Download ebooks file Fibonacci and Lucas Numbers with Applications Volume 1 2nd Edition Thomas Koshy all chapters
Download ebooks file Fibonacci and Lucas Numbers with Applications Volume 1 2nd Edition Thomas Koshy all chapters
com
https://ebookname.com/product/fibonacci-and-lucas-numbers-
with-applications-volume-1-2nd-edition-thomas-koshy/
OR CLICK BUTTON
DOWNLOAD EBOOK
https://ebookname.com/product/the-fabulous-fibonacci-numbers-first-
edition-posamentier/
ebookname.com
https://ebookname.com/product/unlocking-mathematics-teaching-2nd-ed-
edition-valsa-koshy/
ebookname.com
https://ebookname.com/product/markets-in-chaos-a-history-of-market-
crises-around-the-world-1st-edition-brendan-hughes/
ebookname.com
Handbook of Neurochemistry and Molecular Neurobiology Glen
Baker
https://ebookname.com/product/handbook-of-neurochemistry-and-
molecular-neurobiology-glen-baker/
ebookname.com
https://ebookname.com/product/to-kill-a-mockingbird-harper-lee/
ebookname.com
https://ebookname.com/product/communication-for-nurses-talking-with-
patients-3rd-edition-lisa-kennedy-sheldon/
ebookname.com
https://ebookname.com/product/st-matthew-passion-2nd-edition-hans-
blumenberg/
ebookname.com
https://ebookname.com/product/informative-hypotheses-theory-and-
practice-for-behavioral-and-social-scientists-1st-edition-herbert-
hoijtink/
ebookname.com
New Super Mario Bros Wii Prima Official Game Guides
Fernando Bueno
https://ebookname.com/product/new-super-mario-bros-wii-prima-official-
game-guides-fernando-bueno/
ebookname.com
k
k k
k
k
k k
k
k
THOMAS KOSHY
Framingham State University
k k
k
k
Copyright © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. All rights reserved
No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any
form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, scanning, or otherwise,
except as permitted under Section 107 or 108 of the 1976 United States Copyright Act, without
either the prior written permission of the Publisher, or authorization through payment of the
appropriate per-copy fee to the Copyright Clearance Center, Inc., 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers,
MA 01923, (978) 750-8400, fax (978) 750-4470, or on the web at www.copyright.com. Requests to
the Publisher for permission should be addressed to the Permissions Department, John Wiley &
Sons, Inc., 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030, (201) 748-6011, fax (201) 748-6008, or online at
http://www.wiley.com/go/permissions.
Limit of Liability/Disclaimer of Warranty: While the publisher and author have used their best
efforts in preparing this book, they make no representations or warranties with respect to the
accuracy or completeness of the contents of this book and specifically disclaim any implied
warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. No warranty may be created or
extended by sales representatives or written sales materials. The advice and strategies contained
herein may not be suitable for your situation. You should consult with a professional where
appropriate. Neither the publisher nor author shall be liable for any loss of profit or any other
commercial damages, including but not limited to special, incidental, consequential, or other
damages.
k k
For general information on our other products and services or for technical support, please contact
our Customer Care Department within the United States at (800) 762-2974, outside the United
States at (317) 572-3993 or fax (317) 572-4002.
Wiley also publishes its books in a variety of electronic formats. Some content that appears in print
may not be available in electronic formats. For more information about Wiley products, visit our
web site at www.wiley.com.
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
k
k
Dedicated to
Suresh, Sheeba, Neethu, and Vinod
k k
k
k
CONTENTS
vii
k
k
viii Contents
k
k
Contents ix
k
k
x Contents
k
k
Contents xi
k
k
xii Contents
k
k
LIST OF SYMBOLS
Symbol Meaning
ℕ set of positive integers 1, 2, 3, 4, …
W set of whole numbers 0, 1, 2, 3, …
k k
ℤ set of integers … , −2, −1, 0, 1, 2, …
ℝ set of real numbers
{sn }∞
1
= {sn } sequence with general term sn
∑
i=m
∑
m
∑
m
ai = ai = ai ak + ak+1 + · · · + am
i=k i=k k
∑
ai sum of the values of ai as i runs
i∈I
over the values in I
∑
ai sum of the values of ai , where
P i satisfies properties P
∑ ∑∑
aij ( aij )
i,j i j
∏
i=m
∏
m
∏
m
ai = ai = ai ak ak+1 · · · am
i=k i=k k
n! (n factorial) n(n − 1) · · · 3 ⋅ 2 ⋅ 1, where 0! = 1
|x| absolute value of x
⌊x⌋ (the floor of x) the greatest integer ≤ x
⌈x⌉ (the ceiling of x) the least integer ≥ x
PMI principle of mathematical induction
xiii
k
k
Symbol Meaning
a div b quotient when a is divided by b
a mod b remainder when a is divided by b
a|b a is a factor of b
a∤b a is not a factor of b
{x, y, z} set consisting of the elements x, y, and z
{x|P(x)} set of elements x with property P(x)
|A| number of elements in set A
A∪B union of sets A and B
A∩B intersection of sets A and B
(a, b) greatest common factor of a and b
[a, b] least common factor of a and b
A = (aij )m×n m × n matrix A whose ijth element is aij
|A| determinant of square matrix A
∈ belongs to
≈ is approximately equal to
≡ is congruent to
∞ infinity symbol
k ◾ end of a proof, solution, example, theorem, k
lemma, or corollary
AB line segment with end points A and B
AB length of line segment AB
←→
AB line containing the points A and B
−−→
AB ray AB
∠ABC angle ABC
←→ ←→ ←→ ←→
AB ∥ CD lines AB and CD are parallel
←→ ←→ ←→ ←→
AB ⟂ CD lines AB and CD are perpendicular
RHS right-hand side
LHS left-hand side
cis 𝜃 cos 𝜃 + i sin 𝜃
k
k
PREFACE
The Fibonacci sequence and the Lucas sequence are two very bright shining stars
in the vast array of integer sequences. They have fascinated amateurs, and pro-
fessional architects, artists, biologists, musicians, painters, photographers, and
mathematicians for centuries; and they continue to charm and enlighten us with
their beauty, their abundant applications, and their ubiquitous habit of occurring
in totally surprising and unrelated places. They continue to be a fertile ground
for creative amateurs and mathematicians alike, and speak volumes about the
vitality of this growing field.
This book originally grew out of my fascination with the intriguing beauty
and rich applications of the twin sequences. It has been my long-cherished dream
to study and to assemble the myriad properties of both sequences, developed
over the centuries, and to catalog their applications to various disciplines in an
orderly and enjoyable fashion. As the cryptanalyst Sophie Neveu in Dan Brown’s
bestseller The Da Vinci Code claims, “the [Fibonacci] sequence … happens to be
one of the most famous mathematical progressions in history.”
An enormous wealth of information is available in the mathematical literature
on Fibonacci and Lucas numbers; but, unfortunately, most of it continues to
be widely scattered in numerous journals, so it is not easily accessible to many,
xv
k
Exploring the Variety of Random
Documents with Different Content
I still continued to labor, and witnessed good revivals. When the
President’s Proclamation went out for a General Fasting throughout
the United States on account of the Judgment of God, it was obeyed
by all denominations, and of course came under our notice,—and we
having no Elder in that place, held it ourselves,—and it fell to my lot
to give a Sermon on that occasion, which I did through some
embarrassment, from St. Matt. chap. 24th, 21st and 22d vrs. And
the Spirit of the Lord was upon me, and the Scriptures opened to my
mind. The stammering tongue was loosed, and the feast truly
glorious. At night we held Prayer-meetings, and so continued until I
felt at liberty to leave them. I then proceeded on to New York. On
my arrival I called on the Elder, S. T⸺, and was kindly received by
him, and after a few days he gave me an appointment in Brooklyn
Church, it having been near six years since I had spoken to that
people. But while filling several successive appointments I saw signs
of much good being done in the name of the Holy Child Jesus, which
was owned with one accord. When entering the pulpit, the Bible
being torn, I was deprived of finding the Text. A young gentleman of
the Episcopal Methodist Church being present, took occasion on my
next appointment to present the Church with a large new Bible. So
much for the principles of Christianity. The Elder also gave me three
appointments in the Bethel Church, New York, at Asberry, in Allen st.
upper part of the city,—several times in Flushing Church, and
attended a Love-Feast, where the people spoke in the Spirit. Praise
God for it.
I then returned to New York again, feeling my strength much
renewed in the inward man Christ Jesus, I saw a large want of labor
there, as the Prophet Ezekiel said: “I saw the river rise to the loins of
a man.”
After laboring about six weeks and seeing it was not in vain; with
the approbation of the Brethren and in answer to a good conscience.
Oh! that I had language to express my mind while I hold my pen in
hand. But had I the tongue of an Hannah, whilst she spoke to Eli! I
could not express the revelation of Jesus; but the bodily strength
seemed to fail fast. I then returned to Philadelphia, rested four days
and was called to Salem, N. J., and after preaching two or three
times crossed the Bay for St. Georges, a town in the State of
Delaware, and preached twice by invitation of the citizens, and also
by request I spoke in Delaware City. Here a horse, gig and driver
being provided for me, I rode four or five miles in the evening and
preached to a large congregation of white and colored persons.
Good behaviour, but no particular display of God’s power. I returned
the same night to St. Georges, and spent a few days with my sister,
whom I had not seen for eleven years previous. I left there a few
days before Christmas for Philadelphia, where I remained until
January 1, 1833. After which I started, in company with another
sister for New Hope, Pa. We held meetings in Frankford, then I
proceeded to Ben-Salem; from thence to Attleboro’. The Elder, P. S.,
was on that circuit, he cordially gave me appointments, and we were
caused to rejoice. The Devil was also at work, setting up difficulties
like mountains high, but having a skilful Pilot I steered between the
rocks. The Church, having been in a seven years law suit, was
gained by the African M. E. Connexion. A brother, L. I⸺, conveyed
us seven miles, and I attended an appointment which was visited by
the Spirit of the Holy Ghost. Sister C⸺ followed in exhortation and
the meeting was closed by a brother—a crowded house—and were
requested to hold another. But we appointed the next in
Holmesburgh, which was alike prosperous. After which I returned to
Philadelphia, and there remained until July 2, at which time I left for
Canada, being a second visit to my scattered nation, for which I felt
a painful impression. For more than six years the first stop was in
New York, from there to Albany, where I remained three or four
weeks, but the Church was wading through deep waters. I had, long
before, felt a great anxiety to publish my religious experience and
exercise to a dying world, but, laboring under the disadvantages of
education, I thought it a favour to pay $5 to have a portion of it
taken from the original of my own registering, and corrected for
press. By special request I visited Troy and found a christian spirited
minister, Rev. Wm. Bishop, with a lively society, and I spoke for them
—the Lord was with us, and gave seed to the sower and bread to
the eater, at different times; and, the next Sabbath I preached my
Farewell sermon, and on Sunday night I held prayer meeting in the
Church, and on the next Saturday I left for Schenectady, preached in
the Presbyterian Church twice on Sunday, and was kindly
entertained; after which I left on Monday for Utica, and arrived there
next morning about sunrise. I spoke for them on Thursday evening,
also on Sunday afternoon to crowded houses of lively Christians, and
they administered to my necessities to assist me in travelling. I felt a
great liberty in the gospel. From there I proceeded to Rochester,
where I arrived, after being two days and a night on the Canal, and
found Elder Graham with a prosperous Church, which seemed as
though his labors were much blessed. But, alas! the Devil crept in—
he left them—they became scattered, the old trustees died, and the
other connexion caught them. But during my stay they added
several to the Church. I then left for Little York in Canada, which was
one day’s sail across the Lakes; the passage was very rough that
day. I was directed to Brother Brown’s, the preacher, and was kindly
received by himself and wife. I preached on Sabbath morning and
afternoon, and that day we had a shout in the Camp of Israel. Praise
God, the mission was both owned and received. After speaking
several times and holding prayer meetings, I left them for Niagara,
spoke three times. From there to St. David, and preached to a
respectable congregation of whites and colored persons. Six years
before this I visited Niagara and there was a large society of the A.
M. E. Connexion, but at this time the very Chapel was gone, the
minister dead, the people scattered and backslid. I, finding only two
or three members at this time and no school, and children coming
up in sin, then left for St. Catharine; spoke three times, but no
particular revival, there were some who wished to be lords among
God’s heritage, and the work seemed stagnated, but they used me
well, and I left them with peace of mind, in discharging my duty, for
George, and spoke on Sabbath morning to a white and colored
congregation in a school-house—wonderful time indeed—some
shouted, some mourned, others sought for mercy, and I felt the Holy
Ghost upon me, glory, glory, glory to God. After I helped to lead the
class, I was insisted upon specially to preach a child’s funeral
sermon, before the corps left the house, a curious circumstance,
which was caused by the following incident: Seven years before I
had preached in the neighborhood, to a great mixed multitude, after
which I was invited to dine by this person, on which visit this child
was born, or on that day; after some little hesitation on my part, I
accepted the invitation and preached from the 2d Book of Samuel, “I
shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” It was a very solemn
time—the corps was then taken to the Church of England, and laid
before the altar, the clergy spake over it, and very much to the
purpose, without partiality, and then committed it to the breathless
grave. On Thursday night I filled an appointment at a brother’s
house, the Lord was there. On the next Sabbath I rode seven miles,
preached and helped to lead class, and the next week I left in stage
for Little York, but stopped in Niagara, preached several times and
paid a visit to a new society of Wesleyan Methodists, also then
returned to York again, and preached for a society of Baptists, a very
quiet and attentive congregation, with one exception. Text, by grace
ye are saved through faith, that’s not of yourselves, it’s the gift of
God. The Devil is always busy in his agency as in the following: a
school-teacher was present in the congregation who, after I
concluded my subject, arose to contradict my argument, he became
very much excited and red in his face, but while he was on his feet I
expressed a desire of the congregation not to notice his reply, and
they accordingly treated it with contempt, which caused him to
desist with all his prejudices against women. The people were very
kind. From thence by steamboat, I proceeded to Hambleton, which
was 50 miles; I found no colored society in that place, but the
children went to school; about two miles from there I found a class,
and, by permission of the trustees, on Wednesday evening, I spoke
in the Methodist Chapel, to a small congregation, from a very short
notice, but the Lord owned His Word. After the close of the meeting,
an English gentleman and his lady invited me to go home and lodge
one night at their house, which I did, and they exhibited a great
degree of benevolence towards me; may God reward them for it. On
Sabbath morning I spoke to my own people, and afterwards led
class and found the same one God owned them in worship also. I
saw that seed must be sown accordingly. I spoke in the afternoon,
and the Lord made himself manifest by His Spirit in great display;
the people, though very poor, were exceedingly kind; one of the
brother preachers, conveyed me to Dundas and Flamburg, west. I
preached to a large congregation in the white Methodist Chapel. We
had an humble waiting upon the Lord. From there I went to
Ancaster, there the Lord prepared a friend to take care of me
through the winter. I preached several times and met many friends
whom I had seen in Cincinnati; some gifted preachers there, but no
elder to preside. There were many of our society there, called from
place to place, which had been scattered like sheep without a
shepherd—it truly was heart-rending to hear them lamenting the
loss of their shepherd who was deceased. The brethren kept a watch
meeting on Christmas eve. We enjoyed the meeting and spent the
night like St. Paul; the next day it fell to my lot to fill an appointment
which I did with both life and liberty, (praise God for it) from the 2nd
chap. of St. Luke, verses 10, 11. I felt my mind lead me to a village
called Ammonsburg, on Lake Ontario, on what was called the Bush
side, but I kept it with myself and the Lord, and kept travelling and
preaching as the Lord gave ability. Brother S. Lewis was much
interested at my anxiety for that people’s welfare, and also Brother
Wm. Edwards, a gospel preacher, who had been instrumental in
civilizing and christianizing many of the natives whom I saw in
Brantford, an Indian town on the Mohawk river, where a number of
the natives lived along the river side, in the woods formed churches
of societies of different denominations, ours excepted, and having
no Methodist Church, a gentleman, seeing the necessity of a place of
worship for us, gave us the privilege of a large house to worship in
several times; truly it was cold, but we had many comfortable
meetings, and very many solemn impressions made on a number of
the minds of those present; afterwards I left for Buffalo. The road
was so rough that it caused me to be quite sick. I could not stand it
to ride 200 miles in that cold weather, and I continued to preach in
and out of town to different denominations through frost and snow.
A gentleman came to me after the sermon was over, and wished me
God’s speed in a very friendly manner, then quietly withdrew with his
ladies in company with him, with politeness. My mind was on
Buffalo, Brother Edwards had not yet formed any society. I
particularly desired him to take my appointment, which he did, and
also read the discipline with proper explanations, wishing to know
who would be subject to the government of the same, and there
were ten persons came forward and consented to be subject as
members of our Discipline. I went to Ancaster, stopped at brother
Lewis’ and wife, and although she was a young married woman, she
was very much like a mother to me. My mind was exercised to go to
Ammonsburg, through a gloomy winter; that night, after serious
meditation, I fell asleep, and suddenly awoke and received the
witness that I must go. Next morning I informed brother Lewis that I
must go, and, he, feeling interested for me, had me conveyed, in a
private carriage, that I might travel comfortably. In the middle of
February I left for Chatham, and arrived there on the 26th of the
same month, where I found a society scattered, without a shepherd;
some living in the faith of Christ, while others had gone back to the
beggarly elements of the world. Mr. Lightfoot received me very
kindly; his house was open for worship, where I had large
gatherings some five or six times, for a new place. The house being
quite commodious, and Mr. Lightfoot used every endeavor to send
me on with the gospel to others. In April I left for Ammonsburg,
there the believers seemed much strengthened; backsliders
reclaimed, and sinners converted to God. Among which was a
woman that had belonged to the Methodists by profession, having
the form of godliness but was destitute of the power, until the Spirit
of God arrested her at this time. After which she ceased her carnal
amusements; quit dancing and went to praying, at which time she
arose on her feet and said that she never saw that dancing was
wrong before now—but she had resolved to serve God in spirit and
truth—praise God for the victory. For three days in Ammonsburg we
could scarcely get any rest, from the effects of the outpouring of the
spirit of God, on both white and colored. I was still more confirmed
in mind that my visit was accepted of my God, who gave me this
mission in Christ Jesus. I stopped with a brother, Jas. McKenney, and
his affectionate wife, who had suffered much in the fear of Jesus.
Brother made an appointment for the next evening for me, which I
tried to fill. Text as follows: 16th chap. of St. Matthew’s Gospel, 26th
verse. I was in a strange part of God’s vineyard, but his power was
manifest even there; after which another appointment was made for
Sunday morning, which was alike prosperous, and I helped to lead
class; then spoke in the afternoon and at night with equal success.
My mind was much exercised, seeing the need of schools. I counted
25 children and some young people whom I loved. I lamented their
obscurity, and advised them to get a white man to teach them, and
endeavored to shew them, that, without the advantages of
education they never would be a moral people, and, in the course of
time, their own children could, by proper advancement, become
teachers for themselves. So I continued in all the towns, finally they
caught the spirit and commenced in the following places; in Ancaster
they chose their trustees to build a house for school, and likewise to
preach in, at Brantford, at Chatham, and St. Catharine. Some went
to St. David’s and Toronto, to Sabbath Schools, and in the week
also; colored and white, all went together. After the course of two or
three weeks, a colored teacher came to the last named place and
established a school of between 30 or 40 scholars (after being
examined and found competent) which improved the manners of the
people very much, and they worshipped in their own Chapels. Their
own preachers, exhorters, and class-leaders (colored). There was a
young sister that wished to travel with me a little way, and brother
McKenney furnished us with a driver and conveyance, and the
friends received us very kindly, and, to my astonishment, we were
given appointments by the trustees of the Church. I spoke from the
following text, By grace ye are saved through faith, that is not of
yourselves, but it is the gift of God. A Friend, W⸺, was there, who
was ever ready to oppose the Methodists; he was a Baptist preacher,
and would invite the Methodists to preach for them, and then get up
and contradict them; he wished me to come and preach for them,
but I felt no spirit of contention in religion and I declined. Our own
people were talking of forming a union with the Canadian Methodists
who were a branch of the Old Episcopal Methodists, that was raised
by the missionaries from America; this being the time of the split,
but some would leave to the Wesleyan Methodists. I preached five
or six different times in this village for several Sabbaths two sermons
a day, in which the Lord gave ability. We continued our meetings as
usual, and invited the old ministers to visit us, which they did; and
one of them gave an exhortation after me, and God’s power filled
the house and the guilty were alarmed, while believers rejoiced in
hope of a better resurrection. I left that morning, rode five miles
with a friend, and on Wednesday afternoon preached again—signs
and wonders followed—after which I continued to visit the sick the
remainder of the week, and on Sabbath day I rode five miles again
to the Chapel, and filled an appointment in the afternoon for the last
time as I thought, but the Lord seen best, and I was retained
another week; the next Sabbath I filled an appointment from the
following text: Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord
have free course and be glorified even as it is with you; which was
my Farewell Sermon. After which I returned to Ammonsburg in the
fear of God; where I preached several times and saw many
manifestations of the operations of the Spirit of grace, and, on the
following Sabbath, Brother A⸺ made an appointment for me six
miles distant, and one also for 6 o’clock in the evening; we had a
very hard ride through the swamp, and met a large gathering both
in and out of doors, and sinners were cut to the heart, and cried
aloud for mercy, which was a joyful sound to believers in Christ
Jesus. The next evening I spoke again from Isaiah, chap. 59 ver. 1;
and several of the nobility taking into consideration my necessities,
contributed to me the sum of $5. We had a quiet waiting upon the
Lord; after which I and a sister that was with me, called on Mr.
Gardiner and he collected some subscriptions and added to the
former sum, for which, I trust, God will reward all the cheerful
givers, as they were very generous. I held prayer-meetings, visited
the sick, and passed many joyful moments of sweet communion
especially in one sister’s company, who was a member of the
National Church in Ammonsburg.
But in affliction she enjoyed the Spirit’s grace, and, in May, 1834,
we parted as for eternity, and I trust to meet her where parting will
be no more, neither will any of us shake the parting hand, for we
have had sweet communion together, in spiritual exercises. Dear
reader, think not that I am going to heaven as in golden slippers, for
I have various trials to encounter while travelling over this world so
wide, but I feel willing to suffer for the cause of God, after which I
shall (if faithful) meet many of my friends that have communed with
me in the Spirit, where we never, never shall shake the parting hand
—these are the consolations in affliction as described in Rev. chap.
12, 11th verse. And they overcame him by the Blood of the Lamb,
and by the word of their testimony, and they loved not their lives
unto death; and whilst I move my pen my soul rejoices in God my
Redeemer. Having filled my mission I parted with my friends in joy. I
sailed for Detroit city, 18 miles, then bid adieu to British shores, not
knowing that I should ever step on them again. I was kindly
received on American possessions by a respectable family from
Cincinnati, a Mr. D⸺. I felt there was a work for me to do in that
part of God’s vineyard. I arrived on Tuesday and on Thursday
evening we had a comfortable meeting at the usual place. I met with
much encouragement in laboring for the Lord, and many impressions
were made on the minds of the hearers. The evening previous to my
landing I saw some of the American affliction towards the people of
color, such as mobbing, theft and destruction. Wo unto the
inhabitants of the earth and the sea, for the Devil is come down
unto you. On the following Sabbath morning, 10 o’clock, I preached
again, then lead class—a soul reviving time, indeed—at 7 o’clock, P.
M. I preached again, and the house was crowded to overflowing, it
not being sufficient to hold the people. Text as follows: And the
gospel of the kingdom shall be preached unto all the world for a
witness, and then shall the end come. After which we visited a
prayer meeting held by the stationed minister in the white Church,
which was truly comfortable. On the next Sabbath I had an
appointment made for me on the British side in a dwelling house,
but, it not being sufficient to hold the people, the Episcopal
Methodists opened their session-room which was larger and well
crowded with various denominations. Text, 1st chap. St. John; ver.
45. The Lord touched my tongue as with a live coal from his altar,
and we had a good time as from the hand of the Lord, and the
Amens of the preachers, elders, and leaders, helped to swell the
theme of rejoicing. Glory to God, we had all things common. But
now feeling my mission ended I waited for the first opportunity and
took passage for Buffalo. Three hundred and sixty miles on Lake
Ontario, and, I must say, the most uncomfortable passage I ever
experienced, although the boat was commodious, yet they treated
the people of color very indifferently indeed, as regards their
accommodation, and yet charged them a high price, I having paid
$4.50. After two uncomfortable days’ and nights’ sail, we arrived at
Buffalo wharf about six o’clock, A. M. Six years had elapsed since I
had been in Buffalo, which was the first time, but during my absence
many changes had taken place, the loss of some of my particular
friends by death and other moveable causes. But I found a Mrs.
Davis, who was a great friend indeed to the people of God. I felt my
mission truly in this part of His vineyard—there were a few of the
Episcopal Methodists, but no established society. The Baptist
denomination had the majority of the people, they opened their
places of worship and I preached and held prayer meetings three or
four times among them, which was attended with considerable
success. I also had the pleasure of meeting an anti-slavery society
where I heard some very able discussions on the rights of the
oppressed, and also clear demonstrations of the cruelty of the slave-
holder, which was exposed with all its horror by a young man by the
name of L⸺, but was greatly opposed by the Judge of the city,
after which the young man arose to his feet the second time in
which it seemed nothing escaped his exposure. I, about this time
had written from Buffalo to Philadelphia (as it was shown me by the
Spirit that my son had embraced religion) to know the fact of the
matter, as I was some hundred miles from home and received the
satisfactory answer by letter from his own hand, which explained his
conviction—the length of the distress of his mind—the severity of
which had caused him to seek opportunity to put an end to his own
existence, but in the act he was told to try to pray once more, by the
voice of the Spirit, which he consented to do, but concealed his
intention from the people, which had been suggested by the Devil,
to take his own life, and it would be all over. In this extremity it was
God’s opportunity by his act of obedience to convert his soul, after
bringing him to the ground like a Saul of Tarsus, and now stands as
a living witness that God has power on earth to forgive sin.
O Reader, you may only imagine the joy of my heart at such
language as this from my only son, whom, it seemed, God had left
as a comfort to me in my old age, more especially after not having
had any communication from him for eight months, and then he was
very ill which made my cross seem very heavy, but I trusted in God,
although I expected to hear of his death when I did hear any thing,
but, on my knees at a brother and sister L⸺’s at family prayer was
shown these things by revelation of Spirit, which caused me to get
up off my knees and I exclaimed aloud, the Lord has converted the
soul of my son, for which we had a shout around the room, and then
comes the letter as a witness of the same from his own written
composition. I scarcely knew how to praise the Lord enough, and for
another reason when I thought that God granted what I had prayed
for, from the days of his childhood, while I travelled the barren wilds,
of lonesome hills, and gloomy vales. But so much for trusting in God
who will not let the prayers of his people pass unnoticed, but is
bound to hear and answer when they pray aright. Praise the Lord, O
my soul, magnify his name.
With joy let Judah stand
On Zion’s chosen hill,
Proclaim the wonders of thy hand,
And councils of thy will.
Death.