USA > Indiana > Memorials of deceased friends who were members of Indiana Yearly Meeting : published by direction of the Yearly Meeting > Part 7
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Hle was born in the eastern part of the State of Virginia, the 31st day of the Twelfth month, 1777.
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His parents were Abidan and Sarah Bailey, members of the religious Society of Friends; who were con- cerned to train their children consistently with their profession ; his mother died when he was quite young, and his father several years before he arrived at man's estate.
In the year 1804, he emigrated to the State of Ohio, and in the year 1807, he was married to Mary Haworth, daughter of George and Susannah Haworth, and was favored to raise a large family of children. Ilis uprightness, simplicity, and benevolence tended not only to endear him to his friends and family, but to gain the esteem of his acquaintance generally.
Ile occupied the station of an Elder, upward of twenty years, manifesting a sincere concern for the advancement of truth, and encouraging Friends, by precept and example, to a faithful discharge of the religious duty of attending all their meetings for Wor- ship and Discipline. Although he was a person of but few words, his labors for the maintainance of our various testimonies, and the strict observance of the order and discipline of our Society, were marked with much fervency of mind.
He participated with Friends in the painful exercise occasioned by two separations in the Society, within the limits of Indiana Yearly Meeting, and manifested an unshaken belief in the fundamental doctrines of the Christian religion as held by our predecessors.
The last separation took place a little before his last
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illness, which gave him much deep concern of mind, particularly on account of several members of his own Monthly Meeting, who were disposed to join with the seceders, which concern was manifested by much tender and pathetic expostulation with some of them who came to see him before his death, desiring them to remember it as his last admonition for their good.
A few weeks before his last illness, he was engaged as one of a committee of our Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, in visiting the members of that body with their families, and expressed much satisfac- tion in attending to the service. Before it was fully accomplished he was taken ill with a fever, though not entirely confined for a week or more at first, in which time he observed that although he felt himself weak- ening fast he had no pain, but of nights could fre- quently lie quiet and comfortable in body and mind, which he considered a peculiar favor. His fever con- tinuing to increase, he was seized with a violent pain in his side, which soon produced symptoms of disso- lution. A physician was called in, and medicine seemed to produco some relief, ho being favored at intervals with ease, for which he remarked there was a cause of thankfulness. During the latter part of that night he slept comfortably, and in the morning he appeared to be refreshed. On seeing the sun shine soon after it rose, he very pleasantly said : "The sun is shining once more," and a friend replying that it was a very pleasant morning, he responded, "yes, to
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me the pleasantest morning that I have ever known, and it is marvelous to me."
Ile continued to express the boundless love he felt in his heart toward our great and good Creator, and toward all his creatures.
At another time he said to one of his daughters, "I have been favored beyond what I ever expected ; my heart is full of love to every body, but I do not know whether this is a sign that I shall leave this world or not; my children feel very near and dear to me, more particularly when I think of parting with them." At another time said, " It is marvelous how I have been weaned from the things of this world ; my outward affairs are no more to me than the leaves of the trees." On Third-day morning he grew worse, with much difficulty of breathing, and his wife being called into the room, he said to her, " I am going," she being much affected, he added, "the Lord will bless thee." Ile then desired all his children to be sent for, which being done, when they arrived, and were mostly collected in the room, he first addressed those who had the care of rising families of children, desiring them to be mindful of their dear offspring, and bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, and to instruct them by precept and exam- ple in the principles of our religious Society. After which he exclaimed, "Oh ! it is a joyful day to me, though it may seem strange to some; my body is very much distressed, but the Lord's favor to me is
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beyond expression," continuing, as at many other times to considerable length, in expressions of praise and adoration to his bountiful Redeemer, in language which cannot be correctly recited. In a short time afterward added, " O, it has been a great comfort to me to think that all of my children are within the pale of our So- ciety."
Shortly after expressed himself nearly in the same language, " What a great satisfaction it is when I am about to leave this world, that I can leave all my chil- dren under the care of so good a Society ;" desiring them to duly appreciate such a privilege, and espe- cially to be careful in the attendance of meetings, in a right disposition of mind. Then taking his wife by the hand, he said, "I wish thou couldst feel just as I do."
Then calling his two youngest sons, said to them : "I desire you to remember your mother (for she will have much upon her) and assist her to get to meet- ings, though meetings should come in a very busy time, no matter; leave your outward business and take her to meetings, and you will be rewarded for it." Pain coming on very severe, he said : " Lord have mercy on me, for in thee alone do I put my trust."
On Fifth-day, being in a sweet frame of mind, he frequently said to those about him, " I am in no pain, but feel very pleasant." Speaking further of the boundless love that filled his heart, and which over- flowed to the whole human family, and expressing
للمس بالا كولا أمن
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gratitude and thanks to his gracious Redeemer for his many and continued favors to him. To some of his children that were in the room with him, he said : "O, how good it is that I have my children around me." After a short pause he continued, " I desire to ask, if you felt the tender love that I now feel; I have sought after it when laboring in my fields; I have craved it more than my ordinary food. I desire you to strive after it; I want you seek for it when you are in meetings."
Although he manifested much piety in life, and had experienced, as we believe, in a large degree, the reno- vating influence of the love of God in his heart, which works repentance, purifies the soul, and through mercy and forgiveness, and that redemption which comes through our Lord Jesus Christ, renders it fit for the kingdom of heaven, yet he had an humble opinion of his own religious attainments.
On the day before his decease, he expressed to those who were present, that he had thought at the begin- ning of his sickness, that much still lay on him to do, but he had since found the burden taken away, through the tender mercy of the Lord, no doubt; whereupon ho broke forth, "O, praises be unto him who hath helped me! O, how can I forbear to praise so gracious a Redeemer !" Then en- treating all who were present to seek an interest in Christ.
On the evening before his departure, he said to one
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of his daughters who stood by his bedside, " I desire thee not to set thy mind too much on the things of this world, but set it on things above, and prepare to meet me in heaven; this has been my prayer for thee." It being evident that death was fast approach- ing, his sons were called in, and his brother informed him that his four sons were all present, if he wished to see them. IIe looked on them, and said : "Ah ! I am almost gone, and I want you to settle all your affairs in peace, and never let in hardness on any occasion, never let it have place within your breasts, for if you do it will ruin your peace ; and further, as you are passing through the world, and in the necessary intercourse with men, you, no doubt, at some time, will apprehend you are wronged, or unjustly treated ; but never let in any hardness against any mortal, but rather suffer wrong, for it will destroy the sweet peace.
That evening, a few hours before his departure, he took a solemn leave of his physician, expressing his satisfaction with his attendance, and a hope that they would meet again in heaven.
It would exceed the design of this short account of our dear friend to attempt to set down in detail all his impressive language, he being much engaged the last three days of his life to counsel his family, and friends who came to visit him, being desirous that all might come to see the beauty of holiness, and to have a foretaste of the glorious reward of the righteous in 11
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heaven, in the prospect of which he often broke forth in very moving and sublime ejaculations and praise to his glorious Redeemer, even to his own admiration, as he expressed, saying that he seemed constrained to do so, and that he could not hold his peace.
Notwithstanding the violent pains of death which racked his frame, he was favored with understanding and a composed mind, and made some remarks on the manner of his burial, expressing a desire he had often felt that Friends, on such occasions, may be duly thoughtful of good order, in affording opportunity at the grave for a pause, suited to the solemn occasion, and that common or unnecessary conversation might be refrained from when met at the house in order to accompany the corpse. Then he said, "I now feel clear, and leave it to the judgment of Friends to do as they think right."
A few minutes before his.close, he requested those around his bed to let him alone, and not trouble in the conflict. A few more struggles ended the suffering scene. Ilis spirit being released from its earthly tab- ernacle, took its flight forever to dwell, we reverently trust, in the presence of his Lord and Saviour. IIc departed this life the 12th of the Seventh month, 1844. Ilis remains were interred at Dover Meeting- house, on First-day, the 14th of the same month pre- ceding the public meeting for Worship, which was large and solemn.
Let the Elders that rule well be accounted worthy
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of double honor, 1 Tim. v, 17, and we can in no way so truly honor their memory as by following their good example, and yielding obedience in uprightness of heart to the word of divine grace, by which they obtained a good report, and through faith and patience inherit the promises.
ELIZABETH BOND.
A Memorial of Dover Monthly Meeting of Friends, Indiana, concerning that worthy Elder in the Church, 'ELIZABETH BOND, who died on the 13th of the Fourth month, 1848, aged nearly ninety-three years, having been a Minister about sixty-seven years.
THIS, our beloved friend, Elizabeth Bond, was the daughter of Thomas and Sarah Beales, respectable members of the Society of Friends, in Guilford county, North Carolina, where she was born on the 25th of Fourth month, 1755.
When she was young, her parents removed and set- tled in the limits of Westfield Monthly Meeting, in Stokes county, of which she was a member for many years. She was favored to yield obedience to the ten- dering visitations and impressions of divine love made on her mind, when quite young, often seeking places of retirement; and through the operations of Divine
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Grace was favored with an evidence of being near to Ilim, who said, " Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Thus she experienced preservation from many of the vanities and follies that young people are often led into.
In the twentieth year of her age, she was married to Samuel Bond, a worthy Friend, whom she found to be a true helpmeet, both temporal and spiritual, and was soon afterward appointed to the service of an over- seer, which station she filled to the satisfaction of her friends for several years, being well qualified therefor, and careful to wait for right openings to speak to offenders.
About this time impressions became strong on her mind that if faithful, she would be called to the work of the ministry ; very fervent were the breathings of her soul, to the Heavenly Father, for strength to per- form his will, and being instructed in the school of Christ, she came forth very acceptably in the minis- try, in the twenty-sixth year of her age.
Being anxious to learn to read, as she was utterly destitute of any literary education, she devoted such portions of her time as could be spared from the cares of an increasing family to that purpose, and with her husband's assistance, learned to read the Holy Serip- tures and other useful writings, to her great satis- faction.
In 1812, her dear and much beloved husband was
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removed from works to rewards, yet under so great a trial, by dwelling in a state of true resignation to the divine will, her mind was borne up under this severe affliction.
She had been frequently, previous to the death of her husband, engaged in visiting the meetings belong- ing to her own Yearly Meeting, likewise in the weighty service of visiting families, and in the fall of the year 1812, with the approbation of her friends, she visited some of the meetings of Friends in Ohio and Indiana, and returned with the reward of peace.
In 1814, she removed, with her family, and settled within the limits of Whitewater Monthly Meeting, Indiana, and by the setting up of new meetings, she subsequently became a member of Dover Monthly Meeting.
In 1820, with the unity of her friends, she visited most of the meetings of Friends belonging to North Carolina Yearly Meeting, much to the relief and com- fort of her mind, and, by accounts received, to the satisfaction of those where her lot was cast. After her visit to North Carolina, she was frequently en- gaged in visiting the meetings and the families of Friends, within the limits of her own Yearly Meeting, until a very advanced age.
She was a diligent attender of meetings, frequently walking three, and sometimes four, miles to attend them, being disabled from riding on horseback, and she continued faithful in the performance of this reli-
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gious duty as long as her bodily strength would admit. On one occasion, which she afterward several times spoke of as an encouragement to others, she said that when about starting to mecting, great difficulties were cast up before her-her lameness, and the badness of the roads were such that she would not be able to get there-and making a little halt with her mind turned inward, a language appeared to be uttered-Go, and I will go with thee-remember David would not offer that unto the Lord that cost him nothing-a light seemed to shine round about her, and she went on- it was a highly favored meeting, and, said she, "I returned home much better, and with a thankful heart."
She was a tender mother, a good neighbor, and a true sympathizer with the poor and afflicted ; and as a minister, sound in doctrine, carefully waiting for a right qualification, her testimonies being clear and edifying, and mostly delivered in few words.
She bore a faithful testimony against a spirit of in- subordination to the wholesome discipline and order of our society, and of unbelief in the doctrines of the Christian religion as held by Friends; and in times of deep trials among Friends, on account of a dividing spirit that was permitted to enter, she stood as an up- right pillar, firmly established on the sure rock, and was remarkably favored with a clear discernment, as was plainly manifested by her appropriate remarks concerning the state of meetings and individuals.
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Notwithstanding she was, in a great degree, deprived of hearing in her latter years, yet she was as a mes- senger, often encouraging the faithful to hold on their way, and warning the disobedient, inviting them to return, repent and live.
In the ninetieth year of her age, she visited all the families belonging to her own Monthly Meeting, and when it was finished, she said she believed it was her last visit ; for it seemed like a farewell to her friends in their families, and she felt the reward of peace.
In the latter part of her life, she often expressed her deep concern that the ministry in our society might be kept pure in the simplicity, in the life and power of truth, clear of the wisdom of men ; and also that Friends would come more from under the influ- ence and love of this world, and be more a spiritually minded people, living more according to our profession than many do in the present day.
Iler humility and simplicity in manners and dress greatly adorned the doctrines she held forth to others. She often said her dear Lord and Master would never, in any age of her life, give her leave to follow the vain and changing fashions and customs of this world; but that her clothing and the furniture of her house should be plain and simple. She said : "I have, in latter days, had to view, with sorrow of heart, many Friends, professing to be a plain people, and to bear the name of Christ, but denying him in the decoration of their poor bodies, after the vain fashions and customs of
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this world, and in the ornamental furniture of their houses ; yet I believe there are many who feel bound to the law and the testimony, and who often have to mourn on account of these things; and it has been my prayer that there might be more faithful laborers raised up to stand in the gap, and to turn the battle to the gate."
She was mostly confined to the house for nearly two years before her decease; but being favored with a clear understanding, many weighty expressions and remarks dropped from her lips.
At a Preparative Meeting of ministers and elders, held at the house where she lived, by her request, a few weeks before her decease, she was remarkably favored in testimony, and spoke much of the goodness of the Lord to poor fallen man, encouraging those present to faithfulness in serving their Divine Master, and pressing upon them the necessity of keeping up the watch unto prayer, saying: "I find it necessary for me to watch yet."
At one time, she expressed that she had, in the present affliction, been favored with a peaceful mind, and she felt the love of the Father to be near to sup- port, and that she loved the Lord above all things. My dear children and grandchildren and my dear friends feel very near; but I can give them all up, though I love them with the Father's love ; and I feel it for my dear friends everywhere-I feel that I love them with the love of the Father.
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The remainder of her days, her conversation, both in the family and to those who called to see her, evinced that her mind was stayed on that treasure that faileth not.
On Fifth-day night, the 6th day of Fourth month, about one week before her departure, she was taken with a pain in the stomach and great soreness, which she had been subject to for many years, but of late more frequently. She continued quite unwell until First-day, then seemed to mend until Third-day, when she said she felt nearly as well as common, but said that it seemed to her that her days were near an end, and that she had desired that she might continue to feel a sense of the goodness of the Lord, which had been granted; for she was favored with the sweet incomes of the Master's love.
About daylight on Fourth-day morning, the pain returned in her stomach, with a severe cough, which continued till about noon, when the cough left her, which she said was a great favor, the pain still con- tinuing ; and being told she was near the Kingdom, she replied : "I hope to find entrance, and it is a comfortable hope, as I have a clear evidence of acceptance."
About two hours before her decease, she asked what time it was, and being told, she said: "I am here yet, and I do not know how much longer I shall remain here; but I hope the Lord will give me patience to bear all that Ho may be pleased to lay
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upon me;" and then, in a very solemn manner, said : "Death, death ! what a solemn thing it is when rightly thought of; and it is my greatest desire that all may be truly given up to the Great Potter, to be just what He may be pleased to make of them, and to do His will, that they may witness and know a being qualified and prepared to enter the kingdom of heaven."
A little before her close, those around were brought into much sympathy and tenderness on seeing her sufferings so great. She was asked what she wanted done; she replied : " Nothing that you can do, but I desire to wait patiently; yet if it is the Lord's will to take me now, it will be a welcome release."
She was quite sensible to the last, and having done her day's work in the daytime, was no doubt found ready to render up her accounts with joy, and she quietly passed away a little before eleven o'clock on Fifth-day evening, the 13th of Fourth month, 1818. A solemn covering was spread over the minds of those present, and the language of Holy Writ was brought into remembrance-" Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints," and "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."
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JOHN JAY ..
A Memorial of Mill Creek Monthly Meeting of Friends, Ohio, concerning JOHN JAY, deceased.
" Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth ; yca, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."
THE memory of our late dear friend, JOHN JAY, being precious to many of us, we are induced to pre- pare a brief account of him, hoping that his example of uprightness, simplicity and love of the truth, to- gether with his peaceful close, may encourage others to follow him as he followed Christ.
He was born in South Carolina, the 12th day of the Ninth month, 1800. His parents, Jesse and Sarah Jay, were members of the religious Society of Friends. About the third year of his age, his father removed from South Carolina, and settled in the State of Ohio, where he, having to encounter the disadvantages of settling a new country, and being in limited circum- stances, our friend, had not the opportunity of acquir- ing much school learning.
On the subject of his education, he remarks, that having the Holy Scriptures for a reading book at school, was a source of much comfort and advantage to mne, lasting impressions being made thereby, and a
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love begotten in my mind for the sacred truths therein recorded. .
"I had a sense given me, in very early life, of the Divine Being; that it was in Ilim I lived, moved and had my being; and from the same I felt condemna- tion for evil, and justified for well doing. But O! how often have I disobeyed and grieved His Holy Spirit ! for I gave way to associate with bad company, for which I often felt condemnation. But the merci- ful God was pleased to visit me again and again, and I have at times, when obedient to manifested duty, on seeing my associates coming to my father's house on the first day of the week, who I knew were coming for sport and vanity, taken the Bible, concealed myself and spent my time in reading; and O! the joy and peace I experienced for so doing. In the twenty- second year of his age, he was married to Keturah Hollingsworth, who proved to be a sympathizing com- panion, and prepared to unite with him in a self-deny- ing course of Christian dedication. After entering into this important engagement, and having the charge of an increasing family, he suffered not the cares of this life to prevent him and his family from attending religious meetings, or attending to other religious duties ; and was truly exemplary in his life and conversation among men, and concerned for the right maintenance of the principles of our religious society, evidencing to those who knew him that his concern was more to lay up treasure in heaven than
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to become great and rich in this world; and as he thus lived in the way of self-denial, willing to bear the cross of Christ, he became more and more useful in religious society; and about the thirty-fourth year of his age, he came forth in the ministry; and al- though he was but short in communication, yet the evidence was sealed on the minds of Friends, that he was led therein by that Power which alone can rightly qualify for His work; and in the thirty-ninth year of his age, he was recommended to the station of a minister.
Ilis concern was great for the welfare of our reli- gious society, and that its members should live con- sistently with the profession they were making to the world. To the lukewarm, and those who seemed in- different in regard to their religious duties, he was concerned to speak closely, and he manifested a lively interest for the religious and guarded education of of the youth. Strong were his pleadings with them to turn their backs upon the many vain and transitory things of time, which, as they are indulged in, lead their minds away from the truth; often exhorting them to remember their Creator in the days of their youth, and setting before them the necessity of bow- ing before that Almighty Power, unto whom we must all render an account of the deeds done in the body.
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