USA > Indiana > Memorials of deceased friends who were members of Indiana Yearly Meeting : published by direction of the Yearly Meeting > Part 4
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In reviewing the life of this heavenly-minded woman, the mind rests with satisfaction on the theme. If we look through a long succession of years-if we look back on the morning of her days; the meridian of her life, or on her setting sun; through all, we find her pursuing the pious, even tenor of her way ; through all, we find her the consistent friend, the firm and zealous Christian ; the humble, dedicated follower of a crucified Redeemer; and at the final close, like the wise virgins, her vessel filled with oil, her lamp trimmed and burning bright; "Her bow abode in strength, and the arms of her hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob." "The
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eternal God was her refuge, and underneath were the everlasting arms."
ENOCH PEARSON.
Compiled from a Testimony of Mill Creek Monthly Meeting, Ohio.
IIE was the son of Thomas and Ann Pearson, and was
J born in Pennsylvania, on the 27th day of the Ninth month, 1761. His parents removed while he was young to South Carolina, and settled within the limits of Bush River Monthly Meeting, where he was brought up. At this place also, he entered into marriage with Ann Evans, a member of the same meeting. It ap- pears by his manuscripts, that they were in the prac- tice of attending the religious meetings of Friends pretty regularly, but that his mind was too much occupied with the concerns of this world, although he maintained a fair character among his acquaintances, and was frequently called upon for little services to the church. In process of time, he appears to have been aroused to some serious thoughtfulness in regard to his spiritual condition, by a severe illness which camo upon his wife, reducing her very low. He was made to feel, in degree, the weight of his sins, and to see the necessity of a reformation, which he resolved
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to make. His resolutions, however, were of no great avail; for the cares of this life were again suffered to get the ascendancy. Afterward, about the thirtieth year of his age, he was again, through mercy, visited by the convicting power of the Holy Spirit in a re- markable manner, showing him the error of his past life, and the necessity of regeneration. He was en- abled to see himself as a child of wrath, and to per- ceive his undone condition in case he should be taken to eternity without repentance and forgiveness. To God he must look for both, through Jesus Christ, as there is no other way to salvation. Such was the ten- dering power of the Holy Spirit mercifully visiting him, that he burst into a flow of tears and wept freely. He dwelt under great exercise and much sadness for several days, and was enabled to see his sins, and made willing to forsake them in hearty repentance. Ile states that when in company with others who were cheerful, he was borne down as under the weight of a mountain. Much distress was permitted to be his portion before he came to the enjoyment of true peace. But be was not forsaken of divine love and mercy. Ile continued the attendance of religious meetings, and read the Holy Scriptures and other religious books frequently, much to his instruction and satisfaction. He was at length enabled to come to a deeper experience of divine love and goodness than he had ever done before ; and was then more cheerful, and enjoyed meetings for worship.
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He experienced various exercises and trials for a considerable time; and at length he felt impelled to call upon others, in the name of the Lord, to cleanse their hands and purify their hearts from the defile- ments of sin. It was about a year after he first spoke as a minister, before he again opened his mouth in that way. His communications for awhile were short, but are noted as satisfactory. By abiding lowly under the baptisms, and teaching of the good Shep- herd and Bishop of souls, he grew in grace and in his gift; and his calling and public testimonies were acknowledged to be in the life and power of the gospel.
Ile performed a religious visit, with the approbation and to the satisfaction of his Friends, in Georgia and Tennessee ; and about the forty-fifth year of his age, he removed with his family to Ohio, and settled in Miami county, which was then a newly settled coun- try. At that time, no meeting of Friends was held nearer than West Branch, which he attended until others were established. Friends having increased in those parts, Mill Creek Monthly Meeting was set up, of which he was a member.
With the concurrence of his Friends at home, he traveled considerably abroad in the work of the min- istry. He visited many of the meetings of Friends in Virginia,. Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina, Ohio and Indiana; and some of them several times.
Ile was a man of good natural abilities, though
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very little improved by school education; yet such was his experience in the school of Christ, that he was an instrument of much usefulness in the Church ; and as the evening of his day approached, it was believed that he grew deeper in the root of immortal life, and more weighty in his religious communications. He labored much to arouse the lukewarm and indifferent from their apathy, and to urge all to the faithful attendance of religious meetings - declaring that those who were negligent in that duty could not prosper or advance in the truth.
When the close of life drew nigh, and sickness came on, he bore his afflictions with Christian forti- tude ; advising Friends to faithfulness, and express- ing a desire for their prosperity. In his last illness, he expressed a desire to be released from his suffer- ings; and was heard to exclaim: "O death ! where is thy sting ? O grave ! where is thy victory ?"
Ile peacefully departed this life on the 7th of the Twelfth month, 1839, in the seventy-ninth year of his age, and was buried at Concord on the next day, lamented at death as he had been respected and loved in life.
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JOSEPH B. HUNT.
JOSEPHI B. HUNT.
A Memorial of Spiceland Monthly Meeting of Friends, Henry County, Indiana, concerning our deceased Friend, JOSEPH B. HUNT, who died on the 24th of the Ninth month, aged thirty-two years.
THIS, our dear friend, was born on the 3d day of Third month, 1807. His parents, John and Ann Ilunt, were members of our religious society, residents of Lower Evesham, Burlington county, New Jersey.
IIe was a dutiful and affectionate child, and oft- times showed an unusual tenderness and compassion for the brute creation. Ilis father dying when he was but about seventeen years of age, and he being the oldest of the children, much care devolved on him for a season, during which his stability of con- duct exceeded most of his age. In the year 1824, he was placed apprentice in Bordentown, where he was much exposed, and met with many difficulties ; but the invisible arm of divine love and mercy was near for his preservation, whereby he was strengthened to resist many of the temptations incident to youth. During his apprenticeship, he manifested great in- terest in the temporal concerns of his master, though often placed in a deeply trying situation, his master having seceded from Friends, as also the Men's Pre- parative Meeting, during the time of his apprentice-
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ship, so that he seemed indeed alone-experiencing, at times, a difficulty in attending religious meetings, which privilege he much desired, and availed himself of whenever opportunity was afforded .* Ilis business confining him in the midst of an abandoned and profligate company, who were employed as assistants in the profession, he sometimes expressed to his friends that his trials seemed almost insupportable, observing that they not only made a jest of him as an individual, but spoke of the fundamental doctrines of Christianity in so contemptuous a manner, that, to use his own expressions, "he sometimes feared that the immediate wrath of Divine Justice would be dis- played upon them." Notwithstanding these things, he preserved a good name wherever he was known ; even some of those who had taken part in ridiculing him and his religious principles, expressed regret on account of his leaving the village, acknowledging that his firm adherence to the principles he professed had been instructive to them. At the close of his appren- ticeship, he informed his widowed mother that he believed it would be for the good of the younger branches of the family in, particular to migrate to the west. Arrangements were, therefore, accordingly made, and in the fall of 1828, they left New Jersey, having obtained certificates from Chesterfield Monthly
* Ile was the "young man" mentioned by Thomas Shillitoe in his Journal. See " Friends' Library," vol. iii, pp. 410 and 411.
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Meeting, which were forwarded to Westfield Monthly Meeting, Ohio, within the limits of which they set- tled. It being about the time of the separation in those parts, it was his lot again to contend with diffi- culties on that account; but by keeping a single eye to that which had been his support in times past, he was enabled to bear all with cheerfulness, often giving a word of encouragement to the family, and manifest- ing a concern for their spiritual welfare in providing a suitable way for them to get to religious meetings. A love of retirement and reading the Holy Scriptures were strongly inculcated by his example, frequently desiring them to recur to the example of their deceased parent in that respect. In the year 1833, he married, and soon after settled in the limits of this meeting.
The subject of this memorial was here remarkable, in his social relations, for uprightness, candor and benevolence, and for the clearness and energy of his mind. As a member of our religious society, he was orderly in his general deportment, and particularly guarded in his conversation; was punctual in the attendance of meetings, and manifested a becoming zeal for the support of our Christian discipline. Ile evinced a particular concern that the reputation of society might be preserved unspotted, and that our religious principles and testimonies might be main- tained in their original purity, and impressed on the minds of the rising generation. In treating with
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offenders, he appeared peculiarly gifted ; his labors being close, and in that love which seeketh to restore. In the winter and spring of 1839, he was engaged with some other friends in the arduous task of visit- ing the families of this meeting; in which service he was much devoted, being frequently led to speak to those with whom he was connected in the service of the importance of their engagement, and of the neces- sity of their avoiding all conversation calculated to draw their minds away from that source of divine good to which alone they should look, that they might be favored to feel His living and divine presence to go with them ; and in His pure, gentle and heavenly love and wisdom, be favored to labor availingly among the members of Ilis church ; in all of which he was an ex- cellent example, often speaking in families to the ten- dering of those who heard him. He frequently ex- pressed much concern that the first day of the week might be properly employed, being himself a con- sistent example, in religious reading and retirement. Ilis interest in the literary and religious improvement of the people of color was evident; frequently remind- ing his fellow-members of those duties connected with our testimony against slavery, and by his own active labors among those objects of compassion within his reach. Shortly previous to his last illness, he was rather unusually exercised, particularly in his own family, where, among other religious engagements, he was frequently led into vocal supplication.
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JOSEPH B. HUNT.
On the 27th of Eighth month, 1839, he was taken ill of congestive fever, which soon appeared serious, and at one time he said to his wife, that he did not know how it might terminate; but be that as it would, death was no terror to him; but he hoped if there was anything in his way, it would be made manifest. On being informed that his mother had taken the fever, he said: "Well, I cannot think that Providence in- tends this for a judgment, but that it is in mercy, that Ile may bring us to live nearer to him, or to take some of us to himself."
He manifested much concern during his sickness for the Christian instruction and education of his children, observing at one time that he felt concerned to express something of it in his Will, that those into whose hands it might fall, might know that he died in full faith in the doctrines and discipline of the Society of Friends, as well as to secure, as much as possible, the object of his desire for his children. That document was, there- fore, produced, and the following items inserted, viz : " The guarded religious education of my children being a subject of more concern and anxiety with me than the estate I may leave them, I feel an earnest solicitude that their education may be such as to keep them, as much as possible, out of the way of evil example ; that they may receive their education under the guardian care of the Society of Friends ; and that they be carly made acquainted with the doctrines of the Christian religion as contained in the
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البس اللهم صلعلى ١ مصدارى
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Holy Scriptures, and professed and believed in by said society; and in order more effectually to secure this important and desirable object, I hereby nominate and appoint my beloved friend, , as the guar- dian of their persons jointly with their mother; and if it should ever be necessary to place either or all of them as apprentices, I wish them to be careful to place them among Friends, preferring those whose care and example will be most likely to conduce to their preservation."
A few days before his departure, feeling his mind again drawn toward those objects of his tender regard, he called upon a friend who was present to write from his lips some advice which he felt concerned to leave them; informing that he wished first copied a few lines left to him and his brothers and sisters by their deccased parent. He then proceeded to deliver, in sentences, the following, viz :
" Dear Children :- As it appears likely that I shall not have the opportunity of personally watching over you, and feeling a deep interest for your eternal wel- fare, I am induced to recommend the following advice to your serious attention. First, I adopt and recom- inend the foregoing instructions left by your grand- father to his children. Next, I may observe, that it is a great satisfaction that I am likely to leave you where you will receive the benefits of a guarded religious education, under the superintendence of the
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Society of Friends, which may, if you are faithful, prove a great blessing to you. But O! remember that you are by nature fallen, and that you cannot be restored therefrom, except by yielding obedience to that gift of divine' grace which has been purchased for you through the mediation of Christ. Look upon this inward gift as your best friend ; for although it will lead you in the way of the cross, yet being faith- fully attended to, it will restore you into oneness and sweet communion with the Author of your existence, than which no greater happiness can be realized in this life ; especially as this state, if continued in, hath the promise of that which is to come. And in order that you slight not the gift alluded to, be careful fre- quently to devote some time to wait upon it in silence; this will not disqualify you for the cheerful discharge of your social and domestic duties. Be obedient to the wishes of your dear tribulated mother, and of such Friends as are concerned to join with her in watching over you for good; studiously avoid the company of those who make a jest of religion. I
desire you frequently, with dependent minds, to peruse the Holy Scriptures. Conform to the salutary requi- sitions of our discipline in regard to plainness of dress and address. I may inform you, that I believe I should have escaped much trouble and anxiety had I more unreservedly yielded my will to the divine will, as I have recommended you to do, which makes me carnestly press upon you, that you acknowledge
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Ilim in all your ways, so shall He direct your paths. In conclusion, above all, be careful not to grieve the Holy Spirit.
" So, in dear love, farewell."
He also requested the reflections on the alotment of Providence in the varied condition of mankind, by John Thorp, added as a part of his farewell address to his children.
During the progress of his illness, he evinced great patience under suffering, which was no less remarka- able than his sympathy with the sufferings of others. At one time he contrasted his situation, and the kind and watchful attention paid him with that of the sick slave, who he doubted not, was often left to struggle out his miserable existence with very little done to relieve his sufferings. Indeed his expressions of grat- itude for the attention that was paid him, were fre- quent and affecting.
To a number of Friends, he spoke at one time of the unlawful desire of lawful things, even where riches were not aimed at ; yet an undue anxiety would often prevail to be accommodated with such things as in our own wills we might wish, not enough restricting our desires to the real necessaries of life-food to eat and raiment to put on. Another time he expressed his concern, and very feelingly impressed it on those who heard him, that Friends should be more careful to de- mean themselves soberly when in public companies,
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believing that increased watchfulness and care in that respect were essentially necessary to our growth and prosperity as a people, and to our individual advance- ment in the truth. HIe earnestly desired Friends' attention to those who, in this newly settled country, were unable to read, expressing his belief that a bless- ing might attend our looking after such, and devising means whereby portions of the Holy Scriptures might be read to them.
At one time, after a friend who had called to see him had taken his leave, he called him back, and in an affectionate and impressive manner, urged upon him the practice of the daily perusal of the Holy Scriptures in his family. He added, "I am aware of the difficulties that lie in the way of a faithful per- formance of this duty, from the nature of thy busi-
ness. I know that those who serve the public are liable to continual encroachments on their leisure; but I believe if thou wilt give up to make the trial in simple faith, thou wilt find that a way will be opened for thee beyond thy expectation. Thy business is a necessary and useful one; and of course, nothing in the nature of it incompatible with the faithful per- formance of religious duty. Thou hast been regular in the attendance of religious meetings, and thy ex- ample in this respect may have a greater influence on others than thou art aware of."
To a young woman who inquired of him how he was, he replied, " I am no better. I do not think I
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shall get well. I am willing to go. I can see nothing in my way. I think I shall be accepted, although it is not by my own works or anything I have ever done, but by and through a merciful Saviour." He then expressed his concern for her, that she might improve and be prepared for death, etc.
To some relations who. had visited him and were about to take their leave, he exclaimed : " Oh, let us remember, that we are cared for by the same superin- tending Providence, when afflicted as when blessed with health and prosperity. Be faithful stewards-do your day's work in the day-time-be not conformed to this world, etc .- desire above all things to bring glory to God: if this is your chiefest concern, such times of bodily affliction as I now experience, will be but as an evening preceding a bright day ;" with some other instructive remarks, desiring, "if consistent with the divine will, to be freed from the shackles of mor- tality.", With regard to his children, he said : "I am not troubled. My Saviour will be their Saviour, if they are his. O, that they may be his, not only by creation, but by adoption, also."
At another time : " I feel willing to die though no merit of mine, I have nothing to trust in, nothing to build my hopes of salvation upon but the mercies of a gracious and bountiful Creator, and the merits of a glorious Redeemer, who laid down his life for us, and has ascended up on high and sitteth at the right hand
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of the divine Majesty, making intercession for poor fallen man."
At another time he said to his wife, that it had been a great trial to him to look toward leaving her and the children, but, continued he, "I have prayed for you, and I believe there will be a way made for you, far more easy than thou thinkest for ; but O don't be too anxious about how thou wilt get along, or spend too much time in providing or laying up for thy chil- dren. I know it is right to be industrious and pro- vide for our families, yet I do not think it takes near as much as some think it does. Be careful, as much as circumstances will admit, to read daily the Scrip- tures in retirement, for it has been a great satisfaction to me that we have spent a part of our time in this way. It is also a satisfaction that I gave up to attend to some society concerns, particularly in treating with offenders and visiting families." Ilis wife asking him if he saw anything in his way, he said : "O no; but O remember, ever remember, that it is nothing that I have ever done." On one of his sisters coming into the room, and he observing her to be affected, he said, "Don't, dear sister, mourn, but rather rejoice, there is no cause for mourning."
At a time near his close, a friend inquired how he felt ; he replied, "I am very weak;" then forcibly pressing the hand of his friend, he added :
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PATIENCE SLEEPER.
""Tis immortality-'tis that alone, Amid life's pains, abasements, emptiness, The soul can comfort, elevate, and fill."
In reply to a similar question at another time, he answered, "I am seeking for holy help, to enable me to bear whatever Infinite wisdom may see meet to lay upon me."
About noon of the day of his departure, he asked those present why they did not dress his blisters. Ilis wife told him they did not think he would stay much longer. He then, with a pleasant look and much composure, nodded his assent; took leave of her, desiring her, when she saw him going not to give way to immoderate grief, as he wished to depart quietly away.
Some time after, when in great suffering, he said : " O Lord be pleased to release me if consistent with thy divine will, but not my will but thine be done ;" and shortly after breathed his last.
PATIENCE SLEEPER.
Compiled from a Memorial of Sugar River Monthly Meeting, Indiana.
HER parents were Jacob and Casandria Borrough, and she was born in Philadelphia, Second month,
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17th, 1767. They removed, with their family, about the year 1784, to the State of New York, and settled at a considerable distance from any meeting of Friends. She was united in marriage with Samuel Sleeper in the year 1787.
In early life her mind was at times awakened to the necessity of a religious life and conduct, and as she yielded obedience to the Holy Spirit, she grew in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
She manifested her zeal for the truth, by her per- severance in the attendance of religious meetings at considerable distance, in the newly settled country, and under many outward difficulties. About the year 1796, she felt herself called upon to declare to others the goodness of God to her soul, and to call upon others to partake of the merey of God through Jesus Christ.
She was also concerned for the right education of her children, and was frequently engaged in reading a portion of the Holy Scriptures in her family, and of solemn silence before the Lord. She several times performed considerable journeys on horseback to visit small companies of Friends, who were scattered over the then wilderness country where they resided.
They removed to Stroudsburgh, Pennsylvania, about the year 1810, and in three or four years after her gift and calling as a minister of the gospel, was ac- knowledged by Richland Monthly Meeting, Penn.
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They afterward removed in 1817, to Ohio; and in in 1836, to Sugar River Monthly Meeting, Indiana, Notwithstanding the many outward changes she had to pass through, the salvation of her own soul and the spiritual welfare of her fellow-mortals, seem to have been the primary object of her life, and she was frequently engaged, with the concurrence of her friends, in visiting in the love of the gospel, friends and others in different parts of the United States, which visits appear to have been performed to the peace and com- fort of her own mind and to the satisfaction of her friends.
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