SOME ACCOUNT OF THE LIFE AND TRAVELS OF WILLIAM RECKITT.
Some ACCOUNT of what befel me in my first VOYAGE towards AMERICA.

HAVING parted with several friends who accompanied me to Gravesend, the fifteenth of the tenth month 1756, I went on board the ship Lydia, Joseph Riddell master. We had three passengers besides myself, who seemed to be very sober men, and carried themselves very loving to me, as likewise did all our common men; though I often reproved them for swearing, and their [Page 14] bad language to one another. The 20th we came into the Downs, but the wind not being fair, we lay there till the 22d, when the wind coming more favourable, we weighed anchor.

It may not be amiss to mention the great exercise and weight that rested upon my spirit while we lay here, I then not seeing the cause of it. When I looked forward, I could see 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 should get safe to my journey's end: but not seeing it would be so then, I only desired 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 strong gale, he was will­ing to make the best of it. We outsail­ed two ships which came from the Downs with us, one a privateer called the St. Olive, from London; the other a Gui­neaman. The 24th, about ten in the morning, we came abreast of Plymouth, with a very fine wind. In the evening, as I sat in the cabin, something opened in my mind concerning my own preser­vation, which I thought somewhat strange; but soon saw a cause for it. For about eight o'clock next morning, [Page 15] the mate came down and told his master, there was a French snow just astern of us, which, to our sorrow, was too true, for she was then within reach of us with her guns. I thought it was a great neglect of our master, and the sailors, that they did not keep a strict look-out; for they acknowledged, if they had but had a few hours more, they should not have been taken. But then it was too late, they could not get their sails all properly bent, as they would have done, if due precau­tion had been taken. The shot coming over us, I was afraid for our men.

During the little time we were chased, the chief care our captain seemed to take, was to save what he had, so he kept pret­ty much in the cabin, till his men called very earnestly for him to come upon deck. Then he ordered them to strike, and in a little time the Frenchmen came and boarded us with great fury. I was in the cabin, and stood still, some of them looking at me very sour and fierce, but like so many hungry animals, they fell to hunting and searching for what they could find, till they durst not stay much longer. One of them coming to me, in a fawning manner, said, Sir, I desire you would give me your money, and watch, and I will give you them again. I told him I [Page 16] had not much, and did not chuse to part with it. But he growing very earnest to have it, I turned myself about, and took three guineas out of my purse, two of which I carried on shore, and gave him the remainder. He looked at it, and seemed not satisfied; but the officers be­ing in haste to get us all into the boat, I was had upon deck. When I looked at the sea, I thought it seemed as though I should not escape with my life; therefore resolved to stay on board our vessel, 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 resolved to do the best I could to get in. One of our sailors handed me a rope, but it was so short, I was forced to let go, not knowing whe­ther I should fall into the sea, or boat; for the sea ran very high, and two of our men were lost during the short time I had been below. They were getting into the boat when I was seized with fear, and I saw it was not groundless; for had I then proceeded to get in, I should in all pro­bability have been drowned. For as soon as I had turned my back to go down into the cabin, the gunwale of the ship took the boat side, and had like to have sunk [Page 17] her, and the two poor men were cast out, the loss of whom sorrowfully affected my mind; and the imminent danger I had been in, with a sense of the Lord's good­ness and mercy in preserving me at that time, brought me very low, in humble thankfulness for so great a deliverance, looking upon it as a mark of his tender care and fatherly regard for so poor a creature as I am.

When we came up to the French ship, our men assisted me in getting on board, and led me through a crowd of such 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 chest of arms, which was their table; where I sat for several hours, very still, and laboured to get to such a right and true composure 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 settle in the cabin; and seeing me take little notice of what they either said or did, they looked earnestly at me, and asked our captain who I was. He told [...]hem I was a Quaker minister, and in­ [...]d for Pennsylvania. They made [Page 18] many fine speeches, 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 so close, and the hammocks hung so 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 unsterstood he put me in his own hammock. As he was making it fit, I thought he seemed to do it with a very good will; but the place being strait, and I lying in all my clothes, made it hard work for me to get in. How­ever, he staid and helped me what he could, till I was settled 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 respective lodgings, I perceiv­ed some lay upon the boards under me. However, the closeness of the place, and the disagreeable smell, with a fear which then seized my mind, that these crea­tures would do me some mischief, had like to have quite overset me, so that I [Page 19] was nigh fainting away, and ready to query, whether I should live till morning. In this great strait the Lord appeared for my help. I sensibly felt strength admini­stered, and it arose in my mind, that those I was afraid of would not hurt me. I believed it was the truth, and in a little time, being much wearied, I fell into a sound sleep till morning. When I came upon deck, our poor men came to me, and complained of their hard lodgings, and what was worse, the thoughts of a close imprisonment when they should come on shore. It made me sorrowful to hear their complaints, for they had heard the prisoners fared very poorly. I spake as comfortably as I could, and ex­horted them to live in the fear of the Lord. This day we came up with a ves­sel bound for Plymouth, taken from the French by one of our ships of war. The French soon brought her too, 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 strong passions, to be taken prisoner was almost more than he could bear: When they were sa [...]e down, I saw he was almost overcome with grief, which I a little wondered at. After some time I went and sat by him, and said I would [Page 20] not have him too much cast down; trou­ble and disappointment happened to all men, and this was what such men as he might reasonably expect. He said no­thing as I remember, but soon went out, and after a while came again with a Frenchman along with him, who could speak English, and pretended great friendship to me, and requested that I would go along with him and the captain into a private place, for he was desirous to have some discourse with me. It did not seem to suit my inclination, but through their much importuning me, I went. When we were settled, the En­glishman told me, 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 disappointment, which was like to be a great loss to him. He then began to talk about religion, and expressed a great desire in his heart to [...]ve in the fear of the Lord. He spoke highly of the ceremo­nies used amongst them, mentioning bap­tism with water, and bread and wine, which they call the sacrament. I told him we were not in the practice of using them, believing such ceremonies not to be essential to salvation. He said I was a strange man, but finding myself not at [Page 21] all disposed to have any farther discourse at that time, I desired to withdraw.

I was much favoured with stillness, and a sweet composure of mind, which to my great comfort, I found did strengthen and fortify me against the assaults of the enemy, which I met with both inwardly and outwardly. When I looked at my present situation, and what was likely to be the consequence, fearing I might be a stumbling-block in the way of many, and bring dishonour to Truth, I was much cast down, and did often cry, ‘Lord, if I had been worthy, thou wouldst have preserved me out of the hands of such unreasonable men.’ But the good Shepherd of Israel did cast his man­tle of love over me and stilled my cry­ing, so that I was in a good degree made willing to submit to what he should see meet to suffer to come upon me. Whilst I was here, servent and strong desires were in my heart for those I had left be­hind me, in many places, that they might be preserved in the fear of the Lord. As to outward food, I eat very little several days. Many said, I should be sick, 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. [Page 22] The Frehchmen, as I frequently walked upon deck amongst them, were become milder, and never offered to do me any harm, except one at the first, and he was prevented from hurting me. I also sat, and walked often upon quarter deck, the officers all looking on me with a pleasant countenance, except the captain, who, I suppose, took offence at my not conform­ing to them when they went to prayers, which was twice a day,

One evening, as we were sitting in the cabin, a young Frenchman asked the man of war's captain before mentioned (pointing at me) concerning our princi­ples. He told him, we were a strange people; we both disowned baptism and the Lord's supper. The Frenchman looked at me with disdain, and then be­gan to speak much in behalf of both, laying great stress, especially upon the latter; for he seemed a very zealous young man far their way. Then both joining, they came to a conclusion, that those who were not in the practice of them, could not be saved. Their dis­course was in Latin, and though I am not a Latin scholar, I understood so much, that I gathered the purport of their dis­course. When they had done, I [...] the captain he had done very wrong, [...] mis­representing [Page 23] the people called Quakers to that man. He asked in what? I told him, I understood he had been telling him we disowned baptism, and the sup­per. He said, he understood by me, that we did not own the sacraments. I told him, there was no such word made use of in scripture, that I knew of; but baptism and the supper were, and we owned and believed both to be essential to salvation. My mind was then opened concerning baptism, in the several pas­sages of scripture, which strengthen and confirm it, that the baptism, which is saving, must needs be spiritual; and if so, then no need of water: for the apostle saith, ‘One Lord, one faith, one bap­tism,’ Eph. iv. 5. and that themselves owned water to be but an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace. I was led on, till I came to that last supper or passover, which our Lord did partake of with his disciples; and told them what our Lord then said to his disciples, was, ‘As often as ye do this, do it in remembrance of me, to shew forth my death until I come.’ This was no commandment to perpetuate that outward supper, or passover; that being a Jewish ordinance, which he then had nigh finished, when he nailed the hand­writing [Page 24] of ordinances to his cross. But I told them, they might see in the Reve­lations of John, what he said concerning his coming, where he faith, ‘Behold I stand at the door, and knock; and if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and sup with him, and he with me.’ Rev. iii. 20. It is this supper and coming we own, and in our measure partake of; for this was the communion of the saints. Seve­ral texts of scripture opening in my mind to confirm that baptism and supper, which are saving, to be spiritual; and as bodily exercise profiteth little, so that which is only outward and elementary, could not profit the soul. They heard me very pa­tiently, and did not make any objections. Being pretty easy, I left them to have their discourse to themselves, that the officer might have opportunity to inform the man what I had said.

Now our confinement at sea was nigh over, but as we came nigh in with the shore, we were chased by an English man of war, who came fast up with us, and gave our men great expectations of being released; and indeed the Frenchmen ex­pected no other than to be taken. Every man prepared himself for removing, and was in great fear; but we were so near [Page 25] the rocks, the man of war durst follow us no farther, only gave us one shot, which came over us, and then sheered off. The great expectation our men were in of being retaken being disappointed, made them more sorrowful than before; but it did not much affect me, for I was now more reconciled in my mind, to bear with patience what the Lord should see meet to try me with. I had strongly de­sired before not to go to France, but in a few hours we came into a small harbour, with a fort at the entrance, and in it one ship of war. We did not land till next morning. This night I met with some­thing that was very unpleasant to me, for the captain going on shore, and the men thinking all secure, when night came on, most of them went to rest; but the man of war's captain, and some of his men, as it afterwards appeared, had consulted about cutting the vessel out of the harbour. We had more liberty [...]i­ven this night than we had before. The two man of war's men, our captain, and myself, were ordered to lie in the cabin. Riddel 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 [Page 26] prevent further trouble, I soon quitted it, and sat me down by the man of war's captain, who had got to writing

I had by this time contracted such an intimacy with him, that I could make bold to see what he was writing, without giving him any offence; and when I came to see what he was writing, and found it was only to spend time▪ it gave me some uneasiness, for it then began to be late. I did not suddenly say any thing to him, but took notice of his motions and looks, and saw his countenance was very much discomposed. All began now to be very still. None were up in the cabin but him and myself, and the young French­man before-mentioned, who kept guard, and he had no weapon in his hand. I asked the captain if he was not for bed. He said, he could not go to bed. I then told him, I would not have him think of making any attempts to take the vessel out of the harbour. He said, he should make no difficulty of it, if he had any body to stand by him. I signified, I thought it could not be done without much blood-shedding, if at all; and I should be very sorry to see any thing of that kind, though my liberty was as dear to me as any of theirs. He said, I need not be afraid; no body would hurt me. [Page 27] I told him, that was more than he knew; for as I had been with them all the even­ing, they would think I had a hand in the plot, and so I might lose my life un­deservedly.

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 distance off, with a very rocky harbour to get out of; all which seemed to have but little effect on him. [...]o I thought it was best to consult my own safety; for if there was a skirmish, I should, if I staid there, be in the midst of it. So I went down to my old lodgings; but could find no rest for my body, my mind being very unea­sy. I therefore crept out again, all being still in the ship, 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 resolved to hinder any disturbance, if I could; adding he surely was not in his right senses to think of any such thing, as his men, I supposed, knew nothing of it. He said I was mistaken, for he had told one or two of them in the evening, and they would acquaint all the rest, and he could have them all up in a few minutes.

[Page 28]It was now about midnight, and his men, I suppose, thinking it high time to get to work, came upon deck without calling, and seemed to be in high spirits, for they talked cheerful [...]y, and, I thought, gave several signals to their master, that they were ready. I was in a great strait how to act, but thought it would be best to endeavour to keep peace if I could, having said as much as was necessary. I therefore sat me down close 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 strugglings were in his mind, as he himself afterwards confessed. He often was just upon the point; but the Lord, in his great mercy, did interpose, and my mind began to be calm and still, and all fear was taken away. I then looking at him, saw his countenance became more composed and solid. I ask­ed him if he would not go to bed. He threw down his pen, and said he would. The young Frenchman sat by all this time, but perceived nothing of their design.

The night was pretty far spent, and the men, who had walked the deck a consi­derable time, thinking nothing would be done, went down to their beds; and when I had seen the master settled in his, I lay me down upon a bulk head of the [Page 29] ship, which was so narrow, I could only lie upon my side: there being nothing better in the cabin that I could find. But my mind being easy, after the pain it had been in, I fell asleep. It was a very cold night, and the partition of our cabin was but canvass. When I awaked I was stiff, but I did not take cold. The Lord was pleased to preserve me, though I often said in my mind, I did not think myself worthy, and more especially be­cause he had suffered this great exercise to come upon me; which, I several times was made sensible, would have been a light matter with him to have hindered, if he had seen meet. I often cried to him in the secret of my heart, that if there was any iniquity lodging in me, he would be pleased to take it away; and if this my going was not consistent with his will, that he would be pleased to shew me how, and wherein I had missed my way; that I might not bring a reproach upon the Truth, and a trouble and exercise upon his people. It was not long we had to stay amongst this sort of company, for by that time the sun was up, the captain, with several more such as himself, came aboard; also two of their friars in their odd sort of dress; I suppose to see what they could get in the scramble.

[Page 30]When breakfast was over, as several of us were to be searched before they took their leave of us, those appointed to do that business staid in the cabin. The captain and several others went out, and I amongst the rest, but was soon cal­led in again, for they searched me one of the first. When I came in, they told me, they wanted my money. I said not much to them, but thought if they had it they should take it from me; so they began to search 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 searched 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 considerable sum of money, and a gold watch; therefore I was no sooner gone out, but they ordered me in again, and I was searched in every part where they thought any money could be concealed. I was so grieved with them, I could not hold my peace, but said, they pretended to be gentlemen, and men of honour, but now they did not appear to be such; for it was good works which made men truly honourable; and as to what they could do to me, I said, I was [Page 31] not afraid of. Indeed, all fear was taken away from me: I did not seem afraid of my life, but whether I did well in telling them so, I afterwards queried; for I thought that courage was only given me for my own support, and not to lavish away at that rate. However, I came off pretty well, for they let me put on and carry away as many clothes as served to keep me warm.

We were on board eleven days, and then were landed near a town called Roscone. When we came to it, many people were gathered to see us, amongst whom was a mixture of black coats: two of them came to me, and one tak­ing hold of my sleeve, asked me, as I supposed, what religion I was of, and whether I could speak Latin. I told them, as I was a prisoner, they had no business with me, and i did not incline to have any discourse with them; there­fore desired they would not ask me any more questions. They turned off, say­ing, He is for no controversy. If I had been asked an honest question concerning the hope that is in me, I believe I should have had an answer according to Truth; but pearls ought not to be cast before swine.

As soon as I had got quit of the two [Page 32] priests, there came a man to me, who seemed to be of some considerable ac­count in the world, and said, he was sorry to see me there; but it was the for­tune of war He wished me safe in England again. He went to one of his acquaintance who lived in the town, and after some discourse, he came and invited me and Riddel, with the other two, to his house, and set before us such as they had, and desired us to eat and drink. There was also a woman in the house, much concerned about our having to walk to Morlaix that night, which was twelve miles, and sent to hire horses, but none were to be had. She therefore gave strict charge to the soldiers that conducted us, to hire horses at the next place, and she would pay the charge. I wish many may follow her example in being kind to strangers; for what she did I thought was of great service to me. The soldiers hired horses for four of us when we came to the next town, which was four miles. This town was pretty large, and there were many spectators. That they might have a full view of us, the soldiers had us into a convenient place, and stood round us at a little distance. The people gathered so thick, they could scarce stand one by another; and in this posture they [Page 33] 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 set before us. But before we were well sat down, several men and women of the upper rank came in; the rabble stayed mostly below.

Whilst we were at meat, some of them turned up my coat laps, and examined what my clothes were made of as well as they could, and commended them for being good. They seemed not to take so much notice of any as they did of me; often pointing at me, saying, I was a minister, a priest. Several gay women sat behind the table, where they had op­portunity to look at me as much as they pleased. They were very light and airy, which I shewed some dislike to, and told them I had heard the French used good manners, and knew how to behave well; but it could not be said so of them, for it was not good manners to come into our room without leave, and when they were in, not to behave soberly and well. I soon perceived I had an interpreter, for some among them understood English, and informed the rest; upon which they left the room, and it was soon pretty clear. After them came in several young men, who both looked and behaved well. [Page 34] I had nothing in my mind against being free, and looking pleasantly on them; for this, when seasonable, 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 stand and sit in the street, till they got orders from the commissary what to do with us. I thought the time very long, more on account of our poor men than myself; for they had walked till they sweated, and some of them were ill. To sit in the street an hour or more, in a cold night, I thought was almost enough to give them their death. When orders came, they were to take us to prison; but a merchant, one Forney, who was agent of the prizes, met us in the street, and took Riddel, the two man of war's men, and myself, to a tavern, where we had what we pleased to call for, but not at the cheapest rate. Our landlord was an Irishman, and I perceived had a very good opinion of himself.

After we had supped, and he had in­formed himself what I was, he entertain­ed us with a dish of as unfavoury dis­course about religion as I thought I had ever heard, and what made it more irk­some, he held it very long. He brou [...]ht [Page 35] a book, out of which he said he taught his children, and as he read, some of our people were so weak as to commend it, which made him more eager. I do not remember that I either answered any of his questions, or made any objections to what he said; but when he told me, he intended to bring some of my bre­thren to see me, meaning the priests, for he said they would like to have some dis­course with me; I told him he need not bring any there upon my account, for I did not want any of their company: so that was put an end to, for they never came to me while I staid in Morlaix. Whilst I was here, the young man came to see me, who took care of me the first night I lodged aboard the privateer, and saluted 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 stripping and search­ing me, he stamped upon the deck, and shewed great resentment, as Riddel told me, and knowing he had not wronged me, could cheerfully come to see me; but the others, who had, did not care to see me, and though I often met them in the street, they endeavoured to shun me, and would not look [...] in the face if they could avoid it. I thought it was a brave [Page 36] thing to have a conscience void of offence both towards God and men.

We were brought before one of their chief officers, called the commissary, to have our names entered, and such as could not find bail, must go to prison. This man and his wise took great offence at my hat being in its place, as likewise did the commissary at Roscone, who was an old man, and ill of the gout, upon his bed. But several capital people of the town being present, he was much dis­pleased, because I did not give them that honour which was none of their due. When I had given in my name, I soon quitted the room This commissary was a young man, and several were in the room with him I had not asked any body to be bail for me, for I was easy, and the thoughts of the prison did not terrify me, though we had heard a very dismal account of it; however Forney, whom I mentioned before, after he had called Riddel aside, and asked him con­cerning me▪ ventured to be bail for me. I staid a little while in the room after our people were withdrawn, and looked at the great man as he sat in his chair, and thought his countenance was somewhat milder, and he spake pretty kindly to me when we parted. It was said, he was [Page 37] very bitter against all the English, and had uttered many harsh expressions against them; but his glass was then almost run, for he lived but a little while after this.

Forney, who had passed his word for me, being agent, had my papers and letters, which I found he did not chuse to part with, except my certificate and letter of credit, and another paper or two, which he did not think worth while to keep. I perceived he was a selfish man, for after he understood my little money that I should want was not to come through his hands, he came to me, and with an unpleasant tone told me, he would not stand bound for me any longer. I said, I did not intend to give him any offence in employing another to do my business: viz. Charles Sermanson, a merchant, who was of great service to me afterwards, when I came to be ac­quainted with him. When he heard Forney would not be bound for me any longer, he said, he would be bound for me, as freely as he would for his own brother. So I was still kept out of pri­son. Whilst we were here we were ex­amined at the admiralty office, where they asked many questions, and I thought, it I had been enough aware of them, I [Page 38] should have come better off than I did. Before they had us into the room where we were examined, they had something of the form of an oath, I told them I could not take it, being against our prin­ciples. After some discourse about it, they, not being willing to let me pass without examining, had me into their room, and asked me my name and place of abode, whether I was married, and what children; to which I answered. They asked what preparations were mak­ing in England for war? To which I an­swered, as I did not concern myself about such things, I should say nothing about them. He asked other questions about the manner of our being taken, and what was taken from me, and about our ship and cargo. Then after a pretty long pause, he said, now I have some close questions to ask you, but you must, not be angry. I was silent, not knowing how I should come off. He then asked me, whether I was a minister? I said, I did not chuse to be put under that de­nomination, He said, what then? I told him, my business, when at home, was to look after and seed cattle, and such in our country were called graziers. He asked me what I was going to do in Pennsylvania? I said, to visit my friends. [Page 39] Whether I knew any body there? I said I was acquainted with but a few. Whether I was sent by the Quakers? I told him, I was not; though I had their approbation therein. He then asked me, whether or no the Quakers would fight if they were attack [...]d by an enemy? I said, it was not my business then to tell him whether they would or not; it was enough for me to answer for myself. Then said he, If you were smitten on one cheek, would not you turn the other? Or, if they took away your coat, would not you give them your cloke also? I said, it was so in Scripture, but I had not freedom at that time to answer those questions. He asked me no more questi­ons at that time, that I remember.

About this time I suffered much in my spirit; the reason is best known to the Lord. I was heavy and sorrowful in my mind both night and day for some time, and much afraid, left I should bring dishonour to Truth by my unfaith­fulness, or some slip or other that I had made or mig [...]t make, for want of care and watchfulness, in that strange land, separated from my brethren, and depriv­ed of all outward help and comfort. But this to me was a profitable season, for I found the fear of the Lord, which was then in my heart, did preserve me [Page 40] from evil, and falling into temptation. Though such company as I had was very unpleasant to me, and I thought myself unfit for conversation; yet, when by honest inquirers, I was asked questions concerning our faith and principles, I was helped, in the openings of Truth, to give them an answer concerning the hope that was in me: scriptures freely opening, and all things brought to my remembrance, sufficient to put to silence, and stop the mouths of gainsayers.

Whilst I staid in Morlaix, Charles Sermanson (before mentioned) who often invited me to his house, one evening, as we were in discourse, asked me, why I went abroad in such troublesome times? I told him, I believed it to be my duty; for nothing else would have induced me to leave all that were near to me in this world, as wife and children, but a sense of duty to God, and obedience to what I believed he required of me; for as to outward gain or advantage, I had no­thing of that in my view, for such as have freely received, must freely give.

Thus setting forth the nature, call, and qualification of the true ministry, I saw it had some reach upon him and his wife, who sat by, and desired that he would interpret to her what I said. When she under [...]tood I had left a wife and children [Page 41] behind me, she said that could not be consistent with the will of God. I sig­nified, she did not consider Christ faith, ‘He that loveth father or mother, wife or children, houses or lands, more than me, is not worthy of me.’ I took the liberty to reprove her husband, for taking the great and sacred name in vain, which I suppose made some altera­tion in his countenance. She then asked him what I said. When he told her, she said, I had done well, for that was his great weakness, and she hoped he would take notice of it. I said, by turning our minds to the light of Christ in our hearts, which reproveth for sin, as we came to yield obedience to it, we should be help­ed to overcome our weaknesses. She said I was a saint, and had overcome the temptations of the world. I said, what I am, it is by Grace. I have nothing to boast of, and by Grace I am saved out of many temptations of the world; yet was a man of like passions, and liable to ma­ny weaknesses, as they were; and was no longer safe than whilst I kept upon my watch. My mind was opened to point out to them the way of salvation, scrip­ture being brought to confirm the suffi­ciency, work, and operation of the Grace of God, upon the hearts of the children [Page 42] of men; with the saving help there is in it, as it is yielded obedience unto. It was a seasonable opportunity. Finding freedom, I let him see the certificate I had from my friends. When he had read it, he said, he liked it very well. I told him something of the good order we had amongst us, which he seemed to approve well of; but said, he could but admire that I should take so much pains, without any view of outward advantage. I told him, what I had said was the truth. He said, he did believe it was. But, said he, our priests would not go across that room without being paid.

Perceiving that what had already pas­sed had some good effect, for the man was very loving, and his understanding measurably opened, to distinguish be­tween the true and false ministers, I took my leave for that time, and went to my quarters, which were at a tavern, where I was for several days, and had much company of divers sorts. As I appeared to them somewhat singular, they wanted to know what I was, and such as could speak English would ask me questions; and as I found freedom I answered them. One came as I was sittin [...] in a room, there being a pretty dea [...] of company, and asked why the Quake [...] would not [Page 43] fight? I told him, the weapons of the primitive Believers were not carnal, but spiritual, and mighty, through faith, to the pulling down sin, and the strong holds of Satan; and such as ar [...] now come under the peaceable government of the great King of Kings (who said, if his kingdom had been of this world, then his servants would have fought) cannot fight with carnal weapons, though there should seem as great a necessity, as there was when our Lord was like to be delivered to the Jews. I had to open se­veral passages of Scripture, which set forth the peaceable government of Christ, who came not to destroy men's lives, but to save them; and that it was not the lamb's nature to tear and devour, but the wolf's. This opportunity was sea­sonable, the people were very still and attentive. He that asked me this question had often been with me, and had asked many questions, but was now silent, and seemed to [...]o away satisfied; for the power of God was over them at that time.

After some time. I was, with some others who were prisoners at large, ordered into the country about thirty miles, to a town called Carh [...]ix. Charles Sermanson supplied me with what money I wanted, [Page 44] and also recommended me to a friend of his there, one John Grace, a counsellor at law, who, during my stay, shewed several tokens of his regard and hearty friendship, after he and I came to be ac­quainted; though I may say with safety, I never sought his, nor any other's fa­vour, by any indirect means, or in a way Truth did not admit of. When I went to his house, it was in the evening, and he taking the letter with his hat off, made a bow, but I not returning it as he expected, he with an earned look, and somewhat of an unpleasant tone, said, I might go to the tavern, and he would come to me in the morning. He did so, and told me, as I had been recommended to his care by his good friend Charles Sermanson, he would do the best he could in providing me a private lodging; and any other service he could do me, which lay in his power, should not be wanting. I told him, I was obliged to him, and was glad to find him, and some others of his countrymen, so well dis­posed as to be kind to strangers; and as I as a stranger, and also a prisoner, I should be glad of his assistance. He said, he was glad he had the opportunity of assisting his fellow-creatures, for he looked upon it to be no more than his [Page 45] duty. Then we walked into the town, where he provided me a chamber, and I had every thing found me that was necessary. My new landlord took great notice of my behaviour, and, I suppose, at first did not know how to behave him­self towards me, that I might not be offended; for being poor, he was glad of a little money. He could speak no En­glish, and I but little French, so we could have no conversation; but he told one of the Englishmen, who spoke French, that I did him good, though he could not understand me. He was a peruke-maker by trade, and when he had left work in the evenings, he and his wife would come and sit with me a considerable time in silence; which was not disagreeable to me: for sometimes, I believe, we were favoured with good, when we sat in silence. His wife was a religious woman, and of a solid sober behaviour, so far as I ever saw. I staid in their house three months, and then took lodgings in another place; three young men in like circumstances with my self, desiring very much to be with me, and they not having room for us all, I left them. As the young men behaved well, their company was agreeable; two of them being friends sons, though they did [Page 46] not in many things take up the cross as they ought to have done, yet their beha­viour to me was such, as gained my love and affection. One of them soon after died in the French prison, being, when taken, upon his passage to Rhode-Island, where his parents lived, at whose house I afterwards was, and found them very sorrowful, for they had lost three of their sons, two at sea, and one in prison. As these things affected and made some im­pressions upon my mind, I made a few remarks.

John Grace, the counsellor, after a little while, became very loving, and had me often to his house, it not being far from my lodgings, and I found myself very free to converse with him, and told him in freedom at one time, if he had any thing in his mind to ask concerning our society or principles, I would have him be quite free, for I should be willing to answer honestly according to the best of my understanding. He said, he un­derstood we did not baptise with water. I told him, the apostle Paul saith, ‘There is one Lord, one faith, one baptism;’ and water, how or by whomsoever administered, is only suffi­cient to put away the filth of the flesh, but not able to warn away the sin of the [Page 47] soul. The same apostle said, ‘He was not sent to baptise, (he there must be understood with water) but to preach the gospel, which is the power that baptiseth into the one Spirit.’ He further saith concerning himself, that he was not aw hit behind the chiefest of the apostles; yet he thanks God, he had baptised no more than the few he recites, which he would not have done, if bap­tism with water had been the one bap­tism essential to salvation. He said, he thought there our ought to be something done to children by the minister, to initi­ate them into the church. I said, as to our not being in the practise of sprink­ling children with water, or signing them with the sign of the cross, as it was not scriptural, we could not be justly blamed for being in the disuse of it. He then said, if he at first had put on the priest's gown, instead of that he then wore, he should have thought it his business to have searched more into the Scriptures. I told him, I took him to be a man of that understanding, as very well to know, it ought to be every one's business to search into the things that belong to their own peace. He said it was true, but they had men who were learned, whom they paid, and he looked upon these to be his teach­ers, [Page 48] and as for him, he was but a hearer and if they deceived him, it would be the worse for themselves; they could not de­ceive God. I said, it was true, they could not; but as the salvation of the soul is a thing of so great moment, we should not have our dependence upon others, and as to teachers, we might know them by their fruits; for, accord­ing to Christ's own words, ‘men do not gather grapes of thorns, nor figs of thistles.’ He further saith to his ministers, ‘freely you have received, freely give.’ As to those of polluted lips. I thought they could not profit the people at all. He said, there was no Scripture that forbad marrying, and he thought their priests wrong in that; for they did not keep themselves chaste, but deluded and deceived many poor young women. I said, it was great pity any should be deprived of the benefit of the Scriptures, for all ought to have liberty to try all things, that they may hold fast that which is good; for it is dangerous pinning their faith upon other men's sleeves: ‘if the blind lead the blind, they will both fall into the ditch.’ He then said, he should be glad to read some of our authors, which I gave him [Page 49] some expectations of sending, if I lived to return home.

Some time after this, he sent for me to dine with him, when I expected he would have had some priests with him, but he had not; though he told me he had invited one of their clergymen to dine with him, and acquainted him I was to be there, but he desired to be excused, [...]ledging, he thought I should be offend­ed with his company. I said I should not, if he was a religious sober man. I was not had before the commissary or chief magistrate, at my first coming here, with the rest of the prisoners, but this coun­sellor gave in my name, and when they went to receive the government's allow­ance, I went, not having enough to sup­port me without. But hearing the com­missary had uttered some very bitter ex­pressions against the Quakers, and me in particular, for not putting off my hat, as he had observed, when I met him in the street, I had an inclination to pay him a visit, which I acquainted a young man with, who could interpret for me. We found the commissary in the street. The young man told him, I was come to see him, or pay him a visit. He look­ing earnestly at me, after a pause, took us into a room, and before I could say [Page 50] any thing to him, asked me, why I did not put off my hat? I told him, unco­vering our heads was what we did when we prayed and addressed the Almighty; but to do it to our fellow-creatures was against our consciences.

The answer, though short, I perceived satisfied him, for his haughty countenance fell, and he then spake mildly, and said, he had heard we did not baptise our chil­dren. I said, we did not use water-bap­tism. What do you then, said he, in­stead of water? I said, the one baptism, which we believe to be saving and essen­tial to salvation, is spiritual, that of fire and the Holy Ghost; and as to little chil­dren, they are heirs of the kingdom of heaven without water, or the help of any mortal man. I told him, I had heard he said something against me, but I came in good will to pay him a friendly visit, for I had a mind to speak with him myself. He then took me by the hand, saying, he would not do me any hurt, but all the service that lay in his power. I took my leave of him with thankfulness; that truth had thus far prevailed, and the young man was well satisfied; for he was somewhat in fear before we went, having heard what the commissary had said concerning me. Ever after, when I [Page 51] met with him, he looked pleasantly, and I believe never any more took offence at my hat.

Charles Sermanson, whilst I was here, wrote me several kind letters; and mine, which I wrote to England, he took care to send to his correspondent in London; by whom also my letters from home were safely conveyed to me, which made my confinement much the easier. as I could often hear from my wife and family, and they from me. After I had been confined about five months, I was released; my passport coming to hand, I shewed it to John Grace, and he went with me to the commissary, who readily signed it, ex­pressing his gladness that I had got my liberty, and was going to my family, He also gave leave to several of my fel­low prisoners, who were desirous to ac­company me to Morlaix. The 23d of the 4th month I took my leave of the counsellor and his family, with divers others, both French and English, who came to see me in a very affectionate manner. When I came to Morlaix, I found a Dutch vessel bound to Ostend. Charles Sermanson agreed with the ma­ster to set me upon the English coast, if the wind would permit, which happened well the 28th of the 4th month 1757.

[Page 52]When I came to London, I found se­veral friends very glad to see me, having had a near sympathy with me in my exer­cises; and I saw the Lord had been my helper and deliverer, in that he had been pleased to bring me safe to my native and; and not only so, but I found friends as nearly united to me as ever; which was a great comfort. For I had been afraid, left they should stand at a distance from me; but magnified be the Great Name for evermore, I found all well in that respect, and likewise when I came to my own habitation, which was en the 11th of the 5th month 1757.

I soon set out again for the yearly meeting in London, which began the 28th of the 5th month this year. My brother Maw, and two other friends, accompanied me. It was believed I was intending to proceed again to America; but I could say little to it when asked, till the yearly meeting was over, and friends mostly gone out of town. I was then made sensible, it was my duty again to make preparation to set forward; a ship being near ready to fail for Philadelphia. I then acquainted friends with it, who left me to my liberty, expressed their unity with it, and made all things as easy for me as they could. For which my [Page 53] spirit was bowed in thankfulness, to the great, good, and wise Disposer of all things, who can dispose the minds of his people as he seeth meet; and who ever will, I believe, make way for all that put their trust in him, that his re­quirings may be in all things duly an­swered. I took my leave of my wife and family in a solemn manner, not knowing I should see them again in mu­tability. I also settled my outward affairs in such order as I thought might be for the best.

The 19th of the 6th month 1757, I left London, several friends accompany­ing me to Gravesend. The vessel being just ready to sail, I took leave of friends, and followed her in a small vessel as far as the Nore, two of my kind friends still accompanying me, viz. John Sherwin and Thomas Wagstaffe. I went on board the ship, and they returned to London. We arrived in the Downs the 21st, and waited for a convoy, it being a time when much shipping were taken by the French. The people were not willing to go without men of war.

I went on more while here, and found a small family of very sensible friends, of which I was glad. The 23d we weighed anchor, being in all about sixty sail. [Page 54] We lost sight of land the 8th of the 7th month, had a good passage, and in weeks from London we got safe to Phila­delphia. Here I found several friends from Europe in the service of Truth. We were truly glad to see each other, and had comfortable meetings together: blessed be the name of the Lord! I have great cause to be truly thankful, and in humble reverence, to praise his great and everlasting name, for many deliver­ances both by sea and land. I may in truth say, his name hath been to me a strong tower, and thither I have run and found safety. For though he suffers his to be tried, as in the furnace of affliction, he will not leave nor forsake them; but his arm hath been made bare for their deliverance, and he hath granted them the petition of their souls. Glory and honour be given to him, and that for evermore! I staid in and about Philadel­phia till the yearly meeting was over.

The 5th of the 9th month 1757, I went in [...]o New Jersey, John Pemberton accompanying me. We had a meeting at Haddonfield; thence to Chester, and had a meeting there also, both to good satisfaction We lodged at Edmund Holinhead's and on first day were at Evesham meeting, which was attended [Page 55] with the seasoning virtue and power of Truth. We went that night to Burling­ton, and attended the monthly meeting on second day, which I thought was to general satisfaction. I lodged at John Smith's, a substantial friend, and a very serviceable man in the society. 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 beginning, and dull; but that spirit of earthly minded­ness, which had too much prevailed, was testified against, and truth, I think, did in a good degree spring up over all: praised 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 satis­faction: we lodged at Josiah Foster's. Fifth day we had a meeting at a school-house, 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 Spring­field; first day at Mansfield. It was a large meeting, but the minds of the peo­ple hankering much after words, the spring of life, that had run through me, being in a great measure stopt, a cloud [Page 56] came and covered my tabernacle. I saw it was safest to stand still. We lodged at Peter Harvey's, a kind and steady friend.

Next day, the second of the week, and tenth of the month, we had a meet­ing at a school-house in the neighbour­hood, which was small, but in some de­gree satisfactory: we lodged at William Smith's: had a meeting at Upper Spring­field on third day; at Freehold on fourth; Croswick's on fifth; Bordentown on sixth; and Trenton on first day: we lodged here at William Morris's. From thence to Stony Brook, and had a meet­ing on the second day of the week, and 17th of the month. We lodged at James Clark's. In this place they had been hurt, and scattered in their minds; as also in several other places, where there had been a striving, and a dividing spirit got in. From thence we went to Robins's meeting on third day, which was not so satisfactory as could have been desired; some being restless, the meeting holding long.

We went from thence to Squan, and had a meeting there on fifth day amongst a company of poor dark people Then to Shrewsbury the twenty-second of the tenth month, where was a meeting for ministers and elders. The meeting on [Page 57] first day was very large, and, considering the great numbers of people of all ranks, was quiet. Second day it was a good solid meeting, Truth prevailing over all: praises be given to the Great Name for ever. The Son of Righteousness did arise with healing in his wings, and my soul was delivered, as out of the pit; for I had been ready to despair, and thought I should have been overcome by the enemy. Great horror and darkness was over my understanding for a time; but the Lord did send his light, and his truth, and caused it to shine upon my tabernacle; and I had to declare of his mercy and goodness towards the children of men, and to invite them to come and see for themselves, what great things the Lord will do for them that trust in him. This great meeting ended well, and I was truly thankful to the great Master of our assemblies. We lodged at Joseph Wardel's, a worthy friend.

On third day we came back to Cros­wicks, and lodged at Thomas Middle­ton's. Next day to widow Andrews's, where my companion was taken ill. Here I left him, after staying one night, and went to Haddonfield with Isaac An­drews, and lodged at his house one night, and so to Philadelphia, where I staid till [Page 58] their quarterly meeting. We had several comfortable opportunities together. John Hunt and Christopher Wilson from En­gland were here, and had good service. I staid about Philadelphia, attending meet­ings as they came in course, both for worship and discipline, until the fifteenth of the eleventh month, when I set out towards the southern provinces, Tho­mas Lightfoot accompanying me. We went to Chester, and were at their youth's quarterly meeting, which was a time to be remembered by many of us.

We visited the meetings through Chester county, till we came to Notting­ham, and were at the monthly meeting, John Hunt also being there. It was a suffering time to me, I being sensible ma­ny were worshipping only in the outward court, whose dwelling was in the form without the power, such cause suffering to the true seed. I staid meeting with them on first day, and was led to speak closely to several states, and left them pretty easy in my own mind. I lodged at John Churchman's, and had a meeting at West-Nottingham on third day; at Little Britain on fourth day, here several Presbyterians came in, with their priest, who took down in writing what I said; though I perceived not that he was wri­ting, [Page 59] till I had nigh done speaking. When I sat down, most of them went out, but he staid; and, after a short space, I had to say, ‘The time shall come, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God (or they that are dead in forms;) and they that hear and obey shall live; and that Christ is the resurrection, and the life, and he that liveth and believeth in him, though he is dead, yet shall he live.’ I did not enlarge much upon it; but the meeting broke up in a good degree of life, and the priest went off with his company. Friends thought there was no danger of any ill coming of it, but I was afraid, left Truth should suffer.

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 Sadsbury, where I had a meeting, and in the open­ings of truth, had closely to speak to the states of many. From thence I went to Lampiter, where I had two mee [...]ings; and so to Lancaster, and had a meeting with the few friends that lived there. We lodged at Isaac Whitelock's; and after having a meeting at James Wright's, we crossed the river Susquehannah, and went to York, where a few friends dwelt, [Page 60] and had a meeting among them. We quartered at Nathan Hussey's.

Our next meeting was at Newberry; it was silent, but to my satisfaction. We passed through Warrington, but had no meetings it being the youth's quarterly meeting, at Huntington, where we had an edifying time together. We had also meetings at Moynallan, John Evans's, Pipe-Creek, Bush-Creek, and Monoque­sy. Then crossing Potomack, we came into Virginia, to Fairfax; where we had a meeting on the second 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 Israel's God, and that for evermore! We lodged at Mary Janey's, a discreet orderly woman, who had several sober well-inclined children. From hence we went to Goose Creek, and had a meet­ing on third day: it was well. On fourth day we had a meeting at David Pole's, several friends accompanying us. I had a travail in spirit, that Truth might not lose ground; finding a spirit of ease had greatly prevailed in many of the pro­fessors of Truth, to the sorrow of the honest hearted. We left David Pole's house on fifth day, and rode over the Blue Ridge, or Blue Mountains, where [Page 61] the Indians had done much mischief, by burning houses, killing, destroying, and carrying many people away captives; but friends had not hitherto been hurt: yet several had left their plantations, and fled back again over the Blue Mountains, where the lands had been rightly pur­chased of the Indians.

Things seemed dreadful, and several hearts ready to fail. We proceeded on our journey, and came within six miles of Winchester, where the English had a fort. On sixth day we had a meeting at Hopewell, which was an open time. I found my mind much engaged for the poor suffering people, but had to tell them, their greatest enemies were those of their own houses. The meeting end­ed well. We lodged at Joseph Lupton's, an ancient friend, who with his wife were very loving to us. The Indians had killed and carried away several within a few miles of their habitation; yet they did not seem much afraid; for they said, they did not so much as pull in their sneek-string of the door when they went to bed, and had neither lock nor bar. We had a meeting at Crooked-run on first day, the eighteenth of the twelfth month. It was a good meeting, the [Page 62] Lord favouring with his living presence. Glory be to his great Name for ever!

On second day we set forward through the woods, and over the hills and rocks, crossing several large creeks. We came in the evening to a man's house, called Moses Mackoy, and had a meeting there next day. They were an unsettled peo­ple, yet assented to Truth; but were not fully convinced in their minds, concern­ing the sufficiency of it, having an eye to outward shadows: 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 house of William Caroll. It was silent, though they had sent notice several miles, and many came. I told them, though I had nothing to communicate 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 house of John Mills, about ten miles off, somewhat on our way. The meeting was to good satisfaction. The Indians had killed and taken away people within two or three miles of this place, not many weeks before; but the Lord preserved us in our journey Thanks­giving and praise be to him, and that for ever!

[Page 63]Seventh day we set out towards the south parts, and lodged that night at the foot of the Blue Mountains, at a friendly man's house, having two friends to con­duct us. Next day, being the first of the week, we crossed the mountains, and towards evening came to Douglass's, and had a meeting with the family. The twenty-seventh, and third of the week, we had a meeting at Camp Creek. It was a pretty open meeting, though the sense of good is almost lost amongst them in that place, and their states much to be lamented. We lodged at Charles Mo­man's. Next day we rode fifteen miles, and lodged at Francis Clark's, and had a meeting at Fork Creek. Many people came, and sat with great attention, and the meeting was solid.

From thence we went to Jenito, where we had a meeting, and many people came, but it being silent, they seemed dissatisfied. As I had nothing to say, I was glad I could be made willing to be what the Lord saw meet to allot me. We lodged at Jane Watkins's, a widow woman, She received us kindly, and had several loving and well-inclined chil­dren. We had a meeting at Cedar Creek on seventh day, the thirty-first of the twelfth month 1757. It was a satisfacto­ry [Page 64] and good meeting. Truth had the dominion, praises be to the great Giver of every good and perfect gift!—I lodged at William Stanley's.

From thence we went to Caroline, where the meeting was on first day, the first of the first month 1758. It was a large and good meeting. The states of the people were so spoken to, that through the Lord's goodness and conde­scension, I hope may tend to his honour, and to the help of his poor creatures. We lodged at Morner Chigles's, and also at John Chigles's, one night. Next meeting we were at the Swamp. It seemed to me, as I travelled along through these parts, true religion was much want­ing among many of the professors of it. I lodged at William Johnson's. The next meeting was at the Black Creek. It was a good time to me, and hope also to some others: praises be to the great Name! I lodged at an old man's house that night. On the seventh of the week, and seventh of the month, the meeting was at White Oak Swamp, being month­ly meeting, and then rode to Curls, and lodged at John Pleasant's, a very kind friend. We were at their meeting on first day. The third of the week, and tenth of the month, had a meeting at Wion [Page 65] Oak, fourteen miles from Curls, which was satisfactory. We lodged at John Crew's, and on fourth day came back to John Pleasant's. On fifth day we rode to Robert Langley's nigh Peters­burgh, and on sixth day had a meeting at the house of a friend called Butter.

It was an acceptable time to some.

After meeting we went to Robert Langley's, where we were kindly enter­tained. On first day we were at Pattison's meeting, which was a low time with me; yet truth in some good degree did pre­vail. On second day we came to Bur­leigh, and lodged at John Honeycut's, and had a meeting at Burleigh on third day, which was to some acceptable. We lodged at Wike Honeycut's, and were at the monthly meeting at Surry-black Wa­ter, where we had good service for Truth. They being in the mixture, suffered peo­ple of other societies to sit with them in their meetings of business. I was griev­ed, and could not be easy till I had desired them to withdraw, that did not make profession with us, both from the men's, and women's meeting. I had to recom­mend to the oneness is and simplicity Truth led into, and to keep their meetings [...]or discipline, in that wisdom, power, and authority that they were at first set up in; [Page 66] that they might not join with the world's spirit, but keep themselves separate, and in the wisdom and power of God, keep the authority, and bear rule over those that were got into the mixture, and were for having those that did not profess with us to sit with them, when they transacted the affairs of the church. For some that professed Truth had encouraged this prac­tice, which tended to weaken the hands of the honest-hearted, they not having found that liberty and freedom to speak so closely to their brethren, as need re­quired. Joseph could not use that free­dom, and unbosom himself to his bre­thren, in such a manner as the case re­quired, till the Egyptians were gone out. I was glad I was there, for Truth had the dominion in the end. We lodged at Anselm Baly's. I visited all the little handfuls scattered up and down in these parts, and often had service in families. I met with Samuel Spavold, who like­wise was much engaged in the service of Truth. His labour of love in the work of the gospel was indeed great in this part of the world; those of other socie­ties being much reached by his ministry. We were truly glad to see each other; for as iron sharpeneth iron, so doth a man the countenance of his friend. We [Page 67] had several comfortable and confirming seasons together, especially at the quar­terly meeting held at Black Creek for that part of Virginia; many friends from divers places being there. I was glad to see them, but what made us more glad, and brought us nearer to one another, was, because the Lord favoured us with his presence, and filled our hearts with his pure love.

Having nigh visited all the meetings in this province, was taking my leave of many of them in time, so far as I could see them. Taking a few meetings in my way, in company with Samuel Spavold, I proceeded towards North Carolina, but left him to visit some meetings he had not been at. I went to Pinywoods, nigh Per­quimon's River, in North Carolina; and had a meeting at Pinywoods the ninth of the second month. It was large, and at­tended with the overshadowings of divine goodness. To me it was an edifying strengthening time, as I trust it was to many more. We took up our quarters at Thomas Newby's: the next day we had a meeting at Wells, which was the sixth of the week. On seventh day we were at the Old Neck; and on first day at Little River. This meeting was very large, there being a considerable body of [Page 68] friends in this part; and people of other societies attend friends meetings when there are strangers, I was helped through those large assemblies far beyond my ex­pectation. I thought myself so unfit, weak, and unworthy, that I was almost cast down in my mind before I came there; but praises and thanksgivings to him that helped me, I left them rejoicing in a sense of the Lord's goodness and mercy to my soul. I lodged two nights at Thomas Nicholson's, who mostly fa­voured me with his company whilst I was amongst them. Here my companion Thomas Lightfoot left me, and returned to Philadelphia. The last meeting I was at here, was appointed or Samuel Spa­vold. At Pinywoods we had a solid op­portunity together, many minds being truly bowed to the root of life in them­selves, and finding myself clear, may truly say, I parted with a remnant in pure love, and the unity of the one spirit.

I then set forward towards a wilder­ness country, where the inhabitants were very thin two young men accompany­ing me Our first meeting after we left Perquimons, was at John Coupeland's. There were but few friends, but people of other societies came in, who had no­tice; [Page 69] amongst whom was an officer in the army. He came to our quarters in the morning, and rode about six miles on the road towards the meeting, then turned off, and said he would go and fetch his wife. He also brought with him a com­pany of young people, who were learn­ing to dance at his house, 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 also their master, but he would not come. I said, it was so far well, but it was a pity he should encourage such vanity, as to keep a dancing-school at his house. He excused it, saying, the man owed him money, and he knew not how otherways to get it, but by letting him teach his family. I signified, he had better lose it, than have his family taught that which would be unprofitable to them; for there was a woe pronounced against such as did chant to the sound of the viol, and invented to themselves instruments of musick, like David. He said, it was the truth that they had heard spoken to-day, but acknowledged they did not walk an­swerable to it. I said, it was their own fault; for if they would take heed to the teachings of Truth in themselves it would lead them into all truth, and consequently [Page 70] out of all error, and every bye-path and way that lead to destruction

After we had refreshed ourselves, we passed his house, and he seeing us, came and invited us in, saying, he had enter­tainment for us, and should be glad of our company, and we should have a room to ourselves I acknowledged his kind­ness, but as time would not permit, we must proceed on our journey. We took our leave of him, and I thought he was so reached, as to be measureably con­vinced of the sufficiency of the blessed Truth; though his appearance, and like­wise his mind being lofty, he was not willing to submit to the low appearance of it.

Our next meeting was at Thomas Knox's, a man lately convinced: it was in a good degree satisfactory. We had very difficult roads, through great swamps and across many creeks, all through the woods: and in many places but little path to be seen. We came to Fort-River, where there is a meeting settled, of such as had been lately convinced. Many came to meeting, which was held at Henry Horn's. Some of them were un­settled in their minds, not being founded upon the sure rock; but such as seek shall find, and they that dig deep enough [Page 71] will come to the sure foundation, that the righteous have built upon in all ages of the world. Henry Horn and been a teacher among the Baptists. He seem­ed to be a steady well-disposed man, and had a few words in meetings. After I left his house, I had a meeting at Joseph Pitman's, who, with several others, was under convincement. It was an edifying season, many being sensibly touched with the love of Truth. I staid with them one night, and then went to a small meeting nigh a place called Nues▪ It was two days journey, a very difficult road to find, and none of our companions had been there before.

After this meeting, we went to Core Sound, an inlet of the sea. We had ninety miles to ride, and were altogether unacquainted with the way, having rivers, and many swamps to cross. The two young men were still my companions, Joshua Fletcher, and Francis Nixon, who were very serviceable to me through this almost uninhabited part of the world. We got to Henry Stanton's in the night, who took us in, and entertained us very kindly. When we had staid two days, had a meeting, and rested ouselves, we set forward towards the next meeting among friends, which was o [...]e hundred [Page 72] and fifty miles. But in our way we had two meetings among people of other societies. I had still no guide but the young men, who knew no more of the way than myself. But such as are used to the woods can find the way through them much better than such as are not.

The first meeting we had after we left Core-Sound, was at Permeanus Hauton's, who gave us an invitation to his house, and sent to give notice to his neighbours, though some lived several miles distant. We got to his house about the time the meeting was appointed, where we found seats placed, and every thing in such con­venient order for a meeting, as I thought I had seldom seen. His rooms being little, he had placed seats in his court­yard, and under the windows, that I believe a [...]l could sit and hear without the least troubling one another; and indeed I thought his labour and good inclination were blessed, for a solid time it was, and I found openness to declare the Truth amongst them▪ I would that all our friends, upon the like occasion, would take this man for their example, in being diligent to invite their neighbours, and to make room and accommodate them in the best manner they are capable of. It [Page 73] certainly hath a good favour, and is often attended with a blessing.

A steady friend, who had been a member among the Presbyterians, told me, that the care and pains that some friends took to invite him, and some others, was one moving cause towards his convincement. He said, he once told a young man, who had frequently invited him to our meetings when strangers came, that as he, nor any of his friends came to their meetings, he thought he would go no more. The young man answered very calmly, saying. We must not come to you, but we want you to come to us. "This," said he, ‘with the diligence friends had used without view of outward gain, affect­ed my mind, that I concluded, it must be the love of God in their hearts, that induced them to call and invite us to come to them.’ This I mention more particularly, because I have seen some that profess truth (to my grief) very deficient in this respect. We had ano­ther comfortable opportunity in the even­ing with this man and his family, and some others, that staid 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 us through the wilderness, set forward, well refresh­ed [Page 74] both in body and mind; hard things being made easy, and rough and untrod­den paths being made smooth to my mind. We had a meeting also at George Cowper's, whose wife was educated among friends. We staid one night at Wilmington, 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, so that I could find no room nor freedom to have a meeting, though several called Quakers lived there, but held no meeting, except when stran­gers came.

We crossed a branch of Cape-Fear River, and landed upon a great swamp, which was very rotten, and dangerous, by reason of the overflowing of the river; but the two young men, and a negro, whom we hired to help us, carrying boards from one place to another for the horses to tread upon, in time, and with much difficulty, we got well over. We then came again into the woods, where little path was to be seen; it likewise being rainy dark weather, we could not tell which way to go, but rode many miles, hoping we might be steering right; and just at the close of the evening, be­fore it was quite dark, we came to [...]i [...] ­tle [Page 75] house, the sight of which was satis­factory, being weary, and very wet. When we called, the man said he kept an ordinary, which we found to be true. However, we were contented with such as we found, and thankful we fared so well. We were in our direct road for the place we intended, which was Car­ver's-Creek, where we got next day, the sixth of the week, and tenth of the third month. Here was a small gathering of friends. We staid their first day meeting over, and then went to Dan's-Creek, where we found another gathering of such as call themselves friends, but had been much hurt, and scattered in their minds from the true shepherd, by an enemy that had sown tares.

Here I parted with my two good com­panions, who had travelled with me more than five hundred miles. Being nearly united together, we parted in true love. This I mention, because the Lord loves a cheerful giver, and those did, I thought, what they did, with great freedom and cheerfulness, not begrudging a little time, nor a little outward substance, for the sake of the good cause of Truth. Those will not lose their reward, for it is helping forward the work, as that of opening a door, and kindling a fire, is doing part [Page 76] of the business of the master's house; and he doth look upon it as done to him­self, if it is but that of handing a cup of cold water, as it is done in a right spirit, it will have his blessed approbation and reward. I had another companion, pro­videntially, I thought, provided here for me.

William Ferril, a public friend, hav­ing heard of my being in the country, had got himself ready against I came, and had freedom in the truth to travel with me, till I should fall in with another suitable companion; which made my travels through those lonely places much the easier. When we left his house, we set our faces towards South-Carolina, having but one meeting of friends to take in the way, which was settled upon a ri­ver called Pee-Dee, about an hundred miles from the said friend's house. This we accomplished in about two days. In the night we lodged in the woods. The few friends were truly glad to see us, they being seldom visited. We had comfort­able and refreshing seasons together, the Lord owning and favouring with his good presence, strengthened not only the inward, but the outward man also. Here I was sensibly affected with such a seal and evidence of peace in my own mind, [Page 77] that I was fully pursuaded, I was in the way of my duty: it made me go on again very cheerfully. No one can tell how good the Lord is, but such as have tast­ed, and seen his marvellous ways of working, and how he can spread a table for those, that in faithful obedience give up to his requiring, in a very wilderness; for he neither lets them want for inward, nor outward food. There is now, as well as formerly, a little remnant, that, with my soul, can set their seals to the truth of this; and can say 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 some­times, we travelled near sixty miles in a day; for when we had to lodge in the woods, we rose early, and lay down late. Our friend Clark returned home, leaving us to shift for ourselves; but my compa­nion, having some knowledge of the way, steered, I believe, a pretty straight course. When night came, we pitched our tent in a valley, where there was some grass, and a little brook of water. So when we had eaten such as our bags af­forded, and given our horses provender, and taken care of them, with what little we had, we lay ourselves down, and slept [Page 78] very sound and comfortably, being wea­ried with riding.

Next morning we were stirring by the time it was well light, and soon being ready, mounted our horses; and it was well we did so, for there came such a rain that day, that it raised the creeks and rivers so high, that if we had [...]ot got over them that night, we might have been stopped for some days. We travelled [...]il [...] late in the night, and coming to a house, desired we might have lodgings; but the master of it told us, we could not. We asked him, how far it was to another house, He said, it was but a mile, but there was a deep creek in the way, and he would not go with us, if we would give him a great deal of money. I then very earnestly desired, that he would let us stay in his house all night, and we would pay him for his trouble, and for what we had; for we had rode almost all the day in the rain, and it was a very cold rainy night. He told us, he would not let us stay there, and so left us standing without his gate. But a young man standing by, seeing and hearing what had passed, took pity on us, and said, though it was dangerous crossing the waters, he would take his horse, and go with us which he did, and we got w [...] rough, [Page 79] to the place the man had told us of. After refreshing ourselves with such as the house afforded, we took up our lodg­ings in a very cold room, such 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 rested well, and in the morning was well both in body and mind.

The fourth of the week we got to the Wateree, where several friends from Ire­land had been settled about six or seven years. We had a meeting with them, and then, with S [...] Milhouse and my companion, I set out [...]owards Charles­town. This took us most of three days, it being one hundred and thirty miles. When we came there, we found but few steady friends, yet we had some good opportunities togeth [...]r; several of the town's people also coming in. I trust our visit was of service, and tended to edifi­cation, and strengthening the two or three that dwell in that remote part of the world. However, I thought I should not be easy without paying them a visit, though I had to ride so far on purpose.

When I felt myself clear, I returned with my friends to the Wateree, and was with them at their first day meeting, and meeting for business. We had good op­portunities [Page 80] likewise in their several fami­lies, which I thought would not easily be forgotten. Then taking our leave of them in gospel-love, in which we had paid them that visit, we returned to Pee-Dee, Samuel Milhouse still accompanying us. The friends there, though their cir­cumstances in the world were but low, treated us very kindly. Their love to truth, and diligence in attending meet­ings, are worthy of notice; for they had nigh one hundred miles to go to the monthly meeting they belonged to, and I was informed very seldom missed at­tending it.

Here my companion and I parted, he returning home, and I, with Francis Clark, went towards Cane-Creek. His company was so agreeable, that time did not seem long. When night came, we took up our lodgings in the woods, and got next day to a place called Deep-River, there being several families newly settled there, but they had not yet built a meet­ing-house. We had a meeting at a friend's house, and then proceeded to Cane-Creek, where there is a large body of friends gathered thither in a few years from the several provinces. They told me they had not been settled there above ten years, but had found occasion to build [Page 81] five meeting-houses, and then wanted one or two more. I had good and seasonable opportunities among them, being freely opened in the love of the gospel, to de­clare the truth.

When I found myself easy to leave them, having had divers meetings, at Eno, and several other places, which, for brevity sake, I forbear to mention; I with Jeremiah Pickitt then set out to­wards Virginia, having nigh two hun­dred miles to travel, and had but one meeting in the way. We got to Robert Langley's on first day evening, where I staid to rest and refresh myself, after so long and tedious a journey. I then pass­ed to Curls, and travelled through Vir­ginia, having visited most of the meet­ings before, and came into Maryland. I was at their yearly meeting held at West-River. It was very large, and in the several sittings thereof overshadowed with the wing of divine power, which tended to nourish the good part, and to the gathering and settling the minds of many upon the sure foundation, and kept down that spirit which would divide in Jacob, and scatter in Israel.

We parted on fourth day in great love, some of us being nearly united in spirit. For though many, by balking their testi­mony [Page 82] against that antichristian yoke of tithes, and trading in negroes, have caused the way of Truth to be evil spoken of; yet I was sensible that the regard of heaven was towards them, and the mer­ciful hand was still stretched out, even towards the unfaithful, and backsliders, that they might be gathered. I had a travel and exercise upon my spirit for the cause of Truth, and that the great blessed and everlasting Name, which I with ma­ny more make a profession of, might not be dishonoured: the faithful are indeed as stakes in Sion, but they are but as one of a family, or two of a tribe.

I then took the meetings in my way to Pennsylvania, as Elk-Ridge, Patapsco, and Patapsco-Forest, Little-Falls, Gun­powder, and so to Deer-Creek, where our worthy friends John Churchman and his wife met me. We crossed the river Susquehannah into Pennsylvania, and so to their house. Having had many pre­cious meetings in this journey, and well cleared myself of those provinces, I was easy in my spirit, and much comforted in the Lord, that he had been pleased thus far to help me through. I tarried one night at John Churchman's; and next day, being the seventh of the week, was at New-Garden monthly meeting; on [Page 83] first day at London-Grove, where there is a large gathering of friends. It was a good opportunity, truth favouring us, we were comforted together in the Lord. On the second day, the twenty-ninth of the fifth month, I got to Philadelphia, having in this journey travelled upwards of two thousand eight hundred miles.

After my return from the southern provinces, I staid some weeks visiting meetings, and some friends families, in and about Philadelphia; and was also in the Jerseys visiting several meetings, and attended their quarterly meeting at Salem, which held three days for worship and discipline. It was an edifying time, things being conducted in a degree of the pure wisdom, and the overshadowing of divine power was witnessed by many. Then, having duly waited for the moving and putting forth of the good Shepherd, who said, ‘I put forth my sheep, and go be­fore them,’ I thought I felt a draft, and not only so, but likewise true liber­ty, to visit New-England, which I had not done before. If I had, I should have proceeded, in order to shorten my jour­ney, for it was against mine own inclina­tion to stay so long in and about one place. Therefore I set out the twenty-sixth [Page 84] of the seventh month, Isaac Green­leaf accompanying me.

My first step was to Wright's Town, where was held a general meeting for the county of Bucks. Then we crossed Delaware into New-Jersey, and took meetings in our way to New-York, then to Flushing upon Long-Island, and were at their monthly meeting. Then crossing the Bay went to their quarterly meeting at Purchase. After this, we took several meetings, as they fell in our way towards Rhode-island. I then had Robert Willis for my companion, (a friend from the Jerseys,) who had drawings in his mind that way. Many people came to our meetings in those parts, which are not closely joined in outward fellowship with us; yet are under the operation of the good hand, and in degree convinced of our principles. This, I thought, made our meetings more lively, and the spring of the gospel to flow more plentifully, to the watering the thirsty ground.

When we had visited the meetings hereabouts, and taken our leave of friends, we travelled through Connecticut govern­ment, having but one or two meetings in the way. The Presbyterians, who formerly in those parts were very rigid and bitter against friends, are now become [Page 85] more loving, and treated us very kindly. I had great drawings of the Father's love towards them, believing his secret hand was at work to bring them from the barren mountains of their lifeless pro­fession, to serve the living God in new­ness of life. We came to Leicester, where there is a little handful that go under our name. We had a meeting with them on first day, the twentieth of the eighth month. We were refreshed together, being strengthened in the God of our salvation. Then we had a meet­ing at Bolton, about thirty miles from thence, where we met with Samuel Spa­vold, in his return towards Pennsylvania, he having visited most of the meetings in New-England. We had a good season together. Then saluting one another in that unity and fellowship which brethren and fellow-labourers 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 Moses Aldrige's, and had a meeting next day; so on to Wainsockit, where we had a meeting. The weather being very hot, many people were nigh fainting; but praises be to the great Name, the meeting concluded well.

[Page 86]On first day we were at Providence yearly meeting, which is only for worship. It was very large, and tended to the ga­thering and staying people's minds on Christ, the chief corner stone, and rock of ages; for Truth had the dominion, and the Lord's power was felt. We had our outward entertainment at Stephen Hopkins's, then Governor of Rhode-Island. He and his wife treated us with hearty kindness. We had meetings at Cranston, Warwick, and East-Green­wich, then upon Conanicut-Island. We then crossed the river, and came to New­port; and attended both their meetings on first day, which were large; a great number residing thereabouts, who go un­der our name. But, with sorrow of heart may it be said, in the time of ease and plenty, many have taken their flight.

We left Newport on third day, and had a meeting at Portsmouth, in which we had good service for Truth. Then crossing the Bay, had a meeting at Free­town 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 several meetings, and by his own industry, with the help of some friends, had purchased his freedom, that he might attend meet­ings; [Page 87] having, for some time, been con­vinced of the blessed Truth, which he much prized, and told me, as he had been obedient to the operation of it, which worketh by love, he found him­self engaged in his mind to exhort his fellow-creatures to come to the good prin­ciple in themselves; that they, by yield­ing obedience, might know a being saved by it; or to that effect. This I could not gainsay, nor discourage; but desired him to be faithful to the manifestation of Truth in his own heart, and the measure of Grace he had received. We parted in love and good will, being brethren of one Father.

Our next meeting was at Little Crans­ton, after which I parte [...] with several friends, in the unity of the one Spirit, which had brought us into nearness and fellowship with each other; they return­ing to their places of abode, and I with my companion, and a young man who accompanied us several weeks, still kept forward. I was enabled to labour through these parts beyond all outward expectati­on; for though the meetings were large, by reason of great comings in of other people, I found that gracious promise fulfilled; ‘As the day is, so shall thy strength be.’ We were at Accoakeset. [Page 88] New-Town, and Dartmouth or Aponi­ganset, and had a meeting at each place. The last meeting, I thought, did not consist of less than eight hundred people. We had at Cushnett, Rochester, Taun­ton, and Freetown, many living and good opportunities to declare Truth in the free extendings of Gospel-love; also at Swan­sey, on a first day, had a satisfactory op­portunity. Whilst we were visiting those places, we took up our quarters at Paul Osbourn's, who often accompanied us from one meeting to another, his heart being free and open towards his friends, and to serve Truth.

Having well cleared ourselves, we went tow [...]rds the yearly meetings at Boston, Lynn, and Salem, the twenty-second of the ninth month. They began at Boston. I do not remember I had seen so much stillness and gravity in so great an assem­bly, as I observed there. It consisted of people of different persuasions. We have great cause to bow, in humble thank­fulness, to the God of all our mercies, that he hath been pleased to make way for his people, to enjoy their religious meetings without the least molestation, in this and many other places, where our worthy friends formerly suffered sore per­secution, by long imprisonment, griev­ous [Page 89] whippings, spoiling of goods, and some of them laid down their lives for the testimony of a good conscience: and though our God be a gracious, merciful, and long-suffering God, yet he will take vengeance on all the workers of iniquity, and the day of his wrath will break forth like a consuming fire, in a time when it is not looked for. As he said, so he will do; "For," said he, ‘I am a jealous God, visiting the sins of the fathers upon the children, unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and shewing mercy unto thou­sands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.’ So it is plain the Lord is equal in all his ways: for, concerning those that are the offspring of that hard-hearted, wicked, and perverse generation, that persecuted and shed the blood of the innocent servants of the Lord, if they do but turn to him with their whole hearts, so as to love him, and keep his commandments, they will surely [...]d mercy: but, if they continue in a state of rebellion, and hardness of heart, and sin against his light and good spirit in their hearts, as did their fore-fathers, he will visit them with his judgments for their iniquities; and for the sins which they and their fore-fathers have commit­ted, [Page 90] he will pour forth the cup of his in­dignation without mixture.

After those yearly meetings, we, with several friends, went towards the yearly meeting at Dover, and Cachecy, taking several meetings in the way, as at Ips­wich, where no friends lived; but we got leave to have a meeting in their court­house. It was disturbed by a man stand­ing up, when I was in testimony who said, that I struck at the foundation of their principles. He was a very hot man, and held the doctrine of absolute predes­tination. I told him, Truth struck at the unsound foundation; but, as he was in heat and anger, not fit to dispute about religious matters, he sat down, and a wo­man sharply reproved him for his rude behaviour, she being grieved that the meeting should be disturbed; for it was in a good frame. Several of the people, I believe, were ashamed of his conduct. After a little silence, a friend stood up, and had a good opportunity. Then I had to clear myself of what was upon my mind, and the people being still and at­tentive, the meeting concluded well. The man who had opposed me shrunk away, and I saw him no more, though I looked for him, and in coolness thought to have had a little further discourse with [Page 91] him. That night we went to Newberry, where we had a meeting, much to my comfort and satisfaction. We had meet­ings also at Amesbury, Hampton, and Dover. Friends had been sorely wound­ed and scattered in their minds hereaway, by an unstable spirit. Those yearly ga­therings were large, and I hope tended to the honour of Truth. We went next to Barwick, and had several meetings there; travelled through the woods to Casco, where we had an opportunity with friends, and such as attend their meet­ings.

We crossed 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 northermost settlement of friends upon the continent. We returned by Boston, having several meetings in our way; and from thence to Pembroke, Sandwich, Yarmouth upon Cape Cod, Suckanessit, Wood's Hole, and thence took passage to Nantucket. We staid upon that island about a week, visiting friends in their families, and had several public meetings with them. It was an exercising time to me, finding the true seed, or life of re­ligion suffering much, by reason of strife and divisions. I left them sorrowfully, [Page 92] because I thought the root of bitterness was not removed, though I was com­forted in several meetings among them with the shedding abroad of divine favour, which strengthened me in the discharge of my duty; and indeed there is a living remnant still among them, which I cha­ritably hoped would be preserved in the innocency and simplicity of the un [...]hang­able Truth. Several Indians were there, natives of the island. I had a desire to have a meeting among them, and ac­quainted them with it, which they freely consented to; and at the time appointed their priest was waiting for us, with his meeting-house doors open, and said, he would have me go up into the place where he used to preach. I told him, I chose to fit below with my friends. I had a living open time among them, to set forth the necessity there was for them to turn their minds to the grace of God in their own hearts, a measure whereof they, as well as others, had received, according to the apostle's doctrine; which, if they gave good heed unto, and yielded obe­dience, according to the manifestation thereof, would bring salvation. The meeting ended in prayer and praises to Almighty God for his great mercy and loving-kindness to mankind, in sending [Page 93] his Son to be a light to enlighten the Gentiles, and for his salvation to the ends of the earth. Solidity appeared in their countenances, and they behaved with sobriety, very becoming the occasion of our assembling together. I should be glad there was more of it to be seen. among those that profess Christianity.

We parted with them in the love of the Gospel, which I felt in my heart to­wards them. The wind coming fair▪ we took our leave of friends, and went on board a vessel, a friend named William Hussey being master. In the evening of the same day we landed upon an island called Marthas Vineyard. We quartered at a man's house that called himself by our name, and I thought he had some zeal for Truth, and the promotion of it; for after he understood we had a desire to have a meeting, he hastened and cal­led in his neighbours, and a solid good time we had together.

The next morning, being favoured with a fair wind, we crossed the Sound to Dartmouth, and landed nigh the meet­ing-house, where we met with several friends, who had attended the quarterly meeting. The meeting ended that day, we had a confirming sweet opportunity together, in waiting upon the Lord be­fore [Page 94] we parted with them, and those that came from Nantucket. Next day we got to Freetown and in the evening had a good opportunity at the house 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 visiting; some of his own colour, and was returning to Newport, where he lived; but in his way he said, he thought he must go by Abraham Bar­ker's, though out of his way, not know­ing we were come from Nantucket. When he saw us, he seemed to be almost overcome with joy, and was of service to us; for we wanted to send somebody over the Bay, either that night, or early next morning, to appoint a meeting for us at Portsmouth upon the island; and none readier and more willing than poor Caesar; for he was stirring so soon in the morning, that he gave full notice up and down the island. So we had a large ga­thering collected in due time, though the time to give notice in was so short, and seasonable advice was handed forth. From thence we went to Newport with our friend Thomas Richardson, with whom we had lodged when there before, and were at their monthly meeting; we staid with them also on first day. Our [Page 95] meetings were richly favoured with the free extendings of divine power and wis­dom; so that I was truly thankful I had been helped to get through the various difficult paths I had to tread in this un­stable part of the world.

On second day we left Newport, and crossed the river to Conannicut Island, where a meeting was appointed for us; wherein we were well refreshed together, and the conclusion was in prayer and sup­plication for each other's growth, preser­vation, and establishment in the blessed Truth. We here parted with some friends of Rhode-Island, under a sense of divine favour, and in the uniting love of the Gospel, which had caused us to be near one unto another. Then crossing the river upon the main land, we had meetings at Kingwood, Peries, Richmond, and Hopkinton, and so passed through Naraganset, till we came to Westerby Lower, the last meeting in those parts we had to visit. We took our leave of those friends that accompanied us in great good will; then travelled through the lower part of Connecticut government, crossing many rivers, and the weather extreme cold. It was hard for me to bear; but praises be to the great Name, I was pre­served [Page 96] in health, and my natural strength did not at all fail.

When we had travelled hard about three days, we came again among friends; and on sixth day had a meeting at Ino­marance. It was to me a good time; for the bread that refresheth the hungry soul was broken. We then crossed over to Long-Island, and were at the meeting at Flushing on first day, the twentieth of the eleventh month. On third day we had a meeting at Cow-neck; on fourth day at Westbury. Lukewarmness and indifference had much prevailed in many places among the professors of Truth. I had often to bear my testimony for the blessed Truth against earthly-mindedness, and all the deceitful and false coverings of the flesh, which had been the cause of it. I returned back to Flushing, in order to be at their quarterly meeting, which began on seventh day for ministers and elders. It was attended with a degree of divine favour, to the comforting of our souls. Those meetings were measurably blessed with the presence of the great and good Master of our assemblies, and his voice was heard by some, to speak as ne­ver man spake; and we had to conclude in humble supplication to him for his help, and the continuation of his mercy, in [Page 97] visiting and turning the hearts of his peo­ple to himself. I then visited the meet­ings upon the island, which I had not yet been at, and had meetings at Rockway, and again at Westbury monthly meeting, where I was closely exercised on Truth's account; but was helped to clear myself of what lay upon my mind, and came away easy.

I then went to Bethphage, and had meetings also at Sickatauge and Oyster­bay, where there had been a large meet­ing, but now much declined; yet we had a large meeting, accompanied with Divine Power, to my great comfort. On first day I was at Jericho. The meet­ing consisted of several hundreds of people, who heard the Truth declared with great attention, the power of it be­ing over all, to the praise of Israel's God. Passing through New-York, I staid their meeting; then crossed over by way of Staten-Island, to Rahway in East-Jersey, where I had a meeting with friends, and some others, that came in, to the edifi­cation and comfort of several, myself in particular; being therein strengthened and encouraged to go forward in the fu­ture service I might be engaged in. We lodged at Joseph Shotwell's, and on sixth day had a meeting at Plainfield. It was [Page 98] but small, by reason of short notice, yet favoured with the overshadowings of di­vine favour; for which our souls were inwardly bowed to the Father of all our mercies.

I rode to Whitpiny on seventh day to the quarterly meeting, which began on first day. It was a good satisfactory time with us. I staid there on second day, and was at the preparative meeting, which was satisfactory, divers things being opened and delivered in the pure wisdom concerning the things of God, and the good order established in his church. I had some good seasonable opportunities in some friends families; and on third day had a meeting at Rahway appoint­ed for those of other societies; which was to good satisfaction. On fourth day we went to the Great Meadows, where we had a meeting with the friends there, amongst whom is a living remnant. We were made to rejoice together, in a true sense of the shedding abroad of Divine Love in our hearts. On fifth day I went to Kingwood monthly meeting. I had some service there for Truth, in recom­mending to the good order of the Gos­pel in each branch of our Christian dis­cipline; which I observed to be much wanting among them. On sixth day I [Page 99] had a meeting at Amwell, at the house of Gershom Motts. It was an open time, Truth in a good degree prevailing. On first day had a meeting at Croswick's; a close searching t [...]e it was, many states being opened in the love of the Gospel. On second 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 states of the peo­ple in a close 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 praise of Israel's God. On fifth day I went to Little Egg-Har­bour, and had a meeting there next day, in which I was enabled to clear myself in a good degree, and came away easy.

We crossed the river in the evening to Great Egg-Harbour. The weather being very cold, and having much ice, our journey was attended with some 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 seventh day, held at a [Page 100] friend's house, by reason of the extreme cold season. We had a solemn comfort­able time together, and after meeting rode to the other meeting, along the Bay shore, towards Cape-May, which was on first day, the twenty-fourth of the twelfth month 1758. It was a close exercising time with me. The frost was so sharp, we could not cross the Bay to Cape-May, but were obliged to ride round to a bridge, where we crossed the river; which was about forty miles out of the way, and being strangers to the road, we met with much difficulty through the woods, and there was no beaten path to be seen for some miles. I saw that the friend, who pretended to be our guide, was going wrong, and told him, if we took that course, it would lead us much out of the way; for I was very uneasy, Upon which he took out his compass, and finding it so, altered his course to that which I thought lay towards the road. I then found my mind quite easy, and said, I thought we should soon find it, which so happened. I said not much to the friends, but was thankful to the Lord, to find he was pleased to draw my mind towards the way we wanted to go.

Night coming on, with much rain, we lodged at a tavern, and next morning got [Page 101] to William Townsend's, where we had two meetings to pretty good satisfaction. On seventh day we rode about forty miles to John Reeves at Greenwich, were at the meeting on first day, the thirty-first of the twelfth month, and had good service for Truth. In that place there is a promising appearance, among the youth, of the prosperity of Truth. Second day, the first of the first month, we had a meet­ing at Alloway'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 Alloway's Creek, where I was led to several states in a close manner, and came away much refreshed in the Lord: praises be to his great Name for evermore! I had a meet­ing at Salem on fourth day, there being a marriage, and the new wine was hand­ed forth, which made several rejoice un­der a seme of divine favour communicat­ed unto our souls. On fifth day I had a meeting at Pile's Grove. It was large, several of other societies being there, I was opened in the free extendings of Gospel love to their souls. It was a good time to many, magnified be the God of our salvation! On sixth day I had a meet­ing at Woodbury, which was a solid good time.

[Page 102]The sixth of the first month I went to Haddonfield, and lodged at the widow Eastaugh's, where I was very kindly en­tertained. On first day I went to Eves­ham meeting, where I had been before, and had service for Truth in the love of the Gospel. Haddonfield monthly meet­ing being on second day, I staid there, and had an exercise on my mind for the honour, promotion, and prosperity of the blessed Truth, and that all might act in the wisdom, power, and life, and might know self 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 blessings flow.

I want to Philadelphia on third day, but finding my mind drawn towards the Eastern shore of Maryland, I set out again on fifth day, the eleventh of the first month, and reached Wilmington that night. I lodged at William Shipley's, when at Wilmington, and having seen his wife Elizabeth, when in Old England, in the service of Truth, the remembrance of which had often been revived upon my mind, as believing her to be a mother in Israel, and a sanctified vessel fitted for the master's use, I could not but rejoice to see [Page 103] her again, and find her alive in the Truth, now in her declining years. Our next meeting was at the head of Sassafrass. It was a hard time with me the fore part of the meeting; yet I came away well satisfied, Truth favouring towards the conclusion, to the honour and praise of Israel's God. After meeting I went home with Joshua Vansant's, where I lodged.

The next meeting was at Cecil. I was was exceeding poor and low, and deeply exercised in my mind, but was helped over all, and beyond all thought and ex­pection of my own; for I think, I may say in sincerity, I had no trust nor confi­dence, save in the Lord alone, who hi­therto hath been my rock, and my strong tower, my sure helper in every needful time. May I, with all mine, put our trust in him, hath often been the earnest prayer and supplication of my soul. I had a meeting at Queen Ann's, which ended well, the Lord's power being felt among us, to our comfort. I lodged at — Furner's, where we had a meet­ing with the family, and several others who came in▪ I hope it might tend in some degree to stir up the careless, and warn the unfaithful. The twenty-first of the first month I had a meeting at Tuck­ahoa. [Page 104] It was small, but attended with good, the Lord favouring us with his presence, according to his gracious pro­mise.

On first day I crossed Choptank-River over to Marshy Creek, and was at their meeting. I was much comforted, and had peace in the discharge of what I be­lieved to be my duty; though I travelled in great fear, and much weakness at times. I was at Choptank meeting on second day, which was silent; yet I came away easy, with sweetness upon my mind, having been strenthened in my silent wait­ing. I had a meeting on third day at the Third-Haven, where I was sensibly af­fected with the states of those that were not willing to take up the cross to their corrupt wills and inclinations; and had to bear testimony against unfaithfulness, disobedience, truth-breakers, and such as brought dishonour upon the Truth, and our holy profession. I felt the love of the Gospel flow freely, even towards the backsliders; and in it warning them, I came away sweetly comforted in my spirit. Fourth day I went to the Bay side, where we had a meeting on fifth day, with a few lukewarm professors. I had to exhort them to more diligence in keeping up their meetings, and waiting therein, that [Page 105] they might know the renewing of strength in the Lord, and be enabled to worship him (as he is a Spirit) in Spirit and in Truth. On seventh day I was at the quarterly meeting of ministers and elders at Third Haven, where I had some ser­vice for Truth. On first day I was again at Tuckahoa meeting, Truth favouring, in the love of the Gospel, many divine truths were opened to the edification and comfort of our souls; and ended in hum­ble supplication and prayer to Almighty God for his help, strength, and preserva­tion in the way of truth and righteous­ness. On third day I was at Third-Ha­ven, at the quarterly meeting, where se­veral friends had good service for the Truth, in the love of which we were comforted together in the Lord, and helped to bear testimony against those things which are crept in by reason of unfaithfulness among the professors of Truth. On fourth day, the thirty-first of the first month, I, with several friends, went towards Lewis-Town. On sixth day had a meeting at Cold-Spring, where is a poor company of indifferent luke­warm professors. On seventh day I had a meeting at Motherkiln, which was pretty large, and attended with the [Page 106] shedding abroad of divine love to the people.

I was at Little-Creek on first day, where we were comforted together in the Lord. Here is a promising pro­spect among the young people of the prosperity of Truth. I was at Duck-Creek meeting on second day, which was small, yet a living open time to se­veral. Thence I passed to George's Creek, where I had a meeting; and so to Wilmington, where I met with Samuel Spavold, who embarked for England on fifth day, the eighth of the second month 1759. I staid the monthly meeting, which was that day, in which I was large­ly opened to the states of several, things being much out of order, by reason of a difference which had happened among them. I came away I thought clear, and easy in my mind. On seventh day, the tenth of the second month, I was at Co [...] ­cord quarterly meeting for ministers and elders, which was solid, and much good advice was handed forth. On first day I was at Kennet, and had large openings to the people, in the free extendings of the line of Truth's way. On second day was again at Concord quarterly meeting for worship and discipline, in which Truth's testimony went forth against dis­orderly [Page 107] gainsayers, and libertine spirits. I had a word of comfort and consolation also to the weak feeble mourners in Zion. Things closed well, and we parted re­freshed 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 second month, I had a meeting at Birmingham. I felt the Lord was with us, helping and mak­ing way by his own power; praises be to his great Name for ever!

After meeting, we crossed 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 second month, I had a meeting at Center, in New castle county. I was glad and thankful in my mind, to feel myself fully given up to what the good hand was pleased to give forth, ei­ther to speak, or be silent. On sixth day I had a meeting at Hockesson, which was pretty large, and in degree favoured; yet could not say I rejoiced, for in that place I felt the seed suffered, as well as in many other places, where my lot hath been cast of late; especially among the elders, and those that should be the fore­most rank in religion. I could not help [Page 108] mourning in secret, at times, under a sense of the relapsed state of the church of Christ in many places. How depart­ed from the innocency and simplicity, and decking herself with her own ornaments of self-righteousness, and also stained and spotted with the world, and the filth of the flesh! On seventh day I was at the meeting for ministers and elders, held at London Grove for that quarter, and also at their meeting on first day, which was blessed with the company of him that dwelt in the bush; for his sacred fire was kindled in our hearts, with living desires, that the mount of Esau might be consum­ed. On second day (after a solemn hum­bling season together, in true spiritual worship, which ended with thankfulness and living praises to Almighty God) the affairs of the church were carried on, and transacted in brotherly love, and conde­scension towards one another. We had also a comfortable and confirming time together on third day, at our farewell meeting, which being a fresh seal of the Father's love, and continued regard for his church and people, in uniting and making us to rejoice together in him, it will remain, I hope, upon many minds, with gratitude to the great Giver of every good gift.

[Page 109]Whilst I was here I lodged one night at John Smith's, an ancient friend, who had kept his place well in the Truth, and also at Joshua Pusey's, a good solid friend, who had a hopeful offspring. Hence I went to West-Caln, and lodged at George Singular's, and was at the meeting on fourth day, the twenty-first of the second month. It was an exercis­ing time with me, yet I could not say but I thought Truth had the dominion. Af­ter meeting I crossed Brandywine, and went to East-Caln, and was at the meet­ing on fifth day, the twenty-second of the second month, which proved an helpful edifying season to many. I went after meeting to Downing's Town, and had an evening meeting at a friend's house, which was thought by some to good ser­vice. On sixth day I had a meeting at Nantmil, after which I felt easy in my spirit, notwithstanding I had close and hard labour. On seventh day I had a meeting at Pikeland, which was a water­ing time, for the Lord hath a living seed in that place, which in his own time he will raise up to the praise of his own great Name!

On first day I was at Uwchlan meeting. It was large, and attended with a good degree of divine favour, which made it [Page 110] satisfactory to many, though not so open to me as at some other times. Our next was at the Forest, or Robinson's. I was much exercised to recommend to an in­ward waiting, which by many professors 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-house, or court­house, where several soldiers came, and many of the town's people, who behaved very soberly; the good power of Truth coming over all, and prevailing, many minds were humbled and brought low. It was a good time, especially to some of the soldiers, who were reached by the invisible power of Truth. The meeting ended in praises and thankfulness to the Almighty, for his unspeakable favours; who is over all, worthy for evermore!

After meeting we went to Maiden-Creek, where we had a meeting on sixth day. It was large, and to tolerable good satisfaction. We lodged at Moses Star's. On first day we had a meeting at the Great Swamp. It was a living satisfactory time to several; and, in general, an edi­fying season. I dined, after meeting, at Morris Morris's, the husband of the worthy Susanna Morris, and then rode [Page 111] to Plumstead, where we had a meeting on second day, the fifth of the third month. The good power of Truth was also felt among us in this meeting, to the edification and comfort of our souls. On third day I was at Buckingham monthly meeting, in which I was favoured with the pure life and fresh spring of the Gos­pel, which ran freely in the love of it.

Here is a large body of people in this province of Pennsylvania, the elders of which are too much in the outward court, which is only trodden by the Gentiles, or such as are in the spirit of the world; yet a young and rising generation is here, as well as in several other places where my lot hath been cast, since I came into this land, whom the Lord hath visited by his power and good Spirit in their hearts, which, as they take good heed in yield­ing obedience to, and bring all things into the obedience of Christ, will crucify all their inordinate desires, evil thoughts, and imaginations, and enable them to bring forth the fruits of the Spirit, which are love, joy, peace, gentleness, meek­ness, long-suffering, and goodness: against these there is no law. I have often tra­vailed for them since I have been among them, lest the labours of love, which have long been bestowed on thee, Oh [Page 112] America! thou favoured of the Lord! lest they should be bestowed on thee in vain; and thou, instead of bringing forth fruits to the praise of the great Husband­man, should bring forth wild grapes, fruits of the flesh, such as he can in no wise take delight in; and instead of a blessing, draw down a curse, and provoke him to take away the hedge of his pro­tection, and thou be trodden down and laid waste by the devourer; and for thy ingratitude, disobedience, and unfaithful­ness to him, even command his clouds not to rain upon thee any more. But mayst thou never harden thine heart, and stiffen thy neck against so tender a Fa­ther, who hath so long nursed and fed thee; so merciful a God, who hath oft [...] pardoned thine iniquities, though they have been as a thick cloud. He hath so visited thee, in mercy sparing, and wait­ing thy return, that if thou return not with thy whole heart, his anger and in­dignation certainly will break forth against thee, and so as not to be quenched; no, though thou mayst make many prayers, and spread forth thine hands, he will not hear nor regard; inasmuch as thou hast hated instruction, and did not choose the fear of the Lord, but hast set at nought all his counsel, and would not take heed [Page 113] to, nor regard the secret reproofs of in­struction in thine own heart. He will also laugh at thy calamity, and even mock when thy fear cometh; when thy desola­tion is unavoidable, and thy destruction as swift 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, justice, and true judgment, may run down in the streets of thine heart like a mighty stream: then shall thy peace be as a river, or as the waves of the sea, that never can be dried up.

I was at Wright's Town on fourth day. It was an exercising and low time with me, but I trust Truth did not suffer on my account. On fifth day I was at Make­ [...]d. It was a living and precious time with us in the meeting, Truth's power prevailing to the dividing the word aright. The sense of which is cause of true thank­fulness to the humble-hearted. I had a meeting at the Falls on sixth day, to solid satisfaction; and afterwards rode to Bristol, and had a meeting on seventh day, the 10th of the third month. I was glad Truth in some good degree had the dominion. I staid the meeting on first day, the eleventh of the third month. [Page 114] This was a good time to us; the Lord's power was over all, to the praise of his own great Name!

On second day I had a meeting at Abington, in which I was favoured with the openings of Truth, in the spring of the Gospel, to the exhorting all to faith­fulness, even the rebellious, and gain­sayers; that they might come to know salvation to their souls through Christ. My next meeting was at Horsham, which was large; in which Truth favouring, it was made a precious time to many, as I then felt. On fourth day I had a meeting at Gwynedd or North-Wales, where there is a pretty large body of friends; the fight of whom, in many places, and the sense of divine favour still extended towards them, was cause of hun [...] thankfulness. On fifth day, the fifteenth of the third month, I got to Philadelphia, having in this visit been absent from thence about nine weeks. I made my home, whilst there, with the widow Rachel Pemberton and her son John, worthy friends; she a mother in Israel, and a great care-taker of the poor servants who have been sent, not only in opening the door, and kin­dling the fire, but in ministring every thing that she thought might be a help [Page 115] and service to them in their journey; for which, I am fully persuaded in my mind, she, with many others, will not lose their reward. ‘Inasmuch as ye did it unto one of those little ones’ (saith our dear Lord) ‘that believe in my Name, ye did it unto me.’

The thirty-first of the third month I left Philadelphia again, in order to visit a few meetings in Chester county which I had not yet been at. On first day I was at Providence meeting, which was a good and satisfactory opportunity, the state of things much opened, and our minds in a good degree humbled, under a lively sense of divine favour. I was at Concord on second day. John Churchman also being there, was very helpful to settle the minds of some, who had gone into jangling about some things which had happened among them. This being their monthly meeting, we left them to appear­ance in a pretty quiet frame of mind, and things ended well. After meeting I rode towards Haverford, and on third day was at Haverford meeting, which was well. On fourth day I was at Darby meeting. It was an exercising time to me, things being much out of order, some differing in their judgment concern­ing what was, and what was not, con­sistent [Page 116] with our religious principles in re­gard to military service, in which several who go under our name, had been med­dling and concerning themselves. This brought great exercise and trouble on the faithful. A grievous refractory libertine spirit I saw appeared; yet it was in a good degree kept down, and Truth, in some good measure, had the dominion.

On fifth day, the fifth of the fourth month, I was at Springfield. It was a large good seasonable opportunity to ma­ny. On sixth day I was at Newtown meeting; in which Truth's way was largely opened, and livingly set forth in the power of it, to the humbling, and solid satisfaction of many: a day to be remembered by the sensible. After meeting I went to George Miller's, where I had been before; a very kind friend. On first day I was at Middletown meet­ing. It was a large gathering, and Truth had the dominion over all; though many dry professors were listening and longing after words, which sometimes hath caused the living stream to be withheld for a sea­son; yet the great goodness and conde­scension of a merciful God is wonderful, in that he is pleased to cause the living stream of the gospel ministry to issue and break forth in a wonderful manner, to [Page 117] the refreshing of his own heritage. The glory and honour, with living praises, be given to him, and that for evermore!

I had an evening meeting at the school-house; it also was an opportunity of good to our souls, which were refreshed toge­ther in the Lord. Isaac Greenleaf of Philadelphia being with me, on second day, we were at Goshen meeting, which was attended with good; Truth in some good degree favouring. We lodged at Aaron Ashbridge's, and on third day had a meeting at Bradford. We were much hindered in our way by the waters being much out, and a friend was in great dan­ger of being carried away, but was pre­served. We got to meeting, though friends had been gathered an hour, or more. It proved a good season; the Lord had companion on us, and caused his Gospel rain to descend on the thirsty ground, to the refreshing of that which was of his own right hand planting, and also to the placing judgment upon the un­righteous part, and all the fruits thereof. I came away thankful in my spirit to the Lord, for his great goodness to his poor people; because I saw his mercy and lov­ing-kindness endure for ever.

On fourth day we had a meeting at the Great Valley, in which I perceived [Page 118] the extendings of good was offered, even to the gainsayers and rebellious: a mercy unspeakable! After meeting we went to a friend's house, 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 weakness, I thought I had some service for Truth. On sixth day I had a meeting at Merrion, which was not an unprofitable season, I trust, to several. I returned that day to Philadelphia, and on seventh day, with John Pemberton, I rode to Plymouth, and was at that meet­ing. On first and second day at New-Providence. On third day returned again to Philadelphia, with some degree of sa­tisfaction, and attended their week-day meeting, there being a marriage. Seve­ral did rejoice under a renewed sense of the ancient power and loving kindness of our heavenly Father's tender regard, in that he was pleased to cause his love and life-giving presence to be felt amongst us, to the refreshing the sincere and up­right hearted. Glory and praise be to his great Name; for he is worthy for ever!

I staid in and about Philadelphia be­twixt three and four weeks, in which time I attended meetings as they came [Page 119] in course, and also paid several religious visits to families, as I fo [...]nd my mind drawn in the movings of Truth: in all which service, though but small in com­parison of some others, I found my spirit favoured with sweetness, and a degree of peace. Whilst I waited here, supposing my service to be mostly over upon the continent, having paid a general visit, I unexpectedly, and pretty suddenly, felt a strong draught towards Barbadoes, or the West-India Islands. I acquainted friends therewith, and made some essay for a passage, yet saw not my way quite clear; but in waiting felt my way open towards the Jerseys, and on the twelfth of the fifth month I, with John Pem­berton, went to Mount-Holly, and was at the two-weeks meeting on first day: and on second day at More's-Town, where a meeting was appointed for two friends, who were on their way towards Salem yearly meeting, where I was also with them. On third day John Pemberton left me at Ancocas, which meeting was in a good degree satisfactory, and also to the honour of Truth, the edification of the Lord's people, and the praise of his great Name! On third day evening I came to my worthy and well-esteemed friend Elizabeth Eastaugh's, where I [Page 120] lodged. On fourth day I was at a meet­ing at Haddonfield; on fifth day at Wood­bury; sixth day at Solomon Lippincot's; seventh day at Piles-Grove. All these meetings, I thought, had a good tenden­cy to the edification of the churches, and ended well. Thanksgiving and praise be to him that lives and abides for ever­more!

The nineteenth of the fifth month 1759, the yearly meeting for worship at Salem began, where we were much comforted together, in the enjoyment of divine goodness. The free extendings of the Gospel-spring flowed plentifully, to the watering the heritage of God; the sense whereof bowed many with humble reve­rence, in praises to his great and everlast­ing Name, who is worthy for ever! The twenty-fifth we had a meeting at Eves­ham, and went next day to Mount-Holly, where also we had a meeting; on seventh day to Croswicks, where their quarterly meeting began for ministers and elders. On first day I was at Bordentown in the fore part of the day, and at Tren [...]on in the evening; at which meetings we were measurably comforted. On second day I was at Croswicks again, at the meetings for worship and discipline, wherein Truth favoured us in a good degree. On third [Page 121] day the meeting was very large, and I was deeply engaged for the honour of Truth's cause, there being a loose liber­tine spirit amongst some who go under the name of friends, yet never came under the yoke of Christ, to know the deeds of the body to be mortified; but live at ease in the gratification of their heart's lusts, and cause the way of Truth to be evil spoken of. My concern was chiefly to such as live at ease in Zion, and to the backsliders in Israel, yet I had a word of comfort to the mourners in Zion, and the heavy-hearted in Jerusalem, that they might hold on their way. I was glad of so seasonable an opportunity, wherein I was led to speak so closely to the states of many, in true Gospel-love, which was as a seal of divine favour.

Upon our taking leave of each other, we committed one another to the Lord, and parted in great love, and true Gos­pel-fellowship. I then crossed Delaware at the Falls, in order to see my friends once more in Bucks county, where there is a large body, and got to my worthy friend John Scarborough's on fourth day, with whom I had travelled several weeks both in the Jerseys and Maryland. I had great satisfaction in his company, he be­ing a man of a good understanding, a [Page 122] tender spirit, and very serviceable in the church. The quarterly meeting for mi­nisters and elders began at Buckingham on fourth day, the thirtieth of the fifth month, which I attended, and also on fifth day a meeting for worship and dis­cipline, and I thought different sentiments were getting in amongst them. It great care is not taken to keep to Truth's teachings, and the une [...]ring guidance of it, which will subdue and keep down all unruly spirits, there will be great trouble and uneasiness, if not separation, in many places: for I saw an evil spirit of dissen­tion was got into the church, and in the ways of its workings, it appeared in di­vers shapes, in order to draw after it the hearts of the simple, and such as, like itself, are unstable; for it is an unstable spirit, and by this it may be known, and such as are led into its ways, and own its workings. For they will be restless, not easy, under the cross; but will cast off the yoke of Christ, and go from his teachings, meekness, and humility, into a haughty proud spirit▪ which is rough, full of hatred and envy, despiseth counsel, and will not bear reproof. This spirit, I thought, I perceived working in the my­stery of iniquity; but its time is not yet fully come to bring forth its monstrous [Page 123] birth. The Lord's mercy is very great to his people, for this seed of the serpent hath hitherto been crushed, and put by, in its puttings forth; and the true seed, though through hard labour and travail, hath been brought forth into dominion, to the praise of Israel's God.

This quarterly meeting consisted of several hundreds, mostly a young genera­tion. The gracious extendings of divine goodness was felt, and Truth's power did prevail over all the powers and spirits of darkness. I was glad I was here, and my spirit did rejoice in the Lord, the God of my salvation. After meeting on sixth day I went home with Samuel Wilson. On first day I was at Plumstead meeting, which was attended with good, the power of Truth prevailing. In the evening I was at a meeting nigh Buckingham, at a school-house. It was a large gathering, and we were much comforted and refresh­ed together in the Lord. I was at their monthly meeting at Buckingham on se­cond day, the fourth of the sixth month, in which, through the prevalence and owning of Truth, which came over the minds of the people, things were carried on well, both in the time of divine wor­ship, and in transacting of the affairs of the church; for the power of Truth kept [Page 124] down all restless and unruly spirits, which at times are putting up their heads in op­position to the testimony thereof, and are for trampling all discipline under foo [...] I was deeply exercised in my spirit before the Lord at times, that I might be kept in the innocency, meekness, and pure wisdom. Some being as I thought, righteous over-much, I was afraid lest they should destroy themselves, and so dishonour the cause of Truth, which they at times had so zealously contended for.

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 exercise; yet things ended well, I came away satisfied, and thankful in my heart to the Lord, for hi [...] unspeakable mercies. The Falls monthly meeting being on fourth day, I was there also, had some service for Truth, and parted with several friends in much love and tenderness, we not expect­ing to see each other again in mutability. On fifth day I was at Middletown month­ly meeting, in which I was drawn forth, in the living sprin [...] of the Gospel, both in the men's and women's meeting. Then feeling my spirit easy and clear, I left them in love, and the unity of the [Page 125] one spirit, which had united us together in a near manner.

On first day I was again at North-Wales, and had good satisfaction at their two meetings. On second day I return­ed again to Philadelphia, having been about a month from the town. On third day, the twelfth of the sixth month, I was at the Bank meeting, in which we were comforted together, it being an edifying season to many. I staid in and about Philadelphia about four weeks, vi­siting some families, and attending meet­ings as they came in course, though, in meetings, I had little to say, being shut up, and much bound in my spirit to keep silence in that city. The cause is best known to the great overseer of his people, who can do with them as seemeth to him good: and I saw it was good for his ser­vants to be resigned and contented with all the openings and shuttings of his hand; with the various dispensations he is pleas­ed to lead through, that there may not be any confusion throughout the camp of God's Israel. I could not but rejoice, in thankfulness of heart, that I was quite silent, and still in my spirit; being made sensible it was the Lord's own doings, and indeed it is marvellous in our eyes, that he who is the captain of our salva­tion, [Page 126] should call for such a cessation of arms, for a season, that his soldiers might take a little rest 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 Chester week-day meeting; and on sixth day at Chichester, where a meeting was appointed for me; which was large, and accompanied with the free extendings of divine mercy to our soul's refreshment. On seventh day I was at London-Grove monthly meeting and also at their meet­ing on first day. It was a contriting and bowing time with many, and we parted in the true unity, fellowship, and heart-tendering love of the Gospel of Peace. On second day I was at Concord monthly meeting, which was a hard, laborious, exercising season, both in time of wor­ship and discipline; things being much out of Gospel order, by reason of strife and discord, as opposite to the pure and peaceable government of the church of Christ, as darkness is to light. The evil spirit was kept down in a good degree, and that which was out of order much helped by the power of Truth.

The tenth of the seventh month 1759, I got to Philadelphia; the eighteenth, several friends accompanying me, we [Page 127] went to Chester, and the nineteenth on board a vessel, which was bound for Bar­badoes. Sometime after we were got to sea, I was closely exercised in my mind, which brought me very low, in humble supplication before the Lord, that he would be pleased to enable me to go through whatsoever he, in the course of his infinite wisdom, might suffer to come upon me, whether for a trial of my faith, or any other of his wise and good ends. For I could appeal to him in great sinceri­ty, 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 close en­gagement, that if he would but be with me, to deliver and preserve me in the way that I had to go, so that I might return again to his house in true peace; then he should be my God, and I would serve him. May I therefore, with all the Lord's ser­vants every where, not only make cove­nants, when under close and deep exer­cise of soul; but, Oh! let us be concern­ed strictly to observe and keep them; for I am a living witness for him, that he is a covenant-keeping God with his people.

Whilst I was under this [...]v [...]ng and fresh baptism, those, to whom I am the most [Page 128] nearly united in the closest ties of nature, were brought nigh to me in spirit (though far separated in body) with strong desires and fervent supplications, that they might be preserved in the Truth, and that the Lord, in his infinite mercy, would be pleased to visit their souls with a fresh vi­sitation of his pure love. The churches also of the Lord (especially those people I had so lately visited, and had at times been so closely engaged for, in the love of the Father) were spread before me in the nearest manner, with fervent prayer, that they might abide in his love, stand in his counsel, and live in his holy fear; that so we might still be a people to his praise, and bring honour to his great and holy Name, and the profession we are making of the blessed Truth; that the blessings which he hath reserved, and laid up in store, might not be withheld, but plentifully showered down upon his heritage.

My mind now was much eased, and that which had been as a load upon my spirit was taken away, and I was freely resigned to the will of God. At that time, if I rightly knew my own heart, the fear of death was also removed, and, I trust, the occasion of it, which is sin; for I did not find that my conscience con­demned [Page 129] me, though I well know, I have nothing to trust in but divine mercy, through my dear Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in whom, and by whom, all our sins are taken away, and we are redeem­ed unto God, and that by his most pre­cious blood. It is by him we also have access to the Father, his spirit bearing witness with our spirits, that we are his children, often crying, Abba, Father, through the eternal Spirit, which helpeth our infirmities, and maketh intercession for us; enabling us to ask aright, and pray in an acceptable manner.

I may not omit remarking at this time, when the French were nigh taking us, my spirit was so at liberty, and over them, and all the powers of darkness in the Lord, that I did not see it would be so; and having had great freedom and liberty in my mind to go in this same vessel, could not reflect upon myself for missing of it in any respect, except it was in making mention of it sometimes too free­ly, which it is likely some might lay hold of, and that not to their own advantage. When we were taken, the Frenchmen (considering all their views are for plun­der) did not use me ill. They took my little money, some of my linen, and part of my other wearing apparel; but my [Page 130] bed and chest, with many other necessa­ries, they let me keep; which was of great service to me afterwards. For I was now in a part of the world where I was a stranger, and no money of my own left; yet I do not remember I either murmured or repined at what had befal­len me; or that any distrustful thoughts rose in my heart, so as to trouble and oppress my spirit; which I esteemed as one of the most singular favours amongst the many I have received from the great and merciful hand.

The privateer belonging to Martinico, we landed at a town called St. Peter's▪ great part of which was laid in ashes about two weeks after we were set at at liberty, as I was afterwards informed. We were all had to prison; but our captain, my­self, the mate, and a passenger, were put into a little room, which opened into the prison-yard. I think it was about twelve feet square, and we upwards of twenty (if I remember right) to lie in it. Before we left the place, my fellow-prisoners be­haved courteously and civilly, none of them offering me any abuse, 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 [Page 131] room, was exposed to the sun most 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 advantage; but, alas! I had a great dis­advantage along with it, for the tub in which we eased ourselves, stood very nigh me, and the wash and filth of the court-yard came through a hole in the wall, very nigh the window where I lay, so that oft in the night I was nigh fainting with stink, which the heat of the wea­ther made very nauseous. The bread allowed us was pretty good, but almost every kind of victuals was loathsome to my stomach in this stinking unwholesome place. There were salt beef and pork for those that could eat them; but it be­ing neither soaked, nor half boiled, I perceived there was but little of it eaten by any. My chief living, whilst there, was bread and water, sometimes a little cof­fee, but that was seldom, for we could not always get it boiled. Oatmeal mixed in water was what I often drank, it serving also for food. The water they let the prisoners have, I believe, is very unwhol­some, it being taken up below, where the negroes wash their clothes, and also where the filth of the town is cast in. Most of the prisoners, I perceived, were [Page 132] 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 unwholsomeness of the place, brought me so low and weak, that it was hard work for me to walk about a little in the prison-yard; but I strove, and was helped indeed beyond my own ex­pectation; for after we were set at liberty from the prison, we were six days on board the vessel that set us upon the En­glish island, in which time I think I suf­fered more hardship than whilst I was in prison; for being very weak, and the weather still hot, close, and sultry, I could not abide in the cabin among the people, but was forced to lie upon the deck, where I could get air, though I was exposed to the night-dews, and gusts of rain, which we sometimes had; all which tended to increase my disorder. The French captain gave me the liberty of the cabin, and shewed me kindness in other respects. We were becalmed un­der the island of Guadaloupe, and came to an anchor in a cove, where we took in fresh water; but I went not on shore. I was informed there was a great mortality among the English soldiers; and many others, who went about business, were taken off very suddenly at this place.

[Page 133]The seventh of the ninth month they landed us at the island called St. Christo­pher's, where I found some kind friendly people; though the generality were very gay, light, and airy. After I had been there a little time, my disorder abating, I began to gather strength, so as to walk about; and I found a few here, who had some knowledge of friends, and their principles, by reason of their education. One Joshua Lawson, a sail-maker by trade, a man of good report among his neighbours, was willing I should have meetings at his house, he having a large room very suitable for that purpose. So I had several meetings, the town's people coming pretty generally, and several were reached, I believe, by the heart-searching power of Truth, which opened unto them their states and conditions, especial­ly some of the younger sort, who were tender, and very desirous to have meet­ings. But, alas! their eye and expecta­tion began to be so upon the poor weak instrument that I queried in my own mind, whether I should have any more meetings with them; for that spirit, which hungers after words, sometimes shuts up the spring of the true ministry; or it is withheld for a time on that account.

[Page 134]However, now about, it revived in my mind, that I had felt a draught of the Father's love towards the island of Nevis, when we sailed past it, in our passage from Martinico; though I was told by one that knew the place (such was the conduct of many of the inhabitants) there were little hopes of getting a meeting, or being received there; but that did not discourage me, I finding something in my mind that removed that obstacle 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 island. We took up our quarters at a tavern. The day following, being their general court, many of their inha­bitants came to town, and the place where we were being nigh the court-house, and the grand jury doing their business, and dining there, drew a pretty deal of company. Most of them, at their first seeing me, seemed as though they could hardly be satisfied with gazing; but I endeavoured to keep my eye to the Lord, whose presence I felt to be nigh me in a good degree, to keep me still and quiet. So they had their full view of me, till their curiosity was pretty well satisfied. They offered no other incivility, [Page 135] than fleering, Ishmael like. However, the grand jury, either out of kindness, or further to satisfy their curiosity, sent us an invitation to dine with them; but it being late before they went to dinner, our landlady ordered ours sooner. I did not find any thing in my mind against eating with them; though many of them be a light, vain, airy people, and their company not desirable to a solid mind.

They sent a messenger for us when they sat down, by whom I sent word we had dined. But they sent again, so I went in, and told them we took their in­vitation kindly, but we had dined, and therefore desired to be excused from sit­ting down with them. They did not seem so light and airy now, as they did before; but said, they should have been glad to have had our company. I observed, they are very much in the custom of drinking of healths, as well as in using many other vain compliments, which I had to shew my dislike to, not only by not using them, but in letting them also know they were against our principles, and the apostle's advice to the believers, where he saith, ‘Be not conformable to this world; but be ye transformed, by the renewing of your minds.’ I much desire my children may take notice of these little [Page 136] remarks, and put in practice that excel­lent advice of the apostle, not to be con­formable to the world's language, vain customs, and fashions, which deface that beautiful image and likeness man was first created in: for every thing was good that God made, and had an excellency and beauty in it; man, the greatest of all, as long as he keepeth his commandments; but he loses that likeness and image of innocency, by hearkening to the voice of the serpent, who is called the prince of the power of the air, that now bears rule in the hearts of the children of dis­obedience. I would therefore, my dear children, that you may come to know a being transformed by the renewings of the grace and good spirit of Truth, upon your minds and understandings, into the nature, image, and innocency of the children of God, and stand in it, by keeping his commandments; for herein is man's perfection.

A meeting had been proposed to be held in the court-house, several seeming to forward it, especially an old priest, who bestirred himself pretty much; which I thought somewhat strange. When it was nigh time for the meeting, he went along with me to the court-house, where the justices and several others had dined, [Page 137] and had not yet broke up; but that was more than I knew before I went in. However, the priest told them there was a gentleman, as he was pleased to call me, wanted to give them a sermon, and requested that they would give liberty of the hall for a meeting to be held; but one whom they called their chief judge started up in a heat, and said they had not done: and besides, they wanted no sermons; as for his part, he never loved to hear one in his life. A vulgar and unsavoury expression to come out of the month of one in his station; and it made me, that I could hardly tell what to say about having a meeting that night, only as several of the people from divers parts of the island were there, it seemed a very suitable opportunity. However, the old priest was not at all discouraged with the repulse he had met with; he being resolved I should have a meeting, went over to the tavern where we lodged, and got the liberty of a chamber, and then came and told me there was a con­venient room, and several already wait­ing. I went, and found every thing in good order for a meeting, except the people's minds: I was also in great po­verty, but I think quiet and much resign­ed. I sat in silence a considerable space, [Page 138] in which time they were very restless, and rude in their behaviour, such as I had seldom seen or heard before: at length I had something rose in my mind to say, which reached, I believe, the witness of Truth in them; for they be­came very quiet and still, and sat like another sort of people; and many after meeting confessed to the Truth of what had been spoken.

I had another meeting at that place, and many came. It was a solemn bap­tizing time. The Lord's power had the dominion over all the rough and unruly spirits: praises be to his all powerful name for ever! There stood [...] a man at the close of this meeting, and said, he hoped what had been delivered would have a good effect; for it was very suita­ble advice. More he said, which is not needful to pen; and I thought it was in a good degree of sincerity. Then turn­ing to me, he gave me a friendly invita­tion to his house. I told him I took it Kindly, and should come it opportunity would serve. The company being pretty much gone, he entered into a little dis­course with me, and told me, he himself was also a fellow labourer in the Lord; but he had as little the look of a priest, as any I had ever seen, us I thought. [Page 139] He told me also, he perceived that we had the advantage of them, in that we did not tie ourselves up to one text of scrip­ture, as they did, and so could speak to the several states of the people; for he said, it could not be supposed that one remedy could be suitable to every disease. I made some remarks on his just observa­tion, with something concerning the true ministry, the operation of the spirit, and that it was not to be limited; against which he made no objection, but freely assented to the Truth. We parted in a kind and friendly manner. I found he was a man of good understanding, bore a very good character among the people, and was well beloved.

This evening, after he was gone, there came a messenger from one Burnet, a man of note in the island, to desire me to pay him a visit before I left the place; which I did the next morning. He re­ceived us very respectfully, without mak­ing much ceremony. He asked me some questions concerning my travels and usage amongst the French, which I gave him some account of. He did not seem to want to enter into any discourse about religious matters, but desired I would stay longer with them upon the island; for he said there were several who were [Page 140] the descendants of Quakers, and un­doubtedly would be glad to see me. But that did not at all induce me to stay, I finding myself pretty easy to leave them; hoping the Lord in his own time will send his servants and faithful labourers into not only this island, but many others in this part of the world, where the Gospel rain hath not been so plentifully bestowed. Oh, Old England, and North America! Though these people are too much in the churlish dog's nature, yet many of them would be glad to partake of the crumbs that fall from your tables. Your dainty full stomachs have often loathed the honey-comb, and their poor souls are wandering about upon the bar­ren mountains of a lifeless profession, seeking the living amongst the dead. May we therefore, that have received the knowledge of the Truth, and been so often watered, be faithful, and bring forth fruits, answerable to the blessings received! Then will the Lord, I am fully persuaded, send forth from amongst us such as shall I ring them to Christ the good Shepherd and ford of true rest and peace.

But to return. After I had staid as long as time would permit, and was tak­ing my leave of the man, he put a parcel [Page 141] of money into my hand, which I return­ed, and told him that we did not receive any money for preaching. He said, we could not travel without expences, and I had been taken by the French, and had suffered some loss, and as he gave it me freely, I might receive it. I told him, I was not then in necesity, therefore was not free to take it: but acknowledged it was his good will, and so took my leave of him. After I had been a little time at our inn, we understood he had sent his servant to the landlady, to charge her to take nothing of us, for he would pay all our expences; but it was already paid; and I saw it to be highly expedient for us, to remove all cause from them that might take occasion, that the ministry might not be justly blamed. I left them in a lov­ing good disposition of mind towards friends, and am fully persuaded there are hungerings begotten in the hearts of some of them after the true bread.

Afrer I returned to the island called St Christopher's, where I had taken lodgings, not knowing how long I might stay, I was not easy to omit having meet­ings, especiaily on first days. Several people coming out of the country▪ I had freedom to sit with them, most of them behaving in a becoming and solid manner. [Page 142] Truth ssometimes favoured us in time of silence; and though I had thought I should have been shut up, I found the spring of the Gospel was still 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 seed sown in those islands, which lies under the clods of the earth; but its rising and coming into do­minion must be left to his time; he being able to dethrone antichrist, bring down his kingdom, with all his strong holds, and in the room thereof, to establish his own everlasting righteousness; that so in the very place where it was said, they are no people, there shall they be called the children of the living God.

I found some of them desirous that I would visit them in their families, which I complied with, as I found freedom; often having to set before them their un­christian practice, in keeping their fel­low creatures in slavery for term of life, and the cruelty they used towards them, which exceeded all that I had ever seen before; and it raised such a just [...]digna­tion in my heart, that I used gre [...]t free­dom of speech sometimes in conversation. Yet I trust I did not exceed the bounds of Truth, for I perceived it always had [Page 143] some good tendency, either to silence, or bring some acknowledgment from them, that the practice was unchristian, and not to be justified; that they had no right to plead for keeping them, but that of force, and they were a daily plague, and caused them to run into a great deal of sin. Thus I have heard some of them complain, wishing they had never had them, or had some other way to get their bread. So we may perceive the Lord is rising, by his pure witness, in judgment in the hearts of those negro-keepers, shewing them the practice is evil, and they cannot justify it, because the light condemns it, and maketh it manifest to them to be evil. I tarried at this place longer than I expected; but hope it was not time spent altogether unprofitably. And although I have been hindered from going to the place, I at first set out for, I have had evident tokens of God's love and fatherly care over me, in the various steps I have had to tread; yet notwithstandiug this evidence of di­vine approbation, I have not been [...] ­sible, that mouths would be opened not only against me, in saying I was wrong led, or under a deception, but also against the Truth; for the Truth hath many ene­mies, and none greater and readier to [Page 144] judge others, than those that are making a profession or it, but dwell not in the life and power. But it is not a new thing to be counted deceivers, and yet be true.

However, whilst I tarried here, I often enquired for a passage to the winward islands, that such occasion 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 some attempts towards it, I was always stopped in my mind, not being free to leave the place where I was. But when I had tar­ried some time longer, and had divers good opportunities among the people, I felt myself quite easy to leave the island; and not only so, but likewise a strong desire to be gone; also that view, and those drawings I had before, to visit the other islands, were entirely removed, and I was easy to return in a vessel which was then [...]ou [...] for Philadelphia. Therefore, taking leave of those I was pretty nearly acquainted with in Basseterre, the chief town on the island, I went by land to Sandy Point, where the vessel lay to take in part of her cargo. Here I had a meet­ing with the town's people the day before we set sail, which was the second of the [Page 145] eleventh month 1759, having been upon this island, and Nevis, eight weeks.

Whilst I tarried in those islands, there was a great mortality among the people, bur it did not bring that awfulness and humility upon their minds, which it ought to have done; and therefore the divine hand undoubtedly will be stretehed out still. The captain and men behaved very civilly to me in this passage. I had seve­ral meetings with the ship's company, which had some good effect, I believe, upon the seamen. 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 sympathized with me in my late exer­cises. I staid in the city a little more than two weeks, except a short visit to Wilmington friends. A conferrence was held with the Indians whilst I tarried here, which I was at; and Daniel Stan­ton and myself, with a few other friends, had a meeting with them at Philadelphia in the state-house.

After some time of waiting in silence, I had something to say, and one Isaac Still, an Indian, who could speak En­glish, delivered the substance of what I said in the Indian language. He appear­ed [Page 146] tender and well satisfied, being a sensible sober young man. Tedeuscung, and several of the Delaware chiefs were present, and a few of the Jersey Indians. They were solid, attentive, and behaved in a becoming manner. The meeting ended in humble prayer and supplication to Almighty God. My stay being but short here, after I returned from the West-Indies, I endeavoured to take my leave of friends in as general a manner as time would permit, and the sixteenth of the twelfth month 1759, being the first of the week, after a good and satis­factory season with friends at Pine-street meeting-house, I took my farewell of them in the uniting love and pure fellow­ship of the Gospel of peace.

I went on board the ship Carolina, at the wharf; the master's name was James Friend, a kind, courteous man. We had a very difficult passage, by rea­son of high winds, and a leaky vessel; yet, through the mercy and goodness of kind Providence, we arrived safe at Lon­don the twenty-ninth of the first month 1760, where I staid but a few days be­fore I took leave of friends there, and returned home to my dear wife and chil­dren, who, in my absence, with all that [Page 147] I had, had been kept, blessed, and pre­served, far beyond my own expectation, or indeed my deserving as a creature. I desire I ever may be thankful for such unspeakable favours and mercies, and give him the praise, who is worthy for ever!

MEMOIRS OF THE LIFE, OF JAMES GOUGH.

I WAS born at Kendal in Westmore­land on the 27th of 12th month, 1712, and my parents John and Mary Gough, professing the Truth as held by the people called Quakers, I received my education in the same profession. My mother, who was an industrious, careful, well-minded woman, taught me to read; and when I was a little turned of five years of age I commenced a scholar in friends' school in my native town, under the tuition of Thomas Rebanks, at which school I con­tinued till my fifteenth year. Having a [Page 2] good genius and a propensity to learning I attained with facility and readiness the Latin and Greek languages; and my quick proficiency therein, (I being of little stature for my age) excited admira­tion, procured me the fame of a great scholar, vastly magnified my little stock of attainments; and also introduced me to the notice of several persons of eminence in the town, who would frequently ques­tion me in respect to my learning, and were generally pleased with my ready answers.

In particular a distinguished justice of peace, with his wife, took a singular notice of me, admitting me (young as I was) to free conversation with them, and intro­ducing me at times into grand company which frequented their house. The said justice would say, that if my parents would give me up to him, he would send me to the university to receive a proper education. This flattered my ambition, as it was what at that time I heartily wished for.

By these means the seeds of wild na­ture, the noxious weeds of pride and vain conceit (the produce of every soil) re­ceived strength and nourishment in my early minority, and shot up high for my present childish age.

[Page 3]But in some sort to counterbalance these incentives to pride and airy notions, I had the advantage of receiving my edu­cation in a place, in and about which there lived many worthy friends, whose exemplary lives, and religious care and labours, often in my early years made good impressions on my mind, which (though my own propensities soon effaced them) left fixed upon my breast an ho­nourable esteem for those truly good men and women, with painful reflections under the sense of my own infidelity, and secret wishes for that happy condition, which, I really believed them to be established in, by Christ their Redeemer and Sovereign.

My understanding was enlightened when very young, to see both my own defici­encies in duty, and those of many others more advanced in years; and I thought, if I lived to be a man, their harms should be my warnings.

I remember a worthy minister, Joseph Jordan from Virginia, having had the small-pox at a friend's house in Kendal, and being raised up again; at the first meeting which he got to after it, was drawn out in such a moving manner in his ministry, that the meeting in general seemed to be impressed with great tender­ness under it: and I then (though but [Page 4] very young) had a share therein. The desirableness of living so, as to obtain di­vine favour seemed to be very clearly and strongly set before our view. And the op­portunity had some good effect upon my mind for a short season.

Here we may remark the advantage that accrues to religious society and to meetings, where they are favoured with a number of faithful elders, living ministers, and spiritually-minded friends; men of truth, "fearing God and hating covet­ousness." ^* The liveliness of their spirits; the clearness of their sight, and the uni­formity of their conduct and conversation, qualify them to shew the people how they should walk in the pursuit of peace, both by precept and example; precepts drawn from the living spring of experience, and examples formed by a watchful attention to the pointings and limitations of truth. I remember some whose very countenances seemed to command awe, and impress ob­servers with serious consideration. As the salt of the earth, seasoning those amongst whom they walked, with a sense of the truth which lived and predominated in them; under the powerful influence there­of these kept up meetings both for wor­ship [Page 5] and discipline, and were enabled thereby to keep things in good order, as themselves were a good savour in their allotments. On the other hand we may observe that where the elders and active friends are not under this qualification; but under the form, are suffering their hearts to go after their covetousness, se­cretly departing from under the influence of this divine principle, the cause and prevalence of Truth too often decline amongst the different ranks of the people, ‘as in the day when a standard bearer fainteth.’

My mother made it her maxim in h [...] plan of education to accustom her chil­dren to useful employment, frugal fare, and to have our wills crossed, in order hereby to render us better fitted to undergo any suture hardships in life, that might be allotted to befal us. And I have rea­son to think that her cares and endea­vours, with the examples and labours of good friends, were to me as "bread cast upon the waters," ^* which appeared after many days. In the intervals of school-hours she would be for employing me in one useful occupation or other. This I thought a great hardship; and be­ing [Page 6] much mortified thereby, I exerted my wits to evade it, often feigning pretences of school-tasks and exercises, set me by my master, and such like groundless ex­cuses.

The great duty of education, to dis­charge it rightly, needs divine instruction and assistance, as much as any duty in life, and therefore parents have need fervently to pray for it, and faithful­ly to follow it when received. Other­wise they may be in danger of falling short, and the deviations and miscarriages of the children (at least in part) may lie at their doors.

But if my mother might seem to err on the one hand, viz. that of severity, it is to be feared that the far greater number err on the other hand, viz. that of indul­gence and connivance: and that though the former be more painful for the present, yet the latter generally proves more per­nicious in its effects and future conse­quences. I verily believe, I have enjoyed a better state of health, from being brought up in a hardy way, as my constitution was but weak and tender.

Upon a review of my state at this age, my recollection represents it as a compli­cation of ambition, envy, craft and de­ceit; but that even then, a divine moni­tor [Page 7] was near me, to manifest and reprove the corruption of my heart, and the evil of my ways. I was sensible of my mother's anxious care for my preservation from evil, and attainment of good: but I eluded as much as I could, the confine­ment which she thought conducive thereto, in keeping me under her own eye, and out of the way of corrupting com­pany. I loved liberty; I fought it with eagerness, frequently got it by craft, and abused it to my hurt, as unexperi­enced young people are too apt to do.

In this state, I well remember, I was afraid and ashamed to meet with good friends, such as I yet loved and honoured, being inwardly convicted from the consci­ousness of my own vile and unguarded conduct. Sometimes I received from some of them the reproof I deserved; and some­times I thought their very silence rebuked me. At other times in their company the love and desire of goodness re-entered with a strong force. But being withdrawn therefrom, temptation too often reinstated vice in its wonted seat in my heart, and in the direction of my conduct.

I easily and clearly saw the wide differ­ence betwixt good and bad company, and how much the former was preferable; yet the powerful allurements of the latter [Page 8] forcibly drew me into, and held me fast in a wretched captivity thereto, manifestly contrary to my better judgment, which, I fear is the case of many others.

There being a large body of friends in the county of Westmoreland and the adjacent parts, our general meetings were many of them very largely attended; and as it was the care of the elders, and other friends concerned for the welfare of the youth, to encourage them very early to attend the meetings of discipline for their im­provement in virtue and sobriety; I at­tended many of these large meetings, but too frequently without reaping any share of the real benefit intended by them, or receiving any other impressions than those of vanity and airy ambition: so that however such meetings were favoured with divine virtue and power, the dissipation and absence of my foolish roving mind rendered it like the barren heath, not profiting by the fruitful shower, or chear­ing beams of the sun.

And there is reason to fear, that this may be the case of too many young peo­ple, who are pleased to go to these large meetings from other motives than those of piety, who, forgetful of the intent and design of them, indulge their corrupt in­clinations in very unseasonable gaiety and [Page 9] What the faithful labourers in the church endeavour to build up, these in their unguarded conduct pull down, and sometimes bring reproach and dis­agreeable reflections on their religious profession.

Whereas had these meetings been con­stantly beautified with an uniformity in the conduct of professors, consistent with the divine principle of Truth and the doc­trines of its faithful ministers, they would have proved of much greater service. For as the Truth is in itself unspotted, and its excellency unchangeable, the glory and dignity thereof would have shined forth very amiably and attractively in the eyes of the nations, had not the misconduct of its professors too frequently and exten­sively eclipsed its genuine lustre; which merits the solid consideration of all, who have been educated, or have joined in profession with us; both when they attend such meetings, and at all other times.

(1727.) Being arrived at my fifteenth year, my mother was anxious to have me put to some business. Through her persuasion my father in the course of his travels, spoke to David Hall (the memoirs of whose life are extant, and for whom my mother had an honourable esteem) and agreed with him to take me [Page 10] as usher to his school, desiring no other terms for me but my board, and such in­struction as he might see I yet needed: which gave my mother great satisfaction.

She accompanied me to his house at Skipton in Yorkshire. And here I expe­rienced the advantage of the education she had given me, for thereby I was pre­pared to submit more willingly to conti­nual employ and hardship. And though many of the boys coming from full houses and plentiful tables, thought their fare here mean (as indeed the price for both boarding and tuition, was but eight pounds per annum) yet to me it was in general otherwise.

There happened to be in the family at this time two youths, whose cases or events in life, I think not improper to mention by way of caution: but their names I would wish to be buried in oblivion, un­less they may yet be favoured with repent­ance to salvation.

The one was a lodger in the house. He was a valuable pattern and very helpful in the family. I esteemed him to be in a happy condition, and still believe he was so at that time. He had a few words in the ministry and grew in his gift; but afterwards becoming exalted, and too fond of applause, he fell into the snares [Page 11] of the grand enemy, and brought a re­proach on the Truth, and on the ministry. What need hath he that standeth, or thinketh he standeth to take heed lest lie fall!

The other was at that time an appren­tice to David Hall. He was afterwards a minister well esteemed among many friends; but alas! he also shamefully fell. And what renders the case of these my formerly well-beloved friends still more melancholy, is, that though there is balm in Gilead, yet they and others, whom the enemy has thus wounded, and poi­soned, will not turn to the physician there, but rather endeavour to have their wounds deceitfully healed.

I remember to have heard one, who had basely fallen in an unguarded hour, boast­ing a few years after, that he had been washed in the bottom of Jordan, and had brought up stones of memorial; and this in an affected ministerial way, when it appeared not to be the case to any but himself: but rather that the poor man was still under the deception of the crafty enemy, willing to deceive himself, and wanting to deceive others, while he was at best but very superficially washed from deep defilements. Judgment had not had its perfect work, though he was very [Page 12] willing to think and to have it thought by others that it had. And to evade that awful consideration, that the most pure and righteous God is jealous of his honour, and requires our going clean through all that humiliation, labour and patience, which his light in the conscience discovers to be necessary for repairing the dishonour incurred. All palliations or softening ex­cuses; all arts to conciliate human com­passion and favour, are but like fig-leaf coverings, through which the nakedness of transgressors is manifest to such as are endued with true sight, and like dawbing over destructive breaches with untempered mortar.—But enough of this digressi­on, wishing it may prove useful where needed.

(1728.) When I had stayed in my service at Skipton a little more than a year, my master gave me leave to return to Kendal to see my relations. He made me the bearer also of a letter to my fa­ther, wherein he signified, that considering my years, he approved of my qualificati­ons and conduct, and offered wages for my future service. My mother took little notice of the offer; but was exceedingly rejoiced at the other part of the letter as giving her better hopes on my behalf than she hitherto had.

[Page 13]In the course of the succeeding year, by agreement between my father and my master, I spent three months with Richard Kennedy writing master in Liverpool, to improve myself in writing, and learn some branches of the mathematics. One seventh day while here, I (having always a great propensity to see towns and places that were new to me) went to see the city of Chester, and lodged two nights at Peter Leadbetter's; in my return by Fastham Ferry, which is five miles athwart to Liverpool, an elderly gentlewoman hav­ing got some play-books in the boat, I of­fered to read for her: as I was reading, some horses in the boat grew unruly, which terrified her very much; so that she put by her play-books, and would no more (while we were in the boat) touch them herself, nor suffer me to touch one of them.

Many remarkable preservations I had in my younger days: but the most re­markable was during this my residence at Liverpool which happened as follows. One first day in the afternoon I went with some other boys a boating in the dock, which by means of flood-gates was kept so full of water as to keep the ships afloat, when the tide was out. We rowed seve­ral times from one end of the dock to the [Page 14] other At length some rude boys, that were stronger than we took from us our oar, or oars, and this in all probability proved the means of our preservation. For now we found ourselves obliged to work our way with our hands by the ships to the upper end of the dock. Which just as we reached, we heard a noise as of the loudest thunder: climbing up from the boat unto the quay, we soon found that the dock gates being grown old were broken down. The water rushing out in a rapid torrent, bore down all before it, oversetting and greatly damaging several vessels that lay near them. The frightful nearness of such a danger, and narrow escape from it so affected my mind, as to invade my sleep that night, and repeat it­self again to my imagination with aggra­vations of horror.

At the expiration of my three months here, I went to Kendal yearly meeting, where my father, being just arrived from a journey, in which he had made his way through Skipton, informed me that he had agreed with David Hall to bind me to him for four years longer; this was no agreeable intelligence to me, for although I honoured my worthy master, yet every thing else was not as I could wish it. I thought I could foresee much hardship to [Page 15] be unavoidably my lot: yet as my father had so agreed, I thought it my duty to comply. I endeavoured to put a good heart and face upon it, and so entered upon my part. During these four years my master was frequently abroad at meetings. He did not often miss the quarterly meetings at York, and some­times attended the yearly meeting at London, and then the care of the scho­lars in and out of school lay heavy on me.

Both before my coming to Skipton, and while I was there, I often had fresh desires kindled in my heart after redemp­tion, I was shewn clearly the necessity of it, and the danger of delays in a mat­ter of such consequence; so that I left off playing for a time, thinking it great infatuation to squander my precious hours in play, when in danger of my life, and that too for ever. But the most particu­lar reach I had, was at a meeting in our school-house under the baptizing ministry of John Fothergill, whereby I was awaken­ed to vigilance for a season, rising early, and carefully attending to every step in my business, and the duties of my station. But soon, too soon, the fervour of this sacred flame abated, and I gradually fell back, and became just what I was before: [Page 16] yet I did not forget or wholly lose the sense of this day of my visitation; but often privately lamented my revolt, and I con­tinued still to maintain a good character amongst friends.

I do not remember much more than what I have already intimated in general of these four years, save that one time, when my master was abroad, I thought myself hardly and unreasonably used, and thereupon conceived a design to run away by night (it being moon-light:) but that kind Providence whose fatherly care was over me, when I was too little careful for my own well-doing, with-held me. For when the time proposed for putting my design in execution arrived, the pernicious consequences of such a procedure, were so clearly manifested to my mind, that I was discouraged from the attempt; and therefore concluded patiently to endure what might be permitted to befal me, till the termination of the time contracted for, might bring me my release in a reputable and conscientious way.

Near the expiration of my time I writ to some of my friends, acquainting them, that I intended to try some new place, and received a letter from my good friend John Wilson of Kendal, signifying that Alexander Arscott of Bristol wanted an [Page 17] usher, and offered twenty pounds per ann. Which offer I readily embraced.

(1733.) So leaving Skipton, and the yearly meeting at Kendal approaching, I went thither, staid a few days with my mother, and then set forward for Bristol. In my way at Wolverhampton, standing at the door of the inn where I alighted, I saw a crowd of people passing by, and heard it was a Quaker's funeral; where­upon I went to it, and our friend Joshua Toft (whom I do not remember to have seen before) attended it, and was raised up in a large and living testimony, where­by I was afresh reached, and considerably tendered, and thence proceeded on my way, under revived impressions of good upon my mind, to Worcester; there I met with William Beesly going to Bristol year­ly meeting, with whom I went in compa­ny to Gloucester, but my horse being tired I was forced to leave him behind, and walk the greatest part of the remain­der of the way in my boots. In a few weeks after, that worthy minister and elder John Richandson of Yorkshire land­ed, in company with Robert Jordan from Pennsylvania, who bought my horse for the same price it cost me.

My good master Alexander Arscott was like a kind and tender father to me. He [Page 18] was the eldest son of the parson of South­molton in Devonshire, and himself edu­cated at the university of Oxford, with intention to sit him for the same func­tion. But when he was just ripe for preferment, and might have had a fair prospect that way, his father being well beloved and respected among the great men in that country; he turned his back on all prospects of this kind, being con­vinced of the blessed truth. This was a great mortification to his father and mo­ther, who would both sit weeping by him in the bitterness of their hearts, as I have heard him relate. This, he added pierced him deeply, as he sincerely desired to be a dutiful son to tender and indulgent parents. A cloud came over his under­standing, and the enemy in his own breast suggested that he was acting quite wrong. But as he humbled himself before the Most High, imploring his direction, he received a fresh sight that he must forsake father and mother for Christ, and be faithful to the manifestation of his will, through all events. His parents became afterwards better reconciled to his change, when he was settled in good business in Bristol, where he kept school for the chil­dren of friends and others, from that time till his decease, being about thirty-five [Page 19] years, and proved helpful to the rest of his father's family, in procuring them by his interest, places for getting a livelihood.

I came up to Bristol quite plain in my garb (as David Hall would not suffer any other in his family) and it being the time of the yearly meeting, at a friend's house I fell in company with some well-minded friends, one or more of whom observed to me, that sundry young people had come up the same way from the north of England to the southern parts, parti­cularly to London and Bristol; yet after being there a while they ran into the fashions of those places, till they even out­stripped the native inhabitants.

Now I had not only been educated in plainness; but had been inwardly con­vinced of the foundation on which it stood; wherefore upon hearing this ac­count of the ridiculous folly and instabi­lity of my country folks, I was sorry that they gave occasion of such remarks to their dishonour, and took up a resolution to continue steady in my old plain way. And I do not know that I suffered any ex­ternal disadvantage by it: and if I had, the cause of truth is worth suffering for, and the Almighty rewards patient suffering in a good cause. But I found that good friends seemed to love me the more on this [Page 20] account; and even others, who were con­scious of their degeneracy seemed to re­spect me, as apprehending me to be better than themselves: And I had most peace of mind in continuing in my wont­ed plainness, though I was like a speckled bird, there being even then very few plain-drest young people or others in the meet­ing of Bristol. But I have observed that deviating from this path of plainness, which Truth leads into, and making ex­cursions in dress, opens the way to inti­mate connexion with young people out of our society, or libertines in it; and so leads further and further from a due sub­jection to Christ's kingdom and govern­ment, often making them forget and lose the good which they have formerly pos­sessed, and consequently draws them along into the utmost danger. Whereas adhering to the truth and its plain path, opens the way for safer and more profita­ble and edifying connexions as I often found here, to my solid inward satisfaction, which I hope I shall never forget.

Bei [...]g now removed far from all my connexions, my parents, relations and the place of my nativity; and being here as a stranger in a strange land, having at first little or no acquaintance in my new resi­dence; in this my solitary situation it [Page 21] pleased divine Goodness to take notice of me, and to favour me afresh with a merciful and reaching visitation of his love to my soul, and more clearly to re­veal his Son in me, whereby I was given plainly to see, that my safety here and happiness hereafter, depended upon my yielding faithful obedience to his requirings by his light in my heart, and that his re­quirings would be only what tended to my real good, and lasting welfare.

This was a day of my soul's espousal to Christ Jesus. I was overcome with his love, and with admiration of his conde­scending goodness to such an unworthy creature; it being the day of the Lord's power, I was ready and willing to do any thing that I saw I should or ought to do.

Having a strong inclination to poetry, I had sometimes at Skipton indulged my fancy therein. But now when the Lord's power took hold of me, I sacrificed all my idols and burned all my collection of poems, even though some of them were on what would be called good sub­jects; yet they had too much attracted my mind, and engrossed my thoughts. I was made sensible that these poems were not my proper business, yet they took the place of what was really so, and there­fore I gave them up. For I now saw that [Page 22] I must shut out and leave behind me what others generally crave and pursue, viz. The vain desires and delights, which lead away the mind from that great Being, who wooes us to true happiness.

And indeed my whole delight was in the company of Christ my dear Lord and master. I was directed by him to do all things well, and bear all things with meekness. And as I on my part carefully regarded and practised his directions, my soul enjoyed the sweet sense of his appro­bation. And I preferred it before all the world, which I saw to be of little value compared with the favour of its Almighty Creator. To please him I thought well worth all the toil and suffering of the day; and the desire of doing it, whetted my industry and strengthened my pati­ence. Thus I enjoyed a good time, and was often overcome with the love and kindness of my dear Redeemer.

For in him I had now a father, a guar­dian, and a friend, and an excellent one indeed, who embraced me with the most engaging affection, when I applied myself to do every thing rightly. All friends and relations, with all kinds of enjoyments seemed to center in him alone, for he alone amply supplied all, and having him was having every thing that was good. In [Page 23] his presence there could be no want. It was then no hard matter for me to deny every natural and corrupt desire, as for his sake; and to renounce the objects which had formerly pleased me too well, and which I had been foolishly fond of: and yet for the rejection of these things, which had done me no good, but harm, I ever found him a rich rewarder.

In his presence I could envy no man, however rich, eminent or seemingly hap­py; but I loved all men as his workman­ship, and wished that all would come to him, and in and with him be truly happy for ever.

Then bidding farewel to the world and its vanities, whose beauty and alluring lustre were tarnished and eclipsed in my eyes, through the superior brightness of the Sun of Righteousness shining in my heart, I loved solitude that I might seek him, who was now become the life of my life, and wait for his fresh appearing to me, who brought with him not only light to shew me my blemishes and defects, but animating fortitude, fervent desire, and divine help to withstand and surmount corrupt habits and propensities, and vigi­lantly in the secret of the soul to guard against the first rising of any imagination, or inclination, that was not consistent [Page 24] with the pure holy discoveries of his bless­ed spirit. Thus with the royal Psalmist, Psal. xvi. 11. "In his presence I found fulness of joy." My mind was moulded into a divine frame, a new creation of pure love to God and to men, wherein the heavens and the earth in a sweet harmony, seemed to shew forth the power, wisdom and goodness of the one good Father and preserver of the whole. I re­joiced that I had lived to see such a day, wherein I had a sure evidence in my own bosom of being translated to a better world, to live for ever united to him and his, if I should then be snatched from this.

Happy had it been for me, had I still thus continued steady in my progress to­wards perfection, through following his guidance towards it: but being in a great city, I sometimes looked out, and there­by again catched sensual desires, which demanded to be gratified, and were too often obeyed, when in my power, by which I again did harm to myself, and gave away my inward strength and fortitude for walking faithfully, as Sampson gave away his to Delilah; yet I still bore a good character, and many looked upon me as a young man of steady conduct; but by a painful feeling of my own in­stability I knew myself better.

[Page 25]A good condition is easily lost, for want of duly observing our blessed Lord's direc­tion to watch and pray, lest we enter into temptation.—While I observed it, I daily and hourly found the benefit of it, in my rising up and laying down, and on my bed in the night season, having my heart and affections wholly set on Christ, and the great end of his having given me exist­ence, blessing his name for so revealing his goodness to me, renewing covenant with him, and watching against every thought that had a tendency to carry off my mind, and separate it from him.

I rose early, implored him to direct me how to spend every part of the day, most to the honour of his name; and to aid me to exert myself in the full dis­charge of my duty every way, and oh! many times in the day, great peace and solid satisfaction flowed in my soul for at­tending to and following his internal di­rections.—Every thing went well and in proper order, through this constant care to walk exemplarily, and act faithfully in the duties of my place and station in life. And many times in the evening of a well-spent day, my soul overflowed with the sweet earnests of the heavenly and ever­lasting reward, reserved for perseverance in well-doing.

[Page 26]Sometimes to every body that I saw, I felt great love to rise in my heart, and a tender well-wishing desire for them, that their souls might partake with mine of the hidden treasures of the unutterable love of Christ, and the joy of his salva­tion.

May I never forget the day of this his most engaging kindness, and of my espou­sals to him. I may say truth is truth, un­changeably excellent, holy, pure and per­fectly good. It leads to every thing that is [...]est, and [...]pholds in it, and rewards for every act and instance of self-denial in obedience to its dictates. Ever worthy to be admired, adored, reverenced, loved and served by all the nations in the world, as that which alone would make all happy in true love, and preserve all in pure and spotless order every where. So would earth resemble heaven, and its inhabitants be linked in a holy, blessed society with Christ, with angels and the spirits of the just made perfect, in enjoying together the brightness of his presence, in whose presence is joy and at whose right hand are rivers of pleasure for evermore. For this our Lord prayed to his father on behalf of his disciples; ‘sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth.’

[Page 27]I continued in Bristol upwards of four years, living with my worthy master, for whom I had a great and deserved esteem, as assistant or usher in his school to the time of his death, which happened the latter end of my fourth year there, he be­ing seized with a diabetes, which gradually weakened him, till at last in a sweet frame of mind he departed this life, generally regretted by friends and others, having been a man remarkably serviceable, not only as a member of religious, but also of civil society. His character for inte­grity being so universal, that he was very much employed in determining differ­ences between his fellow citizens either as arbitrator or umpire. So that to the bless­ing of the peace-maker he might seem to have a title above most. His funeral from the Friars Meeting-house was attend­ed by a very great number of friends and others. Four friends appeared publicly to a very crowded audience, viz. James Tylee, Daniel Badger, Isaac Sharpless and Thomas Gawthrop. The next day the men's meeting elected Jonathan Nelson schoolmaster of Reading to succeed him, and desired me to keep up the school till it might be convenient for said Jonathan to come, which I did, and at his coming resigned it to him.

[Page 28](1737.) Being informed that friends at Cork in Ireland wanted a school­master, I agreed to go thither to serve them in that capacity; so calling to see and take leave of my brother, who lived with Thomas Bennet at Pickwick in Wilt­shire in the station of usher to his school, I went from thence to Gloucester and was at the two meetings there on first day, which were poor small meetings. On se­cond day I rid to Worcester, and stayed there at my kind friend William Beesley's over third day. The week-day meeting there, was to me a tendering season both in silence, and under the lively ministry of old John Corbyn; towards the week's end I reached Kendal, where I stayed two or three weeks; during which stay, my father took a fever and died. A day or two after his funeral, I left Kendal and return­ed to Bristol, from whence, after waiting sometime for a wind, I took shipping for Cork, in company with doctor Rutty of Dublin, who had been at the yearly meet­ing in London, and amongst his relations in Wiltshire and was also waiting for a passage to Cork.

I was affected with an awful impression on my first embarking; it put me on con­sidering on what foundation I ventured my life upon the water. On that head [Page 29] I was soon favoured with inward satisfac­tion, and resignation to divine Provi­dence.

The wind being unfavourable we had a very tedious passage, being ten days on the water from Pill to the Cove of Cork. It was late at night when we landed at Cove, and next morning went up in a boat to Cork, where I lodged about two weeks at Jonas Devonsher's, (a friend of a large estate) his two sons being under my tuition, and afterwards boarded in a friend's family till I married.

The meetings of friends in Ireland, and particularly in the province of Munster, not lying so contiguous as in many parts of England, could not so conveniently be joined several together, to constitute monthly or men's meetings of discipline for transacting the affairs of the church, but in these parts particularly, each par­ticular meeting was a men's meeting in itself, and some of the meetings both hereaway and in other parts, being great­ly reduced in number, it became the con­cern of friends in Ireland to recommend, to the larger meetings nearest to them, the care of visiting these little meetings fre­quently, to inspect their state, and help them by advice and counsel as occasion might require. Two of these meetings, [Page 30] viz. these of Bandon and Youghal were under the care of Cork men's meeting, which was regular and constant in ap­pointing visits to them at the stated times.

I being now become a member of Cork men's meeting, (being recommended by certificate from Bristol) it fell to my lot in company with other friends to go upon a visit to the meeting of Youghal: here seeing Mary the daughter of John and Martha Dobbs of said town, a plain and orderly young woman, I found my affections closely engaged towards her, and having proposed to her parents my desire to address her in order to marriage, and obtained their consent, after some time we were married there according to the good order used in our society.

The said John Dobbs her father being convinced of the truth, while he was a student at the university of Oxford, was for his fidelity to conviction disinherited by his father Richard Dobbs of Castle. Dobbs near Carrickfergus Esq of an es­tate worth several hundreds per ann. be­ing his eldest son.

His father left it to a younger son, who was to pay my father-in-law ten pounds per ann. out of it, which during the life­time of that son was but indifferently paid, and by his prodigality the estate [Page 31] was involved. But his son Arthur Dobbs, late governor of North Carolina, succeed­ing to the inheritance thereof, voluntarily doubled the said annual sum, and paid it punctually. My father-in-law having stu­died physic at the college, practised it with good success, and great Christian charity to the poor, so as to save little from his income that way.

He had been the favourite of the fami­ly, but upon his joining in society with friends, and giving up his whole heart to follow the discoveries of the light of Christ in his own conscience, he was treat­ed by his father with the utmost severity as a rebel, and then cast out as an alien. So that he might well be said to have for­saken for Christ's sake, father and brethren, and sisters, and houses, and lands; and like faithful Abraham to have offered up to the Lord whatever was dearest to him in this world, and to have trusted in God, which was doubtless counted to him for righteousness.

Being beloved by friends, he was urged by some to have recourse to the law for the recovery of the family estate as his birthright, which he had done nothing to forfeit, and assistance offered him for do­ing it. Whereupon he was prevailed with at length to make a beginning; but [Page 32] not having that inward peace with Christ which he preferred before all the world, in the first step of contention, he put a stop to all further proceedings, and rather chose to confide in God without it.

For a more particular account of him, see the collection of friends' sufferings in folio, vol. 2, and doctor Ratty's History of the Rise and Progress of Truth in Ire­land. Of him I have only to add, that he made a joyful and happy exit, in an exceeding thankful and triumphant state, out of this world, with a full assurance of going to live for ever in a better. He died about seven or eight months after our marriage.

His wife Martha Dobbs was convinced of truth before their marriage, by the dy­ing expressions of a handmaid of the Lord, viz. Deborah Sandham. She had a few words of public testimony in meet­ings, survived her husband some years, and died in a good old age, having been a heavenly-minded woman.

Previous to my marriage, a small lot of ground offering for building on, which was very convenient to my school, and the carpenter reckoning he could run up a neat small house for a sum I could then spare, (having in my employment in Bristol and here saved so much) I adven­tured [Page 33] in conjunction with a friend, to take the ground and build upon it, and the house was finished a few weeks after our marriage; but the cost of it came to dou­ble the sum the carpenter had proposed it might be built for. This and some other things filled me with gloomy apprehensi­ons, and I became very dull and dejected in my mind in consideration of my cir­cumstances, finding I had gone too far, and owed what I was not able to pay. However, as my intentions were honest, and my anxiety great that I might not by any misconduct blemish the truth, which I had been instructed so highly to prize, by exerted endeavours, with industry and frugality, and through divine assistance, in some time I got over this difficulty, and paid every farthing.

It may perhaps appear to some, that the recording of such transactions, is of little importance or edification to uninte­rested readers; but it hath not appeared so to me. The account of these difficul­ties which for want of due care and fore­sight, and a constant, steady and deep at­tention to the unerring guide, we fall into, though more humiliating, may perhaps be no less useful for caution, than those experiences, which we can review with more heart-felt satisfaction, are for encou­ragement [Page 34] and imitation. Truth hath ever led to integrity, punctuality and upright dealing in our outward affairs, and to limit ourselves to few exigencies, and an humble condition in life, rather than in­vade or risque the properties of other men. We cannot all get a deal of the treasures of this world (nor is a deal necessary to our well being. ‘A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things he possess­eth’) but we may all live on a little, if our minds be kept humble, and the sen­sual appetites be subjected to the cross of Christ. Now my view in relating how I was (undesignedly indeed) involved in em­barrassed circumstances, is for a caution to unexperienced young persons, to be very considerate and careful in their expences, that they be neither lavished on things needless or superfluous, nor in things otherwise convenient and lawful, in a measure disproportionate to their ability to support clearly out of their own, with honour, reputation and a good conscience; (for in this circumstance things lawful in themselves are not lawful or expedient for them) that so the profession of truth may not suffer reproach by their miscarriage, as it hath done by that of too many others, to the great regret of the honest and right-minded of our religious society.

[Page 35]Furthermore, the narrative of these difficulties and anxieties, that attended my first setting out in the married state, seems to me to convey this instructive in­telligence to all single young persons, who have not good patrimonies, or are not yet well settled in some business, proper to maintain a family, that if they would do well in the world, they should not be hasty in this weighty affair; but consider wisely before they proceed toward it. While single they have only themselves to care for, and if they keep their hearts staid upon the Lord (which is far easier for them to do, than when weighed down under a load of care and encumbrances) and come up faithfully in the way of their duty, they will be happy. And by all means let them beware of entering into this most interesting engagement, which is for life, on which the happiness or unhappiness of this life very principally depends, and by which that of the next may be very materially promoted or re­tarded, till they see that in the due season the Lord opens their way, and conducts them in it. Then the marriage will be honourable, the married will be like minded, standing in the counsel of best wisdom, will be truly helpmeets to each other both in their temporal and spiritual [Page 36] concerns; joining together with united and prepared hearts in religious and fa­mily duties, and strengthening each others hands for every good word and work; minding the in-speaking word, more than the attention or opinions, the approba­tion or censures of the world. Such if they have but little of earthly treasure are happily married. But on any other terms, whether married or unmarried, people are not in a good way. And it is infinitely better to be married to Christ, than to be married ever so grandly in the world out of the divine counsel and cove­nant.

As I had a religious desire in my choice, and that I might be rightly directed there­in, I had reason on the whole (notwith­standing these outward discouragements aforementioned) to hope that I was so. For my wife was the child of good pa­rents, from whom she had received a re­ligious education, of orderly conversation, innocent and well inclined, and we were in a good degree favoured together of the Lord, she being free to give me up to every service I thought it my duty to en­gage in. Upon my first visit to her▪ the sense of truth and the solid edifying conversation of her worthy parents deep­ly fixed the best impressions on my spirit, [Page 37] so that in my return home to Cork (twenty computed miles) my thankful heart was like a cup filled, the tears of divine joy overflowed, and ran down my cheeks the greatest part of the way.— In this thankful frame I reached Cork, and my friends there, who generally had a love for me, were pleased to see me, and to hear such account as I had to give. But then this good went off, and the in­stability of nature succeeded in a great degree, though still mixed, with a reve­rent view to the better part.

(1739.) About four months after our marriage, being at a meeting at Youghal, my heart was bowed in reverent fear, and filled with the sweet influence of God's universal love, it then appeared to be my duty, in the clearness of that light and strength of that love, to call to, and in­vite those present to come to Christ, and yield grateful obedience to his laws. I had been for several years before, fully persuaded that this would be required of me as a duty, and had desired never to dare to venture upon it till it should be so required.

Upon this duty being clearly presented to me in this meeting, discouragements and obstacles poured into my mind in abundance, such as that if I should de­liver [Page 38] the words imprest, I should then be exposed to much speculation, and become the immediate subject of conversation among such as love to catch and propa­gate matter of amusement; that perhaps the like duty might never be required of me again, and in that case I should be likely to be remarked, and talked of for many years, as one who had begun and not gone on. Instances occurred of such as had preached amongst us for a time, and had either dropped it and fallen away, or had on one account or another, in­curred a public and general dislike or disgrace, and that therefore it might be safer and better for me to rest quiet with good wishes for the people, and to exhort in a more private way, as I might have opportunity, and a fresh concern on my mind. These grounds of hesitation de­tained me till a friend kneeled down to conclude the meeting in prayer.

I then saw clearly that if the meeting should break up without my uttering the exhortation, which was fixed with so much weight upon my mind, I should unavoidably incur the stings of conscious guilt, and the crime of disobedience.

Therefore not attending to the friend's public prayer, my mind was earnestly and closely exercised in mental supplica­tion [Page 39] to the Almighty, that he would abi­litate me to be faithful. I had a hard struggle and conflict on this occasion: but at length the power of divine faith prevailed, to the shutting out and putting to silence all manner of discouraging ap­prehensions. And when the prayer was ended I durst not sit down, fearing I should not have power to rise again in time; but turning about to the meeting, and seeing some of the people staring me in the face, such was my weakness, that I raised up my hat, and holding it before my face, I spoke the words, which had lain with weight on my mind and sat down. A flood of divine joy poured into my heart, and filled it all the day: I went in this frame of mind into several friends' fami­lies, and my heart being still melted with divine love, the tears of joy and thank­fulness slowed down my cheeks, which some ignorantly mistook for trouble of mind, saying one to another, they pitied me.

It was indeed a memorable day to me: for I seemed to myself to be raised above the sordid and sinful inhabitants of this world, and to be admitted a partner of the blessed society of saints and angels, and spirits of just men made perfect [Page 40] through entire obedience rendered to their God.

I had a full assurance in myself that if then sudden death should seize me, I should immediately go to that blessed society, to live in a holy and happy communion with them for ever, to adore that God and Sovereign, who had so in­finitely favoured us. And this is the very nature of that truly excellent religion, which our dear Redeemer came to bless mankind with.

I might give some small account of ser­vices, and good effects, arising from my thus obeying the divine manifestation; but accounts of that kind I leave to those, who have steered more steadily than I have done, and think it more proper for me to look to the other side of my case, and that with shame and confusion of heart, mixed with humble admiration of divine Goodness, which has hitherto in­deed been great, and blest me with a few heavenly and good days, wherein I should not have been afraid of death, or of the awful and tremendous judgment which is to follow it. Oh! that I may (through faithfulness on my part) attain the like again, and that my last day may be my best day! But alas, a consciousness of in­fidelity in divers respects is my present

[Page 42]It is lamentable to reflect how many in our age, even of the anointed sons, and servants of the Lord, have by these means gradually declined and dwindled, and at length totally fallen off, as Judas did from Christ, and Demas from his faithful apostle, and made shipwreck of faith and of a good conscience, and brought last­ing disgrace on themselves, and that good cause, in which they had been humbly and honestly engaged. Yet truth changes not; it is the same still, and still able to preserve from falling, to build up, and give an inheritance among the sanctified.

I remember that the above considera­tions made me earnestly pray, that since I had given up, and put my hand to the plough, I might never look back to Sodom again, like Lot's wife; but rather suffer any thing in this world, than disgrace the cause of truth and righteousness.

Encouraged as above, I proceeded to minister in public meetings when I had something given for that end, through which exercise my gift became gradually enlarged. But alas! I too often made false steps in my public ministry, as well as in my thoughts, words and actions in private conduct, for want of self-love being more mortified, and subjected to [Page 42] [...] [Page 43] the spirit of Christ, which teaches divine wisdom.

Being of an active natural disposition, it became a cross to me to be silent, when it was best to be so. And sometimes after I stood up I continued too long, till the testimony as to the life of it, flattened and grew tedious to the hearers. I want­ed too to imitate some others, who, I thought, preached finely. Thus the ene­my of man's happiness continually seeks to tempt every class in the church mili­tant. As the eye is kept single to the holy Head, and the body full of light, in the light he is discovered in all his ap­proaches and transformations; but I was not constantly enough on my guard against his stratagems, and therefore was sometimes seduced even to think I did well, when I was zealous, though not ac­cording to true knowledge, nor to the honour of the great name of Christ our Lord: for he is most honoured by the subjection of self; and by divine love, coupled with humility and patience.

Among the many good institutions which the discoveries of celestial wisdom have established in our society, that of faithful elders appointed to watch over the flock, and over the ministry, has been found to be very useful. And though the [Page 44] love of self-honour made me sometimes bear hardly the reproof of a friend; yet I have afterwards, as in the cool of the day, discerned the expediency of it, and been induced to desire to be more careful in future, and to be willing to receive advice, as well as to give it.

O ye, whom Christ calls into the work of the ministry, or any other office, give up your lives to him and it, both to do and to suffer what he may order or per­mit: for the vessels of the Lord's house are to be of beaten gold. Every son whom he loves he rebukes and chastens. Then ever receive with a good mind the counsel or the reproof of a friend.

If others revile and taunt in bitterness and wrath; in haughtiness and insult, as whoever will live godlily in Christ Jesus must suffer persecution; yet all things will work together for good to them that steadily abide under Christ's government. —Our nature having in it much dross, and by long habit contracting an encrease of it, cannot be refined from it, but by fiery trials, nor have its evil humours purged out, but by drinking the bitter cup.—Applause pleases the creature, but greatly endangers it. Suffering in spirit, though more painful, is more safe.

[Page 45]O then ye! who have rightly begun, and favourably advanced in the work of truth or of the ministry, look well to your standing, and guard against the transformations of your unwearied enemy.

When we first began, our single view and desire was to obtain divine approba­tion, and that peace of soul, which re­sults from it; to die to ourselves and all the world; to know no man after the flesh, nor be known by them; but only to know the Lord, and to walk and act under his immediate notice and ap­proving favour.—But afterwards there hath mingled herewith, the desire of hu­man notice, of popular applause, of world­ly advantages and indulgences.

Thus too many ministers, as well as others, who have given up their names to follow the Lamb, have slipped into a mixed state. In them the spring once pure, hath become muddy, and the sacred fervour hath dwindled. Though they have retained the form of godliness, yet its conquering power and fortitude have gradually died away, and left them as weak, and unable to resist temptations, as those who have never assumed that form.

This hath been the case of too many dry worldlings and sensualists in our so­ciety, [Page 46] who, far from helping the cause, which they profest a value for, have greatly hurt it, and given a handle to libertines to make both it and them, the subject of their derision.

When the humble regard and love of God singly presided in my heart, then I have been disposed to receive the advice or the rebuke of a friend in the love in which it was given, and to bear with Christian meekness, the taunts and insults of insensible hearts and unguarded lips undisturbed thereby: but when I have slid off this foundation, then they have dis­composed my mind, and agitated it with selfish and uneasy resentments.

I have not so often met with this kind of returns to my ministry, as applause, which indeed is an intoxicating and per­nicious cup for any to drink without great fear. It ferments the spirits with a false alacrity; elevates the mind with self-con­ceit, and an imagined superiority to others, leads into an evil emulation, and even to slight those who are in a much better state, by dwelling in the valley of hu­mility, subject to Christ the beloved of their souls.

How hard for the creature not to be pleased with praise, and to offer it to him, to whom alone it is due! or after being at [Page 47] any time signally honoured, to return like Mordecai dismounted, stripped of the royal robes, and to sit in a silent, abject condition at the king's gate, waiting on him in poverty of spirit.

As applause is dangerous, so the affec­tions of the people, if not kept under proper government, both by the minister and his hearers, have a snare in them, as indeed hath every object of our senses, without maintaining an inward watchful­ness; these things not being the proper mark or prize of a minister or a christian. It is base to play the harlot with corrupt self, and deck it with the Lord's jewels. For if we take these rewards of our la­bours, we are in danger of losing that which he gives to the faithful, which is the one true and durable reward.

The spirit of the gospel directs us, to submit ourselves, or give way, one to another, to be abased, and prefer others; the strong to take the weak by the hand, and all to imitate the holy pattern of Christ, who was meek and lowly in heart, and stooped to wash the feet even of his disciples and servants.

It was he by his spirit, that not only raised up a living ministry in our society, but by the same spirit animated our faith­ful predecessors to establish a salutary [Page 48] discipline therein, upon the same founda­tion; and raised up and gifted men and women for valuable services, conducing to the edification and strengthening of one another in piety. Often have I sat in meetings of discipline greatly humbled, tendered and revived in my spirit, with fresh resolution to renew diligence in my journey heaven-ward.

One branch of this discipline, viz. the institution of meetings of ministers and elders, I highly regarded. For when we have (in a sense of our entire inability without his help) prostrated ourselves to­gether before the most high God, he hath graciously vouchsafed to open the living springs of counsel, suitable to the several states and stations present, tending to stir up to diligence and devotedness in his service, and pointing out livelily in the opening of gospel light, the snares and dangers waylaying the spiritual traveller in his journey.

Often have these meetings, when we have been thus prepared for them, ce­mented us together in an humble engage­ment of soul toward God. Tender love hath abounded, which hath made us dear one to another, as children of one fa­mily, and fellow-labourers in the highest and best cause. Christ our Lord has [Page 49] favoured us with his presence, and so­vereign power, and made us partakers together of his heart-tendering goodness, and of a near communion, and divine fellowship with him through his spirit, and with each other therein, to the re­newing our ardent concern for the ho­nour of his name, and the promotion of his truth.

But when this preparation hath been wanting, and inattention and absence of mind have taken place, then we have been barren as the dry heath; and like the earth, covered with darkness, without form and void, when the spirit of the Lord moved not on the face of the waters. Both the immediate and instrumental springs of lively and clear counsel and consolation have been closed up, and the edification and watering of the flock with­held. This hath caused living zeal, and even the attendance of them to decay, and to yield to temporal affairs and temptati­ons, to the hurt and loss of many.

May these considerations move both ministers and elders more particularly, to seek after the preparations requisite for their assembling in the name and power of Christ, and under a renewed concern for their individual preservation, as well as for that of their brethren and sisters, [Page 50] that they may thereby be comfortably en­livened, and enliven one another to all goodness, as men and women redeemed from the world, and fellow-citizens of the New Jerusalem. Then, of great and va­luable benefit indeed, would these solemn meetings be, as heretofore, when faithful labourers in the Lord's service, dignified, adorned and upheld them.

When I had resided about three years in Ireland, my brother John, whom I left in the service of Thomas Bennett, at Pick wick, Wilts, as noticed before, being desirous to fix his residence in the same nation at least with me, at the expi­ration of his fourth year there, resigned his place of usher to that school, in order to remove to Ireland, and going first to see our mother (and relations) at Kendal, she concluded to accompany him in order to pay us a visit of a few weeks, and about the middle of the summer 1740, they both arrived at Cork. After about five weeks abode with us, my mother in­clined to return home; and I having a concern on my mind to visit my native country in the service of Truth, and my brother's arrival opening the way to set me at liberty; he willingly taking charge of my school in my absence, I concluded to accompany my mother in her return: [Page 51] and having laid my concern before the men's meeting and obtained their certifi­cate, and soon meeting with a vessel bound to Whitehaven, we embarked therein, and had a favourable passage, being only about forty-eight hours from port to port.

This journey took me up about five weeks, in which time I visited the meet­ings of friends p [...]tty generally through the counties of Cumberland, Westmore­land and Lancashire, and part of the north of Yorkshire, being frequently much favoured by the master of our assemblies, and often enlarged in the love of the gospel amongst my former relations, friends and neighbours, who were many of them glad to see me, and with many of whom I was nearly united in the unity of the one spirit, the bond of peace.

^*In particular I was at a general meet­ing at Crook, about four miles from [Page 52] Kendal, which was eminently favoured, and after it, went to lodge at Lydia Lancaster's, a valuable minister, and a mother in Israel. Next morning went to [Page 53] their meeting at Colthouse near Hawks­head, and after meeting went to William Rawlinson's to lodge. Next morning in very wet stormy weather, I went to Height meeting. Most of the friends belonging to this meeting lived at some miles dis­tance from it; yet they generally attend­ed it, and I believe were generally thank­ful that they did so, so much of the ce­menting virtue and power of the gospel prevailed therein.

After meeting I went with James Row­landson's family to his house at Frith. His daughter Jane had for a little while past appeared at times in the public mi­nistry in our meetings. So much of ten­derness, [Page 54] and of inward fervency toward Christ the beloved of her soul, prevailed in her, as to make deep and lively im­pressions on my mind.

Next day, that family accompanied me over the sands to a meeting at Swarth­more, and I returned with them, and from thence back to Kendal. The said Jane Rowlandson afterwards married George Crosfield, became a valuable minister, vi­sited Ireland twice while I lived there, and the continent of America once.

In the course of this journey I was fa­voured with the company and counte­nance of sundry friends, whom in my younger years I had held in estimation, by reason of the good impressions I re­ceived from their exemplary lives and labours, as before noted in its place. My quondam master, David Hall, treated me with affectionate respect; he had buried his former wife, who was my mistress, and married again. He and his wife accom­panied me to a meeting at Airton. I lodged at Thomas Anderson's, a friend in the ministry, who visited Ireland in compa­ny with David Hall; he was blind, but exceeding pleasant and chearful. Next morning being a hard frost, I went with said Thomas and other friends over a great hill to a monthly meeting at Settle. By [Page 55] me in the gallery sat Julian Frankland, a good old woman, near ninety years of age, and a good meeting it was.

At and about Kendal also, I had much of the company of that honourable mi­nister and elder, James Wilson, who as a nursing father encouraged and strength­ened me in the service I was engaged in. His conversation was often pleasant, in­structing and edifying; one remarkable passage he related, I think worthy of in­serting, which was to the following pur­port.

In his young years (having been edu­cated in the established religion or church of England so called) he had conceived a very contemptible opinion of the people called Quakers and their principles, and at a public house or inn, falling in com­pany with some others of like sentiments, this people became the subject of their discourse; and as they were expressing their sentiments of contempt and dislike of them pretty freely, a person of some note, who had been an officer under Oliver Cromwell, came into the room and over-hearing their discourse, observed to them in substance, ‘That he upprehended their prejudice towards this people arose from their want of knowing them: for my part (continued lie I entertain [Page 56] very different sentiments or them;’ and perceiving them struck with admiration to hear him, whom they looked upon as a man of sense, as well as consequence, ex­press himself after this manner, he pro­ceeded to the following purpose. ‘You seem to wonder that I express a favour­able opinion of the Quakers, I will in­form you the reason. After the battle of Dunbar, as I was riding in Scotland at the head of my troop, I observed at some distance from the road, a crowd of people, and one higher than the rest; upon which I sent one of my men to see, and bring me word what was the meaning of this gathering and seeing him ride up and stay there, without re­turning according to my order, I sent a second, who stayed in like manner, and then I determined to go myself. When I came thither, I found it was James Naylor preaching to the people; but with such power and reaching energy, as I had not till then been wit­ness of. I could not help staying a lit­tle, although I was afraid to stay; for I was made a Quaker, being forced to tremble at the sight of myself. I was struck with more terror by the preaching of James Naylor, than I was at the battle of Dunbar, when we [Page 57] had nothing else to expect, but to fall a prey to the swords of our enemies, without being able to help ourselves. I clearly saw the cross to be submitted to, so I durst stay no longer, but got off, and carried condemnation for it in my own breast. The people there, in the clear and powerful opening of their states, cried out against themselves, imploring mercy, a thorough change, and the whole work of salvation to be effected in them. Ever since I have thought myself obliged to acknowledge on their behalf, as I have now done.’

This, James Wilson said, proved the first step towards his convincement of our principles, inclining him to go to our meetings, which before he had an aversion to the thoughts of, from the prejudice above hinted. In those days the meetings of friends were more eminently favoured with divine power, as they lived more devoted to Christ; and consequently more abounding with his love flowing in their hearts.

I was ready to think that Isaac Alexan­der had been instrumental to his con­vincement. I find it recorded in the third volume of the dying Sayings, that said Isaac died at his house. Of him he gave me the following account, that ‘being [Page 58] in himself an illiterate rustick, soon after his convincement, he appeared in the ministry lively and powerful. A neighbour of his, having heard of his becoming a preacher, could not tell-how sufficiently to express his admira­tion; he made it the subject of his dis­course from place to place, deriding him who had no learning for presuming to preach, and the people for suffering him.’

‘This man attended the funeral or that great and good woman, Ann Camm. The meeting proved an ex­ceeding enlightening, tendering oppor­tunity: and even this derider was con­trited and humbled therein. Isaac Alexander was eminently raised up in his gift, to set forth the goodness, and the justice of God: the glory of Truth, the happiness of obeying it, and the lasting infelicity of neglecting and re­belling against it. The man was so thoroughly penetrated with a clear sight of his own case, that after Isaac had done, he stood up in that very assembly; acknowledged the crime he had been guilty of, and begged the prayers of all good Christians, that it might be for­given him.’

[Page 59]I mostly finished my service in England in this journey, with the quarterly meet­ing for Lancashire, at Lancaster, and that for Westmoreland, at Kendal, held in suc­cession. At the former, I met with Abra­ham Fuller, of Dublin, who had accom­panied Moses Aldridge from New-Eng­land, in his religious visit to friends in Scotland, and was now, as well as myself on his return home; our meeting being quite unexpected, was a very pleasing sur­prize to us both; especially, as we were like to be companions to Dublin. Here also, I met with Samuel Fothergill, then young in the ministry; but even then ap­pearing with that solemnity, brightness, and gospel authority, as gave friends live­ly hopes of his proving, as he did, through the successive stages of his life, a bright and shining light, a vessel of honour in­deed, of eminent service in the church of Christ. The public service in the said quarterly meeting, fell to the share of us who were young, (though many weighty experienced ministers present,) and our good Master being with us, it proved a refreshing, satisfactory, and edifying meet­ing.

From Lancaster we went directly to the quarterly meeting at Kendal, which was also a good meeting, and the begin­ning [Page 60] of the succeeding week, we proceed­ed to Whitehaven, in order to take ship­ping for Dublin, where we arrived on seventh day following, and I lodged at Joseph Gill's. I attended the meetings there the next day, and heavenly help being near, I was furnished with ability and matter, to minister to the general sa­tisfaction and edification of friends, and the ease of my own mind. And my be­ing at that time quite a stranger to most friends in that city, and coming quite un­expected, occasioned pretty much enquiry among them.

From Dublin I proceeded toward Lime­rick, by Mountmelick, Mountrath, and Kilconinmore, where John Ashton was then living, a valuable good man, little inferior to most I have known in my estimation. Although not eminent for great and shining parts; yet he was a shining light in the country where he re­sided, in love and good works; a man of great humility, and servour of soul for the promotion of piety; much beloved and esteemed of his neighbours and friends.

When I came to the good old man's house, (being now near eighty years of age) he was very much indisposed; and it being about the middle of the eighth [Page 61] month O. S. or October, and the friends in that part being late with some part of their harvest, he proposed notwithstand­ing his infirmity, to accompany me to Limerick: a great day's journey for him when he was well, as the roads were then: and his relations, apprehending it too ha­zardous for him to undertake under his present indisposition, endeavoured to dis­suade him from it: which made me desi­rous that he might not suffer in his health, nor meet with any dissatisfaction of mind.

It proved a fine day. He grew much bet­ter, and his conversation was very edifying. Our friends at Limerick rejoiced greatly to see him, being the last time of his be­ing there. Next day being first day, we had two comfortable meetings there. On second day morning at parting, he told me "He was well paid for coming." He was well and hearty the winter following, and the next spring set forward towards the half-year's meeting at Dublin, but having reached Birr, he found himself unable to go further, returned home, and after a short illness departed this life, leaving behind him a general testimony all round the country on his behalf, as of one who had eminently served God, loved [Page 62] mankind, and was greatly beloved by al­most every one that knew him.

He and his wife were both convinced at one meeting at Birr, through the pow­erful ministry of that able and eminent minister of the gospel, Thomas Wilson. Coming out of that meeting, they said to each other, ‘The way of everlasting happiness had been clearly laid down before them, and they were resolved to walk in it, come life or come death.’

Not long after, John was thrown into prison for his christian testimony against the oppressive and antichristian yoke of tithes; here, being used to work without doors, he was at a loss how to employ his time; but soon learned to make gartering and laces.

When at liberty, he with his wife, con­stantly twice a week attended the meeting at Birr, generally walking on foot thither, being about seven English miles and very bad road, wading through a river in the way both going and returning. In winter in crossing this river they sometimes had the ice to break; and John said he had wept to see the blood on his wife's legs in coming through it. In those days truth was precious to its professors, who also possessed it, and no difficulties or dangers, could prevent them from getting to their [Page 63] religious meetings, to enjoy the renewings of divine love and life, with their bre­thren.

This good man also took great pains to get travelling friends to appoint meetings at his house; and then to acquaint peo­ple thereof several miles round, travelling for that purpose by night, as well as by day, in the winter season, and in severe weather, and underwent much reproach for this labour and diligence of his.

Yet he was blest in it, both inwardly and outwardly, many came to the meet­ings at his house, several were convinced of the truth, and in process of time a meeting was settled there, and grew larger than that of Birr, out of which it had sprung.

He was at the time of his joining our society but in low circumstances: but through industry and the blessing of hea­ven he grew rich, and did abundance of good, being singularly hospitable, liberal, and charitable.

At the abovesaid meeting at Birr, thro' the ministry of Thomas Wilson, there was also convinced his wife's daughter Mary, the wife of James Sheppard. This was a great mortification to her husband, who tried various means to reclaim her. At length a noted preacher being to [Page 64] preach at the worship-house he frequent­ed, he proposed to his wife, that if she would go with him to hear him, he would go with her next Sunday (as he called it) to the meeting at Birr, to which proposal she assented. She went accord­ingly, and heard fine words and elo­quence: but that was not what her soul wanted.

Next first-day pursuant to his engage­ment he went with her to Birr. It proved to be a silent meeting there: yet thro' the reverent attendance of the souls of those present upon Christ the best minister, they were favoured together with his life-giv­ing presence, with the sense of which, the said James was reached, and tendered in­to contrition in the sight of the self-deny­ing path cast up to peace with God. Hereupon, what he little expected at his going to that meeting, he immediately joined in society with friends, and became a serviceable man in his station.

After parting with John Ashton, I pro­ceeded toward Cork, and reached it next morning before meeting.

Soon after I visited some parts of Lein­ster province. After my return I spared my brother, at the request of Benjamin Wilson near Edenderry, to be tutor to his children, and those of a neighbouring [Page 65] friend. When he had been there about a year and a half, I writ to him to pre­pare (after duly apprizing his employers) to return to Cork, having a desire for once, while I had an opportunity (of his supplying my place) to be at the Welch, Bristol, and London yearly meetings, and though the family was loth to part with him, yet as I wanted him on this account, he disengaged himself and returned to Cork, in due time for me to proceed on the service before me.

Accordingly in the beginning of the first month, O. S. (now called the third) I embarked on a sixth day morning at Cork: On seventh day at night by fa­vour of the light-houses we got into Mil­ford-haven. On first-day morning I walk­ed to Haverford-west, where I met with Abraham Fuller of Dublin, whom I con­sulted how I should steer my course to North-Wales, as I understood here, that the Welch yearly-meeting was to be about a month from this time in this neighbourhood, viz, at Tenby in Pein­brokeshire.

Abraham advised me to order my course so, as to be at John Goodwin's on a first-day, because there was generally a large resort of people there on that day, and gave me his directions how to [Page 66] accomplish it, which I was pleased with, having heard before of that good old man, and having a desire to be then at his house.

On third day after meeting I left Ha­verford-west, had a meeting next day at Carmarthen: on fifth day morning went to John Bowen's at Penplace, expecting to have a meeting there, but he being gone to their monthly meeting at John Reece's at Penbark, I followed him thi­ther, where I found a considerable num­ber met: After I had set down, old John Reece stood up and preached to us in Welch. On sixth day I went to the wi­dow Evans's at Llandewy-brevy, in Cardi­ganshire, and expected next day to reach John Goodwin's, at Escargogh in Mon­mouthshire.

Next morning the friend who was to have been my guide came into my cham­ber long before day, when I was about getting up, having an earnest desire to reach John Goodwin's that day. He in­formed me ‘I could not go thither that day without running the risque of my life, as it showed very hard, and it was a mountainous road.’ I presently got up, and found myself obliged to stay there, to the no small disappointment of my desire.

[Page 67]I then went to their ma [...]et-town cal­led Tregarron, and there had two meet­ings that day, the latter of which was large. Next day being first day, hearing of a priest called Daniel Rowland, whose parish worship-house was at Llangeithow, three miles beyond Llandewy-brevy, who was much flocked after by many people, even from other parishes, thither I went accompanied by three friends. When we arrived we found the house full, and ma­ny at the outside, who seemed to listen to the preacher with attention, who was preaching in Welch. I desired a young man to endeavour to get in to the Parson, and acquaint him that an Englishman without, wanted to speak to him, which I suppose he did. For when he had ended his sermon the congregation broke up, and he came out one of the first.

I went to meet him and told him, ‘I had found my mind drawn in christian love to visit him and his congregation, and therefore desired then the oppor­tunity to deliver to him and them what was on my mind.’ After some enquiries he said ‘It was not convenient then, as he had himself preached largely to the people.’ Finding myself clear of him, I got upon a pretty high tomb­stone, and the people generally drew near, [Page 68] being a very large multitude. The op­portunity was greatly favoured, I being engaged to invite the people to Christ the free teacher, and of him to receive wine and milk (strength and nourish­ment to their souls) without money and without price: tho' the people stood close crowded, there seemed to be as great a stillness, as if scarce any were there. After I had ended what at that time flowed thro' my heart to them, I stood a little with my mind reverently and thankfully affected. At length I looked round to see on which side I might most easily retire. Some of the people near, who perceived it, desired that ‘I would pray for them before I left them.’ I answered that ‘I did indeed pray for them, but as for doing it vo­cally, I durst not, unless it appeared at that time to be my duty so to do.’ They asked then ‘Whither I intended to go next,’ I told them ‘To Llambeter (about five miles off) where I intended to have a meeting that afternoon.’ Thither many of them went.

When I had got a little way on the road, I was overtaken by one, who look­ed like a gentleman, on horseback, with his wife riding behind a man on another horse, he told me ‘He had come out of [Page 69] Carmarthenshire fourteen miles over the hills to hear Daniel Rowland, ask­ing if I should come into that county, that if I did he would meet me any where in it, if he could know the time and place; but would be better pleased if I could come and lodge a night with him,’ which I afterward did.

As I advanced a little further, a certain woman not of our profession, invited me and friends with me to dine, and gave us the best entertainment in her power. She expressed with solidity, ‘She had not understood one word I had said; but had felt that which had done her heart good, as a friend interpreted her words to me.’

Many people flocking to Llambeter, the meeting was held in the street. After it I parted with the people in mutual af­fection, and returned to Llandewy brevy in company with friends and others. I was at this time much overcome with the Lord's goodness, and thankful for the aforesaid disappointment of my desire, as believing it to be in the ordering of best wisdom, for the service of the day, being filled with a comfortable hope, I was in my proper place, which caused the tears to run down my cheeks, most of the way I had [...] ride.

[Page 70]When I returned to my quarters, viz. the widow Evans's near Llandewy-brevy, a great number of the neighbouring peo­ple were come thither, and an unexpected meeting ensued, wherein several were broken, and tendered in the time of si­lence. I briefly observed ‘that it had been made a good day to several of us, expressing my desire that it might be duly remembered by us.’ And in this lively tenderness we took our leave of one another.

But alas, when I came thither eighteen years after this, I found little sign left of that servency toward God, which then seemed impressed on their minds. The enemy had got entrance, and too much stolen it away.

Next day I got to John Goodwin's, and he told me ‘he believed I was come in the right time, there having been but few at his house the day before, by reason of the snow that had fallen thereabout.’ He accompanied me from his house to a meeting at the edge of Shropshire.

John told me that his father and mo­ther were both convinced of truth about the same time, and received it in the love of it. At that time his father was clerk of the parish, and master of the free-school [Page 71] thereof; but upon his joining with friends, and giving up faithfully to divine convic­tion, he was turned out of both these pla­ces, and obliged to have recourse to hard labour, wherein his mother heartily join­ed: But, that himself their eldest child, then well grown toward the state of a youth, not understanding their case, thought them fools to turn Quakers, and resolved he would not be like them in that: Nor did they offer any compulsion to him therein: But their prayers, put up to the Lord for him, were manifestly answered; and they had in their son the comfort they desired. At this time friends were grown numerous in Wales; but soon after, upon the encouragement given by William Penn, most of the friends in some parts of this principality, removed and settled in Pennsylvania, and amongst the rest John's father and mother, with most of their children. From inclination he would have removed with them; but a higher power directed his stay in his native land, and to that he gave up fa­ther and mother and every thing. This good man recounted, to me the great fa­vours of the Lord to him all along to that day, to the following purport.

‘When the Lord pointed out poor Wales as a field of labour for me, he [Page 72] promised that if I was faithful to him in it, he would be with me and favour me therein: and now I have in my heart a testimony for him in my old age, that he hath abundantly made good his promise to me, both outwardly and inwardly, far beyond what at that day, I could have ever expected.’ Which favours in divers respects he rela­ted over to me in a very edifying thank­ful frame of mind: And speaking of his wife in particular, he related the steps by which the Lord (whom they loved and served) conducted and joined them toge­ther; livelily adding, ‘I think I may say, if ever man in the world got his right wife, I got mine.’ He further told me. that he lived and maintained his family on a farm of four pounds a year, but at length had purchased it and improved it, so that at that time he reckoned it worth six pounds a year. The first journey he travel­led in the ministry, being to visit friends thro' Wales, he had then got of clear money above forty shillings in all; and he was free to spend it (if there were occa­sion) in the Lord's service, knowing that he could give him, or enable him to get more; that the first time he began to entertain travelling friends (most of the meeting being then gone off to Pennsylvania) he [Page 73] had but one bed which he left to them, he and his wife taking up their lodging in the stable. Divers have been convin­ced by his ministry: and one of the prin­cipal worthies of our age I have esteemed him.

The fo [...]egoing narrative of this worthy elder was edifying and profitable to me not only at the time, but frequently since in the review and recollection thereof: and I thought it worthy of recital as con­veying profitable instruction to every class of readers whether of high or low degree: To the former a lesson of instruction how humbly thankful they ought to be to the gracious giver of all good things, for his extensive bounty to them, when they con­sider this truly good man, in circumstan­ces we should reckon mean indeed, and a manner of living suitable to his circum­stances, bearing a lively and grateful testimony to the goodness, mercy and truth of the Lord in his gracious dealings with him. Also when he dedicates his little all (in faith) to his Lord's service, doth he not in the silent and reaching lan­guage of example, c [...]nvey this intelli­gence to thy soul, who art blessed with abundance? ‘Go thou and do likewise; [Page 74] Honour the Lord with thy substance and the first fruits of all thine encrease; ^* Love mercy, and walk humbly with thy God;’ ^† deeply pondering in thy heart "How much owest thou to the Lord?

And those of low circumstances from hence may learn that happiness is confined to no station in this life; but is the result of observing the law of God in the inward parts, being (as it prescribes) content with the things which we have, not minding high things; but reducing our desires to the level of our station in life, that so we may fill it with propriety and act our parts well: If we thus walk by the unerr­ing rule of truth, tho' we be esteemed poor in this world, we shall be rich in faith, and, with this worthy man enjoy in the obscurity of the humble cottage what palaces too seldom afford, solid con­tent, the consolation of a conscience void of offence, and in reward of well-doing, ‘the peace of God that passeth the un­derstandings of men.’ The most splen­did and extensive earthly possessions, when laid in the balance against durable posses­sions like these, are indeed as nothing and lighter than vanity.

[Page 75]Having parted with John Goodwin, I went to Shrewsbury, Colebrooke-dale, Bewdley, Worcester, Birmingham, Co­ventry, Warwick, Evesham; then back by Worcester to Bromyard, Hereford, Amely and into Radnorshire in Wales, to Brinfloyd and Talcot. To this last place came Mary Rickaby of Yorkshire from Llandewy-brevy, much tired; but after a little rest and refreshment, she had an edifying opportunity in the family; and from hence she, with Miriam Bowen, and her uncle Edward Jones accompa­nied me to the Welch yearly meeting, as did also John Young from Leominster, who met me at Hereford for that purpose, and was an acceptable companion.

Next morning we set out from Talcot about five o'clock and got to Nathaniel Anthony's a little after meeting time, a meeting having been appointed before-hand there, to begin at five in the even­ing. After meeting John Young and I went to lodge with that couple, who had before invited menear Llangeithow, where we met with a kind and cordial reception, and found them fervent in desire after godliness. Next morning we met Mary Rickaby, and sundry other friends at John Bowen's. Thence went to an evening [Page 76] meeting at Carmarthen, which was large. Next day being seventh day, we went to John Lewis's house in the country; on first day with him to the meeting at Red­stone, and in the afternoon were at a large meeting at Haverford-west: And front hence on third day we went to the yearly meeting at Tenby.

After the yearly meeting, I went by Swanzey and Trevereeg to Pontipoole, being accompanied by good old Evan Evans. Thence by Shernuton and Ross to Gloucester, and from thence round by Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Wiltshire to Bristol yearly meeting; and from thence by Bath, Bradford, Shaftsbury, Poole, Ringwood and Southampton and the Isle of Wight, to that of London.

At Shaftsbury the meeting had been pretty much dropped for several years, there being none of our profession left, but an old friend a tanner and his two sisters: but at this time several were in part convinced, and thereupon the meet­ing revived. I was there on a first day, and had three meetings which were large. The second day I spent in visiting families, and in the evening had a conclusive meet­ing with friends, and those newly convin­ced. It was a satisfactory time; and one man's wife who had been in great grief, [Page 77] passion and bitterness, on account of her husband's joining in our profession, was herself gained and joined him and friends; and another woman likewise joined us at the same time: yet the fervency which was then felt, proved but of short dura­tion with several of them. However the meeting hath continued, a new meeting-house was built there since that time, and the quarterly meeting of the county of Dorset is sometimes held there.

On my return from the Isle of Wight, Thomas Whitehead and Philip Eliot met me at Portsmouth and accompanied me thence to London, with young Abel Hollis of the Isle of Wight, who was then hope­ful, next day being the fourth of the week we came to Alton; after meeting there on fifth day we came to an evening meet­ing at Godalmin. Sixth day morning were at a meeting at Guilford. After meeting, being joined by Samuel Bownas and Jeremiah Waring, we came to Esher, and next morning to London to the year­ly meeting.

In this journey Samuel Bownas was particularly kind and fatherly to me. We were together at Gracious-street meeting on first day morning, which was a good meeting, and wherein I was favoured in a good degree.

[Page 78]Thomas Whitehead and Philip Eliot accompanied me after the yearly meeting was over to a meeting at Hertford. From Hertford I went to Hitchin, Jordan's, High-wiccomb, &c. was at the quarterly-meeting at Okeham for the counties of Leicester and Rutland, and at those at Lincoln, York, Lancaster and Kendal.

At this yearly meeting were no repre­sentatives from Ireland, but Abraham Fuller and I. John Pim of Edenderry and his brother Joshua Pim of Mount­rath came as far as Coventry: and there the said Joshua, a valuable friend and elder, was visited with a distemper, which for a time seemed dangerous. He reco­vered, but not till some time after the yearly meeting was over.

The like afterwards happened to ano­ther good friend and elder Joseph Wil­liams of Randal's Mills, who reached Lon­don, and was there by indisposition pre­vented from getting out to any meeting, such trials being sometimes permitted for the proving and exercising the saith and patience of the Lord's servants.

In this journey I often travelled hard, and had two meetings a day wherever I could. It took me about five months. At Lincoln quarterly meeting friends lodg­ed [Page 79] at inns: I don't remember that I knew one friend there, but John Scott from Leeds, and May Drummond. It being now about midsummer, the pub­lic meeting began at twelve o'clock, their men's meeting about two, and ended be­fore four. In those two meetings I had been shut up. I met with an elderly friend and asked him, how friends spent the resi­due of the long evening, he answered ‘In conversing together or taking a walk or the like.’ I told him ‘I thought it was a pity, considering the large num­ber of young people come together from sundry parts of the county, that I thought the end would be better an­swered, by some religious opportunity, or meeting, that might tend to edifi­cation, and be of benefit to some at least.’ He replied ‘They used to have evening meetings; but being on one hand much infested with rude people, and on the other too often weakly conducted, they proved dissatisfactory; and for these reasons friends had thought it best to discontinue them.’

Hereupon we were called in to dinner; but I had little appetite: after dinner I was called out. Some of the elders had drawn together, and upon my coming to them, signified if I had a concern for an [Page 80] evening meeting, that they were willing to appoint one to begin at the sixth hour. I was afraid yet durst not refuse the pro­posal, so upon my assenting, the meeting was appointed, it was much crowded, and the life and power of truth was in domi­nion, which eased my mind of its burden and filled it with thankfulness.

From hence John Scott, May Drum­mond and I, came together with divers other friends to a meeting at Gainsbo­rough, and on the first day after, were at the general meeting at Warnsworth, where we met with Joseph Storr. From thence John Scott and I came together to the monthly meeting at Leeds, where we met with our valuable ancient friend William Slater. From Leeds I went in company with William Hird and his wife to the monthly meeting at Knaresborough, at which was John Fothergill, and from thence to the quarterly meeting at York, to which came in particular John Richard­son, expected by few, having been thought to be near death for some time before, but being recovered a little, tho' still very feeble in body, but strong in faith, and warm in love to God and the brethren, in a journey of three days, which he had used to accomplish in one or less, he [Page 81] reached this city, to have one more so­lemn opportunity with his friends at this meeting.

In the meeting of ministers the good old man was enlarged in much weighty and pertinent counsel in the clear opening of Gospel light, but the public meetings were much hurt by raw and forward pub­lic appearances.

From York I came with Mary Slater to Skipton, and from thence was accompa­nied by John Binns to a general meeting at Croshabooth, where I met with Samuel Fothergill, Margaret Birtwhistle (afterwards married to Jonathan Rain) and Sarah Routh, who afterwards married William Taylor: next day in company with the two last to the quarterly meet­ing at Lancaster.

Here in the meeting of ministers Mar­garet Birtwhistle appeared livelily and very suitably: but a young man and one elder than he, by their public appear­ances hurt the meeting.

When I reached Whitehaven, I there met Susanna Morris and Elizabeth Mor­gan of Pennsylvania just landed from Dub­lin having visited Ireland. Susanna Morris was a good old woman and a sound minis­ter, whose faith was remarkably tried; hav­ing twice suffered shipwreck on the coast [Page 82] of Ireland and once (as I have heard) on the western coast of Europe; yet was pre­served by that power and providence on which she relied, and her faith not weak­ened thereby.

One time it happened in the north of Ireland, and the other time off Dungarvan, when, (as I have been credibly inform­ed) after hanging some hours in the ship's shrouds, apparently in imminent danger of being swept away by the waves every minute, and the storm continuing so vio­lent that no boatmen durst venture out to their relief, a popish priest was made the instrument of her preservation, who by his influence and authority roused some of the inhabitants, at the risque of their lives to attempt the relief of her and others, which they providentially effected, and brought her and Joseph Taylor par­ticularly, safe ashore.

When I landed from Whitehaven at Dublin, I there received a letter from my brother, informing me that their next province meeting was to be at Limerick next first day. Garret Hasten accom­panying me, we lest Dublin on fourth day morning and came that evening to Samuel Neale's at Christian's town, and were next day at the week-day meeting at Rathangan, and after meeting went to [Page 83] John Ridgeway's at Ballycarrol; next day we reached Roscrea, and Limerick, the day following. At this province meeting I was prevailed on to stay and join in a visit to friends' families, towards which service Garret had before expressed some concern on his mind. We were accom­panied by Joshua Beale of Cork, John Philips, George Pease and William Rich­ardson of Limerick. It proved a memo­rable season: The pure influence of truth having prevaled in the preceeding pro­vince meeting, had so prepared friends' minds, that we found in general great openness and in some families scarce a dry eye. No hardness, that I remember, ap­peared, except in one family: and the head of that family, being an eager pur­suer of the world, in some time after failed considerably in debt. From thence I came straight home to Cork.

On the whole of this long journey, and my third with a certificate, I have this observation to make. In my two first journeys being much among tender reli­gious friends, my labour was easy and edifying, and I often had great consola­tion, and divine satisfaction among them: but in this last, coming to many places that were poor and flat, as to the life of religion, and where other things more pre­vailed, [Page 84] I often had suffering seasons, and came off but poorly.

In the next summer after my return, I removed from Cork (leaving my said bro­ther John Gough there in my place) into Leinster province, and settled near Mount­melick.

I have good reason to believe that I followed right direction, and the gracious call of divine goodness, in this removal, on divers accounts, as in the good hand of God, the author of all good, it prov­ed a blessing both to my wife and myself. There lived hereaway at that time divers valuable spiritually-minded friends, thro' whose tender regard, counsel and help we gained fresh good, and to whom we felt great nearness of heart, and dear affec­tion, in the pure love of the one eternal spirit.

Here I tried something of the linen-business, but found myself so unfit for dealing with the common people, that I saw (notwithstanding the kind assistance of some friends) I was not like to gain any thing by following this business. And as I had little else at present for a liveli­hood, it sometimes spread a dejection over my mind. Such dispensations are hum­bling, deeply exercising our faith and pa­tience, and proving our foundation and [Page 85] our confidence in divine protection, and reliance on heavenly help. They are what we generally call trials; and so they are: but when we consider that the earth is the Lord's and the fulness thereof, and that the cattle of a thousand hills are his; are not his favours trials as well as his chastisements? Affluence appears to me a trial as well as discouraging outward prospects; but a trial of a different nature, that is of our fidelity as stewards of the mercies of God, to whom we are all to be accountable for the discharge of the trust he hath invested us with, that we consume them not upon our lusts, as if that was our own, which was given us to do good with, and be helpful to others who may stand in need; and as the sunshine of prosperity is apt to list men up too high into a state of inconsiderateness and dissipation, I have thought it as a trial, whereby we are un­der greater danger and temptation: and have a greater cross to take up to be what we ought to be, than in humbler stations. It has not fallen to my lot to be much proved with trials of this kind, and I am led to believe that divine wisdom, who or­ders all things well, knew best what was best for me. For when prospects of things were pleasing I was too prone to be too much elevated, and therefore needed to [Page 86] be brought and kept low: but in the midst of my discouragement, a door of hope often opened to me, from the inter­nal evidence and persuasion of my being in my right place, and of faith that all things would work together for good, if we were preserved thro' all to love and fear the Lord, and so I humbly trust it proved. For my wife under the like dis­couragement being brought low in her mind, it proved in the hand of God a good step to her to the more certain en­joyment of his blessed presence, and the comforts of his good spirit: She meeting with the like precious visitation here, as I had done before in Bristol, which made us partakers together, of the sweet sense of the gracious regard of him that is above all, and closely linked us together in true unity, and deep thankfulness, which often raised in us (to our unspeakable joy) the cheering hope of a dwelling-place, with the sanctified of the Lord in the regions of bliss. May I never forget such seasons of unmerited mercy and goodness.

In the spring of the next year, my mind was again drawn to visit some parts of Cumberland and Westmoreland. John Pim of Lackah and his wife offered me their eldest son Moses for a companion, which I accepted. We met at his brother-in-law [Page 87] Samuel Neale's at Christian's town. Thence we went next day some miles out of our way to see our dear friend Mary Peisly being at that time in affliction.

She had been a gay young woman, but in the youthful years of her gaiety, she was favoured with a powerful and prevail­ing visitation of divine love, and giving up faithfully to the heavenly vision, she became a vessel of honour in the master's house, receiving a gift in the ministry, and being reverently, watchfully and live­lily exercised therein to the edification of friends where her lot was cast. She was indeed an useful member and a shining ornament to the church.

I am ready to conclude, that none in out day, from the time of this the effec­tual visitation of Christ to her soul, ad­hered with more steadiness to his guidance, through a variety of probations. She was most part of her time a member of the same monthly meeting with myself. Of­ten were we together in public meetings; often on family visits.

She visited friends in England, Ireland and North America pretty generally; and soon after her return from her last journey married our friend Samuel Neale, and in a few days after departed this life. I at­tended both at her marriage and her fu­neral, [Page 88] and am satisfied that she is gone to enjoy for ever the reward of a well-spent life, very much devoted to the service of God, and the promotion of truth upon earth.

After this visit of friendship, we got to Dublin on seventh day evening, and there on enquiry I was informed at several pla­ces, that the whole fl [...]et of Whitehaven ships had gone off that day; but in my return from the quay (accompanied by my kind landlord Thomas Strangman) met a man, who told us there was one prevented from getting off. So I stayed the two meetings in Dublin the next day, and had a satisfactory time with my dear friends there. After dinner on second day we embarked, and on third day about noon landed at Whitehaven. That afternoon I went to John Harris's, and next morn­ing set off with him and his wife, a va­luable minister, to the quarterly meeting at Carlisle.

One thing appeared to me pleasingly remarkable at that time. By reason of wet weather, people there were backward at their country work, and then very busy, yet several of the men, put for­ward their wives to go to the quarterly meeting, as they intended themselves to the northern yearly meeting to be at Ken­dal [Page 89] about two weeks from that time. We were that day pretty many in company, but more women than men, tho' both the roads and the weather were but indiffer­ent. Hence I concluded that no other motive, but that of religious desire drew them from home. It affected my mind, and made me hope for a good meet­ing. The widow of our worthy friend Robert Atkinson, then about eighty years of age, with two other elderly women walked on foot eight miles to it.

On fifth day the quarterly meeting be­gan, and on sixth day ended, and was a large and good meeting. On seventh day I reached Kendal, and visited meetings thereaway till the yearly meeting; and after it spent a few days thereabout, took leave of my poor mother, and never saw either the place of my nativity or her any more. She lived only about two or three years after this, and was favoured in her latter days with peace and quiet; which was mercifully continued to her last end.

This journey began well, like all my others; but, alas! it did not so continue and end, for want of my steadily adhering to the all-wise guide in my whole conduct. Yet I received instruction from it, and learned to exercise more care in some [Page 90] things, wherein I saw I had missed my way.

I embarked at Whitehaven for Dublin; but we were driven to the north, and put into Carlingford about fifty miles from Dublin. The passengers were three men and three women, and this being a poor place, we could only get two mean wretched horses, on which we helped the women by turns to Dundalk about eight or ten miles. From Dundalk we hired three horses, which carried double well to Drogheda where we lodged. Here were no horses to be met with. So meeting with a return chaise I agreed for the three women to go in it, and myself setting for­ward on foot in company with one of the passengers, I arrived in Dublin in good time, and was at the half year's meeting there which was a satisfactory season.

Still seeing little or no prospect of get­ting any thing by the linen-business, one morning Thomas Boake schoolmaster of Mountmelick came to acquaint me, that the doctor had told him he must qui [...] the school or lose his life (being then in a bad state of health,) and to advise with me and others thereupon. He soon quitted it, and I succeeded him, in a school poor indeed, as I found it, at my first entering upon it; for except a few friends whose children [...] [Page 91] had, who duly paid me, most of the rest put me off with promises, few of which were ever performed; so that a dull pros­pect still threatened, and looking back in my mind to both Bristol and Cork, I thought it a strange condition to which I was now reduced: yet hope in the Lord sometime supported and cheered my mind; and it was not long till things began to wear a better face; for first some friends of Dublin, and afterwards others from other parts sent their so [...]s to board with us, till we had above twenty boys board­ed in our house, for whom we were well and duly paid.

About ten years after our marriage, my wife was delivered of a son, whom we named John, and in a few days after, she departed this life. For about two years before her decease she had been engaged a little in the work of the ministry; but her principal service was in friends' fami­lies and in the women's meetings (in which her service was much missed, when she was removed.) She died in a sweet frame of mind, and in near unity with good friends.

My brother had married at Youghal a relation of my wife's, upon whose death, he and his wise came into my house at my desire, and in the winter following [Page 92] I visited Ulster province pretty fully and thoroughly, being at sundry meetings twice over; in this journey I was favoured with the company of old Robert Richard­son many miles, and to many meetings, in severe weather, and he about eighty-four years of age.

I had a particular concern to have a meeting in the town of Belfast: I con­sulted Robert upon it; but he did not en­courage it, not one of our profession liv­ing in that town: He said he had been at sundry meetings there▪ but few of them proved to satisfaction. So I left the mat­ter for some days; but the concern fol­lowed me still. And it opened in my mind, that if I would have the bread of life to my soul, I must go to the place ap­pointed for me to receive it, viz. to Belfast.

I thereupon consulted sundry other friends, all of whom approved of it. Up­on application the town hall was obtained for it, and fitted up with seats of deal-boards. Sundry friends attended from the meetings of Ballinderry, Lisburn, Hills­borough, and Newtown, particularly from Lisburn several friends accompanied me, and old Robert could not be easy without coming along in the rear of the company; he sat next to me on the justices' bench.

The magistrates were so favourable, as to order the constables to stand at the door [Page 93] to keep out the rabble: The inhabitants of the town of upper rank with their wives and children came to it in a decent solid manner.

I had had a great weight and fear on my mind respecting the undertaking; but pro­ceeding on the foundation hinted above; a steady hope and reverent dependence on the Almighty stayed my mind, and I thought my friends felt for me, and felt unity of heart with me. The meeting was eminently favoured with the clear light of the gospel, and the sweet sense and enjoyment of divine life and good­ness. After the meeting, Robert in a ten­der thankful frame of mind expressed his satisfaction, as did divers other friends. It proved a good day, honourable to the cause of truth, and affording solid joy to us, who attended that meeting, which had been crowned with the divine presence.

After this I had meetings of the like kind at Dungannon, Moira, and Legi­curry or Rich-hill, all of them open, and comfortable. And indeed in this visit to Ulster province, I was favoured often with the supporting evidence of my being under right direction. It had been on my mind for some years before, and I thought I had waited till the right time.

[Page 94]I was accompanied in this journey ma­ny miles and to many meetings by my esteemed friend Thomas Greer, whose company was truly acceptable; also by my dear friend Susanna Hatton to such meetings as she could get out convenietly to attend.

Sometime after I also visited Munster province, accompanied by my friend John Pim of Lackah.

About this time the Methodists had got some footing in sundry parts of Ireland, and in Mountmelick in particular: John Curtis, a friend of Bristol, who had been one of them about a year, having been afterwards convinced of our principles, and received a gift of the ministry, came over upon a religious visit to friends in Ireland, amongst whom his service was very acceptable.

I was with him at a large meeting in the court house in Athy, another in the assembly-room at Athlone, and at several others which were very large. He ap­peared in inwardness of mind to attend upon his gift, and follow its leading; and concluded his service in Ireland with an epistle to friends whom he had visited, which the national meeting ordered to be printed.

[Page 95]I mention this by reason of what fol­lows.

One afternoon John Wesley made his first entrance into Mountmelick, attended by a large company on horseback of those who joined him in society. As several of their ministers had been here before, some of whom had invited me to come, and bring my family, to hear them preach the gospel, I had not as yet found freedom to go: but hearing that John Wesley was to preach that evening in the open market­place, I was not easy to avoid going. So I went, and standing at a friend's shop-door, I heard him begin with the follow­ing preamble or introduction:

‘Before I unfold to you the oracles of God I must first remove a stumbling-block out of the way, which is this; I understand one John Curtis from Bris­tol hath of late been travelling in these parts, and endeavouring to lay waste that good work, which it hath pleased God to carry on by our hands, giving out that he was formerly a Methodist and ac­quainted with me. Now he never was a Methodist to my knowledge, and I think he could not be one in or about Bristol without it: And as to any acquaintance with the said John Curtis, I solemnly declare I never had any; only I remem­ber [Page 96] being twice in his company occa­sionally, about eight years ago. I hope no man will account me an offender for speaking the truth. If George Fox were here he would embrace me for it.’

This was the substance of his introduc­tion in the same words, or very nearly the same, in which he delivered it, for I gave good attention to this part. Then he pro­ceeded to what he called unfolding the oracles of God, which I thought was stamping the matter far too high.

That evening I got two friends to ac­company me to his lodging to speak to him hereupon. At the first mentioning of the subject he discovered some warmth. ‘I tell you John Curtis has done more harm in his journey thro' these parts, than ever he will do good as long as he lives. He has gone about scatter­ing poison.’ This high charge he un­dertook to prove thus: ‘What poison is to the body, that bigotry is to the mind; but John Curtis has been indus­trious to sow bigotry, that is to sow dis­affection in the hearts of christians to­ward one another, barely on account of difference in opinion.’

To all this I replied to the following import ‘I was an entire stranger to John Curtis till he came into these parts, [Page 97] since which I had made use of the op­portunity of contracting an acquain­tance with him, and being pretty much in his company, I have known him to be influenced with the universal love of God, and that he has endeavoured to propagate the same in others. This thou canst never call scattering poison; and if my account differ from thine, so doth the foundation on which it is built. For thine is only upon hear-say, which is too slender a foundation whereupon publicly to asperse any man's character who is not present to answer and vindi­cate himfelf.’ At this he seemed some­what confused, and acknowledged that he had not duly considered that part of the matter; but thought he might depend on the sundry repeated informations, he had received from different quarters.

‘I farther observed to him that he ought to have duly regarded our Lord's directions not to judge, &c. For if any good is done it is the Lord that doth it, and in what way, and by what instru­ments he pleases; and therefore all the glory of it is due to him alone, and no part of that glory or honour to any in­strument, which can do nothing of it­self, and that it would be a sin in any instrument to take to itself what was [Page 98] due to God only: and that if John Curtis faithfully did what the Lord directed, he would be accepted, tho' no shining out­ward effects should arise from it.’

‘And in regard to what thou hast al­ledged of his sowing disaffection in the hearts of Christians, towards one ano­ther, barely on account of difference in opinion; something occurs to me on that head, which is that Jon [...] [...] be endued with a sense of the dang [...] [...] which some might be in of magnifying and extolling certain men instead of giving all glory to God; and might ap­prehend it to be his duty to caution and guard them against that danger, which might be misconstrued by some, as seek­ing to sow disaffection toward those men and their adherents;’ or to this effect.

This opportunity concluded peaceably, with John Wesley's acknowledging, ‘that it had been to his edification, and that he therefore wi [...]hed he could get the like opportunities with our friends more fre­quently; that he saw some things in a clearer light than he had done before, and that he would never say any thing against John Curtis publicly again, unless he administered a real foundation for it.’ I heard he had the day before made the same preamble, or to the same [Page 99] purport before his sermon at Edenderry, and would probably have gone on so from place to place.

I writ to John Curtis hereupon, who answered that he never pretended to, nor ever spoke of his having any intimate ac­quaintance with John Wesley; but that he was regularly a methodist for some time, he sent me a certificate, signed by several of the same fraternity, and some other testimonials.

Hereupon he writ to John Wesley, and sent me over copies of the letters that pas­sed between them. I did not see that this paper-war, if continued, would be likely to serve any good purpose, and so I wrote to him, and it dropped. And all the use I made of the above-said testimonials was occasionally to shew them to some of the methodists and to one of their ministers.

I was glad to see some in that part awakened out of their sleep of darkness, to a thoughtfulness about their souls, and sincerely wished the increase and promo­tion of solid piety: but I had opportunity to observe there that those who were inno­cent and well-minded before have conti­nued the most steady and circumspect in their conduct, that those who had before gone into gross pollutions, being induced [Page 100] to believe that regeneration was an instan­taneous, not a gradual work, did not sufficiently remain under repentance, to let it have its perfect work; and that in­stead of pressing forward after the perfec­tion of the inward life, denying self, and a conformity to this world in its corrup­tions, in language and practice, their zeal too much settled in the frequency of their meetings, hearing sermons, praying, sing­ing, reading, and treasuring up scripture texts and passages in their memories, talk­ing them over too lightly and customarily, in conversation, which rendered these di­vine truths like salt without the proper sa­vour, taking from them the awful weight and dignity due to them.

By these means christian fortitude for standing stedfast in a reverent simplicity and holy vigilance soon retired; a silent dependance on Christ the true teacher was irksome, and that dependence which was due to him misplaced on fallible men. The consequence was a dwindling, a blast on the first buddings of heavenly desires, a decay of the divine life: and many of them soon returned, like the sow that was washed, to wallow in the mire and filth of transgression again; and threw off the af­fectation, the insipid, and surfeiting talk of religion; the form of godliness, which [Page 101] they had too much gloried in, for want of humbly abiding under the purifying pow­er thereof.

Sometime after this a vacancy falling out in the city of Dublin by the death of John Beetham friends' schoolmaster there, and the return of George Routh (who had tried the place after him) to England, my brother being encouraged by friends there to take up the charge of that school, seemed inclined thereto, and as the pros­pect seemed promising, I freely assented to his removal, altho' thereby I was left singly to undergo the labour and care of a large family of boarders, in which he and his wife had been useful assistants since the death of my wife. This induced me to think of marrying again, and accordingly I married Elizabeth Barnes, daughter of Thomas Barnes, of Waterford. About two weeks after our marriage we went to­gether to the summer half year's meeting in Dublin▪ In our way thither we spent the fir [...] day among our friends at Tima­hoe, it being the last meeting there to ma­ny of them. For in a few days after, seve­ral of their families came to Dublin to embark for North Carolina, to settle up­on my cousin Arthur Dobbs's lands there, who was their landlord at Timahoe, and who upon my application, had offered to [Page 102] me for life, and after it to my son John and his heirs one thousand acres of that land: Robert Millhouse of Timahoe was to chuse land, next to that, which himself should take, but the captain of the ship in which they went, not being well ac­quainted with the coast, ran too far to the southward, landed them at Charlestown in South-Carolina, and thereupon they settled in that Province, so I was disap­pointed in my expectation of getting the land taken up by him. Two other oppor­tunities afterwards presented some proba­bility of getting them taken up; but by various accidents, my hopes were again disappointed: may all disappointments of this kind incite to a greater diligence in seeking the one thing needful, that good part, which shall never be taken away.

We resided about ten years after our marriage in Mountmelick; during which time an increasing private family, and the necessary attendance of my house and school, prevented my going any great journey, but I attended monthly, pro­vince, and national meetings generally, in which I was often favoured with my brethren, with the fresh arisings of life, and the renewing of inward strength.

My wife being of a very weakly and tender constitution, I apprehended the fa­tigue [Page 103] and burdensome care of a boarding school, a load too heavy for her, and from hence conceived a desire, with submission to the ordering of divine providence, of a place where the weight might rest more upon my shoulders, and less on hers: and, having made previous application, I re­ceived an invitation to return to Bristol, and resume the school there.

Hereupon after some time, I threw up my school in Mountmelick, attended the fifth mo. national meeting at Dublin, after which I embarked there with three friends more, to attend the yearly meeting at Lon­don. We went aboard ship on fifth day morn­ing, and landed at Park gate next morn­ing, and had an evening meeting at Liver­pool. On seventh day went to Warrington: on first day morning, to the general meeting at Franley in Cheshire. On second day we reached Birmingham; after meeting there on third day we went to Coventry. On fourth day after a meeting at Coventry, we reached Towcester, and London the next day. After the yearly meeting was over, Isaac Jackson returned home; Joshua Wilson staid a little time amongst his re­lations; and Joseph Inman and I (accom­panied by our kind landlord John Elie [...] of London) on third day came to an evening meeting at Reading, appointed to [Page 104] begin at the sixth hour. Next morning Joseph Inman and I were at the monthly meeting at Newberry, and that evening at a small meeting at Marlborough; on fifth day we came to a meeting at Calne, and after it to John Fry's at Sutton-benjar. Next day after meeting there to Bath, and on seventh day to Bristol, where we stayed till sixth day morning, when leav­ing Bristol, we crossed the new passage in­to Wales, that night came to Cardiff, and the next to Swanzey, were we stayed over the first day; and on a second day were at an evening meeting at Carmarthen. On third day at Llandewy brevy. On fourth day, by way of Llaneedless we reached John Goodwin's. At Llaneedless we went to see a friend's widow. We found her spinning in her poor habitation, and she seemed rejoiced to see us, and as we had no guide, she readily offered herself for a guide to John Goodwin's, which they called five miles: but it took us near three hours riding.

On fifth day after meeting at this anci­ent, worthy friend's house, we went to his son-in-law Humphry Owen's (on the sea­side) who had married John's eldest daugh­ter: On sixth day after meeting, said Humphry accompanied us to his brother Lewis Owen's near Dolgelthy in Merion­ethshire; [Page 105] and next day along a mountain­ous road to Carnarvan, where we stayed, and had a meeting by ourselves, and after dinner came to Holy head on first day even­ing. On second day morning about two o'clock our kind friend saw us on board the packet-boat and then took leave of us. On third day in the evening we landed in Dublin, and next evening I got safe home to my wife and children, in Mountmelick.

After my return I attended the quar­terly meeting for Munster at Clonme [...], and that for Leinster at Enniscorthy, and then I got my large family ready for our removal, consisting of my wife and her mother in her eightieth year, eight children, and a nurse to the youngest about eight months old. With the assis­tance of sundry kind friends, particularly Thomas Strangman of Mountmelick, we all got well to Waterford, and from thence (after staying about ten days with our friends there) to Bristol.

Now leaving Ireland, after having so­journed there about twenty-four years, and received much affection and kindness from many friends there, of which I hope to retain the grateful remembrance as long as my memory shall continue, let me re­view the state of our society there, during that space of time.

[Page 106]At my first going thither, there were yet living in most parts of the nation, where meetings were settled, some of the good old stock both ministers and elders, who loved God and mankind, and were esteem­ed and beloved by them, being kind and open-hearted, as well as faithful and cir­cumspect in all the branches of our chris­tian testimony, closely uniting in tender love one with another, in supporting it, and keeping things in good order in the church. Their pious care herein was like a fence about the flock, which kept them together in nearer unity and greater safety: So that the young people in most parts were generally trained up in innocence of manners, and in plainness of habit and speech.

Some indeed, chiefly of the young men grown up, had for some time past, refused submission to the good order established; but I lived there long enough to see the unhappy consequences thereof, both to themselves, many of them, and to the body whereof they were members. What tho' their tables abounded with elegant dishes, and variety of liquors: tho' they made a figure, and were envied or caressed for a time; yet most of them were either cut short by death, or fell into disgrace. The hand of the Lord seemed to be against these [Page 107] introducers, and spreaders of corrupt li­berty: add they never attained thereby that true honour and peace, which attended the worthy men and women above hinted, to whom the first excursion of such was matter of great concern and anxiety from a clear foresight of the hurtful consequen­ces thereof: and much labour and pains, they took to put a stop to it, and prevent the spreading thereof, particularly in the city of Cork, and therefore they were clear of it.

But tho' some of these were too big for the girdle of truth, to meet about them, or to be limited by the desires of their best friends; yet I found the discipline of the church better maintained, during my first years in Cork, than before them in Bristol, tending to edification, brotherly comfort and love, and mutual encouragement in piety and virtue, with a joint desire and care to preserve an uniform regularity, and to revive and maintain a religious fervency toward God.

Some friends from the several parts attended their province meetings, which were held regularly once in six weeks, and circulated from one part to another, yet were most frequently held in Cork. Those meetings were often sweetly favoured, thro' the coming together of sincere, lively spi­rited [Page 108] friends: At one of these meetings, in particular in Cork soon after my coming to it, we had the company of John Duc­kett from Leinster, a worthy elder. In the men's meeting he spoke to us with such divine authority and sweetness, that to me his words seemed fitly spoken indeed, and like apples of gold in pictures of silver.

Their half year's meetings in Dublin were attended by some friends from most parts of the nation. Here in their meet­ings for discipline, as well as for worship, a zeal for the honour of God, and the good of the church presided, and friends were ex­cited to keep all things in proper order in the church. The first time I attended a half year's meeting was in the winter 1742, and it was indeed a lively good meeting, which I hope never to forget. After I removed from Cork to Mountmelick I attended the national, and provincial meetings for Lein­ster pretty constantly, and often in them was affected with reverent gratitude to the Almighty, who by the discoveries of the divine wisdom instituted them for the sup­port and edification of the church, and in them frequently owned the gatherings of his people in his name, by the evident ma­nifestation of his divine presence.

In process of time these worthy men and women, in whose hearts the love of God [Page 109] and his people, had by long growth be­come deeply rooted, one after another finished their course honourably, leaving an excellent favour behind them; but when they were removed, very few of the youth or others, succeeded them in the right line, to fill up their vacant places with propriety. Of their survivors, on one hand, a considerable number retained the ancient plainness of language and ha­bit, and rigidly censorious of any deviation therefrom, valued themselves thereupon, as if it were the only test and badge of discipleship, while their hearts were gone after their covetousness in eagerly pur­suing, and sordidly hoarding temporal wealth. On the other hand a large body of youth and others shooting up in self-indulgence, in conformity to the world, and rushing headlong into the temptations of the times.

Yet amidst this inundation of negli­gence and revolt, there remain in most places a number of sincere-hearted friends, a few worthy ministers and elders: but within these twenty years past, there has been a great alteration for the worse.

The proposals, which friends of Bristol made me, appeared sufficiently encou­raging to promise a probable prospect of a pretty easy situation, as to temporals, and [Page 110] when in Mountmelick, this city was pre­sented to my view for a residence for me and my family, it was brought to my re­membrance, how in my young years, it was made to me what Bethel was to Jacob in his youthful time, when all alone with his staff, he travelled obeying the com­mand of his parents, that is, the place, where the Lord first visited me with his power and light, and was a father to me, when I was as it were alone, and far from my parents and all my relations; and how he called Jacob after many years, and a great increase of family, to go up again to Bethel and dwell there, and erect an altar to his God: how Jacob thereupon, obliged his houshold to put away their strange gods, to be clean, and change their garments: and so they went▪ Under this view, I hoped this removal might be attended with beneficial effects to me and mine, and that I had in degree divine con­currence therein, being divinely favoured among my dear friends in Ireland in my last taking leave of them.

But promised happiness in this life often proves a phantom that flies from us as we pursue; we often think we have it in pros­pect, but it still keeps beyond our reach: They who would attain certain and dura­ble [Page 111] happiness, should extend their views beyond this life.

For notwithstanding the apparent en­couraging prospect, after a while I found things, both provisions and labour, so much dearer here than in Ireland, that dis­couragements and embarrassments crowd­ed upon me to [...]hat degree, that I was of­ten brought very low, under the gloomy prospect: and my faith was put to a severe trial: yet it pleased kind providence to make way for me, and raise me relief in his own time, for which I desire to be ever gratefully thankful, and unreservedly de­dicated in heart to his service, whose mer­cies fail not.

Here also I found a change in another respect not agreeable to the natural dispo­sition. He, who had visited my soul, and called me into the ministry, had given me a great place in the particular and near regard, affection and esteem of friends in Ireland, where I had an open door, and was often much enlarged in gospel love. Mostly attending the province meetings in Leinster, friends were rejoiced to see me, and apt to think me much missed, if at any time I did not get out to any of them. Whenever I did, I met such a welcome re­ception amongst friends (being often open­ed to their edification, and to our mutual [Page 112] endearment to each other in the sweet streams of divine life) and such ready at­tendance and kindness as were very plea­sing to nature.

But coming from thence to Bristol, where I was now become a stranger to many, and where they were full sed as to vocal ministry, I was here very much shut up, and for a season seemed to have lost the caresses, cordial invitations, and that place I had amongst friends in Ireland; which, however, tho' (in my present trying cir­cumstances) a seemingly additional discou­ragement, was not an unprofitable dispen­sation: for tho' it was the great favour of the Almighty, whereby I was opened among my friends to their edification, and their hearts opened towards me; yet herein the enemy artfully laid his snares, and too much and too often prevailed over my un­watchful soul to my inward hurt. For what are all the caresses of mankind? Of small value in themselves, and often inju­rious to them whom they please, convey­ing hidden poison to the unguarded mind; while that which alone will stand us in real stead, and be of infinite advantage, is to get and keep the favour of the Al­mighty: may I therefore want, and even reject, whatever would please, and nou­rish, [Page 113] that spirit, which ought to come un­der daily mortification!

The inward near unity, sympathy, es­teem and affection of friends and brethren is a very grateful and pleasing enjoyment; but it may be proper and good for us to be tried and proved with being stripped of every leaning stock, but the only sure foun­dation, that we may thereby be driven to have recourse to it, and keep our only safe habitation there. May this, after a life so tossed up and down, as mine has been, at length become my case on any terms! and if it be, it will be more than worth all I have yet suffered, were it many times more: For all else will be soon over; but this will never end.