THE GIFT OF '!|!joaAj^...Jlisu^XL«^^ LM.:L-.U..I i.?.//ll./.!5.Tr BsriMll University Library f42 SS34 1879 Memprals concerning deceased Friends olin 3 1924 029 465 204 Cornell University Library The original of tinis 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/cu31924029465204 MEMORIALS CONCERNING DECEASED FRIENDS: BEING A SELECTION FROM THE EECOEDS THE YEARLY MEETING PENNSYLVANIA, &c., The Year 1788 to 1878, inclusive. FOURTH EDITION. PH ILADELPH I A : friends' book stoee, no. 304 aech steeet. 1879. PREFACE. The Yearly Meeting having directed that a selection of the Testimonies concerning deceased Friends should be made by the Meeting for Sufferings, the following have been taken from the Records, as being most likely to convey that instruction and benefit, to which a work of this kind is peculiarly adapted. In contemplating the mercy and goodness of an Al- mighty Providence, who hath so amply furnished the world with the means of subsistence and comfort for all his creatures, according to their respective spheres of enjoyment, the mind is led into humble admiration and praise; but when, through the influence of his Holy Spirit, we are enabled to view his unspeakable love, in sending his beloved Son as the true Light that lighteth every man that eometh into the world ; to open the door of reconciliation and forgiveness, by offering himself a pro- pitiatory sacrifice for sin, to redeem his rational creation from all iniquity and its consequent misery in the world to come, we are truly prostrated in reverent adoration, and prepared to exclaim in the language of the Psalmist: " What is man, that thou art mindful of him ! and the Son of man, that thou visitest him !" Here we can ap- preciate the blessed efficacy of Divine Grace, reproving. iv PKEFACE. wooing, and seeking to instruct man in his fallen, unre- generate state, that he may not frustrate the design of his creation, but make straight steps to his feet, and come up into the enjoyment of perfect peace. Thus the following accounts clearly show, that it was only by taking heed' to this Heavenly Monitor, and submitting to its operation, that the corrupt will and natural pro- pensities of those individuals were crucified, and a qualifi- cation experienced to do the will of God, which purifies the soul, and gives an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. The lives of the righteous, and their unshaken confi- dence in the hour of dissolution, have in all ages been esteemed as powerful auxiliaries in the advancement of piety and virtue. Under this consideration it is much desired, that the path of the just, exemplified in the fol- lowing work, may engage the serious attention of all, and more especially the youth, animating and encourag- ing them in pressing after an acquaintance with the Spirit of Christ in their own hearts, that they may be favored to know Him savingly, in all his offices, and to partake of that bread which nourisheth the soul unto eternal life. MEMORIALS CONCERNING DECEASED FRIENDS. Testimony of Warrington Monthly Meeting concerning Joanna Heald, late of Yorh== town, Pennsylvania. She -was the daughter of Silas and Susanna Prior ; bom, according to her own account, the 16th of the Second month, 1706, in Kennett township, Chester County. She was remarka- bly diligent in the attendance of our religious meetings, both for worship and discipline, often getting out to monthly and other meetings through great difficulty and bodily weakness ; and having, at times, a short testimony to bear therein, it was to the comfort and edification of Friends. Towards the latter part of her time, bodily weakness increasing, she was confined to her bed about the last of the Fifth month, 1783. Several Friends coming in, after a short time in silence, she, in a tender, lively frame, broken into tears, said, '' I am weak in body, and know 1* JOANNA HEALD. not whether I can be heard ; yet feel myself strong in the love of God, which I experience to be amongst lis at this time." The 6th of the Sixth month, several young people and others being present, after a time of stillness, she expressed her desire that the children of believing parents might not, through their own disobedience, be excluded the king- dom in the time spoken of, when many should come from the east and from the west, from the north and from the south, to sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Next morning, two friends calling to see her, she signified, that though she was weak and low in body, yet she was clear in her under- standing; and after expressing her concern respecting superfluity in apparel, mentioning some things in particular, said ; " I wish them to be entirely done away out of the Society, and believe the way for it will be for ministers, elders, and overseers, steadily to bear their testimony against them. When I had young children to provide for, I had more satisfaction in clothing them agreeably to the simplicity and plainness of Truth, than I could have had in adorning them in fine colors :" — Then, after lying about ten minutes in a solemn quiet, said, " I have not strength to express the prospect I JOANNA HEALD. have had of the church that is washed ; and I have prayed that you might be preserved to keep your places, and bear your testimony amidst a wicked and perverse generation." The 7th of the Seventh month, in the even- ing, some of her grand-children being present, she said, " I have been much concerned about the education of your children. I earnestly de- sire you may wait for the word of Divine Grace, that you may thereby be enabled to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord ; and though it is not in your power to confer grace, yet the care of parents in educating their children is often blessed, and proves like pre- paring the ground of the heart to receive the Seed of the kingdom." The 13th, several Friends coming in, she sig- nified her great satisfaction in having their com- pany ; and after a short time in silence, said ; " I have trusted in the Lord all along, and have often poured out my soul before Him, that He would be pleased to be with me at all times, and continue with me to the end :" From which time she gradually declined, without much pain or sickness, for several weeks, during which she uttered many lively expressions aiid exhorta- tions to those about her. A short time before her decease, having spent THOMAS ROSS. most of the night without sleep, in the morning she signified that this portion of scripture had been fresh in her mind, great part of the night before ; to wit : "My covenant was with him of life and of peace, and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my Name," signifying, she now felt His covenant of life and peace with her, as a suffi- cient reward for all she had gone through. She departed this life, the 31st of the Tenth month, 1783, in the 78th year of her age, and we believe is entered into rest- Extract from a Testimony of Wrightstown Monthly Meeting, in (Busks County, con= cerning Thomas Ross. He was born according to his own relation, in the county of Tyrone, in Ireland ; descended of reputable parents, members of the Episcopal church ; and received a religious education. Coming into America about the twentieth year of his age, and settling within the limits of Buckingham Monthly Meeting, he soon after became convinced of the [principles of] Truth, as professed by Friends, and joined in member- ship with them. Although his natural inclinar THOMAS ROSS. tions and passions were strong, yet by yielding obedience to the Spirit of Christ as manifested in his own mind, he was supported in his war- fare, and witnessing a victory over the same, became qualified to administer counsel and en- couragement to others. Not long after his convincement, it pleased the Lord to bestow on him a gift in the minis- try, and being careful to keep chaste in his es- pousal to the Bridegroom of souls, he experien- ced a growth, to the edification of many in this and the neighboring Governments. Being con- versant in the Holy Scriptures, he was often led to open the doctrines therein contained, and fre- quently pressed Friends to a diligent attention to those sacred writings. He frequently visited meetings in this and the adjacent Governments, with which, Friends in those parts expressed their satisfaction. Having, for many years, been exercised with a prospect of a religious visit to the churches in his native land, and in 'England, and his mind being renewedly drawn towards this weighty en- gagement, about the latter part of the year 1783 he spread his concern before the respective meet- ings of which he was a member, and obtaining the concurrence and near sympathy of the same, embarked in the Fourth month, 1784. For an 10 THOMAS KOSS. account of his labors and the peaceful state of his mind, see the Testimony of York Monthly Meeting, Great Britain. Testimony of York Monthly Meeting {Great (Britain) concerning Thomas Ross, late of Wrightstown Meeting in (Bucks County, (Pennsylvania, a minister, who departed this life at Holdgate near the city of York, the 13th of the Second month, 2786, in the j8th year of his age. To perpetuate the memory of the just, by en- deavoring to render their examples and pre- cepts beneficial to others, is a debt due to pos- terity as well as to the praise of his Name, by whom they have been made more than conquer- ors, and become pillars in his house which go no more out. Having the unity and near sympathy of his friends and brethren at home, as appears by sundry certificates, he embarked in the Fourth month, 1784, with divers other Friends, under the like religious engagement, and arrived in London just before the Yearly Meeting, which, though under bodily infirmities, he attended. He was detained by indisposition in and near THOMAS BOSS. 11 that city for some time after, then proceeded in his religious service to Scotland. His bodily indisposition increasing, he was under the necessity of resting at Old Meldrum, Edinburgh, and Newcastle ; from which last place, taking a few meetings in his way, he reach- ed York, the 2nd of the Eleventh month, and was at our Monthly Meeting the day following, which was the last meeting he was able to at- tend. During the course of his travels, we have abundant cause to believe his religious services were truly acceptable to Friends, and well re- ceived by others; for, having an especial eye to the puttings forth of the Divine hand, his min- istry was attended with living virtue and deep instruction ; though " Not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth," yet in godly simplicity, and with a zeal according to true knowledge. He was wise in detecting the snares of the enemy; faithfully, and without partiality, warning those who were in danger of Mling therein ; and, as in the course of his own sanctification, he had been made deeply acquainted with the necessary baptisms peculiar to that important work, so he was furnished by living experience, and the re- newings of holy help, with qualifications to ad- minister, in tender sympathy, pertinent and 12 THOMAS EOSS. wholesome counsel to the true Christian travel- lers; and so to dip into the present state of the church, as profitably to " Declare unto Jacob his trangression, and to Israel his sin." In meetings for business he was particularly serviceable, his remarks being mostly short, per- tinent, and very instructive ; inciting to a steady attention to Divine counsel in the transacting of our Christian discipline, and therein to exer- cise true judgment without partiality or respect of persons. During the course of his illness he was pre- served in a heavenly frame of mind ; on almost every occasion, dropping instructive counsel and advice to Friends who attended on and visited him, of which the following collection is but a small part. ' He frequently said that he knew not why he was continued in such an exercised state of bodily weakness, yet doubted not but that it was all in wisdom, and for some good end ; adding, " It is not for the clay to say to the Potter, why hast thou made me thus." Sitting in the family where he was during the fore part of his illness, he expressed himself thus ; " Dear young people keep to your first love. The Bridegroom of souls will not be un- mindful of the bride, whilst she remains chaste : some of you, I believe, are espoused to Him. O, THOMAS ROSS. 13 the ardent desire which I feel for the youth ! — Thy name is as ointment poured forth, there- fore do the virgins love thee." The same day — " I have not sought mine own honor, but the honor of Him who first drew me from my habitation, and have great reason to praise his name. One thing which inclines me to think my work may be near done, is this, that it never appeared to be laid upon me to pay a general visit to England." At another time he said, " 0, the harmony there is in the Lord's family ! Ephraim shall not envy Judah, nor Judah vex Ephraim ; nothing shall hurt or destroy in all thy holy mountain." Again, under bodily oppression ; " I find no relief but when I feel a revival of that which is the Healer of breaches ; but that is not at my own command. My mind was, last night, much drawn out to my fellow laborers. 0, that they may keep little ! — I have remembered that say- ing, ' There are a few names even in Sardis, who have not defiled their garments,' and I hope there are a few in York. Dear Friends, what a people we should be, did we dig deep enough ; our lights would shine before men ; we should be as the salt of the earth. How many who have begun well, have had their garments de- filed with the world, and are become like the 2 14 THOMAS KOSS. salt that has lost its savor ; they are as dead weights in our assemblies, so that the living are scarcely able to bear the dead. O, Friends, keep to the Truth, for it shall rise above the heads of gainsayers." At another time, '' I could not be more at home any where, it revives me to see the chil- dren about me. I tell you young people, the hardest thing I ever found in my passage was when I was right, to keep so. 0, the desire I felt to get here ! the love I feel for you is like the love of Jonathan and David, it extends over sea and land. It is like the precious ointment, so that some can say, with one fonnerly, — Neither heights nor depths, principalities nor powers, things present or to come, shall ever separate us from it." "The least star casteth a lustre, as the glo- rious luminaries in the outward creation ; so that we may say, ' Great and marvellous are thy works. Lord, God Almighty, just and true are all thy ways, thou King of saints.' " Again; — " Commune with thine own heart, and be still ; this is doing business : — 0, how precious Truth is! it may employ us on the highway, and in our outward engagements — dear Friends, let us prize it." To the Physician — " The outward man grows THOMAS ROSS. 15 weaker, yet inward support waxeth stronger and stronger." The same day he said, " It is a great favor to have a brook by the way — 0, I see my way over all ! it is like a foretaste of what is to come : blessed are the dead who die in the Lord — when He breaks in upon us, it is like balm — there is balm in Gilead — there are many not willing to go to the house of mourning, but there is occasion for it ; it being high time to repair the breaches." " I have thought, for many weeks past, the curtain was near drawn ; there seemed but few sands left in the glass : and yet I sometimes feel such a travail for Zion's prosperity, and the enlargement of her borders, that I am ready to think the day's work is not yet done ; and at other times I feel so feeble and weak^ that all seems near over : the event I cannot tell, but am favored to be resigned." At another time — " Think nothing too near or too dear to part with, dear young people, to purchase the Truth : your parents cannot give it you, though they may give you all they can ; it is the Lord's prerogative. I have thought it was a great favor to have an education in the Truth ; but I have been grieved to see many born in the Society, like Esau, selling their 16 THOMAS ROSS. birth-right. -Be not ashamed of the cross, dear Friends, deny Him not before men." Again, "Beware of lawful things; these law- ful things are the strongest baits Satan ever laid for our Society. 0, these lawful things, they have hurt many. What a testimony would it be, if Friends were to shut up their shops on week-days, to go to meetings ; which ought to be the main concern ; though many consider worldly things as such. When we have done all we can, we are but as unprofitable servants ; we can add nothing to Him, who is the Fountain of goodness — O, that Ocean of ancient Good- ness; I seem at times, as if I was swallowed up in it — I have cause to be thankful that I am favored with a resigned mind, and have no will, either to live or to die — Father, receive me into thy bosom." At another time — " O, my heart is knit to you, my Friends, and to the Seed which is in bondage in many hearts ; and though you may have to go with it into the wilderness, yet be not discouraged." Feeling himself easier, and his mind favored, he said — " 0, when He puts in his hand as at the hole of the door, how does it smell of sweet myrrh — I hope I am not insensible from whence my help comes ; He sometimes hides himself as THOMAS ROSS. 17 behind the curtain ; yet we must not awake or disturb our beloved, until He please." To a Friend ; " Keep to thy gift and look to the Giver, and have no confidence in the flesh." On the general state of mankind, he said thus ; " 0, how has my mind been oppressed in ob- serving that profaneness which abounds amongst the people, many of whom draw iniquity as with cords of vanity, and sin as with a cart rope. Yet I have this satisfaction, that I have not failed to reprove many of those I have seen in this state, and have often advised inn-keepers and others, to discourage all kinds of wicked- ness in their houses : my advice hath been gene- rally received without gainsajdng, and I have comfort in the discharge of this duty." Sym- pathizing with faithful Friends, he remarked : " Where there are a few faithful laborers, the work falls heavy upon them ; we cannot expect to rise high when the Seed lies low." Under much bodily affliction, he said, " How can one die better than in the Lord's service ; for He has been -indeed, a wonderful counsellor. He has many times opened a way, when I could see no way ; He will never leave nor forsake those who trust in Him." Again, " It is a try- ing time, and yet I believe I have a well ground- ed hope of having done my duty. I feel no 2* 18 THOMAS ROSS. condemnation. O, dear Friends, what a favor indeed, that we have an unction from above ! keep to the Truth and its testimonies." At another time — " It will not do for any to rest contented with having known the Lord in days past^ and years that are over and gone ; we must follow on to know Him ; a supply of daily food is requisite ; and if there is not a hunger and thirst after righteousness, we may be sure the mind is distempered ; but 0, how have I been pained to see and feel many of the professors of the Truth going after the world and its spirit ; who instead of being way-marks, are as stumbling blocks to honest inquirers — the state of these is lamentable. I have been comforted in the prospect of a rising generation, if they are not hurt by those who ought to be helpers, loving the present world." " I have in my time met with many cross winds and boisterous waves, but have been pre- served in a care to keep near to the point that guides to the harbor of rest. For these fifty years I have been endeavoring to fight the good fight of faith. 0, dearest Father, not my will but thine be done — 0, when will the curtain be drawn? that this mortal may put on im- mortality and eternal life, which will, I do be- lieve, be my happy portion." — To some Friends At ARK REEVE. 19 about to take leave of him, " Let your lights shine wherever you are — I have not much to say, but there is a great deal comprised in this." To some young people : " You are in health; prize it, and make a good use of time ; for to the most diligent, such a time as this will prove very trying." He would often, in thankful commemoration of the goodness of God to him, break forth in these words — " What shall I render unto thee, Lord, for all thy benefits." A few days before his decease, on a Friend returning from meeting, he said, he had been favored with such a calm, that he hoped he should have passed away. And in a day or two before he died, he broke forth in these words : " joy ! joy ! joy !" Again — " death where is thy sting ? grave ! where is thy victory ? the sting of death is sin : I see no cloud in the way, I die in peace with all men." Testimony from the Monthly Meeting ofGreen= wich, concerning Maek Reeve. The Lord was pleased to visit him with the clear manifestations of his Grace and truth, and as he joined in therewith, he became fitted and prepared for service in the church. 20 MARK REEVE. He dearly loved the society of his brethren, and much prized unity ; knowing the comfort and benefit thereof, he obtained the character of a peace maker. A gift in the ministry was conferred upon him, and his mind became enlarged in the love of the gospel, preferring the service of Truth to every outward consideration. In humility and meekness of spirit, his desires were to strengthen and encourage the good in all ; that the unity of the Spirit might be experienced to be the bond of true gospel fellowship, and that each member might fill its station and proper allot- ment, to the edification and comfort of the body in love. The situation of the enslaved and oppressed Africans early became the concern of his mind; and being deeply exercised on their account, he was a zealous advocate for their liberation both at home and abroad. Being blessed with a sufficiency, his house and heart were open to entertain his friends ; and in a particular manner such who were under religious engagements to travel in the cause of Truth ; to whom he was desirous to be a fellow-helper in the gospel, in much meek- ness and love. His last illness was lingering and attended MARK REEVE. 21 with much pain, which he was preserved, in a good degree, to bear with patience and resigna- tion to the Divine will : in which time many Friends visited him, to whom he was frequently led to communicate advice suitable to their states, in a lively and feeling manner. One of his brothers coming in to see him, a short time before his decease, he said to him, with a com- posed and quiet mind, " I am glad to see thee once more ; I am drawing fast towards a con- clusion, and am thankful I am not forsaken in the present hour ; and as I have given the pre- ference to the service of Truth, I feel its gra- cious influence present with me : and clear I am, if Friends did but dwell near it, in the love of the gospel, their labors would be more blessed with success. Give my love to inquiring friends and others, as occasion may offer ; and let them know, that in the same faith I have lived, I take my leave of the present world." He passed away in a quiet state of mind, on the 25th of the Tenth month, 1788, in the 65th year of his age. 22 MARY STEVENSON. Testimony from Upper Springfield Monthly Meeting, JNew Jersey, concerning Mary Stevenson. She was of a kind and affectionate disposition, and in her deportment cheerful and engaging. She visited the meetings of Friends in Penn- sylvania, Maryland, and Virginia ; and, a little before her decease, nearly all the meetings in New Jersey. Though weak in body, she was a constant attender of our religious meetings, and was particularly serviceable in meetings for discipline, being much concerned for right order therein. Some of her expressions, a little before her departure, were nearly as follow. Third month 30th — She expressed her resig- nation to the Divine will, and thankfulness that she felt universal love to all mankind. A friend taking leave of her, desiring resignation might be given her, she replied, "I am thankful there is nothing in the way;" and sometime after said, " Though at times I may be compared to a well without water, yet there is a hope bear- ing up and supporting amidst the tossing waves of aflEliction; and I have, this day, found strength in weakness." MARY STEVENSON. 23 31st. — " The Lord hath not only lifted me out of the miry clay, but hath established my goings, and hath, at times, given me to sing as on the banks of deliverance." Fourth month 1st — She mentioned the ne- cessity of a steady attendance of meetings, say- ing, " It will not avail for people to go when they please, and stay when they please :" and in the language of affection and encourage- ment, she addressed some with an assurance that peace and true satisfaction would be the reward of obedience to the Lord's requirings, though in small things ; and that early years were an acceptable sacrifice to the Lord — and said, she was ready and willing to leave all things; for which she was renewedly thankful, having a comfortable hope, or indeed could say an evidence, that her soul would rest in peace. 2nd — Apprehending her life near its close, she signified it might be a night of rejoicing for her. She passed the evening in great stillness, as though asleep, and revived with these ex- pressions : " 0, what a sweet evening I have had." In the morning of the 3rd, a change appear- ing, she was still concerned for the preservation of her nearest connections through all the temp- tations in this world. The conflict between life 24 ELIZABETH HOUSE. and death she bore with fortitude. Desirous of being released, she expressed in broken ac- cents — " Gracious and merciful Father, do thou enable me !" and departed this life about seven o'clock in the morning of the Fourth-day of the Fourth month, 1788, aged fifty-eight years, and a minister about twenty years. Some of the last expressions of Elizabeth House, daughter of Amos Holfse. — Approved by Kennett Monthly Meeting. About two weeks before her death, being visited by her father and one of her aunts, she said, " I have endeavored to live the life of the righteous, that my last end might be like his." The next morning having an opportunity with her sisters, she said, "You are made near to me ; I know what it is to tread the slippery paths of youth. I have kept my hands busied about that which I thought was doing good. Were my days to live over again, I should not employ them so much in needless things ; such as decking and adorning the body as in fine linen, though I never was very fashionable;" with much more of like import, adapted to ELIZABETH HOUSE. 25 their age and circumstances. In the afternoon several Friends visited her, and were favored with a solemn opportunity, to her consolation, as she expressed. The week following being asked by her father if her mind was easy, she cheerfully replied, " Quite so, quite so." On First-day, the 1st of the Eleventh month, her aunt coming to see her she said to her, " I have read of some that had felt the help of the spirits of others ; I think I have felt the good of thine. I find but few bur- den bearers. I have desired to have thee pre- sent at the conclusion. I want, if thou and my sisters should be spared a little longer, that thou should put them in mind of me. People in health and strength do not prize time till it is too late." On Second-day morning she said' — " I have been ready to say, youth ! youth ! can a youth enter the kingdom." She being in great bodily pain, said — " Lord, pity me — I hope the Comforter will come, and I shall be releas- ed — joyful news it will be." At another time she said ; " I now feel my mind quite easy ; no fear hangs about me; I never committed any great sin in my life, but like many others, have let the cumbering things take too much hold. I have clearly seen where I missed it. I do not see any thing more to do but to die. He that 3 26 ELIZABETH HOUSE. knows all things, knows that I love Him above all " When her pain somewhat abated, she would frequently acknowledge it a high favor ; and with great fervency of spirit, said : " Lord add to my patience, that I may endure the filling up the measure of my afflictions." At another time she said : " My mind is fixed upon the Lord, and has been taken from things here." She often expressed she felt racking pain, and in the morning of Fourth-day said : " I know not whether life or death ; I am fully resigned to go, but have no knowledge when." She pleasantly, said to her aunt, "I feel quite easy." Her friends appearing concerned ; she, after laying some time, with a countenance denoting a joy- ful assurance of joining the heavenly host, and with a voice not to be described, expressed her- self; "Do not distress yourselves forme; the light that I see exceedeth the sun in the firma- ment — all light, all life, all love, all, peace." — A Friend coming into the room, expressing sympathy for her in her afflictions, she replied; " I now feel no pain ;" and continued sensible, as appeared by her expressions. She quietly departed on the Fourth-day of the Eleventh month, 1789, in the twenty-fourth year of her age. MARY AEMIT. 27 A brief Memorial from Philadelphia Monthly Meeting, concerning Mary Armit, a native of (Philadelphia, who deceased on the i8th of the Second month, ijgi. In her youthful days, as she yielded obedi- ence to Divine instruction, she witnessed a growth and advancement in the life of true re- ligion ; and through its gradual powerful work- ings becaihe, in the course of time, a useful and exemplary member of the church, being many years in the station of an elder and overseer. The weightiness of her spirit, stability of con- duct, and inward retiredness of mind, evidenced a qualification for these important services ; and we believe she endeavored faithfully to discharge the several trusts reposed in her. She was favored in her last sickness with many intervals of Divine consolation ; and un- der the sense thereof, frequently broke forth in commemoration of the Lord's judgments and mercies : and as it may. tend to the encourage- ment of the living in the way to righteousness and peace, some of the many lively, savory expressions which dropped from her may be usefully preserved, viz. " I have had many low seasons which the 28 MARY AEMIT. Lord only knows ; I hope He will be with me to the end, and preserve me in the patience." One inquiring how she did, she replied, " Very low; I am going to leave you, but I feel a calm — I think I may say a sweet calm ; 1 believe I am going to peace." Sometime after she called, by name, a young woman who had lately come amongst Friends by convincement, and said, "Hold fast thy profession; thou hast bought the Truth; don't thou sell it: if thou keeps near it, it will preserve thee, and do great? things for thee." At another time she said, " Sweet Jesus, come. I give thee thanks for the multitude of thy mer- cies. Holy Father preserve the young generar tion, that they may stand in awe before thee ; bring them up in thy pure fear, that they may see the vanities of this world, and the beauty of true religion." At another season : " how the enemy comes in like a flood, but the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him. Great peace have all they that love the Divine law, and no- thing shall offend them." And again — "I can say with David, Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil." Some little time before her departure, the WILLIAM FELL. 29 powers of speech much failing, she uttered with difl&culty, " He hath brought me to his banquet- ing house, and his banner over me is love." Nearly her last expressions were, "It is all peace ; it is all joy forevermore." In the undoubted assurance of everlasting rest, she peacefully breathed her last, aged eighty-three years. Testimony from Chester Monthly Meeting concerning William Fell. He was an active and serviceable member of our Monthly Meeting upwards of forty years ; a considerable part of which time, he filled the stations of an overseer or elder, being endowed with remarkable humility and meekness; an example of plainness, diligent in the attendance of religious meetings from his youth, instructive and weighty in his conversation, and serviceable in settling controversies amongst neighbors ; being truly desirous to promote peace amongst all classes of men. He manifested a weighty concern for the proper education of our youth, as also of black children ; and about the year 1765, with the concurrence of our meeting, visited most or all 3* 30 WILLIAM FELL. the members thereof who held slaves, which ap- pears to have had a good effect. He continued often to visit those, who were set free, giving such pertinent counsel as might tend to their spiritual and temporal welfare. In his last illness he was favored with great patience ; in which time he often expressed a concern for Friends of the particular meeting to which he belonged, especially the youth ; and about two days before his decease, said to a person present, " There is no true happiness to be attained in this world, nor that which is to come, but that which hath its foundation in pure love :" and in a short time after said, that in looking back over his past life, he had to ac- knowledge there was nothing that ever he had done, which alone could be suflBcient to entitle him to an admittance into the heavenly king- dom; notwithstanding he had passed through some trying dispensations, and bore many heavy burthens, if any good was ever done by him, it was through the aid of the Holy Spirit ; but said, he had faith in Christ; and if he was saved, it was, through the adorable goodness of the Almighty. At another time he appeared under great ex- ercise of mind, and said he had passed thtough the deepest baptism, in his present sickness, he DANIEL OFFLEY. 31 had ever experienced ; and after expressing a perfect resignation to the Divine will, said he was easy in his mind. He dropped many more weighty expressions to friends and neighbors who came to see him, particularly the youth ; which were often affect- ing to them. He appeared fervent in prayer till near the close, and favored with his senses almost to the time of his departure, which was on the 5th of the Third month, 1792, in the seventy-sixth year of his age. Testimony from the Monthly Meeting of Friends of (Philadelphia, for the Southern (District, concerning Daniel Offley. Our beloved Friend, Daniel Offley, son of Daniel and Kachel. Offley of this city, was born the 29 th of the Eleventh month, 1756. Being of a lively, airy disposition, he indulged himself in many of the vanities and follies incident to youth, pursuing with avidity divers ensnaring temptations; whereby he became greatly es- tranged to that peace and substantial happiness, consequent upon a life of piety and virtue. In this situation it pleased the Lord, in the riches 32 DANIEL OFFLEY. of his mercy, to visit him with judgment, which- awakened him to a clear sense of his undone condition without a Saviour ; and as he patiently abode under the chastening of the heavenly Hand, he was favored to witness the Day-Spring from on high, which brought glad tidings to his tossed mind. Yielding obedience to the secret intimations of Divine counsel, and a gift of gos- pel ministry being committed to him, he came forth therein about the twenty-fourth year of his age ; and by faithfulness in the exercise thereof, he grew in experience and dedication to the ser- vice of his great and good Master. He was also very useful in our meetings for discipline, being endowed with sound judgment, and con- cerned to maintain the dignity thereof upon its ancient foundation. With the unity and concurrence of this meet- ing, he visited the meetings of Friends in many parts of this continent, and also several of the West India Islands, to the satisfaction and edi- fication of those amongst whom his lot was cast; being often, through deep baptism, led into close searching labor with the indolent and lukewarm professors of the blessed Truth. During the late awful visitation of a pesti- lential disease in this city, [in 1793,] not being easy to remove from his habitation, he was al- DANIEL, OFFLEY. 33 most constantly engaged either in visiting or endeavoring to relieve those who were afflicted therewith. Being, through Divine Goodness, preserved in stability and patience, he was often made a comfort to many whose minds seemed ready to faint under the prospect of distress and dismay which appeared on every hand. In our religious meetings, it was evident his spirit travelled in the deeps ; being through the aboundings of heavenly love, concerned, in a tender manner, to exhort to a due discharge of all our religious duties, whereby we might be qualified rightly to understand the language of that afflictive dispensation, and prepared to close our accounts with joy. A few days previous to his sickness, being in conversation with two Friends, after a short pause of silence, he said : " Be ye also ready, for at such an hour as we expect not, the mes- senger of death may be sent to our houses." He was taken ill the 3rd of the Tenth month, 1793. On the next day, a Friend who came to see him, expressed his sorrow that one who had been so serviceable among the sick should be seized with the disorder, hoping he would have been spared. He signified, " It matters little, when in our places, how we are disposed of, whether in life or death." 34 ISAAC ZANE. During his illness he appeared cheerful, and evinced by the serenity of his mind, that his trust and confidence were not shaken, but firmly fixed in that everlasting Arm of power, which had redeemed his soul from pollution, and sup- ported him through many seasons of deep pro- bation. To one who expressed a hope of his getting better, he calmly said he was resigned either in life or death. On the 7th of the month, early in the morn- ing, his wife coming into the room, asked him how he was ; being perfectly in his reason, he replied in substance, that he had had a very comfortable night, and been overshadowed with the calming influence of Divine love, in a degree he had never before experienced. He departed this life on the 11th of the Tenth month, 1793, aged near thirty-seven years. A brief Memorial from the Monthly Meeting of (Philadelphia, concerning Isaac Zane, an Elder. His parents were early settlers in the county of Gloucester, in West New Jersey, where he was born in the First (now called the Third) ISAAC ZANJE. 35 month, 1710, and became about the fourteenth year of his age, a resident in this city. Sub- mitting in the days of youth to the visitation of Divine love and mercy, he experienced a growth in Grace, manifesting by example and precept, a sincere concern for the advancement of the cause of Truth, and the maintenance of our Christian discipline; diligently attending our meetings established for that purpose, as well as those for Divine worship ; in which religious care he continued even after he became very feeble in body, and his eye-sight so dim, that he was under the necessity of being led to them ; upon which, we are informed he has sometimes remarked, " That although he went in great weakness, (meaning of body and mind) he was often favored through the condescending good- ness of the Shepherd of Israel, with inward con- solation, and returned to his home much re- freshed and strengthened." Being acquainted with many of the Indian natives of this land, who, when he was young, were numerous, he felt for their distresses, and was greatly concerned for their real good ; which he was solicitous to promote, as far as his endeavors could be useful, by embracing oppor- tunities that offered, when they came to this city, or held treaties with the Government here 36 ISAAC ZANE. or in places adjacent; and having a place in their esteem and affections, he endeavored to inculcate in their minds the benefit of a peace- able disposition, and the necessity of their at- tending to the convictions of Divine Grace. When reduced to a state of great bodily weak- ness, in the time of his last confinement, he said to a Friend sitting near him, that " He was willing to go, and ready to go ;" and soon after, " that the great and good Shepherd had not left him ;" expressing his sense of " the joys of the realms of light," and appeared frequently to be favored with great consolation, making melody in his heart when all was silent and quiet about him, singing praises to the Lord, though en- during much pain of body. At one time he ex- pressed, " I am weak in body, but not in mind." A Friend enquiring of him whether he expected to get about again, he replied, '^I hardly expect it ;" adding, " I have seen the arms of Everlast- ing Mercy open to receive me, and have a full assurance, that I shall be permitted to join the heavenly host in singing hallelujah, and enabled with the seraphims to say, Holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts ; the whole earth is full of his glory." He was favored to retain his memory and understanding to the last; and his bodily strength MARGARET HAINES. 37 gradually decreasing, he expired without appa- rent pain, in the morning of the 6th of the Third month, 1794, aged eighty-four years, wanting eight days. Testimony of the Monthly Meeting of (Phila- delphia, concerning Margaret Haines. She was born in this city the 26th day of the First (now called the Third) month, 1729. Submitting to the visitations of Divine love about the twenty-fifth year of her age, she be- came useful. Many and various were the trials and exercises she had to pass j;hrough, but by the sustaining help of Him that hath all power in his hand, she was supported under them; being also ready on all occasions to help those that were engaged in the Lord's work, whether amongst ourselves, or such as came from dis- tant lands to promote the cause of truth and righteousness in the earth She was remark- ably benevolent and charitable to the poor and afflicted, searching and finding out objects that appeared to be much hidden from general notice and observation, and liberally administered to their several necessities. She filled the station of an elder, and was 4 38 MAKGAEET HAINES. tender and sympathizing with snch as had the glad tidings of the gospel to preach, — encoura^ ging the young and diffident in the ministry, and desirous that all might be brought forward in the right line. She was in the city when it was visited with the late awful sickness and mortality, [in 1793.] The first day of her illness, which was the 28th of the Ninth month, she gave directions respecting what she wished done for several poor persons, and concluded with saying, " Now am I released from this business," meaning her care for the poor. The 29 th, on being asked how s^he was, she replied, "very poorly indeed. Oh! my dear, what a favor it is those that have this com- plaint do not lie long — the Lord's will^ not mine be done." Soon after, with much fervency she said, " Lord, thy will be done ! Oh ! that thou wouldst be with me to the end, and favor me with resignation : blessed be thy holy name for ever and ever." 30th, " I have been much tossed and tried this night, but my mind is now easy, which is a great favor : yes, I feel quiet and easy, and desire nobody may come to see me ; for it is a serious thing to visit the sick at this awful time. CHARLES AVILLIAMS. 39 I feel my relations and friends very near and dear to me, and wish my affectionate love to them, but do not desire any of them to come." Several times in the course of that and the next day, she broke forth in fervent supplication, all of which could not be understood — her speech being much affected, except twice that she re- peated, "0 Lord! thy will and not mine be done ; be with me to the end, if it be thy holy will : blessed be thy name for ever and ever." These were nearly the last words that were understood ; and although the disorder affected her very deeply, and she underwent great pain, she was favored with much patience and resig- nation. On the 3rd of the Tenth month, 1793, about half past 5 o'clock in the morning, she quietly departed, aged sixty-four years and six months. A Memorial from the Monthly Meeting of (Philadelphia for the J^orthern (District, re= specting Charles Williams. Our friend Charles Williams, son of Hezekiah and Grace Williams, departed this life on the 9th day of the Tenth month, 1793, in the twenty- ninth year of his age, and about the ninth from 40 CHARLES WILLIAMS. his first appearance in the ministry. His meek and humble spirit bore instructive witness to the efficacy of Truth, whereby his disposition was rendered sweet and tender. He was a sympa- thetic friend to the poor and those in affliction, either of body or mind, whom he often visited. His ministry was edifying, evidencing the pre- valence of gospel love ; in the innocency where- of, being preserved an example of plainness and simplicity, he was concerned, with much gen- tleness, privately to exhort such of our members who departed therefrom; by which proofs of brotherly kindness, and his unassuming manner, he obtained a place in the minds of those with whom he labored. In the time of great mortality with which this city was visited, deeply sympathizing with his friends and acquaintance who were seized with the contagion, he was much devoted to afford them relief; visiting many to their consolation, though his residence was several miles distant. Some pious reflections on this solemn occasion, by him committed to writing, it may not be un- useful to note, viz. " Ninth month 1st, 1 793 — It is affecting to observe the change that has taken place in this industrious city, where business ap- peared to be the life of many, and each one strove to exceed his neighbor in care to gather SAMUEL HUTTON. 41 wealth. Now a stop is put to this — little busi- ness is transacted ; and the minds of many are awakened to consider what is the state of their last and solemn account. A serious solemnity appears on almost every countenance ; and I hope by myself and many others, this visitation may never be forgotten." Divine wisdom permitting, he was soon after taken with the prevailing disorder, which in a few days put a period to his life. Favored during his illness with a happy confidence in Divine mercy, he took an affectionate leave of his parents, saying he was not afraid to die ; and under a comfortable belief of his departing in peace with God and man, his memory remains precious to us. A brief Account 0/ Samuel Hutton ofJ^otting^ ham Monthly Meeting, who deceased in the thirty =first year of his age : with some of his expresssons in his last illness. It appears he was born within the verge of New Garden Monthly Meeting, in Pennsylvania, the 28th day of the Sixth month, 1763 5 was of innocent behavior in his youthful days, much inclined to solitude, and at times, favored with 42 SAMUEL HUTTON. Divine openings; and when about eighteen years of age, with a lively gift in the ministry; in the exercise whereof he improved, through obedience to what he believed was required of him. He was of a meek and circumspect conduct, and concerned for the support of Truth's testimony in its several branches, and it is believed, was supported under his various afilictions with a truly Christian fortitude. In 1792 he removed with his family to West Nottingham, finished his course on the 15th of the Fifth month, 1794, and was interred in our burial ground at West Nottingham aforesaid. To a Friend that visited him, he expressed himself thus : " Since I have been under this affliction, I have had to look over my past life — the many buflfetings, temptations, and provo- cations I have passed through ; and now I feel my mind easy, enjoying a perfect calm over them all, which I deem a remarkable favor, and cause of humble thankfulness." He was often heard to express a desire', that he might be preserved in patience, and enabled to bear his affliction without murmuring, which he was favored to experience in a remarkable manner. The day before his decease, he gave some directions concerning his burial, and that his JAMES THORNTON. 43 coffin should be plain, without mouldings or any kind of polish. He prayed fervently for the preservation of his wife and children ; and when taking leave of his near connections and others, he often recommended to faithfulness; signify- ing, that was the way to be prepared to meet the awful messenger of death : and reaching his hand to a Friend, he said, " Thou hast felt near to me ; be thou faithful when I am gone. I have a well-grounded hope there is a rest prepared for me in the mansions of everlasting bliss." He also expressed the love he felt to Friends generally, and to all men. On his then taking a solemn leave of some present, he exhorted them to a right improvement of their time, that they might be prepared to meet with death. Testimony of Horsham Monthly Meeting, con= cerning James Thornton, late of (Byberry. It appears from a short manuscript, left by him, that he was born at Stony Stratford, in Buckinghamshire, Great Britain, in the year 1727. His parents dying when he was about the age of fourteen years — ^without being under the guardianship of any Friend, he, for a time, sought to recreate himself with the company of 44 JAMES THOENTON. idle boys ; but becoming thoughtful of what might be the effect of such a course of living, he engaged in work for some of his neighbors; which, as he expressed, was a means of pre- serving him from loose and vain company ; and being through the reaches of Divine Grace, led to seek an acquaintance with Israel's Shepherd, he was, in those young and tender years, often favored with heart-tendering visitations. About the sixteenth year of his age, he went apprentice to a valuable Friend, whose care over him was truly useful ; and growing in the knowledge of the blessed Truth, he appeared exercised under a dispensation of the gospel ministry, giving up thereto about the twentieth year of his age; and about two years after, acquainting his friends with a prospect he had of removing to settle in Pennsylvania, they, on weighing the said proposal, gave a certificate of their unity with him, and his service in the ministry. He landed at Philadelphia in 1750, and short- ly after proceeded to Bristol, in Bucks County, where he resided some time, and then married and settled at Byberry : and being frequently engaged, with the concurrence of Friends, in visiting the churches in different parts of this continent, and a few years past, the meetings JAMES THORNTON. 45 of Friends at divers places in Great Britain, from the certificates he produced on his return from those visits, it appears that his religious services were well accepted. He was an able minister of the gospel, and well qualified for the discipline of the church, in which he was fervently engaged, that the good order thereof might be maintained, and the camp cleansed and preserved. His dispo- sition was kind and aflfable ; his company and conversation being instructive and edifying; his heart and house were open to entertain his friends ; he was liberal also in distributing to the necessities of the poor. For several years of the latter part of his time, he was much afflicted with bodily infirmity and pain, which he was enabled to bear with much patience and resignation. His last sick- ness, which continued about two weeks, was very trying; in which time divers of his weighty expressions, being worthy to be preserved, were as follow. The 8th of the Fourth month, 1794, he said that he had been under an exercise some time past, respecting visiting some places, but now had found a release, and enjoyed a quiet, peace- ful mind, which he preferred to every thing else. Some time after he was taken poorly, his dis- 46 JAMES THOENTON. order proving complicated, he was thencefor- ward mostly - confined, though the next day, being the fourth of the week, he attended the meeting at Byberry, which was the last time he got from home. On Seventh-day morning, being very ill, he said, "I have been afflicted from my youth up, with bodily infirmities, and how it may issue now, whether in life or death, is not essential for me to know, as I have a peaceful mind ; and all the world without it would be nothing." First of the week — An oppression increasing upon his breast, he expressed but little until the night following, when it again came on, and he said, " This is hard work, but there is a good foundation :" and repeated, " This is hard work, but there is a good foundation, and we experi- ence hard things to be made easy, and bitter sweet." At another time, being asked how he was, he chose not to be disturbed, but said he was quiet and contented. Second of the week — In the morning, he seemed much revived, and said he was pretty clear of pain, and relieved from the oppression at his breast ; then said, " I have seen that the honors and friendships of this world are a great hindrance to the progress of many in re- ligion ; but it is what I have always shunned, JAMES THORNTON. 47 or I should not have been able to have dealt so plainly, and spoken so impartially, in meetings and out, as I have done, and stood through it all to this day." Third of the week — In the morning he said, " The present prospect of being soon released, he could not set forth in words." It was an- swered, it seems not in our power to do much for thee : he replied, "It is a comfort my de- pendence is not on man." Fifth of the week — His disorder increasing upon him, he said, " This is close work ; bu