There I received from my worthy friend David Hall, an encouraging letter, and as it contains matter of weighty instruction, I give it a place here, not doubting but it will be agreeable to my readers. was pleased to favour me with a thorough next day had a comfortable open meetarousing opportunity, and God's everlasting ing at Airton; my friend Jonathan Raine Truth was exalted. The next meeting I had bearing me company, and then to Skipton was at Penrith, where things appeared to me meeting, where things were low. I had that but low. I went from thence to Coldbeck, evening a good open opportunity amongst and was at their meeting on first-day. It was our worthy friend David Hall's scholars. a very hard distressing time. There I felt, Then I had a meeting at Fairfield, which was as I thought, some of those hard dark spirits, small, but pretty open and I hope serviceable. who had occasioned great anxiety at sundry The next meeting was at Nethersdale, where places in that county, who might, as I appre- I had very laborious searching work; the teshended, be compared to the bulls of Bashan timony was close and sharp against formal that compassed David about. It is likely professors, yet, through divine favour, I was they would scoff at the expression of their enabled to get through to very good satisfacspirits being felt, but the time will soon over- tion, and the meeting ended comfortably. At take them, wherein their spirits will feel, Asquith, I had a small open meeting, and though now perhaps in a great measure past then at Rodan, which being on first-day, was feeling. Next day I had a small but pretty very large; a plain solid body of Friends beopen meeting at Massdale. From thence to longing thereto. We were favoured with an Terril, where I had a good open meeting, open meeting, and the testimony of Truth Truth being exalted and Friends comforted. was exalted. Next day I had a very comThe next meeting was Strickland, which was fortable open meeting at Bradford, and went but small, yet to good satisfaction. I went to Keighley, which was also satisfactory. from thence to Kendal, and attended their meetings on sixth-day, first-day and thirdday. Most of them were to me trying and laborious. I was not much opened as to min. istry. Friends in many places had need to be brought from words, to the one eternal inspeaking Word. On fourth-day at Yelland in Lancashire, I had a close searching meeting. The next day I was favoured with "In the sweet spirit and fellowship of the an open comfortable time at Wray, and everlasting and glorious Gospel of peace, I from thence went to Bentham, where Truth hereby kindly salute thee, and thy dear comassisted to discharge what I had before me, panion and fellow-labourer in the acceptable to a good degree of satisfaction. At Settle work thou art now engaged in; not forgetting on first-day we were favoured with a pre- his worthy consort Margaret, when thou seest cious open time; the testimony of Truth went her. Be not at all discouraged on any acforth freely and affectingly, tendering many count, for I trust, thy good Lord and Master, hearts: praises and thanksgiving to the Lord whom thou serves, has made thee willing to for the same. Next day I had a small but a leave thy outward habitation and little ones, very open meeting at Monybent. From thence and to traverse the ocean with thy life in to Soly meeting, which appeared to me in a thy hand, as an ambassador in Christ's very weak, low condition, as little of the life stead, to preach glad tidings of good things of religion was to be found therein. After to the meek; to call upon and arouse the inmeeting I went to the house of my kind friends dolent and careless; to direct the straying Jonathan and Margaret Raine; and from sheep to the fold of rest; to raise the droopthence to Marsden-Height meeting, in which ing ones that are too low, and endeavour the Lord's power was livingly felt, whereby to bring down the lofty who are too high, to the testimony of Truth was delivered with clearness and good demonstration. Next day had a meeting at Trawden. On first-day I went again to Marsden meeting, which was a thorough good opportunity, and we were sweetly comforted together. Being fatigued with constant travelling and close labour, I rested at Jonathan Raine's about a week, and then went to a large meeting of Friends in Lothersdale, where I was much favoured, and largely opened to deliver the doctrines of Truth, with good demonstration and to my own peace. The "Esteemed and well-beloved friend, the true centre, even the midst of the path of judgment: in short, to bring unto us the pledges of thy Master's love and thine, and to receive ours-He who, after he had in his wisdom and counsel, suffered thee to be taken captive for the trial of thy faith, and in mercy ransomed thee as an evidence of his power, will never leave thee nor forsake thee. I have unity with thy spirit, gift, and with the manner of the administration thereof. I entreat thee, dear brother, keep to thy steady bottom way. The present state of the church loudly calls for entire resignation, faith, hope, tience and meekness all they were pleased to sea, and did not yet know what we might want say and conjecture, until time made manifest ourselves. I was much troubled in my mind who were in the right. at the hardness of his heart, and immediately I attended the Yearly Meeting held at Bur-stepped up to him, and in as moving language lington, for Pennsylvania and the Jerseys, in as I was capable of, interceded for the poor the seventh month, wherein the Lord was sufferers. The first mate being a man of a graciously pleased to overshadow our large good disposition, joined with me, and we at assemblies with his heavenly power and pres- length so prevailed on the master, that he ence, to our great comfort and edification; gave them liberty to hoist out their boat, and having with joy to draw water out of the wells come on board; telling them he would see of salvation, and to offer the praise and hum- what could be done for them. The poor ble thanksgiving to the alone fountain thereof, creatures gladly complied with this; the maswho is for ever worthy. ter of the ship and four of his sailors, being Having settled my affairs, and obtained a quickly on board of us. It was very affecting, certificate of removal from the Monthly Meet- to behold want so conspicuous in their faces, ing of Darby, in Chester county, in Pennsyl- and to see how greatly they rejoiced, with vania, to which I belonged, directed to the thankfulness, that kind Providence had, in Monthly Meeting of Witham in Essex, old mercy, cast us in their way, for their relief; England; myself and daughter set out from in which I could heartily join with them; remy house in Darby, accompanied by my sister joicing that we had not inhumanly turned Mary, (who since my wife's decease, had been them off without help. The master, to give my careful house-keeper) together with seve him his due, handed to them pretty liberally; ral Friends, the 12th of the eighth month, for which he charged what he thought proper, 1750. We travelled to East Nottingham, and took the master's draft for the money, on being about sixteen miles from the place his owner in London. I spared them some where the ship lay in which I intended to out of my private stores, for which I wanted embark. My sister and one of the Friends no other pay, than the satisfaction of reliev staid with us about a week, and then tooking their wants; being very glad I had been their solemn leave. My daughter and I staid instrumental thereto. there until the 2nd of the ninth month. I visited some meetings in the neighbourhood to good satisfaction, and was at many in East Nottingham, it being a very large meeting, and a zealous body of Friends then belonged thereto; amongst whom I had good service and great openness; the precious unity of the one spirit being livingly enjoyed, in which we took a solemn farewell of one another. The 2nd of the ninth month we set out, accompanied by divers of our worthy friends, and crossed the Susquehanna, taking our quarters at Jacob Giles's house within sight of the ship; but were not ordered on board until the 8th. We did not sail until the 11th at noon. The unskilful pilot ran us aground twice that afternoon, and caused the poor sailors hard labour and much fatigue, for which I was sorry. It was the 18th, about two o'clock in the afternoon, before we got clear of Chesapeak bay; and having then a fine wind, we soon lost sight of land. The next day we had a great storm, and an exceedingly high sea, so that we could carry no sail, but fastened the helm and let the ship drive whithersoever the wind and waves would carry her: we were indeed mightily tossed; but through divine favour, my mind was sweetly calm and comfortable, feeling his living presence to be near, who is God of the seas and of the dry land. My heart was filled with the joy of his salvation, so that I could sing and make melody therein to him; in which I had confirming evidence, as I many times had under the same precious enjoyment, both by sea and land after I left England, that my way and undertaking was approved of the Lord, and would be blessed and prospered by him; which yielded more comfort to my mind, than any thing in this world could do. The severest part of the storm lasted about twelve hours; and although we had two considerable storms afterwards, yet for the most part, it was a good passage. We had been at sea but about four days, On the 17th of the tenth month, in the mornwhen he espied a sail or two, who, by their ing, we sounded, and in sixty-nine fathom motions, appeared very desirous to speak with water we found ground. The same morning, us, which, at length, one of them belonging about ten o'clock, we had the very agreeable to Rhode Island effected, informing us, they sight of England. Next day, the wind being were reduced to a very small quantity of pro- against us, we made but little advantage of visions, and earnestly intreated the master to sailing. The 19th, about eight o'clock at afford them some assistance. To my grief night, we came to an anchor in Falmouth and surprise, he gave them a very short de- harbour. Going on shore next day, we went nial; alledging we were but newly come out to to an inn in the town. Our kind hospitable friend, Joseph Tregelles, came and invited us to his house, where we had generous entertainment whilst we where at that place. I was several times at their meetings, both at Falmouth and Penryn, and had openness and good satisfaction. My worthy friends of that town, Andrew Hingeston and his wife and daughter, were affectionately kind to me, which I cannot well avoid mentioning, out of a grateful sense I retain thereof, as we were entire strangers; for I had not been that way when in England before. for their safety and preservation, than that of our Lord's viz., "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." Those who have happily, by seeking, found this kingdom, and live therein, which consisteth in righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost, have great advantage, even in outward things, above all others; as the blessing of God, which maketh truly rich, attends all their worldly affairs. They enjoy what appertains to this life with a proper relish. Having been detained there about a week," Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit we put out to sea again, in order to proceed the earth." to London, whither we were bound. The second day of our being out, towards evening, as we were sailing within about a league and a half of Dover, a boat came on board for letters. The wind then not being fair to go up the river Thames, we went with them to Dover, and next day to Gravesend, where crossing the water at Grays in Essex, I proIceeded to Chelmsford. As it is man's duty and safety to seek the Lord's counsel and blessing, so it is truly honourable amongst men; for this, Jabez was said to be more honourable than his brethren; for he called on the God of Israel, saying, "O that thou wouldst bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldst keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!" And My dear friend Frances Wyatt and I, after God granted him that which he requested. proceeding according to the good order of Let me conclude this observation with tender Friends, accomplished our marriage with each advice and caution to all whom it may con other, at a large meeting of Friends and cern, into whose hands this may come, to be others in Chelmsford meeting-house, the 14th aware they do not fall into that dangerous day of the then first month, 1750-1, in the snare of supposing, as marriage is an outsweet and sensible enjoyment of his presence, ward affair, they need consult nothing further who saw in the beginning, it was not good for therein than their own inclination and reason; man to be alone; and therefore, in great kind- it is said, "Woe to the rebellious children, ness, provided an help-mate to be with him, that ask counsel, but not of me, saith the who was bone of his bone, and flesh of his Lord." And Christ is called Wonderful, flesh. It is therefore said, they shall be no Counsellor, as well as Mighty God. Now as more twain, but one flesh. The Lord then marriage is allowed to be the most important joined the man and his wife together. Happy affair in this life, and may tend greatly either to would it have been for mankind, had they promote our happiness or misery in the next; if never sought, nor found out any other way of we have no occasion to seek the Lord's counsel joining in that relation since. But as the herein, in what are we to expect or desire it? sons, or worshippers of the true God, for- Abraham's servant, when he was only enmerly looked upon the daughters of men, gaged about procuring a wife for his younger with an eye that tendeth to pervert this ordi- master Isaac, with great earnestness sought nance, following the dictates of their own evil the Lord's guidance and blessing therein, and heart, instead of the counsel of God, in this obtained it in a remarkable manner. What, great undertaking; so it is evidently the case say some, are we to look for, or to expect a at this day with many. It is also often revelation in such cases? We must desire the not so much what the woman or man is, as Lord to guide and direct our steps in this, and what worldly substance they have. Where all other affairs of consequence in relation to there is plenty of that, many real defects, this life, or we shall certainly miss our way. with respect to those qualifications and en- But this we cannot clearly understand, until dowments essential to real happiness in a the man's part is reduced in us, and we see married state, are over-looked. Thus, by what we are without God, that we may find man's ignorantly and presumptuously taking occasion to pray without ceasing, and in every upon him the guidance and government of thing to give thanks. Then the constant cry himself, instigated thereto by the subtilty of will be, Guide me with thy counsel. When satan; those outward accommodations, which this is, with great sincerity, the state of the were by divine providence intended as bles- mind, we cannot miss our way; because sings, become quite the reverse. To prevent divine protection is ever present, although such unhappy consequences to young people we do not always see it, no more than the and others, I know of no advice better adapted prophet's servant did, until his eyes were opened. The great thing is, to have a single eye, that whatever we do, may be done to the glory of God. When this is the case, we say, if this or that be not agreeable to thy will, O God, thou hast all power in thine hand; do thou, by thy overruling providence, direct me according to thy blessed will. The Lord will keep such in all their ways, and be their sure defence. tions were prepared by the Friends appointed, brought to the next Quarterly Meeting, and there agreed to. The women having previous notice, withdrew at the close of the meeting of worship into an apartment, to receive what we had to lay before them, and unanimously agreed thereunto. A Quarterly Meeting of women Friends. being then established, pressing advice was We settled together after marriage, at sent by minute, to Monthly Meetings, that Chelmsford, in the county of Essex, where I they should encourage and establish women's enjoyed great satisfaction and comfort in an meetings amongst them also, which was comaffectionate wife. Yet such I found the low plied with. And although our women Friends, and almost desolate situation of our Society for want of being brought up by their ances in the said county; especially in relation to tors in the management of the discipline, good order and that discipline established might be rather inexperienced at first, yet I amongst us, by the power and in the wisdom am well assured, this step tended much to of Truth, as a hedge to defend and preserve enlarge our meetings and to make them more from hurtful things, that it gave me much lively; opening the way of sincere travellers painful concern of mind. The difference appearing so very great, as I had before resided where discipline in the general was well maintained. I could not discover, either by their books or inquiry, that the unfaithful or disorderly walkers had, a few instances excepted, been for many years regularly dealt with, and their misconduct censured, either by Monthly or Quarterly Meetings. I diligently attended those meetings, but my spirit was greatly distressed therein, as the members seemed to move and act in another element, as I may say, than that I had been accustomed to, in managing the weighty affairs of the church. The first thing of importance that laid hold of my mind, as wanting to be reformed, was relating to women's meetings; there being no such held quarterly, and at but few of the Monthly Meetings; and where there was any thing of that nature it was of little or no service, in the manner then held. Having therefore the advices and directions of the Yearly Meeting, relating to women's meetings, I requested liberty of the Quarterly Meeting to read the same therein, which I did, making such remarks thereon, as appeared to me then necessary. At the same time, I proposed that the meeting should take that weighty affair, of establishing women's Quarterly and Monthly Meetings, agreeably to the repeated pressing advices of the Yearly Meeting, into solid consideration; and if it was thought proper, that a few Friends might be appointed to form some general directions for the assistance of our women Friends, We had great peace in this labour, though pointing out to them, as for want of opportu- hard and unpleasant, as we found them dark nity, they were pretty much strangers there- and difficult to be reached to, a few excepted. unto, how such meetings are to be conducted, However, these endeavours greatly tended to and the part of church discipline that properly exalt Truth's testimony, for which our worthy comes under their notice, and requires the predecessors deeply suffered. In process of management of the women. All which was time, through the blessed assistance of our agreed to and minuted. The proposed direc- | holy Head, engaging a small remnant to to a fuller enjoyment of spiritual good, wherein alone is our ability for every good word and work. Some few, from a right sense of the importance of the work, joined me in an earnest labour for a general reformation, and as we felt the weight of things upon our minds, we gave up to visit Monthly Meetings, to help the weak and to move forward the wheels of discipline, which, especially at the first, moved very heavily; for although we had many in the county under our profession, yet few of them had their hands clean enough to handle the affairs of the church; many being, as it were, crippled with unfaithfulness, especially in their mean and cowardly compliance with the anti-christian demand of tithes and things of that nature, which of itself unfits for service amongst us; for I never saw much, if any, true living zeal for the cause of God, in those who have fallen into this defection. Oh! the darkness and cause of stumbling it has occasioned in this poor county, and in other places where it has prevailed. We found ourselves concerned, repeatedly to visit such in their families, labouring in Christian love, to bring them into a sense of the inconsistency of their conduct with their profession therein; which labour, though prevalent with some, hath been no otherwise successful in general, than the discharge of that duty which one member of a religious community owes to another; and by bringing the judgment of Truth in some degree over them, they became more distinguished from the faithful. ༄། " ༥ ། 364 convinced by testimony, and " |