The Bank of Faith and Works United

Front matter

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Preface

Candid readers of all nations,

IrO you I present those pages, written in simplicity ^^nd godly sincerity. For want of time, and cash, they have laid silent six or seven years, although prepared for the press so long since by me : for no one has perused them ; neither have I had opportunity, or liberty, till now, to ca»t a glance over them, for so many years.

In those pages are many interesting things, both moral and divine, which may stir up the pure gift of Faith in the reader, who desires to improve, as the Bee thiEit gathers honey from many different flowers, both bittei^ and sweet.

My only motive for printing those travels, is to dis-^

seminate the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, and do

good among the indigent, where my lot is cast by the Pro-

^' vidence of Ood ; as He teadies His children Mercy in all

their ways. ^ ^ Without Faith it is impossible to please Him : for he that eometh to €rod must believe that He is, and that He f^ 19 a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him."

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As I am not a member of any community, no societj can answer for my irregular conduct ; neither do I wish to apologize to the world for my procedure; as I believe the Lord is my Shepherd, and Bishop of my soul.

Duty to my Maker, excites me to faithfulness, knowing that life is the time to work for God ; that I may be counted worthy to reign with the Father, Son, and Holj Ghost, in *' the city of the Living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem.*'

Many saints of God have gone home to Glory, in roj day ; and I am sure to follow them, continuing '* Steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord ;" for Paul saith, " Forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in tlie Lord."

I have been also enabled to pay my own expenses many times, at Inns, by printing, where a door of entrance is not found among the various professing Christians of this day ; because evil reports are believed of me sooner than good, owing to the declension that I see among all denominations : for it appears that vital piety is very low, from the spirit of the world which captivates so many professors.

It is almost eighteen years since I became a citizen of the world ; travelling up and down, here and there, for the benefit of my fellow creatures, whom I feel allied unto by the sacred ties of God, and our Lord Jesus Christ, whom I believe is able to save all who will come to Him, and trust in His Redeeming Love and Mercy.

• 1 1 iPorty years have rolled into eternity, since I bore the name of Christian, or in other words, witnessed the remission of sin, through the Name of Jesus : for He hath proved a Sovereign Balm for every wound ; a cordial for my fears.

Were it possible to settle now, I feel a disposition to indulge my friends, and also free myself from fatigue, and a complicated scene of distress, which I experience in crossing the seas, and going from nation to nation^ and cities, towns, and villages around ; but my Master Jesus leadelh me forth by the depth of His knowledge, to gather souls for his Kingdom; and who dare to say to Him, What dost Thou ? or. Whither goest Thou ?

Into His Hands I commit this work, as well as unto the press ; praying that His blessing may crown the same^ and send it to the heart of every reader, clothed with divine power.

I have already witnessed the liberality of many persons, who have a name among various sects ; but, many of those are gone from works to rewards ; therefore my gratitude to them is useless in one sense ; yet I would not forget their kind treatment, sympathy, love, and mercy, when they found me in a strange land, and imparted to me from the Lord's bounty to them.

In crossing the Atlantic seven times, God has been my Supporter, Preserver, and Deliverer, therefore I desire alt to follow on to believe in Him, that they may experlenc6

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His boundless Love al80» and know He is their Father by the Spirit of adoption.

As many have lent me their helping hand, in the time of extremity, so many have tried to degrade me by pro-> pagating falsehoods to my disadvantage : but, I have look-* ed upon them as being duped by satan, and could say witb my Master Jesus, " Father, forgive them ; for they know not what they do !**

I sum up the whole by saying, should this be the means of assisting any one to serve the Lord better, give Him the thanks : for He is the guide of my life ; and hath directed my pen to speak forth His praise, to honour Hiip ia my day and generation, which is almost past away : for I h&ve dwelt in this state of mutability fifty-two years ; and am waiting for my change to come. It is good for me tj> be. here : ** For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.'*

DOROTHY RIPLEY.

eYew Fork, IStk of 7th Month, 1819-

BANK OF FAITH

AND

A HYMN FROM MY NATIVITY.

BEFORE I was born, inj father was priest. And built to Christ Jesus, a house for the leasts To worship Jehovah, the True Livin;,!: God, YiTho gave us His favour, and Shed forth His Blood.

The Fountain is open, for you and for me. That word it is spoken, and always will be. While sinners are living, in flesh on this earth. And Jesus is praying, and giving them birth.

My father gave me to his Gracious God, From sin for to save, through His precious Bloods Designed me a preacher, fciefore I was born. And set me a teacher, to blow David's horn.

At two, three years old* I then learnt to say. Being then thus bold, " Lord, teach me to pray ;** With tears, and with sighing, again I did come. While Christ I kept eyeing, as there is yet room.

Five years rolled o'er, but still I did cry. The Saviour has bore my sins, and di<l die ; Resolv'd to find Jesus, I sought Him around, Aad hated old Demas, when bow'd on the ground.

Eight ytnn pats'd awa j> m better waa I ; Then Apollyon did say, I'll fight thee or die ; My soul then replied, I will mot serve thee ; Death, hell, I defied, and Jesus did see ;

Who told me He came, my soul for to buy. As I was made lame, and<:ottld not then fly; He offered me wages, to come unto Him, And died fcr Bagei, and «y inbred sio.

But satan had fire, and darkness behind, Alas for this hire ! whoever doth find, Their feet in great Bablou, his towering height. And for old Apollyon, determin'd to figh^.

Ten years rolled round, and passed swift away; While I was yet bound, and never saw day, My burden was greater, I fell to the earth ; And death it was sweeter, than my very birth.

At twelve full years old, I bowed down my head^ And so then they ti>ld, *■ She now is lay dead !* I ceased then breathing, my body was clay. My pulse never beating, half hour past away.

The spirit was fled, to Calvary's cross. My soul it was dead, and knew the great loss ; But Jesus was bleeding, for sinners like I, And God He was leading my soul to the sky.

AstonishM I gazed, on the Mount of God, When I also rais'd, and kissed the rod ; His blood then was streaming, to my naked eye. Which oft had been teeming for sinners that die.

With joj I cri'd out, " My Lord, and mj God,** My pulse beat about, and breath at His Word ; His arms stood wide open, for sinners like me. This word I heard spoken, " Christ died for tliee 1**

He gave me my text, and bid me then preach, Tho' satan hath vex'd, my soul it doth reach. The crown of salvation, I offer to all. On every plantation for sinners I call.

I rose with new strength the message to tell. That Jesus at length, had saved me from hell ; Fourteen years now over, the Lord made me fit. To stop sin's disorder, men going to the pit.

Let no man henceforth, take from thee thy crown. But think of the worth, and heavenly boon, To aid in His vineyard, seek souls for thy God, For millions^ and trillions, are bought by His Blood.

Part II

When three times five years, had roll'd o*er my head,

A fountain of tears were shed on my bed,

That good old Isra'l's race, lay buri'd in sin.

While thousands by Christ's grace, were daily brought in.

Wide Africa's climes, my soul fled unto ; Knowing their black crimes, cri'd, what shall I do P A Saviour to find them, refus'd daily food ; Engaged to tell when, I must do them good*

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Old saltan now tried, to atop mj career ; But Jesus defied, and spoke in my ear; Tell poor Ethiopia, the year is at hand. When Bethldm&'s Saviour shall travel their land»

Apolljon then said, thou shalt now serve me. Thy King He is dead, and never shall be ; But this I believ'd not, tho' sorrowed about. And into my soul got, thou art a cast out :

A vessel of wrath, tl>y Ood has thee made ; Both mis'ry and dearth, this snare it was laid ; To catch the unwary, and fetter my mind. Then cause me to tarry, with satan behind.

At sixteen years old, despair then did seize, Altho' I was told, the dragon would tease ; And had not Jehovah, been standing then by. That sweet loving Saviour, in hell I must lie :

For headlong I went, to the river's side. Most fully then bent, to plunge with the tide; The terrible ocean, from a mountain height. To fix my own portion, exclusion from light.

The meadow I walk'd, and silently said. When I then thus talk'd ; I soon shall be dead : But as I was going, the fence to get through, Jehovah was coming my heart for to plough.

His strength forc'd me back, and harrow'd my heart. This word it did rack, and make my soul smart, "No murderer hath life abiding in him," Then smote my Inreast witb strife, for the inbred sin*

I cri'd then aloud, God's mercy to find. With tears I was bow'd, that Jesus would bind. Old satan, the dragon, and cast him straight out ; My mission to Pagan, was thus brought about.

I wrestled all night, like Jacob of old.

My spirit in fight, is always made bold ;

Then learnt Abba, Father, my Lord, and my God ;

Who sent forth the Saviour, to heal with His Blood»

^When seventeen arrived, my faith it was prov'd. From man I derived, the heart that him lov*d ; And as he was passing the valley of death, I sung of his tasting the river of health.

His crown he secur'd, by faith in the Lamb, While patience endured, he offered the ram. Himself a sweet savour, to Abraham's friend. Brought sinners the laver, shew'd Christ was the end*

My father he died at noon of his life.

And frequently tried to offer his wife ;

With all his dear children, to Christ the Great King^

To make of them cherubim, for ever to sing.

His grave I stood by, when sackcloth I wore. Yet could not tell why, he from us was tore ; When blooming with vigour, and bless'd all around. Despising the rigour, with sinners was crown'd.

Three times I pass'd o'er, seven years of my daysj And when twenty-four, I alter'd my ways ; Determined to preach then, I tried my best skill, But more than three times ten, Apollyon did kilU

Mj day I divided, in one, two, three parts. With joy was rewarded, when some sinners hearts, Submitted to. follow, the True Living Flock, Now held in the hollow or cleft of the Rock.

Forsaking my all, I traverse abroad.

Poor heathens to call, and walk the straight road;

That pilgrims may see me, as I do pass by.

And mourners behold Thee, my God, reigning niglw

Part III

Three times ten years now, were fled from my sig^t^ With reverence I bow, in G<»d I delight ; My only sure treasure, of heaven and earth. Whose love has no measure, creating new birth.

My pride was laid down, to follow the Lord ; He gave me a crown, the life-giving Word ; By faith I do hold it, and eye the dear Lamb, Whose virtue hath bought it, when sold as a Ram«

His bride He hafh made, the soul that hates sin. And Jesus hath »aid, ** I will, be thou clean ;" In Him, my strong Fortress, for strength I depend, Now hate the world's sorc'ress, love God to the end.

My name was cast out, as filth of the place, And follow'd about, unworthy of grace; But sopje doth believe me; a Christian indeetl. And others relieve me, from hearts that doth bleed.

They see I am right, to preach Christ the Lord, Yet have not the sight, of Him, their Great God ; So I do them gather, as sheafs for mj Love, That thej may call Father, and be as His DoTe.

At thirty-fo»ir I left my mother behind. My bark went adrift, poor sinners to find ; My sisters, and mother, they ail had combin'd, With them a dear lover, to keep my heart join'd.

Ten years I was fetter'd, in body and soul.

And never was bettered, till Christ took my whole;

I find now a mother, wherever I go,

Then sisters, and brothers in Jesus I know.

In faith I eame out, as Abraham of old ; Continue my route, and love makes roe bold ; Jehovah's my treasure, the Staff I lean on. His Voice is my pleasure, and heaven is worn

When forty, I saw my crown, it grew bright, As Jesus I bore, who is my True Light ; My heart it it fixed, on Israel's Great King, And joy, and peace mixed, to make me to sing.

Five times ten years o'er, I'm drawing to night. Persecution no more, hides Christ from my si^t ; ' For He is- my Lover, wherever I be, - 'Tis Jesus the Saviour, I bring unto Aet*

I tell of His love, and mercy to save, The vilest may prove, He's Life from the grave ; Where satan did bind Him, three days and three nights, Yet sinners do find Him, to make them new lights.

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Eigliteen long years now, I've gone up and down. For sinners to bow, and bring to the crown ; And oft I have fasted, rode night, and all day. But pleasure have tasted, when Jesus they say.

My days are near ended, on earth I believe ; The Christ I defended, who docs me relieve ; And could I bring thousands, to His open Arms, T yet would say thousands, may have of His alms.

The river of Jordan, I mtist soon pass o'er. Then let fall my burden, bear sinners no more ; But worship Kin^ Jesus, a day without night, tVho never shall leave us, but feast in our sight*

My soul is made glad, with Christ in my heart, Tho' often Pm sad, that sinners do smart ; So wretched their portion, when hell is their choice^ Refusing Salvation, and Jesu's sweet voice.

I wander to and fro, for mourners to find ; Their hearts are made sore, that Jesus may bind Them fast to the Father, with His Dying Love : Who once chose far rather^ death's bitter to prove.

Thus I have forsook, all grandeur below, And only have took, my Jesus to go ; With me from one nation, to another abroad ; So fill up my station, till Heaven's my abode.

The foxes have holes, and birds their own nest. But I from the poles, cannot take a rest, 'Till Jesus has freed me, from this house of clay. Those eyes then will see Thee, who calls me awar;

Three times three, death's shaft, hath arrow'd my heart ; Father and mother, hath made me to part ; My sisters, and brethren, are joyful above; And all are call'd children, by Jesus I love.

We soon shall behold, each other once more. When then will be told, God's love we adore ; In Jerusalem, the City of Israel's Great King, Where all who found pity, shall glory then sin*.

Ye pilgrims of Christ, join heart and your hand. To bring to His Breast, and Heavenly Land, The weakest believer, who pants for His Grace, And joyful receiver, who knows Jesu's Face.

Poor sinners once more, I must you invite ; For heavenly ore, my pen doth tiow write ; Methinks as stars fixed, ipy crown doth shine bright ; With you I have mixed, and sorrow'd all night.

Those lines you may read, when I am in dust ; The soul is not dead, and never will rust ; As earth-worms whose canker, shall eat them as fire f Whose souls doth now hanker, for satan's bad hire«

I here shall conclude,, fifty years of my life. And as a prelude, shall give up all strife ; For Jesus is Heaven, on eartli now begun ; His riches are leaven, as bright as the sun..

I speak what I think, and borrow of none ; With pen, and. my ink, I blow David's bom ; The Spirit's my Teacher, and God is my Guide ; And Christ is my Preacher, and dwells by my side.