Month I received, by which I perceive the
* Hand of the Almighty hath been upon thee for thy
« Vanity and Folly ; and I defire that thou may be
' very careful to keep clofe to that Hand, and do noc
' go from under it, but mind the Light of Chrift'
' that hath difcovered God to be great and good,
L 3 and
156 The JOVRlSiAL of
1725. * and his dear Son to betny S^iviour, and Sin and
WN.> * Satan to be evil, which Evil fif thou follows it)
' will certainly bring thee to Deftruflion and eternal
« Woe-, but if thou follows Chrill, and walks accord-
* ing to that Light by which he hath manifefled Sin
* to be exceeding finful, in his Time, as thou waits in
« Pidence, he will hrin^ thee tljrough iiis righteous
* Judgments unto Victory.
Wait, O wait in Patience upon God, if it be all
' thy Days ! / will hear the Indignation of the Lord,
* becaufe I have finned againd him, faid the p-ophet
' Micah, Ag:''.in3 All the Days of my appointed Time
^ will I wait till Ply Change comesy Uy^ Job.
' Thou art voung in YearSj and young in Experi-
« ence in the V/ork of Grace, wherefore advife with
'■ folid, good Men, if thou nneets with inv/ard or out-
^ wardStraits and DifHculiies, for the Enemy will not
« eafily let go his Hold which he hath had of thee ;
« therefore v/alk circumfpeftly, and fhun evil Com-
* pany. As to praying in a Form of Words (^with-
' our the Spirit helps, in order to open them accord-
'^ ing to thy State and Condition) that will not avail :
* A Sigh or a Groan, thro' the Help of the Spirit, is
' much more acceptable to God, than any Forms
' without it,
•• That in rhe Lord's Time thou may'fl: enjoy the
' Reward of Peace, is the Defire of thy Friend
r. c.
The young flan took this Counfel well, and kept
to Meetings, a'~d ! chaved foberly for a Time, but
afterwards ran ou:, kept bad Company, took to
Drinking to Excefs, ran himfejfin Debt, and at length
into -^ Goal, which hath been the unhappy Cafe of
many unftable Youth*?, wro, PFhen they knew God,
they glorified him not as God^ neither were tkmkful, but
becavis
THOMAS CHALKLEr 157
became vain in their Imaginations ^ and tkdr fcolijh 1725.
Hearts became darkned.
In this Month I was at Bybury and Ahington Meet- ^.r^^^^■y.
ings, in which we were favour d with the immediate
Power and Prefence of Chrift, to our great Comtorc
and Edification, the Vifitation of divine Love to
the Youth having a good EtFe6t on fome of them,
and the latter Meeting ended with Praife to the Al-
mighty, after Supplications for all Men, from our
King rn the Throne, to the meaneft of his Subje6ls.
In my Travels I met with aPerfon who queryM of
me. How he fhould know which Society had moft of
the holy Spirit, fince moft of the Profeffors of Chrift
do believe in the holy Ghoft (or Spirit.)
To whom I made the following Aniwcr, viz.
Let the Rule of Chrift determine this Queftion ;
he fays. By their Fruits ye Jhall know them i Do Men
gather Grapes of 'Thorns^ or JFiggs ofThiJiles ? Matt. vii.
16. The Fruits then of the Spirit of Chrift are Love,
Faith, Hope, Patience, Humility, Temperance,
Godlinefs, brotherly Kindnefs and Charity, with all
Manner of Virtues. Therefore the Society of Chrif-
tians, who brings forth moft of the Fruits of the holy
Spirit, confequently have moft of Chrift*s Grace and
Spirit. But fome objed and fay, We will not believe
that any Society have the holy Ghoft now, or the im-
mediate Revelation or Infpiration of the Spirit, unlefs
they work Miracles. To which it is anfvvered, That
right Reformation from Sin, and true Faich in Chrift,
cannot be wrought without a Miracle, neither can we
bring forth the Fruits of the Spirit without the mira-
culous Power of Chrift.— ——Men by Nature bring
forth the Works of Nature, and that which is con-
trary to Nature is miraculous. Sin is natural, but
divine Holinefs, or the Rightcoufnefs of Chrift,
wrought in Man, is fpiritual, fupcrnaturai, and mira-
culous. And as to natural Men (that are in a Seals
of Nature) feeing outward Miracles, if they will not,
j-j 4 nop
A
158 . 7'he JOVR'N AL of
1725. nor do not believe what is written in the holy Scrip-
tures of the Old and New Teftament, neither will
they believe, altho* one were to rife from the Dead,
Notwichtlanding Chriil wrought outward Miracles,
and did the Works which none other could do ; the'
he cured all Manner of Difeafes, and fed many Thou-
fands with a few Loaves, and a few fmall Fillies (and
what remained, when all had eaten, was more than
there was at firft) tho' he raifcd the Dead, and him-
felf arofe from the Dead, yet few, but very few, be-
lieved in him, fo ps truly to follow him. His Birth,
his Life, his Do6lrin?s, his Death, his RefurreCLion,
are all miraculous; and fince all this was done in the
Ferfon of Chrift, and at the firft Publication of his
Religion to. Men, there is now no abfolute Ntcefiity
of outv/ard Miracles, tho' his Power is the fame now
as ever ; but he faid to his Difciples, He that believetb
on mc^ the Work that I do^Jhall he do aljo^ and greater
JVorh than tbrje Jhall he do, John xiv. 12. Upon
which W. Dell fays, Ihis miifl be underflood in Relation
to Sw •■, for Chriji bad no Sin in himfelj to overcome, but
iJDe all have Jinned, and to overcome Sin is the greateft
ofMiracles.— This will try the notional or nomi-
nal Chriflian, who fays, IVe can never overcome Sin in
ibis World. — Where then is our Faith in the Son
of God, who for this Purpofe was manifcfted,' that
he might deftroy the Works of the Devil, John iii. 8.
Ilcb. ii. 14.
Therefore let not Chrifliiansbe flow of Heart to be-
lieve in the glorious Goi'pei of Chriil -, and if we truly
believe therein, and live 'n the Praftice of his Doc-
trine, wefhall fee Miracles enough to facisfy us for
ever.
The i6ih of the Sixth Month I was at the Vv^eekly-
meecing at Frankfort, which, tho' a fmall Mte:ing»
wasfweet, reviving, and comfortable, tofomeofus;
fo that we had a lufficient Reward for leaving our Bu-
fmcfs (it biing the Time of our Hay Harveil) — -
Week-
v.kfiirt.
THOMAS CHALKLET. 159
Week-day- meetings are much negleded by many, 1725.
more is the Pity. The Apoftle's Advice is necef- w^"v^
fary for many in our Age, even of proteiled Chrif-
tians, viz. Let us confider one another to provoke unto
Love and Good-works, not for/akin^ the affemhling your-
felves together, as the Manner of fome is, ■ Heb. x.
24, 25.
The 23d of the Sixth Montn, my Cart-wheel,
being Iron bound, ran over me, and my Horle
kick'd me on my Head ; the Wheel put my Shoulder
out, and the HorCe wounded my Head, fo that the
Scul! was bare, and my Leg was forely bruifed -,
the fame Day Dr. Owen, and Dr. Graham, with the
Help of two of our Neighbours, fet my Shoulder,
and dreffed my Wounds ; and the Lord was fo
merciful to me, that the next Day I was enabled to
wriic^ this Memorandum of this wonderful Dehverance
and fpeedy Cure, tor which, added to the many I
ha%-c received from his gracious Hand, I have Occu-
fion to be truly thankful: I was obliged to keep at
home fome Time, and chought it long, becaufe I
could not go to Meetings as ufual ; but many Friends
came to fee me, which was a Comfort to me. One
Day upvv'ards of thirty Psrfons came from fevera!
Parts of the Country to fee how I did, and were glad
I was like to recover. The Day before I was fo hurt
(being the firfl of the WeekJ Iwasnt Meeting at
Philadelphia^ and was concern'd to fpeakof the Uncer-
tainty of Life, and the many Accidents v/e are inci-
dent to in" thofe frail Bodies, and exhorted Friends to
live fo, that they might have a Confcience ferene, and
clear of Offence towards God and Man, and then they
might expedl the Comforts of the holy Ghoft, which
in fuch Seafons of Difficulty would be a great Help
and Benefit to them, of which I had the fweet Expe-
rience the next Day, under great Extremiuy of Pain ;
and tho* the Pain of my Body was fuch that I could
not for feveral Nishts take my natural Rell, yet T
hid
i6o Th JO V^^^l AL of
1725. had Comfort thro' the fweet Influence of the holy Sp'rh
<^'\'^ which Chrill promi''id his Follow-rs, John xiv. 26.
On the J 8 th o: the Seventh Month began ourYckrly-
fhiiadei- "^^.^'^^"g at Philadsl^hia, which was large, andour
jhia. Friends, John Wanlon and V/illiam Anthony^ from Rhode-
Ijland^ and Abigail Bowles^ from Ireland^ had good Ser-
vice therein. From this Meering an Addrefswas lent to
King George ^or his royal Favour to us asa Society of
People, in giving his Affent to a Lawmadein this Pro-
vince tor prefcribing the Forms of Declaration, Af-
firmation, &c. infttad of the Forms heretofore us'd;
The Beginning ot the Eighth Month, being a lit-
tle recovert^d from my Hurt, I had a Defire once
more to lee my Friends on the Eaftern Shore of
Maryland, -xt thsrirGene'al meeting at Choptank. The
firH; Day I fet out, I travelled about thir-ty Miles,
and at Night was very weary, being but weak in
Body, and L was almoft re.uly to faint in my Mind
about proceeding any further ; but next Day George
Robinfon (at whofe Houfe I lodged) offering to accom-
pany me, we travelled about forty Miles to SaJJafras
River, and both of us, tho' much tired. Were com-
forted in each others Company and Converfation.
On the next Day we travelled near twenty Miles to
puy^Mi. the General meeting in Cd:cil County in Maryland,
v/here wc met with two Friends from Rhode-IJlandy
and two from Penfyhania, wno were there on the
like Occafion. The Meeting wa& large and quiet,
many People being there not of our Society, and
were very fober : The Meeting held feveral Days,
' wherein the Gofpel-Difpenfition was fet forth, and
The Love of God in Chrifl was exalted. From
Cffcil we went to Chejler River, and had a Meeting
there, at which the People were exhorted to come
CO Chrift, the eternal Rock, and true Founda-
tion, and to build their Religion on him, againft
whom the Gates of Hell can never prevail i and
they were fo much affeded, that they did not
feem
THOMAS CHALKLET, i6t
feem forward to leave the Hoiife after the Meeting 1725.
was over. From Chefter River we went to 'I red-Haven, v^V^
to the General- meeting of Friends for Maryland,
■which was very large-, fome Friends from P^nfjlvania
and Virginia being aifo there, and many People of
other Societies: Mnny Teftimonies were born to |he
Oper-.tion of Chrift by his Spirit in the Soul, and
Friends wereearneftly defired to be diligent in reading
the holy Scriptures, and to keep up the Prai5l:ice of
oui* wholfome Difcipline; by the Neg!e<5l of which,
.a Door would be opened to loofe living, and undue
Liberties. From Tred-Haven we travelled into the
Greal Forejl^ between the Bays of Chefapeak and Dela- ^^^'^^ ^^^
ware, and had a fuisladory Meeting ; as yet there rtit, *
was no publick Meeting-houfe in this Place, where-
fore I told the People of the Houfe, I was obliged
to them tor the Ufe of it ; but they tenderly anfwer-
ed, they were more obliged to me for my kind vifu-
ijQg of them ; and truly we had a folid, good Meet-
ing there : The People being generally Poor, they
had but little Notice taken of them by the Money -
loving Teachers, who preach for Hire. From the
Forejl I went to Little-Creek^ in the Territories of i^.*«^f-
"Penfylvania \ where was a General-meeting for the ^'^^ '
Counties of Newcajtle^ Kent, and Sujfex. The Meet-
ing was large, and Friends parted in great Love and
Tendernefs. And I went forward to Duck Creek, cnck, he
where we had a Meeting ; divers Perfons of Note
being there, and all were quiet, and, heard with At-
tention. From Duck-Creek I went to George^s-Creck^
and had a Meeting j where a Man of a fober Converfa-
lion, faid, That he never heard Things fo fpoken to be-
fore ; but that he could witnejs to the Truth of all thai
was faid. It was a good Meeting before the Conclu-
fion j but I was very low and poor in my Spirit in the
Beginning of it. From this Place we fct forward to
Newcajlle^ where we had a Meeting ; it was the Time ^iwtafik.
of the Sitting of the General AfTembly, and feveral
Members
i62 7Z^ J O U R N A L oj
1725. Members of the Houfe were at Meeting: The Go-
v/^-^w' vernor ,^vvho has from our firft Acquaintance been
very refpe^nfui co m;^ hearing that I was in Town,
fent to defire me to tarry all Night in Newcafile ;
but being engag'd to a Meeting over the Rivers
Chrijline and Brajidywim, and it being near Night,
I could not ftay, but went away that Evening, and
fent my I^ove to him, ciefiring to be excufed. That
(Night I lodged at John Rkhardfofi's^ and next Day
went to George Rolinfon'^^ at Newark^ where we had
a Meeting on the Firft-day, and on Second-day ano-
^arby.^""' ^^^^^ ^^ Providence •■> anc] vent from thence to Barb'j
to vific our worthy a:;,': ! Friend 'Jhomas Lightfoot,
who Jay very weak in Body, none cxpecling his Re-
covery ; I called as I went from Home, and tnen he
was very ill, and told me. He thought that Illnefs
would conclude his Time in this PForld, but faid, that
all was welU and likewife, that he had a great Concern
upon his Mind for the Growth and Profperity of Truth
in the Earthy and defired with Tendt^rnefs of Spirit,
that I would give his dear Love to all Friends ; and he
now faid, / never thought to fee thee more., hut am glad
to fee thee. I ftay'd there all Night, and in the
Morning we had a comfortable Heart-melting Time
together, in which was revived the Remembrance of
the many favourable Seafons of God's Love v^e had
enjoy'd in our Travels in the Work of theMiniftry
of the Gofpel of Chril!:, and we tenderly prayed, if
v/e never met more in this World, we might meet in
that which is to come, where we might never part
more, but might for ever live to fing with all the
Saints and holy Angels, Hallelujah to God and the
Lamb. From Darby I went to Philadelphia Third-
day Meeting, and from thence to my Houfe, where
my dear Wife and Children with open Hearts and
Arms received me, and I them with Joy i at which
Time I had a gracious Reward of Peace for my La-
bour of Love, which far exceeded Silver or Gold.
In
THOMAS CHALKLET, 163
In this Journey I travelled above three hundred 1725.
Miles, had nineteen Meetings, and was from Home ^^/V^
above three Weeks, in which Time I recovered of
my Lamenefs to Admiration i \o that I had with Sa-
tisfaction to remember the Apoftle's Saying, that All
Things work together for Good to them that love Cod,
Rom. viii. 28.
After my Return Home, I was at iheGeneral-meet-
ingat Frankfort ; and in tiie Beginning of the Ninth
Month, I was at Meetings at Ahington^ German-town^
and divers Times at Philadelphia, particularly at the nuaid.
Youths-meeting, wherein feveral Teftimonies were/"^'*''
born, and the Youth exhorted to Piety and Humility.
On the Fifth Day ofth's Month in the Morning,
beingundera Confideration of the many fore Exerci-
fes and Trials I had met with from my Childhood, I
was much affe6ted ; but the following Portions of
Scripture being brought to my Remembrance, afford-
ed me fome Relief, viz. Whom the Lord loveth he cha-
fieneth And if ye he without Chafiifement^ y are
Bafiards.y and not Sons -—And in this World yejhall
have Trouble, hut in me Peace^— So that I patiently
bore my Afliiftion, and prais'd God under it.
In this Month I was at the Funeral of our worthy, Thomat
antient Friend Thomas Lightfoot. He was buried at Burkdat'^
Darby, the Meeting was the largeft that I had ever Darby.
feen at that Place. Our dear Friend was greatly be-
loved for his Piety and Virtue, his (v/eet Difpofition,
and lively Miniftry : The Lord was with him in his
Lite and Death, and vvith us at his Burial.
After this Burial I was at one at ^Z'i;?^/^?^; the Meet-
ing was large, and, on that Occafion, feveral Things
fuicable to the States of the People were treated on,
I was alfo about this Time at German-town, and at cermm'
a General-meeting at Plytnouth, to my great Satisfac- '<'*""■
tion, being accompanied by my ancient Friend Row-
land Ellis J and at the Third-day Meeting in Phila-
May at the Time of our Fall-Fair •, there where
fervenc
164
I7je ]0 URN AL of
lyiS.
IVooi-
tridgc-
TluP)in£,
Ccvu-neck,
WfJihuTy,
TBethpage.
Srtavjkit-
fervent Defires, and Prayers, in feveral of us, That
tly^ Youth might be prtferved from the Evils too
prevalent at fuch Time': of Liberty and Prophnnenefs.
A'bout: the 20th of the Month I went for Long-
IJIandy being drawn in true Love to make a general
Vifit to Friends there ; and liktwife having lome Bu-
finefs to tranfacl there. On the fifth Day of the Week,
^hot7ias Majlers and I fet out from Frankfort^ and in
the Evening we got to a Friend's Houfe near the
Falls o( Delaware ; where we were kindly entertained,
and our Horfes taken good Care of: To take due
Care ofTravellers Horfes, is a commendable Thing;
and more grateful to fome Travellers, than to take
Care of themfelves. From the Falls of Delaware, we
travelled next Day to Pifcaitaway, and lodged at an
Inn •, and on the next Day we went to Woodbridge to
John Kinfey's, and on Firft-day we had a fatisfaaory
Meeting there with Friends and others ; and the next
Day John Kinfey went with us to Long-IJland^ and
that Night got to John Rodman^s^ and next Day we
refted, being v/eary with travelling fo far in the Cold.
Our dear Friends in that Ifland very lovingly, and
kindly, received my Vifu to them; io that I had
Occalion to remember that Saying of the holy Scrip-
ture, As Iron Jharpeneth Iron^ fo doth the Countenance
of a Man his Friend!
The fifth Day of the Week we had a large Meet-
ing at Fltfjhing.^ and another in the Evening at Obadi-
ah Lazvrence*s, which was an open, tender Time.
From Flufhing we went to Cow-Neck, to Jofeph La-
thamh, who went with me to IVeJlhury Meeting,
which (confidering the Cold) was much larger than I
expecfled. From Weflbury^ Nathaniel Si?nmons, Samuel
Underhill^ and Phebe Willet^ went with us to Beth'
-page \ where we had a comfortable Evening-meeting
at the WqvXqo^ Thomas Powell, who went with us next
Morning tp a Town called Setawket ; it was as cold a
Day's Travel as ever I went thro' in all my Life ; the
W^ind
>
"THOMAS CHALKLET. j6s
Wind was in our Faces, and Northerly 5 I do not 1725.
remember {though T had been a Traveller above tv^/^Nt*
thirty Years) that ever I endured fo much Hardnefs by
Cold in one Day ; my Chin and Jaws were much af-
fected with the Froft for feveral Days j but we had a
good Meeting that made up for all. After which we
went ten Miles to u^mos JVillet\ Houfe, where we hadt
a ferviceable Meeting : He invited his Neighbours^
who came and received us with Hearts full of Good-
will ; and thofe not of our Society, were well fatisfied
with the Meeting ; fo that we v/ent on our Way re-
joicing, that we were favoured with the good Prefenre
of God in our Journey. Amos Wiilet and his Wife
went with us to Huntington^ where we had a qui^r, ff»nm^t9»i
peaceable Meeting, and the Grace of our Lord Jefus
Chrift was with and among us, as many can wi.nrfs
that were there. From hence we went to Samuel Un-
derhiWs^ and vifited his weak Brother -, in which Vific
the Lord mightily refrefhed us together, and we blef-
fed his holy Name, for he is good to all than who puj
their Trujl in him. Next Day we had a larger Meet-
ing at Matinicock. Afcer this Meetinp: we went to ^^''f'"^*'
_-a t_? COCK.-
Thomas PearfaWs, and had an Evening-meeting at his
Houfe. The next Day, being a fnowy, fcormy Day,
and one of the Ihortcft in the Year, we wenc^ being 1 8
in Company, to Cow-Neck^ wliere we had a good Covj-v.rck.
Meeting, and much larger than could be expided.
After Meeting we went to Jofeph halham^^ and had
a tender, open Evening- meeting there, in vrhich v/c
were edified, and refrelhed, in Chrift jefus. From
Cow-Neck I went to Flu/hing^ had a 1 rge Meeting piufiin^.
there on the Firft Day of the Week, and on Second-
day we went over the Sound fwhich divides Lor:g-
IJland from the main Continent) to Horfe-Necky and jj,„^,^ ■
had a Meeting, where I underftood there never had i^n^k-^
been one before ; the People were fober and attentive,
and fome exprelfed their Satisfaft ion. That Evening
we had a Meeting at an Inn near Byrain River, where coxaeftii
divers '"'*^
i66 TZ'^ JOURNAL c/
1725. divers People came, and were attentive; the Inn-
"-/V^^ keeper, his Father, Brother, "Wife, and feveral
others, took our Vifit very kindly -, tho* there was
one reftlels Man, who feem'd to be out of Order with
Drink before he came into the Houfe, and when we
were fitting in Silence, waiting for the Gift of Chrifl:,
and worfhipping in Spirit, as Chrift inftituted, he
fittingby me, jogged me, and faid, ItwasTifne to hegin^
for there is as man'j corns as would come to Night -, tho'
he was miftaken in that; but he not having Patience
to watch and pray, went away ; after which we had
a good Meeting Thefe two Meetings were in
the Government of Conncuficutt^ where they formerly
m7.de a L-aw impofing a Fine of five Pounds on thofe
who fhould entertain any of our Society, which Law,
I was informed, was repealed in Great-Britain, From
thence v^e travelled into New-Tork Government, and
^y'- . , had a Meeting at Rxe^ and another at Marrineck ;
from whence we travelled to JVejl-Chefter^ and had a
Meeuing there on a Sixth-day of the Week, intending
to go over the Ferry next Day to Long-IJland ; but
the Wind being high and boifterous, that we could
not get over, v.e tarried three Nights at the Houfe
of John ^tcverifon^ where we were lovingly and gene-
roullv entertained : And on Firft-day we were asain
Chefter. ^^ W cfi^-Chfjler Meeting, which ended comfortably,
tho' I v/as in a low State, both of Body and Mind,
in the Beginning of ir. On Second -day we all got
well over the Fe-.rry ro Lo7ig-]JIand, parting with our
Friends at the Ferry in much Love and Good-will.
Jofeph Latham having been my Feilow-Traveller ors
„r n, the Main. I v/ont to his Houfe, and from thence to
kc. JV.''Jlbur\\ to a large Meeting, and next to Bethpage,
and had a Meeting there, and in the Evening, accom-
panied by Samuel Bozvne and Jcfeph Latham,, I went
to Jtriifalem,y and had a large and fatisfad:ory Meet-
ing: Many oi the People of the Town, who were
Smffleai. thcfej Came the next Day to our Meeting at Hempjlead,,
which
THOMAS CHALKLET. 167
v/hich was large -, the great Lord of all was good to 1725.
us that Day, which, I hope, many that were there, o/'^'-n-
will not forget ; and fome Convincement was wrought
on fome that were of Account in the World at thefe
Jaft-mentioned Meetings, particularly one who lived
at Jerufalem, with Tendernefs of Spirit defired m^
Remembrance^ whom I pray God to preferve fwich all
thole who love and fear him, and believe in his Son)
to the End.
From Hempftead I went to Matinkock^ where, on ^^,/«;
a Firfl: Day of the Week, we had a large Meeting, <•«*,' ''
and a folid, good Opportunity it was ; and from
thence to Thomas 'Townfend's on the Plains, at whofe
Houfe we had an Evening-meeting ; next Morning
a pretty many Friends from the Plains, went with us
to the South Side of the IQand, to a Place called
Rockwa'j, where we had a Meeting at Hicks's^ the p ^^
Neighbours coming to it pretty generally ; there was '"'^ *"^^*
great Opennefs to recieve the Doftrine of Truth in
thofe not of our Society, and they were very kind
to us in thofe Parts : This was the fecond Meeting I
had been at in this Place, Benjamin Holmes having the
firfl: there, fince which they had not been vificed bv
any Friend of the Miniftry except myfelf. Frorn
Rockway we went to FoJIer^s Meadow, where was a j.^
large Gathering of People, and Chriil: filkd our Meldow.
Hearts with divine Love. From thence I went to
Peter 7itus\, and had a Meeting at his Houfe, to
which cameche Neighbours, and were well afFe(5led ;
and next Day we had a Meeting in the Meeting-houfe
at Wejlbury^ which was very large, and to our Satis- ifv^j^^ .
fadiion. From l\ ejlbury^ in the Evening, we v;ent to
vifit a young Woman who had been in a defpairino-
Condition for feveral Years. The Family came to-
gether, and we put up our Prayers to the Almighty,
in the Name of his dear Son ; it was a good Time to
us all i and the young Woman, and fome others, ex-
prelVd their Satisfa«5tion.
M This.
i68 ^2;^ J O U R N A L of
•i'jiS- This Evening we went to fee another young Wo-
?/V">J man who was in a deep Confumption, but in a very
comfortable State of Mind ; having a great Defire to
fee me before fhe died, (he fent for me to come to her,
and her Defire was anfwered, her Spirit being revived
with a frefh Vification of the Love of Jefus Chrift, the
holy Phyfician ot Value, and our Supplications were,
that the Lord would be pleafed to be with her, and
fupport her to the End, and grant her an eafy Paflagc
from this Life to his glorious Kingdom, when it fliould
pleafe him to remove her, which Prayer we have
Caufc to hope was anfwered.
Tho' the Days were fhort, we rode about fifteen
Miles, and made thofe two Vifits, after that great
Meeting at IVeftbury, and theSeafon was exceeding
cold ', but our great and good Mailer fupported us,
and was with us in our Exercifes and Service tor his
Name and Truth's Sake. 1 lodged this Night at Jo-
Fiu(bif^S' PP^ Rodman^s^ and was next Day at Flu/hing Week-
day Meeting, which was very large and fatisfaftory, and
had a Meeting the fame Evening at Samuel Bowne's,
Ni-wYork, and the next Day, went to New-Tork^ and had a quiet,
good Meeting in the Evening at Samuel Harrifon\
and on the Morrow had an Evening-meeting at a
i^iiis. Place call'd the Killsy at the Houfe of Richard Hallet,
and the next Day being Firft-day, had a large Meet-
Ncwie-wn, jj^g 2^1 j^eivtown^ to the Edification of Friends and
other fober People,
It being now generally known that I was on the
Ifland, tlie People flock'd to Meetings, tho' the Wea-
ther was extream cold, for the Lord manifefted him-
felf in the Riches of his Love unto us in our Meetings,
for the Worfhipof his holy Name. The next Meet-
titcky mil. ing was at James Jackfoit's^ at Rocky-Hill, where was
Ju ige Hicksy the High Sheriff, and a Juffice of
Peace, with feveral other Perfons of Note, with whom
and our Friends, we had a good Time to fet forth the
V/orkofG race and Rtformation fas I think J to general
Satisfaction,
"Thomas chalklet. i6g
Satisfadtion, for which we bleffed the holy Name of 1725.
God, and humble Prayer was put up co him for all s^\'**^
Men, and particularly for our King George^ as alfo for
all in Authority under hira, and that they might be a
Terror to Evil-doers, and the Praife of them that do
well. The next Meeting we had was at Jamaica^ jmaicn,
which was alfo large, and feveral in Authority were
there, and were very loving and refpeflful after Meet-
ing. The next Firil-day we had a large Meeting at
the Meeting-houfe at Cow-Neck^ which was fomewhat cowNeck.
crowded. I was right glad (tho* my Exercifes were
very great j that there was fuch Opennefs and Room in
Peoples Hearts to receive the Dodtrine which I had to
declare unto them, in the Name and Power of Chrift;
afterwards we had an Evening-meeting with the Wi-
dow Titus^ to which divers Dutch People came, and
were very attentive and fober. On the third of the
Week we had a Meeting near the Place called Hell- Heiisatt,
Gate (a narrow Paflage in the great Sound or Bay,
between Long-ljland and the Main Land) feveral
Juftices and their Wives were at this Meeting, one of
which had difowned his Son, and turned him out of
Doors for coming among us ; but beholding his Son's
fober Converfation, grew more moderate, and after
Meeting he and his Wife invited us to dine with them,
but we were engaged to vifit the Widow Stevens that
Evening, at whofe Houfe we had a Meeting. Going
thither, it being very cold and ftormy, my Hands
where touched with the Froft, and perceiving it when I
came to the Fire, I called for a Bafon of cold Water,
which foon cured them : I note this that others may
reap Benefit thereby. Nex t Day we went to the Week-
day-meeting at Newtown^ and on the Fifth day at
Flujhing Meeting, which was large, and to Edification, Newto-vjm
and in the Evening had a Meeting at our ancient '^'''^^"^'
Friend Hugh Co^pperthwaif^s^ which was acceptable to
him (as himfelf exprelTed when it was ended) and to us
alfo. Next Day we had a very large Evening- meeting
' M 2 at
no ne } OVRN AL of
-i^. ztThrjnas Pearfall^Sy and 1 ike wife a large, good Meet-
/"^^ mg the Day after fbeing Firll-day) at Malimcock,
wherein the Kingdom ot Chrifl was exalted, and the
deformed State of Sin and Iniquity reprefented, and
the Example and Dodrine of Chrift clofely recom-
mended, in order to the overcoming Sin, this being
not only pofTible, but the Duty of Chriftians thro' the
Power ot Chrift, and true Faith in his holy Name ;
and the Danger of believing, that it is impofTible
to overcome Sin, was opened to them, and tTiat fuch
a Belief is contrary to, and againft Chrift and his Doc-
trine, and darkens and blinds the Hearts of Men ;
but the Love "of Chrift enlightens the Soul, and
ftrengthens it to believe that all Things are pofllble
with God, for this great Work cannot be done in the
Will, Wit, and Power of Man, but thro' the Power
-and Grace of Chrift, which he promifed to true 6e-
jievers in him. I was faint after this Meeting, but
refting a little I loon grew better, fo that we had an
Evening-meeting at James Cock's, where one came and
Told us, ive 7nvjl hot eat an'j Flejh^ and produced
•Thomas Tryon's Wo. ks for his Proof i but 1 took the
Bible, and fticwed hima Proof to the contrary, and told
iiim, we were refolved to believe our Book before his,
and fhewed him from the Apoltle, that the Kingdom
ot God is not Meat and Drink, nor divers Walhings,
hut Righteoufnels, Peace and Joy, in the holy Ghoft,
R'jmarisKiv, ly. Tho' at the fame Time, according
to ihe Do(ftrine of Chrift and his Apoftles, I was for
Temperance in Meats and Drinks, as well as Mode-
ration in Apparel. The next Day we had very a large
/*</r,.r;.(jr. ^vjeeting at Oyfter-Bay, many being there, who were
not of our Sodiety, who ftcadily gave Attention to
. V what was declared: Here being many young People,
they were periuadedto give up their blooming Years to
do the Will of God, and to remember him their Crea-
tor, in their youthful Days: Friends faid there had
not been fuch jl Meeting there a great while, for
which
mo MAS CIIALKLE K i;
which Opportunity I was humbly thankful to the Lordj i ; :
After Meeting we went to Samuel UnderhiW*^, and had *s.^\
•an Evening-meeting with his Brother, who, through
Sicknefs and Lamenefs, could not get out for a long
Time. Next Day, Samuel Bowne being with me, we
went to vifit a young Woman that was weak in Body,
but lay in a comfortable Frame of Mind ; fhe was
thankful for our Vifit, and faid the Vifics of her Friends
were comfortable to her. Next Day, being the
Fourth-day of the Week, we had a Meeting at the
Widow 'Taylor*^^ who defired it on Account of her
Father, who was in the 88th Year of his Age, and fo
infirm, that he could not get to Meetings ; he was
very clear in his Underftanding and Memory, and was
much refrefhed with this Meeting, as were divers of
us alfo. Next Day we had a Meeting at Flujlnng^ Fhp,:h
which was large and open, and the Grace and Power
of Chrift was with us in the Miniftration of the Gof-
pel. After this Meeting, we had an Evening-meeting
with our antient Friend Jofeph Tborney who by Rea-
fon of his Age and Infirmity could not go abroad as
far as to the Meeting : The Houfe was crowded with
his Neighbours and Friends, and we had a folid,
good Time together. While at Flujhing I went to
vifit a young Woman who was a moft difmal Speclacie
to behold, an Objed: of great Pity : Rer Face, Hand
and Foot being much taten away by the King's Evil -,
our Prayers were, that now in her great Mii'ery, ths
Almighty would be pleated to fupport her Soul by
his Grace and Spirit, and fandify her Afflivflions to
her, that it might work for her a more exceeding
Weight of Glory in that World which is to come.
The next Firft-day we had a large Meeting at Flufo-
ingy where many weighty Truths were opened to the
Satisfaftion and Edification of tiie Auditory, and in
the Evening we had a Meeting with the Wife of Mat-
thew Farringtou, who was too weakly to go abroad i
the Neighbours came in, and v/e had a feafonable
M 3 Opportunity
'D'
172 t;^^ JOURNAL 0/
1725. Opportunity. The next Third-day was the Youths-
iyV\) mzttmg at Fiujhing^ in which we were concerned to ex-
hort themtoObediencetoGod and their Parents, and to
follow their Parents as they follow Chrift ; for where
any leave Chrift, there we are to leave their Example,
though they were our Fathers or Mothers ; and the
right Honouring of our Parents was fet forth, and
they exhorted not to defpife the Day of fmall Things ;
and the happy State of the Obedient, and the unhappy
State of the Difobedient, and many weighty Truths
were delivered to them in that Meeting by feveral ex-
perienced Friends. From Flujhing I went to the
New Week-day Meeting at Newtown^ and in the Evening
'*'*"'• we had a Meeting at the Widow Wafs -, the Neigh-
bours coming in, we had a good Time with them :
The Parable of the ten Virgins v/as tretted of, and
the great Difadvantage of wanting the divine Oil of
Grace in our VefTels, was (hewn to them.
The next Day, being the 5th of the Week, we had a
very large, fatisfaclory Meeting at the Widow Alfup^s
at the Kilhy and from thence with feveral Friends
Nnv- went to New-Torki where we had three Meetings to
'^"^' our Edification, the Weather ftill remaining extreamly
cold, but we felt the Love of Chrift to warm our
Hearts, and tho' i think I never felt it colder, 1 never
had my Health better. Several Friends accompanied
us to the Boat at New-Tork, the Water being open on
thatSide,we took our Leave of each other, and put out
for the other Shore i but before we got there we were
blocked up in the Ice, and it was a confiderable Time
before we could work our Way through, but at laft
got well on Long-ljland^ where I waited fome Hours
for Company, who through fome DifRculty got on
Shore ; after which we went to the Narrows through
a Storm of Wind and Snow, but the Wind being high
we could not get over that Night, nor the next Day,
the Ice having come down and filled the Bay : When
the Tide had drove away the Ice, we put out and got
well
I'HOMAS CHALKLET, 173
well over, and lodged at the Ferry-Houfe on Staten- 1725:
Ifland. Next Morning we went to the Ferry at thev-zS^"^.
Blazing- Star, over againft Woodhridge^ but it was all
fattened with Ice, and we not daring to venture over it,
went to thePerry ^xAmhoy, and got comfortably over, Amioy.
llay'd there that Night, and next Day went to Tren- Trmtoa.
ton, and lodged at Capt. Gould^s, who treated me very
kindly, I being much tired with Travelling. Next
Morning I went over Delaware River on the Ice fas
we had alfo the Day before at Rariton) and that Day,
being the 5th of the Twelfth Month, I got fafe Home
to my loving Spoufe and tender Children, where I Frankfort.
found all well, and a hearty Reception, having tra-
velled 600 Miles, and attended above 60 Meetings.
After having been at Home, and at our own Meet-
ing at Frankfort, I went to the Quarterly-meeting at
Philadelphia^ where Friends were glad to fee me.
On the next Fifth Day I was at the Marriage of
Thomas Majiers and Hannah Dickinfon, where were
many fobcr People, not of our Society.
Having been lately among Friends at Long-JJland^
and been comforted in the many Opportunities we had
together,'it came into my Mind to vifit them with an
Epiftle at their Quarterly- meeting at Flujhing, which
was as followech.
Frankfort ^ \iih Month, 1725;
M^i dear and well beloved Friends^
ELIEVING it might be acceptable to you to An Epiflis
B
hear that I was got well to my Habitation in to Friend*
luch a difficult Time of the Year as I Tet out from j^J^ti!''
you in ; and alfo feeling the fweet Influence of the
divine Love of the heavenly Father, and his dear
Son our Lord Jefus Chrift, to arife and fpring in
my Heart and flowing towards you :
' It came into my Mind to write a few Lines to the
Quarterly-meeting of Friends at Flu/hing^ by way of
M 4 ' Epiill^
le
5
174 rhe J OV Rl^ AL of
1725. ' Epiftle, well knowing alfo that many of us are
lyVNJ « as Epiftles writ in one anothers Hearts by the hea-
* venly Finger of the moff High ; and thofe Charac-
' ters of divine Love fo written will noteafily be erafcd:
* I could willingly have been at your Quarterly-
* meeting, but that I had been fo long from my Fa-
' mily, that I was much wanted therein, and my
* coming Home was feafonable and acceptable, both
' to them and my Fr'.ends ; and I humbly thank the
« Lord, I found all well. Now that which is on my
' Mind to your Quarterly- meeting, is after this Man-
* ner, concerning the Government of the Church of
* Chrift, of which Church He is the holy Head and
* Lawgiver: Wherefore we are to fcek and wait for
' Counfel and Wifdom from him, in al! our Monthly
' and Quarterly-meetings, for the well-ordering of
* our little Society, which is growing and increafing
i ' in the Earth, and alfo in your Ifland fnotwithfland-
*• ing the invidious Attempts of fome Men of corrupt
*• Mindsj and it will grow and increafe more and more,
* as we keep our Places, our heavenly Places in Chrift
* Jefus.
* Dear Friends, the good Order of Truth and Go-
* vernment of Chrift in his Church, is a great Help
* to us and our Children, when carried on in Chrift*s
* Spirit [pray obferve or mind that] for if our Order,
* and Church-Government, be carried on in the Spirit
' of Man (as he is meer Man) tho' he is never fo
* crafty, or cunning, it will do more Hurt than Good
^ in the Church of Chrift. Chrift's Spirit mufl go-
' vern Chrifl's Church ; and when, and where that
' is over all, then, and there, Chri{l*s Church and
*■ Kingdom is exalted, ot whofe Kingdom and Peace
' there will be no End ; and happy will all thofe be,
* whofe End is in it. Mofes^ that Man of God, go-
' verned in the Jewijh Church in the Spirit of God, and
' when he found the Work too heavy for him, the
' Lord put his Spirit on Seventy more, who were
Help-
"THOMAS CHALKLET. 175
Help-meets in the Government i To that it was 1725.
God's Spirit that governed ; and while that ruled o-^'*^^
them, all was well ; but when they went from that,
they fell into Error and Dilbbedience ; and at length
the Mejfiah came, and he governed his own little
Flock himfelf ; and when he afcended up on high,
he promifed his Spirit fliould be with, and in his
Church for ever, and be their holy Guide into all
Truth, in which he would alfo comfort them : And
Chrift fulfilled this his Promife ; for when his Dif-
ciples waited at Jerufakm to be endued v.'ith Power
from on high, according to the Advice of their
Lorrlj they were filled with the Gift and Grace of the
holy Spirit : And when the Brethren and Elders rret
together about the, Affairs and Government of the
Church, they gave forth Rules and Orders from that
General-meeting to the particular Ones •, and the
holy Ghofl prefided amongfl them, which they
fignified to the other Meetings, faying* // Jeemed
good to the holy Ghofi^ and to iis^ to put you in Mind
of fuch and fuch Things. And while this holy Ghoff,
or Spirit, governed in the primitive Chriffian
Church, all was well ; God and Chrifl was glorified*
and his Church and People edified ; but by going
from that, the Apoftacy came in.
' Wherefore, dear Friends^ keep clofe to the Spirit,
Power, Light, and divine Life, of Chrift Jefus, in
your Monthly and Quarterly-meetings for the Go-
vernment of the Church, as well as in your Meetings
for the Worfhip of the Almighty i for if we go
from that, he will go from us.
* And, dear Friends.^ the Teftimony of Jefus, m
the Spirit of Prophecy, opens in me after this Man-
ner, That if our Society keep and live up to the
Spirit and Truth of Chriff, which hath been mani-
fefted to our Fore-fathers, and to us alfo in this Age,
the great Lord of all will profper his Work in our
' Hands,
176 r/je JO VRN AL oj
Hands, and blefs both us and our Children, as we
and they keep therein.
' And as we have kept clofe to this our heavenly
Guide, how hath the Lord fweetly manifefted his
Love and Power to us in our Meetings for the well-
ordering of our Society? Which many Times hath
iilled our Hearts with pure Praifes, and holy
Thankfgiving, to the high and lofty One, who in-
habits Eternity, and dwells in the higheft Heavens,
and is Light tor ever : To whom, with the Lamb
of God, who takes away the Sins of the World, I re-
commended you, my dear and well beloved Friends,
Brethren, and Sifters in Chrift, with my own Soul.
r. c.
' P.'S. Since my Return, I have been thankful to
God for the many favourable Vifitations and good
Opportunities he was pleafed to grant me with you,
and divers' lober People on your Ifland, in which
there is an open Door among many to receive the
Teftimony of Truth. I commend your Nobility in
building good Houfes, and making Room for your
fober Neighbours to fit with you in your Meetings;
this is of good Report concerning you, both far and
near, and, if I apprehend right, there is more
Work of that Kind for you to do. I thought often,
when among you, and now alfo. That there would .
be a large Gathering, if there were a Houfe built at
the Upper-end of the great Plains, not far from
FoJier\ Meadow ; but every one may not think or
fee alike ; tho* I know fome folid Friends among
you, thought the fame with me, about the Profpeft
of a large Gathering there-away, if a Houfe were
built ; to which Friends, and well-inclined People,
might come from Hempftead, Rocky billy Rockway,
Fojler'i MeadiWy &cc,
7. C.
After
"THOMAS CHALKLET, 177
After my Service on Long IJland^ I had great 172-.
Sweetnefs upon my Spirit for fome Time, which O^.'x;
ibmetimes caufed my Heart to fing for Joy -, and yet
I rejoiced in a trembling Frame of Spirit, and had the
true Senfe of what is written in the holy Scriptures,
^where it is faid, Serve the Lord with Fear (I tul^e it.
Filial Fear) and rejoice with Tremblings for fear of
hfing that precious Senfe of the Love of God, which is
in Chrijl.
On the 20th of the Twelfth Month (i\\t Firfl Day
of the Week) I was at Abington Meeting, in which -^*'V^»'
the Love of Chrifl was manifefted to us, in the Open-
ing of his Saying, Jf I be lijted up, I will drazo all
Men unto me^ John xii 32. The next Day I was at
German-town, at the Burial of a Son o^ Dennis Cunrad, German
at which alfo was our Friend Abigail Bowles. On the ^°'^"'
Sixth-day following, I went to the General- meeting of
Minifters and Elders at Burlington^ where I again met Burikiton.
with our faid Friend and divers others : The Firfl-day
Meeting was large ; and on Second-day v/as the
Quarterly-meeting for the County i and on" Third-
day was their Youths-meeting, which was large, and
many weighty Truths were delivered in that Meeting.
On Fourth- day we were at a Meeting at Springfield ; Sfrwif.tis.,
the Houfe was pretty much thronged, and Friends
were exhorted, thankfully to commemorate the Mer-
cies and Favours of the Almighty to them, and di^'i'u
red to enlarge their Meeting-houfes as their Number
increafed ; for in thofe Parts there was fuch an Open-
nefs in the Hearts of the People, and Increafe of
their Number, that Friends had already agreed on
building two Meeting-houfes between Crofzvicks and
Burlington ; their Zeal and Unanimity therein, was
worthy of Commendation. Fifth-day being the
Week-day Meeting at Burlington, Friends of the
Town defired 1 would flay at it •, I thought we had
juft before had divers good Opportunities, and my
own Inclinations feemed to lead to my Family •, bur
Friends
178 r^(? J O U R N A L ^
1725. Friends being defirous of my flaying, I did fo, and
vy^'V-v-^ we had a good, folid Meeting. After Meeting a
folid good Friend faid. He thought we had the heft
Wine at laft ; and indeed the Love of God, through
Chrift, is fo.fweet to his People, that the laft often
feems the beft, when it is only a renewed Vifitation of
the fame Love to his Children. So I went home re-
joicing that I was in fome good Meafure accounted
worthy to ferve fo good, and fo gracious a Mafter.
On the 6th Day of the Firft Month (being theFirfl
of the Week (I was at the Morning and Afternoon
Meetings in Philadelphia^ wherein thofe who call them-
felves Free-thinkers^ were exhorted to be careful of
drinking too freely, left they might juftly be called
Free-drinkers ; for many times fuch, when they
drink too freely of ftrong Liquor, think and fpeak too
freely their own corrupt Notions, to the Difhonour
of God, and to the Scandal of Religion in general.
Soon after I was at the Firft-day Meetings at Fh'i-
Jerfi^f!. ladelphia j and in this Month I went into the Jerfeys^
and was at three large Meetings in Company with Abi-
gail Bowles, m which our faid Friend had good Ser-
vice, to the Comfort of Friends, convincing of Gain-
fayers, and confirming the Weak, and the People
were glad of our Vifit.
The 15th Day of this Month I was at Burlington at
the Burial of my good Friend and old Acquaintance
jihraham Bickley^ at whofe Funeral were great Num-
bers of People, he being well-beloved of his Nigh-
bours : Chrift's raifing Lazarus out of the Grave, and
his Tendernefs and W^eeping there, was fpoken of,
in order to ftir People up to a tender, religious Exercife
of Mind, which is too much wanting among many of
the ProfefTors of his holy Name, who have too little
Senfe of that which fhould bring true Tendernefs
■ over their Minds, being more in Earth than Heaven ;
fo that they are dry and barren, as to the Things of
God,
"THOMAS CBALKLET. lyg
God. The Meeting ended (to Saf^'sfadionj with Sup- 1725.
plications to the Almighty.
A few Days after, I was at our General Spring-
meeting in Philadelphia, which was large ; where our
Friends Robert Jordan and Jbigail Bowles had good
Service.
This Week I was at four very large Meetings at
Philadelphia^ Frankfort, and Ahington, much to my
Satisfadiion, tho* I had no vocal Service therein •, yet
my Heart was broken into Tendernefs and Tears, un-
der the Miniflry of feveral weighty, folid Teftimonies,
that were born by good and living Miniflers, quali-
fied to preach the Gofpel in the Demonftration of the
Spirit, and with Power.
The 26th of the Firft Month 1726, I went to Ger-
man-town Meeting, which was large, and I was opened
therein to fpeak of the Vifion of the Prophet £2^^/^/,
of the holy Waters which proceeded from under the
Threfliold of the Sanduary, which the Angel mea-
furing, they grew deeper and deeper, until they be-
came a River to fwim in, Ezek. xlvii. 5. Which myfti-
cally Iheweth the Work of Grace, Converfion, and Re-
generation ; and that thefe holy Waters the Soul mull
drink of, and be wafhed, and baptized in, are fpiritual
and fupernatural, and therefore not. to be meafurtd by
the Spirit and Will of Man, in his natural iitate, ac-
cording to the Prophet Ifaiah, Chap, xxxiii. 21. Man,
before he can fwim therein, muft be itript of all his
Self-righteoufnefs, and artificial Religion, though as
fplendid and beautiful as a gallant Ship, or Galley
with Oars, which, in this Refped:, is agreeable to the
State of Men fwimming in elementary Water, where
the molt fkilful have fometimes loft their I^ives, for
want of being naked or unclothed ; and thofe who
had not yet attain'd much Experience, were advis'd
not to go out of their Depth, but to wait in Patience
and Humility, to enjoy the medicinal Virtue of the
Trees growing by the Side of this River, whofe Fruit
is
iSo r/;.' JOURNAL tf/
1726. is for Meat, and Leaves for Medicine, Ez^k. xlvii. 12,
s-^"*V"*^ The People of this Meeting v/ere generally Germans^
feveral of whom ftay'd in the Houfe after the Meeting
was over, and were broken into Tendernefs, in a
Senfe of the Prefence and Love of God unto us, for
which I was alfo humbly thankful and bowed in Spirit.
I was at the Third-day Weekly-meeting in Philadel-
phia, which was but fmall, confidering the large Num-
ber of thofe profefling to be of our Society in this
City -, thofe prefent were clofely and tenderly exhorted
to be zealous for good Works, and againft bad
Works ; not refpeding the Perfon of any Man ; the
Abominations committed by fome under our Profef-
fion, in this City and Province, calling for Humiliati-
on ; and as the Promife of God's Favour was to thofe
who mourn'd with Sighs and Cries for the Abomina-
tions among his People formerly, Ezek. ix. 4, 6. fo
now, as many as are under the fame Concern, may
hope for Prefervation and Salvation, if he fhould in
like Manner vifit us, as at this Time he doth fome of
our Neighbours •, there being a great Sickncfs and
Mortality in fome of the adjacent Places.
In the Second Month I vifited the Meetings of
jhverford, Ffiends at Haverford. Newtown. Radnor* and Meri-
o}i ', which Meetings confift chiefly of ancient jBnVw;j,
who are a religious, induilrious, and increafing Peo-
ple ; among whom my Service was (as they exprefTed^
to our mutual Satisfaction. After my Return Home,
I went to vifit Friends at the Falls of Delaware, and
was at a large Meeting in their new Meeting- houfe.
After a fatisfadory Meeting at Frankfort, on the Fifth-
day of the fame Week, I went with Ennon Williams
to his Son's Marriage ; and the next Day he, and fe-
Woodhnry- veral other Friends, accompanied me to Woodberry-
L,.ek. Creek, and had a good, open Meeting, and that Night
went to James Lord's, and next Morning went ro-
^aUm. wards Sale?ny and lodged at Ifaac Sharp's, ; where I
was informed of a great Mortality at Cohanjy, The
24th
■-ju tovin.
(.uHHty*
THOMAS CHALKLET. i8i
£4th of the Second Month was the General-meeting at 1726.
Salem^ which was a large Gathering of People of dif- v-'-Vv-
ferent Perfwafions, from many Parts of the Country, ^'^^'*'*
where the Do<5brine of the Gofpel was preached in great
Love to the People, which they heard with folid At-
tention. From Salem 1 went to ^lioway''s Creek and
Cohanfj^ and had Meetings there : I was informed Ohanjii.
that more than Seventy Perfons had lately died here of
a malignant Diftemper, tho' it feem*d to abate, none
dying while we were there. At Cohanfy the Meeting
was large and folid, tho' but few of our Society there ;
and they v/ere carneftly admonifhed to a proper Difpo-
fition of Mind, to fit them either for Life or Death,
and reminded of the Regard of the Almighty to fuch
as live in his Fear, who will have Peace in their Death,
and their Exchange will be glorious, when they are
taken out of this Life ; but with the Wicked it is
not fo.
From Cohanfy I went through the Wildernefs over
Maurice's River, accompanied by James Daniel^ thro* Mawisit
a miry, boggy Way, in which we faw no Houfe for *"""''•
about forty Miles, except at a Ferry, and that Night
we got to Richard Town/end* s, of Cape- May ^ where we-
were kindly received ; next Day we had a Meeting at
Kebecca Garrifon's^ and the Day after a pretty large
one at Richard Townfend^s^ and then went down to
the Cape, and had a Meeting at John Pagers, and next
Day another at Aaron Leamin^s ; feveral exprefTed
their Satisfadion with thofe Meetings. I lodged two
Nights at Jacob Spicerh (my Wife's Brother.)
From Cape-May we travelled along the Sea-Coafl
to Great-Egg-Harbour, had another Meeting, much
larger than the firft, at Rebecca Garrifon'%^ and here I
was much concerned to promote the fettling a Month-
ly-meeting, for the wellrordering the Affairs of our
Society.
We fwam our Creatures over Egg-Harbour River,
and went, over ourfelves in Cannoes, and afterwards
v/e
i82 The ]OVRN AL of
1726. we had a Meeting at Richard Smnmen^s, whith was
v^^'N* as large as could be expeded, confidering the Peoples
jiving at a Diftance trom each other.
The next Meeting we had at John Scull's ; and on
Firft-day we had a large one at Pekr White's^ and on
Second-day at Japbet Leeds*s, and then we went five
Miles through a Marfh to Little- Egg- Harbour River,
and had a Meeting in their Meeting-houfe on the
Fourth Day of the Week, and nth Day of the
Month, which was the larger by the Addition of the
Owners, Mafters, and Mariners, of two Sloops from
New-Torky who, hearing of the Meeting, came to it.
And the next Day we had another Meeting at the
fame Place, and lodged at Jervis Faro*s. After thefe
two Meetings, I left Egg-Harbour^ accompanied by
feveral Friends from thence, and travelled about forty
Miles, before we came to any Houfe. In the Evening
we reached a Friend's Houfe, where we were kindly
EuriingtoH, entertained, and next Morning we got to Burlington,
and fo Home, where I found all well, and was there-
fore thankful to the Almighty. In this Journey
I travelled about three hundred Miles, had 21 Meet-
ings, and was from Home about three Weeks.
In the Third Month I ftay'd at and about Home,
vificing the Meetings at I'hiladslphiay German-town,
(Phiiadti* Ahington., and Frankfort.
gkiA, «cc. 1^ ^1^^ Fourth Month I left my Family, and went
back in the Wo^ds as far as Oley, I was from Home
nine Days, travelled about one hundred and fifty
Miles, and had fix Meetings at Oley^ Perkiomen, and
divers other Places, chii-fly in Barns and open Places,
there being large Companies of People, and few Meet-
ing-houfcs yet built in thofe Parts of the Country. In
this Journey I fuifercd pretty much thro' the Heat. —
The firit Meeting was at the Iron-works fettled a little
beyond a Place called Mount Mifery \ I was concerned
for thofe People, having heard of their rude Doings
before I left my Habitation j and alcho* fome were
rude.
THOMAS CHALKLET, 183
rude, ochers behaved themfelves foberly, and expref- 1726.
fed their Thankfulnefs for that Vificaiiion, as I do for s-OT^
the Opportunity I had of clearing myfelf to them.
On my Return homewards I crofs'd Schuylkill, and
went to Samuel Nutt^s Iron-works, where I had a large,
quiet, folid Meeting: And the next Day I called to
fee my old Friend David Meredith^ who being about
2>(^ Years of Age, I thought it probable I might not
have another Opportunity of feeing him. He met me
with Gladnefs, and told me, // was their Meeting-day^
fo that I ftay*d, and was much comforted and ten-
dered by the Power of Chrift j after which I came
Home that Night.
On the next Firfl-day, after my Return, I went to VhiiadeU
Philadelphia^ and, after the Afternoon Meeting, to fc*^^^
'J)arby, and from thence to a Yearly-meeting in C/6f/.
ter County, held at Gojhen \ tho* the Seafon was wet,
this was a large, good Meeting-, at which there were
three young Men, who were lately called to the Work
of the Miniftry, whom I v/'as glad to hear declare the
Truth in the Power and Simplicity of the Gofpel of
Chrift, being of the Mind of Mofes, when he faid, in
Anfwer to Jojhua^ Would God that all the Lord's Peo-
ple were Prophets, and that the Lord would put of his
Spirit upon them. Numb. xi. 29. After this Meeting I
went to Springfield^ and the next Day returned Home.
On the 2 2d of the Fourth Month 1 went to the
Marriage of John Lee\ Daughter at Springfield, in
Chejler County : The Meeting was large, and I was con-
cerned to fpeak moftly to the young People, advifing
them to feek the Lord in that great Affair of Marri-
age, that they be careful how and on whom they fet
their Affeftions, and not to draw out one another's
Minds if they did not intend an honourable Marriage-,
and reminding them of the ill Tendency of courting
feveral at a Time, or fuffering feveral to court at once,
and that they be chafte and true in their Proceedings,
duly regarding the Advice of the Apoftle, Be not
N 'unequally
Peath,
1S4 77^^ JOURNAL 0/
1726. unequally yoked; for to be fure all fuch Marriages are
v./^^-N-/' unequal, when thofe who marry are of different Prin-
ciples in Religion. The Meeting ended with tender
Supplication for Prefervation through whatever Exer-
cifes, further Troubles or Trials, Temptations or
Affliftions, we might meet with in the World, that
we might end wellatlaft, and live for ever to praife
and glorify God and the Lamb, who, through the
holy, eternal Spirit, is worthy for ever.
On the Receipt of the laft Letter from my dear Fa-
ther, which I fomeTime fince mentioned, I was appre-
henfive it might be his laft, which it proved to be ; for
the next Letter from my dear Brother gave me Intel-
An Ac- ligence of his Death, which I received the 25th of the
^y^Fa?^ Fourth Month this Year. The News of my dear
ther's Father's Deceafe took fuch hold of my Mind (tho* I
daily expedted it) that for fome Time I was hardly fo-
ciable — Oh how have 1 been fometimes comforted in his
loving and tender Epiftles ! At the Receipt of which
I have cryed to the Lord, that if it pleafed him, I
might have a double Portion of the Spirit which he
gave to my Father : But Oh ! Now I muft never hear
more from him in this World ; yet in this I have fome
inward Comfort, that I hope we fhall meet where we
fhall never part more. — Here follows a Part of my
afTcdionate Brother's Account of my Father's Deall>
and Burial.
EdmontQjii z$tJ^oftbe ift Months 172^,,
Dear Brother,
s nriHIS comes with the forrowful Account of
* JL our dear Father's Deceafe, who departed thii
* Life the 7th Inft. after having been indifpofed about
^ a Fortnight.— I have herewith fent a particular Ac-
< count of fome remarkable Paffages, and his laft Ex-
* prellions in his Sicknefs 5 that Part relating to his
* Convincement,
■«5.
^THOMAS CHALKLET,. 185
* Convincement, he dcfired fhould be committed to 1726.
^ Writing, which I have done, and fent it to thee. l^VSJ
< I was with him feveral Times in his lafl IlJnefs, and
* moft of the two laft Days of his Life, as thou mayil
' perceive by the Contents. — Our worthy Father v/as
* honourably buried on the nth Inft. being carried
' from his own Houfe to the Meeting- houfe at Horjley-
* down, accompanied with his Relations, where was a
* large Meeting of many People, as many as the Meet-
* ing-houfe could well contain, and many Teflimo-
* nies were there born to the innocent, exemplary
* Lift, Integrity and honeft Zeal of our dear Father,
* fo concurrent and unanimous, that I have hardly
•known any fuch Occafioa more remarkable: He
* was accompanied from thence to the Grave very
* folemnly, and there in like Manner interred, where
* a further Teflimony was given to his honeft Life and
' Converfation, and lively Zeal for the holy Truth,
* whereof he made ProfefTion.
' Dear Brother, tho* it be a forrovvful Occafion
* of Writing, yet herein we may be comforted, "in
* Confideration that our Father went to his Grave in
* Peace in a good old Age : He had his Underftanding
* ^nd Memory to thelalt in a wonderful Manner. I be-
* lieve ^(as, I have fometimes faid) that he embraced
' Death as joyfully as ever he did any happy Accident
* of his Life : I remember one Paillige of his chearful
* Refignat^on, finding him fine and cheary when I
* came to fee him, a Week before hisDeceafe, and he
^ fhewing me how. well he could walk about the Room,
* and would have went out of it, tho' he was very
* bad the day before, fo that I faid, Father, I hope
'i thou wilt get over this lUnefs •, but he anfwered mc
* pretty quick and loud, No^ butldontthd*: *Tis
' not long fince he was at my Houfe, and was chearful,
* and well, but fpoke as if he thought it would be the
'i laft.'Tjme.— My Wife faid. Father, thou mayft
* live fome Years •, but he replied, /; it not better for
N 2 ^ ms
i86
T/je JO VKl^ AL of
An Ac-
eotlnt of
my Fa-
iher's Con-
vinceraent,
1726. « me to die, and go to Chrijl ? So, dear Brother, with
ly^^'S^ * dear Love to thee, my Sifter, and thy dear Children,
* and our Relations, I conclude with earneft Defires
' for thy Health and Welfare.*
77jy affectionate Brother^
GEO. CHALKLET.
My Brother'*s Account of my Father^s Convin cement ^ and
of his laft Sicknefs and dying fVords.
* My Father was born of religious Parents at Kemp-
' ton, near Hitching, in Hertfordjhire, the ift of the
Ninth Month 1642 ; his Father's Name was Thomas
Chalkley, by Trade a Dealer in Meal, by Profeflion
ot the Church of England, and zealous in his Way,
as was alfo his Wife.
' They had four Sons and three Daughters, 'Thomas,
Jobn^Geor^e and Robert -, Elizabeth, Sarah and Mary.
My Father (being the third Son) was convinced very
young at a Meeting by EnfieldChace-fide, near Winch-
more-Hill, through the powerful Miniftry of Fl^^'/Z/^w
Brendi\yhov/2iS an eminent Minifter in theLord'sHand
in that Day, and had been a greatSuIferer for his-Tefti-
mony in New- England. He was preaching, as I
heard my Father feveral times fay, upon the Words
of the Preacher, Ecclef. xi. 9. Rejoice, 0 young Man,
in thy Tontb, and let thy Heart chear thee in the Days of
thy Touthi and walk in the IVays of thy Heart, and in
the Sight of thine Eyes ; but know thou, that for all
theje 'Things God will bring thee into Judgment. Upon
which Subje(ft he fpoke fo home to my Father's State
and Condition, that he was convinced, and two
others of his Companions were reached and affed-
ed widi the Teftimony of Chrift's Truth and Gol^
pel ; my Father and two young Men had been
walking in the Fields, having religious Converfation
* together,
THOMAS CHALKLET. 187
« together, and were providentially direded to the
< Meeting, by obferving feme Friends going to it,
' whom they followed thither : One of his Companions
« was Samuel Hodges^ who lived and died a faithful
« Friend, at whofe Houfe in fucceeding Times a Meet-
* ing was fettled, and is there continued, and a Meet-
' ing-houfe built at this Day at Mims in Hertfordjhire.
< ^y Father was the firft of the Family who re-
< ceived the Teflimony of Truth as it is in Jefus, af-
« ter which his Father and Mother were convinced, and
' all his Brothers and Siflers, who lived and died ho-
« neft Friends, except one who died young, continuing
« in the Church o( England Perfwafion. Soon after the
' Convincement of my Father and his two Companions
« aforefaid, they met with a Trial of their Faith and
« Patience ; for being taken at a religious Meeting of
« Friends, they were all three committed to the New-
« Prifon in White-Chappel^ where having continued
« Prifoners for fome Time, the Migiftrates obferving
« their Chriflian Courage, Boldnefs and Innocency, and
' being touched with Tendernefs towards them, con-
« fidering their Youth, they difcharged them.
' My Father, about the 25th Year of his Age, mar-
,.'« ried my Mother fa virtuous young Woman) who was
L< the Widow of Nathaniel Harding^ a Friend, who died
4jF under the Sentence ofBanilhment for his ProfefTion
fV ot Chrift; the above Account I had from my F^a-
^M ther*s own Mouth ; what follows fell within my own
< Obfervation.
< My dear Father met with grea4: Exercifes and
* Difappointments in his early Days i he, dealing in
^^ his Father's Bufinefs, fold Meal to fome who broke
* in his Debt, which brought him low in the World,
« in which low Eftate he was an eminent Example of
.^.« Patience, Refignation and Induftry, labouring with
< his Hands for the Support of his Family, and con-
» fcientiouQy anfwered all his Engagements ; fo that it
« may be iuflly faid of him, he was careful that he
\ N 3 ' miglit
i§8 "The JOURNAL©/
1726. * might ewe nothing to any Man hut Love; and far-
iyy^\J ' ther, he was very conftaiu in keeping to Meetings,
' being a good Example therein, tho* in very hot
'Times of Perfecution •, for when Friends were forely
'.and feverely perfecuted on account of keeping their
' religious Meetings, and the Prifons filled with them
' through the Nation, and their Goods taken away,
' and much Spoil and Havock made about the Years
* 1680 to 1684, my Father conftantly attended Meet-
' ings, and never mifild, as I remember, when well ',
' and tho' he was fometimes concerned to fpeak by
' way of Exhortation to Friends in their publick
' Meetings, when they were kept out of their Meet-
' ing-houfes fby the then Powersj to ftand faithful to
* the Truth, and teftifying of the folid Comfort and
' Satisfaflion thofe had who truly waited on the Lord,
* which the Faithful enjoy'd, notwithflandingrheir deep
' and many SufTerings for Chrift's fake, and his Gofpel,
' it pleafed theLord toprefe^vehimbyhisdivineProvi-
' dence, that he did not fuffer Impriionment, tho' the
' wicked Informers were very bufy in that Time of fe-
*" vere Perfecution. I may farther add, that when my
* Father was about 60 Years of Age, he had a Concern
* to vifit Friends Meetings in the North of England,
* and fome other Parts of the Nation ; and in the 75tfi
' Year of his Age, he travelled to Chejier, and from
■ thence fin Company with James Bates^ a publick
* Friend, of Virginia) went over ^or Ireland ; in all
* which Services he had good Satisfaction, and was
* well received of Friends : Divers other Journeys and
' Tr<ivels he performed not here noted i but this Jour-
* ncy into another Nation at yc, Years of Age, fhews
* his Age had not quenched his Love and Zeal for his
•" Lord's Work and Service.
' In our Father's Old Age he was attended with
* very great Exercifes: About the 77th Year of his
" Age, as he was afTifting his Men in the Dufk of the
* Evening, he mifTed his Footing, and fell down and
* broke
fHOMAS CHALKLET, itq
broke his Leg ; and foon after his Leg was well, 1726.
he met with another Accident by a Fall, which dif-
abled him, and made him lame to his Death, never
recovering the Hurt he had by that Fall, which was
after this IVlanner ; he was fitting in a Chair by his
Door on a Plank, which not being fet faft, it fell,
and he, to fave himfelf from the Stroke of the Plank,
fell with his Hip on the Stones, and got hurt ex-
ceedingly, notwithllanding he was remarkable for
his Adivity ; he would walk (tho* fo aged, and alfo
lame) as far as the Work-houfe^ Bevonjhire-houfe^
and Bull and Afdw/Z> Meetings [two or three Miles
from Home.] The laft bad Accident that befel him
was about three Weeks before his Death, when,
being walking in the Timber-yard, a fingle Plank,
which flood againfl a Pile, fell down, and finking
him on the Side, threw him down •, he complained
not much of the Blow till about a Week after, when
he was taken with a violent Pain in his Side, on the
very Place where he received the Stroke, and,
when his Cough took him (with which he was often
troubled) the Pain was very great ; howbeit, thro'
Means of a Sear-cloth he received fome Eafe, and
the Pain of his Side abated, and the Cough went ofFj
but a violent Flux followed, and it brought him very
low, and extream weak ; fo that it was thought he
could not continue long •, upon which Notice was fent
to me, and I went to fee him, and found him very low %
but he revived, and changed often in this laft Illnefs ;
I having been to fee him five or fix Days before
having an Account he was ill, I then found him
chearful, and thought he might recover. He con-
tinued all the Time of his Illnefs in a patient and re-
figned Frame of Mind •, on a firft Day, in the Af-
ternoon, he took his Bed, being the 6th of the Firfl
Month, and in the Evening, after the Afternoon-meet-
ing ('which was the Day before his Death) feveral
Friends came to vifit him, who, finding him very
N 4 ' weajt
190 "the JOURNAL of
1726. ' weak, after a little Stay, went to take their Leave of
him, whom he defi.-ed to fit down, and after fome
Time of Silence, he broke forth in Declaration in an
intelligible and lively Manner, to this EfTed, laying;
IFe have no continuing City here^ hut feek one to come^
which hath Foundations^ whoje Builder and Maker n
God : Friends^ thai we may all labour to be prepared
for our lafi and great Change^ that when this earthly
'Tabernacle Jhall he dijfolved, we may have an Habitation
with the Lordy a Building not made with Hand^ eter-
nal in the Heavens^ and that ii fright he thus, the
Lord hath Jhewed the-e^ O Man. "d ''>at is good. Viz-
To do juftly.) love Mercy ^ and -n-alk hu:.: "'ly (.uith thy God.
I do not eicpe^ hut this will he the lajl Pit Jot I /kail have
in this Worlds and I deftre it may be remembered, as
the IVords of a dying Man 'which came to pafs, for
he died the next Day) O that we may labour to he
clothed upon with our Houfe that is from Heaven, fo
that when the finifhing Hour comes, we may have
nothing to do, hut to die. About one or two a Clock,
the next Morning, he began to change, and denred
' to fee me ; I came to him, and found him very
* fenfible, but expected his End quickly to approacTi ;
* he faying, he was waiting for his Change. My Son-
' in-law, Samuel Thornton^ being with me, and we
* fitting by the Bed-fide, with his Nurfe, his Houfe-
* keeper, and his Man, about the fourth Hour in the
* Morning he priiyed fervently after this Manner :
* Lordj nozv lettefi thou thy Servant depart in Peace,
* for mine Eyes have feen thy Salvation^ which thou hafi
* prepared before the Face of all People {thou hafi given
' thy Son) a Light to enlighten the Gentiles, and to he
* the Glory of thy People Ifrael ; andnow^ Lord he with
'■' thy People and Servants^ and preferve my near and
* dear Relations^ and keep them from the Snares and
' Temptations of the Enemy, that in thy Truth they may
'■ fear thy great Name,
* After
I'HOMAS CHALKLET. 191
* After a little Time of Silence, he defired me to 1726.
remember his dear Love, in the Life of Chrift Jsfus, ^w-v"^
to my dear Brother, Thomas Chalkley^ in Pevf\ha-
vMy and to all my old Friends and Acquaintance.
» About the eleventh Hour in the Morning he en-
quired how the Tide was, which no Body prefenc
could exa<5lly tell ; fome Time after he afked again ;
his Man then went out to fee, returning, he told him,
it would be High-water about three a Clock in the
Afternoon •, he then lay ftillawhile, and after fome
Paufe fpokc chearfully out aloud, fo that all in the
Room might hear him, I Jhall go off about Five \ his
Man faid, Mafler how do'ft know ? To which he
anfwered, Know, I do not knoiv^ but I believe it. After
this the Apothecary, one of his Neighbours (among
whom he was well beiovedj about Noon came to fee
him, and aflfed him how he was ? Father anfwered,
that for three or four Hours in the Night he
thought he fliould have gone. Why, faid he, Sir, it
will be no Surprife to you, I hope. No, no, faid my
Father very chearfully. He taking Leave of Father,
faid, The Lord be with you. To whom Father an-
fwered. And with thee alfo : The Doftor having or-
dered him a comfortable Cordial to drink, he drank
it willingly, and then faid, I don^t think to drink any
more in this World ; but I hope I (hall drink ple?iti-
fully of th€ River of Life : Then drawing near his
End, finding his Strength fail, there being a Cord
by his Order at the Bed's Feet, he raifed himfelf up
thereby as long as he had any Strength left in his
Hands, and when his Hands and Shoulders fail'd,
and his Head, when laft lifted up, he fpoke very low
and faultering, yet fo as I could underftand, and
faid. Now I am a goings and about an Hour after,
laying all the while without Sigh or Groan, de-
. parted this Life as in a Slumber in fweet Peace, ac-
cording as he had foretold, jufl as the Clock flruck
Five, in a perfedl Enjoyment of that Legacy our
' Saviour
192
"Tbe JOURNAL of
My Peace I leave with
1726. < Saviour left his Followers
^^'^"^ ^ you^ &c. leaving us of the fucceeding Genera-
* tipn, a good Example to follow ; who, as he
' lived, fo he died, like a Lamb, in the eighty-fourth
< Year of his Age, the feventh Day ot the Firft
' Month, 1725/
GEO. CHALKLET.
To which Account I fiiall add the following fhort
Teftimony concerning my dear and greatly beloved
Father, George CbalkUy, viz.
« I have a great deal in my Heart, more than I
can write concerning my dear Father*s Life, it hav-
ing been a wonderful Life to me from my Youth
up j his early Care of me, and'Counfel to me,
when I was too thoughtlefs and wild, melts me in-
to Tears now in the Remembrance of it ; and my
tender Mother was a Partner with him in the fame
Exercife, and fhe died in like Peace : The laft
Words I heard her fpeak, were, / long to he dijfolved.
And as to my tender Father, I would record a littk
briefly in Memory of him, that he was,
* ill, A true and faithful Servant of Chrift.
* 2d, A tender and affedtionate Hufband : I lived
at Home with my Parents about twenty Years, and
I never heard (that I remember) an angry Expref-
fion between them, only once fomething had trou-
bled them, and they both wept, my Father faying,
I have been an indulgent Hufband unto thee, and
my Mother anfwered, I have not been one of the
worfh of Wives to thee ; which were the harfhefl
Words, and the greateft Difference that I obferved
between them ; for their Life was a Life of Peace
and Love, and they were an excellent Example to
us their Children. Oh ! May we follow them
therein to the End !
' 3d, He had a fatherly Care for his Children, in
tender Prayers for us, and in good Advice to us,
' and
'THOMAS CHALRLET, 19^
* and in giving us Learning according to his Ability, 1726.
' and teaching us (by his Example, as well as Precept) o'V^
* Induftry, Humility, and the true Religion of our
* bleffed Saviour, endeavouring to plant it in us be-
' times, and to deftroy the evil Root of Sin in us,
' while young.
' 4th, I was his Servant, as well as his Son, and I
' can truly fay, his Service was delightful, and his
' Company pleafing and profitable to me ; and he was
' alfo beloved much by his other Servants.
' 5th, He was univerfally beloved by his Nelgh-
* bours, and I do not remember any Difference be-
' tween him and them, in the many Years I lived with
^ him ; but all was Peace and Love.
* 6th, He was very loving to his Relations, and
« true to his Friends, and a hearty Well-wiflier and
^ Lover of his King and Country.*
T. C.
- Our General-meeting at ir^«;^/^r/, the 30th of the
Fourth Month, was large, our Friend fp-'illiam Piggot,
from London^ being there (in the Courfe of his Vifit
to Friends in America) and had clofe Work and good
Service in this Meeting.
In the Fifth Month 1726, I vifited the Meetings
of Friends at Philadelphia^ German-town^ and Bybury^ FHUieii
in fome of which Meetings, as alfo ar our own at ^qI^^^^
Frankforty I had very comfortable Satisfadion : My town, &c;
Teftimony was pretty iharp fometimes to Tranfgrel-
fors, and therefore fome of them hate me, as the Jews
did my great Mailer : Becaufe I was concerned to
teftify, that their Deeds were evil, and to excite my
Friends to manifeft a Chriftian Zeal, by openly deny-
ing ungodly Men, while they continue in their ungodly
i^Works ; but when they become truly penitent, and
reform their Lives, the Arms of Chrifl, and his
Church, will be open to receive them.
Beinji
194 T;^^ J O U R N A L 0/
1726. Being under fome melancholy Thoughts, bscaufe
o^-^ fome Peifons, for whom I wifhed well, and to whom I
had been of Service^ were fo envious and malicious as
to tell falfe Stories of me, tending to defame me ; as I
was riding to oar Meeting, it opened with Satisfadioti
to my Mind, The more my Enemies hate tne^ The more
Til love^ if that can be ', and I had hearty Defires
to come up in the Pradice of this Refolution : And \
then thought I Ihould come up with them all, for if a
Man loves and prays for his Enemies, if they are gain-
ed, he is inftrumental to their Good, and fo. hath
Caufe of Rejoicing ; and if they are not gained, he
heaps Coals of Fire on their Heads ; fo that every
true Chriftian, by keeping under the Crofs of Chrifl,
and in the Pradice of his Dodrine, gets the better of
his Enemies.
In the Beginning of the Sixth Month, I was at the
Burial of Robert Fletcher^ a worthy Man, and one uni-
verfally beloved by all Sorts of People (as far as ever
I heard) There was a large Meeting at his Funeral,
wherein feveral Teftimonies, fuitable to the Occafion,
were born : Some of his lafl Words were mentioned,
which were. That he had lived according to the Meafure
of Grace given him. And the Dodtrine of the Refur-
re<5lion was maintained according to the Scripture, and
the People were exhorted to prepare for their final
Change. The Death of this Friend was a Lofs to the
Country, to our Society, and to his Neighbours, as
wen as to his Family and Friends.
v-mihiani. After Meeting I travelled towards f7w<:^/^«(5?, had a
Meeting there on Firfl-day, and on Second-day ano-
ther Meeting at Lewis U^alker's^ and on Third-day
Kivivfayd, was at the General-meeting at Haverford : Friends
were exhorted to dwell in the Love of God, one to-
wards another ; for if they lofl their Love, they
would lofe their Religion, their Peace, and their God ;
for God is Love^ and tbofe that dwell in Gody dwell in
; ..Love.
My
"THOMAS CHJLKLET. 195
My Neighbour Daniel Worthrington^ accompanied 1726.
me in this rough Travel, feme Part ot the Way being w^VN^
hilly, and very ftony and bufhy, and the Weather
wet. We had four Meetings, and rode about four-
fcore Miles •, and tho* I had travelled much in thi3
Province, I had never been at fome of thofe Places
before : But a few Nights before I fet out, I had a plain
Profpeft of them in a Dream, or Night Vifion, as
I faw them afterwards, which I thought fome-what
remarkable.
The People inhabiting this Province, are now be-
come numerous, and make many Settlements in the
Woods, more than I have obferved in my Travels
in any of the BritiJJo Plantations ; and there hath long
been a Defire in my Mind that they might profper in
the Work ot true and thorough Reformation ; and a
godly Fear and Concern being upon me, I have fome-
times put them in Mind of the State of this Land,
■when their Fathers firfl came and fettled in it ; and to
caution them of growing carelefs, and forgetting the
Lord, left he Ihould forlake them, and turn their now
fruitful Fields into a barren Wildernefs, as this was fo
lately ; which it is eafy with him to do, if he pleafes,
for the Sins of the People.
After my Return Home, I vifited many Meetings, MhigtoH-
as Ahington, fYouths-meeting) Philadelphia, and Che- ^^'/j''''^''
Jier. At Chefter I was concerned to dired; the People ChejirCf
to that Power in themfelves, v/hich is the Life ot Re-
ligion, and to be careful not to reft in the beft Forms
without it ; for if v/e had only the Form ot Godlinefs,
and had not the Lite and Power of it, it might be a*
reafonable for People to turn away from us, as it was
for our Fore-fathers to turn away from other Socie-
ties.
In the Seventh Month I was at our Yearly-meet-
ing held at 5«r/i«^;o«, for the Provinces of 7Vi?£^7tfr7^Y
Sind Penfylvania, which was a very large Meeting,
there
196 r/je J OVRNAL of
1726. there being Friends from New-Etigland^ Rhode-JJland,
S-^S/"^^ and Europe.
^fjham. Firft-day Morning I went to Evejham to the Burial
of our ferviceable Friend Jervis Stockdale ; he being
in good Efteem, there was much People: The Meet-
ing was in a good tender Frame, and continued fever^l
Hours fo, in which divers Teftimonies were delivered,
in order to ftir up People to Truth and Righreoufaefs,
and godly living, that they might die well. I lodged
the Night before at Peter FearotiS, and in the Morn-
- ing I was awaked out of my Sleep, as it were by a
• Voice, exprefling thefe Words ; He that liveth
AND BELIEVETH lH ME SHALL NEVEPv DIE. This I
cook to be the Voice of Chriit, I do not know that ic
rr/as vocal, but it was as plain as one. From thefe
Exprefiions I had to obierve to the People, the happy
State and Privilcdge of thofe who live and believe in
- Chrift, and that fuch muft not live in Sin.
During the Time of our Yearly-meeting, fome rude
People came up the River in a fmall Sloop, provided
by them for that Purpofe, and fpent their Time ,in
.drinking, carowfing, and firing of Guns, to the Grief
and Concern of Friends, who were religioufly dilcharg-
ing their Duty, in ferving and worfhipping the ^\-
mighty , and it is obfcrvable, that one of thefe difor-
derly Perfons had his Hand jfhot off at that Time, and
that the chief Promoters and A6tors in this riotous
Company, vv^ere loon after cue off" by Death, in ;hc
Prime of their Days.
After the General -meeting was over, which ended
V;ell, Friends in the Love of God departed in Peace
. for their feveral Habitations, praifing and glorifying
God.
In the Beginning of the Eighth Month, having
fome Bufinefs at Ca;pe-Ma'j^ I icrried over to Gloucef-
^r, and went the firll Night to James Lord^s^ lodged
there, got up before Day, it being Firft-day Morn-
^aUm ing, and rode near thirty Miles to Salem, where wc
had
"THOMAS CHALKLBT. 197
had a good Meeting, and fo went to Allowafs Creek, 1726.
Cohanfyy and through a barren Wildern^efs to Cape- ^-^^vn-'
Ma'jt where we had one Meeting, and returned by " '^'^^^'
Way of Egg-Harbour home ; in which Journey I tra-
• veiled upwards of two hundred Miles. At Cape-May
I was concerned to write a few Lines concerning
Swearing, as follows, viz.
« Chriftians ought not to fwear in any Cafe, for Againft
thefeReafons— ift, Becaufe Chrift, their Lord, for- ^'''^""-l^*
bad it -, unto whom the Angels in Heaven mull be
fubjed, and doubtlefs, fo mud mortal Man, to
whom he gave the Precept. We muft and ought to
be fubje(5l to Chrift, who is Lord of Lords y and King
of Kings, and the Judge of the ^ick and the Dead :
To him all Mortals muft be accountable for
their Difobedience. He fays, in his Sermon on the
Mount, thus, I fa)\ Swear not at all: Wherefore, ^''•'^' tS^
how can Chriftians (or fuch who are his Friends)
fwear, fincehe fays alfo, Te are my Friends, if -^e do^^f^"^'
zvhaifoever I coinmtind you. So confequently thofe
who difobey his Commands, muft be his Enemies.
To this Command it is objefted, that Chrift only
fpoke againft common or prophane Swearing : But
this muft needs be a great Miftake, becaufc Chrift
fays, // was faid in old Time, Thou /halt perform unto ^^' ^^-^J*
the Lord thine Oaths (alluding to the Lav/ of Mo-
fes) which Oaths were folemn and religious •, there-
fore Chrift did not only prohibit vain and prophane
Swearing, but all Swearing: If we underftand the
Word, All, and what all fignifies, then all and any
Swearing whatfoever, is not lawful for a Chriftian,
according to Ch rift's Law and Command, which i.s
pofitive to his Follov/ers.
' 2dly, Jajjies (the holy Apoftle of Chrift, our
Lawgiver, and our King) fays, Above all Things, James vaz.
my Brethren^ fwear not, neither by Heaven^ neither
by the Earth, neither by any other Oath. Chrift fays,
Swearnot at all ; and James, his Difciple and Apo-
' ftle.
%9^
1726.
Fhilaitl.
phia.
!Z^^ JOURNAL c/ •
ftle, fays. Swear not by any Oath \ wherefore, if-
fwearing on the Bible be any Oath, or is (wearing
at all, it is contrary to the exprefs Doftrine ot
Chrift, and his Apoftle James^ as is plain from the
above cited Texts.
' 3dly, The primitive Chriflians did not fwear at
all, in the firft Ages of Chriftianicy. ^eryy Whe-
ther our modern Iwearing Chriftians are better than
the primitive Ones, V/ho for Chrift, and Confcience
fake, could not fwear at all, even before a Magi-
ilrate, though legally called ?
4thly, Many Chriftians have fuffered Death, be-
caufe they for Confcience fake could not f.vear, and
fo break the Command of Chrift their Lord ; and do
not our modern Chriftians trample upon their Tefti-
mony and Sufferings? Some of whom fuffered Death
for not fwearing before tht Heathen Magiftrates, and
fome were martyred by the Papifts -■> judge then whe-
ther the Perfecutcd or Perfecutors were in the right.
* 5thly, Many of our worthy Friends and Fore-fa-
thers (fince the former) have fuffered to Death in
Goals for not fwearing, when required by perfecuting
ProteJlantSi becaufe for Chrift's fake and Sayings, as
above, they could not fwear at all : And this hath
been a Teflimony which our Society hath conftantly
born ever fince we have been a People, for the Rea-
fons above, and more alfo, if there were Occafion,
which might be given.*
The 23d of the Eighth Month, I was at the Morning
McQi'mg 2.1 Philadelphia^ on a Firft-day of the Week,
which was large, and I was concerned therein to exhort
Friends to labour to purge and cleanfe our Society of
fuch under our ProfelTion who live in open Prophane-
nefs, and are riotous in their Converfations. I was at
the Bank-meeting in the Afternoon, where we had a
comfortable Time : And the next Sixth-day of the
Week 1 was at our Monthly-meeting, where it was
unanimoufty agreed, in Confideration oi fome late in-
decent
"THOMAS CHALKLET. 199
decent' Condud of fome Perfons pretending to be of 1726.
our Profeflion, that a Teflimony from that Meeting v.^S"'^
Ihould go forth againft iuch diforderly Doings, and
unchriftian Pradlices ; and that all fuch Perfons, who
were irregular in their Converfations, be difown'd to
be of our Community, until they by Repentance ma-
nifeft their Reformation *, which was accordingly foon
after publifiied, and read in our Firft-day Morning-
meeting, and in our Youths-meeting. And about
this Time our Governor ifTued a feafonable Procla-
mation againfl Drinking to Excefs, Gaming, Swear-
ing prophanely, Revelling, Night-walking, and Dif-
turbing the Peace, and other Immoralities ; which
afforded fome Satisfaction to fober and well-inclined
Friends, and others : Yet there remained a great £x-
ercife and Concern upon my Mind, that fome young
People, whofe Parents had been careful in training
them up, were grown fo wicked, that by their ex-
travagant Conduct, they not only difturbd our reli-
gious Meetings, but likewife became obnoxious to
the peaceable Government we live under.
In the Ninth Month I v/as at divers Meetings, at
Merion^ German towiit Fair hill ^ Abington, and Phila- MnhH.
delphia ; in which were feveral Marriages folemnized ^^™^'c.
ill a religious Manner. And in the Tenth Month, I
went into the County of Salem, about my Aii'airs : It
happened to be at the Time of the Quarterly-meeting
for Salem and Cloucejler Counties ; but I did not know
of it, until I came to Salem^ where Friends were glad «y^'V«,
to fee me, as alfo I was to fee them •, there were fome
of us whofe Hearts were knit and united together as
Jonathan*^ and David's^ the divine Love of God be-
ing much fhed abroad in our Hearts at that Meeting ;
When it was over, and I had finifhed my Bufinefs, I
could not be clear in my Mind, without having fome
Meetings in the fiid Countits of Salem and Gloucejier j
and tho' it was a fickly Time, and People died pretty
much in thofe Parts where we were going, James Lord
O and
200 t;^^ J O U R N A L ^
1726. and I, in the Love of Chrifl, vifited the Meetings at
iy>,r\^ Allowafs Creek, Cohanfy^ Pile*s- Grove, fFoodberryj
Co/;fl«/y, ]}fewton, and Haddonfield, having Meetings every Day
in the Week, except the laft, and fometimes riding
near twenty Miles after Meeting, the Days being at
the (horteft, and the Weather very cold ; but the
Lord was with us, which made fufficient Amends for
all the bodily Hardfhipswemet with.
I got home well, but weary ; and was well and joy-
fully received by my loving Spoufe, Children, and
Servants j and I was truly thankful to the Moll
High for his Prefenceand Goodnefs continued to me *, fo
that, tho' I perceived my bodily Strength to decline a-
pace, my Sight, Hearing, and Voice, failing much,
I have Occafion to believe, at times I was helped even
beyond Nature in the Work of Chriil, my dear Lord
and Mafter.
The 27th of the Tenth Month, I heard the News
of the Death of my dear Friend John Lee (hy one
knttodefire my Company at his Burial.) It afFeded
me with Sorrow, he being an old Acquaintance, and
inward Friend of mine, with whom I had travelled
many Miles : He was a living, ferviceable Miniller of
the Gofpel of Chrilt, and inftrumental to convince
divers of that Principle of divine Light and Truth,
which we profefs. I could not be at his Burial, be-
caufe of my Indifpofition, and the Unfeafonablenefs of
the Weather j yet I think it my Duty, to fay this con-
cerning him j 'That Qur Love and Friend/hip was conjiant
and intire unto the Endy having been acquainted about
iJArty-five I'ears^ as near as 1 can remember.
In the Eleventh Month, as I was meditating in my
Clofet, on the Duty and Beauty of that great Virtue
of 'Temperance, it appeared very bright to ttie View
of my Mind, and the great Benefit of it to thofe who
loved and lived in it: ift, As to Religion, it tends to
keep the Mind in an even Temper, which is a Help
to Devotion, and the Pradice of religious Duties.
2dly
T^HOMAS CHALKLET. 201
2dly, It is a great Prefervative to Health and a good 1726.
Conftitution. ^dly. It is a Blefling to Pofterity, in s-Opx-',
many Confiderations. Whereas Inteiwperance deftroys
the Health, ftains the Reputation, hurts Pofterity,
(in relped to a healthy Conftitution of Body, and
Eftate) ruins many Families, brings to Poverty and
Difgrace, and what is yet worfe of all, is a great '
Lett to Religion and the true Fear of God, and is a
great Scandal to any who make Profefllon of the
Chriftiian Religion.
In this Month I accompanied William Piggot (who
lately arrived from London^ on a religious Vifit to the
Meetings of Friends in America.) From Philadelphia
we went to my Houfe at Frankfort, and from thence
to North-Wales, and had two large fatisfadory Meet- i^onh.
ings on the Firft-day -, next Day we were at the Month- ^"Z". ^^
ly-meeting at Ahington^ the Third-day at Frankfort, Frankfort,
and Fourth- day at German-town, Fifth-day I went to (^frman-
Philidelphia Week-day Meeting, and the faid Friend
to Abingdon General-meeting, and a few Days after we
met again at the C^arterly-meeting of Minifters and
Elders at Philadelphia.
The 8th of the Twelfth Month was our Youths-
meeting at Frankfort ; many dying about this Tim.e,
I was concerntd in the Meeting to put Friends in
mind of their Mortality -, and thit I had told Friends
lately, at their Meetings at Ahington and Philadelphia,
That as I was riding from my Houfe to Philadelphia^
about a Mile from the City, I faw (in the Vifion of
Life) the Hand of the Lord ft:retched over the City
and Province, with a Rod in it, in order to correal
the Inhabitants for their Sins and Iniquities -, v/hich
Sight affeded my Mind greatly, and altho I did not
hear any vocal Voice, nor fee any vifible Hand, yet it
was as plainly revealed to me as tho' I had: And that
notwithftanding I underftood fome flighted that Tefti-
mony, yet I obferved to them, that lince that Time,
more 'People were taken away than common, as they-
O 2 now
202 ^k ]0 XJK'N AL of
1726. now might fee; and indeed that inward Sight and
v^V^ Senfe I had of the Difpleafure of God for the Sins of
the Times, made great Impreflion on my Mind ;
and that no Flefli might glory, the Lord took, from.
the Evil to come, feveral fober, well-inclined young
People, as well as divers whofe Lives and Converfa-
tions were evil and vicious ; fo that all had need to be
warned to be watchful, and turn to the Lord, left
he come at unawares, and call us fuddenly out of the
World unprepared. In the Twelfth and Firft Months
many died, of all Ages and Profeffions ; and now
fome, who would hardly give Credit to what I had
delivered in feveral Meetings, began to fee the Ful-
filling of it, and great Talk there was about it: And
many folid and large Meetings we had with the Peb-
ple at divers Funerals about this Time, exhorting the
People not to flight the prefent Vifiration of the^ Al-
mighty, and to prepare for Eternity, to meet the
Judge of the Qiiick and the Dead, who ftands at the
Door. And among many that were t^ken away by
Death, were fome few of my particular Friends ; and
firft, dear Hannah Hill^ who was a bright Example
of Piety and Charity, fhe was like a nurfing Mother
to me in my Afflictions, as was her Hufband more
like a Brother than one not related, whole generous
Entertainment I may never forget at Times. Thomas
Griffith^ and Elizabeth his Wife, died alfo about this
Time: Thomas was a ferviceable Man, and well e-
fteemed in our Society ; and his Wife a noted Wo-
man for being helpful to, and vifiting the Sick; She
chofe the Houfe of Mourning, rather tHan the Houfe
of Mirth. Thefe were worthy Antients, who made
peaceable and good Ends, and to whom may be pro-
perly applied that remarkable Text of Scripture -,
1727. Mark the Upright, and heboid the Juft, for the End of
y^^^*^ that Man is Peace.
toBartg^ In the Second Month 1727, I proceeded on a
iZnTof'^ Voyage to Barbados on Account of Bufinefs, for the
Trade. SuppOtC
THOMAS CHALKLET, 203
Support of my Family, and in order to difcharge my 1727.
juft Debts, which were occafioned by great LoiTes by v*/Sr>s
Sea and Land. Many of my Friends were kind to
me, and fent a Cargo of Goods, in the Sloop John^
Anthony Peel Matter, configned to me for Sales and
Returns. When the Veffei was loaded, fhe proceeded
down the River, and I went by Land to Salem, and
was at Meeting there on Firft-day, and on Third-day
went aboard the Sloop at Elfenhorough : On the 8ch of
the Second Month, we took in our Boat and Anchors,
and proceeded to Sea. From Elfenhorough and the
Capes I wrote to my Wife, giving her an Account
how it was with me, and encouraged her to bear my >
Abfence wich Patience : It was indeed very hard for us
to part,
I may not omit taking Notice of an Exercife which
I felt one Night as I lay on my Bed in Philadelphia
(on the 2ift of the Firft Month, my Sleep being
taken from me) which I recollefted and wrote down
on board the aforefaid VelTel, and was in this
Manner, mz.
* That the Lord was angry with the People of
' Philadelphia and PenfyhaniUy becaufe of the great
* Sins and Wickednefs which were committed by the
' Inhabitants, in Publick Houfes, and elfewhere :
' and that the Lord was angry with the Magiftrates
' alfo, becaufe they ufe not their Power as they might
* do, in order to fupprefs Wickednefs ; and do nor,
' fo much as they ought, put the Laws already made
' in Execution againft Prophanenefs and Immorality :
' And the Lord is angry with the Reprefentatives of
« the People of the Land, becaufe they take not fo
* much Care to fupprefs Vice and Wickednefs, and
* wicked Houfes, in which our Youth are grofsly cor-
' rupted, as they ought to do : And alfo the Lord is
* angry with many of the better Sort of the People,
* becaufe they feek after and love the Things of this
* World, more than the Things of his Kingdom :
And
204 lie JOURNAL of
1727. ' And It was fliewed me, that the Anger of the Moft
<y\^ ' High would ftill be againft us, until there was a
' greater Reformation in thefe Things.' [// is worthy
of Commendation, that our Governor, Thomas Lloyd,
Jome times in the Evenings before he went to Reft, us^d to
go in Perfon to Puhlick Houfes^ and order the People, he
found there, to their own Houfes, till, at lengthy he was
indrumental to promote better Order, and did, in a great
Meafure, fupprefs Vice and Immorality in the City.'\
For fome Days after we were at Sea, the Weather
was pleafant, and we had our Health, for which my
Heart was truly thankful. I exhorted the Sailors a-
^ gainft Swearing ; and tho' they had been much us*d
to it, they left it off", fo that it was rare to hear any of
them fwear *, for which Reformation, fo far, I was
glad. I lent and gave them feveral good Books,
which they read, and fhewed much Refpedl: to me :
But foon after the Wind was contrary ffor fome Days)
and fome in the Veffel were quarreliome. I afk*d them
what they thought of the Saying of Chrift, viz. If a
liian Jmite thee on the Cheek, turn to him the other alfo ?
At which they were filent, and better conditioned to
one another afterwards, and we had fome Reformation
both from Fighting and Swearing. This Voyage
I was not fo Sea-fick as I formerly had been
(though I had, before I left Home, fome uneafy
Thoughts about my ufualjy being Sea-fick) which
I took as a peculiar Favour from Heaven. A-
bout the Latitude of 20 Degrees Norths we met
with Calms and contrary Winds, which was very
hard for fome in the Vefiel to bear, they putting
themfelves much out of Temper about it ; as for
my own Part, I had been us'd to Difappointments,
and therefore did not fomuch mind it. I fpent pretty
much of my Time in reading and writing, and God
being gracious, it v/as, in the main, a comfortable
Hme to me -, and I enjoyed my Health as well as
ever I did at Sea in my Life, for w^hich I often breathed
forth
THOMAS CHALKLET, 205
forth inward Thanks to the Almighty. On the 5th 1727.
of the Third Month we arrived at Barbadoes, and I n-''"v^^
was lovingly received by our Friends, but came to a ^^''^'^^o*''
very low Market for my Goods.
I vificed Friends Meetings on the Illand, and had
feveral open Meetings at Bridge-Town, and Spight's Bridge^
Town, and likewife at Pumpkin-Hilly and the Spring. Jj*'"/.
On the Day of Pentecoft (lb called) we had a Meet r/w», &c.
ing at Bridge-Town^ in which was fhewn, the Work
and Operation of God's Spirit on the Old World, and
under the Law ; and the everlafling Duration and
Operation of the fame holy Spirit under the Gofpel
Difpenfation, which^ Chrift faid, Jhould abide for ever.
At the Quarterly- meeting at Spighfs Town^ was Judge
Allen, and the Captain of the Man of War ftationed
there, with feveral others, not of our Society. I was
much drawn forth in this Meeting to fpeak of the
Power of the Father, Son, and the Spirit, opening to
the People how we had been mifreprefented, in refpedt
to our Belief in the Trinity, or the holy Three
which bear Record in Heaven, the Fat her ^ Word, and
Spirit^ which Three are One ; for that it was clear and
plain, that we are more orthodox in the Belief in the
Deity, than thofe who do not believe in the Operation
of the holy Ghoft ; as alfo that none could be true
Chriftians without it. It was queried. How could they
be clear in their Belief in the holy Trinity, or the
Three that bear Record in Heaven^ who believe the ho-
ly Spirit is ceafed in his Operations, Gifts, or imme-
diate Revelations, and, if ceafed, when, and where,
to whom, and how ? The People were very fober and
attentive, and flaid all the Time, and after the Meet-
ing was done fome Time, divers exprelTed their Satis-
fa(5lion Vv^ith what' was faid. My good Friend Peter
Sharp, of Maryland, was with me at this Meeting,
on whofe Account fome of the People came. He had
good Service in the Meeting, and I was giad of his
Company in this Ifland, where we joyfully met and
O 4 parted
2o6 ^eJOVRNAL of
1727. parted in the Love of Chrift. At this Meeting we had
each of us a Certificate from Friends, fignifying tlieir
Unity with our Coiive rations and Services. The laft
Meeting I had r ; Barbadoes^ was at Spight^^-Town, on
a Firft-day ; i- vvas a folid, good Meeting, in which
I took my leave of Friends there, and exhorted them
to believe in and hear Chiifl, he being a Teacher that
could not be removed from them, as Mm often were *,
and, though they were but ftw, they were defired to
meet in Chrift's Name ; and I had to fht w them the
Difference between us and other Chriftian Profelfors,
■who hold no publick Worfhip, if there be no outward
Teacher : Whereas, if but Two or Three meet in the
Name of Chrift, he has promifed to be in the midft of
them •, and he is the beft Teacher we can hive.
On the 14th of the Fourth Month we fet Sail from
this IQand, and, for the moft Part, had fair Weather
and fair Winds, and faw feveral Ships, but fpoke with
none,
I was one Evening leaning over the Side of the Vef-
fel, as being very lonefome (having little Converfation
with any in the Veffel, for divers Reafons) I turned
from all outward Things to the Lord, and was glad
to feel his Prefence and Goodnefs, which was a Com-
fort to me in my lonefome State ; and as my Travels
and Concerns had called and caufed me to be much on
the Seas, it alfo pleafed my good and gracious God,
to fupport me thereon many Times, in divers Trials,
Temptations, and Exercifes ; for all which, I bow in
awful Reverence before him, and return Thankfgiving
and Praife to his great Name.
The I ft of the Fifth Month, about Noon, we came
to the Ca^es of Delaware, and failed up the Bay ; but,
in a little Time, we touch'd the Ground with our
VelTel feveral Times •, there being little Wind, we got
no Harm ; but two Hours after, or thereabouts, a
Guft, or Storm of Wind, took us, which, if it had
met with us on the Shoals where we ftruck, in all
Likelihood
"THOMAS CHALKLET. 207
Likelihood we muft have periflied ; which I took to 1727.
be a remarkable Deliverance. Next Tide we got to C/VX>
Newcajlle^ and, it being Firft-day, I had a Meeting
with Friends there, with which we were greatly re-
frefhed in the Lord, and in one another. After
Meeting I went on board the Sloop, and, having a
fair Wind, we failed for Philadelphia, where we arriv-
ed about the eleventh Hour, lodged that Night at
Paul Prejlon^s, and next Day went home to my Fa-
mily at Frankfort^ where my Wife, Children, and
Servants, received me with much Rejoicing.
When I was in Barbadoes, P. M. who accompanied
me from Bridge-Town to Windward to Counfellor
PFeek^s^ told me. That when I was in the IJland
lefore, he and I had fome Difcourfe concerning the
life of the Sword, he then {not being of our Society)
wore a Szvord^ but now had left it off, and bis Buji-
tiefs alfo, which was worth fome Hundreds a Tear. I
had reminded him of Chrift's Words, that, Thofe who
take the Sword, fhould perifh with the Sword, Mat.
xxvi. 52. and, Reftfl not Evil, and if a Man finite thee
on one Cheeky turn the other alfo : Love EnemieSy do
Good to them that hate you, fray for them who defpite-
f idly life you, and perfecute you. After I had us'd thefe
Arguments, he afk'd me. If one came to kill me, would
I not kill rather than he killed ? I told him. No » Jo far ^
as I know my own Heart, I had rather be killed than
kill. He faid. That was firange, and defired to know
what Reafon I could give for it. I told him. That I
being innocent^ if 1 were killed in my Body, my Soul
Plight be happy ; but if I killed him, he dying in his
IVickednefs, would, confequently, he unhoppy ; and if I
were killed ^ he might live to repent ; but if 1 killed him-^
he would have no Time to repent ; fo that, if he killed
me, I fhould have much the better, both in refpeol to
tnyfelf and to hitn. This Difcourfe had made fo much
Imprefiion, and fo afFedled him, that he faid, lie
could not but often remember it. And when we parted
at
2oS ne JOVRN AL Of
1727. at Bridge-Toum^ we embraced each other, in open
sy^'Y^^ Arms of Chriftian Love, far from that which would
hurt or deftroy.
After I had been at home fome Time, I vifited the
Meetings at Philadelphia^ Burlington^ and German-town,
in which Places I had Service of divers Kinds, and was
lovingly received by Friends and others.
In the Fifth Month, Jojhua Fielding and John OxJey
had a large and fatisfaiflory Meeting at Frankfort.
Jojhua came from London on a religious Vifit to Ame-
ricaj and having been on divers Iflands, he landed on
the Main at South-Carolina^ and from thence travelled
thro' the Wildernefs 400 Miles, or more, where nd
Fublick Friend had ever travelled before : The Jour-
ney was perilou?, but the Lord vvas with him •, who
may, in his own Time, make Way for his Servants
in thofe defart Places. John Oxley came on the fame
Account from Barhadoeu ^J^d had good Service among
Friends in his publick Miniftry.
In this Month we thinking it convenient to fend our
little Children to School, and not having a School-
mafter of our Society near us, concluded to put our Son
and Daughter under the Care of Nathaniel PP^alton, to
whom I thought it my Duty to v/rite a few Lines
about the Salutation and Language I would have them
irain'd up in, which were on this wife, viz.
Frankfort, ^oth of the ^th Month, 1727.
Loving Friend Nathaniel Walton,
' T HOPE thou wilt excufe this Freedom which I
« 1 take with thee, in writing this on Account of my
< Children, in thefe Particulars, viz. Refpe6ting the
' Complement of" the Hat, and Courtefying, the Prac-
* tice thereof being againft my profefTed Principle^
' ift, Becaufe I find nothing like it in the Bible -, but,
' as 1 think, the contrary. Thou knows the PafTage
' of the Three Children of God, who ftood covered be-
' fore
THOMAS CHALKLET, 209
« fore a mighty Monarch ; znd Mordecai, who could 1727.
« not bow to great Raman : And, sdly, I believe Kj'^'^O
^ thofe Pradlices derived from vain, proud Man,
« And as to Language, I defire my Children may not
« be permitted to ule the plural Language to a fingle
« Perfon ; but I pray thee to learn them to fay, Thee^
« and 'ihou^ and 27?)?, and to fpeak it properly (divers
« ufing it improperly) and the rather I defire it, be-
« caufe *tis all along ufed in the divine infpired ho-
* ly Writings. I fuppofe thou art not a Stranger of its
< Rife being from the Grandeur and Apoftacy of the
< Romijh Church ♦, and, alfo, that Tou to a fingle
' Perlon, is not confonant to the Book of God, nor
« the true Rules of Grammar.— I know it is generally
*i objefted, ^hat the End of Speech is to be under -
« flood — But it is underftood better in and according
' to the Language of God, Chrifl, and the holy Ghoft,
< in the Bible, and the Language of Kings, and all
' People, as we read it in the holy Scriptures, why
< then fhould we be afhamed of it, or Ihun it, and
« bring in and uphold a Cuftom contrary to it ? The
* fame Care I would have thee take, about the Names
* of the Days and Months, which are derived from the
« Names of the Gods of the Heathen^ and are not
« found in the Bible. I fuppofe I have the Mind of all
* thofe of our Society in the above, it being confonant
* to our Principle and Profefllon, and I write in a Mo-
« tionof divine Love to all.
' As to the School-learning of my Children, I leave
* to thy Management, not queftioning thy Ability
' therein ; and if they want Corredlion, fpare not the,
* Rod.
' I hope thou wilt obferve this Direction in Teach-
* in my Children, in which thou wilt oblige thy al-
* fured Friend,'
r. C.
The
it
210 r^^ JOURNAL 0/
3727. The latter End of the Fifth, and the Beginning of
n^/'St"^ the Sixth Months, the Weather was exceeding hot,
fo that divers People died fuddenly of the Heat (as it
was fuppofed.)
The Beginning of the Sixth Month I was at the
jttH^toH. Youths-meeting at Ahington^ which was large, and
open to many ; and I not having been there fince I
came from Sea, divers exprefTed their Gladnefs to fee
me •, and we were that Day favoured with fome Show-
ers, both celeftial and elementary, to our Comfort.
In the fame Month I was alfo at the Youths-meet-
fhiiadeU ing in Philadelphia : It had been a fickly Time, but
^ '"' many had recovered. That Paflage opened on my
Mind, to fpeak of in the Meeting, concerning the
Lepers^ which Chrift cleanfed and healed, being ten in
Number, and that but one came to return Thanks to
God, for being healed, and reftored to Health, Luke
xvii. 12. Friends were exhorted to prize their Health,
and to fhew their Thankfulnefs to God, the Giver of
it, by fearing and ferving him, and taking heed to
Chrift, the Word in their Hearts. The Meeting was
in a good, folid Frame, and we praifed the Lord to-
gether, and gave him Thanks for his merciful Vilita-
tion.
About this Time I heard of the Death of our King
(G EORG E the Firjl) a Prince whom I loved and
honoured ; which News was very forrowful to me on
divers Accounts : His Love and Kindnefs to our So-
ciety, was well worthy our grateful Remembrance.
On a Third-day, being our Week-day-meeting at
Frankfort^ Elizabeth tVhartnaby and Mary Smith were
there : It was a comfortable Opportunity. They
were two Nights at my Honfe. Elizabeth was pre-
paring to leave this Lapd for Barbadoes, and Europe^
intending a religious Vifit to Friends.
"I The 20th of the Sixth Month, going into my Clo-
. j^ fet, I there met with a Paper of my Son-in-Law IJaac
->■" s Brown'Sy
"THOMAS CHALKLET, %n
BrCiVn^s, and finding the Contents were religious, as I 1727.
had done of feveral of his late Writings, I found it on v^Sr^
my Mind co write to him after this Manner :
Dear Son Ifaac,
' XJY feveral Writings of thine (of late) I perceive a Letter
' X3 t^^^ ^ goo<^ Thing is at work in thy Mind, the srlt^^
* which I pray the All-wife and Infinite Being to pro-
* mote in thy Heart, to thy eternal Salvation, and
' his Glory. I now begin to be in fome Hopes that
* my Prayers and Tears for thee, in the Lord*s Time,
' may be anfwered ; And I do believe, if thou keeps
* low in thy Mind, that God will more and more vifit
' thee. The Advice of David to his Son Solomon,
* when he alfo gave him the Kingdom, comes before
* my Mind to give thee.— ikfy Son, know thou the God
* of thy Father, and ferve him with aperfe5l Hearty and
* with a willing Mind •, for the Lord fearcheth all
* Hearts, and underfiandeth all the hnaginations of ths
' 'Thoughts ', if thou feek him, he will be found of thee j
' hut if thou forfake him^ he will caft thee off for ever^
* I Chron. xxviii. 9. Dear Ifaac, this was Counfel
' from one of the greateil and befl of Kings, to a wife
* young Prince, who petirioned the Almighty for di-
* vine Wifdom, before Riches, or Honour, or long
* Life ; which Peiirion fo pleafed God, that he an-
* fwered his Requeft, and, over and above, blefied
' him in an extraordinary Manner.
' I perceive thou art inclined to read pretty much :
' I pray thee, that thy chief Study in Books may be
< the holy Scriptures. Let all other Books (tho* of
« Ufe, and good, in their Places) be fubfervient to
' them ; for their Authority, of all other Writings
* (to the true Believers in Chrift) are moft divine -,
* they having a fupernatural Spring and divine Evi-
' dence in them to the virtuous and pious Readers.
* Thou, my Son, wilt much comfort the Heart of thy
* tender Mother, and of me thy loving and careful
' Father,
212 7'k ]0 VrLNAL of
1725. ' Father, if thou follows and perfeveres in the Ways
U'^'Sj ' of Virtue and Truth; which, that thou mayeft,
' is the Prayer of thy afFedionate Father-in- Law.
r. c.
The latter End of the Sixth Month, I went to the
General-meeting of Minifters and Elders for the £aji
Part of New-Jerfey, and to the Quarterly and Youths-
Biiriington. meeting at Burtington, and to a General-meeting at
^tony- Slony-Brooky and to the Quarterly-meeting of the Coun-
£u7kl' ty of Bucks John Oxleyy of Barhadoes, and Jojhua
County. Fielding, of London, were at divers of thofe Meetings,
wherein we had open, feafoniible Opportunities ; and I
had a large, affecfling Account from ye?/?'^*^, of his long
and difBcult Travels in the Service of Truth to the
Wefi- India Ifles, and thence to South-Carolina, from
whence he came thro' the Wildernefs by Land, thro*
North-Carolina, Virginia, &c. to this Province.
Teeaiy- The i6thof the Seventh Month began our Yearly-
S5/S^* meeting at Philadelphia, which was attended with the
fhia. gracious Prefence of God, to the Comfort and great
Satisfaction of many Souls. In this Meeting divers
young Men and young Women appeared, who were
lately come forth in the Minifiiry, and, as I believe,
had received a Meafure of the Gift of Chrift's GofpeU
which Wds Caufe of Rejoicing to the Faithful among us,
and excited our Thankfgiving and Praifes to the Al-
mighty Lord of Heaven and Earth
At this Meeting we had the Company of four Mi-
nifters from Great-Britain^ and one from Barbadoes,
and many from divers other Parts, it being a very
large Gathering of fome Thoufands of People (as was
believedj in which many were ftrengchened in their
Faith in Chrifl, and comforted thro* the Power of the
holy Ghoft, that blefTed Comforter, v/hich Chrifl promi-
fedto his Church, who Jhould be with them for ever^ and
guide the?n into all Truth,
■ Next
rnOMAS CHALKLET. 213
P<rnfa-wken,
Next Firft-day after the Yearly-meeting, I, with i^.^
feveral of my Neighbours, went over Delaware to a '
Meeting up Penfawken Creek j in which the wonder-
ful Love of God was declared, in fending his Son upon
Earth, who, as he was Man, died for Man, and is
now by his Spirit prefent with all thofe that truly be-
Jieve in him; he being the Meffenger of the Cove,
nant of God to Mankind.— And on Second-day,
being the 25th of the Seventh Month, I had the for-
rowful Tidings ot the Death of my beloved Friend
James Lord-, who, on his Death-bed, defired that I
might be fent for to his Burial. In the Confideration of
that Chriftian Love that was between us, I think I
may truly note. That we were always glad to meet
each other,; therefore the Thoughts of this fo fudden
Change, and final Parting, brought, for the prefent,
a Sadnefs and Heavinefs over my Mind; confidering
his Station in that Neighbourhood, and Service in that
Congregation to which he did belong ; for therein he
was well-beloved, and very ferviceable.
And Oh 1 The Lofs that his dear Wife and tender
Children will have of him, really affedls me with Sor-
row in penning thefe Notes; but the Sorrow, in thefe
Things, is all on our Side; for he, without doubt, is
at Reft with his great Mailer in Keaven. We had a
larger Meeting at his Funeral, than ever was known to
be there before (as an anricnt Friend told mej which
was folemn and ferviceable to many.
Some Time after, having been at divers Meetings
about home, John Oxley and I, in Company, vifited
Friends on Long-Ifland. At Flufmng we were at the ^^^ _,
Burial of Jonathan Dickenfon: Many People, of divers ifland".
Perfwafions, were at the Meeting on that Occafion,
and were very fober and attentive.-; 1 was at the
Yearly-meeting for the South-fide of the Ifland, at a
V\2iCtQ2,\\tdSeccataug^ which Meeting was large, ma--
ny Friends and others coming to it over the Plains. I
was afterwards at the Yearly -meeting at Shrewjhury^ Shrewr-
214 !77j^ JOURNAL 0/
,^2 7. '" ^^fi-J^^fi'^f which held three Days, and was very
l^.*-V>0 ^^'■§^5 and the laft Day the People were very ftill—
Jo/hua Fielding was at this Meeting, and was therein
concerned to preach the Gofpel of Chrift with good
Authority, and Matter fuitable to a true Gofpel-mini-
fter •, John Oxley was ill of a Fever, fo that he could
not be there j but there were Brethren from divers
Parts, and the Power and Prefence of the Moft High
was with and among us -, blefifcd be his Name.
RahMwaj' I was alfo at Rohaway River, where was a folid,
good Meeting. From thence I returned Home, hav-
ing been abroad about a Month, and at above twenty
Meetings, and travelled about 350 Miles.
In the Eighth Month, at Frankfort^ we had three
frimkfort- Burials outofone Houfe, at one Time ; the Mother,
Daughter, and Grand-daughter ('of which 1 had never
known the like Inftances before) on this Occafion we had
the Company of many Neighbours, and a very folemn
Meeting at our Meeting-houfe at Frankfort.
9hUadei* About this Time I was at divers Meetingsac Phila-
fhia. delphia^ Abington^ and Burlington: We had an Even-
urtngton, j^g. meeting at Burlington with Richard Sfnith, junior;
who had been fo ill that he could not get out to Meet-
ings for fome Months: It was fuch a fatisfadlory Meet-
ing, that he, and I, and others that were there, will
not eafily forget, our Hearts being broken together.
The World ftill continued to frown upon me ; but,
tho' my Cafe was fuch in this World, yet, at Times,
I had great Confolacion in Chriflj and, in the Midft
of my Troubles, when I looked back, I could truly
fay, That I had not been extravagant, but frugal ;
uox. covetous, hut charitable \ not idle, but indujlrious ',
not willing to be fuch an Infidel as not to take Care for
my Family ; it was fome folid Comfort to my Mind ;
and I blefs the Almighty, that I always preferr'd his
Work and Service to my own, and therein had great
Peace. This I can alfo fay, if it were the lafl 1 fhould
fay, That I never wilfully, or knowingly, wrong*d
any
THOMAS CHALKLET: 215
any Man, Woman, or Child, fince I came to Years 1727.
of Difcrerion ; and yet I have nothing to boafl: of ;
it is the Lord's Grace and Mercy which faveth us.
Having Occafion to make another Voyage to Bar-
hadoest I wrote to the Teacher of my Children as fol-
loweth :
Frankforty 10th of the loth Month, 1727.
Loving Friend^
* T BEING going to Barhadoes^ leave the Charge
' JL of my little Children to thy Care, not doubting
* tliy Management of them, by their growing in their
' Learning, pleafe to inftrudl them to Sobriety, and
* the Fear of God, and Faith in Chrifl i and, if I
' never Ihould fee them or thee any more four Lives
* being uncertain in this World) pray let them know,
* that it was their Father's Will and Defire, That they
* fhould mind their Learning, and, above all Things,
' mind the Fear of the molt Hi^h. When my little
' Daughter hath read her Teilament thro*, I would
* have her go to Writing j and George the fame, on
' the fame Terms, Pleafe to learn them the \J\q of
' Chapter and Verfe, that if any afk them where they
' are learning, they may tell. And, kind Friend, in-
* afmuch as I perceive thou haft followed my former
* Diredtions, 1 look on myfelf obliged to thee ;
* therefore am fo much the more iree: to impart my
' Mind to thee, now on my Departure i which, with
* real Love, is from thy loving Friend,
r. c.
' p. S. Although my Care is great for my Children^
* learning their Books, yet it is much more fo as to
' their learning true Piety and Virtue.*
On the 25th of the Tenth Month we fct fail from
Philadelphia, in the Sloop Dove, Ofwald Peel Mafter ;
having taken a folemn Farewel of my dear Wife, Chil-
dren, and Friends, in order for the Support of my
P Family^
ii6 r/;^ JOUR N AL ^
1727. Family, and anfwering my juft Debts, which I had
sX"V*^*^ contradled. On the 27th Day of the Month, in the
At Sea, Evening, we took in our Boat, and put to Sea; had
fome rough Weather in our Paffage, but lived com-
fortably i we being all loving and obliging one to
another. On the 1 5th of the Eleventh Month we fafely
Bariaiaes. arrived at Spight's 'Town in Barhadoes ; and the 18th,
between the Hours of five and fix in the Morning, we
An Earth, felt the greateft Earthquake that I had ever felt ; hav-
^"* ^' ing been lenfible of Three, one at London, one at Ja'
maica, and one at Frankfort in Penfyhania. I was
thankful in my Heart to the Lord for my fafe Arri-
val, and that we were all preferved fafe in our flormy
Paflage, and deep loaded Veffel -, one VefTel being
loft that came out a little Time before us, and ano-
ther, which came from our Port to this Ifland a few
Days fooner than we, loft three Men by the Violence
of the Storm, and received much Damage otherwife ;
one of them being a Neighbour of mine, with whom I
was well acquainted, it afFedled my Mind very much.
I vifitcd Friends Meetings in Barhadoes, and fome di-
vers Times over ; and had Occafion in fome Meetings
to mention the Earthquake, which I told them I did be-
lieve was aVifitation from the Almighty, in order to put
People in mind of Mortality, and to reform them from
the Evil of their Ways, and call them to Repentance.
While I was in Barhadoes, Francis Gamble died,
whomlwenttovifit feveral Times in his Sicknefs: At his
Funeral was a large Gathering of his Neighbours, and
others j and divers not of our Society, exprefTed their
Satisfaction with the Meeting. The People in and
about Spighl^S'Town in Barhadoes, were very loving
and kind to me, more than I ever had obferved be-
tore i even fome vile, prophane Men, whom I could
not forbear to reprove for their Swearing, and taking
the lacred Name in vain, yet they Ihew'd Refped,
- notwithftanding I reproved them fharply. Who can
take the facrcd Name of God into their Mouths in vain,
and
"THOMAS CH^ALKLET. 217
and be guiltlefs ? Or who can hear it, and forbear 1727.
reproving it, without being remifs in their Duty ? \y^'^
This great Evil is too frequently pradifed in this rich .
(poorj Ifland of Barhadoes (rich in Earthly, but poor
in Heavenly Treafure) which caufed me many Times
to mourn in fecret before the Almighty, praying him
for the Reformation of the People, for Chrift's fake,
and for the Glory of his own eternal Name.
The 27th of the Firft Month 1728, having done 172R.
my ^^^^ntkin Barhadoes, and feen Friends generally, v-/^v*^
an Opportunity offered for my Return home, in the
Brigantine Sarah and Mar'j^ Samuel Gallop Mafter, AtSex;
bound for Burlington^ in Company with William Bury
and William Callender^ both of Barhadoes. Our Mafter
was exceeding kind to us in the Voyage. The Wind
hanging Northerly, we could not go to Windward
of Martinico, but drove to Leeward, and failed by
the Ides of Luciaj Alartinico^ Dominica, Guardakupe^
Antigua, Montjerrat^ Rodondo, Nevis, CbriJlopher^Si Sta-
tia, Saba, Martins, Anguilla, Bartholomew's,, SGinhr;-
ro, and four other fmall Iflands, which are culled
^e Saints. It was very pleafant failing by tiicfe
Iflands, only fome of them were fo exceeding high,
that in fome Places we were becaim'd, and che Clouds
appear'd below the Tops of divers of the Mountains-.
At ChriJtopher*s> f which is counted the higheil of them)
there being a fmall River of good frefh Water, we
fent our Boat on fliore for fome, having none very
good on board : We lay off and on about two Hours,
but did not come to. I was thankful for this Water,
is being my conftant Drink ; it was alfo very fervice-
able to the People on board. After we left the Ifleof
Sombrero, we faw a Sail, which we thought ftood after
us, and hearing at Chrijlopher^s that leveral Spani/h
Privateers were on that Coaft, our Mafter, and fome
others on board, were a little furprized ; but we foon
left her out of Sight, and we afterwards went pleafant-
Jy on our Way till we came to the Latitude oi Ber-
P 2 mudas.
2i8 ^/^^ JOURNAL 0/
1728. mudas, where the Winds blew frelli, and much againft
V'^S'"^-' us ; and this Winter having been very hard, we felt
the fharp Blafts of the latter End of it. We had a
Paflage of about thirty Days, and came very pleafant-
ly up the Bay and River •, and it pleafed God that I
got home once more to my beloved Wife and Chil-
dren, and was joyfully received by all my Family,
whom I found in a good Degree of Health *, for which
frtjikforr. I did (as I had Occafion to do) blefs and praife the
great Name of the moll High, who is worthy for ever.
After I came home, I was at many Meetings in
Ftr.ryivtnia "Penfylvama and Jerfey^ viz. at Philadelphia y Burling'
•n Jtritj. ^^^^^ Brifiol, Biberry, Frankfort^ German-town^ New-
Hanover^ Crofwicks^ &c. in all which Meetings I had
fome Service to Friends Satisfaction, and was comfort-
ed with the Goodnefs of God in the Midft of my Af-
Muriin^toH, fliftions. — My Bufinefs lying much at Burlington, I
fpent pretty much of my Time there for feveral
Weeks ; where my Friends manifefted a tender and
hearty Refped towards me, and fympathized with me
in my Troubles and Travels -, and there I prepared
for another Voyage ; for I was fully refolved, thro'
divine Afliflance, to pay all my juft Debts fwhich I
contrafted, and lay on me, through many LolTes) or
elfe to die in the Purfuit of it ; in which Refolve I
had inward Peace and Satisfadion •, though fuch La-
bour, Travel, and Separation from my Family, was
a great Crofs to Nature.
On the 14th of the Fifth Month we went on board
the Brigantine Sarah and Mary^ Samuel Gallop Mailer,
ioT Barb ado es ', and on the 16th we failed down the
At Sea: Bay, and put to Sea, and I wrote a loving, tender
Letter, to my Wife and Family, and another to my
»iends at Burlington. We had fair Winds for about
two Weeks, after which they were contrary for feve-
ral Days, during which two of our Men had a Fever,
and our VefTel proved leaky (though tight in fmooth
W^ater) which was fome Concern to us, and obliged
us
THOMAS CHALKLET. 219
us to pump every half Hour i but the Leak being 1728.
much the fame, while at Sea, we were the more eafy tyVNJ
about it : I took care of thofe two People that were
fick, who foon recovered. The 3d and 4th Days
of the Sixth Month, it was very windy, with Light-
ning, Thunder, and Rain ; in which rough Weather
one of our beft Sailors put his Shoulder out of Joint,
and they brought him to me to fee if 1 could do him
any Service ; I was not forward to meddle ; but the
Man and the People believing, if I would undertake
for him, I might help him ; I told them, that tho* I
did not underftand Bone-fetting, I would inftrud them
the bcft I could ; then I ordered him to fet down up-
on the Deck, and to be ftript to the Waift, and got a
round Piece of Wood as thick as his Arm, and wrapt
a Piece of Cloth about it, that it might not bruife his
Flelh, and put it under his Arm, and ordered two
Men, one at each End of it, to lift up ftrongly, and
a third Man to ftretch his Arm out, and keep it down
withal ; which being done, the Bone went into its
Place ; for which I was thankful in my Heart to the
Almighty. — About the loth of the Sixth Month we
fafely arrived at Sptghi*s Town in Barbadoes, being the Berbaieei.
Firft-day of the Week. From whence I had an Opportu-
nity, hy Alexander Seaton^ Mafter of a Veffel bound to
Penfjlvania^ to fend an Account of our fate Arrival.
I had many Meetings in thellland, and made fevera!
Vifits to divers fick Perfons, one of which was particu-
larly to the Satisfadion of the Perfon vifited and his
Relations : He died, and was buried at HeathcoU*s
Bayy where we had a large Meeting at our Meeting-
houfe, where was many People, and it was a good,
feafonable Opportunity ; in which I had Occafion to
remind them of their Mortality, and prefs them to a
holy Life, the Way to a happy Immortality. I had
divers Meetings at Bridge-Town, Spighi^s-Town, and
the Spring ; where the Teftimony of Chfifl's Gofpel
was well received. And after a Stay of three Weeks,
P ^ i kfc
±20 rhe ]OUK'N Ah of
I left Barhadoes on the ift of the Seventh Month, and
took my Paflage in the Amity^ Charles Hargrave
A' Sea. Mafter, who was very friendly to me in my Paflage, as
were all on board. We arrived at our Port without
cafting Anchor in all our Voyage, and laid the Vef-
Phiiadei- fel to the Wharfe at Philadelphia ; and on my land-
fhia. mgl immediately went into the Meeting of Minifters
and Elders (it being juft Meeting Time) where we
were much comforted together in Chrift •, after which
I went home, being lovingly received by my Wife and
Family, having been from home about ten Weeks.
After I came home from this Voyage, I vifited the
Meetings of Friends at Philadelphia^ Frankfort^ Ger-
man-town, ihe Falls of Delaware^ Burlington, New- Ha-
nover^ Mount-Holly^ Fair-Hill. &c.
The 2d of the Ninth Month I was at the Quarterly-
miadei- meeting of Minifters and Elders at Philadelphia^ where
''*"'• I met with Jofeph "Taylor^ a Friend, who had vifited our
Meetings pretty generally on the Continent o^ America,
m the Miniftry of the Gofpel, and was now on his Re-
turn homewards, with whofe Vifit Friends had good
Unity, and certified the fame to cur Brethren of the
Meeting where he lived in Great- Britain,
After this I was at divers Meetings in Penfylvania
and Jerfey *, and the latter End of the Ninth Month,
Sarahy the Wife of Jeremiah Elfreth^ died very fud-
denly, having been the Day before walking in her
Garden ; flie was a fober, young Woman, and her
Death much lamented ; her Burial occafioned my
Stay at Philadelphia, v/hich I had divers Times Ihun-
«ed, becaufe a Concern had been on me for fome
I'ime, t<.) declare to the People of that City, That
the Lord was angry with the Legiflators of Penfjlva-
nia^ b^caule they were not fo much concern'd to pro-
mote Religion and Piety as they ought, and to make
fuch Laws as might prevent the exceflive Increafe of
Publick Houfes, which often prove Seminaries of
Satan , but urove to promote Parties more than Reli-
THOMAS CHALKLET, 221
gion : And that the Lord was angry with the Magi- 1728;
ftrates, becaufe they did not lb much as they might, \y^y^
and ought to do, put thofe good and wholefome
Laws in Execution, which were already made, againfl
Vice and Immorality : And that the Lord was angry
with fome of the better Sort of People, becaufe they
feek and mind the Things of this World, more than
the Things of God and his Kingdom. But I was
helped to clear myfelf in the Morning-meeting, to the
Satisfaction of many of the Honefl-hearted, and un-
burden my Mind of a great Exercife that I had long
lain under.
In the Afternoon We had a large Meeting at the
Bank-meeting-houfe, occafioned by the aforeliiid Bu-
rial ; the Refurreflion of the Dead was declared in that
Meeting, according to the Doflrine of our Saviour
Jefus Chrift, the great Author of the Chriftian Reli-
gion, and alfo of that eminent Apottle fW; and
that old and falfe Calumny, that our Society denied
the Refurredion of the Dead, was publickly denied
and refuted. The People were exhorted to live well,
that they might die well ; and then they need noc
doubt but that they would rife well at the Refurre<5tion
in the laft Day : The Meeting concluded with Praife
to the Almighty for all his Mercies, and Prayer to
him, that he would fandify that Day's Service to the
People.
In the Tenth Month I prepared for another Voyage
to the Ifland of Barhadoes^ and had the Ship Brijlol
Uope^ confign'd to me, but the Winter letting in
fooner than common, caufed our Stay much longer
than we expefted, whereby I had the Opportunity to
vilit divers Meetings, 2ls Burlington, the Falls of Del a- eunh^roK
ware, Nejhaminy, tVrighth Town, and Philadelphia, In count
this City a Concern was on my Mind to declare toFhUaMi
the People, that the Almighty had fliewed me, that*^''"^'*
he had often vilited them in Philadelphia and Penjyl-
vania^ with his own Hand, and with his own Rod ;
P 4 but
222 Tie J OVR'N AL of
1728. but if that did not work the defigned End, for which
s^V^-* he vifited them (of which they v/ere told alfo before it
came to pafs) he then would chaftife them with the
Rod of Man, and this was plainly fpoken to me in
my own Habitation, as tho' it had been the Voice of
a Man, though it was not vocal.
The 12th of the Eleventh Month, being Firfl-day,
I was at Horjham Meeting, and had a tender bowing
Time therein ; and in my Way home vifited fome
Friends who were fick, it being a Time of general
Vifitation in thofe Parts, and the next Seventh Day I
was at the Meeting of Minifters and Elders at 'Phila-
delphia^ where we had a good Meeting *, here I was
earneftiy defired to be at the Funeral of Edmund Orp-
frMkfert. woody the eldeft Friend belonging to Frankfort Meet-
ing i but was in a Strait, this Friend, being my Neigh-
bour, and I had before engaged to be at the Burial of
one with whom I had been acquainted near 40 Years,
therefore I did my Endeavour to be at both, being each
of them buried in the Afternoon, and fives Miles dif-
tant ; the Days being fhort alfo, divers told me it was
imprafticable ; I told them they might be miftaken,
as they were, for though we had a large Meeting, and
the Company of Rowland li ilfon^ from Britain, who
had large and good Service therein, yet after Meeting
we mounted and got to Pbiladelphiay about a Quarter
of an Flour after the Corps was brought into the Meet-
ing-houfe, as I was informed ; we had a large, and
as I thought, a good Meeting, after which I went
home, being weary in my Body, but thankful in my
Heart, that the Almighty had been with us, and
helped us to perform that Day's Service.
On the 20th of the Eleventh Month, and Second-
day of the Week, I went into a Piece of Ground
(which I was clearing for Meadowj in order to give
Diredions to the Workmen, and one of the Trees fell
contrary to the Kerf, and alfo to the Wind, which
was then at North Weft, and when I faw it falling tO"
wards
THOMAS CHALKLE2Z 223
v/afds me, I ran from it, but before I could get out of 1728,
the Way, it fell upon me, acrofs my Back, from my <n^"V"n-
Shoulder to my Hip?, and ftruck me down to the
Earth, where for fom^ Time I lay fpeechlefs, and in all
Likelihood I fhould have been immediately killed, if!
had not been providentially prcferved by the Body of
the falling Tree lying on a Stump, which prevented irs
crufhing me, as I lay on the Ground. A Friend that
was hear me with a Horfe, defired the Wood-cutters
(when they were recovered from the Surprize, and I
to the Ufe of my Speech) t© help me on his Horfe,
and I rod'^ home, but in extreme Mifery, and I was un-
der great Concern, left I fhould furprize my Wife and
Children fuddenly. We fent to Philadelphia for Dr.
Griffith Owen^ who came in about two Hours, and let me
Blood, and ordered feveral Things to be apply 'd and
taken, which thro' divine Favour proved very fervice-
able to me ; notwithftanding which I was in great Pain
many Days, and long and tedious Nights, not being
able either to feed myfelf, nor turn in my Bed, for a
great while.— In this Confinement I was at Times fa-
voured with a very comfortable Senfe o\ the Prefence
of God, whofe Providence is over all his Works ; and
as his Love to me was great, fo the Love of his People
wasalfo, many of whom, and of my Neighbours, came
to fee me, fympathifing with me in my Diflrefs ; but
among them I had one oijob\ Comforters, who wick-
edly abufed me in this low State. I can fcarce forbear
mentioning his Name, having Example for it in holy
Writ, but through the Lord's Help PI I put on Charity.
The 9th of the Twelfth Montli, I got abroad the
firft Time to our Meeting at Frankfort, with which di-
vers exprefTed their Gladnefs to fee me there again. In
this Meeting I exhorted them to think on Eternity,
and to prepare for it, by living Today as tho* they
were to die To-morrow ; for I found it by Experience
to be needful, and then if fudden Death comes, it will
not furprize us.
As
224 Tie JOVKN AL of
1728. As I now found it continue my Bufinefs to go to Sea
^-•''V^ for a Livelihood, I undertook the Charge of the
Ship TJeia Brijiol Hope^ as Mafter, tho' it was a Way of
Living to which I did not incline ; I took Care in our
Veilfel that there fliould be no Swearing in my Hearing,
nor Drunkennefs to my Knowledge, without Reproof,
and if I could not be inftrumental that Way to break
them from Swearing and drinking to Excefs, my
Manner was, to put them away, fo that we gene-
rally had a pretty quiet Ship. We left Philadelphia
the 13th of the Twelfth Month, but Storms and con-
trary Winds detained us in the River and Bay, fo
that we did not get out to Sea till the 21(1 of the faid
At Sea. Month, when the Pilot left us, by whom I wrote to
my Wife and Family ; and now I thought I felt the
Benefit of the good Wiflies of my beloved and dear
Friends I left behind, which did me a great deal of
Good, as it often hath done on the like Occafion ; for
faithful Friends, and good Chriftians, are as Epiftles
written in one anothers Hearts. — In our PafTage we
took feveral Dolphins, which were very welcome to
us, we having a long PafTage, and our frefli Provifions
near fpent. The 19th ot the Firft Month we faw the
Bcriadoer, jQand of BarhddoeSy having had feveral Meetings on
board the Ship in this Voyage, the good Effeds I
could fee but little of, only for that Day they would
be a little more fober, and fome of them addifted to
Swearing, did not fwear fo often as they did before.
.^ff'r-brs I'j^g Day following we fafely arrived nt Spight^s-Towtiy
^^"' where we had the next Day a very comfortable Meet-
ing for the divine Worfhip of God. The Fifth Day
■py^' following I was at Bridge-town^ at their Week-day-
meeting •, and next Firfl-day fbeing the 30th of the
MonthJ I was at a Meeting at Pumpkin-hill^ where I
was enlarged in the Doftrine of Faith.
After this I went to the Bridge with a Friend from
New-England ; we had two good Meetings, it being
the General-meeting for the Friends of the Ifland, and
afterwards
THOMAS CHALKLEi: 225
afterwards I with feveral Friends went again to Speight's 1729.
Town, and on the 12th of the Second Month, I was at v-^^'V^
the Tbickefs-meetingy at which was Counfellor IVeeks^ Thicket't-
Colonel Cbarnocky and Juftice Sims ; I dined with them *"" '"^'
at Judge fFeek's, and they difcourfed of what was
faid in the Meeting about Dancings I quoting Luther's
Words, ' That as many Paces as the Perfon takes in •
' the Dance, fo many Paces or Steps they take to-
' wards Hell :* And I told them, that I had heard
feveral had ufed that vain Exercife in our Meeting-
houfe, which was appointed for the Worfliip of God,
and i faid, I hoped for the future it would be fo no
more ; two of thofe Perfons who danced in our Meet-
ing-houfe, were then in the Meeting, tho' I did not
know it. This Teftimony fo wrought on the Colonel,
that he faid, be could fcarcely feel his Legf Jince I fpoke
it ', and the Juftice faid, if thefe iVords be true^ he had
taken many Seps towards Hell^ and the Counfellor and
Judge faid, It was home Do^rine to fome that wtre
there : Divers of them feemed to be touched with the
Teftimony of Truth, though not fo folidly as I
defired. Soon after I went with JofJnia Byrch to vifit
the Governor of the Ifland, Colonel N^orfley^ who
treated us with much Freedom and Civility ; he de-
fired me to fit down by him, and then called for a
Decanter of Wine, of which he kindly offered me a
Glafs, bur I told him I chiefly drank Water -, he faid
Water is certainly the beft Drink in the World, and
told me I was a Credit to my Drink, as I looked as
well or better than moft who drank Wine.
In the Second Month I was at a Meeting on a Firft-
day at Bridge-town, which was fomewhat larger than Byidge.
ufual j it was a good open Time in the Morning, but ''^"'
more fo in the Afternoon. At this Meeting there was a
Merchant of the Town, whofent to know if our Friends
(he not being of our ProfefTion) would make a Con-
tribution for me, in confideration of my Loffes. He
faid he would contribute as much as any, altho* he
had
226 7:2;^ JOURNAL 0/
1729. had heard me only that one Time ; but he was in-
<y\''^^ formed that we received no Money nor Pay for our
Preaching ; yet his Good-will I acknowledged.
The 4ch of the Third Month I was at a Meeting at
^^"'"^ the Spring, where I met with Jofipb Gamble, and
John Osley and his Wife, and feveral others, not
belonging to this particular Meeting, and we were edi-
fied together in the Love and Life of Chrift. I was
concerned to fpeak of the divers Vifirations and Speak-
ings of God to the People fince the World began ;
quoting the Words of holy Writ, That, God who
[pake to the Fathers by the Prophets^ /peaks now in thoff
lajl Days by bis Son, whom he hath appointed Heir of
all Things : And that this Difpenfation is the laft
and brightefl Difpenfation of all, and is the greateft
and moft glorious Manifeftation of God's Love to
Mankind ; and that befides this vocal Speaking of
Chrift, when in the Body on Earth, he now fpeaks
fpiritually ; which fpiritual Speaking of Chrift, in and
to the true Church, and true Believers, will out-laft
Time, and endure to all Eternity ; the great Lord of
all, for his unfpeakable Benefit therein, was praifed
and glorified, as being alone worthy.
I had divers other Meetings on the Ifland, which I
pafs by, not being willing to be prolix. After a Stay
of about nine Weeks we propofed failing. Judge
Gray, a very noted Man, and much efteemed among
the People, took PalTage with us; ^X'iQjoJhuaByrchy
of Bridge-Town, for his Health, and William Callender^
and feveral others, as Merchants. — Though I came on
t7w<"''' Account of Trade, our Friends gave me a Certificate
that I had good Service among them, and in my out-
ward Affairs had gained Efteem among the People, as
well as in my Service in preaching Chrift ; all which
I acknowledge to be the EfFeds of divine Grace : Di-
vers Friends and Acquaintance came to the Sea-lhore
at SpeighCs Town, and in a great deal of tender
Chriftian Love, and good Defires, we took leave, and
committed
^THOMAS CHALKLET. 227
committed one another to the Protedion of the Al- 1729.
mighty. We had a comfortable Paffage, and arrived \/V^
at Philadelphia^ where I was lovingly received by my fhUadii.
Wife and Friends. ' '"*
In this Voyage a great and weighty Concern came
on my Mind, on Account of the young and rifing
Generation, defiring they might be happy in this
World, and in that which is to come. And firft, as
to this World, < I have taken Notice, that divers of
' the Youth are too apt to wafte their outward Sub-
* ftance, which often is given to them (for when they
* get it themfelves, they are for the mod part more
^ faving of it) and this wafling and fpending, thofe
' Sparks call Generofit'^^ Liheralifj^ Good-nature^ Gen-
* tility^ fine Breeding, and abundance of other line
* Names, not confidering the Labour and Induftry,
' Frugality, Care and Watchings, of their Parents
^ or Anceftors, to get what they have.' May Pa-
rents note this well, and not be anxiouily concerned
to get much Wealth, which may be a Means to ruin
their Pofterity I And truly moft of thefe fpending, *
drinking, Company-keeping, gaming, chatting, tippling
Youngfters, take a great deal more Care, how they
may get Money from others, that they may fpend it,
than how to earn ir, or faithfully labour for it them-
felves ; they will beg or borrow, and run in Debt,
but take little or no folid Thoughts to pay ; by which
Means divers of thofe topping, beggarly Beaus^ and
Spenders, have brought both themfelves and Relations,
Parents and Friends, to Shame and Difgracc, and
fometimes to Poverty, where their Relations and Pa-
rents have been too liberal. Let all indulgent Parents
note this alfo.
And it any concerned Perfon Ihould advife thofe :n-
confiderate Youths of their Evils, *tis much if they
gain not their lading Ill-will, and the Epithets of Nig-
gards and Covetous, ill-natured, cenforious, four,
morofe, ^c. However I fh^ll venture to ftand the
Shock
228 r/je JO VR'SSi AL of
1729. Shock of their Difpleafure, and in as moving Terms
L/^VNJ as I can, con fiftent with the Matter on my Mind, en-
treat them to confider the End of their fpending, floth-
ful, idle Lite (which if continued in) mull needs end
in their Ruin, and they may repent when it is too
late, crying out. Oh ! thai I had hearkened to the Ad-
vice of m'j Father^ and my indulgent Mother ! Oh ! that
I had taken the Coimfel of my good Friends in Time,
then I had not been in this Condition^ nor in thofe
Straits I am now in. This, or worfe, muft at lad
inevitably be the Condition of thofe unthinking Time-
wafting and Money-fpending, evil Company-keeping
young People, of both Sexes. Some of whom, if
they can get it, will fpend more in a few Hours, than
their Parents can get in fo many Days, which is very
unreafonable, as well as unthinking-, for it the indul-
gent Parents do not hold their Hands, truly they muft:
all fmk together •, and where the Parents have been,
what thefe forts of Ypuths call liberal^ whole Families
have by fuch Liberality been undone, which is a Cafe
CO be lamented by all fober People.
I pray our fpending Ycuths ro confider, how many
brave, fine young Men and Women, whole Parents
have left them Eltates and handfome Incomes, have by
fuch Extravagancies foon fpent all, and fometimes
more than all, and Difgrace and a Goal have been their
Portion ; and how many, by living too fall, have died
too foon, much fooner than might be expedled, ac-
cording to the Courfe of Nature.
Wherefore I would advife them to regard what the
wife King Solomon faid. Go to the Ant^ thou Sluggard^
confider her PFays^ and be wife •, floe gathereth her Food
in the Summer (i. e. fhe prepares againfb the Winter)
Though this may be defpicable in the Eyes of our fine
Gentlemen, and learned fpending Wits, yet there ap-
pears more Wifdom in thefe little induilrious Animals,
than in thofe great Spenders, who, in the Spring and
Summer of their Years, take fo Jitdc Thought of
faving
THOMAS CHALKLET. 229
faving what hath been v/ith fo much Care gotten for 1729.
them, or of getting more againft the Winter or Old- V/^V^
Age, which, if they live, will certainly overtake them,
when their Youth or Summer is gone.
But many Youths obje<5l againft this Advice, crying
out, as I have often heard, ^he Aged give this
Advice when ihey are old, hut did a^ we do when they
were young as we are; although this may be true in
fome, yet it will not hold good in the general, and
if it do in fome, is not that Maxim good ? Let
others Harms learn us to beware^ before it be too late,
that we fall not into the fame Snare, which hath en-
tangled or caught Thoufands, to their great Shame
and Reproach. Again, Thofe who have been fo over-
taken in their Youth, and are efcaped out of the Snare,
are more fit to caution or advife how to efcape it, or to
Hiew thofe Paths which led them into that Labyrinth of
Woe and Mifery.
The Author of all Evil ufeth his utmoft Skill and
Power to promote the Praftices of exceffive Drinking,
^c. among Mankind, it being a mighty Support to
his Kingdom ; for when the Nobility of the Underftand-
ing is clouded thereby, then Oh ! how many wicked
Oaths, Oh ! v/hat corrupt Language, what unhand-
fome, unbecoming Words and A6lions, are brought
forth I How is good Manners cor ru peed i Flow is the
fober, chafte Soul ofiended, and above all other Con-
iiderations, how is God difhonoured, and the End of
our Creation fruftrated, and Man condemned !
When People are in thofe Exceffes, how do they
take the facred Nam.e in vain, and fo bring themfelves
in guilty before God, and Man ; for he has poluively
faid. He will not hold them guiltkfs, who take his Name
in vain ; fo that let him plead never fo many Excufes,
he is pronounced guilty by the Judge of Heaven and
Earth: Therefore let me perfwade the Youth to re-
member what the Lord by his Servants faid concerning
drinking to Excefs, Woe to the Drunkards 3 and that^o
Drunkard
230 r/^^ JOURNAL 0/
1726* Drunkard pall inherit the Kingdom. Again, IVoe io
s./^Vn-^ them that are mighty to drink Wine^ and Men of Strength
io mingle Jiro fig Drink, &c. If it be objeftedj as it often
is, when fuch poor Souls are reproved, and their
Sins let in order before them ; fVe trufi in the Mercy of
God and the Merits of Chrijl: I fay this is a good Truft
and Hope, if upon a good Foundation ; but the Wick-
ed muft forfake their Ways, and the Unrighteous their
evil Thoughts ; but what Forfaking is that, when
ilrong Conviftion is upon the Soul, to make Covenants,
Vows and Prom lies, and break them from Time to
Time ? And tho' Cheift hath fatisfied the Juftice of
the Almighty for Sinners, it is tor thofe who forfake
their Sins, not thofe who plead for the Pradtice of
them, and endeavour, by many vain Excufes tojufti-
fy themfeives in them.
Since then the Salvation of the Soul is precious, and
hath coft the precious Blood of the Lamb of God, and
is much more precious than Health or Wealth, why
fhould any be fo cruel and hard-hearted to themfeives,
as, for a little Vanity, Froth and Mirth, Toys and
Trifles, vain Sports, and evil Paftime, to plunge and
fink themfeives into the eternal Gulph of Woe and Mi-
fery j pray, O pray confider it, dear Youths!
After my Return from Barbadoes, in the Fouth
Burii>^ton. Month, I vifited Friends Meetings at Burlington^ at
fkia, Sec. the Falls of Delaware^ Ahington^ German-town, and
was divers Times at Philadelphia and Frankfort Meet-
ings j which Meetings were much to my Satisfaction ;
the Lord being pleafed to manifeft his Goodnefs to ma-
ny, as alfo to my poor exercifed Soul j for which I
was truly thankful unto him.
In the Sixth Month I was at the General-meeting of
D^ty. Friends at Darby ^ in Chejier County, which was a
Jarge, good Meeting, divers Friends appearing there
in a lively Miniflry. About this Time, fome Thou-
fands of People came from Ireland, and alfo many Pa-
latinos from Holland, among whom, it is reported,
were
'THOMAS CHALKLET. 231
werQ Romans, or Papijis, kvQT3.l of whom, k wasTaid, 1729,
gave ouc threatning Speeches, which caufed fome Con- v-v->.
fternation among the People.
»r».At this large General- meeting, I exhorted them. To
truft in the Lord, and not to diflmn: that Hand which
had hitherto preferved us by his Providence without
outward Force ; and that tho* the People who came
among us were many in Number, yet we, having the
Lord on our Side, were more than they, in a myltical
Senfe ; putting them in Remembrance of the Prophet,
who, when his Servant was afraid, prayed to the Al-
mighty, To open the Eyes of his Servant^ and when they
were myftically opened, he Jaw the Mountains full of
Chariots of Fire, and Horfes of Fire, and that they were
more than their Enemies : I was alio concerned to exhort
Friends to be good Examples to thofe Strangers, who
came among us in fuch great Numbers ; and that oar
Lights, in our Converfations, might fo JJoine, that thofe
People, feeing our good Works, might glorify our Father
which is in Heaven, according to the Dotlrine of Chrifl:;
and then we Ihould do them Good, and they would do
us no Hurt, but Good alfo : But on the other Hand,
if we keep not our Places, and do not live in the Fear
of God, nor according to our holy Principles and Pro-
fefljon, that then it might be jufl with the Lord God,
to make them a Scourge to us. — Many vvcre comforted
in this Meeting, and God was praifed, who is worthy.
On the 15th of the Sixth Month, having loaded the . ^^^_
Ship New Brijiol Hope, a fecond Time, I fail'd in her j^^'/^ ''
from Philadelphia, and having a Concern to vifit "y^'^K-
the Meeting of Friends at Salem, I left the Ship at
Gloucefter, under the Care of the Pilot, and went by
Land to the Firft-d,iy Meeting at Salem, and from
thence to Elfenborough, and ilaid tili the Ship came
down •, and on the 20ch of the Month v/e got to Sea,
and had a fair Wind for feveral Days, and lived very AtSsa.
lovingly on board, being refpedfully treated, by .my
Sailor*. .■^nrnti'-^ Jit-S-
a In
232 ^^ J O U R N A L 0/
1729. In this Voyage we had feveral Meetings on board,
Vi/V^the firft of which was at the Requeft of my fecond
Mate, to call the Sailors together in the Cabbin ; I not
being forward to propofe it to them, left thc;y fhouldfuf-
peel meof fome Vanity, in defiring to preach to them ;
they not knowing the Crofs ofChriftin that Exercife.
On the 24th Day of the Seventh Month, at Noon,
our Ship, by Oblervation, being exadly in the Lati-
tude of Barhadoes, we fteer'd away Weft for the Ifland
and on the 26th we faw it, after five Weeks and one
Tid-y \Q^vmgS\g\\toiCapeHenlopen', we having, after
the firft fewDays, light Winds, Calms, and Head Winds,
which made our PalTage long, and our Sea Stores al-
moft fpent ; but now the Sight of Land made the Peo-
ple forget all Uneafinefs, and, for this Favour, my
Heart was thankful to the great Prefer ver of Men.
This Time we came to a tolerable Market with our
Provifions, which made our Stay but lliort, yet I was
^.rnms. divers times at the Bridge Meeting of Friends, as al-
io at Spighn-lown fwhere my Concerns chiefly lay)
and once at Pumkin-Hill Meeting, in which Meeting
it was obferved to the People, That the Salvation of
the Soul IS precious, and that true Religion is a folid
Thing a Thing of the greateft Moment to both Bo-
dy and Soul, and that People ought to be very ferious
and foiidly concern'd about it, taking fpecial Care
to lay, or builti their Religion on a fure Foundation ;
It v/as Ihewed them, that Chrift Jefus was the fure
Kock and Foundation of all the Righteous, in all Ages ;
he was the Rock that followed Ifrael, which they drank
of i any other Foundation than him, no Man can lay;
who IS, in the truly Religious, and the true Believers,
tbe Hope ^/ their (?%,— Many other precious Truths
were manifefted to us, in that Meeting, for which we
praifed the Lord.
Soon after, I went to Bridge Town to clear out the
^"^^- Subiek r?r ^'l'i '^''' Week-day Meeting: The
2.wl ^UDjea-matter I had to treat of in that Meeting, was.
That
"THOMAS CHALKLET. 233
That the Lord bringeth low, and he raifeth up again ; 1729.
and that, in divers Refpe(5ls, as to Kingdoms, Fami- v^Sr*^
lies, and particular Perfons j and as to Health, Wealth,
Honour, ^c. divers in that Meeting were appealed to
asWitnefTes of it. — After this Meeting I went to vific
the Governor, who was courteous to me, and took my
Vifit kindly, and defined to be remembred to our Go-
vernor, and feveral others, and wilhed me a profperous
Voyage, and well back again, which he hoped would be
in about three Months. — He fa id, Whoever lived to fee
it, Penfylvania would be the Metropolis 0/ America, in
fome Hundreds of Tears. — He faid. He loved down-right^
hnneji Men ; but he hated Deceit and Hypocrify. A great
Man, and a great Expreflion !
The 2ift of the Eighth Month 1729, we, having
done our Bufinefs, weigh'd Anchor, and went to
Sea: And on the 26th we had a good Meeting with At sea.
the Ship's Company, for the Service and Woriliip of
God -, in which the Gofpel of Chrift was declared
without Partiality, and the reigning Sins of Sailors
openly expofed, according to the Dodrine of the Gof-
pel, and the moft high Lord entreated to carry on
in the Earth the great Work of Retormation.-— Hi-
therto we had fine, pleafant Weather.
The Beginning of the Ninth Month we had a very
biuftering, ftormy Time, for many Days, (o that we
could not carry Sail, but fometimcs lay by, and fome-
times went with a reeff'd Main-fail and Fore-fail ; the
Ship had fuch a violent Motion, that it broke our
Glafles, and about a Dozen Bottles of Wine, and our
Earthen-ware, and llrained our Hogflieads and Cafks,
fo that we pump'd out Molafles into the Sea, and beat
us back many Leagues, and blew our Sails out of the
Bolt-ropes.
After thofe Storms we had a Calm, and the Wind
fprung up wefterly •, our Courfc being North-weft, or
thereabouts, we could barely lay our Courfe j yet, ic
being moderate, we had Caufe to be thankful.
Q. 2 The
/
234 ^/je JO VR'N AL of
1729. The 1 2th of the Ninth Month we found ourfelves
^-''V*^ in the Latitude of 36 Deg. 17 Min. North ; but the
Wind was a-head, and our frefh Stock of Provifions
almoft expended, and Winter coming on a-pace, the
Nights dark and long, made it feem tedious to our
People ', the which I was helped to bear with Patience.
The 14th Day, about eight o' Clock at Night,
Jchn Plafketj one of the beft of our Sailors, thro* the
violent Pitching of the Ship, fell into the Sea from off
the Bowfprit ; one of the Sailors, feeing him fall, nim-
bly threw a Rope to him, which he caught hold of,
and the People helped him into the Ship ; though in
all Probability, he had perifhed in the Sea, if he had
mifs'd taking hold of the Rope. I was thankful to
the Almighty for this young iV[an*s Life, and took
it as a great Favour from Heaven. The next Day it
was dreadful fhormy, the Wind blew violently at
South-wefl, with Lightning, Thunder, and much
Rain ; the Seas ran fo high, and the Ship had fuch a
great Motion, that the Goods, or Cafks, fhifted ia
the Hold, and v/e lay by till next Day ; our Sails al-
fo were much torn, and, in many Places, blown out
• of the Bolt-ropes, fo that we were half a Day
mending them, and then proceeded on our Voyage
home, where we arrived the latter End of the Month.
After I came home from this Voyage, in the fmall
Stay I was on Shore, I was divers Times at Meetings
'S^'^' ^^ Philadelphia and Fra7ikfort^ and was alfo at Ger-
Frankfort. mcn-tQi^M^ at the Butial of our antient Friend Dennis
foZ'^r' Giairaci, who was one of the firft Settlers of this Town
(as I underilood the firft Meeting of Friends, for
Worfnip, in it, was kept at his Houfe) He was a
Man of an inoffenfive Life, much given to Hofpita-
lity, and left a good Report behind him : The Meet-
ing was large, and many of the firft Settlers of the
Country were there. I was alio at the Burial of Ca-
therine^ the Daughter of Thomas Lightfooty the Wife
of Jaines Miller, a worthy Woman, who died foon
^ ■.., after
"THOMAS CHALKLET. 235
after their Arrival from Ireland^ and was buried from 1729.
our Great- mceting-houfe in Philadelphia^ in a decent ^>>''V~"^
and exemplary Manner.
The latter End of the Tenth Month, Samuel Bar- ^^^^Mort.
rifon of New-Tork^ and Obadiah Lawrence of Long-
IJland^ favour'd me with their Company all Night at
our Houfe, where we called the Family together, and
had a feafonable Time to take Leave they of me, and
I of them, and my Family alfo •, and the next Day
divers very dear Friends came with me to the Boar,
to the River Side, to take Leave, and we parted with
Hearts lull of Love and Good-will to each other.
So I went on board at Wiccacoe and had a cold
Palliige down the River and Bay, and left the Capes
the lil of the nth Month (being he third Voyage as
Mafter) and the 17th wepaffcd the Tropick of Cancer. At Sea:
Hitherto we had a comfortable Pafiage, and though
we had a crowded Ship, yet we had Peace and Quiet-
nefs to a greater Degree than I expefted ; for Men
thatufe the Seas, are, too generally, inconflant as the
Wind and V/aters they wade through. We had fe-
veral Meetings on board the Veffel in this Voyage,
and were at Sea about four Weeks, before we arrived
at BarbadoeSy and when we arrived, the Markets were Bariaiocs.
dull, which occafioned our Stay fo long as about
twelve Weeks. During which Time, I had divers re-
ligious and good Opportunities with thofe of our own,
and other Socities, I believe to general Satisfadion ;
having the good Wilhes of People of ail Ranks, from
the Governor to the poor Negroes ; all of whom I
profefs Love to for Chrift's fake.
This Voyage, in our Return home, 'we had a full i'^'i''^^^J'
Ship, and upwards of thirty Paflengers, and was on'''**
our PafTage home about a Month, ana had good com-
fortable Weather therein.
Soon after I came home from Barbadoes, m the I73°*
Third Month 1730, I went to a Meeting at Burling- ^O'''^
ion, at which was married 'Thomas Evans ; Margaret "' ""'-^^
Q^ 3 Prejton
'
236
ne J OVKN Ah of
Fallt.
NefhamJHy,
Philadel-
fhia.
Fourth
Voyage
1730. Prejlon was dlfo there: It was a good Meeting, i
i-'^V'NJ crofied the River Delaware twice, vifited a fick Perfon,
and rode thirty Miles that Day. I alfo went to the
Falls Meeting, and, after faid Meeting, appointed
another at Nejhaminy the fame Day ; after which,
I went with Jofeph Kirkbride to William Paxlon*Sy and
lodged : Next Morning Jofeph Kirkbride rode with
me home, and thence to Philadelphia. I was divers
Times at Philadelphia^ Frankfort^ and German-towfj,
and at the General -meeting at Frankfort, where our
Friend John Cadwallader was married ; Ifaac Norrisy
Samuel Prejlon^ and Margaret his Wife, and John Ox-
ley, were at this Meeting, with many otiier F; lends,
a good Share of whofe Company I got home with me,
of which I was glad, ever loving and coveting the
Company of good Men and Women.
I was now preparing for the fourth Voyage, as
Mafter of the I^ew Brijiol Hope, for Barbadoes ; but it
grew harder and harder for me to leave my F?>mijy,
which, for many Confederations, was very exercifing ;
yet I was obliged to continue going to Sea, upon an
honourable Account; i.e. That no Perfon might fuf-
fer by me, if I could help it ; and having got our
Veffel loaded, we failed from Philadelphia the 9th of
the Fifth Month. Next Day came to an Anchor at
Chefier^ and vifited my old Friend David Lloyd, who,
with his good Spoufe Grace, treated me with tender,
Chriftian Love ; the Judge and I, being old Acquain-
tance, and both of us in Years, and he not well, we '
took Leave, as if we were not to fee one another any
more (which happened accordingly, for he died be-
fore I returned.)
We weighed Anchor at Chefler^ and got down to
ibcroughj and v/ent to Sale?}i Meeting (it being
Firft-day of the Week, and 12th of the Month) with
fome of our PalTengers and Sailors. The Meeting
was pretty large, and I was earneflJy concerned for
their
€hif:cr.
Sdem.
Elfa
THOMAS CHALKLET. 237
their Welfare (as I had often been when I was abfentj 1730.
and was glad I was with them that Day. tyw/%^
After this Meeting we proceeded on our Voyage,
and left l\it Capes the K^th of the aforefaid Month;
had fmall and contrary Winds, and fometimes Calms,
until the 2d of the Sixth Month, and Firft-day of the
Week, when the Wind was at South, and a hard
Gale, the Sea high, and the Ship having a, great Mo-
tion, therefore we had not a Meeting as ufual : Many
of the PafTengers were very Sea-fick ; as for my Part,
I thought, if the Almighty was but with me, that
would make up for all DifHcuJties -, for in him was,
and is my Life and chiefeft Joy : And, as an An-
fwer of Peace in my tolTed Condition, I fometimes had
comfortable Times -, being inwardly refrefhed with the
Love and Prefence of God ; not only in the Day, but
alfo in the Night, in my Sleep *, out of which I was
awakened one Morning (in the Morning Watch) with
thefe comfortable Words, He took me to his banqueting
Houfe^ and his Banner over me was Love. Thele Ex-
preilions were fo frefh in my Mind, for fome Days,
that I could not forbear but blefs the holy Name of the
living Lord fecretly in my Soul.
The 1 6th of the Sixth Month we arrived at Bar-
badoes. The 17th there arofe, about Midnight, a
hard Gale of Wind, which the Barbadians call a Hur-
ricane^ or 'Tornado., and blew more than ten VelTels
afhore, great and fmall, which were wholly loft ; and
our Ship was very near the Rocks, People lookino-
every Minute when (he would come on Shore ; but,
through divine Favour, we efcaped, with only the
Boat ftove againft the Rocks : I would have got on
board, but that was impradicable -, but I got on the
higheft Place I could, from which I could fee them in
the Ship, and they me on fhore ; for we could not;
for the Violence of the Wind, hear one another ;
yet they were fo near the Fort, where I ftood, that I
could difcern them one from another, and they nie
Q^-^ from
23S T:?'^ JOURNAL 0/
1730. from the Multitude of People (many being in the Fort
^•V^*^ with me) I keing the chief Mate look towards me, I
waved my Hat to him, and he, in anfwer, his to me ;
then I made a Signal to him to go to Sea, which they
immediately did, letting flip their Cables, and went to
Sea without either Boat, Anchor, or Cables, and came
in the next Day, and got their Cables and Anchors
again, to the great Joy of many of the Inhabitants^
whofe hearty Prayers were for our Safety, as many of
them told me. This, among many others, I put in
my Calender of Deliverances, and Prefervations from
imminent Dangers, by the Hand of divine Providence.
We flaid this Time in Barbadoes about five Weeks,
leaving the Ifland vhe 27ch of the Seventh ivOonch -, and
there I met with Rckn Jordan^ my Friend and Bro-
ther in the Work and Fel'owfliip of the Gofpel of
Chriil, who took his PaiT ge with Uj for Pbiladelfkia
whofe Company was pleafant and comfortable. One
Evening he was repeating fome Vcrfes of the txcellent
AddiJo}fs, which I willingly tranfcribed, as weli in Me-
mory of that great Author, asalfo that rhey anfv\cred
my State and Condition in my watery Travels, and in
the Extreams of Heat and Cold, and fome poifonous
Airs I have otten breathed m. They are as follow :
I.
How are thy Servants bleft, O Lord !
How fure is their Deft:nce !
Eternal Wifdom is their Guide,
Their Help Omnipotence.
ir.
In foreign Realms, and Lands remote,
Su'Dorted by thy Care ;
Through burning Climes I pafs'd unhurt,
And breath'd in tainted Air.
III.
Thy Mercy fweet'ned every Soil,
Made every Region pleafe,
The
I'HOMAS CHALKLET. 239
The hoary Alpine Hills it warm'd, '73<^«
And fmooth'd the Tyrrhene Seas. O^'NJ
- IV.
Think, O my Soul ! devoutly think.
How, with affrighted Eyes,
Thou faw'ft the wide, extended Deep,
In all its Horrors, rife.
V.
Confufion dwelt in ev*ry Face,
And Fear in every Heart,
"When Waves on Waves, and Gulphson Gulphs,
O'ercame the Pilot's Art.
VI.
Yet, then, from all my Griefs, OLord!
Thy Mercy fet me free,
Whilft, in the Confidence of Prayer,
My Soul took hold on thee.
VII.
For though in dreadful Whirls we hung.
High on the broken Wave,
I knew thou wert not flow to hear.
Nor impotent to fave.
VIII.
The Storm was laid, the Wind retir*d.
Obedient to thy Will ;
The Sea, that roar'd at thy Command,
At thy Command was ftill.
IX.
In Midfl of Dangers, Fears and Death,
Thy Goodnefs I'll adore;
And praife thee for thy Mercies pafl.
And humbly hope for more.
X.
My Life, if thou preferv'fl my Life,
Thy Sacrifice fhall be ;
And Death, if Death mufl be my Doom
Shall join my Soul to thee.
The
240 T:^^ JOURNAL ^
1730. The 4th of the Eighth Month we met with a hard
^"-^'V^ Gale of Wind, which broke the Tiller of our Rudder,
and fpiitour Bowfprit and Main-fail, and overfet many
of our Chefts; Robert Jordan narrowly miffed his
Cheft falling en him (rom one Side of the Ship to the
other, which we looked on as a merciful Providi^nce
and fpoke of it to one another, remembring Addifon'l
Verfes, which the Night before were repeated.
In this Paflage we faw three Veffels only ; it was a
bluftering Time, but the ihorteft from Land to Land
that ever I had, being but 14 Days and 14 Hours from
the Sight of Barbadoes to the Sight of the Main-land :
JirrivesM"^^ arrived at Philadelphia the i6th of the Eighth
Philadel- Month.
tf^^^- In the Ninth Month I proceeded on a fifth Voyage
A fifth (as Mafterj to Barbadoes^ and went down the River
mSI ^' DelaiL-are on a Seventh-day, and on Firft~day, was at
Cherter. Chefter Meeting, at which Time there was a Burial of
a Child, and a large Meeting : Our Friends at Chefter
were glad to fee me, and I them, and after Meeting we
ftt fail, and went down the River to Elfenlorough^ where
came to and landed Robert Worthington^ whofe Son
E%ra was on board, and went to Barbadoes for his
Health, being in a deep Confumption.
This Voyage we v/ere on our Paflage about 33 Days
before we arrived at Barbadoes, when after doing my
Bufinefs, and vifiting our Friends Meetings in about
five Weeks, we put to Sea the loth of the Twelfth
Month, and failed along to Leeward of divers Iflands,
till we came to Anguilla, where we landed in Expec-
'JiHguUhx. tation to get Salt, but at this Time was not any to be
had there. We came to an Anchor here in the Night,
hoping to get to an Harbour before it was dark ; but
it foon being very dark, and coming into Ihoal Water,
we faw a large Rock, and came to by the Side of it,
in about five or fix Fathom Water, taking it to be a
Ship, and when it was Day we faw our Miftake, and
that
Sariiidoes,
wrtck.
mo MAS CHALKLET. 244
that inflead of a VefTel, we were too nigh a Rock, 17 io,
and the Wind coming about, tailed our Ship towards -v^yv
it fo near, that we were fenfible of touching twice ; I or- ^JJI^s '
der*d tiie Men to heave a JittJe farther a-head, and fo ship^
we lay clear til! Morning. When Morning came, of
which we were glad, feveral Boats, with a Cable, came
to us, and the People advifed us to put a Spring on
our Cable, and cut it, that flie might cad the right
Way, which accordingly we did, and it had the de-
fired Effed; fo that we foon got into a very fine Har-
bour, it being about a Mile off. Many Thanks were
given by many ot the People for this Deliverance to
the Almighty. George Leonard^ the Governor of this
Ifland, heard in the Morning, that a Veficl was on
the Rocks, and the People were running with Saws and
Axes, in order to break her up, if fhe fhould not be
got off^: The Governor feeing them, fent a Lieutenant
with Orders, that let her belong to what Nation fo~
ever, they fhould help to get her off, if it could be,
and if fhe was likely to be made a Wreck, he charged
them attheir Peril not to meddle with her, nor any Thing
belonging to her, until they had firft come to Terms
with the Mafter, which is worthy to be recorded.
We fiay'd feveral Days before we could get our
Anchor i for after we were in the Harbour, it blev/
very hard for four or five Days •, fo that with our four
Oars we could not row our Boat a-head, but watching
for a Calm one Night, our People went and got it,
and then we went into the principal Road and Harbour
in the Ifland called Croaker^s-Bay ; the Name of that
we came from was Rendezvous- Bay, where lived a very
kind Friend of ours, named J{ibn Rumney^ who, with
his Wife and Family, treated us with great I-ove, and
courteoufly received us into their Houfe, and he went
with me to the Governor's, who was my old Acquain-
tance and Friend, who, with much Love and Tender-
nefs (when he knew me) took me in his Arms, and
embraced me, and lovingly faluted me with a Kifs of
Charity,
242 . ':t/je J OVRN A L of
1731. Charity, and thanked God for our Deliverance, and
iy^Y"\J that he had iivtrd to fee me once more (I having been
there fome Years before) he was feventy odd Years of
Age, as I remember, and had eighty odd who called
him Father: Tiiey living much on Roots and Pulfe,
are very healthy in this Ifland. I was here nine Days,
and had feven Meetings with the People ; the longer I
fhaid the larger the Meeuings were; fo that I had fome
Difficulty to leave them. Through the Grace and Gift
of God I was helped to preach the Gofpel of Chrift
freely, and they received it both freely and thankfully,
diver?, if not all -, for theirs and my Heart was very
open one to another, the holy Lord's Name be praifed
for ever.
The 3d of the Firft Month Ezra Worih'mgton died,
and the 4th in the Afternoon, he was buried on the
V\^r\l2iUon o^ Jchn Rumne'j^ near his Houfe •, the Go-
vernor and his Son in Law were at the Burial, where
I told them, that he was an inoffenfive, innocent, fober
young Man, and that Death was to be the End of us
here, putting them in mind to remember their latter
End. After I had done fpeaking, the Governor faid,
That Death was a Debt due to Nature^ and that we
fnujl all pay it, and hleffed is the Man that in "time
i*-uly prepares for it. This was a good ExprefTion
for a Man in his Poft, and worthy of my Notice, as
I thought.
I was atone Meeting, v/here was the Governor and
his Daughter, v/ith divers of the befl and fobereft Peo-
ple of this Ifland ; it was a fatisfaftory Meeting, which
ended in Prayer ; and when I arofe from my Knees I
found the Governor on one Side, and his Daughter on
the other Side of me, both on their Knees ; a Pofture
in which People are too feldom found in this degenerate
Age of the World.
Sails frcnti On the loth of the Firfl Month, we departed from
^t^^uiii. ^|,g j(]^n j Qf Anguilla, with a pleafant Gale ; and had
fair Weather and Winds for feveral Days ; I fpenc
fome
1' HO MAS CHJLKLEr 243
fome Time of this Voyage in Reading^ and met with i73i.*
a Paffage of, or concerning Friendfhip ; the Comfort L<VX)
and Beauty of it therein was notably fet forth, yet
moft who treat upon that noble Subjeft, place (too ge-
nerallyj the Felicity thereof in Humanity : Whereas
true and lafting Friendfliip is of a divine Nature, and
can never be firmly fettled without divine Grace :
Chrifl Jefus is the prime Friend of Mankind, and fromi
whom all true and lafting Friendfiiip fprings and flows,
as from a living Fountain, himfelf being the head
Spring thereof ; out of which holy Fountain hath
fprung as followeth, Henceforth I call you Not Servants^
and y are my Friends^ if ye do wb at fo ever I command you.
And again. By this fljall all Men know that ye are my
DiJcipleSy if ye leve one another. O holy Expreffions !
much to be admired, and worthy every true and
good Man's and Woman's Imitation and Pra<5[ice.
Obferve, that when they had done whatfoever Chrilt
had commanded them, then they were to be his
Friends, and they were not only to be his Friends, but
one anothers Friends, as he was theirs, and if Occa-
fion were, as he died, fo they would die for one ano-
ther : By this Mark and trueft Seal of the truefl
Friendlhip, all the World Hiould know they beJong'd
toChrift, that they were united to him, and in him
united to one another : Nothing but Difobedience and
jSin can ever feparate this Friendfhip.
Againfl this Friendfhip, v/hich is in ChriH:, and
grounded and founded upon him, the Gates of Hell
can never prevail ; all Friendfhip, upon any Confi-
deration, meerly human, is brittle and uncertain, and
fubjedl to Change, or Mutability, as Experience hath
taught in all Ag^s,
If any Perfon hath a Defire to have a particular
Friend, let that Perfon be fure to make Choice of
Chrift, and fuch as choofe him, have a Friend in whom
all lafting Peace, Comfort and Delight, Joy and Plea-
fwre, is, and in him alone is to be enjoyed for ever.
" ■ ' The
Ar ficn.
44. The JOVRN AL of
?T. The 20th of the Firft Month, being the firft of the
x^rNj Week, we had a comfortable Meeting for divine
Worfhip, in which the Goodnefs of God was extend-
ed to us as we were rowlingon the mighty Waters of
the great Deep, after which we had pleafant Weather,
and a fair Wind for feveral Days.
On the 26th the Wind fprung up at Eaft North-Eaft,
a hard Gale, which lafted feveral Days ; and having
but little Sea-room for about thirty Hours, it blewfo
hard, that we could drefs no Viftuals •, I then thought
on the Words of Job^ when he fpoke to his impatient
Wife, faying, Shall '■Joe receive Good at the Hand of Gody
and fc' all isoe not receive Evil alfo f (or that which is
accounted or looks like Evil in the Eye of Man)
In this Time of Exercife the Love and heavenly Life
of God, in^his beloved Son, filled my Heart, and caufed
an Overflowing of Praifes to his holy, glorious, and
bleiTed Name. Oh ! it was exceeding precious to my
Soul at that Time !
The I ft of the Second Month we faw Land, being
driven to the Southward near 250 Miles in this laft hard
Weather ; but we foon after arrived at our defired Port.
After which I vifited the Meetings of Friends at
Philadelphia^ Burlington., the Falls^ Abington., German-
town ^ Brijlol., and Frankfort^ and found the People
had been under a general Vification of the Small-pox,
infomuch that many Hundreds, efpecially of Chil-
dren, were taken off the Stage of this Life in the City
of Philadelphia^ and I was concerned to exhort Friends
in that City to bring their Children to Meetings, and
educate them, when young, in the Way they fhould
go, that they might not depart from it when old -, and
that he who had taken many away, could, if he pleafed,
take many more ; for though he might have laid
down his Rod at prefenr (the Diftemper in the City
being much abated) he could foon take it up again.
It is my Belief that the Lord Almighty will flill continue
to vifit the City and People (if there is not a Reforma-
tion)
rHOMAS CHALKLET, 245
tion) with further, if not forer, Vifitations, becaufe *i73i.
he hath known them to do them Good, and make them ^•'V^^
a Blefilng to many Iflands and People ; giving them
the Fatnefs of the Earth, and that which is far more,
the Dew of Heaven ; fo that he may juftiy fay to us, as
to Ifrael of old. Ton have I known of all the Families of the
Earth ; therefore Iwillvifit upon 'jotifor all your Iniquities'.
In the Beginning of tiie Fourth Month, Robert
Jordan was married to Mary^ the Widow of Rich'
ard Hill (all three worthy Friends) The Meeting on
this Occafion was large, and the Marriage folemni-
zed in the Fear of God. Divers Friends were con-
cerned to fpeak to the People, and it was greatly de-
fired that thofe prefent (who were then fpoke to) might
be married to Chrift, the great Lover of Souls, who
laid down his Life (the moft precious Life that ever was
on Earth) and Ihed his precious Blood for our Salvation.
A few Days after which I again took Shipping for voyag!*
the Ifland of Barhadoes (being the fixth Voyage) in the AJafter
New Brijtol Hope^ and left the Capes of Delaware the
eighth Day of the Month. The 2 2d of the faid Month, ^* ^'^
I being weary, laid me down to reft, and fell afleep,
and was awaken'd out of my Sleep with the Words,
Oh Heart in Heaven ! '27; an excellent Thing to hav4-
an Heart in Heaven ! Which Words were comfortable
to me, and left a Sweetncfs on my Mind all the Day
after, for which I was thankful, and greatly defired that
my Heart and Mind might be fet and fixed more and
more on Heaven and heavenly Things, and that my
Treafure might be in Heaven, that my Heart might be
there alfo, according to the Doftrine of my Saviour,
Matt. vi. 6. 20, 21. Lay up for yourfelves treafure in
Heaven^ for where your Treafure is, there will your
Heart be alfo.
The 27ch Day (being the Firft Day of the Week)
we had a comfortable Meeting, the Weather being
moderate ; and on the 7th of the Fifth Month, we ar-
rivJid at Bridge-Town in Barhadoes^ where we unloaded BariAdo^s.
Part
246 5r/&^ J O U R N A L e/"
1 73 1. Part of our Cargo, and from thence we went to
v-/''"V"'>--' Speight*s-1own ; where, after a Stay of about five
Weeks, we accomplifhed our Affairs. lalfo vifited
all our Friends Meetings, and lome feveral Times, in
which we were edified and comforted, and divers of us
had occafion to blefs the holy Name of God for his
Mercy to us : Before we left the I/land, there happen'd
Hurricane, a great Storm or Hurricane^ which did much Damage
to the Ships, and to ths lOand, blowing down many
Hcufes, and fpoiling much Provifions, deflroying al-
moft all the Plantain Trees on the Ifland, which is a
very wholfome and pleafant Fruit, and much ufed by
many inilead of Bread.
I was clearing out our VefTel when this Storm hap-
pened, and being twelve Miles off, could not hear of
or concerning her, but thought it altogether unlikely
that fhe fhould ride out fo great a Storm, in fo bad a
Harbour or Road, it being open to the Sea, and fuch
a Scorm as had not been known for many Years, and
ibme faid, never but one (to their Knowledge) though
much more Damage hath at fome other Times been
done to the Shipping, by reafon that the hardeft of
the Wind was not that Way, which was moft dange-
rous to them in CarliJIe-Bay, where they moftly lay ;
for they all got out to Sea, except two or three that
were loft by the Violence of the Weather. It was
indeed a very difmal Time, the VefTels which rode it
out were much damnified, and one being loaded, ready
to fail, funk right down, and was loft in the Bay. When
I had cleared our Ship, I iti forward in order to fee
what was become of her ; but the Floods were fo out,
and the Ways were fo bad, I could not without fome
Danger get to her that Night ; but next Morning I
fct out from Jofepb Ga7nble*s^ and, to my Admiration,
from the Top of a Hill (on which a Houfe in the
Storm v/as blown fiat to the Groundj I faw our Ship
at an Anchor, having rode out the Storrn, with one
Sloop
"THOMAS CHALKLEt.
47
Sloop by her, for which Caufe my Soul was humbly 1731.
thankful. s^O^*-^
On the ijh of the faid Month, with fome more than
ordinary Fatigue, we got up our Anchor, and took
in our Boat, and got our Pallengers and Provifions on
board, the Sea breaking high on the Shore, fo that fe-
veral of our People and our Boat were in Jeopardy of
being loft ; but at length being all on board, we fet Sail, |*^'?^J°"*
and having failed flowly about fix or feven Miles, we
met with a Sloop who had loft her Maft in the Storm,
and next Morning we met with two \2ivgt London Ships,
who had put out to Sea, not venturing to ride it out.
We had fine pleafant Weather for feveral Days af-
ter we left the Ifland, and on the 2 2d of the Sixth
Month ( being the firft Day of the Week ) we
had a Meeting for the Worfhip of God, which was
comfortable and fatisfadory to us. The 4th and 5th
of the Seventh Month, we had very frefh Gales from
the North-Eaft to the North, and was near a Water
Spout (about a Stone's throw off) which furprized fome
on board, on which I came out of my Cabbin, and
faw the Water run up out of the Sea into the Cloud, as
plain as ever I faw the Water run into the River, till it
filled the Cloud with Blacknefs, and then it would
break in great Quantities into the Sea, which is dan-
gerous, when falling on Veflels. The 5th of the
Month, being the firft Day of the Week, we had a
good religious Meeting for divine Worfhip, wherein
our People were earneftly exhorted to a holy Life, and
to be earneftly concerned for the true Faith, which is
in Chrift J that Faith which works by Love, and is the
Evidence of Things not vifibly feen, being manifeft by
Works of Piety and Virtue. In this Voyage we were
twenty two Days from the Ifland of Barbadoes to the
Sight of Cape Henry in Virginia^ and had a pleafant
PafTage in the main to Philadelphia^ where, in the 9hiiadd»
Seventh Month, was held our Yearly-meeting, at which ^'*"'«
I had a Defire to be, my watery Employment having
R hinder'd
^^4^ 77je JOVRN Ah of
^1731. hindered my being at a yearly Meeting for feveral
S^^V^ Years : At this Meeting I met with my old Acquain-
tance, and dear Friends, John Richard/on of Tork^
Jhire, and Paul John/on of Dublin, both on a Gofpel
Vifit to the Brethren and Friends in America: The
Meeting was large, and attended with divine Grace
and Goodnefs, and ended with Thankfgivingand Praife
to God and the Lamb. ..;,'.
While our Ship was loading I was at feveral Meet-
ings in the Country, as at Ahington^ German-town^
Fair-hill, and Frankfort, m Philadelphia County ;
and at the Falls of Delaware^ Buckingham, Nejhaminy^
and Brifiol^ in Bucks County. I was alfo at Burlington,
at the Marriage of JVilliatn Callender junior, of ^^r-
hadoes, with Katherine Stnith, Daughter of Daniel and
Mar'j Smith, of Burlrngton.
Voylge'J'o ^" the 1 6th of the Ninth Month I proceeded on
Barhadocf the leventh Voyage 10 Barhadoes, in the Ship Klew Bri-
asMafkr. pi Hope, as Mafter, having on board feveral PafTen-
o;ers, one of whom {Elizabeth Martindale) was" on the
Paffage convinced of the Principles of Truth, and af-
terwards fuffered, in divers Refpefls, for her making
Profeflion with us.
We had a long Pafiage down the River, the Wind
being high and boifterous. On the 2 2d of the Ninth
Month, we left the Capes of Delaware^ and faw the
h«iSoil ^^^"^ 0^ Barhadoes the 2i{l of the Tenth Month, be-
fore it was Day, and in the Afternoon came to an An-
chor in the Bay of Sp eight' s-Town. In this Voyage I
met with an Accident that was painful and troublefome
JO me, which happened in a hard Gale of Wind, I be-
ing to the Windward, and the Ship having a large Mo-
tion, and miffing my Hold, was canted from my
Place to the other Side of the Ytm, againfl the Edge
of a Cheft, and fo bruifed my Leg that I could not
do my Bufinefs as I ufually did, which was a great
Hindrance and Difappointment to me : But in about
- a mad;'' Time, with the Affiftance of fome of my
Friends
THOMAS CBALKLET, 249
Friends there, I got indifferently through it, and alio 1731:
rode to Bridge-Town^ aad had feveral Meetings there. \./^^>J
I was alfo at feveral good and comfortable Meetings at
Speight\-Town, where we had one the Day we fail'd,
being the 21ft of the Eleventh Month •, and on the
Sea-fhore parted with our Friends in great Love, and
fct Sail, the Wind being about North-Eaft, fo that saiis from
we could not weather the Ifland of Marttnico ; we £«''^''^»''^.
therefore faiTd along by the Illands of Domimco, and
Guardaloupe^ and had Calms under the Iflands, and
fometimes the eddy Winds from off the Mountains, or
high Lands, would take the Sails, and carry the Ship
clear round, which made it fometimes tedious. The
23d and 24th we pafTed by the Iflands of Montferrat^
Antigua^ Rodondo, ChriJiopher*Si Nevis ^ Bartholomew,
Miatia, Saba, Barhuha, Martinis, and Anguilla, the
Winds and the Weather being fair and pleafant. The
25th in the Evening, it began to be hazy; and, in
the Night, we fplit our Main-top-fai!, which cofl us
a great deal of Labour, and LofsofTime, before we
could get it mended and fet again. We had pretty
fair Weather about 20 Days, until we came on our
Coafl, and into Soundings ; when a hard Gak of
Wind fpringing up Eafterly, which fetting on the
Shore, was dangerous, and we had a long Night:
coming on; but, through the Favour of the Almighty,
we got off from the Land. In the Midit of the Danger
of this Storm, my Soul fang Praifes to the Lord.
The 1 2th of the Twelfth Month we met with ano-
ther Eaflerly Storm, being in about thirty Fathom
Water, it blew, and rain*d very hard, and was alfo
exceeding cold, and our coming from a hot Climate
made it more hard to bear. In this Storm we faw di-
vers Lights, which the Sailors call Corpufants^ one of
them was exceeding bright, and fat, as near as I can
compute it, about Half an Hour on our Main-cop-
rpall 'Head, plain to the View of all the Ship's Com-
''■•'■■ R 2 pany.
250 "The JOVR'N AL of
1731. pany, divers of whom faid they never faw the like,
\/^>/^^^ and I think I never heard of, or faw the like before.
The Storm continued all Night till Day, when it
abated, and it being the Firft of the Week, we had
a comfortable Meeting, in which the Peeple on board
■were advifed to get divine and heavenly Learning, and
not to be Fools in Religion, or in the Things of God,
nor to hate his true Knowledge ; for if they had all
the natural Knowledge, and brighteft natural Parts in
the World, they would be but Fools without the
true Fear of God^ which the wife King Solomon fays.
Is the Beginning of Wifdom.
The 27th of the Month we faw CapeHenlopen^ having
been 27 Days from the Ifland of Barbadoes : This was a
clofe, toggy Day, we could fee but very little before us, '
and had like to have been a-ground on the Shoals,
which they call the Hen and Chickens, but went between
them and the Cape, in three Fathom Water v the Wind
blowing hard at South, we went up the Bay by the
I^ead ; for we could not fee Land •, and the Gale be-
ing fo frefh, we got to Bo?nbay-Hook, from our CapeSy
in about fix Hours, which is accounted twenty Leagues;
where we came to an Anchor, and there met with
abundance of Ice. Merciful was the Deliverance and
Prefer vation we met with, from the Hand of the Al-
mighty, this Voyage -, may we ever gratefully re-
member it ! About a League above Bombay-Hook,
when the Fog broke up, we found ourfelves clofe on
ihe Jerfey Sliore •, and the Wind fprung up at North-
weft, and obliged us to come to an Anchor ; where
the Ice came down upon us, which furprized fome of
us much. The fudden coming; out of fo hot a Cli-
mate, into one fo feverely cold, had a bad Effed on
moil of our Ship's Company; and for my own Part,
i had a fore Fit of the Phihyfich^ and was, at Times, al-
moft breathlefs, and thought I muft die, for I could
hardly breathe, or fpeak ; but yet I refolved, as long
as I was capable of Thgughts, I would think of God,
and
'THOMAS CHALKLET, 251
and my beloved Jefus ; in which Thoughts and Medi- 1731.
rations I found fome Comfort and Confolation. I fat v^'S'^
up for divers Nights, not being able to lie down for
want oi Breath ; and I could not drink any ftrong
Drink, as Rum, Wine, Ale, or Punch, fuch as the
Sailors drank ; but, infiead thereof, I drank Sage Tea,
which was very helpful to me.
The next Day, the Ice came down more and more
upon us, and we feared to put back, becaufe, if we had
gone a-ground in the Bay, the Ice might have demo-
Jifhed us -, fo we took the moft convenient Time we
could, and got up our Anchor, with fome Difficulty,
and flood for Reedy-IJland, one of the befl Harbours
upon Delaware ; but, the Wind and Tide failing us,
we could not get in ; and the Ebb brought down the
Ice mightily on us, fo that it took away the Head of
ourVefTel, and cut her Sides very much. The next
Tide we got into the Harbour, and lay clofe to Reedy-
JJland, making the Ship faft on Shore. While we lay
here, feveral VefTels came to us, and faften'd on
Shore as we did. The Ice drove one VelTel on us,
and broke our Spritfail Yard. Here I went on Shore,
where the People were very kind to us, particularly
the Sheriff of the County, John Gooding ^ and his Wife
and Family. I went alfo to the Houfe of John
M'Cooh who, with his Wife, were very tender in their
Care and Love towards mej baching my fwell'dand be-
numb*d Limbs until the Frofl was pretty well out of
them. The Good-will, and tender Love and Care, I
here met with, afFeds my Mind in the noting of it : I
pray the mofl High, whom I love and ferve, to be
their Rewarder.
I had two Meetings at our Meeting-houfe at
George^s-Creeky where was People of divers Perfwa-
fions, who gave good Attention. For thefe Meetings
I was truly thankful ; for though, through the extream
Cofd, I could hardly fpeak when on board, I now
fpoke freely, much to my Admiration, and I believe to
R 3 Che
252 fft^ JOURNAL 0/ ?■
1 73 1, the Peoples Satisfadlon more than is proper for me to-
v-^S/-^^ mention, wherefore I praife God. When the Wea-
ther was a little more open, and the Ice gone, we
f&laf^^' failed' up the River to Philadelphia, where I was joy-
fully received by my Friends ; and while the VefTel
was repairing and fitting for another Vo>age, I was
not idle, but vificed Friends Meetings at Philadelphia-y
^biriJoT' Bu^^^^^g^(^^-> -^bingtony Gerjnan-iowriy Biherry, Fair-billy
«tc. ' and Frankfort^ being fometimes at four or five Meet-
ings a" Week. I was alfo at Haddonfield and Eve/ham
Meetings in TVeJt-Jerfey ; both good and comfortable
Meetings, and will not eafily be forgotten i for there-
in God was gracioufly pleafed to vifit us with his Word,
blefiTed be his Name.
Vo/agea' ^^^ ^^^ °^ ^^^ ^^'^^^ Month, we again fet fail for
Mafter, Speight^-Town in Barhadoes ; and the 6th of the
^'^^ Month, about fix in the Morning, left the Capes of
Delaware. From the Time we left the Sight of the
Capes of Delaware^ to the Sight of Barhadoes, was
Twenty-five Days fwhich was the quickcfl Voyage
that ever I had in this Ship) in which Time we had
three Meetings for the publick Worfhip of Almighty
God, and to me they were beneficial ; and for God's
Goodnefs, I could do no lefs than return Praife to
him, who alone is worthy for ever.
Sar^^cie.r^ After I had done my Bufinefs at Barhadoes, and
, viured Friends Meetings, on the 5th of the fifth Month
I failed for Souih Carolina^ touched at the Ifland of
On/?,?. ChrijiopherSj and landed fome PaflTengers there. From
^^' * thence we went to Sea, and the fame Night we had a
Srorm, but fufiered little, the Wind being for us, that
we went before it, and after it was over, we had a
pleafant PafPage of about fourteen Days to the Coafl of
Carolina % and when we faw the Land, the Wind
came againfl us, which m.ade fome of our PafTengers
very iineaf}^ ; but in meditating on the infinite Being,
I v,'.is favoured with inward Comfort and ftrong Con-
' folation.
rnOM.AS CHALKLET, 253
folation, fo that I was humbly thankful, and prjiifed 1732.
God. Vi-'VNj
We were prevented by contrary Winds, and a
IJrong Current, from getting into Chark/lown, and
while we were beating about the Coail, we met with
s, Veffel which came from thence, who gave us In-
telligence that many People died fuddenly, and that
they buried ten or twelve in a Day. Hearing fuch
News, and the Wind being ftill againft us, our Paflen-
gers, who intended for Carolina^ concluded to go for
Philadelphia j fo we tacked about, and flood for Dela-
ware-Bay^ and then we had a frefh Gale a-head again
for feveral Days, and (pending fo much Time on the
Coafl:, our Water was far expended, and we agreed to
come to an Allo\Yance of Water, a Quart a Man for
Twenty-four ^ours, for feveral Days before we got
in. We were about five Weeks in our PalTage from
Barhadoes to Delaware River.
Soon after our Arrival at Philadelphia we got our miaid.
Ship on the Ways, in order to refit and flieath her, in '^""*
which Time I travelled into feveral Counties, and had
many religious Meetings in divers Peaces, in which I had
food Satisfadion ; and my old Acquaintance and
riends faid, they rejoiced to fee me again after my Sea
.Voyages. I was thankful in my Heart for the Good-
;:|vill of my good Mafler, and of my Friends, in thofe
Journeys, which was, and, I hope, ever will be better
to me than choice Silver, and fine Gold.
The Winter letting in about a Month fooner than
ufual, many VefTels were detained from going to Sea,
being frozen up ; alfo many VefTels could not come
from 3ea up the River, fo that a great Damp was put
on Trade, and the Frofl coming fo fuddenly, many
People were taken with Colds, and many died in both
the Provinces of New-Jerfey and Penfylvania. My dear
Friend and kind Landlord Paul Prefion^ died about
this Time, who, on his dying Bed, faid. He had no
Dejire to live, but to do Good, and that it had been his
R 4 Cars
C0WM.
254 'I'he J O U R N A h of
1 73 2. Care to keep a Confcience void of Offence towards Gody and
\./^^^ to all Men^ which now was his Comfort. The hard
Weather continuing, I found an Exercife and Concern
on my Mind to vifit Friends Meetings in the County
of Bucks, in Penfyhania^ and the County of Burling-
ton in Wejl-Jerfey \ in both which I was at above twenty
Meetings in about twenty Days. In this Journey I was
favoured with the Grace and Goodnefs of the divine
Hand to a greater Degree than I was worthy of, though
I was exceeding poor in my Spirit, and, in my own
Judgment, very weak for Service and Labour, both
in Body and Mind ; our Meetings, confidering the
fevere Seafon, were large, and, I hope, they were to
general Edification.
Borini. On the 25th of the Tenth Month, being the repu-
ted Birth Day of our Lord Jefus Chrifi:, at a little
Town, near the Falls, called Bordentown^ we had a
Meeting (where never any had been before of our
Friends) in one of the Houfes newly built by Jojepb
Borden, the Proprietor of the Place : He entertained
us lovingly at his Houfe, when he was fo generous as
to offer Ground for a Grave- Yard, and to build a
Meeting-houfe on, and a handfome Sum of Money
towards building it, though he did not make Profeflion
to be of our Society. Some that were at this Meet-
ing, who did not profefs with us, came over the Creek
on the Ice to Ifaac Hornerh^ in the Evening, where
we had a fatisfadory Meeting, in which God, through
Chrift,was glorified. Daniel Stanton (my Wife*s Sifter's
Sonj accompanied me in this Journey, whofe Com-
pany and Miniftry was acceptable, both to me and
Friends, and we had Meetingi at the Falls, Brijlol,
Middletown^ }Fright'sTown, Bordentown, Crofwicks,
Mansfield^ Upper and Lower Springfield, Mount Holly,
Rancocas, Evejloam, and Chejler, and divers Evening-,
meetings at feveral Friends Houfes. It now beinga
lictly Time I was often fent for to vific the Sick, in
which
THOMAS CHALKLET.
^SS
which Vifics we were comforted, and God's holy Name 1732.
was praifed. t/VVJ
On the 18th of the Eleventh Month I was fent for
to Brijlol to vifit Ennion IVilliams^ who was dangeroufly ^^.j-^^j
ill, and to Burlington^ to the Burial of Elizabeth the EuritH^ren,
Wife of Jonathan IVright, who v/as buried from the
great Meeting-houfe at Burlington. The Meeting
was very large, fhe being well beloved by her Neigh-
bours and Acquaintance, being a Woman much given
toHofpitality (and indeed many of the Friends of Bur-
lington have exceeded in that Refpeft the moft that ever
I have obferved in my Travels) She was a Pattern of
Piety, a loving, obliging Wife, and tender and careful
Mother, a kind Neighbour, a loving and faithful
Friend, and fo continued to the End ; for fome of her
dying Words were, That fhe defired her Love might
be rememhred to all her Friends^ which was done openly
in the faid Meeting, and tenderly affeded many.
After I came home, I was at the Marriage of PFil-
Ham Parker and Elizabeth Gilbert^ at which Marriage
was our worthy, antient Friend, John Richardfony
with divers other European Friends. The Meeting
was large and edifying.
The River flill continuing frozen up, I had a Defire
to vifit my Friends and Brethren in Chefter County,
whom r had not feen for fome Years -, and in order
thereto, in the Beginning of the Twelfth Month, I,
with my Kinfman, Daniel Stanton, fet out from Phila-
delphia, and went to Newtown^ where we had a Meet-
ing next Day (being the firfl of the Week) and after-
wards an Evening-meeting at Evan Lewises -, from
thence we went to the Monthly-meeting at Providence,
on Third-day to Middletown^ Fourth-day to Concord, •
Fifth-day to Birmingham, Sixth-day to London-Grove ;
after which we had an Evening-meeting at a Widow's
Houfe : From thence we travell'd on Seventh-day to
Nottingham^ and were at a large Meeting there on
Firft-day, and had an Evening-meeting at a Friend's
Houfe,
256 tr^^ JOURNAL ^
'2^^' ^°^^^' where fome Perfons came, who had never been
^ at a Meeting of Friends before ; on Second-day we
had a Meeting at Sufquehannah Ferry, to which divers
People came over the Ice, and it was a good Opportu-
.nity tom;my of them. Third-day we had a large Meet-
ing at TVefi-NoUingham, and in the Evening at William
Browns^ and next we had a large Meeting at iV<?w-
Carden, and at Michael Lightfoot^s Houfe we met
with two Friends from Ireland, Mungo Bewley and
Samuel Stephens, who were now proceedino- on the
Courfe of their religious Vifit to Friends in Marylafid,
Virginia, and North- Carolina, ^From thence I went
to vifit my old Friend and Acquaintance Ellis^ Lewis,
who had a Deiire to fee me : We had an Evening-
meeting in his Chamber, to our mutual Comfort and
Ketrefhment ; and next Day had a very large Meet-
ing in the Meeting-houfe at Kennet ; after which we
went to Concord to the Quarterly-meeting |br the
County of Chejler, and were at three Meetings there,
and likewife had three Evening^meetings ^t friends
Houfes ; at which Meetings we had the Company of
my Kinfwoman Mce Alder/on, and her Companion
Margaret Coupland, who were lately come from the
North of England, to vific Friends in this an^ the ad-
jacent Provinces.
We went on Third-day to the General-meeting at
Providence^ which was very large ; J o/hu a Fielding 2in<\
Ebenezer Large were there ; and we had an Evening-
meeting at Rebecca MinJJjaWs ; and next went to
Chichefter, where we had a larger Meeting than I ex-
pected, confidering the Seafon ; we lodged at John
Salkeld's ; and on Fifth-day we had a good, open
Meeting at Chefter, and, in the Evening, another at
Grace Loyd's -, next Day had a Meeting at Springfield,
which I belive will be remembered by fome that were
there, when we don't fee one another ; afterwards
we travelled to Philadelphia.
u
7'HOMAS CHALKLET. 2^7
In this Year 1732, arrived 'Thomas Penn, one of 1732.
the Proprietors of Penfylvmiiay and Son of the truly w-St^
honourable William Penn^ Governor and Proprietor of
this Province, a v^^ife Man, a good Chriftian, and a
mild Governor, a great Promoter of Piety and Virtue,
and of good Men. May this his Son walk in his
Steps !
In the Firfl Month was our general Spring-meeting,
at which were feveral Publick Friends from England^
viz. John Richardfon^ Alice Alderfon^ and Margaret
Coupland. The Meeting was large and edifying, the
faid Friends having Service therein to general Satis-
fa(5lion.
The 2d of the Second Month I proceeded on a ^7^3-
Voyage to Barhadoes fit being the firft in the Snow ^^''''V^
Barb adoes -Packet^ a Veffel built on Purpofe for me) We
got to the Capes the 20th of the Second Month in the
Evening, where we were obliged to come to an An-
chor j and the 21ft v/e put out to Sea, but the Wind
being againft us, and looking like windy Wearher, I
concluded to come to under our Cape^ and wait for a
fair Wind : As foon as our Snow came to, we got
our Boat out, and went to Lewis-Town ; and next t-c^i^-
Day, being Firft-day, we had a Meeting in the ^°'^''"'
Court- houfe. In this Town, is an Epifcopal^ and a
Prejb'jterian Meeting- houfe ; but neither of their
Teachers were that Day in I'own, and divers of the
People were glad of a Meeting, and I had a good Op-
portunity with them. After Meeting I went on board,
and weighed Anchor, and had a fair Wind for above ^^ ^^^"
a Week after : In which Time we overtook the Ship
Amity^ Bowling Mafler, near the Latitude of
Bermudas ; where we had fmart Gales of Wind, which
obliged us to carry our Topfails double-reelt'd : And,
after having been at Sea 27 Days and one Night, in
which Time we had feveral Meetings, we law the
l^?iVidiO^ Barhadoes i though, for the .mod Part, wt'&arbaia
hid
fhia
25S "Tbe J OVR^ AL of
1723. had contrary Winds; but all was well, and God
ty'V^J blefled, who is for ever worthy,
J''* from Xhe 20th of the Fourth Month, having done my
* Bufinefs, and alfo vificed Friends Meetings, we failed
for Philadelphia ; and on the 2.5th of the Fourth
Month, being Firft-day, we had a feafonable and fer-
viceable Meeting, wherein the Almighty was worfhip-
ped and praifed, and the People exhorted to Sobriety
and Temperance. We were about 20 Days from
jj//<tflV/. Barbadoes to Philadelphia.
After having (laid at home about fix Weeks,
and vifited the Meetings of Friends in divers Places,
to mine and their Satisfaflion, on the2Sth of the Sixth
Month, I proceeded on another Voyage for the Ifland
o^ Barbadoes. We left Sight of our Capes on the 31ft
of the faid Month. The Winds were, for the moft:
Part, contrary, and, before we got into the Trade
Wind, we met with two hard Gales ; the laft of which
was a Kind of a Hurricane, in which we could carry
no Sail at all, but let the Veflel lie to the Mercy of the
Seas, or rather to the Mercy of him that made the Seas,
and all that is therein, and in the Earth alfo. In this
Storm we loft a fpare Top-maff, and divers other U-
tenfils belonging to the VefTel ; but all our People were
well and fafe. This Voyage we had feveral comfort-
able religious Meetings on board, in which we were
exhorted to prepare for another and better World, this
being fo very uncertain and momentary, and full of
various Exercifes, Temptations, and Affliflions.
I had on board three Whitehaven Sailors, William
^ozverfon^ William Trimble^ and William Atkinfon^ and
I do not remember that I heard either of them fwear an
Oath during the whole Voyage, which I thought wor-
thy to (land on Record, becaufe it is fo rare in fea-
faring Men. About the Beginning of the Eighth
Month (being in the Latitude of Barbadoes) the
Thoughts of my leaving my Family and Habitation,
and many of my loving Relations, and near and dear
Friends
THOMAS CHALKLET, 259
Friends fas at divers other times alfo) made me pen- 1733.
five and forrowtul ; but it being on a Principle of Juf- <y\^^
rice, and fometimes meeting with the Prefence and
Goodnefs of God, I was enabled to do my Affairs and
Bufinefs, and forbore to appear forrowful as much as
pofTibly I could, or to be of a fad Countenance in the
Sight of Men •, but to him, who knew ail Things,
and fees in fecret, I poured out my Soul in all my Af-
flidlions, for he only is able to help me. I met with
fome who untruly cenfured me, as covetous of the
Things of this fVorld, or to be rich -, and that for the
fake of thefe outward Things^ I might venture my
Life until 1 might lofe it : Really, as to my Life,
it hath long been my Defire to be ready to refign it,
and is fo flill : And, as to thofe outward Things, fo
far as I know, my Heart is clear ; Food and Rai-
ment, and to be clear and even with the World, hav-
ing rather to give than receive, is all the Grandeur I
defire, and if that be not granted, I hope to be con-
tented without it, and to be thankful. I look upon
Crowns and Scepters, and all the fine Things of this
"World, that are of the Nature of it, but as Trifles,
and diminutive Things, in comparifon of a Houfe and
Kingdom eternal in the Heavens. In this Voyage, as
-ufual, I read in the holy Scriptures, and met with ^* sc*.
ftrong Confolation therein, efpecially in the New-Te-
ftament ; I alfo read much in the V\'"orks of that err.i-
nent Judge and good Chriitian, Matthew Hale.
The 7th of the Eighth Month, we arrived at Bar- ^^^XStT,.
hadoeSi ftaid three Weeks and one Day, and had divers
religious Meetings. I haften*d to accomplifh my Af-
fairs before Winter, it coming on, and the Time of
the Year dangerous for failing on our Coafls. On the
30th of the Eighth Month we left the Ifland of Bar-
badoeSy bound lor Philadelphia *, and on the i irh of the
Ninth Month it pleafed God to favour us with a gra- At sea,
cious Opportunity to worfhip him -, wherein was de-
clared to the Ship's Company, The Nature and Ad-
vantage
26o ^:>e JOURN AL of
I73g. vantage of Good, and the Fountain from whence it
>^~\r<N-> flows, or fprings ; as alfo the Nature and Difadvan-
tage of Evil ; the one being or fpringing from God,
and the other proceeding from Satan, or the Devil,
who is the Root of all Evil -, and, that Men might be
left without Excufe, God hath fent the divine and fu-
pernatural Light of his holy Spirit, to fhow to Mor-
tals what is Good, and what is Evil -, in order that
they might embrace the Good, and refufe the Evil.
The 2iftof the Ninth Month we had a very hard
Gale of Wind at North-weft, which blew fo hard, that
k put us by from failing, fo that we were obliged ta
]ay her to the Wind i for, by the Violence thereof, we
could not carry any Sail ; and it was fo dark, that we
could neither fee Stars nor one another ; nor hear
one another without we were very near, the Seas
rifmg very high : Indeed the long, ftormy and dark
Nights v/ere very difmal , and feme of our Goods got
loofe in the Hold. In the Beginning of the Night,
about the fevcnth Hour, Philip Kearney, my Appren-
tice, fell into the Sea and was loft, which was a deep
AfHiclion to us in divers Confiderations.
The 25th we faw the Land, and next Day v/e came
Fhiiadel. to an Anchor in Delaware Bay. The Lofs of this
^'""'' Lad, was a Caufe that we were not fo joyful, as is
ufual for People to be when come to the Shore.
The latter End of the Tenth Month I went the
third Voyage (Commander of the Barhadoes-Packet)
from Philadelphia^ bound to Barbadoes : We were
tov/d through the Ice by two Boats from Thomai
Alafter's Wharff, and in two Days got to Reedy-IJland \
from whence we failed dov/n Delaivare Bay \ where we
lay tv/o Nights, the Wind being contrary, blowing
hard, the Nights being long, the Days very fhort, and
Weather Iharp ; we left our Capes in the Night, it
being dangerous lying in the Bay 5 and after being out
.At Sea, feveral Days, we had favour»\ble Winds, and pleafant
Weather i but when we got into the Trade-Wind, it
blew
THOMAS CHALKLET, 261
blew hard, and moftly againft us ; fo that the firft Land 1 733*
we faw was the Ifland of ChriJiopher\ where we arrived '^^^^^^^
in 20 Days from our Capes *, and the Market for Pro- chri/to.
vifions being at that Time better than at any other of /^fr's.
thofe Iflands, and the Property of the Veflel moftly
belonging to me, and the Cargo generally confign'd
to me, I difpofed of Part of it. Here being no Meet-
ing of our Society on this Ifland, I had Meetings on
board the Veflel in the Harbour, and divers trom the
Shore, and fcveral Matters of VeflTels came to our
Meetings, the Snow having large Accommodations for
fuch an Occafion ; and, fo far as I could underftand,
the People were generally fatisfied, and fpoke well ot
our Meetings.
Of late Times, and alfo in this Voyage, meeting
•with many Lofles and Crofles, and much Afllid:ions,
and various Exercifes, I was ready to fay in my
Heart, Lord^ why am I thus affl.iofed now in m'j decli-
fling learSy fince thou knows^ I love thee above all
Things J and that I would not willingly or knowingly of'
fend tbee^ my great and dear Lord ? It was anfwered
(as though vocally fpoken) My only begotten and beloved
Son, who never offended me^ fuffered much more. This
Word being fuch an evident Truth, I begg'd Pati-
ence to go through all my Sufferings and Afilidions,
fo that at laft I might live with Chrift in the glorious
Kingdom of God for ever, where I might always blefs
and 'praife his holy Name.
Five or fijf Days atter our Arrival at this Ifland, a
Veflfel, that came out five or fix Days before us, arrived,
fhe meeting with the fame boifterous Weather as we
did, yet we made our Pafl'agc ten or eleven Days foon-
er : Divers other Vefl^elSj, bound to Barbadoes, put in
here, through thefe contrary Winds \ and when I faw
others in the like Circum.ftances with us, I was the
more thankful for being preferved fafe, and fo foon to
this Place •, yet it was a confiderable Lofs and fore
Trial not to get to Barhadoes, the lOand I was' bound
to.
262 77^^ JOURNAL (?/
1733. to, and a great Difappointment to me, and many
-/"y-"^ more.
At this Ifland a Perfon, whofe Name was
Galloway i a Man of a great Eftate, hearing that I kept
Meetings on board the Veflel, kindly invited me to
have a Meeting at his Houfe, and faid he would give
Notice of it to divers of the Gentlemen (as he called
them) of the Ifland, telling me, that I fhould be wel-
come to his Houfe, which was much more convenient
than the Veffel-, but I was not very forward to accept
of my Friend Gallowafs, kind Offer, being fenfible of
my own Weaknefs and inward Poverty, fo that I
made feveral Excufes to evade it i but he obviated
them all. iff, I afk'd him, If he could hear the
Reproach of having a Quakers Meeting at his Houfe ?
He anfv/er'd, 2~es, there is Good and Bad of all Societies.
2dly, I afl-i'd. If his Wife would like it, or he willing
that a Meeting fjjould he in the Houfe ? He faid. She
defiredity and would he very willing, gdly, I alk'd. If
he thought he could fit in Silence ? He told me. He
heliev'd be could. T then told him, I was obliged to him for
his kind and friendly Offer, and, God willing, I in-
tended to come, and tell my People of the Ship's Com-
pany to come alio, and delired him to give Notice of
it : The which he did ; and there was a large fatisfac-
cory Meeting ; Oh may the Almighty fanSify it to
ibme Souls, is my Defire !
He and his Wife were both very courteous to me,
and invited many of his rich Friends and Relations:
His Wife's Father was a Judge in this Ifland of good
Repute. Divers People, of feveral ProfefTions, were
at this Meeting, and many cxprelTed their being glad
of it. An Attorney at Law faid. He was thankful for
the Words he heard that Day, and, if I would ftay
with them, he would always come to our Meetings.
One Judge A£lls was at this Meeting, and very kindly
invited me to his Houfe. Some meeting me next Day,
faid, They wtre forry they were not there. The
Miftrefs
"T HO MAS CHALKLE7. 263
Miflrefs of the Houfe told divers of the People, who 173:?.
were Pcrfons of Note, That they Jhoidd remember -what
they had heard ; and fpoke ic with a reh'gious Concern,
as It (eem'd to me. When I went to this Meeting,
I was very poor, and in much Fear, fpeaking with a
great Concern on my Mind for- the Peoples Salvation,
and that God, thro' Chrift, might be glorified.
After this Meeting, it was (as tho' a Voicej faid
unto me, How dofi thou know but for this Caufe, and
for this Meetings thou art brought here to this IJJand^
tho' againft thy Will? The People told me, that they
did not remember that there ever was a Meeting of
our Friends before on the Ifiand. The Meeting had
this Effed;, that the People had a better Opinion of
our Society than they had berore. The Subjed in this
Meeting was, The Excellency of the Gofpel Dif-penfation
above that of the Law, in that it brought us to the Law,
went through the Law, and was above the Lav/, and
far from deflroying the Law, but fulfilled if, for
Proof of which, they were referred to Chrift's mor:
excellent Sermon which he preached on the Mounts
Mat. V.
From the Ifland of Chrijlophcf^ I purpofcd, God
willing, for Barbadoes •, the v/hich i apprehended would
be a troublefome Voyage, it beingabout 100 Leagues
to Windward, and a flrong Current againft us. ~ Oa
the 19th of the Twelfth Month, w- failed, towards
Barbadoes -, and the Wind being a-head, and blowing
hard, we tarried two Nights at the Ifiand of Lucea.^ uccr.
where we took in Wood and V/ater : The People
here were moftly French, and were very civil to us.
The 2 ill we put out again to Sea*, but the Wind
and Current being againft- us, obliged us to go into the
Harbour from whence we came, and tarry tor an Op-
portunity more favourable. While we were in this
Harbour, which is a very good one, feveral Vefteis
came in on the like Occafion \ and a VeiTel that cams '
S from
TZv J O U R N A L of
from Chriflophcr'^ about three Hours after us, came
here three Days fmce we did.
We went out again, in order to proceed to Barla-
does -, but, as before, the Current was fo ftrong againfl
us, and rhe Wind alfo, that we could not get'^forward
on our Way ; wherefore we put back again to Chri-
•ik'-vsua, Jlopher's, and, by the Way, called at Jntigua^ where
I had an open, fatisfaftory Meeting, for which I was
truly thankful, and lb were fome, not of our Society,
of whom there were divers, and fome who had not
been at our M-^etings before.
Onfto. '^^'^^^ ^'"xt Day we arrived again at Chrippher's^ and
pUr.;. there unloaded the Remainder of our Cargo, though
much againfl my Mind. After having fold the moft
of our Cargo at Bajeierre, we went to Sandy-Pointy
and there fold the Remainder, and took in our Loading
for Philadelphia. ^
In loading our Veflel, Judge Brown was my very
good Friend, and helpful to me therein, for which I
t.unk rnyfelf much obliged to him.
While we lay Iiere, I had a Meeting on board our
Vellcl, to which came five Mafiers of VefTels. It was
4 good Meeting, tho^ I [poke to them in much Mifery
iind Pain, having very angry painful Sores on my
Ug^ occalioned by a Fall in getting out of the Boar,
the bcas runninfT high, and through the Violence of
the Waves, I fell acrofs the Boar, and broke both my
ohms very grievouHy.
J7^4, , "it;^ 31ft oftheFirft Month 1734, we had ano-
t/*VX»' ^'^'-'* Meeting on board our Vefiel, to which came fe-
veral from other VclTels, and fome from the Shore,
among whom was a young Baronet, and his Hoft (a
lavern-keepe.r) with him, who at firfl behaved airily,
but, after fome Time, he was more fober, and feemcd
relpedful at partino-.
I v/as invited to have a Meeting next Firfl-day on
board the Ship King George, a large VefTei j the Ma-
tter tuid me his Cabbin was large, and would accom-
modate
THOMAS CHALKLET. 265
modate many more than mine; but we did not flay 1734.
fo iong as till the Firft-day. ^^-V^
After this Meeting was over, the Mafler of the
large Ship came on board, and faid, He was forry
he had not come fooner, fo as to have had the Oppor-
tunity to have been at the Meeting.
From Chriftopher\ we fee fail Tor the Ifland of An-
guilla, and had a Meeting at the Governor's Houfe on
a Firll-day. We fraid at Anguilla three Days, and An^mUa,'
there took on board fome Bags of Cotton on Freight,
and failed from thence the loth of the Second Month.
The Governor of this Ifland, whofe Name is George
Leonard^ told me, That he Jh'juld live and die in our
^ Principles y faving that he muft defend his People. But
he did not confider, that his Defence might deflroy
both him and them, ai-d that fuch Defence was di-
rediy contrary to Chrift's Doftrine and Pradicc.
A remarkable and difmal PalTage he related to me,
That, fome Days before, a VefTel came from the Ifland
of Saltitudas (which went there to take in Salt) the
People going on Shore, the Mafter told him, that
there lay at the Landing the Heads of above twenty
Men on one Side the Path, and the Qiiarters of them
on the other ; which fo furprized them, that they made
the bed of their Way to Anguilla, where they related
this difmal Story, and fuppofed the Slain to be Brito77S
by their Appearances, and that they were deftroyed by
the Spaniards^ who are known to be cruel to them :
This Adlion being far from the Spirit of Chrifbianicy,
is a Reproach to the Adors thereof.
Not far from Anguilla is an Ifland they call St.
Johi's,^ the Inhabitants of which are Dutch: The A'"^-
groes there lately role and took the Ifland, kill*d the
People, fpoiled their Plantations, and burnt their
Houfes: I lodged at the Houfe of a Perfon, who
went to fubdue thofe Negroes, who were too ftrong
for him and his Company, and the Negroes kill'd di-
vers of them, and among rhem, kill'd this Man's two
S 2 Sons,
266
ne JOVR-N AL of
1734.
Arrires a
¥hiiadci'
fhia.
Account
cf the
Death of
his Son
Sons, for which their Mother and Sifters were in bitter
Mourning, when I was at their Houfe. The Thoughts
of the Bloodfhed, and vail Deftruftion, which War
makes in the World, caufed me to cry in my Heart;
How long, O Lord, thou holy, ju/l, and true God, will
ji he till Nation lift up the Sword no more againfi Nation^
nor the People learn War any mere.
When I came home from this Voyage, which was
the 30th of the Second Month, I met with the for-
rovvful News of the Death of my only Son George, a
beloved, dear Youth, who was taken fick the fifth of
the Eighth Month 1733* and departed this Life at
my Houfe in Frankfort, the 13th of the faid Month, a-
bout the ninth Flour, in the Evening of the fixth Day
of" the Week, and was carried to the Bank Meeting-
houfe of Friends in Philadelphia, and buried from thence
on the Firft-day following, being accompanied by
many Friends, and others ; he was ten Years and feven
pays old, when he died, and, as he was much be-
Joved for the Sweetnefs of his Nature and Difpofition,
lo he was greatly lamented by many who were ac-
quainted v/ith him. I have this Account to leave con-
cerning him, not fo much that he was my Son, as to
excite other Youths to ferve and fear the Lord, and to
Jove him above all, and that they might remember
rheir Creator in their youthful Days, that it might be
well with tliem in this World, and when Time here to
them fhal] be no more.
' He was a Lad much inclined to read the holy
' Scriptures, and other good Books, cfpecially reli-
, and was always obliging, obedient and
t5, ^- liis Parents, and ready and willing to
do riny Service he could to his Friends ; any little
Services in his Power he chearfully performed, and
took delight in ; he was very diligent, and ready to
go to religious Meetings, and an entire Lover of re-
ligious People. In his Sicloiefs he behaved him-
felf
gious Ones
loving, to
c
THOMAS CHALKLET, 267
felf more like a wife Man, than a Youth of that Age, 1 734.
bearing his Pain and Sicknefs with a great deal ot ^-^V^
Patience. I being in another Part of the World, he
would gladly have feen me, but faid, he Ihould ne-
ver fee me any more, and therefore defired his
Mother to remember his dear Love to his Father,
and tell him, that he was gone to his heavenly fa-
ther He was very fervent in Prayer in the Time
of his Sicknefs, and prayed that God would preferve
his People all the World over. One Time, wnen
in great Mifery and Pain, he prayed to Chrift, fliy-
inc.; Sweet Jefus ! Bleffed Jefus ! Give me Patience
to°bear my Mifery and Pain, for my Mifery is
crreater than I can well bear ! O come, fweet j£fu?v-
why art thou fo long a coming? I had rather be with
thee than in the finell Place in all the World. Many
relic^ious ExprelTions he fpoke on his dying Bed,
greatly to the Satisfaction and melting of his
Friends and Relations who came to fee him in his
Illnefs ; one Day he laid, my Miiery and Pain is very
great, but what would it be if the V/rath of God was
in my Saul ? He believing in the Love of God in
Chrifl:, made him defirous of being with him, and
feeing the Joy that was fet before him, thought the
Time long to be with Jefus, as knowing that then
he would be out of all Mifery and Pain. His Heart
was full of Love to his Relations, Acquaintance and
Friends who came to fee him in his Illnefs •, and full
of tender Sweetnefs and divine Love, he took his
laft Leave of them, which greatly arkcled many.
This was one of the molt pinching Exercifes 1 ever
met with in all my Days •, but as he laid in his Illnefs,
fo I now write. The Wifdom of the Lord is
wonderful. One Time in this dear Child's Sicknefs
he faid, Oh ! the good Hand of Thee the Lord help
me, give me Eaie, and condud me fafe (/. e.) to
God*s°Kingdom, uttering chis Verfe.*
c 2 Sweei
268
/i-
ne ]OVRlSiAL of
Sweet Jefus^ give jne Eafe, for Mercy I do crave %
And if thou' II give me Eafe, then Mercy I ffjall have,
Alrho' this was a great and fore Exercife, and deep
Affliftion to me in lofing this promifing Youth,
and my only Son ; yet, confidering that he went off the
Stage of Life like a folid, good Chriftian, it was made
tolerable eafy to me •, for he departed this Life in much
Bri^htnefs and Sweetnefs, and more like an old
Chriftian, than a Youth of ten Years of Age.
It v/as ufual for me to advife his Mother not to fet
her AiTeclions too much upon him, thinking he was too
good to live long in this World, and too ripe for Hea-
ven, to flay long here on Earth, or in this World of
Sorrow and Mifery. This dear and tender Youth,
when reading (to which he was much inclined) if he
met with any Thing that affefted him, either in the
flicred Writings, or other good Authors, he would
write It down, and get it by Heart •, he was, more than
common, affeftionately concerned for his Mother, do-
>ng whatever he could freely and chearfully to ferve
her, and told her not to do divers Things which he
thought too much for her, faying, Mothtr, let me do
tt^ ij I were a Man thou flooidd not do any Thing at all,
(meaning as to Labour) My dear Wife, being very
jnduUnous, and apt to o'verdo herfelf at Times •
And ilie being affefted with his filial Love and Care for
and cowards her in his Father's Abfence, it caufed her
fometimes to turn about and weep, in Confideration of
his great Care for and Love to her. I thought a little
Men>orandum of the Life and Death of this religious
Lad was worthy recording, in order to flir up other
iouths to Obedience and Love to their Parents, who
begat them, and carefully and tenderly nourifhed and
brought them up ; and alfo to love and obey God, from
waom they have their Life, Breath and Being, and ro
believe in Chrjlf, who died for them j who is the glo-
rious
THOMAS CHALKLET, 269
rious Light of all the Nations of them that are faved, 1734.
and walk therein, according to facred Writ. s
As noted above, he got I'everal Pieces by Heart out
of the Bible, and other religious Writings, firft wri-
ting them with his Pen. Two fhort Ones I may recite,
of which Nature were divers others, which peradven-
ture may be edifying to fome, who may cait their
Eye thereon.
One Place which much affedled my Mind that he
wrote down, and got by Heart, was the 15th Verfe of
the 57th Chapter of that evangelical Prophet Ifaiah :
For thus faith the high and lofiy one, that inhahitHh
Eternity, -whofe Name is holy, I dwell in the high and
holy Place, with him alfo that is of a contrite and hum-
ble Spirit, to revive the Spirit of the Humble, and to re-
vive the Heart of the contrite Ones.
Another little Piece was five Verfes, which among
others he wrote, and got by Heart, viz.
As one Day goes another comes.
And fometimes Jhews us difmal Dooms,
As Time rozvls on, new Things we fee.
Which feldom to us do agree :
Tho* now and tben^s a pleafant Day,
^Tis long a coming, foon away -,
Wherefore the everlajiing Truth
Is good for Aged and for iVuth,
For them to fet their fiearts upon ;
For that will lad till Time is done.
I have now but one only Daughter, Rebecca, left
me out of twelve Children, (except my Wife's Son and
Daughter.)
After this long and tedious Voyage, which ended
in the fecond Month, I ftay'd but a few Weeks at
home, and loaded with Wheat and Flour for Dublin^
in Ireland -, had Alice Alderfon, my Kinfv/oman, and
Margaret Copeland, Paffcngers. We had a verv com-
tortable, pleafant PalTage, fair Winds and "Weather,
S 4 and
270 T;^^ JOURNAL 0/
1734. and good religious Meetings. I think it was the moft
i,^'"^ pleaiant Time that ever I croffed the Seas ♦, about
iSlr? Naniuckel we hw feveral Sloops a Whaling, and fpoke
with one, by v/hich Opportunity we enquired of the
Welfare of our Friends on that Ifland, and fent our
Loves to them. Not many Miles from the Sloops we
law a Shoal ol- Whales ; I counted eight in a Row lying
* Side by Side in the Water.
W^e v/ere four Weeks and fix Days from our Capes
to Cape Clear in Ireland -, coming near the Land we
met with Fiihing-Boats, and got Plenty of choice frefh
iiitifaie. jTifi^ . \^ j-}^e Evening we got into Kin/ale^ took in a
Pilot for Dublin^ and failed next Day from Kin/ale,
and was out one Night at Sea, got next Day to Dub-
^"^""* lin-Bay^ where we went afhore, and were kindly enter-
tained by our Friends •, we were at divers large Meet-
ings in that great City, which feme of us, while we
live, at Times I believe fhall remember. My Stay in
Ireland v/as about feven W^eeks, in which Time I
vifited feveral Meetings in the Country, and at Eden-
derry^ the Moaie of Greenough^ Carlow, Bally lor e^ &c.
Sails for We fet fail from Dublin with a fair Wind, in Com-
pany v/ith the Ship Neptune^ and our Friends fent
many Prayers and good Wifhes after us. We were a-
bout forty Perfons, Sailors, PafTengers and Servants on
board, and had a good Paflage, all Things confidered.
"We had divers religious Meetings on board, and were
on our PalTage, from the Sight of Ireland^ to the Sight
jruvcs of our Land, five Weeks and fix Days ; it v/as the
quickeft Voyage I ever made to Europe and back
aga'n to Philadelphia.
When I came home, finding all well, I was thank-
ful to God, in the Name of Chrifl, for all his Mer-
cies, and the miany Prefervations wherewithal he had
favoured me.
After being a little at home, and at feveral Meet-
ings, and not being clear of the W^orld, in order to it,
I I'ndertook another Voyage to BarbadoeSy and from
thence
e
ia.:^.
THOMAS CHALKLET. 271
thence intending for London^ in order to fettle my Af- 1734.
fairs there, which I intended feme Years before, but s.-^'V"^
Lofles and Difappointments hinder'd me : Wherefore,
the 7i:h of the Tenth Month, I proceeded on a Proceeds
fifth Voyage in the Bnrbadoes-Packet, and left Philadel- garhadots.
fh'ia^ and was at a Meeting the next Day at Chefter
(being Firft-day) and in the Evening we had a large
Meeting at Grace Loyd's, where I met with my dear
Friend Jofeph Gill, who had good Service in the faid
Meeting -, we rejoiced in Chrift to fee each other :
We left Chefter the 9th5 and got that Tide down the
River to Newcaftle, and, after vifiting thofe few-
Friends there, we fet fail the 12th in the Morning ;
the Wind being high, and the Weather very fharp,
freezing hard, our Sails were fo froze, that we had
hard Work to get the VefTel under fail. The 13th
Day weighed Anchor, and failed down the Bay, and
the 14th we were clear of the Capes. The Firfl-day
following, we had a good, feafonable Meeting, for the
Worfliip and Service of God, and, in the faid Meeting,
as I was treating of Difobedience to Parents, and Dii-
obedience to Almighty God, our great Parent and
heavenly Father, a Youth, who was a Paffenger in the
Veflel, went out hallily and abruptly, as I was fhew- At sea.
ing the Ungrateful nefs of the firft, much more of tlie
Jaft : When I aflced the Reafon of his going out,
he faid, // was becaufe he could mi forbear crying ;
and thinking I fpoke fo becaufe of him, he faid, He
could not hear jne any more. Afterwards I underftood
that he was a Youth who was very ungrateful and dif-
obedient to his Parents ; the which 1 knew not of,
for his Mother told me, and himfelf alfo, that he wenc
to Sea on Account of his Heakh. I thought his going
out fo haftily was occafioned by fome Indifpofition of
Body ; but it was, as he gave us to underfband, thro'
refenting ill what was fpoken, and by his taking of it to
himfelf. I have, in ]ii<e Manner, fometimes obferved,
chat divers People have fhewn a Reltlefsnefs and Un-
eafinefs
272 ' rhe ]OVKN AL of
1734. eafinefs in publick AiTemblies of Worfbip and Devo-
^/"^-^ tion, and foirietimes c;oing out, &c. fo that they have
thereby expofed themfelves to the Notice of the Peo-
ple, as Perfons guilty of the Matter publickly repre-
hended, or rpoken againft •, juft as though they were
the only Perfons in the Aflembly, who were guilty of
the Evil then taken Notice of: Such publick Reftlefs-
nefs, is a great Folly and Weaknefs, befides fo openly
and publickly expofing themfelves.
After we left our Capes, we had divers hard Gales of
Wind, which Liied feveral Days. The 28th, being
a Firft-day, we had a IVIeeting for divine Worlhip, in
which God was praifed, and his holy Name exaiced,
tor his unfpeakable Grace, in fending his only begot-
ten Son, a divine Light to enlighten the Inhabitants
of the World : After which we had flormy Weather
and contrary V\^inds for fome Weeks, (o that our
PafTage was tedious -, and of 15 Times going to Bar-
hadoes, I found this the moft difficult -, and the Prof-
pect was very difcouraging of making a lofing Voy-
age, by the great Expence I expedled for repairing
and refitting the VefTel, &c. fo that I began to de-
fpair of accomplifhing my Defign of difcharging my
Debts in Great-Britain^ and the Thoughts and Confi-
deration of lofing fo much of the Company and Con-
verfation of my Wife, Relations, and Friends, and
fpending fo much precious Time (which cannot be
recalled) to fo little Purpofe, lay heavy on my Mind ;
yet, by the Grace of God, my Mind was fupported,
and my Refolutions confirmed to praife the Almighty,
for every Difpenfation of his Providence.
The 23d of the Eleventh Month, we faw the Ifland
js.niij.dors. of Barbodoes (at the Breaking of the Day) having been
from the Capes of Delaware forty Days and one Night;
and was truly thankful, that, at lail, we, through di-
vine Favour, got well to our defired Port ; where we
were lovingly received by our Friends at SpetghCs-
TaWKt who vvese joyful at our Arrival. From thence
I went
"T HO MAS CHALKLET. 273
I went to Bridge-Town^ and fo on to the Governor's, 1735.
in order to enter our VefleJ ; but, flaying a little too Lf^-^J
late, the Governor, who was the Lord Ih-ive^ was
come from his Houfe on his Way to Bridge-tozv/i^
with his Coach and Six^ and his Attendants ; but he
(feeing me) courteoufly ltopp*d his Coach, and did my
Bufinefs as he fat therein ; and though I made an Ef-
fay towards an Excufe, he would not admit of it,
faying, There was no Need of any Excufe. He was in-
deed an extraordinary courteous Man : He died foon
after, much lamented, as he was much beloved.
My Stay at Barbadoes this Time was the longefl I B-whaines.
ever ftay'd, believing it to be the laft Time I Ihould
go there, and that J fhould fee them no more. My
fo faying troubled fome of them ; but growing in
Years (being then turned of Threefcore) I thought it
would be too hard for me to undertake fuch another
Voyage j therefore I was at all the Meetings of our
Friends on the Ifland.
Here I met with Mojes Aldridge^ a Friend from
New-England^ who came on a religious Vifit to Friends
of this Ifland, with whom we had divers good Meet-
ings, his Service in Preaching the Gofpel being edify-
ing and acceptable •, we were together at the Marriage
of Andrew Drury and Mary Lezds, after which Meet-
ing and Marriage, I was ill of a Fever fcveral Days,
which Diftemper was very much among the People, of
which near twenty Maffers of VefTels, and foiric Hun-
dreds of People died •, and though I had been at Bar-
badoes m^Luy Times, Intv&r had fo much Jllnels there be-
fore i ?AofesAldridge, and feveral Friends of us, had a large
Meeting ^ijohn Gibfott's^ where were many People, not
of our Perfwafion, who generally were Ibber ; but as J
was recommending Charity to the People, according
to the Dodrine of the Apollle Paul^ as the mofl excel-
lent Gift, I advifed them to fho# it forth to all People
of all Profefnons, and alio to their Negroes, telling
them, that fome of the Gentry of this Iiland had ob-
fcrved
274 T/je JOVK'N AL of
1735. ferved to nie, that the more kind they were to their
v-xSr*^ Slaves, they had their Bufinefs the better done for it ;
though I obferved alio, that I had been at fome Places,
where I had watched to hear fome Exprefiions that
might look like Charity -, but in divers Houfes, and
Sarbadtes. ^^^^^^ ^c ^jote, I coLild not hear any Chriftian-like-Ex-
prefilons to their Slaves or Negroes, and that with
Sorrow I had feen a great deal of Tyranny and Cruelty,
the which I diffv/aded them from : This Do6lrine lb
exafperated fome that were there, that they made
a Difturbance in the Meeting -, one of which Perfons
meeting me on the King's High- way, fhot off his
Fowling-piece at me, being loaded with fmall Shot,
ten of which made Marks on me, and feveral drew
Blood j by which unfriendly A(5lion, the Man got a
great deal of Difgrace, it being highly refented by all
who were acquainted with me j the Prefident of the
Ifland look'd on it as a very bafe Adion, as did alio
divers of the Juftices and the Gentry, alfo the Veflry,
and feveral Clergymen and Lawyers ; one of the
Lawyers told me, I Jhould not he jufi to the Coun-
try, m^felf, nor the Man, if I did not profecute him ;
another, profeffing the Lav/, faid. He ought to be
abandoned by ail Mankind, if he fhot at me with De-
fign ; many were for profecuring him, for the Peo-
ple generally took Notice of it with Abhorrence ; but
he fending for me, and fignifying, he v/ould not do {o
again, I forgave him -, and i pray it may not be laid'
to his Charge in the great Day, and that he may be
forgiven, he being ignorant of the Love I had and
have for him and all Men, even them v/hom I know
to be mine Enemies. It would be too great a Scan-
dal and Reproach, to expofe his Name and Station in
the World. Some thought I did well in forgiving
him, and fome thougljit I did ill in it ; but I fpoke my
Mind to him alone freely, in which I had Satisfaction
and Peace.
Ln tending
THOMAS CHALKLET, 275
Intending my Veflel for London^ I made my Chief- i^]%S-
mate, Ralph Loftus, Mafter of her, not knowing vvhe- v>'"V-v^
ther I might proceed the Voyage, it being a very ^<"'*'"'''"'
fickly Time ; afterwards my Mate had the Diftemper
alfo, but I blefs God we both recovered a good State
of Health.
It was this Voyage that my Friends in Barhadoes
pubhfhed a little Piece I wrote at Sea, which I called,
Free 'Thoughts communicated to Free Thinkers ; done in
order to promote Thinking on the Name and Vv^orks
of God •, which had, as far as I underftand, a good
Acceptance among the People ; the principal Clergy-
man on the Ifland, thanked me for it, and faid There
was need enough of It : But I could be glad another, or
a better Hand, had done feme Thing of that Nature,
and more large. If this may ht of any Service, I
fhall be thankful.
I had alfo a Meeting at John Lcu^u^ in Jofeph^i
Parifh, at which v;ere divers not of our Profefllon,
and fome who were never at any of our religious
Meetings before •, who faid. They were glad they were
there that Day ; it being a fatisfadory, open- Meet-
ing.
After I had vifited my Friend.-;, and fettled my Af-
fairs as well as I could, and loaded our VelTel v/ith Su-
gars, for London^ being willing, once more, ro fee my
native Land, and to. fettle my Affairs there, and fee
my Relations and Friends •, on the 6th of the Third
Month, we fet fail from Barhadoes for London^ and had
pleafant Weather. The i6th, being the Firftday of ^^ ^^
the Week, we had a religious Meeting for the Worfhip
of God, in which I was concerned to fpeak on the Go-
vernment of the Tongise (having on board feveral
Hands, v/hich did not fail with us before that Voyage,
that were much ufed to Swearing.) After that Meet-
ing, we had not fo many bad Words and Oaths as be-
fore. I was thankful in my Soul to the Lord, and
blefTed
276 'The J O U R N A L <?/
ly^i:,. blefled his holy Name, for his Goodnefs tous that Day;
'>'Sr*\J and, in the Night, my Sleep was very fweet and com-
^ fortable, being Tenfible of the Love of God in the Vi-
fions of the Night \ fo that I witneiVd the Fulfilling of
the Prophecy of Joel^ Chap. ii. 28.
The 23d, being the Firft-day of the Week, we had
a Meeting, in which the Grace of God, that comes by
Jcfus Chrifb, was magnified, and a BlcfTing begg'd for
all who love and fcrve God, throughout the World,
by Sea and Land •, alfo a tender Petition was put up.
to Almighty God, that, as he was gracioufly pleafed
to look down on thofe eight Perfons in Noah's Ark,
fo he would pleafe to look upon us in our VefTel •, and,
that, as, by his divine Providence, they fafely landed
on the Earth, fo we, if it were his Will, might fafely
land at our defired Port; yet not tiiat our Wills, but
his Will might be done : Which Supplication was put
up vvith great Submiffion. Both Day and Night I of-
ten fought the Lord, and was much alone in this Voy-
age. I read the Old and New Teftament almoft
through, and much of it divers Times over ; my
Time being moftly taken up m Reading, Writing,
and Meditating, in which at times, my Heart would
be broken into Tendernefs ; and I was humbly thank-
ful to God, that my Heart v/as not hard ; he having
promifed to vifit the contrite Ones -, the which he
lometimes iulfilied, to my unfpeakable Satisfadtion :
Qlory to his holy Name for ever. My Heart was alfo
thankful that God was pleated to vifit me in my wat*ry
Travels and Troubles, and in my Separation from my
Family and Friends, which are much nearer, and more
valuable to me, than all Riches, and a great Crofs to
my natural Inclination to part with.
The 8ih of the Fourth Monch, being the Firft-day
of the Week, we had a Meeting, in which Acquain-
tance with God was exhorted to, fhewing the Benefit
of ir, and of loving him above all Things, and de-
lighting if! hi:i Lavv, and meditating therein Day and
Nighc
THOMAS CHALKLET, 277
Night. The I9th5 in the Morning, a ftrong norther- 1735-
Jy Wind came up, and blew fo hard, that we could not ^^'V^*-^
carry Sail, but lay t® the Wind, under our Mizen,
which was fplit or torn with the Violence of the Wind,
and the Sea rofe high, fo that it came into the Win-
dows of our great Cabbin : It was very rugged for the
Time, and, though it was Mid fummer, it was fo
cold, that we were obliged to cloath ourfelves, as irx
Winter. The22d, being Firft-day, we had a com-
fortable Meeting after the Scorm, wherein the great
Benefit of true Religion was a little open'd to our
fmall Company, and the Lord, moft High, was
praifed for our Deliverance and Prefervation. The
26th, we founded, and found about 70 Fathom
Depth of Water. The 29th, we were a-breafbof the
IJle of Wight. From the Time we left the Ifland of -E"**''/!' '
Barladoes^ to the Time we found Ground, v/as feven ^'"'""'^■'
Weeks. Thus, through many Perils and Dangers,
we came to Great- Britain-, for all which Mercies and
Providences, let my Soul blefs and praife the holy
Name and mighty Power of the mofl High. It was
now a Time of very great Prefling for Seamen, and fe-
veral Men of Wars Boats came on board to prefs our
Sailors ; but they had prepared a Place in tnt VeiTc-J
to hide themfelves, and the Men of Wars People couid
not find them: One Lieutenant, with his Men, came
on board, and feeing us weakly handed (the beft of
our Hands being hid) he afked me, if I hud any more
Hands on board ? I made him very little Anfwer j he
then faid. He was fure I could not bring the Ship
from Barladoes without Hands: I told him. Sailors
were hard to be got in Barbadoes, either for Love or
Money, to go tor London, for fear of being prefs'd,
and I was oblig'd to take any I could get : He faid. It
was in vain to talk much, but it I would fay, I had
no more Hands on board, he would be fatisiied ; he
having a Belief that I would fpeak the Truth, though
he never faw me before ; and he faid, if i would lay,
there ^
27S ^!;.' J O U R N A L 0/
1 735. there were no more Men on board, he would go away ;
t^'V"^' for then he had no more Bufinefs there : But I made
him no Anfwer, not daring to tell a Lie: Now I
know that there is Men on board, faid he ; fo he
commanded his Men to fearch the Ship to her Keel ;
fo they ftripp'd, and made a narrow Search, and
fweated and fretted, but could not find them. He be-
ing civil, I made him, when he went away, a fmall
Prefent ; he wiflied me well ; and fo I carry'd my
People fafe up to London.
In the Beginning of the Fifth Month, I came to
Itndtn. London^ and lodged at the Houfe of Simeon Warner ^
in Soutbivark^ and at divers kind Friends and Relations
in and about London ; the tender and brotherly Refpedt
which I received from divers, in fome of thofe Fami-
lies, in my Sicknefs, will not, I believe, ever be for-
gotten, while I am in this World, at times, by me ;
and, I hope, that He, whom I ferve with my Might
and Strength, will be their Reward. When in the
Country about London, my Refidence was moftly at
Edmonton^ at my dear Brother George Chalklefs^ who,
with my Sifter and Coufins, were a Comfort to me,
both in Health and Sicknefs i for I was often in Lon-
don forely afiiicted with the Phthyfick and Ajlhma^
which fometimes made me very uneafy •, and, though
my Affairs required me to be often at the City, yet I
was obliged to return into the Country for Air, and,
both in Health and Sicknefs, was kindly and very af-
fcdionately received and tended by my dear Brother,
Siller, and ail my loving Coufins 1 the Memory thereof
is cordi:iI tome in penning thefe Lines: It may be
truly faid, We v/ere very joyful in meeting one ano-
t';.er, and our Sorrov/ in parting not eafy to be expref-
fed.
In London I fold my V'^eiTel the Barhadoes Packet^
and fettled all my Affairs to general Satisfadion, fo
far as I knov/, on v/hich Account I had laboured for
fevera] Years, and vvms joyful that Providence had
favoured
"THOMAS CHALKLEl. 279
favoured me fo far as to fee it accomplifhed j fo that I i735-
now wholly intended to leave trading by Sea, the v./>r^
which I never inclined to, only on a Principle of
Juftice i for I was fully refolved in my Mind, that my
Creditors Ihould be paid their juft Debts, though I
might lofe my Lite in the Purfuit of it, about which I
had no anxious Guilt, becaufe I never was extravagant
nor indolent, but met with divers Cafuakies by Fire
and Water •, by the latter I loft many Hundreds of
Pounds for feveral Years together ; and I would per-
fuade all in their Undertaking for a Livelihood in this
World, to be fure to have an Eye to divine Provi-
dence, who will not fuffer us (if we do well) nor fo
much as a Sparrow to fall to the Ground, without he
think it belt for us, he knowing what is for our Good
better than we know ourfelves. Thus when I had paid
my Debts, and in a good Degree fettled my Affairs, I
vifited feveral of my Relations, as at Kiyigfworth, Staimy
Guildford, &c. had a Meeting at Market- Street, and
one at Guildford, another at Stains, and one at Long-
ford \ in all which I had fome Service, and my Re-
lations were joyful to fee me once more, having never
cxpeded to fee me again ; and when I had vifited
Meetings in and about London, I went towards the
North, in order to vific fome Places where I had never
been, and fome that I had been at. The Number of
Meetings, and the Names of the Places where 1 had
Meetings (while I was this Time in England) are as fol-
lows: While I was in and about London^ I was at;
eighteen Meetings in that great City, at two of which
I waswith Ma'j Brummond^ a virtuous young Woman,
who hath a good Gift in the Miniltry, and had a gra-
cious Opportunity of declaring her Convincement to
our noble Queen Caroline (our great King George*%
royal Confort.) The kind Treatment, and good Re-
ception, fhe had with the ^teen, fpread fo in City and
Country, that many Thousands flocked to hear her,
and more of the Gentry and Nobility, than ever was
T known
28o ^^^ J O U R N A L of
17:^5. known before, to our Meetings. I had fome private
v^^V^w/ Converfation with her, which put me in mind of the '
Apoftle's Exhortation,where he advifeth the primitive
Chriftians, that their Words be few and favoury, and
that they Ihould be feafoned with Grace, for this crreat
Reafon, that they might adminifter Grace to"^ the
Hearers ; and truly I thought there was the Influence
of Grace in her Condudl and Converfation, whom I
pray God to preferve in Chrift to the End.
I had a Meeting at the Houfe of my Brother with
iimoHUH. his Scholars at Edmonton, and aifo with his Family and
divers of our Relations, which fome of us may have
Occafion to Remember. We had feven Meetings at
Totterham. Tottenham, at fundry times, and four at Hartford-, I
Si: travelled to /:/r/r/^/;,., from thence to ^^/J^^y^, and then
Eaidock, to btadtfold^ and Afljwell, The 7th of the Eighth
ii'iiart. Month (being the third Day of the Week) to Royfton,
To& f^^ ^^ ^'^'•^'^' ^^^ ^° Huntington, 6th to Ramfey. FirR
iiunun^ion.^^y> being the 32 th of the Month, we had a Meet-
£vS.e- ^ ^^- ^ ^^^i^ ^^''^''' "'"^^^ Finding, and the f^me
iaro,^\ Y^y-, in the Evening, had a large Meeting at Wellin?-
A^,r*.„^. borough m North am ptonfiire. ll)e 14th, being 3d Day
£r,sir.,h. Of the Week, we had a Meeting at Northampton, 4th
/J;i""' i?'y ^^ BrayhrouK 5th Day at Qkeham, in the County
cuckfon. lo^noi Rutland, bi\i Tiiy :it Long-Clackfon', and firft
tT'' J^'iy' being the iprh of the Month, I was at a large and
lanns^ opcii Meeting at Nottmghajn, where were many Peo-
f£'/ir'^. P^^J iic^t of oufSQcic-ty, who were very fober; 3d Day
a,.]hr. had a Meeting at Fairnsfidd, 4th Day at Mansfield,
^:X^^r 5th at ChePrfieUl In DerhyJIAre ; from whence we went
over the Moors and Mountains, Benjamin Bangs, the
youiiger, accompanying me, who came on purpofe
f roni Stockport to be my Companion and Guide thither :
Uis Company was both plealant and profitable to me
sn that Hill Country, thro' which we travelled to Stock-
port, where we had three Meetings, and where I met
with my dear, worthy old Friend, Benjamin Banfs ;
when we met, we embraced each other in Arms of
Chriili^n
THOMAS CHALKLET, 281
Chriftian Love, having not feen one another for many 1735.
Years, with whom I ftay'd four Days. This worthy v-OT^'
Friend, though upwards of Fourlcore Years of Age,
went with me to Manchejler^ where we had two Meet-
ings, and then I went back with him to his Houfe. He
was a Man of extraordinary Charafter, and well be-
loved, he being a Pillar in the Church of Chrift.
When at Manchejler^ I went to vifit a Friend newly Manckefur,
cut for the Stone, who had a Stone taken out of him,
the Meafure of which I faw, and had the Stone in my
Hand ; it was nine Inches about, and three Inches over.
Before I went out of thofe Parts, he was well enough
to ride home, which was near an hundred Miles ; he
was chearful as well as thankful.
From Stockport I went to Macclesfield^ to Jofeph ^f^'f^"^
Hohfon\ where I met with Jojhua Toft^ and his Bro-
ther, two choice Minifters of Jefus Chrift, of whofe
Company I was glad, though at thit Time I was very
low and poor in my Spirit. We had two Meetings
here ; on the 2d of the Ninth Month, b"ing firlt Day,
I was at a large Meeting at Morley, and, in the Even- -^•^''''•y.
ing at the Meeting at John Leigh\ at both which
Meetings there were many People,, not of our Society,
who were very (till, and fome were broken into Ten-
dernefs. From Morley I went to Penketh, where we had ^'^>'^'-''^'''
a large, folid Meeting, and had an Evening- meeting
at Warrington, where I met with m^ny Brethren and ^^'"^^^^2-
Sifters, who fincerely love our Lord Jefus Chrift, '*'*'
with whom I was refrefh'd, particularly at Gilbert
V'hompjon^s^ and Lazvrence Galen's. From Warrington
I went to Langtree^ Prefion and Clifton^ where I had Lan^tree.
Meetings, and fo went on to Lancafter. I went to o;y>««. *
Wrajy in order to vifit my old Shipmate Elizabeth Lantofitr,
Rawlinfon (whofe Son Hutton Rawlinjon went with me)
When I came to Wray^ they defired me to have a ^/«v'
Meeting with them •, and though there was little Notice,
yet we had a large Meeting, divers Neighbours com-
ing in, and Chrift was preached co them freely •, this
'' T 2 Y/as
Lum after,
fenktib.
^ftirtttt.
Aemvtott &C
Chelier.
hury.
r^(f J O U R N A L £/
was the loch, in the Evening, and fecond Day of the
Week. Third-day I went to Kendal, and, in the Even-
ing, with very little Notice, we met with feveral Hun-
dreds of People, Friends and others ; it was a Surprize
to me, I expeding but a few, becaufe of the Short-
nefs of Time i but I acknowledge it was a pieafant
Surprize, to fee the Wiihngnefs and Readinefs of the
People to hear the Gofpel preached. Friends here are
a great People, andwell beloved and efteemed by their
Neighbours, and live in much Love and Unity. The
fourth Day many Friends came to fee me from divers
Parts, 1 giving them fome Notice that I defigned no
farther Northward, and haft'ning to get ready to go
to America, betimes in the Spring ; having been from
)iome near two Years *, wherefore divers of my Friends,
fome of whom who had been at Sea with me, met
me here. We rejoiced to fee one another, and, after
a large and good Meeting, we took a folemn Farewel,
divers of us never expecting to fee each other any more.
In this Journey and Travel I endeavoured to be (as
much as 1 well could; at fuch Meetings as I had never
been at before, and becaufe I was fhort in this Vifit to
my Friends, fome were not lb well pleafed ; but my
Call was molt to the American Shore, where I thought
my Service moftly lay, and in order to return I fetmy
Face toward London, and exped:ed to meet with my
Friend and Brother in Chrilf, Ifaac Pickerell, in Che»
Jhire, who deilgned to accompany me towards the
South \ wherefore I went from Kendal to Lancajier^ and
was at Pf;?-^(?/<6 on a fir ft Day, being the 1 6th of the
Ninth Month, which Meeting was large and folid 5
after this Meeting we went to Stttton, where I met
with Ifaac Pickereil; alfo with our antient Friend James
Dkkinfon^ and Cbrijto^ber Wilfon, a choice young Man,
his Fellow-labourer. We had Meetings at Sutton^
Ne-zvlO'Zi'n, Chejler and Shrewjhury : James Dkkinfon,
was about four-fcore Years 01 Age, and yet held out in
Travels to Adiruration, and was lively in preaching the
Gofpel,/
THOMAS CHALKLET. 283
Gofpel ; He is a worthy Elder, of whofe Company I i735-
was joyful ; at Shrew/bury ^t parted, and Ifaac and I "^Q^
went to Colehrooky where, on a Firft-day, we had a folia, smrbridgc,
good Meeting ■■, from thence we went to Siurbridge, and ^.^^^H-
after having a Meeting there, we had another at Broom/- ^"''"^
grove, andfo went on to Worcejler, where we had divers mr.fM,
large and folemn Meetings -, we lodged at John Corbin's,
who was very kind to us, as alfo were his hopeful
Children, and in great Love and Unity we both met
and parted. From Worcejler, we wcjit to Evejham, Ewjham.
where we had two Meetings, and from thence to Od- Oddin^ton.
dington, and had a large Evening-meeting ; the People
(who were moftly of other Societies) were very fober,
and gave good Attention ; this was the Fourth-day of
the Week -, Fifth-day we had a Meeting at Chalbury, Chaibury.
and a tender Time with a Friend very weak at Walling- mm^-i
fordy who expreffed his Satisfa6lion and Thankfulneis^"' •
for the Vifit •, his Children were very tenderly affeded
alfo. The good Lord, the great Phyfician of Value,
was with us, and his balfamick Grace was at that Time
fhed abroad in our Hearts. From WaUingford, we
went to Reading, where my good Companion and Fel- ^'''^'"r-
low Traveller Ifaac Pickerell dwelt -, we were lovingly
received by our Friends ; I ftay'd here and refted fe-
veral Days, and had feveral fatisfadory Meetings with
Friends, they being a large People, living much in
Love and Good-will ; here Samuel Thornton, of Ed-
monton^ my Kinfman, and Ifaac Br own ^ my Wife's
Son, came to fee me from London. From Reading,
Ifaac Pickerell accompanied me to Maidenhead, and jj^ "",
to Jordan's, at both which Places we had Meetings. Jordan^.
The Houfe and Burying-ground at Jordan's, are ktpt
in the neateft Order I ever faw, in which Ground lies
the Bones of divers worthy Friends, Ifaac Penington,
William Penn^ Thomas EUwood, George Bowles^ and
their Wives, as I remember •, this Meeting is often if
not moftly kept in Silence, yet feveral have been con-
vinced there through the Grace ot God, and the Power
T 3 ©f
284 r^^JOURNALc^
1735. of the Holy Gholl, which Chrift faid he would fend
t/'VNJ to the true Believers, and that Ihould abide with the
Church for ever ; here my beloved Friend Ifaac and I
parted in much Love, having good Defires for each
other's Welfare. From Jordan's I went with my Kinf-
Edmmon. man to my Brother's at Edmonton, where I ftay'd and
refted a few Days from Travelling.
Then a Concern came upon me to vifit Friends
Meetings in the County of EJfex^ and I went from my
Mariford. Brother's to Hartford^ and had feveral Meetings there ;
Ware: and oue I had alfo 2xWare, which was very large ; after
Hartford, which I wcnt to Hartfovd again, I having divers Rela-
Eifjjop. tions there ; from thence I went to Bi/hopfi afford^ where
fiffford. I ha(j ^ Meeting, and fo on to Stebbinz-i where I had a
Braintree. large Meeting ; and had a Meeting at Braintree^ Cog-
Co^gejhaii, gefljall, and a large Meeting on a Firft-day at Halftead,
Csne. and there was Abundance of People at Cone, at an
Evening Meeting we had there, where I met with
our worthy Friend Jojhua 'Toft^ and his Fellow-travel-
ler Jofeph Hobfon, we rejoicing to fee each other.
CotkfieM. From Cone^ I went to Cockfield, which was a very fmall
Ceicbefier. Meeting ; from thence I went to Colchefier,v/htre I ftaid
feveral Days, and went to feveral Meetings, as at
Rock/lead and Manningtree^ and then back again to
Colcbejler, where, (on the Firft-day) I had a large Meet-
ing in the Afcernoon, and after Meeting, divers of the
Friends came to fee me, and were for appointing
Meetings for me to be at, in the enfuing "Week, an4
defired to know my Mind therein ; after a little Paufe
I told them, I found a full Stop in my Mind from
going to any more Meetings at prefenr, and that I
would wait fome Days with them in the City, till I
faw further ; while we were fitting together, a Letter
came to me from London^ that a Friend, Stephen Pay
ton, iiad let up my Name on the Exchange in London^
as Mailer of the Barbadoes-Packei, which was the Vef-
fel bought of me by John Agar^ who fold her to faid
Siephen Paytonj who intended her for Philadelphia^ and
next
"THOMAS CHALKLET. 2%^
next Morning a Meflenger wasfent for me from London: 1735.
Thus having fuch a favourable Opportunity of return- 'w/'V*^
ing home, I embraced it, and went on Second-day to
Witham^ where I again met with Jojhua Toft and wnham,
Jofeph Hohfon at Meeting ; from thence we went to
FlaiJloWy where we had a Meeting, and then went to piai>J:w,
Bromley^ near Bow, and was at Jojeph Olive's, had a EremUy.
Meeting with his People and Servants, which were
many •, I thought it was a good Meeting, a divine
Hand of Love was reached out to the young People,
and they were advifed to give up their Hearts to their
Creator in their Youthful Days i feveral Scores of Peo-
ple belong to his Family ; after this Meeting I v/ent
to London, and prepared for the Voyage. When our london.
Veflel was loaded, which was chiefly by Ifrael Pemher-
ton the Younger, who went with us, as did our Owner
Stephen Payton and Ifaac Brown, and four of my
Kinsfolks, whofe Names are Freeman^ with divers other
PafTengers : In the latter End of the Twelfth Month,
my Brother and his eldefl Daughter Rebecca, with her
Hufband Samuel 'Thornton^ accompanied me to Graves^ c^'^'"'?^^*
end, where our parting with them was, as at Edmon-
ton, very folemn and forrowful, we never expe(5l-
ing to fee one another more. From Gravefend we
fail'd the 3d of the Firfl Month to tht Downs, and 'Ss-xw.] -
from thence down the Britijh Channel to the Sea,
and was at Sea above nine Weeks, which we thought
long, having many contrary Winds ; but, after we
came on Shore, we underftood, that there were divers
VefTels that were much longer. At Sea we had divers
Meetings, which were fome of them to my Satisfac-
tion. I came very unwell on board -, bur, when at Sea, At sea.
I mended ; for which Favour I am truly thankful.
We landed all well and in Health at Philadelphia^ in ^1'^"^^^-
the Third Month, 1736, where we were received with' '"' ^,
Joy by our Relations, Friends, and Acquaintance ; it '73^*
was much the more fo, becaufe they had heard I was '■''^'^^'"^
like to die ; I having, at London^ had a fore Fit of
T 4 the
286
1736.
T'/je JOVRN AL 0/
Sakm.
Cohanfy.
Briftol.
BurlimgttH,
Trenton,
ITaddoH-
Ni'wton.
Martfori.
&c.'
Plsmouth,
rfiladd.
phia.
■JBrifttl,
the Afthma or Phtbyfick, three Perfons fitting up with
me for three Nights, who I thought would fee my
End, but the Time was not yet come that I muft die,
though indeed Death was no Terror to me, hoping
my Change would be much for the better ; for then, I
hoped, I fhould be for ever with him whom I love bet-
ter than Life. .^
After I had been at home feme Time, I went to
Salem^ and from thence to Cohatify^ and, in my Re-
turn, was at PP'^oodberry- Creeks and had Meetings at
each Place : And, foon after, I vificed the Meetings
of Friends at Briftol, Burlington^ Trenton^ and Borden's
Town^ and, in my Return home, at Middleton ; by the
Way, calling to fee my antient Friend Jofeph Kirk-
bride, and the Widow Warder ; flie was 92 Years of
Age, and perfe<5l in her Underftanding ; fhe faid.
She did not know for what End the Almighty Ihould
prolong her Days to that Age ; but fhe was fatisfied in
his Will.
In the Fifth Month, I vifited tiie Meetings of
Friends at Haddonfield in JVefi-Jerfey, and at Newton
Hartford, German-town, Abington, JSJorth-Wales^ and
Plymouth, and was divers Times at Philadelphia, and
Frankfort.
After many Exercifes, and large Travels by
Sea and Land, my Brethren, and divers others, not of
our Society, exprefled their Gladnefs to fee me, re-
joicing that I was like to fpend my Time more on the
Land, hoping that I v/ould go no more to Sea -, the
which (God willing) I determined, having fo fettled
my Affairs, that I could (lay on Shore ♦, and am truly
and humbly thankful to the Almighty, that He, by
his good Hand of Providence, in his due Time, had
fivoar'd and helped me fo to do. f
in the Sixth and Seventh Months, I again vifited
the Meetings of Friends at Brifiol, Burlington, Byberry,
Ahlngton^ Hcrfjatn, German-town, Fairhill, and divers
Tinr^es at Frankfort and Philadelphia.
In
THOMAS CHALKLET. 2^7
In the Eighth Month, I went to Cohanfy ^nd Sa- 1736.
lent, and was at two Meetings at Cohanfj^ and one at v-^~V*"^
yilloway\-Creek, where I met with Edward "Tyley^ a ^^//^f*
Friend on a religious Vifit from Europe^ and John Aiioways
SykeSy a Friend living near Cr^T/w/d'j, in the Jerfeys \
here we had an open, fatistadory Meeting : From
whence I went to Sakm, it being their Week-day- Sakm.
meeting, which was large, and to Edification of many.
I was alfo at Piles Grove on Fifth day, and at Woodberry- Piiet
Creek Sixth-day -, in which laft Meeting the obedient ^o^i^ns-
Son was encouraged, and the Difobedient earneftly Creek.
called home to his heavenly Father's Houfe. In this
Journey I had John Bringhurji, the younger, for my
Fellow-traveller ; his Father being unwilling that I
fhould go the Journey alone.
-After I had been at home fome Time, I, with
fome others, went to the Yearly-meeting at Shrewf- Shte-wC
hury^ in Eaji-Jerfey^ which was on the 23d of the '""'^'
Eighth Month : It was exceeding large, and the qui-
eteft and moft fettled Meeting that ever I was at there ;
and many divine Truths were delivered therein. From
thence I went to Manejquan^ and had a Meeting, and Mirnefq<ian.
then back to Shrewjhury^ and io to Middletown^ where J^'dd!t-
we had a Meeting in the Baptiji Meeting-houfe, di- '*^'^'
vers of whom were there, and glad of the Meeting j
thence came back to Shrewjhury^ and had a Meeting
on the Firft-day, being the 30th of the Month : From
whence, on my Return home, had Meetings at Mofes
Robin's, Allen'S'^own, at Crofwicks ('where I met ^''^''«"*- '
with divers of my old Friendsj Borden-Town, and ^rojwicks.
Mansfield; fome of which were large, open and fatisfac- fj!^f'\.^
tory Meetings. After the laft Meeting, we went to Bur- Bm"h\qtoH.
lifigionj and next Day came home, accompanied by ^''""^^f^''*-
Richard Smith, jun. After being a few Days at home,
I was fent for to Chefter^ to the Marriage of John Lee Chefur,
(who had failed feveral Voyages with me) Next Day I
went to the Week-day-meeting at Providence, and on Provfdntaf.
Firft-day was at Springfield-, from whence I returned ^fj'-^'
home. The
2S^ . ^^OOURNAL ^
. I^i: , P^ ^^^ ""^ ^^'^ ^'"^^ ^o"'^^^ I left home a^ain,
P.iDwV ^"^ ^e"^J«, Philadelphia, and from thence with Z&«f./
ph,a. i^tanton^ John Eaflon, and John Proud, iun. (the two
tiZ: ^^''^' °f Rhode-Ifland) to i?^^;^,r Meeting, and 'from
thence to Goflen JVTeeting, and by the Coldnefs of the
Weather, and croffing feveral Creeks, I got a Cold,
which fettled on my Lungs, fo that, in Converfation'
1 was hoarfe ; but I was helped in Meetings to Admi-
ration ; for which I was truly thankful to the Almic^hty,
the great Helper of his Servants and Children. '^ We
^ J^adanEvening-Meeting with an antient Friend, who
"' ■ faid llie had above 200 who called her Mother, being
her Children by Blood and Marriage to the fourth Ge-
neration : We took our Leave of her, as never expeft-
ing to fee each other more, and parted in Tendernefs
of Heart. One of this Friend's Grandfons went with
Conci^i, US to Concord, where, on a Firft-day, we had a very
large Meeting, and an Evening-meeting zt Mofes
MendenhaWs ; and the Remainder of the Week we had
tir&. Meetings at Brimingham, Kennet, New- Garden^ Marl-
borough, and the Monthly-meeting at Center on the
Seventh-day following, at which were many young
People -, for whofe fakes I was drawn and moved, in
my Exercife of the Miniftry, to fhew the Rife and De-
fign of our Meetings of Difcipline.
Firfi, That the fame Power that gathered us to be a
People, inclined our Elders to eftablilli thofe Meetings,
?.nd fettle them in mod Parts where we were gathered,
and had Meetings for the Worfliip of God.
Secondly^ They were advifed to do their Bufinefs,
and fpeak to their Affairs, in the Senfe of the fame
Power, Spirit and Wifdom of Chrifl, which, as it had
railed us, would, as we kept to it, preferve us to be
a People to the Praife ol God*s holy Name.
Thirdly, They were advifed, in doing their Bufinefs,
not to run out into many unnecefTary Words, which
might lead to Contention, and fpending much Time to
little Purpofe ; religious Affairs beiqg done bed in a
meek
THOMAS CHALKLET. 289
'meek and quiet Spirit^ that being of great Price with the 1736.
Lord ; great Evils having been known in many Ages, «wOr*^
thro' hot and long Contentions about Religion. It is
alfo good to avoid, in Matters of Difference, Refpe^t
of Perfons, on account of being acquainted or related,
fo as to be fway*d thereby from Juftice.
Fourthly, They were advifed to be very careful of
giving any juft Occafion of Offence to any, to Jew ov
Gentile^ to Indian or Negroe ; for. Woe to them., fays
Gur Saviour, by whom Offences come -, and if any will
take Offence when none juftly is given, 'tis the belt
Way to be patient, and take our Saviour for our Ex-
ample, who got the Vidory thro' Suffering ; a fafe
Way, and glorious in the End. And, as to few Words,
the Apoflle fays. Let your Words be few and favoury^
fiafond with Crace^ that they may adminijler Grace to
the Hearers,
Fifthly, I was engaged, for the Sakes of the Youth
of both StxtSy to fhew them, that a material Part of
the Service of thefe Meetings, is, that Care be taken
therein to fee that Perfons are clear of prior Engage-
ments or Entanglements, in relation to Marriage, and,
that they had the Confent of Parents, or Parties con-
cerned as Guardians, &c. and, alfo, that they, and
all that belong to our Society, walk orderly in Conver-
fation •, otherwife they could not be in Unity v/ith, us,
oroAvned by us, as a Society of religious People: We
don't own fcandalous Perfons, nor admit them to ba
married amongft us, without acknowledging their
Faults, and promifing Amendment for the future,
through divine Grace and AlTiflance. Alfo, in thofe
Meetings, the Widows and Fatherlefs are taken Care
of, that they may be fupported and vifited, and
Youths put out Appxentices to learn Trades, ^c.
This Meeting concluded with Supplication for the
fifing Generation, and for the King, and all his Sub-
je(5ts, and with Thankfgiving and Praifes to th^ facred
Name of Hip who lives for ever.
After
AVw^jrft.
290 T& J O U R N A L 0/ ^
1736. After the abovefaid Meeting, we went to PVilrnhg-
^''^~^f^^ Z^;/, a new fettled Town on Chrijiiana Creek, which I
Wtintins- j3ei}eve will be a flourilhing Place, if the Inhabitants
take Care to live in the Fear of God, and feek his
Glory, and the Riches of his Kingdom, preferring it
to any Thing or Things of this World. We had a
pretty large Meeting here, confidering the Seafon (for
it was very cold) which was held in a large Houfe of
JVtlliam Shipley's -, but they are making Provifion for
a Meeting-houfe. From this Town we went to New-
ark, and had a comfortable Meeting at George Robin-
fon\ in the Evening, and next Morning fet out for
Thiiadei Philadelphia.
f^'"- As it was now the Winter Seafon, and having been
divers times at this Seafon of the Year in the warm
Climates, the Cold was become harder for me to bear
than ufual, fo that I flaid at and about home pretty
much, being divers times at Philadelphia^ Frankfort,
German-town, and Abington Meetings.
The latter End of the Tenth Month, on a Firft-
day of the Week, I was at a large, open Meeting
^eriy. at Derbj^ in Chefter County. After Meeting I rode
home about 14 Miles; but it was fo cold, that my
Limbs were much benumb*d, and were not fully re-
covered in more than a Week. Coming home be-
tween Schuylkill River and Philadelphia, we faw
iht largeft Meteor that I ever faw, though I had
feen many by Sea and Land ; this was in Sight almoft
a Minute, as near as I could guefs ; it was a mighty
Stream, hke a Flame of Fire, leaving, as \t were.
Sparks of Fire behind it, as it went along, and then
fettled like a Star, and difappeared. A few Days af-
ter this Meteor, there appear*d in the Sky an uncom-
mon Rednefs, with Streams like Fire.
FraKkfort. About this Time was buried at Frankfort, John
Hurford, who was about ninety Years ot Age-, at
whofe Burial, theColdnefs of the Seafon confidered, were
a pretty many Friends, Neighbours, and Relations, of
the
rnOMAS CHALKLET, 291
the Deceafed ; as alfo, divers from Philadelphia. I
was concern'd to advile thofc prefent, To prepare for
their final Change ; that being certain, though the ^'^"^'^f"'^'
Time is uncertain ; which, generally, none know but
the Almighty •, therefore we ought always to be prepa-
ring for our DifToIution, and always watching and
praying, left we enter into Temptation ; as faid our
dear Lord , If the good Man of the Houfe had known in
what Hour the Thief would come^ he would have watch-
ed^ Luke xii. 0^^. And, we not knowing whether
Death will come in our Youth, our middle, or old
Age, therefore, were earneftly defired to prepare our
Hearts to meet Death, fo that we might dwell with
God and Chrifl in his Kingdom for ever. It was alfo
obferved, that though this Friend had lived to a great
Age, yet that few lived fo long, no, not one in a
Thoufand, and many die very young ; therefore they
were earneftly intreated, in the Love of God, throuo-h
Chrifl, to prepare for their latter End, and not to fet
their Hearts and Afiedions on Things belovv- j for,
by how much they fet their Hearts and Affedion on
natural or outward Things and Objeds, by fo much
the harder it would be to part with them, when Death
Ihould come. This Meeting ended with Prayer for
Reformation and Prefervation to the End of Life ; and
Praifes, yea, high Praifes, were given to him, who ■
had given to all prefent our Life, our Breach, and our
Being.
It being exceeding fevere Weather, with much
Rain, Wind, and Snow, there were great Floods, fo "
that we could not get over Frankfort Creek to Meet-
ing ; wherefore the Friends on the Wefl-fide met to-
gether at my Houfe, and we had a farisfadory, good
Meeting, in which we were exhorted to build our
Religion on the fure Foundation, that Storms, Rain,
nor Winds, might not be able co fhake us from this
Foundation, which is Ci^ri/?, the Rock of Ages .
This
2^2
r/je J OVK^N AL of
1736.
.^rankfort.
§r{riol.
Surlin^toH,
.jjticects.
Springjidd
Salem,
This Winter we were vifited at Frankfort with the
Small-pox, of which many died at Philadelphia^ and
feveral in our Neighbourhood.
The latter Part oF this Winter, flaying much at
home, I rpent my Time much in Reading and Wri-
ting, often being fenfible of the Love and Goodnefs of
God, my exceeding great Reward ; he, by the Spirit
of his Son, comforting me, and fometimes melting my
Heart into Tendernefs, in Confideration of his many
Mercies, which csufed me to praife his holy Name,
who is thereof worthy, beyond ExprefTion, forever.
In the Firfl Month, I went with my Friend John
Oicley^ of Barbadoes, to Br ijlolf where we had a large
Meeting; tiience went over the River Delaware to
Burlington Qiiarterly-meeting; we were obliged to get
to the Jerfey Shore on the Ice, laying Boards thereon
for about 100 Yards together, and being long on the
Ice, and poorly, as to Health, I took fuch a Cold
that I could not get to Meeting next Day ; but was
at the Youths-meeting Third-day following — Fourth-
day I went to AncQcai Meeting, thence to a large
Meeting at Mount-Holly^ where was a Marriage ; af-
terwards to Evejhain and Upper Springfield, or Hano-
ver^ and then returned to Burlington^ and next Day
was at the Monthly-meeting there, which, to me, was
a good, open Meeting, wherein Church-difcipline was
fomewhat treated of, and Friends advifed to waited for
that Spirit which leads into all Truth, to guide them in
their Difcipline.
In the Second Month 1737.^ I went to Cohanfy^ in
> order to negotiate fome Affairs there, and, while there,
had three Meetings at Greenwich^ and QVitztAllowafs-
Creek j and on the 9th of the faid Month, being Firfl-
day, was at Salem Meeting, which was large and open;
and, in the Evening, we had a heavenly Meeting at
Bartholomew PFyat'^s.
After my Return from Salejn, on the ifl of the
Third Month, I took a Journey to the Eajiward,
having
THOMAS CBALKLET. 293
having a Define to fee BViends in thofe Parts, whom I 1737-
had divers times vifited, in the Service of theGofpel, ''•"'^r^
in my young Years-, and though now upwards of
Three-fcore Years of Age, was willing to vifit them
once more before I died, who, in fome Places, where I
had formerly travelled, were now grown very nume-
rous. I fet out with Jofeph Gilbert^ and feveral other
Friends, and we travelled together to Long-IJlanch ton^-
where we parted, and I went to Newtown, where I ^^'^^ '
met with John Fotbergill and Samuel Bowne -, at which
Place we had a Meeting, which was appointed on John\
Account, and his Service therein was to the Satisfaftion
and Edification of Friends. From thence John went
to fVejt-CheJier^ on the Main^ and I went to Flu/hing^ Fivfhi^^
where we had a large open Meeting; it was a folid,
good Time, and the facred Name of him who lives
forever, was prailcd.
From FluJJj'ing I went with my old Friend and
School-fellow, Jofeph Latham, to his Houfe ; our
Converfation was pleafant and comfortable to each
other, wherein we remember'd our walking to and from
School, in the Suburbs of that great and populous City,
London •, when we were beaten, ftoned, and abufed,
only for being the Children of thofe called ^takers :
The Priefts, who had Money (or Preaching, had
preached and printed fo many Lies againit our Friends,
that the common People were almoft ready to make a
Sacrifice of us; they telling us (when we pleaded our
Innocency, by telling them, we v/ent quietly along the
Streets to School) that It was no ?nore Sin to kill us,
than to kill a Dog ', But now, through the Grace and
Favour of the Almighty, we enjoy the Exercife of our
Religion, according to our Confciences, free from
Goals and Prifons, in which our primitive Friends fuf-
fered much ; for which we ought to be truly thaaktul
to the God and Father of our Lord Jefus Chrift.
From Jofeph Latham* % we went to JVefibiiry and ^</J*»o-
MatinicQck (after a Meeting at Cowneck) and after- efj"*'
294 ^v J O U R N A L ^y
1737. ward to N(fiv-2ork , where I had alfo religious Ser-
'^.y^'^y'^^ vice, and a Meeting ; and from New-Tork 1 took my
Ktwpon * PalTage in Robert Bowne^ Sloop for Newport ^ on
in Rhode. Rhode IJland^ was two Days and Nights on the Wa-
^"^ • ter, and on my Arrival at Rhode- JJJand, the Brethren
lovingly received me, and we were joyful to lee each
other.
After having had divers good Meetings on Rbode-
Dartmottth. Jjland^ I Went CO Dartmouth^ where we had a large,
FoHy£anfef. (erviccable Meeting, at a Place called Ponyganfet ; ma-
ny Hundreds being added to the Church fince I firft
vifited thofe Parts. From this Place I went to Holder
Slocum^s, and he lent us his Shallop to go over to
Nantucket, but the Wind not favouring, we had a.
fatisfadory Meeting at a large Farm of his on an
llland bearing his own Name, and after Meeting fee
fail for Nantucket^ had feveral large Meetings there,
and I rejoiced to ke the Growth and Increafe of Friends
on this Ifland ; where God hath greatly multiplied
his People, and made them honourable j Glory to his
Name for ever.
The Prieils, who have Money for preaching ; the
Lawyers, who have it for pleading, and the Phyfici-
ans, who have Money for giving Receipts tor Health ;
are poor Trades here on this Ifland.
At Nantucket I had been about 39 Years before, at
which Time there were only two Men and one Wo-
man who joined with our Friends in Profeffion, and
now it was computed there were about 1000 who
went to our Meetings, they being a Ibber, religious
People -, and there is a great Increafe of Friends in di-
vers other Places in New- England : And whereas for-
merly we were greatly perfecuted for our Religion,
now we are treated with more Civility and Refpedl
in thofe Parts.
From Nantucket, Nathaniel Star buck and Elijah
Collins went with me, with feveral other Friends, to
Rhode. the Yearly-meeting ai RhQae-Ijland j which was fo
ijiand, very
THOMAS CH ALKLEX.
■95
very large, that it was difficult to fpeak fo as to be 1737.
heard all over the Meeting ; but the laft Day of ^yy-^*^
the Meeting, our Friend John Fothergill^ who had a
high Voice, being attended with the divine Power,
gave good Satisfadlion to the Meeting, and it ended
well. After this Meeting was over, I went with Ben-
jamin Bagnal to Bojton^ and from thence to Lynn and ^oji"'^-
Salem, had leveral fatisfadtory Meetings, which tend- .sS.
ed to the uniting our Hearts together in the Love of
Chrift, and the Feliowfhip of his Gofpel. From Sa-
lem I went with Zaccheiis Collins and his Wife to their
Houfe, and lodged there three Nights, and was lov-
ingly entertained, as I was alfo at many other Friends
Houfes. From hfnn^ Zaccheus Collins accompanied me
to Bofton, where we had a Meeting on a Fourth-day of Bofton.
the Week, and the next Day there was a very large
Meeting (the greateft Gathering of People which had
been feen there at Friends Meetini^ houfe for a lon^
TimeJ occafi jned by the Marriage of John Mifflin^ of
Philadelphia, to Benjamin Bagnal'^ eldeit Daughter.
From Bojion I returned 10 Rhode Ifland, and had Rhode..
divers Meetings at Newport and Foripnoulh^ wherein ^^*^'^'
our Hearts were made glad in Chriil, and we were
ftrengthened in our Faith in him •, bleilt^d be his holy
Name for evtr,
Yvom Rhode IJland, I went xo Conanicut, and horn ConaKtm.
thence over to Kingiion m the JSarrr.ganfei Country, j..,fig..
and had Meetings, and then back to Rhode- Ifiand a- ^ " ■
gain, and thence by Water in Company with divers »
Friends to Greenwich^ where I v/as at two large Meet- GreeniMUh.^
ings : At this Place they fhewed me the Trees, under
which about forty Years fine? I had a Meeting ; but
now they have a pleafant Meeting-houfe.
The next Firitday, I was at a large, foiid, edifying
Meeting in a new Meeting-houfe at Tiverton. From Thmen.
thence I went to vific Jojeph lVanto?i\ Wife, who had
been long fick ; and in her Chamber (with feveral of her
Friends and Relations) I had divers religious Seafons,wirh
U which
296 ne JOVR'N AL of
1737. which flie exprefled much Satisfaftion : She died of
^•Vv^ this Sicknefs, and I was at her Burial, which was large,
Ihe being well known and well beloved ; the next Day
fmjmouth, YfdiS at an appointed Meeting at Portfmouth^ which
was large, and to Satisfaftion, for which we bleffed the
holy Name of God. I had divers good Opportunities
at Rhode- IJland in private Families, and was at feveral
Meetings over the Beach at John Eajlon's^ who was
about ninety Years of Age j he had formerly travelled
with me, when I was a young Man ; we took Leave
of each other, never expeding to meet more in this
World.
^ Now (after divers Meetings on Rhode-JJland) I took
ijiend, my Pallage for Long-IJlcwd^ in my Return homeward j
and after a boifterous Paffage, and being four Nights
on the Water, I got well again to my loving Friend
Jofeph Latham^s, where I had left my Horfe, and on
ee-.'.^eik, fi[x\^.^2iy had a Meeting at Cowneck^ where I met with
Elijah Collins^ Roje Tibbiis-, and Patience Barker, we re-
joicing to fee each other, after their long Journey by
Land, and mine by Water, they being likewife going
for PenfyhaniiJ. Thefe Friends went to Flujhing
Wriiinry, Firll-dav Meeting, and I went to J^ejihury, where
was a large Meeting, in which there was a drunken
cScliOol-mafter who diiturbed the Meeting, though at
iaft it ended quietly, and I hope well alfo. The next
Fourth-day v/as at the Monthly Meeting at JVeftbury,
v.'here many Friends met from divers Quarters, and it
tvas a folid good Time. We had a Meeting at Thomas
Rodman's^ who was unwell and had not been at a Meet-
ing for fome Months •, he took our Vifit kindly, ex-
prcifing his Love to us ; we had alfo a Meeting at Je-
rmiah tVillia?nh to good Satisfaction. Fifth-day we
Maim- had a large Gathering at Matmicock, and in the Even-
**^*' ing a tender broken Meeting at Samuel Underh:U*s,
Kivji*}^, and Sixth-day a good Meeting at Newton, wherein pri-
mitive Chriftianity was opened, and experimentally
declared to the People, and in the Evening we had a
good
7H0MAS CHALKLET. 297
good Opportunity to declare the Truth of Chrifl: at the 1737.
'Houk oi' Richard Hailef, among feveral of his fober (/VNJ
Neighbours j next Morning, being the Seventh of the
Week, we went to Wejl-Chejler, to a yearly Meeting, ^^^^^^^
which was much crowded, and the People very unfettled,
fo that it was not fo fatisfadtory as could have been de-
fired; after Meeting we went over again to Long-IJlandt
and then to New-Tork, where we had a large quiet New-Yorh.
Meeting in the Evening. At New-York^ Third- day
in the Morning divers dear and loving Friends accom-
panied us to the Water-fide, where we folemnly took
JLeave of one another in the Love of Chrift, and in the
Fellowfhip of his Gofpel, fome of us not expedling to
fee each other any more, and from thence paffing over
Long and Staten IJlands, to Elizabeth-Town^ we travel-
led to Raway, and had a Meeting at Friend — ShotweWs, Ra-May,
on aFourth-dny in the Evening, where many Neigh-
bours came in, and after Meeting a certain Pcrfon was
diflatisfied about Womens publick Speaking in religious
Meetings (RoJeTihhits having public kly exhorted them
in this Meeting to be religious, and to fear God, and
having pray'd to God for us all, and praifed his holy
Name) which faid Perfon defired we would endeavour
to fatisfy him about it, inafmuch as the ApoftleB?^/ for-
bad it, as he apprehended. To which it was anfwered,
that the Apoftle Paiil^ only forbad, or did nor permit
forward or overbufy Women, to fpeak or afl^ QLieitions
in the Church ; but advifed them to afk their Huibands
at home, and that doubtlefs he never intended to debar
fuch godly Women, who had a real Neceffity laid on
them, and were concerned, by the Almighty, to fpeak
unto, or pray for the People, elfe he would not have
ihewed them, how they ought to behave themfelves in
their Speaking unto, or Prating for the People or
Church ; for if he had any Defign to hinder fuch, whom
the Almighty fhould concern, then he mufthave con-
tradifted himfelf (where he fhews how they mud be-
have themff Ives in their Duty of Speaking or Fraying)
U 2 and
29S
3737-
IVood.
hndge-
Stoiiy-
bi 00k
77j^ J O U R N A L c/
and he would likewife thereby have oppofed the Apoftie
Peter, who faid, Now is fulfilled the Prophejy of the
Prophet Joe], that in the latter Days Sons and Daugh-
ters Jhould p-ophecy. So that it is clear and plain,
they who would limit or filence thofe, who have a
Gift from God to preach or pray in publick, from
the Words of the Apoitle Paul, they oppofe him to
himfelf, and to the ApoIUe Peter^ and alfo to the
Prophet Joel.
From Razvav, v/e went to JVoodhridge^ where we
had a Meeting, and there I parted with my Fellow-
travellers, having a Concern fthough much in the Crofs
to my own Will) to go back in the Woods, to a
Meeting about eight or nine Miles off •, which Meeting
v/as much to mine and their Satisfadtion, as divers ot
them exprefied. From this Place I went to Stony-
Brook, had a pretty large Meeting, confidering it was
rainy, in theTimeof the Meeting's gathering. At this
Place my Son in l^'iw Ifaac Brozvn, with feveral Friends,
came to meet me, whom I was glad to fee, and went
Trntton. atter Meeting widi them to Trenton, and next Day to
Bnirc!. Brifiol^ it being their Third day Meeting, which was
h«T,kfort. large, and after Meeting v*/ent home to Frankfort^
and there was lovingly received by my Wife and Fa-
mily. In this Journey I was from home three Months
and nine Days^ had fifty five Meetings, and travelled
by Land and Water above a thouland Miles 5 and I
may truly fay, that therein I was favoured with the
divine Prefence and Grace of God by Chrift in a good
Degree, and alfo with the Fellov/diip of many (incere
Believers in him, which in my Return caufed my Soul
to blefs his holy Name, wiio lives for ever.
In the 6th Month, after having had divers Meet-
Doh- ings at and about home, I went to Derby, Chejler and
hu-wearik. NewcaJHe, having Meetings at each Place, which was
to the tendering ot fome mournful Souls, and to the
comforting and Urengthening them. From Newcaflle
Feitnfneck. I ferried over Delaware River to Pennfneck, where 1
had
THOMAS CHALKLET. " 299
had a Meeting, at which were fe vera 1 that had never 1737.
been at any of our Meetings before, who v/ent away ^-'-V-v^
well fatisfied. From thence I went to Sale7n Monthly- ^^i^^-
meeting, which was very large, and thence to Cobanfy Cohanfy.
to tiie Third-day Meeting, and ftaid till next Firil-day
Meeting, which (though fmall, by realbn of rainy,
ftormy Weather) was a very precious Meeting. After
I negotiated fome Atfairs at Cohanjy, I returned
to Salem^ where 1 met with my Fellow-traveller ^^^""^
Elijah Collins, of Bojlon, with v/hom 1 went on to'
Philadelphia^ and from thence home, having much
Satisfadlion in this Journey, in which I had nine Meet- ^^f^^^'
ings, and travelled about 150 Miles. I cannot be frankfon.
clear in my Mind without faying, that I did nor, nor
do not ftudy what t preach to the People, nor did I, or
do I receive any Pay or natural Confideration ior
Preaching, it being, as I really believe, contrary to
the Dodrine of Chrilf, and his Apoftles and Difciplcs.
This Fall 1 vifited feveral of the Meetings of Friends
in Bucks County, and the Meetings at and about home, P^"/}'^'^^"'^-
as at Frankfort, Philadelphia, Abington^ Byberry and
German-town. In the Ninth Month 1 was appointed,
with feveral other Friends, by our Monthly-meeting,
to vifit the Families of Friends in Philadelphia, -, my
Lot was to vilit the upper Part of the City, in Com-
pany with Phebe Morris, Hannah Parrock, and Daniel
Stanton •, in which Service we were of one Heart and
Mind, and we performed the faid Service in pure Seir-
denial, and in the Crofs of our holy Lord Jefus Chrift j
and wonderful it was, how the Prefence and Good-
nefs of God went with us from Houfe to Houib, and ^
opened the States and Conditions of the Families to us,
to the tendering of many Hearts, both of Parents, and
of their Children. We vifited about forty Families of
our Friends, and the Winter fetting in, and I being but
weakly, having had a fliarp Spell of the Fever, we, by
Confenl, were willing to defer the Conclufion of this
Work, until longer Days, and warm.er Weather.
U 3 In
30O rke JO VKlSiAL of
^737- ^" ^^'^ Month I was fent to, in order Co be at the
v_-^-v-^ Burial of the Wife of Richard Sjnithy junior : She was
Burlington. ^ vircuous Woman, and well beloved, at whofe Fu-
neral were many of her Neighbours and Friends : It was
a very Iblemn Time, in which Meeting, it was defired
that thole who had loll their Parents would live fo,
that they might not be a Difhonour to them , for it
was obferved of fome Children, after their Parents were
dead, they grew worfe than when they were alive,
taking undue Liberties, which their Fathers and Mo-
thers could not have allowed of, which was a fore
Grief, and Trouble to their Friends, and fuch as wifhed
them well ; therefore they were exhorted not to do that
now, when their Parents were dead, which they would
not have done, if they were living, which would be
heavy on them, and tend to bring a Blafl on them
in this World j and they were defired to confider,
how they would anfwer it in the World to come.
It was alio obferved, that fometimes the Death of Pa-
rents had a good Effed: on divers fober young People,
they being thereby led more ferioufly to think on their
own Mortality, and to confider the great Lofs of their
careful and religious Fathers and Mothers, and the
good Example and Counfel they gave them. This
Meeting concluded with a folid weighty Frame of Mind
in many. From Burlington I went to Mount-Holly^
had a large Meeting at the Meeting-houfe, and another
.7/«hn jj^ the Evening at Mount-Holly Town, at the Houfe of
' "■'* Thomas Shinn ; both which were open Meetings, and
divers People, not of our Profefllon, were there, who
were well fatislied therewith. From Mount-Holly I
En^efi^a.ii, went to Evejham and Chejler^ as alio to Haddonfield^ at
jHadrhn- all which Places I had large Meetings, and then I went
Pf!d. back again to Burlington^ and was at their Fifth-day
'■ * Meeting. From Burli^igton I want •with Richard Smithy
. Caleb Rciper, and Jonathan Wright^ to vifit a Friend
who was fick, afcer which the faid Friends accompa-
fratikfon. nied me lo the Ferry ; after I was over the Ferry I
rode hon e, where I found my Family well, for which
I was
THOMAS CHALKLET. 301
I was thankful. In the fore Part of the Tenth Month 1737:
our worthy Friend, John Fothergill^ failed in the Bri-'-"'^''^
gantine Jofeph^ Ralph Lofttis Mafter, for Barbadoes^
he having made a third Vifit to America from Europe
On a religious Account. His Vifit was acceptable and
ferviceable, and we parted in great Love and Tender-
nefs -, the Night before, about the eleventh Hour,
was an Earthquake, which was the greatefl known in
this Province, the whole City of Philadelphia being
fhaken, and moft Part of the adjacent Provinces,
though little or no Damage done thereby, which fhews
the abundant Mercy of a merciful God ; as alfo, if it
were the Pleafure of his Will, how foon he can lay
Cities and Countries wafle and defolate, and bury
Thoufands in a Moment ; but notwithllanding the
mighty Power of the eternal Jehovah, Oh how hard
are the Peoples Hearts, and how they hate to be re-
formed, and how unconcerned are the Inhabitants of
the Land about their eternal Peace and Well-being !
This is really lamentable : Oh ! how do Earthly-mind-
ednefs, Pride, Covetoufnefs, and Drunkennefs, abound,
with many other Evils, which were fcarceiy known
amongfl the firfl Settlers of this peaceful, and now
, plentiful Land of Penfyhania.
The 26th of the Twelfth Month (being the firft Day
of the Week^ was buried at Merion^ Edward Jones^ .
aged about Ninety-two Years, he was one of the firft "^*''
Settlers of Penfyhania^ and was a Man much given
to Hofpitality, a Lover of good and virtuous People,
and was likewife beloved by them. There were many
Hundreds of People at his Funeral. I had a Concern
to be at this Meeting before I left my Place at Frank-
fort^ and before I heard of this Friend's Deceafe.
The Beginning of the Firfl Month (being the fifth
of the Week) I was fent to, in order to be at the Bu-
rial of Hannahy the Wife of John Mickle, at Newtozvn
in Wefi-Jerfey : My Kinfman, Daniel Sianlon, was
with me at this Burial : It was a folid, Heart-melting
U 4 Time,
302 Tie JOVKNAL cj
1737. Time, my Heart was broken into Tendernefs with
v-'S"""^ many others. This deceafed Friend was much be-
loved by her Friends and Neighbours, and there was
much Mourning among her Relations at her Grave, a-
mong whom fhewill be greatly miffed. The People
were defired earneftly to prepare tor their latter End,
and final Change, and that, as we had all Realbn to
hope it was well v;ith our deceafed Friend, we might
likewife have a well grounded Hope that it would be
well with ourfelves, when we came to put off our
Mortility, and put on Immortality. The Meeting
ended with fervent Supplication for our future Well-
doing and Well-being both here and hereafter, and
Praife to the mofl high, who is alone worthy for ever
more.
<¥hikdi'' -^^ ^^^"^ ^^ ^ returned to Philadelphia^ on the Sixth-
pkta. day of the Week I heard of the Death of Jofeph Kirk-
hride, at Jj'rael Pembertoji's, who told me, I was defired
to be at his Burial. He, his Son, and William Logan,
accompanied me as far as Samuel Buntings, that After-
TiOon, with which Journey I was exceedingly tired, fo
that I could hardly (land or go when I alighted off my
Horfe, but being refrefhed with a good Night's Reft, I
went in the Morning to the Houfe of my deceafed
Friend. There was a Multitude of People at the
Burial, among v;hom we had a good Opportunity to
invite them to lay hold of Truth and Righteoufnefs,
and prepare for anorher World. They were reminded,
ihat neither natural Wifdom, nor Riches, Youth nor
Strength, Crowns nor Scepters, v/ould, nor could fe-
cure th"m from the Stroke ot Death. Robert Jordan
VvMs at this Meeting, and had good Service therein ;
it concluded in Supplication for the Widow and Fa-
therlefs, and for Mankind univerfally. Firft-day being
the fourth of the Firft Month, I was at Middleton Meet-
M:dd:etun jp,g^ \^ Company With Thomas Broivn, wherein the Divi-
nity of Chriil, and his being made Flelh, born of a
Virgin, crucified, dead and buried, and his being raifqd
from
THOMAS CHALKLET. 303
from the Dead by the divine Power, was largely opened 1737.
to the People, and that the fame Power muft be wit- ^-^V-v^
nelTed to retorm our Lives, and give us the true
faving Faith and Knowledge of God the Father, and
Chrift the Son, and of the holy Ghoft.
This Month, at our General Spring- meeting, I ac-
quainted Friends, that I had a Defire once more to fee
my Friends in Virginia, Marylandy and North-Carolina^
if Health and Strength did permit, and divine Providence
favoured, I not having yet fully recovered my former
Health and Strengdi, to which the Meeting confenred.-
The latter End of the Firft Month I v/asat the Bu- 173S.
n^do^ Robert Evan, oi North-JVales-, he was upwards b'^'""^
of Fourfcore Years of Age, and one of the firll Settlers wliJj,
there. A Man who lived and died in the Love of
God and his Neighbours, of whom, I believe it might
be truly faid, as our Saviour laid of Nathaniel -, Behold
an Ifraelite indeed, in whom there is no Guile. He was
a Minifler of Chrift, full of divine and religious Mat-
ter. In this Month I was at Fairhill^ at a Meeting
appointed for Ruth Courtney, and Sufannah Hudfon^
\vho were on a religious Vifit from Ireland^ to Friends
in" this and the adjacent Provinces •, it was a good
Meeting, the Friends fpeaking to the State thereof.
The Beginning of the Second Month, I went over
Delaware^ and fo to Cohanfy, intending home before Cokanty
I i^tt out for my Journey to the Southward ; but my
Affairs not anfwering to come home, and afterwards
to reach the Yearly-meeting of Friends at Wefl-River^
the which I propofed to our General- meeting •, I now
wrote to my Wife and Family, that I intended to pro-
ceed to Wejl-River Meeting, it faving me much Time
and Riding, and after having; been at feveral Meet-
ings at Cohanfj, and at the Yearly-meeting at Salevi, ^^;^^^ £,g
and at a Meeting zt files-Grove , being accompanied
by a Friend of Saletn, I proceeded, and went over DeLi'
ware River, and firft had a Meeting at George's Creek,
and from thence to the Head o^SaJfafras River, where g^.,r..^^.
we
3H ^^^ JOURNAL^
1738^ we had a Meeting, but by Reafon of the wet Weather
-^^2^^ ^^ "^^Z b^>^ ^"^^1' ' thence we travelled to Cecil Meeting,
--^. and lo on to Chefter, where we had a Meeting on Firlt-
day, then to ^leen Ann's County, and back from
^.v^.,.^.«. thence to Nezmwn, on Chefter River, at which Town
we had a large fatisfaftory Meeting, in which it was
ihewn, that no good Chriftian might or could break
the moral Part of the Law, for it (faith the Apoftle) is
a Schoohnafter to bring to Chrifi, and that thofe who
come to the Gofpelof Chrift, can in no wife break the
Jeaft Commandment of God. As for Example, the
'Livj {^\th^ thou /halt not for/wear thy felf, but if a Man
(according to Chrift's Gofpel) /wears not at all, then
that Man cannot forfwear himfelf. Again, the Law
faith, Ihou fljalt love thy Neighbour and hate thine
Enemy, but Chrift fiys. Love your Enemies ; the
which if we do, there is no doubt but we fhall Love
our Neighbours, Again, the Law fays. Thou /Joalt
not Commit Adultery ; but if according to the Do6lrine
and Gofpel of Chrift, a Man doth not look on a Wo-
man with a luflful Eye, there is no Danger of com-
mitting Adultery with her, ^c. Thofe Things were
■ largely fpoke to and opened in the Meeting, and the
People (there being many not of our Society) were
very attentive and fober, and the good Hand of the
Almighty was amongft us in this Meeting. From
Ci?/?/?^r River, we croffed Che/apeak Bay, to the Yearly-
WeAKher, meeting at fFejh River, with Che/ler Friends, in miltam
Thomas's Boat, and fent our Horfes over by Kent-I/land
to IVe/l' River ^ where we met with our Friends Michael
Ligbtfoot^ Elizabeth IVyat^ and Grace Ma/on, with di-
vers others, {Elizabeth and Gmv, being on their Re*
turn from a religious Vifit to North -Carolina and Vir^
gtnia:) We all being far from home, and well acquaint-
ed, were glad to fee one another, being thankful to
the Alnnighry, who had been pleafed to preferve us'
lotaron our Way. After the Meeting was ended at
IVeJl^Rivcr, taking Leave in the Love of Chrifl of di-
vers
rHOMAS CHALKLET, 305
vers Friends, with Hearts full of Love, and Eyes full of
Tears, as never expelling to fee one another again. I
with my Companion and Armiger Trotter (who came up
with the Friends from Virginia, to IVeJl-River) fet
out for Firginia, and having pafTed over Patuxent p^^^^.^,,,.
River, had a Meeting among the Family of the Plum- R^vn.
mers, one of whom, with another Friend, accom- ^''""*'^'^'
panied us to the River Potomack j we rode as near
as we could compute it fixty Miles that Day, I being
heavy and aged, and the Weather hot, was very much
tired, and laid down in my Clothes all Night, and the
next Morning ferried over the River Potomack^ com-
puted about three Miles over, and parted with our
Guides. When over this River, we travelled about fif-
teen Miles to William Duff%, had a Meeting there, and
from thence to a Meeting of Friends at John Cheagles^
and fo on to Black-Creek, had a Meeting there, and ^^^^^
then went to the Monthly-meeting of Friends on the g-^.-a:.'
Wefl-fide of James-River, and fo to William Lad's,
after which we went to the Monthly -meeting of Friends
at Nanfemond-River, and from thence to Carolina, and Nanfemoni,
on a Firft-day had a large Meeting at a new Meeting- 'clrluna.
houfe built to accommodate the Yearly-meeting; it
was a good folid Meeting, and there the Friends ap-
pointed for us the Meetings following. Third- day of
the Week, being the 1 3th of the Fourth Month, 3.1 Jo-
feph Barrow's, Fourth-day at Jacob BuiUr's, F'ifth-
day at Samuel Nezvbfs, Sixth-day and Firft-day at
the Upper-meeting-houfe at Little- River, and Third-
day at the Lower-meeting-houfe on faid River, and
Fourth-day at Pofpotanck, and Fifth-day at Amos True-
blood's up Pofpotanck- River, and then we went to the Paffounck
Quarterly-meeting for Friends in 'North-Carolina, which ^'^"'•
was very large ; the People were exhorted to overcome
Sin as Chrift overcame, that they might fit with him
in bis Kingdom, as he overcame, and is fit down in
the Kingdom of God his Father i that Subjeft was
largely fpoken to that Day, and we had a good Op-
portunity^
3o6
natnd.
Bennet's.
Creek.
Chucka-
iuck, &cc.
Creek, &c,
TZ'^ J O U R N A L 0/
portunlty with the People, and the great Name of
God was exalted over all. After this Quarterly-meet-
ing, we had a Meeting at Ja7ne5 ff^tlfonh^ in the Bar-
rens:, which was a large, good and open Meeting ;
in the Conclufion thereof, I told them, That I came
among them in great Love (tho' in a Crofs to my
own Will, with refped to my Age, and the Heat of
the Weather) being willing to fee them, in that Pro-
vince, once more before I left the World -, and, as I
came in Love, fo I parted with them ; defiring them,
to dwell in Love and Peace, and then the God of
Love would be with them.
From Carolina we travelled into Virginia [Zacbariah
Nickjon accompanying us) and had a Meeting at the
Widow Ndwby^s.^ and from thence had a Meeting at
Nanfimiind, and fo to the Branchy where we had a
very large Meeting •, many People were there not of
our Society, and v/ere very attentive and fober •, and
next Day, being the Second-day of the Week, we had
a latisfaitory Meeting at Bennefs-Creek, and thence
to Chukatuck^ and fo on to Rafper-Neck^ and then to
Pagan-Creek, thence into Surry County to Samuel Se-
brell*s^ and thence to Rchert Honicut^^ had a Meet-
ing there, then to Curl^Sy up James River^ to Thomas
and John FleajdHl\ had a Meeting there on a Firft-
day, and then to the Swamp and Cedar-Creek^ and fo
on to John Cheagle^s. We came to John Cheaglch the
20th of .the Fifth Month, being the Fifth of the Week,
and being unwilling to be idle on Sixth and Seventh
Days (intending to have a Meeting at his Houfe on
Firfl-day) I aflced John if he could tell where we could
have a Meeting on Sixth and Seventh-day ? And he
fa id Tes, he could. And he appointed one about
three Miles otf his Houfe, and another fix Miles
off ', at vv-hich Places we-- had good Service ■, and
then had a very large Meeting at his Houfe on Firfl-
day, which was, I hope, to pretty general Satisfac-
tion, to the religious Part of the People. From thence
we
"T HO MAS CHALKLET. 10^
we travelled to William Diqf's {Jehn^ and another 173S.
Friend, going with us) and had a Meeting at their L./'V\J
Meeting-houl'e, and afterwards William went with us
over Fotomack River, as far as Pifcataway in Mary- 1%7^''*
land; this River is computed to be near four Miles i^xy^^ff^.
over, and, when about the Middle, there was a large '**'''^*
Swell in the River, fo that our Horfes could not (land,
and the Motion of the Boat made them fall down,
and the Boat having much Water in it, being vety
leaky, Ihe was near overfetting ; they in the Boat
were in fome Concern and Confternation, f<3ying, when
we came to the Shore, thar they did not remember
they were ever before in the like Danger ; and I ap-
prehend we v/ere in Danger, and if the Boat had
oveFfet, in all Likelihood, we might all have beea
drowned ; and I then thought I was in the Service of
Chrift, my great Mafter; and I alfo knew, I mufl
die, and I thought I might as well die in liis Service
as my own-, fo 1 gave up m,y Life for ChnTc's Sake, and
he gave it to me again. Oh ! may 1, with all thofe who
fincerely- love him, ferve him truly all our Days, is
my Defire !
From Pifcataway we travelTd to Patuxent^ to the p,inm;«-
Family of the Plummers, who were ten Sons of one ^''"'"'•
Father and Mother, who were convinc-'d about tiie
Time I firft had Meetings in thofe Parrs, and, fofaras
1 know, they are all fober Men. After this Meeting
we went to Gerard Hopkins'' ^^ and from thence to Pa- Fatapfco.
tapfce^ had a large Meeting, the Houfe being full be-
fore the Friends came, fo that they were hard let to
get in ; to me it was a good, feafonable Opportunity,
as was our next in the Foreft of Gunpowder River -, Gins^o-ji'der-
where Friends have huik a new Meeting-houl'e, which, ^'^"'
at this Time, could not contain the People : From
Gunpowder River we went to Bu/l River, had a good, BurcRha-.
_ i^tt' v-itcis., 4iju io over
Sujqticbannab to Elihu H dill's.
open Meeting, ajid ore at Deer Creek, and fo over ^^^^
Ac
3o8 ' ^72^ J O U R N A L 0/
3738. At Wefi-JNotlingha?)!^ I parted with my Companion,
K./'-^r-^ he having about a Day's Travel home. I had two
T/4imn' Meetings on Firft-day at the great Meeting-houfe at
JVeft-l^otttngham, which were very large, and Friends
glad to fee me once more : And after having Meetings
mlml!''- ^^ Chridine Bridge, Wilmington, Center, and Kennet,
ton. Center, Went to thc Quarterly-mceting of Minifters at Con-
Komt^&ic. ^^^^^ and was there Firft and Second-day j and Third-
day at Derby, all which were very large Meetings,
and Friends were fatisfied and comforted, and I was en-
couraged in theWork and Service of theGofpel of Chrill.
jTriiifm. From Derby I went home, having been abroad about
four Months, and rode, by Computation, above ele-
ven hundred Miles, and at about feventy Meetings.
While I was on this Journey, I had an Account of
the Death of my dear and only Brother, George Chalk-
ley, a religious, prudent Man ; he died the 24th of
the Ninth Month 1737, near the feventieth Year
of his Age, and left behind him a mournful Widow
and four Daughters, all virtuous Women.
When in Virginia, I wrote to thofe of our Society
at Opeckon, Shannadore^ Sec. many of whom went out
of our Province, to fettle in the Government of Fir-
ginia^ to the following EtFed, viz.
Virginia, ditjohn Cheagle\, 2\^ c^th Month, ^72^*
To Friends of the Monthly-meeting at Opeckon,
Dear Friends, who inhabit Shannadore and Opeckon.
' TTAV I N G a Concern tor your Welfare and
* i. JL Profperity, both now and hereafter, and alfo
' the Profperity of your Children, I had a Defire to
' fee you ; but being in Years, and heavy, and much
« fpenc and fatigued with my long Journeys in Virgi-
' nia and Carolina, makes it feem too hard for me to
«■ perforra a Vifit in Perfon to ygu ; wherefpre I take
' thij
THOMAS CHALKLtr, 309
this Way of Writing to difcharge my Mind of what 173S.
lies weightily thereon : And,
' Firfty I defire that you be very careful (being far
and back Inhabitants) to keep a friendly Correfpon-
dence with the native Indians^ giving them no Oc-
cafion of Offence -, they being a cruel and mercilefs
Enemy, where they think they are wrong*d or de-
frauded of their Right, as woful Experience hath
taught, in Carolina^ Virginia^ and Maryland^ and
efpecially, in New-England^ &c. And,
' Secondly^ As Nature hath given them, and their
Fore-fathers, the PoiTefTion of this Continent of ^;«<?-
rica (or thisWildernefs) they have a naturalRight there-
to in Juftice and Equity j and no People, according to
the Law of Nature and Juftice, and our own Prin-
ciple, which is according to the glorious Gofpel of
our dear and holy Lord Jefus Chrift, ought to take
away, or fettle, on other Mens Lands or Rights,
without Confent, or purchafing the fame, by Agree-
ment of the Parties concern'd i which, I fuppofe, in
your Cafe is not yet done.
' Thirdly, Therefore my Counfel and Chriflian Ad-
vice to you is (my dear Friends) That the mofl
reputable among you, do, with Speed, endeavour
to agree with and purchafe your Lands of the native
Indians or Inhabitants ; Take Example of our wor-
thy and honourable late Proprietor, IVilliam Penn ;
who, by his wife and religious Care, in that Rela-
tion, hath fettled a lafting Peace and Commerce with
the Natives, and, through his prudent Manage-
ment therein, hath been infbrumental to plant in
Peace, one of the moft flourilliing Provinces in the
the World.
* Fourthljy And who would run the Rifque of tire
Lives of their Wives and Children, for thefparing a
little Cofl and Pains ? I am concerned to lay thofe
Things before you, under an uncommon Exercife of
Mind, .that your new and fiourilhing, little Settle-
' ment.
3 ]0 ."^ ^' ne J OVR'N AL of ':■
ment, might not be laid wafte, and (if the Provf-
dence of ciie Almighty doth not intervene^ fome of
the Blood of yourfeives. Wives or Children, be
be fhed and fpilt on the Ground.
' Fifthly, Confider you are in the Province of Vir-
ginia, holding what Rights you have under that Go-
vernment ; and the Virginians have made an Agree-
ment with the Natives, to go as far as the Moun-
tains, but no farther -, and you are over and beyond
the Mountains, therefore out of that Agreement ;
by which you lie open to the Infults and Incurfions
of theSouchern Indians, who have deftroyed many
of the Inhabitants of Carolina and Virginia, and even
now have deftroyed more on the like Occafion,
[The Englifh going beyond the Bounds of their Jgree-
ment. Eleven of the^n were killed by the Indians while
we were travelling in Virginia.]
' Sixthly^ If you believe yourlelves to be within the
Bounds oi William Penn'^s Patent from King Charles
the Second, which will be hard for you to prove, you
being far to the fouthward of his Line •, yet, if done,
that is of no Confideration with the Indians» without
a Purchafe of them •, except you will go about to
convince them by Fire and Sword, contrary to our
Principles ; and if that were done, they would ever
be implacable Enemies, and the Land would never
be enjoyed in Peace.
' Seventhly, Pleafe to note, that in Penfyhania no
new Settlements are made, without an Agreement
wfih ti'.e Natives ; as witnefs, ILancafierx County,
■ lately fettled ; though that is far within the Grant of
IVilliatnPenn^s Patent from King C/j(3r/^i the Second;
• wherefore you lie open to Infurre<5lions of the North-
■^ era as w.'^ll as Southern Indians.
*• And, Lajlly, Thus having fliewn my Good-will to
' you, and to your new little Settlement, that you
• might fit every one under your own Ihady Tree,
• where none might make you afraid, and that you
' might
"THOMAS CHALKLE7. 311
* might profper naturally and fpiritualjy, you and 1738.
* your Children i and having a little eafed my Mind CZ-VVJ
* of that Weight and Concern (in fome Meafure)
* that lay upon me, I, at prel'ent, defift", and iub-
* fcribe, in the Love of our holy Lord JefusChrifl,
DTour real Friend^
1. C.
After my Return from this Journey, I ftay*d much
at home that Winter, travelling now being hard for me,
fo that I could not perform long Journeys as formerly,
being more broken in the long and hard Travelling in
this Journey, than in divers Years before.
In the Year 1739, I took feveral fhort or lefTer 1739-
Journeys, and had many Meetings in divers Places, as "^^^"^"^
in Salem and Burlington Counties, in Wefi-Jerfe'^.^ and j^^." "^ '
Philadelpbiay Chejier and Bucks Counties, in Penfylva-
nia ; having many large and comfortable Meetings,
and fome fatisfaftory Service in divers of them.
This Year the War broke out between Great-Bri-
tain and Spain ; the Spaniards giving great Occafion
of Offence to the Britijh Nation ; notwithftanding
which. King George the Second fought to accommodate
Matters peaceably j but the Crown of Spain not com-
plying with the Terms agreed on for an Accommoda-
tion, therefore War was proclaimed ; which occafioned
much Difturbance and Diftradion in our little peace-
able Province and Government ; War being deftrudive
to Life, Health and Trade, the Peace and Profperity
of the People, and abfolutely againft the Dodrine and
Pradice of the Prince of Life and Peace, our Lord and
Saviour Jefus Chrift ; a great Concern came on my
Mind to promote his Dodrine ; in order to which I
was largely concerned to treat thereof in or at the Ge-
neral Spring-meeting at Philadelphia ; with which Ser-
vice divers wife and pious People were well farisfied.
though fome were offended.
Wher
312
1740.
Wilming-
Jen,
Neivccftli;,
George's
Creek.
Ikuck'
Creek,
Lht!e,
Creek,
Mother-
KzlL:
Little-
€jeek..
'/IppoquTna
X^evucinftk,
^ a rr;^ JOURNAL of i
When the Meeting was over, I having a Defire
and Concern once more to vifit Friends in the three
lower Counties, Newcaftle, Kent and Sujfex, among
v/hom I had not travelled for near twenty Years, and
being now a little better in Health than I bad been, I
fetout from my Home, and went to Chefier, and from
thence to Wilmington^ and had a Meeting there ; and
then to Newcajlle., where we had another ; William
Hammond being with me, he and I went from Newcaf-
tle to Georgeh-Creek, had a Meeting there ; and then
went to Buck-Creek ; after having two Meetings at
Duck. Creek, I went to Little-Creek Meeting, and fo pro-
ceeded to the Mother -Kills., where I had a large, open
Time in preaching the Gofpel to the People, which di-
vers ot chem received with Gladnefs ; and there were
many, not ot our Society, who were very fober and at-
tentive, a Door being open among them -, yet, notwith-
standing there may be much Opennefs both in Speakers
and Hearers, I have obferved with Sorrow, that there
are but few who retain the Iruth fo as to be really con-
verted ; many are convinced, but few converted and
come to be regenerated or born again, as our Saviour
taught.
From Mother-kills I went back to Little-Creek to
^inothy Hanfon's.^ he accompanying me, and from
Timothy's I went to Duck- Creek, and from thence to
-. Jppoquinamy to the Burial of a Friend's Son, who died
of the Small-pox j on which Occafion we had a folid
Meeting, the mournful Relations being thankful for
our Company. From Appoquinamy I went to Jdhn
M'Cool\ and from thence to Newcajile ; where we
had a large open Meeting, to the Satisfaction of c^i-
vers i though I was very weakly and poorly, as to my
Health, fo that it was hard for m'e to floop to take any
Thing from the Ground, and with Difficulty I walk-
ed from the Friend's Houfe to the Meeting ; but be-
ing helped by Grace, and carried through the Service
ot the IVTeeting beyond my Expeftation, was, with
divers
THOMAS CHALKLET. 313
divers others, truly thankful to God the Father, and 1740.
Chrill,. my Lord and Saviour. *«-"v-x«
-'' From Newcafile I went to JVilmingion^ had a Meet- wnmin^-
ing there, and from thence to Newark to the Marriage ^^/^g^k.
of Alexander Seaton \ the Meeting was uncommonly
Jarge, and to general Satisfadtion.
From Newark I went back to Wilmington^ and from
thence to the Center Monthly-meeting, and fo on to Cenur.
Kenn^ty where was a very large Meeting : Here divers, Kcnnrt^
who had profelTed among us, refrained coming to the
Publick Meetings for divine Worfhip ; with wiiom,
next Day, we had a Meeting, wherein the evil Confe-
quence of forfaking the afTembling ourfelves together
was fpoke to, and that it would be a great Hurt to the
young and rifing Generation, and themfeives alfo j be-
ing a bad Example to them, and contrary to the Ad-
vice and Counfel of the holy Apoflle, Not to forfake
the ajfeinhling of ourfelves together^ as the Manner of
fome is.
From Kennet I went to Concord to the Burial oi Concord,
benjamin Mendinhall^ where we had a large and folid
Meeting, feveral lively Teftimonies being born there-
in : This Friend was a worthy Elder, and a itv*
viceable Man in our Socieiy, and one of the firfl: or
early Settlers in Penfylvania » A Man given to Hoi-
pitality, and a good Example to his Family, and
hath left divers hopeful Children furviving him.
The Night before this Meeting I lodged at the
Widow GUpin% whofe Hulband, Jofepb Gilpin, was
lately deceafed 5 there was true Chriftian Love and
Friendlhip between us for above fifty Years. When
-fii^ft I faw Jofepb in Penfylvania, he lived in a Cave
in the Earth, where we enjoyed each others Com-
pany in the Love and Fear of God. This Friend
had fifteen Children, whom he lived to fee brought
up to the States ol Men and Women, and all but
two married well, and to his Mind.
h" , X 2 From
bfL,
3H
rhe JOURNAL^
1740.
Wilmington,
Nevticafite.
Ptnn's-
Ketk.
Salem.
Gntnwiih,
W»odberrf-
Creek.
thilaieU
fhia,
frankftrt.
BtiTiif^tOH.
Shrt-mr-
frtnkforr.
From Concord I went to Wilmington^ and from
thence after Meeting to Newcaftky where J, with
George Hogg, went over the River Delaware into
Penn^s-Neck, and had a Meeting at James fVilfon*s ;
from Penn*^-Neck we went to Salem, and thence to
Cohanfy, where I had feveral Meetings at Greenwich,
and at the Head of Ailoway*s~Creek, alfo at David
Davis's, where the People kindly lent us the Benches of
their Meeting-houfe, and many of them came them-
felves, and were very attentive ; after which I went to
Pikfgrove and had a Meeting there, and from thence
to PFoodberry-Creek, and fo to Gloucejier, where I fer-
ried over Delaware to Philadelphia, and from thence
came home, having travelled about 500 Miles in this
Journey -, after which I ftay'd at and about home
for fome Time.
I was at the Yearly-meeting at Burlington in the
Seventh Month ; going to this Meeting, my Horfc
ftarted, and threw me, which hurt my Shoulder and
Hip badly, of which Hurt I did not recover for above
half a Year.
This Meeting was very large, and though I was
outwardly in Mifery and Pain, yet in the Senfe of the
Love and Goodnefs of God, and Grace of our Lord
Jefus Chrifl, I was, with many others, much com-
forted in Spirit.
From Burlington I travelled to Shrew/hury, having
feveral Meetings by the Way ; as, at Bordentown, Crofs-
wicks, Trenton, &c. This Journey I rode in much
Pain ; but the Satisfaction I had in Meetings through
the Spirit and Power of the moft High, made Amends
for all the Labour and Pain I underwent. I blefs the
facred Name of God, and may I do it for ever ! I made
what Hafte I could home, being in Pain with my Fall,
and tarried at home moll of the Winter, which was
one of the longeft and hardeft known in thefe Parts
by fome of the oldeft Livers here j divers People being
frozen to Death in feveral Places, and many Sheep
and
1H0MAS CHALKLEr 315
and Cattle perifliing, and much of the Winter Grain 1740.
kilJed with the Froft, fo that there was fome Appre- C/«Ow^
henfion of a Want of Bread ; all which I took to be
Warnings of the jufl and righteous Judgments of God
for the Ingratitude, Pride, and other Sins and Iniqui-
ties of the People, the which I was divers Times, and
at divers Places, concerned to put them in Mind of.
How well would it be if the People would lay the
Judgments of the mofl High to Heart ; and when
hisjudgments are abroad in the Earth, that the Inha-
bitants would learn Righteoufnefs !
After this Winter I was at a General-meeting at I74'»
German-town^ and at Meetings at North-fFales, Hor- ^^Qf^
Jham, and Byberry, and from thence, with Jofepb Gil- Meetings
bert, went to Burlington^ and was at a Marriage there, ?^ ^'J*^"/'
and then returned home. Place*.
t In the Second Month I was under an inward and
religious Engagement in my Mind to vifit the Meetings
of Friends in Gloucefter and Salem Counties, in fVefi-
Jerfey -, and the 19th of the faid Month I went over De-
laware River, and was at Haddonfield on a Firft Day,
and Third-day at Chejier^ Fourth-day had a Meet-
ing at the Houfe of Joftah Fofter, and Fifth-day at
Evejham -, from which Meeting I went to John E-
jlaugh's, Ebenezer Large and Samuel Jordan being with
me. In the Morning we went to IVoodberry-Cresk
Meeting, and next Day down to Salem^ in order
for the Yearly-meeting, which began on the 26th of
the Second Month, and was an extraordinary folid
Meeting, the divine Prefence and Glory being richly
manifefted amongft us;
^, From Salem I went, in Company with John Evans Sau^
.'and Elizabeth Stevens^ to Allowafs-Creek and Cohanfy^
where we had Meetings, I believe, to the Satisfadion
of many ; here I parted with the faid Friends, and not
being well, I ftaid at Greenwich^ and they went to
3iDavid Davii\ in order for Pile/grove Meeting.
X 3 The
:>
i6 rhe JOURNAL of On
1741. The 3d of the Third Month, being the Firft of the
'-^^'^'yr^^ Week, I was at Cobanfy Meeting, which was folid and
CehsKfj. ^ejgiity . jn which the mighty Works of God, and
his wonderful Power, was fet forth to the People in di-
vers Refpedls.
Fir/i, As to the Work of the Creation of the Hea-
vens and the Earth, and of Man to govern in the
Earth, referving to himfelf the Government of Man ;
to whom he gave a Law, for the Breach of which hiS
was turned out of Paradife, and brought Death into
the World.
Secondly, Notwithftanding Man's Fall, God had
Love, Mercy and Compaffion towards him, and pro-
mifed the Seed of the Woman fhould bruife the Head
of the Serpent, who led them aflray, which Seed
was Chrift, whom all are commanded to hear, believe
and follow, in the Praftice of his holy Do6trine, which
is contained in his Words fpoken to his immediate
Difciples and Apoftles, and likewife made known and
revealed in our Hearts.
I'hirdhy That now in our Day his righteous Judg-
ments are abroad in the Earth, as the Sword, and a
Threatning of Famine, or want of Bread •, all which
%vas /poken in the tender Love and Fear of God, and
Faith of Chrift, and all were intreated to lay thefe
Things to Heart, and Turn to the Lord, and he will
have Mercy, and to our God, and he will abundantly
^pardon. In this Meeting God was glorified, and his
Name magnified, through the AfTiflance of the Spirit
of his dear Son our Lord.
From Cohanfy I went to Sak'm, and thence to Da-
ind Davis's, where we had a Meeting, at which were
leveral People of divers ProfelTions, who were fatisfied
and edified therein *, and thence we went to Pilef-
grove Meeting, afterwards into Penn*5-Neck, and had
a good open Meeting at the Widow Hughs^s, and
fo to JFocdberryCreek Meeting, which, I hope, was
ftrviceabie ; after which I went home with my Friend
James
rnOMAS CHALKLET. 317
Jamei Lord*s Widow ; who, with her Sifter Anne Coo- 1741,
'per, and Jofiph Clews, went with me to Gloucejier "^^X^
Goal, where we vifited one under Sentence ot Dtfath Qll^f"
for Stealing ; I afked him, if he truly repented of that
Sin of Stealing, ot" which he had been fo often guilty ?
He told me» he hoped he had, and was willing to die.
He was recommended to the Grace of God, and to
keep in an humble Frame of Mind, and beg Mercy of
the Almighty, for the Sake of Chrift, for all his Sins.-
While a Friend was praying by him, he was broken
into Tendernefs.
r Here the aforefaid Friends parted from me •, I crof-
■fing the River Delaware to Philadelphia^ and fo home
to Frankfort. I was at ten Meetings in this Journey
(befides the Yearly-meeting at Salem) and travelled
about 150 Miles; but Travelling was painful to my
Body •, for I now more and more felt the EtFedts of
many old Falls and Bruifes, which much difabled and
hurt me in Riding.
In the Fourth Month I was at divers Meetings about
or near home, as at Fair-hill^ German-town^ and
at a Meeting at Thomas Roberts's \ alfo was at Fhila- pkHadei-
delphia Meeting. In the Beginning of the Fifth p^^^.
Month, I vifited Friends Meetings at Derby, Meri- j^i^y^m.
on, and Haverford ; at the laft Place the Meeting Havn{ori,
was large, and very open ; wherein the mighty Power
of God was exalted over all, and it was plainly ma-
nifefted, that if there was any Virtue, or any good
Gift or Genius in the Creature, it derived its }:,xcellen-
cy from the Creator ; and that Man, in his bell Capa-
city, in either natural or fpiritual Attainment.% hath -
no Caufe to boaft or glory in any Thing or Things,
which he, as an Inftrument in the divine Hand, might 1
help to do or perform; wherefore wc ought to hum- ]
ble ourfelves under the mighty Hand of God, attribu-
ting no Glory to Self, or the Creature-, but all Glory
and Praife to the Creator, who is in and over all blefled j
for ever.
The
3^8
I74I'
J^Hol,
- -^^ JOURNAL 0/ -^^"
The 2oth of the Fifth Month, I fet forward on a
Journey, in order to vifit Friends at and near 5«r-
lington^ and was next Day at a Meeting at Brifloly
which was large, confidering the Heat of the Wea-
ther, and the Shortnefs of the Notice •, next Day,
being the Fourth-day of the Week, and the 2 2d of
the Month, I was zi Mount -Holly, at the Burial of our
antient Friend, Rejlored Lifpincoat : He was, as I un-
derftood, near an hundred Years of Age, and had
upwardsof 200 Children, Grandchildren, and Great
Grand Children, many of whom were at his Funeral ;
the Meeting was large, and thought to be a ferviceable
Meeting by divers. After this Meeting, I went with
a few choice Friends to vifit Sufannah Fearon, who
had been long ill •, in which Vifit we were favoured
with the divine Prefence and Goodnefs of the moft
High ; for which we returned him Thanks and
Praife. After which we went to Burlington, and next
Day had a Meeting, which was an acceptable Oppor-
tunity to many.
Next Firfl-day, being the 27th of the Month, w€
had a good, folid Meeting at Trenton ; from thence I
went, with divers Friends to Brijloly and fo home to
Frankfort % and was thankful to the Almighty for the
Grace which he was pleafed to bellow upon me, a
poor Worm -, and that, confidering the extream Heat,
I had my Health better than ufual. After coming
home, I vifited divers Meetings at Philadelphia, Had-
donfield, Frankfort, &cc.
In the Sixth Month there was a great Mortality in
Philadelphia, and many were taken away ; on a Fifth-
day, I was concerned to put the People in Mind of it,
and of their own Mortality, and exhorted them to
prepare for it, they not knowing whofe Turn it might
be next, nor the Hour when Death might come to
iheir own Habitations \ and was concerned, in the fame
Nature, at fcveral large Burials ; in the Meeting at
Philadelphia, they were told, It was better to fall
into
THOMAS CHALKLET. 31^
into the Hands of the Lord, than into the Hands of 174?.
Men *, and that fince we had been fettled in this Pro- iXV>a)
vince of Penfyhania, we were preferred from the
Hands of Men ; there having never been an Enemy in
it, in a warlike Way ; our Dependance being on Pro-
vidence, and our Principle agalnft War, and againft
fpilling of human Blood by Wars and Fighting, ac-
cording to the Doftrine of Chrift, the peaceable Savi-
our; wherefore I believe the Hand of God was mani-
fefted in preferving us in Peace : Yet I would not be
underftood to be againft the Magiftrates exercifing the
Power committed to them, according to juft Law ;
but national Wars, woful Experience teacheth, are de-
ftrudive to the peaceable Religion of Jefus, to Trade,
Wealth, Health and Happinefs. Our dear Lord
preached Peace to the People, and againft Wars; tell-
ing his Followers, That they mufi love and pray for their
Enemies, and rather take a Stroke or a Blow, than give
one ', and that they Jhould not reftji Evil ; which peace-
able Dodrine of Chrift, the Jews could not away
with ; no, no, by no Means; O, fay they. If we let
this Man alone, the Romans will come and take away
our Place and Nation : Juft as the People now fay in
this Province, among and to thofe peaceable Men,
who, for the Sake of Chrift and his Dodtrine, cannot
ufe the Sword ; The Romans will come and take our
Country, if we donU build Forts and Cajlles, and have
military Preparations: And I wifh it were not true,
that fome, who profefs this peaceable Principle, too
much endeavour to fmoother, ftifle and keep under,
this peaceable Do£lrine, through a flavifti Fear, and too
much diftruftingof the divine Providence, which may
caufe the divinp Hand to deliver us to the Romans in-
deed ; at which I fhould not wonder, fince we diftruft
that divine Hand that hath hitherto preferved us,
without our preparing for War, above thefe fifty
Years. To which I know that it is objeded ; But
pow there are Abundance of People who are not of that
Prifi'
320 r:i f7^^ JOURNAL ^'--
1741. ciple. I anfwer. Then why did they come among
^ii^V"^ us, if they could noc truft themfelves with our Princi-
ples, which they knew, or might have known, if they
would ? The King gave the Province, and the Go-
vernment of it, to our worthy Proprietor William
'Penn, who was a Man of this peaceable Principle ;
for which the Heathens loved him, and honour his
Name and Memory to this Day, and thofe of his Socie-
ty and Principles*, v;hereof I am a living Witnefs. The
■^ - - Senfe of the Sweetnefs and focial Life that the firft Sett-
lers of the Province of Penfyhania and the City of Phi-
ladelphia lived in, makes me exprefs myfelf in this Man-
ner. Oh ! that the Inhabitants of the City and Coun-
try, did but live and dwell in that firft Love, and hold
it faft ; and then I believe that the Almighty would
not fufFer any to take our Crown ; which Crown is
Righteoufnefs, Peace and Love, through true Faith ;
which true Faith 'ivorks by Love, in Chrilt Jcfus.
fo?a v!fit On the lail Day of the Fifth Month, I acquainted
to^.'o. jny Friends of the Monthly-meeting of Philadelphia,
* ' with a Concern I had been lome Time under, to vifit
the People in the Virgin I/lands, and more particularly
in Anguilla and Tortola -, in order to preach the Gofpel
of our Lord Jefus Chrid freely, to thofe who might
have a Defire to hear, as the Lord fhould be pleas'd
to open my Way : And my Friends having Unity
with me therein, at their next Meeting, gave me a
Certificate of their Concurrence ; Soon after which,
having fettled my Affairs, and taken Leave of my
dear W^ife and Daughter, and the refl of my Family
and Friends, on the 19th Day of the Seventh Month,
J embarked at Philadelphia, in the Sloop John, Peter
Blunder Mafter, bound for the Ifland of lortola.
We fail'd down the River, and came to an Anchor
near Chrijline Creek that Night, in which there was a
\ rioient Storm, which drove feveral Vefiels on the
MarOies •, fo that when the Tide ebb'd, one might
v/aik round them. Next Day we fail'd to Reedy-
J/laud'
THOMAS CHALKLET, 321
IJlandy where we waited for a fair Wind: We fail'd 1741-
down the Bay (in Company with two Sloops, one ^/V^*'
bound for Bermudas^ the other for the Ifland of Chri-
Jiopher^) and left the Capes on the a^d Day of the A« ^w.
Month, and in 18 Days, from that Time, fell in with
the Ifland of Thomas^ and in one Day more turn'd up
to Tortola.
In this Voyage we faw nine Sail of Veflels ; but
fpoke with none of them : Had a rough Pafiage, the
Wind being high and contrary above a Week, and
much Rain i yet, thro' the Mercy and Grace of God,
I was preferved above all Fear, except the holy Fear
of the living Lord, in which I blefs*d his holy Name.
On the 1 2th Day of the Eighth Month, John Picker- Trteim.
ingi the Owner of the Sloop ("who was likewife Go-
vernor of the Ifland) with his Spoufe, met me at the
Water-fide, and lovingly embraced me, and led me
up to their Houfe, and, the fame Evening, had a
Meeting at his Houfe -, and on the 15th of the Month,
being the Fifth-day of the Week, we had a large, fa-
tisfadory Meeting, at which were many People, di-
vers of them not of our ProfefTion, and I think, the
good Hand of the Lord was with us. I was concern-
ed in this Meeting to fhew. That the laft Difpenfation
of God to Mankind in and through his dear Son, was
a fpiritual Difpenfation ; a Difpenfation of pure, di«
vine Love, which is to laft and be with the true Be-
lievers in Chrift forever, according to his own Dodlrine
in the New-Teftamenr.
On the Firft-day of the Weei^, and the iSth of the
Month, we had another Meeting larger than the for-
mer (and the Governor told me, he had never feen fo
large a Gathering on the Ifland, on any Occafion) my
Spirit was much fet at Liberty in this Meeting, and
great Opennefs and Brokennefs was among the Ptople,
fo that the Gofpel was freely and largely declared to
them. The Cafe ot Conielius, and of the ApoftJe
P^*fr going to his Houfe, was treated of , with divers
other
322 72-^ JOURNAL^ OWV:
1 741. other Matters, tending to Edification, I was fo af-
r^'QC^ ^^^^"^ ^'^^ ^^^ Power, Spirit and Grace of our Lord
Jefus Chrift, that, when the iVIeeting was over, I
withdrew, and, in private, poured out my Soul before
the Lord, and begg*d that he would be p!eas*d to
manifeft his Power and glorious Gofpel more and
more. At this Meeting there was a Woman who had
fufFer'd much for her going to Meetings ; her Huf-
band being a proud, haughty Man, had beat her to
the drawing of Blood ; he alfo drew his Sword, and
prefented his Piftol, with Threat'nings to kill her ;
but Ihe thank'd God, that fhe was refign*d to lofe
her life for Chrift's Sake : This Woman exprefs'd
fome Words in Supplication in this Meeting, in a bro-
ken Manner. There was alfo another (a beautiful
young Woman; whofe Father had tiirn'd her out of
Doors for coming to Friends Meetings.
I went, with the Governor and his Wife, to vifit a
few Families up in the Mountains, and had a Meet-
ing, in which was great Brokennels and Tcndernefs
in the Time of Prayer.
On Second-day we vifited feveral Families in the Di-
vifion called the Road, to which we went by Water in
a Coble Cfome- what like our Canoes) there were four
of thefe in Company, five Perfons in two of them, and
feven in the other two. In this Vifiting of Families,
the People came and filled the Rooms, and we had
feafonable Meetings, in which the People were fo lov-
ing, and well-affeded, that we could feldom go in a
friendly Way to vifit our Friends, but they would pre-
fently fill their little Rooms, and we fcarcely could de-
part, without having a Time of Worfhip.
Next Day we went to vifit a young Man's Habita-
tion Cwho had not yet finifhed his Houfe) and the
Neighbours coming in, as ufual, we had a good
Meeting.
I cannot but note, That the Hand of the Lord God
was with us, and I felt his Vifitation as frefh and lively
tHOMAS CHALKLET. 323
as ever; for which I was truly thankful, and thought, 1741,
if I never faw my H.ibitation again, I was fatisfied in \.y\r^
this Gofpel Call, and religious Vifit j though, being 2"o«»/<i.
in Years, it was fometimes a little troublefome to the
Flefh ; being in the 66th Year .of my Age, and ftiff"
in my Limbs from Hurts with many Falls and Bruifes •,
but, as to my Health, 1 had it better now, than for
feveral Years pa ft •, for which I am humbly thankful
to him, in whom we live and have our Being ; Glo-
ry to his Name, through his dear Son.
Third-day and Fourth-day, vifited feveral Families,
and had divers good Opportunities j in one of thofe
Meetings, a young Man, named Jeremiah Martin^
fpoke a few Words in Prayer ; in which Seafon, we
were, I think, all broken into Tendernefs ; fo that in
Truth we might fay. That the Power and Spirit of
Chrift was with and among us, and his great Name
was praifed.
Fifth-day, being the Week-day- meeting, it was
larger than was ever known of a Week-day at that
Place 1 there being divers Friends who came from an
Ifland called Jos. Vandike'%^ and many Neighbours
and fober People, who were very attentive.
Sixth-day, was at feveral Peoples Houfes, and had
religious Meetings j which we could not well avoid,
the People were fo loving and defirous to hear what
might be fpoken to them -, they being many of them
like thirfly Ground, wanting Rain, and our good and
gracious Lord gave us celeftial Showers, which were
refrefhing to us, and thankfully received.
Seventh-day, I went, with feveral Friends, to the
Houfeofone, who, with his Wife, had been at our
Meeting on Fifth-day *, he kindly invited me to his
Houfe 5 his Name was Blake ; he and his Wife were
loving i though he had formerly wrote againft Friends,
he was now better informed. From his Houfe I went
to Townfend B'ljhoph^ and there being many Friends
there from another Ifland, we had a moft comfortable,
tender
324: rhe ]OVRN AL of
1 741. tender Evening-meetirtg, in which we ofFer'd up an
^^'''"V"*^ Evening Sacrifice of high Praifes and Thankfgiving to
:forttia. jj^g j^^ly jsjame of the living eternal God, and his
dear Son our Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift, through
the Influence of the holy Spirit, one GOD over all,
blefled for ever. And^ ^
On the Firft-day of the Week, being the 25th of
the Month, we had a larger Meeting than ordinary ;
and, in Expedation of larger Meetings than ufual, the
Governor, John Pickering, had made feveral new
Forms to accommodate the People at his own Houfe,
which he fent fix Miles on Mens Heads, the Roads
not being paflable for Carriage by Carts, ^c. This
I think worth noting, that their Zeal may be had in
Remembrance, and that others may be ftirr'd up to a
more religious Concern^ who will fcarce go fix Steps to
a religious Meeting, or will not go at all. In this
Meeting I was concern*d to fpeak of and fet forth the
Dc6lrine of ChrilV, which he preached on the Mounts
contain'd in the 5th, 6th and 7th Chapters of Mat-
thew ; and to prefs the People to come to the Pradice
of what is there commanded by the great Author of
the Chriftian Religion -, and to Ihew that the defpifed
fakers had learn*d out of that excellent Sermon much
of their Religion, which difpleafes many People, and
divers of the great Men of the World ; and to urge
them to regard the Grace of God, which bringeth Sal-
vation and hath appeared to all Men. In this Meet-
ing Dorcas (the Wife of John Pickering) fpoke to the
People in publick Teftimony, to which they gave good
Attention.
After Meeting we returned by Water from the
Road Harbour, to Pat-Hogg-Bay (where John Picker-
ing lives) being upwards of twenty of us in Company,
in three Cobles.
Thefe two Weeks I fpent in the Ifland of lortola,
to my great Satisfaiflion, ■ ■
The
mo MAS CHALKLET. ^2?
"ithe Journal of this worthy Friend ending here^ the fol- •i74i«
lowing Supplemeni is colleSfed from [ome Notes fent hy ^^''V^
ii Friend of that JJland^ gi'uing an Account of his_ fur-
ther Ser'^i4iii, Sicknefs md Death.
TJhe S U,t P t E M E N T.
ON the 2d Day of the Third Week of his being
among us, he vifited Ibme Friends in the Neigh-
bourhood, and likewife the Man who had treated his
Wife fo cruelly for coming to Friends Meetings.
On Third-day^ he was employed chiefly in Writing
to hts Family and Friends in Piji/rt(^^///??w.'>''^^f'* •
? On Fourth-day, iome Friends from the Road came
to fee him, which prevented his going out to vifit the
Neighbours, as ufuaL
On Fifth-day Morning, being the 29th of the Eighth
Month, he found himfelf much indifpo'fed ; yet he
went to our Week-day-meeting, about a Quarter of a
Mile. When the Meeting broke up, he had a hot
Fever'-on him : Do6lor Turnhull (the chief Phyfician
in our Ifl'and) thought it proper to take fome Blood
from him, and he being very willing, it was done chac
Afternoon, and the Fever abated fometime that
Night; and the next Day he waik*d about, and made
no ComJ)laint until about Eight o'Clock in the Even-
ing i about which Time the Fever return*d, and con-
tinued very fevere till Firft-day Mornings when the
Doctor advis'd him to take a Vomit, which he declined
that Day, being defirous of attending the Meeting;
'which was held at my Houfe, and was a large, fwect
■^nd tender Meeting ; \n which hefpoke to us firft con-
cerning Temptations, and how Chrift was tempted,
and how to withftand them ; and afterwards on the Pa-
rable of the great Supper, and other Subjeds ; ending
his Teftimony with the Words of the Apoftle Pat/.L
I
326 SUPPLEMENT.
1 74 1 . have fought a good Fight, I havefinijhed my Courfi, I have
xy^y'\J kepi the Faith^ henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown
ofRighteoufnefi: Which Words, and moft Part of this
laft Sermon, was delivered in great Brokennefs ; trom
whence I judged that he was fenfible that he had not long
,;r^ ^-«^ to live, though, I believe, he was not afraid to die.
'"* On Second-day Morning, the Fever abated a little, and
he complied with the Dodor's Prefcription of taking a
Vomit, which feem'd to have its proper EfFedl; but that
Night the Fever return'd, and continued on him until
he dy'd *, which was between two and three o* Clock on
Fourth day Morning, the fourth Day of the Ninth
Month, being fpeechlefs about feven Hours before.
A general Invitation was given to Friends and others
to his Funeral ; where three Teftimonies were born,
all in great Brokennefs, under a juft Senfe of our great
Lofs. After which he was decently interr'd on the
■'' Evening of the fame Day, in a Piece of Ground which
" / is fince given to Friends for a Burial Place, and on
which a Meeting-houfe is built, by John Pickering.
the Governor of the Ifland at that Time.
It is faid in the Scriptures, That the Righteous are ta-
ken awa-j^ and no Man layeth it to Heart i but, I hope,
it may be truly faid, this was not the Cafe at this Time i
for Friends, in general, much lamented their great Lofs,
in being fo foon deprived of fo inftruflive a Friend
and Elder, whofe Care over us was very great ; and
who, by his loving and exemplary Life, and Tender-
! nels to People of all Ranks and ProfeiTions, engag*d
i the Love and Refped of moft of the People in the
I* Ifland. We are fully alTured, that his Labour among
us was not in Vain, and that many have felt the good
Effefts of it 1 fo that we believe fome of the laft Words
he exprefs*d in Publick, may juftly be apply'dtohim.,
and that he now enjoys a Crown ofRighteoufnefs.
FINIS.
^
I
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