An Early Ohio Epistle

From our Yearly Meeting of Women friends, held in Mountpleasant, by adjournments, from the 7th of the 9th month to the 12th of the same, inclusive, 1818. To the Yearly Meeting of Women friends to be held in Philadelphia.

Dear Sisters,

As "deep calleth unto deep" so we can feelingly acknowledge your acceptable Epistle with others read at this time have been like a renewed call on us to dwell near the Fountain of Truth, that will cleanse and purify all our efforts to promote the welfare of Zion and "the enlargement of her Borders." We may acknowledge that the precious union and fellowship which we have felt in the Bond of Peace have proved strengthening and encouraging to many of our minds; and though some have been ready to say in doubtful dismay, "who is sufficient for these things," yet we are sensible that as the day of trial and baptism is pateiently abode under, the unslumbering Shepherd of Israel will arise for their help. And, Oh that these tried ones may be enabled to say, "Wash me, make me clean"; "let not thy hand spare nor thine eye pity, till thou hast brought forth judgment unto victory," till thou has cleansed not only from the dross and the tin, but also from the Reprobate silver.

We have had to view with solemn awe the high profession we are making in the world; and earnestly desire in that spirit which wisheth well to the whole human family, that our lives and conversation may adorn the doctrines we profess, that we may become as a light to the people, and an ensign to the nations, that none may be dwelling as it were in their ceiled houses, saying to themselves, "We are Abraham's children," and thereby become a stumbling block to those who are inquiring the way to Zion.

We feel drawn tenderly and affectionately to salute the rising generation, the hope of succeeding times. May you not, beloved young sisters, suffer your minds to be deluded by the vain allurements and fascinations of this world, which passeth away as a shadow; nor too much of your time engrossed by these pleasures and pursuits which may be termed comparatively innocent - but as a means of alluring your attention and unfitting the mind for the reception of substantial good, and consuming the precious moments which never can return, are inimical to your progress towards the land of Promise.

The design of the Enemy of your souls is answered if he can beguile by the very least of his baits. But the earnest breathing of our spirits is that the Shepherd of Israel may watch over you, and keep you as within the "Garden enclosed" where no hurtful thing can enter; that you may yield now in the morning of your day in submissive obedience to the visitations of the Father's love made known in your hearts; and there be qualified to fill the places of those ancient Worthies, many of whom have been removed from works to rewards.

Our annual assembly has been large; and though we have not, as heretofore, had the company of many of our friends from distant Yearly Meetings, one from yours has been acceptably with us. And we trust the Master has been graciously disposed to bless the few loaves and fishes to our strength and support.

We remain your affectionate Sisters,

Signed on behalf of the Meeting,

Charity Rotch,
Clerk this year.

Living in a trash can

Many of you are aware that my wife of 12 years decided that she would be happier in life without me, moving out last summer. This has been a difficult time for a variety of reasons. Several of these reasons I would have expected, others not. The following are three challenges that I face in my new role in life.

1) Unsolicited advice. One thing that has surprised me has been the increasing amount of unsolicited advice that I receive. I realize that most people offering advice are well-meaning and want to help me deal with the situation - it's just that often it would be nice to have a few more Queries rather than Advices.

A major issue of unsolicited advice is the topic of the remarriage of divorced persons. Ohio Friends can have strong opinions on the topic. Some Friends remind me about the words of Jesus regarding this, while others quote the passage that if an unbeliever leaves a marriage, the believer is no longer bound. When the topic comes up, I try to clarify that I am not looking for someone new in my life - which satisfies most people.

2) Changing relationships. A surprise for me has been that my circle of friends has been adjusted. Some people have been noticeably friendlier over the past six months. Two Friends in particular have been faithful to inquire about my welfare. Even though I spend large blocks of time alone now, sometimes I really like to be alone. Other times, the phone call lifts my spirits during a low time.

Not all relationships have grown closer, though. Two people in particular seem more distant than before – though whether that is a result of events in my life or theirs is sometimes unclear. Some people appear to believe that God brought this to pass to punish me for something, with the associated conclusion that now I am a second-class (third class?) Christian.

3) Handling responsibilities. Over the years, I have been appointed to a limited number of committees and positions of responsibility. One of these positions has never been held by a divorced person. Given the diversity of opinion among Ohio Friends, I sometimes wonder if I should hold them. Last summer I wrote to two weighty Ohio Friends and told them that I was willing to resign from two certain positions if that would make things easier for everyone. They both immediately urged me not to resign from either.

--------------

In the meantime, I am finding myself able to get caught up on some things that I needed to work on. I also recently came into possession of a microfilm reader, which I have used to read some old minutes of Ohio YM. I have also been completing some small projects that have lingered for a while, some Quaker-related. These various projects have been useful in occupying my mind during this painful time, which is remarkably similar to the death of a loved one. The therapeutic effects of the projects are not as strong as the knowledge of my mother’s love for me – nor my Father’s love for me.

Second Blog Radio Program

The second episode of my radio program is scheduled to air on 4/30 at 6:00 p.m. (Eastern). The topic is "Experiencing Gospel Order."

I apologize to those of you who would like to listen live but cannot at that time. The service is not available from 7:00 to 11:00 (Eastern), so I am doing the 6-7 p.m. hour again. I may try the 11-12 p.m. time slot at some time in the future. Alternately, I may host a daytime show on a weekend day sometime.

Many thanks to the 60 people who have listened to the first episode. I hope it was helpful.

Chronicler Blog Radio

A non-Quaker friend of mine has helped me to set up an internet radio talk show. The first session is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Fourth Month 24, 2009 and should run about an hour. This is the link to listen. My plan is to host a show about once a week.

Thee can either listen live or listen afterward. Listeners may call in if they wish; the number is (646) 200-0409. Alternately, feel free to send me an instant message; my AIM name is quakerchronicler. I actually prefer the latter.

The shows will have three general themes:

1) Helping focus our attention on the Creator of the Universe and His Son, who alone can lead thee into salvation and holiness.

2) Affirm the ancient, traditional doctrines of the Society of Friends.

3) Nurture thee and help thee lead a life that is beautiful in the eyes of thy Maker.

Typical shows will likely include discussion of scripture passages, readings from the Approved Writings, and interviews with selected Friends.

The show is not intended to be a forum for political discussions or attacks on ancient Quaker beliefs/doctrine. For that matter, it is not intended to be a forum for attacks on any person, either. We have been instructed "Do violence to no man" (Luke 6:28), and I want to maintain a positive focus on the things of the Spirit.

Last, I intend to have a strict rule against unnecessary language.

The first show this week is intended to be rather eclectic while I learn the mechanics. After this, I intend to have shows on a common theme.

Feel free to tune in!