THIRTEENTH Fifth Month, 1757. -- Being in good health, and abroad with Friendsvisiting families, I lodged1 at a Friend's house in Burlington. Going to bedabout the time usual with me, I awoke in the night, and my meditations2, as Ilay, were on the goodness and mercy of the Lord, in a sense whereof my heartwas contrited. After this I went to sleep again; in a short time I awoke; itwas yet dark, and no appearance of day or moonshine, and as I opened mine eyesI saw a light in my chamber3, at the apparent distance of five feet, about nineinches in diameter, of a clear, easy brightness, and near its centre the mostradiant. As I lay still looking upon it without any surprise, words were spokento my inward ear, which filled my whole inward man. They were not the effect ofthought, nor any conclusion in relation to the appearance, but as the languageof the Holy One spoken in my mind. The words were, CERTAIN EVIDENCE OF DIVINETRUTH. They were again repeated exactly in the same manner, and then the lightdisappeared.
Feeling the exercise in relation to a visit to the Southern Provinces toincrease upon me, I acquainted our Monthly Meeting therewith, and obtainedtheir certificate. Expecting to go alone, one of my brothers who lived inPhiladelphia, having some business in North Carolina, proposed going with mepart of the way; but as he had a view of some outward affairs, to accept of himas a companion was some difficulty with me, whereupon I had conversation withhim at sundry5 times. At length feeling easy in my mind, I had conversation withseveral elderly Friends of Philadelphia on the subject, and he obtaining acertificate suitable to the occasion, we set off in the Fifth Month, 1757.
Coming to Nottingham week-day meeting, we lodged at John Churchman's, where Imet with our friend, Benjamin Buffington, from New England, who was returningfrom a visit to the Southern Provinces. Thence we crossed the riverSusquehanna, and lodged at William Cox's in Maryland.
Soon after I entered this province, a deep and painful exercise came upon me,which I often had some feeling of since my mind was drawn6 toward these parts,and with which I had acquainted my brother before we agreed to join as companions. As the people in this and the Southern Provinces live much on thelabour of slaves, many of whom are used hardly, my concern was that I mightattend with singleness of heart to the voice of the true Shepherd, and be sosupported as to remain unmoved at the faces of men.
As it is common for Friends on such a visit to have entertainment free ofcost, a difficulty arose in my mind with respect to saving my money by kindnessreceived from what appeared to me to be the gain of oppression. Receiving agift, considered as a gift, brings the receiver under obligations to thebenefactor, and has a natural tendency to draw the obliged into a party withthe giver. To prevent difficulties of this kind, and to preserve the minds ofjudges from any bias7, was that divine prohibition8: "Thou shalt not receive anygift; for a gift blindeth the wise, and perverteth the words of the righteous"(Exod. xxiii. 8). As the disciples9 were sent forth10 without any provision fortheir journey, and our Lord said the workman is worthy11 of his meat, theirlabour in the gospel was considered as a reward for their entertainment, andtherefore not received as a gift; yet, in regard to my present journey, I couldnot see my way clear in that respect. The difference appeared thus: theentertainment the disciples met with was from them whose hearts God had openedto receive them, from a love to them and the truth they published; but we,considered as members of the same religious society, look upon it as a piece ofcivility to receive each other in such visits; and such receptions, at times,is partly in regard to reputation, and not from an inward unity12 of heart andspirit. Conduct is more convincing than language, and where people, by theiractions, manifest that the slave-trade is not so disagreeable to theirprinciples but that it may be encouraged, there is not a sound uniting withsome Friends who visit them.
The prospect13 of so weighty a work, and of being so distinguished14 from manywhom I esteemed15 before myself, brought me very low, and such were the conflictsof my soul that I had a near sympathy with the prophet, in the time of hisweakness, when he said: "If thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, if Ihave found favour in thy sight" (Num. xi. 15). But I soon saw that thisproceeded from the want of a full resignation to the divine will. Many were theafflictions which attended me, and in great abasement16, with many tears, mycries were to the Almighty17 for His gracious and Fatherly assistance, and aftera time of deep trial I was favoured to understand the state mentioned by thePsalmist more clearly than ever I had done before; to wit: "My soul is even asa weaned child" (Ps. cxxxi. 2).
Being thus helped to sink down into resignation, I felt a deliverance fromthat tempest in which I had been sorely exercised, and in calmness of mind wentforward, trusting that the Lord Jesus Christ, as I faithfully attended to Him, would be a counsellor to me in all difficulties, and that by His strength Ishould be enabled even to leave money with the members of society where I hadentertainment, when I found that omitting it would obstruct19 that work to whichI believed He had called me. As I copy this after my return, I may here addthat oftentimes I did so under a sense of duty. The way in which I did it wasthus: When I expected soon to leave a Friend's house where I had entertainment,if I believed that I should not keep clear from the gain of oppression withoutleaving money, I spoke4 to one of the heads of the family privately20, and desiredthem to accept of those pieces of silver, and give them to such of theirnegroes as they believed would make the best use of them; and at other times Igave them to the negroes myself, as the way looked clearest to me. Before Icame out, I had provided a large number of small pieces for this purpose, andthus offering them to some who appeared to be wealthy people was a trial bothto me and them. But the fear of the Lord so covered me at times that my way wasmade easier than I expected; and few, if any, manifested any resentment21 at theoffer, and most of them, after some conversation, accepted of them.
Ninth of Fifth Month. -- A Friend at whose house we breakfasted setting us alittle on our way, I had conversation with him, in the fear of the Lord,concerning his slaves, in which my heart was tender; I used much plainness ofspeech with him, and he appeared to take it kindly22. We pursued our journeywithout appointing meetings, being pressed in my mind to be at the YearlyMeeting in Virginia. In my travelling on the road, I often felt a cry rise fromthe centre of my mind, thus: "O Lord, I am a stranger on the earth, hide notthy face from me."On the 11th, we crossed the rivers Patowmack and Rapahannock, and lodged atPort Royal. On the way we had the company of a colonel of the militia23, whoappeared to be a thoughtful man. I took occasion to remark on the difference ingeneral betwixt a people used to labour moderately for their living, trainingup their children in frugality24 and business, and those who live on the labourof slaves; the former, in my view, being the most happy life. He concurred25 inthe remark, and mentioned the trouble arising from the untoward26, slothfuldisposition of the negroes, adding that one of our labourers would do as muchin a day as two of their slaves. I replied that free men, whose minds wereproperly on their business, found a satisfaction in improving, cultivating, andproviding for their families; but negroes, labouring to support others whoclaim them as their property, and expecting nothing but slavery during life,had not the like inducement to be industrious27.
After some further conversation I said, that men having power too oftenmisapplied it; that though we made slaves of the negroes, and the Turks madeslaves of the Christians28, I believed that liberty was the natural right of all men equally. This he did not deny, but said the lives of the negroes were sowretched in their own country that many of them lived better here than there. Ireplied, "There is great odds29 in regard to us on what principle we act"; and sothe conversation on that subject ended. I may here add that another person,some time afterwards, mentioned the wretchedness of the negroes, occasioned bytheir intestine30 wars, as an argument in favour of our fetching them away forslaves. To which I replied, if compassion31 for the Africans, on account of theirdomestic troubles, was the real motive32 of our purchasing them, that spirit oftenderness being attended to, would incite33 us to use them kindly, that, asstrangers brought out of affliction, their lives might be happy among us. Andas they are human creatures, whose souls are as precious as ours, and who mayreceive the same help and comfort from the Holy Scriptures35 as we do, we couldnot omit suitable endeavours to instruct them therein; but that while wemanifest by our conduct that our views in purchasing them are to advanceourselves, and while our buying captives taken in war animates36 those parties topush on the war and increase desolation amongst them, to say they liveunhappily in Africa is far from being an argument in our favour.
I further said, the present circumstances of these provinces to me appeardifficult; the slaves look like a burdensome stone to such as burden themselveswith them; and that, if the white people retain a resolution to prefer theiroutward prospects37 of gain to all other considerations, and do not actconscientiously toward them as fellow-creatures, I believe that burden willgrow heavier and heavier, until times change in a way disagreeable to us. Theperson appeared very serious, and owned that in considering their condition andthe manner of their treatment in these provinces he had sometimes thought itmight be just in the Almighty so to order it.
Having travelled through Maryland, we came amongst Friends at Cedar39 Creek40 inVirginia, on the 12th; and the next day rode, in company with several of them,a day's journey to Camp Creek. As I was riding along in the morning, my mindwas deeply affected41 in a sense I had of the need of divine aid to support me inthe various difficulties which attended me, and in uncommon42 distress43 of mind Icried in secret to the Most High, "O Lord, be merciful, I beseech44 Thee, to Thypoor afflicted45 creature!" After some time I felt inward relief, and soon aftera Friend in company began to talk in support of the slave-trade, and said thenegroes were understood to be the offspring of Cain, their blackness being themark which God set upon him after he murdered Abel, his brother; that it wasthe design of Providence46 they should be slaves, as a condition proper to therace of so wicked a man as Cain was. Then another spake in support of what hadbeen said.
To all which I replied in substance as follows: that Noah and his family wereall who survived the flood, according to Scripture34; and as Noah was of Seth'srace, the family of Cain was wholly destroyed. One of them said that after theflood Ham went to the land of Nod and took a wife; that Nod was a land fardistant, inhabited by Cain's race, and that the flood did not reach it; and asHam was sentenced to be a servant of servants to his brethren, these twofamilies, being thus joined, were undoubtedly47 fit only for slaves. I replied,the flood was a judgment48 upon the world for their abominations, and it wasgranted that Cain's stock was the most wicked, and therefore unreasonable49 tosuppose that they were spared. As to Ham's going to the land of Nod for a wife,no time being fixed50, Nod might be inhabited by some of Noah's family before Hammarried a second time; moreover the text saith "That all flesh died that movedupon the earth" (Gen. vii. 21). I further reminded them how the prophetsrepeatedly declare "that the son shall not suffer for the iniquity51 of thefather, but every one be answerable for his own sins."I was troubled to perceive the darkness of their imaginations, and in somepressure of spirit said, "The love of ease and gain are the motives52 in generalof keeping slaves, and men are wont53 to take hold of weak arguments to support acause which is unreasonable. I have no interest on either side, save only theinterest which I desire to have in the truth. I believe liberty is their right,and as I see they are not only deprived of it, but treated in other respectswith inhumanity in many places, I believe He who is a refuge for the oppressedwill, in His own time, plead their cause, and happy will it be for such as walkin uprightness before Him." And thus our conversation ended.
Fourteenth of Fifth Month. -- I was this day at Camp Creek Monthly Meeting,and then rode to the mountains up James River, and had a meeting at a Friend'shouse, in both which I felt sorrow of heart, and my tears were poured outbefore the Lord, who was pleased to afford a degree of strength by which waywas opened to clear my mind amongst Friends in those places. From thence I wentto Ford54 Creek, and so to Cedar Creek again, at which place I now had a meeting.
Here I found a tender seed, and as I was preserved in the ministry55 to keep lowwith the truth, the same truth in their hearts answered it, that it was a timeof mutual56 refreshment57 from the presence of the Lord. I lodged at JamesStandley's, father of William Standley, one of the young men who sufferedimprisonment at Winchester last summer on account of their testimony58 againstfighting, and I had some satisfactory conversation with him concerning it.
Hence I went to the Swamp Meeting, and to Wayanoke Meeting, and then crossedJames River, and lodged near Burleigh. From the time of my entering Maryland Ihave been much under sorrow, which of late so increased upon me that my mindwas almost overwhelmed, and I may say with the Psalmist, "In my distress Icalled upon the Lord, and cried to my God," who, in infinite goodness, looked upon my affliction, and in my private retirement59 sent the Comforter for myrelief, for which I humbly60 bless His holy name.
The sense I had of the state of the churches brought a weight of distressupon me. The gold to me appeared dim, and the fine gold changed, and thoughthis is the case too generally, yet the sense of it in these parts hath in aparticular manner borne heavy upon me. It appeared to me that, through theprevailing of the spirit of this world, the minds of many were brought to aninward desolation, and instead of the spirit of meekness61, gentleness, andheavenly wisdom, which are the necessary companions of the true sheep ofChrist, a spirit of fierceness and the love of dominion62 too generallyprevailed. From small beginnings in error great buildings by degrees areraised, and from one age to another are more and more strengthened by thegeneral concurrence63 of the people; and as men obtain reputation by theirprofession of the truth, their virtues66 are mentioned as arguments in favour ofgeneral error; and those of less note, to justify67 themselves, say, such andsuch good men did the like. By what other steps could the people of Judah ariseto that height in wickedness as to give just ground for the Prophet Isaiah todeclare, in the name of the Lord, "that none calleth for justice, nor anypleadeth for truth" (Isa. lix. 4), or for the Almighty to call upon the greatcity of Jerusalem just before the Babylonish captivity68, "If ye can find a man,if there be any who executeth judgment, that seeketh the truth, and I willpardon it" (Jer. v. 1)?
The prospect of a way being open to the same degeneracy, in some parts ofthis newly settled land of America, in respect to our conduct towards thenegroes, hath deeply bowed my mind in this journey, and though briefly69 torelate how these people are treated is no agreeable work, yet, after oftenreading over the notes I made as I travelled, I find my mind engaged topreserve them. Many of the white people in those provinces take little or nocare of negro marriages; and when negroes marry after their own way, some makeso little account of those marriages, that with views of outward interest theyoften part men from their wives by selling them far asunder70, which is commonwhen estates are sold by executors at vendue. Many whose labour is heavy beingfollowed at their business in the field by a man with a whip, hired for thatpurpose, have in common little else allowed but one peck of Indian corn andsome salt, for one week, with a few potatoes; the potatoes they commonly raiseby their labour on the first day of the week. The correction ensuing on theirdisobedience to overseers, or slothfulness in business, is often very severeand sometimes desperate.
Men and women have many times scarcely clothes sufficient to hide theirnakedness, and boys and girls ten and twelve years old are often quite naked amongst their master's children. Some of our Society, and some of the societycalled Newlights, use some endeavours to instruct those they have in reading;but in common this is not only neglected, but disapproved71. These are the peopleby whose labour the other inhabitants are in a great measure supported, andmany of them in the luxuries of life. These are the people who have made noagreement to serve us, and who have not forfeited72 their liberty that we knowof. These are the souls for whom Christ died, and for our conduct towards themwe must answer before Him who is no respecter of persons. They who know theonly true God, and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent, and are thus acquainted withthe merciful, benevolent73, gospel spirit, will therein perceive that theindignation of God is kindled74 against oppression and cruelty, and in beholdingthe great distress of so numerous a people will find cause for mourning.
From my lodgings75 I went to Burleigh Meeting, where I felt my mind drawn in aquiet, resigned state. After a long silence I felt an engagement to stand up,and through the powerful operation of divine love we were favoured with anedifying meeting. The next meeting we had was at Blackwater, and from thencewent to the Yearly Meeting at the Western Branch. When business began, somequeries were introduced by some of their members for consideration, and, ifapproved, they were to be answered hereafter by their respective MonthlyMeetings. They were the Pennsylvania queries76, which had been examined by acommittee of Virginia Yearly Meeting appointed the last year, who made somealterations in them, one of which alterations78 was made in favour of a customwhich troubled me.
The query79 was, "Are there any concerned in the importation of negroes, or inbuying them after imported?" which was thus altered, "Are there any concernedin the importation of negroes, or buying them to trade in?" As one queryadmitted with unanimity80 was, "Are any concerned in buying or vending81 goodsunlawfully imported, or prize goods?" I found my mind engaged to say that, aswe profess64 the truth, and were there assembled to support the testimony of it,it was necessary for us to dwell deep and act in that wisdom which is pure, orotherwise we could not prosper82. I then mentioned their alteration77, and,referring to the last-mentioned query, added, that as purchasing anymerchandise taken by the sword was always allowed to be inconsistent with ourprinciples, so negroes being captives of war or taken by stealth, it wasinconsistent with our testimony to buy them; and their being our fellow-creatures, and sold as slaves, added greatly to the iniquity. Friends appearedattentive to what was said; some expressed a care and concern about theirnegroes; none made any objection by way of reply to what I said, but the querywas admitted as they had altered it.
As some of their members have heretofore traded in negroes, as in othermerchandise, this query being admitted will be one step further than they havehitherto gone, and I did not see it my duty to press for an alteration, butfelt easy to leave it all to Him who alone is able to turn the hearts of themighty, and make way for the spreading of truth on the earth, by meansagreeable to his infinite wisdom. In regard to those they already had, I feltmy mind engaged to labour with them, and said that, as we believe theScriptures were given forth by holy men, as they were moved by the Holy Ghost,and many of us know by experience that they are often helpful and comfortable,and believe ourselves bound in duty to teach our children to read them; Ibelieved that if we were divested83 of all selfish views, the same good Spiritthat gave them forth would engage us to teach the negroes to read, that theymight have the benefit of them. Some present manifested a concern to take morecare in the education of their negroes.
Twenty-ninth Fifth Month. -- At the house where I lodged was a meeting ofministers and elders. I found an engagement to speak freely and plainly to themconcerning their slaves; mentioning how they as the first rank in the society,whose conduct in that case was much noticed by others, were under the strongerobligations to look carefully to themselves -- expressing how needful it wasfor them in that situation to be thoroughly84 divested of all selfish views;that, living in the pure truth, and acting85 conscientiously38 towards those peoplein their education and otherwise, they might be instrumental in helping86 forwarda work so exceedingly necessary, and so much neglected amongst them. At thetwelfth hour the meeting of worship began, which was a solid meeting.
The next day, about the tenth hour, Friends met to finish their business, andthen the meeting for worship ensued, which to me was a labourious time; butthrough the goodness of the Lord, truth, I believed, gained some ground, and itwas a strengthening opportunity to the honest-hearted.
About this time I wrote an epistle to Friends in the back settlements ofNorth Carolina, as follows: -TO FRIENDS AT THEIR MONTHLY MEETING AT NEW GARDEN AND CANE87 CREEK, IN NORTHCAROLINA: -DEAR FRIENDS, -- It having pleased the Lord to draw me forth on a visit tosome parts of Virginia and Carolina, you have often been in my mind; and thoughmy way is not clear to come in person to visit you, yet I feel it in my heartto communicate a few things, as they arise in the love of truth. First, my dearfriends, dwell in humility88; and take heed89 that no views of outward gain get toodeep hold of you, that so, your eyes being single to the Lord, you may be preserved in the way of safety. Where people let loose their minds after thelove of outward things, and are more engaged in pursuing the profits andseeking the friendships of this world, than to be inwardly acquainted with theway of true peace, they walk in a vain shadow, while the true comfort of lifeis wanting. Their examples are often hurtful to others; and their treasuresthus collected do many times prove dangerous snares90 to their children.
But where people are sincerely devoted91 to follow Christ, and dwell under theinfluence of His Holy Spirit, their stability and firmness, through a divineblessing, is at times like dew on the tender plants round about them, and theweightiness of their spirits secretly works on the minds of others. In thiscondition, through the spreading influence of divine love, they feel a careover the flock, and way is opened for maintaining good order in the Society.
And though we may meet with opposition93 from another spirit, yet, as there is adwelling in meekness, feeling our spirits subject, and moving only in thegentle, peaceable wisdom, the inward reward of quietness will be greater thanall our difficulties. Where the pure life is kept to, and meetings ofdiscipline are held in the authority of it, we find by experience that they arecomfortable, and tend to the health of the body.
While I write, the youth come fresh in my way. Dear young people, choose Godfor your portion; love His truth, and be not ashamed of it; choose for yourcompany such as serve him in uprightness; and shun94 as most dangerous theconversation of those whose lives are of an ill savour; for by frequenting suchcompany some hopeful young people have come to great loss, and been drawn fromless evils to greater, to their utter ruin. In the bloom of youth no ornamentis so lovely as that of virtue65, nor any enjoyments96 equal to those which wepartake of in fully18 resigning ourselves to the divine will. These enjoymentsadd sweetness to all other comforts, and give true satisfaction in company andconversation, where people are mutually acquainted with it; and as your mindsare thus seasoned with the truth, you will find strength to abide97 steadfast98 tothe testimony of it, and be prepared for services in the church.
And now, dear friends and brethren, as you are improving a wilderness99, andmay be numbered amongst the first planters in one part of a province, I beseechyou, in the love of Jesus Christ, wisely to consider the force of yourexamples, and think how much your successors may be thereby100 affected. It is ahelp in a country, yea, and a great favour and blessing92, when customs firstsettled are agreeable to sound wisdom; but when they are otherwise the effectof them is grievous; and children feel themselves encompassed101 with difficultiesprepared for them by their predecessors102.
As moderate care and exercise, under the direction of true wisdom, are usefulboth to mind and body, so by these means in general the real wants of life areeasily supplied, our gracious Father having so proportioned one to the otherthat keeping in the medium we may pass on quietly. Where slaves are purchasedto do our labour, numerous difficulties attend it. To rational creaturesbondage is uneasy, and frequently occasions sourness and discontent in them;which affects the family and such as claim the mastery over them. Thus peopleand their children are many times encompassed with vexations, which arise fromtheir applying to wrong methods to get a living.
I have been informed that there is a large number of Friends in your partswho have no slaves; and in tender and most affectionate love I beseech you tokeep clear from purchasing any. Look, my dear friends, to divine Providence,and follow in simplicity103 that exercise of body, that plainness and frugality,which true wisdom leads to; so may you be preserved from those dangers whichattend such as are aiming at outward ease and greatness.
Treasures, though small, attained104 on a true principle of virtue, are sweet;and while we walk in the light of the Lord there is true comfort andsatisfaction in the possession; neither the murmurs105 of an oppressed people, nora throbbing106 uneasy conscience, nor anxious thoughts about the events of things,hinder the enjoyment95 of them.
When we look towards the end of life, and think on the division of oursubstance among our successors, if we know that it was collected in the fear ofthe Lord, in honesty, in equity107, and in uprightness of heart before Him, we mayconsider it as His gift to us, and, with a single eye to His blessing, bestowit on those we leave behind us. Such is the happiness of the plain ways of truevirtue. "The work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect ofrighteousness quietness and assurance forever" (Isa. xxxii. 17).
Dwell here, my dear friends; and then in remote and solitary108 deserts you mayfind true peace and satisfaction. If the Lord be God, in truth and reality,there is safety for us: for He is a stronghold in the day of trouble, andknoweth them that trust in Him.
ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY, in VIRGINIA,20th of the 5th Month, 1757.
From the Yearly Meeting in Virginia I went to Carolina, and on the 1st ofSixth Month was at Wells Monthly Meeting, where the spring of the gospelministry was opened, and the love of Jesus Christ experienced among us; to Hisname be the praise.
Here my brother joined with some Friends from New Garden who were goinghomeward; and I went next to Simons Creek Monthly Meeting, where I was silentduring the meeting for worship. When business came on, my mind was exercisedconcerning the poor slaves, but I did not feel my way clear to speak. In thiscondition I was bowed in spirit before the Lord, and with tears and inwardsupplication besought109 Him so to open my understanding that I might know Hiswill concerning me; and at length my mind was settled in silence. Near the endof their business a member of their meeting expressed a concern that had sometime lain upon him, on account of Friends so much neglecting their duty in theeducation of their slaves, and proposed having meetings sometimes appointed forthem on a week-day, to be attended only by some Friends to be named in theirMonthly Meetings.
Many present appeared to unite with the proposal. One said he had oftenwondered that they, being our fellow-creatures, and capable of religiousunderstanding, had been so exceedingly neglected; another expressed the likeconcern, and appeared zealous110 that in future it might be more closelyconsidered. At length a minute was made, and the further consideration of itreferred to their next Monthly Meeting. The Friend who made this proposal hathnegroes; he told me that he was at New Garden, about two hundred and fiftymiles from home, and came back alone; that in this solitary journey thisexercise, in regard to the education of their negroes, was from time to timerenewed in his mind. A Friend of some note in Virginia, who hath slaves, toldme that he being far from home on a lonesome journey, had many serious thoughtsabout them: and his mind was so impressed therewith that he believed he saw atime coming when divine Providence would alter the circumstance of thesepeople, respecting their condition as slaves.
From hence I went to a meeting at Newbegun Creek, and sat a considerable timein much weakness; then I felt truth open the way to speak a little in muchplainness and simplicity, till at length, through the increase of divine loveamongst us, we had a seasoning111 opportunity. This was also the case at the headof Little River, where we had a crowded meeting on a First-day. I went thenceto the Old Neck, where I was led into a careful searching out of the secretworkings of the mystery of iniquity, which, under a cover of religion, exaltsitself against that pure spirit which leads in the way of meekness and self-denial. Pineywoods was the last meeting I was at in Carolina; it was large, andmy heart being deeply engaged, I was drawn forth into a fervent112 labour amongstthem.
When I was at Newbegun Creek a Friend was there who laboured for his living,having no negroes, and who had been a minister many years. He came to me thenext day, and as we rode together he signified that he wanted to talk with me concerning a difficulty he had been under, which he related nearly as follows:
-- That as moneys had of late years been raised by a tax to carry on the wars,he had a scruple113 in his mind in regard to paying it, and chose rather to sufferdistraint of his goods; but as he was the only person who refused it in thoseparts, and knew not that any one else was in the like circumstances, hesignified that it had been a heavy trial to him, especially as some of hisbrethren had been uneasy with his conduct in that case. He added that, from asympathy he felt with me yesterday in meeting, he found freedom thus to openthe matter in the way of querying114 concerning Friends in our parts; I told himthe state of Friends amongst us as well as I was able, and also that I had forsome time been under the like scruple. I believed him to be one who wasconcerned to walk uprightly before the Lord, and esteemed it my duty topreserve this note concerning him, Samuel Newby.
From hence I went back into Virginia, and had a meeting near JamesCowpland's; it was a time of inward suffering, but through the goodness of theLord I was made content; at another meeting, through the renewings of purelove, we had a very comfortable season.
Travelling up and down of late, I have had renewed evidences that to befaithful to the Lord, and content with His will concerning me, is a mostnecessary and useful lesson for me to be learning; looking less at the effectsof my labour than at the pure motion and reality of the concern, as it arisesfrom heavenly love. In the Lord Jehovah is everlasting115 strength; and as themind, by humble116 resignation, is united to Him, and we utter words from aninward knowledge that they arise from the heavenly spring, though our way maybe difficult, and it may require close attention to keep in it, and though thematter in which we may be led may tend to our own abasement; yet, if wecontinue in patience and meekness, heavenly peace will be the reward of ourlabours.
I attended Curles Meeting, which, though small, was reviving to the honest-hearted. Afterwards I went to Black Creek and Caroline Meetings, from whence,accompanied by William Standley before mentioned, I rode to Goose Creek, beingmuch through the woods, and about one hundred miles. We lodged the first nightat a public-house; the second in the woods; and the next day we reached aFriend's house at Goose Creek. In the woods we were under some disadvantage,having no fire-works nor bells for our horses, but we stopped a little beforenight and let them feed on the wild grass, which was plentiful117, in the meantime cutting with our knives a store against night. We then secured our horses,and gathering118 some bushes under an oak we lay down; but the mosquitoes beingnumerous and the ground damp I slept but little.
Thus lying in the wilderness, and looking at the stars, I was led tocontemplate on the condition of our first parents when they were sent forthfrom the garden; how the Almighty, though they had been disobedient, continuedto be a Father to them, and showed them what tended to their felicity asintelligent creatures, and was acceptable to Him. To provide things relative toour outward living, in the way of true wisdom, is good, and the gift ofimproving in things useful is a good gift, and comes from the Father of Lights.
Many have had this gift; and from age to age there have been improvements ofthis kind made in the world. But some, not keeping to the pure gift, have inthe creaturely cunning and self-exaltation sought out many inventions. As thefirst motive to these inventions of men, as distinct from that uprightness inwhich man was created, was evil, so the effects have been and are evil. It is,therefore, as necessary for us at this day constantly to attend on the heavenlygift, to be qualified119 to use rightly the good things in this life amidst greatimprovements, as it was for our first parents when they were without anyimprovements, without any friend or father but God only.
I was at a meeting at Goose Creek, and next at a Monthly Meeting at Fairfax,where, through the gracious dealing120 of the Almighty with us, His powerprevailed over many hearts. From thence I went to Monoquacy and Pipe Creek inMaryland; at both places I had cause humbly to adore Him who had supported methrough many exercises, and by whose help I was enabled to reach the truewitness in the hearts of others. There were some hopeful young people in thoseparts. I had meetings afterwards at John Everit's in Monalen, and atHuntingdon, and I was made humbly thankful to the Lord, who opened my heartamongst the people in these new settlements, so that it was a time ofencouragement to the honest-minded.
At Monalen a Friend gave me some account of a religious society among theDutch, called Mennonists, and amongst other things related a passage insubstance as follows: One of the Mennonists having acquaintance with a man ofanother society at a considerable distance, and being with his waggon121 onbusiness near the house of his said acquaintance and night coming on, he hadthoughts of putting up with him, but passing by his fields, and observing thedistressed appearance of his slaves, he kindled a fire in the woods hard by,and lay there that night. His said acquaintance hearing where he lodged, andafterward meeting the Mennonist, told him of it, adding he should have beenheartily welcome at his house, and from their acquaintance in former timewondered at his conduct in that case. The Mennonist replied, "Ever since Ilodged by thy field I have wanted an opportunity to speak with thee. I hadintended to come to thy house for entertainment, but seeing thy slaves at theirwork, and observing the manner of their dress, I had no liking122 to come topartake with thee." He then admonished123 him to use them with more humanity, and added, "As I lay by the fire that night, I thought that as I was a man ofsubstance thou wouldst have received me freely; but if I had been as poor asone of thy slaves, and had no power to help myself, I should have received fromthy hand no kinder usage than they."In this journey I was out about two months, and travelled about elevenhundred and fifty miles. I returned home under an humbling124 sense of thegracious dealings of the Lord with me, in preserving me through many trials andafflictions.
一 七五七年五月十三日——这时候我健康良好，正和朋友们在外访问会友们的家庭。某夜宿在柏林敦某朋友家，按照惯常时间就寝，夜半醒来，躺在床上默念主的良善 和仁慈，并存悔罪之心。不久再行入睡，但又醒转，这时天色甚黑，天既未亮，亦无月光，可是当我睁开眼睛，却看见房中一团亮光，约在五尺之遥，而光的本身直 径约九寸，是一种清晰明亮的光，中心更为光耀。我安静地躺着，眼睛望着它，并不觉得惊骇，这时有话向我心灵的耳朵说出，充满整个内在的我，并不是思想作 用，亦不是由于所看见现象引起的，却像是那圣者在我心中所说的话，那话是：“神圣真道是有确实证据的！”当光消逝之时那句话再次重复，与前相同。
这 时我对于到南方访问的感觉逐渐加强，于是向月会请求，并取得证件，独自动身。我的一位住在费城的弟兄刚好因事将往北卡罗来纳去，提议和我结伴，同行一段路 程。起初我因他有俗务，觉得不便与他同行，曾和他作多次谈话。终于我觉得心中平安，又和费城长辈朋友讨论，乃同意与他结伴；取得了必需的证件。我们遂于一 七五七年五月动身。抵达诺定昂聚会处，寄宿于吉士曼家中。在这里会见了从新英格兰来的朋友布芬敦，他刚好访问南方归来。从这里我们又渡过了萨斯刻罕那河， 寄宿于马利兰州柯士的家。
当 我进入这一地区之后，一种深刻痛苦的感觉来到我心中。这是我每当想起一带地方时所有的感觉；我也在同意和我兄弟结伴同行之前向他提起过。这一区和南方诸州 移民的生活多依靠奴隶劳动，有的奴隶被役使过甚。这时我所关切的乃是我应当专一听从真牧者的声音，能够在人的面前坚定不移。
依 照惯例，朋友们在访问中得以免费接受招待，但我在接受那种藉剥削他人而有的慷慨，因而节省了自己的金钱时，心中总觉不安。接受礼物，使受者对赠予者有了义 务，且自然有了使他们结合的倾向。为了避免这种弊端，并使居判断地位的人不至陷入于偏见中，上帝曾禁诫说，“不可受贿赂，因为贿赂能叫明眼人变瞎了，又能 颠倒义人的话”（出23：8）。 可是我们的主曾差遣门徒出去，吩咐他们不必携带粮食，却说工人得到工资是合宜的，他们对福音的劳力应获得相当的接待，因此不能说他们是接受贿赂。然而对这 一点我仍旧不十分清楚。困难在于当时门徒所接受的接待乃是出自那些为上帝所开启的爱心，他们敬爱门徒和他们所宣扬的真道。至于我们，原属同一团体的份子， 互相接待似乎是出于客气，有的时候且是为了声望的关系，而不是内心和灵性上的契结。行为比言语更有力量，当他们在实际上表示奴隶贸易并不是不对，反而是可 加提倡的时候，他们在精神上当然不会和访问他们的某些朋友有了健全的结合。
瞻望前途工作如此困难，而我的看法和许多我所尊敬的人如此相左，我觉得情绪极为低落。心中如是矛盾，使我几乎要同情先知（摩西）在软弱之时所说的话，“你这样待我，我若在你眼前蒙恩，求你立时将我杀了，不叫我见自己的苦情”（出11：15）。但不久我就明白了我的这种感觉是从没有完全服从祂而生的。我心中无限悲愁，曾虚心地在全能者面前流泪呼求，盼望得到祂的恩典和帮助。经过深重试炼之后，我比前更能明了诗篇作者所说的话，“我的心平稳安静，好像断过奶的孩子在他母亲的怀中”（诗131：2）。 既蒙帮助，知道更顺服祂，我就觉得好像从风暴中被救拔出来，以平静的心前进，深信我若专诚靠主，祂必在一切困难中作为我的引导，而且藉着祂的力量，我可能 付款给团体中那些接待我的朋友们，如果我觉得不如此做即将妨碍到主所召我从事的工作。当我旅行回来抄写这日记之时，我愿补充一句，我因良心上的责任感，曾 多次这样做。我的方法乃是：在我快要离开那招待我的朋友之家时，如果我觉得若不留下些钱，即对不住那些被压迫的奴隶，我就私下向那家的主人提起，请他接受 一些银子，转给那些他们认为最需要的黑奴；有时候若认为合宜，我就亲自把钱给予黑奴。我在出门之前已预料到有这种需要，所以准备了好些碎银子。有时候因拿 钱给一些似乎富有的人，引起他们的反感，彼此都不愉快。但我心中既然有这种感觉，且对主的敬畏之心有时完全支配着我，所以我的方法比我所预料的更为顺利， 很少有人以为我付款给他们是对他们的侮辱，多数在表示客气之后即行接受。
五 月九日，在一朋友家中早餐，然后他陪我们走了一段路。我以敬畏主的心同他谈起关于畜奴问题，为着这事我心中忧愁，所以用最坦白的话向他提出，他态度温和地 听从我说话。路上我们未参加其他聚会，因为我一心盼望赶上维基尼亚的年会。在旅行中我不时感觉到从心中发出的呼声：“我是在地上作寄居的，求你不要向我掩 面。”十一日我们在巴头马克和芮巴汉诺克渡河，留宿于罗约埠。路上遇着一位军中上校，似乎是一个颇有思想的有。我找机会表示意见说，那些依靠自己劳动生 活，并训练子女如何节俭如何经营的人，比那些依靠奴隶劳动生活的人确实快乐多了。他表示同意我的话，并说那些怠慢不听话的黑奴往往引起麻烦，又说我们自己 工人一天所做的抵得上奴隶两天所做的。我答称自由的人能够适切地关心自己的业务，从努力养育自己家人获得满足；奴隶则不然，他们的劳动，无非供养那些把他 们当作财产的主人，而他们自己除了被奴役之外，一生无其他盼望，所以他们缺少那诱致他们勤劳的动力。
继 续谈论下去，我又说，人有权力，却常常误用它。我们以尼格罗人为奴隶，而土耳其人以基督徒为奴隶，我总相信自由乃是一切人所同有的天然权利。他并不否认这 一点，可是他说尼格罗人在他们本土生活情况极为恶劣，来到这里后许多人的生活比原来的还好。我说，我们二人的行动原则恐怕是大不相同。我们的谈话到这里结 束。在这里我愿意补充的是这事以后有另一人亦提出同样意见，认为尼格罗人因本土的骚扰不安定，都处在悲惨情况中，以此理由作为捕拿他们来作奴隶的辩护。对 这意见我回答说：如果我们真的是为同情这些非洲人处境的痛苦才收买他们，那动机必使我们善待他们，好叫这些因悲惨情况离开本土的人能够在我们当中享受快乐 生活。他们既同属人类，他们的灵魂和我们的灵魂同样宝贵，也和我们同样需要圣经的帮助与安慰，我们不能规避教导他们的责任。可是既然我们在实际上表现了我 们之收买这些人，无非为着自己利益，又既然收买俘虏可使好战的人打得更起劲，并造成更严重的灾荒，所以藉口他们在非洲情况不良，实不足以作为我们的辩护。 我又说，在我看来南方诸州目前处境甚难，奴隶们正像一块沉重的石块压在他们的肩头上，如果白人仍然不顾一切，选取保留他们从奴隶身上所获取的便宜，不依照 良心对待同类，那么他们肩头上的重负必一天比一天沉重，直到时候改变，形势不利于我们。那人对我的话表示同意，并承认南方对待黑奴的情形使他有时想到或者 全能者将如我所说的成就。
我 们沿直线旅行经过马利兰，于十二日抵达维基尼亚之栖得河，和朋友们相聚。第二天与好几位朋友结伴骑马至坎普湾。途中我忽然深深地感觉到我在这些困难事上缺 少了神的帮助，心中非常痛苦，暗暗地求告至高者说，“主啊，恳求你向你所造的忧伤可怜的人显出慈悲！”不久就觉得心中平安。同行中有一人开始在谈论贩奴的 事，并为这种买卖辩护。他说尼格罗人是该隐的后裔，他们的黑皮肤是该隐杀害他兄弟亚伯之后上帝所给他的印记；该隐既是那样邪恶的人，他的族类当奴隶正甚相 宜，也是出于天命。另有一人亦发言赞成他的意见。我回答说：根据圣经记载，洪水之后只有挪亚一家存活；挪亚是属于塞特族，而该隐一族已消灭了。他们当中有 一人说：洪水之后含往挪得地方，娶了妻，挪得是遥远偏僻的地方，该隐后裔住在那里，洪水的泛滥未及于这地方；含既被咒诅须作他弟兄奴隶的奴隶，他又和该隐 之后结亲，这两家结合所生的，岂不是宜于永远为奴？我回答说：洪水乃是神对世人邪恶的惩罚，该隐一族既然是最邪恶的，若说他们可以不受洪水泛滥之灾，那是 不合理的。至于说含往挪得娶妻的事未有明确的时间，挪得在含第二次娶妻时可能已有挪亚后人居住。更重要的是经上明明说，“凡在地上有血肉的动物都死了。” 我又提醒他们曾一再说到“儿子必不担当父亲的罪孽，人人均须担当自己的罪。”我对于他们那种暗昧的想像殊觉烦恼，以沉重的心告诉他们：“一般说来畜奴的动 机是在乎喜欢逸乐及贪图便宜，而人们惯以脆弱的理由来为无理的事辩护。我对于辩论原无兴趣，只盼望得到真理。我相信自由是他们（黑奴）的权利，现在他们非 但被剥夺了自由，且在许多方面遭受非人道的待遇。我亦相信那作为被压迫者避难所的主在祂所定时候来到之日，必然为他们伸冤。到那时那些在祂面前行为正直的 人必将大有喜乐。”我们的谈话至此结束。
五 月十四日——这一天我参加了坎普湾月会，然后骑马到詹姆士河上游山上去，在某朋友家聚会。在上述两次会中我心里愁闷，在主面前眼泪迸流。主施恩赐我力量， 叫我在这一带地方知道怎样向朋友们说话。从这里又到仆克湾，然后又回到栖得河，在那边有了聚会。在这里我发现了忧伤悔改的种子，当我在真理面前谦卑自己的 时候，他们心中的同一真理和我心中的互相应和，我们在主面前彼此激励。获益良多。我寄宿在司丹利的家；他儿子威廉去年夏天曾因反对战争在文拆士特被处徒 刑，当时我曾和他谈论有关这事的问题，颇觉满意。
从 这里我又往司温颇和瓦也诺克的聚会处去，然后渡过詹姆士河，住在勃里希附近。自从进入马利兰之后，我心中即甚愁闷，此种感觉且逐渐增强，几乎把我拉倒。我 愿意和作诗的人同声说，“我在急难中求告耶和华，向我的上帝呼求。”祂以无限的良善垂顾我的愁苦，并在我隐退中差遣保惠师安慰我，为此我要谦恭地称颂祂的 圣名。
我 对于一些教会情况的感觉，使我心中非常痛苦。在我眼中其黄金已失光，其纯金亦已变色。虽然这种情况是过于一般性的，可是这里的某些特殊现象确使我感觉心头 沉重。由于属世之灵的运行，许多人似乎颇接近于内心的荒芜，他们缺少基督之羊所必有的温柔，驯良，和属灵的智慧。相反地，他们充满了一种暴烈的气质，并且 贪爱权力。从微小的错误开始，重大的错误就产生了，由于多数人的附和，代代相传，错误的势力逐渐加强。有些声望卓著的人物背离了真道，他们的品德反被用来 替错误的势力辩护，那些地位比较低微的人为着替自己解嘲，就说某某重要人物也如此行。犹太人之走到了邪恶的极顶，莫过于他们使先知以赛亚有了充分的理由， 奉主的名宣布说，“无一人按公义告状，无一人凭诚实辨白”；或使全能者在耶路撒冷被巴比伦人攻陷之前指着该城说：只要有一个行公义的人在寻求真理，祂就愿 意宽赦该城。
在 这次旅行中，观察我们对待黑奴的行为，我相信美洲新殖民地区的某些部分已展开了一条和上述相同的衰败的道路，这使我心中极为伤痛。虽然要简单地描写这些尼 格罗人在我们当中所受待遇不是一件容易的事，可是，当我查阅我在旅途中所作记录之后，我决心把这些记录整理出来。在南方这几州许多白人对黑奴的婚姻之事毫 不在意；当黑奴按照他们自己的方法结合之后，白人亦往往毫不关怀，为着自己的利益，把他们夫妻贩卖到不同的地方去，尤其是当园主在拍卖地产的时候。许多在 田地上执苦役的黑奴背后有执鞭的人紧紧跟着，这些人是被雇用来鞭策他们的。至于黑奴所食的更是可怜，一般情形是每星期仅得少许玉蜀黍，一些盐，一些马铃薯 ——那是他们自己在星期日的劳力所种植的。倘若他们违背主人的命令或工作怠慢，他们所受的惩罚是极重的，有时候甚至丧命。
他 们的成年男女往往衣不蔽体，十岁或十二岁的男女小孩则几乎都在他们主人的儿女面前赤身露体。我们团体中和另一称为“新光”的团体中人试行教导他们黑奴阅 读，但一般说来对他们的教育非但是被忽略，而且是被反对的。其实这些人正在以他们的劳动来支持另一些人的生活——有许多人且因此过着奢侈的生活。这些人并 不曾同意要服事我们，他们亦不曾放弃他们的自由。基督曾为这些人的灵魂死，我们对他们所行的必将在全能者面前受讯问，因为祂不偏待人。所以凡认识独一真 神，和祂所差遣的耶稣基督，并因此具有慈悲与仁爱的福音之灵者，必能明白上帝的愤怒将向迫害与残酷的人发出；同时他们也必因看见这许多人所遭受的苦难而深 感悲伤。
我 从所住的地方勃里希参加聚会，在会中我觉得心中极为平静。但在长久缄默之后我忽被感动起立发言，由于上帝之爱的有力工作，我们有了一次非常有益的聚会。这 以后在黑水地方亦有聚会，然后又参加西部的年会。会务讨论开始时，有些会友提出了一些质询案件，若蒙采纳，则将分别由他们各自的月会答复。其中有所谓宾夕 尼亚提案，已由去年度维基尼亚年会所指定的委员会加以审查，且略加修改，其中一条是为了迁就习俗而修改的，很叫我心中不安。提案原文是：“在我们会友当中 有谁运入黑奴，或在他们被运入之后加以收买？”他们的修正案却改成为：“在我们会友当中有谁贩运黑奴，或经营此种买卖？”在被一致采纳的质询提案中有一条 是：“是否有人购买或贩卖非法入口的货物或掠夺品？”这时候我心受感动发言，我说：我们既承认真道，且聚会支持对真道的见证，我们就必须深入于那圣洁智慧 中，并依照它的引导行事，否则必非相宜。然后我提起关于他们的修正案，并提起那最后的提案。我说我们既同意购买掠夺货物和我们所信奉的原则不相符合，那 么，尼格罗人亦属俘虏，或由窃夺而得的，若收买他们，岂不和我们所见证的原则大相违背。况且他们与我们同属人类，把他们贩卖为奴，更增加我们的罪行。朋友 们对我所发议论似颇注意，有的且表示关怀他们的黑奴，没有人发言反对我所说的话；但他们仍依照所修改的提案通过。
我 知道他们的会友当中亦有人在做贩卖黑奴的生意，正如做别的商品买卖一样。现在他们所通过的质询提案可说是比现状进一步了，所以我不觉得有修改它的必要，只 将一切付托于主，知道惟有祂能够改变刚硬之心，以符合于祂的无穷智慧的方法，为地面上真理的传布开辟道路。但是对于他们所已有的黑奴，我认为必须教导他 们；我向他们说，我们既然相信圣经是由圣灵感动圣人们所说出的话语，而我们从经验得知圣经中的话常常成为我们的帮助和安慰，也相信我们有教导我们的儿童阅 读圣经的责任，那么，如果我们能够放弃一切自私观点，我相信那感动圣人们的灵也将感动我们去教导尼格罗人，叫他们也能阅读圣经，并从圣经得到益助。他们当 中有人就表示此后愿意更注意尼格罗人的教育。
五 月廿九日晨九时，在我所住的地方有一个聚会，参加的人都是牧师和长老。我心中觉得应该坦白和无顾忌地向他们提出关于他们畜奴的事，按照我心中所得的启示， 指出他们既居于团体领袖地位，他们在奴隶问题上所表现的必为他人所注意，因此他们有极端小心的义务，对这问题应该完全放弃自私观点；如果他们生活于纯洁真 道上，在教育和其他方面按照良心对待奴隶，他们就必成为促进一种非常重要，却一向被忽略了的工作的器皿。十二点时崇拜聚会开始，是一次很严肃的聚会。
第二天十点左右朋友们聚集作结束会务的讨论，继之以崇拜聚会。会中我心里颇不安定，但由于主的良善和真道，我相信已获益助，这是增加忠心力量者的大好机会。
约在这时候我写了一封信给散处在北卡罗来纳偏僻地区的朋友们，内容如下：
亲爱的朋友们：
主 的美意引领我访问了维基尼亚和北卡罗来纳的某些地区；你们时常在我心中。虽然我还不能当面访问你们，但我心中总觉得有几件事，是我因爱真理而愿意向你们说 出来的。第一，亲爱的朋友们，务要存顺服谦卑的心，谨慎不叫重视外表利益的观点抓住你们，却须专一仰望主，在安全道路上行走。人若放纵心意，贪爱属世事 物，追逐利得及世俗友谊，比追求在内心方面与真实的平安相契结更甚，就无异走在虚无的阴影下，生命上缺少真的安慰。他们的行为往往妨害别人，他们所结集的 财富往往成为子孙的陷阱。
但 人若诚恳跟从基督，处在祂圣灵的影响之下，那么，由于神的恩典，他们的坚定有时正像软苗上的露珠，而他们的精神所发出的力量默默地在影响着别人。在这种情 况下，藉着神之爱普遍的影响，他们必能关心会友的事和我们团体中的秩序。虽然遇到信仰不同者的反对，但因处在谦让中，觉得我们的灵只在温柔与和平的智慧中 运行，并受它的约束，这样，内在安静的酬报确比我们所遭受的一切困难为大。凡有纯洁生命，并以这生命的权威来举行合法聚会的地方，从经验我们就知道这样的 聚会必然安全，足以发展成为健全的团体。
当 我写这封信的时候，我禁不住想到年青人。亲爱的青年朋友们，请以上帝作为你的产业，爱祂的真理，不以此为耻。选择那些忠心事主的人作为友伴；避免和生活腐 败的人来往，因为常和这种人来往是危险的，会使有希望的年青人堕落，陷入于一天比一天更大的邪恶中，终至于毁灭了自己。青春之时，没有一种装饰比良好品德 更为美好，也没有比完全顺服神的旨意更可喜乐的。这种喜乐使其他的慰安更觉甜蜜，也使人在与朋友来往交接中获得真的满足。你们的心若为真理所充满，必能获 得使你们坚定为真理作见证的力量，且将准备为教会服务。
那 么，亲爱的朋友弟兄们，你们既然从事于拓荒工作，在本州的某地区可能是最早的开拓者，我藉耶稣基督的爱请求你们，要注意你们行为榜样对于后至者所将发生的 严重影响。初树立的风俗若与健全智慧相符合，这对于该地区的贡献是很大的；否则其结果必甚悲惨，子孙们将觉得他们的祖先已为他们设下了许多障碍。
在 纯洁智慧引导下的适切运用，对身心均有益处，藉此我们生活上所必需的殊易获取。我们仁慈的父对上述二者已有适宜的安排，叫我们没有缺乏地过日。我们若畜奴 以代替我们劳动，必招致许多难题。具有理性的人当然不喜欢受束缚，他们时常会有仇恨不平的感觉，这不免对主人家庭有不良影响，使他们和他们的子女，由于应 用错误的谋生方法，比别人更多苦恼之事。
我 知道你们当中有许多朋友没有畜奴；在深厚的爱中我要求你们不要收买任何奴隶。亲爱的朋友们，当仰望神，只靠自己劳动，过简单的生活，朴素节俭，顺从真智慧 所导引的路向，这样，使你们能脱离那些追求外表上的欢乐和成就者所陷入的危险。产业虽小，若出自正当方法所获致的，亦甚可贵。我们若走在主的光明中，就可 得到真的安慰和满足，不受被压迫者的呻吟声，自己战栗不安的良心，或种种烦琐事务所困扰，以致影响了生活上的乐趣。
当 我们走近生命的终点，想要把我们的财产分配给继承人时，如果我们这一份财产的积聚是从对主的敬畏，诚实，公道和在主面前存着正直之心得来的，那么我们就可 以把这份财产视为是主所施赐的，并藉主恩把它留给后人。这就是真德行的喜乐。“公义的果效必是平安，公义的效验必是平稳，直到永远”（赛32：17）。
亲爱的朋友们，请住在这公义之中吧。这样，虽处身于荒僻孤寂的地带，你们也将得到平安和满足。如果主真真实实是我们的上帝，我们就有安全；因为祂是患难中的保障，且认识凡信靠祂的人。
你们的亲爱朋友伍尔曼 书
一七五七年五月廿日于维基尼亚
维基尼亚年会结束后我就到北卡罗来纳去。六月一日参加威尔斯湾月会，在这里福音工作之门大开，耶稣基督的爱为大家所体验到；荣耀归于祂名。
关 于奴隶们的悲惨处境这一问题常常在我心中，我以为若在规训会议上，按照圣灵的启示提出这一问题是相宜的。可是在这会中，虽然我心里很想说这些话，却觉得圣 灵并无指示，因此缄默不言，因为我从经验中知道，凡属基督的忠实仆人必须与真理之灵同一步伐，除非圣灵开路，不可自作行动。
在 这里我的弟兄和一些从新园来的朋友们结伴回家，我则往西门湾参加月会。在崇拜聚会中我始终没有发言，到了讨论会务时，心中却关怀着奴隶问题，但亦不知是否 应当发言。在这种情况中我灵在主面前低头，流泪祷告，祈求祂使我明白祂对我的旨意，终于我知道我应当缄默。会议临结束之时月会的一位会友发言，把存在他心 中有关朋友们忽视奴隶教育的问题发表出来，并提议为奴隶举办聚会，在周日中举行，由月会所指派的朋友们参加。与会的人都表示同意这一提议。有一人说奴隶和 我们同属人类，同有领受宗教的能力，为何如此忽略他们。另有一人亦表示同样意见，并极力主张此后朋友们应多注意这一问题。最后通过此事交下届月会作进一步 商讨。作此提议的朋友自己畜有黑奴。他告诉我他到了离家约二百五十里路之外的新园，在寂寞的归途上他心中不断地想起这有关教育黑奴的问题。另一位在维基尼 亚颇著名望的朋友，自己也畜黑奴，告诉我在某次寂寞的旅途中他也曾严重地想到这问题，并相信神在将来必改变这些人现在所处的奴隶地位。
从这里我往纽比干湾去，好些时候觉得非常软弱。以后真理开启了道路，叫我能坦白简单地说了一些话；到最后神的爱在我们当中增加，我们有了良好的机会。在小河地方的情形与此相同，星期日有了一次拥挤的聚会。以后我又到老乃克去，在那里详细调查那“不法的隐意”（帖后2：7）是如何在运行着，如何披着宗教外衣抬高自己，反对那引人到达谦逊自卑之路的纯洁之灵。我在卡罗来纳参加的最后一次聚会是在平尼林地方举行的，是一次大规模聚会。我对这会关切殊深，在他们当中尽力工作。
在 纽比干湾时会见一位倚靠自己劳动生活的朋友，他没有畜奴，多年来担任教牧工作。他约好第二天来见我。当我们骑马并行之时他表示愿意和我谈谈他所遭遇的一种 困难，大意如下：近年来当局抽收一种战税，藉以支持战争，他对于缴纳战税的事心中迟疑不安，宁愿遭受扣押货品的处分；可是据他所知这一带地区只他一人拒缴 战税，再也没有和他处境相同的人；他表示这件事对他是一种严重试炼，尤其因为弟兄们对于他的行动并不赞同。又说，由于昨天在会中他感觉到和我彼此间的同 情，使他无忌惮地问我关于我们那一区的朋友们是怎么办的。我就告诉他我们那边朋友们的情形，同时告诉他我也曾经有过和他相同的困难。我相信他是一个在主面 前行为正直的人，也认为在责任上我应当把这件事记录下来，他的姓名是纽拜撒母耳。
从 这里我回到维基尼亚，在可不兰的家附近举行了一次聚会。这时期我内心非常痛苦，幸而主的良善使我满足。在另一聚会中，藉着纯洁之爱的更新，我们有了很愉快 的相聚。最近的旅行使我重新得到许多证据，知道谨守责任和满足于神的安排，乃是我所应当学习的最必要最有益课题，所要注意的，并不是工作的果效，乃是属天 之爱所发出的关心和实际。在主耶和华里面有永恒的力量，当我们藉着顺服的心和祂结合，并从那来自灵泉的内在知识发出言语的时候，我们的道路虽甚困难，必需 谨慎小心，我们虽可能遭受侮辱，可是我们若能继续在忍耐和温柔中，我们必能得得属天的平安，作为我们努力的酬报。
我 曾参加了库里的聚会，规模虽小，却使忠实的人大得振奋。会后我又访问黑水湾及卡罗琳聚会处；再从那里骑马往告士湾，同行的有前此提起过的斯丹利威廉。此行 所经多属森林地区，约有一百里左右路程。第一晚我们住宿客栈，第二晚在林中露宿，隔天来到告士湾某朋友家。在林中颇多不方便处，没有生火的器具，也没有马 铃，我们只好在天
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lodged
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meditations
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| 默想( meditation的名词复数 )； 默念； 沉思； 冥想 | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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sundry
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| adj.各式各样的，种种的 | |
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drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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bias
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| n.偏见，偏心，偏袒；vt.使有偏见 | |
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prohibition
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| n.禁止；禁令，禁律 | |
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disciples
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| n.信徒( disciple的名词复数 )；门徒；耶稣的信徒；（尤指）耶稣十二门徒之一 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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worthy
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| adj.(of)值得的，配得上的；有价值的 | |
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unity
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| n.团结，联合，统一；和睦，协调 | |
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prospect
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| n.前景，前途；景色，视野 | |
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distinguished
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| adj.卓越的，杰出的，著名的 | |
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esteemed
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| adj.受人尊敬的v.尊敬( esteem的过去式和过去分词 )；敬重；认为；以为 | |
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abasement
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| n.滥用 | |
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almighty
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| adj.全能的，万能的；很大的，很强的 | |
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fully
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| adv.完全地，全部地，彻底地；充分地 | |
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obstruct
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privately
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resentment
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kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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militia
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frugality
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concurred
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untoward
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industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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Christians
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| n.基督教徒( Christian的名词复数 ) | |
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odds
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| n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别 | |
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intestine
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compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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motive
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| n.动机，目的；adv.发动的，运动的 | |
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incite
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| v.引起，激动，煽动 | |
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scripture
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| n.经文，圣书，手稿；Scripture:(常用复数)《圣经》，《圣经》中的一段 | |
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35
scriptures
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| 经文，圣典( scripture的名词复数 )； 经典 | |
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36
animates
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| v.使有生气( animate的第三人称单数 )；驱动；使栩栩如生地动作；赋予…以生命 | |
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37
prospects
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| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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38
conscientiously
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| adv.凭良心地；认真地，负责尽职地；老老实实 | |
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39
cedar
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| n.雪松，香柏(木) | |
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40
creek
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| n.小溪，小河，小湾 | |
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41
affected
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| adj.不自然的，假装的 | |
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42
uncommon
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| adj.罕见的，非凡的，不平常的 | |
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43
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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44
beseech
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| v.祈求，恳求 | |
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45
afflicted
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| 使受痛苦，折磨( afflict的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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46
providence
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| n.深谋远虑，天道，天意；远见；节约；上帝 | |
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47
undoubtedly
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| adv.确实地，无疑地 | |
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48
judgment
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| n.审判；判断力，识别力，看法，意见 | |
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49
unreasonable
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| adj.不讲道理的，不合情理的，过度的 | |
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50
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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51
iniquity
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| n.邪恶；不公正 | |
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52
motives
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| n.动机，目的( motive的名词复数 ) | |
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53
wont
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| adj.习惯于；v.习惯；n.习惯 | |
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54
Ford
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| n.浅滩，水浅可涉处；v.涉水，涉过 | |
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55
ministry
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| n.(政府的)部；牧师 | |
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56
mutual
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| adj.相互的，彼此的；共同的，共有的 | |
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57
refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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58
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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59
retirement
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| n.退休，退职 | |
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60
humbly
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| adv. 恭顺地，谦卑地 | |
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61
meekness
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| n.温顺，柔和 | |
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62
dominion
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| n.统治，管辖，支配权；领土，版图 | |
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63
concurrence
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| n.同意；并发 | |
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64
profess
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| v.声称，冒称，以...为业，正式接受入教，表明信仰 | |
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65
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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66
virtues
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| 美德( virtue的名词复数 )； 德行； 优点； 长处 | |
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67
justify
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| vt.证明…正当(或有理)，为…辩护 | |
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68
captivity
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| n.囚禁；被俘；束缚 | |
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69
briefly
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| adv.简单地，简短地 | |
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70
asunder
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| adj.分离的，化为碎片 | |
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71
disapproved
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| v.不赞成( disapprove的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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72
forfeited
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| （因违反协议、犯规、受罚等）丧失，失去( forfeit的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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73
benevolent
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| adj.仁慈的，乐善好施的 | |
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74
kindled
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| （使某物）燃烧，着火( kindle的过去式和过去分词 )； 激起（感情等）； 发亮，放光 | |
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75
lodgings
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| n. 出租的房舍, 寄宿舍 | |
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76
queries
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| n.问题( query的名词复数 )；疑问；询问；问号v.质疑，对…表示疑问( query的第三人称单数 )；询问 | |
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77
alteration
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| n.变更，改变；蚀变 | |
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78
alterations
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| n.改动( alteration的名词复数 )；更改；变化；改变 | |
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79
query
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| n.疑问，问号，质问；vt.询问，表示怀疑 | |
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80
unanimity
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| n.全体一致，一致同意 | |
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81
vending
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| v.出售（尤指土地等财产）( vend的现在分词 )；（尤指在公共场所）贩卖；发表（意见，言论）；声明 | |
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82
prosper
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| v.成功，兴隆，昌盛；使成功，使昌隆，繁荣 | |
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83
divested
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| v.剥夺( divest的过去式和过去分词 )；脱去（衣服）；2。从…取去…；1。（给某人）脱衣服 | |
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84
thoroughly
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| adv.完全地，彻底地，十足地 | |
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85
acting
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| n.演戏，行为，假装；adj.代理的，临时的，演出用的 | |
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86
helping
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| n.食物的一份&adj.帮助人的，辅助的 | |
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87
cane
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| n.手杖，细长的茎，藤条；v.以杖击，以藤编制的 | |
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88
humility
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| n.谦逊，谦恭 | |
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89
heed
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| v.注意，留意；n.注意，留心 | |
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90
snares
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| n.陷阱( snare的名词复数 )；圈套；诱人遭受失败（丢脸、损失等）的东西；诱惑物v.用罗网捕捉，诱陷，陷害( snare的第三人称单数 ) | |
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91
devoted
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| adj.忠诚的，忠实的，热心的，献身于...的 | |
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92
blessing
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| n.祈神赐福；祷告；祝福，祝愿 | |
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93
opposition
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| n.反对，敌对 | |
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94
shun
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| vt.避开，回避，避免 | |
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95
enjoyment
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| n.乐趣；享有；享用 | |
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96
enjoyments
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| 愉快( enjoyment的名词复数 )； 令人愉快的事物； 享有； 享受 | |
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97
abide
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| vi.遵守；坚持；vt.忍受 | |
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98
steadfast
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| adj.固定的，不变的，不动摇的；忠实的；坚贞不移的 | |
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99
wilderness
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| n.杳无人烟的一片陆地、水等，荒漠 | |
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100
thereby
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| adv.因此，从而 | |
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101
encompassed
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| v.围绕( encompass的过去式和过去分词 )；包围；包含；包括 | |
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102
predecessors
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| n.前任( predecessor的名词复数 )；前辈；（被取代的）原有事物；前身 | |
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103
simplicity
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| n.简单，简易；朴素；直率，单纯 | |
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104
attained
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| （通常经过努力）实现( attain的过去式和过去分词 )； 达到； 获得； 达到（某年龄、水平、状况） | |
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105
murmurs
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| n.低沉、连续而不清的声音( murmur的名词复数 )；低语声；怨言；嘀咕 | |
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106
throbbing
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| a. 跳动的,悸动的 | |
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107
equity
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| n.公正，公平，（无固定利息的）股票 | |
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108
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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109
besought
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| v.恳求，乞求（某事物）( beseech的过去式和过去分词 )；(beseech的过去式与过去分词) | |
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110
zealous
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| adj.狂热的，热心的 | |
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111
seasoning
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| n.调味；调味料；增添趣味之物 | |
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112
fervent
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| adj.热的，热烈的，热情的 | |
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113
scruple
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| n./v.顾忌，迟疑 | |
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114
querying
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| v.质疑，对…表示疑问( query的现在分词 )；询问 | |
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115
everlasting
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| adj.永恒的，持久的，无止境的 | |
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116
humble
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| adj.谦卑的，恭顺的；地位低下的；v.降低，贬低 | |
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117
plentiful
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| adj.富裕的，丰富的 | |
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118
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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119
qualified
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| adj.合格的，有资格的，胜任的，有限制的 | |
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120
dealing
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| n.经商方法，待人态度 | |
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121
waggon
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| n.运货马车，运货车；敞篷车箱 | |
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122
liking
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| n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢 | |
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123
admonished
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| v.劝告( admonish的过去式和过去分词 )；训诫；（温和地）责备；轻责 | |
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124
humbling
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| adj.令人羞辱的v.使谦恭( humble的现在分词 )；轻松打败（尤指强大的对手）；低声下气 | |
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