William Rotch
Memorandum, Continued...
part 11
frain from taking his to save it, I may trust some interposition for
my deliverance. If however, no interposition appearing, I still re-
frain from precipitating a soul unprepared into Eternity, and he is
suffered to effect his purpose on me, I may hope to find mercy for
myself."
The Object of our Petition was of little consequence to me,
whether granted or not compared with the opportunity we now
had, of somewhat spreading the knowledge of our fundamental
Principles, above all that of the Inward Light or Spirit of God in
every man, as a primary Rule of Faith and Practice. We met with
a number of serious persons, who were in great measure convinced
of the rectitude of our Faith, and they gathered to us at our hotel
one evening after another, one inviting others to come with them,
until these social meetings in our apartments became exceedingly
interesting. The conversation was almost wholly on religious sub-
jects, and they always appeared well satisfied with the hours thus
spent.
It was then a turbulent time in Paris, and much more so after-
wards -- Several of those valuable persons fell in the Reign of
Terror, and others are beyond my knowledge, but the remembrance
of those Evenings and of the feeling of divine influence that attend-
ed them I believe will never pass away.
One of our Visitors informed us that the Duchess of Bourbon
was greatly interested in the principles we profess, and said if we
wished to see her, he would make way for it -- But Benjamin’s
business calling him home, and my not speaking the French Lan-
guage, we could not accept the proffered interview. We therefore
returned to Dunkirk.
In the course of the Year 1792 fresh trials awaited us. A great
Insurrection took place in Dunkirk, founded on a rumor of the ex-
portation of Corn -- Several houses were attacked, their furniture
totally destroyed, and the families, among whom were particular
friends of ours, but just escaped with their lives.
At last the Military were called in aid of the Civil Authority, and Fifteen of the
Rioters were killed before they were quelled. The Head of one of
these families escaped in disguise, and his Wife and Daughters were
secretly conveyed to our house at midnight, whence before day-
break a friend escorted them on their journey to the Chateau of
her Father Sixty miles distant. Martial Law was proclaimed, and
wherever five men were seen together in the evening, and night,
Orders were given to fire upon them. it was indeed an awful time.
A great trial now assailed us, which I had anticipated with serious
apprehension -- That of an Illumination for the Victories of the
French over the Austrians. The Illumination was announced as for
tomorrow evening -- Having very little time to consider what could
be done, Benjn & myself thought best to go immediately to the
Mayor and Magistrates then assembled, to inform them that we
could not illuminate, and the cause -- That as we could take no part
in War, we could not join in rejoicings for Victory.
On opening the subject, they were much alarmed for our safety, and asked us
what protection they could afford us. We replied "that is no part
of our business -- We only wish to place our refusal on the right
ground, and to remove any apprehension that we are opposing the
Government."
"Well," said the Mayor, "keep to your principles --
Your houses are your own -- The Streets are ours -- and we shall
pursue such measures as we think proper for the peace of this
Town." -- We retired, though not without some fear that they
would send an armed force. Should this be the case, and any life
be lost in endeavoring to protect, us, I thought it would be insup-
portable. However they took another method, and sent men to erect
a Frame before our house, and three other houses occupied by
those of our Denomination, and hang a dozen Lamps upon it. The
Mayor had also the great kindness to have a similar frame with
Lamps, placed before his own house, in addition to the usual full
illumination; and he once, and the Magistrates several times
walked by our house, to see if all remained quiet -- for they were
under great apprehension.
The evening being fine, and great numbers walking in the streets,
they generally stopped to enquire why
this singular kind of illumination, when they were informed by
the person placed there by the Mayor for this purpose, and to take
charge of the Lights. On his assuring them that we were not op-
posed to the Government, but were Quakers, they went on their
way. We had all withdrawn into a back parlor where we spent the
evening, and thus passed this trying occasion unmolested.
A circumstance took place in the afternoon previous to the illum-
ination, which I believe contributed in part to our remaining quiet.
Mv Son was passing in the Street, and observed a number of men
conversing very earnestly.
One said, "If there are any Aristocrats
who do not illuminate they will be destroyed." Benjamin then re-
marked to him, that he hoped that would not be the criterion to
judge Aristocrats by, as he could not illuminate, and gave his
reasons. The man who had been so earnest then addressed him
thus -- "I am glad I know your reasons, and I will endeavor all in
my power to prevent your being injured." -- Another of the corn-
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