Eli and Sibyl Jones Part 8

From Minden, Eli and Sybil Jones went on to Pyrmont, where they attended the "two-months" meeting. They held a public meeting in the Friends' house, and some people of note came to hear them. One, a Russian n.o.ble of high birth; Dr. Menke, one of the privy council of the prince of Waldeck, who was said to be one of the most learned men in Prussia; also Frederick Fickenscher, the son of the dean of Nuremberg; besides many Jews, all of whom heard "Jesus Christ, and Him crucified," preached.

Eli Jones had some opportunities for conversation with Fickenscher, and he impressed on him the importance of our opinions in regard to war, oaths, and other subjects, and he was urged to accept the gospel in all its fulness. Dr. Menke came to express to them his satisfaction with the meeting, saying that he _had_ thought that the views of Friends were rather _fabulous_, but he was now satisfied that they were evangelical, and he hoped what he had heard would be useful to him. They revisited Minden, and had much service among Friends and others, both publicly and in private. They held a large meeting in the Minden theatre, of which Eli Jones writes: "A full attendance, several clergymen present. Some Friends seemed to doubt the propriety of holding a meeting in a building usually applied to theatrical purposes; but, to my mind, there was a fitness in the place, that we might have an opportunity to speak to a cla.s.s which we could hardly reach anywhere else."

From Minden they journeyed by short stages south, stopping at Dusseldorf, where they visited the schools and charity inst.i.tution; at Cologne, Bonn, Strasbourg, Basle. In Basle they held a meeting with sixty young men, students at the Basle mission-house, who were looking forward to becoming missionaries in the different parts of the world.

A fellow-feeling led them to point these young men to the words of the Lord: "Without me ye can do nothing." They then took a carriage, going as far as the Lake of Geneva. It was so arranged that Sybil Jones could recline, being then far from well.

Sybil Jones writes:

"_10th mo. 8th._ This morning set off for Geneva by steamboat from Vevay. It being near the head of the lake, our starting-point was delightful, and our trip on the fair blue water interesting amid the grand mountains which encircle the lake. They rise like vast battlements above the clouds in some places. Mont Blanc, the monarch of mountains, was pointed out. We arrived at the ancient, interesting city of Geneva about four o'clock. From our room at the Hotel du Rhone we have a fine view of the Rhone, which leaves the lake a few yards above and dashes by our windows, washing the bas.e.m.e.nt story with its blue waters, hastening on to mingle with the great Mediterranean.

"_9th._ The work never seemed more weighty and watchfulness and prayer more needful. Our company attended a meeting held by Merle d'Aubigne, the author of the _History of the Reformation_. He made a report of the proceedings of the Evangelical Alliance held at Berlin, giving interesting information of the state of feeling existing between the different religious denominations on the Continent, who find themselves more in unison than formerly.

"_11th._ Held a large meeting in the Casino. The Lord was with us.

Dear Christine Alsop interprets well; indeed, we lack nothing.

"_12th._ To-day several serious persons have called, with whom we have had very interesting conversations about the things which appertain to eternal life. A very agreeable person came to offer his thanks for the privilege of the meeting, adding, 'I think it will do good, for I have been examining the Epistle of Paul, and I am certain he did not mean to forbid a woman's preaching the glad tidings of a risen Saviour, but rather counselled the women not to be asking improper questions in their church-meetings nor to exercise authority or teach in the matter of church discipline; for it is plain that holy women of old _did_ prophesy (that is, preach), and that Paul did not attempt to hinder them. He also informed us that a philosophical deist was present last evening whom he had never seen at a religious meeting before, and that he fully expected that he would turn it all into ridicule, but, to his astonishment, he looked serious and said, 'I never heard anything like this; I scarcely know what to say. It was surely an interesting discourse.' So we do indeed see that G.o.d sometimes chooses 'the weak things of this world to confound the mighty.' We were informed that many came who were never seen at meetings on ordinary occasions.

Attended another meeting at the 'Locale,' which was sweet and refreshing.

"_13th._ Some pious persons have called, among them a very devoted _pasteur_ with his daughter, whose name is Lalia. They called just as we were seated for reading the Scriptures, and joined us. During the silence I felt the spirit of supplication, but it seemed not to belong to me to pray vocally, and I said that if any person felt it a duty to pray I hoped that he would be faithful. Unknown to me, the _pasteur_ had just asked C. Alsop in French if there was liberty; she replied in my words. It was a precious season of prayer and praise. In the evening we attended an appointment for youth and children. It was large and solemn, and I reverently trust Christ was preached.

"_14th._ The interest of the people in our meetings still increases, and many inquirers come to see us, thanking us for the privilege and asking if there will be more meetings. Jane Bingham and sister, with Maria Ferris, arrived to-day from Montreux, not having heard of our meetings until we had left. They are Friends from England; it was pleasant to meet them. A female superintendent and teacher of young ladies called and took tea, and seemed very devoted to the cause of her Redeemer. She follows this business not for gain to herself, but for gain to others. Her pupils are occupying prominent places, adorned with wisdom and virtue.

"_15th._ Robert Fox, son, and daughter arrived to-day and took lodgings with us. Our party numbers twelve. It is pleasant to meet these dear friends while on a tour for their health. We took a short ride this morning in a carriage provided by dear M. J. L. to the country-seat of the Count de Selon, who was an ardent advocate of peace. In the grounds is an obelisk raised over his remains, with interesting inscriptions on the subject of peace. We hope his faithful labors may not be lost. From this beautiful place we had a fine view of Mont Blanc at sunset; which was magnificent. The snows of ages changed to crimson; the beautiful azure lake and the fine city of Geneva lay in loveliness before us.

"_16th._ To-day held two precious meetings at our hotel, to which a number of serious people came, and expressed themselves especially pleased with the _silence_, saying that it was needed in these times of commotion.

"_17th._ Returned by steamer to Lausanne. Took lodgings at a hotel which is on the spot where Gibbon wrote his celebrated _History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire_. Had meeting of much interest; many _pasteurs_ present. A _pasteur_ full of the spirit of peace informed us that many who had preached against war in Lausanne had suffered imprisonment. The _pasteur_ wished us to go to Lyons and preach two such sermons there, saying that they were needed. He did not understand that we could not preach except we were sent, nor give forth anything but what we receive at the time.

"Took steamer for Vevay; dined at the hotel, and in the evening held a meeting in the Casino, after which we rode to Montreux and took lodgings at a _pension_. Next day held a large meeting at the national place of worship called the 'Temple.' It was a solemn and instructive convocation. The forenoon was occupied in a pleasant walk by the lake at the foot of a mountain, on the side of which stands the village and old chapel of Montreux; on the left and before us the ancient castle of Chillon, and the Dent du Midi Mountain covered with snow. On the right lay the lovely lake, on the other side of which rises a majestic range of mountains. I became weary of walking, and we called at a mansion just on the border of the lake. The master is a young Jew, and of a very tender Christian spirit. We had delightful conversation with him on heavenly things. He had attended one of our meetings, and was much struck with our manner of worship. He said that when we began to speak (Christine and myself) he imagined we had composed the discourse and committed it to memory, but soon he perceived the interpreter made a mistake, which rather puzzled him, and another mistake convinced him that she could not have known what I was to say previously. Indeed, he thought it was spoken so rapidly it must come from the heart as it was uttered. He was much edified, and spoke of those solemn truths with great diffidence and tenderness. His name is Samuel Samelson. May Israel's gentle Shepherd lead him to the blessed knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus and enable him to confess Him before men! Our young friend provided me with a donkey, which conveyed me to the residence of the Hustlers, who have resided here some time. They were formerly English Friends, and received us with joy. The wife is in very delicate health. We sat together in sweet heavenly silence, and the language of the Spirit through the poor instrument was encouraging and humbling. Returned on the donkey by a shorter route on the side of the mountain. My heart responded to the music of birds and the smile of Nature. After dining we took a drive to Chillon, the ancient chateau where Bonnivard was imprisoned on account of his political views for several years. The chateau stands in the lake. Within it is a range of dungeons below the surface of the water where prisoners of state and the condemned are confined.

Across one of the vaults is a beam black with age where the executions took place. It is said two thousand Jews perished here by the hands of enemies. As we viewed these walls and sombre apartments we were struck by a sense of man's inhumanity to man and the rapid flight of events so momentous. How long, O Lord, ere thou takest unto thyself the great power and reignest?

"_22d._ Called on a bereaved father and mother who were mourning the death of an only child. We told them of Him who wounds that He may heal. We also visited a widow and her daughter who knew dear Stephen Grelet, and remembered his heart-searching ministry among them.

Pasteur G.o.det was with us a short time. He is a pious, humble Christian from Neufchatel, who has left the honors of the world (he had been tutor of the king of Prussia), a man of learning and talent; which qualities seem sweetly sanctified. At two o'clock P. M. attended a youths' meeting.

"_23d._ A meeting was held at the Hustlers', which our party attended, but I was quite ill in bed, but reposing in Him who is my only source of joy.

"_24th._ Not able to proceed. Dined in the _salle_, and with a grateful heart was able to return thanks vocally, which seemed to impress the large company with a serious air. After dining, several spoke to us kindly, among whom was a baroness from Sweden, who warmly pressed us to go thither, saying there were many in Sweden who would receive us warmly, and her own house should be at our disposal for a home. Invited the family and boarders to our evening reading. Much tenderness was shown. Many have called on us and expressed their grat.i.tude for our visit and gospel labors among them. We are sweetly united to a living seed in this land.

"_25th._ Took our departure from this highly interesting field of labor after an affectionate parting. We took the omnibus to Villeneuve and found the steamer ready. After pa.s.sing the most magnificent scenery we were soon again at Lausanne. Made arrangements for a meeting next day.

"_26th._ In the morning held a meeting with the prisoners in the beautiful prison here. I think it the finest and most comfortable I have ever seen in any land. Our visit was deeply interesting, and the poor girls were nearly all in tears, and seemed truly grateful for the message of love to them. In the evening held a large and favored meeting at the Casino. Our boat was detained by the dense fog, so we were obliged to remain another day, which seemed providential, as a _pasteur_ called and told us of two Moravian schools taught by pasteurs, one of whom had expressed regret at not hearing of our meeting or not seeing us. He offered to accompany us to one of the schools. C. Alsop, our interpreter, had gone to visit an acquaintance, so Mary Millman, a sweet-tempered girl who spoke English well and who accompanied us, acted as interpreter. The kind pasteur received us cordially, and offered to a.s.semble the girls; which was agreeable to us. I think we have seldom known a more heavenly season. The Lord poured out a rich blessing upon us. We returned with songs of praise to our hotel. Have had many calls to-day from Christian brothers and sisters, expressing their interest in our labors among them. A very zealous person called who spoke with much tenderness of J. and M.

Yardly, who were instrumental in her conversion. Held a meeting in the evening which was much blest.

"_28th._ Set off early this morning to visit the Moravian school for boys, taking the same kind interpreter with us. We received a hearty welcome, and were informed that the boys had just a.s.sembled to commence Scripture history, and that if we could feel something good to say to them they would be so glad. Dear E. replied that we came for that purpose. We were soon seated in a pleasant youthful congregation.

Some countenances testified that they had been with Jesus. The pasteur read a chapter; solemn silence ensued, then a gentle shower of gospel love descended and the little plants revived. I cannot doubt but there are young men in this inst.i.tution who will fill important places of usefulness, perhaps ministers of the gospel who will publish the glad tidings to lands remote. Surely such men, fearing G.o.d, are much needed in this degenerate age. The pasteur offered a sweet-spirited prayer with tears of grat.i.tude, and we came away. Reached the steamer in good time. We feel much fellowship with many dear friends in Lausanne.

Arrived at Geneva, and, concluding to go on to Lyons at once, we had to sacrifice our desires to see the dear friends again."

CHAPTER IX.

_WINTER IN THE SOUTH OF FRANCE._

Before going on to speak of the work of Eli and Sybil Jones among the Friends and other Protestants in the south of France, a brief sketch of the rise and growth of the little branch of our Society there may be in place. The story is full of interest and could be studied to greater length with profit, but only the briefest reference to it is admissible here.

Louis XIV. of France decided in 1685 to revoke the "Edict of Nantes,"

pa.s.sed in 1598 by Henry of Navarre, granting liberty of worship and repose to all parties in the Church. The revocation was the most cruel order ever issued by any king. It commanded the demolition of all the Protestant chapels that remained standing, and forbade any a.s.sembly or worship; all opposing ministers were ordered to leave the kingdom within fifteen days; the schools were closed; all newborn babes were to be baptized by the parish priests; evangelical religionists were forbidden to leave the kingdom, on pain of the galleys for men and confiscation of person and property for women. It is calculated that six hundred thousand Protestants left France during the twenty years following the revocation, while many suffered cruel deaths and many others spent their lives in the galley-ships. The great struggle made against this royal edict was along the Cevenne Mountains in the departments of Lozere, Drome, Ardeche, Gard, and Herault. The Protestants were called Camisards, perhaps from the word _camisarde_, a night-attack, but its origin is unsettled. Many of the ministers in Cevenne had been executed, and enthusiasm was raised to the highest pitch. Deprived of their pastors, men, women, boys, and girls became animated by the spirit of prophecy. "Young girls had celestial visions; the little peasant-la.s.ses poured out their utterances in French, sometimes in the language and with the sublime eloquence of the Bible." They a.s.sembled under the name of "Children of G.o.d," and marched commanded by two chiefs, Roland and Cavalier. The insurrection was widespread, and for a long time they overcame or evaded the royal troops. "The Lord of hosts is our strength!" said one prophet. "We will intone the battle-psalms, and from the Lozere to the sea Israel shall arise."

They are thus pictured by a contemporary sent to deal with them: "They are stark mad on the subject of religion, absolutely intractable on that point; the first little boy or girl that falls a-trembling and declares that the Holy Spirit is speaking to it, all the people believe it, and if G.o.d and all his angels were to come and speak to them they would not believe them any more; they walk to execution singing the praises of G.o.d and exhorting those present, insomuch that it has been necessary to surround the criminals with drums to prevent the pernicious effect of their speeches." No men and women were ever more in earnest or filled with more zeal, but it was often a misguided zeal and the cause was dishonored by fearful bloodshed. Their camp was named the "Camp of the Eternal," and they marched to battle singing the grand version of the 68th Psalm, "Que Dieu se monte seulement." Among them were many who were sincere, many on whom the Spirit rested, and there was a grand principle animating them. Much that seems so excessive may be excused on the consideration that they were driven to fury by persecution and they bore in their veins the hot blood of a southern race.

How the little company of peace-loving Friends came from these _Camisards_, these _Children of G.o.d_, has been a question. There is a ma.n.u.script still in existence of a letter supposed to have been written by some pastors of Geneva which was received and circulated through the Cevenne. It was an appeal for these struggling brethren to throw away the sword and cease from bloodshed. "It must be the Lord's arm," it goes on to say, "and not yours, which shall put an end to your captivity. Do all you can to obtain the desired object by a holy life, and not by the works of darkness."

After receiving this letter there was some abatement from their accustomed acts of cruelty. Among those who claimed the gift of prophecy was a young woman named Lucretia. Her influence over the people excited the jealousy of the leaders. When they attempted to silence her she called out, "Let those who love me follow me." Many followed her, and her house became a place for meetings. From this company, it has been said, the Friends in Congenies are descended. The author has seen a wine-cellar at Fontanes, in the house of Samuel Brun, where these Friends met for many years. The walls were lined on the inside with wine-casks to keep the sound from going out, and Samuel Brun has in his possession a large Bible which for a generation was built into the wall of the building. Everything which has been recorded shows the sincerity and quiet determination of these people to worship G.o.d as the New Testament required. Year after year they took their flocks out on the hills or tilled the more gentle slopes of the mountains, and they never forgot to meet in their secluded vault to praise G.o.d together for the blessings which He gave them. There was a tower of Constance at Aiguesmontes of terrible repute, but they were undaunted and possessed "the brave old wisdom of sincerity."

And this is how they became known to their brother Friends, as is told in a tract compiled by Friends at Manchester, England: "In the struggle for independence in 1776 the American colonies received sympathy and aid from France. There was at that time living at Falmouth a surgeon named Joseph Fox, a member of the Society of Friends, who both by education and conviction regarded war in every shape as forbidden by the gospel. He was part owner of the 'Greyhound'

and the 'Brilliant,' two cutters which traded along the Cornish coast.

The other owners of the cutters decided to fit them out with license to waylay and capture merchant-vessels of the enemy. Joseph Fox of course protested. Being one alone, his protest was disregarded and the vessels were armed. The war broke out so unexpectedly that many French crafts fell an easy prey to the English cruisers, and the 'Greyhound'

and 'Brilliant' succeeded in capturing two valuable merchantmen, together with some small coasting-vessels. Joseph Fox believed it to be his Christian duty to claim his share and hold it in trust to be restored to the rightful owners. In 1783 peace was restored, and the next year Joseph Fox sent his son, Dr. Edward Fox, to Paris to advertise for the owners of the plundered property. A proceeding so unheard of was naturally looked upon with suspicion, and before the doctor could obtain leave to insert his advertis.e.m.e.nt in the _Gazette_ he had to communicate with the Count de Vergennes, one of the French ministry, who required a formal declaration that his real object was such as it professed to be.

Meantime, Joseph Fox died. In consequence of the public notice application was made by numerous parties; all the claims were proved to be well founded, and a chief part of the money was proportionally distributed amongst the owners of the two merchantmen and their cargoes. Those who had been sufferers by the capture made an acknowledgment through the _Gazette_ of this rare act of rest.i.tution, stating their desire "to give the publicity which it merits to this trait of generosity and equity, which does honor to the Society of the Quakers and proves their attachment to the principles of peace and unity by which they are distinguished."

"Besides the applications for the restored property, Dr. Fox received at the same time a reply of a very different character. It was a letter with this address: 'The Quakers of Congenies-Calvisson to the virtuous Fox.' The writers describe themselves as a little flock of about a hundred persons, and express their joy to hear of the efforts used by the advertiser to fulfil the commands of Christ. They represent themselves as opposed to war on Christian principle, and as being in consequence an object of hatred and contempt to their fellow-citizens, both Catholics and Protestants. Especially do they condemn the wars engaged in by the latter to keep possession of their religious liberties. This letter led to further correspondence and to a journey to London by De Marsillac, one of their community. From his accounts English Friends discovered, to their surprise, that there had existed in the south of France for sixty or seventy years a Christian Church which, besides its testimony against war, held spiritual views regarding worship and the ministry identical with their own."

The origin and discovery of these Friends can hardly fail to interest those who are not already familiar with them. They were often visited by Stephen Grelet, who greatly strengthened them and increased their influence. One who has not been among them can hardly realize how this little flock, surrounded on all sides with perils and enemies, rejoice to welcome those who come to bring them strength and cheer. Many leave the country to escape the army, some marry with other Protestants, and the outlook is not encouraging for their continuance as a distinct body; but they have a good history behind them, and should receive every possible support to hold firm for the help of coming generations.

When Eli and Sybil Jones went among them it was a time of discouragement, and they both felt that there was a great service for them to do. It is not easy to find just what they did, but we know that for three months they carried on almost ceaseless labor to help and instruct not only the Friends, but all the Protestants and Catholics where it was possible. The pastors with one accord opened their places of worship and approved and welcomed them.

There are many now in Nismes and vicinity who speak with great feeling of them, and it is evident that all were deeply impressed by their consecration and earnestness. We need not seek too eagerly for the results of such work, for it is impossible to measure the good done, either in counting those converted or those renewed. Two earnest Christian ministers exert an influence and power in a community which can be no more easily weighed than the ripples on the sea can be counted.

SOUTH OF FRANCE.

"Set off in the diligence for Lyons, ninety miles distant; fine roads, good accommodation. The grand scenery delighted us, though tinged with autumnal frosts. We did not make ourselves known in Lyons. It was First day, and it was odd and deeply affecting to an American guest to rise on this morning and behold it a market-day, all bustle and tumult. The state of morals is very low on the Continent.

"_31st._ Took steamer on the Rhone for Avignon. Met a very interesting missionary from New York going to Rome. We had an interesting conversation on the qualifications of missionaries, their trials, painful separations, etc. Having both known them, we could the more readily enter into sympathy and fellowship. Lodged in a hotel in the dull popish town of Avignon.

"_1st of 11th mo._ Set off by rail for Nismes, where we were greeted by our friends.

"_2d._ Attended Friends' meeting, and received visits from several members. We were comfortably settled at a hotel near the Friends'

school, which we wish to visit when we have leisure from other service.

"_3d._ Dear Eli went to Congenies to-day to attend meeting. We have seen dear John Yardly on his return from his Russian mission. He gave us pleasant accounts of the work of the Lord in that land and in Turkey--said he found much openness and many Christian brethren. Some have suffered loss of nearly all things for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ.

"_5th._ The two-months' meeting commenced. Great discouragement seems to prevail, and little contending for the faith once delivered to the saints. It is indeed to be lamented that the light burns so dimly that was no doubt kindled by divine love, but for want of watchfulness it gleams but faintly amid surrounding darkness. If those who profess the blessed Name in this land were real converted characters! But, as in ancient time, 'All are not Israel that are of Israel.' Oh may it please the Lord to revive His work in this day! Toward the close life seemed to spring up, and much solemnity prevailed. Meeting for business a.s.sembled in the afternoon, and was a refreshing season. We trust some were made to see where they had been straying. The meeting concluded with more religious weight and signs of life, and from the hearts of some arose the song of thanksgiving. Dear John Yardly's company was indeed precious. I like his evangelical spirit and devotion to the gospel of Christ.

"_7th._ Attended a meeting at the Methodist house, which was much favored. Spoke from the first of John. My dear husband and our kind helpers, R. and C. Alsop, went to St. Giles for a meeting.