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COLLECTION

O F

MEMORIALS

CONCERNING

Divers deceafed Minifters and others of the People called Qjljakers,

I N

Pennfylvania, New-Jerfey, and Parts adja- cent, from nearly the firft Settlement thereof to the Year 1787.

With fome of the lafl: Exprefllons and Exhortations of many of them.

w w ts^ Tr^a&j-.Ag'jM^^BgijRM

Not by works of righteoufnefs wfiich we have done, but ac- cording to his mercy, he favecl iis, by the wailiiiii^ of rege-" neration, and renewing of the Holy Ghoft. Titus iii— 5.

PHILADELPHIA:

Printed by Joseph Crukshank, in Mar- ket-Street, BETWEEN Second AND Third-Streets.

M DCC LXXXVII.

PREFACE.

ALTHOUGH they who are departed hence in the Lord, can receive no ad- dition to their happinefs by any teftimonial of their furviving friends, however jull: ; yet to the wife in heart, precious is the memory of the truly pious and upright, whofe hum- ble walking in the fear of God has livingly witnefTed againfl the appearance of evil in its various transformations ; their confor- mity in fpirit and pradlice to the holy law of the Lord, evincing the delight and be- nefit to be foujid therein ; for ** Verily there *' is a reward for the righteous, verily he is ** a God that judgeth in the earth." Pfalm Iviii, verfe 1 1 .

'* What fcene in this life more dignifies humanity ? what fchool is more profita- bly inftrucftive than the death-bed of the righteous, imprefling the underftanding with a convincing evidence, that they *' have not followed cunningly devifed fa- *' bles, but folid fubftantial truth; that *' there is a meafure of divine light and ** grace in man, which if duly minded and ** obeyed, is fufficient to preferve thro' all the " viciffitudes in life, to give him the vic-

'* tory

ct

iv PREFACE.

** tory over his fpiritual enemies, and in the ** end over death, hell, and the grave?"*

It is right therefore, that the remembrance of thofe lliould be preferved, whofe lights have fo fhone before men as to excite the beholders of their good works to glorify God, the original, and fource from whom all good is derived, that tho' being dead, the luftre of their pious example through life, and on the approach of death, may con^- tinue to fpeak the inviting language, " Fol- " Igzv us as we have follo'wed Chrijir

With this view, our yearly-meeting con- fideringthat many memorials of our depart- ed friends lay dormant on the records, dir- re(5led a Colledion to be made of fuch of them as were mod likely to be of general benefit by publication, which the committee appointed for the fervice having performed to the bell of their judgment, it is now pre- fented to the readers, feme of whom will be reminded of the fuicere piety and virtue of their anceflors, who through the dangers and flifhcultics to which they were fubjecfted, in their removal from their native land, and forming a nev/ fettlement in a wildernefs, were happily prelerved in a fteady attention^ to their religious duty, and many of them faithfully engaged in promoting the caufe of truth and righteoufnefs among mankind, to whom others fucceeded, who through obedience to the powerful influence of Di- vine grace, became alike eminent in their day, and ferviceable in the church.

The * Life of James Cough, pnge 53.

PREFACE. V

- The following CoUedion is afFedlionately recommended to the defcendants of thole worthies, to the readers in general, and particularly to the youth, whp may derive profitable inllruction by a ferious obferva- tion of the happy etFecls of an early devoti- on of heart, and the inexpreffible advant- ages of embracing the merciful vilitation of the Mod-High, to fecure their true comfort iji this life, and enduring felicity in that which is to come.

Though the language and flyle of thefe memorials may not be calculated to pleafe fuch curious readers w^ho in their eftimate of the value of a Book, are too much amuf- ed by the dilplay of wit and literary accom- plilhments in the compolition, to give due attention to the inftrudlive import of an art- lefs account of the chriftian experiences of thofe, who have not been fo foHcitous for the approbation of men, as to be found humble followers of Chriil, their meek and lowly pattern and redeemer; but it is hop- ed, that there are many to whom the con- tents of this Colledlion will afford informa- tion, edification, and encouragement in the purfait of their mofl fubllantial intereft, a life of true wifdom, piety, and virtue; and that the number of fuch may increafe is the defign of the following publication.

Philadelphia, 12th Month, 1787.

AN

A M

ALPHABETICAL

INDEX.

A		P
'1' JL Homas Atkinfon	Page 10	John Delaval	Page 17
Peter Andrews	i68	James Daniel, fenior	65
Tl		Lydia Dean	153
x>		Nicholas Pavis	165
John Bevan	75	Elizabeth Daniel	205
Jofeph Booth	94	James Daniel {id)	353
Thomas Brown	179	E
Obadiah Borton	209
Rachel Brown	39<^	John Eckley	12
Anthony Benezet	411	Rowland Ellis	91
C		Jofeph Elgar	98
	John Eftaugh	119
Vincent Caldwell	58	Cadwallader Evans	»3»
Aaron Coppock	64	Evan Evans	137
Hannah Carpenter	84	John Evans	175
Thomas Chalkley	103	Elizabeth Eftaugh	210
Efther Clare	109	Ellen Evans	234
John Cadwalader	118	Margaret Ellis	243
Hannah Cooper	158	Mary Evans	276
Jofeph Cooper	159	Mary Eailen	37«
]3etty Caldwell	184	Thomas Evans	409
Hannah Carleton	194	F
Kaac Child	268
Grace Croafdale	278	Abraham Farrington	186
John Churchman	323	Peter Fearon	217

N D E X.

v«

Jofiah Foftcr William Foulkc Hannah Fofter Rachel Farquhar William Farquhar David Ferris

6

Jofeph Glaifter Alice Griffith Thomas Goodwin Jofeph Gibfon

H

Cuthbert Hayhurft James Harrifon WilUam Haig Mary Haig Hannah Hill Jacob Holcombe William Hammans Ifaac Hollingfworth Ifaac Hornor Elizabeth Haydock :Ellis Hugh William Hunt William Home Zebulon Hefton Mary Hornor John Hallowell Jofeph Hulband

Thomas Janney Benjamin Jordan Robert Jordan Jofeph Jordan Robert Jordan {2d) Jane Jones Cadwallader Jones Dinah James

Page 280

35<^

368 384 390

56

141

321

367

I

8

52 54 70 140 162 202 208 222 223 296

317 349 351 380

431

27

44 89

99 109

196

199

24*5

t

Samuel John Jofeph Jones Griffith John William and Katha- rine Jackfon

K

Edmund Kinfey Mary Knight

L

Roger Longworth Thomas Langhornc Thomas Lloyd Thomas Lightfoot John Lee James Lord William LeVis Thomas Lancafter William Ladd Michael Lightfoot Joihua Lord Samuel Large Mary Lippincott Rachel Lippincott Sufanna Lightfoot

M

Anthony Morris Mofes Mendenhall Sufanna Morris Sarah Murfin William Mott Mary Moore Abraham Marfliall Sarah Milhoufe Sarah Morris

O

Robert Owen

Page 251 37^ 379

> 426

204 264

•4

6

21

^3 6S

74 133 154

^SS 160

207

238

295

389 400

6^

93 163

215

240

248

257

331 334

30

Robert and Jane Owen 32

Viii

N D

X.

Ellis Piigh Caleb Pufey	Page 48 68
Ann Parfon	9S
Samuel Preflon	126
Margaret Preflon Thomas Pleafants	127 128
Sarah Pleafailts	144
Ifrael Pemberton	156
Agnes Penquite Mary Pennel	198 229
Rachel Pemberton	231
Mary Pemberton	386
R
James RadclifF	13
Hugh Roberts Ann Roberts	■34 149
Thomas Redman	250
Edward Roberts	263
John Ridgway John Reynell	318 423
S
John Simcock Eleanor Smith	36 39
John Smith Elizabeth Small	42 a6
Sarah Shotwell	200
Eleanor Shotwell	216
John Smith {2d) John Scarborough Daniel Stanton	253 274 282
Elizabeth Shipley Edith Sharpies	371 434

Page

Chriflopher Taylor 3

Richard Townlend J02

William Trotter 146

Evan Thomas 161

Jofeph Tomllnfon 197

Thomas Tilton 221

Benjamin Trotter 259

John Thomas 292

Ephraim Tomlinfon 398

Phebe Trimble 420

U

Alexander Underwood 256

John Vail

V

W

319

William Walker	20
Henry White	41
Chriftopher Wilfon	102
Elizabeth Wyatt	148
Anna Webfter	212
Thomas "Wcod	266
John Woolman	301
Jofeph White	359
Ellher White	374
Y
William Yaruley	14
Nathan Yarnall	393

A COLLECTION

A

COLLECTI

O F

t

Memorials or Testimonies

CONCERNING

Divers Ministers and Elders deceafed.

An abJtraB of Nicholas Wain's Tejlimony^ concerning that faithful Jervant of the Lord, CuTHBERT Hayhurst, 'who departed this life^ at bis cwn houfe in the county of Bucks, in Pennfylvania, about the ^th of the firjl months 1682-3, near the fftieth year of his age,

HE was born at Eafington, in BoUand in the county of York, in Old England, and was one of the worthies in Ifrael. My fpirit is comforted in a fenfe of that power, v^rhich did attend him in our meetings, for many years in the land of our nativity, and aifo after he came into thefe parts; having been a valiant foldier for the truth, and bore a faithful tedimony to the fame, in

B word,

( 2 )

worcl, life and converfation. He went tIiro\igTi many great exercifes and imprifonments, and was a comfort unto the faithful and true believers, who folloiv the Lamb through many tribulations. He was a worthy inftru- ment in the Lord*s hand, againil: the falfe teachers and hirelings, going feveral times to their fleeple-houfes, and teftifying againft their deceiving the people. He alio v/ent to feveral market towns, and at their croflfes, declared and publiihed the truth as it is in ]efus: I accompanied him and his dear wife at one of them, where he faithfully warned the people and exhorted them to repentance; the divine power and prefence eminently at- tending him, which my foul was made fen- fible of to my comfort and fatisfa<flion. I can fay he was of great fervice to me and many others, being inllrumental in bring- ing us near unto the Lord, whofe name over all we have caufe to blefs on his behalf; and although his body is gone to the earth, his memorial liveth among the righteous, and I am perfuaded his foul is in the enjoyment of peace with the Lord. I was often with him in the time of his fick- ne(s, and beheld his meek, innocent and lamb-like deportment; being alio by his bed-fide when he departed, which was in a quiet and truly refigneci frame, like one fall- ing into a fweet fleep; lb that 1 have great caufe to believe he is one of thofe that died in the Lord^ and is at reft ixnth him jore'ver,

NICHOLAS WALK

( 3 )

William Yardley's Teflhnony concerning Chri- stopher Taylor, ivbo died about the year 1686.

HE was one of the Lord's worthies, flrong and fleadi'afi: in the faith, very zealous for the truth and careful for the church; his life being hid with God in Chrift. His miniftry flood not in the wifdom of the flelli, but in the power of God. It was the birth born from above, that could receive him and was refrelhed by him. In a word, he was a Jew inward whofe praife is not of men but of God. And forafmuch as he was a man thus qualified, I could not well be fatisfied that fo worthy a man as dear Chriflopher Taylor, iliould be buried in ob- livion. His chiefeft joy was to feel friends in the invifible life ; and although many exer- cifes did attend him for the truth's fake, he yN2iS faithful nnto thedeath^ andfo has receiv- ed a croujn of life-, and though his departure from us is our lofs, yet it is his gain ; for hleffed are the dead ivhich die in the Lord, they ref from their labours and their works do fol- lotv thein,

WILLIAM TARDLET.

It appears our faid friend came from Old England, his native country, on a religious vifit to New England, in the year 1675; af- terwards into Pennfylvania, among the firfl Englilh, and fettled at Philadelphia. He was

B 2 of

(4)

of confiderable fervice in public affairs, and very active in fettling meetings fordifcipline in thofe early tinaes ; the firft of that fort for the women, being held at his houfe in 1683.

William Yardley and Phineas Pemberton's Teflimony concerning Roger Long- worth*

HE was born at Longworth, near Bolton in Lancailiire. We were well acquaint- ed Virith him almoft from the time ot his convincement, being a man of a peaceable difpofition, gentle and mild, ready and will- ing to ferve his friend to the utmoft of his ability, and a very diligent labourer in the work of the Lord, willing to fpend and be fpent, not counting any thing in this world too dear to part with, for the fame. The Lord did eminently blefs his m.iniflry, where- unto he was called about the year 1672, and travelled fometimes in that work, in his own country until 1675; after which time he was wholly given up and devoted to the fervice of the Lord, travelling much in England, where he fuffered imprifon- nient in feveral places ; fix times he pafled through Holland, and /bme others of thofc provinces; alio part of Germany and there- about, feveral times as far as Dantzick, where he laboured much for the releale of

friends,

( 5 )

friends, who then were prifoners there, writ^ ing to the king, magiftrates and officers on cheir behalf. At Embden, where friends were fufferers, he laboured for their freedom, and it being a tin\e of hot perfecution, went through the ftreets, warning the people to repent of their wickednefs, where they kept him two nights a prifoner : At another time in the faid place, he delivered a paper to the council, relating to the liberty of friends ; after the reading whereof, he was called in to the council room and received in a friend-^ ly manner, with promifes of freedom to the people called Quakers, in matters of faith and worfhip ; he alfo had good fervice with magiftrates, lawyers, priefts and collegians, and was feveral times a prifoner in thofe parts. Five times he pafTed through Ireland, vifiting friends, where he had good lervice, fometimes among the Irifli when at mafs. Once he pafTed through part of Scotland, twice at Barbados, once through New En- gland and Virginia, twice in Maryland and the Jerfeys, and tvv- ice at Pennfylvania ; hav- ing travelled by land above 20,000 miles, his travels by water, not being much lefs : And though he was often in ftorms and tempells at fea, perils by land, and met with bad fpirits and exercifes of divers kinds, yet the Lord ftood by him and made him a fuccefsful inftrument in his hand: Cheerfully paflmg through them all, by the power of him that called him thereto, not being flack to labour in word and doc- trine.

( 6 ) trine, wherever he came, to the edifying of the brethren, and reconcihng things where he found them amils: SettUng and efta- bUlliing meetings in many parts where he came, to the great comfort and refreiliment of the upright in heart, by which he got a name amongft the ancients, and is recorded among the worthies of the Lord. Not long after his arrival in Pennfylvania, he was taken ill with a fever; his diflemper was violent upon him, yet he bore it patiently and pafTed away like a lamb, leaving a good favour. And though the name of the ivicked Jldiill rot, yet the righteous Jhall be had in ever- iajhng remembrance,

WILLIAM TARDLET. PHINEAS PEMBERTON.

He died the yth of the fixth month 1687, about the fifty-feventh year of his age.

John Hay ton's Tejlimony concerning Thomas L A N G HO R N E, ijuho died at his oivn habita- tion in Bucks county, Pennfylvania, the 6th of the eighth nionth 1687.

I KNEW him 14 years, he having been made inftrumental in the hand of the Lord, to turn me from the evil of my ways, and from darknefs to his marvellous hght; and I am a witnefs that he held his integri- ty until the finifhing of his courfe, accord- ing

( 7 )

ing to the faying of David, " Mark the perfedl man and behold the upright, for the end of that man is peace"^ And therein he laid down his head. Having experienced the work of regeneration in himfelf, he be- came qualified to ftrengthen the brethren, and went forth in the miniftry and word of life, preaching the everlafting gofpel of Chrift Jefus ; having freely received he free- ly gave, not fearing man but obeying God, who had committed a larjj;e meafure, and clear manifellation of his fpirit unto him, not only for his own profit and benefit, but many others received comfort thereby ; for his dodlrine dropped as the rain, and his fpeech diflilled as the dew, to the renewing and refreftiing the feed and plant of God.

Thus he went forth in the name of the Lord, and was valiant for truth upon earth; and though many weapons were formed, and many tongues rofe up againft him, yet the divine power which ftopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire, girded him with ftrength and valour, where- by he was enabled to encounter all his ene- mies, and fuch as endeavoured to ftop the work which God has begun in the earth. After fome time, he with his wife and two children came into this counti'y, and whilft here, he bore a living, found and faithful teftimony for the Lord God, to the great fatisfacflion and comfort of the faithful in this wildernefs, where his lot did fall. For having had the opportunity of being with

hin\

( 8 )

him here in this folitary country, as well as in our native land, both in private and pub- lic places ; I am a witnefs according to my meafure, that the power and prefence of the Lord did greatly attend him in preaching the everlafting truth. After he was taken fick, he grew weaker until his departure, faying " The will of the Lord be done." His fhort continuance here caufed many to mourn when he was taken from them, yec not as thofe that mourn without hope, for tho' he be dead, yet he lives, and tho' his removal is our lofs, it is his gain.

JOHN H ATT ON.

"William Yardley and Phineas Pemberton's lejiimony cGucerning James Harrison.

THAT the righteous may not be burled in oblivion, we give forth this fhort teilimony concerning our well beloved friend James Harrifon, who was born near Kendal, in Wetlmoreland, and in the breaking forth of the truth in thofe parts he was early convinced thereof, and in a fhort time after, came forth in a public teftimony for the iame. His miniilry was not '* In the "xifdom of this ii'orldj but in the demonftrat'ion of the Jpirit and poiver of God'\ By which many were convinced, the ferpent's head was bro- ken, the wildom of the Heih confounded,

a.nd

( 9 )

and feveral came forth in a living teflimony for God, who were begotten to the Lord by by him, and flill remain feals of his mini- ftry. As he was inftrumental in turning" ing many to God^ fo he was helpful in the ellablilhing of fuch as were converted, be- ing a good pattern, as well in converfation as doctrine, nx-alk'ing uprightly as in the day-' time^ being bold and valiant for the truth, in oppofing its enemies, whether profefTors or profane, tho' they often raged fore againft him, fo that his futferings were very great, both by im})rifbnment and fpoil of goods; yet he always with great courage fteadily kept his ground againft all thofe that rofe up againft him for the truth's fake, which was of more worth to him than ad outward enjoyments. In the year 1682, he removed with his family into Pennfylvania, and as his teftimony was in the power of God, when in the land of his nativity, fo it was when here; he being likewife ferviceable many ways. And tho' he had great con- cerns in this world, yet he earneftly labour- ed to keep a confcience void of offence, be- ing a man of a peaceable fpirit, and the Lord's pov»^er kept him a fweet favour to the end. He bore his ficknefs with much pa- tience, tho' often greatly bowed down there- with to the time of his departure, laying down his head in peace, and paffing away in much ftillnefs, thefixth of the eighth month, 1687, ia the fifty-ninth year of his age: His

removal

( 1= )

removal being our lofs but his gain, for, blcj^ fed arc the dead nvhich die in the Lord^ they reft from their labours and their works do folloiv them.

WILLIAM TARDLET.

PHINEAS PEMBERTON,

Jane Atkinfon's Tellimony concerning her late /7«jte^ Thom AS Atkinson.

HE was born at Newby in the County of York, being the fon of John At- kinfon, of Thruih-Crofs, was convinced of the truth and had received a gift of the mi- niftry before I knew him. We were joined in marriage in the year 1678, and Hved to- gether in love and unity. He was a zeal- ous man for the truth, and according to the gift which he had received, bore a faithful teftimony unto it, of which many were witneiTes in that country from whence we came. In 1682 we came into this country, with one confent, and in the unity of our dear friends and brethren, who gave a good teftimony for us, by a certificate from their monthly meeting; and my foul hath good caufe to blefs the Lord, and to prize his mercies, whofe prefence was with us by lea and land. Since we came into this part of the world, he retained his love and zeal for God and his truth, his treafure not being in this world, and afj it often opened in his

heart.i^

( •! )

heart, did exKort others to (land loore from things whicii are here beiow, and diligently leek after thofe things that are above. He was a tender hulband, ready to encourage and Itrenbrthen me in that which is Rood. About the latter end of the fifda month 1687, he was taken with the ague and fever, which much weakned his body, in which he con- tinued a conhderable time; being well con- tent with the dealings of the Lord: His heart was often opened in prayer and fup- plication unto his God, to preferve him in patience unto the end of his days, and that none of us might think hard of a.ny of thofe exercifes that he is pleafed to try us withal. At times he would look upon me and fay, 7ny dear wife^ the Lord prejerue thee and take care of thee^ Jor I muji leave thee and go to my rejl\ with many more Iweet and hea- venly exprefTions and exhortations, in the time of his great weaknefs, which continu- ed until the 3 \Jl of the eighth month, when he once more exhorted me to be content, and that I would defire his brother (who v\ras then abfent) to be content alfo; After which he palTed away as one falling into a quiei: Deep. And as the Lord hath hitherto been my flrength and my flay in the time of my great diflrefs, fo the defire of my heart i?^ that I, with my brethren and filters, who yet remain behind, may alfo finilh our courfe in faithfulnefs, that in the end we may receive the fame reward with the righ- teous that are gone before.

J Aim ATKINSON.

n^

( 12 )

Samuel Jennings's Tejiimony concerning John EcKLEY, of Philadelphia m Pennfylvania, ivho died about the year 1690.

I A M perfuaded it is a juftice due to the righteous, and a duty upon us, to con- tribute fomething to perpetuate the names of fuch who have left a fragrancy behind them, and through j ait h have obtained a good report. Tho' their bodies fleep in the grave, and by divine appointment, they die like other men, yet this fignal difference hath the Lord declared, the memory of the juli is hlejfed, but the name of the wicked f hall rot. Pro. I o, 7. And to give teilimony to thofe that die in the Lord, is not only juft to them, but is very ufeful to the living; as many under great confli<fi:s of fpirit have experienced, that it hath been to their com- fort and (Irength, to hear or read of the faichfulnefs and conftancy of God to his own in all ages, and how he hath in due time, made them more than conquerors, and crown- ed their end with peace and dominion. Thefe confiderations, together with the fincere af- fection I had for this our dear friend, hath prevailed with me, in truth and fobernefs, to give the following teflimony concerning him. As a man he was pleafanr, courteous, difcreet and grave, and in public fervices accompanied the foremoft. The word of ivif- dom was in his ?nouth, and he had received the tongue of the learned, to J'peak in due jeajon.

I might

( «3 )

I might truly fay much of his innocencyj Jove and zeal for truth, which hath left a lively impreflion upon the hearts of many. His lait ficknefs was the fmall pox, a dif- temper often known to be very afflicting ; notwithftanding which, he cheerfully and contentedly fubmitted to the providence of God in it, upon all occafions expreffing a free and hearty refignation to his will ; and was frequently filled with praifes to God, and inltruclions to his people.

SAMUEL JENNINGS,

Mary RadclifF's Tefiimony co7icer7iing her late husband James Radcliff, who died in or about the year 1690.

E was an innocent man, and one that did truly fear the Lord, and wifhed the welfare of all. It was his chiefefl care, faithfully to ferve the Lord, and obey him. in whatfoever he required; and it was often in his heart to exhort others to faithfulnefs, and to improve the gift which the Lord had committed to them. I knew him when he was young, we both belonging to the fame meeting. He was a prifoner upon truth's ac- count, when about fifteen years of age; after which his mouth was opened to bear a public teftimony for the Lord and his bleifed truth, travelling many miles, and undergoing many hardihips, imprifonments

and

( »4 ) and other exercifes : And after- we were mar- ried, he alfo pafTed thro' many deep fufFer- ings and imprlfonments, but the Lord pre- ferved him through them all: And as he was <xf a mild Iamb-like difpofition, and lived an innocent harmlefs life, fo he end- ed his days in innocency, and being re- deemed from the earth, laid down his head in peace. And tho' his body be gone to the duft, from whence it came yet his fpirit is afcended to God who gave it, and his living teilimony and good favour that he hath left, are comfortable memorials upon my mind, defiring I may fo live and fo finilh my courfe as he hath done.

MART RADCLIFF.

Thomas Janney's Teft'imony concerning William Yardley.

E was born near Leek, in the north part of StafFordfhire, of honefl pa- rents, who brought him up in the employ- ment of a farmer. In his youth he fought more after the l?:nuwledge of God and the things of his kingdom, than the fading va- nities or momentary pleafures of this world, and therefore joined himfelf in fociety with a people that were then the highefl in pro- fclTion in thofe parts, who called themfelves, the family of love, among whom he walked for fome time j but when it pleafed the Lord

to

{ «5 )

to fend two of his faithful mefTengers, called in fborn Quakers, out of the north of Eng- land into the parts vsrhere William lived, he received their teftimony, as did alfo feve- ral others of the aforefaid fociety. But this my friend received the truth with a ready mind and gladnefs of heart, and thought nothing too dear to part with for it, yea it was precious to him as the pearl of great ^rice^ and it wrought effecftually in him, not only in opening his underftanding, but alfo in its various operations, both to wound and to heal, to purge out the old leaven and to leaven anew into its holy nature and qua- litv: And as the Lord had made him a living witnefs of the power and lite of truth in himlelf, he called him to bear a teftimo- ny to the truth as he had received it, and alio againft the faUe V'l-Ays and worfhips that were then extant in the world ;" for which he fuffercd ieveral imprifonments, bearing the burden and heat of the day, being one of the firll that received and bore v/irnefs to the truth in thofe parts. He was very ferviceable in his public teftimony, not on- ly in convincing but alfo to the cdiiicaticii of many ; yea he was a great flay and lup- port to friends in the parts near where he lived; For he was an inilrument of great fervice in the Lord's hand, being much efleemed for his works fake, not only at home but in other places where he travelled in truth's fervice.

la the year 1682, being in the fiftieth year

of

( i6 )

of his age, he removed himfelf and family In- to America, and fettled according to his in- tention in Pennfylvania, where he continued very ferviceable amongft us, in his mini- llry, and fometimes vifited places adjacent: He was alfo ufeful in fome other fervices in our firfl fettlement here. In fhort, as he was a fenfible, fo he was a ferviceable mem- ber of the body, having a i'enie of and fhare in whatever tended to the ftrength and benefit thereof; as on the other hand, if any thing happened that caufed grief or trouble, he bore his part of it.

He was a man of fbiind judgment and good underftanding, not being djawn alide by any fallb fpirit that ha:;i rilen in our day, nor joined with any that broke forth into feparation, or fought to divide or make fchifms in the body, either in England or America. He dearly loved the Ibciety of his brethren, and much prized unity, as one who knew the comfort and benefit there- of He had a high efteem for all who were of a right fpirit and of fervice in the church, althaugh his younger brethren. H,s mini- flry was with a good underftanding, not only of what he fpoke from, but alio what he fpoke unto; and the things which he teftilied were 'what he had learned of the Lord^ and had h'lmjelf jeen^ heard and tajhd of i:i the good ivord of life^ not boajiing in tither 7nens lines. In the latter part of his days he grew weak in body by fome infir- mities which increafed upon him, neverthc-

lefs.

( '7 )

lefs, he was often raifed in meetings by the power of the Lord, and thereby carried on in his teftimony, to our refrefhment and comfort.

What I have here written concerning this my dear friend and brother, is from my own certain knowledge, we having been in- timate friends, from our youth up, and fince we came into America, we have had the advantage of frequent opportunities to- gether, it being our lot to live near to each other, which now makes my lofs in the want of him to be the greater, altho' I am fatisfied his remoual is his gain.

From my houfe in Makefield, in the coun- ty of Bucks, 26th of the fixth month 1693.

THOMAS JAN NET,

James Dickinfon's Teftimony concerning John Del A VA L, ijuho died in Philadelphia, about the year 1^93, Juppofed to ha'ue beeri 'written when on one of his vijits to America.

MY heart is opened by the power of truth, to give forth a teftimony to the Lord's power, that hath wrought effec- tually in this latter age of the world, for the bringing many fons unto glory ; of the number of whom I do believe was this my dear friend John Delaval, whofe memory lives among the faithful that knew him, and needs not thefe charaders, to fee forth C that

( i8 )

that cotnelinefs which the Lord pnt upon him, but his name is recorded in Heaven, and fhall never be obhterated. Altho' he was one called in at, the eleventh hour, yet he was faithful and zealous lor the truth, a man of a tender broken fpirit, and loved the power of truth and the operation of it, which helped him through and over what was contrary to it. My foul loved him and was drawn near hiin the firft day I faw him, becaufe of the fincerity that I beheld in him; and as our familiarity increafed, fo 1 found the bent of his mind was to ferve the Lord in uprightneis of heart. The Lord gave him a gift in the miniftry, and bleffed him in it, and enabled him to get his days w^ork done in his day, whofe ex- ample I pray God, we that remain may fol- low ; who was valiant for the truth upon earth, and turned not his back to the op- pofers of it, nor would fpare the backfli- ders from it, but flood faithful to the end. His bow abode in flrength, and tho* many archers fliot at him, yet he kept the fliield of faith, by which the fiery darts of the wicked one were quenched, and his foul preferved in communion with the Lord, and in the faith of Chrifl he finifhed his tcfli- mony, with a heart full of love to God and his people : The Lord took him away from evil to come. And my defire is that we who remain, may keep to the fame pow- er by which he was vifited ; and love the operation of it, that thereby all may be

prepared

( ^9 )

prepared for their latter end, wliich haftens Upon us; fo obtain the crown that is laid np in ftore, for all them that fight the good fight and keep the faith, and keep their eyes lingle to Chrift Jefus the author of it, and keep the word of patience; thefe will be kept in the hour of temptation, and know an overcoming: And unto him that over- cometh, faith Chrift, will I grant to fit with ine in my throne, even as I alfo overcame, and am fat down with my father in his throne. Thefe fliall not be hurt of the fecond death, bat know a part in Chrift, the firft refurrec- tion, and know that they are the fons of God, as was anciently faid, ** Now are we the ions of God, and it doth not yet ap- pear what we fliail be." But " When Chrift, who is our life (hall appear, then fhall we alfo appear with him in glory." Let all keep to Chrift and know him to be their life, fo fhall they be made partakers of the better refurre6lion, even that unto life ; whea the fentence will be pafled upon all, either come ye blelfed, or go ye curfed, by the juft Judge of the vs^hole earth, who will do rightly to every man, and give to every one according as their works fliall be: To whom all muft give an account, and happy will they be who keep to God's power, they will be kept by it to his glory, and their eternal falvation,

JAMES DICKINSON.

Elizabeth

( 20 )

Elizabeth Walker's TeJImony concerning her husband William Walker.

TH E love of God to him was great, in calling him out of the broad way to labour in his vineyard ; and tho' it was late in the day, I believe he received his penny. Great was the care and awe that was on his mind, left he ihould do any thing to hin- der his religious growth and fervice; for having no trade, and we poirelhng little but what my dear hufband earned by hard la- bour, he was advifed to learn a trade, to which he anfwered, *' I dare not let out my mind to learn one, but can freely follow my prefent calling, if the Lord will enable me; becaufe it is no incumbrance to my mind, and thro' God's goodnefs we do not want." However, in an unexpecled time, way was made for our getting into a fmall bulinefs, which fuited our capacities, and the Lord gave a blefTmg unto our endeavours. He often viiited the fick, and his foul fympa- thized with the afflided, being alfo willing to adminifter to the necelfities of the poor as obje(5ts of charity prefented. He was a tender hufband unto me, and one whom my foul had true unity with in the life of Jefus ; his de- light and meditations being in the law of the Lord. Many were the feafons of divine love we enjoyed the little time we were to- gether, which often tendered our hearts be- fore the Lord, in our private retirements, fo

that

( 21 )

that praifes have been returned to his pure name, in a fenfe of the aboundings of his love and Hfe, And altho' his body is re-- moved from me, I am well fatisfied he hath obtained the recompence of reward with the redeemed of the Lord.

ELIZABETH WALKER.

The aforefaid William Walker, was born in Yorkfhire, but removed to Pennfylvania, where he was convinced. In the latter end of the year 1693, he went to England on a religious vifit, and died at London the 1 2th of the fourth month 1694. A further account of him and fome of his la(l expreilions, are jnferted in the 2d part of the book, called piety promoted,

'- Hi liiUiiliUiiH;iiii^kiiii. ■— —

A Tejiimony from the Monthly -Meeting of Haverford in Pennfylvania, concerning Thomas Lloyd.

THE love of God and the regard we have to the bleffed truth, conftrains us to give forth this teftimony, concerning our dear friend Thomas Lloyd, many of us having had long acquaintance with him, both in Wales, where he formerly lived, and alfo in Pennfylvania, where he finiilied his courfe, and laid down his head in peace with the Lord, and is at reft and joy with him for- evermore.

He

( 22 )

He was by birth of them who are called the gentry, his father being a man of a confiderable eftate and of great efleem in his time, of an ancient houfe and eftate called Dolobran, in Montgomeryihire in Wales. He was brought up at the moft noted fchools, and from thence went to one of the univerfities ; and becaule of his fu- perior, natural and acquired parts, many of account in the world had an eye of re- gard towards him: Being offered degrees and places of preferments, he refufed them all : The Lord beginning his work in him, and caufing a mealure of his light to fhine out of darknefs, in his heart, which gave him a fight of the vain forms, cuftoms and tra- ditions of the fchools and colleges: And hearing of a poor defpifed people called Quakers, he went to hear them, and the Lord's power reaphed unto him and came over him, to the humbling and bovi'ing his heart and fpirit; fo that he was convinced of God's everlafting truth, and received it in the love of it, and was made willing, like meek Mofes, to choole rather to fuffer aiiiiiflion with the people of the Lord, than the honours, preferments and riches of this world. The earthly wifdom came to be of no reputation with him, but he became a fool, both to it and his former affociatei,, and through felf denial, and taking up the daily crofs of Chriit Jefus, which crucified his natural v/iil, affeclions and pleafurcs, he came to be a fchoiar in Chrifl's fchoo),

and

( 23 ) and to learn the true wifdom which is from above. Thus by departing from the vani- ties and iniquities of the world, and follow- ing the leadings, guidance and inflruc^ions of the divine light, grace and fpirit of Chrift, he came more and more to have au underilanding in the myfleries of God's kingdom, and was made an able minifter of the everlafting gofpel of peace and falvation; his acquired parts being fanctified to the fervice of truth.

His found and efFe(!n:ual miniflry, his godly converfation, meek and lamb-like fpirit, great patience, temperance, humility, and flownefs to wrath; his love to the bre- thren, his godly care in the church of Chrift, that all things might be kept fweet, favoury and in good order ; his helping hand to the weak, and gentle admonitions, we are fully fatisiied have a feal and witnefs in the hearts of ail faithful friends who knew him, both in the land of his nativity and in thefe American parts. We may in truth fay, he fought not himfelf, nor the riches of this world, but his eye was to that which is everlafting, being given up to fpend and be ipent for the truth and the fake of friends «

He never turned his back on the truth, nor WRS weary in his travels Sion-wards, but remained a found pillar in the fpiritual building. He had many difpiites with the clergy and fome called peers in England, and alfo fuffered imprifonments and much lofs of outward fubftance, to the honour of

trutii.

.( M )

truth, and flopping in meafure, the mouths of gainlayers and perfecutors. Yet thefe ex- erciles and trials in the land of his nativity, which he fuftained through the abiUty God gave him, v^^ere fmall and not to be com- pared to the many and great exercifes, griefs and forrows he met vsrithal and went thro* in Pennfylvania, from that miferable apo- ftate George Keith and his deluded compa- ny. Oh the revilings, the great provocati- ons, the bitter and wicked language, and rude behaviour which the Lord gave him patience to bear and overcome. He reviled not again, nor took any advantage, but loved his enemies, and prayed for them that defpitefuUy abufed him. His love to the Lord, his truth and people was fincere to the lafl. He was taken with a malignant fever, the ^th of the fe venth month 1 6 94, and tho' his bodily pain was great, he bore it with much patience. Not long before his departure, fome friends being with him, he faid, '* Friends, I love you all, I am go- *' ing from you, and I die in unity and *' love with all faithful friends: I have '* fought a good fight and kept the faith, ** which frauds not in the wifdom of words, ** but in the power of God: I have fought, " not for ftrife and contention, but for the *' grace of our Lord Jefus Ghrift, and the *' iimplicity of the gofpel. I lay down my *' head in peace and defire you may all do fo; " friends, farewell all." He further fliid to Griffith Owen, a friend then intending for

England,

( 25 )

England, *' I defire thee to mind my love to ** friends in England, if thou lives to go over *' to fee them ; 1 have lived in unity with ** them, and do end my days in unity with *' them ; and defire che ford to keep them all *' faithful to the end, in the limphcitv ot the *' gofpel." On the voth dav of the feventh month aforefaid, being thtbtb da> of his nck- nefs, it plealed the Lord to remove him from the many trials, temptations, lurrows and troubles of this world, to the kingdom of ever- lalting joy and peace; but the remembrance of his innocent life and meek fririt lives with us, and his memorial is, and will remain to be fweet and comfortable to the faithful.

He was buried in friends burial-ground in Philadelphia, aged about forty- five years, having been feveral years prefideat and de- puty governor of Pennfylvania,

The followng epiflle, which appears to have been written foon after his arrival in Pennfylvania, is thought not improper to be here fubjoined.

Philadelphia, ad of fixth Month i68<|.

My dear and ivell beloved friends^ of and bs" longing to Dolobran ^lartcrly- Meeting,

*" i^ H E warm and tender falutation of mjr

JL love is unfeigned to you, with whom

I have converfed and walked fome years, in

unity, zeal, concord, and endeavoured fer-

viceabienefs ;

( 26 )

viceablenefs : You are, becaufe of our nearnefs, familiar, yet honourable in my thoughts and efteem. The truth as it is in Jefus, profper and increafe daily in your Xi^inds, and reft bountifully on your habi- tations. My heart is affedled with the re- membrance of you, and efpecially of the virtue and operation of that living princi- ple which traverfeth the deeps, and though it bounds the feas, yet cannot be bound thereby, but continues its being and intire- nefs through and over all diftances, and makes us of many, one people to himfelf. The God of llrael and the excellency of Jacob is with us, and the prefent days are as the former, days of glad tidings, days of humility, days of holy fear, obedience and refrefliment, increafe and growth to the faithful. We and you are under refpedive exercifes, the way of your trial may be in a more fevere manner at prefent. The Lord in his wonted tendernefs bear you up, and grant you a rejoicing in fimplicity and god- ly fincerity before him. That is no new thing to you, to fufFer joyfully in your perfons and goods ; the Lord gave us ftrength, cou- rage, fatisfa(flion and honours thereby. Whilft he is in our eyes, and his holy fear in our hearts, whether in bonds or free, in that or this part of the world, our prefer- vation we fl:iall witnefs.— Our meetings are very full: I guefs we had no lefs number than eight hundred laft firft day ; we are glad to fee the faces of ferviceable friends

hercj

( 27 )

here, who come in God's freedom, v,'ho are perfons of a good underftanding and con- verfation, and v/ill difcharge their ftations religioufly; liicii will be a blelling to the province. The favourable revolution of Providence hath founded the government fo here, that a man is at liberty to ferve his Maker without contempt, difcouragement^. or reilraint. Truth indeed makes men ho- nourable, not only here, but in moft places at lafti but here truth receives a good en-, tertainment at tirft. Our governor is em- barking for England; our well wiflies go. with and attend him. He hopes to have an opportunity by teflimony or writing, to exprefs his love and remembrance to the feveral churches of Britain. Our friends from the neighbourhood are generally well, and tolerably fettled. In love I lived with you, in love I took my leave of you, and in love I bid you a chriflain and brotherly f^reweh

Tour friend and brother

THOMAS LLOYD,

A TeJIhnony froju the Falls Monthly- Meeting in Bucks country Pennfylvania, concerniJig Thomas Janney.

HE fettled with us at his firfl coming . into thefe parts, labouring amongil \is in word and dodrias divers years. Vv^e

loved

( 28 )

loved and highly efteemed him for his works fake, being an able minifler of the gofpel, found in do(51;rine, endowed with wifdom and a ready utterance ; and favour'd with openings into the myfteries of the things of God's kingdom. He was not forward to offer his gift, having a true regard to the giver, who faid formerly, " Caft the net on the right fide of the fhip:" Therefore his *' Bow abode in flrength." And tho' the Jjord had furnifhed him with fuch excellent qualifications, he had fo learned felf-denial as not to glory therein; but was ready to prefer his friends before himfelf, and give them the right hand of fellowfhip; being careful to keep the teftimony of truth clear on all accounts, faying, " Thofe that ap- pear in public, are doubly bound fo to do.'"* He was of a cheerful and peaceable temper, and innocent and blamelefs in life. As the Lord had befcowed on him a gift of the miniftry, beyond many of his fellov/s, fb he was careful to improve it to his honour and the comfort of his people, labouring therein, not only herein Pennfylvania and New-Jerfey, but he alfo feveral times vifit- ed the churches in New-England, Rhode- Ifland, Long-Ifland and Maryland, and laftly he went on that fervice to Old-En- gland, where he finillied his courfe. And tho' our lofs of him is great, we are fatif- lied he hath his portion, among tho/e that turn 7nany to right eoujnejs^ and JJoine as the ■ Jiars forever and ever^

There

( 29 )1

SS^^SSS^:

There are other accounts concerning Tho- mas Janney, from which it appears, that he was born in Chefhire, and received the truth about the year 1654, and the twenty- firft year of his age. In 1683 he came with his family into Pennfylvania : And in 1695 he went in company with Griffith Owen, to vifit his brethren in England; where, in the courfe of his travels, he was taken ill at Hitchin; and two of his relations from Chefliire, going thither to vifit him, he faid to one of them, " It is fome exercife to " think of being taken away fo far from *' my home and family, and alfo from my *' friends and relations in Chefliire. My " care hath been for my fons, that they " may be kept in the fear of God: 1 have " been a good example to them. I have a " care upon me, that they may be kept " humble while they are young, that they " may bend their necks under the yoke of ** Chrifl. If I am taken away, I am very clear *' in my fpirit, I have anfwered the rcquir- " ings of God. I have been faithful in my day, and I have nothing that troubles my fpirit; my fpirit is very clear." He alfo exprefTed his concern for his brethren of the miniftry, efpecially the young, that they might obferve the leadings of God's fpirit in their miniftry, and not lean upon their own natural parts. After this, he re- covered

i(

( 30 ) covered fo as to be able to get down into Chefhire ; but after fome time his diiorder returning, he faid to his filler, ** If it be *' the will of God, that I be taken away ** now, I am well content." He departed in much quietnefs of mind, the 1 2th of the twelfth month 1696, and was buried the i^th of the fame month, in friends bury- ing place in Chelhire. Aged Hxty-three years. A public minifter 41 years.

Hugh Roberts's Tejl'imony concerning his Bro- ther RosERT Owen.

E was one that feared the Lord from his youth, being convinced of the truth, when about feventeen years of age; lie iovedthe company of fuch of his acquaint- ance as were moil fubftantial in religion, and was alfo beloved by them and all fort of people that knew him, being greatly help- ful to his brethren, and made a caufe of gladnefs to thofe that were his fathers in the truth. The Lord not only opened his heart like Lydia's formerly, but he likewife opened his mouth to publilh his name and truth amongft many, travelling feveral times through his native country AVales, where he Vk'as of good fervice. In 1690, he came into Pcnnlylvania, where he lived about {•^ven years, viiicing this and the adjacent province?, and was alfo very ufeful in the

meeting

( 31 )

meeting where he refided, both in docflrine alid dif'cipline ; he was indeed a ftrong pil- lar in the church: I never faw him take part with a wrong thing : Oh the want of him which 1 feel! his place is yet empty, I pray God, if it be his will, to fill it up. Oh my brother, my dear companion! how can they that knew thy faithfuinefs to truth, do lefs than leave a memorial to fuc- ceeding generations ? for thy name is wor- thy to be recorded in Ifrael. He was a man of peace and hated all appearance of con- tention, and indeed he was a fldlful peace- maker, being endued with wifdom and au- thority, yet full of mercy and compaflion unto every appearance of good. His removal is a great lofs unto us who are left. Well my dear brother, in the remembrance of thee, and the many good and precious op- portunities we have had together, my foul is bowed and ready to fay, I fliall never have the like companion, fo fitted and knit together in every refpecft ; the more I con- lider my lofs of thee, the greater it appears; therefore conclude this my teflimony, and return to my own work and fervice, that I may be prepared to follow after thee.

HUGH ROBERTS.

He died the 8^/j of the fifth month, 1697, and was interr'd the loth of the fame, in friends burying ground at Merion in Penn- fylvania.

Rowland

( 32 )

Rowland Ellis's TeJ^imony concerning 'Rob'ERT Owen before mentioned, and JAt^E hiswije.

WHEN I think of former times and days that are over and gone, where- in the Lord vifited a remnant by the gather- ing hand of his power, in the land of our nativity, to wait for the renewing of his love from one meeting to another, to our great refrefhment and daily encouragement, to run our race through many trials within and without: The Lord whom we waited for, hath been the ftrength of his people in this our age and generation, as in all by paft ages. 80 the remembrance of thofe days and times, and that near fellowfhip which was between the little remnant in that part of the country, is at prelent brovight to my view; tho' moft of the ancients that bore the heat of the day are now removed, yet methinks their names and worthy acfts Ihould be had in remembrance, that gene- rations to come might fee and underiland, by what inftruments the Lord was plealed to carry on his work, by making a clear difcovery of the good way once loft in the night of apcilacy ; amongft whom were my dear friends Robert Owen and Jane his wife. And altho' we are not to fet up or praife that in man or woman which perifheth, but becaufe they made choice of the better and mofl durable fubftance, therefore their names ihall be had in remembrance.

He

( 33 )

He was defcended of a very ancient and (according to the worlds account) one of the greatelt families in thofe parts, having- by his father a competent inheritance, and in all his time had the right hand among his equals ; brought up a fcholar, quick in apprehenfion, and whatever he took in hand he did it with all his might. He was zeal- oufly devoted to religion, and a great fearch- er for the pearl of great price ; being one of the firfl in our parts who fought after it; and having found it, he fold all to purchafe the fame.

After King Charles II came to the crown, he fuffered live years dole imprifonment, for not taking the oath of allegiance and fupremacy, being confined at the town of Dolgelly, in Merionethfhire, North Wales, within about a mile from his dwell- ing houfe, to which he was not permitted to go during the faid time: And it was ob- ferved, that the perfon who had the great- efi: hand in profecuting him, was vifited with ficknefs, when remorfe of confcience feized fo hard upon him, that he could find neither reft nor eafe, until he fent a fpecial melTenger to releafe him.

And concerning his wife Jane Owen. She was daughter of a juftice of peace, a man of great integrity and exceeding moll of his rank at that time. She was a woman rare- ly endowed with many natural gifts, being an help- meet to her hufband in his exercifes, folid in her deportment, and not given to D many

( 34 ) many v/ords. In all their exerclfes together for the truth's fake, they did not Ihrink nor give way for fear or flattery; not only their hearts, but their houfe was open to all upon truth's account; meetings being held there- in for many years. They were ferviceable in their places and much beloved in their native land, where having borne their fliare of the heat of the day, they embark'd there- from in the fifth month 1690, and came into Pennfylvania, where they finiflied their courfe, and were buried within a few days ot each other.

John Sevan's Tejlimony concerning Hugh Roberts.

TRUTH in the inward parts God loves, and thofe that love it and give way to the operation thereof, are made precious and lovely in the fight of God, and he makes them inftrumental in his hand for the good of others ; among whom was my dear friend and brother Hugh Roberts de- ceafed, who was qualified by God's power, to be a ferviceable inftrument to the church- es of Chrift in our parts of America, He came to this country about iB years fince; we were near neighbours and entirely loved each other, not having had a crofs word, nor 1 believe an hard thought one of ano- ther, at any time fince our firft acquaint- ance.

{ 35 )

^nce. Having pafTed through many trials and exercifes, he could by experience fpeak a word in feafon for the encouragement of weary travellers; his dodlrine often " drop- ping as the dew, and difhilling as the fmall rain upon the tender plants," for in the openings of life, '' things new and old'* came forth of the treafury of wifdom, which gladned our hearts and comforted our fpi- rits in a fenfe of God's love, who is the author of all good to his people. He was zealous for good order in the church, fer- viceable in the difcipline, and flcilful in ac- commodating differences. And it is my de- fire, that we, efpecially of that meeting he belonged to, and the adjacent meetings, which mofcly received the benefit and ad- vantage of his labour of love, may lay to heart and confider our lofs of him, and in the fenfe thereof, may breathe and cry un- to the Lord, who is the repairer of breach- es, to raife vip inftruments in his room, for carrying on of his great work that he hath begun in the earth, to his own praife, who is alone worthy of the fame forever. — I was twice with him over fea, and in many places in our native land, alfo in Maryland, and in his laft journey to viht friends on Long-Iiland, Rhode-liland and New-Eng- land, where he had good fervice. And though he was often very weakly, yet his heart was bent to accomplilli the work the Lord laid upon him, whicn he was enabled to perform to his great comfort and iatis- fadion. D 2 On

( 36 )

On our return homeward, being lick and in much pain, at the houfe of our friend John Rodman, on Long-Ifland, he faid «o- thing lies in my ivay as an ohftruclion to hinder my peace and 'u^ell being with God. He after- wards came home, and a few days before his departure, a dear friend taking leave of him faid, *' I beUeve thy deep trials and exercifes are near at an end, and that peace and joy everlafling will be thy portion from the Lord." In much brokennels of hearc and fenfe of the fweet prefence of God up- on his fpirit, he anfwered, / am fatisfed thereof^ and can blefs my God for it.

He died the i8//7of thefixth month 1702, and on the 10th was interred at Merion, af- ter which a large meeting was held, where- in the Lord's prefence was fweetly enjoyed, and feveral living teilimonies borne con- cerning his faithful nefs to God and friends fatisfad;ion of his eternal well-being.

'JOHN BEVAN.

Margaret Minfliell's Teflimony concerning John Si m c o c k.

IT E w^as a nurfing father in Ifrael, tender . jL over the feed of God, and wherever he faw it in the leail appearance he was a cheriili- erof it without relpecl of perfons; bat he ab- horred deceit and hypocrify, I have known

him

( 37 )

him near forty years, and may fay that his miiiillry was found, edifying and helpful to myfelf and many others, he being endu- ed with a fpirit of difcerning, and wifdom beyond many in fpiritual things. He was a great fufFerer in Old England, for truth's fake, both by imprifonments and lofs of goods. He travelled pretty much in truth's fervice, and notwithftanding all his fuf- ferings, he was no ways chargeable to any, but rather helpful to thofe that flood in need.

MARGARET MINSHELL,

In Jofeph BeiFe's hiftory of friends fuf- ferings, are fome accounts of thofe fuflain- ed by the aforefaid John Simcock, and of his pious, meek difpolition towards his op- prefTors. Once he was imprifoned a year and three months, for accompanying his wife to a fteeple houfe, for a fign and tefti- mony againft their falfe ways and worfhips. His perfecutors at different times, diltrain- ed from him to the amount of feveral hun- dred pounds flerling, for preaching ; taking nineteen cattle at one time, and twelve at another, befides corn, cheefe, and other goods ; all which he bore patiently. Once when they were driving away his cows, his fervant maid, who did not profefs amongft friends, faid to him, " Mailer, how can you (land by and fee them drive away fa many cattle ?" He replied, it did not trouble him any more than if they hcid drqve aivay fo many geefe. He

( 38 )

He removed to Pennfylvania in early times, and fettled in Chefter county; and when the fpirit of divifion began to appear in George Keith, he was acflive in vifiting him, to endeavour to recover him; and when the labour of friends in that refped: proved inefFe6lual, he joined fteadily with faithful friends in telHfying againfl the faid George Keith and his party.

In the time of his laft ficknefs, he appear'd to be in a heavenly frame of mind, and ut- ter'd many lively expreflions : At one time he faid, ** 1 have had many hard befet- " ments with the enemy of my foul fince " I knew the truth, and have been in many *' flraits, and great combats and bufferings *.* for the trial of my faith ; but the keeper " of Ifrael is near to all them that wait up- *' on him, and truly put their trull in him, *' and their faith is made ftrong in him, ** whereby they are enabled to make war *' againft the adverfary of fouls, and to *' fight the good fight of faith, for whom " is laid up a crown of eternal and endlefs '* joy, peace and heavenly comfort and glo- ** ry. And now I may fay in truth, that " I have kept this living faith, in which ** my foul hath renewed caufe to magnify ** the name of my holy Redeemer, and *' powerful Saviour Chrifl Jefiis, in whom *' my faith hath been made ftrong at this *' time." The day before his departure, his wife and Ion, with ibme other friends be- ing prefentj he bore a living teilimony to the

neceflity

( 39 )

neceiTity of dwelling in love, even that holy love which labours for the peace, welfare and everlafting good of all ; concluding in thefe words, *' And now 1 defire my love may be remembred to friends in general, and it is the defire and earnefl prayer of my foul, that the heavenly fpring of time love and flream of divine life, may ever be known to fpring and run amongfl thofe who would be accounted children of God, and followers of Chrifl Jefus our bleiTed Lord and eternal Saviour, who laid down his life to be a ranfom for fall- en man, and to be an atonement for all them that would come to God by him, who is the living word and J)romiled feed of the covenant." He died fhe 2']th of the firft month, 1703.

A Tejlimony from Derby Monthly-Meeting ^ in Pennfylvania, concerning Eleanor Smith, ivife of John Smith.

SH E was born at Harborough, in Lei- ceilerfliire. Old England, her maiden name was Eleanor Dolby. She received the truth about the age of thirteen years, and lived and died therein, being a religious ex- emplary woman, and fome years before her death was concern'd in a public teftimony. A little before her departure, defiring that her hufband and children fliould come and

fit

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fit down by her, Ihe fpoke as follows, " I ** entreat you my children to walk foberly, *' plainly and keep to the truth, and the ** Lord will provide for you every way be- yond your expecflation. I am clear of you, having done the part of a tender mother to you : I leave and commit you to the Lord, who is able to keep you to the end of your days." — She defned them not to mourn if it fhoud pleafe God to remove her from amongft them, faying, " It will be *' my great gain." Often repeating her full affu ranee of future happinefs, adding, " I. * ' can praife thy name O Lord in the midfl of *' affli(5lion, for furely thou art worthy of all *' praife, honour and glory, and that forever * ' more ; for thou neither leavefl nor forfakefl: *' thofe that put their truil in thee." Then faid, " Dear children be content, for I fliall " die in favour with God, and true love and " unity with his people." She delired to be diiToived, faying, *' I can freely give up huf- *' band and children and all this world, to be " with the Lord, whofe prefence I feel flow- *' ing as a river into my foul."

She died the i oth day of the feventh month 1708, aged fifty-five years.

In the time of her lalf illnefs, flie wrote the following epiftle to the monthly-meeting of women friends at Derby, viz.

Dear Sijlcrs^

Herewith I fend you the la ft falutation of my love, with whom 1 have been many

times

( 41 )

times refrefhed and truly comforted. I fay I have travelled with you through various exercifes and difficulties, when the Lord has been fometimes pleafed to give us (as it were) the bread of adverfity to eat, and the ■water of afflidlion to drink ; yet bleffed be his name, he has fweetened our cups many times as with honey, and fuftained us as with the oil of the crufe; and by his fweet prefence caufed our cups to overflow, to the praife of his great name. Wherefore, dear fifters, I entreat you to dwell in the love of God, which love is the bond of peace. Let charity be found to dwell amongft you, and then I do believe, you will be neither bar- ren nor unfruitful, but your branches laden with good and weighty fruit, which will find acceptance with God. So no more, but my tender love to you in the blelTed truth. I take my leave and bid you farewell in the Lord, The laft from your loving filler,

ELEANOR SMITH.

The following Tejlimony concerning Henry White, is from the committee oj the Yearly Meeting in North Carolina.

E was a minifter of the gofpel and a faithful friend, whole chriflian con- duct and loving behaviour tovNrards the In- dians, who were numerous in thefe parts at that time, was fuch, as we have been credi- bly

H

( 42 )

bly informed, not only procured him great efteem and refpect from them, but for his fake they fliewed great love and tendernefs towards others in the infant fettlement of thefe parts.

He dweh in Pafquotank county, and died the 3 J of the eighth month 171 2, aged ^bout feventy-feven years.

A Tejl'imony from Derby Monthly- Meetings in Pennfyl vania, concerning John SiMITh.

HE was born in Licefterfliire, in Old England in 1645, and was convinced of the truth at the age of fourteen years, and being faithful thereto, after fome time he came forth in the miniftry. He was an early fettler in Pennfylvanla, where he was well beloved. Being taking fick, he was vifited by many friends ; and about tw^o days before his departure, being afl^ed how he did, he anfv/ered, " I am very poorly and " weak indeed, but much eafier than 1 have ** been, for I was extreme ill, fo fick and *' full of pain, fuch as I never had under- " gone before; fo that I could not retire in *' my mind to God, my extremity was fo great ; but nov/ the Lord has been pleaf- ed to give me eafe, fo that I can Hay my ** mind on him, for which 1 am truly thank- *' ful: And now I feel the frefli remem-^ ^' brance or renewings of the love of God,

** flowing

«'

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^' flowing into my heart, which is of much *^ more comfort to my foul than all tranli- *' tory things that are here below. Now I ** feel his living divine prefence is with me, *' which bears up my fpirit over that which ** flefli and blood would or could not be ** able to bear." Shortly after, a friend taking leave of him, afked him if he thought he lliould recover, " That (faid he) I am *' not worthy to know, however I am con- *' tent ; and this I know, that if we abide " faithful to God to the end, w^e fhall re- '' celve a godly portion, fo farewell, and " the Lord go along with thee." At ano- ther time he faid, '' He was full of pain, *' yet he could fing of the m.ercy and good- ** nefs of God to his foul in the midfh of " afflicflion." Afterwards adding, " Do ** not mourn for me, but be ftill and quiet, *' and let me pafs away quietly, that fo my ** foul may enter into God's everlafting reft ; •' for my confcience is clear from guilt in *' the face of all men." Saying, ** Come *' Lord Jefus, receive my foul, thy fervant '* is ready, come quickly.'' This he fpoke in great freflmefs and cheerfulnefs of fpirit, faying, ** Now 1 think I am near my end;" but reviving again, he fat up, and his chil- dren being prefent, he faid to them," ** I *' v/as never covetous to get a great deal of ** this world's riches, but I have endeavour- *' ed to bring you up in the fear of the *' Lord, and educate you in the way of his ■* truth to the beft of m.y underftanding;

'* and

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((

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{ 44 )

and if you do but wait upon the Lord in the lincerity of your hearts, for the drop- ping down of the love ot God upon your Ibuis in the meetings and gatherings of the Lord's people, he will ihed his blef- fings amonglt you; for he hath been and is a father to the fatherlefs, and as a hui- *' band to the widow." This he fpoke juft before his departure, being frefli in fpirit, and perfect in fenfe and memory to the laft hour.

He died the i \th day of the twelfth month 1714, aged fixty-nine years and four months.

A Tejlhnony from theTearly- Meeting of friends in Virginia, concerning Benjamin Jor- dan.

HE was born the 18//7 of the leventh month 1674, in Nancemond county in Virginia, of believing parents, who were careful to educate their children in the blef- fed truth for which they fuffered, whofe ex- amples, together with the influence of grace, were fancfified unto this our friend as well as feveral others of their numerous offspring. He was a man who gave up much of his time in waiting upon God and fervices for the church, being clerk both to the month- ly and yearly meeting ; was a good example of piety and charity, and kept his integrity to the laft.

The

( 45 )

The day before he died, feveral neigh- bours coming to fee him, one of them be- ing in a flourifhing (late as to the world, to whom the way of truth feemed too low and defpicable, he faid, " Rejoice O young " man, in thy youth, and let thy heart " cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and *' walk in the ways of thy heart, and in *' the fight of thine eyes : But know thou, ** that for all thefe things God will bring ** thee into judgment." He looked upon another who feemed to be under fome con- vincement of truth, but did not live in obedience, and faid, " BlefTed are they that " hear the word of God and do it." And to another that appeared to have fought af- ter the honour of this world more than the Lord's honour, he faid, " He looked too " big to enter in at the ftrait gate," He gave particular dire(5lions concerning the place and manner of his burial, defiring that no more provifion might be made than was fuflicient, having, whilft in health, borne a teftimony againft making fuch a time, a time of feafting inftead of mourn- ing. One of .his brothers afldng him how it was with him, he replied, " As to my " eternal ftace, nothing but well." Soon after, holding up his hands and looking up- wards, he faid, '* Lord Jefus, into thy *' hands I commit my fpirit, Lord help me " at this time," And fo departed in quiet- nefs, the izth of the twelfth month 171 6, aged about forty-two years*

A Tejlimony

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A Tejihnony from friends //i Virginia, concern- ing Elizabeth Small ivife of Benja- min Small, of Nancemond county.

SH E was born the 3 ijt of the fixth month 1666. Her parents Edmund and Eliza- beth Betfon, were pious friends and zealous for the truth, whofe care in the educatiori of their children, had the delired effedt oil this our much efteenied friend ; for being obedient to the manifeftation of divine light, it fo imoroved a tender, alfedlionate and af- fable difpolition^ that flie became qualified for and endowed with an excellent and ac- ceptable gift in the miniftry, fo as fuitably CO difpenfe docflrine, edification and confo-' lation to the churches. She was very dili- gent in attending meetings of friends in this colony, even beyond what could be reafon- ably expelled from fo weakly a conftituti- on, and was earneil: in and much devoted to 'the caufe of truth, greatly defiring the growth and profperity thereof, faying, '* She *' could lay down her natural life for it, if ** required." She was a woman of a gene- rous and kind difpofition, as well in help- ing the poor as entertaining of friends, fay- ing (to fuch as were ready to think Ihe would do more than her circumflan^es would ad- mit of) that llle hoped the Lord would io provide for her, that Ihe lliould never want what was convenient, having never defired long life or riches for herfelf or children, but that they might live in his' fear.

She

( 47 )

8he was taken ill the i ijl of the feventh month 1 7 17, being the firft day of the year- ly-meeting at Chackatuk, which gave op- portunity to divers friends from different parts of the country to vifit her, to whom Ihe lignified her peace of mind and fubmif- fion to the divine will, faying among other things, " If the Lord has any more work *' for me to do, he can raife me up again; *' otherwife I am eafy and freely refigned ** to his will," To a beloved relation llie faid, " Dear coufin, thou art bone of my ** bone and flelh of my fleih; live in the *' fear of the Lord, that every high thought ** may be brought down." To two friends belonging to a diftant meeting which Ihe had often vifited, fhe faid, " I have not *' ceafed to admonifli you heretofore, and " now again defire you would be valiant *' for the truth and walk fteadily therein, " and remember my dear love to friends of *' the meeting to which you belong." Shs often fpoke to friends, " To be fteadfaft in " the truth ;" And once to a public friend belonging to the fame meeting, earneftly deiiring him '* To be valiant for the good " caufe." She told her fon William, *' She *' hoped that that day would be a good one " to her," And faid '* She had prayed for *' an eafy paffage ;" And accordingly flio quietly departed the i^th of the feventh month aforefaid, aged fifty-two, a miniiler about 1 1 years.

An

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An account of Ellis Pugh, extraclcd from a teftimony from Gwynedd Monthly- Meeting concerning hhn^ and alfo from a floort Jum- mary of his iife^ both of which are prefixed to a hook he wrote^ called A falutation to theBritains, i)'C,

ELLIS PUGH was born in the parifh of DolgcUy, in the county of Merion- eth, and dominion of Wales, in the fixth month 1656. His parents were religious people; but his father died before he was born, and his mother a few days after. In the days of his youth, when going with the multitude into folly, it pleaied God by his judgment, to ftand in his way, and caufed him to coniider the things that be- longed to his foul's everlafting peace. And in the eighteenth year of his age, the Lord vifited him more eminently, kindling a zeal in him to ferve his Creator more diligently; having been alio reached by the teltimony of John-ap-John, one of the people called Quakers.

God who promifed to be a father to the fatherlefs, took care of him ; and about the year 1680, gave him a part in the miniflry of the gofpel of Chrift, (notwithflanding he was not one of the wife of this world, nor had human learning) yet he was made a profitable inftrument to turn divers from vanity, and to exhort and ilrengthen many

in

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311 their fplritual journey, in his native land, and alfo in this country where he finifhed his courfe.

In the year 1686, he and his family, with divers of his acquaintance prepared to come over to Pennfylvania, and whilft they wait- ed for the fliip to be ready, there came great trouble and exercife upon him, fo that he was iick for fome days ; in which flrait the Lord fhewed him, that they fhould meet with troubles and exercifes in their way, and that he had a work for him in that country, and muft return again to his native land. After they fiiled, they met with (lorms, flraits and troubles ; and having been vipon the tempeftuous fea all winter, they arrived at Barbados, where they were joyfully and lovingly received by their friends, and the fummer following, in the year 1687, they arrived in Pennfylvania; where this our friend was a ferviceable inftrument in the Lord's hand, to clierifli and inftrudl us, in meeknefs and tendernefs, to obey that which. God made known unto us of his will, and to follow and underftand the operation of his fpirit, difcovering to us the fnares of the enemy of our fouls. His pious labours (among others that were fitted for the fame fervicc) have been profitable in diredling and edifying us in the Vv'ay of truth; for by the tendernefs and influence which came as dew upon our fouls while we fat under his minillry, we believed his doclrine was of God.

E 111

( 50 ) In the year 1706 he was engaged to vi{i€ the inhabitants of his native country, ac- cording to what the Lord revealed unto him before he came from thence ; which fervice he performed to the benefit and acceptance of many, and returned to his family in 1708. After he came home, three of his children, in the flower of their age, who from their youth walked orderly and were hopeful, died within one month; in the time of vehich trial the Lord was near un- to him; he mourned not as one without hope. Strength v^as given him to bear his afBidlion. He faid in a public meeting *Mf he could bear his a£Hi(ftion acceptably in the fight of God, it would be as marrow to his bones:" Which teftimony, amongft feveral other things, was to the edification and comfort of the hearers. His refidence Was then nearer to us than before, which render'd his life and converfation more con- spicuous, and his fellowfliip more known vmto us. His miniflry was living, profit- able and to edification. He was of a meek and quiet fpirit, confiderate and folid in his judgment, of few words, honeft and care- ful in his calling ; and leveral were induced to fpeak of the benefit they received by his chaife converfation, and his loving and com- fortable expreilions while he was amongil them in their families. He was honourable among his friends and of good report among all ^people generally, therefore his memory will not foon wear out.

He

( 5/ )

He was in a declining (late of bodily health about a year and three months before his deceafe, fo that he was not well able to follow his calling; but his candle Ihined brighter, as may be feen by peruhng his treatife, called ** A falutation to the Bri- " tains ;" which he wrote in his own lan- guage, in the time of his long ficknefs, when his view was towards that which pertains to eternity, more efpecially to thofe, or for the fake of thofe to whom the falutation of his life reached over fea and land, for the encouragement and inftrucflion of them that were fceking the way to Sion, the New Je- rufalem, the city of the Great King, whofe walls and bulwarks are falvation.

The lafb meeting he was at among us, he was weak in body, but fervent in fpirit, as one taking his laft leave in a great deal of love and tendernefs, faying, that the Lord, granted him his defire to come and vifit us once more; putting us in mind to live in love and unity, and to keep out from amongft us as much as we could, all ftrife and dif^ cord ; and when any thing appeared which had a tendency thereunto, that hands fliould be laid without delay to end it, and thac none fhould depend upon his own hand, eye, or balance in judgment. — He was fit- ted to counfel others, becaufe his life and converfation was anfwerable to his teftimo- ny ; amongft his family tender and careful to counfel them to live in the fear of God.

We E 2

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We looked upon him as one who had finiflied his work, that the time of his dif^ foKition drew nigh: And that he might fay in the words of Paul, according to his mea- fure, *' I have fought a good fight, I have " fmiflied my courfe, I have kept the faith. " Henceforth there is laid up for me a " crown of righteoufnefs, which the Lord " the righteous judge fhall give me at that *' day; and not to me only, but unto all '* them alfo that love his appearing."

Being patient in his tedious indifpofition, and contented to wait the Lord's time; he llept with his fathers on the 3^/ day of the tenth month 1718, in favour with God.

The follozving Tejllmony concernifig William Haig, ivas fiirnijljed by a cominittte oj the Yearly Me sting of North-Carolina.

WILLIAM HAIG fenior of Pafquo- tank county, who removed from Antigua with his family and fettled in this province, was of a loving and fweet fpirit. In his laft ficknefs^ as fome friends were fit- ting by him, he w^as filled with heavenly joy, and faid, '' Friends 1 am g]ad of your *' company, I feel io much of the blefled *' truth, as I hope will carry me into that "joy where I Miall praife the Lord amongft *' the redeemed. I liear that truth profpers ** mightily in England, blcfiTed be the Lord

'* for

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*^ for it." He exhorted all his children with many heavenly expreffions, took his folemn leave of them, and in a living fenfe of truth, prayed to God for his bleffing upon them ; charging them " to loye and obey their " mother, learn their books and keep to the ** truth." He faid to his wife, *' My dear, " thou haft been a true wife unto me ; when " mv mind was drawn to love thee, I did *' not inquire what thou hadft, nor thou *' what I had, but we came together in love *' and we have lived in love." And when his fpeech was very low, he fpake to his wife thus, " The Lord blefs thee and my ** children, God Almighty protect you." To a young woman who came to vifit hini he laid, " Fear God, keep to the truth, never turn thy back upon it, left the days come in which thou fhak fay, I have no pleafure in them : As for me, I am going to my place, and I hope it will be in ever- lafting reft." To another who had been vifited with great iicknefs, he faid, *' It had *' been better for thee to have died in thy *' ficknefs, than to live to forget God." He prayed that God would remember all his people, and that their dwelling might be with the Lord, adding, " But what fhall " I fay, there are too many that tread the *' teftimony of truth under foot; O! gather *' them into thy fold of reft, I pray thee *' O Lord'!" To a friend of the miniftry he faid, " Thou art of the miniftry and ^' hail been a great wliilc, and I am but

'^ ycung_,

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young, but I would advife thee to be careful in thy teflimony, not to enlarge beyond thy gift or concern ; and have a care, thou do not ftand in the way of others, or fpeak any thing to hurt others that may be but fmall or tender; but wait until thou art filled and then be humble, and not puffed up with pride, for pride goeth before a fall." After praying unto the Lord to fettle him upon the fure foundation and rock that can never be removed, he quietly departed this life, at his own houfe, on the 6th of the eleventh month 17 1 B, and now refts in joy.

A Teflimony from the fame committee concerning Mary Haig, njuije of the aforejaid Wil- liam Haig,

SHE was a w^oman of an exemplary life and converfation, of a fweet and loving behaviour, and was favoured with a gift in the miniftry. In her lafh licknefs, after im- parting her mind to a friend about her out- w^ard concerns, flie fpoke as follows, " Ac- *' cording to my fmall gift, I have difcharg- ** ed myfelf, fo that nothing lieth at my door. O ! that the people would remember the words that 1 have fpoken among them, and that this young generation would come up in truth. As for me, I had ne- ver left the ifland of Antigua, if it were

** not

(<

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" not that I might have my poor children " amongfl faithful friends : I have feen the ** wonders of the Lord in the deep ocean, " and witneffed his delivering arm in many *' exercifes, and he hath kept me fweet and *' clean all along fmce 1 knew the truth. " Oh ! that my children may remember the ** advice they have received of their father •* and me; I am clear, having done my " duty." And praifed God; alfo uttered many fweet and comfortable exprefTions. At another time, (lie faid to fome friends, *' When I was but nine years old, the Lord *' made himfelf known unto me, but I then ** lived where there were no friends; and ** after fome time, I v^^ent to Pennfylvania, " and there met with friends, but fome ** were loofe and light, others w^ere folid ** and weighty, and with thefe I joined, and ** received much benefit from the family of «* the Lloyd's. After Lwas married, we " went to Antigua, and there in the firfl ** meeting, the power of the Lord was great- *• ly with me, infomuch that the peoples <* expedlations were upon me for words; *' but foon after it pleafed the Lord to fend *' two of his fervants, Joiiah Langdale and « Thomas Thomfon, to vifit the ifland, ^* when the power of the Lord did break in " upon me like thunder;" And fignified file had been faithful ever fince in her mea- fure, in giving up to the work of the Lord. On the day of her deceafe, flie faid to fome prefenta ** Friends, be loving one to ano- ther

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*' ther, that the Lord may blefs you. The ** love that I feel in my heart is inexpref- ** fible." After a while fhe defired a friend to remember her love to Lydia Lancafter, Ehzabeth Rawlinfon and friends generally, adding, *' Tell them, I die m unity with all " faithful friends." Afterwards Ihe faid, *' My hufband is gone, but I fliall not be *' long a forrowful widow; yet not my will *' but thine be done; my fpeech fails apace, *' fweet Lord Jefus, thou haft loved me ** from a child, and I have loved thee ever ** iince I knew thee, and my cafe is no *' doubtful cafe, I come, I come, hallen " thou my journey."

She died the 13^/7 of the eleventh month lyi'Sy aged about thirty-nine years.

A Teji'imony from the of ore faid committee ^ con- cerning Joseph Glaister.

OSEPH GLAISTER of Pafquotank county, formerly of Cumberland in Great-Britain, who removed with his fami- ly and fettled in North-Carolina, was a valuable minifter, and very ferviceable in difcipline, being well qualified therefor; a conftant attender of meetings with his fami- ly, and one who travelled much for the fpreading of truth. In his lafl (icknefs, he faid to fome friends that vifxted him, '' I m very ill, but am out of all doubt of

my

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*' my falvatlon, being well afTured of it." Two other friends coming in, he added, ** Now I think I have moft of the chief " friends about me that I defired; dear *' friends, give me up freely, that I may not ** be kept longer in mifery, for I can fay ** with one of old. Lord 1 have long wait- ** ed for thy falvation, and now have an *' alTurance of it, and akho' the pains are ** great, yet the comfort and pleafure I fee ** before me do outbalance them all." — Again he faid, ** He hoped that friends *' might keep their places in being faithful, ** and not to ihrink one from another when *' troubles or differences may arife in the *' church, or amongft neighbours, by any ** evil fpirit that may get into any unfaith- ** ful one, for want of a due, true and faith- ful watch; and then if any fuch thing do happen, pray friends, I hope that fuch *' as now are, or may then be, do ftand " firm together, and give judgment in or by ** a living, frefli and divine fpirit, and keep ** conftant in mind, and thereby the trani- ** greffor or tranfgrefFors may be judged *^ down and not able to reiift; but if you ** fee in them any thing tender, then dear " friends, turn to them with bowels of love ** and perhaps in fo doing, you may gain ** fuch as in time paft may have gone aftray." He went on fpeaking of the great love and unity, and the many good times he had had with us ; having his I'pirit borne up by the ancient arm that had been from time to time

his

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his great fupport. Near his end, we were fenfible of his being engaged in prayer, but being almoll fpent we could not hear every word fo as to pen it down. Thus this good man ended his Hfe, with a fenfe of the great love of God to his foul, on the 31/? of the eleventh month 1718, aged about forty- five years, and a minifter about 24 years.

A Tefiimony from Kennet Monthly -Meeting in Pennfylvania, cowcdrw/w^' Vincent Cald- well.

HE was born in Derbyfliire Great-Bri- tain, and was convinced about the 17/16 or 18//:? year of his age, by the niini-> ftry of John Gratton ; having received the truth in the love of it and continuing faiths ful, the Lord was pleafed to commit to him a difpenfation of the gofpel, fo that he had to declare to others of the goodnefs of God to his foul. He came over into Pennfyl- vania, and after his marriage fettled in Eaft Marlborough in Chefter county. His mi- niilry was found and edifying, being at* tended with the power of truth and adorn- ed with an exemplary converfation ; in the exercife whereof he twice vilited the meet-^ ings of friends in the fouthern provinces, and once in divers of the Well- India iflands,, where he was made inftrumental to the con- vincing of many ; for tho' he had but littl^

fchool«

( 59 )

Ichool-learning, yet being as a good Scribe, well inflrudled unto the kingdom, did at times bring forth out of the treafury things new and old.

His laft ficknefs continued about fix days, wherein he was preferved in a fweet, fenli- ble and tender frame of fpirit, and at times fpoke in fubftance as follows, viz. The doc- tor coming to vilit him, he faid with cheer- fulnels, *' I would have thee fpeak thy *' mind freely concerning me, for I am not *' afraid to die." The dodlor after fome paufe, fignified the doubt he had of his re- covery; which bringing an awful filence over his mind, he broke forth in earned fup- plication to the Lord for the welfare of Sion, and exhorted friends prefent to love and unity, and to beware of that fpirit which would lead into a feparation. He fpoke clearly to the flares of fome, warning them to fear the Lord and walk humbly before him, and then they would be made parta- kers of his divine and heavenly blelTmg. He prayed the Lord to profper his work, and laid, *' The Lord will caufe his glori- ous truth to break forth in the north coun- try, and among the Ethiopians," In a fight and fenfe whereof he rejoiced. Another time, his wife fitting by him, he looked earneftly at her and faid, " My dear, don't be furprifed, for in time thou wilt come in- to that reft that I am going into." She queried, " Doft thou think fo ?" He faid l^ I have no doubt of it." Then taking

leave

( 6o )

l^avc of her, he faid, " Thou haft been a loving wife, a tender mother and a good neighbour.'* Taking leave of his children one by one, he charg'd them to be loving and obedient to their mother, and not to go out in their marriages. He prayed the Lord to make his palTage eafy, and receive him graciouily into his arms of reft and peace forever; and dehred his love to friends in general at their monthly, quarterly and yearly meetings, and meeting of minifters. After v^diich, being fenfible his end drew near, he faid, ** Give me a little water, and *' I think I fliall not want any more, till I *' drink at that fountain which fprings up *' into eternal life." — Thus in a refigned frame of mind, he finifhed his courfe, the loth day of the firlt month 1719-20, in the forty-fixth year of his age, and was in- terr'd in friends burying-ground at Kennet. Concerning wiiom we believe, he is entered into the manlions of glory, where *' The wicked ceafe from troubling and the weary are at reit."

A TejTimony frotn the Monthly -Meet tug ofVKi" \^di>t\-^\\i2i concenmig Anthony Morris.

1 U R ancient and well efteemed friend Anthony Morris, was a member of this meeting at the early inftitution there- of, and in the year 1701 appeared in the

miniftryj

( 6i )

juiniflry, and being obedient and faithful, he foon became acceptable and edifying, being found in word and dodtrine. He v/as advanced to his forty-feventh year when he engaged in this fervice, and having a prof- pecfl of a great work before him, requiring his clofe application, he drew his worldly bufinefs into a narrow compafs, and devoted his time principally to the fervice of truth; not only vifiting neighbouring meetings, but alfo travelled through New- Jerf^y, Long- Ifland, Rhode-Ifland, New-England and Maryland; and about the year 1715 per- form'd a vifit to friends in South- Britain. He was early appointed clerk of our month- ly-meeting which fervice he performed ma- ny years to fatisfadlion ; being zealous and ferviceable in the difcipiine, a diligent at- tender of all our religious meetings, care- ful in obferving the time appointed and of- ten concern'd to exhort fuch to amendment as were remifs herein.

In the eighth month 1721 his fpeech was much affecled by frequent attacks of a pa- ralytick diforder, but his underftanding re- maining clear, and being favoured with the enjoyment of divine love, he was enabled to utter fome fentences to thofe that viiited him, faying, ** That if conliftent with the di- *' vine will the time of his diirolution was at *' hand, it would be more joyous to depart *' now, than continue longer in the body." Yet cxprels'd his free refignation to the will of God, and in an humble tender frame of

ibirit

. ( 62 )

fpirit mention'd the teftimony Chrift gave concerning the woman who ponred on his head the precious ointment, fayihg ** He ** was favoured with the evidence in him- '* felf, that he had done what he could, ** and felt peace," Expreffmg at the fame time, '* That his hope for eternal falvation ** was alone in the mercy of God through '* his fon Chrift Jefus, the only faviour and *' mediator." Some friends who were go- ing to attend a neighbouring yearly-meet- ing coming to viiit him, he took an affec- tionate leave of them, faying *' Remember ** my dear love to friends in general; tell *' them I am going and all is well."

He departed this life the 2 j^ ot the eighth month 172 1, aged fixty-feven years; and on the 25^/6 his corpfe was borne to our meeting hovile in High-ftreet, accompanied by many friends and neighbours, as well as friends from the adjacent country meetings, and thence to our burial ground in this ci- ty where it was interr'd. Concerning whom we hope, he hath obtained an entrance into the manfions prepared by Chrift Jefus our Lord, for thofe who continue faithful to the end of their time here, as did this our friend.

Tzvo

( 63 )

Two Extracts from Thomas Chalkley's jour- nal concerning Thomas Lightfoot.

IN the eighth month 1 725, 1 went to Derby to vilit our worthy aged friend Thomas Lightfoot, who lay very weak in body, none expelling his recovery ; I called as I went from home, and then he was very ill, and told me, '* He thought that ilinefs '* would conclude his time in this world, ^' but faid that all was well and iikewife " that he had a great concern upon his *' mind for the growth and profperity of ** truth in the earth, and defired with ten- *' dernefs of fpirit, that I would give his *' dear love to all friends;" And he now faid, *' I never thought to fee thee more, ** but am glad to fee thee." I ilayed there all night and in the morning we had a com- fortable heart-melting time together, in which was revived the remembrance of the many favourable feafons of God's love we had enjoy'd in our travels in the work of the miniflry of the gofpel of Chrift, and we tenderly prayed if we never met more in this world, we might meet in that which is to come, where we might never part more, but might forever live to fing with all the faints and holy angels, hallelujah to God and the Lamb- In the ()th month 1725, I was at the fu- neral of our worthy ancient friend Thomas Lightfoot, He was buried at Derby; the

meeting

( H )

meeting was the largeft that I have ever {een at that phice. Our dear friend was great- ly beloved for his piety and virtue, his fweet difpofition and lively niiniftry: The Lord was with him in his life and death and with us at his burial.

This our friend removed from Ireland in an advanced age, and fettled in Chefter county Pennfylvania. In 1724 being then near fourfcore years of age, he with Benja- min Kidd, a young minifter from England, paid a general viiit to friends in New-En- gland.

A Tcftimony from Nottingham Mont hly- Meet" ing 171 Pennfylvania, co7icerning Aaron C o p p o G K.

IT appears he was born in Chefliire in Old England, the 2$th of the tenth month 1662, was convinced of the truth when a young man, came to x'\merica fbon after and lived near Chefter; about the year 1714 he, with his family, fettled at Notting- ham in fiid county ; being a man of an ex- emplary condu(fl: and much efteemed by friends, he was chofen an elder for the par- ticular meeting of Eait-Nottingham, until he appeared in a public teilimony, and therein was often concerned to exhort friends to a life of lelf denial, v/atchfulnefs and prayer, the which he did in great fincerity,

zeal

( 65 )

Eeal and innocency. In the forepart of his lafc ilhiefs he complained of much poverty, but before he died had a profpe(5l of happi- nefs, and a fure hope of obtaining the fame* He departed this hfe on the loth day of the tenth month 1725, and was buried in friends burying ground in Eaft Nottingham the 1 2th of the fame month, aged fixty- three, and a minifber 7' years.

A Teftvnony from Salem ¥ionthfy~ Meeting in New-Jerfey, conceniing James Daniel ienior.

THE memory of the righteous cannot foon be forgotten by thofe who follow their footileps, but are as memorials, deep- ly engraven on their minds, and are* worthy to be had in remembrance, of which num- ber was that Heady friend and exemplary elder James Daniel, whofe pious life and favoury converiation is frefh in ioiriQ of our memories.

He was born in Ireland about the year 1675; his father Neal Daniel brought him over fea when about five years ot age, and fettled in AUoway's- Greek towniliip m the county of Salem Weil-Jerfey ; at which time the white people were but few, and the natives a multitude. He learned their language perfectly, and has frequently faid, that at that time the natives Vv'ere a fober, F grave

( 66 )

grave and temperate people, and ufed nf? manner of oath in their Ipeech. About the i^th year of his age his father died, leav- ing him in the care of friends to be educat- ed in the way of truth, which he embra- ced' in the love of it ; and as he grew in age, he grew in experience and divine favour, and had a fhare of the overfight of the flock and elderfliip conferred upon him, which he faithfully performed in the fpirit of love and meeknefs, thereby rendering his fervice acceptable and obtaining a good report. He ruled his own houfe well, having his children in fabjecflion: Diligent in attending meet- ings for worfliip and difcipline, altho' for many years with difficulty, the country be- ing new and roads not made; but after- wards he, with confiderable coft and labour, got bridges erecfted over fome creeks and a public road made near his own houfe. His houfe and heart were open to entertain friends according to his ability ; was zeal- oufly concerned for the honour of God and promotion of truth. He often lamented that as the country grew older the people grew worfe, and had corrupted the natives in their morals, teaching them bad words and the exceffive ufe of itrong drink, which he, during many years in the latter part of his time, for example's fike took none of, and frequently admoniflied Inch as were in the ufe thereof, to obferve great temperance. In the latter years of his life, he defired his eldefl fons to t*ake the care of his tempo- ral

( 67 )

ral concerns upon them, for his mind feem-* ed diveltcd therefrom as much as-tho' he poflefled nothing, (a good example for all elders; for forrowful experience lliews us, that too many as they grow in years, grow more clofely attached to the earth ; which is a forrowfiJl profpecfl and poor example to the riling generation) but devoted his mind and time to truth's fervice, often accom- panying friends in their religious engage- ments, to his great fatisfac^lion.

Whilft in health, the Lord gave him a fenfe that his departure drew near; foon af- terwards he was taken with the pleurify and lay about eight days, during which time he gave much good advice to his family, friends and neighbours that came to fee him, to whom he alio ga^e evident proofs of a 'happy exit. The day before his departure, many friends and neighbours came and had a religious meeting, after which, feveral taking leave, he faid, " I am glad of this *' vifit and of the meeting, but I have a *' great concern on my mind for this gene- " ration," mentioning many growing evils then prevalent, and faid, '* Many of the *' elders are called away and more mud foon ; *' but I hope the Lord will raife up fome '' that fliall be faithful and zealous.'* The evening of his deceafe, he took his folema leave of all prefcnt, beginning v/ith his wife, and afterwards his children in order, giving each fomething in charge; to one particular- ly he faid, ** Thou doll not know what ier- F 2 *' vice

( 60 ) " vice tlie Lord hath for thee to do in thy *' generation." So remaining fenfible until about the loth hour, he departed like one falling into a fweet fleep, at his own houfe on the 26th of the tenth month 1726, in the fifty-fecond year of his age*

ExtraSi from Thomas Chalkley's journal con-^ cerning John Lee.

THE 2^th of the tenth month 1726, I heard the news of the death of my dear friend John Lee: It affedled me with forrow, he being an old acquaintance and inward friend of mine, with whom I had travelled many miles. He was a living fer- viceable miniiter of the gofpel of Chrift, and inflrumental to convince divers of that prin- ciple of divine light and truth which we profefs : Our love and friendfliip was con- ftant and intire unto the end, having been acquainted about thirty-five years as near as 1 can remember.

A Tejiimony from New-Garden Monthly-Meet" ing in Pennfylvania, concerning Caleb PusEY.

E was born in BerkfliireOld Enpland, and educated in the Baptifts profeffi- on, but after he arrived to years of religious

confideration ;

( 69 )

confideradon, he was convinced of the principles of truth as profefled by the peo'- ple called Quakers. In the year 1682, he removed to Pennfylvania and fettled near Chefter, where he refided a confiderable time, then removed to Marlborough in the fame county, where he dwelt the remainder of his days.

He was a worthy elder in the church, be- ing endowed with a good natural capacity, found in judgment, and zealous in maintain- ing the caufe of truth againft contrary and contending fpirits. His conftancy in attend- ing meetings for worfliip and difcipline was I'emarkable and worthy of imitation. Much might be faid of his zeal and integrity for truth, which he retained to the lafl, but, for brevity's fake, let it fuffice, that he ivas a jnjl man^ therefore let him be had in re- membrance.

His laft illnefs was heavy upon him for fix days ; during wliich he was preferved fenfible; fignifying ivhat a brave thing it was to be prepared for death. The morning before he died, being allied by his fon-in- law how he did, anfwered, " The time was near come that he muil leave the world;" to v*diich his fon replied, *' Father, I hope that is no furprrze to thee;" he, anfwered, ** No, No;" after which he fpoke little that could be underftood, only deiired *' That friends might keep their meetings in upright- Jii?fs,"

He

( 7° I

He died the 25//? of the twelfth month X 726-7, in the feventy-fixth year of his age, and was interr'd in friends burying ground at London Grove.

A TeJIimony from the Monthly- Meeting o/' Phi- ladelphia, concerning Hannah Hill.

OUR worthy and much efteemed friend Hannah Hill, wife of Richard Hilj, and daughter of Thomas Lloyd (formerly governor of this province) by Mary the daughter of Gilbert Jones, of Welchpool, was born in Montgomeryfliire North Wales, at the feat of her anceftors called Dolobran, the 21/? of the feventh month 1666. She was a woman highly favoured of the Lord, poflefled many excellent chriftian virtues, as well as natural accomplifiunents: Com- ing over into this country with her parents when young; foon after their arrival it pleafed the Lord to remove her pious mo- ther by death, when the care of the younger children devolved upon her: This clofe tri- al in the earher part of her time, was abun- dantly fan(51:i|ied to her; for her mind be- ing engaged to feek the Lord for her porti- on, and her father's God for the lot of her inheritance, he was gracioully pleafed, not only to favour her with the knowledge of himfelf and the enjoyment of his living prelcnce in the days of her youth, but alfo

made

( 71 )

made her a fingular inflrument of good, and a blefling to her father's family. As fhe grew ill years, her confpicuous virtues, join- ed with a courteous deportment, juftly gain- ed the efleem and favour of moll if not all with whom fhe converfed. Being earnellly folicited in marriage by John Delaval, who (tho' a worthy man) was not at that time of the fame religious communion, flie, by her prudent conducfl and pious refolution to maintain the principles fhe profefled v/ith- out deviating therefrom in a matter of fuch importance, did not agree thereto ; until he after fome time embraced the truth in fince- rity of heart, and bore his crofs like an humble follower of Chrifl; he received a gift in the mini (try, and continued faithful therein to his death: Concerning whom fhe gave this teflimony, viz. " That he never ufed to her an exprelTion of anger, or the produdl of a difturbed mind." The deceafe of her faid hufband proved to her a time of deep probation, having been heard to fay, that in eight weeks time flie loft eight of her family by death, beginning with the deceafe of her beloved hultand, and ending with that of her only child : Under which afflicSl- ing circumltances, as well as what attend- ed her the remaining part of her life (of which file had a large lliare) fhe approved herfelf a Ihining example of patience in tribulation, and a meek, humble, felf~de- jiying follower of Chrift,

hi

( 72 )

In the affluent ftation wherein divine pro- vidence had placed her, her benevolent dif- pofition was confpicuous in adminiftring to the neceflkies of the indigent, her charity not being limited to thofe of her ov/n pro- fellion. Siie was a true fervant of the church, and in, the fenfe of the apoftle's ex- preflions, *' One that waflied the faints feet," receiving with joy into her houfe, the mi- nifters and ineifengers of the gofpel, for whom her love was great: 7 he low, the poor and the mean, were obJecSls of her pe- culiar care.

In her younger years flie received a gift in the miniftry, v/hich flie retained with faithfulnefs to the end; and tho' not large in her appearance, yet with great modefty and foundnefs of expi'eilion, *' Her dodrine drop- ped as the dew, and diflilled as the fmall rain," and was therefore truly acceptable. She travelled in the lervice of the gofpel, to New- England and divers other parts of this con- tinent, and was alfo concern'd for the good order and difcipline of the church, having for a number ot years, ferved in the ftation of clerk of the women's monthly, quarterly and yearly meetings, wherein Ihe gave fapi- faction.

Althougli bodily weaknefs frequently at- tended her in the latter years of her life, it did not abate her love and zeal for the ever- lailing truth, which fhe experienced to be her fupport in every time of trial ; and when her diflblution drew near, fhe made divers

feafonable

( 73 )

feafonable remarks and obfervations, alfb figaified her acquiefceiice with the divine will, in the difpenfations of his providence towards her ; at one time particularly men- tioning the expreilions of the apoille, " That " no chafteni ng for the prelent feemeth to be '' joyoiis, but grievous, neverthelefs, after- *' ward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of " righteoufnefs unto them which are exer- " cifed thereby." This was her happy ex- perience; and after a well-fpent life, inter- iperfed with a variety of exercifing vicifi- tudes, ihe exchanged thi^s ilate of exiflence (no doubt) for a blefled immortality in the regions of unmixed felicity; after about three weeks illnefs, on the 2^th of the twelfth month 1726-7, in the fixty-firil year of her age. Her corpfe was refpedfully at- tended by a large number of friends and others, to the Higli-flreet meeting-houfe in Philadelphia, where divers living tellimonies were borne, after which it was interr'd iii friends burial ground.

She was twenty- fix years the wife of R.ich- ard Hill, who was a lerviceable member both in church and ftate, and died in good eileem, the ^th of the feventh month 1729.

A Teflimonj

( 74 )

ATeftimony from Haddonfield Monthly-Meet- ing in New- J erfey, concerning James Lord.

HE received a lively gift of the gofpel mini dry whilit young in years, was frequently exercifed therein to the edificati- on and encouragement of friends ; and was much concerned for the true Sioners, that they might hold on their way, and that the outcarts of Ifrael might be gathered home into the true fold of reft. An exemplary man, by wdiich he greatly adorned the doc- trine he preached; was called from works to rewards in the flower of his age, being in his thirty^fourth year and in the yeaj;: 1727. '

ExtraB from Thomas Chalkley'sjournal, con-^ ^ cerning the aforcjaid James Lord.

N fecond-day the 2^th of the feventh month 1727, I had the forrowful ti- dings of the death of my beloved friend James Lord; who, on his death-bed, deiired that I might be fent for to his burial. In the conlideration of that chriflian love which was between us, I think 1 ;nay truly note, that we were always glad to meet each other; therefore the thoughts of this fo fudden change and final parting, brought, for the prefent, a fadnefs and heavinels over my

mind J

( 7S )

inind; confidering his ftation in that neigh- bourhood, and fervice in that congregation to which he did belong ; for therein he was well-beloved and very ferviceable.

And Oh ! the lofs that his dear wife and tender children will have of him, really af- fects me with forrow in penning thefe notes ; but the forrow, in thefe things, is all on our fide ; for he, without doubt, is at reft with his great mafter in Heaven. We had a lar- ger meeting at his funeral than ever was known to be there before (as an ancient friend told me) which was folemn and fer- viceable to many.

^ojjte account of Jows Bevan, copied from a 7nanujcript^ appearing to be a tejlimony from a 7neetiiig in Wales concerning hirn^ the cou" chfion of "which is ivanting. And tho he ivas born anddied in that country, yet hav' ing li'ved many years in Pennfylvania, the follotving memorial is thought not improper to be injerted in this Collection.

OU R deceafed friend John Bevan, the worthy fubjedl of our teflimony, hav- ing deferved to have his name tranfmitted to pofterity, for his pious life and converfati- on, the following account of him, proba- bly, will not only be fatisfacftory to his re- lations, friends and acquaintance, but af- ford edification and comfort to tho/e who knev/ him not. He

( 76 )

He was born about 1646, and well de- fcended ; liis parents died when he was very yonng, leaving five children, of whom he was the eldeil. in 1665 he married a reli- gious woman. His father had left him a confiderable eftate, but the rell of the chil- dren were unprovided for; he therefore, when he came of age, (his fifter being dead before) portioned all his brothers, and gave them a helpful fubfiflence in the world. Some years after, he was convinced of the bleired truth as it is in Jefus, the manner whereof, as he himfelf hath left it in writ- ing, 'was thus,

* My wife was religioufly inclined in her young years, and zealouily concerned to obferve the ceremonies of the church of England, and I believe (as llie has often told mc) fhe aimed fincerely therein at God's glory and the falvation of her im- mortal foul. After we were joined in mar- riage, fhe continued very zealous in that way ; but when a weighty concern caixie upon my mind for the well-being of my immortal foul, I faw it very needful for me to make a narrow fearch after the befl v/ay, and thoie people who performed that woriliip and fervice that was accept- able before God; and being in a weighty frame of fpirit, the people called Quakers came before the view of my mind; and hearing of a book of George Fox the youijger's, to be at a relation's houie, I was willing to go thither for it, and in the

• reading

( 77 ) reading thereof, I was Co well fatisfied, that 1 can truly fiiy, what i then read, anlwered the witnefs ot God in my owii bofom, as ** Face anfwereth face in a glafs :" But foon after I came home, my wife per- ceiving me to be more ferious and weigh- ty in my fpirit than formerly, was jealous 1 had an inclination towards that way which the people called Quakers made profefTion of; and finding I had the faid book, came up to the chamber where I was, and cautioned me not to be beguil- ed: 1 f^K>ke to her in fimpliciry and much brokenncls of heart, of the ihiih and fa- tishidlion I had, that tbofe who were faith- ful to that divnie principle which the people called (iuakers bore tellimony to., were the people God owned, or to that import ; and it reached to God's witnels in her, that we parted in much tendernefs at that time. Hovvever flie continued fome- what zealous in her way if ill, and would be often arguing with me in vindication thereof, much about twelve months; but at one time, when fhe was at their wor- Ihip, the Priefl: denounced his excommu- jiication againft me, and Ihe being in a feat juif under him, it came fo near her that Ihe was nigh to faint away; when their worihip was over, fl\e went to the Prieft and fpoke fomewhat home to him, and that Che thought ihe deferved more civility, at leaft fo much as to know afore- hand of their excommunication, for he

' might

( 78 )

might know that flie fincerely loved her haihand tho' he dilFentcd from her in judgment. And after that time, ihe be- came more willing to fearch clofely into the weighty work of the falvation of her immortal foul ; and the Lord's love was manifelfed to her, that in a little while af- ter, her underftanding came to be opened, and (lie came to be convinced of God's everlafting truth, that was promifed '* To ' lead into all truth." And having tafted of that living bread that gives life to the foul, Ihe came withal to fee there was no need of the outward bread, which formerly flie was zealous and confcientious in the obferva- tion of, to commemorate the death and pallion of our Lord Jefus Chriil ; the true remembrancer being come and witnelTed, even he *' Who {lands at the door of men's ' hearts for an entrance, that he inay come * to fup with them and they with him." ' Soon after our convincement, the ene- my of ibuls muftered his forces, and en- deavoured to fliile our convidlions, and we were hard put to it both within and without, but as our eyes were to the Lord, and in poverty and humility of fpirit we leaned upon hun, he made the hard things eafy, and in the fenfe of his divine love which was often Ihed abroad in our hearts, we were made willing to deny ourlelves, to take up the crofs, and to defpife the Ihame. And tho' we were but a few, we thought it convenient to meet together to

* wait

( 79 )

^ wait upon the Lord, being fully fatisficd

* it was a duty incumbent upon his people

* in all ages ; and in the performance of our

* duty herein in the year 1675, feveral

* friends were taken from our houfe at two

* feveral times, and brought before two ' juifices of the peace, who tendered the

* oath of allegiance and fupremacy to them, ' and becaufe, for confcience fake, they ' could not break the command of Chrift

* who faid ** Swear not at all,'* they were

* committed to prifbn, where they reniain-

* ed about fourteen weeks, and then were ' fet at liberty ; ever fince which, the meet-

* ing has been kept either at our houfe or

* at the mecting-houfe, quietly without any ' more difturbance.

* Sometime before the year 16S3, we ' heard that our efteemed friend William

* Penn, had a patent from king Charles the ' fecond, for that province in America call-

* ed Pennfylvania ; and my wife had a great ' inclination to go thither, and thought it

* might be a good place to train up children

* amongft fober people, and to prevent the

* corruption of them here, by the loofc be-

* haviour of the youth and the bad example ' of too many of thofe of riper years ; Ihe ac-

* quainted me therewith, but I then thought

* it not likely to take effedl for feveral reafons; ' but as I v/as fenfible her aim was upright ' on account of our children, I was willing

* to weigh the matter in a true balance;

* and I can truly fiy, my way was made

' eafv

( 80 ) eafy and clear to go thither, beyond my expedation; and it was the Lord's great mercy to preferve us over the great deep to our defired port : And what hardfhips we met at the beginning of our fettlement, the Lord was our helper and fupport to go through: And I can in a fweet re- membrance fay, many were the bleffed fea- fons we had with God's people in that re- mote country, and I beheve and am well fatisfied that the Lord has a remnant there, that hncerely aim at his glory and the profperity of his truth, blelled and prail- ed be his holy name forever. ' We ftaid there many years, and had four of our children married with our confent, and they had feveral children, and the aim intended by my wife, was in a good meafure anfwered. — When a weigh- ty concern came upon my mind to return to my native country, and that chiefly on truth's account. I laid it before my wife, and ihe could not be eafy to il:ay behind me, and we came over in the year 1704; and through the Lord's great mercy we were preferved in that tedious voyage, north about Scotland through many difnculties, and from the cruelties aifo of the pri- vateers, of which there were many then on that coaft, as we were afterward in- formed.— This wondeiiul prefervation de- ferves to be remembered with thankfgiv- ing; having ioil the iieet, wj were only four fnips coming together from \' irginia,

and

( 8i )

and one of them belonging to Briflol, we thought to remove to that fliip, becaufe Briiiol was nearer to our habitation irx Wales than London, whither our veflel was bound ; we agreed with the mafter for our paiTage, and next morning we were to go on board, but that night I was un- der a weighty exercife about our removal, but in the morning it happened to be i'o ftormy that he could not take us in, fo he parted from us, and bore his courfe to- wards Briftol ; then the weight I was un- der was removed, and I was very eafy in my fpirit; and as 1 was afterward inform- ed, that Ihip was taken near to Lundy liland: This deliverance therefore and prelervation of us, I afcribe to the Lord's great favour and mercy towards us, thanks, honour and praifes be rendered and afcribed to him for the fame and all other mercies forever. ' In this voyage, our youngeft daughter Barbara Bevan accompanied us, and Ihe was of good fervice on truth's account, the fliort time flie remained in the body ; her innocency and fweet behaviour preach- ed truth wherever fhe came. It is my comfort and great latisfadtion, that llie left a good favour, and has finilhed her courfe in peace with her maker, and is gone to her eternal reft in the manlions of blifs ' and joy, to laud and magnify him forever. f

* We

t A fliort teflimony concerning her, wortliy of perufal, is printedin thcjth part of Piety Cioraoted.

G

( 82 )

* We landed at laft at Shields in North- umberland, and {laid over the meeting on firfl-day, where we were comforted with friends ; next day we fet forward toward our habitation in Wales, having near three hundred miles to travel. We had feveral good meetings in our way, and about the beginning of the eighth month 1704, we came to our home at Treveyricke ; and from that time forward my dear wife was given up as before, to be ferviceable on truth's account, and fo continued during her pilgrimage here, being fix years and upwards. Her houfe and heart lince her convincement, were open to receive the Lord's melTengers, both here and in Ameri- ca, and fhe was very careful and open hearted to help the poor and weak, both amongfl us and others. In her lafl fick- nefs, fhe was fenfil^le fhe was not like to recover out of it, and flie was fatisfied and contented therein to fubmit to the Lord's will ; fpeaking to me, fhe faid, ** I take it as a great mercy that I am to go before thee, we are upwards of forty- five years married, and our love is rather more now towards one another, than at the be- ginning, yet I am willing to part with ail, for the Lord is better than all." ' She quietly departed this life the zbth of the eleventh month 1710; aged fevenry-three years and about four months ; and tho' my lofs thereby is great, yet it is her eter- nal gain,'

Our

( 83 ) t)uf well efteemed friend having left us this juft acco]Lint of his convincemeut, and of the reafons of his removal to, and return from Pennfylvania to his native country again; it remains for us to add, that by their teftimonials from Pennfylvania, we find they were all three of good fervice there, the old friends being examples of meeknefs, temperance and charity, and having lived in love and fellowiliip with the brethren and fillers there, were in good efleem amongft all. And the young friend being of an innocent and good life and converfation, was well beloved amongll them ; and fur- ther, that the father and daughter had re- ceived a gift of the minillry, which had been to the comfort and edification of the churches thereaway.— We heard he vifited New-England in particular with our friend Hugh Roberts, about the year 1701. — -Soon after he returned from Pennfylvania, he and his daughter vifited together feveral meetings of friends in South and North Wales, and were eminently favoured there- in with the divine prefence. — His ililFerings, eonfidering his fairhfulnefb and the time he lived in, were not very many ; his relations at times diverting the llrokes from him; however after a long prolecution by the Vicar of the parilli for his pretended dues> he was at lafl coniined to Cardiff goal in 1721, upon an excommunicatio capiendo, but there being fome error in it, he was dil- charged the following fdhons, and ever al- ter left unmolefted.

G 2 He

( 84 )

He was endued with a good underftand- ' ing in things fpiritual and temporal, dilbreet and prudent in his ways, of an unfpotted life and converiation, grave and folid in his deportment, and careful to keep concord and unity among friends, conftant and un- moveable againft that which would divide and rend, yet labouring to reftore thofe that were beguiled thereby. In his lafl ficknefs, he had no fmall conflicl, but he was favour- ed with much patience and pofTeffed his foul therein, and bore his indifpofition to admi- ration.— At one time he faid, *' Ever fince I *' had the knowledge of the truth, 1 have en- ** deavoured to be innocent." To a relati- on alking him how he did ? he anfwered, *' Weakly, but I find fome ftrength to bear

my weaknefs."

«(

A Tejiimony from the Monthly- Meeting (j/* Phi- ladelphia, concerning Hannah Car- penter.

SHE was born at Haverford Weft in South Wales, where having the opportunity of feeing the patient, innocent and fteady fufferings of friends who were imprifoned for their religious teftimony, together with their good converfation in Chrift, flie was convinced of the blefled truth, and became very ferviceable to thofe who were in bonds there for Chrift's fake. She came over here

in

( §5 )

in the early fettling of this province, and after fome time was married to our well efteemed friend Samuel Carpenter, of this city. She received a fhare of the gofpel mi- iiiftry, which was feafoned with a lively fa- vour of divine fweetnefs ; and though not frequent in her appearances, was very ac- ceptable. Her heart and houfe flood open to receive and entertain the true gofpel mi- nifters, to whom fhe was a tender nurling mother both in ficknefs and in health ; be- ing full of warmth and love to faithful friends, a bright example of meeknefs in the church as well as in her own family ; and her life and converfation being adorned with the chriftian virtues of benevolence and charity, rendered her beloved, refpedled and ufeful in her ftation.

She died the 24^/7 of the fifth month 17285 in the eighty-third year of her age.

The folloiving Epijlle to parents concerning the education of children^ ynanifejling her pious regard for the youth ^ and her anxiety for the increafe and prqfperity of the church of Chr'ifl^ is thought proper to be here annexed^ 'uiz,

*' UPON the /\.th day of the fourth month, I was drawn forth to wait on the Lord, and as I was waiting, the confederation of my dear children whom the Lord had taken to himfelf in their innocency came before me, and my foul blelled his holy name for his

£:reat

( 86 )

grent love towards them and me, in that they are gone to their reft, and Ihall never partake of thofe exercifes and forrows thefe do that remain in the world ; and then my foul was poured forth before the Lord for them that remain, that as they grow up in years, they may grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and faviour Jefus Chrill: ; or elfe 1 would rather follow them to their graves whilffc they are young, than tliat they fliould live to the diflionour of his worrhy name : And then a more general and weighty concern came upon me for friends children that are grown up and do not come under the yoke nor bear the crofs. Oh ! the cry that ran through my foul, and in the anguifh and bitterneis of my fpirit, I faid, Lord ivhat will thou do nvith friends children when we are gone off the ftage of this ivorld'y Will thou raije up children^ and not thofe ofbe- lu'ving parents ? And this was the word that livingly fprung up in my foul. They rejeH my coiinfel and call ?ny laiv behind their backs ^ and will have none of my reproofs^ and tho my hand be liretched forth all the day long^ yet they ivill not hear^ but go after their oivn hearts hift. Then I faid ni my heart, Lord are they all fo? The anfwer was, there are fome that are innocent^ 'a^hom Invill blefs uinth a bleffing from me^ ajid they fhaUfloine forth to my praife. And now, Oh friends! that you may dwell and abide in the innocent life, that fo the bleifing of the Lord you

may

( 87 )

may feel daily to defcend upon you. But as for you that ** Reje(5l the counfel of the Lord and caft his law behind your backs, and will have none of his reproofs," which are forrowful fayings concerning you who are the children of believing parents, you who are under the profeilion of the truth, which will do you no good, unlefs you re- turn unto the Lord ; therefore I delire you may all return unto him, whilft the day of a long-fuffering merciful God larteth : But if you ftill rejed; the counfel of the Lord, the many faithful warnings you have had, how will you anfwer it in the day when he Cometh, ** To render unto every one accord- ing to their deeds ?" And now, fomething further is with me to parents of children. Dear friends, you that have been convinced of God's unchangeable truth, and have known the work and operation of it, work- ing out and bringing down that which was of a contrary nature to it. And Oh ! that we may all abide faithful in his work, and retain our integrity to the Lord, then let our breathing cries and prayers be offered up to the Lord for our children, that he would be pleafed to look down in mercy upon them, and vifit them as he did our fouls. But as David faid, '* If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me ;" fo I defire we may all be clear in our offerings belore the Lord, that he may fmeil a fweet favour from them.

Dear

( 88 )

Dear friends, what is here written is with great caution, knowing that I have children of my own, and that many honed parents have bad children, which is no fmall exer- cife ; but if we keep faithful to the Lord, and difcharge our duty to them by precept ' and example, we fliall be clear of them in the fight of God : And therefore friends, faithfulnefs is the word that runs through me, not only for our own fouls, but for our children's alfo; that a generation may grow up to his praife in this part of the world, when our heads are laid in the duft. Great and manifold hath the love and mer- cy of God been towards us, the confiderati- on of it, many times hath deeply afifeded my mind ; and it was he by the fame arm of power that reached unto us, and brought a concern upon us in our own native land ; and I do believe that many had as clear a call to leave their native country, as fome of old had, which caufed many days and nights of fore travel and exercile before the Lord, and no eafe could we have, but in giving up life and all unto him, faying, *' Lord do what thou wilt with us, only let thy prefence preierve us." And to his praife we can iay, he hath been with us lince we came to this country, and hath preferv- ed us through many and various exercifes, both inwardly and outwardly. And now that which lies on oup parts 1 defire may be confidered by us all, that fo fuitable returns may be made unto the Lord, by walking

in

( 89 )

in humility and godly fear before him ; that £o^ good patterns we may be, by keeping our places *' To the praife of him who hath called us," for he is worthy forever more. And friends, fomething more is with me which I thought to omit, but find I can't well do it, that is, concerning our children, that we be very careful while they are young, that we fuffer them not to wear fuch things that truth allows not ; and though it may be faid, they are but little things and well enough for children, but we find, that when they are grown up, it is hard for them to leave off, which may be, if they had not been ufed when young, would not have been expecfled when grown up : So I defire we may all be clear in ourfelves, and keep our children out of the fafliions and cuftoms of this world. And Oh ! that we were all of one heart and mind in thefe and other things, then would the work of the Lord go on ealily, vv^hich is the lincere defire of your friend,

HANNAH CARPENTER.

A Tejlimony from the Tearly-Meeting in Virgi- nia, concerning Robert Jordan.

E was fo.n of Thomas and Margaret Jordan, of Nancemond county in Vir- ginia, born the wth oi the feventh month' 1668, and carefully educated in the way of

truth

( 9° )

truth by his worthy parents, who Uved to fee the reUgion of his education become that of his choice and practice in his mature years, in which he was preferved to the laft, without wavering, in great peace with the Lord and unity of his brethren.

He was an hofpitable man, very ready to entertain ftrangers, efpecially the Lord's melTengers, whom he treated with great re- fpeifl and affe(5lion, honouring them for their work's fake ; being alfo charitable to the poor, and as a man of trade and com- merce, obtained a good reputation, having declared he had never wronged any man knowingly in all his life.

In the time of his illnefs, which continu- ed about two weeks, he feemed very patient and refigned to the will of God, and much concerned for the everlafting welfare of his children, which he expreffed in a lively manner; and often in fervent prayer, de- fired they might be preferved from the vanities and corruptions of this world, and that they might love and fear the Lord in their youth, faying at one time, *' O Lord preferve my flock, let them never go aflray, nor forget thee nor one another: O my God ! hold them in thy arms that none of them be loft, let not the enemy prevail over them:" Being humbly thankful and bleffed God, that he had been pleafed to fupport him through every difpenfation of his pro- vidence to that time. He died the 3<:/ of the

eighth

( 9' )

eighth month 1728, and on the 9//^ of the fame month, after a large meeting held on the occafion, was interred in the family burying-ground.

ATeJlhnony from Gwynedd Monthly- Meeting in Pennlylvania, concerning Rowland Ellis.

OU R ancient and efteemed friend Row- land Ellis, was born in the year 1650, in Merionethfhire North Wales, convinced of the truth about the twenty- fecond year of his age, fufFered feveral years imprifon- ment with conftancy on account of his tefti- mony, it being then a time of fore perle- cution ; the two judges who committed him with many others for refufing to take the oath of allegiance and fupremacy, declared openly at the aifizes, '' That in cafe they refufed a fecond time to take it, they fhould be proceeded againft as traitors, the men hanged and quartered, and the women burn- ed." In 1686 he came over into Pennfyl- vania to prepare for a fettlement for his wife and family, with whom he return'd in 1697. He was endued with a gift in the miniltry, and tho' not very frequent in appearance therein, his fervice was acceptable and to edification; being of found judgment, rea- dy and willing to afTift his neighbours and friends in all cafes civil or religious when

defired.

( 90

defired. He was zealous for fnpportiiig our chrillian diCcipline, and exemplary in con- du6ling himfelf agreeable therewith, fome- times faying " If the hedge of difcipline was not kept up, the labour of the hufband- inan would fbon be laid wafte." He was careful in educating his children religioufly, by timely endeavouring to inculcate in them the principles of piety and virtue; a pra(!^ice of his tending thereto, was, having meet- ings frequently in his family, which he long continued. In the laft monthly-meeting he attended he was taken unwell, but after- wards faid to divers friends prefent, *' I am glad I was here to day, for I had a lively meeting, and though I now feel much weak- nefs and the infirmities attending my ad- vanced age, yet I can fay, truth is as dear and as fweet as ever." He alfo faid, '' Sa-^ " tan fometimes lies in wait like a roaring ''* lion to devour me, but I find he is chain- '' ed by a fecret hand which limits his pow- *' er, fo that he cannot harm me." His in- difpofition continued a few days, which he bore with chriflian patience, expreffmg *' His fenfe of his near arrival at the ha- ven of red and quiet, where none could make him afraid." He expired at the houle of his fon-in-law John Evans, in the eighti- eth year of his age, and was interr'd in friends burying-ground at Plymouth, (to which particular meeting he belonged) in the feventh month 1729. Concerning whom we trull it may be faid, be rejls^ enjoying the re- ivard of the righteous y and his works do follow,

A Teftimoiiy

( 93 )

A Tejlmony from Newark Monthly -Meeting in New Callle county on Delaware, concertiing Moses Mendenhall,

HE was born at Concord in Chefter coun- ty Pennfylvania, about 16^3, being the fon of Benjamin Mendenhall, an early fettler in that place; in his youth he was religioully inclined, loving the converfation of fiich, and chooling places of retirement to wait upon God. He married about the year 17 19, and foon after fettled at Kennet, where he continued his habitation the re- mainder of his life. As he grew in years he grew in religious experience, and in 1724 appeared in the miniftry ; firft in a few words, but continuing faithful, he increaf- ed in his gift, and in time had a I'ealbnable refrefliing teftimony, which often affected the nainds of the hearers. He viiited the meetings in Maryland, New-Jerfey, and fometimes thofe near home; being alfo rightly gifted for the difcipjine, and fervice- able therein. He had a clear difcerning of a fpirit of undue liberty that feemed at one time to prevail, which afterwards manifeft- ed itfelf to the exercife of the faithful.

Being feniible in his lad ficknefs that his end was near, he iignified ** He was thank- ful to the Lord, that he was like to be ta- ken from the troubles of this world;" ex- horting friends to faithfulnefs ; and died in a

refigned

( 94 ) refigned frame, in the ninth month 1731, aged about thirty-eight, and a miniller about 7 years, and was interred in Kennet burying- ground.

A Tefllmony from Duck- Creek Monthly- Me et-^ ing in Kent county on Delaware, concerning Joseph Booth.

HE was born at or near Scituate in New- England, and educated in the religi- on of the independants ; leaving his native country when a young man, he came and fettled early on Mufpillion in SulTex county upon Delaware, where he filled the itation of a magiftrate many years, and was alfo chofen a member ot the houfe of affembly, difcharging the feveral trufts repofed in him^ with reputation.

In the year 1699, he was convinced by the miniftry of Thomas Story, who left this teftimony refpecfting him, ** That he was the moft fober and knowing perfon in thofe parts." As he gave up faithfully to the manifeftation of truth, it fo operated upon him, as to bring the creaturely part into fubjecflion, tho' much in the way of the crois, and the more fo, by reafon of the ilation and characfler he Aipported in the world; but thro' continued obedience, he witneffed love fo to prevail in his heart, as to conftrain him, livingly to declare to others

what

( 95 )

what the Lord had done for him. Being rightly called and anointed for the work, his appearances were folemn and awful, miniftring in the power of truth. He was a nurfing father in the church, conftant in attending religious meetings, and exempla- ry in humbly waiting therein ; having like- wife been inllrumental in fettling the meet- ing at Murtherkiln where he belonged, as alfo that at Cold-Spring; and before any meeting was held at the latter, he frequent- ly vihted the few families of friends ad- jacent thereto, and was in general good efteem amongft men. He died about the year 1732.

jI Te/iimony from Wrights-Town Monthly-" Meeting in Bucks county Pennfylvania, con-" cerning Ann Parson.

SH E appeared in the miniftry In her youthful days, and continuing faithful, ihe travelled on that account, feveral times through New- England, the Jerfeys, Penn- fylvania, Maryland and Virginia in Ameri- ca, and through England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales in Europe; her miniftry being favoury and to edification. She was a good example, of an inoffenfive life, patient in afflidlion, and died in good unity with ths church,

In

( 96 )

In lier lad illnefs, flie faid to her brother Abraham Chapman, *' I have travelled a pretty deal in my time, and, according to my ability, have labom'ed in the love of God (in the fervice of truth, and good- will to all men) which fprings in my bo-° fbm now as frefli as ever ; blelTed be his name. And I defire thee (if I go) by a few lines, to remember my kind love to friends, dehring they may ftand in the counfel of God; for 1 have often rejoiced and been glad, to lee friends ftand in his counfel and keep their places in the truth; and on the contrary, it has often wound- ed my fpirit, to fee thofe that have made a profeilion of the truth, (and Ibme of them children of good parents) take un- due liberty, taking pleafure in vanity and folly, and neglec^ling that which would be to their everlafting peace. It is my advice to friends, that they lland in the counfel of God, which will be to them as a mighty rock in a weary land, and enable them to wade through the various exercrfes and troubles which may fail to their (hare to meet with in this trouble- fome world. I have found it by experi- ence to be a fure help in every needful and difficult time, when exercifes icemed to furround me on every hand like the billows of the main, then I found, to iland in the counfel of God, was the on- ly place of refuge that I could retire unto, where I found faf'cty, and was often re-

*' freihed,

<(

( 97 )

** freflied, ftrengthened and comforted by ** the influence of the love of God in me ; ** and I would counfel and advife, that all ** friends keep clofe to meetings, and pa- *' tiently wait to feel their ftrength renewed ** in God. And as it has been the defire *' and labour of my fpirit, that friends ** fliould keep up their meetings in good *"* order, and in the wifdom of truth ; fo I " recommend it as my advice and counfel *' to friends, to be careful to keep to meet- ** ings, and patiently wait to feel the over- iliadowing power of truth, to ftrengthen and renew their hope in God, v^hich *' brings down and abafes every thing that *' would exalt itfelf above the peaceable *' government of truth." After having lain fometime in great ftillnefs, flie, in fervent prayer, befought the Lord, *' To carry on " the work he had begun, fo that many *' might flock unto his church, as doves " unto the windows ; and that lin and ini-> *' quity might ceafe, and righteoufnefs and " truth cover the earth, as the waters cover ** thefea;" fervently befeeching the Lordj •' To blefs his people and her near relations, " and that her companion might be favor- '' ed with the vilitation of divine love, and '* know his lafl: days to be his bed days ^ " and that he might find admittance into '* reft and peace, when time to him in this «' life fliould be no more," v/ith many more of the like exprefllons, at fundry times du- ring; her illnefs,

H . She

( 98 )

She died the ()th of the tenth month 1732^ in the fifty-leventh year of her age, having been a minifter t,^ years.

A Tefi'imony from Nottingham Monthly -Meet- ing in Pennfylvania, concerning Joseph

E L G A R.

HE was born (as we are informed) at Folkftone in Kent, Old England, the 30//7 of the fourth month 1690, of believ- ing parents ; and came into America about the year 1720, living fome time near Phila- delphia, and in 1728, removed within the limits of Eaft Nottingham particular meet- ing. After his coming to this country, he was called to the work of the miniftry, wherein he was not forward, yet his appear- ances being lively and edifying, friends had near unity therewith. A good example in attending meetings, a faithful labourer therein, and careful in keeping to the hour appointed. He was induftrious in outward affairs, tho' cheerfully given up to anfwer the requirings of truth ; vifiting the meet- ings of friends in Pennfylvania, as alfo in New-Jerfey and Maryland generally. He was gifted in difcipline, and likewife quali- Jied for the fervice of vifiting families, wherein he was engaged the laft time he was abfent from home, within the limits of Bulh-River and Deer-Creek particular meet- ings ;

( 99 )

ings ; in his return from whence, he told a friend, ** There was an unufiial weighc *' over his fpirit, and a cloud that he could '* not fee beyond, which made him think ** his days work was nearly over." The night he return'd home, he was affeded with ficknefs and much pain, which con- tinued feveral days, bearing the fame v^^ith exemplary patience. Afterwards growing weaker but remaining fenlible, he often ex- preffed, *' He had done with the world, ** and was willing to leave it, for he had ** been faithful to what was made known to *' him, fince he gave Up to the requirings *' of truth."

Continuing in a fvveetcompofureof mind, lie departed on the 19^/7 of the eleventh month 1733-4, in the forty-fourth year of his age, a minifter about 1 2 years. His re- mains were interr'd in friends bury in g- ground at Eafl-Nottingham ; on which fb- lemn occafion, our friend Mungo Bewley of Ireland, who was then on a religious vifit in America, exercifed his gift to the comforc of many friends.

A TeJItmony from the Tear fy- Meeting of friends in Virginia, comerning Joseph Jordan.

HE was born in Nancemond county in Virginia, in the year 1695, being the third fon of Robert Jordan, as well as one H 2 of

. ( too )

o( the third generation who have walked in the truth. He was of a Iprightly genius, affable difpofition, and even temper, which, as he grew to manhood, gave him eafy ac- cefs to company, efteemed the better fort. A vilitation of divine love being extended to him about the twenty-fecond year of his age, he like Zaccheus, made hafle, and with joy embraced, both the melTage and the meffenger of falvation : And being endued with a gift in the miniftry, acquitted him- felf " As a workman that need not be afliamed," and had great place in the minds of men. Altho' he had not much fchool literature, yet he might be faid to have had the tongue of the learned, being both cor- rec!^: and concife in fpeaking the word in fea- fon, infomuch that divers have confelTed to the truth and embraced the dodlrine he preached. Being patient in tribulation, he was favour'd with that hope which affords content and folace of mind. After labour- ing in the gofpel in his own country and the adjacent provinces, he vifited mofl parts of England, Ireland, and divers parts of Holland ; being abfent on this fervice above three years, he returned with peace, and jfound his prefence necelTary at home; for his father being deceafed, and his brother Robert then abfent, the care of the family devolved upon him, which trufl he difcharg- ed with judgment, being a good oecono- mift, kind neighbour and fteady friend.

He

( •loi )

He often intimated that he fliould not continue long, and was therefore concern'd to ufe diligence. Not long before his de- ceafe, he vifited friends in Virginia and North-Carolina, edifying them with his gift ; and in the beginning of the month in which he died, (tho* very weak in body) attended their quarterly meeting, fignifying at his return, his great fatisfadlion therein, be- lieving it would be the laft meeting of the kind he fliould ever be at, and accordingly he never afterwards went from home, except to a week-day meeting in the neighbours- hood.

On the morning of the day of his difro=» lution, he uttered many favoury expreffions, faying to fome young miniflers, *' Mind your gifts and the Lord will blefs you, and you will be a blefhng to the church. Be humble and obedient; obedience brings fweet peace. I have a great defire there might be a right miniftry continued in the church, for there are many not ftridl- ly of this fold, v*^ho in due time the Lord will bring in : And as you come to have an experience of tliQ work of truth. in your own hearts, you will be able to con- fute them who perfuade themfelves there is no living without fin in this world. I am not in a condition to fpeak much, neither is it, I hope, very needful ; as you are thus taught of the Lord, you will have caufe to rejoice in him on whom you *^ ha,ve believed,"

( I02* )

Thus having happily compleated his day'^ work, he laid down his head in much re- fignation and peace with the Lord, the ibth of the ninth month 1735, aged forty years, a miniiler about 17.

mwJUS^i

A Tejihmny from the Monthly -Meeting of Philadelphia, concerning Richard T o w N s E N D.

E was a meek and humble man, fin- cerely concerned for the promotion of piety and virtue; his miniftry being found, living, and tending to edification, was well accepted. He vifited friends in the fervice of truth in Great Britain, continued faith- ful to the end of his days, and departed this life about the 30//? of the third month 1737.

A. Tejlimony jrom Newark Monthly-Meeting in New Caftl'e county an Delaware,^ concerning Christopher Wilson,

HE was born in Yorkfhire Old England, of parents who were members of the church of England. In his youth he was inclined to vanity, but his mind being reached thro' the vilitation of divine grace. "When he grew up, he joined in fellowlhip with friends j and came to America in 1 7 1 2,

being

(•ic3 )

being well recommended by certificate, tho" then a fervant. About 1728 he appeared in the miniftry, firfl in a few words, but grow- ing therein, his appearances were feafonable and favoury, and attended with a degree of that life that " Makes glad the heritage of God ;" being likewife ferviceable in the di- fcipline of the church according to ability. He began the world with little, but being induftrious in the creation, and concerned for truth*s profperity, the Lord blefTed his labours, fo that he lived comfortably and maintained his family reputably, fupport- ing the charadler of an honeft peaceable man, and was often inftrumental in reftor- ing peace amongft others. In his lafl fick- neis, being a£ked by a friend *' How it was with him?" He anfwered, *' If the melTen- ger of death comes, I fee nothing in my way." Keeping moflly ftill and quiet, he, in a refigned, compofed frame of mind, finifhed his courfe the 11th of the feventh month 1740, in the fiftieth year of his age, a miniiler about 12 years, and was interr'd in Center burying- ground.

A Teflimonyfrom the Monthly- Meeting (^/'Phila- delphia, concerning ThomasChalIvLEY.

E was a member of our monthly-meet- ing above forty years, fo that fome of \is had opportunities of being intimately ac- quainted

( I04*)

quainted with him, and of knowing hia^ lidelity and diligence in promoting the caufe of truth, and the edification of the church of Chriil; this having been the principal engagement and concern of his mind, and which he preferred to any other confiderati- on ; as will evidently appear to thofe, who, •with an honefl: and unprejudiced intention, perufe his journal of his life and travels.

By which it will appear, that he was, in the early part of his life, fenfibly aftedted with the vifitation of divine life and grace, and, by adhering thereunto, was prelerved from the vanities and follies, which often divert and alienate the minds of youth from the due remembrance and awful regard of their creator; fo that he was enabled to bear a' teRimony of chriflian patience and felf- denial in his youthful days, and, by keep- ing under that exercife, as he advanced in years, attained to further knowledge and experience in the work of religion, in which he had a fight of the neceflity of keeping in a ilate of humility, and of bearing the crofs of Chrift, which mortified him to the world; lb that the lofs many fuftain by the anxious purfuit of the lawful things thereof appear- ing to him, he was concerned to avoid it, and in obedience to the precept of Chrift, to jeek jirft the kingdom of Gody mid his righteoitjnefs, having faith in his promife, that all thejh things yneceflary for him) Jljould be added.

I'hus the love of God influencing his mind J and opening his underilanding, he

became

( '°5 )

became concerned for the general good of mankind, and received a gift ot the mini- ftry of the gofpel of Chrift, before he had attained the age of twenty-one years ; in the pubhc exercife of which, he foon after travelled thro' many parts of England, and intoScotland, and the next year, being 1697, he came to vilit friends in this and the ad- jacent provinces of America, where his ini- niilry and converfation were to the comfort and edification of the faithful, (as fome of ITS can with fatisfadlion declare, from our knowledge and remembrance of him at that time) and the near fellowfliip and union he then had with friends here (we believe) con- tributed to his more fpeedy determination of fettling among vis, which he afterwards thought it his duty to do, tho' the leaving his parents and relations (as he afterwards exprelfed) was no fmall crofs to him, being of a dutiful and affectionate difpofition.

After fixing his refidence among us, he perfever'd in his concern and labour for the edification of the churches, and gathering people to faith and dependance on the in- ward teachings of Chrift, and for that pur- pofe only he travelled many long journies and voyages through the feveral Englifh colonies on this continent, and moft of the iilands in the Weft- Indies, and in Europe, through England, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Holland, Frizeland, and feveral parts of Germany, and the adjacent northern king- doms ; and in many ot theie places his mi-

niftry

'^i

( >o6" ) nillry and religious labours were blefled wiih the defired faccefs, of which there are yet fome vvitnelfes living, and others, who were convinced of the principles of truth by his means, became fqrviceable members of the church, and continued therein to the end of their lives.

But as the wife king Solomon formerly obferved, that o.nt event comet h to the right e^ ous^ and to the ivicked^ fo it happened to this good man, who met with various loffes and difappointments in his temporal eflate; af- ter which, the circumftances of his affairs engaged him to undertake fome bufmefs, in the management of which he was obliged to crofs the feas frequently : This, however, did not abate his zeal and religious care to make ufe of all opportunities of vifiting the meetings of friends when among them, and of calling, at other times, to fuch who might be accounted as the outcnji of Ifraely and the dilperfed of 'Judah, or as Jideep not yet of the fold of Chriji ; and his fervices of that kind are worthy to be commemorated, having been often produdlive of good eftedls.

His patience was remarkable in difap- pointments and afHidions, of which he had a large fhare ; and his meeknefs, humility and circumfpedion, in the general courfe of his life and converfation, were confpicu- ous and exemplary; and as he frequently exhorted and admonifhed others to the ob- fervation and pradice of the many excellent precepts and rules of Chrifl, our Lord and

iaw^iver^

( ic)7 ) lawgiver, and more efpecially thofe exprefP- pd in his fermon on the mount (which con- tains the fum of our moral and rehgious duties) Co he manifefled himfelf to be one of that number, whom Chrifl compared to the wife builder, who laid a fure foundati- on ; fo that his building flood unfhaken by the various floods and winds of tribulations and temptations he met with, both from within and without.

Ke was a lover of unity amongfl bre- thren, and careful to promote and maintain it, fhewing the example of a meek, courte- ous, and loving deportment, not only to friends, but to all others, with whom he had converfation or dealings ; fo that it may be truly faid, xh^tfew have lived fo univerjal- ly beloved and rejpetded among us : And it was manifefl this did not proceed from a defire of being popular, or to be feen of man : For his love and regard to peace did not divert him from the difcharge of his duty in a faithful teftimony to thofe that profefTed the truth, that they ought to be careful to maintain good works ; and he was often concern'd zealouily to incite and prefs friends to the exercife of the good or- der and difcipline eltabhihed in the wifdom of truth, by admonilhing, warning, and timely treating with fuch as fell fhort of their duty therein, and by teififying againft thofe who, after loving aiid brotherly care and endeavours, could not be brought t(S

the

( io8 )

the fenfe and pra(5lice of their duty ; and thereby he fometimes fhar'd the ill-will and refentment of fuch perfons.

The feveral Eflays he wrote on religious fubjedls at fea, are further proofs that his mind was principally engaged in the great bufinefs and concern of religion ; and as he continued under the fame engagement to the end, we are fully perfuaded the words with which he concluded his laft public teftimony on the ifland of Tortola, may be truly and properly applied to him, that he had fought a goodfght^ and had kept the faith, and we doubt not, he noiv enjoys a croivn of righteoufnefs.

Much more might be truly faid of his in^ tegrity, faithfulnefs and worth, but we do not think it neceiTary ; our chief intention being to exprefs our refpedlful remembrance of him, and our unity with his labours and fervices ; and we are fincerely defirous, that the glory of every good and perfe6l work may be attributed to that divine power alone, which can qualify others to fupply the places of thofe faithful minifters and fervants of Chrift, who have been of late years removed from among us, and are of that number, of whom it is v/ritten, hleffedare the deady n^jhich die in the Lord, from hence" forth, yea, faith thefpirit, that they may reft from their labours, and their 'works dofolloiv them.

He departed this life on the ifland of Tor- tola (where he was engaged on a religious vifit) the 4//j day of the ninth month 1741^ aged upwards of fixty-fix years.

A Teftimon;^

( 109 )

A Tejlimony from the Monthly -Meeting of Phi- ladelphia, concerning Esther Clare,

SH E was a minifler well qualified for the publication of the doiftrine of the gofpel, and vifited friends in Great-Britain and Ireland in the fervice of truth. In the latter part of her life, when not prevented by bodily infirmities, we had the benefit of her labours much in this city; her teftimo- ny being frequently attended with demon- ftration of divine help, was well accepted and of good fervice. She departed this life the 3 J of the eighth month 1742, in the fixty-eighth year of her age, in unity and good efteem among friends.

I ■llB.»M.'m-V^3:pf[j{jj.|j)l^y[|^^IUIlUllJ.LIl.JMl

A Tefmony from the Monthly-Meeting of Phi- ladelphia, concerning Robert Jordan.

IT appears, he was born in the county of Nancemond in Virginia, the 2']th of the tenth month 1693, of parents in good efleem among friends, and that about the year 17 18 he received a gift in theminiftry, as did his brother Jofeph about the fame time; and to their firfl: appearance in that weighty work the labours of Lydia Lancaf^ ter and her companion then on a religious vifit from Great-Britain, were, under divine lielp, made inftrumental,

Of

( ilo )

Of his firfl: travels in the fervice of truth, the following is an abflradl from an account committed to writing by himfelf.

* I early found a concern on my mitid to vifit friends in Maryland, which I did on both fides of the bay (Cheafapeak) in fear and trembling, being young and weak, and the work very exercifing by realbn of an obvious declenlion, which occafioned ine much exercife in fpeaking and writing againft the fpirit of liberty, fuperflulty, and conformity to the world, for a teltimony againft which, in many particulars, ancient friends fuffered much ; but now, with many is the offence of that crofs ceafed, and friend's fufferings tram- pled upon, to the great grief of my fpirit, refpecting tythes, apparel &c. And as the Lord hath been picaf ed to commit a part of the miuifiry to me, and of that part vs^hich is more necelliiry than defirable, in this age of the church, he hath been gracioufly pleafed hitherto to furnifli with a fviitable ability for his honour, and my faithful difcharge of duty ; for, as before my ap- pearance I was long under the concern, being fully convinced it was required of me, but giving way to reafonings, the fuggeftions and buffetings of Satan, 1 was likely to lofe my condition, had not the Lord been very gracious, who knew that I did not hold back obflinately, but thro' human weaknefs, and contempt of my- felf for fuch a weighty fervice; fo in a

' deep

i

( III )

deep travail of foul once in a meeting, breathing for firength to bring fortii, I delired, that the Lord would commit the hardefl part of the work to my charge, which I think was granted, and a hard travail 1 had in iny firft appearance; but it fared otherwife with mv brother, whom I prefer, he was not difobedient to the heavenly vifion, fubmitting fpeedily to the call, and has been very profperous hitherto ; may the Lord preferve us Hea- dy and faithful to the end. ' After this, we travelled together in Maryland, vifiting friends on each fide of the bay, and at the yearly-meeting near Choptank, having meetings alfo in the v/ay on our return, and were frequently employed, and zealoufly concerned in the Lord's work; blelfed be his name who hath called us out of darknefs, and with the day fpring from on high vifited our fouls, accounting us worthy of this high vocation, even to hold forth the glory of this gofpel day, giving encouragement and enlargement of heart in the myfteries and docflrines of his kingdom, fo that in the ^ability of divine faith, we frequently travelled about, both in Virginia and Carolina, while young ; but as there is a diverfity of gifts, fo there is of operation, according to the good pleafure of our great benefa61:or, and the emergency of times and occafions ; fo let not us of the mini- ftry, imitate one another in this refpetft,

' t>ut

( 112 )

* but be careful, dear friends, to keep to our

* true guide, the holy fpirit, for youth is

* warm, zealous, and without feafonable ' caution and watchfulnefs, apt to exceed

* ability and experience, and fo may be over-

* drained, and fuflain lofs and injury.'

In the year 1722, he performed a religious vifit as far as New-England, which employ- ed him about ten months, and on his return home, he was fued in the beginning of the following year for priefts wages, and for his refufal to comply with the demand, he of- fered to the magiftrates in writing, fundry confiderations, which being taken amifs, he was, after fome time, indicted by the grand jury, and fummoned before the go- vernor and council ; in this time of trial (he fays) * Some forfook me as being afham-

* ed of my teftimony, and of my fufferings ' for it ; at my firft appearance the fierce- ' nefs ot the dragon was felt, his dark pow- ' er feeming to be great and terrible, as ' though he would have fwallowed me up ' quick, and truth's adverfaries feemed to ' rejoice, for I was made to fland like a fool

* for them to glory over me ; however my ' mind being compofed, and flayed in ftill-

* nefs on the Lord, with earneil breathings ' for divine aid in this his caufe, for which

* and myfelf, I found it fafeft to fay little ' at that time, being greatly defirous that I

* might not give way one jot from my tef- ' timony, through fear even of death itfelf, ' for I thought I felt the bitternefs of it ftrikc ' at my natural life^ * On

( "3 )

* On the day when final judgment on the

* cafe was to be given, I was brought before

* them the ^hird time, and they demanded

* what 1 had further to fay before fentence

* was pafTed ; I then defircd Hberty to make

* my defence, and to give my fenfe on the

* contents of my paper, the commifTary or

* chief pried having perverted my meaning,

* which requefl the governor feemed dif-

* pofed to allow, but it was afterwards de-

* nied, as I apprehend, through the influ-

* ence of the pried, howbeit I told them I

* remembred to have read a provifo of an

* a(5l of parliament, that no man fliould be

* punifhed for any offence againfl the a6l,

* unlefs he was profecuted within three

* months after the fact, but this, faid I, ' was about ievQn. months after; but fome

* of the court refolving on fe verity to in-

* duce me to fubmit, they proceeded to give ' fentence of a years imprifonment, or bonds

* with fecurity for good behaviour &c. when

* with a compofed mind and an audible

* voice, I faid, this is an hard fentence and t

* pray God to forgive mine adverjaries, which

* affedled divers of the byftauders with tears,

* and one in particular, a judge, and man

* of note, was much affeded, made him-

* felf acquainted, and converfed with me

* more than once, appears to be a tender

* man, and well convinced, having fince

* gladly received meetings into his houfe»

* and as he has told me, laid down his

* commiiTion,—

I *^Being

{ 114 )

' Being committed to prifon, I was iirCt placed in the debtors apartment, but in a few days was removed into the common fide, where condemned perfons are kept, and tor fometime had not the privilege of feeing any body, except a negro who once a day brought water to the prifoners; this place was fo dark, that I could not fee to read even at noon, without creeping to fmall holes in the door; being alfo very noifome, the infed:ious air brought on me the flux, that, had not the Lord been pleafed to have fuftained me by his invi- fible hand, 1 had there loft my life; the governor was made acquainted with my condition, and 1 believe u{ed his endea- vours for my liberty : The commiffary vi- fited lyie njoi^e than once under a ihew of friendfliip, but with a vie\y to enfnare me, and I was very weary of him. I wrote again to the governor, to acquaint him of my fituation ; fo after a confinement of three weeks, I v/as difcharged, without any acknowledgment or compliance, and this brought me into an acquaintance, and ready admittance to the governor, w ho i\vA 1 was a meek man &c. — Thus I returned home with praifc and thankfgiv- ing in my iieart to the Lord, who had caufed his truth to triumph over the ftrong efforts of man and the powders of the earth/ In the year 1725, accompanied by Tho- mas Pleafants, he again vifited friends in Maryland, and the yearly-meeting near

Choptank,

( «'5 )

Choptank. My concern here (he fays) ' Was

* principally to labour for the refloration of

* wholelome difcipline, the neglecft whereof « I conceive has been a great caufe of the

* diforder and undue liberty prevailing

* among the profeifors of truth there, and

* when the fervice of this meeting was over^

* we vihted the meetings on the weftern

* Ihore, and returned home, having left an

* example of that ufeful and necefTary prac-

* tice of vifiting families, joining friends ' therein for fometime; we are, thanks be

* to God, come and coming into the fame ' in Virginia, which, with fome afTiftance,

* I have pretty generally performed through

* our monthly-meeting, and never, I think, ' was more fenfible of the company and ' ability of truth in any fervice, according ' to the dignity of it.'

A malicious perfon getting into his poP- feflion, the judgment obtained againil him for the demand of tythes before mentioned, had feven of his cattle feized and appraifed, but deferred taking them away until about two years after, when he procured a new adlion againft him, alledging, but not prov- ing, that Robert had converted at lead a part of them to his own ufe, and fo manag- ed the matter in his abfence, as to make the debt amount to twenty- pounds, tho' the demand was but eight- pounds, and ferving the execution on his body, he was again committed to prifon in the twelfth month 1727, where being confined fifteen weeks, I 2 he,

( "6 )

he was at length difcharged, without any perfon paying any thing for him, which he woukl not fulTer.

Soon after he was brought under a trial, with others of his friends, by the operati- in of a militia-law, whereupon they addreiT- ed governor Gooch on his arrival, reprefent- ing to him their fufferings by fpoil of goods and imprifonment, which, with the friends who attended on the occafion, he received with kindnefs.

* Having this year (he remarks) fufFered

* perfecution in body and eftate, as a pre-

* parative to a greater affli6lion, (all which

* doth and will work for good) my dear af-

* fedlionate wife was called away.

The next year 1728, he embark'd for Great- Britain, v^7ith om^ friend Samuel Bow- nas, who had accomplilhed his journeys on this continent in the fervice of the gofpel ; and after performing a religious vifit to the meetings of friends in England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland, he proceeded to Barba- dos, and arrived from thence in this city in 1730, tlien went to Virginia, and in the fame year performed a vifit as far eaflward as Rhode-liland, accompanied by his inti- mate friend Caleb Raper of Burlington.

The following year intermarrying with Mary the widow of Richard Hill, he became a member of our monthly-meeting, and after a viiit to the meetings of friends in Maryland and Virginia, he embarkVl on a fecond vifit to Great-Britain, from whence

he

( 117 )

he returned in the fummer of 1734, betweeij which time and the year 1738, he perform- ed another vifit eaftward, and three to the fouthern provinces, befides one to South-Ca- rolina andGeorgia, and from thence proceed- ed to Rhode-liland, and to Bofton, and in 1740 he went on a fecond vifit to Barbados, and in the fucceeding year, accompanied by Caleb Raper, he accomplillied his laft vifit eaftward as far as Bofton.

Hereby we may obferve his unwearied ap- plication and exercife, to fulfill the miniftry which he had received of the Lord. He was a member of this meeting above ten years, and tho' his time was much employed in his religious duties abroad, he did not omit the adjacent meetings, being induflrious and laborious for the general welfare and profperity of the churches; for the promoti- on whereof he was, through the divine anointing, eminently qualified.

His miniftry being convincing and con- folatory, his delivery graceful but unaffedl- ed; in prayer he was fblemn and reverent; he delighted in meditation, recommending by example, religious retirement in his familiar vifits among his friends ; in his fen- timents he was generous and charitable, yet a firm oppofer of obftinate libertines in principles or pradlice, demonftrating his love to the caufe of Religion and righteouf^ nefs above all other confiderations, being careful to adorn the docftrine of the gofpel, by a life of piety and benevolence, and we

have

( 1^8 )

liave ground to hope and believe he was prepared for the fudden fummons from his pilgrimage iiere, which was on the fifth day of the eighth month O. S. 1742, when be- ing at the houfe of one of his molt intimate friends on the third vlay of the week in the morning, waiting for the hour of meeting, he was feized with a fit of the apoplexy, which very foon deprived him of fpeech, and he died about midnight following, in the forty-ninth year of his age, being a iTiinifter about 24 years; his burial on the ^th of the fame month was attended by a great number of his fellow-citizens, to our meeting-houfe in High-ftreet, and thence to the grave-yard.

A Tejlmony from Abington Monthly-Meeting in Pennfylvania, concerning John Cad-

WALADERo

E was convinced of the principle of truth when young, and underwent many deep baptizing fealbns, by which, it is believed, he was in a good degree made an overcomer. He travelled much in the exercife of his gift in the miniilry, having vifited his brethren in truth's lervice, in mod or all parts of this continent where friends then refided; and crolled the feas twice to Europe on the fame account, and once to the iiland of Barbados. In which concern he was always careful to have the

concurrence

( "9 )

concurrence of his brethren, and good ac- counts and credentials of his acceptable fer- vice were upon all thofe occafions communi- cated to this monthly-meeting. He was alfo ferviceable amongil us in meetings of difci- pline. His lad vifit was to the iiland of Tortola, in company with our worthy friend John Eftaugh. He was taken unwell on his paflage thither, yet when he landed, pro- ceeded in the fervice he went upon, to the fatisfaiflion of friends there, as appears from accounts fent hither by a friend of that ifland. But his diftemper increafing upon him, he departed this life in peace on laid iiland, the 26^/:? of the ninth month 1742, aged near fixty-fix years.

A Tefimonyfrom'Hs.ddonReld Mo7ithIy- Meeting in New- J erfey , concerning J o H N Es T a u g h .

TEIE remembrance of our dear deceafed friend John Eftaugh, remains as a good favour on many of our minds. He was born in Keldevon in ElFex in Great-Britain, on the 23^/ of the fecond month 1676. In the year 1700, he came over to America on a religious vifit, which he performed to the great iatlsfaclion of friends ; after which, he- fettled at Haddonfield, in the county of Gloucefter, and wettern divifion of New- J erfey. He has been heard to fay, that when he firft fettled in our parts, he was

nearly

( 120 )

nearly united to a folid remnant of friends that then belonged to Newtown-meetlng, and that he had been careful to feel the draw- ings of the father's love in viiiting neigh- bouring meetings, in many of which, he was favovired to minifter fuitably to the ftates and conditions of thofe that heard him; he being as a fcribe well inflrud:ed, who brought forth out of the heavenly trea- fury, things both new and old. — Since his firft fettlement among us, he vifited friends in England, Ireland, New-England and fomeoftheWeft-India-IflandSjfeveral times. He was an humble minded exemplary friend, fplid and grave in his deportment, well be- coming a minifter of Chrift, 7ealous for pre- ferving good order in the church, and main- taining love and unity, that badge of true difciplcfliip, remarkably careful in his con- verfation among men, his words being few and favoury. The laft vifit which he made was to the ifland of Tortola, where after his lervice was over, he was taken lick,, and departed this life : And we doubt not but that he is in the fruition of that glory and happiaefs which will never have an end. ^

4n Abjlrafi

( 121 )

An AbJlraElfrom Elizabeth EftangVs Tejlimo- ny^ comerning her beloved husband John Est A UGH deceafedy prefixed to a treatife of his, entitled " A call to the unfaithful profeflbrs of truth."

SINCE it pleafed divine providence fo highly to favour me, with being the pear companion of this dear worthy, 1 can- not be altogether filent, but muft give fome fmall account of the early working of truth in him. He was born of religious parents, but grew uneafy with the religious profefTions of both father and mother who were of dif- ferent perfuafions, and being a feeker, fell in with the baptifts, and liked them fo well he was near joining them. But a neighbour who was a friend, being dead, he was in- vited to the burial, where that worthy mi- nifter of the gofpel, Francis Stamper of London, being led to fpeak with life and power dired:ly to his ftate, ic made fuch deep impreflions on his tender mind, that put him upon fearch into the principles of friends, and being fully fatisfied, joined with them in the feventeenth year of his age.

About the eighteenth year of his age, he cam^ forth in the miniftry, and being faith- ful he grew in his gift, fo that in fbme time he travelled to vifit friends in the north of England, and Scotland, and in the year 1700 came over on a vifit to friends in America. We were married on the fii,ft day of the tenth

month

( 122 )

month 1702, and fettled at Haddonfieid in New- jerfey. In the fore part of his time he travelled pretty much ; but in the latter part he was prevented therefrom by an infirmity of body; and his good mafter, who requires no impoffibiUties of his fervants, favoured him with being eafy at home; where thro' mercy, we Uved very comfortably ; few, if any, in a married (late, ever lived in fweet-r er harmony than we did. He was a patterill of moderation in all things ; not lifted up with any enjoyments, nor caft down at dif- appointments ; a man endowed with many good gifts, which rendered him very agreie- able to his friends, and much more to me, his wife.

After fome years of indifpofition, (as be- fore is obferved) it pleafed the Lord to re- ftore him to a (late of health ; and foon af- ter he had a concern to vifit friends at Tor- tola. This brought on him a deep exercife, but when he was confirmed it was really re- quired of him, he gave up to it ; and was then weaned from home, and the company there which ufed to. be fo pleafant to him. He firft wrote to friends on that ifland ; but finding that would not excufe him, he durft no longer delay ; fo, on the 1 3^/7 of the eighth month 1742, we parted in the aboundings of love and afFedion. And now, the mod acceptable account I can give of his fervice in Tortola, is extracted from two letters which 1 received from a friend of that place, direded to me, and to the following cjiTed, vizc * 0%

( 1^3 )

* On the eighth of the ninth month 1742, he arrived at the houfe of John Pickering with his companion John Cadwalader, where they were received with much love and greatjoy, being made to rejoice together in the tender mercies and love of God, which was greatly manifefted that day, to the honour and praifeof his great name, and alfo to the comforting of his poor peo- ple. The teflimonies of thefe fervants of the Lord were with life and power, and were as clouds fill'd with rain upona thir- fty land. —

* But to be more particular concerning thy dear hufband, whole memory is dear and precious to me, and many more whofe hearts were open to receive the glad-ti- dings which he brought. His godly life and converl'ation fpoke him to be a true follower of the the Lamb, and minilter of Jefus Chrifi, whom he freely preached^ and by the effeflual power of whofe di- vine love, was he called forth to our af- fiilance, for which we blefs, praife and magnify the God of all our mercies : And as a faithful melTenger, with much love, in a tender frame of fpirit, would he in- vite all to the fountain which had healeci him. O ! the deep humility that appear- ed in him in the time of his public tefti- mony; and when in private con verfation with his near and dear friends, as he of- ten faid we were to him, how cheerful and pleafant would he be, in that bleiled free- dom

( 124 )

* do m wherein Chrift had made him free,

* Innocent, harmlefs, of a cheerful coun- ' tenance, yet not without a chriftian gra-

* vity well becoming the dodlrine he preach-

* ed. He was valiant for the truth to the

* laft, and tho' he is gone to his gravej his

* memory is fweet and precious,

' He had his health very well until the

* death of his dear companion; but going

* to his burial, we were caught in a fliower

* of rain, which we and he believed was

* the occafion of his illnefs. However, he

* was mightily favoured with the divine

* prefence, which enabled him to anfwer ' the fervice of that day ; and the next, be^ ^ ing the firft day of the week, we had a ^ blelTed m.eeting, the Lord's prefence ac-^

* companying us ; and tho' thy dear huf-

* band was fo near his end, his candle fliin'd

* as bright as ever, and many that beheld

* it were made to glorify God on his behalf.

* This was the laft opportunity on this ifland, ' fave his farewell upon his dying bed, ' where he both preached and prayed, a lit-=-

* tie before his departure.

' On the next day, being the fecond day

* of the week, he went to a little ifland call-

* ed Jos Vandicks, accompanied with feve^

* ral friends; but on the 3^ day in the

* morning he complained very much, yet

* was enabled to go to meeting, where a

* pretty many people were ailembled, and

* a bleffed opportunity we had together, to ' the tendring and melting our hearts into ' a heavenly frame. * But

( 125 )

* But he who never fpared his labotii? whilft amongit us, extenduig his voice as a trumpet of the Lord's own founding, was fo inwardly fpent he was ready to faint. However, he went on board the floop that afternoon, and next morning came afliore at our houfe; where he had not been long before a Ihivering fit feized him, and a fever foon followed, which kept its conftant courfe every day. This being the 17? day of tlie tenth month, he took great notice that it ended forty years fince his marriage with theej that during that time you had lived in much love, and parted in the fame; and that thou waft his greateft concern of all outward enjoy- mencs. And tho' thelaft two days he was in much pain, yet he was preferved under it in much patience and refignation, and had his perfed; fenfes to the laft, exhort- ing friends to faithfulnefs, &c. And on the 6th day of the tenth month, about fix-o'clock at night, he v^qwx. away like a lamb, with praifes and thankigivings in his lips but about two minutes before.' Thus far from the laid letters.

And thus finiflied this dear worthy in the fixty-feventh year of his age; highly fa- voured by his great and good mafter in the very extreme moments ; the condderation whereof, and the account given of his fer- vice, afford me, at times, fome relief. i\nd I have a fecret fatisfaiflion in that I was en- abled to give him up (cho' i^o dear to me)

unto

( 126 )

unto the fervice into which he was Called This is a hint for thofe who may be under the like exercife and trial, that they may not hold back, but ihbmit, and freely give up their all, leaving the confequence to the wile difjpofing hand, who knows for what caufd it is, he is pleafed (o nearly to try his people^

A Te/iimony from the Monthly-Meeting of Phi- ladelphia, cGticerning Samuel Preston.

E was born in Maryland, but remov- ing to fettle in and near this' city, he became and continued a member of this tneeting; being an elder circumfpecfl in his conduct, and carefully concern'd for the good of the church, adive and ferviceable in the maintenance of oar chriftian difei- pline ; and by his attention to the did:ates of divine grace, he became well qualified for this fervice. He filled fome flations in the government, wherein he acquitted him- lelf with juftice and uprightnels ; and be- ing endued with a clear judgment and good underftanding, his integrity to what he be- lieved to be his duty, became confpicuous and inftruclive; being a lover of truth, and extenfive in his charity to mankiitd. ]u. his lad: illnefs he difcovered great relignation of mind, and much love and fellov/ihip with Iiis brethren, with whom he lived and died in vJood unity.

He

( 1^7 ) He departed this life on the loth of the feventh month 1743, in the feventy-nlnth year of his age.

His firfl wife Rachel, was one of the daughters of our worthy friend Thomas Lloyd, and was faid to have been a very ferviceable, judicious, and valuable woraan.

His fecond wife, was Margaret the widow of Jofiah l..angda]e (a worthy minifter who lived in Yorklhire in Great-Britain, and had formerly vifited friends in America, but concluding afterwards to remove with his family to»Pennfylvania, he died on his pal- iage in the year 172 3.]- — Concerning the faid Margaret, the aforefaid monthly-meeting of Philadelphia thus teftify.

** She was endued with an excellent gift in the miniflry, and travelled much in the fervice of truth through this and the neigh- bounng provinces ; her teilimony being lively, found and edifying, was well re- ceived among friends ; being likewife well cualified for the maintenance ot our difci- pline, fhe became an ufetul inilrument for the promotion and fupport of our chrilliaa teftiniony. She died the 23^/ of the fixth month 1742, in the fifty-eighth year of her age.

According to John Ptutty's account, flue we4t frorn Yorklhire on a religious viiic to Ireland in 1:715,

A Tcjlmony

( 128 )

ATeJlimony from friends zw Virginia, concernihg Thomas Pleasants.

HE was the eldefl fori of John and Do- rothy Pleafants, and born the 3^ of the ninth month 1695; being a youth of good natural parts, and well inftru(5led in fchool-Iearning. His father dying whilfl: he was young, he was deprived of the additi- onal advantage of the admonitions and re- ftraints cf a worthy parent, fo beneficial to the forming the minds of youth: Neverthe- lefs he had an eye to the recompence of re-^ ward, and about the twenty- ninth year of his age was called to the work of the mini- itry, in which he laboured both amongft friends and other people much to fatisfa(5ti-* on, having meetings where none had been held before. Once, in company with his brother Robert Jordan, he vifited friends on the weftern fhore of Maryland, and alfo at- tended the yearly-meeting at (^hoptank, on the eaftern Ihore. His fervices feemed much confined to his own country, where, tho* the number of friends was fmall, he was not difcouraged thereat, but endeavoured to difchajge his duty amongft them, not only at the adjacent meetings but thof'* more at a difiance, and was made inftrumental in convincing feveral in the upper parts of the colony, as well as in fettling two or three meetings. A few years before his de- ceale, he wrote an epiftle, directed to friends

in

( 129 )

in every fiation, but more particularly to the minifters, thereby further demonltra- ring that his diligence and labours proceed- ed from an earned concern for the promo- tion of truth and a ri^ht gofpel mmiftry. He was indeed a man much devoted to the fervice of truth, and a confiderable fufferer for bearing his teftimony againil priefts- wages, having once been a prifoner on that account. He married Mary the daughter of Robert Jordan of Nancemond county, and left a numerous offspring, fome of them young, for wliofe eternal welfare he was particularly folicitous; being once on avilit to friends at Ibme diftance from home, he was taken very ill, and feemed defirous that he might finiih his courfe among his dear children, in order that he might have an opportunity at that awful period, of enfor- cing his experienced advices to them^ and promoting the caufe of God to which he was much devoted to the lail. Accordingly he departed this life at his own houfe the 2^th of the eleventh month 1744, and on the 28/i? of the fame month was interr'd in the family burying-ground at Curies, attended by a numerous company of friends and neighbours*

A Teftimony K

( ^3* )

A TeJlifHony from Gwynedd Monthly-Meeting in Pennlylvania, concerning C A dwal la- de R Evans.

HE was a native of the principality of Wales, and arrived in Pennfylvania in the year 1698. And altho' h« was not then in profefTion with friends, yet he foon after entered into clofe feilowfhip with them, and continued ftedfaft to his end. He was a diliijent and feafonable attender of our re-^ ligious meetings: On iirft days particular- ly, he was ready an hour before the time appointed, and then read feveral chapters in the bible or fome religious book: As the time approached, he would frequently ob- ferve the time of day, and by means of jTuch watchful care, he was leated in meet- ings one of the firil:, and fcarcely ever af- ter the time appointed. The gravity and compofure of his countenance as he fat in lilence, was no lefs remarkable than his punclual attendance, and befpoke fuch in*' ward recolle(5lion and divine engag;ement of mind, as often attracfted the eyes and affecfted the hearts of others.

He received a gift in the miniftry, in the exercile whereof, he was generally led to fpeak of his own experience in religion and the chriftian warfare; and his teifimony, rho' Ihort, was initruclive, lively, and ma- nifeilly attended with divine iWeetnefs : NocwithllandinG( it was always acceptable,

he

( «3i )

he was x^ery cautious of appearing, left any, as he often faid, ihould be drawn from a right concern of mind, to place their de- pend ance on words.

He was zealoully concerned for tlie ho- nour and promotion of truth, and fupporc of our chriftian difcipline; and being en- dued with difcerning, and clear judgment tempered with charity, he was very ufeful in many fervices of the church, efpecially that weighty one of viliting friends in their families. And altho' he was naturally of a warm difpoiition, yet a tender regard to the fervice of truth, and a continual awe of the divine prefence prefided in his heart* infomuch that meeknefs and condefcention were confpicuous in his conducft.

There was a freedom and affability in his behaviour and converfation, which indicat- ed a benevolence of heart, and endeared him, not only to the houJJDold of faith ^ but alfo to the profligate and vain ; rendering him ferviceable in compofing differences, and in comforting the fick and afflicted ; and par- ticularly in that ildlful and tender office of healing difcord in private families, wherein his endeavours were remarkably fuccefsful. In fuch fervices, he fpent much of the lat- ter part of his life, riding about from one houfe to another; and where no caufeof re- prehenfion appeared, he interfperfed his dif- courfe on common alfairs, with ufeful hints, folid remarks, and Icffons of inftruclion. But where rvdmonition or comfort were ne- K 2 ccffiry,

( 132 )

cefTary, the propriety of his advice and th^ nprightfiefs of his hfe, added weight to his labours, and feldom failed of good ejffects.

In private life, few had a better claim to the virtues of temperance, juflice, induftry and frugaUty^ and as he well knew how advan- tageous it was, " To train up a child in the way he fliould walk," he took frequent op- portunities to drop his experienced advice among thofe under his care. It was his practice, in winter evenings efpecially, to read the holy fcriptures in his family, and was particularly careful that neither child nor fervant fhould be from home at unfea- fonable hours ; being highly fenfible how flippery the paths of youth are, and how numerous the fnares which attend them.

He was greatly favoured in the ufe of his natural abilities, and enjoyed an uncommon Ihare of health until his lad illnefs, which was Ihort ; during that time, very many came to fee him, who Ihewed great marks of eileem and afTecflion ; and even libertines whom he had often rebuked and treated with, were deeply affedled with forrow: In- deed it was rare to fee fo many tears ihed at a $ck bed, more efpecially of one of his years, which gave a proof that he had not outlived his fervices. His foul overflowed with love to God and man, and being fa- voured in his lad moments, with a bieffed hope and confidence, he was going to that place which God had prepared for thofe that

love

( 133 )

love him ; he had a happy exit from time to eternity, the 30//? of tiie tliird month 1 745, aged eighty-one.

A Tejlimony from Ken net Monthly-Meeting in. Pennfylvania, concerning William Levis.

WILLIAM LEVIS, ofKennetin Chefter county Pennfylvania, fon of Samuel Levis an early fettler in Spring- field in faid county, was born in Spring- field aforefaid, about the year 1688, and removed to Kennet about 1718. By giv- ing heed to the meafure of grace bellowed upon him, he became a ferviceable friend in the fociety in divers refpecls ; was a good neighbour, kind and open hearted to his friends, and has left a good report.

His lafl ficknefs was the fmall pox, which was heavy upon him, but he bore it with much patience and refignacion of mind to the lad; faying, that when the dillemper came into the houle, it was no ilirprize to him, for he was freely relignsd, and thank- ful he was fo, for he could not of himfelf. U'he fame evening he was taken fick, he figned his will, and* remark'd howr good it was to be contented to bear afflicfllon. Owt night, as thole that watched v/ith him were preparing fomethingfor him to take, he laid, * You Ihall fee your eudeavours for me will

avail

( 134 )

avail notliing,* He continued in a ftate of refignation and appeared cheerful in the time of his ilhiefs. When nearer his end, he was conccrn'd that others might do their duty faithfully according to the bed of their underflanding, faying, ' I have often

* thought at other times as at this, of the

* Ihortnefs of our lives and time here, and ' the uncertainty thereof, which ought to

* engage us to circumfpe{5tion and faith- ' fulnefs to the Lord, and I charge you here

* that are elders, to difcharge your truft

* faithfully in the fight of the Lord, having ' your eye fingle to him, and let nothing of

* felf rule, and then his work will be car-

* ried on in love and patience. I could be glad to have an opportunity once more with my friends, but if I ihould not, I would have thofe prefent, to acquaint them with what I have to fay, and prefs it home to the elders, that they may faith- fully difcharge their duty, and acquic themfelves of that charge wherewith they are entrulted; and alio that parents of children and heads of families, may faith- fully difcharge that great duty which is laid upon them, not only in being good examples to their children and families, but alfo to be concerned that they follow their footfleps, adding, it was a noble tedimony that God gave of Abraham, / knoiv hun^ that he ivili command bis chil- dren Mid his hrmjhold after him. And if parents were concerned to teach their chii-

* dren

( 135 )

dren and bring them up in the way of their duty to God, and lefs concern'd to deck and let them ofF, and provide things to make them look great in the world, it would be of far more benefit to them. And my defire is, that elders may walk faithfully as good flewards, not only in their own families, but to the flock which they have the overfight of; that fo they may leave a good favour to the rifing and fucceeding generation. I am feniible that all thofe who are rightly concerned for the difcipline and promotion of truth, will meet with trials from that libertine fpirit which would lay all wafte ; thefe will fay, that religion confifls not in fuch fmall things ; but I have oblerved, that ojie fmall thing makes way for another, and greater things will take place ; and it there is not a careful watching againfl thefe fmall things, the eye that Ihould be kepc open to fee the evil of them, will become darkened. But keep ye your places, and labour in faithfulnels with fuch, if pofli-^ ble to gain them ; but if after friends la- bour, they will not be gathered, friends will be clear and have peace in themfelves; but a blaft will come on fuch troublefome fpirits. And as friends faithfully main- tain this their difcipline, the Lord will preferve theni, but if they neglccl it they . will furely llilFcr lofs.' To Ibmc preient who had been engaged in^the fervice of viilt- ing families^ he laid * It was a good work ' ' and

( 136 )

* and defired it might not be forgotten.' At another time, being in a weighty frame of mind, he faid, * There is an enemy bu- ' fy to accufe the innocent, and prompts ' on the wicked in their wickednefs.' See- ing his affectionate wife and iifter with fome neighbours weeping, he Ikid, * Don't weep

* for me, but be you faithful, and we fliall '^ meet again, for it is the hardefl of all to ' fee you weep.'

The morning before he died, he defired to be helped to the chamber where his eldeft fon lay ill of the fame diforder, and fitting down by him, he charged his children to be dutiful to their mother, and have a care of doing any thing that would be a trouble to her, but mind to take her advice, and defired a bielling might attend them; ad- ding, ' My race is almoft run, and I fhall

* lay down my head in peace with the Lord; ' and if you are faithful (meaning his wife ^ and children) and live in the fear ot God,

* he will blefs you.' After fome time of filence, he iaid, ' Farewell my fon, the Lord

* blefs thee my child, and thine after thee/ Being then helped down Ihiirs, he fat in his chair, and after a time of filence, clafp- ed his hands together, faying with a com- pofed countenance, * 1 blels thee O Lord.' Afterwards laying flill in a quiet compoled frame of mind, he grew weaker and weak- er, and about the ninth hour in the even- ing, departed witiiout figh or groan, like

one

f 137 )

one going to fleep, and we believe in peace With God and unity with faithful friends.

He died the 17//? of the fecond month 1747, in the fifty-ninth year of his age, and was interr'd in Kennet burying-ground, the 1 ()th of the fame month.

A Tefiimony from Gwynedd Monthly-Mce'mgin Peinifylvania, concerning Evan Evans.

E was born in Merioneth Oiire, in the principality of Wales, in the year 16H4, and came to Penniylvania with his parents in 1698; ander whom he received a fober religious education ; but, being ear- ly ni life convinced, that a form of godli- nefb, without the real enjoyment- of the quickening principle of grace and truth, would not afford folid and lafling peace to his foul, he therefore fought earneftly after it, and refigned his heart to the baptizing power of God, which fitted him for eminent fervices in the church.

In his conftant attendance at our religi- ous meetings, he was a remarkable example of unafFecfted piety ; for whilft he fat in filence, the earneflnefs wherewith his foul " wreftled for a blelFrng," was obvious in the fleady engaged appearance of his counte- nance. He was favoured with an excellent gift in the miniftry, which he exercifed in iblemn di'ead and reverence j and as he al- ways

( «38 )

ways retained an awful fenfe of appearing ill public rellimony, he was particularly- cautious and watchful, not to prefume to fpeak without aflurance of a necelhty being laid upon him, and equally careful to at- tend to the continuance of it : And there- fore his ** Preaching was not with enticing words of man's wifdom, but in the demon- llration of the fpirit and of power." His fervice was rendered more effedlual, by the diftinguifliing marks which he bore, of ** An Ifraeliteindeedjin whom was no guile,'* a plainncfs and fimplicity of manner in word and deed, with a zeal feafoned with divine love; and as he had large experience in the work of regeneration and the myfte- ries of the heavenly kingdom, as well as the fnares of the world, he was thereby well qualified to adminirter to the ftates of the people.

He travelled through many of thefe colo- nies in the fervice of the miniftry, in com- pany with his relation and dear friend Johri Evans. Their friendlhip was pure, fer- vent, and lading as their lives, and their feparation a wound to the latter, the re- membrance of which he never wholly fur- vived. He alfo frequently vifited the feve-^ ral counties in this province, and more par- ticularly many of the adjacent meetings in. their infancy ; wherein his unwearied la- bours of love, tended much to their com- fort, growth, and ellablifhment in the truth*

He

( 139 )

He was rellgioufly concerned for the fup- port of our chriftian difcipiine ; and as he was always diffident of himfelfj he labour- ed faithfully for the dilbovery of truth and a difpolition of mind to embrace it; where- by he was often enabled to lay " Judgment to the line, and righteoufnefs to tne plum- met," whether in reproof to the obdurate, or inftrucftion and comfort to the penitent. In viliting friends families his fervice was great ; for being endued with a fpirit of dif- cerning and the authority of truth, his ad- vice was adapted with great propriety and advantage, to the particular flates and con- ditions of perfons and families. His con- duel and con verlation in common life, adorn- ed the docflrine he preached, being a good example of plainneis, moderation, and up- righcnefs of heart.

He was abroad in the fervice of truth when attacked with his lall illnefs; and as the diforder was flow and tedious, he attend- ed feveral meetings in the forepart thereof; in fome of which, his lively powerful telti- monies clearly manifefted, that the God of his youth who had raifed him up an inflru- ment in his hand, and on whom he had relied all his life, continued to be his Ihield and fupport in the evening of his days and period of life; which was on the 2/^th of the fifth month 1747. He was buried at Gwynedd,

A Tejiinvmy

A Teflmony from Buckingham Monthly- Meet- ing in Pennlylvania, concerning Jacob . H o L c o M B E.

H

E was born at or near Tiverton in Old England, being a defcendant of friends: His father died while he was young, and his mother brought him up to ufeful learning, being naturally of a quick and cheerful dif- pofition, and his capacity large and exten- five. The prime and ftrength of his days, was, much of it, fp^nt in folly and vanity, tintil it pleafed the Lord efFe6lually to touch his heart, and favour him with a clofe vi- fitation of his blefled truth, which wrought a willingnefs in him to take up the crofs, and lubmit to the Lord's righteous judg- ments, whereby he came to witnefs a being redeemed from his former converfation, and was often zealoufly concerned to tell others, what the Lord had done for his foul. He ^ was frequent and diligent in the exercife of

his gitt in the miniftry, which was accept- able ; often fignifying he was as one born out of due time : He was zealous in mam- tainiiig the difcipline of the church, where- in he was clear and his labour very helpful and ferviceable ; very diligent in attending 'meetings for worfhip and difcipline, where- in he was exemplary by his iteady waiting and lively labour that life might be wit* uefled.

In

( 141 )

In his laft illnefs, which was fliort, he ap- peared cheerful, patient and refigned ; fay- ing, ' There was no cloud in his way, that

* he was thankful he had known his re-

* deemer to live, and redeem him from all

* iniqviity, and that he was well afTured he

* fhould fee a happy eternity.*

He died the 30^^ of the fixth month 1 748, and was buried at Buckingham. A mini- fler upwards of 18 years.

A Teflimony from Gwynedd Mofithly-AIeet" ing in Pennfylvania, concerning Alice Griffith.

ALICE GRIFFITH, late wife of Hugh Griffith, of North Wales in the countv of Philadelphia in Pennfylvania, was one that feared the Lord from her youth, re- markable for her modei1:y and plainness. When Ihe was married and fettled, fhe de- monftrated a religious concern for the ad- vancement of truth and welfare of the profeifors thereof; and being a woman of great integrity and uprighcnefs of heart, became very ierviceable in divers refpedls ; zealous for maintaining good order and chriftian difciplme in the church.

She was well qualified for that weighty fervice of villting families, having, at fucli opportunities, to communicate of her own experience, and tell what God had done for

her

( H^ )

ber foul ; and under a good degree of divine influence, would often be drawn foith in opening divine myileries, as if fhe had been in a large aflembly, as many witnelTcs can teflify, that have been ienfibly reached, yea baptized by lier rehgious vifits; at which Ihe was moftly full of good matter, well adapted and fui table to the different circum- ftances of individuals and families.

She was often concern'd to flir up her friends, to a clofe attendance of meetings, both on firft and other days, as alfo to ob- ferve the hour appointed, being herfelf a good example therein, until, by old age and infirmity of body ihe was difabled, •which was about three years before her re- moval. And notwithftandin? the circum- fpe6l life and watchful flate fhe was obferv- ed to be in, yet in the time of her weaknefs, fhe was vifited with great difcouragements and dcjedions, as may appear by her follow- ing expreifions.

At a certain time fhe was heard to fay,

* Lord how long wilt thou withdraw thyfelf ' from me, and not fliew for what caufe

* I am thus afHided ; I have been ac-

* quainted with thy righteous judgments,

* which v/ere ever mixed with mercy; but

* now, my trouble is more than I am well

* able to bear, being almofl ready to fink.* Again was heard to fay, * Lord, where-

* in have 1 offended thee ; what part of my

* duty have I neglected, that thou fhouldfl

* thus hide th.y face irom me : Time was,

' when

( H3 )

* when my hope in full alTurance was to

* relt in thee, but now I lear I fnall become

* a cait-away.' At another time Hie laid,

* What have I done that 1 Ihould be thus

* atBicfted, Lord ihall there be any end of ' my forrow? Many fweec times and op-

* portunities I have had when alone, bat

* now am left as in the dark, fearing to make

* one Ifep forward left I ftumble, he that

* once v/as my guide has now left me/ Again faid, ' I ftill defire to be willing to

* lufFer whilft in this body, any thing thou ' mayeft pleafe to bring upon me, be the

* exercife of what kind foever, if thou wilt ' favour me with thy living prefence; then

* Lord, fhall not any thing be too near or

* dear to part with, or to fufFer for thy name- ' fake. Yea Lord, if thou iliould fee meet

* to deprive me of my fight or hearing,

* health or fpeech, let me never murmur,

* but Oh! give patience to bear this inex- ' prefTible exercife to the end.' One morn- ing, after calling her two daughters, fhe faid,

* Put by your work my children, for I

* have to tell you of a glorious vifitation the

* Lord was pleafed to favour me with. As ' I was making my fuppHcation to him for ' deliverance and redemption from my fore

* exercife, and to obtain fome refreflimenc

* to my poor diftreifed foul» the Lord was

* graciouily pleafed to anfwer my requeft in

* a fatisfad:ory manner : He opened the eye

* of my mind, to fee him coming in his ' glory to reheve me from my long diftrels.

" May

( H4 ) May my whole truft and confidence evef abide in him, who has fo filled my hearC with joy, that pain and gi'ief vaniilied away. This glorious feaibn lurpafTed all that ever I had known before: At which time, the Lord gave me a fure promife, that, altho' my afflidlions were many, and more I had yet to go through, yet I fhould in the end, be rewarded with a crown of righteoufnefs in the kingdom of reft and peace ;' with more to the fame

efFed.

It was obferv'd, that a certain change ap-*

peared in her countenance from that time

forward; fhe being cheerful and pleafant

and never fad as before.

Her deceafe was on the firft day of the fe-*

cond month 1749, and was buried on the

3<i of the fame.

ATeftimony from friends in Virginia, concern^ ing Sarah Pleasamts.

SARAH PLEASANTS, fourth daughter of Thomas and Mary Pleafants, was taken ill the 26th of the feventh months and departed this life the yth of the eighth month 1 749, in the feventeenth year of her age. In the time of her illnefs, fhe called to feveral perfons then prefent, to view her blooming vouth, how changed, and likely in a ihort time to bid adieu to the world

and

( H5 ) :aud all its enjoyments; praying that tliQ moment llie was prepared fhe might go ; but in a particular manner, flie dehred the phylician who attended her, to obferve the frailty of poor mortals, as well as the un- certainty of time in this life, faying^ * Look ' on me docftor, I am like a bud cropt from

* the vine before it is fully blown, yet young

* as I am, 1 have fomething to repent of, ^ which in health and ftrength we are apt

* to overlook, and flatter ourfelves is no "^ crime, which is, I have been too much giv-

* en to laughter and jelling with thofe of my ' companions who fondly embraced and re-

* turned the fame,' naming one in particular, whom ilie expreifed a great deiire to fee be- fore iTie died, that flie might warn her of the weight llie now felt, not only in thefe two things, but in a third, which was, tak- ing too much delight in drefs. Then di- recting her difcourfe to the dodlor, ihe faid,

* Nothing elfe have I to charge myfelf with,

* yet, dear docftor, I find it enough, there- ^ fore let me prevail with thee to takewarn-

* ing by me ; I am fenhble that fome things

* thou art in the pradlice of, are full as dan-

* gerouSj if not more fo, than thofe which ' now lay fo heavy on me; that of drink- ' ing to excefs to oblige company, as thy ' excufe and many others is, yet thou wilt ' find it of greater weight when thou comes ' to lay in the condition I now am in, thaa

* now thou may think poifible, thou wilt

* furely willi it had been left undone, with

L *all

( 146 )

* all other improlitable things.' The doc;- tor replied weeping, * I take it very kind

* and hope I fhall obferve it.' Many more good expreflions and advice fhe dropt to him and others then about her. — She one day called her brother Thomas to her bed-fide, and Ikid to him, * Dear brother, I know

* thy fituation to be very lonefome, and

* deflitntc of fnitable company, notwith-

* {landing, I pray thee, keep as much as pol-

* fible out of low company, not the poor

* do I mean, becaufe they are poor, but ' the loofe and vulgar, whether poor or rich,

* wdiich are of a corrupting fpirit, and

* will tend to the hurt of thofe who afTo-*

* ciate with them; but keep thy place and

* thou wilt be like a light fet on a hill, as a

* guide to others, who will praife God on

* thy behalf;

A Tejlimonj from Gwynedd Monthly- Meeting in Pennfyivania, concerning W i l L i a xM Trotter.

U R friend William Trotter, late of Plymouth in the county of PJiiladel- phia, fon of William Trotter, was bom in the fourth month 1695, of religious pa- rents, au'J was educated amongLl friends; as he grew ui years, he was blelled, in that he grew in grace, and in the fear and knowledge of our bleifed Lord and Saviour J eii^is Chrilf.

About

( m )

About the twenty-firfl: year of his age, he received a gift ia the miniftry, in which he was frequently exercifecl during the courfe of his MiG, His niiniftry was Iband and favoury, attended with a good degree of that hfe and power *' By which the dead are raifed, and without which all preaching is vain." He was not tedious or burden- fome, but often very reaching and edifying to his hearers. In his life and converfation he was grave, yet innocently cheerful, and flricftly juft in his dealings, alfo a lover and promoter of peace, unity, and brotherly love amongfl friends, of which himfelf was a good pattern. He was generally beloved during his life, and at his death left a good favour. His removal from time to a happy eternity, though certainly his greateft gain, was a confiderable lofs to the meeting where he belonged. He departed this life on the l()th of the tenth month 1749, aged about fifty- three years and fix months, and was interr'd on the 2 ift of the fame month, in friends burying-ground at Plymouth; and we believe is gone from his laborious fer- vice here, to receive a heavenly reward of peace, " Where the wicked ceafe from trou- bling, and the weary be at reft."

A Tejlimony

( 148 )

A Tejlimony from Salem Monthly-Meeting ifl New-Jerfey, concerning Elizabeth

W Y A T T.

ELIZABETH WYATT (wife of Bartho- lomew Wyatt) a minifier, removed by marriage, within the limits of our month- ly-meeting, in the year 1730, as appears by her certificate from Haddonfield month- ly-meeting. Her teftimony was large and edifying, found in word and docflrine, to the comfort of the humble minded amongft us ; yet Ihe was a fliarp threfhing inftru- ment in the hand of the Lord, againil: the backiliders and unfaithful profeiTors of truth.

Her labours were not confined to this meeting, but it pleafed the great Lord of the harvefl, to fend her forth in his fervice in- to other provinces on this continent, as Pennfylvania, Maryland, Virginia, North- Carolina, New-England, Rhode- Ifland, Long-Ifland, Ci^c. in all which flie had good fervice for truth, as appears by certificates produced to this ineeting. She was exem- plary in life and converfation, adorning the dodlrinelhe had to deliver; and was in good erteem amongft her friends and neighbours. It pleaied God to take her off the itage of this world, on the 2.0th of the eleventh month 1749-50, aged forty-three years. It may J^e obferved, that about three years of her time, her relidence with her huf-

band

( 149 )

band and family was at Philadelphia, to the fatisfadiion of friends there, as appears by certificate from thence.

Her name before marriage was Tomlin- fon, llie firft appeared in public teflimony at Eveiham- meeting in New-Jerfey, while flie lived at the houfe of our friends William and Elizabeth Evans, which was about four years before her marriage. Belides what is truly faid of her above, it may be jufhly added, that her capacity, quali^cations and improvements were fuperior to moft, and that llie poffeiTed a cheerfulnefs of temper, joined with great difcretion, which render- ed her company very defirable and profit- able.

A Tejiimoiiy fromGwynedd Monthly-Meeting in Fcnniy\Ya.ma.^ concerning At^t^ Roberts, •

H E was convinced of the truth in her native country, Wales, when young, which incurred her father's heavy difpka- fure, but in time he became reconciled to her. Some years after her convincement, fhe came over into this country, where llie received a gift in the miniftry, and by a diligvljnt improvement thereof, together with the influence of a pious life, fhe was mad^

ufeful

( '5° )

ufeful in her generation and a blefling to many. Her love and compaflion for the widow, the fatherlefs, and others in afflic- tion, appeared by her often vifiting them: She was one of the wife in heart, who was favoured to forefee the enemy in his ap- proaches, and would roufe and excite her fellow-lbldiers to ufe their utmoft endea- vours to repel his attempts, which was of- ten done with defirable fuccefs. She was alfo zealoufly concern'd for maintaining chriflian difcipline in the church.

She was rightly qualified for the weighty fervice of viliting friends families, and at thofe opportunities was frequently favoured with fomething fuitable to every ftate and condition, which was attended with bene- ficial effecfls, efpecially on the youth. But luch indeed was tlie divine favour which uiually accompanied herdifcourfe and con- verlation, one could rarely be an hour with her without fenfihle edification.

Her firit coming to refide among us was feaibnable, for we having but few minifters, tiie field before her was extenfive, in which file laboured fervently, tenderly inviting thole afar off to draw nigh, and querying with them, whether they knew what the Lord had fgr them to do. By the vifitati- ons of heaven and a bl effing on her labours, many came to have their mouths opened to fpeak of God's goodnefs to their fouls ; whereby was verified, what ihe had declar- ed at our meeting before One came to dwell

among

( 15^ ) among us, though it then feemed improba- ble, and fome doubted the accompUlhment thereof. To thefe babes in the minirtry, {lie who had a large fliare of experience in the work, was not wanting to adminiller fuitable precaution and advice.

She went pretty much abroad, vifiting friends in this and the adjacent provinces, to wit, the Jerfeys, Maryland, Virginia and Carolina, accompanied to the remoteil parts by her near and dear friend Sufanna Mor- ris. In her more advanced years flie vifited Great-Britain, accompanied by our efteem- ed friend Mary Pennel, between whom a near and Uriel union was prelerved through- • out their travels; and flie brought home very clear and comfortable accounts of her acceptable fervice in the gofpel miniftry, and her godly converfation in Chriil.

After her return from Great-Britain, flie met with great difficulties in refpedl to her outward circumflanccs, which Ihe fultained with chriftian fortitude. A near friend of hers afldng her how llie felt under it, ilie replied, * While I keep my eye lieadily di- redled to the object worthy of our chief regard, it leems as if a wall was on each fide; all is calm, and nothing hurts or annoys : But if I fuffer my eye to wander to the right hand or the left, the enemy breaks in upon me like a torrent, which hurries me away, and it is with great * difficulty I recover mvfelf.' After this, flie met with a very heavy a(i]i(ftion in the

fefc;

( 152 )

lofs of her hufband, which fhe Ukewile bore with becoming refignation and com- pofure of mind. In a few months after- wards, flie fell into a lingering diforder; (the dropfy) and as in time of health flie preferred the profperity of truth to her chief joy, fo in her illnefs fhe rejoiced much to hear of any young people ap- pearing hopeful in the miniftry. On the other hand, flie would, even in time of great weaknefs, lament with anxiety of mind the low fituation of the feed, and fay, Oh [ what will become of us ? Will this dark cloud which hangs over our af- femblies, terminate in a boifterous florm to try the foundations of the children of men ?

By the long continuance of her diforder, Hie was reduced to great weaknels fometime before her end ; yet it was evident, that charity, (to wit) Love to God and his peo- ple, continued with her to the laft.

She died on the ()th day of the fourth, month 175c, in the feventy-third year of her age, having been a minifler 50 years, and was buried at Gwynedd aforefaid ; on which folemn occafion we had a good meet- ing, the extendings of divine love being witneliedo

A Tejlhnony

( 153 )

A Teflhnony from Wilmington Monthly- Meet- ing in the county o/'New-Caflle on Delaware, concerning Lydia Dean.

H E was the daughter of Jofeph Gil- pin, of Birmingliam in Chefter county Pciuifylvania; was born the i\th of the eleventh month 1698, and married to Wil- Lvim Dean of the aforeiaid place m 1722. In the year 1728 Ihe appeared in the mini- ftry, mqch in the crofs, which was manifell by her brokennefs of heart and contrition or fpirit under the weight thereof. And as Ihe became wilhng to give up all for the caufe of truth, the Lord in his own time made her a living minifter of the ever- iafling gofpel ; in the exercife whereof, flie was drawn to vifit friends in New-England, Jerfey and Maryland. Her miniilry was plain and powerful, often fpeaking particu- larly to the ftates of meetings where her lot was cad; her converfition folid, weighty and grave, becoming the gofpel of Chrill ; and very helpful to thofe who flood in need. Her place of abode was at Birmingham atorefaid, until about a year before her de- ceafe, when the family removed to Wil- mington ; where flie had the exercife of part- ing with feveral of her children, who were taken away by death ; which llie bore with patience and great refignation to the will of divine providence, exprefhng a fenie fhe had of her own diffolutiou being nigh : And be-.

ing

( 154 )

nig engaged with friends who were vifiting tainiUes beloiiL^ing tothis monthly-meeting, ilie was taken lick, and her ilhiefs increaf- ing, fhe faid, the day before flie died, * It * was the joyfnlleft day {lie ever had.*

Thus having pafTed the time of her fo- journing here, in a good degree of godly fear, flie finiihed her courl'e, and is gone (we doubt not) into the manfions of un- difturbed reft.

She departed this life the 2d of the tenth month 1750, and was interr'd in friends burying-ground at Wilmington, aged fifty- two, a minifter 22 ^-ears.

A Teflimony from Richland Monthly- Meeting in Pennfylvania, concerning T H o M as

L A N C A S T E R.

A BOUT ten years of the latter part of Ir\. his time, he was a member of this meeting, he was found in the niiniftry, and exercifed his gift therein with great ferven- cy and zeal, his life and converfation cor- refponding therewith. In the fecoud month 1750, he laid before our meeting his con- cern to vifit friends on the illands of Bar- bados and Tortola, which the meeting ap- proved of, and gave him a certificate in or- der thereto : Towards the latter end of the fame year he perform'd laid vilit, and had good fervice there, as appeared by certifi- cates

( ^55 )

cates from friends on each of the faid iilands ; on his return homewards, it pleafcvl divine providence to viht him with fickneis, of which he died at fea; his removal being deeply felt and lamented by his family and friends at home.

A Tejlimony from friends in Virginia, concern^ ini{ William Ladd.

ILLIAM LADD, fon of John and Mary Ladd, both from Old- En- gland, was born near Curies in Virguiia, in the fixth month 1679, and about the time of his marriage he removed to Wainoak, became a member of that meeting, and re- fided there the remainder of his days. He had an acceptable gift in the miniftry, and was a great fufierer for bearing a teitimony againft the hireling minillers. In one in- ftance, a very exorbitant feizure was made upon his effeds, yet he lived to fee the of- ficer who made it reduced to fuch low cir- cumilances, that he charitably contributed to fupply his neceifities. — He continued a faithful fufferer to the end of his days, en- couraging his children to faithfulnels, fay- ing, ' The truth is more to me, than my

* all in this world.' — The night of his de- ceafe, one of the family faying, ' This wa6

* to be a night of great forrow to them,' he replied, ' it was a night of great joy to him/

which

( 156 )

which was one of the laft of his exprei^ lions. — He died the 27//? of the ninth month 1 75 1, and was buried in the family bury- ing-ground near his own houfe, aged feven- ty-two, and a minifler about 25 years.

A Tejlimony from the Monthly -Meeting c// Phi- ladelphia, concerning Israel Pember-

TON.

E was born in the county of Bucks in Pennfylvania, in the year 1684, be- ing defcended of pious parents, well efteem- ed among friends in the firfl fettlement of this province. He ferved his apprenticefliip and fettled in this city. Having chofen the fear of the Lord in his youth, and being pre ferved therein, he eftabliflied and fup- ported an unblemifned charader, hj his jufliQe, integrity, and uprightnefs in his dealings amongll: men, and his mild, Hea- dy and prudent conduct through life. He was a member of this meeting near fifty years, and being well grounded in the prin- ciples of truth, of found judgment and un- derftanding, he approved himfelf a faith- ful elder ; adorning our holy profeilion by a life of meekneis, humility, circumfpec- tion, andadifintereifed regard to the honour of truth; of great ufe in the exercife of our difcipline, being a lover of peace and unity in the church, careful to promoieand main- tain

'( '57 )

tain it; conflant in the attendance of meet- ings, and his deportment tlierein, grave, foUd and reverent, and a true fympathizer with thofe who were honefllj concerned in the miniftry ; a confpicuous example of mo- deration and plainnefs ; exteniive in his cha- rity and of great benevolence. In converfa.- tion cheerful, attended with a peculiar Iweet- nefs of difpofition, which rendered his com- pany both agreeable and inftru6tive.

A few days before his deceaie, being in a free converfewithtwoof his friends whom he much loved and refpected, he took oc- caiion to recount many occurrences of his life, and with a great fenfe of gratitude, to exprefs the lively remembrance he retained of the merciful extendings of divine love towards him in his youth, by the continu- ance whereof he had been enabled to per- fevere in a confcientious difcharge of his re- ligious duties to the belt of his knowledge ; and that being ftill favoured with a degree of the fame love, it was his greatell comfort in his declining years.

His death was fudden, tho' not altogether unexpe6led, having been at intervals, fre- quently affected with a dizzinefs in his head; and feveral times fo as to deprive him of his fpeech.

He was very lively and pleafant the morn- ing before his departure, and in the after- noon went to the burial of an acquaintance, and accompanied the corps to the grave- yard, where he was feized with a fit, fup-

polcd

C >58 )

pofed to be of the apoplec^Ick kind, and eX" pired in about an hour; being the 19//J of the firft month 1754, and was buried on the 22^ of the fame month, in the fixty-ninth year of his age.

A Teflimony from Haddonfield Monthly- Meet'- ing in New-Jerfey, concerning Hannah Cooper.

U R well efteemed friend Hannah Cooper, was born in Wenfleydale in Yorkfliire Great-Britain, and arrived at Philadelphia in the year 1732, on a religious vifit to friends in America, and performing that fervice, was afterwards married to our friend Jofeph Cooper, a member of this monthly-meeting, where fhe refided the moft of the remaining part of her life, ex- cept when file was called abroad in truth's fervice, in which fhe travelled much in the fore part of her time ; but as ihe grew in years, flie was under great indiipoiition of body, and fo continued the moil of her

time, which unfitted her for travellinsi;. . .... '-^

She was indeed a living miniiler, an hum- ble tender hearted friend, a true lympathi- zer with thofe in affliction, and as a nurf- ing mother to thofe that were young in the miniilry, her icrvice was truly very ac- ceptable, and her memory ilill remains as a fweet iavQur,

Near

( 159 ) Near the conclufion of her time, flie de- iired thofe then prelent, * Not to mourn for

* her, for that flie had nothing to do but to

* die.' She departed this life, the iiih of the fecond month 1754, and we hone enjoys that unmixed fehcity which will never have an end.

Her name before marriage was Dent. She received a gift in the miniilry when young, and travelled in that fervice in feverai parts of England before flie came to America. In 1739, having our friend Mary Foulke for a companion, Ihe took fliipping for Barbados, and after vifiting friends and others on that iiland, went from thence to Rhode-Illand, from whence ihe returned home.— The fol- lowing teftimony concerning her hufband, ■whom llie lurvived feverai years, is trom the fame monthly-meeting, of which he "was divers years an elder, viz.

Our well eft eemed friend Jofeph Cooper deceafed, wa>born in Newtown in the coun- of Gloucefter New-Jerfey. He was an ex- emplary friend, and lerviceable amongft us in many refpeds ; was generally well re- fpe(5led, careful to rule well his own houfe. He departed this life, about the ifl of the eighth month 1749, having exprefsM a lit- tle before, * That he had done juftly, lor-

* ed mercy, and hoped he had been careful

* to Yv'alk humbly.'

A Teftimony

( i6o )

A Tejl'imony from the Monthly -Meeting (j/'Phi-^ ladelphia, concerning Michall Light- foot.

E came over from Ireland with his fa- mily and fettled in this province, in the beginning of the year 17 12, and was called to the miniftry about the year 1725, and the forty-fecond year of his age. Be- ing faithful in the exercife of his gift, he became zealoufly concerned for the honour of truth and promotion thereof; and in this fervice performed a religious viiit to friends in Great-Britain and Ireland ; from whence w^e received very fatisfad:ory and comfort- able accounts of his labours. He likevvife vifited friends in New-England; and in the year 1753, he travelled on the lame account in the fouthern provinces.

He was a member of this meeting the lafl eleven years of his life ; being of a grave and folid deportment, and an example of plainnefs and temperance, was much efteem- ed amongft us. His miniflry was deep and penetrating, attended with the demonflrati- on of the fpirit and power; under the in- fluence whereof he was frequently led to unfold the myfteries of the kingdom, and eminently qualified to let forth the excellen- cies of the gofpel difpenlation, with the be- nefit and advantage of inward and fpiritual w'orfliip ; recommending diligent attend- ance on diQ fpirit of trutli, for ii^lrudion

and

( i6i )

and afliftance therein. His delivery was clear, diftindt and intelligible, and in fup-- plication humble and reverent. He was likewiie well gifted in difcipline, and often concerned to fpeak in thofe meetings to our edification and comfort.

He departed this life, on the ^d day of the twelfth month 1754, after a ihort fick- nefs, in the feventy-firft year of his age, and 2C)th of his miniflry. *

A Tejlimony from Hopewell Mont hfy- Meeting in Virginia, concerning Evan Thomas.

E was born in Wales, and educated in profefTion with the church of England; but in his tender years, joined in Ibciety with friends ; and proving faithful to the gift and meafure of grace bellowed upon him, by the great giver of every good and perfecfl gift, he came' to be early engaged in the work of the miniftry, and was a ferviceable inftru- ment ; being a^fo a preacher in life and con- verfation, remarkably meek, humble and grave in his deportment. He was zealous for the honour of God and promotion of his blelled truth, and ferviceable among friends, being one of the firft fettlers in thefe parts, and a conftant attender of our meetings whilft in health. He died in a very ferene frame of fpirit, on the /[th day of the fe- cond month 1755, aged about feventy years. M A TeJiimo7iy

( ^62 )

A Teftimony from Duck-Creek Monthly-meeting in Kent county on Delaware, concer7iing William HammAns.

HE was born in Old-England, in the year 1683, and educated in theprofei- iion of the church of England ; but as he grew up, he became uneafy with the v/ays and cere- monies thereof; and being a diligent feeker after the true way of worfliip, in a fliort time joined with friends; foon after which, he left his native country, being but a young man alcho' married, and coming over to Pennfylvania, fettled in Chefter county, and after fonie time, received a gift in the mini- ftry ; by keeping low and humble, and at- tending thereto, he became an able minifter, having a particular gift in quoting the fcrip- tures and explaining them clearly to the un- derftan-dings of the people. About the year 1738, he removed within the limits of our monthly-meeting, where his fervice was very confiderable, being well qualified for the difcipline of the church, and very ex- emplary in attending meetings both for worlhipand difcipline, and an humble wait- er therein. Divers within the bounds of our monthly-meeting, were convinced by his miniflry, and others who had been con- vinced before, were thereby further con- firmed in the truth of the gofpel.

Living ia a public place, he had much of friends company, whom he was very hearty

in

( i63 )

in entertaining, and fo continued to the end of his time ; and departed this Ufe, the 8//b day of the fourth month 1755, in the leven- ty-fecond year of his age. On the 11th of the faid month, was interred in friends bu- rying-ground at Duck-Creek.

A Tejiimony from Richland Monthly- Meeting in Pennfylvania, concernmg Susanna Morris.

AS the reviving and tranfmitting to po- fterity, the memory of the righteous and faithful fervantsof God, efpecially thofe worthy elders who are to be highly efleemed and loved for their work's fake, may be con- ducive to the promotion of truth, the comfort and edification of the living, and to encourage the imitation of their pious examples.

We are concerned to give forth this tefti- mony concerning our ancient and worthy deceafed friend Sufanna Morris, late wife of Morris Morris, who was a member of our monthly- meeting near fifteen years of the latter part of her time: Her memory ftill lives, and yields a precious favour to thofe who are meafurably fharers of that divine love and life with which fhe in an eminent degree was endowed, and was frequently made an inflrument to communicate it to others, by a living and pov/erful miniflry, IM 2 • in

( '64 )

in which flie fiiithfuUy laboured with tin-- wcaried diligence both at home and abroad, for the fpace of forty years and upwards, having travelled much in the fervice of the gofpel both in America and Europe, made three voyages over thefeas to viht the meet- ings of friends in Great- Britain, and twice through Ireland and Holland j in which voyages and travels, the gracious arm of di- vine providence Avas evidently manifefted, in prelerving and fupporting her through divers remarkable perils and dangers, which fne ever reverently remembred and grateful- ly acknowledged.

Her life and converfation was innocent and agreeable, feafoned with chriftian gra- vity ; was a bright example of plainnefs, temperance, and felf-denial; devoted to the fervice of truth and the propagating of re- ligion and piety amongft mankind : In which ardent love and zeal Ihe continued, until it pleafed her great Lord and mafler in his wif- dom to put a period to all her pious labours and travels, and to take her to himfelf, as a lliock of corn gathered in due feafon, after a ihortillnefs of nine days continuance, within which time, on a firft day of the week, friends at her requefi, held an evening meeting in her room, wherein Vne was wonderfully ftrength- ened to bear a lively teftimony to the ever- lailing truth, fetting forth, the ground work of true religion and divine worihip, con- cluding with a fervent prayer to the father of all our mercies, for the continuance of

his

( i65 ) his love and favours to his children and people. After which, her weaknefs increaf- ing, ihe lay in a calm and quiet frame, without much appearance of pain, until fhe died, which was on the z^th day of the fourth month 1755, in the feventy-third year of her age.

The Teflimony of the ^larterly- Meeting of Sandwich in New-England, concerning Nicholas Davis,

E was born at Sandwich, the 28//:? of the eighth month 1690, but lived the greateft part of his days in Dartmouth and Rochefter. He came forth with a living teftimony in the minilfry, before he was twenty years old, in which he grev/ very- faft, and foon became an able ikilful mini- fter of the gofpei, dividing the v/ord of truth aright ; zealous againfl obftinate of- fenders, but to thofe under affliclHiion, his words were as healing balfam, and his fpeech as dew on the tender grafs. He ftrove to live in peace with all men, and was gene- rally well beloved by his acquaintance and neighbours, more efpecially his brethren of the fame religious denomination. He tra- velled much in viiiting friends in New-En- gland, was very ferviceable in ftrengthen- ing them, and alfo made inftrumental in convincing fome of the bleiled truth. A

diligent

( i66 )

diligent and feafonable attender of meet- ings, and a lover of the honeft hearted, but always hated hypocrify in any. He twice •viiited friends in the weftern parts of America, going once as far as North-Carolina. — Before he proceeded on his laft journey into thofe parts, he appeared refignedto the will of God, and much weaned from the things of this world ; his kinfman Adam Mott accompanied him, and by teftimonials receiv'd from feveral meetings, their fervice was well accepted. On his way homeward, he was taken fick at Oblong in New- York government, bearing his pain with great patience to the laft; and whilft his underftanding was clear, often mention'd his concern for the profperity of truth. In the time of his (icknefs he wrote a letter to his wife, wherein he exprefs^d his fubmiffion to the will of God whether in life or death, defiring ftie might experi- ence the fame; and in an efpecial manner requefted her care in the education of their children, to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; keep them from hurtful and unprofitable company, and endeavour to inftil into their minds the chriftian principles of patience, temperance, meekncfs and fobriety, that fo they might be made fit vefTels for the holieft to dwell in. In another letter wrote to his children, in the time of his ficknefs, we find thefe words, ' I hereby let you know, that as I

* am doubtful whether I fliall ever fee you

* more, there refls foniething on my mind

* to

{ «67 ) to write to you by way of advice, which I greatly defire may not be forgotten, and that is, as you have a tender affedlionate mother, who is defirous you may do well, therefore dear children, be obedient to her in all things in the Lord, and fubmit to her counfel and advice at all times in love to her, and alfo endeavour to live in love and peace one with another at all times, and let not any contentions or hard thoughts arife one againft another by any means, but be helpful one to another, and be exceeding careful to attend week-day meetings, and encourage others alfo, and endeavour to let all things be in good or- der in the church.' He would fometimes defire thofe about him to be flill and quiet, that they might have a time to wait on the Lord in filence, and feveral times opened his mouth in prayer and lupplication in a living and powerful manner ; alfo exhorted the by-ftanders in the fame life and power. Thus he finifhed his courfe at Oblong afore- faid, on the 'jth of the tenth month 1755, in the fixty- fifth year of his age; and we believe he is admitted " Where the weary ** are at reft." He bore a public teftimony above forty-fix years, and hath left an un- bleiniflied charafler.

4 Tef/miony

{ i68 )

A TeJIimonyfrom Burlington Monthly-Meeting m New- Jerfey, concerningVET e r An d R ews.

IT having pleafed the Lord to beftow on him a gift in the miniflry, he was faith- ful thereto, and made helpful to many; be- ing fo devoted to the fervice of God, that when any religious duty was required of him, he was fervently engaged to perform it, as flrength was afforded.

He was careful to attend meetings for worfhip and difcipline, and when there, ma- nifelled a real concern to wait upon God for (Irength and wifdom, that fo our meet- ings might be truly profitable. Amongft his neighbours he was ferviceable, his ex- ample having a tendency to ftrengthen the good in them and others, and to difcourage that which was wrong.

His engagements in the exercife of the miniftry, occafioned him to be much from home, yet his regard to his family was be- coming his ftation both as a hufband and a father; it was his frequent prac^lice to fit down with them to wait upon the Lord, and we believe his faithfulnefs therein, was of confiderable fervice.

In the year 1755, he, in a weighty man- ner laid before us, a concern that had fome- time refted on him to vifit friends in En- gland. And having obtained the concur- rence of friends here, and fettled his tem- poral affairs, he embark'd about the 2()th of the fourth month the fame year.

For

( i69 )

For an account of his fervices in that nati- on, we refer to the following teftimony of the monthly-meeting of friends in Norwich, at which place he departed this life, aged about forty-nine, and a minifter about 14 years.

A Tejlhnony from Norwich Monthly-Meeting concerningVEJ EK Andrews.

OU R dear friend Peter Andrews, from Weft-Jerfey in North-America, being on a religious vifit to friends in this nation, deceafed in this city ; and the lively fenfe of his fervices, and the regard we bear to his memory, engages us to trafmit the following teftimony concerning him.

His firft vifit to us was in the eleventh month 1755, and his fervice and exemplary deportment will remain as a lafting teftimo- ny for him, and to the truth he preached, in the minds of many ; and we have good reafon to believe he was made inftrumental, in a very particular manner, to the help and furtherance of fome amongft us, whom it had pleafed the Lord to- vifit with a frelh vifit- ation of his love. And by the information of other friends, who well knew him, and particularly our friend Edmund Peckover, who frequently accompanied him, as well as from our own knowledge, we are enabled to give the following brief account of his labours and travels, from the time of his arrival to his death.

He

( 17^ ) He landed in the fouth part of England, in or about the fixth month 1755, and came dire6lly up to London, where he was kindly received'by friends, and had very good fer- vice during afhort flay there ; but being de- lirous of being at the quarterly-meeting to be held at York, in company with feveral friends of London, he went as direcftly to the faid city as he could well do, being near two hundred miles, and reached there by the 2j\th of the fixth month, at which time began the qnarterly-meeting ; and this our dear friend had a very memorable and weigh- ty opportunity in miniftry, in the meeting of miniflers and elders at the opening there- of; but, in the fucceeding meetings for worfliip, was moftly filent ; yet in thofe for difcipline, was divinely led to fet forth the na- ture, good end and tendency of the fame, and very zealoufty prefled to the keeping them up, in the fame wifdom and power in which they were firfl eflabliflied ; evidently fetting forth, * that they proceeded from that which

* gathered our fore- fathers to be as a pecu-

* liar people unto God ;' to the no fmall edi- fication and comfort of many fmcere hearts, who rejoiced greatly in having hiscom.pany, which remains irefh in their remembrance; his fervices being as bread caft upon the waters, which, according to the v/ife man's obfervation, Jhall be found after many days.

After the quarterly-meeting was ended he went to Pickering, where a very large meet- ing is kept annually for v^orHiip, and had

feaiouable.

( lyi )

feafonable and profitable fervice. He tra- velled to many other places in that county, and friends were greatly refreflied and edi- fied by his chrillian vifit, though not always attended by public declarations in their re- ligious meetings appointed on his account, which were moilly very large, and expedla- tions high, yet his eye was to his great ma- fter's putting forth. He often was led to familh that too eager defire after words ; and in feveral public meetings he had nothing to fay amongft them ; which tho' a great dif- appointment to many for the prefent, yet there afterwards appeared a fignai fervice in it.

He was at Yarm, Stockton, Bainbrig, and feveral other meetings in and about the Dales ; then came to Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Doncafter, and fo into Lincolnfliire ; which county he vifited pretty generally, alfo the ifle of Ely, and came into Norfolk, and to this place in the eleventh month 1755, as afore-mentioned ; was at moft, if not all, of friends meetings in our county; then went into Suffolk and EfTex, and returned to Lon- don the latter end of the lirfl month 1756, where he remained a few weeks, being ex- ceeding ill; yet was at mofl of the meet- ings in that city, and was very ferviceable, with many other friends, in affairs particu- larly relating to the fociety in Pennlylvania at that time.

He went back again into Effex, and fo for Hertfordfliire, fome parts of Buckingliam-

fliire.

{ ^72 ) iliire, Oxfordfhire, Glouceflerfliire, and to the yearly-meeting at Briftol in the fifth month 1756 ; and had good fervice both in meetings for worfhip and difcipline, which was well received, and, it is hoped, made lafliing imprefilons on the minds of many who had the opportunity of being prefent.

His indifpofition ftill continued, but did not hinder him from travelling : From Brif- tol he palTed through fome part of Gloucef- terlliire, Wiltfliire, and Oxfordfliire, and got to the yearly-meeting at London in the fixth month, and altho' his illnefs continued up- on him, was enabled to bear feveral living teftimonies, in the demonftration of the fpi- irit and of power.

After the faid yearly-meeting was ended, he came down to the yearly- meetings at Colcheder and Woodbridge, where he was eminently fupported to be ferviceable in the churches. At Woodbridge he ^vas Itrengthened to bear a large, powerful and aiiecfting teftimony in the lafl meeting of worihip, to the tendering of many hearts, whofe ftates were fo effedlually fpoken to, as that it may be fitly compared to the ex- cellency, and glorious lituation which the Fialmiil defcribed, when he fays, " How *' good, and how pleafant a thing it is, for "" brethren to dwell together in unity ! It is ** like the precious ointment upon the head, *^ that ran down upon the beard, even Aa- '■' ron's beard, that went down to the fliirts •* of his garments: As the dew of Hermon,

" and

( 373 )

*' and as the dew that defcended upon the '* mountains of Zion; for there the Lord ** commanded the bleiTing, even Hfe for ** evermore," Pfalm cxxxiii. i, 2, 3. It was indeed a mofl heavenly, precious, bap- tiznig feafon, (this being the lafl public op- portunity our dear friend had) in which he was wonderfully led to fet forth the progref- five Heps the Almighty was pleafed to make ufe of, in appearing to Gideon, confirming him in the certainty of his reqtiirings, con- defcending to grant his requells in a very peculiar manner, and fealing them with his prefence, and giving him vidlory over his enemies, as he was faithful to follow the bleffed author that pointed forth the begin- ning as well as finiihing that great work, t0 which that extraordinary fervant of God, Gideon, in his day was called ; which me- morable fervice of our dear friend, there is great reafon to believe the great Lord, who prepared him for the fame, was gracioufly pleafed to fix as a nail in a fure place ; and may it fo continue in the remembrance of thofe then prefent, who are left for a fmall fpace yet in mutability.

He continued very weak in body all his flay in Woodbridge, being above five days, and no perfuafions could prevail with hiin to hinder his fetting forv/ard for his jour- ney, having flrong defires in his mind to fee friends in this place again ; and to a par- ticular friend he exprefTed his love fo great to us, ' That he thought he could willingly

' die

^ ( '74 ) "^ die with us.' He was favoured to accom- plifh it in two days after he left Woocibridge, though with great difficulty, and lodged at the houfe of our friend John Oxley, as he had done before, but took to his bed foon after he got in, to which, the remaining part of his time, he was moftly confined.

It being the time of our yearly- meeting, many friends went often to vifit him, and he exprefi^ed to fome, ' That he was fatisfied ' he was in his place, in giving up to follow ' the requirings of the Lord, in leaving his

* outward habitation, and thofe near blef-

* fings of a rnofl tender affedlionate wife

* and dutiful children.'

The feverity of his illnefs kept him mofl- ly delirious, yet he was favour'd with fome clear intervals ; in one of which, being in a fweet heavenly frame of mind, he broke forth in the following fervent fupplication, viz. ' Oh ! this poor foul hath been for many days on the brink of the pit of diflrefs ; but thou, dear father, doft not affli(5l thy children willingly, but for fome great and good caufe known only to thyfelf : Dear father ! fuffer not thy children ever to de- fpair of thy mercies, but that we may be helpful, as much as may be in our pow- er, to one another in all fuch times of trouble. Dearefl father ! thou haft been pleafed to open, and to favour with thy goodnefs ; my foul is thankful, andean fay, thou art worthy of glory and praile for evermore.'

He

( '75 )

He continued to the 1 3(^ of the feventh month 1756, and then departed this Ufe, and was interred in friends burying-ground the i8/^of the fame, after an awful meeting, (his corps being attended by a very large number of friends and others) and no doubt he refts, with the fpirits of the juft mads perfe6l, in thofe glorious manfions prepared for all thofe that hold out in faithfunefs to the end. His memory is very precious and dear to many who are yet furviving, and we believe it may truly be faid, that few friends who have travelled in this nation, have been more approved, or had more general fervice in fo fhort a fpace of time.

A Ttfi'imony from Gwynedd Monthly-Meeting in Pennfylvania, concermng^onYk Evans.

HE was born in Denbighlliire, in the principalityof Wales, in the year 1689, and arrived in Pennfylvania with his parents in 1698, under whom he received a pious education. — He was a man of good natural underftanding and favoured early in life to fee the necelTity of a diligent attention to the voice of divine wifdom, to eflablilh and preferve him in peace with God ; and by a fleady adherence to it, he became honour- able in fociety and eminently ferviceable in the church of Chriil. — In the twenty-third year of his age he appeared in the minift ry

of

( 176 )

Tof the gofpel, his deportment therein was reverent as became a mind fenfible of the awful importance of the fervice. He had a clear engaging manner of delivery, was deep in heavenly myfteries, and plain in de- claring them ; being well acquainted with the holy fcriptures, he was made fkilful in opening the doctrines therein contained, and was often led to draw lively and inllrudlive fimilitudes from the viiible creation. He travelled through mofl of the northern co- lonies in the fervice of truth, and feveral times thro' this province. — He was often drawn to attend general meetings, funerals and other public occafions, particularly the adjacent meetings after their firft eftablilh- nient, over which he had a tender fatherly care, as a good fliepherd taking heed to the flock ;-^-and the great fhepherd of Ifrael bleiled his labours, and afforded him at times great fatisfa6tion and comfort. — The latter part of his time, the vifible declenfi- on of many from the life and power of truth, frequently made forrow and deep lamentation his portion.- — His labours were fervent with the youth, in much love and zeal, that they might come to know God for themfelves, bow their necks to the yoke, and lay their Ihoulders to the work, faying, " That their remembering their creator in *' the days of their youth, would be as mar- " row to his bones." It v^as indeed his great joy to behold the peaceable fruits of righteoiifnefs, and his labours for the pro- motion

( 177 ) iiiotion thereof made him honourable a^ mongft men of various ranks and profeiTi- ons, and his teftimony generally acceptable to them.

In the fupport of our chriflian difciplincj he was zealous, adlive and unwearied, and favoured with qualification to advife in dif- ficult cafes, which feldom failed of fucceed- ing. His teftimony was clofe againft hypo- Crify and an outfide fhew of religion only, but full of parternal tendernefs to the af- flicfted, weak, or diffident in fpirit; of found judgment, and deep in divine expe- rience, yet modeft and condefcending, and being favoured with the defcendings of the father's love, that at times appeared to clothe him as with a mantle ; he had an open-door in the hearts of his friends, and an afcend- ency over the fpirits of gainfayers. — He was a zealous promoter of vifiting friends iii their families, was many times engaged therein, and his labours were awakening and ufeful ; often employ'd in vifiting the fick, the widow, and the fatherlefs and others in afflicftion; on thefe occafions he was fel- dom large in exprelfion, but his filent fym- pathy and fecret breathing for their relief, were more confolatory than many words ; a confiderable part of his time was fpent in aflifting widows, and the guardianfliip of orphans, which, though laborious to him, was of much advantage to them.

The importance of love and peace to ci- vil and religious fociety he was deeply fen-^

N fible

( .78 ) fible of, diligent in promoting them both by precept and example, and fuccefsful in re- ftoring harmony where any violation of it appear'd. — His condud: and converfation in private life was exemplary, and fuch as im- plied an inward clofe infpe(6lion into the lecret operations of his own heart.

He was apprehenhve of his approaching end for fometime before his laft illnefs, and told a friend, * He fiiould not furvive one ' year,' who admir'd he was fo pofitive; but he made no fm'ther reply than, ' See what * will follow/ In his public teftimony alfo, he frequently faid, ' He had but an inch of ' time to treat with us,' In the firfl part of his illnefs, he went to fome meetings, one whereof was large, and he was favour'd with flrength to Ipeak in a powerful and in- fhrucflive manner to the youth, for whofe welfare his defires were ardent. — His difor- der was How and lingering, wherein he was favour'd with his underftanding almoft to the laft ; and akho', at fbme feafons, he was much concern'd on account of the gloomi- nefs of the times in religious and civil re- fpecIHis, yet in general he pollefs'd a very great degree of calmnefs and ferenity of mind, with a perfect refignation to the will of God, whether life or death Ihould be his portion. On the day of his departure, ob- ferving his wife troubled, he faid with a cheerful -countenance, * I am eafy, I am ea- «. fy, and defir'd her to be eafy alio;' indeed it appear'd that the Lord had ftrengthened

him

( ^79 ) him on the bed of languiflilng, and made all his bed in his ficknefs. And thus hav- ing ferved God in his generation, he depart- ed the 23^ day of the ninth month 1756, aged fixty-feven years ; having, we hope, fhaken himfelf from the dull, put on his beautiful garments, and enter'd the wed- ding chamber of the bridegroom of his foul, and enjoys the reward of his faithful la- bours; was buried on the i^th day of the fame month, in friends burying-ground at Gwynedd.

A Tejlmony from the Monthly-Meeting of Phi« ladelphia, concerning Thomas Brown.

HE was born in Barking, in the county of EfTex, Great-Britain, on the i/>of the ninth month 1696, came whilfl young with his parents into this province, and lived fome time in this city, from whence he removed with them to Plumllead in Bucks county, where he firft appeared in the mi- niflry ; fome years after which, he fettled in this city. His gift in the miniftry was liv- ing, deep, and very edifying ; and in the exercife thereof, he was remarkable for an awful care, not to appear without clear and renewed evidence of the motion of life for that fervicc : And though not a man of li- terature, was often led into fublime matter, which was convincing and perfuafive, in fet- N z ting

( iSo )

ting forth the dignity and excellence of the chriftian religion, yet was very attentive that thofe heighths fliould not detain him beyond his proper gift, but to clofe in and with the life, which made his miniftry al- ways acceptable to the living and judicious. Although he was not led to vifit the church- es in diftant parts, yet was fometimes con- cern'd to attend fome of the neighbouring meetings, of two of which he has preferv'd fome minutes, which being a lively de- fcription of his concern of mind for the promotion of the caufe of truth, it is thought well to fubjoin them here in his own words, ' 1756, eighth month 9//?, I went to Con- cord quarterly-meeting, but found no caufe to efpoufe the caufe of God in a public manner that day. The next day went to the youth's meeting at Kennet, which was to great fatisfacflion; my foul was fo bended tov/ards the people, that I could fcarcely leave them, being engaged in a ftream of the miniilry, to extol the divinity of that religion that is breathed from heaven, and which arrays the foul of its poflelTor with degrees of the divini- ty of Chrid:, and entitles them to an eter- nal inheritance ; alfo introduces a lan- guage, intelligible only to the converted fouls which have accels to a celeftial foun- tain, vvhich is no iefs than a foretafte of eternal joy, to fupport them in their jour- ney towards the regions above, where re- ligion has room to breathe in its divine

* excellencies

( J^I )

excellencies in the foul; here it is inftrucl- ed in the melody of that harmonious fong of the redeemed, where the morning rtars fing together, and the fons of God fhout for joy. — '

' 1756, the 2()th of the eighth month, I vifited Gwynedd-meeting, where in wait- ing in nothingnefs before God, without feeking or ftriving to awake my beloved before the time, by degrees my foul be- came invefled with that concern that the gofpel introduces, with an opening in ' thefe words; I think it may conduce to ' my peace, to {land up, and engage in a ' caufe dignified with immortality and ' crowned with eternal life." The fubjecft railed higher and brighter until my foul w^as tranfported on the mount of God in degree, and beheld his glory ; where I was favoured to treat on the exalted ftati- on of the redeemed church, which flands in the eledlion of grace, where my foul ^ rejoiced with tranfcendent joy and adored * God. R.eturned home in peace.'

His condudl and converfation was inno- cent and edifying, being much weaned from the world and the fpirit of it. He was care- ful not to engage in worldly concerns fo as to encumber iiis mind, and draw it off from that religious coniemplation, in which was his chief delight; which happy ftate of mind he maintained to the laft, as evident- ly appeared to thofc friends who were with

him

( l82 )

him towards his concluiion ; to fome of whom he exprefled himfelf in the following manner, viz.

* I am fine and eafy, and don't know but what I may recover; but if I fhould, I expedl to fee many a gloomy day, but neverthelefs I am willing to live longer, if I might be a means of exalting religion, that the gift beftowed on me, might lliine brighter than it hath ever yet done, or elfe I had abundance better go now ; for I think I have ilione but glimmeringly to what I might have done, had I been ftill more faithful ; tho' I cannot charge my- felf with a prefumptuous temper, nor wil- ful difobedience ; but I can fay, it has of- ten happened with me, as with the poor man at the pool of Bethefda, whild I was making ready another has flepped in. I am fenfible that my gift has been different from fome of my brethren, I have not been led fo much into little things, but I am far from judging them. ' I have often to pafs through the valley of the ihadow of death, and have experi- enced the pofTibility of a foul's fubliiling the full fpace of forty days without re- ceiving any thing, only living by faith and not by fight, provided they keep up- on the foundation of convincement and convicftion, and not turn afide to take a profpe6l of the world, and defire to draw their comfort from viiibles ; they will be fupported by an invifible yet invincible

* power ;

( i83 )

power; for he will be fure to appear, and when he doth appear at times, doth rend the vail from the top to the bottom, with an invitation, as Samuel ufed to fay (mean- ing Samuel Fothergill) ** Come up hither,

and behold the bride the lamb's wife ;" then the foul will have to enjoy, and fee things beyond exprefling ; my tongue can do little or nothing at fetting it forth. The foul will be filled with holy admirati- on, and fay, *' Who is flie that looketh

forth as the morning, fair as the moon,

clear as the fun, and terrible as an army

with banners."

* Although the foul has at times to be- hold the glory, fplendor and magnitude of the true church or fpoufe of Chrift, yet thofe extraordinary lights are but feklom, not often; Though 1 have had at times, caufe to efpoufe the caufe of God, yet there are times that the foul is fo veiled^ and furrounded with temptations and fiery trials, and all out of fight, that 1 have wondered that I was made choice of; but I have experienced, that they that would reign with Chrift muft fufler with him ; I never expect to get beyond it, while I an\ cloathed with this clog of mortality,

' People may have a regular outfide, and be diligent in attending meetings, and yet know little or nothing of it; for formality and externals are nothing ; religion is an in'=> ternal fubjecft, fubfifting between Chrift and the fold ; I dou t coutin.e it to Qur name^

xUita

( '84 )

* but amongfl: the different names there are; •* that my foul is nearly united to, who are

* in a good degree, I do believe, in pofTelTion

* of that religion which is revealed from

* heaven : And I am in the faith, that there ' will be them raifed up, that will fliine as

* bright ftars, and religion will grow and

* proiJ3er, and the holy flame rife to a great-

* er height than it hath ever yet done. I can ^ fay with the holyapoftle, ** I have nothing '* to boaft of, fave my infirmities," yet thus ' much I venture to fay, that if I die now,

* I die a lover of God and religion.' And af- ter expreffmg a compaffionate fy mpathy with the poorafBicflcd churches up and down, con- cluded with this faying, *' Be of good cheer *^' little flock, for greater is he that is in you, ^^ than he that is in the world."

In the fixty-firft year of his age, he was feized with an apople^lick diforder, which gradually increaiing, deprived him of life, on the 2iy? of the fixth month 1757, and was interr'd in this city the next day.

A Teftimony from Newark Monthly -Meeting in New-CafHe county on Delaware, concern- ing Betty Caldwell.

SH E was the daughter of George Pierce, of Thornbury in Chefter county, was born in Glouceflerfliire in Old-England, and ^ame into Pennfylvania with her parents,

about

( i85 )^ about the year 1683, who fettled in Thorn- bury aforefaid. She was married to Vin- cent Caldwell in 170J, and foon after they fettled in Marlborough,Che{ler county , where fhe continued, and belonged to Kennet meet- ing, till a few years before her death, when fhe removed to Wilmington. She was from her youth, remarkably exemplary for plain- nefs and fobriety, much concerned for peace in the church and amongfl neighbours, la- bouring to reflore it according to ability as occafions required, often with the defired fuccefs. She was very ferviccable in that weighty work of vifiting friends families, m which llie had at times to impart to others, of her own experience in the work of religion, and to exhort to faithfulnefs and obedience to what the Lord requires ; was a conflant at- tender of meetings, and exemplary for folid and humble waiting therein, and much con- cern'd that her children might walk in the truth. After the death of her hufband in 1720, flie had the care of the family upon herfelf, rem^aining in a ftate of widov/hood upwards of 37 years, in which ftation flie behaved with fuch prudence and circum- fpecSlion, that her conduct, in bringing up her children without much corredlion, is worthy of imitation; which together with her pious concern for the welfare of the church, entitled her to be accounted of the number of the *' Widows indeed." She had many years been in the ftation of an elder for Kennet meeting, and feveral years be- fore

{ i86 )

fore her death, had a few words in tefti- mony in meetings, which was generally well received, being feafonable and weighty. Her lad ilcknefs was a fever, which brought her very low, often ' Praying the

* Lord to be near her, and by his fupport-

* ing hand to bear upherfpiritsnow in this

* pinching time ;' and finillied her courfe here, we believe in peace with the Lord and in unity with friends, the 2.']th of the tenth month 1757, and was interr'd in Kenne£ burying-ground the 29th of the fame monthj, in the feventy-feventh year of her age.

A Tejlimony from Burlington Monthly - Meeting in New-Jerfey, concerning Abraham

F A R R I N G T O N.

HE was born in Bucks county, Pennfyl- vania, of parents profefhng the truth as held by us the people called Quakers. About nine months after his birth his father dying, and his mother fbmetime after mar- rying from among friends, expofed him to a loole irregular education ; about ten years of age being put apprentice, where through eleven years fervitude, he fuffered great bodily hardfliip, and much greater danger as to the better part ; yet (fays he in a manu- fcript left for the ufe of his children) * I ' took delight in my bible, and believe the ^ good hand v/as with me, that inclined my

« mind

( 1 8? ) '* mind thereto. — Tho' I followed lying va-

* nities, and fo forfook my own mercies,

* yet I could fay my prayers every night,

* till I grew afraid to fay them any more,

* and feemed like one abandoned from good

* for feveral years.' Having ferved his time out, he providentially became a refident in Benjamin Clark's family at Stony-brook, who were exemplary and kind to him ; ' I thought

* (fays he) they were the beft people in the

* world, careful in their words, yet cheer- ^ ful and pleafant, fo that I thought I muil:

* be a Quaker.' And Edward Andrews, from Eggharbour, being at a quarterly meet- ing at Croifwicks, ' He came (adds he) with

* power to give me my awakening call ; I

* was much reached, but after the manner

* of the world, looking at the man, gave ' him the praife, viz. he is a brave man,

* he preaches well, I wifh I lived near him,

* I would go to hear him every firfl day ;

* at fame time not minding what he dire(5l-

* ed to, Chrift in ourfelves, the true teach-

* er, that will not be removed till we re-

* move from him ; in us is the place he has

* ordained to reveal himfelf. — I afterwards

* went more to friends meetings than I had

* done before, and read much in friends ' books, but was yet in the dark, the time

* of my deliverance was not come, the fins

* of the Amorites were not full ; 1 was un-

* der Mofes in the wildernefs, come out of ' Egypt, but Jofliua's time was not come, ' the Saviour, the warrior that brings

* through

( 188 )

* through judgment, and makes war with ' the old inhabitants ; yet I fometimes long-

* ed for fomething which I could not find,

* a lot in the good land. I think this year

* Thomas Willfon and James Dickenfon,

* came into the country, and fometime af-

* terwards to vifit the meeting of friends at

* Crofiwicks, I happened tobe at the meeting

* before they came in ; the fight of them

* flruck me, the heavenly frame of mind ' which their countenances manifefled, and

* the awe they feemed to fit under, brought

* a flillnefs over my mind, and I was as ^ ground prepared to receive the feed : James

* itood up in the authority of the gofpel,

* and in it he was led to unravel me and all

* my works from top to bottom, fo that

* I looked on myfelf like a man diffecled

* or pulled to pieces, all my religion as

* well as all my fins were fet forth in fuch a ' light that I thought myfelf undone: Af-

* ter he fat down, Thomas flood up and *• brought me together again, I mean what

* vras to be raifed, bone to his bone, with ^ the finews and (Irength that would con-

* flitute a chriftian; I almoil thought

* myfelf new born, the old man deitroyed ^ and the new man made up, concluding I

* fliould never be bad again, that my fins *■ were forgiven, and I ihould have nothing

* to do but to do good ; I thought I had got- ' ten my lot in the good land, and might ^ fit now under my ov/n vine and fig tree,

* and nothing more iliould make me afraid.

' Poor

( i89 )

Poor creature ! I had only a fight, I did not yet think what powerful adverfaries I had to war with ; this has been the mife- rable cafe of many, they have fat down under a convincement, and in a form of religion, fome depending on former expe- rience or former openings, fome on their education, fome a bare belief, and know- ledge hiftorical of the fcriptures and prin- ciple of truth. — Thus tho' I received the truth, yet I was like the ftony ground ; I received it with joy, but had not root in myfelf, my heart grew hard again, for when tribulations, perfecutions, tempta- tions and trials came upon me, I fell. Oh! how I moped at times and wandered about as a prifoner at large, I would have run, but 1 could not, my offended judge, my accufer was in me, I could not fly from him ; yet, great goodnefs was near, and his power kept me from grofs evils in a great degree. — I kept pretty much to meet- ings, but there was fuch a mixture of un- digefted matter in me, it was not to be loon feparated. Oh! the neceflity there was, and ftill is of a continual watch againfl our foul's enemies both within and without.'

Having palled thro' various probations, he had confiderable openings of the divine ienfe of the fcriptures, and alfo fav/ that the Lord had a work for him to do, to which he at length gave up, and being faithful therein, was made helpful to many, being

enlarged

( '9° )

enlarged and found in teflimony, and at times very particularly led to explain paf- fages in the fcriptures, to the comfort and information of hearers.

He was an affectionate hufband and pa- rent, diligent in attending meetings for worihip anddifcipline, and manifefted there- in a zealous concern for the promotion and honour of truth, waiting for wifdom to fee his duty, and (Irength to perform it. — He divers times travelled abroad on this conti- nent in the fervice of truth, and frequently to the neighbouring meetings to fatisfaiftion ; his outward circumlfances being at times difficult, gave him an opportunity to fliew an example of chriftian relignation, and to fee its effects in divers providential affiftances.

In 1756 he laid before this meeting a re- ligious concern to vilit friends in Great-Bri- tain, which had been on his mind upwards of ten years, wherewith the meeting con- curring, he had our certificate, and embark- ing, landed in Ireland ; and after viiiting the meetings in that country, arrived in England and performed his religious vifit in feveral counties, but was taken ill, and died in London the 26th of the firfl month 1758; iinifliing his days work with a firm alTurance that the gates of Heaven were opened to him ; very acceptable accounts of his fer- vices both in England and Ireland have been received, as are more fully fet forth in the annexed teflimony of Devonfliire-houfe monthly-meeting concerning him.

He

( i9> )

He died aged about fixty-feven, was in the profeflion of the truth near 44, and an acceptable mmifter upwards of 30 years.

A Tejlimony from Devoniliire-houfe Monthly- Meeting in London, concerning h^MiwiMsi Fakrington.

'^I^ HIS worthy minifter and elder, having X had drawings in fpirit for feveral years, as we are informed, to vilit the churches of Chrift in this nation and Ireland, in the lervice of the gofpel; when he apprehended the time approached wherein he was to enter Upon this weighty engagement, he fettled his outward ajBTairs ; and having the concurrence and unity of the brethren, embark'd in a velTel bound from Philadelphia to Dublin, in company with three friends from Europe, who had performed a religious viiit to the churches in America. — After a favoured voyage of about four weeks, landing at Dublin, he viiited the meetings of friends in Ireland, and by the accounts from thence, had very weighty and acceptable fervice there : Having laboured faithfully in that na- tion to (Irengthen the brethren and alfift in building up the wafte places in Zion, he em- bark'd for England, vifited the churches in fome of the northern counties, attended the yearly-meeting at Penrith, and afterwards that

ill

( ^r- )

m this city, his labour of love in the work of the miniftry, being to edification and comfort, was truly acceptable. — After at- tending the yearly-meetings of Colchefter, Woodbridge, Norwich and the quarterly- meeting of York, he vifited many meetings in the northern and midland counties, from whence good accounts have been received of his weighty and affedling labours. He return ed to London the lattter end of the twelfth month 1757. Having travelled with great diligence and laboured fervently, his health was impaired ; neverthelefs he attended meet- ings till his diforder increafed fo as to render him incapable of further fervice.

As this our dear friend fpent but little time in this city, we cannot from knowledge and experience give fuch a teflimony con- cerning him as might be thought requilite ; yet, as fome of us partook of the benefit of his religious labours, we find ourfelves engaged to give forth this teftimony con- cerning him.

His converfatlon was innocently cheerful, yet grave and infhrudlive ; he was a man of a weighty fpirit, a valiant in Ifrael ; a fliarp reprover of libertine and loofe profeiTors ; but tender to the contrite and humble ; and a lover of good order in the church.

He was ilrong in judgment, found in dodlrine, deep in divine things; often ex- plaining, in a clear and lively manner, the hidden mifleries wrapt up in the fayings of rhriJl:, the prophets and apoftles ; and it

may

( 193 )

may truly be faid, he was well inflruded in the kingdom, bringing forth, out of his trealure, things new and old.

His miniftry was in plainnefs of fpeech, dnd attended with divine authority, reach- ing the witnefs of God in man, and to the habitation of the moui'ners in Zion ; fre- quently pointing out, in a lively manner, the paths of the exercifed travellers, and the fleps of heavenly pilgrims; by v/hich he was made helpful to fuch as are feeking the true reft, which the Lord hath prepared for his people. It may truly be faid, he was eminently gifted for the work of the prefent day, remarkably qualified to expofe the niyilery of iniquity, and to point out wherein true godlinefs confided.

His difiemper increafmg, he was confined to his bed, at the houfe of our friend Tho- mas Jackfon, in Devonlliire-lquare, where all neceflary care was taken of him. Du- ring his iilnefs, he was very fweet and ten- der in his fpirit, and remarkably patient. He uttered many comfortable and heavenly expreffions, and feveral times faid, * He

* apprehended his time in this world wou -d

* be but ihort;' and feemed fully refignc I to quit mortality, having an e'\^idence, ' Thac

* he fhould be clothed upon with immorta-

* lity, and be united to the heavenly hofl.' He had frequently been heard to fay, in

time of health, * That he thought he Ihould

* lay down his body in this nation, and not

* fee -his friends in America more;' to which

O h^

{ 194 )

he appeared freely given up. He often ej?-* prefled his defire, * That he might be fa-* * voured with an eafy pafTage,' which was gracioLilly granted.

He departed this Hfe, the i6th of the firffc month 1758, Uke a lamb, without either figh or groan, as one falling into a fweet fleep, aged about hxty-fix years ; and on the 30//? of the fame, his body v/as carried to Devon- Ihire-houfe, where a large and folemn meet- ing was held, which was owned by him whofe prefence is the life of our meetings ; and from thence his body was carried, by friends, to their burying-groundinBunhili- fields, a large concourfe accompanying it, and ^as there decently interred among the remains of many of our primitive worthies, and valiant foldiers in the lamb's war, who loved not their lives unto death, for the word of God and teilimony of Jefus.

A Tejlimony from Kennet Monthly-Meeting In Pennfylvania, concerning Hannah

C A R L E T O N.

ANNAH CARLETON, late wife of Thomas Carleton, of Kennet, in Chef- ter county Pennfylvania, was born at Haver- ford in the laid county, about the ^th month 1689; fhe was fenlible of the Lord's vifita- tion of love to her in her young years, and as llie gave heed thereto, was prefer ved in a

good

{ 195 )

good degree from the vanities and evil con-^ verfation of the world ; as llie grew in years flie grew in the truth, was a ferviceable friend in the fbciety and her neighbourhood in divers refpedls ; and of latter years was helpful in that weighty work of vifiting friends families, having at times to impart (not only in fuch opportunities, but in our more public meetings) of her experience of the work of truth in her young years, and urging to others the necefTity of the fame work in them ; which was well receiv'd by friends. Being taken with an excefs of bleeding at the nofe, fhe v/as thereby fo weakened that for fome months before her deceafe, llie did not go from home nor much out of doors ; fhe apprehended her end was near, and when it was propofed to fend to a docfuor for help, fhe faid, ' It feemed need- lefs, for I am in the hands of the great phy- iician who knows what is beft for me.' A neighbour fignifying llie hoped to fee her better, fhe anfwered, ' Better I fliall be iu

* a little time.' The friend replied, * In a ' better ftate of health I mean ;' ihe anfwer- ed, * I neither exped nor deiire it,' admiring the kindnefs of the almighty in favouring her fo, that fhe felt neither ficknefs nor pain. Another time flie faid, ' As I have laboured

* for peace and love, fb now I fee nothing but " peace before me,' vmh feveral other fenten- ces which manifefled, that the peace and qui- etnefsfhe was favoured with, came from tlie father of mercies to her in her latl; moments.

O z She

( 196 )

She departed this life, the 6th of the fiftli month 1758, about the 3^ hour in the after-* noon, and was buried in friends burying- ground in Kennet, the ^tb of the fame month, in the fixty-ninth year of her age.

A Tejlimony frorn Gwyriedd Monthly-Meeting in Pennfy 1 vania, concerning Jane Jones.

JANE JONES, wife of John Jones of Montgomery townfhip, was educated amongft friends, and as flie grew in years, flie increafed in divine knowledge, and be- came a ferviceable member of the church. The affability and fweetnefs of her difpofiti- on, and her love to all, rendered her very near, not only to the faithful, but many others alfo. As a parent, fhe was much more concern'd for her children's eternal welfare, than for their acquiring of wealth or preferments in this world. And as flie poflelTed affluence and plenty herfelf, the ienfibility of her heart towards the needy, would not permit her to eat her morfel alone. She fought for the poor, and diflributed bountifully to their wants. As flie advanc- ed to old age, flie becanae frail, and fubjedl to pain and diibrders, which difabled her from attending meetings as duly as flie de- lired; neverthelefs her love to truth and the' profprjrity of Zion brightened and increafed^ and flic bore her weakncfs with oatience, as a difpenfation permitted for her probation.

She

( 197 )

She departed this life, the nth of the fifth month 1758, and was interr'd the i^th of the fame month in friends burying- ground at Gwynedd, in the feventieth year of her age.

^a

A Teflmony from Haddonfield Monthfy-Meet^ ing in New-Jerfey, concerning Joseph

ToMLINSON,

OU R well efteemed friend Jofeph Tom-^ linfon deceafed, was convinced of the truth in the early part of his life. His zeal for attending religious meetings when buc young, was fuch, that he frequently travelled many miles on foot to them, and continued remarkably diligent in attending all our re- ligious meetings. As he grew in years, he became more and more ferviceable amongfl: friends, being feveral years an overfeer of Haddonfield meeting, and likewife an elder ; careful to maintain the difcipline. His life feemed to be unblameable. He was nearly united unto his friends, and their love to him was very great.

He died the 3^ of the ninth month 1758, and we believe he was prepared to, receive the a,ufwer of '* Well done, &:c."

4 TeJlimon^A

( iqS )

■ i' A Teftimony from Wrights Town Movthly- Meeting in Bucks county Pennfylvania, con-' cerning our ancient friend and ftfter Agnes Penquite, w/?^ departed this life, the zoth day of the eleventh month 1758, being tip- ivards of one hundred years old.

SH E brought a certificate with her from Europe, dated the 6th day of the fe- cond month 1686. She was of an innocent pious hfe and converfation, a good example in attending meetings both on firft and week-days, until a few years before her death. She was a minifler above feventy years ; her teftim.ony, tho' generally £hort, was moilly to fatisfadlion and edification ; and in her declining age, when nature feem- ed almoft fpent, Ihe appeared more divinely favoured than common, to the admiration of fome. When ihe could no longer attend meetings, flie would often, at meal times, appear in prayer, with praifes to the Lord, to the comfort and fatisfacf^ion of thofe pre- fent; and frequently fignified, ' She had

* the evidence of divine peace.' Not long before her departure fhe faid, ' That her

* fweet Lord had not forfaken her, but was

* ftill with her to comfort and refrefh her in

* her old age.' Thus ihe was removed from time to eternity, like a iliock of corn fully ripe,

A Tejlimony

t 199 )

A Tejiimony from Gofhen Monthly -Meeting in Chefter county^ Pennfylvania, concerning Cadwallader Jones.

E was born the I'jth of the firft month 1687, near Bala, in Merionethfhire, in the princlpaUty of WaJes, and removed with his parents into Pennfylvania about the year 1697; foon after their arrival, he was placed with a friend until he came of age, in this time of his youth,' he was naturally very wild and airy, and delighted much in vain company, until by convictions he broke off from his companions. In the year 17 10 he married, and foon after fettled a't Uwch- lan in Chefter county, where he remained until his deceafe. A meeting being eftablilh- ed at that place fliortly after his removal thither, he duly attended the fame both on the firft and other days of the week; fome- times remarking, * That he knew the bene- ' fit of leaving the hurry of the world to * attend meeting,' where he was a good ex- ample, both in keeping to the time appoint- ed, and his folid fitting in filence. He was zealous for the fupport of our chriftian di- fcipline and a(5live therein, as well as in overfeeing the flock and other fervices in the church.

Pie ferved in the ftation of an elder about 28 years, diligently attending thofe meet- ings even until old age and under bodily ■weaknelles. la his ficknefs, he often ex-

prefs'd

( 200 )

prefs*d much concern and forrow for feme of the profefTors of truth, faying, * They

* are on the decline, what will become of

* them ?' And further faid, * This thing had

* often been a burden to him, and he thought

* he had difcharged his part, and it would now ' foon become the burden of others ;' ex- prefllng a concern for the right management of the difcipline, and remarking the remiff-. nefs of fome herein. He frequently expreff- ed his relignation to the will of God ; and on the i\ft of the eleventh month 1758, quietly departed this life, and was buried the i^d in friends burying-ground atUwch= Ian atorefaido

A Tejlimony from Woodb ridge Monthly -Meet- ing in New-Jerfey, concerning Sarah S H o T w E L L.

SARAH SHOTWELL departed this life, in the eighth month 1759, in the forty- fourth year of her age. She was educated amongft friends on Long-Ifland, and was early engaged in a public teftimony. In the twenty-feventh year of her age, fhe was married to Jofeph Shotwell of Rahway ; was a woman much beloved, of a fweec, free and hofpitable fpiiit, guarded in her ex- preiTions, careful to give no juft occafion of offence, a prudent loving wife, a tender ex- emplary parent, an afiedlionate and kind

neighbour ;

( 20I )

neighbour; often fympathizing wltli thofc in afHi(5lion, efpecially fuch as were religi- ous and virtuous ; the rich and poor of thofe were equally near to her, and nearer than natural kindred where truth had not united in fpirit : She gladly received ftrangers ; and her carriage and behaviour to young mini- fters and burden-bearers, manifefted her concern for and fympathy with them, often dropping feafonable hints for their encou- ragement. Although file did not travel much abroad, yet Hie was diligent in attending meetings at and about home, being endued with a found and living miniftry, clear and diftindt in her teflimony, whereby many were alarmed, fome convinced, flrengthen- ed and confirmed in the faith through a blefTmt? on her labours. She was much en- gaged in filent humble waiting on the Lord, who was pleafed to own her, and often raife in her memorials and fongs of thankfgiving to the God of all mercies, who never for- fook his people in the deep, nor left them to perifli in the wildernefs, but was faithful and true, and failed not to bring to the pro- mifed land. The gofpel truths flie ijvas en- abled to open, were ih afFecfling to many, that fome who were prejudiced againft wo- men's preaching, have been heard to fay, * If fuch a thing could be, Ihe was a true ' gofpel minifler.*

She was a pattern of humility, not feek- ing applaufe, nor forward in her public ap- pearances, and tho' fometimes large, was

generally

( 202 )

generally careful not to ftand long; fervent and living in prayer, wherein, we believe, flie had accefs to the father. She frequently exhorted all to come up in faithfulnefs, fig- nifying, ' That God would have a people

* that would ferve him in uprightnels and

* integrity of heart.'

Having had a fight fometime before her laft ficknefs, that her time here was nearly accomplillied, flie departed this life, after about four days illnefs, in a refigned frame of mind.

4

A Tejlimony from Hopewell Monthly-Mceting z?z Virginia, concerning Isaac Hollings-

WORTH.

IN his youthful days he was deeply afFe6l- ed with the vifitation of the love of God, and by adhering and carefully waiting in his counfel, he was prelerved from the de- hiding vanities of the world, which are too apt to draw and divert the minds of young people, from an awful regard to him who created them. He received a gift in the miniftry vvhen about twenty-one years of age, and was, we believe, a faithful labour- er in his mafter's work, being much con- cern'd for the promotion of truth and thb eternal well-being of mankind : Of a fober and grave deportment, diligent in attending religious meetings, and exemplary in hum-.

blO:

( 203 )

bie waiting therein. He vifited the chnrcli- es in divers parts of the neighbouring colo- nies ; and we find by accounts from thence, that his fervices and labours of love were well accepted among them. In the year 1757 he removed with his family within the limits of Fairfax monthly- meeting, fo that we cannot give a very particular account of him, towards the latter part of his time, wliich we refer to that meeting.

A Supplement to the foregoing Tefl'imonyy from Fairfax Monthly- Meeting in Virginia.

TH E foregoing teftimony coiT^arning our worthy friend Ifaac Hollingf\«Drth, was read in this meeting, to which we are free to add, that the few years he refided among us, he v/as a diligent attender of our religious meetings, and alfb a promoter of opportunities for retirement in families, lie greatly defired, ' That truth might prof-

* per in the hearts of the youth,' being fre- quently concern'd in meetings, to fpeak to and encourage them, * To come up in their

* duty,' and alfo to warn the difbbedient,

* To forfake the evil of their ways;' A degree of the holy anointing accompanying his miniftry, it tended to the encourage- ment and edification of the fincere in heart..

His lad illnefs was a nervous diforder, •which continued on him nineteen days; within which time he attended our meeting on a firft day, and bore a living teftimonr

mucii

( 204 )

ranch to the f^itisfadlion of friends, where- by he feemed much fpent; and on going home he immediately took his bed, uttering but few words, and departed this hfe, eafy and quiet, on the loth of the ninth month 1759, and on the i2.th of the fame month, was interred in friends burying-ground at Fairfax, aged about thirty-feven years ; and we doubt not he is a partaker of that joy which crowns the labours of the faithful.

f A Teftirmny from Buckingham Monthly-meet^

in^f Bucks comity Pennfylvania, concern-

z>^ Edmund Kinsey.

E was born in Philadelphia, in the _ year 1683, and it pleafed the Lord to make him acquainted with truth, which he embraced in a good degree, and became fo-» ber, grave and fteady in his deportment. In his early days he received a gift in the miniftry, wherewith friends had unity ; be- ing alfo ferviceable and exemplary to the particular meeting of Buckingham when it was fmall, by his diligence in attending it, his humble waiting therein, and lively mi- niftry to the refrelhing and encouraging of the little jflock. Though his underftanding as a man was not very cxteniive, yet that was abundantly fupplied by lus meek, in- nocent, loving and inofienfive deportment to all people. He was very diligent and in-

duilrious

( 20^ •) diiflriotis in his outward affairs, a good ex- ample in his family, and atFedlionate to friends. His latter days were attended with great afflicftion of body, which he bore with patience and relignation, frequently lignify- ing his ' Dependance on the Lord, the great * phyfician of value;' faying, ** He was *' travelling towards the city of reft, whofc " builder and maker God is." Having at- tained to the age of feventy-fix years, he departed this life, the 2/^th of the twelfth month 1759, in great peace and good will to all men. A minifter upwards of 40 years.

A Tefiimotiy frojn Salem Monthly- Meetmg in New-Jerfey, concerning Elizabeth Da- niel, ivife of James Daniel.

SH E was born in the year 1709, was a woman endowed with a lively gift in the miniftry, and by yielding in obedience to the heavenly call and following the paths of true wifdom, it became as a crown and royal diadem on her head; for the truth was her chief adorning, and by it fhe was advanced from a poor, low, defpifed girl, to be as a mother in our Ifrael ; and by wif- dom was enabled to ftand in the midft of the congregation, with reputation and ho- nour for the caufe of our God, and to plead "With gainfayers and the lukewarm, to join in with the glorious trutli that had made her

free,

( 206 )

free, in the demonftratiou of the power of pure love ; and in the ftream thereof fhe was often led forth, to comfort the mourn- ful travellers in Zion, and in the line of ex- perience could tell what great things the Lord had done for her foul, thro' her obedi- ence and truft in him, to whom flie freely attributed all fhe received as from his boun- tiful hand, and thereby gave the glory to God, and adminiftred comfort to weary travelling fouls. But being of a backward fpirit, from a fenle of her own weaknefs, was loath to give vip to travel in truth's fer- vice, which often brought her very low un- der fuGJai exercifes. She fometimes travelled in P^mfylvania and Maryland, of which fervice we had coitifortable accounts, and was alfo ufeful in buildhig up the church within the limits of our monthly-meeting. She was very lively to the lafl, and her teftimonies were accompanied with power that made them truly feafonable to the au- ditory, the divine prefence being fenfibly with her, under a fenfe whereof fhe was very much religned, and rather dehrous to depart and be at relt with the Lord. On being a!ked how ihe was, Ihe anfwered with much calmnefs, * 1 am in great pain of bo- dy, but quite eafy in mind, free to depart and be releafedfrom my various exercifes; and feel as if my day's work was done, and that I might lay down this tabernacle in peace. But Oh! the pain at times is lb great, nature is ready to Ihrink, and am

' afraid

( 207 )

* afraid I fliall not be able to bear it with

* that patience 1 ought, tho' I ftrive for ic, ' for my mind is quite eafy and refigaed.'

Her pain was great under the extremity of a fliarp pleurify, and after fcveu day*, this fervant of the Lord quietly departed in peace, on the 30//J of the tenth month 1760, in the fifty-firft year of her age, and the zdth of her pubUc miniftry.

A TeJIhmny from Haddonfield Monthly- Meet-^ ing in New-Jerfey, concenwig Joshua Lord. '^

E was born the firfl: day of the eleventh month 1698, near Woodberry, in the countyofGloucellerWeft-New-Jerfey, of pa- rents profefTmg with friends, and appeared in the miniftry about the year 1727, being early favoured to experience a growth therein, becoming a ufeful member in fociety. The forepart of his time he travelled pretty much, having twice vilited friends in New-England and Long-Ifland, as alfo Maryland, Virgi- nia and North-Carolina; of which fervices we had flitisfadlory accounts by certificates ; he alfb frequently viiited the neighbouring meetings in Pennfylvania and the Jerfeys ; the latter part of his time he fpent mollly at home.

His

( 2o8 )

His laft illnefs was of fhort continuance, in which he was favoured with a quiet and refigned mind; exprelTing, * That he had

* gone through a feries of trouble, but had

* been fupported by the beft of fupport;' and we beUeve he is gone to enjoy that un- mixed fehcity that will never have an end.

He departed this life, the i(^th of the eleventh month 1760, aged about fixty-two years, and on the 22d of the fame month was interr'd in friends burying-ground at Woodberry Creek.

A Tejiimony from Chefterfield Monthly -Meeting in New- Jerfey, C07icermnglsA a c Ho r no r .

HE was fon of John and Mary Hornor, born the ijth of the fecond month 1678, in the town of Tadcafter, in York- fliire Old-England. In 1683, he came with his parents to America, and fettled within the limits of this meeting. After his fa- ther's deceafe, it pleafed the Lord to vifit him with his blefled truth in his young years, which he received in the love of it, and being obedient thereto, as he grew in years he grew in grace, and in the laving knowledge thereof, whereby he became a ferviceable member amongfl friends, both as an overfeer and elder. Although he did not appear in public teftimony, he had a fenfe of the true miniftry, and was particu- larly

( -209 ) iarly qualified to adminifter counfel and admonition; often advifing to a fteady couffe of life, and fetting forth the v/ay and leadings of truth in a very informing and encouraging manner, to the edification and comfort of many, which render'd his converfation agreeable, not only amongffc thofe of our fociety, but others alfb ; being likewife ufeful in fettling differences. His luting and waiting in meetings was grave and folid becoming a true worfliipper j was a nurfing father and a faithful elder, ferving in that ftation divers years. He departed this life, after a fliort ilinefs^ on the 2i\.th of the eleventh month 1760, and was interred in a burying-ground on his own plantation, aged eighty-two years and fix months.

A Tefiimony from^veiham Mont bfy- Meeting- m New-Jerfey, concerning Obadi a h Bor ton.

HE was born in the townfhip of Evef- ham, in New-Jerfey, in the year 170S, and the influence of divine grace made early impreffions on his mind whilft young iu years, which led him to love folitude and ibbriety, and to Ihun thofe vices incident to youth. About the twehty-fecond year of his age, a difpenfation of gofpei mini- flry was committed to him. He was very awful at times in his public approach before F the

{ 210 )

the divine majefLy in prayer, and often en- gaged to exhort friends to humiUty, and to ihun arrogancy and pride, being a good ex- ample herein himfelf; fo that his upright innocent deportment, gained him the good efteem of his friends and others. He depart- ed this Hfe, the "jth of the feventh month 1 76 1, aged fifty-three, a minifter 31 years, and was bmied at Eveiliam.

A Tejiimonyfrom Haddonfield Monthly-Meeting in New-r [erfey, concerning ELizABETfi Es T A u G H.

H E was daughter of John and Elizabeth Haddon, friends of London ; born in the year 1682, her parents gave her a Ube- ral education ; who having an eflate in lands in this province, propofed coming over to fettle; and in order thereto, fent perfons over to make fuitabie preparation for their reception ; but they being prevented from coming, this our friend with her father's confent, came over, and fixed her habitati- on where he propoied if he had come ; flie being then about twenty years of age, in a fingle ftate of life, and exemplary therein. In the year 1702, llie was married to our worthy friend John Eftaugh, who fettled with her wliere ihe then dwelt, the place be- ing called Haddonfield, in allufion to her maiden name; there they lived together,

near

[211 )

Bear forty years (except in that fpace, her feveral times crolling the fea to Europe, to vifit her aged parents, and when he was called abroad on truth's fervice, to which flie freely gave him up.) She was endowed with great natural abilities, which being fandlilied by the fpirit of Chrift were much improved, whereby fhe became qualified to adi in the affairs of the cirarch, and was a ferviceable member, having been clerk to the women's meeting near 50 years, greatly to fatisfacflion. She was a fincere fympathi- zer with the afBided, of a benevolent dif- polition, and in diftributing to the poor, was defirous to do it in a way mod profita- ble and durable to them, and if poflible, not to let the " Right hand know what the "' left did;" and tho' in a (late of afHu- ence as to this world's wealth, was an ex- ample of plainnefs and moderation; zeal- ouily concern'd for maintaining good order in the church, diligent in attending meet- ings at home, where her fervice feemed principally to be^ and from her awful fit- ting, we have good caufe to believe £he waa an humble waiter therein, which admini- (lered edification to the folid beholder. Her heart and houfe was open to her friends, whom to entertain, feemed one of her greateft pleafures ; was prudently cheerful, and well knowing the value of friendihip, was care- ful not to wound it herfelf, nor encourage others in whifpering and publilhing their failings or ilippofed weakneifes,

P 3 Hej^

{ 212 )

Her lad illnefs confined her about three months, being often in great bodily pain, but favoured with much cahnnefs of mind and fweetnefs of fpirit, which render'd her confinement more eafy to herfelf and thofe with her, which affords matter of encourage- ment to furvivors, to prefs after the mark of the high caUing in Chrift Jefus. She de- parted this hfe, the 30^-6 of the third month 1762, as one falling afleep, full of days, like unto a fhock of corn fully ripe. Her body was interred on the ijl of the fourth month following, in friends burying-ground at Haddonfield, being accompanied by ma- ny friends and others, where a folid meeting was held J aged about eighty-two years.

■nnnacWSS^na

A Tejlmony from Woodbridge Monthly- Meet- ing in New-Jerfey, concerning Anna Web- ster.

ANNA WEBSTER, an elder, wife of John Webfter of Plainfield, departed this life, the 20th day of the fifth month 1762, in the thirty-fixth year of her age. She was»favoufed when young, to have her mind turned to him who is able to preferve all that p\it their truft in him ; and by her obedience to the manifeftations of divine light, fhe was enabled to conduct herfelf in a fleady and upright manner ; and in the time of her lail iicknefs, gave much ufeful

and

( 213 ) and inflru(5live advice, to her hufband, chil- dren and friends. She divers times entreat- ed her hufband, * To give up to the Lord^s

* difpofings, and not to be over troubled

* about her,' exprefling, * Her dependance

* on the Lord and refignation to his will,' with delires, ' That the Lord would be with

* and comfort him, and that he might feek

* for heavenly wifdom, and thereby be di- ■ redled how to walk before the Lord, and

* bring up their children in his fear, that

* they may have a portion in heaven;' charg- ing her children, * To confider the poor and

* adminifter to their necefTities.'

At a time, fpeaking to her elded fon, fhe faid, * My dear child, let it never be faid

* of thee, *' The foxes have holes, and the *' birds of the air have nefts, but the fon *' of man hath not whereon to lay his head." She earneftly importuned friends, ' To keep, ' not only themfelves, but their offspring,

* to week-day meetings, and teach them to

* wait on the Lord, that he might merci-

* fully blefs them.' Alfo recommended,

* Unity amongft friends,' expreffing, * Her

* forrow in the breach thereof,' and urged clofely, ' The neceffity of living in love;' entreating friends, ' To notice her hufband

* and children in their diftrefs, and watch ' over and advife her children, not fparing

* to tell them their faults.'

She advifed her children, * In all their ' undertakings to feek the Lord for counfel, *• ^fpecially in that of choofing companions,'

t 214 )

and exprefs'd her experience of favours re,- ceived thereby, faying, ' She had often

* magnified that gracious hand which was

* with her when a poor orphan child; and

* preiTed thern to ferve the Lord in their ' youth, which would draw divine blefhngs

* on them ;' adding, * There are excellent

* accounts of God's love to fuch as give up ' all in their youth ;' and charged them,

* To avoid bad company, and keep toplain-

* nefs;' ftrongly advifing, ' Againft difobe-

* dience to parents/

At a time when feveral young people were prefent, one of whom v/as light and airy, Jhe teftified againfther vain pradices in very moving exprelTions, and informed her, * That

* the enemy would incline the mind in

* meetings, to fuch vanities as were prac-

* tifed out of mxeetings.'

She was divers times concern'd in fervent prayer and fupplication to the almighty, ' That flie might have fure hope before her

* change, and bear patiently her diifrefs ;

* and for the poor afflifted feed, that the

* Lord's work might be carried on in the

* earth, and that he would deilroy all the ' inventions of the enemy, which lead peo-

* pie to fin againft him.' Many more dteyy and weighty exprefiions (he uttered, which for brevity fake are oinitted.

May the dying penetrating language of one whofe general conducl was virtuous, have a proper imprelfion on our minds, and flir us up to prepare for our great and ;^nal change, is our fincere defirc,

A TcJlhiiQiiy

( 215 )

A Tejlmony frojn Oat^^v^tXdi Monthly-Meeting in New- J erfey, concerning S a R a h M u r fi n .

THIS worthy woman was one whom It pleafed the Lord, to call out of the broad way and vanities of the world, and make acquainted with his blefled truth ; and as file abode under the crofs, it pleafed the almighty to manifefl unto her, that fhe was a chofen veffel or inftrument for his fervice, to preach the gofpel. She was fervent in prayer, fcrviceable in vificing families, and her godly example in life and converfation, great humility andfelf-denial, much adorn- ed her miniflry ; careful to bring up her fa- mily in the fear of the Lord, and in plain- nefs of fpeech and apparel ; being indeed a mother in Ifrael.

We fervently defire that the great Lord of the harveft, may be pleafed to continue to his church and people, a living miniftry; and that many may be made willing to run his errands and be ferviceable in his hand, as was this our v/orthy friend, who depart- ed this life, the ittth of the feventh month 1762, aged about feventy-fix years.

A Tejllmony.

( 2l6 )

A Teflimony from Rahway Monthly -Meeting in New-Jerfey, concerning Eleanor Shot- well.

ELEANOR SHOTWELL, late wife of Jacob Shotwell of Rahway, was a ten- der hearted friend, and encouraged fuch as fought the Lord. She was an elder of found judgment, concern'd for the church's wel- fare, and that Zion might be reftored to her primitive beauty, and was a pattern of plain- nefs and felf-denial. In the ninth month 1 762, being on her journey to attend the year- ly-meeting at Philadelphia, a friend mention- ed the danger of going to faid city, on account of an infedlious diftemper then prevalent there; to which fhe replied, ' She had no ' fear on that account, and that it was no

* matter where we departed the world, fo

* that we were in our duty.' She according- ly went to the meeting and attended the fit- tings df it, until fhe was fuddcnly feized with a violent diforder, attended with ex- treme pain near three days, which fhe bore with a calm and even mind. To a friend who vifited her, flie faid, * She was almoll:

* gone, and in great pain of body, but ex-

* ceeding peace of mind.' At another time faid, ' It was fatisfadory that her peace was ' made with the Lord, and that it would be

* terrible to have a wounded confcience at

* fiich a tune to ftruggle with.' Concerning her hufband and children whom flie dearly

loved,

( 217 )

loved, flie faid, * Though fhe was not like to

* fee them more, fhe was glad in the Lord,

* that flie had given up to attend the yearly-

* meeting ;* expreffing her defire, * That her

* offspring fliould be brought up in plain- ' nefs, and that friends watchful care might

* be over them ; and that her hufband might

* be preferved in felf-denial, and humble re-

* fignation to the Lord's will in all his trials.' She departed this ]ife, on the id day of

the tenth month 1762, in the forty-fixth year of her age, and w;i s interr'd in friends burying-ground at Philadelphia.

A Tejlimony from Burlington Monthly-Meeting z«New-Jerfey,fo«(:^rm«^ Peter Fearon.

HE was the fon of John and Elizabeth Fearon, of Great-Broughton, in Cum- berland, and born in or about the year 1683. He came amongfl friends on a prin- ciple of convincement, during his appren- ticelliip with his uncle Peter Fearon, and appeared in a few words in meetings before he was twenty years of age. In the latter end of 1703, with the concurrence of friends, he left England, and landed in Virginia, where he (laid about three months, then came to Burlington in the fecond month 1704, and from that time until his deceaie, he was a ufeful member of this meeting.

Between

( 2l8 )

Between the years 1704 and 1730, lie travelled Jntbefervice of thegofpel, through mod parts of this continent v^here meetings were then fctlled, and to fome provinces fe- veral times ; and employed above two years in vifiting friends in England, Scotland and Ireland; returning with fatisfaclory certifi- cates of the approbation and unity of friends with his religious labours.

After thofe travels, his worldly circum- ftances being attended with difBculties, and his defires earneft that he mi^ht get through them with credit, he went many voyages to fea as a faclor, chiefly to Boflon and the iiland of Barbados; and thro' many difh- culties, he was enabled to pay his debts, and to fave fufEcient, with induftry and care, to yield a comfortable fubfiilance in old age, and to be helpful to fome others. In thofe undertakings he took certificates, and re- turned fucli as were very fatisfacffory, both of his diligence in his outward bufinefs, and of his care to edify the churclies vv-ith the gift of miniftry which had been committed to him. Whilil in Barbados in the begin- ning of 1746, a concern came upon him to viiit friends on Tortola, which by their large and full certificate, appears to have been very feafonable ; and was the firft after our worthy friends Thomas Chalkley, John Cadwalladcr and John Eftaugh, had laid <:iown their heads in peace among them. Iliey fay, * He came in a needful time, as

* a cloud

( 219 )

f a cloud full of rain upon a thlrfty land, ' greatly to our mutual comfort and joy in

* the Lord, and in one another.'

One of his laft voyages by fea, was in 1750, and on purpofe to perform a religious vilit to friends in Barbados and Tortola, having our friend Thomas Lancafter for his companion ; and when they had performed their fervice, the faid friend was, after a iliarp iicknefs, removed by death at fea. Beiides this, he met with other fore trials in his pilgrimage through life, particularly in the long confinement of his wife, who was feized with the palfy five years before her death, and lay mod of that time entirely helplefs. His behaviour towards her, was as an afFe(5lionate hufband, with much ten- dernefs and care ; and indeed his frequent pradlice of vifiting the fick and afflidled, evidenced a fympathizing heart, and was very becoming his ilation.

He was preferved in the exercife of his miniftry, in much love and gofpel fimplici- ty. And his feufe of the nature and fpirit in which the difcipline fhould be managed, is thus exprefs'd in an epiflle which he wrote to friends on Tortola, viz. ' That you may

* grow up together a fpiritual houfe that

* holinefs becomes, and a care according to

* gofpel order may be kept to amongil you,

* and that no harlhnefs be ufed one towards

* anodier, but tender and helpful, and not

* apt to judge or cenfure one another, that ^ you may be kept in that univerfai ipint

^ of

( 220 ) _^

* of love, that feeks the good of all and

* hurt of none, and yet gives all their due,

* and what is right and juft.'

His diligence in attending religious meet- ings v^as remarkable, for though he lived three miles from the particular meeting of Burlington to which he belonged, it was very uncommon for bodily infirmities, ot any extremities of weather to keep him at home on meeting days ; and the year before his deceafe, he vifited feveral general meet- ings both in this and the neighbouring pro- vinces,

A life fo fpent in fervent endeavours to promote truth and righteoufnefs among man- kind, was, we have caufe to hope, in afuita- ble preparation to be clofed at a fliort warn- ing. He was feized with a fit by his own fire fide, which quickly deprived him of tinderftanding, and about three days after he breathed his lafl, on the 2 ijl of the twelfth month 1762, in the feventy-ninth year of his age, having been a minifter about 60 years. He was interr'd onthe23^f in friends burying-ground at Burlington, after a folid meeting held on the occafion.

Having obferved ftricl temperance and moderation, he finiflied his courfe in a good old age ; being an example of prudence and ileadinefs, which we defire may be often remembred, and ufefully improved to the advantage of fiich as are left behind.

A Tejlimony

221

A Tejlimony from Shrewibury Monthly' Meeting in New-Jerfey, concerning Thomas Til- ton. ^

ON the ^th day of the firfl month 1763, died our friend Thomas Tilton, in the feventy-ninth year of his age. Some of whofe lalt expreflions were as follows, viz. ' That his pafTage was very long and hard, and many times prayed God to car- ry him through, that his poor wife's trou- ble v\ras greater for him than ihe could well endure, and that he was not infenfi- ble, ihe laboured for him both in body and mind.* Some time after he faid, ' It was a comfort to him to fee his children concerned for themfelves,' and deiired them, * To keep to their duties, for there was a falling away of fome, but that they might not negled theirs ; that they would live in love and in the fear of the Lord, which would be to their advantage, but to live loofe and wanton would make hard work on a dying bed ;' obferving, * That people thought too little of their latter end, although they think of it fometimes, it foon goes out of their minds.' Then pray- ed, * That the Lord would carry him through,' faying, ' His paffage was very hard, and his pain and afBi^^lion great ; yet his peace was fteady, for the Lord did not charge him with any thing.*

A Tejiimony

( 222 )

A Teft'mony from Rah way Monthly- Meeting ik New-jeri'ey^co7icerning Elizabeth Hay- dock.

OU R friend Elizabeth Haydock, late wife of James Haydock, of Rahway, was religioufly inclined froni her youth, and an early pattern of felf-denial and plainnefs to thofe of her age and fex. Being called to the work of the miniftry, it became a trial to her, and fuch a crofs to her own will to give up to the Lord's work, that fhe was ready to give way to confultations, and on account of her own incapacity and frailties, to queflion its being his call; fo that (as fhe exprelfed) could (lie have found peace, ilie would rather have chofen death than obedience; but finding the love of God, as it is abode in, to be itronger than the world, (lie yielded thereto ; and confiding in the Lord alone, came forth an inftrumeuL of his own preparing ; and continuing to walk in the way of lelf-denial, flie grew in her gift, increaling both in underilanding and utterance to the clofe of her days. In her lalf illnefs, fhe fignified, * She had

* near done with time, and was fully refign-

* ed ;' and departed this life, in the feventh month 1763, in the twenty-ieventh year of her age, and the 4//? of her miniftry.

A Teflimony

. ( 223 )

A TeJIhnony from Exeter Moritkly-Meeting in Pennfylvania, concerning Ellis Hugh.

THOUGH few of us were perfonally ac- quainted with this our dear ancient friend in the early part of his hfe, yet as we have information by good authorities, of fome things remarkable therein, we think it not amifs to tranfmit fome hints of them, with what hath fallen out within the com- pafs of our knowledge concerning him.

He was born in Merionethfhire, in the principality of Wales, and came over with his parents into Pennfylvania, when about twelve years of age.

He was naturally of a very cheerful dif- pofition, and for fome time indulged himfelf in keeping company with fuch, whofe con- verfation and conducfl were unprofitable and vain, for which, though we do not under- fland he was guilty of immoral pradlices, he was clofely reproved by the v/itnefs of God in fecret, and his condition being thereby plainly manifefted to him, as likewife the danger of purfuing fuch courfes, he did not dare to go any longer in vanity ; but fub- mitting to the reproofs of inflruclion, was brought under great exercife and godly for- row; in which Hate, the converfation of his former companions, once his delight, be- came a burden and increafed his didrefs ; but avoiding to feed their light airy difpofi- tions, keeping his mind retired, and read- ing

( =H )

ing the holy fcriptures, when they fought to entice him, had fuch an effecl, that they forfook him, which was a great eafe to his mind, in that it afforded him opportunity for a further fearch after the will of him, who in mercy had called him to glory and virtue. As he was thus engaged, after many deep baptifms and trials, it pleafed the Lord, about the thirty-fourth year of his age, to call him to the work of the miniftry ; which was an exceeding humbling exercife to him, and many fore conflicfts he had therein, through the buffetings of Satan ; but by en- deavouring to follow the Lord in the way of his requirings, help was adminiftred, fo that he at times, had to experience, that he gives *' The oil of joy for mourning, and ** tlie garment of praife for the fpirit of ** heavinefs."

His chief inducement to come and fet- tle in thefe parts, was a ftrong draught of love attending his mind, which however he did not haftily give way to, having felt drawings hither near eight years before he came ; of fo great moment did the removing himfelf and fimily appear to him.

He was a diligent attender of firft and week day meetings for worlhip, as alfo' of our monthly, quarterly and yearly meet- ings, even when age and infirmity of body rendered travelling very difficult to him„ He likewife vifited fome of the neiglibom- ing provinces on truth's fervice, with the unity of friends j and by accounts v/hich

we

( 225 )

we have had from the places he vifited, his labours of love were well received and fer- viceable.

From the time of his coming amongft us, he was always one of the number, who went on the vifit to friends families ; which weighty work he undertook in much diffi- dence of himfelf, and fear of a forward fpirit, often faying, * That former appoint-

* mencs and engagements thereto, were of

* no account for future fervices ; but that

* fuch as went, mull wait for renewed

* qualifications to enter upon that work/ which he ufed to fay, * He thought muft

* be a good one, fince it occafioned greater

* nearnefs, and was a renewal of love, both

* among vifitors and vifited:' And by ac- counts received, it was fo in a good degree.

In meetings for worfliip he was a good example in filent patient waiting upon the Lord, and when raifed to bear a public teftimony, it was with that power and authority, which accompanies a true gofpel minifter, and hath made lafting imprefTions upon fome minds. Though he was of an exceeding tender difpofition, yet being a lover af good order in the church, and well knowing the dangerous tendency of undue liberty, he both by precept and example, endeavoured to promote the former and dif^ courage the latter; in which he gave repeated proofs, that the near connections of natural kindred did not bias his judgment.

CL His

( 226 )

His deportment being meek and loving;,- and his converflition familiar and inflruc- tively cheerful, gained him the efteem of mod who knew him, of different ranks and religious perfuafions. He was a nurfing father in the church, and particularly fo to divers whom the Lord had vifited that were under afflid:ion, whether of body or mind ; nor was his charity in this refpecfl confined to the members of our fociety.

He was an affectionate hufband, a tender parent, a kind mafter ; and having, by the bleffmg of divine providence on his honeft induftry, obtained a competency of the ne- ceffaries of life, was very hofpitable, enter- taining both friends and others freely and kindly, not with oftentation or for applaufe, but for the promotion of piety and virtue, and the good of mankind.

As his natural Itrength abated in the laft years of his life, he appeared more bright and lively in his public miniflry, both at home and abroad ; and the day he was taken ill of his laft ficknefs, at the funeral of one of his fons, which was the laft meeting he was at, he was remarkably favoured in his public teftimony to a large gathering of peo- ple; and in fupplication at the fame meet- ing, his great Lord and mafter was pleafed to favour him with a tranfcendent view in- to the beauty of holinefs, crowning a life, a great part of which had been, according to the meafure received, devoted to his ho- nour, with evident tokens of his being near

to

( 227 )

\o the kingdom of reft and peace everlafting. And the fame evening he was taken ill at his own houfe in Exeter aforefaid, and con- tinued for about eleven days, moftly in ex- treme pain, yet bore it with patience and refignation to the. divine will ; and though he inclined much to be ftill and quiet, utter- ed many comfortable exprefTions, fome of which were taken down in writing. At one time he faid, ' It is a fine thing to have a

* clear confcience/ And one morning,

* Here is another day, Lord fo preferve me

* through it, that I may do nothing to of-

* fend thee.' In the evening he faid, ' Lord ' blefs this night to me.' And taking fome- thing to give him eafe, he faid. ' He that

* turned water into wine is able to give a

* bleffing.' After laying ftill fome time, faid,

* Sorrow at night, but joy cometh in the

* morning.' And in the morning he faid,

* I remember a dream I had about fifty

* years ago, I tliought I was in a room alone,

* juft going to die, and as I was much con-

* cerned and troubled becaufe there was no

* one prefent to fee me die, I thought the

* great phyfician of value ftood by me and

* faid, I ivill be with thee ; and I have a lit-

* tie faith, that he will be with me, and if

* I am favoured with my fenfes, hope I fhall

* not give over wreftling for a blefling.' A little before noon he faid, ' Lord, this is

* the way of mortal men, when they come

* to lie on a fick bed, they crave thy favour,

* though at other times many are forgetful

0^2 of

( ^ li8 )

' of thee.' At another time he faid, *Thoiigb

* affli(5lion may not feem pleafknt during

* its continuance, yet it worketh an exceed-

* ing great joy to them that love and fear

* God.* And in the evening, being in great bodily pain, faid, * Lord give me eafe if

* it be thy blefled will,' The next day be- ing the firfl day of the week, feveral friends came to fee him before meeting, to whom he faid, ' Fear God and ferve him, and his

* regard will be unto you, but if you negledl ' to worfhip him, he will caft you off for- ' ever,* or words nearly to that import. And being fearful they would over flay the time for meeting, inquired what hour, faying to them, * Don't negled: the bufinefs of the

* Lord:' And when they were going, de- fircd, * They would remember him when

* it was well with them.' In the evening inquiring what fort of a meeting they had that day, and being anfwered, a good meet- ing; he faid with feeming joy, * The Lord

* is not limited to perfons, but all that wor-

* fhip him aright fhall be accepted of him/ or words to that effe(5t. A little after mid- night, being in great bodily pain, and from the fymptoms, it was thought for about an hour he was departing, during which he appeared to have his mind retired to the Lord, and then reviving a little faid, * This

* has been a bleffed meeting.' The next morning taking leave of a neighbour, he faid, * Farewell, and if we never meet again

* in this world, I hope we fliall meet in a

' more

{ ^^9 )

' more gloridus place among the righteous.* The day before his departure his fpeech fail- ed much, tho' he remained very feniible ; and the laft words he was heard to fay, were, * Lord in heaven receive my foul.' Then growing weaker until the third hour next morning, being the nth of the firfl month 1764, he departed this life, in a quiet frame of mind, aged feventy-hx years and fbme months. His corps was interr'd in friends burying-ground at Exeter aforefaid, accom- panied by a large number of his friends and neighbours.

A Tefiimony from Bradford Monthly -Meeting in Pennfylvania, concerning Ma r y Pe n n el.

SH E was born in Radnorlhire, in Wales? and educated by her parents in the pro- feifion of the church of England. About the thirteenth year of her age, going with her elder filler to a meeting of friends, who were fitting in av/ful fdence, with tears drop- ping down the cheeks of divers, it made fuch religious imprellion on her tender mind, that (he thiereby became in fome de- gree, convinced of the truth. About the Sixteenth year of her age, flie arrived in Pennfylvania, where living in a friend's family, and experiencing the renewed viiits of truth, file became willing to come more ^lofely under the difcipline of the crofs, and

joined

( 230 ) joined with friends ; was married to John Fennel, and relided within the compafs of Concord meeting many years. Being di- vers years under a weighty exercife to appear in public miniftry, about the year 1722, Ihe gave up thereto, and increaiing in her gift, had in time, a refrefhing edifying tef- timony ; being well approved by her friends at home, and frequently led into the ftates of meetings where her lot was cad ; in the exercife of the miniftry flie travelled into the eaftern provinces, alfo into Great-Bri- tain and Ireland, where in divers places, flie had acceptable fervice, to the ftrengtheninp; fome tender minds in the way and work of truth. Afterwards removing with her huf- band to Eaft Cain, they refided there the re-- mainder of their time ; and feveral years before her deceafe, her underftanding by reafon of age, became weak, yet flie was preferv'd in much innocency, having a love and regard to friends, and was always pleaf- ed with their viiits.

She died the loth day of the fifth m.onth 1764, and was interr'd in friends burying- ground at Eaft Cain aforefaid, aged eighty- fix years.

An additionalTeJlimGny concenwig'M.A R y Pe n» NEL, by a friend from Great-Britain.

HAVING read the preceeding memorial, concerning our worthy decea fed friend Mary fennel, it is in my heart to make a

fmall

( 231 )

imall addition thereto. In the courfe of her travels in England, flie vifited friends at Ipfwich in Suffolk, and had good and ac- ceptable fervice there, among a number of young perfons who were newly convinced of the truth. Her converfation was folid and inftru(flive, accompanied with fweetnefs of fpirit, and having obtained to a confi- derable growth in experimental religion, fhe fpoke in a feeling effe<5lual manner to our nward dates. At a certain time giving fome account of her own convincement, flie faid. In her very young days, llie was a watch- ful obferver of the conducfl of friends at markets and public places, that flie might fee whether in their dealings they kept to the principle of truth, of which flie was convinced ; and feeing their words were few and favoury, their countenances and behaviour weighty, and that they were juft and upright in their commerce a- mongit men, it had a great tendency to confirm and eftablifli her mind in the truth- file had embraced.'

A Tejlimony from the Mont hi)' Meeting c/Phila- delphia, coJtcerningViA chelPemberton.

SH E was born at Burlington, in Weft- New- Jerfey, in the year 1691, being the daughter of Charles Read, who was one of the early fettlers of Pennfylvania under

( 232 )

the grant to William Penn. It pleafed the Lord to extend his gracious vifitation to her in her tender age, which as ihe fubmitted to and abode under, flie happily experienced to lead her into a life of righteoulnefs and great circumfpecflion. About the eighteenth year of her age, flie was married to our worthy friend Ifrael Pemberton, who united with her in a pious concern for the profperi- ty and prevalence of the caufe of truth, her fincere love to which and the friends there- of, file uniformly manifefted by her kind fympathetic care as a '* Mother in Ifrael.'* She ufefully filled the ftation of an overfeer and elder, being carefully concerned to rule her own family well, and that her offspring might have a portion in that treafure which faileth not. She was a true fympathizerwith thofe under afHi(5lion of body or mind, de- jnonftrating her fenfibility herein, by her frequent vilits to fuch, which were weighty and comforting, her converfation being fo- lid and inftru^live.

In the firll month 1754, it pleafed divine providence to deprive her of her beloved hufband, in whom was removed, a father, a friend, and counfellor to her and the church ; which clofe trial (after 40 years living toge- ther in much harmony) fhe was enabled to bear with chriftian calmnefs and refignati- cn ; having often to experience the reality of that truth left upon record, " A father ** to the fatherlefs, and a judge for the wi- **' dow, is God in his holy habitation."

She

( 233 )

She continued her houfe open for the re- ception of friends near and from remote parts, as it had been in her hufband's time, particularly for the entertainment of thofe who came from Europe on religious vifits to America, with whom flie was often dipt in- to much feeling fympathy under their weigh- ty travel and exercife.

Few have been more zealoufly concerned, and diligent in the attendance of religio-us meetings, feldom allowing the inclemency of weather to prevent her; and continu- ed to manifeft the like concern when very feeble; which diligence, was, in the time of her confinement and languilhing ftate, a fatisfaiflory refle(5lion to her, as her attend- ance had been from a real fenfe and perfua- iion of duty.

On the zzd day of the tenth month 1764, flie attended the fecond day's meeting of minifters and elders, which was the lail meeting flie was at, her feeble flate requir- ing her confinement to her chamber the 25//?, and gradually weakened ; yet love to the caufe of truth continued, and her con- cern was great, that the profefTors thereof might live under its preferving influence.

She uttered many lively expreflions at different times in the courfe of her iilnefs, in acknowledgement of the goodnefs and mercy of the Lord, * In prelerving her in * patience under great bodily pain, and ? yath an evidence of her future well-being.

She

( ^34 ) She departed this life, bn the i^th day of the fecond month 1765, and was interr'd in our burial ground in this city, on the 2^th of the fame month.

A Tejlhnony from Gwynedd Monthly- Meeting /«Pennfylvania, co«(7^r«/«§- Ellen Evans, an elder oj /aid meeting.

SH E was the daughter ©f Rowland and Margaret Ellis, born near Dollegelle, in the principality of Wales, in the year 1685. She was favoured with a good underftand- ing, which being improved by a religious education and ftricfl attention to the ditflates of divine grace, foon diftinguifhed her as one feeking after heavenly treafure, which made her in riper years, an honourable member of fociety.

She married our worthy and much eftQcm- ed friend John Evans, of this place, to whom ihe was truly a help-meet, more efpeciaUy in public religious fervices; for whenever flie difcovered the lead inclination in him^ to vifit the meetings of friends whether far or near, flie did all in her power to cherifli and encourage the motion ; ihe was alfo a great fupport and comfort to him under his fpiritual conflids about the time of his. appearing firfl in a public teflimony.

ill her family, flie was an example of piety^ and induftry, riling early in the mornings

^n4

( 235 )

and enppuraging others fo to do, often obferv- ingthat thofe who lay late, loft the youthful beauty of the day, and wafted the moft precious part of their time ; that the fun was the candle of the world, which called upon us to arife and apply to our feveral duties. When the affairs of the morning were tranfaded it was almoft her invaria- ble practice, except on meeting days, to retire about noon, with the bible or fome religious book; where a portion of her time was fpent alone; from which retirement flie often returned with evident tokens, that her eyes had been bathed in tears.

She was remarkably well acquainted with the holy fcriptures, as alfo the writings and characters of our ancient worthy friends, together with thofe of her own time; fre- quently exprelling, ' The many advantages Ihe reaped from often converiing with the dead and abfent ; endeavouring to cultivate the fame difpofition in her family, by often calling them together in the winter even- ings, and requiring one of her children to read audibly in the bible or fome other reli- gious book ;' repeatedly obferving to them, The benefit which attended preferving the chara(51:ers of thofe faithful minifters and elders in the church, whofe pious lives and happy diflolution, if held up to the view of pofterity, might be a likely means of kindling the fame holy zeal, and refoluti- on to tread in their footfteps.' And as miniftring friends (whom Ihe truly loved

from

( =36 )

from her infancy as brethren and fifters in gofpel fellowflijp) in the courfe of their vifits came this way, generally lodged at their houfe, at which times llie feldom miff- ed to prepare her family, and inform the neighbourhood of an intention to fit a while together in the evening j which fele(?t oppor- tunities, many can yet remember, were of- ten fingularly bleffed with divine comfort and edification.

Her diligence in attending meetings for religious worlhip, was no lefs manifeft than her fteady zeal for fupporting our chriftian difcipiine, and that we might adorn the dodrine of God our Saviour in all things : Yet was her zeal mixed with charity, for having long experienced how fev/ were qualified to lay juftice precifely to the fine and righteoufnefs to the plumbline, {lie thought it fafeft rather to incline to the mer- ciful fide ; firmly believing that the grace of God which bringeth falvation, had appeared unto all men ; delighting to converfe with our uninfiruded Indians about their fenti- ments of the fupreme being ; and often faid,

* She difcovered evident traces of diAane

* goodnefs in their uncultivated minds.'

In her friendfiiips fhe was warm and Hea- dy, and on her death bed earneftly preffed her children, * Not to forget the friends of

* their father and mother;' and the fenfibi- lity of her heart, made her very attentive ta the wants of the poor in her neighbour- hood.

Som.e;

( -37 )

Some years before her deceafe fhe loft in

the hufband of her youth, a bofom friend,

and the great fupport of her age, which

proved fo great a trial, llie faid, ' That if

* God v/hom {he loved all her life long, had

* not enabled her to fullain it, {he mud

* have funk under it.' This diipenfation of providence weaned her from all tempo*- ral enjoyments. She continued attending meetings, and frequently vifiting the fick and afflidled while her ftrength permitted, and when that failed, much of her time was fpent in reading the holy fcriptures and in meditation.

The early fliate of religion in this pro- vince was a grateful fubjecft of converfati- on to her in the evening of her day, but upon turning her eye to the prefent time, Ihe would fay with a deep hgh, * Oh! what

* is become of the morning dew and celefti-

* al rain, that ufed to fall and reft upon our

* afTemblies.' For herfelf, ihe often prayed, ' That fhe might poffefs a lively relifh of

* truth to the laft, and retain the greennefs

* of youth in old age, which God was gra-

* ciouily pleafed to favour her with.

Her laft illneis began about a year before her deceafe, in the forepart thereof fhe felt a lownefs and deprefTion of mind, thatcauf- ed her to cry, * Tell me, Oh ! thou whom

* my foul loveth, where thou feedeft, where ' thou makeft thy flocks to reft at noon/ But after fome time, this cloud was remov- ed.

( n^ )

ed, and llie was enabled to fay, * He broitghe

* me to the banqueting houfcj and his ban*

* ner over me was love/

And thus, by remembring her creator in the days of her youth, and a fteady perfe- verance therein, flie w^as enabled to meet the king of terrors with a ferene counte* nance, and refigned her breath without a ligh or groan, the 2(^th day of the fourth month, and was buried at Gwynedd, the zd of the fifth month 1765 ; being, we truft, admitted to the general affembly and church of the firft born, which are written in heaven.

A Teftimony from Kingwood Monthly- Meeting in New-Jerfey, concerning Samuel Large.

U R ancient friend Samuel Large, de- parted this life, the gth of the fixth month 1765, and was buried the 1 ithofiaid month, in friends burying-ground at King- wood, aged about ieventy-feven years, hav- ing been a minifter upwards of 40 years. He was religiouily inclined when young, infomuch (as he related) that at times he thought he could freely declare to others of the goodnefs and merciful deal- ings of God to his foul ; but for want of giving diligent heed to the infliinings of that divine light which had meafurably

redeemed

( 239 ) S^edeemed him, he fuffered a lofs of that fweet and heavenly communion which he had been made a fliarer of, and began to join with folly and vanity, which youth are apt to do; but in procefs of time, being revifited by an all-merciful God, he gave up to bear the crofs; and about the thirtieth year of his age, was made willing to bear a public teftimony, and declare to others what God had done for him ; which tefti- mony was living and powerful, and tended to the rerrefliing and watering the. Lord's heritage and people ; being often concern'd where his lot was caft, to invite and per- fuade people to feek the Lord for them- felves, that they might know the work of regeneration wrought and compleated in and for themfelves. He freely gave up to fpend both time and fubftance on truth's account when called thereto, having vifited feveral provinces on this continent, and fome of them divers times. He was a ge- nerous kind friend, ready to do good to all, efpecially the houfehold of faith, very ready in ailifling tlie fervants and mefTengers of Chrift when travelling on that account ; bringing up his children in the principles of the chriftian religion, and in pkinnefs of fpeech and apparel, a great encourager of his family and others in attending meet- ings, that they might difcharge their du- ties which they owed to their maker. In the latter part of his days, when old and infirm, he met with exercifes and difficul- ties,

( 240 )

ties, yet we have good reafon to believe, he was carried through them all, and died in peace with the Lord and goodwill to all mankind, and is enter'd into reft, and reaps the reward of the faithful, where trouble and exercife are at an end. He had a fight of his approaching exit, and gave orders that his burial lliould be plain. Some of the laft words he utter'd, were to his wife, a few hours before he expired, when he faid,

* All is done that is needful, now I muft

* leave thee.'

A Tejl'imony from New-Garden Monthly -Meet-- ing in P-ennfylvania, concerning William

MoTT.

OU R worthy friend William Mott, of Mamaroneck in New- York govern- ment, being on a religious vifit to friends in this province; after attending our yearly- meeting at Philadelphia, intended proceeding to Nottingham, and on his way thither, was at our monthly-meeting in the tenth month 1765; where, after a time of filence, he ap- peared in a ihort yet fatisfadtory teftimony ; but being much indifpofed, left the meet- ing in a few minutes afterwards, and went to a friend's houfe, where his diforder, which proved to be the fmall pox, increafed and ky heavy upon him. Two days after- wards, feme friends going to vifit him, he

mention'd

( 241 )

mentioned his defire of having a time o£ retirement together, in which opportunity he exprefs'd in a Hvely and lenhble manner, his reiignation to the will of God refpecfling his indifpoiition, and fpoke of the great ad- vantage it would be to the members of our fociety, if they were more drawn from the fpirit and friendfhip of the world, and the eager purfuit after the riches and grandeur thereof; faying, that the profeflbrs of truth fuffered great lofs in a fpiritual fenfe, for want of being often deeply inward, when about their lawful callings, labouring to have their minds retired, where true com- fort and inftrudlion is to be witneiTed ; and that friends who are heads of families, ought to wait for the movings of truth, to make way for them to call their children and fervants together; and if this was but the engagement of their minds, way would be made for fuch opportunities beyond their expecftation. On which and fome other fub- je(5ls, he, at that time, fpoke in a fenfible humble manner.

At other times he frequently mention'd his uneafinefs in beholding, that many of the profeflbrs of truth did not keep within the bounds of true moderation refpe6ling cloathing and furniture, but rather pleafed- the natural difpofition, to no real advantage, and confumed much precious time that might be profitably fpenc in doing good among mankind; faying, that if triends lived near enough to the inward teacher R that}

( 242 )

that difcovers things to be as they really are; there are many things amongfl us termed fmall or trifling, which would ap- pear inconhftent with the pure truth.

Notwithilanding his affli(5\ion was great, yet he bore it with remarkable patience, ap- pearing more concern'd for the glory of God and the good of his church and people, than any temporal conliderations : And fre- quently exprefs'd his refignation to the di- vine will, being freely given up either for life or death. The retired frame of mind he generally appeared in, was inilrudlive ; often faying he felt eafy in mind, having \vitnefled a comfortable refrefliing feafon, and exprefs'd his thankfulnefs for iiich pe- culiar favour in fo trying a dil'penfation : Yet he had no other profpecl but that he fhould recover, until a few hours before his deceafe, when he {ignified, ' He had almoft ' done with time.' And changing faft, he quietly departed, the i^th of the tenth month 1765, in a fenlible compofed frame of fpirit. On the I'jth his corpfe, accom- panied by many friends, was interr'd in friends burying-ground in New-Garden, aiter a folid meeting.

A Tejlnnony

( 243 )

A Tejlhnony fro77t the ^larterfy- Meeting of Vhi'-^ ladelphia, concerning our efteemed friend Margaret Ellis, late of Radnor meet- i7ig, deceafed.

H E was born in the principality of Wales, of parents profefling epifcopacy, and religious in that way. By a lliort me- morial {he hath left, of fome occurrences in her life, we find, flie was early vifited by the almighty, which Ihe exprefles in this manner. * At fourteen years of age, the

* call of the Lord was to me, when feeing

* fome of my companions carried to the ' grave, a concern came over my mind,

* with a confideration, whither their fouls

* were gone, and where mine would be, if

* I fhould then be taken away ; and that

* followed and remained with me for many

* days:' But being young and not vviliing to bear the crofs, the witnefs for God was fo far fupprelTed, that flie gave way to fol- low the vanities and diverfions of the world; yet the Lord did not forget her ; but fome years after, the vilitation was renewed, and then, ihe fays, * I returned in earneft

* to look within, to my own {i?XQ and con-

* dition, and to the anointing mentioned

* by the apoftle John, which opened clearly ' in my mind.' This brought her to a clofe exercile» and often in fee ret prayer, that the Lord would be pleaied to manifeft her duty. Soon after this, flie went to vifit a

R 2 brother

( 244 ) brother at Dolobran, who had a fhort time before joined in communion with friends ; and being at a meeting, jQie was further reached unto, and the thoughts of her heart declared by a worthy minifter then preibnt. Her father took pains to difTuade her from joining friends, and got feveral priefts to aflift him with their endeavours, but being enlightened to fee the formality and dead- nefs of the profeiTion of religion in which fhe had been educated, and the blindnefs and emptinefs of their priefts, flie aquaint- ed her father, ' She would never come more ' to their church, unlefs it was to his and her * mother's burial.'

In a few years after this, fhe found a con- cern to appear in public teftimony in friends meetings, and foon afterwards removed to this province ; in which fhe apprehended a divine dired:ion, believing the Lord would go along with her, which flie experienced to her comfort, and was cordially received by friends ; increafing in the gift beftowed on her.

She pafTed through various baptifms and trials in her young years in her native land, and many conflicfis andexercifes afterwards, yet experienced the arm of the Lord revealed for her help and fupport.

She was a lincerehearted woman, diligent in the exercife of her gift, which was in much plainnefs and limplicity. She viiited the meetings frequently in Ibme parts of this province and New-Jerfey j and in the

year

( 245 )

year 1752, with the concurrence of friends, embarked in order to vifit friends in fome parts of Great- Britain, which ilie perform- ed, and was in feveral places engaged to vi- fit many of the famihes of friends ; which as we have underflood, were acceptable and fer- viceable. She was favoured to return, and continued lively in the exercife of her gift.

Being taken ill in Philadelphia, in the eleventh month 1765, immediately after our quarterly- meeting which fhe attended, after a few days illnei's, flie departed this life. She had divers times, to her particular friends, exprelTed her defire, if it was the Lord's will, to finiHi her days in this city; and in her licknefs exprelTed her willingnefs to depart, but requefted Ihe might be fa- voured with fome interval of eaie from ex- treme pain, that flie might take her leave of her friends, which was granted her. She uttered many lively and favoury exprelfions in her ficknefs, was favoured with an evi- dence of her future well-being, and as flie lived in the fear of God, we doubt not fhe was accepted of him, and enjoys the reward of her faithfulnefs.

She died the i^th of the eleventh month 1765, in a good old age; her body was car- ried to our meeting-houfe in High- Street, and after a folid meeting, buried the i^th in friends grave-yard.

A Tejlimon^

( 246 )

A Teflimony from Nottingham Monthly- Meet- ing 111 Pennfylvania, concerning Dinah J A M E s.

SH E was born the ']th of the lixth month 1699, near Chefter, in the county of Chefter in Pennfylvania. When fhe was about five years old, her parents John and Hannah Churchman, removed and fettled at Nottingham, in the county aforefaid ; and ilie being religioufly educated by them, foon became inwardly fenfible of the bleifed truth ; and taking heed to its teaching, was early a- dorned thereby with a meek and quiet fpirit ; was a great lover of meetings for the wor- Ihip of God, and a humble exemplary wait- er therein. About the thirty-fourth year of her age ihe appeared in the miniftry, and being faithful in her gift, though ihe did not increafe in many words, and butfeldom appeared therein, being rather a pattern of awful filence, yet her teftimony when fhe did appear, was remarkably feafoned with the baptifmg power of the fpirit, which made it truly acceptable to friends. She was often heard to exprefs her apprehenfion of the danger of words increafing in the church, without fnfficient weight and aw- fulnefs ; and at different times, efpecially in the latter years of her life, both in pub- lic teflimony and in private, flie fpoke of a winnowing time at hand, wherein flie ap- prehended the chaff was to be blown away,

and

( H7 )

and the church reftored to as great, if not a greater degree of purity than heretofore ; which is now frefli in the memory of divers perfons.

She was an example of plainnefs herfelf, and careful prudently to fupprefs the con- trary in her children, as long as they re- mained under her immediate care, meekly difTuading in a moving manner, againfl any appearance of corruption in converfation, as well as tlie world's vain fafhions and fu* perfiuity in drefs ; firmly maintaining pa* rental authority in this lleady refolution which Ihe never departed from, viz. that while her children were clothed at her ex- pence, they fliouldfubmit to have their clothes failiioned agreeable to her mind. She was no lefs remarkable for humility and charity, a promoter of good order in the church, and of true peace upon the right foundation ; for which virtues Ihe gained the general e{l©em of her friends and others.

Between the years 1742 and 1754, llie viiited mod of the meetings of friends in Pennfylvania, New-Jerfey, Long-Iiland and the Eaftern-fhore of Maryland. Pier care to attend mee-tings was memorable and worchy of imitation, even when under great bodily weaknels and infirmity, as fhe was for ma- ny years in the latter part of her life, fe- veral of her joints being greatly affedled. with the violence of rheamacic pains ; all which fhe bore with fuch patience and hum- ble refignation of mind, as truly becomes a

chriftiau

( 248 )

cliriftian, and befpoke a well grounded hope of a lafting habitation at the end of a wea- ry pilgrimage in this world.

She was at meeting a few weeks before her deceafe, but feeling mvich bodily weak- nefs, file exprefTed her doubt of ever coming again j having at divers times before mani- fefled a fenfe of her end being near. About five days before her deceafe flie was feized with a fever and inward pains, which weak- ened her very fall:. The night before flie died fhe had feyeral refrefliing naps of fleep, and on awaking was otten heard quietly to repeat thefe words, * A happy change, a * happy change j' and about the ^th hour on the ifi of the firft month 1766, flie quietly departed, as one falling afleep, be- ing cheerful and fenfible almofl to the laft mo- ments of life ; in the fixty-feventh year of her age, a minifter about 33 years; and on the "^d of the fame month, was interr'd in the burying-ground of friends at Eaft-Not- tingham.

A Teftimony from Sadfbury Monthly- Meeting in Pennfylvania, concerning Mar Y Mooii K.

OU R well efleemed friend Mary Moore, late wife of James Moore, and daugh- ter of Jofeph and Sarah Wildman, of Bucks county, was born the ^th day of the eighth month 1720, fhe was adorn'd with a meek

and

( 249 )

^nd quiet fpirit, favour'd with a gift in the miniltry , whofe te.ftiiiiony was generally well received, her words being few and favoury, and her awful deportment and exemplary conduct both at home and abroad, worthy of imitation. About a year before her de- ceafe flie was taken with a lingering difor- der, in which time of weaknefs llie was often tenderly affecfted, advihng her childrea and others, * To prepare for their latter end,

* and not leave their work behind hand;' obierving, in an humble manner, what an awful bowed people we ought to be.

About four hours before her departure many friends came to fee her, whom fhe earneflly beholding, defircd they would fic down, that they might truly wait in God's fear, and that thofe who knew how to wait would get deep in true hlence: At which time, notwithftanuing her great w^eaknefs, Ihe was divinely favoured, and her tongue loofed to leave her laft tcftimony, faying,

* Friends, if you love God, he will love you,

* and if you do not love God, how can you

* expedl to be beloved of him ?' Adding,

* If you would gather your families more

* often together, and fit down in his fear,

* and wait in true filence, to have your ' minds drawn from this world, you would

* grow in the truth,' with more to the fame e.fFe(5l:, deliring they might remember her words. After which flie defired her hul- band would freely give her up and not moura after her, at the fame time encou-

ragc4

/

( ^So ) raged him to faithfulnefs, and defired friends would be ftill and quiet until her departure. Being fenfible to the laft, (he quietly expired the i$th of the feventh month 1766, and was interr'd in friends burying-ground at Sadfbury, aged forty-five years.

A TeJIimony from Haddon field Monthly- Meet- ing in New-Jerfey, concerning Thomas

R h D xM A N.

E was born in the city of Philadelphia, the 3 1/? of the third month 17 14, and being ftripped of his parents when young, was placed apprentice in faid city, after which he removed and fettled at Haddon- field aforefaid. About the twenty- fecond year of his age, he appeared in theminillry, and we believe laboured faithfully until the conclufion of his days. He travelled into New-England on a religious vifit, in com- pany with Edmund Peckovei% of Great- Britain, who was here on a vifit to the churches in America, from whence, at his return, we received a good account of his fervices, which, with his company, was very acceptable to us. He was often deeply exerciied for the grovv'th and profperity of truth, whicli we believe he truly loved. In family viiits he was much favoured with di- vine ability, and had to deliver fuitable ad- vice to the benefit and refrefhment of many:

His.

( 25« )

His teflimony was plain, found and edify- ino-; a lowly minded Teeker of divine help, which made him very ufeful in the carrying on the affairs of the church. He ruled well in his own family, bringing them up in mo- deration and plainnefs, and was a good ex- ample therein himfelf. Although he did not travel much in diftant parts, yet he vifited moil of the meetings in New-jerfey and Pennfylvania. He was fometimes fervently engaged to call to the youth, for whom he was much concerned ; he w?is prudent, charitable and benevolent, whofe houfe was open fpeely to receive his friends. And altho' we feniibly feel the Ibfs of fo worthy a friend and member, we deiire to fu'omit. believing our lofs is his great gain, and that he now inherits a place prepared for the righteous. He departed this life, at his own houfe in Haddonfield, the 23Jday of the ninth month 1766, in the lifty-chird year of his age, and was interr'd the 25//.? in friends bury- ing-ground at Haddonfield, after a large and folid meeting on the occafion.

A TeJiimonyfrom'Uvv'ch.l^n Monthly-Meeting in Pennfylvania, concerning SaxMUKL John.

HE was born in Pembrokefhire, in the principality of Wales, in the year 768c, and educated in profefHon with the church of England, being (as v^e have been

inform'd

( 252 )

informed by thofe who then knew him) a fober youth, rehgioufly incUned, and con- cern'd for an inward acquaintance with the Lord, who had touched his heart with a fenfe of his own ftate and condition, whence defires being raifed after that which is fub- ftantial, he continued feeking for many years, and among divers profeflions.

He came over to Pennfylvania, in the year 1709, and fome time after fettled at Uwch- lan aforefaid, and foon joined in fociety with friends, having for divers years before been under fome convincement of the prin- ciple of truth as held by us; and^being ineafurably faithful to the manifeflation of grace received, the Lord was pleafed to be- ftow upon him a difpenfation of the gofpel to preach, in which we believe he laboured ffiithfully, and became a found and able minifler; His fitting in meetings for divine worfhip was folid and exemplary, often in filence, tho' at times when moved thereto, doctrine hath dropped from him as the dew, and his fpeech diftilled as the fmall rain, to the refrefhing the hungry and thirfty foul.

He was an example of plainnefs and mo- deration, his converfation weighty and in- ftru(51:ive, alfo very encouraging to fuch as were well minded ; and divers Imall pieces found among his papers, which appear 4s the produce of his private meditations, ma- nifeft that his converfation was often in heaven, and his meditation on heavenly things.

It

( 253 )

It was his lot to pafs through divers bap- tifing and affliding circumftances (occafion- ed by the conduct of fome who oui^ht to have been a comfort to him in his decUning years) which he bore with becoming pati- ence, and retained his greennefs to the laft, appearing in a fweet comfortable frame of mind ; he often exprefs'd himfelf in a deep, fenhble and affedling manner, to fome who vifited him during his lail weaknefs which continued a confiderable time, being con- fined at home thro' bodily infirmity and old age, for near two years before his de- ceafe.

He quietly departed this life, on the i6th of the tenth month 1766, in the eighty- feventh year of his age, having been a mi- nifter about 54 years, and was buried the 1 8//? of the faid month; wdien a folemn meeting was held, wherein theoverfliadowing of truth was meafurably felt, under the in- fluence whereof the unruly were warned, and the feeble minded comforted and encouraged to perfevere in the way which leads to peace.

A Tejllmony from New-Garden Monthly-Meeting in Pennfylvania, concerning John Smith.

HE was born at Dartmouth, in New- England, the yi of the fourth month 168 1 ; his parents were Prelbyterians, but joined with friends in their laicer years. As

he

( 254 ) he grew to years of underitanding, the Lord was plealed to favour him with the know- ledge of his bleflfcd truth, through the -di- vine hght ihining in his heart, vvhereby he became acquainted with the difcipline of the crofs, and was, whilfl young, in a good degree weaned from the vanities and perifh- ing enjoyments of this world.

About the twenty-fecond year of his age, he bore a teflimony againft wars and fight- ings, for vvhich he was fined and fuflered feven months imprifonment. In the twenty- fourth year of his age, he embark'd for England, and on his arrival there, was prefT- ed on board a velTel of war, where he was kept about fix weeks ; and for refufmg to fight or be an affiflant therein, he under- went fufferings, trials and many exercifes, but thro' the Lord's mercy and goodnefs, he was preferved fleady in his teftimony, and found peace and the prefence of the Lord to be with him in a large degree, rejoicing that he was accounted worthy to fuffer for the teftimony of truth. He came over to Penn- fylvania foon after, and when married, re- jided feveral years at or near Chefter, and about the year 17 13, he removed with his family into Ea ft- Marlborough in Chefter county, where he dwelt upwards of 40 years. About the year 17 14, a meeting for worihip was fettled at his houfe, which continued until a meeting- houfe was built in London- Grove townfliip not far diflant.

He

( ^55 )

.' He was one whom we think dwelt near the truth, having received the fame in the love of it. His miniftry was favoury tho* not very eloquent, zealous for good order andferviceabie in thedifcipiine of the church. He often fpoke of the degeneracy from the primitive plainnefs conlpicuoas amongfh friends, both in drefs and addrefs, and the great need of a reformation ; expreiTmg his fervent defires for the reftoration of ancient purity ; and be"ng himfelf an example of plainnefs, and in converfation cheerful, in- ftrucflive and edifying ; was often concern'd toftir up the negligent to their duty, both in refpe(5l to attendance of meetings and humble waiting therein.

He cheerfully entertained his friends, whofe company and converfation he greatly deiired ; and tho' in the decline of life, he met with fome affli(5ling occurrences, yet he bore them with a good degree of chriilian fortitude, looking over them to that which is invifible, having an eye to the recompence of reward.

The laft place of his refidence, was with- in the limits of New-Garden particular meeting, which he carefully attended when able; the Lord being pleafed to preferve him as a fruitful branch, freili and green, v/hich was manifefted by his converfation, folid deportment in meetings, and particu- larly in his miniftry; a fweetnefs of fpirit and lively fenfe of truth apparently attend- ing him to the laft.

His

{ 256 ) His bodily infirmities gradually increa{^ ing, he departed this life, the i^th of the teath month 1766, and was buried at Lon- don-Grove aforefkid, in the eighty-fixth year of his age ; and we truft he is at reft, receiving the reward of the faithful.

ATeftimony from Warrington Monthly* Meet ing in Pennfylvania, concerning Alexander Underwood.

HE was born in Maryland in the year 1688, and being convinced of the truth fome time after he arrived to man's eftate, was chofen an elder of the meeting •where he then refided ; afterwards remov- ing to this then remote part of the country, in the fifty- feventh year of his age he ap- peared in the miniftry, and travelled twice on that fervice to North-Carolina, of which vilits we receiv'd comfortable accounts frorri friends there ; and when at home was enabled to minifcer fuitably to the ftate of tlie church, to the comfort of the true mourners in Zion, and encouragement oi the faithful travellers. Towards the latter part of his time, his bodily ftrength much failed, yet he vifited fome of the neighbour- ing meetings, and families of friends, to the comfort of the faithful, his miniftry continuing to be found and lively.

In

( 257 ) In his laft ficknefs he feemed much re^ figned, and at one time faid, ' He had the

* company of his good mafler to comfort ^ him in his affli6lion.* At another faid,

* That he could fay with the Pfahnifl, that

* the good hand that was' with him in his

* young years, had not forfook him now in

* his old age.' And divers times fignified,

* He ftill felt the comforter with him;' fay- ing, * His day's work was done.' A little before his departure, he fang praifes and hallelujahs, to his great Lord and mafter. Then prayed for the little handful ; and taking leave of all prefent, continued in a fweet frame of mind, finging praifes until he could not be underftood, and quietly de- parted this life, the 3 ifi of the tenth month 1767, and was interr'd the 2d of the eleventh month, in thefeventy-ninth year of his age. May we who are left behind, be engaged to follow his example, that fo our end may be like unto his.

A Teflimony fro7n Bradford Monthly- Meeting in Pennfylvania, concerning Ab r a h a m Ma r-

SHALL.

WE underftand he was born at Grat- ton, in Derbylliire Old England, and educated in the proleffion of the church of England; in his youth he was favoured with a vilitation of divine love, but not

keeping

S

( 258 ) keeping clofe thereunto, when amongft his companions he fuffered lofs. When about fifteen or fixteen years of age, our worthy friend John Gratton being abroad in truth's lervice, was concern'd to have a meeting at a town called Ahiwick, where this our friend then refided, who fo powerfully declared the truth, that he amongft divers others was convinced; and carefully abiding under the difcipline of the crofs, he in time received a part in the miniftry. About the year 1697, he came over to Pennfylvania, and for Ibme time reiided near Derby, where he enter'd into a married ftate, and in a few years afterwards removed to the forks of Brandywine, then a new fettled part of the country, the neareft meeting being about eleven miles, which he feldom milfed at- tending when of ability of body ; he was alio inftrumental in lettling this called Bradford meeting, within the compafs of which he refided the remainder of his days. He was an example of plainnefs and felf denial, and concern'd for the fupport of the difcipline. He travelled into New-Jerfey and the fouthern provinces where his fer- •\'ice in the miniilry was acceptable, his dodfrine being found, and his life, conver- fation and deportment adorning the fame. When far advanced in age, his hearing arid memory failing, rendefd his ulefulnels not lb ex teniive as in his younger years. For fome rime before his dcceale, he feemed very defirous of his change, often expreliing,

' * 1 hat

■■.^. -iwjfc.*"""

( 259 )

* That people fliould io live in this world ' as to fit them for another.' About twenty- four hours before he died, he laid to thofe with him, ' Let me go, let me go. People

* lliould live in love:* Then faidj ' Farewell, ' farewell ;' after three or four weeks illnefs or rather growing weaker with age, he de- parted in a compofed frame ot mind, on the lytb of the twelfth month 1767, and on the 20tb was interr'din friends burying- ground at Bradford. By the general ac- count, in the ninety- feventh year of his age^ but we have fome reafon to believe he was one hundred and three.

Mary Mariliall, his widow was born in Kent in Old England, and came to America with her father when about two years and an half old. She furvived her hufband about fifteen months, and departed this life, after about four days illnefs, quiet and eafy, in the eighty-feventh year of her age, leaving a good favour in our reraembrance.

A Te/limony from the Monthly- Meeting of Friends in Philadelphia, concerning Ben- jamin Trottek, ivbo ivas born in this city^ in the ninth month of the year 1699.

E was early vifited, and reached unto by the reproofs of divine light and giace, for thofe youthful vanities and cor- rupt converiation, which by nature he was iS 2 prone

( 0.60 )

prone to and pnrfued, to the grief of hlg pious mother, who was religioufly concern- ed to redrain him; but as he became obedi- ent to the renewed vifitations of the heaven- ly call, denying himfelf of thofe things he was reproved for, he not only learned to ceafe from doing evil, but to live in the practice of doing well ; and continuing faith- ful, became an example of plainnefs and felf denial, for which he fuffered much fcofhng and mocking of thofe who had been his companions in folly; yet he neither fainted nor was turned afide by the reproach- es of the ungodly, which thus fell to his lot, for his plain teflimony againfl their evil condu(fl.

In the twenty-fixth year of his age, he appeared in the work of the miniflry, and laboured therein in much plainnefs and godly fincerity, adorning the docftrine he preached, by a humble circumfpecft life and converfation, being exemplary in his dili- gence and induifry to labour honeftly for a livelihood, though often in much bodily- infirmity and weaknefs, defiring, as hefome- times expreffed, that he might owe no man any thing but love. His inoffenfive open- nefs and affability, drawing many of dif- ferent denominations to converfe with him, he had fome feafonable opportunities of ad- moniihing and rebuking the evil doer and evil fpeaker, which he did, in the plainnefs of an upright zeal for the promotion of pie- ty and virtue, tempered with true brotJierly

kindnels

( 26l )

kindnefs and charity; refpedling not the perfon of the proud nor of the rich, be- caufe of his riches, but with chriftian free- dom, declaring the truth to his neighbour, and was thus in private as well as public, a preacher of righteoufnefs.

In his public miniftry he was zealous againft errors both in principle and practice, and conftantly concerned to prels the ne- cellity of obedience to the principle of divine grace; a manifeftatinn of which is given to every man ; knowing, from his own ex- perience, that it bringeth falvation to all them that obey and follow its teachings, and was frequently enabled with energy and power to bear teltimony to the outward coming of our Lord Jefus Chrift, his mira- culous birth, his holy example in his life and precepts, and his death and fufFerings at Jerufalem, by which he hath obtained e- ternal redemption for us.

In his public teftimony a little before his laft ficknefs, he expreiled his apprehen- fions, that his time among us would be ihort, and fervently exliorted to watchfulnefs and care, to keep our lamps tnmmed, and our lights burning, and urged the necefficy of being prepared to meet the bridegroom, as not knowing at what hour he will come.

He travelled leveral times, and vilited mod of the meetings ot friends in this pro- vince and New-Jeriey, and ibme in the ad- jacent provinces, but was not much from home ; being upwards of forty years a dili-

( 262 )

gent attender of our religious meetings iil this city, zealoufly concerned for the main- taining our chrifhian difcipline in meeknefs and true charity, careful in the exercife of that part of pure religion, vifiting the wi- dow and fatherlefs in their afflidlions, and often qualified to adminifter relief and con- folation to their dejected minds.

Afflitfbions of divers kinds, and fome very deep and exercifing, fell to his lot through the courfe of his life, which he was enabled to bear with exemplary patience and refig- nation, and particularly through his lafl ili- nefs, in which, for upwards of fix weeks, he underwent great difficulty and pain, be- ii g aflii(5led with the althma and dropfy, fo that he luffered much, yet was never heard to utter a murmur or complaint, but fre- quently ex pre (Ted his thankfulneis, that he had not more pain, and often engaged in prayer, that he might be preferved in pati- ence to the end, which was gracioufly grant- ed him ; fo that he was capable of fpeaking to the comfort and edification of thofe who vifitedhim; and from the fervent love of the brethren, which evidently appeared thro* his lite, and moll confpicuoully during his lail ihnefs, and even in the hour of his death, we have a well-grounded affurance that he is palled unto life, and hath receiv- ed the reward of the righteoufs. _ His body was attended by a great number of friends and others, his fellow-citizens of divers religious denominations, to our meet- in g-l.i)ufe

( =63 )

ing-houfein High-Street, on the i^jh of the third month, 1768, and after a folemn meeting, was interr'd in our burial-ground •in this city.

A Tellimony from Richland Monthly -Meeting m Pennfylvania, concerning Edward Ro- berts.

HE was born in Merionethfliire, in the principaHty of Wales, in the third month 1687, and came into Pennfylvania about the twelfth year of his age ; was early convinced of the principle of truth as held forth by friends, with whom he joined in communion, and by his godly life and con- verfation through the courfe of his time, was nearly united to them. His minillry was attended with divine fweetnefs and ener- gy, labouring faithfully therein to the com- fort and edification of the living whilft health and bodily ability continued ; being a lively example of humility, plainneis, temperance, meeknefs and charity, and of juiUce and up- rightnefsin his dealings amongfl men, which gamed him the love and elteem of people of all denominations. He was a tender affec- tionate huiband and father, earneftly con- cern'd to train up his children and family in tlie fear of God, and example and in- ftru(51: them in the priths of vnuue, and alio inanifeiled a true zeal for promoting and

pieitrviug

( 264 ) preferving peace and good order in foclety, wherein he was often fingularly ferviceahle. His bodily ftrength gradually diminifliing, he was reduced even to a child's Hate, in which he quietly departed this life, without much ficknefs, on the z^th of the elevenrh month 1768, in the eighty -lecond year of his age j a minifler above 40 years.

4. Teflhnony from Abington Monthly -meeting in Vt\\w{y\si2im.2i^ concerning Mary Knight.

H E was the daughter of John and Ma- ry Carver, who came from England in the year 1682, and was born in or near Phiiadelphia foon after her parents arrived, being one of the firfl children born of En- glifli parents in Pennfylvania. Her parents fetcied at Byberry hi Philadelphia county, and educated her in our religious profelTion. When about eighteen years old, flie marri- ed Ifaac Knight and became a member of Abington particular meeting : Some time after ihe appear'd in meetings in a few words in iimplicity and innocency, and in the ex- ercile of her gift tho' fmall, vifited divers meetings in feme of the adjacent provinces, from whence fhe generally produced ac- counts of friends acceptance ot her iervices: And continuing in a fteady perfeverance, according to her talent, as ilie advanced to old age, her zeal ior the caule of truth and

good

( 265 ) good of fouls manifeflly increafed ; fre- quently recommending faithfulnefs, and a daily watchfulnefs againfl the enemy of fouls, whom flie often faid, ' Was un-

* wearied, and had followed her all her life ' long, being yet as bufy as ever, to draw

* her mind from off her watch ;' flie would frequently exprefs, that flie had great caufe of thankfulnefs to the God and father of all our mercies, who had liipported her through many befetments, with his gracious promife, that if flie would be faithful according to the meafure of grace beftowed, he would be with her to the end.

Towards the clofe of her days, bodily weaknefs increafed, yet flie was remarkably diligent in attending meetings, and with ardency exhorted all, * To come tafle and ' lee for themfelves that the Lord is good,

* for he had been good indeed to her foul/ with other expreliions tendmg to encourage well-doing. She feemed fo fill'd with love to God, love to her friends, and love to her fellow creatures in general, that we have reafon to believe God was with her, and tliat her laft days were her beif days. A good end crowns all.

She departed this life, the ^th of the third month 1769, and was buried at Abing- ton the 6th of the fame month, aged near eighty-ieven years,

A Te/limony

( 266 )

A Teftimony from Abington Monthly- Meeting in Peanlylvania, concerning Thomas Wood.

U R faid friend was born in England, of parents not profefling with us, who brought him over with them when very- young, and refided in New-Jerfey in the early fettlement of that province. Soon af- ter he became capable of religious confidera- tion, he v/as convinced of the principle of truth as profeffed by us, on which account he underwent the difpleai'ure of, and fome feverities from his father, but being fteady and prudent in condudl, and faithful to his convincenient, he at length fo gained on his father's afFedlions, that after fome time he became reconciled and friendly to him.

He became a member of this monthly, and of Abington particular meeting, on or about the thirtieth year of his age, and fo continued to the end of his life, being al- ways, when at home and in health, a con- ftant attender of thofe meetings, tho' living at a confiderable diftance therefrom.

When about forty-eight years of age, he appeared in the minidry, and became a faithiul labourer therein according to abili- ty. He had little or no Ibhool- learning, yet delighted much in hearing the fcriptures read, and often promoted the reading of them in his family; by means v/hereof and a retentive me/.x.ory, he fumetimes, thro' the ailiilance of divine grace, quoted texts

from

( 267 )

from them in his miniftry, which was not in the enticing words of man's wifdom, but in the demonflration of the fpirit, often ad- miniitring comfort to, and trvie fympathy with, the affli6led and mourners in Zion.

He divers times viiited moll of the ditlant meetings of friends on this continent, aad on his return produced fatisfadlory accounts of his fervices in thofe vifirs. He often communicated good and wholefome advice to his neighbours of other religious deno- minations, amongll whom he was generally reipe61:ed, as a good neighbour, and an ho- neil, innocent, inoflenfive man.

Akho' he did not appear to be much gift- ed for the exercife of the difcipiine, yet be- ing a conftant attender of meetings appoint- ed for that puri)ole, and a diligent waiter therein, there was a language intelligible in his folid filence, which communicated in- ftrudlion to his friends, who were always well pleafed with his company.

He was a promoter of that weighty fer- vice of vihting friends families, wherein he was ufefuUy engaged, even when thro' old age and bodily weaknefs, it appear'd to human probability too hard and arduous an undertaking ; but having difcovered a willingnels to make trial, he joined with fome other friends, and was fupported with inward and outward (trength to go through the fervice, to his own and his friends great fatisfa(5lion. After which his flrength and faculties declining, he was moftly confined

ac

( 268 ) at home. On being vifited by his friends, he appear'd much in the innocent and child- like ftate, retaining his wonted mark ot difciplefhip, viz. love to his brethren, in which he continued to the laft, and depart- ed this life, the ']th of the third month 1769; from the cleareft information we could ob- tain, he was in or about the ninety-fourth year of his age ; having been a member of our meeting about 64 and a minilter up- wards of 45 years.

A Tefiimony from Abington Monthly -Meeting m Pennfylvania, concerning Isaac Child.

^jn HOSE who die in the Lord, ceafe JL from their labours and the troubles of this life, and afcend to the heavenly man- fions, where they are forever bleffed : And all that can be faid on their behalf, cannot in any degree advance their happinefs nor add to their worth; yet there is fomething due to the memory of the righteous, fuch whofe lives have been confpicuoufly virtu- ous, who have laid down their heads in peace, are gone from works to rewards, and left a fweet favour.

Our dear and well efteemed friend Ifaac Child, having departed this life, we find a freedom to give the follov/ing tefiimony con- cerning him while amonglt us.

In.

( 269 )

In the year 1764, he, with his wife and two children, came well recommended to u3 from Buckingham monthly-meeting ; when he found a draught and freedom to come and fettle amongll: us, and a favourable op- portunity prefenting, he was not hafly ia his determination, but, agreeable to the good and wholefome rule of our difcipline, laid the matter before the monthly-meeting he then belonged to, for their advice.

This worthy friend approved himfelf to be one who had fubmitted to the yoke and crofs of Chriil in his youth, and by the in- fluence and operation of truth upon him, was made fenfible ot the necelTity of living a circumfpett and felf-denying-life; and as he yielded obedience to thedicftates of grace, being thereby fubjed:cd to the divine wdl and requirings, the Lord was pleafed to employ him in his vineyard, and to qualify him for fervice therein, both in the exercife of the difcipline of the church, and as a minifler of the gofpel.

He was exemplary in life and converiati- on, his deportment being meek, humble and innocently cheerful, yet guarding againft any thing that would tend to lightnefs in behaviour, his company was pleafant, and his words favoury and edifying : A tender affediionate hufband and parent, a kind friend and neighbour ; not of a murmuring dii'pofition when he met with difappoint- ments and afflit^lions, but freely fubmitted to what was permitted to come upon him.

He

( 270 )

He was zealous for the caufe of God, and the llipport of chriftian difcipliiie in its va- rious branches, not hally in giving his fen- timents on matters relative thereto; but af- ter deliberately waiting for a proper quali- fication, he moftly fpake dole and pertinent, with clearnefs and foundnefs of judgment. He was concern'd for the clofe and due exer- cife of the difcipline againfl; offenders, not willing that any part ot itfliouldbedifpenled with, through partial favour or alfed^ion, but that true judgment, according to their tram- grelfions^ iliould be placed upon them, the church cleanfed from defilem.ents and re- proaches, and that the libeitine profeiror and the circumfpe(5l walker niight be truly ditlinguillied. Yet he was at times, led in- to fympathy and travel of foul for fuch who through inadvertency had miffed their way, and were in feme meafure fenfible of their error ; to thofe he fome times extended private admonition and counfel, in love to their fouls, and with dehres for their reito- ration. It may truly be faid, he was en- dowed with a large Ihare of natural under- ftanding, which being fantftified by divine grace, he became well qualified for fervice in the church.

As a minifler, he approved himfelf one rightly called to the work, having experi- enced a growth from a good beginnmg to a large advancement, and at times, thro' di- vine aid was enabled to deliver much ex- cellent dodrine to the comfort and edifica-

tioa

( 271 ) tion of fuch whofe minds were gathered in- to a true inward worlhip of God in fpirit: And the negligent were exhorted to more at- tention in the great work of rehgiou and their Ibals lalvation.

He often founded an alarm to the rebel- lious and gainfayers, with a warning to re- pent and amend their ways, that their fouls might be laved in the day of trouble. He had a clear delivery and ready utterance, his ftile being familiar to the loweil capacities, his matter well conneded, his dotlrine found, his powerful miniif ry having a great reach upon the people. He frequently at- tended burials, both within the compafs of our own meeting, and fome more diftant, faying, * It was better for him to go to the ' houie of mourning than the hoiife of * mirth ;' at which times there was often large gatherings of divers forts of chrillian profeifors, where he frequently appeared in teitimony, much to their fatisfacflion ; bein'*- favour'd with a clear light of the Hates of the people, and enabled faithfully to Ijpeak what was given him, in a cloie fearching manner, without affedation, and in that univerlal love which wiihes well to all men.

He travelled abroad but little, except to fome neighbouring yearly-meetings and fome other meetings adjacent, in his laft public teitimony, which was in our month- ly-meeting, he was led to Ipeak of the val- lies that were to be railed and the hills brought down; that wdien the Lord w^as

pleafed

( 272 )

pleafed to raife fome as out of the low val-

lies and adorn them with his jewels, it made

them appear above their brethren; but when

thofe jewels were taken off, they were then

on a level; this was agreeable to his own

experience, he having at times witnefled a

being baptifed into lowlinefs of mind and

nothingnefs of felf ; under which he appeared

muchrefigned to the divine will, often fitting

in lilence, as one who had neither call nor

commifTion to fpeak ; for he never difcover-

ed a defire to be heard in words, until he

had received a renewed qualification, in

pure love, to fpeak to the people, and, as

upon the walls of Zion, to proclaim the

everlafling gofpel of peace, and the means

of falvation through Chrift our Saviour.

In the time of his laft ficknefs (which was about nine days) he was prelerved in pati- ence and refignation or mind; and near the morning before his departure, being clear in his underilandmg, and feniible of death approaching, he was drawn forth in fervent fiipplication to the Almighty: After which laying ftill for fome time, he departed like a lamb, without figh or groan, on the ^tb of the fourth month 1769, aged thirty-five years, having been a miniller about 1 1 years, and a member of our meeting near 5 years. A large number of friends and others paid their laft office of love towards him, in at- tending his interment at friends burying- ground at Abington, on the 8^/7 ot the faid month, at which time a folid meeting was held.

An

( ^73 )

An additional Teflimony concerning Isaac Child, from Buckingham Monthly- Meeting in Peanrylvaiiia.

NOTWITHSTANDING our much e- fteemed friend Ifaac Child, removed himfelf and family from within the compafs of our monthly- meeting near five years be- fore his deceafe, yet we find freedom to give this fliort teftimony concerning him, having been favoured to fit under many living and powerful tellimonies deliver'd by him whilfl among us.

We are fully fatisfied he was one whom the Lord in his wifdom faw meet to make ufe of for the work of the gofpel, having fitted, qualified and called him forth when but young, to publifli the glad tidings tliere- of ; to which divine call and holy requiring, he gave up in obedience, and fuffered not the things of this world to take up his mind, but in true fervency of zeal and love for the caufe of truth, he fpent much time in its fervice. His teflimony was living, found and delivered with divine authority; for he handled not the word deceitfully, nor en- deavoured to pleafe itching ears j but as a true fervant of Jefiis, waited to be renewed- ly endowed with power from on high, where- by he was directed to divide the word aright, and fpeak home to the dates and conditions of the people: He was aifo zcalouily con- cerned for the promotion of difcipline and T good

( ^74 ) good ofder in the church ; and for the ma- nagement of the affairs thereof, he appear- ed remarkably well qualified; his weighty admonitions being enforced by a pious life and converiation. May we, under the con- iideration of the great lofs the church has fuflained by his and fome others deceafe, be excited fo to follow their footfteps, that with them we may be partakers of that in- corruptible inheritance which is referved for the righteous, when time here fliall be no more.

A Tejlimony from Buckingham Monthly-Meet- ing in Pennfylvania, concerning John Scarborough.

HE was born of honeft parents, and educated within the compals of this meeting ; in his youth was fomewhat airy, but when arrived to riper years he embraced the truth and appeared clofely to follow the dicftates thereof to the end of his life.

About the year 1740 he appeared in the miniftry and experiencing a growth therein, he at different times viiited moll of the nor- thern colonies, in which fervices he always had our concurrence, and at his return pro- duced certificates of friends unity with his miiniftry and labours of love; the remem- brance wiiereot yet lives as a memorial iu the minds of many.

He

( '^IS )

He earneflly laboured for die good and falvation of men, and tho' not learned, fpoke with great propriety, yet plain and familiar, his do(5lrine being found, lively and edifying, which being adorned by a pious life and innocent converlation, feafon- ed with true charity, made him juilly e- fteemed by people of all denominations.

He was fteadily concern'd to promote good order and difcipline, and therein to adl uprightly for truth's caufe without par- tiality. With great cheerfulnefs giviui^ up much of his time, and labouring for the reftoration of fuch who had mifs'd their way ; and altho' he ufed great plainnefs in admonilhing tranfgreffors, feldom gave of- fence ; being a man of remarkable lelf-de- nial and endued with much mildnefs, made him very ferviceable in the affairs of the church in general, and tended to fupport the authority of truth.

In his declining years he was affecfled with bodily weaknefs, yet his zeal for the caufe of truth did not abate, but the life and power ufually attending his miniflry rather increafed. In his laft teilimony at our meeting, he was highly favoured, the power of truth riling into dominion; with much falutary counlel and fatherly admo- nition he feemed to take a final farewell of his brethren, and fervently prayed for our prefervation. As his departure drew nigh> he often exprefs'd his willingnefs to leave this world, faying, * He did not know any T 2 * thing

( 276 )

* thing that remained undone to compleat

* his days- work, and that no cloud nor any

* thing appeared in his way.' Fie departed this Hfe, the $th of the fifth month 1769, in the fixty-lixth year of liis age ; and as a good and faithful fervant, we doubt not, is entered into everlaiting joy and happinefs. The frefli remembrance of his loving and kind deportment and many faithful fervices, imprefs our minds with a deep fenfe of his worth and our preat lofs.

ATeJlimony from Gwy nedd Monthly- Meetifig in Pennfylvania, concerning Mar y Evans.

SH E was born in Philadelphia, in or about the year 1695, her father dying when file was young, Ihe was educated by her mother in the principle of truth as pro- felTed among us ; in her young years flie was fober and grave in her behaviour and deportment; and about the time ihe came forth in the Uiiniftry, flie went through clofe trials and deep coniiidls, as we have frequently heard her relate, in which the divine arm was her fupport, brought her through, and qualified her for religious fer- vice.

In the year 1736, flie was married to our worthy friend Owen Evans, and thereby be- came a member of this meeting. Her pub- lic appearances were not very frequent, but

when

( 277 ) when flie fpoke, her teilimony was fervent, found and edifying, her condu(5l and con- verfation being agreeable to her religious profefTion. She was feveral times drawn forth in the love of the gofpel, to vifit friends in moll of the provinces on this continent, alfb the Ifland of Torcola, which fhe undertook with the unity of her friends at home, and returned with clear and fatis- fa(5lory accounts of her labours amongft thofe whom llie vifited. She was a lover and promoter of peace and good order in the church and amongft her neighbours, and was frequently engaged in that weighty fervice of viliting friends families, to good fatisfadion. In the year 1757, ft^e met with a clofe exercife, in the lofs of her huf- band, who was removed from her by death, which ihe bore with becoming refignation. After which, ilie lived fome years with her daughter, who was married and fettled in Philadelphia; but returned back again with- in the compafs of this meeting, frequently faying, ' She apprehended it to be her duty,

* to fpend the remainder of her days a-

* mongft us;' labouring faithfully, as one that forefaw her time was fhort. Her lait illnefs was lingering, which Ihe bore with becoming refignation; a few days before her death, fome friends had a fitting with her in her chamber, when notwithftanding ihe was weak in body, fhe was enabled to fpeak for a confiderable time, in a lively and inftrudive manner, much to their fatis-

fadion.

{ 278 )

fadion. She departed this life, the 20th of tJie fifth moQth 1769, and was interr'd in friends burying-ground at Gwynedd, the zzd of the fame.

A Tejlhnony from Middletown Monthly-Meet' ing in Pennfylvania, concerning Grace Croasdale.

As memorials of the virtuous lives and a61:s of the righteous when deceafed, may afford matter of help and encourage- ment to furvivors to follow their pious ex- amples; we .^re therefore engaged to g-ve this Ihort teftimony concerning our elleem- ed friend Grace Croafdale.

She was born the 6//? of the eighth month 1703, of reputable parents, members of this meeting, who brought her up to induftry and plainnefs in fpeech and habit; being married young, fhe early entered into the cares of a family; and being religiouily in- clined, and of a cheerful atftive difpofition, approved herfelf well quahfied for fuch a charge; inftrucfting her children and family both by precept and example, in piety and plainnefs, as well as the neceffary cares of life. As flie advanced in years, Ihe grew in religi- on, and became very ferviceable in divers (lations in the church. About the year 1745 llie firft appeared in the miniftry, in the ex- ercile whereof fhe was acceptable and edi- fying,

( 279 ) fying, exhortimg all to the true love and fear of God, and a humble attention to tli,e divine principle of truth in themfelves ; adorning her dodlrine by a life and conver- fation anfwerable thereto. The latter part oF her time, when more difengaged from the cares of a family, fhe was much devoted to the fervice of truth, and occafionally vi- lited many of the meetings of friends in our own and feveral of the neighbouring pro- vinces.

She was a peaceable kind neighbour, a vifitor and fympathizer with the fick and affli(5led whether in body or mind ; and ap- peared eminently qualified for that weighty fervice of viliting families, in which fhe was often engaged, not only within the compafs of our own particular meeting, but of di- vers others, to general fatisfadlion.

Having lived in much love and unity with friends, flie had to refledl thereon with great peace and fatisfadlion of mind in her lafl illnefs, during which flie was fig- nally favoured with the incomes of divine love and heavenly confolation ; in the a- boundings whereof, fhe was frequently drawn forth in thankfgivings and living high praifes to the Lord.

She departed this life, the 23*^ of the tenth month 1769, and was buried the 24^/? of the fame, hi friends burying-ground drt Middlecowa,

( 28o )

A l^e/lmony fro7nlL\e{\\^m Mont b/y- Meeting in Ncw-Jerfey, concerning Josiah Foster.

E was bom in Rliodc-Ifland, of honefl parents, who died whilfl he was young, from which time until he came to man's eflate, we have no account of him, only that Ibme of us have heard him fay, he was much delighted witli mirth and vanity. Soon after his arrival at manhood, he came into New-Jerfey, where he married, and fettled at Evelham; not long afterwards he was convinced, and efrecfluaiiy reached with the power of truth, through the living mi- niftry of that eminent miniller of ^Chrifk Jelus, Thomas Wilfon; and by the operati- on of divine grace in his heart, he gradually experienced a growth therein. Thus ad- vancing in true obedience, he w^itnefTed an overcoming of his own llrong will (as fbme of us have heard him relate with awful gratitude to the divine hand) and in due time he became a father and elder in the church; being tenderly concerned for the promotion of the truth, which had in m.ea- fure fet him free from the body of fm and death, communicating fuitable advice and counfel to inch as were tender, and a fliarp reprover of obilinate finners ; his advice being much enforced by his upright uni- form condudl.

In converfation he was free and open, and eafy of accefs : In meetings for worlliip and

difcipline

( 28 1 )

difcipline (which he diligently attended whilft of ability) his deportment was aw- ful, reverent and unafFe(fledly grave, wait- ing for the arifing of life, which qualified him to be of great fervice in the fociety. He was of a benevolent dilpofition, his heart and houfe being open to entertain ftrangers, efpecially travelling friends; nor was his benevolence confined to thofe of our own fociety ; for, being bleffed with afflu- ence, many widows and fatherlefs received his hearty aiTiitance. He was well beloved by moft or all who were acquainted with him ; his converfation and condudl truly demonftrated, that he had learn'd to do to others, as he would be done unto; which is truly worthy the imitation of all. Being defirous to retire from the cares of the world, he removed to Mount-Holly, where he re- fided until he was taken with a paralytick difbrder, which much impaired his natural faculties, after which he return'd to his former fettlement at Evefliam under the care of his fon. Altho' his diforder render'd him incapable of much converfation, yet he gave evident figns of a lively fenCe of di- vine goodnefs accompanying him to the laft; and quietly departed this life, the gtb of the firft month 1770, in the eighty-eighth year of his age, and was buried the iitb of the iame month at Evefliam.

A Tejl'wiony

{ 282 )

A Tcflimony from the Monthly- Meeting of Friends in Philadelphia, concerning Daniel Stanton.

WHEN John the Divine was in exile in the ifle of Patmos, " He heard ** a voice from Heaven, faying, write, — " blefled are the dead, who die in the Lord, '* from henceforth, yea faith the fpirit, that *' they may reft from their labours, and " their w^orks do follow them;" which we believe now is the portion of our worthy friend, concerning whole faithful fervices we are engaged from the united motives of love and duty, to give this teftimony ; de- liring, that all who read it, and more efpeci- ally the youth, may be excited, by his ex- ample, to feek an early acquaintance with the Lord, and to take up their daily crofs in the prime of their days. Thus, they al- fo, may become fliining lights and inftru-^ ments of good to others.

He was born in this city, in the year 1708, and his father dying before his birth, and his mother a few years after, he fufFer- ed great trials and hardfliips when very young: Being early concerned to feek the knowledge of God, he had a fervent defire to attend religious meetings, though fub- je6led to many difficulties and diicourage- inents, before that privilege was allowed him ; yet, being earneft in his defires to ob- tain divine favour, he wa5 eminently lup-

ported

( =83 ) ported tinder great conflidls and probations, and, continuing faithful to the degrees of light and grace communicated, a difpenfati- of the gofpel miniflry was committed to him, fometime before the 'term of his ap- prenticefhip was expired ; and abiding un- der the fandlifying power of truth, he grew in his gift, and became a zealous faithful minifter.

He was very exemplary in his induflry and diligence, in labouring faithfully at his trade, to provide for his own fupport, and after he married, and had children, for their maintenance ; and was often concerned to advife others to the fame neceffary care ; yet he continued fervent in fpirit for the promotion of truth and righteoufnefs, fo that he was foon engaged to leave home, and the neareft connections of nature, to publiili the glad tidings of the gofpel, and frequently vifited moil of the meetings of friends in this and the adjacent provinces, and feveral times as far as the eaftern parts of New-England. Having thus honeftly difcharged his duty among us above twenty years, and feeling his mind conflrained in the love of the gofpel, to vifit the few friends who remained in fome of the Weft-India iflands, and from thence the meetings of friends in general through Great-Britain and Ireland, he communicated his concern to a few of his mod intimate friends, who having unity therewith, he was encouraged to lay it before our monthly-meeting. Before he

entered

( 284 )

entered on this weighty lervice, he pafTed through a near trial and afflidion in the deatli of his beloved wife ; under which exercife he was gracioufly fupported by the arm of divine ilrength, which had often been revealed for his help, in times of in- ward conflicts and outward diftrefTes.

His concern to travel in the fervice of truth continuing, and the meeting having full unity with him therein, he embarked in the fifth month 1748, accompanied by our dear friend, Samuel Nottingham, in a veflel bound for Barbados, and having vi- iited the few meetings in that ifland, they went by way of Antigua to Tortola, where they continued ibm^etime, having fome dif- ficulty to get a pafTage to Europe ; and their voyage thither was attended with fome An- gular hazards and dangers, which occafion- ed their landing in Ireland ; where our friend Daniel continued fome months, vifiting the meetings of friends in that kingdom ; and after he apprehended himielf clear, went over to England, and vifited the meetings generally in that nation, and in Wales and Scotland, where his meek circumfpecfl con- duct and converfation, and lively edifying miniflry, rendered his vifit very acceptable, and his memory precious.

In his return home, and for fometime af- ter, he was in a low affli^led ftate of mind ; being apprehenfive, that through difiidence, and the want of perfect refignation to the divine will, he had omitted fully perform- ing

{ ^85 )

ing the fervice required of him, by not t1- fiting the few friends in Holland: Yet he was mercifully preferved, and after a time of deep exercife, raifed again to fing of the mercies and loving-kindnefs of God on the banks of deliverance.

He feveral times, with other friends ap- pointed to that fervice, vihted the families of friends in this city, and between the years 1757 and 1760, being accompanied by our friend John Pemberton, he viiited the families of friends generally within the limits of our meeting; which weighty ex- ercifing fervice, he was enabled to perform to our edification and fatisfac^ion. After which, he was frequently engaged to excite friends to this ufeful and edifying practice.

In the twelfth month 1760, he fet out on a vifit to the meetings in the weftern parts of this province, and from thence in Mary- land, Virginia, and North and South-Caro- lina, and returned in the fixth month fol- lowing; fince which he frequently vifited many of the meetings near home, and fome as far as Long-Ifland, and other parts of the province of New- York. Within the laft two years, he viiited the families of friends of fbme of the meetings in Weft-Jcrfey, in the city of New- York, and part of Long-Ifland ; and after his return from this fervice, with great peace and fatisfacTiion, he exprefled his appre- henfion that he was now clear of all places, and that his ftay here was near over 3 having

an

( 286 )

an evidence, that he had been faithfully con- cerned from his youth to fear and ferve God.

His chief labour and religious exercifes were in this city, where he was a diligent attender of all our meetings, and often on committees appointed on the fervices of the church ; in which he was folid and weighty in fpirit, waiting for the fpringing up of life, being ileadily concerned both in and out of meetings, to live near the divine foun- tain: Thus he was very frequently qualifi- ed, and enabled to ftir up the pure mind, and to recount the gracious dealings of God to mankind, and as a faithful embaffador to warn the negligent to flee from the wrath to come, and to excite the people to bring forth fruits anfwerable to the great mercies gracioufly beflowed on us ; and was fome- times conftrained to declare in a prophetic manner, a day of trial, in divers inftances, very fhortly before fuch a fealbn came to pafs.

He was of late deeply exercifed in con- fideration of the evils of the horfe races, flage plays, drunkennefs, and other grofs enormities encouraged and increafingin this city ; clofely exhorting our youth againfl thofe pernicious and deftrudlive devices of the enemy of mankind ; and under the aw- ful fenfe that God will judge and puniHi the wicked and evil doers, he was often fervent in public fupplications, that the Lord would lengthen out the day of hi? merciful vifitati-

on.

{ 287 )

on, and yet try the people longer; which feafons were folemn and humbling] y aifedl- ing; manifefling, that although he was very clofe and fliarp in reproof againft evil, yet moft tenderly concerned, that the traufgref- fors of the righteous law of God might be prevailed with to repent, return, and live.

His love for the rifing generation was ve- ry great ; which he manifelled by his affec- tionate notice of them, and efpecially of thofe who were religioufly inclined, and his houfe was open to receive fuch, his conver- fation with them being feafoned with grace, and his counfel inilradlive and helpful to thofe who had feeking deflres after the knowledge of truth, often lovingly inviting them to come, tafte, and fee, that the Lord is good ; greatly defiring, that all who pro- fefs the truth, might walk agreeable to its di(!^ates and be led thereby, as our worthy predecelTors were, into that meeknefs, hu- mility, and godly fimplicity and plainnefs, which rendered them confpicuous and llii- ning examples, and that none might reft fliort of the enjoyment of the life of religi- on, his zeal being great againft fuch, who have the form of godlinefs, and by their a(5fions manifeft they have not the power thereof; and he often fervently adv^is'd and cautioned thofe who are eag(}rly purfuing the world, and by the furfeiting cares, and grafping after earthly treafures, fruftrate the good purpofeof the vifitation of divine grace to them, and clofely reminded thofe, who

in

( 288 )

in their fmall beginnings were low and hum- ble, that now they were abundantly favour- ed, they fliould not fet their afFedions on things below, but remember the rock from whence they were hewn; and his concern was great that thofe who had the glad tidings of the gofpel to publifh, might be true ex- amples to the flock, and adorn the doclHirine they had to deliver by a circumfpedt life and converfation, and where any by not fteadily keeping to that which would have preferved them, had involved themfelves in difficulties, either by letting their minds out to the gains and profits of this world, or otherwife, his travail was great for fuch that they might be brought through, and every cloud and mift removed.

He was much employed in viliting the fick and afHicffed, to whom he adminiftered his fpiritual advice and experience, and of- ten engaged in humble prayer for their fup- port ; and in the diftributing to the necefTit- ous according to his circumilances, he ma- nifefted his benevolent difpofition.

As he had been many years under great exercife and fufFering of fpirit on account of the ilavery of the poor Africans, and frequently bore teflimony againfl that un- righteous gain of oppreffion, he was of late fomewhat relieved, as he found the eyes of the people become more open to fee the in- iquity of the practice; and he died in faith, that the light of the gofpel will fo general- ly prevail, that the profellors of chriftianity

will

f 289 )

ivill find it their duty to reftore to thefe peo- ple rheir natural right to liberty, and to in- flrud them in the principles of the chriftian religion.

On the ^th day of the fifth month, he was violently feized with the bilious cholic, and continued in great pain ieveral days ; but afterwards being fomewhat eafier, he was at our morning and evening meetings on firftday, the ii^th of the month, in which he was much favoured in his public mini- ftry, and exprefled that he thought his time would not be long with us. After this day's labour, he was again confined, yet being a little recovered he was atour meeting on fifth- day, the 24/^/j of the month, which being fmall, he exprefTed his forrow for it, and encouraged friends to diligence in the at- tendance of week day meetings, the benefit of a faithful difcharge of duty therein be- ing great; the next day he was at our monthly-meeting, and to his own and our admiration was enabled to ftay through both our fittings, though the laft of them was longer than ufual, and he afterwards ex- preiled that he thought himfelf better in the meeting than when out ; it was a feafon of divine favour, and fome weighty matters being before the meeting, he with great opennefs fpoke pertinently and clearly to them, encouraging friends to the liipporting and maintaining our chnllian tellimony, againll all that is contrary to it : This was the laft public meeting he was at, being t ^^e U next

( 290 )

next morning early feized with a renewed attack of" the fame diforder, which increaf- ed on him feveral days, and was fo fixed, that all the endeavours of feveral fkilful phyficians and tender nnrfes, were not ef- fectual to remove it, tho' in fome meafure to mitigate the pain, that he fufFered much, not being able to lie down in his bed feveral weeks, yet thro' all he was mercifully fup- ported, in much refignation, and patience, rather inclining, if it was the Lord's will, to be releafed.

For two or three weeks before his ficknefs, he appeared very defirous of fettling every thing he had to do refpedling the affairs of this life, and defired a friend to review and tranfcribe the fhort memoirs he hath left of his travels and religious fervices, and to write his will, which he executed the day before he was firft taken fick, and then appeared eafy in his mind.

During the time of his ficknefs he often cxpreffed his concern left his friends ihould be too anxious for his recovery, faying, if he fliould live longer, and thro' any human frailty or infirmity occafion any reproach, it would be a caufe of forrow to them.

By the defire of his friends who attended him, he rode out feveral times, tho' not without much difficulty, and Ipent the two lail days of his life at the houles of two of his intimate friends. As he drew near his end, the flrength of his love to mankiud in general, and his friends in particular, evi- dently

( 291 )

dently increafed, much defirlng the profpe- rity of truth, and when a meeting time came had an earned defire to be with friends, and particularly the day before his departure.

During his ficknefs, he frequently ex- preiled himfelf in a very feafonable, inftruc- tive, and afFed:ing manner; and the even- ing of the iirflday before he died, feveral friends coming in to fee him, he fpoke a confiderable time to them, having before been defirous of fuch an opportunity of the company of his friends, to fit down and wait upon God, which was his great delight.

The laft day of his life he fpent at the houfe of his friend Ifrael Pemberton, at Ger- mantown, and was unufually free and cheer- ful, even till ten o'clock at night, when he undrelTed himfelf, and went into bed, re- marking on lying down, that he had not before been able to do fo, for five weeks or upwards, and he foon after fell afleep, but in a fhort time was awakened by the return of pain and difficulty of breathing, which thro' his ilinefs he had been much afllided with, fo that he was oblig'd to fet up in bed, and thus continued, at intervals freely con- verfing with our faid friend, who fat up with him, and he exprefled his great thaak- fuluefs that his head was preferved free from pain and !iis underllanding clear, and tliat though it had been a time of clofe trial and dtep probation, he could fay he felt the evidence of divine flipport ftiil to attend hun. After wiiich, his pains increafing he U 2 got;

{ 292 )

got up and drefled himfelf, and walking about the room fometime, fat down in an eafy chair, in which he fell into a fweet ileep, and in about three hours departed without figh or groan.

Thus died this righteous man, who hav- ing fought the good fight and kept the faith, finiilied hiscourfe in full unity with us, and univerfally beloved by his fellow citizens, on the 2'^th day of the fixth month 1770, in the (ixty-fecond year of his age and 43<i of his miniftry. His body was the next day attended by a large number of people of di- vers religious denominations to our meeting- houfe, and afterwards interr'd in friends burial-ground in this city.

A Tcflimony from Warrington Monthly-Meeting in Pennfylvania, concerning John Tho- mas.

HE was born in Chefter county Penn- fylvania, in the year 1716, of believ- ing parents, and being religioufly inclined from his youth, he received a part in the mi- niftry, whereto being faithful, he experi- enced a growth therein. In the year 1766, he removed with his family, and fettled in "Warrington Townfliip, York county, w^ith- in the limits of our meeting: And tho' his time among us was Ihort, yet we have this teftimony to bear concerning him; that his

labours

I 293 )

labours of love, accompanied with an ex- emplary condudl, were comfortable and intruding to us.

In his laftillnefs (which was a confumpti- on) he, at times in the beginning of it, complained to fome of his intimate friends, of great poverty of fpirit, and feemed deep- ly engaged to wreftle for ftrength, to bear with patience the prefent difpenfation : And in due time it pleafed the father of mercies who hears the fecret cries of his depending children, to caufe the mifts to be difpelled, £0 that, in an opportunity which fome friends had with him fome little time before his departure, he was much favoured, and drawn forth to * Declare of the tender deal-

* ings of the Lord with him, from his youth

* unto that time ; earneftly exhorting friends

* to faithfulnefs, efpecially thofe on whom

* the Lord had beftowed a gift in the mini-

* flry ;' faying, ' He had loved the Lord

* from his youth, that he had a fmall gift

* in the miniftry bellowed upon him, in

* which he had been concerned to be faith-

* ful, and now he felt the comfort of it ;

* feeling the ownings of the divine prefence,

* whereby he was enabled to bear with pa-

* tience his bodily afflicftion ; having an af-

* furance of immortal reil ; and that tho'

* in the beginning of his illnefs, from the

* poverty of fpirit that attended him, he ^ was ready to conclude that the Lord had

* forlaken him, but now he anfwered him ^ l;o the joy of his heart, and he had lo

{ 294 )

* magnify liis goodnefs, feeing his wifdom

* therein, in v/eaning his affe(5lions more ' thoroughly from all lower enjoyments*

* and placing them on things above/

He advifed friends to humility, faying,

* The time draws near, that my body mud

* go down to the grave, wherein is no ex- ' altation ; and I have this teftimony to bear

* for the Lord, that as I have been engaged

* to love him and walk humbly before him,

* deiiring he might give me ftrength, not

* having any dependance on my own wif- ' dom, I have found him to flrengthen me,

* and now find him to be near me in this

* pinching time, and comfort me with the

* joys of his prefence.' Many and com- fortable were the exprefTions which flowed from him, tho' weak in body, and fcarcely able to fpeak intelligibly, yet flrong and lively in the inward man. In great fweet- nefs of fpirit he departed this life, the (^th of the fifth month 1771, and on the nth of the faid month, his corps, accompanied by a large number of friends and others, was interr'd in friends burying- ground at "Warrington, a folemn meeting being held, and divers living teftimonies borne, to the eificacy of that divine power whiqji gives viClory over the world.

A lejltmonf

( 295 )

A Teflimony from Salem Monthly- Meeting in New-Jerfey, concerning Mary Lippin-

COTT.

FROM a motive of love and efteem, to the memory of this our ancient wor- thy friend, and that furvivors may be en- couraged by fuch pious examples, to em- brace the truth and perfevere in the way to falvation, we give forth this teftimony.

She was the daughter of Henry and Eli- zabeth Burr, by whom Ihe was religioufly educated, we believe to good effecfl; for in her very young years, flie clofed in with the love and mercy of God extended to her, and did not incline to vanity and lightnefs, but was a good example to other youths.

She married young, and with her hui^ band Jacob Lippincott, fettled among us* Her exemplary condudl, as a wife and when a widow, both in the church, in her family, and her neighbourhood gained our great efteem; being given to hofpitality and li- beral to the poor.

She was an earnefl: traveller in fpirit for the caufe of truth on earth, folid and weigh- ty in her deportment, affable and inftruclive in converfation, frequently imparting fea- fonable admonition and counfel to her chil- dren and others, and tho' endowed with fuperior natural underftandingj was not: exalted therewith.

la

( 296 )

In the decline of life, flie underwent much bodily infirmity, yet diligently attended meetings when of ability, where fhe was a humble waiter for the arifmg of the pure truth, travelling in the deeps for the exalta- tion thereof; well qualified for fervices in the church, a true mourner in Zion, being grieved for the corruptions, vain failiions, and cuftoms of the times, and in obferving the gaiety and lightnefs apparent in fome, when they came to places for worfliip. It fell to her lot in the courfe of her time, to meet with a large fhare of exercifes and tri- als, whicli Ihe bore with great refignation; and was a true fympathlzer with thofe un- der afflidlion in body or mind whom flie often vifited. Sometime before her la(l fick- nefs, fhe fignified her apprehenfion, that her day's work was near over; and departed this life, the 9/^ of the firft month 1771, and on the 1 2th was interr'din friends bury- ing-ground at Pilefgrove; in the feventy- third year of her age, having been an elder many years.

A Te/limony fromNew-CciOile Monthly- Meeting in Great- Britain, concerning William Hun t.

OU R dear friend William Hunt, of New-Garden, in Guilford county, North-Carolina, accompanied by his ne- phew

( ^97 ) phew Thomas Thornboiough, of the fame pi ice, being on a religious vifit to friends of this nation, departed this life, at the houle of a friend near New-Caftle upon Tyne. The deep regard we bear to his memory and eminent fervices, engageth us to tranfmit the following teftimony concerning him.

They arrived in London about a week af- ter the yearly-meeting 1771, and attending feveral meetings in that city, proceeded nortliward, vifiting friends in divers coun- ties in England, and alfo in Scotland. The emaing winter was fpent in vifiring York- ihire, Lancaihire and Ireland, returning to London in time to attend the yearly-meet- ing there in 1772 ; then attending the year- ly-m^eetings in Eifex, Suffolk and Norfolk, and proceeding through Lincolnlhire to Hull, they took fliipping for Holland, and after vifiting the few friends there, they embarked for Scarborough, but by contrary winds landed at Shields, the 2.^th of the eighth month, and after being at their meet- ing on the 26th came that afternoon to the houle of a friend near New-Caftle upon Tyne.

From accounts received, and our own knowledge of his condudl and miniftry, we have good caule to believe, that in all his travels in Europe, he behaved as a faithful minifter of Chrift, exemplary and uniform in condud, of a weighty deportment and retired fpirit, his converfation was grave and inftiudive, feafoned with love and

fweetnefs,

{ 298 )

fweetnefs, which rendered his company both profitable and defirable, his miniftry ■was Uving and powerful, deep and fearch- ing, an excellent example in patiently wait- ing for the clear manifeftation of the divine will, and careful to move accordingly, fo that his appearances in meetings were mofli- ly accompanied with great folemnity, , in which he flvilfuUy divided the word, being to the unfaithful as a two edged fword, but to the honeft hearted travellers in Zion, and to fuch as were feeking the way to God's kingdom, his do(5lrine was truly refrefhing. He was a man of found judgment, quick of apprehenfion, and deep in religious ex- perience; and altho' he was only in the thirty-ninth year of his age, yet llich was his experience and ftability, that he flood as an elder and a father in the church, worthy of double honour.

He attended the meeting atNew-Caftle, on the z'jth of the eighth month 1772, in which he delivered a fliort and living teftimony in the love of the gofpel to his friends of that place ; that afternoon he was cheerful, and expreffed his fatisfadlion in being there, and upon being aflied what place they intended for next, he replied, he faw no further at prefent than New-Caflle. Next day he was taken ill, which was not apprehended to be the Imall pox 'till the fourth day of his ill- nefs ; when the eruption appeared, he laid to his companion, ' This hcknefs is nigh *'■ unto death if not quite 3' his companion

figaified

( 299 )

fignified his hope that it might not be fo, he replied, * My coming hither leems to be ' providential, and when I wait I am in-

* doled and fee no further.* At another time he made the fame remark to a friend, fay- ing, ' It will be a fore trial to my compani-

* on if I am now removed/ He alfo men- tioned in an affecftionate manner his dear wife and children to a friend who attended him, and requefted feme counfel and advice (which he then commuilicated) might be tranfinitted to them, if it Ihould pleafe the Lord to remove him, which was according- ly done.

On the third day of his illnefs, two friends from the country came to viiit him, to whom he thus exprefTed himfelf, viz. * I

* have longed to lee you and be with you, ' but was put by,' one of them faid, 1 hope we fliall have thee with us yet; he anfwered, ' That mull be left;' the friend faid, that whatever atfliction we are tried with, we may yet fee cauie of thankfulnels ; he repli- ed, * Great caufe indeed, I never faw it

clearer, O the wifdom! the wifdom and goodnefs, the mercy and kindnefs has ap- peared to me wonderful,, and the further and deeper we go, the more we wonder ; I have admired fince I was cafj: upon this bed, that all the world does not feek after the truth, it fo far tranfcends all other things.' Two friends from Northumber- land coming to vifit him, he faid, ' The ' Lord knows how I have love4 you from

' our

( 300 ) our firft acquaintance, and longed foryoup. growth and eftablifhment in the bleiled truth ; and now I feel the fame renewed afrefh ;' and faid, * He much defired they might fill up the places Providence intend- ed, and lay up treafure in Heaven,' adding, What would a thoufand worlds avail me now?'

The diforder was very heavy upon him, having a load of eruption, under which he fliewed great fortitude and patience even to the admiration of the phyfician andfurgeon who attended him; his mind being merci- fully preferved calm, and refigned to his mailer's will, whofe prefence he found to be near him in the needful time, faying, * It ' is enough, my mafter is here;' and again,

* He that laid the foundation of the moun-

* tans knows this, if it pleafes him he can

* remove it ;' at another time he faid with great compofure, ' The Lord knows beft, I

* am in his hands, let him do what he

* pleafes.'

Perceiving a friend to be diligent and at- tentive to do what (lie could for him, he faid,

* The Lord refrefli thy fpirit, for thou haft

* often refreilied this body, and whether I

* live oi' die, thou wilt get thy reward.' After the ic cood fever came on, finding

himfelf worfe, he faid, ' M)' life hangs upon

* a thread.' The do(flor being feut for, he faid, ' They are all phyficians of no value ' without the great Ph)fician.' A friend faid, 1 know thy dependance is on Inm, he an-

fwered^^

( 30I ) fwered, * Endrel)^.' Under {landing diat two friends who had fat much by him, did not intend to leave him that night, he very fweedy faid, ' And will you watch with me ' one night more?'

On being aiked how he did, he faid, ' I ^ am here pent up and confined in a narrow ' compafs, this is a trying time, but my ' mind is above it all ;' which was evident to thofe about him, who were fenfible of praifes and fweet melody in his heart when few words were exprelfed.

A little before he died, he faid trium- phantly, ' Friends, truth is over all ;' i'o in great peace departed this life, the ()tb day of the ninth month 1772, and was interr'd, in friends burying- ground in New-Caftle upon Tyne, the nth of the fame month, accompanied by many friends ; upon which occaiion a folemn meeting was held, and. divers teftimonies borne to the truth, in the fervice of which he lived and died, an ex- ample to many brethren. A minifter 24 years.

A Tefllmony from Burlington Monthly-Meeting in New-Jerfey, concerning John Wool- man.

E was born in Northampton, in the L county of Burlington, and province of Weit-1'^ew-Jerfey, m the eighth month 1720,

of

( 302 )

of religious parents, who infl:ru(fl:ed him very early in the principles of the chriltian religi- on, as profelTed by the people called Quakers, which he efteenied a blefling to him, even in his young years, tending to preierve him from the infedlion of wicked children; but through the workings of the enemy, and le- vity incident to youth, he frequently deviated from thole parental precepts, by which he laid a renewed foundation for repentance, that was finally fucceeded by a godly foi row not to be repented of, and fo became ac- quainted with that fantflifying power which qualifies for true gofpel miniflry, into which lie was called about the twenty- fecond year of his age, and by a faithful ufe of the ta- lents committed to him, he experienced an increafe, until he arrived at the ftate of a fa- ther, capable of dividing the word aright to the different flates he miniftered unto ; dif- penfing milk to babes, and meat to thofe of riper years. Thus he found the efficacy of that power to arife, which in his own ex- prelTions, * Prepares the creature to ftand ' like a trumpet through which the Lord * fpeaks to his people.' He was a loving hufband, a tender father, and very humane to every part of the creation under his care. His concern for the poor and thofe in af- fli(5lion was evident by his vifits to them ; whom he frequently relieved by his afTillance and charity. He was for many years deeply exercifed on account of the poor enflaved A- fricans^ whole caufe, as he lometimes men- tioned.

( 3^3 ) tioned, lay almofl continually vipon Kim, and to obtain liberty to thofe captives, he la- boured both in public and private; and was favoured to fee his endeavours crowned with confiderable fuccefs. He was particularly defirous that friends ihould not be inflru- mental to lay burthens on this opprefled peo- ple, but remember the days of fufFering from which they had been providentially delivered, that if times of trouble ihould return, no in- juftice dealt to thofe in llavery might rife in judgment againft us, but, being clear, we might on fuch occalions addrefs the Almigh- ty with a degree of confidence, for his inter- pofition and relief, being particularly careful as to himfelf, not to countenance llavery even by the uleof thofe conveniencies of life which were furniflied by their labour.

He was defirous to have his own, and the minds of others, redeemed from the pleafures and immoderate profits of this world, and to fix them on thofe joys which fade not away; his principal care being after a life of purity, endeavouring to avoid not only the groffer pollutions, but thole alfo which, appearing in a more refined drefs, are not fufficiently guarded againll by fome well difpoled peo- ple. In the latter part of his life he was re- markable for the plainnefs and fimplicity of his drefs, and as much as pollible, avoided the ufe of plate, coftly furniture and feafting ; thereby endeavouring to become an example of temperance and ielf-denial, which, he be- lieved himfelf called unto ; and was favour- ed

r 304 )

ed with peace therein, altho' it carried the appearance of great aufterity in the view of ibme. He was very moderate in his charges in the way of bufinefs, and in his defires af- ter gain ; and tho' a man of indullry, avoid- ed, and flrove much to lead others out of ex- treme labour, and anxioufnefs after perifha- ble things; being; defirous that the ftrength of our bodies might not be fpent in procuring things unprofitable, and that we might ufe moderation and kindnefs to the brute ani- mals under our care, to prize the ufe of them as a great favour, and by no means abufe them; that the gifts of Providence fhould be thankfully received and applied to the ufes they were defigned.

He feveral times opened a fchool at Mount- Holly, for the inftru(5lion of poor friends children and others, being concerned for their help and improvement therein: His love and care for the rifing youth among us was truly great, recommending to parents and thofe who have the charge of them, to chufe confcientious and pious tutors, faying,

* It is a lovely fight to behold innocent chil-

* dren,' and that * To labour for their help

* againft that which would marr the beauty ' of their minds, is a debt we owe them.'

His miniftry was found, very deep and penetrating, fometimes pointing out the dan- gerous fituation which indulgence and cuf- tom leads into; frequently exiiorting others, efpecially the youth, not to be diiconraged at the difBcalties which occur, but prefs af- ter

( 305 )

ter purity. He often exprefTed an earned en- gagement that pure wiftiom Ihould be at- tended to, which would lead into lowlinefs of mind and refignation to the divine will, in which (late fmall polIefTions here would be fiifficient.

In tranfadling the affairs of difcipline, his judgment was found and clear, and lie was very uieful in treating with thofe who had done amifs; he vifited fuch in a private way in that plainnefs which truth dictates, fhewing great tendernefs and chriftian for- bearance. He was a conflant attendcr of our yearly-meeting, in which he was a good ex- ample, and particularly ufeful ; aflifting in the bufinefs thereof with great weight and at- tention. He feveral times vifited moft of the meetings of friends in this and the neigh- bouring provinces, with the concurrence of the monthly-meeting to which he belonged, and we have reafon to believe had good fer- vice therein, generally or always exprefling at his return how it had fared with him, and the evidence of peace in his mind for thus performing his duty. He was often concern- ed with other friends in the important fer- vice of vifiting famdies, which he was ena- bled to go through to fatisfa(5lion.

In the minutes of the meeting of minifters and elders for this quarter, at the foot of a lift of the members of that meeting, made about five years before his death, we find in his hand- writing the following obfervation and refledions. * As looking over the mi- X * nutes

( 3o6 )

* nntes made by perfons wlio have put off

* this body, hath fometimes revived in m-e

* a thought how ages pafs away ; fo this HO:

* may probably revive a hke thought in

* fome, when I and the reft of the perfons

* abovenamed, are centered in another ftate

* of being. The Lord, wlio was the guide

* of my youth, hath in tender mercies help-

* ed me hitherto; he hath healed m.e of

* wounds, he hath helped me out of griev-

* ous entanglements ; he remains to be the

* ftrength of my life; to whom I delirc to

* devote myfelf in time, and in eternity.'

Signed, John Wool man. In the twelfth month T771, he acquainted this meeting that he found his mind drav^rn towards a religious vifit to friends in fome parts of England, particularly in Yorkfliire. In the lirft month 1772, he obtained our cer- tificate, which v/as approved and endorled by our quarterly-meeting, and by the half year's meeting of minifters and elders at Philadelphia. He embarked on his voyage in the fifth and arrived in London in the iixth month following, at the time of their annual meeting in that city. During his Ihort vifit to friends in that kingdom, we are informed that his fervices were accepta- ble and edifying. In his laft illnefs he ut- tered many lively and comfortable expreili- ons, being * Perfedly refigned, having no * will either to live or die,' as appears by the teftimony of friends at York in Great-Bri- tain, in the fuburbs whereof, at the hou

r^

of

( so? ) €>f our friend Thomas Prieftman, he died of the fmall-pox, on the 'jth day of the tenth month 1772, and was buried in friends burying-ground in that city, on the ()th of the fame, after a large and folid meeting held on the occafion, at tlieir great meeting- houfe, aged near fifty-two years ; a minifler upwards of 30 years, during which time he belonged to Mount-Holly particular meeting, which he diligently attended when at home and in health of body, and his la- bours of love and pious care for the prof- perity of friends in the bleffed truth, we hope may not be forgotten, but that his good works may be remembred to edificati- on.

A Teftimony from the ^larterly- Meeting at York z« Great-Britain, concerning John

WOOLMAN.

THIS our valuable friend having been under a religious engagement for fome time, to vifit friends in this nation, and more efpecially vis in the northern parts, undertook the fame in full concurrence and near fympathy with his friends and bre- thren at home, as appeared by certificates from the monthly and quarterly-meetings to which he belonged, and from the fpring- meecing of minillers and elders, held at Philadelphia, for Pennfylvania and New- Jerfey,

X 2 He

( 3o8 )

He arrived in the city of London the be- ginning of the laft yearly-meeting, and after attending that meeting travelled northward, vifiting the quarterly-meetings of Hertford- fhire, Buckinghamlliire, Northamptonlhire, Oxfordfliire and Worcefterfhire, and divers particular meetings in his way.

He vifited many meetings on the wefl-fide of this county, alfo fome in Lancalliire and Wellimoreland, from whence he came to our quarterly-meeting in the laft ninth month, and though much out of health, yet was en- abled to attend all the fittings of that meet- ing except the lail.

His diforder then, which proved the fmall- pox, increafed ipeedily upon him, and was very afflicting ; under which he was fupport- ed in much meeknefs, patience, and chrifti- an fortitude ; to thofe who attended him in his illnefs, his mind appeared to be centered in divine love ; under the precious influence whereof, we believe he finiflied his courfe, and entered into the manfions of everlafling reft.

In the early part of his illnefs herequefted a friend to write and he broke forth thus. * O Lord my God ! the amazing horrors of darknefs were gathered around me and covered me all over, and I faw no way to go forth J 1 felt the mifery of my fellow creatures feparated from the divine har- mony and it was heavier than I could bear, and I was cruflied down under it; I lijfted up my hand, and ftretched out my

' arm.

( 309 ) ' arm, but there was none to help me; I. ' looked round about and was amazed: In

* the depths of mifcry, O Lord ! 1 remem-

* bred that thou art omnipotent, that I had

* called thee father, and I felt that I loved

* thee, and I was made quiet in thy will,

* and I waited for deliverance from thee;

* thou hadft pity upon me, when no man ' could help me ; I faw that meeknefs under

* fufFering was ihewed to vis in the moll af-

* fedling example of thy fbn, and thou waft

* teaching me to follow him, and I faid, thy ' will O father, be done.'

Many more of his weighty expreffions might have been inferted here, but it ^as deemed unnecefTary, they being already publiflied in print.

He was a man endued with a large natu- ral capacity, and being obedient to the ma- nifeftations of divine grace, having in pati- ence and humility endured many deep bap- tifms, he became thereby land:ified and fitted for the Lord's work, and was truly fervice- able in his church; dwelling in awful fear and watchfulnefs, he was careful in his pub- lic appearances to feel the patting forth of the divine hand, fo that the fpring of the gofpel miniftry often flowed through him with great fweetnefs and purity, as a refrefli- ing ftream to the weary travellers towards the city of God: Skilful in dividing the word, he was furnillied by him in whom are hid all the treafures of wifdomand know- ledge, to communicate freely to the feveral

dates

( 3^0 )

dates of the people where his lot was cafl. His condu(fl: at other times was feafoned with the like watchful circumfpedtion and attention to the guidance of divine wifdom, wiiich rendered his whole converfation uni- formly edifying.

He was fully perfuaded that as the life of Chrift comes to reign in the earth, all abufe and unneceffary opprefTion, both of the hu- man and brute creation will come to an end ; but under the fenfe of a deep revolt, and an overflowing ftream of unrighteoufnefs, his life has been often a life of mourning.

He was deeply concerned on account of that inhuman and iniquitous pradlice of making ilaves of the people of Africa, or holding them in that (late ; and on that ac- count we underftand he hath not only wrote fdme books, but travelled much on the con- tinent of America, in order to make the Ne- gro mafters (efpecially thofe in profeffion with us) feniible of the evil of fuch a prac- tice; and though in this journey to England, he was f:ir removed from the outward fight of their fufFerings, yet his deep exercile of mind remained, as appears by a fhort trea- tife he wrote in this journey, and his fre- quent concern to open the miferable flate of this deeply injured people: His teftimony in the lafl meeting he attended was on this fub- jecfl:, wherein he remarked, that as we as s, fociety, when vmder outward fufferings, had often found it our concern to lay them before thofe in authority, and thereby in

the

( 311 )

the Lord's time, had obtained relief, {b he recommended this oppreffed part of the cre- ation to our notice, that we may as way may open, reprefent their fufferings in an individual, if not a fociety, capacity to thofe in authority.

Deeply fenlible that the dellre to gratify people's inclinations inluxury andfuperflui- ties, is the principal ground of oppreffion, and the occalion of many unnecelTary wants, he believed it to be his duty to be a pattern of great felf-denial, with refpecft to the things of this life, and earneflly to labour with friends in the meeknefs of wifdom, to im- prefs on their rninds the great importance o£ our tedimonyin thefe things, recommending to the guidance of the bleffed truth in this and all other concerns, and cautioning fuch as are experienced therein, againfl contenting tliemfelves with acfting up to the ftandard of others, out to be careful to make the ftand- ard of truth manifelled to them, the uieafure of their obedience ; for faid he, ^ That pu-

* rity of life which proceeds from faithful- ' nels in following the fpirit of truth, that

* flate where oui* minds are devoted to

* ferve God, and all our wants are bounded ' by his wifdom; this habitation has often ' been opened before me as a place of re-

* tirement for the children of the light, where

* they may (land feparated from that which ' diforderetli and confufeth the affairs oF

* fociety, and where we may have a tefli-

* mony of our innocence in the hearts o£ ^ thofe who behold us.'

We

( 312 )

We conclude with fervent defires, that we as a people may thus, by our example, promote the Lord's work in the earth ; and our hearts being prepared, may unite in prayer to the great Lord of the harveii:, that as in his infinite wifdom he hath greatly ftripped the church, by removing of late divers faithful minifters and elders, he may be pleafed to fend forth many more faithful labourers into his harvefl.

The foil onxmig Minutes offome of his Exprefftons in the time of his f chiefs^ were prejerved by our friend Thomas Prieftman and others *who attended him, viz.

FOURTH-DAY morning, 30//jofthc ninth month 1772, being allied how he felt himfelf, he meekly anfwered, I don't know that I have flept this night, I feel the diforder making its progrefs, but my mind is mercifully prelerved in ftillnefs and peace ; Sometime after he laid he was fenlible the pains of death muft be hard to bear, but if he efcaped them now, he mufl: fometime pafs thro' them, and he did not know that he could be better prepared, but had no will in it. He faid he had lettled his outward af- fairs to his mind, had taken leave of his wife and family as never to return, leaving them to the divine protecftion ; adding, and tho' I feel them, near to me at this time, yet I free- ly give them up, having a hope that they

will

( 313 )

will be provided for. And a little after faid, This trial is made eaiier than I could have thought, my will being wholly taken away; for if I was anxious for the event it would have been harder, but I am not, and my mind enjoys a perfect calm.

In the night a young woman having giv- en him fomething to drink, he faid, My child thou feems very kind to me a poor creature, the Lord will reward thee for it. Awhile af- ter he cried out with great earneflnefs of fpi- rit. Oh my father ! my father ! and foon af- ter he faid, Oh my father ! my father ! how comfortable art thou to my foul in this try- ing feafon. Being ailced if he could take a little nourifliment ; after fome paufe he re- plied, my child I cannot tell what to fay to it; I feem nearly arrived where my foul Ihall have reft from all its troubles. After giving in fomething to be inferted in his journal, he faid, I believe the Lord will now excufe me from exercifes of this kind ; and I fee no work but one which is to be the laft wrought by me in this world, the mefTcnger will come that will releafe me from all thefe troubles ; but it muft be in the Lord's time, which I am waiting for. He faid he had laboured to do whatever was required, according to the ability received, in the remembrance of which he had peace ; and tho' the diforder was ftrong at times, and would like a whirl- wind come over his mind ; yet it had hither- to been kept fteady and centered in everlaft- ing love J adding, and if that be mercifully

continued,

( 314 )

continued, I aflc nor define no more. An- other time he faid, he had long had a view of vifiting this nation, and fometime before he came had a dream, in which he law himfelf in the northern parts of it, and that the fpring of the gofpel was opened in him much as in the beginning of friends, fuch as George Fox and WiUiam Dewfbury, and he faw the different ftates of the people, as clear as he had ever feen flowers in a garden ; but in his going along he was fuddenly ftopt, tho' he could not fee for what end; but looking towards home, fell into a flood of tears, which waked him.

At another time he faid, my draught feem- ed (Irongefl: towards the north, and I men- tioned in my own monthly-meeting, that attending the quarterly-meeting at York, and being there looked like home to m^e.

Fifth-day night, having repeatedly con- fented to take medicine with a view to fettle his flomach, but without efFed:; the friend then waiting on him, faid thro' diitrefs, whatfliall I do now ? He anfwered with great com pof lire, Rejoice evermore, and in every tiling give thanks ; but added a little after^ this is fometimes hard to come at.

.Sixth-day morning he broke forth early in fupplicatlon on this wife, OLord it was thy power that enabled me to forfake fin in my youth, and I have felt thy bruifes for dif- -obedience; but as I bowed under them thou -healed me, continuing a father and a friend ; I feel thy powa' now, and I beg that in thq

approaching

( 315 )

approaching trying moment thou wilt keep my heart ftedfaft unto thee. Upon his giv- ing direcflions to a friend concerning fome little things, fhe faid I will take care, buc hope thou wilt live to order them, thyfelf ; he reply'd, my hope is in Chrifl, and tho' I may feem a little better, a change in the dif- order may foon happen, and my little ftrength be diflblved, and if it fo happens, I fliall be gathered to my everlaflingreft. On her fay- ing fhe did not doubt that, but could not help mourning to fee fb many faithful fer- vants removed at fo low a time ; he faid all good Cometh from the Lord, whofe power is the fame, and can work as he fees bed. The fame day he had given directions about wrapping his corpfe ; perceiving a friend to weep, he faid I would rather thou wouldll guard againft weeping for me, my fifter, I Ibrrow not, tho' I have had fome painful con- fiicfts, but now they feem over and matters well fettled, and I look at the face of my dear redeemer, for fweet is his voice and his countenance is comely.

Firll'day, A^th of the tenth month, being very weak and in general difficult to be un- derllood, he uttered a few words in comme- moration of the Lord's goodnefs ; and add- ed, how tenderly have 1 been waited on in this time of aiHidlion, in which I may fay in Job's words. Tedious days and wearifome nights are appointed unto me, and how ma- ny are fpending their time and money in ^'anity and fuperiluitieSj while thoufands

and

{ 3«6 )

and tens of thoufands want the neceffarles of life, who might be relieved by them, and their diftrefTes at fuch a time as this, in fome degree foftened by the adminiftring fuitable things.

Second-day morning the apothecary who appeared very anxious to aiTifl him, being prefent, he queried about the probabiUty of iuch a load of matter being thrown off his weak body, and the apothecary making fome remarks implying he thought it might; he fpoke with an audible voice on this wife, My dependance is on the Lord Jefus, who I truft will forgive my (ins, which is all 1 hope for, and if it be his will to raife up this body again, I am content ; and if to die, I am re- ligned ; and if thou canft not be eafy with- out trying to afTifl nature, I fabmit. After which his throat was fo much afFe6led, that it was very difficult for him to fpeak fo as to be underftood, and frequently wrote when he wanted any thing. About the fecond hour on fourth-day morning he afked for pen and ink, and at feveral times with much difficulty wrote thus, I believe my being here is in the wifdom of Chrift, 1 know not as to life or death.

About a quarter before fix the fame morn- ing he feemed to fall into an eafy fleep, which continued about half an hour, whenfeeming to awake, he breathed a few times with more difficulty, and expired without figh, groan, or flrnggle.

A Tejlimony

( 317 )

A Tejlimany from Derby Monthly- Meeting in Pennfylvania, concerning William H o R N E.

HE was born in the county of SuiTex, Great-Britain, in the year 1714, and came with his parents to Philadelphia about the year 1724; in 1736 he came to refide in this townlhip, where he continued the re- mainder of his life. He married in 1737, and in 1746 he appeared in public teflimo- ny in our religious meetings, and being obedient to the heavenly call, became an able minifter of the gofpel.

In the year 1752 he vifited the meetings of friends in New-England; and in the fourth month 1763 embark'd for Great-Bri- tain, where he vifited the meetings general- ly in England and fome part of Wales, re- turning home in the tenth month 1764, to the great fatisfadion of his family and friends. He alfo, at feveral other times, vi- fited mod of the meetings in Pennfylvania and New-Jerfey, and the back parts of Ma- ryland and Virginia ; it appearing, by cer- tificates produced, that his labours of love were acceptable to friends.

His minifterial labours were frequent, live- ly and edifying, adorning the dodlrine he preached by a circumfpedl life and conver- lation, being zealoufly concerned for the maintenance of good order in the church, a ^ood example in his family, careful to bring

up

( 3i8 )

wp his cliildren in diligently attendiog reli- gious meetings, and manifefting his care in divers refpeds for their prefent and future welfare. Kind and hofpitable to friends, his houfe and heart being open for their recep- tion.

He departed this life, at his own habita- tion, the nth of the eleventh month 1772, in the fifty-ninth year of his age and the 2.6th of his miniftry, and was interred in friends burying-ground at Derby aforefaid.

ssassafiEinB

A Teflhnony from\AXx\^ Egg-Harbour iVTowZ/j/y- Meeting in New-Jerfey, cGncerning John

RiDGWAY.

[T E was born in the county of Burling- 1 ton, in Well-New-Jeriey, in the year 1 70 J, and foon after came with his parents and fettled within the compafs of this meet- ing: He was reiigioufly educated, which as he grew in years, had a good effe6l, by his viekling obedience to the heavenly viiion of XwXiX. and irrace in his own mind, which weaned him from the vanities of the world. He was a fteady and conftant attender of meetings when at home and in health; and aklio' his circumftances in life made him apprehend it neceflary to follow the fea for a time, yet by attending to the divine prin- ciple of grace, he was prefer ved from that: extravagance in his conduct and converfati-

( 319 )

on too prevalent in men in that budnefs. He was early in life appointed to the ftatloa of an elder in the church, in which he con- ducted with reputation ; being of a benevo- lent fpirit, his heart and houfe v^ere open to entertain his friends and others, cheerful- ly and liberally affifliing the poor in many refpecls ; and in an extenlive commerce and converfation amongfl men of various ranks, he demeaned himfelf with a becoming gra- vity, which render'd him truly worthy of efteem. He was carefully concerned that his children and other youth, might partake of the benefits of a fober education ; and in his declining years, was much aiHidled with bodily indifpofition, which he was enabled to bear with patience and relignation; often cxprcfTing a delire to be contented in the divine will.

He quietly departed this life, on the iijl of the fifth month 1774, aged near feventy years, and was buried at Egg-Harbour.

A TePJmony from Plainfield Monthly-Meeting in New-Jerfey, concerning John Vail.

U R worthy and much efteemed friend John Vail, was born at Weft-Cheiler, in the province of New-York, and removed from thence while young to Woodbridge, where he fettled and married. He was when a youth, reached by the power of truth,

and

( 320 )

and fubmitring to the crofs, he became fo- ber and rehgious; and continuing faithful and obedient to what he beUeved to be his duty, the Lord in infinite mercy, was pleafed to bellow on him, a gift in the gof- pel miniftry, and he proving faithful with the one talent, witneHed an increafe and growth in the truth, and was enlarged in his pubHc teftimony, whereby the church was edified, and the faithful comforted. Having a regard to the putting forth of the divine hand, he waited in meetings for pro- per qualifications to minifter in the ability that God gives, whereby he was often ena- bled, not only to reprove the unrighteoul- nefs of men, but to fpeak comfortably to thofe who mourned for the pride and abo- minations of the times. He often mention- ed the plainnefs and fimplicity which our forefathers appeared in, and was forrow- fully affecfted for many of the prefent gene- ration, in that they flighted their good ex- amples, and indulged themfelves in many things which thofe worthy men bore a faith- ful teftimony againft. He was a diligent attender of meetmgs, and very exemplary in being early there, even to old age, when of ability of body ; often exciting friends to that duty, not as formalifts, but patient- ly to wait for qualification to perform ac- ceptable worfhip to the Almighty. His out- ward circumftances being low, he was ve- ry induftrious, labouring with his hands for the fupport of himfelf and family, to

an

( 321 )

an advanced age, being very loth to be bur- denfome to friends.

He lived to a good old age, and on his death-bed, exprcfled his great fatisfadion, and refignation to the will of the Almighty, and faid he had oiten confidered that paf- fage of fcripture, *' If our hearts condemn *' us not, God is greater," adding, ' But * my heart condemns me not, for I have ' walked in innocency from my youth up : ' He divers times fignified his being ready and willing to leave the world. As our dear friend walked in righteoufnefs and humili- ty, he increafed in divine experience, and his lamp fhone bright to the lafb. He de- parted this life, on the 2^th of the eleventh month 1774, in the eighty-ninth year of his age, much beloved by his friends, neigh- bours, and acquaintance in general, a large number of whom attended his corpfe to the grave, where, after a folid meeting on the occafion, it was interr'din friends burying- ground at Rahway.

A Tejl'imony from Gofhen Monthly -Meeting in Pennfylvania, concerning Fhomas Good- win.

}_^ E was born in the principality of Wales J. in the year 1694, and came over to Pennfylvania with his parents about the year I70t>; and according to the bed ac- Y counts

( 522 )

counts we can colledl, he appeared In the miniitry near the fortieth yearot his age; and became a faithful labourer in the Lord*s vineyard. He fundry times vifited friends in the adjacent provinces, feveral of which vi~ fits he pcrforn\ed even in old age ; and about the (ixty- ninth year of his age vifited friends in many parts of England and Wales; and fome years after, friends in Ireland ; v/hich vifits were acceptable, as appeared by leve- ral certificates given by Iriends aniongil whom he laboured. He was zealous tor the promotion of good order in the church, and often fervently engaged in our meetings for difcipline, to recommend friends to a humble waiting for the pointings of truth, as the alone fafe guide and ciualifier for eve- ry good word and work.

He was exemplary himfelf, and careful to bring up his family in the pradlice of at- tending Uieetings on the firft and other days of the week; was zealous in promoting and faithful in performing that good work of vi- fiting friends families: His miniilry was found and edifying, being in the demonftra- tion of the fpirit and power; and he may be faid to be of the number of them that through taith have obtained a good report.

The lall: year of his life, he w^as prevented from travelling far abroad, by reafon of a lingering and painful diforder, but when a- ble to attend his own meeting, he frequent- ly appeared in the miniilry, tho' under much bodily innrmity. And altho' he was

as

(' 3^3 )'

as a fliock of corn fully ripe, gathered in its fealbn, yet we are feiifihle of the lofs the church has fultained by his removal ; but we trull it is his everlailing gain, and that he now enjoys the fruits of his labours. His lalf exprelTions were, ' Lord Jefus receive * my foul.'

He departed this life, the i6th of the fourth month 1775* nnd was buried in friends burying- ground at Goihen, on the iQ)th of the Iknie, aged eighty-one years, and a miniiter about 41 years.

A Teflimony from Nottingham Monthly- Meet- ing in Pennfylvania, concerning John Churchman.

HE was born at Nottingham in Cheflier county, Pennfylvania, the ^.tb ot the fixth month 1705, of religious parents, John and Hannah Churchman; and by his own account, was remarkably reached and made fenlible of the inward appearance of grace and truth when very young; but through inattention thereto, fuffered lofs. About the twentieth year of his age, thro' tiie great loving kindnels of a merciful God, the divine vifitation was again renewed wherewith he doting in, became fubjetl to the Lord's hand, who was about to prepare him as achofen inftrument forfervice. In his twen- ty-fifth year he married, and foon after was Y 2 recommended

( 3H )

recommended to the ftation of an elder, wherein we find, he acled with great cauti- on, humihty and fear, and being qualified for the fervice of vifiting families, was em- ployed therein.

His firll appearance in public miniftry, was in the year 1733, and by humble obe- dience to the giver, he improved in tlie gift, and became an able minifter of the goipel; in which fervice he travelled much, having vifited the meetings of friends in this and feveral of the adjacent provinces, moftly fe- veral times; and in the lummer 1742, he perform'd a religious vifit to friends in New- England, and the year following to New- York and parts adjacent, which he repeated in 1774. in the year 1750 a concern ripen- ed, which he exprefTed had for Ibme years before, at times, relied with weight on his mind, to crofs the feas in the fervice of the gofpel, wherewith he had the tret concur- rence of his brethren at home (being always very careful in that refpecft;) and fpent up- wards of four years on a general vifit to the meetings of friends in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Holland, and alfo to tlie particular families of friends within the compafs of divers meetings in different parts ot Europe ; and by I'everal cerrificaces pro- duced to our meeting after his return, the vmity and latisfadion of ft'iends in thole Eu- ropean countries with his exemplary con- duct and religious labours were tuily ex- preiied.

Although

( 325 ) Although he was of a weakly conflltuti- on, and often infirm, efpecially in the latter part of his life, yet he appeared to be much devoted to the fervice of truth and the good of mankind, and gave up his time for that purpofe, when he apprehended it was requir- ed of him, being favoured with a fufficiency of outward things, and we believe he ftood loofe from the world and its connedlions, not feeking, but refraining opportunities he might have had to get outward riches ; he vifited neighbouring yearly, quarterly, and other meetings of friends at times to his laft year, and was truly ufeful in the difcipline of the church, being eminently qualified for that fervice, and was a good example in a diligent care to attend all the meetings both for worlhip and difcipline to which he be- longed, cautious of being forward in his public appearances, and for the moft pare exampled us to filence in our meetings at liome, efpecially in the latter part of his time ; yet when he did appear in teltimony, we think it may be truly faid, his doctrine dropc as the dew, being lively and edifying to tlie hoiielt hearted, tho' clofe and learching to thecarelefs proielfors, as well as ro the pro- fane and h) pc Ci'icical. The elders who have ruled wA\ are to he accounted honorable, fo the remembrance oi the fatherly, ddigent, humble, upright, honeft, and lelf-denying example of this our decealed friend, as alio his various lervices in aur meetings and neighboui'i\ood remain frelh, and of a pea-* f^nt favouj; to many mindJ^*

la

( 3^6 )

In his laft illnefs, which held him up- W^irds of three week?, he appeared aiolUy feifible, and mani felled much patience and refignation, uttering many lively exprefhons to rnofe attending him, and to divers friends who came to lee him j Ibme of which being taken dtnvn in wntmg, are hereunto iub- joined, viz.

Sotne Account of the loft iJlnefi of our friend Jonn Ciiurchman, and oj divers of his iveighty exprefjions^ near the cloje oJ life,

N the 1 1 //:? of the fixth month \J"]S* he returned home, after performmg his laft journey, on a vifit to moft of the meetings on the Eallern- Shore of Maryland, and attending the yearly-meeting at Tiiird- Haven in Talbot county. On the 14//7 of the fame month, he went to the weekday meeting at London- Grove, to meet with a committee of our quarterly-meeting on par- ticular bufinefs, and returned to our meet- ing at Nottingham the next day, on the hjft day of the week following was there alio, in the fame week he attended our preparative and monthly-meetings, but a fever daily in- creafing upon him, he v/as afterwards chief- ly confined at home.

On the ^th of the feventh month he exprefTed hinilelf thus, ' i am glad that 1 am at home, ' I have ever found it bed when my fervice * abroad v/as over, to get home as quick as

* might

( 3^7 ) might be, and though I have felt great in- ward poverty and w^eaknefs fince my laft journey, lb that I can neither fee my be- ginning nor ending, but leem as if all were hidden, yet I hope if Providence fhall fee meet to remove me at this time, fome light will appear again, and that it will be otherwife before I go/ At another time he fpake to this pvirpofe, I have found myfelf much dripped as to a fenfe of good, and tried with poverty ma- ny days. I fuppoie 1 have been accounted by fome, as one of the better fort of peo- ple, but have feen great occafion to beware ot a difpofitioii that would feek to feed up- on the praiie or commendations of others j a carnal ielfilh fbiritis very apt to prelent, and creep in here if polTible, and I have iten. it hurt many who have had right be-^ ginnings, it always introcluceth dimnefs, and opprelBon, to the pure, precious, in- nocent life of truth, wnich only groweth up into dominion, through deep abale- ment of (bul, and the entire death of felf,* At feveral other times he fignified to this effed:, ' My preient baptifm of afflicftion hath tended to the further refinement of my nature, and to the bringing me more perfetftly into the image of my mailer.' He frequently exprciTed his full fubiniiH- on to the divine will either re{"pe6ling life or dtath, feveral times faving, ^ I now expe-

* rience mv life and my wdi to be ilain, and

* 1 have no will left,'

^ la

( 3^8 )

In the two laft weeks of his time it ap- peared that his defire and hope, mentioned in the forepart of his illnefs, for hght again to appear, was fully anfwered by the freili in- fluence thereof, io that altho* his pain was often great, he would many times in a day break forth into a kind of melody with his voice, without uttering words, which as he fometimes intimated, was an involuntary af- piration of his Ibul in praile to the Lord, who had again been plealed to ihine forth in brightnefs after many days of poverty and deep baptifm, which tho* painful, had prov- ed beneficial to him, being a means of fur- ther purifying from the dregs of nature, fay- ing he was at times afraid to difcover that melody in the hearing of fome that vifited huTi, left they could not comprehend its meaning, and might therefore mifconftruc it.

On fecond day morning the I'jth of the feventh month, being afl^ed by a friend how he was, he replied, * I am here in the body

* yet, and when I go out of it I hope there

* is nothing but peace,' and foon after fur- ther faid, ' 1 have feen that all the buRles, ' and noifes that are now in the world will ' end in confufion, and our young men that

* know not an eflablilhment in the truth

* and the Lord's fear for a ballalf, will be ' caught in a trying moment.' At another time he (aid, ' 1 feel nothing but peace, hav-

* ing endeavoured honeftly to diicharge my-

( 329 )

* felf in public, and privately to individu-

* a(s as 1 apprehended was required, and if

* it be the Lord's will that 1 fhould go now,

* I {hall be releafed from a great deal of

* trouble and exercilb, which I believe friends

* who are left behind will have to pafs

* through.*

On the 20th of the fame month he thus

exprelled himfelt, ' I love friends who abide

in the truth as much as ever I did, and I

feel earned breathings to the Lord, that

there may be luch r;Aifed up in the church

who may ^o forth in humility, fweetnefs,

and life, clear of all fuperfluity in exprelli-

ons and ocherwife, flandnig for the tefti-

mony, that they may be ufeful to the

church in thefe difficult times.*

About three days before his death, feveral

friends being in his room, he fpake as follows,

' Friends in the beginning, if they had

* health and liberty, were not eaiily divert- ' ed from paying their tribute of woriliip

* to the Almighty on week days as well as

* firft-days, but after awhile when outward

* fufferings ceafed, life and zeal decaying,

* eai'e and the fpirit of the world took place ' with many, and thus it became cufloma- ' ry for one or two out of a family to attend ' meetings, and to leave their children much ' at home; parents alfo if worldly concerns ' were in the way could neglect their week ' day meetings fometimes, yet be willing to

* hold the name, and plead excufe becaufs

•^ of a bufy time, or the like, but I believe..

■ that

( 330 ) ' that fuch a departure from primitive intc- ' grity ever did, and ever will, occafion a ' withering from the life of true religion.*

To a friend who came to vifit him on the 2iy?of the (eventh month he faid, * I feel

* that which lives beyond death and the ' grave, which is now an inexpreffible com- ' fort to me after a time of deep baptilrn

* that I have pafled through, I believe my ^ being continued here is in the will of Pro-

* vidence, and I am fully refigned.'

His illnefs increafing he fliid but little on feventh-day the izd\ in the afternoon he was very low, and Ipeechlefs about twelve hours ; early on firft-day morning he recruit- ed a little, and gave dirtdlions about his cofEn to a friend who fat up with him, being a joiner; continuing rather eafier the fore- part of that day and appearing cheerful, he exprelFed divers weiglity fentences like fare- well exhortations to fome who came to fee him; on fecond-day morning he fat up a confiderable time, in the afternoon he ap- peared lively and fenfible, tho' very weak, thus exprelTiug himfelf, * I am much re-

* frelhed with my mailer's fvveet air, I leel

* more life, more light, more love and ' fweernefs than ever before,' and often men-*- tioned the divine refrelhment and comfort he felt flowing like a pure llream to his in- ward man, faying; to thofe who were with him, * I may tell you of it, but you cannot ' feel it as I do.'

In the evening a voung perfon coming in- to the room, looking at her earnelily aidaf-

fectionatelyj

( 331 )

fedlionately, he faid, ' Deborah arofe a mo- ' Cher in Ifrael,' and ihortly after, ' The ' fweetnefs that I feel ;' then his difficuicy of breathing increalecl, and being tuit^ed once or twice, he requei^ed to He helpe^d up, and wab placed in his chair, in whicb lie ex- pired about the ninth hoar on lecond day night the 24r^()f rhefeventh month 1775, be- ing aged near leveaty, and a minifter about 42 years, and was buried on the 261b m friends grave-yard at Ea(t-Nottingham, a large con- courfe of people attending, after which a lo- lemn meeting was held.

A Teftimonyfrom New-Garden Monthly -Meeting in Pennlylvania, concerning Sakah Mil- house.

SHE was religioufly inclined from her youth, and when married, was a good example in her family as a wife and a parent, of an inoffenfive life and conversation, and a diligent attender of religious meetings, until prevented by age and bodily infirmity j Pier appearances as a minifter were not fre- quent, but favoury and in few exprefTions.

In her lafl illnefs Ihe feem'd refigned ei- ther to live or die, and by her fenlible ex- preihons and good advice to her children and others, file appeared in a living humble frame of mind, and fignified, ' She did not * fee any thing in her way.*

She

( 332 )

She quietly departed this life, the 26tb of the eighth month 1775, aged about fe- venty-four years ; and on the 2jth was in- terr d in friends burying-ground at New- Garden.

After her deceafe, was found, wrote with lier own hand, as follows, 'Oh! that my

* children would walk in the truth, the pure,

* inward, everlafting truth, which is Chrift;

* ieek unto him in fecret and great humility,

* who alone can preferve you in every try-

* ing time which mull be met with in this

* life, that we may be prepared for that life

* which is everlallingj feek it before any

* earthly treafure/

ATe/lmonyfrofn Gwyncdd Monthly- Meeting in Pennfylvania, CGUceniing William F o u L K E.

E was born of religious parents, early fettlers of Gwynedd, from whom he received a pious education, to which, with the vifitation of divine grac>e, he fo far at- tended from early )outh, that in the I'everal characfters of hufband, father, maimer, and neighbour, with his hofpitality and charita- ble (liipofition to the poor, he was much en- deared to his family, friends and neighbours. Being a man of integrity and a lover of peace, he endeavoured to promote it in others, and was rem.arkably endued with a happy talent

tor

( 333 )

for compofing differences and reclaiming of- fenders, ill which lervices he was much ex- ercifed.

In the ftations of an elder and overfeer which he filled for a number of years, he was exemplary and ferviceable. His health gradually declined for feveral months ; and though his diforder proved lingering, he was enabled to bear it with refignation and pati- ence, expreffing the expe(5lation of his change with calmnefs.

The day before his deceafe, a friend who vifited him, mentioned, what a comfortable rellecflion it mufl be to him, when drawing near to the clofe of life, that he had filled up the ftation alloted him in a good degree of faithfuhiefs ; he replied, ' I have no fight

* w^hen my change may be, I endeavour to ' be refigaed, I have not any thing to boaft

* of, I have not any thing to ex-pe(5l from a- ' ny works 1 have done, it was but little;

* but I have experienced that the Lord is

* merciful, in whom Itrulf, having redeem-

* ed my foul from deftrucftion. I much de-

* fire to be within the pale of happinefs,

* fomewhere within the door where I may ' find a quiet habitation.'

He continued feniible to the lafl, and de- parted this life, on the '2,0th of the eighth month 1775, in the fixty-feventh year of his age, and ou the iji of the ninth month, was iiuerr'd in friends burying-ground atGwy- nedd.

A Teftimon^

( 334 )

A TePihmny from the Monthly- Meeting o/Phi- ladelpiiia, concernitig x^akah Mukkis.

SH E was born in this citv, being the (laughter of our ancient friends Anthony and Ehzabeth Morris, who were careful to inftrucfl her in the fear of the Lord, a dili- gent attendance of our rel'g'ous meetings, and an early acquaintance with the holy fcriptures ; the advantage whereof ilie at times exprelTed to be a great comfort to her- felf, and of benefit to others. Her father di- ed when flie was about feventeen years of age, and near his end gave this teftimony relpedling her, ' That flie had never dilbbey- ' ed him, and was his comfort ;' which we infert with dehres it may fo imprefs the minds ot youth, that by duly regarding the divine command of obedience to parents, they may be their comfort, merit the like teftimony, and fecure peace to their own minds. She was endued with underftand- ing fuperior to n^any, which, with her foci- able, agreeable difpohtion, occafioned her Converlation in the younger part of her life to be fought and acceptable lo fiich who were accounted wife in the elfimation of the world; but from her religious inclination prefering the company of thofe who exceeded her in age and experience, fhe was mercifully {)re- ferved from the fnares and ten^ptations to levity and vanity by which many of the youth are too readily captivaied.

The

( 335 ) The ftate of mind and religious exercife flie was brought under, through the early vificacions of divine grace, being ienfibly ex- prelTed in aihorc account written by herlelf, we think worthy to be prelerved, dirc(5led as follows, To all to whofe hands this may come, be it known,

' That, I having been one who was born of religious parents, was by that means ia- voured with a (bber and virtuous educa- tion, bat what was far beyond all outward bleilmgs, the Lord in his mercy was pleaf- ed to make very early impreffions of reli- gion on my (bul, by his immediate grace and good fpirit, and made me fenfible of the touches of divine love when very young, and at times thefe merciful viiita- tions were continued from my very infan- cy (and through every part of life) by which 1 was in a good degree preferved from the evils and vanities of the world, and not only fo, but comforted and lup- ported in every time of trouble and diffi- culty, as there was a fecret regard to that good hand which is, and ever will be the help of all thole who put their trull in it. But tho' the Lord had fo favoured me that I was made capable of being in fome re- fpe(5ls ferviceableamongfl my acquaintance and friends, from a propenlity in my na- tural difpolition (which is likewile a bleif- ing from Heaven) to affill or oblige thofe with whom I converlevl; yet after itpleaf-

' cd

( 336 )

ed God, by the death of a fifter whom I entirely loved, to give me a frefh ini1:ance of the uncertainty and unfatisfacStorinefs of all temporal blfiTings, he was pleafed to llrengthen my delires after the enjoy- ment of that which is eternal and fadeth not away; and ftrong cries were railed in my foul that 1 might be brought to a near- er acquaintance, and a more conllant a- biding with him who is the beloved of fouls, and who, by the fecret touches of divine goodnefs, had raifed fuch a hunger and thirft after righteoulhefs, that my loul could not be fatisfied fhort of it : I fay, af- ter it had pleafed God thus to incline my mind to feek after a more full enjoyment of that inward life and virtue which is communicated and conveyed to the foul through the illumination of the holy fpi- rit, 1 was vifited with ficknefs, in which I had i"o a near a prolpedl of eternity, tliat 1 feemed jufl entermg into it; O! then, the emptincfs and vanity of all the world; the pleaiures and friendihips of it appear- ed in a clear and ftrong light; nothing then but the hope oi an entrance into the kingdom of Heaven ieemed of any value, and that hope the Lord was at that time pleafed in fome degree to afford me ; but yet I thought 1 (awn great deficiency, and was made to defire oi the Lord, chat ii it v/as his will to rell:ore me, he miglit ena- ble me to live more cio!c to Wis teachings, and follow him more iuliy than 1 had iii-

* therto

( 337 )

therto done ; but in order to this, a work of greater mortification than ever had been experienced by me, was necelFary. Great diftrefs of foul and afllicftion of bo- dy was I brought into, iniomuch that I 'knew not where, or what I was ; fuch temptations and buffetings of Satan that I had till now been a itranger to, were fafFered to befet me, in the abfence of fpi- ritual comfort and refreihment, yet in all this the Lord was very merciful, and let me fee that his dealings with my foul were in order to qualify and fit for fome fur- ther fervice ; O ! then the folemn engage- ments my foul was willing to enter into at this Bethel! If thou O Lord! will be with me in the way that I go, and give me bread to eat and raiment to put on, in a fpiritual fenfe, and bring me to my hea- venly fiither's houfe in peace, thou flialt be my God, and I will lerve thee ! And the Lord, who knew the tendernefs of my heart (at that time, for it was his own work) was pleafed gracioully to fhower down of the heavenly rain of his king- dom, by which my foul was greatly com- forted and refreflied in his prelence ; and in a true fight and fenfe of my own no- thingnefs and inability to do any thing that was acceptable in the light of God without his ailiftance, Vv^as my fpirit great- ly humbled before him, and a refi^i:nation wrought in my will to be given up in all thmgs to him, who had thus enabled my % * Ibul

( 338 )

* foul to praife his name upon the banks c»f

* deliverance from great and fore confiidls ' and troubles, which were unknown to

* any in that day, for then was the Lord my

* refuge and fure hiding place, and under

* the fhadow of his wing was I kept, and ' in the fweet enjoyment of divine love,

* light and life, at times was made to fay,

* furely nothing fhall ever be able to make

* a reparation from the love of God in Chrift

* Jefus: But alas ! this lafted not long, for

* when it was clearly fhewn me what was

* required of my hands, which was to bear ' a public teftimony for God, and to declare

* unto others what he had done for my foul,

* then confukations with flefli and blood

* began, tho' the merciful vifitations of love

* were long continued unto me; yet doubts,

* fears and reafonings increafed, fo that

* great darknefs and diftrefs came upon me,

* nor could 1 now apply with that confi-

* dence and trufl: as formerly, to him a-

* lone who can help, but began to difblofe

* fomething oi my condition to others,

* from which time I was fenfible that my

* ftrength decreafed ; yet all this while I ' was willing to hope that a frefh vifitation

* might be lometime afforded, for without ' it, I faw my ftate very dangerous ; what

* W'Ould I not then have done to have reco-

* vered my former condition ? I went un-

* der great diftrefs and perplexity day and

* night tor fome months, the comfortable

* retreflunents and divine openings with

* which

( 339 )

which I had been fo plentifully favoured, were withdrawn, and I left in unfpeakable anguiih and diftrefs ; under this fenfe of terror I cried to the Lord to fhew me his will and enable me to perform it, but the fenfe of his love was fo far withdrawn, and fears and doubts had ib prevailed, that I began to queftion every thing, and by de- grees the unwearied adverfary hath fo pre- vailed, or it is fo fuffered for ends 1 know not, that I am at this time, according to my weak apprehenfion, left very mucli to myfelf without the fenfation of divine love upon my foul, or the abdity to feek after it, or rightly to wait for it, or to flir or move any way as to my foul, but, in a ftupidity not to be defcribed, ftript of all inward comfoit, and not able to take plea- fure in any thing this world can afford.' Being, through the mercy of the Lord, preferved vinder this clofe probation, and, in his time, graciouily relieved by the quicken- ing virtue of his divine prefcnce and power, flie, in great abalement and humiliation, be- came refigned to his holy requirings, and appeared in public teftimony in one of our religious meetings; being thus brought forth in the miniflry, through great mortification of her own will, her appearance was much to the comfort and fatisf acfllon of friends, it being evident to the fenfible and judicious members of the church, that flie was right- ly called to this weighty work ; and divers nearly fympathizing with her, were fpiritual Z 2 helpers

( Mo )

helpers, watching over her in much love and tendcriiels ; and through faithfulnefs to her gift, file increafed in knowledge and experi- ence, and became an able gofpel miniller, being found in docflrine, pertinent in ex- hortation, clear and audible in utterance, and careful to adorn the dodlrine fhe preach- ed by a pious exemplary life and converfa- tion.

Her firfl journey in the fervicc of truth was to fbme adjacent meetings as companion to our valuable friend Margaret Ellis ; being afterwards, through the efficacy of divine love, drawn forth to vifit many of the meet- ings in this province, New-jerfey and the yearly-meetings in Maryland and Long-If- land ; and in the year 1764, in company with our friends Joyce Benezet and Eliza- beth Smith, attended that at Rhode- Hland; though her religious labours were chiefly in this city, manifelting among us a fleady uniform concern for the caufe of truth, and prefervation of true chriftian fellowfliip, not only in the exercife of her gift in the public miniltry, wherein fliewas eminently favour- ed, but alfbof ourchriltiandifcipline among friends of her own lex, for which flie was well qualified and of real ule.

After the deceafe of her ancient mother, who, in the ninety-tourtK year of her age, departed in a calm and peaceful Itate of mind, toward whom Ihe had manifefted a filial atltClion and care, an exercile which Ihe had many years been under to vifit tricnds

in

{ 341 ) in Great-Britain now reviving, the weight of the fervice, and her apprelienfion of be- ing difqualified therefor, affecfted her fo deeply, that flie was reduced to fuch a low ftate of mind and body, her recovery ap- peared doubtftd ; but after adiftreiFingfealon of conflidf, {he was favoured with (trength to communicate her concern to this meeting, and obtaining a certificate of the near fym- pathy and concurrence of friends, flie was left to proceed, with their free approbation, as the Lord might be pleafed to furniili abi- lity; and her afFe(5lionate niece Deborah Morris's offer to accompany her, being alfo concurred with, they embarked for London, in the third month 1772, where being ar- rived, tho' continuing in a weak flate of health, fhe was enabled to perform her vific to friends in moft of the principal counties and towns from Exeter in the weft as far north as Cumberland, and thofe called the Ealfern-Counties ; attending two yearly- meetings in London, and divers general meetings in other parts of the nation; and being favoured with ftrength beyond expec- tation, and with that wildom which truth gives to thofe who faithfully refign to its holy requirings, dilcharged her religious du- ty to the eJihcation of the churches and her own peace; returning home in the ninth month 1773, accompanied by her (aid niece, who had been tr\dy iielpful to her, and three friends from Great Britain on a reli.^ious ■viiit ; her having been thus mercifully fullain-

( 342 ) cd through this weighty fervice, and under luch apparent infirmity, advanced to the fe- ventieth year of her age, was both matter of comfort, and occafion of grateful admi- ration to friends.

Having, foon after her return, attended the general meeting at Shrew (bury, the quar- terly-meeting of Bucks and fome other meet- ings, ihe united that winter with our valu- able friends, M. Leaver and E. Robinfon, from Great- Britain, in vifiting many of the families of friends in this city, being emi- nently favoured with divine help therein, as flie had been at times before in the like fervice.

In the fifth month 1774, fhe vifited friends at New- York andLong-Ifland, attending the yearly-meeting there, and divers others ; and in the fame fummer and fall, vifited fome meetings in New-Jerfey and this province, befides diligently attending thofe in this city as ihe was enabled, being favoured in moft of them with a lively edifying teftimony.

For about fix months before her departure, a dropfical diforder fubjeded her to great bodily weaknefs; yet her love to God, his truth and people, was fo prevalent, that when unable to walk to a meeting, Ihe was divers times carried to her feat; one of the lafl file attended in public, was on the ^th of the fixth month 177;, to which fiie was with great dilhculty brought, and was ena- bled to bear a lively tei^nnony; affe^lion- iitely expreilmg her great concern for the

welfare

( 343 )

welfare of the people, that they might be gathered to God, and mentioning the paf- fage of our blelTed Saviour weeping over Jerufalem, tenderly exhorted the riling youth to embrace the call of the Lord, lub- mit to his teaching, and thereby experience prefervation.

During herillnefs, fhe had to endure great bodily pain, and at times, depreffion of fpirit; yet was at feafons much favoured, and uttered many comfortable and edifying expreflions, fome of which being noted down, are as follows, viz. (ixth month 1775. On hearing the found of a drum pafhng, it being a time of great commotion, flie faid. Oh, it is the fpirit of Chrift that is the chriftians glory and ilrength ! It makes us humble, meek and wife, it is this teacher that cannot be removed ; a guide into that righteous way, which if but lived in, would have kept off this impending ftorm. O ! that they would even now but humbly feek to learn the chriflian warfare, and be earneftly engaged to fight under the ban- ner of Chrid, to know their own hearts lufts totally fubdued.' At another time being in great pain, flie cried out, * O iweet Lord Jefus, that thou wouldft be pleafed to give me a little eafe, who am an unwor- thy creature, undeferviug thy Iweet pre- fence; but thou art merciful, and thou, O Lord ! knowell that nothing leis can eafe and comfort me; thy living prefence is all 1 want.* And after the favour was

granted^

( 344 ) granted, which for an hour fhe enjoyed, jQie faid, ' Oh ! how good is my Gocl, thus to hear my feeble cry ; O how fweet is this ea(e! All my pains are eafed by one iecret look from thee ; O ! that I could be thank- ful enough ior this favour; this fweet tho' fhoit quiet, which we cannot get at but when thou, O father ! pleafes. O ! that the peo})le would but believe, that in thy peace their ilrength confirts; and that they would more generally feek to know it be- fore it is too late; but too many are con- tented without witnelfmg the frequent re- newings of divine love, in which only there is life, if they are but preferved from grofs evils and go on in profperity, they fit down eafy and think all is well; but O ! that they may not too late find their miflake, and that they have pleafed themielves with favours which they hav€ unthankfully received, and fb ftopt fliort of greater, by not defiring them, and more frequently than the day, waiting to know the renewings of that life, without which there is no life to the truly begotten children, ajid which would fliew them, not only what they ought to do, but would give them Ifrengch to do it. Seventh month 2^/; in a quiet fitting of fome friends in her room, flue laid in lub- rtance, * If 1 may take the freedom to ex^ ' prefs my experiences of the Lord's graci-^ ' ous ciet'ilings with me, when in a land of ' darknefs and drought, where no water is,

a land

( 345 )

* a land of pitts and deferts, befet as with ' noxious creatures, and amongfl ferpents

* and fcorpions, from whence none could

* deliver but him who can open and none

* can Ihut ; I have feen the necelTity, after

* having done the will of God, to wait ' with patience to receive the promife of

* him who is the fame to-day. as yeilerday,

* and will fo continue forever. Manv arc

* the comfortable aflurances in holy writ to ' thofe who keep the word of his patience ; " I will keep fuch in the hour of temptation, " which iliall come upon all the earth, to try *' them that dwell therein ;" 1 have many

* times, my dear, may I not fay my beloved

* friends, for fo at feafons you have been

* to me, tho' at other times I hardly dare

* fay fo; I have many times been glad to

* feel a little opening of ftrength with my ' friends, and may fay, I am thankful for

* this quiet folemn opportunity, for great ' have been and ftill are my trials, and clofe

* may be your provings ; I don't fpeak it to

* difcGurage any, but 1 find without the re-

* ne wings of divine love and life, we are ' incapable of keeping the word of his pa^

* tience, being fo frequently befet and fur- ^ rounded with weaknefs and infirmities ;

* O ! may you, my dear friends, who have

* been called and anointed for fervices, wit-

* nefs a renewed lupply of holy oil, where- ' by your lamps may be kept burning, and

* your lights fhining ; and experience the ^ law to go forth from Zioa, and the word

of

( 346 ) of the Lord from Jerufalem, and remem- ber your covenants made in the day of deep diftrels ; may you be fupported thro' every future difficulty and trial, and I thro' the prefent confli(fl ; that when eve- ry pool and channel of comfort fhall be dried up, and all human help found un- availing, we may witnefs him to be near, who hath promifed, for the cry of the poor and for the fighing of the needy he would arife; therefore, cry mightily to him, that we may know him to do fo for us ; for I find, without fenfibly feeling the drawing cords of his love, which opens and enlarges the heart, we cannot apply thofe gracious promifes to our comfort; and when he draws, let not the cares of this life, nor flavifli and unnecelTary fears, prevent your following him faithfully, whatever afflicflions may attend; O! may we be fo prelerved in his holy hand, as that nothing may be fuffered to pluck us out of it, and io aflifted to condu(ft, as to be found among that happy number who have come through many tribulations, where all forrcws and fighing will be done away and all tears wiped from our eyes, to join thofe who can acceptably fing the fong of praii'e, having had their robes waihed in the blood of the lamb and made white.' And on the 3^, tho' with fome difiicuky of utterance, faid, ' Though the floods beat high at times, and the waves roared, Ihe w^as then fenfible of the divine

' love

( 347 )

love being prefent, and in that love faluted her friends, as Ihe hoped each one there had in a greater or leiler degree, known the fandlifying power of religion on their minds ; flie very earneftly and affection- ately urged them to a more clofe and ib- lemn attention to this important work, not to reft fatisfied fhort of witneffiag daily advancing forward on the way ; thac when this earthly tabernacle was diffolved, we might have a well grounded hope of a houfe eternal in the Heavens, whofe maker and builder was God. That our bleffed Saviour had told his immediate followers, in his father's houfe were many manfions, and that he went to prepare a place for them, that where he was they might be alfo; and that tho' the lenfible enjoyment of divine love was much withdrawn from many who had formerly been eminently favoured with its living influence; yet not to be difcouraged, as living faith in Chrift Jefus (tho' but in a fmall degree) was abundantly fufEcient for our llrength and fafety ; and as his divine love ftill continu- ed with thofe who are far advanced and as on the verge of time, it would alfo be the guide and blefled guardian of the younger in years, as they humbly and fteadily kept upon their watch, and paid a due obedience to the divine inftrucflions of his holy fpirit.'

The laft night of her life, being in bodily pain, and under fome diicouragement of

mindi

( 348 )

mind, fhe was reminded of Tome late fa-^ vours ot divine love extended to her; after laying fometime in awful filence, fhe replied, ' Now 1 fee it to my comfort, that the Lord ' hath been with me through all this illnefs,

* and I, at times, knew it not, fuch was my

* diftrefled fituation, it was hard for me Co

* believe it.' Afterwards falling into a fweet flcep, fhe in about two hours awaked much refreflied, and remarked, fhe had not flepc Co fweetly in all her illnefs, for fhe had been in company with her father's God, mother's God and her God ; afked her niece (Deborah Morris) who had with abundant care at- tended on her, if ihe thought life would hold all night, who anfwering, fhe thought it might, as the night was far fpent, fhe defi- red her faid niece would fit by her vmtil the Lord came, (meaning to clofe her life) then flumbered again, and awakening, ad- mired, faying, * It is flrange I fhould ' fleep at fuch a time as this.' Being told her work was done, and it was a favour to her fhe could fleep, flie replied, * I believe ' it is, and am thankful ;' inquiring what time it was, on being told it was after three o'clock, fhe lifted up her hands as engaged in mental prayer; foon after uttered fome words but not intelligibly, and feeming again to drop into a iweet fleep, neither If irred or Ipoke more, but continuing till between eight and nine o'clock, palled ealily away, on the 24//? of the tenth monrh 1775, in th-e fe- venty-fecond year of her age, and 31^? of

her

( 349 )

Ker mini dry, fitted, no doubt, for the en- joyment of that reft, which is prepared for the righteous, having accompHlhed her war- fare in the church militant.

Her burial on the 26/^, after a folemn meeting, was refpedlfully attended by ma- ny friends and others of her fellow-citi- zens, to our grave-yard in this city.

A Tejlimony from Wrights-Town Monthly- Meeting in Pennfylvania, concerning Zebu-

LON HesTON.

HE appeared early in the miniflry, con- tinued faithful, and died in good uni- ty with the church. His miniftry was live- ly and edifying, in the exercife whereof, he feveral times travelled through this and the neighbouring colonies : And at the age of near feventy-years, performed a religious vifit to the Delaware Indians, refiding to the weliward of Pennfylvania, which vifit was cordially received, as appears from a copy of a fpeech made by one of their ciiiefs (captain White Eyes) and the delivery of a belt at the fame time in token of triendlliip, at a meeting for worihip in their town on the river Muikingum, which were produced to our meeting at his return.

In his laft illnefs, he exprelfed his fatis- facflion with the dutiful deportment of his children towards him as a parent, and gave

them

(35^)

them falutary advice ; exhorting them, * Not to give their minds too much to temporal things, nor feek after v^orldly enjoyments, but learn to get w^ifdom and underftand- ing, which would make them fhine as Itars in the firmament ; and to remember their feveral duties, and be ready at the cock-crow, or at midnight; praying his God and father to be with them and blefs them.' After a time of jQlence, he faid, I am at peace with all men. Lord thou haft been with me in times paft, be with me in my lait moments, and 1 pray my God and father, that he will bear me up as in the hollow of his hand, to my ever- lafting home.' In regard to outward affairs, he exprefTed

himfelf in the following manner, * If the world would have lived in love and unity one with another, it appears to me, that no good thing would have been withhold- en from us, but it ieems to be dark times, and things lay very w^ide. But it looketh to me, there will be a gathering home from off the barren mountains and defert hills, of them that are little thought of at this time. Lord, let thy will be done and not mine. If it be thy will that 1 mafl depart from my brethren in the time of their trouble, I willingly yield in obedi- ence. If it be thy will that I fliould be fpared a while longer, I willingly bear my part of the burdens whatfbever thou pleafeft to lay upon me,' Many more

fimilar

( 351 )

fimilar exprefTions, he frequently uttered during his lafl: iUnefs, under which he was fupported in a truly pious and refigned flate of mind.

He departed this life, the 1 2th of the third month 1776, in the feventy- fourth year of his age.

A Tellhnony from King wood Monthly-Meeting mNew- Jerley, concerningy{&iK y Ho R n E R.

SH E was born at Mansfield, in the coun- ty of Burluigton, New-Jerfey, in the year 1736, of parents in memberfliip with friends, and was educated in the profeflion of the truth as held by us. Her tender mind while in her minority, was fenfibly reached with a divine vifitation of the love of God, and as fhe grew to riper years, fhe was preferved in a good degree of circum- fpe(5l walking in the fear of the Lord; her converfation being ferious, fenfible and guarded, and oftentimes her grave deport- ment was ufeful as a check to her compani- ons. In the year 1757 Ihe was married to Ifaac Horner, and filled the ftation of a faithful and prudent wife and mother. In the beginning of the year 1768, flie appear- ed in public as a minifter, her teftimony being Ihort and lively. In the year 1770, file removed with her hufband and family, to fettle within the compafs of this meeting,

and

( 352 ) and lias fince refided among us. She was remarkaWe for her unreferved charitable opennels and innocent freedom of deport- ment towards all; and through the influ- ence of the love of God fhed abroad in her heart, by a life of unaffe(5led piety, and a godly circumfpedlion of condu6l and de- portment, flie obtained a good report. She was divers times, with the concurrence of her friends, engaged in gofpel love, in vifit- ing meetings abroad, and had good fervice in vifiting families, not only within the com- pafs of this monthly- meeting, but others.

Having taken a cold, it brought on a de- cay, under which ihe languifhed upwards of eight months, near half of which time flie neverthelefs attended meetings. During her indifpofition, her quiet compofure of fpirit, and cheerful refignation to the will of her heavenly mafter was truly edifying. She told a friend who vifited her not long before her departure, that ' Though death appear-

* ed a dark pailage, yet all was light beyond ' it.* And to another, who at parting, bid her farewell, (he faid, ' I fliall fare well ' when I am rid of this body.' She was remarkably clear in her underflanding, and faid, ' Though bodily weaknefs prevail-

* ed, yet her fpirit felt no diminution of ' ftrength ;' and exhorted thofe about her, to place their reliance on the Lord alone,

* A confidence,' faid fhe, * In which 1 have

* never been difappointed.'

One

( 353 )

One evening near her clofe, flie broke forth into expreffions of praile to tlie Almighty, and humble acknowledgments, * That he ' had to her, performed all his promifes,

* had prepared and fandlified her, and

* brought her to that hour; and that Ihe

* fhould praife him as long as fhe continued

* in the body, and at the conclufion, cheer-

* fully furrender hufband and children, and

* all that he had given her, into his hands.' In or near her lad hour, {lie beckoned her

hufbaad, to come and take his leave of her, and then compofedly faid, * Thou art a

* welcome meiTenger, thou art welcome,

* take me quickly.'

She died the 31/ of the fifth month 1776, in the fortieth year of her age, having been engaged in the miniftry upwards of 8 years.

A Tejlimony from Salem 'Monthly -Meeting in New-Jerfey, concerning James Daniel.

F. was born of pious parents, and there- by knew the advantage of a religious education, which he fre^jucatly exprelTed by way of encouragement to parents and youth, as a means by which he had in a good degree been guarded in the time of his youth, from the vanities of the world. Yet as he grew in years he clearly faw he wanted the experimental part of the chrifli- an religion, v/itliout which he could notat- A a tain

( 354 )

tain to that which his foul exceedingly tortg- ed for ; and under a fenfe of this want, was brought at times very low, and for lome years had to pafs through a flate of mourn- ing and deep exercife, being baptized as un- der the cloud and in the fea in a fpiritual fenfe ; which brought him to a paffive fub- miffion to the divine will, fo that it plealed the Lord, in the returns of his favour, to vifit him with the day fpring from on high; and having learned obedience through the things that he fuffered, he gave up to the heavenly vifion, and came forth in the mi- niftry in a few words, moftly in fcripture language, in great fimplicity; and altho' not eloquent, yet being faithful in the little, he became much enlarged in his gift, having clear openings in the fcriptures, and at times much favoured with clear profpedls of the flates of meetings and individuals, that he had to fpeak to fecret and hidden things, in the demonftration of the fpirit and with power, which reached the witnefs in many hearts. He was a father to the young in experience, and zealous to reprove lightnefs and vanity where he faw occafion.

He travelled in the work of the miniftry, in feveral of the American provinces, and once to EngUnd, of which fervices we had comfortable accounts. He was zealous for the fupport of our chriftian diicipline, was favoured with a good underftandi ng, exem- plary in his life and converfation, and lived much in the fimpiicicy of tiie truth, which

made

( 355 ) tnd.de him near to his friends, and a ufeful member in fociety. Being weak in body^ a conliderable time before his deceafe, he faid, ' It feemed as if his day's work was

* done, and nothing lay upon him ;* obferv- ing that fome worthy friends had of late been removed without much fore/ight of their latter end, and had not much to com- municate, he faid, ' If it iliould be his cafe,

* he would not have it looked upon as in ' difpleafure, for he was clear and eafy in ' his mind, and that he believed his Itay

* would not be long;' which proved accord- ing to his profpedl ; for being taken with fomething of a quinfy followed by an ague, he faid, * He thought that would be his laft

illnefs,' adding, * I have never been de- lirous to know when my time was near at an end, but have long been delirous to live fo ag to be ready, and I think I am ready. I have endeavoiu'ed to be faithful in the difcharge of my duty in every re- fpecl, and have nothing lies againft me, but feem at quiet. I have in other illnefles been pretty much religned, yet there feem- ed fomething of a choice to live, but in this I have not that choice, but I am rea- dy.' He quietly palTed away, after a ftiorc illneis of about fifteen hours, on the I'dtb of the twelfth month 1776 ; aged feven- ty-two years. Having been a minifler about 40 years,

A a 2 A Tejlimon^

{ 356 )

A Te/iimony from ^veih^m. Monthly- Meeting in New-Jerley, concerning WAt< n A h Fost e r.

H E was the daughter of Enoch and Sarah Gore, of Eveiham aforefaid, and was born the 17//6 day of the tenth month lyio; her father dying while flie was very young, left her and three other children un- der the care of their mother, whofe religi- ous concern for them was very great; as fome of us have heard our faid friend, often exprefs both in public and private.

She was naturally of a cheerful difpofiti- on, and at times when young in years, fhe fuflered an airy fpirit to prevail fo far as to lead her into lightnefs, yet, thro* divine fa- vour, the folid inftruclion and example of her mother, had fuch influence on her mind, as to preferve her from grofs evils ; which we have often heard her exprefs with awful reverence.

In the year 1729, {he was married to our friend William Fofler, and entered into the care of a family, at which time, the cares of this world had great efFecft on her mind, as fbme of her laft expreffions herein after mentioned will more clearly evince.

Som-e time after her marriage, it pleafed the Lord to renew his vihtation of love to her foul, and to fliew her the vanity of all temporal enjoyments without his love; and file yielding obedience to the heavenly vifion^ and being given up to itrvc the Lord, had

a gifc

( 357 )

a gift in the miniftry committed to her, In which we have reafon to believe, fhe was in a good degree faithful to improve, and through divine aid, became a lively rainifter.

She vihted mod of the meetings on the continent of America, except ibme part of Virginia and Carolina; and the accounts received of her religious labour in the mini- flry, were comfortable and fatisfa(5lory. Her humble awful waiting in religious meetings was edifying ; flie was much con- cerned that good order might be preferved, and careful to example and admonilh her offspring in the fear of the Lord, more than to influence their minds to feek after the treafures that are tranfitory and perifhing. A near fympathizer with the afHicted, either in body or mind, often viiiting fuch and adminiftring to their relief.

Towards the latter part of her time, her health was much impaired, yet flie grew more lively in the miniftry, and in fome of the lad meetings Ihe attended, was en- abled in a folemn manner, to invite the youth to join the heavenly call of God, and to be faithful in their gifts, and then they would be raifed like an army in his power, to fubdue the works of darknefs, which flie faw much prevailed amongfl: them; remarking fome parts of the epiflle from our laft yearly-meeting, refpeding fome hopeful youths who attended that folemn fervice.

In

( 358 ) In her laft ficknefs, which tho' fhort, was fharp, fhe was prcferved in much patience and ftillnefs ; and when it was apprehended flie was near expiring, a friend who came to vifit her, taking leave of thofe attending her, fhe held out her hand to the faid friend and dcfired to be raifed up, when with con- fiderable difficulty Ihe faid, * That there was

* a time when her heart and mind was

* much fet on the world and the things of

* it, and it proipered with her according to

* her defire; but flie blelTed the name of

* the Lord, who foon let her fee the vanity

* and emptinefs of all worldly treafure, and

* that file was thankful he had enabled her

* to yield obedience to the heavenly vifitati-^

* on, and in fome degree to anfwer his re-

* quirings, for it now yielded her more

* peace, than if fhe had pofTefhon of the

* whole world, if it was of tenfold more

* value than it is ; and that her prayers had

* often been to the Lord, that he might yet

* favour the rifing generation with the like

* vifitation of his love,' with fome other words which could not be underllood. I^he appeared in a fweet frame of mind, and af- ter a fhort paufe, took her folemn leave of the faid friend; after which flie lay flill, and in a few hours quietly departed this life, on the i/^th of the firfl month 1777, and was buried in friends burying-ground at Evefham the 17/^7 of the fame, where a fo- lemn meeting was held ; aged fixty-fix and ^ miniller upwards of 40 years.

A Tejlwiony

( 359 )

A Teflimanyfrom the Falls Monthly -Meeting in Bucks county^ concerning Joseph White.

AS the memory of the juft is pronounced blefled, we think it expedient to give forth a teflimony concerning this our e- fteemed friend.

He was born at the Falls the 28^^? of the eleventh month 17 12- 13; being young when his father died, he was brought up under the care of his relations and friends : And through the early extendings of hea- venly regard whilft young, and attending to the teachings of divine grace, he was led and preferved from many of the follies and extr;?.vagances incident to unthinking youth. About the twentieth year of his age he ap- peared in public teflimony in our religious meetings, and continuing in a good degree faithful to the meafure of light and grace communicated, he grew in his gift, and be- came a lively and able minifter.

He was naturally of an open cheerful difpofition, and honeftly concerned for the promotion of piety and virtue, and for the fupport and maintenance of good order in the church; for which fervice he was emi- nently gifted, and truly ferviceable amongfl: us, being often concerned that the authority of truth might be kept up in all our meet- ings of difcipline, and that true judgment migiit be placed upon the dilbrderly and irreclaunable. He was exemplary in his

life

( 36o )

life and converfation, a diligent and timely attender of our religious meetings when health of body permitted ; and was often flivoured therein in public teftimony and fupplication, much to the comfort and edi- fication of the truly humble waiters. And altho' he had a large gift in the miniftry, he many times fat meetings in filence, wait- ing upon the Lord, not being hafty or for- ward in the exercile of his gift; but careful not to minifler without the heavenly life and power that firll raifed him up in the miniltry, whereby his public fervice was greatly to the confolation and refrefhment of many'.

He feveral times had a concern to vilit the churches abroad, and with the concur- rence of this meeting, vifited many of the meetings of friends in this and feveral of the adjacent provinces, and once through fome parts of Maryland, Virginia and North- Carolina : And having for fome confidera- ble time been under a weighty concern to pay a religious vifit to friends in feveral parts of Europe, he with the concurrence and unity of his friends took fliipping for that purpofe in the year 1758, and atter a fhort paflage landed in England, and having pretty generally vifited friends meetings in England and Ireland, and fome parts of Wales, he returned to his family and friends, having been from home in truth's fervice near three years : And at his return from

thefe

( 36i )

thefe vifits produced certificates of friends unity and good fatisfadlion with him, and his pubUc fervice amongll them.

He was divers times appointed and en- gaged in the fervice of vificing families, be- ing well qualified for that weighty fervice.

He much loved the company and conver- fation of his friends ; was a loving and af- fectionate hufband, a tender parent and a good neighbour, generally beloved by his friends and others that knew him, being in feveral refpecfls uleful and ferviceable in the neighbourhood where he lived.

He was attended from his youth at times, with a pain at his breaft, with intermiflions of health, fometimes for years, and at other times but iliort ; but as he advanced further in age, intermifTions of health grew fliorc and pain increaled, which brought on other bodily infirmities, which he bore with pa- tience and refignation, often craving he might not be of} his watch when his pains were exquiiite, nor his faith fail in the time of trial, believing it to be the goodnefs of God, through his thus dealing with him, more and more to wean him from all out- ward connedlions and nearefl ties of nature, that being as the pure gold, refined through the furnace, he might with triumph join the redeemed that were gone before, which he at times had a foretafle and evidence of; but the time when, as he himfelf fometimes expreifed, he did not then fee, believing ic to be confifcent with divine wifdom to keep it hid from him.

The

( 362 )

The latter part of his time for feveral months, he flept but litte in the night fea- fon, being at times engaged in reverent in- terceffions and divine contemplation, and appeared to be waiting for the folemn mo- ment.

He lived in the compafs of the Falls par- ticular meeting until a few years before his death, and then removed to Makefield, (a branch of the fame monthly-meeting,) and having for fome months felt ftrong defires (if favoured with health) to go to the Falls meeting, and on a monthly-meeting day fet out to go there ; but the weather being cold and he in a weak flate of health, foon found himfelf unable to perform the journey, and returned home. But fometime after feeling his bodily ftrength fomewhat reftored, and love renewed, he fet out, in company with his wife, one firft-day morning, and got to the meeting where he was favoured with an open time in public teflimony, much to the fatisfadion of thofe prefent. After the meet- ing was over and friends gone out, a friend being deiirous of fpeaking to him, not feeing him out of doors, returned into the houfe, and found him fitting on a feat, unable to move without help; the friend affilled him, and took him to his houfe, where he was taken care of : The fit being of the paraly- tick kind, was much more favourable thaa at lorae other times, tiio' it continued eb- bing and flowing for feveral hours j in which

time

( 363 )

time he exprefTed feveral things, fome o£

which being then taken down, are nearly as

follows.

Being alked by his fon Samuel how it was

with him; he anfwered, * I dont know but that I am near my end. My defire at this time for thee is, that thou feek unto the Lord for ailiflance, to govern thee in thy conducfl in this flu(?luating hfe» for 1 have found him to be a fare help and counfellor to me; and if thou follow after him in truth and fincericy, as I have endeavoured to doy he will be unto thee a fufficienC director, a teacher that cannot be removed into a corner : I have not been anxious to gather a portion of this world, nor make to myfelf mammon of unrighteoufnefs, for I think I have feen a fnare that has at- tended many young people on thefe ac- counts. I have ever from my youth had a defire to be more in fubftance than in (hew : Let me appear as I might in the fight of men, their praife I Ibught not for; but I have fought the honour of God, therefore there is a place where no trouble fliall annoy, prepared for me as a reward for obedience : You that flay, be more humble, and when trouble awaits you, look not upon nor trufl to the arm of ilefli for ailiflance, but flay yourfelves upon him who fuffered for you, for me, and for all mankind; for I have for fometime believed, and lived in the hopes thereof,

* ^nd am now in meafure confirmed, of

* more

{ 364 )

* more glorious things yet to be revealed to ' the church of Chrill, and that further and

* greater difcoveries will yet be made, with

* refpe6l to the chriftian religion than ever

* yet has been fince the apoftafy.'

And after a ihort paufe he broke forth in thefe exprelBons, ' The door is open, 1 fee an innunnerable company of faints, of an- gels, and of the fpirits of juft men, which I long to be unbodied to be with, but not my will, but thy v/ill be done O Lord ! I cannot utter nor my tongue exprefs, what I feel of that light, life and love that at- tends me, which the world cannot give, neither can it take away from me. My fins are wafhed away by the blood of the Lamb that was flain from the foundation of the world: All rags and filtliinefs are taken away, and in room thereof love and good will for all mankind : O that we may become more united in the church mili-^ tant, and nearer refemble the church triumphant! O that we all might make fuch an end as I have in profpe(51:, for its all light, all life, all love and all peace, the light that I fee is more glorious than the fun in the firmament; come Lord Je- fus Chrift, come when thou pleafes, thy fervant is ready and willing ; into thy hands I commit my Iplrit, not my will, but thy will be done O Lord! Let this mortal body be committed to the dull, be with me, with my children and my grand- children J be with all them that love thee.

* that love thy appearance. O the pains

* that I feel, that attend this mortal body,

* they are more comely to me than jewels 1

* I rejoice in my fighs and groans, for to

* me they are mod melodious ; I am near ' to enter that harmony with Mofes and the

* Lamb, where they cry holy, holy, holy,

* I cannot exprefs the joy 1 feel. My heart

* (if it were poffible) would break for joy: ' If any inquire after me, after my end,

* let them know all is well with me.* Many more weighty exprefTions he fpoke,

which not being taken down, cannot be re- colledled.

The next day his pain abating, and find- ing himfelf fomewhat relieved from his dii^ order, he was taken to his own houfe, where he remained in a weak ilate of health for fometime, being unable to go much abroad. And one night fome Ihort time before his death, his pain had been fharp the forepart of the night, but the latter part it abating, his wife lay down by him, and fell afleep, but he as ufaal flept not, but after fome- time called to his wife in thefe words : * My

* dear, I believe I mud take my leave of

* thee. I have never feen my end till now, ^ and now 1 fee it is near, and the holy an-

* gels enclofe me around, waiting to receive

* me;' his V7ife afl^ed him if ihe Ihould call "Up the children, he faid, he did not fee any thing further he had to fay to them, except to his fon Jofeph, who being called, and he having expreft what he had on his mind,

was

( 366 )

^as much fpent, and appeared as tho' he was near his defired port; but after fome- time he revived, with thefe words, ' Life * is yet flrong in me and will not yield ;' thus he continued the few concluding days^ waiting in refignarion and retirednels of mind, vmtil the repeated returns of the pa- ralytick complaint reduced his faculties and fenfes fo, that he knew not what was done for fome days, and departed in much ftill- nefs as in a fleep, the loth day of the third mionth 1777, and was decently interr'd in friends burying-ground at the Falls meet- ing-houfe, the 12th of the fame; his body being attended to the grave by a number of friends and neighbours.

May we under the confideration of our great lofs of him, and many other faithful labourers in the Lord's vineyard, now re- moved from us, be excited fo to follow their footfleps, that with them, we may be par- takers of that incorruptible inheritance, which is referved for the righteous, when time here fhall be no more.

Aged fixty-four, and a minifter about 44 years.

A Tejlimcm^

( 367 )

A Tejiimony from Haddonfield Monthly-Meet^' ifig in New-Jerfey, concerning Joseph Gibson.

PRECIOUS is the memory of the righ- teous, thofe who have been bright ex- amples of hoUnefs in their day, and therein preachers to others in Ufe and converfation : It lives in our hearts to give this lliort tefli- mony, that fuch was our ancient and be- loved friend Jofeph Gibfon, an elder of this meeting. He was born at Woodbury in the year 1690, and became early acquainted with the feafoning virtue of truth, which pre- ferved him in a good degree, from the vani- ties of youth, and made him in love with plainnefs and fobriety while young ; by a watchful attention to this divine principle, he attained a pious and innocent (lability of condudl through life, not often equalled; that it may be juftly faid, he was '* An If- " raelite indeed in whom there was no *' guile." A diligent attender of meetings, and a lively example there, in awful hum- ble labour for that bread which flrengthens and nourilhes the foul ; wherein he continu- ed Ileadfaft to his concluding period. We could enlarge, but conclude with the words of the Pfalmift, " Mark the perfe(ft man, *' and behold the upright, for the end of *' that man is peace ;" whicii we believe was in an eminent degree the cafe of this our friend, who " Being dead, yet Ipeakecli."

He

( 368 )

He departed this life, after a fiiort illnefs, on the 9/Z? of the fourth month 1777, and was buried the nth, in friends burying- ground at Woodbury aforefaid ; aged about eighty-feven years.

A Teftimony from. Pipe-Creek Monthly-Meeting in Maryland, concerning Rachkl Far- QUHAR, late wife of William Farquhar junr.

SH E was born at Caftlefliane, in Ireland, in the year 1737, and removed to Penn- fylvania with her parents, John and Eliza- beth Wright, who, after fome years, fettled in York county, within the compafs of War- rington monthly-meeting, of which (he was a member, till her marriage and removal with her hufband to Pipe- Creek,

She was religioufly inclined when young; and about the fifteenth year of her age, by a frefli vifitation of divine love, v>ras en- gaged to feek after divine wifdom; fo that Ihe became an early example of piety and virtue; an encourager and promoter of vir- tuous inclinations in her companions and acquaintance ; her lleady conduct, and kind and exem^plary converflition,, gained the love and efteem of her friends and neighbours.

After her marriage, which was near the beginning of the twenty- third year of her age, ihe continued a diligent attender of

meetings

( 369 )

meetings for worfliip and difclpllne when ability of body would admit; and when there, was of an exemplary folid deportment, fo that llie was favoured to become a ufeful member of fociety, of found judgment.

She firft appeared in the miniftry in the fecond month 1771, and tho' not large was pertinent in tellimony ; often admoniihing fuch as were forgetful of their known duties, and fliarply reproving where a wrong fpirit prevailed : Yet frequently fpeaking com- fortably to the bowed down mourners in Zion, with whom Ihe often travelled in fpi- rit, endeavouring according to her ability, to lend a hand of help to fuch.

The laft meeting llie was at, was on a firfl-day, about a week before llie died, in which Ihe was much favoured, and fpake concerning Ifrael's journey from Egypt to Canaan, advifmg not to fettle ftiort of a pof- feiTion in the promifed land. As Ihe was walking home with her hufband rn a folid frame of mind, Ihe faid, * In my father's ' houfe are m^ny manhons ;' fignifying,

* If flie might be favoured with one of the

* lead of them, ihe would be content.' She departed this life, the i<^th of the

fourth month 1777, and v/as interr'd in the family burying- ground on the 11ft of the fame month ; in the fortieth year of her age and 'jth of her miuiilry.

B b A Tijlimonf

( 370 )

A Tejlimony from the Monthly -Meeting of Phi- ladelphia, concerning Mary Emlen.

THIS our beloved friend arrived in Pennfylvania, with her parents Ro- bert and Suiannah Heath, from Great-Bri- tain, about the year 1701, in the ninth of her age; and in 17 16, was married to George Emlen and fettled in this city.

About the year 1728, a remarkable vi- fitation being extended to friends in this city, the hearts of divers were humbled, and, in the efficacy of divine love, feveral were conftrained to open their mouths in our re- ligious aflemblies, in public teftimony, and acknowledgments of the Lord's goodnefs and gracious dealings with their fouls.

Our worthy friend Daniel Stanton, in his journal, mentions this as a memorable time, and names the feveral friends who then came forth in the miniftry, of which num- ber this friend was one ; who being faith- ful, grew in her gift, and not only laboured in this city, but divers times was drawn forth in the love of the gofpel, to vifit the meetings in other parts of Pennfylvania and New-Jerfey. And in the year 1744, in com- pany with our dear friend Mary Evans, vi- iiced the meetings of friends in New- En- gland ; and was feveral times engaged with others in the weighty and profitable work of "vifiting the tamiies of friends in this city, ^nd through divers meetings in the country ;

in

( 371 )

in which fervices, her labours were accepta- ble, being qualified in a peculiar manner for that work.

Her minirtry was lively, and delivered in much innocency and brokennefs of Ipirit. Being a woman of integrity, fhe loved chrif- tian candor and plain dealing, and was preferved clear in her underfhanding, and in her love to truth. During her illnefs, which was ihort, fhe was favoured with an earned of that divine peace and reft which is prepared for the righteous.

She departed this life, in this city, on the ifl of the fixth month 1777, and was interr'd in friends burial-ground the '^d following, attended by many friends and others ; aged eighty-four years.

SEHEnsBna

A T eft mony from Wilmington Monthly -Meeting in the county of New-Caftle on Delaware^ con£erning Elizabeth Shipley.

U R beloved friend Elizabeth Shipley, daughter of Samuel Levis, was born in the Townihip of Springfield, and county of Chefler in Pennfylvania, on the 26th day of the tenth month 1690. She was led in the prime of youth to deny herfelf, take up her crofs, and follow Chrift; and being found walking in a good degree, in obedi- ence to the meafure of gni :e received, abouC the tweat)' -fourth year of her age Ihe ap- B b 2 peared

( 372 }' peared in the miniftry; and being faithful in the improvement of her talent, it pleafed the Lord to make her an able and ikilfut minifter of the gofpel. She travelled in the fervice thereof in this land, both fouthward and northward in the early part of her time, and vifited Barbados in company with |ane Fenn, in the year 1725; but as flie kept few minutes, we have little account of her labours abroad.

In the year 1728, fhe was married to "William Shipley, near Springfield aforefaid, ■where they lived until the year 1736, about which time they removed with their family to this place; and we believe fhe was an in- flrument in the Lord's hand, to fettle a ineeting here, and gather many to it. la 1743, ihe embark'd for England with our friend Eflher White, and the veflel going by way of North- Carolina, while there, they vilited fome meetings in that province ; after which they failed again, and arrived at Liverpool on the 26 tb of the feventh month, and in gofpel love, vifited general- ly the meetings of friends in England, Scot- land and Ireland, to their own fitisfaclion ; and, as appears by accounts from friends there, to the comfort of many. She alfb made feveral fliort vifits to the neighbouring provinces ; and in the feventieth year of her age, in company with our friend Hannah Foiler, vifited feveral of the northern pro- vinces. She was feveral times exercifed in

that

( 373 ) that important fervice of vifiting families, in which her company and labour was very acceptable.

Her deportment in meetings was grave and folid, her gift in the minidry lively and edifying, in prayer awful and weighty, not being forward in appearing.

Although her natural flrength was much abated in the latter part of her time, yet her faculties remained bright, and her miniftry accompanied with life and power.

In the time of her laft illnefs, as feveral friends who came to vifit her were fitting by her, Ihe appeared filled with divine pow- er, and fpoke in a lively manner, of the drawings of the father's love to bring her to fettle in this place, and faid, that his pro- mifes had been fulfilled to her ; advifing to faithfulnefs in doing the work of their day ; that for her own part, fhe was as a fhock of corn fully ripe, and fliould Ihortly be gathered to the haven of reft.

In a little time after this, fhe was remov- ed to WeiV Marlborough; at which place (lie iiniflied her courfe, on the loth day of the tenth month 1777, in the eighty-feventh year of her age, a minifler about 63 years. She was interr'd in friends burying-ground on the iith of the fame month, where a folemn meeting was held on the occafion.

A Teftmony

( 374 )

A Tejiimonyfrom Wilmington Monthly-Meeting in the county of New-Caftle on Delaware,' concerning Esther White.

OU R beloved friend Efther White, daughter of Thomas Canby, of the county of Bucks in Pennfylvania, was born in the fecond month 1700. In her young years fhe loved to attend religious meetings, an<i to fee friends behave folid therein, being herfelf an example of piety. She married John Stapler, of the county aforefaid ; and being called to the work of the miniftry, fhe became a faithful labourer. About the thirty-fourth year of her age, her hufband was removed by death; after which flie married John White, and in the year 1739 removed with their family to this place.

In the fpring of the year 1743, flie, in company with our friend Elizabeth Shipley, failed for England by way of North- Caro- lina, and while there, vifited fome meetings in that proviiice, then embarked, and ar- rived at Liverpool in the feventh month fol- lov,^ing, and in gofpel \o\t, vihted the meet- ings of friends generally through England, Ireland and Scotland, to their own fatisfadti-' on, and, as appears by accounts received, to the comfort and edification of many ; and returned home in the latter part of the year 1745, to the joy of her friends and family.

In the year 1750, Are vifited mod of the meetings of friends in Maryland, Virginia

and

( 375 ) and the Carollnas ; and in 1756, in com- pany with Grace Fifher, thofe in New-Jer- fey, and New- York Government: And in 1760, in company with Hannah Foiter junr. thoTe on che Eaftern- Shore of Maryland, and the counties on Delaware: She alfo of- ten viiited the neighbouring meetings ; and in 1776, and the feventy-ieventh year of her age, after a long time of ficknefs, flie, in great bodily weaknefs, attended the quar- terly-meeting at Fairfax in Virginia, much to her own peace and friends fatisfaclion.

She was an ufeful member of fociety, and a woman of uncommon cheerfulnefs of fpi- rit, although largely experienced in afflicli- ons ; through which flie was mercifully fup- ported by divine fufEciency; and being in- fl:ni(5led in forrow, had a fympathizing heart with the afflidiions of others, and was rea- dy to communicate to their relief both in fpirituals and temporals. Her depoiK:ment was grave and folid, her miniilry lively and edifying, even to old age. She was frequent in exhorting and encourasjing friends to faithfulnefs in thefe times of great trial and outward commotion ; that they might, with the wife builder, dig deep, and experience their foundation to be laid fure, that neither winds nor floods might move them. She was careful to maintain brotherly love, fometimes faying, that * Love was her life, ' that file could not live without it;' and being livingly fenfible of the precioufnefs thereof, was defirous to promote it in others.

After

( 376 )

After a life in which flie had to endure feveral long and trying feafons of ficknefs, and to pafs through many deep baptifms of forrow, through which flie was iupported with becoming cheerfulnefs, patience and rehgnation ; fhe departed tliis life, on the ^th day ot the twelfth month 1777, in the feventy-eighth year of her age, having been a minifter upwards of 50 years ; and on the '^th of the lame month and i/I of the week, was interr'd in friends burying -ground in Wilmington; being much beloved by her neighbours, her funeral was accompanied by many friends and others, and was a fo- lemn opportunity.

May the great Lord of the harvefl, who is removing many eminent minillers from his churches, be pleafed to raife up others to (land faithful witnelfes for his name and truth in the earth.

A Te/iimony fro?n Deer-Creek Monthly- Meeting in Mai'yiand, concerning Joseph Jones.

E was born in the city of Worcefler, in Oid-England, in the year 1686. His parents being of the church of England, educated him in that way during his abode with them, which was vuitil he was about fourteen years of age. In the year 1700 he

arrived

( 377 )

arrived at Philadelphia, and going into New- Jerfey, there redded until twenty-one years of age.

He was convinced of the truth about the year 1708, and in 17 12 appeared in the miniftry, being then in the twenty-fixth year of his age : Having, fince his convince- ment, undergone many fore confli6ls, by reafon of a backwardnefs to comply with the Lord's requirings whereunto he had di- vers times been difobedicnt through diiE- dence and weaknefs, but at length he gave up, and therein found peace.

After his marriage, he refided about twelve years at Nottingham, in Cheller coun- ty Pennfylvania, and then removed to Deer- Creek where he continued. He was of an innocent life and harmlefs converfation ; and in him were blended thafe truly chrif- tian virtues which render religion lovely and defirable ; even the irreligious efteemed him an ornament to the chriftian profeifion. Being very converfanc in the holy Icriptures, and favoured with a retentive memory, he was enabled to quote them with propriety, and very often fuitably apply them to in- llrudtion and edification.

Divine love, as witnelfed bv the believers in Chrift, was a fubje(fl upon which he fre- quently exprcfled himfelf, in engaging and perfualive terms ; inviting others to come and be made partakers of lb glorious a trea- furej adding, * It had been the crown and

( 378 )

* joy of his life, the comfort and fupport of

* his old age, and was prefuaded would not

* forfake him in death.'

Of earthly treafure he poiTefTed little, but he appeared to be one of thofe poor of this world, whom the apoille James mentions, as *' Chofen by God, rich in faith, and heirs *' of the kingdom, which he hath promifed ** to them that love him." In this happy fituation he was fupported with chriflian fortitude, through times of adverfity and deep atllicftion.

His wife dying in the ninth month 1777, to whom he had been an aifedlionate com- panion upwards of fixty years, he did not long furvive her, but, about four months afterwards, was vifited with his laft illnefs, in which he fuffered much pain, but was compofed; fome days before his departure te grew eafy, and in his latter moments, when exhaufted nature fcarcely left him flrength to utter himfeif intelligibly, he la- mented the ftate of the carelefs and uncon- cerned, who did not duly and timely con- fider their latter end.

He feemed very delirous to be difTolved and be with Ghrifl: ; and on the 8//:? of the firft month 1778, as a fhock of corn fully ripe, he was removed from works to rewards, in the ninety-third year of his agej leaving behind him the favour of a good name, be- ing generally beloved by people of all ranks and denominations who knew him. On the nth of the fame month, he was interr'd in friends burying-ground at Deer-Creek.

( 379 )

ATeJiimony from Uwchlan Monthly- Meeting in Pennfylvania, concerning Griffith John.

HE was born (by his own account) in Pembrokelliire, in the principality of Wales, in the year 16S3, and was in his youth an earneil leeker after righteoufhefs among divers forms of religion, until he became meaiiirably convinced of the prin- ciple of truth as held by friends, by pe- rufing William Penn's key to chriftian knowledge, before he had much if any out- ward acquaintance with them : And coming over to this country when a young man,- he foon after joined with friends in religious fellowfhip ; and being faithful to the ma- nifeltations of divine grace in his heart, he had a gift in the miniftry beftowed upon him ; and tho' not large, was favoury and edifying; which, together with his exem- plary life and converlation, manifeiled him to be an heavenly minded man, much re- deemed from the love and fpirit of this world.

He was not anxious about the increafe of outward riches, but eafy and content with. a fmall fliare thereof; fo much as ferved for bodily fupport in great limplicity and plain- nefs, he thankfully received ; having a tes- timony againfl all iuperiluity, and every tiling tending to exalt the mind of man, or

promote

( 3So )

promote worldly greatnefs in any degreei; feeking above all, the kingdom of Heaven and the rightcoufnefs thereof.

He was a lover of peace amongfl: brethren and in his neighbourhood; and by precept and example, laboured to promote it ; being at times concerred to travel about on foot, even in advanced age, to his friends houfes, and pay ihort vifits in true chriftian love, and drop weighty and edifying hints, tend- ing to flir up the pvire mind ; and fcarcely any thing was iaid by him at any time but what had a tendency that way.

He was a remarkable and worthy exam- ple, in conilantly and early attending our religious meetings, until upwards of ninety years of age ; Vv^hen through weaknefs and infirmity, he was confined at home, and underwent great bodily afHidlion with true chriftian fortitude and reli^nation to the di- vine will, patiently waiting his change; which was on the iqth of the (ixth month 1778 ; aged about ninety-five, and a mini- ller near ^o years.

ATeJlhiiony from the Monthly -Meeting of Friends c/" Philadelphia yor the Southern- Diflri 61, concerning John Hallowell.

E was exemplary in a diligent attend- ance of our religious meetings and fo- lid patient waiting therein, and ferviceable

among

( 38t )

among ns according to ability^ in the fiip- port of the difcipline ; of a meek and quiet fpirit, careful not to give jalt occafion of offence to any. He was appointed an elder in the year 1772, in which ftation he con- dueled to good fatisfaclion.

In the early part of the eighth month 1777, he was taken unwell, and being un- der great bodily pain, often begged for pa- tience, faying, he was afraid to allc for any thing elfe. After he had been confined a- bout two weeks, his pain fbmewhat abating, he called his children together, and fpoke to them as follows : ' It looks as if 1 may

* lliortly be taken from you, and I think I

* have nothing to charge myf^lf with, in ' regard to bringing yon up; I have with ' great care watched over your morals, and

* anxioufly endeavoured by example, to

* teach you to walk in the fear of the Lord ;

* but a backward difpofition prevailing,

* which I fear, has fometimes kept me from

* doing the good I might have done in the ' world, has at times, when my heart has

* been earneRly engaged for you, caufed me ' to keep fdence, when it might have been

* profitable to have thus addreiled you :

* Look to the Lord my children, and aflv of

* him to direcft your ways. He mull be the ' fupport of youth as well as of old age. It is ' him, and him alone you mull cleave to,

* if ever you expevfl to find peace that will

* be lading. It is not moral re6litude, go-

* ing to meeting, or any outward a(5ls of

* devotion

( 382 )

devotion only, that will do for you. Reli-* gion is an inward work, and true woriliip miift be performed in the heart, by quiet- ly waiting on him who is the rock of ages* I know by experience what I fay, there- fore earned] y defire you to look to the Lord, live near him, and let his fear di- rect you in all you undertake. Keep out of the noifes and confuiions that are in the world, 'tis all delufion. To be bleft with the prefence of the Lord in a dunge- on, is preferable to liberty enjoyed in palaces without it. And it it fliould pleafe the Lord to take me from you, tho' we may part for a feafon, yet if we walk in his ways, we lliall hereafter meet in eter- nal blifs.'

His diforder increafing, his pain at times was very great, which he was enabled to bear with a good degree of chriflian refig- nation ; often defiring he might be endued with patience to hold out to the end. And altho' his outward tabernacle gradually de- cayed, yet the feafonable and lively exprefli- ons which he at times uttered, evidenced that his inward man was frequently re- newed.

*A few weeks before his departure, feveral friends coming to vifit him, after a feafona- ble time of filence, he fpoke as follows. ' I have often of late been led to examine

* myfelf, to fee what it is that keeps me

* back, fometimes I think I fee death ad- ' vancing fwift, and at other times quite

'gone J

( 383 )

gone; at this time in particular, I have been led to coniider whether there remains any thing for me to do, and if I have any thing in my heart againft any perfon, that my love is not yet perfect; and upon a ftricft examination, I find nothing but love to mankind univerfally. I have been great- ly tried with pain of body, and poverty and barrennefs of fpirit, but through mer- cy have been preferved from murmuring; and I have a hope, that when I put off this body, I fhall be at reft; and that hope is an anchor to the foul.' A day or two before his departure, his pain much abated, and tho' he was reduced very low, yet was preferved in much calm- nefs and ferenity of mind, faying, ' He

* thought his dilTolution was near; that he ' had done with every thing below, and ex- ' peded the change to him would be a hap-

* py one, believing a place of reft was pre-

* pared for him.'

He quietly departed this life, the 26th of the feventh month 1778, in the lixty- fourth year of his age, and his body was interred the day following in friends burying-ground in this city.

A Tejlimony

( 384 )

Jl Tejlimony from Pipe- Creek Monthly- Meeting in Maryland, concerning William

F A R Q U 11 A R.

HE was born in Ireland the 2()th of the feventh month 1705, and came to America about the fixteenth year of his age, and fettled in Pennfylvania, where he was convinced of the truth, and married among friends. In the year 1735, he removed and fettled at Pipe-Creek, when there were very few inhabitants in thofe parts. Some years afterwards he was concerned that a meeting might be fettled, which was allowed to be held at his houfe at times for feveral years ; when the number of friends increafing, they concluded to build a meeting houfe, which our faid friend zealoufly promoted. His houfe was much reforted to by travelling friends and others, both in that early period and iince, to whom he was courteous and kind. Some years after the fettlement of a month- ly-meeting at Fairfax, of which he was a member, he was appointed to the ftation of an elder, which he filled with propriety and reputation; being an example of plainnefs, and anxioufly careful for the education of his children. He v/as, at times, concern'd in meetings, to exhort friends to keep to the teflimony of truth, and particularly the youth, for whom he feemed zeaioully con- cerned, that as they grew in years they might grow in grace.

For

( 385 )

For fome months before his deccafe, he was in a weak ftate of body, yet frequently attended meetings, and the laft time of his being there was about four days before he died; the night following being in much pain, he feveral times cried out, * O Father!

* mitigate my pain if it be thy will ;' and was favoured to keep in the patience and relignation, waiting for his change. The day before he died, his wife leaning over him mourning ; he faid to her, * Weep not

* for me, but for thyfelf and others. The

* Lord is near.'

He departed this life, the 2 \Jl of the ninth month 1778, and was buried in the family burying-ground on the 23*^ of the fame month ; aged near feventy-three years.

P. *S. I am willing to communicate a few hints of what has often pafTed through my mind concerning my dear hufband, whofe memory, to me, remains precious. He was much concerned for the welfare of the young and riling generation, often cau- tioning and exhorting friends in their feve- ral llations, ftridlly to examine the great duty and charge committed to their truft; and in a particular manner, his offspring, that they would mutually live in love with each other, and that they might be careful to bring up their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

ANN FAR^HAR.

C c A Tejiimony

( 386 )

A TePamony from the Monthly- Meeting o/" Phila- delphia, concerning Mary Pember ton.

SHE was the daughter of Nathan and Mary Stanbury, of this city, who were removed by death in her tender age, after which ihe was put under the care of our friends Richard and Hannah Hill, by whom flie was religioufly educated : She was en- dued with good natural underftanding, and being obedient to the difcoveries of divine grace in her own mind, flie experienced a growth and advancement in the life of reli- gion, and through its gradual work, be- came a ufeful and acflive member in the church, being many years in the ftation of an elder and overfeer. Her converfation was lively and inflrudlive, her deportment folid and exemplary, and in our religious meetings, it was often apparent flie was fa- voured with the preparation of a broken heart and contrite fpirit for the folemn per- formance of divine worfliip. She felt the afflicflion of others with tender fympathy, and was enabled through divine help to bear her own, which were various and proving, with great refignation and chriflian forti- tude. She was firfl: joined in marriage to Richard Hill ; and fbmetime after his de- ceafe, to our worthy friend Robert Jordan ; and lallly, in the year 1747, to our valued friend Ifrael Pemberton lately deceafed ; and

through

( 387 )

through the feveral viciflitudes of life, fhe was favoured to perfevere with great (lability and prudence.

The following was found among her pa- pers after her deceafe, by the date wliereof it is fuppofed to have been wrote on an oc- cafion of very deep and uncommon afflic- tion.

* Fourth month i6th 1761. This being a day of great falvation, wherein the di- vine power hath manifeftly appeared in bringing relief and fuccour to my diltrefT- ed foul, and working deliverance for m^ which no human means could have cffe6l- ed ; I earneftly dehre, in the depth of hu- mility and awfal reverence, that it may be a day never forgotten by me, but that thankfgivings and living-praifes may fill my heart to the Lord Jehovah, in whom is cverlafting ftrength, whofc arm alone hath brought falvation, blefled be his name, his faithfulnefs faileth not thofe whofe trull and confidence is in him/ The removal of her dear hufband, into a flate of exile in the ninth month 1777, was a renev\red afflicftion to her, which ihe ap- prehended, as fhe exprefTed to a friend, might tend to Ihorten her (lay in this world. She fell into a gradual decline and weak- nefs of body during his abfence, which, though it increafed upon her, fhe did not keep her bed but about four or five weeks, in which time (lie often exprelTed herfelf in a lively manner. On the 23 J of the ninth C c 2 month

( 388 )

month in tlie morning, her hufband fitting with her, fhe faid, * It is now evident to me, my dear, we mufl foon part, we have pafTed through many deep trials ; there is nothing between vis but true love and great affed:ion, I hope thou wilt be kept in true refignation ; I had fome hope of continuing fometime longer, both on thy account and for the fake of our dear grand- daughter, but I am not folicitous about it, not very folicitous.' The afternoon of the fame day, being in a fweet frame of mind, flie faid, ' They 'who live near the fpring of life, are fenfi-

* ble their change will be for the better, a

* happy change from a ftate of deep afflic- ' tion ;' and fometime after faid, ' The

* fpring of life is often opened for the re- ' frefliment of the weary travellers.'

Tenth month I'jth. Being low in body and mind, one of her daughters prefent, fhe faid, ' Whenever my mind is turned to

* think of getting better, I am engaged to

* defire to be kept under the Lord's notice,

* who hath been good to me; the wonder-

* ful counfellor, the everlafling father, the

* prince of peace ; few women, have had

* fuch fcenes to pafs through as I have had,

* but I have been favoured beyond what I

* expected.' About an hour before her de- parture, fhe faid, * Bleffed father, look down

* upon me if it be thy holy w411.' And fhortly after faid, ' Deareft Lord, take me

* to thyielf; there is joy in Heaven, there

* is

{ 389 )

• is joy in Heaven.' After which {he fell into a fweet lleep, and peacefully breathed her laft, on the 2^th of the tenth month 1778, aged feventy-four years. And on the I'jth was interr'd in friends burying-ground in this city.

A Tejiimony from Mount-Holly Monthly- Meet- ing in New-Jerfey, concerning Rachel Li p PI N c o T,

A FEW years before flie died, {he re- moved from Haddonfield to live with- in the limits of this meeting. She was an exemplary fympathizing friend; her tefti- mony in public meetings was fliort, yet fa- voury and fealonable. Sue was affli(5led with a cancer in her breaft, and in her illnefs ex- prelfed herfelf on this wife, ' Oh! if it be

* thy will, dear father, remove me before I

* be offenfive to my friends, and grant me ^ patience to bear all that thou in thy wif^

* dom may fee meet to affli(5l me with.' To a friend prcfent, fhe faid, ' Oh ! that love

* may increafe and abound in this day of

* outward trials, and faithfulnefs be kept

* to, is my (incere defire ; my trials through

* life have been many, but bleffed be the

* Lord's holy name, when he has appeared,

* all darkneis has vaniihed.'

She departed this life, the 29/^ of the ninth month 1779, and was interr'd in

friends

( 39° ) friends burying- ground in Mount-Holly f aged eighty years.

A Tejl'imonyfrom Wilmington Monthfy^Meeting in the count v of New-Caftle 07i Delaware, concenunQ- David Ferris.

c>

E was the fon of Zachariah and Sarah Ferris, and was born in Stratford, in Connediicut government, New-England, the loth of the third month 1707. Flis parents being prefbyterians, brought him up in that way, his mother being religioufly diipofed, and much concerned for her offspring, fre- quently gave them good advice and admo- nition, which had fome good efFecSl with this our friend, as he hath often been heaixl to exprefs.

We find by fome remarks lie left, that about the twelfth year of his age, he was frequently viilted and called unto by the divine monitor in his heart, to forfake evil and youthful vanities which he delighted in, and by being in a good degree faithful there- to, w^as for a time, preferved from them ; but for want of attending to that which would have continued to preferve him, the pleafures and vanities of this world got hold of his mind, fo that he took much delight in airy and vain company, mufick and dancing, and fuch like amufements, until about the twentieth year of his age; when

it

( 39^ ) it pleafed the Lord to viiit him witli a fore fit of ficknefs, which proved of lading ad- vantage to him, as it occafioned him to take up a frefh refokition, to forfake the evil of his ways, and turn to the Lord with full purpofe of heart, which he was, thro' mer- cy, favou.rcd with ability in meafure to perform.

He Hill continued in profefTion with the prefbyterians, not having any knowledge of friends ; although by attending to the teach- ings of divine grace, he became convinced of the principle we profefs ; and hearing of a yearly-meeting of friends to be held on Long-Illand, went to it, with defires to dif- cover whether they were a living people or not, for fuch he defired to find ; where he met with what he often longed for, (a peo- ple that worfhipped God in fpirit and in truth) which was a great ftrength and con- firmation to him, in forfaking the errors of his youth, and by yielding obedience to thefe inward motions, he gained ftrength, and was more and more enabled to bear a faithful teflimony to the truth as it was made known to him.

In the fixth month 1733, he removed to Philadelphia, where he joined in religious fellowihip with friends ; in 1735 he married Mary the daughter of Samuel and Sarah MafTey; and in 1737 removed to Wilming- ton in New-Caftle county, where he refided the remainder of his days.

He

( 392 )

He made fome appearance in the miniftry about the year 1734, but through unfaith- fulnefs to the divine call, he from time to time put it off, and remained in a negledl of duty therein upwards of twenty years; altho' he was often warned both immediate- ly and inflrumentally in a remarkable man- ner, which at length produced a fubmiffion to the divine will, fo that in the year 1755, he was made willing to give up thereto, and therein found great peace.

He travelled thro' divers parts of this continent in the work of the miniftry, and by certificates produced on his return home, it appeared, that his conduct, converfation, and labours abroad were exemplary and edifying, tending to the advancement of truth and righteoufnefs. His dod:rine was found, and acceptable to the honefl hearted, tho' lliarp againft the hypocrite and rebel- lious, yet tender to the mourners and dif- confolate.

He was very ferviceable in our meetings for difcipline, which, with other meetings, he diligently attended, not fuftering his out- ward affairs to hinder him from what he be- lieved to be his religious duty. And altho' he followed Ihop- keeping for a living, it was his pradlice to Ihut up his fliop and take his family with him to week day meetings, often expreffmg for the encouragement of others, that he believed it was attended with a blefling. He was free and open hearted to entertain friends, and concerned to brmg

up

( 393 )

up his children in plainnefs, and inftruifl them in the fear of the Lord, believing that to be the beft portion they could inherit; remarkably charitable to the poor, and of- ten adminiftred to their neceilities.

Bodily weaknefs attended him during the lail three years of his life, and near the dole of his days, he was much afflicted with ficknefs, which he bore with patience, often expreffing his profped: of his approaching end, and his relignation therein; faying, ' All is well.' Several friends being prefent, after a time of fileiice, he in a lively manner repeated the expreffions of the apollle, *' To ** me, to live is Chrift: and to die is gain.'*

He departed this life, the ^th of the twelfth month 1779, aged upwards of fe- venty-two, a minifter about 24 years; on the ^th of the fame month, his corps was interr'd in ourburying-ground inWiim.ing- ton.

A Tejlimony from Chefter Monthly -Meeting in Pennfylvania, concerning Nathan Yar-

NALL.

HE was born in the Townfhlp of Edge- mont, in Chefter county Pennfylvania, the 27/^ of the twelfth month 1707-8, and continued a member of this monthly-meet- ing to his end. In the days of his youth he had a ftrong bias to the diverlions of the

times,

( 394 y

times, which when given way to, he felt the fecret reproofs of divine grace accom- panied with great fervency of fpirit, to wit- nefs forgivenefs through Chrift Jefus, by the operation of whofe fpirit, he obtained fo great a vi(5lory, that he was (after a feafon of probation) entrufled with a difpenfation of the gofpei miniflry, in the exercife of which, -his do(5lrine was fliarp againil: a ftate of kikewarmnefs about religion as well as open profanenefs, feafonably inftrudlive to the fincere feekers, exhorting them not to be fatisfied fhort of witneffmg a ftate of re- generation. He was often led to fympathize with the afflicted in fpirit, unto whom his dodlrine dropt as the dew, and was by ma- ny efteemed a nurfing father in the meeting to which he belonged. He feveral times, with the concurrence of his friends, vilited the churches in this and the adjacent go- vernments; was zealoufly concerned that meetings for difcipline might be maintained in the fame authority wherein they were firfl eflablifhed ; and divers times was en- gaged in vifiting families, for which weigh- ty fervice he was well qualified. His con- cern for his children was great, which at times he exprelled under the power of di- vine love, adopting the language of David, viz. " My children, know ye the God of ** your fathers, and ferve him with a per- ** fed: heart and willing mind; if ye feek " him, he will be found of you, but if ye *' forfake him, lie will cafl you off forever."

Tor

( 395 ) For feveral years of the latter part of his life, he was afflided with weaknefs of body, but not fo as wholly to prevent his attending meetings, in which he was at times, power- fully drawn forth in teftimony, and public- ly exprelTed at Middletown a few weeks be- fore his confinement, an apprehenfion that his work was nearly over. He was confined at home near three months, in which time he was vifited by many friends, often had refrefhing opportunities in his room; in one of which, (being about a week after his confinement) he was led to fpeak of the precious effecfls of unity; at another time, divers friends being prefent, after fome fi- lence, he exprelTed himfelf on this wife,

* How many opportunities of this fort I

* may yet have is unknown to me; this

* morning as I lay in bed, meditating on ' the things of God, it appeared to me as

* tho' my time in this world would be but

* fliort;' carneftly exhorting thole prefent, to labour that they and their childrei. might be prepared to meet with death. At feveral times he fignified, ' He was like one that ' was waiting for his change,* expreiling his refignation, and faid, * Whenever he turn- ' ed his nand inward he felt great peace,

* and ti.'ii: the thoughts of the grave was

* no terror to him/ He gradually weaken- ed wlihout much pain, till about two days before his departure, and continued fenfible to the iaft, which was on the loth day of the firft month 1780, and on the I'^th his

body

( 396 )

body was interr'd in friends burial-ground at Middle town, attended by a large number of friends and neighbours ; aged near feven- ty-two, a miniller about 2,5 years.

^ Teflimony from Nottingham Monthly- Meeting in Pennfylvania, concerning Rachel Brow n.

SH E was the wife of Thomas Brown, of Weft-Nottingham, in Cherter county Pennfylvania, and daughter of Ralph and Phebe Needham, of Kent county on Dela- ware, educated amongfl: friends, iliewing in her younger years an inclination towards piety, and after her marriage was concerned at times to fpeak in teflimony in our religi- ous meetings, and tho' not large, yet fre- quently, eijpecially in the latter part of her time, her appearances were attended with a lively favour, which, with her exemplary condu6t, and zeal for the attendance of our meetings for public worfhip and maintain- ing good order in the church, rendered her ferviccs ufeful and acceptable among usj and towards the conclufion of her life, flie appeared to be favoured with an increafe of folidity and weight.

In her lafl illnefs which continued about three weeks, we believe flie was much blefT- ed with the incomes of divine love, uttering many weighty exprefIion$, fbme of which

bein^

( 397 ) being wrote down, are in Aibftance as fol-* lows ; ' Oh ! that I had but power to ex- ' prels the love 1 feel to flow towards the

* church, and thofe who are really joined

* thereto. Oh ! the wonderful love of the

* father which I feel to flow even to the out-

* calls of the houfe of Ifrael.' At another time, * Oh ! the itraitnefs and refinednefs of

* the path that leads to life and happinels,' repeating her fenfe of the wonderful love of our Lord Jefus Chrift to his church, which feemed then remarkably opened to her, in an explanation of thole expreffions in the eighth verfe of the fourth chapter of Solo- mon's Song, " Come with me from Leba- ** non, my fpoufe, with me from Lebanon; " look from the, top of Amana, from the *' top of Shenir and Hermon, from the *' Lions Jens, from the mountains of the " Leopards ;'* the myftery of which invita- tion, we underlland Ihe fpoke of at divers times in her ficknefs in a lively manner, as it appeared to her applicable to the divine call of our Saviour to his followers, to come out of all high things, and for his fake who was plain, meek and lowly, to leave or forfake the loftinefs and grandeur of this world, things defirable to the proud ileflily part in "US, to ceafe alfo from fpotted things, and thofe of a fierce devovning nature: And, as her lad teftimony againil the fuperliuity crept in among friends in relation to coflins and drefling the bodies of the dead, fhe

earneltiy

( 398 )

carneftly defired that Iier coffin might be quite plain, and that no needlefs things might be put on or about her.

She dehred her love to her friends, faying, I have frequently defired your prayers for me, that I might have an eafy pafTage, and now I am refigned, and delire to have no will of my own, but to wait with pa- tience the Lord's time, and alfo for his falvation.' Remaining fenfible after her fpeech failed, flie quietly departed this life, the nth of the fifth month 1780, in the fifty-third year of her age, and was interr'd in friends burying-ground at Eaft-Notting- ham on the I'lth of the fame month.

A Teflimony frcnn Haddonfield Monthly-Meet- hg in New-Jerfey, concerning Ephraim

ToMLINSON.

OU R fliid friend was born the i^th day of the eighth month 1695, and his parents fettling fomewhat remote from the then fettlement of wliite inhabitants, it ap- pears by a manufcript account he has left, that he ufed to walk on foot about ten miles to meeting, and being faithful to the mani- feflations of truth in his young years, was enabled to encourage his brothers to go with him to wait upon the Lord.

He makes mention of divers befetments and exercifcs he met with in his fpiritual

journey,

( 399 )

journey, but by waiting in flillnefs upon the Lord, he was pleafed to appear for his help ; and he was often drawn to retire in the woods and foUtary places, when his mind was at times enlarged in prayer for himfelf and mankind univerfliUy.

He was a diligent attender of religious meetings whilll of ability of body, feldom fuffering the extremity of weather or his temporal concerns to prevent him from the dilcharge of his duty in this refpedl, altho' he lived at a confiderable diftance from the particular meeting to which *he belonged, and was an exemplary humble waiter there- in, for the ariiing of that life which is the crown of our aflemblies.

He was an appointed elder for the meet- ing at Haddonfield, and condudled upright- ly in his ftation, which rendered him ac- ceptable to his friends, being often employed in the affairs of truth ; and was feveral times engaged in that weighty fervice of vifiting families, in the performance whereof, he was fometimes fervently and awfully drawn forth in fupplication to the father of mercies. He was jult in his dealings among men, remarkably cautious in expreilion, which, joined with a meek and pious life, rendered him a pattern among his fellow-believers worthy of imitation 5 and his light fo Ihined forth before men, that others feeing his good works, were made to acknowledge he had attained the marks of a true difcipie and believer in Chrift.

He

( 400 )

He departed this life, on the 2d of the eighth month 1780, having left a good fa- vour, and we doubt not is made an inherit- or of that incorruptible crown of righteouf- nefs, which is laid up for all thofe who keep the faith, and love the appearance of our Lord Jefus Chrift.

He was buried in friends burial-ground at Haddonfield, attended by a confiderable number of friends and others, on the ^th day of the fame month; being in the eighty- fifth year of his age.

ATeflimony from Uwchlan Monthly-Meeting in Pennfy Ivania, row^^rwzV/^ Sus A N N A Li g h t-

FOOT.

BY accounts we have had, fhe was born at Grange, in the county of Antrim, in the North of Ireland, the \cth of the firft month (old ftilej 1719-20, defcended of re- ligious parents profefTmg the truth (John and Margaret Hudfon.) Her father dying in low circumRances when flie was young, file was placed out by her mother to earn her living by her own labour ; who never- thelefs fought a portion in the truth for her daughter, efteeming it the bed riches ; and lived to fee the defire of her heart in that refpe(5l in a degree accomplifhed; for the tendering vilitations of divine love being mercifully extended to this our dear friend

early

( 401 ) early m life, flie happily clofed in therewith, and witnelled an advancement in piety and godlinefs j liich was her love to the truth and zeal for the attendance of meetings when young, (lie would go many miles on foot to them, and being an honed fervant, laboured hard to make up the time to her employer. In thefe times, her cup was of- ten made to overflow with the goodnefs of the Lord to her ibul, which Ihe has fre- quently been heard to fpeak of with tender- Defs of fpirit, for the encouragement of ler- vants and others in low circumJlances ; and that die rich and full who have hories to ride on, and are bletTed both with the ne- celTarics and conveniencies of life, might prize their time and privileges, and bring forth fruits adequate to the favours confer- red on them.

A difpenfation of the gofpel was commit- ted to her to preach, to which ilie gave up in the feventeenth year of her age ; and we have reafon to think, fhe grew therein as a willow by the water courfe; for in the ex- ercife thereof, with the unity of her friends at home, flie came over to this country with Ruth Courtny, in the latter part of the year 1737, and paid a religious viiit to friends generally on this continear, v/e believe to good fatisfattion ; fome of us having caufe to remember her, and the fweetnefs of her fpirit at that time. With the fame friend ilie alfo travelied in England and Wales, in D d ^74'^>

( 402 ) 174*^, fpending upwards of fifteen montlis there in the iervice of truth.

On the 2^th of the ninth month 1742, fhe was married to Jelfe Katton ; in which ftate, fhe for many years, underwent great outward difficulties, as well as inward exer- cifes and trials on account of the caufe and teflimony of truth which (lie had efpoufed, and was favoured with hrmnels to hold her integrity thereto ; which flie has been heard to commemorate with thankfulnefs to the Lord her deliverer, rendering the praife to him alone, who, even during that trying difpenfation, opened her v/ay to labour con- fiderably in his caufe in many places, as in Ireland, Scotland, and again in England.

About the year 1754, Ihe removed with her hufband and family, and fettled in Wa- terford, where flie was made truly near to friends and ufeful in the Lord's hand.

In the year 1759 her hufband died; and in 1760, being conftrained by the love of truth, and having the concurrence of her friends at home and of the meeting of mi- nifters and elders in London, llie entered on a fecond vilit to America, which for many years had reRed weightily on her mind. In the ninth month of the fame year flie ar- rived here, and vifited friends meetings ge- generally throughout this continent, as far Southward as Charleflon, in ^ourh-Caro- lina, and to the eaftern parts of New- En- gland, to the comfort and fatisfadion of friends, leaving leals of her miniftry in

many

( 4C'3 )

Enany places ; and after a labour of upwards of two years, embarked for England. In the fummer following fhe vifited Munfter province in Ireland. And on the 25^/j of the ninth month 1763, llie M^as married to our friend Thomas Lightfoot ; and continu- ing fervent in ipirit for the diicharge of her religious duties, finilhed her vifit to that nation by midfummer following.

In the beginning of the eighth month J 764, ilie embarked at Cork with her hui^ band and family in order to fettle here, and arrived in the ninth month following, from ■which time flie belonged to our monthly- meeting, whereof llie was a ferviceable mem- ber; likewife was engaged in the love of the gofpel, to vilit many of the meetings of friends in this and the adjacent governments, aUo the neighbouring yearly-meetings, and in the year 1774, went into New-England, ■with our friend Elizabeth Robinfon from Great-Brit?.in ; in which viiits her company and fervices were weighty, ifrengthening and eflabliihing to friends.

At divers meetings previous to the break- ing forth of the prefent calamity, ihe had, in an awful manner, to proclaim the ap- proach of a ftormy day, which would fliake the fandy foundations of men; and many of the formal proteifors in our fbciety Ihould be blown away.

The laft journey (lie took, was to the year-

ly-meetmg at Third-Haven, in iVJaryhiiui,

held in the fixth month 1779, wherein oc\rp

D d 2 wading

r 404 )

wading and wafting exercife, with feeble- nefs of body was her lot. Soon after her return home, a fit of illnefs contributed much to the breaking of her conftitution ; but the bahn of fweet peace of mind was ftill her comfort and fupport. She recover- ed fo as to get abroad again to her own and many other meetings about the country, and to our laft yearly-meeting in Philadel- phia, tho' in a weak (late of health ; the laft ihe attended was our felecft meeting at Uwchlan, the Z'jth of the firft month 1781, under an increafing weaknefs of body, but to the comfort of friends then aftembled.

She was an excellent example of Iteady waiting upon the Lord in filence, and out of meetings folid and grave in her deport- ment, in(lru(5live and weighty in converfa- tion, watchful over her own family for their good, bearing her teftimony againft wrong things in them as well as others; of a dif- cerning fpirit ; and when her lot was caft in families as well as meetings, was often led to feel for and fympathize with the hidden fufiering feed. Having palled through the deep waters of afBidlion herfelf, her eye was not unufed to drop a tear for, and with others in dinrefs either in body or mind, and Ihe rejoiced in comforting and doing them good.

She was a living and powerful miniftcr of the word, careful not to break filence in meetings, until tavoured with a freih anoint- ing from the holy one, whereby ihe was

prelerved

( 4^5 ) preferved clear in her openings, awful and v;eighty in prayer, her voice being ibleinn and awakening under the baptizing power of truth.

Many were the heavenly feafons with v/hich llie was favoured during a lingering illnefs, in fome of which ihe was led to ex- prefs herfelf in a lively edifying manner, and often, with divine pertinence to the ftates of thofe who were prcfent; as alfo her belief that llie fhould join the fpirits of the jull made perfecft, in that city whofe walls are falvation, and her gates praife.

One evening, after a folemn lilence, Hie broke forth in a fweet melody, faying, ' I have had a profpedl this evening, of join- ing the heavenly hoft, in finging praifes to Zions king, for which favour my foal and all that is fcniible within me, magni- fies that arm which hath been with me from my infant days, and caft up a way where there w^as no way, both by fea and land.' She then fignified what an exercife file had laboured under for the good of fouls, and how it wounded her very life, to behold the profefTors of chriftianity adling incon- liftent with the example of a crucified Sa- viour.

She frequently fupplicated the Lord for the continuance of his help, and that fhe might be endued with patience, adding, ' Oh! what would become of me now, if * I had a wounded conlcience ? The work ' with me is not now to do: Tiiis winnow-

( 4o6 )

* ing day muft come clofer to the dwellings ' of fome than ever it has done, even to the

* Ihaking of them from the gods of lilver ' and of gold, hay or ftubble.'

The quarterly-meeting being nigh, flie urged her hufband to leave her, faying,

* There is nothing yields fuch comfort on ' a languifliing bed as an evidence of hav- ' ing performed our religious duties to the ' bell of our underftanding, I can fpeak it

* at this time by experience.' She fpoke of the necelTity there was for friends to guard againft keeping in their families perfons of corrupt morals and evil communication, "which hath a tendency to poifon the tender minds of their children ; and fignified her appreheniion, that fome parents were ftain- ed with the blood of their offspring there- by. At another time, (he encouraged fome that were prefent, to be faithful to the Lord, and to keep to their gifts, adding, ' Oh!

* what a fine thing it is to fit lively in meet-

* icgs, and to witaefs the holy oil to run as ' from vedel to veflel.' Feeling herfelf grow worfe, ihe gave directions about the laying- out her body, that it ihould be with exem- plary plainnefs.

One morning, in the hearing of a fev/ friends, ihe cautioned againft a light chaffy fpirit getting up in a ihew of religion, and was led in a remarkable manner, to utter reproofs againft the ungodly Quaker, figni- fying a terrible day Vt/ould fooner or later overtake fuch,

She

( 407 ) She exprefTed herfelf one day nearly as follows, ' When 1 have fat down in our meetings, and caft my eye over the peo- ple, how have I been grieved to fee the haughtinefs of the young men, and the folly of the young women, looking one upon another, as if there was nothing to do ; coming to meetings juft to fee and be feen : Oh ! will not the Lord viht for thefe things? Yea, furely he will, and call to an account thofe haughty fons and for- getful daughters ; I have been grieved with it when I have fat as with my lips fealed ; and yet there is a remnant that are near to my life among the youth. At another time, being raifed by divine aid from great weaknefs, Ihe thus exprefled herfelf, *' The Lord will fearch Jerufalem, he will blow away the chaff; but the wheat. Oh ! the weighty wheat he will gather into his holy garner. It feems to me, that many of the better fort are haft- ening to their graves. I do not repine at my afflictions, for how fmall are they, compared with his who fuffered for us ail, when he faid, *' My God, my God, why haft thou forfaken me ?" Oh the profeifors of truth! How often have I thought of their great privileges ! How often have they been called unto and watered ! And yet remain unredeemed ; there is much impurity about the fldrts of fome; if they refufe they wall be rejected and others called in 5 he will have his table filled, he

* will

( 4o8 )

will have a people that will ftand for his name.' After fometime, afldng for a friend, (he fa id, * 1 have fometliing to fay to thee about the city; the folly, 1 vs^ould not willingly call it iniquity, but upon a ftridl examination I believe it may be {o called, of laying out their dead, has been a burden to me many times of late when 1 have been there, I have wondered at the pomp and vanity, and the coft, how mnch for no good [)nrpofe at all, but to be buri- ed witii the mouldering body. How much better it would be, to fpare this expence for the benefit of ibme poor families ? I did not know but I fliould have mention- ed it at the yearly- meeting, but I ^ot en- feebled, and I prayed it might reft on fome others, that it might be done then or at fome other time.' In the afternoon of the fame day, fhe mentioned fome of the words of Amos, *' I was no prophet, nor a prophet's fon, *' but { was a gatherer of fycamore fruit;" ^ low employments, faid flie, '' But the Lord raifeth the poor out of the dull, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill to fee *' them among princes. I have been one

* of ibrrows, and much acquainted vv'ith

* grief. It is true, this has been a pleafanc

* fpot to live in, and witli an agreeable

* companion, and it was nothing ihort of ' the good hand that thus provided for me, ' but 1 have never forgot the wormwood

* and the galL'

She

cc

{ 409 ) She continued quiet and fenfible the re- mainder of her time, faying, * Oh dearefl:

* Lord ! take me to thyfelf, even into thy

* heavenly kingdom ; take me into Paradife,

* lor I long to be with thee there.' After expredlng the delire of her foul refpedling one of her fons, flie took leave of her huf- band and others preient with a look of en- dearing love, and expired about the fourth hour in the morning, like one falling into an eafy dumber^ on the ^th of the fifth month 1 78 1, and was interred the nth ai: Uwchlan, attended by a very great con- courfe of people ; on which occafion a meet- ing was held, and was indeed a good meet- ing, agreeable to a profpecl llie had in the early part of her illnelsj aged fixty-one, and a minifler 44 years.

A 7\^imo?iy /ro7n'EvQ{h^m Monthly- Meeting in Nevv-Jerfey, concerning Thomas Evans.

E was born the 12th day of the fecond month 1693, and defcended from pa- rents profeflmg the truth, whofe religious, care over him, co-operating with the prin- ciple of divine grace implanted in his mind, was the happy means of fixing his attention, not on a corruptible inlieritance, but on that which is incorruptible, eternal in tlie hea- vens, and fadeth not av\ray. And as he was in a good degree faithful to the manifellati-

Oil

( 410 ) on of light afForded him, about the twenty- fifth year of his age, he entered on the work of the niiniilry, in which he diligently la- boured, viiiting, with the concurrence of his friends, divers parts of this continent. He was often led ienfibly to declare of the love and goodnel's of the Lord to thofe who diligently wait upon and feek him ; and is worthy of remembrance for his Heady ex- ample in the attendance of meetings.

In his advanced years, he had divers pain- ful times of i'lnels, but was admirably pre- ierved through them without the help of medicine. He was temperate in his living ; and that innocency of life, meeknefs and love which attended him in his early years, fiiined clear in his latter days, being often favoured (when his underftanding in world- ly matters appeared to fail him) in a lively manner to Ipeak to the ftates of the people when religiouily aOembled, which made him near to many friends. He was a peace- maker amongil his neighbours and friends, and earneilly engaged for the univerfal ad- vancement of true peace amongfl mankind; bearing a faithful teilimony againfl war, . and againll the unnecefliiry diilillation and ule of fpirituoos liquors, and the prevail-^ ins: and foolilh cuftoms and falhions of the world.

In his laft illnefs, he was prefcrved iri great patience andrefignation through much bodily pain, iignitying his ' Satisfaction in ^ having difcharged his religious duty ; an(^

* that

( 4" )

* that all looked pkafant before him, and ' nothing remained for him to do, nnlefs ' the Lord fliould again pleafe to raife him,

* which was hid from his fight, but that

* he was quite reiigned to his will in ail

* things.'

In thefe trying hours, wherein he was enabled to drop many comfortable and edi- fying fentences to tliofe who vilited him, he appeared to be favoured with a foretafte of that true peace which is laid up in ftore for all them who hold out to the end in well- doing.

He departed this life, the 2 i/i of the firil month 1783, and was interr'd at Evefliam on the 24//J, aged near ninety, and a mini- fler about 65 years.

A T eft imony from the Monthly- Meeting ofVlu- ladelphia, conccni'ing Anthony Bene- ZET, an eLiery deceafed.

N this occafion, we may pertinently adopt the lamenting addrels of the diiciples at Joppa, to the apoftle Peter, on the death of Dorcas their fifcer, who had been " Full of good works, and alms deeds *' which ihe had done. And all the widows •' flood by him weeping, and Ihewing the *' coats and garments which Dorcas had " made while ihe was with them." Ads ix%

37- 39-

Ho

( 412 )

He was born in France, at a town named St. Quintin, in the province of Picardy, on the 31// of that now called the firft month, 17 1 3. At which time romifli bigotry and fu perdition liibjecled the proteilants in that kingdom to very rigorous perfecutions, ivhich occafioned many thoufimds of them to leave it> among whom were the parents of our deceafed friend, who removed from thence on the 3J of the fecond month called February, 17 15, and after fpending a few mionths in Holland, proceeded to London, where they relided about fixteen years, and in the month called November, 1731, they arrived in this city, being well recommend- ed by divers friends.

In the fifth month, 1736, he was married to our friend Joyce Marriott, of this city, in whom he experienced a truly religious help- meet, almoll to the end of forty-eight years. Being diffatisiied with following mercantile bufinefs, to which he was brought up, he declined that occupation and fought other employments for the maintenance of his family, and tl^cy alio engaging more of his time and attention than he found confiilent with his peace of mind, he willingly em- braced an opportunity which offered favour- able to his inclination and concern for the inftrucbon of youth in uieful learning, by fupplying a vacancy which happened in the year 1742 in the Engliih-fchool under the dire6tion of friends iu this city ; which by their encouragement he undertook, and con- tinued

{ 4^3 )

tinned in this employment through the re- maining part of his Hfe, except a I'mall in- termiffion of lefs than two years which he fpent at BurUngton, where he fought for greater retirement, and more leifure to at- tend to his religious concern for the general good of mankind: But did not find his mind at the eafe he defired, until he return- ed to refame his employment of fchool- keeping in this city ; where he experienced greater opportunity of exteniive ufefulnefs, in which he was alliduoufly diligent, flif- fering a fmall portion of natural reft to fa- tisfy him ; employing his pen day and night in the compilation of books and other writ- ings for profitable inftru6lion on religious fubje(5ls, chiefly extrad:ed from various au- thors of eminence, particularly to inculcate the peaceable temper and doclrines of the gofpel, in oppoiition to the fpirit of war and bloodlhed, as alfo to expofe the flagrant in- juftice of ilavery and the abomination of the African-trade; lamenting the forrowful defedlion of profeiTed chriftians in thefe re- fpeds, which deeply grieved his tender heart. The diftribution of his labours have been found produdive of much good, to render which more extenfive, he held a cor- refpondence with fuch perfons in various parts of Europe and America, as united with him in the like concern, or were fo circumftanced as to be likely to promote his pious well-meant views.

On

( 414 )

On. die late ceflation of war between Great-Britain and America, apprehending the revival of commerce would be likely to renew the ignominious trade to Africa for ilaves, which had been in fome meafure ob- ftru6led, among other endeavours to difuade from this cruel traiBc, and having enter- tained a favourable opinion of the difpo- lition and ientiments of the queen of Great-Britain, hoping her influence might be ufeful to difcourage it, he was religiouily induced to tranfmit her a letter in 1783 on the fubjetft, v/ith a preient of a few books of a pious tendency, which he committed to the care of two of his friends in London, to deliver in fuch manner as they fliould judge to be moft fuitable ; this fervice being performed foon after his deceafe ; one of them, by a letter received within a few days pall, inlorms his friend here, that the letter from him with the books, had been deliver- ed to the queen, who on her reading it, ex- prefled her perfuafion, ' That the writer ' was truly a good man, and that ilie kind- * ly accepted his preient,' engaging alio to read the books.

fA copy of the letter is hereunto annexed.)

He was employed the two laft years of his life, as teacher in the fchool for the in- ftrudlion of the black-people and their off- ipring, eftabliihed and lupported by the voluntary contributions of friends in this city, which by the indifpolition of the form- er

( 415 )

er teacher, had Iain fometime vacant, un- dertaking this employment from an appre- henfion of rehgious duty, and an earned foUcitude that they might be better qualifi- ed rightly to enjoy the freedom to which great numbers of them had been of late re- ftored ; for which purpofe he furrendered, with the confent of his friends, his other fchool, though to the manifeft diiadvantage of his v^orldly intereft.

His confinement by his iafl illnefs was not of long continuance, although he had not been in perfe(fi: health for more than a year betore, but being of a lively dilpoiltion, and remarkably temperate in his food, which was principally vegetables, he attended his fchool and other aifairs until the increafe of his diforder difabled him.

He endured the bodily pains he fufJered with much patience, and v/as favoured with great calmnefs and compofure, being (enfi- ble of his approaching diflolution, receiv- ing his numerous vifitors with much kind- nefs, but expreffed little to any of them con- cerning himfelf, abiding under that humble diffidence which was confpicuous in his con- duel through life, conlidering himlelf but as an unprofitable lervant. A Ihort time before his confinement, in a famihar con- verlation, he took occaiion to remark, that had he attended with due care to the proi- pecls of duty given him in his younger years, he thought it was probable he might

have

( 4i6 )

have been made inftruinental for more ex- teniive ufefulnefs to mankind.

On the day preceeding his death he took an afTe^ting farewell of his wife, who was then alfo in a weak innrm flate, v/lien he reminded her of the affedlion and concord which had been maintained between them throiuHi the courfe of their union : and Iiaving fometime before reviewed and exe- cuted his will, in which he had devifed his whole eftate to her during her natural life, (excepting his fmail library and other books) and on her decevSQ to certain truftees, the income thereof to be applied to the ufe and fupport of the Negro-fchool. He had in the time of his illnefs added a codicil, confirm- ing the fame, with a refcrvation of fome fmall legacies to a few of his relations, in- digent widows, and other poor perfons; and having copies tranicribed, with inflrudlions for the dilh'ibution of the books he had on hand, and tor binding divers tradls on re- ligious fubjecT:s which remained in ilieets, he delivered them to fome of his executors for their government; the laft of which he put into the hands of one of them not more than three hours before he departed, which v/as al-jout fun-fet on the 3<^ day of the fiith month 1784, being the day of our quarter- ly-meeting ; and on the ^th day of the fime lie was buried in our grave-yard in this ci- ty ; on which folemn occaiion, a greac concourfe of inhabitants of all ranks and profcilions attended, manifeiling the uni-

veriiil

( 417 ) verfal efteem in which he was held, among whom alfo feveral hundred black- people in like manner teflified the grateful fenfe they had of the benetits derived to them, through his ads of friendlhip and pious labours on their behalf.

Unwearied in his endeavours to promote the elTential interetl and well-being of men, it feemed as his ' Meat and drink' to tread the path of his divine mailer, in ' Going ' about, doing good.' His labours for the relief of the afflidled and opprefTed, particu- larly that much injured people, the enilaved Africans and their defcendants, having been unabated and fuccefsfui, beyond almoif any advocate they have had in his time, devo- ting no fmall portion of his life and worldly fubftance, in vindication of their violated rights as men, and their inftruclion in things relating to their temporal and everlalling intereft.

By an innocent unreferved affability, he gained efteem and acceptance among ail dalles of men ; that love of his neighbour which was confpicuous throughout his com- munication, having a foftening effedl, even on rough untra61able fpirits, and io general- ly did his ufeful life and inofFeniive de- meanour engage the afi"eclions and regard of all ranks of the people among vvliom he dwelt, that at his deceafe, they feemed to unite in one common fentiment and declara- tion, of " Blefled are the dead which die " in the Lord."

Ee He

( 4i8 )

He wanted neither abilities nor opportu- nity for ufing endeavours in the acquire-* ment of wealth; but his moderation in this as in other refpedls, was uniformly manifeO; to all obfervers; being with little more than a bare competency, rich and liberal beyond mod of thole who are encumbered with the fuperabundant goods of this life.

This is a fummary narrative of the ufeful life of our valuable friend, and as we mean not to extol the inftrument, but to render to the Lord our creator the praife of his own works ; let this account fuffice, and ex- cite in each mind a due obfervance of that gofpel monition, ** Go and do thou like«» " wife."

The following is a copy of his letter to the queen, mentioned in the foregoing tef- timony, viz.

To Charlotte, ^leen of Great-Britain,

IMPRESSED with a fenfe of religious duty, and encouraged by the opinion gene- rally entertained of thy benevolent difpofiti- on to fuccour the diftrefled, I take the liber- ty, very re fped fully, to offer to thy perufal fome trads which I believe faithfully de- fcribe the fuffering condition of many hun- dred thoufands of our fellow creatures of the African race, great numbers of whom, rent from every lender connexion in life, are annually taken from their native land, to endure in the American iflands and plan- tations.

( 419 )

tations, a mod rigorous and cruel flavery, whereby many, very naany of them, are brought to a melancholy and untimely end. When it is conhdered, that the inhabi- tants of Britain, who are themfelvcs fo emi- nently bleffed in the enjoyment of religious and civil liberty, have long been, and yet are, very deeply concerned in this flagrant violation of the common rights of mankind, and that even its national authority is ex- erted in fupport of the African flave- trade, there is much reafon to apprehend, that this has been, and as long as the evil exifts will continue to be, an occahon of drawing down the divine difpleafure on the nation and its dependencies. May thefe confiderations in- duce thee to interpofe thy kind endeavours on behalf of this greatly opprefTed people, whofe abjecl fituation gives them an additi- onal claim to the pity and affiftance of the generous mind ; inaiinuch as they are alto- gether deprived of the means of foliciting efFcd:ual relief for themfelves. That fo thou may not only be a blefled inllrument in the hand of him " By whom kings reign, and " princes decree juftice," to avert the awful judgments by which the empire has already been fo remarkably fiiaken, but that the bleffmgs of thoufhnds ready to perifli, may come upon thee, at a time when the fuperior advantages attendant on thy firuation in this world, will no longer be of any avail CO thy coafolation and fupport.

£ e 2 To

( 420 )

To the tradls on the fubje(fl to which I have thus ventured to crave thy particular attention, I have added fome others, which at different times, 1 have beUeved it my du- ty to pubUfli, and which I truft will afford thee fome fatisfadlion ; their defign being for the furtherance of that univerfal peace and good-will amongft men, which the gofpel was intended to introduce.

I hope thou will kindly excufe the free- dom ufed on this occafion, by an ancient man, whofe mind for more than forty years paft, has been much feparated from the common courfe of the world, and long pain- fully exercifed in the confideration of the miferies vinder which fo large a part of man- kind equally with us the objecls of redeem- ing love, are fuffering the moft unjuft and grievous opprelfion, and w^ho fincerely de- fires the temporal and eternal felicity of the queen and her royal confort.

ANTHONY BENEZET.

Philadelphia the 25th of the eighth month 1783.

A T eft imony from Concord Monthly- Meeting in Pennfy lvania,f:o7zc^r«/«^ Ph ebeTrimble.

TH E memory of the jufl is pronounced *' Bielled ;" which we wilh to be verifi- ed in the following memorial of this our

efteemed

( 421 )

efteemed friend, by affording an excitement to furvivors to walk in her fteps.

The days of her youth and early periods of maturer age, were attended with clofe trials, ftripping feafons, and deep baptifms, through all which the Lord her gracious helper {whole tender regard is ever manifefl- ed towards his humble dependmg children) preferved her, and raifed her up to be a veffel in his houfe. About the forty- fecond year of her age, being in 1759, ^^ fettled with her hufband William Trimble within the limits of this meeting, to which flie was recommended by certificate from Goflien monthly-meeting, as an approved minifter, ■which characfler fhe juflly retained during her flay in mutability.

Her public appearances, tho' generally in few words, were truly acceptable and edify- ing, being clear, pertinent, comprehenfive and favoury, and accompanied with deep humility and gravity of deportment. She was not forward in the exercife of her gift, but appeared defirous to proceed therein under divine direction. At two different times flie "vifited friends in Maryland and Virginia, and once in North and South-Carolina, in which viiits her gofpel labours were well received.

Her common deportment was inflru6live; evidencing lowlinefs, meeknefs and ielf- de- nial ; that it may juflly be faid, her ' Adorn- * ing was that of a meek and quiet ipirit.' Her converfation, tho' pleafant and cheer- ful, was accompanied with that fweetnefs

' and

( 422 )

and gravity which rendered it both agreea- ble and profitable. Her heart and houfe were open to the reception and entertain- ment of her friends ; nor was her benevo- lence and humane feelings circumfcribed to thofe in religious communion with her; but the poor, we believe, of all denominations in the neighbourhood where flie lived, par- took of her kindnefs, and by her removal have lod a fympachizing friend.

During the time of her laft illnefs, fhe Was much given to ftillnefs and retirednefs of mind, being fometimes uneafy with friends converhng on temporal fubje6ls in her prefence. Her hope and faith in her dear redeemer, we believe did not fail her in this her laft and trying period; though {he was very lowly and humble in her own eftiiriation, and at times almofl diffident of her being worthy ot divine regard : Thus in her cafe may be applicably revived, the an- cient interrogation, ** If the righteous icarce- *' ly be faved, where fliall the ungodly and *'* fmner appear r" May this awaken profita- ble refledlions in the minds of all, eipecially the carelefs and indifferent.

On the 14^/j of the lixth month 1784, flie quietly departed this life, in the fixty-l'eventh year of her age ; and on the i6tb was buri- ed at Concord, attended by many friends, and others, at v/hich time was held a large and fblemn meeting. And we doubt not but Ihe is gone from works to an happy reward.

A Tejiimony

{ 423 )

A Tejimony from the Monthly-Meeting of Friends of Philadelphia for the Southern-Di(lri(5l, concerning John Reynell.

THOUGH none of us were acquainted with him whilft he refided in Great- Britain, the land of his nativity, yet we have caufe to believe, from what himfelf has ex- prefTed, that he was early vifited with the offers of divine love, and by wifely clofing in therewith, he came to experience prefer- vation from many temptations and allure- ments wherewith the minds of unwary youth are liable to be enfnared.

To feveral of his particular friends, he, at times, mentioned fome tranfacftions pre- vious to his coming to this country, which containing matter of encouragement to faithfulnefs in others, we apprehend may not improperly be here inferted, viz.

When about eighteen years of age, pur- pofing to embark on a voyage to Jamaica, and being thoughtful left he might lay down the body at that place, as had been the cafe with many, he received, as he believed, a divine ailurance that his life lliould be pre- ferved. During his refidence there, he had a fight given him, of a grievous calamity by means of a violent hurricane, to befall the inhabitants of the I (land as a chadife- ment for their iniquities, which came to pafs according to his profpecfl. Soon after- wards an occurrence happening which oc-

cafioned

( 424 ) cafioned his being called upon to give evi- dence in a court of judicature, he was re- quired to take an oath, which he confcienti- ouily refuting, it proved for a time, no fmall trial of his faithfulnefs ; and although he had few or none outwardly to look to for firength and encouragement under that ex- ercife, he was neverthelefs favoured to ex- perience divine fupport to be near, fo that neither threatning nor perfuafion could pre- vail on him to deviate from our chriilian teflimony in that refpedl. Very few of the members of our religious fociety then refided on that Ifland, yet a meeting-honfe belong- ing to friends ftill remaining in Kingflon, he was not eafy to omit attending at the times appointed for meeting, though he fometimes fat alone therein.

About the twentieth year of his age he came to Pennfylvania, and after fettling in this city, he became a ferviceable member among us both in a religious and civil capaci- ty, cheerfully employing his talents and much of his time to beneficial and laudable purpofes, and v^ras often engaged as a peace- maker in reconciling diflerences.

As an elder, he approved himfelf in faith- fulnefs and uprightneis in the dilcharge of that important trufl, being well qualified for the llation he filled. A good exam.pie in diligently attending our religious meetings as long as ability of body permitted, and very ufeful in the exercife of the difcipiine. A man of integrity and found judgment.

Being

( 425 )

Being favoured with an affluence of tem- poral riches, he endeavoured to fulfil his duty as a good fteward, by liberally com- municating of his fubftance to fuch as flood in need. Befides his repeated a(5ls of liberali- ty throughout the courfe of his life, the many charitable legacies he bequeathed by his will, are further proofs of his benevo-^ lent difpofition. bo that we believe it may juflly be faid, he was one that " Feared " God and hated covetoufneis."

In the fpring of the year 17B4, his natu- ral flrength evidently impairing, he beheld the proipedl of his approaching diifolution with the ferenity and compolure of a chrif- tian ; and continued gradually declining for feveral months, during which time he did not impart much refpecting his own fpiritual ftate, being defirous to be more in fubftance than fhew, yet found it needful to keep up a fteady watch until his warfare fhould be accomplilhed. Two friends vifiting him one evening, he mentioned, ' That on look-

* ing over his paft life, he was fenfible of

* many deficiencies,' yet exprefled ' A hope ' that all would be well.' On the evening previous to his departure, he faid, * I am

* ready. I feel myfelf happy, and furround- ' ed with divine glory;' and expired the '^d of the ninth month 1784, aged feventy-iix years. His corps being interr'd the day fol- lowing in friends burying-ground in this city, a folemnity covered the minds of ma- ny at the grave which was truly confolatory.

A Tsfihnony,

( 4^6 )

A Tejlimojiy from New- Garden Monthly- Meet- ing m Pennfylvania, concenmig William mid Katharine Jackson.

THEY were born in Ireland, came into this country with their parents, and fettled within the hmits of New-Garden meeting. About the year 1733 they were joined in marriage, proving true help-meets to each other ; and as they advanced in age, grew in grace, and a qualification for fer- vice in the church in the prime of life, be- ing of a meek and inoffenlive difpofition, well beloved and truly uieful members in the meeting to which they belonged; in dealing with offenders, endeavouring to con- vince and reflore, yet careful that the tefti- mony of truth might be preferved blamelefs, Notwithftanding their beginning in the world v/as (inall, a bleffmg attending their induflry and frugality, they got a comfort- able fiibiiilance for thcmfelves, and to bring up their family ; cheerfully and kindly en- tertaining many friends in thofe early days, and having a near fympathy with the mef- fengers and fervants of the Lord, who were tried and proved with humbling baptizing feafons, were often enabled to fpeak a word of comfort and encouragement to fuch ; af- fedlionate and helpful to thofe in afBidlion, charitable and conliderate to the poor, many partaking of their bounty, they were nearly united with friends.

Theii:

'( 4=7 )

Their care over their family, and concern to bring up their children in plainnefs, fim- plicicy, iiidudry, and the attendance of re- ligious meetings, was great. Katharine thro' weaknefs and infirmity, particularly in oki age, of'"en endured much pain in riding to meetings, yet when there, her folid innocenc counccaance and deportment therein were edifying. When near her end, during feveral weeks painful (icknefs, ihe retained her in- nocent fweetnefs of difpolition, exprefTrng refignation to her allotment ; often adviling her children and thofe about her to live in love. Some of her laft expreffions that could be underflood, were, ' There is reft and ' peace prepared for me, where I Ihall fing ' hallelujahs to the higheft!' And after a lit- tle paufe, laid, ' Tiiy fweetnefs, O Lord! * is great.' She quietly departed the id of tl^ fourth month 1781, in the lixty-eightli year of her age, and on the 5/^ was interr'd in friends burying-ground at New-Garden.

William was fupported under the trial of this feparation, with becoming refjgnacioii to the divine v^riil ; having through life been an example of puncfluality, juftice, temper- ance and brotherly kindnefs.

On account of bodily infirmity, which at times made riding hard to bear, h^e often went on foot, when above feventy-five years of age, upwards of four miles to meeting; his faithfulnefs and example wherein, the becoming manner of his licting there, evi- dencing a w^atchful folid frame of mind,

was

( 4^8 )

•was very inftrucflive. On the 22d of the tenth month 1785 (having been for fome- time much confined at home) he was taken ill, and tho' afflid:ed with much pain of bo- dy, his underltanding was preferved found, and faculties clear. In the morning of the 23^ to two of his children he laid, * There

* is always fomething comes to take us out

* of the world, and if we are but prepared it

* is the lefs matter;' one of them exprelTmg a hope that he did not feel any thing to the contrary ; he replied ' No, no, I don't, I have

* a comfortable hope and belief that all will

* be well/ Remarking fome little time af- ter, on the fettlement of his affairs, his fmall beginning, and how he had been favoured through life; he expreiTed his concern and fympathy for divers friends in ftraitened circumlfances, and that he had been much exercifed at times on account of many in fociety who appeared forward and zealous, but thro' negled: or mifmanagement of their outward affairs, had miniflered caufe of re- proach ; obferving that it was wifdom not to appear in ihew more than in fubdance, either in our religious or temporal concerns. The night of the z^th he communicated to fome of his children much feafonable and heart-tendering advice; recommending a- bove all things to flrive for an ev^rlalling inheritance, whereinto they might enter when done with time; concluding in thefe words, ' Love truth, love one another, love

■ friends and all good people, even all man-

' kindj^

( 4^9 )

* kind, and be careful to hurt none, no not « the very meaneft, if ye can do them no

• good, ye fhould do them no harm.' Then mentioning the uncertainty of his continu- ance here, gave diredions that his coffin fliould be plain, no polilh or ftain upon it.

Being very low on the 2.^th and apprehen- five of his end being near, he fpoke to fome of his children, defiring, when the change came, all might keep Hill and quiet; ad- ding, it was an awful time, and ought to be fo to thofe about him. Some hours af- ter, faying, it would be a relief if he might be favoured in his palllige, his bodily di- ftrefs being great; ' But I mull not com- ' plain, it don't become us to complain, but ' we may tell each other of our afflicftions ' without complaining or murmuring; for

* the Almighty has been good to me in my ' afflidlion, fo that we have great caufe to ' love him.' A few hours after faid, ' What

* manner of perfons ought we to be, to bear ' every difpenfation of afflidion and trial

* that comes vipon us, as we ought to do ? Saying at another time, * Many tedious days

* and wearifome nights had been his lot ' thefe eighteen months pad.' His fon ex- preffing his belief that reft would be very acceptable, he replied, ' Yes, an everlafting ' rell.' On the i ^th of the eleventh month he uttered the following fupplication, * O ' Lord God Almighty ! if it be thy blelTed

* will, mitigate my ailli(5lion, and relieve ' me in my diflrefs ; not my will but thine

* be

{ 43<^ ) be done.' And a little after fald, ' The appointed time will come, and it mufi: be waited for, he knows beft the right time ; his wifdom is very great, and care and providence over his poor creatures very great indeed.' To one of his children, aking leave of him, he faid, in fubftance, There is great corruption in the vv^orld amongfl mankind, and need there is of care in bringing up children, and young people, to reftrain them; for many are running as the wild afles upon the moun- tains.' A few days before he departed he faid, ' It is a comfort to me to have my children Vv^ith'me, and it may be a fatis- faclion to them to fee me go ; I feel eafy in mind on looking backward and for- ward, I fee nothing in my way, the Lord has been good to us, and efpecially to me in my afflicflion.' Much more he expreiT- ed at fundry times, continuing fenfible, but gradually weakening, he departed this life, on the 24^/j of the eleventh month 1785, in the eighty- firfl year of his age, having been an eider upwards of 40 years, and having ruled well was vv^orthy of double honour, his memory being of good favour. On the 27//^ he was interr'd in friends burying- ground at Nev^r-Garden; attended by a large number of people, vv'ith v>-hora a filid meet- ing was held.

>bojj:e

( 431 )

Some exprejfions 0/ Joseph Husband, before and in his lafl ficknefs^ read mid approved in the Monthly -Meeting of Friends at Deer- Creek in Maryland, and direirted to be for-' nvarded to the Weftern ^arterly- Meeting,

A CONSIDERABLE time before his de- ceafe, when in health, he fometimes mentioned to his friends, and frequently to his wife, his profpecfl that his time would not be long here, and in or near his lad ficknefs, told her that he felt eafy, and be- lieved he fliould foon be taken from her. Some days before his death he appeared ex- ceeding low in mind attended with many doubts refpecfling his pad and then fitu- ation, remaining feveral days in great di~ ftrefs ; after which it pleafed the Lord to manifeft himfelf to him in fo extraordinary a manner, that his wife perceiving a change, afked him how he was ; he anfwered I am better than I expe(fled ever to be, my mind is now relieved, and, as a morning without clouds, all appears fufliine, mentioning to her and a friend prefent, many trials and temptations he had experienced ; at another time faying, deep has been the baptifm I have palfed through, my foul hath been dipt into a feeling fenfe of the (late of un- believers, yea, I have pafTed through the valley of the fhadow of death, which I am now convinced we muft do before we can experience a glorious refurred:ion unto eter- nal

( 432 ) nal life. And frequently faid, my dear I feel thy fympathy and love, and ah! hoW precious do I feel the unity of the church; often mentioning divers of his near friends, and continuing in a fweet frame of mind, not complaining of pain (tho' the nature of his difeale muft have occafioned much) his countenance remaining ferene and pleafant to the kit ; a few minutes before his death he fpoke to this purpofe, * Give my dear love to friends, and tell them I die in the faith which I lived in, and firmly believe I fliall foon enter into the manfions of eter- nal happinefs prepared for the true believ- ers in Chrift; and altho' I never did mvich for the caufe and teftimony of truth, I ftiall be with the believers, ' and that is enough ;' foon after which he quietly de- parted this life, on the bth day of the fifth month 1786, about the fiftieth year of his age ; being the next day interr'd in friends burying-ground at Deer-Creek.

To nvhich the ^arterly- Meeting held at London- Grove, the 2.1ft of the eighth month iy86, add.

THE foregoing account concerning our friend Jofeph Hufband, being communicat- ed to us, was read here and approved; and from the knowledge and fenfe many of us had of him for a number of years, this meeting is free to add, that it appears he was born in Cecil county, Maryland, came into religious memberihip with friends after

he

( 433 ) he arrived to man's eftate, having been con- vinced of the principle of truth while young, more by inw^ard conviction than inftrumental means, as he was educated in the way of the epifcopal church (fo called) and even when a lad, had to pafs through many trials under his father, for declining that way of v/or- ihip; and (as he related to his wife and others) he frequently felt great tendernefs towards the negro children with whom he was brought up, from the profpecfl of their flate of llavery, which much afFecfled him at times before he was ten years of age. He conducfled with reputation and ftability as a ufeful friend, manifefting a lively un- iliaken concern for the maintenance of our difcipline, the furtherance of our teflimony againll an hireling-miniftry, and flave-hold- ing, as well as for the docflrine of peace, efpecially thro' the difficulties which occur- red in the late times of public requifitions for the purpofes of war ; Ihewing chriflian fortitude, humility and reiignation under fufFerings and clofe trials of different kinds which fell to his lot. Sometime before his deceafe he appeared in public teftimony, in which he was not forward, but moftly brief, pertinent and acceptable to friends ; being remarkably open to receive counfel as well as to give ; we find the remembrance of his difpofition and fervice is fatisfa(5lory, both among the members of the monthly-meet- ing he belonged to, and this meeting.

Ff

Ab/iracl

( 434 )

AhflraB from the Tejltmony o/" Concord Months

ly- Meeting as read and approved by Cheiter

^larterfy. Meeting, held at Concord the 14th

oj the fifth month 17B7, concerning our dear

Jriend Edith Sharples, deceajed.

SH E was born the i '^th day of the fifth month 1743; her parents Nathan and Rachel Yarnall, members of Middletown particular meeting, having been careful to educate her in plainnefs and a diligent at- tendance of religious meetings, flie retain- ing a thankful remembrance of their care over her, has been often heard to blefs the Lord on their account, as by their good counfel and wholefome reftraint, they con- tributed to her prefervation out of the vain falhions and cufloms of the world.

By her own account, her mind was early in life accompanied with earneft defires af- ter the knowledge of truth, and that fhe might never do any thing to offend him whom Ihe often found near to her comfort, or that might bring a reproach on the pro- feffion ihe made ; but giving way to her na- tural vivacity, Ihe frequently indulged her- felf in what with fome is accounted inno- cent paftime, for which flie was often brought under condemnation ; and about the twen- ty-fourth year of her age was plunged into great diftrefs, being clofely befet with the wiles of an unwearied adverfary; but the Lord, who will not fuffer his people to be

tempted

{ 435 )

tempted beyond what they thro' his grace are enabled to bear, made way for her efcape from under the power of temptation, for which file had, in that day, as on the banks of deliverance, to fing to the prail'e of his holy name ; faying, * It is in my heart to praife thee O my deliverer! for thy ma- nifold kindnelTes unto me a poor un- worthy worm; for altho', for difobedi- ence, thou haft feen meet to hide thy face for a moment; yet my foul is hum- bly bowed before thee, rendering unto thee the praife of all thy works ; having witneffed the fulfilling of thy promife. But with everlafting kindnefs will 1 have mercy on thee faith the Lord thy re- deemer."

In the twenty-fixth year of her age ihe was married to Jofhua S'larples, fettled within the compafs of New-Garden month- ly-meeting, of which fhe became a ufeful member, being qualified for fervice in the church, whereto flie attended with much fatisfadlion to friends, filling the ftations ot overfeer and elder with diffidence under a fenfe of the weight thereof.

In the thirty- firft year of her age flie ap- peared in the miniftry, and being faithful, grew in her gift, was found in do(5lrine, accompanied with a degree of heart- tendering authority to the carelefs and indolent, yet edifying and confolatory to the refrefhment of the mourners in Zion.

In

( 4S6 )

In her approaches to the throne of grace in public iiipplication, fhe was awfully attend- ed with deep Iblemnity.

She was a great lover of the fcriptures, and well qualified to apply them to edifica- tion and infl:ru(5lion, being concerned to invite friends and others to a more frequent reading of them. The docftrines of the principle of truth as held by friends ihe was ikiitul in e;xplaining, and was often exercifed, therein in mixed auditories, endeavouring to lead out of forms to the fubftance of true religion. Much of her time was thus em- ployed in the public fervice of her Lord and mailer, cheerfully giving up to his holy re- quirings, but carefully concerned to wait for his putting forth.

Having pecuUar fervice in vifiting fami- lies, flie was often ufefully engaged there- in; and about the year 1778 with divers other friends under appointment from the Wcflern quarterly-meeting, in a general vi- fit to all the meetings belonging thereto, fhe was exercifed under a deep concern to labour that a reformation in life and manners might be really effected amongft the profefTors of truth. Soon after, being removed within the compafs of our meeting, flie engaged in a like vifit to the meetings in our quarter, wherein, as in other of her gofpel labours, fhe inanifefted an ardent defire for the pro- motion of the caufe of truth, and that flie might be favoured to do her days work in the day-time. And fince, with the concur- rence

( 437 ) rence of friends, vifited mofl of the meet- ings in the Southern governments ; be- ing diligent in the improvement of her time for the fervice of truth, often draw^n into family vifits, and to the afHi(5led either in body or mind, who experienced the con- foling fympathy of her tender fpirit, in which and other gofpel labours flie reaped the reward of peace and comfort to her own mind. When at home Ihe was not only di- ligent in attending meetings herfelf, but careful to encourage and affifl her family in their duty therein ; in herfelf an example of plainnefs, and mindful to promote a like Simplicity in thole under her direction, ma- nifefting much concern that her children might be brought up in the truth, frequent- ly retiring with them for their improvement, her faithfulnefs againft wrong things in them being confiftent with the tendernefs of an affedtionate mother. ' Great was her ex- ercife for the rifing generation, that their hearts might be early dedicated to the Lord, and they thereby preferved in a condudl confiftent with our holy profellion. Open and hofpitable in her houfe, a true help- meet and affedlionate wife.

Shortly after her return from a vifit to friends on the Eaftern-Shore of Maryland, in the fixth month 1786, ihe was brought very low thro' bodily indifpofition, but fa- voured with inward confolation and true peace, exprefTmg that fhe felt her mind much weaned from the things of this world,

and

( 438 )

and if it fliould pleafe the Lord to call her hence fhe found nothing in her way. On a jfiril-day afternoon, divers friends being prefent, after a time of filence, flie fpoke to this effedl, * I am glad of this opportunity ; as 1 lay on the bed this morning, my mind was carried away to meeting with friends, and I thought if I had wings I could have Jiown thither for the great love I feel for the members of that meeting. Indeed we have had many favoured opportunities to- gether ; and you fee 1 am in a poor weak way, and whether I fhall get out again I have not feen, but am refigned, and feel the reward of peace ; but if fome friends of that meeting are not more faithful to the many gracious vilicacions which have been in mercy to thea? extended, weak- nefs will overtake them, and they be in danger ot mifhag the anfwer of well done.' She recovered and afterwards had many heart-tendering opportunities with friends there, and others not in memberfhip with us, toward whom Ihe was remarkably led in teftimony, in order that they might be gathered to the fold of reft.

About two weeks before her deceafe fhe attended feveral of the neighbouring meet- ings, exprefling her fatisfaclion therewith; and on the firtl-day before her departure, was at New-Garden meeting and had ac- ceptable lervice, having alfo a favoured op- portunity the fame evening in a friends fa- mily where fhe lodged on her return home,

at

( 439 )

at which time fhe was concerned to revive theie exprefTions of the Pfalmift, ** Lord " make me to know mine end, and the mea- *' fure of my days, what it is, that I may *' know how frail I am: Behold thou haft *' made my days as an hands breadth, and *' mine age is as nothing before thee." Which fhe enlarged on to edification. Next day Ihe got home fomewhat indifpofed, but held up till the day following in the evening of the i6th of the firft month 1787, when fhe was confined to her bed, and lay in a fenfible refigned frame of mind, being, as we believe, well prepared for her awful change, appearing to have nothing to do but to die. Some of the laft words fhe was heard to fay were, * I believe I am going,' and in about fifteen minutes after, quietly breathed her laft on the 18//?, and on the 10th was interr'd at Birmingham, aged forty-three years and feven months, a mini- fter upwards of 12 years.

FINIS,

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