N \ \ \ v''^- V^ fyxmll Uramltg Jifcmg THE GIFT OF -XiJ-**"'-*^ """^ ^ .A..y.a^45- LkJ./.A...lAJL.. Cornell University Library arV16949 Memoranda and con-esDO|^^^^^^^^^ 3 1924 031 451 499 olin.anx Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924031451499 MEMO RAN DA CORRESPONDENCE Mildred RATOLirF. P H I Ii A D E L P II I A : FRIENDS' BOOK STORE, No. 304 ARCH STREET. 1890. ' LI8RARV INDEX, Ann Branson's Testimony concerning Mildred Eatcliff, . ix Birth and parentage of Mildred Eatclift', . 13 Remarkable dream of, when a child, . . .14 Death of her mother, . . . . .16 Early religious impressions of, . . . .17 Marriage of, . . . . . . .18 Liberates her slaves from religious conviction, . . 19 Attends the meetings of Friends, . . . .20 Becomes a member of the Society of Friends, . . 21 Meets with Henry Hull, . . . .21 Correspondence with Henry HuU, . . 22 Appears in the ministry, . . . . 32 Letter to her sister Mary Jones, . 33 Memoranda of her religious exercises, . . . .35 Letter to Sarah Hull, . . . . .45 Letter of Eebecca Preston, .... 46 Memoranda of religious exercises, . . 47 Enters upon religious service in Virginia and Carolina, . 54 Remarks on the character of Harrison EatclifF, . . 68 Removal to Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio, . . .70 Waits upon Stephen Grellet in sickness, . . .70 Letter to Stephen Grellet, ..... 70 Letter of Eebecca Preston, . . . . .71 Letter to J. and M. Tomlinson, ... 72 Memoranda of religious exercises, . . . .76 VI INDEX. PAGE Engages in a religious visit in Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee, ...... 78 Epistle to the Monthly Meeting of Friends at Cove Sound . 105 Letter of Eebecca Preston, . . . . .108 Attends meetings in Baltimore Yearly Meeting, . . 110 Pays a religious visit to Philadelphia, . . .115 Visits meetings east of the Allegheny Mountains, . . 115 Letter of Stephen Grellet, . . . . .147 Letters to Sarah Morris, .... 149, 151 Pays a religious visit to the West and South, . . 154 Letter of Ann Jones, ... . 155 Letters to Sarah Morris, .... 159, 161 Engages in a religious visit in Western Pennsylvania and Ohio, 164 Letter of Beulah Sansom, . . .165 Removal to Westland, Penna., .... 166 Letter of Sarah Morris, ..... 166 Pays a religious visit to the Eastward, . . . 168 Letter of Sarah Hillman, ... . 172 Letter of Ann Jones, ..... 174 Letter to Sarah Morris, . . . 176 Letters to Jonathan Evans, .... 179, 182 Letter to Sarah Morris, . . . . .184 Letter of Jonathan Evans, . . . .187 Letter of Sarah Hillmann, .... 190 Letter of Jonathan Evans, .... 192,193 Letter to Sarah Morris, ..... 195 Anecdotes of Mildred Ratcliff, . . . .198 Letter of Jonathan Evans, ..... 199 Religious communication of Mildred Ratcliff to Jonathan Evans, ....... 201 INDEX. Vll Extract from letter of William Evans, Extract from letter of Joseph Edgerton, Letter of Ann Branson, Letter of John Wood, Letter of Benjamin Hoyle, Death of Mildred Eatcliff, . PAGE 202 202 204 206 207 210 Ann Branson's Testimony Concerning Mildred Batcliff, Deceased. Whilst it may be said that all those with whom Mildred Ratcliff was most intimately associated in the faithful sup- port of the ancient doctrines and testimonies of the religious society of Friends, have passed from works to rewards ; yet, there are those still living who remember Mildred Batcliff with feelings of deep interest. They remember her bright and shining example. They have not forgotten the straight- forward uncompromising course she was enabled to pursue by keeping her eye single to the Head of the Church ; whilst many with whom she had taken sweet counsel and labored in the unity and fellowship of the Gospel, for want of keeping on the watch tower, were led astray into by-ways and crooked paths by the sleight of men and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive ; the words of these, though smooth- er than oil, were as drawn swords against the truth, and the faithful supporters thereof. Thus have we seen the following declaration of George Fox verified in our religious Society within the last century. " The Lord opened to me (says George Fox) who the great- est deceivers were, and how far they might come, such as come as far as Balaam who could speak the word of the Lord, who heard his voice and knew it ; and knew his spirit, and could see the Star of Jacob and the goodliness of Israel's Tent, the second birth which no enchantment could prevail against. These who could speak so much of their experiences of God and yet turned from the spirit and the word, and went into the gainsaying. These were and would be the greatest deceivers far beyond the Priests. '' [Geo. Fox's Journal, p. 70.] I will now speak more particularly concerning our departed X ANN BEANSON'S TESTIMONY. friend, Mildred Eatcliff. Her parents were members of the Baptist Society, and she was brought up in strict conformity with the principles of that profession. Alter her marriage, she joined the Society of Friends through convincement. What it cost herthus openly to espouse their religious princi- ples and testimonies, and the estimation in which she held those principles and testimonies through the rest of her life, may be inferred from her own language not long before her death, " I have seen the time (said she) that I would rather have given my head to the block than to have been called a Quaker, but now I would rather give my head to the block than to be anything else.'' In person Mildred KatcliifF was tall and slender, having a keen and penetrating eye, emblematic of her spiritual vision, for she was a prophetess and discerner of spirits. Her counte- nance was remarkably grave and serious, and her whole deportment, public and private, evinced a careful attention' to this Scripture injunction " Sanctify the Lord of Hosts him- self, and let Him be your fear and let Him be your dread." In conversation she was interesting and instructive to both old and young, making remarks and relating incidents worthy to be remembered, and not easily forgotten. Her ministry was sound and weighty, giving unmistakable evidence that she was one of those who could adopt the language of the Apostle concerning himself and his fellow Apostles, " That which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled of the word of life declare we unto you," bringing out of the treasury things both new and old. Although of a frail and delicate constitution yet in her public communications she could be distinctly heard by a large assembly, her articulation was clear and distinct, her speech deliberate, her voice audible, solemn and impressive, and her whole deportment grave and dignified, free from any affectation or those gestures which do not com- port with Christian gravity. I have said that Mildred Eatcliff was a prophetess and a dis- cerner of spirits. Many instances might be given to illustrate ANN BRANSON S TESTIMONY. XI this. When Friends were about to recommend Elisha Bates as a minister, Mildred thought she saw the Absalom spirit in him, and uttered this impressive warning, " It will be well if he is not yet hung by the hair of his head." The subsequent course pursued by E. Bates, his grievous apostacy, and the trouble and distress he brought upon Friends showed that her views were correct and her words appropriate concerning him. She appears to have been the first individual in Ohio Yearly Meeting who saw the approach of the enemy under the specious garb of Gurneyism, and to sound the alarm of danger awaiting us. In allusion to her exercises in the first dawn of this heresy, her expressions to a friend near the close of her life were on this wise, " The Master knows I was not looking for any such thing, but when He showed me what was coming upon us, my trouble and distress were almost greater than I knew how to bear. I mentioned to some friends what I saw and felt, but my words to them seemed for a time as idle tales, and they thought I was mistaken ; but when their eyes began to be opened to see things in their true light, then my burden grew somewhat lighter." During the same opportunity in which the above was expressed, she referred to that faithful, persecuted servant of the Lord, John Wilbur, and related the following remarkable incident which occurred during a relig- ious visit to the meetings within the limits of New England Yearly Meeting, "I one day saw a carriage on the same road I was going, some distance before the one in which I was riding; presently I saw a stream of light extending from my carriage to the one before us ; then I felt near unity and fel- lowship with some one in that carriage, but knew not who was in it. When the carriage stopped, John Wilbur got out of it, and the unity and fellowship were with him." Speaking to another friend of this incident, she said had it not been for this remarkable manifestation, she might have thought as many others, that John Wilbur had missed his way. At a public meeting within the limits of her own Monthly Meeting, Mildred Eatcliflf expressed her belief that there, was a person present who had but a short time to live, earnestly ex- XU ANN BRANSON S TESTIMONY. horting the individual to prepare for the solemn summons. At the close of this meeting a gay and fashionable young woman said to some of her associates, I am the one to whom this warn- ing has been given. She was taken ill soon after with what is termed hasty consumption, and died with a short illness; during her sickness she requested that her gay and fashionable clothing might be collected and burned. A minister in high standing amongst Friends, called to see Mildred when she was too ill to leave her room. After the minister had left, Mildred shook her head and appeared much distressed. A young Friend who was waiting on her wished to know the cause of her distress, and made some remark which elicited the following reply from Mildred, " It is nothing I saw with my outward eye that has distressed me, I shall not live to see it, but thou will live to see this individual leave our Society." This was fulfilled, this minister was disowned by Friends after Mildred's death, but several years previous to the death of the young Friend referred to. Faithfiiil in her allegiance to the Lord of lords and King of kings, this dignified servant and handmaid of the Lord could not be allured from the path of duty, by the fear or favor of man, and with our Lord aud Saviour she could say, " I receive not honor from man." I write not this to exalt the creature, but to magnify the grace of God, that made her what she was, a minister and elder in the church militant, worthy of double honor, fitted and prepared for the church Triumphant in Heaven, where we have no doubt she is entered, there to ascribe Blessing, Glory and Honor unto the Lord, God and the Lamb forever- more. Ann Branson. EXTRACTS FROM THE MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. • Mildred Ratcliff, the daughter of John and Eliza- beth Morris, was born in Virginia the 11th day of the Eleventh Month, 1773. She was a bright child, and al- though not favored with much school instruction, was an apt scholar in learning from those with whom she asso- ciated. Her parents at the time of her birth were Epis- copalians, but soon after they joined the Baptists, and her father being zealous in his new profession, was ad- mitted as a preacher among that people. She had what might be called a religious education ; having abundant opportunity of hearing professed ministers of the Gospel preach, and of attending meetings for public worship. Her parents were no doubt pious persons, and her mother perhaps more decidedly so. As she was by nature active, sprightly and susceptible, Satan laid many snares for her feet, adapted to her disposition, and opened by-ways in which he often persuaded her to wander from the paths of true peace. Yet her Heavenly Father, through all, watched over her for good, raised longings after heaven and heavenly things in her heart, and sent instruction to her in dreams of the night. One of these dreams she 2 14 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1782. thus narrated, many years afterwards, whilst on a re- ligious visit in Philadelphia : " Near my father's house in Virginia there was a worn- out tobacco-field, which was no longer worth cultivating, and which we used to call the ' old field,' When I was a little girl not above nine years of age, (I could not have been more, for I sat upon the floor while I told my father and mother my dream), I dreamed that I saw the old field full of people ; and in the middle of it there was a hole about as big as this room (a comfortable sized chamber) would be if it were round ; and from this hole flames of fire were ascending. After a while I saw the old enemy come out of the hole, and take hold of one of the people and thrust him headlong into the abyss, and the flames boiled up over him : then he took another and served him in the same way. Thus he went on. It was remarked that he always took those that came nearest to him ; but the rest of the multitude seemed to take no notice that one by one their companions were taken away. After awhile, as I gazed in astonishment, I perceived there was but one besides myself left; and that one was presently taken too. Then the old adversary looked around, and seeing me, made directly for me. Frightened awfully, I turned to run ; and I heard a voice say distinctly, ' as long as you strive to run from him, he will have no power over you.' It said you to me then, for it always speaks to us in a language we can understand. The part of the old field I had to run through, was a kind of quag- mire, and my feet sunk in ; and I suflfered as much as any poor mortal could suffer in a dream. About a yard before me a flame seemed to rise out of the ground : and I thought surely, when I get there, I shall be burned up ; but still I determined to go on; and as soon as I got 1782.] OP MILDRED EATCLIEF. 15 where it first appeared, it was a yard further ahead : so it continued until I got out of the field. When I reached the road, which was a level, beautiful piece of ground, I began to go faster and faster, and presently I flew ; and the old enemy was left far behind. Then I slackened my pace, and was trying to raise a song of thanksgiving in my heart for my deliverance, and proceeded slowly along. Suddenly I heard the same voice say, ' Look behind you ! ' I cast my eye over my shoulder, and there I saw the old adversary with both claws open ready to grasp me. Again I sprang forward and ran, and soon I flew, and did not slack until I got home. I did not stop at the porch, for it was no place of safety ; but as soon as I got within the door all fear was taken away, and I turned around and looked the old adversary in the face, and said ' Satan, I am not afraid of you now, for I am in my father's house.' He dropped a scowl upon me and went away." Mildred continued her narrative thus, a sequel which unfolds her own view and interpretation of the dream : " Many years after, when distant from Friends, and in a lonely state, this dream was all opened to my understand- ing. The people in the old field were the world, one by one their companions passed to punishment, but they heeded it not. The toilsome- way I had to pass through was in getting among Friends ; but I was instructed that even here the enemy would clutch me if I was ofi" my guard." When about ten years of age, Mildred dreamed that her mother, to whom she was devotedly attached, would soon die. The dream made a very painful impression on the mind of the young girl, and she did little else for a 16 MEMOKANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1782. time but watch her mother as she moved about their house, with tears in her eyes and anguish in her heart. The mother noticing the unusual behavior and deep sad- ness of her daughter, demanded the cause. Mildred re- lated her dream. The mother tenderly yet strongly chid her, and commanded her not to let this matter rest on her mind. In a short time after, her mother fell sick, and was soon removed by death. Notwithstanding the previous warning received, and the exhortation and com- mand of her mother, Mildred grieved immoderately. She was absorbed in grief, and the intensity of her feelings seemed likely to be attended with serious disadvantage to her, when her Heavenly Father whom she was trying to serve, was pleased in a dream to comfort as well as instruct her. She dreamed that her mother came to her, and after reproving her for her excess of sorrow, told her that she was now as happy as Heaven could make her. This dream revived the spirit of the child, and once more the light of joy illumined her earthly path. In after life she sometimes spoke of visitations of mercy given to the believer through dreams, and said she thought she had received much instruction from them. Mildred on one occasion, under an apprehension of its being a duty required of her by her dear Saviour, com- menced an account of her life, to leave, as she says, some hints of the tenderness of a gracious God, even from my childhood. After mentioning that her parents were Episcopalians, and according to the custom of that sect, they had her baptized (as they called sprinkling with water) when an infant, she says, they soon after joined the Baptists. She then continues her account thus: "As I grew in years the Divine Spirit frequently was with me as a teacher not 1787.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 17 to be removed into a comer, though I did not then know what .it was that reproved me when I did wrong, and comforted me when I did that which was right. By little and little I was brought to feel the exceeding sin- fulness of sin. By the same Divine Truth, the vain fashions of the world were made burdensome, and for- bidden fruit to me. All this and more I have seen since were the leadings of that truth which changeth not. By it I was led out of many things which my people were in the practice of At length some of them began to reflect on my foolish notions, as they might deem them, because I could no longer go with them in the changeable fashions of this world. This I was enabled to bear, and became mercifully favored to depend on the root of religious ex- ercise : I not only believed in my heart in the Lord Jesus, but was enabled to confess with my lips, that He was the beloved of my soul. Thus confessing Him, I was re- ceived into membership with the Baptists, and was bap- tized by immersion before I was fifteen years of age." Her mind was fully awakened to see the sinfulness of sin ; she wished to be obedient to her dear Saviour, and she found herself uneasy not only with gross sins, but with following the world so far as to change her dress according to its changeable fashions. She yet persevered, and having great love and attachment to the Baptists, and not having yet been enlightened, to see beyond the shadow to the substance, she joined them by public con- fession and immersion in water. The Holy Spirit which had led safely through many inward conflicts, and had opened many truths to her understanding, still continued with her and urged her onward to more spirituality, to nearer and nearer approaches towards her Heavenly Father's house, which Satan cannot enter. 2* 18 MEMOKANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1787. She says, " I was a zealous Baptist. My father and a number of my near connections were ministers amongst them, and I was warmly united to that people." Soon after her admission among them, her father died, her mother as we have seen, having been removed from works to rewards some time before him. Not long after the death of her father, she was married to Harrison Katcliff, "a young man, who, though brought up among Friends, was light, volatile, and not a true helpmate for one seeking the kingdom of Heaven more than earthly pleasures or treasures. The marriage took place Second Month 21st, 1787. Mildred being but fifteen years and three months old. Their residence was in Campbell County, a few miles from Lynchburg, Va. Harrison Ratcliff attended, at least at times, a meeting of Friends in the neighborhood of their residence and Mildred sometimes accompanied him. She had once before her marriage been at a meeting, but appears to have derived no satisfaction therefrom. She says of Friends, "Going sometimes with my husband to their silent meetings, I sat among them wondering at such a manner of holding a religious meeting, it being to me as lost time that I might have improved at my own meet- ing. Truly a silent meeting was all foolishness to me. I had not gone to many of these meetings before in secret prayer, my spirit bowed before Him that seeth in secret, greatly desiring that as He alone had the power, He would show me whether there was any sense in such meetings. Wading in the deeps I went on for a few years, sometimes at Friends' meetings, sometimes at the Baptists' meetings. Whilst sitting in one of the latter, I received strength to give up the few slaves left me by my parents. On account of these slaves I had suffered 1787.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 19 much in mind, so that my sleep went from me. Being of a delicate constitution I saw no way that I could get along without the help of these slaves. No one knew but Him who seeth in secret, through what I passed on their account, until as I was sitting in a Baptists' meet- ing, I was enabled to give up that uncertain dependence, and cast all my care on the Lord. He gave me his prom- ise in secret that this dependence on Him should not fail, but should last while life continued. At this my spirit bowed and said it is enough. "Truly my peace, did then flow as a river. After meeting I went home rejoicing in that Mighty Power through which I had obtained strength to give up the thing called for. I can truly say I never for a moment regretted in any strait giving them up. " At that time I had not read a page in Friends' books that I remember. But after this my mind being pre- pared, I picked up John Woolman's Journal, and said in my heart, I will look in this book to see if there is sense in anything a Quaker can write. Before I had read many pages, my spirit was broken and my heart con- trited under an impression that the want of sense was in me, and not in the Quakers. I was blinded with tears and had to shut the book. Yet from time to time, and little by little, being anxious to see the contents, I read it through as secretly as possible. Truly I had not got half through before I thought I saw the beauty of holi- ness shine in his remarks, brighter than I ever saw the sun shine the clearest day. What he said on the subject of oppression answered to the exercise through which I had passed on the same subject, as face answereth to face in a glass. 20 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1787. "Although now in a good degree convinced of the principles Friends profess, yet there was something in me that felt abhorrence at the idea of ever being called a Quaker, notwithstanding the fervent desire of my soul, to become a humble follower of the Lord Jesus Christ, in whom I did believe according to the Scriptures. I con- tinued going to the Baptist meeting and Friends' by turns, until when I got to their (Baptist) meeting-house door, it seemed to me I felt a hand, though invisible, clap me on my right shoulder, and with it I heard the language, in secret, yet plain and intelligible, 'Thou hast no business here.' I did not know what to make of it. Though startled, I went in and took my seat; but my peace was broken so that I could not enjoy the meeting. I went to the Baptist meeting again and again, and as often as I did so, felt the same invisible hand, when reaching the door, with increasing power, clap me on my right shoulder, and heard the same language, ' Thou hast no business here.' My poor mind was all in confusion. I had a great life in singing, but I had no pleasure in it in those meetings. "I had not then felt any concern about singing or compliments not being right. Such was the state of my mind I did not know what to do. My distress increased so, when I went to the Baptist meeting, I gave it up, and went to no meeting for a time. On First-day I would read Friends' books. My peace sometimes was great while at home reading, notwithstanding my stubborn determination not to be called a Quaker. Oh! the matchless mercy, the long suffering of the good Shepherd who laid down his life for the sheep, was marvelously manifested in waiting for a poor nothing like me." 1799.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 21 About the year 1793 Mildred Ratcliff found strength given her from on High, enabling her to bear the pros- pect of the ridicule and contempt she must endure if she joined the Quakers. She made application to be united to that people, and being received amongst them, she experienced for a time great inward comfort and quiet. The difficulties she had anticipated, from outward oppo- sition, did not prove so great as she expected, although the contempt manifested by the looks and manners of her relations, if not expressed in words, must have been try- ing to her feelings. Mildred and her husband, near this time, appear from a passage in a letter of one of her sisters, to have removed to the neighborhood of Lynchburg. She was a member of South River Monthly Meeting. Her husband continued unconnected with any religious Society, but probably went with her to Friends' meeting, at least on First-days. After a few years, great conflict of mind again became her portion, under a persuasion that the Lord was calling and preparing her publicly to advocate his cause. Henry Hull, a valuable minister from Stanford, Dutch- ess County, in the State of New York, being on a religious visit in Virginia, attended a First-day meeting at South River, on the 4th of the Eleventh Month, 1799. Mildred Ratcliff" was at the meeting ; and as Henry was several days in the neighborhood, she on Second-day, the 5th, paid him a visit. He thus describes the occurrence : " One morning as I sat alone in the parlor of a Friend's house, I saw a woman ride up to the door, on which, I Stepped out and assisted her to dismount. She came in, and, as we were sitting facing each other at opposite sides 22 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1799. of the room, the descendings of Heavenly good soon spread over our minds ; and I believe neither of us spoke for a half an hour, but continued sitting in profound silence. My mind was dipped into feeling with her, and I fully believed she was a chosen handmaid of the Lord and laboring under deep discouragement at the prospect of becoming a public advocate for the precious cause of the beloved of her soul. Our mental eye I believe was mutually directed to Him who openeth and no man can shut, and shutteth and no man openeth ; and when He is pleased to create the fruit of the lips, blessed are they that obey ; but at present my lips seemed sealed. '' After some time thus spent, we engaged in pleasant conversation, and I found that she had been at meeting the day before ; and had now come to have some of our company. My mind seemed so interested for her, that I went to visit her at her own house. Her husband not being a Friend, and of a very volatile disposition, no way opened for me to communicate my feelings to her vocally; but I did so clearly and fully in a letter I wrote to her afterwards, to which she replied, acknowledging that I was favored with a clear view of the tried state of her mind." The following is a copy of the letter sent by Henry Hull to Mildred Ratcliff: "GoosB Creek, Eighth Month 19th, 1799. " Beloved Friend, Mildred Ratcliff : — I received thy acceptable letter yesterday, but being at a meeting in the evening, and having a letter to write to m}' dear wife, I have hardly time to acknowledge the receipt thereof. We set out for Kentucky this morning. If I live to return I shall endeavor to give thee some account of our 1799.J OF MILDRED RATCLIPF. 23 journey. In the mean time, my dear friend, I hope we shall be preserved, feeling sensible of the blessings re- ceived in being brought to a knowledge of the Truth. I shall not be disappointed if thou hast to tell unto others what the Lord has done for thee. If so, oh be faithful ! thou wilt find it a great work and very humbling at times . to the creature. But, if thou moves in the counsel of the Most High, his spirit and power will support thee, and thou wilt know the right time out of the willings and runnings, or activity of the creature. Then thou wilt know thy peace to flow as a river. Tell me, beloved in the Lord, am I altogether mistaken ? Thou mayest use freedom, for I had not been in thy company many min- utes before I found thee to be a Sister in the Truth. My love, in the life of our Lord, runs freely towards thee. If I am mistaken, I may take more care for time to come. My love to thy husband ; and thyself, in flowings not to be described fully in this way. " I remain thy friend and brother, Henry Hull." The above language, " Thou wilt find it a great work and very humbling at times to the creature," from the pen of that well-instructed scribe, Henry Hull, in respect to the exercise of the ministry, is no doubt the experience of all, the greatest as well as the least, who, under the weight of the " woe," and the constraining power of the cross of Christ, feel that their peace and salvation consist in their being resigned and faithful in telling to others what the Lord has done for their souls. The more this effort, however feeble, to exalt and magnify his kingdom- and power in the earth is done in the cross to our natural wills, the less is the danger it will prove our snare. For 24 MEMORANDA AND CORRKSPONDENCE [1799. if, as we are told, all the motions of the life are cross to the corrupt part, then the fleshly, forward mind is not so likely to be set up by or glory in it. The apostle Paul tells the Corinthians, " I was with you in weakness, and in fear and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power ; that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." Again, near the end of the same chapter he writes : " Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth ; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God : for they are foolishness unto him ; neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." Does not this clearly call for submission to the regenerating power of the Redeemer's grace and his thoroughly cleansing baptism, in order that the natural man, with all his dross, and tin, and reprobate silver, the unchanged and unrenewed child of the first Adam, to whom the things of the Spirit of God are foolishness, with whatever enticing words of man's wisdom he may display or possess, may be burned up or laid in the dust ; the power which is of God, alone exalted to the praise and glory of his ever excellent Name! This, Henry Hull had, no doubt in much self-abasement, proved to be a great work, and very humbling at times to the creature. It is likewise consonant with the requisitions of the Sar viour in apostolic times, viz : " Behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you, but tarry ye in Jerusalem until »ye be endued with power from on high." May all wait for this indispensable anointing, in inwardness, and watch- fulness, in deep prostration of soul before the unchange- 1799.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 25 able " I Am " of his people. Whose power, while it can alone sustain and preserve on a living foundation, is at the same time equal to all their need ; being conveyed in the unfailing promise : " My grace is sufficient for thee ; for my strength is made perfect in weakness.'' A part of a letter from Mildred Ratcliff to Henry Hull: " Fifteenth of Eighth Month, 1799. "Most dear and inwaedly beloved Friend: — Hearing of thy conclusion to visit the inhabitants of Kentucky, my heart is concerned to write to thee in that love the Holy Leader exhorted his disciples to love one another with when He was about to leave them as to his outward appearance. I have no doubt that thou,, as well as unworthy me, has been sensible there is a union of soul with those who seek not the honor and vanity of thiis world, but endeavor after a ready and humble obedience to the voice of the true Shepherd, and cheerfully to follow Him in all his requirings. I doubt not that thou hast experienced, with me, the overflowings of this love and union of souls which the world knows not of. This love constrains me at this time to give thee some account of my inward exercises. When I parted with thee I hardly ex- pected to have written so soon, but hearing thou hadst concluded to go to Kentucky, I could not feel easy with- out informing thee of the satisfaction I have with thy concern for that place. May the All-Sufficient Arm of Power go with thee into that strange country. Mayest thou, dear Friend, renewedly experience the fulfilling of that declaration: 'My grace is sufficient for thee.' I believe, through watchfulness, thou hast and wilt more and more witness a growth in a concern for the good of mankind universally. 3 26 MEMORANDA AND CORKESPONDENCE [1799. " I have, as I informed thee, five brothers, with their families, in that State, who feel very near and dear to me. Two of them are professors, as I once was, in the Baptist Society. No tongue can tell the earnest breathings of soul I feel for them, with all my near relatives after the flesh, that they may arise, shake themselves from the dead and formal worship they have been so long in ; and come to own and to worship the Father in spirit and in truth. This alone is acceptable worship. " Oh ! my Friend ; I felt much freedom and innocent love to thee, and received thy kind invitation to a com- munion of this kind, in that love wherein a man will lay down his life for his friend. In his love his children can feel a freedom indeed, and declare of his goodness. This makes some of his dear children willing to leave all that is dear to them in this world, being as fools in the eyes of those who know no better, to encourage the feeble- minded and to invite others to come, taste and see how good the Lord is. Oh, my soul knows He is good ! In- deed, He has been pleased renewedly to fill my soul with the overflowings of his love for these several days, so that at times I have felt lost in wonder, love and praise. "Whilst I had thine and thy dear companion's en- couraging company, and almost ever since, I have felt that I could adopt Joshua's resolution : ' Let others do as they mil, I, through the help of Him who is able to give sufiicient strength, will surely serve the Lord continually, that nothing may be able to separate my soul from Him ; for I am deeply sensible that without his Arm to support, I shall fall by the hand of the enemy.' " I may give thee, my dear friend, some account of the visitation of Divine Love to my soul when a child. When very young. He impressed my heart with the love of 1799.] OF MILDEED KATCLIFF. 27 virtue, and raised in me a hungering and thirsting after the enjoyment of his presence. Knowing the integrity of my heart, and that I was a weak vessel and liable to be overcome by the unwearied enemy, He was pleased in the abundance of his mercy, plainly to discover to me in a dream, how unwearied the devil would be in striving to take possession of me, and to keep me from entering my Father's house, where there are many mansions. "I saw, in my sleep when very young, the enemy of man as plainly as if I had seen him with my mortal eyes. It was with hard struggling, whilst on the soft and miry earth, I kept out of his hands, being many times in my dream, as I have been since, ready to faint and give my- self up to him. I could hardly put one foot before the other, I was so mired and encumbered in the spongy ground. Sometimes he would have one paw open to take hold of me behind, whilst he would flash his fiery darts in my face, so that I was almost overcome. But praises forever be given to Him who will not utterly forsake any who rightly call upon Him ! He suffered not the hard master to take possession of me, but encouraged me to press forward until I thought my feet were set upon a firm and beautiful path, which led straight to my Father's house. When I felt the earth under my feet was hard and firm, I thought I flew with much ease before my enemy, so that at times I left him some distance behind. Oh ! the joy I felt when I could get some distance before him toward my place of abode. I thought I had wings and did fly, so at times he could not come near me ; and yet, through forgetfulness and loitering, at other times he would get close to me while I was unaware. Then I would lift up my wings again and fly out of his reach. I sliall never forget, I believe, whilst in this life, that al- 28 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1799. though I thus got out of his way, he was unwearied con- tinuing his chase after me, to the door of the house, into which I flew. Then he gave over the attempt to get me, and returned to his hole. When I was safely in the house, I thought I said, ' Satan, I fear you not, now ! I am in my father's house !' I looked out, and saw him turn his back upon the house, for he could not come in. " I wish not to be tedious to thee, dear friend, in thus writing my dream; but feeling my mind open in the overflowings of the Father's love, I am constrained to confess of his goodness to my poor soul even from a child. " I have looked upon this dream as a great favor in- deed ; because it discovered plainly to me the subtle snares of the enemy of my soul. I have often since seen, and have had to experience the hard trial of his fiery darts flashing in my face, as I saw in my sleep. Great encouragement I received from my dream, that if I would not give up to the enemy, but would continue to press for- ward, although through great difficulties, I should at last enter into my Heavenly Father's house where he could never come. " I have an undoubted right to believe we are no longer safe, than whilst we are upon the watch-tower. O ! saith all that is alive in me, that I may not be found sleeping when the thief of souls shall come ; but that I may be on the watch, that he may not overcome or rob me of my eternal salvation. " Bear with me, my friend, in thus writing. I feel a freedom with thee now as when in thy company, which has not been common. I felt a comfort in thine and thy companion's company too large here to relate. But I know who alone deserves the praise. I believe I may say 1799.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 29 in truth, I love all who I have reason to believe love Him in whom I trust — the Lord of Glory ! Oh, saith my soul, as the company of his dear children is so delightful to me here, may nothing ever be able to keep me from following in the footsteps of the true Shepherd, who said, ' Ye are my friends if ye do whatsoever I command you.' May I never flinch or draw back from doing whatever the Prince of Peace may be pleased to command me, so that He may number me, unworthy me, with his friends. Of a truth, his love is sweeter to me than the honey in the honey- comb. May I go on with those who follow the meek and lowly Jesus, so that we may all meet in his kingdom, where there will be no more parting. This, I have thought, beloved friend, will make up for all we may have to go through in this life.'' On receiving the letter from Mildred, acknowledging that his view of the exercises under which she was labor- ing was correct, Henry Hull, with much Christian free- dom and instruction, thus replied to it : " New Garden, N. C, Tenth Month 20th, 1799. . " I5el,oved Friend : — In the reviving of that love that makes brethren and sisters near one to another, I salute thee, and inform thee that I received duly thy very acceptable letter. I can truly say I was comforted in the reading thereof by the revival of feelings of sympathy. As one that sympathizes with thee under thy religious prospects, I am willing to pen a few observations as they may arise. I want to encourage thee in the right line ; and the feeling prayer of my soul is for thy preservation. There are many baptisms for the chosen servants of the Lord to pass through, if they come to be inheritors of his kingdom. If they are careful enough to steer their course so as not to sink under them, though the cup they 3* 30 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1799. have to partake of may be bitter to nature, they will cer- tainly have to witness a time of rejoicing, when it will be needful, yea, very needful, to remember what ^ve are, and that it is in mercy we are raised or brought to partake of the favor. There are the two extremes to pass between and avoid. I wish this may be thy happy lot, dear Mil- dred. " Nothing but pure love and feeling sympathy, are in my heart towards thee. I remember how long I waited under discouragements before I was willing to drop a few sentences in public. The Lord saw my desire to be pure towards Him, and that it was not wilful disobedience, and did not lay it to my charge so as to cast me off; but in his chastisement showed love. When I gave up, it was in much bowedness of soul before the Lord. I found humility to be safe ; but a care is certainly necessary not to let in unprofitable discouragements. Though we are sometimes favored with outward help, it will not do for us, thou knowest, to depend upon anything short of the pure openings of the Word of Life operating in the heart. When this is vouchsafed to us, what further evi- dence can we have ? This is not heard in the whirlwind, nor earthquake, nor fire. The prophet heard it after these had passed by, in a still, small voice. Oh, when the Lord commands, obey! Consult not with flesh and blood; and be not discouraged if even every avenue of comfort may appear at times stopped ;. for our fidelity to the Lord is sometimes tried in this way. ' How many that have been called, and run well for a time, have turned their backs in the day of battle. In such the Lord hath no pleasure. Others have become exalted, and lost the hum- ble state suiting the followers of Christ ; and the reward of sweet peace not being aiforded them, they have heated 1799.] OP MILDEED KATCLIFF. 31 themselves with fire of their own kindling, and have had to lay down in sorrow. " Dear heart, these hints are not to discourage thee, nor to make the way look difiicult. I believe, without a doubt, thou art a chosen vessel, and will have to bear the oil and the wine to hand out to others, if thou suffers not nature to warp thee or otherwise to spoil thee. Remember the potter's vessel has not only to be dug out of the earth, but to be moulded, dried, and passed through the fire, be- fore it is fit "for use. After this, how often it is to be washed to keep it clean and sweet. If it is not thus carefully used, it becomes sour, mouldy, or dusty. Though it had been intended to contain good and wholesome food, it has become unfit, and is often a receptacle of mere filth, where a prudent care might have preserved it. I know what we are, and I desire thou may witness an ever walk- ing in fear; but not distrusting Him that has called thee to acknowledge the truth ; for He is a present helper in every needful time. Be valiant in his cause ; be not rash. Clothed with charity for thy fellow-mortals, be not too easily led to believe all that is told thee. Feel for thyself Whatsoever is to be known of God is manifested within. The cause is glorious, dignified with immortality and crowned with eternal life. " How sweet is meditation and mental prayer ! Cer- tainly they are the delight of the pious soul ; but more precious is an holy silence before God, where strength is given to mount upward as with the wings of an eagle, run without being weary, and walk without fainting. Then the sweetness of meditation and mental prayer is wit- nessed to flow from the fountain of Divine Goodness for our support. " I want to be guarded in my freedom, but it is hard 32 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1801. to restrain unfeigned love, when it flows so preciously as I feel it to do towards thee at this time. I trust it is pure, being free from any mixture of flattery. I trust it will do no hurt. Thou hast known enough of the Lord's tender mercies, hast thou not, to know that we must not let our love out to any mortal, so as to forget that every good and perfect gift comes from Him, and that in return we must love Him above all. Ah ! how many there are that are trusting in uncertain riches. Oh that the called of my God may evince their love and attachment to Him by obedience to Him. Then will He crown him with glory in an endless life. These are the riches worthy our pur- suit. " My soul truly blesses the Lord for his mercies to me. I am willing to pass through trials for his name's sake. Though I have left a bekived bosom friend and tender little dependents, I have no cause to complain; the preciousness of his love and the unity and love of his people abundantly supplying me with consolation. It is no small comfort to me to subscribe myself, in sincerity, thy friend and brother in the Truth. Heney Hull." It was probably about the year 1800, that Mildred Ratcliff came forth in the ministry, which was to the sat- isfaction of her friends ; her manner being striking, her language apt, and the savor of life generally attending her communications. In the year 1801, she received the following letter from her aifectionate, sympathizing, fel- low-laborer in the Gospel, Henry Hull: "New York, Tenth Month 9th, 1801. " Dear Friend : — It is so long since I have heard from thee, I am almost ready to tax thee with being unfriendly. 1803.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 33 But I feel that I love thee in that purity of friendship that time and distance will not erase. I feel the prayer of my soul to be for thy prosperity in the never-failing Truth : and in the linte of holy requiring. Mayest thou, my beloved friend, experience a peace that the world can neither give nor take away, the sure reward of faithful- ness. Marvel not if thou hast conflicts to endure. It is through many tribulations we are to enter the kingdom. Do not think thyself alone if thou hast thy baptisms oft, for others have had theirs also. ■ " How good it is in times of trial, to know a fleeing to the munition of rocks, where bread is sure, and water never-fails. Let the time past suiRce, wherein thou hast suffered thy mind to be depressed under discouragements. For surely there is a reward for the righteous, and a God that judgeth in the earth. I much desire to know how it fares with thee, dear Mildred. Thou wast made pre- ciously near to me when in your parts, and I know that it is by the influence of the one Spirit that enabled us to drink together. For thou wast a stranger to me when I felt the operation of gospel union in sweet sympathy. This has ever remained with me. It may not appear strange to such as know the unity of the spirit, that I write as I do to inquire after thy welfare. Please to in- dulge me by writing. I wish ever to remain thy friend, Heney Hull." In the spring of the year 1803, Mildred paid a visit amongst her sisters ; and on her return felt best satisfied to write a letter to her oldest sister, Mary Jones, a copy of which is as follows : " Campbell Cotoity, Fifth Month 11th, 1803. "Dear Sistee Maby : — I received thy very acceptable 34 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1803. letter by William Roadman, and was glad to hear that thou once more thought it worth thy while to write a few lines to thy sister, who felt sometimes, even when among you as if she was looked at as an odd one of the family — who had de]parted from the way of my education, and had taken up strange principles. I feel that I am looked at with contempt and astonishment, because I cannot, agree- able to my conscience, dress, behave, and worship as thou and the rest of my family do. I cannot easily omit these hints to thee, because I sensibly felt whilst at your house, your contemptible opinion of me, and of my friends the Quakers. I write this, not because I would have thee or any other person, think I am displeased with you, for I know I am not : only I wish to let thee know that on some occasions my feelings were not a little hurt, and I wish thee to know I am not insensible, although I am willing to conclude your opinion of me and my friends arose from a want of a better acquaintance, with the Truth which I and they profess, and I trust are in good measure led and guided by. I much desire in future thou may be favored at least with so much charity as not to wound the feelings of a sister or brother in the flock of Christ, when they may have their lots cast among you. Remember if we do this to the little ones, we do it to Him whose tender regard extends to the sparrows upon the house-top or the partridge that is hunted upon the moun- tains. The condition of these in a religious sense I some- times feel to be mine. Notwithstanding this, I often have to rejoice above all things that I have been favored to see, and that without a doubt, my duty to my Good Master ; and in a good degree to do it. Sometimes this has been very much in the cross to my own will. With thankful- ness I speak it. I have learned that if I am the disciple 1803.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFP. 35 of Christ, it must be by taking up my daily cross, in what- soever He may be pleased to appoint. " Let my connections or acquaintance think of me as they will; He has said, 'He that forsaketh not father and mother, houses and lands, (when called) for my sake is not worthy of me.' I look upon the meaning of this to be, that if their ways are made to appear, by the grace of God in our own hearts not to be best for us, we must for- sake them, and follow Him who said, ' I am the true light that lighteth every man that cometh into the world.' This is the light I have for some years endeavored to follow. I have found it to be a safer guide for me than could be pointed out by any human creature. This it is, dear sister, that has shown me that if I would worship the Father, I must worship Him in spirit and in truth : Not in my own way and time, but in whatever way He may be pleased to appoint. Oh ! saith my soul, that I may with thee, and all the professors of his name, be faith- ful unto death that I may receive a crown of life. This I desire and pray may be the happy lot of us all. Now I desire, dear sister, that thou may read this with coolness and deliberation, and weigh the contents thereof by the Truth in thy own heart. I did not expect to have en- larged so when I began to write, but my mind being opened by the spirit of my Master, I felt most easy to communicate to thee these things for thy consideration." The following memoranda of Mildred RatclifF repre- sents a soul enamoured of her Saviour and his holiness ; and, bowing to his yoke, she was made willing to make any sacrifice for the love of Him who had spoken to her heart, calling her to glory and to virtue. The Day-spring from on liigh had visited and pierced her mind, and 36 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1805. through his constraining power had wrought obedience to the universal and saving light of Christ, by which she was engaged in good earnest, cheerfully to resign herself to the pursuit of his kingdom, and the things that per- tain to life and salvation, notwithstanding all the difficul- ties and temptations that might attend the prosecution of what now had become the great object of her life. The sequel will prove the unspeakable gain that accrued to her through the condescending goodness and mercy of her Lord and Master ; enabling her to adopt the language the spouse of Christ did of Him : " I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. He brought me to the Banqueting-house and his banner over me was love." " Or ever I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib." " First Month 1st, 1805. How can I forbear to pen down the wonderful goodness of my God ! Oh ! the overflow- ings of his love that I have felt this day. Oh ! the new found songs of praise that I have been favored to sing ! Yea, may I not say, acceptable hallelujah to the God of my life. Teach me, Oh, my Father ! and I will confess to thy goodness, and declare of thy wonderful works, — thy goodness, even to thy poor worm, whilst my hands have been employed about the necessary business of the day. " How hast thou arisen in my heart this morning, and been felt to reign above all in my inward parts. Oh ! how have the incomes of thy animating love overcome and reigned above all, raising in my inward life new found praises, adoration, thanksgiving, and supplications, unto thee, who liveth and abideth forever. I have said in my heart, I am lost in wonder, love and praise ; for 1805.J OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 37 Thou art, holy ! holy ! holy ! Lord God Almighty. With the beginning of the new year thou haat been graciously pleased to raise in my soul, new and fervent desires after thy glorious presence : and humbling intercession that it may be consistent with thy will to preserve me, who am but a little one, in renewed watchfulness to Thee, the Father and God of all strength, pleading in my heart, Lord be with me if it pleaseth Thee through the vicissi- tudes of the approaching year ! May thy right hand support me and thy left hand bear me up. O Thou ! who alone art able to preserve thy dependent children, wher- ever dispersed the world over ; be pleased to be with me one of the least of all thine heritage ! Hold me, as in the hollow of thy holy hand ! Shelter me, as under the shadow of thy extended wings ! Preserve me, Oh ! Thou strongest One, from my strong enemy ! discover unto thy weak child the many snares, traps and sins of my soul's potent enemy, which may be laid to catch my feet during the approaching year ! Oh ! may I keep a single eye to Thee ! May I ever be sensible of the necessity of lying low in the valley of humility ! May I ever feel my own nothingness ; and that my whole dependence is on Thee alone ! May I often say in my heart, Father, let not thine hand spare, nor thine eye pity, until Thou hast so win- nowed my chaff, so purged, washed, and made me clean, there may nothing remain but what is well pleasing in thy sight. Thus shall I be nothing but what I am in Thee. When with thy holy apostle Paul, I may be truly able to say. It is through the grace of my God, that I am what I am. Oh ! Father ! Thou knowest that this is more the hungering and thirsting of my mind, than for jewels set in rings of gold. Surely I know thy love is sweeter than the honey or the honey comb. In the arising there- 4 38 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1805. of, ray inward life is enabled to mount upward as -on the wings of an eagle, to walk without being weary and to run without fainting. Oh ! may I be favored to dwell deep in thy power ; that if it should please Thee before the beginning of another year to call me from works to rewards, and I may be no more seen of men, I may be so filled with thy love and animating presence, that the cry of my spirit may be, "Oh, deatli! where is thy sting? Oh, grave ! where is thy victory ! " To this, saith my soul, amen and amen. Mildred Ratcliff.'' "Eleventh Month 18th, 1805. This day whilst my hands were employed about the business thereof, my mind was employed about the things of God. My meditation was about ancient Israel, the mighty arm of power by which the people were brought out of Egypt ; their many turn- ings aside, their making unto themselves graven images contrary to the law of Moses ; the many unwearied inter- cessions Moses poured forth on their behalf unto'his God, through which the fierce anger of greatly offended omnip- otence was often turned away from them. Israel seemed to me to bear a lively emblem of us as a people, brought forth out of spiritual Egypt, out of the world and the' vanities thereof, by the same unchangeable arm of power, and almost by as many wonders. Our very great deliv- erances were, to the admiration of our enemies, or the enemies of Truth. How then were the mighty men num- bered, and how did they go forth to battle in the begin- ning of us as a people. Not in their own strength, but in the strength of ancient Israel's God, by whose omnipo- tent arm one was able to chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight. So it was then. But alas! alaa! 1805.J OF MILDRED RATCLIFI'. 39 how is it now ? How are the mighty fallen in the streets ! How are the young men grown faint, and quite weary ; turning their backs in the day of battle ! We scarcely know where to find a valiant warrior. How are the mighty fallen ! How are the beautiful sons and daughters taken captive, has again and again been the language of my mind this day. I have often had to say with one formerly. Oh, that my head were waters and mine eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my people ! Oh, that I knew how to put sackcloth on my loins, and dust upon my head, and bow down before the great omnipotent I Am, inter- ceeding before him for the slain of the daughter of my people. That if it pleased Him, Zion might arise and shake herself from the dust of the earth, and put on beautiful garments as in earlier days ; so judges might be raised up as at the first, and counsellors and lawgivers as at the beginning. Thy beautiful sons might come unto him from afar, and daughters from the very ends of the earth. But alas ! how are the mighty fallen ! seems to be the language of my very soul. How are the mighty men and choice women in many families fallen from their first love, so that there seems to be none in many families to teach their beloved children by their example, and obedi- ence to that law written in their hearts : To rehearse unto them the many wonders of our God unto us in the beginning when first He brought us out of the land of Egypt, and from the house of bondage. When a retro- spective view takes place in my mind as has this day, and an inspection into the present state of things, how doth my spirit mourn, and my heart almost faint, because of the desolation of Zion ; because the mighty, or such as , might have been in her borders, are fallen, and her young 40 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1805. men and maidens are grown weary of her beauty. What shall I say then ; surely this is my resolution through that arm of power in which I trust; though thousands fall on the right hand, and ten thousand on the left, yet will I joy in the Lord and rejoice in the God of my salvation." No date. " How can I forbear to acknowledge the goodness — the unspeakable goodness of a Savior's love. Oh ! that I knew how to adore and praise Him aright for the renewed visitation to my soul these several days past. I am lost in wonder, love and praise ! He that knows the integrity of my heart, has in great condescension granted me such an overflow of his presence, that I can scarcely contain it. But I fear to spend my portion ! Oh ! Lord ! I pray Thee continue thy loving kindness to my soul. Oh, Thou who dost unite the hearts of thy dear followers, though strangers in that pure and undefiled love of the meek and humble Jesus! Oh, invisible Comforter, be pleased, I pray Thee, to continue the strengthening arm of thy power to me ! Preserve my soul out of the enemy's hands, out of the claws of the hard Master ! I praise Thee, Father, for the visitations of thy love in my infantile years ! May I never forget to praise Thee for the favors 1 have received at thy bountiful Hand ! Oh, then, our Father, who alone knowest the desire of my soul, I pray Thee to keep me as in the hollow of thy holy Hand, all the days of my appointed time ! Thou knowest thy name and presence are sweeter to my thirsty soul than honey in the honey-comb. I am bold to acknowledge thy love has been more to me, at times, than my natural food. I have felt universal love to flow for my fellow-creatures, though in a particular manner for the friend of my bosom, and my relations after the flesh. Oh, Thou, who hast borne long with them, be pleased to extend the arm of thy mercy . 1806.] OB MILDRED RATCLIFF. 41 yet further to them ! Make them sons and daughters to Thee ! and O, so overrule, that nothing may ever be able to wean my soul from Thee, after such an overflowing of thy love.'' "Seventh Month 15th, 1806. I feel constrained this morning to pen down something of the goodness of my God, my holy King and ever blessed Redeemer, who regardeth all who love and fear Him as the apple of his eye. His goodness is extended to the smallest of the workmanship of his hands ; his gracious care is to the sparrow upon the house-top. To this great Caretaker I have inwardly said, Lord Thou knowest all things, Thou knowest that I love Thee. Before Him, the great I Am ! my mind has bowed in awful reverence, saying. Thou art holy, holy, holy. Lord, God Almighty ! Thou art worthy of all my afiections. Thou knowest the incomes of thy love are sweeter to thy poor little handmaid than the honey in the honey-comb. In the arisings thereof at times, as has been the case this day, 1 feel my soul to mount upwards as on the wings of an eagle, taking courage to hope and receive faith through thy power to believe I shall yet be enabled to run without being weary, and to walk without fainting. " I feel that I love Thee above all, and in this feeling I remember it is said, ' Eye hath not seen nor ear heard, neither hath it entered into the heart of man to conceive,' what Thou hast laid up in store for those who love Thee. Oh, Father, Thou knowest that I love Thee, and desire to love Thee more and more, and serve Thee better and better. Be Thou pleased to be with me every day and every night, and nothing shall be able to separate me from thy love. " If Thou withdraw from me, what am I ? How weak and nothing; how apt to forget thy necessary charge. 4* 42 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1806. Watch ! Watch and pray that ye enter not into tempta- tion! " Watchfulness against every evil, O my Father, I pray for more and more that the enemy of my peace may never be able to creep up unawares. Oh, Thou ! who to me art the chiefest among ten thousand, a beloved altogether comely to me ; O be pleased to so be with me as to enable me to watch on the right hand and on the left ! That every snare laid for me may be discovered and escaped. That so through thy power my inward life may often surmount every difficulty, and sing unto Thee a new song of praise, and make melody in my heart to Thee. " Oh, that the beautiful sons and daughters of men would come unto Thee, O Lord, and taste and see for them- selves that Thou art good : see that a humble walking in fear before Thee is more to be desired than jewels set in rings of gold. What is a man profited if he gain the whole world, and lose his own, his precious, his immortal soul ! What would a man give in exchange for his soul ? What good can the perishing things of the world do us when on our sick beds. Then if not before they will appear as they really are, lighter than vanity, not worth our attention, much less our affection. " My soul, let others do as they will, see thou to it to be ever careful to lay up for thyself treasure in heaven, in bags that wax not old. Thou art well assured that here thou hast no continuing city. Therefore let them be as careless as they will, see that thou art careful to seek one eternal in the heavens, whose builder and maker is God. He is thy only portion ! He is thy all in all ! Make Him thy only choice and delight ! Draw near to Him all the day long, and in the silent watches of the night, seek his protection. It has pleased him to show unto thee afresh 1806.] OF MILDRED RATCLIPP. 43 this day, whereunto He has called thee, to the perfecting holiness in fear before Him. Keep a single eye to Him and He will more and more wash thee and make thee clean in the precious blood of his beloved son, whereby, weak and nothing as thou art, thou shalt be enabled to preach the everlasting gospel unto the children of men. For this purpose He hath raised thee up and anointed thee. As thou art altogether dependent on Him, watching unto prayer, he will be with thee, and afresh anoint thee from time to time, as He showed thee long ago, when thou felt thyself lonely as the sparrow upon the house-top. Never forget the word of his power when thus disconsolate and alone. Now, even this morning He has revived it with fresh confirmation that as thou art careful to look unto Him alone, for strength and wisdom, not one jot or one tittle shall fail of all which was spoken unto thee then. How wast thou humbled into the dust before him at the first clear intimation of this duty. " Oh, my soul ! how wast thou melted into tears because of the awful prospect. How wast thou overcome with unbelief, saying again and again, " It is impos.sible," notwithstanding the word of power was undeniable as it has since often been. Well, then. Oh, my soul, seeing that a willing obedience is required of thee, arise with fresh vigor and trust in God. Thank and adore Him, and take courage to press through troops of difiiculties, and skip over every opposing wall. Do whatever thy blessed Master commands thee, and thou will be num- bered with his friends. Hold fast the profession of thy faith unto the end, and thou shalt have a crown of life. Oh, Father ! be always near thy feeble worm. Be Thou my strength, and at thy command I will advocate thy glorious cause of righteousness on the earth. At thy com- 44 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1806. mand I will be still and silently worship and adore thy great and worthy name. I know that although I am weak, Thou in whom I trust art strong, although I am poor and needy. Thou art rich and glorious, having in thy storehouse all manner of rich dainties, and will not turn empty away the hungry and thirsty soul. Therefore, O Israel's King! Thou knowest I ask not a long life, or anything which this world affords ! For blessed be thy worthy name. Thou hast, I trust, in good measure, redeemed me therefrom ! but I ask grace to know and do thy will. Be Thou pleased 0, Father, to strengthen my faith in Thee ! Be Thou my hope, and clothe me with charity, that noble virtue, without which it is impossible to please Thee. Then, O, Thou King of kings, and Lord of Lords, command me and I will obey Thee, send me and I will go ; call me and I will come unto Thee. All I ask is preservation in Thee. I am noth- ing and can do nothing ; but through the arisings of thy love, I am all things, and can do all things necessary unto my salvation. For in the flesh I know that I shall have trouble ; but in Thee, 0, my Sovereign, joy and peace in the Holy Ghost." " Ninth Month 20th, 1806. I awoke this morning with the word of truth sounding aloud in my heart, God is great and greatly to be feared. To which I humbly assented, and said, yea, verily, 0, Thou God of my life ! I know Thou art great and greatly to be feared, rever- enced and adored, by all on earth and all in heaven. My prayer was, as it often is, that the Lord's gracious care may be extended over me through the trials of the day. Oh, how have 1 needed this help this day. My trials have been such that I knew not which way to turn. For this my cries have been put up to the Great Omnipotent One, that he would be pleased to be near and preserve me 1807.] OP MILDRED EATCLIFF. 45 through all. Again and again I have said, Lord Thou knowest all things ! Thou knowest I have none but Thee in Heaven nor in all the earth ! Thou knowest that I love Thee above all, and that I desire to serve Thee in the gospel of thy son. But I am encompassed on everj' hand, so that I know not which way to turn ! The tempest ariseth and beateth upon me, so that I am almost over- whelmed. Therefore I cry unto Thee, Oh, Lord my God ! That Thou wouldst be pleased to arise for my help. Speak the word only, and I know the winds and the waves will obey Thee as in days of old. Magnified be thy worthy name. Thou wast pleased to speak unto my inward ear, saying, I will never leave thee nor forsake thee, as thine eye is single unto me ! O, Father, may I ever keep it unto Thee through every dispensation. For I have none but Thee alone ; neither in heaven nor in all the earth. Be pleased to be near and I will fpllow Thee whithersoever Thou art pleased to lead, for I am thine and I desire to be thine in time and in eternity." In the Eighth Month, 1807, Mildred Ratcliff addressed this letter to Sarah, the wife of Henry Hull : " Dear Friend : — Perhaps at the first view of these lines, thou mayest think it strange to receive a letter from a friend thou hast never seen. Yet from the agreeable acquaintance I had with thy beloved husband when, in gospel love, he was amongst us some years ^ago, and an invitation he in one of his letters gave me to write to thee, I do so, there now appearing to be an opportunity, by some Friends of this Quarter who are going as far as Baltimore. I feel a desire to send thee a salutation of love unfeigned, since it is in that precious love which makes dear the whole heritage of God however scattered. I am glad to 46 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1807. hear good tidings of any of my Father's children, and I may say good tidings I have heard of thee ; and have often had thee in remembrance, with thy husband and tender offspring, craving your health and prosperity every way. I am not quite without hope of seeing you some- time or other on earth. If it please my good Master and Father of Mercies, be it so ! If not, I am resigned. Suf- fer me to say, my dear, I have made a pretty full surrender of body, soul, and spirit, to Him under the power of the cross. I am his, and desire to be so in time and in eternity. He is the beloved of my soul, the chiefest of ten thousand ; and not doubting that he has the first fruits of all thy affections, is why I write as I do. Thou wilt understand me, and I hope will excuse my freedom. Oh, may we dwell deep in his power to the end of our day ; so that we may meet, if never on earth, where the morning stars join in singing hallelujah, and all the sons of God say, amen." Twenty-fifth of Third Month, 1807. K. P. to M. E. Seventh Month 4th, 1807. " Dear Beloved Friend. — I can truly say it was not the want of tender love and near affection towards thee, that I have not written, but through discouragement. I have felt myself so poor, little and nothing, that I did not feel capable ; and remain much so at this time. Let us not, however, be too much discouraged, beloved. Kemem- ber the Lord's people ever were, and ever will be, a tried people. I believe, poor and weak as I am, if we do but keep the faith, and abide in the patience. He whose right it is to rule and reign in the hearts of his people, will arise in his own time, and help us with a little of his saving 1808.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 47 help. Through this we shall be enabled to journey for- ward, towards the Promised Land ; and have, at last, to sing the song of salvation as on the banks of deliverance. "I do not know why a poor, weak creature as I am, should write after this manner to one whom I have cause to believe has been brought through various trials and tribulations, whereby thou hast received a qualification for, and been called to the weighty work of the ministry ; and hast been enabled by the mighty power of the Most High to plead for his cause. Therefore, thank God, and take courage ! Be faithful and obedient. Keep low and humble. Then, no doubt, thou shalt see greater things. I know there is a necessity for me as well as thee to be on the watch every hour, lest the enemy gain advantage. When he once gets entrance he is not easily cast out. A.s our dear Lord and Master said, this coraeth to pass only by deep fasting and prayer. " I have often had to mourn on account of the low state of our meeting, with humble cries to Him who knoweth the secret recesses of every heart, that He would arise and stir up the minds of Friends, and bring them humbly to wait upon Him in spirit and in truth. " Please excuse my simple way of writing. " Thy friend, Eebecca Peeston." " Eighth Month 6th, 1808. In humble fear and awful dread, I now take my pen in hand, O, Father, my coun- sellor and holy commander, to commit to writing thy wonderful dealings with me this day. Well assured I am that in thy counsel there is safety, and in obeying thy voice much peace. It is Thou alone that canst comfort the dis- consolate, and make glad that soul whose confidence is 48 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1808. placed ill Thee. It is Thou alone who helpeth thy little ones, when no man can help, and reanimates their depressed spirits, when all consolations fail, by the incomes of thy animating love : so that they bow in awful prostration at thy footstool, and in solemn silence celebrate thy praise. Even whilst employed about the needful business of the day, they offer up unto Thee a sacrifice more pleasing in thy sight than the blood of bullocks or the fat of rams. With these Thou hast long since been weary. But glory be unto thy great name, a broken heart and a contrite spirit Thou wilt never despise. Therefore, Oh, Father, through thy saving help I will magnify thy worthy name, whilst I have any sense of being! because Thou art mind- ful of me, and helpeth me in time of trouble. When sorrows compass me about and floods seem ready to swallow me up ; when my faith is ready to fail and my confidence is almost lost; when the javelin is cast violently at my head, and the weapons of war made ready ; and the snares of death deeply laid by my enemy, so that I am ready to cry out, ' Surely I shall fall one day or other by the hand of the enemy ! ' Then ! O, then ! thou Fountain of un- searchable goodness ! Thou dost arise for my help, enab- ling thy little handmaid to escape the mischief designed. My spirit is humbled under a sense of thy goodness ; my faith is increased in thy power; my confidence made strong in thy love. In the fresh feelings whereof, my soul is made to mount upward as on eagles' wings, and join the angelic host who are saying. Thou art worthy, worthy, Oh, Thou Omnipotent King to be worshipped, magnified, and adored by all on earth and in heaven ! This has been the language of my soul this day. When sorrow and dis- tress encompassed me about, discouragements and sore entanglements presented to my view, I looked for mourn- 1808.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 49 ing, but joy sprang up, and for disconsolate feelings through the day, but Thou, the God of my life, didst arise to my rejoicing. As with healing in thy wings. Thou didst reanimate my soul with thy love, and put a new song of praise in my heart. In sweet melody my inward life was enabled to shout forth loud praises unto the Lord God and the Lamb, saying. Holy, holy, holy Lord God Almighty, Thou art ever worthy to be trusted in by all. Oh, Father, I will trust in Thee while I have life, through the arisings of thy power. Without this, I feelingly know I can do nothing, for I am but a little lonely one, and have none else to look unto, neither in heaven, nor in all the earth. This Thou knowest right well. Yes, Thou art Alpha and Omega ; the beginning of a good work in me ; and I pray that Thou may be the finisher thereof; for Thou art my all in all. Be Thou pleased to be thus unto me all my life long. Then Thou beloved of my soul ! Thou chiefest of ten thousand, command me, and I will obey Thee; teach me and I will hearken unto Thee ; reprove me, and I will humbly submit myself unto Thee ; chasten me, and I will adore thy goodness ! I know all thy dispensations are in fatherly love unto those that put their trust in Thee. Oh ! thou disconsolate soul, if into the hands of such an one these lines may come when I am unclothed of this tabernacle of clay, and am seen of men no more, lift up thy head in hope ! Look unto the rock from whence thou art hewn, and the pit from whence thou wast digged. Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. Suffer no rival to interpose ; for He is jealous of his honor, and his praise He will not suffer another to have. Then lie low before Him, humble> thyself at his footstool, and thou shalt experience a being filled with good things, while the rich are sent empty away. 50 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1808. Thou shalt know of having thy head covered in the day of battle, and no weapon of war formed against Thee shall prosper. Thou need not fear the great Goliahs, though they may seem to vaunt themselves against Thee. As thy eye is kept single unto thy Captain, thy Saviour and Re- deemer; and thy confidence is placed, and faith fixed upon the mighty God of Israel, thou need not fear. He will fight the battle for thee, and bring thee through, con- quering and to conquer. He will string thy bow for battle, and teach thy fingers to fight, yea He will make thee to chase a thousand, and put ten thousand to flight. There- fore thank and adore his name who was the strength of David's arm, when he went forth to meet the great Goliah, who dared to defy the armies of the living God. Re- member He is the same yesterday, to-day, and forever. A thousand years with Him are as one day, and one day as a thousand years. With Him is no variableness neither shadow of turning. This I most surely believe, and by the experience of his all-sufficient power, goodness and love through many deep probations, can the more feel- ingly recommend any disconsolate soul who feels its need of Him, and that they have none else to look unto in time of sore trial. I say I can the more feelingly recommend thee to look unto Him. Love Him above all. Cleave unto Him with all thy might, and thou shalt surely find Hjm to be a present helper in every needful time. Well assured I am He looketh down from heaven, his holy habitation of light, with a pitying eye upon all who in nothingness of self cry day and night unto Him. I am deeply sensible, and that by a happy experience, accord- ing to my small measure, He will in his own time arise for their help ; yea. He will arise as a morning without clouds, dispensing beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for 1808.] OF MILDRED RATOLIFF. 51 mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. He will lead them into his banqueting house, and his banner over them will be love. He is still good unto all, rich unto all who put their trust in Him above all. Praises, praises, saith my soul, and may they be given unto Him. After an allusion to a call of her Divine Master to go to Carolina, and in his authority to proclaim his message to the people, she thus continues : " This has been in substance the language again and again, sounded of late in my inward ear, which has bowed in awfulness all that is alive within me under a sense of my littleness and un- worthiness for the awful undertaking ; and I have been ready to say under my present situation, How is it possi- ble ? But my mouth is stopped from excuses, and in humble prostration I am bound to say. Not my will, O Father, but thine be done, in and by me. Therefore, if in thy clear light thou still continue this prospect, I will labor for obedience. Thou knowest I have no other joy but what I have in Thee. "Eighth Month 8th, 1808. I take my pen in hand in order to leave behind me some hints of my fare since the 6th instant, which I trust will prove some encouragement to some lonely traveller Zionward, when I am in another state of being. Well satisfied I am, however strange and foolish these things may appear to the uncircumcised in heart, that the humble soul whose lot it is to trace the same path will understand me, and 1 trust be encouraged to follow the Lamb whithersoever He may be pleased to lead. 1 may add, I surely know that to stubborn nature, it is hard to become a fool ; to feel as though 1 was a speckled bird, to be pointed at, seemed at times enough to overturn me ; and because of an unwillingness to bear the 52 MEMOKANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1808. cross, my language often is, Oh that my habitation was in the desert, that I had a cave in the wilderness where no eye could behold me, nor ear hear my voice, where my soul could continually be poured out before the Lord ! But this allotment is not seen meet for me, by the beloved of my soul, the chiefest of all my joy, but quite contrary- wise. Because of an unwillingness to bear his cross with that rejoicing I long for, and for inclining to flinch in time of trial, I am often ready to abhor myself, feeling a sense of unworthiness to be called into the vineyard of the great Husbandman for public labor, or to stand as a fool for his names' sake, and when He gives command, to hand out the fruits thereof Oh that thou, who may have in a day to come, the same kind of labor, I desire, thou mayest by obedience, render thyself more worthy than I have done ; that thou mayest escape many sorrows, which I have merited for want of that rejoicing under the power of the cross of Christ, which ought to be experienced by all the faithful; even rejoicing that they are counted worthy to be called a fool for the truth's sake. Oh, then, be faithful, whoever thou art, that may read these lines, when I am gone to give an account of my stewardship ; be faithful unto the Lord. When He commands, obey. Consult not with flesh and blood. Kemember whatsoever is to be known of God is manifest within : and when He is graciously pleased, thus to manifest his will to his de- pending children, these need no fnrther evidence how- ever singular they may appear to them. Surely He changes not, and will safely lead all those who put their trust in Him, who lean not to their own understanding. I may mention how it fared with me yesterday in our own meeting. Perhaps it may furnish encouragement to some in a future day. The meeting was unusually small. 1808.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFP. 53 and soon after it gathered, there appeared an intelligible language in the life and power of Truth, though in few words, to an individual then present, by name. This was cause of joy in my heart, until I believed it required of me to hand it forth to the individual by name. This was a thing so uncommon in a public meeting, though a very small one, that I waived the matter, and plead many excuses, planning out a more private opportunity ; not being willing to appear singular. After a sore conflict, I gave up in obedience, in which I found peace. I was re- newedly confirmed, there is cause for these things, which we must leave to the Allwise Disposer of events. Yet it seems hard at times to keep that down in us which hates to be called a fool, or pointed at as a speckled bird. It is an inexpressible favor to know the way of the king- dom is through many tribulations, many proving dispen- sations, many deep wadings and fiery trials to stubborn nature, that all the dross, the tin and the reprobate silver may be cleansed out, and the pure gold be made fit to dwell where no uncleanness is. Oh, the many strokes requisite for that necessary death which all must die, to the world and the things thereof, before they can live with Christ Jesus in glory, where nothing impure can dwell. 0, Lord, my God, I pray Thee to be with me, and all that love Thee, the world over. Thou knowest who and where they are, of whatsoever name or denomination of people. Be Thou pleased for thy beloved Son's sake, to be the strength of their day, so that the work may be accomplished in the daytime. Oh, my Father ! be pleased to be near thy little handmaid in time of need. Be my strength and my all. Thou knowest that I love Thee. Therefore will I follow Thee, through thine own power, through evil as well as good report, whilst I have my life 5* 54 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1808. left. Then I humbly hope when my work is done on earth, to mount upward to praise thy name for evermore, where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest. Thou art worthy with the son of thy bosom, to be magnified and adored through all generations, world without end, amen. These things are written in fear, under a sense of duty to God, who has been very mindful of me, a poor worm of the dust, and showed mercy unto me when no man could help. He still continued his fatherly care over me, whereby I am induced to labor for obedience in whatsoever He requires. I leave this written testimony to his goodness to me, hoping some may be en- couraged to obedience in the day of their visitation; keeping humble ; for it is the humble that He teaches of his ways, and the meek He guides in judgment. May I ever be humble, ever meek, ever sensible that I of myself am nothing, and can do nothing conducive to my own peace, or for the help of another." Soon after this Mildred Ratcliff laid before the Friends of South River Monthly Meeting her prospect of religious service in Virginia and Carolina, and having their unity, and a suitable companion in Rebecca Preston, she, in the Tenth Month, set off to accomplish it. " I set off to attend the Yearly Meeting in North Caro- lina on the 20th of Tenth Month 1808, in company with my well beloved friends, Rebecca Preston and William Preston, her sou. We reached our friend Samuel John- son's, where we met our dear friend Stratton, and she joined our company. " 21st. Reached R. F's. They were very kind, and I think I may say my desire was great that they may not lose their reward. Next day, 22nd, we had a tiresome ride 1808.] OF MILDRED KATOLIFE. 55 through much rain. Yet we have cause to magnify that glorious hand that has helped us thus far. Saith my soul may we never distrust his care. We got to a house where we staid, though not a place for Friends to desire to quarter at. " 23d. We reached the settlement of Friends at Gravel- ly Run, and lodged at our well beloved, friend Joseph Butler's, where we were much refreshed. How pleasant it is after being exposed among strangers, and travelling until we are tired, to meet with children of our Father ; where we are received in love, and the unity of the spirit is felt sweetly to flow as from the bosom of the nearest relations. This can enable the little ones truly to magnify that power which ever did and ever will preserve his own seed wherever they may be, and hold them as in the hol- low of his hand. These will give Him all the praise for He is worthy. Oh, my soul, I charge thee trust in Him always. Love Him above all. Be willing to give up all for his name's sake, since thou knowest hitherto He has helped thee. Therefore fail not to put thy trust in Him for days to come. " 24th. Reached William Honnicut's. Were kindly re- ceived here also. Surely we know the principle is one and the same, uniting us together as children of one Father, whenever we are favored to meet together. Oh, that we as a people may dwell deep as in the power of an endless life ; that we may ever be found keeping the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace. "25th. We reached Jesse Bailey's and were received in friendship as among our Friends. May we ever walk worthy of the regard of all that love the Truth. Surely it is a truth that God is love, and they that dwell in Him dwell in love. 56 MEMORANDA AND CORKESPONDENCE [1808. "26th. Reached Eliza Johnson's. This family appeared to show the mark of discipleship, receiving us poor stran- gers in much love, as children of one Father, so that I have been ready to say, I am glad our lots were cast here. How consolatory it is to find a living remnant up and down who love the Truth, and can freely receive and en- tertain such who are lovers of the same. Holy Father, be pleased to be with us through this little journey, and give us a kind reception amongst thy people. " 27th. Reached Denisey Johnson's. These Friends re- ceived and used us kindly. They have the outward mark of Friends, yet it feels to me as if a deeper abiding in the root of life would be beneficial to them. Oh, the desire I feel that we as a i)eople may dig deep and lay the foun- dation sure ; that nothing might sa.tisfy short of the sub- stance of the ever blessed Truth. For if we are saved we must be born again. We felt a concern to have an op- portunity with the few Friends present, of waiting on that glorious fountain that had hitherto helped us. This we did to edification " 28th. We got to Exum Newby's. These Friends pos- sess much of the good things of this life ; yet I hope the Truth is prized by them above all. " Tenth Month 29th, 1808. This day arrived at Friends' meeting-house on Little River, in Perquiraons Ck)unty. Attended the select meeting for ministers and elders to much satisfaction. In beholding so many members who stood or ought to stand as so many pillars in the church, my soul had to rejoice, and great was my desire that each one might stand upright in their proper places ; that no decay or unsoundness might be found among them, in an awful approaching period, when he or she who may not have on the wedding garment will be pointed out, and 1808.] OF MILDBED UATCLIFF. 57 the just sentence pronounced, Bind him hand and foot and cast him into outer darkness, where there will be weeping, wailing and gnashing of teeth. Such will be the sentence on the unfaithful, however dignified their station may have been in the church. Oh that there may not be such an one found amongst us. " 30th of the month and first of the week was the pub- lic meeting for worship. There was a pretty large gath- ering of different sorts of people who behaved well ; manifesting by their deportment some sense of the weighti- ness of the occasion for which they were assembled. In this meeting our dear friend, Nathan Hunt, had good service, and was much favored in explaining the Scrip- tures. For which I trust my soul was enabled to return acceptable thanks unto Him who alone can give the right qualification for gospel ministry. He has the key of David, who opens and none can shut, and shuts and none can open. Magnified be his mighty power forever and forever more. In this meeting I also had a small service for God, Him whom my soul loveth. I felt as amongst the least who were ever called to that kind of labor in the vineyard of the great Husbandman. Yet it has often been thefervent desire of my soul, that I may never distrust that arm of omnipotent power which is able to bring strength out of weakness, and perfect praise out of the mouth of babes and sucklings. After meeting we were introduced to our beloved friend, Nathan Morris, of Pasquotank County, who resides about two miles from the meeting-house, and received a kind invitation from him and his wife to quar- ter with them. Indeed it is pleasant to be here. May we ever walk worthy of the regard of such Friends, as love the Truth above all. " 31st. This day the meeting for business opened, and 58 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1808. though their manner of transacting it was not quite like Friends in Virginia, yet I had to believe the unity of the spirit was one and the same as in our own Yearly Meeting. So there is a divei'sity of gifts ; all centre in one spirit ; manifesting, without any shadow nf doubt, that there is, agreeable to Scripture declaration, but one Lord, one faith, and one baptism, presiding over the whole universe. Well assured I am, that wherever the one glorious Lord is reverently feared, the one faith in his everlasting power felt, we are then favored to experieiu'e the efficacy of the one saving baptism of the Holy Ghost. " Thereby we are centred into a oneness of soul, and can, as with the voice of one man, give all the glory, praise and renown unto the one universal Lord of all. Oh that all who love the outward name amongst us as a people, may come to the enjoyment of the inward life and power! This has been the fervent cry of my spirit this day. "Eleventh Month, 1st. Friends met near the time ad- journed to. In this meeting, I may just say my suul rejoiced in the love of my Heavenly Father; and through the arisings of his power, I was enabled in some measure to relieve my mind to my own rejoicing, and, for aught I know, to the satisfaction of Friends. -May I ever stand firm in the might of his power who has seen meet to call me into his vineyard. I well know I am but a little one and have naught of my own to trust to. " 2nd. To-day we were again renewedly refreshed at meeting, also at our lodgings, under a sense of Divine regard ; so that a secret language seemed to prevail in my heart this afternoon ; after this manner, —'quietness as a canopy covers my rnind.' It is now superseded by, ' what shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits ! ' This 1808.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF; 59 night we have been favored with the agreeable company of our affectionate friend Nathan Hunt, who came in love to see us. " Oh what cauise of thankfulnesis we have found in feeling such unity of spirit with our friends in the bond of peace. May we walk worthy of the same to the end of our days. " 3rd. This day was the last of this annual solemn assembly. Surely I may say it seemed reasonable to con- clude it would prove a memorable season to many minds that were baptized and cemented together, brought into a oneness, and humblingly bowed under a sense of Divine regard through the course of the meeting. But now the days of feasting were to be ended for the present, and near and dear friends were to repair to their several homes. The parting, I think, was memorable. I may remark, the openness of our beloved Friends at this meeting — their tender affection and near love to us poor, little ones, strangers amongst them — the encouragement and consolation handed to us from many of the Fathers and Mothers in Israel, we think no small cause of thanks- giving, praise and renown unto Him alone from whom all good cometh. Yea, verily, my soul is deeply sensible He is worthy to be adored and magnified by all on earth and all in heaven. " Oh that I, and all that profess to love Him, may by our fruits manifest that we do love Him above all ! "4th. This morning, in deep humility of soul, my breathing was, O Father ! be thou pleased to hear my fervent cry, and answer my request. To-day we reached our friend William Porter's, on our way to the Quarterly Meeting at the Western Branch. " 5th. Attended the Select Meeting, to satisfaction. 60 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1808. " 6th. Was at the public meeting. Several lively tes- timonies were borne to the Truth. May they be remem- bered by the parties concerned to their profit. From the Select Meeting we went home with our well-beloved friend Ann Scott. Our friends W. D. and W. D., Jr., from our own Monthly Meeting, and J. D., from Goose Creek, met us at meeting, and quartered with us at A. S's. " This Friend has, from appearances, great riches on earth, yet, agreeable to my feelings, I think there is a well-grounded hope she has much greater in Heaven. " These last, I trust, she will be made partaker of, when she is done taking care of the little ones on earth. " 7th. Was at the Quarterly Meeting for business at West Branch. I think it may be said, when the sons of God meet to present themselves before the Lord, Satan comes also among them, and presents himself I thought I felt very sensible a spirit of this kind hovering round about this place. Yet there was no cause to fear or be dismayed, while a mightier than he was at hand to defeat him, and preserve his own seed. So that, to my feelings, the little ones here have cause to rejoice and be exceeding glad ; yea, to hold fast the profession of their faith in Him who is able, through the might of his power, to make one chase a thousand, and two put, ten thousand to flight. Oh the desire I feel that Friends may stand fast in the power of Him who has called them to faithfulness and given the command that their lights should shine before men. So that, whether they are constrained by our good works or not to glorify our Father which is in Heaven, we may be clear of their blood in the Master's sight. It is his will for his people, when they have done all, to stand. Yea, verily, such will stand clear of the blood of all people. He is not a hard Master, but is 1808.] OF MILDKED RATCLTFF. 61 willing, when we have done all He requires, we should stand and wait further directions ; and, if none are given, we shall be clear, and received into the fold of rest in the day when He makes up his jewels. Oh that Friends everywhere may know a firm standing on the immovable foundation, against which no tempest can prevail. " After this meeting, I felt straitened whether to pursue our journey homeward, or to wait for the Quarterly Meet- ing at Wain Oak. At length we concluded it best to return from meeting to our friend Ann Scott's. One of our horses has been unwell for some time past, and is not yet fit to make a full day's travel. I think I was not many minutes in the house of A. S., before I was satisfied it was right for us to wait for the Quarterly Meeting, which, in some degree, seemed to be the impres- sion before I left home, to visit some of the meetings in these lower parts. I cannot but be glad, although it is under the power of the cross, that an opportunity of at- tending some of these meetings is afforded, since there is no other way for me to attain the crown but through the cross. Oh, my Father ! my Father ! be thou pleased so to hold me up, that I may be faithful unto Thee to the end of my days. There was a small committee of Friends appointed by the Select Quarterly Meeting, to visit some of their members. They seemed desirous that we should accompany them — that is, Rebecca Preston and myself. This we were free to do in the intervals of meetings. So we left D. Stratton with W. P. at A. S's, and joined the committee that evening. " 7th. Came to E. J's, a widow. Had an opportunity in the family, which was a teaching one to my mind. " 8th. Came to E. J's, and had a satisfactory oppor- tunity in his family. Here, R. and myself felt easy to 6 62 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1808. let the committee go on, and leave us to attend the meet- ing here to-morrow. " 9th. This morning our Friends D. S. and W. P. are with us, and we shall take care how we separate. To-day attended the meeting here, called Johnson's Meeting. Soon after taking my seat in meeting, the old proverb revived : ' They that beg of a beggar will never be rich ;' which I expressed ; and I may remark, though there are some whose eyes were too much outward when the meeting first gathered ; they seemed, after a little time, to get more inward, turning the attention more to the Mas- ter. This I rejoiced to feel, being sensible it was the surest way to meet with his blessing. Indeed, it turned out so. For the love of the Good Shepherd and Care- taker of his flock, seemed to arise more and more, to the praise of his own worthy Name; who often is pleased when there is a looking to Him alone, to feed his flock, both sheep and lambs, to the full. In this meeting, and that unexpectedly, my heart was inuch enlarged towards the dear youth, in the arisings of the love of Christ, that there might be amongst them an early submission to his cross, and a willingness to wear his yoke in the bloom and prime of their day; so that I think we were favored with a gladdening opportunity together. I felt thankful we did not miss this meeting. " Oh, the desire I feel that Friends every where, when they meet together to worship that God who is a Spirit, might so abide in the spirit and in the Truth, as professed by them, that their worship might be truly spiritual in the sight of Him who searches the hearts and trieth the reins of the children of men, that there might not be so much outward looking as to deprive them of that out- 1808.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 63 ward peace which is intended for them. But, alas ! there is even among Friends an itching ear. "Eleventh Month 10th, 1808.— We attended Sonimerty Meeting to good satisfaction. Oh, may all who are thus favored in public opportunities of waiting on and wor- shipping the dear Master, remember these times of re- freshing derived alone from Him to their profit, and evince their gratitude of soul by renewed dedication and obedi- ence in days to come. We went with J. C. to his home and dined, several Friends being with us. Here our be- loved friend, Joseph Butler, with several others concluded to appoint a meeting at Black Creek, just for Friends, giving us liberty to attend, which rather enlarged the op- portunity of my being more amongst them than could well be come at in the short space of time I had. I could not but feel bowed in awful thankfulness under the power of the cross before the Author of all good, that He should be pleased to put it into the hearfa of his servants thus to give me an opportunity of visiting one more neighborhood or meeting than I should otherwise have done. This, I may remark, was put into the minds of my aflfectionate Friends I trust by the Good Shepherd who careth for the flock, not from a hint from me to any one of them. And I may truly say although I am glad it is so, yet the pros- pect is truly weighty, and I rejoice to feel my trust alone in Him who is able to perfect praise unto his worthy name from the mouth of babes and sucklings. From J. C's we went to his brother James's, the same evening, feeling a concern to visit his wife, who is under great affliction of body. Oh, may her afflictions tend to the purifying of her mind. This visit was conducive to my peace, and I believe it was to the beloved Friends, niy companions. 64 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1808. " 11th. James bore us company as far as E. J's, where we stopped to get dinner, after which James returned home, and bore us company to J. D's, where we met that night with our friends, who appointed the meeting at the before mentioned place, I rejoiced to meet with them, yet the prospect of my being the means of calling Friends together for public worship was truly humbling to me, although I often felt encour- aged in the secret of my heart to stand fast and keep a single eye to the Author of this appointment ; and then there would be no danger, but He would glorify his own worthy name therein. A hope of this animating kind was truly as an anchor to my mind, and I said in my heart. It is enough. This was my exercise when meeting with the before mentioned Friends. " 12th. This morning, as I awoke, I was again en- couraged in a degree of living faith, in my only Helper, that He approved of this meeting, and would glorify his name ; at which my spirit bowed, and said it is enough. Even so be it. Oh, my Father, so we attended the same, and now surely I may remark with deep gratitude of soul, my Master was as good as his word. Oh, such proofs of his goodness; may they be remembered to the strength- ening of my faith in his power while I have any life. Father, be pleased so to continue thy saving help through this little journey, that in and through all thy wonderful goodness, power and love may be promoted ; that, so we, thy little ones may rejoice ever more, and in everything give thanks. " 13th. Was at Blackwater Meeting. Here was dis- pensed unto us a portion of suffering with the suffering seed, the life of religion being at a very low ebb. So that I felt there was great cause for mourning and lamentation ; 1808.] OF MILDRED IIATCLIFP. 65 yet I had to rejoice in the secret of my soul, in that we were counted worthy to suffer with the suffering seed, nor desire any greater favor than to be with the Master, striving to follow Him in simplicity and singleness of heart, though thereby we might at times have to pass through the very region and shadow of death ; remem- bfering that where He is, there should his servants be. And I am more and more confirmed in the belief that if we would reign with Him, we must be willing to suffer with Him. I have said in my heart, Thou beloved of my soul, only be pleased to permit me to be with Thee, and it matters not whether it is in life or death ; only be Thou pleased to lead me as by the hand, and forsake me not, and I will follow Thee to the end of my days. For Thou knowest all things. For thou knowest that I love Thee and have given up all to follow Thee. From this meet- ing we went with J. B. and wife to T. P's. We were not sorry for going, though there was not much cause of rejoicing, except it was in suffering with the precious seed of life. " 14th. Was not easy without having a religious oppor- tunity with the family. Here I think I may remark. Friends were favored in some degree to relieve their minds. Oh, that they of that house may remember it to their profit. From thence we went to J. P's where we seemed to get refreshed inwardly as well as outwardly. In the evening we reached our well beloved friend, Jesse Bailey's. He and his dear wife have travelled with us about two weeks ; she returned home from their Quar- terly Meeting at the Western Branch, but he continued with us until after Blackwater Meeting. Here was a place of resting, as at noon, under the shadow of the Master's wing, we felt refreshed in the company one of 6* 66 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1808. another under a sense of the continuation of Divine regard, extended to the humble in heart. Oh, the desire I feel, that I with all his little dependent ones, may ever know the place of safe standing in the humiliation and abasedness of the creature. " 15th. This morning we parted in the near unity of the Spirit, being refreshed with the Master's love. May we keep the eye so single unto Him, that the whole body may be fuU of light ; that He who hath hitherto helped us in this little journey, may be pleased to be with us and help us to the end, to the praise of his own worthy name. I think I may say my confidence is unshaken that He will, if we stand single enough in resignation. " 16th. Were at Burleigh Meeting, which was small. There are some precious Friends here, as in most neigh- borhoods where our lots have been cast; yet there are others who are poor indeed, through indolence and sloth, who may be said to sleep in time of harvest. These with- out an amendment will surely beg and have nothing. They will find in the time of extremity, when the mid- night cry is heard, that it is vain to beg oil of the wise, and those whose hands have been diligent to labor. For, if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the un- godly and sinner appear ? " 17th. Continuing our journey we came through Petersburg,' and called to see a Friend who was indis- posed, she being, as I understood, the only member in this place, or at least the only female member. I felt sym- pathy with her, and was glad we called to see her. She kindly invited us to stay and dine, but we felt most easy to go a little further. As we travelled along this after- noon, I had, as I have often before, to take a view of our proceedings from place to place, and of the wonderful 1808.] OF MILDRED EATCLIFF. 67 dealings, care and preservation of our gracious benefactor towards us since we left home ; and my spirit bowed in humble adoration, and this language often revived : Quietness as a canopy covers my mind. May I so watch unto prayer whilst I stay on earth, that nothing may turn me aside to the right hand or to the left. Went home with J. A., being received by his pleasant looking wife and children in much love, and were, kindly entertained. " 18th. Rested here till after dinner, then walked about a mile to visit J. B., an aged Friend, under great afflic- tion, there not being much probability of his continuing long. 1 felt near sympathy with him, and he seemed glad to see us. In this little journey we have had frequent op- portunities of seeing the sick and taking a view of mor- tality. May it tend to our lasting profit, that we may often call to mind how swiftly precious time passes away, and that we as well as others must ere long go down to the grave, where there is no knowledge or device. May the living remember they have to die, and after death to give an account how they have lived in the world. " 19th. Attended their monthly meeting, which was low and dull. "20th. Attended meeting at the same place, which seemed in some degree favored with Divine regard. After which we found hard work to determine whether to return home or to go to Wain Oak Quarterly Meeting. Meanwhile, we visited several families of Friends in the neighborhood, and on Fourth-day, the 24th, again attended meeting at Gravelly Run. " 25th. Set ofi" in company with R. B. and W. W. for Wain Oak. We reached Curies and quartered at P. P's. But alas, alas, what can be said of Curies or its inhabi- tants ? Must not the language be, Darkness has covered 68 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1808. the earth, and gross darkness the people. We started early and got to Select Meeting at Wain Oak. " 28th was the Quarterly Meeting for business, after which we set our faces homeward. " Twelft.h Month 4th. — Attended Seneca Meeting, after which met with my dear husband, he being in health and I also. For which favor I humbly hope I shall ever return grateful thanksgiving and praise." Harrison Ratcliff (husband of Mildred RatclifT) had many things to contend with, incident to his constitution and want of early training, which nothing short of grace could rectify ; and, in conversation with a Friend in the neighborhood, in later life, he several times regretted his fractious disposition, saying, he wanted to do right. Dur- ing the last year of his life he seemed very much changed, greatly to the comfort of his dear companion, and his friends. About a week before his death, three Friends and three Separatists met at his dwelling. One of the latter re- marked, "that it was an unusual thing to find so much affliction in one family, only three in number and two of them sick." Harrison remarked that it was, or might be, an unusual thing ; he had no prospect of recovery ; that it was an awful thing to die ; but, as awful thing as it was, it was no terror to him ; he had been preparing for it, and felt nothing in his way at that time ; and if there was anything more for him to do, his Great Master would let him see it before he went home. In clear and intelligible language he then expressed his hope of salva- tion to rest in his crucified and risen Lord ; adding, that those who believe otherwise would find their mistake. This interview occurred on a Seventh-day afternoon. 1808.] OP MILDllBD KATCLIFF. 69 On the next day week, one of the Friends above men- tioned was again with him Harrison seemed feeble, but there was no prospect of immediate change. He looked at the Friend who sat near him, with a smile upon his countenance, and said, "1 believe the conflict is nearly- over." About ten minutes after, he added, " I trust the spirit has gone to the celestial mansions, where the wicked cease from troubling ;'' seeming, from the form of his ob- servation, as though he imagined the better part already released. In about three minutes after, he fell into a sleep so gentle and quiet, that the breath only indicated that life remained. For an hour and a half he continued in that situation, when all signs of life ceased. In a letter dated Eighth Month 13th, 1845, to a Friend in Philadelphia, Mildred Eatcliff says : " My dear hus- band is gone to the silent grave ; ten minutes before one o'clock, the third of the present month, he passed away without sigh, groan or struggle ; while I am striving patiently to wait and quietly hope, till my change also Near the close of the year 1808, Mildred Eatcliff's heart being turned in near affection to her kind friend Ann Scott, she addressed a letter to her wherein she ex- presses her desire that they may live in that which will enable them to render thanksgiving and renown to the Almighty Preserver of his children — to Him who weans the heart from earthly perishing things, and furnishes strength and ability through which they can, in living faith, rely upon Him in every season of extremity. For He who formed the sea and the land, the inhabitants of the earth and of the water — whose are the cattle on a thousand hills — who has power to bless and to blast, can 70 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1809. bring even the lofty mind of man into the dust, in humble submission and childlike dependence and trust in Him. She then expresses her conviction that her friend is a living witness of the truth of what she has written, and if faithful to the end, that " a priceless crown awaits thee after death." On the 13th of Second Month, 1809, Mildred's mind was drawn into contemplation on the love of God to the children of men, and his willingness to be found of them, if they would but draw near and seek to know and do his will. To such as thus seek, she felt that her experi- ence justified her in declaring that the Lord would in his goodness, manifest himself by his Holy Spirit, making known his will and pleasure, and thus opening to them the way to his everlasting kingdom of rest. Some time during the year 1809, Harrison Rateliff re- moved himself and wife over the Ohio River, and settled near Hillsboro, in Highland County. There were many Friends in that neighborhood, and a meeting was estab- lished. During the summer of the same year, Stephen Grellet, on a religious visit through the Western country, was taken sick at or near Hillsboro ; and, being reduced very low, his recovery was considered doubtful. Mildred had been much united to him in spirit, and now believed it right for her to go wait upon him, and minister to his bodily wants and infirmities. After he had so far recov- ered strength as to be ready to continue his journey, she presented him an affectionate farewell address, dated " 8th Month 29th, 1809." Selections from this letter follow : " Deae Brother: — I think the impression which in- duced me to write these lines as a little present before we 1809.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 71 part, was derived from* the Fountain of unmixed love. 1 feel an unshaken confidence in the unchangeable power which induced the prophet to, say, 'They that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and a book of remem- brance was written before Him for them.' Not doubting but the Lord is the same affectionate Father of love, de- lighting in the same thing which He did then, I am strengthened, though a little one, to communicate in some degree, the sensations I have been favored with since thy lot has been cast amongst us. It has been a time, at least to me, of renewed teaching, and of favor, derived from the Fountain of good." Desiring Stephen to remember her, when it may be well with him, she concludes, M. Ratcliff." A letter, soon after date, reached her from her beloved ■ friend and late companion, Rebecca Preston, from which the following is extracted : " 24th of Tenth Month, 1809. "Dear Friend: — It was truly satisfactory to hear thou wast favored to settle in a large neighborhood of kind Friends. Although thou mayest feel as a stranger amongst them, and often have to sit, as it were, in solitary places, yet be not discouraged. Remember the Lord's people ever were a tried people ; having many deep bap- tisms and provings to pass through whilst in this proba- tionary state Thou remarked in thy letter the necessity there was for thee to keep a single eye to the Best of teachers, to know through his holy assistance with whom to associate. This is a safe step, which I have ever found best for me. I have also found it best to be * Alluding to some lines in rhyme which accompanied the letter. 72 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1809. careful amongst strangers to let my words be few. Now, dear friend, how very becoming it is for ministers of the gospel to let their words be .few and savory ; and, as one highly favored; such I esteem thee. 1 have not forgotten thee. Thou art often on my mind in that sweet and precious love which nearly unites the truly humble little ones, although far separated as to the outward. * * * It is little matter what corner of the world we are placed in, if we do but keep our places in the ever blessed Truth ; although it is truly comfortable to live amongst sympathizing Friends. I hope there are some such in every place where Friends are settled. I believe I have found such wherever my lot has been cast. * * * I con- clude with unfeigned love to thee, thy husband, and dear little . Eebecca Preston." The following extracts from a letter to her sympathiz- ing friends, J. and M. Tomlinson, seem to have been written under the humiliating prospect of religious service in Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee : " 19th of Eleventh Month, 1809. " My Dear Friends : — The near and dear acquaint- ance which we have made in the short space of a few months, in which we were associated together (praises be to the Beloved of my soul), encourages me to make a free communication to you. 1 think 1 may say, in that free- dom which the Truth alone can give, 1 may tell you, my dear friends, 1 have asked the approbation of my Master and holy Commander, whether I might open my mind to you as fellow-travellers and sympathizers with unworthy me. Feeling hot only his liberty but approbation for 1809.] OF MILDRED KATCLIFF. 73 this communication, I write this to let you know how it has fared with me since I parted with you at J. J's. When I started alone, my all-glorious, altogether lovely companion drew near, and went with me to the meeting- house ; and, may I not say, sat by my side. This, you need not doubt, had a tendency to bow my spirit under a renewed sense of his heavenly condescension and match- less love towards his unworthy handmaid. But oh, my endeared friends, I must tell you, after my Beloved had paved the way and left me no hole to creep out at, feeling no desire but to be his every whit, in time and eternity ; then, whilst sitting in awful silence of all my own wishes, then, O then it was, though quite unknown to me before, I heard the positive command : ' Thou must go to Vir- ginia Yearly Meeting ; and from thence as I will show thee the way, to visit my seed through some parts of Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee.' Oh ! my sym- pathizing friends, can you feel with me ? Can you form an idea of my feelings, when I heard my Master utter these words? Knowing his heavenly voice, what could I say short of, ' Lord, I am thine ; do with me what seemeth Thee good.' This was the answer of my heart under the operation of the feelings which truly bring into the dust all of remaining nature. " 20th. A little opportunity again offers for writing. I may tell you, the language is to-day as yesterday. The thing is established with my Master, so that no twisting or screwing will avail me anything. I am bound in hum- ble obedience and awfiil prostration, to bow low in the dust ; yea, to bow and say, 'Thy will, O Father, be done in and by me, and not my will ! Thou knowest I have given up body, soul, and spirit to thy service. Therefore, Lord, my God, all I ask is thy preserving power to be with me 7 74 MEMOKANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1809. through all. This Thou hast in matchless goodness prom- ised to me. Thou knowest I have said in my heart, It is enough ! My life and my all Thou hast given me. There- fore, in deep humility of soul, I offer, freely offer all up to Thee on this occasion. I desire, through thy mighty power, without which Thou knowest I can do nothing, on all occasions whilst I have life, to give all up to follow Thee. What good will my life or anything else do me, if I do not follow Thee ? ' Now, my endeared friends, I may say that the task seemed so great, and my situation such, that at the prospect and in reviewing it, all that is alive within me is humbled in the dust; so that a con- siderable part of my sleep has departed from me. Yea ! I seem as if I can get little or none. When I can come to a spirit of resignation, then I shall have sweet sleep. In great fear and deep humility I have interceded with the Beloved of my soul to prove the fleece for me, wet and dry, again and again ; that I might surely know the thing was established, and that no excuse would avail before any mortal might have a hint thereof. My friends, the thing is established, the fleece proven ; and so far from any excuse availing, ' the woe ' I have felt pro- nounced against me, if by any means or under any dis- couragements short of a positive prohibition, I was negli- gent in doing ray part in order for the accomplishment of the task. Now, my dear friends, you need not wonder why I suffered so much in being hurried away from Vir- ginia before the time. I knew not till since this prospect opened, why it was so ; but since, I have been fully satis- fied in that matter. I said in my heart, my Father, why was there not a prohibition, seeing all power is in thy hands, and Thou knew how soon Thou would send me back again? Why, O Father! thou knew my situation every 1809.] OF MILDRED KATCLIFF. 75 way; why not have hindered our coming before the time? In this matter, also, he has satisfied my soul ; showing me that things were in such a situation that a positive prohibition was not best; and seemed to reply, 'I know all things, and the work I have laid off for thee to do. I came with thee, and gave thee favor with my people. For thy consolation know thou that the thing through which the enemy thought to lay waste thy service, I have and will make use of to promote my cause. I did so in days of old, when I permitted Joseph to be separated from his father's house.' ' Be not dismayed, what'er befall, For I will carry thee through all ; Satan may rage in all his power, But I will keep thee every hour. ' The tempest will rise high, I know, But I my calming power will show, The waves of Jordan I'll divide. The sea a path shall open wide : ' The mountains great like rams shall flee, As thou in meekness follows me ; Thou need not fear Goliah's arm. My saving faith shall shield from harm. ' I'll string thy bow, and teach to fight, And clothe thee with my gospel might ; The work is great; thy strength is small, Yet I will carry thee through all.' " These have been the exercises, in part, of my mind, since I saw you, my beloved friends. I have written enough to show in some degree how it has fared with me. Oh, my friends, when it is well with you, forget me not ! I must now conclude, in near love to you both, and in 76 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1809. much fear and trembling of heart, before the dread Majesty of heaven and earth : committing my cause and • my all tQ Him. M. Ratcliff." " Eleventh Month 27th, 1809. I take my pen in hand whilst the rest are in bed. It seems to be the only quiet time I can get of late to do this part of my day's work ; which, O my Father, I am almost out of heart of ever accomplishing. I am faint, and almost ready to despair of standing fast through all that assails, so as to finish the great work in due season. O Lord, my God ! Thou knowest I am weak, and my enemies many and strong. I am weak and cannot of myself withstand them. Ir Thou, everlasting Father, withdraw thyself from me, I shall fall by the hand of my enemy, who has long sought to take away my life. O, Thou that art stronger than he, Thou, O Father, in whom alone my confidence stands, seest Thou not how his malice is enraged against thy poor little handmaid ? How has the cruel monster manifested this day his unwearied resolution to take away my life in Thee. And I know he will accomplish his cruel end, except Thou, O Lord, fight for me. Except Thou hold me up, I shall fall. Thou knowest, O Father ! I have no strength at all. I am unworthy, but Thou art worthy ; and the Beloved of thy bosom is worthy : for whose sake I humbly intercede that Thou mayst be pleased to mani- fest thy power for my preservation. Oh forbid, most gracious King, that I should live to dishonor thy cause, or disobey thy command ! Rather, O Father ! when I can no longer stand in thy Truth, be Thou pleased to cut short the work in righteousness ! Speak the word — let my earthen clog be laid in its mother's bosom, and take 1809.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFK 77 my spirit home to thyself. Thou knowest that I love Thee, and would rather not live than not to live to Thee. But, O, my enemies are many and mighty, and at times I fear I shall not be able to stand the trials of my day. The wind and waves tempestuously roar, and almost take away my strength ; especially, O my Saviour, when Thou hidest thy face, or seems to be asleep ! Then, in awful dread, my spirit cries, 0, Master! Master! carest Thou not that I perish ! that I be swallowed up ! Awaken, O Lord, and prove Thou hast the same almighty power as in the days of old ! Save me in this tribulated hour ! If the wrath of the serpent has raised such a furious blast already, how shall I stand my trials when I am at thy command at a distance from home, laboring through thy power to the pulling down of his kingdom ! O Father ! draw near me, and be my strength. Shut the lion's mouth, or I surely shall become a prey ! Awake ! O glorious Lamb ! awake, and help thy lonely handmaid ! She has none but Thee to advocate her cause. Thou knowest I am weak, and have no power to keep my- self from falling. Oh, Thou, my soul's delight, wilt Thou draw near, and keep me through every day and through every night of storm and gloom? But, praises to thy name. Thou ever-glorious Lamb of God ! I know whilst my confidence is reposed in Thee, thou wilt shelter me from the wrath of the serpent. Though the monster would afflict me, and wound me from my head to my feet, through thy help I can overcome him at last ; and, when this earthly conflict is over, be safely gathered to my Father's home." The full time, as M. R. believed, being come, and having been liberated by her Friends in Ohio for this 7* 78 MEMORANDA AND COERESPONDENCE [1810. weighty service to the South, the visit was accomplished. Of this journey she has left the following : "An account of my journey from Higblaud County, in the State of Ohio, to Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee : — " I set off from my dear friend Josiah Tomlinson's, in company with D. H. and M. Tomlinson, the 23rd of the Fourth Month, 1810; and reached Chilicothe that night. We lodged at the house of B. H. He and his wife were very kind to us, poor things. May they be rewarded. " 24th. We reached the salt-works. Put up at A. W's. Oh, righteous Father! Thou knowest all things! Thou knowest what it is that has induced me to undertake this arduous ta-sk ! Thou knowest it is in obedience to Thee, and for thy sake alone ! Thou knowest, my Father, what I have passed through since I heard the command from thy holy altar, that I must go this journey ! Now, holy One, Thou seest that in obedience to Thee, I have made ready, poor and nothing as I am, and have set off to perform it ! Hear Thou from thy dwelling-place the humble petition of thy little handmaid — often put up before she left her home, and now renewed — Be pleased to go with me, and be all things unto me everywhere! Thou knowest I have said in my heart, it matters not what I undergo ; it matters nothing where I am on the face of thy earth, if Thou art but with me. This is all 1 ask. Thou knowest I have often said, that is enough ! Leave me not alone one moment ; for, without Thee, I am not able to stand. " 25th. We reached G. M's. This seems much more like a resting-place for poor weary travellers than where we were last night. 1810.] OF MILDRED KATCLIFF. 79 " 26th. Got to B. J's, and stayed all night. Here we felt a hope we should find a resting-place. But, alas! how were we disappointed. If they had ever known any- thing that was good, I thought they had little remaining that bore the mark ; so that in much secret pity we left them. " 27th. This morning we came to Morris Hudson's ; and indeed may esteem it a favor that we found a resting- place in the needful time, where things are sweet and clean. Some hours before we got here, our friend and companion, D. H., was taken with a sharp pain in his right knee; occasioned, we think, by taking cold from an open window under which he lay last night. Instead of growing bettei-, he grew worse, and we, poor things, out of the reach of our friends ; so that the present prospect seemed trying and proving to our faith. Yet, I trust, we are enabled to say. Not our wills, but Thine, O Father, be done in all things ! Thou knowest it was to do thy will, which induced us to leave our homes and undertake this journey. Thus far we have received of thy hand good things. And now, if Thou seest meet to try our faith with evil things, shall we murmur? Surely ho. Through thy mighty power, without which we can do nothing, we will still trust in Thee, and in deep humility bless thy worthy name, through all and over all. For Thou alone art worthy to be trusted in forever ! " Beyond what we might have expected, our Friend, D. H., was so much mended as to ride about twenty-eight miles, where we again found a clean resting-place and civil people. I may say, as I rode along over hill and mead, although I had no great things to glory in, or any great feasting, yet I esteemed it a favor indeed that my mind was kept quiet and comfortable ; so that I might 80 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1810. truly say, I have peace in the inward life, and that suf- ficeth me. This evening I have been ready to say, yea, have often said in my heart. Hitherto the Lord hath helped us ; blessed be his name. May we take heed of distrusting for [in] days to come. " 29th. This has been a day of trial. My horse was a good deal stiff, having eaten too much ; so that it was not only hard upon the poor animal, but a good deal so to me to get him along. I have had in addition the sick- headache to-day. We passed many tremendous looking cliffs, and meeting with no convenient place to refresh ourselves, we stopped at a house to feed the weary horses. There were, beside the family, several neighboring people gathered ; but they were such a set, we felt no inclination for eating, but preferred the road, rough as it was. In- deed, it is less afflicting to climb the rocks and mountains than to be at some places and feel the dark spirits of the inhabitants. This has been a day of trial. We passed over hills, rocks and mountains, and were caught in a storm of rain, lightning and thunder. I have been ready to say, can any one that has not had a similar path to tread, feel with poor travellers like us. If, however, we can live through it, and be instruments in the Mighty Hand of turning any from darknes.-> to light, and from the power of Satan to a merciful God, surely, surely, in this we may rejoice, and in every thing give thanks. " 30th. This day we are detained by high water. I am thankful my mind has been, and is, preserved in quietude, waiting in a good degree of patience until we may safely pass over this rapid creek. O thou called of the Most High ! if into thy hands this little account may come, fear not to put all thy trust in the Lord, for in his arm is everlasting strength. Magnified be his worthy 1810.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 81 name! His Fatherly care is still over all who fear Him. O my soul, thou hast experienced enough of his tender mercies to enable thee to say, He is worthy to be trusted in ; He is worthy to be followed, whithersoever He is pleased to lead. If thou follow Him not, what canst thou enjoy? What good would many rich dainties do thee? Such is the nature of his presence and love, hard things are made thereby easy, and bitter cups are made sweet. Yea, so great is the reward of obedience even in this world, that I have often had to say, O Thou beloved of my soul ! Thou chiefest of all delights ! Tliou knowest my delight is to be with Thee, and where it pleaseth Thee best for me to be, though as to the outward, the situation may be proving. Be Thou pleased to be near my side, and be all things unto me. Then, as I covenanted with Thee before I left my home, and again, even now, O my Father, I covenant with Thee, that if Thou wilt be pleased to be with me every where and on all occasions, being all things necessary to me, I will do thy will and not my own. For, O, I am deeply sensible, nothing but thy will is best for me ! Hitherto, O righteous Father, Thou hast helped us! O, be pleased so to be with us through all, that thy worthy name may be glorified ; for Thou art worthy forever ! "Fifth Month 1st, 1810. We started on our journey and got about seven miles, when, meeting with some men who had been at the river, they informed us we could not cross. We were again detained, yet I esteemed it a favor that my mind was kept quiet and easy, notwithstanding our unpleasant situation ; having to stay at a dirty cabin, not only all that day, but the next night, meeting with rough fare, not only in eating but in lodging. But through all and over all, I think I may say I felt 82 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1810. easy in my mind, and was enabled through all to give thanks. " 2nd. Waited awhile this morning to hear in respect to the river. After a little time we were informed that we might pass over. At the news the poor waiting com- pany seemed to have their countenances cheered up, and we started ; yet I felt a care on ray mind, that I should take heed of these things raising too much animation. For great has been my concern that nothing might raise me up too high, or cast me down too low: so that I might daily know an even walking in fear before God ; that through his mighty power, without which I know I can do nothing, I may be able to rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks. I may say, awful were ray feelings when we came in sight of the rapid stream. Yet my confidence, I thought, was still unshaken in Him, yea in Him alone, who has power over the winds and waves. Blessed be his name, his care is still over all who trust in Him. While we waited on the shore for the boat, my mind being turned inward, I felt a renewed evidence of his care, and that I need not be dismayed at the foaming deep ; for that we in safety should pass over it. I be- lieved the gracious promise, and felt safe in my Father's hand. After we landed safely on the other side, as I rode along, my spirit was bowed in secret and sang praises to the Preserver of my life. There was a cry in my heart to all created nature to give thanks to Him who was and is and is to come — for He is good, for his mercy endureth forever ! " 3rd. To-day we rode through much rain, but con- tinued travelling the more constantly, because the creeks were rising fast. Indeed, we had this evening several dangerous fords; yet, through all I could but admire 1810.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 83 the Lord's goodness in keeping my mind quiet and satis- fied. " 4th. This morning I awoke with an uncommon con- cern on my mind, which I mentioned to my dear com- panion before we got out of bed. At the conclusion of the day I was ready to sa}', indeed it was no marvel that we both — -for as it was with me so it was with her — had an unusual anxiety attending our minds as soon as we awaked. Notwithstanding we had a good pilot, which we esteem- ed a singular favor, such were our ups and downs, and our varied trials, that I have no words to set them forth : so that those who have not experienced the like, could form but a faint idea thereof. Such poor pilgrims as account not their lives dear unto themselves for the Truth and the gospel's sake, and have in a greater or less de- gree to experience these things, may sympathize with us in this journey. Yet, I trust I may say the name of Israel's God was magnified above all. "5th. To-day have had a pretty pleasant travel. We parted with our kind pilot in Fincaster. He would have us to dine with him at his sister's. She and her husband were very kind to us, poor travellers, though they in ap- pearance lived in great splendor. " 6th. To-day we had pleasant weather and pretty good roads; so that notwithstanding two of our horses were not quite well, and myself poorly with a sickhead- ache, yet, through Divine mercy, after riding nearly forty miles, we got to a settlement of Friends. " 7th. Being at a dear Friend's house to-day, we rested. O ! what cause of thankfulness have we, in taking a retrospective view ! May we not say in the feeling sensa- tion of our hearts. Blessed be the name of the Lord our 84 ■ MEMORANDA ANJl CORRESPONDENCE [1810. God for all his benefits ! Praised and adored be his worthy name for evermore ; for He is good ; his mercies endure forever. " 8th. To-day we still have leave to rest at our beloved friends, Elias and Hannah Fisher. Oh ! that all Friends everywhere could be leavened into that spirit of pure love, wherein we met with these dear Friends. " 9th. We attended Ivy Creek Meeting, it being their meeting day. " 11th. At Seneca Preparative Meeting, where I felt a concern for the people of the neighborhood, and had a meeting appointed at four o'clock for them. 12th. Returned back to South River to their Monthly Meeting. All these last were hard, exercising meetings. My spirit mourned, and was much oppressed. Although I labored a little from motions of pure gospel love, I found but little relief. " 13th. Was again at South River. Although the meet- ing was large, there being besides Friends many others, yet I was quite shut up as to the ministry. I thought great was their anxiety for words ; yet it had a tendency at that time, as well I believe as at many others to shut up the gospel spring, and to cause it to become a sealed fountain, which otherwise might have flowed as a refreshing stream to the weary traveller. O! what a pity it is that any should be so blind to their best interest, as to be looking to the poor instrument, or to be depending upon streams, instead of the main Spring or Fountain Head. "14th and 15th. Rested amongst our friends; yet I may say, mourning in spirit has been a good deal my lot since I have been here, because of the slain of the daugh- ter of my people. "16th, 17th and 18th. Continued my journey to the 1810.] OF MILDRED RATCLlFF. ' 85 Yearly Meeting. Arrived on the 19th with a number of Friends from South River, at the house of our kind friend, John Stanton. Attended the Select Meeting, wherein was felt close exercise; some of us being dipped into suffering with the suffering seed. Some close hints were dropped, which, if attended to, might arouse the camp to dig deep, that the hidden wedge of gold might be found, which has long retarded Israel's travel in Virginia as well as many other places. 0, Virginia ! Virginia ! the land of my. nativity, how has my spirit secretly mourned over thee, not only in days that are over and gone, but now renewedly since my lot is cast within thy borders, when on a visit from a distant land ! At my Master's command I have cheer- fully left my home, and passed over many rocks and lofty mountains, weak as my frame is, in obedience to the God of my life. Unto whom I desire to devote every moment of my time, body, soul and spirit. For the sake of the children of my Father's house, unto whom I am now sent, I account not my life dear unto me, if I may, through the mighty power of a long suffering God, arouse the camp to action and to arms ; that so the enemy may not take you captive, and carry you back into Babylon, out of which city ye were brought as a people in the beginning. O, Holy Father ! remember thy people Israel, and beau- tify the place of thy feet, if consistent with thy will and righteous judgments. " 20th, were the public meetings for worship, which were large. Though we were a good deal interrupted by the inconsiderate, yet the power of God was, in a good degree, triumphant over all. Praised and magnified be his worthy name forever. Several lively testimonies were borne in those two meetings, which, to the pure in heart, were as refreshing showers from Hermon's top. 86 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1810. 21st, 22nd and 23d. Friends were engaged in trans- acting the affairs of the church, which they were enabled to do in much love and condescension, being graciously favored, I think it may be said, through, the several sit- tings thereof, with the overshadowing of the Divine wing. This Yearly Meeting, I am ready to conclude, has been a time of renewed visitation from the Father of all our mercies. Several messengers from different Yearly Meet^ ings attended it, and through the mighty power of Him that sent us there, we were enabled, I trust, to discharge the message committed to us, so as to stand in a good de- gree clear of the blood of all who attended it. Above all vocal sounds, the sudden and unexpected death of a dear brother, J. P., a member of this meeting, I thought might be said to sound an awful alarm to us his surviving friends, to set our houses in order for the certain change from the visible to the invisible world. He was at meeting on the 21st, and now gone from the militant church, we trust to join the glorious church triumphant, there to unite with the spirits of the just made perfect, in one continual song of praise, where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest. How deep, how marvellous, O, right, eous Father, are thy works! How juat and true are all thy ways, Thou King of saints ! How manifold thy match- less love and tender mercy to us-ward ; even in proving seasons Thou art yet mindful of us, visiting the sons and daughters of men. May this Yearly Meeting, and thy gracious dealings therein, be profitably revived in each of our minds, who attended it, whilst we have life, or any sense of being. For Thou art good, and thy love is still over all that put their trust in Thee. " Fifth Month 24th, 1810. Continued our journey to Richmond, where, on the 25th, we bad a naeeting to a 1810.] OF MILDRED KATCLIFP. 87 good degree of satisfaction. There were several other travelling messengers there, and it may be remarked that the doctrine held forth, was after meeting acknowledged unto in a singular manner as being great truths, 'great truths,' as one of their great men acknowledged to us, and thanked God he had heard them. In the afternoon we paid the poor prisoners a visit at the penitentiary, and had there a memorablfe time. The Truth in some of their hearts was reached I doubt not, and they convinced that it was the love of God, and not curiosity which had brought us there. " 26th. Went on to Charles City, and the 27th at- tended their meeting at Wain Oak to good satisfaction, through the arising of that power which can alone qualify for Divine worship. " 28th. Went to Scimino, and was once more indulged with the privilege of being with my oldest and very kind- sister at her own house. " 30th. Attended Scimino Meeting, which was a try- ing, laborious time indeed. I labored, but found little relief. My spirit was crushed down in feeling the misery of the inhabitants of my native neighborhood, and the situation which a few more revolving suns would reduce them to, because of sin and iniquity. I mourned much in my heart on this account. In the course of that after- noon, I was at my sister's with a good many relatives and friends. Yet such were my sorrowings amongst them, that but little enjoyment was felt. I left them in the evening and went to Uncle Wm. Harrison's. Although it was pleasant to be with that family, yet with the pre- cious seed in the hearts of many of that land, I felt as a prisoner in iron bands. I esteemed it a favor, and desire ever so to do, that I am accounted worthy to suffer with 88 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1810. the suffering seed. I desire above all things to be with my Master, and feel his promise made good, ' Where I am, there shall my servant be.' " 31st. We returned back to Charles City, hoping to cross the river in the morning ; but alas ! pretty soon after getting to bed, I found I must 'go back to Sciniino. Oh, this was a mortal stroke indeed to all remaining nature ! Magnified be the God of my life forever, I was made vvill- ing through suffering to give up in resignation to his will ; was even willing to be called a fool, or to be trodden un- der foot of men, so that thereby I might be found in his sight; doing his will and not mine ; well knowing nothing else would afford me any joy. "Sixth Month 1st, was the Preparative Meeting of Friends of Wain Oak, which we attended ; as also their Monthly Meeting on the 2nd. I was glad of these oppor- tunities, although come at so unexpectedly, and so much in the cross. Through this detention I had some service amongst them, I believe to their satisfaction, as well as my joy. After meeting we rode to Scimino, and were with a little handful there at their meeting on the 3rd. This opportunity I wa.s also glad of, having some service for Truth there. In the afternoon at four o'clock we attended the public meeting, wherein I was enabled to sound an alarm to the inhabitants and pronounce the woe against them, because of the principle of oppression and the crown of pride. Although I felt after the oppor- tunity some relief, yet as we returned back to Charles City, the 4th, I found I must leave behind me a written warn- ing before I could feel clear of the blood of the people in this my native land ; the neighborhood where I was brought up in a particular manner. This I wrote after getting back to D. S. H's. On the 5th we crossed James 1810.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 89 River, and at present are all at our friend P. S's, having my husband with us, besides other affectionate Friends. Oh, Father ! hitherto Thou hast helped us. Be pleased to be with us to the end, that so thy worthy name may be glorified- through all, for Thou alone art worthy forever. " 6th. Attended Burleigh Meeting, where a portion of hard labor was given me to do ; yet through the help of Him who is strength in weakness, I was enabled to get through to a good degree of satisfaction. " 7th. Was at Sea Creek Meeting. This was nearly similar to that of yesterday. Oh, my Father ! how shall I adore Thee enough for all thy benefits, in thus far help- ing me through many outward difiiculties, as also much weakness of body, with many and deep exercises of spirit. How shall I magnify thy mighty power for all thy good- ness to me-ward? I know, O Lord my God, it is by the might of thine arm that I stand, and not by aught that I can do. Therefore will my soul adore Thee and give Thee all the praise, whilst I have life, or breath, or any sense of being. " 8th. Was at Blackwater. This has been in days over and gone a place for Friends, and no doubt highly favored, but now is almost left desolate. It will soon be- come quite so after a few more heads are laid in the silent grave. "9th. At Stanton Meeting, and 10th at Black Creek. At these last meetings I think I may say surely the Great Helper was near and gave ability to preach the ever- lasting gospel in the dfemonstration and power of the Holy Ghost. There were other people besides Friends present. May the Master's name be magnified through all and over all, saith my soul. " 11th. At Vixes ; 12th, at Summerton ; 13th, Johnsons, 8* 90 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1810. 14th, at the Western Branch. At all and through all these m'eetings Divine help was near, giving ability to. discharge my mind to the parties concerned, so as to feel easy and clear in a good degree of them all. The precious seed in every heart was saluted in gospel love, comforted, and encouraged, through the pure me- dium of undefiled love, to the praise of the good Shep- herd. The wicked and slothful servants were faithfully warned and encouraged to the occupancy of their several gifts, I am ready to say, under a renewed sense of Divine favor, even this day at the Branch. What cause hast thou, O my soul, to take courage and confide in Him who has hitherto helped thee? Before thou left thy home He did promise to carry thee safely through the arduous task. Why so much flinching under the power of the cross? Though perhaps not so much apparent flinching as inwardly dreading the business of the day. O, my Father! Thou knowest how precious the praise of thy worthy name is to my feelings, and how awful the task Thou hast given me to do. O, then, be Thou pleased to be always near. Increase my faith, and more and more confirm my confidence in Thee ; that so thy name may be glorified through all and over all, for Thou alone art worthy. " 15th. We rested at the house of our dear friend Ann Scott, and got a little recovered. In the evening came to Suffolk to our friend R. J's. " 16th. Went on about fifteen miles to Bennet Creek Meeting, and in the evening returned back to R. J's. " 17th. Had a meeting at this place. These last two meetings were exercising trying times, yet I hope the Master's name was magnified in some hearts above all. " 18th. Continued our journey, and got to the dwelling 1810.] OP MILDRED RATCLIFF. 91 of Caleb Winslow, in North Carolina. He and his wife are precious, living Friends, I trust. " 20th. Had a meeting at the Narrows. Here, again, I think I may say the Divine Helper was near, to the praise of his own worthy name ; so that I am ready to say. Hitherto, O righteous Father, Thou hast helped us ! It is by thy power, which alone is able to qualify for thy own work, that thy little dependent handmaid has been enabled ,to preach thy everlasting gospel to the work- manship of thy hands, so as to feel in a good degree clear of their blood, whether they hear or forbear, I know these things are thy doings, and they are marvellous in my eyes. O, be Thou pleased to continue thy Divine help in and through all ! Be with me and keep me near thy side, and then it matters not throngh what I have to pass. Thou knowest that in order to visit the seed of thy -kingdom I often have to descend into the deeps, yea, and to enter into loathsome prisons, too, and there- to suffer with it. Yet, 0, my Father, if after all I may but administer through thy Holy help any relief, it is enough ! Thou knowest I am willing to take my part of that which remains of the sufferings of Christ thy dear Hon. " 21st. We were at Newbegun ; 22d, at Simon's Creek ; and 23d at Little Kiver. At all of these meetings, th rough deep baptizing exercises, and some hard labor, under much weakness of body, ability was given to do the Master's will, I trust to the praise of his own worthy name. It was considerably to my relief, and, for anything I know, to the satisfaction of his people. For all thy favors past, O Thou, mine only Helper, my soul magnifies thy name and humbly pleads with Thee for strength through days to come. " 24th. At Sutton's Creek, and 25th at Boyce's Creek, 92 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1810. where was a small house, with a little handful of Friends, who seemed to have but little sense of good. Indeed, I thought there were not enough of the living to bury the dead — a discouraging affecting state to poor travellers who had come so far to see them. Instead of rejoicing to meet with them as brethren and sisters in good health, our lot was to mourn for them as over the dead. "Sixth Month 26th, 1810. Were at Wells. Oh ! this was a time of refreshing indeed, as after a pinching drought. Here we were met by several living, affection- ate Friends, and our spirits were refreshed in the revival of that cementing love which can alone unite us; whereby, as with the voice of one man, the Master's name is mag- nified. Here, also, the slothful, indolent, and wilful of- fenders were faithfully warned. O Father ! though we are weak, Thou art strong. Though we are poor, Thou art rich in matchless love, and worthy to be trusted in forever. " 27th. At Beach Spring ; 28th, at Piney Woods. At the last I may truly say when meeting gathered I sat down in weakness and felt as a vessel empty indeed. I was poor, yet was content, and much desired in my heart to be preserved from every motion which springs from the unsavory root, or of daring to stir up or wake my Love till He pleased. For some time I had no reason to expect to communicate anything. Under this prospect, though there were many present, both Friends and others, more than had been at some other meetings, yet I re- joiced and gave God thanks, if so it seemed good in his sight, that I might be excused from opening my mouth, yet greatly desiring above all things that his will and not mine might be done. After a little while my Com- mander was pleased to impress ray mind with words and 1810.] OF MILDRED RATCLIPF. 93 matter to communicate, to the praise of his own worthy name. Truth reigned above all, and the hearts of the upright rejoiced, under a sense of renewed favor, derived from the Fountain of all good, whose own works praise Him. " 29th. Took a solemn leave of our endeared friends Caleb Winslow, his well-beloved wife, and honored sister, Ann Scott, who was then on a visit to Virginia. Dear A. S. is an elder and mother in the church, worthy of double honor. Through this day's travel, but in particu- lar the fore part of it, it would be difficult for me to set forth the overflowings of the love of my Heavenly Father, which filled my heart and overran my cup. I had. once more so richly to partake of his bounty, as to raise in my inward life as I rode along the language of ■ the spouse, ' Stay me with flagons, comfort me with apples, for I am sick of love.' Oh, the seraphic enjoyment which the contrite spirit is sometimes favored with, even here while passing through the vale of tears ! Methinks it is enough to engage every heart to seek after them and willingly to part with everything that obstructs the soul partaking of them. In the overflowings of the unspeak- able love of my God, tears of gratitude sweetly flowed, giving vent to an overcharged vessel. O Lord my God ! be Thou pleased so to keep my eye single and ear atten- tive, and my heart so entirely devoted to do and suffer thy. will at all times and places, that neither the world, the flesh, nor the devil may ever be able to mar thy work or frustrate thy design in having called me to labor in thy glorious cause of Truth on earth. O, remember how weak I am, and leave me not one moment exposed to my enemies, for they are many through Satan's malice, who is enraged against toe. Yet Thou in whom I trust art 94 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1810. strong and able to keep me safe. Adored forever be thy worthy name. " 30th. Got into the neighborhood of Rich Square. " Seventh Month 1st. Attended Rich Square Meeting, which was a proving, death-like time. This kind of meetings are truly discouraging to poor exercised trav- ellers, who, through many difficulties and with longing desires to find those they come to see in good health, are made sorrowful to find them in such a situation, that in- stead of rejoicing with them in that love and life which are mutual and animating amongst the living, they have to mourn as the weeping of Jazar, the vine of Sibmah. This night at a Friend's house I was much indisposed, indeed not able to sit up. A trying indisposition, and quickly occurring; but I may say I was not overmuch discouraged, having often through my short pilgrimage to experience these changing scenes. Through all my mind was preserved in a good degree of patience, not daring to murmur at the dispensations of what might be called evil things. " .Srd. I was so far recruited as to ride about thirty miles to Jack's Swamp. " 4th. Attended that meeting to some more satisfac- tion. There are here some hopeful plants among the younger sort. May they be watered and kept alive. " .5th and 6th. Through much bodily weakness we rode eighty or ninety miles to Contentnea. " 7th. Had a meeting to a good degree of satisfaction. " 8th. Was at Contentnea. A favored meeting. " 9th. At Holly Springs; 10th, at N.; 11th, at Bear Creek. All through close exercise, tending at least to the relief of my own mind. Praises to my only Helper for his goodness to me who often feels but as dust and 1810.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 95 ashes. In the afternoon of the 11th we started for Core Sound, and reached the little settlement of Friends on the 13th, after a slavish travel of upwards of one hundred miles through a poor, barren country indeed ; at least parts of it were so. At times it felt as though we might say, 'This is like laying down our lives for our Friends.' Indeed, in some degree, we had this to experience before we started to see this branch of the family, feeling some hope to be excused from this turn ; yet we were enabled, I trust, in a good degree of resignation to say, each as one, ' Not ray will, O Father, but thine be done.' " 14th. Went with two kind Friends who were ac- quainted with boating eight or ten miles by water to see the briny deep. Through the power of the wind, which was pretty high, we saw as much of the foaming waves as we were able to bear. In our passage to the sea and back over the foaming deep we felt the need of faith in Him who yet has the command of the winds and waves. We walked, I think, more than a niile along the seashore, taking a view of the marvellous works of Him who created the heavens, the earth, the seas, and the fountains of waters. He gave to the great deep its proper bounds, so that it cannot pass over them. This was a day of teaching indeed, giving rise to this acknowl- edgment: 'Great and marvellous are thy works. Lord God Almighty! Just and true are all thy ways. Thou King of saints ! ' " 15th. Attended the rneeting at the Sound. " 16th. Started back for Contentnea Quarterly Meet- ing. Reached E. H's, a friendly man, with whom we left word as we went down for a meeting. "17th. Agreeable to appointment, we had a meeting there, among a people not professing with us. These two 96 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1810. last meetings, through Heavenly help, were times of such favor, as are, I trust, not soon to be forgotten, at least by us. In the afternoon continued our journey. "18th. Get to A. L's, weary indeed. 19th. Went home in the forenoon with our kind friend and pilot, Caleb Hall, where we found a resting-place as at noon. We thankfully indulged ourselves, once more, with the privi- lege of resting, it being in the needful time. " 20th. Attended ftie Select Quarterly Meeting at Con- tentnea, where, through close searching labor under the power of the cross, I was enabled to drop some close hints to that part of the family, which, if attended to, may tend to stir some of them up to their lasting profit. There was no doubt but some were sitting at ease in Zion, whilst the house of God lay waste. How has my spirit often mourned under a sense of these things, with some even in this part of the household, who have been pro- moted to dignified stations in the church. Indeed I know of no state harder to reach, than that of an elder, over- grown with the earthly nature. Truly none are more to be dreaded amongst men. May these remarks, O, Lord my God, be read to the profit of such as these, when I am in another state of being, if it be thy will. " 21st. Was at the Quarterly Meeting for business : the fore part of which was a public meeting; and through Di- vine aid, much favored. The latter a suffering time indeed. It gave rise to this moving query, " Why, O, why, right- eous Father ; why should thy people whom Thou hast chosen out of all the families of the earth, and so pecu- liarly placed thy name amongst — Why should they be so stupid after all, as to have that Scripture declaration fulfilled on them, ' Verily, verily, I say unto you, there are many that shall come from the east, and west, and north. 1810.J OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 97 and south, and shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, whilst the children of the kingdom shall be cast out.' 0, Friends, have a care of this, seeing there is room enough in the Father's house for you and them. "22nd. Was at Con ten tnea again. It was a very large meeting, constituted of Friends and others. We had a highly favored time, not soon to be forgotten, I trust, by many that were there. May the God of my life have all the praise and renown, by all and over all forever. " 23rd. At Neuse. Here we parted after meeting, with several dear Friends that came with us from Con- tentnea. In the afternoon continued our journey for Piney Grove, having now for pilot our beloved friend and brother I. P. " 24th. Reached a town called Fayette, when there put up with H. B., formerly a member amongst us. He met us in the streets and took us home with him, where we were kindly entertained. " Seventh Month 25th, 1810. Had a meeting in this town (Fayette) where there are many professors under different names. I think there are many amongst them that centre in a good degree in the one true religion. These the good Shepherd is disposed to gather more and more out of the shadow or outer court, to a nearer ac- quaintance with himself in their own hearts. 0, thou Father of all our sure mercies ! Be thou pleased to carry on this great work with and for them, to the praise of thy own worthy name. In spite of the serpent, who I felt to be much enraged, seeking to prevent thy Truth from ris- ing into dominion, yet praised forever be thy name, Thou art stronger than he, and wast pleased to make it mani- fest this day. Thou causedst thy Truth to gain the vic- tory in many hearts, and that too among some of the 9 98 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1810. noble men of the town, high in profession of religion, &e. Some of these came to our lodgings, and had to acknowl- edge the satisfaction with the meeting, expressing, at least one of these great men did, the desire he had for our com- pany at his house, and his sorrow in having no prospect of another opportunity with us at meeting. He wished, as he expressed it, the meeting could have been on Sun- day. These things I am deeply sensible are the Lord's doings, and they are marvellous in my eyes. O, my soul ! ever labor to dwell in his power, and always give Him the praise of his own works ; which ever did, and ever will, praise Him. " 26th. Got to Pine Grove, and on the 27th attended their meeting, which I was glad of, notwithstanding I had my portion of suflfering with the suffering seed, which in this place lies as in prison, bound with iron bands. The purity of religion is at a low ebb here. "28th. Went on to Pedee. To-day an accident oc- curred, truly fearful; our lives appearing in great danger by the turning over of our chaise. The shafts were brok- en, and the horse frightened, yet we sustained no great wounds thereby, which was a mercy indeed ; for as to out- ward appearance it looked likely at one time that our ILves would be lost. This was a time that I trust will not easily be forgotten. O, my soul ! thou knowest who it is that preserveth thee through all and over all. Therefore fail not to give unto Him all the praise, thanksgiving and renown forevermore ! " 29th. Had an afflicting meeting here ; and on the 30th crossed the river, and attended a little meeting not much better. We had nothing to glory in, but in this, — that we were accounted worthy to suffer with the suffering seed. This indeed is a favor which might give rise to 1810.J OP MILDRED RATCLIFF. 99 joy and rejoicing, and ever keep us willing to follow the Master, and willingly to suffer with Him who hath said, ' Where I am,-there shall my servant be.' " 31st. Parted with our endeared friend and brother, Isaac Parker, he having served us for a pilot for several days past. We, this morning, had with him and some other Friends an opportunity, which I think may be said to have been one memorable to some of us. " Eighth Month 1st. We had to travel a rough fa- tiguing road. After night got among Friends, wearied indeed. Yet we found renewed occasion to magnify that Power who doth continue to furnish us with a resting place in the needful time ; Praised be his worthy Name forevermore. " 2nd. Attended Enwany meeting, it being their meet- ing day. There was no public notice. I was glad of this opportunity with them more select from others ; and being enabled through my Master's help to use plainness with them on several heads, my mind was much relieved. My only Helper had all the praise of his own works. " 3rd. Not feeling easy to proceed without having a public meeting, notice was seasonably given ; and many being gathered, we were favored, through Divine help, with a time that I trust will prove profitable to many of the parties concerned. " 4th. Were at Back Creek to a good degree of satis- faction. " 5th, At Holly Spring. Here a portion of hard labor was dispensed to me, causing, I think I may say, the largest drops of sweat to issue through the pores of my feeble frame, that I ever remember. To the praise of my sure Helper, I was enabled to get through to the relief of my own mind at least. It felt to me that there were not 100 MEMORANDA AND COERESPONDENCE [1810. living enough here to bury the dead. They appear to have gone out of the way of righteousness, and it seemed, notwithstanding the plain outward show of some of them, as though there were none that rightly pleaded for the cause of Truth, or mourned for the desolations of Zion ; but were at ease ; under the name to live, while they were dead to the substance of religion. What will become of such dry, lukewarm, insipid professors as these, in the day when they must give an account of their stewardship unto Him who is not, nor ever will be partial to the workman- ship of his hands ? What can they expect better than to be spewed out of the Master's mouth, in the day when they that are 'filthy shall be filthy still, and they that are holy shall be holy still.' " 6th. Was at the Ridge Meeting, and 7th, at Eno. At these last two meetings there was some encouragement to hope there were some alive of Jacob's wrestling seed. May the number of these everywhere increase, and their faith be made strong. " 9th. Returned back on our journey to take the Quar- terly Meeting at Spring Meeting House. "10th. Attended the Select Meeting ; and, on the 11th, the Quarterly Meeting for business. Both of these tended much to the relief of my mind, and afforded renewed cause to thank God, and take courage to press through troops of difficulties in outward fatigue, in order to accomplish the arduous task designed for us by a good Master, who has hitherto helped us. O, my soul! for all these unmerited favors give Him all the praise forever. And may his peo- ple do the same. For He is worthy of thanksgiving and renown for all our benefits ! "12th. At Spring Meeting again. A highly favored. 1810.J OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 101 heavenly meeting, I think this may be said to have been, to the praise of the Author thereof. " 13th. At South Fork — not much inferior. " 14th. At Cane Creek, also favored. In the evening went home with our much honored friend and father in Israel, David Vestal. Here we were as children kindly received as at their father's house. For all these favors O, righteous Father ! enable us, who are unworthy thereof, to magnify thy name. " 15th. At Rocky River ; 16th, at Providence, and 17th, at Concord. At all these meetings, through Divine aid, in deep searching exercise, I was enabled in much plain- ness. to clear my mind to the several states then present, I trust to the honor of the great cause, -and satisfaction of those who feel it dear unto them. Praises to thy name, O, my Father ! Be near to help thy dependent handmaid for days to come, as Thou hast in days that are past ; so that, through all, thy cause may be promoted, and thy great name magnified. " 18th. At Center, it being their Monthly Meeting. A favored time to the relief of my mind. " 19th. At Marlboro — also favored through deep exer- cise and Divine help. " 20th. At Springfield ; where, as at many other places, through my Master's help, I was enabled to feel the differ- ent states, and administer unto them to my own relief, and as far as I know, to the satisfaction of the living. These have had, with my soul, I doubt not, in the course of this journey to say, 'This is the Lord's doings, and marvellous in our eyes,' that He should open the deep mysteries of his Kingdom to a little child. His power is thereby the more made manifest, than when an orator is called to ad- vocate his cause. What am I, O, my Father, that Thou 9* 102 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1810. shouldst thus make use of me in this great work ! Yet adored forever be thy worthy Name ! If I am weak, Thou art strong ; if I am nothing, Thou art all things unto me ; and I trust Thou wilt ever be, whilst Thou hast all my heart. Leave me not one moment, and then shalt Thou have all the praise of thy own works. " 21st. We are now favored with the company at his own house of our well beloved friend and brother, Nathan Hunt, with his dear wife and children. Oh, the many favors conferred claim the warmest gratitude of my heart, and I doubt not, that of my dear companions also. " 22nd. Were at Kennett. Here I think I may say, through Divine help, we were favored with a heavenly baptizing time, to the refreshment of many of our minds." On the 23rd M. RatclifT was at Deep River Particular Meeting, and after visiting several others, not far distant from thence, she returned to Deep River, and attended their Monthly Meeting on the 3rd of Ninth Month ; to which she thus alludes: "This, I think, is a precious Monthly Meeting. May it be so kept in the Master's sight. O my soul! mayst thou, with his people, dwell in his power, seeing hitherto He has helped thee thus far to be clear and easy. " 4th and 5th. Rested, wrote letters, and visited the afflicted. "6th. Attended their week-day meeting, in which I hope I had, through my Master's help, good service. " 7th and 8th. Was at the Select and Quarterly Meet- ings to good satisfaction, and on the 9th attended a large public meeting at the same place. This was a heavenly, baptizing time. I hope by many minds it will not easily be forgotten. 1810.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 103 " 10th. Started on our way to Hunting Creek, and had a hard travel. On the 11th attended that meeting. Here also I trust the Master's name was magnified. After meeting visited an ancient, afflicted Friend. " 12th. Was at Brushy Mountain ; 13th, at Deep Creek ; and on the 14th, after a hard travel through much rain, reached Hoverton on our way to Westfield. Had to take a day's travel out of our way to get to a ferry, the river being too full to ride through. " 15th. Very weary with travelling over rough roads; reached the house of our very kind friend J. W. " 16th. Attended Westfield Meeting, it being the last in North Carolina. " Ninth Month 17, 1810. Rested and recruited, and on the 18th continued our journey over rough roads and got to T. W's. " 19th. Attended a meeting in the State of Virginia called Fruit Hill. 0, my Father ! Thou knowest all things. Thou knowest I am thankful that through thy mighty power thus far I feel clear and easy. Be Thou entreated for thy own worthy Name's sake to be with thy little dependent handmaid through the remaining part of this journey, and enable me to accomplish this ar- duous task to thy praise." After attending four other meetings, which were the last ' in Virginia, M. R. thus writes : " These meetings were all hard and afflicting indeed. Yet through all and over all I think I may say I am thankful we atr tended them. I suffered, I trust without murmuring, my portion with the suifering seed, and was enabled in Truth's authority to use plainness to them, which, if attended to, might tend to alarm and stir them up. My spirit bows 104 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1810. and magnifies thy name, O my Father, that through thy mighty power and renewed help I feel clear and easy re- specting them all ! " From the 24th to the 27th continued travelling through much weakness and some outward discouragements, meet- ing with poor quarters, and resting but little ; yet I hope I was in a good degree content. " 28th. Being in the settlement of Friends in Tennessee, we rested. " 29th. Were at a little meeting on the waters of Lick Creek. This was an afflicting time. " 30th. At the Nob's Meeting. It was somewhat more relieving, yet there is great cause to mourn because of the desolation of Zion. Here, as well as in many other broken places, it seems as though her walls are much down.'' From the 1st of Tenth Month she notas without com- ment the visiting of divers meetings, till she concluded this turn out at Grassy Valley Meeting on the 9th of the the same month. Upon which she thus writes : " This finished our serious task of visiting meetings. It was much to the relief of my mind, and as far as I know to the satisfaction of Friends. Now I may say I have no words to set forth to the full my feelings in tak- ing a retrospective view. I beheld the tender dealings of the God of my life, whom to obey I humbly set out, and I trust through his Divine aid accomplished, as far as I knew, to be his will. Looking over the journey gave rise to such feelings as words cannot give a clear idea of Now, righteous Father, in all and for all Thou knowest my spirit bows and renevvedly returns unto Thee all praise, thanksgiving and renown. 1810.] OF MILDEED RATCLIFF. 105 " lOtli. Started towards home, I trust with thankful hearts and easy niinds; and on the 19th, after hard trav- elling, through Infinite mercy, got there. Now, let it suffice to say, I have no words to set forth the feelings of my mind; Oh, the praise and thanksgiving which all that is alive in me freely offers unto Him who has mani- fested his power and fatherly care for and over me in this journey. He has carried me out and brought me in, I trust in his own time, and has enabled me through much weakness of body and mind to perform this task, I humbly trust, agreeably to his will. For this my spirit bows. , Rode in this journey, by computation, two thous- and eight hundred and seventy miles." The following is an epistle of Mildred Ratcliff's to the Monthly Meeting of Friends at Core Sound, dated "Seventh Month 18th, 1810: " Dear Friends : — In the fresh feelings of that love which makes truly dear to me all the children of my Father's house, I salute you, — the little band in that cor- ner of his vineyard. I may say you have often been in my remembrance since I left you, in the renewal of that precious love which the world can neither give nor take away. In the sweet flowings thereof I have felt and do feel my mind impressed as with a duty to send you a few lines as a memorial of it. '' Now, my dear Friends, dwell deep in the power of an endless life ! Remember ye are the salt of the earth, which is good while the savor is retained, but if that is lost it is good for nothing but to be cast out and trodden un- der foot of men. Oh ! remember these things and daily labor to have salt in yourselves and to be at peace one with another. To your neighbors ye are to be as a city 106 MEMORANDA AN!) CORRESPONDENCE [1810. set on a hill which cannot be hid. Some of them have their eyes upon you when you, perhaps, are little aware thereof. May they, through your watchfulness and care, beholding your good works, be constrained to glorify your Father which is in heaven. Oh ! may you be incited by these hints, in pure love given by your unworthy friend, to dig deep, and so lay your foundations sure. Then you will be so far a help to your neighbors as that your ex- emplary conduct amongst them, may prove safe way- marks for them, and' a.s a lantern giving light to their paths, that none may have just occasion to stumble over the conduct of any of you. Should any of you be a cause of stumbling to such, they must be numbered in the awful day of just retribution with those who would neither enter into the kingdom of heaven themselves, nor suffer those that would to enter in. If such should be the case with any of your little band, how alarming must the consequence be ! how great the condemnation ! Oh, endeared Friends! let me entreat you often to scruti- nize idthin. Often seek to bring your deed.-; to the light of Christ, which you are making profession of to the world. Thereby you may prove whether they have been wrought in God. " Although I thus write, I hope better things of you, and things that accompany salvation. Yet, from a sense of Satan's snares, who is unwearied in trying us upon every string, I am moved in the Sowings of love to write in this manner. I wish to stir you up, if possible, to watchfulness and prayer against the cunning wiles of the serpent. Oh ! watch and pray that you enter not into temptation. Doubt not but that such as we sow, such we shall reap ! Where the treasure is, there will the heart be also. We may prove whether we have our treasure 1810.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 107 in earth, or in heaven ; whether we are sowing to the flesh or to the Spirit. Oh, Friends ! great is the differ- ence in these things. Yet the one or the other is surely the experience of each one, agreeably to the Scriptures of Truth. " Read those sacred records often, and consider the contents. They afford caution and instruction, and great consolation. We may justly rank the privilege of perus- ing in the list of our most peculiar favors. For in them we may plainly behold the glorious JDlan of life and sal- vation. " Dear Friends, have a care of lightly esteeming the many blessings bestowed upon you, lest thereby they should at last be engraven as a dread hand-writing on the wall against you. I am deeply sensible that much responsibility is upon you of that part of the family, not only on your own account, but on account of your neigh- bors. Some of these are watching with anxiety to see your works, desiring to gain some instruction, some direc- tion in their journey from Babylon to Bethel. Some of them are much concerned about these things. With such my spirit sweetly sympathizes, and in that sympathy desires have been raised that nothing may cause them to stumble. " Now, having relieved my mind of what weightily impressed it for you, who, with other inhabitants of those parts have been brought near my best feelings, with de- sires for your welfare every way, I conclude ; and, salut- ing you in the flowings of gospel love, bid you, of every age, an affectionate farewell. Mildred Ratclipf." About the close of 1810 Rebecca Preston writes to 108 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1810. Mildred Ratcliff the following letter of Christian love and sympathy : "Beloved Friend: — I received a letter from thee dated 5th of Ninth Month last. " It was truly satisfactory to hear from thee, with whom my spfrit has often deepy travailed since we parted in the fresh Sowings of love, which I trust proceeded from the pure Fountain of light and life. I do feelingly sym- pathize with thee through and in all thy sufferings and deep baptisms. They are the lot of the righteous, but through faithfulness and obedience we can rejoice in the God of our salvation, and sing praises to his glorious name. He has ever been our shield, and I trust will be so even unto the end. " I may inform thee that we had a pleasant journey home from Yearly Meeting, there being twenty of us in company. We reached Lynchburg on Seventh-day morn- ing, took breakfast there, and soon got home, where we found all well. I received soon after a letter from Philar delphia, informing me of the death of my father. It was a cause of sorrow ; yet, I had to rejoice, in finding that he said his work was done, and that he was willing to go. Oh, that it was the happy lot of all to live so that they might lay down their heads in peace at last. I feel deeply concerned for Friends in these parts, for the pure principle of light and life is oppressed in many of them. Yet, I have to rejoice in believing there are some who are deeply concerned for the prosperity of the Truth, who desire that Zion might arise and shake herself from her many pollutions, gathered from the dust of the earth. I shall rejoice to hear of your being agreeably settled, where you may enjoy sweet harmony and concord to- 1810.] OF MULDRED RATCLIFF. 109 gether and in your friends. For my part, I seem much stripped — at times, as if I was almost forsaken — poor and needy. These are humbling seasons, and Ordered in Divine wisdom for the trial of faith and patience. Oh, that I may ever be watchful, and keep a single eye to Him who has ever been my helper and strength through all trials and in every needful time. A saying of our dear Lord has often occurred to my remembrance : ' In the world ye shall have tribulation, but in me peace.' This is great encouragement indeed for us to look unto Him from whom all peace floweth. It was truly satisfac- tory to hear such a particular account of thy journey, as also to hear of some of my beloved friends in Virginia and Carolina. I was sorry to hear of thy frequent indis- position, though I had to rejoice that thoii wast so sup- ported and enabled under thy bodily infirmities to pUrsUe thy journey. " Friends are moving very much from these parts ; among the rest, dear D. M. and her family. Seneca Meeting, it is likely, will be broken up, as I expect Ivy Creek will also. " I rather suppose our Quarterly Meeting must fall before long. If it should, I believe more of us will be anxious to move. " I conclude in gospel love, thy true friend, Rebecca Peeston." In a memorandum, M. EatclifF writes: "My mind is once more strengthened and encouraged to trust in God ! Yea, in that God who has through every age of the world proved himself to be the helper of the helpless, and the upholder of those who put their trust in Him. Under a iO 110 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1812. fresh sense this morning that He is good, I venture to pen down what opens in my mind. Were it not for mercy, Divine mercy, vouchsafed to me, and help handed to me from instruments in various quarters, I must long ago have fainted by the way, under the heavy load of afflic- tion which has attended me on my earthly pilgrimage. Magnified be the name of my God forever. I am yet able at times to say, ' I know that my Redeemer liveth, and because He liveth I shall live also ; for He will keep me through the mighty arm of his power.' " Mildred Ratcliff having liberty to attend some meet- ings in her own (Baltimore) Yearly Meeting, principally on the way going to and returning from that meeting, with — and — ^for companions, she accomplished the mission. The following account of which is from her journal. "Ninth Month 2nd, 1812. I set off to our Yearly Meeting to be held at Baltimore, also having before me a prospect of visiting some meetings within its borders, before and after that meeting, as the Truth might open the way for. " 8th. We reached a settlement of Friends after a fa- tiguing travel over rough roads. This occasioned con- siderable indisposition of body, and surely I may say it was a time of proving to me, being outwardly afflicted and inwardly stripped. I was left in extreme poverty and want, so that I felt myself a poor creature indeed under the pressure of exercise in view of the awful service before me. Yet through Divine mercy I was enabled to hold fast my confidence in the power of Him who has hitherto helped me." From the 9th to the 15th M. R. attended the Select and general Quarterly Meetings at Short Creek, with 1812.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. Ill their meeting on First-day. Also was at one at Concord, Plymouth and Cross Creek respectively. " All these meet- ings,'' she says, " I was favored to attend to a good degree of satisfaction.'' "They had a tendency to renew my spiritual strength, and to encourage me to perseverance. " 16th. Had a hard travel, and after night reached the house of a Friend with difficulty on our way to Salem Quarterly Meeting. " 17th. Attended New Garden Monthly Meeting, and were refreshed with our friends there. " 18th. Went to Salem and was at their Select Meet- ing. Here I was enabled, notwithstanding my poor con- dition, to labor in much simplicity and plainness among them. This was to my own relief, and for aught I know to the satisfaction of Friends there. "19th. This day Salem Quarterly Meeting is to be held. Oh, most merciful Father ! Thou knowest all things. Thou knowest that I desire to be thoroughly dependent on Thee. Oh ! be entreated once more to remember me for thy own glorious cause sake ! Accept, I pray Thee, the tribute of praise for favors past; and continue to bestow them on me. " 20th. We attended a large public meeting at Salem. This I think may be said to have been a time wherein the Good Shepherd was pleased to manifest his care for the flock. May He ever have all the praise. "21st. At Fairfield Meeting, and had a hard time indeed, mourning as over the dead. " 22nd. Was at a little indulged meeting called Co- lumbiana. This I think was a precious meeting. May the members thereof grow strong in thy Truth, O, Lord, and may their numbers increase. " 23rd. At Elkrun, a favored meeting. 112 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1812. " At MiddletoD on the same day at three o'clock. Sileut as to ministry, but dropped a few remarks. " 24th. At Carmel. Much favored in a fresh flow of gospel love among the people. Parted in near affection with Friends of this place and went over the Ohio River. " 25th. After a hard ride of upward of fifty miles, being desirous to be with Friends at Westland at their Monthly Meeting on next day, we reached the place timely, and were refreshed with them ; and remained over the 27th, it being the first day of the week. " The meeting on that day was a favored one also. " 28th. At Pike Run Meeting : where I had again to stand long to advocate the cause of Truth. After meet^ ing went to see an afilicted sister and fellow laborer in the gospel. She has been for some years an invalid, not being able to get out to meetings. I was glad we got to see her and the dear children, being refreshed together. It has been through much weakness of body, oh my God, Thou knowest that I have got along thus far. Yet I have abundant cause to trust in Thee, and magnify thy most excellent name, for all thy benefits. Be pleased once more to accept the tribute of praise from thy little yet dedicated handmaid. " 30th. Attended Redstone Meeting, where I labored much among the people from a sense that there are many among us, as well as other people, who are far from the necessary new birth May the Lord of all the earth bless the labor of his servants and handmaids everywhere, so that the people may be gathered home to himself. " Tenth Month 1st. Set off afresh for the Yearly Meet- ing. Had a day of hard travel through the mountains. In the evening our carriage broke, and our lots were cast in a place where seemed but little hope of comfort. Filth 1812.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 113 and darkness, yea darkness that could be felt, made it a gloomy prospect. I had but little sleep though more than I expected. Indeed I thought I had enough to do to watch, and I longed too to be fervent in prayer. So we, or rather I, spent the night ; for my companion lay sweet- ly sleeping. In the morning several Friends came, being on their way to the aforesaid Yearly Meeting. Among them my dear husband, who with another Friend stopped with us to assist in getting the carriage mended. " 2nd. We are yet detained. Now, Lord my God Thou knowest I have been striving for years to bear all things, and profit by all things and to be able to give thanks ! Yet, righteous Father, this is not to be come at, but by the might of thy power. Therefore my Father ! do I, and will I, through thy Divine aid, still plead with Thee, that I may be so far from murmuring at proving trials, that I may be enabled to enroll them in the list of thy most peculiar favors, I ask not for release from trials before the time, but strength to endure them to the end. " 3rd. Continued our journey to Baltimore where we arrived on the 9th, and were kindly received by our friends there. " 10th. Attended the opening of the Select Yearly Meeting, where I believed it right for me to drop some close remarks. Had to allude to the testimony of our blessed Lord to his disciples, ' Ye are clean, but not all ;' in which I found peace. May the labor have the desired efiect, causing an impartial inquiry and deep search with language, ' Lord is it I.' "11th. Were at the public meetings, and from the 12th to the 16th inclusive, I attended the Yearly Meet- ing to its conclusion, which was under an evidence of 10* 114 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1812. Divine regard. May all the praise be ascribed unto Him to whom it belongs. "17th. Set our faces homeward with the continued prospect of visiting some meetings on the way. May it please Thee, O wonderful Counsellor, to be with us that thine own most excellent Name may be glorified. " 18th. Was at a meeting near Ellicott's Mills, and 19th went on to New Market where, on the 20th, with our dearly beloved friend and brother David Graves, we had a meeting. In the conclusion thereof I had to believe renewedly that if the testimonies delivered by the faithful messengers of the gospel were trodden under foot by any of the people, the Master would be clear, and his dedicat- ed servants also ; in which my soul did rejoice. " 21st and 22nd, went to a settlement of Friends at Berkley meeting-house. Here I sat long in suffering, and then had a close, searching testimony to leave with them. After meeting, went on to Hopewell. " 26th, were at meeting there, where David Graves and Ruth Bonsall had testimonies to deliver. I sat in suffer- ing under close exercise, earnestly entreating the Lord, my God, to direct my steps for me. I was straitened on every side, feeling ray way hedged up as Israel's was in ancient days. In this condition I was consoled with the language, ' Stand still and see the salvation of God.' So, then, I was satisfied it was best for me to withhold in regard to appointing meetings, which had been my former prospect." Under date of Eleventh Month 16th, M. Ratcliff writes, " We reached home, through Divine mercy, and found all as well as we had any right to expect." She adds, " May this journey, O gracious Father, teach me wisdom and lasting understanding." 1819.] OF MILDRED KATCLIFF. 115 Except a short memorandum in 1816, and a simple notice of a religious visit to Philadelphia in 1817, nothing appears until 1819. " Agreeably to a prospect which has been with me at a distance for some years past, I left home on the evening of the 21st of the Ninth Month, 1819, in order to visit the churches on the east side of the mountains. I think I may say I am aware of the magnitude of the under- taking, and that it is only through watchful care, in humble prayer, I can hope to get along with safety. I have for my companions my well-esteemed friends, John Lloyd and Mary Steer." After attending several meetings, with but little com- ment, except that she could only rejoice through suffering, they were at Winchester the 3rd of Tenth Month. Here, she writes, "It felt to me, and I believe to the few Friends there with me, that our blessed Lord and Master, who did visibly bless the five loaves and two fishes, when among men, did by the might of his own power arise for our help, in blessing his own work in the hands of his little dependent ones, unto satisfying the multitude. Truth arose into dominion above everything that op- posed. My soul is bowed whilst I write it ; and I think I may say the people were satisfied, and his most excellent Name glorified. " 4th. At Hopewell Monthly Meeting. Hard labor and little consolation. Alas! when will our Zion arise. " 5th. Continued our journey to Baltimore Yearly Meeting. Got to E. J's, and lodged that night. " 6th. Stopped with Friends at their week-day meet- ing at Waterford. Still low times, and nothing to rejoice in but that of being accounted worthy to suffer with the 116 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1819. seed of the kingdom, and mourn with the little remnant which I trust is left in most places, who mourn for the desolation of Zion, and whose spirits are sometimes bowed in humble prayer for an enlargement of her borders. " 7th. Reached Baltimore. Attended the select meet- ing ; still low in mind, although indulged with the priv- ilege of sitting with heads of the tribes of Israel. " 10th, was held the public meeting, which I hope was owned and favored by the Great Head of the Church. " 11th, began the Yearly Meeting for business. Lord be with thy people through the different sittings thereof, if it seem good in thy sight. "From the 12th to the 15th attended this meeting, which was favored, I think, in the different sittings, with that which has a solemnizing tendency, and ended well. Praise be ascribed unto Him to whom it belongs forever. "On the 16th we left Baltimore, and went out to G. E's." She attended their meeting on the 17th, and on the 19th got to her friend R. B's. "In the evening,'' her diary continues, "our dear friends, William Rickman and Elizabeth Coggsehall and her companions came ; and on the 20th attended their meeting in course. Dear W. and E. had, I hope, good service. " 21st. Were all at the Indian Spring Meeting. Here, also, the service mostly devolved upon them. Hard labor and but little relief was my portion. Alas! alas! at most places true religion appears to be at a low ebb. When will Zion arise and put on strength, and appear in her ancient beauty ! After meeting, to-day, we parted ; our friend going on to Washington, and we returning to Sandy Spring. 1819.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 117 " 22nd. Attended their Monthly Meeting ; and on the 23rd l^ft them, iu a good degree clear and easy. Went on to Washington, and am now at our kind friend Wil- liam Yates.' " 24th, was at their meeting in Washington City in the forenoon, which was a favored one. " After visiting several meetings hereaway, we started on the 29th for New Market ; but we had not gone far before my mind was introduced into such an exercise for the people left behind, that I had at length to let my friends know I believed we must go back and have a meeting at three o'clock. They were immediately dipped into feeling with me, and indeed we all seemed humbled together, and to experience a baptizing season by the road- side. We turned about. B. T. left us and went on to give notice. The people collected admirably from differ- ent quarters, whom we met at the time appointed, and had, I think, a solemn meeting, by and through the power of Israel's God, who I humbly trust will have the praise forever. No tongue can tell nor pen describe the consola- tion which was my experience that evening. May I never forget to be thankful and firmly trust in Thee, and wil- lingly obey Thee, O righteous Helper! May thine every- where, O Lord, love Thee more and serve Thee better, now and forever." They attended New Market and Pipe Creek meeting ; and on the 3rd of Eleventh Month were at Gunpowder Monthly Meeting. " Here," she says, " true religion amongst Friends, as at many other places, seems to be at a low ebb. Yet, the benefit arising from the purity thereof and the path from earth to heaven were clearly pointed out, and through Divine aid the people invited to walk therein. There were a number who attended the 118 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1819. first meeting in membership. I hope some were encour- aged and helped on the way. After meeting, we went to see an aged Friend of nearly ninety-eight years, who lived with his son and his family. I was glad we went." From this place they went to Baltimore, and attended the Monthly Meeting, the Quarterly Meeting of Ministers and Elders, and the general meeting in that city. On the 10th, she again writes, "We left Baltimore, al- though I was in but poor health of body. Yet such was the sweet peace of my mind, that I could not dare to complain. Nay verily ! but abundant is the cause for thanksgiving and praise. " 11th, were at Little Falls Meeting, where there was a marriage ; and I think it may be said, Jesus, through his power, was there. Divine help was afforded, and a solemn and good meeting we had. May the Lord God and the Lamb have the praise forever ! Thus the gracious Helper has been our care-taker ; and I trust the cause of Truth has not sustained any loss. This day I am forty-six years of age." On the 12th, 13th and 14th they were at Forest, Bush and Deer Creek meetings, of which she writes : " In all these places the Good Shepherd of the flock was pleased to draw near ; and I think there is reason to hope his excellent Name was glorified, at least in the hearts of some that were present : notwithstanding, my lot at most places has been one of mourning, because the religion of Jesus, our suffering Lord and Master, is in so low a state. Alas ! alas ! was there ever a time when the upright in heart had greater cause to mourn and lament, even as Rachel did when such was her weeping for the loss of her children, that she would not be comforted, because they were not. Such has been my feeling sometimes in viewing 1819.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 119 the large harvest-fields, that I have said in my heart, what will it amount to, Father, for thy ministers — com- parable to the reapers — to cut down the wheat, if those who should follow after to pick it up, to bind it and shock it, will so neglect their part of the work, that after it is reaped the wheat should lie and rot on the ground ! My soul has received a degree of consolation in the revival of the language, ' What is that to thee? Thou knowest in a large field there are many hands, and each one has its proper portion of labor and care assigned ; see thou well to thy own part, and leave the rest. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.' Ah, surely, under these impressions, I feel myself bound to obedience as well as to acknowledge, ' It is enough ' from day to day. I more and more crave a resolution like good old Joshua, Let others do as they will, as for me, through thy help, O Holy One, I will serve Thee whilst life, or breath or ability remain ; for Thou art worthy. " 15th. Was at West Nottingham Meeting. Here again —7 notwithstanding I went to meeting, as far as I was able to judge as an empty vessel, indeed, and in poor health, carrying nothing with me but a tottering frame which covered, I think I may say, a humble spirit and a contrite heart; knowing without the fresh anointing it was impossible to preach the gospel of Christ — here, soon after taking my seat, I felt afresh the empty water-pot filled to the brim, and ancient goodness anew worked a miracle by turning the water into wine ; and the word of Divine command, Draw out now and hand to the guests : in other words, declare the solemn truths to the people, as I shall hand them forth, one after another; which I did in such a manner as to cause me afresh to compare my- self to a vessel that wanted vent. I am amazed at myself, 120 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1819. and bound to say, ' This is the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes.' Indeed, so far in this journey, such has been the solemnizing power accompanying the assemblies of the people, as to confirm my faith in the evidence I felt before I left my home, that the fields were white unto harvest ; that the wheat is fully ripe, and it is time for the reapers to put in the sharp sickle and cut it down. May the Lord God and the Lamb be pleased to cause the blessing to descend, and arouse every faculty of feeling to industiy, that those amongst whom our lots have been cast may profit by this Divine visitation, afresh extended with design to turn the attention from darkness to light, and from the power of Batan, to serve the living God. " Eleventh Month 16th. At a little meeting called Oc- torara; and on the 17th at Eastland, the last I think rather the better. Hitherto the everlasting Father and wonderful Counsellor has been strength in weakness, so that I trust I am clear whether they will hear or forbear. O mournful truth, that religion is such a neglected thing ! All who undertake to visit the seed of the kingdom in these days, will do well to remember that ' man cannot live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.' " 18tli. Attended the Select Quarterly Meeting held at East Nottingham : and on the 19th the Quarterly Meet- ing, which was large. Strength was afforded to relieve my poor exercised mind. May the God of my life have the praise. " 20th. Returned to Deer Creek ; and on the next day attended their meeting, which through the solemniz- ing power of Israel's God was a good meeting ; such an 1819.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 121 one as will be remembered by some I hope to their lasting advantage. " 22nd. Went forward in order to be at the Southern Quarterly Meeting. Reached the house of Sarah Cow- gill, a widow ; and one like her to whom our blessed Lord alluded when He said, I will be a husband to the widow. "23rd. Was held the Quarterly Meeting; and on the 25th a public meeting, which was attended by a number of the Lord's messengers from different Quarters and was a good meeting ; praised be the Lord our only helper. " 26th. Rested for the first time since we left home, though we made the attempt once before. But, accord- ing to my faith, we have now found the right time and place ; moreover one of our horses is not well, and myself a good deal indisposed with cold. Thus in so needful time, to find a place where the Master's peace is to be felt, and where we are helped inwardly and outwardly, is a favor, I feel it so, and hope I am thankful. " 27th. Attended a meeting appointed for the colored people. The opportunity was relieving to my mind, being dipped into sympathy on their account. " 28th. Was at Little Creek, where the Shepherd of Israel was again our helper, and gave us a good meeting. I hope the impressions made on some minds will not be speedily erased." From here they went to Camden and Motherkill Meet- ings which were both small. She remarks : " Alas ! but little of the true life was felt while there was great cause for mourning because of the desolations of Zion, and the low state of religion ; though I hope there are yet a few who feel bound to the cause in most places. Ah, those who visit the seed of the kingdom in the present low state 11 122 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1819. of the church, must expect to find it in a manger, or Joseph like, unjustly confined in prison. Lord, strengthen my faith, and please to give me daily bread. "Twelfth Month 1st and 2nd. At Milford and Cold Spring Meetings, both small and mostly composed of those not professing with us. Yet I think it may be said that He who said, ' I have sheep not of this fold ; them also must I bring or gather,' was pleased to be with us, and give the qualification, through which solemn truths were sounded vocally in their hearing, which I trust reached the wit- ness in some hearts : and I think, if I know anything, the Lord who hitherto has been our helper, has from my bowed-down spirit all the praise; for I know I have naught of my own whereon to rely. I feel the weight of the task awfully increasing, and the secret language often is. Holy Father please to keep me as under the hollow of thy hand : don't leave me one hour or one moment ! for the magnitude of this undertaking is such, that I often exceedingly fear and tremble. " 3rd. Had an appointed meeting at a little village called Milton, where none professing with us dwelt ; the service of which will not I trust be utterly lost." On the 5th, 6th and 7th she had meetings at North West Fork, Center, and Marshy Creek ; " where" she says, " we found, as at most others, a precious few who are striving to enter in at the strait gate. Yet alas! I think it is to be felt, that true religion is much wanting, so that mourning seems almost incessantly my portion. Indeed my feelings inwardly and outwardly bind me to the testimony that weakness is ours, but strength cometh from the Lord. What a favor that there is a place, where- unto we may look in humble confidence that strength will 1819.J OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 123 be renewed." Thence she went to Choptank, Third Haven Tuckahoe, and at or near a village called Den- ton. At this meeting, she writes, " Something seemed so to obstruct the current of life, as to cause a suffering time. Indeed I had here to remember the language ' If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more them of his household.' I was glad however that we were there ; counting a favor to suffer with the suffering seed in that place. Lord ever keep me humble and willing to endure that portion of suffering which Thou in thy wis- dom may sed*meet. " 13th. Went on by Milford and had a meeting in the evening at the Methodist place of worship. It was large, and a good meeting, as I think was to be felt in many hearts ; wherein the name of our God was magnified. There are a number of exercised souls in that place. Lord, feed them with the bread of life. Keep them as in the hollow of thy holy hand forever." After visiting several meetings in course on the eastern shore of Mary- land, she writes : " We went home. with our beloved sister, Sarah Cowgill, with whom we made our homes when at- tending the Quarterly Meeting. So far in looking over the journey, the answer seems to be peace. And the con- solatory language concerning some of the visited there, is, " I was a stranger, and ye took me in ; naked, and ye clothed me ; an hungered, and ye gave me meat ; thirsty, and ye gave me drink ; sick and in prison, and ye visited me." And when the humble contrite ones who have nothing to boast of, shall say, Lord, when saw we Thee a stranger, or hungry, or athirst, or naked, or in prison, and administered unto Thee, the answer shall be, " in as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." My spirit is 124 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1819. humbled in believing something like this will be expe- rienced by some precious souls amongst whom our lots as poor strangers have been cast. For, praises to his Holy Name forever, the Lord has not left himself without a witness. But notwithstanding this, pure religion is too little to be seen or felt." She next attended Duck Creek and Appoquinimink meetings, upon which she writes, " Most or all of the meetings in this corner of the Lord's vineyard are small, yet I think there are some precious -souls at them all ; who are indeed hungering and thirsting aft«r righteousness. These shall be filled, said our blessed Master, and so it will be everywhere, saith my soul, as they continue faithful. Lord, increase the appetite of all after Thee, whilst life and breath and sensibility remain. The work is thine, the power is thine, and surely from every heart the glory shall be thine forevermore. " 19th. At Wilmington fore and afternoon meeting. The morning a favored one, the other not so much so. " 20th. At Santon. It felt to me that true religion was as reduced here as the widow's barrel of meal and cruse of oil, when she was about to make the last cake for herself and son, expecting after that they must die. Notwithstanding which I did believe that if they would hearken unto the voice of the Lord's prophet inwardly, as she did outwardly, there would be an increase, and they not only preserved from death — the famine which sin has been the occasion of bringing upon them, but they would again gather, and the showers descend as from the presence of the Lord. So that death rather than life seemed to prevail, yet they need not doubt that if obe- dience unto the requirings of the Lord's prophet inwardly speaking, keeps pace with knowledge there would be an increase. May the Lord be pleased to bless, if so it seem 1819.] OF MILDKBD RATCLIFF. 125 good in his sight, the labor of his handmaid amongst them, to their lasting profit, saith my soul. We then went on to a very kind Friend's house at , and rested from the 21st to the 23rd, being truly in need thereof, and feeling at liberty to do so. Here again, 1 trust it may be acknowledged with safety, and with feelings of gratitude, the Divine hand was underneath, and the good cause was preserved from suffering loss. " 24th. At New Garden. " 25th. At Spencers Meeting. To-day I left the meet- ing sorrowing under an apprehension it was broken before the right time, not designedly, but for a want of a deeper dwelling in that power which alone is able to direct these solemn duties. O, the necessity for those who take the foremost seats in our meetings, to dwell in that which enables to judge righteous judgment, lest they neither enter into the kingdom of heaven themselves, nor suifer others that would! May it not be said as it was formerly by the servant, ' Lord, it is done as thou commanded, and yet there is room.' Yea, verily, there is room for more care, room to improve in prayer and fasting. " 26th. Was at West Grove ; and the next day at Doe Run Meeting, the last such an one as will prove memora- ble to some who attended it. The Lord, our only helper was with us, and I thought that glory to his name from many hearts was to be felt. And surely, O my soul, thou wilt not be so ungrateful as to forget to give Him all the praise, for He is worthy. "28th. At Fallowfield. " 29th. At London Grove, where we had a large and good meeting. May all the praise from every heart be ascribed unto Him who was indeed our only helper." 11* 126 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1820. On the 30th and 31st, and on the 2nd of First Mo., 1820, she attended meetings at Kennet Square, Marlboro and Bradford, where she writes, " I think it is safe to say hitherto the Lord has helped us. Though the state of things in many places is indeed discouraging, yet there is a remnant that do know the Lord is good and worthy of all dedication. " 3rd. Rested at our very kind friend Nathan Sharp- less.' To-day we got the sorrowful account that dear James Steer, the father of ray kind and willing companion, had gone to another state of being. No doubt, it may be said, his death is one of those which is precious in the eyes of the Lord ; so that our loss is his eternal gain. May we be also ready, when in our turn we are called, is the humble intercession of my soul. My dear Mary bears it as well as could be expected, yea, and I hope she will more and more give him up with Christian acquiescence that may increase her spiritual strength to follow him as he has followed Christ. I think she is one of the simple and meek of the earth. Lord be pleased to keep her so, with my own soul forever.- "4th. At their meeting in or near Downingtown. " 5th. At East Cain Monthly Meeting. " 6th. At Uwchlan Monthly Meeting ; and 7th, at West Cain, a small, and perhaps indulged meeting ; and I fear for want of industry, a poor, starved one. " 8th. At another little indulged meeting, called Cooper's. Here there seemed a little more life, but, alas ! the state of things, if I know anything about it, is truly discouraging. " 9th. At Sadsbury Meeting ; pretty large, though it gathered irregularly, and was sometimes a good deal un- settled. I told them, I thought some, from the way they 1820.] OF MILDRED KATCLIFI'. 127 came together, had let the watch run down, the watch of the mind ; and some others when they came there must serve themselves by talking together before they came in. Thus, by putting the cart before the horse, they could not travel in that exercise which would afford them consola- tion or increase their spiritual strength. . On account of these things I often have to mourn. I long for the time when the countenance and conduct of the people will demonstrate the magnitude and solemnity of these oppor- tunities for Divine worship. But alas ! how few manifest that concern which the dignified occasion calls for. Yet there are those who do, which is a comfort. We had, however, a pretty good meeting, praised be thy name for- ever. "11th. . Had a good meeting at Little Britain. "12th. At Drumore. Here, after a few remarks in the forepart of the meeting, I believed it to be my place to be still. Dear Mary Brown, who met us here, was favored in solemn supplication, and the meeting ended well. " 13th. Our dear sister, with several other Friends, went on with us to a Friend's house, from which we at- tended a meeting, appointed in the evening, at Lancaster. Though we went to it in weakness and under discourage- ment, we were favored with best help, and I doubt not, but a remnant were willing to gather up the fragments, that nothing might be lost. We were glad of the oppor- tunity, and had fresh cause to believe that when we are weak then we are strong, through that arm of Divine power which can alone cause the mountains to skip like rams, and the little hills like lambs. " 14th. Our dear Friends turned about for their homes, 128 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1820. and we pursued our way, after we paid a visit to the Poor- house at Lancaster.'' From the 15th to 23rd they visited several meetings, at the latter date they had one at Lampeter, which is thus alluded to : " Here appears some more ground to hope there is a little remnant, wrestling Jacob-like, for the blessing. May the Lord Jehovah feed these with food convenient for them, and if consistent with his righteous will, increase the number of such everywhere. " 25th. Had a meeting at West Chester, and not feeling clear of that neighborhood, more general notice was given that we would be at meeting at the same place next day. " 26th. It being their meeting in course, many at- tended, and I think it safe to say Truth opened the way for a close searching testimony amongst them. May the Lord be pleased to fasten it as a nail in a sure place. " 27th. At Goshen; 28th, at Willistown ; and 29th, at Newtown. At all these, deep exercise and hard labor were my portion, under a feeling sense of the situation of things. O, the low state of religion in many places! The world, the flesh and the devil, seem to have taken many captive. What must these feel without an alteration ! O ! who can comprehend the sad condition of these when called upon to give an account of their stewardship, I cannot doubt that some of this description have been seriously aroused at these last meetings. Some have afresh seen that they have been and are in the way that leads down to the chambers of death, and have been ready to conclude that for the time to come they will try to do better. May this resolution increase, by and through the might of thy power, O righteous Father, until they 1820.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFE. 129 come forth conquering and to conquer all their souls' enemies. "30th. At Middletown; 31st, at Providence Monthly- Meeting ; and 1st of Second Month, at Springfield. True religion much wanting, and the reason it is so, seems clearly, because the people's minds are more outward than inward ; more carnal than spiritual. Lord turn about these by thy own Divine power, for none else can do it. Turn us, and we shall be turned ; keep us, and we shall be kept from falling into the pit of woe. " Second Month 2nd. At Chester. Many crowded in as though they were hungering and thirsting after some- thing good. I felt that of myself I had nothing for them, and there seemed to be something in me that was ready to say. Send the multitude away that they may buy them- selves victuals, for we have nothing worth dividing amongst them. But He that remains to have compassion, was not disposed to have it so, who did so bless the weight of exercise into which my mind was introduced, that it ap- peared in degree to resemble the time when the multi- tude were outwardly fed ; and now by the same Divine power were inwardly administered unto. I trust it might be said they were all satisfied, and some were willing, amongst whom I freely numbered myself, to gather up the fragments that nothing should be lost. " 3rd. At Darby. This I hope was also a good meet- ing. The foolish virgins, the careless and unconcerned, were stirred up to more diligence. Next day rested and visited some dear friends. " 5th. Went to the city of Philadelphia, and attended the Select Quarterly Meeting. The day following was at the North Meeting, in the forenoon, and Arch Street in the afternoon. 130 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1820. " 7t.h. Attended the General Quarterly Meeting at the same place. This last meeting contributed much to show that the Lord's people have, at least, become great in num- bers. May they not for want of faithfulness, fall like Israel of old in the wilderness, short of their allotted inheritance, saith my soul. " 9th. Attended the Select Quarterly Meeting, Abing- ton; and on the 10th the General Quarterly Meeting. I think this was a good meeting. All within me bows, and I do acknowledge, O, Father, that Thou art good, and worthy of humble dedication from the cradle to the grave." After attending meetings at Darby and Chester, she reached Concord on the 14th, and was at their Select Quarterly Meeting. Next she attended the Quarterly Meeting at large, after which she writes : " This has been a day of Divine favor, which I think was" so felt by many. The faithful had afresh to rejoice in humble confidence that the Lord has not forgotten to be gracious ; giviug evidence that He is still mindful of his people. Many minds were reached. Be pleased, Oh righteous Father, to cause the blessing to descend on the labors of thine own dedicated children ; that so, through the might of thy power, an increase of living members may be added to the church. " 16th at Centre ; the day following at Kennet ; and on the 18th at Birmingham. Not much to rejoice in, but in being accounted worthy to suffer with the suffering seed. Yet there are a few faithful friends in almost every place ; and this is cause of thanksgiving and praise. " 19th at Whiteland. I think it may be said the ever- 1820.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 131 lasting gospel was preached here, and some minds were afresh humbled, and the name of our God was glorified. Oh, my Father, please to accept all the praise from every heart, for Thou alone are worthy. " At Eadnor and Haverford on the 20th and 21st. "22nd at Merion. This was of the number of meetings wlierein the glorious name of our God was magnified. Oh, ray soul, hold fast thy confidence, since thou hast often known when thou art most sensible that weakness is thine, then it is that strength cometh of the Lord. " 23rd. At Pine Street Monthly Meeting, Philadelphia, and next day at their Monthly Meeting on Arch Street. These were comfortable meetings. "25th. Went on to Frankford, and was at their Monthly Meeting, which was indeed a painful one. The seed of the kingdom here has been and yet is under great suflTering; or at least it felt so to me, a poor stranger. Such a testimony as here I felt bound to deliver, has not been common for me ; but felt easy in believing I had done my duty. Some well exercised Friends, who no doubt felt bound to the law and testimony, told me after meet- ing was over, no doubt for the strengthening of my faith, they were glad I had strength to be honest and faithful. For, searching as it was, it was no more than there was cause for. May the Lord remember his wrestling suffer- ing seed in that meeting. " 26th. Went on to Byberry, and attended their meet- ing next day. Here the excellency of the Divine prin- ciple was preciously opened, and the people invited unto it. " 28th. At the Select Quarterly Meeting in Burling- ton, New Jersey ; and on the 29th at the meeting at large. We made our home at the house of dear Martha AUinson, a widow. This is a precious family indeed ; and in this 132 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1820. place it appears the Lord has a number of dear children, who know a being fed from his hand. " Third Month 1st. Visited a few Friends, and then went on to Lower Mansfield Meeting, which was a poor little one indeed. "3rd. At Mansfield. "4th. At Bordentown ; where we had a public meeting in the forenoon. In the evening one for the members alone. And though wound up with a degree of relief, in sympathy with the few mourners here for Zion's sake, yet it was a day of exercise to my poor body and mind. " 5th. At Chesterfield. Owing to the people's minds being too much outward, true genuine religion is at a low ebb. Lord, turn the current, or else many thousands in the world must, in the winding up of all things to them here, go down to the chambers of death." On the 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th, M. R. and com- pany attended meetings at East Branch, Upper Freehold, Shreeve's Mount, Upper and Old Springfield, respectively. Of this service she writes : " Through all thus far the Lord Jehovah has been our helper, and owned us I am bound to believe. However unworthy thus far his excellent name has been magnified in many hearts. Oh, my soul, do thou keep close to the watchtower ! Yea, trust in the Lord ; for many a time thou hast proved that his arm is everlasting strength. " 11th. At Rancocas. A few precious wrestling souls are here, who are struggling rightly for the blessing of blessings; an interest in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Because of these things (no doubt for the want of more such spiritual wrestlers) my mind is often cov- ered with the garment of mourning." 1820.] OF ' MILDRED RATCLIFF. 133 After attending meetings at Mount Holly and Vincent- town, on the Mth, she says ; " We went on and found a pretty comfortable resting place at 's, who, from appearance, has gotten rich from his great iron works. His wife and several others of his family are members of our Society, though he is not, yet a truly kind man to us. We have on this journey met with several who have been very kind to us poor travel- lers ; and yet after all without a serious change of heart and mind, it is to be feared they will be found wanting in the one thing needful. Alas! what pity for these ! " 16th. Was at their mid-week meeting at Little Egg Harbor. Truly lamentable it is that in most or all places, true religion is so much wanting. Yet it is comfortable to find a living remnant is still preserved. "17th. At Barnegat, where we had a painful time. On the 19th were at Bass River Meeting. Here there is good ground to hope Truth may grow and prosper ; and I have no doubt it will, if the few Friends here keep to the prin- ciples of Truth. This will cause others to flock to them. Lord, be pleased to give these few an increasing sense of the great responsibility attached to their little indulged meeting. " 20th. I being very poorly, we found a comfortable resting place at the house of a colored Friend, David Mapps, whose situation seemed to manifest that a blessing had attended their efibrts. And I thought the state of these friends (for indeed we found them friends to us) might serve to confirm the testimony that God is no re- specter of persons. " 21st. Had a meeting near this place, in a school- house, to satisfaction. 12 134 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1820. " 23rd. Was at Galloway or Leeds' Poiut meeting. " 24tli. At Great Egg Harbor. Both these were poor and painful seasons. Next day travelled nearly forty miles ; and on the 26th were at Cape May. The few little meetings hereaway have been attended with such feelings of death and darkness, that except for a very few here and there who seem to be pleading for daily bread, and except that the Lord's mercy is everywhere, there would be little or no hope. It has indeed felt to me, that it, might be said, ' Darkness has covered the earth, and gross darkness the people.' I think I have not known any part of the world where true religion seemed to be so entirely rooted out. " 28th. At the Meadow Meeting, which proved in a good degree refreshing, after having inwardly and out- wardly passed as through the region and shadow of death. This was a comfort in the needfiil time, and is renewed cause of thankfulness and praise unto Thee, Oh, righteous Father, who hast thus led us about and instructed us. "29th. At Maurice River. Though we found some precious friends here, yet it was to be felt that true re- ligion is in a low state. When will our Zion arise and shake herself from the dust of the earth, and put on her beautiful garments as at the first? The answer seems to be, when her members deepen in the root of religious exercise. Hasten this desirable period, O Thou that hast power, if so it seemeth good in thy sight ! " 31st. At Greenwich. Here the blessed Master was with us, and gave us a good meeting; notwithstanding it is a mournful truth, that religion is here also in a lapsed state. " Fourth Month 1st, 1820. At AUoway's Creek, where we had a good meeting. The name of our God was magni- fied, I have no doubt in many hearts, for all his benefits. 1820.] OF MILDRED KATCLIFF. 135 O, righteous Father ! my spirit bows low, and ascribes all praise to Thee. " 2nd and 3rd. At Salem and Pilesgrove ; both pre- ciously refreshing seasons. The salt of the Heavenly Kingdom was to be felt. Lord, increase it more and more, if so it seenieth good in thy sight. " 4th. At Upper Penn's Neck ; and the day following at Woolwich. At these also the glorious cause of relig- ion was exalted, and the blessed Master's name magnified. I charge thee, O my soul, never to forget to be thankful, and to give Him all his due, for He is worthy. "Fourth Month 6th, 1820. At Woodbury Monthly Meeting. Here I thought we found a number of preciously exercised Friends. May this class everywhere multiply more and more. From this place we had for our pilot to Haddonfield a beloved father in Israel, Joseph Clem- eut, who is in his eighty-third year, and yet has a lively use of his faculties. He is an encouraging instance of the power of Divine truth. O how pleasant to meet with those who are green and alive in old age, at a time like this, when pure vital religion is so low. "7th. At Haddonfield; which was a good meeting. Truth reigned over all. " 8th. At Upper Evesham Monthly Meeting, which appeared as hopeful perhaps as any we have been at. Yet even here, as was to be felt, all was not Israel that was of Israel. O when will it be that Friends will more generally try to keep to the principles we profess ! Re- mained over the next day. " 10th. At Evesham, both were large meetings, and I hope seasons of profit to many who attended. This afternoon travelled on, and spent the night with D. and R. H. R., a son-in-law and daughter of our worthy friend 136 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1820. Esther Collins, one of the two women drowned in the Delaware River last winter, and found about thirteen days after, and brought to this house her former residence. Though she has gone from human sight, the remembrance of her Christian example seems to sound in our ears the impressive language, Follow me, as 1 have followed Christ, the Lord. The other dear Friend, Anna Edwards, who was lost at the same time under the ice, is not yet found. But what matters so that the immortal soul, with kindred spirits, is singing praises to God. " 11th. At Chester ; a pretty large meeting, and an opportunity of relief to my poor exercised mind. May I not say here in accordance with my prospect before I left home, I have found so far in this State, New Jersey, the Lord my God had a service for me, even poor little me, for so I feel and so I seem bound to state it. There are many Friends here, and a precious number that are well exercised. I love them much, and hope for an increase in this description ; for that there is room for it, is indeed to be felt, too many appearing to be content with only the form. To-day we went to dine with dear Ann Stokes, a widow, whose life was mercifully spared, after being precipitated into the river at the same time that Esther Collins and Ann Edwards, with the carriage and horses, were lost under the ice. We staid awhile with her and her children to satisfaction ; when, she being our pilot, we came on to Henry Warrington's, the Friend who drove the carriage when the mournful occurrence took place as above narrated. " We accounted it a favor to spend the night with this dear brother, whose life was also spared to his wife and children a little longer. These visits to the Friends par- ticularly concerned in this trying circumstance we felt 1820.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 137 moved in love and sympathy to make. They were re- ceived in mutually kind feelings, so that in thankfulness I can say we were comforted together. May we all so wisely act the little time remaining, as to have, through the mercy of our God, a happy eternity to spend together. " 12th. At Westfield and 13th at Newtown ; both pretty comfortable meetings, notwithstanding the low situation of things. This evening crossed the Delaware and came to the City of Philadelphia to attend the Yearly Meeting. " 14th. Rested ; making our homes at a well beloved friend and brother, John Cook's. Next day attended the Select Meeting, which was large. The day following were at Twelfth Street Meeting in the morning, and Green Street in the afternoon. " From the 17th to the 21st the Yearly Meeting was held, which was large and favored. Here we met with many dear Friends whom we had seen in their own neigh- borhoods ; who not only at meeting, but at our lodging, manifested they were glad to see us again, giving proof of reciprocal friendship more easily felt than expressed. We have now parted, and no doubt with many of us it will be a final farewell: they going to their respective homes, and we on our journey. And whilst viewing as I do, both perhaps in their proper places, I am comforted in the hope that as we keep the faith, and maintain the warfare to the end, we shall again meet where parting shall be no more, but where we shall have a happy eter- nity to spend together. So be it, so have it, O holy Father, if it seem good in thy sight. But what do I say? I am- made to wonder at myself that I should thus write, when I feel as I do at this present moment, stripped and very poor; deprived of everything except a little faith, and 12* 138 MEMORANDA AND COKRESPONDENCE [1820. that too at so low a state that it is hardly comparable to a grain of mustard seed. " 23rd. Left the city, our beloved friend and brother John Cook being our companion to Germantown. Our meeting there I think may be numbered with those wherein the excellent name of Israel's God was magnified in the hearts of a living remnant. " Praise the Lord, O, my soul, for He is good, for his mercy endureth forever. This afternoon we parted with dear J. C, who returned home ; and we went on accompa- nied by John Wister to the house of a kind friend for lodging, where the Master's peace was to be felt, and where I am again bound to acknowledge it is enough." She attended meetings at Plymouth, Providence, Gwynedd and Upper Dublin, after which she writes, "The blessed Master was, I believe it is safe to say, with us at each of these places, but at the last Truth reigned over all. When this is felt to be the case, what cause for thanksgiving and praise. Praise the Lord, O, my soul, praise and adore his great name forever. "28th. At Horsham; 29th, at Plumstead; 30th, at Buckingham. Truth, Divine truth at a low ebb in most, or all of the places where our lots have been last cast. And yet Divine mercy, marvellous condescension, pity, and forbearance, so manifestly felt to flow from the foun - tain head has been such, that in looking back this after- noon as I lay on my bed to rest my feeble frame, all within me has been humbled and my poor mind carried as on the wings of eagles, in songs of thanksgiving and praise. So that my soul has afresh been favored to renew covenant with God, that if Ln mercy He will be pleased to remem- ber ine, and go before, I will surely bow in humble dedi- cation to .serve Him in time and throughout eternity. 1820.J OF MILDRED RATCLIFP. 139 For renewedly have I felt that He is worthy of more adoration than men or angels can ascribe." She was at Solebury Meeting Fifth Month 1st, and successively at Wrightstown, Wakefield and Newtown, where she writes, "I can again say the Lord has been with us, and owns his work." From thence she went to Middletown and Bristol, and was at the Falls Meeting on the morning of the 7th, and in the afternoon at Penns- bury. " These last two," she says, " were furnished with many guests, and I think it may be said of all descriptions. Everlasting power was my strength, and Truth reigned over all. "9th. We crossed the Delaware River and went to Trenton, New Jersey. Attended an appointed meeting there which was a painful one ; yet I believe there were a few precious souls that were hungering and thirsting after righteousness. These through Divine aid were re- freshed, and many others of a different description were reached. May the Lord be pleased to bless to these the fervent labor of his handmaid. "10th. Visited a school of colored children, taught by a colored person, much to our satisfaction. Though I was more poorly than common, we went eight or nine miles towards the next meeting called Stony Brook, which on the 11th we attended. "14th. We attended a little meeting at Squankum, and the day following one at Squan. At both of these there was more cause for mourning than for rejoicing, because of the situation of things ; yet hope they were profitable seasons to some present. In the evening we felt a liberty to go a mile or two to look at the ocean, which afforded an opportunity, whilst our eyes were struck with admiration in beholding the great deep, to 140 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1820. feel our spirits bowed in humble adoration towards the Former thereof. " 16th. Went on with a pilot to Shrewsbury Quarterly Meeting. Next day attended the Select Meeting ; on the 18th the Quarterly Meeting at large, and on the day following, a public meeting. These were good meetings. Dear William Rickman was here, and came to our lodg- ings." On the 20th they rode forty miles to Rahway, and on the 21st were at their fore and afternoon meetings. The next day they went to Plainfield, and were at their meeting on the 23rd. " All these," she remarks, " I think may be said to be good meetings. " Fifth Month, 25th and 26th. Though very stormy, we went with a number of other Friends to New York. Two dear Friends were with us from Great Britain, viz : William Rickman (who is now nearly ready to take his leave of us in this land), and William Forster, a well- beloved brother, who has lately lauded, on a visit in the love of the Gospel to the flock and the family on this side of- the great water. Thus the tender mercies of a gracious God are continued, in order to awaken to dili- gence the human family. Lord, if it seenieth good in thy sight, preserve, as in the hollow of thy holy hand, him who apprehends himself clear of the work assigned him here, and is at liberty to return to his family and friends at home. Oh ! be pleased to conduct him safely over the briny deep and to his desired port. And mayst Thou also safely keep the very precious substitute that has, as it were, to take the place of our ancient Friend and thy dedicated servant, who is nearly ready to leave us. Thus, righteous Father, glorify thy most excellent name, now and forever, saith my soul. " When we got to the river, it appeared dangerous for 1820.] OF MILDRED EATCLIFF. 141 a sail-boat; and the steamboat being out of order, we were detained for some time; but at length, in company with others, we went several miles to another ferry, and so, after a trying and fatiguing day, we all reached the city in the evening in safety. "27th. Attended the Select Yearly Meeting, which was favored with the ownings of Divine love. Many valuable servants and handmaids attended. As for my part, poverty and strippedness seemed my situation. Poor me ! alas, what am I but dust and ashes ! Preserve, O Lord, I pray Thee, from a murmuring thought or flinching from the turnings of thy hand. " 28th. Public meetings were held in all the different houses in the city, I hope to the honor of the great Name. The next day the Yearly Meeting for business began, which so far is favored with the encouraging evi- dence of the Divine presence. Thanks be unto God for all his benefits." Sixth Month, 2nd, concluded the Yearly Meeting ; and as it was favored in the beginning, so it was in the close, with the evidence of Divine favor. After the Yearly Meeting, Mildred Ratcliff was at divers meetings in the City of New York and on Long Island, of which her memoranda convey but little beyond the mere fact of attending them. After one of these, she says, " My wish was strong that the gracious Master would be pleased to give lis a silent meeting ; yet, centered in, thy will, O Father! and not mine be done ;" adding, "May I live and die on this ground, saith my soul." Upon another occasion she writes : " Thus far I have much cause to thank God and take courage, notwith- standing we continue to find much occasion for mourn- 142 MEMORANDA AND CORKESPONDENCE [1820. ing because of the desolations of Zion, in that so few in our borders come up to her solemn feasts." " Seventh Month, 2nd. At Oblong. Here my mouth was opened to sound an alarm — to arouse, if possible, to greater action and zeal ; for in this meeting, alas ! my life seemed depressed with the burden of iniquity ; yea, darkness that could be felt was found here. Yet, through adorable mercy, I was enabled, I trust, to clear myself of their blood — whether they regard or disregard the solemn testimony given me to bear amongst them. But even here I found a precious few to whom the word of en- couragement sweetly flowed. "5th. At . Alas! true religion is in a low state — some weakly, some sickly, and many sleepy ; — while, through adorable mercy, there remains a precious few in good health, who are able to prove the efficacy of the preserving principle of sanctifying grace. " 8th, at Oswego. 9th, at Nine Partners. These were good meetings. Truth reigned over all ; the blessed Mas- ter's name was glorified ; and I think it safe to say, the people were satisfied. At Nine Partners there was a multitude indeed. My mouth was opened like a trumpet, and though I was so weak, inwardly as well as outwardly, that, a.s I walked into meeting, my very joints seemed loosened, and much fear and trembling covered me all over, yet, to my humbling admiration, I was made strong, so as to stand for an advocate for the. great and good cause. I trust the Lord had the praise of his own works ; and his disciples, in the conclusion of this heavenly op- portunity, were willing to gather up the fragments, that nothing should be lost. 1820.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 143 " 10th. Being truly in need, we rested ; and thus got a little re-fitted to pursue our journey. "11th. Went on again, and attended West Branch Meeting. But, alas, this was a painful, hard meeting. Yet, through adorable mercy, it ended better than it began. How chequered the scene! How various the dispensations through which we have to pass ! Lord, be pleased still to go before, and be with me. Be my all in all: thus. preserving thy dignified cause not only to the end of this journey, but the end of my days." Thence she had meetings at Pleasant Valley, at Pough- keepsie, at Crum Elbow, " at a meeting called the Creek," and at Stanford. "This," she says, "was a blessed good meeting. May the gracious Helper of the helpless have all the praise forever.'' " 17th. At North East. But here was a painful time, as was also a religious opportunity I felt bound to have in a Friend's family where we lodged. Oh, the sad situation of things in many places ! "18th. At Little Nine Partners; some better than what we had to pass through yesterday ; but, alas, true religion — that which is only worth living for — is at a very low ebb in most places. May the Lord of the whole earth, who has the power at command, cause a revival to take place, and that speedily, in the hearts of the children of men. " 20th. Attended their meeting at Hudson ; a painfiil one it was. Next day at Ghent, where was some more comfort ; but, alas, low times in most places. "At Chatham on the 23rd, which was large, and I hope profitable to many. 144 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1820. " 25th. At Troy. This was truly a painful time, with little prospect of much amendment. Lord ! pity the people in many places, whose situation is deplorable ! Mingle thy judgments with thy mercies in such a manner as to bring into an acquaintance with thy holiness, if consist- ent with thy righteous will. " 26th. At Pillstown ; and the day following at Easton. Low times, and not much to rejoice in, only in being accounted worthy to suffer with the suffering seed. " Eighth Month 6th. At Ferrisburgh in the forenoon, where, as in many other plac«8, I had to bear a sharp testimony again.st sleeping in meeting. This is a lethargy doubtless that has spread more or less over our Society, and increasingly so, I fear. I must bear my testimony against it. Lord, be Thou my strength, in this and in all other eases, and then I will stand for thy cause. In the afternoon we attended a meeting called Monkton — which I hope was a season of profit to some of us. Here I found it my place to be still : a privilege I highly prize when my blessed Master sees meet to' have it so. For this, I cannot doubt, there was a cause; believing, as I do, it is a terrible thing to be preached to death. Oh for- bid, gracious Father ! that my mouth in and for thy cause should ever be opened when Thmi would have U shut. " 8th. Crossed at a ferry on the Great Lake, several miles wide. Here I had the opportunity of seeing the works of the Almighty on the great deep. 9th. Attended the Select Quarterly Meeting at , which was painful, because of the desolations of our Zion in this part of the family. Next day, the Quar- terly Meeting at large, which was also a suffering time, for the same reason. 1820.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 145 "11th, was held a large public meeting, more to satis- faction. The blessed Truth seemed to reign over all, and the name of the Lord was glorified. " 12th. .Went on to a village ; left word for a meeting to-morrow at six o'clock. Then re-crossed the great water of the same lake, in a little, leaky, tottering boat, leaving our horses and carriage on the other side till we returned— if so the blessed Master please. Next day, were at a meeting on the Grand Isle (so called) in the forenoon ; after which time of Divine favor with the in- habitants on the Island, we crossed again in the same boat, and attended at six o'clock the meeting in the vil- lage above spoken of, to satisfaction." After this she attended a number of meetings there- away, till Ninth Month 6th, when she had a meeting in a school-house where no meeting of Friends is regularly held. " It was attended," she states, " by a number not much ac- quainted with us as a society, yet hungering, thirsting souls. Here the glad tidings of the gospel of peace did sweetly flow through the lips of a very poor and feeble instrument. This was a good meeting, many parting with us with tears of gratitude to the Father of mercies for this day's favor. Praise the Lord, my soul ! Praise and adore his great name forever. For what greater cause can there be for thanksgiving, than a well grounded hope that, through the power of Truth, many sons shall come from far, and daughters from the ends of the earth. After this meeting we went on with a number of our Friends, and on the 10th, were at a little indulged meet- ing at Shamo. Here were a number not professing with us. Some of these we reached, and together with the rest of us, urged to remember that we are born to die ; and after 13 146 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1820. death the judgment. May the impression made on many minds, be fasstened as a nail in a sure place." Notwithstanding M. R. in the prosecution of her re- ligious du1>y in this journey, attended a number of meet- ings after this, she has left but little account of them, except at one she speaks of " the spring of the ministry seeming to be shut up, and sealed as with seven seals." At another that, "Those who undertake to visit the churches now-a-days, need not expect much pleasant bread ;" adding, " Lord, in thy mercy, please to strengthen my faith." At another, she notes, "Poor, hard times! that I may ever be willing to suffer my portion for the blessed Master's sake, and his cause sake again, the sweet peace of mind more than compensates for all through which I have passed. Lord be pleased in thy mercy to keep me safe the little time which is yet remaining in this proba- tionary state. O make me more and more entirely thine." And again, afl«r attending Dunning's Creek Meeting, she writes : " This is the last meeting pertaining to this very serious undertaking. Thanksgiving and praise forever be ascribed to a grslcious God who helped me through all, to the relief of my poor exercised mind, and has now set me at liberty to return home." She reached her habitation the 27th of Eleventh Month, 1820, "I trust," she writes, "with a thankful heart, returning thanksgiving and praise unto Him that was, and is, and is to come — God over all blessed forever more." She was absent on this journey fourteen months and six days, and travelled by computation four thousand, four hundred and sixty miles. 1821.] OF MILDRED KATCLIFF. 147 Stephen Grellet to Mildred Ratcliflf". "New York, Second Month 16th, 1821. " My Beloved Friend : — I have thy letter of the 30th of last month to my Rebecca and myself jointly. We had been wishing to know where thou wast, or if thou hadst returned to thy home. Thy letter written to me about three months ago from the northern part of this State, I should have answered, if I had known where a letter would have met thee. I had anticipated seeing thee in this city on thy way homewards, but since thy dear Master made way for thy escape from this field of labor, I could but be thankftil for thy sake. Yet my selfishness and brotherly affection, could they have had a say in it, would so far have increased thy bonds. It is a great favor indeed that thou hast been enabled to perform the great work laid upon thee. The daily strength with which thy slender tabernacle has been clothed, in the performance of daily duty, has displayed the sufficiency of that Power in whom thou hast trusted. I do not marvel that now, on thy return from thy Lord's embassy, thou shouldst be let down to feel thy great weakness, both of body and mind. There is great wisdom in such dispensations. They are in mercy vouchsafed. I think I may say, as far as my knowledge extends, unto all the Lord's faithful servants, ' that upon every glory there may be a defence.' For they feel their poverty, emptiness, and inability, whatever may have been their past experience when clothed with the spirit of wis- dom and power — of themselves even to think a good thought or to do a good thing. " Then it is, with spirits prostrated at the sacred footstool, and every crown laid there also, every glory and every praise is ascribed to Him to whom alone they belong ; and 148 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1821. nothing remains for the poor instrument but blushing and confusion of face. " When the full sense of this is upon him, the greatness of the power, and the efficacy of that grace which has upheld in the great work required of him, is the more magnified. Then out of weakness, he is afresh strength- ened to trust implicitly in the Eock of his salvation. Nothing new has occurred to thee, my dear sister ! Only keep still under the dispensation. I could say much of the baptisms that have attended me since my return home, but I see that He whose ways and dispensations are all perfect and in mercy, has laid nothing too much on me, that I might rightly bear my portion of suffering for the church's sake. " Many spirits have gone forth, many new doctrines are proclaimed ; some are willing to bring in a new way or gospel which is not by Jesus Christ. It behooves his ser- vants, laborers in his vineyard, to descend even to Him, the foundation, and to have all their stones of memorial brought up from thence, and all their excellency and their glory from the deeps, where his wonders are seen. Many, we know, would gladly rejoice with the dear Saviour, but how few are willing to suffer with Him. Those only who die with Him, can give an experimental testimony to his resurrection, and that He is the Way, the Truth and the Life, without whom none cometh to the Father. Our hope in life and in death, in joy and affliction, centres in Him. This is my belief respecting thee, my dear Mildred, under which I can salute thee in the way as a fellow pilgrim. " Thy sincere friend, Stephen Geellet." Though the name of the individual addressed is not 1824.J OF MILDRED EATCLIFF. 149 given iu this letter, from the one following it, there is no doubt it was to Sarah Morris, of Philadelphia. " Shobt Creek, Tenth Month 3rd, 1824. " My Very Dear Sister : — For so I can call thee in the fellowship of the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. Very sweetly my mind was drawn this morning towards thee and thine, saluting you in the language, May the Lord Almighty bless you now and forever. "The above lines were written this morning before meeting. Now (the afternoon) the same precious love sweetly flowing seems still to dictate. May the Lord Almighty bless you now and forever, and give you not only daily bread, but daily strength to walk in his fear, and maintain even to the end, your Christian care and comely order in reading the Holy Scriptures. This I was permitted not only to observe, but also to become a sharer in the blessing. Ah, my dear S., what blessing is like that of an evidence that the Divine Master owns us in the practical part of our religious duties. Therefore, let others do as they will, may you be enabled through all and over all, to thank God and take courage. May you run through the troop, and leap over the wall, gaining the prize and wearing the crown that is in store, on the terms of holding out to the end. Many a time the com- fort I have enjoyed in your circle has been brought into view, and desires have been raised, that the members of our Society everywhere, were more in the practice of read- ing the very precious Scriptures of Truth, and more care- ful to maintain Christian discipline in their families. Then should we more frequently prove in the line of our experience, the gracious promise fulfilled, ' where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the 19* 150 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1824. midst of them.' Oh, how would the blessed Lord and Master delight to bless his people in basket and in store, here, and hereafter forever ! But alas ! instead of this, how are the mighty fallen in high places, and the fine gold become dim. Yet this moment the language occurs, ' Fear not little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.' What cause of thanksgiving and praise ! May we always and on all occasions be found in this glo- rified, sanctified, and purified list, saith my soul. In it there is nothing to fear. ' Neither death, nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.' What a comfort to feel we can trust that the same Divine Power which au- thorized this language in humble confidence, is the same, the very same, yesterday, to-day, and forever. Ten thou- sand hallelujahs be ofiered unto the Lord God and the Lamb, in whom there is neither variableness nor shadow of turning. May we, my dear sister, dwell deep in the power of his might to the last moment of our stay here. Then shall we indeed have an eternity to spend together, where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary spirit is at rest. A few more fiery baptisms, a few more purifying dispensations, will bring about the glorious, the very solemn period, if we hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering to the end. Alas ! what do I say ? How comes it that I thus write ? For surely I see, as in a moment, in looking back, my many misses and frequent waverings, I trust it is safe to say not as respects faith and doctrine, but rather from the path of rectitude. Not that the way is not plain and comprehensive and clearly seen ! Through the adorable mercy of a gracious God it is so 1826.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 151 plain that a wayfaring man, though a fool, need not err therein. It seems to me all my misses are for want of a deeper dwelling in the power of an endless life ; even a dwelling in Him who declared himself to be the vine from whence the branches must derive all their nourish- ment. It is a mercy to see the cause why we so often totter, or miss the stepping stones. May the Lord Al- mighty not only remember me in his mercy, but all his little depending children everywhere, whose meat and drink it is to know and to do his will, and keep them as in the hollow of his holy hand now and forever. " Thy letters and kindness every way, with some other beloved friends of that city, are not only acceptable but refreshing and humiliating to my feelings. The Lord will reward you all, praised be his name forever ! We had a good Yearly Meeting. My health though poor, was so much increased as to enable me to attend all the sittings. " O, how many mercies ! What shall we render unto the Lord for all his benefits ? What but the tribute of thanksgiving and praise ! In a fresh feeling of which I again salute thee and thine and bid you an affectionate' farewell. MiLDEED EaTCLIPF." " Please give my dear love to those who think me worthy of enquiring after.'' M. R. to Sarah Morris, of Philadelphia. " Short Ckeek, First Month 28th, 1825. " My Very Deae Feiend :— I am thankful once more to feel so much strength as to conclude it will do at least to try to return an answer to thy last very precious letter of the Tenth Month. 152 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1825. " Truly I may say your kindness, long continued, has many a time tended to humble my spirit in the dust, from whence did and do arise thanksgivings unto God, even the God who put it into your hearts thus to remember a little sister in the flowings of sympathy, notwithstanding the many miles which separate us. Ah ! doubtless He will be your rich reward. Sometimes in the strength of desire, I am ready to say, Yes, so will it be to the fourth genera- tion. May I not say I know it will be so, if these gene- rations — the dear children coming after we are gone— are found in the list of those who love the Lord and keep his commandments. With thee, my beloved Sarah, I have often had to remember the declaration, 'They that feared the Lord spake often one to another.' Yea, the same de- scription of people through different ages wrote often one to another ; and may we not well conclude, that if this act of duty was in any age of the world not only right but beneficial, it is, it must be so to us in these days of desolation. " We seem to hear on the right hand and on the left, many voices crying, Lo ! this is the way ! and again, Lo, it is that! But thou knowest, ray dear, these things need not move us off that foundation which God, through his dear Son Jesus Christ has laid for us to build upon. Ah, with gratitude fresh flowing to the Father of all our sure mercies I speak it, there are a few, a very precious few, that have known, that do know, ' This is life eternal to know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.' To these everywhere this language will apply, 'Sing unto the Lord, O ye saints of his, and give thanks unto the remembrance of his holiness. For his auger endureth but for a moment. In his favor is life. ' Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.' 1825.] OP MILDRED EATCLIFP. 153 "Ah ! were it not so, who would be able to stand in these days ? Who could at times feel refreshed, and realize the promise, ' All things work together for good to those who love and fear God ?' May we love Him more and serve Him better to the last moment of our lives, saith my soul. It did my heart good to find you continue daily that truly Christian practice of reading the precious Scriptures. May the arms of your hands grow stronger and your branches run over the wall forever. "Some time ago, feeling, at least for the present, re- leased from a concern I have long had to go to the South, my mind was so drawn towards you at your Yearly Meeting, and so on as far as Rhode Island, that I began to think it possible for me once more to be with you under your roof. I thought so much about Friends that way, that I did not know what better to do with it, than to give it to Friends of our Monthly Meeting. They did not appear to slight it, and so far united with me as to appoint a committee to bring forward a certificate. Yet a full willingness among the most living, I thought, yea, I felt was wanting. I sank under it, and desired the committee to withhold it, so no certificate was handed in. I thought it might not be amiss to let thee know a little how it had fared with me, not that I wish to burden thee with my complaints, nor would I have thee apprehend I view myself as dealt with in an unfriendly manner. No ! It appears my dear Friends were in some degree frightened at the idea of my going out into the field, and especially that part of the vineyard where wars and rumors of wars seem to abound.* Indeed, I think noth- ing but the desire to be found faithful in the sight of my * She, no doubt, alludes to the difficulties then existing thereaway, that culminated in the separation of 1827. 154 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1826. beloved Christ Jesus,, the Lord, in whom my humble con- fidence stands, would have made me willing at such a time as this, ever to lay before the meeting any religious concern. However, in this my poor mind is staid in a good degree of quiet. I know the blessed Master is good, and yet knows whether it be all our living, or only a part we cast into his treasury. I think I can appeal to Him, at least sometimes as Peter did, for the attachment and integrity of my soul. Yet Oh, my dear sister, how often, very often, I seem to be sinking fast. Pray for me, I entreat thee! Pray that my faith fail not. My health of body and mind are often such that I seem to myself just gone ! can neither write or do anything else that is good. My paper is full. My heart is also full, even full of precious love, I was going to say to the blessed Master and his people everywhere, in which I conclude to thee and all thine, with enquiring friends, and sweetly bid farewell. MiLDKED RaTCLIFF." Mildred Ratclifl" in the Fourth Mouth of 1826, having obtained the requisite credentials, left her home for a re- ligious visit to the West and South. There being in her account of this journey but little more than a relation of the meetings she attended and the friendly greetings re- ceived among those with whom her lot was cast it is thought best to omit it in these Memoirs. She thus concludes her journal thereof: " Twelfth Month 1st, 1826. Got home and found things as well as I could expect. For all these mercies, O righteous Father, I do desire to return the tribute of thanksgiving and praise." 1830.] OF MILDRED EATCLIFF. 155 Ann Jones to Mildred Ratdiff. "Philadelphia, First Month 22nd, 1830. " My Dear Friend : — Thy two kind and interesting letters I received, the last on my return to this city which was not until the 24th of the Twelfth Month, when I was favored to meet my dear and truly kind and sym- pathizing companion, my husband, in usual health. My- self alsOj quite as well as I could expect, and much better than I deserve to be. " The only reason of my long delay in writing to thee has been want of time or leisure for the employ. Whilst separated from my husband, I found the necessary infor- mation to him occupied most of my leisure. And since my return, in addition to two little trips to neighboring meetings in the country, I have had to pay ofl' some old debts in writing to England, &c. " On a review of my long western journey, taking into account my many omissions and commissions, I can very feelingly acknowledge myself an unprofitable servant, having done very imperfectly even that which I attempted to do. And in various instances, through unwatchfulness, faithlessness or fear, having wholly omitted what ought to have been done. As far as I am capable of discern- ing, I apprehend that the list of my omissions exceeds that of commissions, still thankfulness covers my mind, under a sense of the mercy and loving kindness of Him, whom I do at times, I hope, sincerely desire to serve, with my body and with my spirit, and to be more and more his on his owr( terms. There is mercy and forgiveness with Him that He may be feared. And his dedicated children still have the testimony, that He deals with us poor worms of the dust, not according to our deserts, but according to the multitude of his tender mercies. 156 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1830. " By accounts from England, it appears that Isaac Stephenson is visiting meetings and Friends in the western section of the country, and that his dedicated sister, Elizabeth Robson, is employed in her good Master's cause in London and its vicinity. Thomas Shillitoe is at home, cheerful and active. A letter from a Friend of his meeting, says, ' If we are not benefitted by his example and counsel, the fault will be our own.' On Third-day last, we dined at Catharine Sheppard's. She and family were well. I think her daughters give evidence of in- creased submission to the cross and consequent prepara- tion for usefulness. There are a number of valuable young women in this city, and I trust that the good work is secretly going on in the minds of many of the rising generation — men and women, both in city and country. I cannot believe that all the sifting and suffer- ing of this generation is for naught. I rather cherish the hope and belief, that through the over-ruling power and wisdom of Him, whose the cause is, the things that have happened to the visible gathered church in this day, will tend eventually to the furtherance of the gospel ; to spread and increase the dear Redeemer's kingdom on the earth, though even now, all are not Israel who are called Israel. " 23rd. had another attack of hemorrhage about three weeks ago, and has again been brought very low, but it is comforting and instructive to witness the calmness, the sweet and peaceful resignation with which he is favored. A sweet smile on his countenance indicates that all is peace within. When under great suffering and oppres- sion, he intimated to a Friend, that he felt he was in the Divine hand, and that though much reduced, he could not wish it otherwise. We spent a little time there last 1830.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 157 evening, he was then in the parlor, having ventured down stairs twice. " Jonathan Evans has been repeatedly unwell from cold, &c., this winter, but is now in usual health. His love to his dear Master and zeal for his cause do not abate. I am of the mind, that whenever his head is laid low, his worth will be! more fully known, and his loss more felt than some are aware of. Who ever lives to see his close, will find that it will then be known, that a ' prince and a great man has fallen in Israel ;' but gathered to the just of all generations his immortal spirit will live with Him who hath redeemed him, and who liveth and reigneth, and is forever worthy. " As thou sweetly remarks in thine of Twelfth Month 2nd, the blessed good Master has permitted' us to rest awhile with our dear Friends in Philadelphia. And though it has been in poverty, in weakness and in fear, that I have passed my time amongst them, kept like a poor servant in waiting day by day, scarcely knowing how I was to be disposed of; yet in, and through all, this testimony is raised, that the Lord deals with me, not ac- cording to my deserts, but according to the multitude of his tender mercies. "I am concerned to find that thou hast suflTered so much from indisposition of body ; but what an unspeak- able mercy it is, that amidst all our infirmities of flesh and spirit, we have a faithftil High Priest, mercifully touched with a feeling of our infirmities, who chastens us in order to subject and bring us near to himself; that we should not trust in ourselves, but in Him that raiseth the dead. May this be more and more my experience. "Since my return, we have been twice out on little turns into the country. The first was to Woodbury, 14 158 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1830. where we enjoyed the company of dear Joseph and Hannah Whitall. We visited a few of the families of the afflicted ones in their neighborhood, and were at two meetings with them on First-day. The first was a very trying one, as Friends have to meet with the opposers on that day. We appointed one in the afternoon for Friends and their neighbors. This was a quiet, favored meeting. "Our second turn out was into Concord Quarter to a few meetings. There, as well as in many other places, Friends are greatly inconvenienced by meeting in small, crowded houses, but there they have at times good meet- ings, through the condescending goodness of Israel's Shep- herd. " And now, my dear friend, I must request thee to ac- cept this scrawl, poor as it is, as the best proof that I can at present give of my love and unabated affection for thee. I have not forgotten thy kind helpers. Remem- ber me aflPectionately to them. My husband unites with me in love to Jonathan and Ann Taylor and very affec- tionately to thyself. Mine to thy husband. From thy friend in the bond of gospel fellowship. Ann Jones." " P. S. — My dear friend Lydia Miller spent a few days with her friends in the city after our return, and then went home. I have had an affectionate letter from her, in which she expresses her satisfaction in having given up to accompany me, notwithstanding all the toils and many low seasons attendant upon the journey. "I should have many messages of love for thee if Friends knew of my writing." 1830.J OF MILDRED RATCLIEF. 159 Mildred Ratcliif to Sarah Morris. " Eleventh Month 29th, 1830. " My Dear and Precious Friend : — I received thy very acceptable letter dated 4th of last month, together with the accompanying gift, which was also truly accepts able, and may safely add that the kind remembrance and Christian sympathy of my dear friends, do me much good both temporally and spiritually ; inasmuch as these things do not fail to fill my cup anew with the tribute of thanks- giving to God, and stir up afresh much gratitude in near affection to my friends. And a fresh evidence is graciously given, that the God of my poor tribulated life will surely reward you in full measure, shaken together and running over. " Thus, my dear sister, thou wilt not marvel when I tell thee that the many proofs of my friends' kind remem- brance of me give rise to the testimony, 'This is the Lord's doings, and it is marvellous in my eyes.' I often wish I could or did walk more worthy. " I was the more glad of thy letter, because the last ac- count of thine and thy husband's health was such that I had much reason to fear you were both removed from the land of the living. Thou knows, such is our selfishness on these occasions, that we want the truly living members of the church to continue with us as long as the dear Master will please to let them stay. And perhaps there never was a time since Friends were a people, that the rightly exer- cised could be more illy spared than at the present time. Yet we know that the Judge of all the earth will do right, and we must resign and adore. My health has been much as when in your city ; so that I have often thought none had greater need than myself to live every day and every night as though it were the last. 160 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1830. " My life seems like something upon a balance, that we don't know which way it may turn. But this is a matter of secondary consideration. Nevertheless, I am begging day and night, if to go from this to another state of being, I may be fully prepared ; and if to stay a little longer, whether to do or suffer anything more, I may through the dear Master's own qualifying power, be more fully where and what He would have me to be. ."But alas, alas, how very far short I come! so that I sometimes view life with fear and trembling ; fearing, and sometimes believing that notwithstanding all through which we as a Society have passed the worst was yet to come. Ah, my dear Sarah, if so, who will be able to stand when the hour of severest trial doth overtake? " This is often a solemn enquiry ; but when, none know- eth but He who hath long been the beloved of my soul, the chiefest among ten thousand. I was comforted in thy remarks that Truth gained some ground. O, I wish it could be said everywhere ! But the language still seems to be often through my inward ear. The people are too many ! Yes, my dear friend, the people yet remain too many amongst us who know not the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He hath sent. These things sometimes present in such a view as to cover the mind with the gar- ment of lamentation and woe. " I don't want to dwell on the gloomy side of things too long, or say too much in the way ; therefore, may just add, we know the terms of safety. So that let others do as they will, we may, if we strive, deepen in the root of eternal life. Thanksgiving, praise and high renown be ascribed now and forever unto the Lord God and the Lamb. " The account thou gave of thy precious daughter's marriage, was pleasant. May they daily administer in 1831.] OP MILDRED RATCLIPF. 161 some way or other consolation to their tender parents, so that you may have to give thanks on their account. Then will the tribute of praise become more and more mutual, and ascend with acceptance before the Father and the Son. I love the children, and crave their welfare every- way ; and sometimes comfort myself with the hope of having eternity to spend with parents and children in another world. * * * I have used freedom towards dear , a freedom not common for me, with any that have taken the course he has. But I feel that I love you all, and do desire that he may return to the fold from whence he has strayed before it is too late. " My dear and tender love to all my precious friends there, as though named ; and please accept a large share for yourselves. Do write ; for it doeth me much good to get letters from any of my dear friends. Mildred Ratclifp." To Sarah Morris. "Sixth Month 15th, 1831. " My Dear and Well Beloved Friend, Sarah Morris : — As this may perhaps be conveyed, at least as far as Westtown, by some of our young women, who ex- pect soon to set off therefor, poorly as. I am, both in body and mind, and hardly able to do anything, yet I thought if I could send thee a few lines without expense, it would, at least to me, compensate for the undertaking. And more so when I tell thee that thou and thy interesting charge, not only in thy family, but also in the church, have frequently been brought to view, as deep calleth unto deep, in feelings not easily described in this way. " When the account was received, through ' The Friend,' of the death of thy precious husband, it was a 14* 162 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1831. blow very sensibly felt by me, notwithstanding the dis- tance, and what I had been looking for some time before the sad tidings came. These things are sad to us who remain, and perhaps rightly so ; but on the part of the deceased, when ready, as I trust thy dear Isaac was, it is not so, inasmuch as the messenger of death seems to be but the porter to open the gate of heaven, where the precious soul washed and made clean in the blood of the Lamb, is permitted to enter, without spot or blemish, into the sight of a gracious God, for the sake of his dear Son Jesus Christ, who died that we might live. Ah ! my dear sister, this reflection is calculated to dry up the tear and comfort the heart, when our dear Friends have paid the last debt, and mortality is swallowed up of life, yea, eternal life. O, saith my soul, that we may also be ready, ready to meet the bridegroom of souls, though called at the gloomy hour of midnight ! " This midnight hour seems long to hang over our poor Society ! How sorrowful, that notwithstanding the many who have left the dear Master and his peculiar people (as I am persuaded, we as a people are designed tcbe), there should be such cause yet to fear, all are not Israel that are of Israel. What a pity it is that there should yet be many, there is cause to fear, unto whom the language would apply, 'Will ye also go away ?' And yet I humbly hope that there are some, yea many, so striving to deepen in the root, that with Peter they could say, 'Lord, to whom shall we go ? Thou hast the words of eternal life.' " May we, my dear sister, afflicted as we are, thou with me, and I with thee — we, whose health is such that we dare not boast of to-morrow — often remember the charge, ' Be ye sober, and watch unto prayer, for the end of all things is at hand.' Yes, verily, to me it often seems that 1831.] OP MILDRED RATCLIFF. 163 the end of all sublunary things is at hand. For though my health has been delicate all my life, yet for three years past I have had more hard sickness than perhaps ever before. For six months it was such that I have sel- dom been able to get to our meeting, and a good deal of that time very ill. And yet I hope I have been in a good degree preserved from murmuring, not doubting but my blessed Lord and Master knows what is best for me, and that the judge of all the earth will do right. So that it often seems to me all I want, or at least what I want above all things, is to be ready when the time of my departure comes, and may it be so with my dear friend. We don't expect it can be long before we too, must pay the last debt due to mortality, as thy beloved Isaac has done. My spirit is dipped into sweet sympathy with thee and thy dear children, and my desire for you is, that you may so gain inwardly by your loss outwardly, that each one may be comforted in hope, that our dear friend is gone to the mansions of eternal bliss. My paper is nearly full, and yet it seems hard to stop the current of sympathetic love. May we frequently be able to say with the Apostle, ' None of these things move me, but I will still trust in the Lord, nothing doubting, but the time of release will come. Yes, verily, it will come. 0, how sweet is the language of our blessed Lord when He says, ' Behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give to every man according as his work shall be." May we mark well the terms, and so strive to deepen in the root, that the eye may be indeed single. So that our work may be to do the will of Him who knows what is best for us. " O Philadelphia ! I do love to get letters from my 164 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1831. friends in that place. May the Lord keep the city, and his people in it, from the evils that abound." Of later date, no doubt, she continues : "I may now inform you, I hope with humble thankful- ness, that my health is better ; so that, if it continues, I expect in a few weeks to take a little journey to some ot the neighboring meetings, and appoint some among those not professing with us. O, that I may have the prayers of my friends ! May they, with their little sister, avail- ingly pray that my faith fail not, and thus the dear Master's cause may be magnified. My love to inquiring friends as though named. Mildred Ratcliff." "P. S. — When I wrote the forepart, I had not heard of the accident, thou, my dear friend, had met with by a fall. Thus it is, and thus it must be ! Many are the afflic- tions of the righteous, but the Lord thy God will deliver out of them all. How Consoling, how comforting, to look forward to the time when tribulations shall cease, and sorrowing and sighing shall be done away. Therefore, let us hold fast our integrity to the end. " I am too poorly to say much more, than that my love in the life of our Lord runs freely towards all the true Israel of God. In which I bid an affectionate farewell. Mildred Ratcliff." On the 29th of Seventh Month, 1831, M. R. left home, having in prospect a religious visit to the meetings of Friends in some portions of western Pennsylvania, and a part of Ohio. She had for companions, she says, "my well beloved friends, John Hall and Mary Raley." The 1831. J OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 165 memoranda states she visited said meetings, speaks of the needful help in the needfiil time — the strength made perfect in weakness — and without much further comment, she got home in safety the 1st of Ninth Month of the same year. Would that the following, from a lively epistle of Beulah 8ansom to M. R., might be read by all Friends : — North, South, East and West! How would the practical application of its precepts tend to preserve from putting the light of our example and influence under the bushel of wordly gain, or beneath the bed of carnal security or indifference. "Philadelphia, Tenth Month 21st, 1831. "My Dear Friend: — An unexpected opportunity in- duces me to offer a few lines in acknowledgment of the receipt of thy acceptable favor per A. D. It is a great satisfaction to hear of and from the faithful few, who are scattered up and down within the enclosure of the Lord's heritage. " When I contemplate the vast domain over which our Society as a people, are spread, I can but be sensible of the incalculable responsibility that must rest upon a people so highly favored as we have been with a knowledge of the true light. Awful will be the consequence if the light that is in us, should, through our unfaithfulness, be changed into darkness, and our candlestick be removed out of its place ! Oh ! that we may lay these things to heart, lest we prove in the end stumbling blocks to others. " Such have been our difficulties, and such our discour- agements, that it appears to me compa;rable to a miracle, that any are preserved from the contaminating influence of the spirit of a deluded and delusive world. 166 MEMORANDA ANB CORRESPONDENCE [1832. " We are told that ' because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold ;' but he that shall endure unto the end, shall be saved. Blessed assurance for the support of such as are sincerely seeking the kingdom of heaven, and the righteousness thereof. Although they may be tried in the furnace of affliction, they have a well- grounded hope in the consolations of the gospel, which are peace, quietness, and assurance forever, though the love of the Holy Head of the church, who first loved us,' and ' who having loved his own, which were in the world, loved them to the end,' "Thy aifectionate Beulah Sansoh." Harrison and Mildred Ratcliff, probably in the winter of 1831-32, removed from Short Creek neighborhood, Ohio, to Westland, in Pennsylvania, within the limits of Redstone Quarterly Meeting. A small lot had been pur- chased for them ; and Friends of Westland Meeting had put seed in the ground, and prepared the house for their reception. Sarah Morris to Mildred Ratclitf. "Philadelphia, Fifth Month l.sth, 1832. " My Beloved Mildred : — The time seems long since I addressed thee in this way ; but my thoughts being much engrossed on a subject which I fear lies too near my heart, it absorbs other feelings, and produces a listlessness and incapacity in addressing my friends; but I love them and that's a great comfort. I do not go much from home exce{)t on business or to visit those who are afflicted. In them I think I sometimes feel a respite from my own sorrows. In feeling for such, I think I may say, ' The waters compassed 1832.] OF MILDRED KATCLIFF. 167 me about even to the soul : the depth closed me round about, the weeds were wrapped about my head.' Yet I was sustained by an Almighty Power, who permitted his waves and billows to pass over me.' " I hear from our friend J. Johnson, that thou hast been deeply tried. I feel for thee ; I thought after hearing of thy situation, these lines of Cowper conveyed comfort : ' Did I meet no trials here, No chastisement by the way, Might I not, with reason, fear 1 should prove a castaway. Bastards may escape the rod, Sunk in earthly, vain delight, But the true-born child of God Must not, would not, if he might.' " Our late Yearly Meeting has been large ; it is thought more so than it has been since the separation. May I not say a holy solemnity seems to cover our daily assemblies, and the tribute of gratitude I trust was raised to the Author of all good for our preservation and continued support. , " Elizabeth Evans has opened a prospect of visiting the meetings composing New York Yearly Meeting which was fully united with. I understand she expects to be absent four or five months. Her companions are Charles Allen and Deborah Howell. " Brother Israel desired me to inquire of thee, if thou would give him an account of thy visit some years ago to Egg Harbor. And if not inconvenient, I would be obliged if thou would give me an account of thy early life. I remember being much interested in thy relation thereof. My family are in usual health, as well as myself. Though poorly in the winter, I have recovered from my fall beyond 168 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1833. my expectation. So that I think I can say with David, ' I laid me down and slept. I awaked, for the Lord sus- tained me.' " Accept my dear love, united with my daughter's. " Thy sincere friend, Sarah Morris." In the year 1833, Mildred Ratcliff paid a religious visit to the Eastward, to which the following memoranda re- lates : — "Sixth Month 1st, 1833. We rested, I being poorly. Next day attended meeting in this city (New York) both fore and afternoon, to a good degree of satisfaction ; and afterwards visited some dear friends. "4th. Attended the schools for the African people, who all met here for examination ; the committee who have the care, meeting with them. Truly it was a sight animating, and at the same time humiliating ; and gave rise to a hope that the time is near at hand when "this people shall prove themselves qualified for usefulness equal with others. It is said there were about two thous- and convened. , " 5th. Was at Monthly Meeting, to our comfort. Next day rested, and made preparation for going to New England Yearly Meeting. " 7th. Went on board the steamboat, and on the 8th landed at Providence. There met us here a kind young man, C. J., with a carriage to take us to his father's house, where we tarried until evening. Then went to Moses Brown's, an old man in his ninety-fifth year — A resting-place indeed. " 9th. Attended the Boarding-School meeting, to com- fort ; and in the afternoon the meeting in town ; but not 1833.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 169 to the same degree of consolation. Rested for two days at the house of our dear old friend, Moses Brown, who is indeed not only alive, but green in old age. " 14th. Left Providence, and came in the steamboat to Newport. We have for our pilot, C. J. He is very promising. May the Lord Almighty be pleased to keep him, and all such, in the hollow of his hand, now and forever. Made my home at a very kind Friend, W. G's. " 16th. Yesterday was at the Select Meeting at Ports- mouth. To-day at two large public meetings in the town of Newport. " From the 17th to the 21st. Attended the Yearly Meet- ing, which closed on the latter day. And I trust many who were permitted to attend, were in a good degree pre- pared to gather up the fragments that nothing should be lost. " 24th. Had a meeting at the poor-house in the morn- ing, and at Portsmouth in the afternoon. Afterwards, rested two days at the house of my kind friends, F. and L. T. I do greatly desire to commemorate the Lord's tender mercies to me-ward in this journey. So that, at this moment, the language of my mind is, ' What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits ! ' What, but the greater and greater dedication of body, soul, and spirit, to the pointings of that Truth which He is the Author and Finisher of. "Seventh Month 3rd. Attended the Select Meeting on the Island of Nantucket; and the day following, the Quarterly Meeting at large. I had close work in both. May the Lord Almighty be pleased to give an increase of that watchful care and humble prayer which enables to become more and more what we ought to be in his sight. 15 170 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1833. " 5th. Returned again in the boat to New Bedford ; and, on the 7th, attended meeting there with Friends- and some others, both in the fore and afternoon ; but not feeling clear of that place, had another meeting the next evening at early candlelight. This was largely at- tended ; and I think it safe to say was a good meeting. The Truth reigned over all that was disposed to rise in opposition ; for whidh favor, may the tribute of thanks- giving be ascribed unto God, now and forever. "11th. Attended their week-day meeting at Newport. After which, we took the steamboat again, and having a pleasant passage, reached New York in safety. Came, on the 12th, 'to our very^kind friends, William and Sarah Waring's; and the same afternoon took the boat, and went to Long Island, to our friends Samuel and Mary Parsons. "15th. Visited the widow and fatherless." M. R. attended hereaway meetings at Flushing, Westbury, at the house of her friend Thomas Willis, at Oyster Bay, and at Jerusalem. To the last of which, she thus alludes : "It was largely attended. May the Lord Almighty fasten, as a nail in a sure place, what was delivered in their hearing at that meeting." "22nd. Called to see our friend Gideon Seaman ; and then, on to Flushing, to Samuel Parson's. Next day, left the Island, and came to our old home in New York." After being at some meetings in this city, visiting the afflicted and attending the funeral of an aged Friend, she, on the 30th, says : " Trying to rest, and be ready to ftilfil an appointment to meet with the colored people this evening at eight o'clock, at one of their own houses. 1833.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 171 May the Lord Almighty be pleased to meet with us, and give us a profitable opportunity together. And I trust it turned out so, through the goodness of our only Helper. I think there is ground to hope, this meeting will prove an opportunity of profit to many who attend it : there being about two thousand colored people, besides many of our Friends. After this, my mind was quiet and easy to leave the city.'' From Seventh Month 31st to Eighth Month 10th, she came to Philadelphia, and attended its Quarterly Meet- ing, and that of Abington ; with an appointed meeting at Frankford. On the 10th, she writes: "Am now trying to rest a little at the house of our very kind friend, Sarah Morris, where, a few miles out of the city, she mostly spends the warm season. So far, I can thankfully say, the dear Miaster has been good, very good, to a poor de- pendent one. O, saith my soul, that I may love Him more, and' try to serve Him better all the days of my life ; and thereby be permitted to sing his praise through never-ending years, in another and better state of being. "Then returned to the city, attending meetings with Friends there, time after time, and visited the afflicted ; and thus took up the time from the 10th to the 19th of the month ; when a meeting was held by appointment for all the members in the city. It was large, and I trust, a solemnizing opportunity. After which, we parted, under feelings of that love that remains to be the badge of discipleship. " 20th. Left the city, and came to Westtown School, where, on the 21st, we had a meeting, much to our satis- faction. From thence, came on and attended the Western Quarterly Meeting, which was held the 22nd and' 23rd. 172 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1833. " 24th. Trying to rest a little, at the house of kind Friends, Mark and Lydia Hughes. And truly I can say, under fresh feelings of love to Him, that the Lord is good. The language freely flows, ' What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits ! ' What but the tribute of thanksgiving, praise, and high renown, henceforth and for evermore ! " 25th. Went to Westgrove Meeting, which I hope was a good one, at least to some. Next day, paid a visit to our dearly beloved William Jackson and wife, and I think found them alive in the Truth and in good spiritual health ; though the poor body seems declining fast. 0, what a mercy to be green in spiritual life in advanced age!" From this time, viz : Eighth Month 26th to the 9th of Eleventh Month, M. B. visited a number of meetings, including Baltimore Yearly Meeting, where she simply records the attendance of her dear friend Henry Hull, and that his Master was with him. With this exception, she makes almost no comment; and hence, her diary would be but of little interest to the general reader. She reached home on the 9th, as aforesaid, whereupon she writes: "It is much to my comfort to find my dear little family alive and in usual health. My own is still poor ; yet think I feel as if I did not know how to be thankful enough for all thy benefits at home and abroad, through all and over all, O thou preserver of men ! " Sarah Hillman to Mildred KatclifT. "Phii,adei,phia, Tenth Month 25th, 1833. "My Dear Friend:— With a trembling hand, and a heart full, from a sense of the awful service to which 1833.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 173 some of us have believed that our dear Lord and Master has called us, and for which my poor spirit feels that I am altogether unfit, I sit down just to say to thee, hold on thy way — for I believe that the blessed Shepherd of Israel will string thy bow for the battle and teach thy fingers to fight, even in that place where it seems to me there is occasion to remove much rubbish, before the true seed can be found. Ah! my dear friend, I do sympathize with those who are so bound to the Lord Jesus, to his law and to his testimony, that they dare not rejoice while the seed reigns not ; but who are willing to go down to the very botton of Jordan and abide there, not only until all the people pass over, but until the command is given to come up. These will bring stones of memorial up with them, to the honor and praise of Zion's King. " While I fear and tremble for myself, most earnestly do I crave to be of this number, however despised by such as can speak their own words, and cry peace when there is no peace. Truly when I began none of these things were before me ; but thou wilt understand me I hope, and feel with me when I tell thee, that in obedience to what seemed to be a required sacrifice, I have just been the round of our Monthly Meetings ; in which I had to feel deeply, both for myself and others. It cost me some suf- fering, but the peace which passeth understanding, is infinitely beyond every earthly satisfaction, and I trust that I may say to th^ praise of his grace, who hath loved us and died for us, that He was near to strengthen me, and his arm did bear me up. He remains to be the mighty Help of Israel ; the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. " Thou knowest my dear friend that to be thus led about, is a humbling, a self-abasing employment ; but if we arp 15* 174 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1833. from season to season, renewedly made to feel that the Most High reigneth ; and that notwithstanding our own weakness and vileness are great, yet through the power of an endless life, his strength is perfected in our weakness, how it animates, and enables us patiently to submit to the watchings, the fastings and the deaths many, which we have to pass through, not only while treading the awful path of preparation, but while eating the roll of prophecy,- written within and without with mourning, lamentation and woe. " Thou hast no doubt heard of the death of dear N. S., furnishing another evidence of the necessity of faithful- ness, and that here we have no continuing city, but are strangers and pilgrims, whose business it is to seek a city that hath foundations, with diligence, Oh ! the time draws near when this mortal must put on immortality, when we shall each have to appear before the judgment seat of Him who is our Prophet, Priest and Kuig, and who will be our Judge also. And O ! I humbly hope that we may be permitted through the boundless mercy of our adorable Advocate and Redeemer, to enter that glorious holy city, whose walls are salvation, and her gates eternal praise, where the troubles of time shall affect us no more. " I affectionately salute thee, and bid thee farewell. " Thy attached, Sarah Hillman." Ann Jones to Mildred Ratcliff. " Stockpokt, Eng., Twelfth Month 3rd, 1833. "My Dear Friend:— * * * Our lot is much at home of late, and often in a low spot, mourning over the state of things among us as a people. 1833.] OF MILDRED BATCLIFE. 175 both here and on youc side of the mighty deep. I am sometimes ready to conclude that all which we have yet seen of scattering and desolation amongst this people, is but as the beginning of sorrows. Where the devasta- tion will stop the Lord alone knows. May we dwell so near to the Fountain and Source of wisdom, light and strength, as not only availingly to mourn, to sigh and to cry because of the departure of many from the purity and simplicity of the ever blessed and unchangeable Truth ; but also that we may be prepared, by keeping the eye single to our holy Leader, and by watching in the light, to blow the trumpet in Zion, and to sound an alarm at his bidding, whose the cause is, and who does at times, in his unutterable mercy, renew the faith of his little ones, and revive the hope that He will not suffer his heritage to be wholly trodden down by the wild boar of the forest, nor permit the enemy of all good to triumph over the remnant of his people, who dare not forsake the standard of truth and righteousness, which he erected in the view of the nations, and gave to our worthy predecessors to support ; nor let go one of those precious testimonies, how- ever small in the estimation of this world's wisdom, which He called them to bear, and enabled them to support through much suffering, scorn and contempt. Oh ! who among us is now prepared to endure so great a fight of afflictions as they endured ? or take joyfully the spoiling of our goods ? or enter prison houses, suffering bonds and imprisonment — yea, death itself, for the testimony of a good conscience towards God ; not counting our lives dear unto ourselves, so that we might finish our course with joy, and the ministry which we have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God ! " My dear husband, who is a true yoke fellow in the 176 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1834. gospel, unites with me in endeared love to thee : in which I am thy affectionately attached friend, . Ann Jones." The allusion by M. R., in the following letter to feeling " so very poor, stripped and worthless," as to seem " not worth a cent," will not be unintelligible language to those who have known the humbling discipline of their chas- tening Father upon them for their refinement, as well as enlargement and preservation. Such, she says, need not be discouraged beyond measure, even when the poor mind is clothed day and night with the garment of mourning, lamentation and woe. For if the fault be not our own, " the oil of joy,'' and the "garment of praise" will in due time be given. Her remark that " the day in which we live is a day of trial," and which is also confirmed by her friend A. J., " that what we have had of suffering or of scattering as a Society, is only the beginning of sorrows," so that " where the devastation will end the Lord only knows," has been painfully fulfilled in the present generation. What Jona- than Evans, Ann Jones, Mildred Ratcliff, and many others felt in dreaded prospect and foretold, has been and is realized by some in all of the Yearly Meetings in this day. To Sarah Morris. "Third Month 28th, 1834. " My Dear and Well Beloved Sarah Morris : — I little thought when I parted with thee and thy precious daughters, that it would have been so long before I gave a written proof of my continued attachment, which has not in the least degree abated, no, but rather increased ; and I 1834.J OF MILDRED EATCLIFF. 177 hope will continue to increase for my beloved friends in that city ; knowing there are more reasons than one why many of you feel as bone of my bone, which brings not only thee and thine, but some, yea, very many, sweetly to remembrance in the fellowship of feeling, and I humbly hope Christian love. My not writing more and sooner after my return home, has been occasioned from other causes than the want of tender regard. I have felt so very poor, stripped and worthless, that it has often seemed to me I was not worth a cent, and almost the only sign remaining, that I knew anything of passing from death unto life, was because I did and do know I love the faith- ful every where. And that although there are or may be but few of this description, I do above all things desire to be one with them, not doubting but that for these the dear Master's promises are all yea and amen forevermore. So that we need not be discouraged beyond measure when the poor mind is clothed, even day and night, with the 'garment of mourning, lamentation and woe. Because we know (if the fault be not on our part) the time will come when we shall have beauty given for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness. Thus, my dear, may we trust in the Lord whilst we have any life. For truly the day in which we live is a day of trial, a day wherein the signs of the times are perhaps as gloomy as ever they were ! But what of all that? We know the Truth changeth not; and we can at least sometimes rejoice in believing that if the Lord be for us, we have a claim on the query, ' who is he that can hurt us ?' "Some time ago I received a letter from our beloved Ann Jones, and the same day one from our honored and well beloved Jonathan Evans. These letters were truly 178 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDKNCE [1834. reviving to my poor mind, assuring me I was not alone in my apprehensions concerning the true state of things amongst us as a people. Dear Ann writes it is her fear (as it has been mine all along) that what we have had of suffering or of scattering as a society, is only the begin- ing of sorrows. Where the devastation will end the Lord only knows. If, not trusting in ourselves, we keep in the faith and iu the Lord, even until the end, we shall be safe; and shall sometimes feel persuaded, that neither things past, present, or to come, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. O, what a mercy that this is our privilege, even to trust in the Lord. May we, my dear sister, strive day and night to dwell deeper and deeper in the power of an endless life. Thus we shall be preserved unto the end, and then meet where parting will be no more. " My health has been better for the most part since my return home than for years past, and still is tolerable ; but since beginning this letter I have felt so poorly that I can hardly finish it. " Indeed, if that love which has ever lived in my heart towards thee and thine, was not stronger than my poor body, I could not. It is my comfort that I do love the faithful everywhere, and nowhere more than in Philadel- phia. For I am bound to acknowledge that my dear friends in that city have oftener reminded me of the Samaritan of old, than they of any other place. May the Lord bless you and your city according to his will. Truly I may tell thee, my dear friend, my conflicts are many and sometimes sore. Yet I hope my trust and con- fidence are in the Lord, having abundant cause to believe that in his arm is everlasting strength. My dear love is to all enquiring Friends as though named. I want to 1834.J OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 179 write some letters to precious ones there, such is my sin- cere attachment to Philadelphia Friends. " I must close this with the renewal of endeared love to thee and all thy precious children. Mildred Ratcliff." Mildred Ratcliff to Jonathan Evans. "Third Month 24th, 1834. "My Dear and Well Beloved Friend: — May I be indulged with the privilege of corresponding in a needful time with one who I do believe is not only an old disciple, but an experienced disciple of our Lord Jesus Christ ! And to tell thee that oftentimes ray poor mind is in a very low spot since my return home, not- withstanding the remembrance of the faithful is as pre- cious as ever, believing as I do the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. Yes, blessed be his name, He knoweth them everywhere that trust in Him, and not in their own understanding; those who dare not rely on a good memory or good natural abilities, but in Him alone who has promised to bring things to remembrance as his little dependents have need. In this, sometimes my spirit can rejoice through all and over all the gloomy signs of the limes. I may safely say, when I got thy letter, and with it one from our beloved Ann Jones, my poor mind bowed in thankfuhiess under fresh feelings of the Lord's num- berless mercies still continued to a poor nothing (for so I feel many a time). These letters coming, not only in the needful time, but from those unto whom my soul has been sweetly united in the fellowship of feeling from our first acquaintance, no marvel they were to me as a re- freshing brook by the way. I have been for some time 180 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1834. thinking about thee, and could freely have written, but was afraid to intrude, not wishing to be troublesome. Yet, such was the exercise into which I was plunged for Zion's sake, ami for the dear Master's people's sake, that at times the language would seem to arise from the altar of the heart after this manner. My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death. Which I hope will more and more bring about the necessary death to my own will, so that at least thase feelings may profit myself, though it is through suffering. But the contents of both these very acceptable letters was indeed reviving, inasmuch as they gave evidence that I was not alone in my apprehensions concerning the state of things amongst us as a people. Ah, my dear friend, one thing I think I am sure of, that is the old serpent, the devil, is as busy as ever he was to break our bands and scatter our tribes. As time advances, it seeing to me more and more clear, that what we as a people have had to suffer is only the beginning of sorrows. Where' and when the devastation will stop, the Lord only knows 1 And who will he able to stand in the hour of doser trial, time must evince ! What a comfort then, under the con- sideration of all these things, to feel in that we can trust the Truth, the ever blessed Truth which changes not- The encouraging language, ' Fear not worm Jacob, for I am with thee, though thou pass through the water, it shall not overwhelm thee, or through the fire, it shall not kindle upon thee,' is something like the account we find in the Holy Scriptures! A blessed book in which the humble Christian believes, while his dependence for any use he has for the Scriptures is not on his memory, but on that Divine Power which gave them forth. "I don't want to say too much, but I want help, and I think I know to whom I am writing, and I hope I may 1834.J OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 181 with safety use that freedom which is allowable between child and a father. I have often wished there were more amongst us as a people like thyself, so bound to the blessed cause as to deal plainly with such as are in any way likely to breed dissensions among us. But alas ! it is as it is, too many being more disposed to plaster up with untempered mortar, crying peace, peace, where there is no peace. And while this is the case, we need not marvel, if when one woe is past, another comes quickly. " Sometimes, though attended with much fear and trembling, I cannot but desire that the Divine hand may not spare, nor eye pity, until we are more what we ought to be. The dear Master knows best what is best for his people, and in this the faithful can sometimes rejbice, that if we rightly strive our souls shall live. May we then, my dear friend, thank God and take courage, holding fast the profession of our faith unto the end, however many may fall on the right hand and on the left. This we do know-, that the Truth changeth not ! May we live and die under the preserving influence thereof, then nothing will be able to hurt us, either in life or in death. " I noticed with interest thy remarks about the great committee ! I know I am but a poor little one, and I love to feel myself so, yet I think that according to my measure, I have felt with you and for you on that subject all I have been capable of, and do hope you will be able to hold fast and do right, let others do as they will. " Our dear sister Ann Jones writes very comfortably about Jacob Green and E. Robson. She speaks of not having seen E. B. since his being in their country, but had heard him spoken of by the young people as a great man. She then goes on to tell me her fears about things 16 182 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1834. there, so that it is easy to perceive the signs of the times with Friends there, as here are gloomy indeed. " Please give my love to all thy dear children, who I often view as olive branches round about thy table. "Thy truly attached friend, Mildred Ratclifp." Jonathan Evans to Mildred RatclifF. " Philadelphia, Seventh Month 22nd, 1834. "Beloved Friend Mildred Ratcliff: — Several engagements in society, and being for a considerable time unwell, have prevented my acknowledging the receipt of thy letter before this. " Our Yearly Meeting \]jas upon the whole a serious time, some ability being mercifully vouchsafed to dip a little into the state of the meetings, and likewise the rules of discipline as prepared by the large committee were deliberately considered, and in much harmony united with. I think the standard of Truth has not been lowered by this effort to keep the meetings and members in some degree of consistency with our religious principles and testimony, but we must acknowledge that great weakness and backsliding have come over us, and unless a more fervent concern and true zeal should take place in the minds of Friends, this spirit of degeneracy will travel through our borders. By letters and other accounts re- ceived from England, things there are verging to a very sad pass among the members of our society. Many of them in the foremost stations are shaping their course towards the Episcopal Church, joining with the priests and other influential members in popular institutions, under the plausible guise of more extensive usefulness, than they could be if they kept under the exercise and 1834.J OF MILDKED KATCLIFF. 183 restraints which the Holy Spirit has, and would continue to lay upon us as a people, gathered to show forth to the world the nature and excellency of the kingdom and government of the Lord Jesus Christ. Thus the minds of several of the ministers and elders among us, becoming leavened with the opinions and spirit of those of other de- nominations, they have in various instances coincided with their doctrinal views, and seem prepared to join in several of their practices. Some have, indeed, become members of the national church. Some of those in the station of ministers in our society, say, that faith in the outward is sufficient for salvation, and very much set at naught the necessity of deep inward crucifixion to the spirit of the world. Several in membership approve of observing the fasts directed by the government, and accordingly have shut up their shops. They strive to exalt the Scriptures so much as to make them a primary means of salvation. And many other departures from our ancient testimony, more glaring than any of these, are sorrowfully apparent ; so much so that those of other societies have said, 'Why, you are coming to us ! This ought not to be. We should come to you.' Several of our valuable Friends in Eng- land are greatly grieved and painfully burdened with those violations of our well-known and established prin- ciples, viz. : Thomas Shillitoe, George and Ann Jones, John and Sarah Grubb, Elizabeth Robson and a number of others. But owing to the influence and great activity of those called liberal minded, our dear and exercised Friends can do little more than groan in Spirit, and put up their petitions to the great Head of the Church, that he will be pleased to interpose his power, and save our poor Society from entire desolation. There are already some in membership in this country who are encouraging the 184 MEMORANDA AND COKRESPONDENCE [1835. meetings and ministers of other societies, and if spoken to on account of the inconsistency of this with our religious testimonies, they reply that we are swayed by contracted and sectarian principles. Thus thou may see that Hicks- ism is only one among the many engines that the enemy is making use of to lay waste the righteous and blessed testimonies which Divine Wisdom has seen meet to com- mit to our Society. If the adversary can by his subtlety bring us to believe that we are not to be a distinct peo- ple, and thus persuade us that launching forth with others into measures which have the show of more ex- panded benevolence, that it is fruit good for food, pleas- ant to the eyes, and desirable to make one wise, then he knows that like Samson, we have lost our spiritual cover- ing, are in a defenceless state, and will become an easy prey for his merciless fangs. "With much sympathy and love I remain thy friend. Jonathan Evans." To Sarah Morris. " First Month 11th, 1835. " My Dear and Well Beloved Sarah Morris : — I have ventured at length to undertake an answer to thy truly acceptable letter of Tenth Month last, which I re- ceived when I returned home from Indiana. It is a truth as thou remarks, we cannot write when we please ! This I have proven for many years, and am thereby the better able not only to make allowance, but to feel with those who cannot, and do indeed desire to wait (O, if I could patiently !) for the right time. But it seeme to me I often fall very short of that patience which remains to be a blessed anchor. For an increase of this ray poor mind often begs. 1835.] OF MILDllED RATCLIFF. 185 " Thy precious communication was to me a fresh proof of what I have long believed. The Lord will have a tried people. And blessed be his great name ! He knoweth best what dispensation to asign us. No matter what the outward circumstances are, whether rich or poor — which will have the blessed effect to wean our hearts from things below, and place them on things above. And sometimes I trust that in sincerity and truth I do feel this language for myself and my friends. Lord, let not thine hand spare nor eye pity, until Thou hast brought the judgment of thy eternal truth forth unto complete victory over everything that is of a defiling nature in thy sight. Thus it is, and thus it must be ! We mud be tried and proven again and again, if ever we are clean enough to enter into that city whose walls are salvation and gates praise ; and we know Divine Wisdom erreth not. May we, then, my dear sister, more and more, through every conflict, trust in the Lord, and in the power of his might. We are variously circumstanced, and as various must be our trials, in order to apply to every case ; but the length and breadth and height are all equal for rich and poor, sim- ple and wise, the world over. 0, the wisdom and good- ness, the mercy, and mighty power of Him, who has not only created us for the purpose of his own glory, but so arranged for us, as to leave all those without excuse who fall short of a blessed immortality ' where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest.' " Thy letter made me think of the mixed cup whereof all more or less have to partake whilst in this mutable state. Whilst I was comforted in thy remarks concern- ing our dear deceased friends, R. P. and H. Hull, and could feelingly unite with thee concerning them, I was permitted to feel a degree of humble thankfulness to 16* 186 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1835. arise from the altar of the heart, unto Him who alone can enable his people to have a [blessed re-union in the Redeemer's kingdom.] The account of your meeting for our dearly beloved youth, did me good. All have their trials, some in one way and some in another. Blessed will that soul be, who, like the frugal bee, can get some- thing worth treasuring up out of them all, however sore the conflict, or bitter the flower. " May the Lord be pleased to keep us safe through all we have to pass, is often the prayer of my heart. I may say, of a truth, my life has been a life of mourning for the greater part of it ; and from various causes never more deeply so than of late. I think I have been as near letting all go of late as ever I was ; so that it seemed to me I could do nothing, neither enjoy anything. And was it not from a sensible feeling that it would not do to give out striving for the blessing of preservation, the high- rolling billows of afiliction surely before this must have sunk me to the very bottom of the sea. But the remem- brance of the sufferings of our Holy Redeemer, when his sweat was as great drops of blood falling to the ground, and many other things brought to the view of my poor mind, helped to keep the head above water. Oh! my dear Sarah, language would fail to describe through what I have had to pass in my feelings for Zion's sake. My life has long been abundantly bound up in the life of our precious Society; and when it seems, as though the enemy was gaining ground upon us in any of his deep-laid snares, I am alarmed for myself and my beloved Friends ; desiring, as I do, the welfare of the flock and family as my own. I have often thought of Mordecai and Esther of old ; and what they passed through for their people's sake; and it seems to me, according to my small measure, 1835.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 187 my feelings have been like unto theirs. My very soul seems, day and night, bowed down in the dust ; and I trust it is at the gate of the King of kings. I don't want to say a word I ought not. At the same time, I humbly hope the Lord Almighty will be pleased to hear the secret cry of his Mordecais and Esthers everywhere, for Israel's sake ; that thus He who alone has the power, may disappoint the enemy of our souls' peace. What a cunning devil we have to watch and to war with. May we be able to wield the sword of living faith, turning it every way against his deep-laid snares, saith my soul. " I hope thou, my dear S., will please to write as soon and as often as the way opens. Whether you believe it or not, I think it safe to say, many in your city are often brought into sweet remembrance, and do feel as bone of my bone. May the Lord keep you all, with my own soul, as in the hollow of his holy hand^^ now and forever ; and thus we shall indeed fare well. MiLDEED RaTCLIFF." Jonathan Evans to Mildred Ratcliff : " Philadelphia, Second Month 6th, 1835. " Beloved Feiend :***** O ! many indeed are the devices and plausible wiles of our subtle adversary to lay waste the obligation of daily keeping under the operation of the cross. Man can be very active with his many inventions, and conceive that he is doing a great deal in the work of righteousness, when, in truth, it is nothing more than the efforts of his own will, aiming to make the creature conspicuous, and drawing upon him the applause of men. A great deal is said and done to enforce the opinion that a knowledge of 188 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1835. the Holy Scriptures is almost if not exclusively essential to our salvation ; hence many may be induced to get them by rote, and conclude that if they have them in possession, they are safe — when, at the same time, the influence of the Holy Spirit graciously granted by our blessed Redeemer to guide into all truth, is scarcely known or even regarded. Many of our Society, thus living upon the surface and much unacquainted with a real travail of soul to be searched and purged from all pollution of flesh and spirit, makes pur meetings for wor- ship and discipline often very heavy, distressing seasons. I am bound to the Scriptures as a declaration of the mind and will of the Most High, mercifully dispensed for our instruction and help, and it is my practice to read them daily ; but the religion inculcated by our blessed Lord is too pure and refined to admit of any external object in place of Hiu;, the alone Saviour of men; and those only are the true advocates for the Scriptures who are daily and conscientiously striving to live according to the doctrines of self-denial contained in them. " I wish thee, my dear friend, not to be cast down at the clouds of discouragement and dismay which the enemy may raise to overwhelm thy exercised mind : honest, true-hearted Friends have unity with thee, and some of us have keenly felt the disregard and slight put upon thee at different times. But the Lord, Most High, is a father to the faithful, the helpless, dependent chil- dren of his family; and, however the supercilious and arrogant may contemn their feeble efforts in the path of duty, yet his gracious language is, ' Let her alone, she hath done what she could.' Job was a righteous man, and had done much good in the world, yet the adversary was permitted not only to afSict him with grievous bodily 1835.] OF MILDRED BATCLIFP. 189 sufieriDgs, but to raise an opinion in the minds of his friends (religious men) that certainly the Almighly in- flicted this punishment upon him for some secret wicked- ness or unsound principles. The prophet, speaking of the coming of our blessed Lord in that prepared body, points out the fallacy of human judgment respecting the mission, labors and baptisms of the faithful : ' We did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.' This, in some degree, is the lot of the Lord's children in every age ; and yet at the time of passing under this painful trial, it is so hid from their perception that it is permitted in Divine Wisdom for their refinement, that they are ready to conclude it must, in great displeasure, be dis- pensed for their unfaithfulness or corruption. There seems to be no other way than to commit our cause to Him who judgeth righteously, and strive for preservation in humility and fear, that in great condescension He may regard our weak, low estate. " In England there are a considerable number who now find the simplicity of the cross so uncourtly and so mean, that it has become unworthy of their notice : and hence they are preaching up and laying great stress upon the Scriptures; and some go so far as to place them above the Spirit, seeking to make them the only revela- tion of the Divine Will that we are now to expect. There is also an opinion, secretly suggested even in this land, that a minister is not under a necessity to wait for an immediate influence to authorize him or her to address the congregation ; but, if he speaks according to Scripture, there is no doubt but Divine Goodness will, in some way imperceptible to us, make it profitable to the auditory. Our testimony to plainness is also to be disregarded. has at times endeavored to cast a damp upon this, 190 MEMORANDA AND COKRESPONDENCB [1835. as an affected singularity; and there is no doubt that many have made use of these sentiments as sufficient authority for their indulging in the gratification of liber- tine practices. " Keep to thy exercise. And whenever thou feels the good Shepherd of the sheep to put thee forth to spread it in the assemblies of the people, do it in simplicity ; keeping close to the openings of the gift, in humble re- liance upon Him who can make it effectual to the promo- tion of his cause though the poor instruments may be ignorant thereof, and at times assailed with apprehensions that they have labored in vain, and spent their strength for naught. " I remain thy affectionate friend, Jonathan Evans." Sarah Hillman to Mildred Ratcliff. " Philadelphia, Fifth Month 9th, 1835. " My Dear Friend : — It seems pleasant by the pres- ent opportunity to let thee know we are moving along in this place, under weights and burdens, some of them new and unexpected. Nevertheless in our late annual assem- bly, we were favored with renewed evidence that ' the foundation of God standeth sure,' and with ability to labor for the arising of the well-spring of life, and for the maintenance of those precious testimonies which, to our dear forefathers were dearer than life, and which to a remnant in this day of revolting are still dear. These are known of Him who sees and knows every heart; yea. He will keep these as they cleave to Him, notwithstand- ing the adversaries of Truth may boast and vaunt, and speak great swelling words; and even under the specious appearance of preaching the Lord Jesus, and exalting 1835.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 191 the Kingdom of Christ, are laying waste the very founda- tion of our faith by denying the immediate influence of the Holy Spirit, which our Divine Lord and Redeemer told his poor weeping disciples He would send, when He said, ' It is expedient that I go away, for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come. I will not leave you com- fortless, but I will pray the Father, and He will send you another Comforter, even the Spirit of Truth ; He shall bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you ; He shall take of mine and show it unto you ; He shall lead and guide you into all Truth. Ah, what should we be, or what do without this blessed Holy Spirit, which we dare not separate from his out- ward coming, but believe in all He has in unmerited mercy done for us, without us, and may we be more and more willing to bow to the government, to the baptizing, sanctifying power of his Spirit within us until the refining process is complete, the new man is brought forth, ' which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness? Thus walking in humility and fear before Him, we may gradually be prepared not only to stand for his blessed cause and Truth's sake, in the midst of a crooked and per- verse generation, but through the sanctifi cation of the Spirit and belief of the Truth, show forth out of a good conver. sation, in the meekness of wisdom, that we are seeking a city that has foundations, whose Builder and Maker is God. Yes, my dear friend, we shall in this way have a good hope through grace, when these poor, feeble, mouldering clay tenements shall fail, that through the un- merited, unfailing mercy of our adorable Intercessor and Advocate, not for any of our poor imperfect works, there is a house not made with hands prepared for us, eternal in the heavens. Then truly it matters not how rough 192 MEMORANDA AND (JORRESPONDENCE [1836. and thorny the road may be, so that it brings us home to Him at last. Our pre.sent trials will seem small indeed, and heaven will make amends for all. "The best of causes I believe gained ground at our Yearly Meeting. An epistle indicating our disunity with the doctrines afloat, was issued by the Meeting for Suflfer- ings to the same meeting in London, which was truly to the purpose, and I trust the great Shepherd of the sheep still looks with pity down on all those everywhere, who love Him above all. And He will keep these by his power through faith unto salvation, notwithstanding the wrath of the opposers of Truth, and the temptations of a cruel adversary. " Farewell in dear love thy sincerely attached sympa- thizing friend, Sarah Hillman." Jonathan Evans to Mildred RatclifT. " PHII-ADEI.PHIA, Eighth Month 26th, 1836. "Beloved Friend: — * ***** "Some of the younger part of our members in this city have left us, and joined the Episcopalians and Pres- byterians. It was the case in the time of the bodily ap- pearance of our blessed Saviour upon earth, when He made known to those that followed Him, that eternal life was only to be obtained through a death of the carnal propensities, and receiving a qualification to live upon his body and his blood. Those discontented, unsettled people in England say a great deal about justification by faith, and artfully endeavor to make an impression that Friends depend very much upon works, which is very untrue, for we never believed that any of our works were entitled to merit. All merit and all worthiness is in 1837.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 193 Christ alone, and although He is pleased to own works performed through the influence and leadings of his Spirit, yet it is merely his gracious condescension to accept the creature in those acts of obedience which his infinite mercy and goodness enables it to come up in, as certainly we can possess nothing that is really good, but what is of and from Him. O ! the cross, the operation of that power which lays the creature in the dust, remains to be the great object of hatred, at which the enemy is ever aiming his shafts? Thus those that are considerably under the influence of the Spirit of the world, are anxiously striving to get rid of it through any plausible guise, if it will only seem to hide their unmortified, bar- ren state. I hope the Yearly Meeting of Ohio will stand firm, and that Friends there will do their duty in main- taining our testimony against false members and their unjust accusations. "With desires for thy encouragement, I conclude in real love thy friend, Jonathan Evans." From the same to the same. " Philadelphia, Eleventh Month 24th, 1837. "Deak Feiend MvKatclifp:— * * * * " As a society we have been raised up to bear a true testimony to the purity and spirituality of the Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, separate from all outward ceremonies and dependencies. This, as it came to prevail in its faithful witnesses, showed itself in the cru- cifixion of the aspiring spirit and assumed excellence of the creature, laying low everything that would tend to exalt or puff up the mind with an imaginary conceit of its own abilities and superior attainments, and to depend 17 194 MEMORANDA AND CORKESPONDENCE [1837. sincerely upon the intimations and instructions of the Holy Spirit from day to day. But ah, how is the state of things changed ! Now we are to look for shining qualities, great proficiency in human literature, and by a different interpretation of Scripture passages, be made to believe that what we have known and felt to be the lan- guage and guidance of the Holy Spirit to us, is to be considered as only of an outward meaning, and thus to bring us into a preparation to adopt the views and ob- servances of the Episcopal Church. We are now told that the Gospel which the Apostle declared was and is the power of God, and preached to or in every creature, is the truth of the Christian religion outwardly preached, and becomes glad tiding to such as receive those outward declarations. Prayer is to be offered, though we do not feel the immediate influence and putting forth of the Holy Spirit, but in expectation that our petitions will be accepted in consequence of the interest which Christ has with the Father. To eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ, means a belief in his incarnation. Thus an in- dwelling with the Spirit of Christ, and, through his good- ness being made in our measure to experience a fel- lowship with Him in his baptisms and sufferings, is frit- tered away into a mere belief in his appearance in that prepared body, and the death thereof; and in fact, these declarations or professed interpretations of Scripture are designed to draw Friends away from the faith they have always had in the spirituality of our religious pro- fession, and to fix them upon a superficial structure, that we may be easily carried about with every wind of doc- trine, especially if it is accompanied by a great display of oratory. O, the want of more deep inward exercise, that true discernment may be obtained, that the Lord 1838.] OP MILDRED RATCLIEF. 195 may indeed smell a sweet savor, and delight to abide among us. " Eleventh Month 11th, 1837. I think I see in the light of Truth, and I believe I am not mistaken that the religious society of which I am a member, and have been for more than fofty years, was raised up by the mighty power of God in a marvellous manner, that by the same power it has been preserved to this day, and will be to the latest period of time. It has been designed not only to be a distinct, but a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Although now, as of old, all are not Israel that are of Israel, yet the faithful now, as they, were then, are safe under the protection of that Power, which was and is and ever will be over all the powers of darkness. This day I am sixty-four years old. Truly I view it as a marvellous thing that I am yet alive. Suffering has been my portion pretty much all my time — a complica- tion of afflictions! Yet I have, I trust, many a time been enabled to magnify and adore that gracious hand that wounds to heal, and kills to make alive. At this moment the prayer of my heart is. Lord keep me the little time I may have remaining, from sinning in thy sight either in thought, word or deed. MiLDEED RaTGLIFF." M. R. to Sarah Morris. " Fourth Month 3rd, 1838. " My Dear and Precious Friend, Sarah Morris : — I think I am sure it is not from any abatement of that love which has lived in my heart since first acquaintance with thee and thy beloved children, that has been the cause of my long silence. 196 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDJBNCE [1838. " Nay, verily ; but from a multitude of other causes, many of which the pen of a ready writer would fail to describe. Yet through all, I can say thou and thine have often been in sweet remembrance, brought near and made dear in the fellowship of light and life which will endure forever. So that I can say thy letters have been as a refreshing brook by the way, when my poor mind has been ready to faint. O, what a favor to receive a few lines from a kindred spirit, who, with me, desires above all things the prosperity of our Zion, so that not one of her stakes may ever be re- moved. " In this matter, my soul is satisfied that our Society was raised by the power of God, and by the same called upon to be a distinct people, who were not to mix with others in their will worship. No ! but by a deep dwelling in the power of an endless life, to draw others that they too might become partakers of the same heavenly treasure laid up in bags that wax not old. But alas ! how is it now ? How is the sword turned backward — the sword of the Divine Spirit — and instead of drawing others into the right way of the Lord, too many of us as a people, are drawn some- how or other by the world, the flesh or the devil, or all combined, into the byways and crooked paths which lead down to the chambers of death. Ah, surely for these things, the rightly concerned everywhere do mourn ! Yea, and must mourn the desolations of our Society. To be permitted to be of these is a privilege for which we ought , to be humbly thankful, and through all hold fast the pro- fession of our faith in Him, who said, ' Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted.' O ! it is a com- fort to feel that in that we can trust. That the truth changes not; no, not from everlasting to everlasting. And under its influence the faithful can sometimes, through and over 1838.] OF MILDRED KATCLIFI'. 197 all, rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of their salva- tion, though thousands fall on the right hand and ten thousand on the left. It is a blessed truth. The founda- tion of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord know- eth them that are his. May we, dear S., be of the number that are seen by his searching eyes to be building upon that foundation which God through Jesus Christ has laid for his people to build upon. Here and only here we are safe, through every conflict both of flesh and spirit ; so that even the gates of hell cannot prevail against these. Many faithful Friends, yea, all from the very first down to this day, have known this in religious experience. And though often tossed as with a tempest, or with many and sore trials both within and without, have been, by the power of God, enabled to stand firm for the law and the testimony, so that notwithstanding he who was permitted to afilict ancient Job from the crown of his head to the sole of his foot, may also be permitted thus to deal with the faithful even until now, yet eternal high praises are due unto Him who knows best what is best for his people everywhere. This I do believe, and greatly desire for my- self and dear friends, that we may be enabled to stand firm, holding fast our faith in that power which first raised us up to be a people distinct from those who think they are heard for their much speaking. How this (much speaking) may do for other professors I must leave ; but for us I am deeply sensible it will not do. I greatly fear many under our name, in this day of declension, both they that speak and they that hear, have somehow or other through the craft of our unwearied enemy, got upon his enchanted ground. May the Lord by the might of his power please to help us, and turn the battle unto that strait gate which leadeth unto eternal life. I don't want 17* 198 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1838. to say too much, but feeling as I do, bowed down under the burden of affliction for Zion's sake, it seeras to me I cannot but thus speak when writing to a dear sister, who I hope can understand my speech in the fellowship of feel- ing and of suffering for the blessed cause sake. Wilt thou not pray for me that my faith fail not? For truly I need the help of the faithful in their approaches to the Divine majesty, being as I am, overwhelmed with over much sorrow, having to pass through every day much of this, to an extent known only to the Lord. " And were it not that his power is underneath and over all, I must long ago have been numbered with the dead. O, I do desire to bless his Holy Name, for He is good, and has been good to me, a poor nothing, all my life long. " My love sweetly flows to thee and thine ; also my friends in Philadelphia, as though named. Your Yearly Meeting is near approaching! May the Lord be with you, and establish his dear children in true and living faith, so that neither men nor devils will be able to hurt you, is often my very soul's desire. " Do please to write soon, and let us try to brighten the golden chain, in that fellowship in the truth that is precious. Mildred Ratcliff." The following anecdotes of Mildred Ratcliff were noted about this period : " At one of the sittings of New York Yearly Meeting, in 1838, the subject of slavery being introduced into women's meeting, a great excitement was soon manifested in many, with much heat of manner, and warmth of ex- 1838.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFE. 199 pression. The solemnity of the meeting was being rapidly dissipated, and two or three persons were spealsing at once, when Mildred interrupted them, exclaiming with a loud, clear voice, 'Peter's wife's mother lay sick of a fever.' The singularity of the Scripture quotation, and the loud voice in which it was delivered, instantly brought all in the meeting house into silence ; and then Mildred added, ' But when the Master laid his cooling hand upon her, immediately the fever left her.' This short discourse pro- duced a wonderful effect, all excitement ceased, and anti- slavery contention for that year was at an end. " Being at Joseph Rhoads' on her return, she said to Hannah, ' Be thou faithful in doing what is required of thee, without reasoning on thy fitness ; leave that to the Master, it is none of thy business.' Hannah was soon after exercised under an apprehension of duty to visit England. " On the same visit, Mildred attended for the last time the North Meeting in Philadelphia. Her mind was filled with gospel love for the large body of young Friends present, and in her strong and energetic manner she ex- claimed, ' Dear young Friends, I grudge that the old ser- pent'should have one of ye.' " Jonathan Evans to Mildred Ratcliff". " Philadelphia, Eighth Month 24th, 1838. " Dear Friend, M. Ratcliff : — I received thy letter last evening, and can truly sympathize with thee in thy bodily and mental suffering ; indeed there is little to expect in the present day but deep depression and painful conflict ; for when the seed of life is under oppression, the faithful must suffer with it. Our blessed Lord said, ' Where I am, there shall also my servant be.' Our ancient Friends 200 MEMOKANDA AND CORKESPONDENCB [1838. labored fervently to engage the people to receive and abide steadfastly under the crucifying power of our Lord Jesus Christ; that the old man and his deeds being put off they might come to experience living faith in Him, a being made pure in heart, and of those who shall see God ; thus being sanctified, they in their several measures came to know a walking with Him in great fear and awful rev- erence, and the weight of their spirits had often a reach- ing effect upon those about them. " But alas ! having now as a Society, rules, orders and testimonies chalked out for us, how are we resting in the superficial observance and profession of these things. ' I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed ; how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me.' O, my dear friend, it is a continual labor to keep near to the teachings and movings of the Spirit of our Lord that He requires of us now as well as formerly, for it is thus only that we are enabled to show forth the praises of Him that has called us to glory and to virtue. But the humbling operation of the Spirit is so unmodish, and to the worldly wise so foolish, that the ingenuity of man has invented a way more in accordance with the polish and maxims of the world, that we may get along without derision, and in our imagination be heirs of both kingdoms. "Surely the Lord will in his own time bring back his people to that lowly, trembling, and watchful state, wherein they shall be enabled distinctly to hear his voice, to follow Him, and to flee from the voice of the stranger ; and this perhaps through the instrumentality of poor, weak, obscure individuals. " If our ministers do not abide faithfully under the puri- fying hand of the power of Christ, and descend with Him 1838.J OF MILDRED EATCLIFF. 201 to the bottom of the mountains, wherein they can discern the real state of the church, they may be tempted and be- trayed into that grievous snare, of seeking to please the people with fine words and smooth speeches, which like a leprosy will form and fashion us to make very near ap- proaches, if not a coalition with those of other religious persuasions. "Thy friend, Jonathan Evans." The foregoing appears to be the last letter of that prince in Israel, Jonathan Evans to Mildred Eatclifi". As supplemental to the close of a correspondence between two such spiritually gifted ones, it may be interesting to note, that the last time M. R. was at J. E's, and after a short but solemn silence before rising from the table, she addressed to him the following communication : " I deem it a great privilege that I have once more been permitted to be refreshed at thy table ; and as it seems to me it is the last time this privilege will be enjoyed by me, I can- not rise without expressing my earnest desire and belief, that we shall be permitted through the power of God and the mercy of his dear Son Jesus Christ, to meet together in eternity, and enjoy the feast of fat things at the marriage of the King's Son, the supper table of the Lainb ; where our enjoyment will be uninterrupted, and continue through the boundless ages of eternity. Oh ! may we keep our eyes singly directed to the Pilot of our soul's happiness, and steadily follow Him, so that nothing present or to come may be permitted to separate us from his love, or prevent us from being landed by Him in the haven of rest ; where in the enjoyment of the feast of fat things, we shall ascribe glory, honor, and high praises to Him whositteth upon the throne, and to the L9.mb who liveth forever and ever." 202 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1843. Extract of letter from William Evans to M. R. " There are many things to discourage, and yet it will not do to be constantly dwelling on the gloomy side of things. The Lord is still good to Israel — to all them that are of a clean heart. His mercies are new every morning to children's children, of them who love Him and keep his commandments. It is our duty to remem- ber his loving kindness, and to speak well of his excel- lent Name, that the dear children may be induced to enlist under his banner. It is a very beautiful sight to see those cheerful and green in old age, able to hold up to the rising generation the peaceful and calm decline of their sun, wherein it is manifest they are reaping the re- ward of faithfulness and dedication to their Lord and Master. Mayst thou, my dear friend, be strengthened with might in the inner man, to hold up thy head in hope, notwithstanding the tribulations thou mayst partake of, experiencing thy faith and confidence to be renewed in Him who has been with thee, and delivered thee out of many troubles, and who I believe will continue to be thy shield and thy exceeding great reward, as thou labors to possess thy soul in patience, waiting again and again to see the salvation of God." Extract of letter from Joseph Edgerton to M. R. " Obangevillb, Wyoming Co., N. Y., Second Month 26th, 1843. " My Dear Friend : — I salute thee in the fellowship of the Gospel, having freshly in my mind thy diligent labor, under the qualifying hand of Israel's Shepherd. Thou hast been willing to spend and be spent for the furtherance of that cause which is dignified with im- mortality and crowned with eternal life, even when under 1843.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 203 the pressure of many bodily infirmities. Tiiis is an encouraging example to us who are children. I feel my- self to be a child, yet in a feeling of near and dear love to thee, and of sympathy for thee under remaining con- flicts of flesh and spirit, I thought I might address thee and throw in ray mite of encouragement. It may be an evidence that I am, although a poor unprofitable ser- vant, yet thy companion in tribulation, and in the faith and patience of Jesus Christ. In these days, such as are earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, have need of the help which can be received one from another. O, my dear friend, as thou art acquainted with the trials and deep baptisms which attend an embassy like this, it is scarcely worth while to refer to them. I doubt not many of them are intended to keep the poor unworthy vessel clean. May they have that effect, so that everything that is not of the Lord may be removed. Baptisms are often witnessed for the people. If we are baptized for the dead, we have to sit where the people sit, that a qualification may be received to speak to their conditions. This is very humbling ! Going from meeting to meeting, feeling poor and empty, and knowing that without the aid of our Holy Head, we can do nothing. " It is a good thing to trust in Him, to wait for Him, and know Him to work' all our works in us. To his honor and praise be it spoken, he hath not failed to go before and point out the way, and strengthen for the allotted service. Joseph Edgerton." 204 MRMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1843. From A. B. to M. R. " Tenth Month, 1843. " Dear Friend, Mildred Ratcltff : — It has been a matter of some consideration with me, whether in thy present state of borlily weakness and affliction, I should present a letter to thy notice. Yet, under a fresh feeling of that love and near unity which I have in a peculiar manner often felt to flow in my heart towards thee, I venture to write. I consider it, my dear friend, a bless- ing for which some of ns in the younger walks of life ought to be humbly thankful to our Heavenly Father, that amidst the aged of this Society, are to be found those concerning whom it may truly be said, that they stand as watchmen and watchwomen on the walls of Zion. These having been concerned faithfully to follow their crucified and risen Lord in the regeneration, are permitted to arise and walk with Him in newne.ss of life, as well as prepared to stand for the defence of the gospel, and to maintain the Truth as it is in .Jesus. These, like Mor- decai and Esther of old, are engaged to stand their ground faithfully, and who, notwithstanding the railings and threatenings of the enemy, do intercede for their own lives and the lives of their people, saying unto and encouraging one another to hold their confidence in the Lord, firm unto the end. And although these be but one here and another there in some places, many bowing their necks again to that yoke of bondage, from which they once appeared to have clean escaped, yet those who trust in the Lord, hofding fast the profession of their faith without wavering, will experience the truth of the decla- ration, 'The name of the Lord is a strong tower, the righteous runneth into it and are safe.' Yea in that power do they dwell, and in that life are they preserved, that 1843.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 205 gathered this people in the beginning, and which can and ever will preserve from the snares of the adversary those whose trust and confidence are, and continue to be, in the Lord alone. These see and feel things as they really are, and are prepared at the Master's bidding, to sound an alarm at the approach of the enemy. Oh ! that I, as one of the weakest and hindermost of the flock of Christ (if worthy to be counted one of his flock at all), may be enabled to keep the watch and maintain the warfare so as to be made an overcomer and partaker with the saints in light, is at times all I desire, or all I want my friends to de- sire for me. What are all the afflictions of the body, the tribulations of mind, and the temptations which the soul's enemy may be permitted to cast in the way of those who are striving to journey forward in the straight and narrow way that leads to peace, when compared to that eternal weight of glory that awaits such as continue pa- tient in well-doing to the end ! These ransomed and re- deemed of the Lord (of whom, my dear friend, I have had a strong and abiding confidence that thou wilt be one) shall come to Zion with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads, they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away. O pray thou, there- fore, for the weak, the unwary and inexperienced, that the Lord may have compassion on such as these (of whom I am chief) and direct and keep them in the way they should go, whatsoever sacrifices or sufierings it may cost them. " I am often reminded of what I once heard thee say in our Select Yearly Meeting, ' That there is a great deal of preaching in which there is no gospel power,' or words of similar import, which reminds of the Saviour's pre- cept, 'The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation,' 18 206 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1844. and that of the Apostle, ' The Kingdom of God standeth not in word, but in power.' Oh, I believe a time is com- ing of increa.sed trial to those who are building upon the Rock, as well as to those who are building upon the sand. But concerning the first may we not confidently hope, that as they abide unmoved by the lo here's and lo there's, they will experience preservation, however vehe- mently the winds and the floods may beat. " In much love I remain and subscribe myself thy friend and sister, Ann Branson." John Wood to Mildred Ratcliff. " New York, Sixth Month 20th, 1844. " My Dear Friend, Mildred Ratcliff : — I re- ceived a good letter from thee some two or three years since, which was a great comfort to me in my then weak condition of body. I am still in but slender healthy but much better than I was at that time, or perhaps more comfortable. I was not then able to write an answer to thy very kind letter. " I have often indeed remembered with much satisfac- tion thy visit at our house, and at our Yearly Meeting also, and thy labors of love and services therein. We have many deep trials in this day in this place, and likely you are not altogether without some afflictions in your land, for the enemy, in his mighty efibrts to lay waste the sim- plicity of the blessed Truth, and our ancient profession and faith, is not confined to time or place, and yet, in the very midst of the furnace as it were, we are comforted in believing that Truth is gaining ground amongst us. In our Yearly Meeting just past, there was much evi- dence of an increase of the right spirit, though there is 1845.] OF MILDRED RATCLIFF. 207 strong opposition in certain quarters, and a disposition to show much unity with that evil and dark spirit which is at work in some parts, and in putting forth a strong hand to oppress the good seed, so that it would seem as if the true Church was in some places becoming very much hid- den and driven again into the wilderness. For of a truth the serpent is again casting out of his mouth waters as a flood after the woman, that he may cause her to be car- ried away of the flood ; and the dragon is wroth with the woman, and he maketh war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God and have the tes- timony of Jesus Christ. But fear none of these things which thou shalt suffer. Behold the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be "tried, and ye shall have tribulation ten days (a very short time), and the consolation of heavenly promise follows, ' Be thou faith- ful unto death and I will give thee a crown of life.' It seemed to me as if there was a little encouragement for the faithful everywhere to persevere to the end ; and in patience, labor to hold that fast which they have, that no man take their crown. " In the love of the ever blessed Truth, farewell, John Wood.'' Benjamin Hoyle to Mildred Ratclifl^ "Mt. Pleasant, SeventB Month 28th, 1845. " Mildred Ratcuff, My Dear Friend : — In the freedom of brotherly love, and I trust a degree of gospel fellowship, I have once more taken up my pen to address thee. I should indeed like to spend a little more time with thee whilst in this state, encompassed with many bodily infirmities as thou art, but I trust not far from the Kingdom of unalloyed peace, where all sorrow and sigh- 208 MEMORANDA AND CORRESPONDENCE [1846. ing are forever done away, yet as to myself encompassed with many fears and anxious thoughts. Many are the trials of the present day, but happily if they have the tendency to deepen in the power of an endless life, we surely should not murmur nor repine. I desire to be benefited by them, and thereby become more fully united to Him who was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. I think my chief desire is to be united to Him and his people, those among whom his tabernacle rests. Many in the days of our early Friends, through the con- straining love of Truth, were brought into fellowship with the very people they had despised. I long that Truth, both in my own particular and in those in an especial manner, who with myself make profession thereof, should become more precious to, as well as be more ex- alted in and through us. And in what way the Master may bring this about, it matters not, so that He keeps us both in heights and depths, and suffers nothing to sepa- rate us from his love. " If it be the Lord's will to make a separation among this people (which my own disposition and desire stand opposed to), may I be united to them whom He is design- ing to fulfill his promise upon, ' Behold I have refined thee, but not with silver. I have chosen thee in the fur- nace of affliction, for my own sake, even for my own sake will I do it, for how should my name be polluted ? I will not give my glory to another.' " Thou art confined, I suppose, much to thy room, and shut out from meeting with Friends in their meetings for Divine worship, and those for conducting the affairs of the Church. But I trust thy concern is not abated for the promotion of the Truth, and the preservation of the Israel of God, from all the wiles of the evil one. As a 1845.J OF MILDKED RATCLIFF. 209 mother in Israel, let thy dwelling be as between the door and the altar, where thou may plead with Hira whom thou hast long served, and for whose sake thou hast been constrained to make many sacrifices in order to obtain, the pearl of great price ; and then, though absent in body yet present in spirit, the aspirations of thy soul will ascend as sweet incense unto Him whose eyes are over the righteous, and his ears open to their cries. Thus thy own spiritual faculties will be kept bright unto the end ; and the militant church and her members who are alive in the Truth, will reap the reward. " Farewell, farewell, my beloved friend, in that which ehangeth not, and is subject to no change ; from thy brother and companion in tribulation, desiring we may be kept in kingdom and patience unto the end. Benjamin Hoyle." Here the autobiography and correspondence of Mildred RatclifF concluded. We trust it has not been without a feeling of deep and lively interest that the course of this heaven-bound pilgrim has been thus traced through the vicissitudes of years. After getting within the pale of a religious Society whose doctrines, testimonies, and peculiarities in their primitive purity and fulness she had adopted from conviction, and to which it was very evi- dent she became more and more attached, she, like " the beloved Persis," spoken of by the apostle, " labored much in the Lord." Her whole life subsequent to the period when she joined in membership with Friends, with its trials and combats, its deep baptisms, its fightings without and fears within, all tending to fill up the allotted measure of the cup of suffering, being part of the " great tribula- tion " which every servant and handmaiden of the Lord 210 MEMORANDA AND . CORRESPONDENCE [1847. Jesus must experience, has been in degree set forth in the memoirs and fragments left by her, and which are now and herewith brought to a termination. She departed this life at her residence near Browns- ville, Pennsylvania, First Month 22nd, 1847, in the 7.3rd year of her age : having been confined to the house, with but little intermission, for a period of more than four years. She frequently during this season petitioned for patience, which in a remarkable degree was granted her. Her whole trust and confidence appeared to be placed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who in tender mercy had so strengthened her soul as to enable her to follow Him through a life of many sorrows and sufferings. And then also. He who had been with his handmaiden in six troubles, did not forsake in the seventh — the last trying conflict of nature — but so manifested his living presence, so spread abroad his love in her heart by the Holy Ghost, that death was robbed of its sting and the grave of its victory. ■V^^^ ^ ! lis