LIFE OF DEBORAH BELL. looked very shy upon us, seeing we were of of Truth, and a tender nursing mother to me, the people called Quakers, and did not offer to in a spiritual sense, under all my deepest excome near us; however we alighted, went in, ercises. She advised me to answer the Friend's We sat request; and I undertook that journey, and in and were conducted into a room. down, and after some time, called for the my way dropt into an evening meeting, somelandlord, and waited a considerable time be- times kept at a Friend's house, who had a son fore he came. We then ordered supper to be that had taken undue liberties and left Friends, got ready, and when it was brought up, he but was present in that meeting, and the power came into the room, and there being a little of Truth came over us in a great degree. The pause in silence, he stood by the table and young man was reached and much tendered, took off his hat, whether with an intention to and came to me after the meeting, trembling, say something, as their manner is, or not, and dropt many tears. I spoke to him what we knew not; for a Friend in the company, was then given me, with which he was much being under a concern, spake a few words in affected, though but a few words. I afterprayer. At first he seemed surprised, but was wards became farther acquainted with him, for afterwards much affected, for the power of he heartily joined with Friends, and a great Truth came over him, insomuch that his coun-reformation was wrought in him, by that Ditenance changed, and his carriage towards us vine power which purifies the heart, and in was afterwards quite altered. We lodged there process of time he had a few words in meetthat night, and next morning, upon our depar-ings. He did not live many years, but I hope ture, he showed great respect, telling us, If made a good end. Next day, coming to Eleanor Haydock's, I we, or any of our friends, came that way at any time, we might depend on the best accom- was kindly received; she rejoiced much that modation he was capable to entertain us with; I had answered her request. I stayed with so we parted with him in a good disposition of her some time, and had divers good and commind, and that morning I got safe home to my fortable meetings there-away, and was also dear mother, and found her well, the other much edified and helped by that good woman's I was full of conversation, being a person of great expeFriends being along with me. peace, and in an humble sense of the Lord's rience, well deserving the name of a mother Divine goodness and preserving power, and in Israel. After my stay with her, I returned that his good presence had attended me in that home again in peace, and spent much time in journey, my heart was filled with thanksgiv-private retirement, in which I found strength ing and praises to him, and made to acknowledge he is everlastingly worthy. We all went to our meeting, had a comfortable time, and next morning I parted with my motherly companion, and the other Friends, in much love and nearness; for we were truly united in the love of Christ our Lord. They proceeded towards London, and I was left at home, where I continued for a considerable time, in great humility and awfulness of mind, in consideration of the weight of that work whereunto I was called, diligently attending our own meeting; and by waiting upon the Lord for counsel and strength, and often retiring unto Him, upon whom my constant dependency was, I grew in experience, and had strength and wisdom given me to discharge myself faithfully, according to the gift freely bestowed upon me, which gained me a place in the hearts of Friends, who were very helpful to me. and great comfort, and the Lord was near in all my deep exercises, which were often weighty upon me. In the winter of this year, we had meetings on first-day evenings, and I being young, and much known in the town, the report of my appearing in the ministry, excited the curiosity of many people of divers persuasions, who flocked into these evening meetings, where they could come without being so much observed as in the day time. This added much to the weight of my present exercise, and I lived a life of humility and great fear, often fervently desiring the Lord would give me wisdom, and guide me by his own spirit, that neither in conduct nor ministry, I might ever do or say any thing that might discourage, or turn any inquiring soul out of the way; and for ever blessed be his name, his ear was open to my secret prayers, for in those crowded evening meetings we were favoured with his presence, and had many comfortable times; for the Truth prevailed, and often came over all, to the praise and glory of God, the Master of our assemblies. In this year, our ancient and worthy Friend Eleanor Haydock, being weakly, sent a message to me, earnestly desiring I would pay her a visit, saying, If she were able to travel, she I consult- Finding drawings in my mind to attend the would go much further to see me. ed my mother about it, whose advice I greatly Yearly Meeting to be held at Lancaster for regarded in all my undertakings, being a faith-the northern counties, the 29th of the First ful woman, and of great experience in the work month, 1709, I set forward in company with Mary Richardson. We took meetings in our way at Skipton, Airton, Settle, Bentham, and Yelland; and on second-day we were at Lancaster Monthly Meeting; on third-day, at the meeting of ministers and elders, and on fourthday at the general meeting for worship, which was very large; on fifth-day at the Quarterly Meeting for the county, and after the meeting left that town in peace, having had a glorious and comfortable time amongst many of our brethren and sisters, the Lord's power and good presence being witnessed amongst us in a large degree; for which favour we are deeply engaged to be humbly thankful to the God of all our mercies, to whom the praise is due for ever. We then visited the meetings at Preston, Kendall, Grayrig, Brigflats, Dentshead, Grisedale, Ravensend, Garsdale, and Countersel, and thence to John Routh's; where I parted with my companion. Next day I reached Bowbrighall and Bainbrig, and having spent one day in visiting several Friends in their families, passed on to Esker, Burton, and Scarhouse, where I had meetings; and then to Airton, to our worthy friend William Ellis's, where I staid that night; and next day being the 23d of the second month, I got safe home, through the preserving power of the Lord, in perfect peace, having had a very comfortable journey; for which my soul is humbly thankful unto the Lord, who is near unto his bowed children and faithful servants, and gives the reward of peace into the bosoms of those who cast their care upon him alone, and faithfully answer his call, and follow him fully in all things. ing that he is all-sufficient for those who trust in him, and are freely given up to do his will. The 30th day of the fifth month, my friend John Bell, of London, being lately returned from his travels in Holland, came to pay me a visit, and staid our meeting next day; and on second-day morning, the 1st of the sixth month, after having taken my solemn leave of my dear mother and divers Friends, I set forward on my journey. My friend John Bell accompanied me to Richmond, where I met my companion. We were all at that meeting, and afterwards my said friend took his leave of us and returned towards London. My companion and I proceeded, and had meetings at Larkington, Raby, Darlington and Yarm, where I felt the authority and power of Christ the Lord in an eminent manner, and many hearts were reached and much tendered by the Truth, and overcome therewith. My soul was filled with the goodness of God, and in humble thankfulness, living praises ascended unto Him, who had graciously answered my cry and fervent desires to the full that day. Let my soul trust in Him for ever. We went next to Stokesley, Norton, Stockton, Shatton, Durham, Sunderland, Shields, and Newcastle, visiting their meetings. On second-day we came to James Halliday's in Northumberland, and thence to Allenwick and Embleton. We found the number of Friends very small in that country, yet were comforted with them in their little meetings, witnessing the promise of our great Lord to be fulfilled, for though but a few, his presence being in the midst of us, we had comfortable times. On sixth-day morning, we set forward The summer following, a concern came upon from John Doubleday's towards Scotland, and me to visit the meetings of Friends in some through hard travel and rough ways, we came parts of the north of England and Scotland, that evening to Kelsey, and lodged at Charles and when I had fully weighed the thing, and Ormston's; from whence we went to a Friend's saw my way clear, I acquainted my mother house over the river, and had a very good and some other ancient Friends with it, and meeting with a few Friends. Next day we they being willing to give me up, I wrote to had two comfortable meetings in Kelsey; the Mary Richardson, an elderly woman Friend, number of Friends there was small, but many who had been my companion in another jour-soldiers and others came in, who behaved soney, querying of her, If she had any concern or drawings that way? I received for answer, that she was under the like concern to visit the places proposed, and would be glad to join me in that service. So I made preparation for my journey, and towards the latter end of the fifth month had a certificate from our Monthly meeting; and a great concern appeared in the minds of Friends on my account, I being of a very weakly constitution, and brought very low through the great exercise of my mind; but I was freely given up to the service, and my trust and whole dependence was upon the Lord alone for wisdom, strength, and preservation in every respect, well know berly, and were very attentive to Truth's testimony. The next evening we reached Edinburgh, and had a comfortable meeting at the house of our worthy ancient friend Bartholomew Gibson, with Friends and others, who behaved soberly. We then crossed the Firth to Parton-crag ferry, and lodged at an inn. Passing through Montross we came to Robert Barclay's at Ury, and had a meeting with Friends there. On seventh-day we had a meeting at Aberdeen, and on first-day a very comfortable one at Kilmuck, for the Lord's power was felt in a good degree to come over all; the largest number of Friends in any one place in that nation, we met with here. In the afternoon we had a meeting at Inver, Ury, where many people came, who were very sober and attentive. The Gospel of life and salvation was freely preached to them, and I found much room in the people's minds to receive the testimony; for which my heart was humbly thankful to the Lord, who was graciously pleased to favour us with his power and living presence, and enable us to give him the glory. sat in quietness of mind, and said nothing in reply to the many banters they put upon us. In a little time the wind arose high, and being contrary, drove the vessel towards the sea, and the boatmen laboured hard to keep her up against the wind and waves, but told us, they feared we should all be lost. Their jollity and mirth then departed, and they were turned into sadness and mourning, being surrounded with great fear and terror. The chaplain went to prayers, and my heart being filled with holy zeal against such hypocrisy, when he had done, I told him, He was not in a fit condition for that great duty; for the prayers of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord; and then had a convenient opportunity to rebuke them sharply, and clear myself of them. The chaplain replied, If they perished, we must die with thern. I told him, we had peace of mind, and knew where to retire, the fear of death was taken away from us, and we were resigned in the will of God; and if he saw meet that we should lay down our lives with such a rude company, yet his Spirit bore witness with ours, that we were his children, and he would receive us into glory amongst the spirits of the saying, If their lives were saved, it would be for the sake of these two good women, and rebuked his chaplain severely for his unbecoming behaviour. Through the mercy of God, after about seven hours toil in that short voy. age, we landed safe at Leith, where they took up their quarters; but as we intended for Edinburgh, and the night being very dark, the gentleman sent two of his servants to conduct us safely to our lodging, where we arrived in true thankfulness to the Lord, whose preserving arm had been as a wall about us in all our difficulties. He also sent next morning to inquire of our welfare, and I returned a suitable acknowledgment for his favour and kindness. After the meeting we went to Awarthis, to the house of John Forbes, a good Friend, a living minister, and a generous open-hearted man, where we were received in much love and friendship; but having rode that day upwards of twenty miles, and had hard service in those two large meetings, though I had great peace and comfort of mind, my natural strength was so much spent, that it was with difficulty I sat upon my horse to the end of my journey. We had a comfortable meeting in that honest Friend's house with Friends thereabouts; and having staid there two nights, and recovered my natural strength in a good degree, we returned to Aberdeen, where we had a meeting the day following. Next morning we had a very comfortable meeting at the wi-just. The gentleman himself agreed with me, dow Hall's house, with Friends that came to see us, and we parted in much love and nearness. We came to Kingswells, where our worthy friend Andrew Jaffray lived, and had a very comfortable meeting with Friends, and next morning a sweet and edifying season with those who came to take leave of us. Though Friends in these parts were not numerous, yet I was sensible many of them loved the Truth, and in the love of Christ we were made near one unto another. Notwithstanding it was my first visit and in the time of my youth, I then believed it would also be my last to that country; and during my stay amongst them, my soul was in a deep travail before the Lord, for their preservation in the midst of a dark pro- The day following we had a meeting, to fessing people. We came next to Ury, then which many came who were sober and attento William Neeper's near Montross, and also tive; but towards the latter part of the meetto the town of Montross, where we had meet-ing, while my companion was concerned in ings. Then turning our faces towards Edinburgh, we reached Parton-crag ferry that night, and lodged at an inn. Next day afternoon we got to Gingorn, and went on board with our horses in one of their little vessels, in order to cross the Firth. There embarked in the same vessel a man of quality, with divers women in his company, his chaplain, musician, and a considerable number of attendants. They behaved themselves very rudely, making us the objects of their ridicule, the chaplain being the rudest of any of them. The gentleman himself was the only person who behaved with common civility; the women sung, and the musician played, but we VOL. V.-No. 1. testimony, some came in who were rude, and threw stones at us into the meeting, one of which had nigh hit my companion; however, they did not much harm, for we had a good meeting. Passing to Borrowstoness, we had a meeting at the house of Daniel Hamilton, with Friends of Linlithgow and thereabouts. On seventh-day, in our way to Garshore, many people who were at harvest-work in the fields, inquired where we intended to have a meeting next day; telling us they had no minister, and had not heard the word of God preached for many weeks. We told them we intended to have a meeting at Garshore; they said they would come, and on first-day morning abun 2 dance flocked thither; and Friends concluding Friend, an honest man, who not insensible of their meeting-house was too small to accommodate them, agreed to have the meeting without, which was very large, solid and quiet. The Lord was with us, affording us wisdom and strength to preach the Gospel freely to them, in the power and demonstration of his own Spirit; a comfortable season we had, for the power of Truth came up into dominion over all, and we had great peace and satisfaction, and in humility rendered praise to Him who is worthy for ever. After the meeting we went into an ancient Friend's house, who said, He had not seen such a meeting there, since George Fox was in that country. the concern we were under, proposed to my companion in my absence, to have a meeting in his house that evening, telling her he could lay several rooms together, that would accommodate a great number of people. To which she readily agreed, provided I was willing; and acquainting me with it, I readily joined with her proposition, which afforded ease to my mind. About the time appointed, many people flocked in, and amongst the rest a considerable number of the collegians, with some of their heads, who, we were afterwards informed, had an intention to oppose our ministry, and dispute with us. But the Lord was near to us, and gave wisdom and strength : and I may say in great humility and nothingness of self, the Gospel of life and salvation We went from thence to Glasgow, and had a meeting in their public meeting-place, where the people were exceedingly rude. They threw stones and dirt amongst us, broke the win-was freely preached to them, in the demondows, and made a very great noise whilst my stration of the Spirit and power, according to companion was preaching. I sat quietly wait- the measure of the gift then received. A very ing upon the Lord, not expecting to have any large assembly we had, and our intended opthing to say to such a rude multitude, but a posers stood directly before us like men chain. concern coming upon me, I stood up some time ed. Truth came over all, the meeting was before I spoke, in which interval they looked solid and quiet, and we had a good opportu. stedfastly upon me, and desired one another nity to clear ourselves. The meeting ended to be quiet, that they might hear what I had in a solemn manner, the people dispersed to say. I then spoke to them in this manner: peaceably, and we rejoiced in a sense of the We are come from another nation in the love great love and favour of God, who was graof Christ to visit you, and at our return it is ciously pleased to condescend and own us, poor likely they will inquire of us, concerning the creatures, in a time of great distress; for people of Scotland: and what shall we say, which, and all his mercies, let him have the but that you are high in notion and profession praise, for it is his own work, and can only be of the Christian religion, but in conduct and carried on by his power to his glory. behaviour worse than the heathen? You are a reproach to your nation, a shame to your teachers, and the more moderate magistrates of your country; if you knew any thing of the Christian religion, you would show it forth. They remaining quiet, I proceeded and cleared myself according to the ability then given. We had a good meeting, and the Lord shall have the praise, who owns his sincere children in all their exercises and difficulties. But afterwards, not finding ourselves fully clear of that place, we remained under a weighty concern and deep travail before the Lord, that he might open our way to obtain peace, and to the glory of his name. After some time we went to visit some Friends in their families, and in our return, being about the time of their evening service, the sound of their prayers on every side reached our ears as we went along the streets, and struck at my very life, in consideration of the great deceit and hypocrisy of that poor mistaken people. My concern grew weighty upon me, and the distress of my mind very great, not seeing which way to get an opportunity to discharge myself; when we came to our lodgings I retired alone. We lodged at an inn kept by a After this, we had meetings at Hambleton and Cumberhead; and finding ourselves easy to leave that nation, we set forward for England, and in two days came into Cumberland, to a Friend's house at Jenkins-town. We were humbly thankful to the Lord when we got safe there. The people being very honest Friends, kindly received us after our tedious and fatiguing journey. In this county we visited the meetings at Sowpart, Sykeside, Egletonby, Scotby, Carlisle, Moorhouse, Wigton, Hartley-hall, the Holme, Pardsey, Crosfield, Broughton, and Cockermouth; and then left Cumberland, having been much comforted among Friends, and had several large and good meetings; for we found a great number of sincere sensible Friends therein, and many faithful elders yet living, whose service was great, and by whose care, through the help of Divine Providence, things were kept in comely order in the church. We then proceeded to Hawkshead, Crook, Windermere, Graithwaite, the Height, Swarthmore, Kendall, Grayrig, Dentstown, Wensleydale, and Garsdale; where we had meetings. At the last place I left my companion to go to her own home, we having travelled together LIFE OF DEBORAH BELL. this long journey in much love and true unity, to Stockton, where I met with my cousin Ra- towards Gisbrough, and had a meeting there on first-day. Thence we came to Stokesly, It hath ever been my inclination, the little where my husband left us, and returned home; time I have been concerned to travel on Truth's we had a meeting with Friends there, also at account, and hitherto it hath been my prac- Bilsdale, Kirbymoorside, Rowsby, and WhitFrom thence we travelled to Stantontice, to make choice of an elderly experienced by. Friend for a companion; and the help and dale, Scarborough, Pickering and Malton, benefit I have found in it, engages me to re- having divers comfortable meetings; and so to commend it to all young ministers. Having Bridlington, Shipsey, Owstwick, Hull, Eastmet with our worthy friend Thomas Chalk-end, North Cave, and Cottness, and visited all ley, who intended for our county, he undertook the meetings of Friends along the east coast; to accompany me home. We took Bentham and thence to Selby, York, Wetherby, and meeting in our way, and the next day being se- Leeds. Then finding myself clear, I left my venth-day, reached my mother's house: she companion there, and got home to my dear We were comrejoiced at my safe return, which was in much husband and mother the last day of the same peace of mind; and I bless the worthy name month, and found all well. of our great and good Master, who is with forted in the love of Christ, and my soul was his bowed down children; we have great cause deeply bowed before the Lord, in a sense of to serve him freely with all our strength, for his mercy, rendering all praise to him, to whom he is a rich rewarder of all his faithful fol- it is everlastingly due. I continued about home that autumn and lowers. After my return, being but weakly through the winter following, and in the spring fell into hard travel and close exercise, I continued at a weak condition of body, which brought me home, except sometimes visiting a few neigh-very low; but when the summer came, findbouring meetings, as I found my mind engaging myself in some degree recovered, and haved. The spring following, my friend Johning a concern upon my mind to visit Friends Bell and I came to a conclusion to accomplish in Lancashire and Cheshire, I acquainted some our intended marriage, and it was with great Friends with it, who were much concerned at awfulness and reverence, having a due regard my taking a journey in that weak condition; to the peace and freedom of my own mind, but when they understood my husband inclinthat I consented to enter into a married life. ed to accompany me, it made them easy. We After a regular proceeding, according to the had a certificate at our Monthly Meeting, and good order settled amongst us, on the 31st day set forward the 30th day of the fourth month, of the third month, 1710, a large assembly of 1711, and got to Wycollar in Lancashire, that Friends and others met at our meeting-house evening, and next day to Trawden meeting, at Bradford, and the Lord in mercy was pleas-where we had a comfortable time. The thirded to be near to us, at our entrance into that day following we set forward for Lancaster solemn covenant, and a quiet solid time it was, Quarterly Meeting, where there was a large notwithstanding the great crowd present; for appearance of Friends, and we had a very many of the chief inhabitants of the town comfortable season together; the Lord's opencame, to whom I was well known, who had ing power and presence being waited for, was not seen any of our marriages before. The felt to lead Friends into their several services. whole was managed orderly and with great The church was edified, and humble praises solemnity. The lawyers and most of the gen-ascended to the great Master of our assemblies. try signed our certificate, and very much commended our method. The chief lawyer in those parts went home with us, amongst others, and said publicly in the company, Our method and the manner of accomplishing our marriages, was the most solemn, and preferable to all the methods of marriage in the world. After that meeting we went to Yelland, next We then visited the morning to Kendall Quarterly Meeting, and had a precious season. meetings at Hawkshead, Swarthmore, and the Height, and returned by Yelland and LancasOn seventh-day we came to Richard ter. Coward's, in the File country, and had a meetI tarried at home with my husband some ing appointed at Stammen; it was held in a time; and when I found my mind engaged to great barn over against the parish worshipvisit Friends in the east part of our county, house: the meeting was large and crowded, acquainted him therewith; to which he freely the people quiet and very attentive, and we On the 1st day of the sixth month, found room for the testimony of Truth amongst I set forward; my husband accompanied me them. The Lord was with us, furnishing wis consented. |