Eli and Sibyl Jones Part 9

"_9th._ We took a walk to an old ruin said to be the temple of Diana.

We also went to La Fontaine, where a large volume of water springs from the earth. We also saw a beautiful Corinthian temple--'la Maison Carree'--said to be eighteen hundred years old.

"_11th._ Held a meeting for some serious soldiers who have lately left the Roman Catholic worship. We had a good meeting with them; one of their number spoke very well, at the close of our meeting, on the immediate teaching of the Holy Spirit. This evening went to Congenies by diligence, accompanied by R. and C. Alsop, leaving dear Eli to attend meeting at Nismes."

After this Eli and Sybil Jones and their kind friends and helpers attended many meetings at Nismes and at neighboring towns, going often to Congenies and Fontanes. Meetings at the latter place seemed especially opened and favored. Also held meetings, much a.s.sisted and encouraged by the _pasteurs_, at Calvisson, Cordonion, Aujargues, Aubais, and Vistric, many of which, they had evidence, were singularly blessed by the Master of a.s.semblies. They had many pleasant meetings with the young people, and were helped to utter words of cheer and encouragement to those whose life-work was just beginning. Very frail in body, and at times almost sinking under the felt duty, yet they sought to improve every moment of time, not wishing to make any plans without a direct showing from their heavenly Leader. All places of Protestant worship were open to them, and they often used the large national places of worship called "temples." In Fontanes they held a greatly blessed meeting in the parlor of their friend Daniel Brun.

They were always saddened, especially after a meeting at Saint Giles, by the noticeable scarcity of men in meetings. Indeed, they found in their meetings generally in France mostly women and children.

One of the morning meetings in the Friends' house at Nismes was a most remarkable instance of the overshadowing of the divine Spirit. The solemnity was most impressive, so that many wept before a word was uttered. Sybil Jones was favored to see the time to rise and testify to the people that a "pure spiritual worship is what is required, and is the highest joy of Christians." The visitors attended meeting at the school supported by Friends in England, and felt it to be a profitable occasion for all present.

Sybil Jones's mind was often occupied with deep thoughtfulness of the infinite importance of their mission to this land, and she besought the Lord earnestly that their dependence might be on no other, and that all their labors might be Heaven-directed. It was very cheering to these tired laborers to have persons come to them after meetings to acknowledge that they had been strengthened and to converse on those things which pertain to G.o.dliness.

They attended a meeting sustained by young men in Nismes for general improvement, reading useful books, etc. They were invited most cordially to come by the young men, who told them that if they wished to speak to them on religious subjects, they would be pleased to hear them. E. and S. Jones felt it a providential opening, and S. Jones was led to speak from the text, "The Lord loveth an early sacrifice."

They felt especially moved to thank the Lord for the "way" so wonderfully made for them. They had not had to ask for a place to hold a meeting, but when they felt the impression a place was always offered. This seemed most wonderful to them, as the laws of France forbid an a.s.sembly exceeding twenty persons at any place except in a "temple" or consecrated place. Sometimes they had but "crumbs" to hand out to the spiritually hungry, but at other times they had abundant refreshing from the Master's table. They prayed ever that the "creature might be abased" and that whether in "heights or depths"

they might wear the entire "armor of faith."

On the last day of the year 1853 they were at the home of Lydia Majolier at Congenies. Sybil Jones writes: "This is the close of the second year since I left the land I so dearly love. The retrospect of the whole affords consolatory reflection. With the remembrance of innumerable mercies my poor little sacrifices sink into insignificance. May they be accepted by Him who looks at the heart! If any good has been done, it is the Lord's doings.--Grant, most merciful G.o.d, that the year 1854 may all be devoted to Thy service, with more faith and love!"

The next two-months' meeting was a season of great encouragement. The meeting for worship was large, and the Master honored it with His life-giving presence. The meeting for business was a blessed season, and all felt that the power of the Lord had been abroad in the land; two members were received and two young men requested to be admitted.

At meeting of the school committee it was concluded "to solicit subscriptions from Friends here, and see what amount could be raised, and propose to Friends in England that the school be continued under the care of Justine Paradon as superintendent and Clarence Benoit as teacher, and that a school for boys be opened under the instruction of Jules Paradon, with an a.s.sistant. The committee were encouraged to persevere in the work, as the school had already proved a blessing to the youth, and by some changes for the better might be more so."

A long rainy period hindered these dear Friends from holding many meetings. They occupied the time when they were confined to the house in writing to America, studying French, etc.

At a meeting held in an outlying village at the house of a woman named Ann Mapit all seemed tendered before the Lord. Near the close a woman left and went to her aged father, who had not attended a religious meeting for fifty years, and begged him to go and hear these people, "for they preached as though they would take them all to heaven." The old man came and was quite moved, and spoke highly of the meeting, although he had said on a former occasion, when a meeting was proposed for a Friend, that they "would beat the drums." They saw plainly the wonder-working power of G.o.d. On every side they saw evidences of the "shaking" power.

In Calvisson the pasteur himself, a kind Christian man, chose to interpret for them, which they thought a great condescension, as it would doubtless expose him to ridicule from some who did not approve of a woman's gift in the ministry. They held a powerful meeting at Congenies, and found that many were there who had not attended a religious meeting before for twenty years. They thought it prudent for a time, being much worn by long service, to rest and try and gain some strength to go on. Eli Jones's health was especially poor. After this short respite they were much refreshed for the work, and attended a meeting at Auvergne numbering fully eight hundred or a thousand people. They appreciated fully the support of the pasteurs, which was so lovingly tendered them.

They felt everywhere the disastrous effects of the degraded position of women. Having so much manual labor to perform, they are unfitted for the proper care of their children; consequently, both their minds and bodies are frequently uncared for, and the home, that great training-school, is not rendered as bright and attractive as it should be. This, S. Jones thought, is what makes the French people so volatile and often skeptical. The places of public amus.e.m.e.nt are often sought in preference to the home.

Their work among the soldiers was a wonderful thing. Many came to their meetings, and, laying aside their swords and taking off their caps, sat meekly down to hear the glad tidings of "peace on earth and good-will toward men." A remarkable movement sprang up among them.

One of their number said that at one time but three of them met for worship, but lately nine had joined their number, and they felt much encouraged. Many meetings were attended by these soldiers, who seemed to appeal directly to Eli and Sybil Jones's sympathies.

They held a meeting at St. Hippolyte with the few Friends there, at the Moravian meeting-house, and were very urgently pressed to hold more meetings in that place. Fears were often felt by their friends that order could not be maintained in their meetings, owing to the novelty of the thing; but they always, even in very large audiences, met with the utmost respect and attention. They went on one occasion to Ma.r.s.eilles, and took a short trip on the Mediterranean, and felt that they gained some strength by the change. Sybil Jones, accompanied by some of her friends and the good pasteur Abausit, who had been such a kind friend and interpreter, went to Montpellier to visit the prison. They were much pleased with the neatness and order of the entire establishment, and met the most courteous treatment from the chaplain and director. There was much tenderness shown by the prisoners. There were in the prison eight hundred Catholic and fourteen Protestant prisoners. They were not allowed to speak to the former, but were enabled to pray earnestly for the other poor souls.

They held a very large meeting in the afternoon, and it was to them a precious season. Sybil Jones visited two prisoners in their cells, and pleaded tenderly with them.

They then returned to Nismes and held a large meeting. One of the pasteurs told them, in explanation of their kind reception on every hand, that the Society of Friends moved along so prudently, peaceably, and happily that they were received by all as Christian brethren. At a meeting in St. Hippolyte great contrition was felt by a man who had not attended meeting for many years, and would not permit his wife to go, and forbade his sister to enter his house because she was religious. He received his sister after the meeting, and seemed greatly humbled. They felt that the Lord was speaking through his instruments, and were encouraged to go forward. They held many large and much-blessed meetings at Gallargues and Congenies, and visited many to whom they were attracted, as they showed a concern for their souls' welfare. Many came to inquire of them the "way," and they formed many acquaintances and felt a binding interest in the people, whose souls were so precious.

When the two-months' meeting again a.s.sembled they had renewed cause for encouragement. It was a meeting graciously ordered by the Lord.

The meeting for worship on First-day morning was remarkably covered with divine power and goodness, and Eli Jones seemed unusually "clothed upon with gospel unction." The meeting for business admitted into membership a man who had been a Methodist minister, and received requests from twelve others. They were once invited to the home of a good pasteur named Mensard, where they met five other pasteurs, and their conversation was most pleasant concerning the ministry and "things of the kingdom."

And now they felt that the burden of souls in the south of France was rolled off, and they were sweetly released for service in other fields. They held a large parting meeting, and many came to take leave, among them a poor soldier in whom they were greatly interested.

He had been ordered to Constantinople without the companionship of any of his religious friends. Of this they were not aware, and it was remarkable that they felt impressed to read the ninety-first Psalm, which seemed so suited to his case, and Sybil Jones was wonderfully helped to pray for the poor soldier. The parting with the school-children was an affecting season, and they at last set off, leaving a large group of friends at the hotel-door for whom their hearts reached out in tenderness and love.

They went to Avignon, and from there by boat on the Rhone to Lyons. On First day they attended three meetings in that city; where they found an earnest, seeking people. They lodged with a dear friend who was received into membership at the last meeting. He seemed to be exerting a religious influence about him. They enjoyed their intercourse with his interesting family, and M. J. Lecky offered to take their youngest son, Benjamin, to England to obtain a knowledge of the English language; which pleased his parents and he was committed to her care.

They spent one day in the great capital, and admired the magnificent and stupendous works of art with which Paris is adorned. Sailed from Havre for Southampton. There they attended one meeting, and thence proceeded to London. They attended Suffolk quarterly meeting. The power of the Lord was felt, especially by the young. Lodged at Richard Dikes Alexander's.

In London they lodged at Thomas Norton's, and attended London quarterly meeting. Attended Brighton select meeting, and stayed at Daniel Prior Hack's. They also attended meetings at Croydon and Lewes, and Gloucester quarterly meeting; all of which were honored by the Master's presence. On the 11th of 4th mo. they set off for Plymouth, and soon after sailed for the dear home in America, leaving all their work with the Master, for it was all done in His name. They carried with them sweet memories of the aid and fellowship extended to them by the French pasteurs. They also carried with them numerous written testimonials of the pasteurs' appreciation of their labor of love among them. The following is a letter from the pasteurs and elders of Calvisson expressive of their feeling toward these laborers in the Master's vineyard who had come from a distant land:

"We, the pasteurs and elders of the church of Calvisson (Gard), declare that we have received the visit of Eli and Sybil Jones, ministers of the Society of Friends. They have held two edifying public meetings in our temple, before a numerous and attentive audience, as well as a special meeting for the children of our schools. Moreover, they have held a pastoral conference at Calvisson (Gard), at which eleven pasteurs of our consistory and the neighboring churches were present. We are happy to thank these dear friends for the evangelical words they have brought to us. Their presence has been for us a means of edification and of encouragement. Their prayers and their exhortations, impressed with great spirituality, have produced deep convictions and been visibly blessed, and have penetrated into the hearts of all those who have had the privilege of hearing them.

The interest they have manifested for the salvation of souls and the advancement of the kingdom of G.o.d has touched us in a lively manner, and has given us the impression that they do not propose any other end nor any other recompense for their sacrifices and their labors. They have spoken amongst us the words of peace and charity, nor has anything in their discourses wounded any faithful soul, either as regards his faith or his individual opinions. We ask that in an especial manner the divine blessing may attend the spiritual ministry of Mr. and Mrs. Jones. We desire that the dear brother and sister may be instrumental in shedding around them, wherever the Lord may call them, that humble confidence in the wisdom from above that characterizes all their discourses and their lives. May the Father of spirits, who holds our hearts in His hand, grant to their prayers and their efforts the awakening of souls and of consciences! Our Church will always preserve a precious remembrance of these dear friends, and sends them, through us, the expression of its prayers and its grat.i.tude. We declare that we know individually that Eli and Sybil Jones have also visited the greater part of the numerous churches which surround us, and that everywhere their preaching has been heard with the same interest and the same edification. All our brethren have been, like ourselves, moved and charmed by the unction and the grace of their Christian exhortations. In the belief thereof we have given to them the present certificate.

"TEMPIE, Pastor-President of the Consistory of Calvisson.

"THEODORE ABAUSIT, Pastor.

"REANT, Moderator of the Consistory.

"C. BERNARY, Treasurer.

"CALVISSON (Gard), _March 10, 1854_."

CHAPTER X.

_IN THE MAINE LEGISLATURE._

"When Christ came into the World peace was sung; and when He went out of the world peace was bequeathed."

The first decided action of the Maine Legislature in regard to the sale of intoxicating liquors was taken in the autumn of 1846. Much work had been done during the two preceding years in the towns to arouse the people to the necessity of bringing about an entire revolution, and the temperance organizations worked zealously to base all the structure they built on total abstinence. The foundation truth was laid by Jesus Christ in Judea in words that meant, "If any one of thy pa.s.sions or appet.i.tes causes thee to do wrong, cut it off and cast it from thee." The _necessity_ for total abstinence was vigorously enforced by Eli Jones whenever he spoke. Enough believers in temperance were sent to the Legislature in 1846 to pa.s.s a law "to restrict the sale of intoxicating drinks." This was followed in 1851 by an "Act for the suppression of drinking-houses and tippling-shops."

This was the well-known "Maine Law," and forbade the manufacture for sale of intoxicating liquors, except cider. Unadulterated cider in quant.i.ties of five gallons and upward might be sold. There were thirty-nine other sections directed against liquor-selling, drunkenness, and the habit of drinking in the community. This law accomplished a very beneficial work. One of its great results was to bring the temperance question more emphatically before the other States and nations. At home it made drinking disgraceful and took away to a great extent the temptation from the young men. While in small towns it was nearly a perfect success in closing all shops, in the cities there was not vigilance enough to carry out its purpose, and many felt that more vigor must be used.

Three years later, in 1854, the town of China elected Eli Jones by a large majority over two other candidates to represent it in the "House" of the Legislature. It was expected that he would carry to the State capital the views which he unceasingly expressed at home, and that he would agitate a still further reform, or, as he expressed it, "put new teeth into the old law." The choice was wholly unexpected to him, and he was working for the election of his lifelong friend, Ambrose Abbot. He was given a prominent place on the committees, and especially the Committee on Temperance. He worked almost continuously to bring about the desired legislation, but seldom spoke, most of his work being in the committee.

This was a memorable winter at Augusta, and many excellent men were there in the different branches of the State government. It was a great opportunity for a true Friend to show to legislators the worth of his principles. Eli Jones was the only man who refused to rise when the governor called upon the united House and Senate to take the oath of office, and he stood alone to give _affirmation_ that he would faithfully perform his work. As was said before, Eli Jones, though earnestly at work for the good of the people of the State, did not address the House. Some members, who knew him intimately and wished to call him to his feet, arranged a plan, not as a personal jest, but as a scheme to gain a speech. In the course of the session the appointment of a major-general to the second division of the Maine militia came in order.

In 1838, Maine had undertaken to a.s.sert by force of arms her t.i.tle to a region near the northern boundary claimed both by her and by Canada.

There was much mustering of troops at the capital, and fully ten thousand soldiers marched through the deep snow and fierce cold to drive the enemy from Aroostook county. Though they were brave and ready for battle, happily no blood was shed and peace was wisely made; but the "Aroostook War" became famous as a subject of banter and many jokes were made at the expense of its officers. The old nursery rhyme was quoted:

"The king of France, with forty thousand men, Marched up the hill and then--marched down again."

Primarily for these two reasons, to urge Eli Jones to his feet and to joke the former officers by appointing a Quaker, an avowed peace-advocate, he was chosen unanimously to fill the vacancy in the office of major-general.

The nomination was so wholly unexpected that he was at first perplexed at his situation. Much was at stake and wisdom and caution were needed. Having his horse at Augusta, he drove that night to his home at Dirigo, fifteen miles away, chiefly perhaps to discuss his course with his family and the Friends most suitable for counsel. After talking into the night with his brother-in-law, James van Blarcom, he walked the floor alone until the new day was dawning. On arriving again at Augusta he found the occasion far more important than he had antic.i.p.ated. The news had spread that the Quaker was to speak in regard to his appointment; and the Representatives' Hall was crowded, not only most of the Senate being present, but numbers from the city.

The subject of the business was introduced, and Eli Jones, rising, spoke in substance as follows:

"Whatever my ambition may have been in times past, my aspirations have never embraced such an office as this as an object of desire. I can a.s.sure the House that my election as major-general was an honor wholly unexpected. It is true that when the governor announced to this House the existence of the vacancy, a member privately remarked to me, 'I shall vote for you,' but I replied to him, declining the honor and proposed to return the compliment.

"To my mind there is something ominous in this occurrence. I regard it as one of the wonderful developments of the times. Who of us that a.s.sembled ten years ago in quiet and retired places to affix our signatures to pledges of abstinence from intoxicating drinks would have believed that in 1855 we should be elected to the seats we now occupy amidst the overwhelming rejoicing of the people, pledged to the support of the Maine Law? Who that at that time had visited the plantations of the South, and seen the slave toiling under the lash of the taskmaster, would have believed that in 1855 the people of the larger portion of this great land would have roused up with a stern determination to subdue the encroachments of the slave-power, and pledge themselves never to cease their labors until the wrongs of slavery should be ameliorated--nay more, till slavery itself should be abolished? Still more wonderful, who would have believed that the State of Maine, that a few years since gloried in an Aroostook expedition, and was noisy with military training and the din of arms, would in 1855 exhibit the spectacle of a peaceable member of the Society of Friends being elected to the post of major-general of a division of the militia, and that too by the Representatives of the people in their legislative capacity?

"But I have endeavored to regulate my own conduct by the principle that legislation should not go very far in advance of public sentiment, and it seems to me that this election may possibly be ahead of that sentiment. I submit this suggestion in all candor. It is generally understood that I entertain peculiar views in respect to the policy of war. If, however, I am an exponent of the views of the Legislature on this subject, I will cheerfully undertake to serve the State in the capacity indicated. With much pleasure I should stand before the militia of the second division and give such orders as I think best. The first would be, 'Ground Arms!' The second would be, 'Right about face! beat your swords into ploughshares and your spears into pruning-hooks, and learn war no more!' And I should then dismiss every man to his farm and his merchandise, with an admonition to read daily at his fireside the New Testament and ponder upon its tidings of 'Peace on earth and good-will to men.'