ral way, are strangers to the life and power of true religion; being satisfied with a profession thereof, and having itching ears, heap to themselves teachers; erroneously supposing the principal part of religion to consist in performing what they call religious duties; as hearing sermons, prayers, and singing psalms, &c., some of the hearers being so dark as to say, such a one is a good teacher, though perhaps a drunkard, a swearer, or guilty of other evils. It is plain that the strength and security of such ministers, is in the darkness and ignorance of people's minds. We do not

without the least flout, jeer, or any thing like wondered, seeing the conduct of many of these mockery. I found work also amongst them, pretended Gospel-ministers, is obviously so to remove the prejudice some had imbibed very bad, not only whilst they are learning against us as a people, on account of the the trade of preaching, but also in their fol wicked and frantic behaviour of one Rogers lowing the same for a livelihood; how it and his followers, who I think dwelt about comes to pass that the people bear them. New-London, in that province, calling them- One reason appears to be, that the laws of the selves Quakers; and as there were none of land are much in their favour; but the printhe right sort, that people might see the difcipal reason is, that people, in almost a geneference, they were ready to conclude, that all the people called Quakers were such, to the great reproach of our Society. I declared to them, that their actions were as much abhorred by us, as they could be by any people whatever; that Rogers and his company of ranters were no more of our Society than they were of theirs; that it would be very hard and unjust, if we, as a people, should be defamed by means of a crew, whom we had nothing further to do with, than to let the world know our abhorrence of their practices, and that they took our name upon them, in all probability, as a cloak to cover their wick-read in the Revelations, of the locusts coming edness. The students readily admitted what upon the earth, until the smoke arose out of I said to be very just and reasonable. I be- the bottomless pit and darkened the sun and lieve this opportunity tended to the reputation air; and whenever the children of men shall, of our Society, and am sure it was to my in a general way, turn to the light of the Sun comfort and satisfaction; feeling the love of of Righteousness in their own hearts, mystery God flow in my heart towards those young Babylon the mother of harlots must fall, and men, some of whom I did not think far from these her merchants will be wholly rejected. the kingdom. I called again to see them on All their abominable craft will be fully discomy return, and gave them some books, viz., vered. Great will be their torment, fear and two letters written by Samuel Crisp, giving distress, in that day! The Lord Almighty reasons why he joined with the people called hasten the time for his own name's sake, Quakers; a Treatise on Baptism, by William when all craft, violence and shedding of hu Dell; and I think some others, which they man blood, may be at an end; and righteousreceived very kindly, still carrying them-ness cover the earth, as water covers the sea! selves respectfully to me. I cannot well omit Some of the inhabitants of New-Haven taking notice of the great difference observed signified their desire that we should appoint a by me since, at the two great universities of meeting there, but we did not find sufficient England, in the behaviour of the students, strength and courage to answer their request; whom they pretend to be training up for Gos- so proceeded on our journey, and got to pel-ministers, and for other employments to Newport on Rhode Island the 8th of the get a living by. Oh! what floutings, jeer- seventh month. Here we were kindly reings, mocking and deriding of that which is ceived by Friends, and attended their Yearly serious and humble, like true religion! as Meeting, which began at Portsmouth, where though to work out our salvation with fear it held only one day, being a meeting for worand trembling, were not now the way to the ship; after which the meetings for worship kingdom of God; but that a sufficient assur- and business were held four days at Newport. ance to scoff at and ridicule what in the pri- They were very large and divinely favoured, mitive church and by the people of God in so that those who depended on the Lord alone all ages, was accounted religious, were now for wisdom and strength, were enabled to the distinguishing mark of true Christians come up in the discharge of their respective and ministers of the Gospel. How have they duties, to their peace and comfort. When frequently broken in upon our peaceable, quiet this great meeting was over, I had meetings meetings, like the raging foaming waves of a at Tiverton, Little Compton, Acoakeset, and troubled sea, casting up mire and dirt! Such Aponyganset, and was at their Monthly Meetconduct gives sober, discerning people, cause ing on second-day. Next morning about to look upon them as a nest of unclean birds; eight o'clock, I went on board a vessel bound who, instead of promoting true religion, may to the island of Nantucket, John Hancs masbe instrumental to subvert it. I have often ter, where we arrived about one o'clock next VOL. V.-No. 9.

44

morning. I staid upon this island about six ration, they found unity with my proposal; days, and was at their Yearly and Monthly intimating, that the period for entering upon Meetings; having good satisfaction therein. this solemn undertaking had appeared to me I returned in the same vessel, and landed on for some time to be drawing near, and that] the continent in about six hours; had a meet- should look out for a passage before the end ing at Falmouth, and went to their Monthly of the year. A certificate was prepared, se Meeting at Sandwich, and attended the Quar- ting forth their unity with my service in the terly Meeting held there. Here I met with ministry, and with my intended journey; dedivers Friends from our parts, who were on siring my labours therein might tend to the the service of Truth. We had very close, edification of the churches where my lot should searching, laborious service amongst them, as be cast, and my return to them again in things were very low and much out of order; peace; also expressing that I had settled my in part owing to the neglect of some mem- outward affairs to satisfaction; for I had acbers whose minds had been too much taken quainted Friends how I had settled them, as up with earthly things, to watch over the I thought it concerned them to be satisfied in flock as those who must give an account. that as well as other things; it being my earWe endeavoured to lay the weight of things nest desire to have the full concurrence of my more closely upon the active members, and brethren in so great an undertaking. left them to the Lord's dealings; knowing, "that although Paul may plant, and Apollos may water, it is he alone that can give the increase."

I went from thence to Pembroke, where I had a meeting; and through Boston to Lynn, where I had a meeting also; thence to Salem Monthly Meeting, and returned to Boston, and had two meetings there, being first-day. From thence I went directly to Rhode Island, and had meetings at Portsmouth and Newport, to good satisfaction: the Lord giving power and dominion, by the blessed efficacy of his pure word of life, over all of a contrary nature to itself, whereby I was enabled to clear my mind, to my great ease and comfort. I then returned homewards with much satisfaction and peace of mind; taking meetings in my way at Conanicut-Island, and South Kingston; so proceeded on my journey through Connecticut, and lodged at New-Haven. I spent part of a day in conversation and reasoning with some well disposed people, to satisfaction. I also visited the students as before hinted; after which I proceeded on my journey to Longreach, where I had a meeting, and went to the Yearly Meeting at West Chester. From thence I travelled homewards, having cause to be humbly thankful to the Fountain of all goodness, who was near to help, as my eye was single to him, in all proving times, whether in heights or depths; and as he was waited upon, gave wisdom and utterance. I desire he alone may have the praise and glory, if any good is done; as there is no good but what proceeds from him. I had not been long returned from the before mentioned journey, when I laid before the Monthly Meeting I belonged to, a concern which had been upon my mind some years, to visit the churches in divers parts of Great Britain and Ireland; desiring their concurrence and certificate, if upon weighty delibe

Once

I took some little journies in visiting adjacent meetings; and before the Yearly Meeting came on, I went to North Wales meeting, and about twenty miles further up the country to Richland, in order to take my leave of some Friends and relations, as well as to visit that meeting. In my return homewards I was taken very ill of what is there called the yellow fever; because the patient is turned as yellow as if he had the jaundice. I reached the house of my worthy friend, Thomas Foulke, who, with his wife and children, were as affectionately kind to me as if I had been one of their nearest relations. But this malignant fever greatly increased upon me. My sister was sent for, and several doctors were employed. Those who saw me, concluded all was over, and that I must depart out of this life. I took little notice of any thing; yet I think I was for the most part sensible, and could perceive I was given up for death, by those who had the care of me. they thought I was near drawing my last breath; they therefore drew a pillow from under my head and unbuttoned the neckband of my shirt, out of kindness, to make the last struggle between life and death the easier. For my part, I could not see how it would go with me; but had not much, if any appre hension of being taken away by death at that time. This sore illness happening in the Yearly Meeting time, which was held that year at Philadelphia, I requested the certifi cate I had obtained of the Monthly Meeting, for my intended journey into England, &c., might be laid before the Yearly Meeting of ministers and elders, as is usual in such cases, for the concurrence of Friends; and if they found freedom and unity therewith, to signify the same to the brethren in England, by an endorsement thereon. It was laid before the said meeting by my good friend Michael Lightfoot, and the meeting's free concurrence

being obtained, it was signed by a very great by the enemy, presumed thereon; and would number of Friends. This was done when say, There is no need to insure goods in that many thought there would be no occasion for ship, as so many public Friends are going in a certificate, as they fully expected it was her, she will doubtless go safe. I much dis. nearly over with me, as to this world. But I liked this unjustifiable confidence, seeing the was not easy to miss so good an opportunity judgments of the Lord are a great deep, being of having a concern of so great importance unsearchable, and his ways past finding out. solidly weighed by such a substantial body of It becomes us, in all our undertakings, to Friends; as I was not likely to have another commit ourselves and all we have into his like opportunity, if the Lord should be pleased hands, in humble resignation to do or suffer to raise me up again. This illness brought whatever his wisdom may point out or permit me very low indeed, so that when the fever to fall upon us, for the trial of our faith and abated, and I was fit to be helped out of bed, patience; as his mercy, power and goodness, I could not stand alone; yet I recovered to are as conspicuous in preserving, defending admiration; being able, in about a week, to and carrying us through great probations, to ride home in a chaise, about twenty-six miles; his glory, consequently to our own advantage which I bore very well. On my return home, in the end, as in wholly exempting us from my friends and neighbours came to see me, them. Even Job had no cause to complain greatly rejoicing at my recovery, which they of his unparalleled afflictions, when they were did not expect from what some had seen and over, and he saw how greatly he had profited others had heard; for several of them visited thereby. A Friend said to me before we emme in my illness. This was a time of deep barked, he did not pretend to determine wheprobation to me both inwardly and outward-ther we should be taken or not; but howly; being tried, as I sometimes have been ever that might happen, he did believe some when in great weakness of body, with dis- Friends in our station would be taken; not tressing poverty of spirit; not having distinct only to check that unwarrantable confidence satisfaction and clearness in my own mind in some, both Friends and others, but he also how it was with me as to my inward condi- apprehended, a service might arise from such tion, judging that an evidence of peace and being cast amongst those dark people, though comfort from the Holy Spirit would be a against their will. I did not pretend to any great support at such times of bodily afflic-assurance in my own mind, of preservation tion; and I have found it so, when it hath out of the enemies' hands; but was made wilpleased the Lord to favour me therewith. ling to commit my soul, body, and all that I But he knows what is best and most suitable had unto the Lord, as into the hands of a for us; and I find by experience, it is the faithful Creator, not doubting the sufficiency safest way to resign our wills to his holy of his power for preservation in every condiwill; as we must, for the most part, whilst in tion of life. this militant state, walk by faith and not by sight. I am fully persuaded such trying dispensations of divine Providence, are greatly profitable for our growth in the way that is well pleasing to him; and if patiently borne, will, in his time, be a means to work for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

On the 30th of the ninth month, 1747, the before mentioned Friends, who were to be my companions upon the mighty ocean, set out from Philadelphia in order to embark at Chester, in company with many Friends, and called for me at my house in Darby, being the direct road. I joined them, as well as a considerable number of friends and neighbours, Soon after my health was restored, an an- and proceeded to Chester that night; where, cient Friend whose name was Peter Davis, at the house of our ancient friend Grace from New-England, came to Philadelphia in Lloyd, we had a solemn meeting. Next day, order to take a passage for England, and our being the 1st of the tenth month, about two friend Thomas Gawthrop having performed a o'clock in the afternoon, we took leave of religious visit to Friends on the continent of Friends in great love and tenderness, and America, intending to embark shortly for the went on board the ship, which fell down the same, with Isaac Greenleaf, a Friend on river that evening a little below Newcastle. trade, I joined them; all agreeing to take Next day in the evening, we came to anchor our passage in a new ship bound for London. near Reedy Island, where we were detained One thing I would remark, that some by a great storm of wind and rain until the Friends, and, as I understood, some others 5th in the morning, when we set sail with a also, taking notice how providentially public Friends had been preserved during the war which was then carrying on with France and Spain, so that none of them had been taken

fair wind, taking our departure from the capes of the Delaware about six o'clock the same evening. The wind continued fair for the most part, though very strong, and a follow

ing sea running very high, until the 18th; neither could the captain be prevailed upon when, according to their calculation, we had have a reef taken out of the main-sail. The run about two-thirds of our passage; seldom vessel was very badly steered, as the French having more than a foresail set, and that remarked when they had taken us. The sometimes reefed, and at other times double captain ordered her to be close hauled to the reefed. As we had such a high following wind, vainly hoping, as he intimated, we sea, it was thought the ship was ahead of the should get to the windward of them, being reckoning. From the 18th to the 23d, the deeply laden. But this was very ill judged, wind continued pretty fair, but more moderate if really the effect of judgment, as the way than before. Then it turned about to the of the ship was thereby much hindered to eastward and blew exceedingly hard, with a what it would have been if she had gone very high sea, until the 29th, in which time large, taking the strength of the wind. Not. we lay-to, and drove about withersoever the withstanding this, we held the privateer in wind and waves would carry us. We could chase about nine hours. She came up with get very little forward, but were exceedingly us about five o'clock in the evening, and fired tossed. This was indeed a trying time; the a gun under French colours; upon which our motion of the waves being so violent, that people lowered their colours and topsail, by though she was a strong, new ship, she was way of submitting to them. They hoisted beaten upon with so much force as to make out a small boat, the sea running high, in her crack from end to end, as if she would which came the second captain and a lieutenhave been broken to pieces. I then thought ant with seven or eight sailors, to take posthose in my situation had good reason to know session of a very valuable prize. She was a well what they were about, and for what they snow privateer, belonging to Bayonne, carry. exposed themselves to such dangers; and had ing ten carriage guns, and about one hundred great need to have the mighty Ruler of the men, commanded by one Peter Garalon. As sea and land for their friend. For if he had the boat was rowing towards us, the people been pleased to withdraw his protection, there made such a dark, mean and contemptible was only about a two-inch plank between us appearance, that our poor sailors cried out in and eternity, which was to me very awful to a very affecting manner, We shall all be used think of; for I was not without my tossings very badly and cruelly, like dogs, for they and combats of mind, during these outward are a pitiful crew, and no officer amongst probations. The 29th proved a fine day; they them; but in this they were mistaken. For had a good observation, and judged we were my part, the Lord being exceedingly gracious then about an hundred and fifty leagues from to my soul, by the blessed support and sothe land's end of England. Next day, being lacing comfort of his Holy Spirit all that day, the 30th of the tenth month, Thomas Gaw- I was quite calm and easy; all fear of the throp having had a very restless painful enemy or whatever I might have to pass night, by troublesome dreams, &c., had some expectation of our being taken, as he afterwards intimated. He stepped upon deck about eight o'clock in the morning, and immediately espied a sail upon our windward quarter, giving us chase. He quickly raised the careless captain, who ought to have been looking out before that time, and to have The before-mentioned second captain of the watched more narrowly than he did, consi- privateer, whose name was Andrew De St. dering the trust reposed in him. The cap- Andrew, boarded us with a naked cutlass in tain, when he perceived we were chased, ap- his hand, eight or nine men following him. peared much concerned, giving the ship up He spoke to us in good English very cheerfor taken, in his mind, already. We urged him fully, saying to this effect, "Your servant, to put out all the sail he could crowd, and to gentlemen; it is the fortune of the war, al exert his utmost endeavour to escape, offering though it is ours to day, it be yours to assist all in our power, as we often had morrow;" and promised good usage. done before, being very poorly manned; in then ordered the captain, mate, and sailors, part owing to the sailors' unwillingness to go except two, and us who were cabin passen in ships bound to London, lest they should be gers, being ten in number, to go on board the pressed on board men-of-war. It happened privateer; upon which the boat was loaded to be a moderate wind, so that we could have and went off. He took notice that we were borne all the sail belonging to the ship; but of the people called Quakers, and gave us to through neglect, neither topgallant-sails nor understand that he was not altogether a stran steering-sails were in a condition to be set; ger to us as a people. The chief reason of

through in such a time of trial, was wholly taken away for the present; my mind being filled with humble resignation to the divine will; yet was willing, as I thought it a point of prudence, to use endeavours for escaping out of their hand if it were practicable.

may

to. He

that when they took us, we were about eighty leagues from Cape Clear in Ireland, and about one hundred and twenty-five leagues from the land's end of England.

sending away those on board a prize being for their own security, lest there might be danger of their rising and recovering the ship again, we conceived some hopes, from the known peaceable principles we profess, to be The next day the chief captain came on so far indulged as to be allowed to remain on board to examine the cargo, &c. He made board the prize; and therefore did not incline Andrew captain of the prize, of which we to go with the first boat-full; making use of were glad, as he could speak English, and that space of time in earnest solicitation to from what we saw of him, there was reason remain, having much better accommodation to expect favourable usage under his care; than we could reasonably expect on board which was also promised us by the head capthe privateer: but all the arguments we ad- tain. They found the cargo so valuable that vanced seemed ineffectual. When the boat it was concluded the privateer should keep us returned, he still urged the orders he had company, in order to convoy us safely to from the head captain to send us all on some port of France or Spain. Having new board; upon which I stepped over the side of masters, we had a new course to steer; but the vessel, taking hold of the hand-rope, with the wind set against us, blowing very hard a design to go into the boat; when there, it and stormy. We lay-to often, and were exappeared to me exceedingly hazardous, the ceedingly tossed for about two weeks, and did sea running very high. I turned about and not in that time think ourselves any nearer looked this French captain full in the face, Bayonne, than when we were taken. Our and expressed myself in as moving terms as captors wanted more prey, and espied and I was capable of, concerning the danger he chased several vessels, who had the good sucwas about exposing us to unnecessarily; cess to get away from them. We were once which, through divine favour, made such an chased by a fine large ship, which they took impression upon him, that he took me by the to be an English man-of-war, and appeared hand and drew me into the ship again, say-to be greatly alarmed; but when she came ing, "You shall stay here to night however." up, they found her to be a privateer belonging He had before demanded the keys of our to the town called St. Maloes, carrying twenty chests, under pretence of preventing their falling into the hands of the common men, who might plunder them; but the true reason was, that he and the other officers might first do it themselves; which they did after we were It was the 22nd of the eleventh month, begone to bed that night, returning our keys fore we saw any land, and when we did, our next morning, with large promises of protec- captors proved much mistaken, thinking themtion and good usage; which, every thing con- selves sixty or seventy leagues nearer Baysidered, they in a good degree fulfilled. We onne than they found to be the case. could not help looking upon it as a kind pro- had pleasant sailing near the land on the vidence, which made way for our remaining Spanish coast, which borders on the bay of on board the prize; having there the free use Biscay; it being high land, afforded consiof our private stores, and being better waited derable delight to us, as we had been long upon than before we were taken, having two confined to the sight of water only. The cabin boys for that purpose. Captain Andrew, 24th, in the dusk of the evening, we had to give him his due, carried himself respect- nearly entered the port called St. Sebastian, fully to us; frequently filling our plates when the wind chopped in right ahead and plentifully, though he might at times have drove us out to sea again. The privateer less left for himself; and when he wanted got into a place called Port-passage, about a any liquors or other provisions out of our league from thence, next morning early. But chests, he would ask us for them in a submis- we being forced further off by contrary winds, sive manner, as if he had no authority to de- had great difficulty to get in that day, being mand. This kind carriage gained upon us, for many hours towed by fifteen boats, in to place some confidence in him, which in the which were one hundred and fifty men labourend he made use of to his own advantage, by ing at their oars. They appeared very anx craftily getting from us about two hundred ious to get our vessel into port, as they feared pounds sterling, the particulars of which some English ship cruising in the bay, might would be too tedious to relate. After the call them to an account. We poor captives French had got possession of our ship, they put her in a fine trim for sailing, so that it was plain she could readily outsail the privateer that took her. Captain Andrew said,

carriage guns, and about three hundred men. We left the privateer that took us, far behind, during this chase, our ship being fixed upon at a great distance, for the best booty.

We

went on shore the 26th in the morning, being glad and thankful to have the opportunity of setting our feet again on firm land, although in an enemy's country; for setting aside the