Memoirs of the life of David Ferris

Introduction

David Ferris, the subject of the following Memoir, was the son of Zachariah and Sarah Ferris, late of New Milford, in the State of Connecticut. His grandfather, Samuel Ferris, came from Reading, in England, and was one of the early settlers of the Massachusetts Colony. David's parents had a family of eight children, of which he was the third.

When a large family of children are remarkable for the propriety of their conduct, or become greatly useful in society, it is almost always found, on a close inquiry, that their mother has been eminently qualified, by her piety and other virtues, for the important concern of education. That such was the character of -David Ferris's mother, is evident, as well from tradition as by authentic documents yet extant in the family. In a short account of his parentage, written many years after her death, by her son Benjamin, he says, " My mother lived several years after my father's decease. She was of the Puritan sort of people — a woman of great understanding, and well versed and read in the Scriptures and other good books ; — of extensive knowledge, and having a memory to exceed most persons that ever I knew. She was of a pious and religious disposition, being like Mary of old, who, as our Lord said, had chosen that good part that should not be taken away from her. Her exemplary conduct and behaviour made a deep impression on my mind when very young, even when not more than nine or ten years old." This character of his mother is amply confirmed by her son David in the following work, where in several places he refers to her concern for his welfare, whilst struggling through the temptations and diflSculties of his early life.

The following brief memoir has many touching references to her maternal care. In one place the author says, "My mother being a religious woman, and much concerned for the good of her offspring, both temporally and spiritually, was frequent in giving us good advice and admonition, that we might shun the paths of error ; and teaching us, by her own example as well as by precept, to walk in the ways of virtue, which lead to peace. This was a great help to us while young, and was not easily forgotten when we came to maturity."

Her son Benjamin, in the short account before mentioned, says, " She was of the Puritan sort of people.'' It has become customary in modern times to think and speak disrespectfully of the Puritans, as a severe, morose, repulsive sect. This has arisen partly, perhaps, from the character of the New England hierarchy in the seventeenth century, which, in connection with the civil Government, passed and executed many severe laws against the innocent dissenters from their creed. But the early settlers of Massachusetts were by no means true representatives of the old or primitive Puritans, The latter, as early as the reign of Queen Elizabeth, separated from the established Church, on pure conscientious grounds, the same, in many particulars, that induced George Fox and his religious associates to withdraw from its communion. They were a sincere, upright, spiritually-minded people ; in their ministry and worship approaching much nearer to the standard of Truth, as afterwards raised by Friends, than any other society existing in the fore part of the seventeenth century. A very large portion of George Fox's fellow laborers had sat under the Puritan ministry ; and there can be no

1* doubt that, under that ministry, their minds were prepared for the further unfolding of Divine truth, which was afterwards effected through his instrumentality."^ The Puritans of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, through faithfulness (in many instances unto death) were a means, in the Divine hand, of holding up a light to the world which can never be wholly extinguished.

In his early minority David Ferris was favored with a remarkable Divine visitation, under which he was made willing to renounce all the ensnaring allurements incident to that period of life. Whilst he was careful to live in a state of watchfulness and prayer, the knowledge of divine things was unfolded to his understanding, and, by dwelling under the cross of Christ, his yoke became easy and his burden light ; childish vanities were distasteful to him ; to use his own language — '' the world and the things thereof lost all their lustre," in his sight.

^ For evidence of the truth of this sentiment^ see -^ The Gospel Treasury Opened,'^ by John Everard ; '^ The Heavenly University, wherein is the highest teaching, — the teaching of the heart,'^ by Francis Rouse ] '• The Crucified and quickened Christian,^' " Christ's Spirit a , Christian's Strength/' and other works of William Dell; '^ The Way to the Sabbath of rest, or the SouPs progress in the work of the new birth," and other treatises, by Thomas Bromley; all published in the 17th century.

He was now approaching his twentieth year, a period when the world and its glories are usually presented to the youthful mind with their strongest attractions. In recurring to this period, he very feelingly expresses his regret that, not keeping his eye single to the Divine Light, he lost his heavenly Leader, and then "the world rose again with splendor to his view.'' In this state '^ earthly delights and vanity " became objects of his ardent affection, so much so, that he " took great pleasure in airy and vain company." His mother, ever watchful over his best interests, saw his danger, and was alarmed. She mourned over his fall, and urged his return. During this season of alienation from his Divine Leader, he suffered grievously under a sense of his transgression, and was not restored to the heavenly Father's house until, like the Prodigal Son, he had endured all the horrors of« a famine, during an awful separation from the only source of real enjoyment.

Our late Friend, George Dillwyn, whose worth as a member and minister of the church of Christ will long be remembered with affectionate regard, gave it as his judgment, that David Ferris's Memoirs were amongst the most instructive he had ever read, because the author recorded Ms errors and the means of his recovery more circumstantially than others. Knowing that " the whole need not a physician, but they that are sick/' he thought the experiences recorded in the work were very valuable, as affording to the wanderer great encouragement to return, repent and live.

After David had refused to take a diploma, he left the College and returned to the home of his parents. They had heard of his proceedings — had learned he had renounced the honors and profits of the clerical profession, together with a lucrative post which had been provided for him. His father was thereby greatly grieved and offended. Under these feelings he declared that, if these reports were true, he desired his son might never again come to his house ; and when afterwards he came there, refused to speak to him. This disposition on the part of his father, greatly alarmed and distressed his mother. While she deeply felt for the grief and disappointment of her husband, her heart yearned with compassion over her innocent son, of whose sincerity she had no doubts, though she may have had fears concerning the soundness of his judgment. After his father had refused to speak to David, as related in the Memoirs, she sought a private conference with her son. In this opportunity she questioned him closely in relation to his religious principles and conduct at College. To all her inquiries he gave such a clear account of himself and his proceedings, as left her in silent wonder at both the Divine goodness and her son's integrity. In this frame of mind she met her husband, and taking him aside, informed him that, in a full and free conference with David, she was satisfied he had acted conscientiously ; that many of the reports concerning him were wholly unfounded, and that she had a lively hope he would yet do welh This wise and affectionate conduct of the mother softened the wounded feelings of the father, and prepared the way for the conciliatory interview between him and his son, as mentioned in the following narrative.

After this time, the mother and five children, to wit, David, Benjamin, Hannah, John and Zachariah, joined in membership with Friends. These children all became approved and valuable ministers of the Gospel, and died in unity with the Society.

EDITOR.

Fourth month 12thy 1855.

A TESTIMONY

PROM WILMINGTON MONTHLY MEETING, IN THE COUNTY OF NETT CASTLE, ON DELAWARE, CONCERNING

DAVID FEERIS.

He was the son of Zachariah and Sarah Ferris ; and was born in Stratford, in Connecticut government, New England, the 10th of the Third month, 1707. His parents being Presbyterians, brought him up in that way ; his mother being religiously disposed, and much concerned for her offspring, frequently gave them good advice and admonition ; which had some good eflect with this, our friend, as he has often been heard to express.

We find, by some remarks he left, that about the twelfth year of his age, he was frequently visited and called unto by the divine Monitor in his heart, to forsake evil and youthful vanities, which he delighted in ; and, by being in a good degree faithful thereto, was for a time preserved from them ; but for want of attending to that which would have continued to preserve him, the pleasures and vanities of this world got hold of his mind ; so that he took much deligh't in airy and vain company, music and dancing, and such like amusements, until about the twentieth year of his age ] when it pleased the Lord to visit him with a sore fit of sickness, which proved of lasting advantage to him, as it occasioned him to take up a fresh resolution, to forsake the evil of his ways, and turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart; .which he was, through mercy, favored with ability in measure to perform.

He still continued in profession with the Presbyterians, not having any knowledge of Friends ; although, by at-

12 MEMOIRS OF DAVID EERRIS.

tending to the teacbings of divine grace, he became convinced of the principle we profess ; and hearing of a yearly meeting of Friends to be held on Long Island, went to it, with desires to discover whether they were a living people or not, for such he desired to find ; where he met with what he often longed for, a people that worshipped God in spirit and in truth ; which was a great strength and confirmation to him, in forsaking the errors of his youth. And by yielding obedience to these inward motions, he gained strength, and was more and more enabled to bear a faithful testimony to the truth, as it was made known to him.

In the Sixth month, 1733, he removed to Philadelphia, where he joined in religious fellowship with Friends. In 1735, he married Mary, the daughter of Samuel and Sarah Massey ; and in 1737, removed to Wilmington, in New Castle County ; where he resided the remainder of his days.

He made some appearance in the ministry about the year 1734 ; but through unfaithfulness to the Divine call, he from time to time put it off, and remained in a neglect of duty therein upwards of twenty years ; although he was often warned, both immediately and instrumentally, in a remarkable manner ; which, at length, produced a submission to the Divine will ; so that, in the year 1755, he was made willing to give up thereto, and therein found great peace.

He travelled through divers parts of this continent in the work of the ministry ; and, by certificates produced on his return home, it appeared that his conduct, conversation, and labors abroad, were exemplary and edifying ; tending to the advancement of truth and righteousness. His doctrine was sound, and acceptable to the honesthearted, though sharp against the hypocrite and rebellious ; yet tender to the mourners and disconsolate.

He was very serviceable in our meetings for discipline^ which, with other meetings, he diligently attended ; not suffering his outward affairs to hinder him from what he believed to be bis religious duty. And, altbougb be followed sbop-keeping for a living, it was bis practice to sbut up bis sbop, and take bis family witb bim to weekday meetings ; often expressing, for the encouragement of otbers, tbat be believed it was attended witb a blessing. He was free and open-bearted to entertain Friends, and concerned to bring up bis cbildron in plainness, and instruct tbem in tbe fear of tbe Lord, believing that to be tbe best portion tbey could inherit ] remarkably charitable to the poor, and often administered to tbeir necessities.

Bodily weakness attended bim during tbe last three years of bis life ; and near the close of bis days he was mucb afflicted witb sickness, wbicb he bore witb patience ; often expressing bis prospect of bis approacbing end, and bis resignation therein, saying, ^^All is well.''' Several Friends being present, after a time of silence, be in a lively manner repeated tbe expressions of tbe Apostle — - '* To me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.'^

He departed this life tbe 5tb of tbe Twelftb month, 1779, aged upwards of seventy-two, a minister about twenty-four years. On tbe 7tb of tbe same montb. his corpse was interred in our burying ground in Wilmington.

M E M I R S

OP THE

LIFE OP DAVID FERRIS

When I consider the situation of man in his fallen state, and the great change that all must experience before they can be delivered from the power of darkness, and be translated into the kingdom of the dear Son of God ; that, in order to attain to this happy state, all must experience a mortification of their natural tempers and evil propensities ; must know the '^ old man '^ to be slain, and the '' new man '' to be put on ; which, after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness ; and that, in order to walk in the new and living way, we must know old things to pass away and all things to become new. I say, when I consider these things, I feel a concern for my fellow men, that they may become acquainted with this change. And, apprehending that I have had some acquaintance with it, by passing through various dispensalions of trial and affliction, I am inclined to leave some account of thena to posterity, to show to those who follow, that the Lord is ever near, and will be found of those who seek him early ; that he is long suffering towards those who go astray, and merciful to all who sincerely turn to him ; hoping it may minister information and encouragement to weary travellers in the same road, and induce them cheerfully to comply with divine requirings.

I wrote a short account of the fore part of my life in Latin, continued to about the twenty-fifth year of my age.

The many difficulties and dangers in my way, and sometimes doubting whether I should hold out to the end, induced me to keep my history in a language unknown to those about me. I concluded that if I should hold on my way, I might afterward translate it into English, and add to it, as I found freedom. And now, after about twenty years' experience of divine support and preservation, having great cause to say that '' God is good to them who seek him,'' that none seek him in vain, and that his tender mercies fail not, I am inclined to translate it, hoping it may be useful, at least, to some of my posterity.

I was born at Stratford in Connecticut, New England, the 10th day of the Third month, 1707. My parents, Zachariah and Sarah Ferris, made profession with the people called Presbyterians ] and in that way I had my education. My father, while I was very young, moved to a place called New Milford. It being a newly settled place, I had not the advantage of a school; but, under the care of my mother, I soon learned to read in the Bible, and understood that there was a Supreme Being, who made all things, and preserved and upheld them in their order : and that, as the workmanship of his hand, I stood accountable to him for every part of my conduct. About the eighth year of my age, I was informed that the Divine Being was self-existent ; without beginning and without end; and not being able to understand how that could be, I sometimes thought so intensely on the subject that I became much bewildered. At length it was shown me that the proposition was too high for my comprehension ; and I received something like a reproof for searching into things beyond my capacity. From that time I was fearful of prying into such deep mysteries.

My mother, being a religious woman, and much concerned for the good of her offspring, both temporally and spiritually, was frequent in giving them good advice and admonition ; desiring that we might shun the paths of error ; and teaching us, by her own example, as well as by precept, to walk in the ways of virtue, which lead to peace. This was a great help to us while young, and was not easily forgotten when we came to maturity. Death was frequently the subject of my thoughts; and, in the twelfth year of my age, I was often called by the Holy Spirit to forsake evil and leave youthful vanities, which I then delighted in, and to be sober and circumspect in all my ways. By attention to the Divine call, and to the reproofs of instruction daily communicated, I was preserved from evil, and saw something of the beauty of holiness ; the happy state of the righteous in the world to come, and also the moving situation of the wicked when they put off mortality and hear the awful sentence pronounced, '' Depart ye cursed/^

About this time a little circumstance occurred that much affected my mind, and afforded me lasting instruction. As I was riding through a river, against a rapid current, a young dog, attempting to swim after me, the stream being too strong for him, could not keep up with my horse. He appeared to be in the utmost distress, even to desperation. As iny mind was filled with pity for the poor animal, it was opened to my view the awful amazement a poor soul must be in when leaving the world destitute of hope. As simple a circumstance as this may appear, it was, I believe, of use to me for years. I was very careful of my thoughts, words and actions for several years afterwards; the fear of the Lord preserving me from evil. My mind was humbled under a sense of my daily want of divine help ; and as I abode under a religious concern, attending to the reproofs of instruction which are the way to life, an increase of light and life was communicated to me ; so that I came to delight in virtue. As my desires and care for divine things increased, the knowledge of them was unfolded. I could truly say the Lord was my delight, and for some years, as I dwelt in his fear, his yoke was easy, his burden light, and all childish vanities were burdensome.

While I kept near the spring of life, with my mind fixed on the true object^ the world and the things thereof

2* lost all their lustre. But, alas ! not keeping my eye single to the light, I lost my Leader ; and then, by little and little, the world rose again with splendor to my view. Earthly delights and vanity got such hold of my affections that I took great pleasure in airy and vain company. This was an unspeakable loss to me, and I mention it that others may take warning by my harms. It seemed almost miraculous that I was ever restored from this lapsed state. My mother mourned over me, and often advised and urged my return ; showing me the danger of such a course of vanity. Yet I was not wholly forsaken by my inward Monitor and former Guide. At times it reproved me ; at other times called me, wooing and pleading with me to return. Sometimes, in the midst of my vanity, I saw that I was in the way to death ; and that it would land me in everlasting confusion if I did not forsake it. Sometimes my concern was so great, that I was obliged to leave my vain companions, and retire so full of trouble and distress that 1 had no satisfaction until a considerable time afterward. During these seasons of affliction I was ready to promise to forsake my vain course of life, and to covenant with the Lord that I 'would do so no more, provided he would be pleased to grant me his assistance. But my efforts, being too much in my own strength, proved unavailing. Vanity so prevailed that 1 took great delight in music, dancing and other vain amusements.

In the twentieth year of my age I was visited with severe illness, so that I, and those about me, had very little hope of my recovery. Then death stared me in the face; and a dreadful scene of woe, anguish and misery opened to my view. It appeared clear to me that if I were then taken off the stage of action I should be unavoidably lost ; and that evil spirits were waiting round me, to convey my soul to the mansions of misery and everlasting darkness ; so that my horror, anxiety and distress were inexpressible. In the utmost anguish of mind I cried to the Lord for help, promising amendment, if more time and ability were afforded me ; and it pleased a kind Providence to be propitious to me ; so that I was restored to health, and in about a month was able to walk about.

After my recovery I remembered the distress I had been in, and the promise I had made, when under the dreadful apprehension of everlasting misery and destruction. I saw the necessity of a faithful performance of my vows. I was sensible that there was a work to be done ; and that if I did not now comply with my promise, I should have to pass through the same, or rather a worse scene of misery and distress. It appeared probable that a more convenient opportunity for repentance than the present would not be afforded ; and I concluded that this was the time to turn from vanity ; forsake my evil ways ; and renounce all my sensual delights. But, when I had resolved to begin the necessary work of reformation, the adversary of all good tempted me to believe that it was too late to think of obtaining peace with my Maker • for this plain reason, ^^ that as there was a day or time, in which men might be saved ; so, if they let that opportunity pass away unimproved, it would be in vain to attempt it afterward.^' He suggested, that I had had such a day of visitation, and had passed by it ; that I had been uncommonly favored with help, and for a time did not accept of it ; that I had been made a partaker of the Holy Ghost ; that I had tasted of the good word of Grod;, and the powers of the world to come, and had fallen from it ; so now it was impossible that I should again be renewed unto repentance ; seeing I had crucified the son of God afresh, and put him to open shame. This reasoning appeared so strong, and so consonant to the apostle's doctrine, that I gave up the point ; and concluded it was too late to attempt a return, with hope of acceptance.

From that time, during the space of about two months, I never sought for mercy ; but remained in utter despair. My distress was as great as could well be supported without loss of reason. I daily wished for death, so that it might occur without laying violent hands on myself; which I was not much tempted to do.

It was usual with the young people of our neighborhood to spend much of their time in vanity and merriment ; forgetful of God^ their Creator ; as if they had been made to please themselves in the gratification of a sensual mind, and, provided they were not profanely wicked, the elderly part of the Society were not very uneasy with it. But, in the year 1727, there was a great reformation at New-Milford, among the young people of the Presbyterian profession. They had been awakened by the immediate operation of the Holy Spirit on their own minds ; and were brought into great concern for their future well being ; under which they had no outward assistance. The apostolic doctrine of ^^ Christ within,^' and of being '^ led by the Spirit of God,'^ was denied by the priest and many of the people, who appeared to have little sense of a divine Teacher in themselves ; but asserted that revelation had now ceased, and no such thing was to be experienced in this day. As I had been the companion of those young people in vanity and dissipation, they (knowing nothing of my inward condition, which I had not discovered to any) generally applied to me for counsel and advice ; and I was much concerned on their account ; being desirous of affording them assistance, although I had no hope of relief at that time for myself.

My trouble continued and increased ; so that I had no satisfaction in life. On a certain day, in this season of despair and deep distress, I concluded to leave my native land and go into some foreign country, to spend the residue of my days; where I purposed to remain unknown, and that none of my relations or acquaintance should know what was become of me. Being, in my own apprehension, a poor, lost, reprobate creature, I was not willing to remain at home, to be a disgrace to my relations and country people. This was a day of the deepest affliction and distress that I had known. Towards evening, as I followed the plough, my attention was arrested, as it were, by a still, small voice, saying, ^^ The blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth from all sin/^ But I put it by ; saying in my heart, *^ It is too late ; there has been a day wherein I might have been cleansed ; but, alas ! I have let it pass over my head for ever/' Some time after this, (perhaps half an hour,) while I was musing on what land I should flee to, the same words passed through my mind again, with more authority than before, and commanded my attention rather more closely than they had done ; but I again put them by ; concluding I had lost all right to apply them to myself. So I resumed the consideration of my flight to a foreign land. In the mean time my sorrow and anxiety of mind increased ; so that I was not well able to support it, or go on with my business. But while I was still musing, the same words unsought for, and unexpectedly, passed through my mind with greater power and authority than at at any time before, " The blood of Jesus Christ his son cleanseth us from all sin/' At the sound of them my soul leaped for joy. I felt that a door of hope was opened, and said in my heart " If all siuy why not mine ?^^ Then a living hope sprang in my soul. I saw the arms of mercy open to receive me, and the way cleared before me as a road through a thicket.

I was now filled with joy unspeakable ; thanksgiving and living praise to my Kedeemer arose in my heart for the experience of so great and marvellous a deliverance ; that my feet should be plucked out of the mire and set upon a rock ; that I, who had no hope just before, should now be favored with a well-grounded assurance of pardon and acceptance, was a mercy never to be forgotten.

From this time I sought for divine assistance ; and, in infinite kindness, a hand of help was extended for my restoration, and the healing of my backslidings. Then I was enabled to sing upon the banks of deliverance, and praise the name of Him who lives for ever. The Holy Spirit, that blessed Teacher, with whom I had formerly been favored, but had forsaken, was now restored, as a leader and teacher, to direct and instruct me in the way to peace and rest. From this time my mind, after such great favor, was humbled and made subject to the cross of Christ, and heartily willing to take it up, daily, and follow him, my kind leader, in the narrow way of self-denial. And as I was obedient, he led me to forsake my vain course of life, and all those youthful delights and sensual pleasures which were displeasing to my dear Lord and Master ; who in wonderful mercy had lifted me out of the dungeon, and heard my praj^ers in a time of deep affliction. He now became my director in all things; showing me clearly what my duties were ; and enabling me to perform them in an acceptable manner. But if, at any time, I acted in my own will, 1 lost my strength, and found no acceptance nor benefit by my performances ; by which I gradually learnt, that I could do nothing, acceptably, without the immediate assistance of the spirit of Christ the Kedeemer. Thus I found a necessity to apply continually to my only and all-sufficient helper ; and humbly to wait for his assistance and direction ; and as I was faithful, he led me into the path of life, which, if continued in, will terminate in everlasting peace.