"For ever blessed be His name who boreHer blood-washed, white-robed spirit on and on,Through dark, deep waters to the radiant shore,Her warfare ended and the victory won."Her children, underneath her native skies,Rise in the North, the South, the East, the West:In Europe, Asia, Africa they rise,Her sons and daughters, and pronounce her blessed."Oh for a zeal like hers, to never tire!Oh for a faith like hers, to follow stillThe cloud by day, by night the glowing fire,That led her on to do her Father's will!"Delphina E. Mendenhall, "To Sybil Jones."
"For ever blessed be His name who boreHer blood-washed, white-robed spirit on and on,Through dark, deep waters to the radiant shore,Her warfare ended and the victory won."Her children, underneath her native skies,Rise in the North, the South, the East, the West:In Europe, Asia, Africa they rise,Her sons and daughters, and pronounce her blessed."Oh for a zeal like hers, to never tire!Oh for a faith like hers, to follow stillThe cloud by day, by night the glowing fire,That led her on to do her Father's will!"Delphina E. Mendenhall, "To Sybil Jones."
"For ever blessed be His name who boreHer blood-washed, white-robed spirit on and on,Through dark, deep waters to the radiant shore,Her warfare ended and the victory won.
"For ever blessed be His name who bore
Her blood-washed, white-robed spirit on and on,
Through dark, deep waters to the radiant shore,
Her warfare ended and the victory won.
"Her children, underneath her native skies,Rise in the North, the South, the East, the West:In Europe, Asia, Africa they rise,Her sons and daughters, and pronounce her blessed.
"Her children, underneath her native skies,
Rise in the North, the South, the East, the West:
In Europe, Asia, Africa they rise,
Her sons and daughters, and pronounce her blessed.
"Oh for a zeal like hers, to never tire!Oh for a faith like hers, to follow stillThe cloud by day, by night the glowing fire,That led her on to do her Father's will!"Delphina E. Mendenhall, "To Sybil Jones."
"Oh for a zeal like hers, to never tire!
Oh for a faith like hers, to follow still
The cloud by day, by night the glowing fire,
That led her on to do her Father's will!"
Delphina E. Mendenhall, "To Sybil Jones."
After the return from the East a few more days were left for Sybil Jones to tell the same story to men and women nearer her own home. Her frail body had carried her to many shores, and had not given way until she was once more among lifelong friends.
She had presented Christianity to Mohammedan women "from the standard of equality of sex in social life, religion, and the ministry of the word." She had entered the "gilded cages" of Eastern harems and "borne the gospel with a sister's love to those unhappy inmates—glad tidings which they had never heard until proclaimed by her lips." With no relaxationof fervor, with no diminution of power, she continued to tell those not living in communion with God that "to be carnally-minded is death," and with the earnestness of one saving drowning men from the depths of the sea she stretched forth her hands and raised her touching voice to save them from a still worse death, the wages of their sins. The series of general meetings which Friends had just begun to hold gave her an opportunity to come before large audiences of all denominations, of the different classes. Many who came were unconverted; many more were in a dangerously lukewarm state; others needed strength and comfort. To one and all she proclaimed the great truth that whosoever liveth unto himself dieth, but "whoso hath the Son hath life;" and to the hearts where sorrow and discouragement and doubt dwelt she spoke of a joy for the world, an encouragement "to press toward the mark for the prize," a faith and belief that overcome. Over those long Maine hills, in the balmy air of autumn, fresh from the yellow grain and mellow fruit, or creaking through the snowdrifts of mid-winter, she and her husband, both with the same thought uppermost, rode to sit down on the high seats of those broad-based, low-eaved Friends' meeting-houses, and to rise again and speak messages of healing inspired by the great Physician. She loved to live, for every day gave her one more chance to call to the unhappy to be made happy. She loved to live, because she enjoyed the beautiful things which God brought daily before her eyes in His book written with His own hand. It was, too, a joy to her to be with her family, to be a mother to her dear children, a wife to her wedded fellow-laborer,and a friend to the many who loved her; but while she loved life she knew enough of our God to be assured that when her "bark sank it would be but to another sea," and that what we call death is but going from a chrysalis life to a fulness of knowledge and a fulness of life. No change that merely freed her of what could die and left her wholly immortal could be terrible to her, and so she had never, in all the days of extreme sickness which she had passed, had other thought than that she was being kept from work. To the very last she pleaded with her wonted earnestness: "I beseech you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God," and she loved to quote the hymn which expressed the aspiration of her soul:
"Oh, ifone soulI've pleaded withMeets me at God's right hand,My heaven will be two heavensIn Immanuel's Land."
"Oh, ifone soulI've pleaded withMeets me at God's right hand,My heaven will be two heavensIn Immanuel's Land."
"Oh, ifone soulI've pleaded with
Meets me at God's right hand,
My heaven will be two heavens
In Immanuel's Land."
The thought has often been expressed that as the spiritual life of a man or woman grows, develops, and gains complete mastery, the body gradually takes on a new and deeper beauty; a something which had not formerly existed shines out and hallows the face, and somewhat as the setting sun puts over the clouds a glory which throughout all the long sunshiny day had not been seen, so a brighter gleam comes out from a ripened soul, and it becomes more than ever evident that the inhabitant of the clay house had come "trailing clouds of glory from God who is its home." This was decidedly true with her. The tall, erect, queenly person, the large head, high forehead, deep hazel eyes,the smile which so often played upon the lines of her countenance,—all took a new meaning as the "light which never was on sea or land" shone through them, proving that her "citizenship was in heaven" and that she indeed was "a fellow-citizen of the saints." We know not what is beyond our ken for such as she, but we believe that He who created such a wondrous home for the mortal part has otherwhere a proportionally magnificent domain for that which dieth not. A few hours before she died she exclaimed in the words of the martyr Rutherford:
"Oh, well it is for ever,Oh, well for evermore,My nest hung in no forestOf all this death-doomed shore."
"Oh, well it is for ever,Oh, well for evermore,My nest hung in no forestOf all this death-doomed shore."
"Oh, well it is for ever,
Oh, well for evermore,
My nest hung in no forest
Of all this death-doomed shore."
And on the afternoon of the 4th day of 12th month, 1873, she left the life of toil and struggle for the life of reward.
Ellen Congdon of Providence wrote in fitting words: "I have taken comfort in the midst of this great bereavement to the Church militant in thinking of the rejoicing and the welcome as her ransomed spirit took its place among the redeemed of all generations. Yet, far, far beyond even this must have been the holy rapture with which she realized the fulfilment of that gracious promise: 'Thine eyes shall behold the King in His beauty, and thou shalt see the land that is very far off.'"
The governor of the State showed his appreciation of the departed one in the following extract from a letter to her son Richard: "Had it been possible I should have been present at the funeral services. Iremember your mother from my boyhood, and received the news of her death with profound sorrow. She exemplified the true Christian character in a degree rarely equalled in this life; indeed, she has always appeared to me more in the heavenly than the earthly. In her death the Christian religion has lost one of its brightest ornaments and noblest defenders. Yours is the priceless consolation which the gospel and the remembrance of a life so full of noble deeds afford. Any words of mine would be poor and weak, but I cannot forbear conveying to you and your much-esteemed father, whom I have known and honored for many years, my heartiest sympathy. Yours very truly,
"Sidney Perham."
Her funeral, held in the Friends' meeting-house, was attended by a large company of friends, relatives, and neighbors. The citizens of the town came in large numbers to look for the last time on the one whom they loved and reverenced. Harriet Jones, Samuel Taylor, Sarah Tobey, and others spoke feelingly. "All hearts were moved," says one who was present, "as our venerable and highly esteemed friend Eli Jones arose, controlling the feelings of a heart filled with sorrow, and revealed what had heretofore been kept by him—viz. the manifestation of divine power that had attended her mission while they travelled in foreign lands; also the blessing following her labors during the past few months in attending some one hundred and forty meetings, principally in her own State, in which she appeared like a reaper gathering the harvest."
It is never well for us to speak over-highly of any one or of the service of any one. Power speaks for itself. We spend no breath of praise on the might of Niagara or the majesty of Mont Blanc. God has made them so that they tell us themselves continually of their grandeur. In like manner, the character and work of his human creatures tell to their generation and the following ones their strength and worth without the aid of man's voice.
What Sybil Jones did and said has been felt and has made its impression in the world, and no word which now might be spoken could add to what she really accomplished. For sixty-five years she went about doing what she seemed to have been sent to do. She was under no shackles of creed, but she had a faith which anchored her; she built on a foundation which had already been laid, and she wasted none of her energy seeking answers to unnecessary questions. Her whole heart was in her work, and nothing held her back in her desire to go on herself to perfection and to call others thereto. The power of her spiritual discernment was shown in numerous cases where she told minutely the state and feeling of some before her, and she felt out wonderfully the proper course for her to take. She seemed to grow stronger as she engaged in a new field of work, and not unusually she left her bed of sickness to undertake an arduous journey for an absence of one or two years. She went from Ireland to Norway on a couch, and there endured remarkable hardships, but grew stronger as she worked, and was almost daily before the people for the next six months. She had a striking influenceover unprincipled and dangerous men, and she never hesitated to go alone among the greatest outcasts. The swearing sailors on the ship for Liberia grew more gentle as they knew her, and she walked fearlessly into the cell of one of the worst prisoners in the United States: he was touched to tears and blessed the day that brought her to him.
As a minister she was especially gifted in exhortation and prayer, but she knew the Bible, and she knew experimentally the meaning of its promises and commandments. Her use of language was remarkable: every thought she wished to express was clothed richly, every truth was made clear to her hearers, and no words were wasted. God gave her a voice, not like Milton's, "whose sound was like the sea," but soft as the wind in the trees and strong to reach the farthest seats. There was a music in it which charmed, and a reserved power and volume which she could use when the occasion called for it.
The good people in the south of France still say, "She seemed to us like an angel;" which shows how her earnest tones and kind deeds impressed these simple-hearted people, who saw too few that loved to feed the sheep and the lambs. Her active work in the ministry began with her first visit to the provinces. Between that time and her death she went as a herald through her own land; to Liberia, to England, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland, and France; to Scotland, Greece, Egypt, and the Holy Land. Few women, if any, before her had been called to so many and so widely separated peoples. By every race and nation she was kindly received, and she wasenabled to speak to them boldly and with such power that the lives of those who heard her were noticeably changed. Standing often where woman never stood before to speak, she lovingly urged the multitudes of ignorant, unsaved hearers to come to the Lord for teaching and salvation. The effect of her live words on those who had heard only formal preaching can hardly be described. When in her most earnest attitude, she was calm in her pleading, avoiding all that was sensational and speaking simply to reach the heart. There has never been a more striking instance of reliance on the divine Voice in the soul. There were numerous occasions in her life when not only all her friends, but skilful physicians, concurred in advising her to rest her exhausted body when she felt work immediately before her. In every case she replied, "I have this work to do now; I cannot take another course;" and in no case was she mistaken. Once at least she went from her own home to the train on a couch, but the results of the visit could leave no one in doubt from whence came the command for her to go forth.
Like Madame Guyon, it was her unceasing desire to bring her individual will into full harmony with the will of God, and like her she sought earnestly to distinguish minutely between her own impulses and the promptings of the Spirit of God; not unlike Madame Guyon, she knew her place to be where she could work actively among men for their enlightenment. No small part of her work was with soldiers and prisoners. Following the example of Elizabeth Fry, she went where sin had made the deepest stains. Not only did theinmates of wards and cells become gentler as she talked to them, but they regarded this world and the next from a different standpoint when she had finished speaking to them of the one hope which she had come to bring them.
As she understood the New Testament, and as she interpreted the whisperings within her, it seemed clear that the disciple of Christ must devote himself or herself to uplifting a larger or smaller portion of the human race, the radius of influence depending on the number of talents received—that each servant's work might be different, but each one must get into an attitude tofindhis task, and then all must work to produce fruit for the same harvest-home.
The following is quoted from Harriet Beecher Stowe in herSunny Memories of Foreign Lands:
"C. had been with Joseph Sturge during the afternoon to a meeting of the Friends, and heard a discourse from Sybil Jones, one of the most popular of their female preachers. Sybil Jones is a native of Brunswick, Maine. She and her husband, being both preachers, have travelled extensively in the prosecution of various philanthropic and religious enterprises.
"In the evening Joseph Sturge said that she had expressed a desire to see me. Accordingly, I went with him to call upon her, and found her in the family of two aged Friends, surrounded by a circle of the same denomination. She is a woman of great delicacy of appearance, betokening very frail health. I am told that she is most of her time in a state of extreme suffering from neuralgic complaints. There was a mingled expression of enthusiasm and tenderness in her face which wasvery interesting. She had had, according to the language of her sect, a concern on her mind for me. To my mind there is something peculiarly interesting about the primitive simplicity and frankness with which the members of this body express themselves. She desired to caution me against the temptations of too much flattery and applause, and against the worldliness which might beset me in London. Her manner of addressing me was like that of one who is commissioned with a message which must be spoken with plainness and sincerity. After this the whole circle knelt, and she offered prayer. I was somewhat painfully impressed with her evident fragility of body compared with the enthusiastic workings of her mind. In the course of the conversation she inquired if I was going to Ireland. I told her yes, that was my intention. She begged that I would visit the western coast, adding, with great feeling, 'It was the miseries which I saw there which have brought my health to the state it is in.'
"She had travelled extensively in the Southern States, and had in private conversation been able very fully to bear witness against slavery, and had never been heard with unkindness. The whole incident afforded me matter for reflection. The calling of women to distinct religious vocations, it appears to me, was a part of primitive Christianity; has been one of the most efficient elements of power in the Romish Church; obtained among the Methodists in England; and has in all these cases been productive of great good. The deaconesses whom the apostle mentioned with honor in his epistle, Madame Guyon in the Romish Church,Mrs. Fletcher, Elizabeth Fry, are instances to show how much may be done for mankind by womenwho feel themselves impelled to a special religious vocation. The example of the Quakers is a sufficient proof that acting upon this idea does not produce discord and domestic disorder. No people are more remarkable for quietness and propriety of deportment and for household order and domestic excellence. By the admission of this liberty the world is now and then gifted with a woman like Elizabeth Fry, while the family state loses none of its security and sacredness. No one in our day charges the ladies of the Quaker sect with boldness or indecorum, and they have demonstrated that even public teaching, when performed under the influence of an overpowering devotional spirit, does not interfere with feminine propriety and modesty. The fact is, that the number of women to whom this vocation is given will always be comparatively few: they are, and generally will be, the exceptions, and the majority of the religious world, ancient and modern, has decided that these exceptions are to be treated with reverence."
John G. Whittier writes in his poem, the "Meeting:"
"Welcome the silence all unbroken,Nor less the words of fitness spoken—Such golden words as hers for whomOur autumn flowers have just made room,* * * * *Or haply hers whose pilgrim treadIs in the paths where Jesus led;Who dreams her childhood's Sabbath dreamBy Jordan's willow-shaded stream,And of the hymns or hope and faithSung by the monks of NazarethHears pious echoes in the callTo prayer from Moslem minarets fall,Repeating where His works were wroughtThe lessons that her Master taught—Of whom an elder Sibyl gaveThe prophecies of Cumæ's cave."
"Welcome the silence all unbroken,Nor less the words of fitness spoken—Such golden words as hers for whomOur autumn flowers have just made room,* * * * *Or haply hers whose pilgrim treadIs in the paths where Jesus led;Who dreams her childhood's Sabbath dreamBy Jordan's willow-shaded stream,And of the hymns or hope and faithSung by the monks of NazarethHears pious echoes in the callTo prayer from Moslem minarets fall,Repeating where His works were wroughtThe lessons that her Master taught—Of whom an elder Sibyl gaveThe prophecies of Cumæ's cave."
"Welcome the silence all unbroken,Nor less the words of fitness spoken—Such golden words as hers for whomOur autumn flowers have just made room,
"Welcome the silence all unbroken,
Nor less the words of fitness spoken—
Such golden words as hers for whom
Our autumn flowers have just made room,
* * * * *
* * * * *
Or haply hers whose pilgrim treadIs in the paths where Jesus led;Who dreams her childhood's Sabbath dreamBy Jordan's willow-shaded stream,And of the hymns or hope and faithSung by the monks of NazarethHears pious echoes in the callTo prayer from Moslem minarets fall,Repeating where His works were wroughtThe lessons that her Master taught—Of whom an elder Sibyl gaveThe prophecies of Cumæ's cave."
Or haply hers whose pilgrim tread
Is in the paths where Jesus led;
Who dreams her childhood's Sabbath dream
By Jordan's willow-shaded stream,
And of the hymns or hope and faith
Sung by the monks of Nazareth
Hears pious echoes in the call
To prayer from Moslem minarets fall,
Repeating where His works were wrought
The lessons that her Master taught—
Of whom an elder Sibyl gave
The prophecies of Cumæ's cave."
In conclusion, it will be proper to insert the following brief sketch from one who knew her most intimately:
"Naturally extremely timid, when duty called her fearlessness was wonderful. With nerves so sensitive that the closing of a door would often startle her, in God's service she looked calmly upon death and danger in every form. Though much and acceptably before the public, the truly feminine graces ever stood forth prominently in her character. With her own hands she often performed the duties of her household, always entertaining much company, not only from neighboring States, but from foreign lands; guided to manhood and womanhood five children, and soothed the last hours of many of her kindred. With a bodily frame very much enfeebled by a complication of diseases, she was constantly being reminded of the uncertainty of her life, and ever lived nearer to heaven than earth. Her mind was frequently absent, and when called back it was found to have wandered after some poor soul who had not yet received the 'good news' which her life was consecrated to publish. So little did she notice the landmarks of this earthly journey that the writer of this can affirm that scenes and places through which she had passed a score of times were ever new and unfamiliarto her absent gaze. When engaged in missionary labors her faith that God would care for her and hers was deep and constant. God's commands were her sole guide of her life; when these reached her she prepared to obey them without a thought of the means. Her invariable remark was, 'I am the King's daughter: the gold and silver are mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.' Before her faith-inspired energy every difficulty vanished. She left the aged and enfeebled mother or the babe at her breast, committing them to the Master in child-like trust. Through all she clung with the relentless grasp of an abiding faith to the promises of her prayer-answering God, and if ever a cloud came over her way she remained on her knees until she saw its 'silver lining.' It may, then, with truth be said of this woman that her leading aim on earth was the winning of souls to Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the staff on which she leaned the faith of Abraham, and prayer her 'vital breath.'"
There are a few extracts from some of the letters written by Sybil Jones very near the end of her life which will be read with interest, since they set forth the progress of the active religious work which Friends in New England were just beginning at that time, and also give expression to her faith in regard to such work with reference to the necessity of an abiding defence against everything which might hinder permanent blessing.
She writes, 1st mo. 31, 1870, to her dear friend S. T.:
"I agree with thee that a revival is greatly needed, and that one is really begun and is prospering is cause for grateful songs of thanksgiving and praise to Him who causeth the outgoings of this brighter dawning to rejoice. Let our united prayers go up to the 'throne of God and the Lamb' that upon all the glory there may be a defence. That this glorious visitation will have its temptations we must know, for whenever the Spirit of Christ begins to work for the salvation of souls through the blood of the Lamb, Satan presents himself to defeat by various stratagems, if possible, the blessed work. My faith is, however, that the Most High will protect his own children and his own work, and cause it to prosper and spread abundantly. The bow of promises spans the whole. There is a great awakening in these parts; many old sinners are turning to the Lord and speaking of His great love. Young people too are bringing their early offerings to Him, for which my heart rejoices greatly."
9th, 22d, 1873.She writes from Oak Grove Seminary in Maine: "My dearest S., I am still here, and have been so ill I thought I might not see my dear sister any more below or reach my dear little home, my earthly tent; but my gracious Lord has led me up from 'the crossing' again thus far, and I rejoice in His will, whatever it may be. I have reached this place on my way home, and hope to be able to go in a few days if the Lord will.
"Thou may have heard of the wonderful outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the general meeting in Winthrop.I attended only one session, but I never was more happy. Peace and glory reigned around while poor sinners were coming to Jesus. The gospel full and free and in apostolic simplicity was preached, and great was the company of those who heard it and were moved by its power through the Spirit.
"I cannot tell thee much now. I was laid aside withmy Beloved, and oh the richness and fulness of His love to His weak child! I seemed to enjoy all that was passing in that wonderful tent where three thousand were present on First day. Many from city and country said they never heard such a powerful gospel message before. People are calling in every direction for the Friends to come and hold meetings. Let us be instant in prayer, ready to do our part in the vineyard of the Lord."
4th mo. 20, 1873.Not many months before her own departure she writes of her mother's death in a letter to S. T., headed "Travellers' Home:" "I have been watching a sweet loving mother to the banks of the stream where all of my own family save my lonely self had passed before. I felt sure she would see the beautiful summer-time on earth no more; of this she too was aware, and made all needful arrangements for the event to her desirable. She appeared more and more angelic in expression and features as the time drew near to leave us. Her prayers and exhortations at the family altar were offered in great self-abasement, but wonderfully beautiful and fervent. The last night was a glorious time to her: though in great suffering, her face appeared so youthful and fair, beaming with such serenity, that all could bear witness to her victorythrough the blood of the Lamb. Her last sentence only will I mention. Near the close she exclaimed with both cold hands uplifted: 'Glory! glory! glory! I see the angels!' after this only the word 'glory,' faintly uttered could be heard."
The last public religious service of this dear Friend was at Windham, Maine, during a general meeting held there. Of this last visit a Friend who was present writes:
"First day evening, 11th mo. 3d, 1873, to a crowded house she preached for half an hour from the text, 'If I will that he tarry till I come, what is that to thee? Follow thou me.' As the meeting was to close, she stood and most impressively repeated a farewell hymn, dwelling upon the lines, 'Farewell, poor sinner.' Pausing, she three times repeated these lines. None of us ever listened to a voice of such melody: it is indescribable—so solemn the message, so full of entreaty the tone.
"Her husband attended meeting at Deering on Fourth day following, but she remained in the house. Her messages to individuals in our neighborhood are treasured as coming from one so near the border as to be freighted with heavenly sanctity.
"From report of quarterly meeting committee I quote: 'We cannot close this report and do justice to appointment and the precious memory of Sybil Jones (since gone to the eternal rest) without referring to her attendance at the general meeting in company with her husband. It was a great blessing to us to be recipients of this closing labor of her peculiarly devoted life. Many can bear witness to the heavenly expression of hercountenance, her calmness, earnestness, yet tenderness of spirit, and the unusual unction which attended her ministrations as she pleadedwithandforthe erring and labored to restore the waste places of our Zion."
"Nor blame I Death because he bareThe use of virtue out of earth:I know translated human worthWill bloom to profit otherwhere."—In Memoriam.
"Nor blame I Death because he bareThe use of virtue out of earth:I know translated human worthWill bloom to profit otherwhere."—In Memoriam.
"Nor blame I Death because he bare
The use of virtue out of earth:
I know translated human worth
Will bloom to profit otherwhere."—In Memoriam.
It need not be told, and it could not, how the loss of his wife affected Eli Jones, already venerable with age. Those only who have borne a like sorrow know the depth of the wound. The strength of his character and the weight of his love were never shown more fully than in the first years of his widowed life. War had taken his first-born, his sons were at their work in the world, his eldest daughter was married, and the youngest daughter alone was still with him. Though sixty-six years of age, he was yet strong, and knew that much more work was before him if his life should be spared. There was no time given him to rest. Not his to question the ways of Providence, but to work while the day lasted. He could turn his face to no field where he was not reminded of her who had diligently stood by his side, and his loneliness gave a new power to his words. As Tennyson of his departed friend, he could say:
"Far off thou art, but ever nigh;I have thee still, and I rejoice;I prosper circled by thy voice;I shall not lose thee though I die."
"Far off thou art, but ever nigh;I have thee still, and I rejoice;I prosper circled by thy voice;I shall not lose thee though I die."
"Far off thou art, but ever nigh;
I have thee still, and I rejoice;
I prosper circled by thy voice;
I shall not lose thee though I die."
For the first few years after the separation he was generally engaged near home. The duties of farm-work filled up the spaces between the monthly, quarterly, and general meetings which he attended. The little black horse that all his townsmen knew so well grew very familiar with the winding roads to Vassalboro', Brooks, St. Albans, Manchester, and other near-lying towns. "Uncle Eli has come" made all who had gathered at the meeting-house rejoice, and, whether the subject was peace, temperance, or salvation, he spoke strong words to stir the listeners.
During all his life he has loved to till the soil; trees seem to be near friends of his. Lowell is
"Midway to believeA tree among his far progenitors,Such sympathy is his with all the race."
"Midway to believeA tree among his far progenitors,Such sympathy is his with all the race."
"Midway to believe
A tree among his far progenitors,
Such sympathy is his with all the race."
Eli Jones hardly claims relationship with the birches, but they are his close friends, and he has had many happy hours working among his trees. Perhaps he never was a farmer such as the editors of agricultural journals would extol, and it is certain that the hilly fields, with here and there a ledge of rock, in his farm at Dirigo would never have allowed him to accumulate wealth, even if his work had been exclusively there; but he felt the nobility of the calling. There was no yoke of bondage to the soil over him, and he got nearer Nature's heart as he planted, as he dug, and as he harvested. Those who exhort to a higher spiritual life can never know too much of the mysteries of animaland plant life; they can never be too conversant with the trials and pains which daily toil brings to those to whom they preach. Paul could touch hearts when he appealed to tentmakers; Peter had an unwonted power when fishermen were before him; and he who holds up hands hardened by hoe and spade will gladly be heard by those who have left the oxen in the furrow to listen to the gospel. Slavery to work narrows the mind, as any slavery does, but diligence in some business will never lessen the depth of a true Christian or weaken the influence of an endowed minister. Eli Jones has always been loved by all the animals in his house and barn, for there is true philosophy in the line, "For Mary loved the lamb, you know." His sheep would come from all corners of the pasture when he came to their feeding-place, and often he took his cane and walked out to give them salt and to learn their ways. Sheep that are loved grow best, and his flock was proof of it. After work he sat under one of the large maples near the house, and while resting, if alone, carefully studied the higher and lower laws of the birds over his head and the insects at his feet. I do not believe he ever knowingly stepped on a worm or beetle, and no life of any kind was ever willingly destroyed by him. He could mow on Fifth day until time for meeting, and then hay-making, and the possibility of showers were out of the realm of his thought, for there was a higher work which needed an undivided mind.
Nothing inanimate has interested him more than fossils and geological specimens. He made a large collection of them, and whenever an unusual stone showed itself under his hoe, it was examined. The perfectionof the minute shells, and consequently of the long-dead animals that once dwelt in them, deeply impressed him. The variety of trees and flowers which were growing in his garden and grounds astonished those who were acquainted only with the birches, beeches, maples, pines, hemlocks, the ordinary growth of the Maine woods; but he was delighted to see trees of other climes flourish in the hard Northern soil of his fields. His apples, pears, and grapes have reached the heart of many a boy who has wondered why his father has always lived contented with "Bitter Sweets" when "Early Harvests" are so good and easy to raise; and an invitation to spend a day in this garden of the Hesperides was not soon to be forgotten; and in fact it was a day of growth in the boy's better nature.
There was something still more gratifying than such an invitation: it was to sit in the "South Meeting-house" when "little David" or Samuel or Joseph was the text. Others might instruct the heads of the meeting, but little eyes, sometimes heavy with sleep, opened and grew larger as the shepherd on the hills of Bethlehem had his arm nerved by the strength of the Lord or as Samuel cried, "Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth." He drew pictures of those far-off scenes until a panorama seemed unrolled and young and old saw the mighty characters of the early dispensation working before them; and it was not long before a new light came over those same hills and new songs filled the air: "Rejoice, for unto you is born, this day, in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
During these days of farm-life Eli was often chosen to fill the different town offices. As "supervisor of schools" he used to hear the geography lessons and make the map look so large and real that the scholars felt that it in fact represented solid earth. Then he was sure to ask the whole school some question which would start a train of new thoughts, and he was not likely to leave the school-house without setting forth in a novel way the need of learning how to spell and the mistake of trying greater fields of work before this one was conquered.
It was in the "town-meeting—the old "New England town-meeting"—that he showed his peculiar tact and strength. The men of the town were there to settle the knotty question of "new roads," "improved schools," "care of the poor," and a long list of similar points. It is always a question with boys "how they make Presidents," and it is no less so how they make "selectmen and supervisors;" and on these great days young statesmen were being taught there. The speakers for and against the different articles in the "warrant," stood up on benches and spoke. A moderator was appointed who kept order and decided difficult points. The younger, non-voters, were surprised to hear such eloquence and to see such weighty matters handled by men whom they knew only as great woodcutters or haymakers; but it really seemed to them that another Demosthenes must be in the midst of them when Eli Jones began to argue down the weak schemes and prop up the wise plans for public improvement. At least one listener remembers how one important point was settled. The questionhad been discussed whether the town should pay up its "war debt" and by taking on itself a double tax for one year throw off the burden of a heavy tax each year to pay interest-money. It had been decided affirmatively, but after the meeting was over and the citizens had gone home and talked with their wives, it began to seem to many that too great a step had been taken, and a call was issued for a new meeting to rescind the vote. There was much feeling, and the signs of a strongly divided camp were evident. The stir indicated that the question was momentous. A plain but strong argument was given to rescind the vote on the ground that it would be wiser to divide the amount and take a number of years to pay it than to impoverish the poor farmers by forcing such a tax upon them at one time. It may have been because the writer was very young and impressible, but the reply seemed to him masterly and worthy of a much greater occasion. Not a word was lost; the answer was brief, and its burden was that it was time to be free from the stigma of this debt, which either those present or their children must pay, and that if every citizen would play the man and do his duty now the debt would be blotted out, and easily. A vote was taken, and by a large majority it was agreed to leave the next generation free from debt by paying it at once; which was done.
The work of a man for the bettering of his own town is not unimportant, though it may seem so when we consider the greater fields of usefulness. He who has roused his neighbors and helped them find a better way of educating their sons and daughters has accomplisheda work of immense importance. If all the towns and villages were taken care of, the State would soon rest on a sure foundation, and he is a skilful physician who labors tohealthe troubles in the towns which supplylifeto the cities. Eli Jones has always said that the great aim must ever be to get the individual home in a proper condition. It is not possible to show how much he quietly did in the years he spent at Dirigo, but certainly it was time well used, and we need not lament that he was "hemmed in" by county lines. What he did is poorly and briefly recorded here, but it is written imperishably somewhere, not infrequently on the impressible hearts of men.
The later visits of Eli Jones to Palestine and their object have already been spoken of. With an accurate knowledge of the land and its customs, as well as of the needs of its people, he was especially adapted to taking a prominent part in directing the work of education there. He has always had a faculty for raising funds, and, having been especially successful in gathering money for building and necessary expenses, the time seemed to have come for opening a boy's training-home on Mount Lebanon. It had seemed best to organize a meeting of the Society of Friends at Brummana, so that he went in 1876 to assist in person the accomplishment of these two designs.
He sailed alone to Liverpool, and then with Alfred Lloyd Fox, who had accompanied him on his first visit, and Henry Newman, proceeded to Beirut, and thence to Brummana.
They rode on horseback up Lebanon, and not far from Brummana beheld a most touching sight. The children of the school stood at a bend in the road, each carrying a bouquet of flowers, which they held aloft as their aged benefactor approached, and all theseSyrian maidenstogether gave their greeting in English: "Welcome, our dear friends!" This simple, sinceremanifestation of affection deeply impressed the venerable messenger of Christ and cheered his heart. It was like the loving welcome from his own children upon nearing his own home.
A winter of work was passed pleasantly at the mission and among the natives. In company with Theophilus Waldmeier, the American and English messengers visited Rustin Pasha, the governor of Lebanon, who not only received them courteously and gave them much assistance, but has ever shown himself a good friend of the Friends' mission.
Eli Jones has had the good fortune to win the favor of those high in authority, and he has used well his opportunities to impress the dignitaries of those lands. On the way from Joppa to Jerusalem he was in the same hotel with the governor of Palestine. The latter, hearing that a missionary of the Society of Friends was in the house, wished to see him. They met and talked together as friends. The governor showed himself a man of wide culture and liberal views, believing in the elevation of woman as a potent means of civilization, his own daughters being students of science and literature. He had a clear conception of American civilization, and understood the position and history of Friends, showing much interest in their work at Ramallah. As they parted he asked with much feeling that his aged American friend would pray for him and Palestine.
Again, in 1882, Eli Jones sailed for England on his way to the Holy Land, to be present at the opening of the girls' training-home and to obtain a legal transference of the mission to the Society of Friends.Charles M. Jones of Winthrop, Me., was his valuable companion. They were met in Liverpool by Alfred Fox, who, though not able to attend them on this journey, went as far as Marseilles to see them well on their way. They landed in Joppa, and soon after their arrival were invited by the Episcopalian clergyman to come to his house to meet and address a little company. They found a large number assembled, and Eli Jones was told that he might address them in English, with the assurance of being perfectly understood; so that here, in that ancient city where Peter was taught to regard as clean all cleansed by God, the walls of division were again taken down and a minister of the Quakers preached the gospel in the English language to an assembly of Episcopalians.
On landing at Beirut they visited the American school in that city, and were asked to address the scholars, which they did. After the exercises were over the lady in charge of the school, finding from their conversation that they were Friends, said with much surprise, "I thought you were Presbyterians." They were warmly welcomed at the Mount Lebanon Mission-school, and were occupied there and at the Ramallah mission until the spring of 1883.
On their return, Alfred Fox stood on the wharf at Marseilles to greet them. He did not leave them until their steamer sailed from Liverpool, and there waved them a long farewell. His death not long after removed from this world a grand Christian gentleman, the dearest friend of Eli Jones's later life.
The fourth journey of the latter to Palestine successfullyaccomplished, the faithful servant of God returned to the familiar scenes of his own home, not to seek the rest of one who puts the armor off, but to spend the last years which God's goodness had given him in declaring with the zeal of vigorous manhood the business of soldiers commissioned by the Prince of peace. Each year which puts its weight upon him lessens the probability of his re-seeing Lebanon and Jerusalem, but no spot except that which eighty years have made almost sacred to him as home has so many memories and attractions touching his heart. When he went from home bowed with age to undertake his last visit some one said, "I fear thou wilt never come back to us." He replied, "Lebanon's top is as near heaven as my native China is."
He has twice visited the missions in person, and each time found work for three or four months. He has always been greatly loved by those for whom the work is being done. Being asked once the reason for his success with these Arabs, he replied, "Because I am of the people. I go down to their condition, but do not stay there; I endeavor to bring them up." They are very strong in their affections, and dislikes as well, and they are exceedingly keen to see their real benefactors. Eli Jones experiences his greatest pleasure taking these children around him and teaching them in his characteristic way, while they love him as a good father. In the answers to his questions he was often surprised by the originality of the little pupils. One day as he was talking to a class of girls he asked where the Jordan rises; immediately came the answer. Again, "Where does it end?"—"In the Dead Sea." "And whatbecomes of the water, as the Dead Sea has no outlet?" There was a long silence, when a little Arab girl replied, in a simple, beautiful metaphor, "The sun drinks it up." On one occasion he found the children sitting on the floor to be taught; he at once ordered seats for the room, though he was told they would not use them. He replied, "We will see; if you get them from the floor upon good seats, you have raised them so much from their low condition." When he next went to the room he found them proudly sitting on their new seats. One little girl who could speak English came over by his side and said, "We thank you for these seats." When he was about to come back and to separate from them they stood round him with tears in their eyes to wave him a farewell.
The questions are often asked, "Is the gain worth the cost? Does the improvement correspond to the outlay and effort?" There is but one answer. These Druse boys and girls are eager to be taught, not only to read and write, but to understand the story and teachings of Christ. They go from the school entirely different persons, and they are wholly unwilling to go back to their unchristian manners of life. They are capable of becoming good scholars, and many of them are ready to teach others. The character of the natives around Mount Lebanon has completely changed, while those being trained are now in a condition to exert an elevating influence on those about them.
Mission-work, like all other work, must consent to be tested by its fruits. The work of Friends on Lebanon and at Ramallah will stand this test well.
In a letter to his friend S. F. T., Eli Jones writes to express his feeling of loneliness without his wonted companion, and the nature of the work being done in the Holy Land at the time of his third visit there in 1876:
Brummana, 1st mo. 8, 1876.While my fellow-travellers and Th. Waldmeier have gone to a distant village to attend to matters of business, I have been left to my own reflections, and I have in an unusual manner missed the sympathy and the words of cheer in times of trial that I was sure to receive from her who has been called up higher before me. Her words were as balm to my troubled breast, but now I plod on alone. My life would be too sad and weary to be borne did I not trust that an Eye of compassion beholds me here even as when in my native land surrounded by loved friends.We left England on the 9th of 11th mo., and spent several days in France attending ten meetings in that country; then embarking at Marseilles for Alexandria, where we spent a few days meeting old acquaintances and attending to what seemed called for. Again we went on board ship, and next day came to Port Said at the mouth of the Suez Canal, the morning after we were in Joppa. Here we visited the institution under the instruction of Jane Arnot, a woman ofgreat faithand ofmuch works, who has a school of sixty girls. We found her occupying a new house erected on the very spot where our tent was pitched a few years ago, and where we had a meeting one First day afternoon with the people of Joppa.We reached Beirut the 31st of 12th mo., and the next day came to Brummana, where we received a warm welcome. Hanne Ferach, my little Bethlehem girl, rushed forward and grasped the hand of her old friend with the cordiality of a loving daughter; also several of the citizens came to bid us welcome to their town. All this was unexpected, and, to speak honestly, it moved our hearts and was a delightful ending of a long journey.We are much pleased with the work begun here. On First day our meeting frequently numbers over one hundred, the Bible meeting in the middle of the week over thirty.In the room where I am setting a teachers' meeting is going forward preparatory to the labors to-morrow, which will be the first of the week. Sitting around the table are ten preachers and teachers; two of these are female. Their conversation is all Greek to me, but it is very interesting to see them arming for their work from such an armory.The Sabbath-school numbers sixty, while there are six schools in operation through the week, reaching at least two hundred and thirty children; all these are emphatically Bible-schools.
Brummana, 1st mo. 8, 1876.
While my fellow-travellers and Th. Waldmeier have gone to a distant village to attend to matters of business, I have been left to my own reflections, and I have in an unusual manner missed the sympathy and the words of cheer in times of trial that I was sure to receive from her who has been called up higher before me. Her words were as balm to my troubled breast, but now I plod on alone. My life would be too sad and weary to be borne did I not trust that an Eye of compassion beholds me here even as when in my native land surrounded by loved friends.
We left England on the 9th of 11th mo., and spent several days in France attending ten meetings in that country; then embarking at Marseilles for Alexandria, where we spent a few days meeting old acquaintances and attending to what seemed called for. Again we went on board ship, and next day came to Port Said at the mouth of the Suez Canal, the morning after we were in Joppa. Here we visited the institution under the instruction of Jane Arnot, a woman ofgreat faithand ofmuch works, who has a school of sixty girls. We found her occupying a new house erected on the very spot where our tent was pitched a few years ago, and where we had a meeting one First day afternoon with the people of Joppa.
We reached Beirut the 31st of 12th mo., and the next day came to Brummana, where we received a warm welcome. Hanne Ferach, my little Bethlehem girl, rushed forward and grasped the hand of her old friend with the cordiality of a loving daughter; also several of the citizens came to bid us welcome to their town. All this was unexpected, and, to speak honestly, it moved our hearts and was a delightful ending of a long journey.
We are much pleased with the work begun here. On First day our meeting frequently numbers over one hundred, the Bible meeting in the middle of the week over thirty.
In the room where I am setting a teachers' meeting is going forward preparatory to the labors to-morrow, which will be the first of the week. Sitting around the table are ten preachers and teachers; two of these are female. Their conversation is all Greek to me, but it is very interesting to see them arming for their work from such an armory.
The Sabbath-school numbers sixty, while there are six schools in operation through the week, reaching at least two hundred and thirty children; all these are emphatically Bible-schools.
"Be ye complete in Him.""God's own hand must lay the axe of inward crucifixion unsparingly at the root of the natural life; God in Christ, operating in the person of the Holy Ghost, must be the principle of inward inspirationmomentbymoment, the crucifier of every wrong desire and purpose, the Author of every right and holy purpose, the Light and Life of the soul."—Upham.
"Be ye complete in Him."
"God's own hand must lay the axe of inward crucifixion unsparingly at the root of the natural life; God in Christ, operating in the person of the Holy Ghost, must be the principle of inward inspirationmomentbymoment, the crucifier of every wrong desire and purpose, the Author of every right and holy purpose, the Light and Life of the soul."—Upham.
Eli Jones was a birthright member of the Society of Friends, and as far back as there is any record the family had been a Friends' family, so that he inherited an inclination to the manners and views of the Society; and it was as much expected of him that he would make these views his own as it was that he would be a worthy son of his parents and grandparents. Quakerism was the air which a Friend's child breathed seventy-five years ago, and it was a poor child that longed for another atmosphere. It was a startling revelation to a boy that there were people in the world who saidyouto one person, and it required an explanation.
Eli had little opportunity of reading the lives of the Friends of former times, and he had no way of finding out the "philosophy of Quakerism," but his father and mother and the whole circle of his connections had a definite idea of what they believed, and their liveswere more teaching than many books would have been. The different meetings were regularly attended by the young members, and they early became accustomed to the ways of doing the necessary business. He learned to respect the body which transacted its business so quietly and orderly, and which had such a loving and successful plan for reaching the state and standing of the different members.
The monthly readings of the "Queries" placed each soul in the silent confessional before its Lord, while the general "Answers" gave opportunity for efficient counsel. It was a living Church, and its light shone before men. There were excellent examples of pure Christian character in the Society at China—ministers, elders, and members who would deeply impress the young, who thought of no other course than following in the steps of their predecessors. The quiet strength and sweetness of the best members of the Society, their guilelessness and sincerity, have had great weight in holding young men, and have done what austere teaching could never have done. The call to confess Christ, as they proclaimed it, was also a call to a higher manhood and nobler living.
Eli Jones early loved Friends, and his love has continually augmented. He has done his work in the Society, going out on his own various missions each time with its sanction; and he has experienced fully the help which comes from the united and loving support of the Church at home. His life has been widely useful in great measure because he was a Friend, for the work he has done could properly have been done only in Friends' way, and he could never have succeededunder the restrictions of any other church organization. He was qualified to be a Friend minister, but he was not adapted to be one of any other denomination.
About forty years ago, as he was beginning to preach, there appeared in New England a new phase of thought. Its centre was at Concord, Mass., and its adherents were calledTranscendentalists. They held, among other things, that to really know man must have something in him which transcends human knowledge or the knowledge of the senses. In order to know truth a light must shine into man's mind from the Source of light, and who ever would know himself, the world and the Supreme Being must have a God-given teacher in his own breast; but these men maintained that this was anaturalendowment of the human mind—a wonderful gift, but given in thesame wayas memory. The difference between Transcendentalism and Quakerism has been thought slight; it is, however, immense. The Society of Friends has never believed that man bynaturehas any power or light within him capable of satisfying his longings or of gaining salvation for his soul. While Friends do not lose sight of the facts that Christ the Son of God came to be a perfect ensample for us; that He came to give us life, and to give it more abundantly; that He is the Light of the world; that the true follower of Christ should strive to be Christ-like, to come up to "the full stature of Christ;" and that there can be no compromise with any sin, but a gradual growth in firm character, high manliness, a daily striving for sincerity and purity,—their great theme for the comfort of a lostworld has been that there is life in the acceptance of Christ; that there is health through our abiding union in Him, and thenceforth growth and development by virtue of our oneness with Him whose blood cleanses and whose Spirit quickens. Manliness and high morality, necessary graces of the Christian, have been attainable by all nations and all ages to a higher or lower degree. "Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners," and all men of every degree are there included. Felt necessary in all ages, foretold in types and by inspired prophets, and heralded by messengers from heaven, at length, in the fulness of time, the Saviour came. He came not to bring a creed or bonds or forms: He came to bring salvation, freedom, spirituality. He came to publish a new kingdom, which could be entered only through Him. He finished His work fully, and, about to depart, He promised to "pray the Father, and he shall give you another comforter (strengthener), that He may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you;" having said before, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; andgreater works shall he do; because I go unto my Father;" "Howbeit, when the Spirit of truth is come, He will guide you into all the truth;" "That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." Whoever believes the truth of the gospel record to its fullest extent, and actually accepts salvation through Christ, becomes not only a better man, but a new man; he will live henceforth not for thisworld, but for that which is to come; he will conquer and throw aside all his besetting sins; and he will be a "living epistle" publishing the greatness of the good news to all others: furthermore, no work for his Lord will seem to be too great to be undertaken, for the promise is, "greater things shall ye do; for I go unto my Father."
Now, Eli Jones while a young man accepted his Saviour and experienced this new birth, and, seeking first the kingdom of God, he has not ceased to labor for the greatest possible bettering of the world. This, he believed, could be best done by spreading a knowledge of Christ and by endeavoring to bring about a literal fulfilment of His teaching. Christ, the source of life, the source of light, and a perfect example to be followed, has been his theme. Peace, total abstinence, and high education came in course as proper causes for him to uphold. He has always believed in supreme guidance, and before undertaking work has waited until the inward ear heard the voice, and so his going forth has been blessed. His whole life testifies that he has not deceived himself, and that he has not worked for his own material gain. He has always stood against formalism and spoken for spirituality, and he has wished for life to so abound that formality in any way could not exist. He has felt that all Christ's devoted followers must in some way, by life or voice, obey the command given to the first apostles: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature;" and the message which he has carried has always been, "Ye must be born again." The equality of man and woman and theequality of all men and all women, equality of worth before the Creator, has made him earnest to gain for woman herreal rights, and he has felt the necessity of raising in the social scale all who have been bound down in any degree by the bonds of prejudice.
Points of doctrine have been little discussed by him, for he has felt called to live and preach the gospel, the same tidings which Paul went to Macedonia to declare—not to discuss and argue in regard to questions which can be settled only when we enter "the land which is very far off." There are some things which must be clearly fixed, great cardinal truths on which to be wrong is to be wholly wrong; but a broad spiritual interpretation of the whole Bible, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, gives any seeking man enough teaching on necessary points to guide him; and Eli Jones has gladly received in addition all the help he could receive from thewisdom givento other men and women, such as fathers, counsellors, and elders.
Penn asked, "How shall I know that a man does not obtrude his own sense upon us as the infallible Spirit?" and he answers, "By the same Spirit." Whatever is said contrary to the Scriptures, though the guidance of the Spirit is professed, must be accounted a delusion.[11]No man regrets more than Eli Jones that there are those who speak their own words as the truth given to them, for words become lifeless whenever the brain is allowed to speak for the Spirit, whenever any one deceives himself and gives his own thoughts for oracles; and he has felt that Friends, of all people, should beware of self-love and self-will, and that theindividual members should ever be ready to receive benefit from the counsel of others. Each human being has a special field to till in the great vineyard. He who has climbed a height is more than ever duty bound to reach down hands of help to the weak. The gifts differ, but it is every man's business to find out for what he was sent, and then do the mission—do it "ever in the great Taskmaster's eye;" do it for no reward, but for the truth's sake; and He who sends the workmen into the field will send the basket for their supply. Whether doing quiet work at home or more extensive work abroad, Eli Jones has had one mind—to obey orders; and whenever he has been free to do temporal work for his own support and for his aid in gospel work, he has improved every opportunity, imitating the example of the tentmaker, while Friends have generously furnished the means for him to go out into distant fields.
He has lived to see a decided change come over the Society in his own section—a change almost universally apparent. In his early manhood came the great separation of the "Hicksites," and he felt keenly the want of harmony in 1840-45, when John Wilber opposed Joseph John Gurney; but he has ever hoped that the small body of spiritually-minded Friends would hold fast to their faith, maintaining harmony throughout, and not provoking or exaggerating differences of opinion. Most who grew old with him have passed away, and some with the belief which saddened their old age that the end of their Society was near. He has continually—and never more than in his old age—believed in the progress of humanity; he has seen inhistory and in his own life how one generation carries on the truth rejected by the former one; and in his thoughts faith and hope have been united. He trusts that in God's plan there is endless progress, and until something higher and purer and more perfect than Friends' conception of Christ's work and teaching appears the Society will be needed, and there will not be wanting those who hold fast the excellent spiritual truths of Quakerism, and a practical Christianity lived out with daily circumspection in their thoughts and words and deeds. He is impressed, as were the founders of our Society, with the truth that Christianity is both a faith and a corresponding life. The words of his old age have been not less acceptable and effective than those of his early manhood, and he has not changed his message. The earnestness with which he has pleaded for the essentials, the liberality he has shown in regard to non-essentials, and the rounded completeness of his life have given him a wide influence and have made him justly loved; but his strength has always been his calm faith in Jesus Christ.
"Quit you like men."
"Quit you like men."
The people of a city or country in which is some great natural wonder or some magnificent work of man become so accustomed to its grandeur that only the largest-minded of them continue to appreciate its excellence and gain culture from it. This is not true of men. A man who has the qualifications to instruct and the power to inspire his deemsmen will have renewed power, and will gain a stronger influence over all of them, as age brings matured wisdom. Few greater blessings can come to a community than to have a strong man working like leaven in the midst of it, and few posts of honor are more to be coveted than to be a part of all that is best in one's environment.
Eli Jones has decidedly influenced his township, and he has the satisfaction of feeling in his old age that he is without enemies and in possession of a numerous company of friends, the "uncle" of all who know him. He has had the good fortune—or, better, the good judgment—to know just what his place was. He has done each duty, never wishing that he might have found something greater to do, and now his services combined into one whole make a record which men of great fame often fail to gain.
One of the best tests of a man's power is his influence over the young. There is a time in early life when there is a longing for real help, when a young person feels groping in the dark for the right road, which he wants, but cannot find. Eli Jones has been at hand to throw, by his counsel and Christian advice, light on the right path, and many a man and woman stands to-day fixed firmly in a good place and on a high road to a better because he spoke a good word or reached out his hand when there was need of just that word or encouragement.
His love of education and his fondness for books have made themselves felt. He has been one of the foremost in founding and sustaining two schools—"Oak Grove Seminary" and the "Erskine High School." The latter partly owed its existence to him. He has started and built up a number of libraries, and he has wished to leave coming sons and daughters supplied with a fountain from which to draw. Not a few of the college graduates who have gone out from China received their first impulses to higher aspirations from him, in one way or another.
In temperance work he has taken his part. He began to speak for total abstinence as a boy, which has been his theme ever since, and he took active part in securing a majority for the Prohibition amendment in the State of Maine.
For many years he was an active member of the "Sons of Temperance," and as Grand Worthy Patriarch of that organization he did much permanent good in the State. In this work he was intimately associated with Ex-Governor Sidney Perham, NealDow, John Kimbal of Bangor, D. B. Randal, the aged patriarch of the Methodist Church, and others of the ablest advocates of the Maine law.
It was once a law of the State that the selectmen of each town should appoint some suitable man to fill his cellar with various liquors, and whose sole right it should be to sell such articles. For one year Eli Jones was appointed to act as liquor-agent for the town. Strange picture, that of a well-known Quaker minister and prominent advocate of total abstinence holding the office of drink-dispenser to his townsmen! It can be imagined with what feelings the toper would enter his yard, make known his desire, and what words of advice he would receive instead of the foaming glass.
It is needless to say that no cellar was stored that year, and during his term of office the community abstained.
In 1852, at the time of his first visit to England and Ireland, but few Friends in those countries had heartily espoused the cause of total abstinence. Since that time a great change has taken place. "To hail from Maine isnowno discredit to the visitor.Thena specimen from Maine was looked upon with some distrust."
It will not be out of place to refer here to his connection with the origin of the "United Kingdom Alliance." Its essential declarations are as follows: "1. That it is neither right nor politic for the state to afford legal protection and sanction to any traffic or system which tends to increase crime, to waste the national resources, to corrupt the social habits, and to destroy the health and lives of the people. 2. That the trafficin intoxicating liquors, as common beverages, is inimical to the true interests of individuals and destructive of the order and welfare of society, and ought therefore to be prohibited. 3. That the history and results of all past legislation in regard to the liquor traffic abundantly prove that it is impossible satisfactorily tolimitorregulatea system so essentially mischievous in its tendencies.... 7. That, rising above class, sectarian, or party considerations, all good citizens should combine to procure an enactment prohibiting the sale of intoxicating beverages, as affording most efficient aid in removing the appalling evil of intemperance."
This was a union against intemperance on a most uncompromising platform, and its work during the last quarter of a century has been enormous. The simple facts of Eli Jones's connection with this organization are as follows: As he was returning from Dublin yearly meeting to London he found himself in company with Nathaniel Card, a Friend of Manchester, England. Their conversation turned upon temperance, for our friend had not been silent on this subject during his stay in Ireland. Nathaniel Card became much interested, and wished to take an American temperance paper, as well as to have a copy of the Maine prohibitory law. He was given the address of Neal Dow, and a correspondence was opened. About eighteen months after this conversation, Eli Jones being in Manchester, three gentlemen called on him. Nathaniel Card was one of them, who as speaker said, "We are the officers of the British and Foreign Temperance Alliance, andwhatever results come from its formationbeganwith our conversation on our return journey from Ireland."
Many English Friends have been connected with this organization, and Eli Jones had the opportunity at the time of his later visits to England to attend some of the meetings and to hear the beneficent results of its far-reaching influence.
His work for the advancement of peace has been lifelong. He has strained his eyes to catch glimpses of a better era, in which the literal and spiritual teaching of Christ shall be fulfilled in a universal brotherhood of men and nations; and he has lived to see already "a flood of prophesying light." When over eighty years old he was sent as a delegate to the Friends' Peace Conference at Richmond, Indiana, in 1887, and his voice was often heard discussing with younger men and women the wisest course for binding nations into families by bonds of love, so that rust may dull the carnal weapons of war,