UNIVERSITY
OF PITTSBURGH
LIBRARIES
^ J BX7795
^^^^ ke5P3
1811
FRIENDS'
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
OF
SWARTHMORE COLLEGE
Digitized by tine Internet Arciiive
in 2009 with funding from
University of Pittsburgii Library System
http://www.arcliive.org/details/someaccountoflifOOinalex
SOME
ACCOUNT
OF THE
3jife and Religious Experience
OF
MAHY AL.EXANBEK3
LATE OF
NEEDHJM MARKET.
" Ye, when ye shall have done all those thin£»s which
*^ are commanded you, say, We are nnpicfitable servants;
** -^ve have done [only] that which was our duty to do "
Ll'SE xvii. 10;
gorfe
FRIJJTED BY C. PE.\COCK»
FOR
■W.ALEXANDER, AND SOLD BY HIM;
iUO E\- W. PHILLIPS, GFORGE-\ARD, LOMBARD-STREET.
AND DARTON, HARVEY, AND DARTON, NQ, 55, *
CRAce-CHURCH-STREET, «,ONOO?f,
18Uv
PREFACE.
IN publishing this account of a dearly
l^eloved sister, there is not a great deal, as
Editor, to perform, more than to write a fair
transcript of her own remarks ; till the last few
months of her life. This period does not ap-
pear to be recorded by herself; and the omission
is easily accounted for. She died whilst from
home on a religious visit; and, having a reten-
tive memory, it seems to have been her practice,
sometunes, to commit to writing the events of
a journey, after her return home.
The Editor has thought he could not better
supply the defect in her own narrative, thaa by
A a
IV PREFACE.
giving some iiiformation respecting her last
exercising labours, and by adding an account
©f the closing scene.
In making an addition to the valuable
Journals which already exist, it may not he
improper to say, that a peculiar interest is
naturally felt, in the biographical narrations
of those with whom we have been acquainted.
Where the writer has held ferth, by unifonrv
conduct, the impressive language of, " follow
jne as I have followed Christ," this interest is
doubly excited; and has also a powerful ten-
dency to animate survivors, in the work of
righteousnes and salvation,
PPiU
W. A^
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
From her blith to the 8th Month, 1789.
Remarks by the Editor, including a Testimony concern-
ing her mother. — Iler inducement for writing these
Memoirs. — A remarkable occurrence at 10 years of
age. — Her first impression respecting a gift in^ the
ministry. — On reading the scriptures, plays, and ro-
mances.— The death of her father — sister in law — and
a near friend. — Further exercise respecting the minis-
try— Page 11—29
CHAPTER n.
1790, to the 12th Month, 1793.
Her situation after appearing in the ministry. — Visit to a
friend. — Acknowledged as a minister — "\^isit to families
at Woodbridge and Ipswich. — Norwich quarterly meet-
ing,— Deep exercises of mind. — Beccles monthly meet-
ing.— Bury monthly meeting. — Woodbridge monthly
meeting— . Page 30—39
V^ CONTENTS,
CHAPTER III.
1st Montli, 1794, to the 10th Month, 1795.
Visits Norwich, &c. — Decease of an individual at Need-
ham. — William Bleckley's decease. — Burial of Mary.
Crowley. — Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire —
Lincolnshire, and York quarterly meeting^ —
iPage 40— 5C
CHAPTER IV.
*!2d of 11th Month, 1795, to the 8th of 2d Month, 1796.
A meeting at Walton. — Debenham.— Writes to a friend
imprisoned on account of tithes — . . Page 51 — 55
CH.\PTER V.
9th Month, 1796, to the 3d Month, 1798.
Her brother William's marriage, &c. — Visits some meet-
ings in company with Sarah Harrison and Sarah Birk>»-
beck. — Deep conflict of mind. — ^\"isit to the Princi-
pality of Wales, &c. — Yearly meeting at Welchpool. —
Coalbrook Dale. — Left her sister Ann at London yearly
meeting — Joined her again at Plaistow. — Visits Hert-
fordshire, &c. — Macclesfield quarterly meeting. —
Wrexham in Wales. — Account of their visit to the
Principality. — Melksham — is ill there. — Goes to Ciren-
cester, and returns home. — A dream. — Settles in her
new habitation— ,,,.,.. Fagc 56 — 74
CONTENTS, VH
CHAPTER VI.
5th Month, 1798, to the 11th Month, 1800.
Zonden yearly meeting. — Sundry meetings in Suffolk.—
Endures a very trying dispensation.^ — A^isits Tivetshall
JHonthly meeting, &c. — Joins Elizabeth Coggeshall in
visiting gundi-y jpkegg in Nofiblli^ Su^olU, Leieeiief-
shire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshiri, and Yorkshire.—
Eeturns home— , ,..•.., Tage 7.5— 9T
CHAPTER Vir.
12th Month, 1800, to the 9th Month, 1602.-
Concern for the youth, &c.-p— Huntingdonshire and Cam-
bridgeshire.— Religious prospects. — Visit to Surrey,
Sussex, and Hampshire quarterly meetings, &c. — Re-
turns home. — Visits sundry villages in her own
county, — Burial of Isaac Brightwen. — Decease of
Fa^e 98—115
CHAPTER VIIL
12th Month, 1802, to the 7th Month, 1804.
A season of withdrawing and trial. — Hitchen.— Visit t«.
friends' families, &c. in Suffolk. — London yearly meet-
ing.— Her sister Ann's visit to America. — Reflections.
— Renewal of a religious prospect alluded to in 1801 —
Cast before the monthly meeting. — Remark on lier
feelings upon such occasions— . . P^^'c 116— 13:3
Vlll CONTENtS.
CHAPTER IX.
3d of 8th Month, 1804,. to the 1st of 1st Month, ISQj'.
Sets out on the visit to Scotland, &c. — Bury. — Littleport.
. — Chatteris. — Derby. — Cockermouth. — Parton. — Isle
of Man. — Whitehaven.' — Dissington. — Cockermouth.
Maryport. — Cockermouth quarterly meeting. — Grey-
Southen.— Edinburgh— -Dundee— Kinmuck — Balhal-
gni'dy— Old Meldrum— Aberdeen— Stonehaven—Mon-
trose— Dundee — Perth — Glasgow — Edinburgh nionth-
ly meeting. — Newcastle — Shields — Darlington, &c.—
York. — Welbourn. — Northampton quarterly meeting.
Chatteris. — Returns home— . . Fage 133 — 166
CHAPTER X.
1st Month, 1805, to the 9th Month, 1806.
E. Gibson's burial, and that of another individual. — 11 r
sister Ann returns her certificates — Quarterly meet-
ing.— Accompanies William Forster, jun. — Quarterly
meeting —Earith — Page 167—173
CHAPTER XL
3d of 12th Month, 1806, to the 8th of 4th Month, 1807.
Reflections on a prospect of visiting London and Middlesex
quarterly meeting. — Tottenham. — Plaistow. — TjOtten-
ham. — Southgate. — Grace-Church-Street monthly
meeting. — C'olghester— .... Page 174— «187
GONTENTS. a^
CHAPTER XII.
Slst of nh Month, 1808, to the 27th of 8th Month, 1809.
^arts with her nephews W. H. and J. Alexander —
with her sister Ann and brother William. — Visit (o
heads of funiihes in her own monthly meeting.—
York. — Returns home through Lincolnshire —
Page 188—193
Supplement by the Editor,
CoEtainingsorae account of her last journey, also of her
illness and decease— ..... Page 19i 208
ig^ Account of beoks puhlkhcd b)/ Wm. Alexander —
Page 209, 210
SOME ACCOUNT
OF THE
LIFE AND RELIGIOUS EXPERIENCE
OF
MARY ALEXANDER.
CHAPTER I.
Trom her Birth to the 8th Month, 1789.
^Remarks by the Editor, including a tesfunony conceni'
ing her mother. — Her inducement for writing these
memoirs. — A remarkable occurrence at \0 years old.
Her first impression respecting a gift in the ministry.
On reading the scriptures, plays, and ro7nances, — The
death of ker father, sister-in-law, a?2d a near friend,—-
Further exercise respecting the ministry.
\_ HE subject of these memoirs was born the
7th of 2d Month, 17G0, and was the daughter
of Dykes and Martha Alexander, of Needham
Market, in the county of Suffolk. Her father
was in the station of an elder, and her mother
in that of a minister. The decease of the lat-
B
12 SOME ACCOUNT OF
tei^ when my sister was about \6 years of age,
was a heavy loss to her ; as maternal care and
tenderness, can find many opportunities of pro-
tecting the youthful mind, which, from the
different avocations of the sexes, evade a father's
most assiduous care.
Tlie reader will be qualified to judge more
.completely of this loss, by perusing the follow-
ing testimony.
A short testimony from Woodbridge Monthly
Meeting, concerning Martha Alexander: —
" Our friend ISIartha Alexander, late wife of
Dykes Alexander, of !Needham Mai-iet, in the
county of Suffolk, was daughter of John and
Abigail Biddle, of Esher in Surry, both valua-
ble friends. Her mother dying when she was
young, her father was concerned to educate her,
and the rest of bis children, agreeably to their
station ; especially to bring them up, according
to the living principle of truth, and in the nur-
ture and admonition of the Lord.
" Our deceased friend was born the 13fh of
the 12th Month, 1726, and married the 18th of
the 12thMont!i; 1747. She became early sen-
MARY ALEXANDER, 13
sible of the reaches of Divine Grace in her own
heart, and embraced its heavenly visitations.
Earnestly desirons to obtain an abiding therein,
she submitted to the cross of Christ, renouncing
the pursuits of vanity and the pleasures of sin ; and
walking in circumspection, humility and the fear
of the Lord, about the year 1750, she found her
mind concerned to engage in the work of the
ministry; therein we doubt not but she endea-
voured to discharge herself faithfully, accorduig
to her measure.
" As she felt her mind drawii in tlie love of
truth, she visited friends in divers parts of the
nation; particularly in London and the parts
adjacent, in 1752, in company with Mary
Kirby; in the Isle of Ely and there away, 1753,
with Margaret Marsham ; in the county of Nor-
folk, 1771, with ISIary Gurney; and with the
same friend, she attended the quarterly meetings
of Lincoln and York in 1774; taking divers
meetings in the way both out and home.
*' She was not usually large in testimony, but
very tender, solid, and weighty ; a living exam-
ple of the doctrines she delivered, in conversa-
tion and conduct; a shining pattern of humility
B 2
14 SOME ACCOUNT OB
and patience, piety and charity ; faithful and
amiable in every relation of life ; alFectionately
united to the living in Israel ; kind and courteous
to her neighbours; sympathizing with the af-
flicted; and liberal to the needy of all deno-
minations.
*' She departed this life at her daughter Jesup's,
in Woodbridge, the 18th of the 9th Month,
3775; and her interment was respectfully at-
tended, both by friends and neighbours, at
Keedham Market, the 25th of the same. She
was aged near 49, a minister about 25 years."
By comparing the dates, the reader will find
that the writer of these memoirs was about 3S
years old when she thus commenced them.
nth Month 13th, 1798.
It is not with the smallest supposition that
any thing I may have to commit to paper, can
be likely to yield either edification or consola-
tion to those who survive me, that I am induced
to attempt to write down some circumstances of
my life hitherto : but I am led to do it, from a
belief which sometimes is the companion of my
MARY ALEXANDER. Ij
Miind, in solemn seasons, that to look back and
consider the merciful dealings of a gracious
Creator, with one of the least in his spiritual fa-
mily, (if worthy to conclude myself at all of
this number) and, as events may be broughfe
afresh to my remembrance, to pen them, may
tend to my own future satisfaction and instruc-
tion. If permitted to continue a few years longer
in this state of existence, I expect to experience
a partaking of the cup of mixtures. Should the
bitter diaught be more frequently dispensed
tlian the sweet consolations of His pure spirit,
who is the All-wise Physician, and who knows
best what potion is most convenient to keep the
immortal part in health, and in a state of readi-
ness to receive the crown of eternal life, may I
resignedly accept it, and increasingly seek for
ability to say with the great Pattern of submis-
sion :-— " Not my will, but thine be done."*
At a very early age I believe my mind was,
at times, visited with the heart-tendering power
of the Lord ; long before I knew what it was
that contrited my spirit before Him. This
led me to feel a very great love for such as I
esteemed good friends, and enabled me to plead.
* Lt'KE xxii. 42.
B .3
16 SOME ACCOUNT OF
their cause \vhen I heard some speak slightly of
them, on account of what were considered singu-
larities. My education did not subject me to
such frequent exposures as fall to the lot of
many, and perhaps of most ; yet there were sea-
sons when cncumstances of this sort did occur.
One in particular I remember. When about
10 years of age, I rebuked a person, who was
ridiculing one whom I believed to be a valuable
woman ; and the person's answer to me was—" I
make no doubt but you will be a preacher whe»
you grow up." I silently received what she said,
and felt a secret reward, which enabled me to
rejoice that 1 was permitted to bear my little
portion of suffering for espousing the good
cause. Yet sorrowful to remember, several
years after, 1 fear 1 should have felt less ability
to have done it, than at that early period ; but,
with reverent thankfulness I can acknowledge,
the wonderful goodness of a merciful God, who
never permitted me to go long unrebuked, when
I had wandered widely from his holy guidance.
About the seventeenth year of my age, as I
was sitting in a meeting at Woodbridge, I saw
clearly, that if I was faithful, I should, after a
time; be entrusted with a gift jn the ministry.
MARY ALEXANDER. 17
Xotwithstanding my having been so favoured, I
went afterwards much further from the simpli-
city of my guarded education, in divers respects,
than I had done before ; but mercy followed me
so nearly and closely, that at times my heart
was sad, though 1 was not guilty of any thing
which many thought much amiss of, for a young
person. I indulged however in many inclina-
tions and propensities, which required to be
slain by the sword of the Lord, before I could
be brought into 3 state of acceptance with Him.
At length my desires were earnest to witness
redemption from the world ; and, in the twenty-
third year of my age, one first day evening, after
1 came from a neighbouring meeting, in a solid
frame of mind, 1 went mto my chamber, and,
taking up the bible, opened it at the seventh
chapter of the Revelations, and read the two
last verses : " They shall hunger no more, nei-
ther thirst any more; neither shall the sun light
on them, nor any heat ; for the Lamb which is
in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and
shall lead theui unto living fountains of Maters :
and God shall wipe away all tears from their
eyes." On reading this passage my mind was
so opened to view this, precious state of departed
1-8 SOME ACCOUNT OP
ispirits, and, I believe, for a short space so permit-*
ted to participate their joy, that Peter-hke, I de-
sired I might build a tabernacle, or, in otheic
■words, continue in this blessed situation. How-
ever I was not allowed to abide long here ; for
as he was instructed to ]iea,r the beloved Son of
God, so it was given me to see, if ever I be-
came of that happy number, I also must hear
Him who " endured the cross, despising the
shame ;"*' and must experience a willmgness
wrought in my heart, to fill up my measure of
sufferings for the precious cause.
Soon after this time, I was permitted to share
largely in the gospel labours of several of the
Lord's anointed messengers; who were wonder-
fully led to minister to my state, and proved
that they were commissioned to preach the gos-
pel of glad tidings to such as were seeking a
city that hath foundations ; Avhich I humbly trust
was my situation. Among those who were thus
made helpful to my poor soul, was my beloved
friend William Matthews, of York Town,
Pennsylvania, whose fatherly attention and no-
tice, in so needful a season, will ever render
the remem]jrance of him dear to me ; while pre-
* Heb. xii. 2.
MARY ALEXANDER. 19
servatlon is mercifully granted to abide faithful
to the requisitions of a gracious Creator.
When my mind became thus far awakened,
and was seeking a better and more enduring
substance than had heretofore been my experi-
ence, oh ! how was my soul often contrited
before my heavenly Father, both in meetings
and retirement at home ; and he very frequently
caused my cup to overflow, so that my heart was
melted into such a state of humiliation before him
for past offences, as to enable me frequently to
cry unto him, that his eye might not spare, until
all within me was brought into subjection unto
his divine will. At this time I was favoured to
receive much comfort in reading the Holy
Scriptures, which I often took up when alone,
to my consolation and encouragement. Then,
deeply did I lament that any of my preci-
ous time had been spent in perusing publica-
tions of an unprofitable tendency; such as plan's
and romances; and I was made sensible that
nothing I had ever been in the practice of, had
so much alienated my mind from the love and
fear of God, or led me so far from the simpli-
city of the pure truth, as books of this kind.
How often did I wish I could warn the whole
no SOME ACCOrNT OF
Morld of their pernicious effects, and especially
the young people in our own society. Penning
this remark brings to my remembrance, how,
iii an instant, I was entirely weaned from ever
desiring again to look into a book of this de-
scription. It was by a few words expressed by
a beloved friend, when I was about reading to
her one night after we got up stairs, and were
retiring to bed. She queried with me, and I be-
lieve under divine influence, " Dear ISiary, is
such a subject likely to profit us upon our pil-
lows ?" The question so forcibly struck my
mind, that I very willingly laid down the volume,
and, 'to the best of my remembrance, I never
more read a page in that, or any thing of the
like kind. I have often thought those few
words were indeed " like apples of gold in
pictures of silver."*
In the fourth month of the year 178G, my
dear father was removed from us by death, after
an illness of several months ; during which time
my mind Mas often favoured with the conso-
lating presence of Him, who is strength in
weakness to his dependant children. This ena-
bled me to pass through that trying dispensa-
* PROV. XXV. 11.
MARY ALEXANDER. 21
tion in a manner I could not have expected ; yet,
after the final close of my beloved earthly pa-
rent, it pleased my heavenly Father to try me
with the loss of spiritual enjoyment also ; and,
for a long time, my poor mind was often in a very
distressed situation, " Tossed with tempest, and
not comforted."* Indeed this was a time of
sorrow both within and without ; fo? that day
nine weeks on which my father expired, my dear
sister Elizabeth Alexander, my brother Samuel's
wife, breathed her last, and left a disconsolate
husband and four tender children, besides many
otiier near connections, to mourn her loss.
Thus bereaved of beloved relatives, my bro-
ther William and myself agreed to continue to-
gether in our father's house; and my brother
Samuel was favoured with the company and
assistance of his wife's aunt, Mary Guruey,
who, from that time, resided with him and his
dear children. I believe she was made a bles-
sing to many of us, while we were permitted to
have her society amongst us; which was till the
autumn of the year 1788, when, after having
been out several weeks on religious service, she
was taken ill at her cousin Joseph Cockfield's,
at Upton, and, in a few days, departed this life,
* Isaiah liv, 11.
22 SOME ACCOUNT OF
I fully believe, in peace with her God, having
spent her last days in advocating his holy cause.*
Though a little out of the order of time, I
may here observe, that on the 7th of 6th month,
1787, was my final parting with William Mat-
thews and Rebecca Wright, gospel messengers
of peculiar good to my mind.
To return to my own situation : My poor
mind was long kept in a state of great inward
want, and I was sometimes ready to conclude
my God had forgotten to be gracious. In such
seasons, I have been willing to offer up all unto
him and his service, so that I might again taste
of his goodness : and, in this time of trial, I did
give up many things which I believed he called
for.
AVhilst in this situation, I had sometimes to
believe, that if I stood faithful, it would be re-
quired of me publicly to espouse that pure
Cause, which, notwithstanding all my exercises,
* Among the extracts from letters, added to Sarah
Gnibbs journal, is one peculiarly descriptive of this our
valued relative.— Dated 12ih Montb, 1788. See p. 389.
?nd Edit. Epitor.
MARY ALEXANDER. *l'[
.1 could feel Mas more precious to me than the
increase of any outward comforts; but the re-
moval of my before-mentioned beloved friend,
Mary Gurney, at such a juncture, was so great
a trial of my faith and confidence, that I was
almost ready to conclude it would now be im-
posssible for me ever to break through; though
I did earnestly covet resignation to the divine
will tlierein. In this situation of mind I attended
her burial, and though, I believe, at her grave, I
might have publicly boriie testimony of my be-
lief in her happy change ; yet, as I did not wil-
fully disobey what, I have since apprehended
•was a diviiie intimation, I did not feel much
■condemnation. It was some mondis after this
before I again felt as much as I did at that time ;
yet, frequently was I in great doubt and uueasi-
iiess, often feeling, as I thought, something to
<ommunicate, when in religious opportunities ;
but fearing I should begin in the great work of
public ministry, before the right time, I withiield
speaking. At other times, both at meetings
and at home, both by day and by night, I was
under very great .exercise lest I should be en-
lirelv mistaken, and that what I felt should not
be any right call to the ministry,
c
24 SOME ACCOUNT OP
This was my situation one niglit in the begin-
ning of the year 1789, when, after having lahi a
considerable time in close exercise of spirit, a
light whined round my bed, and 1 heard a voice
intelligibly say; " Thou art appointed to preach
the Gospel." Immediately the light disap-
peared, and I was left in an awful, thankful
frame of mind ; esteeming it an intimation
granted by Him, who alone knows the deep
conflicts of spirit I then experiftnced, lest I
should engage in liis <:ause without his com-
mand. Yet, even after this mark of divine con-
descension to my poor doubting mind, behig sin-
cerely desirous of abiding the full time in the
furnace preparatory for so important a work, it
was many weeks before I opened my lips, in
what I considered the work of the ministry. The
lirst time, was in the fifth month of this year, in
a religious opportunity in my brother Samuel's
family, I believe, in nearly the following words :
" When Peter in his vision, wherein he saw the
sheet let down from heaven, with that great va-
riety of living creatures, and heard a voice com-
manding him to kill and eat, refused fearing he
should do wrong in so doing; he, after his re-
fusal, heard the voice again saying unto him.
What God hath cleansed or sanctified, that call
^lot thou common.'^
MARY ALEXANDER.. 25
After I had uttered these sentences, my
soul was filled with tiie incomes of heavenly
consolation to such a degree, as 1 never before
had experienced, which I humbly received as a
token of Divine approbation for my evening's
sacrifice. Indeed so quiet and peaceful was my
mind for many days after, that I was ready to
conclude '^ the bitterness of death was past ;"*
that I never again should feel the distressing
eonfiicts which Ihad long endured; and that my
having thus far surrendered my will to the di-
vine will, would be accepted, and I never again
might feel a necessity of the like nature. But
I soon felt a similar engagement in meetings,
though not with as much clearness and strength
as that evening, and therefore did not venture
to speak until it was equally strong.
About ten weeks after the before-mentioned
time, on the first day of the week, and 26lh of
the 7th month, 1789, in our forenoon meeting,
I felt a very powerful intimation to stand up
and express a few words, and put out my hand
to lay hold of the seat which stood before me ;
but even then I drew back my hand and gave
it up ; for which I felt much more condemnation
* 1 Sam.. XV. Si;.
c C
2G SOME ACCOUNT or
than I ever had done before under like circum-
stances; and ^vent home in very great distress
of mind, which I feared I should not be able to
. conceal from my brother William uhile I sat at
dinner with him. "Whether he did discover my
situation or not, I cannot tell ; but as soon as the
table cloth Mas removed, I retired to my chamber,
and there made covenant with Him, whom I sor-
rowfully felt I had offended by my omission, that
if He would be mercifully pleased to try me in
the afternoon, with some new opening, I would
give up; fearing, if it were the same as in the
morning, that I might move too much from
any own feelings at that time, williout a suf-
ficient renewal of life. And, oh ! the unspeakable
condescension of a gracious Creator, when he
sees the integrity of the heart. I had not been
.seated many minutes in meeting, before the pe-
tition of Caleb's daughter was brought so forci-
bly, with such clearness, and in such a confirm-
ing manner before me, that I could not doubt
its being given me for communication : but it
was so early in the meeting, 1 thought I must
endeavour to bear my burden awhile, yet 'ear-
nestly begged I might be enabled to speak in
the right time. "While I was under these auful
impressions, a friend got up, and had a lively
MARY ALEXANDER. Q7
opportunity, though f knew not much of what
he said; for indeed my Own exercise at that time,
seemed all I could attend to. As soon as he
sat down, I stood up and began with the before-
mentioned petition : " Thou hast given me a
south land; give me also springs of water/' and
after commenting a little upon it, I sat down
full of peace.
This was twelve or thirteen years after I first
saw a prospect of receiving a call to the minis-
try, as I sat in a meeting at Woodbridge ; and
after this, which I then apprehended to be a
clear intimation of the divine will concerning
me, it was some years before I had any further
serious impressions respecting it. The transi-
tion from tribulation to joy \^ hich my mind ex-
perienced on my return home, from the aftei"-
noon meeting, was such as led me to crave of
my heavenly Father, that he would be pleased
to grant me ability to follow him faithfully in
the way of his holy requirings, from time to
time. For some weeks after my soul was often
enabled secretly to praise the Lord, as on the
banks of deliverance ; which encouraged me to
hope, notwithstanding all my foregoing omi|»>
sions; that He who sees the bent and intent o^"
c 3
S8 SOME ACCOUNT OP
every heart, knowing my exceeding great fear of
going too fast, had passed by my offences, and
■was now confirming to my mind, that to serve
him without reserve, was the way to ensure
comfort here, as well as everlasting happiness"
hereafter. Indeed I fully believe, that while it
is really a solid fear of running before the Lord
sends, which keeps back any sacrifice he is call-
ing for, especially in this important work, there
is less danger in trying the fleece again and
again, than in running too hastily forward; even
when a living engagement is felt: but to be pre-
served from erring on either hand, is a blessing
which can be witnessed only while the mind is
eno-aged to keep near to its only sure director,,
the unerring principle of Truth, and submits ta
be unreservedly guided thereby.
From such considerations, I have often felt
thankftdness raised in my heart, that while my
Blind was under the weighty exercises which
preceded my appearance in the ministry, and
which I believe some of my feeling friends,^ in
the vision of light, were permitted to behold,
that they used such great caution in intimating
the subject to me, as seldom to give me reason
to suppose they had any apprehension of my
MARY ALEXANDER. g^
real situation. I believe that minds thus cir-
cumstanced, are better left to the guidance of
Him who begins the work, to carry it on,
and bring forth fruit in his own season ; even
though, through fear or care, a state of jeopardy
may be somewhat prolonged ; rather than any
injudicious interference of others, should bring
the poor tribulated soul out of the preparatory
furnace, before the appointed baptisms are ful-
filled. I am fully aware, that the doubting
mind may sometimes be rightly encouraged to
obedience, by the countenance of those who
have had larger experience of the great Master's
dealings with his humble and tiuly-dependant
followers ; but I believe, beyond all doubt, that
a much greater number have suffered by bein^
injudiciously drawn forth, before the full ac-
complishment of all the dispensations which the-
Lord sees meet for them to pass through.
6^ SOME ACCOUNT OV .
CHAPTER II.
1790 to 12th Month, 1793.
Her condition after appearing in the ministry. — Visit to
a friend. — Acknowledged as a minister. — Visit to
families at Woodbridge and Ipswich. — Korwich
Quarterly Meeting. — Deep exercises of mind. — Bec~
cics JSIonthly Meeting. — Bury Monthly Meeting.—*
IVoodbridge Monthly Meeting.
In the course of the first twelve months after
I opened my mouth in meetings, I was permit-
ted to experience many different dispensations.
Some of them Avere seasons of very great deser-
tion of all good, which led me often to a close
searching of heart, to know whether I kept pace
■with my heavenly Guide, or wheiher I ran be-
fore or staid behind him in my little religious
jnovements. I tliink it was not often that my
heart condemned me; but when it did, it was
for omission rather than for commission : and,
oh ! how did my soul often covet the blessing
of resignation to the divine will, that 1 might
be enabled to endure all the turnings and over-
turnings of his holy hand upon me; so that I
might be thereby prepared to accomplish the
work he should be pleased to assign me, in his
hv use and family; if worthy to be esteemed the
smallest of his dedicated servants*
MARY ALEXANDEr.. 3l
In the autumn of tliis year, 1790, for many
weeks, at times, I was brouglit into a secret
engagement, and I trmst I may say, according
to my measure, travail of soul, on account of a
friend in this county who, I fully believe, had
been an anointed minister of the gospel; but
through unwatchfulness, his brightness was much
eclipsed. At length my feelings were so closely
arrested, as to lead me to apprehend I should
not get clear of the exercise I felt on his ac-
count, without going to pay him a visit, though
many miles distant ; which I made known to my
brother Samuel, who kindly accompanied me, in
the forepart of the 12th month. Although I
know not that the visit availed much to the indi-
vidual ; yet I was favoured with strength to re-
lieve my own mind, and came home in peace.
1791. In the fourth month of this year, I
was recommended to our select monthly meet-
ing as a minister in unity. This circumstance
brought a very heavy exercise over my mind,
fearing friends had not had sufficient proof of
my religious movements, to warrant their no-
ticing me after this manner ; and earnest were
my cries to Him, who I humbly hoped had put
uie forth in so a^vful a vocation; that he would
32 SOME ACCOUNT OF
be pleased to grant such a portion of the l)Ies-
sing of preservation, as to enable nie to move for-
ward without bringing any dishoiiour on his pure
cause. And oh ! may a care of this sort, be ever
the attendant of my mind, under all the various
dispensation of an unerring Providence ; seeking
more and more after ability, so to steer along
through this probationary state, as that " neither
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor
things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any
other creature, may be able to separate" my
poor soul " from the Love of God which is in
Christ Jesus our Lord."* Such a care is need-
ful to preserve, from time to time, in unreserved
obedience to a?l His divine requisitions.
In the eleventh month this year, I visited, la
company with a committee of our monthly
meeting, the families of friends in Woodbridge ;
and though it was not much that was required
of me, yet, in a few families, I felt my heart en-
larged in gospel love, beyond what I had here-
tofore experienced; and in the close was fa-
voured to feel solid satisfaction. Some of the
committee being about to engage in a similar
visit at Ipswich, a week or two after, I thought
* Rom. viii, 38, 39.
MARY ALEXANDER. 33
I felt it my duty to unite \\ith them again; yet,
many were my fears lost I should be mistaken
in my feelings, thinking that possibly what I
then felt, might arise only from a degree of sym-
pathy with some of my beloved friends of the
committee ; and, not being one myself, it seemed
to require a clearer evidence than if 1 had been
under the appointment, though it was left open
for any friend of the monthly meeting to join,
who felt the weight of the service. For one
so little experienced in the important work to
make a second attempt, under such circum-
stances, I thought would be looked upon to be
rather forward ; and indeed I sometimes feared,
that my getting through at Woodbridge with a
good degree of satisfaction, might too readily
encourage me to go forth again, without a suf-
ficient commission from Him who putteth forth
liis own, and goeth before them. Therefore I
coveted permission to try the tleece bodi wet
vand dry, which 1 think was mercifully granted ;
and I joined my friends in a humble hope, that
whether it should please my great and gracious
Master to employ me in advocating his precious
cause, or permit me silently to visit the pure
seed in the hearts of his people, I might be
able to say in sincerity^ " Thy will be done."
34 SOME ACCOUNT OV
Abundant cause have 1 to acknowledge the
goodness of an All-powerful Creator, who
proved himself to be strength in my weakness,
•and granted the riches of his love to be emi-
nently shed amongst us, in divers families ;
whereby he mercifully evinced that he was both
able and willing to be unto his dependant chil-
dren, a present help in the needful time. A
portion of that peace which surpasseth every
other consideration, was felt in my return home ;
and raised a tribute of thankfulness in my heart
unto Him, to whom I desire ever to render the
praise of his own works.
In the latter end of this year, in company
with my brother Dykes Alexander and two
other friends, I attended Norwich quarterly
uieeting; and though we were not permitted- to
experience any great aboundings of heavenly
good ; yet I tiust we were strengthened by the
Shepherd of Israel, to visit the oppressed seed
in captivity in that city. After the meeting
closed, on fourth day afternoon, the 28th of
IGth month, we left the place in peace, and
went to Yoxford that night. The next morning
we went to \^'oodbridge, and attended the burial
of our mucli-valued fiiend, ]\Jartha Steward;
MARr ALEXANDER. 3^
there that day ; in the evening went to Ipswich ;
and on sixth day morning I came to Needham.
For some weeks after my return home, my
mind was, at times, richly replenished with the
incomes of my heavenly Father's love, so that
I could indeed " rejoice in the Lord, and joy in
the God of my salvation."* But, alas! when
a very different dispensation was permitted,
which w as my experience by far the greater part
of the year 1 792, then, oh then ! I found it hard
work, and many times altogether impossible to
acknowledge with the prophet, that " although
the fig-tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit
be in the vines : the labour of the olive shall
fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flocks
shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall
be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in
the I^ord, I will joy in the God of my salva-
tion."]: Fully convinced I vvas of the truth of
David's declaration, where he says, "Thy people
shall be willing in the day of thy power :f and,
in that day only, I saw it was that the poor
frail mind could be brought into a state of
resignation, to receive its appointed portion of
suft'ering for the precious cause sake. Yea, I was
* Hab. jii. 18. t, Bab. iii. 17, 18, t Psax. qx. 3.
So SOME ACCOUNT OF
sometimes mercifully enabled to see, in this time,
M'hei-ein all sensible refreshment was withheld
from my soul, that great caution was necessary
not to meddle with any forbidden fruit, or set
up any graven image in the absence of my spi"
ritual Moses.
Sometimes, in the anguish of my heart, I have
Ijeen strengthened to cry unto Him who know-
cth the secrets of all hearts, " Though thou slay
me, yet will I trust in thee :"* And in such sea-
sons it has been shown me, I trust, in the vision
of light, that if evei' I knew a full release from
the present bondage, it must be by going back
to the place I had once left in peace, even to
the city of Norwich, and there visit my friends,
from house to house ; though I might thereby
become a " spectacle to angels and to men." |
This was indeed humiliating to the natural
part ; yet I can honestly say that my mind was
many times brought into a state of resignation
thereto, if I might but be favoured to have a
suitable companion in the work; and, after
many months of close exercise, I believed this
would be granted, when the full time should
come to enter upon the engagement. Here I
* Job xiii. 15. + 1 Coh. iv. 9,
•M.AUY ALEXAN^DER. 37
%vas permitted to leave the subject for a while,
and my mind became, iiv some degree, relieved '
from its former exercises j so that I was enabled
to engage in some little services at and about
home. This I esteemed a mercy granted by my
heavenly Father, having " lain long among tlie
pots,"* cast off and useless, and often been ready
to query, " Can these bones live f ":j:
About this time, at our summer quarterly
meeting, held atWoodbridge, in the 6th month,
1793, three other friends from the women's
meeting, and myself, were appointed to visit the
monthly meeting of Beccles, and the prepara-
tive meetings constituting it. A committee of
men friends having been previously nominated
to visit all the monthly meetings in the county>
some of them united with a part of our com-
iiiittee to Beccles, in the 8th month following.
My friends Hannah Evens and Martha Brew-
ster, were my female companions ; and we
were favoured to get through beyond our own
expectation ; yet, after my return home, I did
not feel that evidence of divine acceptance
wliich had sometimes been my experience, at the
close of a little act of dedication. I was how-
* PsAL, Ixviii, 13, t EzEK, xsxvij. 3,
D 2
•:58 SOME ACCOUNT OF
ever desirous of dwelling quietly in this
condition, believing that when He who knows
best what is best for us, is pleased so to favour,
he can yield the desired confirnxation of peace ;
and to be kept in a stiate of waiting, is often a
profitable, though to the creaturely part, a
humbling dispensation. Therefore, when it is
consistent with the great Master's will to with-
hold the precious proof of acceptance, for any
little acts of obedience, it is most assuredly his
servants' duty to seek after submission to him,
and ability to trust in his infinite wisdom for the
food convenient; remembering the counsel of
the good Counsellor, where he says, " When ye
shall have done all those things which are com-
manded you, say, We are unprofitable servants :
we have done that which was our duty to do."*
As the committee of men friends had not,
previously to our quarterly meeting, held in th^
9th month, proceeded in their visit further than
with us, it appeared most satisfactory to the
women's meeting to contmue our committee,
which some of us willingly acquiesced with,
not feeling our minds rightly liberated from the
work ; and we w ere left at liberty to unite with
the men's committee in all, or any part of tk<
* Luke xvii. 10.
MARY ALEXANDER. V^
remaining engagement, as way might open for
it. In the 1 1th month we went through tlie
monthly meeting of Bury : no small addition to
the weight of the prospect to me, was the loss-
of the company of my beloved friend Martha
Brewster, who was at that time very unwelL
My female companions were my friends Hai>-
nah Evens and Anna Perry, and we, as well as the
men friends, were all of us striplings ; yet 1 be-
lieve we were favoured to experience the mark
of discipleship, in that we had love one to ano-
ther ; and we were enabled to move on harmo-
niously together. In the close of our visit we
were favoured to feel a degree of that sweet
quietude of mind which is not at our command ;
and, therefore, I trust, it might be received as a-
token of divine acceptance; and some of ouF
hearts were filled with thankful admiration, for
the goodness and gracious condescension of our
Heavenly Helper.
In the 12th month we went through Wood-
bridge monthly meeting, ended our mission
peacefully, and carried a written report of our
proceedings to the next quarterly meeting, hel4
the seventeenth of the same month.
D 3
'^<? SOME ACCOUNT OV
CHAPTER III.
1st Month, 1794, to lOtb Month, 1795.
T^isits Norwich, SfC. — Decease of an intlkidual at
Needham. — William Bleckley's decease.-— Burial of
M. Crowley. — Cambridgeshire and Huntingdon-
shire—Lincolnshire, and York quarterly meeting.
Very soon after the close of the visit to the
monthly meetings, &c. my mind became again
deeply impressed with the before-mentioned
prospect of visiting the families of friends at
Norwich ; and with such an increased weight,
that I believed the time for entering into that
engagement was dra\ving nigh. Ardently did I
crave of my Almighty Father that he would be
pleased to guide me in every step that I took
concerning it, and to give me some undoubted
evidence of the right time to move therein, and
of my right companion in the work. And I
think I did repeatedly see, when my mind, I
humbly trust, was brought in some degree vm-
der his instruction, that I was to unite with a
friend herein, who about this time had a certi-
ficate from York monthly meeting, for visiting
the cities of Norwich, London, and Bristol. I
laid my prospect of visiting the families of
MAEY ALEXANDER. 41
friends at Norwich, before our monthly meet-
ing in the beginning of the first month, 1794,
and obtained the concurrence of my friends for
the same.
On 3d day, the 21st of the 1st month, we
commenced our visits in that place, by having
sittings in two families. The next day we at-
tended the burial of a young man at Tasburgh,
which proved a solemn meeting ; and I believe,
to some minds, it was an instructive and aw-
fully awakening time ; a day wherein the invi-
tation of the spirit of Christ, was renewed plen-
teously and preciously, to some who had long
been halting as between two opinions.
We dined at Thomas Broadbank's, and re-
turned to Norwich in the afternoon, where we
had two sittings more that evening. If ever I
knew what it was to be " baptized for the
dead,"* I think I did experience it in the course
of my visit through this place. It was a season
of very close exercise. Sometimes I was shut
up in silence for several sittings together, in
great poverty of spirit; and sometimes when
utterance was granted, but little relief was ob-
* 1 Cor. XV. 29.
42 SOME ACCOUNT OJ!
tained ; so that I was ready often to doubt
whether all that I had ever felt, concernmg this
engagement, was not a delusion of the great ad-
versary of mankind : Yea, I was fearful lest I
had put my hand unbidden to the Lord's work,
and, Uzzah like, might fall a victim to the dis-
pleasure of an offended Creator. But, blessed
be the name of Israel's God, and 1 humbly trust
my holy Leader, when I had filled up such a por-
tion of sufi;ering for his pure seed's sake, as he^
saw meet to appoint, he was pleased to say, " It
is enough,"* and, " to proclaim liberty to the
captive ; and the opening of the prison to that
which was bound."^; Then I was, in some families,
enabled to tell of the Lord's gracious dealings
with my soul, thereby endeavouring to persuade
others, to inlist under the banner of the Lamb^.
who is also " the lion of the tribe of Judah, the
root of David, "f who was found worthy, and still
is, " to take the book, and open the seals
thereof." Thus, notwithstanding all the pro-
bationary seasons allotted me in this city, the
supporting and sustaining arm of never-failing
power, was experienced to be near, at times, to
my humbling admiration ; and, on leaving the
place, I was permitted to receive a little por-
* 2 SaMo xxiv. 16. * Isaiah Ixi. 1. t Rev. v. 5»-
MARY ALEXANDER. 43
tion of " the oil of joy for mourning, and the
garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness."*
At different times, whilst we were at Nor-
wich, we visited three neighbouring meet-
mgs, besides the burial before mentioned, viz. on
first day the 2d of the second month, Wymond-
hani ; Lammas week day meeting on fourth day
the 5th; and Lammas monthly meeting, held
at North Walsham, on second day the tenth of
the same month.
We left Norwich on fourth day, the 1 2th of tlie
2d month, and went to Tasburgh. On fifth
day, the 13th, my brother William met us at
Tasburgh, and we all attended the monthly meet-
ing there. Next day, the 14th, we had meet-
ings at Tivetshall and Diss. On seventh day,
the 15th, my companion, my brother W. A.
and myself, went to Beccles; and visiting the
meetings of friends at Pakefield, Leiston, Wood-
bridge, and Ipsvv'ich on our way, we arrived,
on fifth day the 20th of the second month,
at Needham, in time for the week day meeting.
On the 21st and 22d my companion and myself
having felt a little engagement to sit with some
* Isaiah Ixi, 3,
44 SOME ACCOUNT OF
of the families constituting this meeting, we
proceeded, and were favoured to feel satisfac-
tion in our movements therein ; and had to be-
lieve, it was a time of renewed visitation of
heavenly goodness to some minds, who had been
long called to work in the Lord's vineyard ; the
vineyard of their own hearts.
After visiting a few meetings in Essex, my
brother William and myself returned home,
where I was favoured to receive a peaceful
release from the little field of exercise and
labour which I trust had been by divine ap-
pointment allotted me. And, at times, I felt,
gladness of heart, that I had been permitted to
suffer with the pure suffering seed ; and could
say, with the psalmist, " Gracious is the Lord
and righteous ;, yea, our God is merciful. The
Lord preserveth the simple: I was brought low,
and he helped me."*
First day, the 30th of third month. This was
an awful day to me. It was the final close of
poor ■ He was once of our society, and
my mind had often deeply felt on his account, be-
lieving the Lord had long been inviting him, to-
* PsAL, cxvi. 5, 6.
MARY ALEXANDER- 45
■*' give diligence to make his calling and elec-
tion sure,"* before the solemn message was sent
unto him of, " Thou shall die, and not live.":!;
And thankful I was, that we had attended to
the little pointing of duty, in stepping into some
families here, after our return from Norwich ;
believing, to this poor man, it was permitted to
be a season of peculiar visitation from the Most
High ; and it appeared to dwell with him to his
«nd; which was about live weeks afterwards.
He was ill only two days. His wife remarked,
after his removal, that from the time of our
visit, he had appeared quite an altered man ;
very solid and thoughtful ; and that she had several
times found him in his chamber with his bible,
-a circumstance which, I think she said, she had
never before observed. When I called at his
house, a little after he expired, I did believe^
from the precious quiet I was permitted to feel,
that his spirit was received into rest, which
liumbled my soul, and all within me, before
Him, whose " tender mercies are over all his
^vorks."t At the burial we were favoured with
a solemn meeting.
In the twelfth month this year, I attended
the interment of our friend William Bleckley,
* 2 P£T, i. 10. i 2 Kings xx. 1. t Psal. cxlv. 9,
46 SOME ACCOUNT OF
of Long Stratton, in Norfolk. It was a time
of divine favour; many hearts M'ere humbled,
and greatly lamented the church's loss, in the
removal of one, who was engaged to maintain
the law and the testimony given to us, as a
people, to support. I was with him several
times within the last few months of his life, at dif-
ferent meetings, which were seasons of solid satis-
faction to my mind at the time, and I could now
review them with comfort. Much did I desire
that those who felt their loss in his removal,
and particularly his near relatives, might be
willing to follow him as he had endeavoured to
follow Christ. I believe it was a day of merci-
ful visitation to several of his beloved offspring ;
who, I trust, have since been made sensible of
the truth of David's declaration where he says :
" A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the
widows, is God in his holy habitation."'*
1795. In the forepart of this year, in com-
pany with two of my brothers, I attended the
burial of my beloved friend Mary Crowley.
She departed this life on the 17th of the second
month ; and was interred after a meeting at
Pevonshire-House, London, in friends' burial
* PsAL, Ixviii, 5.
MARY ALEXANDER. 4^
ground, near Bunhill-Fields, on the 24th of the
same month. After my return home, though
it was not a journey which I cpnsidered in the
line of religious duty; yet it was one, I could
look back upon with a peaceful calm, and with
thankfulness to the great Author of every com-
fort; rejoicing that I endeavoured to pay the
last tribute of affection to an endeared friend,
removed a little before me, from the conflicts of
time, I humbly hope, to the joys of eternity.
Soon after my return from the above-men-
tioned journey, my mind became, at times,
closely brought into exercise, under the re-
newal of a prospect, of visiting the meetings of
friends in the quarterly meeting of Cambridge-
shire and Huntingdonshire ; accompanied w ith
a belief, that the time was drawing near, in
■which I must confess it to my friends, and re-
quest dielr concurrence; and that without any
knowledge of a companion. This increased
the weight of the prospect; but before I had
opened the subject to any one, our friends Ann
Tuke and Rachel Fowler, came into this coun-
ty, on a religious visit; the latter expecting to
leave Ann after attending our quarterly mect-
E
48 SOME ACCOUKT OF
ing, and that for Norfolk and Norwich, in the
sixth month this year. Finding that A. T.'s
prospect was to go from these counties directly
into Cambridgeshire and Huntingdonshire, way
opened with satisfactory clearness for me to
propose uniting with her. Accordingly I laid
my pros|7ect before our monthly meeting, and
obtained the concurrence of my friends to join
her through that quarterly meeting, and else-
where as way might open. 1 met her at Bury
on the 13th of the 7tli month; and accompanied
her to some meetings in this county, both among
friends, and, in some places, where the inhabi-
tants were generally invited. In Cambridge-
shire and Huntingdonshire, we visited all the
meetings of friends ; we also had many meetings
in different places with people of other persua-
sions; amongst whom we met with many well-
disposed, serious, seeking minds.
After we got through that quarterly meeting,
not seeing my way clear to return home, I
continued with my beloved friend through
Lincolnshire; where we visited all the meetings
of friends, and had many public meetings, as in
the other counties. Vv'e afterwards continued
together to York, m here my brother William met
MARY ALEXA\DER. 49
me, and we staid llie quarterly meeting there iii
the 9th month; and, widi A.Tuke, visited a few
meetings in that county. We" also attended the
marriage of Joshua and Elizabeth Wheeler, on
our return to York ; after wliich my brother
and myself left York again, Henry and Ann
Take accompanying m to Lincoln quar-
terly meeting ; where we parted. They re-
turned to York, and we came home, where we
arrived on seventh day tlie 10th of tenth month,
and were favoured to meet our connexions
well.
Tliankfulness was raised in my heart, for the
many mercies bestowed by a bountiful giver:
although many and various were the trials
permitted to attend me, during this separation
from my outward habitation. Some were of a
nature, wherein patience and resignation were
closely tried, so that I sometimes Vx'as almost
ready to conclude, I had lost all power of ever
again experiencing ability, even to lift up my
eyes to heaven, and crave tlie blessing of pre-
servation for my own soul. Yet after a dis-
pensation of this sort, through merciful conde-
scension, light did sometimes arise out of ob-
E <2
50 SOME ACCOUNT OF
scuiity, and the darkness, before experiencet?,
became as the noon day : so that through al!*,
at my return home, I eould set up my Ebe-
nezer and acknowledge, " Hitherto hath the-
Lord helped nie/'*
* 4 lAM, *i), If *
MAHY ALEXANDER. ^J,
CHAPTER IV.
22d of llth Montli, 1795, to the 8th of 2d Monti), 173G-.
A meeting af Walton — Behenham — Writes to a friend
impriso7ied on account of titJies.
Some friends feeling their minds drawn to-
wards the inhabitants of Walton in this count}' ;
our monthly meeting appointed a meeting to be
held there, on first day the 22d of the eleventh
month this year. It proved a season OM'ned in
a very precious manner, by the great Master of
assemblies ; and some of our hearts were bowed
in humble thankfidness, under a sense of his
gracious goodness, and returned home in peace.
J 796. For several of the latter weeks in
last year, my mind was very closely tried, widt
an appreliension of its being required of me, to
have a meeting with the inhabitants of Debeu-
ham in this county. As the impression ap-
peared to ripen, it proved a. very weighty cir-
cumstance to me, not knowing of anv one wlio
felt a similar concern. I was brought under
great exercise, lest I should move in this im-
portant work, in a false zeal, unbidden by the
great and good Minister of miivstersj and I
E 3
■^^ SOME ACCOUNT Of
earnestly coveted to receive some undoubted
evidence of its rectitude, before I attempted
to mention it to my friends. This was merci-
fully granted; and the day and hour for hold-
ing the meeting pointed out with such clear-
ness, that i could not doubt the evidence re-
ceived. At our monthly meeting, in the first
month this year, I laid the subject before my
friends; who affectionately sympathized with
me in my prospect, and, feeling unit} therewith,
the men's meeting appointed a committee, to
provide a suitable place for holding the meet-
ing in, on the IQth of this, month. The com-
mittee, with several other friends, accompanied
me there at the time fixed. My brother Samueii
and my dear friend Martha Brewster, were of
the number, and weie fellow-labourers in the
gospel mission. We were favoured to have an
open meeting, and I think I may say, parted
with the people in much good will ; some of
them, I believe, having been reached, under the
prevalency of the power of the great Shepherd
and Bishop of souls. My mind was permitted
to experience, for some weeks after, a sabbath
©f rest; which was cause of thankful rejoicing,
having previously past some time of deep
«ixiety; yet, I think I was not insensible, under
MARY ALEXANDEK. 53
this change of situation, of the necessity of
watching, lest I should take my flight upon the
sabbath day. I believe that after the mind has
been sti-engthened to perform any act of dedi-
cation, which yields a portion of peace, there is
great need to guard against erring on this hand.
Yea, surely !' under every dispensation of a gra-
cious and all-wise providence, there is occasion
to crave ability to maintain a constant depen-
dance upon Himj and oa the guidance of his
good Spirit.
When at York in the autumn of last year, I
visited several friends imprisoned, in the castle
tiiere, for refusing to pay some priests' de-
mands. Not fully clearing my mind, at that
time, of the sympathy and solicitude I felt for
them, and, after my return home, reeeiving an
acceptable letter from one of their company, I
wrote an answer ; from which the following is
an extract, dated the 8th of the 2d month this
year.
" Dear friend!
Having frequently felt my mind
bended towards thyself, and thy companions
in outward bonds, since 1 passed a little time
with you in your prison house, it was very grate-
ful to receive thy token of kind remembrance..
$4 SOME ACCOUNT OF
It renewed my sympathy towards thyself in
particular, believing thou art often secretly co-
veting that the precious cause, for which you.
suffer, may not be let fall, in the smallest de-
gree, through unwatchfulness, in any of those
who have so avowedly espoused it, as to submit
themselves to be separated from their nearest
outward connections, rather than bawlk the
testimony given them to bear to the great Mi-
nister of ministers; without whose divine aid,
none can really profit tlie people by their mini-
stry. And oh ! that all you who have thus given.
vip your names to reproach, may be willing to
remember, that there is need to seek after daily
bread, even in your obscure dwelling ; and to
feel the sustaining arm of never-failing Power
to be near, not only to support the mind in a
cheerful submission to the present trial of faith
and patience, but also to afford a portion of
strength to go in and out before the people,
within the walls of that place. Many of them,
I am ready to believe, from my past and pre-
sent feelings, are looking towards your little
company; and if all are concerned singly to eye
the captain of our salvation, your suffering may
tend to the exaltation of the precious name of
Jesus in the hearts of some of them. I have
also believed; dear friends, that it is the gracious
MARY ALEXANDER. 5S
design of our Holy Head, if this is your indi-
vidual concern, so to sanctify this afflictive dis-
pensation to some of you, as thereby to enlarge
your inward acquaintance and communion with
Himself; yea, to increase your store of durable
riches and righteousness. And thou, my friend,
with whom I am particularly corresponding;
situated as thou art, amidst such a mixture of
irreligious characters, as inhabit the different
apartments in your prison ; I make no doubt
but thy feeling mind is, at times, introduced
into spiritual bondage ; and perhaps darkness
may be the covering thereof, in sympathy with
the pure seed in the hearts of others; and thy
conflicts and exercises may be many and va-
rious. Notwitlistanding this may be thy fre-
quent experience, I trust thou art, at other
times, admitted to that peaceful retreat, where
the Lord's table is spread with the dainties of
his own house, and which is an ample compensa-
tion for many deep probations. And I believe
thou wilt be favoured with a continuance of
the like sustaining power : far truly he is not
wanting in compassion to his dependmg dedi-
cated children ; but, unto such, a morsel of
food will be handed iu due season."*
* Of this friend, Joseph Brown, there is a very pleasant
accoiHit ; see Piety Promoted, part 10, by J. G. Bevan, 1810.
Editor,
i?0 SOME ACCOUNT OP
CHAPTER V.
9th Month, 1796, to the 3d Month, 1798.
Her brother IVilUani'sinayriage, S^-t. — Visits some meet-
ings in companij uith S.Harrison andS. Birkbcck. —
Deep conjlict of mind. — Visit to the Principality of
Wales, 4'C- — Yearly meeting at Welch Pool.i--CoaU
Irook Dale. — Left her sister Ann at London yearly
meeting, — Joined her again at Flaistow. — Visits
Hertfordshire, S)C. — Macclesfield quarterly meeting.
Wrexhatn in Wales. — Account of their visit to the
Principality — Melkshajn — is ill there — goes to Ciren-
cester and returns home, — A dream. — Settles in her
new habitation.
In the ninth month this year, 1796, my bro-
ther William married my beloved friend Ann
Tuke. Previously to their marriage, they
kindly proposed my continuing a resident in
their family after it; but, on considering the
subject, I felt most easy to decline their affec-
tionate offer: tliough not without an intention
of staying with them for some months after
their union ; which I accordingly did.
Our friend Sarah Harrison, of Philadelphia,
accompanied by Sarah Birkbeck, of Settle, in
Yorkshire, was, in the latter part of this year.
MARY ALEXANDER. 5/
in our count}'. Besides visiting all the meet-
ings of friends, she had many among other peo-
ple, and divers of tlrem where no friends meet-
ings had been remembered before. Having
looked towards some of the places with a simi-
lar prospect, before her coming this way, it was
relieving to my mind, to have the opportunity
of accompanying her, and her companion, to
several of the said meetings; and also to a few
in Essex. In the third month, 1797, I met
them again, in Essex, was with them sit two or
three more public meetings, and was favoured
in the close to feel peace.
Very soon after these engagements, my mind
had to experience much inward want, indeed to
.pass through a season of deep conflict, and of
sore exercise; wherein it seemed to me as
though my soul's enemy was let loose, with an
unlimited power to buffet me at his will. Never
had I known my faith and confidence in Infinite
Goodness so nearly overcome before. Almost
continually, for several weeks, was my mind in
a state comparable to being " Tossed with
tempest, and not comforted,"* and left without
■iene grain of lively hope, which might have been
* Isaiah liv. 11,
i8 SOME ACCOUNT OP
as an anchor to the soul. Some of my near
connexions were sensible that my situation
was a trying one, yet none knew how bitter was
the anguish I felt, but He who knows all
things. My health became impaired, and, at
times, I was ready to conclude 1 should sink
away under the exercise 1 felt; though without
any degree of cheering hope that my sufferings
would end with my natural life. Could I have
once believed this, oh ! how should I have co-
veted such a release. But, peradventure, had
this belief been experienced, I might have felt less ]
ability to have sought after patient resignation
to bear the present trial; though I am fully
convinced, I was often too apt to cast away
my confidence in holy help ; and not enough
careful to abide at all times on . the watch-
tower; nor always willing enough to stay in the
ward this whole dark night. Alas ! how hardly
does the creaturely part bend to suffering.
During this season of close exercise with me,
my sister Ann at our monthly meeting in the
third month, opened a prospect she had, of pay-
ing a religious visit to the Principality of
Wales, and counties adjacent. For several
yearS; I had had a similar prospect; and; some
MARY ALEXANDER. *»9
months before, had believed we should unite in
this journey ; yet, now, all former views were
closed, and I could see no way to move for-
ward; and earnestly did I covet to be preserved
from warming myself by the sparks of my own
kindling, or putting forth my hand unbidden in
so important a work: yet having passed through
some very trying seasons, I was made willing
thereby to be any thing or nothing, so that I
might again experience, " the Lord to lift up
his countenance upon me, and give me peace."*
When I felt any thing like a willingness of this
sort, oh I how did the cruel accuser endeavour
to insinuate, that I had already overacted my
part, in being too forward to lend a hand in
what I had thought the Lord's work ; and
thereby had incurred his displeasure, wounded
my friends, and brought this state of spiritual
death over my own mind : but boundless mercy
was pleased now, sometimes to aiford a little
portion of his calming influence, which, in some
degree, stilled the boisterous waves and enabled
me, at times, to look forward with hope, that I
should again be permitted to experience the
animating rays of " the Sun of righteousness,^''^
to dispel the thick darkness in which my j>oor
mind had been, and still was enveloped.
* Numb. vi. 26, * Maj,. jv. 2.
60 SOME ACCOUNT OP
In this situation I went to our monthly meet-
ing in the fourth month, where I ventured to
inform my friends what my former views had
been, and that within a sliort time they had ap-
peared to be reviving, but 1 thought them still
so faint, I desired to cast myself entirely upon
tliem to judge for me. This I did under a
greater sense of weakness than I had ever
opened any thing of the like natur« before; yet
it so far made its way with the meeting, as to
get a liberation at that time, for me to visit the
Principality of Wales, and counties adjacent.
My sister Ann and myself, left home toge-
ther, accompanied by my brother William, on the
l6th of the fourth month, and went to Bury ; in-
tending for the Welch yearly meeting, to be held
the following week, at Welchpool, in Mont-
gomeryshire. On o*.H' way w-e passed through
Kettering, in Northamptonshire, and Coalbrook
Dale, in Shropshire, and attended meetings
there. On third day, the 2jth of 4th month, we
got to Welchpool; and on fourth, fifth, and sixth
days was held the yearly meeting there. At the
close thereof, not seeing our way as we had
expected, to proceed in our visit to the Princi-
pality, we concluded to return to Coalbrook
MARY ALEXANDER. 6t
Dale, and accordingly got back to Shrewsbury
on seventh day. My sister stopped by the way to
have a meeting that afternoon, at a small village
we passed through in going; but, finding myself
very unwell, and not feeling any thing in my own
inind for the meeting, I went on ; and left her
in company with our dear friends Deborah
Darby, R. Young, and others.
On first day we attended a morning meeting
at Shrewsbury, in which I was favoured to feel
a little strength, to relieve my mind, of an exer-
cise I had felt for some individuals then present
whom I had seen, and felt for before at ^V'elch-
pool. In the evening we had a public meeting,
which for a considerable time was very exer-
cising, yet in the close aiforded some satisfac-
tion. On second day, we came back to Coal-
brook Dale. Third day, \^ e attended the week-
day meetuig there, in Mhich neither of us had
any thing to communicate ; but in the course of
the meeting 1 thought I saw clearly, that we
must go from house to house among ihemj
and, after meeting, I mentioned it to my sister,
who 1 then found, had had a similar prospect-
Tliis evening we had a public meeting at a
Beighbouriug village. From fourth day the 3d
03 SOME ACCOUNT OF
of the fifth month, to fourth day the 10th of the
same, in company with our beloved friend
R. Young, we visited the families of friends in
the meetings of Newdale and Coalbrook Dale,
iu which my brother, who was still with us,
united; and his company and help were very
acceptable to us. A few sittings I was pre-
vented attending from indisposition ; and in
some others I sat uuder great suffering, both of
foody and mind, so much so that I was, at times,
ready to doubt the rectitude of my having left
home ; yet I had, at others, the satisfaction of
seeing my beloved companions were rightly en-
gaged, which tended to bear up my drooping
mind ; having been in some sort the means of
encouraging them to give up to this service.
Though, in the performance thereof, I was but
of little help to them ; yet, in the close, I be-
lieve none of us had cause to repent giving up
to what we had apprehended to be a required
duty. Fifth day the 11 th, I staid at Coalbrook
Pale, being very unwell ; and my sister had a
public meeting at a place at a short distance, and
returned to me after it.
Sixth day. We had not, either of us, been
ablQ to come at any satisfactory clearness re^
MARY ALEXANDER. Cj
specting our future movements, till this morn-
ing, when I thought a little light arose in my
mind, with a pointing towards Cheshire, which
we were glad to accept. Our dear friends D.
Darby and R. Young intending to set out this af-
ternoon, for London yearly meeting,, and having
appointed a public meeting to be held this even-
ing at Bridgenorth, we accompanied them there,
expecting the next day to part with them at
that place ; and take meetings from thence in
our way into Cheshire, and so into Wales. But
my sister not feeling easy to part with them there,
we went on with them till second day, and
parted with them at Campden.
After this we again moved on towards Wales^
and for a few days pretty satisfactorily ; till my
sister's mind became so closely arrested for the;
approaching yearly meeting to be held in Lon-
don, that it seemed safest to turn about, and
endeavour to get there as early as we could, with
taking meetings in our way.* We arrived iu
* To be thus led about, and so frequently turned from
the object at which they were aiming, as was, on several
occasions, their experience in this journey, proved no small
trial to my beloved sister; yet, I have reason to believe,
this humiliating dispensation, was peculiarly and lastiiagly
F 3
b4 SOME ACCOUNT O^
London two days after the commencement of
the yearly meeting ; but I did not feel my mind
at all bound to it, and still found my health,
at times, much affected, therefore, after staying
one day in London, I returned home, where I
passed about 10 days in peace, and found my
kealth much recruited.
On second day, the 5th of sixth month, I left
home again and went to Colchester, where I
met my brother William, who had parted with
sister Ann that morning, at or near London,
and was then on his way home. On third
day evening I met my sister at Plaistow.
Sixth day we left the neighbourhood of Lon-
don, and went into Hertfordshire, agreeably to
a prospect I had before I left home this time :
having expected it might be right for us to take
a few meetings in that county, and from thence
proceed pretty directly for Wales. But our
views were again protracted ; for after we got into
that quarterly meeting, my sister felt her mind
instrartive to her mind. To move in a feeling of weak-
ness, and with such a portion of light, as could not reflect
its beams on dis!aut objects, but only just mark the present
step with a safe degree of clearness, though very trying to
the crFature, teacUes tumble and full dependance on the
Creator, Editor.
MARY ALEXANDER. 65
engaged to go through it, and also to visit some
other of the midland counties; previously to our
entering Wales.
Though I did not feel my mind so much
bound to this prospect, yet I could not see my
way to leave her ; and therefore thinking it most
consistent with gospel order, we unitedly ad-
dressed our mohthly meeting for further creden-
tials, and obtained the concurrence of our
friends at home, to proceed as in the openings
of truth might appear right.*
After visiting divers counties, on the 13th
and 14th of the ninth month, we attended the
quarterly meeting held at Macclesfield, for
Cheshire and Staffordshire. There we opened
our prospect of visiting the Principality of
Wales ; hoping some of our brethren might feel
bound to accompany us; expecting to be en-
gaged in public meetings in many parts very
distant from any friends. And our much-
valued friend Joseph Storrs, from Chesterfield in
* Their peculiar situation excited much sympathy in the
monthly meeting; and being attended with a feeling of
near unity witli their extended concern, their friends were
induced to give them such a certificate as would fully liber-
ate them to any service in this land, Editor,
66 SOME ACCOUNT OF
Derbyshire, being present, felt a willingness to
accompany us ; as did two friends of that quar-
terly meeting, George Jones and Olive Sims,
who all met us at Chester, on the Q3d.
On the C5th we entered Wales, at the place
I had had a prospect of more than four months
before, when we were at Coalbrook Dale ; and
that evening had a meeting there, viz. Wrexham
in Denbighshire. This meeting was large; and
I believe there was a great variety . of states
among the people then gathered ; some of whom
were seriously disposed. Indeed 1 think in the
future movements through this Principality, in
a more general way, we met with a larger pro-
portion of religious, seeking minds, than in most
of the counties we visited in England. Yet
many even of those, we had often to fear, were
too much seeking the living among the dead -^
not enough inward in their search after durable
riches : nor enough acquainted with the one es-
sential baptism of the Holy Ghost and fire ;
which, if suifered to operate, would consume
ail thai is of an unsubstantial nature. However,
to meet with here and there one who was so
far submitting to bear the cross of Christ, as to
become willing to follow him, not only out of
MARY ALEXANBEE. 67
many of the vanities of the world, but also out
of many unsubstantial rites and cerenionies,
and who was seeking him, where alone he is to
be found, in the secret of the heart; was con-
soling to our often drooping minds. I trust,
some there are, who, if they are faithful to the
day of small things, will, in due time, be made
rulers over more; know their spiritual borders
enlarged, and their acquaintance with the be-
loved of souls increased. That this may become
their happy experience, is what I often coveted
when with them, and oft-times since, when fap
distant from them.
We were in Wales about eight weeks, were
in all the counties both of North and South
Wales; and, besides visiting the few meetings of
friends, had upwar-ds of forty public meetings,
many of them in places where it could not be
remembered that any friends meetings had been
lield before. We very generally met with
civil treatment from the inhabitants; and tra-
velled nearly eight hundred and fifty miles iu
that mountainous country.
Soon after we got into Wales, for nearly two
weeks; at times^ I was very unwell in my health;
6s SOME ACCOUNT OF
whereby I ^vas prevented attending two public
meetings on the Isle of Anglesea, and two meet-
ings of friends on a first day at Llwyndw in Merio-
nethshire. Here our whole company was de-
tamed several days at the house of our kind,
friend Henry Owen, on account of my indispo-
sition : But after a little rest there, I was enabled
to go through the remaining part of this
close travel in good health. INIy dear sister
was favoured to experience a continuance of
health during the whole time ; but, near the
close, she was permitted to know a very trying
depression of spirits, so much so as nearly to
disqualify her for any public service, which
greatly added to my trials: yet I was mercifully
strengthened to keep up both in body and miiid,,
to the end of our engagements in that Princi-^
pality.
When we had finished our visit in Wales, I
believe, in sympathy m ith her, I soon got into
the same situation ; so that it seemed safest for
us to leave a few meetings we had once ex-
pected to take in Herefordshire, and go di-
rectly from Leominster, in that county, to Melk-
sham, in Wiltshire. Our dear brother Samuel
and his daughter Lucy, were there, on a visit to.
ills daughter Martha : who a few weeks before had
MARY ALEXANDER, 6^
l>een married to Tliomas Jeffreys of that place.
We arrived at their house on first day evening,
the 26th of the eleventh month. Our kind
■<:ompanions left us at different times; O. Sutjs
at Caermarthen in Soutii Wales, on the 30th of
the tenth month; G. Jones at Leominster, on
the C3d of the eleventh month ; and J . Storrs
-after we got to Melksham. ''
Very soon after we got to Melksham, my mind
Avas much relieved from the deep depression I
had felt for som€ days previously to our getting
there : but my sister was rather longer be-
fore she experienced the same relief; yet, in a
few days, she was favoured also to feel the de-
pression much removed, and a pointing in her
mind towards Warminster, a place m the neigh-
bourhood, at which she had missed having a
public meeting when she was in the county
a considerable time before. The meeting
was appointed on sixth day evening, the 1st of
the twelfth month, Mhich 1 attended, and we
were accompanied by our dear brother S. A.
In this meeting and after it, 1 was very unwell.
We got back to Melksham the next day, where
I took some suitable medicine; which did not
afford so much relief as to enable nie to attend
dieir meeting on tirst dav.
70 SOME ACCOUNT OF
In the evening my brother finding me more
unwell, was desirous of my taking some medical
advice ; which I submitted to for his and the
rest of my relations' satisfaction.
That night I was very ill indeed ; sometimes
I was almost ready to conclude it might be the
final close of all things here ; especially when I
considered the deep conflict of mind which
both my sister and myself had lately experienced ;
and that my mind had been entirely relieved
from any further prospect of religious service
ever since I left Wales ; not only during that
very trying dispensation, but also now, when fa-
voured with a very diifeient one; wherein all
was serenity and peace, t In this situation, had
it not been for the trial I apprehended it would
be to my dear niece, Mardia Jeffreys, to have a
circumstance so awful take place under her
roof, so soon after her settlement there ; I could
willingly, yea, I think I may say, gladly have
exchanged mortality for immortality at that
time ; if it had been consistent with the good
pleasure of Him in whom is all power. He is
able to cause even a sick bed to become plea-
sant ; yea desirable, if in that situation the poor
finite understanding is more expanded, and the
MARY ALEXANDER. 71
mind more quickened to behold the marvellous
dealings of an all-wise Creator! This I think I
can with humble gratitude acknowledge was, at
times, my experience on this bed of sickness :
and I was enabled to desire, whether life or
death should be my portion, that His will
might be done. However, after a few days
I got so much better, as to think of moving
from Melksham, when my brother and sister
were at liberty so to do, who, during my illness,
had engaged together in visiting the families of
friends there.
After talking an affectionate leave of our kiriS
r^jlations, who had very tenderly cared for me in
my illness, we all left their house on fourth day
tlie 13th, and went to Cirencester in Gloucester-
shire; where we were kindly received by our
friends Samuel and Sarah Bowley. The next
morning my brother Samuel and his daughter
Lucy, set off for home, aed kft my sister and my-
self there. Though I was favoured to bear travel-
ling the day before, twenty-seven miles, with
less fatigue than might have been expected ; yet,
a-fter having parted with my brother and niece,
I was that day very unwell. Continuing so,
and not feeling any command to go forth again int©
rhe field of labour; I believed it ^Yas safest foy
s,
7^ SOME ACCOUNT OF
me to decline attending any of the meetings
in that neighbourhood, with my sister, who
left me for a few days, and, accompanied by
Ann Bowley, visited some places adjacent,
and returned to me again.
As I did not improve in my health by longei'
rest, but rather grew weaker, we thought it best
to inform our relations at home how we were
circumstanced; and my brother William came to
us at very «hort notice, intending to continue
with his wife till she suw her way clear to return
home. My dear brother and sister D. and H.
Alexander very kindly came to us in a few days
after him, intending to accompany me home as
speedily as my very weak situation would admit
of my travelling. On fourth day, the 3d of the
fust month, 1798, my brothers and sisteis, and
myself, all left Cirencester, where I had been
very affectionately nursed for three weeks, at
the house of my kind friends before mentioned,
and went to Burford. The next day W. and
A. A. left me there; and the day following,
accompanied by my brother Dykes and his
wife, I went twenty -nine miles further on
my way home. On the 9th we reached
Walworth, where I was taken more unwell
MARY ALEXANDER. 1^3
again, having rather mended in ti-avelling till
this time ; and was detained there till seventh
day the 13th, at the house of our friends
Richard and Jane Harris; who, with their
whole family, manifested much afl^ctionate
kindness, of which I desire ever to retain a
giateful remembrance. Gn tliird day the lf»h,
we reached Needham ; M'here my mind was fa-
voured to partake of a portion of enriching
peace ; and a tribute of thankful adcno\viedg-
ment was raised in my heart to the great Dis-
penser of every g&odv
^y health gradually improved from this time ;
yet it was some months before I fully regained
my usual strength*
One night while I was 111 at Cirencester, I
dreamed that I had departed this life, and was
admitted into happiness; but I met with only
one whom I knew or had ever known in the
body, and she, I was told, was just admitted,
and was to continue there, for she had finished
her day's work ; but as I had not, I must return
to the body, and if faithful to what was mani-
fested from time to time, I should be admitted
again when the work appointed me to do was
G a
7^ SOME ACCOUNT OF
fully accomplished. My mind being awfully
impressed with what had occurred in my sleep,
in the course of the next day I told it to Saraii
Bowley. Very soon after, we heard that the
friend whom I ha<i seen in my dream was very
dangerously ill ; and, before I got home, I was
informed of her decease ; and I have no reason
to doubt but she is admitted into everlasting
jrest and peace. Oh, that the blessing of pre-
servation may be my experience, that so the
place prepared may be happily mine, whea
tune to me shall be no more !
M our monthly meeting in the diird month,
my sister Ann and myself gave up our certifi-
cates. And the day following, viz. on fourth
day the 7th of the third month, 179S, I entered
into my present habitation ; which was merci-
fully permitted to be a very peaceful home, for
some weeks after I first settled therein.
flARY ALEXANDER. l^
CHAPTER VT.
5tli Month, 1798, to the 11th Month, 1800.
Xj3ndon yearly meeting. — Sundry meetings in Su folk.-—
Endures a very trying dispensation.'-— Visits Tivetshall
monthly meeting, S^c. — Joins Elizabeth Coggeshall in,
visiting sundry places in Norfolk, Suffolk, Leicester-
shire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and Yorkshire.—
Returns home.
At our monthly meeting in the fifth month,
i 798, 1 mentioned a prospect I had of appointing
a few public meetings in my way to or from
London yearly meeting; in which my sister
Ann united with me ; and we were liberated
by our friends, to proceed therein as way might
open.
In the seventh month, I accompanied my
brother Samuel in some public meetings on the
eastern side of our county ; and at the close wa«
favoured to feel much solid satisfaction.
Oh ! how has my soul longed that the inhabi-
tants of this highly-favoured land, even many of
those who have been made willing, in some
good degree; to seek the Lord for themselves^
G 3
^i& SOME ACCOUNT OB
might become more and more acquainted with
him, through a willingness to centre unto the
pure principle placed in t^e secret of theis own
hearts. Thus thgy might sensibly experience
the privileges of the glorious gospel dispensa-
tion; and know an establishment on the un-
changeable and invincible rock Christ Jesus;
and then they would also know him to go before
them, and to be their rearward.
1799- On the second of the first month this
year, our friend Sarah Harrison, from America,
who was then on a religious visit to Europe,
and who had, a few weeks before, returned
from-Germany, came to my house, and was
confined with me, by indisposition, till the 9tk
of the fourth month following ; except going to
Ipswich for two days. Great part of the time
she was much tried, not only with bodily suf-
fering, but also with spiritual poverty : yet, I
believe, there were seasons in which she experi-
enced the Shepherd of Israel, the great Bishop
©f souls, to arise for her deliverance, whereby
she was renewedly enabled to praise his holy
name. I was permitted to be her close cojrf
paniou in suffering; but not in rejoicing; for, I
think, from the day after she first came undsa-
MARY. ALEXANDER. .77-
my roof, until the day I parted- with, her at
Ipswich, I was not once made sensible of the
smallest degree of divine consolation. Indeed
such a total cessation, as to any visible appear-
ance of spiritual life, I have but very seldom
experienced ; though my mind was not so deeply
exercised as at some other times. Often did I
fear, lest I should dwindle into a state which
might be compared- to that which the church of
the Laodiceans was described to be in, " neither
hot nor cold,"* and that consequently I must be
in danger of receiving the same awful sentence.
But, just before we parted, which was on the
Mth of the fourth month, at Ipswich, Lwas
permitted to know the veil, which had long
eclipsed the sun of righteousness from my view,
to be removed ; and ability was mercifully af-
forded to offer a tribute of thanksgiving and
praise to the great Author of all good, and to
implore his divine protection over us when far
separated ; and I was- favoured to return
home in peace. Sarah Harrison left Europe
within a few months, having been from home, I
think, nearly seven years.
In the latter part of this year, I was exercised
for some months, under the weight of a reli-?
'^ Rev, Hi. 15*
^S SOME ACCOUNT Olt
gious prospect of visiting the families of friends
in Tivetshall monthly meeting, with some other
engagements in that neighbourhood ; and, in the
1st month, 1800, finding my mind more closely ar-»
rested with this concern, accompanied with what
I believed a clear intimation of the time to move
in the same; I ventured to mention it to my
friends, in the second month, and obtained their
concurrence to proceed in my visit, as, in the
pointings of truth, way should open for it.
On the 12th of the second month, accom-
panied by my dear brother Samuel, I went ta
Long Stratton ; the next day attended Tivetshall
monthly meeting held at Tasburgh, when I
opened my prospect to friends, and in it found
much relief. After meeting we went to Thomas
Broadbank's, whose house was my agreeable
lodging during my stay in that meeting. Sixth
day the 14th, my brother Mcnt to Norwich, and,
accompanied by T. B. 1 began the arduous en-
gagement in prospect. Seventh day, I con-
tinued the visit to families, and my brother
returned from Norwich. First day he staid
with me, and in the evening I had his company
very acceptably in two families. Second day
he left me, and returned home.
MARY ALEXANDER. 79
From this time until fifth day the 27thj I was
closely engaged in going through the remaining
families in Tasburgh meeting, and those in Ti-
vetshall. First day, the 2d of third month) I was
at Tivetshall meeting. Second and third day, I sat
in the few families constituting Diss meeting.
Fourth day attended the week-day meeting there,
and after it, contrary to my expectation, I felt
full liberty to return home,, which I did that af-
ternoon. I was favoured with a peaceful ride
home, and felt thankful for the present unex-
pected release from further labour.
The next morning, my mind became renewedly
exercised concerning the inhabitants of some vil-
lages where I had been, in the course of the
family visit ; with a clear prospect when and
where to appoint the first meeting, though with-
out any uneasiness at coming home as I did.
However, I kept my feelings to myself, until the
day following, and then acquainted my near
connexions, that I had a prospect of appointing
a meeting at Yaxley, the next first day evening ;
which did not appear to be any surprise to
tliem, they having had reason to expect that
some further engagements than liad yet taken
place, might be required of me. Accompanied
180 SOME ACCOUNT OK
by Thomas Broadbank, my brother Samuel^
and other relatives, on first day afternoon^
the 9th of the third month, I went to Yax-
ley, where we were met by several friends of
Tivetshall monthly meeting, and were favoured
with a large and solid meeting. After it, T..B..
my brother Samuel, and myself, went to Dm.
Next evening we had a meeting with the in-
habitants of Scole and Dicklesburg ; and after
it went to the house of our kind friends John,
and Ann Holmes. On third day, a meeting,
at Shottisham, to my own mind, was a very re-
lieving opportunity, feeling divine support in a>:
very precious manner to be near, Avhich was
cause of thankfulness. After it we went to
Thomas Broadbank's. On fourth day we at-
tended Tasburgh week-day meeting, which,
though small, was a relieving and strengthening
season to my mind. I AAas very unexpectedly,
in the latter part of the meeting, led to address
an individual present, whose family 1 had been
in, when in that meeting before, but did not at
that time feel any openness to express any thing
to him; though my mind was closely exercised
on his account. He was, in this meeting, much
humbled, and I covet for him that through faith-
MARY ALEXANDER. 81'
•fulness to known duty, his last days may be hia
^sest days.
That evening we had a meeting at Hempnall,
where was a great variety of states ; a few solid
people, raid many of a very different description.
To the latter in a very remarkable manner, the
extension of divine goodness and mercy was
evidently manifested, to save them from destruc-
tion, if there was but a willingness to accept of
the means of purification. " Come nozc, and
let us reason together, saith the Lord)"* was
.awfully sounded amongst them. On fifth day,
the 13th, we attended Tivfitshall monthly meet-
ing, which was a season owned by the great
Master of all riglitly gathered assemblies.
After the last meeting my brother Samuel
-and myself returned home in peace. And I
liave cause to bear in remembrance my heavenly
Father's goodness, in supporting and carrying
me through those engagements; having to ac-
knowledge that although I did go out weeping,
I was permitted to return with joy. J have
reason to believe my coming home before I had
those public meetings was right, in order to have
Mijj dear brother's company ; yet; if I had seen,
* Isaiah i. 18,
82 SOME ACCOUNT OF
before I got home, with clearness, that I was
to return so soon ; it would, I suppose, have fek
rather trying in prospect. To be enabled to go
on day after day, just moving in the present
ability afforded, without being unprofitably
anxious to see more of the work at once, than
is consistent w ith the great Master's will to un-
fold, I have always found, is not more the duty
than the interest of his truly dependant servants;
if I have ever known this happy state of mind :
though for want of " letting patience have her
perfect work,"* I have oft-times increased my
trials and -exercises, I believe beyond what
might have been designed for me to endure for
the work's sake. After such feeble efforts to
promote the cause of truth, what a mercy it is,
to be favoured with any sensible evidence of
the approbation of the great Minister of minis-
ters! Yet Ihumbly trust such was my consoling
experience in the close of this visit ; and, under
the humbling influence thereof, 1 was enabled,
renewedly to acknowledge, " Hitherto hath the
Lord helped me.'"'^:
In the eighth month this year, Elizabeth
Coggeshall, from Newport, Rhode Island, in the
course of her religious visit to Europe, came io
* James i, 4. t 1 Sa>i, vii. 12.
MARY Alexander: 83
Ncediiam, accompanied by Abigail Pimm of
London, who left her here and returned home.
When I first heard of their arrival, and that A.
Pimm was likely to leave E. Coggeshall immedi-
ately, it very forcibly impressed my mind, that it
would be right for me to unite with the latter, in
some part of her future prospects ; and, before I
saw her, it was, I apprehended, pretty clearly
Mianifested to my mind, that I should join hei'
in Norfolk, and continue with her until she
reached Yorkshire. This I kept to myself
wholly, for a few days, while she remained in
this neighbourhood; and before she left it, I
found my sister Ann had a prospect of accom-
panying Elizabeth for the present : but upon
our opening our vie\\ s to each otlrer, hers ap-
peared to close wlieie mine began.
In the ninth month, I informed my friends of
My prospect of joining our friend E. Coggeshall
for a while, and received their concurrence. On
sevendi day, the 6th of this montJi, accompanied
by my brodier Samuel, I went to Tasburgh.
]\ext morning, at Wymondham, we met E,
Coggeshall and my sister Ann ; also my brother
William, who went to meet his wife a few days
before. After attending the meeting there, we
H
S4 SOME ACCOUNT OP
all went to one held at Mattishall in tlie
evening.
After this meeting my brotiier WilHam and
iiis wife M^jent towards home ; and my brother
Samuel, E. Coggeshall, and myself, accompanied
by our friend Thomas Broadbank, went on to
Dereham. On second day my brother left us,
and returned home, and Thomas, Elizabeth,
and myself, went to Holt, where we intended
having a meeting with friends that evening.
The friend's house where we were to take up
©ur quarters, being out of the town, and a con-
trary way to that which we entered, we were
obliged to ride quite through it ; and my mind
became so much interested on account of the in-
habitants at large, that it did not appear right to
conceal my prospect from my dear companion,
and she umting with it, public invitation was
given, and we had a satisfactory meeting, in which
v-e were favom-ed with the overshadowing wing
of divine mercy ; and under the influence thereof,
ability was afforded to minister to divers states
and conditions present. The greatest part of the
public labour devolved upon Elizabeth : but I
felt my mind in a peculiar manner engaged for
ihe welfaie of some individual, whO; like the
MARY ALEXANDER. ?>
prodigal son, had " wasted his substance with
jiotous living ;"* believing our heavenly Father
Mas still graciously disposed to receive such a
one in mercy, if there were a willingness to
return unto him. At the time I was speaking,
I had not any knowledge who it was I was ad-
dressing; but after meeting, I thought I could
have lain my hand on the head of an individual^
and have said, " Thou art the man;";]: but as it
did not appear a divine requisition so to do, I
believed it best to leave him to the unflattering-
witness in his own mind.
On third day, the 9th, we were at Wells
monthly meeting ; fourth day, Swaffham week-
day meeting; fifth day, Lynn monthly meeting.
Sixth day we had an appointed meeting at
Wareham in the morning ; and one in the even-
ing at Brandon ; and on seventh day, an appointed
meeting at Miklenhall. First day, 14th, we
attended Thetford meeting; and afterwards went
to Bury. On second and third day, the quarterly
meeting was held there.
After our quarterly meeting, my dear E. Cog-
geshall, not seeing her way from Bury into
* Luke xv. 13, + g Sam. xii. 7,
H 2
$6 SOME ACCOUNT 0¥
Leicestershire, I mentioned a place wig passed
through in Norfolk, which had dwelt pretty
much with me during my stay at Bury, believ-.
ing it would be right for me to have a meeting
with the inhabitants there, viz. Stoke. This
acknowledgment from me, sooa cleared her
Avay; and we made it known to our friends, and
had a meeting appointed at that place on fourth
day evening, the 17th, which proved a memora-
ble opportunity. I believe it was a time of
pEecious visitation to many of the inhabitants
of that place and neighbourhood. And though
it was sonie\\hat more than usually trying to me
to propose this meeting, considering myself set
out with one, who, I expected, would generally
have to lead the way ; yet, after it was over, the
reward I was permitted to feel in my own mind,
■was a very full compensation for what I had
passed through beibre it : indeed I think I have
but seldom felt such an uninterrupted flow of
peace, as was u>y happy experience through
that evening.
Fifth day, 18th. We went this morning to-
Wareham, with my brother Samuel, who had
kindly accompanied us the preceding day from
Bury. After breakfast, we had a precious sea-
MARY ALEXAKDEK. 87
son of solid retirement in the friend's family
there ; and after it took leave of them, and my
dear brother, he returning home from this place.
Vie proceeded towards Leicester ; and, on sixth
day evening, had a meeting at Oakham, in
Rutlandshire. First day, 21st, we were at Lei-
cester, to good satisfaction ; my mind was nearly
bound to some exercised minds in that place.
Second day, we had a meeting at Hinkley, and
afterwards returned to Leicester,
On third day evening, the select quarterly
meeting was held there ; and next day the quar-
terly meeting. A mournful time it was to me;
occasioned, I believe, by my withhokling more
than was meet, which tended to poverty, and
distress of mind ; yet I think it was more from a
preference I felt for others, whose public labour
I esteemed before my own, than from any un-
willingness to offer the food given me to hand,
though it might have appeared but as the barley
loaf; for that with a little of the divine blessing:,
doubtless would have proved sufficient to have
fed those, for whom it might be designed; which
was my painful reflection when too late. After
a time of sore conflict before we left the family
there; where ^Ye had been very kindly enter-
II 3
88 SOME ACCOUNT GT
tained several clays, a little ability was merci-
fully afforded me, to intercede for tKem and our-
selves, that we might all be enabled so to pass
our time of sojourning here, as at last to know
an admittance where sorrow is no more. And
matchless goodness w^as pleased, in the close, tor
convey intelligibly to my secret feeling, " It is
enough ;" and I left Leicester in peace.
On fifth day we had a meeting at Lough-
borough; and in the afternoon went to Castla
Donington, to the house of our valuable,
ancient friends George and Ruth Fallows,
where we enjoyed a peaceful evening with them,
and were much comforted and encouraged by.
dear Ruth's instructive company and conversa-
tion. On sixth day we had a meeting at Castle
Donington, in which Elizabeth had some public
labour amongst a people, many of whom ap-
peared to be too much strangers to the precious
privileges of these gospel days, although most
of them were professing to be worshippers of
the great object of adoration in spirit and ia
truth; so that it proved an exercising season;
but a little opportunity of solid retirement in
the family after dinner, enabled us to leave the
place with relieved minds; and that evening wo
liad a meeting at Derby,
MAEY ALEXANDER. 89
On first day, the 28tli, we were at Notting-
ham meeting in the morning, where, after sitting
a while in close exercise, a little ability was af-
forded me to cast off my burden. I was per-
mitted to feel relief when I took my seat again,
and my dear E. Coggeshall had a very lively
testimony afterwards, much to my comfort;
and, as far as relates to ourselves, I believe we
were both favoured to partake of a portion of
peace at the close of the meeting; yet, I had
much to fear that the word preached, to some
states in particular, Vv'ould prove altogether un-
availing. Yet, oh ! Mhat a mercy, amidst the
many discouraging circumstances which we arc
liable to experience, when passing along from
place to place in gospel bonds, to know that
the reward of our labour is not confined to the
reception our mission meets with from man, but
is proportioned to our obedience to Him, who
sees and knows the hearts of all men.
At Nottingham, Joseph Marriage, Mho had
accompanied us from Bury, left us, and re-
turned home. That evening wc had a meeting
at Mansfield. On second day mornin"- we
went to Chesterfield, to the house of my much
esteemed friend Joseph Storrs ; and in the after-
90 SOME ACCOUNT OF
noon we had a meeting there; which to me was
a very gloomy season ; but dear E. Coggeshall
had acceptable service both in testimony and
supplication. On third day we had a meeting
at Furnace, where my mind was pretty closely
exercised for two individuals who came into the
meeting rather late, and had but little appear-
ance of being members of our society. Upon
their entering into the meeting house, I thought
I felt a flow of gospel solicitude raised in my
mind on their account ; particularly did I feel
for the female, and believe it was a time of
humbling instruction to her mind: I wish it may
prove of lasting advantage to her.
On fourth day we had a meeting at Breach^
Avhich was measurably owned by the great
Shepherd of Israel. On fifth day, we travelled
through a mountainous country ; and in the
course of this day, as we passed through some
small villages, my mind was so attracted towards
the inhabitants of them, that I believe, had we
been free from previous engagements by other
meetings being appointed for us, I should have
felt best satisfied to have acknowledged it to my
dear companion ; but as that was the case, i
kept my feeelings to myself. In this instance I
MARY ALEXANBER. 91
believe It was needful for meetings to be fixed
a little beforehand, on account of the particular
situation of some places thereabouts; but, in
general, I have found, in any services of this
sort, in which I have been engaged, that it was
safest, and indeed was my Incumbent duty, as
much as posslblej to live as it w^vc one day at
once^
On sixth day we had a meeting at ^Monjr
Ash, and after it returned to Chesterfield. On
seventh day morning, before we left the hospi-
table roof of our kind friends Joseph and Mary
Storrs, we were permitted to experience a little
season of retirement, wherein, I trust, our minds
M ere humbled together before Him, whose ten-
der mercies are over all his works. Joseph Storrs
went with us to a meeting at Retford that even-
ing. On first day, the 5th of the tenth month, we
went to Blyth in the morning ; and in the even-
ing had a meeting at Barnby Moor, a small
village v/e had passed through in the mornmg.
It was a considerable trial to me to give up to
appoint this meeting, finding some friends were
apprehensive it would not be likely to prove
satisfactory. One objection appeared to be the
smallness of the place, though I wished iuvita-
•S2 SOME ACCOUNT OF
tion to be given beyond the village, if a situa-
tion large enough could be procured to admit
-of extending it further ; but what weighed more
with me than any other obstacle, M'as the diffi-
culty Mhich our kind friend Joseph Storrs felt
about its accomplishment; yet, unless he could
have said he believed it best for us to give up the
meeting, I did not feel it safe to do so, without
making some attempt to have one, my dear
E. Coggeshall being fully resigned to it, thouglt
she felt nothing towards it herself. We had, in
the end, to acknowledge the goodness and
mercy of our heavenly Father, \\ho, blessed be
his great and glorious name, does not send his
children and servants a warfare at their own
charge, but is meVcifuUy pleased, sometimes
when they appear to be reduced to the greatest
extremity, to prove himself to be strength in
their weakness. Our dear friend J. Storrs, before
he parted with us tliis evening, told me he
was glad he had been at, that meeting; which
acknowledgement, added to the peaceful sere-
nity before felt, caused the rest of the evening
to be a season of humbling gladness.
On second and third day, we travelled to
York; but before we got there^ E. Coggeshall "
MARY ALEXANDER. Q3
began to be apprehensive it would be best
ibr us to attend a monthly meeting to be
held at Warns worth the fifth day following ;
and after we got to York, the weight increas-
ing, we concluded to return. After the meet-
ing at York on fourth day, accompanied by
Henry Tuke, we went part of the way; and
on iifth day morning we got in seasonable time
to the meeting at Warnsworth, which was a low
,time with me; but dear E. C. had acceptable
service, in the meeting for worship. When I
found that Elizabeth had a prospect of attend-
ing this monthly meeting, as I began now to
feel very near the end of my present mission, I
thought it probable some friend amongst them
might find, at least, a religious liberty to join
her for a while ; and, therefore, in the women's
jneeting, I mentioned how I was circumstanced,
,and wished friends present to endeavour to feel
^\hether the lot did not fall amongst some of
ihem, to unite with our beloved friend ; but no
one appearing to see it their place so to do, I
returned with her to York.
We were at York on first day the 12th ; and
I was able to rejoice, in ability being afforded
Nto mv dear fiieud to labour in her great jNIaster's
94 SOME ACCOUNT OF
cause, fliough it was a very low time witli me.
As no companion offered, I did not feel satis-
fied to leave her, and therefore I concluded
to set out with her again on second daj
morning, in order to take some meetings in
that county; expecting we should return the
'following lirst day.
We had meetings at Pickering and INIalton;
*vere at Pickering monthly meeting, and after-
wards had meetings at ilutton in the Hole,
Helmsley, Bilsdaie, and Kirby, and so re-
turned to York. We left it again and went to
Thirsk, Borrowby, and Mastiam. At this
latter place our friend Mary Tate, of Cotting-
uith, near York, met us, for the purpose of
uniting with Elizabeth, and that day, the 24di of
the tenth month, I parted with them, after a reli-
gious opportunity to be remembered with grati-
tude. My soul \^ as poured foi th iu supplication
to the Father of mercies, for the blessing of
preservation, through the remaining part of our
pilgrimage here, whether we should ever be
permitted to meet again in this mutable state or
not; that so we might be prepared to join the
just of all generations, whenever the niidiiiglit
cry should be heard; of, " Behold the bride-
MARY ALEXANDER. §5
groom cometh, go ye out to meet him."*
My beloved friend and her new companion,
went to a meeting appointed for them that even-
ing at Le}burn, and I returned to Thirsk; and
on the way, by the food received before we se-
parated, was sweetly sustained, to the gladden-
ing of my heart. Indeed for some days after,
my mind was preserved in such a state of tran-
quillity, as was cause of thankfulness.
On sixth day I returned to York ; where t
staid until fifth day the 30th, and left it in com-
pany with several friends. Eleventh month 2d,
jirst day, we attended friends' meeting at Derby,
where we Avere joined by J. and E. Hoyland, and
with them we travelled to Hitchin, which place
we reached on fourth day evening, the 5th.
Here I was met by my brother Dykes, who ac-
jcompanied me home on tliird day, the 11th of
Jhe 11th month.
After parting with my beloved companion
E. C. I thought it a privilege to have the com-
pany of my much-valued friends before men-
tioned ; and that my dear brother was disposed
to meet rue when 1 parted with tfeen^. A^terl
♦ Mat. XXV. 6,
a
•qQ some account op
got home, though I left it this time, more from
an apprehension of duty to unite in sympathy
with a beloved friend, than from a prospect of
any religious engagement on my own account,
I felt peace. And I humbly trust there w ere
seasons experienced, wherein my dear friend
and myself could feelingly acknowledge, we
were bound together in gospel unity; harmoni-
ously labouring for the advancement of the most
noble cause, which can be advocated on earth.
May it be our happy employ to celebrate it in
a joyful eternity, through an unreserved dedica-
tion of heart during our stay here, to the whole
-will of Him, who has a right to dispose of U9
fits he sees meet,
MARY ALEXANDER. <T/?
CHAPTER VII.
12th Monti), 1300, to the 9th Month, 1002.
Concern for the youth, SfC.-^IItintingdonshire and
Cambridgeshire, — Religious prospects. — Plsit to
Surrt/, Sussex and Hampshire quarterly meetings^
J^c.^Reiurns home. — Visits sundry villages in her
own county. — Burial of Isaac Brightwcn. — Decease
Previously to our quarterly meeting, held
here in the twelfth month this year, and during
its sittings, my mind was dipped into a state of
mourning on account of some of its members,
who, I was ready to fear, through unwatchftd-
ness, had of late declined, rather than advanced
in the way which leads to enduring felicity.
Many of the youth appeared on the wing, soar-
ing above the pure simplicity of the truth; and
having the company of divers of these at my
own house, I apprehended I felt a necessity laid
upon me to intercede with the Father of mer-
cies on their behalf. I was engaged to desire
that they, with many more, might be prevailed
upon to choose him for their portion, and be
willing to follow him in the path of unreserved
dedication, 's^hich yields more substantial com-
I 2
9* SOME ACCOUNT OF
fort here, than any sublunary enjoyment can
possibly do ; and affords a well-grounded hope
of an admittance hereafter into umiiixed hap-
piness. I think I have not often felt more
solid satisfaction result from an engagement of
this sort, than I was permitted to feel that
evening.
ISOl. In the forepart of this year I was of-
ten closely tried concerning an individual in
the station of an elder, for whom I had long en-
tertained a sincere regard ; but who now seemed
in danger of making shipwreck of faith. At our
quarterly meeting in the third month, my pain-
ful apprehensions increased, so that, in the bit-
terness of my soul, I was almost ready to utter
the mournful language, " Who shall stand r"*
when a ray of holy confidence in the never-
failing arm of divine sufficiency, was mercifully
vouchsafed, after this season of deep discourage-
ment. It proved the eve of a precious day in
the quarterly meeting at large, wherein w e were
graciously owned by the great Father of his
people, and some of us had cause humbly to
acknowledge his fatherly dealings with us, and
that to Him, with his beloved Son, our blessed
Saviour, belong all thanksgiving and praise.
* Psalm cxxx. 3.
■MARY ALEXANDER. 99
In the sixth month, my brother Samuel and
myself, were a few days in Huntingdonshire and
Cambridgeshire, with a friend who was then iu
these parts on a religious visit, and was going
into Scotland. The time we were together M'as
short, but feeling the uniting bond of gospel
fellowship, I think we were permitted to be as
a threefold cord.
We parted with this friend, after a meet-
ing at Huntingdon, in which I trust, I may say,
truth gave us the victory. Though it was but
a small gathering, there appeared to be maiiy
different states among them, a few I believe
humble travellers for the prosperity of the pure
cause. May they be strengthened in every
good word and work, by the mighty power of
Him, who can still enable " a little one to be-
come a thousand, and a sn^all one a strong
nation."'* After meeting we were favoured
with a baptizing time in Hannah Even's family;
and a litile season of retirement in Phebe Ful-
ler's, before we separated. Brother Samuel
and mys,elf reached home the next day, the C4th
of sixth month. For some days after, my mind
\vas permitted to experience an uninterrupted
* IS.\IAH Ix. §2,,
I 3
too SOME ACCOUNT OF
tranquility, which I desire to acknowledge with
humble thankfulness to Him, with whom are
all the blessings both of time and eternity. It
afforded a morsel of nourishment for many days^
during a season of close exercise and trial;
which it was my allotment to experience very
soon after this time«
First day, 23d of 8th Month, 1801.
A weighty religious prospect, of which I
have had a distant view, at times, for several
years, has been the close attendant of my mind
for many weeks past, and occasioned me much
deep, thougii hidden, exercise ; not feeling li-
berty to disclose it to any one; even though I
have, sometimes, of late, been almost ready to
apprehend I must make it public at our next
monthly meeting. Whilst I was awfully con-
templating the subject in meeting this morning,
with my mind entirely resigricd to do so, if per-
mitted to see clearly that the tmie for moving
therein was come ; I heard a voice distinctly, to
my spiritual faculties, declare, " A ram caught
in a thicket ;"* accompanied with an evidence
that, at least, for the present, the will was ac-
cepted for the deed.
* Gen. xxii. 13.
MARY ALEXANDER. 101
Immediately after it, another prospect opened
to my view with great clearness, viz. to attend
the ensuing quarterly meetings for Surrey, Sus-
sex, and Hampshire ; and to visit some particu-
lar meetings and places in those counties, which
appeared as a sacrifice that would be accepted,
and therefore might be compared to " The ram
caught in the thicket."
First day, 30th of the eighth Month.
This prospect has continued wirii such un-
clouded clearness, that I dare not doubt its
being right to move therein, if my friends are
free to set me at liberty. And whether the
more important concern, because more exten-
sive, ever should be opened again, I desire to
leave with Him, whose wisdom and knowledge
cannot be searched; for assuredly his ways are
past finding out.
At our monthly meeting, in the ninth month,
I laid before my friends the above religious
prospect, and obtained their concurrence to
move therein as best wisdom might direct. My
brother Samuel was, at this time, under an ap-
pointment from ihe yearly meeting, to visit,
with several other friends^ the quarterly meet-
t02 SOME ACCOUNT OF
ings of Sussex and Surrey. His daughter
Lucy feeling an inclination to accompany her
father to the above quarterly meetings, we all
left home together on the 14th of this month,
and went to Bury, in order to attend our own
quarterly meeting to be held there ; intending to
proceed on our journey after it.
In our way to London, we had a meeting
with the inhabitants of Boxford, to pretty good
satisfaction. On seventh day evening, the 19th,
we got to Ryegate in Surrey, where my brother
met his companions. The next day we attended
the two meetings held there, and, in the evening,
the quarterly meeting of ministers and elders for
that county; and on second day, the quarterly
meeting. We likewise attended the quarterly
meeting for Sussex, and that for Hampshire.
After this last quarterly meeting, a part of
the yearly meeting's committee went directly to
London. But my brother Samuel and some
others, accompanied me a day or two longer.
On seventh day evening m'c had a meeting with
the inhabitants of Issington and another village,
in the neighbourhood of Alton On iiist day,
the 27di, \\q were at Godalming, attended both
MAKY ALEXANDER. 103
the meetings, and had a relieving opportunity
in a friend's family in the evening. On second
day morning, my dear brother and the rest of
the yearly meeting's committee, with his daugh-
ter, left me, and went to London in order to
attend the quarterly meeting there, that being a
part of their commission.
As I did not feel any thing to draw me there,
I was most easy to stop in Surrey; and on third
day, I attended Guildford monthly meeting.
Fourth day morning I went to Esher, to the
week-day meeting ; where I had the satisfaction
of meeting my brother Samuel, who had returned
from London, and he continued with me through
the journey, to my comfort and help. On fifth
day we attended Kingston week-day meeting,
and after it returned to Esher. In the evening
we were at a meeting at the meeting-house
there, to which the inhabitants of a neighbour-
ing village were invited, no situation nearer
apjjearing so suitable to hold the meeting in
with them. If one could have been ob-
tained at the place, it would, probably, have
proved more relieving to us ; yet, I trust, we had
cause to acknowledge, that divine assistance was
mercifully afforded to minister to several dif-
104 SOME ACCOUNT OF
ferent states amongst lliem. On sixth day wc
had a meeting at Dorking uith the friends of
that place and Capel ; and in the evening had a
public meeting at Capel.
Tenth Month, !2cl, fa'st day.
We attended Ryegate meeting in the morn-
ing, and Ilield in the afternoon. In these
two meetings, and in a sitting in a friend's fa-
mily this day, we had cause to acknowledge the
continued support graciously extended, from the
bountiful dispenser of his own precious gifts ;
Mhich, we are oft-times permitted to know, are
in no wise at our own command; and therefore
they ought to be accepted with gratitude and
thankfulness, when they are dispensed to us.
On second day we had a meeting at Horsham ;
third day, attended a monthly meeting at Chi-
chester; and in the evening had sittings in two
friends' families. Fourth day we sat with the
rest of the families there. Fifth day attended
Arundel week-day meeting. Sixth day, we had
a large meeting with the inhabitants of Pet-
wordi, which was an exercising season, but I
think ended to a good degree of relief to our
tried minds. On seventh day, we went to Brigh-
ton, and on our wav had sittings in two families.
MARY ALEXANDER. 105
On first day, tlie 1 iHi, we attended the meetings
tit Brighton. In the forenoon, I sat under a
silent exercise ; and in the afternoon, for a con-
siderable time, the same situation was my
allotment; yet I felt much for divers states
among them ; and at length was permitted to
see the way open for a little casting off my bur-
den, in testimony to them, and intercession with
the Father of Mercies on their behalf.
On second day we w^ent to Lewes; and on
third day we had a meeting iheve. After it, I
-could not see, for some hours, which way we
should be likely to move from thence ; but,
after a relieving opportunity in a friend's family
in the evening, it clearly opened to leave these
^counties, after having a meeting with the inha-
bitants of Bletchingly. On fourth day morn-
ing we returned to Brighton, where we parted
w ith our dear friend Sarah Hack, who had very
acceptably accompanied us from Chichester.
That afternoon we went to Ryegate. Fifth day
evening we had a satisfactory meeting at Bletch-
ingly, and after it, went home with our kind
friend Thomas Dann of Nutlield, at whose
house we rested the next day, expecting to go
thence to Rochester; in order to attend a quar-
terly meeting there, to which my beloved bro-
106 SOME ACCOUNT OP
ther felt bound, and I felt full liberty to accom-
pany him.
On seventh day, in company with T. Dann
and his daughter, we went to Rochester ; and
were at a meeting there, on first day, the ISth.
On second day, we attended the quarterly meet-
ing. Third day went to London, to our kind
friends' John and Tabitha Bevans. Fourth day
morning we left them, after a solid opportunity
in their family, and went to Grace-Church-
street week-day meeting, where my dear bro-
ther had a lively, and, to some faithfully exer-
cised minds, an encouraging testimony. In the
afternoon we went to Upton. On fifth day we
went to Tottenham, and on sixth day proceeded
homewards ; and reached Ipswich on seventh
day evening.
On first day, tenth month, 2jth, we attended
the meetings there; and, in the evening, had a
humbling season of awful retirement in our
friend Isaac Liversedge's chamber, Avho was
then very ill, of an indisposition from which he
did not recover, though he lived several weeks
longer. We returned home after it, well satis-
fied that we went round by Ipswich to visit hivni
jy:ARY ALEXANDER* jlQ7
that being our principal motive for going there
at that time. After my return home, I had re-
iiewedly to acknowledge the goodness and
mercy of Him, who is still graciously pleased
to reward the sincere, though feeble endeavours
of his little ones, with a portion of that peace,
which can come only from his boundless trea-
sury, and therefore, I humbly trust, may be
received as a mark of divine acceptance ; and is
a jewel worth toiling long to obtain.
In this little journey I experienced many difi-
ferent dispensations. Sometimes, when I be-
lieved it to be my duty to appoint meetings,
-weakness has been so much the covering of my
-spirit, in getting through them, that I was often
led to fear lest I should have run, without being
sent by hhn who alone can qualify for his own
service ; yet at other times, I have humbly and
thankfully to acknowledge, I never was more
sensible of divine support and qualification to
perform what appeared to be required of me,
both among friends and others.
Under a humbling consideration of my hea-
venly Father's goodness, my soul was, after my
return houxe; raatiy times bowed ia revereiicc.
K
108 SOME ACCOL■^•T OP
before him ; craving his protecting care, botli m
heights and in depths ; that under every dispen-
sation of his unerring Providence, there may
be ability to say, " Thy will be done."*
Very soon after our return home, we had aa
account of the departure of dear Mary Ann
Smith, who closed this life the day after we left
Tottenham. Though there appeared but little,
if any probability of her recovery when we
parted with the family ; yet it was unexpected
to us, so quickly to receive the intelligence of
her awful change ; but as 1 believe her spirit was
happily prepared for it, it is a great mercy to
her, that infinite Wisdom hath beeifi pleased to
cut the work short in righteousness ; and to ad-
mit her to a full enjoyment of that precious
communion with himself, the foretaste of which,
I verily believe, she accounted her choicest
blessing, whilst here.
1802. I had not been long at home, after
my return from the foregoing visit to the coun-
ties of Surrey and Sussex, 8cc. before another
religious exercise revived in my mind, which I
had felt at times for several years ; viz. to hold
?onie meetings in small villages on the westers
* Mat, xxvi. 4?,
MARY ALEXANDER. J09
side of this county. Very early in this year,
the time for moving therein appeared clearly to
open, and I found my dear friends John Kirk-
ham and Maltha Brewster^ had similar pro-
spects; and that the former had felt his mind
particularly impressed to make known to me his
concern, without any previous information of
my having any such prospect. I informed hini
and my friend M. B. of the time I had in view ;
which, after solid consideration, they felt easy
with, and we applied to our differcat monthly
meetings in the fourth month ; and obtained die
concurrence of our friends respectively to unite,
and proceed agreeably to our prospects hud
before them.
We met at Bury, on seventh day, the 10th of
the fourth month; and on first day attended the
morning meeting there. In the evening we had
a meeting with the inhabitants of Horringsheath,
a village in the neighbourhood of Bury. From
this time, until fourth day, the 2 1st, we were in
a similar manner engaged, holding meetings
within a short distance of that place. And, ia
most, if not all of them, amongst a people who
were very much strangers to us as a religious
society. Many of them appeared also much
llO SOME ACCOUNT 0»
strangei's to all true religion, and to that divine
influence which oidy can quicken the soul, to a
lively sense of the goodness and mercy of our
great and gracious Creator; and enable us to
perform acceptable worsliip unto " Him, who
is a spirit, and must be worshipped in spirit and
in truth."* Yet, in some places, we met with
a few seeding minds, to our comfort; and
amongst them, at times, we were enabled to
renew our strength in the Lord, who from day
to day was pleased to give us to know that
he was sufficient for his own work ; though,
when with a people who were so much unac-
quainted M'ith his spiritual assistance, it was
sometimes humiliating labour. However, some
of these seasons were succeeded by a degree of
that solid satisfaction, which compensatetl for
the suffering of the day. Where the great
Master is not admitted to reign, his faithful sei^
vants cannot but suOcr ; and they ought to
esteem it a favour to be found worthy to abide
■with him, even in tribulation.
The last-mentioned evening, viz. fourth day^
Slst, we had a meetmg at jiottesdale, with the
inhabitants of that place ; and after it set off
• John iv. 23.
MARY ALEXANDER. Ill
with several friends who accompanied us thither,
intending to return to Badwell-Ash. We had
not got out of the town of Bottesdale, before
we experienced a very close trial, occasioned
by one of our friends receiving a very alarming-
hurt on his head, by a fall from his horse, which
ran away with him immediately after he had
mounted. As soon as we could get him taken
back to the inn which Me had just left, we had
a surgeon's assistance, who appeared to be a
man of good judgment in his profession, which
was some alleviation to our tried minds. After
staying with him till all was done for him that
we were able to do under his then circum-
stances, most of us proceeded, as we had before
intended, to Badwell-Ash, leaving two friends
wdth him for the rest of the night. On tiftli
day morning, Martha and myself felt most easy
to go back to Bottesdale, to see the friend who
had been hurt, whom we found quite as well an
we could reasonably expect, which was cause
of heartfelt gratitude to the great Preserver of
his people. We staid with him until that after-
noon, when his wife, who had been, sent for,
came to him; and she accompanied him home
1he next day. We had one meeting more be-
113 SOME ACCOUNT OF
fore we returned to Bury, and got back ihet&
on seventh day, the 24th.
Though our absence was but for a few days,
we had experienced some deeply proving sea-
sons, wherein our faith had been closely tried :
yet we had abundant cause to acknowledge, that
our minds had been graciously favoured with
divine support in the time of need, to our hum-
bling admiration.
The next day we attended the morning meet-
ing at Bury ; and in the evening had a meeting
with a large number of the inhabitants. In-
vitation was particularly given to the lower class
of the people, and it proved a relieving oppor-
tunity to our minds ; which we esteemed a gra-
cious mark of divme condescension, after some
deeply trying baptisms. After this meeting was
over, we all felt the weight of our present mission
so lightened, as to believe a release was near ap-
proachmg. After visiting a few friends m their
families on second day, the way was clear for
our coming to Needham on third day, the 27th
of fourth month ; and that evening my beloved
companions had a public meeting here, invitation
having been given to the inhab
ing, at John Kirkham's request.
MARY ALEXANDER. 115
On 4th clay, after a solid opportunity together,
with our very kind helpers, John Marriage, jun.
and John Perry, we parted; the former ac-
companying John Kirkham home. At the
time of parting, my mind was permitted to feel
a ^degree of peaceful quiet ; but, I think, 1 have
seldom, if ever, experienced the same stripped,
tried situation so soon after any engagement of
this sort, as was now my allotment, with but
little exception. Although I could not but be-
lieve we were right in parting when we did, yet
an apprehension was prevalent that it remained
an unfinished work. Earnest have been ray
desires, that on whomsoever the lot may fall to
be again engaged in it, we may be enabled to
keep our eye single unto the Shepherd of Israel,
who, I humbly trust, did put us forth, go before
us, and granted a present release from that field
of labour ; then he may be pleased to unfold
to us the further discovery of his holy will, and
enable us to be resigned thereunto.
On first day, the second of fifth month, I ac-
companied my brother Samuel to Diss, to see
our friend Isaac Brightwen,who,wehad been in-
formed, appeared to be very near his final close ;
and when we got there, we found he ^^ as not
114 SOME ACCOUNT OF
sensible, and in such a situation as to leave no
reason to expect his siuviviug many hours. We
attended the meeting there, which was a solid
opportunity, and afler it returned to the house ;
and his wife requesting our going to them into
his chamber, we did so, and sat until we saw
the awful conflict finished; when we were per-
mitted to feel a precious covering, accompanied
with a belief that the deceased had quitted
mortality, for a glorious immortality. Before
we left the house, we were favoured with a
humbling uniting season with his widow and
children. The ibliowiiig first day,, the 9th, we
attended the burial, which was a memorable
meeting to me, and I trust to divers others who
were present : yet 1 fear such opportunities are-
too frequently soon forgotten.
Kinth Month, 30th, fifth day,
Tlie remains of - ■ were interred
in friends burial ground here. He was one
over whom I had many tmies lamented, from
a firm persuasion that if he had been faithful to
the pure manifestations of truth in his own mind,
he would have been dignified tiiereby, and have
been made useful unto others. But instead
hereof; it is to be feared; for want of keeping
MARY ALEXANDER. 11a
watchful and faithfiil in the day of small things,
to the discoveries of the divine will concerning
him, the enemy of all righteousness prevailed so
far over his once enlightened mind, as to induce
him to let fall divers testimonies to the pure
principle of , truth, which, I verily believe, ia
his youthful days, were precious in his view.
Yet I am willing to believe, that through much
tribulation he has obtained mercy, and is ad-
mitted into holy rest. In the last few days of
his life, I repeatedly sat by his bed side, and
was sometimes favoured to feel a consoling be-
lief that this v'o'Od be his happy experience. •
liQ SOME ACCOUNT OF
CHAPTER VIIL
12th Month, 1802, to the 7th Month, 180-1.
A season of -ccithdraxdng, and trial. — Hit chin. —Visit
to friends' families, SfC. in Suffolk. '-'London yearly
meeting. — Her sister Ann's ikit to America. — Re-
flection^.—-Renewai of a religious prospect alluded to^
in 1801. — Cast before the monthhj meeting.— Rc--
mark on her feelings upon such occasions.
The latter end of this year, and most of th«
first month, 1803, I was at Ipswich, with my
dear sister Hannah, previously to, and during her
confinement with her datighterPriscilla. Though
I was well satisfied therewith, believing it to' be
my duty to do what I could to alleviate a time
of trial wlwch she was permitted to experience;
yet, as to myself, it was a season of peculiar
withdrawing of all substantial comfort. Some-
times I could not but secretly mourn my desti-
tute state of mind ; and had there not been a
little ciieering ray of holy confidence, mercifully
vouchsafed, m that x\ll-sufficient Power, who is
still able to " open," at his pleasure, " rivers in
high places, and fountains in the midst of the
vallies :* to make tlie wilderness a pool of
* Isaiah xli. 18.
MARY ALEXANDER. 117
water, and the dry land springs of \vater ;" I
fhink, it seemed almost as ii^ I must have sunk
into irrecoverable sadness. But, blessed be the
name of Israel's God, he was pleased to sustani
through this long winter season ; and, at times,
to afford a grain of living faith, that when his
wisdom saw it was enough, the cloud should be
removed from the tabernacle. I was sometimes
ready to conclude, my present suffering was
intended as a preparatory dispensation, for an
tirduous and important engagement, which to-
wards the latter part of the time revived and
i^pread in my mind ; though not with sufficient
clearness to satisfy me, the full time was come
i"or opening it to my friends.
In the latter end of this month, I accompanied
my brother and sister W. and A. Alexander to
Hitchin, where, on fifth day, tlie 27lh, we at-
tended the interment of dear Joshua Wheeler.
It was a solid meeting, and divers lively testi-
jiionies were delivered therein; as there Mere
likewise in an opportunity in his family in the
-evening. Though, as to myself, I experienced,
through the day, much poverty of spirit, yet I
Avas well satisfied in being there, and glad to be
^i/vitness to the graciouis support mercifully
lis BOME ACCOUNT OF
•vouchsafed to dear Elizabeth, who was strength-
ened to bear testimony in the evening, to the good-
ness and sufficiency of that divine power, which
had supported her under the present deeply
afflictive dispensation.
After my return home, I went again to Ips-
wich, and staid about ten days longer with my
sister Hannah. During that time 1 felt more
closely the weighty prospect which liad revived
before I leit her. After 1 got home, it so much
increased in weight, as to induce rae to believe
it was right for me to open to my friends, iu
the third month, a prospect 1 had of visiting the
families of friends throughout our quarterly
meeting ; and also of holding public meet-
ings : particularly on the western side of the
county, in some villages which were left un-
visited when I was joined by John Kirkham and
>lartha Brewster; and I obtained the concur-
rence of friends to proceed therein.
To give up thus far without any knowledge
of a companion, was a sacrifice which cost me
many hours of close exercise of mind, and
many fears for the honour of the pure cause I
was about to espouse.
JyJARY ALEXANDER, 419
amongst divers who were not strangers to me,
increased the arduousness of the work in my
view ; believing it would be in a peculiar man-
ner needful to stand resigned^ to renewed
baptisms, in the course of such an engagement ;
in order to experience all inferior judgment re-
moved, and to feel an entire reliance, from
hour to hour, on the guidance of unerring
Wisdom.
My mind for a short season was permitted to
receive consolation, from an acknowledgment
of my beloved brother Samuel's to the monthly
meeting, that he felt most easy to inform his
friends, he believed, if no other companion of-
fered, he should feel bound to accompany me
through some part of the visit. He had their
full concurrence so to do. And, in the course
of our religious engagements together, I had
good cause to believe, that his willingness to
sympathize with me, and, as far as was consist-
ent v.ith the great Master's will, to become a
fellow-labourer in the arduous Mork, was not
all he was called to, but that he was separated
for a similar work, within the compass of our
own monthly meeting.
3>
U.QO SOME ACCOUNT OI?
We left home on seventh day, the IQth 6f
the third month, and went that evening to Wood-
bridge, and the next morning to Leiston, in time
fox meeting. In the afternoon and evening we
had four sittings in the families there. On second
and third days we sat with the rest of that meet-
ing in their famiUes. Fourth day morning, we
began a visit to the families at Woodbridge ;
and finished the next evening. On sixth day
morning, we had a meeting with friends there ;
and in the afternoon were favoured to leave
them in peace.
In the evening we iiad three sittings at Ips-
wich, and there we were in a similar manner
engaged, until fourth day evening, the 30th of
this month. During .our visit in that place, I
underwent the deepest baptisms, I ever expe-
rienced. For several days after we got there,
it seemed as though every day they grew hea-
vier, so that sometimes I was almost ready to
feel dismayed, lest I had begun a work, which .
I should not be able to accomplish. But, to
the praise of our Holy Head and High Priest,
I, was favoured to witness, that, sufficient for the
day, was the strength he was pleased in mercy
to dispense. That eveeing, after the close of
MARY ALEXANDE-Jl. 121
Uie visit, and through the greatest part of the
night. I was favoured to partake more largely
of the foretaste of enduring felicity, than ever I
had done before. It m as a night which I de-
she may ever remain in my remembrance, witlj,
reverent thankfulness to the blessed Author of
all good.: I thought to feel what I then felt,
uninterruptedly, would, without augmentatioDy
-constitute a joyful eternity.
The next day, at a meeting with friends there/
I was renewedly plunged into close exercise,
though not without some ability to cast off my
burden, by ministering unto them, and inter-
ceding with the P'ather of mercies for them and
ourselves. But I did not feel a full release
from Ipswich, witliout submitting to invite all
my brother Dykes^* workmeii, and such of their
families as inclined to attend, to come together
that evening ; and it proved a solid opportunity..
After it was over, I was favoured to experience
a renewal of the precious peace, which had been
my allotment the preceding evening.
On sixth day morning, the 1st of the fourth
month, after sitting with a young woman who
L IZ
122 SOME ACCOU^ OF
society, we came home; and a happy day it was
to me, feeling the incomes of enriching peace.
On first day, the 3d, I attended Mendlesham
meeting, and afterwards sat M'ith the few friends
in their different fahiilies. On third day, the
5th, I was at our monthly meeting held at Ips-
wich. Fourth day, accompanied by my brother
Samuel, I visited the families in our own par-
ticular meeting : but my mind was under too
heavy a load of discouragement, in looking to-
wards the future, to get relievingly through the
present engagement. However, I have reason
to apprehend that the close of this day might
have proved more satisfactory, had I attended
more to the great Tklasler's injunction of, " Take
therefore no thought for the morrow ; for the
morrow shall take thought for the things of
itself."* This I was favoured to see verified
the next day, the 7th of fourth month. In the-
morning I took leave of my beloved brother
Samuel, who expected to set out in a few days
for the half year's meeting in Wales. It was a
pinching separation to me, as we had been very
nearly bound in gospel fellowship, in the course
of our late arduous engagement. My brother
* 31 AT. vi. 34,
MARY ALEXAN-DEE. IO3
William kindly accompanied me to Bury^ where
I informed my friends, in their monthly meeting
of my prospect ia coming amongst them. When
I had done so, my dear sister Hannah, who
was then on a visit to her sister Martha Brews-
ter, in a weighty manner, proposed to unite with
me therein, which met the cordial approbation
of her friends, and Mas truly comforting tp me.
After meeting, I was favoured to feel such a
degree of tranquillity, as was cause of humble"
thankfulness.
On sixth day, we visited three families, and
travelled thirty miles. We continued visiting
the families in the country meetings round Bury,
until third day. That afternoon and evenin"-
we had four sittings there; which I got throuoji
mider much bodily suffering. From that time^
for several days, I was much indisposed from a
complaint then very prevalent, the influenza;
and my dear sister had something of the
same disorder; so that, visiting the remaining
families in Bury, was all we were able to- ac-
complish in the course of that weel?.
Under this unexpected detention my mine?
•was mostly favoured to feel- peaceful ; and i?
h 3
124 SOME ACCOUNT 0?
was a great privilege to us, that we were so fa-
vourably situated, as under oiu- beloved M. B.'s
hospitable roof; at a time when we were unable
to proceed in the prospect before us. On first
day evening, the 17th, I had a meeting at Cock-
field, for some of the inhabitants scattered
thereaway ; and after it we returned to Bury.
On second day we parted with our dear M. B..
and went to Haverhill. There we sat with the
few families of friends ; and afterwards attended
a meeting with them. On sixth day, the 22d,.
1 had a meeting with the inhabitants of Widiers-
field, and another village in the neighbourhood
of Haverhill. On seventh day we went ta
Sudbury. With friends there, and a meeting
with the inhabitants of an adjoining place, we
%vere engaged until third day, the 26th, when
we came to Needham. On the way home, my
mind was so strongly attracted towards some of
the hihabitants of these parts, that I did not
feel a full release from this field of labour,
imtii 1 had invited them to come together the
following first day, 1st of fifth month, when a
large number were collected in a barn at
Hitcham. Amongst them, I believe, was a
great variety of states ; some, I trust, awakened
seeking minds; though they seemed; as it were^
MARY ALEXANDER. 125
almost lost in the crowd. Quietness and peace
were mercifully vouchsafed to me on my return
home that evening : though I think my mind
M as never more humbled under a feeling sense
of being but an unprofitable servant, if at all
worthy to be esteemed one in my heavenly
Father's house.
My beloved sister Hannah's sympathy, and
secret exercise of mind, many times proved
strengthening to me, in the course of our
moving along j and I earnestly covet she may
reap the reward of solid peace, for this act of
dedication to the precious cause; which will
ever be found enough to recom pence for many
deeply baptizing seasons. I trust we may with
thankfulness acknowledge, that although such
were sometimes our experience, yet, the Au-
thor of all good was with us at other times,
and refreshed die visiters and visited together,
to our humbling admiration.
Tliough it has been but seldom that I have
had any reason to believe it was right for me to
attend our annual meeting in London, having
much oftener apprehended my allotment has
been to tarry at home, while others of our little
126 SOME ACCOUNT 07
company in this meeting were so employed:
yet, this year, after the close of the foregoing
engagement, I was unusually led into feeling,
respectmg the approaching yearly meeting ; and
my mxnd was nearly bound in gospel sympathy
with my beloved sister Ann, who was going,
under a prospect of casting before the selects
meeting, her concern to visit the continent of
America. I made some efforts to go which did
not succeed, and the time being very short, I'.
gave it up. Though I do not know that I can-
say I felt condemnation, yet I have not had that
clear evidence of being in my right allotment alj
home, which, at many other times, I have beei>
favoured to experience.*
On fifth day, the 14th of the seventh moutli
this year, my dear sister left home for
America. Oti seventh day, the Ijth of the
eighth month, she embarked at Liverpool, on
board the Francis Henrietta^ bound for New-
York. She was favoured to arrive in safety on
sixth day, the l6th of ninth month. The loss
of her society is great to many of our little
circle in this place; yet the undoubted per-
suasion that she is led forth by the great Shep-
herd of Israel; tends to enable many of lier nea?
MAEY ALEXANDER. 127
connexions to feel resigned to His unerring
will : consigning her to his fatherly protection,
under every dispensation which he may see meet
to appoint or permit her to pass through for
his glorious cause sake; humbly hoping, in his
own time, to be favoured to see her restored to
ns again in peace. That her beloved husband,
in a peculiar manner, may be a sharer with her
in the precious reward ; and their tender babes
know the blessing of preservation, I feel at the
present moment nearly interested, may be theix*
individual and united happy experience.
Twelfth month, 31st. For some weeks, near
the close of this year, my mind was tried with
much depri\Tition of divine consolation. But
within a few days, it has pleased infinite good-
ness, a little to unveil himself to my comfort,
and though it has been but of short duration,
yet enough to renew a degree of living faith,
and holy confidence, in his x\ll-sufficient power,
and inscrutable wisdom. And as it is the fre-
quent humbling experience of his servants, that
it is consistent with his divine will they should
live by faith, it is a mercy which calls for thank-
fulness of heart, when any ability is felt in sin-
cerity to utter the submissive language, undei'
129 SOME ACCOUNT OS
tliose dispensations, " Not my will, but thine h%
done."* Humbled in the consideration of how
frail I am, and unable in the smallest degree to
come to such a state of resignation without re-
newed help from time to time, from tiie holy
sanctuary, oh! nxay my mind more and more,
seek after ability to become sanctified thoughout,.
in thought, word, and deed. In reviewing this-
year, I perceive that although many deep exer-
cises have been permitted for me to pass*
tlnough, yet the Lord hath sustained me in the-
midst of tliem all; and I have had some seasons^
of sweet consolation, in which my heart hatli
been knit to the beloved of my soul.
First ]Montli, 1st, 1804,
•..'IMy liiiiid tliis afternoon has been led to con-
sider, that many may be th'e changes which the
present year may produce. Many the trials and
exercises I may be permitted to experience, and
oh ! may there be a centering to the source of
all pure instruction, for counsel to move ac-
cording to divine appointment; that whether
suffering or rejoicing, that part destined for im-
mortality, may be preserved in a state of accep-
tance with " the High and Lofty One that
* Llke xxii. 42,
MARY ALEXANDET?. 129
inhabiteth eternity, \vhose name is Holy,"* and
who still condescends to dwell with them that
•are of " a contrite and humble spirit."
Fifth month, 11th. In the forepart of this
year, I became renewedly exercised in the
prospect of a religious engagement, w'lich for
many years, even from my first appearing in a
public testimony in meetings, has, at times,
-weightily attended my misd ; and particularly
in the summer of 1801, when, for a considerable
time, I was ready to apprehend it would be
consistent with my peace to endeavourto move
therein. But infinite Wisdom was pleased at
that time to order it otherwise, as already re-
marked -in these memorandums. And now,
when it first opened with weight, I felt soli-
citous that whatever was right in his sight, might
' be done ; though many have been my fears, as
usual under similar impressions^ of being de-
ceived by the great adversary, who cares not by
what stratagem he can betray. At length such
became the state of my mind, under the deep
'discouragement which I have felt, that I but
seldom possessed any capacity to put up even a
•secret petition; to the Father and Fountain of
* Isaiah Ivii. i.S,
130 SOME ACCOUNT OF
Life, for ability to know and do his will r
though, day and night, in company and alone, I
had not long together, felt liberated from an
awful consideration of the important subject.
This morning 1 ventured to unfold to my beloved
brother Samuel a little of my tried situation ; hav-
ing long looked towards him as a companion,
if ever the way should open for engaging in the
prospect in view, though I knew not that he had
ever felt a similar concern. After speaking to
him, my mind, for a short time, was relieved
from a very heavy load, which leads me to be-
lieve, let the matter issue as it may, whether I
ever see my way to move further in it or not,
that I have not done wrong in disclosing my
feelings to him. Though he said but a few
words on the subject, yet, from the manner in
which he received it, and the weight which ac-
companied us at the time, I do apprehend his
jnind has been somewhat similarly exercised.
Fourth day, l6th of fifth month. My bro-
ther Samuel revived the foregoing subject to
me; and, at the same time, acknowledged, to
my comfort, that he had for some years felt an
apprehension, that a similar engagement would
sometime be allotted him ; but he had not sgeii
MARY ALEXANDER. 151
ihe time for moving- diereki was fully come,
though since I opened my feelings to him, he
has looked more than heretofore towards an
early entrance into it; yet not with sufficient
clearness to give me much expectation he shall
be likely to see his way to join me in next eighth
4nonth ; which has very much fixed with me as
being the right time for my leaving home.
Much do I desire Me may both be enabled to
move under the direction of Him, who remains
to be, " Great in counsel, and mig"iity in woi^k."*
After many anxious ho^u's, and some deep
<:onflicts of spirit, on this important subject, I
was enabled, at our monthly meeting m the
seventh month, to open my prospect of a visit
to friends and some others in Scotland, some of
the northern counties of England, and the in-
habitants of the Isle of Man. It was received
by my friends in a manner that raised hun>
ble admiration in my deeply tried mind ; and,
.casting the burden before tliem, afforded a pre-
cious portion of tranquillity, to which 1 had
long been much unaccustomed. I think I never
was so sensible of diviixe help and support^ an-
gler a similar Qircumstance, as la the womea's
• Jer. xxxji. 19.
132 SOME ACCOUNT OF
aneeting at this time, though I did not feel alto*
ther the same strength in the men's.
Indeed I have but seldom felt as much ability
jn communicating in this way to my brethren,
as when among my sisteis : and, 1 believe, the
necessity there is, in such cases, of repeating
pretty much tlie same thing, does in degree les-
sen the weight of what is expressed.
My dear brother Samuel, at the same time,
informed friends, how he had been circum-
stanced, and that he felt most easy to propose to
unite with me. Certificates for us were ordereci
to be prepared for next monthly meeting; to bo
held on fourth day, the 1st of tiie eighth inontji.
HARY ALEXANDER. ISS
CHAPTER IX.
3d of oth Month, 1304, to the 1st of 1st Month, 180^.
iSefs Old on fhe risii to Scotland, SfC.-^Biiiy. — Little-
port. — Chatteris. — Derb^ . — Cocker mouth . — Parfo?i .
Isle of Man. — Whitehaven. — Dissingion. — Cocker-
mouth. — Mari/-Port, — Cochermouth quarterly meet-
ing.~^Gra>}southen.^Dundc€.'^Kinmuck.~-Balhal'
gardif. — Old Meldrum. — Aberdeen. — Stonehaven. ~-'
Montrose.— Dundee. — Perth. — Glasgow. — Edin-'-
iurgh monthly 7neefing. — Newcastle. — Shields.—-'
Darlington, S)C. — York.—'Welbourn. — Northampton
^arterly meeting. — Chatteris. — Patunis hoine.
Sixth day, the 3d of the eighth Month.
After so long a time of deep exercise, it has
been cause of humble admiration that I have
been enabled to look forward towards the
weighty engagement in view, with so much se-
rene satisfaction, as, for the last few weeks, has
frequently been the happy experience of my
thankful heart. Under these feelings, I left
home, and we went this evening to Bury. The
next day my mind was permitted to know a dif-
ferent dispensation, and I was ready to fear we
must part from our dear friend INIartha Brews-
ter, under a sense of the deprivation of that
M 2
134 SOME ACCOtJN'r OJ?
substantial comfort, which my soul longed to
feel. But just before we left her hospitable
roof, we were favoured to know a little of the
renewed loving kindness of our gracious Helper,
who, through our beloved friend M. B. was
pleased to open for us a little brook by the
way, and we bid farewell to her under its ten-
dering influence.
On first day the 5th, my dear brother Samuel
and myself were at Littieport meeting, which
was a very small gathering ; but we were per-
mitted to experience the fulfilling of the divine
promise that, " Where tw o or three are gathered
together in my name, there am I in the midst
of them."* It was a humbling, baptizing sea-
son; to be remembered with thankfuhiess to
Him, in whom are all oar fresli springs>
We went that evening to Chatteris, and lodged
at our friend John Bateman's, who was from
home on a religious engagement with John
Abbott, with a view to visit the Isle of Man ;
and it now looks likely we may cross the
water together. Before we left this family,
we had a humbling opportunity of religious re-
MARY ALEXANDEH. ISj
tirement. In the course of this week we tra-
velled to Sheffield ; taking a week-day meeting
at Loughborough, and another at Derby. At
the latter, in the evening of the same day, we
had a meeting with the riclily visited inhabitants
of that place. On first day, the 12th, we were
at Sheffield meetings. And thence, on second
day, we went to Huddersfield. On fourth day
we attended a week-day meetmg at Settle ; sixth
day, one at Kendal ; and on seventh day, the.
18th, we g,9t to Cockermouth, where we met
our friends John Abbott and John Bateman.
We all attended the meeting there the next day,
and had one in the eveniag for the inhabitants-
of that place, appointed by John Abbott.
Though we passed through some close exercise^
we had cause to be thankful we were there.
The evening meeting was a time greatly owned
by the Shepherd of IsraeL
On second d^y, we went to our friend Henry
Bragg's, at Parton, near Whitehaven ; and were
informed, on our arrival there, that the packet
for the Isle of Man, would sail that evening
about ten o'clock. This was intelligence that
brought my mind under deep exercise, especi-
ally finding all my intended companions were
M 3
131) SOME ACCOUNT OF
willing to go at that time, though my brother
gave a preference to staying over the monthly
meeting at Whitehaven, the next day^ When I
found him so circumstanced, I also endeavoured
to look at going with them, but after a close
conflict, I felt best satisfied to inform my be^
loved brother and fellow-labourer, that, before I
left home, I thought I saw we were to attend
that monthly meeting, and sail the next day ; and
that the prospect so continued with me, as to
lead me to believe it was safest to give up going
by the packet ; though there then appeared
but very little probability of our getting con-
"veyed to the island,, on- the day I had in views
My dear brother, when he heard this acknow-
ledgement, felt fully resigned to- stay with me.
We then informed our friends J. A. and J. B.
Jiow we were situated, desirmg them to pursue
their own prospect, if they continued to feel
most easy to go that evening ; but they likewise
concluded to stay the monthly meeting next day.
It proved ^ season of divide favour; and three
friends that day were separated to accompany
us, who proved truly sympathizing helpers
many ways, viz. Henry Bragg, John Fletcher,
and Ami Fletcher, the Intter as a female com-
panion to me; w-hose affectionate attentioo- 1
MARY ALEXANDEH. 137
?iave cause to remember Avitli gratitude. In the
afternoon of that day, Henry Bragg and some
other friends, made much inquiry for a vessel to
take us over, but could not succeed; and late in
the evenmg it seemed needful to give up the
expectation of going the next day. This was
another close trial of my faith, having so fully
believed that we should meet with something
suitable for the next morning. Very soon after
it appearsd given mp by my companions as a
hopeless case, Henry Bragg came in again and
informed us he had just met with an offer of a
vessel to take us either that evening or the next
morning. We soon concluded to take the morn-
ing's tide ; and I went to bed with a heart tilled
with thankfulness, and peace.
Fourth day morning, the 22d> we sailed from
Whitehaven with a fair wind, and very fine wea-
ther, which contmued until we got about two-
thirds of the way over; then it became almost
a calm ; and when a iitue wind did spring up, it
was nearly a-head of us, which made it slow
getting on. However we wee favoured to
land siifu at Ramsay, 34 miles, that uight; and
had cause lo iye' our heart-; humble I c.i 'hdnb-
fulness to Him whom wind and waved obey.
538 SOME ACCOUNT OF
We had a meeting at Ramsay the next morn-
ing, and another in the evening ; in both which
we experienced Holy Help to be near. At this
place we met with great kindness from a family
who accommodated Ann Fletcher and myself
with a bed ; and manifested other acts of bene-
volence to our little company, which bomid
them to om- affectionate and religious feelings.
With them we had a solid season of retire-
ment before we set off on sixth day morning, in
which they were recommended to seek more
and more after an inward acquaintance with the
Father of spirits, who is the sure reward of all
his faithful people, and worthy to be served
both by the aged and the youth. Intercession
was also made unto Him, that, as they had
handed much more to us than a cup of cold
water, in the name of Disciples, they might re-
ceive their reward; and that he would be pleased
to grant us, his pilgrims, the blessing of preser-
vation uftder all our movements, in passing along
through this little island, a very small part of
his footstool.
On sixth day evening, we had a meeting at a
place called Kirk Andrews. On seventh day
evening, one at Kirk Michael. On first day
MAHY ALEXANDER. 139
morning, the 26th, we had a meeting at
Balaff; and m the evening, one at Peekown,
where we met with divers solid people amoBg
the society of Methodists ; with whom we were
permitted to experience, in a very precious
manner, the overshadowing wing of divine re-
gard; under the influence whereof, ability was
granted, to espouse the truths of the gospel,
given to us as a people, in a peculiar manner,
to bear unto the world. And, under a humbling
sense of his goodness, and of our unworthiness
of his multiplied favours, the tribute of thanks-
giving and praise was offered unto his glorious
name, who is for ever worthy of all that can be
ascribed unto him. After meeting we sat a
while with one family of the aforesaid people ;
where we were again permitted to know, our
Holy Helper is confined neidier to time nor
place ; but is condescending to deal out his
bread to the hungry, when and where a due
preparation is made to receive his bounty.
On second day morning, T arose under an.
awful api^rehension that it would be right for,
at least, a part of our company to go again into
the family we had visited' the preceding evening,
and into some others among that people, before
t40 SOME ACCOUNT OF
we left the place. After breakfast I mentioned
this to my companions collectively ; and I had
the satisfaction of finding my beloved brother
had received somewhat of a similar impression.
After solid deliberation, part of our band con-
cluded to accompany us, while Henry Bragg and
John Fletcher went to a place a few miles dis-
tant, in Older to provide a meeting for the evening*
We went first to the family we had been
with the evening before, where we again met a
very cordial reception. We had also the com-
pany of their parents, who resided at the next
house; and of a solid young man, their preacher.
With them altogether, we were favoured to
have a truly solemn and profitable opportunity j
at the close of which, apprehending we were
w 1th some of the heads of their tribe, my bro-
ther felt it safest to remark to them a custom
we had observed in many placed, and particu-
larly on this island, which was of those in their
society, when they attended our meetings,
kneeling down on their entrance into the room.
He pointed out the difference we felt towards
different individuals under this ceremony ; some
we had cause to believe felt an awful sense of
the object of our meeting together; bq^ with
MARY ALEXANDER. 141
respect to some others, their manner was so
irreveient, as to cause us to feel deep lamenta-
tion on their account; and, in some meetings, Me
had believed it right at the close of them, to
give a caution against complying with such an
.outward form, while the attention of the mind
<was far from the great object of adoration and
worship. Under a feeling of near regard, we
parted with them all, except the young man,
who kindly conducted us to the other families
•which we visited : wherein also we experienced
sthe gathering arm of Israel's Shepherd. The
more we saw of this young ^nan, the more we
felt bound to him in gospel love; in a sense
whereof we bade him farewell.
That evening we had a meeting at Malinaclig.
On third day evening one at Darby, with some
solid people, but among them we apprehended
there was a great diversity of states. It proved,
^however, a season wherein divine mercy ap-
peared to be near to do the people good. Even
some such as had been too much in danger of
resting satisfied with former experience of the
great Master's gracious visitation to their souls,
without endeavouring to maintain the Match
iagainst a situation comparable with that of those
142 SOME ACCOUNT OP
who tliQUglit themselves rich aud iiicreased i«
goods.
As there was not a place of public entertain-
ment in this village, we were here for several
horns taken in by a man and his wife, John and
Eleanor ETlison, who apj^eared to be of truly
religious mmds. With this family, after a
meetnig held in the place, we parted, under
evident marks of affectionate esteem ; and had
a beautiful moon-light ride, several of us in an
open cart; but tranqijillity covering our minds,
though it was past midnight before we arrived
at our proposed lodging place, we enjoyed our
situation. On fourth day, we had a meeting at
Castletown in the morning, and one in the even-
ing at Ballamodda; fifth day at Ballanorrass ;
sixth day at Ballasalla; and, on seventh day
evening, the 1st of ninth month, we had our last
meeting on this island, expecting to sail that
night for Whitehaven.
This meeting was held in a large assembly-
room at Douglas, and for some time after we
met, it was the most unsettled opportunity we
had known since our landing on the isle. Iri-
deed, it was so much so, as to plunge my miml
JMARY ALEXANBER. d43
into deep discouragement, considering that we
could not have another meeting with the inhabi-,
tants of that place, without missing our convey-
ance by the packet. I think it was a season of
as close exercise as I ever remember to have
experienced. John Bateman and my dear bro-
ther, had each a little matter to offer to the
people, I thought very pertinent to the situation
of divers amongst them, whose states, as to reli-
gious sensibility, I believe, were very different;
some of them appearing awfully aware of the
intention of our gathering together. However, so
little place did the foregoing testimonies appear
to have with those of another description, that
soon after my brother had taken his seat again,
I was ready to apprehend it might be best to
close the meeting, but my companions did not
feel at liberty to do so. After endeavouring
to bear my burden the appointed time, I at
length believed it would be safest for me to at
least get upon my feet, which I did in much
fear and trembling; but with an earnest desire,
to be rightly directed by Him, who only knows
the food convenient for his people. Probably
the novelty of a female's appearance in such a
manner, might have place with some of them,
'!0 that m a short time they became mucit
2?
144 SOME ACCOUNT OT
quieter, and more attentive ; and I was enabled
to minister to many different conditions present,
to the relief of my own mind. After this, some
further commtuiications were offered by my
fellow-labourers ; and the meeting ended in
solemn supplication to our universal Parent, for
a blessing on the present opportunity; and, in
humble acknowledgements for his gracious as-
sistance unto us, mercifully vouchsafed at that
time, as also on many similar occasions in our
passing along, among the little handful of his
people situated on that small spot of ground.
We took an affectionate leave of many after
meeting ; and on our way to the nm, called
at a house where we had that afternoon taken
tea, with a very valuable young woman and her
aged father ; with w horn we now had a solid
and truly memorable season of religious retire-
ment.
\yhen we reached the inn, we were immedi-
ately told, the captain had been there to inform
us he was ready to sail. We were therefore
obliged to leave the house without sitting down,
or partaking of any refreshment for the body ;
but our minds being richly replenished with a
portion of peace, and feeling a full clearance of
that part of our mission, it was of but very lit-
tle consequence to us.
MARY ALEXANDER. 1^45
We M'ent on board about ten o'clock, and after
a good sail, with a fair wind, were favoured to
land in safety at Whitehaven, at nine o'clock
on first day morning. After breakfast, my bro-
ther and myself went to our friend H. Bragg's,
at Parton, to get a few hours rest. In the
afternoon we assembled with our friends at
Whitehaven. That day, before we parted with
our companion John Abbott, he informed us of a
prospect he had, of a meeting with the inhabi-
tants of a village between AVhitehaven and
Cockermouth, querying if we had had any view
towards the same place. As it had attracted
my attention, so much as to lead me to appre-
hend we should not be likely entirely to leave
those parts without a similar engagement, ife
seemed, we thought^ very desirable to unite
with him and John Bateman ; though I felt
so fatigued, and in want of rest, after our close
tiavelling and exercise on the island, as rather
reluctantly to submit to joining them ia the ap-
pointment of a meeting there, Dissington, on
second day evening; which appeared the most
suitable time for them. It proved to me a par-
ticularly exercising meeting, wherein I thought
1 had to labour in the gospel, in as much weak-
ness and mortification to the creaturely part, as-
^^ 2
146 SOME ACCOUJST OF
at any time since my leaving home. Indeed I
was almost ready to call in question the rectitude
of our being there ; but, after we left the place,
and returned to Parton, I was permitted to feel
ft degree of the calming influence of divine love,
as a canopy to cover my mind, so as to raise
reverent thajuktuluess to Him, who is pleased to
accept the feeble, if but faithful endeavours of
his humbly dedicated children.
On 3d day we all attended the week-day meet-
ing at Cockermouth, where we met our three
kind fellow-helpers, who had accompanied us
across the water. In the afternoon we had a preci-
ous parting opportunity together ; in which we had
to acknowledge that the sustaining arm of divine
.sufficiency had been with us in our going forth,
and mercifully supported throughout ; sweetly
uniting our little band in gospel fellowship. We
Lad also to acknowledge that many circum-
stances respecting our union, had been mar-
vellous in our eyes, and claimed the tribute of
gratitude and praise unto our Holy Director,
who remains to be unto his people, '' Wonderful,
Counsellor, the Mighty God;"* and who was
condescending, at that time, to bestow a portion
♦ Isaiah is. 6,
MARY ALEXANDER. 14?
6( enriching peace ; though we could truly, with
abasedness of spirit, adopt the language, " We
are unprofitable servants."*
On fourth day, John Abbott and John Bate-
man went to Kendal ; and my dear brother and
myself to a meeting at Setmorthy. In the af-
ternoon, in our way to Broughton, we visited
a very afflicted friend, I think the most pitiable
object I ever beheld ; but we were comforted
in believing his sufferings would terminate with
his existence here ;, and we also were ready to
believe that it would not be very long ere ths
gracious call would be in mercy extended to his
soul, to leave the shackles of mortality, for aa
abode in durable happiness.
From fifth to seventh day, we attended meet .
ings at Broughton, Pardshaw, andGrey-Southen.
On first day, the 9th, we were at Maryport. In
the morning meeting tliere, I very soon felt my
mind under exercise, and divers states present
were brought before me with what I appre-
hended clear openings for communication ; but
I had not been sensible of the full time being
» Luke xvii, iQ,
•J4S SOME ACCOUNT or
€ome for it, when another stepping in, closec?
up the w ay, and we had no public labour there ►
In the afternoon meeting we were permitted
to experience a good degree of relief, although
I do not suppose we were endowed with as
much strength, to warn some, and encourage
and sympathize with others, as we might have
"been, had we met with no impediment in th©
foregoing meeting. However we had renewed
cause, through all, to thank our gracious
Helper, and to confide in his all-sufficient
Power.
On second day morning, after a season of
divine favour, in the friend's family where we
lodged, we left Maryport. In the remaining
part of this week we visited the meetings at
Allanby, Holm, Wigton, Bolton, Kirkbride,
Coldbeck, and Mosedale. On first day, the
l6th, we were at Carlisle, in the morning ; and
had a meeting in the evening at Scotby. On
second day, we travelled over some very moun-
tainous road to Aldston; where we had a meet-
ing the next day. Fourth day, we were at a
monthly meeting at Allondale; and, in the after-
noon, attended a select jjieetmg there, held in a
MARY ALEXANDER. 349
friend's house, to accommodate an ancient
woman who was not able to get to the meeting-
house. On fifth day, we had a meetmg at
Derwent, and returned to Allondale. Sixth
day evening we had a meeting at Cornwood.
In the course of the last two weeks, many
have been our exercises. In some of the meet-
ings that we have attended, within that time, we
have been favoured to feel, concerning a few
individuals, that the pure cause which we are
engaged to espouse, is lovely in their view.
But, alas ! by divers others it hath appeared to
be professed only by tradition. They hardly
seemed sensible of the lamentation we were
constrained, at times, to utter in their hearing ;
and in one meetmg in particular, we had cause
to fear, from the impressions we felt, that the
enemy of all good, had so far prevailed with his
temptations, that some were not clear of all un-
seemly and unmoral conduct. May the God of
all grace, still be pleased so to plead with these
his poor bewildered children, as, by his power-
ful and delivering arm, to preserve them even-
tually from the jaws of the devourer; through a
timely obedience to his gracious pi ecepts and
invitation: "Wash you, make you clean: put
tSO SOME ACCOUNT OF
away the evil of your doings from before mine
eyes ; cease to do evil ; learn to do well. Come-
now, and let us reason together, saith the
Lord; though your sins be as scarlet, they shall
be white as snow; though they be red like
crimson, they shall be as wool."* Even unto
such as these, his subsequent promise is, "' If
ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the^
good of the land."J
On first day, the 23d, we were at Sykeside
meeting in the morning ; and in the evening at-
tended one at Solport ; after M'hich we returned
to Sykeside. On third day we had a meet-
ing at Moorhouse ; which concluded our visit
to all the particular meetings in the quarterly
meeting of Cumberland and Northumberland.
This week tlie quarterly meeting was held at
Cockermouth ; and after many days of consi-
derable thoughtfulness on the subject, it seemed
best for us to attend that meeting before we
proceeded for Scotland, which we accordingly
did on tlie 27th and CSth of ninth month.
On seventh day morning, after a solid oppor-
tunity in J. and D. Ritson's family, where we
♦ Isaiah i. 16— la. $ Isaiah i, I9i
MARY ALEXANDER. 153
Tiad been divers times entertained with much
kindness and aftectionate attention, we left
Cockermouth, for Paiton, and there, in the
agreeable society of our dear friends H. and M.
Bragg, and their children, we spent a quiet
afternoon. On first day morning, we attended
Whitehaven meeting, which proved a season of
relief and consolation to our minds, not having .
felt fully clear of friends there until now. In
the evening we had a very large meeting, with
the inhabitants of Workington, and went after
it, though late, to Grey-Southen, to our kind
friend John Fletcher's.
Tenth month, 1st, second day. This even-
ing we had a meeting with the inhabitants of
Brigham, at the close of which we parted with
several friends ^^ ho met us there, to whom we
had been nearly united in gospel fellowship ;
expecting the next morning, to leave those parts
and go directly for Scotland.
On third day we were accompanied one stage
on our way, by our dear friend John Fletcher.
On the road we were overtaken by H. Bragg,
who intended to accompany us to Edinburgh.
We got that niglit to Carlisle ; and on fourth day
152 SOME ACCOUNT OF
morning, after a little season of retirement, we
parted with our kind friend David Carrick and
his family.
A few miles from Carlisle, H. Bragg prt>-
posed our calling to speak to a friend's family
by the road's side, with which we complied $
and were well satisfied in doing so.
This afternoon we entered into Scotland^
and on fifth day we reached Hawick, whera
there are two families of friends, who sit down
together in one of their houses. That evening
we had a public meeting there; and the next,
morning, sat widi the two families in that. place
separately, in which we felt satisfaction ; and/
under a feeling of gospel love, we parted with
them, except one friend, m ho wsirt with us ta
Edinburgh, where we arrived before dinner, oa
seventh day..
On first day, the 7th, we attended the meet-
ings there. In tire morning sitting I was dipped
into close exercise, without any opening for
communication, and the watch word which,
deeply impressed my mind, appeared to be like
the injunction given by our Great Master, to his
MARY ALEXANDER. 153
Immediate followers, when tiiey were about to
filter upon his mission to the lost sheep of the
house of Israel : " Be ye therefore wise as ser-
pents, and harmless as doves."*^ This was ac-
companied with an awful impression, that to do
our proper business, we must submit to visit
from house to house, amongst our friends in that
place- Before the afternoon meeting, I felt a
necessity 4o unfold to my beloved brother, how
I was circumstauced, who, I found, had been in
somewhat a similar situation, but did not appear
to be come at full clearness in his mind re-
specting it. This I much desired he might he
favoured to do, before any such prospect was
opened to our friends; though I apprehended
it might be right for us to commence our visit
that evening, and thought I saw with what fa-
mily we should begin : yet I could not feel satis-
fied to divulge it further, until his way was per-
fectly clear. However, after Ihad informed
him what I did, I experienced a degree of relief
from the weight of exercise which had rested
A\'ith me, previously to my speaking to him on
.the subject. But it was otherwise with him,
for he found the matter increase, and fix so
jauich, that at the close of the afternooa
* Mat, X. 16,
154 SOME ACCOUNT OF
meeting, in a very desirable manner, he informed
friends of our prospect.
From some of them we received expressions
of sympathy, and encouragement to pursue what
we had in view; and it was by them proposed,
as we should need some assistant to conduct us
from one family to another, that our friend
Henry Bragg, who had kindly accompanied us
many miles, should, if he felt freedom so to do,
aid us a little longer, by continumg with us
through the impending engagement. To this
he readily assented, and that evening we sat with
two families. Second, thud, and fourth days
were employed in this way. On fifth day, we
attended a monthly meeting at Edinburgh ; and
in the evening had one sitting. At the close of
that day, we felt, at least, a present release from
this place; and had cause to testify that the
Lord God Omnipotent, is worthy to be sought
unto, and trusted in, by his children and people.
And, oh! may we prove humble and grateful
receivers.
On sixth and seventh days, Ave travelled to
Dundee, accompanied by Alexander Cruick-
•shank, our kind landlord at Edinburgh ; we had
SSJATIY ALEXANDER. ^jo
also the company of our friend Henry Bragg,
who did not yet appear prepared to bid
farewell to us. On first day, the 14th, we
attended two meetings at Dundee, and had
two sittings in friends' families. On fourth
day we got to Balhalgardy, to our friend John
Cruickshank's, under whose quiet roof I felt it
a peculiar privilege to shelter that evening, be-
ing very unwell with a close cold, and much
depressed in mind in the prospect of remaining
engagements in this land.
On fifth day we rode five miles to Kinmuclc,
m order to attend a monthly meeting there that
day ; but I was too ill to go to meeting, or to
keep out of bed much of the time friends were
sitting ; yet, obtaming a little relief in the after-
noon, we went five miles further to Old Mel-
drum. On sixth day we had a meeting there ;
and after a religious opportunity with a friend
before dnmer, and an opportunity after it with
the family where we lodged, we essayed to leave
that place ; but I could not, with satisfactory
clearness, see our departure thence, without
visiting the rest of the little handful of profes-^
sors under our name, belonging to that meet-
iiig j w ith whi<.Ij my brother ttuitcdt We got
156 SOME ACCOUNT O^-
tbrough them that evening and the next day;
and afterwards returned to Balhalgardy. On
first day, the 21st, we were at the meetmg at
Kinniuck, which I think was in some good de*-
gree owned by the great Shepherd of Israel,
and ended to satisfaction.
As I continued to feel very unM'^U, after
meeting we went back to Balhalgardy, and
rested there the remaining part ot that day.
Indeed I was ready to suppose I must tarry
there many days befoLC I should be well enough
to move forward with what still remained to do
thereabouts. But 1 recovered so far as to get
to a public meeting appointed for us at Old
Meldrum, qn second day evening ; and, though
it was very wet, without taking any fresh cold.
On third <lay we had several sittings with the
faniilies within the compass of Kinmuck meet-
ing ; and the remaining part of them, we sat
with before their meeting on fourdi day, which
we attended. In the evening we had a public
meeting at Inverury. The latter proved a sea-
son of some encouragement to my mind, feeling
Holy Help to be near, which remains to be q.
rock of defence to the truly dependant in alJ
their exercises,
MARY ALEXANDER. }q7
After this meeting we went to Balhalgavdy.
The next day we parted with our kind and muciv
esteemed friends of that family, with whom we
had a solid season of retirement when about to
separate, which to us felt a comfortable close to
our little services thereaway. On sixth day we
had a meeting with friends at Aberdeen, where
some of the few professing with us, appeared
very much strangers to the pure truth. It was
an exercising meeting; but some ability was af-
forded to labour; and in it we had peace. We
felt much sympathy with one individual, in-
whose family we had a religious opportunity,
before we left the place, in the afternoon. That
evening we visited, at Stonehaven, the only re-
maining member of Ury meeting -— a very
ancient woman ; but it was comforting to our
minds, to find, in her very lonely situation, she
was favoured, in her old age, to retain a lively
sense of the pure principle in which she had for
many years professed to believe. This was-
now her comfort and support; and we had a
comfortable hope would be mercifully vouch-
safed to the end of her pilgrimage here ; and
that at the close thereof she would obtain an
admittance into the kingdom, where sorrow and.
sighing are no more.
o 2
J53 SOME ACCOUNT OJ
On first day, the 28th, we had a meeting
with the inhabitants of Montrose, which to me
was a very trying one, believing but a small
number, in a large gathering of people, wete
heartily engaged for their own eternal interest.
On third day, tte SOtli, we had an open and
satisfactory meeting with some of the inhabi-
tants of Dundee ; in a part of the town, where
no meeting of our society bad of late time bee»<
held.
Eleventh montfi, 1st, and 5th of the week, we
attended a meeting at Perth, with a small num-
ber in profession with us, amongst whom we
had some exercising labour. My mind was led
much to fear for an individual in particular,
who, I believed, in days past, had known a be-
ginning in the spiritual warfare ; but who ap-
peared in considerable danger of cherishing a
propensity to be " now made perfect by the
flesh."* This friend coming to our inn, I had
an opportunity ^'ith him which proved relieving
to my mind. The word preached did not ap-
pear to have much entrance into the hearts of
i5ome; but blessed be the name of Him, whonx
* Gal. iii. 3,.
MAEY ALEXANDER. 159
I desire to serve, not the fruits of our doings,
but the faithfuhiess of our hearts, commends
his dedicated servants to his divine acceptance.
On first day, the 4th, we attended two meet-
ings with our friends at Glasgow, besides sitting
w ith them in their preparative meeting. In the
evening we had a solid opportunity in one of
their families, when divers others of them were
present. On second day morning, the way did
not appear clear to leave them, neither could I
see enough light upon visiting their^ separate
families, to admit of my proposing it to my
dear brother; but I soon found he had more
fully received the word of command to go
amongst them in that way. Having felt so much
as to enable me cordially to unite with him, we,
without delay, entered into the work, that we
had cause to believe was assigned us. On fifth
day, the 8th, we attended a second monthly
meeting at Edinburgh, where we were renewedly
led into much exercise. Both our minds were
so closely arrested in our separate apartments
this day, as to lead us to suppose we should not:
"be clear, without attempting to dip a little fur-
ther into their situation than we could do in*
their monthly meeting. This we did iu much.
o 3
160 SOME ACCOUNT OF
fear, and with an earnest desire to be preserved
from hurting the pure cause, if we were not
permitted to promote it, or help our friends ;
to all of whom we felt much love. On third
day morning, the 13th, my dear brother and
myself left Edinburgh, after a little season of
jetirement, in which we had the company, of
dear H. Bragg, who had continued with us until
this time, and was particularly helpful to us ia
the late arduous engagement.
On sixth day evening, the l6th, we got to
Newcastle, and the 17th, rested there; which
was the first day we had spent since we left
home, without either religious engagements, or
travelling, or both. On first day, the 18th, we
attended two meetings there ; wherein some abi-
lity was afforded to sympathize with the rightly
exercised in that place ; and to hand a word of
encouragement unto such, to hold on in the line
of manifested' duty, for the promotion of the
blessed cause in themselves and others. A
caution was extended to some amongst them,
to guard against a disposition which might lead
to procrastination, in the very momentous con-
cern of preparing for a future existence : and some
other states present were, I trust, ministered
^into in the love of the gospel.
MARY ALEXANiyEB. IQ*
On second day we had a meeting at Benfield-
side. Third day, after some religious opportu-
nities at Newcastle, whereto we returned the
preceding evening, we went to Shields. On
fourth day, we attended the week-day meeting ;
and before we left the place in the afternoon,
had a solemn season of retirement in Henry
Taylor's family, whose daughter I had felt
deeply for, she being in a very delicate situa-
tion ; and, I was apprehensive, not likely to be
again restored to stronger health. My brother-
was led to address both her and her father in
an affectionate, and, I thought, a veiy suitable
manner ; after which I felt my mind strengthened
to supplicate at the footstool of Divine mercy,
that whether it might be consistent with the
will of Him, who does all things right, to
lengthen the thread, of life to more advanced
age, or cut it short in the bloom of youth, her
way might be clear to the glorious, abode of
sanctified spirits.
The five following days we had meetings at
Sunderland, Durham, Auckland, Staindrop, and
Cotherstone. On third day, the 27th, we at-
tended a monthly meeting at Staindrop ; and on
J&fth day, the 29th; were at the week-day meet-
id^ SOME ACGOUNT or^
ihg at Darliugton, which vre sat throttghout in'
stiffering silence, except a short sentence, deli-
vered by my brother, at the close of the meet-
ing. After some deep wading, and heartfelt
exercise, we both apprehended the way to ob-
tain a little relief, pointed towards visiting the
most active members in their separate families.
This engagement occupied sixth and seventh
days. On first day, the 2d of twelfth month,
we attended the meeting there, which with three
private religious opportunities that diiy, opened
the way for our liberation from thence on se-
cond day; and that evening we went to Stock-
ton. The next and two following days we were
at meetings at Norton, Stockton, and Yann.
In tlfe course of this journey I Ime experi- '
«nced many very trying, and in some sort new
exercises ; and I think those which I have passec^
through, in these parts, have sometimes been as
deeply distressing as any I have ever y€t known :
but so it must be, where the pure seed is in
captivity in the hearts of the people ; and a fa-
vour it is to be found worthy to suffer with a
crucified Lord. However some rightly exer-
cised travellers, I believe, are prescinded amongst
them; for whom I feel near sympathy ; much^
MARY ALEXANDER. 163
desiring they may hold fast their confidence ia
Hira, whose arm of all-sufficient power, is still
able to support his humbly depending little
ones, under all tribulations which they are per-
mitted to pass through for his pure cause sake.
Such indeed may be comforted in the gracious
promise, that " though a woman may forget her
sucking child, yet the Lord will not forget"*
those, who are rightly concerned for Zioa's
prosperity.
On first day, the 9th, we were at Whitby ;
and on fourth day, the 1 2th, after a meeting at
Malton, we went to York. Here we staid two
days with our relations and fviends. On seventh
day, the 15th, accompanied by HemyTuke, we
went to Doncaster. We staid first day tliere,
and attended the meetings, which to me were
passed in silent exercise. The next morn-
ing we parted with Henry Tuke, he return-
ing home, and we going towards Lincoln.
There, on fourth day, the 19th, we attended a
quarterly meeting, with a small number of
friends, to some solid satisfaction. On fifth
day, we called and spent two or three hour$
\\ith our kind and valuable friend Aljce^ Buitt;
* Isaiah xlix. la.
t64 ' SOME ACCOtJXT O^
at Welbeurn ; and before we parted, we liacf
renewed cause to acknowledge that the presence
of the Most High, is not confined to time or
place ; feeling, with her and her family, such a
degree thereof, as, I trusty will enable the visi-
ters and visited to retain a lively remembrance
one of another.
On seventh day evening, the 22d, we got t<>
Wcllijigborough. On first day we attended tho
meeting there. In the afternoon we Ment to
Northampton. That evening we attended the
quarterly meeting of ministers and elders there;,
and the next day the quarterly meeting for wor-
ship and discipline^ This to me was a low
time; yet it did not appear right to withhold
communicating a little of my small stock of
spiritual bread to others, though not to much
relief. But, in the afternoon, just before we
left the place, in a religious opportunity, in the
family where ws lodged j several other friends
being also present, I obtained an increase of
that substantial food, which enabled me to leave
tliem in thankfulness and peace.
We returned to Wellingborough with our'
much-esteemed friends B. and T. Middleton..
^lARY ALEXANDEE. 16S
011 third day, we attended a weel-day meeting at
Finedon, and after it, and a season of retirement
in a family there, we went to Thrapston. On
fourth day, we reacl>ed Chatteris, where we
spent a very pleasant evening, ^ith our late
ancient companion on the Isle of INI an, John
Batemau; Mho, we thought, appeared to be
reaping a reward fox his evening's sacrifice.
On seventh day evening, the 29th, -vve Mere
favoured to get weU home; and had the satis-
faction of meeting our relations and friends in
usual health, and from them a very cordial wel-
come to Needham again; which, with the mer-
ciful preservations dispensed to us in our long
-travel, calls for humble thankfulness to the
,Author of all our blessings.
On third day, the 1st of first month, 1805,
■we attended our monthly meeting at Wood-
bridge, and retmned our certificates ; m hich, as
far as related to myself, was under the humi-
liating sense of unfitness, and incapacity for the
great work in Nvhich I had believed myself re-
-quired to engage, for the promotion of the most
dignified cause M'hich can be espoused on cartli.
Yet in retiring from the field of labour^ and
tO& SOME ACCOUNT OF
settling dowH at home, my mind, at times, has
been favoured to partake of a degree of peace-
ful tranquillity. This is not at our own com-
mand; and therefore, when it is graciously
vouchsafed should be accepted with gratitude
and i>raise, as from the treasury of Him, who
is a rich rewarder of them that diligently seek
and serve him, with integrity and uprightnesjj
•f heart.
-RIARY ALEXANDER, 367
CHAPTER X.
1st Month, 1805, to the 9th Month, 1806.
E. Gibson's burial, and that of another individual.—-
Her sister Ann returns her cerfijicatcs. — Quarterly
meeting. — Accompanies W. Forster^jun. — Quarter!)^
meeting. — Earith.
Within a week after my brother and I had
leturned from our journey into Scotland, we
left home again, accompanied by our dear bro-
ther Dykes, to attend the interment of our
much beloved friend Elizabeth Gibson, of
Saffron Walden, who Avas removed after about
a M'eek's illness. She was far advanced in life,
being in the seventy-sixth year of her age. Her
faculties, both spiritual and natural, remaining
-very bright to the last, she will be much missed
in the militant church ; yet, as there is no dou bt
of her happy admittance into the church tri-
imiphant, we have no cause, on her account, to
mourn ; believing she was ripe for a glorious
transition from the troubles of time to the joys
of eternity. She was permitted to put off mor-
tality in a remarkably easj- manner, without the
Jeast apparent..suffering at tlie final cjosej
1^ SOME ACCOUNT OF
Many friends from different parts attended?
and the meeting, in the early part of it, was
«olemn. "Under this precious feeling, ^ear Mary
Pryor of Hertford, delivered a very lively and heart
tendering testimony ; but for want of all keeping
their proper ranks, 1 believe we lost, in some
measure, the favour designed for us by the great
Head of the Church ; yet the meeting was per-
mitted to end under ^.covering of good. And
at the grave side, an awful silence prevailed,
and two short testimonies were there, delivered,
before wecjuitted the.v.eiTiJiips of the dear de*
creased.
In the twelfth month this year, my i)rotIier
Samuel and myself attended the interment of
-, — , qnd had cause to. believe, that after all
the yjci^situdes he iiad .been j>erinitted to ex-
perience, during his long pilgrimage here, both
in spiritual and temporal concems,,he was mer-
cifully favoured to know his tran^ressions to go
befme-hand to judgment, and to obtain a seat
within the glorious confines of eternal felicity.
AVe had a solid meeting on the occasion, and I
believe divers minds present, were led seriously
to consider their latter end. And some of us
were enabled to feel a tribute of ihankfuhj^Ssg
MARY ALEXANDER. .169
ialsed in our hearts unto Him, whose " mercy
endureth for ever."*
At our monthly and quarterly meetings in"
this montli,, my beloved sister Ann Alexander,
delivered up tlxe certificates she had received
iVom these meetings, in order to visit America,
and produced several testimonies from thence
of Jier acceptable services in that land. She
also spread before us a humble, lively, and ani-
mating account of her exercises, merciful pre-
servations, and divine support; acknowledging
to the sufficiency and goodness of that power,
who had enabled her to leave all and follow
him, and who had brought her home in peace.
Sixth month, 1806^. For a considerable I'uue
past, my mind has mostly been permitted to
know a season of deep depression, and great de-
privation of religious comfojt. In this state I
went to our quarterly meeting held at Ipswich,
this week ; where I was favoured, in some of
the sittings thereof, to experience a revival of
gracious communion with the Father of spirits,
w hich, in my drooping condition, was a renewed
jnark of his merciful condescension, that calls
* Psalm 136,
170 fcOME ACCOUNT Qf
for humble gratitude. In our women's meeting);^.
I felt strengthened to advocate the noble cause
we were met to promote ; and, towards the close
of it, my heart and knees were bowed in awful
thankfulness, to the great Master of all rightly
gathered assemblies. I apprehend we were fa-
voured with rather an unusual covering of good|
under this we closed, and I trust many of us
were enabled to separate one from another with
a tribute of praise to the bountiful Dispenser of
his own precious gifts. In a* more tlian com-
mon manner, has the consolation of that day,
been permitted to continue uninterruptedly with
jiie. Oh ! that I may prove a grateful receiver
of this most desirable visitant ; and stand unre-
servedly resigned to all the future dispensations
of his unerring wisdom and goodness, saith my
soul, Amen.
In the forepart of the seventh month, T ac-
companied Wm. Forster, jun. to several public
meetings vithin the compass of our monthly
meeting ; and towards the close of it, I met him,
at Tivetshail, and was with him a few days
while he was in that neighbourhood, engaged iti
the same weighty service. This I had reason
to believe he was favoured to feci very im--
MARY ALEXANDER. 37?
portaiit ; in an especial manner for one so young
in years, and so recently called to a public
espousal of the cause of righteousness 3nd peace.
Though the meetings he appointed were not all
owned with the same degree of Divine influ-
ence; yet, I think, there was not one, either
about us, or in Norfolk, that I could doubt
the rectitude of his holding. Some of them
were in a very precious manner sanctioned by
the presence t)f the glorious Shepherd of Israel.
Yea, it sometimes rejoiced my heart to see and
f€el one in the days of youth, so dedicated to
the most noble cause, and so strengthened to
espouse it. Humbly do I crave that the bleS"
sing of preservation may be his happy experi-
ence. May ability be granted to keep near to his
holy Director, that thereby he may be favoured
to detect our common enemy, in all his appear-
ances ; and so the good work begim in his heart,
may be carried on to the praise of Him, " vvhosfe
reward is with him, to give every man accord^
ihg as his work shall be."* Tlie " Alpha and
Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and"
the last." The all in all to those who serve
fiim with integrity.
* Rev. xxii. 15,
P .3-
172 SGME ACCOUNT OP
In the retrospect of the time Me spent toge-
ther, my mind has sometimes been permitted to
possess such a portion of tranquiUity, as leads
me to hope I was not moving out of my right
allotment, in endeavouring to hold up the hands
of this my junior friend, under the exercise
which I believe he was called to bear by the
great Father of the spiritual family,
Ninth month, 27th. At our quarterly meet-^
ing last week, very different was my situation, .
to that which I experienced in the foregoing
one. I think T have not often, if ever, sat
through the several sittings of a quarterly meet-
ing with so little truly religious feeling. But I
believe many others were permitted to obtain a
morsel of spiritual food ; both immediately from
Him, who is to his people, "meat indeed,"* and
through the ministry of some rightly qualified^
servants. Many are the dispensations expedient:
for some to pass through, in order to become
altogether sanctified and meet for the kingdom^
luideriled. Oh ! gracious Father, suffer not thy..
Ihrand to spare, until all in me is removed which-^,
is contrary to thy pure and blessed will!
♦ John vi. 53,
MARY ALEXANDER. 17,9
After the quarterly meeting, though in a tried
and stripped state of mind, I went with my
l^rother Samuel, in order to attend the marriage
of Lovell Squire and Sarah Brown, at Earith.
There, on the day of their union, I apprehended
I received some small commission to espouse
the good cause; but in so much feebleness as
to lead me to fear the rectitude of my move-
ments : however, at the close of theevening, I was
mercifully favouied to believe I had done what
"Has my duty to do, and no more, which afforded
a ray of comfort, to my drooping mmd. Since
our return home, though still low and poor, I.
feel satisfied that 1 complied with my brother's-^
request, to accompany him. Much do I desire
the dear young people, who are just entermg
into life, and M'hom i much esteem, may be
disposed to " seek first the kingdom of God, and
his righteousness;"* unto which state is sub--
joined the gracious promise, that, ail Qtber^v
jaiecessary blessings shall be added.
* Mat, vi. 33,
1'24 50ME ACCOUNT OS
CHAPTER XI.
£d of 12th Month, 1506, to the 8th of 4th Montb^ 1807,
Rejections on a prospect of visit mg London and Middk'
sex quarterly meeting, S^c. — Tottenham. — Ptaistoxv,
—•Tottenham — Southgate. — Grace - Church - Street-
Vionthly meeting. — Colchester,
l<>th Month, 3d, 1800.
Yesterday I found strength to unfold to my.
friends, at our monthly meeting, a religious,
prospect which has long been weighty before
me, to visit the families of friends in three
of the monthly meetings, constituting a part of
London and Middlesex quarterly meeting, viz.
Grace-Church-Street, Tottenham, and Bark;-
ing ; extending also to some other services, par-
ticularly to visiting, the- families of friends at
Colchester.
Awful indeed has been, and still continues to
be, the view of this very important engage-
ment. The prohibition which I feel to take-
any thought about a help meet for- the workj,
lias, at times, added to the weight thereof; yet^
at some other seasons; when. I am enabled to»
MARY ALEXANDER. 3 75
attain to that state of pure submission, v.hereiu
I can say to him who is infinite in wisdom and
goodness, " Not my m ill, but thine be done,"*
I have sweetly felt, ability to adopt as my own^,
an expression of Job Scott's : " Quietness, as
a canopy covers my mind." When this calming
influence prevails, I feel an unshaken persuasion
that all things needful will be provided. Oh!
ihat my mind may be preserved so steadily
fixed on the immovable Rock, that whatever
adverse gales may be permitted to blow, my
trust and hope therein may prove " as- an anchor
of the soul, both sure and stedfast."^: I can
hitherto acknowledge the goodness of Him,
who, I humbly trust, hath called for this surren-
der of my will to his all-wise disposal, in having
granted me a little portion of peace, since dis-
closing to my friends a willingutss once more,
in this way, to prove my attuchment to that
cause, which I sometimes ieel dearer to me than
my natural life.
At present, it is my expectation to commence
the visit with attending Tottenham monthly
meetings at Waltham Abbey, on fifth day, the
8Ui of the first month, ISO?.
* LusE xxii, 42. $ Hee. vi.. 19^
no SOME ACCOUNT OF
Tottenham, second day, 12th erf first month.
This evening I have parted with my brothci'
Samuel, Mho, in> his wonted kindness, accom-
panied me from home last third day, and the
next afternoon we reached this place. On fifth
day we attended the monthly meeting at Wal-
tham Abbey, where I produced my certiiicate,
and, I trust, obtained the sympathy of some of
my brethren and sisters in this part of the vine-
yard. I had also the satisfaction to find my friend
W. Forster, jun. was bound to a part of the fa-
milies hereabouts. We commenced our visit
©n sixth day morning, ^lien my brother left me
for two days, and we met again at Winshmort^
hill on first day. We all attended the meeting
there, and in the evening had a large assembly
of tlaose not in profession with us. This morn-
ing we all were at the meeting of ministers and
ciders in London, and came to Tottenham to
dinner. "\\' ith so weighty a prospect before me,
it feels pinching to part with one, who, both in
natural and religious bonds, is so near to my
heart, as mv dear brother Samuel. But on that
Arm of Power which hath hitherto supported,
I desire to rely. Humbly craving his holy aid,
quietly to endure every dispensation of his gra-
cious Providence, both in heights and in depths..
' ftfARY AXEXANDER. 177
1?laIsto\v, third day, 20th of first montL
Though I had not got through my engage-
ments in Tottenham quarter, I fe?lt bound to
attend a monthly meethig here to-day. After
tSie reading of my certificate in both meetings,
a committee was appointed m eacii, to render
the needful assistance in the performance of my
engagements in Barking quarter ; and, ha a con-
ference which I have had with the joint com-
mittee, I ventured to open a little prospect I
have for some ' time seen, ^of having the com-
pany of my friends John and Tabitha Bevans,
in the families hereabouts. I also then iufoi-med
my friends, that I expected to visit this monthly
meeting before I returned to Tottenham, and
to commence the. engagement to-morrow morn-
ing. My proposals were cordially received,
and united with by the committee; J. andT. B.
being of the number, and acquiescing with the
part which more particularly applied to them.
AH this proved relieving for the moment: but,
alas ! my mind, this evening, is so reduced and
brought into cleep -exercise, tliat I scarcely am
■able to believe I ever was acquainted with the
-:voice of the Good Shepherd. I am almost
'leady to conclude tiiat all I have felt concern-
173" SOME ACCOUNT OP
ing my present awful engagement, and every
thing of a similar nature, have had their origin
in the grand deceivei- of mankind, who cares not
by what bait he prevails over the children of
men to follow him, thereby alienating the soul
from the bountiful source of all substantial
good. ,Oh! Tliou who canst search the secret
recesses of every heart, permit me to know thy
blessed will, before I get so entangled with the
power of darkness, as, in any wise, to bring re-
proach on thy precious cause, which thou
knowest is more dear to me than ray natural
life; for this I could willingly surrender this
night, ratlicr than remain here to harm the pure
testimony of truth.
Tottenham, third day, 3d of second month.
"Yesterday I closed my visit to Barking
monthly meeting, and retumed here, accom-
panied by my very kind friends, John andTabitha
Eevans, whose company and help in the work,
together w ith the great kindness 1 experienced
under their hospitable roof, both from them-
selves and their three daughters, 1 hope long to
retain in grateful remembrance : and as I helieve
my beloved fnends, parents and children, were
much disposed to aid me, a poor piignni; in the
MARY ALEXAKDEPw J7f)
name of a disciple, may they be permitted to
receive a reward for the work's sake. Tliough
I feel indeed but an unprofitable servant; yet,
with a humble heart, I can acknowledge that not'
withstanding some of the closest baptisms I ever
passed through, were permitted me whilst with
them, I also knew some seasons of heavenly fa-
vour ; I think some, wherein my mind was as
nearly united to the Beloved of souls, as at any
time in my life. Yesterday morning, after a re*
ligious opportvmity with the two handmaids in J.
Bevan's family, who are not in profession witli
us, my mind could rejoice in believing, beyond
a doubt, that the allotted portion of labour in
that part was finished. Then I thankfully felt
it to be an eternal truth, that though many are
the afflictions of those who are sent forth on the
great Master's errands, yet as the heart is kept
singly dependant on his arm of power, be will
most assuredly deliver out of them all ; and
grant a crown of life, as a reward to all who are
faithfully engaged to hold out to the end, in do-
ii)g his will. Thus, after the various conflicting
seasons hitherto permitted me to experience, I
am enabled to thank thee, oh Father ! for thy
mercies past^ and humbly hope for thy gracious
IS® SOME ACCOUNT OP
jnotection, under every future dispensation of
thy will.
Fourdi day, 4th. To-day is the monthly meet-
ing at Grace-Church-Street.; and for some days
past I have been endeavouring to know whether
it would be rigiit for me to attend it ; but I have
jiot been able to see any light upon going ; and
feeling mucli indisposed in my health, a day or
two of rest under this roof, my cousin William
Porster's, is very salutary to my enfeebled frame.
As I have not seen my way to go to London tor-
day, I have forwarded my certificate to J. G.
Bevan, to present it to the montiily meeting;
though I undoubtedly believe it will be right
for me to finish my engagements in this part
before 1 leave this place again ; and as my
friend Alice Chorley, an elder of this meeting,
has kindly proposed accompanying me for a few
days, I hope to be enabled to enter afresh intQ
this field of labour after the monthly meeting
here to-morrow.
'Dius far, in the accomplishment of the ar^-
duous prospect with which 1 left home, 1 have
had abundant cause to acknowledge, that aljl
things needful have, to my humbling admiiation,
MARY ALEXANDER. 181
been provided; and, therefore, I dare not dis^
trust the bountiful hand^ which hath aheady
dispensed so liberally. However, awful indeed
does the approaching engagemen't appear, of
going amongst the largest body of friends I have
ever visited, in this individual way, without the
most distant expectation of a companion in the
work : but I marvel to find the calm resignation,
Avhich my mind is mercifully favoured at times
to experience, in looking towards this important
part of my present mission. Yea, I am ready
to believe, that nothing, short of the sustaining
Arm of everlasting mercy, could uphold me un-
der what I now have in view. I therefore feel
bound to adore Him, committing myself once
more to his holy guidance.
Fifth day morning, 5th of the 2d Month.
J. G. Bevan has just been here, and informed
me, on returning my certificate, that their
monthly meeting is adjourned till next fourth
day, which gives me concern, having no expec-
tation of being liberated from these parts, so
soon as that time : but, for the present, I wish
to leave much thoughtfulness on this subject,
endeavouring to do what appears right in my
allotment in this part of the work.
Q 3
^,.18S SOME ACCOUNT) OF
Evening. At the meeting-house to-day, I
met a letter from my friend Mary Pryor, in
which she expresses herself in these words :—
" Believing a iwcessity laid on me, I venture to
offer accompanying thee on thy visit to the fa-
milies of Grace-Church-Street meeting." So
unexpected a proposal, and one so truly ac-
ceptable, raised a tribute of thankfulness in my
heart to Him, vjho, I humbly trust, has bound
tiiis, my dear ancient friend, again to evince her
attachment to his pure cause, and unite with a
little sister in this great work.
Tottenham, fourth day, lllh.
To-day I have attended the adjourned monthly
meeting at Grace-Church-Street, where I iur
formed my friends of the prospect I have of a
companion, who is not likely to be at liberty
from her own monthly meeting, before this day
week; and also that I did not feel myself at
present fully clear of this quarter. My inforr
mation w as cordially received, and friends kindly
adjourned again, until tifth day, the IQth, for our
accommodation; which feels relieving to my
mind, believing by that time 1 shall be favoured
to see my way to depart hence ; where I have
for a long time been very affectionately cared
MARY ALEXANDER, 18S
for, by my much esteemed friends and relatives
of this family.
Southgate, fourth day, 18th.>
I have now visited all the meetings, and fa-
milies of friends in Tottenham monthly meeting,
except two or three individuals who are not at
home, and a few others, who do not incline to
receive such a visit. I have also had a few
public meetings ; the last was held yesterday-
evening at MimmS; in a meeting-houss belong-
ing to friends.
In the course of my engagements in this
quarter, mourning and lamentation have been
much more frequently the covering of my spirit,
than any thing like rejoicing. Yet, I verily be^
lieve, there is a precious few, who are sweetly
preserved loyal to the King of kings. May their
hands grow stronger and stronger in the holy
warfare; and may the number of upright hearted
standard-bearers, be increased amongst them.
Fourth day, 4th of third month.
We have now been nearly two weeks xevy
elosely engaged in our arduous service of visits
2 5
184 SOME ACCOUNT OF
ing families of friends in Grace-Church-Street
monthly meeting : and my beloved and honour-
able companion and myself, have hitherto been
enabled to move along in much harmony and
concord. I feel it very relieving to my exercised,
and often deeply tried mind, to have the com-
pany and help of one whose religious expsnence
Las been much larger than my own. One who,
after so long a warfare under the banner of the
Captain of salvation, can frequently testify that he
is worthy to be obeyed to the utmost of our
ability : that verily his " yoke is easy, and his
burden light."* I think I never could more feel-
ingly subscribe to the same gracious trulh, than
since the commencement of the present engage-
ment; for though, at times, the faithful labourer
must be brought into a state of bondage, when
and where the pure seed, is kept in captivity;,
yet it is a favour to be fouud worthy to suffer
with a suffering Lord. I believe all the exer-
cises which dedicated minds may be permitted
lo pass through, for themselves and tor others,
are not so great as those which are often iixir
posed, by the enemy of all good, upon such as
are pursuing the vain and delusive pleasures of
ihe world.
* Mat. xi. 30,
MARY ALEXANDER. 185
Second day, 16th of third month.
Yesterday my much beloved companion left
me, after our. attending the morning meeting at
Grace-Church-Street, and having a solid seasoii-
of religious retirement, at Joseph Savory's,
where we were nearly a month very kindly
cared for, by him, his wife, and daughter Mary.
Mary Pryor went that evening to Hertford, in
order to attend the select quarterly meeting
there, in the evening. We M'ere favoured to part
under a feeling of that unity, which had been
mercifully vouchsafed to us during our late en-
gagement. A tribute of humble gratitude was
raised in our hearts to the boimtifui Giver of
every blessmg, for the support which had been,
fiom time to time granted us ; and for the holy
aid which, m a peculiar, manner, was in some
families dispensed to us, to advocate his pre-
cious cause. This, on the bended knees, was
vocally acknowledged by my dear friend, and
heartily subscriljed unto by myself, in prostra-
tion of soul before the Most High ; and a song
of praise lived in my heart through the remain-
ing part of the day.
To-morrow I expect to reach Colciiester,
•^here^ the ne.\t day, 1 hope to meet my dear
186 SOME ACCOUNT OF
friend Martha Brewster, who is liberated by her
friends at home, to accompany me through the
families in that monthly meeting, and to visit
some other meetings ia Essex-
Colchester, seventh day, £8th of the third raonthrf
We have nearly got through our visit to the
ferailies of friends in this monthly meeting.
And my beloved companion M. B. and myself,,
have harmonized in our feeble endeavours to-
promote the holy cause among our fellow pro-
fessors hereabouts; many of whom we cannot
but covet may know an increased dedication of-
heart to the pure unfoldings of heavenly love. By.
this means, they would become strengthened to
stand faithful to the various testimonies given us
as a people, to uphold to the world. We have felt,
our nnnds animated and comforted in beholding
tlie upright zeal, which clothes our ancient and
honourable friend and father in the church,
dear John Kendall, under whose roof we have
been kindly accommodated during our tarriancs
feere.
On second day, the 30th, we left Colchester,
and went to Dunniow, where, the next day, we
attended a monthly meeting, and; taking meetings
MARY ALEXANDEE. 18?
in our way at Stanstead, Bardfield, and Sudbury,
we reached Ipswich on 2d day, the 6th of fourth
month. On third day, we attended the monthly
meeting there, when I delivered up my certificate ;
tmd had cause to acknowledge, that although I
have parsed through some very pinching trials,
and some seasons of close exercise; yet, that
holy h0lp has been near in the time of need.
In the remembrance theieof, my soul feels re-
newedly bowed in thankfulness to the gj?€at
Author of every blessing.
I returned home on fourth day, the 8th ; and
though the sensible enjoyment of divine accep-
tance is much withheld, I feel, at times, ability
to adopt the language of the psalmist, where he
says : " Bless the Lord, O my soul ; and all
that is within me bless his holy name. Bless
the Lord, O my soul, and Jbr^et not all his
he?iefits." * f
* Psalm ciii. 1, 2,
188 SOME ACCOUNT OF
CHAPTER XII.
21st of nil Month, 1808, to theSftli of SthMontli, iSO^t.
Ports xdtk her nephews W. H. A. and J. A. — ivith her
sister Ann and brother IV ill'ia7M.-— Visit to heads uf
families in her oxen monthly meeting. '^York.^^Rc-
turns home throygh Lincolnshire,
1808. Fifth day, the 21st of seventh month.
'Diis day William Henry Alexander) and hiy
trother Josepii, left Needham for Broughton.
A separation which, to my affectionate feelings,.
is veiy pinching, having no expectation of ever
seeing mnch more of them. They have always
been exceedingly dear to me for their beloved-
parents' sake; and, at present, there is much in-
the precious boys also to attach me closely to
them. The prayer of my heart is, that what-
ever may be their future allotment in life, if they^
should be permitted to arrive at a*tate of maturi-
ty, they may be preserved within the limitation*
of the pure truth, and so dedicated to the most
noble cause, as to be found worthy to become
standard-bearers in our Israel, when many of
tliose, who now feel the weight of the Ark of.
our testimonies resting on their shoulders, shall,
be called from works to rewards. Ameu.
MARY ALEXANDE'R. 189
At Bury, on the 2 1st of the ninth moiith, I
vtook leave of my beloved sister Ann Alexandei-,
under a feeling of very near regard ; she intend-
ing to go forward tiience towards York. This
was another parting which very closely tried my
tenderest feelings; but a degree of quiet whvch
I believe Avas not at my own command, accom-
panied my mind in my journey home, which
Avas cause of humble gratitude to Him, Avho is
able to say unto the troubled sea, " Peace, be
still."* It is a pleasant reflection, that during
the time of our i«siding in the same place, a
precious harmony was uniformly maintained
between us ; and much do I desire that though
'■we are now likely to be far separated in bod}-,
.we may know that durable cement, true unity
.of spirit, which is the bond of lasting peace.
On fifth day afternoon, the 13th of tenth
;month, my beloved brotlicr Wm. Alexander left
jS^eedham, hi^ative place, with a prospect of
.settling at York. Tliis was to me a closely
trying separation, from one to whom by the ties
of natural affection, and the still more uniting
bond of religious kinship, I have, from early
life, to the present time, felt very nearly at-
iiachcd. His removal with tliat of his endeared
* Makk iv. 59.
190 SOME ACCOUNT OT
companion in life, and their precious cliiklrea^
has made a chasm in our domestic circle here,
^\hich I cannot expect ever to see filled up to
me : yet, as 1 believe my beloved brother and
sister, are entrusted with qualifics^tions adapted
to their new situation, I feel something which
forbids my repining at the loss, which, as an
individual, I have sustained by their departuie;
though I have felt, and still do feel, so inti-
mately bound to them, that the separation is
one of my most bitter cups. But though these
dear objects of my love are so far removed, as
to preclude all probability of much more sweet
and social intercourse witli them, I am fully
aware that I have cause still to nuniber
my remaining blessings, both in a religious and
domestic point of view. And my heart's desire
is, to stand so unreservedly dedicated to the
Author of them all, as to feel a capacity to
know, what I shall rendej- for^iis multiplied
favours.*
* As her own memorandums furnish bnf few remarks on
the period contained in this chapter, the following extract
from a letter to a near relative, dated 21st, IJth month, 1808,
may be acceptable to the reader. After stating that a heavy
fall of snow had prevented many friends from getting to the
quarterly meeting, particularly from the western side of the
county, she says, " We had not one from that quarter ia
WARY ALEXANDER. IQl
4809. Third day, the 10th of the first month.
I have lately been engaged with divers other
friends, by appointment of our monthly meet-
ing, in compliance with a recommendation of
the last yearly meeting, in paying a visit to the
heads of families, on the important subject of
tlie fourth query.* Though I have not felt the
weight of the work so to rest upon my sliout-
ders, as 1 believe it has rested on some of my
fellow-labourers ; yet, since the close of the en-
gagement, I have been permitted to review my
movements with them, in a degree of humble
confidence that it was my desire, when I could do
nothing for the promotion of the cause which I
the select meeting, and not a representative in the women's
laeetino;, though four were appointed. Thou wilt suppose
such a deprivation just now, miist prove particularly trying
to some of us. Indeed I cannot describe wliat my feenngs
were, when I found how our Utfle company was likeiv to
be deserted : but, with thankfulness we may ackuovvled.^e^
tliongh we were deprived of divers of our friends, whose
presence would have gladdened our hearts, yet the gr^-at
President of our assemblies condescfnded to afford a re-.
Hewal of his ancient goodness, and enabled some of our
s])iiits to bow in reverence at his sacred footstool, and lOi,^
plore the continuance of his fatherly prole ctiun."
* This query is the third te wowen fiiends.
^
19^ SOME ACCOUNT OJR
love more than life, I might be preserved from ilo-
ing any thing, that could, in any Avise, weaken the
hands of those with w horn I have been banded, and
to w horn I felt bound in near gospel fellowship.
And I believe, in the close of our visit, we have,
individually and unitedly, had cause to acknow^
ledge that a portion of solid satisfaction, has
been the recompence of our resignation to thig
delegation of the church.
Fourth day, 21st of sixth month.
Tliough my present motive in leaving liome,
is a social visit to my endeared relatives at
York, yet I feel desirous of dwelling so near to
the pure spring of eternal excellency, as to be
permitted to accompany with the incorruptible
seed of the kingdom ; whether in suffering or re-
joicing : and I crave the blessing of preservation
])oth in heights and in depths.
First day, 27th of eighth month.
Last fiflh day evening I reached home, after
an absence of nine weeks and one day. Greatest
part of the time has been spent with my dear bro-
ther and sister at York. My brother S. Alexan-
der, met me at Ackworth general meeting, and I
returned witli liim to York ; after which we ipft
MARY ALEXANDER. lCj|3
tlie county by Hull and Thorne; and from the
latter went into Lincolnshire, where we visited
all the meetings except two, which were taken
by my brother, in his way into Yorkshire. In
leaving home, I had no expectation of engaging-
in religious service ; yet my beloved brother
going out with a prospect of visiting the
above meetings, and intimating it to our monthly
meeting, I have felt well satisfied Vvith the op-
portunity of accompanying him therein. I trust
some of the little flock, where our lots have been
cast, have been encouraged to pursue the one
thing needful, with increasing vigilance ; and our
own minds strengthened renewedly to acknow-
ledge the goodness and mercy of a faithful
Creator, who is ever ready to uphold in every
reason of tiiul, his humbly dependent children.
E S
SUPPLEMENT by the EDITOR,
\Containiitg some account of her last journey, also of her
illness and decease.
The reader will probably have noticed a con-
siderable chasm between the two last chapters ;
for concerning this period the Editor does not find
any memorandum of her own. This might arise
from her not being particularly engaged in ad-
vocating that cause which she evinced to be so
dear to her^ yet there is reason to believe, thai
during this, and the remaining time, of which,
she relates but few occurrences, her mind was
prepanng for the engagement iu which she
closed her faithfid labours.
Although much gospel service was not her
allotment in these periods, yet she was very use-
fully occupied ; many times, and on divers oc-
casions, in kind assistance to some of her near
relatives, whose situation claimed her skijful
•care, as an affectionate nurse and attendant.—
One of these was our beloved niece, Lucy Bar-
ton, whom she attended at the time of her de-
cease, iu the summer of 1808.*
* For an account of Lncy Barton, see the lOtU part of
Piety Fromoied.
MARY ALEXANDER. JQ5
I come now to relate some particulars of her
last religious journey, the sequel of which
deeply affects my heart ; yet, I hope, with resigv
nation to unerring Wisdom, who has seen meet
to cut her work short in righteousness.
She left home, with the full unity and concur-
rence of her friends, on the 26th of the tenth
month, 1809, under a concern to visit the fami-
lies of friends at Worcester, and to hold some
meetings in those parts. She was accompanied
to Worcester by her brother and sister Jesup. la
a letter to her brother Samuel, from Warwick,
after speaking of two friends calling on her at
Bury at Martha Brewster's, she says, " Before
we left that quiet dwelling, my beloved ]SI, B. in
a little season of solid retirement, had a morsel
to hand, which proved to my deeply discouraged
mind, for some hours after, truly consoling :
yet, I have repeatedly, since that time, experi-
enced my faith to be, as it were, smaller tlian
tlie grain of mustard seedj and I have been
almost ready to doubt the rectitude of my present
undertaking. At some other times a portion of
holy aid, has, in mercy, been so far extended
as to lead me to hope I have not run without,
Ibeing sen^.'*
Tv 3
T9G SOME ACCOUNT 01?
" Tliat evening we reached Hannah Evens^
hospitable habitation in good time for tea ;
and Avere not entirely unexpected. We staid
the meeting next day, and left Godmanchester,
about two o'clock, for Wellingborough ; where,
from a letter I hope thou receivedst from Eliza-
beth Wheeler, I suppose you had anticipated an
awful meeting with our beloved friends Benjamin
Middleton and his daughters. We had not obtainr
ed the smallest intimation of the situation of the
family till we got into the house, when we were
met by cousin Wheeler, whose countenance
plainly indicated something important. Greatly
surprised we were, on being mformed that, after
two weeks illness, our much esteemed friend,
Tabitha Middleton, had, last 4th day, closed her
valuable life. Dear Benjamin and his children
revived us with much composure, and we spent
a very interesting evening in the house of
•mourning. Before we left them this morning,
I felt bound to yield to a season of retirement,
and in it to offer the tribute of sympathy which
lived in my heart towards them, accompanied
■with a persuasion, that not only a glorious man-
sion was prepared for the dear deceased; but
that those who remained to lament her depar-
ture, were in a particular manner under the
protecting wing of ancient Goodness."
•MARY ALEXANDER. 107
At Worcester she was joined by William
Forster, jun. (then in those parts on religious
service) with a view of entering upon the ardu-
ous engagement of visiting fnaids of that city
hi their families. At a monthly meeting held
there the 26th of the tenth month : they pre-
sented their certificates, and opened their pro-
spect, which met the concurrence of friends.
The next morning they entered upon, the work ;
and proceeded without intermission., as to any
other religious engagement, till the first day
week following, the 5th of the eleventh month ;
when they had a large public meeting in friends
meeting-house, appointed with a view, princi-
pally, to the lower class of the inhabitants of
that place. The next evening they had a meet-
ing in a parish on the other side of the river;
and, on 3d day morning, the 7 th, attended ano-
ther public meeting in friends meeting-house
appointed under a concern for the higher classes
of the people. That evening they finished the
family visit in Worcester. Tlie testimonial
sent from that monthly meeting to the monthly
meeting of which she was a member, may be
the best criterion, by which to judge of the sa-
tisfaction this visit afforded to her friends. An
extract from it will be found at the close of this
account.
193 Some account op.
As her labours, at this period, were hastening,
to a close, perhaps a minute recital of the oc-
cupation of her time, though sometimes unat-
tended with any particular observations, may be
acceptable to the reader. Oiv 4th day morning,
the 8th of the ele\enth month, W. Forster, jun.
and herself, attended a public meeting at Mal-
vern, and one in the evening at Upton on Severn;
and that night Avent to Tewksbury. On 5tli
day forenoon, they were at a meetmg of frienda
of that town ; had a meeting at Per shore that
evening, and reached Evesham the same night.
On sixth day evening they had a meetmg on the,
premises of a friend at Nethertou, about fouF
miles from Evesham. The next morning they
returned there and called upon several friends
in their families; and tha'; evening were at a
public meeting, a mile and a half out of the
On 1st day morning, the IClh, they were at a
meeting with friends at Evesham ; and, in friends^
meeting-house, in the evening, they had a very
crowded meeting with the inhabitants. Before
she went to bed, my dear sister felt herself
much indisposed, but did not make much com-
plaint. The next day her companion thought
MARY ALEXANDER. IQQ
her very unwell ; but in the afternoon they went
to Alcester, and, in the evening, attended a large
and satisfactory meeting in the Town-Hall; to-
wards the close of which, she was engaged in
solemn supplication. They walked nearly a
mile to a friend's house to lodge. There she
appeared much exhausted with fatigue, went to
bed very unwell, and passed a restless night.
The next morning, the 14th, they returned into
the town, and had three sittings among friends
in their families, in which, although very un-
well, she took an acceptable part. In the after-
noon, they returned to the friend's house at which
they had lodged ; and, in the evening, had an
opportunity in tlie family, in which she was
strengthened to labour under considerable exer-
cise of mind. She was rather more unwell be-
fore she went to bed, and had another poor
night. Two meetings were appointed for the
following day, the loth, and it was pretty much
concluded, over night, for her to give up that
in the morning at Broomsgrove, and to meet
William in the evening at Droitwich. On ar-
riving at the latter place, however, he was sur-
prised and affected to find that, accompanied
by Candia Burlingham, who had been her com-
panion since leaving Eveham, she was gone oa
200 SOME ACCOUNT QF
to Worcester in a post-chaise; finding- herself
so ill, as to wish to get on as fast as she couM.
Tliey arrived at Worcester in the evening, A^here
she was violently affected with sickness, bnt her
complaiut was deemed bilious, as she was sub-
ject to such a disorder. That night she passed
without much sleep ; and the next morning an
eruption appeared. She first discovered it herself
and said, " Surely I have got the small-pox,'*
adding, " I believe I know when I took it; iioni
a little child whom I met in the street previously
to leaving Worcester." An apothecary was
called in, who pronounced the disorder to be
the small-pox. He thought she had treated
herself judiciously, and spoke very encourage-
ingly of the symptoms. Her sister Jesup, who
was returned to Worcester from a visit in Wilt-
shire, also thought it of a large and favourable
sort.
She did not appear at all alarmed at finding
the disorder was the small-pox; although, in
early life, she had felt much dread of it; but
expressed great concern at the trouble she was
likely to bring on her cousins Thomas and Eliza
Burlingham's family, feeling very tenderly for
them. That afternoon Wm. Forster, jun, who waa
ilARY ALEXANDER. 201
about to write to one of iier brothers, at her
request, went up and sat awhile with her. Slie
desired her very dear love to her brother and
isister, and wished William to say, " That
.although she had passed through a greater de-
gree of exercise and suffering than ever she had
experienced in the same space of time, accom-
panied with less evidence of divine acceptance;
yet, that afternoon, she thought she had been
favoured with a precious evidence, that she had
been there (alluding to her late visit) in better
■wisdom than her owil This, she said, had
tended to quiet the anxiety with which she was
■at first tried, in considering the difficulty and
perplexity she might occasion to others; and
she humbly trusted it might prove as a little
anchorage to her mind in seasons of future
;tossing/'
She further remarked that it looked probable
she might get through the disorder; but added,
■" I feel no wish respecting it." On William
Forsler, jum asking her, just before he left the
room, hov*' she was, she replied, " I am as com-
fortable as I can be." At that time she was
*(uite free from pain, except a little fullness in
hcv throiit.
202 SOME ACCOUNT OP
In the evening, speaking of the public meet-
ing at Alcester, she remarked what a comfortable
one it was, and said, " 1 little thought it would
be the last." Tlien pausing awhile, added,
'' Probably." She then observed that it was
trying to her to be so far from her relations;
but added, " The cause is dearer to me than my
natural life."
As soon as her complaint was determined to
be the small-pox, her cousins T. and E. Bur-
lingham left their house and went over the way
to his father's, on account of their infant son.
The next morning, 6th day, the 17th, some
family arrangements were made, which, in ad-
dition to the kindness and cheerfulness with
which her dear relatives gave up their house for
her accommodation, appeared quite to relieve
her mind from all anxiety.
After this her head and throat became very
painful; and the difficulty of swallowing, and
even of breathing, were very alarming ; and she
herself thought she should never be able to
swallow again ; but, by proper application^
'tliese symptoms were much relieved.
MAEY ALEXANDER. £03
At different times, in the course of her deeply
trying iUness, she wouki say, " It vvoukl he a
liudness to let me «ink quietly away, rather than
keep me in this state of suffering ;" yet she fre-
quently expressed herself veiy gratefully to those
Mho nursed her ; sometimes saying, " she hoped
they would be rewai'ded for their tenderness
and care, better than she could reward them."
She was favoured with much serenity and resig-
nation throughout, and appeared to have nothing
of importance, either of spirituals or temporals,
to claim her attention.
Four days after the crisis of the disorder, she
told her medical attendant she got no better;
-and on the following day, she desired that her
relations might be informed, with her dear love,
that she felt her weakness daily increase, and
thought she should hardly be likely to see them
any more. Her weakness not being greater
than the apothecary expected, and no unfavour-
able symptoms appearing, he did not apprehend
any cause for alarm; on the contrary, on being
interrogated, at different times, he had always
expressed himself favourably as to her getting
through.
The next day, the 29th, her disorder put on
a very unfavourable appearance, and further ad-
s
S04 SOME ACCOUNT OF
vice was immediately procured ; but the physi-
cian did not think so unfavourably of her as the
surgeon. That evening and the next morning,
by the means used for her relief, there was so
much improvement, that her medical attendants,
and those around her, Hattered themselves with
iiopes of her recovery. She passed through 5th
day night, the SOtli, as favourably as could be
expected ; but did not appear so well the nest
morning as such a night led her attendants to
hope for ; and, in the forenoon, she seemed to
be sinking fast, and thought herself going. She
asked the hour of the day, and being told it was
half past twelv€ o'clock, she wished to know if the
doctor had been, and what he thought of her.
Being informed that he found her not so well
as he had hoped for; after a short pause she said:
" There is no probability, no probability, of my
struggling through ; what a favour it would be
to be taken now, rather than suffer as I have
done, day after day, and night after night." She
then asked her sisier if she ^^'as willing to give
her up, and added, " V\ hat a comfort it has
been to me that thou hast been with me." Upon
her sister asking her if she had any particular
message to any one, she replied, " No! My
dear; dear love to all, — to all/' — addmg; " and
MARY ALEXANDER. 205
to all thy children, I love them all very dearly."
She then further said, " 1 hope my poor soul
will be saved. A place in the smallest mansion
is all 1 ask.^ — A place in the smallest mansion is
all I ask."
She was fully satisfied with the doctor and
apothecary; and that afternoon, having revived
again about the time of their coming, she told
them she hoped they would be rewarded for
their kindness towards her, both in this world
and that to come. On account of the disorde;^
her relations T. and E. Burlingham, had been
obliged to keep from her till their infant child
had been vaccinated. That evening, Thomas
came to her;, she knew him, took him by the
hand, and expressed herself very affectionately
to him.
On seventh day morning early, she relapsed
again ; and in the forenoon of that day, she asked
the apothecary if he thought her close was near.
He replied, " he thought it was." She an-
swered, "What a favour!" In the afternoon
she said, " It is marvellous to me I am so long-
in dying; it is not common, 1 think." Some
time afterwards, she said, " The spirit cannot
#06 SdME ACCOUNT OF
depart; the spirit cannot depart. Blessed—- ^
blessed." At another time : " It will not do,
the time is not yet come." After that, to the
admiration cf her medical attendants, and all
around her, she revived again and took nourish-
ment freely.
On first day^ ths 3d of twelfth month, she
changed several times in the course of the day;
and, in the evening, being informed, that her bro-
ther Samuel was come, she wished him to come
to her; but desired he might be informed she
"was a poor creature to visit, and could say but
little. Going to her, she took his hand and
turned her face towards him, seeming to try to
look at him, (for she had been several days
blind) and spoke affectionately, but only a few
words intelligibly. She was soon informed that
her brother Dykes, and her niece Lucy Maw,
were also in the room. She spoke to the lat-
tier, and seemed to intimate her wish to speak to
her brother Dykes, but her weakness so in-
creased just then, that she ct)uld not articulate;
yet she gave afterwards several clear proofs
of knowing that her relations were present;
In the course of the evening she laboured under'
great distress from the load of disease, and often
MARY ALEXANDER. 20?
ijaid, ^' Dear, oh dear," arising from the extre-
mity of her suffering; yet these expressions
\vere evidently under a sense of care, to avoid,
either in word or manner, murmuring at the
last trying conflict of natuie.
Her brothers and niece were thankful in be-
ing permitted to see her living; not only for
their own satisfaction, but from a secret belief
that her knowing they were there, afforded her
mind a little comfort under her deeply trying
conflict. During this last struggle of nature,
at several different times, she held up her hands
as in the attitude of prayer ; and, about half past
three, on second day morning, the 4th of the
twelfth month, she quietly breathed her last.
Her remains were interred at Worcester, on
the fifth day following. She was about 50 years
of age, and had been a minister about 21 years.
Perhaps I cannot more suitably close these
memoirs, than by the concluding words of the
testimonial sent from Worcester monthly meet-
ing to her own ; and which were adopted by the
latter monthly meeting in the testimony ad-
'hessed to the yearly meeting : — " We may
208 SOME ACCOUNT Of
weep over her as a friend or as a relation ; we
may mourn the loss which the church has sus-
tained of one of her upright pillars; but, on her
account, there appears no cause for sorrow.
She was, we believe, favoured to finish all she
had in commission ; shewing herself therein a
good and faithful servant. Ihe great reward
of faithfulness, was permitted to follow, in
quick succession, her allotted portion of labour;
and, we doubt not, she is entered into the joy
of her Lord; and into Jier JSiaster's rest."
FINIS.
Printed by C. Peacock
Courant-Office, Yoik.
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