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Civil and Environmental Systems Engineering 2nd Edition
Charles S. Revelle Digital Instant Download
Author(s): Charles S. Revelle, Earl Whitlatch, Jeff Wright
ISBN(s): 9780130478221, 0130478229
Edition: 2
File Details: PDF, 25.99 MB
Year: 2003
Language: english
CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
 PRENTICE HALL INTERNATIONAL SERIES
IN CIVIL ENGINEERING AND ENGINEERING MECHANICS
William l Hall. Editor
At; AND CltRISTIA'.'110. • Structural Analysis
Al: AND CHRISTIANO. • Fundamentals of Strucmral Anal\'sis
BARDET. • Experimental Soil Meclianio: •
BARSO\I AND ROLFE. • Fracture and Fatigue Co11trol in Structures. 2E
BATHE. • Finite Element Procedures in Engineering Analysis
BERG. • Elemems of Stmctural Dynamics
BIGGS. • Introduction to Strucmral Engineering
CHA.JES. • Srmcn1ral Analysis. 2E
OtoPRA. • Dynamics of Structures. 2E
Com :-ro. • Foundation Design Principles 2 E
CoLu~s A~o MITCHELL. • Prestressed Concrete Stmcmrcs
COOPER A~o CHE~ • Designing Steel Stmcn1res
CoRDl~G. ET AL. • The An and Science of Georedmical Engineering
GAL.\MBOS. TED. LI~ A~o JoH~STO~. • Basic Steel Design with LRFD
GALL\GHER. • Finite Element Analysis
GESCHWI:'\D'."ER. D1sot·E A~o BJORHO\"DE. • Load and Resistance Factor Design
HE'.';DRICKSO:'\ A~D Al". • Project Management for Constmction
HtGDO~ ET AL. • Engineering Mechanics. 2nd \'ecror Edition
H.JEL\tSTAD. • Fundamentals of Stmcrural Mechanics
HOLTZ A'.':D KOYACS. • Introduction to Geotechnical Engineering
Ht'\IAR. • Dynamics of Scmctures
HWA'."G A~o Hot'GHTALE:'\. • Fundamencals of Hydraulic Engineering Systems, 3E
JoH'.':STO'.'. LI:'\ A~o GAL\~IBOS. • Basic Steel Design. 3E
KELK.AR A~o SEWELL • Fundamemals of the Analysis and Design of Shell Strncn1res
KRA\IER. • Geocedznica/ Eanhquake Engineering
M.\CGREGOR. • Reinforced Concrece: Mechanics and Design, 4E
MEHTA A:-m Mo~TEIRO. • Concrete: Scmcture.. Properties and Materials, 2E
MELOSH. • Scmcn1Tal Engineering Analysis by Finite Elemencs
MEREDITH ET AL. • Design and Planning of Engineering Systems
MEYER. • Design of Concrece Scmcn1res
MI~DESS A:\D Yot·~G. • Concrete. 2E
NAWY. • Prescressed Concrete.. 4E
N..\WY. • Reinforced Concrece: A Fundamenca/ Approach, 5E
PFEFFER. • Solid Waste Management
PoPO\". • Engineering Mechanics of Solids. 2E
PoPo\·. • /ncroduccion co che Mechanics of Solids
PoPo\·. • Mechanics of Macerials. 2E
RE\"ELLE A~o MCGARITY. • Civil and Em,.ironmenca/ Systems
Rossow. • Analysis and Behai:ior of Structures
ScH~EIDER A~D DICKEY. • Reinforced Masonry Design, 3E
SE~~ETI. • Macri.x Analysis of Scruccures
WA~G A~o SAL\to~. • lntroduccory Scructural Analysis
WEAVER A"o JoH~so~. • Finite Elements for Structural Analysis
WEAVER A~o JoH~so~, • Scruccural Dynamics by Finite Elements
WOLF. • Dynamic Soil-Structure Interaction
WOLFE. • Foundation Vibracion Analysis Using Simple Physical Models
WRAY, • Measuring Engineering Propenies of Soils
Y A~G. • Finice Element Structural Analysis
Yot:~G. M1~0Ess, GRAY AND BERBER, • The Science and Technology of Civil Engineering Materials, 2E
 CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Charles S. Revelle
The Johns Hopkins University

E. Earl Whitlatch, Jr.

The Ohio State University

Jeff R. Wright
University of California, Merced

--------
PEARSON
Prentice
Hall Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458
 Contents

FOREWORD xvii

PREFACE xix

1 EXPLAINING SYSTEMS ANALYSIS 1

l.A Introduction: Building Models 1

l.B History of Systems and Optimization 8
l.C Applications of Linear Programming 10
l.C.1 Distribution, Warehousing, and Industrial Siting JO
1.C.2 Solid Waste Management 11
l.C.3 Manufacturing, Refining, and Processing 11
1. C.4 Educational Systems 11
1. C.5 Personnel Scheduling and Assignment 12
l.C.6 Emergency Systems 12
l.C.7 The Transportation Sector 12
l.C.8 Sales 13
l.C.9 Electric Utility Applications and Air Quality i\tlanagement 13
1. C. l 0 Telecommunications 13
J.C.11 Water Resources and Water Quality Management 13
J.C.12 Agriculture and Forestry 14
J.C.13 Civil Infrastrucfllre and Construction 14

vii
viii Contents

l.D Rules for Modeling 15

l.E Sample Decision Model Settings 16
Chapter Summary 19
Exercises 19
References 22

2 MODELS IN CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 23

2.A Introduction 23
2.B The Form of a Mathematical Program 24
2.C Example Mathematical Programs 27
2.C.l Example 2-1: Blending Water Supplies 27
2. C.2 Example 2-2: A Furniture Factory-
An Activity Analysis 28
2. C.3 Example 2-3: Grading a Portion of a Higlzway-
An Application of the Transportation Problem 30
2. C.4 Example 2-4: Designing a Building for Cost 32
2.C.5 Example 2-5: Cleaning Up the Linear River 33
2. C.6 Example 2-6: Selecting Projects for Bidding-
A Zero-One Programming Problem 35
2.C.7 Example 2-7:A Contest in Tent Design 36
2. C.8 Example 2-8: An Air Pollution Control Problem 37
2.C.9 Example 2-9:A Problem in Land and Species Preservation 38
Chapter Summary 39
Exercises 40
References 41

3 A GRAPHICAL SOLUTION PROCEDURE AND FURTHER EXAMPLES 43

3.A Introduction 43
3.B Solving Linear Programs Graphically 44
3.B.J Example 3-1: Homewood Masonry-A
Materials Production Problem 44
3.B.2 A Graphical Solution for the Homewood Masonry Problem 47
3.B.3 Types of Linear Programming Solutions 49
3.B.4 Example 3-2: Allocating Work Effort at Two Mines 52
3.C More Example Problems 55
3.C.J Example 3-3: The Mining Company Problem
with a Nonlinear Objective Function 55
3.C.2 Example 3-4: The Thumbsmasher Lumber and Home
Center Part I-Producing Paints of Various
Qualities Using Ratio Constraints 57
Contents
ix

3. C.3 Example 3-5: Mixing Gravels to Produce an

Aggregate: A Multiobjective Optimization Problem 60
3. C.4 Example 3-6: A Recycling Program Shared
by Neighboring Communities 62
3.C.5 Example 3-7: The Thumbsmasher Lumber and
Home Center Part II-Cutting Plywood:
An Integer Programming Problem with
Hidden Variables 65
Chapter Summary 67
Exercises 67
References 73

4 THE SIMPLEX ALGORITHM FOR SOLVING LINEAR PROGRAMS 75

4.A Properties of the Feasible Region 75
4.A.l Characterization of Extreme Points 75
4.A.2 Feasibility of Extreme Points 79
4.A.3 Adjacency of Extreme Points 80
4.B The Simplex Algorithm 83
4.B.1 Where Do We Begin the Simplex Algorithm? 84
4.B.2 Isthe Current Solution Optimal? 85
4.B.3 If Not, Which Variable Should Enter the Basis? 86
4.B.4 How Big Should the Value of the Incoming
Variable Be upon Entering the Basis so
That the Solution Remains Feasible? 86
4.B.5 Which Variable Should Leave the Basis (Be Driven to Zero)? 87
4.B.6 What Are the New Values for the Other Basic Variables? 87
4.B. 7 How Do We Recognize an Unbounded Solution? 90
4.B.8 How Do We Detect Alternate Optima? 90
4.B.9 How Do We Recognize an Infeasible Solution? 91
4.C Finding an Initial Feasible Extreme Point Solution 92
4.D Sensitivity Analysis 96
4.D.1 An Overview of Sensitivity Analysis 97
4.D.2 Graphical Interpretation of Sensitivity Analysis 98
4.D.3 Analytical Interpretation of Sensitivity Analysis 103
4.E The Tableau Method for Simplex Pivoting 107
Chapter Summary 111
Exercises 112
References 119

5 LINEAR PROGRAMS WITH MULTIPLE OBJECTIVES 121

5.A A Rationale for Multiobjective Decision Models 121

5.A.1 A Definition of Noninferiority 122
x Contents

5.A.2 Example 5-1: Environmental Concerns for

Homewood Masonry 123
5.A.3 A Graphical Interpretation of Noninferiority 125
5.B Methods for Generating the Noninferior Set 128
5.B.l The Weighting Method of Multiobjective Optimization 129
5.B.2 Dealing with Alternate Optima When Using
the Weighting Metlwd 132
5.B.3 The Constraint Method of Multiobjective Optimization 133
5.B.4 Selecting a Generating Method 138
Chapter Summary 139
Exercises 140
References 146

6 LINEAR PROGRAMMING MODELS OF NETWORK FLOW 147

6.A Introduction 147
6.B The Shortest-Path Problem 148
6.C Network Formulations and Integer Solutions 153
6.D The Transportation Problem 154
6.E The Transshipment Problem 155
6.E.l Formulating the Transshipment Problem 156
6. E.2 Applying Transshipment Concepts 158
6.E.3 Relation of the Transshipment, Transportation,
and Shortest-Path Problems 159
6.F The Maximum Flow Problem 160
6.G The Traveling Salesman Problem 161
Cha pt er Summary 163
Exercises 165
References 169

7 INTEGER PROGRAMMING AND ITS APPLICATIONS 170

7.A Introduction 170
7.B Only Integers Are Admissible Answers 171
7.B.1 Discrete Items of Manufacture: The General Integer
Programming Problem 171
7.B.2 Yes-or-No Decisions: The Zero-One Programming Problem 173
7.B.3 The Mixed Integer Programming Problem 174
Contents
xi

7.C Solving Integer Programming Problems That Do

Not Have Special Structure 175
7.C.l Branch-and-Bound Background 176
7. C.2 Branch and Bound Applied to the Zero-One
Programming Problem 176
7.C.3 Branch and Bound and Mixed Integer Programming 181
7.C.4 Branch and Bound Applied to the General Integer
Programming Problem 183
7.D Enumeration 184
7.E Heuristics 187
7.F Multiple-Objective Integer Programming 190
7.G Interesting Integer Programs and Their Solutions 193
7.G.l A Linear Programming Problem Thar Yields
Integers Always: The Terminal Selection Problem 194
7. G.2 Linear Programming Problems That Produce All
Zero-One Solutions Very Frequently: Location
Set Covering and Plant Location 196
Chapter Summary 200
Exercises 201
References 209

8 SCHEDULING MODELS: CRITICAL PATH METHOD 210

8.A Introduction 210
8.B Arrow Diagram 211
8.B.1 History 211
8.B.2 Arrow Format 211
8.B.3 Cost-Duration Curves 215
8.B.4 Critical Path 216
8.C Activity Schedule 217
8.C.1 Basic Definitions 217
8.C.2 Forward Pass/Backward Pass 217
8.C.3 Activity Schedule Format 218
8.C.4 Categories of Float Time 219
8.D Bar Chart 222
8.D.l Common Bar Chart 222
8.D.2 Modified Bar Chart 223
8.E Resource Leveling 225
8.E.1 General Problem 225
8.E.2 Heuristic Procedure 227
8.E.3 Effect on Float 229
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to rejoice; and my spirit was humbly thankful, in a sense of the
Lord’s goodness; to him alone be the praise; nothing due to man.
Three of the above meetings were held in meeting-houses belonging
to a people under the denomination of Nicholites; many of them
were led into great self-denial, particularly in regard to dress and
household furniture. They appeared one in principle with us, their
faith and doctrine being founded on the manifestation and influence
of the divine light, inwardly revealed. Most of them, of late, have
requested to be joined in membership with Friends, and have been
received. Many of them appear to be a worthy people; yet, I fear,
some were a little hurt by being too tenacious in their dress,
particularly in making it a point to have all parts of their clothing
white. Yet, in general, they appeared to be a plain innocent upright-
hearted people; and I felt a concern lest they should be hurt by the
great and prevailing deficiencies manifest amongst us, by many
turning away from the purity and simplicity of our holy self-denying
profession. This, I believe, is a subject worthy of the deep
consideration of those delinquent brethren. For if it be a truth, as
most certainly it is, that whosoever offendeth one of the least of
those who believe in Christ, it were better for him that a millstone
were hanged about his neck, and he cast into the sea; what will
become of those, who live in the daily practice of those things,
which give continual offence to their brethren, and are stumbling
blocks in the way of honest inquirers.
After attending the aforesaid meetings, we passed on, having
meetings at Choptank, Third Haven and Bayside, on the eastern
shore of Maryland. The two first were attended by many of other
societies, a number of whom were Methodists, and at each was one
of their ministers; both of whom were very solid, and paid great
attention; one of them was much affected, and wept freely for a
considerable time; and, with divers others, manifested their full
satisfaction. My spirit was much humbled, and made to rejoice in the
Lord, that he was graciously near, and made bare his arm for our
help, and carried us through the exercise of those meetings, to the
honour of his own name, who is over all, worthy for ever.
After leaving Bayside, we attended a meeting which we had
appointed the day before, on our way thither, at a village called St.
Michael’s, among the Methodists; the people were nearly all of that
profession in this place. It was held in their meeting-house, and was
the first meeting appointed by any Friend in that place, except a
small one by some women Friends some years before. There was, at
this time, a general collection; and, considering their unacquaintance
with us, and our manner of sitting in silence, they behaved pretty
well. A comfortable degree of the divine presence was witnessed,
and many minds tendered and comforted, and divers gospel truths
clearly opened to the apparent satisfaction of most present.
We left them with peace of mind, and the next day attended a
meeting at Easton, alias Third Haven, among the black people,
which we had appointed some days before. It proved a favoured
opportunity, and to the edification, comfort, and encouragement of
this poor, injured, and too much despised people; many of whom, I
believe, have good desires begotten in their minds after the
knowledge of the truth.
The next day, the first of the week, and the 11th of 2d month, we
attended Friends’ meeting at this place, and information of our
intention of being here having been given before, the neighbouring
inhabitants generally came in, so that the house was much crowded.
The gospel was largely and freely preached among them, to the
apparent satisfaction of all present. How marvellous is thy loving
kindness, O Lord, to the workmanship of thy holy hand; how art
thou graciously holding out, from season to season, offers of
reconciliation to thy revolting and rebellious children, and art calling
to them, by thy servants, now, as formerly, return, return, repent
and live; for why will ye die, O house of Israel, saith your God. We
continued here and attended their meeting of Ministers and Elders;
and, on fifth day, their monthly meeting, which was in some degree
favoured; divers things were opened for the improvement and
encouragement of Friends in well ordering the affairs of truth.
The day following we rode to Chester, and the next day attended
Friends’ monthly meeting at Cecil, which was small; but truth
favoured me with ability to labour, to stir up Friends to more
vigilance, and careful waiting for the arising of the spring of life; as
nothing short of the divine power, and renewed quickenings of the
holy spirit, can qualify for the promotion of good order and discipline
in the Church. The next day, the first of the week, we attended the
meeting here. Notice having been given to the neighbouring
inhabitants, many came in, most of whom appeared very raw and
light; nevertheless, as Friends kept down to their exercise, towards
the close of the meeting, truth came into dominion; and all that
opposed it was made to bow and acknowledge its power; for which
my spirit was made thankful to the Author of every blessing. On
second and third days following, we attended two meetings; the
first, in Friends’ meeting-house at Chester, and the latter at
Chestertown in their court-house; both pretty large meetings, and
overshadowed with the wing of divine power; although, in the latter
meeting, we had to arrive at it through deep baptism, and suffering
with the seed; for those that reign with Christ, must be willing
likewise to suffer. The people, in the forepart, were very light, often
whispering one to the other; a spirit of licentiousness appeared to be
prevalent with many of them; but as truth arose, they were
gradually subjected, until a becoming solemnity appeared in almost
every countenance. I trust some good was effected in some minds;
but we must leave the event to the Lord, to whom alone belongs all
the praise; nothing due to man, but blushing and confusion of face.
The next day we attended a meeting at the head of Chester; it was
somewhat hurt, in the forepart, for want of room. The house was
not sufficient to contain all who came, and the weather too cold to
stand without; yet, as it settled into quiet, it proved a precious
baptizing season, and many hearts were melted into deep contrition.
I had cause to hope that if the few Friends in that place show forth a
good example, there will be some gathered. The day following we
attended the meeting at Sassafras, to pretty good satisfaction. The
next day we rode to East Nottingham, and attended their monthly
meeting the day after; it proved a very exercising meeting, things
being much out of order among them. I was led forth in a line of
close searching labour, both in testimony in the first part of the
meeting, and likewise in that for discipline; but I got little relief,
except from a consciousness, in myself, of having discharged my
duty faithfully among them. The next day, the first of the week, and
25th of 2d month, we attended their particular meeting; in which I
had to expose, in a close, arousing testimony, that spirit among
Friends, which pleads for joining with those active in civil
government, and taking part therein, and adopting the maxims and
spirit of the world. Truth reigned triumphantly in this meeting over
all opposition and disorderly spirits. The 26th we rested. The 27th
we attended West Nottingham meeting to good satisfaction, and
were made to rejoice in truth’s victory over death and darkness, for
which the honest-hearted were made thankful. The 28th we
attended a meeting, lately established, about five miles distant from
the former, which I sat mostly in silence, feeling no clear commission
for preaching the gospel among them.
The 1st of 3d month, we attended Little Britain meeting, wherein I
was opened and led into a large doctrinal communication, suited to
the states of many present. The meeting was large and solid, and, I
trust, edifying and instructive to a number present. But too many,
who have ears to hear, and are led to acknowledge the truth of
testimonies delivered, neglect the practical part, which is the most
essential; and are, therefore, in a situation like those, who, seeing
their natural faces in a glass, turn away, and forget what manner of
persons they are. The 2d, we passed over the river Susquehannah,
and lodged at Richard Webb’s, at Fawn, and attended their meeting
next day. It was a solid, and, I believe to many, a profitable season.
The 4th, and first of the week, we attended Deer Creek meeting,
which was large, and favoured with the overshadowing wing of
heavenly regard. The condescending goodness and mercy of a
gracious God to his sinful creatures were marvellously displayed. The
meeting was composed, in part, of a number of dark undisciplined
spirits, many of whom, it was thought, had not been at any meeting
for several years, and some of them never at any of ours before.
The meeting appeared to be generally brought under a becoming
solemnity, and concluded to our solid comfort. The 5th, we attended
Bush River meeting, and although it was composed generally of a
loose careless-minded people, yet truth favoured me; and, through
divine help, the gospel was preached in the demonstration of the
spirit, and with power. Many present were made sensible of its
baptizing influence; and all contrary spirits appeared subjected, and
brought down, and truth reigned triumphant.
The 6th and 7th of 3d month, we attended the meetings at Little
Falls, and Gunpowder, both seasons of favour. The 8th we attended
Friends’ monthly meeting at Baltimore. It was, I trust, a profitable
season, both in the meeting for worship, and that for the discipline
of the Church. In the meeting for worship, I was led, in a close
searching testimony, to set forth the great danger, and hurtful
effects, of Friends joining in with the spirit of the world, and taking
any part in the fluctuating governments, customs, and manners
thereof. Things opened clearly to show, that, in days past, the
apostacy took place through that medium, both among the primitive
Christians, and also in our own society; and that the only way, for us
as a people to regain the primitive state, was to return back into
ancient simplicity, to separate from the world, its spirit,
governments, manners, and maxims; and to make no league with
those actuated thereby. Truth rose into dominion, and the faithful
among them were strengthened. May praises for ever be ascribed to
the Shepherd of Israel, who is indeed a God near at hand, and a
present helper in every needful time.
The 9th we rested, and I wrote to my family and friends at home.
The 10th, we visited several families in the morning, and in the
afternoon, at the third hour, attended a meeting among the poor, at
the alms-house belonging to this city. It proved a comfortable
season, and I was glad I gave up to the service. The 11th being the
first of the week, we attended Friends’ meeting in the forenoon, and
some notice being given among the town’s people of our being
there, it was large; and after sitting a considerable time in silent
labour, wherein my mind was baptized into the states of those
present, I stood up with a prospect of the hurtful tendency of pride,
both in religious and civil society. Truth opened the way, and
gradually rose into a good degree of dominion, and, I trust, it was a
profitable season to many present. In the afternoon, at the third
hour, we had a meeting with the black people; and, except the hurt
received by their long and untimely gathering, I think it was, in
general, a comfortable season; and many among them appeared to
be brought into a becoming solemnity, and we parted under the
savour of truth.
On the 12th, we attended a meeting at Elk Ridge; it proved, in
general, a heavy season, yet, I trust, a time of profit and favour to
some. We rode that afternoon thirteen miles towards Indian Spring
meeting, which we attended the next day. In this meeting, I was led,
in a plain and full manner, to expose the enormous sin of
oppression, and of holding our fellow creatures in bondage, with the
pernicious fruits and effects of it, to those who are guilty thereof,
especially to their children; who, being supported by the labour and
toil of those held in slavery, and thereby brought up in idleness,
were led into pride, and a very false, and dark idea respecting God,
and his superintending providence, and into many other evils, fatal
to their present and eternal well being, and tending to disqualify
them from being useful in almost any respect, either to themselves
or society, and thereby rendering them unworthy of the respect of
wise and good men. Truth rose into dominion, and some present,
who were slave holders, were made sensible of their conditions, and
were much affected. I felt a hope to arise that the opportunity would
prove profitable to some, and I left them with peace of mind. Since
then, I have been informed, that a woman, present at that season,
who possessed a number of slaves, was so fully convinced, as to set
them free, and, not long after, joined in membership with Friends:
which is indeed cause of gratitude and thankfulness of heart, to the
great and blessed Author of every mercy vouchsafed to the children
of men.
On the 14th we were at Sandy Spring meeting, to satisfaction. The
15th, we attended Friends’ preparative meeting at Alexandria. It was
a small weak meeting, very few manifesting any real concern for the
support of our Christian testimonies. They gathered there from
different parts of the country, mostly for the advancement of their
temporal interest; and this being uppermost with them, they were
disqualified for improvement in religious experience. O that we, as a
people, were more weaned from the world and its fading
enjoyments, and our affections placed on celestial treasure; then
would the light of the Church break forth out of obscurity, and her
darkness become as the noonday; thousands would then be
gathered from the highways and hedges, and flock to the brightness
of her arising, with everlasting joy upon their heads.
The 16th we rode to Fairfax, about forty-six miles. The 17th we
attended their select quarterly meeting. The 18th, the first of the
week, we attended the meeting at this place, which was large,
composed of Friends and others. I was led to open the great
advantages attendant on a life of righteousness, from that scripture
passage, “Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to
any people;” and showing the difference between a righteousness,
founded on the laws, maxims, and precepts of men, and the
righteousness that is witnessed by faith in the Son of God, as
revealed to the hearts and souls of the children of men through the
holy spirit. Although there were many raw, and uncultivated persons
present, yet truth came into a good degree of dominion and victory,
and, I trust, it was a profitable season to some.
The 19th we attended the quarterly meeting for discipline, in which I
had some service, in opening the nature and end of discipline, and
encouraging Friends to an improvement therein, to the solid
satisfaction of the honest in heart. The next day was the youth’s
meeting for the last time; the quarterly meeting, the day before,
having concluded to discontinue the same thereafter, from a belief
that its usefulness was over; and that it had become more hurtful
than beneficial. A great concourse of idle people came together at
that time, not so much for the sake of the meeting, as to see and be
seen, and to make it a place of diversion. I had considerable to say
among them, but got but little relief; by reason, as I apprehended,
of a spirit of infidelity and licentiousness, too generally prevailing
among the people. I was satisfied the quarterly meeting had done
right in discontinuing that meeting; believing, if continued, it would
have been very prejudicial to the youth, for whose good, in the first
institution thereof, it was intended.
The 21st we attended the preparative meeting of South Fork, which
is a branch of Goose Creek monthly meeting. I was silent in the
meeting for worship, but had some close labour with Friends in their
preparative meeting. I felt my spirit much oppressed with a sense of
the great lukewarmness, and love of the world, which appeared to
prevail in such a manner, that the business of the preparative
meeting was conducted in a very weak vague manner, and void of a
right sense of the dignity of such a meeting, or a due concern for
the preservation of right order. I felt peace of mind in a faithful
discharge of my duty among them.
The 22d we were at Goose Creek preparative meeting, which was
large in the first sitting, many of other societies coming in. After a
considerable time of silent labour, in deep baptism with the suffering
seed, my mouth was opened in a clear full testimony, directed to the
states of those present. And many were brought under the influence
of that power which “cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon.” Truth
came into dominion, and a good degree of victory over all was
witnessed. Nevertheless, such is the deadness and indifference of
some who go under our name, that, at the close of this very solemn
meeting for worship, they withdrew with those who were not
members, and continued out until the preparative meeting had
proceeded considerably in its business; and then came in one after
another, in a very careless unthinking manner. My heart was grieved,
and I have often been affected with similar conduct in many places
in those parts, as also in some others; a conduct, which appears to
me to carry in it great indignity to our high and holy profession; and,
I believe, is greatly offensive to the great Head of the Church, for
the promotion of whose righteous cause, these meetings for
discipline are established. I believe one great cause of this sorrowful
weakness and declension is owing to a want of due administration of
discipline, by those who are called thereto. By overlooking one little
thing after another, custom establishes those bad habits; and great
loss is sustained by the Church in general, and by some of its
members in particular. It is very observable that meetings, where
those things are apparent, are generally in a declining state. I was
exercised in a plain way of dealing with those delinquents, showing
them the hurtful tendency of such conduct. Truth prevailed, and
many hearts were much tendered, and the hands of the faithful
strengthened; to the Lord only wise be the praise of his own work,
who is over all, worthy for ever.
The 23d we attended a meeting at a place called the Gap, where
there was a small meeting of Friends. It was, however, a large
collection, many of other societies attending, more than the house
could hold. Many of them appeared to be a raw insensible people,
void of any right idea or knowledge of true religion, which made the
meeting very trying and painful; yet not without some degree of
favour towards the conclusion, by truth’s obtaining the victory over
death and darkness.
Whilst in this neighbourhood, my mind was brought into a state of
deep exercise and travail, from a sense of the great turning away of
many among us, from the law and the testimony, and the prevailing
of a spirit of great infidelity and deism among the people, and
darkness spreading over the minds of many as a thick veil. It was a
time in which Thomas Paine’s Age of Reason (falsely so called) was
much attended to in those parts; and some, who were members in
our society, as I was informed, were captivated by his dark
insinuating address, and were ready almost to make shipwreck of
faith and a good conscience. Under a sense thereof, my spirit was
deeply humbled before the majesty of heaven, and in the anguish of
my soul, I said, “spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thy heritage
to reproach,” and suffer not thy truth to fall in the streets.
The 24th we attended the monthly meeting at Fairfax, which was an
exercising season, things being much out of order, for want of more
faithfulness among the members, and a due attention to discipline. I
laboured among them in the ability received, for their
encouragement, and incitement to their respective duties; but alas
for us, most men mind their own things, and not the things that are
Jesus Christ’s. A worldly spirit too much prevails among the
professors of truth, to their great hurt, and to the great grief of the
honest-hearted, who are in travail for Zion’s prosperity, and
Jerusalem’s peace.
The 25th, we attended their first day meeting, which was large, and
in it strength was graciously afforded to minister to the people in
truth’s authority, which came into dominion over all. This afternoon
we passed over the great river Potomac, in our way to Bush Creek,
in Maryland; this, by reason of rains, was very full, and difficult to
pass. After we had passed over the river Potomac, we had much
difficulty in crossing a creek not far from it. There was a floating
bridge over it; but the water was so high, that we could not
approach the bridge by the road commonly used; and we only
succeeded in reaching it, by proceeding ourselves on the top of a
high fence, and leading our horses by our sides. Mine fell into a deep
part of the creek; but he soon rose, and swam to the shore. A Friend
was in company with us, with a one horse carriage; and there
appeared to be no way of getting his conveyance over, but by the
horse swimming with it over the creek. This we knew would be
attended with considerable risk, as the creek was deep in the
middle, and the carriage a heavy one. But as there were no
inhabitants on this neck of land, nor near to it, and as night was
coming on, we pursued that course, and led the horse with the
carriage into the creek; and after violent exertions, being at one
time drawn under water by the weight of the carriage, he took it
safe over. We were thus favoured to surmount this great difficulty,
without any hurt to ourselves, or our horses; which was cause of
thankfulness and gratitude to the great Author of every mercy and
blessing.
We proceeded to a Friend’s house by the name of Richard
Richardson, where we had a meeting the next day, with his family,
and a number of the neighbouring people, who were not Friends. It
proved a favoured season, and I trust will not soon be forgotten by
some present; may it fasten as a nail in a sure place; and to some I
have a hope it may be as bread cast upon the waters, to return after
many days.
The day following we attended Bush Creek meeting, notice having
gone forward some days before, of our intention of being there at
this time; it was large, and greatly favoured with the prevalence of
truth, by way of testimony. Many things, relative to true gospel
worship, were clearly opened, and the fallacy and fruitlessness of all-
will worship, and mere bodily exercise, in matters of religion,
manifested to the view of all present, who had eyes to see, and
hearts to understand, what the spirit saith to the Churches. It was a
very solemn time, worthy of grateful remembrance.
The 28th we attended Pipe Creek meeting, wherein I was greatly
afflicted with evil thoughts, which would keep arising in my mind,
that I was almost at times taken off from my proper exercise. This
very much grieved my spirit; but, as I endeavoured to keep up the
warfare, I was led to believe it was the case with too many present;
and that by giving way to such thoughts, some had become
captivated by their own lusts, wounding one another; and divers
disorders, and a want of unity, had got in among them, and many
hurt thereby. I was led into the necessity of bearing testimony
against these things, as way opened, and calling the attention of all
present, to the light, spirit, grace, and truth of our Lord Jesus Christ,
our holy pattern, as the only place of refuge and preservation from
these, and all other hurtful things. After this meeting, the Friend,
where we lodged, informed me the next morning, that himself and
his wife were uneasy that no Friends had come in to see us after the
meeting, and were afraid they would judge them of having informed
me of their condition, the states of many had been so exactly
described in the meeting; but I told him they need not be troubled,
as they knew themselves to be clear.
The two following days we attended meetings at Menallen and
Huntington; they were both exercising seasons; nevertheless, truth
favoured me with ability and understanding to communicate in a
close searching manner, suited to the states of those present; and a
crumb of consolation was handed forth to the few honest-hearted,
who were in travail for Zion’s arising, and who went mourning on
their way, and bowed in spirit, from a sense of the great turning
away from the law and testimony, and the prevalence of a spirit of
ease and great indifference, whereby many wrong things had
entered.
From thence we passed on to Warrington and Newberry, in each of
which meetings truth favoured with victory; and the hidden things of
Esau, or the first nature, which are earthly, were brought to light,
searched out, detected, and condemned. The manner and way in
which the new or second birth, which is spiritual, and which has the
promise, is brought forth and effected, was clearly shown and
pointed out; with the blessing attendant thereon, to the comfort of
the faithful, and the few willing minded among them, and to the
stirring up and arousing the lukewarm, careless, and indifferent
professors, from their beds of ease and carnal security. The latter
meeting especially was a time to be remembered; many hearts were
greatly affected, and, I trust, the season will not soon be forgotten
by some. I was very thankful for the relief I felt to my own mind,
after many days of deep baptism with the suffering seed. Religion
appeared to be at a very low ebb in those parts, by the prevalence
of a worldly spirit, which makes hard work for the poor travellers,
who have to go up and down among them, as with their hands upon
their loins for very pain. Did those lukewarm careless professors
rightly consider the great distress and exercise they bring upon their
concerned brethren, who are in travail for their redemption and
salvation; and who are going up and down as with their lives in their
hands, through difficulties and dangers, in jeopardy by sea and by
land, and among false brethren, we might reasonably suppose it
would be a means to stir them up to more diligence and
circumspection, that they might thereby comfort them in their
exercises, and relieve them in their tribulations; then they that sow,
and they that reap, might rejoice together, and joy in the God of
their salvation.
Our next meeting was at Yorktown, where we tarried two days, and
were at their monthly meeting, wherein things appeared
distressingly low, as to the right conducting of discipline in truth’s
authority: indeed the meeting seemed sunk so below any proper
sight and sense of right order, that no way opened to administer
much or any help; and we left them without obtaining much relief of
mind. We passed on, having a meeting near Wright’s ferry; and then
crossed the great river Susquehannah, and had meetings at
Lancaster and Lampeter. On first day, the 8th of 4th month, we
attended a meeting at Sadsbury, which, through hard labour, proved
a season of enlargement, in a line of close doctrine, suited to the
varied states of those present; some minds appeared to be much
humbled; may it not be in vain, but as seed sown on good ground.
The 10th of 4th month we attended West Caln meeting, the 11th
Fallowfield, both favoured meetings. The 12th we attended London
Grove meeting, wherein I was led to open the duty and obligation
incumbent on ministers, elders, overseers, and heads of families. I
began with this query of the prophet Isaiah, “Watchman, what of
the night;” showing that for want of keeping up a strict watch, with
an eye single to that inward holy monitor, or spirit of pure unerring
wisdom, many hurtful and destructive things had got in among us.
Especially for want of a godly care in parents and heads of families,
over their children and those under their charge, many pollutions
had got in, and spread among them; particularly the youth, not only
in regard to a departure from the simplicity and purity of our holy,
self-denying profession, in dress and address, but also in many other
unseemly and reproachful practices; which is but the natural
consequence of parents indulging undue liberties in their children. It
was a solemn time, worthy of grateful remembrance. The 13th we
were at West Grove meeting, in which I had to go through a similar
exercise; from a sense of the great want of faithfulness among the
members, whereby many deficiencies were apparent, wounding the
faithful. Truth favoured me with ability to clear myself among them,
with plainness of speech; which was cause of thankfulness to the
honest-hearted.
The 14th we attended New Garden meeting, mostly in silence, in
which I had peace. The 15th, and first of the week, we attended
Hockesson meeting; and, at the fourth hour in the afternoon were at
Center; the 16th at Kennet; these were, for the most part, suffering
seasons. Although there is a small remnant preserved, who are in
travail for truth’s arising, yet the greater part are too much
captivated by a worldly spirit; which leads into a neglect of attending
meetings, and great carelessness in respect to the right ordering
their families; by reason whereof, many undue liberties have got in
among them, wounding the faithful and honest-hearted.
The 17th we attended Chichester meeting; it was a time thankfully
to be remembered; the everlasting gospel of peace and salvation
was preached in truth’s authority; and all contrary spirits were
subjected and brought down. Truth reigned triumphantly over all;
magnified for ever be the name of the Lord, who made bare his arm
for our help, and the strengthening and refreshing of my poor soul. I
had been at times, for days and nights past, ready to sink into
discouragement and dismay, by reason of the deep baptisms I had
to pass through, unknown to man, but in fellowship with the
suffering seed, which lies smothered and pressed down in the hearts
of many careless and lukewarm professors, as a cart under sheaves.
Oh how does darkness and death spread itself, as a curtain, in this
once highly favoured land! Alas for the people, for the professors of
truth; what will become of them, unless they repent and turn to the
Lord. Parents and children, in some places, are so estranged from
the law and testimony, that many seem plunged into the condition of
Jerusalem formerly, when this pathetic lamentation was taken up by
the dear Master; “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the
prophets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often
would I have gathered thy children even as a hen gathereth her
chickens under her wings, and ye would not. Behold your house is
left unto you desolate.” Oh how is this verified; what great
desolations, in a religious sense, are apparent with many professors;
and how are the poor servants, that are sent forth among them for
their recovery, as with their lives in their hands, as it were stoned,
and often so plunged into death and sufferings, as almost to despair
of life! Oh the pangs that my poor soul has endured of late, in many
places; so that I had often to say in secret, with the holy apostle;
“why stand we in jeopardy every hour?” No tongue can tell, nor is it
in the power of language to communicate, the distress and anguish,
which is sometimes endured by the poor travellers, in filling up their
measure of the afflictions of Christ, for his body’s sake, the Church.
But, in this also, we are sometimes strengthened to rejoice, that we
are accounted worthy to suffer with Him, that when he is pleased to
arise in his own strength, as the light of the morning, we may be
permitted to reign with Him; and rejoice with joy unspeakable and
full of glory.
The three following days, we were at Concord, Birmingham, and
Bradford, all favoured meetings, through fervent labour, and the
prevalence of truth; may the Lord make it effectual, and fasten it as
a nail in a sure place. The 21st we were at East Caln, mostly silent.
The 22d, and first of the week, we were at Uwchlan; the meeting
was large, wherein I had to expose the danger of self-righteousness,
or a trust in natural religion, or mere morality; showing that it was
no more than the religion of Atheists, and was generally the product
of pride and self-will; and, however good it may appear to the
natural unregenerate man, is as offensive in the divine sight, as
those more open evils, which appear so very reproachful to the eyes
of men. I was favoured by the spirit of truth, in a large searching
testimony, to the convicting and humbling many hearts, and comfort
of the faithful.
The 23d we attended the meeting at Nantmill, mostly in silence. The
three following days, we were at Pikeland, Valley, and Willistown
meetings; all in a good degree favoured. The 27th we were at
Goshen; the meeting was large. I had to caution Friends against
mixing with the people in their human policies, and outward forms of
government; showing that, in all ages, those, who were called to be
the Lord’s people, had been ruined, or suffered great loss, by such
associations; and manifesting clearly by scripture testimony, and
other records, that our strength and preservation consisted in
standing alone, and not to be counted among the people or nations;
who were setting up party, and partial interests, one against another,
which is the ground of war and bloodshed: these are actuated by
the spirit of pride, and wrath, which is always opposed to the true
Christian spirit, which breathes “peace on earth, and goodwill to all
men.” Those, therefore, who are in the true Christian spirit, cannot
use any coercive force or compulsion by any means whatever; not
being overcome with evil, but overcoming evil with good. Although
there were many opposing spirits present, who, in their creaturely
wisdom and human policy, are pleading for those kinds of
associations, and taking part in those political governments, yet
truth favoured, and came into a good degree of dominion over all,
strengthening and encouraging the true travellers for Zion’s
prosperity.
The 29th, and first of the week, we attended Middletown meeting;
and at the fourth hour in the afternoon, were at Providence; both
large crowded meetings, more than the houses could contain. I was
favoured by the power of truth, in an eminent manner, especially in
the former meeting; where many hearts were deeply bowed, from
the sensible evidence of the prevalence of divine power, which was
in dominion over all, tendering the hearts of most present. It was a
precious season, worthy of thankful remembrance, and humble
gratitude to the blessed Author of all our rich mercies and blessings,
“who is over all, God blessed for ever.”
The 30th we attended the monthly meeting at Providence, consisting
of the particular meetings of Providence, Middletown, Springfield,
and Chester. Things in this meeting appeared in a low state, as to
the right ordering of the affairs of the Church. Numerous, and great,
were the apparent deviations among them; many of their youth
were gone out into the foolish fashions and vain customs of the
world to such a degree, as not to retain any marks of true primitive
plainness. “O how is the gold become dim; how is the most fine gold
changed!” Many parents, who retain a good degree of outward
plainness themselves, for want of dwelling enough in the pure spring
of divine life, have suffered the eye of their minds to be so far
blinded by the god of this world, as not only to suffer these improper
indulgences in their families, and among their children, but, in some
instances, are ready to plead for them. The sense of this much
affected my mind, and under this exercise I was led forth in a line of
close searching labour among them, to stir up Friends to more
diligence, and honest care in those respects; which, I trust, afforded
a degree of comfort and strength to the honest-hearted, and
procured peace to my own mind, which is a treasure I prefer to all
this world’s glory and honour.
The 1st of 5th month we attended the meetings of Springfield, and
Haverford; both favoured, profitable seasons. The 2d we were at
Newtown, where, in a line of close searching labour, I was led to
show the danger of trusting the salvation of our souls to any thing
short of a full surrender of our wills, and an entire dedication of our
hearts to the Lord, in an humble circumspect walking before Him;
and separating ourselves from the world, its spirit, manners,
maxims, governments, honours and customs; all of which are
polluted, and arising from the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eye
and the pride of life. Truth rose into victory, softening many hearts,
and comforting and strengthening the faithful. Surely God is good to
Israel, although in a state of great revolting; yet he delighteth in
showing himself merciful; praised and magnified be his great and
adorable name, over all for ever.
The 3d and 4th we attended meetings at Radnor and Merion; and
then passed on to Philadelphia, to attend their quarterly meeting,
which opened on the 5th, with a meeting for Ministers and Elders,
and closed on third day the 8th of the month, with a meeting for the
youth, and one for the black people, in the afternoon. I think, in
general, it was a time of favour, through much hard labour in the
several sittings. Indeed we have no reason to expect to come at the
spring any other way, than by faithfully digging, as with our staves,
while there remains so much rubbish on the well’s mouth.
The 9th we attended the select quarterly meeting at Abington; and
the day following the quarterly meeting for discipline. I was engaged
among them, in each meeting, and the favour extended was cause
of thankfulness to the honest-hearted. The 11th we returned to
Philadelphia; and, in the afternoon, passed over the river Delaware
to Haddonfield in West Jersey. The 12th we attended a monthly
meeting at Upper Evesham; it was a low time, with not much of that
divine life and power, which only can qualify for the right conducting
of discipline, to be felt among them; and left them without much
relief of mind.
The 13th of the month, and first of the week, we attended meetings
at Evesham, and Cropwell; in the former, I was helped to labour
pretty largely in testimony, to the comfort of a few honest-hearted,
and a number of youth with tender minds; but the greater part of
the meeting appeared to be in a state of great insensibility and ease;
a situation which is generally callous to all the tender invitations, and
entreaty of their friends, who are in travail for their redemption and
salvation; and too much like the deaf adder, which will not listen to
the voice of the charmer, although he charm ever so wisely. In the
latter meeting, I was silent as to ministry.
The 14th we attended the monthly meeting at Haddonfield, in which
I laboured, in the ability received, for their help and improvement.
But alas, some meetings are so lost to the life of true religion, and
so many, who go under our profession, are sunk into such a state of
indifference and lukewarmness, that the affairs of the Church are too
much conducted in a kind of rotation, and creaturely wisdom, void of
that true weight, and feeling sensibility, which only gives right
qualification for service in the Church; hence great weakness
ensues, and the way of right reformation is closed, and truth
prevented from arising in its primitive splendour and beauty.
The 15th we were at Moore’s Town and Rancocas; in the former
meeting, the power that “cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon,”
manifestly prevailed to the tendering many hearts. Truth came into
victory over all; praised for ever be the right worthy name of Israel’s
King, who, in holy condescending love, was pleased to make bare his
arm for our help; and once more redeemed my poor soul out of
adversity, and the deep depressing baptisms, which for some days
past it had been plunged into, by suffering with the seed, which lies
pressed down in the hearts of many lukewarm worldly minded
professors, as a cart with sheaves. From thence we passed on,
having meetings at Mansfield Neck, Burlington, Mansfield, and
Bordentown; which were all favoured meetings, truth being near for
our help.
The 20th, and first of the week, we were at Trenton; the meeting
was large, many of the town’s people, of other professions, came in.
Strength was made manifest in the midst of weakness, and, as truth
arose, the gospel was preached in the clear demonstration of the
spirit; many hearts were tendered and comforted, and the few
faithful made to rejoice, in a grateful sense of the Lord’s mercies.
The 22d we were at Stony Brook meeting, wherein my heart was
made glad through holy help, and I was enabled to labour among
them in truth’s authority, to the comfort of the willing-hearted, and
the solid peace of my own mind. The two following days we were at
Plainfield, and Rahway; in the latter meeting I was wholly silent; but
the former was a time of close labour, in a clear plain way, to stir up
the minds of the people to more diligence, and an inward humble
walking with the Lord; which appeared to be too much wanting
among them.
The 25th we attended an appointed meeting at Newark, a town
wherein no Friends reside. The meeting was small, and those
gathered appeared mostly in a loose uncultivated state of mind; yet,
I believe, there were some thoughtful persons present; and, I trust,
the meeting was in some degree profitable. I left them with peace of
mind, and proceeded that evening to New-York to attend the yearly
meeting, which was to be opened there on the next day, with a
meeting for Ministers and Elders. After the first sitting of the
meeting, I rode home, not only to see my dear wife and family, from
whom I had been absent more than five months, but also to assist
them in getting out to the yearly meeting. Our rejoicing was
precious, and mutual, in and under a sense of the Lord’s mercy and
goodness, for whose gracious preservation and help, in this arduous
journey, my spirit was made to bow in humble adoration and praise,
beyond the expression of language. Oh my soul, what canst thou
render unto the Lord for all his benefits! Nothing can be more
acceptable, than an entire surrender of thine all to his holy
disposing; and to endeavour, as at the present time, to continue
humbly to worship at the footstool of his holy throne of grace.
Amen.
I was absent from home in this journey about five months and two
weeks, and rode about sixteen hundred miles, and attended about
one hundred and forty-three meetings.
 CHAPTER IV.
Visit to Connecticut, 1799.—Visit to Oblong and Nine Partners,
1800.—Visit on Long Island, 1800.—Visit to Friends in New-
Jersey, and Pennsylvania, 1801.
Having felt a concern, for some time, to pay a religious visit to some
towns and places in Connecticut, and, in my way, to be with the few
Friends at West Hartford, I laid my prospect before my friends in the
fall of the year 1799, and received a minute of concurrence and
unity from our monthly meeting. I left home the 26th of 10th month,
and proceeded to Oblong, in order to meet a committee of our
yearly meeting, appointed this year, to visit the quarterly meetings of
Nine Partners and Oblong, and the monthly meetings belonging
thereto; a proposition having been made for a new arrangement of
those meetings, so as to establish another quarterly meeting. I
accompanied the committee in the attendance of both quarterly
meetings.
After this, we proceeded into Connecticut, attending meetings in our
way to West Hartford, in the following manner, viz: three in the town
of Sharon, one at Cornwall, one at Goshen, and one at Litchfield.
They were all favoured meetings. Four of them were held in
meeting-houses belonging to the Presbyterians. The latter meeting
was but small, considering the largeness of the town, and the great
openness manifested by their leading members; there were three of
their ministers, and some other leading men present. Truth was
prevalently manifest in this meeting, tendering and comforting the
honest-hearted, a number of whom, I believe, were at the meeting,
whose words and conduct clearly manifested a hearty thankfulness
for, and satisfaction with, the opportunity. Although the great
opposition those meet with, in coming out of their old traditions,
may prevent any open and manifest effects for the present, yet, I
believe, it will be as bread cast upon the waters, which will return
after many days; so that his word which goeth forth, may not return
void, but will accomplish the purpose for which it was sent, to the
praise and glory of his own worthy name, “who is over all, God
blessed for ever.”
After this meeting, we passed directly to West Hartford, and lodged
with our friend Ebenezer Crosby, whose daughter Abigail had come
in company with us from Nine Partners. She was a discreet religious
young woman, whose mind, I apprehended, was under the
operation of the forming hand, for her good; may she be preserved
in faith and patience, under the varied turnings thereof upon her;
and then, I have no doubt, she will become a useful member in the
Church.
The next day we rode to Springfield, about twenty-six miles north of
this place; and attended a meeting there the following day. Although
the people appeared generally raw and ignorant, as to the internal
work of true religion on the heart, being mostly of those
persuasions, whose doctrines lead them to place too much trust and
dependence on the external works of a Saviour without them, and
an imputative righteousness; and not experiencing the internal work
of sanctification, wrought by the spirit and power of a Saviour within
them; which is a very dangerous errour; nevertheless, I was
favoured by the Lord’s power to relieve my mind, and divers
appeared to be tenderly affected, and manifested much satisfaction
with the opportunity, as did the auditory in general.
We rode back that afternoon to West Hartford, and the day
following, the first of the week, and 17th of 11th month, we
attended Friends’ meeting; and another at the house of our friend
Ebenezer Crosby, in the evening. They were full meetings, many of
other societies attending, mostly Presbyterians. Truth favoured, in an
eminent degree, in both opportunities, but especially in the latter,
wherein it rose into great dominion, breaking down, and apparently
reducing every contrary spirit. A remarkable calm, and general
solemnity was felt to spread over the assembly, to the solid rejoicing
and comfort of many hearts, and the exaltation of the cause and
testimony of our God; who, for this, and his multiplied favours and
blessings, vouchsafed from time to time, is worthy of all honour,
dominion and glory, both now and for ever.
The next day, feeling my mind drawn to some of the adjacent towns,
we rode about ten miles, to a place called Perquanock, a thickly
settled village in the west part of the township of West Windsor. We
had a precious opportunity there that evening, in a large school-
house. Although the notice was very short, it being late in the
afternoon when we came there, yet, when we reached the meeting,
which began at the sixth hour, the house was nearly full, and soon
after taking our seats was crowded with as many as it could well
contain. A commendable stillness was maintained during the silent
part of the meeting, which we thought a little uncommon, as the
people were generally strangers to us, and our ways. After a time of
solemn waiting, my mouth was opened in a clear full testimony;
wherein the doctrines of the gospel were largely and plainly held
forth, in the demonstration of the spirit, and with power, tendering
many hearts, and to the apparent satisfaction of the people in
general; many expressing their thankfulness for the favour. We left
them with the answer of peace in our own minds, and in a full
persuasion, that the Lord is secretly at work in the minds of many of
the people in these parts, in order to deliver them from the power of
their dark and blind leaders, who, for a long time, by their carnal
and lifeless teachings and doctrines, and many vain traditions, have
formed almost a total eclipse between God and their souls. May the
Lord hasten this good work in his own time, that those merchants of
Babylon, who are trafficking in the souls of the people, those blind
guides may be so discovered, that no man may buy their
merchandize any more.
The day after, we attended a meeting in Windsor town; the people
here seemed to be more under the dark power of their teachers,
being much blinded with the prejudice of education, so that the
meeting was but small. Nevertheless, truth favoured me with ability
to preach the gospel, with a good degree of divine authority, to the
comfort and edification of some seeking minds present. The two
following days we attended Friends’ meeting at Hartford, the latter
of which was appointed by our friend Jervis Johnson, from Ireland.
Both were comfortable seasons.
The sixth of the week, and 22d of the month, we rode to the city of
Hartford; and way opening for an opportunity with the people, a
meeting was accordingly appointed at the sixth hour in the evening,
to be held in a large meeting-house belonging to the Presbyterians.
A great number of the citizens assembled, supposed to be near a
thousand, among whom were most of the principal inhabitants. The
Lord, in whom was our trust, was graciously near, and furnished us
with ability to conduct the meeting to the satisfaction and peace of
our own minds; and to the edification of many present, and general
satisfaction of the assembly.
We rested on seventh day, and, on first day, we were again at
Friends’ meeting at West Hartford; and notice that we were to be
there having spread, a considerable number of the neighbouring
inhabitants and some from the city came in. It was a season of high
favour; many weighty truths of the gospel were clearly opened, and
the way of life and salvation placed before the minds of the people;
and a general solemnity appeared to reign, which was manifest in
almost every countenance, silencing every opposite spirit. The hearts
of Friends, with my own spirit, were bowed in humble
acknowledgment and gratitude to the Lord our helper, for granting
us so great a mercy; and under a solemn sense thereof we parted,
and took leave of each other in great nearness of spirit.
On second day we turned our faces homeward, attending meetings
in our way at Cambridge and Woodbury; at the latter place we had
two meetings; we also had meetings at Middlesex, and Stamford,
and again at Middlesex on first day; these were generally seasons of
divine favour, edifying and instructive. After this we passed on into
the state of New-York, and had meetings the six following days, at
Rye, White Plains, North Castle, Shapaqua, Amawalk, and Croton. As
my mind was led, in faith and patience, to close in with the
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