The Annual monitor... or, Obituary of the members of the Society of Friends in Great Britain and Ireland..

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1884
1429599

UbNEALOGY COLLECTION

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NEW SERIES, No. 42.

ANNUAL MONITOR

For 1884,

OK

OBITUARY

OF THE

MEMBERS OE THE SOCIETY OF EfilENDS
h\ <&vcat Jorttatn aob fcelanti,

• FOR THE YEAR 1883.

LONDON :
Sold by Samuel Hakkis & Co., 5, Bishopsgate Without;

AND BY

William Sessions, 15, Low Ousegate, York;

also BY

John Gough, 12, Eustace Street, Dublin.

1888.

LONDON :

BARRETT, SONS AND CO,, PRINTERS,

BEER LANE, E.G.

1429599

PREFACE.

In issuing another volume of the Annual
Monitor, it will be a satisfaction to some of its
readers if I again state that whilst the table of
deaths is obtained principally from the official
records of the Society of Friends, the memorial
notices are issued on the sole responsibility of their
writers, and of the Editor, and have no official
character, excepting that in two or three cases this
year they consist entirely or in part of Minutes or
Testimonies of Meetings of which the deceased
were members.

I have again much to regret that the material

placed at my disposal has been so scanty. This

^ arises in part from the circumstance that some of

J^ those, the record of whose lives would have been full

of instruction, could it have been written, have left

behind them too little material to enable survivors,

-X* in the absence of personal intimacy, to trace the

growth of their Christian life and experience. Per-

\ haps, too, the practice of keeping private memo-

VI PREFACE.

randa and writing journals of spiritual experience
is not so common as it once was. Those who
think that this indicates a more healthy tone of
religious life and feeling may not be altogether
mistaken. But if it be one of the results of the
high pressure and railway speed of our modern
life, which often finds the day too short for all
that is crowded into it, may it not be an indica-
tion of that which is a pressing need of the
Christian life of to-day, — more of private devotion
more of being alone with the Lord, more of going
to the Fountain Head to drink, untainted, of the
/'pure river of the water of Life"? For the
Christian life must languish and wither " if the
branch abide not in the Vine ; " and all spiritual
experience proves that —

" Restraining prayer we cease to fight,
Prayer keeps the Christian's armour bright,"

William Robinson.

West Bank, Scarborough,

Twelfth month, 1883.

LIST OF MEMOIRS.

Elizabeth Backhouse.
William E. Backhouse
Mary M. Blake y.
Elizabeth Elgak.
Samuel Eliott.
Jane Eliott.
John Thomas Emmott.
George Stacey Gibson.
Charles Hayward.

Josiaii AND El

Mary Ann Johnson.
Charles Kitching.
Thomas W. Lester.
Hannah B. Sew ell.
Hannah B. Smith.
James Veale.
Andrew H. Yeale.
Joiim Williams.
William Winward.
jza Merrick.

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THE

ANNUAL MONITOR,

1884.

OBITUARY.

Age. Time of Decease.

Sarah Abbatt, Bolton. 47 24 9 mo. 1883
John Ernest Abbott, 16 21 4 mo. 1883

Redruth. Son of Samuel and Emma Abbott.
Catherine Alexander, 77 29 11 mo. 1882

Cirencester. Wife of Henry Alexander.
Frederick Alexander, 69 19 9 mo. 1883

Ipswich.
Ann Allen, 73 1 3 mo. 1883

Stoke Newington.
Caroline Armistead, 83 16 1 mo. 1883

Darlington. Widow of Wilson Armistead.
Maria Armsstead, 75 17 1 mo. 1883

Exeter. An Elder. Widow of John Armistead.

B

2 ANNUAL MONITOR.

Maria Armitage, 57 14 1 mo. 1883

Nottingham. An Elder. Wife of John Armi-

tage.
Thomas Ashby, 82 10 5 mo. 1883

Adderbury, near Banbury.
George Ashford, 58 7 10 mo. 1882

Birmingham. An Elder.
Elizabeth Backhouse, 82 3 12 mo. 1882

York An Elder.
Elizabeth Backhouse was the third daughter
of James and Mary Backhouse, of Darlington,
and sister of the late James Backhouse, of York.
She may truly be said to have feared the
Lord from her youth. Early directed to the
importance of listening to, and obeying the voice
of the Good Shepherd in the secret of the soul,
there is reason to believe that with her the
growth of nature and of grace were developed
so simultaneously that she never knew the time
when the " seed of the kingdom " first sprang up.
That it had taken root was however abundantly
evidenced in her long life of quiet unobtrusive
dedication to the call of duty, exerting its happy
influence upon a wide circle, not only of her
personal friends and the members of her own
Society, but embracing in its active benevolence
the poor and needy of every class and race.

ELIZABETH BACKHOUSE. 3

Yet the Christian course of this dear Friend
was eminently one in harmony with the precept,
" Let not thy left hand know what thy right
hand doeth." Anything like a record or public
notice of her doings, even by her friends, would
have been distressing to her, glad as she was to
see or hear a record of the Christian labours of
others.

For nine years she faithfully performed the
part of mother to the children of her widowed
brother, James Backhouse, during his long mis-
sionary visit to the Australian Colonies and South
Africa.

During the latter portion of her life she was
for many years practically blind. This trial was
borne with a degree of patience and cheerful
resignation that to many who knew her was
truly instructive. Even then her active benevo-
lence could not rest. The well-being of the
freed slaves in the Southern States of America
obtained her special sympathy and help, and for
several years she was enabled by the kind con-
tributions of her friends, to render effectual
assistance to them at a time when the sufferings
to which they were subjected drove large num-
bers of them to seek an asylum in the newly-
settled State of Kansas.

4 ANNUAL MONITOR.

The close of her earthly career seemed re-
markably in harmony with her whole life. It
was a release so gentle that to call it a translation
seems scarcely unfitting.

A very slight attack of illness in the early
morning, such as she had often had, caused
nevertheless some anxiety to her niece and to
the domestics who kindly waited upon her.
Seeing one of these look uneasy, she calmly
said, with a cheerful voice — " Thou knows God
is our refuge and strength." In a few minutes
she became unconscious, and passed away in about
a quarter of an hour.
William Edward Backhouse,

York. 18 18 9 mo. 1883

Son of James and Mary Backhouse.

The decease of this dear youth seems afresh
to call to remembrance the Saviour's words :
" Watch, therefore ; for ye know not what hour
your Lord doth come." " If He shall come in the
second watch, or come in the third watch, and
find them so, blessed are those servants."

Such, his friends thankfully believe, was
the experience of the subject of this notice ;
who, though long in a state in which eventual
recovery was felt to be doubtful, had been
cheered by a measure of improvement, and had

ANNUAL MONITOR. 5

enjoyed exercise in the garden up to the lust
morning.

An attack of internal haemorrhage, shortly
after midnight, suddenly terminated his earthly
career. So violent was it that he had only power
to utter the one loving word, " Farewell ! " But
that word, spoken as it was, and at such a
moment, confirmed the sorrowing ones around
his dying-bed in the belief that to him there was
no " dark valley/' but that, with lamp trimmed
and light burning, he was ready for the coming
of the Heavenly Bridegroom.
Mary Bainbridge, 70 17 4 mo. 1883

Sedbergh. Widow of George Bainbridge.
Benjamin Bake, 66 21 3 mo. 1883

Liverpool.
Matilda Baker, York 64
Ann Barrett, Coggeshall.72
Edgar Barringer, —

Auckland, New Zealand.
Eliza Ann Barritt, 67 3 8 mo. 1883

Guys, Maldon. Daughter of the late James

and Ann Barritt.
George Oswell Barritt,

Croydon. 27 6 5 mo. 1881

Son of George and Emma Barritt. Died at

sea on his homeward passage, and was buried

at Cape Town.

12

12 mo.

1882

17

1 mo.

1883

8

4 mo.

1882

6 ANNUAL MONITOR.

Margaret Stafford Baistin,

West Drayton. 14 mos. 16 4 mo. 1883

Daughter of Edward P. and Jane Bastin.
Henry Thomas Bayes,

Hammersmith. 54 8 7 mo. 1883

John Cotter Beale,

Cork. 52 10 7 mo. 1883

Son of Joshua and Hannah Beale.
Arthur Rowland Beck, 19 2 7 mo. 1883

Banbury. Son of Samuel and Ellen R. Beck.
Mary Carter Bell, 34 13 11 mo. 1882

Trummery, Go. Antrim. Wife of Richard Bell.
Elizabeth Benwell, 64 26 4 mo. 1883

Beading. Daughter of the late Henry and

Elizabeth Benwell.
Mary Ann Bewley, 54 22 10 mo. 1882

Enniscorthy.
Elizabeth Bilsborough,78 18 3 mo. 1883

West Houghton.
Sarah Binns, Derby. 70 4 2 mo. 1883
Mary Margaret Blakey,

Shaw Cote, Wensleydale. 14 20 11 mo. 1882

Daughter of Joshua and Margaret Blakey.
From a very early age she loved her dear
Saviour, was always truthful, afraid to do any-
thing wrong, and kind and affectionate to her
parents and brothers. When ten years old she

MARY MARGARET BLAKEY. 7

went to Ackworth School. Before this her mother
had found a short prayer, written by her, for the
recovery of her father from illness, if it were the
Lord's will, and that He would abundantly bless
him.

The christian training received at school
seems to have deepened her love for her Saviour.
The following verse is marked as one of her
favourites, and indicates her feelings at this
time : —

" I have a Saviour, He's pleading in glory,

A dear, loving Saviour, though earth's friends be
few,
And now He is watching in tenderness o'er me ;
And, oh! that my Saviour were your Saviour too !"

Soon after leaving school, at the close of
1881, she caught a severe cold, from which she
never fully recovered, although during the sum-
mer months she was able to attend meetings.
When she was asked if she thought she would
get better, her reply was, " No, I do not think I
shall." A week or two before she died, in answer
to loving inquiries, she said, with childlike con-
fidence, " I am quite happy, and shall go to
Heaven."

A short time before her death her father
entered her room, and asking her if she was not

8 ANNUAL MONITOR.

lonely, she replied, " Oh, no ! I expect Jesus to-
night."

During the latter part of her illness she was
mostly unconscious ; but, after two or three weeks
of anxious watching by day and night, it was
comforting to her sorrowing parents and friends
to witness the calm and sweet close of her short
life. The following verse was marked as another
favourite in her hymn-book : —

" When my final farewell to the world I have said,

And gladly laid down to my rest ;
When softly the watchers shall say, * She is dead/

Aud fold my pale hands on my breast ;
And when, with my glorified vision, at last,

The walls of that city I see,
Will any one, then, at that beautiful gate,

Be watching and waiting for me ? "

Eliza Boardman, 80 12 4 mo. 1883

Highflatts. Widow of Allan Boardman.
Maria Booth, 34 25 12 mo. 1882

Farnworthj near Bolton. Wife of Samuel

Booth.
Sarah Champion Bowden,

Bristol 79 17 11 mo. 1882

Widow of Samuel Bowden.
Edward Brady, 75 13 8 mo. 1883

Bamsley.

ANNUAL MONITOR. 9

Henry Brady, Gateshead. 77 14 7 mo. 1883

A Minister.

Sarah Brewin, Leicester. 85 29 5 mo. 1883

An Elder. Widow of Edwin Brewin.

John Joseph Brock, 58 29 3 mo. 1883

Croydon.

Hannah Broster, 77 25 2 mo. 1883

Bosley, Macclesfield.

Annie Brown, Halstead. 29 11 2 mo. 1883

Daughter of William and A. Brown.

Dorothy Brown, York. 77 2 2 mo. 1883

Elizabeth Brown, 82 17 11 mo. 1882

Luton. An Elder. Widow of Henry Brown.

Phebe Brown, 89 15 10 mo. 1882

Tottenham.

Priscilla Brown, 74 23 3 mo. 1883

West Houghton.

Thomas C. Brown, 90 15 2 mo. 1883

Cirencester.

Hannah Buckley, 44 11 11 mo. 1882

Manchester. Daughter of the late Joseph

Buckley.

Alfred Burgess, 76 26 11 mo. 1882

Leicester.

Joseph Burne, 42 25 10 mo. 1882

Bray, Co. Wicklow.

Peter Butler, Bristol. 79 6 12 mo. 1882

10 ANNUAL MONITOR.

Thomas Butler, 85 30 7 mo. 1883

Stoke Newington.
Eliza Calton, Diss. 76 4 4 mo. 1883

Widow of Eobert Calton.
Eliza Calvert, 80 23 6 mo. 1883

Monkstown, Dublin. Wife of William Cal-
vert.
Hannah Carr, York 61 6 9 mo. 1883

Wife of William Carr.
Elizabeth Sarah Chalk,

Kingston-on-Thames. 74 11 7 mo. 1883

A Minister. Widow of Thomas Chalk.
Mary Ann Choat, 91 3 4 mo. 1883

Islington. Widow of Thomas Choat.
Joseph Chrimes, 75 19 8 mo. 1883

Wilmslow.
Abigail Christmas, 64 13 5 mo. 1883

Golne, Cambridge. Widow of John Christmas.
Henry Clapham, 56 4 6 mo. 1883

Newcast le- on- Tyne.
Ann Clark, Doncaster. 69 6 9 mo. 1883

An Elder.
Isabella B. Clark, 60 2 8 mo. 1883

Tramore, Waterford. Widow of Alfred Clark.
Phoebe Clark, 55 21 1 mo. 1883

Newcastle-on-Tyne. An Elder. Wife of

Frederick Clark. -

ANNUM, MONITOR. 11

William Clemes, 87 2 3 mo. 1883

St, Austell.
Charlotte B. Cock, 73 25 5 mo. 1883

Redruth. Widow of Edwin Cock.
Elizabeth Coleby, 77 8 8 mo. 1883

Bath. Widow of John Coleby.
Benjamin Colley, 74 7 6 mo 1883

Sheffield.
James Compton, Cork. 63 13 4 mo. 1883
Elizabeth Coning, 43 2 1 mo. 1883

York. Wife of Thomas Coning.
Benjamin Cooke, 66 3 2 mo. 1883

Southport.
James George Cove, 31 5 4 mo. 1883

Tottenham. Died on the passage from the

Cape.
Mary Ellen Cove, 23 14 5 mo. 1883

Tottenham.* Children of Henry and the late

Mary Cove.
Albert Cox, Leeds. 5 12 10 mo. 1882

Son of Thomas and Elizabeth Cox.
Herbert Cecil Crewdson,

Reading. 17 7 4 mo. 1883

Son of the late Wilson and Ellen Crewdson.
Edward Wilson Crosfield,

Liverpool. 37 10 11 mo. 1882

Son of the late Henry Crosfield.

12 ANNUAL MONITOR.

Elizabeth Crosfield, 77 12 1 mo. 1883

Liverpool. Widow of Simon Crosfield .
Sarah Crosfield, 67 12 1 mo. 1883

Liverpool.
Elizabeth Crouch, 75 6 3 mo. 1883

Falmouth.
Mary Cudworth, 61 3 12 mo. 1882

Darlington. An Elder. Wife of William

Cudworth.
Thomas Dale, Bessbrooh. 8 2 1 mo. 1883

Son of James Dale.
Joshua Hopkins Davy, 56 27 11 mo. 1882

Sheffield.
Elizabeth Dawes, 19 8 2 mo. 1883

Darlington. Daughter of Eobert W. Dawes.
Margaret Hack Deane, 48 6 11 mo. 1882

Eeigate. Daughter of the late Raines and

Sarah Deane.
William Deane, 51 19 12 mo. 1882

Brighton.
Harold F. Dell, 12 20 8 mo. 1883

Winchmore Hill. Son of Joseph H. Dell.
Mary Dickson, 62 4 6 mo. 1883

Middlesborough. Wife of Edward Dickson.
Emily J. Docwra, 25 16 12 mo. 1882

Kelvedon. Daughter of George and Mary

Docwra.

ELIZABETH ELGAR. 13

Anne Dougill, 39 24 11 mo. 1882

Huddersfield.
Anne Doyle, Bessbrook. 76 6 12 mo. 1882

Widow of John B. Doyle.
Richard Ecroyd, Jun., 3 21 1 mo. 1883

Baildon, near Bradford. Son of Richard and

Emily Ecroyd.
William Eddington, 83 13 7 mo. 1883

Congresbury. An Elder.
Elizabeth Elgar, 53 9 12 mo. 1881

Canterbury. Wife of John Elgar. (This name

appeared in last year's volume .)

Elizabeth Elgar was the only daughter of
Isaac and Sarah Robinson, and was born at
Manchester on the 19th of First month, 1828.
Whilst she was for a short time at Ackworth
School, her parents removed to Maidstone. She
received much of her education from her father,
who possessed a remarkable talent for instructing
children. She early gave evidence of a thoughtful,
serious, and amiable disposition, which ripened,
under the influence of Divine grace, as she ap-
proached womanhood, and from this time to the
close of her life a marked meekness and deep
humility adorned her character, which gave
promise, had her life been prolonged, of much
usefulness in the Society in which she had been

c

14 ANNUAL MONITOR.

brought up. and to which she was consistently
attached.

From the time of leaving school till her
marriage, her place of duty seemed to be always
at home, where her mother was so much of an
invalid as to require her watchful care and
assistance. Her marriage, in 1854, introduced
her into a new sphere, and those who best knew
her can testify to the value of her Christian
character as wife, mother, mistress, and friend.
Mingled with the blessings and joys of her
married life were many sore trials. She had
to mourn the loss of three dear boys, at the
respective ages of nine, ten, and eleven years.
Her husband's failing and uncertain health also,
and all that this involved, brought much care and
anxiety upon her ; but to all these afflictions she
bowed without murmuring, and sought still
faithfully and perse veringly to keep abreast of
each day's duty as it came before her, learning
how blessed and sure is the promise, " Cast thy
burden upon the Lord, and He shall sustain
thee."

As a mother she sought to be faithful to the
charge entrusted to her, and earnestly strove to
train her children for a useful and happy life on
earth, and for the brighter life of Heaven. When

ELIZABETH ELGAR. Lr>

they were at school her solicitude for them found
expression in frequent letters, sometimes written
in simple rhyme full of a mother's love.

Amongst her memoranda, found after her
decease, are the following : —

" Seventh Month 10th, 1877.— I have endea-
voured to pray for strength and ability to resign
myself into the Lord's hands, only I feel I must
commit the keeping of my soul to Him, for with-
out His care and keeping I am sure to go wrong.
Oh, I want to feel how sinful I am, and to realise
the sense of forgiveness ; to know that my iniquities
have "been washed away in the precious blood of
Jesus, and that nothing stands in the way of my
acceptance with God. 0 Lord, be pleased to
bestow upon me the gift of repentance, and make
me sensible of the debt I owe to Thee for Thy
love in Christ Jesus. I do not seem to experience
the joy in believing which many do, but I do
want to participate in this great privilege. Help,
Lord, my weak faith ; increase my love, and
animate my soul with soft whispers of pardon
and peace. 0 Lord, bless my dearest husband ;
strengthen and sustain him under all his trials ;
give him the oil of joy for mourning, and the
garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Be
very near, I beseech Thee, to all and each of my

16 ANNUAL MONITOR.

precious children ; convert their hearts by the grace
of Thy Holy Spirit ; lead each one of them to the
foot of the Cross, and there let them find the same
mercy and forgiveness that I seek for myself ;
then, 0 Lord, let them strive to live as becometh
forgiven ones, to Thy praise and glory. Amen."
Slst of Twelfth month, 1877.—" This is the
last day of a very eventful year, on the first of
which my dear husband's state of health was
such that it seemed doubtful which way his
illness might terminate ; but God was graciously
pleased to raise him up again. Just as he was
improving we felt best satisfied to have our
three dear children home from Ackworth,- owing
to the fever there. Soon after their return in
the Fifth month, we began seriously to think
of relinquishing our business at Canterbury,
from the state of my husband's health, and in
the Ninth month, a favourable opportunity occur-
ring, we did so satisfactorily. I think the lan-
guage of the Psalmist may be ours. Surely good-
ness and mercy have followed us throughout this
year to a remarkable extent. May the tribute
of thanksgiving ascend from each one of our
hearts to our Heavenly Father for all His good-
ness and mercy to us, for they have been very
great and undeserved.

ELIZABETH ELGAR. 17

" I do desire this night to thank Thee, Lord,
for all Thy great goodness to us during the past
year. Help us in the next by thy Holy Spirit
day by day as Thou seest we stand in need.
Strengthen me, oh Lord, for I am very weak ;
enrich me for I am very poor ; and keep me
every moment lest I wander from Thee. I ask
in Jesus name. Amen."

In the autumn of 1878 E. Elgar had a sud-
den and serious attack of illness, and for several
months was confined to her couch. Her life
was, however, prolonged for three years, during
which she passed through many alternations of
comparative relief and severe suffering, borne
with exemplary patience. When her right hand
became disabled through disease, she kept up
correspondence with the left ; and often when in
much pain her cheerful conversation concealed
from those about her the distress which she was
enduring. On one occasion, not long before the
close, she joined in feeble and unwonted voice
with her children as they sang the hymn, —

" Come sing to me of Heaven
When I'm about to die,
Sing songs of holy ecstasy,
To waft my soul on high."

Always deeply impressed with a lowly estimate

18 ANNUAL MONITOR.

of herself, her feelings found expression in the
words of the Apostle Paul, "Not by works of
righteousness which we have done, but accord-
ing to His mercy He saveth us ;" and in quiet con-
fidence in this mercy she awaited her summons
home, until, on the 9th of Twelfth month, her
sufferings ended as she gently and quietly passed
away to be for ever with the Lord,
Samuel Eliott, 64 9 12 mo. 1882

Plymouth. An Eider.

Samuel Eliott was the second son of John
and Mary Eliott, of Liskeard, and was born there
in 1818.

He was the fifth member of a happy family
of brothers and sisters, amongst whom and in a
wide circle of relatives his genial disposition and
bright and loving spirit early made him a general
favourite. To a young man of his impulsive
nature, with a keen relish for the active business
as well as the enjoyments of life, there were
doubtless many temptations to become unduly
engrossed by them. He probably referred to this
when he said, in his last illness, he felt that he
had been diligent in business, but not so fervent
in spirit, serving the Lord, as he ought to have
been. But this earnestness of purpose fitted him
for a position of much usefulness in after life, and

SAMUEL ELIOTT. 10

through the Divine blessing on careful training
it is believed that the fear of God early had a
place in his heart, and that he was enabled to
hold the things of this world in subjection to
the government of Christ.

He became deeply interested in the support
of right principles, as well as in efforts for the
benefit of his fellow-men. From the first intro-
duction of total abstinence he united warmly
with the rest of his family in endeavouring to
promote its adoption, undeterred by the coldness
of good men, or the opposition of others ; and
after years of patient toil it was cheering to his
latter days to see its importance acknowledged,
and its claims advocated by a large portion of the
Christian Church.

In 1843 he married Jane Mann, of Truro, and
in 1857 he removed with his family to Plymouth.
There, as well as in his previous home at Liskeard,
he was diligently occupied in business ; he was
also for a time on the Board of Guardians, a
member of the Town Council, and, for a few years,
of the School Board.

His strict integrity in business and his sound
judgment were combined with large sympathies,
and a courteous consideration for the claims of
others ; and in his removal many feel that they

20 ANNUAL MONITOR.

have lost a true friend on whose counsel and
help they could rely with confidence, readily
given as it always was in times of need, especially
to those who had few to help them. In his own
Society, to which he was warmly attached, he
occupied the position of Elder, faithfully and
lovingly fulfilling its duties. He also rendered
valuable service in meetings for discipline, and
for many years held the office of Clerk of the
Quarterly Meeting of Devon and Cornwall. He
was also Superintendent of the Friends' Adult
First-day School, in which he took a deep interest ;
this office he filled to the satisfaction of teachers
and scholars. One of the last engagements of his
active life was a visit by appointment with a
Committee of the Yearly Meeting to the meetings
of Yorkshire and Essex, which he felt to be a
time of especial interest and privilege.

His last illness, which came on very gradu-
ally, was of more than seven years' duration.
For some time he persevered in attention to
uusiness, and was able to fulfil other active duties ;
but, by degrees, they had to be relinquished, and
it was very striking to see the submission with
which he was enabled to yield himself entirely
to this new experience of the will of his Lord.
There were times of great suffering, but long

SAMUEL ELIOTT. 21

intervals also of comparative ease, during which
the visits of his friends were cordially welcomed.
His humble views of his own attainments
often found expression, and he loved to dwell on the
richness of the promises, especially quoting as his
own experience, " The Eternal God is thy refuge,
and underneath are the Everlasting Arms." But
it was in the latter part of his illness that his
tongue seemed unloosed to speak of his feelings.
To a relative he spoke of his appreciation of the
principles of Friends, and said he had no fear that
they would ever fall to the ground ; for should
Friends be unfaithful, others would be raised up
to support them, as he believed they were in
accordance with the teaching of our blessed
Saviour and His Apostles ; and further remarked
that " the place of our Society in the Church
Universal was a very important, though it might
be a humiliating one ; we have a charge to keep."
Throughout his illness he was kept in quiet
trust and patient resignation, and seemed per-
mitted now and then to enjoy sweet glimpses of
the life beyond, while continuing fully alive to
the interests of earth. He bore precious testi-
mony to the sustaining power granted him during
long-continued weariness and weakness, and could
acknowledge, though confined to the same chair

22 ANNUAL MONITOR.

day and night for nearly a year, through in-
ability to lie down or walk, that he did not feel
it hard, for —

" Jesus can make a dying-bed
Feel soft as downy pillows are."

A beloved minister of the Gospel, after visiting
him, said that it felt almost like heaven to be
with him. He said he knew that the time the
Lord saw fit to take him home would be the best
time, and he felt His goodness in surrounding him
with so many blessings, and in giving him a
certain hope of eternal happiness after the suffer-
ings of this present time.

To a beloved sister he remarked, " I may
continue here some time, but whichever way it is
it will be all for the best. May it be for the
glory of God." At another time he said, " I wish
it to be distinctly understood that it is only
through unmerited mercy I am favoured to have
prospect of eternal bliss.

" Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to His Cross I cling."

With humble gratitude he dwelt on the goodness
and mercy which had followed him through life,
and to the blessing permitted him of having the
watchful and efficient attentions of his dear chil-
dren in the time of declining strength. His words

SAMUEL ELIOTT. 23

of thanksgiving and prayer were very sweet. In
a state of prostration he said, " Dearest Father,
we return Thee thanks for Thy mercies during
the whole of our lives, and though Thou hast seen
meet to afflict, be graciously pleased to be very
near." His petitions 'were very frequent that
faith and patience might be granted, and after a
time of great suffering from oppressed breathing
he said, " How could I bear this if I were not
helped ? Be pleased, dearest Father, to say, It is
enough ; but enable me to say, Not my will, 0
Lord, but Thine be done. Look down in mercy
upon thy poor sufferer. Oh ! to be at rest."

Thus was our dear friend, whOj in days of
health and strength, had delighted to be actively
engaged in doing good, enabled to glorify his
Saviour in the more difficult service of suffering,
and it was beautiful to see his happy Christian
life still evident in the chamber of sickness, as
" heart and flesh failed;" and we rejoicingly
believe that He who thus strengthened him in
weakness is now his portion for ever.

He was spared the pain of parting with his
beloved family, as the summons came at last
rather suddenly, to enter, we doubt not, into the
rest he longed for, prepared, through redeeming
mercy, for the people of God.

24 ANNUAL MONITOR.

Jane Eliott, Plymouth. 64 27 8 mo. 1883
An Elder. Widow of Samuel Eliott.

Jane Eliott, wife of Samuel Eliott, was his
devoted companion in the joys and sorrows of
the earthly pilgrimage for nearly forty years.
Thoughtful kindness, with meekness and quiet-
ness of spirit, characterised her daily walk, and
won the love of others. She has now, we thank-
fully believe, after only a few months of separa-
tion, rejoined her beloved husband in the blessed
home above.

John Thomas Emmott, 26 30 6 mo. 1883
Oldham. Son of Thomas and Hannah Emmott.
It was early in Third month, 1883, that
John T. Emmott's friends first became aware
that his health was seriously threatened by
alarming symptoms. He had a large amount of
natural spirit, which kept him up when it would
have been much better for him had he remained
in the house, and not exposed himself to the cold
east winds of the spring. A change of air to
Grange had not the desired effect, and he came
back rather worse than he went. On the 15th
of Sixth month he had a convulsive seizure
which affected the head, and consciousness did
not return until the morning of the 18th ; from
that time, till his death, his mind was quite

JOHN THOMAS EMMO'JT. 25

clear, even to within five minutes before he died,
his last words being to his mother, " What a
beautiful morning;" and then asking what day
of the week it was, and being told Saturday, he
added, with a sweet smile, " Dear mother, the last
day of the week, and the last day on earth ; won't
it be a bright ending of the week for me ?"

In the earlier part of his illness, though he
once or twice intimated to those about him that
if he were taken he believed all would be well
with him, yet he seemed to find it very difficult
to break through his natural reserve on religious
subjects, and to speak freely of his faith and
hope ; but on the morning of the 28th, after a
time of prayer and waiting upon the Lord, he
was so filled with joy and praise that his lips
were opened and he could not help telling
everyone how happy he was. On the 27th he
said, " I feel quite changed ; my tempers are all
gone." Early on the morning of the 28th he
said to his attendants, " I feel I am breaking up."
Then he asked for a time of prayer, and, they
kneeling beside him, he prayed very earnestly,
pouring out his soul to God, so that, although
very weak, his voice seemed to fill the house.
After this he seemed filled with peace and praise,
and said that he had the assurance given him

D

26 ANNUAL MONITOR.

that all his sins were forgiven for the Saviour's
sake ; and from that time till his death he was
almost as if living in heaven, no cloud or doubt
being suffered to interrupt his joyful trust. He
seemed quite ready to go, just waiting for the
call home. That same morning in prayer he
said that if it were God's will that he should be
taken, he was quite ready to go ; but if it were
His will for him to get better, he prayed that he
might be enabled to spend all the rest of his days
to God's glory. He also said, " My early death
will be quite compensated for if it will be as a
warning to all young men that they must not
put off making their peace with God until their
dying day." He seemed to have this very much
on his mind, referring to it again and again, for
he felt that had he left it until now he could not
have been so happy as he was, and he longed that
his voice might reach to all, especially the young
men, to tell them to prepare for death in the
time of health. He said that religion had been
a great comfort to him, especially for the last
three years. It was his almost constant prayer
that not one of those who were dear to him, or in
whom he felt interested, might be missing from
the bright home in heaven, of which he seemed
to have such a blessed foretaste.

JOHN THOMAS EMMOTT. 27

After this time of prayer, and the blessed
assurance given that his sins were all forgiven,
he was very anxious to see his mother to tell her
how happy he was, and said also what a help his
father's prayer the evening before had been to
him, in which he had been enabled to give him
up to the will of God. Later on in the day,
taking his father and mother each by the hand,
he asked them whether they felt able, quite
freely, to give him up ; and on their replying
that they could, he expressed himself as so
thankful for it, adding that it was God's will and
it must be done.

A neighbouring clergyman came to see him,
and read several portions of Holy Scripture from
Eevelation, Isaiah, Psalms, &c. He also engaged
in prayer and read many comforting hymns, to
which J. T. responded with a joyful face by
repeating many portions after him. Some of
the hymns he read were, " Shall we gather at
the river?" "Brief life is here our portion,"
" Hark, my soul, it is the Lord," " Art thou
weary, art thou languid?" and " Kock of ages
cleft for me," all of which were amongst his
special favourites and often asked for during his
illness.

A little later, one of his brothers coming in,

28 ANNUAL MONITOR.

he greeted him most affectionately, saying, " It
is so very kind to come to see me again." He
then told him how very happy he was. He
said, " I want you to know that when I am
taken you need not have the slightest fear or
doubt about me. I have had a most blessed
morning ; I have seen heaven, and such a blessed
assurance has been granted me that I cannot
any longer have the slightest doubt that all my
sins have been forgiven." Then taking both his
hands, he said very fervently, " God bless you,
God bless your wife, God bless your child, and
make you all a great blessing to others." Then
he asked him to pray with him. All that day,
one or other of those who were with him was
reading to him or praying with him at his
request. Although very weak, he did not tire
of it, and when asked by his mother if so much
reading did not weary him, he replied very
brightly, " Oh, no, it scents me to heaven."

The afternoon of the same day his other
brothers came to see him, and on taking leave
of them he addressed them each separately, and
asked them to meet him in heaven. To his
father and mother he said, " It is my hope that
we shall all meet in heaven ; it is only for a little
while, and we shall all meet there." At another

JOHN THOMAS EMMOTT. 20

time he asked for his father, saying, " Dear papa ;
where is papa? He knows so well how to hold
my hand" (that was during severe pain). And
again, he said, " If ever the soul of Jonathan was
knit to that of David, my soul has been knit to
my papa's."

He also said on this day, the 28th, " I can
truly say, ' To me to live is Christ, to die is gain.' "
These words were more than once on his lips,
and he said that he felt able so thoroughly to
make them his own that he wished to leave them
as his last words. Eeferring to the heavenly
hope he had, he said, " It is so bright, so bright
up yonder." To his mother he said, " You have
been a good mother to me, I wish I had been as
good a lad ; " and speaking of her to one of his
attendants, " Dear mother, dear mother, she is a
wonderful mother." In reference to the state of
his health, he remarked, " Three years ago there
was hardly anything I had not strength to do ;
but now under God's hand I am as weak as a
kitten ;" and feeling his recovery doubtful he
intimated that if he were taken all would be well
with him.

When taking leave of the young lady to whom
he was engaged to be married, and speaking of
his feelings at parting from her, he added, " But

30 ANNUAL MONITOR.

I can give up all for Jesus' sake ;" and expressed
the hope with which he looked forward to a
reunion in heaven. He then frequently said, " I
feel so bright, I feel as though I am hardly here ; "
and though suffering greatly from pain and ex-
haustion, he said, " This room has been like a
little Bethel to me ; Jesus has been so very near."
He often looked up to those around him and said,
" Look up, look beyond to Jesus ; why do you
weep ? " To his mother he said, " How thankful
you should feel that this is the first break in your
union of nearly thirty years." And on seeing
nearly all in tears about him, he said, " I am the
happiest of you all ; I shall see so many dear
friends, my two dear aunts and many others."

In the evening he had all the household, in-
cluding nurses, servants, and coachman, assembled
in his bedroom, and after a portion of Holy
Scripture had been read, he addressed all as
follows : " Standing as I do, and as in fact we all
do, upon the very threshold of eternity, I desire
to bear my testimony to the power of God to
take away all fear of death of every kind ; " and
he told them of the full assurance which had
been given him that his sins were forgiven for
his Saviour's sake, and urged upon each one to
come to Christ now, to make their peace with

JOHN THOMAS EMMOTT. 31

God in the time of health, and not to put it off
until their dying day. He then thanked them
individually for all their kind attentions to him
during his illness, and, as he took leave of each
one, earnestly asked them to meet him in heaven.
On this evening he said, " This has been such
a happy day, the happiest I have ever spent ; "
though all through the day his sufferings had
been very great.

When settled for the night, he said to his
brother and the nurse who were with him, " Let
us pray," and then himself uttered a very fervent
prayer and thanksgiving, and afterwards, being
too weak to pray vocally himself, he several
times that night asked his brother to pray for
him. To the nurse, who had been his almost
constant attendant during his illness, he said,
" No one can know what suffering I have passed
through except you and me." On Sixth-day
morning, whilst with his mother, she said to him
that he had been very patient, and he replied,
" Have I been patient ? I am so glad, so glad
you think so."

He was much more feeble this day than he
had been the day before, so that he was not able
to give so much expression to his feeling, but
from his countenance, and from the few words

32 ANNUAL MONITOR.

he could speak, it was very evident that he was
still filled with the same heavenly peace and joy.
In the course of the day, when very weak, he
repeated the words, " 0 death, where is thy sting ?
0 grave, where is thy victory? The sting of
death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law ;
but thanks be to God which giveth us the victory
through our Lord Jesus Christ?" At another
time, on awakening out of a deep sleep, he said
that he had thought he was almost gone, adding
the words " Prayer and praise."

He lingered through Sixth-day night, but
very little more was spoken. His mother was
with him early the next morning, and he said,
" It won't be long now." She replied, " No dear,
not long, — soon be clothed with the white robe
of righteousness," to which he sweetly assented.
His last words, just before he passed away, have
already been alluded to, which showed so plainly
the bright hope with which he was enabled
through redeeming love to look forward to the
glories of that eternal world into which his spirit
was just entering. He passed away at half-past
six on the morning of Seventh-day, the 30th of
Sixth month. For him death was indeed swal-
lowed up in victory.

Throughout his illness he had been very

ANNUAL MONITOR. 33

fond of having the 23rd and 103rd Psalms read
to him, responding often to those parts which
speak of God's goodness to the soul. He also
frequently referred to the first two verses of
Isaiah xl. : " Comfort ye, comfort ye my people,
saith your God," &c. The portions of Kevelation
xxi. and xxii. in which the new heaven and
the new earth are described seemed also specially
precious to him, particularly the part which
speaks of " The river of water of life, pure as
crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God
and of the Lamb," on hearing which he would
frequently exclaim, " Won't it be beautiful ? "
A clergyman who knew him and often came to
see him, said that he had attended many death-
beds, but he did not remember one where, from
a young man, he had heard such undoubted
assurance of an entrance into everlasting rest.
And all who were with him, seeing his faith
and joy and the atmosphere of heaven in
which he seemed to live, felt that they, too,
had been brought nearer to the realities of that
blessed home where he has gone, and where
he so longed that all whom he loved might
follow him.

John Enock, 48 26 6 mo. 1883

Sibford Goiver. An Elder.

34 ANNUAL MONITOR.

Thomas Evans, 84 18 8 mo. 1883

Plymouth.
Anders Evertsen, 72 16 5 mo. 1883

Late of Stavanger, Norway. Died at Critch,

near Ambergorte.
Sarah Eves, 83 25 6 mo. 1883

Eathgar, Dublin.
Samuel Fayle, Clonmel. 87 2 12 mo. 1882

An Elder.
Henry B. Fletcher, 9 18 1 mo. 1883

Whitehaven. Son of Henry A. and Lucy M.

Fletcher.
Mary Fletcher, 40 5 5 mo. 1883

Atherton, Leigh.
Mary Fox, Plymouth. 83 27 5 mo. 1883
Peter France, 72 14 2 mo. 1883

Handsworth Woodhouse. An Elder.
Eliza Frankland, 77 27 12 mo. 1882

Kendal. Widow of John Frankland.
Francis Edgar Frith, 19 14 6 mo. 1883

Eeigate. Son of Francis and Mary Ann Frith.
George Stacey Gibson,

Saffron Walden. 64 5 4 mo. 1883

G. S. Gibson, was the son of Wyatt George

and Deborah Gibson, of Saffron Walden, in Essex,

and was born on the 20th of Seventh month, 1818.

The lives of both his parents were influenced by

GEORGE STAGEY GIBSON. 35

strong religious principles ; above all things they
desired to do what was right themselves, and to
train their child in the love of God, and the
habit of preferring duty to pleasure. His father's
character was remarkable for great kindliness and
courtesy to all ; his mother's was marked by
strong powers of mind and clear judgment, in
which points, as in many others, her son much
resembled her. He early displayed an interest
in natural history, which was fostered in him by
his aunt, Mary Gibson, to whom he was much
attached, and who almost filled to him the place
of an elder sister. 14:23599

At the age of nine he was sent to school at
Grove House, Tottenham, then under the superin-
tendence of T. and M. Binns, of whose judicious
care he often spoke in after years. He remained
at this school until he was eighteen, and it was
during the latter part of his stay there that he
became the subject of deep religious impressions,
bringing him to a strong sense of his natural
condition as a sinner before God, and his need of
a Saviour ; and he appears at this time to have
seen clearly the way of salvation through our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The journal
which he kept then, and for some time after-
wards, testifies strongly to his prayerful and

36 ANNUAL MONITOR.

watchful walk with. God, and explains the ground
of the marked conscientiousness and humility
which distinguished him through life, and, more
truly perhaps than many words would have done,
proved the reality of his Christian faith.

*■ In little things of common life
There lies the Christian's noblest strife,

When he does conscience make
Of every thought and throb within,
And words and looks of self and sin,
Crushes, for Jesus' sake." — Monsell.

One extract from his journal may suffice to
show the ground of his hope. After speaking of
his frequent failures in duty he says, — " There is
no hope for me but through the blood of Christ ;
oh, then, may I come unto Him for pardon and
reconciliation to God, believing in His atone-
ment and intercession, that thus being justified
by faith in Him I may have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ."

About this time, 1836 and 1837, a large
amount of controversy and unsettlement existed
in the Society of Friends as to the rectitude or
otherwise of their distinguishing views, and many
of the immediate relatives and friends of the
circle in which G. S. Gibson lived, left the
Society, and thus he was led into a serious

GEORGE STACEY GIBSON. 37

examination of the points in which they differ
from other Christians, resulting in his own case
in a firm attachment to the principles and prac-
tices in which he had been educated. He was an
earnest and critical student of Scripture, often
carrying in his pocket a small Greek Testament,
and he was always ready to be referred to as to
the exact place of any text in Scripture, which
his frequent study and retentive memory gene-
rally enabled him to supply.

In 1840 he became a partner in the Essex
and Saffron Walden Bank with his father and
uncles. His leisure time was spent in study of
various kinds, especially of botany and other
branches of natural history, which he pursued
with the untiring zeal he put into everything he
undertook. He became a member of the Linnasan
Society, and in 1862 published a "Flora of Essex."
His reading on all subjects was very extensive
and varied, and he was a large collector of books,
beginning when at Tottenham School by buying
them at old bookstalls in London. The establish-
ment of a museum in Saffron Walden was also an
object of great interest to him, and it is still one
of the best of country museums.

In the year 1845 he was married to a daughter
of Samuel Tuke, an event which the more tended

E

38 ANNUAL MONITOR.

to his happiness, as it brought him into a large
cheerful family of young people, which was a
special enjoyment to him, after the isolated life
he had led as an only child. The conversation
and pursuits of his father-in-law, Samuel Tuke,
were also of great service to him by enlarging his
circle of interests and thus developing his mental
power in fresh directions.

After the death of his own father in 1861, he
entered more actively into the various interests of
the town in which he lived, becoming a member
of the Town Council, and during two years acting
as Mayor, also filling the post of Guardian of the
Poor, in which position his discrimination and
real feeling for the poor made him very useful.
During the last year or two of his life he acted as
a magistrate.

The strong interest which G. S. Gibson felt
in the religious life of the body to which he
belonged, manifested itself in a diligent attend-
ance of their various meetings, and he was soon
found to possess qualifications which fitted him
rather peculiarly to act as Clerk in meetings of
this kind. After considerable experience in his
own Quarterly Meeting, he was chosen to fill the
office, first of Assistant and then of Clerk in the
Yearly Meeting during three years. He also

GEOIIGE STACEY GIBSON. 30

acted as Clerk for some years to the Meeting for
Sufferings, and while feeling very strongly the
importance of such a position, his real love for
this kind of work, and his sound judgment and
courtesy to all, rendered his services of much value
to his friends. In the work of the Bible Society,
and of the London City Mission, he took an
active part, aiding them both by liberal subscrip-
tions, and in the management of the local
branches. His outward possessions were largely
increased after the decease of his parents, and he
keenly felt the responsibility of possessing more
than was requisite for the simple habits and tastes
for which he had a decided preference. He often
spoke feelingly of his desire to act as steward of
the talent thus bestowed upon him, and both in
public charities and in private cases requiring
help he was anxiously concerned to do what was
right. Large means added to his cares rather
than to his happiness.

A friend who knew G. S. G. well writes : —
" Many will read the simple record of George
Stacey Gibson, and recalling what his life and
example taught them, will desire that in this day
of much religious effort and active work for the
Master, there might be more servants such as
he was, ready to sympathise with and to help

40 ANNUAL MONITOR.

forward all good, but quick to discern the true
from the false.

"Plain-spoken, and seldom speaking at all
until he had formed a matured opinion, he was
able to restrain too-impetuous natures with a wise
loving word, and to sum up the deliberations of
an assembly with moderation and consideration
for the feelings of all.

" Perhaps no fitter description of him and of
his life can be given than in the words of the
motto belonging to his mother's family — ' Res
non verba.'

" ' Not his the golden pen's or lip's persuasion,
But a fine sense of right,
And Truth's directness, meeting each occasion
Straight as a line of light.'

" The teaching of his daily life was by power-
ful far-reaching example. ' Life is real, life is
earnest.' ( Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do,
do it with thy might.'

" He grudged no amount of costly or toilsome
research to verify a fact or to arrive at the true
understanding of anything with which he had to
deal. Conscientiously, and often to his own
physical loss, he considered the constant demands
made upon his well-balanced mind, for counsel
in difficulty, as if each were the only one, and

GEORGE STAGEY GIBSON. 41

that one his own affair rather than another's.
Once satisfied as to what was right, he gave the
substantial help which his wealth enabled him to
do, readily and liberally. Many can recall how
the coveted advice or the needed help was given
with that graceful humility, that beautiful ' esteem
for others as better than himself,' which left the
impression that he would fain have the recipient
consider that he was conferring a benefit by
receiving one.

" The gatherings round his table at the local
meetings of the British and Foreign Bible Society,
in which he took a deep interest, well picture
him as the rallying point round whom men of
diverse views could centre. A Friend himself,
as has been said, by conviction as well as by
education, he was careful never to wound the
sensibilities of .a fellow-Christian.

" His silence when the character or actions of
other men were discussed to their disadvantage,
his readiness to bring forward some pleasant trait,
and his refusal to believe any evil till it had been
proved, were often reproofs never to be forgotten.
Perhaps he possessed the ( charity that hopeth
all things, and thinketh no evil,' almost to a
fault. No wonder that more than one of his
fellow-townsmen were heard to say, after he had

42 ANNUAL MONITOR.

gone away for ever, ' If it were needful for me
to be judged by any man, I would have chosen
George Stacey Gibson ! ' We picture him as the
earnest student of nature exercising remarkably
acute powers of observation ; as the cultured
scholar among his books ; as the public man
earnestly sought after to fill difficult places. In
touching contrast, and yet in harmony, is the
testimony of a simple aged man living in a village
a few miles from his home, and written to a
grandchild in the Orphanage : —

" i I have lost a true friend. He was the only
one who ever stopped me in the street to ask
about my grandchildren. The last time ....
we parted with an allusion to the Lord Jesus
Christ as the one ground of our hope.'

" Men of all ages and classes came to mourn
around the grave of him upon whom they had
leaned — perhaps too much. A great pulse was
stilled in what seemed the zenith of usefulness
and blessing to others. But while they mourned,
they thanked God for ' the spirit of power, and
of love, and of a sound mind,' which He had
given."

Early in 1883 a committee was formed for
the purpose of reorganising the Book of Practice
and Discipline of the Society of Friends, and to

ANNUAL MONITOR. 43

this committee G. S . Gibson was appointed Clerk.
He was also one of three or four Friends who
undertook the arranging and writing of the
papers connected with it. This involved much
thought and fatigue, in frequent visits to London
to meet his coadjutors in the work. At the end
of Second month, though suffering from poor
health, he went up to the Conference on this
subject, and persevered in attending all the meet-
ings, and was then obliged to give up to nursing
and medical treatment. He was unable to return
home, and after a few weeks, during which there
were many fluctuations of hope and fear, and in
which much suffering was borne with great
patience and frequent expression of thankfulness
for the alleviations he enjoyed, he quietly passed
away on the 5th of Fourth month, 1883.

" The morning shall awaken,
The shadows shall decay,
And each true-hearted servant
Shall shine as doth the day.

" There God, our King and Portion,
In fulness of His grace,
Shall we behold for ever,
And worship face to face."

Sarah Giles, Bristol. 82 9 6 mo. 1883

44 annual monitor.

Julia Hannah Gillett,

14 26 8 mo. 1883
Sarah Martha B. Gillett,

11 10 10 mo. 1883

Children of George and Hannah E. Gillett of

Camden Koad, London.
Herbert L. Gilpin, 17 mos. 24 6 mo. 1883

Nottingham. Son of Charles L. and Janet

Gilpin.
Edith Glaisyer, 33 6 12 mo. 1882

Birmingham. Wife of Henry Glaisyer.
Harriet Goddard, 68 13 5 mo. 1883

Slough.
Burwood Godlee, 80 9 12 mo. 1882

Lewes.
Hannah Mary Grace, 39 25 11 mo. 1882

Bristol. Wife of Henry Grace.
John B. Graham, 2 16 1 mo. 1883

Sophia B. Graham,

Fox RocJc, Dublin. 14 mos. 8 8 mo. 1883

Children of John Graham.
Lydia Graham, 33 13 11 mo. 1882

Birmingham. Wife of Joseph L. Graham.
Thomas Eli Greathead,

Manchester. 80 6 4 mo. 1883

Maria Gregg, Lisburn. 79 21 5 mo. 1883

Daughter of Dominick and Mary Ann Gregg.

ANNUAL MONITOR. 45

Maria Gregory, Yatton. 75 14 11 mo. 1882

Elizabeth Green, 84 15 8 mo. 1882

Hillsborough. Wife of William Green.

Jacob Green, 76 10 12 mo. 1882

Hillsborough.

Sarah A. Green, 34 18 2 mo. 1883

Georgina L. Green, 2 22 1 mo. 1883

Wife and Child of John Orr Green, of Hills-
borough.

Louisa Gripper, 56 2 9 mo. 1883

Holloway, London. Widow of Henry Gripper.

Phcebe Haigh, 88 5 12 mo. 1882

Highflatts. Widow of Uriah Haigh.

Mary Hall, 85 30 12 mo. 1882

Scarborough.

Mary Hall, Folkestone. 80 18 4 mo. 1883

Sarah Halliday, 87 21 5 mo. 1883

Belfast. Widow of William Halliday.

Isabella A. Handley, 5 8 9 mo. 1883

Sedbergh. Daughter

of John

and Margaret

Handley.

James Frost Hargraves,

Oldham.

53 7

10 mo. 1882

Samuel Harris,

84 12

6 mo. 3 883

Neivtown, Waterford.

Smith Harrison,

65 2

8 mo. 1883

Woodford, Essex.

46 ANNUAL MONITOR.

John Hartas, 70 31 3 mo. 1883

Kirby Moorside.
Ann Rebecca Harvey, 65 2 7 mo. 1883

Plaistow. Widow of John B. Harvey.
Thomas Reed Harvey, 65 15 3 mo. 1883

Plaistow.
William Haydock, 84 19 8 mo. 1883

Rathangan.
Charles Hayward, 86 15 12 mo. 1882

Godalming.

There are not a few in different parts of the
country who will remember Charles Hayward
as a man of remarkable geniality, kindliness, and
intelligence, of extensive reading, and acquaint-
ance with almost every department of literature
and art. There was in his case the unusual
combination of a child-like freshness and simpli-
city of character with a love of disquisition and
intellectual subtleties, which at one time led
him into danger as regards his Christian faith.
This experience may account for the keen inte-
rest shown in his later years in every effort to
set forth the truth in a manner likely to com-
mend it to cultivated minds, and to meet the
difficulties to which such are liable. He loved
to sympathise with, and to assist any, in honest
inquiry after truth. Not long before his death,

CHARLES HAY WARD. 47

he had the joy oi" receiving from one such-
inquirer, a very grateful acknowledgment that
the intercourse with him had led to the renuncia-
tion of "the cheerless dreary teachings of Agnos-
ticism," and to the conviction of religious truth.
The confirmation of Bible history that has been
afforded by recent discoveries was a source of
lively interest, and his letters contain animated
reference to these. But " Jesus and the Besur-
rection" was the theme on which he specially
delighted to dwell.

Though scrupulously correct in conduct, it
was not until later life that the Christian cha-
racter of Charles Hayward was fully developed.
Some severe trials and disappointments had been
his portion. In 1876 he lost his beloved wife,
after a close union of nearly fifty years. She had
left home on hearing of the illness of a sister
then in the first days of her widowhood, and
after ministering consolation to the bereaved
family, Maria Hayward saw the husband and
wife laid in the same grave.* Her own health
was feeble, and an attack of pleurisy ran a rapid
course. Her husband reached the dying-bed

# A notice of these events will be found in the
Annual Monitor for 1877. The name of the brother
and sister was Slade.

48 ANNUAL MONITOR.

only in time to receive her last " look of unutter-
able love." Not often has bitter sorrow yielded
more of the peaceable fruits of righteousness.
The blow was sudden and it was heavy, yet he
was enabled to say with heartfelt submission,
" Thy will be done." Sustained by an unwaver-
ing faith, and aided, doubtless, by a buoyancy of
natural temperament, his sorrow, though tender
and life-long, had no tincture of gloom. And
his remaining years, spent in the home of affec-
tionate relatives, were full of varied interest and
even enjoyment. The calm confidence of assured
faith continued to be the attitude of mind with
which as old age advanced upon him C. Hayward
awaited the last summons. As nature from time_
to time gave warnings of failing strength, this
faith was often tried, not severely, as with some,
but gently, and as it were mercifully ; but it ever
seemed to burn brighter and clearer, and drew
forth from him expressions of entire confidence
and repose of mind upon that which alone can
bring peace at last.

To his steadfast hold on the doctrine of
Friends was added a generous openness of mind
which was ever ready to seek the truth wherever
it might be, and to acknowledge it freely when
found in other forms of worship as well as in

CHARLES HAYWARD. 49

those with which he was most intimately con-
nected. Rarely is an old man met with who can
so draw the minds of others to himself, whether
old, young, or middle aged, by sympathy with
their own ideas ; or more ready to associate
mentally with all the progress of the times, in
religious thought, scientific research or artistic
development. But with all this he could say,
and he often repeated it, that nothing could
separate him from the love of God in Christ
Jesus.

C. Hay ward took much delight in nature as
well as in art. He sometimes sought to give
expression to his thoughts and feelings in literary
efforts, both in prose and poetry. In the fol-
lowing lines he traces some of the thoughts
expressed in the 13th chapter of the First of
Corinthians : —

" Though melodies float on the air
As if an angel's voice were there,
Or Eloquence with gilded speech
Essay her purposes to teach,
Vain as the trumpet's hollow blast
Or sound from tinkling cymbal cast,
Will be the words the heart to move,
Without the fervent glow of Love.
Though sacred fanes be reared on high,
Or alms its bounty free supply,

50 ANNUAL MONITOR.

Unless that Love shall prompt the deed,
It lacks what else would be its meed.
What if the martyr's stake I dare,
Yet Love must find acceptance there.
Though knowledge wide may gain applause,
And lucid make mysterious laws,
Yet Wisdom's voice will still proclaim,
That Love excels, outlasts her fame.
Though Faith will seek her steps to guide,
And Hope walk buoyant at her side,
They from the path of truth will stray,
If Love shall not direct the way.
When earthquake rifts this globe divide,
And sun and stars their lustre hide,
Yet Love immortal and divine
Will still survive — for ever shine."

From his sick bed, but a short time beforer
his death, he wrote to a friend : —

" Hazel Bank,

" Eleventh month 29th, 1882.
{' . . . I shall attempt to report my present
condition. Extreme debility, but free from pain.
If there be tears for mourning there is also
weeping for joy on receiving thy kind sympathy
and the kind interest of friends, for what am I
to merit it ? Surviving beyond expectation, it
would seem for some purpose, as if to testify,
through personal experience to the validity of

CHARLES IIAYWARI). 51

the truth as taught by Jesus, and exemplified
for our finite human conceptions by His Apostles.
Metaphysically spoaking, it seems to me that we
possess in the Biblical treasury a perfect analysis
of our moral condition and relation to our Creator.
" I would earnestly incite my young friends
to strive to grasp immutable moral truth from
immaculate lips. No one can make greater
allowance for the seductions and inexperience
of youth, or the perplexities, anxieties, and
perils of the current of life, its temporal obliga-
tions, as well as its spiritual necessities. In this
hour of solemn contemplation, the mighty truths
revealed, of surpassing grandeur as well as
supremely important, are even of more demon-
strative certainty than material scientific prob-
lems— comprehensive and embracing all social
conditions — the very humblest, equally or even
more so, than the highly cultured — yes, as the
common air, and light, and other elements. I
could amplify, but bodily power is unequal to
the attempt, even if it were of any purport, from
such a worm as myself. Excuse, dear cousin, my
desire, humble as I feel it, to bear witness to the
realities of a higher life. . . . Fatigue prevents
me from perusing what I have written, so I must
plead for thy kind consideration in my feeble

52 ANNUAL MONITOR.

effort to proclaim the wisdom, the faithfulness, the
unutterable, boundless love of God, manifested
in His regenerative and redemptive provision.
Eemembrance, grateful remembrance, to my
friends, . . . ever cherishing the memory of
Christian sympathy in the hour of my severest
human trial, — the separation from my beloved
Maria, the special blessing of my lot.

" Nothing can exceed the attention of F.
and L., and the family, and my friends. . . .

" With a heart abounding in love, and I
hope all-embracing Christian charity, I can sub-
stitute no other word, — affectionately adieu !

" Charles Hayward."

For a long time before the end came he^
expressed himself as quite ready to depart, though
not because of weariness of his stay here, or from
want of occupation of mind or body, but because
it seemed to him, as to the Apostle Paul, to be
" far better." To a friend who called upon him
he spoke of the comfort he felt ,in the reality of
religion, which was no cunningly devised fable ;
and he wished his friends to know that as the
outward man decayed, the beautiful calm and
the light inwardly were unspeakable ; he could
not describe it ; beyond all his pain something
seemed to hold him up, such a good foundation,

ANNUAL MONITOR. 53

such a firm foundation, he had not a doubt, not
a single doubt. A few days before he died he
repeated some lines sent him by a friend, which,
he said, just described his feeling.

" In age and feebleness extreme,
Who shall a helpless worm redeem ?
Jesus, my only hope Thou art,
Strength of my failing flesh and heart.
Oh ! could I catch a smile from Thee,
And drop into Eternity ! "

On another occasion he said : — " I am now in the
valley, but I see a light at the end of it, and
shall soon be lost in the full blaze of it." His
nurse said that during the ten months she had
been with him she had never heard him utter an
impatient word, and at the close, after he had
thanked her for all that she had done for him,
the last words she heard him utter were — " Cling
close to Jesus, love Him, love Him; it is no
cunningly devised fable, it is all real."

He died at Hazel Bank, near Godalming,
just after attaining his 86th year, and was buried
in the cemetery at Godalming on the 19th of
Twelfth month, 1882.

Mary Heginbotham, 71 4 3 mo. 1883
Hyde, Cheshire. Wife of Robert Heginbotham.

54 ANNUAL MONITOR.

Henry Hicks, 52 3 8 mo. 1883

Chelmsford.
Thomas Hill, 76 6 7 mo. 1883

Waterford.
John Dickinson Hinde,

Late of Maryport. 22 29 3 mo. 1883

Son of the late Eobert and Ann Hinde.
Maria Hodgson, 80 8 4 mo. 1883

Altrincham. Widow of Thomas Hodgson.
Martha Hodgson, 71 24 7 mo. 1883

Keigliley. Widow of Daniel Hodgson.
Eobert Horne, 69 3 4 mo. 1883

Tuffnell Park, London.
Eachel Horsfall, 62 15 7 mo. 1881

{nee Goundry,) Balaclava, near Melbourne,

Wife of J. A. Horsfall.
Susanna Hughes, Cork. 65 14 11 mo. 1882

Daughter of Benjamin and Sarah Hughes.
Ellen Hurtley, 38 2 7 mo. 1883

Br.ighouse. Wife of James Hurtley.
Joseph Hustler, 79 7 2 mo. 1883

Rawdon.
Constance M. Hutchinson,

Witton-le-Wear. 9 9 1 mo. 1883

Daughter of Edward Hutchinson.
William Evans Hutchinson,

Leicester. An Elder. 76 6 12 mo. 1882

MARY ANN JOHNSON. 55

Isabella Inglis, 72 2(> 2 mo. 1883

Kilmarnock. Widow of Hugh Inglis.

Florence May Impey, 34 26 4 mo. 1882
Birmingham. Wife of William Impey, Jim.

Samuel Pim Jackson, 72 6 2 mo. 1883
Bristol.

Lucy Jacob, Dublin. 7 21 3 mo. 1883

Daughter of Anthony P. Jacob.

Mary Ann Johnson, 43 1 4 mo. 1883
Southport. Widow of George William John-
son.

She was the daughter of Jasper Capper, of

Birkenhead, and granddaughter of the late

Samuel Capper, of Bristol.

" Ye looked on one, a well- wrought stone, a saint of
God matured ;

What chisellings that heart had felt ! what chasten-
ing strokes endured!

But marked ye not that last soft touch, what perfect
grace it gave,

Ere Jesus bore His servant home across the darksome
wave ? "

" That ye may be partakers of His holiness,"
is the high design of a thrice holy God in the
suffering He permits His children, and in M. A.
Johnson's case that design was most sweetly
fulfilled. Those who lived with her could not

56 ANNUAL MONITOR.

fail to notice her growing conformity to the image
of her Saviour, and not a few who saw her even
for a short time, took knowledge of her that she
had been with Jesus.

The loss of her husband after a few hours'
illness, when away from home, was most keenly
felt by her. George W. Johnson was one who
to human judgment could be ill spared. In
the intervals of business during his last journey
he was occupied for his Lord. " Give me plenty
to do," he wrote to a friend in Glasgow ; and very
glad the Christians there were of his help. On the
morning of his last Sabbath he spoke verylm-
pressively at the Friends' meeting, and in the
evening addressed some thousands, saying after-
wards to a Friend, " What a wonderful Master
we serve ! "

He spent the evening previous to his illness
in a social circle, and was full of spirits, joining
in singing hymns, &c, with the younger part of
the company, and seeming perfectly well. He
came down to breakfast the next morning and
spoke of headache, but said they need not be at
all anxious, for he had, he said playfully, "a
trick of being ill at his friends' houses." They,
however, wished their own family physician to
see him, who told them Mr. J. was quite right, it

MARY ANN JOHNSON. 57

was just a bilious attack, and would soon pass off.
He had a suffering night, but in the morning
seemed rather better, though he concluded not to
continue his journey that day. Suddenly, the
kind lady who was sitting with him noticed a
change in his appearance, and going hastily to
his side said, " Oh, Mr. Johnson, you are not
going to leave us are you ? " He looked up at
her with an expression of unearthly brightness,
as though he might have just recognised " the
King in His beauty," and, after a few short
breathings was with his Lord. M. A. J. received
the telegram at night ; she had been told its
contents. " Oh," she said, afterwards, " I could
not look at it, I felt stunned. I could not weep;
I could scarcely think." In her Bible, soon after,
she underlined the passage, " I was dumb, I
opened not my, mouth, because Thou clidst it ! "
" I had thought," she said, " that I could scarcely
ever bear to think calmly of the death of my little
Nellie ; I felt I could not bow ; but when our
Father brought this greater sorrow, I could do
nothing else."

Most of her married life was spent at Aughton,
near Ormskirk, and perhaps the union had been as
happy as any that could be known on earth.
G. W. J.'s loss was keenly felt, both in this

58 ANNUAL MONITOR.

district and in Birkenhead, where he had begun
a life of great usefulness. Meetings for young
men, &c, held in his own large parlour, will
long be remembered with pleasure, and many
schemes of usefulness are still being carried on in
various places which he had set on foot.

Jasper Capper's sudden death followed closely
upon that of his son-in-law, and was another great
shock to M. A. J.; but in this case there was
great cause for thankfulness that a long life was
so painlessly closed.

M. A. J. had many other sorrows, and they
increased as the end of the journey was close upon
her ; but she was calm, and even joyful, under
them all. She knew where to cast her burden,
and though the future at times looked very
cloudy, her faith was strong that God's sunshine
would make all things clear, and that she should
be helped through. But there was to be no future
for her. Her Father saw that she could bear no
more, and had prepared for her a joyful surprise.

After a severe cold with inflammation, through
which her friends were told that she was passing
safely, a fresh doctor startled them with the
words, " She is dying now, and ought to be told."
It was a bright afternoon, the 1st of Fourth month.
The sun was streaming into her room when her

MARY ANN JOHNSON. 59

sister went to her, sorrowful with the sad tidings.

She calmly put the question, "Well, dear, what
do the doctors say ? " " They say thou art very
ill, clear ! " " Does that mean there is no hope ? "
" Yes, darling, thou art going to God !" " Really,"
she said, in a tone of great surprise ; "how little we
thought a week ago that it would come to this ;

send for Aunt L ■ " She was told there would

not be time, when she said, " It is all right ; how
long do they think it will be ?" " Perhaps till mid-
night, dear ! " " So soon! " then followed a time of
perfect stillness, when, turning to her aunt, she

said, earnestly, "Aunt S , tell me, is it

possible ? can it really be ? can they really do
nothing for me 1 " " She was told it was quite
true, she was very near the glorious home where
so many dear ones were already gathered. Again
there was solemn stillness, in which she seemed
communing with her Saviour. She said, " I must
reserve my strength for my children," and when
these tenderly loved ones came in she spoke
most cheerfully. " You remember we have
been reading Pilgrim's Progress, and don't you
recollect when Christiana came to the river she
waited there till a message was sent for her to
go over 1 " Then she added, solemnly, " That
message has come to mamma I '

60 ANNUAL MONITOR.

often to think of her and their papa ; reminded

L of what his papa wished for him, that he

should grow up a useful Christian man. She
begged them all to meet her in heaven ; after
which exhaustion kept her silent for some
time.

And now the last conflict began, but the
river she had entered had not " overflown its
banks at that time." She saw the Heavenly
Joshua before her, and without a fear and in
perfect peace she set herself for the journey. Her
sister said to her, " We will go with thee to the
very brink of the river, dear, and then theJLord
Himself will take thee over." " Yes," she said, "in
Him is my trust, my only hope is in Him !"
The nurse said, " You will finish your Sabbath
in Heaven, Mrs. Johnson," she replied brightly,
" Do you really think so ? how very nice."

A few more breathings and all was over;
but so peaceful, so perfectly fearless had been
the passage that we could hardly believe the
words when they were whispered, " Jordan's
passed ! "

" There is bliss, there is bliss in the regions above,
They have opened the gates of the sky,
A spirit hath soared to those mansions of love,
And waits for admission on high ;

CHARLES KITCHING. 61

And friends long divided are hasting to meet
In a land where no sorrow may come,
And the seraphs are eager a sister to greet,
And to welcome a child to its home.

" There is bliss, there is bliss at the foot of the throne ;
See the spirit all purified bend ;
And it beams with delight as it gazes alone
On the face of a Father, a Friend.
Then it joins in the anthems for ever that rise,
And, its frailties and follies forgiven,
It is dead to the earth and new born for the skies ;
And this is the portion of Heaven."

Mordecai Johnson, 80 18 1 mo. 1883

Tullamore.
Barton Eussell Kewell,

Stoke Newington. 82

Henry Keymer, 85

Kettering.
Henry King, Lothersdale.72
Charles Kitching, 72

Ipswich.

Charles Kitching was the fourth son of
Nainby and Sarah Kitching, of Hull, and was
born on the 29th of Eleventh month, 1809. At
an early age he became conscious of the strivings
of good and evil within him, and was no stranger
to the temptations of the enemy of souls. After

G

24

11 mo.

1882

13

8 mo.

1883

4

11 mo.

1882

1

11 mo.

1882

62 ANNUAL MONITOR.

leaving Ackworth School, he was apprenticed to a
Friend at Chatteris, in whose family he received
much kind care ; and at this period his youthful
heart became deeply impressed with the love of God,
which led him into much serious thoughtfulness,
as well as consistency of conduct. One of his
fellow-apprentices says that during the six years
spent with him, not one unpleasant word ever
passed between them, and that he was scrupu-
lously exact in all his conduct, and was well
established in fundamental religious truth, as
well as in the tenets of the Society of Friends.
His business life was spent at Haverhill, in
Suffolk, a small country town, at that time pos-
sessing few advantages either religious or social.

In 1841 Charles Kitching was married to
Frances, daughter of Isaac Wright, of Haverhill.
For some years after this union, he had to pass
through deep affliction, in which, however, he
proved the language true, " Whom the Lord
loveth He chasteneth," and as he patiently sub-
mitted to the Divine will, he found the Comforter
near to sustain him.

Whilst actively engaged in business it was
his aim to maintain an upright, conscientious
walk, which won for him the esteem and respect
of those with whom he came in contact. He took

CHARLES KITCHINO. 63

kindly interest in the welfare of the poor, to
whom he often gave practical advice and help,
his sympathy with and ability to relieve physical
suffering being frequently called into exercise.
He was warmly attached to the principles of
Friends, and was a diligent attender of the little
meeting to which he belonged ; and when at one
period it involved the closing of his shop on the
week-days, this duty and privilege were not
neglected, even though he at times had to sit
alone. As these meetings were for years held in
silence, the visits of Friends travelling in the
ministry were much valued by the few who
attended them, and it is believed that the Gospel
seed sown by faithful men and women who visited
them from time to time, found an entrance into
their hearts, and in the case of C. K. sprang up
and bore fruit, to the praise of the Great Husband-
man.

On retiring from business, in 1865, he con-
tinued to manifest kindly interest in those less
favoured than himself, and devoted much time to
a systematic distribution of tracts. The sick and
afflicted also were comforted by his bedside visits
and tender sympathy with suffering.

As an Elder he sought to be faithful to his
trust, deeply feeling his own unworthiness, yet

64 ANNUAL MONITOR.

desiring to encourage others. His voice was fre-
quently heard in meetings for worship and at
the family altar in solemn earnest petitions and
short exhortations, which were helpful to some
who like himself were not always able to rejoice
in the full assurance of salvation, and who knew
much of the conflicts incident to the Christian
life. The efficacy of a Saviour's blood to cleanse
from all sin, and His power to " save to the
uttermost all that come unto God by Him," were
themes he loved to dwell upon, and as he con-
templated the marvellous mercy-oiLGrod towards
one so sinful and unworthy as he felt himself to
be, the language of thanksgiving and praise were
often upon his lips.

About ten years before his decease a very
severe attack of illness greatly prostrated his
strength. This was a time of remarkable visita-
tion to his soul, and he was favoured with sweet
views of Jesus as pictured in the Song of Solomon,
and with a sense of his acceptance in the Beloved.
On becoming convalescent his great fear was lest,
in returning from the Border Land, his Heavenly
Father's purpose concerning him should be frus-
trated ; but the power that had raised him up
was able to keep him, and the remainder of his
life was spent as with eternity in view, and his

THOMAS WILLIAM LESTER. 65

loving, gentle spirit offered many a teaching
lesson, and exercised an influence for good on
those around.

He removed to Ipswich in 1872, being thus
placed amongst a larger circle of Friends, with
increased social and religious privileges, which he
the more appreciated from contrast with his
former isolation. Within a few years, however,
his strength rapidly declined, and after repeated
attacks of illness borne with much Christian
patience, nature gave wTay, and he gently and
peacefully fell asleep in Jesus.

" Not by works of righteousness which we
have done, but according to His mercy He saved
us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing
of the Holy Ghost."
Sarah Douglas Lamb, 50 6 10 mo. 1882

Dublin. Daughter of the late Joshua and

Mary Lamb.
Edward Lawson, 76 17 1 mo. 1883

Stanningley, near Bradford.
Thomas William Lester,

Penrith. 16 14 4 mo. 1883

Son of Thomas and Christiana Lester.

This little account is printed in the hope that
some of his schoolfellows, as well as others, may
be encouraged to seek the Lord while young in

t>6 ANNUAL MONITOR.

years, and take Him as their Guide and Coun-
sellor; that so they may be fitted for true
happiness and usefulness in this life, or prepared
for an early death, if this should be the will of
their Heavenly Father.

For a time previous to his leaving home,
Willie was under the tuition of a curate of the
Church of England, who thus alludes to him
after his decease :— " I think Willie as a child
really trusted and loved his Saviour ; he was
always so reverent when the Holy Scriptures were
being read, and when I knelt down to pray with
the children that they might alf be like the Holy
Child Jesus."

He afterwards went to Ackworth School. It
was whilst there that his mind became awakened
to his personal need of a Saviour ; but, as is the
experience of many, he could not look back upon
any particular date when he first gave himself to
the Lord. It was apparent to those who knew
him most intimately that as the love of God
increasingly filled his heart, he gradually yet
surely yielded himself up to the Lord's will.

In the spring of 1880 he had a very severe
attack of rheumatic fever. It was evident that
during this illness and afterwards, there was a
more decided change of heart wrought in him

THOMAS WILLIAM LESTER. 67

than heretofore. When he was well enough he
was removed home, where he continued some
months, and spent a good deal of his time in his
favourite pursuit of natural history. He was a
most assiduous collector of entomological and
botanical specimens, and during his last five
years procured almost entirely by his own exer-
tions upwards of 600 different specimens of
Lepidoptera and Coleoptera ; whilst during his
last term at school he gained the first prize for a
botanical collection, gathering and carefully pre-
serving 102 different species.

His love for pet animals and living creatures
of every kind wTas most intense, and this was un-
doubtedly the secret of his success in taming and
gathering around him so many members of his
" happy family." They seemed to know that he
loved and would therefore never harm them.

In the spring of 1881 he resumed school
duties ; this time at Dunesville, near Southport.
Here, by his gentle, loving and unobtrusive ways,
he very soon became a favourite amongst the
boys. He was hearty at games, diligent in his
studies, persevering in his leisure pursuits, and
above all a thoroughly earnest Christian school-
boy. Nor was his Christianity, as is too
often the case, brought out only on First-days,

68 ANNUAL MONITOR.

but he carried it into his every-day actions and
life.

An extract from a letter from one of his
schoolmasters runs thus : — " We were greatly
grieved to learn from the card received yesterday
morning, that your dear Willie had passed to his
rest, and that his promising, and, I can truly say,
useful though brief life, had been thus early
closed. His career in our school has left its mark
for good behind it, I can thankfully acknowledge,
and his memory will be fragrant here while any
of those who were his fellow-pupils remain with
us. During his last year at schoot-especially,
when his judgment became more mature, and his
intellectual tastes more strongly developed, I
could not help noticing how, in a gentle and
almost unconscious way, the religious tone of his
character deepened. That sweet and pure calm
that sometimes comes to gentle souls that our
Father has marked for His own, and is about to
call away from the conflicts of this stormy world,
seemed settling down upon him, and sometimes
this very circumstance suggested to me the
thought that he might not be long for earth,
though his health seemed better than it had been
for some time previously."

One of his schoolfellows, in writing, says: —

THOMAS WILLIAM LESTER. 69

" Willie and I were in the same bedroom for a
year, with several other boys, and I never knew
him to do anything wrong or to permit anything
wrong as far as he could help it. Regularly every
Sunday while we were at Dunesville together he
and I used to go and lie down upon a sand hill
and talk about religion. These talks with him
always did me a lot of good."

He left school to enter upon business life at
the end of 1882, loved and respected by all his
teachers and schoolfellows ; for kind and loving
ways, the outcome of a heart touched and rilled
with the greater love of God, are sure to draw
around the owner many a true and fervent friend.
The Christmas holidays were spent with his usual
joviality and fun, and the merry smile that
played upon his face told more plainly than words
of peace and happiness within.

On the 29th of First month he was again
taken ill with rheumatic fever. This very quickly
reduced him, and though he kept his bed for eleven
weeks and often suffered intense pain, it cannot
be remembered that a murmur of any kind ever
escaped his lips ; his great calmness and patience
were marked features during his illness. On the
9th of Second month, on being told it wTas very
doubtful as to how this illness would terminate,

W ANNUAL MONITOR.

he asked, " Does the doctor think I shall not get
better 1 " To which his mother replied, " He did
not say that, but, the mischief being about the
heart, we know it is very serious." Presently he
said, " Mamma, I should have liked before I died
to have done something for Jesus." She told him
that while he was lying there so calm and patient,
though often suffering much pain, he was teach-
ing lessons to those around him, and in that way,
although it might seem small, he was doing some
service for his Master. Soon afterwards he said,
" I should like to die if I thought that I should
go to heaven." To which his mother replied, " It
is 'not by works of righteousness which we have
done, but according to His mercy He saved us,' "
&c. "Yes, mamma," he said, " I've often thought
of that ; that is my only hope."

Once when speaking on the subject of prayer
he said, "I have had many of my prayers
answered ; during the last two examinations at
school, I knew I had no chance of keeping my
place in class, but I asked God that I might, and
I did ; it was just in answer to prayer, nothing
else." At another time he said, " Mamma,
' Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, to-day, and
for ever.' He never changes." After awhile, —
" What a nice text that is, ' Him that cometh to

THOMAS WILLIAM LESTER. 7l

Me, I will in no wise cast out.' John said it to
me this morning. I had not thought of it lately,
but it is so nice.'7

The next morning he asked what the doctor
thought of him now. His mother told him he
was not yet out of danger, hut that there was
some improvement, which the doctor was pleased
with, and hoped it might continue.

Alter a pause he said, " Mamma, I shall be dis-
appointed if I don't die, I've been looking forward
to it." She told him, " If it was his Heavenly
Father's will He would take him to Himself, and
that if he did not die now, it would be because
God had further work for him to do here ; " when
he said, " I'll just put myself in His hands, and
then all will be right." VV hen left for the night
he said, " Mamma, isn't that a nice text, ' Lo, I
am with you alway.' ? "

At another time when retiring his mother
said, " I leave thee in good hands, dear. Papa
will stay with thee and the nurse to-night, and
Jesus is with thee too. Thou feels Him near,
does thou not 1 " To which he replied, " Oh,
yes," and more than once said, how sweet he felt
it to rest on Jesus.

On the 24th of Second month his breathing
was very short, and he remarked, " Perhaps if my

72 ANNUAL MONITOR.

breathing gets much shorter I shall soon be in
heaven. No pain ! Mamma don't be sorry if I
die, because I shall be far happier ; " and on
seeing her weep, he continued, — " God shall wipe
away all tears from our eyes."

He often alluded to the great kindness of
those around him. " It is so kind of papa to
come so frequently as he does to move me. Dear

J is so thoughtful, always doing something

for my comfort; and dear L so kind and

gentle, she spends so much time with me.
Grandma, uncles, aunts, and friends, too, they
are all so very kind, I can never repay them."

One afternoon he had been speaking of
making a cage for a pet, if he ^go^Jbetter, when
his mother said to him, " But, dear, if thou dost
not live, thou won't be able to do that; which would
be best 1 " " Oh, to go." She said she thought
very likely he would, when he replied, " Does
thou 1 Oh, that will be nice." His mother con-
tinued, " If thou art taken we will try and rejoice
with thee ; " and he said, " Oh, you must ; I shall
have no more pain, no sin. My only hope of
getting to heaven hangs on those texts, ' Not by
works of righteousness/ &c, and 'Him that
cometh to Me I will in nowise cast out.' " Pre-
sently he added, " Underneath are the ever-

THOMAS WILLIAM LESTER. 73

lasting arms." His father coming into the room
remarked on some lovely flowers upon the table,
and said, " If these are so beautiful what must
they be in heaven ? " " Oh ! " he replied, "there
will be more beautiful things in heaven, those are
only earthly."

Speaking one day of his two younger
brothers he said, " Tell them to give their hearts
to Jesus, they cannot give them too soon, and the
more they try to follow Jesus the greater will be
their joy."

The day before he died he was quietly dozing,
when all at once he opened his eyes with a look
of wondrous delight, and said, " That Jesus ? "

On leaving him for the night, his mother
said, " Thou wilt be satisfied, dear, when thou
awakes, with His likeness ; " to which he replied,
" Oh, yes." After a while " Satisfied," and again,
" Satisfied."

On the 14th of Fourth month, a little before
six o'clock in the morning, his mother said to
him, "Well, dear, waiting yet, but happy in
Jesus 1 " " Yes," he said. His father asked him
if he wished to send any message to the absent
ones ; but as he did not quite understand, the
names of his absent brothers and little sisters were
mentioned ; when he wished his dear love to be

H

74 ANNUAL MONITOR.

given them, and hoped that he might meet them
in heaven. On his father going to give him a
little water to moisten his parched lips, he said,
" Don't trouble now," and laying his head on one
side he quietly breathed his last. And as his
friends stood around the bed and watched the
peaceful expression settle down upon his face, as
the spirit returned to God who gave it, they felt
thankful that the struggle was over and the
victory won, and that the dear boy was for ever,
" Safe in the arms of Jesus."
Benjamin Le Tall, 77 17 1 mo. 1883

Handsworth, Woodhouse, near Sheffield.
Ann Lewis, Landegley. 73 4 12 mo. 1883

A member of Pales Meeting. Widow of David

Lewis.
William Lib-better, 75 26 3 mo. 1883

Edmonton.
Emlen Longmaid, 81 25 12 mo. 1882

Hornsey. Widow of William Longmaid.
Martha E. Longmaid, 14 7 6 mo. 1883

Stoke Newington. Daughter of John and Annie

Longmaid.
Dorothy Lynen, 70 27 1 mo. 1883

Lisburn. Wife of Robert Lynen.
David Malcomson, 67 15 1 mo. 1883

Liverpool.

JOSIAH MERRICK. 75

Eachel Malcomson, 78 26 12 mo. 1882

Belfast. Widow of Joseph Malcomson.
Eliza Marriac4E, 74 Gil mo. 1882

Camden Road, London. Wife of Joseph

Marriage.
Sarah Mason, IUdey. 75 21 5 mo. 1883
Joseph Massey, 61 5 2 mo. 1883

Bakewell.
Eobert Meatyard, 84 15 10 mo. 1882

Stoke Newington.
Joseph John Metcalfe, 52 16 3 mo. 1883

Liverpool.
Josiah Merrick, 84 14 2 mo. 1883

Manchester. An Elder.

Josiah Merrick was, for a long series of years,
well known in the large meeting of Manchester,
as one who diligently and lovingly laboured for
the best welfare of the community in which,
under Divine Providence, he was located. Firm
in his adherence to the principles of the religious
Society in which he was educated, and which
were dear to him from conviction, he did not
shrink from manifesting that adhesion when
required ; whilst his spirit was of that gentle
loving character, which commended his profession,
His natural disposition, however, was retiring,
and few perhaps but those who knew him inti-

76 ANNUAL MONITOR.

mately, at all adequately realised the cost at
which, when occasion called for it, he felt almost
compelled in allegiance to his Lord, and in love
for His cause, to occupy the position in his own
meeting into which circumstances led him.

Filling, for a long period, the stations of
elder and overseer, he exercised a practical and
widespread . though quiet influence amongst the
members of the meeting, and the amount of time
which he gave up to its interests in his days of
active life was great.

Kindly in word and manner he won the
affections of the young, encouraging the growth
of that which was good, and not omitting, when
needful, the faithful counsel to those who might
be in danger of going astray.

Many a young man, coming as a stranger to
Manchester, can recall his cheerful welcome, the
warm shake of the hand, and expression of per-
sonal interest, — the small unseen acts of daily life
so acceptable and helpful to the recipient.

But whilst the interests of the religious
Society to which he belonged were nearest to his
heart, he did not forget the claim which the
community had upon him as a citizen. He
assisted many philanthropic movements, not only
with money, but also by his constant presence

JOSIAH MERRICK. 77

at annual and other public meetings called in
furtherance of their objects.

Eliza Merrick, whose decease was recorded
in the last number of the Annual Monitor, was
one of the numerous family of the late Nicholas
and Ann Waterhouse, of Liverpool.

Like her husband, she was of a retiring tem-
perament, and this, in the opinion of some of her
friends, prevented her from fully occupying that
place into which her natural powers, sanctified
by Divine Grace, might have led her. She was,
however, a true helpmeet to her husband, gifted
with a good degree of spiritual discernment, and
ever watchful to benefit those around her.

Their house was, especially in their more
vigorous days, ever an open one, both to the
members and especially the younger portion of
their own meeting, and also to those who travelled
in the service of the Gospel. They not unfre-
quently had the teachers of the First-day school,
or other companies of Friends, collected at their
house, endeavouring to promote social and religious
fellowship. Together they laboured for many
years in an unostentatious and prayerful spirit
for the advancement and building up of the large
flock, over whom we believe it may be said,
"The Holy Ghost had made them overseers."

78 ANNUAL MONITOR.

Josiah and Eliza Merrick survived most of
those with whom they had been associated in
earlier and middle life. Many were the changes
and vicissitudes which they were permitted to see
in connection with their own meeting. Sharp,
too, were some of the trials meted out to them
in private life. But through all they were enabled
to manifest where their source of strength and
comfort lay ; and " looking unto Jesus, the author
and finisher of their faith," to " run with patience
the race set before them."

Some years before her death Eliza Merrick
suffered from a paralytic seizure, which to some
extent affected her memory as well as depriving
her of ^physical <power ; but her love for her
friends continued unabated, and the bright cheer-
fulness of her countenance shone forth amid her
infirmities to a degree which it was teaching to
witness ; and the expression, " I do long to go
home," used by her in moments of suffering
near the close, showed where her treasure was
placed.

Josiah Merrick was diligent to the last, in
spite of advancing years and feebleness, in the
attendance of meetings ; he loved to assemble with
his friends, and with them to wait on the Lord.
From the time of hi& wife's decease his powers

ANNUAL MONITOR. 79

failed still more, and after a separation of only

ten months he quietly passed away. " Precious

in the sight of the Lord is the death of His

saints."

Alice Middleton, 45 28 12 mo. 1882

Preston Patrick. Wife of John Middleton.
Elizabeth Millar, 29 21 3 mo. 1883

BessbrooJc. Widow of Henry Millar.
Sarah Mitten, 25 12 4 mo. 1883

Gortin, Go. Tyrone.
Jane Maria Moore, 80 10 3 mo. 1883

Glonmel.
Mary Moore, Glonmel 87 8 9 mo. 1883

An Elder.
Mary Ann Moorhouse, 78 24 3 mo. 1883

Wooldale. Widow of William Moorhouse.
Priscilla M. Morgan, 82 3 11 mo. 1882

Goalbrookdale.^
Mary Morris, 66 6 1 mo. 1883

Llandwy, Pales Meeting, Wife of Richard

Morris.
Robert Morris, 83 20 1 mo. 1883

Westhoughton.
Mira Nainby, 78 15 5 mo. 1883

Winchmore Hill. A Minister.
Ralph Neild, Gharlbury. 69 7 2 mo. 1883

An Elder.

80 ANNUAL MONITOR.

William Nelson, 71 10 11 mo. 1882

Preston Patrick.
Elizabeth Newby, York. 81 27 12 mo. 1882

Widow of James Newby.
Honora Newman, 61 8 2 mo. 1883

St. Ives, Huntingdonshire.
Sarah Nicholson, 84 25 12 mo. 1882

Pardshaw. Widow of James Nicholson.
William Jubilee Nicks,

Sheffield. 73 1 5 mo. 1883

William L. O'Brien, 42 31 8 mo. 1883

Bathmines, Dublin.
Margaret Odlum, 39 25 2 mo. 1883

Kilmoney, Co. Kildare. Wife of Henry Odium.
Kobert Ormston, 93 22 12 mo. 1882

Newcastle-on- Tyne.
James Oxley, 90 31 3 mo. 1883

Upper Clapton.
Elizabeth S. Patterson,

Yatton. 57 17 10 mo. 1882

William Augustus Pattison,

Clontach, King's County. 33 6 6 mo. 1882

Son of William Pattison.
Sarah Parry, 88 6 12 mo. 1882

Leamington. Wife of Charles Parry.
Elizabeth Payne, 90 23 8 mo. 1883

Wellingborough. Widow of William Payne.

annual monitor. 81

Charles Gurney Pease,

Dublin. 10 26 5 mo. 1883

Son of the late Charles and Sarah E. Pease.
William Peckett, 87 3 11 mo. 1882

Barnsley. An Elder.
Priscilla Peckover, 80 1 7 mo. 1883

Wisbech. Wife of Algernon Peckover.
William Pickard, 77 17 11 mo. 1882

Monlzwear mouth.
Ebenezer Pike, 77 29 3 mo. 1883

Besborough, Cork.
Herbert Charles Piper,

Tottenham. 2 16 3 mo. 1883

Son of Charles H. and Lucy Piper.
Marie Louise Price, 21 19 10 mo. 1882

Brynderwen, near Neath. Daughter of Charles

S. and Anabella Price.
John Prince, 17 31 1 mo. 1883

Birmingham. Son of Charles and Elizabeth

Prince of Gainsborough.
Sarah E. Procter, 36 15 12 mo. 1882

Gosforth. Wife of John Procter.
Frederick Eichardson, 45 24 1 mo. 1883

Sunderland.
James Greer Eichardson,

Trewmount, Moy. 76 23 6 mo. 1883

Isabella Eix, Norwich. — 21 9 mo. 1883

82 ANNUAL MONITOR.

Eleanor Roberts, 14 9 4 mo. 1882

Dublin. Daughter of William E. Roberts.
Anna P. Robinson, 66 11 6 mo. 1883

Pardshaw. Wife of George M. Robinson.
Joseph Robinson. 65 2 7 mo. 1883

Late of Berkhampstead.
Lucy Robinson, 72 6 9 mo. 1883

Bqwden, near Manchester. Widow of George

Robinson.
William Robinson, 71 7 2 mo. 1883

Cockermouth. Late of Brighton.
Alfred E. A. Robson, 21 29 10 mo. 1882

Bedcar. Son of Edward Robson.
Lucy Ann Rous, 51 1 4 mo. 1883

Darlington. Daughter of the late William

Rous.
Richard Routh, 67 12 12 mo. 1882

Sibford Ferris. Late Superintendent of Sibford

School.
Henry Isaac Rowntree,

York. 45 2 5 mo. 1883

Son of the late Joseph and Sarah Rowntree.
Joseph John Rowntree,

York. 17 20 9 mo. 1883

Son of John S. Rowntree.
Hannah Russell, 72 15 12 mo. 1882

Moate.

16

3 mo. 1883

14

5 mo. 1883

23

10 mo. 1882

idcn

v of Abraham

HANNAH B. SEWELL. 83

Ann Sanderson, 62 16 8 mo. 1883

Darlington. Widow of Abraham Sanderson.
Lucy Sargent, Paris. 53 19 4 mo. ]883

Wife of Frederick Sargent.
Catherine Saul, 71 29 6 mo. 1883

Allonby. Widow of John Saul.
Thomas Ward Saunders,

Whitby. 64

Kachel Savory, 85

Beckham.
Hannah B. Sewell, 79

Bradford. A Minister.

Sewell.

When one so widely known and so tenderly-
beloved as was our dear friend H. B. Sewell is
called to a higher service, it is a touching and
sacred duty for those who remain to endeavour
to recount the lessons of a life so rich in fruit to
the praise of her Lord and Saviour, by whose
grace alone she was able to follow His footsteps
both in the wilderness and by the still waters.

H. B. Sewell, the daughter of Bartholomew
and Mary Smith, was born, at Penrith, in 1803.
Whilst quite young she was sent to Ackworth
School, her widowed grandmother, Isabella Harris,
then occupying the position of governess in that
institution. Isabella Harris was a woman of

84 ANNUAL MONITOR.

large Christian experience, and, although a some-
what rigid disciplinarian, she combined much
sweetness with great force of character. In early
life H. Smith was powerfully influenced for good,
and in opening womanhood gave evidence of her
grandmother's fostering care. She became a
junior teacher when only fourteen years of age,
thus early entering upon the work which occu-
pied so much of her future life, and in which she
secured the devoted affection of her pupils, and
the love and esteem of her fellow-teachers.
Before she was twenty-one the duties of the
writing-school devolved upon her. Here, with
the help of a junior assistant, she had the entire
charge of the writing and arithmetic of the girls,
as well as lialf the grammar and geography
classes ; and some^who were her pupils at this
time still recall with pleasure the happy hours
spent in her schoolroom. In 1820 Charlotte
Dudley, under a sense of religious duty, and with
the warm approval of the Committee, resided for
some months in the school at Ackworth. She
possessed a refined and cultivated mind, and, as
she mixed freely with both teachers and scholars,
her sojourn there was a time of brightness and
benefit to not a few. To H. S. the beautiful
Christian life of this dear Friend was especially

HANNAH B. SEWELL. 85

attractive, and had a decided influence on her
future character.

H. S. entered warmly into J. J. Gurney's
desire for more extended Scriptural instruc-
tion at Ackworth. Her First-day morning class
was a hallowed season ; forty minutes was the
allotted time, and it is believed that many in
the home above, as well as those who still linger
here, have given thanks for the teaching then
received, and for the sweet influence of her spirit.
The girls had no reference Bibles then, but, with
the kindly assistance of their beloved teacher,
they had generally an ample supply of texts
under the various heads which had been given
out the previous week. After these had been
repeated H. S. would often speak of the Good
Shepherd waiting to gather the lambs in His
arms ; of the Great Refiner ; of the many man-
sions, and of the blessed home above ; earnestly
seeking to draw the hearts of her young charge to
the service of their God and Saviour, who was
watching over them in their trials and difficulties
with compassionate love.

It was cause of much sorrow to her pupils
when, in the spring of 1827, she relinquished her
duties in the school. She was then only twenty-
four, but the results of her labours have been

I

bb ANNUAL MONITOR.

often thankfully recognized in the good and truly
useful lives of those who had then the benefit of
her instruction and example. Strikingly has this
been exemplified in the case of some whose school
education ceased when they left Ackworth.

Early in 1828 she returned to Ackworth as
the wife of Henry Brady, then a highly-valued
master in the school. A bright and happy future
of usefulness seemed opening before them ; but a
dark cloud gathered over the institution during
the late summer months in the form of an exten-
sive outbreak of fever, and in the autumn Henry
Brady fell a sacrifice to his devoted ministrations
to the suffering children. Hannah Brady bowed
submissively before the storm which at once de-
prived her of her loved companion, and blighted
her earthly hopes. He to whom her young life
had beenrdedicated did not forsake her in this deep
sorrow ; the Everlasting Arms were underneath,
but the hot breath of the furnace left its impress
upon her in a tinge of pensive anxiety which
remained through life.

After the death of her husband H. B.
returned to the home of her parents at North
Shields, and there her only child, a daughter,
was born.

On the re -establishment of a Girls' School at

HANNAH B. 8EWELL. 87

York, in 1831, H. Brady was invited by the Com-
mittee to become the Superintendent of that in-
stitution, a post which she occupied from its com-
mencement until 1842. Keenly did the stricken
widow feel the responsibility of undertaking the
duties of so important a position ; but relying, on
the unfailing Arm for strength, and with the
sympathy and encouragement of her friends, she
again went forth to work in the vineyard of
human hearts.

One of her earliest pupils at York writes : —
"What a blessing it must have been to our young
hearts to be brought for so many years nnder the
influence of one who had been so deeply chastened
in the school of sorrow, and who set such a con-
stant example of quiet, cheerful endurance, and
of so much watchfulness over every word and
thought. At that age we could little appreciate
the character of those older than ourselves, and yet
we had a general impression of a holy, heavenly
influence, like that described by Cowper —

* When one who holds communion with the skies,
Has filled his urn where the pure waters rise.'

She seemed to walk so gently by the Good Shep-
herd's side."

Much had to be surmounted in the formation

88 ANNUAL MONITOR.

of a new school, but H. B. met difficulties and
discouragements as tliey arose in a trustful Chris-
tian spirit, and before she left she had the satisfac-
tion of seeing the institution established in a posi-
tion of great usefulness. One hundred and sixty-
two pupils entered the school during the period of
her superintendence, and many of these recur to her
anxious endeavours to implant right principles of
conduct, and to form good moral and religious
habits in her pupils. At York, as at Ackworth,
she was the beloved instructress, guide, and
friend. Her loving interest in the welfare of
those placed under her care did not cease when
they left school, for she continued to be the wise
counsellor and judicious friend, whose help and
sympathy were not sought in vain.

She left York in 1842, on the occasion of
her marriage with Abraham Sewell, of Malton ;
but her interest in the cause of education con-
tinued unabated. For many years she was on
the Committee of Ackworth School. A friend
associated with her in this capacity writes : —
" As a member of the Committee her services
might be said to be invaluable ; from an inti-
mate knowledge of the various needs of the
institution, she could enter into the state of
every department, whether it was in seeking to

HANNAH B, SBWBLL. 89

share the burdens of those at the head, in sympa-
thising with the mistresses or younger teachers,
or taking interest in the religious and intellectual
welfare of the scholars, her whole heart expanded
to the school, and all felt they could look to her
not only as a dear friend, but as one upon whose
judgment, based on experience, they could rely,
and whose advice they could safely follow.

H. B. Sewell was acknowledged as a minister
by Pickering Monthly Meeting in 1850. In 1866
she visited the meetings of Cumberland and
Northumberland, and in 1873 those of Derby
and Nottinghamshire. In these services her
clear and persuasive ministry, and her loving and
warm-hearted interest in her friends, endeared
her to them, and made her visits both to the
families and meetings not only welcome, but in
no small degree helpful. On several occasions
she also shared in appointments to visit the
meetings of her own Quarterly and Monthly
Meetings. It was a valuable feature of her
character that she was fresh in mind and hopeful
in spirit to the end. This was considerably due
to the habit she never lost of continuing the
cultivation of her mind by much and varied
reading, and by the practice of setting aside a
portion of time every morning and evening for

90 ANNUAL MONITOR.

the study of the Bible and for prayer, with
which nothing was ever allowed to interfere.
Warmly interested in the progress of all that is
good, she made herself acquainted with what
was passing in other religious bodies as well as
her own, and her sympathies steadily widened
as she advanced in life. Indeed there was
always a breadth of character along with her
deep practical faith in the guidance of the Holy
Spirit, which enabled her to discharge with
cheerfulness and with pleasure to others, during
a period of considerable change in the habits of
our Society, the varied religious and educational
duties referred to, as well as those which belonged
to the more private life of the family circle. She
was a true mother to her husband's children, and
both they and a large circle of grandchildren
have cause to thank God for her loving, watchful
care.

H. B. Sewell lived to see the fiftieth anni-
versary of the founding of the Girls' School at
York, and to take part in its jubilee celebration.
Her address on that occasion will long be remem-
bered.

In 1866 she became a second time a widow,
and removed from Malton to Bawdon, where she
continued to reside until her final settlement in

HANNAH B. SEWELL. 91

Bradford. In both these meetings her ministry
was much valued, and in private intercourse with
her friends her remarkable gift of sympathy still
found scope for its exercise. There was that about
her which, in manner as well as in word, at once
conveyed comfort and strength to those who
sought her help, by the quick comprehension, as
well as the depth of feeling with which she entered
into their circumstances and needs.

How cheering and welcome were her little
messages in times of trial or bereavement, some-
times conveyed by the short note, or a few lines
of a hymn copied by her own hand. Words used
on the occasion of her funeral seem appropriate
to this phase of her character : " Not in one house
only, but in many houses in Bradford, we feel
to-day that we have lost a mother. Her guarded
watchful walk, and the great tenderness of her
words, were at once a living witness to the power
of a Saviour's grace, and a reflection of His love.

Whilst thus attempting to delineate our dear
friend's character, and giving the testimony of
others as to what she was to them, it is with the
strong conviction that she would have been the
last to desire anything to be said or written that
would savour of eulogy, or represent her as being
exempt from the infirmities and failings of which

92 ANNUAL MONITOR.

she was herself so deeply conscious. She con-
tinually realised in her experience the truth of
our Saviour's words : " Apart from Me ye can do
nothing."

With advancing age and a growing infirmity
of deafness, her vocal services in our meetings
became less frequent, but even her silent presence
was helpful to her friends ; she came to meeting
not only to worship for herself, but also to
wrestle in spirit for a blessing on her fellow-
worshippers. The few solemn earnest words of
prayer that always seemed so fitting when they
were uttered, were but the overflowing of the
spirit of prayer, in which she habitually dwelt.
The deepest reverence and humility characterised
her ministry.

The last entry in a diary, kept for upwards of
sixty years with more or less frequency, is dated
Third Month 22nd, 1882, and is as follows :—

" I feel drawn to give thanks and praise to
my Heavenly Father for all His goodness to one
of the unworthiest of His children ; for His pro-
vidential care ; for the blessings with which I am
surrounded ; for the health and strength granted
me to this my eightieth year ; and for the humble
trust that I may through Christ Jesus my Saviour
accept as mine the assurance read this evening,

HANNAH B. SBWBLL. 03

" I will never leave thee nor forsake thee."
Gracious Father, stir up my soul day by day to
take hold of Thee. Oh, let me know a closer
walk with Thee. Make me meet for my Heavenly
inheritance. Keep me more steadfast in the faith.
Grant me a more realising sense of Thy presence.
Oh, bless me indeed, and all near and dear to me.
I do thank Thee for sparing me children, grand-
children, and great-grandchildren, whom it is my
wont to commend to Thee day by day, often
craving that all may be Thine. Oh, enable me
to go in and out before this dear family in which
my last days are spent, so that I may bring no
dishonour to Thee. For my blessed Saviour's
sake lead me and guide unto the end. Amen
and Amen."

H. B. Sewell had long felt a deep Christian
interest in the young people of Bradford Meeting;
and with the cordial unity of her friends she was
engaged in receiving visits from them at her own
home during the summer of 1882. It was the
last service for her Lord, and in the midst of it,
after seventeen such visits had been paid, the
final summons came. On First-day morning, the
22nd of Tenth month, she attended meeting as
usual. In the afternoon she was taken ill ; after
some hours of suffering she fell asleep, and in the

94 ANNUAL MONITOR.

early dawn there arose for her the morning with-
out clouds, when we reverently believe her ran-
somed spirit stood accepted in the Beloved with
exceeding joy.

Joseph Sharpe, Grimsby. 63 26 6 mo. 1883
Walter Shaw, 9 23 1 mo. 1883

Lancaster. Son of William and Dorothy

Shaw.
Mary Ann Simpson, 58 27 4 mo. 1883

Kendal. Wife of Thomas Simpson.
Annie Smith, 36 24 1 mo. 1883

Mary Anyon Smith, 13 25 2 mo. 1883
Ethel Smith, 15 mos. 17 1 mo. 1883

Harrogate. Wife and children of William

Smith.
Alfred Smith, 65 13 3 mo. 1883

Upton, Essex.
Hannah Bowley Smith,

Bristol. 67 23 10 mo. 1882

A Minister.
H. B. Smith was born in Bristol, and resided
there throughout her life. Her parents, Martin
and Elizabeth Smith, were attached members of
the Society of Friends. Losing her mother almost
in infancy she was brought up in the house of
her maternal grandmother and aunt, where not
only the principles but also the peculiarities of

HANNAH BOWLEY SMITH. 95

the Society were strictly observed. She was early
sent to a day school, and afterwards to a boarding
school at Falmouth, where her affectionate dis-
position formed a few ardent and life-long friend-
ships, and her governesses, the Tregelleses, were
ever mentioned with tender and grateful love
even in life's closing years.

At about the age of eighteen it was her daily
practice to retire in the dusk for private medita-
tion and prayer, and one who was asked to join
her on such occasions was much impressed by the
deep devotion of her spirit.

From early years H. B. S. possessed a grave,
thoughtful mind, indeed until almost its closing
days her spiritual life was much enveloped by
a degree of mystical awe which often proved a
barrier to that fellowship of spirit which would
doubtless have cheered her own soul while re-
freshing others. Her journal alludes to some
four or five ministerial engagements, the longest
being one in Cumberland and Westmoreland in
1856. Each of these periods of service is spoken
of as proving a great ordeal to mind and body, but
she acknowledges that Divine help was afforded,
and that there were some encouraging results.
After this the same manuscript records increas-
ingly feeble health, with greater loneliness, as

96 ANNUAL MONITOR.

beloved relatives and friends were successively
removed, whilst some tenderly loved members of
the Bristol Meeting were yet spared, and their
much-valued intercourse from time to time greatly
enjoyed.

The journal also speaks, with perhaps an
over-scrupulous introspection, of great mental con-
flict and of a deep sense of her own unworthiness,
but withal of a desire to partake more simply
in redeeming grace. From 1866 her ability to
attend public worship became yearly diminished ;
this she constantly deplored. A nervous restless-
ness affected her, which medical skill failed to
relieve, and perhaps those around made scarcely
sufficient allowance for the wearisome desire for
change induced thereby, though from time to
time much effort was used by her relatives and
friends to further her desire, albeit none could
meet the case save with a most transient result.
Her last absence from home was in the Seventh
and Eighth months, 1882, when the air of Weston-
super-Mare in degree refreshed and benefited her.
About the middle of the Fourth month following
a severe attack of bronchitis laid her low.

H. B. S. did not at once seem to realise that
this illness was more alarming than usual ; but
finding others did sa she accepted it calmly, and

ANNUAL MONITOR. 97

on an old friend remarking, " Underneath are the
Everlasting Arms," the dear sufferer emphatically
assented ; and as symptoms marked the hourly
decrease of strength, while the conilict with
severe pain increased, she responded clearly and
affectionately to words of inquiry and encourage-
ment. Her mind was singularly clear till within
a few hours of her departure. Almost her last
audible words were, " Yes, peace through the
blessed Saviour ! "

The following is the last entry in her diary : —
"Ninth month 19th, 1883.— My sixty-fifth
birthday, concluding this serious year of my life.
What may I now say ? have not goodness and
mercy followed me all the days of my life ? and
has not grace been bestowed to love the Lord
amidst much of chastening and deep trial, men-
tally and bodily ? Oh ! that yet I may press on
towards the mark for the prize of the high calling
of God in Christ Jesus ! "
Bjttson Southall, 85 22 9 mo. 1883

Kingston-on-Thames.
Benjamin Sowden, 71 1 9 mo. 1883

Rawdon.
James Holt Spinks, 1 23 7 mo. 1883

Bradford. Son of Frederick and Sarah Ann

Spinks.

98 ANNUAL MONITOR.

Mary Moline Stevens, 69 17 3 mo. 1883

Winco,nton.
Eliza Stickney, 77 9 11 mo. 1881

Southport. Widow of Joseph Stickney.
Samuel Strangman, 69 28 11 mo. 1882

Waterford.
Jane Sturge, Sydenham. 57 29 - 7 mo. 1883

Wife of George Sturge.
Elizabeth Swann, 82 23 1 mo. 1883

Lisburn.
William Swinburn, 75 2 1 mo. 1883

Sunderland.
Anne Tanner, Bristol. 59 20 4 mo. 1883

Wife of Samuel Tanner.
Charles Taylor, 17 15 1 mc. 1883

Malton. Son of Henry and Elizabeth

Taylor.
Charlotte M. Taylor, 64 12 12 mo. 1882

Middlesborough. An Elder. Wife of William

Taylor.
Muriel A. Temple, lj 2 4 mo. 1883

Bailey. Daughter of Joseph and Annie

Temple.
Elizabeth Thompson, 83 18 2 mo. 1883

Hull Widow of John B. Thompson.
William Thompson, 81 18 1 mo. 1883

Lower Broughton.

JAMES VEALE. 99

Henry B. Thompson, 13 30 3 mo. 1883

Rathmines, Dublin. Son of Henry Thompson.
Herbert H. Thompson, 2 16 6 mo. 1883

Penrith. Son of Thomas and Jane Thompson.
Joseph Thompson, 6 10 3 mo. 1883

Wexford. Son of Joseph S. Thompson.
Frederick William Thorpe,

Leicester. 35 30 12 mo. 1882

William Samuel Tuke, 26 21 4 mo. 1883

Bournemouth. Son of Daniel H. Tuke.
John Turner, Lancaster. 69 7 9 mo. 1883
Harriet Tweedy, Truro. 77 6 9 mo. 1883

Wife of Eobert Tweedy.
Agnes Turner Tyson, 14 3 12 mo. 1882

Ulverstone. Daughter of Aaron Tyson.
James Veale, 82 17 12 mo. 1882

St. Austell. A Minister.

James Veale was born at St. Austell, in
Cornwall, in the year 1801. He was one of the
younger members of a large family of ten chil-
dren, many of whom have been well known in
their native town and neighbourhood as upright
men and strictly religious characters, conscien-
tiously serving the Lord, and manifesting their
love for Him by endeavouring to benefit their
fellow-men. Their religion was essentially prac-
tical ; this was partly owing to the constitution

100 ANNUAL MONITOR.

of their minds, and partly from their receiving
the truths of Christianity in their simplicity, as
taught by the Society of Friends.

If we try to picture James Veale before his
conversion we shall be better able to understand
what the grace of God did for his soul. He was
a very lively-spirited boy, and he and his brothers
much enjoyed their young life in the rural dis-
trict of St. Austell, taking great interest in the
natural objects around them ; the birds and in-
sects, the plants and mineral productions, were all
well examined and understood ; and not only in
this immediate neighbourhood did they search
out the wonders of nature, but the coast, too, had
its share of attention, and many were the happy
holidays these boys enjoyed when their father
would put them into a waggon, and take them over
to Par, to spend a day with their uncle, who
resided near that village ; the wonderful adven-
tures they had, scrambling among the rocks for
shells and fish and weeds, and being caught by
the tide, and only just escaping with their lives,
would be too many to recount here.

One day when the snow lay thick on the
ground they wanted something to do, so three or
four of them set off up the hill to catch larks.
They were very expert sportsmen, and soon re-

JAMES VEALE. 101

turned with a lot of little dead birds, and asked
their mother to put them in a pudding for
dinner. She was kind and indulgent, and complied
with the request. When their father came to
dinner, he was made acquainted with the morn-
ing's proceedings. He knew how bitter the bird
pudding would be, and wished to take the
opportunity of impressing his own sentiments of
humanity on the minds of his sons. He said before
they began, " Now, boys, you have taken all the
trouble to kill these little birds, so you cannot
have anything but bird pudding for dinner." He
then gave them each a piece, which they could not
touch ; but the lesson remained with them until
they were old men ; and how much these sterling
characters were formed by lessons like these we
cannot say, but we do know that we are told to
" train up a child in the way he should go, and
when he is old' he will not depart from it." When
not engaged in business this dear father gave a
great deal of attention to his numerous family.
On First-day he took them all to meeting twice,
and watched carefully that the time not devoted
to public worship should be suitably spent.

One great spiritual advantage this large
family enjoyed arose from the warm hospitality
of their parents in entertaining the travelling

102 ANNUAL MONITOR.

ministers of the Society, whose holy example and
influence were much blessed to them.

When James Veale was eight and a half years
of age, it became necessary to relieve their mother,
whose health was very feeble, from the care of
such energetic spirits, and accordingly he and his
older brother Samuel were sent to a boarding-
school. As a scholar, however, he did not excel ;
for although he had a very intelligent mind, he
had not sufficient power of application to commit
much to memory. In after years he became con-
scious of the defect, and laboured hard to over-
come it, with great success.

After leaving school he served his time to
the outfitting business with a firm in London,
who so much appreciated his business capacity
that they asked him to become a partner when
the term of his apprenticeship was completed. It
was not quite what he wanted, so he declined it,
and returned home to St. Austell; but before
long he went out to Australia, where he remained
eleven years, and very little is known of this part
of his life. During this time, though his conduct
continued outwardly correct, and he observed the
good habits which had been taught him from his
youth, yet for the first five years after leaving
home he was not conscious of any immediate visi-

JAMES VEALE. 103

tation of Divine love, and says he lived to him-
self instead of to Him that had died for him.
Bnt after this, when about twenty-five years old,
he experienced a remarkable and blessed change
of heart.

One First-day morning, after a stormy night,
he rose from the breakfast-table and went to the
window to see how the weather promised. The
clouds had broken, and it was clearing up. As
he stood gazing at the soft fleecy clouds, driven
rapidly across the sky, his soul was suddenly
filled with a sense of his Saviour's love, the
sweetness of which was inexpressible. It was
such a new experience to him that he yielded at
once to its precious influence, and took every
means in his power to preserve it, seeking out
Solitary places where he could commune with his
God and make covenant with Him ; and in the
absence of outward help in this new colony, he
was richly blessed in these retired situations, so
that they were remembered as sacred spots to the
end of his long life. He earnestly desired to
know the will of the Lord concerning his every-
day life, and found that the sweet spirit of love
drew him away from the pomps and vanities of
the world, and led him to deny himself some
gratifications which before his conversion he had

104 ANNUAL MONITOR.

not considered hurtful. In this changed state
of mind he returned to England and began
business as a grocer, at Barnstaple, in North
Devon. He had never learnt the grocery business,
but his aptitude was such that every part
succeeded, as he said once :—" Everything I
touched seemed to turn to gold ; I was wonder-
fully prospered in basket and in store, and full
of spiritual blessing." His goods were known
to be of the best quality, all genuine ; and his
kindly interest in the affairs, whether temporal
or spiritual, of his customers was deep and
sincere. The rich and the poor were treated
with the same sympathising manner, as he took
every available opportunity to draw their atten-
tion to their souls' best welfare, encouraging them
to attend to the grace of God, with which he
felt persuaded the hearts of all mankind were in
redeeming love graciously visited, to guide their
feet into the way of peace.

A curious incident occurred to bring him into
notice the first day that he opened his shop. It
was market-day, and many country people were
in town, when a dog went into this new shop,
and, after looking about a little, either from fright
or some unaccountable freak, with one great
bound dashed out through the window. The

JAMES VEALB. 105

terrified owner of the dog soon appeared on the
scene to apologise and offer to pay damages.
J. Veale received him in the kindest manner, and
assured him that nothing was due for damages,
as there could be no blame to the dog's master,
and he would wish to bear all the loss himself.
At first sight it looked like a calamity to the
young beginner, but it proved far otherwise.
The report spread quickly from one end of the
town to the other, that a dog had jumped through
the window of the Quaker's new shop, and he
had refused all compensation from the owner.
Instead of a calamity, it was the best advertise-
ment he could have. His business prospered
wonderfully, and had he been a man of the
world he might have amassed a large fortune,
but this was prevented by the especial love he
had of giving. If he met with any destitute of
daily food, he took that as an opportunity of
serving his Master, and relieved their wants to
the full ; any case of a widow in distress for
rent, any fatherless children wanting clothing,
any strangers sick, all these were opportunities
for putting in circulation that money which
under the Divine blessing his genius and industry
had procured.

One touching case was that of a young

106 ANNUAL MONITOR.

German who had gone to Barnstaple to teach
languages, and whose health gave way. His
was a very desolate condition : a gentleman, a
stranger in a foreign country, penniless and sick.
During fourteen months he remained in that
declining state, unable to earn anything, and
James Yeale provided all that he required. This
fact would not have been known had not the
young German written on the fly-leaf of a hymn-
book he left behind, a memorandum, which,
translated, is as follows : —

"December 3, 1850.

" Brother James Veale made me the unselfish
proposal, in my present failing health, namely, in
a brotherly manner to share with me what he
has."

When there were cases of Asiatic cholera in
the town, notwithstanding the danger of fearful
infection, he visited some of the sick and dying,
and ministered to them himself.

He took a great interest in the Bible Society,
and at one time joined with some others in going
from house to house to get fresh subscribers ;
particularly persuading the religious part of the
community to make the Bible as cheap as possible ;
for what more valuable help could any one have
than a copy of the sacred Scriptures ? He enjoyed

JAMES VBALE. 107

them so much himself that he longed that others
should have the same privilege.

At one time, whilst at Barnstaple we find
him investigating the creeds of the various
sections of professing Christians in that place.
One more than the rest drew his attention, and
he became friendly with a young man belonging
to it. While his mind was occupied with these
things, one night he had a dream. He thought
he was going along a road with this young man,
when they came to the entrance of a steep,
rugged and narrow path. James Veale wished to
ascend it, but his companion, decidedly refusing
to leave the pleasant road they were then enjoy-
ing so much, went forward a short distance by
himself and suddenly fell over a deep precipice
and was seen no more. James Veale was going
to examine the spot, but was held back by an
unseen hand which directed him to the narrow
path, and a voice told him to follow that and
he would be safe. He took this as an encourage-
ment to hold fast to the simple truths he had
been taught in his childhood ; and he never
regretted it, but settled down to attend regularly
a little gathering of Friends in the town, among
whom he became a minister and a true servant
of the Church.

108 ANNUAL MONITOR.

When about fifty years of age James Veale
returned to St. Austell, and was once more united
to his own family circle, out of which six brothers
were then living in the town. Previous to his
leaving Barnstaple he had married, and his widow
still survives him, being nearly eighty-four years
of age.

At St. Austell he followed the same course
of daily life as before; but having now the oppor-
tunity of uniting in worship with a body of
Friends^ he soon developed a gift for speaking
to the edification and comfort of the Church,
which was much valued by all who heard him.
This gift partook of the same character as the
ministry of his e very-day life ; there was the
same deep love and sympathy with sorrowing
man ; the same stern condemnation for all that
is evil, and the gentle persuasive power, which
endeavoured to gather the wandering sheep into
the fold of the one true Shepherd.

Holding very decided views against a paid
ministry of the Gospel, he and his brothers con-
scientiously declined to pay the vicar's tithe on
their land, and in consequence had a periodical
visit from the bailiff. At these times James
Veale was a perfect marvel to his friends, as,
completely overcoming his natural feelings, he

JAM1S V E ALE. 100

took joyfully the spoiling of his goods, and was
delighted to have the opportunity of giving the
bailiff a good dinner.

His pity for suffering humanity seemed to
increase with added years, and he stayed not his
hand from helping as long as life was given
him. Dumb animals also shared in his pity and
love. One day as he was walking through the
street, he met a man with a donkey and cart
which was heavily laden with coal. The man
wanted to get the cart up a steep, narrow lane,
but the donkey would not go. He beat it and
shouted loudly until the donkey was terrified,
and trembled all over. Just then James Yeale
appeared, being attracted by the shouting. He
volunteered to manage the animal, sent the man
for a piece of bread, while he talked softly, and
patted and stroked it, and so gained its confidence;
then gave it the piece of bread, and asked it gently
to pull up ; to the astonishment of all around, at
once it pulled the cart with ease up the lane.

As age increased, his zeal as a servant of the
Lord grew brighter, and, in company with his dear
and valued friend George Cornish, he held meet-
ings in many of the country districts of Cornwall,
and paid a visit in Gospel love to some of the
Lancashire meetings and to Birmingham. His

L

110 ANNUAL MONITOR.

last debt of love was paid to the Church when,
at nearly eighty years of age, he visited each
meeting in Devon and Cornwall, finishing with
Barnstaple, where no Friends resided, but
where he was received by all classes of society,
from the Mayor to the pauper, as an old and
valued friend. Though thirty years had passed
away since that town had lost the influence
of his Christian life, its fragrance was still there,
and his visit was one continued reception of
callers, each waiting his turn to shake hands
with him once more. It was a beautiful finish
to that beautiful evening sacrifice, and he returned
home refreshed and strengthened both bodily and
spiritually.

He was so much encouraged by this expe-
rience that He ventured to hope the Master might
have more work for him to do ; but this was
not required at any distance from home. He was
led along so gently in the mellow light, shed
from the Sun of Righteousness Himself, that He
was able in the most childlike simplicity to look
forward to that inheritance, incorruptible, and
undehled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in
Heaven for those who are kept by the power of God
trusting in the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ.

In speaking one day of his Christian expe-

JAMES VEALE. Ill

rience, he said, " There was no human instru-
mentality used to show to me the Saviour's love,
it was a direct manifestation from Heaven, and
when I received the precious gift, I sought
opportunities to enjoy it, and frequently retired
into solitary places for the purpose. About a
mile from the town there was a cemetery where
I ofted went, and that place, with others both in
Van Diemen's Land and in this country after my
return, are sacred to memory. I have known
often since then the hiding of His face, and
intimations before of the approach of clouds ; but
as I have waited and quietly hoped, and held
fast the beginning of my confidence, each time
He has returned with greater sweetness, and greater
joy and preciousness than before, and this return
is sweeter than all, for the peace I feel passes
understanding." . He then knelt in prayer for
those present, for the meeting, and for himself.
And nothing was permitted to disturb that
heavenly calm which surrounded him.

About a month before his death, he had a
slight attack of paralysis, and then he proved
how good the Lord is to the soul that trusts in
Him. As in days of health he had had compas-
sion on the sick and dying, now he found the
same measure meted out to himself in his hour

112 ANNUAL MONITOR.

of need ; his attendants were most devoted ; they
watched over him, sitting by his bed night and
day, until he would say, in admiration of the
goodness of God, " I could not have supposed a
sick bed could be so comfortable. I have no
pain, and all my wants are well supplied ; why
it is like living in the Land of Beulah, or on the
Delectable Mountains. I feel as if angels were
around my bed." He slept very much, and when
awake listened with deep interest to chapter
after chapter of the sacred Scriptures, saying,
" It is a wonderful book."

He was very fond of an old latin hymn
written by St. Bernard, " On the Name of
Jesus," and had a translation of it printed on a
card, to give to those who called on him. A
hymn of thanksgiving often tilled him with deep
emotion, beginning—

" When all Thy mercies, O my God,
My rising soul surveys,
Transported with the view, I'm lost
In wonder, love, and praise ! "

and ending —

" Through all eternity, to Thee
A grateful song I'll raise ;
But O, eternity's too short
To utter all Thy praise ! "

JAMES VEALE. 113

It was surprising how long he could listen
to reading like this, and how fervently he would
pray for those around him. In this happy state
he continued to the end, which came unex-
pectedly. Without apparently getting much
worse, he felt a chill and faintness came over
him, and his breathing grew shorter and shorter,
until he quietly passed away on the 17th of
Twelfth month from his home on earth, where
he had known so much of happiness, to the home
above where that happiness is now perfected.

We cannot close this notice of our clear
friend more suitably than by copying the Minute
prepared after his decease by the Meeting for
Ministry and Oversight of which he was a
member : —

" Having been removed from the Church mili- .
tant on earth, in. which he was enabled to glorify
his Saviour, and having joined that great multi-
tude who serve God day and night in His temple
above, we feel it right to bear testimony to his
holy, humble, self-denying life, so full of Chris-
tian love, manifesting itself in efforts to promote
the good of all.

" His memory is precious to us, and the word
in season fitly spoken by him to those in need
of help or sympathy, will not soon be forgotten.

114 ANNUAL MONITOR.

" We feel the loss of the ministry so full of
Divine unction he exercised in the Church,
his bright example, and the holy calm of his
influence.

" Our prayer is that others may be raised up
to fill the vacant places of those dear ones who
have so recently been removed from us, and
who now rest from their labours. May we
individually yield to the teaching of that Grace
which made the life of our dear friend such a
blessing to others, and crowned his last days
with perfect peace, giving him the sure hope
of eternal happiness through Jesus Christ our
Lord."
Andrew Hinoston Veale,

St. Austell. 73 1 7 mo. 1883

An Elder.

Andrew H. Yeale was the last of the happy
band of brothers who had lived in and worked
for the good of St. Austell as long as any one
living there can remember. Being eight years
younger than the rest he knew his brothers more
as counsellors and protectors than as playfellows.
He was not behind any of them in intelli-
gence and common sense, but always yielded to
them places of prominence both in Society
matters and town business ; for, being of a retiring

ANDREW HINGSTON VEALE. 115

disposition, it suited his inclination to let others
be in the foreground.

In early days of total abstinence he enter-
tained James Tear, and accompanied him to some
country places to hold his temperance meetings,
when the treatment they received was very rough,
being pelted with rubbish and rotten eggs. They,
however, made an impression which has con-
tinued to grow ever since.

He always willingly took his share of respon-
sibility in the government of the town, and for
nine years was 'a valued member of the School
Board which built the first Board School in the
Kingdom.

Many instances could be named in which
he quietly gave a helping hand to those who
could not help themselves, and such now bear
testimony that he was like a father to them.

He was known in the neighbourhood as an
upright man, whose judgment could be well
relied on, and in consequence he had frequent
applications which called it into exercise. On
one occasion two men had had a dispute, and
being unable to come to any agreement, each
decided in his own mind, without telling the
other, that he would ask Mr. Veale what ought
to be done. They had separate interviews and

116 ANNUAL MONITOR.

advice which resulted in their reconciliation.
In many cases of like nature he was thus enabled
to exercise the blessed office of peacemaker.

He was an excellent master, able to manage
his servants and gain their respect however
awkward they were in disposition. With his quick
perceptions he was able to see that most people
have capacity for something, and all have an
"angel side." He always manifested apprecia-
tion of work satisfactorily done, and paid well
for it.

In his home his concern was to have grace
to fill his position to the glory of God, seeking
to promote a good spiritual and moral atmosphere,
and directing the conversation into healthy and
lively channels. The young ones were always
encouraged to give expression to their thoughts,
and to take an interest in the passing events of
the day, that their conversational powers might
be well cultivated, which he considered an
important part of education.

His quick discernment made him a valuable
elder in our meetings, and his sanctified good
sense taught him how and when to give a word
of encouragement and counsel to ministers. He
was careful to avoid a critical, fault - finding
spirit, and endeavoured to foster the evidences

ANDREW KINGSTON VEALE. 117

of spiritual life in all, and to encourage its
growth by sympathizing with the labours of
ministers and making way for them to carry
out their concern for the welfare of the Church.
He was desirous of being found " not a lord over
God's heritage, but an example to the flock."

His blameless and unobtrusive life was
brought to a close in much peace, and he was
able to commend himself and those dear to him
to the protecting care of Him who had followed
him all his life long with goodness and mercy,
and had redeemed him from evil, saying — " there
is one body and one spirit, and we have been
partakers of that one spirit."

There is something solemn in the thought
that we have come to the last of a family who
lived not to themselves but to Him that bought
them with a price ; who have been loved and
respected wherever known, but whose chief excel-
lence was developed in the home circle which
five-and-twenty years ago consisted of seven
brothers and their cousin Joshua TrefTry ; a very
lively, earnest spirited group, in constant associa-
tion one with the other.

The things of the Kingdom of Heaven were
first with every one of them. There was no
mere formality in the silence before and after

118 ANNUAL MONITOR.

meals ; this was frequently proved by the expres-
sion of words of cheer and comfort and also of
thanksgiving to the Giver of every good and
perfect gift, for the rich blessings bestowed upon
them. They were like the disciples of old who,
breaking bread from house to house, did eat
their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
praising God and having favour with all the
people.

Their dispositions and mental capacities were
very varied, and this enabled them the better to
appreciate one another. Most of them had good
common-sense business talent, combined with an
intelligent interest in all the natural objects of
their own town and neighbourhood. Some had
a taste for literature and were well read in the
leading topics of the day ; some had a scientific
taste and searched into the geological and bota-
nical developments around them, for which the
district afforded great facilities.

As one by one they have been taken from
their homes on earth, they have left behind them
a bright assurance that they could read their
title clear to mansions in the skies, not for the
good works they had done, but according to His
mercy, who saved them by the washing of re-
generation and the renewing of the Holy Ghost

ANNUAL MONITOR. 119

which He shed on them abundantly through
Jesus Christ their Saviour.

To every one who knew them, it may with
confidence be said, " Whose faith follow, consi-
dering the end of their conversation, Jesus Christ,
the same yesterday, to-day, and for ever."
Peter Sadler Wake, 3 28 6 mo. 1883

Fritchley. Son of Henry T. Wake.
Anne Wakefield, 88 21 3 mo. 1883

Portadown. Wife of Charles F. Wakefield.
Elizabeth C. Walker, 40 3 1 mo. 1883

Forest Gate, Essex. Wife of Robert H. Walker.
Henry Hildyard Walker,

Leeds. 27 15 10 mo. 1882

Son of Henry Walker.
Isabella Walker, 64 7 6 mo. 1883

Cockermouth. An Elder. Wife of John Walker.
James Wall, Kew. 83 19 5 mo. 1883

Late of Sheffield .
Sarah Waterfall, 72 5 2 mo. 1883

Leeds. Widow of John S, Waterfall.
Susanna Watkins, 72 29 3 mo. 1883

Banbury. Widow of John Watkins.
Samuel Watson, 77 6 6 mo. 1883

Bathmines, Dublin.
James W. Weir, 32 18 10 mo. 1882

Bessbrook.

120 ANNUAL MONITOR.

Edward West, Banbury. 86 28 4 mo. 1883

Late of Warrington.
Edward West, 61 18 3 mo. 1883

Bradford. An Elder.
Frances Ann Wheeler,

Belfast. 58 2 9 mo. 1882

Wife of William Wheeler.
George White, 74 5 1 mo. 1883

Waterford.
Grace Whitlow, 16 29 1 mo. 1883

London. Daughter of Samuel and Margaret

Whitlow.
Ann Williams, 84 24 4 mo. 1883

Kingstown, Dublin.
John Williams, 67 18 7 mo. 1883

Falmouth.

"Without faith it is impossible to please
God." This is an utterance of Scripture, and
was written, as we who are Christians believe,
under the direction of the Holy Spirit. Then
surely it behoves us to look well into our hearts
and lives, to see if we have this faith that pleases
God. It is not of that phase of faith that first
puts forth the hand that touches Christ, and is
thereby made whole and clean, that the writer
of the Epistle to the Hebrews is here speaking.
It is of the faith by which the just must live,

JOHN WILLIAMS. 121

must be ever growing up into Christ Jesus, and
must abide in Him, as fruit-bearing branches in
the True Vine. Of Enoch it is said, that his
walk with God was a life of faith, and therefore
it pleased God.

In earthly matters nothing is more easily
understood, or more commonly practised, than
faith ; but when the spiritual domain of faith is
touched, immediately Satan, as the Apostle Paul
tells us, blinds the minds of those who believe
not, lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ
should shine into their hearts ; and the same
adversary, when he has failed to prevent the
Christian's acceptance of salvation, would fain
hinder his advancement in the heavenly way,
and, alas, too often succeeds in blinding his eyes
to his true happiness and spiritual growth.

What we need for the continual develop-
ment of this Divine life in us, is the " knowing
in ourselves that we have in heaven a better and
an enduring substance ;" and he whose faith is
strong enough to make him really know this, will
hold very lightly by the world, nor will he be
deeply troubled by its trials, or its losses, and he
will be the happy possessor of that faith that is
" well-pleasing unto God." But if, on the con-
trary, the wicked one can but succeed in making

M

122 ANNUAL MONITOR.

him lay down the shield of his faith, his fiery
darts soon find an entrance. Harassed by doubts,
misgivings and fears, what progress can he make ?
The Holy Spirit is grieved, prayer is hindered,
love is chilled, hope is all but dead, and God
is at last dishonoured by worlclliriess and sin.
" This is the victory that overcometh the world,
even our faith," says the Apostle John. A faith
that takes God at His w~ord, that believes the
promises, and that endures as seeing Him who is
invisible.

The following brief sketch is written to illus-
trate this life of faith. The subject of it was
in no human aspect remarkable ; he was plain,
simple, unpretending, and retiring in his life, but
endowed with good common sense and sound judg-
ment, naturally prompt, energetic, and thorough
in everything he did. He was pre-eminently a
man of business ; he loved it, and threw his heart
into whatever he found to do. It might seem
that with such characteristics he would not be
one to whom we could look as an exponent of
the life of faith. Yet in him we see that to be
diligent and prompt in business, is quite com-
patible with an abiding sense of the presence
of God. He was a happy, confiding Christian ;
he rested on the love^ and trusted in the promises,

JOHN WILLIAMS. 123

of God, as simply and truly as a little child rests
in and trusts a loving Fathers word.

John Williams, of Falmouth, was born in
Seventh month, 1815. His father, who was the
manager of the Cornish Bank in that town, and
a member of the Society of Friends, died in 1822,
and his mother six months afterwards : thus at
the early age of seven he was left an orphan.
Little John was happily placed as a boarder with
a person who had a family of boys and girls ; he
often said she treated him as her own child, and
spoke of her kindness to him as one of the marks
of the Lord's loving care for the orphan. At nine
years of age he was placed at the Friends' School
at Sidcot. Here he remained without once leaving,
even for a holiday, for five years ; and he loved
to speak of the happy days he passed there : and
doubtless much- of the self-control, thoroughness,
and extreme regard for truth, which characterised
him through life, was due to the careful and
excellent training bestowed on him at school.

On leaving Sidcot John Williams was placed
in a large iron foundry, the firm being Friends.
Here his steadiness and prompt attention to
business soon led to his becoming trusted and
respected by his employers.

In 1839 he married, and for the first time

124 ANNUAL MONITOR.

since his early childhood he experienced — what
no man ever more highly prized — the joys and
comforts of his own home. To him the two
dearest, sweetest spots on earth were his home
and his meeting.

Soon after his marriage, when about twenty-
four, the Holy Spirit commenced a deeper work
of Divine grace in his heart. He had been trained
so carefully and religiously, and had been so
outwardly moral and attentive to all the externals
of religion, that hitherto he had had no misgivings
that all was not right between his soul and God.
He now began to see sin as he had never before
seen it ; he felt deeply that the heart and thoughts
must be cleansed ; and indeed the whole nature
changed, however outwardly moral it may be,
before we can be made right with God. As the
Spirit wrought on his heart, and his eyes were
opened to see more and more of God's holiness,
his distress of soul deepened. One night he could
not sleep ; he could only pray that God would
forgive his sins, and visit him with a sense of par-
doning love. He arose before four o'clock, and
went into his garden, his mind still occupied with
the one all-absorbing thought, How shall I be
made right with God, and attain to newness of life?
Suddenly he heard what seemed to him a voice,

JOHN WILLIAMS. 125

saying, " Thou shalt walk with me in white ! "
So strong was the impression that he looked
around for the speaker ; but, seeing no one, and
knowing he was alone, he felt that it could be no
other than the Spirit of God, speaking words of
comfort and peace to his wounded soul. Joy now
filled his heart, and his peace for a long while
flowed as a river.

For many years after this his religious life was
much like that of other Christians ; he had his
times of joy and brightness, alternated with times
of sorrow, trial and sore bereavements ; and his
spiritual life was sometimes divinely quickened
and strengthened, and too often reduced to a mere
spark of grace. Still, through abounding mercy,
he was kept holding on his way, his face ever
Zi onwards.

In the year 1856 the firm dissolved partner-
ship, and the works passed into other hands. At
this time he was a contractor in the casting
department. At the end of two years he found he
could not conscientiously continue in the employ,
so, feeling assured that the Lord who required him
to make this sacrifice would provide for him, he
resigned his connection with the foundry.

For many months he could see nothing
suited to him, and his faith and patience were

126 ANNUAL MONITOR.

sorely tried. He was going to meeting one
morning, sadly depressed and downcast, every-
thing in the future looking dark, when the
words — " Trust in the Lord, and do good, so
shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou
shalt be fed," were suddenly applied to his mind
with great force. He was able to take hold of
the promise, and entered the meeting-house with
a lightened heart. In the course of the meeting
a Friend arose and repeated this very verse ; and
almost immediately after another Friend rose
repeating the same words, adding — " I have a
strong feeling that there is some one present to
whose case this promise is appropriate, and to
whom it is sent as a Divine message," and then
proceeded to enlarge on the subject. John
Williams felt he was the man to whom these
words of strength and comfort were sent ; his
burden fell, and he was able to wait patiently
the Lord's time. Shortly after this a suitable
opening offered which he embraced. In this he
continued till the year 1875, when he retired
from business, and having acquired a small com-
petency he was enabled to live in comfort for the
remainder of his life.

John Williams, as we have said, was a Friend
by birth and education, but he was emphatically

JOHN WILLIAMS. 127

so by his profoundest convictions. For though
in his later years he conscientiously left off the
peculiarities of dress and speech formerly used by
Friends, yet he was intensely loyal to all those
views of truth known as their distinguishing
doctrines, and for some years he held the office
of an Elder.

Bat whilst he held his Quaker principles
most tenaciously, his heart rejoiced in the exten-
sion of the Redeemer's kingdom in every section
of the Church, and went out in brotherly love
to " all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in
sincerity." He was careful both in word and
action not to wound any one's feelings : and he
forebore also to take offence, even when most
unkindly treated, being full of that charity that
hopeth all things. He was ever watchful lest
any root of bitterness springing up in his heart
should grieve the Holy Spirit of God.

Another marked characteristic was his abhor-
rence of what he termed " a judging spirit;"
he could not bear to hear any one impute a
motive to another ; " God only can see the heart
and read the motive," he would say. Detrac-
tion in any form was especially distressing to
him.

We now come to that part of John William's

128 ANNUAL MONITOR.

life which more especially illustrates the strength
of his faith.

In the autumn of 1876, Mr. and Mrs. Board-
man, with Dr. Asa Mahan, visited Falmouth for
the purpose of holding meetings on the subject
of Holiness. Their view of the Christian life
was that its alternations of life and deadness,
of light and darkness, were a blemish on the
Christian and a dishonour to Christ our Lord,
and arose from a lack of faith, and a holding
back from the Saviour what was His right — the
whole of our hearts. Could we but lay down our
wills in entire submission to His holy will, our
cares and anxieties would cease, because by faith
we should believe that the Lord is ruling and
ordering all things well — aye best for us, in all
our temporal affairs, and our wills would not
run counter to His. Then as regards sin, not
struggling in oar own strength to overcome it,
which we are really helpless to do, but carry-
ing it, as soon as discovered, to the Lord, for
Him not only to cleanse us from its guilt in
His most precious blood, but to destroy the root
from which the evil sprang, and to deliver us
from the power and dominion of that sin.

John Williams attended these meetings with
deepening interest till the last, which was a

JOHN WILLIAMS. 129

drawing-room meeting at Penmere (the house of
A. L. Fox), and had taken in and accepted the
teaching. It was much in accordance with his
views and feelings, but he felt it was no light
thing to lay down all his will in entire submission
to the Lord ; and yet he saw full well there was
no other way of obtaining that blessed peace that
passeth all understanding. That evening at Pen-
mere — and often he loved to revert to it — he laid
himself and all that he possessed at the feet of his
Lord, and from that time until his death he
" walked in newness of life ; " a happy, childlike,
simple, unquestioning life of faith in the Son of
God. He lived henceforth as one who saw Jesus,
and realised that His eye was ever on him in
love ; every sin of word or thought wras instantly
confessed and, faith believed, as instantly forgiven
(1 Johui. 9). So that truly it became a faith that
purified his heart, for this very habit kept him
watching, and the heart was made pure by the con-
tinual application of the cleansing blood of Christ.
" He staggered not at the promises of God through
unbelief ; but was strong in faith, giving glory
to God, being fully persuaded that what He
had promised He was able also to perform ; "
for to him the promises were all " Yea and Amen
in Christ Jesus." Like Hopeful in the " Pil-

130 ANNUAL MONITOR.

grim's Progress." he always carried the Key of
Promise in his bosom, although, unlike Hope-
ful, he never forgot that it was there ; and as
that key will in very deed unlock every dun-
geon and gate in the prisons of Doubting Castle,
it was not possible he could be held a prisoner
there. So, also, as he never laid down his shield
of faith, the fiery darts of the Evil One were
quenched thereon ere they could reach him.

He never liked to hear any one speak of strug-
gles or conflicts : " There is something wrong," he
would say ; " the will is not laid down, or sin is
being cherished ; a father cannot wish to turn his
face from his obedient or his repentant child."

So, too, with regard to cares and anxieties,
he would remark : " Cast your present burden on
the Lord, and leave it there ; He does not wish us
to carry it, and with to-morrow we have nothing
to do ; the Lord has bidden us take no anxious
thought for that. Do your best in action to lighten
or remove the burden, but leave the care and
weight of it, with all its final issues, in His
hands who does all things well, and who sends
this very burden in love, and for your good."

Nor were these mere words, or an untried
idea ; for at this time he had what would other-
wise have been to him a very heavy burden of

JOHN WILLIAMS. 131

continued anxiety, in the long illness, protracted
to more than four years, of his younger son, who,
at his death, in First month, 1879, left a young
widow and four little children, the youngest
only five days old, totally unprovided for.

This son died in the faith, and this softened
the blow of the bereavement ; but during all those
years of sickness, and, what would have been to
many, sore anxiety, he was able to cast it all on
the Lord in unquestioning faith that He was
appointing this trial for his good.

Three years after their father's death he had
the pleasure of seeing the family provided for.
The widow obtained a good and comfortable situa-
tion, the two youngest children were elected
into an asylum for fatherless children, and he
purchased the admission of the eldest boy into
the same school. The eldest girl he had taken
as his own, at the beginning of her father's
illness. In Second month, 1882, he took two of
the children to London, and placed them in the
school with their little brother, who had been there
a year. With a glad and thankful heart he returned
home, feeling that this trial was happily ended,
and that the Lord had indeed cared for the
fatherless little ones, and, he was assured, would
care for them to the end.

132 ANNUAL MONITOR.

There now seemed to lie before him a quiet,
happy evening of life. Blessed with extra-
ordinary health and activity, and possessed of a
heart at peace with God, unclouded with doubts
or fears, no man enjoyed life more thoroughly
than he.

" Therefore, being justified by faith, we
have peace with God through our Lord Jesus
Christ, by whom also we have access by faith
into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in
hope of the glory of God. And not only so,
but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that
tribulation worketh patience ; and patience,
experience ; and experience, hope ; and hope
maketh not ashamed ; because the love of God
is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost
which is given unto us." — Rom. v. 1-5.

But now the Lord saw fit to try him, as He
did His servant Job, in his own person.

Towards the end of Third month he began
to complain of his back ; the pain increased in
violence, and was supposed to be rheumatism.
Many remedies were tried, but nothing moved
the pain, which at times was exceedingly severe,
especially at nights. Throughout the summer his
strength was visibly failing, and a very little
fatigued him. The pains had extended to the

JOHN WILLIAMS. 133

legs, and were especially severe in the heels,
and his sleep became broken through sufTering
and restlessness. But still his faith remained
unshaken, and often he would say, in the midst
of severe paroxysms of pain — " this suffering is
all necessary ; the Lord sends it in love, and
when the appointed end is accomplished He will
remove it. If we are sons we must be scourged
to meeten and prepare us for the Heavenly
kingdom. I know that Jesus is my Saviour,
and He loves me too well to lay on me one pain
more than is good for me." Early in Ninth month
the pain seemed for a while less violent, but
as the weakness increased, he resolved to go to
London for advice. He went, accompanied by
his wife. The doctor assured him that he was
perfectly healthy, that all his organs w7ere sound,
indeed exceptionally so for a man of his age —
vsixty-seven — that it was merely an attack of
rheumatism, and he had no doubt that the change
of air, if he remained a few weeks, would quite
restore him.

He remained a fortnight, and then left to
return home, apparently much better, taking
Torquay in the way, for the purpose of attending
a Quarterly Meeting of Friends about to be
held there. He reached Torquay on the day

N

134 ANNUAL MONITOR.

preceding the meeting, and was almost imme-
diately taken with a violent paroxysm of the
terrible suffering, which continued all night. He
could not attend the meeting, but returned to
Falmouth by the first train. At the end of a
fortnight he rallied, and was again enabled to go
out. He continued to improve till the 13th of
Eleventh month, when he attended meeting in
the morning, and remarked to his wife that he
had had no pain for the day, and had begun to
hope that he was really going to get better. But
that same evening he was taken with another
violent attack, and he never again was able to
go out. He now began to fail rapidly, and
became thin and emaciated. Still his medical
man had no suspicion of any other disease than
rheumatism. The extreme wasting of the body
was supposed to be caused by the suffering and
want of exercise.

Throughout the winter his nights were
seasons of severe suffering, often amounting to
agony ; yet at these times he would praise the
Lord for His many mercies, and pray for patience
and submission, to bear all the Lord's will. "It
is all right and best," he would say, "I have
no doubt or fear ; the Lord keeps me in perfect
peace."' Early in Second month new symp-

JOHN WILLIAMS. 135

toms developed themselves, and a third doctor
was called in from a neighbouring town. He
at once and unhesitatingly declared that it was
not rheumatism in any form, but a disease of
the spine, which was rapidly carrying him to
the grave, and that a few months of life, at the
outside, was all that lay before him. On the
doctor's leaving, he turned to his wife, who was
much distressed at the sudden and unexpected
tidings, and said, very calmly, "My dear, I had
hoped that the Lord would have spared my life
some few years longer for your sake ; but, since
He has seen fit it should be otherwise, His will
be done. He will take care of you, I know, and
for myself I have no doubt or fear. I know in
whom I have believed, and death for me is only
entering into life eternal ; not through any works
of righteousness which I have done, but through
His own unmerited grace, and His gift of love
in Christ Jesus."

The next morning he asked for his deed- box
to be brought to him. On being expostulated
with for troubling himself with any business
matters, he replied, " I must do it while I can ;
there are many papers there that are useless now,
and had better be destroyed ; they will only give
you trouble afterwards if left." He spent several

136 ANNUAL MONITOR.

hours in looking through and arranging every-
thing, and then remarked, " Now, my love, I
think you will hnci everything in order, and easy
to understand — all my earthly business is finished,
and I am ready when my Lord shall call. I have
nothing more to do, but to see my dear children
and give you up ; but it won't be for long that
we shall be separated, and the Lord will take
care of you I know, whilst I am waiting for you
in the Heavenly Kingdom."

In a few days his son, with his wife, arrived ;
this was a great comfort to him, especially when
he found that, though his son would only remain
a few days, his daughter-in-law, to whom he was
tenderly attached, would continue with him for
some time.

He had now become so weak that it was
necessary to have a nurse to watch by him at
nights, and as his pains were worse in bed, he
could not be persuaded to lie down ; he was,
therefore, always in his chair, or walking the
room. In the midst of all his sufferings and
inability to lie down, or sleep, his mind was
kept in perfect peace, and to all who came into
his room he would talk of the love of God ;
urging on the Christian to live near to God, to
hold fast the promises and to be faithful and true

JOHN WILLIAMS. 137

to his high calling. On the unconverted he
would press the danger of delay, and the peace
and happiness to be found in the Christian life.

Early in Third month he became too weak
to sit up, and had to take to his bed entirely.

About this time he was dosing one evening,
when he opened his eyes and exclaimed, " Oh,
how good the Lord is to me ; His loving kindness
and His tender mercies are infinite, bless and
praise His holy name ! I have often wondered
at those words, ' Precious in the sight of the
Lord is the death of His saints,' but I never
thought that my death would be precious in His
sight ; but He has been showing me that it is
even so ! Oh, the greatness and wonderful con-
descension of His love ; it is flowing into my soul,
I have not words to describe it." His wife
remarked, " You have long known peace, but now
you have joy." " Yes," he replied, "joy unutter-
able and full of glory. I did not know the
human soul could hold such joy ; Christ seems to
be filling my whole being with His blessed
presence. Oh, praise Him for me ; help me all of
you to praise his Holy name ! Heaven cannot
be more blessed than this, for what is Heaven
but to be filled with God and His love!" He
then had all who were in the house called to his

138 ANNUAL MONITOR.

bedside, and addressed to each, separately, words
of holy counsel and encouragement suited to the
case of each.

Some weeks afterwards he had a similar
manifestation of the Divine presence, but as a
rule he was kept in a state of perfect peace, rather
than one of overflowing joy.

The taking down of the frail tabernacle was
a very gradual work, and he lingered on several
months in weakness and constant suffering,
sometimes amounting to agony, quite unable
to sit up or even turn himself in his bed ; but
though the outward man was visibly decaying,
the inward man was being renewed day by
day, by that anointing of the Spirit, that was
bringing him nearer and nearer to the likeness
of his Lord.

His active, energetic spirit was kept in warm
sympathy with all that interested the household.
He was ready to give his advice on all business
transactions ; every letter received or sent — every
caller — the little fernery, which he could see
from his bed, were all subjects of interest to him ;
but especially the garden — he would give direc-
tions about it, and say, "Is such a thing planted or
sown? it is quite time." The flowers were his
delight, and he always had a little fresh bouquet

JOHN WILLIAMS. 139

brought to him every morning. Even the birds
which nested in the trees there were a pleasure
to him, and though he could not see them, he
would make daily inquiries about them ; the
warm home life burnt brightly to the end. But
far beyond and above this was the meetening and
ripening of the spirit for the home in glory to
which he was fast hastening. He seemed to live
in an atmosphere of praise and prayer, and con-
stant communion with God. Once a sentence
was taken down as uttered ; it is a fair specimen
of his quiet talks with God : " Precious Jesus,
clothe me with the grace of praise. Ah, Lord,
it was so good of Thee to remember me, and not
forsake me ; blessed be Thy holy name. Let
there be a patient waiting on Jesus. My precious
Jesus, wilt Thou continue to remember me at
this time, and> if consistent with Thy holy will,
wilt Thou ameliorate this pain? nevertheless, not
my will, but Thine be done. i Whom the Lord
loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son
whom He receiveth.'"

Even in his sleep he would ejaculate verses
of Scripture or hymns, or short utterances of
converse with God, that could only remind the
watcher of that " new wine of the Beloved "
which, we are told, " causeth the lips of them

140 ANNUAL MONITOR.

that are asleep to speak." Here are a few of these
ejaculations, spoken when fast asleep :— " Saved !
how saved? By grace, free, unmerited grace."
" His banner over me is love." " 0 Love Divine,
how sweet thou art ! " " Saved by the faith Thou
Thyself hast given me, clear Lord ! " " Oh, to
have my whole soul brought into harmony
with His will ; to know no will but Thine ! ''
" Nothing in *my hand I bring, simply to Thy
Cross. . . ." " A sinner saved by grace.'' "These
are they who have washed their robes and made
them . . . ." "Amazing love, how can it be, that
Thou, my Lord, shouldst die for me !" " A single
eye to Thy glory ; Lord, show me; have I a single
eye ? " " Looking away from myself ; looking
only to Thyself." " His banner of love ; oh ! it
is unfurled, and waving, waving ! " Many more
like utterances were spoken, but were not taken
down at the time.

Once, when suffering a severe paroxysm of
pain, he remarked to his wife, " I want to pray,
but the pain is so severe I cannot keep my mind
fixed ; it grieves me." She replied, " My love,
you forget that you are not now a strong healthy
sheep, able and expected to follow the Good
Shepherd; you are only one of the feeble ones
whom He gently leads, or, indeed, even more,

.JOHN WILLIAMS. 141

now only a weak, helpless little lamb, whom He
is tenderly carrying in His arms."

He seemed to catch the figure at once and
delight in the truth it conveyed : and often after-
wards he would say, " I need not think nor fear ;
I am only a poor little weak one, but I am being
carried in my Saviour's loving arms " Another
somewhat similar figure he often used, perhaps
suggested by the birds that were nesting in the
garden. If one were reading or talking to him,
he would say, " You must stop, my pain is too
great for me to follow you, or think, I can only
just nestle under the Almighty's wing, that is my
place now."

Once being asked if he felt the Lord present
with him, he replied, u The Lord is very present
with me, He is always wTith me, I have no ecstasy
but 1 have a full assurance of His presence, a
quiet rest in Him, and I know that He hath
done and is doing all things well for me." He
would often say to his wife, " Come, my dear,
and help me to praise Him for all His mercies,
but especially for His great salvation : oh, the
love, the grace that gave Himself for us ! Oh,
precious Jesus, how shall I praise Thee, for Thy
great love to us sinners ! "

On another occasion, when suffering extreme

142 ANNUAL MONITOR.

agony and praying for patience and submission
to bear it, his wife remarked to him, " You know
that long ago the Lord gave you the promise that
you should walk with Him in white ; and we
are told that those who are arrayed in white
robes, are those who have come out of great
tribulation ; this suffering is doubtless part of
the needed preparation for the fulfilment of
the Lord's gracious promise to you." " Yes," he
replied, " He did give me that blessed promise,
and I am sure He will fulfil it. He is ever
washing me in His precious cleansing blood, and
this tribulation is doubtless needed : I am sure
also He loves me too well to let it last one
moment longer than is necessary." After this,
whilst the paroxysms of pain lasted, he might
often be heard whispering, " Who are these
arrayed in white ? These are they who have
come out of great tribulation, and have washed
their robes and made them white in the blood
of the Lamb !"

With the Seventh month new and distressing
symptoms set in that caused much additional
suffering — the wonder was how life was pro-
longed.

He seemed now to have passed into greater
nearness to God than even the simple, loving,

JOHN WILLIAMS. J 4:3

trusting, " little child;'' lie was become one of
those " babes" to whom the Father condescends
to "reveal" the treasures of His love and grace.
Praise was his constant employ — no repining or
impatient word escaped his lips. Ever thankful
for every service rendered to him ; so thoughtful
for those who ministered to him ; so interested
in all around, it became — but for witnessing his
sufferings — a privilege to watch beside him.

A few days before his death a friend sent
him a leaflet with the following lines : —

" Left alone with Jesus !
I need none beside,
With His promised presence

I am satisfied;
Life's loud tumult ceases,
Earth-love fades away,
But the love of Jesus
" Lights my soul for aye.

" Left alone with Jesus !

Gaining strength to bear
Q_ Any cross He gives me,
Any load of care
Learning how He loves me

While He lays me low,
Willing He should teach me
All I need to know.

144 ANNUAL MONITOR.

" Left alone with Jesus !

During days of pain,
Finding hours of sorrow

To be hours of gain;
Drawing me still nearer

To my gracious Lord,
Giving roe fresh glimpses

Of His precious Word.

11 Left alone with Jesus !

Through the night of death ;

His strong arm around m^,
Strengthening my faith.

Passing through the valley-
Shadowy and dim,

Hand in hand with Jesus,
Side by side with Him.

" Left alone with Jesus !

In the shadow-land,
Where my ransomed spirit

Waiteth His command;
Waiteth the revealing

Of His fullest light,
And for the perfection

Of its best delight ! "

This was a great pleasure to him ; it seemed to
express so exactly his thoughts and feelings, and
many times in the day he would say, " Eead me
that beautiful hymn,"

JOHN WILLIAMS. 14.")

But the time of his departure was at hand,
and He who had been so long watching the
refining process of His afflicted servant, now said,
" It is enough, come up higher ! "

About eight o'clock on the evening of the
17th of Seventh month, he was suddenly seized
with laboured breathing ; he asked to be lifted
up, and then said, " This is death ! " It was
unmistakably so ; and his wife said, "Yes, my
love ; your sufferings will soon be over, and you
will be for ever with the Lord." " Oh ! " he
exclaimed, " praise the Lord, bless and praise His
holy name 1"

Mercifully all pain now ceased, only the
difficulty of breathing continued, but that grew
somewhat better in an hour or two.

The cold damps of death were standing on
him, but the mind remained clear and unclouded
to the end, and the consolations of God were
neither few nor small with him.

Throughout the night he kept whispering,
" My precious Jesus, how good Thou art to me,
I shall soon be with Thee !" "Who are these
arrayed in white ? " &c. " Kept by the power of
God, through faith unto salvation." " 0 love
divine, how sweet thou art !" and similar passages
of Scripture and hymns.

o

146 ANNUAL MONITOR.

We will now quote from a letter written at
his bedside, to his children : —

"4 a.m. — He is too weak to speak much,
hut ever responds to a verse of Scripture
or a hymn, with 'Amen,' or. ' Bless His holy
name.'

"4.30 a.m. — I have just repeated the hymn,
' Jesu, lover of my soul,' and he followed mc
softly all through it, with his hands clasped and
uplifted. I said, < Fear not, I am with thee,' &c. ;
he replied, ' Yes, yes, He is with me, blessed be
His holy name ; all His promises are Yea and
Amen in Christ Jesus.'

" 5 a.m. — He has just asked me to pray with
him, and he followed me with ejaculations all
through.

"5.30 a.m. — He has just looked up so brightly,
as I bent over him, and said so distinctly, ' He is
holding me by my right hand, and the Everlast-
ing Arms are underneath me ! '"

" 7 a.m. — Your dear father is again in great
pain. I repeated the verse, ' I sought the Lord,
and He heard me, and delivered me from all my
fears.' He said ' Yes, that is true ; I have sought
the Lord often in time of trouble, and He has
heard and delivered me."

" 9 a.m. — The doctor has just been here, and

JOHN WILLIAMS. 147

is surprised to find your dear father is still with
us ; he says he cannot hold long now. The pain
has left him, and he is full of peace and love,
and, though so weak, thanks us even for a drop of
water. His thirst is excessive. He is often whis-
pering, ' Precious Jesus ! ' ' He is very merciful
to me ! ' ' Oh, what mercy — mercy — mercy.'
1 He is very near me.' I repeated the two verses
beginning, ' In my Father's house are many man-
sions.' He said, ' Oh, how nice, how nice ; so
good for me ! ' "

At 2 p.m. he seemed to be passing, but he
rallied a little. Once or twice he was speaking,
but no sentence could be distinguished, only
words — as " Jesus," "praise," and "name." Very
gradually the lamp of life burnt out; the
breathing became slower, and at 4 p.m. on the
18th of Seventh month, 1883, without a struggle
or a sigh, he fell asleep in Jesus, and entered
into the joy of his Lord, having through faith
obtained the promises, and laid hold of eternal
life !

His mortal remains were interred at the
Friends' Cemetery, Budock, where they rest " in
sure and certain hope of a glorious resurrection !"
" Thanks be unto God, who giveth us the victory,
through our Lord Jesus Christ ! "

148 ANNUAL MONITOR.

" For ever with the Lord !
Amen, so let it be;
Life from the dead is in that word,
'Tis immortality ! "

Richard Williams, 45 2 2 mo. 1883

Wexford.
Sarah Williams, 92 16 7 mo. 1883

Dublin.
William Peile Williamson,

Allonby. 10 24 3 mo. 1883

Son of John and the late Sarah Williamson.
John Wilson, 46 13 4 mo. 1883

Bishopivearmoutk.
Richard Wilson, 72 23 5 mo. 1883

Thornton-in- Craven.
William Winward, 78 1 10 mo. 1882

Westhoughton. An Elder.
The following testimony concerning W.
Winward was drawn up by the Monthly
Meeting of Hardshaw East, of which he was a
member : —

" Those who were acquainted with our late
friend William Winward will agree that anything
said of the character of praise would have been
very unacceptable to him. And now at his
decease the Christian fruits brought forth in him
are only dwelt upon in order to magnify that

WILLIAM WIMVAR1). 140

Divine power which lie knew and -sought to obey
from early life, and which made him a cheerful,
humble Christian and nursing father in the small
meeting of which he was a member.

"Our late dear friend was born in the year
1803, at Westhougliton, and was brought up to
attend the worship of the Established Church, in
the musical services of which he at one time took
an active part. Upon the death of his father, in
1825, he became more intimately associated with
his uncle, James Hodgkinson and his family, of
Westhougliton, under whose influence he became
convinced of the correctness of the religious prin-
ciples held by Friends, and was received into
membership in 1843. From his early connection
with the Society he took a deep interest in the
First-day school at Westhougliton, where he dili-
gently laboured as a teacher until age and infir-
mities prevented him.

" Though our friend was not of the rich and
highly educated, he was nevertheless favoured
with an excellent understanding, which being
seasoned with the Christian graces of charity and
humility, and exercised with wisdom and dis-
cretion, gave him great place with his friends.
And it may truly be said that he preached loudly
by his life and conversation in the village where

150 ANNUAL MONITOR.

he lived and was so universally known and
beloved.

" For many years our friend filled the station
of Elder, for the duties of which his tender sym-
pathy and deep Christian experience well quali-
fied him ; his voice was also occasionally heard
in our meetings for worship ; and though not at
great length, his communications were weighty,
sound in doctrine, and helpful to the sincere-
hearted.

" About six years before his death he lost his
wife, who had for some years required his inces-
sant care ; but the strain on his physical powers
caused by close attention to her during her long
illness had told seriously on his unusually strong
constitution, as shown by increased infirmities
of body ; these afflictions he bore with great
patience, often repeating that he was " only wait-
ing, waiting the Lord's time : " thus he was
enabled under much suffering to glorify God in
his body and in his spirit, and to show to those
who saw or heard of him that He who had been
with him all his life long was with him to the
end : and, as a shock of corn fully ripe, he was,
we reverently trust, gathered into the Heavenly
Garner.

* William Wmward died on the 1st day of

ANNUAL MONITOR. 151

Tenth month, 1882, in the seventy-ninth year of

his age, and was interred in the Friends' Burial

Ground, at Westhoughton, near Bolton."

Rachel Wood, 78 9 5 mo. 1883

York Wile of William Wood.

Maria Louisa Woodhead,

Baildon. 59 14 1 mo. 1883

Late of Highliatts. Widow of Godfrey Wood-
head.

Robert Woodhead, 62 17 5 mo. 1883
Southport.

Lydia M. Woods, 2 21 12 mo. 1882

Dundrum. Daughter of Frederick W. Woods.

Eichard Woodward, 60 4 7 mo. 1883
Stoke Newington.

Thomas Woolley, 69 20 2 mo. 1883

Moate. An Elder.

Frederick Lingford Wright.

Folkestone. 20 18 4 mo. 1883

John Yeardley, 75 9 7 mo. 1883

Hathersage, near Bakewell. Formerly of Roch-
dale. A Minister.

152 ANNUAL MONITOR.

INFANTS whose names are not inserted.

Under three months ... Boys 4 ... Girls 2

From three to six mouths „ 0 ... „ 1

„ six to nine „ „ 0 ... „ 1

„ nine to twelve ,, „ 0 ... „ 1

ANNUAL MONITOR.

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