dom and strength, which enabled us to preach comfort. The work is the Lord's, and we the Gospel of glad-tidings; the meeting ended well; Friends were comforted in our visit, and we truly thankful unto the Lord, who had enabled us to publish his Truth and show forth his glory. had need to depend upon him, and diligently wait for the immediate motions of his holy Spirit, for it is by his own power only that his servants are fitly qualified to be serviceable in his church, rendered a comfort to his people wherever they come, and enabled to discharge themselves faithfully to his glory; and when we do so, the inflowings of peace will be our abundant reward. came, not of our profession, who behaved themselves soberly and attentively, divers being reached; for the power and good presence of Christ was with us. As a fresh concern came upon me to visit Friends in North Wales, we in great humility deliberately considered the thing, and in freely giving up to the motion of life, found peace; and our way being clearly opened unto us, we returned back towards Chester again, and came to Wrexham, in Denbigshire, where we had a good meeting with the few Friends there; and then to Dolobran, where we had a large meeting, and though it was through hard exercise, it proved in the end very satisfactory to us and Friends. The next evening we got to Ballough, and the day following being first We went thence to Clifton, and Coppel, where we had a very comfortable meeting. Here we met with our worthy friend John Haydock, and went with him to his house; he was free and fatherly, glad of our visit, We proceeded on our journey to Norton, and accompanied us to divers meetings; his Middlewich, Newton in the Forest, and Chesconversation was solid and edifying, as well ter, visiting the meetings of Friends, and to as affectionate; we were comforted and en-Nantwich meeting, to which many people couraged in our service by his company, and parted in much love and nearness. We came next to Hardshaw Monthly Meeting, then proceeded to visit the meetings at Biggerstaff, Liverpool, Knowlsby, Sanky, and Franly, in Cheshire; where, it being first-day, we had a large meeting. At the breaking up of this meeting, I fixed my eye upon a young man, and felt a concern upon my mind to go home with him, but he got away out of the meetinghouse before I could speak to him. We went into a Friend's house adjoining thereto, where many Friends came to us, divers of whom earnestly entreated my husband to go with them for that night; but he leaving that to my choice, they applied to me; I told them, I had seen a young man in the meeting, with whom I inclined to go if I could find him.day, had a meeting about two miles out of the They asked me, If I knew his name, or where he lived? I replied, I knew neither; but during this conversation, I saw him passing an entry which went through the Friend's house, and called to him. When he came, I inquired of him where he lived? He said, about three or four miles off. I asked him, If he could accommodate us with a night's lodging, if we should incline to go with him? He answered, Yes, and should be glad of our company. I then became easy, and we went along with him. When we came to the house, we found them a family of honest Friends, but his father in a very low dejected frame of mind. I said little to him, but concluded to have a meeting in the family that evening, and a glorious opportunity it was, for the power of Truth broke in upon us in a peculiar manner, and the ancient Friend was much reached, comforted and strengthened in his mind, and as I was afterwards informed, was never so much overcome with that weakness any more. This passage I mention with no other view, but that all Friends who travel on Truth's account, may diligently wait upon God, and strictly mind their guide, to be opened by his counsel, and rightly led into all their services, both as to what meetings and families they are to go to, for in this I have found safety and town, at the house of Robert Vaughan. We found the number of Friends very small, but loving and glad of our visit. Next morning we set forward early, and had a long day's journey over the mountains to Dolgelly, but came safe at night to the house of Ellis Lewis, who received us kindly, and we had a good meeting there next day. After this we went to Humphry Owen's, who lived by the sea side, and the day following had a comfortable meeting at his house, with the few Friends thereabouts. Next morning we proceeded, and had a large and very good meeting next day at the house of the widow Bember. Here we found a considerable number of Friends, and divers who had a little time before been convinced of the Truth, and joined with Friends; we were highly favoured amongst them, for the power of Truth came up into dominion in a great degree; the hearts of the people were melted like wax before the fire, and the young convinced much comforted and confirmed in the blessed Truth, in a sense of the love of God to them; we were also comforted with them, and high praises were given unto God for his blessed visitation renewed to his people that day. On the first-day following we had a meeting appointed at the house of William Sawley, there being divers convinced in that part of the concerned that way, and always glad to hear country; many Friends met us from several that young people are inclinable to godliness, distant parts where we had been, and a num- find the tender love of my heavenly Father ber of other professions being gathered toge-flow towards thee, heartily desiring he may ther, we had a large assembly, and a full and open thy understanding, and give thee the true good opportunity amongst them, great openness knowledge of himself, and of his way Christ appearing to receive the Gospel. After the Jesus, whom to know is life everlasting. meeting we parted with them, and in particu "And first I shall observe, that the holy lar with our worthy ancient friend Robert women, under the law, were concerned in carGriffith, who had accompanied us from Dolo-rying on the work of the Lord, when the bran during our stay in Wales, and been of tabernacle was commanded to be built. And great service to us. Moses spake unto all the congregation of the Leaving Wales we came into Shropshire, children of Israel, saying, this is the thing and visited the meetings there and some in which the Lord commanded, saying, take ye Cheshire; then finding ourselves clear, we from amongst you an offering unto the Lord, pursued our journey homewards, and came whosoever is of a willing heart, &c. And to Bradford, where we found my dear mother they came every one whose heart stirred him and all things well, for which we were hum-up, and every one whom his spirit made wilbly thankful; and in the enjoyment of that peace which we were filled with in obeying the Lord's requirings, and serving him faithfully, we were made to rejoice and bless his name. Being but weakly at my setting out, I found myself much spent when my service in that journey was over; and notwithstanding I had been wonderfully supported and strengthened, I found liberty to tarry about home the remaining part of this year; during which time there was a particular visitation of truth to the people about Keighley, and many flocked to Friends' meetings in that town. My husband and I found ourselves often concerned to visit them, and divers being convinced, joined with Friends. About this time, a young woman who was a baptist, came divers times to a meeting sometimes visited, and wrote several letters to me, by way of inquiry concerning our principles, which I answered as things opened upon my mind. After several letters had passed between us and she seemed satisfied with my answers, she wrote me another, desiring to be resolved about women's preaching, saying, she thought me a proper person to apply to, being concerned in that service; to which I replied in substance as follows. "Dear friend,* "Though we are strangers one to another, as to personal knowledge, yet understanding by some friends, and thy own letters to me, that thou art inclined to virtue and piety, and desirous to know the way of the Lord, which is very commendable in youth, and particularly wants to be resolved concerning women's preaching and praying in public assemblies; and I being ling, and they brought the Lord's offering to the work of the tabernacle of the congregation, and for all his service, and for the holy garments; and they came both men and women, as many as were willing-hearted, &c. "And all the women, whose hearts stirred them up in wisdom, spun goats hair, &c. And divers services we may find, for the carrying on of the Lord's work, the holy women in that day were employed in assisting in concurrence with the men in the work of the tabernacle; which I look upon was figurative, setting forth something of the inward work of the holy spirit of Jesus Christ, in men and women under the glorious Gospel dispensation. But to come closely to the point, we may observe, that Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her, &c. And Miriam exhorted them to praise the Lord; which undoubtedly was approved by Moses, Aaron, and the rest of her brethren. We also find, the Lord hath been pleased to make known his will to godly women as well as men, and to make use of their service in matters of great moment; of which Deborah a prophetess and a judge in Israel, and Huldah, the prophetess, are eminent instances. Hence thou mayest see, the public service of women in the church is no new thing, but was practised amongst the people of God in ancient days. "I shall now proceed to observe, that the same was to be continued in the latter days, or dispensation of the Gospel; which is thus expressed by the prophet Joel, personating the Almighty: And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, &c. And also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I *Several excellent letters written by Deborah pour out my spirit, and I will show wonders Bell, will be found in the memoirs of Joseph Pike, in the heavens and in the earth,' &c. So if Vol. II. of Friends' Library, pages 405, 406, 407. | daughters have the Spirit of the Lord poured forth upon them, as well as sons, why may they not preach, pray, or prophesy, when led and moved thereto by the Spirit, as well as sons? 66 Passing now from the Old Testament to the New, we find a notable instance in Anna the prophetess, who gave thanks and spoke of the Lord Jesus Christ unto all them who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. Here was a woman preacher, who taught or prophesied in the temple of the Lord; an early preacher of the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. But I suppose the chief objection in thy mind against women's preaching, arises from that saying of the apostle Paul in his first epistle to the Corinthians; 'Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church.' It appears to have been only to some married women at Corinth, the apostle gave that charge; and none can justly draw from his words, that he thereby meant to prohibit all women from preaching and prophesying in public assemblies; for it is plain from the text, that those Corinthian women were not such as prophesied, or had a word of exhortation to give; but busy-bodies, asking questions which disturbed and troubled the church. But those amongst us, whom the Lord has concerned to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and delare the glad-tidings of life and salvation by him, to poor captivated souls, are not found asking questions to trouble the church; but labouring in the gift God has given them, that people may come to be turned from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God; which was the concern of Gospel ministers in former days. Such women as the apostle speaks against, were to learn of their husbands at home; which implies, they wanted such instruction as their husbands might be able to give. We read, Philip had four daughters, virgins, who did prophesy, and though Paul and his company tarried there about a year after he had so written to the Corinthians, yet we do not find, that he in any wise disapproved the prophesying of those godly virgins. We may justly conclude, that if women's preaching or prophesying had been put an end to by the coming of Christ, and was not to be allowed in the Gospel dispensation, Philip, an evangelist, would not have suffered his own daughters to prophesy, who were virgins under his own care, as may reasonably be supposed. Nor did the other apostles, in their general epistles to the believers, give any such commandment to the churches; which, no doubt, they would have done, if in the Gospel dispensation the Holy Ghost had prohibited women being so concerned. Besides, such a prohibition would have been a plain contradiction to the prophecy of Joel, before mentioned. It also appears very clear, that the apostle Paul never intended such a limitation, who gave suitable advice how women should behave themselves when exercised in praying and prophesying, as thou mayest read. They that conclude the apostle intended to exclude all women from praying and prophesying, make him inconsistent with himself, to prescribe a way in one place how to perform orderly and decently, what he disapproved in another. But the same apostle is very clear when he saith, For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.' 'There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female; for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.' Then if there be no difference between male and female, but all are one in Christ, why may not all be like partakers of the gift of his grace, thereby to be made to speak in his name, and exhort all to believe in him and obey him? And it is likewise to be observed, that in the same chapter the apostle advised the women at Corinth not to trouble the church, he saith, Ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.' From whence it may be as strongly argued, the apostle meant they might prophesy, though not required of them by the Lord so to do; as to say he forbad women to prophesy, though the Lord required it of them. For saying You may all prophesy,' included the women of Corinth as well as the men, if moved thereto by the Spirit of the Lord. And though the apostle saith, 'Let the women learn in silence with all subjection, but I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence,' &c. Respecting this I shall observe, that those women, upon whom God hath poured forth of his holy Spirit, and filled their hearts with his living word, so that they cannot hold their peace, but a necessity from the Lord is upon them to preach the Gospel of glad-tidings, to those who are captives to sin, that they may come under the government of the law of the spirit of life, that sets free from the law of sin and death, having been made living witnesses of the work of God in their own hearts, and experienced a blessed change wrought therein, and a concern raised to call others to seek after the Lord, and fear him; these can direct into the way that leads to true peace, because they have known their feet to be turned into it, by the mighty arm and power of the 6 LIFE OF DEBORAH BELL. tell thee a little of my own experience in seve- "DEBORAH Bell." A considerable time after, this young woman came to a meeting where I was, and when it ended, told me she was the person who had written me divers letters, and received my answers, desiring to have some conversation with me, which I readily agreed to, and we spent some hours together to our mutual comfort. She confessed to the Truth, and was much tendered through the visitation of the love of God to her; and some time after, finding my heart opened in the love of God, earnestly desiring her preservation and settlement in the Truth, I wrote and sent her the following letter. Lord, which has wrought a willingness in them to follow and serve him, according to the ability he gives. And this agrees with that saying, Thy people shall be willing in And he has, by his the day of thy power.' enabled a remnant to walk in his way, power, though a way of self-denial, step by step; and these, whether men or women, have witnessed a learning in silence, as they have thus waited and rightly come to learn of Christ Jesus, their heavenly husband; he has opened his everlasting way and Truth unto their souls, and even constrained them, by his overcoming love, to declare of it to others, which has been done at times in fear and trembling, and much self-denial. Such women are not of those the apostle had occasion to reprove. For we are far from usurping authority over the men, but remain in true subjection, depending upon the Lord our strength, and waiting for the authority of his holy power, which calls to this great work, and carries it on, both in sons and daughters, to the praise of his great name, and the comfort and encouragement of poor longing souls, that they may come also and enjoy for themselves, that which will nourish "IN the love of my heavenly Father, Such women up unto everlasting life. these the law allowed of, and the apostle al-I dearly salute thee, earnestly desiring that lowed of, as might be more fully proved out peace, which passes the understandings of of the holy Scriptures. For they who allow men, which the world can neither give nor not women's prophesying, preaching or pray-take away, may plentifully abound in thy ing, must consequently conclude, that the Lord's regard to them is lessened, and his love in measure withdrawn from them; for it is evident, by the texts I have mentioned, he made his mind known to women in ancient days, and they spoke in his word to his people; and as their counsel was taken, the Lord enabled his people to overcome their enemies. But blessed be the name of the Lord, there is a remnant in this day, who have been made partakers of his mercy, and can say he is the same that ever he was, in regard and love to all his people, male and female; God unchangeable, blessed in himself and in his Son Jesus Christ for ever. as "I might enlarge on this subject beyond the bounds of a letter, should I observe, how Jesus Christ our Lord conversed with, and used the service of women before he was offered up; how his first appearing, after his resurrection, was unto a woman; and also how Paul commended divers women, and tells how helpful they were to him, and entreated his true yoke-fellow to help those women who laboured with him in the Gospel; which for brevity I omit, and shall draw towards a conclusion, earnestly desiring the Lord may open thy understanding, both in this thing, and in all others which concern thy everlasting well being. If I had room, I should be willing to "Dear friend, heart, which no doubt will, as thou comes to yield sincere obedience to that of God in thy own conscience, which thou art in some measure acquainted with, as it hath manifested to thee several things which are contrary to the will of God; and not only so, but hath likewise let thee see what thou shouldst do to obtain peace in thy soul; and that which is required of thee is, that thou obey, from the bottom of thy heart, the manifestations thereof. Though at first it may seem to be but a small light, shining in a dark place, discovering those things that are evil to the soul; yet as there is a diligent attention to it, it will shine brighter and brighter, and discover more and more, till every thing that is evil be manifested thereby; and in due time, thy soul will come to a perfect knowledge of the will of God, and experience that the path of the just is as a bright and shining light, which shines more and more until the perfect day. "Dear heart, I know the love of God is largely extended to thee, and he has blessings in store for thee, if thou wilt but wait to be so wrought upon by his heart-changing power, as to be made fit to receive them. I do earnestly entreat of thee, as thou desires peace of conscience, and a resting place in eternal joy for thy soul, that thou beware of doing or overcome. Nothing is too strong for him, though all the powers of hell combine together against him, to hinder his work from being carried on in the soul. If the soul dwells but under the government of his holy power, and waits for his heavenly teachings, from whence Divine wisdom cometh, which wisdom the Devil with all his subtlety can never beguile; such from experience shall have cause to say, the power of God is above all powers whatsoever. O cleave close to the Lord, and he will never forsake thee, nor be wanting for thy help in the most needful time of trouble. But let me say once more, take heed of slight joining with any thing that brings trouble he is all-sufficient to support and enable to upon thee, and breaks thy peace with the Lord. Be sure to mind what makes for thy peace, and that do; though it may be through hard exercise, and under the cross. This is the right way that all God's faithful children and people have trodden in all ages; and truly, it seems to me, that thou must have a great share of the cross to bear; but be not discouraged at this, for it is but a cross to that part which never can inherit the kingdom of heaven. So that it is for the benefit of our souls, to have that part crucified and slain which is an enemy to us, and would hinder us from entering into eternal felicity; and I have further to say for thy encourage-ing this the day of God's love, or delaying; ment, that those who have the greatest share of exercises and tribulations, shall, if they abide stedfast, receive a more exceeding recompense of joy and consolation of soul from the Lord. for thy soul is at stake, and thou mayst never have the like visitation again. I have been very much concerned for thee, and have suffered in spirit with thee since I saw thee, and it is for no by-ends at all, but for the discharging of my conscience of that duty I owe, and in pure love to thy never-dying soul, that I send these lines, heartily desiring they may have the desired effect upon thee; and I believe the day will come, wherein thou will be made sensible, that it is in the love of God these lines are written. I shall now draw towards a conclusion, having enlarged beyond what I at first intended; for I find my heart opened in love to thee, and shall remain one who travails for the good of souls, and that many may be brought into true acquaintance with the living God, and know their peace to be made with him, before time to them here shall be more. "DEBORAH BELL.” "Dear child, keep true in heart unto God, and eye him above all, who hath been so large in his love, as to work upon thy heart by his power, in thy young and tender years. It is in order that thou mayst be made a fit instrument in his hand, for the glory of his holy name; and I believe he will carry on his work gloriously in thy soul, as thou art truly obedient, and subject to his workings there, even to the filling of thy heart, not only with admiration of his dealings with thee, but also with great reverence and thankfulness to him, for his mercy and goodness. My pen is not able to set forth one half of the comfort those enjoy, who are given up in heart to follow the Lord fully, and turn their backs on all the glory of this perishing world; but thou shalt be a witness thereof thyself in the Lord's time, if thou truly loves him above all, and denies all for his sake. Therefore, I beseech thee, take care of resisting the good Spirit of God, whilst it is striving with thee; for this is the day of thy visitation, wherein life and death are set before thee; and the Lord will not compel any, but he offers his love freely to all; and for ever happy wilt thou be, if thou joins in with it. But on the contrary, if thou looks out at the glory of the world, and prefers it before peace with the Lord, or looks at the exercise and difficulties thou mayst have to encounter withal, and art thereby prevailed upon to let thy spiritual concern drop, it had been better for thee thou hadst never known the mind of the Lord, nor had his will manifested unto thee. I can tell thee by experience, that God is no hard Master; and though many things appear to us, that may seem impossible to be overcome, yet We had a meeting in that city on a weekas our eye is to the Lord, with sincere desires day; then went to Yarmouth, and had a meetin our hearts to answer his will, we shall finding with the few Friends there; but not being Having felt drawings in my mind for some time, to visit meetings in the southern counties of England, and the city of London, the spring following, I acquainted Friends with it, and had a certificate. Rebecca Cowell offered to be my companion, and on the last day of the first month, 1712, we set forwards, and had meetings at Balby, Blyth, Collingham, Swinehead, Spalden, Gedney, Wisbich, Upwell, Lynn, Fakenham, Wells, Holt, Lammas, and Norwich; where I was kindly received, particularly by our worthy friend John Gurney, senior, who was an intimate acquaintance of my dear father's, and he related to me many affecting passages of his labours and service in that city and county in early times. During our stay there, his fatherly care over me was very engaging, and I believe will never be forgot whilst my memory is strong enough to retain it. |