July 28, parting with all friends at Fort Pitt; set out for the Jerseys; passed
through the settlement of Monongehela, preaching in various places; came to my
own house in the latter end of August; found all well, through the kind
providence of God, who doth always preserve us through all the dangers of life.
Health was so much impaired by the great fatigue
of this journey, that it was with reluctance a second was undertook; but
fearing the bad consequences of disappointing the Indians, was resolved to proceed
on all events. Left my house and family on the 26th of October all
well, but alas! all of them I never saw more. My parting at this time went so
to my heart, that it seemed as if this journey should finish my days on earth.
It was like death itself, but for my word's sake would go: but had it been
known how little in reality the Indians cared for my visit, might have
contented myself at home.
For the conveniency [sic] of carrying provisions, and as a defence
against storms, went this time in a covered wagon [sic], in company with a person desirous to see the
new country, with a view of settling there. Our carriage rendered our journey
less expeditious, and in the event proved considerable loss to me; for the
axletree broke in the Allegini [sic] mountain,
going down to the Great Crossings—parted with it on such disadvantageous terms,
that about five pounds loss was sustained. Met with discouragements also while
in Philadelphia, for there some money was expected to pay my interpreter, but none
could be had, only one gentleman, as I parted with him, put three or four
dollars in my hand. Some were so good as to trust me a small sum in such goods
as were necessary for my journey.—It filled me with some astonishment to see
professed christians so unconcerned about the conversion of the heathens! When
the Son of Man cometh, shall he find faith on earth!
Messieurs [John] Baynton and [George] Morgan
were kind enough to furnish me with some necessaries for my journey, and it is
hoped that it will not incur displeasure to give credit for their generosity.
We travelled so slow, and could make so little way over the Allegini [sic] mountain, that we arrived not to Redstone
till November 17.
How hard it must
be for all missionaries, who leave home and family not knowing whether or not
they will see them again in this life.
Certainly the faithful minister of the Gospel will go forth trusting in
the all-benevolent God whom he serves, but what discouragements must he
overcome in his work? Even Jones admits
here that the Indians he was laboring and suffering to serve seemed to be
generally indifferent to his work. Added
to that is the further frustration of the lack of support for the work from fellow
Christians back home. Praise God for Christian
businessmen! Baynton and Morgan were from the firm of Baynton, Wharton &
Morgan which was based in Philadelphia and was actively engaged in the
trans-Appalachian trade amongst the various native tribes and others. Whatever their motivations for supporting
Jones may have been, at least they were willing to spend some money in
promoting his work. Are we supporting
the work of foreign or domestic missions in our day?
A few days before me the Revd. John Davis
came here [Redstone], intending to go
with me to Ohio. It surprised me to
see him so much impaired in his health.
Conversed, and found him resolved to go with me, at least as far as
Ohio. Endeavoured to dissuade him from
his purpose, fearing the event, (which in time came to pass) but could not prevail; therefore consented,
intending submission to the will of God.
When we came to the house of my interpreter, found that some time before
our arrival he had, in company with some Delaware Indians, gone far down Ohio;
he left word that I might find him about the Shawannee towns, or some where
along Ohio. This was very discouraging,
as I knew of none so well qualified as himself to answer my purpose. Excited with hopes of finding him, in company
with Mr. Davis and some more, set out for the river Ohio; but by high waters,
and bad stormy weather, our journey was so retarded that we arrived not to Ohio
till Dec. 2. When we came to the house
of Dr. James McMechen, formerly neighbour to Mr. Davis, he seemed to forget his
complaints, and his heart was exhilarated upon feeing his old acquaintance, and
the river Ohio, after such a tedious journey. But alas! dear man, his time was
short, for on the 13th day of
said month, he departed this life, and
left me his remains to commit to the earth. My distress was not small on this
occasion, for materials to make a coffin, and a spade to dig the grave. Was relieved by hearing that in a cabin at
some distance there were some sawed boards, and a spade could be had in going
about eight miles. Having got the
materials, and assisted by a man a little used to tools, made him a
coffin. Happily I had carried some nails
with me, so that he was buried with some decency. During the time of his illness, he was very
submissive to the will of God; and was so far from the fear of death, that he
was often heard to say, "Oh! that the fatal blow was struck!" He had a complication of disorders, and all
medicines used either by Dr. McMechen or myself seemed to have none
effect. When he drew near his last, he
was very delirious, and could give few rational answers, tho' he still knew me,
and would always have me by him, till all senses failed. To compose him a little, gave him a strong
anodyne, which had so much effect, that for about fifteen minutes he enjoyed
the use of his reason. In this time he
told me, that he firmly believed the locality of heaven—that in a little time
he expected to be with Christ, and see and know him as he is now known and as
he is not known. He said his faith in
his Saviour was unshaken. Then he made
as humble addresses to God, as ever I heard drop from mortal lips. Soon after his delirium returned, and never
remitted more. On the 13th of
December 1772, being the Lord's day, about an hour and an half before the sun set,
this great man took his final departure from this world of sorrows. Alas! what devastations and destruction has
sin brought upon the human race! that the wise, the reverend head must return
to dust! and can we who are alive, love so merciless an enemy! forbid it Lord!—Mr.
Davis, it is well known, was a great scholar, possessed of a good judgment, and
very retentive memory. He had truly a great soul, and despised any thing that
was little or mercenary. In our journey
he told me one reason why he left Boston was, because he abhorred a dependent
life and popularity: that if God continued him, he intended to settle in this
new country, where he could preach the gospel of his Saviour freely. His address,
in all his religious, performances was easy, sweet and pleasing: his private
conversation both informing and engaging; though at times he was a little reserved,
yet it was only when not suited. And what exceeds all, I believe he was a
humble disciple of our blessed Saviour. In this point, was more confirmed by
conversing with him in our journey, than what I had been in any part of former
acquaintance.
Being conscious that poetry is not my
gift, yet as the following verses are expressive of Mr. Davis's faith, thought
it not amiss to insert them here, as an epitaph to that worthy man, viz.
How learn'd, how fam'd, now avails me not!
By whom admir'd, or by whom begot!
Ohio's bank my body now confines
In safe repose, till Christ in triumph shines;
But when the last trump's alarming sound
Shall shake the foundations of the ground:
And Christ in full glory shall descend.
The rights of pure justice to defend:
Then in bright honour shall this body rise.
To meet my dearest Lord up in the skies.
The remains of this worthy man are interred
near a brook, at the north end of the level land adjacent to Grave Creek: about
sixteen feet N. of his grave stands a large blackoak tree; on this the name of
Mr. Davis, the date of the year, and day of the month, are cut with my
tommehock [tomahawk]. This is the
present monument; but Dr. McMechen intended a tomb for him. He was the first
white man buried in this part of the country, but not long after a child was
laid by him. Here a Baptist meeting-house is designed, as the most central
place in this part of the country. 2
What trials
David Jones passed through at this time!
He was separated from home, suffering privations in the wilderness and
now even bereft of the company of a fellow Christian. Imagine not only having to bury a friend but
having to travel some distance just to obtain the tools necessary for doing the
job! Through all this Jones’ faith
remains strong. Lord, may the same be
said for us; may we also be found faithful in spite of our various trials.
Christ, not man, is King!
Dale
1)
David Jones, A Journal of Two Visits Made to
Some Nations of Indians on the West Side of the River Ohio in the Years 1772
and 1773 (Burlington, NJ: Isaac Collins, 1774), p. 21-3.
2)
Ibid., p. 23-6.
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