USA > Pennsylvania > Bucks County > Falls in Bucks County > Historical sketches, chiefly relating to the early settlement of Friends at Falls, in Bucks County, Pennsylvania > Part 2
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6
1
i .
27
OF FRIENDS IN BUCKS COUNTY.
on the west bank of what is generally called Biles Creck. being a portion of the Delaware River which circumscribes the western and southern borders of the fertile Island bearing the name of Biles: this house has been repre- sented by tradition, and from the initials in- scribed upon it, as the homestead of William Biles: but it, probably, was the second house he had erected on the same site. There is a large and fertile farin appended to this ancient habitation, and, upon a portion thereof. until, . comparatively speaking, recent times, was pointed out a burial ground containing the remains of slaves, which is now obliterated. It, manifestly, would be in vain to undertake to disguise the assumption, that there were those in fellowship with friends, among the early settlers at the Falls, who held slaves: but be it also said of them that the evil of slavery was early recognized, and the system abandoned.
William Darke. Lyonel Brittain and Wil- liam Beaks were also of the number who were instrumental in the first establishment of
28
HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
Falls Monthly Meeting, and its records are evidence of their activity and usefulness in the transaction of its business. Of their his- tory but little is now known; they, probably, were drawn hither by the attractions of civil and religious liberty, where they might pub- licly worship, maintain their peculiarities, and support all their principles, unmolested by mobs, and rude and unfeeling Officials of Government: the confiscation of property. and tedious and suffering imprisonment, which generally followed the faithful support of Friend's doctrines and testimonies in England in those days.
29
OF FRIENDS IN BUCKS COUNTY ..
CHAP. III.
Falls Monthly Meeting of Friends was organized in the third month, 1683, and its sessions have been continued through a space of time amounting to within a few months of two hundred years. The first Book of Records contains the minutes of the meeting for about . half a century; the language exhibits the abbreviations and peculiarities of the old English style, and the minutes, for years, are recorded in the handwriting of Phineas Per- berton. The first page of this Book of Records contains the following title: " A record of the proceedings of the Men's Monthly Meeting, held near the Falls of the Delaware, in the County of Bucks, and Province of Pennsyl- vania." under which the following passages of Scripture are written :
" Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him, let him know that he which converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall
.
30
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
hide a multitude of sins. JAMES, 5th CHAP. 19, 20th VERSE.
"Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. I TIM., 5th CHAP., 20th VERSE.
" A man that is a heretic, after the first and second admonition reject, knowing that he that is such, is subverted, and sinneth, being con- demned of himself. Tires, 3d CHAP. 10, 11th VERSE.
"For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God. TIM .. Bd ('HAP., 5th VERSE."
On the succeeding page appears a record of the proceedings of the first Falls Monthly Meeting: it exhibits reasons why it was set up, and describes other incidents relating to its organization, being as follows :
" At a meeting at William Biles' house, the 2d day of the third month. 1683, then held to wait upon the Lord for his wisdom, to hear what should be offered. in order to inspect into the affairs of the Church, that all things might be kept therein sweet and savory to the Lord. and by our care over the Church, helpful in
-
31
OF FRIENDS IN BUCKS COUNTY.
the work of God, and we, whose names follow, being present, thought it fit and necessary that a monthly meeting should be set up of both men and women Friends, and that this meeting to be the first of the men's meetings after our arrival in these parts. William Yardley, James Harrison, Phineas Pemberton, William Biles, William Darke, Lyonel Brittain, Wil- liam Beakes."
The monthly meeting being thus organized and prepared to proceed to business, but one . subject appears to have claimed its attention. A member being disposed to take the usual preliminary steps toward proceeding in mar- riage. had laid his intentions before Burlington Monthly Meeting. where Falls Friends were represented previous to the establishment of their own; but it being out of his power at that time to produce a certificate of member- ship from England, Friends of Burlington were unwilling to grant permission for further proceeding until greater clearness appeared. The said intentions were now proposed in this first monthly meeting at the Falls, but no
32
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
certificate of membership being yet produced, and Friends at Falls not being sufficiently inforined of the position occupied by Burling- ton Meeting in relation to its proceeding in the case, obstructions were recognized. Falls Friends appear to have been very desirous that this marriage should not take place until, as they said, way opened with more clearness for it : they did not relax labor for the purpose of attaining this desirable object, but as faith- ful watchmen upon the walls of their Zion, they were slow to hazard the reputation of their profession, whereby truth might suffer: they therefore, administered this advice to the parties, that they should " wait in patience until Friends were satisfied in it." We may, therefore, well suppose that these earnest advocates of order were much grieved to hear that the marriage had been accomplished out of the order of society, which information was reported to the next monthly meeting. and Friends were not backward in placing the prin- cipal offender under dealing. An abridged narrative of the proceedings appertaining to
-
.
:
33
OF FRIENDS IN BUCKS COUNTY.
the case, has been introduced chiefly for the purpose of bringing into view the great care- fulness of both Falls and Burlington Meet- ings. in endeavoring to guard their pro- fession against reproach, together with their manifestation of effort to establish and to sustain the general prevalence of good order: these objects and purposes include the information contained in the quaint document from Burlington. And although there may be those in this, our day. who do not look upon such departure as among the offences of high grade, it is manifest that our prim- itive friends at Falls and at Burlington, did view this transgression as a matter of grave importance, involving the deep. religious con- cernment of their pious minds; they, probably. felt bound to be faithful in dealing with all grades of transgression. The document from Burlington, partly by way of Epistle, and partly by way of current proceedings, is as follows:
.
-
34
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
"To our dear friends and brethren in the . monthly meeting for the County of Bucks, in Pennsylvania :
" Dear friends, with love unfeigned in the holy covenant of life, do we greet and tenderly salute you, blessing God for the holy com- munion and fellowship which he hath gra- ciously brought his people into, and doth defend and preserve them in, where being kept. our greatest care will be for the honor of God, and the good of his people. Dear friends. we are comforted concerning many of you. being fully assured of your integrity and service in the Lord, and are glad our lot has fallen so near each other, and do desire that in this service and work of God, which he is car- rying on here as well as elsewhere, and will make glorious in his time, we may be all packed together, and knit in that holy bond, which the strongest powers of darkness are not able to break.
. Dear friends, as to the business of-
and his friend, we are informed that he has a certificate come, and, therefore, our exercise as .
:
1753048
OF FRIENDS IN BUCKS COUNTY.
35 1
to that is at an end; yet, still, we are desirous, according to our former intentions. to give you a naked serious account. Wherefore, we have laid such an injunction on all, of having certi- ficates when their marriages were presented, · that came single and marriageable into this country. We had many marriages that came before us where little could be certified con- cerning the persons, yet earnestly pressing the accomplishment of the matter, which became a great strait and exercise to honest friends on whom God had laid the care of his honor. Yet. for a time, in condescension did permit such marriages, constantly expressing our- selves not satisfied therewith. still desiring that care might be taken for the future, that things too doubtful and dangerous might not be put upon us ; requesting the care and help of Friends in England to inform such as come over, that they might bring certificates with them; giving notice through our respective meetings that it was expected : also, informing all how they might be helped by the monthly meeting here in their sending. Yet. notwith-
:
-
36
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
standing it was allowed, and the old practice continued and grew amongst us, and the bur- then of the upright grew with it, some alleging that such and such were passed and why not we. So, finding it of that dangerous conse- quence, and that it strengthened the wrong, and hurt the good, we can say, in the sight of God and his people, a necessity was laid upon us to do what we did, singly eyeing the glory of God. and the advancement of His truth in .it. So. not doubting that we shall be felt, and credited. and strengthened by you herein, we subscribe ourselves by order, and on the be- half of our men's monthly meeting, the 2d of the fifth month. 1653, your friends and breth- ren in the love and travails of the truth."
SAMUEL JENNINGS, THOMAS BUDD.
This specimen of the mode of transacting the affairs of the Church in the youthful days of Falls Monthly Meeting, is with its accompani- ments, a narrative not wholly uninteresting in character : an erring brother, slighting the counsel of his friends, and persisting in his
.....
-
·
:
:
37
OF FRIENDS IN BUCKS COUNTY.
own will, brought much trouble and distress upon himself, and also an abundance of labor and solicitude to his friends. extending through several months. All doubt as to his member- ship was shortly after his marriage removed by the arrival of a certificate from England. His position and stumbling were treated by his friends with firmness, but with much forbearance. and long continued affectionate care and labor. and he was finally brought to an humble acknowledgment of his error, and making suitable concessions by condemnation thereof, was continued in membership.
This narrative discloses the carefulness and fidelity of some of our predecessors, in the cause of order and righteousness : the friends that stood as pillars in the Church in those days, were evidently very watchful over the purity and consistency of their own lives; and though they were friends of very tender feelings, sympathizing with the afflicted and relieving the destitute. vet were they zealous and uncompromising in testimony against
38
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
those who continued unyielding in innovation upon their established precepts, and what they believed to be their gospel order; the offences of transgressors were doubtless a grief and a burthen to their Christian feelings, . but while a reasonable hope of restoration remained, they labored diligently and af- fectionately with offenders; not cutting them off from the fold where restoration could be attained without a compromise of the principles of their profession; but in failure of this. their testimony went forth against them. And. as might be expected. the fruits of the labors of these fathers in our Israel, clothed with a Christian spirit, and jealous of the honor of truth, were abundant and good. Doubtless the weight and influence of their spirits did. under the divine blessing. operate as a hedge of preservation about the young. and unbaptized, and unestablished. yet they We're not exempt from exercises occasionally brought upon their pious minds, by the con- duct of offending members ; but these were
39
OF FRIENDS IN BUCKS COUNTY.
generally reclaimed. and in the earlier years of the existence of Falls Monthly Meeting, but few were testified against.
And, although the document from Bur- lington gives evidence that there had been some connivance at innovation. and the records at Falls are interspersed with cases of de- linquency ; have we in this our day made great improvement upon the primitive con- dition of our society in this country? Are we more zealous for the promotion of good order. our habits such as are more calculated to wean us from the allurements of the world : to make us more sensible of our dependence upon Divine Providence for the blessings we en- joy, and our hearts more grateful for these blessings? Are our worthies more deeply rooted and grounded in the Christian faith : more deeply experienced in the work of vital relig- ion ? Are our religious meetings more emi- nently owned by Israel's Shepherd, and the baptizing influence of His heavenly love and power more sensibly felt : and are our borders enlarging at the present time?
40)
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
i
The Book containing the records of the ancient proceedings of Falls Monthly Meeting of women Friends, has disappeared. The loss of these memorials of primitive usefulness is to be regretted; for mothers in our Israel, as well as fathers, were shining lights in those days ; mothers endowed with heavenly wisdom and clothed with the garment of righteous- ness; watchful of their principles against innovation, and of their order against trans- gression. The materials for compiling a history of those worthy women Friends are How seanty, but doubtless there were those amongst them whose memorials are on high : and that there shall they be had in everlasting remembrance. although the memory of their pious lives may not be perpetuated here on earth. A knowledge of the proceedings of their monthly meeting in its infant state might have been instructive in examples of fidelity. in the exercise of Christian order, and a more extended history of their circumspect lives might have been useful in directing the wan- derer to the same rock on which they had
41 .
OF FRIENDS IN BUCKS COUNTY.
built. and in building thereon, found safety ; vet. notwithstanding this loss of materials. there is satisfaction in looking back to those primitive times, those days of harmonious labor for the welfare of the Church, when "honest simplicity and purity of purpose were so conspicuous in the lives of its guardians, shedding a preserving influence as a hedge about its honor. It is pleasing to look back and believe. that the burthen bearers on whom the faithful support of Falls Monthly Meeting of Friends early rested, were men and women of " clean hands."
12
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
.
CHAP. IV.
On the 29th of the seventh month, 1683, Thomas Janney, an eminent and much be- loved minister. arrived with his family from England, and settled among his friends. not far from the Falls of the Delaware, in Pennsyl- vania, and became an active and useful mem- ber of Falls Monthly Meeting, of which the records give evidence; and other accounts -how him to have been a faithful laborer in word and doctrine. He was uncle to Phineas Pemberton, and we doubt not but he and his family met with a cordial reception from their warm hearted friends, who had preceded them in wilderness America : the ties of consangui- nity. friendship, and gospel fellowship, all combined to render these migrators welcome ; many of the partners in exile here met to- gother, had nobly borne their testimonies in the cause of truth and righteousness in their native land. and had suffered for their faithful- ness : but persecution in measure drove them.
:
43
OF FRIENDS IN BUCKS COUNTY.
-
and civil and religious liberty wooed them across the Atlantic wave ; and it may have been the design of Infinite Goodness, not only that this suffering people should find relief from persecution by emigration. but also that the standard of Christianity in its primitive purity should be planted in a foreign land. Many of the wise and good of that day and generation concentrated here, and it is gratify- ing to look back and observe that the worthies who sustained Falls Monthly Meeting in its infancy, were. eminently. men and women of religious weight and influence: and as a bro- ther beloved and father in the Church was Thomas Janney, concerning whom. Falls Monthly Meeting issued the following testi- mony after this dedicated servant of Christ had finished his course, and, doubtless. was gathered to his everlasting rest. · He settled with us at his first coming into these parts. laboring amongst us in word and doctrine divers vears. We loved and highly esteemed him for his work's sake, being an able minister of the gospel, sound in doctrine, endowed with
44
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
wisdom and ready utterance, and favored with openings into the mysteries of God's kingdom. He was not forward to offer his gift, having a true regard to the giver, who said formerly 'cast the net on the right side of the ship.' Therefore, his . bow abode in strength.' And. although the Lord had furnished him with such excellent qualifications, he had so learned self denial as not to glory therein; but was ready to prefer his friends before himself, and give them the right hand of fellowship: being careful to keep the testimony of truth clear on all accounts. saving : . Those that appear in public are doubly bound so to do.' He was of a cheerful and peaceable temper. and innocent and blameless in lite. As the Lord hath be- stowed on him a gift in the ministry, beyond many of his fellows, so he was careful to im- prove it to his honor and the comfort of his peo- plo. laboring therein. not only here in Pennsyl- vania and New Jersey, but he also visited the churches several times in New England. Rhode Island. Long Island, and Maryland; and lastly he went on that service to Old England, where
45
OF FRIENDS IN BUCKS COUNTY.
he finished his course. And, although, our loss of him is great, we are satisfied he hath his portion among those that 'turn many to righteousness, and shine as the stars forever and ever.'"
Thomas Janney died in the year 1696, aged sixty-three years.
In the year 1684, Rodger Longworth arrived in Pennsylvania, and took up his abode among his friends at or near Peunsbury. This emi- nent minister of the gospel had spent much of his life in religious service, travelling exten- sively by sea and land, visiting various coun- tries, and people of varied habits, professions and languages. His services in the sacred cause he had espoused. appears to have been great. His zeal and sense of duty, under the Divine blessing, enabled him to surmount many difficulties and dangers ; and his resig- nation to Divine disposal. doubtless, was tol- lowed by qualification to endure privation and suffering with Christian resignation and forti- tude: and. doubtless too, as he went forth
46
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
bearing precious seed, and, at times weeping, he was permitted to return rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him, having faithfully per- formed the abundant service required at his hands. Ile is mentioned by Joseph Besse, as "one of the public Friends, who, when the storm of persecution raged with great violence in England, boldly preached the truth, at the hazard of all that was dear in this world." and it is easy to comprehend that this digni- fied and truly devoted servant of Christ, was greeted by kindred spirits at Falls, with warm feelings of friendship and heartfelt satisfac- tion. Rodger Longworth, in his youthful days, . had been apprenticed to James Harrison, and, undoubtedly, the fatherly care and counsel of such a friend. was of lasting benefit to the young candidate for immortality and eternal life, who, heading the voice of instruction, both human and Divine, was constrained to improve the talents committed to his trust, his day's work keeping pace with the day, and thus he brame the comfortable companion and co- laborer in the work of righteousness, with the
:
47
OF FRIENDS IN BUCKS COUNTY.
Friends among whom his lot was eventually cast. From the accomplishment of his last religious service abroad, he returned to Falls in the third month 1687, where his earthly pilgrimage was, not long after, brought to a peaceful close, aged about fifty-seven years.
Robert Bond was an interesting youth whom his father had confided to the care and tuition of James Harrison; and it is reasonable to suppose that the superintending care of such an experienced and loving friend. and his pious precepts and instructive example, were instrumental in producing a most salutary influence upon the short, but virtuous life of his dependent, but appreciative ward; and. also, that James, himself. felt richly rewarded in his efforts to train this young heir of the kingdom of heaven, in the way he should go; for he never departed from it, though he lived not until he was old. James and his young friend were not separated by the removal to America; but the youth being of a delicate constitution died in the seventh month, 1684. about two years after his arrival in the colony.
. .
4S
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
aged about eighteen years. Phineas Pember- ton has left this testimony concerning him : " He was a sober, solid youth ; his deportment grave ; having the fear of God before his eyes. I loved him with a true love."
William Penn resided for a space of time at Falls. in his mansion, which, with its near appendages, he called Pennsbury. And al- though he probably was never formally a member of Falls Monthly Meeting, yet being surrounded by the members thereof, and mingling with them in religious and social intercourse. it might almost be said that he was, virtually. one of them; and there can be but little or no doubt of his leaving the im- press of his judicious councils, his fatherly care. his wise precepts, his pious labors and his instructive example among them. He was found amongst the early fruits of the preva- longe of that Gospel light and power, which prevailed so marvelously and efficaciously in the dawn of that gospel day, when, after a long night of apostacy, primitive Christianity in its purity was revived in England. In the
---
49
OF FRIENDS IN BUCKS COUNTY.
flower of youth ; possessed of natural abilities of a superior grade; descended from a popular family, with the road to preferment before him; with a prospect of an ample inheritance of property, and worldly titles and honors; he turned aside from the allurements of the world, and taking up the daily cross, became a de- voted follower and servant of the Prince of Peace. It was not disappointed ambition; it was not satiety of the world; it was not that life had lost its charms; sorrow and sickness had not disappointed his pleasant pictures; and age and infirmities had not warned him of the approach of death. It was not this kind of influence that operated on his youthful mind and wrought this change; for sacrifice. he brought not a lame offering to the altar ; but. yielding his heart to the regenerating power of Divine Grace, and growing in grace as he grew in years, attained the stature of a strong man in spiritual and in temporal things; and, with subdued spirit, prostrated at the sacred foot-stool, he was brought into a willingness to resign gold and silver, houses
-
50
HISTORICAL SKETCHES
and lands, honor and preferment; to suffer expulsion from his father's house, and to pass the prime of his days within prison walls, rather than turn away from Him who hath the words of eternal life, and in whose name he had set up his banners ; choosing rather to suffer affliction with his suffering friends, than to enjoy the doubtful pleasures of the world for a season. It is reasonable to suppose that it was not until after a powerful conviction upon his own mind, and the subjection of his natural will, that William Penn was brought to embrace the tenets of the despised Quakers: the allurements of the world on the one hand. were inviting him to partake of its deceptive pleasures; while on the other, he saw that the path of self-denial, and the way of the daily cross, was the straight and narrow way that led to everlasting life. This opposite state of things, doubtless, caused many conflicting feelings in the mind of a youth, educated and nurtured in the maxims and customs of the world, scarce yet arrived at the age of manhood, and with abundance to gratify his
51
OF FRIENDS IN BUCKS COUNTY.
natural will. There is a strong propensity in the youthful mind to delay the accepted time, the day of salvation, until a more convenient season ; and in view of the magnitude of the worldly sacrifice required at his hands, doubt- less. such delay was presented in all its plausi- bility to his exercised mind, accompanied with its allurements and its snares; but happily these temptations did not receive much enter: tainment in the purifying process operating in his awakened soul, for he early chose that good part which was never taken away from him; having put his hand to the plow he looked not back ; and being faithful and diligent in the performance of his allotted service, became a father in our Israel, one of our society's ablest defenders, and one of its brightest orna- ments. He was an extraordinary man, viewed as a minister of the Gospel; as holding the po'n of a ready writer: in the heat of contro- versy; by the fireside of his family ; as a law- giver: in his private walks amongst men; as a philanthropist ; as an administrator of civil government; as possessed of fine qualities of
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.