Some account of the life and gospel labours of William Reckitt

UNIVERSITY

OF PITTSBURGH

LIBRARIES

DAR. RM
BX779^
R3^A3
1776

THIS BOOK PRESENTED BY

Friends'
Historical Society of
Swarthmore College

' ")

1

SOME

ACCOUNT

OF T H B

LIFE

GOSPEL LABOURS

O F

WILLIAM RECKITT,

LONDON:

PRINTED AND SOLD BY JAMES PHILLIP;
GEORGE YARD, LOMBARD STREET,

MDCC LXXVI,

Digitized by the Internet Archive

in 2010 with funding from

University of Pittsburgh Library System

http://www.archive.org/details/someaccountoflifOOreck

[ «l ]

A Testimony from our Monthly
Meeting at Wainfleet, in the
County of Lincoln, concerning
our deceafed Friend William
Reckitt.

THIS our worthy friend was
born in the year 1706, with-
in the compafs of Gainfborough
monthly meeting, of parents pro-
felling truth, who died when he
was young. His friends put him
apprentice to a weaver belonging
to the fame monthly meeting,
with whom we believe he ferved
his time faithfully, and then
came to live near Partney Mills,
within the compafs of our month-
ly meeting. After fome 'time,
about the year 1742, it pleafed
the Lord to call him into the
A 2 work

[ ft 1

work of the miniftry : his ap-
pearance from the firft was in the
life and wifdom of Truth, which
nearly united him to his friends.
Soon after he removed to Wain-
fleet particular meeting -, and fome
time after he vifited friends in
the Weil: of England, and Wales,
Sec. and at different times many
other counties -> alfo Ireland once
with- our friend Samuel Stott.
He was twice in America: the firft
time he fet forward in the year
1756, and, it being in the time
of war, was taken prifoner into
France, and confined about fix
months, which he bore with
Chriftian fortitude (as fome of us
have heard him fay) and got well
home to his family in the begin-
ning of the year 1757, where he
ftaid about four weeks, and then
again 'fet forward for his intend-
ed vifit. • He afterwards found
a weighty concern to viiit his

friends

FPiU

t v ]

friends in fome part of America
again -} all which vifits, by fundry
accounts received, were much to
friends fatisfaction, as well as his
own : and indeed it may be truly
faid, he was deep in the miniltry,
and powerful in prayer, his tefti-
mony found, and edifying, which
rendered him very near, and valu-
able to many. He was grave ia
converfation,yet innocently chear-
ful amongfr. his friends -, an af-
fectionate hulband, and a tender
parent. We think it needlefs to
enlarge concerning him, as he
was well known to many friends ;
only we may, with fincerity of
heart, fay, his removal is much
regretted in general. In the lat-
ter end of 1768, he had drawings
in his mind to vifit London, and
parts adjacent; in which he told
fome of his near friends, he
thought it might be the laft time.

He

[ vi ]

He returned home in the firfr.
month, in the year 1769, but
poorly in health, and continued
fo -, but moftly attended his own
meeting, where he had feveral
weighty testimonies (which had
more than ufual influence over the
hearers, leaving lafting impreflions
on their minds) as well as at times
in private converfation, wherein
he Signified he was willing to leave
all thefe tranfitory and fading en-
joymentSjWhenever it might pleafe
the Lord to call him from works
to rewards.

His illnefs was very fhort ; he
was taken with a fit of the ague the
day before his departure, and next
morning, about four o'clock, ex-
changed this life, we make no
doubt, for a better, the fixth of
the fourth month 1769, and was
buried the 9th of the fame in
friends burying ground at Wain-
fleet,

[ vii ]

fleet, after a folemn meeting, where
a living teflimony was borne to the
truth, and to the fatisfaction of
many prefent.

Signed in and on behalf of the
faid meeting, held the i6thofthe
third month 1770, by

John Robbins,
John Copeland, .
Thomas Reckitt,
David Hopkins,
Jonathan Nainby,
George Kitching,
Pearfon Smith,
John Pearfon,
Jofeph Burton,
John Wright, jun.

The foregoing teflimony con-
cerning our dear friend William
Reckitt, deceafed, was read and
approved in our quarterly meeting
held at Lincoln the fourth of the

fourth

[ viii J

fourth month 1770, and figned in
and on behalf thereof, by

JOHN MASSEY, jun. clerk.

INTR O--

[ & ]

INTRODUCTION.

AUR late worthy friend Wil-
}*r. liam Reck itt, whofe
journal follows, was one whom
the Lord was pleafed to prepare
for his fervice ; and having in a
good degree experienced the work
of righteoufnefs to be peace, he
was engaged, under the influence
of divine love, to call to others to
come, tafte, and fee how good the
Lord is.

His life and converfation were
innocent, and confident with his
profemon, and, in the exercife of
his miniftry, he was attended with
that love which feeks the good of
all.

B As

[ * ]

As the following journal com-
mences only with his voyage to
America, a fhort account of him,
of the work of truth on his mind,
and of his fervices before he em-
barked for America, feems not
improper.

He was born at Lea near Gainf-
borough in Lincolnihire, about the
year 1706, of parents profeffing
truth ; his mother died when he
was young, and his father being
through infirmities rendered in-
capable of fupporting his chil-
dren, he was bound by friends at
nine years of age, until he arrived
at twenty-one, as an apprentice
to a weaver 5 which proved a la-
borious fervitude, his mailer being
in low circumstances. In the
courfe of his fervice his mailer
let him out to harveil work, in
which employment his induilry
gained him the confidence of the

farmer

[ ** ]

farmer that employed him, who
thought it unneceflary to look
after him, faying, " William was
" a faithful fervant ;" as he was
to his mailer to the end of his
apprenticeship. During which
time he was reached by a divine
vifitation, through the miniftry of
a friend on a religious vifit, whofe
teftimony (as he has been heard
to relate) clearly anfwered the
witnefs of truth in his own heart,
and fully confirmed him, that the
principles of friends wereconfonant
with the Holy Scriptures ; and he
then thought there would be none
£o void of underftanding, as not
to be convinced by the fame pow-
erful declaration of the true Chri-
ftian faith. It left a lafting im-
preffion on his mind ; an hunger
and thirft after righteoufnefs were
begotten in his foul; and by a
diligent attention to the dictates
thereof, he experienced preferva-
B 2 tion

[ xii ]

tion from the many temptations,
which unguarded youth are ex-
pofed to. About the eighteenth
year of his age, the death of an
only lifter, a virtuous young wo-
man, who had been particularly
kind to him, nearly affected him ;
and an only brother, by giving
way to the vanities of the world,
was drawn afide, and left the fo-
ciety. Thefe events imprelTed his
mind with deep forrow and hu-
miliation -, but feeling the pre-
serving hand of divine goodnefs
manifefted for his fupport, he was
engaged to live near thereto, by
which he was mercifully pre-
ferved.

Soon after the expiration of his
apprenticeship, he removed into
the compafs of Wainfleet monthly
meeting in Lincolnshire, where
he followed the bufmefs of a
weaver, and increafed in the efteem

of

[ xiii ]

of his friends -y being a man who
laboured to be in reality what he
profeiTed. In the year 1731, he
entered into the marriage ftate
with Ellin Maw, a fober and vir-
tuous young woman, who was an
affectionate wife to him, and ten-
der mother to their children : he
furvived her, me dying during his
abfence on his fecond viiit to
America.

About the thirty-fixth year of
his age, he firft appeared in the
miniftry to the fatisfaclion of
friends, and laboured diligently
in his own and fome neighbour-
ing meetings for the advancement
of truth ; and after fome time,
in company with Robert Kinfley,
he vifited the churches in EfTex ;
and about the latter end of 1745,
in company with the fame friend,
alfo vifited the city of London ;
and his fervice in this vifit is ftil!

remem-

[ xiv ]

remembered by fome with bro-
therly regard and affection.

In 1746, he vifited the Weft of
England, and part of Wales ; and
in 1752, in company with Sa-
muel Stott of Edrnundfbury, he
vifited Ireland, to his own and
friends comfort and fatis faction,
and returned home with peace of
mind. In 1756, he vifited York-
mire ; foon after which, in the
courfe of his religious labours,
he found himfelf engaged to vifit
the churches in the American
plantations, the enfuing account
whereof will beft inform the
reader of his progrefs therein.

It is not intended to magnify
the creature, by any thing which
may be faid concerning this our
d'eceafed friend ; but to fhew the
reader, that fuch as believe in,
and live near to, the divine prin-
ciple

[ xv ]

ciple of truth in their own hearts,
convey an evidence to the minds
of thofe who behold them : for
he being taken in his paflage by
a privateer (England being then
at war with France) and carried
into Morlaix, was there detained
in a painful ftate of captivity,
yet was preferved in great qui-
etnefs and refignation, to the ad-
miration of fome of the French
inhabitants -, one of whom, in
a letter to a perfon reliding in
London, mentioned his inoffen-
five lamb-like behaviour, in terms
of great refpecl:, and when he
was removed to Carhaix, recom-
mended him to a perfon of ac-
count, a member of the parlia-
ment of Brittany, who likewife
teftified his regard to him. The
kindnefs he received from thefe
perfons moderated his captivity,
though he had many exercifes
there, which often brought him

very

[ ™ ]

very low ; yet, he found fupport
and prefervation, as he acknow-
ledged in his letters, in one of
which, after having noted how
he had been helped, and expref-
fing his care for his future pre-
fervation, he fays : " My fears
" have all been concerning my^
'« felf, for furely I never faw more
" of my own weaknefs, it hath
" indeed been a fearching time to
*' me ; and yet it fprings in my
" heart to fay, If the Lord hath
*' any delight in me, he will
" bring me fafe through all ; he
" knows the integrity of my heart :
" I did not fet out in a forward
*' fpirit, but in his counfel, and
" in it at this time I ftand j he
<c knows beft what will be moft
"for his own honour. And as
" to what will become of this
" earthly tabernacle, it feems to
" be the leaft of my care, fo

" that

[ xvii

" that I may finifh my courfe
<( with joy."

After being detained about five
months, he was releafed through
the kindnefs of a perfon in Eng-
land, who, having received very
favourable impreffions of him
through the French merchant
before mentioned, recommended
him to the fccretary of the lick
and wounded office (they having
the care of fuch as were prifoners),
and after a fhort flay at home,
finding the engagement remain,
he returned to London, attended
the yearly meeting, and, with
the concurrence of friends, pro-
ceeded on his voyage, of which
the following is his own relation.

SOME

t 19 ]

SOME

ACCOUNT

OF THE

LIFE and TRAVELS

O F

WILLIAM RECKITT.

Some account of what befel me in
my firft voyage towards America.

HAVING parted with feveral
friends who accompanied me to
Gravefend, the fifteenth of the tenth
month 1756, I went on board the fhip
Lydia, Jofeph Riddell mafter. We
had three paffengers befides myfelf,
who feemed to be very fober men, and
carried themfelves very loving to me,
B 2 as

[ zo ]

as likewife did all our common men ;
though I often reproved them for
fwearing, and their bad language to
one another. The 20th we came into
the Downs, but the wind not being
fair, we lay there till the 2 2d, when
the wind coming more favourable, we
weighed anchor.

It may not be amifs to mention the
great exercife and weight that refted
upon my fpirit while we lay here, I
then not feeing the caufe of it. When
I looked forward,. I could fee little
further than the Land's End, and I
cried in my mind that we might be
carried, or driven to Ireland •, for then
I thought I Ihould get fafe to my
journey's end : but not feeing it would
be fo then, I only defired we might
put into Plymouth, which I mentioned
to the captain, and he told me, he
thought he would. But the wind
coming fair, and a ftrong gale, he was
willing to make the bell of it. We
outfailed two Ihips which came from
the Downs v/ith us, one a privateer
called the St. Olive, from London ;

the

I i» ]

the other a Guineaman. The 24th,
about ten in the morning, we came
abreaft of Plymouth, with a very fine
wind. In the evening, as I fat in the
cabin, fomething opened in my mind
concerning my own prefervation, which
I thought Ibmewhat ftrange •, but ibon
faw a caufe for it. For about eight
o'clock next morning, the mate came
down and told his mailer, there was
*tf£ a French fnow juft aftern of us,
which, to our forrow, was too true,
for fhe was then within reach of us
with her guns. I thought it was a
great neglect of our mailer, and the
failors, that they did not keep a Uriel
look-out •, for they acknowledged, if
they had but had a few hours more,
they mould not have been taken. But
then it was too late, they could not
get their fails all properly bent, as
they would have done, if due pre-
caution had been taken. The fhot
coming over us, I was afraid for our
men.

During the little time we were
chafed, the chief care our captain

feemed

[ * ]

feemed to take, was to fave what he
had, fo he kept pretty much in the
cabin, till his men called very earneftly
for him to come upon deck. Then
he ordered them to ftrike, and in a
little time the Frenchmen came and
boarded us with great fury. I was in
the cabin, and ltood ftill, fome of
them looking at me very four and
fierce, but like fo many hungry ani-
mals, they fell to hunting and fearch-
ing for what they could find, till they
durft not flay much longer. One of
them coming to me, in a fawning
manner, laid, Sir, I defire you would
give me your money, and watch, and
I will give you them again. I told
him I had not much, and did not
chufe to part with it. But he growing
very earneft to have it, I turned my-
felf about, and took three guineas out
of my purfe, two of which I carried
on fhore, and gave him the remainder.
He looked at it, . and feemed not fa-
tisfied •, but the officers being in hafte
to get us all inio the boat, 1 was had
upon deck. When I looked at the
fea, I thought it feemed as though I

fhould

[ 23 ]

(Wild not efcape with my life ; there-
fore relblved to flay on board our vef-
iel, if I might, and went down again
into the cabin •, but in a little time was
fetched out, and commanded to get
into the boat. The fear of death was
then taken away, and I was refolved to
do the beft I could to get in. One of
our failors handed me a rope, but it
was fo fhort, I was forced to let go,
not knowing whether I mould fall into
the fea, or boat •, for the fea ran very
high, and two of our men were lolt
during the fhort time I had been be-
low. They were getting into the boat
when I was feized with fear, and I faw
it was not groundlefs ; for had I then
proceeded to get in, I mould in all
probability have been drowned. For
as foon as I had turned my back to go
down into the cabin, the gunwale of
the fhip took the boat fide, and had
like to have funk her, and the two
poor men were cafl out, the lofs of
whom forrowfully affected my mind;
and the imminent danger I had been
in, with a fenfe of the Lord's goodnefs
and mercy in preferving me at that

time,

[ *4 ]

time, brought me very low, in humble
thankfulnefs for fo great a deliverance,
looking upon it as a mark of his ten-
der care and fatherly regard for fo poor
a creature as I am.

When we came up to the French
fhip, our men aflifted me in getting
on board, and led me through a croud
of fuch creatures, as I thought were
more like brutes than men ; but they
offered me no violence. When I came
into the cabin, I was placed behind
a large cheft of arms, which was their
table •, where I fat for feveral hours,
very ftill, and laboured to get to fuch
a right and true compofure of mind,
that I might be enabled to undergo,
with patience, what was then befallen
me.

The hurry about the booty being
pretty much over, towards night they
came to fettle in the cabin j and feeing
me take little notice of what they
either faid or did, they looked earneftly
at me, and alked our captain who I
was. He told them I was a Quaker

minifter,

[ *f ]

minifter, and intended for Pennfylva-
nia, They made many fine fpeeches,
and told me, I was welcome to any
thing they had, and would have me
call for what I wanted. When meat
came to table, they invited me to eat •,
but I told them I was not for eating,
my appetite being quite gone. When
they thought it was time for us to go
to bed, I was had down into the hold,
which was fo clofe, and the hammocks
hung lb near to one another, I was
forced to creep on my hands and knees,
till I came to that I was to lodge in.
The young man that conducted me
was one of the officers, and I under-
itood he put me in his own hammock.
As he was making it fit, I thought he
feemed to do it with a very good will ;
but the place being ilrait, and I lying
in all my clothes, made it hard work for
me to get in. However, he ftaid and
helped me what he could, till I was
fettled in my new lodging. A few
hours after I had plenty of company.
As they crept under me they lifted me
up, and when they were all placed in
their refpeclive lodgings, I perceived
D fome

[ 26 ]

fome lay upon the boards under me.
However, the clofenefs of the place,
and the difagreeable fmell, with a fear
which then ieized my mind, that thefe
creatures would do me fome mifchief,
had like to have quite overfet me, fo
that I was nigh fainting away, and
ready to query, whether I ihould live
till morning. In this great ftrait the
Lord appeared for my help. I fen-
fibly felt ftrength adminiftered, and it
arofe in my mind, that thofe I was
afraid of would not hurt me. I be-
lieved it was the truth, and in a little
time, being much wearied, I fell into
a found fleep till morning. When I
came upon deck, our poor men came
to me, and complained of their hard
lodgings, and what was worfe, the
thoughts of a clofe imprifonment when
they fhould come on fhore. It made
me forrowful to hear their complaints,
for they had heard the prifoners fared
very poorly. I fpake as comfortably
as I could, and exhorted them to live
in the fear of the Lord. This day
we came up with a veflel bound for
Plymouth, taken from the French by

one

[ V ]

one of our lhips of war. The French
foon brought her to, boarded her, and
brought all the men to us but one.
The two officers were had into the
cabin where we were. The captain
being a man of very flrong paffions,
to be taken prilbner was almoft more
than he could bear : When they were
fate down, I faw he was almoft over-
come with grief, which I a little won-
dered at. After fome time I went and
fat by him, and faid I would not have
him too much cafe down ; trouble and
difappointment happened to all men,
and this was what fuch men as he
might realbnably expeft. He faid
nothing as I remember, but foon went
out, and after a while came again with
a Frenchman along with him, who
could fpeak Englifh, and pretended
great friendfhip to me, and requefted
that I would go along with him and
the captain into a private place, for
he was defirous to have fome difcourfe
with me. It did not feem to fuit my
inclination, but through their muck
importuning me, I went. When we
were fettled, the Englifhman told me,
D 2 he

[ 28 ]

he had been attended with misfortunes
even from his childhood, and thought
he had been in a fair way of making
his fortune, but he had met with this
difappointment, which was like to be
a great lofs to him. He then beg;m
to talk about religion, and expreflcd
a great defire in his heart to live in the
fear of the Lord. He fpoke highly
of the ceremonies ufed amongft them,
mentioning baptifm with water, and
bread and wine, which they call the
facrament. I told him we were not
in the practice of ufmg them, be-
lieving fuch ceremonies not to be ef-
fential to falvation. He faid I was a
ftrange man, but finding myfelf not at
all difpofed to have any farther dii-
courfe at that time, I defired ro with-
draw.

I w?.s much favoured with ftilinefs, and
afweet compofure of mind, which ro my
great comfort, I* found did flrengthen
and fortify me againfl the afTauits of the
enemy, which I met with both in-
wardly and outwardly. When I looked
at my prcfent fituation, and what was

likely

C 29 1

likely to be the confequence, fearing
I might be a ftumbling-block in the
way of many, and bring difhonour to
Truth, I was much caft down, and
did often cry, " Lord, if I had been
" worthy, thou wouldft have preferved
" me out of the hands of iuch un-
" reafonable men." But the good
Shepherd of Ifrael did caft his mantle
of love over me, and Hilled my crying,
fo that I was in a good degree made
willing to fubmit to what he mould
fee meet to fuffer to come upon me.
Whilft I was here, fervent and ftrong
defires were in my heart for thofe I had
left behind me, in many places, that
they might be preferved in the fear of
the Lord. As to outward food, I eat
very little feveral days. Many faid,
I mould be fick, and often intreated.
me to eat ; but I did not eat much,
till I found I could take it both with
freedom of mind, and a good appetite,
which had been quite gone. The
Frenchmen, as I frequently walked
upon deck amongft them, were be-
come milder, and never offered to
do me any harm, except one at the

firft,

[ 30 ]

firft, and he was prevented from hurt-
ing me. I alfo fat, and walked often
upon quarter deck, the officers all
looking on me with a pleafant coun-
tenance, except the captain, who, I
fuppofe, took offence at my not con-
forming to them when they went to
prayers, which was twice a day.

One evening, as we were fitting in
the cabin, a young Frenchman aiked
the man of war's captain before men-
tioned (pointing at me) concerning
our principles. He told him, we were
a ftrange people •, we both difowned
baptiim and the Lord's fupper. The
Frenchman looked at me with difdain,
and then began to fpeak much in be-
half of both, laying great ftrefs, efpe-
cially upon the latter ; for he feemed
a very zealous young man for their
way. Then both joining, they came
to a conclufion, that thofe who were
not in the practice of them, could not
be faved. Their difcourfe was in Latin,
and though I am not a Latin fcholar,
I underflood fo much, that I gathered
the purport of their difcourfe. When

they

[ 3- ]

they had done, I told the Captain, he
had done very wrong, in mifrepre-
fenting the people called Quakers to
that man. He afked, in what ? I told
him, I underltood he had been telling
him v/e difowned baptifm, and the
fnpper. He laid, he underftood by
me, that we did not own the facra-
ments. I told him, there was no fuch
word made ufe-of in fcripture, that
I knew of ; but baptifm and the fup-
per were, and we owned and believed
both to be effential to falvation. My
mind was then opened concerning
baptifm, in the feveral paflages of
fcripture, which ftrengthen and con-
firm it, that the baptifm, which is
faving, muft needs be fpiritual •, and
if fo, then no need of water : for the
apoftle faith, " One Lord, one faith,
" one baptifm," Eph. iv. 5. and that
themfelves owned water to be but an
outward and vifible fign of an in-
ward and fpiritual grace. I was led
on, till I came to that laft fupper or
paffover, which our Lord did partake
of with his difciples ; and told them
what our Lord then faid to his dif-
ciples,

[ 32 ]

ciples, was, " As often as ye do this,
" do it in remembrance of me, to
" fhew forth my death until I come."
This was no commandment to per-
petuate that outward fupper, or pafT-
over ; that being a Jewifh ordinance,
which he then had nigh finifhed, when
he nailed the hand-writing of ordinances
to his crofs. But I told them, they
might fee in the Revelations of John,
what he faid concerning his coming,
where he faith, " Behold I fland at
" the door, and knock ; and if any
" man hear my voice, and open the
" door, I will come in to him, and
" fup with him, and he with me."
Rev. iii. 20. It is this fupper and
coming we own, and in our meafure
partake of •, for this was the commu-
nion of the faints. Several fcriptures
opening then in my mind to confirm
that baptifm and fupper, which are
faving, to be fpiritual ; and as bodily
exercife profiteth little, fo that which
is only outward and elementary, could
not profit the foul. They heard me
very patiently, and did not make any
Qbje.dions. Being pretty eafy, I left

them

[ 33 1

them to have their difcourfe to thetn-
ielves, that the officer might have
opportunity to inform the man what
1 had laid.

Now our confinement at fca was
nigh over, but as we came nigh in
with the more, we were chafed by an
Englilfi man of war, who came fait
up with us, and gave our men great
expectations of being releafed •, and
indeed the Frenchmen expected no
other than to be taken. Every man
prepared himfelf for removing, and
was in great fear ; but we were fo near
the rocks, the man of war durft follow'
us no farther, only gave us one (hot,
which came over us, and then fheered
off. The great expectation our men
were in of being retaken being dilap-
pointed, made them more forrowful
than before •, but it did not much
affect me, for I was now more recon-
ciled in my mind, to bear with pati-
ence what the Lord mould fee meet
to try me with. I had ftrongly defired
before not to go to France, but in a
few hours we came into a {mall har-
E bour

[ 34 ]

bour, with a fort at the entrance, and
in it one fhip of war. We did not
land till next morning. This night
I met with lbmething that was very
unpleafant to me, for the captain
going on fhore, and the men thinking
all fecure, when night came on, moil
of them went to reft ; but the man of
war's captain, and fome of his men,
as it afterwards appeared, had con-
fulted about cutting the vefTel out of
the harbour. We had more liberty
given this night than we had before.
The two man of war's men, our cap-
tain, and myfelf, were ordered to lie
in the cabin. Riddell had lain in it
before, but now he was to lie in the
captain's hammock, being a favourite,
and I in his bed •, but he not accepting
of it, I got in. This I perceived gave
great offence, therefore, to prevent
further trouble, I foon quitted it, and
fat me down by the man of war's cap-
tain', who had got to writing.

I had by this time contracted fuch
an intimacy with him, that I could
make bold to fee what he was writing,

without

[ 35 ]

without giving him any offence ; and
when I came to fee what he was wri-
ting, and found it was only to fpend
time, it gave me fome uneafinefs, for
it then began to be late. I did not
fuddenly fay any thing to him, but
took notice of his motions and looks,
and faw his countenance was very
much difcompoied. All began now
to be very (till. None were up in the
cabin but him and myfelf, and the
young Frenchman before-mentioned,
who kept guard, and he had no wea-
pon in his hand. I afked the captain
if he was not for bed. He faid, he
could not go to bed. I then told him,
I would not have him think of making
any attempts to take the yeflel out of
the harbour. He faid, he mould make
no difficulty of it, if he had any body
to (land by him. I fignified, I thought
it could not be done without much
blood- fhedding, if at all ; and I mould
be very forry to fee any thing of that-
kind, though my liberty was as dear
to me as any of theirs. He faid, I
need not be afraid •, no body would
hurt me. I told him, that was more
E 2 than

[ 36 ]

than he knew •, for as I had been with
them all the evening, they would think
I had a hand in the plot, and fo I
might lofe my life undeiervedly.

I laid before him all the difficulties
I was capable of, as that of lying
under the fort, and their man of war
a little diftance off, with a very rocky
harbour to get out of; all which feemed
to have but little effect on him. So
I thought it was beft to confult my
own fafety •, for if there was a fkir-
mifh, I fhould, if I flaid there, be in
the midft of it. So I went down to
my old lodgings ; but could find no
reft for my body, my mind being very
uneafy. I therefore crept out again,
all being ftill in the fhip, and but few
upon deck. I went into the cabin,
where I found them as I left them ;
but having a little more courage than
before, I told the captain I was re-
folved to hinder any difturbance, if
I could ; adding he furely was not in
his right fenfes to think of any fuch
thing, as his men, I fuppofed, knew
nothing of it. He faid I was miftaken,

for

[ 37 ]

for he had told one or two of them
in the evening, and they would ac-
quaint all the reft, and he could have
them all up in a few minutes.

It was now about midnight, and
his men, I fuppofe, thinking it high
time to get to work, came upon deck
without calling, and leemed to be in
high fpirits, for they talked chearfully,
and, I thought, gave feveral fignals to
their mafter, that they were ready.
I was in a great (Irak how to aft, but
thought it would be bed to endeavour
to keep peace if I could, having faid
as much as was neceffary. I therefore
fat me down cloie by him, with an
intent to lay hold of him if he offered
to take up a weapon, which was very
nigh at hand. Great ftrugglings were
in his mind, as he himlelf afterwards
confeffed. He often was juil upon
the point •, but the Lord, in his great
mercy, did interpofe, and my mind
began to be calm and ftill, and all fear
was taken away. I then looking at
him, faw his countenance became more
compofed and folid. I afked him if he

would

[ 3» ]

would not go to bed. He threw down
his pen, and faid he would. The
young Frenchman fat by all this time,
but perceived nothing of their defign.

The night was pretty far fpent, and
the men, who had walked the deck
a coniiderable time, thinking nothing
would be done, went down to their
beds -, and when I had feen the mailer
fettled in his, I lay me down upon a
bulk head of the fhip, which was fo
narrow, I could only lie upon my fide :
there being nothing better in the cabin
that I could find. But my mind being
eafy, after the pain it had been in, I
fell afleep. It was a very cold night,
and the partition of our cabin was but
canvafs. When I awaked I was ftiff,
but I did not take cold. The Lord
was pleafed to preferve me, though
I often faid in my mind, I did not
think myfelf worthy, and more efpe-
cially becaufe he had iufFered this great
exercife to come upon me ; which, I
feveral times was made fenfible, would
have been a light matter with him to have
hindered, if he had feen meet. I often

cried

[ 39 ]

cried to him in the fecrct of my heart,
that if there was any iniquity lodging in
me, he would be pieafed to take it
away ; and if this my going was
not confident with his will, that he
would be pieafed to fhew me how, and
wherein I have miffed my way -, that
I might not bring a reproach upon the
Truth, and a trouble and exercife
upon his people. It was not long we
had to flay amongft this fort of com-
pany, for by that time the fun was
up, the captain, with feveral more
fuch as himfelf, came aboard •, alio
two of their friars in their odd fort of
drefs •, I fuppofe to fee svhat they could
get in the fcramble.

When breakfaft was over, as feveral
of us were to be fearched before they
took their leave of us, thofe appointed
to do that bufinefs ft aid in the cabin.
The captain and feveral others went
out, and I amongft the reft, but was
foon called in again, for they fearched
me one of the firft. When I came in,
they told me, they wanted my money.
I faid not much to them, but thought

if

[ 40 ]

if they had it they fhouid take it from
me ; ib they began to fearch me, and
took what they could find (which was
but one guinea in money) and all other
things they found about me of any
value •, but my wearing clothes they
gave me again. When they had fearch-
ed me as long as they thought fit,
they let me go, but they were not
contented, for they had got it into
their minds that I had a confiderable
fum of money, and a gold watch ;
therefore I was no fooner gone out,
but they fetched me in again, and
I was fearched in every part where
they thought any money could be con-
cealed. I was lb grieved with them,
I could not hold my peace, but faid,
they pretended to be gentlemen, and
men of honour, but now they did not
appear to be fuch ; for it was good
works which made men truly honour-
able •, and as to what they could do to
me, I faid, I was not afraid of. In-
deed, all fear was taken away from
me : I did not feem. afraid of my life,
but whether I did well in telling them
ib, I afterwards queried j for I thought

that

[ 41 J

that courage was only given me for
my own fupporr, and not to lavifh
away at that rate. However, I came
off pretty well, for they let me put
on and carry away as many clothes as
ferved to keep me warm.

We were on board eleven days, and
then were landed near a town called
Rolcone. When we came to it, many
people were gathered to fee us, amongib
whom was a mixture of black coats :
two of them came to me, and one
taking hold of my fleeve, afked me,
as I iuppofed, what religion I was of,
and whether I could (peak Latin. I
told them, as I was a prilbner, they
had no bufinefs with me, and I did
not incline to have any difcourfe with
them •, therefore defired they would
not afk me any more questions. They
turned off, faying, He is for no con-
troverfy. If I had been afked an
honeft queftion concerning the hope
that is in me, I believe I mould have had
an anfwer according to Truth ; but
pearls ought not to be caft before
iv/ine.

F As

[ 4* J

As foon as I had got quit of the
two prieftis, there came a man to me,
who feemed to be of fome confiderable
account in the world, and faid, he
was forry to fee me there •, but it was
the fortune of war. He wiihed me
fafe in England again. He went to
one of his acquaintance who lived in
the town, and after fome difcourfe, he
came and invited me and Riddel, with
the other two,, to his houfe, and fct
before us fuch as they had, and defined
us to eat and drink. There was alfo
a woman in the houfe, much con-
cerned about our having to walk to
Morlaix that night, which was twelve
•miles, and fent to hire horfes, but
none were to be had. She therefore
gave ftrict charge to the foldiers that
conducted us, to hire horfes at the
next place, and fhe would pay the
charge. I wifh many may follow her
example in being kind to ft rangers ;
for what fhe did I thought was of great
lervice to me. The foldiers hired
hories for four of us when we came to
•the next town, which was four miles.
This town was pretty large, and there

were

[ 43 )

were many fpeclatcrs. That they
might have a full view of us, the fol-
diers had us into a convenient place, and
Hood round us at a little diftance.
The people gathered fo thick, they
could fcarce Hand one by another ;
and in this pofture they kept us about
half an hour. Then they had us to
an inn, where we were put into a large
chamber, and meat and drink were
let before us. But before we were well
fat down, feveral men and women of
the upper rank came in -, the rabble
ftayed moftly below.

Whilft we v/ere at meat, fome of
them turned up my coat laps, and
examined what my clothes were made
of as well as they could, and com-
mended them for being good. They
feemed not to take fo much notice of
any as they did of me ^ often pointing
at me, faying, I was a minifter, a prieft.
Several gay women fat behind the
table, where they had opportunity to
Jook at me as much as they pleafed.
They were very light and airv, which
I fhewed fome diflike to, and told
diem had heard the French uied
F 2 good

[ 44 ]

good manners, and knew how to be"
have well ; but it could not be faid lb
of them, for it was not good manners
to come into our room without leave,
and when they were in, not to be-
have foberly and well. I foon per-
ceived I had an interpreter, for fome
among them underftood Englifh, and
informed the reft •, upon which they
left the room, and it was foon pretty
clear. After them came in feveral
young men, who both looked and be-
haved well. I had nothing in my
mind againft being free, and looking
pleafantly on them ; for this, when
leafonable, hath a good effect.

The next place we came to of any
account was Morlaix ; it was night
when we got in, and we were obliged
to Hand and fit in the ftreet, till they
got orders from the commiffary what
to do with us. I thought the time
very long, more on account of our
poor men than myfelf ; for they had
walked till they fwcated, and fome of
them were ill. To fit in the ftreet an
hour or more, in a cold night, I thought
was alrnoit enough to give them their

death.

[ 45 ]

death. When orders came, they were
to take us to prifon •, but a merchant,
one Forney, who was agent of the
prizes, met us in the ftreer, and took
Riddel, the two man of war's men,
and myfelf, to a tavern, where we had
what we p leafed to call for, but not
at the cheapeft rate. Our landlord
was an Irifhman, and I perceived had
a very good opinion of himfeli.

After we had fupped, and he had
informed himfelf what I was, he en-
tertained us with a dim of as unfavoury
difcourfe about religion as I thought
I had ever heard, and what made it
more irkfome, lie held it very long.
He fetched a book, out of which he
faid he taught his children, and as he
read, fome of our people were fo weak
as to commend it, which made him
more eager. I do not remember that
I either anfwered any of his queitions,
or made any objections to what he
faid •, but when he told me, he in-
tended to bring fome of my brethren
to fee me, meaning the priefts, for he
laid they would like to have fome dif-
courfe with me j I told him he need

not

t 46 ]

not bring any there upon my account*
for I did not want any of their com-
pany : fo that was put an end to, for
they never came to me while I {laid
in Morlaix. Whilft I was here, the
young man came to fee me, who took
care of me the firfl night I lodged
aboard the privateer, and faluted me
in a very friendly manner. This young
man took more notice of me than any
other all the time I was aboard, and
when they were ftripping and fearching
me, he ftamped upon the deck, and
lhewed great refentment, as Riddel
told me, and knowing he had not
wronged me, could chearfully come
to fee me ; but the others, who had,
did not care to fee me, and though
I often met them in the ftreet, they
endeavoured to fhun me, and would
not look me in the face if they couid
avoid it. I thought it was a brave
thing to have a confcience void or
-offence both towards God and men.

We were brought before one of
their chief officers, called the com-
miilary, to have our names entered,
and fuch as could not find bail, muft

no

[ 47 ]

go to pnibn. This man and his wife-
took great offence at my hat being in
its place, as likewile did the com-
miliary at Rofcone, who was an old
man, and ill of the gout, upon his
bed. But feveral capital people of the
town being preient, he was much dil~-
pleaied, becaule I did not give them
that honour which was none of their
due. When I had given in my name,
I foon quitted the room. This com-
miffary was a young man, and feveral
were in the room with him. I had
not afked any body to be bail for me,
for I was eafy, and the thoughts of
the pnibn did not terrify me, though
we had heard a very difmal account of
it-, however Forney, whom I mentioned
before, after he had called R iddel afide,
and afked him concerning me, ven-
tured to be bail for me. I itaid a
little while in the room after our people
were withdrawn, and looked at the
great man as he fat in his chair, and
thought his countenance was ibme-
what milder, and he fpake pretty
kindly to me when we parted. It was
faid, he was very bitter againft all the

Englifh>

[ 48 ]

Englifh, and had uttered many harfh
exprefiions againft them ; but his glafs
was then almoit run, for he lived but
a little while after this.

Forney, who had parTed his word
for me, being agent, had my papers
and letters, which I found he did not
chufe to part with, except my certifi-
cate and letfer of credit, and another
paper or two, which he did not think
worthwhile to, keep. I perceived he
was a felfifli man, for after he under-
stood my little money that I mould
want was not to come through his
hands, he came to me, and with an
unpleafant tone told me, he would not
Hand bound for me any longer. I
faid, I did not intend to give him any
offence in employing another to do
my bufinefs : viz. Charles Serman-
fon, a merchant, who was of great
fervice to me afterwards, when I came
to be acquainted with him. When
he heard Forney would not be bound
for me any longer, he faid, he would
be bound for me, as freely as he
would for his own brother. So I

was

[ 49 ]

was ftill kept out of prifon. Whilft
we were here we were examined at the
admiralty office, where they afked
many queftions, and I thought, if I
had been enough aware of them, I
mould have come better off than I did.
Before they had us into the room where
we were examined, they had fomething
of the form of* an oath. I told them
I could not take it, being againft our
principles. After fome diicourie about
it, they, not being willing to let me
pafs without examining, had me into
their room, and afked me my name
and place of abode, whether I was
married, and what children ; to which
I anfwered. They afked what pre-
parations were making in England for
war ? To which I anfwered, as I did
not concern myfelf about fuch things,
I mould fay nothing about them. He
afked other queftions about the manner
of our being taken, and what was
taken from me, and about our fhip
and cargo. Then after a pretty long
paufe, he faid, now I have fome clofe
queftions to afk you, but you muft
not. be angry. I was filent, not know-
G ing

[ 50 ]

ing how I mould come off. He then
afked me, whether I was a minifter t
I faid, I did not chafe to be put under
that denomination. He faid, what
then ? I told him, my bufinefs, when
at home, was to look after and feed
cattle, and fuch in our country were
called graziers. He afked me what
I was going to do in Pennfylvania ?
I faid, to vifit my friends* Whether
I knew any body there ? I faid I was
acquainted with but a few. Whether
I was fent by the Quakers ? I told
him, I was not ; though I had their
approbation therein. He then afked
me, whether or no the Quakers would
fight if they were attacked by an ene-
my ? I faid, it was not my bufinefs
then to tell him whether they would
or not ; it was enough for me to an-
fwer for myfelf. Then faid he, If you
were fmitten on one cheek, would not
you turn the other ? Or, if they took
away your coat, would not you give
them your cloke alfo ? I faid, it was fo
in Scripture, but I had not freedom,
at that time to anfwer thofe queftions.

He

[ 5' 1

He afked me no more queftions at that
time, that I remember.

About this time I fuffered much in
my fpirit •, the reafon is beft known to
the Lord. I was heavy and forrowful
in my mind both night and day for
ibme time, and much afraid, left I
fhould bring difhonour to Truth by my
unfaithfulnefs, or fome flip or other that
I had made or might make, for want of
care- and watchfulnefs, in that ftrange
land, feparated from my brethren, and
deprived of all outward help and com-
fort. But this to me was a profitable
feaibn, for I found the fear of the
Lord, which was then in my heart,
did preferve me from evil, and falling
into temptation. Though fuch com-
pany as I had was very unpleafant to
me, and I thought myfelf unfit for
converfation ; yet, when by honefl in-
quirers, I was afked queflions con-
cerning our faith and principles, I was
helped, in the openings of Truth, to
give them an anfwer concerning the
hope that was in me : fcriptures freely
opening, and all things brought to my
G 2 remem-

[ 52 ]

remembrance, fufficient to put to fi-
lence, and Hop the mouths of gain-
fay ers.

Whilft I ftaid in Morlaix, Charles
Sermanfon (before mentioned) who
often invited me to his houfe, one even-
ing, as we were in difcourfe, afked
me, why I went abroad in fuch trou-
blefome times ? I told him, I believed
it to be my duty j for nothing elfe
would have induced me to leave all
that were near to me in this world, as
wife and children, but a fenfe of duty
to God, and obedience to what I be-
lieved he required of me ; for as to
outward gain or advantage, I had
nothing of that in my view, for fuch
as have freely received, muft freely

Thus fetting forth the nature, call,
and qualification of the true miniftry,
I faw it had fome reach upon him and
his wife, who fat by, and defired that
he would interpret to her what I faid.
When fhe underftocd I had left a wife
and children behind me, fhe faid that

could

[ 53 ]

could not be confiftent with the \viM
of God. I fignified, flic did not con-
fider Chrift faith, " He that loveth
" father or mother, wife or children,
" houfes or lands, more than me, is not
" worthy of me." I took the liberty
to reprove her hufband, for taking the
great and facred name in vain, which
I fuppofe made fome alteration in his
countenance. She then afked him what
I faid. When he told her, fhe laid,
I had done well, for that was his great
weaknefs, and fhe hoped he would
take notice of it. I laid, by turning
our minds to the light of Chrilt in
our hearts, which reproveth for fin,
as we came to yield obedience to it,
we mould be helped to overcome our
weaknefies. She faid I was a faint,
and had overcome the temptations of
the world. I faid, what I am, it is
by grace. I have nothing to boaft of,
and by grace I am faved out of many
temptations of the world; yet was. a
man of like pafnons, and liable to
many weaknefles, as they were ; and
was no longer fafe than whilft I kept
upon my watch. My mind was open-
ed

[ 5+ ]

cd to point out to them the way of
falvation, fcripture being brought to
confirm the fufficiency, work, and
operation of the grace of God, upon
the hearts of the children of men ;
with the faving help there is in it, as
it is yielded obedience unto. It was
a feafonable opportunity. Finding
freedom, I let him fee the certificate
I had from my friends. When he had
read it, he faid, he liked it very well.
I told him fomething of the good
order we had amongil us, which he
ieemed to approve well of •, but faid,
he could but admire that I fhould
take fo much pains, without any view
of outward advantage. I told him,
what I had faid was the truth. He
faid, he did believe it was, But, faid
he, our priefts would not go acrofs
that room without being paid.

Perceiving that what had already paf-
fed had fome good effect, for the man
was very loving, and his underftanding
meafurably opened, to diftinguiih be-
tween the true and falfe miniifers, I
took my leave for that time, and went

to

t 55 ]

to my quarters, which was at a tavern,
where I was tor feveral days . and had
much company of divers forts. As
I appeared to them fomewhat fingular,
they wanted to know what I was, and
fuch as could fpeak Englifh would
a(k me queftions ; and as I found free-
dom I aniwered them. One came as
I was fitting in a room, there being
a pretty deal of company, and afked
why the Quakers would not fight ?
I told him, the weapons of the pri-
mitive believers were riot carnal, but
fpiritual, and mighty, through iaith,
to the pulling down fin, and the ftrong
holds of Satan •, and fuch as are now
come under the peaceable government
of the great King of Kings (who faid,
if his kingdom had been of this world,
then his fervants would have fought)
cannot fight with carnal weapons,
though there may feem as great a
neceffity, as there was when our Lord
was like to be delivered to the Jews.
I had to open feveral paifcges of Scrip-
ture, which fet forth the peaceable
government of Chrift, who came not
to deftroy men's, lives, but to fave
- • them ;

[ 56 ]

them ; and that it was not the lamb's
nature to tear and devour, but the
wolf's. This opportunity was fea-
fonable, the people were very Hill and
attentive. He that afked me this
queftion had often been with me, and
had afked many queftions, but was
now filent, and feemed to go away
fatisfied •, for the power of God was
over them at that time.

After fome time, I, with fome others
who were prifoners at large, was or-
dered into the country about thirty
miles, to a town called Carhaix.
Charles Sermanfon fupplied me with
what money I wanted, and alfo re-
commended me to a friend of his
there, one John Grace, a counfellor
at law, who, during my flay, ihewed
feveral tokens of his regard and hearty
friendfliip, after he and I came to
be' acquainted ; though I may fay
with fafety, I never fought his, nor
any other's favour, by any indirect
means, or in a way Truth did not ad-
mit of. When I went to his houfe,
it was in the evening, and he .taking

the

C 57 J

the letter with his hat off, made a
bow, but I not returning it as he
expected, he with an earned look,
and fomewhat of an unpleafant tone,
faid, I might go to the tavern, and
he would come to me in the morning;.
He did fo, and told me, as I had been
recommended to his care by his good
friend Charles Sermanfon, he would
do the belt he could in providing me
a private lodging ; and any other fer-
vice he could do me, which lay in his
power, thould not be wanting. I told
him, I was obliged to him, and was
glad to find him, and fome others of
his countrymen, fo well difpofed as
to be kind to ftrangers •, and as I was
a ftranger, and alio a prifoner, I mould
be glad of his affiitance. He faid, he
was glad he had the opportunity of
afllfting his fellow-creatures, for he
looked upon it to be no more than his
duty. Then we walked into the town,
where he provided me a chamber, and
I had every thing found me that was
necefiary. My new landlord took great
notice of my behaviour, and, I fup-
•pofe, at firtt did not know how to
H behave

[ 53 ]

behave himfelf towards me, that I
might not be offended •, for being poor,
he was glad of a little money. He
could fpeak no Englifh, and I but
little French,, fo we could have no
convention ; but he told one of the
Englifhmen, who fpoke French, that
I did him good, though he could not
underftand me. Fie was a peruke-
maker by trade, and when he had left
work in the evenings, he and his wife
would come and fit with me a con-
fiderable time in filence •, which was
not difagreeable to me : for fome-
times, I believe, we were favoured
with good, when we fat in filence.
Flis wife was a religious woman, and
of a folid fober behaviour, fo far as
I ever faw. I ftaid in their houfe
three months, and then took lodg-
ings in another place ; three young
men in like circumftances with my-
felf, defiring very much to be with
me, and they not h-aving room for
us all, I left them. As the young
men behaved well, their company was
agreeable ; two of them being friends
Ions, though they did not in many

things

[ 59 ]

take up the crofs as they ought to have
done, yet their behaviour to me was
fuch, as gained my love and affection.
One of them loon after died in the
French priion, being, when taken, upon
his paffage to Rhpde-Jfland, .where
his parents lived, at whofe houfe I
afterwards was, and found them very
forrowrul, for they had loft three of
their ions, two at fea, and one in pri-
fon. As thefe things affected and made
forne impreffions upon my mind, I
made a tew remarks.

John Grace, the counfellor, after
a little while, became very loving,
and had me often to his houfe, it
not being far from my lodgings,
and I found myfeif very free to
converfe with him, and told him in
freedom at one time, if he had any
thing in his mind to afk concerning
our ibciety or principles, I would have
him be quite free, for I mould be
willing to anfwer honeftly according to
the belt of my underttanding. He
faid, he underftood we did not baptife
with water. I told him, the apoftle
H 2 Paul

[ 6o ]

Paul faith, " There is one Lord, one
*' faith, one baptifm ;M and water, how
or by whomfoever adminiftered, is
only fufficient to put away the filth
of the fieih, but not able to wafh away
the fin of the foul. The fame apoftle
faid, " Fie was not fent to baptife,"
(he there muft be underdood with
water) " but to preach the gofpel,
<l which is the power that baptifeth
" into the one Spirit." He further
faith concerning himfelf, that he was
not awhit behind the chiefell of the
apoflles ; yet he thanks God, he had
baptifed no more than the few he re-
cites, which he would not have done,
if baptifm with water had been the
one baptifm efiential to falvation. He
faid, he thought there ought to be
fomething done to children by the
minifter, to initiate them into the
church. I faid, as to our not being in
the practice of fprinkling children with
water, or figning them with the fign
of the crofs, as it was not fcripcural,
we could not be juitSy blamed for
being in the dilute of it. lie then
laid, if he at mil had put on the

prieli's

[ 61 ]

priefl's gown, irtftcad of that he then
WOTG, he {hould have thought it his
bufinefs to have fearched more into the
Scriptures. I told him, I took him to
be a man of that underftanding, as very
well to know, it ought to be every
one's bufinefs to fearch into the things
that belong to their own peace. He
laid it was true, but they had men
who were learned, whom they paid,
and he looked upon thefe to be his
teachers, and as for him, he was but
a hearer, and if they deceived him, it
would be the worfe for themfelves -,
they could not deceive God. I laid,
it was true, they could not -, but as
the falvation of the foul is a thing of
fo great moment, we (hould not have
our dependence upon others, and as
to teachers, we might know them by
their fruits ; for, according to Chriit's
own words, " men do not gather
*' grapes of thorns, nor figs of thirties."
He further faith to his rnii lifters,
ts freely you have received, freely
u give." As to thole of polluted lips,
I thought they could not profit the
people at all. tie laid, thcie was no

Scrip-

[ 62 ]

Scripture that forbad marrying, and
he thought their priefls wrong in that ;
for they did not keep themfelves
chafte, but deluded and deceived many
poor young women. I faid, it was
great pity any mould be deprived of
the benefit of the Scriptures, tor all
ought to have liberty to try all things,
that they may hold fall that which is
good -, for it is dangerous pinning
their faith upon other men's fleeves :
" if the blind lead the blind, they
" will both fail into the ditch." He
then faid, he mould be glad to read
fome of our authors, which I gave
him fome expectations of lending, if
I lived to return home.

Some time after this, he fent for me
to dine with him, when I expected he
would have had fome priefts with him,
but he had not •, though he told me
he had invited one of their clergymen
to dme with him, and acquainted him
I was to be there, but he de fired to
be excufed, alledging, he thought I
mould be offended with his company.
I laid I ihcuid not,, if he 'was a reli-
gious

[ 63 ]

gious fobcr man. I was not had before
the commiffary or chief magiftrate, at
my firft coming here, with the reft of
the prifoners, but this counlellor gave
in my name, and when they went to
receive the government's allowance, I
went, not having enough to fupport
me without. But hearing the com-
miflary had uttered fome very bitter
expreflions againft the Quakers, and
me in particular, for not putting off
my hat, as he had obferved, when
I met him in the ftreet, I had an in-
clination to pay him a vifit, which I
acquainted a young man with, who-
could interpret for me. We found the
commifTary in the ftreet. The young
man told him, I was come to fee him,,
or pay him a vifit. He looking earn-
eftly at me, after a paufe, took us into-
a room, and before I could fay any
thing to him, afked me, why I did
not put off my hat ? I told him, un-
covering our heads was what we did
when we prayed and addreffed the
Almighty •, but to do it to our fellow-
creatures was againft our conferences.

The

r 64 ]

The anfwer, though fhort, I per-
ceived fatisfied him, for his haughty-
countenance fell, and he then fpake
mildly, and laid, he had heard we did
not baptife our children. I faid, we
did not ufe water-baprifm. What do
you then, faid he, inflead of water ?
I faid, the one baptifm, which we be-
lieve to be faving and effential to ial-
vation, is fpiritual, that of fire and
the Holy Ghoft ; and as to little chil-
dren, they are heirs of the kingdom
of heaven without water, or the help
of any mortal man. I told him, I had
heard he faid fomething againft me,
but I came in good will to pay him a
friendly vifit, for I had a mind to fpeak
with him myfelf. He then took me
by the hand, faying, he would not do
me any hurt, but all the fervice that
lay in his power. I took my leave of
him with thankfulnefs, that truth had
thus far prevailed, and the young man
was well fatisfied •, for he was fome-
what in fear before we went, having
heard what the commifTary had faid
concerning me. Ever after, when I
met with him, he looked pleafantly,

and

[ H ]

and I believe never any more took
offence at my hat.

Charles Sermanfon, whilft I was
here, wrote me feveral kind letters j
and mine, which I wrote to England,
he took care to Tend to his correspon-
dent in London ; by whom alio my
letters from home were fafely conveyed
to me, which made my confinement
much the eafier, as I could often hear
from my wife and family, and they
from me. After I had been confined
about five months, I was releafed ; my
paffport coming to hand, I mewed it
to John Grace, and he went with me
to the commiffary, who readily figned
it, expreffing his gladnefs that I had
got my liberty, and was going to my
family. He alfo gave leave to feveral
of my fellow-prifoners, who were de-
firous to accompany me to Morlaix.
The 23d of the 4th month I took my
leave of the counfellor and his family,
with divers others, both French and
Englifh, who came to fee me in a very
affectionate manner. When I came
to Morlaix, I found a Dutch vefiel
1 bound

[ 66 ]

bound to Oftend. Charles Sermanfon
agreed with the matter to fet me upon
the Englilh coaft, if the wind would
permit, which happened well the 28th
of the 4th month 1757.

When I came to London, I found
feveral friends very glad to fee me,
having had a near fympathy with me
in my exercifes •, and I faw the Lord
had been my helper and deliverer, in
that he had been pleafed to bring me
fate to my native land ; and not only
lb, but I found friends as nearly united
to me as ever ; which was a great
comfort. For I had been afraid, left
they mould ftand at a diftance from
me •, but magnified be the Great Name
for evermore, I found all well in that
refpect, and likewiie when I came to
my own habitation, which was on the
1 ith of the 5th month 1757.

I foon fet out again for the yearly
meeting in London, which began the
28th ot the 5th month this year. My
brother Maw, and two other friends,
accompanied me. It was believed I

was

[ 67 ]

was intending to proceed again to
America •, but I could fay little to ic
when afked, till the yearly meeting
was over, and friends moftly gone out
or' town. I was then made fenfible, it
was my duty again to make preparation
to fet forward ; a fhip beii g near
ready to fail for Philadelphia. I then
acquainted friends with it, who left
me to my liberty, exprefled their unity
with it, and made all things as eaiy
for me as they could. For which my
fpirit was bowed in thankfulnefs, to
the great, good, and wife Difpofer of all
things, who can difpofe the minds of
his people as he feeth meet ; and who
ever will, I believe, make way for all
that put their trull in him, that his
requirings may be in all things duly
anfwered. I took my leave of my
wife and family in a folemn manner,
not knowing I mould fee them again
in mutability. I alfo fettled my out-
ward affairs in fuch order as I thought
might be for the belt.

The 19th of the 6th month 17*57,
I left London, feveral friends accom-

I 2 pany'ng

[ 68 ]

panying me to Gravefend. The veiTel
being juft ready to fail, I took leave
of friends, and followed her in a fmall
veiTel as far as the Nore, two of my
kind -friends, ftill accompanying me,
viz. John Sherwin and Thomas Wag-
ftaffe. I went. on board the fhip, and
they returned to London. We arrived
in the Downs the 21ft, and waited for
a convoy, it being a time when much
fhipping were taken by the French.
The people were not willing to go
without men of war.

I went on fhore while here, and
found a fn.all family o* very fenfible
friends, of which I was glad. The
23d we weighed anchor, being in all
about fixty fail. We loft fight of
iand the 8th of the 7th month, had
a good paflage, and in ten weeks from
London we got fafe to Philadelphia.
Here I found feveral friends from
Europe in the fervice of Truth. We
were truly giad to fee each other, and
had comfortable meetings together :
.■bleffed be the name of the Lord ! I
have great caufe to be truly thankful,

and

[ «9. 1

and in humble reverence, to praife his
gre.it and everlalting name, for many
deliverances both by fea and land. L
may in truth fay, his name hath been
to me a itrong tower, and thither I
have run and found fafety. For though
he fuffers his to be tried, as in the
furnace of affliction, he will not leave
nor forfake them ; but his arm hath
been made bare for their deliverance,
and he hath granted them the petition
of their fouls. ' Glory and honour be
given to him, and that for evermore !
Iftaidin and about Philadelphia till
the yearly meeting was over.

The 5th of the 9th month 1757,
I went into Eaft Jerley, John Pem-
berton accompanying me. We had
a meeting at Haddonfield j thence to
Cheiter, and had a meeting there alfo,
both to good fatisfaction. We lodged
at Edmund Holinhead's, and on firft
day were at Evefham meeting, which
was attended with the feafoning virtue
and power of Truth* We went that
night to Burlington, and attended the
monthly meeting on fecond day, which

1 thought

[ 7° ]

I thought was to general fatisfa&ion.
I lodged at John Smith's, a fubftantial
friend, and a very ferviceable man in
the fociety. Here John Pemberton
left me.

I went next day to AncocaS, it being
the fourth of the tenth month, and
third of the week. We had a meeting
there, which was hard in the begins
ning, and dull -, but that fpirit of
earthly mindednefs, which had too
much prevailed, was teftified againit,
and truth, I think, did in a good de-
gree spring up over all : praifed be the
great name for ever ! The fourth of
the week, accompanied by another
friend, had two meetings at Mount
Holly, both to pretty good fatisfadlion :
we lodged at Jofiah Fofter's. Fifth
day we had a meeting at a fchool-houfe,
which was large, and though it held
long, the people were very quiet :
we lodged at William Smith's. Sixth
day we had a meeting at Old Spring-
field ; firft day at Mansfield. It was
a large meeting, but the minds of
the people hankering much after

words,

C 71 ]

words, the fpring of life, that had run
through me, being in a great meafure
ftopt, a cloud came and covered my
tabernacle. I faw it was fafeil to Hand
ftill. We lodged at Peter Harvey's,
a kind and fteady friend.

Next day, the fecond of the week,
and tenth of the month, we had a
meeting at a fchool-houfe in the neigh-
bourhood, which was fmall, but in
fome degree fatisfactory : we lodged at
William Smith's : had a meeting at
Upper Springfield on third day ; at
Freehold on fourth ; Croiwick's on
fifth ; Borden town on fixth ; and
Trenton on firft day : we lodged here
at William Morris's. From thence to
Stoney. Brook, and had a meeting on
the fecond day of the week, and 17th
of the month. We lodged at James
Clark's. In this place they had been
hurt, and fcattered in their minds •, as
alfo in feveral other places, where there
had been a ftriving, and a dividing
fpirit got in. From thence we went
to Robins's meeting on third day,
which was not fo fatisfactory as could

have

L 7* ]

have been defired ; fome being reft-
lefs, the meeting holding long.

We went from thence to Squan,
and had a meeting there on fifth day
amongft a company of poor dark
people. Then to Shrewlbury the
twenty-fecond of the tenth month,
where was a meeting for minifters and
elders. The meeting on nrft day was
very large, and, considering the great
numbers of people of all ranks, was
quiet. Second day it was a good folid
meeting, Truth prevailing over all :
praiies be given to the Great Name for
ever. The Son of Righteoufnefs did
arile with healing in his wings, and
my foul was delivered, as out of the
pit •, for I had been ready to defpair,
and thought I mould have been over-
come by the enemy. Great horror
and darknefs was over my underftand-
ing for a time ; but the Lord did fend
his light, and his truth, and caufed it
to mine upon my tabernacle -, and* I
.had to declare of his mercy and good-
neis towards the children of men, and
.to invite them to come and fee for

them-

[ 73 ]

themfelvcs, what great things the Lord
will do for them that truft in him.
This great meeting ended well, and
I was truly thankful to the great
Mailer of our aifemblies. We lodged
at Joleph Wardal's, a worthy friend.

On third day we came back to Crof-
wick, and lodged at Thomas Middle-
ton's. Next day to widow Andrews's,
where my companion was taken ill.
Here I left him, after flaying one
night, and went to Haddenrield with
Ifaac Andrews, and lodged at his
houfe one night, and fo to Philadel-
phia, where I ftaid till their quarterly
meeting. We had feveral comfortable
opportunities together. John Hunt
and Chriftopher Wilfon were here, and
had good fervice. I ftaid about Phi-
ladelphia, attending meetings as they
came in courfe, both for worfhip and
diicipline, until the fifteenth of the
eleventh month, when I let out to-
wards the fouthern provinces, Tho-
mas Lightfoot accompanying me. We
went to Cheiter, and were at their
youth's quarterly meeting, which was
K a time

[ 74 ]

a time to be remembered by many of
us.

We vifited the meetings through
Chefler county, till we came to Not-
tingham, and were at the monthly
meeting, John Hunt from England
alfo being there. It was a fuffering
time to me, I being fenfible many
were worshipping only in the outward
court, whole dwelling was in the form
without the power, fuch caufe fuffer-
ing to the true feed. I ftaid meeting
with them on firft day, and was led to
fpeak clofely to feveral (fates, and left
them pretty cafy in mind. I lodged
at John Churchman's, and had a meet-
ing at Weft-Nottingham on third day •,
at Little Britain on fourth day, where
feveral of the Prelbyterians came in,
with their prie-ft, who took down in
writing what I laid •, though I per-
ceived not that he was writing, till
I had nigh done fpeaking. When I fat
down, moft of them went out, but
he ftaid ; and, after a fhort fpace, I
had to fay, " The time fnall come,
u when the dead fliall hear the voice

" of

t 75 ]

" of the Son of God •, or they that are
" dead in forms •, and they that hear
*' and obey mall live •, and that Chriit
" is the reiurrection, and the life, and
" he that liveth and believeth in him,
" though he is dead, yet fhall he
" live." I did not enlarge much upon
it •, but the meeting broke up in a
good degree of life, and the prieft
went off with his company. Friends
thought there was no danger of any
ill coming of it, but I was afraid, leit
Truth mould fuffer.

I rode that evening after meeting
to William Downing's, who had a
large family, with whom we had a
good opportunity. Thence we came
to Sudfbury, where I had a meeting,
and in the openings of truth, had
clofely to fpeak to the ftates of many.
From thence I went to Lampiter, where
I had two meetings ± and lb to Lan-
cailer, and had a meeting with the few
friends that lived there. We lodged
at Ifaac Whitelock's ; and after having
a meeting at James Wright's, we
eroded the river Sufquehannah, and
K 2 went

[ 75 ]

went to York, where a few friends-
dwelt, and had a meeting among them.
We quartered at Nathan Huffey's.

Our next meeting was at Newbury •,
it was iilent, but to my fatisfa&ion.
We pafTed through Warrington, but
had no meeting, it being the youth's
quarterly meeting at Huntington,
where we had an edifying time toge-
ther. We had alfo meetings at Mu-
nallin, John Evans's, Pike Creek,
Bum Creek, and Mincorkefa. Then
crofting Patomack, we came into Vir-
ginia, to Fairfax -} where we had a
meeting on the fecond day of the week,
and twelfth of the twelfth month. It
was a good meeting, Truth having the
dominion : magnified be the great
name of Iirael's God, and that for
evermore ! We lodged at Mary Je-
ney's, a difcreet orderly woman, who
had feveral fober well-inclined chil-
dren. From hence we went to Goofe
Creek, and had a meeting on third
day : it was well. On fourth day we
had a meeting at David Pole's, leve-
ral friends accompanying us. I had

a tra-

[ 77 ]

a travail in fpirit, that Truth might not
loie ground •, finding a fpirit of eaie had
greatly prevailed in many of the pro-
feffors of Truth, to the lbrrow of the
honeft-hearted. We left David Pole's
houfe on fifth day, and rode over the
Blue Ridge, or Blue Mountains, where
the Indians had done much mifchief,
by burning houfes, killing, deftroy-
ing, and carrying many away captives ;
but friends had not hitherto been hurt :
yet feveral had left their plantations,
and fled back again over the Blue
Mountains, where the lands had been
rightly purchafed of the Indians.

Things feemed dreadful, and feveral
hearts ready to fail. We proceeded
on our journey, and came within fix
miles of Winchefter, where the Englifh
had a fort. On fixth day we had a
meeting at Hopewell, which was an
open time. I found my mind much
engaged for the poor fuffering people,
but had to tell them, their greateft
enemies were thofe of their own houfes.
The meeting ended well. We lodged
at Jofeph Lupton's, an ancient friend,

who

[ 7« ]

who with his wife was very loving to us.
The Indians had killed and carried away
feveral within a few miles of their
habitation ; yet they did not feem
much afraid ; for they faid, they did
not fo much as pull in their fneck-
ftring when they went to bed, and had
neither lock nor bar. We had a
meeting at Crookedrun on firft day,
the eighteenth of the twelfth month.
It was a good meeting, the Lord
favouring with his living prefence.
Glory be to his great Name for ever !

On fecond day we fet forward
through trie woods, and over the hills
.and rocks, croffing feveral large creeks.
We came in the evening to a man's
houfe, called Mofes Mackoy* and had
a meeting there next day. They were
;,;n unfettled people, yet aflented to
truth •, but were not fully convinced
in their minds, concerning the fuf-
iiciency of it, having an eye to out-
ward fhadows : I left them in good
will- On fourth day we rode about
thirty miles to Smith's Creek, where
we had a meeting on fifth day, at the

houfe

I 79 ]

houfe of William Carall. It was
filent, though they had lent notice
fevcral miles, and many came. I told
them, though I had nothing to com-
municate by way of preaching, or
declaration, yet I found freedom to
have another opportunity at a proper,
time and place : which I had next day
at the houfc of John Mills, about ten
miles off, fomewhat on our way. The
meeting was to good fatisfaction. The
Indians had killed and taken away
people within two or three miles of
this place, not many weeks before ;
but the Lord preferved us in our jour-
ney. Thankfgiving and praife be to
him, and that for ever '

Seventh day we fet out towards the
fouth parts, and lodged that night at
the foot of the Blue Mountains, at
a friendly man's houfc, having two
friends to conduct us. Next day,
being the firft of the week, we eroded
the mountains, and towards evening
came to Douglafs's, and had a meeting
with the family. The twenty-ieventh,
and third of the week, we had a meet-

[ So ]

ing at Camp Creek. It was a pretty
open meeting, though thefenfe of good
is aimoft loft amongft them in that
place, and their Hates much to be
lamented. We lodged at Charles Mo-
man's. Next day we rode fifteen miles,
and lodged at Francis Clark's, and
had a meeting at Fork Creek. Many
people came, and fat with great atten-
tion, and the meeting was iblid.

From thence we went to Jeneto,
where we had a meeting, and many
people came, but it being fiient, they
feemed diffatisfied. As I had nothing
to fay, I was glad I could be made
willing to be what the Lord law meet
to allot me. We lodged at Jane Wat-
kins's, a widow woman. She received
us kindly, and had feveral loving and
well-inclined children. We had a meet-
ing at Cedar Creek on ieventh day,
the thirty-firft of the twelfth month
1757. It was a fatisfactory and good
meeting. Truth had the dominion,
praiies be to the great Giver of every
good and perfect gift ! — I lodged at
William Stanley's.

From

[ 8i ]

From thence we went to Carol-na,
where the meeting was on firft day,
the firft of the firft month 1758. It
was a large and good meeting. The
ftates of the people were {o fpoken to,
that through the Lord's goodnefs and
condefcenfion, I hope may tend to his
honour, and to the help of his poor
creatures. We lodged at Morner
Chiles's, and alfo at John Chiles's, one
night. Next meeting we were at the
Swamp. It feemed to me, as I tra-
velled along through thefe parts, true
religion was much wanting among
many of the profeiibrs of it. I lodged
at William Johnibn's. The next meet-
ing was at the Black Creek. It was
a good time to me, and hope alfo to
fome others : praiies be to the great
Name ! I lodged at an old man's houfe
that night. On the feventh of the
week, and feventh of the month, the
meeting was at White Oak Swamp,
being monthly meeting, and then rode
to Curls, and lodged at John Plea-
lant's, a very kind friend. We were
at their meeting on firft day. The
third of the week, and tenth of the
L month,

[ 32 ]

month, had a meeting at Wine Oak,
fourteen miles from Curls, which was
fatisfactory. We lodged at John
Crufs's, and on fourth day came back
to John Pleafant's. On fifth day we
rode to Robert Langley's nigh Peterf-
burgh, and on fixth day had a meeting
at the houfe of a friend called Butter.
It was an acceptable time to fome.

After meeting we went to Robert
Langley's, where we were kindly en-
tertained. On firft day we were at
Pattifon's meeting, which was a low
time with me •, yet truth in fome good
degree did prevail. On fecond day
we came to Burley, and lodged at John
Honeycut's, and had a meeting at
Burley on third day, which was to
fome acceptable. We lodged at Wike
Honeycut's, and were at the monthly
meeting at Surry-black Water, where
we had good fervice for truth. They
being in the mixture, fuffered people
of other focieties to fit with them in
their meetings of bufinefs. I was
grieved, and could not be eafy till I
had deiired them to withdraw, that

did

[ 83 ]

did not make profeflion with us, botli
from the men's, and women's meeting.
I had to recommend to the oneneis and
fimplicity Truth led into, and to keep
their meetings for difcipline, in that
wildom, power, and authority that
they were at firrt fet up in ; that they
might not join with the world's fpirit,
but keep themfelves feparate, and in
the wifdom and power of God, keep
the authority, and bear rule over thole
that were got into the mixture, and
were tor having thole that did not
profefs with us to lit with them, when
they tranfacted the affairs of the church.
For jfome that profefTed Truth had
encouraged this practice, which tended
to weaken the hands of the honeft-
hearted, they not having found that
liberty and freedom to fpeak lb cloiely
to their brethren, as need required.
Jofeph could not life that freedom,
and unbofom himfelf to his brethren,
in luch a manner as the cafe required,
till the Egyptians were gone out. I
wa.s glad I was there, for Truth had
the dominion in the end. We lodged
L 2 at

[ 84 ]

at Cinftam Baly's. I vifited all the
little handfuls fcattered up and down
in thefe parts, and often had fervice in
families. I met with Samuel Spavold,
who likewife was much engaged in the
fervice of Truth. His labour of love
in the work of the gofpel was indeed
great in this part of the world; thofe
of other focieties being much reached
by his miniilry. "We were truly glad
to fee each other •, for as iron fharpen-
eth iron, fo doth the face of a man
his friend. We had feveral comfort-
able and confirming feafons together,
efpfcially at the quarterly meeting held
at Black Creek tor that part or Vir-
ginia ; many friends from divers places
being there. I was glad to fee them,
but what made us more glad, and
brought us nearer to one another, was,
becaufe the Lord favoured us with his
prefence, and filled our hearts with his
pure love.

I having nigh vifited all the meet-
ings in this province, was taking mf
leave of many of them in time, io far
as I could fee them. Taking a few

meetings

[ S3 ]

meetings in mv way, in. company with
Samuel Spavoki, I proceeded towards
North Carolina, but left him to vifk feme
meetings he had not been at. I went
to Pinewoods, nigh Perquimon's River,
in North Carolina 5 and had a meeting
at Pinewoods the ninth of the iecond
month. It was large, and attended
with the overlhadowings of divine
goodnels. To me it was an edifying
ltrengthening time, as I trull it was to
many more. We took up cur quar-
ters at Thomas Newby's : the next day
we had a meeting at Wells, which was
the lixth of the week. On feventh
day we were at the Old Neck ; and on
firit day at Little River. This meet-
ing was very large, there being a con-
fiderable body of friends in this part ;
and people of other focieties attend
friends meetings when there are flran-
gers. I was helped through thofe large
afTemblics tar beyond my own expec-
tation. I thought mylelf lb unfit,
weak, and unworthy, that I was ai-
med call down in my mind before I
came there •, but praifes and thankf-
givings to him that helped me, I left

them

[ 86 ]

them rejoicing in a fenfe of the Lord's
goodnels and mercy to my foul. I
lodged two nights at Thomas Nichol-
fon's, who morlly favoured me with
his company whilit I was amongft
them. Here my companion Thomas
Lightfoot left me, and returned to
Philadelphia. The laft meeting I was
at here, was appointed for Samuel
Spavold. At Pinewoods we had a iblid
opportunity together, many minds
being truly bowed to the root of life
in themfelves, and finding myfelf clear,
may truly fay, I parted with a remnant
in pure love, and the unity of the one
fpirit.

I then fet forward towards a wilder-
nefs country, where the inhabitants
were very thin, two young men ac-
companying me. Our firlt meeting
after we left Perquimons, was at John
Coupeland's. There were but few
friends, but people of other focieties
came in, who had notice •, amongrb
whom was an officer in the army. He
came to our quarters in the morning,
and rode about fix miles on the road

towards

[ 87 ]

towards the meeting, then turned off,
and faid he would go and fetch his
wife. He alfo brought with him a
company of young people, who were
learning to dance at his houfe, which
I did not know till the meeting was
over, and then he came and told me,
he had invited them to come to the
meeting, and alfo their matter, but he
would not come. I faid, it was well,
but it was pity he fhould fo encourage
fuch vanity, as to keep a dancing-
fchool at his houfe. He excufed it,
faying, the man owed him money, and
he knew not how otherways to get it,
but by letting him teach his family.
I fignitied, he had better lofe it, than
have his family taught that which
would be unprofitable to them •, for
there was a woe pronounced againfb
fuch as did chant to the found of the
viol, and invented to themfclves in-
struments of mulick, like David. He
faid, it was the truth that they had
heard fpoken to-day, but acknow-
ledged they did not walk anfwerable
to it. I faid, it was their own fault •,
for if they would take heed to the

teachings

[ S3 ]

of truth in themfelves, it would lead
them into all truth, and consequently
out of all error, and every bye-path
and way that leads to destruction.

After we had refrefhed ourfelves,
we paifed his houfe, and he feeing us,
came and invited us in, faying, he had
entertainment for us, and mould be
glad of our company, and we fhould
have a room to ourfelves. I acknow-
ledged his kindnefs, but as time would
not permit, we mult proceed on our
journey. We took our leave of him,
and I thought lie was fo reached, as to
be meaiureably convinced of the Suf-
ficiency of the bleffed Truth ; though
his appearance, and likewife his mind
being lofty, he was not willing to Sub-
mit to the low appearance of it.

Our next meeting was at Thomas
Knox's, a man lately convinced : it was
:in a good degree Satis factory. We had
very difficult roads, through great
.Swamps, and acrofs many creeks, all
through the woods •, and in many places
but little path to be ken. We came

to

[ s9 J

to Fort-River, where there is a meeting
fettled, of fuch as had been lately
convinced. Many came to meeting,
which was held at Henry Horn's.
Some of them were unfettled in their
minds, not being founded upon the
fure rock •, but fuch as leek mail find,
and they that dig deep enough will
come to the fure foundation, that the
righteous have built upon in all ages
of the world. Henry Horn had been
a teacher among the Baptifts. He
feemed to be >i fteady well-difpofed
man, and had a few words in meet-
ings. After .1 left his houfe, I had
a meeting at Jofeph Pitman's, who,
with feveral others, was under con-
vincement. It was an edifying feafon,
many being fenfibly touched with the
love of truth. I ltaid with them one
night, and then went to a fmall meet-
ing nigh a place called Nuce. It was
two days journey, a very difficult road
*o find, and none of our companions
had been there before.

After this meeting, we went to

Conis Sound? an inlet of the fea. We

M had

[ 90 ]

had ninety miles to ride, and were
altogether unacquainted with the Way,
having rivers, and many fwamps to
crofs. The two young men were ftill
.my companions, Jofhua Fletcher, and
Francis Nixon, who were very fer-
viceable to me through this almoft
uninhabited part of the world. We
got to Henry Stainton's in the night,
who took us in, and entertained us
very kincfly. When we had (laid two
days, had a meeting, and refted our-
fehres, we fet forward towards the next
meeting among friends, which was one
hundred and fifty miles. But in our
way we had two meetings among people
of other focieties. I had ftill no guide
but the young men, who knew no
more of the way than myfelf. But
fueh as are ufed to the woods can find
the way through them much better
than fuch as are not.

The firft meeting we had after we
left Conis-Sound, was at Permeanus
Hauton's, who gave us an invitation
to his houfe, and fent to give notice to
his neighbours, though ibme lived

feveral

[ 9' ]

feveral miles diftant. We got to his
houie about the time the meeting was
•appointed, where we found feats placed,
and every thing in fuch convenient
order for a meeting, as I thought I
had lcldom feen. His rooms being
little, he had placed feats in his court-
yard, and under the windows, that
1 believe all could fit and hear without
rhe leaft troubling one another ; and
indeed I thought his labour and good
inclination were bleffed, for a folid time
it was, and I found opennefs to declare
die truth amongft them. I would that
all our friends, upon the like occafion,
would take this man for their example*
in being diligent to invite their neigh-
bours, and to make room and accom-
modate them in the bell manner they
are capable of. It certainly hath a
good favour, and is often attended with
a blefling.

• A fteady friend, that came from
among the Preibytcrians, told me, that
the care and pains that fome friends
took to invite him, and fome others,
was one moving caufc towards his
M 2 con-

[ r- 3

cCnvincement. He faid, he once told
a young man, who had frequently
invited him to meetings when ftrangers
came, that as he, nor any of his friends
came to their meetings, he thought he
would go no more. The young man
aniwered very calmly, faying, We muft
not come to you, but we want you
to come to us. This, faid he, affected
my mind, with the diligence friends
had ufed without view of outward
gain, that I concluded, it muft be
ti:e love of God in their hearts, that
induced them to call and invite us to
come to them. This I mention more
particularly, becaufe I have feen fome
that profefs truth (to my grief) very
deficient in this refpect. We had
another comfortable opportunity in the
evening with this man and h;S ' family,
and fome others, that ftaid all night.

Next morning I, with the two young
men, and one more, who had a mind
to go a day or two along with Its
through the wildernefs, fet forward,'
well refrefhed both in body and
mind $ hard chines being made eafy,

" and

I 93 ]

and rough and untrodden paths being
made fmooth to my mind. We had
a meeting alio at George Cowper's,.
whofe wile v/as educated among friends.
We fcaicl one night at Wilmintown,
the capital town in North Carolina ;
but it being their general court time,
and the privateers having brought in
prizes, the people's minds were in
great commotions, fo that I could find
no room nor freedom to have a meet-
ing, though feveral called Quakers
lived there, but held no meeting, ex-
cept when ilrangers came.

We crofifed a branch of Cape Fear
R iver, and landed upon a great iwamp,
which was very rotten, and dangerous,
by reafon of the overflowing of the
river ; but the two young menx and a
negro, whom we hired to help us*
carrying boards from one place to
another for the horfes to tread upon/
in time, and with much difficulty, we
got well Jbver. We then came again
into the woods, where little path was
to be feen j it likewife being rainy
Hark w-atker, we could not tell whiciv
*• way

t 94 ]

way to go, but rode many miles,
hoping we might be fleering right -, and
juit at the cloie of die evening, before
it was quite dark, we came to a little
houfe, the light of which was fa-
tisfactory, being , weary, and very
wet. When we called, the man laid
he kept an ordinary, which We found
to be true. However, w-c were con-
tented wjrh fuch as we found, and
thankful wc fared fo well. We were
in our direct road for the place ,we
intended, which was Carver's Creek,
where we got next day, the fixth of
the week, and tenth of the third month.
Here was a fmall gathering of friends.
We (laid their firlt day meeting over,
and then went to Don's Creek, where
we found another gathering of fuch
as call themfelves friends, but had
been much hurt, and fcattered in their
minds from die true mepherd, by an
enemy that had iown tares.

Vlcre I parted with my two good
companions, who had travelled with
me more than five hundred miles-.
Being nearly united together, we parted

ill

f is 1

in true love. This I mention, becaufc
the Lord loves a chearful giver, and
thofe did, I thought, what they did*
with great freedom and chearful nefs,
not begrudging a little time, nor a
little outward fubllance, for the fake
of the good caufe of truth. Thofe
will not lofe their reward, for it is
helping forward the work, as that of
opening a door, and kindling a fire,
is doing part of the bufineis of the
maimer's houfe ; and he doth look upon
it as done to himfelf, if it is but that
of handing a cup of cold water, as it
is done in a right fpirit, it will have his
bleffed approbation and reward. I had
another companion, providentially, I
thought, provided here for me.

William Feril, a public friend,
having heard of my being in the
country, had got himlelf ready againft
I came, and had freedom in the truth
to travel with me, till I fhould fall in
with another fuitable companion ; which
made my travels through thofe lonely
places much the eafier. When we left
his houfe, we fet our faces towards South

Caro-

r 96 ]

Carolina, having but one meeting of
friends to take in the way, which was
fettled upon a river called P. D. about
an hundred miles from the laid friend's
houie. This we accomplished in about
two days. In the night we lodged in
the woods. The few friends were
truly glad to fee us, they being feldom
vifited. We had comfortable and re-
f refiling feafons together, the Lord
owning and favouring with his good
prefence, ftrengthened not only the
inward, but the outward man alfo.
Here I was fenfibly affected with fuch
a feal and evidence of peace in my
own mind, that I was fully permaded,
I was in the way of my duty : it made
ine go on again very chearfully. No
one can tell how good the Lord is,
bi;t fuch as have tafted, and feen his
marvellous ways of working, and how
he can fpread a table for thofe, that
in faithful obedience give up to his
requiring, in a very wildernefs ; for
he neither lets them want for inward,
nor outward food. There is now, as
well as formerly, a little remnant, that,
with my fouj, can let their feals to the

truth

[ 97 ]

truth of this ; and can fay unto him,
We have lacked nothing, Lord !

Francis Clark, with whom we had
quartered, bore us company one day
and night in the woods. We thought
fometimes, we travelled near fixty miles
in a day •, for when we had to lodge
in the woods, we rofe early, and lay
down late. Our friend Clark returned
home, leaving us to fhift for ourfelves ;
but my companion, having fome know-
ledge of the way, fleered, I believe,
a pretty ftraight courfe. When night
came, we pitched our tent in a valley,
'Where there was fome grafs, and a little
brook of water. So when we had
eaten fuch as our bags afforded, and
given our horfes provender, and taken
care of them, with what little we had,
we lay ourfelves down, and flept very
found and comfortably, being wearied
v/ith riding.

Next morning we were ftirring by

the time it was well light, and loon

being ready, mounted our horfes j and

it Was well we did fo, for there came

N fuch

[ !>S }

fuch a rain that day, that it railed the
creeks and rivers fo high, that if we
had not got over them that night, we
might have been (lopped for fome days.
We travelled till late in the night, and
coming to a houfe, delired we might
have lodgings ; but the mailer of it
told us, we could not. We alked
him, how far it was to another houfe.
He laid, it was but a mile,, but there
was a deep creek in the way, and he
'would not go along with us, if we
would give him a great deal of money.
I then very earneltly defjred, that he
would let us flay in his houfe all night,,
and we would pay him for his trouble,
and for what we had j. for we had
rode almoft all the day in the rain, and
it was a very cold rainy night. He
told us, he would not let us ltay there,
and fo left us Handing without his
gate. But a young man Handing by,
feeing and hearing what had paifed,
took pity on us, and faid, though it
was dangerous cro fling the waters, he
would take liis horfe, and go along
with us ; which he did, and we got
well through, to the place the man

had

r 99 ]

had told us of. After refrefliing our-
felves with fuch as the houfe afforded,
we took up our lodgings in a very cold
room, fuch. as I had never lain in
before. But, bad as it was, I was
glad and thankful we had not to lie
out all night in the rain. I reiled well,
and in the morning was well both in
body and mind.

The fourth of the week we got to
the Wateree, where feveral friends
from Ireland had been fettled about
fix or {even years. We had a meeting
with them, and then, with Samuel
Mllhoufe and my companion, I fet
•but towards Charles Town! This took
us moil of three days, it being one
hundred and thirty miles. When we
came there, we found but few fteady
friends, yet we had fome good oppor-
tunities together-, feveral cf the towns,
people alio coming in. I truft our
vifit was of fervice, and tended to
edification, and ftrengthening' the two
or three that dwell in that remote part
of the world. However, I thought
I mould not be eafy without paying
N 2 them

[ ico ]

them -a vifit, though I had to ride io
far on purpofe.

When I felt myielf clear, I re-
turned with my friends to the Wateree,
aud was with them at their firfb day
meeting, and meeting for bufinefs.
We had good opportunities likewile in
their feveral families, which I thought
would not eafiiy be forgotten. Then
taking our leave of them in gofpel-
love, in which we had paid them that
vifit, we returned to P. D. Samuel
Milhouie ftill accompanying us. The
friends there, though their circum-
stances in the world were but low, treat-
ed us very kindly. Their love to truth,
and diligence in attending meetings,
are worthy of notice •, for they had nigJi
one hundred miles to go to the monthly
meeting they belonged to, and I was
informed very feldom miffed attending
it.

Here my companion and I parted,
he returning home, and I, with Fran-
cis Clark, went towards Crane-Creek.
His company was fo agreeable, that

time

[ ioi r

time did net feern long. When night
came, we took up our lodgings in the
woods, and got next day to a place
called Deep River, there being feveral
families newly fettled there, but they
had not yet built a meeting-hcufc.
We had a meeting at a friend's houfe,
and then proceeded to Crane-Creek,
where there is a large body of friends
gathered thither in a few years from
the feveral provinces. They told me
they had not been fettled there above
ten years, but had found occafion to
build five meeting-houfes, and then
wanted one or two more. I had good
and . feafonable opportunities among
them, being freely opened in the love
of the gofpel, to declare the truth.

When I found myfelf eafy to leave
them, having had divers meetings, at
Eno, and feveral other places, which,
for brevity fake, I forbear to mention ;
I with Jeremiah Pickirt then fet out
towards Virginia, having nigh two
hundred milts to travel, and had but
one meeting in the way. We got to
Robert Langiey's on nrir. day evening,

where

[ 102 ]

where I ftaid. to reft and refrefh myfelf,
after fo long and tedious a journey.
I then pafled to Curls, and travelled
through Virginia, having vifited moil
of the meetings before, and came into
Maryland. I was at their yearly meet-
ing held at Weft River. It was very
large, and in the feveral fittings thereof
overfbadowed with the wing of divine
power, which tended to nourifh the
good part, and to the gathering and
fettling the minds of many upon the
fure foundation, and kept down that
fpirit which would divide in Jacob,
and fcatter in Ifrael.

We parted on fourth day in great
love, fome of us being nearly united
in fpirit. For though many, by balking
their teftimony againft that antichri-
ftian yoke of tithes, and trading in
negroes, have caufcd the way of truth
to be evil fpoken of -, yet I was fenfible
that the regard of heaven v/as towards
them, and the merciful hand was ftill
ftretched out, even towards the un-
faithful, and backfliders, that they
might be gathered. I had a travel

and

[ io3 ]

and exercife upon my fpirit for the
caufe of truth, and that the great
bleffed and everlafting name, which I
with many more make a profefiion of,
might not be dishonoured : the faith-
ful are indeed as Hakes in Sion, but
they are but as one of a family, or
two of a tribe.

I then took the meetings in my wray
to Pennfylvania, as Elk-Ridge, Pa-
tapfeco, and Patapfeco-Forefc, Little
Falls, Gunpowder, and lb to Deer
Creek, where our worthy friends John
Churchman and his wife met me. We
croiTed the river Sufquehanah into
Pennfylvania, and fo to their houfe.
Having had many precious meetings
in this journey, and well cleared my-
felf of thofe provinces, I was, eafy in
my fpirit, and much comforted in the
Lord, that he had been pleafed thus
far to help me through. I tarried one
night at John Churchman's.; and next
day, being the feventh of the week,
was at New Garden monthly meeting •,
on firlt day at London Grove, where
there is a large gathering of friends.

It

[ 104 ]

It was a good opportunity, truth fa-
vouring us, we were comforted toge-
ther in the Lord. On the fecond day,
the twenty- ninth of the fifth month,
I got to Philadelphia, having in this
journey travelled upwards of two thoii-
fand eight hundred miles.

After my return from the fouthern
provinces, I ilaid fome weeks vifiting'
meetings, and fome friends families,
in and about Philadelphia •, and was
alfo in the jerfeys vifiting ieverai meet-
ings, and attended their yearly meeting
at Salem, which held three days for
worihip and d helpline. It was an edi-
fying time, things being conducted in.
a decree of the pure wiidom, and the
ovc! shadowing cf divine power was
witnefied by many. Then, having
duly waited for the moving and put-
ting forth of the good Shepherd, who
laid, " I put- forth my fneep, and go
" before them,'5 I thought I felt a
draft, and -not only fo, but likewise
true liberty, to vifit New England,
which I had not done before. If I
had, I mould have proceeded, in order

to

t '05 ]

to fhorten my journey, for it was
againft mine own inclination to flay fo
long in and about one place. There-
fore I let out the twenty-fixth of the
feyenth month, Ilaac Grecnleaf ac-
companying me.

My firft ftep was to Wright's Town,
where was held a general meeting for
the county of Bucks. Then we crofled
Delaware into Eaft Jerfey, and took
meetings in our way to New York, then
to Flufhing upon Long I (land, and
were at their monthly meeting. Then
cromng the Bay went to their quarterly
meeting at Purchafs. After this, we
took ieveral meetings, as they fell in
our way towards Rhode Ifland. I then
had Robert Willis for my companion,
a friend from the Jerfeys, who had
drawings in his mind that way. Many
people came to our meetings in thole
parts, which are not clofely joined in
outward fellowship with us j yet are
under the operation of the good hand?
and in degree convinced of our prin-
ciples. This, I thought, made our
meetings more lively, and the fpring
O of

[ io6 ]

of the gofpel to flow more plentifully,
to the watering the thirfty ground.

When we had vifited the meeting*
hereabouts, and taken our leave of
friends, we travelled through Con-
necticut government, having but one
or two meetings in the way. The
Prefbyterians, who formerly in thofe
parts were very rigid and bitter againft
friends,, are now become more loving,
and treated us very kindly. I had
great drawings of the Father's love
towards them, believing the fecret hand
was at work to bring them from the
barren mountains of their lifelefs pro-
feflion, to ferve the living God in
newnefs of life. We came to Leicefter,
where there is a little handful that go
under our name. We had a meeting
with them on firlt day, the twentieth
of the eighth month. We were re-
frefhed together, being ftrengthened in
the God of our falvation. Then we
had a meeting at Boulton, about thirty
miles from thence, where we met with
Samuel Spavold, in his return towards
Pennsylvania, he having vifited moil of

the

the meetings in New England. We had
a good feaion together. Then laluting
one another in that unity and fellow-
ship which brethren and fellow-labour-
ers ought to dwell in, we parted ; and
my companion and I went to Uxbridge,
and had a meeting. Then to Mendam,
where we tarried all night at Mofes
Aldrige's, and had a meeting next day •,
fo on to Winfockit, where we had a
meeting. The weather being very hot,
many people were nigh fainting -y but
praifes be to the great Name, the meet-
ing concluded well.

On firft day we were at. Providence
yearly meeting, which is only for wor-
fhip. It was very large, and tended
to the gathering and flaying people's
minds on Chrift, the chief corner (tone,
and rock of ages •, for Truth had the
dominion, and the Lord's power was
felt. We had our outward entertain-
ment at Stephen Hopkins's, then Go-
vernor of Rhode I (land. He and his
wife treated us with hearty kindnefs.
We had meetings at Cranflon, War-
wick, and Eaft Greenwich, then upon
O 2 Cana-

[ io8 ]

Canonicut Ifland* We then crofied
the river, and came to Newport ; and
attended both their meetings on firft
day, which were large-, a great num-
ber refiding thereabouts, who go under
our name. But, with forrow of heart
may it be faid, in the time of eafe and
plenty, many have taken their flight.

We left Newport on third day, and
had a meeting at Portimouth, in which
we had good fervice for Truth. Then
crofiing the Bay, had a meeting at
Fuerton upon the main, in which we
were favoured with the openings of
Truth, and left them in peace. I
took notice of a negro man, who
was with us at ieveral meetings, and
by his own induftry, with the help of
fome friends, had purchafcd his free-
dom, that he might attend meetings ;
having, for fome time, been convinced
of the bleffed Truth, which he much
prized, and told me, as he had been
obedient to the operation of it, which
worketh by love, he found himfelf
engaged in his mind to exhort his fel-
low-creatures to come to the good

prin-

[ 109 1

principle in themfelves •, that they, by
yielding obedience, might know a being
laved by it ; or to that effect. This
I could not gainfay, nor difcourage*,
but defired him to be faithful to the
manifeftation of Truth in his own
heart, and the meafure of Grace he
had received. We parted in love and
good will, being brethren of one Fa-
ther.

Our next meeting was at Little Can-
ton, after which I parted with feveral
friends, in the unity of the one Spirit,
which had brought us into nearnefs
and fellowihip with each other ; they
returning to their places of abode, and
I with my companion, and a young
man who accompanied us feveral weeks,
ftill kept forward. I was enabled to
labour through thefe parts beyond all
outward expectation ; for though the
meetings were large, by reafon of great
comings in of other people, I found that
gracious promife fulfilled •, " As the
" day is, fo fhall thy ftrength be."
We were at Acockit, New Town, and
Dartmouth or Penganfit, and had a

meeting

[ no ]

meeting at each place. The laft meet-
ing, I thought, did not confift of lefs
than eight hundred people. We had
at Acufhnet, Rochefter, Taunton, and
Freetown, many living and good op-
portunities to declare Truth in the free
extend ings of Gofpel-love ; alfo at
Swanfey, on a firft day, had a fatif-
faclory opportunity. Whilft we were
vifiting thofe places, we took up our
quarters at Paul Ofbourn's, who often
accompanied us from one meeting to
another, his heart being free and open
towards his friends, and to ferve
Truth.

*
Having well cleared ourfclves, wc
went towards the yearly meetings at
Bofton, Lynn, and Salem, the twenty-
fecond of the ninth month. They
began at Bofton. I do not remember
I had feen fo much ftillnefs and gravity
in fo great an affembly, as I obferved
there. It confided of people of dif-
ferent perfuafions. We have great
caufe to bow, in humble thankfulnefs^
to the God of all our mercies, that he
hath been pleafed to make way for his

people,

[ 111 ]

people, to enjoy their religious meet-
ings without the leaft moleftation, in
this and many other places, where our
worthy friends formerly fuffered fore
perfecution, by long imprifonment,
grievous whippings, fpoiling of goods,
and fome of them laid down their lives
for the teftimony of a good confeience :
and though our God be a gracious,
merciful, and long-fuffering God, yet
he will take vengeance on all the
workers of iniquity, and the day of
his wrath will break forth like a con-
fuming fire, in a time when it is not
looked for. As he faid, fo he will do ;
*' For," faid he, " I am a jealous God,
*' vifiting the fins of the fathers upon
*' the children, unto the third and
" fourth generation of them that hate
" me.-, and mewing mercy unto thou-
" fands of them that love me, and
*.' keep my commandments." So it is
plain the Lord is equal in all his ways :
for, concerning thofe that are the off-
fpring of that hard-hearted, wicked,
and perverle generation, that perfe-
cuted and fhed the blood of the inno-
cent fervants of the Lord, if they do

but

[ H2 j

but turn to him with their whole hearts,
fo as to love him, and keep his com-
mandments, they will furely find mer-
cy ; but, if they continue in a Hate
of rebellion, and hardneis of heart,
and fin againft his light and good
fpirit in their hearts, as did their fore-
fathers, he will vifit them with his
judgments for their iniquities •, and for
the fins which they and their fore-
fathers have committed, he will pour
forth the cup of his indignation with-
out mixture.

After thofe yearly meetings, wc,
with feveral friends, went towards the
yearly meeting at Dover, and Cochea,
taking feveral meetings in the way, as
at Ipfwich, where no friends lived •,
but we got leave to have a meeting in
their court-houie. It was difturbed
by a man (landing up, when I was in
teftimony, who faid, that I ftruck at the
foundation of their principles. He
was a very hot man, and held the
doctrine of abfolute predeftination. I
told him, Truth ftruck at the un-
bound foundation ; but, as he was in

heat

[ "3 ]

heat and anger, not fit to difpute about
religious matters, he fat down, and a
woman fharply reproved him for his
rude behaviour, fhe being grieved that
the meeting fhould be dillurbed ; for it
was in a good frame. Several of the
people, I believe, were afhamed of his
conduct. After a little filence, a friend
flood up, and had a good opportunity*
Then I had to clear myielf of what was
upon my mind, and the people being
flill and attentive, the meeting con-
cluded well. The man who had op-
poied me fhrunk away, and I faw him
no more, though I looked for him,
and in coolnefs thought to have had
a little further difcourfe with him.
That night we went to Newbury,
where Ve had a meeting, much to my
comfort and fatisfaction. We had
meetings alfo at Amefbury, Hampton',
and Dover. Friends had been forely
wounded and fcattered in their minds
hereaway, by an unliable fpirit. Thofe
yearly gatherings were large, and I
hope tended to the honour of Truth.
We went next to Barwick, and had fe-
veral meetings there •, travelled through
P the

[ »4 ]

the woods to Cafco, where we had an
opportunity with friends, and fuch as
attend their meetings.

We croffed the Bay to Small Point,
and in our return had a meeting upon
a neck of land called Meryconeague.
The meeting at Small Point was the
northermoft fettlement of friends upon
the continent. We returned by Bofton,
having feveral meetings in our way;
and from thence to Pembroke, Sand-
wich, Yarmouth upon Cape Cod,
Suckaneflit, Wood's Hole, and thence
took paffage to Nantucket. We ftaid
upon the ifland about a week, vifiting
friends in their families, and had feve-
ral publick meetings with them. It
was an exercifing time to me, finding
the true feed, or life of religion fuf-
fering much, by reafon of ftrife and
divifions. I left them forrowfully,
becaufe I thought the root of bitternefs
was not removed, though I was com-
forted in feveral meetings among them
with the fhedding abroad of divine
favour, which flrengthened me in the
difcharge of my duty j and indeed
t there

[ »5 ]

there is a living remnant ftill among
them, which I charitably hoped would
be preferved in the innocency and fim-
plicity of the unchangeable Truth.
Several Indians were there, natives of
the ifland. I had a defire to have a
meeting among them, and acquainted
them with it, which they freely confent-
ed to •, and at the time appointed their
pried was waiting for us, with his
meeting-houie doors open, and laid,
he would have me go up into the
place where he ufed to preach. I told
him, I chofe to fit below with my
friends. I had a living open time
among them, to fet forth the neceffity
there was for them to turn their minds
to the grace of God in their own hearts,
a meafure whereof they, as well as
others, had received, according to the
Apoftle's doctrine ; which, if they
gave good heed unto, and yielded obe-
dience, according to the manifeftation
thereof, would bring falvation. The
meeting ended in prayer and praifes to
Almighty God for his great mercy and
loving-kindnefs to mankind, in fend-
ing his Son to be a light to enlighten
P 2 the

[ n6 ]

the Gentiles, and for his falvation to
the ends of the earth. Solidity ap-
peared in their countenances, and they
behaved with lbbriety, very becoming
the occalion of our affembling toge-
ther. I mould be glad there was more
of it to be feen among thofe that pro-
fefs Chriftianity.

We parted with them in the love of
the Gofpel, which I felt in my heart
towards them. The wind coming fair,
we took our leave of friends, and went
on board a veffel, a friend named Wil-
liam HufTey being mailer. In the
evening of the fame day we landed
upon an ifland called Martha's Vine-
yard. We quartered at a man's houfe
that called himfelf by our name, and
I thought he had fome zeal for Truth,
and the promotion of it •, for after he
underftood we had a defire to have a
meeting, he haftened and called in his
neighbours, and a folid good time
we had together.

The next morning, being favoured
with a fair wind, we crolled the Sound

to

[ tt» ]

to Dartmouth, and landed nigh the
meeting- houfe, where we met with
ieveral friends, who had attended the
quarterly meeting. The meeting end-
ing that day, we had a confirming i'weet
opportunity together, in waiting upon
the Lord before we parted with them,
and thoie that came from Nantucket.
Next day we got to Fuerton, and in
the evening had a good opportunity
at the houfe of Abraham Barker with
the friends that lived thereabouts. To
this meeting came the negro man I
mentioned before. He told me he had
been vifiting fome of his own colour,
and was returning to Newport, where
he lived ; but in his way he faid, he
thought he muft go by Abraham Bar-
ker's, though out of his way, not
knowing we were come from Nan-
tucket. When he faw us, he feemed
to be almoft overcome with joy, and
wras of fervice to us •, for we wanted
to fend fomebody over the Bay, either
that night, or early next morning, to
appoint a meeting for us at Portfmouth
upon the ifland ; and none readier
and more willing than poor Casfar ;

for

t "8 ]

for he was ftirring fo foon in the
morning, that he gave full notice up
and down the ifland. So we had a
large gathering collected in due time,
though the time to give notice in was
fo fhort, and feafonable advice was
handed forth. From thence we went
to Newport with our friend Thomas
Richardfon, with whom wehad lodg-
ed when there before, and were at
their monthly meeting ; we ftaid with
them alio on firft day. Our meetings
were richly favoured with the free
extendings of divine power and wif-
dom ; fo that I was truly thankful
I had been helped to get through the
various difficult paths I had to tread
in this unliable part of the world.

On fecond day we left Newport,
and croffed the river to Canonicut
I (land, where a meeting was appointed
for us ; wherein we were well refreshed
together, and the conclufion was in
prayer and fupplication for each other's
growth, prefervation, and eftablifhment
in the blelfed Truth. We here parted
with fome friends of Rhode Ifland,

under

[ "9 ]

under a fenfe of divine favour, and in
the uniting love of the Gofpel, which
had cauled us to be near one unto
another. Then eroding the river upon
the main land, we had meetings at
Kingwood, Peries, Richmond, and
Hopkinton, and fo parTed through
Naraganfet, till we came to Wefterby
Lower, the laft meeting in thole parts
we had to vifit. We took our leave
of thole friends that accompanied us
in great good will •, then travelled
through the lower part of Connecticut
government, croffing many rivers, and
the weather extreme cold. It was hard
for me to bear •, but praifes be to the
great Name, I was prelerved in health,
and my natural Hrength did not at
all fail.

When we had travelled hard about
three days, we came again among
friends -, and on fixth day had a meet-
ing at Inomarance. It was to me a
good time •, for the bread that refrefh-
eth the hungry foul was broken. We
then crofied over to Long I Hand, and
were at the meeting atFlufhing on firft

day,

[ 120 J

day, the twentieth of the eleventh
month. On third day we had a meet-
ing at Cow-neck ; on fourth day at
Weftbury. Lukewarmnefs and indif-
ference had much prevailed in many
places among the profeffors of Truth.
I had often to bear my teflimony for
the blefled Truth againft earthly-
mindednefs, and all the deceitful and
falfe coverings of the flefh, which had
been the caule of it. I returned back
to Flufhing, in order to be at their
quarterly meeting, which began on
feventh day for minifters and elders.
It was attended with a degree of di-
vine favour, to the comforting of
our fouls. Thole meetings were mea-
fureably bleffed with the prefence of
the great and good Matter of our
affemblies, and his voice was heard by
fome, to fpeak as never man fpake •,
and we had to conclude in humble fup-
plication to him for his help, and the
continuation of his mercy, in vifiting
and turning the hearts of his people
to himfelf. I then viiited the meetings
upon the ifland, which I had not yet
been at, and had meetings at Rock-
way,

[ 121 ]

way, and "again at Weftbury monthly
meeting, where I was clofeiy exercifed
on Truth's account •, but was helped
to clear myfelf of what lay upon my
mind, and came away eafy.

I then went to Bethphage, and had
meetings alfo at Sickatauge and Oifler-
bay, where there had been a large meet-
ing, but now much declined ; yet we
had a large meeting, accompanied with
Divine Power, to my great comfort. On
firft day I was at Jericho. The meet-
ing confifted of feveral hundreds of
people, who heard the Truth declared
with great attention, the power of it
being over all, to the praife of Ifrael's
God. Palling through New York, I
ftaid their meeting •, then crofTed over
by way of Staten Ifland, to Raway
in Eaft Jerfey, where I had a meeting
with friends, and fome others, that
came in, to the edification and comfort
of feveral, myfelf in particular ; being
therein ftrengthened and encouraged
to go forward in the future fervice I
might be engaged in. We lodged at
Joleph Shotwell's, and on fixth day
Q_ had

[ 122 ]

had a meeting at Plainfield. It was
but fmall, by Yeafon of fhort notice,
yet favoured with the overmadowings
of divine favour ; for which our
fouls were inwardly bowed to the Fa-
ther of all our mercies.

I rode to Whipiney on feventh day to
the quarterly meeting, which began on
firft day. It was a good fatisfactory
time with us. I (laid there on fecond
day, and was at the preparative meet-
ing, which was fatisfa&ory, divers
things being opened and delivered in
the pure wifdom concerning the things
of God, and the good order eftabliihed
in his church. I had fome good fea-
fonable opportunities in fome friends
families ; and on third day had a meet-
ing at Rockway appointed for thofe of
other focieties •, which was to good
fatisfaction. On fourth day we went
to Great Meadows, where we had a
meeting with the friends there, amongft
whom is a living remnant. We were
made to rejoice together, in a true fenle
of the fhedding abroad of Divine Love
in our hearts. On fifth day I went to'

King-

[ £3 ]

Kingwood monthly meeting. I had Tome
fervice there for Truth, in recommend-
ing to the good order of the Goipel in
each branch of our Chriitian difci-
pline ; which I obierved to be much
wanting among them. On fixth day
I had x meeting at Amwell, at the
houle of Gerlhon Motts. It was an
open time, Truth in a good degree
prevailing. On firft day had a meet-
ing- at Croiwick's ; a clofe fearchino;
time it was, many ftates being opened
in the love of the Gofpel. On fecond
day I was at a meeting at Freehold,
in which I was largely opened in the
free extendings of divine favour. On
third day, the nineteenth of the twelfth
month, I had a meeting at Upper
Springfield. I was led to the ftates of
the people in a clofe manner, and the
meeting ended well. On fourth day
I had a meeting at Old Springfield.
It was an edifying and good meeting,
Truth having the dominion, to the
praile of Ifrael's God. On fifth day
I went to Little Egg Harbour, and
had a meeting there next day, in which
Q^ 2 I was

[ I24 ]

I was enabled to clear myfelf in a good
degree, and came away eafy.

We crofTed the river in the evening
to Great Egg Harbour. The weather
being very cold, and having much ice,
our journey was attended with fome
difficulty ; but we got well over the
river, though in the night, to Great
Egg Harbour, and lodged at Robert
Smith's, an ancient friend, who, with
his wife, entertained us very kindly.
We had a meeting there on feventh
day, held at a friend's houfe, by reafon
of the extreme cold feafon. We had
a folemn comfortable time together,
and after meeting rode to the other
meeting, along the Bay fhore, towards
Cape May, which was on flrft day,
the twenty-fourth of the twelfth month
175S. It was a clofe exercifing time
with me. The froft was fo fharp, we
could not crofs the Bay to Cape May,
but were obliged to ride round to a
bridge, where we crofTed the river •,
which was about forty miles out ot
the way,' and being ftrangers to the
road, we met with much difficulty

through

I »*s ]

through the wood, and there was no
beaten path to be ieen for ibme miles.
I law that the friend, who pretended to
be our guide, was going wrong, and told
him, if we took that courfe, it would
lead us much out of the way •, for I was
very uneafy. Upon which he took out
his compafsv and finding it fo, altered
his courfe to that which I thought lay
towards the road. I then found my
mind quite eafy, and faid, I thought
we mould foon find it, which fo hap-
pened. I faid not much to the friends,
but was thankful to the Lord, to find
he was pleafed to draw my mind to-
wards the way we wanted to go.

Night coming on, with much rain,
we lodged at a tavern, and next morn-
ing got to William Townfend's, where
we had two meetings to pretty good
fatisfaclion. On feventh day we rode
about forty miles to John Reives at
Greenwich, were at the meeting on
firft day, the thirty-firlt of the twelfth
month, and had good fervice for
Truth. In that place there is a pro-
mifing appearance, among the youth,

of

[ i26 ]

of the profperity of Truth. Second
day, the firft of the firft month, we
had a meeting at Aloway's Creek,
which was attended with good ; I being
helped beyond my own expectation.
On third day I had a meeting at the
head of Aloway's Creek, where I was
led to feveral ftates in a clofe manner,
and came away much refrefhed in the
Lord : praifes be to his great Name
for evermore ! I had a meeting at Sa-
lem on fourth day, there being a mar-
riage, and the new wine was handed
forth, which made feveral rejoice under
a fenfe of divine favour communicated
unto our fouls. On fifth day I had
a meeting at Pile's grove. It was large,
feveral of other focieties being there,
I was opened in the free extendings of
Gofpel love to their fouls. It was a
good time to many, magnified be the
God of our falvation ! On fixth day
I had a meeting at Woodbury, which
was a folid good time.

The fixth of the firft month I went
to Haddonfield, and lodged at the
widow Eaftaugh's, where 1 was very

kindly

I "7 3

kindly entertained. On firft day I
went to Evefham meeting, where I had
been before, and had fervice for Truth
in the love of the Gofpel. Haddon-
field monthly meeting being on iecond
day, I flaid there, and had an exercife
on my mind for the honour, promo-
tion, and profperity of the bleiTed
Truth, and fliat all might a£b in the
wifdom, power, and life, and might
know felf kept down by the power.
I rejoiced I was at this meeting, Truth
favouring, and the Lord's power being
over all. I was made thankful in my
heart to the great Author from whence
all our blefiings flow.

I went to Philadelphia on third day,
but finding my mind drawn towards
the Eallern more of Maryland, I fet
out again on fifth day, the eleventh of
the firft month, and reached Wilming-
ton that night. I lodged at William
Shipley's, when at Wilmington, and
having feen his wife Elizabeth, when
in Old England, in the fervice of
Truth, the remembrance of which had
often been revived upon my mind, as

believing:

t »8 ]

believing her to be a mother in Ifrael,
and a fan&iried veffel fitted for the
mailer's ufe, I could not but rejoice
to fee her again, and find her alive in
the Truth, now in her declining years.
Our next meeting was at the Head of
Safiafrafs. It was a hard time with
me the fore part of the meeting •, yet
I came away well fatisfied, Truth fa-
vouring towards the conclufion, to the
honour and praiie of Ifrael's God.
After meeting I went home with Jofhua
Vanfance, where I lodged.

The next meeting was at Cecil. I
was exceeding poor and low, and deeply
exercifed in my mind, but was helped
over all, and beyond all thought and
expectation of my own ; for I think,
I may fay in fincerity, I had no truft
nor confidence, fave in the Lord alone,
who hitherto hath been my rock, and
my flrong tower, my fure helper in
every needful time. May I, with all
mine, put our truft in him, hath often
•been the earned prayer and fupplication
of my foul. I had a meeting at Queen
Ann's, which ended well, the Lord's

power

[ *29 1

power being felt among us, to our

comfort. I lodged at Furner's,

where we had a meeting with the fa-
mily, and ieveral others who came in.
I hope it might tend in fome degree to
ftir up the carelefs, and warn the un-
faithful. The twenty-firft of the firft
month I had Tt meeting at Tuckaho.
It was fmall, but attended with good,
the Lord favouring us with his pre-
fence, according to his gracious pro-
mife.

On firft day I crofied Choptank
River over to Marfhy Creek, and was
at their meeting. I was much com-
forted, and had peace in the difcharge
of what I believed to be my duty -9
though I travelled in great fear, and
much weaknefs at times. I was at
Choptank meeting on fecond day,
which was filent •, yet I came away
eafy, with fweetnefs upon my mind,
having been ftrengthened in my filent
waiting. I had a meeting on third
day at the Three Havens, where I was
fenfibly affected with theftates of thole
that were not willing to take up the
R crofs

[ *3P 1

crofs to their corrupt wirls and inefi-
nations ; and had to bear teftimony
againft unfaithfulnefs, difobedience,
truth-breakers, and fuch as brought
djfhonour upon the Truth, and our
holy profeflion. I felt the love of the
GolpeJ flow freelyT even towards the
baekfiiders ; and in it warning them,
I came away fweetly comforted in my
fpirit. Fourth day I went to the Bay
fide, where we had a meeting, on fifth
dayy with a few lukewarm profeflbrs.
I had to exhort them to more diligence
in keeping up their meetings, and
waiting therein, that they might know
the renewing of ftrength in the Lord,
and be enabled to worfhip him (as he
is a Spirit) in Spirit and in Truth.
On feyenth day I was at the quarterly
meeting of minifters and elders at
Three Havens^ where I had fome fer-
vice for Truth. On firft day I was
again at Tuckaho meeting, Truth
favouring, in the love of the Gofpel,
many divine truths were opened to
the edification and comfort of our
fouls ; and ended in humble fuppli-
cation and prayer to Almighty God

for

I rfjfil J

for his help, ftrength, and preferva-
tion in the way of truth and righte-
oufncfs. On third day I was at Three
Havens, at the quarterly meeting,
where ieveral friends had good fervice
for the Truth, in the love of which
we were comforted together in the
Lord, and helped to bear teftimony
againft thole things which are crept in
by reafon of unfaithfulnefs among the
profefTors of Truth. On fourth day,
the thirty-firft of the firft month, I,
with feveral friends, went towards
Lewis Town. On fixth day had a
meeting at Cold Spring, where is a
poor company of indifferent lukewarm
profefTors. On feventh day I had a
meeting at Motherkill, which was
pretty large, and attended with the
Jhedding abroad of divine love to the
people.

I was at Little Creek on firft day,
where we were comforted together in
the Lord. Here is a promifing pro-
fped among the young people of the
proiperity of Truth. I was at Duck
Creek meeting on fecond day, which
R 2 was

I 132 ]

was fmall, yet a living open time to
feveral. Thence I parted to George's
Creek, where I had a meeting -, and
ib to VvTilmington, where I met with
Samuel Spavold, who embarked for
England on firth day, the eighth of
the fecond month 1759. I ftaid the
monthly meeting, which was that day,
in which I was largely opened to the
flates of feveral, things being much
out of order, by reafon of a difference
which had happened among them. I
came away I thought clear, and eafy
in my mind. On feventh day, the
tenth of the fecond month, I was at
Concord quarterly meeting for mini-
fters and elders, which was folid, and
much good advice was handed forth.
On firft day I was at Kennett, and had
large openings to the people, in the
free extendings of the line of Truth's
way. On 2d day was again at Con-
cord quarterly meeting forworfhip and
difcipline, in which Truth's teftimony
went forth againfl diforderly gainfayers,
and libertine fpirits. I had a word of
comfort and confolation alfo to the
weak feeble mourners in Zion. Things

doled

[ '33 ]

clofed well, and we parted refrefhed
in the Lord. On third day I was at
a meeting at Providence, held for
young people chiefly •, it was to good
Satisfaction, and ended well. On fourth
day, the fourteenth of the fecond
month, I had a meeting at Birming-
ham. I felt the Lord was with us,
helping and making way by his own
power ; praiies be to his great Name
for ever !

After meeting, we croffed the river
called Brandywine, and went to my
kind friend William Harvey's, where
I was kindly entertained. On fifth
day, the fifteenth of the fecond month,
I had a meeting at Center, in New-
caftle county. I was glad and thank-
ful in my mind, to feel lrryielf fully
given up to what the good hand was
pleafed to give forth, either to fpeak,
or be filent. On fixth day I had a
meeting at Oceflan, which was pretty
large, and in degree favoured ; yet
could not fay I rejoiced, for in that
place I felt the feed luffered, as well
as in many other places, where my lot

hath

[ 134 ]

hath been caft of late; efpecially among
the elders, and thofe that mould be
the foremoft rank in religion. I could
not help mourning in fecret, at times,
under a fenfe of the relapfed ftate of
the church of Chrift in many places.
How departed from the innocency and
fimplicity, and decking herfelf with
her own ornaments of felf-righteouf-
nefs, and alfo flamed and fpotted with
the world, and the filth of the flefh !
On feventh day I was at the meeting
for minifters and elders, held at Lon-
don Grove for that quarter, and alfo
at their meeting on firft day, which
was blefied with the company of him
that dwelt in the bum ; for his facred
fire was kindled in our hearts, with
living defires, that the mount of Efau
might be confumed. On fecond day
{after a folemn humbling feafon toge-
ther, in true fpiritual worfhip, which
ended with thankfulnefs and living
praifes to Almighty God) the affairs
•of the church were carried on, and
tranfacted in brotherly love, and con-
defcenfion towards one another. We
had alfo a comfortable and confirming

time

C **8 ]

time together on third day, at our fare-
well meeting, which being a frefh feal of
the Father's love, and continued re-
gard for his church and people, in
uniting and making us to rejoice to-
gether in him,, it will remain, I hope,,
upon many minds, with gratitude to
the great Giver of every good gift.

"Whilft I was here I lodged one night
at John Smith's, an ancient friend,
who had kept his place well in the
Truth, and alfo at Jofhua PufTey's, a
good folid friend, who had a hopeful
offspring. Hence I went to Weft
Cain, and lodged at George Singular's,
and was at the meeting on fourth day,
the twenty-firft of the fecond month.
It was an exercifing time with me, yet
I could not fay but I thought Truth
had the dominion. After meeting I
croffed Brandywine, and went to Eafl
Cain, and was at the meeting on fifth
day, the twenty-fecond of the fecond
month, which proved an helpful edi-
fying feafon to many. I went after
meeting to Downing's Town, and had
an evening meeting at a friend's houfe^

which

[ *# ]

which was thought by fome to good
fervice. On fixth day I had a meeting
at Nantinil, after which I felt eafv in
my fpirit, notwithstanding I had clofe
and hard labour. On leventh day I
had a meeting at Pikeland, which
was a watering time, for the Lord
hath a living feed in that place, which
in his own time he will raife up to the
praife of his own great Name !

On nrft day I was at Yougland
meeting. It was large, and attended
with a good degree of divine favour,
which made it iatisfadtory to many,
though not fo open as at fome other
times to me. Our next was at the
Forefty or Robinfon's. I was much
exercifed to recommend to an inward
waiting, which by many profeflors is
much neglected. Our next meeting
was at Exeter. On fifth day we had
a meeting at Reading, and afterward
went to Maiden Creek. At Reading our
meeting was in the town-houfe, or
court-houfe, where feveral foldiers
came, and many of the towns people,
who behaved very lbberly ; the good

power

[ '37 3

power of Truth coming over all, and
prevailing, many minds were humbled
and brought low. It was a good time,
efpecially to fome of the foldjers, who
were reached by the invifible power
of Truth. The meeting ended in
praifes and thankfulnefs to the Al-
mighty, for his unfpeakable favours ;
who is over all, worthy for evermore !

After meeting we went to Maiden
Creek, where we had a meeting on
fixth day. It was large, and to toler-
able good fatisfaction. We lodged at
Mofes Star's. On firft day we had a
meeting at the Great Swamp. It was
a living fatisfaftory time to feveral ;
and, in general, an edifying feafon.
I dined, after meeting, at Morris Mor-
ris's, the hufband of the worthy Su-
lanna Morris, and then rode to Plump-
ftead, where we had a meeting on fe-
cond day, the fifth of the third month.
The good power of Truth was alio
felt among us in this meeting, to the
edification and comfort of our fouls.
On third day I was at Buckingham
monthly meeting, in which I was fa-
S voured

[ 138 ]

vourcd with the pure life and frefh
fpring of the Gofpel, which ran freely
in the love of it.

Here is a large body of people in
this province of Pennfylvania, the
elders of which are too much in the
outward court, which is only trodden
by the Gentiles, or fuch as are in the
fpirit of the world •, yet a young and
rifing generation is here, as well as in
feveral other places where my lot hath
been caft, fince I came into this land,
whom the Lord hath vifited by his
power, and good Spirit in their hearts,
which, as they take good heed in yield-
ing obedience to, and bring all things
into the obedience of Chrift, will
crucify all their inordinate defires, evil
thoughts, and imaginations, and enable
them to bring forth the fruits of the
Spirit, which are love, joy, peace,
gentlenefs, meeknefs, long-iufiering,
and goodnefs : againft thefe there is
no law. I have often travailed for
them iince I have been among them,
kit the labours of love, which have
long; been bellowed on thee, Oh Ame-

r:ca !

[ '39 ]

rica ! thou favoured of the Lord ! left
they fhould be bellowed on thee in vain j
and thou, inftead of bringing forth
fruits to the praife of the great Huf-
bandman, fhould bring forth wild
grapes, fruits of the rlelh, fuch as he
can in no wife take delight in •, and
inftead of a blefling, draw down a
curie, and provoke him to take away
the hedge of his protection, and thou
be trodden down and laid wafte by the
devourer •, and for thy ingratitude,
difobedience, and unfaithfulnefs to him,
even command his clouds not to rain
upon thee any more. But may ft thou
never harden thine heart, and ftiffen
thy neck againft lb tender a Father,
who hath fo long nurfed and fed thee ;
fo merciful a God, who hath often
pardoned thine iniquities, though they
have been as a thick cloud. He hath
fo vifited thee, in mercy fparing, and
waiting thy return, that if thou return
not with thy whole heart, his anger
and indignation certainly will break
forth againft thee, and fo as not to be
quenched ; no, though thou mayft make
many prayers, and fpread forth thine
S 2 hands,

L ho ]

hands, he- will not hear nor regard •,
inafmuch as thou hail hated infcruc-
tion, and did not chufe the fear of the
Lord, but haft fet at nought all his
counfel, and would not take heed to,
nor regard the fecrer. reproofs of in-
ftruction in thine own heart. Pie will
alfo laugh at thy calamity, and even
mock when thy fear cometh ; when
thy defolation is unavoidable, and thy
deftru&ion as fwift as the whirlwind.
I humbly beg this may never be thy
doom •, but in order that the days of
his mercy, and thy tranquillity, may
be lengthened out, let Truth take
place, that equity, juftice, and true
judgment, may run down in the ftreets
of thine heart like a mighty ftream :
then fhall thy peace be as a river, or
as the waves . of the fea, that never
can be dried up.

I was at Wright's Town on fourth
day. It was an exercifing and low
time with me, but I trull Truth did
not fuffer on my account. On fifth
day I was at Wakefield. It was a.
living and precious time with us in

the

[ 141 ]

the meeting, Truth's power prevailing
to the dividing the word aright. The
fenfe of which is cauie of true thank-
fuinefs to the humble-hearted. I had
a meeting at the Falls on fixth day, to
folid fatisfaction •, and after, rode to
Briltol, and had a meeting on feventh
day, the ioth of the third month. I
was glad Truth in fome good degree
had the dominion. I ftaid the meeting
on firft day, the eleventh of the third
month. This was a good time to us ;
the Lord's power was over all, to the
praife of his own great Name !

On fecond day I had a meeting at
Abington, in which I was favoured
with the openings of Truth, in the
fpring of the Golpel, to the exhorting
all to faithfulnefs, even the rebellious,
and gainiayers •, that they might come
to know falvation to their fouls through,
Chrift. My next meeting was at Hor-
fham, which was large -, in which
Truth favouring, it was made a pre-
cious time to many, as I then felt.
On fourth day I had a meeting at
North Wales, where there is a pretty

large

[ 1,2 ]

large body of friends ; the fight of
whom, in many places, and the fenfe
of divine favour ftill extended towards
them, was caufe of humble thankfulnefs.
On fifth day, the fifteenth of the third
month, I got to Philadelphia, having
been about nine weeks in this vifit
from Philadelphia, which I made my
home, while in this part of the world,
with the widow Rachel Pemberton,
and her fon John, worthy friends ;
fhe a mother in Ifrael, and a great
care-taker of the poor fervants who
have been fent, not only in opening
the door, and kindling the fire, but
in miniftring every thing that fhe
thought might be a help and fervice
to them in their journey -, for which,
I am fully pcrfuaded in my mind, fhe,
with many others, will not lofe their
reward. " Inafmuch as ye did it to
" unto one of thofe little ones" (faith
our dear Lord) " that believe in my
w Name, ye did it unto me."

The thirty-firft of the third month
I left Philadelphia again, in order to
vifit a few meetings in Chefler county,

where

[ 143 1

where I had not yet been. On firft day
I was at Providence meeting, which
was a good and fatisfactoiy opportunity,
the Mate of things much opened, and
our minds in a good degree humbled,
under a lively fenfe of divine favour.
I was at Concord on fecond day. John
Churchman alfo being there, was very
helpful to fettle the minds of feme,
who had gone into jangling about lome
things which had happened among
them. This being their monthly meet-
ing, we left them to appearance in a
pretty quiet frame of mind, and things
ended well. After meeting I rode to-
wards Hartford, and on third day was
at Hartford meeting, which was well.
On fourth day I was at Darby meeting.
It was an exercifing time to me, things
being much out of order, fome dif-
fering in their judgment concerning
what was, and what was not, confiftent
with our religious principles in regard
to military fervice, in which fevcral
had been meddling and concerning
themielves, who go under our name.
This brought great extrciie and trouble
on the faithful. A grievous refractory

liber-

[ H4 ]

libertine fpirit I faw appeared ; yet it
was in a good degree kept down, and
Truth, in ibme good meafure, had the
dominion.

On fifth day, the fifth of the fourth
month, I was at Springfield. It was
a large good feafonable opportunity to
many. On fixth day I was at Newtown
meeting •, in which Truth's way was
largely opened, and livingly fet forth
in the power of it, to the humbling,
and folid fatisfaclion of many : a day
to be remembered by the feniible.
After meeting I went to George Mills's,
where I had been before ; a very kind
friend. On firil day I was at Middle-
town meeting. It was a large gather-
ing, and Truth had the dominion over
all •, though many dry profeffors were
liftening and longing after words, which
fometimes hath caufed the living ftream
to be withheld for a leafon ; yet the
great goodnefs and condefcenfion of a
merciful God is wonderful, in that he
is pleafed to caufe the living ftream of
the gofpel miniftry to iffue and break
forth in a wonderful manner, to the

refrelhing

[ '45 ]

refrefhing of his own heritage. The
glory and honour, with living praifes,
be o;iven to him, and that tor ever-
more !

I had an evening meeting at the
fchool-houfe, it alio was an opportu-
nity of good to our fouls, which were
ref elhed together in the Lord. Ifaac
Greerileaf of Philadelphia being with
me, on fecond day, we were at Gofhen
meeting, which was attended with
good ; Truth in fome good degree
favouring. We lodged at Aaron Afh-
b ridge's, and on third day had a meet-
ing at Bradford. We were much hin-
dered in our way by the waters being
much out, and a friend was in great
danger of being carried away, but was
preferred. We got to meeting, though
friends had been gathered an hour, or
more. It proved a good feafon ; the
Lord had companion on us, and caufed
his Gofpei rain to deicend on the thirily
ground, to the refreihing of that which
was or his own right hand planting,
and alio to the plac;ng judgment upon
the unrighteous part, and all the fruits
T thereof.

[ i46 ]

thereof. I came away thankful in my
fpirit to the Lord, for his great good-
nefs to his poor people -, becaufe I faw
his mercy and loving- kindnefs endure
for ever.

On fourth day we had a meeting at
the Great Valley, in which I perceived
the extendings of good was offered,
even to the gainfayers and rebellious :
a mercy unlpeakable ! After meeting
we went to a friend's houfe, with
whom Margaret Ellis abides, and were
at Radnor meeting on fifth day, the
twelfth of the fourth month •, in which,
though I was attended with much
weaknefs, I thought I had fome fervice
for Truth. On lixthday I had a meet-
ing at Merion, which was not an un-
profitable feaion, I truft, to feveral.
I returned that day to Philadelphia,
and on feventh day, with John Pern-
berton, I rode to Plymouth, and was
at that meeting. On firft and fecond
day at New Providence. On third
day returned again to Philadelphia,
with feme degree of fatisfaelion, and
attended their week-day meeting, there

being

[ 147 ]

being a marriage. Several did rejoice
under a renewed fenie of the ancient
power, and loving kindnefs of our
heavenly Father's tender regard, in
that he was pleafed to caufe his love
and life-giving pretence to be felt
amongft us, to the refrefhing the fin-
cere and upright hearted. Glory and
praife be to his great Name j for he is
worthy for ever !

I {laid in and about Philadelphia
betwixt three and four weeks, in which
time I attended meetings, as they came
in courfe ; and alfo paid feveral reli-
gious vifits to families, as I found my
mind drawn in the movings of Truth :
in all which fervice, though but fmall
in companion of fome others, I found
my fpirit favoured with fweetnefs, and
a degree of peace. Whilft I waited
here, fuppofing my fervice to be moftly
over upon the continent, having paid
a general vifit, I unexpectedly, and
pretty fuddenly, felt a ftrong draught
towards Barbadoes, or the Weft India
Iflands. I acquainted friends there-
with, and made fome effay for a paf-
T 2 fage,

[ 143 ]

fage, yet faw not my way quite clear ;
but in waiting felt my way open to-
wards the Jerieys, and on the twelfth
of the fifth month I, with John Pern-
berton, went to Mount Holly, and was
at the two-weeks meeting on iirft day :
and on 2d day at Morris Town, where
a meetingwas appointed for two friends,
who were on their way towards Salem
yearly meeting, where I was alfo with
them. On third day John Pemberton
left me at Ancocas-meeting, which
was in a good degree fatisfactory, and
alio to the honour of Truth, the edi-
fication of the Lord's people, and the
praife of his great Name ! On third
day evening I came to my worthy and
well-efleemed friend Elizabeth Ea-
ftaugh's, where I lodged. On fourth
day I was at a meeting at Haddonfield ;
on fifth day at Woodbury ; fixth day
at Solomon Lipingcot's •, feventh day
at Piles-Grove. All thefe meetings,
I thought, had a good tendency to the
edification of the churches, and ended
well. Thankfgiving and praife be to
ham that lives and abides for ever-
more !

The

[ 149 ]

The nineteenth of the fifth month
1759, the yearly meeting for worfhip
at Salem began, where we were much
comforted together, in the enjoyment
of divine goodnefs. The free ex tend-
ings of the Gofpel-fpring flowed plen-
tifully, to the watering the heritage
of God ; the fenie whereof bowed
many with humble reverence, in praifes
to his great andeverlafting Name, who
is worthy for ever ! The twenty-fifth
we had a meeting at Evefham, and
went next day to Mount Holly, where
alfo we had a meeting ; on feventh day
to Crofwick's, where their quarterly
meeting began for miniiiers and elders.
On firit day I was at Borden-Town,
in the fore part of the day, and at
Trent-Town in the evening ; at which
meetings we were meafureably com-
forted. On fecond day I was at Crof-
wick's again, at the meetings for wor-
fhip and difcipline, wherein Truth fa-
voured us in a good degree. On third
day the meeting was very large, and
I was deeply engaged for the honour
of Truth's caufe, there being a loofe
libertine fpirit amongit fome who go

under

[ 150 ]

tinder the name of friends, yet never
came under the yoke of Chrift, to know
the deeds of the body to be mortified ;
but live at eafe in the gratification of
their heart's lulls, and cauie the way
of Truth to be evil fpoken of. My
concern was chiefly to fuch as live at
eafe in Zion, and to the backfliders in
Ifrael, yet I had a worcl of comfort to
the mourners in Zion, and the heavy-
hearted in Jerufalem, that they might
hold on their way. I was glad of fo
fealonable an opportunity, wherein I •
was led to fpeak fo clofely to the ftates
of many, in true Gofpel-love, which
was as a feal of divine favour.

Upon our taking leave of each other,
^we committed one another to the Lord,
and parted in great love, and true
Gofpel-fellowiliip. I then croffed De-
laware at the Falls, in order to fee my
friends once more in Bucks county,
where there is a large body, and got
to my worthy friend John Scarbrough's
on fourth day, with whom I had tra-
velled feveral weeks both in the Jerfeys
and Maryland. I had great fatisfa&ion

ia

[ i5i ]

in his company, he being a man of a
good undemanding, a tender fpirit,
and very ferviceable in the church.
The quarterly meeting for minifters
and elders began at Buckingham on
fourth day, the thirtieth of the fifth
month, which I attended, and alfo on
fifth day a meeting for worfliip and.
difcipline, and I thought different fen-
timents were getting in amongft them.
If great care is not taken to keep ta
Truth's teachings, and the unerring
guidance of it, which will fubdue and
keep down all unruly fpirits, there will
be great trouble and uneafinefs, if not
fcparation, in many places : for I law
an evil fpirit of dificntion was got into
the church, and in the ways of its
workings, it appeared in divers fhapes,,
in order to draw after it the hearts of
the fimple, and fuch as, like itfelf, are
unfcable ; for it is an unliable fpirit,..
and by this it may be known, and fuch
as are led into its ways, and own its.
workings. For they will be reftlefs,.
not eaiy, under the crofs ; but will
cafe off the yoke of Chrift, and go
from his teachings, meeknefs, and.

humility,

L 152 ]

humility, into a haughty proud fpirit,
which is rough, full of hatred and
envy, defpifeth counfel, and will not
bear reproof. This fpirit, I thought,
I perceived working in the myftery of
iniquity •, but its time is not yet fully
come, to bring forth its monftrous
birth. The Lord's mercy is very great
to his people, for this feed of the fer-
pent hath hitherto been crufhed, and
put by, in its puttings forth ; and the
true feed, though through hard la-
bour and travel, hath been brought
forth into dominion, to the praife of
IfraePs God.

This quarterly meeting confifted of
feveral hundreds, moftly a young ge-
neration. The gracious extendings of
divine goodnefs was felt, and Truth's
power did prevail over all the powers
and fpirits of darknefs. I was glad
I was here, and my fpirit did rejoice
in the Lord, the God of my falvation.
After meeting on fixth day I went
home with Samuel Wilfon. On firft
day I was at Plumpftead meeting,
which was attended with good, the

power

t '53 ]

power of Truth prevailing. In the
evening I was at a meeting nigh Buck-
ingham, at a ichool- houie. It was a
large gathering, and we were much
comforted and refreihed together in
the Lord. I was at their monthly
meeting at Buckingham on fecond
day, the fourth of the fixth month, in
which, through the prevalence and own-
ing of Truth, which came over th,e
minds of the people, things were
carried on well, both in the time of
divine worfhip, and in tranlacling of
the affairs of the church-, for the
power of Truth kept down all reftlefs
and unruly fpirits, which at times are
putting up their heads in oppofition
to the teftimony thereof, and are for
trampling all difcipline under foot.
I was deeply exerciled in my fpirit
before the Lord, at times, that I might
be kept in the innocency, meeknefs,
and pure wifdom. Some being, as I
thought, righteous over-much, I was
afraid, left they mould deftroy them-
felves, and fo difhonour the caufe of
Truth, which they at times had fo
zealouily contended for.

U After

[ 154 ]

After this meeting was over, I went
to Wright's Town monthly meeting,
which was next day. In this meeting
I had hard labour and exercife ; yet
things ending well, I came away latil-
fled, and thankful in my heart to the
Lord, for his unfpeakable mercies.
The Falls monthly meeting being on
fourth day, I was there alfo, had fome
fervice for Truth, and parted with
feveral friends in much love and tender-
nefs, we not expecting to fee each other
again in mutability. On fifth day I
was at Middletown monthly meeting,
in which I was drawn forth, in the
living fpring of the Gofpel, both
in the men's and women's meeting.
Then feeling my fpirit eafy and
clear, I left them in love, and the unity
of the one fpirit, which had united
us together in a near manner.

On firft day I was again at North
Wales, and had good fatisfaction at
their two meetings. On fecond day
I returned again to Philadelphia, having
been about a month from the town.

On

[ 155 ]

On third day, the twelfth of the fixth
month, I was at the Bank meeting, in
which we were comforted together, it
being an edifying feafon to many. I
(laid in and about Philadelphia about
four weeks, vifiting fome families, and
attending meetings as they came in
courfe, though, in meetings, I had
little to fay, being fhut up, and much
bound in my fpirit to keep filence in
that city. The caufe is belt known to
the great overfeer of his people, who
can do with them as feemeth to him
good : and I faw it was good for his
fervants to be refigned and contented
with all the openings and fhuttings of
his hand ; with the various difpenfa-
tions he is pleafed to lead through,
that there may not be any confufion
throughout the camp of God's Ifrael.
I could not but rejoice, in thankful-
nefs of heart, that I was quite filent,
and Hill in my fpirit ; being made
fenfible it was the Lord's own doings :
and indeed it is marvellous in our eyes,
that he, who is the captain of our fal-
vation, mould call for fuch a ceifation
of arms, for a feafon, that his foldiers
U 2 might

L 156 ]

might take a little reft under his royal
pavilion, and canopy of pure love.

I was at Darby week-day meeting
the fourth of the week •, on fifth day
at Chefter week-day meeting jj and on
fixth day at Chichefler, where a meet-
ing was appointed for me ; which was
large, and accompanied with the free
extendings of divine mercy to our
foul's refrefhment. On feventh day I
was at London-Grove monthly meet-
ing •, and alio at their meeting on firfb
day. It was a contriting and bowing
time with many, and we parted in the
true unity, fellowfhip, and heart-ten-
dering love of the Gofpel of Peace.
On fecond day I was at Concord
monthly meeting, which was a hard,
laborious, exerciiing feafon, both in
time of worihip and difcipline ; things
being much out of Gofpel order, by
reafon of ftrife and difeord, as oppofite
to the pure and peaceable government
of the church of Chrift, as darknefs
is to light. The evil fpirit was kept
dowa in a good degree, and that which

[ >57 ]

was out of order much helped by the
power of Truth.

The tenth of the feventh month
1759, I got to Philadelphia ; the eigh-
teenth, feveral friends accompanying
me, we went to Chefler, and the nine-
teenth on board a veflel, which was
bound for Barbadoes. Sometime after
we were got to fea, I was clofely exer-
cifed in my mind, which brought me
very low, in humble fupplication be-
fore the Lord, that he would be pleafed
to enable me to go through whatfoever
he, in the courfe of his infinite wifdomr
might fuffer to come upon me, whe-
ther for a trial of my faith, or any
other of his wife and good ends. For
I could appeal to him in great fincerity,,
it was in obedience to his requirings^
that I had undertaken that voyage ;.
and not in my own will. This was-
indeed with me as a time of renewing
of my covenant, and coming under
a dole engagement, that if he would
but be with me, to deliver and prefervc
me in the way that I had to go, lb that
I might return again to his houfe in

true

[ 158 ]

true peace •, then he fiiould be my
God, and I would ferve him. May
I therefore, with all the Lord's fer-
vants every where, not - only make
covenants, when under clofe and deep
exercife of foul ; but, Oh ! let us be
concerned ftridtly to obferve and keep
them ; for I am a living witnefs for
him, that he is a covenant-keeping
God with his people.

Whilft I was under this living and
frefh baptilin, thole, to whom I am
the moll nearly united in the clofeft
ties of nature, were brought nigh to
me in fpirit (though far Separated in
body) with ftrong defires, and fervent
fupplications, that they might be pre-
ferved in the Truth, and that the Lord,
in his infinite mercy, would be pleafed
to vifit their fouls with a frefh vifitation
of his pure love. The churches alfo
•of the Lord (efpecially thofe people
I had lb lately vifited, and had at times
been fo clofely engaged for, in the love
of the Father) were fpread before me
in the neareft manner, with fervent
prayer, that they might abide in his

love,

[ 159 ]

love, (land in his counfel, and live in
his holy fear ; that fo we might ftill
be a people to his praife, and bring
honour to his great and holy Name,
and the profeflion we are making of
the bleffed Truth; that the bleflings
which he hath reierved, and laid up
in (lore, might not be withheld, but
plentifully mowered down upon his
heritage.

My mind now was much eafed, and
that which had been as a load upon
my fpirit was taken away, and I was
freely refigned to the will of God.
At that time, if I rightly knew my
own heart, the fear of death was alfo
removed, and, I truft, the occafion of
it, which is fin •, for I did not find
that my confcience condemned me,
though I well know, I have nothing
to truft in but divine mercy, through
my dear Lord and Saviour Jefus Chrift,
in whom, and by whom, all our fins
are taken away, and we are redeemed
unto God, and that by his moil pre-
cious blood. It is by him we alio have
accefs to the Father, his fpirit bearing

witnels

C 160 ]

witnefs with our fpirits, that we are
his children, often crying, Abba, Fa-
ther, through the eternal Spirit, which
helpeth our infirmities, and maketh
interceffion for us •, enabling us to
afk aright, and pray in an acceptable
manner.

I may not omit remarking at this
time, when the French were nigh
taking us, my fpirit was fo at liberty,
and over them, and all the powers of
darknefs, in the Lord, that I did not
fee it would be fo -, and having had
great freedom and liberty in my mind
to go in this fame vefTel, could not
reflect upon myfelf for miffing of it
in any refped, except it was in making
mention of it fometimes too freely,
which it is likely fome might lay hold
of, and that not to their own advantage.
When we were taken, the Frenchmen
(conndering all their views are for
plunder) did not ufe me ill. They
took my little money, fome of my
linnen, and part of my other wearing
apparel •, but my bed and cheft, with
many other neceffaries, they let me

keep j

[ i« ]

keep ; which was of great fervice to
me afterwards. For I was now in a
part of the world where I was a ftran-
ger, and no money of my own left •,
yet I do not remember I either mur-
mured, or repined at what had beial-
len me-, or that any diftruftful thoughts
rofe in my heart, lb as to trouble and
opprels my fpirit •, which I eileemed
as one of the. moil fingular favours
amoiigft the many I have received from
the great and merciful hand.

The privateer belonging to Martinl-
co, we landed at a town called St. Pe-.
ter's •, great part of which was laid in
afhes about two weeks after we were
let at liberty, as I was afterwards in-
formed. We were all had to prifon ;
but our captain, myfelf, the mate,
and a pafienger, were put into a little
room, which opened into the priion-
yard. I think it was about twelve
feet fquare, and we upwards of twenty
(if I remember right) to lie in it.
Before we left the place, my fellow-
pri loners behaved courteoufly and ci-
X villy,

■ [ 1 62 ]

villy, none of them offering me any
abuie, though I had often to reprove,
and exhort them to amend their lives.
It was extreme hot weather, and our
yard, where we had liberty to walk,
as well as our lodging room, was ex-
pofed to the fun moft of the day.
They let me have my bed in the night
next to the door and window for the
benefit of the air, which was an ad-
vantage -, but, alas ! I had a great dis-
advantage along with it, for the tub in
which we eafed ourfelves, flood very
nigh me, and the waih and filth of the
court-yard came through a hole in the
wall, very nigh the window where I
lay, fo that 6ft in the night I was nigh
fainting with ftink, which the heat of
the weather made very naufeoiis. The
bread allowed us was pretty good, but
almoft every kind of victuals was
loathfome to my ftcmach in this ftink-
ing unwhclefome place. There were
fait beef and pork for thofe that could
eat them -, but it being neither foaked,
nor half boiled, I perceived there was
but little of it eaten by any. My chief
living, whilit there, was bread and

water,

[ 1*3 ]

water, fometimes a little coffee, but
that was feldom, for we could not
always get it boiled. Oatmeal mixed
in water was what I often drank, it
ferving alfo for food. The water they
let the prifoners have, I believe, is very
unwholfome, it being taken up below,
where the negroes warn their clothes,
and alfo where the filth of the town is
caft in. Moft of the prifoners, I per-
ceived, were troubled with a lax •, and
I had not been there above two or three
days, before I was taken with it ;
which, with the extreme heat, and
unwholfomenefs of the place, brought
me lb low and weak, that it was hard
work for me to walk about a little in
the prifon-yard ; but I ftrove, and was
helped indeed beyond my own expec-
tation • for after we were fet at liberty
from the prifon, we were fix days on
board the veffel that fet us upon the
Englifh ifland, in which time I think
I fuffered more hardfhip than whilfl I
was in prifon ; for being very weak, and
the weather flill hot, clofe, and fultry,
I could not abide in the cabin among
the people, but was forced to lie upon
X 2 the

[ i64 ]

the deck, where I could get air, though
I was expoied to the night-dews, and
'gufts of rain, which we fometimes had •,
all which tended to increale my ci if -
order. The French captain gave me
the liberty of the cabin, and ihewed
me kindnefs in other refpects. We
were becalmed under the iiland of
Guadaloupe, and came to an anchor
in a cove, where we took in frefh water •,
but I went not on fhore. I was in-
formed there was a great mortality
among the Englifh foldiers ; and many
others, who went about bufinefs, were
taken off very fuddenly at this place.

The feventh of the ninth month
they landed us at the ifland called St.
Chriftopher's, where I found fome kind
friendly people ; though the generality
were very gay, light, and airy. After
I had been there a little time, my dilbr-
der abating, I began to gatjier ftrength,
lb as to walk about ; and I found a
few here, who had fome knowledge of
friends, and their principles, by realbn
of their education. One Jofhua Lavv-
fdm a failmaker by trade, a man of

good

[ >65 ]

good report among his neighbours,
was willing I fhouid have meetings at
his houfe, he having a large room very
fui table for that purpofe. So I had
feveral meetings, the town's people
coming pretty generally, and feveral
were reached, I believe, by the heart-
fearching power of Truth, which
opened unto them their flates and con-
ditions, efpecially fome of the younger
fort, who were tender, and very de-
firous to have meetings. But, alas !
their eye and expectation began to be
lb upon the poor weak inftrument,
that I queried in my own mind, whe-
ther I fhouid have any more meetings
with them ; for that fpirit, which hun-
gers after words, fometimes fhuts up
the fpring of the true miniflry •, or it
is withheld for a time on that account.

However, now about, it revived in
my mind, that I had felt a draught of
the Father's love towards the ifland of
Nevis, when we failed paft it, in our
paiTage from Martinico ; though I was
told by one that knew the place (fuch
was the conduct of many of the inha-
bitants)

[ m i

bitants) there were little hopes of get-
ting a meeting, or being received there ;
but that did not difcourage me, I find-
ing fomething in my mind that re-
moved that obftacle out of the way.
Therefore I, with Caleb Copeland, a
young man from North America, took
boat, and in a few hours arrived at
Charles Town, the chief place on the
ifland. We took up our quarters at
a tavern. The day following, being
their general court, many of their in-
habitants came to town, and the place
where we were being nigh the court-
houfe, and the grand jury doing their
bufinefs, and dining there, drew a
pretty deal of company. Moil of them,
at their firft feeing me, feemed as
though they could hardly be fatisfied
with gazing •, but I endeavoured to
keep my eye to the Lord, whofe pre-
sence I felt to be nigh me in a good
degree, to keep me ftill and quiet.
So they had their full view of me, till
their curiofity was pretty well fatisfied.
They offered no other incivility, than
Hearing, Iihmael-like. However, the
grand jury, either out of kindnefs, or

further

[ **? I

further to fatisfy their curiofity, fent
us an invitation to dine with them ;
but it being late before they went to
dinner, our landlady ordered ours
fooner. I did not find any thing in
my mind againft eating with them ;
though many of them be a light, vain,
airy people, and their company not
deferable to a iblid mind.

They fent a meffenger for us when
they fat down, by whom I fent word
we had dined. But they fent again,
fo I went in, and told them we took
their invitation kindly, but we had
dined, and therefore defired to be ex-
cufed from fitting down with them.
They did not feem fo light and airy
now, as they did before ; but faid,
they mould have been glad to have
had our company. I obierved, they are
very much in the cuitom of drinking
of healths, as well as in ufing many
other vain compliments, which I had
to fhew my diilike to, not only by not
ufing them, but in letting them alio
know they were againit our principles,
and the apoftle's advice to the be-
lievers,

f i6S ]

lievers, where he faith, " Ee not con-
" formable to this world ; but be ye
" transformed, by the renewing of
" your minds." I much defire my
children may take notice of thefe little
remarks, and piit in practice that ex-
cellent advice of the apoftle, not to
be conformable to the world's lan-
guage, vain cuftoms, and fafhions,
which deface that beautiful image and
likenefs man was firft created in : for
every thing was good that God made;,
and had an excellency and beauty in
it; man, the greateft of all, as long
as he keepeth his commandments ; but
he lofes that likenefs and image of in-
nocericy, by hearkening to the voice
of the ferpent, who is called the" prince
of the power of the air, that now
bears rule 'in the hearts of the children
of difobedience. I would therefore,
my dear children, that you may come
to know a being transformed by the
renewjngs of the grace and good fpirit
of Truth, upon your minds and un-
deril an dings, into the nature, image,
and innocency of the children of God,
and' Hand in it, by keeping his com-
mand-

[ m ]

mandments ; for herein is man's per*
feclion.

A meeting had been propofed to be
■held in the court-houie, feveral feeming
to forward it, especially an old prieft,
who beltirred himfelf pretty much -,
which I thought fomewhat ftrange.
When it was nigh time for the meeting,
he went along with me to the courtr
houie, where the juftices and feveral
others had dined, and had not yet
broke up •, but that was more than
I knew before I went in. However,
the prieft told them there was a gentle-
man, as he was pleafed to call me,
wanted to give them a fcrmon, and
requefted that they would give liberty
of the hall for a meeting to be held ;
but one whom they called their chief
judge ftarted up in a heat, and faid
they had not done : and befides, they
wanted no fermons 5 as tor his part,
he never loved to hear one in his life.
A vulgar and unfavoury expreffion to
come out of the mouth of one in his
ftation -, and it made me, that I could
hardly tell what to fay about having a

[ 17° ]

meeting that night, only as feveral
of the people from divers parts of the
ifland were there, it feemed a very
fuitable opportunity. However, the
old priefl was not at all difcouraged
with the repulfe he had met with j he
being refolved I fhould have a meeting,
went over to the tavern where we
lodged, and got the liberty of a cham-
ber, and then came and told me there
was a convenient room, and feveral
already waiting. I went, and found
every thing in good order for a meet-
ing, except the people's minds : I was
alio in great poverty, but I think quiet
and much refigned. I fat in filence
a confiderable fpace, in which time
they were very reitlefs, and rude in
their behaviour, fuch as I had feldom
feen or heard before : at length I had
ibmething rofe. in my mind to fay,
which readied, I believe, the witnefs
of Truth in them j for they became
very quiet and ftill, and fat like ano-
ther fort of people •, and many after
meeting confeiTed to the Truth of what
had been fpoken.

I had

[ i/i ]

I had another meeting at that place,
and many came. It was a folemn bap-
tizing time. The Lord's power had
the dominion over all the rough and
unruly fpirits : praifes be to his all
powerful name for ever ! There ftood
up a man at the clofe of this meeting,
and faid, he hoped what had been de-
livered would have a good effect ; for
it was very fuitable advice. More he
faid, which is not needful to pen \ and
I thought it was in a good degree of
fincerity. Then turning to me, he
gave me a friendly invitation to his
houfe. I told him I took it kindly,
and mould come if opportunity would
ferve. The company being pretty
much gone, he entered into a little
difcourfe with me, and told me, he
himfelf was alfo a fellow-labourer in
the Lord •, but he had as little the
look of a prieft, as any I had ever
feen, as I thought. He told me alfo,
he perceived that we had the advantage
of them, in that we did not tie our-
felves up to one text of fcripture, as
they did, and lb could fpeak to the
feveral ftates of the people > for he
Y 2 faid

L i72 ]

faid, it could not be fuppofed that one
remedy could be fuitable to every di-
feafe. I made fome remarks on his
juft obfervation, with fomething con-
cerning the true miniftry, the operation
of the fpirit, and that it was not to
be limited ; againft which he made no
objection, but freely aflented to the
Truth. We parted in a kind and
friendly manner. I found he was a
man of good underftanding, bore a
very good character among the people,
and was well beloved.

This evening, after he was gone,
there came a mefienger from one Bur-
net, a man of note in the ifland, to
defire me to pay him a vifit before I
left the place •, which I did the next
morning. He received us very re-
fpectfully, without making much cere-
mony. He afked me fome queltions
concerning my travels and ufage a-
mongft the French, which I gave him
fome account of. He did not feem to
want to enter into any difcourfe about
religious matters, but defired I would
flay longer with them upon the ifland •,

for

[ 173 ]

for he faid there were feveral who were
the descendants of Quakers, and un-
doubtedly would ' be glad to fee me.
But that did not at all induce me to
ftay, I finding myfelf pretty eafy to
leave them ^ hoping the Lord in his
own time will fend his fervants and
faithful labourers into not only this
ifland, but many others in this part
of the world, where the Gofpel rain
hath not been fo plentifully bellowed.
Oh, Old England, and North America !
Though thefe people are too much iri
the churlifh dog's nature, yet many
of them would be glad to partake of
the crumbs that fall from your tables.
Your dainty full ftomachs have often
loathed the honey -comb, and their
poor fouls are wandering about upon
the barren mountains of a lifelefs pro-
feffion, feeking the living amongft the
dead. May we therefore, that have
received the knowledge of the Truth,
and been fo often watered, be faithful,
and bring forth fruits, anfwerable to
the blefllngs received ! Then will the
Lord, I am fully perfuaded, fend forth

from

[ '74 ]

from amongft us fuch as mall bring
them to Chrift the good Shepherd and
fold of true reft and peace.

^But to return. After I had ftaid as
long as time would permit, and was
taking my leave of the man, he put
a parcel of money into my hand, which
I returned, and told him that we did
not receive any money for preaching.
He laid, we could not travel without
expences, and I had been taken by the
French, and had fuffered fome lofs,
and as he gave it me freely, I might
receive it. 1 told him, I was not then
in neceffity, therefore was not free to
take it • but acknowledged it was his
good will, and fo took my leave of
him. After I had been a little time at
our inn, we underftood he had fent his
fervant to the landlady, to charge her
to take nothing of us, for he would
pay all our expences -, but it was al-
ready paid ; and I faw it to be high-
ly expedient for us, to remove all
caufe from them that might take oc-
cafion, that the miniitry might not be

juftly

[ >75 1

juftly blamed. I left them in a loving
good iiifpofition of mind towards
friends, and am fully perfuaded there
are hungerings begotten in the hearts of
fome of them after the true bread.

After I returned lo the ifland called
St. Chriftopher's, where I had taken
lodgings, not knowing how long I
might itay, I was not eafy to omit
having meetings, efpecially on firft
days. Several people coming out of
the country, I had freedom to fit with
them, molt of them behaving in a
becoming ar.d folid manner. Truth
fcmetimes favoured us in time of
filence •, and though I had thought I
mould have been fhut up, I found the
fpring of the Gofpel was flill opened
towards the people, at times, in the
free extendings of God's love. And
it came into my mind, in the opening
of Truth, that the Lord hath a feed
fown in thole iflands, which lies under
the clods of the earth •, but its rifing
and coming into dominion muft be
leit to his time-, he being able to de-
throne antichrift , bring down his king-
dom,

[ i/6 ]

dom, with all his flrong holds, and in
the room thereof, to eftablim his own
everlafting righteoufnefs ; that fo in
die very place where it was faid, they
are no people, there mall they be
called the children of the living God.

I found fome of them dcfirous that
I would vifit them in their families,
which I complied with, as I found
freedom -, often having to fet before
them their unchriftian practice, in keep-
ing their fellow-creatures in flavery
for term of life, and the cruelty they
ufed towards them, which exceeded
all that I had ever feen before ; and it
raifed fuch a juft indignation in my
heart, that I ufed great freedom of
fpeech fometimes in converfation. Yet
I truft I did not exceed the bounds of
Truth, for I perceived it always had
fome good tendency, either to filence,
or bring fome acknowledgment from
them, that the practice was unchriftian,
and not to be juftified •, that they had
no right to plead for keeping them,
but that of force, and they were a
daily plague, and caufed them to run

into

[ *77 ]

into a great deal of fin. Thus I have
heard fome of them complain, wifhing
they had never had them, or had fome
other way to get their bread. So we
may perceive the Lord is rifing, by his
pure witnefs, in judgment in the hearts
of thofe negro- keepers, (hewing them
the practice is evil, and they cannot
juftify it, becaufe the light condemns
it, and maketh it manifeit to them 'to
be evil. 1 tarried at this place longer
than I expected ; but hope it was not
time fpent altogether unprofitably.
And although I have been hindered
from going to the place, I at firft fet
out for, I have had evident tokens of
God's love and fatherly care over me,
in the various fteps I have had to tread ;
yet notwithstanding this evidence of
divine approbation, I have not been
infenfible, that mouths would be open-
ed not only againft me, in faying I
was wrong led, or under a deception,
but alfo againft the Truth ± for the
Truth hath many enemies, and none
greater and readier to judge others,
than thofe that are making a profefiion
of it, but dwell not in the life and
Z power.

[ 178 ]

power. But it is not a new thing to
be counted deceivers, and yet be true.

However, whilft I tarried here, I
often enquired for a paffage to the
windward iflands, that fuch occafion
might be taken away, and I be clear
of the blood of all men. I thought
by way of Antigua might be proper ;
but when I made fome attempts to-
wards it, I was always flopped in my
mind, not being free to leave the place
where I was. But when I had tarried
fome time longer, and had divers good
opportunities among the people, I felt
myfelf quite eafy to leave the ifland ;
and not only fo^ but likewife a ftrong
defire to be gone ; alfo that view, and
thofe drawings I had before, to vifit
the other iflands, were entirely re-
moved, arid I was eafy to return in a
vefiel which was then bound for Phi-
ladelphia. Therefore, taking leave of
thofe I was pretty nearly acquainted
with in BafTeterre, the chief town on
the ifland, I went by land to Sandy
Point, where the vefiel lay to take in
part of her cargo. Here I had a meet-
ins

[ i/9 ]

ing with the town's people the day
before we let fail, which was the fecond
of the eleventh month 1759, having
been upon this ifland, and Nevis, eight
weeks.

Whilft I tarried in thofe iflands,
there was a great mortality among the
people, but it did not bring that awful-
nefs and humility upon their minds,
which it ought to have done ; and
therefore the divine hand undoubtedly
will be ftretched out ftill. The captain
and men behaved very civilly to me in
this paffage. I had feveral meetings
with the fhip's company, which had
fome good effect, I believe, upon the
feamen. We arrived at Philadelphia
the twenty-ninth of the eleventh month,
where I was very kindly received by
my friends, who had, I believe, nearly
fympathized with me in my late exer-
cifes. I ftaid in the city a little more
than two weeks, except a fhort vifit
to Wilmington friends. A confer-
ence was held with the Indians whilft
"I tarried here, which I was at -9 and
Daniel Stanton, and myfelf, with a
Z 2 few

[ i8o ]

few other friends, had a meeting with
them at Philadelphia in the ftate-houfe.

After fome time of waiting in filence,
I had fomething to fay, and one Ifaac
Still, an Indian, who could fpeak
Englifh, delivered the fubftance of
what I faid in the Indian language.
He appeared tender and well fatislied,
being a fenfible fober young man. Te-
deufcung, and feveral of the Dela-
ware chiefs were prefent, and a few of
the Jerfey Indians. They were folid,
attentive, and behaved in a becoming
manner. The meeting ended in hum-
ble prayer and fupplication to Al-
mighty God. My fray being but fhort
here, after I returned from the Weft
Indies, I endeavoured to take my leave
of friends in as general a manner as
time would permit, and the fixteenth
of the twelfth month 1759, being the
firft of the week, after a good and
fatisfattory feaibn with friends at Pine-
ftreet meeting-houfe, I took my fare-
well of them in the uniting love and
pure fellow/hip of the Gofpel of peace.

I went

[ .8i I

I went on board the fhip Carolina,
at the wharf ; the mailer's name was
James Friend, a kind, courteous man.
We had a very difficult paflage, by
reaibn or* high winds, and a leaky vei-
fel •, yet, through the mercy and good-
nefs of kind l-'rovidence, we arrived
fafe at London the twenty-ninth of the
firft month 1760, where I ftaid but a
few days before I took leave of friends
there, and returned home to my dear
wife and children, who, in my abfence,
with all that I had, had been kept,
bleffed, and preferved, far beyond my
own expectation, or indeed my de-
ferring as a creature. I defire I ever
may be thankful for fuch unfpeakable
favours and mercies, and give him the
praife, who is worthy for ever !

W. RECKITT.

SUPPLE-

[ **3 I

SUPPLEMENT.

IN the courfe of thcfe travels the au-
thor often had his wife and children
in his remembrance, and wrote to them,
to encourage them to truft in that hand
which had drawn him into fervice.

By a note, dated the eighth of
the eighth month 1768, on one of
his letters, he defires that they might
be preferved for the fake of his
children : " When" (fays he) " my
" head is laid in the filent grave, and
" myfoulatreftwiththeLord: andalfo
" that my Journal may be tranfcrib-
" ed for their perufal ■" adding, " that
" the very fragments mould be gather-
" ed up, that nothing may be loft.'-'
For the benefit of his furviving rela-
tions, and of mankind in general, the
following extracts are inferted. They
mow the care he had for their welfare,

when

I 184 ]

when far abfent, and befpeak the fer-
vency of his love. The firft was from
France, while he was priibner there,
and is as follows.

Carhaix in France, the twenty-third
of the twelfth month 1756.

Dear wife and children,

This comes to inform you of my
welfare, and though outwardly con-
fined, not having that liberty to pro-
ceed on my journey at prefent, yet I
dare not complain, nor fay, the Lord
is an hard mailer ; for he, in his great
mercy and matchlefs loving kindnefs,
hath been a prefent help in every need-
ful time, as mine eye hath been fingle
to him, he hath iupported me under
the exceeding great exerciies 1 have in
this journey already met with. Glory
and honour be to his great Name for
ever !

D*

I would that none of you might be caft
down about me, but itill trull in the
name of the Lord j I am fully fatisfied

you

[ m i

you will find it to be a flrong tower,
and as the fhadow of a mighty rock
in a weary land. And there is one
thing I do greatly defire of you, that
is, live in true love and unity one with
another, and, as much as in you lies,
with all men every where, and then
the God of love and peace will be with
you to the end of your time. I wrote
about the feventh or eighth of laft
month, in which I informed you how I
fared, and was in health ; fines which
I am removed to this place, a tolerable
fituation, and provifions pretty cheap.
I have a chamber to rnyfeif, and a good
bed, being under no reftraint, but
have the liberty of the town and fields
to walk in when I pleafe. I hope to
receive a letter from you in a little
time. I moft dearly and tenderly falute
you, and bid you farewell.

W. R,

A a Phila-

[ 186 ]

Philadelphia, the twenty-ninth of the
fifth month 1758*

Dear wife and children,

I came here this day, having been
fomething more than fix months in the
fouthern provinces ; in which vifit,
though the journey has been attended
with fome difficulties and dangers, yet
I have no caufe to complain. I lacked
for nothing, it having at times been
made eafy, pleafant, and comfortable
unto me in Chritl, for whole fake, and
the Gofpel's, I have endeavoured to
be given up, according to the difpen-
fation of his grace given to me, in
obedience to his will, in which I defire
I may ftand faithful to the end ; and
the fame defire, at times, is ftrong in
my heart for all of you that I have left
behind, that you may be faithful to
the meafure and manifeftation of grace
given unto you. I am not without
fear, left fome of my dear children,
which are grown to years of under-
ftanding, fhould be, through unwatch-

fulnefs

[ '8; ]

fulnefs and carelefihefs, drawn away
into hurtful things. It drops as a
watch-word for you to take notice of,
which, if you do, and walk agreeable
unto the blefled principle of Truth,
which you have heard, and, I truit,
believed in, the Lord hath bleflings in
ilore for you, will make you truly
rich, and add no forrow with it. I
mould have no greater comfort at my
return, than to fee it was your care
and chiefeft concern to be faithful to
the Lord, according to the beft of
your underftandhigs. This would be
more to my comfort and folid fatisfac-
tion, than for you to have abundance of
this world ; for they that firft feek the
kingdom of God, and his righteouf-
-nefs, the promife is, that all other
things ihall be added. I often breathe
to the Lord, that he, above all things,
may be pleafed to fanclify and cieanie
your hearts from all fin, that lb he, who
hath hitherto been the help, ftrength,
prefervation, and deliverance of your
poor father in his exercifes and troubles,
may in mercy blefs you all, and take
delight in you, fo as to tender your
A a 2 hearts,

L 188 ]

hearts, and favour you often with his
power and living prefence, is the ilncere
prayer of yours, in that love, that
neither diflance or length of time can
feparate.

W, R.

Newport in Rhode-Iiland, the fifth
of the eleventh month 1758.

My dear wife,

Thefe may inform thee and children,
I have hitherto been favoured in a
good degree of health and ftrength to
go through the exercifes and travels,
both inward and outward, which have
laid before me, for the fake of the
gofpel ; in the difcharge whereof, at
times, I find great peace and inward
confolation.

My time of flay in this land, at
prefent, feems uncertain •, yet I am ready
to conclude it will be until another
year ; if fooner, I believe it will be
acceptable both to you and me : if we

be

[ iSg ]

be willing to wait in patience the
Lord's time, he will be well pleafed
with us, and undoubtedly his blefiing
will follow, which will make truly
rich, and add no forrow with it.

I have received two letters from
you, in wrhich I had an account of
your welfare, in a good degree, for
which I am truly thankful to him that
hath hitherto helped us, and preferved
us. May he have the praife, who is
worthy ! His ways are all ways of
pleafantnefs, and his paths are indeed
paths of true peace, and his mercies
and loving-kindnefs are towards all
them that daily live and dwell in his
holy fear.

May all my children learn the fear
of the Lord, is often my earneft cry
and prayer to the Lord for them.
Then would they be preferved out of
the evils that are in the world, for they
are many, and lie ciofe to their youth-
ful inclinations, and if they give way
to them, will draw their hearts from
the Lord, and out of his holy fear,

into

[ i9o ]

into a loofe, wanton, and libertine
ipirit, which I caution and warn them
to watch againft and beware of, left
they lofe the bleffing, as Efau did,
and the time come they may carefully
feek it with tears, and cannot obtain
it ; for time is very precious, and
ought to be prized by all. Some very
young in years, when on a dying bed,
have bemoaned themfelves, and la-
mented their mifpent time, the fenfe of
which caufes me almoil to tremble,
left it fhould be the ftate of any that
fee or hear thefe lines read. Therefore
I intreat there may be a turning to the
Lord with the whole heart •, and make
no referves or excufes, . but yield obe-
dience to his holy will in all things,
according to the beft of your under-
itandings, though through a great crofs
to your inclinations •, it is the way to
obtain mercy with God, and admit-
tance into his everlafting kingdom of
reft and peace, when time in this world
or troubles ihall terminate.

I dearly falute thee and our children
in the love of the Father of all our

mercies,

[ «9» ]

mercies, defiring you may all dwell in
his love, that lb you may feel me* to
be near you in fpirit, though outwardly
far feparated. The dead cannot praife
the Lord, but the living j the fenie of
it at this time for his unfpeakable fa-
vours to us, with many more of his
dear children, whom he hath begotten
into a lively hope, bows my fpirit.
May we all be prelerved under a living
fenie of this life, that when under a
degree of divine favour, may be en-
abled to draw nigh to him, who
knows all our wants, and put up our
prayers and fupplications for each
other, in a manner that will find ac-
ceptance, is the pathetick breathing of
thine in that love that changeth not,
including our dear children.

W. R.

Phila-

[ I92 ]

Philadelphia, the twelfth of the firft
month 1759.

Dear love,

I have received feveral letters from
home, which intimate thine and our
childrens welfare, as to health, which
gives me great fatis faction, with defires,
if it be the will of Divine Providence,
•fuch. blemngs may be continued, and
we truly thankful.

I returned yefterday from New Eng-
land, and the eaftern country, having
been fomewhat more than five months
in that journey. Health of body is in
a good degree ftill continued, and
true peace of mind •, for which I am
made, at times, to blels that great and
«verlafting Name, who is over all,
worthy for ever ! I fee I cannot en-
large, only recommend thee to that
which hath hitherto kept and pre-
ferved, and ftill will, I am fenfible,
as we put our truft and dependence
upon it. I defire thou, or any for

more

[ m I

any of yon, will not think me long.
I mall, as foon as I am clear, haften
home ; fhall not conclude for myfelf,
for I am not at my own difpofal •, yet
feem to think I fhall look homeward in
a little time. My dear love to thee
and children, fympathizing with you
in great nearnefs, I dearly falute thee
and them, in that which never chang-
eth. Thine in the Lord.

W. R.

Philadelphia, the fifteenth of the
fixth month 1759.

My dear wife and children,

I am in the perfect enjoyment of
health, except fome pain in my breaft,
which is now much better. It hath
been a long time fince I had a letter
from England, but here have been but
few ihips from London this fummer.
I cannot conclude of fixing my return,
I having had drawings in my mind to
vifit Barbadoes, and purpofe taking
B b the

[ 194 ]

the firft fuitable opportunity to em-
bark for. that place. There are only
a few meetings in Barbadoes, fo that my
ffoy is not like to be long, except I
have to vifit any other iflands. I may
thus conclude at prefent, but leave it
to that great and good Difpoier of all
things, that hath been my fupport.
I may with gratitude and thanktulnefs
fay, he hath been my prefent helper in
every needful time. Oh ! may our
eye be fingle to him, he is good indeed
unto all that put their truft in him ;
though great ftorms may rife, and
clouds of thick darknefs may appear,
I am ftrong in the faith, the Lord ftill
will be on our fide, as we are con-
cerned to be faithful unto him ; and
if he be on our fide, who can be againft
us ? I cannot enlarge much, but defire
that you and I may be enabled to com-
mit ourfelves to his care and pro-
tection ; for affuredly, a fparrow can •
not fall to the ground without his per-
million, and if we be faithful to him,
we are of more value than many fpar-
rows •, for, faith he, the hairs of your
heads are all numbered. My earneit

cries

[ '95 ]

cries and fupplicatior>s have often been
for your fouls welfare; I would not Lave
any of you think too much about
me, though I truft we love one another
by the neareft bonds and ties of na-
ture •, yet when the love of Truth
prevails, we fhould give up one ano-
ther for the fake thereof ; then in this
world mall we be entitled to the hun-
dred fold, which is true peace, and in
that which is to come life everlafting.
As a moil affectionate hufband, and
tender father, I dearly falute you, and
bid you farewell.

W. R.

P. S. I defire my children would
not give way to accompany themfelves
with thofe that are not friends, for
that hath been the ruin of many of
our youth. Endeavour, at all times,
to attend religious meetings, and alfo
to learn and improve in reading and
writing. I am afraid, left you fhould
not do well j then I mall be grieved
and forrowful if I fhould live to fee
you again, inftcad of being comforted,
and rejoicing in you.

B b 2 Chrifto-

[ i96 ]

Chriftopher's, the ninth of the tenth
month 1759.

Dear wife and children,

Thefe are to inform you, and all
enquiring friends and relations, that
I have great and good fatisfaction fince
I arrived at this part of the world, in
the difcharge of what I have thought
to be my duty, notwithftanding I have
been expofed to fome hardihips, and
have likewife been out of health about
four weeks, but am now as well as
ufual, can travel, and have a good ap-
petite. Yefterday I came from an ifland
called Nevis, where I have had feveral
meetings •, and though I have thoughts
of viliting another ifland or two, I
fli all not, I truft, ftay long in thefe
parts, except I am detained longer than
I expect.

I have you all nearly and dearly in
my remembrance, though I have been
already longer from you, or am like
to be longer than I expected ; yet I

truft

[ *97 1

truft we (hall find k hath all been the'
Lord's doings, and as we patiently
wait on him, fhall find his ways to be
ways of pleafantnefs, and his paths to
be paths of true peace and joy in the
Holy Ghoft, and that his time is al-
ways the belt time. I would that none
might be too anxious and thoughtful
concerning me, feeing the fame hand
that drew me forth, is as able, if he fees
meet, to return with me, and bring
again to you in fafety ; and if not, lee
us not murmur nor repine, if it may
but be with us, as it was with the
apoftle, who faid, " To me to live is
" Chrift, but to die is gain." I can-
not write much for want of time ; the
fhip is nigh falling, as I am informed,
but commend you to the Lord, as
into the hand of a merciful Creator
and tender Father, tender in mercy to
all that faithfully ferve, worlhip, and
obey him.

My fpirit falutes thee and dear chil-
dren, &c.

W. R.

Our

[ i98 ]

Our friend having left no further
account of his travels after this voyage,
until his fecond embarkation for Ame-
rica, there is reaion to fuppofe he tra-
velled but little, except attending the
yearly meeting in London, or fome
ihort diftances near home. But about
the year 1764, he again found a con-
cern to vilit friends in America. For
this purpofe he embarked, in com-
pany with Thomas Goodwin, and
William Home, who were returning
home from a religious vifit to this
nation, and arrived fafe at Philadel-
phia, and proceeded through moil of
the provinces ; but his wife dying
during his abfence, he, on account of
his family, rather haitened his return,
and embarked in a veffel bound for
Ireland •, from whence he came to
London about the fourth month 1766,
and foon after returned to Wain fleet,
the place of his refid'ence.

Of this voyage, he kept only mi-
nutes of the meetings he yiiited -, ib
that we are deprived of a particular
account thereof.

After

[ i99 ]

After his return, he vifited divers
parts of this nation, and in particular
the city of London, which he often
hinted he thought might -be the laft
time ; but his love to the caufe of
Truth continued, and it was evident the
fervency of his mind was as ftrong
as ever.

Pie was a man of great integrity of
heart, a lover of peace, and fought
the promotion thereof, and had often
a word of couniel to drop tending to
edification. Not only at particular
opportunities, but often, when abfent,
has he imparted of the goodnefs and
mercy of the Lord to his foul, and
alio been helpful in couniel by letters.
In one of the laft I had from him, he
exprefled himfelf thus : " The fap of

* life lies very deep in the root, and
4 that muft be waited for in thofe
' pinching times I have met with ;
' and yet I have a comfortable hope
c railed in me of late, that all would
1 be well in the end, the profpect of

• which to me hath feerned exceeding
■ pleafant, and, if fafe, mould much

" defire

{ 200 J

** defire it might be haftened ; but
" that is not my proper bufinefs to
" look for, or to defire the reward
" before the day's work is finifhed.
" I have ferved a good mafter, but
" have ever looked on myfelf as one
" of the weakeft of his fervants •, yet
" have endeavoured to come up in
" faithful obedience to his will made
" manifeft in me, and in this now I
" have great peace, and an aflurance
" of an inheritance that will never
" fade away, if I continue in the way
" of well- doing to the end of the
" race."

His illnefs was very Ihort •, he was
taken with a fit of the ague at night,
and next morning, about four, de-
parted this life, the fixth of the fourth
month 1769, and was interred in
friends burial-ground the 9th of the
iame, at Wainfleet, aged about fixty-
three years.

The long and intimate acquaintance
I had with our deceaied friend, hath
induced me to prepare thele accounts

for

H^H