BX 7745 .B33 A3 1862 
 Barclay, Lydia Ann, 1799- 
 1862. 
 
 A selection from the lettei 
 
 n » ^ ^ 1 . 
 
Digitized by the Internet Archive 
 in 2015 
 
 https://archive.org/details/selectionfromletOObarc 
 
c ( e f t i 0 n 
 
 THE LETTERS 
 
 OF 
 
 LYDIA AIN BARCLAY, 
 
 % Pintstev of i\n 6ospeI 
 
 IN THE SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. 
 
 '^She hath done what she could." — Mark xiv. 8. 
 
 IVIANCIIESTER i 
 GEORGE HARRISON, 11 CROSS STREET. 
 
 MDCCCLXIT. 
 
P R E F A C E 
 
 The preparation of the following selection from the correspondence 
 of our late dear friend, Lydia Ann Barclay, has been undertaken with 
 an undoubting belief of its being a duty to hand forth to the present 
 generation, and to posterity, these records of the exercises and 
 labours of our departed friend and sister in the unchangeable truth. 
 
 The largest proportion of them has been supplied by her corres- 
 pondents, who were friends to whom she was closely united in 
 Christian fellowship, and who have willingly surrendered them for 
 the benefit of others. 
 
 Whilst occupied in fulfilling the service devolving upon us, we 
 have been favoured with a precious feeling of peace, and not un- 
 frequently with the sweet incomes of our heavenly Father's love, 
 melting our hearts, and causing the tribute of gi'atitude and pi'aise to 
 ascend before Him. 
 
 We have felt concerned to be faithful in the fulfilment of our trust, 
 with a single eye to the glory of Him by whose grace our friend was 
 what she was — desiring neither to withhold more than is meet, which 
 tendeth to poverty, nor, by undue enlargement, to exceed the bounds 
 of a wise discretion ; and we earnestly hope that our readers may be 
 prepared to receive that which is written in the love of the truth, to 
 their own abiding instruction and deepening in Christ, the root of life. 
 
 We have, therefore, endeavoured, without compromise of the 
 principles, doctrines, and testimonies professed by us, to select such 
 of the letters of our departed friend as would render the whole a true 
 delineation of her religious views and experience ; and it is earnestly 
 
4 
 
 PREFACE. 
 
 desired, that (in this day of conflict and of great perplexity, and 
 treading down within our borders, because of the falling away of 
 many from the ancient standard, and the persevering efforts of an 
 untiring enemy to drive us back into the house of bondage, out of 
 which our forefathers were delivered by an Almighty Arm), the deep, 
 practical, heart-searching character of these letters, may lead manu 
 amongst us to search and try their ways, honestly inquiring of them- 
 selves what they know of such deep experience ; and, also, that it may 
 tend to the confirming of the faith of those who, seeing the ravages 
 the enemy has made amongst us, may often be ready to query, 
 "What is truth?" 
 
 Our beloved friend left but few private memoranda of her religious 
 experience; but the little there is shows the purified state of her 
 mind. She left a few drafts of letters ; and the following paper 
 being found with them, is felt by those into whose hands they have 
 come to increase their responsibility : — 
 
 " In preserving these rough drafts of letters, written under exercise 
 of mind, I desire to be preserved from boasting, or seeking to make 
 a fair show in the flesh (as it were), knowing that in my flesh 
 dweUcth no good thing; 'But by the grace of God I am what I am,' 
 and that, if His grace bestowed upon me has not been in vain, it is all 
 of His adorable love and mercy in Christ Jesus my Lord. But my 
 whole and sincere desire is, that, if in the perusal of these papers by 
 any when I am gone to rest, the pure mind may be stirred up, or 
 that which is tender or of God in them strengthened — 'that the 
 abundant grace may through [their] thanksgiving, redound to the 
 glory of God,' the fountain of all good, and the centre of all true 
 worship and praise." Amen. 
 
 Cockermoiith, 1862. 
 
TESTIMONIES 
 
 Of Aberdeen Monthly JIeeting, concerning Ltdia Ann Barclay, 
 icho died on the Z\st of 1st month, 1855, aged 55 years, and ivhose 
 remains icere interred at Cockermouth, on the 7th of 2nd month 
 following: a Minister about 20 years. 
 
 Although our dear friend was not a member of this Monthly 
 Meeting at the time of her decease, yet, her removal having taken 
 place so shortly before her illness, we feel it our duty to issue the 
 following testimony. 
 
 Lydia Ann Barclay, daughter of Robert and Ann Barclay, members 
 of our religious Society, was bom at Clapham, in Sun-ey, on the 25th 
 of 10th month, 1799, and when very young was deprived by death 
 of her mother. In the season of youth she appears to have been 
 tendered and contrited by tlie \nsitations of heavenly love, and, under 
 the quickening power of the Spirit of Truth, was given to see the 
 necessity of obedience to all its manifestations and pure leadings in 
 the secret of her soul. To Him who was thus knocking at the door 
 of her heart she was enabled to open ; and, through co-operation 
 with His gi'ace, she was strengthened to take up her daUy cross 
 and walk in the narrow path of self-denial and regeneration, 
 esteeming all things but loss that she might "win Christ, and be 
 found in him." The following extract, from a letter to a friend, 
 shows the work of the Lord's Spirit on her mind in her younger 
 days: — "My dear friend: thou queried of me yesterday, how the 
 work of religion was begun in my heart? to which I believe I gave 
 
 B 
 
6 
 
 TESTIMONIES. 
 
 thee no satisfactory answer. I feel afraid of expressing much on 
 such subjects, or of 'judging my oa\ti self;' but now, fearing lest my 
 silence should have done harm, I feel at liberty to tell thee, I trust 
 under a humbling sense of the tender mercy of my heavenly Father. 
 Ah I His compassionate regard was to me, when but a child, visiting 
 me. by His love, making me sensible of the depravity of my evil heart, 
 of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, of my great need of a Saviour, and 
 of His cleansing, sauctif}Tng power: and this, my dear friend, was 
 not thi-ough the instrumentality of any outwai-d means, but mostly 
 during the time of my being [confined on a couch], and in my secret 
 retirings to wait upon Him. We were brought up to the use of 
 prayers morning and evening, and re?y often went with om* governess 
 (who was of the Established Church) to her place of worship; this 
 I became uneasy with, when about fifteen, and, showing a dislike to 
 it, she never pressed it again; places of public amusement and dancing 
 were also given up about the same time, and music soon after. Oh! 
 how tenderly have I been dealt with ! I can never sufficiently 
 remember it. He has led me gently along, showing me by degrees, 
 fii'st, what He would have me avoid and forsake, and then what He 
 would have me to do and pursue : but how many times have I revolted 
 and turned away from His offers, disobeyed His commands and 
 grieved His Holy Spirit! I desu-e to be continually humbled under 
 a sense of these things, and animated to renewed dedication of 
 heart to Him who has loved me and given HimseK for me; waiting 
 for the fresh discoveries of His blessed -will." 
 
 As she continued faithfully to follow Him who had called her out 
 of darkness into His marvellous light, passing through those deep 
 baptisms of spirit which are necessaiy for the reduction of self, and 
 are preparatory to service in the Church, she saw clearly that it 
 would be required of her to engage in the work of the ministry; in 
 allusion to which she writes, on the 15th of 1st month, 1827: — "Oh 
 Lord, my God I if, in the riches of thy mercy and condescending 
 goodness to a poor worm, thou see meet to require of me to speak 
 of thee to others, to 'speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, 
 
TESTIMONIES. 
 
 7 
 
 and tell of thy wondrous -works,' — thy will be done. Behold the 
 handmaid of my Lord; do Avhat thou wilt with me, only make me 
 thy dear child, thy faithful servant. Be thou my strength; let it be 
 in thy power and authority, and to the utter abasement and deep 
 humiliation of the creature, that so all power and glory may be 
 ascribed unto thee, to whom it is ever due! Amen." Again, in 
 reference to this awful engagement, the breathings of her soul are 
 penned, on the 1st of 10th month, 1830: — "Let the mountains flow 
 doT;\Ti at thy presence, and cause the hills of opposition to melt like 
 wax before thee; bring all within me into pure resignation, into holy 
 obedience — then open thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth 
 thy praise — then speak thou the word, and I will publish it in thy 
 might ; and, oh Lord ! I beseech thee, bring me into deep humility 
 and nothingness of self, and keep me there for ever." 
 
 She appears to have first come forth in the ministry at Friends' 
 Meeting at Epping, in allusion to which she wintes, on the 17th of 
 2nd month, 1831: — "And now it seems well for me to acknowledge 
 (I trust under a deep sense of the condescending goodness of my dear 
 Lord and Master, and of my ovra utter unworthiness), that having 
 often felt uneasiness in not ha^'ing yielded to a secret desire that has 
 seemed to attend me these several years, to go and sit with Epping 
 Friends in their Meeting, I ventured to go there yesterday fortnight, 
 in fear for the body, it being a deep snoAV and severely cold; and in 
 mental fear also, lest it should be presumptuous and WTong. But, 
 oh, what a favour! it pleased Divine Goodness again, as it were, to 
 overshadow me •nnth His love, and to require obedience in the expres- 
 sion of a few words ; after fearing and hesitating, and at last 
 trembling, till near the close of the meeting, I ventured and was 
 enabled to stand up. Hoav unworthy am I to make mention of His 
 name! What gi'eat condescension and mercy, thus to make a way 
 where I can see no way, to take away fear, to remove doubt, and to 
 give strength! and not only so, but afterwards to favour with a 
 peaceful quiet! And now, what can I render for all His mercies? 
 The answer seems, "All thou requirest, my whole heart, oh Lord!' 
 
8 
 
 TESTIMONIES. 
 
 But, oh, may He enable me and undertake for mc, for I am indeed 
 weak and feeble; and may He purify and prepare me for Himself to 
 d\vell in! And now, whenever and wherever such another sacrifice 
 may again be required of me, no matter — may He make me more and 
 more His simple. His obedient child! And seeing I am such a poor, 
 weak, ignorant child, may He take me by the hand and show me how 
 to go, and all the snares and dangers that surround, enabling me to 
 take right steps; and when I slip or miss my way, may He tell me 
 and reprove and chasten me, humbling me as His tender love and 
 wisdom see meet. And, oh! saith my soul, may He keep me low in 
 His pure fear, that all praise and glory may ever be ascribed to Him 
 to whom alone it is eternally due!" She was recorded a minister on 
 the 24th of 12th month, 1835, whilst resident at Croydon, and in 
 this capacity visited many of the counties of England, once the Yearly 
 Meeting of Friends at Dublin, and twice the Meetings of Scotland. 
 In 1847, under an apprehension of duty, she removed from Reigate, 
 in Surrey, where she had resided nearly eight years, and settled in 
 Aberdeen. Whilst living here she was liberated, in the 2nd month, 
 1849, for religious service in the Quarterly Meeting of Cornwall; in 
 the following year she visited the Meetings and part of the families 
 of Friends in Dorset and Hants, and attended the Yearly Meeting at 
 Dublin; in the 1st month, 1852, she held a meeting with a portion 
 of the young women employed in the factories at Aberdeen; and, in 
 1854, was engaged to visit, in Gospel love, the Meetings composing 
 the Quarterly Meeting of Cumberland and Northumberland; besides 
 other services at different times within the compass of this General 
 Meeting. 
 
 It was her conscientious endeavour to occupy faithfully, as a good 
 steward, with the outward means with which she was abundantly 
 blessed, being concerned to do good and to communicate, and being ■ 
 herself in deportment, dress, and the furniture of her house, an 
 example of plainness and simplicity, which she believed the Spirit of 
 Christ led into. She removed to Cockermouth early in the 10th 
 month, 1854, and had been there little more than four weeks, when 
 
TESTIMONIES. 
 
 9 
 
 a paralytic seizure deprived her of the use of her left side, and affected 
 her mind with frequent and protracted wanderings. About this time 
 a relative bidding her farewell, and adding, ''The Lord be with thee," 
 she said, "He has been with me; I have had many favoured times; 
 they have been very sweet:" and at another interval, "I have been 
 brought veiy low, but Divine aid has supported me." She had been 
 under much exercise for the young females engaged in the factories 
 at Cockermouth ; and on one occasion, expressing this, and her desire 
 
 that should visit them frequently, and assist in teaching them 
 
 to read, &c., she added: — she wanted young friends to be encouraged 
 to use their talents, though it might be in a little way: the little 
 would be accepted that was done in love to the Lord, for even a cup 
 of cold water, if given in His name, would have its reward; none 
 should shrink from these services because they coidd do but little; 
 little ability — little means — little talent — ought not to hinder; all 
 could do somethinrj ; and if we omitted to do what was called for at 
 our hands for our poor suffering fellow-creatures, how could we 
 expect to have the blessing of those who were ready to perish to rest 
 upon us. She thought we ought to be faithful in speaking our minds 
 to others, not deterred by the fear of offending them, lest, by 
 unfaithfulness, Ave should endanger the soul of our brother, and his 
 blood should be required at our hand: also how sad it would be, if, 
 owing to us, he should go to the place of perdition, "where their 
 worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." It pleased Him who 
 had afflicted her gradually to restore her mental faculties, when under 
 a deep sense of the humiliating condition of her earthly tabernacle, 
 and of the abounding mercy of her dear Lord and Master, she v^Tote 
 the following: — "My mind has been so filled with these words 
 that I beUeve I must try and write them down to the glory of God. 
 
 "And now, O Lord! I desire to praise, and thank, and adore thy 
 holy name, for all thy great goodness and mercy to thy poor, weak, 
 unworthy servant, who is truly unworthy the least of all thy tender 
 mercies to her: especially making known and revealing thy grace, in 
 favouring her, with others of her family, with thy blessed day-spring 
 
10 
 
 TESTIMONIES. 
 
 from on high, whereby thou hast brought me forth out of darkness 
 and the shadow of death, and hast in measure translated me into the 
 kingdom of thy dear Son, who hath abolished death, and brought 
 life and immortality to light through the Gospel, giving us a lively 
 hope through thy dear Son, and favouring with an humble hope of 
 acceptance, according to thy precious grace, through Him in whom 
 we have redemption through His blood, and forgiveness for the sins 
 that arc repented of. And now. Lord, may it please thee so to work 
 in and upon thy poor, unworthy child, as to bring me into an humble 
 resignation, a true resignation and real subjection to thy mighty 
 power and holy wiU in all things, that I may, by thy goodness, be 
 purified and prepared, through this humbling dispensation, for my 
 awful time of translation. Oh! so work in and upon me, as that 
 thy life may reign and come into dominion over all, and thus I may 
 be jiermitted graciously to obtain a glorious victory over death, hell, 
 and the grave, through thy dear Son, my Lord and Saviour. For 
 when thy life comes to reign over all, then thy peace and praise shall 
 fill my soul ! peace Avith thee through Jesus Christ, and thy peace 
 and love to all mankind the Avorld over (but not to their sins). Oh! 
 be pleased thus to fill me with thy peace and praise, Avho art worthy, 
 worthy of all j^raise and thanksgiving, honour, adoration, and renown, 
 and living, livmg praises, not only now, but now, henceforth, and for 
 evermore. Amen." 
 
 After this, in a letter to a friend, she remarks, "I always had a 
 feeling that my moving to this place would be like the end of my 
 career, but what a mercy to have been spared and so favoured dm-ing 
 this painful time; yea, favoured with songs of praise in the night 
 season, and heartfelt praise and thanksgiving by day, so as to be 
 quite resigned to wait the Lord's time ! " Thus, with a heart 
 overflowing with gratitude for all her mercies — the sweet savour of 
 her spirit evidencing that her dwelling was in the secret place of the 
 Most High — a second seizure, on the 25th of the 1st month, 1855, 
 deprived her of the use of the other side, also of speech and the 
 ))()Avcr of swallowing. In this prostrated state, appai'ently with little 
 
TESTIMONIES. 
 
 11 
 
 or no pain, she lay until tlie 31st of the same, wlien she quietly and 
 peacefully breathed her last. 
 
 A little tribute to the memory of our beloved departed friend, 
 Lydia Ann Barclay, seems due from us, who for a long course of 
 years were privileged to enjoy a close intimacy and friendship with 
 her, being sweetly united together in the love and fellowship of the 
 Gospel, and which continued unabated until the close of her life. 
 
 Our acquaintance commenced in the days of early dedication, at a 
 time when her mind was sweetly visited with the contriting, humbling 
 influences of heavenly love, engaging her heart to seek and to serve 
 the Lord ; and by yielding obedience to the teachings of Divine grace, 
 as inwardly manifested, she was favoured to experience a growth 
 therein, and in the saving knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus, 
 evidencing by her undeviating walk in the way of the cross and path 
 of self-denial, that she was indeed concerned to follow Him in the 
 regeneration and in newness of life. 
 
 Very humble were the views she took of herself, feeling that she 
 had nothing to glory in, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 by whom the world Avas crucified unto her, and she unto the world. 
 
 Her memory is precious, her example was instructive and edifying, 
 the one bent of her mind being to journey Zion-ward ; and in her 
 endeavour to serve her Divine Master, she was earnestly concerned 
 to press upon others the need of a daily feeling after fresh supplies of 
 heavenly grace to keep the soul alive. This being much her own 
 experience caused the dew of heaven to rest upon her spirit, preserving 
 her leaf from fading, and thereby causing much fruit to be brought 
 forth for the refreshment of many, to the praise and glory of the 
 great and good Husbandman. 
 
 And not only was she livingly concerned to be found a faithful 
 stewai-d of the manifold grace of God, but was also sensible of her 
 
12 
 
 TESTIMONIES. 
 
 accountability to Him for the right use of her outward substance, of 
 which she was a liberal distributor, seeking out objects of a more 
 hidden character to whom pecuniary aid was peculiarly acceptable. 
 
 She was also in no common degree a remarkable economist of time, 
 which, with her other gifts and talents, she was zealously concerned 
 to occupy to the honour of the great Giver, and at different times 
 was industriously engaged in spreading among others, by the distribu- 
 tion of sound religious books and tracts, an acquaintance with the 
 principles of truth, as always professed by Friends. 
 
 More might be said of this devoted handmaid of the Lord, yet our 
 object is not to eulogise the creature, but briefly and simply to 
 delineate her character and untiring zeal for the prosperity of Zion, 
 and the enlargement of her borders, for unto her was given in the 
 behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His 
 sake ; therefore, she could say from experience,'that "the sufferings of 
 this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which 
 shall be revealed in us," for she counted nothing too near or too dear 
 to part with that she might win Christ and be found in Him. 
 
 In the remembrance of the many favoured opportunities we were 
 permitted to partake of together in seasons of inward retirement 
 before the Lord, for the refreshings of His presence and renewal of 
 our spiritual strength, as likewise the privilege of frequent social 
 intercourse, we are afresh made sensible of our great loss, as well as 
 that which we feel the Church has sustained by the removal of this 
 beloved friend and sister in the truth, who having been concerned 
 to work while it was called day, was, as we reverently believe, 
 through redeeming love and mercy, prepared to receive the joyful 
 summons of "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into 
 the joy of thy Lord," and into thy Master's rest. 
 
 John Finch Marsh. 
 Hannah Marsh. 
 
 Cro)j(l(jii, Siirfei/, V2th Month, 1861. 
 
TESTIMONIES. 
 
 13 
 
 Precious is the memory of the Lord's faithful servants, of which 
 blessed number may justly be reckoned our late beloved Lydia A. 
 Barclay. It may be said of her that she walked through the world 
 but was not of it ; and was an example of humility, self-renunciation, 
 and dedication of heart unto the will of Him whom she chose for her 
 blessed portion, and whose holy cause she preferred above her chief 
 joy, being given up to the promotion thereof in her own soul, and in 
 the souls of others, but especially among her own people, that they 
 might be redeemed from the corruptions of the world, and live soberly, 
 righteously, and godly in this present life, according to their high 
 and holy profession. 
 
 She bought the truth at the price of all she held dear, and having 
 done so, she dared not sell it again, but bound it about her so closely 
 that the enemy's attempts to rob her of her treasure proved but vain 
 and fruitless before the preserving power of Him who is stronger 
 than the strong man armed. 
 
 Thus she was not content to run well for a time only, but continued 
 stedfast to tlie end, in the fulfilment of the commandments of the 
 Divine Lawgiver ; and so conspicuously did her light shine before 
 men, that many seeing her good works were led to glorify their 
 Father who is in heaven. Hers was as the path of the just, that 
 shineth more and more unto the perfect day. The remembrance of 
 her is animating to those who were made partakers of her labours, 
 and were strengthened by her example and counsel to take up the 
 cross, deny themselves, and follow Him whom site followed. 
 
 Though unworthy thus to claim a place among the numerous 
 objects of her Gospel labours, yet gratitude demands of me an open 
 acknowledgment of their value in this short tribute to her memory. 
 
 Her day's work was early completed, and she was permitted to lay 
 down her head in peace, reposing in the love of that Saviour who 
 redeemed her and qualified her for His service, and who is now, we 
 reverently believe, her everlasting reward and crown of rejoicing. 
 
 Louisa E, Gilkes. 
 
 J^Diidoii, 1862. 
 
A SELECTION 
 
 FROM THE 
 
 LETTERS OF LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 1st Month loth, 1827. — Oh Lord, my God! if, in the riches of 
 thy mercy and condescending goodness to a poor Avorm, thou see 
 meet to require me to speak of thee to others, to " speak of the 
 glorious honour of thy majesty," and tell "of thy wondrous works" — 
 thy will be done. Behold the handmaid of my Lord ; do what thou 
 wilt with me, only make me thy dear child, thy faithful servant. Be 
 thou my strength ; let it be in thy power and authority, and to the 
 utter abasement and deep humiliation of the creature, that so all 
 power and glory may be ascribed unto thee, to whom it is for ever 
 due. Amen. 
 
 It seemed well to write down the above — if it meet the eye of a 
 brother or sister after my dissolution, it may be of use. Let all 
 praise be rendered unto Him from whom all good desires spring, and 
 who answers them. 
 
 2rd Month 20th, 1827. — Should my great and good Master see 
 meet that the foregoing feelings should be a preparation for etei'nity, 
 may Ilis holy will be done ! My heart has desired to unite in the 
 language — 
 
 "My life, if thou preserve my life, 
 Thy sacrifice shall be ; 
 And death, if death must be my doom, 
 [Oh may it] join my soul to thee." 
 
Ifi A SELECTION EROM THE LETTERS OF [1828. 
 
 Oh ! may His hand not spare, nor His eye pity, till He has thoroughly 
 purged away all the dross, and the tin, and the reprobate silver, and 
 made me what He would have me to be. Truly He is worthy to be 
 served, loved, and obeyed for ever. 
 
 To H. M^r'<'L 
 
 What I have gone through for these several years thou canst 
 better imagine from experience than I can describe ; but I will not 
 attempt to enlarge on such an awful subject, except it be to say, that 
 I believe it is my earnest desire to be emptied and stripped, to be 
 washed and purified, to be rendered soft and pliable as clay in the 
 hands of the potter, to be anything or nothing. Do thou, dear H. 
 crave for me that I may be preserved from slipping on the right 
 hand or on the left, and that when the acceptable time may come, 
 strength may be given to bring forth, no matter how much to the 
 abasement and humiliation of the creature, so it be to the praise of 
 His gi'eat and ever excellent name, who alone is worthy. 
 
 Farewell, in haste, with the dear love of thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 The following letter is in reply to one written to her by a Friend, 
 relative to that plainness of dress which she believed she was required 
 to adopt : — 
 
 t 
 
 To — : 
 
 , 1828 or 1829. 
 
 Dear Friend, 
 
 Thy letter I duly received ; it needed no apology I assure 
 thee. I desire to be always open to the advice or reproof of my 
 friends, and take it as a mark of that love which ought to subsist 
 between the members of the same body. With respect to the subject 
 of thy letter, I wish to take thy hint, and that the subject may again 
 obtain my serious consideration — this has been the case from time to 
 time during the last nine years. I believe I may venture to say, I 
 desire to have no will in it, but to be enabled clearly to see and simply 
 to follow the requisitions of truth. I may own, it has been exceed- 
 ingly trying to be thus peculiar, being naturally inclined to be rather 
 nice and particular in dress, as Avell as to shrink from observation. 
 
1829.] 
 
 LY'DIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 17 
 
 Whether this trial has been required for the subjection of my 
 natural pride, or whether as a testimony against the over-nicety and 
 elegance of many of my dear friends, I must leave. I think I may 
 truly say, the cause of truth is very precious to me ; and whilst I should 
 be exceedingly sorry that any manner or outward appearance of mine 
 should have any repelling elfect, I feel a fear (and desire it may 
 increase) of encouraging or slipping into that which will not bring 
 peace in the retrospect. 
 
 I feel my own weakness is very great, and that the snares of the 
 enemy are laid subtilely on every side. It seems a very serious matter 
 to take upon one to say this or that is required at my hands ! How 
 earnestly do I desire to be enabled to distinguish the voice of the great 
 and good Shepherd from the voice of the stranger, believing that He 
 will give strength to foUoAV Him, and preserve from the enemy's snares. 
 
 Farewell. I hope thou wilt be able to understand my meaning, 
 and, whenever thou mayst see a hint necessaiy, that thou wilt deal 
 faithfully with me. "With love to thy wife, I remain thy friend 
 sincerely, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To THE SAME. 
 
 Forest Place, Gth Day, . 
 
 To be thought well of by others, lohat a golden wedge 
 that is ! But oh ! to be approved by Him who is the Beloved of my 
 soul, this is all I crave. He has truly betrothed me unto Himself in 
 righteousness, and in judgment, and in loving-kindness, and in very 
 lonysiiffei iiKj mercy, yea, in faithfulness too ; and oh ! that I may 
 never depart from Him, nor cease from serving Him with the strength 
 He gives. Amen. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 1st of Seventh Month, 1829. 
 How do I long that the fire may thoroughly accom- 
 plish its work, be it kindled ever so fierce, that every crook and 
 corner may be searched, into which self can creep, that so it may be 
 made of no reputation. Oh ! if we are but enabled to lisp (as it 
 were) the ABC after our heavenly Father, and at his bidding, what 
 a favour ! I have much admired the conduct of Lazarus' sister 
 
18 
 
 A SELECTION FROM TUE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1830. 
 
 Marj, how she sat still in the house until she received the call, "The 
 Master is come, and calleth for thee," when she rose up quickhj. I 
 have much desire to follow her example, and to wait the full time, 
 when, I have at times believed, there would be no lach and no doubt. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 • To M. M., ON HER BEING ADIHTTED INTO JMeIIBERSHIP. 
 
 It is my earnest desire that thou mayst not settle down at 
 ease now tliat thou hast obtained thy membership with Friends, 
 stopping short and looking at others ; but that thou mayst still press 
 forward, seeking after a further growth and establishment in the 
 blessed truth — looking up to our great Pattern, and desiring the 
 sincere milk of the word, that thou mw/st grow more and more in 
 grace. And now, in attending all our meetings, I desire that thou 
 mayst not be tempted to judge, on the one hand, or to be discouraged 
 or stumbled on the other by what thou seest amiss in any. Thou 
 must remember, that the shortness and deficiency in any of us does 
 not arise from the insufficiency of the blessed principle we profess to 
 be led by, but from our own unfaithfulness and want of subjection to 
 it — and, alas! thy poor mistress often laments over her shortcomings. 
 Do thou learn from the failings of others, and seek daily for ability 
 to walk worthy of the high profession thou hast taken up. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 2,rd Month 1th, 1830. — Oh Lord, my God! seeing I am but a child, 
 be graciously pleased to take me by the hand and lead me, teach me 
 more and more of thy precious ways, cause me more and more to 
 know thy language. Put thy fear in my heart, that I may never 
 depart from thee more; increase my faith and trust in thee, give me 
 to love and obey thee more and more! And whether thou see meet 
 to permit me many days and many trials, or whether to cut short the 
 thread of my life in righteousness, thy holy and blessed will be done! 
 Only make me thine — thine onli/, thine wholly, in time and in eternity. 
 
 And now. Oh Lord! what wait I for? my hope is in thee, and in 
 thy tender condescension to thy poor, unworthy, disobedient creature, 
 
1831.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAr. 
 
 19 
 
 that thou wilt yet revive thy work as in the midst of the years, and 
 in the midst of the years make known thy power and the calls of thy 
 love. And oh! when it shall be, let the mountains flow down at 
 thy presence, and cause the hills of opposition to melt like wax before 
 thee; bring all Avithin me into pure resignation, into holy obedience 
 — ^then "open thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise" 
 — then speak thou the word, and I will publish it in thy might ; and, 
 oh Lord ! I beseech thee, bring me into deep humility and nothingness 
 of soul, and keep me there for ever ! 
 
 These were the breathings of my soul as I was returning from 
 Leighton Quarterly Meeting, the 1st of 10th month, 1830, and it 
 seems with me to pen them down. It may be a stimulus to me in 
 after times (if preserved) to see the tender dealings of my heavenly 
 Father to His backsliding, revolting creature. May He turn His hand 
 again and again upon me, and perfect that which concerneth me in 
 His own time and way, and to His own praise ; for what am I, His 
 poor weak handmaid, that He should condescend to put His words 
 into my mouth, and honour me with His commands ! 
 
 To S. B. L / r. - / c^4^ 
 
 Forest Place, 1831 or 1832. 
 
 Mr DEAR Frienb, 
 
 For no other reason than lest thou shouldst feel fearful of 
 havnng done amiss by the few words that passed between us, I thought 
 I would venttwe to tell thee that thou art not mistaken, nor is thy 
 exhortation unnecessary. Thy observations were close on obedience ; 
 
 but, dear S , we are so apt to attribute our hesitation and want 
 
 of compliance to better motives than disobedience — for how can we 
 grieve so tender a Father? The fear of mistaking His voice, or of 
 stepping too soon in so awful a matter, before the weeks of prepara- 
 tion are whollij accomplished, and the fiery baptisms thorovcjlihj par- 
 taken of — this appears to keep us back ! Ah ! He has indeed waited 
 long on some of us, and again and again visited with the calls of His 
 love, laying His hand tenderhj upon us ! But, alas ! we have refused 
 in the day of trial, and have turned back from His requiring. Surely 
 it is of His tender compassion that we are not utterly consumed — that 
 the talent is not taken away, and given to others more faithful. The 
 forwardness of some has a restraining effect — the snares seem greatest 
 on that side. How great the danger of getting into a lifeless way, 
 
20 
 
 A SELECTION IKOM Tllfi LETTERS OK 
 
 [1831. 
 
 ministering deatli instead of life ! My dear friend, have I run on too 
 freely to thee ? I know the danger there is in disclosing to others 
 that which had better be kept secret, and dwelt under. 1 know the 
 advantage of sitting alone (as dear Sarah Grubb said at Quarterly 
 Meeting) and keeping silence ; but it must not always be ; there will 
 be a time of making known, as upon the house-top, what is revealed 
 in the ear. Amen ! says all that is within me. Let it only be in His 
 time and way, and according to His most blessed will — to His praise, 
 and the utter abasement and humiliation of the creature ! 
 
 I need hardly say that, of course, I write in confidence, and I shall 
 attend to thy injunction. I often think such matters are made too public, 
 though indeed it is animating and encouraging to hear of the faith- 
 fulness of any we know. I do hope, dear S , that thou wilt deal 
 
 faithfully with me at all times, more especial! u when thou seest need 
 to reprove or discourage, for I desire to take it as a mark of true love. 
 May such a child be allowed to say, that I hope, if it should be some 
 time before such a sacrifice is again called for from thy husband, that 
 he will not be discouraged or dismayed ; it is the Master's touch 
 or bidding that should only move us, and no matter when it is or 
 what others think. 
 
 Dear love, from thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To E. J. Fry. 
 
 Isi Month, 1831. 
 
 My Dear Cousin, 
 
 I fear I appeared ungrateful for thy kindness this morning. 
 I was too overcome to speak to thee. I can more easily write than 
 converse. Thou dost not know the misery, I might say anguish, 
 that I have brought upon myself again — though often before, yet 
 never so great as within these few weeks. I have been fearful I 
 should sink below hope. Miserable myself, and, as I thought, making 
 every one miserable around me, I longed to shut myself up in some 
 corner out of sight ; yet everywhere would distress follow me ! I 
 believe I am naturally liable to depression and discouragement, and 
 the enemy attacks the weak side always ; he laid me waste sadly in 
 this way in Cornwall. Distress is justhj my portion for disobeying 
 and rebelling against so tender a Father ; yet sui'ely true compunction 
 ought to lead to trust in His plenteous forgiveness, and in His willing- 
 ness to enable to do better ! I expect what thou wast sensible of 
 
1831.] 
 
 1.YDIA ANN BAUCLAT. 
 
 21 
 
 last First day was the effects of my disobedience that day two weeks, 
 for I felt as if I obstructed the arising of life ; indeed, I would gladly 
 have staid away from meeting if I durst. There are times (times of 
 great favour to such an unworthy one !) when all reasonings seem 
 hushed into silence and resignation ; and then it seems alike indifferent 
 whether there be one thousand or but one present, and whether two 
 or more words be given to be uttered, so the Divine will be but 
 accomplished. But I am ashamed to own there are many other times 
 when the fear of man — the idea of this or that pei'son being present 
 — seems an insurmountable mountain. I long for my bonds to be 
 broken. Ah ! He is able to do so — to say to the prisoners, " Go 
 forth," and to those who have sat long in darkness, " Show your- 
 selves !" 
 
 Dear has much pressed me to go and see them, but I am 
 
 fearful of it at present ; I am afi'aid of going so amongst those whose 
 tender sjanpathy for me I know to be gi'eat, and I am afraid, too, of 
 running away from sutFering. Perhaps my stubborn, proud nature 
 must first be humbled as in the dust before my own family; however, 
 this I must leave, though I long to flee away from home and the cares 
 of the body. Quarterly Meeting was indeed an awful time to me ; 
 you all seemed to address me, and I felt contrited and melted, as it 
 were, into resignation. The sudden death of one so beloved in our 
 circle seemed, indeed, like loud preaching in my ears. How awful 
 the thought of being thus snatched away before peace is made with 
 a calling and longsutFering God ! What great condescension to visit 
 again with His constraining power two weeks back, and not only so, 
 but to confirm my doubting mind— yet did I hesitate and hesitate till 
 the meeting closed ! Alas ! I have great need of the prayers of the 
 faithful; when favoured wdth ability, my beloved cousin, remember me 
 for good. I fear I have made thee sorrowful with my bcAvailings 
 over myself. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 \st Month 5th, 1831. — Considering the tender mercy of my heavenly 
 Father to me these many years, and even from childhood, and feeling 
 the great uncertainty of time, it seems with me to leave some record 
 of His tender dealings to such an unworthy creature. It may prove 
 to the animating and stirring me up in after times (if time be prolonged 
 to me) ; or, if these lines should meet the eye of a surviving dear 
 brother or sister, may they afresh excite to praise, love, and adore so 
 
 c 
 
22 
 
 A SELECTION FliOH THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1831. 
 
 compassionate, so merciful a God ! Ali! He has followed me all my 
 life long ; He raised me from deatli when an infant ; He visited me 
 Avith His love when quite a child, though I did not then understand 
 His voice; in after years manifesting Himself more conspicuously by 
 His reproofs and instructions, as well as the shedding abroad of His 
 love in my heart in seasons of His good pleasure. But, alas ! how 
 slow to believe, how slow to obey was I (and am I still) ! It is indeed 
 of His tender mercy that I am not utterly consumed, because His 
 compassions fail not. How many times have I turned back, and 
 limited tlie Holy One of Israel, and refused to yield the sacrifices He 
 has commanded ! But, oh ! how great then was His love, how un- 
 merited His mercy, that He should condescend to reveal His will. 
 His gracious will — that He Avould cause me to speak of the glorious 
 majesty of His kingdom, and to tell of His wondrous works to my 
 dear fellow-creatures ! It is near ten years since the merciful opening 
 of this view by the immediate operation of His power and love, though 
 afterwards permitted to be confirmed instrumentally. All within 
 seemed bowed down in resignation, and the language of my heart 
 was, " Here am I ; do what thou wilt with thy poor, unworthy hand- 
 maid, only make me thy dear child, thy faithful servant, O Lord !" 
 Great, indeed, have been the conflicts, the doubts and fears, and 
 various the exercises since that time to this, known only to my God; 
 and, alas ! since this great and most awful matter has appeared to be 
 ripened of later years— shall I venture to say so? — how often have 
 condemnation and distress been the consequence of disobedience ! 
 What shall I say ? It is indeed of His tender mercy that the one 
 talent is not taken away and given to another more faithful. The 
 fear has been great of stepping before the right time, before the weeks 
 of preparation are accomplished, and the necessary baptisms partaken 
 of. The danger of mistaking any of the preparatory exercises for the 
 thing itself — of putting forth a hand unbidden to the ark of the testi- 
 mony, or of offering strange fire, as it were — of getting into words 
 without life — the many snares on every side, within and without — 
 all these things, together with the feeling of weakness, and unfitness, 
 and utter unworthiness to make mention of so sacred a name, have 
 been overpowering at times. It has been often in my heart, " Oh Lord ! 
 thou knowest my foolishness, and my sins are not hid from thee." 
 
 Yet, shall the clay say to the potter, "What doest thou?" Is not the 
 Lord pleased to make choice of the weak and foolish things, sometimes, 
 for the purposes of His wisdom and mercy? Can He not purify and 
 
1831.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 23 
 
 make fit? Yea, all is of and from Him — the emptying, the purifica- 
 tion, the qualification, the power, the fitting, tlie obedience — and He 
 gaid He would pour of His Spirit even upon the daughters and hand- 
 maids, the weaker vessels, the first in transgression. Wonderful 
 condescension ! Should we resist His love, and quench His Spirit? 
 When He puts His words into our mouths, should we keep silence? 
 
 TVTien I look at myself, shame covers me; mourning and distress 
 are justly my due — my bonds yet unbroken — what I have apprehended 
 to be His gracious and clear commands disobeyed. 
 
 And noAv, oh Lord God ! may it please thee yet to revive thy 
 work as in the midst of the years, and in the midst of the years to 
 make known thy mighty power. Yet again, may the commands of 
 thy love go forth — the clear discovery of thy blessed will; and oh! 
 may it please thee to make willing, to make obedient; so strengthen 
 and give to believe, as that all the doubts and the fear of man may 
 vanish before thy power! 
 
 2nd Month 17th, 1831. — And now it seems well for me to acknow- 
 ledge (I trust under a deep sense of the condescending goodness of 
 my dear Lord and Master, and of my own utter unworthiness), that 
 having often felt uneasiness in not having yielded to a secret desire 
 that has seemed to attend me these sevei'al years, to go and sit with 
 Epping Friends in their meeting, I ventured to go there yesterday 
 fortnight, in fear for the body, it being a deep snow and severely 
 cold; and in mental fear also, lest it should be presumptuous and 
 wrong. But oh, what a favour ! it pleased Divine goodness again, 
 as it were, to overshadow me with His love, and to require obedience 
 in the expression of a few words; after fearing and hesitating, and 
 at last trembling, till near the close of the meeting, I ventured and 
 was enabled to stand up. How unworthy am I to make mention of 
 His name! What great condescension and mercy, thus to make a way 
 where I could see no way, to take away fear, to remove doubt, and 
 to give strength! and not only so, but afterwards to favour with a 
 peaceful quiet! And now, what can I render for all His mercies? 
 The answer seems, "All thou requirest, my whole heart, oh Lord!" 
 But oh, may He enable me and undertake for me, for I am indeed 
 weak and feeble; and may He purify and prepare me for Himself to 
 dwell in! And now, whenever and wherever such another sacrifice 
 may again be required of me, no matter — may He make me more and 
 more His simple, His obedient child! And seeing I am such a poor, 
 weak, ignorant child, may He take me by the hand and show me how 
 
24: A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1831. 
 
 to go, and all the snares and dangers tliat surround, enabling me to 
 take right steps; and wlien I slip or miss my way, may He tell me, 
 and reprove, and chasten me, humbling me as His tender love and 
 wisdom see meet. And oh! saith my soul, may He ever keep me low 
 in His pure fear, that all praise and glory may be ascribed to Him to 
 whom alone it is eternally due! 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 ith of 'dd Month, 1831. 
 
 . I have been quite confined since I saw thee, and am 
 now under the doctor's care. , . I have had much solitary time, 
 yet fear it has not been improved as it should have been, in seeking 
 after the teachings of my heavenly Master, but the body is weak. 
 Ah ! it has indeed been a changed time the last month (as I hinted to 
 thee), since having been graciously enabled to take up the cross on 
 one occasion. Oh ! how unworthy to taste of such peaceful quiet, 
 and how unworthy to make mention of His name — how unfit in any 
 Avay to celebrate His praise ! May such great mercy incite to fresh 
 
 diligence and faithfulness when recovered ! And, dear , crave 
 
 that I may be preserved simple and obedient, and, above all, humble — 
 be brought low and kept low. I feel it a great favour to have been 
 so ill and confined. He is indeed a tender Father ! He knows our 
 weakness and what is best for iis;,.and I have a little faith to believe, 
 in looking forward to any future steps, if any should be required, 
 that He will strengthen to do and suffer His will, and graciously 
 show the snares and dangers on either side ; and when one slips or 
 steps amiss, that He wiU correct, and chasten, and humble, as His 
 tender love and wisdom see meet. This feeling has been quieting 
 
 to some reasonings which thou, dear , canst, I dare say, enter 
 
 into. . . I have just been out in Robert's carriage with dear 
 Elizabeth, who has been similarly affected with myself, and enjoyed 
 it much. The sight of the budding trees and opening flowers — what 
 a rejoicing feeling there is in everything in the spring ! From the 
 letters from America, dear J. & II. Backhouse have not yet received 
 the afflicting accounts of their loss. Poor things ! I feel for them ; they 
 have comj^leted the families at New York, and are going to Phila- 
 delphia. So hard at Avork have they been, that the going in a steam 
 vessel to an interment.///!'// miles off was a great rest. 
 
 L. A. Bakclav. 
 
1831.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 2.5 
 
 To E. R. 
 
 Folkstone, Kent, Voth of 7th Month, 1831. 
 
 ]\Iy deak Fbiend, 
 
 It was very pleasant to hear of thee as well as other dear 
 
 Cornisli Friends from and , who took up their quarters at 
 
 my brother John's, whilst I was at Croydon, in the 4th month. 
 They were visiting the families, and it was very sweet and instructive 
 to have their company at that time; more particularly so, as I am so 
 solitarily situated at home, being at a distance from meeting and the 
 Friends of it, and I had also been absent when they visited there. 
 This Yearly Meeting struck me as unusually small, though mercifully 
 favoured during the different sittings of it, especially in seasons of 
 silence, with the overshadowing %ving of ancient goodness, to the 
 contriting our hearts, and raising the thankful acknowledgment, that, 
 unAvorthy and backsliding as we are, the Lord hath not forgotten to 
 be gracious, nor in anger shut up His tender mercies ! We missed a 
 number of our dear ancients, as A. Price, R. Byrd, M. Alexander, 
 S. Fox, S. Abbot, and M. Capper — indeed few are left in the gallery 
 that were there ten or twelve years ago. This is indeed afiecting ! 
 yet we can expect no other, and it is in the wise ordering of Him 
 who can work by few or many, and even qualify the very stones to 
 sing His praise ! "We had indeed a very awful instance of the un- 
 certainty of time and the talents mercifully lent, in the seizure by 
 paralysis of dear Mary Marriage, which happened in our meeting at 
 Plaistow, the First day in Yearly IMeeting. She had been strikingly 
 engaged, both in the morning and afternoon meeting, especially in 
 the latter (a few minutes only before she became speechless !), 
 addressing our (many) young people in a very affectionate, persuasive 
 manner, and bearing a sweet testimony to that goodness and mercy 
 which had followed her all her life. The meeting speedily broke up, 
 though Joseph John Gurney was upon his knees, and she was 
 carriedjto a Friend's house near, where she lay three weeks, and then 
 was removed home to Chelmsford. I saw her last week ; her voice 
 is returned, but no articulation — it was sweet to be with her. It was 
 very i)leasant, as well as helpful, to have the company of three dear 
 Friends who had been absent from Yearly IMeeting some years, Daniel 
 Wheeler of Russia, Jacob Green of Ireland, and Ann Jones; the two 
 former paid our meeting very acceptable visits — the latter, - after 
 sitting in silent exercise nearly all the sittings, at the last but one. 
 
26 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1831. 
 
 stood up with a few very striking sentences whicli occur in John 
 Woolman's journal, viz. (or to this effect), — "The trumpet ia sounded; 
 the call goes forth to the Church, that she gather to the place of pure 
 inward pi-ayer, and her habitation is safe." I should enjoy to be 
 sitting by thee, my dear friend, I could tell thee much more of Avhat 
 passed during Yearly Meeting, which I must own was rather a 
 mournful, Avhat if I say discouraging, time to me and some others, 
 who, perhaps, look too much on the gloomy side of things. 
 I remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A, Barclay. 
 
 To Hannah Cruickshank. 
 
 Leytonstone, Essex, 2&th o/Qth Month, 1831. 
 
 . . It is sweet, my beloved friend, to feel that we are 
 united together, whether there is any outward communication with 
 one another or not — that Ave do desii'e above all things to love and 
 serve the same dear and good Master, to wait upon and listen to Him 
 more and more, whose words are indeed sweet to us, and His coun- 
 tenance is comely! Oh! may nothing hinder us from following on 
 to know Him, to know more and more of His precious ways and 
 teachings; for to whom else can we go? — we have found that He 
 alone hath the words of eternal life: He is indeed the living bread of 
 the soul! 
 
 But to return to thy letter, dear H. ; it was truly acceptable, for 
 I had sometimes felt a fear that I had done amiss in obtruding myself 
 upon thee. Ah! I can fully unite with thee, that were there but a 
 passive submission to the purifying, forming hand of Omnipotence, 
 we should become beautiful as a city set on a hill, and as lights in 
 the w^orld, reflecting the light and glory shed on us abundantly by our 
 heavenly Father. When shall these good things be ? Surely it must 
 be by individual faithfulness. Ah! my dear friend, thy remarks do 
 apply to me, though thou thinkest not — thou dost not know how 
 obstinate and self-willed I am, and what a deal of pride and other 
 saf? things there is to be brought down in me; so that, at times, I 
 shudder (as it were) at the sight of what is within, and often say in 
 my heart, "I am" one "of unclean lips," and, "behold, I am vile!" 
 But I believe we have need to be wary, lest the enemy should lay 
 hold of such a humbling view, in order wholly to discourage and 
 dissuade us from yielding to that Power which would cleanse and 
 
1831.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN 
 
 BARCLAY. 
 
 27 
 
 sanctify us. How very instructive it is to remembei' that the ten 
 lepers were cleansed as they ivent! Thy account of the dear Friends 
 in your neighbourhood was truly interesting to me, and I could feel 
 united to the living amongst you, if such a poor halting child may be 
 allowed to say so. The expression of the Apostle is sometimes 
 cheering in seasons of doubt and dismay, — "We know that we have 
 passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren." I felt 
 much with you, mentally, at your General Meeting last month; hope 
 you had a good time, or, as dear old Thomas Gmn says in his journal, 
 that it was much good to you! Ah! what can we desire, at these 
 times, but His presence and power bringing all within us into holy 
 subjection, into humble resignation to His blessed will. I long to be 
 outwardly acquainted with thy dear grandfather and mother; will 
 they accept of the dear love of a stranger? Thou hast, of course, 
 heard a full account of this Yearly Meeting. We were mercifully 
 favoured to feel the overshadowing wing of ancient goodness in the 
 seasons of solemn silence, as well as when vocal service was offered; 
 nevertheless, I think I may say, it was a time of trial, shall I say 
 mourning to me. But I am a poor child, and have great need to look 
 at home, and above all (oh may 1 be enabled!) to look upward — from 
 off the discouragements from without, and the fears and feebleness 
 Avithin — to Him in whom is "everlasting strength" and Avisdom! 
 
 It was pleasant to hear that thou wast favoured to return home 
 Avith comfort last year, but I hear thou hast been very ill since. Do 
 mention thy health particularly in thy next, which I hope may be 
 before long. I also had an illness in the sjn'ing (on the chest), and 
 Avas brought very Ioav, and have felt its effects ever since; but, through 
 favour, am very much in usual health noAV. I passed a month or tAvo 
 again at Folkstone this summer, but it has been a time of great stress 
 on the body for some time past ; the body and the mind sympathise 
 with each other. I fear I have been too much poring at (as dear I. 
 Penington says) the high mountains of difficulty, and the many sur- 
 rounding precipices and snares of the unAveai'ied enemy, under the 
 feeling of great encompassing weakness. Yet I think I may acknoAV- 
 ledge that, at seasons, when these appalling things have seemed to 
 come in like an overwhelming flood, a standard has, in adorable 
 mercy, appeared lifted up against them, even the love and poAver of 
 the heavenly Captain, Avhose grace He has declared will be found 
 sufficient. Oh, then, may my eye be ever unto Him, for He is able 
 to pluck my feet out of the net, yea, to preserve from falling, and to 
 
28 
 
 A SELECTION FiJOM THE LETTERS OK 
 
 [1831. 
 
 Strengthen to run the way of His commandments. And oh ! saith 
 my soul, whatever may be the commands of His love, and the pure 
 requirings of His will, let all tend to His glory and to the deep hum- 
 bling and utter abasement of the creature. I expect thou hast heai'd 
 
 of dear John and M , as he told me yesterday he had written to 
 
 a Friend of Aberdeen. He has been in Essex on the Yearly Meeting 
 Committee. We met yesterday at our Quarterly Meeting. After a 
 long time of solemn silence (which is rather unusual in our Quarterly 
 Meeting), dear Sarah Grubb addi'cssed us in her awfully striliing 
 manner, as to our revoltings and backslidings, the accumulation of 
 riches, &c., quoting Haggai i. 9, also Amos ix. 9 ; then, after long 
 pleading with us, slie called on the " beloved youth " to come away 
 from " Babylon's streams," and went on in an affectionate, persuasive 
 way. Stephen Grellet, also, and Thomas Shillitoe spoke entirely in 
 unison with Sarah Grubb, particularly the latter, exhorting against 
 accumulation and a following of the Avorld in respectability and ele- 
 gance of living, saying, " Taste not of their dainties, for you will find 
 there is death in the pot." Stephen Grellet addressed the mourners 
 in Ziou, those that sigh and cry for the abominations, &c., for that 
 there is still left "an afflicted and poor j^eople" amongst us, exhorting 
 and encouraging such to trust in the Lord. (Zeph. iii. 12.) . . 
 
 I hope I have not been writing too freely, but I feel knit to thee, 
 though I believe thou art fartlier advanced in the spiritual journey 
 than I : well, that is no matter; we have all, from the gi'eatest to the 
 least, need to press forward towards the mark ; and oh that the day's 
 work may keep pace with the day ! 
 
 With dear love to thee and thy cousin L., I remain thy truly 
 affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 [The exact date of the following communication is unknown, but 
 it is supposed to belong to this period.] 
 
 To -. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Tliou queried of me yesterday how the work of religion was 
 begun in my heart, to Avhicli I believe I gave thee no satisfactory 
 answer. I feel afraid of expi-essing much on such subjects, or of 
 " judging mv own self;" but now, fearing that my silence should have 
 
1831J. 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCI.AV. 
 
 29 
 
 done harm, I feel at liberty to tell thee, I trust, under an humbling 
 sense of the tender mercy of my heavenly Father. Ah! His com- 
 passionate regard Avas to me, when but a child, visiting me by His 
 love, making me sensible of the depravity of my evil heart, of the 
 exceeding sinfulness of sin, of my great need of a Saviour, and of His 
 cleansing, sanctifying poAver ; and this, my dear fi'iend, was not 
 through the instrumentality of any outward means, but mostly during 
 the time of my being [confined on a couch],* and in my secret retir- 
 ings to wait upon Him. We were brought up to the use of prayers 
 morning and evening, and very often went with our governess (who 
 was of the Established Church) to her place of worship; this I became 
 uneasy with, when about fifteen, and, showing a dislike to it, she 
 never pressed it again ; places of public amusement and dancing were 
 also given up about the same time, and music soon after. Oh ! how 
 tenderly have I been dealt with ! I can never sufficiently remember 
 it. He has led me gently along, showing me by degrees, first, what 
 He would have me avoid and forsake, and then what He would have 
 me to do and pursue : but how many times have I revolted and turned 
 away from His offers, disobeyed His commands and grieved His Holy 
 Spirit! I desire to be continually humbled under a sense of these 
 things, and animated to renewed dedication of heart to Him who has 
 loved me and given Himself for me ; waiting for the fresh discoveries 
 of His blessed will. 
 
 And now, my dear friend, I know not whether I have answered 
 thy question more satisfactorily ; tell me, if I have not — I feel much 
 sympathy for thee, and desire to be thy companion in' seeking daily 
 for fresh virtue and nourishment from Christ, the true vine and word 
 of God, that we may " grow up into Him in all things," and be 
 enabled to bring forth fruit in due season to His praise. 
 
 I hope thou wUt accept of I. P.'s letters as a small token of my 
 love. Perhaps some day next week thou canst spend with me. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Without date, 7th Day Morning. 
 . . Well, my dear friend, in saying farewell, I would add, 
 May the Lord of the harvest more and more raise up living ministers 
 among us, even from among the poor, the illiterate, and the con- 
 * On account of spinal weakness. 
 
30 
 
 A SELECTION KIiO>[ THE LETTERS Ol' 
 
 [is;31. 
 
 temptible in man's estimation, tliat He alone may liave all the ^lory. 
 Ah! that which is of and from Christ the life is living and baptising; 
 it baptises into His nature and spirit ; it ministers His spirit and life 
 to that -which is born of God in the hearts of the hearers ; and truly 
 it hath a testimony from that in their hearts -whence it proceedcth ; 
 for, as our Saviour and His beloved apostle declared, it is only those 
 ■who are of God, and who kno-w Him that can hear His words or 
 receive the testimony of His faithful servants. And oh ! let me be 
 one of these poor, weak, yet baptising ones, if ever entrusted witli 
 so precious a gift. 
 
 12th Month Qth, 1831. — I think I may venture to acknowledge that 
 the good hand has again been laid upon me — ah ! more than once, 
 but through fear of stepping amiss, and also, alas ! the fear of man, I 
 have only once yielded obedience to what has appeared to be required 
 at my hands publicly. And oh! what f/reof, what merciful condescen- 
 sion to dispense to such a poor, weak, hesitating creature a portion of 
 sweet peace and humble quiet afterwards. Is it presumptuous to 
 regard it as a token for good, that it was even He ? And now, 
 though disobedience has occm-red since, and darkness, and deep con- 
 flict, and sore buifetings have seemed to beset on every side, I think 
 I may say, that it is my most earnest desire that He who has in un- 
 merited mercy begun to show me of His wonderful dealings and the 
 workings of His love, would be pleased to anoint my eyes to behold 
 the pointings of His finger, to open my ears and my heart to hear and 
 receive His precious teachings and the communications of His will. 
 And oh ! saith my soul, that He would bring all within me into pure 
 subjection thereto, and chase away all the darkening reasonings and 
 fear of man, that so He may rule and reign over all within me, and 
 self may for ever be abased as in the dust before Him, who is indeed 
 everlastingly worthy to be praised, loved, and obeyed, and that by 
 the whole house of Israel ! 
 
 To THE Daughters of S. T. and 
 Mt dear YOiTNG Friends, 
 
 I thought as I shook hands with you yesterday in the cloak- 
 room, that I felt a salutation of dear love to you, and perhaps I shall 
 be most easy in acknowledging it, and telling you that I long to be your 
 companion in seeking earnestly after a growth in grace, and in the 
 knowledge of our dear Saviour, desiring to sit as at His feet, that we 
 
1832.] 
 
 I.VDIA ANN liAKCLAT. 
 
 may hear the gracious words that proceed out of His mouth, and learn 
 more and more of His precious ways and teachings. He said, "He 
 that loveth me sliall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and 
 will manifest myse-lf to him." JNIay He cause us to love Him more 
 and more! And let us not be ashamed to show that we love Him by 
 keeping His commandments, and following as He leads. I feel 
 earnestly solicitous for your welfare and preservation, now you are 
 as it were, entering on the world; and would affectionately entreat 
 you not to be as slack and slow as I have been, but now, in the 
 morning of your day, to yield your hearts up wholly to our dear 
 Saviour. Let Him come in and take the government of them upon 
 His shoulders, and you will find He is worthy to be called "Wonder- 
 ful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of 
 Peace," counselling and preserving you on every occasion, dispensing 
 of His heavenly treasures to you, and delighting to do ycu good, yea, 
 enriching you with His everlasting peace. 
 
 That this may be your happy experience is the earnest desire of 
 your affectionate friend. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Thy letter seemed in unison with my feelings. Ah ! how 
 tenderly can I sympathise with the depressed, the tossed, the dismayed 
 — shall I say, from sad experience ? The enemy does indeed know 
 where to attack a weak side, and lays his baits accordingly. The 
 depths of discouragement I have, at times, been plunged into, I cannot 
 describe. Surely it is the enemy's work, if he cannot pufF up, to try 
 and dismay. Surely our merciful and tender Father would not have 
 the least babe to be thus discouraged — how tender, how healing are 
 His wounds ! — and when He makes us sensible of our vileness, our 
 weakness, our foolishness, it is not to discourage us, but to lead us to 
 apply more earnestly for His cleansing power. His strengthening 
 grace, His enlightening Spirit. Oh ! dear friend, let us not fear to 
 be thus stripped by such a good hand, for He empties that he may fill 
 us, and when we are weak then are we strong. I believe I have 
 greatly suffered from giving way to and drinking in, as it were, dis- 
 couragements of the enemy, instead of endeavouring to look upward, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 Forest Place, Leytonstone, \2,th of Ath Month, 1832. 
 
.'32 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS O: 
 
 1832.] 
 
 and to breathe after a i)atient, quiet, trusting frame — thus vilely 
 casting away the shield of the Mighty. How does a glimpse of His 
 love and of His idmighty power seem, in a moment, to dispel the 
 clouds of the enemy, and quiet the swelling of the floods ! I hope, 
 my dear friend, I have not been launching out into words, by writing 
 thus much as it arose, or going, as it were, beyond my measure, as 
 John Crook says. I have been indeed tenderly dealt with, and 
 mercifully upheld from sinking into the very pit of despair. May I 
 be enabled to love Him much, yea, more and more to trust and hope 
 in His love and tender care for ever ! 
 
 And now I would turn, dear , to a part in thy letter which 
 
 did prick me, because I know it is not true, and it ought to be so, 
 alas ! — I mean as to advancement in the path of obedience. Didst 
 thou know my proud, rebellious heart, thou wouldst be astonished, 
 and admire that condescending Goodness which has waited very long 
 upon me, and not cut oiF in just displeasure. What amazing con- 
 descension is it that He should require of poor, weak, feeble women 
 (the'first in transgression), to "speak of the glorious honour of 'His' 
 majesty, and of 'His' w^ondi'ous works." But oh ! how most awful, 
 and what great need of the "live coal !" My dear friend, to hear of 
 thy faithfulness in this i-espect has been instructive and animating to 
 me ; the fear of man, and, I would hope, the greater fear of stepping 
 amiss or hastily, still keeps me back ; but I desire humbly to ac- 
 knowledge that the few times when these have been mercifully over- 
 come, have been followed, very unworthily, by a feeling of peaceful 
 quiet. How earnestly do I desire that He would ever preserve me 
 in deep humility and abasement of soul before Him — that all may be 
 of Him, and for Him, and to Him ! The seasons of dismay at the 
 sight of the many dangers and snares around, and weakness within, 
 one has been at times enabled to look up to Him, in humble trust, 
 that He is willing and able to preserve and to give wisdom — yea, 
 that when we step amiss He will humble, and chasten, and reprove, 
 as His wisdom and tender love see meet. Writing to thee has been 
 cheering to me ; our situation is very solitary (I mean from genial 
 society), and I feel so very depressed from body or mind. There is 
 much indeed to depress in looking I'ound on our highly favoured 
 Society. Ah ! we are a backsliding people. May He melt us, and 
 try us, and not leave us uncorrected. (Jeremiah ix. 7.) 
 
 Hast thou seen "An Affectionate Address to the members of the 
 Society of Friends?" It is written by one who is not a member, but 
 
1832.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 33 
 
 has long attended Gracechui-ch Street meeting; it appears to me to 
 be the burden of his mind for some time past, and is a close appeal 
 to us indeed. Ah! I fear we have stumbled many such honest 
 inquirers, and how sad to think of! The present is indeed a remark- 
 able time, as it respects the religious world ; there is, no doubt, much 
 good stirring, yet Friends have need to take care, lest they should be 
 led away off from their foundation. I much admire a comparison in 
 I. Penington's works, where he compares the several sorts of believers 
 to scholars 'in the school of Christ, each learning their own lessons 
 and performing their peculiar services, owning and loving one another 
 in their several places. But I have been thinking that it will not do 
 for us who have been so highly favoured, and, as it were, drawn up 
 higher and nearer the great Master, in our loving and owning of the 
 good in others, to descend down to their classes and measures — but 
 rather let us keep close to the Master, and endeavour to draw others 
 up to Him and His sp/ritual and blessed teaching and government. 
 
 I fear thou canst hardly make this out, so I will say farewell, desiring 
 that, if thou feelest anything savoury in it, thou wilt look upwards to 
 Him who ouly is good, and gives all good, and not to the poor worm. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To A. R. Barclay. 
 
 [In reference to a desire which she had long felt to change her 
 residence.] 
 
 Knott's Green, lith of 4:th Month, 1832. 
 
 . . . I do think it is well to ponder some plan of improve- 
 ment. ... I would rather be farther off, and come and visit at 
 times for a week, and I felt the same in our last monthly meeting, 
 although it was a sweet one to me. But I know the many snares laid 
 on all sides, and desire to be preserved from taking any step hastily, 
 or hastily giving in to any impression. There are trials in every 
 place, and in every meeting ; I think that of encouragement and much 
 notice is a great one. Though I certainly would not choose for my- 
 self a residence in quarter, I would fain be within a walk of most 
 
 or many of the members of a meeting, where we could have a simple, 
 and cheering, and helpful intercourse with one another, as "members 
 one of another," whether rich or poor. And I should also like to 
 devote some time in fittention to the education and relief of the poor 
 neighbours, as objects tor bodily exercise, and recreation and employ- 
 
 n 
 
34 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1832. 
 
 ment of mind — also to be able to invite my friends farther off to give 
 me their company at times, for I think where ive are always the visitors 
 it has a bad effect in setting up self. This, dear Rawlinson, is my 
 idea of an old maid's life, as mine is likely to be ; and I would also 
 add the belief which has always accompanied my mind, that a peculiar 
 testimony to plainness and simplicity, both in dress, and furniture, 
 and manner of living, would be required of me. This [belief] has 
 never left me, although I have been inclined myself, as well as put 
 upon by others, to look at it and reweigh it from time to time ; and 
 I think I have felt willing to give up at any time that which I desired 
 to take up in sincerity, only wishing that self may have nothing to do 
 in it, but to be found walking faithfully to that degree of light I may 
 be favoured with. 
 
 With such views, it is not likely that much intercourse with those 
 who live in luxury would be desirable, though I desire to sympathise 
 with and encourage the good in all ; there is danger of slipping into 
 their spirit, and tacitly encouraging what ought to be testified against. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 Mi DEAR Friend, 
 
 Not by way of return do I take up my pen to thee ; I was, 
 as it were, dictating a few lines to thee yesterday, when sitting solitarily 
 in the cloak-room eating my sandwich dinner, and ruminating on 
 the very pleasant time that I had enjoyed with thee, and thy many 
 instructive and helpful remarks. I hope I may treasure them up, and 
 they may come out again with fresh vigour (as it were) in aftertimes, 
 and, I should say, -ssath fresh gratitude to Him from whom all good 
 
 comes. Dear S , I do hope thou wilt continue to watch over me, 
 
 a poor, weak, little one, if one of the flock at all ! And do not 
 hesitate a moment to discourage or caution, as appears right ; for of 
 what vast importance is it to be faithful in this watchful care towards 
 the poor " conduits'^ (as John Griffiths says), though indeed I Avould 
 not arrogate such a title to poor me. Ah ! what a great favour it is 
 to be enabled at times to trust and hope in His tender care, and wisdom, 
 and love — that He will lead about, instruct, and humhle, and chasten. 
 May He waken me morning by morning to hear as the learned, giving 
 me to understand His '"speech" more and more; and oh I that He 
 
1832.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAT. 
 
 35 
 
 may bring all within me into pnre resignation and deep humility 
 before Him. How very kind of thee to write to me ! I think I may 
 acknowledge the same poverty ; but, thou knowest, after a feast a 
 fast is good. I do trust I was enabled to look only to the source of 
 all good, before and after thou left — we must love Him in our dear 
 friends, and them in Him. Is it not His love ehed abroad in our 
 hearts that causes us to love Him, and, consequently, those who are 
 doing so also ? It was to me a sweet half-hour in quiet the other 
 evening — it is sweet to seek the strengthening, contriting influences 
 of His love with our beloved friends. Thou wilt be interested I know, 
 to hear that Jacob Green has laid before his friends a concern to visit 
 America — poor man ! we must feel for him, yet also rejoice in the 
 good intended our dear friends there away, and that the good Hand 
 is laying on another such an honoured embassage. How instructive 
 is the account of WiUiam Caton in John's " Select Anecdotes ;" I 
 read it yesterday between meetings. 
 
 I must hastily conclude, hardly knowing what I have written, except 
 that it is very different from Avhat I thought of yesterday. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 [How] many crannies has self to creep up into ! I do wish they 
 may be all searched thoroughly. 
 
 To THE same. 
 
 , 1832. 
 
 . It was so sweet to salute in the cloak-room this 
 
 day week ; she spent a few hours with me also on fourth day — how 
 favoured I have been this long solitude with helps ! We can sym- 
 pathise one with another (though she is so much further advanced 
 than poor halting me), being similarly situated in some respects ; 
 well, it is animating to meet with such fellow-travellers. I do hope 
 our (such) meetings are not entii-ely to sigh and to mourn over the 
 desolations, but that we are sometimes enabled " to think upon His 
 name," whom we do desire to love above all. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To S. A./D. 
 
 Dear Friend, i ^iti^K /tt-ii. eO^-*^ 
 
 I think I shall hardly feel easy longer to refrain from ex- 
 pressing to thee, how much I feel for thee and several other dear 
 
36 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1832. 
 
 young women in the station of servants in our meeting. I think I 
 can, in some degree, sympathise with you in the trials and difficulties 
 that are often your lot, as well as in the temptations that surround 
 you on every hand ; and I think I may say I earnestly desire your 
 preservation from that which is evil, and your encouragement in that 
 Avhich is good. "Abhor that which is evil," my dear friends, "cleave 
 to that which is good," even in little matters that may seem but 
 trifles. Nothing is trifling or little that has a tendency (in ever so 
 small a degree) to separate us from the love of our heavenly Father. 
 He is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity ; He is following after us 
 with His gentle reproofs ; He is drawing us with the cords of His 
 love ; let us, then, run after Him, let us listen to His " reproofs of 
 instruction " — they are indeed the "way of life," and the Avay of 
 peace also. You are much exposed to temptations, both amongst your 
 fellow-servants and otherwise ; oh ! may it be the earnest engage- 
 ment of your minds daily to seek after ability to withstand them, and 
 to be faithful. I believe a few minutes spared from our sleep for 
 this purpose will be no mean sacrifice ; but even we may lift up our 
 hearts, or breathe after Divine help, whilst our hands are engaged in 
 our various avocations. Such feeble aspirations have often been 
 wonderfully answered, and we may, again and again, be enabled to say, 
 " Hitherto hath the Lord helped us !" To be a faithful servant is a 
 very honourable thing; and I do believe if Friends kept their places, 
 they would be a blessing to the family where they live, a check to 
 everything that is wrong, and, like the good salt, seasoning those 
 around them. 
 
 That thus it may be with thee, my dear friend, and other of thy 
 friends and neighbours, is the earnest desire of thy sincere friend. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To 8. B. 
 
 Forest Place, 6th Month, 1832. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I have been very fearful since yesterday, lest I should have 
 hurt thee by any manner of mine when touching on the subject of 
 trial to us both, which I know thou wilt believe I should be vert/ 
 sorry to do. I know I am often apt to use strong expressions to 
 convey my meaning, and sometimes, on such occasions, when nervous 
 about it, omit to put in those palliatives or explicatives which I 
 afterwards sec might have been desirable. It would indeed grieve me 
 
1832.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 37 
 
 to know that I had wounded thee, for I love thee dearly, and believe 
 thou only acted for the best, and that the blame lies at my door. 1 
 do hope it will be a useful lesson to me to dwell alone and keep 
 silence, as in days that are past. Alas ! I fear I am going down 
 hill sadly ! I desire the Divine correcting and humbling hand may 
 not be stayed in the least ; and oh ! that I might be enabled to wait 
 continually on Him for a renewal of strength and preservation from 
 fainting. I know that it is the enemy's Avork to discourage and 
 dismay ; and he is particularly active and stirring where it is the 
 weak side of the vessel. How well can I enter into the psalmist's 
 words, "Let not the pit shut her mouth upon me !" Ah! if it had 
 not been that a hand of help was held out (many of us can say), 
 then our enemies had swallowed us up quickly, and the proud waves 
 had gone over our soul. I do hope the same merciful hand may be 
 underneath still to suj^port, although it may be appointed to " correct 
 
 in measure." Dear S , do crave for me that the work of 
 
 sanctification may not be marred, by any means, and that reproach 
 may not be brought by me on that cause which is indeed precious to 
 me, nor any of its humble followers stumbled or hurt. Farewell, my 
 dear friend; when we may meet again I know not. If I might, I 
 would like to stay down in the western counties out of sight, and, 
 one is ready to think, out of danger ; yet there the enemy could 
 follow, could he not ? and I am reminded, whilst writing, of a remark 
 of Edward Smith's to dear John on this subject when in Cornwall 
 twelve years ago — he reminded John of Lot fleeing to the little city 
 and how he acted. Do write me a few lines, and tell me whether I 
 wounded thee, dear, wilt thou ? it will be a relief. 
 From thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 P.S. — If thou seest dear Sarah Grubb, give my dear love to her ; 
 I longed to shake hands with her to intimate near feeling and unity, 
 if such a child might say so. 
 
 To THE SAME. 
 
 [In reference to a manuscript which had been lent her to read.] 
 
 Forest Place, 19th of 6th Month, 1832. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . . . I do not think it is a thing that should be much out ; 
 there strikes me a danger, if read by one of an ardent, grateful heart, 
 
38 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1832. 
 
 lest such a one should be improperly excited. Dost thou remember 
 a letter rather on this subject (overwarmth) in J. Kendall's Selection, 
 second volume, near the end, signed by (as far as I recollect) R. G. ? 
 it is instructive to me, and has often been. I remember I felt a great 
 fear, from eleven to eight years ago, when such a most a^vful subject 
 was first thrown before me, of reading accounts of the exercises of 
 Friends relative to it. Ah ! how did I, and do I, desire that all may 
 be genuine, no mixture — that nothing may move forward but the 
 Master's voice and power — that all may be of Him, and for Him, 
 and to Him, no matter how much to the humiliation of the creature ! 
 What an instructive letter it is ! How striking is the allusion to 
 " divers washings," &c. May patience have her perfect work in all 
 these probations ! Like a picture drawn to the life, how cutting is the 
 allusion to Moses and Aaron ! The part I told thee of, as to fear of man, 
 
 is in the postscript. Thy kind note was vcryrelieving to me, dear S , 
 
 but indeed I am not worthy to be a "burden-bearer;" nevertheless, 
 I do wish to be willing to be anything or nothing. If permitted to 
 mingle together in deep exercise with the living in Israel, what a 
 great favour it will be ! I thought to-day, in our monthly meeting 
 at Ratclilf, if T might but be enabled to breathe after the arising of 
 Him who is our life, it is all I desire. . . . Yesterday, I had the 
 
 great treat of a visit from ; I had not had her company, except in 
 
 meeting, for nine months before. She was encouraging, so I feel a 
 little brightening ; for I assure thee I have been often ready to give 
 up going into Cornwall, and to sink into naughty feelings. Ah! surely 
 I should fall by the hands of the enemy, did not mercy hold me up ; 
 may I ever, then, trust and hope in such gi'eat love, and believe in 
 such a powerful Finend! I intend setting out on fifth day next, to 
 sleep at Staines, and take the Exeter coach next day. How formidable 
 it does look to go and visit my friends so far — and many temptations 
 in going from meeting to meeting. Do, dear, crave my preservation 
 
 every way. I must not forget dear 's burden. " Keep silence 
 
 before me, O islands, and let the people renew their strength," &c. 
 Farewell, very affectionately thy friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I hope I am not improperly intruding myself upon thee, 
 but having felt in times past much love and sympathy for thee, I fear 
 
1832.] 
 
 I.YDIA AXN BAnOLAY. 
 
 39 
 
 to omit expressing at this time (I trust under the influence of the 
 same love), bow grieved I -was to hear, the other day, that thou hadst 
 in outward appearance shewn a diminution of attachment to those 
 principles which I know to be precious to thy dear mother, and 
 which I hoped were becoming increasingly so to thee — the more so, 
 as the profession of these, I believed, cost thee much trial and sacrifice. 
 Ah ! my beloved friend, I hope thou hast not been discouraged from 
 the nohle and faithful avowal of them, by the baitings, and slips, and 
 falls of any around thee. Truth is the same though all men forsake 
 it — it is unchangeably good and valuable, worthy (can my soul say) 
 to be bought with the sacrifice of all that is near and dear in the 
 world's account ; and it is exceedingly powerful too, mighty to subdue 
 hosts of inward enemies, and to sustain in outward fights of affliction 
 (Heb. X. 32), yea, able to preserve on every hand, and to crown at 
 last with life and glory ! Oh, then, if we have been favoured with 
 the knowledge of the blessed truth as it is in Jesus, and have received 
 of His grace, and hearing the voice of His wisdom, have felt the 
 preciousness of it, and been enabled to give much for it — oh ! lot us 
 not sell it under any consideration, or even show to others that it is 
 less estimable in our eyes. Let not the smallness of the outsteppings, 
 nor the apparent want of reasons for withstanding them, lead us to 
 yield to the temptations of the vain mind. The rise of evil is but 
 small at first, and easily withstood ; so also the reproofs and leadings 
 of instruction are small and easily despised by the reasoning mind — 
 nevertheless, they are full of strength and peace to the obedient, and 
 remain to be the "way of life !" 
 
 Farewell, dear , T hope I need not apologise for this; I believe 
 
 it has been written in true love, and under a deep sense of my own 
 weakness and need, "every moment," of the preserving power of 
 Him who first visited me in tender love, and mercifully enaljled me 
 to follow Him. IVIay He humble, and purify, and lead us as He 
 pleaseth, only to make us what He would have us to be — His dear 
 children, His faithful s^ervants, to the praise of His gi'eat name ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. CRtnCKSHANK. 
 Forest Place, Leytonstone, \st oflOfh Month, 1832. 
 
 How could I feel one with thee and partake with thee, dear 
 love, under the chastising hand of our merciful heavenly Father ! It 
 
40 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1832. 
 
 Avas with me as I fancied it was with thee — I had hesitated through- 
 out the meeting that morning, and it broke up without the utterance 
 of a few words that seemed laid upon poor halting me: and now also, 
 I may say the same to my shame ! — last fifth day being a similar day 
 of trial to me, and though the sign I had requested was mercifully 
 given, yet the manj/ fears Avere sutFered to out-balance the belief of 
 duty. And what has been the consequence ? Woe indescribable ! 
 for how sad is the consideration of having grieved Him who has dealt 
 so very tenderly with me, who has borne long with my hesitation for 
 years, has graciously revived His work as in the midst of the years, 
 has condescended to my great weakness, leading me gently along — 
 and now lately has helped and preserved me every way in my long 
 journey into the West, and in condescending goodness has followed 
 the little offerings required with a feeling of peaceful quiet whoUy 
 unmerited ! What can I say more to set forth His goodness ? But 
 oh ! my dear friend, let us not give way to the enemy's discourage- 
 ments ; he will try to make it appear there is no hope, that we shall 
 never be visited alike again, taking advantage of the sense given us 
 of our shortcomings — and perhaps even to excite to a dread of ever 
 being so tried again. But our heavenly Father deals not so with us; 
 He Avould only teach us obedience by the things which we suffer, that 
 we may be humbled under a sense of our utter unworthiness and the 
 condescending goodness which thus lays His tender hand upon us. 
 Ah ! what were we, and what our Father's house, that He should 
 thus look on us, and even cause His word to burn within us ? Alas ! 
 that we should so requite Him! I have found, in my short experience, 
 every act of disobedience has given the enemy advantage over me, so 
 that He has brought floods of discouragement over me, and every 
 thing around me has appeared to go wrong ; and not only so, but the 
 power to distinguish the voice of the true Shepherd, to discover the 
 appi'oaches of good, seems lessened. On the other hand, every act of 
 simjjle, humble obedience has tended to strengthen good, to strengthen 
 the hands against the enemy — yea, even to unite to tlie best Friend ! 
 I often remember the expression of a dear Friend, in a meeting where 
 I was — " in your obedience your soul shall live ;" she also supplicated 
 for such. I believed it was for me, but alas ! I did not give up, and 
 I have ever since regi'ctted the omission, now five years ago. But 
 thou wilt say to me. If thou knowest these things, why dost not thou 
 do them ? Alas ! my leanness, my backslidings ! May I be enabled 
 to yield up to His power, that He may undertake for me, working in 
 
1832.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 41 
 
 me both the faith and the obedience, that all may be of Him, and for 
 Him, and to Him, to whom only belongs praise, but to the creature 
 utter abasement. I feel now ill with conflict of mind and the dread 
 of meeting-days; but oh! that all may be brought into holy resignation, 
 into pure subjection, even if it cost me life — it seems truly like laying 
 down our lives for the brethren, I have often thought. Our meeting 
 is a trying one to my proial nature ; to appear like a fool amongst my 
 own family, and other gay, rich, wise folks, is very crucifying — but 
 oh ! may I be brought to submission. Surely the vows entered into 
 must be performed. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To E. R. 
 
 Forest Place, Leytonstone, 2dth of 10th Month, 1832. 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I have often been reminded of thee the last week, my 
 brother being confined to the sofa with a sprained knee ; but do not 
 think I wanted such a stimulus to bring thee to my atTectionate 
 remembrance — far from it, I assure thee. In my many solitary 
 hours, since my return home, thou hast often seemed my mental and 
 instructive companion. Yes, dear friend, it is instructive to remember 
 the sincere-hearted, the faithful, the living ones, however solitary 
 and hidden their lot may be. It does excite at times an earnest 
 desire to be made one with them, even in that precious fellowship in 
 which a cleansing is witnessed from all impurity, and this stands not 
 in words but in power ; and does not this sweet remembrance seem 
 to shed over us a glow of praise to Him who is the glorious giver of 
 their brightness, and we are stimulated thereby to love Him above all, 
 and encouraged to trust in and follow so good a Master, nothing 
 doubting ! . . . Did I tell thee I had much conversation with 
 
 , on the evangelical opinions (so called) creeping in amongst us ? 
 
 Her faithfulness in contending for the faith, in the different oppor- 
 tunities in which the conversation turned on the subject, was very 
 instructive to me. She could speak from real experience, and that 
 seemed to have a convincing effect in one or two instances — but it was 
 affecting to hear how prevalent they were ! They have a very plausible 
 effect, exciting the affectionate feelings, and, I fear, tending to stir up or 
 to strengthen that which should be weakened and laid low. I have 
 been much enjoying Isaac Penington's Works, at some leisure times ; 
 
42 
 
 A SELECTION" FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1832. 
 
 how sad that these, as well as "Barclay's Apology," should be not united 
 with by many in these modern times. Surely, are we not backsliding 
 from what our worthy predecessors were called out of, and to testify 
 
 against? J W has been visiting our different meetings. 
 
 How greatly do we want true, faithful, baptised elders — what a 
 great blessing such are to the Church and the ministry! . . 
 I have had much time, at my needle, in ruminating on the many 
 mercies conferred on a very unworthy one (during) the past summer, 
 as well as the many lessons set before me to learn in that time — 
 lessons of caution as well as of stimulus — but alas ! how slow to learn 
 to believe and trust. Since my return it has been a [season] of deep 
 conflict and besetment, known only to Him who searches the heart; 
 and were it not that His arm was underneath, I should have sunk 
 indeed. May He bring all within me into acquiescence with His holy 
 will, whether in doing or suffering ; for how unworthy am I of the 
 least of all the goodness and truth shown me ! . . . Dear Daniel 
 Wheeler, I suppose you have heard, has obtained a certificate for 
 religious service in South Africa, New South Wales, and the Society 
 Islands. How fully can we unite with such missions, and rejoice that 
 the good Hand is laying upon another dear servant, attracting even 
 to " the ends of the earth ! " Well, my dear friend, I fear I shall try 
 thy eyes. I often recur with pleasure, and, I hope, with gratitude, 
 to time spent at Marazion, both beside thy couch and dovra on the 
 rocks. It was sweet to sit beside thee, and at times " take SAveet 
 counsel together," and may I not say, to feel at times the tendering, 
 strengthening influences of our heavenly Father's love. When it is 
 well with thee, do crave the preservation of a poor child from snares 
 on every side, and above all, in faithfulness and humility. 
 
 With the salutation of dear love to you both, I remain thy nearly 
 united friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 ]My love to R. and M., also thy brother and sister L., and dear , 
 
 to whom I could not but feel much attracted in love ; may her eye be 
 more and more attentive and fixed on the great and good Master, 
 humbly waiting for His precious teachings and the discoveries of His 
 will, that so she may be moulded according thereto, and thus become 
 of the number of His dear handmaids and children. 
 
 12th Month 1st, 1832. — Perhaps for some surviving dear brother 
 or sister, a testimony lives in my heart to the gracious dealings of the 
 
1833.] 
 
 LYDIA ANX BARCLAY. 
 
 43 
 
 Lord my God to me, a poor unworthy creature, unworthy of the least 
 of all His tender mercies, and of His great goodness and truth shown 
 unto me. In my late journey into Cornwall, to see my dear friends 
 there. He preserved me from disease and death (when not far off) and 
 brought me safely home. He led me gently along, and made hard 
 and bitter things easy and sweet, when He had subjected my will into 
 pure resignation — for oh ! let all the praise be given unto Him. He 
 gives to believe, He makes willing and obedient. He strengthens. He 
 preserves ; yea, there is forgiveness too with Him, and plenteous 
 redemption ! He, of His own free grace in Christ Jesus, pardoneth 
 iniquity, and blotteth out the transgressions of those in whom He 
 hath wrought repentance. And now, oh my Lord God, what can I 
 render unto thee for all thy great goodness and mercy? — the pure 
 service of my heart — the holy subjection of my soul ! But oh ! I am 
 weak, very weak ; be pleased to undertake for me ; work in me that 
 which is well-pleasing in thy sight. Llay thy will be done in me and 
 by me, to the utter abasement of the creature and to the entire 
 subjection of the creaturely wUl — but if it may be, to thy glory and 
 the praise of thy great name for ever ! 
 
 To S. B. / y 
 
 Forest Place, Leytonstone, \ith oflst Month, 1833. 
 
 ;My dear Friend, 
 
 Hearing of an opportunity of sending thee a few lines, I 
 willingly avail of it, and indeed think I have cause to apologise for 
 not doing so sooner ; but I know thou ^vilt bear with me, and not 
 think I love thee the less from keeping silence. I have often thought of 
 
 you, dear , in your little simple retreat, and have longed to follow 
 
 your example ; perhaps some of these days I may, if so best. But I 
 have been thinking that, no doubt, in even ever so quiet a retreat, our 
 unwearied enemy contrives to creep in, and vary his temptations 
 according to our circumstances ; and then again, outwardly, every 
 place has its trials. The main thing seems to be to endeavour to seek 
 after best direction, and to act accordingly, trusting that He whom 
 we desire to serve will cause things to work together for good, and 
 support us under them. 
 
 Dear , I can sympathise with you more than I can readily 
 
 express by writing. We must not look too much at what others say 
 
44 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETIERS OF 
 
 [1833. 
 
 or think of us ; but, if we have weighed things well, go simply for- 
 ward. What a favour it is to feel quiet in reference to any step! ah! 
 I have need of your sympathy and prayers in this respect. 
 
 I had a very pleasant and satisfactoi-y journey into the West, and 
 had comfort and, I hope, profit in being with my dear old friends 
 there. I found them not cooled by a seven years' absence, and though 
 there were many alterations, by death and otherwise, in that time, it 
 was sweet to mark the spiritual progress of many, and to be favoured 
 to feel when together the cementing, strengthening influence of Divine 
 love. It was a great trial on my strength visiting so from house to 
 house (almost) in every meeting, amongst my dear old friends, and I 
 stopped [over] their autumn quarterly meeting, as well as that in the 
 summer ; but strength was mercifully granted, and preservation also 
 from the sad disease* that sometimes was not far off, which was 
 indeed cause for humble thankfulness. I took tea with dear W. and 
 R. Byrd in my way back, and found them better than they had been, 
 though William is much altered. I also made a point of going to see 
 dear S. Tuckett at Looe (besides seeing her at quarterly meeting in 
 6th month), and much enjoyed an hour and a half on the rocks hy the 
 sea with her, listening to her animating yet cautionary conversation. 
 She is as lively as ever, both in meeting and out of meeting, and 
 seemed as it were raised up afresh, having kept at home two years 
 before. Speaking of the enemy's transformings, she said, " He can 
 imitate the best things, but he can never bring into quietness, any 
 more than the Egyptian magicians could, with all their skill, make 
 [one of the least things with life] ; and he can raise many mountains, 
 but not remove one." I hope to remember her words ; I do not ex- 
 pect to see her again. 
 
 Since returning home, it has been a time of much conflict with me, 
 as well as that I have had much solitary time for looking back at the 
 many favours of the summer, and the many lessons set before me to 
 learn, also the deficiencies and weaknesses on my part. May all tend 
 to humble as well as excite to love, trust in, and obey Him better who 
 has dealt thus tenderly and bountifully with me ; and oh ! if it be 
 His merciful way with me continually to abase and to strip, to plunge 
 and to wash, let it be so, if there may but be a preparation thereby 
 witnessed to receive and to give from His good hand more purely to 
 His praise. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 • The Cholera. 
 
1833.] 
 
 LYDIA jVNN BARCLAY. 
 
 45 
 
 To AND . ^ , 
 
 My beloved Cousins, ^'^^^ */ < 
 
 Is it not sweet, when socially meeting with our dear friends, 
 or partaking of a bounteous meal, to be favoured to feel something 
 of our dear Saviour's strengthening company amongst us ? — as when 
 He came and stood amongst His disciples formerly, when the doors 
 were shut from outward intruders, and He saluted them with the 
 language of "Peace be unto you!" I thought I was a little sensible 
 of this, this evening, and longed that we might open the door to such 
 a precious visitant. I would also acknowledge, that I was ready to 
 query of you, my dear young friends : — Have you not felt His gentle 
 knockings at the door of your hearts, accompanied by the language, 
 " Open to me, my sister," my spouse, " for my head is filled with 
 dew, and my locks with the drops of the night"? Have you not 
 heard His clear, though whispering voice, " This is the way, walk ye 
 in it," when you have been inclined to turn out of the path of self- 
 denial and peace ? Have you not felt the gentle, persuasive pressure 
 of His hand upon you, with the encouraging assurance, " ' Fear thou 
 not ; for I am with thee ;' ' I will help thee :' come, follow thou me, 
 I will lead thee to enduring substance, and my peace will I give unto 
 thee, not as the world pretends to give ! " 
 
 Dear friends, when Jesus calls you, haste after Him ; leave all to 
 run after Him in the way of His secret requirings, and heed not 
 what others say or think ; for they will not be able to intermeddle 
 with the peace which your dear Saviour will give to all those who 
 love Him, and keep His commandments. His love. His manifesting 
 himself to you. His abode with you, are well worth all you can part 
 with or sacrifice for His sake. Therefore, love to wait upon Him, 
 to hear His words, His commands, and the restraints of His love, 
 and do not shrink from them ; His words are with power to the willing, 
 but they will judge the disobedient hereafter ; and truly His reward 
 is with Him, even a peace the world can never give nor take away ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay, 
 
 Leytonstone, 1st Month 26th, 1833. — Oh! thou who hast condescended 
 to be my refuge and my deliverer from my childhood, ever near to 
 guide, to strengthen, and to preserve, be pleased to look down upon 
 me with compassion in this season of extremity and proving. I 
 beseech thee to counsel and direct me, to show me what thou wouldst 
 have me to do, and oli ! bring my mind into quiet resignation and 
 
46 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1833. 
 
 humble submission thereto, however trying it may be to the creaturely 
 part. Thou hast loved me, and given me to desire to serve and love 
 thee more and more : do with me what thou wilt, only let me not 
 depart from thee or bring reproach on thy i)recious cause, but rather, 
 if it may be, contribute towards the exaltation and spreading thereof, 
 both by example and precept, if so thy will ordains. Thine, O Lord! 
 is the kmgdom, and thine also is the power — may all praise and glory 
 be ascribed to tliee for ever by my 2)oor soul and all others. Amen ! 
 
 Dear Friend, 
 
 It was pleasant to me to have that call from thee. In con- 
 sidering our conversation afterwards, I was fearful lest I should be 
 thought, whilst lamenting the state of things amongst us, and the ill 
 effects that riches too often bring with them, to have encouraged, in 
 any degi-ee, an improper judging of those who are favoured with 
 many talents in a temporal point of view — believing, as I do, that 
 such a disposition would much hinder our progress and growth in that 
 humility which leads to preservation and to strengthening grace. We 
 know that a birthright in the Society will not give possession of the 
 truth, and we have great reason to magnify that grace by which ive 
 have been brought to this precious knowledge and possession, and to 
 seek after that fear of the Lord which will preserve from the many 
 snares of death surrounding us. 
 
 With respect to the awful subject we a little adverted to, towards 
 the end of our conversation, and in which it struck me thou wast a 
 little discouraged — though I feel myself but a child and a partaker 
 with tliee of this burden (unworthy as I am) — it seems with me to tell 
 thee, that whilst sympathising with thee under these feelings, and 
 pondering our similar situation, the words addressed to one of the 
 cliurches formerly revived in my remembrance, as conveying instruc- 
 tion to us both, " Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer ; 
 
 . be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of 
 life." Provings and trials may be permitted us for our good ; it is 
 good for us that self should be thus battered and brought to nought, 
 yea crucified in us, that so Christ may live in us, and act in us, and 
 have the praise of all in us. It is no sin to be tempted, if we do not 
 yield to the temptation. Sometimes the enemy, if he cannot exalt, 
 will cast a flood of discouragement upon us ; but oh ! let us not look 
 al him or listen to him, for he was a liar from the beginning; let us 
 
1833.] 
 
 LVDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 47 
 
 look up to Him who is mightier than the enemy, who can lift up a 
 standard against him, yea, in a word, restore a calm confidence to our 
 troubled minds. In the course of my short experience, I have thought 
 that the seasons of sore conflict and discouragement that I have passed 
 through between the times of public exercise, had been permitted for 
 my further purification and humbling ; and oh ! if they should be the 
 means of a capacity being attained to receive and to give more purely 
 from His good hand, my very soul craves it may not be spared, but 
 that I may not come forth of the furnace, until the trial of my faith 
 may be found unto His praise, and honour, and glory ! 
 
 Well, dear friend, I have desired for thee that nothing may hinder 
 thee in any way, or the work to which thou hast believed thyself 
 called to put a hand, but that, patiently enduring the baptisms and 
 provings that may be necessary, thou mayst become more and more 
 skilful in discerning the will of the good Master, and faithful in doing 
 it. I have often remembered, with instruction, a remark of John 
 Churchman's — " Ministry must be of necessity, and not of choice ; 
 there is no living by silence or by preaching merely." Ah ! surely 
 our living must be in subjection to the Divine will. If silence is 
 commanded us, either for the benefit of others or for our own proving, 
 let us resignedly acquiesce — if it is ordered for our own correction or 
 humbling (we having fallen short or gone beyond our duty), may we 
 be instructed thereby and not discouraged improperly. It is a com- 
 fort to believe that our heavenly Father knows all our hearts and 
 their sincerity, that we desire to be His only. His wholly ; let us lean 
 upon His good hand that we believe has been laid upon us (in great 
 condescension !) ; if we do wrong, He will correct us ; if we slip or 
 hold back from fear, or, if, on the other hand, run on too fast, He 
 will humble and instruct us in His wisdom and tender love. Let us 
 trust in Him, and crave of Him that He will lead us by the hand 
 safely along, being children ; and no matter how He humbles us, or 
 in what way, so that His great name be not reproached through us, 
 but rather let it be glorified and exalted for evermore ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To E. K. 
 
 Leijtonstone, 22nd of 2nd Month, 1833. 
 
 My deak Fkiend, 
 
 Thy kind and veiy interesting letter surely deserved an 
 earlier answer, and I fear I must almost have appeared ungrateful for 
 
48 • 
 
 A SELECTION PROM THE LETTERS OP 
 
 [1833. 
 
 it ; but didst thou know how it has been with me the last three 
 months, thou wouldst willingly excuse me. I have been glad to avoid 
 letter-writing all I well could, and I knew thou wouldst kindly bear 
 witli me, and not attribute my silence to a diminution of that near 
 and dear love which I have always felt for thee ever since we first 
 were together twelve and a-half years ago, and which has gone on 
 increasingly ever since we have been separated these seven years. 
 I hope I am not writing disrespectfully to one so much further 
 advanced in the spiritual journey — the less may love the greater, and 
 true love seems to cast down all difference of age. I have wondered 
 at this effect in me latterly, for I am naturally so much afraid of 
 those who are older than myself. Before I enter upon thy letter, T 
 feel at liberty to inform thee, my dear friend, as I know thou takest 
 an interest in what concerns me, what has been the absorbing subject 
 with me this winter. 
 
 I believed I did hint to thee (and no other), when in Cornwall, 
 how I was situated here, and how I have felt burdened for some 
 years past. I found, on my return home, that my dear brother's 
 mind was turning to Croydon, which was very agreeable to me ; but, 
 after pondering the matter for some weeks secretly, I did not feel 
 easy about it. It seemed taking him from here, where his duties, 
 and interests, and pursuits lie, and where his services are increasingly 
 valuable and wanted in our meeting — merely for my sake, when, after 
 all, my mind would not be relieved as to furniture and way of living ; 
 and there, we slisuld be amongst a body of friends — here, we are out 
 of sight, as it were — which appeared to me to render it more 
 important that one should be faithful. Just at that time, my eldest 
 sister's plans were changed, and she left Birmingham ; so that it then 
 seemed to me as an opening of the right time, and that, if I stcpjied 
 the first, perhaps she might be induced to unite with dear R., and 
 though not a Friend, yet would suit him in many respects better than 
 I. It will take too much paper to say much more, except that it has 
 been, as thou mayest suppose, a season of great sifting and trial, of 
 extremity, I might say, fully known only to the Searcher of Hearts. I 
 have desired it might be one of His gracious opportunities for the 
 carrying on of His work in me, even the bringing down of the creature 
 and the exaltation of His name or power ! Since the time I allude 
 to, I have looked at it in various ways — as it were, ti'ied the fleece 
 both ways — and have, amidst reasonings and trials without and 
 within, concluded (and this conclusion has been attended by confirming 
 
1833.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 49 
 
 and peaceful quiet) on i-emoving to Croydon (if nothing prevent) in 
 the summer to take a simple cottage there, and have a young woman 
 Friend as my companion and feUow-heJpei\ This I do not consider to 
 have been fully decided on till this week; for I have felt fearful of 
 stepping all along, and indeed have borne what I have felt as a burden 
 these six years nearly, so I do hope I am not hasty. Thou wouldst 
 judge it must be jminful to think of leaving my dear brother. . . 
 
 On now reading thy kind letter again, I note thy observations on 
 depressing feelings as to your removal, and it comes rather pat to me 
 now ; not that I feel so at this time, but I fully expect to be so tt'ied, 
 as the time draws nearer to the 6th month. It is a comfort, as thou 
 sayest, to believe that it is not in displeasure that we are thus, for a 
 season, deprived of the sensible evidence of Divine approbation, but in 
 Fatherly love, to try our faith. Ah ! He knows the sincerity of our 
 hearts, and our earnest desire that we may be preserved from bringing 
 reproach on that cause which is indeed precious to us, and which He 
 alone has made so to us. I have had cast before me (both outwardly 
 and inwardly) the ?/;a»y and specious snares which our subtle enemy 
 spreads in every place, and suited to every circumstance and situation 
 in life. It is so indeed ! but is there not One mightier than He 1 
 Should this sight, and that of our own great weakness, hinder us from 
 stepping forward in humility and faithfulness, when the way is plainly 
 cast up before us ? I have thought that a proper sense of our OAvn 
 weakness and of the enemy's snares, will lead us to seek more earnestly 
 and depend more simply on His help and strength, who will preserve 
 the simple and the faithful. I suppose I must prepare for evil report, 
 and, of the two, I would rather have it than good. 
 
 Last quarterly meeting we drank tea at P. B.'s, and met [Daniel 
 Wheeler] John Wilbur, and George and Ann Jones. There was a most 
 sweet opportunity after tea, when A. J. very strikingly addressed D. 
 W. and J. W. I shall not forget the time I think. We parted in sweet 
 fellowship. Dear J. W. is now on the water — he is much in our 
 minds. I hope thou hast seen his letters to George Crosfield ; some 
 of us think them very valuable, and desire they may open the eyes of 
 many, so as they may avoid the precipice they are drawing towards ; 
 but others cry out against them sadly, and say they will do mischief 
 by laying things so open, I must own, I am of my brother John's 
 mind, that it is not a time to shrink and to cover things all up, and 
 daub, as it were, with love and meekness. It is better to search to 
 the bottom of things, and to hold forth the good old way, and show 
 
 E 
 
50 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1833. 
 
 how good it is. . . . It was very sweet to spend a half-hoiu' 
 with Sixrah Grubb before last quarterly meeting — a treat I have not 
 had for a year before, though living so near. She told me, when 
 speaking of these times of dismay, that she was so much struck on her 
 return home (after being with her children in Suffolk all the summer), 
 to find those opinions we deplore so spread amongst us. She is not 
 well, and no wonder; it is enough to weigh down all our dear Friends 
 who see deeply and feel deeply — and how few we have ! George and 
 Ann Jones's late visit was, I do believe, very helpful at this juncture 
 to the rousing of some, and to the strengthening and encouraging of 
 those whose knees are ready to smite together for very weakness and 
 fear. 
 
 It is very pleasant to hear of those who run to and fro down in 
 your corner — may their labours be blessed to the help and gathering 
 of many ! Sarah Grubb has been holding many public meetings in 
 and around London ; very large and striking they have been. -Alas! 
 our poor Society — what more can be done for us that has not been 
 done ? How sad that we should be a stumbling-block in the way of 
 inquirers who unite with, and receive comfort from our principles, 
 as described in the writings of our early Friends ; but, when they 
 look at the people now, they go away sorrowful ! Perhaps, though, 
 this is owing to their looking too much at the 'people, instead of the 
 principle ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. Cruickshank. 
 
 Leytonstone, Brd of 6tk Month, 1833. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 It seems very long since I heard from thee, yet I know that 
 true love does not depend on frequent communications, but on our 
 being united in spirit, devoted to the same good Master, who is our 
 life, and head, and heavenly vine, and therefore His Spirit pervades 
 all the living members of His body (the Church) and branches in 
 Him, the true vine — which, as it unites them to Him, and gives them 
 life, and freshness, and fruitfulness, so, also, unites them one unto 
 another, and gives them to partake of the true fellowship. And how 
 do I long, my dear, that we may not in any way go back and lose 
 this (if, indeed, such a poor weak one as I may lay claim to the 
 smallest degree of it), but rather seek after an increase, even the 
 
1833.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 51 
 
 heavenly increase, a gi-owing up more and more "into Him in all 
 things." And I liavejust remembered a description (in I. Penington's 
 Works) how this precious and desirable work is to be carried on and 
 perfected in us; it is very striking, and I will copy it. "As the 
 power of the Lord began the work, so the same power alone is able 
 to go on with it and perfect it ; and it will go on with it and perfect 
 it upon the same terms it began, and no other. Plow were the terms 
 at first, but on a giving up of the soul in the faith to the Lord, in the 
 sense of His love, and goodness, and mercy, touching, and drawing, 
 and making willing ? And how is the standing, but in the same 
 giving up still ; in abiding with the Lord, in hearkening to the voice 
 of the Lord, in waiting for the wisdom and counsel of the Lord 1 " 
 I do not regret copying this, for, in so doing, I myself have been 
 instructed, having been lately almost ready to flinch and look back — 
 but how good is our heavenly Father in bringing instruction and 
 encouragement to us in low times and seasons of faintheartedness ! 
 I want to know how it has fared with my beloved friend, of whom I 
 have lately heard an interesting account — that thy bonds have been 
 broken through condescending goodness and Divine strength. I may 
 say it rejoiced my heart, and I was reminded of the time we first 
 met, namely, at dinner at T. Christy's, during yearly meeting, when 
 I sat by thee, and felt knit to thee under a belief that the same good 
 Hand was upon thee that I felt to be upon me — most unworthy as I 
 am to partake in ever so small a degree of such a burden. Ah ! my 
 dear friend, may He in mercy take us as by the hand, being children, 
 and lead us safely on in the way He is pleased to cast up for us; and 
 let us lean on His good hand, trusting to His love and wisdom, that 
 He will correct and humble us when Ave do wrong, and show us 
 the dangers we may be near falling into ; as Avell as that He will 
 strengthen us to do His will fixithfully and humbly. 
 
 Perhaps dear will have given thee an account of yearly 
 
 meeting better than I can. It was a time looked forward to v/ith 
 much di-ead by many ; yet it was found to be owned and favoured by 
 Divine regard and goodness, in the midst of much that was trying 
 and almost overwhelming — to see how we are going back (as it were) 
 to the beggarly elements, and throwing away the testimony deliA'cred 
 to our worthy predecessors, in the morning of our day as a religious 
 Society, to hold forth to the people. But, as I said before. Divine 
 goodness did qualify some of His poor, feeble, oppressed servants to 
 stand up for the good old way, to contend for the faith once delivered 
 
52 
 
 A SBLECTIOK FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1833. 
 
 to us ; as well as to encourage tlie fainthearted to wait in patience 
 and stillness, for the arising of Him who would scatter His enemies, 
 and give those who suffer with Him to reign with Him for ever. 
 Some of us regretted that we had so little of solemn silence in our 
 different sittings, compared with other years, when we had been more 
 favoured with that stillness in which pure worship and prostration of 
 soul are witnessed. 
 
 I am sorrj to hear of thy health being so poorly ; I doubt the 
 exercises of the mind have to do with it. Mayst thou, dear love, be 
 brought safely through all, and be strengthened more and more with 
 His might in the inner man. The more we are purified the better ; 
 and should these conflicts be in mercy permitted for that end — that 
 we may be more fitted to receive and to give from His good hand 
 more purebj — let our very souls say amen to it; and may we not come 
 forth of the furnace until the trial of our faith be found unto His 
 "praise, and honour, and glory." 
 
 Farewell very dearly ; when thou art well enough and free enough, 
 do write to me, and believe that I am thy sincerely affectionate and 
 sympathising friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To E. R. 
 
 Leytonstone, 2lst of 6th Month, 1833. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 . The sympathy, as well as the good wishes of one's 
 friends is very acceptable, particularly at a time of tossing, and fears, 
 and dismay, as it has been with me of late, relative to my removal 
 to Croydon in two weeks' time. It is no small trial of faith to see 
 my dear brother's health so inditferent, as well as to think of leaving 
 him a solitary bachelor ; and it seems to increase as the time draws 
 nearer. Sometimes it has seemed as if the floods were ready to 
 overwhelm, lifting up their waves on high ; yet there has hitherto 
 been a Hand underneath to support, even in the lowest times, and 
 He doth sit as on the flood, and can stay it ; yea. He is mighty and 
 good, and can make a path "in the great waters," and drive Jordan 
 back ! May He still be near to sustain and to strengthen, causing to 
 hope continually and yet to praise Him more and more ! I was much 
 struck the other day Avith the fifty-first chapter of Isaiah, calling on 
 
1833.] 
 
 LYDIA Ajm BARCLAY. 
 
 53 
 
 Israel of old to look back at what had been graciously done for them, 
 thus leading still to trust and to hearken to His voice, fearing not 
 man. Oh ! it has been a time of deep plunging since yearly meeting ; 
 but help has been mercifully handed the last day or two. . . . 
 
 Dear John has had many encomiums of his book.* I believe he 
 gives all the praise to the great Giver of every talent ; I hope it has 
 relieved his mind of much burden towards our poor Society. His 
 health really suffered, whilst writing the two last chapters, from 
 exercise of mind. It will be a comfort to have him watch over me 
 at Croydon (as well as dear J. and H. M.) I do desire that, Avhilst 
 partaking of such congenial society there, I may not forget the benefit 
 of sitting alone and keeping silence. There Avill be objects to interest 
 me in the schools and the poor, but I hope I may be preserved from 
 activity and forwardness, which I much dread. Crave for me, dear 
 friend, that I may be enabled to walk circumspectly and faithfully, 
 and be kept in gi-atitude and humility, for it seems to me not a little 
 formidable, the step I am about to take — setting up alone as a house- 
 keeper — like bearing a more public testimony. The yearly meeting 
 was a depressing time, very little of that solemn quiet that is so 
 precious ; yet some were comforted in believing that the great Head 
 of the Church was still near, qualifying His poor oppressed servants, 
 at some few times, to lift up their voice for the good old way, mostly 
 in a very few, weighty sentences. Dear S. Grubb had an awfully 
 striking testimony amongst us, saying, amongst other things, that we 
 were setting up the Saviour in name, and denying Him in powei*. I 
 doubt whether she relieved her mind sufficiently, but I know it was 
 to the relief and comfort of many, although others could not receive 
 it, I fear, as too hard ! . . . I shall remember you with fresh 
 love, this summer, and gratitude for all your kindness. To think of 
 those I love seems to draw upward to Him who is super-excellent, 
 unchangeably good, and whom we both desire to love and serve above 
 all. May I grow up more and more into Him, and then I shall have 
 fellowship with those whom He loves ! I feel it very kind of thee 
 to make the effort to write to me, dear friend ; I can make thy 
 writing out well, but fear whether thou canst mine. 
 
 With the salutation of near and dear love, I remain thy affectionate 
 friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 • Diary of Jaffray, and Memoirs of Friends in the Nortli of Scotland. 
 
54 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1833. 
 
 To . 
 
 Forest Place, 26th of 6th Month, 1833. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Before leaving this neighbourhood, I hardly feel easy without 
 Avriting thee a few lines to assure thee of my alFectionate interest, 
 although I have not had an opportunity, as I have long wished, to 
 come and see you. I have been unfavourably situated for getting 
 out amongst my friends, which I have often regretted, yet have 
 often felt much affectionate interest and sympathy for them, though 
 it may not have appeared. 
 
 I have thought that perhaps you may have many difficulties and 
 trials to contend with, unknown to others, and that perhaps you may 
 feel your distance from meeting, and sometimes as if you were over- 
 looked by your friends — and I have felt for you herein. But, dear 
 friend, there is One who sees us as we really are, knows all our trials 
 and hidden difficulties. He knows what is best for us ; and He leads 
 about, and instructs, and proves, and humbles those who are willing 
 to be His only; and in all His dealings toAvards them. He intends good 
 to them, and He doth care for them ; and if He is with them in all 
 theu" trials, to strengthen them and to do them good, surely it is 
 enough ! Only (saith my soul) may they work the good mercifully 
 intended ; and may the trial of our faith be to His praise, and honour, 
 and glory ! 
 
 And with regard to distance from meeting, I have often felt what 
 a privilege it is to believe as we do, that (after attempting to do our 
 best to meet with our friends, and publicly to testify our allegiance to 
 our heavenly Father, and our great need of His renewed strength 
 and cleansing) being prevented, we may still sit down in our own 
 houses in solemn silence and prostration of soul before Him ; and 
 that Christ, our great and good Minister, is still near us by His Spirit, 
 to teach us as never man taught — to feed us with His gracious words 
 — to minister fresh life to our souls — yea, to reveal His Father more 
 and more to us, that we may know Him and have eternal life. 
 
 Well, my dear friend, I have desired your encouragement, in trust 
 and in faithfulness to God, that you may be as lights where you are, 
 and thus gloi*ify His name who hath called you. 
 
 Farewell. With love, I remain thy friend sincerely, 
 
 L. A. Barclay, 
 
1833.J 
 
 LYUIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 55, 
 
 To Hannah Cruickshank, 
 
 Croydon, 17 th of 8th Month, 1833. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Thy affectionate and interesting letter of 6th month was 
 gratefully received by me at a time of much trial both to body and 
 mind, when a letter from a dear absent friend, or ever so short an 
 assurance that one has been in their affectionate remembrance, is like 
 a cordial to a weary traveller. I believe such cups of cold water, 
 handed in simplicity, and prompted by love to the one good Master, 
 will not lose their reward ; and also that they will not impropei'ly 
 attach to the instrument, but rather tend to strengthen our love to 
 the great and good Giver and Master, animating us with fresh alacrity 
 in our feeble service of Him, and an earnest desire to be enabled to 
 make straight and diligent steps in our spiritual journey. But on 
 recurring again to thy letter, dear H., I hope thou wilt not misunder- 
 stand me. I cannot suppose that my poor scrawls are in the least 
 worthy of a reward ; if there is ever anything savoury in them, I 
 trust the thanks and the praise all go to Him who sometimes 
 condescends to direct the pen. 
 
 I believe I did attempt in my last to describe a little the various 
 conflicts and trials I had passed through in the winter and spring, 
 relative to my removal to this place, and leaving my dear brother, 
 with whom I lived more than seven years. After yearly meeting, 
 the furnace seemed to grow hotter and hotter as the time of trial 
 approached, and all the reasonings and fears about the step magnified 
 themselves. . . . Now I feel the comfort of being here to be 
 great. To be situated pleasantly in a cottage with a nice garden, &c. ; 
 a nice little society amongst Friends, both of the middling and poorer 
 class ; the near neigbourhood (within a walk) of meeting, also of dear 
 brother John and wife ; all these good things seem to weigh me down 
 with the debt of gratitude due to the bountiful Giver of them. . . 
 Thou wUt say my cup surely runs over ; and oh, that there may be a 
 faithful bringing in of the tithes ! Ah! my beloved friend, I think I do 
 desire to be enabled so to do, as well as to be preserved from other snares; 
 for the enemy knows wiell how to set them in every place, and under 
 varied circumstances. Thou knowest there is danger of taking our 
 flight as on the Sabbath-day ; and there is danger of self-complacency 
 creeping in, also of too great attachment to the outward good things 
 that here surround me, as well as of being cumbered with cares of this 
 
56 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1833. 
 
 world — even in a little xoaij as I am here. How great is the need, 
 therefore, of continual watchfulness and seeking after a renewal of 
 spiritual strength and Di^'ine counsel, in order to be enabled to walk cir- 
 cumspectly aswell as faithfully. . . . It is a great comfort to me to 
 have [my brother John's] company so easy of access ; it reminds me 
 of our earlier years, when he and I were so closely linked togethei* — 
 liis advice and expei'ience are very valuable to me, and he is pleased 
 to say that it is a comfort to him my having come here at this time. 
 We are a little band of united ones here (how I should like thee to 
 come and see us) — yet I hope we are sensible of our own great weak- 
 ness ; indeed, it is sweet to believe and trust that our heavenly Father 
 will shew it to us more and more, and give us to feel that in Him 
 alone are all our fresh springs. 
 
 The account, dear love, of thy exercises and conflicts was very 
 interesting to me. It is the enemy's work to discourage and to dismay, 
 both by anticipations and reasonings, as well as by looking hack and 
 dweUiug improperly on our shortcomings and slips. Our good Father 
 would not have it to be so ; His corrections are full of love and 
 healing, that we may learn to be more obedient children — not to cast 
 us off further and hinder our future welldoing, unless we are given 
 up to disobedience and revolt. In my own short experience, I have 
 found the enemy has been very busy after any time of giving up to 
 apprehended duty, as it were, to cast over one a flood of discourage- 
 ment. It is better not to contend with him, but rather to endeavour 
 to sink down into the quiet, trusting in our heavenly Father (whom 
 we desu'e to serve) that He will in mercy show us wherein we have 
 offended, and how to do better ; and then I have sometimes found He 
 has, at times, been pleased to still the accuser, and to bring into a 
 quiet, resigned state, in which self is willifig to be brought low. In 
 such seasons of conflict there is rather a hidden advantage to the soul 
 that is properly exercised thereby. How good He is to manage things 
 to the good of those who desire to love and serve Him above aU ! Let 
 us more and more trust His correcting, humbling hand, as Avell as 
 lean upon His strengthening arm ! And, dear H., let us not be afraid 
 of the face of man, nor of his thoughts, but let vis sanctify the Lord of 
 hosts himself, and let Him be our fear and our dread ; and if He is 
 pleased, in great condescension to poor worms, to give us at times a 
 little testimony to bear for Him, let us not be ashamed if it appear 
 very small and homely. No matter how Aveak and stammering the 
 creature appears. If there be but life in the offering, and it minister 
 
1833.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BAKCLAY. 
 
 57 
 
 life to the hearers, no doubt it will tend to the praise and glory of 
 Him who gives it. And oh ! that we may be brought low and kept 
 low before Him for ever, and continually emptied, and washed, and 
 refined for every fresh service — if indeed / may dare to use such a 
 term ! . . . 
 
 How one does feel for poor Daniel Wheeler — such a vast res- 
 ponsibility and concern ! and yet one's very heart goes with him, 
 and wishes success to the Gospel to the very " ends of the earth." 
 How consoling and animating is our belief of the universal gift of 
 grace, dispensed, in various measures, to mankind — though one cannot 
 but believe that if we had been faithful, as a people raised up to 
 bear this testimony, many more messengers would have been, ere 
 this, sent forth to different parts of the world, to turn people to this 
 gi'ace and light which lies hid in their dark earth, or is but partially 
 yielded to and acknowledged. This is indeed a fearful thought ! 
 
 Farewell, my dear friend. I must close this long letter with the 
 assurance of my dear love, and that I do not forget that this is the 
 day of your general meeting. May the great Head of the Church be 
 with you, to your comfort, and strength, and cleansing — giving you 
 to acknowledge that the Loi'd is good, that His mercies endure for 
 ever, and that He is worthy to be served, loved, trusted in, and obeyed 
 for ever and ever. 
 
 I remain thy sincerely affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Southbridge, Croydon, 24:th of 8th Month, 1833. 
 
 . . . Poor R. H. is no more. We visited her deathbed 
 last third day ; she was comfortable in mind, but much pained in 
 body ; she died that evening. I believe her loss Avill be felt by many 
 of her neighbours. It is comforting, yet awful, to think that we are 
 answerable according to the measure of light and grace we are 
 favoured with. I have often thought that perhaps those who are 
 less favoured with advantages, and perhaps may appear to us less 
 forward in the spiritual course, may be more likely to be accepted 
 than some of us who have been favoured in a higher degree, and yet 
 are shrinking, perhaps, from the faithful occupancy of what we have 
 received. 1 feel greatly the comfort of John's company and advice, 
 
58 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1833. 
 
 also the pleasure of a little society amongst the Friends of our noiu 
 little meeting. In short, the weight of the debt of gratitude due to 
 the bountiful Giver of all the good things around me is very great. 
 Yet oh ! that I may be preserved in humility, and fear to step amiss ; 
 how necessary are a constant watch and a continual cleansing ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 South Bridge, Zrd of 2th Month, 1833. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . . . I have been for the last day or two much looking 
 back to the time I spent with you, and, as it were, enjoying it over 
 again, I trust with reference to Him who gives us to feel love and 
 sweet unity together, who is the band of our union (may I not venture 
 to say?), the nourisher, and preserver, and increaser of it. Oh, may 
 I more and more seek after this precious fellowship, sell all for it, 
 part with all that obstructs it ! Ah ! it is sweet to believe that it 
 stands not in words and outward communications, but in the power 
 of Him who is our holy Head, living and ruling in us, who is the 
 strength and life of even the least of His members, the smallest 
 branches in Him the true vine. I have been looking back, as I said 
 before, to the instructive and refreshing sojourn that I made with my 
 dear Cornish friends the last three months in last year, with a degree of 
 gratitude, I do hope, for the many favours bestowed, both immediately, 
 as it were, and mediately through my dear kind friends ; but especially 
 to the sweet times I spent with thee, my dear friend, which has done 
 me good to remember, I think I may say, tending to animate with 
 fresh love and praise to Plim whom we mutually do desire to serve 
 and love more and more, and by whose grace our dear friends are 
 what they are. How do I increasingly long that whatever sweet 
 friendships I may be permitted to partake of in passing along through 
 life, they may only be the means, as no doubt they were intended, of 
 engaging my heart more closely to Him who ought to be the only 
 beloved of my soul! 
 
 Whilst on this subject of outward loans, I think I may inform 
 thee (I long with grateful prostration of soul), that I have felt much 
 comfort in being settled here at present. The change is vei-y great 
 fi'om such a solitary life as I led genei'ally at Forest Place, to here, 
 
1838.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 59 
 
 where I have a genial female companion in the house, a dear brother 
 and sister to whom I feel so neai'Iy united, within a walk, and a few 
 other friends of the meeting I belong (or may so) to — it is like a new 
 kind of life almost ! But mind, I dont mean to say that my life is in 
 visiting about. I should not wish that ; but to be Avithin reach of a 
 little genial society is helpful, I cannot help believing, if it does not 
 cai'ry us off the watch. I have now been two months here to-day. 
 My little cottage is very comfortable, just the right size for me — two 
 parlours and a tiny kitchen below, and three bedrooms up stairs, 
 light and airy rooms, though very snug — a nice garden behind, a 
 little broader than yours at Camborne, retired to walk and work in, 
 
 yet open. My dear companion, C A , is very valuable to 
 
 me. I feel it indeed a great favour such a one has been prepared for 
 me. We work together in the garden, and have also spent some 
 pleasant afternoons reading and working on the top of a hill near 
 here, looking over a sweet view. When I look back to the seasons 
 of indescribable conflict I have passed through last winter and spring, 
 as well as the last month before I came here, when the furnace 
 seemed extra hot, one cannot but be weighed down Avith the debt of 
 gratitude due to Him who has brought me through, made a way 
 where I could not possibly believe any could be found, and dealt very 
 graciously with me. May I be made more and more deeply to feel 
 His goodness, as well as my great need of His continued tender care 
 and strengthening grace to enable me to fulfil the new duties incum- 
 bent on me, to support me under the new trials which may be allotted 
 to me, and to see and avoid the new and not less dangerous snares 
 set ai'ound me by an unwearied enemy. ... 
 
 Surely it will be in great mercy to our poor backsliding Society, if 
 we are somehow brought back again to what we are so fallen from, 
 even if it be by judgment and purging. Surely the holy and precious 
 standard given us formerly to bear, and to exalt before the nations, 
 wiU not be suffered wholly to fall to the ground ! — let it rather be re- 
 anointed, and held up with fresh lustre, though suff"ering be the prelude. 
 
 I should like to have thee here. My dear love is to thee. Do 
 remember me, a poor child, for good. I have great need of thy 
 prayers to be preserved from the many snares on one hand or another. 
 Oh ! that I may be so instructed to know the guidings of His eye, 
 and the teachings of His grace, as that I might avoid them. . . , 
 
 Farewell. Very affectionately thy friend, 
 
 L. A. Baeclay. 
 
GO 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1833, 
 
 To . 
 
 , 1833 or 1834. 
 
 Dear , 
 
 Thy note I duly received and should have written since 
 but had not an opportunity ; it was thy second acknowledgment of 
 my poor scrawl, yet I accepted it as the effusion of a grateful heart, 
 and one that desires to be helped on her way in the right path. But 
 what I long for thee is, that thou mayst not be looking outwardly at 
 the instruments, however they may be made helpful to thee ; it is the 
 inward work that thy eye should be upon, even to witness redemption 
 both from the guilt of sin and from the power of it. The apostle 
 exhorts the Philippians to work out their soul's salvation with fear 
 and trembling, for, says he, " it is God that worketh in you both to 
 will and to do of His good pleasure," so it is by man's co-operation 
 or yielding up himself to obey the power or the grace of God which 
 brings salvation (Titus ii.), and hath appeared unto all men, even in 
 their hearts, that this great work is wrought out, and this must be 
 with fear and trembling, that is in the Divine fear and in holy watch- 
 fulness ; because we feel it is not of or by ourselves, but of God's 
 free grace, who toucheth us, draweth us, makes us willing, if we yield 
 unto His poAver, yea, works all in us by washing us, regenerating 
 and renewing us by the Holy Ghost. 
 
 It is by yielding up our hearts to this measure of grace, or 
 manifestation of the good Spirit of Christ in our hearts, that we are 
 gradually delivered from the power of darkness and sin, and translated 
 into the kingdom of the dear Son of God ; and it is thus alone that 
 we come to partake of, and fully to feel the preciousness of that 
 redemption which is through His blood, the forgiveness of sins 
 according to the riches of His grace ! Therefore, the great matter 
 for us to do is to take heed to the reproofs of the Spirit of Christ 
 within us, which is as a light shining in our dark hearts, showing us 
 the evils thereof (for whatsoever doth make manifest, is light), 
 convincing us of sin and giving us to long after deliverance from the 
 enemies of our own houses ; and as we are willing to bear His coming 
 as a convincer and reprover of sin — a refiner with fire and a fuller 
 with soap — we shall witness that He will make a thorough work in 
 our earthly hearts. He will bring forth judgment unto victory, and 
 we shall be made more than conquerors through Him that loved us, 
 and He will become exceedingly precious to us in this His inward 
 
1833.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 61 
 
 and spiritual appearance ; our souls will delight in Him as the blessed 
 messenger of the covenant (Mai. iii. 1), we shall love to wait upon 
 Him in the way of His judgments that we may learn more and more 
 of His precious righteousness. (Isaiah xxvi. 8.) Thus the kingdom 
 of God and of His dear Son will come to be more and more set up in 
 our hearts, "which cometh not with outward observation," "and 
 consists not in meats and drinks," but is to be within us, " not in 
 word but in power," and consists in righteousness, peace, and joy in 
 the Holy Ghost. 
 
 Now, the work of the true ministers of Christ is to point out this 
 inward work and how it may be witnessed — to direct to our dear 
 Saviour, and how His power may be felt to deliver us from our potent 
 enemies within ; they would not have us stop short by the way in 
 merely being pleased, or our affections kindled by what we hear, for 
 it is thus that the prophet Ezekiel's testimony formerly was to the 
 Israelites like a pleasant song of one that had a pleasant voice. But 
 we should look beyond the gift to the Giver of all good, and we should 
 endeavour to centre our minds on Christ the minister of ministers, 
 who can work either with or without instruments, and with the 
 ignorant and simple as well as the wise and learned. 
 
 And now, dear R., I hope thou wilt not look on thy poor well- 
 wisher as any other than a fellow-traveller in the way toward Zion, 
 and thy very sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 P.S. — I would advise thee to seek such opportunities as thou canst 
 of inward retirement and silent lifting up the heart to God, and thus 
 wilt thou be helped to bear the trials, and to fulfil the duties of thy 
 station faithfully, and in the Divine fear; with goodwill doing service 
 (not with eye service) as unto Christ and not unto men, so wilt thou 
 be a treasure to thy mistress, a good example to all around, and a 
 valuable member in the church. 
 
 To M. S. F. 
 
 My dear M., 
 
 I had no opportunity of expressing my feelings to thee the 
 other day, otherwise than by a squeeze ; but I am now fearful of 
 letting thee go to thy intended solitary abode without disclosing them 
 more particularly. I was thinking of thee a few days ago with much 
 
62 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1834. 
 
 affectionate sympathy; and considering the solitariness of thy intended 
 home, hoth as it regards the distance from meetings and dear relatives, 
 and also the seclusion from those dear friends whose society has been 
 felt cheering, if not strengthening to the mind, animating to follow 
 after those things which are excellent and which make for peace. 
 And whilst these were my secret cogitations whilst at my work, the 
 injunction of the Psalmist struck me very impressively and sweetly 
 in allusion to thee, " Seek the Lord and His strength : seek His face 
 evermore." Oh ! may thy eye and the cry of thy soul be unto thy 
 heavenly Father, that He would feed thee daily with bread from HiS 
 table, that His hand may be with thee, that He would keep thee from 
 evil, that it hurt thee not. If it be thus thy earnest engagement to 
 draw nigh to thy God, I believe He will graciously condescend, in 
 the seasons of His good pleasure, to draw nigh to thee, and to mani- 
 fest himself to be a God nigh at hand, and a very present help in the 
 needful time; for "the Lord preserveth all them that love Him," and 
 His eye "is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His 
 mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in 
 famine." 
 
 I believe I need not apologise to thee for this. It is written in dear 
 love to thee, and under a humbling sense of my own many short- 
 comings, and great need of Divine preservation, and renewal of 
 strength every moment. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To L. B. . .7 
 
 / , 1834. 
 
 Mt dear L., 
 
 It was pleasant to come home together last evening, and itwas 
 in my heart to have saluted thee in much affection, believing that the 
 good hand of my heavenly Father is laying upon thee, and that He is 
 waiting to be very gracious to thee. Thou hast tasted that He is so, 
 but thou wilt yet see more and more of His goodness, and wisdom, 
 and mighty power, in proportion as thou yieldest more and more up 
 to the touches of His love. Let Him work in thee that which is weU- 
 pleasing in His sight, even to make thee perfect in every good work, 
 to do His will. (Heb. xiii. 21.) And though He may lead thee in a 
 way that is crucifying to the natural inclinations, yet shrink not back 
 from the gentle pressure of His hand, for He is compassionate to His 
 
1834.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 63 
 
 little ones, and will hold their hand with persuasive encouragement, 
 saying from time to time, " Fear not, for I am with thee ; . . . 
 I will strengthen thee." Thou knowest our Saviour's parable of the 
 grain of wheat, which, except it die, abideth alone ; but if it die it 
 bringeth forth much fruit (John xii. 24) ; and again, he that hateth 
 not his own life and all that is dear to him, cannot be His disciple. 
 There is, indeed, much in us to be mortified and slain. But God is 
 able to do exceeding abundantly above aU that we can ask or think, 
 and His power is exceedingly great to those who believe (who yield 
 to it as inwardly manifested), according to His mighty power which 
 He wrought in Christ when He raised Him from the dead. (Ephes. 
 i. 19.) And oh, hoiv precious is the hope of His calling, koiv great the 
 riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints ! Let us pursne 
 nothing in comparison of it ; let us fear nothing but to lose it ! 
 And, dear L., not only tender love and encouragement are with Him, 
 and strength and power, but He is the God of peace too (Heb. xiii. 
 20) ; for verily His reward is with Him — He does " bless His people 
 with peace." 
 
 With much love, and desiring thy encouragement every way, I 
 remain, &c., 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 My dear , 
 
 Although it is, and has been lately with me a low season, 
 and one of close proving, yet I do not feel altogether excused (knowing 
 the awful uncertainty of time, and the responsibility that attaches to 
 feeling any little word of advice or caution for a dear fellow-mortal) 
 from taking this opportunity of saluting thee and thy beloved sisters 
 with a few lines, in what I apprehend to be Gospel love — that is, the 
 love of Christ, whom I do desire, above all things, to love and serve 
 with my whole heart. Words fail me to express the earnest and 
 affectionate solicitude I feel, and have felt, for your best, even your 
 everlasting welfare ; and, to that end, have desired that you may in- 
 creasingly yield yourselves up to the government and guidance of 
 Christ, by His blessed Spirit, that strives and pleads with you in 
 your hearts. He calls for your whole heart — and oh ! will you not 
 give it, can you withhold it, can you refuse to be filled with His 
 goodness, as He waits to do and to deal very graciously with you ? 
 
64 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1834. 
 
 I beseech you, feai" nothing but to grieve Him — love nothing in com- 
 parison of (that is, more than) Him — heed not what others say or do ; 
 but do you follow closely Christ, your good Master and blessed 
 Saviour, and He will give you a peace (even His peace) which the 
 world, with all its pleasures, can never give, neither can it, with all 
 its discouragements, take away ! 
 
 But what I have more particularly felt it right for me to touch 
 upon now is, to express the desire that — seeing the important station 
 which your dear parents are called upon to fill in our church — you 
 may feel the necessity there is for you to guard scrupulously against 
 weakening their hands by a mode of dress, or line of conduct, on 
 your part, inconsistent with that simplicity which our principles 
 
 (which are those of the Gospel) lead into. Yes, my beloved , 
 
 although you may not think you see the necessity for this or the 
 other little matter in dress, I believe, if you follow your dear Saviour's 
 leadings closely. He will make you willing to give up your own 
 inclinations relative to it, and, from a love to your parents as well as 
 to Him, to take up the cross ; and I believe such little sacrifices are 
 very graciously accepted in the Divine sight, and will draw down a 
 blessing upon you which you may have no idea of now. Thus, I 
 fully believe, will the hands of your dear parents be strengthened — and 
 to have, also, the blessing of our beloved parents is no light one truly. 
 
 Farewell, my beloved ; may you be blessed and be a blessing 
 
 to others around you, even by simply attending to the leadings of the 
 Spirit of Christ, however small and insignificant they may appear, 
 and easily to be reasoned against with what you may think plausible 
 reasonings. Remember, that he that despiseth the day of " small 
 things, shall fall by little and little," and that the beginnings of Christ's 
 heavenly kingdom are compared to the growth of a gi-ain of mustard 
 seed, so small and easily crushed, but if sutFered to spread in us (by 
 faithfulness on our part), it leads to " righteousness, and peace, and 
 joy in the Holy Ghost." "With dear love, I remain, &c., 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Croydon, 2ith of 2nd Month, 1834. 
 
 Mr DEAR Friend, 
 
 Thy dear sister having kindly and confidentially read 
 
 to me some part of thy last letter to her, could not fail to introduce 
 me into a degree of affectionate sympathy with thee in thy present 
 new (and, may I not say, in some respects, trying ?) allotment. Ah ! 
 
1834.] 
 
 LYDI.V ANN BARCLAT. 
 
 65 
 
 my dear friend, there is much temptation to a warm and grateful 
 disposition in the hospitality, and kindness, and appearance of love of 
 our friends, especially to one lately come amongst them in a way to 
 interest so many ; and such may be easily taken therewith, and led 
 away from the quiet habitation, where the mind is drawn olF from all 
 that is gratifying to our selfish nature, and is prepared to hear the 
 "still, small voice" of the Beloved, teaching as never man taught, 
 and leading into all that is excellent and pure ; and, may I not also 
 say, where abiUty is mercifully given, humbly to make a stand against 
 all that is contrary to His precious leading and teaching, however 
 plausibly it may be decked out. 
 
 I was grieved to hear what thou describes as a weekly custom with 
 certain Friends, and yet it is no more than one quite expects in this 
 backsliding day ; and no doubt thou hears much more that is trying 
 discussed in your various circles. But oh, my dear friend, let none 
 of these things move thee, or tempt thee out of the stillness where 
 alone God is known and felt to be God, and exalted over all that is 
 of the creature ! I do not expect thou wilt find it thy place to sanc- 
 tion the thing by going to them. I would not touch what I doubt of; 
 and no matter at all whether thou art able to answer their reasonings, 
 be content to be tinable to do so, and to be thought a fool. " Study to 
 be quiet, and to do 'thy' own business." It is enough for thee if thou 
 feels the gentle, withholding pressure of the Divine hand upon thee, 
 and in obedience to what is manifested, thy soul shall live; for "the 
 Lord preserveth the simple " and " the faithful," and in times of 
 pinching trial and close besetment, "the name of the Lord" will ever 
 be "a strong tower," into which the righteous (or faithful) may run 
 and be safe. And, dear friend, I do also believe, that in thy faith- 
 fulness the hands of others will be strengthened, and who knows but 
 a secret doubt may be thereby raised in others also on the subject? 
 and then they will bless the Lord on thy account. I cannot but 
 believe it is the enemy's work to hurry into creaturely activity — he 
 hates flesh to be quiet, because then he cannot act. Oh, how easy is 
 it to mistake his imitations for the leadings of God's Spirit ! but (as 
 dear I. Penington says), in that which lies low in the pure fear is the 
 preservation. Surely the enemy cannot imitate the annihilation of 
 true quiet ; but there, in the light, he is seen in all his approaches 
 and successfully resisted. It is indeed a precious thing to have unity 
 with that blessed Power that makes and keeps seK of no reputation. 
 My soul most earnestly covets it for myself and for my dear friends. 
 
66 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1834. 
 
 I expect thou wilt find it best to keep mucli at home, and not to go 
 from house to house ; and it is easier to begin cautiously, and not to 
 open the door too wide at first, for a torrent rushes on irresistibly, 
 almost before we are aware, and carries us off our feet. 
 
 It is nearly thirteen years ago since I was at , so that there is 
 
 almost a new generation risen. No doubt it would be a comfort if 
 there were one or two whom thou couldst feel really united to in all 
 respects; but, alas! it is a day in which we can hardly trust a brother, 
 or put confidence in a friend whom we have looked on as a sound 
 member. But oh, " it is better to trust in the Lord, than to put 
 confidence in man, even in the princes of the people." Truly He "is 
 more excellent than the mountains of prey," and there is none like unto 
 Him or to His faithfulness round about Him; therefore, let us lean upon 
 Him, however much He humbles us, and love to hear His voice, how- 
 ever much He reproves us, for it is the voice of love; and verily His love 
 is better than wine or any outward stimulant ! Whilst I write, I remem- 
 ber the dear Friends at , whom I think thou wilt be pleased with. 
 
 I do not know them outwardly, but feel united to them in spirit — may I 
 not say, in the bond of Gospel love ? I hope you wiU occasionally go 
 and see such as are in solitary situations like them — there are many I 
 
 believe in (or ) monthly meeting. It will be refreshing to 
 
 you and them, and I think we often receive help ourselves in such 
 little sacrifices, comparable to the cup of cold water. I have often 
 thought the twenty-fifth chapter of Matthew (the latter part) very 
 instructive, taken in this point of view — I mean as to little alms-deeds 
 (spiritually) of various kinds. 
 
 Perhaps has told thee we have had an acceptable visit from 
 
 dear and to our families ; of course they were my 
 
 guests, which was pleasant ; but, I may own, 1 was much taken up 
 whilst they were here in beholding and fearing the many snares to 
 those who put their hand to the Gospel plough. I assure thee, dear 
 
 J although I may try to do my little best to encourage another 
 
 fellow-pilgrim, I am often ready to halt and look back myself ; yet, 
 at times, I desire to trust still in Him who has hitherto helped, and 
 to commit my ail into His good hand, who will humble and correct 
 in -wisdom and love ; and oh ! that nothing on my part may hinder 
 His perfecting that which He hath in mercy begun, to His own praise 
 and to the utter abasement of the creature for ever. 
 
 Farewell aifectionately. I remain thy sincerely attached friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
1834.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAT. 
 
 67 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 23rc? ofQth Month, 1834. 
 
 . . . I can truly say, it is my earnest desire that nothing 
 may move forward but that living power, freshly poured forth, which 
 is the foundation and spring of true Gospel ministry. And oh ! that 
 nothing may hinder or hold back, but that all may be brought into 
 humble subjection, the creature abased, and the Creator alone exalted, 
 and His blessed name magnified for ever. 
 
 Farewell, dear friend. Crave my preservation on every side, and 
 that such gracious condescension and long-sitffering may be answered 
 by humble faithfulness and close watchfulness on my part. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 , 1834. 
 
 Mr DEAR , 
 
 I hardly feel easy to omit telling thee how very sorry I 
 was to hear of the step thou art about to take, in resigning that 
 which has cost thee some sacrLSces to obtain, and to make an open 
 profession of, which I do believe was precious to thee, inasmuch as 
 
 solid peace and satisfaction was the result. And now, dear , I 
 
 would affectionately query. Who has beguiled thee, or what has 
 hindered that thou shouldst not obey the truth, and follow on to 
 know more and more of the precious leadings of the Lord, who is 
 "the way, the truth, and the life" — even to know of the increase of 
 His holy "government and peace" in thy heart? Hast thou not 
 professed to believe in Christ, in His inward and spiritual appearance 
 in the soul, according to what He declared by His servant John 
 formerly — "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock; if any man hear 
 my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup 
 with him, and he Avith me?" And dost thou now seek to be made 
 perfect by that which is outward, and to subject thyself to ordinances 
 which are but shadows of the good things which Christ brings home 
 to the heart, in its faithful admission of, and subjection to His power 
 inwardly manifested? Oh ! my dear friend, I can testify from my 
 own (most unworthy) experience, that there is indeed a rich supper 
 prepared for those who love Christ in His inward and spiritual 
 appearance, and are subject to Him. They are, at seasons, permitted 
 
68 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1834. 
 
 to partake of that bread of God which comes down from heaven, 
 and gives life unto the world ; yea, they feel that they live by Him, 
 and He giveth them of the new wine of His kingdom ! 
 
 This is surely better than all the shadows of the thing ! And so, 
 also, when the knockings of Christ's Spirit are attended to, and the 
 government of our hearts is placed, as it Avere, on His shoulders. He 
 doth baptise us with the " one baptism " of the Holy Ghost, which 
 is " not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of 
 a good conscience toward God," by the cleansing of the thoughts and 
 intents of the heart; and thus we know a being "baptised into Jesus 
 Christ," a being " buried with Him by baptism into death," and a 
 putting on of Him ; and experience abundant ability to " walk in 
 
 newness of life." Hast thou, dear , read Barclay's Apology on 
 
 this subject, and Elisha Bates ? But, above all, I would entreat thee 
 to retii'e in spirit before the Lord, and beg of Him to enlighten thy 
 eyes to see that which belongs to thy peace — that which will give 
 thee solid comfoi't in pursuing. I fear the unfaithfulness and deadness 
 of many of us have proved a stumblingblock in thy way ; but oh ! 
 look not to the people, but to the unchangeable principle and power 
 of truth, which is abundantly able to direct and preserve, though we, 
 from unfaithfulness, may fall away from it. I think I may say, it is 
 my full belief that none ever left the principles professed by our 
 Society, but such as either never really possessed them, or else, through 
 unfaithfulness or unwatchfulness, fell away from them. 
 
 And now, my dear friend, I would, in conclusion, say, that it is my 
 sincere and earnest desire that thou mayest so entirely give up to be led 
 and instructed by the Light and Spirit of Christ, as that thou mayest 
 be favoured to experience somewhat of that precious fellowship men- 
 tioned in 1 John chap, i., in which there is a holy communion partaken 
 of that far surpasses all outward signs and shadows ! I believe I 
 need not ask thee to excuse my freedom ; I think it is the freedom of 
 love, and that thou wilt as such accept it, and believe me to remain, 
 thy sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 P.S. — I hope I write " not as though I had already attained, 
 either were already perfect," but under a deep sense of the unmerited 
 and adorable mercy of my heavenly Father, by whose free grace I 
 am what I am; and, in the constrainings of His love, I would not 
 hide what He hath prepared for those who love Him, but would say, 
 Come, taste and see how good He is ! 
 
1834.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 69 
 
 To . 
 
 Tunbridge Wells, 7th of 8th Month, 1834. 
 
 My beloved Friend, 
 
 I fear thou hast thought me very neglectful of thy last kind 
 and sisterly letter, supposing that I have plenty of leisure for writing, 
 and perhaps I have appeared almost unfeeling, or as if I did not share 
 deeply with thy feelings of sorrow, under the loss of such a dear 
 friend and mother in Israel. This has, I assure thee, not been the 
 case ; for there have been times when it has been greatly felt, as well 
 as the reflection how very few of the old veterans (in the Lamb's 
 army, may I not say?) and experienced judges in Israel are left 
 behind. Shall I be thought if I say, there are few compara- 
 
 tively that have not shaken hands more or less with the world, that 
 ax'e men of truth, hating covetousness, clear in discerning, and bold in 
 testifying against what is not of the truth, discreet and tender, yet 
 faithful in reproving and Avarning? In short, the fathers — where are 
 they ? and the true prophets — do they live for ever ? Ah ! my dear 
 friend, let their precepts and example live in our remembrance, and 
 may their good Master and great Pattern rule and reign in our hearts! 
 They directed us to Him, and they testified of His goodness and of 
 His mighty power ; and now, if we have been favoured in any 
 measure to taste thereof, let us more and more desire and seek after 
 that spiritual nourishment, whereby we may be enabled to grow up 
 into Him in all things, and to be built up in Him, a spiritual house 
 and holy priesthood, to offer up the spiritual sacrifices which are 
 acceptable through Him. Is He not elect and precious to us, as the 
 chief corner-stone, though always despised and disallowed of the 
 wise builders in every age? and oh! that we may be preserved from 
 grieving or going away from Him by disobedience to His Spirit in 
 our hearts. He only hath the words of eternal life ! and tliough the 
 mountains should depart, and the many helps, like hills, be removed, 
 yet His kindness and peace, and His instructions of life, shall not be 
 taken away from His humble little ones, who keep close to Him, and 
 abide faithful in His fear. 
 
 It is a subject, as thou sayest, that we should be careful not too 
 much to dwell upon — the strippings in our poor Society, and the 
 inroads of the enemy — lest discouragement and dismay should over- 
 whelm, and our hearts should faint from rising up to do, with the little 
 might and sight given, that which belongs to our day's work ; and 
 
70 
 
 A SELECTION FK03I THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1834, 
 
 by this means, the general weakness is helped forward instead of 
 hindered. I often remember a passage in that sweet chapter, the 
 second of Ecclesiasticus, viz.: — "Woe unto him that is faint-hearted, 
 for he believeth not ; therefore shall he not be defended." Is it not 
 ihe case, that these faint-hearted overlook, or do not yield to, the Lord's 
 mighty, strengthening power, and therefore are not likely to be helped? 
 
 The few particulars thou gave me of dear and , and 
 
 of the interment, were very interesting to me, and I felt it kind 
 of thee. Ah ! my dear, I can fully sympathise with thee in the 
 feelings of condemnation thou describes : but how tenderly indeed 
 are we dealt with, in that we should again be proved, and our 
 backsliding passed by. Yet, do we not find that every act of 
 disobedience dims the sight, and weakens the ability to give up to the 
 next apprehended requiring, so that sometimes we have a dreary 
 wilderness to pass over before the effects are done away ? But let us 
 endeavour to keep the word of the Lord's patience, till He say, "It 
 is enough !" let us bear His chastisement and the hidings of His 
 power, till He is pleased renewedly to wash, and once again to 
 re-anoint for what He shall appoint unto. I noticed thy kind wish 
 that we lived nearer each other ; ah ! I fear I should stumble thee, 
 and not strengthen thee. I feel peculiarly united to thee, I will 
 confess; yet I hope that near attachment to thee, or any other, would 
 not lead me to fix in a place where the Divine approbation did not 
 
 rest on the movement. I do not consider as a very fixed place 
 
 of residence, although I should be sorry to let such an idea out, or 
 to give too much way to it myself, lest there shovdd be a snare in so 
 doing. I often think, the more detached we are from earthly comforts 
 and dependencies, the more we are as sojourners, the better. I miss 
 
 dear greatly, and have been tried in various ways the last two 
 
 months, so as latterly to be ready at times to give up hope, yet have 
 been mercifully preserved from utterly sinking, and enabled to 
 commit myself into His hand, who humbleth, and correcteth, and 
 instructeth according to His tender love and unerring wisdom. The 
 more we are melted, the more likely we are to be made up again 
 tender, so as to take the impression designed. 
 
 I am stopping here with till next week, and intend then going 
 
 to Hastings for a fortnight, for a little sea bathing, and hoping the 
 change may be beneficial, not to health (for that is very good, through 
 favour), but to the mind, as a season of renewed searching of heart 
 and seeking after fresh strength to walk more circumspectly, faith- 
 
1834.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 71 
 
 fully, and humbly; may it be blessed to me is my earnest desire. 
 
 We have had nice accounts of dear , which are animating and 
 
 comforting, to see liow those who feel their great weakness are mer- 
 cifully helped to be made strong in the Lord's might. 
 Farewell very affectionately, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Hastings, 25th of 8th Month, 1834. 
 
 . I would shrink gladly out of sight from fear of 
 undoing in conversation what is feebly attempted to be done in 
 meeting. I have been thinking, whilst writing, of the sea of glass 
 mingled with fire — is there not such a comparison ? how true it is ! 
 Ah ! there is no safety but in keeping close to Him who is mighty to 
 preserve as well as to strengthen. How prone are some of us faint- 
 hearted ones to sink down into despair at the sight of the slippery 
 path, instead of clinging inore closely to Him ! Is not this something 
 of unmortified self that would be strong in itself, and does not like to 
 see its own utter nothingness ? Ah, my dear friend, let us commit our 
 way unto Him who is good and faithful, in welldoing, that is. in close 
 watchfulness and humble faithfulness — and then He will bring it to 
 pass, that is, our safe stepping, to our own peace and to the praise of 
 His great name, who hath touched, and drawn, and made willing to 
 follow. . . . 
 
 I hope my dear friend, H. M., does not suffer the enemy by any 
 discouraging feelings to rob her of the good penny (as G. Fox says) ; 
 but oh, for diligence when the good Master calls, and a humble 
 watching thereunto ; otherwise I have thought (whether rightly or not 
 I cannot tell) we may not clearly see the pointing of His finger, or may 
 miss of His heavenly words. How do I long for my dear friends of this 
 description, that they may more and more seek after and experience 
 the cleansing and qualifying efficacy of His living word (John xv.), 
 that they may be as clean and empty vessels, ready for His use when- 
 ever He is mercifully pleased to bid ! and then I have thought that 
 conduct and conversation would accord, and be hardly less edifying 
 or teaching. 
 
 It is now time for my afternoon's sit on the shore — the sea is 
 grandly high, most majestic waves ! . . . 
 
72 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1834. 
 
 Now, dear H., I must say farewell. Do not think I am got stronger 
 every way. Oh, I am tremblingly weak, yet desiring to pursue, in 
 the right fear, the prize set before us. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Croydon, 15th of 9th Month, 1834. 
 
 . . . My mind seemed much with you yesterday week, 
 and I hope you were favoured with the presence of Him whose 
 power and wisdom are the alone authority, strength, and comfort, of 
 all these our meetings for disciiiline. I have from a child (almost) 
 felt greatly interested in the transaction of the discipline, and secretly 
 exercised in these meetings ; but now I am so deaf, I can take almost 
 no active part in them, were I able ; so that I often think, if I may 
 but be enabled to breathe after the arising of the pure life, both in 
 myself and in others, this is all the part I can take ; and oh ! to be 
 helped to do so more and more. After I returned home, I had a 
 bitter draught of inward discouragement and outward depression to 
 partake of for some days ; it seemed like the waves of the sea, one 
 after another. But, through adorable mercy, I have been helped out 
 of it the last few days, and have indeed cause to praise His good 
 name, and to say. It is good to lean upon His tender arm through all- 
 yea, it is He who giveth power to do so ; He worketh in us to will as 
 He wills, and to do that which is well-pleasing in His sight. I had 
 a humbling testimony to bear yesterday in our preparative meeting, 
 on the subject of the second query, which I hope may be long remem- 
 bered by me, and I have been favoured to feel a peaceful retrospect ; 
 so I hope the anticipated (and, in part, partaken of) storm is changed 
 to a calm. Oh ! that nothing on my part may ruffle the waters ! . . . 
 
 We attended a meeting in town last fifth day, held at E. Bates's 
 request, for Friends of our quarterly meeting. Dear S. Grubb was 
 there, whom I could not but eagerly and affectionately salute, not 
 expecting to see much more of her in these parts — she is going to 
 Hereford, and Worcestershire, and Wales, with certificate. I found 
 that she and I coincided in our feelings about the meetings — yet I 
 hardly dare say how, even to thee. Dear K. H. is about to 
 embark on the 24th, and is perhaps gone from London by this time. 
 The morning meeting would be likely to give him the usual certificate. 
 
 My dear brother John is returned to us with comfort, I trust, how- 
 
1834.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 73 
 
 ever poor, and to our comfort too.* He visited dear William Byrd, 
 ■whom he found much brighter than he expected, though entirely 
 unable to move from the position in which he is placed, either night 
 cr day. . . 
 
 My love, please, to all your little circle, and to thy brother, to 
 whom I did not bid farewell. If it be not presumptuous in such a 
 child to say so, may you be preserved faithful, and watchful, and 
 humble ; and then you will, no doubt, be blessed of the Lord, even 
 of Him who made heaven and earth. Many eyes are upon you, some 
 for good, and, it may be, some for evil, and they are quick -sighted ; 
 oh ! that yours may be single to the recompense of the reward, 
 despising the shame, for His service is truly enriching, and it is perfect 
 freedom. 
 
 Farewell, my dear friend and sister. I hope thou wilt not shrink 
 from yielding up thyself even to be brought again under exercise. 
 I fear lest the good, and acceptable, and perfect will should not be 
 accomplished. But what great need have I to look at home. May 
 all within us be humbled and brought to nought (no matter how), to 
 ' entire resignation and submission ! May we be melted and made 
 tender, even just such as our heavenly Father would have us to be, 
 that He alone may be glorified for evermore ! Do write before long. 
 
 I am thy truly sympathising and nearly united friend, 
 
 L. A. Baeclat. 
 
 To I. E. J^/i^ ^^-^ 
 
 , 1834. 
 
 Mt dear Fbiend, 
 
 . . . I accept the kind intention of thy note ; but oh ! 
 I would rather thou took no notice of the poor instrument, in what- 
 ever way she is enabled to hand any thing in season, but I'ather may 
 thy heart bow low before Him who is the great Giver. He it is thou 
 knowest who gives to feel symj^athy, and who puts words into our 
 hearts for others, and He it is who enables to hand outwardly also. 
 It is all of His goodness and free love ; therefore, let both of our 
 hearty bow in gratitude and humble praise to Him alone, who only is 
 worthy of all our praise, and thanksgiving, and love ; yea, and He is 
 worthy of the pure, undivided service of our hearts — worthy for ever 
 to be trusted in, feared, and obeyed. And, dear friend, let me add, 
 He is a never-failing help in the time of trouble to those who fear 
 • From a religious engagement in Cornwall, &c. 
 
7i 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETIERS OF 
 
 [1834. 
 
 Him and lean upon Him alone. " God is, a refuge for us," therefore 
 " trust in Him at all times ; ye people pour out your heart before 
 Him." Surely we mai/ pour out to Him with safety, and cast all our 
 care upon Him, for He doth care for those who endeavour to walk 
 uprightly before Him, and when they may be ready to think that no 
 eye seeth them, God pitieth them. He doth not afflict willingly, 
 but for a wise, and good, and gracious purpose, even to draw us closer 
 to Himself, the fountain ef good — to incite us more and more to love 
 Him with a perfect heart, to trust in Him alone and not lean to our 
 own understandings, and to serve Him more faithfully and willingly. 
 In all His dealings towards us (though we can hardly sometimes be 
 persuaded to think so) He doth prove Himself to be a wise and tender 
 Father, waiting long upon some of us to be gracious to us, and desiring 
 we should come, taste, and see how good He is ! Therefore, how 
 desirable, my dear friend, is it that we should seek after that wisdom 
 by which we may be enabled to hear the Lord's voice to us, and to 
 see His name or power manifested in His various dealings towards 
 us ! Then shall we be strengthened to hear or mind the rod (if such 
 should be administered), and who hath appointed it, and what He is 
 requiring at our hands. (See Micah v.) And then, I have thought, 
 we shall be preserved from fainting or sinking too low under the 
 chastening of His hand on the one hand, or from despising it on the 
 other, remembering that whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and 
 proveth even with scourging the sons whom He receiveth. (Heb. 
 xii.) And again, "As many as I love I rebuke and chasten." How 
 striking too is what follows (Rev. iii. 19, 20) — the precious effects of 
 hearing His voice, and receiving Him in the way of His coming. 
 Ah, He doth sustain these from day to day, through whatever He 
 permits and whatever He requires. They have bread fresh from the 
 Master's table, and His love is better than wine or outward stimulants 
 and helps. 
 
 Give my love to thy wife ; I feel much for her ; but how sweet to 
 remember and feel that the IVIinister of ministers is ever nigh by His 
 blessed Sjnrit, to minister spiritual instruction, and life, and nourish- 
 ment, to lead us in the way we should go, and to strengthen and 
 comfort us therein, if we wiU but wait for, seek after, and attend to 
 Him. The preciousness of our views on this subject is peculiarly felt 
 by those who are solitarily situated by sickness or otherwise. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
183-1.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAr, 
 
 75 
 
 To R. R. . - 
 
 Croydon, lith of 10th Month, 1834. 
 . . . This inornmg, in our little retirement, I felt 
 instructed in remembering that unless we are willing to go down as 
 to the bottom of Jordan, we shall not be enabled to bring up stones 
 of memorial, and to say, " the Lord is my strength and song, and 
 He is become my salvation," delivering from the proud waves that 
 lifted up their heads on high. I entirely united with thy remarks on 
 our state as a Society. Oh ! for an increase of quietness and 
 abasedness of the creature, that He alone may rule and reign in us 
 and amongst us, and work all in us, and have the praise of all, whose 
 right alone it is ! And then, I believe, when self is still, even in its 
 fears and foreboding cogitations, as well as its wise reasonings and 
 hasty actings, the Lord our God will be truly exalted in our earthly 
 hearts, and He will mercifully enable us to see and to perform our 
 individual work and service (whether actively or passively), and 
 thus to exalt His name before others. (See Psalm xlvi. 10.) . . . 
 
 [There are] comfortable accounts from dear Stephen Grellet from 
 his own home ; also of Daniel Wheeler, who held several satisfactory 
 meetings at Rio Janeiro, South America, and we heard, that after he 
 left, prayers were put up by the congregation for his welfare and 
 preservation ; they were much reached, and said that " he spoke with 
 authority, and not as the scribes." 
 
 Thy desire for my encouragement felt cause for humbling gratitude; 
 I have but once broken through the host of discouraging reasonings 
 here. Oh ! the compassionate forbearance of Him who has begun 
 to show me of His great goodness, and who knows the desire of my 
 heart to be His only, His wholly. Crave my preservation, dear R., 
 when it is well with thee, for I often feel weighed down under a 
 sense of the many snares and dangers on every side. Yet I know 
 the Lord's arm is mighty ; may He help me to cleave close to Him, 
 to lean upon Him, and never to leave Him, and then He will not 
 forsake me in the needful time. 
 
 Farewell, With dear love, I remain thy nearly united friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . IZ^oMU 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I have felt since quarterly meeting an inclination to pen 
 thee a few lines, which has been increased since hearing, the other 
 
76 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1834. 
 
 day, that thou hast been appointed to the station of overseer in your 
 large meeting, in which thou hast my tender sympathy ; for it must, 
 indeed, be an awfully responsible station to fill, although one of great 
 use and blessing to the Church. I feel greatly for such in the compass 
 of our quarterly meeting, at the present day ; now that we have 
 (many of us) so greatly degenerated from our original view of being 
 " members one of another," and have got out into an independent 
 view, out of the true love and the unity of the Spirit. These ideas 
 have tended to deteriorate the station amongst us, and to hinder the 
 benefit of it ; as well as to discourage, and to render it trying to the 
 sincere-hearted who desire to come up in faithfulness to their duty. 
 
 But, dear , I would do my little best to encourage and animate 
 
 thee, however weak and unfit thou maycst believe and feel thyself to 
 be, not to look out at what others do or how they feel about it; but do 
 thou turn thy attention inward to the measure of the light and grace 
 of Christ mercifully given within. He is head of the body, the Chuixh, 
 and His light and grace are abundantly sufficient to direct, and lead, 
 and strengthen His poor feeble servants, in whatever way He requires 
 their service. Do thou meditate in the law and precepts of His 
 blessed Spirit continually, and thou wilt be given clearly to see what 
 is the proper qualification, as well as what is proper for thee to do 
 and to leave undone. 
 
 Thou may est be often ready to think that thou hast enough to do to 
 attend to the vineyard of thy own heart and family ; but let not the 
 feeling of thy own weakness and shortcomings hinder thee from 
 yielding to that Power which can cleanse, as well as strengthen, 
 which can abilitate to follow, as well as enlighten and lead. And if 
 thou yieldest thereto (even art willing to be shown what is required 
 of thee, and the high standard thou must press up to). He will lead 
 thee to seek after great watchfulness before God, that thou mayest not 
 slip in thy duty, or give offence to any of the little ones by thy 
 example ; and He will lead thee into the humble fear and pure love 
 of God, which will keep thee from the fear of man, as well as in the 
 true love of thy dear fellow-members. And in this love consists the 
 proper discharge of the duty of an overseer — to feel the value of the 
 souls of our dear sisters, to watch over them for their good and 
 growth, and therein to act in the meekness of the heavenly wisdom, 
 which Christ is ever willing to dispense to them that seek after it. 
 And in seeking after the help of others, thou wilt be helped thyself, 
 and kept humble and watchful. 
 
1834.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 77 
 
 I would also alFectionately and tenderly say, be careful that thy 
 example in the bringing up of thy children is consistent with, and 
 adorns the Gospel — that is, that it is such as the "power of God" 
 
 leads into ; and then, dear , His power will assuredly bear thee 
 
 up over all the thoughts of others, and the reasonings and fears of 
 thy own mind. And the Lord will ever give strength to His people; 
 He will bless them with a peace which the world can neither give 
 nor take away. I hope thou wilt receive this free salutation in the 
 sisterly love in which it is written. I have often remembered the 
 time we passed together at F., three or four years ago, and the love 
 and interest I felt then for thee are not abated by time and separation. 
 At the same time, I desire renewedly to be made sensible of my own 
 great weakness and shortcoming, and the great and continual need I 
 have of the preserving power, and strengthening grace, and cleansing 
 virtue of Him whom I do desire to serve in sincerity, and to love as 
 the only Beloved of my soul, the chief among ten thousand ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To E. H. ZC^i^^U^ M^..a^'r. 
 
 10th Month, 1834. 
 
 Mt dear , 
 
 I do not like to let the present opportunity slip without 
 penning thee a line or two, expressive of the sympathy I feel with 
 thee, as well as the rejoicing in that thou hast been enabled to yield 
 to the good Hand in tender condescension laid upon thee. I did feel 
 greatly for thee, dear, and thy example felt instructive and animating 
 to me. Ah ! how long have some of us been waited upon, and our 
 great weakness and hesitation borne with, and how tenderly have we 
 been dealt with, and again and again visited. So it may tend to thy 
 comfort to know that a weak sister feels animated afresh by thy 
 example, to look back on the great goodness and mercy extended, and 
 upward, with earnest desire to be enabled to come up in more faithful 
 obedience to Him who indeed proves Himself to be a tender 
 Father, a rich rewarder of those who endeavour, however feebly, 
 to serve Him. He makes willing, and He works the obedience ; 
 let us yield up to His power, however humbling and crucifying to 
 the creaturely wisdom and will, and He will graciously lead about 
 and instruct, correct and humble, as His tender love and wisdom 
 see best. Let us lean upon Him, and cleave close to Him more 
 
78 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1834. 
 
 more ; and then, I do believe, He will not forsake us in the hour of 
 trial and deep conflict. He can still enable a little one to put to flight 
 a host of reasonings and opposing feelings, and can cause those who 
 feel themselves as the stones of the street to celebrate His praise ! 
 Farewell, my dear friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 P.S. — hope I have not improperly intruded myself on thee. We 
 have cause to remember the refreshing meeting we were favoured 
 with on fourth day, and may He have the praise and pure service of 
 our hearts, who alone is worthy for ever. 
 
 To . 
 
 Croydon, 19th ofWth Month, 1834. 
 
 My DEAR Friend, 
 
 Thy short letter was felt kind and acceptable, and seemed 
 to bring thee nearer to me. It is very pleasant to have these tokens 
 of the remembrance and feeling of our dear absent friends, to be 
 thus brought nigh in sympathy, and to be mutually refreshed in 
 looldng at and adoring the dealings of an all-wise and gracious 
 Providence towards His little dependent ones, wherever scattered or 
 however tried. Tes ! He is indeed good to His Israel, His upright- 
 hearted, clean-handed little ones. His eye is for good upon them 
 that fear Him, in all His dealings towards them — He chooses them 
 in the furnace of affliction — He number's their tears, though scattered 
 ever so secretly, and their desires after Him and the honour of His 
 name are had in remembrance before Him. He will be their "refuge 
 and strength, a very present help in trouble ;" and though the earth 
 (all that is earthly in them) may be shaken, and the mountains (those 
 whom they have looked to for strength and support, as instruments) 
 may be removed ; though the sea roar, and the proud waves may lift 
 up tlieir heads apparently to overwhelm them — yet He is near to them, 
 and His voice is mightier than the noise of many waters ; He is near 
 to hear their cry, and to save them ; He is more than father or 
 mother, and sticketh closer than a brother ; and He will hold them 
 in the hollow of His hand, and give them to see and partake of that 
 river which maketh glad His whole heritage — ^yea, He will cause them 
 to shout for His mightiness and glory in the midst of them ! Then, 
 oh ! " let Israel hope in the Lord from henceforth and for ever." 
 
1834.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 79 
 
 We were privileged in having tlie company of dear and 
 
 as my guests for a few nights about a fortnight ago. It was truly a 
 refreshing and strengthening time. I had never seen so much of her 
 before, and her conversation was peculiarly helpful to us at the pi-esent 
 
 time. She had also never had any of 's company, and it seemed 
 
 a comfort to her to find that both his and my feelings were so similar 
 to her own. Surely there is a help sometimes in kindred minds thus 
 speaking one to another, although their communings may have much 
 of the mournful in them, and though they may be sad under a sense 
 of the state of things amongst us (a highly favoured yet backsliding 
 people), and of the insidious snares of our cruel enemy. If such are 
 but preserved in the Divine fear on such occasions, and are engaged 
 to think on His name — His mighty power — will He not notice 
 their tears and their sincere desires ? and He hath promised " they 
 shall be mine " " in that day when I make up my jewels, and I will 
 spare them," &c. Oh, my dear friend (I have been thinking), that 
 we may be of the number of these jewels, of the number of those who 
 are spared of the Lord, who, we read of in another part, were those 
 who sighed and mourned for the abominations committed in the land. 
 Let us be willing to be of these oppressed, suffering ones, for assuredly 
 those who suffer with their Lord shall reign with Him. 
 
 We hear agreeable accounts of . He is one of those who hold 
 
 up the ancient principles of truth, which is a comfort to hear. I fear 
 
 has got his view beclouded ; many looked much towards him, 
 
 hoping he would set us all to rights, but I fear they have been sadly 
 disappointed. It will not do to look to or lean upon man ; but oh ! 
 let us look to Christ, our divine Master, who teaches us still by His 
 Spirit as never man taught, speaking with undoubted authority in 
 our hearts, and is a swift witness against all that is evil in ourselves 
 and others, if we will but give heed and believe His testimony. But 
 the thing is, we do not like His cross ; we would have some easier 
 way to the crown, and so we say in our heai'ts, we will not have Him 
 to reign over us ; and then slaying the witness, we become hard and 
 blind, and call light darkness and darkness light. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To L. S. -<CZ^- ' V - - 
 
 Croydon, 10th of 12th Month, 1834. 
 I have been intending to write this day or two past, and now 
 that we have the affecting account of dear Edward Smith's decease, 
 
80 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1834. 
 
 it seems a fresh stimulus to take up my pen in the way of sympathy 
 with thee, dear L. ; for I do not doubt it is a near stroke to thee (or 
 you) as well as to our little circle of intimates here, with whom he has 
 formed a precious link in the chain of endeared friendship and fellow- 
 ship. Ah, my beloved friend, it is indeed a keen stroke, as well as a 
 solemn warning ! I felt him as a dear brother nearly united in the 
 fellowship of the Gospel. "Well, his work is cut short in righteousness. 
 I do believe his prayers, and his alms, and his secret tears and con- 
 flicts are had in remembrance befoi'e Him whom he desired to serve 
 above all, and his memorial is blessed, and his works shall follow 
 him. How greatly will you miss him in your meeting ! ... It 
 is very striking to me how faithful he has endeavoured to be lately 
 in the writing Avay ; as it were, making haste to do his day's work in 
 the daytime. We have been much pleased with the opportunity these 
 labours have afforded us of seeing him down here, and dear C. and I 
 have been looking back with much affecting interest at the two last 
 visits he paid us — I think also once when thou wast here, and we 
 took a sweet walk together. 
 
 Poor dear Eliza ! how tenderly do we feel for her ! How sudden 
 a stroke to her ! yet it is inflicted by a most tender and wise Father; 
 and I believe the wind will be tempered to the shorn sheep — the 
 soothing balm of His consolation will be poured in — and His tender 
 arm will be underneath to support. And will she not have cause to 
 rejoice that she had such a sacrifice to yield up to Him, who will 
 cause all things to work together for good to those who love Him 
 above all — who wounds only to heal — who strips only to clothe with 
 the pure garment of love and entire resignation? Ah! in all His 
 dealings tOAvards us He duth show himself to be very good — a wise 
 and tender Father ; and all His provings are designed to draw us 
 nearer to Himself, the fountain of excellence and good ; to mould us 
 more and more after His Divine image, that we may bear the inscrip- 
 tion of holiness to Him. May the language of her heart be, " The 
 Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away ; blessed be the name of 
 the Lord ;" and He will care for His stripped ones, He will be tender 
 over them, for they are precious to Him, and, as their eye is ever unto 
 Him, He will not fail or forsake them. 
 
 On hearing of this circumstance, the first impression was rejoicing 
 with the departed, and longing, if it might be, to follow ; yet, dear 
 Lydia, I cannot help fearing this desire may, in some degree, arise 
 from an impure source — a shrinking from conflict and trial in this 
 
1834.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 81 
 
 changing, proving scene; and one is, as it were, reproved for the wish, 
 and brought back to the feeling — the will of the Lord be done, let Him 
 do what He will with His unworthy handmaid. Should many days, 
 and many trials, and exercises, and labours be appointed, may the 
 desire of my heart be, to be made resigned, and faithful, and humble. 
 It is affecting to lose a beloved brother and contemporary, but this is 
 what thou, and I, and others, must expect to do now ; and oh ! that 
 it may work the good designed by the trial, namely, to stimulate and 
 warn to diligence in the work of the day assigned us, that we may be 
 found ready, watching, and faithful. If thou should be going to see 
 dear Eliza, do give C.'s and my dear love and tender sympathy for 
 her. Perhaps it may be as well if thou read to her what I have 
 written, though it is not said to her, it is for her as much as thee, for 
 I feel you united together. 
 
 Well, dear L., to turn from this absorbing subject to thy letter of 
 10th month, which, on perusing a third time now, is felt to be more 
 acceptable than I had felt it before, although it was not unacceptable 
 then by any means ; but there are (as thou sayest in it) times when 
 we feel unable to lay hold of the hand of help or encouragement held 
 out to us. This has been peculiarly my case since we parted — a time 
 of stripping, of buffeting, and of sore conflict, more than I have known 
 for some time past ; but I suppose those who would be faithful soldiers 
 of the Lamb must endure hardness ; and perhaps it is part of the 
 many baptisms they must pass through, who are, at any time, to be 
 made use of in pulling down the strongholds of Satan in others. The 
 enemy attacks such much more inveterately, as well as that they must 
 be more often cleansed, more deeply plunged, to be qualified for such 
 an awful work. WeU, my dear friend, though at times one seems 
 ready to shrink from these necessary baptisms, and rather to desire 
 to be hid — to be known only to One, if so His will might be performed ; 
 yet at others one seems melted under a sense of His goodness and 
 condescension to one so unworthy, and the desire is raised that nothing 
 may be spared, that so His gracious designs may be accomplished ; 
 that not a jot of suffering may be lost, but patience may have her 
 perfect work, that nothing may be wanting that may tend to the abase- 
 ment and purification of the creature, and to the glory of the Creator! 
 
 I notice thy allusion to taking the cup of salvation in any form ; 
 this comes rather [home], having apprehended such an awful requiring 
 lately ; but oh, the dread, and fear, and reasonings, and hesitation, 
 and disobedience ! Yet I have trusted that He who knows the desu'e 
 
 G 
 
82 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1834. 
 
 to be rightly directed, led, and strengthened in so awful an exercise, 
 has forgiven the offence ; and, in matchless mercy, He has conde- 
 scended to put a little testimony in my mouth, even since such a 
 hesitation, after a long time of cessation. 
 
 It would be very pleasant to have thy company again here, dear 
 L. I often remember the sweet walk we took, the morning thou left, 
 up Primrose Hill. It wiU not do to cling to earthly helps and enjoy- 
 ments; but yet it is a time when we have need to endeavour to strengthen 
 one another's hands in upholding the standard once delivered to our 
 forefathers, and which is still precious to many up and down, though 
 others turn their backs, and do not consider it to have been anointed 
 of our Captain. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To E. R. 
 
 Croydon, 29tk of 12th Month, 1834. 
 
 . . . It is good to be continually reminded that we must 
 lean only upon the One Good Friend who " sticketh closer than a 
 brother." And how greatly do I desire that the present time may be 
 blessed to us, in our becoming increasingly acquainted with Him, His 
 precious ways, the mightiness of His power, and the wisdom and love 
 pourtrayed in all His works and dealings ! . . . Well, my dear 
 friend, you must not look to escape what is come already upon others 
 to try them ; but oh, that you may be enabled to set an example to 
 them of the benefit of faithful watchers and diligent labourers ; for 
 surely one is ready to think if this had been the case in other parts, 
 things would not have come to their present painful state amongst 
 us. 
 
 I have had lately a sweet letter from dear , in which he desires 
 
 his dear love to those dear Friends in the West who are faithful in 
 advocating our ancient principles. He writes encouragingly as to 
 brighter times, that a remnant will be raised up and preserved of the 
 humble, lowly ones, who shaU be made strong in the Lord's might ; 
 that He wiU gain a victory by these few, and the wisdom and activity 
 of man shall be abased in the very dust and the Lord alone axalted. 
 Ah, we are sadly degenerated in our ideas on this subject as well as 
 others, which seem to me aU as branches from one root, namely — the 
 denying the precious universal gift of Divine light and grace. It is true 
 some appear to own it, but then they act and preach to the contrary. 
 
1835.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 83 
 
 and there is a sad endeavour to unite the two opinions, and make 
 things appear all the same, covering all over vnih. love and harmony; 
 but it is like trying to unite the iron and clay in Nebuchadnezzar's 
 image, and it is better not to be in harmony with what militates 
 against the spiritual (and truly Gospel) view of things which we have 
 always held. T7~ue love will lead to judge what is contrary to Christ, 
 the Light, and to seek the recovery of the lost member even by severity, 
 if need be. 
 
 I was much pleased to hear of your meeting being continued, and hope 
 
 it will tend to good, though no doubt and thou must feel the 
 
 responsibility to be great. But it will not do to shrink from burdens, if 
 rightly come upon us, and you will be strengthened forit. We want more 
 of a noble disinterestedness amongst us sadly in these parts, that the 
 cause of truth may be precious to us, and not a shrinking from exer- 
 cise. It is very sweet to hear of the dear blind man and others being 
 drawn near in spirit to us. One can salute them in Gospel love, 
 though outwardly unknown. Many eyes are upon you, and you are 
 as a city set on a hill that cannot be hid. May your lamps be so 
 continually replenished with heavenly oil as that they may shine with 
 unsullied brightness, to the glory of the great Name and to the help 
 of many a poor wandering soul. 
 
 I have been much interested and instructed during the past year 
 in making an Index to "I. Penington's Works in four volumes," and ■ t--^*^ 
 have just completed it after much labour on it. Of course, I read the Cir^r A, 
 whole carefully, and condensed each paragi-aph. I intend presenting ', , e/t^ 
 a copy to my dear Cornish Friends who have the Works, and shall 
 not forget thy sister L., who I believe has them. My dear love to 
 them and tender sympathy in their trials. . . . 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To L. S. 
 
 Croydon, 19tk of 2nd Month, 1835. 
 
 Mr BELOVED Friend, 
 
 I seem as if I could hardly let thee go into the West without 
 a few lines by F. J. (if he be at Wandsworth), expressive of the 
 rejoicing that I feel on thy account, as well as the tender sympathy 
 with thee, since hearing for certain what passed at yoiu- last monthly 
 meeting. Ah ! dear love, I do indeed feel for thee under the awful, 
 and, may I not say, humbling exaltation that is come upon thee, the 
 increase of exercise and responsibility. But thy good Master, the 
 
84 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1835. 
 
 great Minister, will ever be with His poor, exercised, afad, peculiarly 
 in this day, tribulated ministers ; He will be their strength in weak- 
 ness — His good presence will be with them in the many fiery trials 
 that must be their portion, to prove them and to pnrify them — His 
 mighty arm shall be underneath them when passing through the deep 
 waters, to bear them up from utterly sinking, when the mighty waves 
 may roll over their heads — and He will not fail or forsake them when 
 He leads them forth to the battle, but wiU gird them with His own 
 strength, and hold them as by the hand, saying, " Fear not ; for I am 
 with thee." 
 
 Well, my precious sister, I would fain do my little best to encourage 
 thee. Ah ! it is no matter how poor, and weak, and foolish, we seem 
 to ourselves or others. We want some of the plough-boy preachers 
 of old times in these degenerate days ; oh ! for the baptising ministry 
 of those times. I sometimes think, if things are brought about 
 amongst us, that there avUI be again raised up mean and contemptible 
 instruments and a foolish way of preaching, as in old times, that the 
 Lord alone may be exalted. And, blessed for ever be His name. He 
 is abundantly able to qualify these poor, mean, foohsh ones, as ever 
 He was ; to make them wise in His counsels and mighty in His power; 
 yea, to enable them to preach His everlasting Gospel with the Holy 
 Ghost, as it was in the beginning, that He alone may be glorified, and 
 His name exalted and spread among the nations. May it be so, saith 
 my very soul ; and may all flesh be silent and abased before Him for 
 ever ! 
 
 Farewell. With C.'s and my united dear love, I remain thy poor, 
 frail, but affectionate and sympathising friend and sister, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 Croydon, 20th of 2nd Month, 1835. 
 
 The enclosed [the preceding letter] was hastily written 
 yesterday, whilst waiting for the fly to take us to monthly meeting, 
 and not finding F. J. there, I do not feel quite excused from sending 
 it thee, as perhaps there may be a time when even what is hardly 
 equal to a cup of cold water may be acceptable. We had a few 
 women Friends of the committee yesterday, who stirred us up to take 
 up the subject of overseers, to the relief of some burdened minds, I 
 do believe. M. P. has been paying us a little visit, very pleasantly, 
 and I think one might say helpfully, for those who feel themselves 
 
1885.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 85 
 
 but poor and -weak may sometimes help the poor and weak ! I had 
 long felt about going to Eeigate monthly meeting, and I was glad of 
 
 the opportunity of (without selfishness) taking her and , on fourth 
 
 day, to it; and we were favoured with a sweet day altogether, except 
 a little burden I brought away from the second meeting, from fear, 
 as usual. The first meeting was very sweet ; a precious covering in 
 silence, much of the meeting. Ah ! this is what we want now-a-days, 
 and what the true ministers covet, and not to be heard — even the 
 Lord's power reigning over all, and being exalted over all in our 
 earthly hearts, through an inward stillness, whereby He may be livingly 
 known to be God, and an ability received to glorify His holy name 
 before others. (Psalm xlvi. 10.) Dear Joseph Sayers laid before 
 Friends the visiting of families in that monthly meeting. We were 
 glad to be there, and I believe the company of my two dear companions 
 
 was felt helpful. We spent the afternoon with dear , who seems 
 
 more helpless than when I last saw her, a year ago, but more resigned 
 to wait her dismissal from this suffering state. 
 
 Do give my dear love to F. J.; I think I feel the same towards 
 him, on this occasion, as I do towards thee, as I have expressed in 
 the enclosed note. Ah ! we have few true elders amongst us — those 
 who have been baptised by the Holy Ghost for the service ; surely it 
 is such only who are properly qualified to watch over the ministry, to 
 warn and to reprove, as weU as to strengthen the weak ! And where 
 there are those who have been thus anointed by Christ, our holy 
 head, for such (or any other) service, if they are not appointed thereto 
 by their friends, I believe it tends greatly to their own loss as 
 individuals, as well as to the loss and injury of the body. I have 
 often remembered, in looking at the subject of ciders, the description 
 of those appointed in Moses' time — " able men, such as fear God, men 
 of truth, hating covetousness." Ah ! these arc such as we want in 
 the present day greatly ; clean-handed, honest-hearted, true to God, 
 and the glory and spreading of His great name ; in nowise yielding 
 to what will not tend to this excellent end, but rather hinder it, 
 however smooth and eloquent the words, and fair the doctrine (for 
 thou knowest, dear L., how it may be so, as we were reading the 
 other day, and as we have often felt). And there is a covetousness 
 which must indeed be hatedhj those who desire above all to fear God 
 — a covetousness of the esteem and favour even of those whom we 
 look upon as princes. Is not this something like the Babylonish 
 garment, and the wedge of gold, which, being concealed, brought 
 
86 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTEKS OF 
 
 [1885. 
 
 dimness of sight and led to faint-hear tedn ess formerly, so that the 
 enemy prevailed to the discomfiture of Israel ? Ah ! I have thought 
 that the Lord's gracious, tender hand is upon some in the present 
 day, to allure them even into the wilderness, away from creaturely 
 dependencies, and, it may be, closely proved various ways ; and there 
 He will speak comfortably unto such as are willing to offer up these 
 coveted things, yea, -will make the Valley of Achor a door of hope, 
 and give them to behold the vineyard they are to be engaged in, and 
 abundant ability to labour therein ! 
 
 Well, I do believe dear F. has been so anointed, and is one of these 
 honest-hearted ; and I greatly desire (if it be not impertinent in me 
 to express it) that he may ever be preserved so — that his sight may 
 be kept clear for God (I desire to write with reverence), and his 
 hands strengthened in the power of His might to act for Him, which 
 will be greatly to the help of the body, to his own peace, and to the 
 praise of that excellent Name which we desire should be exalted over 
 all. And one is impressed, whilst writing, with one great means of 
 this being the case (and this applies to both ministers and elders !) 
 namely, to be very frequent in inward retirement and waiting upon 
 God, in the silence of all flesh, or, at least, seeking after it ! Here 
 we shall be more and more instructed in the knowledge of ourselves, 
 and, consequently, in that of others, as well as in the living knowledge 
 of God ; here is the way for tnie discernment to increase amongst us 
 as it was in the beginning, as well as strength to act according to that 
 discernment. One longs for this, though, indeed, I have need to lay 
 my mouth in the dust, feeling very deficient in this, alas! as well as in 
 other duties. 
 
 Well, dear L., farewell once more. I did not by any means intend 
 to enlarge thus when I began, but I knew not how to stop; Perhaps 
 it might not be ^vrong to show this to dear F., if not impertinent in 
 such a child. I hope he will deal faithfully with me, if it be so, tell 
 him, and at all other times also. With the salutation of endeared 
 love, I remain thy and your nearly united friend — may I add, in the 
 bonds of the Gospel. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To R. R 
 
 Croydon, bth of Zrd Month, 1835. 
 . . . Thy letter yesterday felt not a little cheering and 
 animating to my often drooping and dismayed mind. Ah, my dear 
 
1835.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 87 
 
 friend, I am ready to think if thou heard all that we hear, both within 
 the limits of our own quarterly meeting as well as from other parts, 
 even thou wouldst be dismayed. One is at times ready to say, Blessed 
 are the dead who are taken from the evil to come ! but I know this 
 proceeds from self, unresigned to the duties and trials to come, and 
 shrinking from suiTering ; and oh, may every thought of this kind be 
 brought into subjection to the obedience of Christ. I have compared 
 one's feelings for four months past till lately, to that of being trodden 
 under foot. I believe there are a few (and will be more by and by), 
 valiants raised up, who are ready accoutred, not by their power and 
 might, but by the Spirit of the Lord God of hosts, for the battle. 
 He is mustering His little ones, whom He will make as David ; and 
 who shall be able to stand when He rises up to the battle ? and who 
 shall let when He is pleased to work, though it be by the foolish and 
 weak? My heart salutes these dear valiants in Gospel love, and 
 wishes them the best speed in their work, which I apprehend to 
 be, through the proper exercise of our divinely appointed discipline, 
 to purge the camp of what has for so long been as an evil disease in 
 it, to the discomfiture of our Israel before the enemy, to the hindering 
 of the true exaltation and spreading of our great King's name among 
 the nations, and to the great burden and pain of the faithful. The 
 painful things we hear of from week to week do not surprise us. 
 They are marks of the growth of the evil, and we receive them as 
 symptoms of the state of the disease. Yet truly they must be deeply 
 painful. I believe the spiritually-minded, honest inquirers will not 
 be much hurt, for they are quick-sighted enough to see through the 
 thing ; yet there is no doubt the weak will be stumbled, and woe unto 
 them by whom these little ones are offended ! . . . 
 
 Thou kindly asks me how I fare as to the path of duty. Alas I the 
 fear of man seems so deeply rooted, what struggles it requires to 
 overcome it ! and oh, what bondage it leads into, and weakness of 
 hands, and dimness of sight are the consequences of suffering it to 
 hinder our obedience to our tender and good Master! But how 
 gracious and condescending is He to interpose, time after time, for 
 our deliverance, that we may be set free to praise Him, and to mag- 
 nify His great and ever excellent name. 
 
 I suppose thou hast heard of the " Beacon." I do not intend to 
 touch it. [These] unsound principles are more insidious in their 
 poison than the openly shocking doctrines of the Hicksites. Ah, I 
 often remember a manuscript, which I believe I read to thee, which 
 
88 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1835. 
 
 says of J. Wilkinson and J. Story's schism, "They are now bringing 
 
 up new things which were not in the beginning, having the smooth 
 words which man cannot see but as their fruits make them manifest 
 and an inward eye is opened. The doctrine of this spirit is so smooth 
 that many cannot see a hole in it, but the nature of it is to divide 
 Friends asunder like stray sheep." Ah, is it not so now ? And the 
 nature is, to scatter from Christ the life. How smooth things appear 
 now in many instances, but the Life is wanting ! Oh for the baptising 
 ministry of good old times ! 
 
 Dear E. Smith's death was a rousing stimulus to thy poor fi'iend 
 from a lethargy of discouragement ; and I have had another in the 
 death of dear Mary Marriage. 
 
 Farewell, dear R. Crave that the prevailing despising of what 
 appears weak and foolish in man's eye, and rejection of what is 
 ancient, may not hinder thy poor, weak sister from declaring the 
 whole counsel in mercy given her to declare. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To L. S. »^Y^ ' 
 
 Wandsworth, 19th of Srd MontJi, 1835, 
 
 We are here an hour before meeting time, for the select 
 meeting to be held, so I shall occupy the time in wi-iting a little note 
 to thee by F. J., if here, and which I believe will not interfere with 
 that exercise of mind which often seems to attend me during these 
 important meetings, however unworthy to be dipped into sympathy 
 with any of the dear exercised labourers. Thy letter, dear L., was 
 deeply interesting and instructive to me ; I might almost say I was 
 prepared for its contents, for I own I had felt for thee about going 
 away at this time, and especially to that part. It was very instructive 
 to me thy yielding to what seemed best in this matter, and a feeling 
 of thanksgiving and praise seemed to ascend to Him who does all 
 things well for those who love Him, and enables them to act for His 
 glory ; and one felt animated by thy example. . . . 
 
 On second day last, I went down to Rochester, to W. Rickman's, 
 and attended the quarterly meeting next day. I assure thee it was a 
 very exercising time to me, and I greatly desired to be preserved 
 from doing anything to the reproach of the good cause ; but I had for 
 several [quarterly meetings] felt a wish to be with them. It was 
 very crucifying to me to have to stand up the first in the meeting for 
 
1835.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 89 
 
 worship, and the last in that for discipline ; but the Lord made hard 
 things comparatively easy, and what was veiy bitter to the natural 
 part to be sweet, or, at least, peaceful ; blessed for ever be His holy 
 name, who is indeed worthy to be feared above all, to be loved, trusted 
 in, and obeyed by the whole house of Israel ! It was sweet to be 
 with the dear Friends of that county again, to whom I have formerly 
 felt united. Dear W. Rickman was very lively and striking in the 
 meeting, but I could not hear him ; also dear Mary Baker, who took 
 up the subject which had opened upon me. Elizabeth Beck also was 
 there, and I believe it was a favoured meeting ; the precious covering 
 in silence was very sweet to me. We afterwards went on to 
 Maidstone, and were at their meeting next day — also a season of 
 favour — and were helped to return home comfortably last night. 
 Thou wilt say I have cause still more to trust, to love, and 
 obey. . . . 
 
 May the Lord keep us poor striplings in the hollow of His holy 
 hand, and hold up our goings in His paths that our feet slip not! For 
 surely if He leave us (or, rather, if we leave Him) a moment, we shall 
 fall. Oh, to be preserved low in His pure fear for ever ! 
 
 L. A. Bakclat, 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Croydon, 26fh ofZrdMontJi, 1835. 
 This approaching committee does feel so trying and exer- 
 cising, I feel almost iU.at the idea. How very pinching it will be to 
 express a sentiment as to any one proposed, with that unflinching yet 
 humble faithfulness that should be! for perhaps there may be relatives 
 or intimates of the individual present. Well, dear II., we must crave 
 one another's help, and remember the cause is not ours, and no might 
 or wisdom of ours will help it forward, but rather hinder. As for 
 poor me, I greatly shrink from such a vast trial of faithfulness as it 
 will be ; oh ! that I may, with clearness and Jtumhle faithfulness, be 
 enabled to express any little feeling that may be given, and sink into 
 nothingness again. Who knows, perhaps my deafness may be a help 
 to me in such a case, as I should not be biased by others ; is it 
 presumptuous to say so, though ? Dear E. Robson's testimonies felt 
 encouraging to me, though I heard very little, except the last. I 
 wish thou hadst been appointed representative to the yearly meeting 
 instead of me; I am sure it would have been better. Do not the deaf 
 belong to the blind, the maimed, and the halt ? . . . 
 
90 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1835. 
 
 Oh ! that the deeply exercised travailers for the welfare of 
 Jerusalem may not faint under their manifold afflictions, nor cease 
 to breathe for her ; for, surely, the set time to favour her will come, 
 and the poor dust thereof shall be compassionated. ... It was 
 
 very pleasant to sec ; I told her I was glad she came to feel 
 
 with us. Why should not elders go thus to a neighbouring meeting 
 more often than they do ? 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To J. F. M.iC^>C 
 
 Ventnor, 2dth of ith Month, 1835. 
 
 My mind seems much with you at this time, when I suppose 
 you are about to commit to the grave the remains of our dear and 
 valued friend, Ann Brewster. I have long been hoping to see her 
 once more, but union of spirit — which I hope it is not presumptuous 
 to lay claim to — is perhaps better than personal intercourse. It is 
 indeed a blessed exchange and happy release for her, and one seems 
 to rejoice on her account; but we shaU feel her loss, notwithstanding 
 she has been so long laid by from public service. Surely the secret 
 exercise of such is felt helpful to the body. The places of these dear 
 ancient worthies, of whom we have latterly lost so many, are not easily 
 refilled. Their experience, and stability, and deep humility are very 
 slowly attained, and in the course of many a painful stepping ; but it 
 is in the ordering of a wise and kind Providence, and humble resigna- 
 tion is the disposition we should seek after. And surely, if we feel 
 these losses, it is our duty more and more to yield up to His qualifying 
 power, whereby a capacity will be received to walk in their footsteps, 
 and to serve the Lord faithfully in our day and generation. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To E. R. 
 
 Southampton, 8th of 5th Month, 1835. 
 
 . . Ah! my dear friend, it is a fearful prospect to me 
 this yearly meeting ; but we must look to Him who can make all 
 things work together for good to those who sincerely desire to love 
 and serve Him above all ; yea, to fear Him above all too ; and He is 
 abundantly sufficient for His own work. He can choose the weak 
 and base things, in the world's eye, and things which are not (according 
 
1835.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 91 
 
 to their idea), to seai'ch out and bring to nought those which are lifted 
 up above the pure witness for Him. I apprehend there is, and will 
 be more manifest at this yearly meeting, a great desire to cover 
 things over and mingle things together, much appearance of love, as 
 well as of advocating our early doctrine ; but oh ! how closely have 
 we need to feel — how closely have we need to keep to the unerring 
 Guide and pure Witness, in order that we mcnj rightly feel whence 
 things come. I tremble for myself, and greatly desire to be preserved 
 in a humble, meek, listening state, waiting for true sense and feeling — 
 and if any service is called for, for wisdom and strength to perform 
 it, fearing none but to disobey my good and gracious Master. 
 
 I hear that dear friend , whom I have written of to 
 
 thee as a remarkable instance of the sufficiency of the Divine power 
 to qualify the very weak and foolish ones to be ministers of the 
 Gospel, is coming over with certificate. One longs there may be 
 more such instances as there were in early days. ... I would 
 not wish to be uncharitable, but it is hard for some to see through 
 some things — not that I would set up myself as discerning though, 
 far from it ; — every degree of life or growth has a proportionate 
 degree of discernment mercifully given, and, as such, it is not to be 
 boasted of, but occupied with, in deep humility, and close watchful- 
 ness for its preservation and increase. But, dear friend, let us not be 
 surprised or amazed at anything we see or hear. We know how subtle 
 the enemy is, and we know how weak man is, when he departs in any 
 way from Him who alone can preserve us. When we ponder these 
 sad things in secret, oh, may we not be moved thereat, but may it 
 tend to our instruction. What if things do wax worse and worse, 
 and the spirits of some be further manifested ! — there is One who is 
 over all, who will work as it pleaseth Him, to His own glory and to 
 the purification of His Church. Oh ! then, let not the faithful few, 
 the little flock of Christ's companions in suffering, fear or be faint- 
 hearted ; for, as they keep the word of His patience, and are faithful 
 in their day and generation. He will give them to partake of His royal 
 banquet at His table, and they shall reign with Him for ever. My heart 
 salutes them, at times, in what I believe is a measure of Gospel love, 
 wherever scattered, and however their dwelling may be in the dust, 
 and sackcloth may be the covering of their loins, and none may know 
 how it is with them. But God knows and sees them, and they are 
 very dear to Him ; they that touch them, touch the apple of His eye, 
 and none shall be able to pluck them out of His hand. I hope I do 
 
92 
 
 A SELECTION PR05I THE LETTEHS OF 
 
 [1835. 
 
 not write too freely, nor improperly take the great Name into my 
 mouth and hand. I feel thee as a dear elder sister, which makes me 
 run on so to thee. I assure thee it has, by no means, been an abound- 
 ing time with me lately, but one of much exercise and discipline — I 
 might say, even the discipline to utter close things, and that which I 
 know is kicked against by some; but things very hard to my shrinking 
 nature have been most graciously made comparatively easy to me, 
 and I would fain yield myself up to Him who has dealt so very tenderly 
 with me, so I may but be preserved from bringing reproach on His 
 good cause, or on the awful work to which I have feebly put a hand 
 in apprehension of His requiring. 
 
 My dear brother's severe illness has also preyed much both upon body 
 and mind, although one seemed kept in quiet and resignation as to the 
 event of it. It was a great comfort and favour that he was raised up 
 again, and as soon as he could bear travelling, we came to the Isle of 
 Wight, about three weeks ago, which means have been wonderfully 
 blessed to him, so that he is very much recovered. . . . John's 
 writing labours are at an end for the present, but he is going on with 
 Dewsbury, by Rawlinson's help. It has been very sweet to me to be 
 with him since being out, though it is only a scrap now and then that 
 I get of his quiet company. His remarks have been very instructive, 
 and his mouth has been opened several times in ministry in our little 
 private opportunities, or with a friend, for he has been silent quite [as 
 to public ministry] since leaving Cornwall. I shall feel my loss of 
 him greatly. ... 
 
 I felt a sympathy that I cannot describe on hearing of dear 's 
 
 prospect ; my dear love to her. I believe some will be called to 
 singular (to man's eye) services, and oh ! that such may be faithful. 
 Are we to limit our Master, and choose our own work ? 
 
 L. A. Baeclat. 
 
 [The close and lengthened trials and provings which she had to 
 pass through were, no doubt, heightened by her natural timidity, 
 which at one time well nigh amounted to that fear of man which acts 
 as a snare and hinderance in the path of obedience to manifested duty. 
 Those who knew her best in after life, and who knew also this feature 
 of her mental constitution, could not but be struck with the way in 
 which she was strengthened to faithfulness, when she believed herself 
 called upon to deliver close things, " and hard to be uttered," either 
 in public or more private ministrations. Truly the Most High 
 
1835.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 93 
 
 "giveth power to the faint, and to them that have no might He in- 
 creaseth strength." Like her brother John, she was brought under 
 deep exercise of spirit in the prospect of a Gospel errand amongst 
 Friends, before her gift in the ministry had received the acknowledg- 
 ment of her monthly meeting. This will account for some of the 
 allusions in the following letter.] 
 
 To L, S. 5>^v.^--. i. i -sV <-r/- r 
 
 Croydon, 3rd of 7th Month, 1835. 
 . . . I much hope that this change of air may renovate 
 thee. Body and mind are closely connected, and such an awful time 
 as it must have been to thee for several months, must have pressed 
 much upon the poor body. I may truly say it has been an exercising 
 time to me since yearly meeting, in which my mind has been much 
 turned to the same subject — not that I am aware the matter, as it 
 regards myself, has been taken up by Friends — and not at all that I 
 have voluntariltj reverted to the subject, for I have not entertained it 
 at all during the four years that I have feebly put my hand (as I 
 apprehend) to the awful work. But circumstances have unavoidably 
 led to it and brought it upon me ; and, truly, day and night have I 
 felt weighed down, and close conflict and deep searching have been 
 my portion. But, through favour, one seems a little strengthened to 
 cast all care upon Him who hath hitherto cared for me abundantly 
 and most graciously. He can make a way for us where we can see 
 none, and remove mountains of difficulty. My soul desires to lean 
 upon Him in humble fear, and holy confidence, and pure resignation. 
 And oh, that I may be enabled to perform all my vows made in the 
 seasons of sore conflict and dismay — to come up in faithfulness and 
 entire dedication to Him who hath indeed dealt very bountifully ^vith 
 me. For what am I, a poor, weak handmaid, the least in all my 
 Father's house (if indeed I be one at all), that He should condescend 
 to look upon me, and to lay His hand upon me, and to put His words 
 into my heart and mouth ? May I never refuse to obey Him in what- 
 soever and wheresoever He calls, is the earnest breathing of my soul. 
 I should not, dear L., have turned upon this subject, had I not been 
 feeling for thee, and it seemed to lead to my own capability of sym- 
 pathising by experience lately. 
 
 I greatly feel dear John's going. He is now gone to Malvern, and 
 is only likely to return for two weeks before they leave Croydon 
 
94 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1835. 
 
 permanently. It is very sad to me to look at, it has come so very 
 strongly before me since yearly meeting — almost overwhelming ; yet 
 I desire to feel resigned. I shall greatly miss his help and judgment 
 both in temporals and spirituals. Where a friend is undaunted, 
 speaks the truth in love and true faithfulness, and is unbiased by the 
 affectionate part, how may we rely on their feeling and judgment, and 
 what a comfort it is ! But how few there are of this description ! 
 Yet I know there is One who is omnipotent, who delights to show 
 Himself strong on the behalf of those who fear Him, and He can 
 make the weakest to be strong in His might, and the dry bones to 
 stand up in living power to fight His battles ! 
 
 We have had several very sweet and strengthening visits since 
 yearly meeting from divers of our dear Friends, namely, Edward 
 Alexander, W. and A. T., A. C, and Solomon Chapman, with one 
 or two others, all whose testimonies have been in a similar strain, 
 tending to turn from the insti'uments to the great Giver, and to the 
 teachings of His gi-ace in the secret of the heart. This has been very 
 confirming and comforting to me, as it is what has been my exercise 
 and labour for some time past, and sometimes in the same words. 
 Ah ! dear friend, this is what we greatly want — to be directed to turn 
 inward, instead of looking out after words and declarations concerning 
 the thing ; and I greatly and earnestly desire that I may be preserved 
 from, and helped against the fear of man, or a shi'inking from delivering 
 this very unpalatable doctrine to the carnal mind. But oh ! to be 
 enabled in humble fear, and in the puttings forth of the Divine power, 
 to deliver the whole counsel, nothing doubting and no one fearing ; 
 and do thou crave this for me, and let us ci-ave it for one another, 
 dear L., for indeed we seem to be standing in slippery places — a sea 
 of glass mingled with fije ! But the Lord is able to preserve us poor 
 striplings, if we do but look singly unto Him ; and as we are engaged 
 to wait upon Him daily, to feel after His cleansing, quickening power 
 upon our souls, I have faith to believe He will not only preserve us 
 in public ministrations, but so season us with His divine grace and 
 life, as that our whole conduct and conversation may adorn His holy 
 doctrine, and, being so seasoned, may minister grace to all around us. 
 So be it, saith my soul, and let the Lord alone be exalted in us and 
 by us, and may all flesh be abased to the very dust before Him for 
 ever ; for He alone is worthy to be praised, magnified, and adored, to 
 be loved, trusted in, and obeyed by the whole house of spiritual Israel 
 for ever I 
 
1835.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 95 
 
 I intend leaving home on second day week, with my sister Susan, 
 to go to Tunbridge Wells for a week, and thence on to Sandgate for 
 a fortnight with Rawlinson ; I do not wish to leave home just now, 
 indeed it would seem desirable not to leave my own meeting — but I 
 feel they have a claim on me, and I do not wish to be deficient in 
 family duty ; also my health, I hope, may be benefited by the sea air 
 and change. I hope I may be preserved faithful, not forward, whilst 
 out. It is likely I may attend a few of the little meetings in Kent, 
 but I am known there, and it seems like going home. I need not 
 say to thee, dear L., that I hope thou wilt do what thy hands find to 
 do where thou art going, thou art more faithful than poor shi'inking 
 I. May we be preserved near to the divine Master, that is constantly 
 eyeing Him, waiting upon Him to know and understand His voice 
 and will concerning us, and for ability to perform it, and I believe 
 He will show us the many and various snares we are liable to, and 
 will be our help and our shield ! Let us trust in His tender, correcting 
 humbling, as well as His good, strengthening hand, and lean upon 
 
 Him evermore. My dear love to , I have reason to remember 
 
 her ; she was the first to whom I opened my mouth to speak (as I 
 trust) in the Divine name; and the peace that overflowed I shall 
 not forget ; it is now ten years ago, when she was in Cornwall. 
 
 L, A. Barclay. 
 
 To William Rickslan. 
 
 7th Month, 1835. 
 
 Ah ! my dear friend, it must be affecting to thee thus to 
 foUow to the grave thy dear friends and fellow-veterans in the good 
 fight of faith. I can fancy thee, at times, almost longing to join 
 them in their disembodied state, ready to think the chariot-wheels 
 long in coming, yet desiring in patience to wait for Him. Ah ! the 
 time will come, when He will not tarry, to the rejoicing of thy soul ; 
 for truly His reward is with Him, even a glorious one, for He hath 
 prepared a crown of righteousness for all those who have loved and 
 yielded unto His spii-itual appearance in their hearts. And this I 
 know to be thy case, my dear and valued friend. Thou hast faithfully 
 and unflinchingly laboured to bring others to this love and subjection, 
 for thou hast testified of what thou hast seen, heard, and handled, 
 and felt to be very precious. And though, perhaps, the humility of 
 the disciples may not see any use they have been of in the world, in 
 
96 
 
 A SELECTION FEOM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1835. 
 
 a retrospective view ; and though the future prospect, as thou sayest, 
 may uot appear very bright, yet no doubt there remains a blessed 
 revsrard in store for them, and a glorious rest and joy for the faithful 
 — even from the hands of their good Lord, who has wrought all their 
 works in them, by whose grace they are what they are, and to whom 
 alone they ascribe all the praise. They are acceptable unto God 
 through the beloved Son, and their song, even in this state of trial 
 and tribulation, is : — " Unto him that loved us, and washed us from 
 our sins in His own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto 
 God and His Father ; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and 
 ever. Amen ! " 
 
 I took it kind of thee to write to such a stripling as I am, and 
 valued thy letter as an encouraging testimony to His praise, who has 
 
 been with thee all thy life long. M. M I felt as a dear mother. 
 
 "We can but rejoice on her account — it is well with her ! She rests 
 from her labours and sufferings, and her works do foUow her ; they 
 ascend as a memorial in the Divine sight, and they leave a precious 
 savour behind them, tending to His praise, as well as to the 
 encouragement of those left. For, although she is dead, yet she 
 seems to speak this language: — '"Be ye also ready', by an humble 
 faithfulness to the best of masters, for such an hour as this ! " Ah ! 
 it is a day of trial indeed. Some feel like being trodden under foot ; 
 but there wiU be a set time to favour Zion with Him whose eye is 
 upon her for good. He does compassionately regard and care for the 
 dust thereof. In His own time He wiU arise and comfort her, and 
 make her desolate places like Eden, the garden of His own planting, 
 and abundant thanksgiving and praise shaU be found therein. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To R. R. 
 
 Croydon, Qth of 7th Month, 1835. 
 
 . . . I felt thy sympathy truly sweet. It has been as 
 usual, and much more than usual, a season of exercise and conflict 
 with me since yearly meeting, so that I have shrunk from writing. 
 It always is so with me then, for the sight, and hearuig, and sense of 
 the state of thmgs amongst us are brought so close to one, and mourn- 
 ing and lamentation, as well as trembling for myself, seem to cover 
 one ! . . . Nevertheless, in the lowest seasons, I may thankfully 
 acknowledge that some sweet glimpses have been aiFordcd of the 
 
1835.] 
 
 LYDTA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 97 
 
 mightiness of His power, the excellency of His wisdom, and the 
 tenderness of His love, who " sitteth on the circle of the earth." He 
 giveth power to those who feel they have no might of their own. 
 He will cause all these things to work together for good to those who 
 love Him, who are His called, and chosen, and faithful ones, and none 
 shall be able to pluck them out of His preserving hand of power. 
 
 My dear brother John, thou wouldst hear, was enabled to attend a 
 part of the yearly meeting, and has not suffered from it. . . . Ah, 
 how wily is the enemy, how artfully he goes to work to glide us off 
 the true Foundation, so that we may not be aware of it. Yet, oh ! 
 let the sincere-hearted, faithful little ones, the little flock of Christ's 
 companions in tribulation, remember "their Redeemer is strong, the 
 Lord of hosts is His name." 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. ]M. 
 
 Sandgate, 25th of 7th Month, 1835. 
 
 . . . Dear Thomas Shillitoe and Sarah Grubb may be a 
 little cheered in the hope of brighter days amongst us; but oh ! the 
 bitter conflicts, the deep plungings, the fiery baptisms, that must sureh/ 
 be passed through ere those days come — it makes one start back to 
 think of. The sons of Levi, the vessels of the ministry, must indeed 
 be purified and refined before the pure offerings, as in ancient days, 
 can be offered. May it be so, saith my very soul ; and let the Lord 
 work mightily to the carrying on of His gi'eat, and good, and gracious 
 work. But oh ! the precious sons and daughters of Zion who have 
 thus adulterated from Christ, may they be saved, even as by fire, 
 when their work is tried to the very foundations. I hope I am 
 not writing presumptuously. Dear H., I desire to take my part (if 
 indeed it belong to me), and to be thoroughly purified. . . . 
 It is trying that any men Friends (in such very small meetings) 
 
 should keep at home to tend shop. We called after meeting at 's, 
 
 and, on going into the parlour behind, I felt constrained to utter a few 
 words, turning that way, gi'catly in the cross. It is my earnest desire to 
 be preserved from doing wrong, or diverting from an inward attention 
 to the great Minister, in these days of looking after words especialhj, 
 yet I have believed it required of me to break silence in all the meetings 
 I have attended since leaving home; I hope I may now be excused. I 
 never felt so weak, surely I shall bring reproach on the good cause, 
 
 H 
 
98 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1835. 
 
 and fall into one of the many snares ai-ound. . . . Deai* A. 
 Brewster ! I hope something sweet and pithy will be prepared ; I wish 
 I might have a double portion of her meek and humble spirit. We 
 majj covet the best gifts thou knowest. 
 
 Farewell, dear H. Remember me when favoured, for surely I 
 never more needed the prayers of the faithful ; I believe they will 
 avail for my good. With dear love, I remain thy nearly united friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclat. 
 
 Do -wi'ite to me, if inclined. Oh! that the 6th verse of the 116th 
 Psalm may be my experience. It has been many a time, so I ought 
 to trust. 
 
 To . 
 
 lO^A of 1th Month, 1835. 
 
 Thy kind communication seems to awaken much tender 
 sympathy vvdth thee, my dear friend and sister. I could long to have 
 some of thy company again. I do feel very tenderly for thee, dear, 
 but do not like thee to give way to gloomy, desponding feelings. Surely 
 the Lord's mercies are very many and great, or we should have been 
 consumed long ago. His compassions fail not, and great is His faith- 
 fulness indeed ! Has He not many a time extended a hand of help, 
 even when we were ready utterly to sink, and seemed almost beyond 
 hope, for we seemed unable to hope even in Him? But He hath 
 beheld us with an eye of pity, and said to the waves, the great proud 
 waves, "Be still !" and our extremity has indeed been God's gracious 
 opportunity for the display of His power and the excellency of His 
 might. His wisdom, too, and His tender love, and his very faithful- 
 ness are among the wonders seen in these deeps ; and it is then that He 
 doth seal precious instruction to us. Oh, then, lift up thy trembling 
 eye, thou dear fainting sister, unto Him, thy tender, wise, compas- 
 sionate heavenly Father, and stay thy mind upon Him as much as 
 thou canst do. He is not far from thee, even in the most desperate 
 time. He who is God beholds thee, as He did Hagar of old, and 
 will succour thee in the needful time, bidding thee fear not ! Do not 
 thou shrink from monthly meetings. Surely it must be the enemy's 
 work thus to discourage, and do not believe him, for he was a liar 
 from the beginning ; and when he comes in thus hke a flood, the 
 Lord, thy Redeemer, vrho is mightier than he, will lift up a standard 
 against him, if thou drink not in the enemy's suggestions, but cast 
 
1835.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 89 
 
 thy care simply upon the Mighty One, for none ever trvisted in Him 
 and was confounded, or whom did He ever cast off that called on 
 
 Him? Dear 's printed testimony no doubt you have. I have 
 
 read it with pleasure several times. Ah! thou must miss her greatly, 
 but the never-failing Friend, the unchangeable Minister, i-emains. If 
 we give up ourselves too much to the feeling of our solitariness, does 
 it not almost show a want of true resignation to the wise (no doubt) 
 and good disposal of Providence, as well as a want of trust in Him, 
 the Mighty One of poor worm Jacob? Ah! my dear friend, let tlie 
 painful feeling of the loss of our dear, valued friends excite us to a 
 holy and humble yielding to tlie Lord's instructing and preparing 
 hand, that He may give us strength to come up faithfully in their 
 footsteps. And surely this is fulfilling the desire of these dear 
 worthies! — they would not keep us always as children leaning on 
 them ! — they would want us to come up higher and higher, in a noble 
 faithfulness, and in an humble watchfulness, that we may fill our ranks 
 in righteousness, and be valiant for the truth in our day and genera- 
 tion. My very soul saith amen to it ! Let the Lord do what He will 
 with His most unworthy handmaid, fit and prepare, lead about and 
 instruct, and give to suffer as He will, and what He will. 
 
 It was sweet to me to have the company of and . We 
 
 enjoyed, through Divine favour, some precious times together, par- 
 taking of a sweet unity and of that river whose streams do refresh, 
 and, at times, make glad the city of the living God, and the tribulated 
 travellers Zionivard, even in the midst of tribulations ! 
 
 We have had several pleasant visits from some dear friends, whose 
 company and labours were strengthening and comforting to us — to me 
 especially ; for their testimonies were much in harmony together, and 
 tending to direct to the inward teachings of the grace and good Spirit 
 of Christ. . . . How do I desire to be enabled faithfully to bear 
 such a testimony (however unpalatable it is now-a-days, as it ever 
 was, to the wisdom and craving of man), without shrinking, in the 
 seasons of the puttings forth of the Divine power ! And I know, 
 
 dear , thou dost also desire the same thing, and I would, in my 
 
 small measure, endeavour to encourage thee to do with the might 
 given what thy hands find to do, and to keep humbly and watchfully, 
 and use failhfulhj, that good thing which has been committed to thee, 
 I am persuaded, by Him who divideth to every one severally as Ho 
 will. But I am a child, and have gi'eat need to look at home. 
 Exercises and conflicts have brought me very low since yearly 
 
100 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1835. 
 
 meeting, but I can indeed testify to the goodness and tender dealing 
 of tlie Lord, and my heart desires to trust in Him above all, and to 
 love and serve Him above all. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To , ON HER ACKOWLEDGMENT AS A MINISTER. 
 
 Croydon, 8ih Month, 1835. 
 
 My BELOVED Friend, 
 
 I believe I can hardly do otherwise than send thee a few 
 lines, expressive of the tender sympathy I have felt with thee this last 
 week or ten days, since being aware of what was likely to be brought 
 forward the other day, as well as how rejoiced I was in the conclusion 
 come to, and I greatly desire it may tend to thy strengthening, 
 preservation, and growth. Ah, my dear friend, the Lord overrules 
 all things for good to those who sincerely desire above all things to 
 love, and fear, and faithfully to serve Him ; and thou canst speak 
 well of His condescending mercy in bearing thee up amidst many 
 deep conflicts and sore exercises during the long time of thy proving, 
 and seasons of discouragement. And now He has shown thee this 
 great goodness! and I know the language of thy heart is : — "Who 
 am I, O Lord God, and what is mine house, that thou hast brought 
 me hitherto ? And yet this was a small thing in thine eyes, O 
 God ;" for thou " hast regarded me according to the estate of a man 
 of high degree." And the desire of thy heart, under a sense of His 
 goodness, is, that He would be pleased " to establish thy house," 
 even thy hemi, in faithfulness, and in humility before Him for ever ; 
 that His powerful hand may be with thee, to prepare and to bring 
 forth all that He calls for at thy hands ; that He would so be round 
 about thee (and clothe thee with watchfulness) as that He would 
 keep thee from all the evils that are ever at hand, that they grieve 
 thee not, nor hinder thee from fulfilling His gracious will concerning 
 thee ; and truly, dear sister, my very heart responds a feeling Amen 
 to this language on thy behalf. May the Lord bless thee, and enlarge 
 thy coast, not in words, but in the deepening of life, and in the further 
 and further experience of His wonderful dealings, and mighty 
 workings, and precious instructions ! and, if He blesses, it shall be 
 blessed. Ah ! what a most awful and a deeply humbUng exaltation 
 it is. What is there to puff up ? How rich is His condescending 
 mercy in calling us, the weaker vessels (the first in transgression) — 
 
1835.] 
 
 LYDIA A>rN BAECLAT. 
 
 101 
 
 and often the weakest of these — to publish His goodness, and speak 
 of the glory of His kingdom ! And truly all is of Him ; the emptying, 
 the cleansing, the filling, the qualification, yea, the faith, the -willing- 
 ness, the obedience, are all of Him. It is of His oiv7i that we give 
 Him ; and oh ! may it ever be so, and that onli/ when He bids us ! 
 So let flesh be for ever abased and nothing before Him, and let the 
 weakness of the creature so appear to ourselves and to all others, as 
 that none of the excellency of the glory and of the power may be 
 detained from Him to whom it alone and everlastingly belongs. 
 
 I may truly say it has been, as thou wouldst suppose, these last 
 ten days, a season of deep exercise to me in the weighty consideration 
 of this most aAvful subject — a season of close proving, and therefore, 
 I trust, of instruction. , Conflicting feelings have been many and sore; 
 but there is a Power that is able to limit the mighty waves, yea, 
 to do us good through the varied and, to nature, painful turnings of 
 His hand. I desire to know a habitation in that which limits them, 
 and to commit my way, yea, body and spirit, into His hand who is 
 gi'aciouslv redeeming me more and more to Himself! Farewell. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 [The following letter was written under feelings of discouragement 
 from remarks made in her presence, but which did not relate to 
 herself.] 
 
 To . 
 
 Croydon, , 1835. 
 
 My dear , 
 
 I felt your visit yesterday very kind ; at least I have this 
 morning been able to do so (after another plunge last night), and I 
 hope I take it, as I believe it was intended to be, as an expression of 
 your desire that I might be strengthened in what is good, and pre- 
 served from sinking too low, or into evil. Ah, I own I heard and felt 
 sufficient on fifth day to prove as a cold bath, and perhaps reasonings 
 
 have but too much crowded in. Crave for me, dear , that the 
 
 latter may be overcome and silenced by Him who commandeth the 
 winds and the waves, and they obey Him, and that this season of 
 exercise may be one of instruction and deepening in the root, for this 
 is what I gi-eatly covet, and not to spread in the branches, which I 
 greatly feai\ Perhaps thou Avilt say, may my simile prove correct. 
 
102 
 
 A SELECTION FKOM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1835. 
 
 Though it may have a repressing effect at the time, may it tend to 
 brace the system and promote a healtliy vigour afterwards. So be 
 it, saith my soul. 
 
 Well, my dear friend, in saying farewell, I would add, May the 
 Lord of the harvest raise up more and more living ministers amongst 
 us, even from among the poor, the illiterate, and the contemptible in 
 man's estimation, that He may have all the glory. Ah, that Avhich 
 is of Christ, the Life, is living and baptising ; it baptises into His 
 nature and Spirit ; it ministers his Spirit and life to that which is born 
 of God in the hearts of the hearers ; and trabj it hath a testimony 
 from that in their hearts, whence it proceedeth ; — for, as our Saviour 
 and His beloved apostle declared, it is only those who are born of 
 God, and who know Him, that can hear His words or receive the 
 testimony of His faithful servants. And oh, let me be one of these 
 poor, weak, yet living, baptising ones, if ever intrusted with so 
 precious a gift ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To R. R. 
 
 Croydon, llth of 2th Month, 1835. 
 
 My dear Friexd, 
 
 I feel it cause for gratitude to Him who is the p-imary hander 
 of every cup of I'efreshment permitted us, that thy letters have often 
 come at such acceptable moments, this last one peculiarly so, for I 
 felt very fainting on First day evening, perhaps a foretaste of the two 
 succeeding conflicting days. Ah, the great Master knows what He 
 does, in leading about, and instructing, and proving as to a hair's 
 breadth ; and oh, that His hand may not spare, nor His eye pity, but 
 that I may come forth as gold seven times purified ! Thy letter felt 
 animating and encouraging to thy often faint-hearted friend, and I 
 thought I would tell thee so thus early, as I am likely to be much 
 occupied soon in removing from my present cottage to John's house, 
 and also say how pleasant it would be to me to have a little of thy 
 company at your quarterly meeting at H . Thou wilt say, per- 
 haps, what business have / to come there. Not as a spy, I assure 
 thee ; but, if it may be, to creep just inside the door, and to sit and 
 feel for and with you, and, if permitted, it would be a favour to partake 
 of a crumb of bread with you. . . . 
 
1835.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 10ft 
 
 My dear friend queries if the fear of man have left me yet. Ah, it 
 is still too strong, though I have been more stimulated latterly (both 
 by goodness and by judgment or affliction) to overcome it. And oh, 
 what great goodness and condescension it is, that the very weak should 
 be thus tenderly dealt with, their weakening reasonings subdued, a 
 willingness wrought, and obedience given ! Surely He only is to be 
 praised and magnified, to be feared and obeyed, to be leaned upon, and 
 His approbation alone sought after. May He be so by me, saith my 
 60ul, and may the creature be kept in weakness and in nothingness 
 before Him and before all others for ever. It is a fearful thing to 
 open the mouth publicly in the present day ; indeed, when is it not so, 
 if our fear is a right one ? It is my earnest desire to be preserved 
 from yielding to improper reasonings, and to be strengthened to be 
 faithfid to my God in my day and generation, however close and 
 impalatable to the natural man, in these criticising and refusing days, 
 may be the testimony to be delivered. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To L. S. 
 
 [After refen-ing to her brother John's removal to Stoke Newington, 
 she writes — ] 
 
 Croydon; 2ith of 10th Month, 1835. 
 
 . Inward exercises have not decreased, too, as thou 
 wouldst suppose, so that there were times in last month when one 
 seemed pressed, as the apostle said, almost " out of measure, above 
 strength;" but, through condescending goodness, I was helped thi'ough 
 these seasons of extremity. Ah ! I would not have the necessary 
 baptisms and purifications abated at all, but that patience may have 
 her perfect work, lest there should be a mixture of the precious with 
 the vile. But oh, to be preserved from bringing reproach on that 
 blessed cause which I sometimes think is more precious to me than 
 natural life. 
 
 It was very sweet and instructive to read thy kind letter, and to 
 mark how thou wast helped along. It is marvellous to see sometimes 
 how the very weak are helped and strengthened, but it is the Lord's 
 doing, and how can we wonder at His might — only admire and extol 
 His great goodness to His often hesitating and fearful creatures. I 
 think I might cast in my mite of praise in testifying of His goodness 
 and condescension to such a very poor reasoner as I am, when I tell 
 
104 
 
 A SELECTION FROM TUE LETTERS OE 
 
 [1835. 
 
 thee that I was favoured to return with comfort from the quarterly 
 meeting at Horsham (a week or two back), whither I had felt drawn 
 for a year — or years, I might say. I went with dear M. Pierson, 
 who had felt similarly for the same time, and J. F. M. accompanied 
 
 us ; and we had a sweet time with dear • on our way. We found 
 
 W. and A. T. with L. C. there, with certificates, which was a comfort 
 to us, and the sweet feeling of union in love and in exercise permitted 
 in the meetings was very precious. On returning thence, I went, by 
 agi'eement, with dear Mary Hagger, a Kentish Friend, to attend Epping 
 meeting, which she had felt drawn to, and omitted when visiting meet- 
 ings in Essex in the summer. On taking her home to her daughter's 
 at Tottenham, we planned to go also to Winchmore Hill meetuig 
 together, another First day, which had been my desire for five or six 
 years past, but unaccomplished till now ! In these little matters we 
 were favoured to feel satisfaction and near unity, and I believe we 
 were loth to part from each other. She is a dear, simple-hearted, 
 faithful friend, and lively in old age, and I felt instructed and helped 
 in being with her. I returned home last week, and am now brought 
 again into a low spot — if it be for purification, no matter, let the 
 naughtiness be thoroughly purged away — but oh ! I fear it is my own 
 fault. Let me bear the indignation or the purification (whichever it 
 be) humbly and patiently, and let Him do what He will with His 
 most unworthy handmaid — humble, correct, empty, or fill ! . 
 Ah ! there is One (thou knowest it, dear L.) who can in the moment 
 of His goodness, with a ray of His divine light and power, remove 
 all the misty clouds of reasoning, and cause even the mountainous 
 height of the fear of man to flow down before Him. . . . 
 
 I did not get away quite clear from Epj)ing, as it respected one 
 individual, which I have regretted, but we must live and learn ex- 
 perience and simplicity by suffering. Since we met, we have had 
 many warnings of the uncertainty of time, and stimulants to diligence 
 in doing the day's work, lest the night should overtake us wherein no 
 man can work. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To William RicivJian. 
 
 Month, 1835. 
 
 . . . I trust thou ai-t a partaker of a degree of peaceful 
 quiet, in the retrospect of thy northern journey, and that the little 
 
1835.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BAKCLAY. 
 
 105 
 
 tribulated flock of Christ's companions in suffering, have been cheered 
 and strengthened by thy labours amongst 'them. Ah, they are indeed 
 deeply to be felt for, but their Redeemer is strong — the Lord of hosts 
 is His name. May they look to Him, lean upon Him alone — not lean 
 to their own understanding, or trust in anything short of His arm of 
 power ; for what will the strength, or wisdom, or activity of man do, 
 but lead to confusion and death 1 The modern fashion of lecturing 
 is a mode in which the arts and parts of man have a wider scope than 
 our worthy predecessors allowed, and which will, it is to be feared, 
 lessen our value for true, living. Gospel ministry. 
 
 These are sad times. Still "the foundation of God standeth sure, 
 having this seal. The Lord knoweth them that are His." May He 
 preserve us poor striplings faithful, yet humble, before Him, when He 
 is pleased to gather you dear veterans to your everlasting and blessed 
 rest. How sweet it is to feel united to such, though outwardly 
 unknown and far separated ! Ah, this precious fellowship depends 
 not upon words ; it depends upon and is fed by the living virtue and 
 power of Christ, who is the life of all His true members, and knits 
 them together in Himself. 
 
 L. A. Baeclat. 
 
 To E. R. 
 
 Croydon, 2dth of 10th Month, 1835. 
 . . . It has often been remarkable to me that I generally 
 have such a sweet feeling of unity with thee in spirit, whenever thou 
 art engaged, as I find afterwards, in writing to me. Oh! how precious 
 is true fellowship. It is not dependent on outward intercourse, neither 
 is nourished by words, but by the living virtue and power of Christ, 
 who knits together in Himself all those who desire to be His living 
 members, and He is their life, and from Him is their " fruit found." 
 To be brought into this, to witness an enlargement and growth in it, 
 to be enabled to guard against all hindrances to it, is what I earnestly 
 long after, more than natural life ; for this is the blessing of natural 
 life, yea, the blessing of blessings ! . . . 
 
 My dear brother John is in a trying state of suffering with his knee ; 
 there is also much affliction around us by illness or death. May we 
 be wise to consider these things, that we may understand the loving- 
 kindness and wisdom of the Lord in jiermitting them ; for surely 
 there is a voice of love in afflictions and trials, and they have a speech 
 of instruction, if we will but hearken thereto . . . 
 
106 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THIi LETTERS OF 
 
 [1835. 
 
 I was sorry to part so abraptly from thee, dear R. ; thy kind feeling 
 expressed in thy note is truly helpful. I own I often do, from fear 
 of uttering a single Avord too much, sit down short of delivering all 
 the counsel given ; but I do not think this was the case at H., praised 
 be His name who took away the fear of man, which was very strong 
 before, and mercifully helped. I desire to be kept low before Him — 
 if it may be, few in words and much in power — that all may be of 
 His free goodness, love, and mighty power, that the weakness of the 
 vessel may so appear to myself and to others, as that none of the 
 excellency of the glory and of the praise may be detained from Him 
 to whom alone it is due. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To E. R. 
 
 Croydon, 30th oflltJi Month, 1835. 
 . . . My mind has seemed much turned towards you 
 (I might say, your favoured county) lately, in sympathy with that 
 good thing which is little, and lies very low in many ; as well as 
 with some of you deep feelers and burden-bearers who suffer there- 
 with, filling up that Avhich remains of the afiiictions of Christ. And 
 I think I might venture to say, the earnest breathing of my soul has 
 been from day to day, that that may be preserved, yea, more and 
 more quickened, and raised up, and strengthened ; and that you may 
 be sustained, kept from fainting, yea, strengthened even to rejoice in 
 the midst of suffering, and to glorify the Lord in the fires, even the 
 name of the Lord God of Israel, as it were in the isles of the sea ; for 
 I cannot but believe that the shaking and the scattering yAW even 
 extend to you. But the Lord will be a strength to the poor and 
 the needj^, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat ; and He 
 will bring down the heat as with the shadow of a cloud; the branch 
 of the terrible ones shall be brought low; and He shall reign in Mount 
 Zion, and in Jerusalem, and before Ilis ancients gloriously! I feel 
 greatly for you who are watching the approach of the enemy with all 
 his wiles and hidden stratagems, and are faithfully giving warning 
 and planting the guard : the Lord bless your honest endeavours, and 
 give you boldness with wisdom, and true valour with meekness. 
 Ah ! there is a sad spirit gone forth that would cover aU over with 
 love, and meekness, and prudence, but is it of the right sort? I doubt 
 it does not proceed from the pure fear of the Lord, nor yet from the 
 faith that He gives ! but the enem}' cares not how near we approach 
 
1835.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 107 
 
 in Saul's armoui", so as we do not come in the name of the Lord ! 
 Truly it is cheering (and is it not strengthening too?) to think of 
 thee, and of a number more, upright-hearted, clean-handed, faithful 
 ones, up and down ; I do believe they will be preserved, whatever 
 sifting and trial may come upon us; yes, made to shine brighter and 
 to Avax stronger by all these things — and how docs all that is alive in 
 me long to be made of this proved, yet loved and preserved number ! 
 
 Faith and reliance on the merits of our Saviour are so pre-eminently 
 held up to us now, that good works (or, in other words, a faithful 
 co-operation in fear and trembling Avitli that grace that works in us, 
 and would bring salvation home to us) are quite lost sight of; and 
 indeed I think they lose sight of all the many and solemn declarations 
 in holy wTit, that we shall be rcAvarded hereafter according to our 
 works. It is very painful that such Church of England doctrines 
 should be held and propagated amongst us ; and it is very painful 
 that opxiosite doctrines should be preached amongst us, as I think 
 must be evident even to our dear young people. And, also, it is very 
 trying, my dear friend, to such poor striplings as I, to have to utter 
 what is contrary to what the gTcat ones amongst us declare. But 
 what is to be done? We cannot choose, but utter what is given — 
 the Lord will judge, and I do hope will set to rights Avhenever ■RTong, 
 if there be but a keeping close to Him, and a lying low before 
 Him ; and this is what I greatly desire, and ever to be kept little and 
 loiv. . 
 
 I shall, no doubt, be with you mentally to-morrow and fourth day, 
 which I believe to be your quarterly meetings ; and in this mental 
 sympathy or exercise thou and I shall be sharers, for I suppose thou 
 wilt not be there. The Lord preserve His little ones, and strengthen 
 His firmer ones ; and let all flesh be abased before Him for ever, and 
 let His name and blessed truth be spread and exalted over all, and 
 the gain of all and the praise of all be ascribed unto Him alone, to 
 whom it is everlastingly due ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 [On the 24th of 12th month, 1835, she was recorded a minister by 
 Kingston monthly meeting. To use her own expression, she felt this 
 to be "a most awful and a deeply humbling exaltation" — one which 
 bound the sacrifice as with fresh cords unto the horns of the altar, by 
 calling for unreserved dedication, increased watchfulness, and a yet 
 more lowly sitting at the feet of her heavenly Master.] 
 
108 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LErTERS OF 
 
 [1836. 
 
 4cth of 1st Month, 1836. 
 
 I fear thou hast thought me long in communicating with 
 thee, but I have been so situated that I could not with comfort before 
 now, having had Friends with me for two days after quarterly meet- 
 ing ; and since then I have felt much bowed down under the awful 
 and humbling sense of what has seemed, as it were, confirmed upon 
 me in the Divine ordering and inost condescending goodness. 
 
 I now take up my pen, dear sister (for so I may and must call 
 thee, however unworthy I feel to be united to the poor, exercised, yet 
 living ones), to tell thee simply that thy subject of consideration has 
 again and again been the subject of my thoughts, both on my bed 
 and at other limes ; and I believe I may say, at no time has it been 
 but with the feeling of unity with it, although I should be sorry, by 
 my thus saying, to blind thy eyes concerning it ; for indeed I know 
 too well that the opinion of others is not to be relied on, but the Lord's 
 counsel to be sought after ; and as thou art desirous of doing so, in 
 His pure, holy fear, I believe thou wilt be rightly directed in all thy 
 stoppings in relation to this very important matter, as well as in thy 
 judgment as to the thing itself.* It was pleasant to me to hear that 
 
 had made you a longer visit, and I gathered from what thou said, 
 
 that you had had some opjiortunity of feeling after best guidance 
 together. Ah ! is not this most satisfactory, if we are but brought 
 sufficiently into quietness and inward stillness, wherein all prejudice 
 as well as partiality is subjected? and I believe the feelings we are 
 favoured with on such an occasion, will be helpful to us in coming 
 towards a conclusion in our more private waitings. 
 
 Well, dear , thou hast my tender sympathy and desires for 
 
 thee, that a degree of peaceful quiet may attend thy looking towards 
 whatever decision thou art enabled to come to. Ah, this is the great 
 thing to be desired in all our steppings of whatever sort — to feel the 
 peace-giving smile of heavenly approbation. This will bear up amidst 
 many provings and clouds that may afterwards come ujjon us for our 
 trial ; this will sanctify all, and assure us that all things shall work 
 together for our good, as we desire above all to love, and fear, and 
 faithfully serve Him who is over all, mighty, and good, and blessed 
 for ever ! 
 
 The first page of thy letter, dear , as it regards thy poor friend, 
 
 • A marriage connection. 
 
1836.] 
 
 LYDIA ANK BARCLAY. 
 
 109 
 
 felt comforting and encouraging ; I may say it coincided -with, and 
 added to the feelings of awe, and of (I»trust) humble gratitude that 
 accompanied my mind, and still does, in refei'cnce to what has trans- 
 pired in the last fortnight. It was striking to me, the visit* not being 
 paid till second day, for, by that means, I felt emboldened, or, rather, 
 constrained to bear (as I tltoiight might possib/i/ he!) a last testimony 
 on the subject of worship and prayer (which had been upon me for 
 some days past), on yesterday week ; it was very humbling to me to 
 have to utter what was close, as well as to utter anytldng on that day, 
 but it could not be helped. . . . 
 
 Truly they were awful and humbling meetings [on the succeeding 
 First day after receiving the visit]. I had hoped and believed that 
 silence might be my portion for some time to come ; but, to my trial, 
 I felt obliged to utter a few words in the afternoon meeting, greatly 
 in the cross. And now, my dear friend, I seem filled with awe at 
 the awful consequences involved in such a conclusion of Friends 
 towards me ! I desire to be wholly dedicated to Him who has shown 
 me such astonishing goodness. It is He only who can bring into resig- 
 nation, as well as give ability to obey, and preserve in humility. I 
 
 am greatly dreading to go to meeting, which I have felt for some 
 
 weeks past. I am fully sensible hoAv desirable and proper it is in my 
 state to keep at home in quiet, and unless it be very clearly required 
 and a necessity laid upon me, I should not dare to do so ; if I must, 
 what a great comfort would it be to have some feeling Friend with 
 me ; but I know I must look solely to the great Minister to support, 
 and make way, and strengthen through all. The monthly meeting is 
 
 there this month. And now, dear , I know I shall have thy 
 
 sympathy as thou hast mine ; and oh, that I may have thy prayers 
 also. Crave for me, above all things, that I may be brought low and 
 kept low for ever ; — this is the prevailing desire of my sovil. 
 
 I feel greatly for in tender sympathy; but surely, dear friend, 
 
 we must also feel for the precious cause of truth, and let all creaturely 
 affection and foolish pity give way to a concern for the promotion of 
 that in the hearts of our dear friends, and by them. I believe I would 
 have the same faithful dealing extended towards me that I would 
 advise towards others. I am aware there are some diffident minds 
 whom it might be better to leave awhile to bear the immediate correc- 
 tions of Divine goodness ; but there are also others to whom it would 
 be best, yea, necessary, to give the tender hint outwardly, as Divine 
 • Of the Friends appointed to inform her that she was recorded a minister. 
 
110 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1836. 
 
 wisdom and ability are afforded. ... I believe that which is 
 tender and good will not suffer by such faithful dealing, but be 
 deepened aud strengthened, and eventually produce more healthy, 
 well flavoured fruit, to the praise of the great Husbandman, and 
 to your comfort. I believe I write these remarks under a humbling 
 sense of my own great weakness and constant liability to err and slip, 
 if not mercifully preserved and watered every moment, and how 
 needful to be always kept in this sense, that we may more earnestly 
 seek after this help and preservation. 
 
 L. A. Bakclat. 
 
 [Of the visit spoken of in the preceding letter she subsequently 
 wrote — "I had to attend their First day and monthly meetings, to my 
 trial and humbling, and to bear a testimony in a clese way to the 
 inward and spiritual appearance and Avork of Christ ; but, through 
 condescending goodness, I was helped over the mountains beforehand, 
 and the deep plungings afterwards. I suppose I must be content to 
 bear such seasons of extremity, and learn to endure hardness, if I 
 would be a true soldier of the unconquerable Captain."] 
 
 1st Month 10th, 1836. — "Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the 
 Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee." In remembering this language 
 this evening, I have thought that the Lord Jesus Christ is the rest of 
 the sold ; and that to return unto her rest, is to retire back to an 
 inward, humble abiding in Him, in His precious power, in the pure 
 fear; in which alone is true preservation, safety, and peace, as well 
 as ability to do anything that is acceptable unto God. 
 
 To . 
 
 Croydon, 25th of 1st Month, 1836. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 In the evening at , we got upon the subject of revelation, 
 
 mucli to my dismay, as I cannot say a word for the good way in a 
 
 conversational way, but as had rather spoken against it, I felt 
 
 constrained, some little time afterwards (when they read a psalm before 
 the young people went to bed), to utter a few words on the subject, 
 exceedingly in the cross, in a ministerial Avay. It was altogether an 
 exercising visit, but I felt peaceful in the retrospect. But oh ! my 
 beloved friend, I cannot describe to thee the deep plunges and bitter 
 anguish that I have gone through since returning home ; I suppose 
 
1836.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 Ill 
 
 the cause was from hastily letting in discouragement from something 
 
 that dear said at , on my way home the next day. Thou 
 
 knowest a little matter is enough to one prone to take it in. The 
 mention even of the snares and dangers around, seems almost to plunge 
 one into them ! So that I have almost doubted of all, and concluded 
 that Friends must have been wrong in their judgment of me, and 
 that I am wrong altogether and have believed a He. 
 * It appears to me that the apostles formerly, and the true ministers 
 in the present day, preach not themselves, but Christ, the Word ; 
 they preach and minister his power and Spirit, otherwise the words 
 are not living, but dead ; and they desire that He — the Word that 
 liveth and abideth for ever (1 Peter i. 23) — that is, that His blessed 
 power and Spirit may have free course and be glorified in the hearts 
 of the hearers, may have the whole sway and rule over all in them. 
 I believe it was in this sense I quoted 2 Thess. iii. 1, and I have not 
 felt any uneasiness about it since, which I hope I should, if it were 
 wrong ; but do tell me how thou feelest about it. There is One 
 who knows my earnest desire to serve Him faithfully, and humbly, 
 and watchfully — to seek His favour only ; and how greatly I fear to 
 do harm to His blessed cause, or to bring reproach on that awful 
 work to the which I have apprehended myself called to put a feeble 
 hand ; that He may humble and correct ant/ how, graciously instruct 
 and guide, and powerfully strengthen and preserve ! 
 
 Third T>ay. — I feel a little more quiet this morning [since] a little 
 strengthening retirement after breakfast, and I have had a note from 
 
 dear , which has allayed my reasonings. Ah, my dear , is 
 
 such a proving conflict as this one of those times in which the gift 
 itself (if such has ever been committed) is to be purified ? If so, my 
 very soul saith Amen to it ! If the Lord's good hand be but under- 
 neath, it will support under any overwhelming plunges that He sees 
 best, and bring forth more pure to His praise. 
 
 L. A. Babclat. 
 
 To R. R. 
 
 Croydon, 30</i of 1st Month, 1836. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I fear thou hast thought me long unmindful of thy kind 
 letter of last month. It was acceptable ; but the exercised and awful 
 
 • In reference to some critical remarks on her quotation of a passage of scripture, 
 on an occasion subsequent to the visit before alluded to. 
 
112 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1836. 
 
 State of my mind, at that time and afterwards, seemed to preclude 
 intercourse with my dear friends, and solemn silence towards them 
 seemed to be most conjjeuia] — not from a withdrawins; or a want of 
 love, by any means, for never more have I needed their sympathy 
 and prayers truly. This I know I have had from thee, dear R., if 
 thou hast heard that the awful time of recommendation to the select 
 meeting has come upon me — awful indeed, and involving awful con- 
 sequences ! Crave for me, that I may be preserved in the lowliness 
 of the pure fear, and in the simplicity of the true faithfulness. Ah, 
 what am I, the least in my Father's house, and altogether weak, 
 foolish, despicable, and utterly unworthy, that my Lord should thus 
 think of me, and show me this great goodness, and regard me accord- 
 ing to the estate of one of high degree ? . . . 
 
 It was very pleasant to see thee write as thou didst respecting thy 
 
 removal from ; ah, this is all we desire, to be permitted to feel 
 
 a degree of peaceful quiet to attend our looking toAvards any step of 
 the kind, as well as in the taking of it ; and this does bear up against 
 many reasonings and low feelings. I sincerely hope thou mayest 
 continue to feel satisfaction in thy re-settlement at home ; thy company 
 there may be helpful at this time of shaking, and perhaps a visit now 
 
 and then to thy friends at may be more beneficial now than a 
 
 residence thei'e. I cannot describe the longing that I feel on thy 
 behalf, my beloved friend, but I believe thou knowest my exercise, 
 and canst feel me in that which is beyond words. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To II. Cruickshank. 
 
 Croydon, 2Srd of 2nd Month, 1836. 
 . . , Many of our young people are attending other 
 places of worship, and our other peculiar testimonies are being 
 gradually laid aside. Surely such are going back again to the 
 beggarly elements, to the door of the house of bondage, whence our 
 forefathers were brought out by a mighty arm and an outstretched 
 hand of power. And does not the world see this, and point the finger 
 at it with satisfaction, thinking we are coming to our right senses at 
 last ? — ^but alas ! the little ones, the spiritually-minded and panting 
 ones amongst them, are offended and stumbled, and surely woe lies at 
 
 our doors who are the means of so doing ! I heard lately that 
 
 had expressed a belief that, if a revival takes place amongst us, it 
 
183G.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAT. 
 
 118 
 
 will be by the proper exercise of tlie discipline, and not by preaching. 
 I thoroughly united with it, and shall rejoice if it be so ; for I have 
 long thought that these modern views, which have been for so many 
 years gliding in amongst us, have been undermining the very root 
 and foundation of our discipline, although the superstructure may to 
 casual observers appear correct and fair. Ah, we do indeed want a 
 healthy action in this respect ; but there must be a purging in order 
 for it ; and oh, that we may not be dismayed at the operation thereof, 
 nor at the falling of them of understanding, but abide in our lot, even 
 in the quiet habitation of stayedness upon our God, who (as the 
 mountains are round about Jerusalem) will be round about His little 
 dependent ones — His poor and afflicted remnant. He will be their 
 hiding-place and shield, and nothing shall harm them, as they are 
 followers of that which is good, even of His good Spirit ; but "such as 
 turn aside unto their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them forth 
 with the workers of iniquity." But oh ! saith my soul, that such 
 may be at last gathered and brought back. But surely, dear H., the 
 way to this dcsii'able end is not to salve all over with love and har- 
 mony — this is the false love, and the harmony and union of the wicked 
 one ; but it must be through judgment, by setting the judgment of 
 truth over such, and testifying faithfully against the evil in them, in 
 pure love to their souls, and with tender dealing towards them. And 
 I do believe, if our elders and overseers had been faithful in these 
 respects, years and years ago, these sad errors in doctrine and practice 
 would not have got to the height they have now. 
 
 The fathers, the mothers, where are they? and the ancient prophets 
 are quickly removing from us ! Yet the Lord liveth for ever ! and 
 in Him is everlasting strength and wisdom. We are, as it were, 
 shoving forward towards the front of the battle — the thought is fear- 
 ful, and awful, and humbling ! The Lord look upon us, poor weak 
 striplings, teach our hands to war and our fingei's to fight, gird us 
 with His strength, clothe us with His heavenly wisdom, and ever 
 preserve us in the depths of humility in His pure fear. . . . 
 
 Well, my dear friend, I must now bid thee farewell with reluctance. 
 In the meantime, it is sweet to think of thee and of others, though 
 outwardly unknown. The Lord unite us more and more together in 
 the hidden fellowship, by a union with Himself through His beloved 
 Son, our Saviour. 
 
 With the salutation of love, I remain thy truly affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Babclay. 
 
 I 
 
114 
 
 A SKLECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1836. 
 
 To E. R, 
 
 Croydon, 21th of 2nd Month, 1836. 
 
 . . . How rejoiced I was to hear that thy hands had 
 been strengthened by thy friends acknowledgment of that precious 
 gift and qualification which had been bestowed and wrought in thee 
 by the mighty power of God, and the anointing of His blessed Spirit! 
 May the Lord be with thee from day to day, and bear up thy spirit 
 amidst the many searchLngs of heart, wadings of spirit, and jjainful 
 travails of soul, that must be the portion of the living eldei-s of the 
 people in these days of treading down and of backsliding. Yes, the 
 Lord will be near to strengthen thee, to keep thy bow m His strength, 
 ready for His use. And though thou mayest be ready to query thy 
 use, and to dwell in discouragement on thy being debarred from much 
 active service, yet I have believed that it will not be so, as thou yieldest 
 to the little puttings forth of His power, and that the place -will be 
 no sinecure to thee. My heart salutes thee in dear sisterly love 
 (though a younger and an unworthy one), and wishes thee God's 
 heavenly speed in whatever thy hands may find to do for the name 
 and blessed cause of the best of Masters ; for, truly, His is the kingdom 
 that we do desii-e to promote, and His is the power, and the strength, 
 and the wisdom, in and by which it can be promoted, and spread, 
 and exalted ; and to Him let the glory and the praise be for evermore 
 ascribed. 
 
 I hope I am not going heyond the measure of a child in thus writing 
 to thee, my dear and valued friend, but I feel that nearness of love 
 and union with thee that knocks down all diff"erence of age, and other 
 reasonings and fear ; and perhaps I am the more prepared to sympa- 
 thise with thee under thy promotion, from having been permitted 
 (most unworthily) to partake of the same exaltation, though to a more 
 humbling station — a place of all work ! But we must not grumble 
 against the good Master. How unworthy are we poor weak hand- 
 maids (the first in transgression) to be in the most menial oflice of 
 His glorious house ! and the language of my heart hath been, " Let 
 me be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my Lord." . . . 
 
 I note thy encouraging allusion to poor David — the Lord's hand is 
 not shortened — He can work by weak and despicable instruments, 
 and confound the wisdom of the wise, and bring to nought the under- 
 standing of the prudent, even by foolish things, and things which are 
 not, according to man's account. And seeing I am so weak and 
 
1836.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 115 
 
 ignorant, and the snares around are so many and deep, I have said in 
 my heart. Oh, that He would keep me very close to Him, my eye 
 looking wholly and steadily on Him ; yea, may He lead me, a poor 
 child, by the hand, and cause me to lean only upon Him, for otherwise 
 surely I shall fall ; and, if He teach my hands to war and my fingers 
 to fight, with His might and in His heavenly skill, oh, may He ever 
 preserve me in the depths of humility and in the watchfulness of the 
 true fear ! . . . 
 
 My brother John is confined at home, but he is not idle ; he has 
 many visits from Friends, and I do believe he deals very faithfully 
 and fearlessly with them. He is also beginning a third volume of his 
 series, a valuable MS journal of an Irish Friend, Joseph Pike, which 
 treats on many subjects remarkably to the present times and errors. 
 
 I have often remembered a remark of an ancient worthy, that "the 
 discipline is a branch from the same root whence the ministry springs." 
 This is very true, and when life goes from the one, it goes from the other 
 — and when this hedge is broken down, or, rather, dies down, we are left 
 weak as others, and a prey to all depredators. But, my dear friend, I 
 fear I shall make thee sad, but I am often sick at heart myself, so 
 my communications must savour of sadness. We have had several 
 removals lately of dear Friends, especially those of three dear ancient 
 labourers in the Gospel, namely, Joseph Binns of Southwark, who 
 had come forth quite late in life in the ministry with much brightness 
 and power ; dear Sarah Lamley of Warwickshire, and Sarah Charman 
 of Reigate. They travelled formei'ly together, and were buried on 
 the same day. Dear W. Rickman came down to my house the 
 evening before, and went with J. F. M. and myself to Reigate. It 
 was a memorable day — a day of great favour and precious visitation 
 to some present. We have had several interments here also ; — one 
 of Richard Phillips. Ah, these are truly exercising times ! I have 
 such a jealousy of funeral sermons creeping in amongst us. 
 
 [And then alluding to some painful events taking place in the 
 Society at this time, she adds — ] 
 
 Oh, the deception of the enemy, and his false appearances, even 
 as an advocate for the good old way of truth ! but he cares not how 
 close the imitation is, so as the very truth itself is kept out! I often 
 
 remember a dream of dear , I know not whether you have heard 
 
 it. She dreamt she was at meeting and in the gallery, and presently she 
 saw something come into meeting, it was so beautiful, and glorious, 
 and taking, that every one made way for it and admired it ; and at 
 
116 
 
 A SELECTION FKOM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1836. 
 
 last it came right up into the gallery, and was well received there, 
 and it crept about the legs of the Friends and gradually twined itself 
 about their bodies, till at length it actually squeezed the very life 
 out ! " " Blessed is he that watcheth in deep humility, and in faith 
 and patience, and keepeth his garments !" The Lord preserve his poor 
 weak little ones low in his pure fear, for " in vain is salvation hoped 
 for from the hills," or help from the princes of the people; "truly 
 in the Lord our God is the salvation of Israel," and nothing shall 
 harm those who are followers of that which is good, even of his good 
 Spirit. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To L. S. 
 
 Croydon, 1st ofAth Month, 1836. 
 . . . For several days after thou left, it was a struggling 
 time, but at last, through Divine help, I was enabled to overcome, 
 and to cast all my care upon Him who has hitherto wonderfully cared 
 for and helped me, and who, I do believe, will be the wonderful 
 counsellor and the mighty protector of the weak and solitary ones, 
 if they do but lean upon Him solely, and desire that He should be 
 the best beloved of their soul. Oh, then, let me seek unto and serve 
 Him only and wholly, and trust in His mighty power and His 
 unchangeable and excellent goodness for ever ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To R. R. 
 
 27 Marine Parade, Brighton, 30th of Ath Month, 1836. 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . . . I expect thou art now suffering from exercise of 
 mind for the body's sake, as well as, perhaps, for thy dear sister's 
 sake, whom I much thought of on fourth day and fifth day. I trust 
 it was a good day to her, and a time owned by Him whose presence 
 and ajjproving favour is the crown of all blessings, yea, in whose 
 favour there is life, for with Him is the fountain of life ! As to the 
 body, which is the Church, surely every living member must at the 
 present time be, in degree, bowed down with exercise ; and oh, that 
 such a child as I might be fitted and prepared to partake therein in 
 any measure, that I might be one of the true burden-bearers, willing 
 
1836.] 
 
 LYDXA ANN BARCLAT. 
 
 117 
 
 to suffer and to bear for my good Master, as well as to cast off the 
 burden at His bidding. ... I often think that much of what 
 the prophets Jeremiah and Ezekiel declared is applicable to us, and 
 how instructive it is ! Ah, it is only such whose eyes have been 
 divinely anointed that can see through things, see men and their 
 
 motives (as dear says) ; these are, at times, given to see through 
 
 the hole in the wall, the abominations that are committed as in the 
 dark. But I desire not to judge improperly, or to speak hastily. It 
 is the enemy's work to deceive and lead astray from the fountain of 
 living waters, and he well knows how to assume the appearance of 
 an angel of light, and thereby deceives the more easily. . . 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To W. RiCKMAN. 
 
 Croydon, 5th Month, 1836. 
 . . . How very kind do I feel thy affectionate remem- 
 brance of me in this way ! I trust that my eye, on receiving such 
 tokens, is unto Him who puts love and sympathy into the hearts of 
 any, and gives to express it ; and in this way how often is it, that 
 what looks very simple to ourselves, only like a cup of cold water, is 
 made very acceptable and helpful to a feUow-pilgrim, leading to 
 gratitude to the great Giver, and to taking a little fresh courage in 
 the fight of faith and the course of dedication. How very kind, too, 
 my dear and valued friend, was thy warm invitation, uniting there- 
 with the excellent caution thou afterwards givest — " to mind the inward 
 freedom and the stepping-stones.'" It reminded me of what dear Mary 
 Alexander said — " that it is good for spiritual children to breathe 
 fresh air." Oh, the gi'eat need, as thou sayest, to keep close to our 
 Divine Leader, and to lean only on Him, not to our own understanding, 
 nor yet be looking out at others. Ci'ave this for me, my dear ancient 
 friend, when favoured with ability, for truly I am very unworthy to 
 be intrusted with the attractions of Gospel love. Oh, that I may be 
 preserved from harming the precious cause of truth, or bringing any 
 reproach on that awful work to which I have been constrained feebly 
 to put my hand, and then no matter how poor, and weak, and foolish 
 I may appear. 
 
 I have been to Brighton for two weeks, recruiting by the sea-side. 
 The last week I was joined by Lydia Sargent, junior, and I thuik I 
 may say, through condescending goodness, it was a season of refresh- 
 
118 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE tETTEKS OF 
 
 [1836. 
 
 ing, though mingled with plunging and conflict, which I suppose I 
 must expect, and is it not time, that the cups of refreshment are thereby 
 rendered the more precious and acceptable ? like as Elim was in the 
 desert to the Israehtes. 
 
 Our approaching annual assembly seems an awful time to look at, 
 yet we have great reason to trust in the Almighty Arm of power, and 
 not to be afraid. How greatly does it behove those whose eyes have 
 been divinely anointed to see through men and their motives, to dwell 
 very low, to keep very inward to their Divine Leader, and Enlight- 
 ener, and Teacher — to ponder His iristruction — to watch His season 
 for the declaring of what they have been given to see, as on the 
 house-top, for the arousing of His backsliding people. Some seem 
 enabled, amidst all the causes of trial that are around us, with humble 
 confidence to mark the increasiog symptoms of ripeness to throw off 
 that which has been as an evil disease in the camp, and to look for- 
 ward cheeringly to a season of deliverance. But oh, the sufferings 
 to be endured, and the deception that must be further manifested 
 before such a day! "What shall we then say to these things? If 
 God be for us, who can be against us?" "The Lord hath founded 
 Zion, and the poor of His people shall trust in it." 
 
 My dear brother John is favoured to feel calm and comfortable, 
 resigned to leave this state of trial and probation at his Lord's sum- 
 mons. Such a prospect is deeply affecting to me. We are nearly 
 united ; but I believe death will not separate us, if I am but preserved 
 in Christ, in whom is our union. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To Haitnah Cruickshank. 
 
 Croydon, 29th of 5th Month, 1836. 
 . . . My soul seems melted sometimes under a sense of 
 the Lord's great goodness and condescension to such a poor, hesitating, 
 disobedient creature for so many years, and I do feel a desire to be 
 helped to be diligent in doing whatever He calls for at my hands the 
 remaining, though declining, few years of my life (if indeed a single 
 year may be allowed me), in whatever way He may be pleased to 
 appoint, whether actively or passively. And, dear sister, I would 
 affectionately encourage thee also, to give up, without reasoning or 
 fears, to so very good a Master, for none ever shuts a door for nought 
 in His house, or hands even a simple cup of cold water ! He can 
 
1836.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 119 
 
 cleanse and qualify, strengthen and support even the weakest vessels, 
 and perfect His praise out of the mouths of sucklings. . . . 
 
 Of the state of things amongst us M. W. would be able to inform 
 thee, and to give thee some idea of the trials and sutFerings of the 
 burden-bearers amongst us. I expect we must yet look for greater 
 sufferings and treading down, more evil to be yet manifested and 
 brought to light — like the prophet being told to turn yet and behold 
 greater abominations ! and no marvel, for the enemy is the father of 
 lies and deception, and can transform his deceitful workings into the 
 appearance of an angel of light, and it is only those whose eyes are 
 anointed by the finger of Christ who can see through things, through 
 men and their motives, who can see through the hole as it were in 
 the wall, what they are working in the dark out of the pure hght ! 
 But the Lord will plead the cause of His poor oppressed ones, and 
 arise for their help in His own time ; He will bring them forth as 
 gold seven times purified, so they will truly be His dear people, made 
 precious to Him and chosen in the furnace of affliction, and they 
 shall be enabled with unspeakable and most precious experience to 
 say, "the Lord is our God;" for they will have marvellously proved 
 His power to be infinite, and His goodness most excellent, and that 
 His faithfulness endureth for ever ! And, dear love, do thou yield 
 to His mighty power also, and that is the way to have the body 
 helped as well as the mind blessed with peace ; but oh, how unworthy 
 are we of the least of all His precious goodness and mercies. 
 
 Farewell, very dearly, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To E. R. 
 
 Croydon, 31s< of bth Month, 1836. 
 
 Ah, my dear friend, the assurance of thy love and desires for 
 me was helpful and comforting to me, and I do sometimes hope the 
 prayers of some for my preservation may be heard, and surely never 
 did I need them more than now — having ventured to lay before my 
 friends a feeling of duty that I have for some years had, to go and sit 
 with our dear Friends of Oxfordshire and Warwickshire in their 
 several quarterly meetings, the end of 6th month, and to attend some 
 other of the little meetings thereaway, also Birmingham monthly 
 meeting in 7th month ; for which I am favoured with a minute instead 
 of a certificate. Friends kindly acceded to my wish [in this respect]. 
 
120 
 
 A SELECTION FKOM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1836, 
 
 being such a cliild, and dear Hannah Marsh is going sviih me. It 
 does indeed seem a fearful time to be going about, and one hears 
 things that are enough to frighten the feeble-minded. May I be kept 
 quiet, and leaning only on Him whom I do desire above all to fear, 
 love, and faithfully serve ! Truly I am without scrip or purse, and 
 am ready to wonder how so poor a creature can be required to go 
 forth in this way, as well as to fear that I shall certainly bring re- 
 proach on the good cause or the awful work I have put my hand 
 unto, and fall by the hand of the enemy. Do crave my preservation 
 in watchfulness and deep humility, as well as in a willingness to be 
 anything or nothing. I have been long disobedient and hesitating, 
 so my time is short now, and I feel a desire to be made diligent and 
 faithful the remaining years of my pilgrimage here. It was a close 
 exercise of faith to me last summer and autumn, not seeing any way 
 to move, until it was opened by the acknowledgment of unity in the 
 12 th month, and now it seems very early [to be so engaged], but I 
 cannot help it. . . . It has been a comfort to me, amidst seasons 
 of conflict, of deep exercise and trial, this yearly meeting, to be per- 
 mitted to partake of sweet fellowship and union with some dear 
 Friends from various parts. . . . How sweet this is, to feel that 
 precious love and union that extends over sea and land, and does not 
 depend on outward intercourse! Oh, that I may seek after preserva- 
 tion in it, and to have it daily kept alive and strengthened by Him 
 who is our life. 
 
 I know not how to give thee any account of yearly meeting this 
 year, my dear friend, my memory is so deficient; but I may say, that 
 although it has been a tiying time, a time of dismay and of treading 
 down, yet we have been favoured with some precious cups of refresh- 
 ment and comfort, which have strengthened us still to bear up and 
 not to faint. Dear A. Thorne is very simple and short in her com- 
 munications, but so pithy, and full, and sweet, they were always a 
 few words fitly spoken. . . . But oh! the shrinking, the unfaith- 
 fulness, the compromising, and the vast number of shades of declension 
 and of going over to these new opinions, so that the little remnant 
 know not whom to believe, whom to trust to, so great is the deception 
 of the enemy to blind people's eyes — ^but they receive renewedly the 
 advice to sit alone, be patient in tribulation, and to keep silence, 
 dwelling deep, and waiting to see the end of these things. For surely 
 it shall come, I do believe — the day of deliverance — although things 
 are not yet ripe enough; there is more evil to be manifested, and greater 
 
1836.J 
 
 LYDIA AKN BARCLAY. 
 
 121 
 
 abominations to be seen, that are working in the dark out of the pure 
 light. . . . Oh then, that you, who have not, as yet, been tried 
 (though I am i-eady to fear your borders are not exempt entirely), may 
 be doubly vigilant on the watch-tower, to watch the very beginnings of 
 the enemy's approach. And be ye faithful and fearless, no matter in 
 whomsoever ye perceive a willingness or susceptibility to receive his 
 baits ; and it does come on so very gradually, that those who feel a 
 godly concern for their brethren and sisters had need not to wait till 
 (as they would say) things were more tangible, but to give the warn- 
 ing word Avhich may reach the witness, or, at any rate, be the means 
 of raising it after a while — and such faithful ones shall have their 
 reward. 
 
 We had a sweet visit from dear "W. Gundry in our women's meet- 
 ings — it was like marrow to one's bones. He addressed the little 
 mourning ones, those who sigh and cry for all the abominations com- 
 mitted in the land, reminding them of those formerly who, though 
 there was not much for them to do, had to sigh and to mourn — yet 
 that the man clad in linen set a mark upon their foreheads, and they 
 were spared when the destroyer was sent over the city. He en- 
 couraged those in small meetings, saying that it had been his lot to 
 be in one where there was no minister for forty years — spoke on silent 
 worship, and recommended a patient, reverent exercise in meetings, 
 not looking for words — on the great bait of the enemy, a desire to be 
 something in religion — reminding us that the root is to bear the 
 branches and not the branches the root, desiring we might take deep 
 root downward, that we might bring forth, in due time, fruit upward, 
 and cautioned against having itchincj tongues as well as itching ears ! 
 
 . . [At the concluding meeting] Sarah Grubb at last broke 
 through, on the superiority of silence above words, when the power 
 reigns over all, reminding us of the cloud covering the tabernacle, so 
 that the priests could not minister; also how it was in old times 
 amongst us — such glorious meetings — quoting a piece out of George 
 Fox's Journal showing that he had nothing to do at some place, 
 because the people were already imder Christ's heavenly teaching, 
 and needed nothing outwardly — saying we should yet be favoured 
 with such times, and that then what was uttered amongst us would 
 gather instead of scatter us. Oh ! it was a sweet though short time ; 
 I should have been glad if we had sunk into this solemn silence, and 
 concluded. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
122 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1836. 
 
 To L. S.j^-v-t*^'^ 
 
 Croydon, Gth Month, 1836. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 I am inclined to take up the pen now, and tell thee that I 
 shall much think of and feel for thee next fifth day ; I hope dear M. 
 P. will be with you as intended, if not, if you are but favoured with 
 the strengthening, confirming presence of the good Master, it will be 
 enough ! Many, I assure thee, have been the discouraging feelings 
 that have come over me like the waves of the sea, and had I not had 
 a word of encouraging stimulus from some dear Friends, I fear I 
 should have been quite overwhelmed. But how tenderly are we 
 dealt with ! He knows our great weakness and how much we can 
 bear — He can stay " His rough wind in the day of the east wind." 
 I often think of what the poor Indian said — that " the work seemed 
 so great, and he felt such a poor, ignorant Indian !"' — but he was 
 instructed that being so weak and ignorant, there was the great need 
 for him to say neither more or less than the great Spirit bid him to 
 speak, whether two, or three, or more words. And I can say truly, 
 this is my desire for myself, to be so preserved, even keeping close, 
 and low, and watchful, and faithful to Him, who I desire should be 
 my Lord and Master. As the time draws near, I seem to be filled 
 with many fears of various sorts. Oh that I may be kept from doing 
 harm, and then I would not mind any proving, I think, even though 
 I might have to sit all the meetings in silence ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To A. E. ir- i.^ C'i'X ei.^-t'. . 
 
 ^c^.-. t it . f . >■ Croydon, 18lh of 6th Month, 1836. 
 
 I trust the report of thy dear father's illness was unfounded, 
 it would be no small disappointment to miss of his company; however, 
 we must leave this and everything else that concerns us in the hands 
 of an all-wise and gracious Providence, who will do all things well, 
 and for our good and instruction. Three of our little company here 
 were at Tottenham yesterday, on the sorrowful occasion of dear 
 Thomas Shillitoe's interment. Ah, it was truly affecting to me, and 
 is so continually, to think of our loss. The change, we cannot doubt, 
 is a most blissful one to him, so we may I'ejoice on his account — but 
 oh, such faithful, undaunted, uncompromising veterans are rare in 
 
1836.] 
 
 LYDIA ANK BARCLAY. 
 
 123 
 
 these days, and their places are not — cannot be refilled soon. We 
 may truly say, "a prince has fallen this day in Israel." I hope I 
 am not insensible that the great Master and good Minister, still 
 remains all-sufficient for His struggling, panting, little ones ; and He 
 can make a way of deliverance and help for them when they can see 
 none. So let us trust still in that Arm which is not shortened that 
 it cannot save. Oh, that He would cause the mantle of the Elijahs 
 to descend upon the Elishas amongst us, and make the feeble ones to 
 become as Davids, strong in the Lord's might, and wise in His 
 wisdom, and humble and low in His pure fear ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To L. C. - 
 
 Croydon, \8th of 8th Month, 1836, 
 
 Mr BELOVED Friend, 
 
 I fear thou wilt wonder what is become of me, or at least 
 of my feeling — nevertheless, I would assure thee, it is as strong as 
 ever, rather increased than diminished by the union with a Friend 
 whom I love and value. I have many times (as thou wilt suppose) 
 thought of you with feelings of interest and strong desire that, seeing 
 the Lord has been pleased to bring you together (I fully believe) in 
 His fear, you may be daily careful to seek after preservation therein. 
 Thus will you be preserved from the snares, supported under the 
 trials, and strengthened for the duties that are attendant on such a 
 change of condition — and thus, trusting only in the Lord for strength 
 and preservation, and doing faithfully and heartily what good your 
 hands find to do for His name, you shall dwell before Him in the 
 land, even in a sense of His love and life, and verily you shall be fed. 
 And as ye delight yourselves thus in His ways and in His fear, He 
 will give you the desires of your hearts, even to know moi-e and more 
 of His precious precepts, and wonderful dealings, and mighty 
 strengthenings, to the increase of His praise and glory. I feel as if it 
 were the grateful language of thy heart, " What shall I render unto the 
 Lord for all His benefits toward me ?" and I know it is thy desire to 
 bring in all the tithes of thy increase into the heavenly treasury : 
 mayest thou then be made fruitful in the field of offering, even in the 
 deep begettings of the pure life ! And may thy dear partner also, by 
 an indwelling with that which is low and pure, witness a continual 
 and increasing qualification to strengthen the true growth, and to 
 protect the good fruit. 
 
124 
 
 A SELECTION FE05I THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1836. 
 
 I prosecuted my intended little trip into Essex, after we parted, 
 and was out tiU last week (third day night). It proved very satis- 
 factory to me, being mercifully helped to cleai' myself at Haverhill, 
 which I had had for years in my mind's eye. I then went on to Hal- 
 stead and Earls Colne to see my dear friends there, and attended their 
 meetings, also Maldon, and took tea one evening at Sudbury with 
 dear M. King — dear old Friend ! she seemed so cheered to see me ; I 
 do like to visit our dear ancients who are laid by. The visit to C. 
 was indeed a sweet picture of a happy union. Dear "W". and H. I. are 
 truly united in spirit ; there seemed such a peaceful sweet covering 
 so continually over us, I said in my heart, truly the Son of peace is 
 here ! Dear Sarah Grubb was so overdone with public meetings I 
 could not call on her, to my disappointment. This little recreative 
 tour has done me good after my late more exercising one, and I have 
 been favoui'ed to enjoy my comfortable home with a sweet relish 
 and, I trust, a gi-ateful heart. And oh, that so many mercies and 
 benefits may lead to proportionate returns of fearless faithfulness, 
 humble watchfulness, and filial confidence — for surely, surely, who is 
 like unto Him, and to His faithfulness round about Him ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To A. Am) E. R. 
 
 i^W^v. ^ t^-V-^ r-- ^'j 'e 4 ■ r- , , 1836. 
 
 . . . I have long felt warmly interested in Kentish 
 Friends ; but, dear friends, mere warmth of natural feeling or kind 
 interest, I trust, will never move me. No ; I have said agi\in and 
 again in my heart, let nothing move me but Thy constraining power 
 — ^let nothing hinder me when that moves ! And truly it is no light 
 matter to move in such an awful service ; but the good Master, if 
 He move and put forth, I trust will go before, and guide and strengthen 
 unto all, support under all, and preserve through all in humility ; and 
 so I desire to live a day at a time at His good hand, who can make 
 the very weak to become strong. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 , 1836. 
 
 Mt dear , 
 
 In looking over the conversation of the day, yesterday, I 
 was afraid it had been too much about persons rather than things ; 
 
1836.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 125 
 
 and I was afraid that anything like self-complacency or looking with 
 a judging eye should creep into mjjself, in so doing, rather than to 
 dwell under a humbling sense of His goodness and jiower, by whose 
 grace alone we are what we are (if we are in any measure what we 
 should be ! ), and by whose preserving power continually extended, 
 shall we be kept in that grace wherein we stand ! I thought there 
 was at one time a precious little feeling stealing over us, as it were, 
 something like the strengthening and peace-giving influence of our 
 dear Saviour (John xx. 19) — I long at such times that we should not 
 shrink from opening the door to such a visitant ! Surely when He 
 thus looks in on our social evenings we do not want words, nor 
 ought we to look for them, nor fear they will be looked for ; such a 
 feeling cramps and hinders that communion which is so precious. I 
 was afraid also whether I had appeared to speak improperly of my 
 little visits at the other side the river ; I only intended to set forth 
 His goodness who had so gi-aciously made a way, both outwardly and 
 in the minds of others; for truly I am very unworthy to lift up a 
 finger towards the help of the least. 
 
 Farewell, desiring thy remembrance of such poor striplings, when 
 favoured. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To E. D JUNIOR. 
 
 Croydon, dih Month, 1836. 
 
 My dear E., 
 
 The seeing thee this morning, I believe for the first time, in 
 thy Friend's bonnet, seemed to awaken in my heart much affectionate 
 interest for thee, and I thought I could salute thee in Gospel love, 
 and wish thee the best speed, even God's heavenly speed, on thy 
 journey through life (beginning, as thou now art, as it were, a new 
 stage of it); and oh, that thy journey may be towards Zion, for that 
 is the only way to blessedness — it is the city of God, the new Jer- 
 usalem, the city of peace, and aU God's saints and people are citizens 
 of it ; let nothing and nobody hinder thee ft-om seeking to belong to 
 it, for out of it thou shalt be out of true peace and true blessedness ! 
 And in order that it may be so, let thy face be stedfastly set thither- 
 ward ; let the desire of thy heart be to seek the Lord thy God, and 
 to know the way to his Zion. Let it be evident to others that this is 
 thy bent, and let the language of thy example to others be, " Come, 
 
126 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1886. 
 
 and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that 
 shall not be forgotten " — a covenant even made by sacrifice. And if 
 thou art thus desirous to be led aright by Him, He will show thee 
 that to "walk in the light of the Lord" is the way to His holy moun- 
 tain, His city of peace and blessedness. Therefore, oh, my dear girl, 
 be Avilling now in thy youth to walk in the light of the Lord Jesus 
 Christ, which shines in thy heart, and will clearly show thee 
 what is pleasing and what is disjileasing to God, both in thy thoughts, 
 words, manners, dress, and conduct. Think nothing too small it points 
 out to thee, neither be ashamed of following it implicitly, for it is the 
 light of thy dear Saviour, and it is His precious voice speaking in 
 thee, and it will be thy condemnation if thou hatest or despisest it. 
 As thou art obedient and faithful in the little, so He will teach thee 
 more and more of His precious ways, and strengthen thee more and 
 more to walk in His peaceful paths, and this will be God's heavenly 
 speed which I greatly long for for thee; and then thou wilt be a great 
 comfort and a blessing to thy dear parents, and a good example to 
 thy brothers and sisters, and all others around thee. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To E. R. 
 
 Croydon, 2nd of \2th Month, 1836. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 It seems very long since I took up the pen to thee, and 
 although I have not heard from either of you since I last wrote, yet 
 I feel inclined to assure thee that the sweet feeling of union and love 
 continues unabated by time or distance, nor does it need words to fan 
 the flame of it. How precious is it to feel this, extending over sea 
 and land — even towards those unknown by outward ken ! But this 
 may savour of boasting ; oh ! how most unworthy is a poor worm to 
 be permitted to feel the least spark of this precious union and love. 
 Surely it is nothing of our own that we can fabricate with our 
 creaturely warmth and activity, though there may be imitations of 
 it, under the enemy's transforming influence. Ah, it is like a tender 
 plant that soon withers and dies when dwindling or cut off from Him 
 who is the life and the true vine, from whom alone is its freshness, 
 and its fruit is found. Thy poor correspondent longs that nothing 
 may hinder the preservation and growth thereof in her, but that, 
 nourished by the flowing of the heavenly sap, there may be propor- 
 
1837.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 127 
 
 tionate fruit produced to the praise of the great and good Hus- 
 bandman. And the testimony of this love is strengthening and 
 animating to the poor drooping mind, weighed down under a sense of 
 the state of our poor church — the dimness of the gold, and the 
 changedness of the fine gold. Ah, is it not a day for such burden- 
 bearers to cling close one to another, and, above all, to Him, the 
 mighty strengtliener ? — to speak often one to another, in the Divine 
 fear, and in the remembrance of His wonderful goodness and power — 
 encouraging to a continued confidence in His never-failing arm, and 
 a renewed watchfulness and faithfulness before Him. 
 
 My thoughts have been often turned towards you lately, with 
 rejoicing, that the feet of our dear faithful labourers, G-. and A. Jones, 
 have been again led your way, and I long to hear all that thy kind 
 pen can tell me about their visit in your monthly meeting, towards 
 which thou knowest I still have much of a homish feeling. I hope 
 nothing will scatter what they have been enabled to do amongst 
 you. . . . 
 
 It is come to pass, as dear S. G. had to foretell sixteen years ago — 
 I remember it, and she told us we might put it down in our pocket- 
 books — that we were mingling (three times repeated), and that, if we 
 did not retrace our steps, we should" be so mingled with the people, 
 by degrees, that, by and by, we should think there was no occasion for 
 this or the other query, and at last for any discipline at all ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To E. R N. 
 
 1st Month, 1837. 
 
 We have been solemnly warned by the sudden removal of 
 dear Rebecca Christy. It was a comfort that she was in the bosom 
 of her family, and having her husband with her. After attending 
 Gracechurch Street meeting, held in silence, she remarked to William 
 AUen, she thought she should not be much longer here — that she 
 hoped they might soon be singing the songs of Zion. She was taken 
 ill that night, and confined to her bed. Before the close, she addressed 
 her children separately, saying, " Mind not the world too much ; it 
 will eat like a canker ; I have seen it, I have seen it." Her end was 
 peaceful.* 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 • Note.— The following extract from the Annual Monitor for 1839, it is thought 
 will not be out of place here. " A few days before her decease, when her mind appeared 
 
128 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1837. 
 
 To R. R. 
 
 Croydon, llih of 1st Month, 1837. 
 
 . . . It was pleasant to hear of your excursion to 
 Chichester, and how thou couhlst speak well of His goodness who 
 does not fail His poor dependent ones in the needful time. Oh ! this 
 is animating to think of, and we may and must recount His mighty 
 acts and sjieak of His great goodness. It is the poor and the empty 
 whom He delights to fill and to enrich, and He makes them so, that 
 He may do so. Oh, what condescension ! 
 
 I suppose applies for membership from having been brought 
 
 up amongst Friends, not on the ground of convincement. I wish she 
 may be brought to feel really luith us, and not merely a preference to 
 us. Why should many cover themselves with our cloak, and not 
 faithfully wear and bear it? as dear Sarah Tuckett says. But I fear 
 thou wilt set me down as a very st7'ait body, and a complainer in 
 Israel. Well, I cannot help it ; I have a very high sense of what we 
 ought to be, and oh, that I may be made so, by any means, however 
 battering and beating, turning and overturning ! for truly I do not 
 wish to judge others, but rather this, that I may not put a stumbling- 
 block or an occasion of offence before them. I have long been of the 
 mind that our meetings for discij^line are too open, and that the old 
 way of their being confined to those who are " faithful men and 
 women, gTown in the truth;" and as it is seen that any young people, 
 or others, evince such a growing qualification, to invite them thereto, 
 would be preferable to our present very mixed state, in which the 
 discipline is handled by unclean hands. I did not intend to write 
 
 thus, dear , and have no particular object in view, but as it arose 
 
 whilst writing, and not knowing that I had ever expressed as much 
 to thee before, I thought I would pen it. . . . 
 
 The rapid rolling on of weeks and months is indeed fearful and 
 awful. May I be enabled to watch and wait, in calm resignation and 
 faithful confidence, on Him who can make clear, and give strength 
 to bring forth. We have had an acceptable family visit from R. B., 
 
 to be under concern at the state of our religious Society, she said to her husband : — 
 "When I consider the manner in which those Friends who are leaving us, speak of the 
 " inward Light " (it being the Lord's grace or Spirit placed in the heart), oh ! it does grieva 
 me more than all beside. Oh, what should I have done when I was a young woman, 
 but for that in the heart, when 1 had no one to help me or direct me. How clearly did 
 it show me what was right and what was wrong!'" (Ohitmry Notice of Rebecca 
 Christy.) 
 
1837.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 129 
 
 that to me was very helpful. . . . It is very trying to sec what 
 a desire after words, and a leaning upon the poor instruments, there 
 is amongst us. How sad, and what a dereliction of principle it is to 
 do so, and thus to worship the gift instead of the giver. Oh, that I 
 may ever be preserved from gratifying this itching ear, whatever it 
 cost. 
 
 We had a sweet social visit from dear W. Gundry in his way to 
 you. I greatly enjoyed his company, feeling him as a father (and 
 oh, we have few fathers !). He dined with me, so I had him alone, 
 which is a treat to my poor deaf powers, that I seldom have. Before 
 we separated, we had a precious opportunity, much in silence, in 
 which we were melted together and favoured with that feeling which 
 is beyond words, although these were not withheld for my help and 
 comfort. How grateful should I be for all these helps ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To L. C. 
 
 2nd Month, 1837. 
 
 . There is so much shrinking with some that it makes 
 it hard work, but it is to our own Master we stand or fall, and we 
 must not love father or mother, even, more than Him and His precious 
 cause. . . . Let us not shrink from suffering afllictions for 
 Christ's sake, but x'atlier rejoice that we are counted worthy, in ever 
 so small a measure, to fill up that which remains, for the body's sake, 
 the Church. Some, perhaps, may think me uncharitable in my 
 remarks ; but One knows my heart. To be united to Him and to all 
 that is of and for Him, is all that I desire. 
 
 Farewell, dear L., with dear love I remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To E. K. ^ ■ \ i i! 
 
 > 
 
 Croydon, Ath Month, 1837. 
 
 My dear E., 
 
 I hardly feel easy to leave home without sending thee a few 
 lines, indicative (far more than I could do personally, no doubt,) of 
 the aifectionatc interest that has always lived in my heart towards 
 thee, and which is by no means lessened the last year or two, although 
 the expression thereof has but seldom been made. I do not forget 
 
 K 
 
130 
 
 A SELECTION FROM TUE LETTEHS Or" 
 
 [1837. 
 
 thy alFectionatc lottci- in the second month of last year, of which I 
 have taken but little notice outwardly, but the contents of it have 
 often been very present with me (especially during the autumn and 
 wintei", when my mind seemed more at liberty), though the yearning 
 and affectionate solicitude that has attended me in reference to thee 
 has hitherto been known only to the great Searcher of hearts. Ah, 
 He knoAvs the travail of my soul on behalf of some in our meeting, 
 for surely He gives to feel it — and He knows the fears also of His 
 poor weak creature, lest, on the one hand, the blood of a dear brother 
 or sister should be required at my hand, and, on the other, lest I 
 should in any wise step improperly, so as either to crush that Avhich 
 is tender and strengthen the wrong part in any, or be acting in the 
 creaturely will and -wisdom as if I were better than my neighbours. 
 Ah, it is an awful thing to have a testimony put into o.ur hearts and 
 into our mouths for Him ! the Lord help His poor worm to be 
 faithful, and preserve in the depths of humility ! 
 
 In reading thy letter and in the intercourse we have had together 
 since, dear E., I have frequently feared that there was too much of 
 a tendency in thee to lean upon others, to live, as it were, upon their 
 encouragement — I know it is a common weakness, I feel it in myself, 
 but the Lord has graciously turned His hand upon me to lift me out 
 of it ; and will, I do thankfully believe, still more mar this dependence, 
 and starve this desire, whenever it arises ; and I do rejoice in His 
 tender care of me in this respect. For oh, I do increasingly feel, 
 and I long for thee also increasingly to feel, that we must dwell deep, 
 sit alone and keep silence, bearing His yoke upon us — then we shall 
 increasingly feel how good He is to those that seek Him alone, and 
 wait upon Him in the way of His judgments, that so they may learn 
 His righteousness, and judgment may be brought forth unto a perfect 
 victory ! We must dwell deep — not be looking outwardly, for the 
 kingdom is within that is to be overthrown, the strongholds are within 
 that must be razed to the very foundation, and the strong man 
 armed turned out thereof ; and the kingdom is within that is to be set 
 up above every kingdom, even the heavenly, peaceful kingdom of our 
 Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and the beginnings thereof are sown 
 in every heart ; it is there we must watch and labour for the growth 
 of the blessed seed of the kingdom, for the spreading of the heavenly 
 leaven, even by yielding to the puttings forth of the power thereof, 
 suffering Christ by this measure of His blessed Spirit to crucify the 
 old man in us wth the affections and lusts, and to liriiig us into a 
 
[1837. 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 131 
 
 conformity with tlie will of God, ami consequently into an union 
 with Hira ! And in the progress of this heavenly work, it will be 
 good for us to sit alone, from outward dependencies, looking and 
 leaning upon Christ alone, the all-sufficient teacher and support of 
 His redeeming people ! And let us silence all fleshly desu-es, and 
 resign ourselves to the Lord's will, though He slay our creaturcly 
 will, and confound our creaturely wisdom, and bring to nought that 
 in us which would so continually rise up and be something. Oh ! 
 thus let us bear His heavenly yoke upon us in our youth (O what 
 poor weak children are we !) let us suffer Him to break us to pieces by 
 falling upon Him, yielding to His power inwardly revealed, and let 
 us be willing to manifest to others (and verily it shall be so in our 
 whole conduct and demeanour) that we are of His broken ones, His 
 melted ones, and then assuredly there shall be hope for us, a glorious 
 hope (not the hope of the hypocrite), a hope full of immortality ; the 
 Lord Jesus Christ shaU confess us before His Father and the holy 
 angels, to be of the number of His dear sheep, His purified ones ! 
 This, dear E., is the earnest desire of my heart for thee, as it is for 
 myself, and I would be thy companion in seeking, in labouring after it. 
 
 And now I would bid thee affectionately farewell, remaining thy 
 poor weak sister, but very sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To R. K. 
 
 Croydon, 17th of 1st Month, 1837. 
 . . . It was pleasant to hear of your excursion to 
 Chichester, and how thou couldst speak well of His gootlness, who does 
 not fail His poor dependent ones in the needful time. Oh, this is 
 animating to tliijik of, and we may and must recount His mighty acts, 
 and speak of His great goodness ! It is the poor and empty He 
 delights to fill and to enrich, and He makes them so that He may 
 do so ! Oh, what condescension ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To Mary H agger. 
 
 Croijdon, 26th of ^d Month, 1837. 
 
 My dkau Friend, 
 
 I liuvc often thought of thee and talked of thee 
 too. wiiii nmcli love and uiiiiy, and it does me y;ood to remember such 
 
132 
 
 A SELECTIOK FKOM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1837. 
 
 dear faithful friends as thyself ; it animates me to desire to walk in 
 your footsteps, in following faithfully and serving unreservedly the 
 one good and great Master, whom indeed you have found to be a good 
 one, and worthy to be loved, served, trusted in, and obeyed — and that 
 by the whole house of the spiritual Israel. And now you may be old 
 and gray-headed, He doth not forsake you, even the dear faithful 
 ancient ones, but is near you still, to support and strengthen you, to 
 comfort and preserve you in patience, until He shall be pleased to 
 take you to Himself. Well ! Oh, that I may die the death of the 
 righteous, and that my latter end may be like his — peace ! . . . 
 
 You are privileged who are in a quiet, snug corner, and neither 
 hear or see what is going on amongst us much ; and yet I think the 
 rightly exercised mind, however secluded, must fed how things are, 
 and the deep exercises and secret breathings and pleadings, on be- 
 half of the body, of these hidden ones, are helpful, thougb. they are 
 loth to believe it. Therefore, dear friend, mayest thou be encouraged 
 in thy deep wadings and mournful proving.?, to put on strength in the 
 name of the Lord ; and when it is well with thee, breathe for the help 
 of worm Jacob, for the strengthening and preservation of the little 
 ones, even in fearless faithfulness and in humble watcbfulness, that 
 their eye may be singly and simply unto the Lord, their mighty one, 
 for by Him alone shall Jacob arise, though he be but very small and 
 despised, and the Lord can cause the weak and foolish ones to con- 
 found the wise and the prudent ; and He can call them that are not, 
 and them that are base in man's estimation, to stand up for His great 
 name, that no flesh should glory in His sight ! Amen, saith my very 
 soul ! and may He work what He will work for the purification of 
 His Church, and for the glory of His great name ; for I do believe 
 that He will have a people for His praise, whether we will be gathered, 
 yea or nay. ... I am ready to say, " the whole head is sick, 
 and the whole heart faint." Yet we have a skilful and powerful 
 Physician. Oh, that He may turn His good hand upon us again and 
 again, and not cast us off for ever, for we are called by His name. . . . 
 
 There have been many deaths about and much sickness. I feel it 
 a great favour to enjoy my usual health, indeed I might say, better 
 than usual for the winter ; so that I feel bound in gratitude to yield 
 up to what I have apprehended for years to be the pointings of duty, 
 viz., to go and sit with our dear friends at Dublin yearly meeting, 
 and I look to going in about three weeks time — my friends having 
 liberated me for the purpose last week. I hope thou wilt remember 
 
 J 
 
1837.] 
 
 LTDIA AXX BARCLAY. 
 
 133 
 
 me for good, for indeed I have great need of the prayers of the faith- 
 ful, and have great faith in their success. May the Lord help His 
 poor weak handmaid to be faithful and deeply humble before Him. 
 And oh, that I may be preserved from bringing any reproach on that 
 blessed cause, which I do trust is more precious to me than natural 
 life. 
 
 Farewell, my dear and valued friend. I shall hardly look for thee 
 at our yearly meeting, but believe thou wilt be with us in mind. 
 With kind love to thy daughter, I remain thy truly affectionate 
 friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 P.S. — My pen has run on, I trust, in innocent freedom, uncon- 
 sciously, for I did not think to write more than, as I said, a few lines. 
 
 To ■ — . 2^i:.M 2).^^'.v^>./ t.^.. 
 
 ith Month, 1837. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I do not feel easy to leave home at this time without taking 
 up the pen to wa-ite thee, I trust, in Gospel love, especially as we had 
 not the ride together to W. when I hoped to have the opportunity I 
 desired. Thou remembers when I called to ask thee to go with us, 
 thou touched upon the subject of joining with others in the Bible 
 
 district visiting, in allusion to . Being in haste at the time, I could 
 
 not enter upon it, but the subject weighed upon me much, and the desire 
 increased to have some conversation -with thee on it, as I feel it to be 
 one of no small importance, connected as it is with the bringing up of 
 our dear young people. I quite unite with the object of the Bible 
 Society in the spreading of the holy scriptures, and the encouraging 
 the diligent perusal of them; but inasmuch as we believe it to be very 
 wrong to give them that appellation, and that honour, which belongs 
 only to our blessed Saviour, I should not feel easy either to attend 
 the committees or to hand, in the course of the district visiting, such 
 papers and tracts as use such terms. With respect to our dear youno- 
 people, I would not encourage them either to attend the committees 
 or to join in districts u-ith others, for the above reason, as well as 
 I believe it would be injurious to them to mix with those of other 
 denominations. We know (and do we not feel it even in ourselves ?) 
 how very insinuating is the spirit of the world, how it insinuates itself 
 into us under such very pleasing and plausible pretences (as of our 
 
134 
 
 A SiCLKCTIOX FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1837. 
 
 doing good to others, and desiring that our religion shoukl not wear a 
 gloomy aspect, as if we thought ourselves holier than others, &c.), 
 and thus are we most gradually drawn off the watch into a shaking 
 hands, as it were, with the worldly spirit in others, instead of, in our 
 conversation and demeanour, testifying against it, and being a reproof 
 to it. And surely, if we must feel and acknowledge our otvn weakness 
 in this respect, how can we, in conscience towards God (knoM-ing that 
 we shall be accountable for the dear lambs committed to our faithful 
 charge), suffer or encourage our beloved young people to run into 
 such temptation in their tender and inexperienced state. And hereby 
 are we also endangering their religious principles (as well as practice); 
 for the principles of others, who are thus united Avith us, have such a 
 plausible and taking appearance ; they are generally the most serious 
 in the profession of them, and with pleasing manners are very likely 
 to mislead the young and inexperienced, and weaken their attachment 
 to those principles in which they have been educated. 
 
 These are my sentiments on this subject from conviction, in my own 
 mind, from experience of the effects in myself, and from observation 
 of them in others ; and I think I shall hardly be acting the part of 
 
 a sincere and faithful friend to thee, my dear , without adding 
 
 that I have for some time past felt and lamented the effects in thee, 
 I mean of associating with those not of our Society, and suffering the 
 childi-en to do so too. I know that the education and bringing up of 
 dear children rests very much with the mother of a family, and I 
 would, in true affection, beg of thee to consider impartially, to weigh 
 in the true balance, whether it is not better to make any sacrifices 
 (either of expense or of education) rather than to subject our dear 
 children to the intercourse -with others in sending them to their 
 schools ? for are we not thereby opening a door which we shall not be 
 able afterwards to regulate ! Oh, that the example before our dear 
 children, as well as the precepts we may inculcate in our conversation, 
 may be such as will strengthen them in obedience to the discoveries 
 and reproofs of the light of Chi-ist, and in a faithful attachment to 
 the testimonies of His blessed Spirit, which ever was and ever will 
 be contrary to the wordly spirit ! I knoAv very well I may be thought 
 to be narrow-minded in these remarks and sentiments, but oh ! let us 
 sift such a thought. Is it not that Avliich would shake hands with 
 the worldly spirit that says so ? Is not the way to life strait and 
 narrow ? We must not please the worldly spirit either in ourselves 
 or others, if Ave AA^ould Avalk therein ; Ave must be stripped of it, Ave 
 
1837.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BAKCLAY. 
 
 135 
 
 must take up the cross to it, that is, yield to the Spirit of Ciirist 
 Avhich will crucify it, if we would escape the broad way that leads to 
 destruction ; aud wc must be content to be thought narrow by the 
 Avorld, if we would be of the number of Christ's little flock of redeemed 
 ones, redeemed from its spirit, and precious in His sight. The 
 blessing is to those who are despised and repi'oached for obedience to 
 Christ's Sjiirit, aud the woe is to those who arc spoken well of and 
 flattered by the world, for the world loves his own, and whosoever 
 will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 
 
 And now, my dear friend, I must draw to a conclusion. I know 
 thou wilt not take this my sisterly freedom to be impertinently inter- 
 meddling in other men's matters ; thou wilt take it in the sincere love 
 which dictates it, thou wilt let it have its full Aveight, by retiring 
 inwai'd, and waiting to feel the light of Christ's blessed Spirit, to show 
 thee how things really are with thee. Oh, He is the faithful and 
 true witness, that Avill not flatter us ; and may His gentle Avhisperings 
 and secret discoveries be faithfully attended to, both by example and 
 precept, Avhatever may be the sacrifice, or the mortification it may 
 involve ; for what will it profit us, if we shall gain the whole world 
 and lose our own soul's peace ! We had better cut off our right hand 
 and pluck out our right eye than be an enemy to God, and separated 
 for ever from Him, who loved us, and gave Himself for us. 
 
 FareAvell in true and tender love, and under a humbling sense of 
 my oAvn utter weakness in every respect, and unworthiuess to hand 
 at any time even a cup of cold water, whereby the precious tender 
 good thing in any dear brother or sister may be strengthened. Oh ! 
 I feel it an awful thing to stand in the station of a minister, or a 
 watchman for the Lord, to give warning to others, and to testify for 
 Him ; and I do desire, in the endeavour to be clear of the blood of 
 all, to be ever preserved in the depths of humility, and in the pure 
 fear of the Lord alone ! 
 
 I remain thy sincerely affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Beigate, 1837. 
 
 . I hope this journey will do thee good. Give my love 
 
 to , and say I hope nothing will hinder him from attending to 
 
 the manifestations or seci'et feelings of hesitation given by the Spirit 
 
1-^6 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1837. 
 
 of Christ in the secret of His heart, in relation to however small a 
 thing, and even what man's reason may cavil against. There is no 
 otlier w'ay for strength of sight and of feeling being increased, but 
 by faithfulness to the little. Tell him I hope he docs not sell prayer 
 books and altar comjjanions ; we ought to have a testimony against 
 them, and not promote them. And, dear H., do thou be faithful at 
 that large meeting ; do not be afraid to please the dear Master. I 
 hope thy visit will be blessed to many. And now farewell, dearly 
 loved friend, "let us always trust Master," as the dear negro said to 
 William Williams, and then we shall farewell. 
 Thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 [In the 7th month of this year Lydia A. Barclay was liberated by 
 her monthly meeting, to visit the meetings composing the general 
 meeting for Scotland, and also those of Nottinghamshire and Derby- 
 shire on her return home. In this religious engagement she was 
 accompanied by Sarah Knott of Ireland, who had been liberated for 
 similar service in Scotland.] 
 
 To . pi i tv^^ '/^if^t-i-^ 
 
 %th Month, 1837. 
 
 I believe I must acknowledge that my mind was drawn into 
 much sympathy with thee, ever since thy kind call on us soon after 
 
 our arrival in , as well as whilst we were sitting together the 
 
 other day. This feeling was not decreased, but rather increased, by 
 
 hearing, as we went to , that thou hast sometimes a little word 
 
 for our good Lord in the assemblies of His people. Oh, my dear 
 friend, it is indeed (as thou well knowest) a deeply exercising time for 
 such in the present day, of treading down and of despising the treas- 
 ures of the inner court. Many and deep are their sulferings, their 
 faces often gather paleness, and they go as with their hands on their 
 loins in painful travail, and they are often ready to say, " If thou 
 deal thus with us, slay me, I pray thee." The enemy often pierces 
 as with a sword in their very bones, saying, "Where is thy God?" 
 besides the daily renewed sense of their own weakness, and poverty, 
 and utter unworthiness, so that the language of their soul is, " Who 
 is sufficient for these things ? Behold, I am a man of unclean lips, 
 and I dwell among a people of unclean lips !" Yet oh, my dear 
 
1837.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 137 
 
 friend, the Lord is sufficient to cleanse and to qualify for His own 
 work, and He can work by weak and feeble instruments, and I do 
 believe He will more and more raise up such amongst us, and give them 
 what some would call a weak, foolish testimony, or way of preaching, 
 that no flesh may glory in His sight, but that His mighty power may be 
 the more conspicuous, and His praise perfected as out of the mouths 
 of the babes or simple ones ! I feel greatly for thee in considering the 
 place and the meeting where thy lot is cast, a place of great profes- 
 sion (as I apprehend) and of jealous looking at us as a people ; and a 
 meeting involving much suffering and exercise of mind, considering 
 the lukewarmness of some, the shaking hands with the worldly spirit 
 in others, as also the visitation of God's love still extended to the 
 dear youth, in many of whom the tender seed of God's sowing is 
 panting after life. Oh, that thou mayest be enabled to cherish the 
 one, and faithfully to testify for thy God against the other, following 
 thy dear Master's leadings, nothing doubting and no man fearing ; 
 and as thou art concerned thus to honour the Lord and seek His 
 heavenly approbation above all. He will honour thee and make 
 thee an instrument in His holy hand, to make war in right- 
 eousness (or uprightly) against all His enemies, to strengthen the 
 weak things that remain and seem ready to die, to gather again the 
 dispersed of Israel, and to cherish the tender thing of Him in all. 
 And, dear friend, in the course of this good work, I trust thou wilt 
 find the discipline to go hand in hand with the ministry; both want 
 a faithful exercise ; they are branches from the same root, rerpiire 
 the same life to quicken and make them fruitful. If the discipline 
 be not faithfully exercised (even in the life and in the wisdom of 
 Christ, the ever blessed and unchangeable truth), disease creeps over 
 the body, and the ministry must also languish or partake of it. Oh, 
 dear friend, fear thou not, neither let thy hands be slack in whatever 
 they find to do for thy good Lord in either way, but be diligent and 
 faithful in the little, and that is the preparation to receive more from 
 His good hand ; but every act of disobedience brings dimness of 
 sight and weakness of limbs against another time. Oh, I have 
 lamentably and often found it to be so in my very stumbling and 
 childish experience ! And look not out at others, neither at thy loneli- 
 ness, and the want of fathers and mothers, — " it is better to trust in 
 the Lord than to put confidence in princes." The present is peculiarly 
 a time when not only the earth, but the heavens also are to be shaken 
 in us. We must not lean on a friend, or put confidence even in a 
 
138 
 
 A SELECTION FKOM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1837. 
 
 brother, but let our eye be single unto the Lord alone, and then we 
 shall have plenty of light; and our leaning be simply and wholly upon 
 Him, and then we shall have abundance of strength ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 York, 9th of 7th Month, 1837. 
 
 . We went to Kinmuck, and sat with six families 
 out of eight ; had a meeting there next day, which was a memorable 
 and melting one, that I siiall not easily forget. The Lord greatly 
 helped His poor weak handmaids, and the glory was ascribed unto 
 Him. . . . Next day began the family visits at Glasgow (con- 
 sisting of eleven or twelve) ; and found, to our great comfort, a 
 precious remnant. I had to remember (and to mention too) in one 
 of them, how it was w^ith one of our ancients formerly, who, when he 
 came to a certain place, found them gathered and settled under the 
 inward teaching of Christ their Saviour, and sat down among them 
 in sUence. Nevertheless, a song or testimony to His goodness and 
 preciousness was put into my mouth, and we were all melted into 
 tears. The meeting on the fourth day (last week) was a memorable 
 one, so that it seemed hard to break it up, as well as to disturb it. 
 Several attended who were not Friends. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To c. D.ie.,^^ — - • "^6-?,. 
 
 Nottingham, IGth of 9th Month, 1837. 
 
 My dear , 
 
 I trust I may now inform thee, under a grateful and 
 humbling sense of the great goodness and tender compassion shown a 
 poor unworthy one, that I am thus far on my journey homeward, and 
 I assure thee that the thought is quite animating, indeed I am ready 
 sometimes to fear that the last week I have been almost too longing 
 to reach it, counting the days, as it were, yet am continually reminded 
 that every day has its proper duties and trials to be borne and done in 
 that power which is so graciously and daily vouchsafed ; or, as a dear 
 friend remarked to me yesterday, when I was alluding to the subject, 
 our home is subjection to the Divine will ; I thought there was much 
 in it. Oh, this is indeed the quiet and peaceful habitation, the place 
 
1837.] 
 
 LYDIA ANX BARCLAY. 
 
 139 
 
 of true prayei'j and where my soul longs to dwell for ever ; and there 
 will there be continual incense and pure offerings ascending with 
 acceptance before the holy One of Isi'aol ! . . . 
 
 I suppose thou wouldst hear of me from dear Hannah Marsh, to 
 whom I wrote from York. I rested thei-e all last week, but did not 
 seem to get much on in strength, even when I left it this day week 
 for Chesterfield, so that at times I felt much disheartened about 
 myself, the mind often partaking of the bodily weakness. On First 
 day night 1 parted with niy kind guide, Joseph Spence, and on second 
 day morning again launched forth, a poor stranger alone, — but the 
 ride through the bracing air of Derbyshii'e did me good ; third, fourth, 
 fifth, and sixth days in this week I have sat in six meetings, all 
 appointed ones, and several have been attended by many of the 
 neighbours ; the members are very few. In two of them, I heard 
 that one woman went generally and sat alone on a week day ! I 
 reminded some of them how that Friends sprang up at first by ones 
 and twos, and that one faithful Friend might be the means of gather- 
 ing many around him. Fourth day was very fatiguing to the poor 
 body, travelling twenty-five miles in an open chaise over a rough 
 road, and having two exercising meetings: also yesterday, thirty-three 
 miles principally in an open chaise, and two meetings, so that last 
 night I was much exhausted on arriving here. Yet I may acknowledge 
 that which has felt very trying and rough to nature, has been 
 graciously smoothed down and sweetened to me, so that sufficient for 
 tlie day has been the strength extended ! . . . 
 
 Farewell, dear , I cannot add more, having to call on some 
 
 elderly Friends, So with kind love to all our Friends, I will remain 
 thy sincerely affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Croydon, 28th of 10th Month, 1837. 
 
 . . . The poor servants must not expect better treatment 
 than their Master, to be despised, reproached, accused, and said to 
 be beside themselves ! yet I do see that there is great danger of such 
 servants as have to ciy woe against the evil things amongst us, getting 
 from off the Avatch and out of the humility and fear in which alone is 
 preservation in a true gift, and so somewhat of the creaturely activity 
 and zeal, creeping in and attempting to do the Lord's work, which 
 
140 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OP 
 
 [1837. 
 
 can only be done in and by His own blessed Spirit, which leads into 
 the patient, cool, humble state. I feel greatly exei-cised on behalf of 
 those dear Friends who, I do believe, are on the side of the ancient 
 and unchangeable truth, and faithfully concerned for the proper 
 exercise of the discipline, that they may be preserved from the former 
 danger, and in the latter state. . . . We have such daily proof how 
 very imperceptibly (to themselves and to others) many of those we have 
 highly valued slii) off from the true foundation. It is very humbling 
 and dismaying, and should lead to a closer watchfulness and depen- 
 dence on Him, who is the best Friend, desiring to be preserved low 
 in the pure fear. ... I have great cause to acknowledge His 
 goodness and mercy, who so condescendingly helped me along from 
 day to day in my late journey [to Scotland], bearing up my poor 
 mind during the many exercises and deep conflicts permitted, and 
 strengthening the weak body to endure the great fatigue required. 
 Some of the meetings were times of great favour both in silence and 
 otherwise, so that it seemed hard to break them up, and our hearts 
 were melted under a sense of the Lord's goodness, and the praise 
 ascended unto Him, to whom doth all glory belong. I was greatly 
 interested in going to see Ury, the seat of my worthy ancestors. I 
 went all over it, and to the burial place on the top of an adjacent 
 hill, on descending Avhich (with a beautiful view before me), my mind 
 was revolving on good old times, and led to desire that I might be 
 enabled to follow the faithful example of those dear worthies, who 
 had trod those paths, that so I might not only bear their name but 
 also partake of their spirit, and be united in a precious fellowship 
 with them and the just of all generations, through the tender mercy 
 of God, in and by his beloved Son, who is the bond of all true 
 fellowship. 
 
 21th ofllth Month, 1837. — Nor can I describe my feelings towards 
 all people around that part (Ury) and Aberdeen. Oh, that they 
 might be gathered up as from the earth, and brought down as from 
 the air, even from the Lo here's and Lo there's, unto Christ, the 
 peace and rest, the treasure and sure foundation of His people. Do 
 give my dear love to dear Amos and Barbara Wigham. How sweet it 
 was to be with them ! I would much rather be with such dear simple 
 Friends than in the fine drawing-rooms of those who are shaking 
 hands with the world's spirit. 
 
 I must now look forward to a little time of quiet, at my comfortable 
 
1837.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BAUCI.AY. 
 
 Ill 
 
 and very desirable home, but how long I may remain in it I know 
 not, feeling that all I have and am must be at the disposal of Ilini 
 who gives it me, or rather lends it; and oh, to spend and be spent in 
 His service, if it might but be, is my earnest desire. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To J. B. v/^'^Cv*-*'*^^^ ^ ^-t^r-vvv^l-^ 
 
 Croydon, Wih of 11th Month, 1837. 
 
 My dear Fkiend, 
 
 I send thee herewith, according to promise, a set of my 
 brother John's Tracts, both from Penington and Penn, and I have 
 no doubt thou will do thy best toward circulating them amongst any 
 seriously incUned persons out of our Society, as well as any of our 
 own members. . . . The former class (those out of our pale) are 
 as much an object with my brother in his publications as our own 
 members. 
 
 I cannot but believe there are many now (as there were in the 
 days of our early Friends) who arc wearied with wandering from 
 one mountain of profession to another, and are now looking as it 
 were towards us; and though the present state of things amongst us 
 is very shaking and stumbling to such sincere inquirers (seeing that 
 so many are now going back, almost insensibly, to the very door of 
 the house of bondage, whence our fathers were brought out by a 
 mighty hand and an outstretched arm ! and woe indeed is to those 
 who thus offend these little tender ones !) yet I do believe, if we arc 
 favoured to know these shakings and sittings amongst us, to purge 
 our camp of that which has been as an evil disease long upon us, to 
 the hindering of our standing before our enemies, and of our light 
 shining forth as brightness before the nations, that these sincere and 
 tender ones will then flock to us, or to the standard of Christ, the 
 ever blessed and unchangeable Truth, held up by us, as doves to the 
 windows ! And my soul longs for such a day, and would desire that 
 we might be melted and tried any how, so that we might yet become 
 what we once were, and what we were designed to be, a people to 
 the Lord's praise, to revive and hold forth the principles of primitive 
 Christianity, the dispensation of the Son in Spirit, which, as I. Pen- 
 ington says, is the last and lasting dispensation. But the mourner 
 over the great degeneracy amongst us will say, " Who is sufficient 
 for these things?" The answer arises, " Not by might, nor by power 
 
142 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1837. 
 
 (that is man's), but by my Spirit, saith the Lord;" and His Spirit 
 is still with us even to the end of the world — to strengthen the faith- 
 ful, to support the weak, to animate the fearful, to enable unto all 
 and to preserve amidst all. And how encouraging is that language 
 addressed formerly to those " whose spii'it the Lord hath stirred up," 
 in an honest and faithful zeal to build His house ! — " According to 
 the word that I covenanted with you when ye came out of Egypt, 
 so ray Spii'it rcmainetli among you ; fear ye not but be strong and 
 work, for I am with you." And how they wei'e despised by others 
 as poor feeble Jews, and their work a weak work; and let us remem- 
 ber that even women were engaged ,in building the wall, and how 
 they all worked in fear, with a weapon in one hand ; nevertheless, 
 the Lord owned their work and blessed it. Is not this encouraging, 
 my beloved friend, to all, however weak and feeble and solitary they 
 may feel, to do, simply and faithfully, what their hands may at any 
 time find to do for their good Lord, to promote His cause and king- 
 dom in the hearts of any, even in the little might and putting forth 
 that He may be pleased to give, though it may be in foolishness to 
 man's view. And how graciously does He condescend to accept such 
 little acts of love as alms-deeds done unto Himself ! 
 
 I often think, in looking at our state, that a revival will be by the 
 faithfulness of the one's and two's, hidden ones, and, apparently, 
 weak and foolish ones, who will have to come forward in innocent 
 boldness and humble faithfulness, and take the crowns from those 
 Avho have been higldy favoured, yet have adulterated from the Life, 
 and so have either soared up into airy imaginations (above the meek, 
 lowly Life), or else have gone down, as it were, into the earthly 
 cloggy nature (trampling upon and crushing the Life). And do we 
 not read how the man, who drew a bow in his simplicity, brought 
 down from his seat a mighty king formerly ? So I have thought a 
 simple act of faithfulness in our meetings for discipline may often 
 turn the tide of things into a proper channel, discovering what is 
 impure. And faithfulness leads to fruitfulness. Every act of faith- 
 fulness leads to greater clearness of sight and strength of hands 
 against the future; and, on the contrary, every hesitation, or refusing 
 to follow as the Lord draws, dims the sight and v»^eakens the hands, 
 and there is a mourning because of the oppression of the enemy who 
 gains sti'ength hereby. Oh, then, that our eye may be single unto 
 the Lord, to His bidding, to His favour, to His name or kingdom, 
 and to His glory, and then we shall be full of light. Let our leaning 
 
1837.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 143 
 
 be simply on His firm of power, and then wc shall liave abundance 
 of strength. 
 
 I know not how it is I have gone on thus to thee, my beloved 
 friend, except that I feel thee near and dear in that which time or 
 distance cannot separate, and desire affectionately thy encouragement 
 in the good way, although I feel myself to be but a very poor weak 
 and, as it wei-e, trembling companion to thee. And oh, that thou 
 also may breathe for my preservation from the many snares spread 
 on every hand, and in faithfulness, watchfulness, and deep humility. 
 I often still visit you mentally, and remember your great kindness to 
 me when a poor traveller among you, and which, I trust, the Lord, 
 my good Master, will reward you for, for I can't. I may acknow- 
 ledge to thee, my dear friend, that the women's quarteidy meeting was 
 a season of great exercise and trial to me. I was longing for those 
 to come forward who are now very hidden, yet upon them I thought 
 I saw the Holy anointing. Thou knowest the stripling David Avas 
 little esteemed by his father's house, and he was out in the solitary 
 wilderness with the flock, but he was to be anointed, and he was 
 enabled to smite the gi-eat defier of the armies of Israel. Oh, how 
 great harm has man's wisdom done to us as a people, as well as his 
 riches ! It is not man's arts and parts, my dear friend, that is the 
 qualification for offices and service in God's Church. Oh, they will 
 mar His work instead of doing it. The excellent discipline estab- 
 lished amongst us is a branch from the same root whence springs the 
 ministry. The same Divine life must nourish it, and pervade it, 
 and keep it living, or else it will be only kept up and done in the 
 form. It will therefore be dead. The Lord Jesus Christ is the 
 Head of the Church. He is the Minister of ministers; and I believe 
 our discipline was set up and kept up formerly in His Spirit, and 
 power, and heavenly wisdom, which alone is the authority of all our 
 meetings. And it is they who are bowing to His mighty power in 
 them (however it may be in a small measure, yet, if it be true and 
 going on, it is His work of subjecting their spirits) that are qualified 
 to put their hands to the discipline, not those who are whole in them- 
 selves, unbroken and unyielding to the cross, however Avise, or 
 learned, or rich they may be. And oh, I long for the strengthening 
 of these little foolish ones, and rejoice to think of tiiem, and breathe 
 for them, in their hidden and solitary allotments. Well, ray dear 
 fi'iend, I must not enlarge further. I hope tliou wilt not misconstrue 
 my meaning, nor yet think any other of me than a.s a ])oor weak sister, 
 
144 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1838. 
 
 very far from wliat T ought to be, yet desiring to press forward 
 towards the mark for the heavenly prize of our high calling in Christ 
 Jesus. In that fellowship which stands not in words, but in the 
 power of Ilim, who is the life and beloved of redeemed and redeem- 
 ing souls, subjected unto aud jirevailing. in the heart, do I salute 
 thee and thy dear husband. In dear love, I remain thy very sincere 
 friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay, 
 
 To R. R. 
 
 Croydon, 21t]i of 2nd Month, 1838. 
 
 I believe I may in confidence tell thee that I feel 
 most easy to strike my tent from here and to pitch within your 
 quarterly meeting. ... I hope I may not be doing wrong, but 
 that He whom I desire faithfully to serve amjwh&re, may abilitate me 
 for every trial and every service, and preserve me from the many 
 snares on every side. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To W. r/c^*!^^*?"^" 
 
 %id Month, 1838. 
 
 My dear brother John seems to be able to look forward to 
 brighter days for us, and that the right hand of the Lord will yet do 
 valiantly, and be exalted in due season. Ah, my dear friend, were 
 it not for such little glimpses of hope, what should Ave do in these days 
 of treading down and sore dismay ! One is ready to say, surely never 
 did the enemy prepare his likenesses so exact, never did he set up his 
 beautiful images of false religion so imposingly as now ! so that it is 
 a trying day to the weak little ones. But there is One above him 
 and all his images, the Lord Jesus Christ, the Redeemer of His people 
 and head of His Church in all ages, in His inward and spiritual 
 appearance in the soul, however lowly and mean to man's view. He 
 is the stone that is to pull down and break to pieces the enemy's 
 image, whose brightness is excellent and form imposing. Oh ! He 
 is a precious corner and foundation stone to those who believe in, and 
 yTeld to His lowly appearance, but to those who stumble at Him, as 
 He is the Word, quick, and powerful, and piercing, being disobedient 
 to Him, He ever was and ever will be a stone of stumbling and rock 
 
1838.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAT. 
 
 145 
 
 of offence, be they ever so wise, and as master builders in Israel ! 
 His kingdom shall rule over all, and stand for ever. And though I 
 and others of middle age, may not see these brighter days, when our 
 poor backsliding society, refined from the dross, and sepai'ated from 
 those who say they are Jews and are not, but do lie, " shall once 
 again hold up and hold forth the ancient standard of truth and 
 righteousness, even in that Spirit which alone anointed and clothed 
 it with purity, and authority, and strength ;" yet oh ! that we may 
 breathe and travail for that day in secret, and die in the hope and 
 faith hereof. And oh! that we may never in anywise do anything 
 whereby such a glorious war may be hindered. I have no doubt, my 
 dear ancient friend, thou art enjoying the lives of Pike and Oxley ; 
 it would gladden thy heart to have such dear testimony-bearers held 
 up to view as patterns of simplicity and faithfulness. I know thou 
 wouldst unite with dear John's remarks scattered here and there in 
 the preface ; they are too close to please the taste of many who are 
 pleading for more and yet more liberty to the flesh, and shaking- 
 hands with the wordly spirit. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To E. R. 
 
 Brighton, 12th of Srd Month, 1838. 
 
 Mt endeared Friend. 
 
 Thou art one of those I love to cling to in thought 
 and feeling, as being, I trust I may say, nearly united to in the 
 precious blood of a fellowship far superior to that of an outward 
 relationship or friendship, even as much so as " that which is not 
 seen" is to "that which is seen." And how greatly do I desii-e that 
 I may not forfeit this precious union and communion by letting go 
 that subjection to, and leaning on, and abiding in Ilim, who is the 
 life and beloved of redeeming souls, and whereby alone this union 
 and fellowship is attained, preserved, and strengthened, and in whom 
 we have the true enjo}anent of our dear Friends, whether present or 
 absent, whether in the suffering body, or whether taken out of the 
 body, to be ever Avith Him who loved them and washed them ! I 
 may truly say, thy letter Avas helpful and encouraging to me, and it 
 seems strengthening sometimes to remember thee and a few other 
 dear faithful suffering ones; and if it were not so, I think I, for one 
 (being a very faint-hearted one), should faint; for one is often ready 
 
 L 
 
146 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1838. 
 
 to say, " By whom shall Jacob arise, for he is very small." All 
 seem to seek their oavti, and not the things that are Jesus Chi'ist's, 
 in truth and uprightness, very many being deceived by the likenesses 
 of things spiritual, through the subtlety of the devil, Avho goes about 
 seeking to decei\'e the very elect. Even the fathers and mothers 
 (or those who ought to be so) are taken unwarily and unwittingly 
 by his baits, so like the life are his images; and we are uncertain of 
 our dear and heretofore nearly united F'riends even in a few months 
 time. So it is a time (even for the weak ones) not to look to, or 
 lean upon, a near friend, or a dear friend; and the precious cause of 
 Christ, the ever blessed and unchangeable truth,^must be dearer to 
 us than father or mother, brother or sister, Avife or children, else we 
 shall not be worthy of Him, or of His confession of us before His 
 Father and the holy angels. My dear brother John and I feel very 
 solitary often; he cheers me up sometimes, at others, he gets low. 
 He has relieved his mind in putting forth the preface and his other 
 remarks interspersed through J. Pike, in which I have no doubt thou 
 fully unites. Some know not how to bear such close things, but I 
 think they are many words in season to us. Ah, it may be truly 
 said of us as of Israel formerly, "The leaders of the people cause 
 them to en-." Oh, what examples are they of shaking hands with 
 the worldly spirit, so that their hands are tied from the proper exer- 
 cise of the discipline, and their mouths are closed from the true and 
 powerful preaching of the cross and way of self-denial, without 
 which we cannot be Chi'ist's true disciples ! 
 
 My dear friend, thy letter was very interesting and satisfactory to 
 
 me. I wanted to know how thou felt as to , and it was just in 
 
 unison with my feelings. I was glad at thy faithfulness, dear friend. 
 I wish we had more such ; but oh, there is too much a-playing into 
 one another's hands among ministers and elders now-a-days. Thou 
 understands me I dare say. Oh, the covetousness of a lucre that is 
 filthy in God's sight, and is idolatry ! I fear there are many such 
 amongst us now-a-days; and many cannot see a hole in such testi- 
 monies (as John Steel says), but oh, the life is more than meat. 
 
 I had a sweet letter from dear in the 1st month. He seems 
 
 to look forward to brighter days, and that the little remnant of 
 sulFering ones will be preserved and supported as they cleave close 
 to the never-failing arm of Omnipotence, faithful to the end. I 
 think since I -wi'ote thee last I went a long journey to Scotland, and 
 Derby, and Notts, which was a great stress upon my weak frame; 
 
1838.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 147 
 
 but through favour was helped on to pretty much satisfaction and 
 relief, and a degree of peaceful poverty on my retui'n home. Since 
 then I have been much tossed about in mind, in relation to a removal 
 from Crojalon to Roigate, in Surrey (ten miles off, and belonging to 
 this quarterly meeting). Desiring to be rightly directed, having long- 
 felt so attracted, and now being favoured to see my way clear enough, 
 I have the last week been over there and engaged a house, looking 
 forward to move about the 7th or 8th month. It feels very exercising 
 in prospect, being a small meetmg, one of live little ones, com- 
 posing the monthly meeting of Dorking, and myself likely to be the 
 only minister. Yet I trust He who has been with me all my life, 
 will not forsake in the needful hour, but be near to direct, to support, 
 to strengthen, and to preserve, under and unto all He requires or 
 permits. 
 
 Srd Day. — In looking over the above, I may add this testimony 
 — surely we do serve a very good Master, who orders all things well ; 
 and though gi-eat buffetings and trying siftings (as thou sayest) have 
 been sorely my portion, both after returning from Dublin and from 
 Scotland, yet no doubt all for good, that the vessel may be thor- 
 oughly emptied, and again and again cleansed and plunged, beneath 
 the flood, and then set by, with mouth downwards, to dry thoroughly, 
 that there be no scent left which may be ofiensive to the good User 
 and Filler, or whereby ought that He sees good to put therein, may be 
 tinctured. Oh, that it may ever be so, saith my very soul, that He 
 alone may be glorified ! . . . 
 
 Farewell, dear friend. I have gone on in the freedom of a sister, 
 and hope not too much so. I feel as if sitting by thee, and it is 
 SAveet. The Lord help His poor worm to be faithful to Him wher- 
 ever I am — whether in open service or in deep suffering. Sly dear 
 love to all those among you who love the Lord Jesus in sincerity. 
 Sometimes I long to see your faces once more, but times and seasons 
 are in best hands. I remain tliy nearly united and affectionate 
 friend, 
 
 Lydia a. Barclay. 
 
 P.S. — I fear thou wilt think I use strong expressions, do tell me 
 so if thou dost; but thou knowest I cannot mince matters; all comes 
 plump out. I would rather be evil spoken of, than to be well spoken 
 of and adipired, for then there would be a woe attached. 
 
1-18 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1838. 
 
 To ,nLt^ K*<Wi**v^ 
 
 Uh Month, 1838. 
 
 Dear Friend, 
 
 Thou hast often come before the view of my mind during 
 the last winter, with much affectionate interest, and I think I may 
 say sympathy also, inasmuch as I know those that have families to 
 bring up often have many trials that the single know nothing of, yet, 
 dear friend, every trial, and every tear secretly shed, is known to the 
 great searcher of hearts, and He knows the sincerity of each one of 
 us, and weighs our conduct in an equal and just balance, and will 
 reward every one accortling to their faithfulness to what light, and 
 feeling, and knowledge have been received of Him. In the prospect 
 of leaving this place in the course of the summer, I thought it seemed 
 with me, and I should hardly feel clear without endeavouring to 
 encourage thee what I could, to put on strength in the name of the 
 Lord ; to do what thou canst, and what He gives and requires thee 
 to do for Him and His cause, in the hearts of thy tender charge, not 
 fearing to restrain where thou canst, remembering that thou hast a 
 part to act for thy good Lord towards them, and He sanctions parental 
 authority, and will not clear those who, from a false love, give indul- 
 gence to wrong things. 
 
 I must in faithfulness own that I have been sorry to see thy dear 
 eldest girl, on leaving school, so throw off her simple di'ess, and 
 feared it arose from too much of affectionate jdelding on your part, 
 whereas I considered that until children are of age, their parents 
 have a Divine right (as I may say) to regulate them in all things; 
 and surely if we open the door but an inch for the worldly spirit 
 to come in and strengthen that vanity which is so soon apparent 
 in the youthful heart, we may strive what we mil, Ave shall never be 
 able to close it, but it will be found wider and wider to our own 
 sorrow, and to the great injury of our beloved offspring; and hoxf 
 are we thereby increasing their suffering in after life, if ever they 
 come then under the power of religion. I do greatly feel for thee in 
 it, believing it is much to thy trial, and I know there are too many 
 bad examples in this respect around us, amongst all classes and 
 stations, that are greatly stumbling to the sincere mind ; but oh ! 
 dear friend, let us not look out at others, nor listen to their reasonings; 
 if we do, we shall certainly only gather weakness of hands and dimness 
 of sight ; but let us eye the good Master first of all and more than 
 
1838.] 
 
 I,TDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 149 
 
 all, and mind His secret whisperings in our hearts ; — His Spii'it ever 
 was and ever will be contrary to the worldly spirit, and He seeks to 
 redeem His people from it ; and His strengthening Spirit is near us 
 and all-sufficient, if we do not despise its small appearances, to enable 
 us to do our duty towards Him, and then we shall be clear, and peace 
 will be our portion. 
 
 I hope thou wilt not feel hurt at this very affectionate freedom, 
 but receive it as a mark of my true love and symjiathy, and desire 
 for thy strengthening and encouragement in the good work of the 
 Lord, even that thou mayest raise up tender plants for Him and 
 to His glory, and receive the reward of thy labour, even the joyful 
 sentence of " Well done, good and faithful servant, thou hast been 
 faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; 
 enter thou into the joy of thy Lord !" 
 
 With kind love, I remain thy very sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 P.S. — Since writing the above, I think it may be well to send my 
 love to thy daughter, and tell her from me, please, I was sorry to sec 
 her dress so altered on leaving school; tell her I hope she is not 
 resisting her dear parents' wishes in that respect, for I would have 
 her to remember that awful text of scripture, " the eye that mocketh 
 at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the 
 valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it !" but to 
 honour our parents is the first commandment with promise, and 
 though if we cannot as yet see the reason for anything commanded, 
 yet it is our duty to obey our parents, and the saci'ifice of our wills 
 and inclinations in this respect is very acceptable in the Divine 
 sight, and I fully believe will draw down a blessing from heaven ! 
 
 To E. E. 
 
 London, \st of 6th Month, 1838. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I do not like to lose this opportunity of sending thee a few 
 lines. I know thou hast deeply felt for and with us in our great 
 loss. To me thou wilt believe it is, and will be increasingly, a heavy 
 stroke, seeing that we have from childhood been so very nearly united 
 in those sweet and precious bonds that are closer than outward 
 relationship; we have thought and felt like one person. I have shared 
 in his letters to and fro, and in his exercises, and in his labours, 
 
150 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1838. 
 
 inasmucli as lie kindly made use of me, and thought my poor help 
 and judgment -worth having. But now he is gone to his good 
 heavenly home — gathered to the heavenly garner (oh, it was sealed on 
 my mmd as we solemnly sat in silence at his departure, and I felt 
 obliged to utter it to the rest of my dear brothers and sisters then 
 present), and how could I wish him back ! released from " this 
 shackled state" (as he called it on his death-bed), and is gone to join 
 the just of all generations, whose bright example he had been faith- 
 fully concerned to hold up to our view. Oh, that this trial may 
 accomplish that purification in mo, whicli is mercifully designed 
 thereby, that I also may be happily prepared to follow him when my 
 little day is finished for my God. What a precious and sweet time 
 it was to be with him as I was the last forty hours ! I shall never 
 forget it. He sunk so very rapidly that I was only just in time. 
 The day before he died he uttered many sweet sentences, some of 
 which we put down; but it was difhcxilt to collect them, articulation 
 being so thick. Alluding to that text, " This is the true light," &c., 
 he said, "It does not say that Ave shall all at once know all things, 
 but as they can bear. O 'tis because they want to know all at once, 
 not as children learn, that the light is taken away. Praise where 
 it is due, and thanksgiving, and melody. They say there is no 
 revelation ; but what is made known to us as our duty, as the Lord's 
 wUl, is revelation. This is my belief, I am sure of it. They slight 
 revelation ; but it shall prevail, and the Spirit of the Lord shall 
 reign over all." He often exhorted to obedience to the smallest dis- 
 coveries of the light of Christ; also reminded us of the sure hiding- 
 place and refuge — " They that trust in the Lord shall be as Mount 
 Zion, that cannot be removed, but abideth for ever, for the mouth 
 of the Lord hath spoken it." Towards evening his voice was lifted 
 lap in a melodious sound, like a constant song of praise, for hours, 
 in which we heard — "O Lord, dear Lord, come," "I bless the 
 Lord," "I am the Lord's for ever," "Love Him with all your heart," 
 "Cleave to Him, O cleave to Him," together with "Hallelujah," 
 often repeated. He had no pain, he said, on being asked by Mary, 
 only an hour before he dejiarted. She asked again " Was he 
 happy?" "Yes, very." It seemed like a translation — no pain of 
 body, no pang of any parting, though two of his children were often 
 with him. All was sweet peace; and he seemed like one falling 
 into a sweet sleep when he breathed his last. We were favoured 
 with a precious season at his interment, especially the solemn cover- 
 
1838.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 151 
 
 ing in silence; but there Avere several precious testimonies to that 
 Divine grace by which he was what he was. Also, in the family, 
 in the evening, the sweet feeling over us, I cannot forget, it seemed 
 as if his spirit was with us, and Ave could rejoice with him, and 
 praise the Lord for His goodness. 
 
 Thou wilt excuse my dAvelling on this (to mo interesting) subject, 
 but I knoAV thou wilt be interested also. 
 
 I remain thy nearly united friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 &th Month, 1838. 
 
 In looking at thy solitary situation — away from outward help 
 in spiritual things, and exposed to many temptations — I have felt much 
 sympathy with thee, and the language that has saluted my inward ear 
 in allusion to thee is — " Oh ! hast thou not felt at times that visiting 
 thy soul which is unspeakably precious, even tendering thy heart and 
 humbling thy soul, and contriting thy spirit before God, giving thee 
 to see that nothing here below is so transcendently excellent and 
 worthy the pursuit of an immortal soul as the sweet peace and life- 
 giving favour of thy heavenly Father, and that there is something 
 always wanting, when weighed in the true balance, in all that men 
 call pleasure here, because without this heavenly enjoyment! " Oh, 
 if this be the case, let me intreat thee not to quench these feelings, 
 nor, as it were, to shut thy heart against them ; but mayest thou go 
 again and again where thou hast been thus preciously favoured to 
 feel this love and visitation of God to thy soul, it may be, perhaps, 
 in a ten-minutes' solemn quiet, stolen from sleep or from the neces- 
 sary avocations of the day. Shrink not from yielding to such feelings, 
 but rather seek after them as for thy daily bread : let thy soul wait 
 thus on the Lord, as one, yea, more than one that watcheth for the 
 morning, and hope thou in the daily ministrations of His living word 
 that is nigh in the heart and in the mouth, however pinching and 
 proving the operation thereof may be, or close the separation required 
 — for, oh, the Lord will make a clean separation in that heart He in 
 love is seeking to redeem unto himself, even a separation betAveen 
 that which serves Him, and that which serves Him not, however it 
 may appear, but really serves and pleases the worldly spirit. For 
 that end, he hath fli mercy given us this heavenly talent, this word 
 
152 
 
 A SELECTION FROJI THE LETTERS OX^ 
 
 [1838. 
 
 of grace, this measure of Christ's blessed Spirit, that it may be a wit- 
 ness for Him in onr hearts, discerning our very thoughts and intents, 
 and as we yield up in humble obedience thereto, may purge out all 
 that is evil, and leaven us into that which is good, delivering us from 
 the power of sin, the kingdom of darkness, and translating us into 
 the kingdom of the dear Son of God, the kingdom of light, life, and 
 peace, where the true fellowship is known, and the true cleansing 
 away of all sins by His precious blood. 
 
 So it seems with me to press thee, not to look out at others, or 
 listen to their reasonings, but cleave thou simply, and solely, and 
 wholly, to this inward word that thou at times hears, as it were, 
 behind thee, saying, " This is the way, walk in it " — to this blessed 
 Spirit of Christ that is pleading, and knocking, and calling, at the 
 door of thy heart. Oh ! let none dissuade thee from rising up 
 quickly, as Mary did, when called, and going after him ; for He is 
 waiting to be thy life, thy resurrection, thy beloved, and that He 
 may make thee of His dear ones, His redeemed ones, for ever ! To 
 this Divine word would I commend thee, and direct thee, ray dear 
 young friend, as a never-failing teacher, wherever thou art, and which 
 will be a bridle to thy tongue, a stop to thy evil thoughts, a guard 
 over thy demeanour, a sure guide and rule of conduct on all occasions, 
 a stay to thy mind under all afflictions and trials, a mighty 
 strengthener unto all duties, and a powerful preserver from all dan- 
 gers, as thou art engaged to be faithful and obedient thereunto. 
 
 To R. R. 
 
 Croydon, 15th of 6th Month, 1838. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I am anxious to avail of the first opportunity I have, and 
 yet I hardly know how to begin to thee, dear R.; how to describe to 
 thee the greatness of my loss, nor the keenness of my trial, in the 
 removal, shall I say the translation of my dearest and nearest earthly 
 tie — my beloved brother John ; and yet such is the union and unity I 
 feel with his spirit, that I seem holden from weeping and dare not 
 repine ; nay, one seems many times to rejoice with him, and the 
 wings of the soul, as it were, to flap together with joy and with long- 
 ing also to flee away and be at rest in the Lord's good time, if I might 
 but be prepared as he was for his departure! Oh, surely this is 
 another tender dispensation designed for my preparation, and some- 
 
1838.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 153 
 
 times the idea of not being very long after him is very sweet. But 
 all is in good hands — the judge of the whole earth, who hath done 
 and who will do very well. And oh, that His good will may be done 
 in my preparation, by an increased dedication and resignation to 
 and humble trust in Him during the rest of my day for Him here. 
 . . . Oh ! how sweet has been our intercourse, how close our 
 union of spirit from early childhood even ! What a favour it was 
 that I have been so weaned from him by my illness this winter ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . ■■' ■ Jn.^*^^-' - ■ ^/i 
 
 lih Month, 1838. 
 
 My dear Friends, 
 
 I do not like to leave Croydon without at least sending you 
 a few lines, by way of saying affectionately farewell. It has been 
 difficult to meet you after meeting. My dear friends, I trust that, 
 though I am going further off, yet my interest and affectionate solici- 
 tude for your best welfare will not be at all lessened, nor yet your 
 remembrance of me for good. We are poor frail creatures, and 
 should be glad of any the least hand of help held out to us ; even 
 those who feel themselves but poor, little, and weak, may often do 
 some little thing to help their fellows in the sincerity of their hearts 
 and through best help. 
 
 I may acknowledge I was much struck with hearing how it was 
 
 with 's dear brother, and that he was with you. Surely, dear 
 
 friends, this is another proof of what you have once, twice, yea, thrice 
 and more heard, that power doth indeed belong unto God. Oh, He 
 has indeed again and again visited you most tenderly, both inwardly, 
 speaking in your souls in gentle but intelligible and persuasive whis- 
 pers, and also outwardly, in Providences that He has permitted. He 
 can take away the health of body or mind of ourselves or of those 
 dear to us, and He can take us away from them, for all power is in 
 His hand : He can bless and He can blast 1 
 
 My solicitude on your account has been great, sometimes day and 
 night during the last several years, from a belief and feeling that you 
 have lost ground in the spii-itual life or journey, from a looking out 
 at others and leaning to the reasonings of your own or of their minds, 
 instead of implicitly trusting in that little secret revelation of the 
 Lord's will and p6wer, with which I do believe you have been 
 
154 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1838. 
 
 preciously favoured, and which, if you had more simply and entirely 
 yielded unto, I believe would have directed your feet more out of the 
 worldly spirit, and more into the way of true peace, and of glorifying 
 our heavenly Father before men. But oh, how true it is, it may be 
 said of our dear Saviour's inward spiritual appearance in our hearts, 
 as it was of His outward coming, " Who hath believed our report, 
 and to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed; for He shall 'grow up 
 before Him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: He 
 hath no form or comeliness, and when we shall see Him, there is no 
 beauty that we should desire him: He is despised and rejected of 
 men, and we hid as it were our faces from Him." The shinings of 
 His light, and the whisperings and reproofs of His Spirit, seem to us 
 so small and despicable, that we reject them as beneath our attention; 
 and moreover, they discover to us and relate to such trying things to 
 our nature, that we are glad to hide as it were our faces from them. 
 And thus having despised and quenched them, they become fainter 
 and fainter, our sight becomes less clear to perceive His secret point- 
 ings, our ears less quick to hear His gentle voice, and the strength 
 of our limbs is greatly lessened to run the way of His command- 
 ments. And then we are apt to say — we feel easy with this or the 
 other, or we don't feel required to do this or that; whereas, it is the 
 false ease which the enemy gives the unfaithful, and it is because we 
 look out at what others say or do that we can't see what is required 
 of us. 
 
 Now it seems to lie with me, in love to your immortal souls, to 
 entreat you not to look nor lean any more outward, for that ■will not 
 stand you in'stead in the evil day; but to turn your minds inward, 
 to mind the shinings of the light of Christ in your hearts, to suffer 
 Him to show you what is there, and what you should do" to inherit 
 eternal life, and then be not faithless but believing; and let nothing 
 hinder you (no fear, favour, nor affection blind you) from follomng 
 Him, your Divine and good Master, whithersoever and however He 
 may lead you, for assuredly He leadeth in the way to true peace and 
 life everlasting. 
 
 Farewell. I hope you will receive this in the dear love in which 
 it is written. It is deeply humbling to me to write thus, feeling so 
 far behind what I should be and might have been, had I been more 
 faithful; but the Lord has indeed shown mercy, and I ought, in love 
 to Him, to seek to be clear of the blood of all. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
1838.] LYDIA ANN BARCLAT. 155 
 
 To R. R. 
 
 Eeigate, 3rd of 8th Month, 1838. 
 We have had several pleasant walks and sits out 
 in this beautiful country, and especially in the park, -which is almost 
 like my own, being just across the road, and so very sweet and 
 retired, and varied by hill and dale, wood and water. . . . Well, 
 dear R., I thought tliou Avouldst be pleased to hear that at present I 
 feel comfortable, and I have no cause to regret having taken this 
 step; but, on the contrary, have great cause to admii-e that goodness 
 which has hitherto helped and made a way where I could once see 
 none at all, and condescended to my great weakness. And surely all 
 this should lead to greater and greater love, more and more pure sub- 
 jection, resignation, entire dedication. And oh, that it may be rendered 
 by me, a poor weak, vmworthy one, at all times and in all places where 
 my lot may be cast. . . . This little meeting is indeed a gi'eat 
 change after Croydon. ... I think we had only four men and 
 five women on fourth day, and the same on First day evening; but 
 they have been seasons of favour to thy poor friend, and I desire to 
 receive it hvmably as a token for good, that I have not followed a 
 vain shadow, and so intended as a stimulus to closer attention to little 
 pointings for the future. . . . 
 
 L. A. Baeclay. 
 
 To i -^'e*^"^^ 
 
 9th Month, 1838. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 The feeling of sisterly love that I believe we have one for 
 another, encourages and stimulates me to take up the pen to thee in 
 the cross, and thus to run the risk of consequences. This is one way, 
 I apprehend, in Avhich we should lay down our lives (aU that our 
 natures have a life in) for our dear brethren and sisters, in the faith- 
 fulness of true love; and I have a little faith that thou wilt not, my 
 beloved friend, put a wrong construction on anything that follows. 
 I have felt a great, I trust a godly jealousy, lest you were getting out 
 into the spirit of the world, whether it be in the furniture of rooms, 
 or table equipage, or the dress of your dear children, and it has 
 gi'ievcd me, feeling as I do a near love for you, and a desire that you 
 might be consistent upholders of our ancient and precious testimony 
 for Christ, the blessed and unchangeable truth, whose Spirit ever was 
 and ever will be contrary to the worldly spirit, and leads His faithful 
 
156 
 
 A SKLKCTrON FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1838. 
 
 followers to deny self and all worldly desires. I am sensible 
 somewhat may be said to extenuate such feeling as to going into a 
 larger house, and more spacious rooms, requiring new furniture, &c. 
 
 But oh, my dear -, things creep over us by very small degrees, 
 
 hardly perceptible perhaps at first, and it may be under very plausible 
 reasons which the enemy finds out to persuade us with, as of things 
 wearing better or being more economical in the end, or perhaps more 
 useful, if made a little more like the fashion, or not quite so strait 
 and plain ; and that we must not be quite so particular, else it will 
 be as bad as putting on ornaments, &c. And if we listen to any of 
 his excuses, and smother, and put by the least feeling of uneasiness 
 relative to these things, because they seem so small, I believe we 
 shall fall from one degree of clearness of vision, and of strength 
 for acting, to another, until, at last, we shall become so weak 
 as to get into the use of such things as, a few years ago, we should 
 have reprobated in others, and shall so lose our clear-sightedness as not 
 to see any harm in this or the other, nor what is required of us as a 
 testimony, and so become gradually mingled with the world in its spirit. 
 
 Oh ! my dear friend, my mind has been much and often deeply 
 exercised on this subject for many mouths past (especially in attend- 
 ing our select meetings), for it does appear to me lamentably true, 
 that " the leaders of my people cause them to err" even in these that 
 are considered minor matters. Our ministers and elders who ought to 
 be patterns to the flock in all things are sadly examples on the 
 contrary of shaking hands with the worldly spirit ! I cannot see 
 how such can be rightly able to testify to the cross (which is the 
 power of Grod), nor yet against the spirit of the world, when their own 
 conduct knocks down what they preach ! Oh, then, that we may be 
 willing to be searched by the light of Christ in all things ; let us 
 arise in His might, and shake ourselves from the cumbering dust of 
 the earth, that we may be able to shine forth to His praise, even in 
 His heavenly radiance, and that nothing may hinder our being 
 faithful workmen and workwomen for Plim. Thus shall we truly 
 contribute to the advancement and spreading of His blessed kingdom 
 of light, life, and truth ! 
 
 Trusting thou wilt excuse anything that looks like improper free- 
 dom in this (for one who does indeed feel herself to be but a poor 
 weak child in the spiritual life), and set it down to true sisterly love, 
 I remain, &c., 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
1838.] . LYDIA ANN BARCLAT. 157 
 
 To . - / vr^ ^2-*»***' 
 
 9th Month, 1838. 
 
 Dear , 
 
 I thouglit as I sat by tliee in preparative meeting yesterday, 
 I felt somewhat of the flowings of Gospel love towards thee, earnestly 
 desiring that, through an unreserved surrender of thy heart to the 
 melting, qualifying power of Christ, the ever blessed Truth, thou 
 mightst be enabled, rightly and increasingly, to come forward to the 
 help of His good cause. Oh, it is the pliableness and svibmission of 
 our ways and wills to the good wiU and way that He wants, that He 
 may mould us after His heavenly image in true righteousness and 
 holiness, and that He may bring us more and more into His most 
 sweet and happy way of the true peace and union with Himself ; and 
 in order to this good and gracious end, He exercises us in a variety 
 of ways, turning His powerful and tendering hand upon us, some- 
 times in a very pinching and proving way, to bring us down, and to 
 make us tender to the touches of His love, and submissive to the 
 discoveries of His Divine will — which is always in opposition to our 
 own inclinations (which are corrupt by nature), as well as to the 
 spirit of the world. Now, my dear young friend, I would affection- 
 ately encourage tliee wholly to yield up to Him even in the smallest 
 things; be faithful in the little degree of liglit and strength that He 
 gives thee, and this is the way to have more: an increase of light to 
 discover, and strength to follow, the leadings of Him thy good shep- 
 herd; and I do believe He will give thee to see thou must take up 
 the cross more fully in regard to little things in thy dress than thou 
 hast done. He will give thee to feel a little secret uneasiness with 
 this and the other article, which, thougli apparently small, may 
 proceed really from the root of pride and vanity in ourselves, and 
 please it or strengthen it by example in others. Oh, my dear, listen 
 not to the reasonings of thy own mind, or of others for it, but mayest 
 thou listen to the gentle word of Christ's Spirit, and yield to this 
 little secret uneasiness which He gives thee to feel against the thing; 
 for this thou wilt be accountable; therefore, to this be thou obedient, 
 and more shall be given — more acquaintance with His precious voice, 
 and with His heavenly peace, such as thou hast no idea of now; for 
 oh, how great is the Lord's goodness to them that fear and acknow- 
 ledge Him before men ! Fear not with man's fear, nor mind their 
 reasonings. Nothing is small to us that Christ's Spirit (however 
 
158 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1838. 
 
 gently) draws us out of, wliich always did and does testify against 
 the worldly vain spirit. If we really felt things small, we should 
 not mind parting with them for His sake. I acknowledge there is 
 mucli formality amongst us — much want of life, even with a plain 
 outside; but oh, let not us, from fear of this error, be deterred from 
 yielding up to our Saviour's crucifying power, but shake hands yviih 
 what is not of Him, lest He should deny us as His dear disciples at 
 the last day. 
 
 But though I write thus, dear , I am not unmindful that 
 
 thou hast been helped to make some little stand in these things 
 ah'eady; but I want thee to foUow on to greater degrees of faithful- 
 ness and fruitfulness, that thou mayest be a way-mark to others of 
 thy family, and a blessing to them. Oh, it is the willing and 
 obedient that are blessed with the fatness and good things of spiritual 
 Canaan, the land of true rest, life, and peace; and it is they who 
 hear Christ's words in then* soul, and do them, to whom He delights 
 to manifest Himself more and more; yea, He says of such an one, 
 " My Father will love him, and we will come and make our abode 
 with him." That this may be our blessed experience, my dear 
 young friend, to the glory of God, the peace and comfort of our 
 souls, and to the spreading of Christ's heavenly kingdom in all 
 others around us, is the earnest desire and breathing of thy sincere 
 and affectionate friend, who often feels (and oh that I may stLU more 
 and more) very poor, and weak, and unworthy to hand even what 
 may be compared to a cup of cold watei-, to a dear feUow-traveller, 
 whereby the good thing in him may be strengthened or revived; but 
 oh, if it should ever be the case, may the Lord alone have the i^raise, 
 and let aU flesh be abased before Him, in grateful love and pure 
 service for ever. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To J. AXD S. D. ^ 
 
 10th Month, 1838. 
 
 My dear Friekds, 
 
 Though a very poor, weak, younger sister, I thought I felt 
 my mind brought into tender sympathy with you, under the prospect 
 of the service you are enteruig upon, and yielding to it, I thought it 
 seemed with me to do my little best towards strengthening your 
 hands by expressing as much ; for I know in my own experience 
 that the feeling of even a little child has sometimes been permitted to 
 
 # 
 
1838.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BAKCLAY. 
 
 159 
 
 be helpful to me. Ob, my dear friends, I do believe you are called 
 and fitted for tliis good work, and how earnestly does all that is living 
 within me desire that you may flinch not from ought that is required 
 at your hands, nor shrink from that deep inward exercise wherein 
 alone you will be given clearly to see it. " Sanctify the Lord of 
 Hosts himself, and let Ilim be your fear, and let Him be your dread," 
 and then, indeed, will He " be for a sanctuary " to you amidst all 
 reasonings or disquieting thoughts, either in yourselves or others ! 
 Oh, it is His work you are going upon — what need to guard against 
 doing it deceitfully, on the one hand, and from not coming up to His 
 help against the mighty, on the other ! Oh, may you be like a 
 people of old who " jeoparded theu* lives unto the death, even in the 
 high places of the field ! " 
 
 May we, whilst endeavouring with warmth to cherish that which 
 is good and tender in any, ever guard against strengthening them in 
 what we see and feel to be wrong, and what the testimony of truth is 
 against, otherwise we shall not be faithful testimony-bearers for God, 
 not truly promoting the spread of His blessed kingdom in the hearts 
 of our dear fellow-mortals ! Let us look not at what one may think, 
 or another may say, however highly we may esteem them, but oh, let 
 us mind the testimony of Christ's Spirit in the secret of our own 
 hearts, the unflattering and faithful witness, and whatever He dis- 
 covers and bids us to do, do it in the little strength which He unfail- 
 infjhj gives us with the discovery, and this is the way to have the 
 weakness and poverty with which our vessels seem to be filled to the 
 very brim, turned into overflowing comfort, strength, and support. 
 
 Farewell, my dear friends ! May the Lord ever fit us and keep us 
 fit for His good and blessed work, by His emptying, humbling, filling, 
 and quickening power, that so we may be strengthened and enabled to 
 bear a faithful testimony for Him, whilst our little day for Him is 
 lengthened out to us, to the gathering of souls unto Him ; and may 
 His blessed name be glorified, magnified, and adored over all, and all 
 flesh be laid low and abased before Kim for ever ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To S. B., 
 
 lleigate, 30iA of IQth Month, 1838. 
 
 Mt dear P^'kiend, 
 
 . . . Thy sympathising allusion to my late bereavement 
 was very grateful. I may appear unto men not to mourn my great 
 
160 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1838. 
 
 loss, but I assure thee there is hardly a day that I do not feel it deeply. 
 We thought and felt like one person. I shared in his feelings, his 
 letters, and his works, from the time of our comparative childhood ! 
 but as thou sayest, there is One who has proved Himself to be a Friend 
 that sticketh closer than a brother. Ah! it was in Him that we were 
 V united, and this union is not destroyed by death ; and oh, may I ever 
 be preserved in Him, who is the life and beloved of redeemed and 
 redeeming souls ! — even by walking in obedience to the light of His 
 Spirit, and then I do trust that a place of rest will be prepared for 
 me (through adorable love and mercy) as was, I believe for my dear 
 bi-other ! I am endeavouring to be diligent in copying his sweet 
 papers, whether I live to see it completed, or not ; it may be for the 
 help of after generations, and to the glory of Him by whose grace 
 (through faithfulness thereto) my dear brother was what he was. I 
 feel it like holding up his righteous testimony, and I fully believe 
 there is much in his remarks to encourage any poor wanderers who 
 may have gone far astray ; for surely he was as a brand plucked from 
 the burning, and as one snatched from the brink of a horrible pit. 
 
 I noticed thy quotation of a remark of his in the fly, relative to myself. 
 I am fully aware of my weakness in that respect, that I do not suffi- 
 ciently hide from outward ken the mourning within; I believe it results 
 from much openness of disposition — that what is felt within will come 
 out ; but I believe that my brother, as well as others, thought I have 
 more gloomy views than I really have, and I know that he and I 
 were one in lamentation when together ; although, before others, he 
 could conceal all and unbend in sweet cheerfulness. This I apprehend 
 was increasingly the case with him, as he approached the confines of 
 eternity, that although the causes for lamentation were even increased 
 in our poor society, yet he was enabled at times to see beyond these 
 trials, being as it were lifted up above the earth, and centered in a 
 blessed unity with Him who sees the end from the beginning; and 
 who is and ever will be the all-sufficient supporter of His poor 
 afflicted people ! Ah ! dear S., I often fear and feel that I am thought 
 a poor, gloomy, narrow-minded, eccentric body ; this I own is often 
 the cause of discouragement to me, yet I do increasingly desire to be 
 content to be thought amiss of, and ever to be despised ; for all who 
 desire to live faithfully, must be content to suffer this kind of persecu- 
 tion — but it is enough for the disciple that he be as his Master, and 
 woe is to those who are spoken well of. I feel that a narrow 
 path is that in which I must walk, to testify against the nicety and 
 
1838. 1 
 
 I.YDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 161 
 
 luxury, and superfluity that has so sadly overrun our society — and is 
 there any other but a narrow path to the kingdom we ought first of 
 all to seek after ? for there are but two paths, and we know where 
 the broad one of selfish gratification certainly leads to ! But, alas, is 
 there not a cause for lamentation and mourning, when we see so many 
 who make a high profession attempting to reconcile a broader path 
 therewith, by shaking hands with the workUy sjjirit both in themselves 
 and others, under many and plausible pretexts? Thus are they ceasing 
 to be clear testimony-bearers for God, and are weakening the hands 
 of those who desire to be faithful ; and thus are they so imperceptibly 
 mingling us with others, that by and by there will be no difference. 
 But I do trust a living remnant will be preserved, though it be but a 
 very few, faithful to Him who hath called them out of the worldly 
 spirit, its fashions and customs, maxims and manners, friendships 
 and worships ; and these, though they be but as solitary beacons up 
 and down the country, will be as patterns of primitive times, way- 
 marks to others, and as a dew from the Lord. May their number be 
 increased, and may they be strengthened in His name, and preserved 
 low in His fear to the end of their day for Him here below. 
 
 Thou alludes to the appointment for visiting families ; oh ! I have 
 felt greatly exercised about it. I fear that weakness and unfaithfulness 
 will rather be strengthened than otherwise amongst us, in different 
 parts of the kingdom, from appointing those who are not clean-handed 
 themselves, to go and visit and admonish Friends on these important 
 subjects ! How is it possible such can do so rightly ! and how very 
 few are really clean-handed amongst us ! and those that are, oh, that 
 they may, without fear, favour, or affection, do their Lord's work, 
 not fearing to lose the favour of man, by speaking the truth. Oh ! 
 we must love our Master more than father or mother even, or our 
 own life, and not covet man's favour or good esteem ! It is an evil 
 covetousness, and will eat out the life. 
 
 Farewell, with love, I remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay, 
 
 To . 
 
 12th Month, 1838, 
 
 Oh ! my dear friend, I unite with that which is good in all, 
 even the simplicity, the sincerity, the uprightness, the faithfulness in 
 all, and I believe it is accepted of our heavenly Father, for it is Hia 
 
 M 
 
162 
 
 A SELECTION PROM TUE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1838. 
 
 own begetting ; but what 1 lament over, and what I cannot unite with 
 is the unfaitlifuhiess iu any, and I believe it is this that dims the eyes 
 and weakens the hands of many who are seeking after and desiring 
 after good, both within and without our pale ; and this is from yield- 
 ing to the enemy's reasonings, who thus is keeping them, as dear J. 
 says, in the twilight, or from coming to the pure dispensation of the 
 Gospel, which is the dispensation of the Son in Spirit, the power of 
 God. I believe the enemy is very cunning, and would not draw 
 them away from anything that appears to be very good, and taking, 
 and plausible, and even scriptural — this would be to defeat his own 
 purpose ; but he seeks to draw them away from the inwardness, the 
 inward exercise of mind, where the attention is wholly given up to 
 the smallest discoveries and leadings of the light or Spirit of Christ, 
 which he knows very well will effectually dispel him and his darkness 
 out of the heart ; and if he can thus succeed by his subtle reasonings 
 to draw us from or cause us to despise the least glimmerings of the 
 light, he knows we are not likely to have more light, but rather 
 gradually to lose tha little we have, and even to doubt about all that 
 we have known and felt heretofore. I believe it was, indeed, a dark 
 suggestion of his, " Are there any that be saved ? " and to increase 
 and confirm it, he gave thee to suppose that all the true Friends 
 thought the same, which is a lie. 
 
 Thou alludes to Isaac Penington's sweet experience of coming to 
 partake of that which he had long wanted. Dost thou not notice how 
 it was he came to partake of it? See page 28 of the Introduction to 
 the Selections. And thou wilt find this is the way to obtain the true 
 faith mentioned in page 13 of the Selections, which thou also alludes 
 to. Do read that piece, beginning at page 212, the whole of it, with 
 thine eye looking up to Him who can alone give thy heart to feel 
 these things ; but especially mark the paragraph beginning thus 
 (p. 215): " Therefore watch against thy understanding and all the 
 workings thereof, as ever thou desirest life," &c. The whole of 
 this piece is peculiarly sweet, and appears to me applicable to 
 thy state. So is also the piece entitled, " Some directions to the 
 panting soul;" also page 395. Indeed, my mind was strikingly im- 
 pressed with it on reading thine, as an answer far better than anything 
 
 I could say. And, my dear , do not suppose that because I send 
 
 thee these extracts from I. P. that I think I have already attained to 
 his stature — oh, no ! I msh it were so ; yet I may not disallow that I 
 humbly trust the Lord has, in adorable mercy, given mo a little taste 
 
1838.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 163 
 
 of it ; and oh ! He has given me exceedingly to long after, and a 
 desire to travail for a further and further partaking of it — ^yea, a full 
 fruition of it ; because I believe I. P. to have been a dear and faithful 
 follower of Christ, and is entered into the joy of his Lord. 
 
 Farewell, my beloved, I feel nothing more to say, except — Do not 
 reason nor be hasty, but keep low, keep inward, keep patient, and 
 breathe to the Lord to help thee. In tender love and affection, I 
 remain thy sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Reigate, 1838. 
 
 My beloved Friend, 
 
 According to promise, I send thee a few lines. I did not 
 at all like taking such a scanty have of thy dear husband; do tell 
 him so, with my dear love. I did not once think we should not 
 probably meet again before he goes, till I was in the coach ; but he 
 knows full well that a true feeling of sisterly love and sympathy 
 with him, under the prospect before him, is not confined to words. 
 I trust he will be strengthened from day to day for the work and 
 suffering of each day, however poor and stripped he may now feel. 
 It is no doubt our good Master's way to prepare us for His service, 
 to bring us, as it were, to an extremity of need, that He may prove 
 our faith and simple obedience, and teach us pure dependence on 
 His almighty arm alone for continual support and strength. My 
 heart will go with him amongst those little meetings and thereaway, 
 longing for the spreading of and the yielding to the Gospel, the 
 power of God, which is preached in every creature, and is glad 
 tidings, indeed, to them that believe and obey it in its smallest 
 manifestations or puttings forth. I feel for him, especially in the 
 public meetings; I suppose it will be the first he has appointed, and 
 must be truly exercising in prospect. Well, may he trust in the 
 name of the Lord and stay himself upon his God. The Lord is 
 sufficient for His own work; and it matters not many words, so they 
 are but His words, fetched up from the deep springs of life. I often 
 think the people of other persuasions can taste whence words 
 proceed; and they do want to be drawn from the many words 
 without to the Juiving Word within. I shall often think of him, and 
 hope he will sometimes, when favoured with heavenly good, remem- 
 
164 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1839. 
 
 ber me, a poor weakling of the flock (if, indeed, one of it at all), 
 almost at her wits end and ready to sink. 
 
 It has been a pleasure to me to have dear H. here ; she has been 
 very sweet. We read a little of Fenelon together in French. She 
 has a good . idea of translating, and a pretty good pronunciation. I 
 told her I should like, if she came to spend two or three weeks with 
 me, for us to regularly take up some studies together. I talked to 
 her a little about the employment of her time now that she has left 
 school, and what a great advantage she would find it (not only now 
 but hereafter in life) to lay out her time with some little plan or 
 method, so as to keep up what she has gained at school, and to go 
 on improving too, and yet not to encroach improperly on the time 
 she has for domestic or needlework. Where the whole day is before 
 a young person without any regular employment — that is, only doing 
 such things as may happen to come to us, and these chiefly 
 not mental occupations — the mind becomes vacant and too relaxed, 
 Avhich, I think, is felt in after life when settled. I hope thou wouldst 
 not think me too advising; but I advised her, if she could (after a 
 little assistance in domestic matters perhaps), to try and get an hour 
 or so, between breakfast and dinner, to read a little and exercise 
 herself in French, also in arithmetic, also some instructive, improving 
 reading, such as natural history or biography, and then she would 
 still have the afternoon for needlework, and listening to or reading, 
 perhaps, a Friend's journal, conversation with dear father and 
 mother, and meditation. Perhaps thou thinks I am expecting too 
 much ; but I remember my own feelings when her age, and I had no 
 one to advise me, but I have felt the advantage of learning a good 
 method. 
 
 It seems very pleasant to be here again. Friends seemed very 
 kindly to gi'eet me; but I felt such a very poor creature. I want to 
 increase in an inward exercise of mind, in and out of meetings, that 
 I might witness the Lord's power rising above all, regulating aD, and 
 persevering amidst all. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To J. D. v'^n^iw XJiic^-^.^ 
 
 \st Month, 1839. 
 
 I feel uneasy to omit acknowledging in this vay that I have 
 felt much sympathy with thee since the monthly meeting, and the 
 
1839.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 165 
 
 language that seemed much with me in reference to thee was, " Be 
 strong and of a good courage." Let not thy heart be dismayed in 
 looking at the awful station to which thou art called, and the respon- 
 sibility of it, neither let it be afraid in feeling thy weakness and 
 incapacity in thine own seK to act for thy God as a father in the 
 Church ; for the Lord thy God He it is that doth go before thee and 
 lead thee, whilst thou art engaged to seek unto Him, and to lean onlij 
 on Him. "He will not fail thee nor forsake thee," as thou cleavest 
 close unto Him, " only be thou strong and very courageous" that thou 
 mai/est observe to do according to all the law which " thou hast 
 received ; turn not from it, to the right hand or to the left, that thou 
 mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest — have not I commanded thee ? 
 Be strong and of a good courage — be not afraid, neither be thou dis- 
 mayed ; for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." 
 Oh ! how encouraging, my dear friend, to the drooping mind is 
 this language, addressed to Joshua formerly ; and I think it is 
 further said, " This book of the law shall not depai't out of thy 
 mouth, but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou 
 mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein ; for then 
 thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good 
 success." Oh, it is so, my dear friend, is it not ? I know thou feels 
 it so, that it is not the appointment or acknowledgment of men that 
 is all that is necessary, or that can qualifyTus for what the Lord calls 
 us to in His Church ; but oh ! it is that inward waiting and deep 
 exercise of soul before the Lord day by day, that meditating in His 
 law written in the heart, which I do believe thou art no stranger to, 
 but endeavours after. It is this that will enable us to be strong in 
 His might and wisdom, and not our own, and to be very courageous, 
 and this surely is very necessary in these days of shrinking and fear, 
 in order that we may observe to do all that He gives us to see is ac- 
 cording to His pure inward law. Oh, then, let us thus seek after His 
 strength, yea, let us wait for His weakening us in ourselves, and wait 
 for His sti-engthening us in Himself, and then we shall be strong 
 indeed — our hands shall not he weak, but we " shall go from strength 
 to strength," appearing continually before God, who will strengthen 
 us to work faithfully for Him, not looking at this dear brother or the 
 other dear sister, but going simply forward in fearless faithfulness, 
 and thus our hearts will be still praising Him, ever overflowing with 
 His love, and praise, and honour, and our work shall be rewarded, 
 our " labour shall not be in vain in the Lord." 
 
166 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1839. 
 
 Thus much I thousht I would write thee in tender sympathy, 
 though sensible of my own very childish state, remembering my own 
 feelings on being recommended to the select meeting, and desiring also 
 to be thy companion in this inward exercise — for nothing else mil do 
 for us in this day, I do believe, wherein many must be, if they are in 
 any way living, the^sore trials and baptisms of those who attend these 
 meetings; for surely is it not from thence thattheevil spreads all overour 
 camp, when priests and prophets are out of the Life? — foritmay be said 
 now as formerly, "Like priest like people," and "The leaders of my 
 people cause them to err." But the Lord is sufficient for His little 
 ones, though they be but as ones and twos, scattered here and there, 
 a feeble few, but desiring to be faithful to Him alone. He is their 
 only hope, and help, and staff, and strength ; He will not fail nor 
 forsake them, as they keep their integrity to Him, and serve Him 
 with a perfect heart, but will show Himself strong on their behalf, 
 and preserve them unto the end, to praise and bless His name for 
 ever and ever ! So be it, saith my poor soul. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To S. B. 
 
 V2th of 2nd Month, 1839. 
 
 My endeared Friend, 
 
 What a mercy thy life was spared from that accident! 
 Surely what canst thou not render to Him who has dealt so tenderly 
 with thee; and He is able to make thy way before thee, to lay low 
 mountains of difficulty, to scatter the mists of doubt, to calm the 
 waves of conflict, yea. He can enable thee to run through a troop of 
 dismaying fears, and to leap over a wall of opposition; and as thou 
 more and more yields up thyself to be led and guided as His devoted 
 and blind servant, He will make darkness light before thee. These 
 things will He do and much more, and not forsake thee in the 
 needful time. Oh, that we may be companions together, dear S., in 
 serving Him with a perfect heart and willing mind, yet more and 
 more than we ever have done ; for He reigns over all, and can bless 
 us in all and through all ! I received thy acceptable letter on my 
 
 return home from attending the quarterly meeting, where I 
 
 took a minute for holding a meeting at ; and, through adorable 
 
 goodness and mercy, I was enabled to discharge this little debt of 
 long standing, to my relief, as well as to cast oif a little burden in the 
 Women's quarterly meeting, though a great trial to natui-e. 
 
1839.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 167 
 
 I was much pleased to hear of thy little turn out, and have no 
 doubt it was for good cvci'y way. Thy accoimt of the little company 
 
 at interested me much ; but I have no prospect of going that 
 
 way, and feel much straitened now from travelling for mere change. 
 If I am but favoured with strength of body, as well as ability of 
 mind, to do what little may fall to my lot in the way of testimotiy 
 for my good Master, this is all I long for, and to be enabled to lay 
 
 down the body in peace at last. I had from an interesting 
 
 account of quarterly meeting. "What a nice conclusion they 
 
 came to about the visiting families; for surely this is what we all 
 want more of — an individual, deep, inward exercise of soul, tliat we 
 may see our duty, and be enabled to do it; and unless these visits 
 are performed by those of clean hands, I fear weakness will be greatly 
 confirmed upon us, instead of helped out of. And I fear this has 
 already been the case. For where are the clean-handed ones to be 
 found amongst us ? Alas ! alas ! both ministers and elders are 
 examples of shaking hands with the worldly spirit ! Some may be 
 plain in their own dross, but look at their children, their houses,- 
 their tables, their equipages, knd way of living; there is more of 
 self-gratification than self-denial in all these things. Oh, it knocks 
 down all they preach, or else hampers them and ties their hands. 
 
 Well, dear , we must not look out at others, let them do as they 
 
 may; let us cleave close to the dear Master, and look at the pattern 
 which He has shown us is consistent with His Spirit, which ever 
 was and ever will be opposed to the wofldly spirit. Oh, we want an 
 increased attention to little things amongst us; it was in this way 
 our dear ancients grew and throve, by minding the day of small 
 things, giving up to little feelings of doubt, or hesitation, or repi'oof, 
 or inclination, in regard to every thing ; instead of which we smother 
 and quench all, and then say — we don't see, or we feel easy 
 with this or the other. If we shut our eyes we can't see. Oh, how 
 do I long after more of this inward attention to little pointings, this 
 pliableness and subjectedness of spirit ! Let us crave it for one 
 another, dear S., for this is the way to growth and fruitfulness. 
 
 My health, through Divine favour, has been better this winter than 
 I at all expected, though I do not feel very strong. I feel this situation 
 a comfortable home; and though sometimes rather solitary, yet I 
 often think it is well to sit alone and keep silence in this cloudy and 
 dark day. My great fear is, lest I should sit down too much at rest 
 in this corner, and not work while it is day, in that little humble way 
 
168 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THK LETTERS OF 
 
 [1839. 
 
 that I ought in this part of the heritage. . . . The Lord is all- 
 sufficient for His poor tried remnant, and no doubt will do them 
 good in and through all, and preserve them amidst all, as they cleave 
 closely to Ilim in fear, faithfulness, and humility; and He can make 
 a way for their deliverance where they can see none, in His own 
 due time, which is the best, as patiently waited for. 
 Farewell, very dearly, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To M. A. AND C. 'RjOLrift^ 
 
 Keswick, 10th of Ath Month, 1839. 
 Mt beloved Friends and Sisters, 
 
 As I lay awake one morning last week pondering your — 
 and your dear partner's — allotment in this part of the heritage, both 
 of suffering and of service, my mind seemed introduced into great and 
 precious nearness Avith you, and clothed with tender sympathy for 
 you, and I seemed to be one with you, though in my smaller measure 
 of service and of suffering ; and then it seemed very encouragingly 
 brought to my remembrance, how it was with poor Nehemiah 
 formerly, who was solitarily situated and in cajitivity, yet whose 
 heart the Lord stirred up, after he had mourned and wept and fasted 
 certain days, to seek after the restoring of the walls of Jerusalem, and 
 the good hand of his God was upon him and opened his way before 
 him. How did he yield to this good hand which was upon him! and 
 oh, it was both good and mighty upon him I How did it work for 
 him and support him above all fears and dangers ! and he went and 
 viewed the walls which were broken down, and the gates which were 
 consumed with fu-e, even in the night season and alone, and with 
 great difficulty did the beast that was under him pass along, and he 
 had not as yet told anything either to the Jews, or to the priests, or 
 to the nobles — not even to the rest that did the work. And after that 
 mournful view then it was laid upon him to say to them, " Ye see 
 the distress we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste and the gates 
 thereof are burned with fire. Come, and let us build up the walls of 
 Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach." And no doubt they felt 
 the good hand that was upon him, and they said, "Let us rise up and 
 build." So they strengthened theii* hands for this good work ; and 
 when they were laughed to scorn, and despised, and accused of re- 
 bellion, he answered and said to them, " The God of Heaven He will 
 
1839.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 169 
 
 prosper us, therefore we His servants will arise and build ; but ye 
 have no portion, nor right, nor memorial in Jerusalem," testifying to 
 whom was his allegiance supremely, and that he acted from the Divine 
 putting forth or word of command, which word should prosper in the 
 thing whereto it was sent ; but they were strangers to it, and there- 
 fore could neither properly judge nor safely oppose. How encouraging 
 is all this to the humble waiters, the patient, mournful sufferers, 
 yet faithful workers in the Lord's power, though but a feeble few ! 
 And it is striking to see how that the daughters also joined with their 
 brethren in repairing the walls — encouraging to us poor weaker 
 vessels, and the first in transgression ! How wonderfully were they 
 helped to build the walls even in troublous times, and in the midst 
 of much indignation and mockery from their enemies, who said that 
 their waU might be broken down even by a fox, and wondered how 
 these feeble ones could think to fortify themselves, and revive the 
 stones out^of the heaps of burnt rubbish ! And when they heard that 
 the breaches began to be stopped they were very wroth, and con- 
 spired to come and hinder the work ; nevertheless, the prayer of these 
 feeble ones was unto then- God, and He enabled them to set a watch 
 against the enemy, and to be both valiant with their warlike weapons 
 in the one hand, and diligent and strong to build with the other hand, 
 both early and late ; and the language of encouragement in and 
 through Nehemiah to his fellows was, " Be not afraid of them ; 
 remember the Lord, which is great and terrible." And when the 
 enemy found he could not succeed in hindering the work openly, he 
 tried seducing means, endeavouring to ingratiate himself with Nehe- 
 miah, withal surmising a revolt ; but he refused to join hands with 
 the enemy, or to flee to save his life from their designs, but his answer 
 was, " I am doing a great work, why should it cease whilst I leave it 
 and come down to you ? " and " there are no such things done as 
 thou sayest, but thou feignedst them out of thine own heart" — and 
 he was enabled to withstand and detect the false prophecies of the 
 prophets and prophetesses that were hired by the enemy to make him 
 afraid, and thus to sin, that they might have matter for an evil 
 report and to reproach him. 
 
 I thought there was encouragement for some of us who feel our- 
 selves to be few and solitary and very feeble, in I'emembering this 
 instructive portion of scripture, that we may be animated to fearless 
 faithfulness, endeavouring to work for our good Lord, as He puts it 
 into our hearts, and gives us ability ; and we know not how we may 
 
170 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1839. 
 
 be instrumental by our example, in stirring up others to a noble zeal 
 for the truth — for one may in the Lord's might become as a thousand, 
 and a veiy feeble one as a strong nation. He is able to sustain His 
 poor and afflicted people amidst all their sore exercises and deep 
 baptisms. He knows hoiv it is with them, beholds their secret tears, 
 and hears their secret sighs, yea, their groaning is not hid from him ; 
 " He will keep them as the apple of the eye." In all their afflictions 
 he is afflicted, and the angel of His presence is with them, does sup- 
 port them, and in due time will save them. Ho will bring them with 
 songs of deliverance unto Zion — yea, " the Lord shall reign over 
 them in Zion, and they shall Avorship Him in the holy mount in 
 Jerusalem." What shall then be answered the messengers of the 
 nations ? That " the Lord hath founded Zion, and the poor among 
 His people shall trust in it." 
 
 My heart will go with you two dear sisters where you are going ; 
 may the Lord prosper His work in your hands, preserve you deep in 
 spirit, cleaving close to and leaning wholly on Him, who will be suf- 
 ficient for you I know, and give you to praise His name. 
 
 I feel it a great comfort to have been helped on thus far ; but I 
 expect I must give up anything more at this time, my chest being 
 greatly affected now ; my voice is quite gone, and I think I must 
 hasten home, so I hope the resignation of the will is accepted instead 
 of any farther outward labour hereaway. 
 
 Farewell, my dear friends. Your kindness to poor me, I trust, will 
 be amply rewarded by a " better hand." If favoured to meet again 
 it will be sweet ; if not, may the Avill of the Lord be done and suf- 
 fered in us, which is our sanctification. With dear love, I remain 
 your nearly united and affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 « 
 
 Norwich, 11th of Ath Month, 1839. 
 
 My DEAR C, 
 
 The letter thou kindly forwarded and crossed affected me 
 much. It contained an account of dear E. E.'s removal from this 
 state of trial and probation to a heavenly home ; but, though affecting 
 to nature, my spirit seemed to rejoice with her's, believing she is 
 gone to her Master's rest and joy. And how do I crave to be so 
 permitted, if so be I may be prepared, when He sees meet ! Thy 
 
1839.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 171 
 
 account of thyself and some home matters was comforting; but 
 somehow I do not think at all about you, having left all and 
 committed all with my own soul to the care of Him whom I desire 
 to serve with ray whole soul, and with my whole heart; and verily 
 I can testify He is a good Master, and a rich rewarder, even of the 
 very poorest and meanest looking services. 
 
 I will now proceed in my narrative of my poor little travels. I 
 went to Yarmouth as proposed, and attended their very small and 
 poor meeting next morning, to which also came A. and K. S. from 
 
 P , who, after dinner, and an opportunity which followed, took 
 
 me back with them in a post-chaise, which I was glad of, as it was 
 a bitter cold east wind from the sea. The smell of the sea was truly 
 refreshing to me, and I sucked it in all night long at dear old S. B.'s 
 (the blind minister I have told thee about), where I lodged and felt 
 so happy, that I did not know how to leave again. After tea there, 
 we went to meeting next door to her house, and it was a sweet 
 meeting to me in the silent part, which was (as usual with me) very 
 long. There were two young women, not Friends, who, I suppose, 
 seeing a light, thought it was a public meeting : they behaved veiy 
 lightly; and after I had said a few words and sat down, out they 
 went, and then I was able to express more in a different way. And 
 then dear S. B. spoke at some length, and took up what I had said 
 encouragingly; there were several others, not members, besides the 
 (only) five members. S. and M. B. and I sat up till half-past ten 
 in interesting and instructive conversation, and the feeling of sweet 
 unity was very precious. Next morning I was obliged to leave her 
 at nine o'clock and go back to Norwich. When I got there, there 
 was no room in the evening coach, so had to lodge at J. P.'s, and 
 he kindly sent me next morning in his headed chaise to T. B.'s, 
 Wymondham. I felt comforted to be with them; they are a sweet 
 
 family, and so well brought up. I attended W meeting yesterday 
 
 week, going about four miles to it in an open gig and back; a bitter 
 cold wind and a little snow falling; a sweet meeting it was. After 
 dinner, I went in the same way about eight miles to meet the Lynn 
 coach, much enjoying T. B.'s company, which was very strengthening 
 to me. I reached Lynn at nine o'clock. The monthly meeting Avas 
 a time of much favour. Dear C. B. laid before Friends the attend- 
 ing Dublin yearly meeting, also joining her sister in Wales. We 
 had J. D., a nice elder of Tivetshall with us, who was a great help 
 to us all. The minute was drawn up and signed; and it was, I 
 
172 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1839. 
 
 thought, a sweet time. In the second meeting, I had much to do to 
 my trial, and found it very hard work, by reason of what was pain- 
 fully uppermost there; however, I was helped to be faithful and 
 close; to my confirmation, found out afterwards that things were as 
 I felt, and the head of the nail was knocked at through His goodness 
 who helped me. It Avas a day of much relief to me, which was 
 cause for humble gi'atitude. I had also a private time with a young 
 man, an utter stranger, who called in after dinner. On sixth day, I 
 went with dear C. B. in a fly about twelve miles off, to sit with some 
 old Friends. On seventh day, dined and called on the few Friends 
 at Lynn. On First day, was at their meetings, in both of which 
 there were six or eight strangers more than usual. There are some 
 sweet Friends there. On second day this week, I started at seven 
 a.m., accompanied by C. B., to Wells, and had a most cold ride, 
 skirting round the sea coast, with north-east winds blowing from it. 
 We got a second breakfast between eleven and twelve on reaching 
 
 Wells, and then sat with the family there. was there and 
 
 spoke; he seems a precious young man. We then had a sitting with 
 another part of the family, one of whom is confined to her bed. I 
 was silent therein, but dear C. ministered sweetly to them, and I 
 hope it was a comforting time to her. After a hasty dinner, I was 
 taken on in a post-chaise to Holt, to that interesting female's, who 
 has joined Friends by convincement, her father being a clergyman. 
 In the evening we had our little meeting in her family, her husband 
 joining her (as they always do every First day); and such a precious 
 time it was, as I cannot describe. I was greatly afraid of breaking 
 the sweet silence, yet dare do no other. Next day Avent to North 
 Walsham meeting (memorable in old times to me), had a relieving 
 time there; also a little time Avith my kind host and guide, and his 
 wife, and then he drove me in an open chaise here to tea, to my 
 comfort and peace. 
 
 Inflammation (from a cold caught on second day) came on so 
 rapidly that I had no voice whatever all yesterday, and got very low, 
 and thought I must give up the monthly meeting at Norwich to-day, 
 and two others on Fii-st day ; but this morning I was favoured to feel 
 less oppression, and thought I must, at least, try and sit the meeting. 
 80 I did, and lo ! my good and wonder-working Master was pleased 
 not only to put a little word into my heart to utter, but He made me 
 to give forth a clear sound to my humble astonishment; and in the 
 second meeting, also, a few words, testifying to His goodness, for the 
 
1839.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 173 
 
 encouragement of dear M. A. B., whose certificate was there read 
 and signed. I am intending, if so permitted, to be at one of the 
 meetings on First day, viz., at Tivetshall, and I hope my brother, 
 A. R. B., will go with me in a fly; the other, at Wai-ling, I think I 
 cannot accomplish in my weakly state, and feel easy about it. I 
 hope to get home on second day. 
 
 Farewell, very affectionately. Remember I am in good hands, 
 who has indeed dealt very tenderly with me. Thy affectionate 
 friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To J. Richards. 
 
 Near Norwich, IZth of Uh Month, 1839. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Thy affecting letter was forwarded to me in this county last 
 week, or I should have written earlier. It was truly a great shock 
 to my affectionate feelings. I had been intending from week to week 
 to write (to thy dear sister), so that proved that I had had mental 
 intercourse with herj and although in the midst of company when thy 
 kind letter came to hand, yet I seemed for a short space bowed down 
 in inward silence — yea, and lifted up into union with her in the Be- 
 loved, and, as it were, into a joining with her spirit in the angelic 
 chorus of " Blessing and honour, and glory and power, unto Him that 
 sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever ! " And 
 when thus favoured how do the wings of the soul, as it were, flap for 
 joy, and for longing to flee away also, to be for ever at rest in Him, 
 who is our life, and peace, and hope of glory, yet mingled with 
 humble resignation to wait all the days of our appointed time of 
 pi'oving and of suffering — for He is faithful who hath called and 
 promised, who also will strengthen us and will perfect that good 
 work He hath begun, and who is of power to establish us, " and pre- 
 serve us unto His heavenly kingdom." Oh, that it may be so with 
 us, my endeared friend, says all that is alive Avithin me ! Oh, our dear 
 sister is gone to join the just of all generations ! She is not far be- 
 hind my dear brother John, whose loss is revived on hearing of the 
 removal of others, his dear feUow-labourers and fellow-sufferers. 
 Surely we cannot wish their return, but rather adore the hand that 
 has dealt so bountifully with them, and so tenderly with us; and as we 
 bow under, and yield to His good hand that seems so mightily, yea 
 
174 
 
 A SELECTION FROIM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1839. 
 
 provingly laid upon us, I do trust He will be near to support and 
 bear up, to strengthen and to comfort us, who are still travelling on 
 in this vale of tears, even as He was with them all their lives long ; 
 He will be our guide also, even unto death, and give us to glorify His 
 great and ever-excellent name. 
 
 It must have been very trying to you her almost sudden removal ; 
 yet no doubt all was for the best. You were thus both spared much 
 feeling, and I think thou couldst hardly want more evidence than I 
 hnow thou hadst, so thou wouldst rest in a blessed hope, which would 
 be like an anchor, when natural feelings would rise up. And, my 
 dear friend, it is marvellous how thou hast hitherto been supported to 
 attend to thy beloved sister, considering thy own delicate health ; and 
 how tender does tliat hand feel that has taken her away the first ! I 
 have no doubt that as thou hast been helped so thou wilt be still, as thy 
 eye is kept singly looking to the source of all true counsel and direc- 
 tion, and thy soul wholly leaning on that arm of strength which is 
 almighty ; so wilt thou be enabled to fill up her place in your little 
 circle, according to thy measure, and increasingly to follow her 
 precious example, as she endeavoured to follow Christ, witnessing 
 His light to rule and shine forth in all thy conduct and conversation 
 to the glory of our heavenly Father. 
 
 I have been in this county nearly three weeks visiting the meetings 
 of it, and have been, through condescending goodness, helped to 
 accomplish nearly all that has come before me as a duty, though my 
 poor service (if it be any) is in a very little and mean looking way in 
 comparison of others who are very eloquent or fluent ; but if one may 
 but bear a clear testimony in ever so humbling a way, and not stumble 
 any, or do harm to the precious cause, it is all I desire, and will be a 
 great favour if so allowed and strengthened. I have only one meeting 
 to go to to-morrow, and then hope to flee away home on second day 
 in great weakness, having this last week an attack on the windpipe, 
 which lowers me much, and it has been a great exercise of faith to 
 stand up, not knowing that I could bring forth any sound, having lost 
 my voice some days, but my good Master helped me, and I do desire 
 to love and serve Him yet better and better, and to praise His name 
 for ever and ever. 
 
 I think I did write once since being at Reigate. I have continued 
 to find it a comfortable and peaceful home and quiet retreat, and the 
 danger is of loving it too much. My health has much improved, this 
 last winter being milder, and my house very sheltered, and the climate 
 
1839.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 175 
 
 softer : this is truly a great favour, and calls for grateful returns of 
 unreserved dedication. 
 
 Farewell, my dear friend, with dear love, also, to J. B., who must 
 feel the great loss deeply; a mother in Israel gone truly. I remain 
 thy tenderly sympathising and affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay, 
 
 To J. B.'s Sons and Daughters. 
 
 6th Month, 1839. 
 
 My dear young Friends, 
 
 My thoughts have often seemed to travel along with your 
 dear mother, especially in the last day or two that I have fancied 
 her at D., and I think I may say as often as this has been the case, 
 so often have they also seemed to travel to her home, glowing towards 
 you with what I trust is a degree of Gospel love, desiring that you, 
 who I have no doubt feel it sometimes very trying to have parted 
 with her, yet may be daily seeking after ability to do those things 
 that you know would please her, daily seeking to be followers of 
 Him as dear children, who hath thus sent her forth in His service; 
 this will be your way of helping forward His great and good work 
 she is gone about, and then, when He brings her back again to you 
 vsrith the golden sheaves of His heavenly peace, will you also be 
 permitted to share with her in your several degrees, and a song of 
 praise will arise and fill the whole house, as the heart of one man, to 
 Him who doth bless the going forth and the coming in of His little 
 dependent faithful ones. 
 
 And, oh ! my dear young friends, may you come and yield up your 
 hearts to serve the same good Lord, who is rich to all that call upon 
 Him ! I believe you are in degree endeavouring to do so, having 
 felt His precious visitations to your souls ; but oh, let nothing as you 
 grow older hinder your following on to know still more and more 
 of His precious ways and excellent dealings with you, even by im- 
 plicit obedience to one little glimmering of His heavenly light after 
 another, unfolding to you one little thing after another that is con- 
 trai-y to His purity, and is of the darkness, and showing you the clear 
 path of self-denial in peace and safety ; and as you are thus willing 
 as dear obedient children to follow the Lord, sacrificing your own 
 wills in one little thing after another, so you will come to know 
 more and more of His precious goodness and His mighty power. His 
 
176 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1839. 
 
 goings forth in your souls Avill be prepared as the morning, with in- 
 creasing light and strength) and the retui'ning incomes of His love to 
 your souls ■will be as the former and latter rain in their season, bring ■ 
 ing freshness and fruitfulness with them. Oh, then, my dear young 
 friends, how does the language again revive towards you as when 
 with you, " Hearken, oh daughter, and incline thine ear ; forget also 
 thy own people and thy father's house, so shall the king greatly desire 
 thy beauty ; for He is thy Lord, and worship thou Him ! " This may 
 be applied to sons and daughters, for the Church is called the Lamb's 
 bride. Oh ! hearken diligently to the voice of your dear Saviour 
 speaking inwardly in your souls ; incline your ear to His sweet yet 
 piercing words there, forsake all that He requii'es you to part with — 
 yea, even forget it, though it be dear to you as your very home ; for 
 He should be your only Lord, and your whole heart and worship 
 should be given to Him. Start not away from His holy yoke ; 
 rather draw it close about your necks. Love His chains, the re- 
 straints of His blessed Spirit ; be not ashamed of them, let them 
 shine conspicuously as your brightest ornaments in all that you do or 
 say. Let His law be your delight. His testimonies your heritage, the 
 judgments of His Spirit more desu-able than much fine gold — yea, 
 sweeter than honey to your mouth. Thus shall His wisdom and His 
 grace be as a crown of glory, and as an ornament of gold upon your 
 heads ; and He will accept the beauty that He puts upon you, and 
 the meek, quiet, and subjected spirit that is of and from Himself, and 
 is of great price in His sight, and ye shall be His for ever and ever. 
 Oh ! then, hearken unto Him and incline your ear more and more — 
 hear and your souls shall live, and He wiU make an everlasting cove- 
 nant with you that shall not be broken, even the sure mercies of 
 David, and He will betroth you unto Himself for ever. 
 
 Farewell, my dear young friends, in that love which many miles 
 of distance cannot quench. Show this to L. B. and her brother, 
 with my dear love, for my affectionate solicitude extends to them as 
 well as to you, that nothing may nip the opening bud, but rather 
 desu'ing that it may be more and more expanded to the genial rays 
 of the Sun of Righteousness, that more abundant ability may be 
 thereby received to blossom in the beauty thereof, and to bring forth 
 fruit to the praise of the great and good Husbandman, who does 
 indeed bestow much tender labour both inwardly and outwardly. 
 
 L. A. Barolat, 
 
1839.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 177 
 
 To J. R. , 
 
 London, 30th of 5th Month, 1839. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I have very often thought of thee and of thy great loss since 
 I last Avrote thee, as also of her who is gone home, and it has been 
 very sweet to remember her and the last sweet reading we had 
 together in her chamber at Marazion. Oh ! I shall not forget the 
 many SAveet times we were favoured with together there in my last 
 visit to you, and the near unity I enjoyed with her. How comforting 
 it is to reflect that this precious unity and fellowship is not dissolved 
 by death ! Oh, let us travel on after a growth and increase in it, 
 since we have been favoured to taste a little of it, and of the exceed- 
 ing graciousness of the Lord. Oh, come, and let us more and more 
 " walk in the light of the Lord." I am very often reminded of her 
 (and thee also), and speak of her sweet example, as wherever I go I 
 take with me that nice neat work-bag slie made for me. I trust, my 
 dear friend, that " as thy days so wiU be the strength " mercifully 
 handed thee, even at the very moment thou most needs it. It wiU be 
 a pleasure to try and make up her loss towards thy dear nieces, and 
 thy hand will gradually get into the good work, though now it seems 
 formidable, and it will divert thee from dwelling unprofitably on thy 
 bereavement and solitude; lead thee to look continually upwards, 
 and the more we do so the better, though it be even by jiinching times 
 of trial ; for man's extremity is God's rich and blessed opportunity 
 for the display of His wonderful goodness and His mighty power, and 
 how exact and precious is His help then ! Thus we gi'ow, and our 
 experience is enlarged even in these troublous times — our love, and 
 our humble gratitude, and our confiding trust are increased — and the 
 continual language of our heart and conduct will necessarily be, "Let 
 the Lord be magnified." 
 
 Since I last wrote, I have been very ill ; but, through mercy, was 
 raised up again, and helped along to visit the families in my own 
 monthly meeting, directly I got home from Norfolk, to my unspeakable 
 relief and comfort, having had it at heart the last nine months. 
 Praised be the Lord for ever, who makes a way for His poor creatures 
 where they can see none, and enables them to set up their Ebenezer 
 to His praise ! . . . This yearly meeting has been a favoured 
 time, though not without much trial and deep suffering. Most 
 insidious the enemy's baits are to deceive even the elect ; but there is 
 
 N 
 
178 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1839. 
 
 a little Babe of immortal birth to wliich all is clear and open. The 
 select meetings were very comforting I thought. 
 
 Farewell, dear J. Let us look upward, and hope even to the end, 
 holding fast the beginning of our confidence, and then surely we shall 
 not be forsaken or forgotten of our Lord. I remain thy truly affec- 
 tionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To R. B. ^ 
 
 Mt dear Nephew, Sr^r^^/^- ^^S^-k.^^- { 
 
 I am rejoiced to hear that thou hast been strengthened more 
 fully to show what I believe thy heart has long felt, that thy whole 
 desii-e and highest aim is to be a faithful servant of the Lord, a 
 devoted follower of Him who was crucified for us, and whose power 
 will ever crucify us to the world and the things or spirit of it. I say 
 strengthened, for oh ! how unable are we to do the least good thing 
 of ourselves ; how does our weakness, and the reasonings which the 
 enemy suggests, continually rise up to oppose this good work, this 
 tender desire to be the Lord's only, the Lord's wholly ; but gracious 
 is He and merciful, pitying our weakness, and holding out His hand 
 of help at the needful moment, assuring us that it is He that we feel 
 touching and draAving, and making us willing; therefore we need not 
 be afraid, only believe in His power and He will hold us, as by tlie 
 right hand ; follow Him in simplicity, and He will give us according 
 to the desire which His goodness and love have raised in our heart, 
 enabling us to make covenant -with Him, even by sacrifice ; for these 
 are His precious ones, whom He is redeeming more and more to 
 Himself that He may bless them. And I believe He has graciously 
 accepted thy burnt sacrifice, and the peace-giving smile of His 
 countenance (even if it be only at moments lifted up on thee) will put 
 a most precious joy, yea, a song of praise, into thy heart, and animate 
 thee more and more to lean on Him, and cleave to Him with full 
 purpose of heart. Oh, then, cleave to His power, which alone began 
 any good work in thee, and which alone can carry it on and preserve 
 it. "Wait on the Lord and keep His way," wait daily for His hum- 
 bling. His melting, His strengthening, and His anointing afresh; and 
 keep to what thou knowest and feelest to be of Him, all His commands 
 and restraints and tender leadings, "so shalt thou dwell in the land, 
 and verily thou shalt be fed." Thus keeping His way and walking 
 in His light, thou shalt be fed with food convenient from day to day, 
 
1839.] 
 
 LYDIA .VNN BARCLAY. 
 
 179 
 
 thou shalt be enabled to overcome all things ; be given to partake of 
 tliat blessed fellowship and union wherein Christ is known to rule 
 over all in our hearts, and we to reign with Him, and to possess all 
 things in God, of whom, and through whom, and to whom are all 
 things, to whom be gloiy for ever. " He that overcometh shall 
 inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To •• 
 
 7th Month, 1839. 
 
 Mt dear Sistkr, 
 
 . In looking at thy open kind letter again, I would 
 encourage thee to be faithful to little pointings at all times, even a 
 few foolish looking words, for this is the way to gather strength — 
 when thou feels the Lord's putting forth, and the woe to attend the 
 withholding ; for the more obedient we are, the better we shall be 
 able to understand His tender voice, and the more we shall hear it — 
 whereas "hesitation darkens inspii-ation." I feel such a very poor 
 weakling of the flock (if of it), that I fear my experience will hardly 
 be any Ac/p to thee — but I may own that so great also is nuj fear of 
 uttering a word more than what is clearly given, or of mixing up or 
 patching to anything of my own contriving, that I believe I have but in 
 very few instances ever expressed more than what seemed clearly 
 pointed out before standing up; but, on the contrary, I believe I have 
 often, from fear, and not keeping sufficiently close or inward to the 
 gift, failed in obtaining entire reHef of that which was the burden 
 committed for expression. I have believed in reference to myself, 
 that as greater inwardness is attained and strength permitted, gi-eater 
 enlargement may be witnessed, even whilst speaking — but I desire to 
 be content with the very little that is given, and so to keep to the 
 power (through holy help) as that I may be preserved from both the 
 loss (to others and to myself) of withholding more than is meet, as 
 well as the snare, the great snare, of mixing in anything of the 
 creature's, or spreading out into many words ; and alas ! how greatly 
 has this snare spread amongst us, and the evils necessarily accompany- 
 ing, so that I am often of the belief that many now-a-days will be 
 raised up as living, powerful ministers, who shall be few in words, 
 but deep in power, and very often engaged^ in silent- preachinrj ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
180 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1839. 
 
 To L. C. 
 
 Reigate, 25thofdth Month, 1839- 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 I hope thj dear mother has not suffered from the change of 
 residence, or from the longer walk to meetings, and up hill too ! I 
 am hoping before very long (but this hope is mingled with fear and 
 awe !) to see her, as perhaps thou hast heard that I feel constrained 
 to sit in your families, and was this day week liberated for this awful 
 service. I hope to get a little crumb of bread and drop of refreshment 
 in being with thy dear and valued mother. I look to visit the families 
 in Guildford and Godalming next week. Thou canst not think how 
 very helpful and strengthening was the company of W". and M. Binns 
 at our monthly meeting. Oh ! it was an exercising day, but, through 
 mercy, I was helped through. 
 
 My health is favoured to be middling, as well as I can expect this 
 very cold and wet season, and considering exercise of mind. I shall 
 be pleased to hear of your Western journey in thy answer, which I 
 hope to receive very soon ; and so hoping thou wilt excuse so hasty a 
 scrawl, I remain, with kind love to T. and thy dear mother and J., 
 thy sincerely aifectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To ivVt ^ - ; OC^f .^■'i >■ . 
 
 Reigate, 10th Month, 1839. 
 
 My dear young Friend, 
 
 Since returning home, I have felt my mind drawn to send 
 thee a few lines in the sincerity and love of a faithful friend. Having 
 much love for thy dear mother, I can hardly withhold from her son 
 what may be for his welfare. I felt much concerned for thee in 
 considering that thou wouldst probably be much thro^vn with the 
 
 young man at 's. I thought that, as his parents had left Friends 
 
 prmciples, he would be likely to be similarly inclined, and I feared 
 lest thou shouldst be at all warped aside from what thou hast been 
 brought up in the belief in, and which, I believe, thou hast felt for 
 thyself in seasons of humbling and tendering favour, even the inward 
 revelation of the Spirit of Christ, in and by which He is now to 
 be heard, known, believed in, and obeyed ; for the outward, and 
 shadowy, and preparatory dispensations of Moses, the jJrophets, and 
 
183!).] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BAR<^LAV. 
 
 181 
 
 John the forerunner and baptiser with water, were to pass away, and 
 Christ the beloved Son was to remain, with this injunction, " Hear 
 ye Him." And how is lie to be heard, now that He is no more per- 
 sonally with us, having finished the work given Him to do, and laid 
 down His precious life a ransom and an acceptable sacrifice unto God for 
 us? by His blessed Spirit, by which He is ever with us, even to the end 
 of the world, as He said, "Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end 
 of the world," and " He dwelleth with you and shall be in you ;" " I 
 will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you," that is, in Spirit, 
 by which He knocketh at the door of our hearts, calling to us to open 
 to Him that He may come in and bless us ; and when He calls to us. 
 His voice, though gentle, pierces deep, and His word is with power 
 to enable us to obey, yea, even to run after Him with sweetness and 
 ease, parting with and leaving all behind that would draw us away 
 from Him or a close attention to Him, the beloved of redeeming souls ! 
 Oh ! He is thy best friend. Thou canst never love Him too much, or 
 lean upon Him too^uch, or seek His company too much. He will 
 not flatter thee in any thing that is evil, but will speak the truth to 
 thee; and the move thou art obedient to His voice and loves His 
 company and counsel, yea, and reproofs too, the better thou shalt 
 understand His speech, and the more precious will He be to thy soul. 
 Oh! He will not disappoint thy expectations of Him, but will give 
 thee wonderful counsel, excellent lessons, strength to do all He requires, 
 and grace to help in every time of need. Therefore, love, and don't 
 shrink from the shinings of His light, the reproofs of His Spirit, for, 
 verily, that which convinces of and reproves for the evil, if obeyed, 
 will become our Comforter ; but, if despised and neglected, our con- 
 demnation and judge, as He declared, "He that rcjecteth me, and 
 receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him : the word that I 
 have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." (.lohn xii. 
 48.) 
 
 I would advise thee, ray dear young friend, to avoid much associa- 
 tion with any whose society thou finds to lessen thy attention and 
 cleaving to the gentle monitions of the Spirit of Christ ; for they will 
 not in the end prove good friends to thee, however agreeable they 
 may seem. What will the favour and friendship of any be if thou 
 losest the peace and favour of God ? Rather mayest thou seek for 
 recreation in instructive reading, or a meditative walk in the fields, 
 where all around thee, if thy mind is rightly fixed, will fill thee with 
 innocent enjoyment and sweet praise ; for there is no pleasure or 
 
182 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1839. 
 
 cheerfulness to be compared with that which proceeds from a peaceful 
 sense of God's favour. There is nothing gloomy in religion ; it brings 
 true sweetness and content with it, supporting under all trials and 
 crowning all other blessings ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 10th Month, 1839. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 Ah ! there is a jiart in us that greatly needs to be brought 
 down into the stillness of confiding resignation, into the silence of 
 patient subjection, to that power which alone began every true work in 
 the heart, and which alone also can carry it on and preserve it. Oh! 
 how anxious is this nature in us to know Avhat others think ! What 
 a continual reverting to self on all occasions and in many little ways, 
 but with apparently very good reasons — for it is tJius the enemy con- 
 ceals his snares to draw us out of the sweet and faithful simplicity of 
 the little child, the child that is quieted and weaned of his mother ! 
 But the path of life and safety is for the child of God's begetting, as 
 I. P. says, " the true knowledge of the way with the walking," &c. — 
 [see Selections, page 111, down to "the everlasting inheritance in 
 that."] If we examine ourselves by the light of Christ, we shall find that 
 self is at the bottom of much in us that looks plausible, in many in- 
 stances at the bottom of our discouragements, our fears, our desires, 
 and our actions. A few steps fetched in the life and power of God, 
 in the faith and patience that is of Him, are much safer and sweeter 
 than a hasty progress in the anxious forward spirit. Oh ! then let 
 us keep back to the life, keep close to the power which crucifies self, 
 which will bring down that which is high and exalt that which is 
 lowly and childlike, which will dry up that which is green and 
 spreading, and cause that which appears to be dry and almost dead to 
 flourish abundantly, giving us to rejoice in the wonderful works and 
 the tender dealings of the Lord to us and in us, whose judgments are 
 unsearchable and His ways past finding out — for of Him, and through 
 Him, and to Him are all things, to whom be glory rendered for 
 ever and ever by the whole house of the spiritual Israel ! 
 
 And now farewell, my dear friend. I hope thou wilt receive this 
 in the dear love in which it is written, and, I may add, in tender 
 sympathy also, especially with that which is good and tender and 
 
1839.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 183 
 
 living iu thee, the strength and deepening and preservation whereof 
 I greatly desire. And oh ! I trust I do not write as one that has 
 already attained, but as one that has, both in myself and in others of 
 my dear friends, seen and felt the enemy's snares and attempts to crush 
 the life, and therefore I hope not amiss in testifying thereof, and of 
 that power which as laid hold of enables to overcome, and gives to 
 inherit all things. o 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Beigate, 20th ofUth Month, 1839. 
 
 . . . And now, my beloved friend and sister, in 
 looking back at our goings forth together, my soul seems at times 
 melted under a sense of the goodness and mercy that followed me — 
 mercy towards many weaknesses and goodness condescending still to 
 favour ; it is an unspeakable relief to have been so helped through. 
 "We have been favoured to learn some good lessons together, which I 
 desire ever to remember and profit by. I have sometimes thought 
 there is danger, after being so engaged for several weeks, of getting 
 too much enlarged in words, of getting, as it were, into shallower and 
 more spi-eading water; therefore, as I endeavoured to remember M. 
 Binns' good advice in going along, so I desire now to sink down 
 again as into the deeps, that so I may be favoured with true ability as 
 required to bringup thence the o/ie stone of memorial. And now, my dear 
 friend, oh, that we may be preserved living and learning, yea, learn- 
 ing continually lessons of life, lessons of peace, and lessons of praise 
 to the great and good Master. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To ^yU^t-^e^-^ 
 
 Wth Month, 1839. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I have felt much exercised on thy behalf for some time past, 
 and as it has revived since the monthly meeting, I can do no less than 
 express the earnest desire I feel that the matrimonial step thou art 
 about to take may tend not only to thy present but eternal welfai*e. 
 But, my dear friend, if thou come to witness this to be the case, it 
 must be by its promoting the best life, a growth in the favour of God, 
 
184 
 
 A SELECTION FROM TOE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1839, 
 
 wherein is tlie life of the soul. To this end be careful, both before 
 and after its consummation, to bow thy soul daily before the Lord, 
 that thou mayest know Him to bring all thy nature ii\to pure subjec- 
 tion and humble resignation before Him ; wait upon Him and feel 
 after His melting and quickening power, that he may gice thee to 
 desire that He would make and mould thee as He would have thee to 
 be in all things, even His faithful servant and testimony-bearer. Oh ! 
 watch against the selfish wisdom and will, as ever thou desirest life ; 
 for it will be still deceiving and cheating thee of what the Lord would 
 have thee to enjoy, and waits to graciously bestow upon thee. And 
 it is the Lord who alone can bring it all down to nothing, and He 
 " will be inquired of to do it," and to fill with His heavenly goodness; 
 therefore, wait thou continually on Him, and yield thou to what thou 
 feels of His good jjower in thy heart — shrink not, but open thy heart 
 to what He reveals in thee, and when thou feels and hears, obey with 
 thy whole heart. Thus wilt thou witness the house of Saul to grow 
 Aveaker and weaker, and the house of David stronger and stronger — 
 the power of an endless life to increase, and the light thereof to shine 
 brighter and brighter unto the perfect day, bringing fruitfulness and 
 glory unto God, and peace and blessedness to thyself and all around 
 
 thee. Then, indeed, wilt thou be a true helpmeet to dear -, a 
 
 strengthener and upholder of his hands in all things the testimony of 
 the Lord's blessed Spirit requires, and not in any wise a hindrance or 
 weakener ; then wilt thou be enabled faithfully and uprightly to 
 labour with thy own dear family, as well as become " a succourer of 
 many " others, a faithful " servant of the Church," with good will 
 doing service as " to the Lord and not unto men." (See Col. and 
 Ephes.) 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . / h/ty~t^ ' ' 
 
 Reigate, 11th Month, 1839. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Li looking over those on Avhose behalf I have lately felt 
 exercised, I trust, in Gospel love, thou seemed to come before me, as 
 having felt whilst amongst you, a desire to have some of thy company 
 separately ; but the way did not appear to open for it, so I thought I 
 would take up my pen, and, as matter arose, salute thee in this way. 
 Ah ! my dear M., I believe thou hast felt the Lord's good hand of 
 power to be laid tenderly upon thee from time to time; thou hast 
 
1839.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 185 
 
 heard the secret, though piercing, quickening call — " The Master is 
 come, and calleth for thee." Yes, He calleth for thee to come up 
 nobly in a faithful testimony-bearing for His name, that thou mayest 
 gather others under His banner of love and power, and wax more 
 and more valiant for Him the blessed Truth. Now, oh, what can 
 thou do less, seeing His exceeding tenderness and goodness, than rise 
 up quickly and go forth after Him, away from all natural feelings 
 that would detain or impede thee, that thou mayest be His only. His 
 Avholly — exactly what He would have thee to be — His dear faithful 
 servant, wholly given up to be led about, guided, and governed, and 
 regulated by Him, thy good Lord, the best beloved of all redeemed 
 and redeeming souls. Oh, yes, who or what can be so dear to thee 
 as He is ? Therefore, love nothing so much as Him and His pi-ecious 
 law revealed in thy heart, by which He will daily regulate thee, and 
 teach thee wondrous things, causing thee to understand more and 
 more of His heavenly doctrines, as thou art engaged to be found 
 meditating therein, and walking according thereto, in all the 
 simplicity and humble dependence of a weaned child. Oh, how will 
 this precious law, or word nigh in the heart, work mightily in us, 
 as we shrink not, but yield up ourselves wholly to be formed and 
 operated upon by it, even to the breaking all the hardness of our 
 natures, to the bringing down all the highness of our natures, to 
 the melting the stubbornness thereof, straitening the crookedness, 
 enlightening the darkness thereof, and to the exalting of that which 
 is lowly and hidden under all ! Oh, then, my dear friend, may thou 
 and I increasingly bow (even with a holy magnanimity and resolution 
 of heart) under the woi-king of the Lord's mighty, yet secret power; 
 let Him humble and melt us as He will, and make us vessels of 
 honour in His house, of what kind soever tliat may be; servants of 
 His Church, that He may be glorified in us, by us, and through us. 
 Some have more to contend with in themselves than others of weak- 
 ness, or fear, or doubt, or untowardness; but the Lord's power is 
 sufficient for us all, to bring all down into the blessed and peaceful 
 harmony of subjection to His will, if we do but yield up unto Him, 
 Oh, let us love nothing that is of self or the creature (whatever we 
 have a life in, under whatever plausible pretext) iu comparison of 
 Him. Let all be given up to His good power, and then He will make 
 a way where we can see none; make hard things easy, and things 
 exceeding bitter to nature, to be most sweet; yea, make all things 
 subservient to the purpose of His grace, and fulfil the woi-k of faith 
 
186 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTEES OF 
 
 [1839. 
 
 with power, to His own praise. Ah ! let not the enemy, in any -wise, 
 cast thee into discouragement, or doubt, or fear; hut sink down, and 
 lie down, as it were, under the hand of thy tender God; wait for 
 Him again and again to touch thee, draw thee, quicken faith in thee, 
 and help thee with a little help from time to time; and then thou 
 shalt find, to thy unspeakable comfort, that greater is He that is in 
 thee than he that is in the world, or that works in the selfish nature ; 
 and a song of praise shall live in thy heart to Him who is thy tender 
 helper and thy shield against all the attempts of the enemy; thy 
 resurrection and thy life; yea, thy heart shall be filled with His praise 
 
 and with His honour all the day long. So, my dear , mayest 
 
 thou be faithful, and then I know thou wilt be fruitful, to the praise 
 of God and to the help of many others, and thou wilt be blessed 
 and be a blessing. Surely this, I trust, temporary indisposition is 
 designed to be a renewal of covenant as at Bethel. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . i/A ^X^W 
 
 12th Month, 1839. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I have felt affectionately and earnestly solicitous on thy 
 account since I heard of thy friends acknowledging thee (as a 
 minister), and I fear to withhold the expression of my feeling, though 
 it is with much fear I attempt it, yet, if we fear a snare for our 
 brother, and neglect to be sincere and faithful to him, his blood will 
 be required at our hands. Oh, my dear friend, we want a weight?/, 
 and not a light ministry; living substance, and not mere sound; and 
 this may be the case in few, as well as in many words; therefore, O 
 let us keep bacL to the life — keep out of willing, and running, and 
 haste, and wait patiently that the Spirit may arise purely and stilly in 
 the heart, which gives perfect evidence and full testimony of itself: 
 a few steps taken in the life and power of God are much safer and 
 sweeter, than a hasty progress, in the hasty forward spirit. Oh, 
 what danger is there of being settled down in a light-iueighted 
 ministry, continually up and doing something; whereas, by abiding 
 in the stillness and patience, it may be often shown, that what has 
 presented, even with brightness, is not to be handed to others, but to 
 be dwelt under at home ! And how may the enemy even then bring 
 in a false uneasiness, as if we had done wrong in withholding, that 
 
1838.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 187 
 
 he might lead us into forwardness. But in waiting in the patient 
 stillness, and watching to the light of life, all his wiles will be 
 discovered, and the pure judgment of truth come at, to our humbling 
 instruction and unspeakable comfort, whatever that judgment maybe. 
 
 And now, my dear friend, I liope thou wilt receive these few lines 
 in the dear love in which they are penned, and Avhich I have ever 
 felt flow towards tliee and tliy dear wife. I may truly say, I desire 
 the wounding of none — the discouraging of nothing that is living 
 and tender ; but rather that it may be rightly nourished and strength- 
 ened, so as to grow healthfully, and not into a weak or diseased 
 state. 
 
 I believe I write under a humbling sense of my own great weak- 
 ness and danger of falling every moment. And how do I desire that 
 I may be thus faithfully dealt with and watched over by my dear 
 friends; and more than all, that the Lord, whose faithful minister I 
 desire to be, Avould be pleased yet more and more to show me my 
 own weakness and frailty, to humble and correct me continually as 
 He sees best, and keep me ever low in His pure fear, and in watch- 
 fulness and faithfulness before Him, all my remaining little day for 
 Him here, that flesh may be abased and silent before Him for ever, — 
 that His blessed testimony may be exalted and upheld in its own 
 purity and virtue, and His holy name may be pi'aised, magnified, 
 and glorified over aU for ever and ever ! 
 
 L. A, Barclay. 
 
 To . ^c^c^x^O »'Vt5»-i-<^'«*')'' -> 
 
 Viih Month, 1839. 
 
 My dear Friend and Cousin, 
 
 There is an old saying " better late then never." Since being 
 with you I have felt much on thy behalf, and though it is now some time 
 since we parted, yet I believe I had best be sincere in the faithfulness 
 of ti-ue love. I must own I felt your hospitality and gi-eat kindness when 
 under your roof much and gratefully ; but there was a sadness covered 
 my mind in looking round at the house, and the dear children also, 
 which I did not feel able then to cast oif the burden of. There seemed 
 to me no appearance of self-denial or the simplicity of the truth, but 
 rather of self-gratification and the worldly spirit. It felt trying to me 
 in remembrance of thy dear parents and the station they occupied. 
 And it felt trying to me also in the full belief, my dear younger 
 
188 
 
 A SEI.KCTION FR0:M THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1839. 
 
 sister, that, although we know birth-right cannot give possession of 
 the truth, yet that thou hast not been witliout the tender touches of 
 the Lord's power, persuading thee away from such things and giving 
 thee to admire consistency and faithfulness in any thou hast seen so 
 helped ; so I felt sori'y that thou should in any wise be yielding to the 
 inclmations of nature or the fears of nature, instead of (by yielding 
 to the drawings of grace) coming up in the footsteps of the faithful, 
 answering the pure testimony of Christ's blessed Spirit, both in thy 
 own heart and in all around thee, and thus be gathering to Him, and 
 not scattering from Him ! I believe that (whatever they may say to 
 the contraiy) much lies with the mother and mistress of the house in 
 these respects. It must do so. Oh ! then take care how thou in any 
 wise weakens the good work, the tender work, of the Lord in the 
 hearts of thy dear partner and eventually of thy dear children, by 
 leading them into the worldly spirit and the gi-atiti cation of the vain 
 mind, instead of using a gathering, strengthening influence to draw 
 and help them out of weakness in best life ! even that life which 
 stands in the favour of God, and not friendship and conformity with 
 the world ! 
 
 I know, alas! that there are but few true examples among us, even 
 in those who are in station, I grieve to say ; but oh ! I believe we 
 must not be looking out at others (even the jjrinces of the people), but 
 must mind the dear Master's call " follow thou me ;" and I do believe 
 some of us who have been mercifully blessed ^xith abundance must 
 be willing to make sacrifices even of Avhat we should like very much, 
 that we may set an example of the simplicity which the Spirit of 
 Christ, the ever blessed and unchangeable truth, will ever lead into — 
 not I mean, that we should all be exactly of the same pattern (as I 
 heard dear S. Gr. once say), but we should all be in the simplicity of 
 truth, by subjection to the Spirit thereof. Oh ! this is the unity and 
 the beautiful harmony that is greatly wanted amongst us, even in 
 subjection to Christ's Spirit in all things ; for this is the great Gospel 
 ordinance to which we mxist all submit, in this Gospel-day of the 
 breaking forth of God's power in the hearts of His children and people. 
 Oh then, my dear sister, to the inward law and the inward testimony 
 of God's blessed Spirit, revealed in our hearts, let thou and I 
 increasingly give heed, which will tell us all things that ever we 
 should do, which will make a nice distinction between that which 
 serveth God, and that which really serves Him not, but gi-atifies the 
 vain mind and the worldly spu'it in ourselves and others, and therefore 
 
1839.] 
 
 LYDXA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 189 
 
 serves the enemy of our souls instead of God. Oh ! it will show us 
 the nice and finicking ways, and things that are crept in among us, 
 the superfluities and the downright ornaments and trimmings, and it 
 will bring the Lord's pure judgment (upon them all), and it will 
 strengthen us to cut oflf' all these things, and to cast them away, as 
 not of God nor pleasing Him, (for as W. P. says) with light and 
 sight comes strength to follow as the light leads. And then, I 
 believe, as we are engaged to cut off all our superfluities and orna- 
 ments, like the Israelities of old, through the operation of that leaven 
 or Spirit, that works mightily both within and without, then the Lord 
 would show some of us what further He would do with us in His 
 Church and family, for the honour of His great name, and for the 
 gathering of others under His holy banner of love and power ! Oh ! 
 then, my beloved cousin, let us look to it lest we be robbing the 
 Church of faithful servants, robbing God of His glory, and robbing 
 ourselves of His blessed peace ! 
 
 Farewell, from thy very sincere friend and cousin, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 ^ 12th Month, 1839. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 My mind seemed brought into an exercise and earnest 
 desire yesterday, in our little retirement after breakfast, that I might 
 be faithful in that little portion of service allotted me whilst hereaAvay, 
 whether it be to "warn the unruly, to comfort the feeble-minded, or 
 to support the weak " — and under this feeling of resignedness, thou, 
 my dear friend, wast brought before me in near love and unity, and 
 a desire seemed raised in me that thou mightst be encouraged to in- 
 creasing faithfulness in doing what thy hands may find to do for our 
 good Lord, for the advancement of His precious cause and kingdom 
 in thy own heart and in the hearts of others. Oh, my dear friend, it 
 is time for thee and me, and some others, to come forward nobly and 
 simply and show ourselves on the Lord's side, that He may make us 
 valiant for the truth, and enable us to come up to His "help against 
 the mighty." We can say that His goodness and mercy have followed 
 us all our lives, and what shall we not render unto Him of devotedness 
 to His cause and praise to His name ! Oh, let us not in any wise 
 look outward at what others may think, say, or do — " be not afraid 
 
190 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1839. 
 
 of their faces," and " fear not with their fear," but let us "sanctify 
 the Lord of hosts Himself, and let Him be our fear and our dread," 
 and then " He will be for a sanctuary," for us " a hiding-place and 
 a shield." It is for us above all things else to mind the Master's 
 secret whisperings and smallest pointings, and then He will undertake 
 for us, make a way for us, guide us aright and strengthen, us to take 
 right steps in His fear and in obedience to Him. And how encourag- 
 ing is the declaration, that even a mere cup of cold water handed in 
 His name or power, by which the little good thing in any way may 
 be revived or strengthened, shall not lose its reward. And no matter 
 our weakness and foolishness, if we do but cleave the closer to Him 
 in whom is everlasting strength and wisdom ; it is all the better that 
 we have nothing of our own to lean on, that no flesh may glory in 
 His sight, that all may be of Him, and for Him, and to Him for 
 ever. . . . 
 
 I have believed that there are men and v\ omeu in our monthly meet- 
 ing, who should by this time of day be strong for the Lord and valiant 
 for His precious cause in their different callings and degrees, if they 
 were more nobly and simply faithful to what they have felt and do 
 feel in the secret of their hearts. And oh! what hinders it from being 
 thus Avith them, even honouring the Lord with all their substance, 
 temporally and spiritually, and honoured of Him, growing in His divine 
 and life-giving favour, and in fruitfulness and usefulness in His 
 family. Surely He has not been wanting on His part, time after 
 time, to influence, to touch and draw, and to lay His tender hand 
 upon them in one way or another ; and oh ! may such take heed of 
 robbing Him of His glory, the Church of faithful servants, and them- 
 selves of heavenly peace. There is a false fear, and diffidence hinders 
 some, but this must be crucified in us as much as any other natural 
 obstruction — and oh, if we keep close to the blessed Spirit which 
 touches and draws, and wait in the stillness thereon, it will arise and 
 make manifest all feelings, the root of all, and give a pex'fect 
 evidence and clear testimony of itself, so that we need not doubt; 
 and if we yield thereunto in the faith, willingness, and resignation 
 which is of its own begetting, so it will work, or strengthen to, the 
 obedience, and seal peace to the obedient. 
 
 Then let us, my dear friends — for I would affectionately include 
 thy dear wife too, for you are one in my feeling — let us increasingly 
 yield ourselves up to the tender touches of God's hand of power, 
 which we do often feel to be good upon us, melting our hearts and 
 
1840.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 191 
 
 contriting our spirits, and raising the fervent desire to be His only, 
 His wholly, then shall we more and more know the heavenly increase 
 of light, life, strength, obedience, peace, and praise to Him who has 
 indeed done great things for us. Holy and reverend is His name ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Reigate, 2\st of 1st Month, 1840. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 I have these last few days been often turning towards you 
 and thy dear husband in particular, and long to know how you fare, 
 and he feels. Sometimes I have fancied him very low as the prospect 
 of the time of " showing unto Israel" what is upon him draws nigh, 
 yet; I trust he finds, as he has often done, the good hand to be 
 tender upon him, reviving faith when at a low ebb, and causing to 
 cleave unto that which has been known and felt of the Divine power, 
 whereby strength will be received to bring forth at the right time 
 that which has been begotten, to the praise of Him who is mighty, 
 and who still condescends to do great things for His poor, weak, 
 unworthy little ones, ordaining strength and praise even out of their 
 mouths ! I shall be much interested in hearing of your monthly 
 meeting on fifth day. 
 
 And, my dear sister, I have much unity with thy attending on thy 
 
 dear -, and I earnestly crave, as far as enabled, that thou mayest 
 
 be preserved in your stepping along in the simplicity, watchfulness, 
 and retiredness of the truth, that by a close keeping, and a simple 
 looking and feeling, thou mayest be instrumental to open the door as 
 it were — and that, when it is closing in the Divine fear and power, 
 thou mayest be assistant (by thy spirit) in keeping it so, lest anything 
 should creep in and scatter, or steal away that which has been in 
 mercy left with the visited. Thus will the Lord's pure fear be 
 predominant, the Lord's power do all, have dominion over all, and 
 the praise of all. I hope I have not done amiss in penning thus 
 what seemed to arise, I trust under a humble sense of my own 
 childishness, and in the feeling of near and dear love to all who love 
 and serve the precious cause as you do ; and oh, my beloved friend, 
 let us, as put into our hearts, breathe for one another's help, strength, 
 and preservation, for uideed we have gi'eat need of all the feeling and 
 sympathy and prayers one of another — but thy poor friend more than 
 
192 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1840. 
 
 all. Perhaps I am particularly alive to this subject (the snares and 
 the weakness attending the honour of the cause, and the awfulness 
 of the vocation) just now ; and how do I desire that it may more and 
 more continually be brought before me, lest I should err from the 
 right and pure way ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To ,Mifi^^-^-t-^ -^ ^>-'J 
 
 Rtigate, 2nd Month, 1840. 
 
 Dear M., 
 
 I thought I felt a salutation of love to thee, thy brothers, 
 and H., and considering the vmcertainty of time, it seemed safest to 
 put pen to paper. It felt very solemn and instructive to me last First 
 
 day to sit in dear 's room, and the feeling continued for several 
 
 days, and as I was meditating on the solesrii sight, and was enabled 
 to enter into tender sympathy with you, her dear brothers and sisters, 
 who are more constantly witnesses of it, and more closely tried by it, 
 how earnestly did I desire that you also might be seriously affected 
 and tenderly touched by it, as no doubt is most mercifully designed 
 by our heavenly Father, who never afflicts willingly, nor delights to 
 grieve us, but in compassionate love He touches us in a tender spot, 
 to arouse us to look to Him who doeth it, to feel after Him who thus 
 calls to us, that so we may seek after and find His heavenly favour and 
 peace, which is better than life or all things here below — yea, which is 
 the crowning blessing of all outward blessings, and the life of the soul 
 both here and hereafter ! And whenever I have thought of you and 
 felt for you, which has been, I would affectionately assure you, very 
 often, how have I desii'cd that you, each of you, might be increasingly 
 careful never to yield to do anything Avhich at a future day, when a 
 sick bed and a rolling pillow may be your portion, might in the least 
 degree bring uneasiness over your mind ! I expect it has been a time of 
 
 deep searching of heart with dear , and a gi*eat blessing and favour 
 
 it has been to have such a long time of preparation; but, my dear friends, 
 it will not do for us to reckon on having such a favour. "We know 
 not how we may be situated, and I have no doubt she feels, as many 
 have, that the pains and weakness, and gradual wasting of the poor 
 body, are greatly clogging to the spirit, hindering it from soaring 
 upward to its centre. How important, how deeply important, then, 
 is it that we should, whilst health and vigour are permitted us, seek 
 
1840.] 
 
 LYDIA AfW BARCLAY. 
 
 earnestly and diligently to have our spirits wound up for heaven, 
 attuned to the unceasing anthem there of " Thy will be done ! " — for 
 unless we are thus prepared and clothed vnth heavenly dispositions, 
 heaven would be no happy place to us, the harmony thereof would be 
 discordant and disgusting to us, neither could wc join in the angelic 
 anthem! And oh, my beloved young friends, if you ask how may 
 we come to this happy experience, or who is sufficient to bring it 
 about in us, the answer in my heart is, " None but Christ, none but 
 Christ, who hath all power ! " He hath the key of David, whereby 
 he can wind up our spirits and attune them to the pure worship and 
 holy praise of heaven ; and this key is His blessed Spirit, whereby 
 He touches our inmost soul and turns His tender hand upon us, for 
 the very purpose of this most glorious and blessed end. Oh ! then 
 let us yield ourselves in submission to His Holy Spirit — let us" give 
 ourselves to the touches of His power, to the turnings and drawings 
 of His good hand, at all times and in every respect, and then He will 
 not fail to do great and mighty things for us and in us, to the per- 
 fecting His good and gracious work in us, that He may present us 
 and confess us to His Father and our Father, as His own dear 
 redeemed ones. And such shall be accepted in Him the beloved, 
 and their unceasing song shall be, " Worthy is the Lamb that was 
 slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and 
 honour, and glory, and blessing ; and blessing, and honour, and glory, 
 and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the 
 Lamb for ever and ever ! " 
 
 Earnestly desiring that we may let nothing hinder us from pressing 
 after this most blessed experience, from so running as that we may 
 be mercifully favoured to obtain this most rich prize, I remain my 
 dear friends, your sincere and affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To W. ^d-.nn^^^^^U'^ 
 
 Reigate, 2nd Month, 1840. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Thy visit was pleasant and animating last week, as it always 
 is to meet with any whose eyes have been mercifully anointed to 
 see the beauty and blessing that there is in the truth, even in the 
 spiritual kingdom and government of the Lord Jesus Christ; and 
 who have in measure been brought and are more and more bringino- 
 
 o " 
 
194 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1840. 
 
 into the participation thereof, through a willingness graciously 
 wrought in them, to sell all that is near and dear to them that they 
 may purchase it, or experience this law and power to rule in dominion 
 over all in them, casting down everything that is high and airy in 
 them, laying low the strongholds of self, and bringing every thought 
 into captivity to the obedience of Christ ! And these are as lively 
 epistles written in one another's hearts, tending to one another's 
 comfort and strengthening, and speaking forth the praises of Him 
 whose grace from day to day upholds and preserves them — though 
 now (as formerly was the experience of the faithful) for the Lord's 
 season, if need be, they may be in heaviness through manifold afflic- 
 tions and temptations for the trial of their faith — chiefly from the 
 sight and sense given them of what the Lord requires of those who 
 profess His blessed truth. And how far — how very far — behind the 
 professors thereof are in coming up faithfully, according to the 
 pure testimony of His Spirit ! And when I have looked at some of 
 us who thus go mourning on our way, having, as it were, sackcloth 
 on our loins, out of sight (except, perhaps, disclosed to a few who 
 understand our speech), I have felt an exercise on my mind, and a 
 feai', lest, in our beholding these shortcomings, we should, almost at 
 unawares, let anything of the creature creep out, and so either judge 
 or point the finger, as it were, at those things out of the true 
 humbling and fear, or else sink into dismay and unprofitable lamen- 
 tation, out of the holy faith in, and simple yielding to, the Lord's 
 never-failing arm of power. Oh, how many ways has our subtle 
 enemy to hinder the Lord's good work, which He would bring forth 
 in us and move us in ! And self may be stirred up in, or may lie 
 at the bottom of even that which looks very plausible and on the 
 right side; but in that which lies low in the fear, is the preservation. 
 Oh, then, that we may increasingly seek to dwell in the deep inward 
 exercise where the true judgment is given; where all that is of the 
 creature is silenced, and where that which is tender and lowly — 
 which truly sees, and feels, and breathes to, and leans on its Father, 
 is nourished and gathers strength, and is enabled to suffer patiently, 
 to confide simply, and to act faithfully, to the perfecting of His 
 praise. 
 
 As I felt these words spring up in my heart (possibly principally 
 for my own instruction and warning), I thoiight I would share them 
 with thee in the true love, desiring thy strengthening in a healthy, 
 safe growth, whereby much fruitfulness may redound to the praise of 
 
1840. J 
 
 I.YDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 195 
 
 the great and good Husbandman, who does indeed bestow abundance 
 of tender labour on us, and who is everlastingly worthy of the glory 
 due unto His groat and excellent name. 
 
 Mt dear YOUNa Friend, 
 
 I believe I must acknowledge that my mind yesterday was 
 introduced into much exercise and aifectionate solicitude on thy 
 account, under a renewed belief which has long attended me, that 
 whatever thou mayest have been learning in the way of business since 
 thy residence in this neighbourhood, thou hast been losing ground 
 spiritually; losing instead of gaining in that which is the very best 
 getting of all other gettings, the one thing supremely needful, and 
 which only will stand thee in stead in the day of trial, the time of 
 affliction and sickness, and the hour of death; even in the earnest 
 search after that ^visdom which "is profitable to direct," and after 
 that pure fear of the Lord which is the beginning of wisdom, and 
 will be found to be "a fountain of life, preserving from the snares 
 of death." Oh, my dear young friend, dost thou not feel in thyself 
 a loss towards thyself — a loss towards God ? — a little less tenderness 
 towards Him, a little less desire after the knowledge of His ways, 
 and the feeling of the tender touches of His power in thy soul; but 
 rather an inclination to disbelieve them, and turn from them, lest 
 they should lead to what is mortifying and disagreeable to nature 
 (as it is true and likely they should)? And this has arisen from 
 slighting of the gentle voice of Christ's Spirit in the secret of the 
 heart, and a turning from the shinings and instructive reproofs of 
 His light in the conscience, which I believe thou hast felt and heard 
 even in very little matters, for I fully know we can never go down 
 hill, as it were, or lose gi'ound spiritually, without being favoured 
 with timely warning and sufficient strength to rally again if we will 
 but lay hold of it. And so having suffered a loss of strength 
 inwardly, through unfaithfulness to these little feelings and secret 
 reproofs, then it appears outwardly also ; the mind becoming more 
 and more leavened with the worldly spirit, and into a desire after 
 new and fashionable cuts, and articles of dress, and modes of dressing 
 the hair, and then the mannei's and language must be moulded 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To 
 
 2nd Month, 1840. 
 
196 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1840. 
 
 accordingly also; and so the simplicity of the truth is gradually 
 thrown off, and we lose our testimony-bearing, and cannot be distin- 
 guished from others who do not profess so highly as we do. 
 
 And now, oh, my dear young friend, how earnestly do I long that 
 thou mayest be aroused to consider where thou art, what thou art 
 doing, and whither the path will lead which I fear thou hast made 
 some steps in I Ponder the path of thy feet in the pure fear of the 
 Lord. Search and try thy ways by His holy light. O beg of Him 
 to search and try thee thoroughly, and not to spare thee, but lead 
 thee in the way to everlasting life and peace. Oh, if thou do but 
 turn unto Him with all thy heart, and cry unto Him — " My Father, 
 thou slialt be the guide of my youth," yielding thyself to be guided 
 and restrained by Him, He will again and again visit thee with His 
 love, strengthen thee by His grace, and preserve thee by His power, 
 even amidst all the varied temptations that assail the path of the 
 young. Oh, remember He hath been the guide and feeder of thy 
 dear father all his life long (as I well remember hearing him testify) ; 
 his Redeemer and help in all evil; and if thou seek Him with fuU 
 purpose of heart, and serve Him uprightly with a willing mind, I 
 believe He will deal as tenderly and bountifully with thee, and 
 bless thee with His heavenly blessing, which makes truly rich. 
 (Genesis xlviii. 15, 16.) Heed not what others may say or think, 
 neither look at what they do. Shun such society as draws thee 
 away in mind from thy best friend — thy dear Saviour, whose voice 
 and call is to thee in secret, " Come with me, come with me, and I 
 will bless thee." O go forth quickly after Him (as Mary did), 
 bearing and not being ashamed of His cross, and verily thou shalt 
 have treasure in heaven. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . ll^'/>€^'>t<^- 
 
 2nd Month, 1840. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 This morning when I awoke my mind seemed introduced 
 into exercise on thy behalf, in consequence, as I apprehend, of 
 hearing yesterday that thou wast brushing-up at home, in prepara- 
 tion for a new dear partner; and a desire arose in me that thou 
 might be careful how thou in any wise yielded to do autjJit which, in 
 seasons of tenderness and stillness, thou wouldst feel the testimony 
 
1840.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 197 
 
 of truth to witness secretly against. Oh, how have I longed that 
 thou might increasingly become a strong man for God, valiant for 
 the truth in the station and allotment in which thou stands ; and that 
 this prospected union (though I do not know thy dear friend) might 
 be instrumental to this good work, and not in any wise weaken or 
 tie thy hands; and in order that it may be so, oh, keep inward, and 
 watchful, and close to Avhat thou feels of and from God in the secret 
 of thy soul. Here lies thy sure guidance in the way wherein thou 
 shouldst go, to bring glory to Him; here lies thy abundant strength 
 to walk humbly therein, in a clear and bright testimony for Him, 
 and in a faithful working for Him, both in taking heed to thyself 
 and to the flock whom thou art given to oversee; and here lies thy 
 preservation, both from that which would defile or draw aside, and 
 in the true feeling and tenderness, life and fruitfulness, where His 
 peace and blessing will rest upon thee and thine, and praise resound 
 to Him continually in thy heart and house. So wisheth and prayeth 
 thy very sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 P,S. — saw no way of expressing this little word of tender 
 caution to-day when we met, yet felt afraid of withholding it in the 
 faithfulness of true love; and hope I shall not, in the least degree, 
 be wounding, rather encouraging, that which is good, though 
 unworthily. 
 
 To A. F/^/^'/'" 
 
 Reigate, 1st of ith Month, 1840. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I enclose thee a copy of a little tract I have felt it my duty 
 to have printed, whilst time is permitted me here, to revive the 
 memory of primitive faithfulness, and as a little testimony to that 
 gracious Power who enables unto faithfulness and crowns with over- 
 flowing peace. She [Lydia Lancaster] was a relation of ours, and 
 after whom I was named, and when I showed it to dear Thomas 
 Shillito twelve years ago, he much encouraged and urged me to print 
 it then, and, indeed, he procured for me the epistle to young Friends. 
 I hoped and believed that my dear brother John would have put it 
 into a volume of his Series on Women Labourers, but he is now gone 
 to his rest, so I thought I had better no longer bury it in oblivion, 
 and have had a small edition, just to present to and circulate among 
 
198 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THK LETTERS OF 
 
 [1840. 
 
 my friends in this way. Please lend it among your Friends as thou 
 feels best. I hope I am not intrusive, believing it wUl be encouraging 
 to some of our dear Friends, who are advancing down the hUl of life, 
 as well as instructive to the younger. 
 
 Our dear friend, J. F. Marsh, has been lately engaged, accompanied 
 by his H., in sitting in the families of a number of his neighbours at 
 Croydon, both rich and gay and the more straitened and serious 
 minded. Is not this an excellent concern ? I can truly say my heart 
 went with him. They have been kindly received by all, and some 
 sweet visits they had. Is not this encouraging ? Late in the autumn 
 dear H. M. and I were united together in a similar visit throughout 
 the families of their monthly meeting, in which we were mercifully 
 helped to get a morsel of bread, in endeavouring to do what we 
 believed to be our good Master's will. But oh ! it is a trying time 
 for the poor weak labourers ; it is no wonder that their bodily frames 
 should be weighed down under the sense of the state of things in our 
 highly favoured, but sadly backsliding Society. 
 
 And you have not been without your trials, and truly grievous it is 
 that the enemy should so far prevail as to draw aside those who have 
 been faithful standard-bearers, so as even to render them obnoxious 
 to that very discipline which once they uprightly endeavoured to 
 uphold. Oh ! he is the same ci'ooked serpent that ever he was, and 
 where he cannot tempt to improper fear and shrinking, he will to the 
 haste and activity and brittleness of the creature, which can never do 
 the Lord's work, but mars it. But oh, my dear friend, I cannot but 
 believe that those among you who occupy the place of fathers and 
 mothers in your church have cause to look well to themselves, whether 
 anything lies at their door in respect to these trying things, wh'ether 
 there has been a faithful cleaving to the pure testimony of truth, 
 and a noble eschewing of all covetousness, of various kinds, whereby 
 a true feeling of the mind of Truth is attained, a true discernment of 
 the precious from the vUe given, and an ability received to act 
 accordingly for the truth and not against it. I trust I shall not be 
 misunderstood in thus expressing my feeling on what has greatly 
 exercised my mind often, in this quiet spot. 
 
 I have greatly enjoyed, with fresh instruction, Joseph Pike's life, 
 this winter. How strikingly adapted to present times are his two 
 epistles ! . . . 
 
 I remain, with love, thy sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
1840.] 
 
 LYUIA ANN BAKCLAY. 
 
 199 
 
 'fHe^'^^^ ^rf^'Ht^^, P'?'^T>^(^»'V ^th^Ionth, 1810. 
 
 My dear Friends, 
 
 I believe I must acknowledge to you that I came away 
 burdened from you yesterday, having much wished for a little quiet 
 after dinner ; but the conversation was so kept up until I was obliged 
 to leave, and now I do not feel easy ^vithout taking up my pen, 
 desiring that in reading what may follow, you will endeavour to 
 gather your minds inward to the faithful witness for God that so 
 you may receive the good that is designed. The language that ran 
 through me at dinner-time, and also at meeting — but it was not to be 
 uttered there — was this passage of scripture, " The Lord's voice crieth 
 to the city, and the man of wisdom will see thy name ; hear ye the 
 rod and who hath appointed it." My dear friends, I have tenderly 
 sympathised with you in the recent loss you have sustained, although 
 I was not with you on the day of publicly showing it, believing that 
 
 " it is a gi'ief " and a keen stroke, especially to dear , whose 
 
 affectionate companion dear had been principally the last two 
 
 years. Oh, may you hear the language of this afflictive rod or stroke, 
 and Him who hath appointed it in love unspeakable and tender 
 mercy to your never-dying souls — for surely all the Lord's strokes 
 and pinching dealings towards us, as weU as His more conspicuous 
 blessings, have a voice of love and a speech of instruction in them, 
 and He intends good to us in them — for He doth not wUlingly afflict 
 or grieve the children of men. It is of His tender compassion that 
 we are not consumed, that His hand was not laid upon ws, but He 
 gives us a little longer time to prove our love to Him whilst He lays 
 His hand upon a dear companion, to touch us to the heart, and to 
 give us another tender yet powerful call that pierces us as to the 
 quick ! Oh, then, that you may be so wise as to see His name, His 
 power, the putting forth of His hand of love, that so you may prove 
 that you hear His rod. His stroke, by obeying His caU to seek His 
 favour above aU, to give Him your whole heart! David said, "I 
 entreated thy favour wdth my whole heart ; I thought on my ways, 
 and turned my feet unto thy testimonies ; I made haste, and delayed 
 not to keep thy commandments " — so may the Lord's peace-giving, 
 life-giving favour be your most earnest and heartfelt search, more 
 than any worldly treasure or favour of man ; may you now make haste 
 and search into all your ways, yea, beg of the Lord to search you 
 
200 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1840. 
 
 thoroughly by His pure light, to try your heart by His faithful wit- 
 ness, the word nigh in the heart and mouth, and to lead your feet and 
 incline your heart unto the testimonies of His blessed Spirit that calls 
 and testifies to you there in the secret of your heart ; and then when 
 you hear, oh delay not, shrink not, fear not to keep all His holy 
 commands, and to attend to all His restraints, for durable riches and 
 a crown of glory will He then give you ! 
 
 And, my dear sisters, I believe I must tell you faithfully how sur- 
 prised and grieved I was to see you apparently so soon forget your 
 loss and the awful sight which you witnessed so recently! I fear lest 
 you should in any wise be endeavouring to drive olF reflection and to 
 divert from serious feeling. Oh, my dear sisters, and brothers too, 
 rather than this should be the case, how do I long that you may yield 
 to that power that visits you, that brings seriousness over your minds, 
 yea, that would check the vacant laugh or the light conversation that 
 has a tendency to draw you away from a sense of the Divine presence. 
 Oh, cherish the tendering impressions of your heavenly Father's love, 
 that so you may reap the benefiit indeed which He intends in this 
 afflictive stroke, otherwise you may render it necessary for Him to 
 stretch out His hand still ! 
 
 With true love, I remain, &c., 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To E. R. 
 
 Reigate, 25th of ith Month, 1840. 
 
 . . . Well, / do trust that I love dearly the true-hearted, 
 faithful brethren, if this be a mark of having some degree of life; 
 and whether these have opportunity of outward intercourse or no, 
 they are as lively epistles written in one another's hearts; tending to 
 one another's comfort and strengthening, and speaking forth the 
 praises of Him whose grace hath made them what they are, and 
 daily upholds and preserves them, though now (as formerly was the 
 experience of the faithful), for the Lord's season, if need be, they 
 may be in heaviness through manifold afflictions and temptations for 
 the trial of their faith, chiefly from the sight and sense given them 
 of what the Lord requires of those who profess His blessed truth. 
 And how far — how very far — behind the professors thereof are in 
 coming up faithfully according to the pure testimony of His Spirit ! 
 And when I have looked at some of us who thus go mourning on 
 
1840.] 
 
 I.TDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 201 
 
 our way, having often sackcloth as on oui' loins, out of sight (except, 
 perhaps, disclosed to a few who can understand our speech), I have 
 felt an exercise on my mind, and a desire that, in tlie midst of 
 mourning, we may " remember the days of old," meditate on all the 
 Lord's wonderful and gracious works, even on the mightiness of His 
 power, and therefore stretch forth our hands unto Him, thirsting for 
 Him as a thirsty land, waiting for His counsel, for His humbling, for 
 His strengthening unto all patience and faithfulness to the very end. 
 Oh, may we increasingly lean on Him without anxiety, for it is His 
 work, and He will take care of His own dear Church, and He will 
 keep her true children as the apple of the eye. Oh ! the preciousness, 
 the peaceful quietude, yea, the powerfulness of that state of unity 
 with the Divine ^vill, when the true worship, the true amen rules over 
 all the trials and tribulations, so that nothing is a surprisal, nothing 
 too hard, yet the language of heavenly love is breathed, " Gather 
 them if it please thee, O most Mighty." May I be brought more and 
 more into this state by any means, is the earnest desire of my soul. 
 I rejoice with thee in believing that the blessed truth shall prevail over 
 all error, light over darkness, life over death, as there is a keeping 
 close to Him who hath all power, yea, Avho is of power to thoroughly 
 purify the daughter of Zion, even to purge away all her reprobate 
 silver, as well as her tin and her dross. And in seasons of such 
 solemn yet joyful contemplation, how do praises fill, yea, resound 
 from the temple of the heart unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, 
 and unto His dear Lamb that washeth and taketh away the sin of the 
 faithful ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To .V . v/. 
 
 bth Month, 1840. 
 
 My dear , 
 
 I believe I had best acknowledge that a feeling of earnest 
 and aflfectionate solicitude has attended my mind, on your behalf, for 
 several months past, which I have not known how to throw off, and 
 now last evening, as we sat up stairs after tea, it seemed afresh to 
 revive with strength, so that it seemed to me best to endeavour to 
 relieve my mind in this way. I have looked upon these two affecting 
 circumstances which have occurred within a week's time in our little 
 meeting, as solemn warnings for you (as well as others), whilst en- 
 deavouring to be diligent in business, and to "provide things honest 
 
202 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1840. 
 
 in the sight of all men," to be also " fervent in spii-it, serving the 
 Lord," and thus to prepare to meet your God, whether His summons 
 be sent suddenly or not. It is not from a desire to be forward in 
 giving advice, or to be intermeddling in other men's matters, but from 
 the view of the awful station in which I stand (most unworthily, I 
 know) as a steward, and the need to be faithful therein, in order that 
 I may be clear of the blood of all, that I venture to acknowledge that 
 I have long, especially since your increase of business lately, felt 
 earnestly solicitous (as if it were my own self) that you might be so 
 deeply sensible of the responsihilitjj of your present circumstances, as 
 that you might be scrupulously anxious that all your expenses and 
 way of living, the bringing up of your children, and your whole ideas 
 may be brought and kept in the closest manner, that there might be 
 an abstaining from even every appearance of evU, that is from the 
 desire of an appearance which you cannot call consistent with a 
 borrowed capital. I woidd not wound, my dear friends, I assure you 
 my heart would be tried to do so, for I have deeply and very tenderly 
 sympathised with you under your many trials — but I have a very high 
 sense of the importance and responsibility of borrowing, and I do 
 believe the danger is very great of the mind, by use, losing this high 
 sense and this tenderness of feeling on this subject, unless the avenues 
 thereto are closely guarded ; and thus persons are apt to get almost 
 imperceptibly into the use of many things which might be spared, and 
 out of that scrupulous economy which would be desirable ; and thus 
 difficulties may grow and impure methods be resorted to, which may 
 bring reproach on the blessed cause of truth which we profess, and 
 
 discomfort and pain to others around, as in poor 's case. 
 
 But, my dear fi'iends, if you mind and consult the Spirit of truth, 
 the faithful witness for God in the secret of every one of our hearts, 
 then you wiU not fail to be continually kept in this high sense and 
 tender feeling I have described ; you -will be led into scrupulous 
 economy and self-denial in all things, in order that you may be just 
 and honest towards all, both " in the sight of the Lord and in the sight 
 of men ;" and whilst engaged to be diligent and " not slothful in 
 business," you wiU be preserved "fervent in spirit, serving the Lord" 
 with your whole heart and with your whole soul, doing all things as 
 to Him and not to men, to gain their favour and to make a fair show 
 in the flesh, but eyeing the Lord^at all times with grateful, faithful 
 hearts ; for tndy how has He brought you up aa from a pit of dis- 
 tress ! and has He not promised that if you would mind His warning 
 
1840]. 
 
 I.YDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 203- 
 
 call, and yield to Ilis hand of power that has touched you again and 
 again, that then He would bless you again. But oh, my dear friends, 
 let Him bring you down in yourselves and break you to pieces, and 
 then you will be made up again tender, and faithful, and grateful, and 
 just, and humble ; and, walking in His fear and in His counsel and 
 might, your example will shine as a light, you wiU gather others to 
 His blessed truth instead of scattering in amj wise, and you will, 
 through His mercy and love in Christ Jesus, be prepared to obey His 
 a^vful summons whenever served, to give an account of your stew- 
 ardship, to your own unspeakable and everlasting peace, and the glory 
 of God most high ! 
 
 I hope you will read this in the fear of the Lord, and then I know 
 you will feel the love which constrains me to write it, and I trust you 
 will receive it in that love, and then we shall be melted together in 
 humble gratitude before Him who causes us to love one another, and 
 to give and receive a word of faithful and affectionate warning. 
 
 L. A. Bakclat. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Leamington, 3rd of 6th Month, 1840. 
 
 . . . I know feels what the Dr says of me, but 
 
 thou knowest, dear H., this is nothing new to me, and all my desire 
 is to be mercifully preparing for the summons to a much better home 
 and heavenly country, where I have often longed to be, and latterly 
 at some favoured seasons have been permitted, in adorable goodness 
 and condescension, to feel an unspeakably precious union and fellow- 
 ship with the just of many generations, even, as it were, an union with 
 their song. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To ^i^Ci^-iry CL-ii f,, %,^'iri</ fCui^ 
 
 Reigate, 22nd ofQik Month, 1840. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I do not like to wait longer than a convenient opportunity 
 without at least beginning a letter to thee, to show thee that it is 
 not out of sight, out of mind with me ; nay, I have often mentally 
 visited thee in thy comparatively solitary situation, and cannot but 
 trust and believe that though trials aad depressing seasons may greatly 
 
204 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF' 
 
 [1840. 
 
 abound, yet that heavenly consolation and help is also mercifully 
 extended, yea, aboinids sufficiently for thee, although thou mayest at 
 seasons think hardly so, or be hardly sensible thereof as thou couldst 
 wish. This reminds me of a sweet verse in J. Fisher's Diary : — 
 
 "Not to my wish, but to my toant, 
 Do thou thy gifts supply ; 
 Unasked, what good thou knowest, grant, 
 What ill, though asked, deny." 
 
 Oh ! the sweet leaning of the child-like nature upon its Father, 
 which brings down the blessing of preservation — the blessing of all 
 things working together for good ! And this reminds me of a sweet 
 
 instructive expression in a letter which I saw lately of dear 's to 
 
 a Friend, where, after alluding to the decease of my dear brother 
 John, and speaking of Him who is able to raise up others to supply 
 the places of those He removes from the militant Church to the 
 Church triumphant in heaven, he goes on somewhat in this way — 
 " and whether He sees good to suffer His Church below to be driven 
 again into the wilderness for a time, or whether He will not altogether, 
 becomes not so much matter of importance to His servants, and to His 
 handmaidens, as to be found doing no more nor less than He requires 
 at their hands." How excellent is this, how does it show the faithful, 
 patient, humble leaning of the true servant and handmaid, on Him 
 who hath all power, whose work it is and who will ever take care 
 of His own dear Church. 
 
 In 's letter, he acknowledges a fear to withhold what has been 
 
 the fruit of deep bought and valuable experience ; at the same time 
 expatiates on the need of bearing with and yielding to one another, 
 where there is a difference of sentiment even in the highest matters. 
 Such is human weakness both spiritually and rationally, that we cannot 
 see eye to eye, &c. I told him in answer that I united with his 
 remarks to a certain extent ; that we have need to get down deep 
 away from creaturely reasoning, and expediency and fear, as well as 
 from creaturely zeal and activity, and there to endeavour to feel what 
 is consistent with the mind of truth, what tends to advance . the 
 blessed truth, and what would be likely to hinder or lessen the 
 testimony thereof, and that if this be the case with certain individuals 
 who are endeavouring to arrive at a true judgment, I believe, though 
 they may be of various growths and temperaments, and not see exactly 
 eye to eye in everything, yet that they will see similarli/, for they will 
 all see as with the eye of truth, and if there should be one of them 
 
1840.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 205 
 
 that sees totally oppositely, there will be a willingness to bear and 
 yield, in so far as this ; a waiting and seeking still further to be 
 clear as to the sense or mind of truth — if that sense be according to 
 the view of the one, then let all yield to that, but if it be according 
 to the view of the many, then let their view stand. . . . This 
 
 sentiment of , seemed to me to savour of modern ideas that are 
 
 so prevalent amongst us, which under a plea of forbearance and 
 charity, lead to shrinking and winking at wrong things, and would do 
 away with simple faithfulness, and an honest, yet humble pleading 
 for truth, and I thought too it trenched upon the sufficiency of Divine 
 guidance under the plausible cover of a modest fear. . , . 
 With dear love, I remain thy friend sincerely, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 21st of 7th Month, ISiO. 
 
 Thine to me was comforting. We understand one another's 
 speech, and can enter into sisterly feeling one with another; and 
 
 this is strengthening. We enjoyed the beautiful ride to much ; 
 
 we could get no beds anywhere there, the town being full of soldiei'S, 
 and hardly any room to get our tea in. However, we went to the 
 select meeting. It was a fearful time to thy poor weak friend, but I 
 was mercifully enabled to cast off my burden by reminding Friends of 
 
 's communication at the select yearly meeting, and signifying how 
 
 I had felt exercised under a belief that it was applicable to some, 
 and that in consequence harm had arisen to some of our beloved 
 youth, who had got thereby to desire and admire fine eloquent 
 speeches, that were mere sound without substance; and even I feared 
 to the going to hear such orators in their chapels — that we must look 
 and see what we were about, for that if we opened the door but an 
 inch, our young folks would push it wide open, and then we should 
 find a difficulty to bring it to again, &c. 
 
 The meeting next morning was exercising, by reason of the waters 
 
 being muddled by a mixture, but our dear friends, and ■, 
 
 were instrumental to the clearance again. 
 
 Went on First day to meeting, according to the pointing in 
 
 my mind. I felt it a sweet and strengthening time to me in 
 
 much silence. After a long time, dear supplicated sweetly 
 
 (and strikingly to my mind) that what we might have communicated 
 
206 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1840. 
 
 might be humbly received, and sink deep, &c. Afterwards had a 
 
 few words, but my time was not fully come. I trust I was preserved in 
 patient, humble waiting till after the epistle was read — and whilst it 
 was reading, the fire waxed hotter and hotter, and it seemed shown 
 me that I must stand up pretty soon after it (lest they might break 
 up the meeting), and remain a little time in silence till my tongue 
 was loosed ; and my good Master gave me faith and made me obedient, 
 and enabled me to relieve my mind fully to the young people on going 
 to other places of worship, and on the proper state of mind m worship, 
 in which they should attend our own meetings, &c. 
 
 Oh, the great and gracious condescension to such a poor worm of 
 the earth. May I never refuse to obey so good a Master in the least 
 thing again ! I should not have entered so into particulai'S, which 
 may even savour of boasting, but I thought it would encourage thee 
 too, dear, to lean upon His good and mighty arm, who can make 
 way for His poor little ones where they can see none, and out of 
 weakness make them strong in His might. Glory to His name for 
 ever, who only is worthy to be faithfully served, humbly worshipped, 
 entirely trusted in, and livingly praised ! 
 
 L. A, Barclay. 
 
 To . h^c-/i^.^i\ 
 
 Ith Month, 1840. 
 
 Mt dear totjng Friend, 
 
 The sight of thy circulars has revived a feeling of concern 
 on thy account, which attended my mind last second day, in hearing 
 that thou intended adding jewellery to thy stock; and I can hardly 
 do otherwise than, in the sincerity of true love and affectionate solici- 
 tude for thy best welfare, express my earnest desire that thou mayest 
 now, on thy first setting out in business, ponder the path of thy feet, 
 even seeking after Divine counsel to direct thy movements and bound 
 thy inclinations ; thus shall all thy ways be ordered aright in the 
 Divine fear, and thy goings be established in the Divine peace and 
 blessing. I know thou hast been engaged in a business where the 
 Friend had jewellery, and the mind often by habit loses its suscepti- 
 bility of the pure testimony of truth, and becomes accustomed 
 gradually to what the Spirit of truth would really testify against ; 
 and then it is very natural, on beginning a business, to fear that 
 unless we accommodate our stock to others' views, we shall be in 
 danger of losing some profit — and thus by giving way in little things, 
 
1840.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 207 
 
 dimness of sight and weakness of hands creeps almost imperceptibly- 
 over us, so that we may be ready to answer that we do not see any 
 objection to this or that, or do not feel this or that required of us. 
 But, my dear brother, this is a temptation of the enemy to rob us of 
 that purity of sight and feeling, and strength of action and example, 
 which would contribute to our own great peace, the help of others 
 around, and the glory of God; and this enemy will bring many 
 plausible reasons to erfect his purpose, but he was a liar from the 
 beginning, and abode not in the truth, don't thou hearken to him nor 
 be his servant, but follow the testimony of the Spirit of Christ in the 
 secret of thy heart; and if thou art but simple and resigned enough, 
 He will give thee to see where thou shouldst draw the line between 
 what is useful and what is merely ornamental for the decking out 
 these poor bodies to please the vain mind. It is best to begin well, 
 for it is harder work afterwards to alter — and I feel it a serious thing 
 for a member of our highly [prof essing Society to open a fresh business 
 in our town, and it behoves such to look well to the example or testi- 
 mony they are setting before their neighbours, for we are very 
 narrowly looked at by others, who know what we ought to be (even 
 lights in the world), and believe that a consistent faithful walk is the 
 way to get respect and credit amongst all around us, and will be a 
 means of gathering others to Christ the truth, instead of scattering 
 from Him and serving the enemy, which a contrary conduct will do. 
 And so, my dear friend, as a faithful elder sister, 1 would beg of thee 
 not to be hasty in anything, but to covet and seek after the inward 
 pointings of truth, and not shrink from them in this matter, and then 
 let nothing hinder thee from going simply and nohhj forward, fearing 
 nothing, and heeding not what others say or how they do, and then I 
 believe thou wilt reap the hundred-fold for any little sacrifice thou 
 mayest make, even in this life, and be blessed of Him who can (thou 
 well knowest) bless the little, where there is a humble trust in a 
 faithful walk before Him, and who can also blast the much, where 
 there is a yielding to our own understanding, fear, or inclinations. 
 Oh, mayest thou indeed, by a faithful humble walk, come up to the 
 help of the Lord's cause in our little town and meeting ; so wilt thou 
 be a strength, and comfort, and joy, to the exercised minds amongst 
 
 us, instead of any gi'ief, and, dear , verily thou shalt be fed, be 
 
 abundantly blessed here, and have an enduring treasure hereafter in 
 heaven. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
208 
 
 A SELECTION FROM tHE LETTERS OF 
 
 l;i840. 
 
 To J. G. S. 
 
 Srdofdth Month, 1840. 
 
 My DEAR YOUNG FrIEND, 
 
 Thy aunt kindly let me see a pai-t of a letter of thine, 
 describing thy appearing before an earthly judge, which interested me 
 much, and, I may say, melted my heart under a sense of the Lord's 
 goodness to one of His dear visited children, in taking away the fear 
 of man, and enabling to stand firm to the pure testimony of the 
 unchangeable truth. Oh ! may we increasingly, in the feeling of His 
 love and tender goodness, yield up our hearts wholly unto Him, that 
 He may lead us about, and instruct us, and subject us under whatever 
 He may be pleased to require at our hands or to restrain us from. 
 Oh ! how precious are these dealings and workings of His ; His 
 " works " of grace as well as of creation (Ps. cxi.) truly " are great," 
 past finding out or comprehending by the natural, unregenerate man ; 
 but wonderful and precious, and as such "sought out," continually 
 observed, and yielded unto by the humble, meek ones, who, indeed, 
 " have pleasure therein." To these He will show the power thereof, 
 and overcome all their enemies — these experience that He is 
 " gracious and full of compassion," that He is near to support, to 
 " give meat unto them that fear Him," and that He will ever be 
 " mindful of His covenant," that " His commandments are sure " and 
 safe, and " stand fast for ever," yea, that the work of His grace is 
 honourable and glorious, bringing redemption unto His people that 
 yield unto Him, making them truly honourable and crowning them 
 with glory. Oh ! then, let us cast ourselves as into the hand of His 
 power or gi'ace, that He may break us to pieces continually in our- 
 selves, and bring us to nothing as to our own willings, runnings, or 
 devices — that He may mould us as He will, and raise up His own 
 pure life into dominion over all, and thereby prepare our hearts as 
 an habitation for His holiness. 
 
 God setteth the solitary in families, and He biddeth such to 
 remember Abraham, the father of the faithful — " for I called Him 
 alone, and blessed and increased him ; " so, my dear brother, if thou art 
 careful to walk in the footsteps of faithful Abraham, thou mayest be 
 instrumental to gather families unto the Lord, even in that apparently 
 desolate and benighted spot — for faithfulness leads to fruitfulness. 
 Oh ! it doth spread a sweet savour and a substantial life all 
 around, whereby many may be helped and the Lord glorified, even 
 
1840.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 209 
 
 though it be in the midst of fiery trials. (Is. xxiv. 15.) Therefore faint 
 not, neither let in discouragement, because thou hast no outward 
 helper; for the Lord thus proves thee in tender love, that thou 
 mayest look to none or lean on none but Him alone, who is 
 all-sufficient to make the weak strong, and a little one as a strong 
 nation, and a feeble one as David valiant for the trutli, even to run 
 through a troop of fears and to leap over a wall of difficulties, and to 
 stand firm upon the Rock of Ages, and to know the goings estabhshed 
 in the unchangeable truth, and the new song of praise put into the 
 mouth, unto Him the strength and Redeemer. The present is not a 
 time to look out to any for help or example ; for all are not Jews that 
 say they are or appear to be — all are not so united by subjection 
 to Chi'ist the blessed truth (even knowing Him in their inward parts) 
 as to have the mind of truth, and so to be preserved from doing any- 
 thing against the truth. (2 Cor. xiii. 8.) These not being faithful to 
 the true light which shineth in the secret of the heart, however 
 plausible they may appear, are but in the twilight, and cannot stand 
 up for nor uphold the pure dispensation of the Gospel, which is that 
 of the Son in Spirit, therefore they are not trusty waymarks. Oh, 
 then, the need for us to dwell deep, to be frequent and fervent in an 
 inward exercise, and waiting before the Lord in the silence of all 
 flesh ! It is here that the faithful of all ages have had their strength 
 renewed and vision cleared ; it is here that a true knowledge of our- 
 selves is given — and we can never too well know our own weakness, 
 and nothingness, anc^natural vileness, and the more we know of our- 
 selves the better we shaU be able to feel and discern others ; and 
 here it is, in this lowly, humble, patient state, that the Lord delights 
 to reveal of the mysteries of His kingdom, to ordain strength and to 
 perfect His praise, even out of the mouths of His babes and sucklings. 
 Therefore may we, my dear friend, increasingly gather into this quiet 
 habitation and place of true prayer, keeping out of all our own 
 willings, and runnings, and haste, and then the blessed Spirit of 
 Christ will arise and give a clear testimony and a certain evidence of 
 its own self, and as we join in with the lowly appearance thereof, in 
 the obedience of the true faith, it will give not only strength but seal 
 peace to the obedient. 
 
 Farewell. With sincere desires for thy, as for my own, preserva- 
 tion in faithfulness, watchfulness, and deep humility, I remain, &c., 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 p 
 
210 
 
 A SELECTION FROJI THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1840. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Margate, I9th of 9th Month, 1840. 
 
 Mt dear H., 
 
 Having an hour's leisure at C. W.'s where I lodge, I 
 thought I would begin, if not able to finish a letter to thee. I hope, 
 my dear friends, you have thought of me hereaway, and breathed for 
 my help and preservation, for no one I think has greater need of the 
 prayers of the faithful, and no one could have come out more poor, 
 and empty, and blind, and stripped, on such an errand ! Thou 
 wouldst hear we stopped a few hours at Croydon, and were refreshed 
 by thy husband's kindness and company. We proceeded to London 
 in the afternoon, and called on J. and M. Peirson for an hour before 
 tea, which we took at J. Burtt's, and lodged there. It was atFecting 
 
 to see poor come in, and it brought humbling instruction to my 
 
 mind. . . . J. B. saw me into the Folkestone coach. I had a 
 painful ride to Ashford, as relates to the poor body, but, through 
 favour, was helped in mind, which having been stripped and brought 
 low, was now clothed, as it were, with exercise towards the dear 
 Kentish Friends, as I drew near them outwardly. 
 
 Dear H., it was the " cottage of peace and content" I went to, 
 and felt it a comfortable resting place ; dear Letitia Hagger, like a 
 dear sister, so kind and tender. The two meetings at Ashford were 
 times of exercise and relief to me ; I could truly say I had been or 
 " was brought low, and the Lord helped me."^ The time between 
 meetings I passed quietly with L. H., and went to tea at E. J.'s ; had 
 a little time with her, and also with her little boy and with the young 
 man in the shop next morning, as well as opportunities with dear L. 
 H. and her little maid, so my time was closely filled up there. On 
 second day I went on with other Friends to Folkstone. The select 
 meeting was truly an exercising time to me, as well as the meeting 
 next morning, but, through merciful help, I was enabled to relieve 
 my mind, though in a humbling way to the creature — the latter was 
 much more relieving than the select meeting. I do hope I did no 
 harm, although it Avas hard work to utter close things, especially to 
 elders — ^but it is the Master's favour we must seek for, in just handing 
 what we believe He gives us — no more and no less. I think I 
 generally come shortly olF rather than go beyond, but it is more safe. 
 It was a large quarterly meeting and many visitors. Elizabeth Beck 
 (who was acceptable in the second meeting) and her son Thomas 
 
1840.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 211 
 
 Beck (who was engaged in testimony and supplication) were there ; 
 the line of the ministry was very much in accordance with my 
 exercise, which was an encouragement to me, and cause of humble 
 gratitude to Him who gives power to those who feel they have no 
 might of their own. On fourth day morning I had sittings with 
 several Friends, and after dinner went on to Canterbury ; next 
 morning was at their meeting, where there were several attenders, and 
 
 had sittings with and ; and after dinner came on here with 
 
 S. D. as my kind guide. Meeting here yesterday was very exercising, 
 several strangers, . . . but endeavoured to do as well as I knew 
 how. I am to go to Dover this afternoon, and I suppose to Maidstone 
 on third or fifth day next, and I rather expect to attend that meeting 
 on First day week, in the morning, and Rochester in the afternoon, 
 which would I suppose finish what I have before me. It seems 
 desirable to attend both those meetings on First day, otherwise I should 
 not prefer doing so. And now, dear, I have given thee a very 
 particular account, if not a selfish one, but I knew thou wouldst like 
 to hear all. I liave had a long and interesting letter from dear A. 
 Cruickshank, giving account of many acceptable public meetings held 
 
 by and in Scotland, which rejoices my very heart. I do 
 
 trust there will be a gathering to the true Shiloh thereaway, though we 
 may not live to see it, and a great people come forth to praise the Lord ! 
 
 Farewell, my beloved friend. I have been quite favoured as to 
 health ever since being actually on service ; what a kind good 
 Master! may I hold nothing back! Continue to breathe for my 
 preservation, and believe me thy very affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To A. AND E. R. 
 
 lOth Month, 1840. 
 
 The remembrance of you is very fresh to me. I do indeed 
 feel much for you in what must be a solitary situation, now that your 
 dear earthly parent is removed from you, who was such a stay and 
 sweet savour in the meeting. But oh, my dear friends, let us hold 
 on our way, however solitary, and not cast away our confidence, 
 which hath great recompense of reward — the power of the Lord is 
 over all, is able to overcome all weaknesses and disease, fears and 
 foes. Oh ! how many, and lively, and strong are the foes of our 
 own houses or hearts ; they are like the goods of the strong man 
 
212 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1840. 
 
 armed, of various kinds in strength and beauty apparently ; but the 
 Lord's power is able to turn them all out, and to cleanse and sanctify 
 the heart, to anoint it, to fill it with beautiful offerings and a cloud 
 of incense ! So don't let us faint, nor yet fear, but increasingly yield 
 up vmto His power, who is able to do this both in ourselves and 
 others, individually as well as in our little gatherings or churches. 
 I think He has said, after promising every mercy, that He will be 
 sought imto, as to His people formerly ; that He would yet for all 
 this be inquired of by them to do it — so let us be very frequent and 
 deep in an inward exercise of mind before Him, craving that He 
 would be with us in the way that we go, baptise, strengthen, and 
 anoint us from day to day, that we may be confirmed in our faith, 
 and strengthened in faithfulness to bear a living testimony for Him 
 in our little day and generation. Thus shall we know our lamps to 
 be brightly burning, and our loins to be girded afresh, even from day 
 to day, with the truth, and then shall we be ready at what hour our 
 good Lord may come. And blessed shall that servant be whom the 
 Lord, when He cometh, shall find doing as He bids him. Oh, we 
 shall have nothing to spare, so we have need to lose no time, even in 
 the approaching evening of life, as it were, to bring in aU the tithes, 
 even the small tithes, into the treasury. Oh, we must not, how can 
 we, withhold anything from so good a JMaster, who is so willing to 
 pass over and condescend to our great weakness, is so very tender 
 towards us, and ready to hold out a hand of gracious help at all times 
 of need — yea, He still saith, I, even I, am He that comforteth you, 
 who art thou that thou shouldst be afraid of a man that shall die, and 
 forgettest the Lord thy maker, who divided the sea (oh, has He not 
 done it often ?), whose waves roared, that made the depths a way for 
 the ransomed to pass over. And He is mighty on the behalf of those 
 who fear Him, and yield to His redeeming arm of power, and He 
 will bring them even with singing unto Zion, and everlasting joy upon 
 their heads, and they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and 
 sighing shall flee away. Then let us lift up our heads in hope, and 
 humble trust in His divine guidance; let us lift up our hearts in sim- 
 plicity of resignation, and holy subjection to His blessed wiU, and 
 then will He not preserve us, establish the work of our hands upon 
 us, even in His peace and blessing, that it shall not be in vain in the 
 Lord, but tend to His glory. I feel much for you ; I believe He will not 
 fail or forsake you, who is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
1840.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAT. 
 
 213 
 
 To J. F. M. 
 
 Reigate, 6<A ofldth Month, 1840 
 
 As our monthly meeting draws on, it brings reneived exercise 
 with it. I hope to be shown what to do and what to leave undone, 
 to be strengthened with faith though my outward man be weak. You 
 will feel for me. There is nothing too hard for the good Master, and 
 surely I can hold nothing back from Him who has hitherto helped 
 and dealt very tenderly with me. I desire to trust all to Him, body 
 and spirit, and to be wholly given up, for it is very imcertain if I see 
 another year. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To THE SAME. 
 
 Reigate, 22nd of 10th Month, 1840. 
 
 Thy kind letter was very welcome — the brotherly encour- 
 agement it contained was truly acceptable and cheering, for thou 
 knowest at such times we have many low seasons and deep plunges. 
 We were favoured greatly at our monthly meeting by a precious 
 covering of heavenly good ; and at the conference I returned my 
 minute for Kent, and asked for another to visit, in Gospel love, our 
 dear young friends of Brighton meeting, and such other service vnthin 
 that monthly meeting as I might feel required. There were several 
 sweet expressions of sympathy and unity (as I was told after), and I 
 was liberated for the work. Nature shrinks from turning out again 
 at this season and in such weakly health — my cough still hangs on 
 me ; — yet, blessed be the Lord, I have a little grain of faith, that as 
 my day is so will be His strength all-sufiBcient, if I do but yield to 
 His good and tender hand. Crave for me that I may be so helped 
 and preserved from doing any harm. I remember this is your 
 
 monthly meeting at C ; hope you have had a good meeting. 
 
 L, A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Reigate, 30th of 11th Month, 1840. 
 
 I have indeed great cause to look back with humble grati- 
 tude to Him who graciously condescended to be near me in my many 
 low seasons and times of extremity, and sent me help from His sanc- 
 tuary, and strengthened me out of Zion, in His unspeakable goodness 
 
214 
 
 A SELECTION PROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1840. 
 
 and tender pity. Ah, it is indeed of His tender compassion and mercy 
 that we yet live and have hope towards Him, and that we are any 
 moment and every moment kept not only from slipping but from 
 downright evil. And I desire now, in returning to my peaceful 
 home, to be ever kept in this lowly and dependent state, and that I 
 may from day to day seek after His humbling, His renewing, His 
 quickening power upon my spirit, that so all may be kept fresh and 
 savoury, and that there may be a growth known from one degree of 
 grace to another — a being continually renewed in the heavenly know- 
 ledge (which is life) as well as preserved in it. 
 
 I had near forty sittings at Brighton, beginning with young men 
 at shops ; then went to the monthly meeting at Chichester, and staid 
 First day there, sitting with all their (few) members ; afterwards to 
 Lewes, and had a few sittings there — the Brighton children at the 
 school, — attended their meeting, and then to Brighton meeting last 
 fifth day to finish. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Beigate, 5tk ofUth Month, 1840. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 . . I think it is good for fellow-feelers and fellow- 
 sufferers to commune as it were by the way often together ; and 
 though such communications may often be of a sad or mournful 
 cast, if they be but in the Divine fear, and in remembrance of His 
 mighty power, which is over all weaknesses, and all trials, and aU the 
 powers of darkness, I believe there will be a little gathering of strength 
 by the wav, a little lifting up of the heart in renewal of humble trust 
 and confiding hope, of fervent love and fruitful dedication, yea, and 
 of heartfelt, grateful praise unto Him whose tender mercies and tender 
 care are over aU His works, but especially over His sincere, upright- 
 hearted ones, however poor and needy, despised and tried ! 
 
 Ah, my dear friend, in thinking of thy letter, and of thy communi- 
 cations in affectionate freedom to me, I am struck with the feeling 
 that the Lord knoweth best what is good for us, and all His dealings 
 and permissions towards us, however pinching and proving to nature, 
 are intended for our good, in tender love, and not to grieve us. Oh, 
 then, may we increasingly yield up ourselves into His tender good 
 hand, suffer Him to lead us about and instruct us in all things, and 
 never grow weary or repine, then will that nature in us be gradually 
 
1840.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 215 
 
 starved and worn out which He would have to die in us, and His 
 own pure life will be raised up in dominion over all, in which we 
 shall be enabled to hope all things and endure aU things even to the 
 end. It is often very instructive to me to watch His different dealings 
 with different individuals and instruments ; and I have great pleasure 
 as well as instruction in thus seeking out and marking His great works 
 of grace. He knows best how and when the fruit-bearing branches 
 require pruning, and He varies the turnings of His tender hand to 
 each of their temperaments, according to what they require for a 
 vigorous and healthy and fruitful growth. Oh, then, that we may 
 not start aside, nor yet sink under these various operations, but 
 endeavour, as it were, to drink in all the good designed, that we may 
 increasingly bring forth sound, well-seasoned, and well-flavoured 
 fruit, to the praise and glory of the great and good Husbandman. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Reigate, 6tk of 12 tk Month, 1840. 
 
 . Ah ! my dear friend, I have seen, as I have 
 thought, a great snare to our ministers and to our dear young people 
 in the free, familiar, and even light manner and conversation which 
 has of late years sprang up amongst us, with the view of being 
 attractive and pleasant to our young people, "and as such are not fully 
 given up." Instead of ministers and elders being a reproof to what 
 is of an evil tendency (that is, what springs from the vain mind or the 
 worldly spirit, and pleases it in others) by their weightiness of spirit 
 and inwardness, they are too generally shaking hands, as it were, 
 with these things, or with the dear youth in their unfaithfulness or 
 shortcoming up to what truth would ever lead into, instead of helping 
 them up to a higher state. For I do believe there is a faithful witness 
 in the hearts even of dear children, which causes them to admire a 
 faithful consistent walk, and that they will feel the evil kept down, 
 and the good strengthened, in being with such weighty characters, 
 although nature may kick against the restraint. Nevertheless, do 
 not mistake me; I believe this weightiness will never bring gloominess, 
 but will give an innocent cheerfulness. If thou looks at pages 
 71, 72, and 73 of M. Peisley's life, thou wijt see how she felt, and 
 this is what I have earnestly coveted after these twenty-one years, 
 but, alas ! how far behind am I. I assure thee, I much more often 
 
216 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1840. 
 
 feel that my freeness and openness is cause for mourning, than 
 the opposite condition of silence and reserve; nay, how many times 
 have I longed for the silence and reserve that characterised me Avlien 
 / first saw thee in 1821, lest I might draw any, like Absalom, from 
 their true King ! Let me be vile and weak that He may be exalted 
 and loved above aU ! Crave for me that I may be increasingly made 
 and kept faithful, watchful, and humble in the Divine sight, abiding 
 in the true Vine, receiving daily fresh sap or life from Him, that so 
 there may be a continual freshness and fruit found to the praise of 
 the great Husbandman, as well as a true oneness (in the true unity) 
 ^\ath all the living branches in Him. 
 
 Farewell. With much love, I remain thy friend sincerely, 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I do not like thy kind letter of the 10th should go 
 long unanswered. I am pleased by thine to find thy health is 
 favoured to hold up, and that thou art in the salutary practice 
 of a regular walk daily as a means to retain so great a blessing. 
 No doubt the constitution is braced by the frost, although we do 
 hear of divers dear elderly and delicate ones being removed by death, 
 as is generally the case in the extreme seasons of heat or cold, but no 
 doubt it is all orderedjn wisdom and love, the righteous (or upright) 
 are taken away from the evil to come, and we that are allowed to 
 remain a little longer, are afresh warned and exhorted thereby to be 
 diligent and watchful, and to arise and trim our lamps afresh — even 
 that we may again and again yield to the Lord's trimming, and 
 emptying, and cleansing hand of power, and seek to be renewed and 
 fiUed with His heavenly oil, that the light that He bestows upon iis 
 may shine clearly and brightly to all around us, to His glory and the 
 gathering of others under the precious influence thereof. 
 
 Thou kindly asks me about my visit at Brighton. Through conde- 
 scending goodness I was helped to relieve my mind of the burden I had 
 felt in going from house to house, and in some cases visiting our dear 
 younger Friends individually in their families. I need not to thee say it 
 was truly a weighty and exercising service and deeply humbling to the 
 creature, often being led in a close way and foolish looking; no doubt, 
 
 L. A. Bakclat. 
 
 Reigate, 29<A of 12th Month, 1840. 
 
1840.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 217 
 
 feeling after every word. If the good in any has been a little helped 
 up, I am sure the glory belongs only to Him from whom the ability 
 came, and if I might but be preserved from bringing the least reproach 
 on the precious cause, what a favour it will be ! for oh, how great is 
 the encompassing weakness ; it is a wondrous mercy that we are 
 kept any moment, and every moment, from slipping and from evil ! 
 Grace ! grace ! we may and must say continually. I felt much 
 exercised on the subject of the essay meetings and also the fancy 
 work that has crept in so much amongst us, and had to press upon 
 them to search and try all their ways by the'unerring light of Christ, 
 all that they put their hands unto or employ their time in ; for that 
 the enemy of their souls' true peace might lead them, with apparently 
 very good and plausible motives, into things whereby the wisdom, 
 and activity, the vanity and pride of the creature would be greatly 
 fostered, yea, excited, which ought to be crucified and brought to 
 nothing'! Alas ! dear Lydia, how is the man's part nourished and 
 strengthened by the sort of education and bringing up of children 
 that is now in vogue amongst Friends ; we are sadly apostatised ! I 
 was at Chichester sitting in their families, also in a few at liCwes. 
 My health was wonderfully preserved, and, through favour, I came 
 home stronger than I went. . . . May the Lord help and keep 
 His poor worm living, and unto the very end ! . . . 
 Thy sincere and affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Baeclat. 
 
 To A. E. i . /^t 'e,;^; 
 
 I2th Month, 1840. 
 
 Whilst at B I felt constrained to press upon the dear 
 
 young people to search and try all their ways by the unerring light of 
 Christ, all that they put their hands unto or employed their time in, 
 lest they should in any degree be led, with an apparently good and 
 plausible motive, into such things as might excite the creaturely 
 activity or wisdom, or please the vain mind, or promote the worldly 
 spirit either in themselves or others ; all of which ought to be morti- 
 fied or subdued and brought to nothing. I spoke on the subject of 
 the essay meetings. I was sorry to find these essays are encouraged 
 in our schools, whether public or private. Alas ! how is self (or the 
 man's part, as I. P. says) fostered by these things ; but few see it to 
 be so, nor the consequences. Ah, the Spuit of Christ must regulate 
 aU our affections, and desires, and good feelings, as weU as curb the 
 
218 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1841. 
 
 bad, I fear with some dear friends there is too much of an entwining 
 about one another, and living like parasitical plants upon the life of 
 others, instead of having a good root and bottom themselves, and 
 something of a living upon the love and sympathy and tender feeling 
 of others ; but anything that draws us away from an inward dwelling 
 and feeling, yea, and an inward dying, is dangerous, however much 
 it may look as if it would strengthen and nourish the right thing — it 
 may only foster a sickly gi'owth that does not promote /u^^-fiavoured 
 and rightly-seasoned fruit, nor yet such firmness in the Root as may 
 bear the stormy, proving wind. 
 
 I felt thy kind expressions very grateful ; surely I above all others 
 need the prayers of the faithful. If I might but have been preserved 
 from bringing the least reproach on the cause of truth, what a favour 
 it would be ! but many and deep are often my plungings in returning 
 home on these occasions. I know that constant sunshine is not good, 
 and baptisms even unto death are necessary to cleanse and to prepare 
 for what further may be required. Oh ! saith my soul, that patience 
 may have her thorough work, that nothing may be lacking that may 
 tend to the glory of the Creator, or to the utter abasement and entire 
 purification of the creature. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To A. R. ^t/w.»v ^4've>4^{vw^.-!. 
 
 1st Month, 1841. 
 
 The account of the dear soldier really seemed to do 
 me good in the midst of a low season. It was indeed cheering to hear 
 of good springing up in the heart of the dear youth, and a willingness 
 to take up the cross, and despise the shame that attends a confession 
 of the truth. I could not but think how it would have gladdened the 
 heart of my dear brother, who rejoiced in the spreading of truth, 
 through suffering, even through tribulation and, as it were, the blood 
 of the martyrs or witnesses. I have thought that similar would have 
 been your dear father's feelings (whose memory is blessed). But 
 these dear departed spirits do join with us below when permitted thus 
 to praise the Lord in our hearts, only after a more heavenly and 
 purified sort, even in the angelic chorus. Our thoughts and desii-es 
 are often directed towards the dear youth, craving that he may be 
 preserved firm and stedfast in the faith and patience of the saints, and 
 then I have no doubt that whatever he has suffered, and however trying 
 
1841.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 219 
 
 to nature, that it will tend to the glory of the Lord and the spreading 
 of His excellent truth. There is danger of taking such, as it were, 
 out of the Lord's good hand that Avould lead them gently on, and be 
 their all-sufficient support and comfort. Much notice has drawn 
 them out of that deep exercise and lowly abiding, which would have 
 worked to their greater deepening and more true and safe growth. 
 I feel tenderly for such, and know that the word of encouragement 
 and counsel may often be very helpful to them and necessary at times. 
 How surely, and wisely, and excellently will truth guide us, even to 
 an hair's breadth, as to our steppings towards them, or the puttings 
 forth of our hands to the support of the testimonies thereof, if our eye 
 is but single enough, and our heart simple enough, in looking for and 
 minding the sweet gentle pointings thereof in the secret of our hearts, 
 even leading to the denial and humiliation of self in aU its twinings. 
 I am fearful lest anything of nature creep up in me. Oh, how 
 necessary then to watch both sides, lest it should prompt or lest it 
 should hinder and dismay ! I am often ready to conclude I can no 
 more put my hand to such awful work, yet I know the Lord's power 
 is sufficient to preserve as well as to strengthen. May we increas- 
 ingly yield to it, and then aU will be well to the end. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 m Month, 1841 ^ 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 In looking back to thy late visit to us, my mind seems to 
 be arrested at our conversation on the death scenes of some of our 
 younger Friends, whose lives had to us appeared more to be marked 
 for following their own inclinations than for subjection to the 
 crucifying power of truth. I have sometimes thought that, on these 
 occasions, expressions indicative of sweetness or comfort are much 
 spoken of and come abroad, while the previous deep sense and 
 humbling view of many former shortcomings or backslidings, and 
 the passing through the judgments of the Lord therefore, whereby 
 redeeming is known, and the purifying of the blood of Christ is 
 rightly felt, is often kept hid in the bosom of the dear invalid, or not 
 made known by the relations, lest it should have a gloomy or 
 discouraging effect. On the other hand, we know how easy it is for 
 some to be buoyed up and buoying themselves up in a false hope and 
 
220 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1841. 
 
 ease, and this may be carried on to a very late period! At the same 
 time, we also know the tender goodness of the Lord, who can at a 
 very late hour so touch, and melt, and subject the soul, can so shine 
 in the heart and enlighten to see His glory, as to change by His 
 Spirit even as in a moment. But I believe it is best for us not to 
 dive into these things that are too high for us ; we have full enough 
 around us to warn us to " use diligence to make our calling and 
 election sure," by a faithful co-operation with that Divine grace 
 which appears to and visits us for our salvation, and abundantly will 
 work in us to will and to do according to the Lord's good pleasure, 
 if we yield thereunto. There is also plenty of encouragement for the 
 humbled and returning penitent not to despair or doubt the Lord's 
 unutterable goodness and almighty power, whose mercy is as His 
 majesty infinite ! Oh, then, may we be both warned against in 
 any wise drawing back, lest we should come short of His promised 
 rest, and be encouraged to press forward in the way of known duty, 
 in the belief that we shall not fail to reap if we faint not. 
 
 And, dear R., while I have the pen in hand, I would express the 
 sincere desires that I feel for thy best welfare and growth in the truth. 
 Do not be looking too much out at others, lest thou shouldst be either 
 stumbled or led by them improperly. " Every tub must stand on its 
 own bottom," is a true saying. It wiU not do for us to be leaning on 
 the opinions of others any more than on their help and encouragement. 
 This is not a good foundation ; it is but a sort of parasitical life that 
 looks fair and elegant, while the growth and strength of the substan- 
 tial tree of God's right hand planting is thereby hindered, and 
 eventually the life thereof decays. Let thy attention then be more 
 and more turned inward to mind the piercing, quickening word of 
 life that is nigh in the heart and mouth. Wait for and feel after 
 the gentle secret influences thereof upon thy spirit day by day to 
 humble, cleanse, quicken, and strengthen thee ; thus shalt thou know 
 thy spiritual senses by reason of use to wax stronger and stronger — 
 the ear of thy soul to become more and more quick in understanding 
 the dear Master's voice — thy spiritual vision more and more clear to 
 perceiveHhe guidings of His heavenly eye (Ps. xxxii. 8) — thou wilt the 
 more readily be able to smell what savours of God or not — ^yea, wilt 
 be increasingly permitted to taste the sweetness of His great goodness, 
 and acutely to feel the gentlest touches of His power within to 
 constrain or to restrain. Thus nourished by fresh virtue continually 
 from Him, thy life and beloved, thou wilt be led on gradually and 
 
1841.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 221 
 
 safely from one degree of growth and fruitfulness to another ; and 
 waiting thus on the Lord in the way of His inward judgments, even 
 until judgment dwell in the wilderness and righteousness remain in 
 the fruitful field, thou shalt truly know " the work of righteousness 
 shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance 
 for ever," and that God's true-hearted, faithful people do "dwell in a 
 peaceable habitation and in sure dwellings and in quiet resting places," 
 although many are their afflictions, and they have to pass through 
 much tribulation, and the shoutings of their soul are " all of His 
 grace, all of His unutterable grace in Christ Jesus. Glory to Him 
 for ever ! " 
 
 L. A. Bakclat. 
 
 To A. R. 
 
 6th Month, 1841. 
 
 I hear is gone to Millbank. I hope he will have much 
 
 time for waiting on Him who has revealed Himself to him in the 
 secret of his heart, and gives him strength to testify against their 
 wicked doings. Ah, here lies his strength, even in waiting for and 
 yielding unto the Lord's power inwardly revealed, and then a prison 
 may be a growing place, a deepening place, and as a palace for the 
 enjoyment of the Lord's presence, the King of kings ! May this work 
 for the tendering of many hearts. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To J. B. . '•"**^^-vrfu'»-\^ 
 
 Reigate, Gth of 8th Month, 1841. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Thy kind letter during the yearly meeting I felt truly 
 acceptable, nay, may I not say strengthening too, however poor thou 
 mayest feel thyself, and unworthy to hand even a cup of cold water 
 to a fellow-pilgrim. Ah, my dear friend, we know not sometimes 
 how helpful an acknowledgment of love and unity, or even a mere 
 tender squeeze by the hand showing as much may be ; therefore, it is 
 well indeed to yield to little pointings, for the true fellowship is very 
 strengthening, and, alas ! there is but too little of it now-a -days, so 
 that the poor exercised ones go bowed down as it were all the day, 
 besides having to bear many wounds to their best life from without. 
 
222 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1841. 
 
 and many deaths to pass through within, in order for their pui'ification 
 and the slaying (and the keeping slain) of the wrong nature ! 
 
 Oh ! it is comforting, and it seems to give one a little lift on one's 
 way, to receive a salutation from a neighbour as we pass along, that 
 is going towards the same city of abiding habitation and of peace ! 
 But how very many imitations are there of all the good things in 
 Zion, even by the enemy of our soul's peace, so that it is hard to trust 
 any, and the fear is great of being mistaken ourselves ! But in the 
 pure fear is the true preservation, and in the silence of aU that is of 
 the flesh is the true voice heard clearly, and the true feeling is 
 given of what is right and what is wrong, so that I often remember 
 with instruction what one of our ancient worthies said, that when 
 there was more of the ti'ue silence and retirement amongst us as a 
 people, there was more of the true knowledge of ourselves, of others, 
 and of God, the true discerning of all things ; and it is for want of 
 this inwardness that we have so many young people intruding into 
 things that are too high for them, speaking as if they were grown 
 men in the truth all at once, not knowing themselves or the power of 
 God sufficiently — as well as so many older Friends that have not 
 attained the strength that was designed them, nor that degree of union 
 with the truth, whereby they should be able both to discern others, 
 and to " know what Israel ought to do." Ah, I can well say with 
 thee, "The fathers, the mothers, where are they?" But, dear friend, 
 let us not sink too low in discouragement at the state of things amongst 
 us, a poor backsliding and rebellious people, nor cast away our confi- 
 dence in that Divine arm that ^vill ever be sufficient for His true- 
 hearted, clean-handed Israel, however small and scattered a remnant 
 they be! I believe these, as they keep close to His Divine gift in the 
 secret of their hearts, will be hid as in the hollow of His holy hand 
 during the shakings and siftings that must come upon us, and wUl daily 
 seek after and receive His heavenly strengthening to walk faithfully, 
 watchfully, and humbly before Him in their ditferent lots to the end of 
 their day. And oh, saith my soul, that thou and I may be of this happy 
 number. "Wherefore, let us take unto us "the whole armour of God, that 
 we may be able to withstand in the evil day;" let us "take heed unto 
 ourselves, watch and pray always that we may be accounted worthy to 
 escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son 
 of man." And, my dear friend, in order that we may become "strong 
 in the Lord" and for the Lord, even "in the power of His might," 
 I long that we may be more and more faithful in the little that we 
 
1841.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 228 
 
 do already know and feel of and from Him, and then I believe He 
 will gradually increase our knowledge of Him, our feeling for Him, 
 . and our ability to work for and with Him, to our own great peace 
 and the help of the body ; for as one member grows all the members 
 partake of and feel that growth and increase of strength. 
 
 We had a more quiet and agreeable yearly meeting than usual, and 
 there seems a tender visitation to the youth, and more of a yielding 
 thereto than has been perceptible for some years, which is truly com- 
 forting to some of us poor mourners. Still there is much evil under- 
 neath that has to be worked out both to sight and out of sight. Man's 
 wisdom and activity have crept up too much in our meetings, and 
 would be up and doing. While the Divine power is ojjpressed, there 
 is no room for it to humble and move us, and our discipline becomes 
 in consequence much in the form without the power, and fails to do 
 what it was designed to do, to keep the camp clean. But let us have, 
 or seek after, faith and patience, and we shall see that that which is 
 only superficial will be swept away by the torrent, whilst that which 
 is solid and deep beneath the surface, founded on the Rock, will stand 
 the commotion, the tempest ! Oh, then, let us labour to get deep in 
 our spirits, feeling all our springs, our strength, and our standing to 
 be in Him, the Rock of Ages, the foundation that remains sure, having 
 this seal, " The Lord knoweth them that are His." . 
 
 My health has, through mercy, been greatly strengthened during 
 the last winter and spring — a great favour, and surely deserves returns 
 of unreserved dedication and humble gratitude to the author of all our 
 blessings. But, alas! I fear the health of the better partis dwindling 
 instead of increasing, through letting in the enemy's discouragings, 
 and a want of feeling after the daily sap of life, whereby strength 
 would be received to overcome all obstacles and all weaknesses, and 
 to bring forth the fruit designed and looked for. . . . 
 
 Thy sincerely affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To L. H. ~,^^M. 'a^ A^i^^ rtf, y-' 
 
 Reigate, 2dth of9tk Montfi, 1841. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Thou needst not feel ashamed of thyself, I am sure, for I 
 have not thought thee at all negligent. I had heard of thy being in 
 London, and supposed thou hadst come up about the little book.* I 
 • Memoir of Mary Hagger. 
 
224 
 
 A SELECTION PROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1841. 
 
 am so pleased to find by thy letter that thou hast been strengthened 
 to go simply forward in it without attending unduly to 's reason- 
 ings. I say strengthened, for I know it is not in man either to direct 
 his own steps aright, or to give himself courage or faith to take 
 those steps. ... I hope and believe thou wilt have no cause to 
 
 repent. Thou dost not say whether sent to you at Ashford 
 
 the letter addressed by me to you all three. I feared you would 
 think me very bold, perhaps impertinent ; but indeed I felt much about 
 it, and thought it my duty to do my " very best" (as dear old Thomas 
 Shillitoe used to say) in forwarding so good a work. I long to see 
 it, and should like to take twenty-five copies for myself, and twenty- 
 five for two Friends who are in a little way of shopkeeping. I trust 
 it vrill give general satisfaction, and I shaU endeavour to promote its 
 spreading in my correspondence with my distant Friends. It was 
 truly pleasant to hear a little of your Friends from thy pen. Dear 
 M. Baker ! how solitary is her path, as well as that of many others, 
 and thine included, dear L. It is a peculiarly trying time to the 
 exercised on this account, that they are so solitary. But I believe it 
 is in wisdom thus ordered, that they may be driven the more closely 
 and constantly to Him, who is never failing and changeth not ! Ah, 
 what a precious consideration is this, that He does not change (as 
 man does so very frequently and tryingly to us !) nor yet does He 
 see as man sees who judges by outward appearance, but looks at the 
 heart ! To whom then can we go for such true, and constant, and 
 omnipotent help, as to so unshaken and good a Friend, the Almighty 
 and all-gracious One, who knows what is best for us, as well as all 
 that is in us; will tell us the truth, and most tenderly counsel us; yea, 
 and His tender words of counsel are with power also to follow it, 
 and His sweet peace flows on our yielding to it ! How do I long for 
 us who are so solitary, and who do, I humbly trust, feel exercised for 
 the precious cause sake, that we may be more and more diligent, and 
 earnest in waiting on the Lord for His counsel, and strength, and 
 heavenly direction day by day, and more and more firm in keeping 
 to it, and occupying with it, in His holy fear, and the true humility 
 before Him who touches, and draws, and calls us ! Never let us 
 mind if we have many seasons of dreary drought and times of proving 
 and sufiering ; may we be enabled to keep the word of His patience 
 through aU trials, and reproaches, and persecutions, for He is faithful 
 who hath promised, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee." 
 " Fear thou not, for I am with thee!" Let us endeavour to do all 
 
1841.J 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 225 
 
 our little best for the truth, and watch and pray that we may be pre- 
 served from doing any thing against the truth ; thus, by keeping to 
 the truth, the truth will keep us to the end that crowns all. 
 
 I am pleased to hear of . I earnestly desire that he may, 
 
 through humbling repentance and condemnation of his error, find 
 
 acceptance at last. My love to . Oh, that she might seek to 
 
 elicit this, to fan the little spark of true humbling feeling into a flame, 
 for Zion shall be redeemed through the spirit of judgment and of 
 burning ! . . . Dear J. F. M. is gone to York quarterly meeting. 
 His prospect is to visit that county, Lancashire, Derby, and Notts 
 quarterly meetings, with liberty for families, &c. Poor dear M. A. S.! 
 I fear she is sinking in decline. On her account we can but rejoice 
 in her prospect, but for that little church we must mourn, for the 
 exercised labourers are few. She wrote very sweetly. Dear S. Grubb, 
 I suppose you know, is liberated for visiting the quarterly meetings 
 (only) aU over the kingdom, and has made a beginning with those of 
 Reading, Gloucester, and Bristol. What an excellent concern ! I 
 fear it will be her last, like the winding up of her testimony. 
 
 I remain thy affectionate and sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Eeigate, 6th of 10th Month, 1841. 
 
 . . My dear love to , and I hope she tries to be 
 
 very good and helpful to mother, by endeavouring to overcome self 
 and selfish inclinations on all occasions. In proportion as the selfish 
 spirit is driven out of us, so God's good Spirit mil come in and dwell 
 with us, and shed such sweetness and meekness and peace all around 
 us, it will be like taking us up to heaven or bringing heaven down to 
 us. How happy shall wo be then, and so will all who love us and 
 are near to us ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Eeigate, Ist of 11 th Month, 1841. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Thy kind sisterly epistle I do not like to neglect. It docs 
 cheer one up to hear from those who are like-minded in the present 
 hot day of trial and of sore treading do^vn, and, alas ! dear H., how 
 few there are who are like-minded in most important respects. I am 
 
 Q 
 
226 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1841. 
 
 more and more dismayed to fancy one's self so solitary ; one gets con- 
 tinually baulked, or rather knocked do-\vn, by finding out differences 
 of feeling in those whom one has hitherto imagined were on the 
 ancient side, and which I believe to be no sectarian view or mere 
 opinions, but the only sure foundation, viz., a building on the inward 
 revelation of Jesus Chi'ist. Ah! this does not in the least lessen our 
 value for, and enjoyment of the benefit of His outward manifestation 
 and sacrifice — no, it enhances it, and, if I may so say, sanctifies it 
 unto us, appropriates it to us, for if He wash us not by the washing 
 of regeneration, and renew us by His Holy Spirit, we shall have no 
 part in Him, nor in that salvation He laid down His precious life to 
 purchase for us. Oh, this ancient and precious foundation of the life 
 and Spirit of Christ, it shall stand all the tempests of the windy doc- 
 trines of men, and shall outlast them all, for the Spirit of Christ 
 must and shall prevail over all, and His dominion be for ever and ever! 
 
 L. A. BARCL4.Y. 
 
 To J. F. M * 
 
 Croydon, 22>rdofllth Month, 1841. 
 
 . . Such opportunities we really should avail of, when 
 thi'own in our way, of mingling a little with those whom we feel to be 
 fellow-feelers and fellow-sufferers, of endeavouring to take sweet 
 counsel together as in the presence of the Lord, who would indeed 
 keep our conversation innocent, weighty, and serious. Oh, this is 
 what I long for, that though our communications may be of the 
 mournful cast, yet that they may be seasoned by the Divine fear, which 
 would keep us in the remembrance of His mighty power, whereby 
 He is able even to subdue all things unto Himself, and to work 
 mightily in and for us. 
 
 It has been very pleasant, my dear friend, and cause of renewed 
 thankfulness on my part, to hear from time to time such nice accounts 
 of thee from tliy dear wife. Thou hast hitherto been strengthened 
 and helped in every needful time, and preserved in health throughout 
 so long and exercising an engagement, and I have no doubt it 
 will be so to the end. Oh ! what a good and tender Master is He to 
 all who look and cleave to Him alone, so bountiful in His conde- 
 scension to us poor, weak, unworthy creatures, and so very tender 
 if at any time we slip, and it is of His wonderful grace that we 
 * When visiting H. M. in bis absence. 
 
1841.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 227 
 
 yet live and have hope towards Him. Oh, that we may never turn 
 away from His gentle drawings, or grieve Him either by withholding 
 or overacting. 
 
 I am pleased thou hadst with thee. He is a young man I feel 
 
 much interested about, and desire his deepening and growth in the 
 root of Divine life. Ah ! this is what is wanted among us, and it is 
 attained more in the shade, I often think, than in the sunshine of 
 favour and encouragement from without. If this hidden life 
 were more promoted amongst our dear youth, and earnestly 
 travailed for, there would be less of the superficial work that is so 
 very prevalent and plausible with us, and then there would be more 
 full seasoned, full flavoured, and sound fruit to be found. Ah, this 
 true life would give the true sight of the things of the kingdom, and 
 the true feeling of the mind, and for the cause of truth a true zeal 
 for the promotion thereof, even in the meekness of the true wisdom, 
 and in the humility of the true and pure fear. My very soul craves 
 it as the best of all treasures. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To L. C. 
 
 Reigate, 21th oflUh Month, 1841. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Did I tell thee I bad heard of the decease of dear of 
 
 L , of rapid consumption ? What a sweet Friend she was ! All, 
 
 I remember receiving a precious letter from her eighteen months ago, 
 when I was under deep trial and reproach from a quarter I could 
 hardly have expected on account of my peculiar walk. She said that 
 for nearly a year she had been longing to acknowledge (but feared it 
 would be a liberty) her near sympathy and unity with me in the 
 narrow walk I had believed it required to walk in ; and that although 
 she might be esteemed a plain, consistent Friend by most, yet that 
 she believed a much narrower walk must be hers if she yielded to 
 inward conviction. Oh, it seemed to help me up a bit, and were it 
 not for such little providential lifts, I, for one, should, I fear, soon 
 sink and faint, being one of the weakest of the weak. Yet I do bless 
 the Lord that He permits me to be thus frequently proved and plunged 
 and sifted, that the foundation may be thoroughly shaken, and that tliat 
 which cannot be shaken and that which can stand the fire may remain 
 to His praise ; for oh, how easy it is for self to be creeping up even 
 when and where we least expect it, yea, to gather life to itself from 
 
228 
 
 A SELECTION FKOM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1841. 
 
 that which looks most likely to slay it ! It is the Lord's power that 
 can aloue cut off its many heads as they rise up ; and oh, saith my 
 soul, let us patiently and submissively yield to His good hand of 
 power, however it operate, that it may be so by little and little, and 
 that we may witness His own pure life thereby to rise more and 
 more into dominion over all, and that will make and keep us lively 
 and low, sound and savoury, faithful and fruitful, and then His own 
 works will praise Him indeed ! 
 
 I felt much at parting with dear . It was a pleasant visit to 
 
 me, and an opportunity of seeing most of my old friends ; but towards 
 the end we were rather hurried. Oh, how do I long that we were 
 more deep and inward in our spirits in these times of social inter- 
 course, breathing after heavenly help, and not shrinking from it, and 
 that we were less in the chattiness and outwardness ! I believe we 
 should thereby gain abundantly more and lose abundantly less. It is, 
 I need hardly tell thee, so comfortable to get home again, and perhaps 
 it does one good to leave it for a time, and go and see and feel for 
 others' trials and sufferings, and then it makes us the less poignantly 
 feel our own. Oh, what a dense atmosphere spiiitually do some live in 
 around! But truly the Lord is sufficient, if alone looked to and 
 cleaved to, and the faithful may be as a little salt in the midst 
 thereof. . . 
 
 Farewell in haste and with dear love. I should quite like, if per- 
 mitted, to come and see you. In the meantime, I remain, as ever, 
 thy very sincere and affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To R. R. 
 
 Beigate, 30th ofllth Month, 1841. 
 
 . . . It was much in my heart to have gone to the 
 interment of dear E. Pryor. I only heard accidentally of her death 
 at breakfast-time that morning, and was much affected, though I had 
 long expected it, and felt constrained at meeting to allude to the 
 blessedness of being gathered into the heavenly garner, and how we 
 might experience it. I had great love and respect for her. This is 
 a season when we are continually reminded of the uncertainty of 
 time, and the great need for a continual consideration of, and prepa- 
 ration for our latter end. . . . 
 
 The day that is coming will prove every man's work of what sort 
 
1841.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 229 
 
 it is ; and oh that mine may be proved even by fire, and made w^hat 
 it ought to be, for all is not gold that glitters. Oh, how few there 
 are comparatively who bear an entirely clear testimony, not only in 
 ministry, but also in practice ! I have felt deeply humbled and in- 
 structed in the consideration thereof lately, in the seeing and hearing 
 and feeling of what is wounding to the best life. . . . iict us 
 lay it to heart, dear R., and crave to be thoroughly searched, humbled, 
 purified, and quickened afresh from time to time by the blessed power 
 of truth, that ever remains to be all-sufficient to overcome all weak- 
 nesses and snares, and to strengthen to a faithful testimony-bearing 
 to the end. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To A. R. 
 
 Wth Month, 1841. 
 
 There is sometimes more of a deepening in the root in the 
 shade, as it were, unobserved, and these are indeed times when such 
 a progress is especially wanted, and less branchification. Ah ! the 
 more one sees, hears, and feels about things, the more one is clothed 
 in mourning; there seems so few comparatively who come up entirely 
 in a clear testimony, both in ministry and practice, I have of late 
 been deeply humbled and instructed in the consideration hereof. 
 How does one long to be thoroughly searched and purified, humbled 
 and quickened by the power of truth, which ever continues to be all- 
 svjficient to overcome all weaknesses and snares, and to strengthen 
 unto a faithful, humble testimony-bearing, even unto the end ! I 
 must be content to be a solitary one. The day that is hastening will 
 try every man's work of what sort it is. Oh ! that mine may be 
 tried though even by fire, and made what it ought to be, that I may 
 be preserved in the ancient testimony to the blessed and unchangeable 
 truth. 
 
 L, A. Barclay. 
 
 To THE same. 
 
 2lst of 12th Month, 1841. 
 . . I have been thinking of your quarterly meeting 
 drawing on, and I might say breathing, I trust, in our little retire- 
 ment, that the Lord's power and presence might be with you, in 
 which alone is wisdom, strength, and comfort ; that it might so 
 humble and bow you down before Him, as that you might witness a 
 
230 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OP 
 
 [1841. 
 
 little ability to arise in His name or miglit, and experience the 
 comfort of His love and the fellowship of His Spirit, being made 
 conformable to His death. And now that you have had a living 
 member added to the select meeting, I do trust Friends will be 
 quickened and anointed to see and to feel where the true anointing 
 is, and where the true baptism has been and is submitted to, and will 
 be enabled to be firm in the true discovery and judgment thereof in 
 the consideration of an addition to the elders. It would be truly sad 
 if the true qualification were passed by, and a weak nomination made, 
 to bring weakness over you for time to come. Ah ! this has been 
 one great cause of our degeneracy as a people, man's judgment has 
 been looked to on appointments, instead of the life and power of 
 truth, and so the wrong thing has had sway and crushed the tender 
 life, even though a most plausible appearance has shown itself. Oh, 
 the great need of the baptising, crucifying power of truth, and the 
 thorough work which this will do in us. Nothing short of this will 
 do anything for us, either as members or officers in the church. My 
 soul craves this earnestly for myself and those I love, yea, a constant 
 renewal thereof, a constant baptising into Christ's death, that so we 
 may know Him to be our resurrection and life, and may witness that 
 newness of life in and by which we may serve God acceptably with 
 reverence and godly fear. Thus I seemed led on to meditate on the 
 Lord's wonderful goodness towards His upright-hearted, faithful, 
 travailing children who are often bowed down in sorrowful mourn- 
 ing for the desolations of Zion, and in deep painful travail for the 
 arising of Him who is her light and life into more full dominion 
 over all, strewing their tears in solitary places ; and I saw how He 
 would make a Avay for their deliverance, even where they, with all 
 their looking or contrivance in their own willing and wisdom, can see 
 none ; yea, though they may have long been as among the pots, yet 
 He can, in His own time and way, give them to arise up aloft, as 
 with the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers Avith 
 yellow gold; for blessed be His mighty good name. He hath prepared 
 and still does prepare of His goodness for His poor. Thus, I thought. 
 He made (in condescending goodness) the outgoings of my morning 
 this day to rejoice in the remembrance of His name. Oh, were it 
 not for such help, what would become of such a poor, weak, fainting 
 one as am ; for truly, bonds and afflictions continually await 
 and abound. Many are the fears within and fightings without. It 
 is hard work to be faithful, especially to those most dear to us — truly 
 
1841.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 231 
 
 like laying down our lives for our friends. I believe that "many of 
 our dear friends, elder and younger, have been hurt by having their 
 minds gradually drawn away from a deep inward exercise, to know 
 the arising of the well-spring of life m themselves, to the hindrance 
 of their service, and the weakening their testimony-bearing for the 
 
 truth. I hope docs not confine revelation to what is written in 
 
 the scriptui'cs, though we know it accords therewith. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To £/^e^J^Kj ^CrT*<? 
 
 \2th Month, 1841. 
 
 My dear E., 
 
 I was in degree prepared for thy open ingenuous letter, and 
 could in a moment enter into all thy feelings, although I must own it 
 could not fail of trying me in one respect; but, in endeavouring to 
 look back at what had come liefore me to express to thee, and in 
 which one was under a degree of disadvantage by interruption, I 
 have felt quiet in the belief that it was my desire and endeavour to 
 do what I apprehended was required of me, I have often found, 
 dear E., in my own experience, that when what has been delivered 
 to me by an instrument has not seemed to me to apply, if I have 
 endeavoured to abide in the patience and cleaving to the power (which, 
 as I apprehended, moved him or her), the thing has gradually been 
 opened unto my mind afterwards, and been brought home by the Witness 
 in the secret of my heart, to my comfort, or instruction, or warning, 
 and so I cannot but believe it wll be thy case in this respect, as thou 
 endeavours to turn and keep thy attention inward to the power of 
 Divine grace and truth, which I believe is preciously visiting thee to 
 draw thee nearer and nearer to the fountain thereof. Ah, we must 
 not be looking outward, either at what one may say or at how 
 another may do, however plausible or excellent it may appear, or 
 however it may coincide with our own creaturely apprehensions — but 
 rather let us sink down into the stillness of true resignation of the 
 creature to whatever may be manifested, desiring to hear the voice of 
 the good Shepherd and Master within, who indeed is our truest 
 friend and the faithful witness for God ; and let us not fear the 
 searching of His holy light, or the fiery and crucifying operation of 
 His word, if He break up our false rest, and rend off our beautiful 
 covering, and spoil aU our pleasant pictures, and give us closely to 
 
232 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1841. 
 
 feel and clearly to see what is our real situation and condition, and 
 what His Spirit is not in, how plausible soever it may appear. I say 
 let us not start aside at such a disclosure, what though it touch us, 
 as it were, in the tenderest spot, — neither let us suffer the enemy to 
 dim the little light and sight thus mercifully given by a fair looking 
 cloud, persuading us that we are mistaken or must not take so narrow 
 a view ! thus should we endanger our Guide and Shepherd's retiring 
 further from us — but rather let us, by closely attending to the motions 
 and discoveries of His light and life in the secret of our hearts, as I. 
 P. says, " Draw His yoke close about our necks, take the cross, the 
 contrariety of Jesus, upon our spirits daily, that that may be worn 
 out which hinders the true unity with Him, and so we may feel our 
 King and Saviour exalted upon His throne in our hearts — this will 
 be our rest, peace, life, kingdom, and crown for ever !" And I 
 believe, dear E., if this be thy endeavour and earnest concern, that 
 thou wilt increasingly find thy path to be a solitary one. Ah, we 
 have but few helpers in this deep and inward path, else there would 
 not be so much of a beautiful-looking superficial work amongst us, as, 
 alas! is son-owfuUy the case; for it is a path which the vulturous eye 
 of man's carnal reasoning and comprehension cannot perceive, neither 
 can that which is comparable to the lion's whelp, the strong unsub- 
 jected will of man, that is in the ravenous nature against the life, 
 ever tread thereon ! but, blessed be the name of the Lord, those who 
 are yielding to His redeeming power, even the spirit of judgment and 
 burning, and abiding under the yoke of His life, do and ever shall 
 find it a path of pleasantness and peace, yea, though fools, they shall 
 not err therein, but be brought safely thereby through aU that stands 
 in their way, even unto Zion, with songs and everlasting joy upon 
 then* heads, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away from them, for 
 they shall experi^ce the work of Christ's righteousness to be peace, 
 and the effect thereof quietness and assurance for ever ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To J. Wl/^n.-y— 
 
 Eeigate, 2dth of 12th Month, 1841. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 Thy last was truly acceptable and strengthening — and I 
 trust my eye in reading it was unto Him from whom all help and 
 good comes, who does remember His poor afilicted ones in seasons of 
 
1841.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 233 
 
 His wise and good pleasure, and strengthens them with a little fresh 
 might, from time to time, by His Spirit in the inner man, whether 
 with or Avithout instruments, — and sometimes such little lifts are like 
 the prophet's cake, that supported him during a long wilderness 
 journey. So it is good indeed to trust in Him, however low, for He 
 will not sufler us to be tried beyond what will tend to His glory 
 and our purification, nor above what He will strengthen us to bear, 
 as we cleave close unto Him through all. . . 
 
 Ah, my dearly beloved friend, thou knowest in what sense I am 
 anxious. To have the living in Israel taken away from us at such a 
 time of trial, and of treading down, and of sore dismay, makes one 
 sad at heart to think of; but on their account one cannot be anxious 
 — ^rather rejoice that their dear Master calls them up higher, where 
 sorrow and sighing flee away, where the wicked cease from troubling 
 and the weary soul is for ever at rest. . . . It is no matter what 
 are the means used for the breaking down of these poor tabernacles 
 of clay that must crumble into dust again soon. But, oh ! that the 
 Spirit may be prepared and wound up for heaven ! I am sometimes 
 ready to long it may be soon, yet desire not to be hasty, but to be 
 preserved in the true faith and resignation to the end, " if so be that 
 being clothed, I may, through Divine goodness, not be found naked." 
 
 . But, oh ! my dear friend, we do want true and tender elders 
 sadly amongst us — such as can tenderly and wisely point out any 
 little weakness or temptation we may be liable to, and help us out of 
 it into greater strength, instead of either letting us abide alone and 
 get deeper and deeper into weakness, or else doing their work in a 
 rough, injudicious way, and so discouraging. . . . But, oh ! how 
 many, many snares are there all around for us poor weak children in 
 the awful work ! We may well fear and tremble for ourselves, 
 rather than look out at others. And oh, that we may breathe one 
 for another, that we may more and more know that thorough purifying 
 work, that thou, my dear friend, speakest of. How did my heart 
 go with every word of that part of thy letter. It was so peculiarly in 
 coincidence with the secret meditations and exercise of my own mind 
 for these two or thi'ee months past. I cannot but believe that if there 
 were more submission to this fiery baptism and thorough purging from 
 all that pertains to the creature known amongst us, there would be 
 a more pure and clear testimony (consistent throughout) borne for the 
 blessed truth, both by precept and example, both by ministers and 
 others ; and I have greatly lamented of late to see and hear of 
 
234 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1841. 
 
 inconsistency of practice in ministers ; it seems to me like pulling 
 down with one hand what is endeavoured to be built up with the 
 other, and surely it must be from a want of this thorough purifica- 
 tion. I fear lest seeking minds should be stumbled, and I know that 
 many of our dear youth obsei've it; and oh! there are too many 
 amongst us who are watching and make a handle of everything that 
 will lower our ancient testimony to the sufficiency of Divine grace ! 
 These things often make me mournful, and, as I said before, trembling 
 and fearful for myself, lest I should come short of the pure standard 
 of truth ; and, oh ! saith my soul, that I may more and more entu'ely 
 yield up to be melted and moulded by the power of truth, which I 
 know is all-sufficient to overcome all weakness, and evil, and tempta- 
 tions either of the enemy, or the worldly spirit, his servant. . . . 
 
 There have been, during the past year, many running to and fro 
 amongst us, and very many have been the public meetings in different 
 parts ; but oh, my dear friend, I hope it is not uncharitable to acknow- 
 ledge that if they were such as dear and a few others, one could 
 
 then more rejoice. 1 often remember the expression in Jeremiah 
 xxiii. 22, and greatly lament that many such expressions, both in his 
 book and that of Ezekiel, are but too plainly applicable to us now-a- 
 days. Many people of other persuasions see and feel the difference, 
 the weakness, and deficiency, alas ! in our ministry. Some of them 
 like it all the better, and think we are coming round to them ; and 
 we continually hear of their saying, on public occasions, " that they 
 could find nothing to object to ;" while others, tender, seeking minds, 
 are grieved with these things, and go away sorrowful, saying, " We 
 did not think to hear such preaching in your meetings : we looked 
 for something higher : we could hear such in our own chapels !" Ah, 
 my dear friend, many are the such like wounds that pierce our very 
 life, so that it is truly like being killed aU the day long ! . . . 
 
 Well, my dear friend, I seem as if I were sitting conversing with 
 thee by thy fireside. The remembrance of thy labour, and exercise, 
 and afflictions, and of the savour of thy spirit, is very fresh and 
 precious to some of us ; and though far separated outwardly, yet art 
 thou near in the bonds, I humbly trust, of that blessed fellowship in 
 which we shall not be separated even by death from one another, if 
 indeed we are mercifully preserved in faith and patience to the end. 
 And oh, my dear friend, crave that it may be so in the experience of 
 thy unworthy friend — that I may be delivered from every snare, and 
 kept humble and faitliful to the last of my little day here ; and may 
 
1842.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 235 
 
 the Lord be with thy spirit from day to day, comfort and strengthen 
 thee amidst thy manifokl aiflictions with the rich consolations of His 
 love in Christ Jesus, and preserve and receive thee unto His heavenly 
 kingdom at last. 
 
 With the salutation of dear love, I bid thee farewell, and remain 
 thy nearly united and sympathising friend. 
 
 Mt beloved Nephew, 
 
 I have long had it on my heart to write to thee, at least 
 since we last met on a solemn occasion, from a feeling of tender sym- 
 pathy with thee under the loss of thy dear cousin R., which I can 
 conceive is no slight one to thee, inasmuch as his affectionate solici- 
 tude and counsel, and his example of humble conscientiousness had 
 become increasingly valuable to thee ; yet I have no doubt that both 
 as regards thyself and the others of his family (even the dearest 
 object !), this trial was permitted in wisdom and tender mercy by Him 
 who sees the end from the beginning, and knows better than we Avhat 
 is most for our good. As it regards dear R., great as the trial is to 
 me to lose him, I am resigned, in the full belief that it was well for 
 him that he was taken from the evil to come, for many would in all 
 pi'obability have been the snares and the difficulties that would have 
 attended his iiath, and I often feared he might suffer from the inju- 
 dicious notice and thrusting forward, as it were, of kind Friends. 
 Ah, he showed his belief in and love to his Saviour by a simple 
 obedience to what was revealed to him by His blessed Si^irit, and 
 being faithful to what he had received, is, I doubt not, accepted 
 in the Beloved, and entered into His joy in the heavenly inheritance. 
 And oh, how have I longed, my dear J., that thou might mark his 
 footsteps, which (as I have ever apprehended concerning him) were 
 those of humble, sincere inquiry after what was good and right in the 
 best sense, seeking to feel after the true judgment in the light of Christ, 
 even in its smallest appearances, and then an honest, noble, fearless 
 following thereof, however he might be laughed at by any who thought 
 they had reason or the common opinion of the worldly wise on their 
 side! And as humility attended his sincere inquiry or feeling after 
 good, so also humility attended (softening, seasoning, and preserving) 
 
 L. A. Baeclat. 
 
 To 
 
 -, 1842. 
 
236 
 
 A SELECTION FR05I THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 liis firm and faithful acting thereon, so that he was kept in a lowly, 
 teachable state, which is the proper state for the true growing to be 
 experienced. And though the steps he had as yet taken were but few, 
 yet they were fundamental ones, considering his very many disad- 
 vantages ; and I believe, as he once hinted to me, that more would 
 undoubtedly have followed as he was able to bear them. 
 
 And now thou art bereft of this dear relative, and more, this 
 faithful friend, at a critical time, and I often think that though we 
 may have a few dear intimate friends with whom we are nearly united, 
 yet a faithful relative is still more valuable, as he knows more fully 
 from fellow experience all our besetments and liabilities, our weak 
 sides, and is more likely to tell us the truth. This was the case with 
 thy dear father and me, and oh, how great is my loss of him ! so that 
 I can sympathise with thee, my dear nephew, and the comforting 
 language seems to arise whilst I write, "There is a friend that sticketh 
 closer than abrothei*." O seek to have this friendfor thy friend, by show- 
 ing thyself to be His friend, by doing "whatsoever He commands thee." 
 Confess Him faithfully before all that thou desires to be His only. 
 His wholly, to wear his livery truly (even a meek and lowly and 
 watchful spirit), to enlist under His banner of the cross to all that is 
 of self, to fight and suffer in His power and might for His precious 
 cause, for the faith once and still delivered to the saints, whereof He 
 is the author and finisher, not man. Oh, be not ashamed of His 
 words whether of command or of resti-aint, "tie them about thy neck 
 and bind them upon thy fingers," that His lowly and pure govern- 
 ment in thee may be conspicuous in all thy conduct, conversation, and 
 demeanour, so wilt thou season and gather others unto Him thy 
 heavenly King, and He will confess thee as His liege and faithful 
 subject, redeemed by a mighty price, and purified and prepared by 
 His precious Spirit. Oh, I do comfortingly believe that thou hast 
 been so preciously visited and toviched by Divine love, that this is in 
 favoured moments thy most earnest desire. Oh, that nothing may in 
 any wise hurt or hinder thy pressing towards this mark, though it be a 
 high one, even for the rich prize of oui" calling. Let not Lhe roughness, 
 the narrowness, the solitariness, or the many difficulties and trials of 
 thy path, deter thee or induce thee to turn aside into the many more 
 easy looking by-paths, or to sit down at ease short of the true rest, 
 which is the result of the true perseverance. " My son, if thou come 
 to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for temptation, set thy heart 
 aright, and constantly endure, and make not haste in time of trouble." 
 
1842.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 237 
 
 Oh, how much there is in us that is opposed to His pure and search- 
 ing government — even the government of His holy light and word and 
 Spirit, that pierces to the quick, to the very root and ground of all 
 things! Oh, what a many -headed monster is self! and yet it hides itself, 
 looks and appears as a true lamb, so that it may well be described in 
 scripture as "the old man which is corrupt according to the deceitful 
 lusts" — for deceitful indeed are these lusts or inclinations ! so that 
 we may often be dismayed at the sight and feeling of what the 
 precious light and Spirit of Christ opens to us of what is within us, 
 especially in our youth when the man's part (as dear I. P, says), that 
 is the selfish nature, is so strong in us ; and then it is that the enemy 
 would fain persuade us (as if taking the side of the good), that it is 
 all in vain to strive to overcome the evil, for it is such a mass and 
 so continually rising up in us ! but he is a liar as ever he was, for 
 help is laid upon One that is mighty, yea, mightier in us than he that 
 is in the world, if we will but cast ourselves into the arms of His 
 power, by yielding to the smallest touches thereof in the secret of our 
 hearts, then His strength or grace shall be sufficient for us, and in 
 this true faith shall we be enabled to subdue kingdoms, work right- 
 eousness, obtain promises, quench the violence of fire, stop the mouths 
 of lions (spiritually), yea, " out of weakness shall be made strong," 
 So it is good for us to yield ourselves up to that which shows us our 
 condition without fear or flinching, doubt or dismay, and this will 
 beget in us a watchful, retired, and humble frame of mind, yet clothed 
 with an artless, cheerful simplicity. Oh, this is the setting the heart 
 aright, which enables constantly to endure, and preserves from 
 " making haste " either out of the necessary furnace or into any stej) 
 before our Iieavenly guide clearly points and tenderly leads. 
 
 This is what I have earnestly desired may be thy experience, my 
 
 dear , now that thou hast completed thy apprenticeship, and art 
 
 in some sort thy own master, though I trust not without law and 
 subjection unto Christ. Oh, that thy conduct, conversation, and 
 demeanour may be regulated by the Spirit of Chi-ist, and in the 
 Divine fear at all times and under all circumstances, then hast thou 
 ground for humble confidence and trust that all tilings shall work 
 together for thy good, and that the Lord will he thy never failing 
 friend and helper in every time of need ; for He hath respect unto 
 the lowly, but the proud He knoweth afar of. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
238 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1842. 
 
 1st or 2nd Month, 1842. 
 
 Mr DEAR Friend, 
 
 I have felt much exercised in mind towards my dear friends 
 in the station of overseer for above a year past, and have seen no 
 way of relief until our late appointment, when it came forcibly before 
 me to write to nearly each one of them, which I have been mercifully 
 enabled to do in the cross, to my own feelings, but I trust in a degree 
 of heavenly might, and greatly to the relief and peace of my own 
 mind ; and now, in looking towards thee, my dear friend, I thought I 
 could hardly close this little labour of love without endeavouring to 
 do my little best to strengthen thy hands, by acknowledging that I 
 earnestly desire thy encouragement in a faithful, unflinching coming 
 up to the help of the Lord's cause, which truly is worth pleading for 
 and worth suffering for. Oh, it will not do to be sitting down, as it 
 were, in our ceiled houses, content with merely wishing well to the 
 cause of truth, and merely mourning over the desolations of Zion ; 
 but it is time for some amongst us to be fathers and mothers, to take 
 a prominent part, to come forward nobly, and plead and act for the 
 truth, to feel and judge for the truth, and not wait to see how others 
 feel. Oh, then, the need for such as these to be deep and inward in 
 their spirits, to mind the Master's voice, and to wait for the daily 
 quickenings of His life, whereby the true sight and feeling is given 
 of what is for Him (the blessed truth) and what against Him ; for it 
 is not our appointment to any station that is the qualification or 
 anointing, but the Lord's humbling, quickening power and life, which 
 must be waited for and yielded to, and not shrunk from. Oh! let us 
 watch and sec if He do not draw, listen if He do not call, feel if 
 He do not quicken — and if He gives us thereby senses for Him, 
 enabling us to see, hear, savour, and feel the things of His heavenly 
 kingdom. He will require us to use them in His holy fear, and as His 
 life moves that they may be strengthened, and His praise may be 
 perfected in us, howsoever weak, and poor, and simple we may feel 
 ourselves to be. Oh ! let us seek to be of perfect heart for Him, not 
 partly so, and verily He will stand by us and hold up our hands in 
 His counsel and might, and establish the work of our hands upon us 
 in His peace and heavenly blessing. I long for thy encouragement 
 and strengthening thus to come forward, for truly thou should be the 
 one most looked to in all our monthly meetings as a mother in Israel, 
 
1842.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAT. 
 
 239 
 
 and the qualification is not man's arts and parts — no, nothing less ; 
 but it is the true life and feeling which I believe thou desires to wait 
 for and act in. Oh ! then, mayest thou cleave to the Lord's power, 
 acknowledge it, and yield to it, and not in any way shrink from it or 
 forsake it. So shall thy light break forth out of obscurity, and many 
 shall say, " She hath been a succourer of many, and of me also." 
 
 I hope I write with a degree of true fear and humility, feeling my 
 own comparative childhood and weakness, but a love to the precious 
 cause of truth seems to knock down all distinction of age or station, 
 and I trust thou wilt receive these few lines in the dear love in which 
 they are sent, in which I remain thy very sincere and affectionate 
 friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 1st of 2nd Month, 1842. 
 
 Mt dear Friends, 
 
 My mind has been for many, months past much exercised 
 towards my dear friends, who occupy the station of overseer amongst 
 us, and recently still more so since the subject of a revision and 
 addition to them has been before us, so as to bring me under the feeling 
 that I shall not be clear in the sight of my great Master, without taking 
 up the pen to each or most of them at this time, whether new or old. 
 Great indeed is the responsibility of the station you fill, dear Friends, 
 inasmuch as to you is peculiarly committed the testimonies of the 
 Spirit of truth, to uphold and promote them before and among the whole 
 flock, both by example as well as by a tender and faithful watching 
 over and labouring with the flock, for this purpose, wliether it be in 
 informing the ignorant, strengthening the weak, encouraging the 
 tender, seeking out the scattered, cautioning the unwary, or warning 
 the unruly — and where further steps are necessary, that they be 
 taken in true love and meekness, yet with holy firmness, that the 
 cause of truth may not be lowered by any remissness on your parts 
 who are appointed as watchers upon the walls. These are important 
 duties indeed, and they had need to be clean-handed and of garments 
 unspotted who are called unto them — and none can rightly perform 
 them but such as have the precious cause of truth at heart, love it 
 above all, yea, are united to it by subjection to the Spii'it of truth. 
 Such as these arc constrained first "to take heed unto themselves," to 
 
240 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 see that their own conduct is consistent in all respects with the testi- 
 mony of truth, and that they rule their own families well ; for if there 
 be inconsistency in their families their own hands Avill be weakened, 
 yea tied, and their mouths stopped from speaking for their Master. 
 Moreover they (the true overseers) must be grave and sober, not 
 light or encouraging lightness — their wives must "not be slanderers" 
 — they must not be "double-tongued" (not appearing one thing to 
 one, and another thing to another), for a double tongue proceeds from 
 a double mind, from a heart that is not perfectly for the truth, but 
 ov\j pai^tly so, and "a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways," 
 he has no sound bottom, as it were, no true judgment, but is sliifting 
 about according to circumstances — neither must they be " greedy of 
 filthy lucre," that is, of the favour, or good esteem, or honour of 
 man, for that would hinder them from purely seeking and acting for 
 the honour of God, and the promotion of His cause of truth. Oh! 
 how faithfully will these then "take heed to the flock of God over whom 
 they are made overseers," for being quickened by His life, humbled 
 by His power, and strengthened by His gi-ace day hy day, how tender 
 and susceptible will they be to the things of Christ, so that they cannot 
 but seek them more than their own things ! how jealous Avill they be of 
 His honour, and if anything grieves His Spirit either in themselves or 
 others, they will feel as if the apple of the eye were hurt ! they will 
 have a true sense of what is against the truth, and what for the truth, 
 whether in themselves or others, for the true life will give them a true 
 sight and feeling. Oh ! this is the precious oneness with the truth, by 
 subjection to the Spiritof truth thatwe want more and more amongst us, 
 dear Friends, and how do I long that you who are in the above impor- 
 tant station may in an especial manner seek after it, for your own sakes 
 and for the good of the flock. Oh, I beseech you to feel after and ear- 
 nestly crave for the humbling influences of the Lord's power upon your 
 spirits from day to day, and He will not fail to bring you down first 
 in yourselves and then to quicken you with fresh life and feeling 
 towards Himself and His pure cause, and then you will be constrained 
 by love to Him, to look round and see what there is for you to do for 
 Him towards the flock over whom you are appointed — luhere the 
 weak may be strengthened, where those who are tender may be 
 encouraged even to still greater tenderness to Divine convictions, hoiv 
 the scattered may be sought out and gathered to a closer attention to 
 the dear Shepherd's voice, as well as the unwary cautioned against 
 unseen dangei's, &c.. &c. Oh ! it must be a liumbling station, it 
 
1842.] 
 
 LYDI.V ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 241 
 
 ought to be a humbling station to be rightly filled, for the mere 
 appointment is not the qualification nor the authority — but the 
 Lord's humbling power must daily be waited for, His fresh anointing 
 day by days ought after to l^eep you alive unto His cause, as also to 
 enable you to keep your own hands clean and garments unspotted, 
 tliat your hands be not in any wise weakened, and to enable you to 
 watch over yourselves first, and then to watch over others in His 
 fear. Oh, let us humble ourselves under the Lord's mighty and 
 good hand that shows us any and aU our weaknesses, and He will 
 help us with a little help from season to season; enabling us to with- 
 stand the enemy's besetments and temptations, and to overcome even 
 our bodily weaknesses, or show us what we should do that we hurt 
 not His precious cause in any wise ! I trust you will receive this in 
 the love in which it is sent, for nothing but a sincere love to the 
 cause or kingdom of Christ the Truth, both in your hearts, my dear 
 Friends, and in our meeting generally, could induce or enable me 
 thus faithfully to write, and I trust also with tenderness considering 
 my own great weakness and liability to be tempted, and to fall any 
 and every moment, were it not for heavenly goodness and mercy still 
 following and upholding ! Oh, look not at the poor instrument in 
 anij way, but look to the Lord, who can and will touch and quicken 
 the heart, humble the spirit, and strengthen the soul ; and, oh ! let it 
 be so, let it be so, saith all that is alive in me, who remains your 
 sincere and affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To ^-Yii' r<t-'^^. i/<^ c-rt /r^'-' 
 
 Reigate, 1st or 2nd Month, 1842. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 My mind has often turned towards thee since we parted 
 in much tender sympathy, and I thought I must teU thee so in dear 
 love. Oh, my dear friend, let not thy heart sink within thee when 
 thou comes to consider, in thy solitary and exercised moments, what 
 is come upon thee (as, I trust, from the Lord), when the weight of 
 tbe service and the importance of the duties come over thee. Fear 
 not with man's fear, nor be afraid with any amazement ; cast not 
 away the shield of faith, as though it had never been anointed ; but, 
 oh, sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself, and let Him be thy fear, and 
 let Him be thy dread. Look off from all discouraging thoughts and 
 
 B 
 
242 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 vain reasonings — look up unto the Lord alone, whose power is above 
 every power, whose law is the truth. Greater is He that is in you 
 than He that is in the world, so let thy eye be single unto Him, 
 unto His honour and the upholding of His cause and kingdom, and 
 thy heart simple in acting for Him, and He will never fail thee nor 
 forsake thee. His truth shall be thy shield and buckler, His grace 
 all-sufficient for thee to direct, strengthen, and preserve — yea, the 
 Lord, as thou cleaves close unto His power revealed in the secret of 
 thy heart, shall be thy confidence, thy sure and precious sanctuary, 
 and His peace thy rich portion. Mayest thou seek, then, to be ex- 
 ercised before the Lord day by day, to know what He would have 
 thee to do for Him and His cause, and He will not fail to quicken 
 in thee a just sense of things and how thou shouldst act; and as thou 
 yieldest thyself more and more to the humbling touches of His power, 
 that tenders thee and makes thee susceptible of His wiU and im- 
 pression, thou wilt find a gentle putting on by Him in the true faith 
 and in the simplicity of a little child ; and then see that thou refuse 
 not Him that speaketh even in a little matter, but give up to the 
 motion of truth, and thou shalt wax stronger and stronger, able, 
 through thy God, to leap over a wall of difficulty, and to run through 
 a troop of fears, even as a valiant for the truth ; but remember it 
 must be by little and little, if thou stops short in the beginning thou 
 canst not come to the good end. Oh, then, go on and be faithful, be 
 simple in a forgetfulness of self, no one fearing and nothing doubting, 
 and surely thy peace shall flow as a river with increasing force, and 
 thy righteousness, thy alms-deeds of true love to thy neighbours, 
 and thy acts of dedication to thy Master shall ever be as the waves 
 of the sea, one wave succeeding another in a succession of praises to 
 Him the great Giver of all good, and the mighty Strengthener unto 
 aU good, unto whom be all dominion, and honour, and praise for 
 evermore, for He is worthy, worthy ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To J. D. 
 
 Reigate, \st or 2nd Month, 1842. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 My mind has felt much exercised on thy account for many 
 months past, both in tender sympathy with thee and in earnest solici- 
 tude for thee, desiring the strengthening of thy hands and the deep- 
 
1842.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BAROLAT. 
 
 243 
 
 ening of thy spirit and the increasing of thy weight ; and oh, if this 
 be the case, there must be a correspondent exercise and travail on 
 thy part that nothing may in the least weaken thy hands or shallow 
 thy spirit by bringing it to the surface as it were, or lessen thy weight 
 by adding any degree of lightness thereto, but mayest thou seek more 
 and more after a deep dwelling and an inward feeling, even a feeling 
 of that and a dwelling and waiting in that which gives dominion over 
 aU wrong spirits, even the power of truth and life revealed within. 
 Feel after it, dear friend, day by day, yea, crave after the humbling, 
 quickening, strengthening influences thereof upon thy spirit morning 
 by morning, and endeavour to guard against what would scatter thee 
 in any wise from it through the day. Ah, there are many things 
 that have a scattering effect, especially social and ft-ee intercourse 
 with those who are not in subjection to the humbling power of truth, 
 and thus we may be thrown off our guard for our Master, and possibly 
 lower ourselves and the cause before them, and join, as it were, in 
 their unguardedness, rather than have a gathering effect in drawing 
 them nearer to the testimony of truth in themselves. But oh! the 
 weightiness of spirit which the life of truth will give us, the true oneness 
 with the cause of truth, the true savouring and seeking the things that 
 are of Christ above all things else, the "conducting ourselves as those 
 that believe and feel God present, which (as W. P. says) will keep our 
 conversation innocent, weighty, and serious." I long that thou mayest 
 seek to be preserved therein more and more, in which lies the true 
 authority and the fresh anointing for every service, and not in the mere 
 appointment by man. And oh, what an honest, fearless, noble authority 
 and dominion does this life of truth give us ! It makes us bold as a 
 lion, upright pillars in God's house, and therefore able to sustain much 
 weight of burdens and afiiictions for Him and His precious cause. Oh ! 
 it doth give a true trust in the Lord, a true stayedness of mind upon 
 Him, and, consequently, preserves us in such a quiet confidence and a 
 perfect peace as tends to our unspeakable strength, so that we are not 
 fretted because of evil doers, nor yet yield to evil spirits, but "rest in the 
 Lord and wait patiently for" His arising, still faithfid in keeping His 
 way, His charge committed to us, so will " He bring forth our right- 
 eousness as the light, and our judgment as the noonday," and make 
 all our way before us, and cause our enemies even to be at peace with 
 us ! Oh, then, let us seek after this fresh humbling and anointing by 
 the life and power of truth day by day, so shall our hearts be pre- 
 served perfect for our God and " sound in His statutes that we be 
 
244 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 not ashamed," able by Him " to leap over a wall " of opposing diffi- 
 culties, and to " run through a troop" of wicked spirits without and 
 weakening fears within, His truth shall be our mighty shield and im- 
 penetrable buckler, and He wiU cover our heads in the day of battle, 
 and enable us to overcome all things through Chi'ist, His dear Lamb, 
 who shall have the victory thi-ough and over all. 
 
 My mind has been drawn to address most of my dear friends in 
 the station of overseer, both yoimg and old, appointed at this time, 
 and I think I may say I have felt an eai'nest desire for their encourage- 
 ment in a faithful labour for our dear Master, believing that as there 
 is a feeling and savouring of the things of the blessed truth, so there Avill 
 not fail to be a putting on in the wisdom and power thereof to promote 
 them, there will be a continual inqmiy of our Lord, "What more can 
 I do for thee and thy precious cause V There will not be a shrinking 
 from exercise of mind in any wise, nor a flinching from seeing too 
 clearly what we should do for Him, but there wUl be an honest and 
 faithful looking round, and a bending of the mind to see and feel 
 where the weak maybe strengthened, where the tender maybe encour- 
 aged even to stUl greater tenderness to Divine convictions, hoiv the 
 scattered may be gathered into a closer attention to the dear Shep- 
 herd's voice, as well as the unwary cautioned against the many 
 surrounding and unseen dangers, &c. ; and where such duties and 
 dra'svings ai-e, there will be a yielding to the Lord's power, enabling 
 to follow them up, for it remains a truth, that with sight and feeling 
 comes strength, as yielded to, even to act in the Lord's fear and for 
 His honour and cause, and without fear, favour, or affection of man. « 
 Oh, how is the true overseership, even in the strengthening and 
 gathering, as well as in the tender dealing with those who manifestly 
 err ! Therefore, my dear brother, be thou stedf ast, unmovable, always 
 abounding in the work of the Lord, through yielding to His tendering, 
 strengthening power, forasmuch as thou mayest verily be assured that 
 thy labour shall by no means be in vain, as it is in Him, for He wiU 
 establish the work of thy hands upon thee in His heavenly peace and 
 blessing, yea, the work of thy hands for His precious cause sake 
 He will establish it for ever, and every little act in love thereto 
 towards the least of His brethren He -^vill take as done unto Himself, 
 and it shall in no wise lose its reward. 
 
 Farewell. In the pure love of the Gospel, I remain thy faithful 
 and affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
1842.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 245 
 
 To . 
 
 1st or 2nd Month, 1842. 
 
 Mt DEAR Friend, 
 
 My mind seems drawn in Gospel love to salute all or most 
 of my dear Friends, whether old or fresh in the station of overseer, 
 believing that as you truly feel the weight of the important duties 
 thus devolving upon you, so you will be humbled under a sense of 
 the insufficiency of your OAvn natural powers for these things, and 
 will in proportion be earnestly concerned and deeply exercised before 
 the Lord, that He may establish you with His heavenly power and 
 grace even from day to day ! Oh, it is by the humbling touches of the 
 Lord's power, and the renewings of His grace, that we are at any 
 time quickened with fresh life from Him, whereby alone we can 
 rightly see and feel what is against the pure cause and testimony of 
 truth, or what is for it either in ourselves or others, and I believe 
 we shall be accountable for every such degree of feeling mercifully 
 vouchsafed, and this true siglit and feeling with the truth will lead to 
 a faithful and humble acting for it in the Divine fear, and out of the 
 fear of man, seeking only the Divine favour, and not fearing to lose 
 man's — it will not suffer us to rest contented with merely admonishing 
 those who err, with merely attending to such things as if neglected 
 would bring us under the censure of men as deficient — but, oh ! the 
 precious oneness with Christ the truth, which is (through adorable 
 mercy) attained by yielding to the humbling touches of the Spirit of 
 truth ; how tender and susceptible does it make us to the things of 
 Christ, so that we cannot but seek them more than our oion things, 
 and we cannot but be jealous of His honour, and if anything grieves 
 His Spirit either in ourselves or others, we feel as if the apple of the 
 eye were hurt ! This feeling wiU lead us continually to query of our 
 - good Master, " What more can I do for thee and thy cause ?" and 
 we shall be constrained by love to Him to look round and see where 
 the weak may be strengthened, Avhere those who are tender may be 
 encouraged even to still greater tenderness to Divine convictions, 
 how the scattered may be sought out and gathered to a closer attention 
 to the Shepherd's voice, as well as the unwary cautioned of unseen 
 dangers, &c., &c. And as it is not by our own natural powers that 
 we can attain to this true overseership, not a mere personal plainness 
 or natural gravity of manner, or a consistent education that will 
 qualify us — so how earnestly do I desire for my dear Friends thus 
 
246 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 appointed, and thee among them, that they and thou may be deeply 
 concerned before the Lord day hy day, seeking after Hia tendering 
 power to humble, quicken, and strengthen thee for His work and 
 service to which thou art appointed — His fresh anointing day by day 
 — for the mere appointment is not the true anointing, or the true 
 authority — ^but the Lord's power must be daily waited for fresh and 
 fresh, to keep thee alive unto His cause, as also to enable thee to keep 
 thy own hands clean and garments unspotted, that thy hands be not 
 in any wise weakened — so shall thy service for the Lord be clean, and 
 thy heart be kept perfectly for Him thy Master, fixed in His pure 
 fear and in His honour, so that thou shalt not be moved in the day 
 of trial, and then He will honour thee and make thee honourable in 
 His house, and many shall have cause to bless the Lord on thy 
 account, saying. He " hath been a succourer of many and of me also." 
 That thus it may be with thee, and that thou mayest grow to be a 
 father in the truth amongst us, is my earnest and affectionate desire. 
 But, oh ! remember it must be, it can only be through the arising of 
 the life and power of truth in thee, by a yielding on thy part there- 
 unto in true self-denial and humble seeking before the Lord, for thus 
 will He " be inquired of by" thee to do these gracious things for 
 thee. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Without date. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 My mind seems drawn, I trust in a measure of Gospel love, 
 to salute thee in this way, on the occasion of thy recent promotion in 
 our little church to the station of overseer — a station truly of im- 
 portant charge (and I believe thou feels it so), inasmuch as the testi- 
 monies of the Spirit of truth are peculiai'ly committed to your trust 
 (who are thus appointed), to endeavour to uphold and promote them, 
 both by example as well as by a tender and faithful watching over 
 and labouring with the flock to this effect, whether it be in informing 
 the ignorant, strengthening the weak, encouraging the tender, seeking 
 out the scattered, cautioning the unwary, or warning the unruly, and 
 when further steps are necessary, that they be taken in true love and 
 meekness, yet with holy firmness, that the cause of truth may not be 
 lowered by any remissness on your parts, who are appointed as 
 
1842.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 217 
 
 watchmen on the walls. These are important duties indeed, and they 
 had need to be clean-handed, and of garments unspotted who are 
 called unto them, and none can rightly perform them but such as 
 have the precious cause of truth at heart, love it above all, yea, are 
 united to it by subjection to the Spirit of truth. Oh, dear friend, let 
 not thy heart sink within thee because thereof; say not within thy heart, 
 "Wherewith shall I serve the Lord?" neither let such reasonings 
 overtake thee as that the necessary qualifications are beyond thy 
 reach, or that it is not necessary to set the standard up so high. 
 Let others do as they may, let us not lower the standard to suit our 
 weakness and unfaithfulness and unwillingness to bend under the 
 Lord's qualifying power, but rather let us with one consent resolve 
 to serve the Lord in what we know He requires with a willing mind, 
 doing service as unto the Lord and not unto men, having our eye 
 single and steadily unto Him, unto His honour, and His recompense 
 of reward, and not looking out at what others may do. Oh ! it is a 
 humbling service ; let others set it off as highly as they may, it is a 
 humbling service ; and the more we bend our minds under it, the 
 more we shall be humbled under a sense of our continued need of 
 Divine guidance and wisdom, strength and preservation in it ; yea, 
 it is in the humbling that we shall know the true strengthening for it 
 — feel the Lord's power to arise up even under our own great 
 weakness, and making us to be strong in and for Him ! Therefore, 
 dear friend, shrink not from a humbling view of the subject, but seek 
 daily after the Lord's humbling power, that so thou mayest be brought 
 to nothing in all thine own powers, and mayest witness His life and 
 strength to arise in thee over all that stands in thy way, and He will 
 then never fail thee or forsake thee, but will prosper thee as He did 
 Joshua of old, and establish the work of thy hands even in His peace 
 and blessing — " only be thou strong and courageous," observing to do 
 faithfully according to the law written in thy heart, yea "meditating 
 therein day and night," and turning not from it either to the right or 
 to the left, for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then 
 thou shalt have good success — and lest thou should faint at any time, 
 how encouraging is the succeeding language, " Have not I commanded 
 thee ? Oh ! it is the Lord's touches of life that quicken us and give us 
 (as we seek after and yield unto them) a true sight and sense of 
 what is for His pure cause of truth, (either in ourselves or others) 
 and what against it, and we are accountable for every such favour ! 
 And this "sight of and feeling" with the cause of truth will lead to a 
 
248 
 
 A SKLECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 faithful and humble acting for it in the Divine fear and out of the 
 fear of man, seeking the Divine favour, and not man's. Such shall 
 not be moved, for their heart is fixed in the pure love and service of 
 God — leaning not to their own understanding, nor trusting in their 
 own strength, but in the Lord's power and wisdom, Avhich alone can 
 do His work, and is all-sufficient; and oh ! what a blessing are such 
 to the flock, and their labour shall not be in vain in the Lord ; but 
 when the chief Shepherd shall appear they shall receive a crown of 
 glory that fadeth not away ! I earnestly desire that this may be thy 
 blessed experience, my dear friend, for surely thou hast been called 
 to be a bright star in our little constellation hereaway, even in the 
 firmament of God's power, through yielding thereunto in all respects; 
 and oh ! let it be so, let it be so, saith my soul, that we may have 
 increasingly thy faithful travail and help, and He the glory due unto 
 His name for ever ! for oh, how gi*eat is His goodness and how great 
 is His beauty ! 
 
 "With the salutation of Gospel love, I remain very sincerely thy 
 friend, 
 
 Ml DEAR Frienu, 
 
 My mind has felt much drawn towards thee for some 
 months past, both in tender sympathy under the loss of thy dear 
 sister, and in affectionate solicitude that the good end for whicli any 
 of us are thus tried may be thoroughly answered in thy experience. I 
 have several times been en the point of acknowledging thus my 
 feelings to thee since last Dtli month, but fears and discouragements 
 have seemed as often to flow in and hinder ; but now, since our 
 meeting together in the committee, affectionate solicitude and tender 
 sympathy liave waxed stronger still, indeed a feeling that perhaps 
 thou mayest have been a little discouraged that thy name Avas not 
 
 brought forward, seeing that thou wast under that appointment in 
 
 I may truly say thou hast my tender sympathy under such a feeling ; 
 but, oh, my dear friend, suffer me to say, I beg of thee, not to let 
 such a feeling be laid hold of by the enemy, to tliy hurt and 
 hindering, either by inducing thee, on the one hand, to give up the 
 striving for and the following after that for which I cannot but believe 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 Without date. 
 
1842.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 249 
 
 thou hast in time past known, an '■'■\apprehending of Christ Jesus" — or, 
 on the other, by filling thy mind with reasonings or any idea of pre- 
 judice or of hardness on the part of any, which would indeed be 
 greatly to thy hurt in best things. But, oh, my dear sister, for whom 
 I have deeply travailed, according to my small capacity, ever since 
 being one of you, may there be, on this occasion, a thorough inward 
 searching of heart, a humble inquiry of the Lord, even in the tender- 
 ing which His power will not fail to bring over thee as thou yields 
 to it, " What lack I yet? " Oh ! what a need continually to return, 
 as it Avere, unto Bethel — to look back to the times of precious visita- 
 tion in days that are over and gone, when the Lord sought to espouse 
 us unto Himself — to remember how He has proved us with many a 
 blessing, followed us with His goodness and mercy, as well as tried 
 us with His bereaving hand! Oh ! what more could He have done 
 for any of us, and "what iniquity (what lacking) can we find in Him" 
 that we should in any wise "go away from" His tendering convic- 
 tions and leadings, "and walk after vanity and become vain." "Yet 
 lackest thou one thing" was the answer of Christ to the rich young 
 man formerly, and it may yet be His answer of peace to thee by His 
 blessed Spirit, or that in attending to which thou shalt know thy 
 peace to flow even as a river. Ah, He alone can indubitably show 
 us if there has been, and in what, a coming short or going back instead 
 of forward in any wise, and let us mind His faithful discoveries. 
 " Go sell all that thou hast" — thou hast much of thy own that may 
 hinder thy becoming Christ's meek and lowly disciple, and some of 
 these things (even mental endowments) may look very likely to bo 
 valuable in thy heavenward journey, and it may be very hard to 
 nature to part with them as into thy TiOrd's hand — but, oh, be cour- 
 ageous, be faithful, give up all that thou hast, or that thou canst call 
 thy own, thy own] will and wisdom, understanding and judgment, 
 desires and fears and hopes — ^let all go to the fire that is for the fire, 
 and to the sword and the hammer that is for them, that all may be 
 broken to pieces, and slain, and consumed that should be, remember- 
 ing that the pure and precious part will never lose by these proving 
 operations, but wax stronger and stronger, more and more pure and 
 precious to the Lord and for His service. And be content to be little 
 and loAvly, weak and empty, and to appear so before others — this is 
 the Lord's way to prepare us to be filled with His goodness, and it is 
 indeed His tender love to us to turn His hand of power upon us 
 inwardly or outwardly, that we maij be thus humbled. Oh, lot us 
 
250 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 not shrink from this His great goodness, nor go away sorrowful when 
 he gives us a glimpse of what He would do in us and for us — but 
 rather let us embrace the offers of His love, and bend om-selves under 
 His good hand — let us "come, take up the cross" to our own willings 
 and refusings, "foUow Him" faithfully, and " verily we shall have 
 treasure in heaven tliat faileth not, and a crown of life that fadeth 
 not." And I do beUeve that it fs as we thus know and bend under 
 the Lord's forming hand, that we become qualified for usefulness in 
 the Church, His family and house, in filling up such ofiices or doing 
 such services as are appointed us — for it is not man's natural judg- 
 ment, nor his natural or acquired gi'avity, nor yet his talents, that 
 are of avail in the things of God, for none knoweth His things but 
 His Spirit; yea, "the natural man receiveth not the tilings of the 
 Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he 
 know them, because they are spiritually discerned but, blessed be 
 God, they are revealed unto us by His Spirit as we are humbly atten- 
 tive to His teachings and bend obediently under His government, 
 even in the faith that is of His own begetting. Thus we come to 
 partake of a blessed union and fellowship with God and Christ, are 
 engrafted into the true Vine, consequently partake of the true life, 
 which gives the true siglit and the true feeling of what is for the 
 cause of Christ the Truth, and what is against it — and the true sight 
 and feeling will lead to the faithful, humble acting in the fear of the 
 Lord for His honour, and to His glory, and the true edification of 
 His Church. This is what I long may increase amongst us more 
 than pen can describe, that so the true love and the true peace and 
 unity may abound more and more ; and oh, my dear friend, come and 
 yield thyself more and more to this blessed work, first within thee 
 and then without thee, and great will be thy travaU with us and help 
 of us poor unworthy burden-bearers, and thy heart shall fear more 
 and more even in the true humility, and yet be enlarged to receive 
 further of the Lord's blessings. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To J. S. 
 
 Eeigate, 1st of 2nd Month, 1842. 
 
 My rear Friend, 
 
 As thy aunt informs me there is an opportunity of sending to 
 thee, I avail myself of it to ask thy acceptance of the Selections from 
 my beloved brother's Letters and Papers which is recently come out. 
 
1842.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 251 
 
 The one in allusion to his removal to Poole will I trust be as a watch- 
 word of encouragement to thee under thy present state of anxiety and 
 of deep exercise (as I trust) before the Lord, to know and be enabled 
 to do His will and not thine own. I do feel very tenderly for thee, 
 yet cannot doubt that thou wilt be directed even to an hair's breadth 
 in the way in which thou shouldst go, in proportion as thou endeavours 
 to keep low before the Lord and close to His heavenly gift, the word 
 nigh in the heart and mouth, the light within, which will never 
 deceive thee, but ever lead and guide thee aright, as the fiery and 
 cloudy pillar (the type thereof) did formerly for Israel of old. There- 
 fore, mayest thou, as a true and spiritual Israelite, keep thy mind 
 inward to the light, gi'ace, and good Spirit of Christ revealed within, 
 and then with life and light will come a true sight and sense of 
 whether and how thou art to stand still, or whether and how thou 
 art to move forward and act ; yea, and with the word of our heavenly 
 King and Captain and blessed Saviour, there vsdll not fail to be power 
 and faith, wisdom and patience, abundantly given for what He calls 
 unto or permits ; so let Him be thy all, and He will overcome all, 
 and make a way where thou canst see none possible, and cause all 
 things to work together for good ! 
 
 I have felt anxious to hear of thee since we parted at Croydon, 
 but have not, until this morning's post brought thy aunt's letter. 
 Perhaps it is well for thee to be thus in comparative retirement and 
 seclusion from Friends whilst thou art unsettled, though no doubt 
 pinching to nature. To be alone with the Master is better than to 
 have many outward counsellors, lest we should lean on man. 
 
 Farewell. I shall be pleased to hear further of or from thee when 
 thou art free to let me know how thou feels ; at the same time desire 
 not to be intermeddling, nor yet to draw to a poor weak instrument. 
 I remain thy sincere and affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To .J^ffvn^^ ^AtT-i^<; 
 
 Leytonstone. 8th of 3rd 3Ionth, 1842. 
 
 Dear , 
 
 . . . Trials are sent for our good, to humble and instruct 
 us, and are varied according to our needs and our diiFerent dispositions, 
 so tender and so wise is our heavenly Father towards us ! I hope 
 thou art not dull without us, but finds various little jobs to do to keep 
 things in nice order, and enjoys some time in reading. There is a nice 
 
252 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 book in tlie book-case that I know would interest thee, the Life of 
 Thomas Shillitoe, who was a poor shoemaker, but a faithful minister 
 of the Gospel, who out of much weakness (naturally) was made 
 strong in his Lord, to go through many dangers and labours, and out 
 of a very timid, fearful disposition was made bold as a lion, to stand 
 before kings and princes and the fiercest looking of men. So mighty 
 is the Divine power, as wc yield to its smallest secret leadings and 
 restraints revealed in our hearts. So this is what I long for thee 
 (and /or us all) to give up more and more to what is made known 
 to us within ; for this is better than all outward teachings, whether 
 by books or men; indeed this is the object and design of all good 
 reading, writing, and preaching, to bring all to Christ in our hearts 
 by His Holy Spirit, the hope of the saint's glory, the best beloved of 
 all the redeemed and redeeming people of all ages ! 
 
 Here we shall know our strength, life, and peace to be continually 
 renewed, and ability received to worship and serve God acceptably 
 with reverence and godly fear. And when He speaks peace to us, 
 who can bring trouble or make afraid? Oh! the sweet flowing of 
 His peace and the preciousness of His talking with us in our hearts, 
 as we sit in the house, and as we are about our work, and as we 
 walk by the way, and when we lie down on our bed at night ! it is 
 more sweet than tongue can utter or pen describe ! and this is what 
 we are all called to and may enjoy, if we will but give up to the 
 heavenly visitation of God's love, whilst time is allotted us here. So, 
 
 dear , mayest thou be faithful to the Lord, not looking out at 
 
 others or minding what they may say; follow the good Master, then 
 shalt thou be made faithful in His Divine love, and joyful in His 
 holy peace! which is the earnest desire of thy sincere friend and 
 affectionate mistress, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. Grubb, on the death of her Mother, Sakah Grtjbb. 
 
 Eeigate, 18th of 3rd Month, 1842. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 Deeply affecting, though sorrowfully looked for, was the 
 account transmitted to me yesterday by dear H. Impey, Ah I I do 
 indeed tenderly feel for you, and thee especially, my dear friend, who 
 hast been so closely thy dear mother's affectionate and careful attend- 
 ant. It must indeed be a keen stroke, although in the course of nature 
 expected latterly from year to year. Yet how great must be thy 
 
1842.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAT. 
 
 253 
 
 comfort in the consideration that thy gi-eat loss is her exceeding gain, 
 in the assurance that it is well with her, that she is gathered to the 
 generations of the just who are gone before her, and is for ever at 
 rest, wliere the Avicked cease from troubling and the weary are at rest 
 in the Lord ! Ah, it was for this blessed end she lived and breathed, 
 strove and toiled, even in and by the life and power of truth. Yes, 
 to this she testified abundantly in and by the same — the consummation 
 and realisation of those views which can be only seen while here by 
 the eye of faith, and as through a glass darkly in comparison of the 
 full fruition and everlasting enjoyment ! How does the contemplation 
 of the bliss and exaltation of such as are thus translated seem to fiU 
 one with humble adoration and grateful praise to God their Redeemer, 
 who truly is "rich in mercy" and great in love, and delights to "show 
 forth the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness towards us 
 through Christ Jesus !" And though the tear of natural aifection 
 must be allowed to flow abundantly, yet let us not sorrow as those 
 that have no hope, but rather seek after heavenly ability to stay our- 
 selves upon Him who smites us in a tender part, and thus to bless 
 His holy name even for that which seems almost severe to our nature! 
 so will He bring good out of seeming evil, and give us the grateful, 
 humble language, "It is good for me that I have been afflicted," and 
 " I know that thou in very faithfulness hast afflicted me ; who is like 
 unto thee, or to thy faithfulness round about thee !" 
 
 Ah, the loss of the Church is great — one is ready to say not likely 
 to be repaired! Yet surely the Judge of the whole earth will do 
 right ; He doth ever care tenderly for His poor afflicted people, and 
 He can raise up, even of those comparable to the stones of the street, 
 to be His children in the faith of Abraham, and give them to testify 
 for His name and truth, and to celebrate abundantly His praise ; and 
 there is nothing too hard for His mighty power, or too great for His 
 tender goodness to do for all those who love and faithfully serve Him 
 even through many tribulations. Oh, then, my dear H., whether we 
 look at our own or at the Church's loss, may we increasingly and 
 over all look upward, yes, look upward, and breathe upward, and all 
 will be well and work together for our abundant good and blessing. 
 
 Farewell. With dear love to you all, I remain thy sincerely affec- 
 tionate and sympathising friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 I do hope to pay my last tribute of love and unity with my dearly 
 beloved and honoured departed friend. 
 
254 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 To J. B. . f -}-i,.v*^v*0 UcTi ; 
 
 Reigate, lOtk o/Gth Month, 1842. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 . . . How greatly do I feel for you all in the approach- 
 ing loss of dear , an elder worthy of double honour, I truly think, 
 
 in these degenerate days, when but few are the truly baptised! How 
 greatly we missed her this yearly meeting with us ! She had been, I 
 think, four years with us, and we loved her more almost everi/ day of 
 her stay — the savour of her spirit, through the daily exercise, was so 
 sweet and strengthening to us, and her example of faithfulness to 
 individuals was very instructive. Ah, there is more of this wanting 
 amongst us, especially among elders, or things would never have got 
 to the state they are in. But, then, there must be a true anointing 
 with the right eye salve that they may see aright — that is, for the 
 truth and with the truth (or the mind of truth); otherwise there may 
 be an acting against the truth instead of for it, as I fear has lamentably 
 been the case of late in some instances, even by some of our elders 
 speaking to and finding fault with those who really are on the ancient 
 foundation and upholding the pure testimony of truth, to their great 
 discouragement and grief, whereas they forbear to touch, and rather 
 smooth over with love and peace, those who really are the true 
 troublers of Israel and the sowers of discord and disunity amongst us, 
 whatever they may profess of and talk about love and unity and 
 peace. 
 
 I had a dear faithful friend and minister with me this year, one of 
 the old-fashioned, upright, downright sort, that was excellently con- 
 cerned in our last sitting of the select meeting, to address both 
 classes, and especially the elders, bringing forward the instructive 
 instance of John Crook, whose ministry latterly had become wordy 
 and lifeless, but when spoken to by the judicious and deeply feeling 
 elders of old times, received it in the meekness of the true Gospel 
 minister, and it was blessed to his recovery; for he was silent some 
 years, and then came forth again in a little humble, trembling way 
 as at first, pure and living, and thus was preserved to the end. Oh ! 
 how excellent is this, it is as things ought to be with us. 
 
 Our yearly meeting was deeply exercising and sorely 'trying to 
 many of us, although there is much said about the solemnity and 
 favoured times, the harmony, and unanimity; but, alas, my dear 
 friend, all is not gold that glitters ! Never was there so much cause 
 
1842.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 255 
 
 for mourning and girding with sackcloth on behalf of the leaders of 
 the 2^eople, as well as the people ; for the pure testimony of truth is 
 sadly reproached by the inconsistency amongst us, and the world sees 
 and points the linger at it. And our meetings for discipline, both 
 select and general are painful times, for man's will and wisdom, arts 
 and parts, and contrivance are uppermost ; and there is no room for 
 the Lord's power to humble, and move, and act, which should be 
 over all and have the praise of all. . . . The mouths of the 
 mourners were closed in silence pretty much, except a few broke 
 through, as it were, in a weakly, trembling way ; nevertheless, others 
 seem to have nothing but peace and brightness to prophesy of, and in 
 large measure ! Well, the day that is coming shall try every man's 
 foundation and building, and then the hail of the overflomng scourge 
 shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and destroy the various hiding- 
 places men have got to get away from the piercing light of God's 
 Spirit ; and the wall that the prophets have been building up very 
 fair and high, and daubing over to look so beautiful and exact, shall 
 come tumbling down ! Ah, I may never live to see it, but I do live 
 in the faith (as dear S. Grubb lived and died in) that, after this sifting 
 and purging, a brighter day shaU dawn yet upon us, and the true 
 Church shall look forth clear as the sun, fair as the moon, and terrible 
 as an army with banners, for the blessed and unchangeable truth shall 
 yet prevail and reign over all. So be it, saith my soul ; and oh ! that 
 we, who are left a little longer on this beautiful (but, alas, defiled) earth, 
 may be so strengthened and helped from season to season as to possess 
 our souls in patience; even to keep the word of the Lord's patience, 
 that so we may be, through His adorable love and grace and mercy in 
 Christ Jesus, kept in the hour and day of trial and temptation that 
 shall come to try them that dwell upon the earth, and be favoured to 
 stand in our lot and to rest in Him at the end of the days. It is a 
 comfort to remember that, however sifted, not one grain of weighty 
 wheat shall be lost ; also that a mark shall be put on the foreheads of 
 those who sigh and mourn for aU the abominations and transgressions 
 in the land, and that they shall be spared in the day of slaughter, and 
 those that fear the Lord and think of His name (or power) shall be 
 written in His book of remembrance and spared as His precious jewels. 
 
 We had a precious visit from a dear Irish farmer, Jacob Green, 
 into our meeting ; it seemed to bind up our wounds and revive as with 
 a cordial ! Another time at one of the meetings for worship, a dear 
 farmer from Lancashire spoke excellently to [the great comfort of some 
 
256 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 of us]. Oh, it is thi'ough these dear simple, unpolished ones that the 
 golden oil seems to flow so purely and unmixed to the refreshing of 
 the heritage ; or rather, I might better say, to the causing the lamps 
 to burn up Avith fresh vigour, and thus the LordVpower is over all as 
 it should be. He spoke of the precious times he had had at the plough 
 stilts, calling on the dear youth to yield up to that which visited and 
 tendered their minds ! Oh ! it is a favour there are still such instru- 
 ments preserved and raising up amongst us ; and I do believe there 
 is a precious visitation extended to the dear youth, and many are 
 embracing it. So, dear friend, let us, in the midst of our tears, cheer 
 up and be faithful, and cleave to the Lord's power, which is all- 
 sufl[icient and over all, and that will make and keep us humble and 
 in unity with His will, and then nothing will surprise us or greatly " 
 move us, neither will anything harm us or separate us from His 
 precious love in Christ Jesus. . , . Ah, what a tender thuig is 
 the work of Divine grace in any way, how easily snibbed and hindered ! 
 
 Do you ever go over and feel with and for them [at meeting]? 
 
 Ah, we must stir up the gift in both of our stations, dear J.; I mean, 
 yield to little pointings, and way will be made for us where we may 
 see none, to hand a cup of cold water to a fellow-pilgrim ; and as we 
 thus use the little strength given or held out to us, we shall gain more 
 strength. . . . 
 
 I have been very ill this spring, but, through favour, I came back 
 from yearly meeting better than I went. The cough is now at last 
 gone, and I am in comfortable health, for which blessing and many 
 others I can never be too grateful or render enough. . . . 
 
 Farewell, dear friend, with love to thyself and husband. Thy 
 sincere and affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To M. A. Yrrj-dc'^. 
 
 Eeigate, 23rd of 7th Month, 1842. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . It seems a very long time since we met, and much 
 has transpired since then to us both. It would be very pleasant to be 
 able to meet again, to mingle our feelings both of grief and mourning, 
 as well as of hope and longing for, I cannot say much of rejoicing, 
 for that is scarce now-a-days, except when by the eye of faith we 
 seem permitted (in mercy to cheer and animate us on a little), to 
 
1842.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAr. 
 
 257 
 
 have a glimpse of a brighter day, when truth shall more eminently 
 and evidently prevail and reign over all! Ah, this seems to give 
 wings, as it were to the soul, to mount upward from the tribulations 
 of this transitory scene, and causes the temple of the heart to resound 
 with praise to Him whose power is over all, and whose kingdom is 
 an everlasting kingdom ! 
 
 If we are not faithful we may be laid aside as the Israelites were ! 
 and oh, how applicable are many passages in the prophets respecting 
 them to our condition now ! Well, dear Marianne, I expect thou 
 feelest it to be so, and hast much to mourn over in that large meeting 
 (besides looking into thy own house or heart !) and oh, how do I 
 desire for us who feel these things that we may not get too much into 
 discouragement, whether in the looking outward or looking within, 
 and so give the enemy place, as it were ; but oh, let us increasingly 
 look upward over and in all, and breathe upward too for continual 
 grace to help in time of need ! Oh, let us breathe after and feel after 
 the daily quickenings of life upon our spirits, that we may be helped 
 out of the many hindering, clogging, and defiling things around us, 
 and kept in the living sense and sight of the things of God and of 
 Christ, the blessed and unchangeable truth ; for the true life gives a 
 true sight and sense (otherwise we are but blind and dead, profess 
 what we will), and this must not only be thankfully and humbly 
 received, and faithfully occupied with, but a renewal thereof diligently 
 waited for, in order to be kept living and tender in the true seeing 
 and feeling, and tasting of the things of the dear Master ! Oh, that 
 it may be so with us, and then we shall without fail be found fresh 
 and fruitful, sound and savoury to the praise of the great Giver and 
 mighty Strengthener ! 
 
 I find from dear H. M. that you are going to move. I cannot 
 tell where it is, nor what is the little meeting thou wilt belong to ; 
 is it in Cheshire ? It will be a great shift to thee ! and I shall 
 much feel for thee in the leaving the few with whom thou feelest 
 united. Sometimes a transplanting does us good like the plants ; 
 but I am a witness, and so I should think thy dear sister is, that 
 apparentbj snug corners and little meetings are by no means devoid 
 of trials in various ways. I often think of a saying of dear old T. 
 Shillitoe, that the old enemy creeps up into snug corners as well as 
 other more open places. I feel that our little meetings are replete 
 with trials and burthens. Sometimes, alas ! (the view seems thereof), 
 to almost cast one down too low ; but how animating is the language 
 
 s 
 
258 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 of the apostle ! " Whom resist, stedfast ia the faith, knowing that 
 the same af&ictlons are accomplished in your brethren that are in 
 the world ;" also the reflection that though chastisements and trials 
 are gTievous for the present, yet if we are patiently exercised thereby, 
 they afterwards yield the peaceable and peaceful fruits of righteous- 
 ness. 
 
 I was in a very weakly state at yearly meeting time, having had a 
 long influenza cold and cough for nearly two months, and was very 
 sti'ongly advised and warned not to go there ; but, wonderful to say, 
 and I hope I look upon it gratefully, I was favoured to gather strength 
 every day (after the first day or two of seasoning), even during such 
 a great trial of it, both by meetings and by much excitement in seeing 
 dear friends at my lodgings, so that I returned home nearly well, 
 except my cough, but which I told dear Ann Conning she helped to 
 knock off in a short time, by an acceptable and strengthening visit of 
 thi'ee weeks afterwards. . . . 
 
 I often remember his [Alexander Dirkin] laying thee upon me to 
 endeavour to do what I could to help and cheer thee along the rugged 
 path. I am intending to remove into another house here this autumn, 
 occasioned by a new and rather untoward landlord. This has rather 
 an unsettling effect, for I enjoy quiet, and thought I should die here ; 
 but I strive to view it all as an inn to a better home. We must 
 not mind being shifted about, nor be too particular about our fai'e, 
 so we are but journeying on aright to the good end. 
 
 I hear dear is expected at Uxbridge next week. How we 
 
 do miss her dear husband and dear S. Grubb ! and I thought at 
 yearly meeting (and before it too) that it seemed as if the enemy took 
 advantage of our depression, and lifted up his heel and horn the 
 higher ! But they are taken from the evil to come, for surely a day 
 of shaking must come, when the root of all things will be searched, 
 and the idols and painted images will be cast down ; and then it will 
 be clearly made manifest who are on the Lord's side, and who are 
 really on the enemy's side and doing his work, however plausible 
 their language and appearance may be. Oh, that we may seek after 
 the quiet habitation, that we may possess our souls in patience, that 
 we may be able to stand in this evil day, and having done all and 
 suffered all, according to the Divine will and through Divine grace 
 may be permitted to stand with acceptance through the Beloved. 
 
 1 remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
1842.] LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 259 
 
 To M. S. Jyin^ -t;'fe-^viV 
 
 Reigate, 23r<f ofQth Month, 1842. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 Thy kind note was gratefully received and proved acceptable, 
 and I do believe it is well to attend to little pointings in this way, to 
 hand what may be comparable to but a cup of cold water, for it will 
 not lose its reward, and we know who declared "Inasmuch as ye did 
 it imto one of the least of these my brethren (oh ! what condescension !) 
 ye did it unto me !" But alas ! how often are we (or am I) apt to 
 reason away these little feelings of attraction, doubting how their 
 fruits may be received, or fearing we feel not sufficient to warrant 
 our giving up to them ; although I must own, with respect to myself, 
 I ever desire to try the fleece both ways, lest I should move in 
 anything like the willing and running and haste of the creature, and 
 so thereby self might get strengthened even by that which looks 
 likely to slay it ! Ah ! my dear friend, the present is indeed a time 
 when we peculiarly need all the little cups of help that we can have 
 through any of our dear fellow-pilgrims ; for how many are the 
 burthens, how grievous are the continual wounds, how deep is the 
 mourning, how great is the discouragement of the present day in our 
 poor backsliding Society ! so that those to whom it is given to feel a 
 degree ever so small of sympathy with the poor burden-bearers (who 
 weep as between the porch and the altar crying, " spare thy people 
 O Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach!") had need to 
 be faithful in pouring in their little mite of balm. Ah ! my 
 dear friend, some seem able to prophesy smooth things and to cry 
 peace, peace ! Some seem able to think that all things are well with 
 us and improving ; but as for poor me, the roll to me is written 
 within and without with mourning, and lamentation, and woe ! for 
 alas ! how is the gold become dim, and the fine gold changed ! how 
 are we become as " an assembly of adulterers and adulteresses," for 
 we are adulterated from Christ the life, whose life is the light of 
 men, consequently death and darkness is crept over us, while we 
 hardly know it ! and surely we are going from bad to worse, and 
 unless our downward course be arrested, we shall become, as the 
 Jews were, cast off as a people, and mingled with the common mass 
 of professors, yet be distinguished among them by deserved reproach 
 and just despising! Yet I have a humble hope that there will be 
 a little remnant, a worthy few, who through watchfulness and holy 
 
260 
 
 A SELECTIOX KUOM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 fear will be enabled to keep their garments undefiled, and be per- 
 mitted to stand in the evil day, yea, will be further and further 
 purified by these deep trials and made white ! And I am at times 
 comforted in remembering what my dear brother John says at the 
 end of the letter (at page 274 of the Selections), viz.: — However we 
 may be permitted to be trampled upon and to be broken to pieces, yet 
 the blessed truth shall outlive it all, and emerge out of the very rvins, if it 
 must come to that." This shows his sense how that the truth is not 
 dependent on us as a people, but that the holy standard thereof was 
 mercifully given to us to uphold before the nations, and if we forsake 
 our own mercies, Ave may be permitted to be trampled upon and 
 broken to pieces, but the holy truth would still arise transcendent 
 above all and at last stand and prevail over all ! This is an universal 
 view indeed, and is truly cheering in the midst of much around to 
 cast down. The Lamb and His followers shall have the. victory ! 
 Oh, that we may all seek to be found in Him, to be~clotlied with His 
 Spirit and truly subjected thereby under His government ! then shall 
 we truly reign with Him over all, although now for a season, if need 
 be, we are in heaviness through manifold temptations, and partaking 
 with Him in His deep sufferings for the body's sake which is His church. 
 Oh ! then, that we may be enabled, like those of old, to endure unto 
 the end, as seeing Him who is invisible ! Oh ! that we may be 
 enabled with single eye to His light and firm confidence in His power 
 to look unto Him who endured the cross, despising the shame, lest 
 we be wearied and faint in our minds in the heavenly race towards 
 the mark for the rich prize of our high and holy calling ; that so 
 running with diligence and fighting the good fight of faith, we may 
 be permitted to obtain, and to lay hold on eternal life, whereunto we 
 are graciously called ! . . . 
 
 Farewell, my dear friend. I remain .with dear love from us both, 
 thy affectionate and sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To y/^if-y^ K^^cyC^kM^f 
 
 21th of 8th Month, 1842. 
 
 My dear young Friend, 
 
 Although the cause for my writing to thee as I promised is 
 now at an end, yet I do not think I shall be clear without, in some 
 degree, testifying to thee how I feel in regard to the trying subject thou 
 
1842.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 261 
 
 alluded to the other evening, believing that the pure witness for God 
 within, even the Spirit of Christ, who is called the faithful and true 
 Witness, will unite therewith, to which I ever desire to appeal, and 
 not to the judgment and spirit of the creature, which thou knows 
 have both need of restraining and of regulation. There is an old saying, 
 " A man is known by the company he keeps," and as I think this is 
 very true, so I also think that the society we have and seek has a 
 great eiFect upon us ; our ideas and tone of mind are too apt to get 
 moulded or leavened by it very imperceptibly to us, and tliat if we 
 are in the continual or very frequent habit of associating with those 
 whose principles and profession are in many respects contrary to ours, 
 we shall be throwing ourselves in the way of being weakened from 
 our principles and profession, if not of being tempted to cast them 
 aside with such — at least I have found this to be the case with me; 
 and even at this time of my life I dare not mingle much with others, 
 feeling their society tends to revive the old nature in me, which was 
 flattered and pleased with their maxims and spirit ; and to leaven me 
 in a way that upon solid and serious feeling does not bring true com- 
 fort and peaceful quiet to my mind — and if so with one declining in 
 life, and desiring above all things to press towards a heavenly inheri- 
 tance, how much greater must be tlie effect upon those who are just 
 entering, as it were, into this perilous world; with less experience and 
 less accustomedness to seek for best strength, and in whom the 
 natural propensities are stronger ! I do trust I can fully enter into 
 the feelings of the young, having in former days had I think, I may 
 6ay, intense enjoyment in the sweets of friendship ; neither am I so 
 narrow-minded as to say abstain from all association out of our 
 Society — but let such as thou associates with be picked min, that is, 
 selected with an eye to the advice of the truest Friend, the best Guide 
 and Counsellor, even thy Saviour, and let thy hand be tender and 
 susceptible to the gentle pressure of His restraints or drawings away 
 from any, for thou knowest He loves thee too truly and dearly to wish 
 thy hurt or thy misery, but seeks thy most substantial and enduring 
 
 comfort; and surely, dear , they cannot be thy true friends 
 
 whose company would in the least degree draw thee away from or 
 lessen thy attraction to the Beloved of souls, tliy attention to His 
 inward voice that is " still and small," or thy inclination to take up 
 the cross openly and confess Him befoi-e men. 
 
 I trust the young men thou mentioned to are serious char- 
 
 acters. A man may be moral, but if he be not serictus (religiously 
 
2«2 
 
 A SELECTION FKOM THE LETTERS OK 
 
 [1842. 
 
 disposed) his society still may be very weakening and even pernicious 
 to good principles, especially those of our high and holy profession. 
 Of course thou -wilt want society; as I said before I am not hard to 
 the feelings of youth, but mayest thou use sparingly, with fear and 
 caution, that which is likely to have a weakening tendency, if thou 
 canst not avoid it. Thy dear father's company will always be agree- 
 able to thee, I trust (while he is yet spared to us). I regret that our 
 young men Friends here are not as suitable as they should be. But 
 I believe I must go further and say, my dear friend, that it is my 
 feeling that late hours for associating with any is very dangerous; as 
 well as the habit of smoking, for young people to get into it leads to 
 temptations that may be of serious consequences. I believe thou 
 would find far more solid satisfaction on resting thy head on thy 
 piUow at night, if thou wert to devote the short time that should (for 
 health's sake) elapse between closing the shop and going to bed, to 
 suitable reading and meditation or retirement of mind, seeking after 
 heavenly searching into the actions and feelings of the day, heavenly 
 humbling and heavenly strengthening. By suitable reading I mean 
 such works as will innocently instruct and edify, leading the mind 
 still upward to the source of all good and the centre of all true worship 
 and praise — of which the present day is indeed privileged with many ; 
 many that are truly interesting, both in biography, natural and ex- 
 perimental philosophy, besides those of a more serious cast. But, 
 oh, my dear friend, as ever thou values the welfare of thy immortal 
 soul, shun, I entreat thee, those poisonous books of Byron as thou 
 wouldst the venom of an asp — they are so insidious, so defiling, thou 
 canst hardly read them without being hurt. Watch the tenor of thy 
 mind in reading them, and thou wilt find it drawn farther and farther 
 from the little and lowly, the pure and purifying witness for God in 
 the secret of thy heart, but that the man's part, the creaturely nature, 
 will, wisdom, imagination, and reasoning is set up and strengthened 
 thereby, which it is the work of true religion, or the power of God, 
 to bring down and subject; and if thou dost not feel this tendency 
 to be the case, verily it is because thou art blinded by the delusion of 
 the enemy by having quenched the little glimmerings of the light of 
 Chi'ist in thy heart, for there is not one, as I believe, Avho has been 
 really touched by the Divine power, but what has had this feeling 
 concerning these publications. And now again, in reference to the 
 words "fear and caution" used above — what 1 mean is with fear for 
 thyself, and with caution or watchfulness for Divine help, for "Happy 
 
1842.] 
 
 LYDIA Ain* BAKCLAY. 
 
 263 
 
 is the man that feareth alway ; but he that hardeneth his heart shall 
 fall into mischief." It is those who are mistrustful of themselves, 
 who feel how weak and unable they are of themselves to resist tempta- 
 tion, or to do and keep in that which is good and right, that are likely 
 to receive the Lord's precious strength, and guidance, and preservation ; 
 but those who are self-confident, and think they can stand, He is 
 likely to turn from and leave to themselves, and then they do fall into 
 mischief indeed. Be assured, my dear young friend, that humility and 
 meekness are the truest ornaments both to man and woman — they 
 are the offspring of the true wisdom of which it was said, "She shall 
 give to thine head an ornament of grace, a crown of glory shall she 
 deliver thee," and again, " Riches and honour are with me, yea, 
 durable riches and righteousness." Ah, then, that thou mayest seek 
 after that wisdom, the beginning whereof is the fear of the Lord, and 
 the fruit thereof true humility and meekness, so shalt thou witness it 
 to be a fountain of life, continually preserving from the snares of 
 death ; delivering thee both from the way of the evil man, who leaves 
 the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, whose ways 
 are crooked, and they froward in their paths, as well as from the 
 strange woman who flattereth with her words and forsaketh the guide 
 of her youth. Oh, seek after this wisdom as for silver, and cry after 
 the true knowledge, the knowledge of God's holy will and ways, as 
 for daily food; for the Lord giveth wisdom, out of His mouth cometh 
 knowledge and understanding ; and He waits to be gracious unto us, 
 to make known His words unto us, and to pour out His Spirit upon 
 us, if we will but turn at His reproofs and receive His instruction ; 
 and if we do so, then shall we walk in the right way safely, and our 
 foot shall not stumble ; when we lie down, we shall not be afraid ; 
 yea, we shall lie down and our sleep shall be sweet. Humility and 
 meekness, also, are most in accordance with our blessed Saviom"'s 
 example, who was meek and lowly in heart, and exhorted to the 
 denial of self, and declared that except we become as little children, 
 we cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven, that is, become His 
 disciples. Now it struck me the other day, that that disposition 
 which seemed to set up self, and wished to have justice done to self, 
 was contrary to this true humility, neither is it so likely to see clearly 
 what is right. It is the humble that are shown the right way, and 
 the meek who are led in the paths of true judgment ; they are teach- 
 able and easily taught, being mistrustful of self, and their path is more 
 likely to be safe. 
 
264 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 And now, my dear friend, I will bid thee affectionately farewell, 
 having relieved my mind ; and will conclude by directing and com- 
 mending thee to the great and ancient principle of our profession, the 
 Spirit of Christ in the secret of the heart, which will unfailingly show 
 thee, if thou art attentive and obedient enough to its lowest whispers 
 and discoveries, with whom thou mayest associate with comfort or 
 impunity; will strengthen, restrain, and preserve thee aright when 
 there, even in humility, watchfulness, and the Divine feai', and it will 
 also assuredly show thee where thou mayest not go but at thy peril. 
 Oh, then, cleave unto Him, and depart not away, and mayest thou 
 increasingly seek after His precious company and delightful converse, 
 of which thou canst never have too much ; for He is the truest Friend, 
 the surest Guide, the wisest Counsellor, and the most blessed Com- 
 forter. Blessed be His name over all for ever ! 
 
 L. A. Barclat. 
 
 To A Child, (/h^ i-t'^'^C*^.* ^^'^htri-<i^-A. 
 (■-f^C^^^...^:.f (/^'t4C- Eeigate, \lth of lOth Month, 1842. 
 
 Mr DEAR , 
 
 I hope thou will not feel tried with dear , but she read 
 
 me some of thy letter to her, knowing I should feel tenderly interested 
 about thee, and so it has led me into very affectionate sympathy with 
 thee, my dear girl, respecting evil thoughts, and I thought I covild 
 not do otherwise than take up my pen and write what I feel come 
 
 into my mind. Ah, I do and can feel for thee, dear , for it is 
 
 no new thing to be thus tried. Thou hast many neighbours and 
 fellow-sharers in such trials, and I am not one of the least. But I 
 rejoice in that thou feelest thus i7'ied by them ; this is the tender love 
 of thy heavenly Father to make thee thus sensible of their evil tend- 
 ency, and so be tried by them. Oh, cherish this sensibility, and 
 do not crush and quench it by turning away from and seeking to 
 divert thyself from such feelings. Oh, no ; this would indeed be 
 grieving thy heavenly Father and the good Spirit of thy dear Saviour. 
 But perhaps thou wilt say, what am I to do to get rid of such trouble- 
 some intruders ? I would affectionately answer thee, dear, if thou 
 cherish that which makes thee sensible of them, tt will by degrees 
 pursre them all away and deliver thee from them — not in thy own 
 time, for this would be directly instead of gradually, and then this 
 would be easy work, and self would be in danger of getting up and 
 
1842.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 265 
 
 vaunting of its victory ; remember the Israelites did not all at once 
 destroy their Canaanite enemies. But He who gives thee this sensi- 
 bility of their evil tendency, knows best when and how to deliver 
 thee from all the evil enemies of thine own house or heart, and which 
 I doubt not thou often feels to be both many, and lively, and strong, 
 and perhaps art sometimes ready to conclude thou never shall be able 
 to conquer them. But oh, never fear, but yield thyself up to this 
 power that visits and shows thee them, and He will nol fail to conquer 
 them for thee and in thee ; for stronger is He that is in thee, though 
 He appear in thee only as in a very small and foolish looking way, 
 as a little seed of life and light, a little leaven that would leaven thee 
 into His meek and lowly nature ; yea, as a secret power or word 
 behind thee that seems to rise up against all that is evil in thought, 
 word, or deed, and testifies against it. I say stronger is He that is 
 thus appearing in thee than all the powers of the worldly spirit, the 
 fleshly mind, or the stratagems of the cruel enemy. So be not afraid, 
 only believe, that is receive and yield to His power, and thou shalt be 
 made more than a conqueror through Him that loved thee. 
 
 But, my dear girl, in reference to those evil thoughts that are so 
 constantly rising up, I have always found and still find — for I am still 
 tried and tempted, if this will be any encouragement to thee to know 
 of, and it is no sin to be tempted thou knowest, but the sin is in 
 yielding to the tempter — I have always found that the best way is to 
 endeavour to gather the mind inward to the power of truth that sliows 
 the evil thought ; do not be fretted because of the evil, but try to turn 
 as quiethj as possible from the evil to that which shows it, and which 
 stands ready to overcome it with good, even the power of truth, the light 
 of truth, the Spirit of Christ in the secret of thy soul. In thus ceasing 
 from thy own frettings and disquietude because of the evil, and from 
 thy own strivings to reason thyself out of the evil as it were, and in 
 thus simply and quietly turning inward and looking upward, as a dear 
 little child looks up to its mother to lift it up out of any danger, thou 
 wilt find that He who is mighty and very tender is ever near to suc- 
 cour thee, to stay thy mind in quiet and in abhorrence of the evil, and 
 to season and sanctify it unto Himself. And as thou art practised in 
 this inward work and watchfulness unto prayei*, that is, unto breathing 
 unto the Lord, so thou wilt become more and more practised in 
 knowing and understanding thy dear Saviour's voice and heavenly 
 inward speech. And oh, that nobody and nothing may ever turn or 
 divert thee away from it in any wise ! for thou knowest, my dear, 
 
266 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 that no man or woman upon earth can ever give thee His precious 
 peace; so never think to obtain it any other way tlian by hearing and 
 obeying His voice, thus wilt thou prove thy love to Him, and thus 
 wilt thou truly enjoy His love and manifestation of Himself to thy 
 soul ; and oh that thou mayest experience the blessed promise to such 
 lovers of the Lord Jesus abundantly fulfilled — " My Father will love 
 him, and we will come unto him and make our abode with him." 
 
 And, my dear , be sure thou always turns away from whatever 
 
 does not give thee a feeling of peaceful quiet to thy mind; and though 
 thou canst not understand why^ yet be content to be faithful to inward 
 feeling, and patient before the Lord, and He will gradually open all 
 to thee that is necessary for thee to know. 
 
 So farewell, my dear, for to -night. I shall often think of thee and 
 
 together, and long that you may go hand in hand together along 
 
 the good old way to the kingdom, the strait and narrow way to self. 
 With dear love, I remain thy truly affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A, Barclay. 
 
 To B. Bishop, 
 
 , 1842. 
 
 Such a token of true sympathy and unity of spirit was truly 
 grateful. I trust I received it as from the good hand of Him who hath 
 pity on the workmanship of His hands, and^who, when He sees meet 
 to prove, most graciously sends a precious cordial to sustain. I 
 desire to remain under such close exercise and deep baptism the whole 
 time that is appointed, that so the good end therein may be answered 
 and not frustrated. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To A. R. 
 
 10</i Month, 1842. 
 
 I am one for gathering up the fragments that nothing may 
 be lost, of such as testify to the sufficiency of the Divine power, which 
 is likely to prove strengthening and helpful to the Zionward traveller, 
 or promotive of the glory of the Divine being. The main desideratum 
 in these publications is the faithful upholding of the ancient standard 
 of truth, so that the pure truth, the pure dispensation of the Gospel 
 be really and rightly upheld, exalted, and spread, 
 
 L. A. Barclait. 
 
1842.] LYUIA ANN BARCLAY. 267 
 
 To . ^''■^tfCt-v-rf, t/*t/^ *ww^ ■ 
 
 Reigate, 2Zrdofl\th Month, 1842. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 The date of thy letter yesterday did not surprise me, but it 
 did please me to find where thou wast. Thou mayest at all times 
 freely write to me, for I feel tenderly interested in thy welfare every 
 way, but fear I am but a poor broken reed to lean upon in any way 
 for counsel and help ! How remarkable was thy meeting with dear 
 Thomas Bayes, at Tottenham ! Ah, his dear brother ! my mind has 
 been so with his spirit, as it were, these several days, as if just landing 
 on the blissful shores of the heavenly country ! yet, nothing is 
 impossible with Omnipotence ! "What an unspeakable favour that he 
 has been so sensible of his situation, so calm and stayed ! 
 
 My tender love and sympathy flows copiously towards all the dear 
 families both in Norfolk and Tottenham. Now, my dear friend and 
 younger brother, I must turn to thy letter and first let me say to 
 thee, whatever thou doest, wliatever thou mayest suffer, mind those 
 tender impressions and secret stops in thy mind, for all lies in them, 
 however plausible may be the advice or cogent the reasoning of any. 
 Oh, let nothing draw thy attention away therefrom, for thy safety 
 depends on a simple obedience thereto. Mind what the savour of 
 life (even the inward life quickened by the Divine Word) draws thee 
 to, and mind what it draws thee from, and let nothing deter thee 
 from forsaking the one and cleaving to the other. And what though 
 faith may at times seem very low, yea, altogether gone (as thou 
 sayest), for it is the life of the word that quickens and gives faith, 
 (and thence called the word of faith, or the faith-giving word), 
 and if the influence thereof be withdrawn for a little moment, faith 
 may well be said to flee from us ; yet oh, be thou patient awhile, 
 and dare not to move out of the faith, and hope will come in to succour 
 the faith and stay thy mind in that, and thou wilt see that though for 
 a little moment He who is thy life was pleased, for thy proving and 
 purifying, to hide His face as it were, yet in tender loving-kindness 
 will He have mercy on thee, and in due time lift up His royal banner 
 again in thee and gather thee thereto ! yea, and open thy way 
 gradually more and more as thou art willing to be led as the blind by 
 a way that the natural man can never comprehend, and exceedingly 
 in the cross to all that thou canst call thy own ! and He who hath called 
 and touched thee, and drawn thee by His love to run after His tender 
 
268 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 couHsel in His pure fear, can make a way both through the sea and 
 through the cloud for thee, when thou hast borne the baptism in them 
 that He sees fit ; and as thou cleaves close to His mighty but secret 
 power, He will enable thee to run as through a troop of enemies 
 within and without, and to leap as over a wall of opposition and 
 difficulty, bring thee out through fire and water as into a large place, 
 and oh then remember to pay thy vows and to offer the sacrifices of 
 thanksgiving ! 
 
 I do feel much interested in thy letter, and though I have but 
 little idea of business, yet I have felt lately more and more convinced 
 that a truly upright and faithful friend vnW find it increasingly 
 a difficult thing to get a livelihood with clean hands and a clear con- 
 science in most branches of trade, all the channels seem so sadly 
 polluted in one way or another. It was but the other day that I was 
 talking to a Friend on the very subject, and he was saying what a 
 sad custom there is now of feeing servants, so much per cent., and of 
 charging more than really was had of any article to meet that expense! 
 so much so, that he knew of one or two Friends who could not get on 
 in business because they conscientiously refused to do so. But farming 
 has often appeared to me the least objectionable and the most quiet 
 and reflective business, in which our utter dependence on Divine 
 goodness is the most brought to view, if it be but really entertained, 
 and one in which our testimonies may be so fully and convincingly 
 upheld. Thou asks me about going into the North and the names of 
 such as I know. . . . 
 
 There is also that dear Friend, R. J. of . He is a faithful 
 
 and powerful minister beyond all man's arts and parts, and was at 
 yearly meeting this year, and bore a clear and weighty testimony 
 to the sufficiency of the Divine power that visited him when between 
 the plough stilts. I do not know him outwardly, but feel a precious 
 unity with him. . . . 
 
 "Well, my dear friend, this is all I know of to say to thee. If it 
 prove of any use I should be glad, and now I must say farewell, 
 committing and commending thee to thy good and all-sufficient Guide, 
 who never has failed thee yet, though thou hast seemed to wait long 
 for Him and sought Him with many tears. He will direct thee to a 
 hair's breadth, and give thee faith and strength to follow as thou 
 keeps close to Him all the day and waits for Him all the night. 
 
 I remain thy sincei'e and affectionate friend, 
 
 L A. Barclay. 
 
1842.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BAECLAT. 
 
 269 
 
 To L. C. 
 
 Reigate, 28th of 11th Month, 1842. 
 
 Mr DEAR Friend, 
 
 I received thy kind note yesterday, and am obliged for the 
 
 contents. I was not aware of the illness of ; she was one that 
 
 I used to know before her marriage, being often with her relations 
 the other side of London. I believe she had a value for what was 
 good, and for those Avho were sincerely desirous of pursuing it. But, 
 alas ! how many there are of this class, who know what is right, and 
 admire and love those who are faithful, yet are unwilling to bend 
 themselves, so as to acknowledge what they often feel in the secret 
 of their hearts, and thus remain dwarfs all their lives. . . . I do 
 not think I feel sufficient of a draft to attend the interment. Oh, 
 for the pure testimony to the truth, to the all-sufficiency of the 
 blessed power thereof, to enable us to overcome the world, the flesh, 
 and the wiles of the wicked one ; may it be luiflinchingly held forth 
 and exalted on high, though through the weak and little ones. I 
 notice what thou sayest about coming to see us, and it is very pleasant 
 to us to think it is in your hearts, dear friends, and we shall look for 
 you sometime on sixth day. ... I hope yon will stay over First 
 day with us. It is pleasant to think of having the help of your 
 spirits. . . . Perhaps you may be instrumental to arouse some 
 to cleanse their hands from that which obstructs, that the heavy- 
 hearted may again lift up their heads in hope of that which quickens, 
 nourishes, and strengthens the immortal soul. 
 
 I am much pleased that has at heart such a good work, but, 
 
 oh, I do hope it will be purely brought forth, that man's tool of 
 wisdom and expediency may not be lifted upon it to mar it. I am 
 rejoiced that Job Scott's journal is to be reprinted. The sad attempts 
 to cry it^down and destroy it seem only to have awakened the desire 
 to have it the more. I believe his pure testimony will not slumber 
 in the dust, but even revive as out of the stones of persecution. 
 
 Farewell, dear L. I remain thy and your affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . ^ , /vta s 
 
 11th of 12th Month, 1842. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 I was much pleased to hear by thy kind letter that thou got 
 home with comfort, and found all pretty well. Thou hast indeed 
 
270 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 been wonderfully cared for and helped on in thy late journey, so I do 
 
 hope, my dear , it will animate thy faith a little, and renew thy 
 
 trust in Him who never yet has failed thee in the hour of need. And 
 oh, how true it is that, with even but a grain of faith and but a little mite 
 of heavenly power, we are enabled to leap over a wall of opposition and 
 difficulty, and to run through a troop of fears and foes ! and how do 
 the mountains flow down at the presence or prevalency in our hearts 
 of the Lord's power, and our earthly feelings and natures are made 
 to smoke as at His mighty touch ! Oh, then, that we may increas- 
 ingly, my dear friend, jdeld up ourselves to His mighty and tendering 
 power to do with us as seemeth Him good ! Let our hearts cleave 
 unto Him in uprightness and true fear that keeps us clean and keeps 
 out all other fears ; and let our eye be singly unto Him, looking and 
 waiting for His all-searching, all-quickening, and all-strengthening 
 word more than they that watch for the morning ; and surely He 
 will revive His work as in the midst of the years, animate and 
 strengthen us to let the time past suffice wherein we have indeed been 
 very hesitating and doubting, disobedient and backsliding from His 
 tender hand that touched us many a time. And oh, that we may 
 each of us know more and more of a putting on strength in the name 
 of the Lord, by whose good and tender power alone we shall know 
 our abUity to overcome all things, the worldly spirit, the flesh, and 
 the wicked one, remembering the many precious promises " to him 
 that overcometh." 
 
 After ten days' absence we were favoured to reach home the eve- 
 ning before last, and though weak in body most of the time, and very 
 low and tried in mind, yet my gracious Master was pleased to intro- 
 duce me into much exercise on behalf of others where my lot was 
 cast, both in and out of meetings, and I was enabled to relieve my 
 mind to my great comfort and humbling admiration at His goodness 
 to such a poor unworthy worm of the earth ! But so it some'times is. 
 He is pleased to put His words into the heart and mouth of the weak 
 and foolish, and mean and reproached, and causes the stammering 
 ones to speak forth close things that reach the witness, that no flesh 
 may glory in His sight ! . . . Oh, that we may be favoured to 
 get to the watch tower, and abide there in humility and meekness, that 
 we may watch and keep our garments, and be enabled to stand faithful 
 to the pure testimony of truth even to the very end of our time of suffer- 
 ing, though we suffer the loss of life and all things else outward for it. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
1842.J 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 27i 
 
 To Letitia Hagger. 
 
 Reigate, 11th of 12th Month, 1842. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 . . . I trust I shall not forget thy great and sisterly- 
 kindness when with thee, and I do desire thy reward at a better and 
 higher hand, for He takes the least kindness (for His name's sake), 
 even only comparable to a cup of cold water, as done unto Himself! 
 And oh, my dear friend, mayest thou be animated and strengthened 
 by His mighty and good power, and thy faith from time to time 
 revived when ready to faint by Him who alone can increase it ; and 
 I remember His gracious promise of old, " I will be as the dew unto 
 Israel, he shall revive as the corn, and grow as the vine, and the scent 
 thereof shall be as the wine of Lebanon ; from me is thy fruit found." 
 Ah, it is His heavenly dew, administered from day to day, that can 
 revive our drooping faith, and give us to lay hold of His strength 
 thereby so as to witness a growing in grace and in the heavenly wis- 
 dom and stature ; and here we know (as we are diligent in exercise 
 and faithful in keeping close to the Divine power, however small its 
 appearance in the revelation thereof within us) agoing "from strength 
 to strength," and how that " every one of them in Zion appeareth 
 before God." How sweetly descriptive is this of our passing under 
 the Lord's good hand of power, under the "judgments of His mouth" 
 or operation of His inward and living word, under the various bap- 
 tisms of His Spirit of judgment and burning, whereby He redeems 
 all Zion's converts, and purifies them unto Himself, and sanctifies 
 unto His holy use ; for we read " His fire is in Zion and His furnace 
 in Jerusalem !" Oh, then, that we may be willing and patient to 
 endure all the turnings and overturnings of His good and tender hand. 
 Let us not shrink from appearing before Him that He may thoroughly 
 search and sift us, and surely nothing that is really weighty and 
 living and tender, nothing that is really of His own begetting in us, 
 shall ever suffer, but rather wax stronger and stronger in His heavenly 
 might and holy life, and be more and more prepared for fruitfulness 
 to His praise ; yea, the fruit that is of and from Himself shall unfail- 
 ingly come forth in His own pushing yet mellowing life, so as to yield 
 a precious and refreshing savour and flavour. 
 
 And now, my dear friend, I desire thy increase and deepening in 
 this living experience and exercise, and thy faithfulness in the Lord's 
 puttings forth, in the little grain of faith and of might that He vouch- 
 
272 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1842. 
 
 safes to what thou feclest required in the secret of thy soul at any 
 time, without fear of man or looking at consequences, or leaning to 
 thy own understanding or reasonings, nor yet yielding to the mists 
 and clouds of doubt and dismay that the enemy may raise; for before 
 the least grain of the true I'aith, the least mite of the true power, they 
 shall all vanish and melt away, and the mountains shall flow down, 
 and the earthly nature in us shall smoke, and nothing ^shall be too 
 hard ! 
 
 I know not howl am led thus to write, and did not so intend when 
 I sat down, but as it flows in my heart my pen is that of a ready 
 writer. And, my dear friend, my tender sympathy is with thee in 
 thy very solitary allotment ; but oh, mayest thou not be dismayed 
 thereat, so as to be hindered from the Lord's service. What though 
 thou hast few or none to help thee outwardly, for the fathers, where 
 are they? and the prophets do not live forever! Yet let this drive 
 thee the more deep and inward to the revelation of the Lord's poAver, 
 who is ever sufficient for poor worm Jacob ; and oh, stay thy 
 mind in deep inward attention upon Him, trusting thy all unto Him, 
 and He will direct thy path, what to do and how to step and where 
 to step, and He will open thy way before thee, even to cleave unto 
 and serve Him in uprightness (whatever others may do) in what He 
 bids thee, and none shall be able to gainsay or resist, and the arms of 
 thy hands shall be made strong by the mighty God of Jacob as thou 
 thus preferest His honour and favour to all beside ! So look not 
 out, but keep the eye single and inward, and mind the Master's 
 pointings ; thus, though the standard-bearers should faint and shrink, 
 yet the blessed standard of the truth will be taken up, even by the 
 little ones, and even one of these, through faithfulness to the Lord's 
 power, may become as a thousand, and he that seems very feeble as 
 a strong nation, yea, as David, valiant for the truth ! 
 
 I believe this is all I feel at present, and it is in dear love, in 
 which I remain thy much obliged and truly affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 17th of 12th Month, 1842. 
 
 . . . So, my dear friends, do feel for me and crave my 
 preservation every way and every day. And how do I feel for you ! 
 There is nothing so preciously uniting as suflTering ; to be fellow- 
 
1843.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 273 
 
 sufferers together for the dear Master's cause, as we humbly hope. 
 But this we cannot be without being £eU.ow-feelers ; and how can we 
 be fellow-feelers without being similarly baptised into one and the same 
 Divine life, whence springs the true seeing and feeling, and the fruitful 
 bearing ! So, oh, let us each travail for it more and more, even to 
 know the precious life of Christ, fresh and fresh to bubble up in us 
 from day to day; and then we shall be increasingly one in Him and 
 feel Him one in us, our all in all, and shall know the heavenly 
 increase, and the fruitful praise, and the humble rejoicing before Him 
 for ever, even though in the midst of persecutions and reproaches, 
 and tribulations and perils. 
 
 I am so pleased thou wast helped in that meeting was at. 
 
 Do be faithful, my dear friends (if it be not impertinent in me to say so 
 to you), and go on right forward for our dear Mastei", nothing doubting 
 and no one fearing, aod He will make your way in the hearts of all, 
 plead your cause in them, either sooner or later, in mercy or in 
 judgment ; and I do hope thy dear husband will simply yield to any 
 little pointing to go now and then to this or that meeting. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To A. R. 
 
 1st Month, 1843. 
 
 . When I look at the children of the exercised ones 
 amongst us, I am often tried at the consideration of how little are they 
 brought under that all-regulating, subjecting power of which we 
 believe their dear parents are constrained to testify and direct unto ; 
 but what is the plainest outside, if the humbling and restraining 
 power of truth is unsubjected to and unheeded; and in feeling these 
 remarks to arise continually, how does the mind revert to poor self, 
 and desire to take the warning and instruction home therein contained, 
 fearing lest, while constrained by Divine grace and enabled to testify 
 unto others thereof, I myself should become a castaway or bring the 
 least reproach on the blessed cause. Dear M. S. is a deep feeler and 
 mourner, for we cannot deeply feel or rightly see, without being 
 clothed also in mourning ; and it is sometimes hard to hinder the 
 sackcloth from peeping out. I accept thy kind encouragement, my 
 dear friend. These are times when we often get rather the reverse, 
 even in the midst of our painful suffering for the precious cause sake. 
 Oh ! the woe, the loss that will and must be to us, if we appoint as 
 
274 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1843. 
 
 elders such as are unsuitable and unbaptised for the work, through our 
 following natural judgment, and affectionate feelings, and the sight 
 of the eje outwardly. I have had cause to deplore such appointments, 
 made in the hope of qualification, or with the desire to strengthen 
 the hands of such. Unless they are Divinely prepared and anointed 
 (as it were hewn and cut out in the mountain of the Lord) by deep 
 baptisms, similar to those of the poor ministers, how can they feel for 
 and with them, or have any clear discerning of the work in each 
 under their fostering care ; they may on the contrary be hindering and 
 hurting the very work they should strengthen and help. Ah, the 
 continued baptisms unto death of all that is of the creature, how 
 many have fallen from the want of it ! being settled down at ease by 
 their appointment, and forget their first speaking tremblingly, or 
 being humbled under the Lord's good power : but we must trust in 
 Him Avho can overrule all things for good, and who can give the 
 poor little oppressed ones patience under all permitted trials. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To THE SAME. 
 
 Without date. 
 
 Alas ! there is much to discourage and dismay, so much that 
 seems to strike at our life and pierce as to the quick, in what we see 
 and hear ; it is like being " killed all the day." Nevertheless it is 
 comfortable to hear of the faithful ones scattered up and down ; they 
 seem like the savoury salt, thougTi often mournful and solitary, 
 whether inwardly or literally so, as it were prophesying and bearing 
 their testimony in sackcloth, and in a wilderness state ! Ah ! surely 
 these faithful, upright-hearted ones are the true Church, and wiU they 
 not all be gathered unto Zion with everlasting joy and gladness, and 
 sorrow and sighhig shall for ever flee away from them. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To THE SAME. 
 
 Without date. 
 
 I have been much occupied in mind on the subject of 
 overseers, having had a fresh appointment in our monthly meeting, in 
 which much deep exercise has fallen to my portion, as I apprehend, 
 for the cause sake, which is more precious to mo than life or repu- 
 tation amongst men. I was mercifully strengthened to be faithful, 
 
1843.] 
 
 LTDIA Aim BAKCLAT. 
 
 275 
 
 though most pinching to nature, during the consideration and after- 
 wards. I laboured with each individual of them to mj great relief 
 and peace of mind, so that I am now quiet and full of praise to the 
 Giver and Strengthener of all His poor unworthy servants, even 
 the meanest of them. 
 
 Towards the close of this labour of love, I was tried witb the sad 
 accounts of my dearly beloved nephew, R. Barclay, a most sweet 
 young man, whom I had fondly watched from childhood, and com- 
 fortingly beheld his promising steps in changing his dress and yielding 
 to what he felt to be right. I was hoping he might succeed his dear 
 uncle John ; but how shortsighted we are ! He suddenly went off 
 when his family were hoping he might recover from hemorrhage he 
 had recently had. It was exactly six months from his wedding-day 
 to the day of his burial, and it is remarkable how many of his young 
 friends attended both. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To THE SAME. 
 
 Without date. 
 
 P.'s visit was a uniting time — one of entering into feeling 
 with the burden-bearers, and this truly is desirable. Alas ! the affairs 
 of truth of the dear Master are in a very low state in almost every 
 part of our poor Society, and mourning must cover the true feelers. 
 Still there are some encouraging features which convince us that we 
 are not a forsaken people, and that the good hand is yet stretched out 
 to gather'and to redeem from bondage. May those who feel with and 
 for Him endeavour to strengthen each other's hands, cleaving close 
 to Him in subjection and watchfulness and fear, and then may we 
 not hope that good may arise even out of apparent evil, and that there 
 may be a revival even in the midst of the years as from the desolations 
 of many generations. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To A VERY Young Friend. ^^j^ /^j^^^^ 
 Heigate, 21st of 1st Month, 1843. 
 
 My dear , 
 
 I must tuck in a little note to thee in that I have written to 
 thy dear mother, to show thee that I have not forgotten thee now 
 that thou art left, although I have been of late variously diverted. 
 
276 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1843. 
 
 No, my dear girl, thou still lives in affectionate remembrance, and so 
 I believe thou ever would, however thou might be wandering afar 
 off, whether in a natural and outward sense or in a spiritual and inward 
 sense; for the true love extends over sea and land, and is not dependent 
 on outward intercourse, nor yet entirely on outward conduct, because 
 it is of the same nature (a branch or fr uit) of that precious Divine love 
 which beholds even the poor prodigal who has wandered afar off and 
 wasted all his substance in wrong things — that precious Divine love, 
 I say, which, beholding, pities and touches him even to the quick, as 
 with the remembrance of his dear Father's house where there is bread 
 enough and to spare — and all to bring him back again with renewed 
 and increased rejoicing ! Although I must own that where we see 
 and feel the gracious good work yielded unto and going on, our love 
 will and must be in proportion increased for the work's sake and for 
 the faith that is begotten. 
 
 I am much pleased that dear has kindly offered for thee to 
 
 read French with her; it is truly kind, and I hope thou wilt value 
 the privilege, and perhaps too thou might gain from her some useful 
 hints as to books that are improving, and perhaps she may lend thee 
 one now and then, which would be an advantage to thee. But I hope, 
 dear, thou wilt keep up the reading of some Friends' book daily, 
 either aloud or to thyself ; for I am sure thou must have felt the 
 precious seasoning effect it had on thy mind when thou wast here, 
 and it helps to undo the leavening effect which there is both in asso- 
 ciation and conversation that we are subject to daily, as weU as that 
 there is too often in the pursuits that we take up for our improvement 
 in a natural sense. Oh, we want the spiritual life to be kept up and 
 cherished hy all possible means, even the side channels as it were of 
 reading and of intercourse with the spiritually-minded, as well as by 
 waiting for and seeking after it at the Fountain-head. 
 
 told me thou hadst expressed a fear lest we had disapproved 
 
 of a certain tract from prejudice against the writer of it. That, my dear, 
 we would never willingly be guilty of I am sure — it would not be just 
 and sincere ; and I have spread some dozens of another tract by the 
 same writer, on Teetotalism, as highly approving of it. It is the 
 substance and the feeling that we must judge by in such things, and 
 I do believe in these and other things too, that the lower we get and the 
 more inward we dwell with the little principle or seed of light and life 
 within (which though in us is not of us), the more we shall be pre- 
 served in the true savour of all things, and free from prejudice — 
 
1843.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 277 
 
 for these are Jays of much superficialness in many respects, but all is 
 not gold that glitters ! I had rather have a little sound and substan- 
 tial iron, however rough and ugly looking, than much mock gold with 
 
 all its shining lustre. I want thee to be more inward, dear , and 
 
 not upon the surface, then will thy building stand all the storms and 
 tempests that may and must prove its foundation. It is no matter 
 what the many may say, nor what our own nature may hope to be 
 correct, but it is a great matter what the Lord whispers to us in secret, 
 and the sense and savour which His life gives of things and persons 
 and of all within us. But I did not intend thus to write ; thou wilt 
 say I am always sermonizing. 
 
 We had a sweet visit from dear , and it was very hard to part 
 
 — she and I feel like mother and daughter as I fancy. We were very 
 busy at mathematics daily, and had our two kinds of reading besides, 
 Paxton (Illustrations of Scripture) and R. Shackleton's sweet Letters. 
 . . . I hope to get a few more shillings for Germany. 
 
 Farewell, dear, in true affection and earnest desire for thy present 
 and everlasting blessing and welfare, says thy sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Bakclay. 
 
 To J. F. M. 
 
 Reigate, 2nd of 2nd Month, 1843. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 A little one may sometimes help a great one ! and this 
 encourages me to think that a few lines even from such an one as I 
 may not be. unacceptable when on the eve of departure for thy awful 
 journey — believing that it does indeed feel truly awful to thee thus 
 to be going forth as with thy life in thy hand, to visit the seed which 
 is in much oppression! yea, pressed down, as a cart is pressed that is 
 full of sheaves, under much that opposes and treads down! in which 
 awful labour and prospect I think I can truly sympathise with thee 
 according to my very small measure of experience ; and oh, who is 
 sufficient for these things ! who, but the omnipotent One is indeed 
 sufficient to bear up the poor bowed down mind under the prospect 
 of the conflicts, and deep baptisms, and low plunges, and long wadings, 
 and proving, fastings, and pinching strippings, the watchings and the 
 perUs that must be the portion of the Lord's painful labourers in these 
 days of backsliding, and of sore trial ! who but He is sufficient to 
 gird with strength unto the battle, to clothe with the armour of light 
 
278 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1843. 
 
 on the right hand and on the left, and to preserve even on the watch 
 tower of humble fear ! who but He is sufficient to pour forth of His 
 Spirit upon them, and to put His words into their mouths, that they 
 may boldly plead His cause and faithfully uphold His pure testimony, 
 making them able ministers, not of the letter which killeth, but of 
 the Spu'it that giveth life, and of the new covenant and testament 
 which God hath bequeathed to and made with His poor faUen 
 creatures, in and through His beloved Son ! Oh, then, in wishing 
 thee, my beloved friend and brother, the best, even God's holy speed, 
 how does all that is quick and lively in my burdened soul earnestly 
 crave that His all-sufficient good hand may be with thee, and that 
 thy eye may be ever and only unto Him — and I do comfortingly 
 believe that He who has been thy tender Alpha, who condescended 
 thus to touch and to draw, and to make willing to run after Him, 
 will strengthen and carry thee through from day to day, to the 
 accomplishing of what He has for thee to do, and will be thy 
 blessing and peace-giving, yet humbling Omega, to His glory and to 
 His praise, which is all thou desires I know ! And oh, when it is 
 well with thee, remember thy poor weak sister, and crave that I 
 may be preserved from taking any step before the ^ord calls thereunto 
 — yet enabled in simplicity and true fear to move as He may be 
 pleased clearly to point out the way and time. I may acknowledge 
 that the matter has much cleared before me in the last week — ^yet as 
 the time of showing unto Israel draws nigh, many fears rise up to dis- 
 may, both as to the poor weak body as well as the disqualification and 
 unworthiness of the mind, and the many dangers and snares likely to 
 surround ! But oh, dear friend, crave my preservation, that I may 
 be kept ever so weak and low in myself, fearing for and distrusting 
 myself, yet wholly hanging upon the Lord and keeping closely to His 
 blessed secret power and heavenly gift, Avherein alone is the true 
 preservation ! Suffer me to say, that I hope thou wilt in simplicity 
 yield thy mind to any pointings towards public meetings in Lincoln- 
 shire, especially the northern part ; I think it is beyond Brigg where 
 dear J. C. found a tender people, and much openness about Waltham 
 and Caistor. Oh, spread abroad the sound or testimony of the word 
 of the Lord, even that blessed word which is quick and powerful, yet 
 very nigh in every heart to discern good and evil ! Oh, I would fain 
 bear thee company in this good labour and glorious work, as a silent 
 breather for success to the Gospel (the power) the world over ! I 
 have herewith sent thee as a little mite towards the work, one hundred 
 
1843.J 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 279 
 
 of each of my tracts. I trust thou wilt find some tender ones also 
 scattered up and down poor Norfolk, and I do hope thou wilt not 
 hurry through, and do not put by any little feeling towards a 
 solitary individual even, for we know not how an arrow shot at a 
 venture, as it were, may even pierce through the very joints of the 
 harness, or coat of mail, wherewith such an one is enveloped. 
 
 Farewell, my endeared friend. I remain, may I say, in the love 
 and bonds of the Gospel, thy nearly united, and affectionate, and 
 sympathising friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To A TOTJNG Friend on going out into a situation as Governess. 
 
 4^nt^^, JL^l^nr- 2nd Month, 1843. 
 
 My dear , 
 
 I omitted to hand thee the little account of J. D., so I herein 
 enclose it for thy acceptance, and I trust reading to profit, as we 
 began to do, the third time, the evening of the day thou left us. I 
 hope thou wilt observe how that when he was, after long pleading 
 with and disobedience, at last convinced of the blessed truth (that is, 
 of the inwai'd power of the Lord Jesus Christ), partly by means of 
 the awful judgments and afflicting dealings of the Almighty, and 
 partly by the instrumentality of a consistent walking Friend — I say, I 
 hope thou wilt observe how that then he was shown and convinced that 
 all those reproofs and teachings in the secret of his heart, Avhich he had 
 been favoured with even from early childhood, were^ the operations ■ 
 of the Spirit of Christ, visiting him and vouchsafed to him by the 
 tender love of God to his never-dying soul, although at the time he was 
 ignorant thereof, or turned a deaf ear to them, and therefore could 
 not know them. Now, seeing that we as a people are not thus ignorant, 
 but are instructed, both by our parents and by many instruments 
 raised up to testify thereto, to mind these secret reproofs and teach- 
 ings as the way to life eternal, how exceedingly responsible are we, 
 and how great will be our condemnation if we despise the love of 
 God thus visiting our souls, and neglect 8o great salvation by grieving 
 the blessed Spirit of Christ our Saviour ! Surely this will be no less 
 than crucifying Him afresh, and denying the Lord that bought us. 
 
 Now, my dear , suffer me to say that this is the very object and 
 
 end of all true education, to testify of and direct our dear pupils to 
 this inward power or Spirit, whereby the spiritual kingdom of our 
 
280 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1843. 
 
 Lord may be set up and spread in their hearts ; and this will sanctify 
 and season all the knowledge of things civil or temporal that we may 
 give them, and enable them to direct and appropriate it in the right 
 way. Oh, this is the true way of leading them to the dear Saviour, 
 to sit at His feet and hear His gracious words, as Mary did, which I 
 believe symbolical of a lowly posture or frame of mind, attentive to 
 the lowest appearance — the smallest communications of His Spirit 
 within us. And surely it is as we thus come under His word or law 
 in our hearts, that we become His subjects, and know Him to be 
 really and truly our King and our Lord. Oh, here is the true coming 
 unto Jesus, believing in Him, and knowing Him to be our Shepherd 
 to lead us in the pastures of life ; our wonderful Counsellor and 
 Teacher that cannot be removed into a corner, and our blessed 
 Saviour from both the power and dominion of sin, as well as the guilt 
 and punishment thereof — for His word inwardly, as well as formerly 
 it was outwardly, is with power. " Greater is He that is in us than 
 he that is in the world " — that is, the enemy who rules in the hearts 
 of the worldly-minded and disobedient. His law is a law of power, 
 of life, of liberty, of peace, and joy unspeakable, able to deliver us 
 from the law of sin and death ! And this is what I earnestly desire 
 
 for thee, dear , that it may be thy fervent concern and careful 
 
 endeavour to do all thou canst to lead and direct thy dear pupils to 
 this inward power or Spirit of Christ, this pure witness for God in 
 their conscience, and swift and unflattering witness against all that is 
 against Him. And I do believe the reproofs and whisperings thereof 
 'are to be heard even by very young children ; and also the precious 
 and sweetly melting feelings experienced, which are thereby brought 
 over the mind, as attention and obedience are yielded; and oh! mayest 
 thou be very careful that nothing in thee, whether by word or con- 
 duct, may in any wise either discourage these tendering feelings or 
 give them a slight esteem thereof! for if thou dost, and they suffer 
 loss thereby, it will lie at thy door ! And oh, my dear girl, be care- 
 ful, oh, be craving that thou mayest at all times be brought and kept 
 under this nurture and admonition of the Lord thyself, otherwise thou 
 canst not lead them to the same. Oh, let the fear of God be always 
 before thy eyes, and be earnestly concerned to seek His face. His 
 favour, the guiding light of His countenance, and His heavenly strength, 
 that thou mayest be so enabled to walk consistently and watchfully as 
 that they may see it, and be led to follow thy example because it is a 
 peaceful one. There is great danger of our having too great an idea 
 
1843.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 281 
 
 of our own abilities and strength, and of what we will do and what 
 not. Such are not the meek and humble whom the Lord delighteth 
 to teach of His precious ways, and to lead in the paths of true judg- 
 ment. "The Lord hath respect unto the lowly, but the proud He 
 knoweth afar off," and doth not draw dear unto them, but leaves them 
 to themselves, and then they are likely to step amiss, yea, cannot fail 
 of erring. It is not a mean thing or a base thing to distrust ourselves — 
 to feel our own weakness, and to apply unto the Lord for help con- 
 tinually ; no, it is a great thing, and a noble thing, and a very precious 
 thing in His sight, and that is worth far more than all that men think 
 of us for cur abilities. None are so truly great as those who think 
 little of their own attainments and capabilities, and are fearful of 
 themselves and of trusting themselves, and therefore look wholly to 
 and lean only on the Lord, in whom is everlasting strength, and 
 with whom are hid all the treasures of the true wisdom and know- 
 ledge. And I hope, my dear, thou wilt not think that I do not love 
 thee in thus writing ; those are our truest friends who tell us the 
 truth, and point out dangers and even weaknesses ; and the reproofs 
 of a true friend are better than the kisses of an enemy. If I did not 
 love thee dearly, I should not foel so tenderly concerned for thy best 
 welfare. Ah ! I long that thou mayest be brought more really and 
 fully to the possession of that which thou hast been brought up in the 
 profession of. For, as I said to thee here, our parents cannot give 
 us possession of the truth, or the inward kingdom of Christ; they may 
 testify of it, and direct unto it, where it is, and how to be attained; they 
 may pray for our being brought to the knowledge thereof ; but it is 
 our own fault if we will not follow their directions and testimony, 
 nor seek to answer their prayers. But how much greater is our 
 responsibility and will be our condemnation ; yes, and how much 
 more harm may we be instrumental of spreading, for the children of 
 such exercised parents are looked at peculiarly for examples, and 
 their parents are often bitterly reproached if they are not what they 
 should be. But oh, my dear, I long — yea, words fail me to describe 
 the earnest and affectionate desire that fills my heart, that thou mayest 
 grow up as before the Lord in His holy nurture and government ; 
 and, going forth, mayest lead and persuade all ai'ound thee to come, 
 taste, and see how good the Lord is ; and that they verily are blessed 
 that wholly give up to love Him above all, and to be led humbly by 
 His good hand. And I believe, as this is thy care and desire, thou 
 wilt unfailingly experience Him to be a God nigh at hand, to do thee 
 
282 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1843. 
 
 good at all times and under all circumstances — a never-failing Friend 
 and sure Adviser — a safe Guide — a mighty Strengthener — a powerful 
 Preserver — and a blessed Comforter. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To .J^-/: ... ^.j 
 
 Reigate, 2\st of 2nd Month, 1843. 
 
 . . . Alas, my dear friend, how many there are in our 
 highly favoured and highly professing Society, and even some in sta- 
 tion, who have not this tender, honest feeling, I am sorry to say, but 
 who seem as if they made use of a borrowed capital to make a fair 
 show in the flesh, and then run the risk of losing all, and thus bring 
 reproach on the pure testimony of the truth. That which is not my 
 own T should feel as sacred, and would even stint myself of butter in 
 order to pay off by degrees ! But there ai*e many, many things to 
 grieve us continually, coming to our ears now-a-days, in our poor 
 backslidden Society; yet truth is truth'though all forsake it, and "the 
 foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth 
 them that are His, and let him that nameth the name of Christ depart 
 from iniquity." I mark thy low estate, as depicted in thy kind letter; 
 but it is no marvel. Those who are of the living in Israel — that is, 
 touched by the Lord's life-giving power, and thereby enabled to see 
 and feel how things ought to be, both in and out of them, yea, and 
 clothed thereby with an earnest desire to walk according thereto, in 
 all faithfulness, and uprightness, and humble fear before Him — these 
 cannot fail of being often clothed with mourning and lamentation, 
 sometimes over their own weakness and unanswerable walking, and 
 at other times over the desolations of Zion and the abominations of 
 those who profess to be her daughters ! But I have often desired 
 that as it regards the former cause for mourning, it may not lead to 
 unprofitable discouragement, neither may self get up even in our 
 mourning over ourselves. Let us be content to see ourselves as weak, 
 and foolish, and vile, and nothing, that we ought to be, and let us 
 abide under the humbling sense thereof, till patience have her perfect 
 woi-k therein. But oh, let us look, yea, let us be animated still to look 
 over all up unto Him in whom is everlasting strength, and in whom 
 are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, that we may lay 
 hold on His tender arm of Divine strength which is renewedly stretched 
 out for our help, and then surely we shall know the healing through 
 
1843.] 
 
 LTDIA AHN BARCLAY. 
 
 283 
 
 the chastisement or judgment of His blessed Spirit, and the strength- 
 ening through the humbling, and the Lord's power will be over all 
 the enemy's plunges and doubts and discouragements ! And as it 
 regards a deep mourning over others, whether in secret or whether 
 in our communings together as by the way, of what is come and 
 coming to pass at Jerusalem, which truly make us sad, may we not 
 be slow of heart to believe what is declared again and again, both 
 within and without us, that Christ must suffer from the generation of 
 the unbelievers who are wise in their own eyes — may we not be gi'eatly 
 moved nor dismayed at what we see, hear, and feel — let us not fear 
 with man's fear, but oh, let the holy fear of the Lord God be ever before 
 our eyes, let Him be sanctified in our hearts, and let us ever think 
 upon His name which is His power ; remember that He is over all, 
 and wholly yield up ourselves into His holy hand that He may require 
 or permit what He pleaseth, and mould us how He sees meet. Oh, 
 this is what I believe to be Jacob's tent in which he is safe, and no 
 enchantment shall ever prevail against him, even whilst he is gathered 
 to and abiding in the Lord's holy life and power which compasseth 
 him and encloseth him as with walls, and but works and clothes him 
 with a quiet, peaceful, watchful, and humble spirit ! Oh, let us seek 
 more and more to be baptised into this blessed spirit by this holy life 
 and power, then shall we be all united together in one mind and 
 judgment as one bread, partaking of the one blessed nourishment and 
 comfort, and rejoicing, even though scattered up and down in solitary 
 places and in much tribulation ; and in all these things (permitted to 
 come upon us for our proving and refinement) our souls should live, 
 wax stronger and stronger in that life which is hid with Christ in 
 God, and the Lord's name would be exalted and glorified over all, 
 who 18 worthy for ever ! 
 
 I may now inform thee, I trust under a humbling sense of the Lord's 
 condescending goodness to such a poor unworthy one, that I was 
 liberated last fourth day by my Friends to visit Friends once again 
 in the land of my forefathers, Scotland, and am looking to start the 
 middle of next month. I cannot describe the waves that have been 
 permitted to come over me on this account during the last year, and 
 even still I seem hardly out of their reach ! for oh, how awful does 
 the work seem, and how formidable does the journey seem at this 
 most trying season to the delicate, and to such a cold climate ! But 
 there is one who is all-sufficient for the weak and foolish, and He also 
 can temper the winds even to the shorn lamb. And oh, that He may 
 
284 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1843. 
 
 preserve me from bringing the least reproach or hurt to His precious 
 cause, and strengthen me to uphold the pure and ancient testimony 
 of truth in faithfulness and simplicity and deep humility, to the end 
 of my little day of testimony-bearing and of suffering for Him here, 
 is the earnest desire of my travailing soul ! And, dear friend, do thou 
 crave it for me I beg, for I have great need of the prayers of the 
 faithful. Oh, crave for me the daily quickening, the daily humbling 
 by the Divine power, that I may be preserved and enabled to praise 
 His great name fer ever. 
 
 Farewell. With dear love, I remain thy truly sympathising and 
 aflfectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 Reigate, Srd of Qrd Month, 1843. 
 
 My dear Mary, 
 
 I feel as if I should be best satisfied to send thee a few 
 lines by way of parting salutation. ... I do want thee, dear, to 
 grow in best things, in the truth, in the Divine life, and come up in 
 that faithfulness and fruitfulness which thou art called unto, and 
 which it is graciously designed thou shouldst enjoy the rewai'd of ! 
 I have often felt much about your allotment in your little meeting, 
 and how the blessed end so mercifully designed therein may be 
 answered ; and it appears to me there is no other way than daily to 
 wait for the Divine life and counsel to quicken and to direct you in 
 all your conduct and steppings. It is thus that life and love towards 
 God and the things of His heavenly kingdom is quickened in us, and 
 we know that unless these be daily renewed in us, there is so much 
 around us that is calculated to deaden and clog our spirits heavenward 
 and so hinder us of the precious good so mercifully designed. And 
 when this life and love towards God is quickened in us, though in 
 ever so little a way, it rntist bring with it a true feeling towards His 
 precious cause of truth, which is the inward kingdom of Christ's 
 Spirit, both in our own hearts and the hearts of others — a true zeal 
 for it; and as we, in simplicity and godly sincerity, seek to be humbly 
 faithful to this feeling, which truly is not of us, though it be begotten 
 in us, desiring to have a conscience void of offence towards God and 
 men, which we cannot have without faithfulness, so we shall know a 
 growing in heavenly grace, in the heavenly increase, become more 
 and more quick of understanding in the Divine fear in the things that 
 
1843.] 
 
 LYDIA AKN BARCLAY. 
 
 285 
 
 concern the heavenly kingdom, and consequently onv present and eternal 
 peace, and shall become more and more helpful as living members in 
 the body, the Church, and in which body none are to be idle and 
 useless, but every joint and every member is to supply strength and 
 beauty according to the effectual working of the Divine power in 
 each ! So I want thee, dear, to look to it — see^that thou refuse not 
 Him who calleth from heaven — see that thou in being faithful magnify 
 His name ! Do not think this is too high an attainment, but remem- 
 ber it is a gradual work, for all good as well as all evil comes on 
 gradually. We must be willing to take one little step before we can 
 expect to see how and where to take another ; but if we shrink and 
 draw back, the heavenly light and strength will also draw back from 
 us, and we shall even lose what we once had, and become mere 
 dwarfs instead of fruitful trees of comely stature ! 
 
 In looking at your preparative meeting, I have much desired that 
 thou might, through a humble and simple walk, and acting be a means 
 
 of helping dear on a little. We may often be helped wlien 
 
 diffident, by seeing the simplicity and faithfulness of another, even 
 one younger than ourselves ; and she has been so bred up in the 
 
 discouraging and crushing atmosphere of , that I know she feels as 
 
 if she could not stir out of the pit of it. I am aware there is much 
 lies at her door in the matter by a want of simple faithfulness, and 
 self may creep up in many ways that don't seem likely, and so hinder 
 us, and I have told her so, and tried to stir her up to mind the little 
 gift of light and life whilst mercifully permitted ; still example may 
 do much, and whether she follows or not, thou wilt be clear and wilt 
 thereby wax stronger and stronger ! Oh, there is something over- 
 cominghj strong in the truth as it is suffered to prevail in our hearts, 
 as we yield thereunto in all things, and know all things in us thereby 
 brought low in subjection thereto; it will overcome all evil, both 
 without and within us, it goes on conquering and to conquer, makes 
 even our enemies to be at peace with us, and raises a testimony even 
 in their hearts for us, so that i\\cy cannot gainsay; and we shall, as the 
 scripture says, " possess the gates of our enemies !" and as we are 
 faithful, though in ever so little and humbling a way, how does it 
 seem to lift us up above the evil in ourselves or in others, and it gives 
 us to feel a precious union and communion with Christ the truth ; we 
 seem as it were lifted up to the mount where we say it is good for us 
 to be here and desire to abide there always ! Nevertheless our 
 clothing is deep humility, and we are made willing to go with Him 
 
286 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1843. 
 
 also to Calvary, and to know self crucified in us ! Oh, my dear M., 
 let us seek after this precious experience more and more, which is to be 
 known by little and little in the daily quickenings, in the daily humbling, 
 by the Divine power in our souls ! Ah, do you crave it for me in 
 this awful journey, for unless I know it day by day, my faith and 
 resignation will soon fail ! 
 
 Farewell very dearly, saith thy and your affectionate and very 
 sincere friend, 
 
 li. A. Barclay. 
 
 To AND tftv<^'/V'.v <-^-c>.f kA^ 
 
 Uth ofZrd Month, lU^^ 
 
 Mr DEAR Friends, 
 
 As I am not likely to meet you at our next quarterly 
 meeting, I thought it seemed in my heart to send you a little salutation 
 of love, that I might be clear before leaving home. I have thought 
 much and often of you since your appointment by your montlily 
 meeting to the station of elder, with 'eai'nest desire that you may be 
 enahled to come up faithfully in the duties thereof as before the Lord 
 and unto Him, and not before or unto man — as well as that you may 
 daily seek after the renewal of qualification therefor, the quickening 
 and the humbling that is of the Lord. For I trust you are sensible 
 that man's appointment is not the true qualification, neither is his 
 favour and appi*obation the peaceful sanction, nor the mere office the 
 true living authority. For man, in his own wisdom and prudence and 
 judgment, may look only at the outward or superficial appearance, and 
 judge such fit as are "old enough, and rich enough, and dry enough," 
 as dear S. Emlen once said on such an occasion — may look at the 
 outward profession and consistency, or be taken by mental endowments 
 or pleasing manners, that may seem very encouraging to that which 
 is good. But when the Church does not lean to their own under- 
 standing and judgment or aflection as men, but look to the Divine 
 Spirit to open their eye mentally and to guide their judgment aright, 
 then they look deeper, even to inward qualification— for it is the 
 Lord's blessed Spirit that alone can quicken, humble, and sanctify all 
 classes and ages, as yielded unto for this awful service — ^yes, this can 
 quicken, humble, and sanctify both old and young, render the former 
 green and fruitful even in old age, rectify, strengthen, and preserve 
 the latter from all that is likely to corrode or impede the savoury life 
 
1843.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 287 
 
 — ^this can humble the rich, whether in outward circumstances or in 
 mental endowments, and sanctify all they have and are unto the 
 Master's pure and holy use — this can quicken and raise up the true 
 feeling and judgment in such as are poor in either sense, and enable 
 them to bring it forth in humility and unflinching faithfulness for the 
 upholding of His pure and blessed cause — this can preserve any from 
 becoming dry and formal, even by the daily quickening and melting 
 that is of and from the Lord. Oh, then, how needful is it that those 
 who are called to this station should daily seek after this truest quali- 
 cation, even to bow low before the Lord and feel after His living, 
 piercing power, whereby they may know a daily dying unto all that 
 is of the creature, whether outwardly or inwardly, and then that 
 tender, lowly life of Christ will arise in them which gives the true 
 vision and the true feeling, the very mind and judgment of truth ! 
 Oh, then will they be qualified to feel whence words proceed, and 
 will not be dazzled by outward appearance, or overcome by outward 
 sounds — they will be able to feel the various stages or degrees of 
 growth in the work of the ministry, as well as to appreciate the 
 various gifts to minister to the various needs and against the varied 
 snares thereof — not merely warning or discouraging, but showing forth 
 unto those thus under their care and nurture what they may be at any 
 time deficient in and how they may attain it ; endeavouring thus to 
 help both out of and away from the enemy's snares, to clothe the 
 naked, to feed the hungry, to visit the sick and in prison, and to 
 strengthen the stranger or inexperienced into a better way. It is 
 these truhj fellow -feelers who will mourn with the right-minded who 
 mourn, and they will be helpers of their joy and rejoicers with them 
 when they rejoice, uphold and strengthen their hands before all gain- 
 sayers, comfort and confirm their feeble minds in the testimony 
 required of them in this day of treading down and of deep trial. Oh, 
 it is those who wiU "feed the flock of God, taking the oversight 
 thereof not by (mere) constraint" of appointment " but willingly," 
 as from the heart, I'rom the heavenly melting touch of the Lord's 
 powerful hand, and beyond all outward considerations — not from a 
 desire of man's respect and esteem, nor to be bowed and sought unto 
 as fathers and mothers, for this is but " filthy lucre," inasmuch as it 
 draws the hearts both of givers and receivers away from the Lord, 
 the true Shepherd and King ; but oh, the true eldership must be from 
 the pure constrainings or drawings of the Lord's Spirit that gives to 
 fed truly with His blessed cause, and then makes us "of a ready mind " 
 
288 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1843. 
 
 in a living, holy, but humble zeal to act in the meekness of Plis wis- 
 dom for the pure testimony thereof — such will not shrink in the day 
 of battle, nor yet seek to smother and gloss the truth in the day of 
 judgment, but will acknowledge it in all their ways, and thus be up- 
 right and sure as a dart in the Lord's cause ; and under His humbling 
 power there will be no lording over the heritage, nor seeking to rule 
 or leaning on the authority of office, but that He the Lord of life and 
 glory may alone rule in every heart, and be subjected to and glorified 
 in a holy, humble, faithful example ! and verily, such shall be crowned 
 vnih a crown of glory that fadeth not away ! And now, my dear 
 friends, though this may seem a very high standard, yet it is not too 
 high for any of us to seek after and press towards, for our calling is 
 a high and holy one who are thus called to be leaders of the people, 
 fathers and mothers in the congregation. Great is the responsibility 
 of the charge of the ministry, and we must not lower the standard to 
 meet the weakness that there is amongst us, lest we be instrumental 
 to further the erring that there is, to weaken and discourage that 
 which is pure, and the answering thereof be required at our hands — 
 but rather seek and cry unto the strong for strength, and to the wise 
 for wisdom, to press towards the mark for the prize of our high 
 calling in Christ Jesus. Oh, then, let us be engaged to " take heed 
 to ourselves," to the daily humbling and quickening of ourselves by 
 the Lord's power, and then we shall be renewedly enabled to take 
 faithful and diligent heed "to all the flock" over which we are 
 appointed overseers, that we may feed them or nourish up in them 
 the true life, and promote in them the nurture and admonition that 
 is of the Lord. This is my earnest desire on behalf of all my dear 
 friends in the station of elders, that they may be a blessing and not a 
 hindrance, and may be blessed of the Lord, the chief Shepherd. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 4fA Month, 1843. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I feel best satisfied to take up the pen to finish that which 
 is lacking towards thee. It has often appeared to me that there is a 
 snare both for elders and overseers, in a tendency to sit down as it 
 were at ease in the appointment, and consider all they have to do is 
 
1843.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 289 
 
 to attend to what is brought to their knowledge that requires care, 
 and thus they may become mere formalists as it were, eye-servants 
 as men pleasers — that is, only doing that without attention to which 
 they would be found fault with by their friends. Now, it has often 
 appeared to me that a truly exercised Friend in these stations will, as 
 he daily waits for the heavenly humblings and quickenings, whereby 
 alone he receives a true feeling for and ivith Christ the truth, feel a 
 holy zeal and a tender fostering care raised in him for his Master's 
 cause or kingdom in the hearts of all the flock, and which is compared 
 to a little seed ; He will feel an engagement of soul in the true love 
 and holy fear, that casts out all wrong fears, to labour various ways 
 for the health and vigorous growth thereof, and that all that is likely 
 to hinder it may be guarded against or removed out of the way — 
 that the wanderers may be sought out, the scattered gathered, the 
 unwary warned, the unruly rebuked, the weak strengthened, the tender 
 encouraged to greater tenderness, and the faithful confirmed and 
 comforted amidst their many tribulations ; so that indeed his is no 
 sinecure station, if faithfully fulfilled and our pure testimony therein 
 uprightly upheld. And though under a sense of our own great 
 weakness we may say, "and who is suflScient for these things?" yet 
 let us remember the Lord's power is over all weakness, and difficulties, 
 and trials all-sufficient, and it is most preciously and as it were 
 precisely manifested in proportion as we are reduced to feel our own 
 weakness and unfitness the most; and in His power a little one may 
 become as a thousand, and a feeble one as a strong nation, and he 
 that is weak as David, valiant for the truth ! so that there is no 
 need for the sincere to be discouraged, but rather stirred up to greater 
 diligence in seeking after the daily baptism unto the death of all that 
 is of the creature, all that thinks itself sufficient, or would move in 
 the wisdom and prudence, will or might of the creature ! and the 
 daily quickening of life and strength in and for the Master. Yes, 
 and there is need for such ; and oh, dear friend, look to it to be stirred 
 up to look closely at home and consult the unflattering witness for 
 truth within, whether we are clean-handed in all respects, whether 
 there is aught that hinders our uprightness for our Master and our 
 faithful pleading for Him, whether His cause is uppermost in our 
 hearts both in prevalency and in preciousness, or whether other lovers 
 in various ways and under very specious excuses are running aAvay 
 with our strength, warping us from the true uprightness, and bringing 
 
 u 
 
290 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1843. 
 
 coolness of zeal and dimness of sight over us as to tlie tilings of our 
 Master. Oh, this is like grey hairs creeping over us when we know it 
 not; and though the outward shell or form of sobriety and gi-avity, 
 and a consistent appearance as it regards our own selves may remain, 
 and we may appear nothing different to our Friends perhaps, yet the 
 kernel, the life is wanting that gives the true taste and savour, and 
 leads into the true exercise of spirit, whereby the feeding of the 
 Church is known ! Oh, there is much in that exhortation, " take heed 
 to yourselves first, and then to all the flock over which ye are appointed 
 overseers to feed the Church of God." As we are concerned to take 
 heed to ourselves first, to see that the lets and hindrances are removed 
 whereby our hands are weakened or made unclean, and to seek after 
 the daily qualifying as above said, so the exereise and the heed for 
 the flock necessarily foUov*', even in that precious life which nourishes 
 that which is of its own nature in the hearts of the flock or Church. 
 Oh, how tenderly then do we move for our Master, yet how surdy, 
 for He tenders us in ourselves and moves us in His own life and 
 wisdom that must gather unto Him — His cause is tender to us as the 
 apple of the eye, we are hurt when He is grieved, yet think not of 
 our own suffering ! Oh, what harm a self-serving, self-seeking, self- 
 saving spirit hr.th done us ! I desire not to multiply words, my dear 
 friend, — but oh ! " consider what I say, and the Lord give thee 
 understanding," and make thee willing to bow to the judgment and 
 call of His Spirit within, that thou mayest indeed be a true father 
 in His Church, for truly the Lord hath need of thee, and His love 
 saith, come and plead my cause and uphold my banner of truth; and 
 the bride, the Church, hath need of thee, and saith, come and help^to 
 build up the waste places and restore the desolations of latter genera- 
 tions; and those who hear the call and are themselves endeavouring 
 faithfully to obey it, they also have need of thee, and do say, come 
 and help us, bear our burdens and share our afilictions, and strengthen 
 our hands in an unflinching, uncompromising testimony for the truth, 
 and verily thou shalt never repent of any sacinfice therefor, neither 
 shall any glory or honour, favour or advantage whatsoever in a 
 worldly point of view, be to be compared to the honour which cometh 
 from God alone, His favour in which is life. His treasure in the 
 heavens that corrupteth not, His peace and joy unspeakable and full 
 of glory, yea, which is a crown of glory that fadeth not away ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
1843.] LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 291 
 
 To P. D. 3^ , 
 
 1th Month, 1843. 
 
 "hir DEAR YOUNG FrIEND, 
 
 As I had no opportunity of having thy company alone before 
 thou left home, I feel inclined to avail of this medium of conveying 
 to tliee the affectionate interest that glows in my heart towards thee, 
 as I believe from the source of true love, and the desii-e I feel for thy 
 best welfare, and thy growth in that which is truly good, and enjoy- 
 ment of that which is truly substantial and enduring. Thou art now, 
 my dear P., as it were, launching into the world, entering upon the 
 most important epoch of thy life, in which thou art not only to be 
 engaged in perfecting and confirming what thou hast ah'eady attained, 
 in order for its being put to a good purpose afterwards for thy benefit, 
 if life be spared ; but in which also the character and complexion of 
 mind is likely to be formed and moulded, and consequently on which 
 the true welfare and enjoyment of thy after life will very much depend 
 — for it is not our condition in life that will render us either happy 
 or miserable, but our conduct and state of mind under our condition! 
 Oh! then, that thou mayest seek above all things to have thy whole 
 conduct and mind moulded and formed aright, even according to the 
 Divine will yvhxch. is our sanctification and true happiness! For, what 
 will it avail us when we come to lie on a death-bed to have gained the 
 whole world if we have by losing the favour of God lost our o\m 
 soul and become a castaway! And however we may be permitted 
 to possess the many good things of this life, yet if we have not the 
 good favour of our heavenly Father, what real substantial happiness 
 can we have? Shall we not feel a sense that all things are not right 
 with us, even pursuing us everywhere and liindering our real and 
 peaceful enjoyment of all things; and is not this comparable to "the 
 worm that never dies," mentioned in scripture? Oh, then, that thou 
 mayest above all things seek the one thing most needful, the better 
 part (like Mary of old) that shall not be taken away, even the 
 precious favour of God in the knowing His kingdom come and 
 coming more and more in thy heart. His holy will being done there 
 as in heaven. Oh, this will bring as it were heaven into thy heart; 
 it will make the temple of thy heart to be a pure house of prayer, and 
 a holy temple of praise to thy God for ever; yes, my dear, even in 
 the midst of whatever of outward losses and crosses and tribulations 
 may be permitted thee in this life! Oh, then, wisely count the cost 
 and look at the exceeding rich prize, and be willing to sacrifice even 
 
292 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1843. 
 
 the right eye or the right hand to obtain the prize and to avoid the 
 worm. But how may thou know the Divine will and kingdom to 
 come and be established in thy heart? Certainly not by doing thy 
 own wiU and following thy own ways and inclinations, for these are 
 he enemies of thy own house that withstand God's heavenly king- 
 dom and will not have Christ to rule over them. Neither is it by 
 what thou canst learn outwardly and gather together in thy head, for 
 this will be but superficial knowledge and a mere imitation. But "the 
 kingdom of God is mthin" us, and "that which may be known of Him" 
 and His holy will and precious ways "is manifested" or revealed 
 "within us," even by His Spirit or word that is nigh in the heart and 
 mouth, so that we need not say " who shall ascend up into heaven." 
 Oh, then, that thou mayest diligently take heed to this precious word 
 (or measure of the Spirit of Christ) within thee, which will abund- 
 antly reveal to thee what is pleasing or displeasing in the Divine 
 sight, in all thy conduct and conversation. This is the rule of 
 the new covenant by which thy heart and mind may be moulded 
 aright — it is the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus, which as 
 obeyed so the kingdom of God comes to be known and established in 
 the heart, and the heart thus comes to be changed from a state 
 of nature to a state of grace, and the mind from being carnal comes 
 to be so changed and moulded as to become spiritual, and thou 
 knowest it is said in scripture, that " to be carnally minded is death, 
 but to be spiritually minded is life and peace." "The carnal mind (the 
 flesh-pleasing, self -pleasing mind) is enmity against God, for it is not 
 subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be ;" — but the spiritual 
 mind sees and feels God everywhere and in all things ; and being 
 subject to and in unison with His Divine will, enjoys happiness and 
 a continual feast in all things, and really reigns with Christ and in 
 Him possesses all things. Oh, then, this is what I most earnestly 
 long for thee, my dear girl, even now in entering upon a new sphere 
 of life, as it were, that thou mayest wholly and unreservedly yield up 
 tliyself, thy whole conduct and conversation, to be formed and 
 moulded, governed and restrained by this precious word nigh in the 
 heart and mouth, this Spirit of Christ that visits and calls to thee 
 within ; fear not its reproofs or close searchings, though it be quick 
 and powerful and piercing, even like dividing as between soul and 
 spirit, joints and marrow. Oh, it will discern the very thoughts and 
 intents of the heart, and make a clean separation between the 
 precious and the vile; but let the judgments and reproofs thereof be 
 
1843.] 
 
 LYDIA AKN BARCLAY. 
 
 293 
 
 more precious to thee than gold, and sweeter than the honey-comb 
 to thy taste ; for, remember it is the Spirit of Christ that thus 
 whispers in thee and makes manifest, and He is thy best friend. 
 His reproofs are better than the kisses of many enemies, and if thou 
 quench His Spirit in ever so small a degree. He will be grieved, and 
 if thou despise the prophesyings thereof in the secret of thy heart 
 about ever so small a matter, it is the way to lose His favour and to 
 cause Him to be ashamed of thee at the last great day, instead of con- 
 fessing thee to be one of His own dear sheep and faithful disciples. 
 Oh, then, think nothing too dear or near to part with for His sake; 
 draw His yoke close about thy neck, and let the restraints of His 
 Spirit be as golden chains about thy neck, conspicuously showing 
 unto others whose livery thou hast, whose servant thou art — so shall 
 His grace be a crown of glory upon thy head, and the meekness of 
 His heavenly wisdom an excellent ornament, comely and of great 
 pi'ice in the Divine sight. And I would advise thee, dear, as a 
 means of strengthening thy love for, and attention to the Spirit of 
 Christ our dear Saviour, to seek after opportunities of inward retire- 
 ment in which thou mayest feel after Him. We cannot pass the day 
 well Avithout such seasons of uplifting of the heart, of heavenward 
 breathing — and there can be no day in which we may not catch a few 
 minutes even for this purpose if we wUl avail of them. Our spiritual 
 life, our love to God and Christ cannot be supported without it, but 
 will wax cooler and cooler, wither and die; and if we thus are not living 
 in Him and He in us, we shall have no power over sin and self ; but 
 our enemies of our own houses will prevail over us, and whither 
 Christ has gone avc cannot go, for we shall have no part in Him. 
 Therefore, dear P., cleave unto the lowly appearance of Christ by His 
 blessed Spirit in the secret of thy heart, and wait more and more to 
 feel Him there, subduing all things to Himself, to feel His inward 
 power humbling, quickening, and strengthening thee — and as thou 
 yields thereto in simple obedience and humble watchfulness, thou 
 shalt know Him to be to thee, however separated from home and 
 situated amongst strangers comparatively, a most sure Guide, a 
 wonderful Counsellor, thy best and truest Friend, a mighty Preserver 
 and Helper in all times of need and danger. Thus mayest thou 
 know Him to be thine indeed, and thou wilt be His, joined to Him 
 by sacrifice in a precious and perpetual covenant — and oh, what an 
 excellent experience is this in the season of trial, in the time of sick- 
 ness, and in the hour of death ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
294 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1843. 
 
 To A Child staying' at the sea-side. 
 
 (Pj^sc^l^ i?e?V/a<e, 24i/i of 1th Month, 1843. 
 
 I expect these stormy -winds we have had these two last 
 days have thrown up a deal of sea-weed, and I hope thou art very 
 busy in searching out for pretty kinds of it and spreading them out 
 on paper. It so much adds to the interest of the walk, whether by 
 the sea-side or inland, to have the eyes open to, and to seek after all 
 the various beauties of creation in the vegetable or animal world, and 
 then it helps a rainy morning, or an hour of rest to prepare them at 
 home, at least the vegetable kinds, so as in the best manner to show 
 forth and preserve their beauty. And in doing this, my dear girl, we 
 must not, when out in the search, be so downward with our eyes as 
 not to be able at times to lift them up to behold the fine sea or the 
 beautiful fields and woods whence these beauties come ; and when in- 
 doors preparing them, we must endeavour not to be too intent 
 outwardly to behold in them the wonderful wisdom and skill, power 
 and goodness of Him who has created and given them for our use and 
 enjoyment and admiration, that our hearts may be continually lifted 
 up in praise and humble gratitude to their and our Maker; yea, that 
 every blade of grass, and tender leaf, and pretty flower, and sea- weed, 
 may have a language in them, and raise a corresponding language in 
 our hearts of " praise Him all His works ; in all places of His 
 dominion, bless the Lord, oh ray soul !" Oh, what a blessing it is, 
 
 my dear , to have a tender mind, one susceptible of the 
 
 touches of the Divine hand of power and love ; and Avhat great 
 and imspeakable need have we to watch that we may be preserved in 
 the same — for how many things there are all around us, yea, and many 
 feelings within us too, that would lessen this tenderness and harden 
 this susceptibility of God's love, and draw us into carelessness about 
 it and even forgctfulness of Him; and some of these things and 
 feelings seem so plausible, so interwoven in our nature and apparently 
 good and sweet, that it is very hard to part with them when we see 
 them in the true light by the help of Christ's Spirit, or even to think 
 them amiss. So that my great desire for thee, dear, is that thou 
 mayest seek to be preserved in this tenderness, and to cultivate it 
 more and more — this susceptibility to the Lord's touches of His 
 Spirit, which during the day of thy visitation thou wilt feel constantly 
 drawing thee upward and upward still! even towards Him the source 
 of all good that thou seest all around thee, aud of all the good 
 
1843.J 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 295 
 
 and tender, and sweet peaceful feelings that thou mayest at 
 any time feel spreading over thy young heart Avithiu. And I do 
 believe one great mode of cultivating these precious feelings is inward 
 retirement and waiting on tlie Lord, even in moments of leisure when 
 few may be aware how thy mind is engaged and lifted up. I can 
 look back to many such precious seasons when I could hardly suppress 
 my tears, whilst sitting at my father's dinner-table with eight others 
 around, and two servants waiting. Then did I endeavour to lift up 
 my heart instead of listening to conversation that would not profit 
 me ; and these were moments often of renewal of desire and of 
 covenant towards Him whom I felt to be good, and spreading sweetness 
 over my mind : also when walking out, when dressing, and often 
 when my hand was upon the door-latch to leave my bedroom for 
 the parlour. I have since then had to believe that the more such 
 opportunities are yielded unto and sought after, the more we shall 
 know them to increase upon us in freshness, and strength, and 
 blessing, — and, alas ! I have known also that the more I have quencbed 
 the drawings thereunto, and put by such feelings as if out of due or 
 suitable time (where it was only to save self alive from that tendering 
 power that would silence and slay it), the more the ability for, and 
 susceptibility of them has decreased and faded away, and by degrees a 
 leanness and dryness has crept over me, so that I could hardly look 
 
 upward at all. So, my dear , I would have thee shun all and 
 
 everything that tends to lessen thy desire after true tenderness, true 
 hunger and thirst after righteousness, and avoid all that tends to 
 increase thy desire to be like others rather than to please God. Oh, 
 count the cost, the consequence of such a desire, before thou yields to 
 it, for what canst thou give in exchange for the soul-satisfying peace 
 of the Lord's countenance lifted up upon thee? Oh, let Ilim and His 
 heavenly peace be thy chosen portion, the inheritance thou longest 
 for, and seek it and pursue it evermore, even by following after those 
 things that will ever make for true, and substantial, and enduring 
 peace, which all the allurements of the world and of false friends 
 can never give nor yet take away. And in this thy tender, humble, 
 yet heart-felt and earnest pursuit, fear not " the world's dread laugh" 
 — fear not what others may say or think of thee — follow thou thy 
 dear Saviour's voice who speaks in the secret of thy soul, " What is 
 that to thee what others may do ? follow thou me," as He said to 
 Peter, and remember what the wise man says, " My son, if thou 
 come to serve the Lord, prepare thy soul for temptation" — that is, 
 
296 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1843. 
 
 expect to meet with trials and temptations, for so the faithful ever 
 have done — but " set thy heart aright and constantly endure," believe 
 in Him and He will help thee, walk in His light and cleave to His 
 power, and depart not away from what He shows thee to be right — 
 so shall His blessing be upon thee and His grace all-sufficient for 
 thee, and His joy in thy soul no stranger thereto shall ever intermeddle 
 with. For " look at the generations of old, did ever any trust in the 
 Lord and was confounded ? or did any abide in His fear and was 
 forsaken? or whom did He ever despise that called upon Him?" 
 And " oh, how great is His goodness Avhich He hath prepared for 
 them that fear and love Him, which He hath wrought for those that 
 trust in Him before the sons of men !" And I do long thou and dear 
 
 too, may become rich partakers of this abundant goodness which 
 
 is placed so mercifully within our reach. Give my love to . 1 
 
 hope this time of your being together may be a season of gathering 
 fresh strength and help heavenward : — tell her, please. . . . 
 I remain thy very sincere and affectionate friend. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Eeigate, 19th of 9th Month, 1843. 
 
 Mt DEAR Friend, 
 
 I sincerely desire thy help and that of thy dear husband 
 spiritually, that as your day is so may be the strength and wisdom 
 from above administered — that you may be kept very close to the 
 Divine gift of light and grace revealed within, that so you may be 
 safely led along and kept in humility and fear, in which is the true 
 preservation. And as those who visit the oppressed seed in the 
 hearts of the professors of the blessed truth at the present day must 
 expect to go down into deep baptisms and suffering therevrith, oh, 
 that your eye and your cry may be unto the Lord that He may sup- 
 port you through all, and make you willing to suffer, willing to die 
 often, yea, daily, and to go, as it were, through a host of enemies, to 
 bring a draught of the water of life, as from the well of Bethlehem, 
 to revive the spirits of the humble and afSictcd. And, oh, may you 
 not be taken by the gifts or kindness of any, but endeavour to be 
 deep and inward in mind, to feel whence all comes, and of what root 
 it springs ; and be ye faithful in testifying against evil, and pleading 
 for the Master, and this will be the true gathering love of the Gospel, 
 
1843.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 297 
 
 which is the power of God bringing salvation; and be not discouraged 
 if you be at times closely proved and stripped, as it were, quite naked — 
 you must be baptised for the spiritually naked as well as the spiritually 
 dead, so will you be enabled rightly and preciously to minister unto 
 such, as well as be preserved in humility and dependence your- 
 selves, that all may be of, and from, and to the Lord, who alone is 
 exalted and glorified over aU, in, and by, and through His poor 
 servants. 
 
 Believe me, with dear love and desire for your help, preservation, 
 and return in peace, thy friend sincerely, 
 
 L. A. Barclat. 
 
 To J. S.^^ *^"^ 
 
 Eeigate, l\th ofWth Month, 1843. 
 
 . . . Thou hast my tender sympathy, my dear friend, 
 under thy trying circumstances of suspense, which must indeed be 
 humiliating, especially to that part in us which would be active, and 
 is pricked at any slur being cast upon us ty our friends, as indolent, 
 or proud, or careless about a necessary livelihood, and we may and 
 ought to have many fears ourselves lest we should bring the least 
 reproach upon the precious cause of truth, under whose banner we 
 have enlisted. Oh, there will be much need of close watchfulness to 
 the precious light of Christ shining within, in order that the enemy's 
 snares may be clearly seen and avoided, the reasonings and fears of 
 our OAvn minds guarded against, and the doubts and suggestions of 
 our kind friends supported under, as well as to show us what is right, 
 and enable to do it. And I have quite thought with thee that the 
 
 sojourn at , in the quiet, may rather favour than otherwise this 
 
 desire of mind to watch unto prayer for best direction and heavenly 
 counsel. Ah, there is, as thou remarks, very much to hinder the 
 Divine work in this day, even amongst the professors of the blessed 
 truth! and why so, but because they are gone from the inward, close 
 attention to and waiting on the living word nigh in the heart and 
 mouth, but are gone out into outwardness, into the world and its 
 spirit, where there are many voices to draw aside ! But the Divine 
 work and kingdom is only to be known, carried on, and established 
 within, and this in the quiet and humility of the creature, sitting as it 
 were alone, having no outward dependence, and keeping silence, 
 bearing the heavenly yoke of Christ, and laying the mouth, all creat- 
 
298 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1843. 
 
 urely pleadings, and willings, and runnings, and wisdom, in the dust! 
 and verily to such humbled souls "there shall be hope" in the 
 precious and true knowledge of " Christ and the power of His resur- 
 rection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being found in Him, 
 and made conformable to His death." But, alas ! this being a cruci- 
 fying work, many, many of the professors of the truth are pleased 
 and taken with the enemy's suggestion of an easier and very plausible 
 way, by a mere profession, though of the very truth itself ! And thus 
 it is there is so much death and darkness, yea, blindness amongst us 
 as a people, and the blessed truth, or Christ in His inward or spiritual 
 appearance, is despised and persecuted, and trampled under foot by 
 those who should be testimony-bearers for Him ! And consequently 
 it happens that the remnant of those who keep to first principles, and 
 are desirous of not bowing the knee to Baal or kissing his image, is 
 but small, even a poor and afflicted people, hidden and scattered by 
 ones and twos, despised and often reproached by fellow-professors, 
 and mourning over wrong things. Yet am I comforted in beholding 
 them, in the vision of light, as a goodly remnant, comparable to the 
 seven thousand in Israel formerly; their sighs are numbered, and their 
 tears are bottled, and their foreheads are marked, and their God knoweth 
 who they are that trust in Him; for they are His own, and saving [He] 
 will save them, and glorifying will glorify them, as they continue in 
 faith and patience to the end ! And I am gladdened of late by the 
 belief that many of the dear youth are added and adding to this 
 honoured, though poor in themselves, remnant. And oh, that such 
 dear young warriors in the Lamb's army may not shrink or flinch in 
 the day of battle, nor faint and grow weary in the time of trial and 
 pinching famine, but keep their eye to their Captain, and their ear to 
 His voice who speaks and shows Himself within a Saviour nigh at 
 hand and not afar olf ! And oh, my dear friend, as I comfortingly 
 trust thou art one of these, mayest thou hold on thy way in His 
 might, combating all the enemies within that He turns thee against, 
 and bearing all the privations and (rials that He appoints in thy 
 wilderness travel, and He Avill not fail to bring thee to the heavenly 
 Canaan ! Oh ! it Avill not do for us to be choosing and contriving for 
 ourselves. Perhaps what we might think desirable and helpful in 
 spiritual things might but be like the quails formerly — bring leanness 
 to our souls ! The life, the hidden life of Christ, is more than meat ; 
 and the body, the inward communion and fellowship with His mystical 
 body or Church, is more than raiment, the bi-ight clothing of spiritual 
 
1843.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 299 
 
 fervours and gifts ! So mayest thou seek after an inward union with 
 this afflicted, yet truly noble and highly honoured remnant of faithful 
 ones, whether thy lot be in the city or in the wilderness ; for they 
 walking in the light of Christ, do truly enjoy a precious fellowship with 
 the Father and with His beloved Son, and know His precious blood 
 to cleanse them truly from all sin. It has been of late a great com- 
 fort to me to meet with and to hear of several visited minds, who have 
 felt tender scruples in regard to business. This may encourage thee 
 to be faithful to conviction, inasmuch as the Spirit's leadings are 
 similar with all who wholly yield thereto. 
 
 And now, farewell, in much love and sympathy and earnest desire 
 for thy gi'owth, and strengthening, and establishment in the blessed and 
 unchangeable truth, the Rock of Ages, on which all the upright have 
 ever built — the Foundation of prophets and apostles of all ages ! I 
 shall always be pleased to hear from thee when thou art inclined. 
 
 I remain thy poor weak fellow -traveller, but affectionate and sin- 
 cere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To P. R. itt.^^^.- ^i^i-^/^^-^-i-vi 
 
 Eeigate, 2lst ofllth Month, 1843. 
 
 My dear Priscilla, 
 
 . . . I cannot tell thee what a great comfort and 
 blessing I feel it to have been thus restored to comparative health, 
 though I do not expect I shall regain the strength and health wholly 
 which I have lost, and have often many thovghtful anticipations of 
 the f ul ure spring, being still very weak and easily overdone both by 
 exertion and excitement. But I desire to live a day at a time (if I 
 might but rightly live it), and to be resigned to whatever may be in 
 store for me — oh ! that I could say with the apostle, " To me to live 
 is Christ, and to die is gain." It was indeed an unspeakable favour 
 and blessing that when at the worst those two days, when I seemed 
 gasping for life, as it were, my mind was preserved so quiet, and in 
 the intervals oi' pain such sweet and precious renewals of confidence 
 in the ancient and sure Foundation, the Rock of Ages, the Word 
 that was in the beginning, the quickening vSpirit from everlasting to 
 everlasting, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, the 
 Light and Life of the world. And now, oh, that I may walk worthy 
 of such gi'eat condescension of Him who thus renewedly revealed His 
 dear Son in me, that I may " serve Him without fear," in renewed 
 
300 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1843. 
 
 devotion and humble gi'atitude all the residue of my days. It is a great 
 comfort to return again to our winter habits and settled evenings. 
 "With very dear love to you all from thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To J. W^6-t^~ 
 
 Reigate, 2otk ofUth Month, 1843. 
 My dear and honoured Friend, 
 
 I am grieved that I should have appeared negligent of thee, 
 and still more so if thereby I had given rise in any way to a suppo- 
 sition, at low seasons, that there should be any shaking or diminishing 
 in the near unity and tender sympathy which I have felt and do feel 
 with thee ; yes, and in the firm and humble confidence which clothes 
 my mind, that the Lord, whom thou servest, and for whom thou art 
 willing to testify and to suifer to thy latest breath, and in whose 
 might and wisdom, love and mercy thou trustest, will still condescend 
 to guide and strengthen, support and comfort, to preserve thee in 
 humility and patience, and in unflinching faithfulness and boldness 
 in His pure testimony unto the end — that nought of the flesh may 
 glory, but that "His glory may dwell iu (and fill) thy land," and His 
 salvation be near and round about thee (who fearest Him only), even 
 as " walls and bulwarks." And oh, what a favour it is, and a great 
 comfort to me to hear (which indeed 1 did not doubt), that thou hast 
 been thus Divinely supported and comforted amidst all thy bitter 
 trials ! so that one may truly say that righteousness and peace have 
 kissed each other, and praise has from season to season been as the 
 gates of thy dwelling. And I do hope and trust it will be so to the 
 end, and that thy life and strength, both outwardly and spiritually, 
 will be preserved and strengthened for the time of trial permitted. 
 . , . And seeing the weakness of human nature, and how diffi- 
 cult it is for those who are persecuted and afilicted to maintain the 
 watch and the true meekness of the' Lamb, how do I crave that we 
 may be helped with a little help from the holy sanctuary, from season to 
 season, to "be sober and watch unto prayer," to stand fast in the true 
 faith, upholding and contending and suffering for it, in the true meek- 
 ness of wisdom and humble patience, and with holy zeal and fervour 
 of soul, keeping our own garments with all fear, lest we become naked 
 at unawares, and breathing for the gathering of the erred and deluded 
 — that thus being enabled to stand in our lot of suffering and to abide 
 
1843.] 
 
 LYDIA AKN BARCLAY. 
 
 301 
 
 in our tent or holy enclosure of subjection to the Spirit of truth to the 
 end of the days, we may be permitted " to stand" at last with accept- 
 ance "before the Son of man," and to rest for ever in the joy 
 of our Lord! . . . Our discipline is but a dead letter. Wrong 
 appointments by means of riches and influence, and consequently 
 Friends in stations wholly unqualified for them, and whose hands are 
 not clean, so that we seem completely gone back as one of the daugh- 
 ters of Babylon, and the true Church is only known among the hidden 
 ones as it were in the wilderness. But, oh, that we may patiently 
 wait, and seek to possess our souls in patience — though it be a day 
 of Jacob's trouble, the Lord will in due time deliver him out of it. 
 My dear friend, I had thought I should have been released from this 
 scene of trial and affliction, and I was favoured to feel very peaceful 
 and quiet under such a view — yea, to feel a most precious degree of 
 union and communion with the spirits of the faithful; and the feeling 
 spread over sea and land,"'even to the land of America, and the 
 faithful tribulated ones there. I have had a serious illness, which 
 has confined me ten weeks, or thou wouldst have heard from me ere 
 now. . . . But, through mercy adorable, I am again raised up, 
 and got out to meeting the first time this week. . . 
 
 Jn the course of my journey last spring into Scotland, I was very 
 iU, yet was graciously enabled to accomplish all that came before 
 me, though in weakness, and fear, and much trembling for myself, 
 and was permitted to return with peace, though afterwards proved 
 with many plungings, buflfetings, and discouragements — no doubt for 
 my humbling and good. There was much to afflict and grieve, both 
 in Scotland and in going through the north (of England) ; my eye 
 affected my heart, and I think I may say also, my spirit aifected my 
 eye, for feeling is beyond sight. There are divers appearances in the 
 ministry of late that I fear are raw — many among the youth who 
 are not giving proof of coming under the sanctifying power. . . . 
 The Avorld also and its many snares seem to have overcome both old 
 and young. Yet are there a few grains of the savoury salt left here 
 and there, as it were "two or three berries on the top of the outmost 
 branches " — chiefly among the poor and hidden — with whom I was 
 comforted, and with some of whom we mourned together over our 
 waste places and the glory departed. . . . 
 
 And now, my dear and valued friend, I must reluctantly bid thee 
 farewell. . . . It is pleasant to converse in this way together ; 
 but still more precious to drink, as it were, into one and the same 
 
302 
 
 A SELECTION EROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1843. 
 
 blessed Spirit. This union and communion remains the same in 
 silence or in words, in strength or in weakness, in joy or in tribulation, 
 in life or in death. In a measure of this do I tenderly salute thee, 
 and remain thy affectionate and sympathising friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay, 
 
 To J. S. •c^^ : x/ft* r i u 
 
 Reigate, 6th ofl2th Month, 1843. 
 I am pleased that thy dear molhei' continues toler- 
 able for hei', her age and infirmities considered ; do give my dear 
 love to her. It is sweet to think of her, and I trust, though she is 
 unable now to mingle personally with her friends at meeting, and to 
 share thus in the sufferings and wadings of the faithful, yet that she is 
 favoured to experience in her own chamber the teachings and replen- 
 ishings of the Minister of the sanctuary, the blessed Messenger of the 
 covenant, who sometimes breaks in suddenly into His temple, the 
 temple of our hearts, as the Sun of righteousness with healing in His 
 wings ; and truly He is precious to a tried remnant, whose souls 
 delight in Him. I have often remembered a farewell desire expressed 
 on behalf of a dear aged Friend, Christiana Wliitiug, by the dear 
 pious Indian, Peter Jones, who is mentioned in Thomas Shillitoe's 
 journal, when he was over here, viz., " May the great good Spirit 
 talk with thee in thy heart every day." This, I trust, is thy dear 
 mother's experience in moments of solitude, and I hope will continue 
 so to the end ; and if Jesus be thus with her spirit, she need not fear, 
 but rejoice in the Lord alway. 
 
 With dear love to you both, I remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . ^.U-v^^ i. t/ £i. L < i-t^-l- 
 
 Reigate, 12<A ofl2th Month, 1843. 
 
 My DEAR Friend, 
 
 I wondered much at Friends allowing you to miss those 
 
 solitary few at . I should have thought as you began your service 
 
 at , that . . . would have known of them, and it was their 
 
 duty to have laid them lefore your minds, in order that in laying out 
 the meetings for you, they might have been embraced at the most 
 suitable time. But, alas ! we do find that too few have the cause of 
 truth really at heart, they will only do what they must to save their 
 
1843.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN CAKCLAT. 
 
 303 
 
 credit and without which they should be censured. There is too much 
 a " loving the praise of men more than the praise of God !" and 
 what is the cause thf>reof ? a want of seeking after a constant exercise 
 of mind to know a baptism into Christ, whereby they would know a 
 death unto self and a living unto Him. and consequenLly a feeling 
 for and with Him, a seeking and loving His things more than a 
 seeking and loving their own things ; but, alas ! for v^aut of this 
 they get buried in the earth and the lawful things, and so can neither 
 see, feel, or act for Him as they should ! I have felt nearly united 
 
 to in time past, and long to know how she is now. Thou dost 
 
 not mention , but I suppose that was not left out, and no doubt 
 
 it was a trying visit : what a beautiful spot it is outwardly, or rather 
 the county round ! and oh, that those gathered to the truth had 
 continued in it, then it might have flourished spiritually also, even as 
 Eden, and sent forth a fragrant savour as the blossom of tlie rose. 
 
 "Well, dear , you seem to have gone along. I hope you were 
 
 faithful in delivering close things where required, and setting the 
 truth over gainsayei's, and pleading with the refusers, and arousing 
 the careless ; for the present is a day when, if we plead faithfully for 
 our Master, we cannot fail of having close things to preach, not 
 pleasing to those who have itching ears, that like smooth doctrine, 
 and to be encouraged as they are; and then consequentlij we must 
 expect not only to pass through' deep baptism, plunging, and wading 
 inwardly, but also to meet with much trial and despising, and evil 
 report outwardly, although perhaps to our faces we are spoken 
 smoothly too ; for the world (among Friends)] whilst it loves its 
 own and what Avill foster \i (or at least not hew at it but save its 
 life), is also very insincere — it being the fashion to appear kind and 
 amiable. But oh, how precious to have unity with the dear Master 
 in His sufferings ; to feel where He is not, but rather mof-kcd and 
 scourged and crucified — and to labour with Him in His forgiving, 
 gathering Spirit, with "Turn ye, turn ye, for why will ye die!" 
 Ah ! there are many snares and temptations for poor travellers ! 
 It is easy to be taken with the outside of things, easy to be bribed 
 by or pleased and gratified by the kindness of those we go amongst 
 — easy to appear pleased with or to wink at wrong things, from 
 a" desire of gathering and of not appearing gloomy; but it is hard 
 to get down very deep beneath the workings of self or the world 
 both in ourselves and others, in order truly and availingly to minister 
 to the true and living birth, and to reach the pure unflattering witness 
 
 I 
 
304 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1843. 
 
 witliin. But, alas ! I often fear tliere is too mucli of a superficial 
 ministry amongst us, a dwelling as upon the surface, and consequently 
 a pleasing and being pleased, and self being nursed up in us, and 
 tbus come light-weighted concerns to increase amongst us, and though 
 there is much preaching and running to and fro, there are but few 
 fruits, solid fruits in a true convincement and conversion ! 
 With dear love to you all, thy very affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To .fi:,,:^- 
 
 Reigate, l&th ofl2th Month, 1843. 
 . . . I should be obliged by thy giving my dear love to 
 
 dear , and tell her I feel a sincere and earnest desire for her best 
 
 welfare (though I did not write on her birth-day), even that she may 
 " buy the truth and sell it not," that is, by obedience to what is made 
 manifest in the secret of her heart, even at the sacrifice of her own 
 will and inclinations, to seek to have the kingdom of Christ set up in 
 her heart, which kingdom is not in word, not in an outside profession, 
 but in power ; even that power that enables to overcome all evil 
 inclinations and worldly lusts, and to do the will of God. Her dear 
 parents cannot give her this experience, though they can direct to it, 
 but she must seek it for herself, and she is come now to an age when 
 she must show forth the fruits of their faithful labour and good 
 example, proving to others that she is as desirous herself to come under 
 the nurture and admonition of the Lord, as ever they are and have 
 been for her ; thus will she become increasingly a blessing and com- 
 fort to them, as well as know that peace within which the world and 
 all its allurements can never give. Oh, then, may the example or 
 reasonings of no one, nor yet self-love in any shape, hinder her from, 
 above all things, pursuing after this peace, and seeking this rich 
 treasure which never shall decay, nor ever fail. 
 
 L. A. Barclat. 
 
 To S. B. j-'^t-->/v*. 
 
 2m of 12th Month, 1843. 
 
 Though so distantly separated, dear , thou art very 
 
 dear to us in that bond of true love and fellowship which stands not 
 in word or outward communication, but in the life and power of 
 Jesus Christ prevailing, and made manifest in our mortal flesh through 
 
1844.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BABCLAY. 
 
 305 
 
 the daily dying to the old nature ! Ah, how precious is this, and how 
 greatly do I desire its continual renewal or nourishment, lest it should 
 decay or wax dim, but rather may it wax brighter and brighter unto 
 the perfect day of redemption ! And how may this be but by 
 the daily quickenings of life and a yielding to the crucifying operations 
 thereof. Then let us endeavour to stir one another up, and breathe 
 for one another's help hereto again and again, though in person we 
 be absent one from the other; and our friendship being founded on 
 the true love shall not be dissolved by death, any more than it is fed 
 by outward intercourse, by gifts, or kindness, or feastings, or com- 
 monly called civilities, nor designated by the shaking of hands or 
 saluting the body. 
 
 I hear was strikingly engaged on third day last, at the quar- 
 terly meeting at , at which I rejoice, and earnestly desire his 
 
 preservation in the low valley of humiliation, whence are fetched up 
 the few smooth stones for the bringing down the mighty Goliaths of 
 the present day, as slung in the holy name of the Lord God of Israel, 
 who is mighty as ever to save His tribulated people, and to perfect 
 His praise out of the mouth of babes and sucklings ! 
 
 And now, my dear friend, farewell. May the Lord whom thou 
 desires to serve faithfully be with thee, and as it were hold thy hand 
 in the hour of trial, and mayest thou still trust in Him to the end, 
 and He will do thee good. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To J. B. . m 
 
 Reigate, 2dih of 2nd Month, 1844. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I desire to feel thankful that my love to the cause 
 of truth is as warm as ever; and if there be less of an ability to work 
 for it actively, I trust there is more of a capacity and willingness 
 raised in me to suffer for it night and day. Ah, there are too few 
 now-a-days who are grieved for the afflictions of Joseph, and too 
 many who are adding thereto. When the Lord calls to weeping and 
 to mourning, as He still does like in old times, there is too much of a 
 disposition to salve things over with a wrong love and unity, and to 
 cry Peace, peace, and to call to feasting and rejoicing and encourage- 
 ment, as in Isaiah's time, as if all were well with us ! But this was 
 an iniquity that was not to be purged away the prophet declared in 
 
 X 
 
,'50G A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OP [1844. 
 
 the word of the Lord. But I believe the blessing will be to the 
 mourners, and the poor in spirit, and the persecuted and reproached, 
 as all the Lord's people have ever been — that is, those who are true 
 to His cause — and which is the highway to His kingdom, inasmuch 
 as it is of His own work and begetting in them, for they cannot 
 give to themselves the true sight and feeling for and with Him. Oh, 
 then, saith my soul, that He who has thus quickened in us a little of 
 the true feeling, even by the life or Spirit of His dear Son in us, 
 would be mercifully pleased to give us a heart to wait daily upon 
 Him for more life, more feeling, more strength, more humbling from 
 Him the heavenly Fountain of all good — that we may be continually 
 thus renewed in knowledge and life and holiness, after the image of 
 Him who hath created us, and then shall our knowledge be preserved 
 and continued in the will and life of the Father, fresh and savouiy, 
 and nothing of our own or at our own command ; and thus preserved 
 it will not be barren or unfruitful, but will lead to a holy, humble 
 zeal and a faithful acting for our Divine Master, whose kingdom is 
 most dear unto us of all things here ! . . . 
 With dear love, I remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 7th of 5rd Month, 18ii. 
 . These are trying times and shaking times, but none 
 of the weighty wheat or of the pure metal shall be lost or hurt. That 
 which is too light to bear the turning and overturning in the heavenly 
 sieve will be driven off by the wind, and that which is combustible 
 and cannot stand the fire, or dwell with the everlasting burnings of 
 the Divine word is to be done away, that that which is pure and 
 cannot be shaken or hurt may remain. And blessed are they who, 
 yielding to it, keep the word of patience to the end, suffering the 
 Divine power to work in them the Divine will ; for it is not by might 
 or power or wisdom of man now in the erecting of the building of 
 life in the soul, any more than formerly in the erecting of desolate 
 Jerusalem and her temple, but by the Spirit of the Lord, and suchr 
 as yield thereto shall rejoice in beholding the plummet of righteous 
 judgment in the hand of Christ our spiritual Zerubbabel, and that 
 the headstone of that which seemed as a great mountain shall be brought 
 down, and brought forth with shoutings of " Grace, grace, unto it." 
 Ah, yes,. I believe that in due time all the many horns and the many 
 
1844. J 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 307 
 
 mountains of lofty profession up and down will be brought to nought 
 before and by the little stone cut out without hands, and which shall 
 indeed become a great mountain, and fill the whole earth with the 
 knowledge of the glory of God ! The main thing for each one of us 
 is to seek to know this great and glorious work carried on in our own 
 individual hearts, and then what does it matter how hidden, how 
 solitary, and how afflicted our lot may be, if we know this blessed 
 Foundation, even the life and peace of Christ the word, the quick- 
 ening Spirit, the Lamb slain from the beginning to be raised up in 
 us, and we to be builded upon and in Him ; do we not know that it 
 remaineth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are His, 
 and let Him that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity '/ 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To J. S., ON THE DEATH OF HER MOTHER. 
 
 p Eetgate, 15th of 3i-d Month, 1844. 
 
 My DEAR Friend, 
 
 Be assured thou hast our affectionate and tender sympathy 
 under the great loss which, in the dealings of an all-wise Providence, 
 is permitted to come upon thee, but one in which thy and our 
 mourning can only be for ourselves that are left behind in the sepa- 
 ration from one dearly loved by us ; for on her own account we can 
 do no otherwise than rejoice, and as it were join our acclamations of 
 praise and thanksgiving with hers, now liberated from the shackles 
 of mortality, and translated to the realms of unmixed peace, joy, and 
 rest, where the wicked cease from troubling ! Ah, my dear J., how 
 much, very much of mercy is mingled in this cup, which is and must 
 be bitter to nature ! What a favour that she was not taken ill while 
 thou wast here ! . . . and what a mercy that she should have 
 been spared a long and trying illness, that thou wast thus so gentli/ 
 and tenderly dealt with, and that she seemed as it were rapidly (with- 
 out time for thee to be preyed upon by affecting anticipations) to fall 
 asleep in Jesus ! Ah, we cannot doubt it is well with her in Him, 
 and may we seek for ourselves such a humble hope, by endeavouring 
 like her to dweU near to Him, close to His Spirit in our hearts ; ftr 
 what a good example was she of a conscientious uprightness to what, 
 she felt was consistent with His inward kingdom or truth in the 
 inward parts, and walked in humility and childlike trust as long as 
 ever I knew her, and truly sweet it was to sit beside her, whether in; 
 
308 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTEKS OF 
 
 [1844. 
 
 meeting or in her own little parlour ! Surely this sweetness arises 
 from the love of God shed abroad in the heart — He first loving us 
 and causing us to love Him and one another in Him. Oh, then, that 
 we may yield to the same precious love when we feel it as it were 
 spread over our minds like a holy, quiet canopy, and He will cause 
 all things, however trying, to work together for our good, be our 
 strength and comforter, our guide and preserver through our solitary 
 pilgrimage, give us good hope through His grace in Christ Jesus, and 
 receive us unto Himself at last ! . . . 
 
 It would have been in my heart to have testified the dear love and 
 respect I had, by being present with you on fourth day afternoon, but do 
 not think I could possibly manage it, but shall be with you in mind no 
 doubt, and [may] the dear Master's power and presence be with you, 
 solemnizing the mind and gathering the spirit into union with the 
 Divine will. It will be inward powerful preaching and reaching to 
 all around ; and this is what she desired, dear creature, that the Lord's 
 name over all might be praised, exalted, and glorified for ever, who 
 is worthy to be served, loved, honoured, and obeyed ! 
 
 Farewell, dear J. "With our united dear love, I remain thy truly 
 affectionate and sympathising friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Reigate, 8th of Qth Month, 1844. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . Thou knowest sometimes we may have a pointing 
 to service, which perhaps, after being under ground as it were for 
 some months or even years, may be again elicited and called up into 
 avowal and action, by a pointing towards joining another in similar 
 view; and if this should be thy case, I do not think thou shouldstsay 
 thy feeling merely arises from sympathy. I thought I would just 
 leave this sentiment with thee to feel about, and be assured thy 
 company would be truly helpful to me, who am indeed a very very 
 weak one. What I meant to convey to thee the other day, and which 
 I fear I did abruptly and ackwardly, was the feeling which thou 
 knowest I ever have had, that where the attraction arises entirely 
 from sympathy, and not from any previous feeling in the mind 
 towards the service in days past, there it seems to me doubtful about 
 proceeding. . . . Ah ! we want our conversation to be regulated 
 
1844.J 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 809 
 
 and restrained as well as other things, and our words to become few 
 
 Farewell very dearly, and when it is well with you, remember 
 your truly affectionate friend, 
 
 Mr DEAR Friend, 
 
 From a little that transpired last evening, I am inclined to 
 turn thy attention to these two valuable tracts, which have been often 
 a comfort to me and a strength, and please accept of them if thou 
 likes them, and they may be useful to lend to other dear fellow- 
 travellers, who are seeking the way to Zion with their faces and 
 hearts thitherward set. And I am also reminded of a letter of 
 James Parnel's to Stephen Crisp : — " In that stand, and unto it keep 
 thy mind, which lets thee see thy foes to be of thy own house : thine 
 imagination is an enemy ; thy wisdom is an enemy ; that which hath 
 been thy darling is now thy greatest enemy ; therefore now sacrifice 
 up thy darling and give up unto tlie death, that the just may be 
 aised to life, and the righteous seed may be brought forth to reign 
 and be thy Head, and so will the head of the serpent be bruised. 
 And this, in thy measure, thou comest to read as in the liglit thou 
 dwellestlow, which manifests unto thee thy condition ; for whatsoever 
 makes manifest is light : and that is the eye which must be kept 
 open, which the god of the world blinds in tlie children of the world. 
 By this the children of the light see the god of the world, and so the 
 tempter is known, resisted, and denied. So with this eye, set thy 
 watch constant, and let not the fool's eye wander abroad, Avhich draws 
 out the wandering mind after the visible objects ; but stand in the 
 warfare, not giving place to the enemy nor his delusions ; and be 
 content to become a fool, that all selfish thoughts may be judged, 
 and thou wilt receive wisdom from Him (who givetli liberally and 
 upbraideth not), to discern and know the enemy's wiles. For in the 
 cross to the hasty mind the gift of God is received ; therefore it is 
 said, he that believeth maketh not haste. Be not therefore weary 
 of the yoke, for in faith it is made easy, and the impatient nature 
 crucified, and patience hath its perfect work. Therefore be still in 
 the measure of light which exerciseth thy mind unto God, and will 
 
 and savoury. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 2lst of6tk Month, 1844. 
 
310 
 
 A SELECTION FEOM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1844. 
 
 nothing ; but let thoughts be judged, and let the power of God work, 
 that He may be seen to be all : and by this alone principle thou 
 mayest be led and acted in the cross to the carnal, and the denial of 
 self in particular and in general. And weigh not what is displeased 
 when God is pleased, for then thou givest no just occasion, but the 
 enmity is in the world ; but that which leads to walk towards God in 
 faithfulness, that also leads the to walk towards men with a con- 
 science void of offence. So to that keep thy mind, and be not hasty 
 to know anything beyond thy measure, for there Eve lost her paradise ; 
 but lie down in the will of God, and wait upon His teaching that He 
 may be thy head ; and so thou wilt find the way of peace, and dwell 
 in unity with the faithful, though of the world thou be hated, for in 
 God is peace and well-being." I did not intend to copy the whole of 
 this valuable letter, but when begun I knew not where to stop ! Oh, 
 my dear friend, yield to the Lord's power that yokes down all the 
 powers of the creature, the strong will, the wise comprehending 
 mind, the flighty soaring imagination, with all the bright sparks of 
 the intellectual faculties, and brings all into the pure stillness, where 
 alone the Lord's voice is distinctly heard and understood, and the 
 guidings of His heavenly eye or light within are clearly seen — and 
 there be content Avith, be wholly resigned to what He gives thee, 
 look not for more certainty, otherwise how can there be an acting in 
 faith ? The gentle whisper, the secret hesitation, the assurance of 
 peaceful quiet, attending the doing or the forbearing, the saying or 
 the forbearing is enough ! Be thou faithful in the little already 
 revealed, although it be unto the death of that which seems as dear 
 as life, and He will give thee more and more light and life, strength 
 and peace here, and a crown of life hereafter! And, dear sister, docs 
 not this testimony live in our poor feeble hearts, even as far as we 
 have been helped along. "The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day 
 of trouble and so I believe He waits to show us yet more of His 
 goodness, and to make us large to receive it still ; and if it be by 
 emptying us, or proving us various ways, what does it matter ! And 
 what if He give thee yet to know moi'e of trouble and affliction that 
 may be very pinching; if thy heart be upright unto Him in His fear 
 and holy trust (in the true subjection and resignation), He will 
 abundantly show thee that " He knoweth them that trust in Him," 
 that He is near to care abundantly for tliem and to comfort them on 
 every side ! and His blessing makes truly rich, and when He speaks 
 peace who then can bring trouble or make afraid ! 
 
1844.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BAltCLAV. 
 
 So farewell, dear L., and may you breathe for the help and preserva- 
 tion of your poor weak friend, who feels very trembling and foolish 
 for so awful a mission, but knows that the Lord is very good and very 
 strong ! 
 
 L. A. Babclay. 
 
 To . . ^tA-UC 
 
 Gloucester, Vdth of 1 th Month, 1844. 
 
 My DEAR , 
 
 I have not been able to write thee before, I find it so difficult 
 to get scraps of time for writing, or even for that quiet of mind which 
 is indispensable, at least for so weak a body as I. My only time for 
 quiet has been at night and early in the morning, and so I have got 
 into the way of being wakeful, in order to obtain such opportunities, 
 usually waking about four o'clock, and sometimes not asleep till eleven 
 or twelve. ... I thought much of thee yesterday, 
 hoping thou hadst been helped with some little refreshment at quar- 
 terly meeting, although I know such times are not rejoicing times, 
 but, on the contrary, times that often bring burdens ; but it is a 
 favour to be made sensible of burdens, and be willing to bear them. 
 We cannot give ourselves the true feeling that grieves for the afflic- 
 tions of Joseph, neither can we keep it alive in us, nor yet give 
 ourselves the ability rightly (patiently, faithfully, and humbly) to bear 
 burdens for our Master, our spiritual Joseph, who has the keys of the 
 heavenly treasury ; so we have great need to wait for His blessed 
 quickening and anointing and humbling, that we may daily be kept 
 upright unto and for Him ; and our patient suffering and our faithful, 
 humble labour, shall not be in vain in Him, but it shall prosper in 
 that for which He designs it, even our continual redemption and 
 purification, if not the help of the body. Therefore don't get too low 
 below the gift of heavenly faith and Divine grace, but cheer up and 
 cleave to that wherein is the strength and the hope that shall be as 
 an anchor in all storms, and let the eye and the cry be unto Him that 
 endureth for ever, and so does His goodness, and whose power is all- 
 sufficient; the heart lifted up, and yetihe spirit lying low before Him, 
 and He will not fail or forsake, Avho has been with us in six troubles 
 (can we not say?), and will not leave in the seventh. 
 
 I had a sweet letter from dear bi-other A. R. B., and intend, if I 
 can, to write to him by the middle of next week to meet him at 
 home; it was very timely and acceptable when much v/eighed down, I 
 
312 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1844. 
 
 had also the same day a kind letter from dear D. P. Hack. . . . 
 
 I went to Cheltenham on third day evening, and back fourth day 
 evening, a very exercising time next day at monthly meeting. 
 I left there and came to Tewkesbury, an appointed and trying meeting 
 at six in the evening, lodged, and am just come on here by railroad. 
 . . . I hope I go to Hay on second day, to attend the monthly 
 meeting there next day, which is brought forward from the 30th, and 
 then on to Brecon select and general meeting. ... I don't know 
 how I shall get on to-morrow, I greatly dread it; but, oh, that I may 
 keep close to the great and good Master, and then no matter how 
 poor or weak the instrument appears. . . . Dear S. D.'s message 
 came remarkably to ray help at Cirencester; do tell her so, please. I 
 shall not forget the time. TN'as deeply exercised in meeting, and had 
 strength at last to speak on the subject of tenderness and brokenness, 
 and a forgiving spirit, and a healing gathering love as a mark of being 
 baptised into Christ Jesus, and therefore a Christian, &c. I mar- 
 velled at it, but was helped in a hobbling way to relieve my mind, 
 and then addressed the youth. . . . Now I am entering a new 
 field; it feels formidable, but what a favour to have been helped 
 hitherto ! 
 
 Farewell. I remain, with dear love, thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To THE SAME. 
 
 Leominster, Third Day Afternoon. 
 
 Mr DEAR , 
 
 Thy letter was very acceptable, and interesting, and affecting 
 
 to me, though thou thinks it bare. Tell how closely I am 
 
 engaged, and that I could not wi-ite, but felt her expressions encourag- 
 ino- and kind, and even her dismal tale did me good in leading me into 
 tender svmpathy and oneness vdth the suffering members, and I 
 thought as seeming to partake of their afflictions or the sufferings of 
 their Master. I was also graciously favoured with a little drop of 
 that precious consolation which is in and from Him, giving one to 
 rejoice even in tribulation, and to long to be kept patient and faithful 
 under it to the very end. I must be brief, but just tell thee I had a very 
 fatiguing journey to Hay, twenty miles before the monthly meeting. 
 I was helped in a little humbling way. and after a hasty dinner, and 
 an opportunity with our host's family, who had just lost a daughter, 
 
1844.] 
 
 I-TDIA ANN BARCX.AY. 
 
 313 
 
 ■went on fifteen miles to Brecon, where we were at a large hotel two 
 nights. A party of fifty to our meals each clay, in a long room formed 
 by opening folding doors, a motley group, but very interesting and 
 sweet to me to meet many that I knew and felt much about in times 
 
 past, viz., dear 's relatives from Wales, and the descendants of 
 
 the good and truly honourable, some friendly and others not ; but 
 over all the Lord's good power and tender wing of everlasting love 
 seemed to hover and spread at each of our meals, to gather the chil- 
 dren and sanctify the elders, and to heal all, so that we had much 
 sweet silence. It reminded me much of the Cornish quarterly 
 -• meetings at Austell, where we used to be at an inn in the same way. 
 . , . I had after long silence a long time of relief, and after 
 the epistle to bow the knee in much fear, awe, and trembling. 
 Perhaps they never had such a weak one with them before. The 
 meeting for discipline was agreeably conducted. There was a com- 
 mittee on elders sat that evening, and Friends wislied me to be with 
 them, as also to join a committee to visit a little meeting that is very 
 weak in Wales, but I felt best not, as not in my tether, nor drawn to 
 it ; so I sat at the window meanwhile writing to dear A. R. B., and 
 had a most beautiful view of the fine Welsh mountains glowing with 
 the rays of tlie setting sun, which carried me back in mind to the 
 honmj, canny mountains of Scotland. Oh, the country round Brecon 
 is exactly like Hawick and Jedburgh. We left next morning, and 
 after dining at a Friend's at Hay (or near it) came on here to tea late. 
 I have had an exercising meeting here this morning, but was com- 
 forted with dear Ann Burlingham's company. ... I am getting 
 to feel a little relief now, which is a great comfort. Although I felt 
 very low on coming here, so I do at every place, like fresh mountains 
 rising up to be got over. If it were not for a little help from above 
 from day to day what would become of me ! It must be watering 
 every moment truly, as the prophet says. . . . 
 
 Farewell, dear . With dear love, thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Reigate, IGth of dth Month, 1844. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Opportunities are not always at our command of communi- 
 cating our feelings one to another ; and this being the case ^vith me 
 
314 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1844. 
 
 when we last met at J. M.'s, I thought it seemed with me the first 
 scrap of time I could get to put pen to paper, and tell thee how much 
 I desire thy encouragement to persevere in the way that seems to have 
 been cast up for thee these many years, " not slothful in business," 
 yet withal " fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." I would not have 
 thee to be over anxious, in a distrustful spirit — this would not be 
 " casting all thy care upon Him " whom thou canst truly say hath 
 hitherto abundantly cared for thee ; but mayest thou be stimulated 
 to do thy very best, and then leave the rest in His good hands. It is 
 an old saying and a good one, " God helps those that help them- 
 selves." I wish it Avas more the practice of those who can afford it, 
 to deal Avith their neighbours in preference to their relations or their- 
 own customers, who perhaps do not want it so much. There is an 
 old saying, " Keep thy shop and thy shop will keep thee," so I long 
 thou mayest give thy mind to thy business in promoting its increase 
 by all means in thy power, and then trust that which is right will be 
 given thee. Mind I don't mean by so saying that worldly things 
 should be uppermost ; but I think where heavenly things are upper- 
 most, it will not by any means exclude or hinder a proper activity 
 and diligence in our outward calling, but on the contrary will be a 
 true stimulus, and safe guide, a right balance to outward things. It 
 will urge us to set about them in the right and savoury way, and is 
 very likely to draw down the Divine blessing ; and our minds will 
 be kept from unprofitable harass and mistrustful anxiety or mur- 
 muring, and will be stayed in perfect peace on Him who can bless 
 the little and blast the much ! And this will be serving the Lord ; 
 for we may be serving our business with an eye unto Him, and He 
 may be glorified therein as His fear is abode in and His Spirit fol- 
 lowed. 
 
 I hope I have not hurt thy feelings in writing thus freely. Thou 
 knowest I feel tenderly interested about thee. My only desire in so 
 doing is to encourage and stir thee up, as also to give a few hints as I 
 felt well in the true love. I shall be much interested in hearing 
 how thou finds things when thou takes stock, &c., if thou art free to 
 tell me. I think thou Avilt find the barrel of meal will not waste, nor 
 the cruise of oil fail till there be a heavenly supply ; so cheer up, and 
 do thy best, and trust thy Master, and don't look at the favour of 
 man ;• I mean don't bow to man, but go on thy even course in up- 
 rightness and faithfulness, and neither fear nor doubt. Commit all 
 unto Him Avho is a faithful Creator, even z'/i ivell-doinrj — that is, in the 
 
1844.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 315 
 
 faithful acting, the watchful walking, the humble abiding, and all 
 things, however trying and humiliating, shall work together for good. 
 How various are the Lord's ways and tender dealings to humble us, 
 and to bring us to a fuU and entire dependence upon Himself! The 
 more we bend under His good hand and learn His good lessons, the 
 less we shall need of that which tries us. 
 
 From thy truly sympathising and alFectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To iP^-i si/A^ ^O '^. 
 
 Eeigate, I'dth of Uth Month, 1844, 
 
 My dear , 
 
 . . . I hope the time may come when thou mayest be 
 able to come and spend a little time with us. I want to have thee 
 much, and I hope to be able to read French together, and to go on 
 in a quiet and regular way, and above all, I want us to be a little 
 favoured together with the flowings of the spring of life and love 
 Divine. Oh, my dear, I fear thou hast somewhat lost ground of late 
 through a want of daily waiting for best help and humbling ! Thou 
 knowest it is easy to lose a relish or desire for this daily exercise ; 
 nay, that man's nature is opposed to it radicallij, and so much around 
 him is calculated to deaden this desire and relish, and to draw him 
 into lukewarmness and indifference ; and when we yield to this dis- 
 inclination, we insensibly lose our relish for heavenly things, and our 
 own natural and wayward inclinations become stronger, and we 
 become like Samson shorn of our strength, and if we look back a few 
 months, or a year or two, we shall be sensible that we have lost that 
 
 tenderness which once we had. So that, my dear , I want thee 
 
 again to be aroused to fresh diligence in seeking after a true exei'cise 
 of mind — a breathing towards God every day. There is much in 
 that sentence of scripture, " their strength is to sit still." It is in 
 stillness that the powers of nature are brought down by the tendering 
 power of the Lord and our hearts are made soft; we are melted under 
 a sense of heavenly goodness to us in various and many ways, and 
 under a sense of our many deficiencies and unworthiness ; and a true 
 feeling of our weakness is given us, and earnest breathings unto God 
 for help and cleansing and pardoning and renewing of a right spirit 
 within us, and this humble, soft state is very acceptable in the Divine 
 sight; it is described as the sacrifices that God will ever accept and 
 
316 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1844. 
 
 never despise ; and in this state of softness we are the better prepared 
 to receive the celestial showers of goodness, and to drink them in 
 and be strengthened and profited thereby. And even should wc be 
 proved at such seasons with di'ought and famine from what we desire, 
 yet even here may our strength be renewed in faith and patience to 
 wait the Lord's time, and still to look as it were towards His holy 
 temple and hope in His mercy. So, my dear, be diligent, that thou 
 may be found of Him in peace, for I do believe this practice will 
 bring thee true peace with God. And thus I believe also thou wilt 
 be the better enabled to keep a holy and constant watch on thy demean- 
 our and conduct at all times, to keep in thy proper place, which as a 
 young person is ever in retirement and much silence, waiting to receive 
 instruction, and not intermeddling in what does not concern thee or 
 what is not necessary. Thou knowest I love thee dearly, and there- 
 fore gave thee a hint about this when I was at ; but I thought 
 
 I would again stir up the pure mind in thee, hoping that in thy 
 solitary evening thou mayest be inclined to and enabled to turn in thy 
 mind to the unflattering witness, which will show thee how thou art 
 deficient, and point out a remedy, and also enable thee afresh to 
 renew covenant with the Lord, in desire to be His dear child and 
 a lamb of His heavenly fold. And what a comfort it will be to thy 
 parents thus to see thee growing up in the nurture and admonition of 
 the Lord, and thou wilt then be taught more and more in the things 
 of His heavenly kingdom, which are foolishness to the natural part 
 in man, neither can he discern them by all his strivings in his own 
 wisdom and strength, nor yet can parents or teachers bring us into 
 the feeling of them, though they may testify of them — it is the Spirit 
 of God alone that can reveal them unto us as we are willing to be 
 taught of Him in stillness and submission. And so thou remembers 
 that dear young woman, whose letter I read to you, learnt of the 
 Lord in stillness and obedience, and was thus prepared, though young 
 in years, to testify to others that the Lord is good, and that His yoke 
 is light, and His consolations most excellent — and this she testified from 
 experience and not mere hearsay and superficial knowledge. So 
 I want thee to come to the same blessed experience, and to be a 
 real Quaker, not by birthright and education merely, but from waiting 
 for, yielding to, and trembling at the word of the Lord in the secret 
 of the heart ; for " to this man will I look, saith the Lord, even to 
 Him that is poor and of a contrite heart, and that trembleth at my 
 word." Don't be ashamed then of that state of mind which God will 
 
1844.] 
 
 LVDIA ANN BARCLAr. 
 
 317 
 
 graciously look unto with acceptance, but seek after it evermore, and 
 cherish it, and hold it fast, and then none shall take away thy crown 
 of life — peace and pure rejoicing in the Lord. 
 
 Farewell very dearly, very dearly, saith thy affectionate and truly 
 sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. BARCLAY. 
 
 To , IIT ALLUSION TO THE PRACTICE OF INFORMING FrIENDS 
 
 OF THE RECEIPT OF THEIR CERTIFICATES. 
 
 Reigate, 7th of 12 th Month, 1844. 
 
 Mt DEAR Friend, 
 
 . . My view of these appointments is that they are 
 not to be done in an off-hand, business-like way, like outward 
 business, and without feeling, but that we should . . . allow 
 plenty of time for some social intercourse as well as religious feeling 
 — we know not how such times may prove a blessing in after life ! 
 But I often feel a solitary bird; . . ^, few see and feel with me, 
 and many think the sooner they get rid of such jobs the better, so a 
 few minutes is sufficient ! But surely this does not show the true 
 feeling one for another, neither does it further the dear Master's 
 heavenly cause. I often long for my dear friends that they may not 
 be looking one on another and doing as others do, but be more inward 
 in their minds to feel what the sense and savour of the life and truth 
 within would lead into, how it would conduct them in what they do 
 for the Church, and then I believe we should be led simply, faith- 
 fully, and humbly along ivithout the fear of man and in the fear of 
 God ; and then, however little might be the Avork required at our 
 hands, it would all tend to His glory and to our increase and strength- 
 ening in ability to serve Him Avith peace. 
 
 I hope thou wilt not take discouragement from these my remarks, 
 for I am not alluding herein to thee, dear Mary, but to the common 
 (too common !) views and feelings of such things. No, I long for thy 
 encouragement in every good word and work, and would do all in 
 my little power to promote it ; for thou art one among the several or 
 many in our monthly meeting that I feel ought to buckle to, by 
 yielding to the Divine power, so that you may be clothed with the 
 whole armour of light, and thus become strong in the Lord and for 
 Him too, and in the power of His might to uphold His ancient testi- 
 monies, that they may be, as they were to faithful, humble David, 
 
318 
 
 A SELECTION' FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1844. 
 
 yo\ir delight, your counsellors, and your heritage and rejoicing for 
 ever ! 
 
 Farewell, dear Mary. This is but a hurried scrawl in the dusk, 
 and only a faint transcript of what glows in my heart toward thee, 
 but accept it with dear love from thy sincere and affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Baeclat. 
 
 To J."S. f . . : - - 
 
 Eeigate, l^th of 12th Month, 1844. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I must put in a little note into M. A, B.'s, to assure thee 
 that I do not forget thee, and that I felt thy letter in 10th Month 
 acceptable, and I am rejoiced that thou feelest so comfortable in thy 
 new allotment and trade, and I am greatly hoping that it may be a 
 time of growing wdth thee, that is of strengthening in the root, in the 
 being with these dear friends, whom we feel so united to, beholding 
 their good example and feeling the strengthening, seasoning influence 
 of their spirit ! But, my dear Friend, in looking back at the past 
 pages of my experience, how often has it been the case with me, that 
 when I have been apparently the most advantageously situated for 
 the spiritual help and growth, then have I had to pass through the 
 most close times of stripping and dreary drought ; and on the contrary, 
 when under the most trying circumstances outwardly, then have I 
 been favoured with seasons of the greatest refreshing inwardly, and 
 enlargement in the Divine love ! 
 
 So exceeding wise and tender is our heavenly Father in all His 
 dealings with and towards us, feeding us with the food most conven- 
 ient for us, although perhaps at the time not the most palatable or 
 desired by us ; for He knoweth our frame. He remembereth that 
 we are but dust ! So that I thought, dear J., I would teU thee how 
 it was with me in case it might be an acceptable way-mark unto thee, if 
 so proved, showing that thou art not out of the way to the kingdom 
 in experiencing such provings, but in the footsteps of the flock, if I 
 may dare to number my poor self with them I For I know that the 
 enemy of our soul's peace often tries to cast down and to perplex, 
 and discomfort under the idea that we are all wrong and know not 
 what good is 1 But it is the Lord that can bring quietness over the 
 mind in an unexpected moment, and biing into resignation to all His 
 blessed dealings, as it were, saying to the boisterous elements, "Peace, 
 be still," and there was a great calm ! 
 
1845.] 
 
 I.YDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 319 
 
 On looking over again thy letter, I find a little hint of thy being 
 thus proved, which I knew not when writing the above, not having 
 read thy letter again before writing it. Oh, my dear friend, mayest 
 thou follow on from day to day, to know more and more of the Lord, 
 of His precious ways and will, and delight to wait upon Him in the 
 way of His judgments, as thou intimates thou desires to do, which 
 truly are more valuable than much fine gold, and sweeter to the 
 resigned and devoted mind than honey is to the taste ! To follow on 
 means with close attention and tender yielding to all His leadings, 
 the touches of His power within ; this is the only way to know Him 
 more and more, the mightiness of His power, the greatness of His 
 goodness, the excellency of His will, yea, the purity and purifying of 
 His word, the precionsness of His law, the righteousness of His testi- 
 monies, which is everlasting ! and thou wilt be prepared to take them 
 as an heritage for ever, for that they are the rejoicing of thy heart ! 
 Thus will the goings forth of His power in and to thy soul "be 
 prepared as the morning with increasing light and warmth, and the 
 returning incomes of His love will be as the latter and the former rain 
 in its season," bringing refreshing from His presence, life and nour- 
 ishment, and abundant fructification unto His praise ! 
 
 Thy account of your meeting is very interesting ; such a number 
 of attenders not members, but under different degrees of convince- 
 ment. My heart seems to salute them and wish them, in the love of 
 the Gospel, the heavenly speed towards the city that hath foundations ! 
 There is the more need of care to walk wisely and watchfully before 
 them on the part of those who are members, and which I have no 
 doubt thou feelest. . . . We have been much enjoying John 
 Pemberton's life, which came out last yearly meeting ; do read it, it 
 is so sweet and instructive ! . . . 
 
 I remain thy well wishing and sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 /PVi^ty*^. ^xf^^A^^^ Iteigate, IQth of 2nd Month, 
 
 I highly approve and advise to all the keeping a correct 
 system of accounts, by which they may see what they spend in each 
 branch, what should be retrenched, and what may be properly 
 devoted to the help of others. I was taught it first by my dear sister- 
 in-law, Elizabeth B., then followed the practice when living with my 
 dear brothers and sisters together in Russell Square, and afterwards 
 
1845.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BABCLAT. 
 
 320 
 
 when keeping my dear brother A. R. B.'s house at Forest Place (at 
 his special desire), and have continued it since being my own house- 
 keeper. At the same time, I believe it right to leave behind me this 
 testimony in my family account-book, viz., that whereas some may 
 have thought, from my own dress and simple way of living, that I 
 have been stingy, penurious, or narrow-minded — my principle has 
 ever been that there should be no lack in my house of Avhat is necessary 
 and suitable, plenty, consistent with Christian simpliciti/ ; but that there 
 should be no waste or misuse of any of the good things committed to 
 me, either for my own use or the use of others — desiring to follow 
 the apostle's advice, "Let your moderation be known unto all men, 
 (for) the Lord is at hand," and that I might be enabled in humility, 
 and without uncharitably judging others, to bear a true and faithful 
 testimony to that simplicity and self-denial which the Gospel (the 
 power of God) or Spirit of Christ ever hath and ever will lead into and 
 require — believing that there is a witness for God in every conscience 
 which will approve and bear testimony to this by whomsoever it is 
 borne, and that the same blessed Divine light shining within will 
 also judge, reprove, and condemn the contrary wherever it appears. 
 
 L. A. Baeclat. 
 
 To -t/ekr iy^/ /fit..!.^ /: 'Vt ; > 
 
 Eeigate, 18th of 5th Month, 1845. 
 
 Dear , 
 
 I thought I could not go to London without penning thee a 
 few lines, to assure thee with my dear love that thou art not without 
 my thoughts and sympathy in this temporary widowhood, believing 
 that there may be times when it may feel a close pinch thus to give 
 
 up thy dear 's tender company and kind solicitude and sharing 
 
 with thee in thy daily cares ; but I hope that He who has enabled 
 thee to give up thus thy own inclinations and desires for the sake of 
 what you feel to be thy husband's duty, will be near thee from day 
 to day to strengthen, counsel, and preserve thee who stays behind, 
 
 as well as with , who thus endeavours to fulfil his duty, leaving 
 
 all to the care of the Shepherd of Israel meanwhile. I hope thy dear 
 mother will be preserved in tolerable health in his absence, and that 
 thou and she may both be favoured with a sense of those precious 
 refreshings which come from the Lord's holy presence, and if this be 
 the case, it will bear up amidst all privations or trials of faith and 
 
1845.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 321 
 
 patience, and give a peaceful quiet hope that maketli not ashamed. 
 So, mj dear friend, be encouraged to seek after and feel after this, 
 even with tears, day by day, like craving earthly bread, and thou wilt 
 not be sent empty away ; and this precious life inwardly wiU be more 
 than meat, and this precious union and communion with Him who is the 
 Head of His body the Church will be far better than raiment; for if 
 we have Him as our all in all, what can we want more — ^heaven is 
 begun then here on earth ! Oh, then, let us yield to His holy power 
 that presses us gently onward and iqmard, even in the secret of the 
 heart, saying, "This is the way, walk thou in it," and He will not 
 fail to make us His own dear ones, and He wiU be our almighty all. 
 
 We are "ready to depart on the morrow" for our annual solemnity. 
 I think I never felt poorer and more stripped of that capacity I seek 
 after for such an occasion, almost fearing from my poverty and 
 unpreparedness that I shall bring harm to the meetings. May He 
 who is of tender mercy in pity look down upon my weakness and 
 strengthen me out of Zion, and enable me to bear that portion of 
 suffering or of silent labour that may be assigned me, that so I may 
 
 be favoured to return with a little penny. If thou hears of do 
 
 let us know. . . 
 
 Farewell, dear , with our united dear love. From thy affec- 
 tionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To A Young Fbiend. 
 (^■^r, . , c >^l^:^ i i< Beigate, bth of 8th Month, 1845. 
 
 My dear , 
 
 How very rapidly do the months pass on ! We are come 
 to another month, and have nearly seen two-thirds of the year — so 
 rapidly are our opportunities passing of labouring for, receiving and 
 laying up a treasure which is soul-enriching and will be everlasting ! 
 Oh, then, that we may in a spiritual sense follow the good old pro- 
 verb, "Take care of the pence and the pounds will take care of 
 themselves ;" make the most of the moments allotted us, of the little 
 opportunities of receiving and getting heavenly good, and be faithful 
 in the day of small things, that we may not have cause to repent of 
 the retrospect and lament our irretrievable loss. 
 
 I am so pleased to find that thy dear parents had not left Cornwall 
 without a public meeting. It reaUy made me quite sad at heart to 
 
 T 
 
322 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1845. 
 
 suppose that they would, for my heart yearns over the dear people 
 there, and gladly would I be in their pockets at such a time ; but, dear 
 , we may, though afar off, yet breathe for the arising and pre- 
 vailing of the Divine life and power in the hearts of others ; and oh, 
 may we "so run" and conduct ourselves as that we "may obtain" the 
 same blessing in our own hearts, and thus have a leavening influence 
 on those around us. I want to know when they are likely to get 
 home. I know thou hast been following them in mind as well as I, 
 and I trust the time has (though perhaps seeming long) been made 
 profitable to thee by a proper exercise of mind and painstaking on thy 
 part for thy own improvement every way, and that thus thy meeting 
 them will be without an alloy from consciousness of neglect, and that 
 thou wilt share in their sheaves of peace. . . . 
 
 Farewell, dear . Cleave to that which is good, and then thou 
 
 wilt be made good, and filled with good, and enjoy good for ever. 
 With dear love, I remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclat. 
 
 To . 
 
 Uth of 8th Month, 1845. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 The idea of meeting thee once again looks very sweet, and 
 I long we may be mutually strengthened together in every sense of 
 
 the word. The being at will recaU many past interesting and 
 
 affecting events to my recollection, and there it was that I first saw 
 thee sitting opposite to me in meeting, and I felt knit in spirit unto 
 thee. Oh, may the coming time, if permitted to be realised, be one 
 of recurring as it were to Bethel, and of renewing our covenants 
 with Him who hath hitherto helped us in our lowest estates, and 
 wonderfully and tenderly and very graciously dealt with us aU our 
 lives long — to whom may the remaining few years of our lives be 
 unreservedly and submissively dedicated, with all that we have and 
 are, for He is worthy, worthy of all the pure service and the humble 
 praise of our hearts for ever, saith my soul ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 2nd of 9th Month, 1845. 
 
 My DEAR Friend, 
 
 Thy kind letter was forwarded to me at Swanage, and did 
 not fail to interest me much as well as introduce us into a degree of 
 
1845.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAT. 
 
 323 
 
 affectionate solicitude on your account, desiring that you may not be 
 spared from plentiful baptism, that so you may know a death unto all 
 that is of the creature in every respect, and be enabled to enter deeply 
 into feeling with the precious seed which is very low and oppressed in 
 most hearts you will visit, and thus be permitted to minister to the due 
 arising thereof; so shall your feet be shod witli the preparation of the 
 Gospel of peace, which implies that living power that leads and brings 
 to true peace, not to the wrong nature that should be crucified, but to 
 that which only should live, being tender and willing to be operated 
 upon. Ah, my beloved friend, there is much of a spurious and light- 
 weighted sort of ministry amongst us, which I tenderly desire you 
 may be preserved from, which is more in sound than substance, in 
 wisdom of words and activity of the creaturely part than in demon- 
 stration of the Spirit and power of truth ; and such light-weighted 
 ones are what I call lightly running to and fro, scouring the country, 
 and apparently doing great things in visiting families and holding 
 public meetings, seemingly with ease and self-complacency and not 
 much depth of baptism and sore exercise or self-humiliation. These 
 are for pleasing all, and I fear the seK-abasing kingdom of the dear 
 Redeemer is not thereby truly exalted and spread either by example 
 or precept. . . . Oh, it is the Lord only who can bring us into 
 and preserve us in the true virgin spirit pure and chaste unto Him, 
 and may He do so is my earnest desire for myself and all that are 
 dear unto me. There are many running to and fro amongst us that 
 I greatly doubt of, and I believe the time is coming and come when 
 the true servants will be put into prison as it were, and my soul says 
 amen to it, till it shall please Him to open the right door of deliver- 
 ance and enlargement. 
 
 And now, dear , as it regards myself, although I have frequently 
 
 had pointings for years to various services or parts, and those where 
 you are going amongst them, yet all seems to be gone away at 
 present, and I dare not move from old openings. . . . We are 
 pleased with this simple,. natural, and humble place; the only diffi- 
 culty being the distance from Poole meeting. We sat down together 
 twice. . . . 
 
 Farewell, dear , with love. I shall be pleased to hear further 
 
 when thou art inclined to write. From thy affectionate and sincere 
 friend, 
 
 L. A. Barci.at. 
 
324 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1845. 
 
 To . , s/^ 
 
 Swanage, Dorsetshire, 3rd of 9th Month, 1845. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . . I can quite believe it to be a critical and important 
 time with thee, and that thou wouldst greatly feel the leaving so 
 sweet a home as Kimberley, where thou hast been as in a quiet nook 
 for awhile to gather a little fresh strength with genial spirits. And I 
 can also quite believe that under such circumstances of enjoyment, 
 the ynse Master builder may have seen it best to prove thee with 
 seasons of desertion and of permitted buffeting. Ah, He knows best 
 how to cut and to square and to polish the stones of His heavenly 
 building, preparing them in His tender mercy and condescending 
 goodness for what pai*t He requires them to occupy. And the doubts 
 and fears of the causes of our trials, and whether we are mistaken or 
 whether forsaken, are among the provings of our faith and patience. 
 If we could see aU the ins and outs as it were of the heavenly leadings, 
 there would be no walking by faith, no exercise of the childlike con- 
 fidence and humble patience. Oh, the overcoming might that is the 
 result of cleaving to the inward and lowly word of life, which is 
 called the Word of Faith, because it is not only the object, but gives 
 or quickens the true faith — the AYord of Patience, giving true 
 patience. His patience, the Lamb's patience, which all the saints are 
 to keep, and then they shall be kept in the hour of temptation — the 
 Word of Wisdom, giving true wisdom, and causing it to dwell richly 
 in us, (fee. ; and as we cleave thereunto in all tribulations, they will 
 be so sanctified as to work patience and experience and hope ; and 
 then, O my beloved younger brother, a little grain of this blessed 
 true-born, life-springing hope will come in in the needful moment to 
 succour our fainting faith, even in seasons of greatest barrenness 
 causing as it were a green and fruitful tree to spring up even out of 
 the wilderness and from the dry looking stock ; for it is said, "And 
 all the trees of the forest shall know that I the Lord do bring down 
 the high tree and exalt the low tree, do dry up the green tree and 
 cause the dry tree to flourish." Oh, the wonderful workings of the 
 Lord's mighty and tendering power in and for His poor weak children, 
 the workmanship of His hand, as they yield up thereunto to be led 
 about, and instructed and humbled and proved as He sees best in full 
 reliance — the cup which my Father hands shall I not drink it ! And 
 thus being more and more emptied and cleansed of the dregs of 
 
1845.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BAKOLAY. 
 
 325 
 
 nature, they become prepared to be filled with the riches of Ills grace 
 and treasure of His kingdom, which is righteousness and peace and 
 joy in the Holy Ghost ! And being filled they cannot but run over 
 to His praise and the refreshment of others and spreading of His 
 
 kingdom and glory. Therefore, dear , cleave to the lowly seed, 
 
 or word of life and power in the secret of thy heart. Here lieth the 
 power that the enemy cannot overcome, but it still overcometh Him. 
 Here lieth the light which the enemy cannot approach, whatever 
 roaring he may make about thee. Here lieth the hope that shall be 
 an anchor to thy soul in all storms and buffetings, and which entereth 
 into that within the veil, and thy soul shall be safe, and know all 
 things to work together for good, to thy exceeding humbling and 
 exceeding rejoicing! The fear of losing all is a sign that all is not 
 lost, and stimulates so to run as to obtain all we desire. 
 Farewell. With dear love from thy very sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Bakclat, 
 
 To J. B. ..'V*.v*-*t.«.- <^^u.-t,.^.., 
 Reigate, l^th of 2th Month, 1845. 
 
 My dear Fbiend, 
 
 . . . I have indeed had a great loss in the removal of 
 my dear brother, so that I only am left now of the three who gave 
 up in early life to leave the gaieties of the world and walk in the 
 narrow path. I am often ready to long to depart and be with Him 
 whom my soul doth love, through His first loving me, to be taken 
 also from the evil to come. But I expect I am not ready yet for 
 such an awful change, more purifying and refining and crucifying is 
 needed, and oh, that I may be able to bear what is yet lacking, and 
 to wait the appointed time, and to yield wholly to that good hand 
 that can perfect that which concerneth me also in His good time, and 
 bring me to the good end that crowns all, the end that is peace. I 
 had not heard of thy sister's removal till thy letter. Such losses are 
 to shake us from earth and draw us nearer to heaven, upward and 
 still upward. We may truly say, " Blessed are they who die in the 
 Lord ;" they are taken from trial and provings to where the wicked 
 cease from troubling and the weary are at rest. , . . Oh, the 
 low and desolate places amongst us ! the ways of Zion do truly mourn, 
 for few come to her solemn feasts. Ah, they know not the truth, 
 though they make profession thereof ; they — that is, the multitude 
 among us, are like Pilate asking, "What is truth?" but don't care to 
 
326 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1845. 
 
 know it. No, they are like Gallio of old, " Care for none of these 
 things" — that is, the things or teachings of the Spirit of truth. Ah, 
 what will such do at the last great day of account, for God requireth 
 truth in the inward parts, even the rule of His dear and precious Son, 
 and no other covering but His Spirit will He accept or allow to enter 
 the wedding-chamber ! Ah, the various plausible coverings which now 
 so much take and are fashionable, owing to the enemy's deceit and guile 
 to catch the unwary, these will be stripped off, and the nakedness or 
 bareness of profession will really appear, in a day that is hastening, 
 wherein the foundations of all will be proved. Ob, then, that we, 
 my dear friend, who are favoured to see these things and to lament 
 them, may be concerned to gather more and more inward to the 
 Lord's name or power, which is a strong tower in the day of trouble — ■ 
 to abide in subjection to His power is to abide in the safe tent of His 
 people in all ages, where none can make afraid — here His Spirit is the 
 precious covering, and His life is the soul -satisfying food, and His 
 presence is the crown of glory and diadem of beauty, and He will 
 enable to overcome all, and give to reign with Him for ever and 
 ever, notwithstanding the many tribulations such must pass through. 
 
 . . Farewell, dear friend. May we crave one another's help 
 and preservation to the end, and do our best, and leave the rest. 
 With dear love, I remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 22nd of 12th Month, 1845. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . I feel best satisfied to take up my pen and say that 
 
 I have for sometime past felt a fear lest thou and should in any 
 
 wise be wound about by the kindness of certain Friends, neighbours 
 of yours, and thus be any how warped from the true uprightness for 
 the cause of truth. I know it is very hard when Friends are very 
 kind and neighbourly with us in an outward sense, and especially if 
 they have dealings with us in the way of trade, to stand firm against 
 what we believe to be of evil root or tendency, and to tell them the 
 whole truth, and be faithful and sincere to them. This goes very 
 hard. But, oh, my dear friends, I want you to be preserved single- 
 eyed to the Lord and His honour, and the promotion of His cause of 
 truth, and not only single-eyed, but simple-hearted, going right 
 forward in the way of truth — that is, minding the discoveries and 
 
1845.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 327 
 
 pointings of the Spirit of truth in your hearts, however in the cross 
 to self and nature, or apparently foolish to others. Oh, then, mind 
 the savour of lif e-in you, mind what it leads and draws you from , 
 and what it leads and draws you to, for we all have a seed or prin- 
 ciple of light, life, and truth in our hearts, placed or sown there by 
 God, and which doth and ever will savour what is of God, and what 
 goes against Him in all that we say or think or do, and also will 
 savour what is of or against Him in others around us ; and let us 
 mind what this draws us to or from, in what it manifests to us, and 
 that is the way to be preserved in the truth — that is, in Christ's Spirit, 
 firm and upright for Him, endeavouring to feel and to act for Him 
 like faithful servants, not with eye-service — that is, with merely a 
 show, or doing only those things which are manifest to others, or 
 without which we may be blamed by others, as mere-pleasers, but 
 with good will and our whole hearts doing service as unto the Lord 
 and not to men, out of true love to His cause, that we may have His 
 heavenly peace and favour. 
 
 I do not write from any outward thing, but from inward feeling, 
 fearing lest a more frequent intercourse may familiarise you to what 
 hitherto has been trying to you, and thus your eyes should become 
 dimmed as to the truth, and your hands weakened, which indeed I 
 should be sorry for, so thought I must pen a few lines to stir up the 
 pure mind in you ; for I greatly long that you may go right forward, 
 and come up nobly to the help of the Lord against the mighty, yea, 
 that you may increase and abound in a faithful labour for the truth 
 in whatever way your duty may be revealed, that thus your hands 
 may be strengthened and your path may be (like the just man's) as 
 the shining light that shines more and more unto the perfect day. 
 For surely our poor monthly'meeting wants all the help of ever>/ mem- 
 ber that can be ! And, my dear friends, I believe one great means of 
 gathering strength will be by waiting on the Lord daily for His 
 renewings of life and strength, and as you are now so retired from 
 business there is or may be more opportunity of such times of uplifting 
 of the heart and downcasting of the spirit before Him, so do be en- 
 couraged to be faithful in this respect, for I think you will, if you 
 listen attentively, hear the call to it in secret. Do not think me an 
 intermeddler, for I love you both deai'ly, and long for you to be a 
 father and mother in Israel, and how this would bring joy to my 
 heart, if spared to witness it ! . . . 
 
 I remain thy truly affectionate aud sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
328 A SELECTION FBOM THE LETTERS OF [1845 
 
 To Aiii^gn-i-W i, 
 
 Eeigate, 30th of 12th Month, 1845. 
 
 7 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I have thought of and felt much for thee for some weeks 
 past, and was hoping to have had some of thy company when I went 
 
 to , but found to my disappointment that thou hadst left that 
 
 very morning for , and was sorry for the cause, but hope, if so 
 
 permitted, that thy dear mother is favoured to recover, though of 
 course she will greatly feel at her age the effects of such an illness. 
 
 We have seen very little of you, dear , since you left Reigate. 
 
 You have had many claims and engagements to hinder your coming 
 over, as you once gave us reason to expect. . . . The hearing 
 
 of thy dear 's sufferings even at , convince me that it is not 
 
 any particular spot that is favourable, but that a continual change is 
 the best. • . . This is very trying, and I who am such a lover of 
 settlement and of home, can sympathise tenderly with you in it. . . . 
 I have been thinking that to live as it were in a tent, is better for 
 such as you, instead of being cumbered with a house and household. 
 This is indeed trying to nature ; yet it is emblematical of our pilgrim 
 life here to have no continuing city, and may be beneficial in the 
 more loosening us from this beautiful earth and lovely things thereof, 
 and in the more earnestly drawing us to heavenly things, that the 
 affections may be fixed thereon, and the heavenly mould more entirely 
 fallen in with and yielded unto ! Oh, what a blessed state is this ! let 
 
 us daily covet after it, dear , for when we are thus moulded, 
 
 according to the Divine will, and fitted for heaven, we shall be 
 translated there, to the good lieavenly resting place that changes not, 
 and the everlasting city where none of the inhabitants shall ever say 
 they are sick, knowing their sins to be forgiven and washed away by 
 the blood of the dear Lamb ! How many are the warnings that we 
 have had lately, and the instances of the uncertainty of all things here! 
 I have recently lost a dear niece at Torquay, sister of dear Robert, 
 who died a few years ago. . . . She was a sweet creature, 
 seemed to have no will of her own, and I trust is, as a tender plant, 
 transplanted from the storms and clouds of time to the everlasting 
 
 sunshine of heaven ! Her death had such an effect upon ! . . . 
 
 She also sunk in less than a week ; thus a double trial in my brother's 
 
 family ! I passed two days at with dear , and two at 
 
 Croydon Avith dear J, and H. M. in my way home. The former it 
 
1845.J 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 329 
 
 was truly sweet to feel, had benefited and deepened during her late 
 illness, and it was a strengthening time, wherein we were favoured 
 as it were to go up to the Lord's house together in our seasons of 
 retirement ! Ah ! this is what I long for in our times of social 
 meeting with those whom we love ; not to be all taken up with chit- 
 chat and many spending words, but to feel after His precious presence 
 and power that is beyond words and is the true life of our souls. 
 . . . How needful it is for parents to guard against the affec- 
 tionate part being too uppermost! for the affections are to be mortified 
 or crucified as well as the lusts, lest they should be blinded fi-om 
 seeing the tendencies and snares that beset (see Colossians) their 
 dear children, and they should, whilst desiring to cherish the good, 
 be in any wise cherishing imperceptibly the ill weed of self which 
 chokes the good ! Whilst there, I heard of the proposition that had 
 
 been made to thee and to fill the station of overseer in that 
 
 meeting, and was much pleased to hear that you had declined accepting 
 it ! Ah, my dear friend, this is an important station, and in these times 
 of weakness and degeneracy amongst us, it is important it should be 
 well filled, by such as are "grown in the truth" (to use an ancient 
 expression) such as through the Lord's humbling baptism unto 
 obedience to His Spirit, are brought into a degree of oneness and of 
 feeling with Him, and therefore feel and " know what Israel ought 
 to do," and are faithfully concerned for the lifting up and upholding 
 of this pure standard, even the standard of the Spirit of truth, both 
 in themselves and in others. These will be indeed " men and 
 women" of truth, and of and for truth also, fearing God and hating 
 covetousness, neither fearing man or his frowns, not coveting his 
 favour or honour, but solely seeking the fear of God, the honour that 
 comes from Him, and the honour and promotion of His blessed cause, 
 name, and kingdom ! these will keep close to the Spirit of Christ the 
 truth, to the humbling and regulating influences thereof, wherein 
 alone is their qualification, which will make them tender, will break 
 them to pieces in themselves, will make and keep them clean-handed, 
 simple-hearted, and single-eyed for their Master, and thus prepare 
 them to work for Him in His meek and lowly Spirit, to labour in 
 His vineyard; and truly their labour shall not be in vain in Him, but 
 tend to His glory, the help of others, and the peace of their own 
 minds ! Now, my dear friend, although I believe you are mercifully 
 called unto, and are preparing for this good work in proportion as 
 obedience keeps pace with knowledge, yet I cannot say, that I think 
 
330 
 
 A SELECTION EROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1845. 
 
 you are quite ready for such a burthen yet, and if it were imposed 
 upon you in too tender a state, it might be to your cramping or 
 growing crooked, in a spiritual sense, and be to your lasting hurt, and 
 what hurts individuals hurts meetings ! Now don't think I am 
 setting up the standard of truth too high. Can it be higher than it 
 really is? and that things must be conformed to the weak state of our 
 society ! Is this the way to make things better ? is it not to keep 
 things weak and even make them worse, for like begets its like ! And 
 oh, I trust I shall not discourage you, for I desire your encouragement 
 in obeying the Spirit of truth, which will deepen you and qualify you, 
 and make you truly noble and honourable. So. I do indeed desire 
 and covet for you the best things — first deepening in the root, then a 
 growing up in the vine, and then unfailingly will follow fruitfulness 
 
 and stability! Therefore, dear , don't be discouraged by the 
 
 greatness of the work, and so draw back from the heavenly Workman 
 or Qualifier, but suflfer Him to work what He will in and with thee 
 when He pleaseth ! A great mountain of opposition or difiiculty is to 
 be brought down by little and little, even to become as a plain, and the 
 headstone thereof brought forth ! but not by thy might, or power, or 
 wisdom, but by the Lord's power or Spirit, and then the shoutings 
 will be of Grace, grace unto it ! for all is of God's grace, in and by 
 Christ Jesus, which is bestowed upon us all according to our different 
 measures and needs; and oh, that it may not be in vain, but be 
 co-operated or occupied with in living faith and obedience to the 
 salvation and redemption of the soul ! Now, I do want to encourage 
 thee not to be looking out at the reasonings of others, nor leaning to 
 thy own understanding or the drawings of the affectionate part which 
 may plead many excuses, but cleave closely to the Lord, mind His 
 inspeaking voice, the shinings and discoveries of His light in thy 
 heart, the touches and savour of His life there ; come out of what 
 the savour of life would draw thee from, and take up and follow 
 what the savour of life draws thee to. This is the only path of 
 safety and way of growth and peace ; and remember no man on earth 
 can give thee true peace and a growth in the truth, neither can any 
 one take it away when mercifully permitted, except by drawing away 
 from the Spirit of truth ! Therefore, keep to truth and truth will keep 
 thee and make thee prosperous and victorious over all ; and may the 
 God of truth bless thee and make thee a blessing, is the earnest desire 
 of thy very sincere and aiFectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
1846.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAT. 
 
 331 
 
 . . . In looking over the above on overseers, it is suggested, 
 that it almost seems uncalled for, nevertheless, I let it go, as it arose 
 in my mind in writing. It may stir up the pure mind in you or 
 strengthen you in that which is good, though you do know these 
 things and feel them to be so ! Farewell, with dear love. 
 
 To B. B. J. ^ 
 
 , l46. 
 
 We must not fear, but put forth what is given us of our 
 Master to testify for Him in the savour and leadings of life and light, 
 and leave aU consequences, cast our lot, as it were, into the lap, and 
 the Lord will prosper it, as it pleaseth Him, if done in faith and 
 faithfulness, in His fear and deep humility. Who can harm us, if 
 we be thus followers of that which is good, even His good Spiiit ? 
 We must show on whose side we are. I believe these storms and 
 sittings are designed for our purification, painful as they are to 
 witness. Oh, that we who feel these things may be preserved in the 
 hoUow of the Divine hand, in a quiet habitation, even abiding in 
 humble fear and subjection to the Divine power, leaning not to our 
 own understanding, nor trusting to our might, lest we fall. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To A YOUNG FrIEND.^^'I; ; < - / J U: s. 
 
 Reigate, 1846 or 1847. 
 
 . . . I feel as if I could rejoice in the departure of all 
 who go rightly. It is because we are not rightly prepared that tender 
 mercy yet spares us and calls us not hence. Therefore, oh, to avail of 
 the precious moments as they fly, that we may be growing more and 
 more ready. For surely this is not, and ought not to he, our rest ; 
 neither can the things of time, however good-looking, really feed or 
 satisfy an immortal soul. But Christ is the true Sabbath and rest, the 
 life and food of the soul, and He is all-sufficient, unchangeable, and 
 eternal. Oh, then, that we may seek to be of Paul's noble spirit, 
 who counted all things but as loss and as dross if so be he might win 
 Christ and be found in Him, that he might know Him and the power 
 of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made 
 conformable to His death. Oh, then, let us seek to be in Christ and 
 to really vdn or have Christ by being in subjection to His Spirit, 
 clothed by His Spirit, in unison with His Spirit — this will make us 
 
332 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1846. 
 
 conformable to His death by crucifying the evil nature in us ; it will 
 quicken us in the resurrection of His life, so that we shall become 
 new creatures, and shall really know Him, not by hearsay or edu- 
 cation, but by true feeling of Him in us — ^yea, this will then bring us 
 into the precious fellowship of His suifering — and we know that 
 unless we suffer with Him we shall not reign with Him, and unless 
 we die with Him we shall not live with Him, and unless He wash us 
 with the washing of regeneration we shall have no part in Him. I 
 was much pleased to see S.'s sobriety and quietude of mind and guarded 
 behaviour. I longed much that thou might be induced to seek after 
 best help to follow her example in this respect; for surely it is a great 
 ornament to a woman to be of a meek and quiet spirit — and it is of great 
 help to the watchfulness of the mind and the guardedness or propriety 
 of the behaviour when we are preserved in a meek and quiet spirit ; 
 we can then much more easily watch the avenues to evil or the risings 
 of evil, as well as hear the still small voice of the good Shepherd 
 within us ; and it is here in quietness that our strength is renewed to 
 follow the good and avoid the evil. The true love of the good is 
 more shown by a meek appreciation of it and an inward subjection to 
 it in ourselves than in the warmth of affection for it outwardly : this 
 is like the rattling thunder — that like the quickening, melting lightning. 
 
 My love to dear S. May she keep close to what she knows and 
 feels to be right and peaceful, and may you go hand in hand together 
 up the good but narrow path that leads to heavenly blessings without 
 nuinber. I have sent the sweet memoir of William Boem, the poor 
 slave, to be printed, I hope to send you some soon. 
 
 Farewell, my dear girl. Mayest thou grow in grace and in every 
 good thing, by following only those things that will make for thy real 
 and true peace of mind. With dear love, I am thy very affectionate 
 and heartfelt friend. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . ^-"-'^ ■ 
 
 ' A •''■•t' Reigate,\lth of Zrd Month, 
 . . . Oh ! saitli my soul, that all the shakings and plung- 
 ings that have been, and that yet may be my allotted portion, may settle 
 me more firm upon the only sure and immutable Foundation, and drive 
 me yet more closely to that precious Friend that sticketh closer than 
 a brother, and who will ever be all-sufficient for his faithful, humble 
 followers, though He see meet at times to prove their faith deeply, and 
 
1846.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 333 
 
 may seem to require liard things ! Let His holy will be done in me 
 and by me wherever my lot may be cast and however I may be led, 
 required, or tried, is the earnest breatliing of my soul. . . . 
 
 L. A. Barclay, 
 
 To V^--»vvW -/'/i*^<i5f t--^^ 
 
 Reigate, 20th ofZrd Month, 1846. 
 Ah, dear friend, the present is a time of multiplying modern 
 productions, but few of them come near to the life and substance, the 
 savour of the blessed truth, which characterised or seasoned the 
 writings of our ancient faithful worthies, and whereby they so clearly 
 testified for and gathered unto, yea, and exalted and glorified the 
 blessed truth ! but our very tracts are by degrees planing and smooth- 
 ing down the pure principles of the truth, so as to insinuate gradually 
 a lower standard or testimony, and which it is to be feared will at 
 last land us in a lower dispensation, even among the many "horns" 
 of formal profession which have been pushing and thrusting at one 
 another — and yet under a show of much love and condescension ! — 
 ever since the apostacy came in ; and, alas ! our modern Quakers are 
 finding fault with our ancient worthies who stood the fire of hot per- 
 secution, yea, who overcame all by the word of their testimony and 
 the blood of the Lamb, and are pluming themselves upon having 
 more Gospel light in these days, whereas not being so entirely and 
 unflinchingly devoted and subjected to the little pointings and re- 
 strainings of the blessed light of Christ in the secret of the heart as 
 those were, they have by no means attained to their standard and 
 measure or growth of experience, and consequently have no business 
 to, neither can, properly judge concerning them ; but there is reason 
 to fear, when tried in the unerring balance of the sanctuary, even the 
 pure light or Spirit of Christ, will be found sorrowfully wanting in 
 that life and power in which the kingdom of God stands, and not in 
 word or mere outward profession. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To J. B. 
 
 Reigate, 10th ofith Month, 1846. 
 . . . But, dear friend, do thou stand fast and firm in the 
 power of truth and for the precious cause thereof, yield to the power 
 first, and let it work in thee and then stand fast in it, in the sight and 
 feeling it gives thee, nothing doubting and no one feariiig ; love the 
 
334 
 
 A SELECTION PROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1846. 
 
 truth more than all, and keep to the Spirit of it, and thou shalt be 
 kept and strengthened over and unto and through all to the end. 
 Remember Caleb which signifies a heart, and Joshua a saviour over- 
 came all and inherited the good land ! 
 
 Dearly farewell. With dear love, thy truly affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To Am! Conning. 
 
 Reigate, 23rd of Uh Month, 1846. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 Hearing from J. F. Marsh that they had informed thee of 
 the decease of dear Ann Jones, I feel inclined to put pen to paper, 
 as it were to share with thee in thy mournings on behalf of the 
 Church, and also I trust in thy rejoicings on her behalf that she is 
 liberated from the shackles of mortality, and translated to the realms 
 of unmixed and unchangeable bliss. Ah, how can our spirits as it 
 were unite with her spirit in the angelic shout of praise " to Him 
 who has loved us and washed us," &c. ! I felt in duty bound to go 
 and show my near and dear love and unity with and for her by 
 attending the interment — dear J. F. M. as my escort. "We went on 
 second day and returned yesterday. It was indeed a long journey 
 for me, 220 miles each day, and the interment a day of much exercise 
 and deep feeling between ; but, through mercy, I have been helped 
 through to my wonder and grateful praise ! I lodged at John Har- 
 rison's, and went with them to Stockport ; the interment was before 
 meeting; there was a large gathering of Friends from different parts, 
 and indeed the crowd was so great that I could not see the coffin till 
 I looked in upon it ; the people also aU out of their houses and 
 standing in the streets. I was told four Friends spoke at the grave 
 side. In the meeting dear J. F. M. had a little time, and I think L. 
 Neild; also a few words from H. Marriage, the sister of dear A. Jones. 
 I should have named J. Milner spoke the first in the meeting in a 
 very sweet and lively way, which rejoiced my heart, especially as I 
 found he was expecting to start next morning to visit "Warwick, Lei- 
 cester, and Rutland shires, also Berk and Oxford shires, in his way 
 to the yearly meeting, the first certificate he has had. But oh ! how 
 greatly will he miss this dear mother in Israel, also dear John 
 Harrison, for they appear to have shared so very largely in her com- 
 pany and counsel ! I saw some sweet expressions of hers during the 
 
1846.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BAKCLAT. 
 
 335 
 
 last ten days, penned from memory by J. Milner, uttered in various 
 opportunities with Friends who came to see her, all indicative of deep 
 humility, and that she had nothing to trust in but the free love and 
 mercy of God in Christ Jesus, and that she was an unprofitable ser- 
 vant, and had come short of what she should have been — at the same 
 time avowing her unshaken belief and holding of our ancient and 
 Gospel principles and testimonies, and that if she had ever done 
 anything that was right it was in endeavouring faithfully to uphold 
 them, and to testify against all that would mar them — also looking 
 forward to a brighter day amongst us. . . . The last words 
 (only twenty minutes before the close) were, " Bring the chalcedony 
 and the precious stones." . . . 
 
 Do not give up the yearly meeting. Why dost thou shrink from 
 it ? No matter how weak and crushed we may appear, our suffering 
 countenances may help some, and the exercise of our spirits may do 
 good, and if we suffer aright there is joy in it. . . . 
 
 Farewell, with dear love. 
 
 L A. Baeclat. 
 
 To . 
 
 Reigate, \st of 5th Month, 1846. 
 
 Mr DEAR FRIE>rD, 
 
 . . . I was much pleased that the good overcame what was 
 doubtful in thee on fourth day, and that thou wast thereby made 
 willing to accept the call of the Church to come up to her help in a 
 simple yielding to the Lord's tendering power, whereby He will more 
 and more quicken in thee a true sense and sensibility of what is for 
 Him and what against Him and His precious cause of truth ; yea, 
 and with a degree, however small, of true sight and sense, will not 
 fail to come also in His wonderful goodness and compassion, a degi*ee 
 of heavenly wisdom and strength to do what thy hands find to do for 
 Him and His cause, so that thou wilt be enabled to rise up, in the 
 true zeal and in humble faithfulness, to act for Him, not daring to 
 keep silence for Jerusalem's sake, trusting thy all, the keeping of thy 
 spirit too to Him, who knows what thou hast need of and is able to 
 do exceeding abundantly above all that we can ask or think, and to 
 bless -with the hundredfold His dependent little ones who have none 
 in heaven or earth that they desire in comparison of Him and His 
 peace-giving favour ! Then mayest thou cleave to the Lord's tender- 
 ing, humbling power, and seek after it day by day in thy private 
 retirements — let the lifting up of thy soul and the desire of thy heart 
 
336 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1846. 
 
 be continually, even at any spare moments, unto Him, to the 
 remembrance of His name, and the feeling after His seasoning, 
 strengthening influences ; thus wilt thou increasingly be made strong 
 for Him, though weak and humble in thyself ! and verily His own 
 works will praise Him in thee and through thee. So I hope thou wilt 
 not faint in thy heart at what is come upon thee. Look not out in any 
 Avise so as to be discouraged by any of the enemy's lying vanities, 
 his vain reasonings, lest thou should be thereby forsaking and hindering 
 thy own mercies ; but look up unto the Lord over all, and trust in 
 Him for ever, for in Him is everlasting strength and wisdom, and He 
 will ever preserve the simple and the faithful ! 
 
 Farewell very affectionately and in tender sympathy. I remain, 
 with dear love to thy wife, thy friend very sincerely, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Forest Place, 23rd of 6tk Month, 1846. 
 
 [Alluding to the prospect of attending the general 
 meeting at Aberdeen] Nature, I need hardly say, shrinks often, but 
 yet I seem carried above all, and am kept in quiet as to the future in 
 a way that has been marvellous to me, so that my soul has often been 
 as it were melted within me into resignation and praise. 
 
 L. A. Barclat. 
 
 To P. 
 
 Forest Place, 2'ith of 6th Month, 1846. 
 
 My Dear Friend, 
 
 I fear you will have thought me very negligently silent 
 towards you, dear R. especially, after her last kind sympathetic letter 
 before yearly meeting. Yet thou, dear P., knowing what is and has 
 been on my mind, will be prepared to make all allowances. I have 
 now in the inclosed letter ventured to inform dear R. and M. of my 
 prospect of going to sit in the general meeting at Aberdeen, and the 
 other two meetings thereabouts. . . . Thus am I now prepared 
 as it were to cast my bread as upon the waters, trusting that all wiU 
 be wisely and goodly ordered for me and that I shall as heretofore be 
 
 abundantly cared for. I do hope and trust that my dear and 
 
 myself will be guided in all these things relative to our future settle- 
 ment, if we endeavour to follow the pointings in our own minds in 
 
1846.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BAltCLAY. 
 
 337 
 
 simplicity, and not to lean to our own understandings or the reasonings 
 of others. Speaking so, reminds me of yearly meeting. I do and have 
 felt great regret in having leaned to other people's fears or discour- 
 agements, and not borne my simple testimony against the sending an 
 epistle to New England — not that any good would have resulted, but 
 I should have felt clear on the subject. Ah, we should not be look- 
 ing at consequences, whether at trying rejoinders or at the no apparent 
 good likely to result, but simply to do what seems required, leaving 
 all else. This is a blank to me, in looking back at yearly meeting, 
 believing that had I yielded in this instance it would have opened my 
 way for a further testimony in a doctrinal way which pressed for 
 several days upon my mind. May I learn experience from the suffering, 
 slow as I am to do so. What a favour it was, in the midst of so much 
 suffering, to be preserved in such calm resignation, whilst the proud 
 vaunting waves were rolling over our heads with overwhelming impetu- 
 osity! nay, it seemed as if the precious promise was graciously fulfilled, 
 that as the sutFerings of Christ abound in us, so should also His con- 
 solations, and there seemed joy in suffering, as one of old said. . . 
 Surely these things ought not so to be with us, and they will only tend or 
 chiefly tend to open the eyes of even the dear youth, for they know full 
 well that by "their fruits ye shall know them." On the other hand, in 
 my silent watchings at my lodgings, I saw the necessity on the part of the 
 suffering ones to guard against their own spirits getting up, and so any- 
 thing savouring of a party spirit or a feeling of bitterness towards 
 those who are the cause of their suffering, creeping in ; perhaps it 
 was more the danger of the thing striking one than the realitij. 
 
 Oh, that I may be helped to let the day's work keep pace 
 with the day; this is all I long for, and to be preserved to the end. 
 , . . We had a trying monthly meeting, but I was enabled to 
 leave my burden, and oh, that I may go clear of the blood of all. 
 In looking forward, nature shrinks many, many times, and many fears 
 rise up, but, through mercy, I have been marvellously preserved in 
 quiet, and carried above all, to rest my all on Him whom I desire 
 
 sincerely to serve. And I hope dear ■ will be thus helped. Ah ! 
 
 " he that forsake th not father and mother," &c., "for my sake, is not 
 worthy of me." 
 
 Farewell very affectionately. How sweet was our intercourse 
 and union of spirit ! Oh, that it may be increased rather than die 
 away. I remain, with dear love, thy truly affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barci.av. 
 
 z 
 
388 
 
 A SELECTIOX FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1846. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Aberdeen, Gtk of Sth Month, 1846. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . 1 may now inform thee, I trust under some gi-ateful 
 feelings, that we were favoured to arrive here in safety last second 
 day week, about half-past three o'clock in the afternoon, after a very 
 quick passage of only forty hours — the captain said he had only once 
 had a quicker passage in his life ! We had a fine calm day all First 
 day, so that we passed it mostly on deck, except at our meals, and 
 we found a snug corner at the end of it where we had our little quiet 
 meeting togethei*, without any interruption, in the forenoon to our 
 comfort. On second day, however, the sea was covered with white 
 breakers, and there was a heaving swell that made us feel very poorly, 
 and we were obliged to go down below and lie on the sofa a few 
 hours, till the joyful news of "land in sight!" hailed us, brightening 
 the countenances of our still more sickly comrades who had never 
 once left their berths all the voyage, and rousing us up on deck 
 again to see the approach to this port. We had lost land for twenty- 
 four hours which to me occasioned not a few solemn reflections. We 
 liad 120 passengers, and 59 crew and servants, and we were distressed 
 to'see the latter so hard worked aU the First day, with serving our 
 different meals, amongst which was a grand dinner with all sorts of 
 luxuries and varieties, even to pine apples and other fruit for dessert! 
 We spoke to the captain about it and also the chess plajdng; he agi'eed 
 to all we said, but said he was only servant to the company and could 
 not do as he would I He seemed an agreeable man, and acknowledged 
 his belief that all mankind are at one time or other visited with a 
 
 sense of what is right or wrong in the Divine sight ; and 
 
 rejoined to him the responsibility and awfulness of resisting such 
 convictions ! We had the Bishop of Aberdeen and wife with us ; 
 he seemed a jolly fat man that troubled not himself with the care of 
 others, though we thought he should have overseen the flock better 
 than to have allowed chess playing ! G. B. met us here and took us 
 to his hospitable home. 
 
 I had intended and arranged to go out to Kinmuck meeting on 
 fourth day, to stop over their preparative meeting next First day, 
 but I was taken so ill on third day that I was obliged to give it up ; 
 and perhaps it was all for the best, for I was helped and enabled not 
 only to totter along to this meeting yesterday, but also to stand some 
 
18-lG.] 
 
 l.YDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 33!) 
 
 little time to the relief of my mind ! so it is till good to be restrained 
 iis well as constrained. I hope to be able to go to K. on First day if 
 I am well enough. 
 
 It was quite a cordial to my mind, on coming to our little lodging 
 last week, in a very low drooping state of mind, to find a kind 
 encouraging letter from dear D. D., and, amongst other things, saying 
 how he rejoiced to hoj^e that I should go to K. on a First day, for that 
 they had not had a stranger on that day for more than twenty years! 
 It was like balm to me, and my drooping was turned into melted 
 praise ! I was mercifully helped to have a very close and relieving 
 time here on First day last, and am hoping to have got through my 
 business before the great folks come, though I think too I am resigned 
 to be humbled anyhow among them ! The Lord, the good Master, help 
 His poor weak worm, and give me to glorify His great name as He 
 sees best ! And now, dear H., I may say that the sweet and peaceful, 
 the quiet and confiding, covering of my mind ever since entering this 
 lodging, in looking at a still more close and bitter sacrifice, has been 
 very remarkable to me, and what I cannot describe — "it is the Lord's 
 doing and marvellous in my eyes" truly ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 Reigate, l%th of 9th Month, 1846. 
 
 My deak Friends, 
 
 I want to hear from you, feeling love to flow very strongly 
 towards you, and that strengthening union which is not dependent 
 on personal intercourse, nor yet is broken by distant separation. Ah, 
 I know I have had your tender sympathy when far off, and shall do 
 still when the tent is removed there. I cannot describe the solem- 
 nizing and tendering and calming feelings I was favoured with when 
 on the water, both in going to and coming fi'om Aberdeen, and the 
 language was consolingly revived each time within me, " Fear not, 
 for I am with thee ; be not dismayed, for I am thy God : I will 
 strengthen thee, yea, I will help thee," &c. ; and the awful answer 
 seemed begotten, " Here am I, send me." Nothing short of the 
 Divine power could have enabled me to bear the deep exercises, 
 plungings, and conflicts that awaited me there, and nothing less than 
 Divine and unutterable goodness could have clothed me with such 
 peaceful quiet and humble confidence as was mercifully jiermitted at 
 seasons. And since leaving Aberdeen, although Vave after wave has 
 
340 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1846. 
 
 seemed at times to overwhelm, yet has there also seemed a secret 
 standard, lifted up by the Lord's Spirit, which has stayed and supported. 
 
 L. A, Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Reigate, \ith of 11th Month, 1846. 
 
 My dear love to , and tell her I want her to love the 
 
 truth aboi-e all, even to love to feel it in her inward parts, that is where 
 God requires it to be in us all, even that the Spirit of Christ, who is 
 the truth, should be uppermost there, should be loved and honoured and 
 obe>/ed and trusted in above all, then Christ becomes truli/ our King, our 
 Lord, and our Saviour, and no otherwise, and we become really and 
 truly His. I have had three proofs of Patrick Livingstone, and it is so 
 very sweet and savoury, I long to share it "with you ; but I may be 
 taken from it, as my dear brothers were both from their good works 
 of Thomas Shillitoe and S. Neale. It is as the Lord wills, and His 
 will is ever good. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To P. R. 
 
 Reigate, SOth of 11th Month, 1846. 
 
 My dear Priscilla, 
 
 . . . Ah ! how sweet it is when we feel the bond of 
 affectionate union more and more strengthening ! When this is the 
 case, no matter even if we have the prospect of further separation to 
 a vast distance, that remains that is stronger than death itself ! I say 
 strengthening — I mean after an inward manner, from a deepening 
 and strengthening in the best life, not a mere addition of outward 
 tvarmth as it were. And I think I may say it has seemed so to me 
 in reading thy kind notes of late, I have felt that which has knit my 
 heart to thine ; and I do long that I may be more and more rooted 
 and grounded in the one ttue love, which I apprehend must be by 
 Christ dwelling in the heart by the true faith, through the quickening, 
 strengthening eflicacy of the Divine Spirit — then shall we not only 
 be enabled to comprehend the love of Christ, which passeth know- 
 ledge, and be filled with all the fulness of God, but also shall love 
 one another with a pure heart fervently. Thy last kind note touched 
 my heart, as did the one before, especially thy allusion to Daniel. 
 Ah, that chapter is a peculiar favourite of mine; and I think tliou 
 
184G.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 341 
 
 quoted it in allusion to myself in a way in which it has often been 
 secretly opened to me by the good Remembrancer ! How strikingly 
 sweet and instructive and strengthening is almost every verse, or one 
 in connection with one another ! So, dear P., it was reviving to have 
 it revived. And now, in allusion to what thou so diffidently hints at 
 in thy last, I would have thee rest under the Divine power that can 
 clear and make way for, as well as melt into acquiescence with all, 
 and do not let in reasoning or doubting so as to nip any tender bud- 
 dings, but yield to the heavenly touch which gives faith and makes 
 willing, and then power will spring all-sufficient ! . . . 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To THE SAME, 
 
 nth Month, 1846. 
 
 I wanted to tell thee that I have just seen a nice 
 letter from T. B. Gould, clerk to the sound yearly meeting in New 
 England, a very valuable friend, who, speaking of their yearly meeting 
 last 6th month, says how very strikingly dear J. Wilbur was engaged 
 in the different meetings at that time ; he had never heard him more 
 clear and lively and powerful — so much so, that he could not help 
 fearing that the close of his valuable life was drawing near, it seemed 
 so like a taking leave or evening offering. I was struck with one 
 
 passage in dear 's letter. I cannot repeat the words now ; but 
 
 it seemed to me almost to convey that onlij since our blessed Saviour's 
 outward sacrifice had He been a Saviour ! Now, this I ca«'< believe 
 
 was dear 's view — it is too modern a one for him. But I have 
 
 supposed either that it was an oversight of expression, or else that 
 he alluded to His first being given for a Saviour Avhen the pi-omise 
 was made to our first parents ; for we may imagine that as He was 
 in the beginning with God, and was God, so the language was 
 applicable to Him then, " Lo, I come to do thy will," &c., when the 
 gracious promise of His bruising the serpent's head was made to Eve, 
 and we may say He was the Lamb slain from the foundation of the 
 world, both in allusion to His precious sacrifice on the cross and also 
 His being slain in His spiritual appearance in the hearts of the 
 disobedient ! 
 
 Our visit from dear and was very sweet ; but oh, it is 
 
 not like where we see eye to eye in the things most dear to us — the 
 things of the precious truth. Some think that text about seeing "eye 
 lo eye when the Loi-d shall bring again Zion " means another state 
 
A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1846. 
 
 of being, and so content themselves with a want of unity ; whereas I 
 felt it to refer to the right state of citizenship of Zion even in this life. 
 Dearly farewell. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 nth Month, 1846. 
 
 . . . Perhaps some might argue from A.'s remark, that 
 I sought to cast all into mi/ mould, which is far from my thoughts I 
 assure thee; for my aim is solely to direct and bring all to the dear 
 Master, that they may in no wisa be looking outward, whether to fear 
 anything or person, or to follow or imitate any one, but simply to 
 follow the Master in all that lie commands or forbids. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Reigate, 23rd of llth Month, 184G. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I received thy kind note on seventh day, and hasten to 
 inform you of the decease of our dear fi'iend, Susanna Dann, who 
 peacefully and quietly breathed her last on sixth day morning ! — 
 had the privilege of sitting up with her on the night of yesterday 
 week, and which was a sweet time to her, from the flow of heavenly 
 expressions, and the feeling of peaceful praise that attended during 
 that season. Once, after one of her very distressirig attacks of retching, 
 she sank back in the bed quite exhausted, but, with heavenly 
 brightness beaming in her countenance, ejaculated, " for all I praise 
 thee — most for the severe !" At another time she broke forth, " O 
 how I love thy law ! you know that I have always loved the heavenly 
 law !" appealing to those with her. Another time, called on them to 
 join her in praising and glorifying the Lord. From fourth day she 
 wandered much, and was unconscious of all around her, except her 
 son whom she knew to the last. He was very assiduous in coming. 
 It was so very sweet to go into the house as we came home from 
 meeting; it seemed as if on entering the parlour there was a sweet 
 and precious odour met us ! It was very sweet to be with her {my 
 last time) yesterday week ; she sent messages of love to all her 
 friends. Our loss is great, but it is her everlasting gain ! She was as 
 a mother to doar , who deeply feels it, as does also dear J. Dann. 
 
1846.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BAKCLAV. 
 
 31" 
 
 Oh, how I long that tiiis second trial may but arouse and 
 
 , and not prove as the early dew, soon vanishing away ! If 
 
 I might but see a prospect of any bending the right way and likely 
 to uphold the testimonies of truth, oh how it would gladden my 
 poor heart, and I should depart in peace !* Not that if it be not so, 
 it would rob me of my peace, for I have endeavoured to do my best 
 and must leave all ! And though I am sensible of many, many 
 shortcomings, and very gi-eat weakness on my part, so as to suffer 
 discouragements to prevail and hinder, yet I have at times a humble 
 hope that the gracious testimony, " she hath done what she could," 
 will in tender mercy be pleaded for me, by Him who is our precious 
 Mediator and blessed Intercessor with compassionate goodness itself ! 
 
 And now farewell. With dear love to you both, I remain thy 
 friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To — 
 
 Reigate, 5th ofl2tk Month, 184G. 
 
 My dkar Fkieni), 
 
 Thy kind open letter felt very cordial to me, though I 
 assure thee I had not been looking for any acknowledgment from 
 thee as to the part I had taken in thy help, and it is a pleasure in 
 any small measure to help those Avho are earnestly endeavouring to 
 help themselves, which, by thy account, appears to be thy case. I 
 was very much pleased to hear of thy attending to the pointings of the 
 Divine power — the "truth in the inward parts" — in regard to those 
 matters in thy business ; I may say it rejoiced my heart. And I do 
 hope, my dear friend, that thou wilt let nothing and nobody dissuade 
 or hinder thee from such an exercise of mind and faithful conforming 
 of conduct, no matter in how small a matter ; for I believe that our 
 individual safety and preservation, as well as growth and strengthen- 
 ing in the life of true religion, which is far beyond tlie mere form or 
 profession of it, depends on our simple obedience iu what is secretly 
 revealed to us, and for which we shall each be accountable. I am 
 so pleased thou wast enabled to make such a stand at the onset ; for 
 it is harder work to retrace our steps afterwards, if we have made a 
 wrong beginning. Don't be afraid ; He who takes care for the poor 
 little solitary sparrows will never forsakenor fail those who are sincerely 
 endeavouring to acknowledge Him in all their ways, even to show 
 • Alluding to her prospcclive removal to Aberdeen. 
 
t 
 
 344 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1846. 
 
 forth, without being ashamed, that they desire to love and seek His 
 favour above all, and that they are under His government. He 
 stands bound by His blessed promise to help them in every time of 
 need, and He is not a man that He should lie or change His word. 
 David says, " Great peace have they who love thy law, and nothing 
 shall offend them and this remains to be a precious truth, con- 
 firmed in the experience of all who have tried it ; for nothing shall 
 hurt or harm those who love the law of the Spirit of life in Christ 
 Jesus, which is revealed in the secret of the heart — even their very 
 " enemies shall be at peace " with them, and all things, however 
 trying, shall be made to work together for their good. And more 
 than tlds, f«r the Lord's presence and power will be near and round 
 about and in them, to support through all trials that may be permitted 
 for their proving and strengthening in the true faith, so as to make 
 hard things to become comparatively easy and bitter sweet; and 
 when the Lord speaks peace in us, who then can bring real trouble 
 or make afraid ! Therefore, don't be too much looking outward for 
 advice, but cleave to the Lord's power within, mind the dear Master's 
 voice there, don't be afraid of trusting what He says to thee, but 
 believe Him, and thy reward shall be sure — He will guide thee in safety to 
 an hair's breadth, and His commands will ever come with a clearness 
 and authority (not like the scribes), and attended not only with a 
 sweet assurance of peace, but also with a sufficient measure of power; 
 for His word is still with power inwardly, as ever it was outwardly 
 formerly. Then I believe, my dear friend, as this is thy humble and 
 sincere endeavour, outward things vv^ill be all necessaiily ordered aright 
 — there will be a consistent conduct, industry, diligence, order, and 
 uprightness in business, and strict economy and justice in all that is 
 used — and there will be the Divine blessing experienced upon the 
 "little meal in the barrel and the little oil in the cruse" — a blessing 
 on the " basket and store." 
 
 I am quite of thy mind in regard to those who have abundance of 
 this world's good things, and think if these were less devoted to self 
 there would be more to help the needy. I often feel tenderly for 
 those in business, for these are times when it is hard for conscientious 
 persons to get along ; but, alas ! too many of our Friends are follow- 
 ing the multitude to do evil, instead of standing in the testimony of 
 truth against it, even in the true nobility. But the Lord's power is 
 as able as ever it was to direct, to strengthen, and to preserve, as 
 well as to blcs.s those who cleave to it ; and it is far better to stan 
 
1847.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 345 
 
 solitarily for the Lord than to enjoy the treasures of sin, even for a 
 season, with the multitude. 
 
 Farewell, with much true love. I had not intended writing so 
 much, but seemed led on, and must now remain thy sincerely well- 
 Avishing friend, desiring thy encouragement in that which is good, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To B. B^X-s^ 
 
 \st Month, 1847. 
 
 I count it a privilege and favour to be permitted to feel a 
 degree of that precious fellowship with the living in Israel, Avhatever 
 may be their condition in this life, v,'hich not only unites them one 
 unto another, but unto Him who is the God and Father of all the 
 human race, and whose tender mercies are over all His works in 
 every corner of the habitable earth. Ah, how sweet and strengthen- 
 ing is this precious fellowship, like a cordial in our many bitter trials 
 and sore conflicts with our spiritual enemies — to feel a gentle flowing 
 up as it were at times of that precious life of Christ, wherein is the 
 fellowship and cement that unites us to the faithful and just of all 
 generations, whether in the body or removed out of it! I thought I 
 was sensible of it in reading thy letter, and I have felt a near sym- 
 pathy with thee and others in the loss you have recently had — and 
 perhaps in looking at home you may be often ready to say, Oh ! my 
 leanness ! my leanness ! But, dear friends, the Lord is near to 
 sustain under every stripping He permits, to comfort under every 
 cause for mourning, and to strengthen and animate under every sense 
 of our own weakness that He proves or favours us with. Then it is 
 we cling all the closer to Him, the source of all good and all effectual 
 help ; so that at times we are enabled to say with the poet, " for all 
 
 my soul shall bless Thee, most for the severe." I trust dear 
 
 and ' are rightly united, and desire to travel together in the way 
 
 everlasting, which is the way of the cross. I have had it on my 
 mind for years to move ray tent to a far distant spot, but nature has 
 sadly flinched. I must give up to it. Thou knowest there is a power 
 of Divine grace that is superior to nature, and able to overcome all 
 difficulties, and lay low the mountains, and make the hard tilings easy, 
 and the bitter comparatively sweet. And I am trusting this blessed 
 power will sustain amidst all the trials which I know await me largely. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
3-lG 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1847. 
 
 To G. H^y/i..v., 
 
 nth of 3rd Month, 1847. 
 
 Dear George, 
 
 I cannot tell thee how very kind I take it of thee to offer to 
 help and superintend my packing, and still more to go with me and 
 see me in my new house at Aberdeen. I feel it as the offer of a kind 
 brother, and if thou art able to do so, I shall gladly accept thy kind 
 services, hoping that nothing will occur to prevent thy doing so for 
 me, and that all will go on well during the week of thy absence. I 
 feel much obliged to dear S. for giving thee up so kindly and freely. 
 
 Dear Gr., I know thou wilt feel for me in coming to this 
 meeting to-day; it was like going into the lion's mouth almost, and 
 
 so it was yesterday at . But there is a power that can shut the 
 
 mouths of the lions and take away all fear but the one good fear of 
 disobeying the dear Master — and He did help me, blessed and praised 
 be His holy name, for He hath done for me great things, lifting me, 
 a poor beggar, as out of the dunghill, and setting me among the 
 princes of His people, and making me to sound forth His testimony 
 without fear of them, and gave me peaceful quiet after, though some 
 have shunned me and stood aloof of me. Do thou crave my preser- 
 vation in deep humility and watchfulness, and that I may be made 
 faithful and bold for my Master, and then I shall flee away to Aber- 
 deen with sweet peace. 
 
 Farewell. With dear love to you both and your dear mother, from 
 your affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . ^e^#^V'< < h-" '^''U^^l'- 
 
 Aherdeen, 3rd of 5th Mopth, 1847. 
 
 My beloved , . v- e; « t *.f 
 
 I again sit down to inform thee, I trust under a gratefid sense 
 of Divine goodness and mercy, and which I was constrained on the 
 bended knee to acknowledge hereafter breakfast, in thus having brought 
 us poor unworthy servants in peace and safety to the desired haven here 
 on earth, and to crave His continued renewals of might in the inner 
 man, that we might be enabled to war a good warfare, to bear a 
 faithful testimony for Him, and to suffer with patience such trials as 
 He might see best to prove us with, whilst sojourning here ; that thus 
 His good work might be carried on in us, and that good perfected 
 which concerneth us, whilst time is allotted us here, and that when 
 
18i7.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 347 
 
 time to us here shall be no more, He might be pleased, in the riches 
 of His grace in Christ Jesus, to bring us to the desired haven above, 
 the port of everlasting life, rest, peace, and joy for ever ! when His 
 high praises might be fully consummated in us, which now are but 
 feebly begun! Oh, my dear K., all seems melted in me in thankfulness, 
 when I tell thee we arrived here at half-past four this morning, forty- 
 two hoiu's from port to port. AVe felt the fresh breezes on the river 
 quite reviving to us after our great fatigue and poor nights, and kept 
 up well till half-past eight, when we went down to bed ; and early 
 next morning, on getting out to sea, the heaving began, though it was 
 said by the sailors to be very calm, and then we became very sick 
 and tried to get better on deck, but it rained very hard, and after 
 becoming damp and cold in bearing it from seven till nine o'clock, 
 we then went down finally to bed, which we have kept till five this 
 morning, not raising our heads an inch, lying all three of us like 
 logs ; and, as the last meal we took was tea and toast on seventh 
 day evening at six, thou mayest judge of our weak and ill state this 
 morning. . . . How sad it was to part, and I felt as if I had not 
 half thanked thee enough for thy great pains and labour for me and 
 mine, but thei'e is One who can reward thee openly and will do so ! 
 Thy very affectionate and truly obliged friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To Ank Conning. 
 
 Aberdeen, 8th of 5th Month, 1847. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 '-'"^ I fear thou wilt be impatient to hear, in thy kind alFectionate 
 anxiety ; I could quite fancy how thou wouldst feel that windy day, 
 as thou sayest in thine yesterday. I may now tell thee, I hope with 
 grateful feelings to that Divine power who has hitherto helped, that 
 we left the decks at half-past ten this day week, in the morning. It 
 was a sorroAvful parting with dear J; and H. M. and C. S., who 
 came to see us on board, and who Avatched us till we were out of 
 sight ; and landed here on second day morning in safety. . . . 
 We were kindly taken in by dear G. and E. Brantingham till fourth 
 day, when I was anxious to get to my own house, though far from com- 
 fortable yet. I cannot tell thee how great was the comfort of having 
 G. H. with us, and it was a favour that he was not at all sick, so 
 that lie was able directly to get to work for me, and very active and 
 
34:8 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTEK3 OF [1847. 
 
 skilful lie has been both ut R. in taking down and packing up the 
 things, as well as here in putting together. He desires his dear love 
 to thee. I have just parted with him reluctantly as the last relic of 
 the South, and he is to leave by the packet this evening, at six, for 
 home. 
 
 Oh, let us seek after the streams of that river of God's love and 
 life that shall never fail but ever make glad, though the earth be 
 removed and the mountains be carried as into the sea, and the 
 waves thereof roar and be troubled. General meeting begins to- 
 day at Edinburgh, and our yearly meeting the week after next. 
 It will be very strange to be away; my mind will, I trust, be with 
 them, and so will thine. Let us breathe for the arising of the pure 
 life to support the poor little remnant, even under an unusual depth 
 of sufferhig ; they will need the prayers of their friends. 
 
 With dear love, I will remain thy very affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To AND AND . 
 
 Aberdeen, 10th of 5th Month, 1847. 
 
 My BELOVF.D FllIENDS, 
 
 . I enjoy looking at the waves breaking on the shore; 
 it reminds me much of my room at Marazion. But the house is very 
 small and inconvenient, no accommodations like the South — in short, 
 there is gi-eat self-denial in the daily comforts and even almost neces- 
 saries of life required ; but our nice North-country Friend servant 
 seems disposed to make the best of everything, and we must all bring 
 ourselves down to our circumstances, and learn more self-denial still. 
 Last night was my best night for several weeks ; ... it is in- 
 deed wonderful how I have been helped through ! This sea air is 
 quite reviving, but we have a great deal of mist often. The language 
 is so different, we need an interpreter to help us at the shops. Dear 
 G. and E. B. are like a kind brother and sister in helping us every 
 way and every day. 
 
 And now, dear friends, you Avill want to hear how I feel. I was 
 favoured with a season of soleum worsliip and praise and renewal of 
 desire to be given up to do and suffer the Divine will entirely yester- 
 day morning, in my silent sitting in this meeting, and was blessed 
 with a sweet covering, lilce the fulfilling of the gracious promise made 
 me at Reigate, one time when I was greatly tried with the prospect, 
 viz.. My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thcc peace I 
 
1847.] 
 
 LYDIA ANK BARCLAY. 
 
 349 
 
 So now, what wait I for ? my only hope is in the Lord, even in His 
 mighty and all-sufficient power, and in the tenderness of His mercy 
 and the excellency of His goodness, that it may still be extended ; 
 for without it I shall fall any and every moment, but with it I shall 
 be able to do and suffer all things permitted or required. . . . 
 With dear love to you all, from your very affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 13 Spital, Aberdeen, 11 th ofbth Month, 1847. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . . . My mind has been much with you to-day at general 
 meeting, and breathing, I humbly trust, as I have sat at my needle, 
 for the arising of the pure life whereby at least the tried, oppressed 
 remnant might be enabled to still struggle on after patience and faith, 
 to wrestle for them as it were in the night season of dismal darkness 
 that may be felt, wherein is perplexity, if not somewhat of death. Oh, 
 to be enabled by the Divine life and power to keep theword of patience, 
 the word of faith, so as to endure all things by the former, and to move 
 in the right time and way in faithful simplicity by the latter; for faith 
 overcomes all and shuts the mouths of the lions, and out of weakness 
 makes strong, strong in and for the Lord.* My beloved sister, my 
 heart seems poured out for the faithful remnant, but must not linger, 
 having another note to write ; yet feel inclined to allude to thy touch- 
 ing remark as to the incumbering lawful things hindering the true 
 exercise of this awful annual assembly. Ah, there is indeed a need 
 of constant watchfuliiess and endeavouring to dwell deep, out of the 
 many words and talking about things; feeling is better than talking ; 
 and above all, breathing upward will bring down all-sufficient strength, 
 as well as all-important humbling of the creature, and the fear that 
 is clean and keepeth clean ; therefore, oh, let us not get out of a« 
 breathing state of mind, whether in or out of meetings ! Alas! I fear 
 my own mind has been buried in outward things these last two weeks; 
 but now I am resting on my oars a little, and to-morrow we start to 
 our monthly meeting at K. It is sweet to have dear S. H. with us 
 to-morrow, and next day our meeting here, though I only heard a 
 few words here and there on First day, and was most deplorably dry 
 and stripped myself of all good. I thought it was good to sit beside 
 her, and feel the testimony of truth go forth with life, though I feared 
 * The Yearly Meeting. 
 
350 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS 01' 
 
 [1847. 
 
 I must almost be a clog in the way myself ; but such a stripping was 
 good for me, if it were not merely caused by my bodily weakness. 
 
 Do tell dear what a comfort her letter was this evening, and 
 
 how glad I am she and — — were so helped, and dear also ! 
 
 Oh, they must increasingly come forward, and eventually, through 
 faithfulness, possess the gates of all their enemies, and know a bow 
 of steel to be bi'oken by their arms ! oh, it is humbling to me that 
 
 way was so made for my exercise at ! It is the Lord's doing 
 
 and marvellous in my eyes. 
 Farewell, dear love. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 To A YOUNG Friend. nUt^/(. 
 13 Spital, Aberdeen, 2Srdof5th Month, 1847. 
 
 My dear , 
 
 I desire, my dear, that thou mayest carefully treasure up 
 the little fragments of good that thou mayest have been favoured 
 with dui'ing yearly meeting, not merely under what thou hears, dear 
 , but also under that precious soul-melting feeling often per- 
 mitted graciously in solemn few minutes of quiet. Ah, this used to 
 be so peculiarly sweet and precious to me, I remember, when thy 
 age, and still it continues so, with the greater ability to Avrestle for it, 
 I trust, and oh, may it continue to be so choice and sought after to 
 the end of my time here. And now, my dear, thou must excuse a 
 short note; but my desire is as strong as ever that thou mayest come 
 down to the power that is sw^er-excellent, and is within thee, though not 
 of thee, and will be as a refiner's fire and a fuller's soap to purify 
 thee and enable thee to offer an offering in righteousness to the 
 Lord, and as thou fears and bows to this blessed name or power 
 revealed within (in the cross to nature), the Sun of righteousness will 
 arise to thee and in thee more and more, and enable thee to grow up 
 •as a tender and well-favoured calf of the stall, ready to be offered as 
 a whole burnt-offering to the Lord, thy mighty and good one. May 
 this be the case is the earnest desire of thy truly affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To Friends of Reigate Monthly Meeting. 
 
 5th Month, 1847. 
 
 Dear Friends, 
 
 Being now favoured to arrive here in safety and a degree 
 of peaceful quiet, I feel it best to request a certificate removing me 
 
1847.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 351 
 
 to this monthly meeting ; and, in doing so, it seems with me to 
 acknowledge that during the last eight months since this removal has 
 been settled on, my mind has been greatly led at times to dwell on 
 the state of our monthly meeting ; the weak, low state thereof has 
 been spread before me in the light of truth, and whilst we know that 
 all weakness is owing to a departure from a close attention to the 
 power of truth on the part of individuals in a meeting, and that 
 therefore there can be no other way to wax stronger than for each 
 one in uprightness to cleave to the secret leadings and restraints 
 thereof, revealed in their OAvn minds — yet have there been two or 
 three little steps opened to me, as, I trust, in that light and wisdom 
 of truth which is profitable to direct, whereby you may, as a meeting, 
 be in some degree helped, and which I feel constrained thus to lay 
 before your weighty consideration. One of these is the further 
 junction of P. meetings; for, in looking at the state of these so as to 
 judge aright how far the testimony of truth can suitably be exalted 
 in the holding of a meeting for discipline, we should not so much 
 look at the number of members in such meetings, but should rather 
 look at the standing or condition of the members of them in the truth, 
 how far they will be competent faithfully to uphold the standard 
 thereof. It has frequently appeared to me that there might be a 
 service in joining Reigate with Dorking, and Ifield with Horsham 
 and Capel. And it is very desirable, in a weak monthly meeting- 
 like ours, that P. meetings should not be held all on the same day, 
 that there may be opportunity for them to be occasionally visited, 
 whether by the rightly exercised members of our own monthly 
 meeting, or by strangers who may feel drawn to travel amongst us. 
 Where we have a disrelish for the kind visits of others, it is a sure 
 sign that our weakness wants to be searched into and helped out of, 
 for none are so weak as those who do not know their weakness 
 Another little step that has appeared to me might be helpful to thc^ 
 state of the monthly meeting, inasmuch as it would be helpful to the 
 burden-bearers in it, is that there be once (or more, if thought well) in 
 tlie year a committee of overseers held, to which also such might bo 
 invited as are concerned for the right exercise of the discipline, who 
 should read over the list of members, and confer together relative to 
 such cases as may require care and tender counsel — this would be 
 more truly answering the end for which the rule was made enjoining 
 the reading the list of members (which was that overseers should be 
 stirred up to diligence and zeal in their several duties, and especially 
 
352 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1847. 
 
 in the tender care over the dear youth) than the mere formal reading 
 that list over as is at present done before the meeting at large, which 
 entirely precludes that interchange of feeling so desirable ; for 
 though the rule of discipline may allow monthly meetings to follow 
 the latter plan, yet it is evident the former is enjoined at first and the 
 reason or end is given, see Book of Discipline, page 187. Our over- 
 seers lie scattered in our different little meetings, and thus would 
 there be opportunity for their hands to be a little strengthened by 
 unanimity and a development of exercise for the good of the body. 
 
 And now, dear friends, having laid upon your shoulders what I 
 have long felt as a little burden, I am relieved, and believe the 
 gracious testimony will go forth, " She hath done what she could." 
 Yet still there is a pai-tiug testimony required of me, even for the 
 wisdom and power of Christ, that it may arise and prevail in your 
 meetings for discipline — for oh, Friends, especially my brothers, 
 count me not as an enemy (though ye may receive me as a fool) 
 because I tell you the truth. There is a spirit gone forth in our 
 camp, in our meetings for discipline, which is opposed to the pure and 
 humbling government of Christ, and hath long had sway and 
 oppressed the true burden-bearers, and hath thought itself strong and 
 able to speak and act in those things which concern the dear Master's 
 kingdom, and so hath been busy, up and doing upon all occasions; 
 whereas it knows not His heavenly control nor humbling qualification 
 even at home, in its own house or heart, and therefore can never act 
 aright for Him, how busy soever in its own will and wisdom, striving 
 to have things its own way. Now this spirit must be brought down 
 into silence and subjection to the humbling power of Christ, or else 
 blasting and withering cannot fail of coming upon whatever meeting 
 it prevails in. Oh, therefore, dear friends, let us be willing to come 
 under this baptising power of Christ revealed in each one of our 
 ^hearts, which will bring the silence of death upon every spirit and 
 feeling in us which is opposed to His righteous government, and then 
 wiU His pure life arise more and more in us, and give us a true feeling 
 and a true sight with and for Him and His blessed cause or kingdom. 
 And then in our meetings for discij^line we shall each one be con- 
 cerned to wait for the renewal of this precious sight and feeling, 
 which is not at our command, but is a gift to be continually sought 
 after and faithfully occupied with or exercised. "We should not then 
 be always ready to speak or act, neither should we be desirous of 
 talking about and reasoning about subjects out of meeting one with 
 
1847.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 35.5 
 
 another, but we should each be as servants m waiting on tlie good 
 Master in the meeting, and yielding in simplicity to His humbling 
 and strengthening power, should be enabled to step or to refrain from 
 stepping according to His bidding, and, in either case, should be doing 
 our little best to promote the cause by keeping to His Spirit ; then 
 whatsoever we did in word or deed, being done in His name or power, 
 would be to the glory of God, and the reward would be sure both to 
 the doers and to the forbearers, even the peace of His approving 
 favour. 
 
 And now, dear friends, I salute you in the love of the ever- 
 lasting Gospel which seeks the gathering and strengthening of all, 
 and in which you are at this time individually brought very near to 
 me in spirit, though outwardly far separated — and, desiring that 
 " grace, mercy, and peace may be multiplied unto you," through an 
 individual faithfulness to what you know and feel to be of and fi'ora 
 God, that thus ye may escape the corruptions that are in the world 
 through lust, become inheritors of God's exceeding great and precious 
 promises in Christ Jesus, and be made partakers of the Divine nature 
 and of the happiness of heaven for ever and ever ! 
 
 I remain, &c., 
 
 L. A, B AUG LAY. 
 
 P.S. — Let this be read in the fear of God in your men's and 
 women's meetings. 
 
 To R. R. 
 
 13 Spital, Aberdeen, 3lst of bth Month, 1847. 
 
 My beloved Fkiend, 
 
 . We know who can make a way of escape even 
 where we poor finite creatures can't possibly see any, and then indeed 
 it will be seen that man's extremity is God's glorious opportunity for 
 the display of His power and the magnifying of His name, Avhen the 
 creature is utterly laid low! Oh ! how renew edly the call is reiterated 
 as with fresh force to cease from man, from looking to him, or leaning 
 on him, as thou says, whose breath is in his nostrils, and to draw 
 nigh unto God, who will di-aw nigh unto such to help them freely ! 
 I hear there are very glowing accounts from various quarters of the 
 love and harmony and condescension at yearly meeting, but I can't but 
 fancy they spring from mere superficial feelers ; that the love and 
 condescension is but a mere imitation of the true thing, an image 
 which they can't give life to ! and the harmony is the reign of 
 
 A A 
 
354 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1847. 
 
 oppression caused by man's will and ■wisdom, and bringing forth a 
 kind of self-complacency, -vvhich is far from the prevalency and 
 humbling of the Divine power ! . . . I have seemed much 
 mentally with them at yearly meeting, and breathing at secret 
 moments, even while my hands have been much occupied, for the little 
 arisings of the pure life, whereby the faithful and oppressed remnant 
 might be preserved in patience and faith a little longer, even that 
 patience whereby their souls will be possessed in peace, and that faith 
 which will overcome aU things, and enable to endure the fiery furnace 
 and the lions' mouths ! I have felt well content with my allotment 
 away, believing I am in my right place, which is a comfort, 
 I could indeed believe thy recollection of thy feelings at Hastings 
 from thy letter ; and how true it is, that when the most tried then 
 the most helped ! for yesterday week, after a trying night, . . 
 I thought I should have a very unsettled meeting and could not get 
 quiet ; but even then was mercy again lifted up on me in my distress, 
 in the solemn and sweet season of the silent meeting here, for heavenly 
 help needs not outward words ! There is a sweet covering over this 
 meeting which is so very precious ! There are four or five not 
 members who come and sit solidly with us, and two of them even on 
 a fourth day. There is much openness for tracts here, and we spread 
 P. L.'s among work people and shopkeepers generally. We are 
 much stared at, and I often think of the service there was in dear T. 
 Shillitoe's walking along the public walks, and trust we are desirous 
 to be consistent sjiectacles in appearance and conduct. . . . 
 
 My dear love to M. and P. Hoav sweet was your trebly dear joint 
 packet before we left Reigate ! How preciously strengthening and 
 cordial is the true fellowship, and, in the sweets of this, I affectionately 
 salute you three dear sisters, and remain thy and your truly affection- 
 ate friend, 
 
 L. A. B4.KCLAT. 
 To J. B.* ^^^-~iv-.S.«.v^^ 
 
 Reigate, Sth of 3rd Month, 1847. 
 . And oh, dear friend and sister, may we who are 
 already in such awful stations be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, 
 daily waiting for and yielding unto His blessed power, and suffering 
 it to humble, lead, and restrain us as it pleaseth Him, that we may 
 truly be His faithful servants, labouring for the advancement and 
 spreading of His blessed cause of truth. I do feel more and more 
 * This letter reached the compiler after the letters of the same month were printed. 
 
1847.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 355 
 
 the necessity and blessing of a season or seasons of retirement and 
 waiting on the Lord for His feeding or humbling, His emptying or 
 filling, His magnifying or quickening ; for without His life daily 
 manifesting in our mortal flesh, what part shallwe have in His glorious 
 and dearly bought salvation ! And in looking fearfully forward to 
 the great trial and sacrifice which is before me in the going into 
 another land, the words to Baruch, who was in great fear and grief, 
 have been often made comforting to me — "Seekest thou great things 
 for thyself? seek them not, for I will bring evil upon all flesh, but 
 thy life will I give thee for a prey!" Ah, whatever He may be 
 pleased to pluck up and to break down in us of the fleshly mind, 
 and however He may prove and tryingly lead us, if His precious life 
 be but given us in ever so small a measure in the places whither we 
 come, it will be all-sufficient and an unspeakable favour. It is com- 
 ing nearer and nearer to me, and I feel greatly desirous to be enabled to 
 leave these South parts clear of the blood of all, and hope to be shown 
 how before long, and to be enabled to do the Divine will, however 
 in the cross to nature, believing that He is all-sufficient to strengthen 
 the poor weak ones to plead His cause and testify for Him, that He 
 and His poor servants may be clear. 
 
 Farewell, my dear friend ; and when it is well with thee, remember 
 for good thy poor but affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 "^^^ Tvt^' tin 1 C (, v .- V 
 
 Spital. Aberdeen, 1st of 9th Month, 1847. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 It seems pleasant to take up the pen to thee, though I believe 
 our friendship and love for one another does not stand in mere outward 
 communication, but in the mutual feeling that we are each endeav- 
 ouring to yield to the blessed Spirit of Christ in what is inwardly 
 revealed to us thereby, and thus in our little measures are in Him in 
 degree, and longing to be yet more and more so, and to partake 
 increasingly of that most excellent communion and union set forth by 
 Him in these words, " I in them, and thou in me." The occasion 
 for my now writing is, that I have two days ago heard of the death 
 of W. H., . . . and feeling tenderly for his dear widow, I thought 
 I might ask thee what she is thinking of doing under her present 
 circumstances. I know not when the event took place ; perhaps 
 nothing has been thought of yet ; but I thought no doubt some of 
 
35G 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1847. 
 
 your feeling Friends would feel her case of affliction one to claim your 
 care as well as sympathy. How will she and her dear children be 
 supported ? as if any thing is raised for her, I would willingly help. 
 
 I may I trust gratefully acknowledge that I am now comfortably 
 settled, and feel peacefully quiet respecting my removal, though I 
 still GREATLY feel the trial of the change, both as regards the climate 
 and the accommodations I am used to, and nature is very often 
 pinched in it ; but I remember the milch kine of old lowed after their 
 calves left behind, when bearing the ark of the testimony into another 
 country. This is a low spot as to truth, as many others are, and trials 
 abound every where ; but I desire the seclusion may lead me the 
 more to seek unto Himself, the alone source of light, life, strength, 
 peace, and comfort ! I can say, " My soul follows hard after Him, 
 and His right hand has hitherto upheld me " in mercy from sinking 
 as into the mire ! . . . 
 
 Thy aifectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To S. B./?^^,;^^ ; 
 
 Aberdeen, I7th of 9th Month, 1847. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I fear thou hast thought me very long in taking notice of 
 thy kind letter. . . . T now enclose a post-office order for five 
 
 pounds, Avhich thou wilt ask dear to accept of. Please give my 
 
 kind and tender feeling to , and I greatly commend and admii'e her 
 
 strong and laudable desire of doing all her best to get a living 
 unshackled. I know she is a very executive one, and I have felt 
 greatly interested about her and her husband. I hope she continues 
 to be faithful Avhen anything is required of her in meetings. There 
 is no good advancing either temporally or spiritually without faith- 
 fulness ; and I hope she will neither fear nor seek the favour of man, 
 nor let a gift or kindness blind the eyes, but speak the word faithfully 
 for her Master ; for those who honour Him in serving Him faithfully. 
 He will honour and cause nothing to harm them ! I expect it is 
 doubtful if the dear child is spared to her, but children often struggle 
 through much ; but if not, it is in mercy, though a touching stroke ; 
 and if taken away in its innocency she will have cause to bless the 
 good hand ! . . . 
 
 It must be a comfort to thee to have dear S. H.'s and J. 
 Allen's company at monthly meeting. Ah, when we are really 
 
1817.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN UARCLAT. 
 
 357 
 
 baptised into Jesus Christ, we shall infallibly all speak the same 
 language, the pure language of His Spirit, and what a precious 
 oneness is there then ! the Lord being one, and His name or power 
 one, His children and people must be one too in spirit ! There is a 
 great talk about keeping " the unity of the Spirit in the bond of 
 peace," and that text in 2 Cor. 13, 11, is often quoted, but it is too 
 much lost sight of, that it is subjection to the lowly appearance of the 
 Spirit of Christ within us that is the key of all these good things; and 
 if we have this it will make us perfect and upright towards God, of 
 one mind and speech and testimony in all we do, it will speak the 
 true peace to us, yea, cause it to rule in our hearts, filling us with 
 good comfort, not a false encouragement, and the God of love and 
 peace would be felt to be with us. Ah ! the spurious love and unity 
 that is among us! may the Lord break down the beautiful image in 
 His own good time, for the worship thereof has truly drawn from the 
 true worship of and uprightness towards Him ! . . . 
 
 Farewell. I fear I have wearied thee, and did not expect to write 
 so much. I remain, with love to Thomas, thy atfectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To R. R. 
 
 Spital, Aberdeen, 18tk of 9th Month, 1847. 
 
 My Dear R., 
 
 It is long since I took up the pen to thee, and long since I 
 heard from any of you ; but as I expect you are waiting till after 
 quarterly meeting, I am inclined to supersede you. It is a time that 
 my mind seems much with you, as they always must be seasons of 
 deep exercise to the faithful as well as of suffering ; but if we cannot 
 do anything for that cause which is very precious to us, we may be 
 enabled to S2iff'er much with and for it, and this is accepted, and is a 
 favour to us poor creatures. I sincerely hope you will be enabled at 
 that time to feel and act what is best in regard to that committee 
 which is likely to be appointed — that you may faithfully and fear- 
 lessly oppose what is likely to be against the truth, and honestly and 
 simply stand up for and testify for what is likely to promote it, that 
 so there may be no cause for regret or sorrowful feeling afterwards. 
 
 . . We keep much to ourselves ; indeed I am convinced it 
 will be most for mi/ strength, and then if there is to be a coming out 
 and forth it will be with most effect. ... I have adored the 
 wisdom which has shut me up, believing it was good both for others 
 
358 
 
 A SELECTION FKOM THE LETTERS OP 
 
 [1847. 
 
 and for myself. . . . Ah, the good Master knows what emptyings 
 and humiliations are for our good, and in His own time will bring us 
 forth more like gold pui'ified for His use ; and what a mercy He 
 should deal thus excellently with us poor worms of the dust ! I desire 
 that patience may have her perfect work in all the deep baptisms 
 needed, and then, when a word is given, wisdom and power will also 
 be given to come forth in increased purity in it, whether it be as a 
 new sharp threshing instrument to thresh the mountains of high pro- 
 fession, or as a hammer to break down the stout opposing waU of 
 self-conceit and pride hereaway, or whether it be as the genial sun- 
 shine and gentle showers from heaven to quicken and raise up and 
 nourish the tender, lowly seed of the kingdom. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, 22ndofl0ih Month, 1847. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . . . I fancied you at H. on fourth day, and can feelingly 
 
 enter into sympathy with thee, dear , in being united in that 
 
 committee. I do hope thou wilt let nothing hinder thee from being 
 faithful to the sense and savour of truth, that thou mayest be favoured 
 
 with, in which thou mayest be a strength to and . . . . 
 
 Ah ! I long with thee that you may be able to get down deep, beneath 
 aU the cogitations and reasonings of man, into the nothingness, the 
 humility, the simplicity, and true dependence on and seeking after 
 best wisdom and might, direction and preservation, and thus alone 
 may you be made helpful to the body ! Things are indeed low with 
 you ; but it is only as we are baptised in Jesus Christ, by the one 
 Spirit and holy fire, that we shall oe enabled to feel them so rightly — 
 that is, that we shall by union with Christ see and feel them as with 
 His eye and feeling, having His heavenly mind ; and so feel them, 
 and consequently suffer with Him under their state, as to be willing 
 to put forth our hand in simplicity and faithfulness at His bidding, 
 and in His name, to help them up a bit into a better state ! For it is 
 not enough to mourn over the state, but the true mourning will seek 
 to help the state by each one's faithfully labouring as before his house 
 for the public good. And however poor and weak we may feel in 
 ourselves, let us remember the daughters of Shallum assisted their 
 father (and he was a prince, a ruler of the half of Jerusalem) in the 
 good work of repairing the walls ! . . . 
 
1847.J 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 359 
 
 My dear love to . ... I have been expecting to hear 
 
 from her for some time, but expect she is in a low spot. Remind 
 her of the few smooth stones picked up in the valley of humility, 
 and slung in the Divine name, that were effectual for what was 
 required — and brought down the mighty Goliath ! I am pleased 
 you think of sending some of those tracts to Australia. I have 
 
 such interesting accounts from dear of a dear young man at 
 
 , who comes from , and appears under convincement ! also 
 
 a similar account of 's sister, who is passing through much 
 
 in coming towards Friends ; also of dear who is not a mem- 
 
 ber ; he seems in a sweet and tender state of mind, and thoroughly 
 coming back ; it would glad thy heart to see a letter of his that 
 
 has j ust lent me to read ! So I have my little ups as well 
 
 as downs, in this remote and solitary feeling corner ; and though 
 far off, am not debarred from the feeling of things, the things 
 of the dear Master, whether they cause mourning in secret or the 
 inward shout of praise. Oh, to be enabled to be, and permitted 
 graciously to be, a suffoi-er and testimony-bearer, and labourer for 
 the precious truth, is all I desire, and far beyond all earthly gettings, 
 and it is no matter then, how hidden or solitary I may be, for the 
 Lord " knoweth them that trust in Him." 
 
 Farewell very dearly. I fear this is hardly worth sending, but it 
 will assure thee of my dear love and tender sympathy, in which I 
 rest thy faithful friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . t^^^.. ^U-^^ 
 
 Spital, Aberdeen, llth of I2th Month, 1847. 
 
 Dear Friend, 
 
 Having heard indirectly, through dear , that thou art 
 
 stUl tried in business, I thought perhaps a mite might be acceptable, 
 though it may not help thee much. Times have been very trying in 
 trade, and thou hast my sympathy in thy uphill travel, and my affec- 
 tionate desire that nothing may move thee from the pure testimony 
 of the Spirit of truth in the faithful witness within thee, which will 
 unfaihngly guide thee aright and in the peaceful way, though for a 
 time it may be in the way of trial and of poverty ; yet that is better 
 than to sin against thy conscience of what is right — for a little with 
 a peaceful heart is better than much riches with the worm that dieth 
 not. I shall be much interested in hearing a little how thou gets on, 
 
360 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1848. 
 
 or what tries thee, if thou art free to tell me. I long thou mayest 
 be helped to be faithful and watchful in all thy steppings, and not 
 fear the jeers or reproaches of man, nor yet bow to any man or his 
 reasonings, but let thy bowing be truly to the Lord's power, and let 
 His Divine fear be ever before thine eyes, and then I cannot but 
 believe thou shalt hold on thy way and be blessed by degrees in basket 
 and store. "We poor finite creatures don't know what degree of trial 
 and of proving is good for us, and we think it is hard to be proved at 
 all ; but the Lord, our tender Father, knows our weaknesses and 
 ■what we most want to puinfy us, and He will not prove us beyond 
 what He will enable us to bear, if we look to and lean upon Him 
 alone ; and as we yield up our all unto Him, so He will do us good 
 in all His dealings towards us, and enable us to bless and praise His 
 name for all, yea, " most for the severe." . , . 
 
 Thou would greatly feel the death of thy dear sister W. And thy 
 poor brother-in-law, how I do feel for him ! Has he any one to 
 attend to his dear children ? I long he may be more devoted to Him, 
 who called him, I do believe, " out of darkness into His marvellous 
 light," and that he should not bury the talent as under the bushel of 
 worldly gettings and cares, but set the candle mercifully lighted as 
 upon the candlestick. 
 
 Farewell, dear friend. With feelings of desire for thy help every 
 Avay, and preservation from every snare, I remain thy sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To Jrf, ,.. /^^^^ 
 
 Spital, Aberdeen, 3rd of 1st Month, 1848. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . . We want more examples of consistency ! And I 
 am much pleased to hear thou feels no regret, but on the conti'ary 
 peace, in the sacrifices thou hast made for principle, as well as ascribes 
 the power and the glory to Him who is the blessed Strengthener of 
 His little humble ones, to do what He requires and promises them 
 peace in ! Truly He is good to them who seek His favour above all, 
 "to them who trust in Him before the sons of men!" . , , I 
 have often felt for you in your very small meeting — but, dear 
 friends, the Lord's power gathered and strengthened us at the first by 
 ones and twos in solitary and trying places, and He is as good and 
 mighty as ever to help us all to be faithful unto Him, and thus to be 
 
1848.] 
 
 LYOIA ANN BAIiCLAY. 
 
 361 
 
 instrumental to hold up the standard of truth and be a blessing to 
 many others, whilst receiving the blessing ourselves ! 
 
 I remain thy sincerely alFectionate friend and well-wisher, 
 
 L. A. Bakclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Without date. 
 
 . . . How wonderful is thy dear sister's state, that she 
 should thus have such intermittent feelings of renovation and relapse ! 
 Is this intended as a further purification, by proving her resignation 
 to the Divine will ? for it must be indeed a great trial, after the mind 
 is brought into an awful resignation, and a humble worship in the 
 prospect of being taken from this state of being, to have that prospect 
 changed by the probability of recovery ! What unwillingness must 
 there be to return to this lower world, and what fears of how future 
 temptations and trials may be borne ! But how excellently does 
 infinite wisdom and love see what we need to perfect that which 
 concerneth us according to His astonishing goodness; and how tenderly 
 will He apportion all to this blessed and glorious end, purifying and 
 bringing all within into the pure worship and holy praise of heaven ; 
 and when this is the case, will say, it is enough, come up hither and 
 thou shalt see by closer union than thou canst now, the bride, the 
 Lamb's wife, and partake of her blessedness ! 
 
 L. A. Bakclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 5th of 1st Month, 1848. 
 . . . Ah, " the faithful fail from among the children of 
 men" may it not be said? yet I believe there is a goodly number of 
 the younger and middle aged who are desiring to be so, yet, alas! they 
 fall short of what they should be, and so are too much settling down 
 as dwarfs and stumblings. Oh, that these might be aroused to be up 
 and doing for the Master, and thus show their love to Him in what- 
 ever little way He may be pleased to point out and gently press 
 them towards. And I am aware there is a doing or working for 
 Him by suffering as well as by greater activity, yes, by seeking after 
 that daily dying unto the old nature in us, whereby the new nature, 
 His own pure life, comes to be raised up and strengthened in us, which 
 effectually gives to feel ivtth Him and consequently to suffer with and 
 
362 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1848. 
 
 for Him, as well as enables to breathe forth continually the language, 
 "spare thy people O Lord, and give not thy heritage to reproach that 
 the heathen should rule over them !" Oh, how availing is this hid- 
 den life, working example as well as precept when called for, and 
 this hidden prayer, ascending even in the midst of tribulation for the 
 precious cause sake ! The present is indeed a dismaying time, and 
 afflictions seem increasing upon us, the furnace waxing hotter and 
 hotter. Surely never was the enemy of all righteousness more 
 specious in his devices to lead astray and beguile from the dominion 
 of the Saviour, though under the appearance of all righteousness and 
 all that is sweet and lovely ! Therefore, never was the danger greater 
 and the trials deeper to the faithful ; and the time seems hastening on 
 when, according to prophecy, both ancient and new, the house of 
 Israel shall be sifted as corn is sifted in a sieve, and they shall be 
 left so few in number that a child may tell them. But there is a 
 precious consolation in remembering that not one grain of true weighty 
 wheat shall be lost, and that " the foundation of God standeth sure, 
 having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are His." And "will 
 not God avenge His own elect which cry day and night unto Him ? 
 I tell you He will avenge them speedily," was the gracious answer. 
 And let it encourage us to lift up our heads in hope, and seek for 
 ability to possess our souls in patience ; for if we faint not in confidence 
 towards God, if we fail not in faithfulness and deep humility before 
 Him, we shall surely reap in due time, even obtain, through His 
 mercy in Christ Jesus, the crown of life which ever awaits such as 
 love and yield to His inward appearance in the soul. Oh, then, may 
 He keep us so to the end of our little time here, for we cannot keep 
 ourselves a moment, but let us cast ourselves as it were into His 
 tender and powerful arms, even suffer His power to rule and work 
 in and for us and we shall be safe ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To THE SAME. 
 
 12th of 2nd Month, 1848. 
 
 . . , "Well, my dear friend, the Lord is taking away all 
 our creature comforts one by one ; He is handing us one bitter cup 
 after another ; but oh, let us still kiss the hand that afflicts, and may 
 we increasingly learn to lean only on Him, and to let Him only be 
 our Rock and our Refuge, to trust in Him at all times, and pour out 
 
1848.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 363 
 
 our souls before Him. May He be with us, and support us both in 
 the breaking down of these outward tabernacles, and in the breaking 
 down of our friendships, or rather the outward comforts of them; for 
 the inward union and strength of the true friendship is not severed 
 or weakened by death — it is of an enduring nature, like Him whose 
 life is the soul of it as it were. More is the need for us who have 
 watched the path of the upright as the shining light that shineth more 
 and more unto the perfect day, to put on fresh strength in the name 
 of the Lord, to buckle on with fresh alacrity the whole armour of 
 light, that we may be enabled to withstand the wiles of the enemy, 
 and to live the life of the upright during the remainder of our days, 
 that we also may be prepared to die the death of the righteous, praising 
 and glorifying the name of the Lord, by whose grace they were what 
 they were. Surely it is because we are not yet ready that we are 
 left a little longer, and what a mercy that is ! Oh, how much have 
 I yet to break down and to be purged out ! but He is of power to 
 carry on the work of faith in us, and perfect that which concerneth 
 us, if we do but yield up our all to Him, and suffer His Divine power 
 to work in us His Divine will. Ah, this is what is wanted in indi- 
 viduals in every church almost, and then there would be no lack in 
 our borders, but a blessed revival, indeed beauty and purity. . . . 
 
 This is indeed a reading and writing age, and we have need con- 
 tinually to recur to the Divine balance to guide in both, as also to 
 recur supremely to the Divine word to season our minds therefor, to 
 instruct us thereby, and to preserve us from harm therethrough. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . ,..\r K^ . ' 
 
 Spital, Aberdeen, 2Ath of 2nd Month, 1848. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Thy letter the other day introduced me into sympathy with 
 thee under thy various trials. ... I feel much for thee at this 
 trying time of trade. It must be hard and anxious work to get along, 
 or rather to bear up against the overwhelming tide, shall I say of 
 encroaching and covetousness, which the worldly spirit leads so many 
 into in their trading, to the hurt of their more moderate and honest 
 neighbours ! But I often remember how it was with our dear early 
 Friends, when they first were called upon in secret to make a stand 
 against the world's ways in these things, how they seemed at first aa 
 if they should hardly get their bi-ead, and especially when so seized 
 
364 
 
 A SELIiCTION FKOM THE LETTKUS OF 
 
 [1848. 
 
 upon for tithes and rates to their great spoliation ! But, in process 
 of time, as they persevered in faithfulness to known duty, their char- 
 acter became so established for integrity, uprightness, and thorough 
 good dealing, that the people would inquire where was a Quaker 
 butcher, baker, tailor, &c., and their trade greatly increased, and they 
 were blessed in all they put their hands unto ! And so I have faith to 
 believe it will be yet witnessed by the faithful ; and even if deliver- 
 ance and blessing should not come as quickly as they would desire, 
 that in the meantime the Divine presence and power will be their 
 support, whilst proving, as to an hair's breadth, and His peace will 
 be more worth to them " than thousands of gold and of silver !" 
 
 . Mayest thou be enabled from day to day to seek after and 
 obtain that fresh " help from the holy sanctuary and strength out of 
 Zion," whereby alone we may bear up amid the trials and temptations 
 of our day, and be qualified to glorify the great Name in our lives 
 and conversations before men. 
 
 I remain, with love, thy friend very sincerely, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 BregselVs Farm, 19 th of 6th Month, 1848. 
 
 Mr DEAR Friend, 
 
 I should have liked more of your company. I seem often, 
 as I go along thus, to have the query arise in my mind and sometimes 
 to be uttered, both for my own searching and possibly to stir up my 
 dear friends to the same — How far we have grown in the truth, and 
 made strait steps in the heavenward path since last we saw each 
 other ? And, in looking back at my visit to you, I have feared lest 
 there has been a standing still and a shrinking from that going for- 
 ward in simplicity and upright-hearted faithfulness to which you 
 have been called. The kingdom now, as ever, cometh not with 
 observation, is not known to increase in our hearts by looking out at 
 others, either at what they say or how they do or think and feel — 
 this is too like a seeking a sign from heaven, as the adulterous gene- 
 ration or spirit does in every age ; — but it is to be known within a3 
 our eye and ear spiritually is turned to see the pointings and hear 
 the words of the good Shepherd, the true Husband — and not only 
 hear and see, but the heart given up to obey. Oh, there is too little 
 of a minding of inward impressions and conviction amongst us, and 
 until we know a closer watch unto all obedience to them, we shall 
 
1848.] 
 
 JAinX ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 365 
 
 not progress truly in grace, in the truth, and the heavenly kingdom 
 not only come but set up and increasing within ! A little clear con- 
 viction in secret, in the silence and coolness of our own spirits, in 
 regard to men and things around us, is worth a great deal that we 
 can hear from this or the other dear and valued friend — it is truly a 
 sign from heaven sealed to each one of us, and will not deceive us ! 
 Yea, may I not say that the revelation of the Spirit of Christ, in 
 and by which God and His will, Christ and His preciousness and 
 blessed rule is made livingly known to each of us, is the Rock on 
 which the true Church is ever built ? I long you may both be building 
 on this sure Foundation ; then it will be no matter Avhat becomes of 
 men and things, for you Avill have the seal that the Lord knows you 
 to be His. Then will you be kept more loose to the worldly spirit 
 in your business and in all you put your hands unto — faithful testi- 
 fiers by example against it, and your hands will be kept clean and 
 hearts upright for your dear Master's use, and what ye do will be 
 seen and felt to be for His pure service and to His glory. 
 
 Farewell, in dear love to you both, from thy very affectionate 
 friend, 
 
 L. A. Bakclat. 
 
 To R. Barclay, op Uey. 
 
 Stonehaven, dth Month, 1848. 
 
 My dear Cousin, 
 
 I have been staying here a fortnight, having returned here 
 after our dear friends who had the meeting left us, and have been 
 pleased to meet with a few serious people of various denominations, 
 as well as have enjoyed the scenery round this most interesting spot 
 to me, I might almost say classical ground among Friends ! yet my 
 reflections have often been of a sorrowful cast, as I have remembered 
 the faithful worthies of old times, our honoured ancestors who lived 
 and walked in the Divine fear and service in this neighbourhood, and 
 have felt how greatly many of their descendants are departed from 
 that pure light and life which shined and lived in them, and made 
 them faithful in every good woi-k, and enabled them to endure hard 
 sufferings for conscience sake ! Yet the Divine Being remains the 
 same as ever, mighty and willing to redeem from all the evil and 
 weakness of our fallen nature, and to gather out of the darkness 
 thereof into His marvellous light, into His pure life, into His precious 
 love, into His enriching and enduring peace, all those who are willing 
 
366 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1848. 
 
 to yield to the secret touches, reproofs and leadings of His Holy Spirit 
 in their hearts ! Yes, He spares long and visits again and again, 
 even as at the eleventli hour, those who have long been rebellious, 
 striving to bring them away from those pursuits and pleasures, which, 
 in times of cool reflection, they are convinced will not give them 
 peace on their deathbeds ! How, then, can they with impunity 
 refuse so great and tender salvation ! how can they refuse to sacrifice 
 aught that He requires, that they may obtain that precious gift which 
 our Saviour came and died and ascended on high to purchase for 
 them, even that the Lord God might dwell among them and bless 
 them ! I have, since being here, been once within thy park, and 
 could I have walked so far as the house, should have called on thee, 
 as my deafness precluded my partaking of the conversation with thee 
 when I called with the above Friends ; but as I could not do so, I 
 hardly felt easy to return home to Aberdeen without writing thee 
 these few lines, and asking thy acceptance of two little tracts as a 
 token of my sincere love and desire for thy best welfare both here and 
 hereafter, which I hope thou Avilt receive kindly, and believe me to 
 remain thy affectionate cousin, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To ^o^**^^ f h-^ x^j 
 
 Aherdeen, IWi of 9th Month, 1848. 
 
 Mr beloved , 
 
 How very sweet it was to see thy own hand-writing again, 
 after being brought down to the very gates of death ! . . . My 
 dear girl, what a great blessing thou must feel it to have been thus 
 spared and even raised up again ! Surely thy heart must be often 
 melted in looking at the goodness and mercy which have followed 
 thee day by day, and gratitude, I hope, is the clothing of thy mind, 
 although thy note does not convey any feeling in this way. What 
 canst thou render, yea, what canst thou not render to Him who has 
 dealt so tenderly with thee but renewed love and dedication and 
 subjection of heart, yea, praises (shown forth in conduct) out of a 
 humbled and devoted heart ? I feel penetrated with grateful feeling 
 whenever I look at thy recovery, . . . We have been much 
 taken up with company at and since our general meeting, then we 
 went two weeks to Stonehaven for a change, and to spread Friends' 
 books and tracts, there being much openness for them, and we met 
 with a few sweet Methodists who sat with us on a First day evening. 
 
1848.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 367 
 
 also a few others, and it was a favoured time, and it felt hard to 
 
 break up; , their preacher among them, who pleased us much, 
 
 came another evening to tea with his wife. I left two sets of books 
 with one or another of them for lending there. We used to take long 
 walks, sitting down by the way, and generally brought our little tract 
 bag twice back empty daily. One favourite walk of mine was up a 
 hill south of the town, from the top of which, looking southward, we 
 looked down almost perpendicularly into a pretty little wild bay encircled 
 with rocky clilFs, beyond which were the ruins of Dunnottar Castle 
 jutting out as upon a pinnacle of basaltic rocks into another little 
 romantic bay — in the dungeons of which castle many " gude souls " 
 were immured during the wars of the Covenanters. Then turning 
 our faces round (where we stood) to the north, we looked down as 
 steeply into another more placid little bay ; at our feet lay the clean, 
 airy little town of Stonehaven, in a snug corner near the rocky pro- 
 montory, with its busy little pier and harbour ; beyond this were other 
 bays and rocky capes towards Aberdeen; westward were the lands of 
 Ury, with its white castle embosomed in fine woods, the park ex- 
 tending for miles over hill and dale. Thou wilt judge this was a 
 favourite spot with me, and I spent many hours there, meditating 
 on the faithful worthies who used to live and walk there, as also on 
 the degeneracy of their descendants. Captain Barclay was veiy kind 
 to us ; showed us over the place and the mausoleum, when I went 
 
 with and ■ ; took tea with us at the inn, and sat beside us 
 
 at the public meeting. The place is going to be sold ; I am hoping 
 some one of the family will buy it, as it is a place generally visited 
 by Friends who come here. . . • 
 
 My dear , I am much hurried to finish this ; but cannot help 
 
 saying I long that proportioned fruits may be rendered by thy grate- 
 ful spirit to Him who has restored thee to health, &c. 
 
 Believe me to remain thy truly affectionate and sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Baeclay. 
 
 To ^^'^' "^ AND '/rt . iV <^»v<; ^.il;-4.'f-.--^- ; 
 
 Alerdeen, 2oth of 2th Month, 1848. 
 
 Mt Deae Friends, 
 
 Your kind letters did indeed touch my heart, and had I had 
 time I should have written for you to get at Dorking ; and moreover 
 it was as a brook by the way to poor me, or like a little oil of joy in 
 the midst of grief — for I found your two kind epistles on the table on 
 
3G8 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1848. 
 
 returning last fourth day from our monthly meeting at Kinmuck. 
 Oh, the sweets of precious unity and true love ! truly it is like the 
 holy ointment poured upon Aaron's head that descended to his beard 
 and the nethermost skirt of his garments, and as the dew on the 
 mountains where the Lord commanded of old His heavenly blessing ! 
 And, dear hearts, it made me glad that you were going forth together 
 as fellow-helpers and workers together for the Lord, your good 
 Master, and the feeling and desire was and is, " The Lord be with 
 you and no doubt, also, the feeling and desire that lives in your 
 hearts, whilst sensible of your own weakness and inability of your- 
 selves to do any good thing, is, " The Lord prosper the work He 
 gives us to do, and preserve us to Himself and His glory!" My mind 
 has been daily with you, and oftener fancying to whose house you 
 were bending your exercised course now and now ; and especially as 
 I have been dressing in the morning, which is often a time of sweet 
 meditation and of feeling with and for my dear far distant friends. 
 I hope you will let nothing hinder you from delivering the whole 
 counsel Divine, but that you may be so enabled to go down deep into 
 baptism with and for the dead and buried, who are too many amongst 
 us, as well as the defiled, as that you may be qualified to minister 
 true judgment where it is due, and rightly divide the word wherever 
 you come ; and though many are and will be the low and plunging 
 seasons to pass through, yet I trust and believe the everlasting Arm 
 will be underneath to support your (sometimes perhaps) fainting 
 minds, and to hold up your heads above the waters of conflict, and 
 that a little drop of heavenly peaceful comfort and calming quiet will 
 be permitted you in mercy from day to day. 
 
 I suppose this may reach you at . ... I hope you will 
 
 have been helped to search out the evil that lets and hurts and dims 
 there, and to encourage to that yielding to the mighty humbling 
 power of truth, whereby comes the true honour as well as the bless- 
 ing to the church. 
 
 Desiring for you heavenly strength and preservation day by day, 
 I remain your nearly united friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To s. B.eo^ . 
 
 Aberdeen, 15tk of 10th Month, 1848. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . I think I heard that latterly dear had but 
 
 seldom given up in meeting at R., which induced me to query of 
 
1848.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCt»&^Y. 
 
 369 
 
 thee bow it was with her now. I think thou wouldst do well to help 
 her what thou canst, she may have been discouraged improperly or let 
 in tlie enemy's reasonings, and if that was a right calling, perhaps this 
 affliction is sent to call her again to faithfulness ! / do feel tenderly 
 for such and desire their encouragement, yet above all things, long 
 for a pure offering, that what is offered may be of and for and to 
 the Lord alone ; and no matter the few stammering words — for the 
 few smooth stones from the lowly valley slung in the pure name of 
 the Lord, brought down the mighty giant. I do long for the servants 
 and plough-boys to give up in these days of man's arts and parts so 
 universally prevailing, that no flesh may glory in the Lord's sight. 
 Oh, how many a precious gift has been hurt by being drawn out 
 after others, after the opinion or example or favour of man, instead 
 of keeping close to the pure Divine gift, and inward in spirit, that 
 we may watch and Avait for it, and feel its arising! I have had gi'eat 
 peace (now during my own long shutting up as to words) in having 
 printed and handed that tract of Job Scott's on this awful subject, 
 and it has been comforting the approbation of many and tlieir comfort 
 in it, although I have met with the reverse. ... I was pleased 
 
 to hear our dear gave up in the last quarterly meeting at . 
 
 Ah, the dear Master knows what good He is about, in shutting as 
 well as opening either for our own good or the good of others, and let 
 us bow to Him. . 
 
 Ah, my dear friend, it is a mark of our degeneracy, the little care 
 and feeling one for another that there is amongst us; it was not so at 
 the beginning, when if one member suffered, all suffered with it, and if 
 one was honoured, all rejoiced with it. It is because we are not really 
 baptised into Jesus Christ, and if we know nothing of this, our pro- 
 fession without the form is as bad as that of others with the form ; it 
 avails us nothing, yea, the greater is our condemnation for making a 
 more spiritual profession. But, dear friend, let us who feel these 
 things, increasingly seek after the daily true baptism and true supper, 
 that we may be in true fellowship with our dear Lord, even in His 
 grief and sufferings, and then He will not fail to show us what we can 
 individually do to help up a bit in these days of degeneracy, by putting 
 our hand to what He points out in secret, and if we are faithful (no 
 matter whether we are or are not in station) we shall receive an 
 increase in heavenly good, and be rewarded with soul-satisfying peace. 
 Therefore, dear friends, may you be faithful where your lot is cast, 
 and you know not how it may stimulate others to their duty. 
 
 p. I! 
 
370 
 
 A SELFXTION FROM THE I.KTTERS OF 
 
 [1848. 
 
 With dear lovo to you both, remembering the pleasant times I had 
 with you in days of old, I remain thy very sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To M. c. c:^!, 
 
 Aberdeen, 2ith of 10th Month, 1848. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 It seems long since I had any communication with you, and 
 I feel inclined to take up the pen. And I salute thee and thy dear 
 husband in renewed love, though I have little to tell you that will 
 interest you ; yet sometimes to know that our friends think of us is 
 cheering by the way ; for I dare say you find with me, that many are 
 the low spots and the rough stony places and the clogging swamps 
 that we have to pass over in our journey to a better country, and the 
 mountains seem sometimes to rise higher and higher, and we feel but 
 poor weak solitary creatures to encounter difficulties and the enemies 
 that surround and would hinder our progress ! But oh, dear friends, 
 help is still as ever laid upon One who is mighty, and He can, out of 
 much weakness, make to be strong in Him and in the power of His 
 might, yea, can make a little one to chase a thousand, and a feeble 
 one to be valiant for the truth ! Therefore, I desire that you may 
 not faint or improperly fear, nor let go your hold of that which you 
 have ever felt to be right and required in the secret of your hearts, 
 remembering that it is " he that endureth to the end that shall be 
 saved ! " Oh, dear friends, we are poor weak creatures, and unless 
 we daily seek after the Lord's heavenly quickening power upon our 
 spirits, how dead shall we become to the things of His cause and 
 heavenly kingdom, and so there is danger of our suffering our earthly 
 cares and enjoyments to overcome us and prevent that aspiring of 
 the soul heavenward, whereby comes the true spiritual food and 
 strengthening to fill up those places in the Church militant to which 
 Ave are called ! I have greatly longed, that as you are favoured with 
 an increase of family and consequently of necessary cares, that your 
 souls may in proportion be the more earnestly lifted up to Him, the 
 Lord your blesser ! that He would keep you more and more alive 
 unto Him in a daily exercise, for His quickening guidance, strength- 
 ening, and preserving throughout each day, that you may be kept 
 alive to His cause, and enabled to put your hand to the Gospel plough 
 for the promotion thereof, for unto tliis are we every one called, more 
 
1848.] 
 
 LTDIA Ami BARCLAY. 
 
 371 
 
 or less, and are favoured with many precious visitations in order to 
 persuade and encourage us thereunto ! I long that thou, dear M., 
 may more honestly and nobly come forward to the help of the Lord 
 against the mighty, in any little wfiy that may be pointed out in thy 
 mind, and that thy dear J. may, in the like manner, in true uprightness, 
 stand by the good cause, and be willing that the power of truth should 
 humble him anyhow for the purpose, that so he may become a firm 
 pillar in the Lord's house, for the support of the burden of the Lord's 
 testimony. Ah, if we thoroughly yield to the Lord's humbling 
 power, it will draw us out of all self-saving and self-seeking, self will 
 be laid as in the dust, and the Lord's honour and cause will be more 
 dear to us than anything of our own or any saving of ourselves from 
 exposure to what others may say or think ! Oh, this true nobility, 
 this honest uprightness, this going straight forward is what we so 
 very greatly want as a people ! and I believe, if we yielded to the 
 gentle drawings and teachings of the Spirit of truth, it would not fail 
 to bring us into this good state. And then the Lord would be con- 
 spicuously with us to bless us, and the savour of our spirits would 
 gather others unto Him, and not a dog could move his tongue against 
 us ; for "the righteous shall hold on their way, and he that hath clean 
 hands shall wax stronger and stronger in the heavenly might ! and 
 the Lord will show Himself strong on behalf of them Avho fear Him 
 above all !" 
 
 I hope thy two dear bairns are going on nicely, growing in stature, 
 and I hope beginning to be well trained in giving up their little wills. 
 How very soon is the evil seed noticeable in dear children, and how 
 easy is it to be nipt in the bud ! 
 
 With love, I remain thy and your sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To .^*^'^^'r.j 
 
 I2th Month, 1848. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Having so few opportunities alone with thee I thought 
 I would take up my pen, and in sisterly love tell thee tliat I was 
 made sad a few days ago, by hearing that there was a paper or 
 card up in thy shop or window, saying that pale beer was sold there ! 
 Is this really the case ? I have no doubt the present must be a trying 
 time for trades-people. I sympathise tenderly with such as have large 
 families, believing they often have many difficulties to contend with. 
 
372 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1848. 
 
 and thus are induced, by plausible motives, to add one little matter or 
 source of profit after another to their business But oh, my dear 
 friend, we who make so high a profession (and especially such as occupy 
 stations amongst us) have need to ponder well all our steppings, to 
 consult the pure and faithful witness within, to weigh things in the 
 balance of the sanctuary, and see whether such steps are in the Divine 
 ordei'ing or not, whether they have the Divine sanction, and we can 
 ask the Divine blessing upon them as being such as will serve Him 
 and His heavenly cause, or whether they are more likely to serve the 
 enemy, to lead to the injury in various ways of our fellow-creatures, 
 and thus in various degrees to mar the Lord's glory. I have fre- 
 quently felt pained in looking at thy business, under a fear that thou 
 hast suffered loss by yielding to such motives of expediency, and hast 
 looked at things too much in a worldly light or spirit, instead of cleaving 
 close to the gentle intimations and hesitations which the true light, 
 the pure life of Christ, would give thee to feel respecting this or that, 
 and which, as simply obeyed, would lead to a cleanness (and conse- 
 quentJij strength) of hands, a clearness of sight, and an uprightness of 
 heart for the Lord ; and if we are not clean-handed ourselves we can- 
 not plead for our good Master with others, nay, we rather may be 
 strengthening their hands in other inconsistencies. I cannot help 
 believing that if thou hadst withheld from, or hadst put away from thee 
 the selling of tobacco, snutf, and intoxicating or fermented liquors, thou 
 wouldst have witnessed more peace, more strength, and wouklst not 
 have fared the worse for it even in a pecuniary sense, for the earth is 
 the Lord's and the fullness thereof, and He can bless or blast all our 
 endeavours ; and surely those who so sadly and peculiarly witness the 
 pernicious effects of smoking and drinking, have peculiar need to dis- 
 courage all in their poAver such bad habits, and of all people should 
 not feel easy to derive a profit by the promotion thereof. Oh, my 
 dear friend, I entreat thee to consider the subject even in the true light 
 and deep exercise of mind, and the Lord make thee willing to search 
 into all that thou puts thy hands unto, and enable thee to wash them 
 in innocency in these respects, even though it be by a temporary 
 sacrifice, not looking outward at what others may think, say, or do, 
 nor yet fearing the consequences, but sanctify the Lord of hosts 
 Himself, and let Him be thy fear and dread, and follow thou Him 
 and His pure testimony, so shall the arms of thy hands be made 
 strong by and for " the mighty God of Jacob," thy example will be 
 strengthening to others, the barrel of meal shall not waste, nor the 
 
184'J.] 
 
 LYDIA Aim BAKCLAY. 
 
 373 
 
 cruse of oil fail, yea, the Loi'd shall give that which is good and His 
 soul-enriching peace shall be thy crown. 
 
 Desiring thou mayest receive these lines of sisterly faithfulness and 
 sincerity in that love in which they are written, and mayest above all 
 things seek after the true nobility and the true stability, in which I 
 desire to be thy companion, I remain, while sensible of my own great 
 weakness and need of watchfulness, thy faithful and affectionate 
 friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, 21st of 6th Month, 1849. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . . . My dear love attends you all. I very often think 
 of you and other dear distant loved ones alwai/s on a First day after- 
 noon. I last First day had a sweet afternoon ; it was a brilliant 
 day, and I had been once again helped in this meeting, and in mercy 
 favoured with peaceful quiet after it. And I strolled out into the 
 garden after my siesta, and walked and sat there, and enjoyed the 
 scene. The sea looked so deep a blue, the waves dashing up upon 
 the light-house rocks ; there were lights and shades over the undu- 
 lating landscape, caused by the clouds alternating the bright beams 
 of the sun. There had been some nice showers after a long drought, 
 and all nature seemed to rejoice and look refreshed. ... I felt 
 solitary; none to v.'hom I could say, " How sweet it is!" . 
 and yet I seemed surrounded by you and other kindred spirits, and 
 felt that the Lord was good, and that the earth was full of His riches, 
 and it seemed enough and far more than such a worm is deserving 
 of; and if He be near to support and sustain amidst sufferings and 
 trials, what will it matter what we go through, so they do but work 
 the good designed, and all draw us upward and inward ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To c*4/.eJ (^Zr.yt.4*-^^\M 
 
 Aberdeen, lUh of 6th Month, 1849. 
 
 Thy account of the yearly meeting was very acceptable. 
 . . . It's no matter, however, such an exercise might not please 
 
 some, or even excite ridicule or derision, was Divinely led. 
 
 Divinely strengthened, and blessed with Divine peace, and this none 
 can give or take away. Ah, they who dou'l like going into what they 
 
374 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LEITEKS OF 
 
 [1849. 
 
 call little things, they do not remember that it is said, " he that 
 despiscth the day of small things shall fall by little and little," and 
 thus have many among us fallen gradually and imperceptibly till we 
 have got into the very low spot we are now in, of mere outward 
 profession like other people, with but little of the power of godliness 
 amongst us really to be felt and seen by our fruits. . . , 
 
 I have been very poorly the last ten days, and I feel often very low, 
 yet it has been sweet to remember my dear friends in the south, 
 and to hold sweet communion as it were with them in spirit, and 
 whether we ever meet again, I trust we shall be united by that 
 precious bond which death cannot sever, and by subjection to the 
 Spirit of Christ we all have the same mind and are of one accord, 
 drawing heavenward and Christ-wai-d ; and so maij we be kept even 
 to the end of our little time here, that He may take us to Himself 
 hereafter. And though we be reduced still more as a people, and be 
 given to suffer more bitterly, yet the Lord will be sufficient for His 
 little faithful ones, and in due time will plead their cause, and bring 
 them forth as gold seven times tried, and He will set His mark on the 
 sighers and the weepers, and, when He sees fit, will gather and save 
 them, and wiU set them on high as the precious stones of a crown 
 to His own glory, and no flesh shall glory in His sight. 
 
 Farewell, my beloved friends, hoping we shall be enabled to bear 
 one another on each of our hearts, and to breathe for each others' 
 help, strength, and preservation to the end, and thus may feel the help 
 of each others' spirit, and, when able and free, write to your truly 
 affectionate and united friend, 
 
 L. A, Barclay. 
 
 To R. R. 
 
 Aberdeen, 8th of 7th Month, 1849. 
 
 My beloved Fkiend, 
 
 Once again do I salute thee from my northern home, Avhich 
 continues to be dear and sweet to me, notwithstanding the trials and 
 privations that attend it. . . . Ah, my dear friend, I have 
 often remembered and saluted you in dear love since I have been 
 returned home, now three weeks last second day, whose cravings the 
 short opportunity of being together in London has not satisfied, and 
 it has been sweet to remember the solemn and precious time in silence 
 first, and then in expression, . . . cementing and strengthening, 
 encouraging and solacing even amidst much to cast down and to 
 
1849.] 
 
 LVDIA ANN BAKCLAY. 
 
 375 
 
 try. Such sort of opportunities or meetings together with dear ones, 
 may be looked back upon icitJi peace, and with praise to Him who gives 
 us every little brook that we get by the way. . . 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To R. K. 
 
 Aberdeen, SOth ofllth Month, 1849. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 How pleasant, cheering, and strengthening is our intercourse 
 together, at least to poor me ! . . . Well, let us take comfort in 
 the reflection that the good Lord thinketh upon such. How tender 
 and kind to do so, and just at our moments of need! Oli, the prec- 
 iousness, because the exactness of His holy help, can our souls say ! 
 Then may we more and more entrust Him with our all, and, as thou 
 sayest, not shrink from any sort of disciplining that He may judge 
 best. Ah, it is, as it were, easy to desire to do so, but when it comes 
 to the pinch, the proving with us, then we find it hard work to be 
 I'esigned, to believe, and to suffer patiently what is permitted. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, 1st of I2th Month, 1849. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . . . Since I saw thee, I have visited my old friends and 
 home in Cornwall. . . . Ah ! what vast changes I witnessed ! 
 changes by circumstances, by growth of years, by death, and, worst 
 of all, by a departure more or less from the truth and launching into 
 the world ! It had altogether a melancholy elFect upon me. I think 
 
 there were twenty removals by death in the and families 
 
 only, in the twenty-three years since I resided there ! But I was 
 comforted, in the midst of tribulations and exercises for the cause 
 sake, in feeling that the tender good hand of Omnipotence is laid 
 upon divers of the younger class, and that some seem sweetly bend- 
 ing under it, chiefly in and meetings ; and to meet with 
 
 these dear creatures seemed like a little brook of refreshment and 
 cheering by the weary way ! — meeting seemed most forlorn in pros- 
 pect, and was a place of deep exercise to me. I expect your situation 
 in gives thee much quiet seclusion, which perhaps may be con- 
 genial to thy feelings as well as helpful spiritually, for the spiritual 
 life is hardly strengthened and nourished in bustles and excitement. 
 To dwell alone and keep silepce, bearing the yoke of the dear Master, 
 
376 
 
 A SELECTION' FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1849. 
 
 and laying the mouth as in the dust of self-abasement, seems pecul- 
 iarly desirable at the present day, there being but few whose society 
 and example is strengthening to us, but many, on the contrary, who 
 may have a tendency to draw us out of a deep dwelling and close 
 watch, wherein alone we may know the true seed to take deep root 
 downward and bring forth fruit upward. Still, man is a social being, 
 and should not shut himself up from his own flesh, as it were, but 
 seek after that watch wherein he may, in his intercourse, glorify his 
 Maker and edify his brother in the true love to God and man. I 
 have been tried many ways with spiritual afflictions, . . . with 
 outward trials and straits, ... as well as with various deep 
 baptisms, buffetings, and conflicts, for the trial of my faith and the 
 purifying of my love, known only to the great Searcher of hearts, 
 who wisely and tenderly hid these things from my prospective view, 
 or else I should doubtless have refused to have yielded to such 
 humiliations. But, blessed be His good name. He hath through all 
 hitherto sustained and helped, and, in moments of extremity, so lifted 
 up the light of His glorious and soul-cheering countenance and given 
 a little feeling of peace thereby, as has exceedingly comforted me in 
 all my afflictions, and stimulated to still trust in Him and not be 
 
 afraid, or to doubt His power and goodness. So, dear , having 
 
 received such large mercy, I still am enabled to hold out and to press 
 forward in hopes of reaping, through adorable and unmerited grace 
 and redeeming love, the prize of our high and holy calling in Christ 
 Jesus. Yet, again and again, after such little glimpses of heavenly 
 good, in order to cheer up and preserve from fainting, am I reduced 
 and stripped naked as it were, shown my weakness and vileness 
 in myself, and made to abhor myself as in dust and ashes ! These 
 are the Lord's tender ways with the workmanship of His hand, and 
 most pilgi-ims can testify thereunto, and declare that He is " very 
 good," a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knoweth them that 
 trust in Him. 
 
 And now, farewell. I am, in much love, thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A.. Barclay. 
 
 To . a . / 
 
 Aberdeen, ith of 12th Month, 1849. 
 
 My DEAR Friend, 
 
 Thy kind and sisterly letter deserves to be soon answered and 
 gratefully acknowledged, for it was truly acceptable and refreshing 
 
18i9.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 377 
 
 to my lonely and afflicted spirit. I do believe if we attend to little 
 pointings in epistolizing our dear friends, we shall be instrumental to 
 their help and strengthening when we least expect it, and even when 
 perhaps we are feeling ourselves as very poor weak creatures, more in 
 want of being ministered unto than fit to minister unto others. And 
 at such times, the few smooth stones fetched up as from the depths of 
 self-abasement, slung in the Divine power and in simple faithfulness, 
 will be available to the bringing down these reasonings and discour- 
 agings, which the enemy is apt to raise up so very high as to over- 
 whelm our dear absent friends ; and then how sweet it is for such to 
 mingle together, and praise the Lord together, as it were, with one 
 heart and mouth, though widely sepanated. My heart could respond 
 to all thy remai'ks, especially in regard to the past experience of 
 suffering being only as " the beginning of sorrows." For surely 
 things arc getting worse and worse, and the enemy's deceptions 
 are so very specious, and the appearances so plausible looking, that 
 even the very elect seem to our view almost ready to be deceived 
 thereby. Never was there more need amongst us for the dwelling 
 deep, low, and inwardly on the watch as thou describes, for it will 
 not do to look out at the feelings or opinions of any, nor yet even to 
 put confidence in a brother beloved. But there is comfort and 
 encouragement in the reflection that the depths of Satan, the mysteries 
 of ungodliness, as well as of the heavenly kingdom, will still be 
 revealed to the simple babes, and the meek and humble wiU be guided 
 in the path of true judgment ; yes, concerning themselves, and all 
 things without them. The texts thou quotes are very animating — 
 yes, He can and will make the depths of the sea a way for His 
 ransomed ones, and He doth comfort His afilicted remnant from time 
 to time, and He will be glorified in them and their deliverance, which 
 shall come in sucli a way as that no flesh shall be able to glory in 
 His sight, but all ci'owns be laid at the feet of Him who sits upon the 
 throne judging righteously, and of the Lamb for ever ! , . . 
 
 As the year wears away, I begin to look with longing eye to the 
 pleasure of meeting many dear ones, but we know not what a day 
 may bring forth. I have no doubt thou art with me sensible of 
 many infirmities creeping over thee, and the mind partakes in degree 
 of the weakness of the body. But what a favour to be able to say, 
 we feel as much alive as ever in desire for the upholding and promo- 
 tion of the blessed cause of truth ! " Oh, to grace, how great a debtor !" 
 — is there not such a line somewhere? and we do feel it so ! 
 
378 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1849. 
 
 I think I may say my soul has seemed at times, as it were, wrapped 
 up in sorrow. But Divine goodness has, at some moments of 
 extremity, immediately and powerfully helped me when thus brought 
 low ; and having found such grace in the needful time, I am enabled 
 still to hold on and to look and breathe upward unto Him, who alone 
 can keep us from falling, and present us with acceptance before the 
 throne of the Majesty on high ! 
 
 I have written much more than I at all intended when I took pen, 
 and have run on in the freedom of old friendship, I hope not to the 
 multiplying words without knowledge, being favoured through mercy 
 to know in precious degree that whereof I affirm. And now, dear 
 Friend, farewell, with dear love to you both, and your sisters whom 
 I by no means forget — and in the feeling of much sympathy and unity 
 as burden-bearers and fellow-sufferers for the truth, I remain thy 
 affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, llth of 12th Month, 1849. 
 , May these considerations lead us more and more into 
 a close searching of all our ways and our spirits, and to cry mightily 
 unto God for preservation, and to cleave the more closely to the 
 Spirit of Christ, whereby alone we can be guided, strengthened, 
 sustained, and preserved to the end in uprightness for His pure 
 testimony. Surely never did we need more of true discernment, and 
 never had we less of it amongst us ! It seems as if the devil were 
 trying all his powers against the pure truth ; and oh, to lie low and 
 cleave close to the little seed of life and light ! here will be our pres- 
 ervation alone. It requires great care how we let our feelings or fears 
 out before our dear young people. . . . Ah, the pure truth will 
 stand though all forsake it, and though we as a people be scattered 
 and brought to nought, yet a remnant, a poor and afflicted people, 
 shall be preserved, faithfully upholding the pure testimony thereof, 
 and eventually they shall be raised up with power to declare and 
 promulgate it. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeeti, 27th of 12th Month, ISid. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 My feelings will hardly let me be long without writing thee 
 after thy kind, long, interesting, and affecting letter, and I could have 
 
1849.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 379 
 
 answered it directly had it been suitable. My dear friend, thou wast 
 
 the first to give me the sorrowful tidings of the sad disclosure at . 
 
 . . . This, as well as all other evil and weakness, springs from 
 the one evil root, viz., a departure from the pure and simple point- 
 ings and restraints of the Spirit of Christ, the principle of light, life, 
 and truth in the secret of the heart. For I most assuredly believe 
 that there is no evil but has been made manifest and restrained from, 
 and that with the restraint and manifestation comes power all- 
 sufficient, if we will but suffer ourselves to be led thereby in the true 
 faith and simple obedience. And I cannot but believe that this has 
 
 been the cause not only of poor 's fall, even by little and little, 
 
 but also of the erring in vision and stumbling in judgment of the 
 others — they leaning to affection or esteem naturally, or public opinion, 
 instead of dwelling deep to feel the judgment and pointing of truth. 
 It is a weakness we are liable to fall into at burials, and therefore it 
 requires a double watch and quickening to guard against it. . . . 
 
 But, my dear , there is no need for us to be greatly moved or 
 
 shaken by these tidings of evil — the upright, it is said, shall not be 
 so. I hope our hearts are fixed in a firm belief in the unchangeable- 
 ness and all-sufficiency of the Divine power of the Word that was in 
 the beginning, the quickening Spirit from everlasting to everlasting, 
 the Rock and Foundation of God that standeth sure, the blessed 
 Truth that remains the same though all men forsake Him, the Christ 
 of God, our Redeemer ; and that consequently as all-sufficiency and 
 unchangeableness is with Him the fullness, so also there is no variable- 
 ness, no want of sufficiency in that measure of grace and truth, that 
 manifestation of His Spirit, that talent of light, and life, and pearl 
 of great price, and leaven of the kingdom, which wo have all received 
 of Him, and in and by which He and His Father are to be known, 
 believed in, and obeyed; and that as we are engaged in humble, 
 faithful obedience thereunto, we may truly " trust in God " in all 
 these times of shaking and sifting and treading down. Oh, therefore, 
 that all these things may the more drive us closely inward and deep, 
 to cleave to this blessed principle or power of an endless life in all 
 the secret revelations thereof, and gentle restraints, wherein alone is 
 the way of life and peace and preservation to the end. Oh, here, 
 my dear friend, we shall find all-sufficient strength to resist every 
 temptation and snare of the enemy, to bear us up and sustain us 
 under every trial and proving, and to enable us to perform all that is 
 
380 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1840. 
 
 required of us, so that I want us, llo^Yever tempted or tried to an 
 hair's breadth, to endeavour to turn our eye away from the temp- 
 tation, away from poring at the trial, and to endeavour to gather 
 inward and low to the tender quickening of life within us, which will 
 clothe us with the true childlike spii'it that is willing to be led and 
 proved and governed as our Father wills and permits ; and as our 
 minds are thus stayed in humble trust, we shall be kept in perfect 
 peace and praiseful quiet. Ah, lie knoweth our frame, and tenden- 
 cies, and weak sides, and what proving is for our good, and His tender 
 mercy will not suffer us to be tempted or tried above what we shall 
 be able to bear with His holy help ; and when we are brought into 
 unity with His will and power in any dispensation permitted, and 
 thereby answer the design thereof, and receive the good mercifully 
 intended thereby, then will that dispensation be changed to us, and 
 our mouths shall be renewedly filled with His praise and with His 
 honour. 
 
 It is very comforting to me thy allusion to Shackletou's Letters ; 
 and if you have not got the book in possession, I should be pleased 
 to make you a present of it. It is so desirable to lend to young 
 people, \yhat a good service it might be for one of thy leisure to pick 
 out some choice scraps from P. Livingstone for tracts ! I had four 
 small pieces printed as tracts for this neighbourhood, which no doubt 
 thou hast seen ; but there are others that might be culled from it. I 
 am now copying out and preparing J. Conran's journal, and very 
 instructive it is. W. and A. Ellis is very good, and I am much 
 pleased that J. B. could bring it forth. Oh, there is nothing of the 
 modern works like those of the faithful worthies of old times, so clear 
 and cogent, plain and practical. . . . 
 
 Thy allusion to my visit in Cornwall was truly encouraging and 
 humbling, and I desired, in reading it, that it might strengthen my 
 hands in future, for many are the plungings that we are often tried 
 with, though unknown to others, and such little lifts are very 
 acceptable, and designed to stimulate to fresh dedication as well as 
 humble in renewed grateful praise. What a sweet account thou gave 
 of the poor woman near K. ! Was it Clara Popplestone? That is a 
 sweet tract, but wants a little more testifying for Divine grace and 
 the work thereof. 
 
 Thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
1850.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 381 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Aberdeen, IGth of 1st Month, 1850. 
 
 Thy dear J. F. M.'s kind letter to me was quite strength- 
 ening, and will be still as I read it again and again. On second day 
 I had five letters from dear friends including thine, and was melted 
 in gratitude to Him who thus favours me with such precious lifts ; 
 and I craved that I might ever be kept so in unity with the blessed 
 principle of light and life fi-om Christ by subjection thereto, as that 
 I miglit be preserved in that precious unity with His faithful servants 
 every where, which emanates and proceeds from tlie true fellowship 
 Avith the Father and with His Son Christ Jesus, and which blessed 
 fellowship will only be fully consummated and everlastingly enjoyed 
 in an eternal state ! . . . 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 17 ik of 1st Month, 1850. 
 
 . I send thee another copy of J. Scott's tract. I 
 sent them by post to all the select meetings in Great Britain — that is 
 to one, two, or three individuals in each, desiring them to spread them. 
 
 I had letters from divers disapproving of them, and amongst 
 
 others from , who queried by what authority that had been 
 
 published which wise judicious Friends in America had withheld ? 
 with much about want of love and unity, and discord and jealousy, 
 &c., &c. I was helped in humility, I trust, yet firmly to testify to 
 
 , that these extracts were such as the wise Friends he alluded to 
 
 no doubt judged not so fit for a book for the public eye, being more 
 adapted for ministers and elders, and, for that reason, I conceived 
 there might be a service in printin;/ them j^eculiarlij for that class, 
 tending to strengthen the hands of some and to help others out of 
 weakness and mixture; and that I humbly trusted that the same good 
 Spirit which had led Job Scott to write them had laid the concern on 
 me to reprint them, and in which little work I had had great peace, as 
 well as the testimonials of many valuable and faithful Friends as to 
 the good service and the need for it — at the same time saying, that, on 
 , reading his query, I had comfortingly remembered how my dear 
 Master had been thus queried of by the wise Pharisees of old, and I 
 desired to be made like Him in suffering all things meekly. I also 
 desired to know what he alluded to as to want of concord, unity, love, 
 
382 
 
 A SELECTION FKOM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1850. 
 
 &c.; for I thought that to do what little wc could, and when and 
 how directed and impelled by the Spirit of the dear Master, was the 
 way to be preserved in the true unity, love, concord, &c. There 
 are some things in those two volumes of J. Scott's Works, which I 
 also have got and greatly value, though edited by a Hicksite! which 
 are too mysterious or deep for all to comprehend, and which might 
 be taken in an improper sense, as if not so highly valuing the outward 
 coming and sacrifice of our blessed Saviour, as I fully believe dear J. 
 Scott did. There is quite sufficient in his works to show that he did 
 highly value and only look for remission of sins by that precious 
 offering. On this account, and because the book was edited by a 
 Hicksite, I never let it be about my parlour, nor introduce it to any 
 who are not spiritually-minded. These deep subjects are mysterious 
 now as ever to the Avise and prudent of this world, though preciously 
 revealed in adorable mercy to the babish spirit ! It is a book I highly 
 value and enjoy, and the letters are so sweet and beautifully poetic, 
 and how nice and lively they would have been in the journal scattered 
 about. . . . 
 
 I am pleased to hear thou art on the committee for elders in 
 
 monthly meeting, and greatly desire thou mayest be favoured to 
 seek after and obtain right feeling in regard to any names proposed, 
 and strengthened also to speak consistently with that feeling, nothing 
 doubting and no man fearing — for if we have not faith in the little 
 touches of the Divine power, ivhere are we as a peopM I don't know 
 who there can be there, who are rightly anointed and baptised for the 
 station, and they had better have none than such as are not thus 
 qualified. There is no must in the case, either for the committee to 
 name names or for the meeting to appoint them ; and sometimes the 
 mere consideration and exercise on the subject, when none are felt 
 to be suitable to name, may be beneficial, and what if I say not 
 impossible to go far towards a helping so/we into the seeking after and 
 yielding to the qualifying power. . . . How striking is Paul to 
 Timothy on bishops, which is applicable to elders ! and oh, the need 
 to have such as are clean-handed, as well as upright-hearted and 
 clear-sighted, for lamentably is it true with us as a people that the 
 leaders cause us to err! . . 
 
 [Referring to the interment of one Avhose conduct had brought, 
 reproach upon the truth, she writes] — Ah, if there had not been a 
 leaning to the own understanding, to creaturely aflfcction and esteem, 
 or to public opinion, instead of to the pure light and life Divine 
 
1850.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BAKCLAY. 
 
 383 
 
 revealed within, tliere never would have been such erring in vision 
 and stumbling in judgment, to the hurt of many. Those who speak 
 at burials have need double clearness and quickening of life Divine, 
 ere they allude to the character, &c., of the deceased, for nature is so 
 easy to be warped aside as above. Oh, how are we killed all the day 
 long by these sad things, but may we be warned (and, oh, that all our 
 elders laid hold of the subject to warn all) to cleave closer than ever 
 to that pure gift, the principle or power of light and life from Christ, 
 which like Him, the blessed Fullness, is unchangeable, though men 
 may, by unfaithfulness thereto, become forsakers of the truth, which 
 is all-suflicient also to guide us safely, to strengthen us mightily, and 
 preserve us faithfully to the end. . . . The idea of meeting 
 again many dear ones in the summer is truly cheering, if favoured to 
 get so far south, but the prospect is accompanied by many awful 
 feelings. All things are in good hands, and may we be given up to do 
 and suffer all He permits and requires, and then peace will be our 
 portion whatever becomes of us. 
 
 Dear love from thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To W. H. 
 
 Aberdeen, 2,0th of 1st Month, 1850. 
 
 For what are we but poor worms of the dust? and "what 
 is family name or pedigree ? How little will it avail to be descended 
 from or related to the truly great and good, while we are out of sub- 
 jection to or despising that power whereby they were made what 
 they were, faithful servants of the Lord Jesus Christ, and valiant for 
 His precious cause on earth! Surely the more will be our condem- 
 nation, if, while we have their example and their writings as it were 
 before our eyes, and their blessed end also, we should not be walking 
 in their footsteps, nor manifesting forth the same life that lived and 
 moved and acted in them, and preserved them to the good end that 
 crowns all. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 To . v/^ f, ^tJ/M 
 
 Aberdeen, \Wi of 2nd Month, 1850. 
 . . . I was much interested in thy account of that 
 meeting at "Westminster. Dear I know well ; he has long 
 
384 A SELKCTION FROM THE LETTERS OV [1850. 
 
 appeared, and again and again been silenced while in quarterly 
 
 meeting. I expect there was a cause there, but how it has been in 
 
 I know not. Oh, how sad it is that there seems often more 
 
 desire to silence than to help a dear creature into a better way, and 
 thus, by this neglect or rather hardness, many have been as it were 
 driven into the enemy's snare and lost to the Church, who might 
 
 otherwise have been bright instruments in her ! Dear is another; 
 
 but I fully believe his ancient views are the sole hindrance to him. 
 The faithful are too often rejected, and the weak or forward are 
 approved of. Ah, my dear friend, it is a privilege to be of the tribu- 
 lated ones, and the little lifts we receive from merciful goodness, from 
 time to time, surely are enough to make us thank God and take 
 courage ! How sweet is the feeling of union and communion with 
 the faithful, whether in meeting together as thou didst the other day, 
 
 and often may with dear , <SLc., or whether inwardly in spirit 
 
 ■with those who are absent, even when we each draw near to the 
 Fountain of good, and of all true unity and love, at the place where 
 prayer is wont to be made, an inward retirement and subjection 
 of spirit before God ! IIow close and strengthening is the union ! 
 Then we seem to breathe the same air and drink of the same cup 
 together, being quickened by and drinking into the same Holy Spirit, 
 and feel animated thereby to press onward and not to faint. Yes, 
 are we not then as it were ashamed of our doubting and distrust, our 
 weariness and fainting under the exercises and trials of our day? we 
 feel it is ungrateful to Him who deals so tenderly with us. I think 
 thou art of a very sensitive make ; the enemy tries to move such from 
 their own stedfastness all the more ; but thanks be unto God who 
 hath laid help upon One that is mighty, and His power is able to 
 quench all the fiery darts of the enemy as it is yielded to in the true 
 faith ; and it can in a moment calm the troubled waters and quiet 
 the boisterous winds, speaking peace in the soul. And the more this 
 power is yielded to, and suffered to spread its mantle over us, the 
 more will our sensitive natures be properly regulated and quieted, 
 and made subservient to a good purpose of heavenly praise. I trust 
 we shall each think of one another for good, for I have great need 
 indeed to be remembered and breathed for. But the Lord will not 
 forsake His poor weak worms, but help them still, and be their guide 
 even unto death. 
 
 Farewell very dearly says thy affectionately interested friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
ISoO.] LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 385 
 
 To . - ^ .-.^<1 P^^^A ' 
 
 Aberdeen, 22nd of 2nd Month, 1850. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 . . . I am pleased to hear dear John and H. Marsh 
 were at your monthly meeting this week. You have often such cheer- 
 ing little visits, and I hope it helps you on your way in struggling after 
 holiness, without which we are told in Scripture none shall see God. 
 Well, dear friends, go on in this struggle, in this journey heavenward, 
 cost what it may, and bring with it what it may of trials and reproaches ; 
 yield to the power of Christ which touches and calls you, and will 
 strengthen and preserve you as you cleave close to it in the secret of 
 the heart, and nothing shall harm you or pluck you out of His tender 
 and good hand. How wonderfully those dear friends were pi'eserved 
 when attacked by those wicked thieves ; surely they felt a secret 
 power in the house which chained them. It is a comfort that none 
 of them were not the worse for so fearful an attack. I feel much for 
 them, but they are so sweet and so helped. 
 
 I remain, dear S., thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Aberdeen, 2Gth of 2nd Month, 1850. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I sit down to scribble thee a few lines in haste, and in much 
 poverty and weakness, and yet with a degree of calmness and awful- 
 ness which is not at my own command as I believe. It was our 
 monthly meeting to-day, and at it I was liberated to visit the meetings 
 and families, where required, within the compass of Dorset and Hants 
 general meeting. This is what I alluded to in my last, but I felt 
 afraid of letting it out further then, as I have never before felt such 
 a sense of the uncertainty of all things, and whether it might be taken 
 from me or I from it. I know I shall have your feeling, and I trust 
 also your breathings as you are enabled, for never poor creature 
 needed them more. I suppose these humiliating baptisms are neces- 
 sary to baptise me for visiting the " poor and needy." Do you hear 
 of any one going that way ? I have for many years seen it would be 
 required of me, but it often happens with me, as with the poor impo- 
 tent man formerly (and I am very impotent I think), that while he 
 was making ready another stepped in first. I expect to leave home 
 this day fortnight. . • 
 
 c c 
 
380 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1850. 
 
 And now, my dear friend, farewell. I am very weak in mind and 
 body. , . . But it's no matter where the poor body is laid, if it 
 be but in the way of duty. Blessed is tliat servant who shall be found 
 ready and distributing the due portion of meat to the household as 
 required. In dear love to you both, I remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. BAKCLAy. 
 
 To ..^r-:.,//,.. = i^i f^^/ 
 
 Aberdeen, 2 /id of 2rd Month, 1850. 
 
 I am now on the eve of departure southward, an 
 exercising journey to visit Dorset and Hants. I am much pressed in 
 body and mind, yet a humble hope clothes meAvith calm that the Divine 
 power will be near to strengthen for the duties, and to support and 
 comfort under the trials allotted, and that mercy loill compass me about. 
 And so I desire to be given up to be led about, humbled, and instructed 
 anyhow, and to bear the little foolish looking testimony that may be 
 given me to bear, whether in silent exercise, secret suffering, or 
 vocal utterance ; only, oh to be preserved in the pure life, that life 
 may be over all, as dear P. L. says, and keep me to the end. I cannot 
 add more, being pressed out of measure, but yet would add thy kind 
 expressions concerning such a poor weak creature, make me to tremble, 
 but it is well that I should be given to feel my own vileness as a 
 counteractor. Oh, let us cleave to that power which can work in 
 us that which is well-pleasing in the Divine sight, perfecting in us 
 the Avork of faith to His glory and our everlasting gain. 
 With dear love, I am thy friend truly, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To — . «r 
 
 Southampton, 5th of Ath Month, 1850. 
 
 We know the Divine power is all-sufficient as ever to quicken and 
 clothe the very dry bones, and to raise up unto Himself children in the 
 faith, of faithful Abraham, even as from the stones of the street, and 
 nothing is too great for His goodness, nor too hard for His power to do, 
 in and for those who wholly yield up unto Him. ... I may inform 
 thee I have gone through the chief part of the exercising service, if 
 such I dare to call it, which I had on my mind, and in it have been 
 most mercifully helped in a way I never experienced before, to my 
 marvelling and humbling at times as in the dust, so that I am sure I 
 
1850.] 
 
 LYDI.V ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 387 
 
 ought never more to flinch or to distrust, or to foar to be -wholly 
 given up to what appears to be required ; but, oh, what poor weak 
 creatures we are, and what would become of us were it not for daily 
 and momentary mercy which is so tenderly extended. . . . T 
 found dear W. Binns was thought to be sinking the day I got there, 
 but he revived. He said his only hope is in the mercy of God in 
 Christ Jesus, and Tie greatly desired to be preserved in resignation to 
 the Divine will, and from bringing the least hurt to the precious 
 cause. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To P. R. 
 
 Brejsell, 2Srd of ith Month, 1850. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 Once again do I salute thee from this interesting spot, where 
 I arrived, last fourth day evening, from Godalming monthly meeting. 
 
 . And though feeling very poor and empty, and as a dry stick, 
 so that I doubted before meeting if I should take my certificate in 
 my pocket, yet, through adorable and condescending goodness, I was 
 made unexpectedly strong in a pleading testimony to my dear old 
 Surrey Friends, and was helped also to supplicate for the few burden- 
 bearers, and that others from the rising generation might come up to 
 their help. I was also brought under unexpected exercise in both 
 meetings for discipline, having to go into the men's meeting: so it was 
 well I had ray certificate and had not yielded to doubts. A. JM. went 
 with me and J. Dann, so that, my dear P., thou wilt unite with me 
 in humble praise to Him who helps the poor and weak, and enables 
 to magnify His name and exalt His pure truth when least expected. 
 I was melted afterwards, in hearing that the visit to the men's meeting 
 was remarkably opportune ; so that, my dear friend, we poor weak 
 ones have indeed cause more than ever to lie low and cleave close 
 to inward and pure guidance that will lead us safely and wisely 
 along ! 
 
 I think in this journey I have been rencwedly confirmed and 
 strengthened in my desire to do so through mercy ! I was very 
 sweethj at S. and M. Lamley's, and the former kindly went with me to 
 
 the Isle of Wight. . . . I was much comforted in being at — 's 
 
 at Newport, things were so much improved there, a sweet savour in 
 the house! and there I had to inform Friends that I felt somewhat 
 of the Avoe, if I omitted a little meeting with the serious professors at 
 
388 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1850. 
 
 Ventnor, and that the word within was, " go and I will go with 
 thee; be mouth and wisdom, tongue, and utterance to thee!" and 
 so, having previously obtained the sanction of the select Friends at 
 Southampton, we went forward and got the British school next to 
 the Independents' chapel, and their minister gave up his usual prayer 
 meeting that evening — and gave notice to all his auditors of the 
 meeting in the next room, and attended it himself. We had about 
 one liundred, the room being quite full of "Plymouth brethren," 
 Brianites, Methodists, and Independents — and, through merciful 
 goodness, it was a solemn and favoured time, and a sweet covering 
 seemed to be over us I thought, in time of silence, which was long. 
 . . . Next day I paid two visits at Yentnor, and two on the road 
 to Eyde, at Bonchurch and Brading, with serious people — one a 
 female Brianite preacher, whom I had felt much drawn to eight 
 years ago, and it was worth going through much in body and mind 
 for a time of mutual praise I thought. 
 
 We sat vdih dear , wife, and daughter, next morning, and 
 
 got into Basingstoke that afternoon, so as to attend the monthly 
 meeting there next day, and, after some sittings with and calls on a 
 few, to proceed to Alton — a very interesting spot to me. Oh, how, 
 as we rode along there, I was reminded of some sweet seasons of 
 favour when riding on my pony alone, along that road twenty-one 
 years before, wherein I would stop the pony and sit still to enjoy 
 the heavenly goodness ! 
 
 My dear friends, I more and more feel the uncertainty of time 
 and all things here, and that I am decaying fast, feeling unable to 
 bear what I did, and do not expect to sit more than one sitting of the 
 yeai'ly meeting a day, except the select ones ! But oh, how do all 
 things here seem to sink in estimation, in comparison of the one 
 precious fellowship with the Father, and the Son, and with the 
 faithful, whether in the body or removed out of it; and which blessed 
 fellowship is only attained or graciously permitted as we walk in the 
 pure light Divine, and suffer the Divine will to be wrought in us by 
 the Divine power ! and this will is our sanctification, whatever trials 
 it may lead into. But I have not time to enlarge further as is in my 
 heart to do ; you can feel me in that which is beyond words, and 
 needs not words to depict it. Oh, what a favour and mercy to have 
 been helped over what I felt as a duty in this journey ! and oh, to 
 be continued to be helped a little from day to day all my remaining 
 journey through this vale of tears, and to be preserved to the end in 
 
1850.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 389 
 
 humility and nothingness of self. Crave it for me, my beloved sisters, 
 and that I may never bring the least reproach on the holy cause ! 
 Yea, let us crave it for each other, or seek abUity to do so ! 
 Farewell deai'ly. Thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Dorking, 2^th of ith Month, 1850. 
 . . . My dear friend, I am melted Avhen I look at the 
 goodness and mercy that have been extended to me in this journey 
 throughout, and how, out of so much weakness and poverty and 
 strippedness of all good, I have been enabled and filled with a testi- 
 mony for my good Master as I humbly trust, which has proved that 
 it was His doing and marvellous in my eyes, so that indeed I have 
 cause never more to shrink or to doubt or to distrust, but increasingly 
 to yield myself to the touches and drawings of His blessed and bless- 
 ing power, for His mercy endureth truly for ever ; and what great 
 mercy to make use of such a poor weak worm of the dust! My heart 
 is at times filled with praises and with the gentle Sowings of peace, 
 and my whole desire is to be kept humble and prostrate, cleansed by 
 any refining means Eternal Wisdom sees best, that flesh may be abased, 
 and He alone be glorified and magnified in and by me. This is more 
 about self than I at all intended, but somehow my pen has run on, 
 
 and perhaps it may encourage thee too, dear , to stretch forth thy 
 
 arms, and let the Lord gird thee and lead or carry thee as and where 
 He will, even into the simplicity and quieting of the weaned child, for 
 of such His heavenly kingdom is composed. 
 
 Farewell, very dearly. I am thy very affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 5th Month, 1850. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . . I hardly feel easy to leave these parts without 
 dropping thee a few lines to make up for the deficiency which I have 
 often felt, by acknowledging that I have, at dilFerent times, felt much 
 tender sympathy with thee under thy solitary circumstances here- 
 away, and especially last autumn, in liearing of the decease of two of 
 thy dearest and oldest friends; and I have no doubt thou often hast very 
 low times in looking round and seeing that thy cotemporaries are 
 nearly all, if not quite so, dropped off from beside thee, and thou 
 
390 
 
 A SELECTION FK03I THE LETTEKS OF 
 
 [1850. 
 
 mayest feel like a solitary beacon upon tlie top of a hill ! And in 
 sucli low seasons thou mayest not see any good that thou art of in 
 being thus long detained here, and mayest often be ready to fear, 
 lest thou shouldst be anything of a stumbling-block or hurt to that 
 cause which I do believe is precious to thee! But, dear friend, it 
 may be well for us to be thus proved and tossed in mind, and the 
 Lord has a good design in thus permitting it and in stripping us as on 
 every hand, even to refine us more thoroughly, and to poise our 
 spirits more entirely heavenward, and to lead us to cling the more 
 closely unto Him in whom are all our fresh springs both of life, of 
 support, and of consolation ! Ah, 1 can indeed feel for the solitary 
 and the tried, being thus situated myself; and I have said in my heart, 
 during this late little labour of love, when meeting with such stripped 
 ones, surely it has not been in vain that I have been when at home 
 baptised into their state and for them ! And I earnestly desire, that 
 we may be more and more drawn inward and upward, even to an 
 inward daily waiting for the quickenings of life from Christ, whereby 
 we may be kept alive unto God and upright for Him, faithful and 
 fruitful unto Chi'ist, and savouring of Him — and then I believe, our 
 breathings will continually ascend heavenward for fresh and fresh 
 guidance, counsel, support, and preservation, under the remaining 
 temptations and trials of our day — and being preserved hereby from 
 casting away our confidence in the sufiiciency of the Divine power and 
 light, shall, from season to season, be rewnrded, even amidst the many 
 tribulations of the present day, with those precious consolations which 
 are in Christ Jesus, and are graciously permitted to the soul that is 
 brought into union with Him through the one true baptism. So, dear 
 friend, I long that thou mayest not yield to the buffetings or tempta- 
 tions of the enemy, however brought low, but mayest hold fast this 
 blessed and holy "confidence which hath great recompense of reward," 
 cleaving close to that which thou hast known and felt, and heard in 
 the secret of thy heart, and then, though solitary or surrounded by 
 such as may have a weakening tendency, thou wilt be preserved in 
 the true integrity to the end, and be a helper of the upright and a 
 gatherer under the sacred influence of Christ, and His holy life 
 springing up in the soul will make up for all trials. 
 
 In dear love, farewell, and desiring to be ever kept in remembrance 
 that the good seed is only to be obtained by persevering in cleaving 
 to the good power. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
1850.] 
 
 LVDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 391 
 
 Uth o/Qih Month, 1850. 
 
 Mr DEAR Friend, 
 
 I did not feel those few niiuutes before meeting relieving to 
 my mind on the subject of thj business, viz., the selling of -wines and 
 spirits, however thou mayest plead that thou only sells for refresh- 
 ment and in moderate quantities, yet surely much Avill lie at thy door, 
 for thus encouraging the use of such beverages, and thereby begetting 
 the taste and habit, which in after life may lead to serious consequences 
 to body and mind. . . • How important it is that Friends who 
 are called to be promoters of all that is good and pure, and discour- 
 agers of and testifiers against all that is of evil tendency, should look 
 well to what they put their hands to or encourage by example! And, 
 my dear friend, thou mayest fancy thou art easy with the practice, 
 and seest no harm in it or no requiring to leave it off, but I believe 
 thou hast been stifling the voice of Christ in thy conscience, and 
 would none of His counsel, under the plausible plea of providing for 
 thy family by this means, forgetting that the Loi'd can bring a blast 
 upon aU thy endeavours in a moment, and though thou may gather a 
 heap, if He blow upon it in displeasure it will vanish away, and 
 should He permit it unto thee, there may be as it were a worm that 
 never dies at the bottom of all thy enjoyment of it ! Ah, how apt 
 are we poor erring mortals to say we don't feel this or that required 
 as a sacrifice, when all the while we arc shrinking from the pure 
 light of Christ's Spirit, or hiding om* eyes from seeing with it wliat 
 is our duty to do, for fear of the consequences ! and when we become 
 hardened by long resistance, we may fancy we feel easy, but is it not 
 the ease of the enemy which ends in spiritual death? Now, my 
 dear friend, I would, in sistei'ly tenderness as well as earnest concern 
 for thy best welfare, entreat thee to look well at the subject ; yes, to 
 lay it as before the Lord, to be weighed in the righteous balances of 
 the sanctuary, and examined in His pure sight — be willing to come 
 and sit as a little child before the Lord, wailing for His holy counsel 
 and heavenly guidance, and then I undoubtingly believe thou wilt 
 be given to see that He hath a controversy with thy continuing 
 the pi'actice, and calls thee to wash thy hands in innocency of it, now 
 that the time is come that thou art unshackled by others ; and lie 
 requires thee to set a noble and humble example in this respect — and 
 if thou art willing to come down in thy mind to let the Lord gird 
 
392 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1850. 
 
 thee with His strength, and guide thee with His counsel, and carry 
 thee where thou wouldst not (into the denial of self), herein thou 
 knowest not how thy example might be followed by divers serious 
 persons of other persuasions ; for I have known many such instances 
 of faithful Friends thus leading others by their example out of 
 undesirable practices similar ; on the other hand, if thou neglect this 
 opportunity by persisting in thy old course, when thou might step 
 properly out of it in true faith and faithfulness, I fear the loss and 
 consequenceswillbe sad and great to thyself and to others, and sorrowful 
 indeed would it be if thou train thy sons up to such a practice ; oh, do 
 take care how thou lays snares before these dear tender young plants 
 committed to thy charge, but train them in the pure way of the Lord, 
 and set them a good example, for thou wilt be answerable before 
 Him in a day that is hastening on us all. I hope thou wilt not 
 think this close pleading unkind, for I have nothing but dear love in 
 my heart to thee, and must be faithful as a mark of it. Oh, I cannot 
 tell thee how much my heart has yearned over thee ever since I 
 knew thee, believing that thou wast brought in mercy to the know- 
 ledge of the truth for a good and blessed purpose to thyself and 
 others ; and I have feared there has been that which has let and 
 hindered it, there has not been that humbling submission to the Lord's 
 holy power, whereby thou might have been made a holy vessel for 
 Him ; but oh, that the stumbling-block may be removed out of the 
 way, and the meek and lowly, and lamb-like spirit of Christ may be 
 put on, that the light of thy good example may shine more and more 
 clearly and brightly, so shall thy last days be thy best days, and the 
 
 poor little church in yet have strength through thee, by the 
 
 prevalency of the pure testimony of truth in thee, and thy peace 
 would flow as a river ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To Ann Conning. 
 
 Aberdeen, 11 th of 6th Month, 1850. 
 
 Now, my dear friend, to turn to thy kind letter, I may also 
 say I felt more than ever in parting with thee this time. It felt prob- 
 ably the last time we shall meet together in this world. I could not 
 suppress my tears even after we were seated in the railway carriage. 
 I comfortingly believe thou art near to the haven of rest, whereas I 
 may have many more painful steps along the rugged and " tribulated 
 
1850.] 
 
 LYOIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 393 
 
 path from death to life," as thou sayest S. Grubb says. May my eye 
 be kept singly to the sure Guide, and my leaning be simply on the 
 gracious Strengthener, and then I have a little humble hope He will 
 bring me in due time out of all the troubles and afflictions, in wisdom 
 permitted for the trial of my faith and patience, and give me an in- 
 heritance with the sanctified in Christ Jesus. Ah, I have much 
 sympathy with thee in thy close provings and many downsittings and 
 great strippings'; but all is known to Him who will not suffer us to be 
 tempted or tried above what we are able through His grace to bear, 
 so let us cast ourselves at His feet as it were, but not cast away our 
 confidence, but girding up the mind, hope to the end for that precious 
 grace that shall be brought unto us at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 
 I think it is often the case that such as have been much made use of 
 and favoured with heavenly gifts are deeply plunged at the end of 
 
 their pilgrimage, as dear was, and others too ; but this is a 
 
 merciful and last baptism to prepare for the realms of bliss, and the 
 girdle of the power of truth will keep the garments, even the clothing 
 of the Spirit of Jesus, close around, that no nakedness may appear, 
 and strengthen tlie limbs to press onward to the good end that crowns 
 all and is peace. I unite with thy remark as to our meetings being 
 similar in want of light and life, and the wading times this brings me 
 are many, and I do feel solitary, inasmuch as there is too much of a 
 disposition to let things go on as they are and have long been, instead 
 of arising and labouring for an improvement, either inwardly in 
 spiritual exercise, or vocally in testifying for the pure cause. I felt 
 grateful for thy kind attentions and care over me, and it was sweet 
 to be in thy house ; I often felt so dui'ing the day, especially while 
 walking up and down in the garden. 
 
 I remain thy nearly united and affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, 1st of 1th Month, 1850. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I was glad to have that little time with thee at my lodgings 
 [in London], and sliould have liked more if I could have had it. I 
 could well enter into thy trials as I thought, and can enter into thy 
 feelings as expressed in thy letter. Is it not well for us thus to be 
 proved and pinched with fears and a sense of weakness and dangers 
 
394 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THK LETTERS OF 
 
 [1850. 
 
 around ? Does not such a dispensation or permission tend to keep 
 us more humble and watchful, distrustful of ourselves, and continually 
 craving after best help every moment ? whereas if we thought 
 ourselves going on right and well we might get exalted, and so 
 less careful and craving ; certainty would not pi'ove our faith 
 then. I can so well sym^mthise with thee in these feelings just 
 now, having, as it were, to sink down into trials, and had to re- 
 turn as to the sitting at the King's gate, divested of all the royal 
 robes and best ability, and to be clothed instead, as with the abhorring 
 one's self, and mourning over my many weaknesses and shortcomings. 
 But this I can say, I do look towards His holy temple often in the day, 
 and breathe for help and quickening ; but this is not my own either, for 
 He gives the eye that can and chooses to look thitherward. I am 
 rejoiced to hear of your late quarterly meeting. I suppose the friend 
 
 thou alluded to was dear . Yes, my dear friend, I never was so 
 
 struck with the low state of things amongst us as when in and around 
 London. Well, however we may as a people get worse and worse, 
 more and more leavened into the worldly spirit, outward and super- 
 ficial, yet there is and will be a little remnant preserved who have 
 not bowed the knee to Baal, and such must submit to be trodden 
 down and put into prison as it were, and lay their mouths in the dust 
 till the time of their deliverance comes. But though things are getting 
 so bad, and as I may so say rotten at heart, yet still some seem to think 
 all things are well and like to make a boast. Ah, the enemy will 
 not care what good works we set about, if He may but rule and 
 govern within us, and so crush the tender buddings of the seed im- 
 mortal which leads to inwardness, quietness, and humility, wherein 
 will be our preservation, even in subjection to the Lord alone. 
 
 Dear P. R. I had a very sweet little time with, one morning after 
 reading (she breakfasted with us) ; first in a sweet and uniting and 
 solemn silence, and then she addressed me peculiarly to my comfort 
 and help when outwardly much tried. Oh, these secret and deep 
 and hidden times are better than all the outward chat, strengthening 
 and refreshing, and to be dwelt upon afterwards with peace and with 
 grateful praise. 
 
 With dear love, and loving to think upon thee as one of my dear 
 Lord's little ones, remain, craving thy preservation and help as of 
 myself, thy aifectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
1850.] 1,VDIA ANN KAPvCLAY. 395 
 
 To . yA^^- . /t.r-*:^-7^ 
 
 7th or 8th Month, 1850. 
 
 My dear Fkiend, 
 
 I know not where this may reach thee, but thought I would 
 send thee a few lines, which I have long wished to do, expressive of 
 dear love, and the breathings which have continually ascended within 
 me for thy strengthening and preservation in thy deeply exercising 
 labours of love in this part of the world, that thy eye may be kept 
 closely inward to the pure and Divine gift of light and life, that so 
 thou mayest be enabled to see all the various snares set by the gi-and 
 adversary, especially in the way of such as are devoted to do their 
 little best to pull down his kingdom in the hearts of their fellow- 
 creatures — and seeing them, thou mayest be led to cry mightily to 
 the Strong for strength, to the Wise for wisdom to avoid them, even 
 to thy deeper humbling, and further strengthening, and greater filling 
 with praise to Him who is sufficient and all in all to His devoted and 
 dependent children. I have earnestly craved that, whilst supported 
 under the sore exercises and deep baptisms which must be thy portion 
 in thus visiting the seed that is in oppression in the hearts of the 
 professors of the truth (who are too often crucifying the dear Son of 
 God afresh, in His inward and spiritual appearance), thou mayest 
 equally be guarded against anything savouring of seeking or delighting 
 in the favour or approbation or applause of men, and which I appre- 
 hend may so very imperceptibly to ourselves creep over us when thus 
 largely and continuously engaged in our Divine IMaster's service, as 
 well as so insidiously be made use of by the enemy, tliereby to draw 
 us aside from that littleness and lowliness, that holy watch in the 
 Divine fear, that pure inward dwelling Avhereby our eye may be kept 
 clear from creaturely bias or affection, our hearts upright to and 
 for our Master, our hands clean and strong to labour for His holy 
 cause, and our feet preserved from every snare. However wily and 
 strong the enemy may be to lay hold of our various weaknesses of 
 flesh and spirit, for his own bad purpose, the Lord is nigh and 
 stronger than all to guide, guard, strengthen, and preserve, as there 
 is a low lying and a close keeping to and before Him; and therefore 
 unto Him and the word of His grace nigh in the heart would I 
 affectionately commit and commend thee and all my dear friends, 
 with my own soul, who is able to build us all up, to preserve us to the 
 end, and to give us an inheritance with the sanctified of all genera- 
 tions, to praise His excellent name for ever and ever! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
396 
 
 A SELECTION FROM TUE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1850. 
 
 [The following was addressed to one not in profession with 
 Friends.] 
 
 9<A Month, 1850. 
 
 Dear Friend, 
 
 Writing to I feel inclined to salute thee with a few 
 
 lines, to express the earnest solicitude I feel for thy best and ever- 
 lasting welfare, and which I believe proceeds from that love which 
 spreads over sea and land, and to all sects and names, and seeks not 
 the gaining of proselytes to any mere set of opinions or compact of 
 practices, but seeks after and rejoices in the S2:)reading of the holy and 
 pure truth, even the inward and spiritual kingdom of our blessed 
 Redeemer, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His 
 dominion shall endure for ever and ever, and of the increase 
 whereof, even the riches, the glory and the peace thereof, there never 
 shall be an end. I felt indescribably for the short time we were 
 together, believing that thou hast been visited by the dayspring from 
 on high after an excellent manner, in tender mercy to thy soul ; that 
 God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined 
 in thy heart to give the light of the knowledge of His glory in the 
 face or appearing of Jesus Christ ; but it appears to me that thou 
 art overrunning this pure and holy light — thou art as it were over- 
 laying the Babe immortal that hath been quickened and brought forth 
 in thee — thou art not little enough and low enough, sUent enough, 
 and enough willing to be a fool and to be nothing, do nothing, and 
 appear nothing, that so that living birth might grow and spread in 
 thee, that holy light and seed might increase in thee, so as to come 
 over thee and overcome thee, and to bring and leaven thee into its own 
 nature. But going forth after the enemy who raises up a dust of 
 reasonings and plausible conclusions in thee, thou art leading away 
 from that lowly nature, that little Child that should lead thee, even 
 the Saviour in His lowly appearance within thee, and art entering 
 into and sucking do^vn reasonings against this, that, and the other, 
 without thee, Avhereas thou hadst better dwell more inward and mind 
 what is passing there, and what the Master says and bids thee either 
 do or forsake, and not be so much looking outward and reasoning. 
 The Lord seeks not a reasoning mind in us, but a feeling, submissive 
 heart ; and it is the meek and the humble (who 7nust be silent to be 
 so) whom He teaches His way and guides in true judgment, because 
 in their humbling their own judgment is taken away, and they become 
 wholly passive and nothing in His holy hand. Therefore, the enemy 
 
1850. J 
 
 LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 397 
 
 will strive ever so to draw us away from this inwardness and little- 
 ness and stillness ; and it is one of His surest devices to lead us from 
 yielding to tlie drawings of the light of Christ, by inducing us to look 
 at this or that person or people who have made or are making a pro- 
 fession thereof, to behold and reason upon what is inconsistent or 
 wrong in them, and to lay it upon such a profession instead of upon 
 the weakness or unfaithfulness of individuals. Thus many a tenderly 
 visited one has stopped short instead of following on in the simplicity 
 and humility of a little child, to know more and more of the Lord's 
 holy will and precious leadings — and as they thus stop short, so the 
 heavenly light is lessened, and dimness of sight and weakness of 
 hands creep over them, they wander further and further in the mazes 
 of the enemy, and get to call light darkness and darkness light. It 
 is these who are going back again to Babylon, though they think 
 they are come to Mount Zion, and they have need to remember our 
 blessed Lord's language, "If ye were blind, ye should have no sin ; 
 but now ye say. We see, therefore your sin remaineth." "Whereas, 
 those who, without reasoning or looking outward, mind the Master's 
 voice within, yielding to His blessed power that makes willing to be 
 little and low, and to receive little and low instructions from Him, 
 and to walk in the path of brokenness and humility — these thus fol- 
 lowing on to know Him shall know the goings forth of His power to 
 and in them to be prepared as the morning, with increasing light, 
 life, and strength ; and the returning incomes of His love to and in 
 .their souls shall be as the latter and the former rain in its season, 
 bringing renewed refreshment, nourishment, and fruitfulness with 
 them to His praise and glory. 
 
 Oh, therefore, dear friend, receive this little word of exhortation 
 in the love in which it is written — cleave close to the seed or measure 
 of light, life, and truth revealed in the secret of thy heart, let that 
 judge in thee and judge thee down, move in thee and lead and act in 
 thee, and then thou wilt unfailingly be humbled and consequently 
 strengthened, be brought to nothing in thyself and consequently 
 made what the Lord would have thee to be ; be emptied of all thou 
 canst call thy own, and consequently filled with the substance, riches, 
 and everlasting peace of the heavenly kingdom, yea, and be made an 
 instrument for the gathering of others to the same. 
 
 I remain thy poor, weak, tribulated friend, and hearty well-wislier, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
398 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THK I.KTTERS OF 
 
 [1850. 
 
 To A YoxTNG Fbiend. 
 
 Aberdeen, \Uh of 9th Month, 1850. 
 
 My dear 
 
 . . . How thou wouldst have enjoyed being at Ballater 
 with us ! It is a simple village situated in a rich valley by the river 
 Dee, and is surrounded with hills and mountains rising like waves 
 one behind the other, — some wild and craggy, and others feathered 
 up to the top and amongst the crags with beautiful weeping birches, 
 Scotch and spruce firs, and larches, oaks, and mountain ash, covered 
 with red berries — and in the far south and west, highest of all, were 
 the Cairn Gorum mountains, Benavon and Lochnagar, about 4000 
 feet above the level of the sea ; the hollows of these were still white 
 with snow when we first went — the latter is a very fine mountain 
 Avith several peaks, and was always visible, the others we could only 
 see by climbing the nearer crags. One of these, Ci'aigendarach, was 
 a favourite resort of ours, having so much variety, — steep perpendicular 
 precipices, rocks jumbled about in all directions and shapes, with the 
 clusters of weeping birches romantically growing out from these 
 debris, with the other variety of trees I have mentioned, and the 
 purple heath in luxuriance and brilliancy of colour that I cannot 
 describe: the sheep scattered about, nibbling on the patches of grass 
 interspersed, and a flock of pretty goats climbing the frightful rocks 
 for the foliage among them ; a beautiful landscape of hills and 
 mountains, with the Dee winding like a blue ribbon through the 
 valley rich with corn ; and an intense quiet all around, save when a 
 breeze rippled among the woods below or above us ; — a lovely scene 
 
 where I much enjoyed to pitch my camp stool, and occupied a 
 
 rock on the heather. "We never got tired of its variety — the height is 
 1340 feet and I only once got to the top. 
 
 The weather was very fine, but the last week it became misty and 
 frosty, and we had blazing wood-fires to warm us. It was a beautiful 
 sight to see the mist rolling up the mountains, like drawing up 
 curtains in festoons about eleven o'clock, when the sun got up, and it 
 left as it were "hoary locks" upon all the heather and brushwood and 
 smaller firs, caused by the gossamer being covered with strong dew 
 or frost — and at mid-day it glistened beautifully in the sunshine. 
 These mists considerably changed the colour of the foliage and ferns, 
 and dimmed the dazzling brightness of the heath the last week. . . . 
 We found the people were pleased with tracts, some of them. 
 
1850.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 399 
 
 . . . Well, dear , the same good and mighty A.rm that 
 
 raised up our forefathers and predecessors to be a people, to bear His 
 pure and holy testimony to the nations formerly, is still able and 
 willing to raise up counsellors as at the beginning and judges as at 
 the first, humble valiants, and faithful testimony-bearers in various 
 ways at the present day, if there be but a yielding to His humbling, 
 crucifying, quickening, and strengthening power, which is nigh in every 
 one of our hearts to visit and do us good, and all-sufficient for all. 
 Oh, then, that thou and I may be of this happy number who are thus 
 yielding and abiding in subjection and in waiting thereupon — so shall 
 we be built up in the most holy faith, and receive an inheritance with 
 the sanctified which shall endure for ever. 
 
 With dear love, I remain thy truly affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . J^^^ 'c-^ 
 
 Aberdeen, 20th of 0th Month, 1850. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . . . I quite agree with thee thou canst not do better 
 than remain as thou art, trusting in that Almighty power who has 
 hitherto stayed the waves when they looked ready to overwhelm, 
 and has kept up thy little bark still struggling on. Thy remarks are 
 very just, and I only wish that many others of our young men fol • 
 lowed thy example, but while they are turning away their ear from 
 the alone sure Guide and leaning only to their own understanding, 
 trusting in an arm of flesh, where is their consistency as Friends? where 
 is there being testimony-bearers against the worldly spirit in their 
 trade ? where is their right direction, and consequently the blessing 
 of heavenly peace ? They may seem to get on well for a time, but 
 their minds are buried in the earth, they are slaves to outward things, 
 instead of being the Lord's free-men, are in anxiety and harass, in- 
 stead of enjoying the true peaceful quiet of trusting in Him, and 
 having His favour. I much commend thy endeavours about prices. 
 I think many Friends err by seeking such great profits and really lose 
 business by it. It is quite proverbial in some places. . . . Wc 
 can't have too much of the dear Master's company, nor can we lean 
 too much or pour out too much to Him, a never-failing and unfal- 
 tering Friend, that sticketh closer than a brother. 
 I remain thy affectionate and sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
400 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1850. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, 3rd of 10th Month, 1850. 
 
 My Dear P^riend, 
 
 . . . Surely the messenger of sickness and death is 
 going about awfully at this season, and the warning is a solemn one 
 
 to us all ! I expect you have known dear revive more than 
 
 once as from the gates of death ; still this seems a more near approach 
 than any, and I tenderly feel for thee in the prospect of having to 
 yield up this dear brother and object of thy very affectionate watch- 
 ing to Him who gave him and has spared him so long and unexpect- 
 edly to you all. Perhaps even before this note reaches thee, the 
 severing stroke may have been given ; but I trust that ere that takes 
 place, you may have had the comfort of your dear invalid's more 
 clear evidence of acceptance in the Beloved, his beloved ! It is often 
 in matchless wisdom seen meet to be withheld till a very late season ; 
 yet surely no true-hearted follower of the dear Lamb is forsaken at 
 last, or deprived of that humbling and calming assurance which fills 
 the departing spirit as with praise, though there may be a fear of 
 much expression thereof. If he is still in the poor body, give my 
 dear love to liim, and tell him I trust, that whatever may be his 
 provings of faith and patience, he is at times made sensible that the 
 everlasting Arm is underneath for his support and help, or at least 
 that, when faith is fainting, heavenly hope comes in to its succour, 
 giving again and again to lean upon Him who is of power and tender 
 goodness to His poor weak creatures. 
 
 I remain thy truly sympathising and affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Same date. 
 
 and have just finished our families, and 
 
 very acceptable and sweet has been their visit, as a brook by the way; 
 so I feel I have had my little cake, and must prepare for a forty 
 days' travel in the wilderness ; but great is the mercy that helps us 
 poor travellers along. 
 
 "With dear love, and hoping you have had the like refreshment in 
 
 and 's late visit, I remain thy and your affectionate fi'iend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
1850.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 401 
 
 To . 
 
 Perth, 22ndofl0th Month, 1850. 
 
 Mr DEAR Friend, 
 
 . . Thy thoughts are like my thoughts of myself. But 
 in looking at these things, I have thought, that as we are drawing 
 nearer to the end of our race, it is well, yea, a marvellous mercy, that 
 we should be deeply humbled, and increasingly so as we advance, that 
 we may more and more feel that " in our flesh dwelleth no good 
 thing," and all that is good or right is only a loan for the purpose of 
 the glory of the Giver, and to spread His blessed kingdom and the 
 enjoyment thereof; and I think we see it to be so with all the faith- 
 ful — they are deeply abased and behold their own vileness again 
 towards the end of their day as when they ^ exe first visited. But 
 there is this blessed exception, a quietness and assurance, a heavenly 
 peace in and through the holy Redeemer, which is mercifully permitted 
 in His free grace to be the work and the effect of the true righteous- 
 ness, even that righteousness which is by faith in and of the operation 
 of God. . . . Do not think of me above what I am, a very weak 
 sister. How sweet are those words, " therefore I take pleasure" — that 
 is, more than resignation in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, 
 in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake, for when I am weak 
 then am I strong ! These deep baptisms, as in the cloud and in the 
 sea, often are preparatory for either service or suffering. ... I 
 long my little sojourn here may be sanctified to me, if no other good 
 come of it. 
 
 Farewell, dear friend. Let us seek to be preserved on the sure 
 Foundation that our work may stand the fire ; let us seek that the 
 Spirit of God may dwell in us, sanctify us, and clothe us as little 
 children, and then it is said, all shall be yours, whetlier -Paul, Apollos, 
 or Cephas, or life, or death, or things present or to come, all arc 
 yours, and ye are Christ's, and Christ is God's. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 2ath oflOih Month, 1850. 
 
 . I have had the great privilege of dear and 
 
 companion's company nine days under my roof, and a most strength- 
 ening visit it was, and comforting, although she had comparative! ;/ 
 little to say in either of the three meetings we sat togetlier, nor had we 
 any private sitting at all; yet there was such a weightiness and silence, 
 
 n D 
 
402 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTEHS OF 
 
 [1850. 
 
 and ingatheredness in her social intercouse, and such a sweet savour 
 attending her converse, as was better than words, however encourag- 
 ing ; it felt something solid and not superficial, reminding me of 
 good old days thirty years ago, when our meal-times used to feel like 
 meeting-times, in mingling with our faithful ministers. But now 
 chattiness and fascinating manners have taken the place of this 
 gathering to the one blessed Master, and a formal gravity has taken 
 the place of the true and lively weightiness of spirit. I assure thee it 
 was hard to us to part with them, and I do trust it was a comfortable 
 
 and peaceful resting place for her. Dear is exactly the one 
 
 to suit her as companion, so feeling and exercised, weighty in spirit, 
 just what our elders ought to be. 
 
 L. A. Bakclat. 
 
 To . 
 
 2nd of nth Month, 1850. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I hope I am not too late in saying I rejoice in thy prospect, 
 my beloved sister, and wish thee God's heavenly speed on thy way 
 most hearti/i/ ! In one sense, I do not see thou art so much to be 
 pitied, for thou hast such a valuable helper in thy dear husband ; but 
 I know what thou means. Alas ! those who go forth now-a-days at 
 their Divine Master's bidding, have need in a deeper sense to be both 
 pitied and prayed for, for they must be where their Master is in deep 
 suffering, and, as it were, buffetted, and derided, and beaten, and 
 crucified ! but it is enough for them that they be as their Master; 
 yea, it is their honour, and let them count it all joy thus to suffer 
 with Him, notwithstanding that mourning and grief is their clothing 
 on behalf of i,hose they visit, that they should thus be crucifying 
 afresh, as it were, the Lord of life and glory ! But, my dear friend, 
 never fear the sufferings, the despising, the reproaches, and evil 
 reports, rather fear the favour and the flattery, or warm expressions 
 of any, even when well meant. The Lord whom thou desires to serve in 
 faithfulness and truth, will strengthen, guide, and preserve thee as 
 thou cleaves close to His pure gift and only leans on Him, and He 
 will help thee over all the close places, and hard pinches thou must 
 bear and go through, if thou speaks faithfully for Him. And mayest 
 thou not be dismayed, if low places and deep baptisms be thy portion ; 
 it must be so, if ever thou art enabled to minister aright to the true 
 seed, or to bring up stones of memorial unto the Lord's power and 
 
1850.] 
 
 LYDIA ANX BARCLAY, 
 
 403 
 
 goodness. Oh, mayest thou never shrink from inwardness and 
 silence in the social intercourse connected with this service, nor be 
 ashamed of having nothing to say in little opportunities — but mayest 
 thou, by example as well as precept, draw the professors of the pure 
 truth into more inwardness, and silence, and watching unto the word 
 within, which is sadly wanted amongst us, I was greatly instructed 
 in seeing this godly example in dear and . . . 
 
 May I, in sisterly freedom, suggest thy reading my little tract 
 from Job Scott, addressed to select Friends ; it may have a strength- 
 ening effect — I feel it has on me, and like to read it every year, 
 tending to strengthen me in keeping close to the Divine gift, not to 
 launch forth into the mixture by many words which deaden the gift, 
 as so many do now-a-days. I hope, though thou may not visit 
 families in other meetings, yet that, if thou feels anything on thy 
 mind to any individuals or single families, thou wilt be faithful 
 and let nothing slip by being left undone wherever thou art. I should 
 like to have a little idea of thy route. I suppose beginning with home 
 duties first ; and I shall tenderly sympathise with thee, and, as enabled, 
 breathe for thy help and preservation ! . . . Thou wilt say perhaps 
 I have reason to be encouraged in meeting with such tender-minded 
 ones as the three here, whom I mentioned in my last, and especially 
 so in their so rejoicing in my coming here just now with the object of 
 encouraging them to sit down together for worship weekly, saying it 
 waa what they so desired, and it was providential. But what Avilt 
 
 thou say when I tell thee that one of these told us, that had 
 
 advised their beginning their little meetings with the Scriptures"? 
 This dear young man told us this would not do, for reading the Bible 
 was no part of true luorship ! But we perceive an inclination to it in 
 the other two ; I must do my best to counteract it, and try to leave 
 them on second day week in as good a way as I can, recommending 
 them to their Divine Teacher, who speaks as no man spake ! . . . 
 
 And now farewell, in much dear love to you both. May the Lord 
 help and preserve is the desire of thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, 2()tli ofllth Month, 1850, 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 When you have decided on your future abode I shall be 
 pleased to hear of it, and feel much for you in the unsettlement that 
 
404 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTEUS OF 
 
 [1850. 
 
 you have so long felt, it must be so trying. If trials of this sort are 
 not brought on by a want of close attention to the good and sure 
 Guide, speaking and showing in the secret of the heart, then we may 
 have a humble confidence that they are among the " all things that 
 shall work together for good," and shall feel the supporting Arm near 
 to sustain and comfort us; and if, upon a close scrutiny, we find that 
 they are the result of this -way of close care on our parts, then, 
 although we may and must feel a degree of self-condemnation, let it 
 lead us not to despair or discouragement on the one hand, nor to a 
 doubting about or slighting of inward guidance on the other, but to a 
 humble sense of our own deficiency, and a desire after a closer watch- 
 fulness, a simpler faithfulness for the future, with a seeking after best 
 help therefor. And thus our very slips and the trials incident thereto 
 may be made helpful, or rather overruled for good to us, in making 
 us more watchful and humble. I don't know that these remarks 
 apply to you, but as they came into my mind I simply pen them, and 
 am myself instructed in doing so. . . . The present is a time 
 when, if persons can possibly do on a little out of business, it is 
 better, rather than to run the risk of losing all by seeking more. The 
 present is such a time of running to and fro by some, and there seems 
 such a vast deal of good afloat, that one longs to see more of good 
 fruit and conversion result therefrom. It is a time wherein I am not 
 (and shall not be) surprised, if the little ones, the true-hearted and 
 deeply- baptised servants, should either be restrained from travelling, 
 or else, if led out, may be required to be much in silence, as a sign to 
 the empty professors of truth, who are too much clothing themselves 
 with a fair looking covering, but not of the Divine Spirit. There is 
 more of drawing folks, especially the young, to the creature instead of 
 to their Creator and heavenly King, and the superficiality begets super- 
 ficiality, so there is (comparatively, with all the many words and much 
 labour)but little turning of the wicked from their evil way, or strength- 
 ening the hands of the faithful. See Jeremiah and Ezekiel. . . . 
 With dear love, I will remain thy very sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Bakclay. 
 
 To VV. H., JuN. 
 
 Aberdeen, 2Gth of 12th Month, 1850. 
 
 My DEAR Friend, 
 
 Oh ! how excellent is the true unity — surely as precious 
 ointment that is healing and strengthening and reviving. And such 
 
1850.] 
 
 lA'in.V ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 405 
 
 I seem to feel renewedly poured forth, in the reading of thy acceptable 
 letter of 10th month last, to the melting of my heart in grateful praise 
 to the great Giver of, and Strengtliener unto all that is good. The 
 feelings and the exercises, and even the trials of such seem to be like 
 face answering to face in a glass, and seem by the sight or hearing 
 thereof to animate one afresh to travel on and press forward, and 
 look upward in and over all. 
 
 Thou speakest of the difficulty thou sometimes feelest in writing. 
 I sometimes, when thus fearing my letters are poor and worth 
 nothing, feel the more bound to send them, and appear as a fool and 
 weak ; and sometimes I have for answers an account of their applica- 
 bility and helpfulness at that very time, which is an encouragement 
 just to pen as matter opens on the mind, and without any reasoning 
 or garnishing. 
 
 My dear friend, how well can I enter into and respond to thy 
 expressions as to thyself! Surely it is a time to cry and breathe day 
 and night to the alone Preserver and Strengthener of His people, to 
 keep us from falling into one or other of the wily enemy's specious 
 snares, and to strengthen us to be faithful unto Him, doing neither 
 more nor less than He requires of us. And surely, seeing we feel 
 ourselves such poor weak children, will He not condescend to take 
 us as by the hand, and keep us close to Himself, yea, and answer the 
 breathings that He puts into us? And, oh, saith my soul, on my 
 own account, may He take me away, rather than that I should live 
 to bring the least hurt or reproach to that cause which He has made 
 so precious to mc. My mind has been of late much pondering and 
 exercised, I think I may say, on the state of things in the world at 
 large, both on your continent and in this land, and also amongst us — 
 a highly favoured yet backsliding people. 
 
 The Papists are exulting in their rapid increase everywhere, and in 
 the hope of an entire subjugation of this nation to papal government. 
 At one of the late meetings on the subject, the Dean of Bristol seemed 
 to speak strikingly, showing the degeneracy that had crept over all 
 denominations, and that there was wanting a purging from Papacy — 
 not Roman Papacy, he said, but Anglo-Papacy, which had crept up 
 amongst all sorts (alas ! how true is this as it regards our Friends), 
 and especially the clergy, and that this purging would come from the 
 laity. And he quoted from one of the early Christians (Ambrose), 
 that " there never was a heresy in the Church but it came by way of 
 the clergy," &c. 1 was much struck with these views, and from such 
 
406 
 
 A SELECTION FBOM THE LETTERS 
 
 OF 
 
 [1851. 
 
 au one, and it coincides with that text, " The leaders of this people 
 cause them to err ;" and I was reminded herein of Archbishop Usher's 
 remarkable prophecy, mentioned in the preface of Se well's History ; 
 also of another, supposed to have been delivered by Lawford Godfrey, 
 a Friend, and minister of Exeter early in the last century. The last 
 peculiarly shows the purification of the ministry, and is awful to think 
 of. And yet there is much comfort in the assurance that the pure 
 gold and the weighty wheat shall not be hurt, and that Zion shall 
 arise and shine forth more brightly, and that " truth is stronger than 
 all, and shall prevail," as dear old "William Rickman said to me on 
 his death-bed. So let us cheer up through all our tears and sighing, 
 and hope for the glory of God through all and over all — and He will 
 preserve the simple, the faithful, and the humble we know. And, 
 oh, let us seek to be of such, by cleaving to His power, which can 
 make us so. . . . 
 
 And now, my dear friend, I have written thee many words, but I 
 fear a poor letter as to substance — it's the best my poor treasury can 
 furnish at present, being in a very low and stripped spot ; but some- 
 times am deriving a little comfort or hope from the full belief that I 
 do love the brethren who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity, and 
 manifest it by their faithfulness and humility. Thy writing to me as 
 thou feelest a little gentle putting forth in love and life, not looking 
 for great things, will be truly acceptable, and no doubt helpful and 
 cheering to thy poor tribulated but affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, 16th of ist Month, 18.51. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 The re-perusal of thy kind letter a month's date ago, fills 
 me with wonder that thou shouldst write of riches to one so miserably 
 poor as I feel myself to be ; it is like speaking about summer to one 
 in the depth of winter, or about dainty morsels to one in a starving 
 condition. It has been with me a long season of mental starvation, 
 or rather, I should say, of apparent darkness and desertion ; and what 
 so afflicting as the loss of the precious company and converse of Him 
 who is the beloved of redeeming souls, of those whom He has touched 
 with His love, and given to feel that " sweet is His voice, and His 
 countenance is comely !" I desire to be resigned to this winter sea- 
 son, remembering that man shall not Hvc by bread alone (by that 
 
1851.] 
 
 LVUIA ANN BAKCLAY. 
 
 407 
 
 which looks likely to nourish him), but by every word of God, evea 
 by the judgment of His mouth, the commands of His Spirit, the 
 permissions of His wiU, however stripping, however crucifying, 
 however close and hewing ; even afflictions, and overcomings of the 
 enemy, may tend in some degree to the strengthening the best life, by 
 dra-wing us more inward — "by these things men live, and in all these 
 things is the life of my spirit," said Hezekiah, when pushed sore. . . . 
 
 We have been favoured to have continued comfortable accounts of 
 
 the little meeting at and ; one simple man writes, they had 
 
 had " a blessed meeting," on first day week in silence. I long for 
 their help and holding on, and we write to one or another of them 
 occasionally. I am having four tracts (two of P. Livingstone's) 
 printed in the Gailic language, for spreading in the Highlands, either 
 by myself, if spared to go there, or by any who come after me, per- 
 haps at public meetings; but oh, the self-sufficiency and lukewarmness 
 here ! when will the truth arise and shine over all ? . . . 
 
 I fear this is a poor dull scrawl, dear , but thou takes me for 
 
 better and for worse. With dear love, I remain thy true friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclai'. 
 
 Aberdeen, 21st of 1st Month, 1851. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 I was pleased to hear from thee and of your quarterly 
 meeting, at which time my mind seemed much with you. Thy 
 former one of 10th month, informed me of the decease of thy dear 
 uncle. It was sweet to me to hear of his apparent preparation and 
 readiness to depart, like one going a journey. I thought it showed 
 the work of the Divine power, that thus gave quiet and a humble 
 trust. He was one of the hidden worthies who I believe endeavoured 
 
 to do what he knew to be right, and I felt his loss for , for there 
 
 are but few comparatively of the true Friends in it. Still I believe 
 amongst those not of this fold there are of the upright-hearted or 
 righteous in it, and we read that for ten righteous persons Sodom 
 would not have been destroyed. 
 
 I have been very low, truly of the poor and needy ones, and ready 
 to think no one so tried and bad as I. But, dear Sarah, to feel a 
 panting after the water brooks is a sign of a little life, is it not ? and 
 to be sensible of the darkness and distress of desertion is a sign of a 
 
408 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1851. 
 
 little light, for it is the light that manifests the darkness, is it not ? 
 So I travel on in fear, and hope for better days, and the language of 
 my heart is — 
 
 " If I am right, thy grace impart 
 Still in the right to stay ; 
 If I am wrong, oh teach my heart 
 To find that better way." 
 
 If such seasons are designed for proving and refining, may patience 
 have her perfect work, that nothing may be wanting that tends to the 
 glory of the Creator and the utter abasement of the creature. We 
 are variously afflicted, and the good hand is laid upon us, but all for 
 our spiritual help ; and, oh, that we may so receive the chastening, 
 and abide under it as to obtain the help designed towards heaven. 
 
 Thy description of the enjoyment of your country was very 
 touching to me, reminding me of past days in a south land. Still I 
 desire to be resigned to the trials of my northern home as long as 
 required. 
 
 Farewell. With dear love to you both, from thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Aberdeen, 2dt/i of 1st Month, 1851. 
 
 My beloved Friend, 
 
 When we feel drawn nearer and nearer to our 
 friends by reason of losing others, and thus being reminded afresh 
 how precious they are, we seem as if our minds continually were as on 
 the wing to them, and communicating in a hidden way with them, and 
 we want to tell them sc. . . . Ah, thine was a touching allusion 
 to happy hours in W., and I may also add P. and C. with you ; but He 
 who mercifully gave such good and precious times together, is as near 
 710W as ever to bless us and do us good, yea, to support us still under 
 the troubles and tribulations of time, and to guide and strengthen us 
 still in what lie requires, and to comfort us in all our losses and 
 afflictions and sufferings for His sake. Therefore let us still pour out, 
 our souls unto Him, and He will be a sure refuge and peaceful 
 little sanctuary unto us in the places where our lots may be cast, and 
 under whatever provings He appoints — let us trust in the Lord 
 Jehovah for ever, for in Him is everlasting strength, and none of 
 them that trust in Him shall be desolate — let Him strip us, as it were, 
 
1851.] 
 
 I.YDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 409 
 
 quite naked, only not take His Holy Spii'it from us, nor suflfer the 
 enemy to draw us aside. 
 
 I think I gave thee a hint in my last, how my mind had been 
 attracted towards those who attend our meetings not members. I 
 was constrained last monthly meeting to avow it, and was liberated 
 to visit them individually, which, through Divine goodness humbling 
 and helping, I have been enabled to do in about sixteen sittings, 
 to the great relief and comfort of my mind. My bodily health was 
 much stressed upon with the exercise, especially in anticipation, for 
 it Avas a trial to me to avow it. . . . 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 Aberdeen, \2th of 2nd Month, 1851. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I am much obliged for and interested in thy account of your 
 German journey ; it must have been very pleasant going together, 
 and what a great favour you were helped through so well, and were 
 preserved from all accidents and illness, for I had many fears about 
 your being either of you taken ill ! Surely it will be a time to be 
 often remembered with sweetness, gratitude, and praise ; and I trust 
 desires will renewedly arise after greater degrees of love, trust, and 
 dedication to Him who has thus been mindful of you to bless us. 
 
 was so pleased that 's two brothers were alive and glad to see 
 
 him — also that you went to Oberkirchen to see that nice little company 
 of whom I had heard, and towards whom I often felt much love ! I 
 hope you had a good supply of German tracts to spread. Ah, I wish 
 G. would translate some real old-fashioned ones into German, to 
 spread the ancient and unchangeable truth ! I trust the visit may 
 be as the prophet's cake of old, that helped him over a long wilderness 
 travel. . . . 
 
 Farewell, dear . With dear love to you both and dear 
 
 also, I remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To R. R. 
 
 Castleton of Breniar, 1st oflth Month, 1851. 
 
 . . . 1 thought of thee and others too, last sixth day, at 
 Dorking quarterly meeting, as I was rapidlj' travelling aAvay I'roia 
 
410 
 
 A SELECTION FROJI THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1851. 
 
 England. . . . Home is home, however solitary and trying ; the 
 mind rests there in the place allotted us, if it be in right ordering. 
 How super-excellent then would be the heavenly home, and to be 
 made a pillar in the Lord's house that shall go no more out. . . 
 Yesterday we had a most wild mountainous ride here, in an open 
 barouche, along the Queen's Road, winding up the mountain and in 
 and out the many romantic gullies or dells — a majestic scene, and a vast 
 change from the richer and softer beauties of Surrey ; a narrow road, 
 and nothing to prevent our rolling down the precipice, had our ponies 
 slipped, or turned aside too much in their windings ; and in the far 
 distance there really is snow in the recesses of the mountains, and, as 
 I sit, I can see them twenty miles off, and of a glistening or silvery 
 whiteness by the sun shining on them. It is strange to see snow 
 when we are oppressed with heat. But, whilst we were at dinner a 
 little while ago, soon after admiring this silvery appearance, it 
 changed to blackness, and a severe storm of thunder and lightning 
 came on ; it was a treat to me, though awful to behold, for we never 
 hardly have thunder at Aberdeen. . . - This is a simple place of 
 thatched cottages chiefly, including the shops and lodging-houses. . . 
 
 I much felt seeing so little of you, and oh, that we may seek daily 
 after that life which is hid with Christ in God. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . yj:..-. , ar-* . r /^- 
 
 25th of 7th Month, 1851. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I have been thinking of thee much in Cornwall, which was 
 once my home for several years, believing thou wouldst feel comfort 
 in meeting with many dear Friends there, who would be very kind 
 and helpful to thee, and my breathings have been many and great for 
 thy strengthening and preservation from all snares, for many indeed, 
 as thou well knowest, are the snares set in the way of poor travellers, 
 and there is no safety but in a close watch over our own spirits, and 
 a close cleaving unto His secretly revealing and strengthening power, 
 who stands ready to help the humble and breathing ones in every 
 time of need, and is almighty. And, dear friend, bear with my 
 faithfulness if I say that, as I have felt that a peculiar temptation to 
 thee is to give way to the affectionate part, so as to endanger the 
 losing the position of the watch, where the true feeling for the blaster 
 is obtained, and the humble desire arises to be preserved in circum- 
 
1851.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAT. 
 
 411 
 
 spect conduct and conversation — so I have the more earnestly craved 
 that the good hand may continually guide, strengthen, humble, and 
 preserve thee from day to day during what remains of thy required 
 service, that so the affectionate part may be guarded against, v^hich, 
 if it creeps up in us, may greatly hinder our service and right feeling 
 for our Master, as well as do hurt to His tender ones. 
 
 As I am not alone in my feelings, I am the more encouraged thus 
 in tenderness nnd sincerity to impart a word of caution, and I much 
 hope it will be taken in that true love in which it is penned. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To A TouNQ Friend.^ t^Ut,^ ^H-^^ /. 
 Drumnadrochit, near Inverness, Idth of 9th Month, 1851. 
 
 My dear , 
 
 . . . Perhaps thou wilt wonder into what outlandish 
 place we are got, from the date of this. I was so entirebj overdone 
 with the general meeting, that we came to Inverness almost directly 
 after it, and a most fatiguing journey we had of lOG miles, in a Sinall 
 and greatly laden coach, over a great part of Aberdeenshire, a very 
 dreary and dull country, reminding me in degree of Derbyshire, but 
 the latter part was through other more fertile counties, Avhere the 
 diif erence of soil was very conspicuous, producing fine crops of wheat, 
 which Aberdeenshire does not ; also fine trees, and hedges, and oaks 
 too, which are rarities in our part. "We stopped a night at an inn, and 
 then procured agreeable lodgings on the banks of the Ness, where 
 we stayed two weeks. My night's sleep is not fully restored yet, 
 which has made me feel tired and feeble by day, and hindered my 
 getting on as I could wish. However, it was a pleasant sojourn, 
 and as we were gazing-stocks to the people, and spread also a great 
 many tracts both in English and Gaelic, I trust the sojourn there 
 was not in vain. We also found a poor solitary man who professes 
 with Friends, and who was delighted to see a little of kindred minds; 
 so he met with us, also occasionally an agreeable young woman, 
 whose brother is "the high church" preacher there, and also came 
 several times to see us. We came on here last sixth day by the 
 steamboat, along the famous Caledonian Canal, landing by a little 
 row-boat on the shores of Loch Ness, about one-third its length, 
 which is twenty-four miles long, and then we started for this place on 
 foot ; but finding it too I'ar for me, I mounted a little Highland cart, 
 
■412 A SELECTIOX FKOM THE LETTERS OF [1851. 
 
 which took our luggage, while C. walked with a kind fellow-passenger, 
 dressed in the Highland costume, who was very polite. The above 
 little carts are made of open work of lathes, so that the foot or 
 anything small might fall through without care — they are made so 
 for lightness, and are drawn along these mountain roads by one small 
 horse, sometimes with a strata collar and a halter bridle ! This place 
 is a straggling village, scattered vp hill and down hill for nearly two 
 miles in a most beautiful glen, said to be the most beautiful one in 
 Scotland, called Glen Urquhart, pronounced Urquart. We are at a 
 cottage shop which is the post-office, a very simple lodging, without 
 carpet, and everything very rustic, but such extreme hospitality as 
 we have never had before. "We can hardly understand one another, 
 as Gajlic is generally spoken, but all the people are so kind and 
 obliging it is quite striking to us both here and at Inverness. I assure 
 thee we are greatly pleased with all these dear Highlanders, and they 
 are so pleased with our Gaelic tracts, that we sent for more from home, 
 and yet have not enough. The country is far more beautiful than 
 thou canst imagine or I describe — we are out nearly all day. To- 
 day we climbed up beside a beautiful burn, or water course, whose 
 banks were rocky and woody, the weeping birches so elegant, and 
 the woods varied by golden corn fields in every crook and corner 
 which the plough can reach ; — we clambered across the burn at the 
 top of it, and then up a steep mountain, from the top of whicli we 
 had a lovely view all round the lake below surrounded by mountains, 
 except our valley or glen, and the glen dividing in two branches, 
 varied by hills in every direction like waves rising higher to the 
 mountains — the corn fields so richly laden, some not cut, and others 
 in sheaves, haycocks in others, and green luxuriant turnips in others, 
 and a little river or stream running winding along. After li/inr/ down 
 on the soft turf for half an hour, we were favoured to get safely 
 down again, though so slippery and craggy, and took our dinner at 
 the side of the burn in the cool shade, having the water murmuring 
 at our side, where we filled our cup, and afterwards washed our face 
 and hands. And then we passed all the aftei-noon a little further 
 eastward on the top of a craggy hill, among fine rocks, having a sweet 
 view of the lake, and valley, and mountains — returning home to tea at 
 half-past six. "Was not this making the vrost of a sweet day? We 
 longed for some of our southern fi-iends to share such beauties with 
 us. ... I should have told thee, as an instance of the genuine 
 kindness of this people, while we were sitting on the rocks in the 
 
1851.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BAKCLAT. 
 
 413 
 
 afternoon, a woman came out of a miserable looking cottage a little 
 way off, for they are scattered all about the glen in crooks and corners, 
 with a bowl of rich milk like cream to regale us, entirely spontaneously ; 
 we were so glad of it, the sun being so hot. 
 
 And now, dear , it is near bed-time, so I must quiet myself 
 
 for reading, and remain, with dear love, thy truly affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To R. R. 
 
 Drumnadrochit, Inverness, 2\st of^)th Month, 1851. 
 
 Recollecting it will be your quarterly meeting, I suppose 
 this week, and feeling thee very near in spirit, I take up my pen this 
 evening to salute thee in dear love, and to say how sweet it is, up in 
 this solitary yet lovely glen, as we sit on some craig, or to use a 
 Scotticism " bonnie brae," to think of dear ones far away, who per- 
 haps may be remembering us at this very time, and perhaps too may 
 have been just now (seven in the evening), as we have been, endeav- 
 ouring to lift up the poor flagging soul heavenward, to Ilim who 
 knows the secret breatliings and inmost sighs. "Well, dear R., there is 
 consolation in Christ, there is comfort in the true love, there is 
 fitrengtliening in the "fellowship of the Spirit," and oh, there is with 
 our tender Father " bowels and mercies." He pities the infirmities 
 of His poor weak ones, whom He hath given to desire to be His, and 
 when the poor body seems to clog the soul, He is able to send 
 help from His holy sanctuary. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To i^a^fr^f^^ 'l^Uvt-fffrc./^ 
 
 Drumnadrochit, 22nd of 9th Month, 1851. 
 
 Dear Friend, 
 
 . . . I incline to salute thee in love, by a few lines, and 
 say you are not forgotten, but your welfare every way sincerely 
 desired. And, my dear friend, I long that earthly things and gettings 
 may not eat out the best life, which is far better than either clothing 
 or food outwardly ; for what will it profit us if we gain the whole 
 world (or what the world calls good and desirable), if the soul be 
 lost, or the life of God in the soul? I feel this little watchword, dear 
 
 , for you both, for now you have a dear little son to provide for. 
 
 It will be the enemy's snare to you both to labour for him and . 
 
414 A SELECTION FROII THE LETTERS OF [1851. 
 
 to care and be aaxious for liim, and thus he (the enemy) will try by 
 the lawful things to draw you away from minding your inward con- 
 dition and growth in grace btj minding inward feelings. Oh, this 
 inwardness, this minding inward feelings, it is beyond all outward 
 gettings; and if our minds are rightly set heavenwards we may enjoy 
 it (the feeling after the Loi'd's presence and power secretly, and the 
 secret ejaculations or aspirations that spring therefrom), even when 
 our hands and outward attention are engaged in measure, we may 
 feel that which poises and preserves us. ... I am far from 
 well, but desire to be resigned to the Lord's will. 
 
 Farewell. With love truly to you both, from your friend, 
 
 L. A. Bakclat. 
 
 [The following is a postscript of the last letter addressed to L. A. 
 B., by her departed friend, L. Chalk.] 
 
 Kingston, 24:tJi of 9th Month, 1851. 
 . . . I hope thy late sojourn at Inverness, &c., will 
 tend to recruit both body and mind after the season of trial thou 
 alludes to. When we look around, how much there seems to weigh 
 down and cause sorroiu and sadness ! Think not tliou art alone in 
 this respect. We have a large share here. May the great Head of 
 the Church he so near, as to help and keep both thee and us in our 
 places, when storms of persecution arise and threaten almost to over- 
 whelm ; and very sweet it is to think that in His keeping we are 
 safe, as it is written, " No weapon that is formed against thee shall 
 prosper ; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment 
 thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, 
 and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord." The prospect of 
 having my dear sister added to us here feels cheering, and very, very 
 comforting to me in my present feeble and uncertain health. We 
 hope to be so near each other as to hold daily intercourse when 
 desired. If I have omitted to answer any part of thy letter, please 
 to excuse it. Farewell. 
 
 L. Chalk. 
 
 To W. H. 
 
 Aberdeen, 22nd of 10th Month, 1851. 
 
 Mr DEAR Friend, 
 
 The true fellowship is like the healing balm and odoriferous 
 cordial. How excellent it is, and strengthening and reviving and 
 
1851.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 415 
 
 healing to the many wounds in the house of our friends, which are 
 now our portion ! And how precious to witness this true unity and 
 love extending over the mighty deep to distant lands ! Surely it is 
 a beam from that same blessed light and life eternal whence flows 
 the Gospel love that ministers one unto another, whether openly and 
 vocally or secretly and silently, a blessing to us poor mortals. Ah, 
 my dear friend, I expect you, with us, AvUl have to endure yet greater 
 trials, for these are but the beginning of sorrows. ... I desire 
 to be resigned to the Lord's wiU, whether life or death ; and if I die, 
 I believe I may, in deep humility, say it is in the faith once and still 
 delivered to the saints. And if yet detained here, oh, may I be pre- 
 served therein to the very end. 
 
 With dear love to you both, I am thy true friend. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, 21th oflOth Month, 1851. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . . . I thought I would salute thee in this Avay, and 
 assure thee I am affectionately interested about all your little com- 
 pany that meet at thy house, and desire that grace, mercy, and peace 
 may grow and be multiplied among you ; and this I believe can only 
 be as you individually are subjected to the grace, accept the mercy, 
 and suffer the peace to rule in your hearts to the which you are 
 called, even of God and our Lord Jesus Christ. I feel an earnest 
 desire and concern upon me that you may not grow lax, or weary, or 
 lukewarm, in your sitting down together to wait for ability, heavenly 
 ability, to worship God in spirit and in truth, for this is one of the 
 enemy's devices to make you become so, in order that he may I'ob you 
 of spiritual good and hinder your progress heavenward. But may 
 you be stedfast in the Lord's counsel, immoveable in His fear, and 
 " always abounding in the work of the Lord," in the waiting for His 
 humbling power, in the feeling after His strengthening grace, " for- 
 asmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 
 And, dear friends, remember it is by this individual faithful and per- 
 severing labour that you will know a blessing to attend your little silent 
 meetings, and it is thus too that any one of you may, by tl e further 
 mighty working of the Divine power, be raised up to testify of the 
 Lord's goodness, and speak in His name or power ; therefore, see that 
 
416 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1851. 
 
 ye are not frustrating the Divine goodness to you, by a want of a 
 deep inward exercise of mind, in your silent waiting. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . (Pr^^^ 
 
 Aberdeen, drd of 11th Month, 1851. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Thy last letter of 26th of 9 th month interested me gi-eatly, 
 as I so well know all those parts you visited, and the Friends who 
 
 reside there — except that I suppose meeting would feel an altered 
 
 one to me, as several dear faithful Friends are departed to their 
 heavenly rest since I Avas there. How you would have prized dear 
 
 , a true elder of the old school, and one of the poor of the flock, 
 
 though rich in faith ! How sweet and heavenly it was to sit beside 
 her in meeting ! it seemed to help me on in my exercise (as all true 
 elders will), and was healing to my wounded spirit. I did not know 
 Avho she was, but felt such sweet union of spirit, that I, on shaking 
 hands with her, proposed to take tea with her, and on entering her 
 humble dwelling I felt that that was the place where I ought to have 
 lodged during my stay there, and not at the rich man's, where my 
 spirit was so oppressed and wounded, that I could have said soon 
 after I entered his house, with Peter Gardner of old, "My Master 
 is not here, I'll not go in." 
 
 I had a sweet evening at 's, and met there one or two seeking 
 
 visited minds, and I was loth to part ; and Avhen I went into the 
 bed-room to put on my bonnet, she said, with tears in her eyes, that 
 the anecdote I had been relating about J. B. (a dear Coi'nish Friend) 
 shutting up her shop to go to meetings, had been an encouragement to 
 her, for she felt she ought to do so, but had withheld, fearing the loss, 
 seeing that every shilling was wanted, but now she hoped she should 
 be strengthened to be faithful — and she was, till she was obliged, on 
 account of her health, to give up shop keeping. She was one of my 
 yearly meeting lodgers for four succeeding years after that, and Ave 
 loved her more every time we saw her ; and she was faithful as an 
 elder, though a poor woman, and I rejoiced that I had been the means 
 of bringing such a deeply exercised mind to the yearly meeting. . . . 
 I often long to go and see how some of my dear friends get along, in 
 a spiritual sense, in those midland parts, but I seem so poor and 
 weak I fear to do hurt to the precious cause. 
 
 I find dear has a feAV Avords to say in meetings now, Avhich 
 
1851.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 417 
 
 does not surprise me, and I am glad of it; she has an exercised mind. 
 
 It must indeed be a comfort to dear to have such a Friend near 
 
 her as ; whom she must feel like a father. Ah, my dear friend, 
 
 there are too few now-a-days who refer to inward feeling, as thou 
 remarks of W. G. ; it is these who are true fathers ; they would 
 nourish up the younger Friends in the truth, or the inward kingdom 
 of the Saviour, by encouraging them to a close attention to inward 
 pointings and restraints. But this way is everywhere evil spoken of, 
 as was primitive Christianity of old. 
 I am thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Bakclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, Uh of 11th Month, 1851. 
 
 My dear Fkiend, 
 
 I was much pleased to receive thy kind letter nearly two 
 weeks ago. I often think of you, especially on sitting down in our 
 meeting here, craving for the help of the ones, twos, and threes, 
 sincere-hearted seekers after heavenly good, wherever they may be 
 scattered ; even that He whom they desire to love, serve, and humbly 
 to worship, may be pleased to overshadow tliem with His mighty 
 tendering power, bringing them down into true prostration and con- 
 trition before Him ; and that the Lord Jesus Christ, the great and 
 unchangeable Minister, may be pleased, after a most precious and 
 immediate way, to minister to them and to teach them. And, my 
 dear friends, how often is this the case suddenly and when we least 
 expect it, when we feel so dry and empty and poverty-stricken, and 
 think no good can come into us ; yet if we abide on the watch, 
 resigned to be poor and empty, yet waiting and wrestling in spirit 
 for the blessing, and looking, as it were, towards the holy temple — 
 on a sudden, when we have toiled all night and found nothing, the 
 word may go forth, " Cast the net on the right side of the vessel," 
 and an abundant draught may be our happy portion. So if we are 
 brought into a low spot, let us be resigned to lie low before the Lord, 
 yet wrestling in faith and patience, and not casting away our con- 
 fidence, and we shall have a blessed recompense of reward. 
 
 In looking over thy letter again, I notice what thou say est about 
 our "erring in ordering our expressions." I suppose thou alludes to 
 expressions of sorrow or of gladness, &c., &c. I think it very true, 
 and I have often felt restricted from using the common expressions, 
 
 E E 
 
418 
 
 A SKLEOTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1851. 
 
 " glad," or "happy to hear," &c. I think the word " sorry" conveys less 
 to me than " sorrow," so I prefer using it or " regret." I am pleased 
 thou made the remai'k, and I would encourage thee to attend faith- 
 fully to these little misgivings or secret intimations of duty, even 
 about such little things as words, for it is said, "that every idle word 
 that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of 
 judgment." "For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy 
 words thou shalt be condemned !" that is, if we feel that certain words 
 are wrong and go on persisting to use them against conviction, we 
 shall be condemned ! I do believe that many in our poor society are 
 not as faithful in this respect as they ought to be to inward feelings, 
 and that this has brought on us the weakness and degeneracy that so 
 covers us — and that the way to know a revival amongst us is for 
 there to be an individual return to first principles, to what we were 
 at first convinced of, and thou mayest remember what John Crook 
 
 says in that tract, which I sent to to lend you all three, what a 
 
 holy awe and dread was upon the spirits of Friends in the beginning, 
 lest they should be departing in their words from the pure testimony 
 of truth, or the Spirit of Christ, and this awe and fear kept them 
 careful in their words, having a bridle to their tongues ! and I 
 earnestly long to follow the steps of those worthies and my dear 
 ancestors, though I am very sensible that I err sometimes through 
 unwatchfulness. I am pleased thou seest the danger of the snares I 
 alluded to, for it is said, " surely^in vain the net is spread in the sight 
 of any bird;" although there may be circumstances which may have 
 a controlling effect upon us, over which we have no power, yet if we 
 are kept in a state of sensibility of seeing the snares that surround 
 us, and our own weak sides and easily besetting sins, then we shall 
 be stirred up to set a double watch, and to seek the more after the 
 Divine counteracting help that we may be preserved, so that we shall 
 avoid the snare, and even be favoured to gather strength in the 
 proving ! So that I long for myself and for those I feel interested 
 about, that we may never grow callous or insensible and indifferent to 
 our snares and weaknesses, which come very imperceptibly over us, 
 often by little and little, but that we may ever be kept sensible and 
 clear-sighted, watcliing and craving after best help to season and 
 preserve us ! . . . 
 
 I am glad thou feelest that a blessing has rested on your little 
 meeting, and I hope it will encourage you to persevere faithfully in 
 the duty ; not growing weary in well-doing, and so hurrying over 
 
 I 
 
1851.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 419 
 
 the time, otherwise you may be robbed of the blessing attending the 
 patient waiters on the Lord ! ... If the Divine power be with 
 you, you never need be ashamed of silent meetings — and you know 
 that it is by individual exercise of mind, a turning in to the Divine 
 gift of liglit and life, that this blessing shall be obtained. 
 
 This is all I feel at present to say. I have no objection to thy 
 
 reading some of this to and , as it in some parts concerns 
 
 you all. With kind love to you all three, I am thy sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, I8th of 11th Month, 1851. 
 
 Mt DEAR , 
 
 . . . I was so pleased to hear of your going to the quarterly 
 meeting, and hope you will be encouraged to try again, and trust all 
 for the cause sake ; and may your hands be strengthened by the 
 heavenly might to work faithfully for the good Master, in every good 
 word and work that is secretly pointed out to you; for surely you are 
 not, as dear said herself last third month, to be mere idle spec- 
 tators of the desolations in our poor church, but to be up and doing 
 your little best to repair them in the Lord's name or power, remem- 
 bering that the smooth stone of despised little David was effectual 
 thereby to the bringing down of the mighty giant, opposer, and defier 
 of Israel's God. And, my dear ones, do not forsake or neglect the 
 seeking after the Lord's humbling and quickening power from day to 
 day, that your souls may live, and living may praise the Lord. For 
 what, indeed, are earthly or outward things, however plausible 
 they may appear, and even may assume the appearance of duties 
 almost, compared with the increase and preservation of the Divine 
 life in us, whereby all we have and are are sanctified to the Master's 
 use and blest to our truest enjoyment. . . 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To — and -£^*4^-^/5C /^v-t ^/^'v'A, / 
 
 1st of 12th Month, 1851. 
 
 Mt dear Friends, 
 
 It was in my heart yesterday to pen you a few lines to tell 
 you how I felt, in visiting you in your very nice new house. I thought 
 much of you as we rode home, and I felt there are many snares for 
 
420 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS CI-' 
 
 [1851. 
 
 you in thus Liunching out afresh, as it were, in a house that looks and 
 is larger and more imposing in its aspect, more luxurious and com- 
 plete to gi'atify self, and what danger of spiritual loss if those snares 
 are fallen into ; and if we put ourselves in the way of those snares 
 there is more fear for us, as we cannot so trustfully hope for Divine 
 help, and the enemy will be tempting us to make excuses in extenu- 
 ation of these things, which the pure witness for truth in the secret 
 of our hearts would find fault with ; and when the balance of the 
 sanctuaiy, if faithfully consulted, would pronounce us "wanting," even 
 wanting in an entire love and serving of God in a true testimony for 
 Him. But, oh, my dear friends, regard not the enemy nor his per- 
 suasions, but say to him, "get thee hence Satan, for thou savourest not 
 the things that be of God, but those that be of men." And let your 
 eye and your cry be the more mightily put up unto the Lord, that He 
 would both show you the snares and also help you against them, and 
 against the selfish nature on which the snares will work for your hurt. 
 " Save me from myself," was ray dear brother John's language men- 
 tioned in his memoir, and I often think of it, and that it is also the 
 language of the sincere and humble servant of the Lord of all ages, 
 who feels much in himself to resist and gainsay the pure testimony of 
 Christ, the holy truth, in the secret of his heart. And such earnest 
 breathings will not go unheeded, nor will they be in vain as it regards 
 preservation and strengthening from the worldly spirit and the spirit of 
 self-gratification. And oh, how do I desire that these few lines of 
 broken hints, in tender aifection, and I trust humble faithfulness, may 
 tend to stir up the pure mind in you thus to breathe and to " watch 
 and be sober," and " let your moderation appear unto all, (because) 
 the Lord is at hand," who " will judge the secrets of all men's hearts, 
 according to what has been made known, and will reward according 
 to our works." I want you, dear friends, to come more forward to 
 the help of the Lord against the mighty, and not to go more back- 
 ward, or to so cripple your hands and weaken your minds, as to 
 hinder your help and usefulness in a right way to this little church 
 hereaway. For, truly, we are in a low state and want all the help 
 that faithful individuals can give us ; the bride, the true Church, 
 saith " Come," and the Lord's Spirit saith " Come," in the secret of 
 every heart ; they that hear and are endeavouring to obey this call, say 
 " Come," and help to bear the burdens and uphold the testimony ; 
 and oh, that you may more and more be willing to come and serve 
 the Lord with full purpose of heart, in true uprightness, watchfulness, 
 
1852.] 
 
 LTDIA ANN BAUCLAY. 
 
 421 
 
 and humble praise, and holy fear, is the earnest desire of your exer- 
 cised and affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 ^tk ofSrd Month, 1852. 
 
 . . . I trust it will not be unacceptable again in my poor 
 way to offer, as it were, the sigh and tear of affectionate sympathy 
 and heartfelt mourning; for truly, while thou laments the loss of a 
 tender father in an outward relationship, I do that of one whose 
 fatherly counsel and tender encouragement has been made very helpful 
 to me in times of deep trial gone by, and no doubt his loss will be 
 greatly felt. . . . May we the more seek help from the Lord 
 alone, who, for the oppression of the poor and the sighing of the 
 needy, will arise in His own good time, and His words are truly pure 
 and precious. And though He see meet to take from us those who 
 have been as pillars and fellow-helpers, yet His grace is all-sufficient 
 for those who are left in suffering, and in weariness, and in labour a 
 little longer, and lie can raise up of the children to uphold the same 
 blessed standard of truth, so that one generation may praise His 
 worthy name to another ! 
 
 L. A. Barclat. 
 
 To W. II., Jux. 
 
 Aberdeen, 22nd of ?,rd Month, 1852. 
 
 Mr DEAR Friend, 
 
 It appears to me that the friends of truth in one country 
 should be open and communicative with the friends of truth in another 
 country, seeing that they are deeply interested in the same blessed cause; 
 and what touches that seems, as it were, to touch the apple of tlieir 
 eye mutually. And it is strengthening and animating to commune 
 with one another by the way, even though we be sad, and have to tell 
 of mournful things, provided always the Divine fear be before our 
 eyes, and our communing be in the remembrance of His good name 
 or power ; and although it be sometimes necessary to mention names 
 in our description of what has occurred, yet I believe there will be 
 no lessening of the true love in so doing ; our love is to the person, 
 but our controversy is with the evil which the enemy of all righteous- 
 ness raiseth in him. I believe there may be a carrying of that pru- 
 dence of a certain class, with you and us, beyond the limits, or to the 
 
422 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1852. 
 
 hurting of the true love. But, perhaps, thou feelest dilferently ; if so, 
 do tell me, that I may be instructed. 
 
 Thou alludest to the idolizing of our leaders. It is too true, and 
 among all sorts, even those who hold to the ancient way, there is too 
 much of a looking to and leaning on them, instead of an individual 
 faithfulness and deep exercise to be guided aright in judgment for 
 the truth, and strengthened for the service thereof, so that when the 
 few who take an active part for the truth are removed, it often makes 
 me sad to think of the desolation. 
 
 The sense of coldness, barrenness, and almost deadness, seems like a 
 dispensation peculiarly permitted to some of us of late ; and my soul 
 is ready to say, no matter how pinching the frost, and great the dark- 
 ness of the winter season, if so be the life be but preserved in the 
 root, and the necessary purifications and humiliations accomplished. 
 
 Farewell. Thy sincere and affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, 21st of Ath Month, 1852. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Thy kind and affecting letter surely deserved an earlier 
 acknowledgment, but I have been so much engaged since then with 
 one thing or another, and trials of various sorts have occupied my 
 mind that it is now five weeks since I received it, which I am sorry 
 foi\ Thy long account of thy dear sister's end and of her dear 
 bereaved husband deeply interested me. She was not one whom I 
 had known much of in thy family, but I can feelingly sympathise 
 with thee in the vacuum that must now be left, and in the instructive 
 lesson that such a dispensation has administered to you all, but 
 
 especially , and greatly desire that it may not soon be effaced 
 
 from his memory and heart, but that he may yield up his heart to the 
 melting efficacy of the Divine Word, however operating upon him, 
 for so will the good end be answered for which such affliction has, in 
 wisdom inscrutable and in tender mercy, been permitted. I unite 
 cordially Avith thy remarks on purification, and how one stroke after 
 another is sent sometimes, if possible to compel to a thorough yielding 
 to the good hand of power and love, leaving, as it were, no stone 
 unturned, that there may be a coming and a tasting how good the 
 Lord is to tfiem that love Him above all. What a mercy it is that 
 He does not leave us to ourselves! . 
 
1852.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 423 
 
 Every year strips us of some whom we have known or valued, 
 and these strippings, I think, come more and more home to us in 
 instruction and warning the longer we live, or the nearer we approach 
 to the end of the race. I have been and still am much tried by the 
 illness of my eldest sister, . . . and I have passed three very, I 
 might say intensely anxious days, knowing not if all were over. It 
 is such a vast distance off, I am not looking to attend the yearly 
 meeting unless I am called up to my sister, when I might have a slice 
 of it, but I believe otherwise my place is at home. 
 
 With dear love to you both, I am thy true friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Moffat, Dumfriessldre, \ith of 5th Month, 1852. 
 
 [Describing her sister Susan's suffering illness, L. A. B. writes] — 
 
 However, in tender mercy, she lasted till next day, and then 
 both M. and E. witnessed the end, which was very peaceful and 
 quiet. She was remarkably sweet and patient throughout, and so 
 very grateful to all, quite aware of her state, and sensible to a few 
 hours of her close, often having the Scriptures read to her in the 
 night, especially the thirty-fourth psalm, her favourite one : in short, 
 she has left a sweet savour behind her, and her example will still, as 
 it has often done, speak loudly to me and others. She was buried at 
 Leytonstone parish place, where she had pointed out a spot likely to 
 be her last I'esting-place, next to the Buxton's family plot. Most of 
 the family attended, by which I gather that the females were allowed to 
 
 go, and conducted it without formality. I cannot describe the 
 
 trial and blank it is to me, and to have been at this distance, but 
 mercy, tender and great, has been mingled with the bitter cup, both 
 towards her, her attendants, and me. I wished to start and travel 
 all night to get to her, at first hearing there was danger, but mj 
 family urged me not, for indeed she was a very dear sister, and I 
 was greatly attached to her, and she used to write regularly every 
 fortnight to lessen, as she kindly said,' the vast distance between us. 
 
 . . . How the attractions to the south are lessening ! but I shall 
 not forsake you, my dear ancient friends. Oh, may we seek to know 
 a growth in the Truth and an increase in the fruitfulness thereof, even 
 to the end of our little time here, that we may be guarded and pre- 
 served from every snare, and supported under every conflict and 
 
424 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1852. 
 
 trial yet remaining ; and then surely, while we live, we must and shall 
 he full 0/ praise to the Lord. . . . It is a favour to feel better, 
 and I ride out each day on a pony here ; it is a beautiful country, and 
 so retired and soothing to the mind. Heavenly goodness is near to 
 help and support ; and oh, that I may not cause an absence by want 
 of watchfulness unto prayer. 
 
 Farewell, very dearly ; may the Lord preserve us purely to His 
 praise ! My mind will be with you next week breathing for your 
 help ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To : 
 
 Aberdeen, 2Hh of bth Month, 1852. 
 
 My beloved Friend, 
 
 TVc returned home on third day, and I have had thy two 
 kind sisterly epistles, containing " passages" during yearly general 
 meeting time. How very kind it is of thee thus to gratify me! I am 
 much obliged to thee, and have never before been thus favoured by 
 any one. It really seems to bring you so near to me, and though, 
 since I had the first account thou sent, I have been much occupied in 
 going about and seeing many beauties, yet there have been times 
 when my mind has, remarkably to myself, been, as it were, with you 
 in a secret exercise and breathing, more so than I have before witnessed 
 in former deprivations from joining in the assembly. I have indeed 
 been imagining that you have had much to suffer and to deplore, 
 much to feel beneath the surface. 
 
 Things are sorrowfully ripening for a crisis ; but why do I say 
 sorrowfully? Surely we ?/?cf?/ and Tw^/si rejoice, if way is gradually 
 making for the furthering of the pure cause of truth, even if it be 
 through intense suffering to the servants thereof, comparable to the 
 fiery furnace heated seven times more than it is wont to be heated, 
 and even if it be preluded by such apparent desertions and strappings 
 of outward helps, as nature may shudder at the prospect of. But 
 never let us fear, except for our own individual keeping close to the 
 Divine gift of light and life ; let ns cast the lot of faithfulness into 
 the lap of the Divine power, and trust our all, and all dear to us, yea, 
 the cause most dear to us, in His hands, whose power is infinite, and 
 wisdom unerring, and love unfathomable, and mercy everlasting. I 
 believe not a hair of the head shall be hurt of the true and humble 
 followers of the Lamb. ... It is but very few who see through 
 
1852.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 425 
 
 things, and they are diminishing, either by drawing aside or by death. 
 Nevertheless, " the Lord knoweth theni that are His ;" and He is 
 turning His liand upon the little ones, and raising up such whose eyes 
 He is opening to see the deceptions of Babylon. And oh, that they 
 may keep close to His good hand, to His Divine gift of light and life 
 that never did nor will deceive. There are some amongst us who are 
 depending on instruments, leaning on man, instead of dwelling inward 
 and trusting in the Lord, and these are open to the deception, if 
 not mercifully preserved. 
 
 I was mercifully enabled in peace to leave Edinburgh the next 
 day, and go to Moffat, a quiet little-watering place among the 
 mountains of the border country towards Carlisle, where dear J. and 
 H. H. came to us, and we enjoyed a sort of feast of unity and sym- 
 pathy and love, which was truly strengthening, as well as cordial 
 and reviving to us. We took them to Glasgow to pass the First day, 
 last week, and then, next day, made an excursion up to the head of 
 Loch Lomond, and next day they went to the Falls of Clyde, while 
 we endeavoured to do what we had to do at Glasgow, taking them 
 up by an evening train at Lanark, and then went back to Moffat. 
 They very much enjoyed the Scottish beautiful scenery, and so did 
 we, and felt the better for the thorough change. . . . We left 
 Moffat with much regret on seventh day last, and, stopping a few 
 liours at the Bridge of Allan, that they might see the beauty of that 
 sweet spot, we went on to Perth, and passed First day there to 
 satisfaction, and I was glad of dear J. H.'s help and exercise among 
 the little company there, in advising them for tiicir good, so that it 
 was a strength to my poor hands. There are seven now who sit down 
 together, and I hope, as it is more known, that travellers will join 
 them, provided they are of good example. We made a pleasant 
 excursion on second day, to sec three wonderful natural objects, called 
 the Devil's Mill, the Rumbling Bridge, and the Cauldron Linn, 
 formed by the river Devon rushing over and into some fearful 
 chasms and precipices, well worth all visitors going to see, the sides 
 adorned with beautiful trees and verdure among the rocks. We 
 passed through the beautiful Glenfarg, a romantic glen of four miles ; 
 also visited (and I sat beside) Loch Leven, in an island on which 
 Maiy Queen of Scots was long confined. It was forty-six miles there 
 and back, and we were twelve hours out, and returned to Perth much 
 pleased, though very tired. We parted very reluctantly with these dear 
 friends there on third day morning, they going to near Kendal, and \vc 
 
426 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1852. 
 
 returned home, I trust thankful for the help and refreshment we 
 have been favoured with. . . 
 
 Now, I must say farewell. From thy much obliged aud dearly 
 affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 1th Month, 1852. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 I believe I cannot, in candour and faithfulness, leave this 
 place without just dropping thee a fewparting lines, which may perhaps 
 better relieve my mind, or convey the exercise of it on thy behalf, 
 than a verbal communication can do ; for I have often found, since 
 we have been acquainted, that I cannot rightly understand thy way 
 of reasoning, neither can I express myself in a way for thee to under- 
 stand me in conversation. It felt to me, last evening, as if thou shoved 
 away what I wished to point out to thy weighty consideration in that 
 passage from I. P., viz., that it is not the owning of the light as it 
 shone in the foregoing ages, which will now commend any men to God, 
 but the knowing and being subject to the light of the present age. 
 This, I believe, applies equally to individuals as to churches, and 
 therefore, however a man may have been blessed with help from on 
 high in the use of such and such forms and ceremonies in former days, 
 God mercifully being, as I. P. says, "pleased with the sincerity and 
 simplicity of his heart, and winking at what he erred in," yet if further 
 light goes forth from the Lord's Spirit to his soul, causing him to see 
 further into the purity and spirituality of the Gospel dispensation, 
 and he, instead of following on to know more of the Lord in the way 
 of His further leadings and discoveries, should shut his eyes from the 
 light, hold back his heart from the Sjiirit, and withdraw his shoulder 
 from the yoke — the true simplicity would wither in him and another 
 thing begin to live in him, and so he would settle upon the leys, 
 and deadness would overgrow his performances, and then he may 
 become so darkened in vision as not to be able to see what spirit he 
 is of! Now it was this great snare or danger that I wished to point 
 out to thee for thy guarding against it; for I verily believe that the 
 Lord calls thee to come up higher, and has made discoveries to thee 
 that thou art unwilhng to follow, and art making divers reasoning 
 excuses against instead of yielding to the gentle leadings of His holy 
 hand, in the simplicity and humility of a little child, as was very 
 
1852.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 427 
 
 manifest by the way in which thou turned things off yesterday, and 
 which I believed would not give thee true peace afterwards ! Oh, 
 what a favour it would be if, when the Lord's tender visitations in 
 mercy should be neglected, He would yet extend the hand of His 
 judgments over us, that so we may be enabled yet to sing of mercy 
 and of judgment, " even to praise the Lord, to walk in a perfect way 
 and with a perfect heart," and truly to experience Him to " come in 
 unto us" with His overflowing peace ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Stonehaven, 22nd of 7th Month, 1852. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . . Thy kind sympathy under my recent afSiction was 
 very acceptable. Dear S. was not a professing religious character, but 
 her sweet amiable conduct and Christian spirit, in many respects, 
 showed forth the hidden influence of the power of religion. She was 
 a sweet example to me of self-thoughtlessness, and never thinking or 
 speaking lesseningly of others without something being held forth to 
 their advantage. I believe she had but little committed to her and 
 endeavoured to act up to it, and it is a comfort to believe we shall 
 only be judged according to what we have had. ... I seem to 
 have a humble hope that it is well with her spirit, through redeeming 
 love and mercy. And greatly shall I feel, and do I feel the prospect 
 of going next month to London, and not having her to go to ! My 
 health was so affected by the anxiety about her, that I thought it 
 best to hasten away from home to Edinburgh, where letters came in 
 the morning instead of night, and it was there I received the account 
 of her death ;' and although the general meeting came on, I did not 
 feel easy selfishly to give way to my sorrow, and shut myself up from 
 my friends, but was helped, like David, to wash and anoint, and mingle 
 with them, and it was a remarkable time of favour to me and to dear 
 
 ; it seemed as if there was an unusual door of utterance granted 
 
 us little ones ! praised be the great name. Our aged friend, Anthony 
 Wigham, was too ill to get there, but wrote us an epistle which gave 
 out a sweet and acceptable odour, I thought like a box of precious 
 ointment ! . . . I much unite with thy remarks on being dis- 
 ciplined, battered, and broken down. How much of this disciplining 
 and instructing we require, we are such poor scholars ! We are 
 reading, with much enjoyment, Jaffray's diary, &c.; it is so excellent! 
 
428 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1852. 
 
 But the history makes us sad in beholding the difference in this 
 part to what it was in those bright days. The same hardness and 
 liighness in professors at this time as then; but, alas! among the pro- 
 fessors of the blessed truth too much joining and shaking hands with 
 that spirit instead of leading out of it. All things here are uncertain, 
 but all is wisely ordered and tenderly permitted. 
 
 Believe me, with dear love, thy affectionate and true friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 28 Victoria Street, Aberdeen, 10th of 8th Month, 1852. 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 It is very long since I last heard anything of you, and I feel 
 
 anxious to hear, and I hope thou wilt write a few lines. will 
 
 doubtless give us facts when he comes to our general meeting the end 
 of this week, but he will not give us feelings, which are better 
 expressed by thy kind pen, at any little leisure thou canst find, and 
 which I shall be pleased to receive. I felt near sympathy with thee 
 under the trial of J.'s illness, but liow great must have been thy relief 
 and comfort when she was so suddenly helped, and I doubt not thy 
 grateful heart, as well as hers, was lifted up in renewed praise to the 
 Orderer of all things, and the Giver of all good, and, I trust, also 
 was melted in renewed desire after love and devotion to Him who 
 had done for thee great things, in thus restoring thy beloved partner; 
 holy and reverend is His name, and worthy of all our obedience, 
 trust, worship, and thanksgiving ! 
 
 I shall like to hear how your little meetings have felt of late, and 
 if you have had any strangers. Friends or others with you. I hope 
 
 and may come and see you some time in their way here 
 
 or back ; but I remember the latter is likely to stay a while 
 at Perth, and hope it may be to your mutual comfort ! Those who 
 love the truth — that is, the inward kingdom and power of the dear 
 Saviour, have always a good savour accompanying them, which is a 
 savour of life to those who are quickened unto life, and a savour of 
 death to those who are by disobedience bringing death upon themselves, 
 in a spiritual sense, and what a leavening influence is felt with all 
 witii whom we associate, therefore let us guard against a worldly 
 leaven, and seek after a heavenly leaven ; yes, and also seek by obed- 
 ience to what wc know to be so leavened into the vSpirit of our dear 
 
1852.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 429 
 
 Saviour, whose meat and drink it was to do the will of His Father, 
 as that we also may have a good leavening influence in all our conduct 
 and demeanour amongst those around us. I am far from well, and 
 life feels very uncertain, but in good hands ! I am expecting in about 
 two or three weeks to go to the south of England, to see my dear relatives 
 and friends. We shall be likely to stop a night at Perth in our way. 
 
 I do not expect that dear will return back again with me from 
 
 England ; I shall feel parting with her, but trust the Lord will sustain 
 and strengthen us both, and provide all things for us in an inward 
 and outward sense, and oh, that we may be preserved unto His 
 heavenly kingdom, is the earnest desire of my soul ! And, dear 
 friends, be sure you keep close to the pure gift and heavenly talent of 
 light, life, and grace in the secret of the heart, and walk in obedience 
 thei-eto, as well as be diligent in waiting thereon to be guided, 
 taught, humbled, and governed thereby ; and then there will be no 
 doubt of your being true sheep and faithful subjects of the heavenly 
 King and blessed Shepherd, at whose name every knee is to bow, and 
 every tongue confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father ! 
 With kind love to J. F., I remain thy and your affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay\ 
 
 Aberdeen, 10th of 8th Month, 1852. 
 
 I feel free to leave it on record, possibly for the sake of 
 some dear relation or friend when I am gone, that, on sitting doAvn 
 this evening in our little select meeting at A. W.'s, I felt sweetly 
 gathered into a strengthening stillness, in which I felt and afterwards 
 had to express it. How precious it is, in seasons of trial and tempta- 
 tion, of weakness and sorrow, and it may be perhaps when the sense 
 of solitude and of being as it were cast off, pervades the mind, to 
 know the Lord to be as a precious "little sanctuary" to us (Ezekiel 
 xi. 16); and not only to know it, but to be favoured to retire into 
 His light, life, and power, where we shall find comfort, quiet, and 
 calm, support and succour in every time of need ! After which, the 
 language of supplication ran through my mind on this wise — O Lord, 
 be pleased to draw and subject me wholly to the Spirit of thy dear 
 Son, that I may be in Him that is true ; and then, oh may it please 
 thee, in thy free grace, to accept me in Him the Beloved ; and then, 
 after awhile, I was led, in resignation to the Divine will, to look at 
 the concern, which I have several years felt, to have a public meeting 
 
430 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1852. 
 
 for the factory girls here, and if ought be required of me at the 
 present time. But I felt easy about it now, and that perhaps the 
 •way may more clearly open for it in the winter, with the caution 
 renewed, not to be looking at this brother or the other sister, but to 
 look to and lean on the Lord Jesus Christ alone, who can abundantly 
 strengthen and qualify His poor weak handmaids for whatever He 
 may be pleased to require at their hands — blessed, and praised, and 
 confided in be His holy name for ever ! Amen, 
 
 To B. B. 
 
 9<A Month, 1852. 
 
 . . . What a favour it is that we can commune together 
 in spirit when separated in person, yea, we can, as it were, drink into 
 the same blessed Holy Spirit whence comes all our springs of refresh- 
 ment, strength, and comfort! It is a great comfort to me to visit my 
 dear friends and take sweet counsel with them; but I am continually 
 reminded this is not our rest, we must look higher, even to the Source 
 of all good, and seek to be prepared for that happy home, where there 
 will be no more sorrow, weeping, or parting. The low state of our 
 society is deeply affecting, yet there is a remnant left, and let us hope 
 they may be preserved to stand in their lots to the end. I feel as if 
 I must commit all unto the Lord, those dear to me, and the precious 
 cause, for He can overrule all trials for our good. However we as 
 a society may be broken to pieces, yet the precious truth shall outlive 
 it all, and emerge out of the very ruins, if it must come to that ; for 
 truth is stronger than all and shall prevail. I cannot help hoping for 
 a brighter day, when the Lord shall have purged away the filth of 
 the daughter of Ziou, when she may arise again and shine forth in 
 primitive purity and brightness ; so let us wipe away our tears of 
 sadness, and cast our burthens upon Him, and He shall sustain and 
 give us to praise His holy name. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 London, 18th of 9th Month, 1852. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 Having a little time here before the train for Dorking starts, 
 I thought I would pen thee a few hasty lines, to say I feel much thy 
 
1852.J 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY, 
 
 431 
 
 kind expressions towards me and wishing to see me. ... I stayed 
 a week at my sister Lucy's, and then felt able to come to my 
 two dear brothers' houses at Leyton, where I have passed ten days, 
 and left this morning, after having had an affecting interview in many 
 respects ; and as each day seemed to bring a renewal of excitement, 
 trials, and duties, it seemed to bear down all I had gained by each 
 night's rest. Still I hope I am thankful to say I have been slowly 
 gaining strength, and have nearly lost the giddiness and swimming 
 feeling in my head, like being on board a ship, and which arises from 
 great weakness. 
 
 I am on my way to spend to-morrow at Dorking, and thence by 
 Reigate to Wellingham for a few days, till their quarterly meeting at 
 Horsham, next fifth and sixth days; and on the evening of the latter day, 
 I hope to go to dear J, F. and H. Marsh's for a quiet rest of ten days, 
 so as to get Jit to bear the long journey home again. It is a very 
 aflfecting journey altogether, and seems to me like a last leave-taking 
 to some, and I feel especially to cling to the dear Marshs, for H. M. 
 is, I fear, like myself, declining. But I trust we may be helped in 
 the quiet together — and what is so healing and strengthening as true 
 unity, even to the poor body ! I don't know how to bear much 
 talking, or turning rapidly from one subject to another, and it will 
 be a comfort to get to my snug home again, if so permitted. I am 
 obliged to give up some pleasant plans for stopping and visiting divers 
 dear friends in my way home, which is trying ; but we must be 
 willing and resigned to- be turned over and over, and even (like a 
 poor beetle) right upon our back, if so it seem good in the sight of 
 Him who knoweth and doeth what is best. 
 
 If our dear J. and H. M. like it, it would be very pleasant to me 
 if we four could dine here snugly together on quarterly meeting day — 
 would thou like it ? It's a thought that just strikes me. 
 
 With dear love to you both, I remain thy truly attached friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Croydon, lih oflQlh Month, 1852, 
 
 Mr dear Friend, 
 
 . . , Dear John Harrison is no more ! A valiant soldier 
 in the Lamb's army, and a faithful servant of the Church, although 
 in no station therein appointed. Oh, I feel it an affliction indeed, 
 
432 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1852. 
 
 although preparing for it ever since last 5th month, when I urged his 
 consulting a physician at Glasgow, who pronounced it an incurable 
 heart complaint. He was a beloved brother indeed to me, and his 
 letters have been very animating and strengthening to me in my 
 great solitude. His last is a, precious one, giving me an account of truth 
 gaining the victory, on the trying subject of grave-stones. . . . 
 Oh, many of his letters have been very encouraging, in showing how 
 that one faithful friend, zealous for the truth, though feeling a very 
 little and a despised one, may be instrumental, by a well-timed and 
 seasoned few words, so to help on other upright-hearted ones of lesser 
 courage, though in station, as that a v\Tong step may be frustrated 
 through their means, and the Lord have all the praise. Let us go and 
 do likewise what we can, saith my soul. I also heard yesterday of 
 dear J. Dann of Reigate being sinking rather rapidly. 
 "With dear love to G., I am thy truly affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To A TOUNG FrIEND^^^j^^ lH*n,^/C 
 
 Aberdeen, 2oth of 10th Month, 1852. 
 
 My dear , 
 
 I have a very warm feeling towards thee, and 
 grateful sense of thy gi-eat kindness to me when with you, and trust 
 thou wilt by no means lose thy reward, for it was much more than a 
 cup of cold water. I have very often thought and talked of you all, 
 and my sweet walks with thy mother are very cheering and animating 
 to look back on, when we truly took sweet counsel together, and 
 endeavoured to encourage each other in faithfulness to the best of 
 
 Masters. And oh, my dear , that thou mayest increasingly be 
 
 devoted in heart and soul unto Him, and thou wilt find Him so, and 
 a rich Rewarder of the least little service thou canst do for His blessed 
 cause, for thei'e is none that opens or shuts a door for nought in His 
 house. I expect they are gone to join the quarterly meeting com- 
 mittee in visiting the meetings, and my heart sympathises tenderly 
 with them, and desires their encouragement and strengthening, for 
 such visits must be attended with many trials and deep afflictions, by 
 reason of the devastations of the enemy, who in various ways seeks 
 to lead aAvay from the Guide to true peace and blessedness ; and we 
 read, because iniquity abounds, the love of many shall wax cold ; 
 and this is painful to the true labourers, to sec a falling away from 
 
1852.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 433 
 
 the true love to the precious cause of Christ. But there is a precious 
 little remnant, and 1 long that our dear young people may come and 
 join them, who have not bowed the knee to Baal nor kissed his image; 
 and these, though but lightly esteemed of some, and hidden from 
 many, are known of and unto the Lord, and He will confess and save 
 them when He maketh up His chosen jewels. 
 
 J have sent • near a pound weight of Gaelic tracts, for the 
 
 emigrants from the Isle of Skye. I am so pleased she thought of 
 it ; poor things ! my heart goes with them. 
 
 Farewell, my dear; and in the flowings of tender and grateful 
 love, I remain thy tenderly attached friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, Gth of llth Month, 1852. 
 
 My dear , 
 
 . . . Ah, how sweet is the influence that pervades the 
 dwelling of those who are desiring, in sincerity and uprightness of 
 heart, to serve the Lord, the great King, yea, the great King above 
 all gods, or great men in other words ! Surely He only is to be 
 supremely feared, loved, worshipped, and obeyed ; to be honoured, 
 praised, and magnified over all ; for He gives us these inexpressible 
 sweets of the true love and unity which is beyond all the talk of 
 words — a power and a life inwardly felt that strengthens our hearts 
 and hands, and cheers our spirits, and confirms our faith and confi- 
 dence in Him who is over all, and therefore so preciously helps us on 
 our often weary and tried way. But why do I say weary and tried? 
 Because that the love of many for the ancient and ever-living truth 
 is too much waxing cold, and the afflictions of Christ, in His mystical 
 body the Church, do greatly abound. Then I could and did greatly 
 sympathise with thy dear parents ; but their reward is sure. They 
 who suffer with the dear Master shall certainly reign with Him. 
 
 Farewell, dear; and oh, that, by believing and walking in the 
 light of the Spirit of Christ, thou mayest be brought into and pre- 
 served in this blessed unity of the Spirit, which is the bond of the 
 King of kings and Loi'd of lord's peace, uncomprehended of the 
 world, but known and preciously partaken of by the simple babes of 
 the heavenly kingdom. With dear love, I am thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 T F 
 
A. SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1852. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, 16th of 11th Month, 1852. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 We are far too formal in our discipline : what is 
 given in the book of discipline on such outward steps was never 
 intended as a form always to be kept to, but only as a specimen. It 
 reminds me of our Saviour's prayer, which was only given as a speci- 
 men in what manner to pray, becoming sucli a downright form among 
 the generality of Christian professors, as if because our praying is in 
 those words it must always be right ! I have known an instance of 
 a Friend and family, who had been a cause of exercise and labour to 
 the overseers, and of exception to some of the queries being clearly 
 answered, having had an entirely clear certificate in the usual form, 
 giving them on removing, because it was thought proper to go in those 
 words ! and which I could not help testifying against as not being in 
 the spirit of our discipline. I have seen many other such instances 
 amongst us, and I cannot but feel that we are fast verging on to the 
 fulfilment of dear S. Grubb's prophecy in 1820, when she looked up 
 into the upper gallery, Avhere I sat then, and bid the young people to 
 note it down in their pocket-books. She had been showing us how 
 the enemy of all righteousness had been laying and would lay snares for 
 us, in the various good looking and benevolent schemes that were then or 
 had lately been set afloat amongst us, and that we should be so taken in 
 them, and become so mingled with the world in them, for want of keep- 
 ing close to the leadings and restraints of the Spirit of Christ revealed 
 within, as to get mingled with the worldly spirit, and by little and 
 little almost imperceptibly should lose our zeal and uprightness in the 
 testimony of the truth, and should begin to think there was no good 
 in this thing or the other, no use in this query or the other, until, by 
 degrees, our discijiline once so excellently set up amongst us would 
 utterly fall to the ground, and we should become mingled with the 
 spirit of, and like the other various professors in the world ! I have 
 been watching ever since the very gradual approach to the fulfilling 
 of this ; and certainly, when I see the leaders of this people joining 
 hands with this creeping degeneracy, some in their own conduct, and 
 others in letting fall such expressions before others as to sanction a 
 letting fall of our testimonies one by one, it leads one to suppose that 
 the end of these things is not very far off ! 
 
 I was much struck with some remarks in a recent letter I had from 
 a dear young man, who is very faithful in yielding to inward feelings, 
 
1852.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 435 
 
 and on that account has sacrificed much in his business, in which, 
 after speaking of the low state of things in their meeting, goes on to 
 say, " as Friends we are numerically small, and I fear we may yet 
 become smaller, for the younger members amongst us do not appear 
 as plants growing up in their youth ; but my faith is firmer tiian 
 ever, that a blessing will descend upon the heads of those who are 
 jealous for the true reputation of our religious society. One after 
 another drops ofi"; death and desertion thin our ranks, and then is 
 the time for those whose faith in the power of truth is unshaken 
 amidst the conflicts, to close their ranks under the leadership of a 
 Captain never yet foiled in battle !" He is quite a diffident one, and 
 has never opened so to me before. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 I feel much and affectionately interested about the Friends 
 
 at K. still ; my mind will be with them next First day. Dear 
 
 greatly feels M. S.'s death. ... I shall be pleased to hear of 
 any improvement in my late monthly meeting, if your committee can 
 
 report any. I long for 's help; had a nice letter from him, and 
 
 have replied to it lately. ... J. H. is indeed solitary, but I 
 am ready to think it has been blessed to him, drawing Him closer to 
 the alone Source of true help and comfort. I have thought his letters 
 have evinced this, and also the pieces he has put into the British 
 Friend sho\Y he is a true friend at heart; he often sits alone at the 
 meeting, and is truly conscientious in his business. Ah, while I know 
 the preciousness of that union and communion with one another, that 
 thou alludes to as so much wanting amongst us, I cannot but think that, 
 in these troublous times, it may be all for the best, and wisely so ordered, 
 that we are bereft of this blessing and cast solitarily in the land, and 
 it is consonant with " the prudent keeping silence in that day," and 
 that it is good to sit alone and keep silence, &c. And this reminds 
 
 me, dear love, of that sweet expression in dear John's letter to 
 
 [after the words " saved as by fire,"] there must be the overflowing 
 scourge to pass through " when the refuge of lies is to be swept away, 
 and the sure foundation established and manifested, and when the Lord 
 is about His work. His strange work." I am pleased you enjoyed dear 
 's letter and have written to him ; I hope he will be guided in wis- 
 dom, and preserved in humility, and strengthened in faithfulness and 
 patience, in this engagement. I expect he will not be received by 
 
436 
 
 A SELECTION FKOM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1853. 
 
 many in . So they would fairly, in their wrong estimation of the 
 
 true love, that all sorts and sects should be amalgamated together as 
 K. B., the apologist, so nobly deprecates. Surely if George Fox had 
 followed such a view, he would never have been instrumental of gather • 
 ing us as a people, from the other professors of the Christian name, 
 who had so degenerated from the primitive simplicity and sincerity of 
 the early reformers, and sank down into lifeless formality. 
 
 Thy kind expressions as to faithfulness I feel I don't deserve, for I 
 fear I am far from it. I thought verily all ministry was taken away if 
 ever I had any, but to-day a few words sprang up which I ventured 
 to utter ; but perhaps they were not in that line. As to yearly 
 meeting, I don't know anything about it; seem to be living a day at a 
 time, though it often seems like dragging on. I desire to be found 
 ready, whether the heavenly summons be to yearly meeting or to the 
 eternal world, but how much is necessary ere there be a fitness for 
 the last! I am feeling much about the seamen here, wishing to get 
 them a life-boat and apparatus for casting lines over a wreck, with 
 life-preserving belts complete, have had it on my mind all the winter, 
 and now I hope it will be accomplished in a few weeks' time, and I 
 have written to my brother and S. Gurney to assist me with money, 
 has very greatly helped me in this; she has so much boldness and 
 self-confidence, and unites with me in feeling for them ; she has 
 several times been surrounded by a crowd of sailors down on the 
 quay. I am to visit the quay when the boat is near launching. . . . 
 
 "We are greatly enjoying G. Fox ; how strikingly applicable is his 
 remark about Scotland on his first visit here ! When will the great 
 people come forth from hence ? . . . 
 
 My dear love to you. Thy true friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To S. H, 
 
 Aberdeen, 6th of 1st Month, 1853. 
 
 Dear S., 
 
 . . . I feel for the poor s, and must write to them 
 
 when my mind is more relieved. At present it is much weighed 
 down, and I feel in a very exercised and stripped state in the prospect 
 of holding a public meeting here, on third day evening, for some of 
 the factory girls in this large city, those who have lived more in our 
 late neighbourhood, and I feel but a poor weak child, and truly have 
 no might of my own. But I desire to look to and lean on Him 
 
1853.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 437 
 
 alone, in whom is everlasting strength and wisdom ; and if He will 
 but be with me, Iceep me from wrong fear, and close unto His pure 
 gift of light and life, that I may not bring the least hurt to His blessed 
 cause, but may be enabled to exalt and spread His holy name, and 
 testify and direct unto His heavenly power revealed in their hearts, 
 it will be indeed a great favour, and what I earnestly desire. It has 
 been a time of deep feeling lately for the state of these high pro- 
 fessing people, for they are wholly given up to revellings, drinking, 
 and pleasures at this time for a week or more, not only men but 
 women also and even children, lads and lasses drinking spirits sadly, 
 even to intoxication ; and I fear that many hundreds have the seeds 
 sown annually of disease of body and misery of soul, which is shocking 
 to think of. 
 
 Farewell, in dear love to you both. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, 6th of 1st Month, 1853. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . I am pleased to tell thee we were encouraged to 
 hear that the intoxication and noise in our streets, the first tlaree 
 days of this year were far less than usual this time, so we must be 
 faithful in scattering seed, as it were, and not withhold our hand, 
 
 must we not? I admire dear 's courage following after the 
 
 market carts along the four entrance roads tg this city, to give the 
 temperance tract, called " New- Year's Day in Scotland," of which 
 we had 600 by post for the purpose; and this led to numbers of foot 
 passengers in the streets running after her for more, and crowds of 
 children for "booJcies;" but she was well received every where, and 
 feared no one ! She is perseveringly teaching herself Gielic, and is 
 already able to revise my tracts, so that I am soon going to press with 
 three more narrative tracts, which I have long wished for. 
 
 Now, I must say farewell, with dear love, desiring that we may be 
 afresh stimulated, by the favours and mercies of the past year, in humble 
 watchfulness and grateful faithfulness to the measure of the Divine 
 gift of light and life in the secret of our hearts, that so we may be pre- 
 served from all evil, and strengthened unto that which is good and 
 well-pleasing in the Divine sight, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 
 
 I remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
438 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF [1853. 
 
 To .y^.--t/<.i^ fy^^^yU* 
 
 Victoria Street, Aberdeen, 14<A oflst Month, 1853. 
 
 Dear Friend, 
 
 . . . I quite united -with thy remarks on the state of 
 things amongst us, and it was a comfort to me that thou wast given 
 to feel so, and I desire thy encouragement in yielding to inward 
 feeling ; for in our solitary moments, when we have none congenial 
 around us, then is it often the case that Divine goodness favours us 
 with heavenly refreshings from His presence, as well as reveals many 
 things to us respecting His Church and people and our own states ; 
 for His secrets are with those who fear Him, for our instruction, 
 humbling, strengthening, and comfort — and may we seek to dwell 
 low with the revealing power and follow His counsel. I think thou 
 art favoured in being so retired from the sight, and perhaps hearing 
 of many trying things in our poor society, and I can't but feel and 
 see that the real true Friends are becoming more and more solitary 
 and tried by being stripped of helps, whether as thou sayest by death 
 or desertion ; but good is the hand of the Lord that is thus laid upon 
 us, and all His dealings are for our good, and His holy " foundation 
 stands sure, having this seal the Lord knoweth them that are His" — 
 and knowing them, will sustain and strengthen them to the end, as 
 they cling close unto Him and turn not aside from a steadfast faith 
 in His secret power ! . . . 
 
 With love, thy friend sincerely, 
 
 L. A. Bakclat. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, 5th of 2nd Month, 1853. 
 
 Mt Dear Friend, 
 
 I was much pleased to receive thy circumstantial account 
 in thy last letter; it was so clear to my unbusiness-like comprehension, 
 and as I had laid out in my heart the enclosed sum, I send it for thy 
 acceptance — it will be a little forward help. Thou knowest we must 
 not withhold good when it is in the power of our hand to do it, not 
 knowing what the future may bring forth. And I hope, my dear friend, 
 thou wilt not have any uncomfortable feelings in receiving through me, 
 for it is no more than my duty to the Giver of all good, as it is also 
 a pleasure towards thee, believing thee to be one desiring to be of the 
 number of the Lord's humble and faithful ones, serving Him in upright- 
 
1853.] 
 
 LVDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 439 
 
 ness of heart; and oh, saith my soul, that thou, as well as myself, 
 may be preserved to the end to and in that blessed principle of light, 
 life, and truth revealed wltliin, whereby and whereinto the Lord in 
 His tender mercy and mighty power hath gathered us, that so we 
 may be His for ever. . . . 
 
 I quite admire thy preference of keeping in a safe little way, as 
 thou describes ; far better to do so than to run risks of hurting thyself 
 either temporally or spiritually, or both, by seeking to increase busi- 
 ness imprudently. I believe Friends should be a little people, and 
 not so vastly rich and grasping as they too often arc now. Alas ! 
 notwithstanding all our high pretensions, we are no way hardly 
 different from the world in our business dealings; but there are a few 
 faithful ones left, and I long these may be increased and encouraged 
 to persevere, that they may draw others to the same restraining 
 and guiding, strengthening and blessing Power. 
 
 I remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay, 
 
 To A. C. i^^^^ VW# •.'W-a 
 
 Aberdeen, ^th of 2nd Month, 1853. 
 
 • Mr DEAK Friend, 
 
 . . . I return thee the Peace paper herewith ; it is not a 
 society that I have ever felt comfortable to subscribe to, although I 
 greatly desire the promotion of universal peace. I think, with 
 Robert Barclay, that until people are brought under the government 
 of the Spirit of Christ, that they cannot see rightly into the matter, 
 nor be enabled to stand and act faithfully and consistently with it. 
 Nevertheless, I think it well that the subject should be spread by 
 tracts as much as possible. . . 
 
 I am made sad this morning at receiving an account of the death 
 
 of dear of , a faithful elder and father in the truth, lively 
 
 and savoury in his communications and exercise therefor, and who 
 will be greatly missed. His poor wife was strengthened to express 
 something at the interment. "The fathers where are they, and the 
 prophets do they live for ever ?" But the Lord is the never-failing 
 refuge and strength of His true-hearted little ones ; though the 
 mountains be removed and the waves roar and be troubled, there is 
 still as ever a river whose streams make glad at seasons the tabei-nacles 
 of the Most High, however solitary they may be, and the subjects of 
 deep suffering. These citizens of Zion shall know that God is in the 
 
A SELECTIOX FROM THE LETTKRS OF 
 
 [1853. 
 
 midst of Jier, and will in His due time help her, as they are concerned 
 to seek after that stillness of the creature, wherein He alone may be 
 exalted over all in them. Still it makes me sad at heart to think of 
 the right sort being taken away from us at such a time. 
 
 My dear friend, thy sweet lines of encouragement and exhortation 
 felt truly helpful to my tried mind, which is very low just now, and 
 I long that I may have not only thy sympathy but thy prayers, as 
 enabled from above, for my preservation and help to be faithful. 
 
 Our monthly meeting occurred here on fourth day, at which I was 
 liberated to visit meetings and families as way opens for it in Corn- 
 wall, and to attend Dublin yearly meeting, with a few meetings in 
 the way. 
 
 In near and dear love, and hoping to hear again soon, I remain thy 
 affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To W. H. 
 
 Aberdeen, 2ith of 2nd Month, 1853. 
 
 Mv DEAR Friend, 
 
 Thy kind letter of 17th of 12th month was thrice welcome, 
 and has many a time both cheered and encouraged me in my many 
 and mournful downsittings this winter. I felt it truly brotherly, both 
 in its freedom and confidence, as well as in a more spiritual sense ; 
 showing forth a being baptised together into one spirit — and I do 
 trust and humbly hope that is by and into the Spirit of Christ ; at 
 least, it is the utmost of my earnest desire for my poor self. And 
 oh, my dear friend, words fail me to set forth the fervent breathings 
 that have been raised in me, this wintry season, for myself, and for 
 the remnant that is left amongst us true-hearted to the ancient cause, 
 wherever scattered, that the Lord may be pleased to be near, and to 
 comfort us in all our afflictions, to strengthen us unto all He requires at 
 our hands, to humble and preserve us amidst all thesnares of the wicked 
 one that may attend our path ; yea, that He would be pleased ever to 
 keep us to and in that blessed principle of light, life, and truth, 
 -whereby and whereinto His tender mercy and His mighty power hath 
 gathered us ; that so we may be kept His, and for Him to the end 
 here, and may be graciously permitted to be His hereafter, to a never 
 ending eternity. I say wintry season ; for never, I think, have I had 
 to pass through such a winter as this, both in an outward and inward 
 sense ; and the fear has been great of making shipwreck of faith and 
 
1853.] 
 
 LYDIA ANX BARCLAY. 
 
 Ul 
 
 a good conscience, and bringing any reproach on that blessed cause, 
 which, if I know my poor heart, is truly precious to me — more than 
 the natural life. Mind and body are sympathetic, and when the 
 Beloved of the soul seems also to be removed, as into a far country, 
 the enemy's buffetings and temptations are increased. Surely, then, 
 we are in a pitiable and afflicted condition — a wintry season indeed. 
 But why should I set forth such a low state to thee ? except perhaps 
 it may convince thee, at a similar time of trial, that thou hast only 
 " neighbour's fare," and so thou mayest lay hold of a little hope, and 
 cast not away thy confidence in His mercy, who, though He prove 
 and pinch very sorely, and strip as it were entirely, yet will not for- 
 sake His redeeming ones in their lowest seasons, whom He is refining 
 because He loves them ; but His arm of support will be underneath, 
 though in a hidden manner ; and in His own good time He will say 
 to the overwhelming waves, " Peace, be still," and to the furious fire, 
 " It is enough." During this time of trial, I greatly felt the loneliness, 
 the fewness of fellow-feelers, and the wound of dear John Harrison's 
 death seemed again opened, and it was then that thy brotherly letter 
 seemed so helpful and strengthening, through Divine favour. Still, 
 I can with thee bless the Hand that took him away from the evil 
 and temptation to come. Oh, far better for the work to be cut short 
 in righteousness, than to live to dishonour the great Name which we 
 have taken into our mouths ! 
 
 Again was I afflicted in sympathy lately for dear John Wilbur's 
 great loss [of his wife] ; but had such a feeling, such a noble letter 
 from him in allusion to it, and informing me also of the exercise of 
 his mind towards the scattered ones in New York State and some parts 
 of your yearly meeting, that my tears are turned into secret songs of 
 praise to Him who supports His little ones so wonderfully, and strength- 
 ens in the midst of affliction to offer a meat-offering and a drink-offering 
 unto the Lord their God! I hope thou wilt write me of his movements 
 and reception while within your limits. My tender feeling is towards 
 him and breathing for him, that he may be guided, strengthened, 
 humbled, and preserved from day to day, and helped over the deep 
 exercises and proving duties that must await him in such an engage- 
 ment, and favoured to return with relief and peace of mind, giving 
 God the glory. . . 
 
 My dear love to thy wife ; and I can feelingly unite in your grateful 
 feelings to the Giver of health, life, and every blessing. And oh, 
 dear friends, let us not be slow to offer the sacrifices of thanksgiving, 
 
442 
 
 A SELECTION FBOM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1853. 
 
 and pay our vows unto Him who is so tender and good unto us! what 
 shall we not render unto Him? But what am I thus to open my 
 mouth to a dear fellow-traveller ? for, alas ! I am but a poor lag- 
 behind, and have a great need to be stirred up. 
 
 Last month I held a public meeting here for the factory girls of 
 three of our large factories. It was, through mercy, a time of a little 
 relief to my burdened mind, but I was much plunged afterwards. No 
 matter how much we are humbled and stripped, if we are but saved 
 from ourselves, as dear John used to say. We have been reading, with 
 fresh enjoyment and instruction, his manuscript letters, which I have 
 of my own. Ah, he had to pass through the fiery furnace continually ; 
 but the work was cut short in righteousness, and he was taken from 
 the evil to come ; for how has his testimony been trampled under 
 foot, and how has our poor society hereaway greatly declined since 
 . then ! His remarks on our state, and what we might expect, are 
 very good and wholly verified. 
 
 And now, my dear friend, I must close this long epistle, which I 
 fear has wearied thy eyes to read; and, with the salutation of endeared 
 love, I remain thy sincere and affectionate friend, desiring that 
 the Lord may have us in His holy keeping, support through the 
 remaining tribulations and sufferings of our day, enable us to be 
 faithful to Him to the end, and preserve us in deep humility for ever ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 3rc? Month, 1853. 
 
 [Alluding to the decease of J. H., L. A. B. writes] — 
 
 I know the Lord can raise up others in His life and Spirit, 
 if He see meet, to lift up the standard of truth ; and even if we, as a 
 society, should be broken to pieces and trampled under feet, yet the 
 blessed truth shall outlive all. It is my belief that, as the testimonies 
 delivered to us to be upheld, are no cunningly devised fables, but 
 the real testimonies of Christ, who speaks the same language in all 
 ages, so should Ave go from them by unfaithfulness and let them fall, 
 yet God will raise up others to uphold them in life, and power, and 
 purity, to the glory of His great name ! In this I rejoice and rest in 
 hope, and reach forth in spirit to that brighter day coming, trusting 
 in the Lord's tender arm for support, during the time of sifting and 
 shaking, believing He will yet bring His little faithful ones through 
 
1853.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 443 
 
 all their tribulations, and give them to sing His high praises on the 
 banks of deliverance. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To S. H.r<., 
 
 Aberdeen, 11th ofZrd Month, 1853. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 I have greatly felt dear J. Dann's decease, though it is 
 what I have long expected, and when I last parted with him I did 
 not think I should see him again. It has been a great favour to 
 him that he had so long a time to ripen for heaven ; we do not know 
 that we may have such an one. It is truly awful, and ought to be 
 closely warning, the many deaths of late among such as we know, 
 and some who filled conspicuous places. Last First day week there 
 were four women Friends, ministers, lying corpses, viz., Ann Lucas, 
 M. Sterry, Susanna Haworth, and Ann Priestman, and we know not 
 whose turn may come the next. I wish that the loss of J. Dann may 
 stir up some in your monthly meeting closely to see whose side they 
 are on, whether the side of the truth, or the side of the world and 
 the enemy, and to look well whether the call be not again going forth 
 to them to loosen from the latter, and to devote themselves more fully 
 to the former, and not to shrink from showing themselves, desiring 
 to be on the Lord's side, by wearing His livery and serving Him 
 faithfully, for it is high time for them to awake out of sleep, even the 
 sleep of death, to gird themselves or suffer themselves to be girded 
 by the Lord's strength and power, and to follow Him, otherwise He 
 will cast them off for ever. And I earnestly desire also, that you, 
 my endeared friends, may stir up the gift that is mercifully permitted, 
 and be faithful for your Lord, and bold and valiant for His holy 
 cause, in the simplicity and humility of a little child, fearing and 
 looking at no one, but only your Divine Master, whom may it be 
 your delight, your meat and drink to obey, and do not doubt about 
 the little pointings of truth in your minds, nor yet reason them away, 
 but believe in them and yield to them, trusting your all with and 
 unto Him who never yet failed or forsook His little dependent and 
 obedient ones, but His hand is full of blessings for them. . . . 
 
 With dear love to you both, as ever thy friend sincerely, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
444 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1853. 
 
 _ To A Young Friend. 
 
 (PriJt tyU^ (Hxf^^^^. Aberdeen, 22nd of 3rd Month, 1853. 
 
 My dear , 
 
 Feeling my head a little better this morning, I incline to 
 give thee a little affectionate greeting in thy mother's envelope, after 
 thy kind letter last month, which contained much to interest us. It 
 is a most wintry morning, the snow falling and driving fast, and I 
 feel the blessing of having nothing to go out of a snug and comfortable 
 house for on such a day, as also that we have coals now, for we were 
 a fortnight lately verT/ anxious about our fires, our coals were veri/ 
 nearly out and none to be had in the town. It was then we felt 
 humblingly our entire dependence on a gracious Providence for all 
 our blessings, and oh, how good is it to be kept as well as made so 
 continually. The wind changed just as Ave were out, and twenty 
 ships came in with coals which were eagerly seized upon the moment 
 they came. One of our attenders of meeting, a nice diffident widow, 
 was actually without a morsel of coal during two whole days of the 
 piercing snow storm — she and her three children, one of the little ones 
 just recovered from the scarlet fever and very delicate ; it was 
 accidentally found out, and a subscription got to send her a boll of 
 coal directly. The poor here will never hardly make known their 
 want, for fear of troubling. . . . 
 
 Last fourth day we set out with our dear old widowfricnds to go to our 
 monthly meeting at Kinmuck, for the snow was but slight that had 
 then fallen here and soon melted — but when we got to a mile and 
 a half from Kinmuck, we stuck fast in a snow drift, and could not go 
 further, to our great disappointment ! It happened pi-ovidentially to 
 be not far from a farm-house, so the farmer and his sister came and 
 helped the old friends to wade through the snow hnee-deep to the 
 house, and the driver took the horses to the stable, as much as he 
 could manage to hold them, and A. G. and I sat still in the fly; then, 
 with the help of the farmer, his spade, and his cart horse, they took 
 off the pole, and turned the fly round with us two in it — and when 
 our friends and the horses were brought back, we again travelled 
 home, minus our dinner, but thankful that we had had no accident. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To H. M. 
 
 Aberdeen, 22nd of 3rd Month, 1853. 
 
 is a great comfort to me spiritually in feeling with 
 
 me. I rejoice in her tract giving, and having often nice opportunities 
 
1853.] 
 
 LYUIA ANN BAUCLAY. 
 
 445 
 
 of pleading for truth in giving them, striking times often; and she feels 
 so tenderly interested about the seamen, as I do, and we are hoping to 
 be able to get them a life-boat, with apparatus for casting ropes over 
 wrecks. I have had it at heart all winter, and now hope it will be 
 accomplished in a few weeks' time. I have got seventy pounds for 
 it from divers, and it is to be at my disposal. I trust it will be a 
 blessing to this port, and the dear sailors are so rejoiced in hopes of 
 it. . . . 
 
 I am more inclined to take a journey into the Highlands this sum- 
 mer, and strew seed there by the Gajlic tracts I am having printed, 
 than to go to yearly meeting when my health is weaker, my ears 
 more deaf; whereas I have long had the former at heart and been 
 
 hitherto hindered ; and now dear seems given to help me to get 
 
 rid of the burden, and her heart is in it also, and I know not that I 
 shall have another opportunity. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aherfeldie, llth of 5th Month, 1853. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Thy kind sisterly epistle came very acceptably just before 
 we left Edinburgh, and as thou expressed a wish that I would write 
 thee while thou art at yearly meeting, I take pen this afternoon, as 
 
 is gone out to distribute tracts from house to house in this nice 
 
 little town, thirty miles north of Perth, and in the Highlands. Oh, 
 how I seemed with you in mind this morning, between half-past nine 
 and eleven o'clock, as I sat by the side of the very beautiful Loch Tay 
 (six miles from here), embosomed in trees, and looking many miles up 
 the lake at a beautiful mountain between three and four thousand feet 
 high, and whose top is covered with snow, called Ben Lawers ! my 
 mind seemed to wander from these outward beauties to the site of 
 Devonshire house in the heart of London, where so many are now 
 collected of our highly professing people — many with the appearance, 
 and many I trust also with the desire of attending to the affairs of 
 the blessed truth, the inward and spiritual kingdom of our holy 
 Saviour — but may I not add few comparatively, Avhose eyes have 
 been anointed to see, like poor Jeremiah, the abominations and deeds 
 of darkness that are doing by the elders of Israel. But I do hope, as 
 these sad things become more manifested, that the eyes of many will 
 be opened to see, and their hearts touched to lament them, and their 
 
446 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1853. 
 
 spirits stirred up to do their utmost in faithfulness and in deep humility, 
 and in the meekness of heavenly wisdom to counteract these things, 
 to stem the torrent, and to plead for Christ their Master before an evil 
 and adulterous generation. May the Lord help you of the little 
 faithful ones to do your part and preserve you from the fear of man, 
 " fear thou none of their faces, neither be afraid of their words, though 
 they be a rebellious house, and though briers and thorns be with thee, 
 and thou dwell among scorpions." Oh, what responsibility rests 
 upon us, if a sight and sense of evil is given us, and a call to sound 
 an alarm or to reprove in the gate ! Oh, may we be enabled to go 
 simply forward, according to the Lord's pointings, and heed not the 
 reasoning of the enemy, for there surely shall come a time when the 
 terrible ones shall be brought to nought and the scorner consumed, 
 and all that watch for iniquity shall be cut off, that make man an 
 offender for a word, and lay a snare for him that reproveth in the 
 gate, and turn aside the just for a thing of nought. "And in that 
 day shall the deaf hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the 
 blind shall see out of obscurity ; the meek also shall increase their 
 joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy 
 One of Israel." . . . 
 
 took up what I said in our general meeting against the 
 
 exclusion of servants in the third answer (which some of our members 
 said only refers to such as are Friends), and so it v/as put in, and we 
 both bore our testimony that the query refers to our promotion of 
 religion, by example and precept, both among those Avho are Friends 
 and not Friends under our care. I had a very exercising time, having 
 to go into the men's meeting with a very close little testimony, and it 
 was also to be borne in our women's ; but I was mercifully favoured 
 with peace, which was all I coveted, and more than gold or silver or 
 praise of man. 
 
 L. A, Barclay. 
 
 To P. M. ^a^^f^ M^-^^Ar- 
 Aberdeen, 10th of 6th Month, 1853. 
 
 Dear Friend, 
 
 I write to let thee and your other two friends know that 
 J. L. is intending to visit our meetings. We expect him and his 
 companion here on second day in next week, and they hope to be with 
 you on fourth day, the 15th instant, at about six o'clock, and they wish 
 to have a meeting with you in your parlour that evening ; and if you 
 
1853.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 447 
 
 are inclined to invite a few more, they have no objection. . . . 
 Of course you -will name to M. L., and I was thinking that solid- 
 looking Methodist and her husband would perhaps like to come ; and, 
 dear friend, don't withhold from asking any thy mind inclines to ask, 
 that is, as far as you can accommodate with seats, for if we feel the 
 preciousness of the principles of truth, we should be glad to invite 
 others to come, and either feel or hear testify of them too. Could 
 you not put a few chairs in the opposite room or the forms, in case of 
 more being wanted? or even seats in the passage would do. 
 
 J. L. is a plain, simple country farmer, drives his own team. . . . 
 A true friend, whose company you will enjoy. He is very deaf, 
 worse than I am, and uses a large trumpet ; he is weighty in spirit, 
 and very inward in mind. They are to be my guests, and thou may 
 judge of my grateful feelings that we \)oov corner-folks should be thus 
 remembered and visited in our low and solitary condition, and I feel 
 it a great privilege to entertain the Lord's faithful servants. I have 
 not heard any outward ministry since last 9th month, when I was in 
 London ; and, if the Lord will, I shall hope to hear this dear Friend, if 
 he has anything given him to say, because he has a loud voice and 
 English accent. But, dear P., to feel united in spirit, and to partake 
 in his inward exercise in our meeting, how sweet this will be and 
 strengthening, though no word be spoken. Oh, tlie unspeakably 
 precious baptism together by and into the one Holy Spirit, drinking 
 into it, as it were! what a favour to be permitted unto us poor fallen 
 creatures by God in His infinite compassion and mercy to us through 
 His dear Son our Saviour ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, l&th ofQth Month, 1853. 
 
 . . . I may say is a truly hard-working man and 
 
 minister, being wholly devoted to, and fitted by his Blaster for His 
 work, which he does in great simplicity and diligence ; and, as a 
 minister ovoht to be, is just like a tube, he gives his message or testi- 
 mony and then departs immmediately, without seeking for any social 
 intercourse, which often weakens things, and without fawning or 
 flattering of any, which too many do now-a-days to get esteem and 
 agreeable favour of folks. I could not hear a word that lie said in 
 meeting, but was highly favoured to have three private times in which 
 I heard to my indescribable comfort and strengthening ; and what he 
 
448 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETIERS OF 
 
 [1853. 
 
 said was strikingly adapted to my circumstances both present and 
 future, whicli is indeed cause for grateful praise and prostration of 
 spirit. I believe, my dear friends, that the time is hastening on when 
 we must each be willing to count the cost, and to show ourselves on 
 whose side we are ; and oh, that we may be enabled, in humility and 
 patience, to go both to prison and to death with and for our dear 
 Lord, as all the faithful in old times were made willing to do. I 
 believe things are waxing worse and worse amongst us, and we need 
 not marvel at anything, however bad, neither be greatly moved. Oh, 
 no; may we never be moved from that humble confidence which hath 
 great recompense of reward, and which has been given unto us through 
 Divine mercy, for it's nothing of our own. I am much obliged for 
 thy continued and particular account of yearly meeting ; it is better 
 than scraps. . . . Ah ! I think there is as much harm done by 
 the neglecting even to utter a few words of unity and concuiTcnce, 
 with what a poor exercised one has had courage and strength to 
 utter, as there often is by an opposing speech. The showing unity 
 afterwards privately will not do ; it should be done publicly when 
 it may vastly help the cause and perhaps hinder a wrong step. , , . 
 The accounts of thy faithfulness, my dear sister, have been truly 
 heart-cheering and comforting; so we have need to think when nature 
 shrinks from duty, how we shall cause the hearts of the faithful to 
 rejoice and praise the Lord, if we endeavour to move in simplicity at 
 the Lord's holy call, have we not ? 
 
 L. A. Bakclav. 
 
 To R. R. 
 
 Aberdeen, ith of 8th Month, 1853. 
 
 My beloved Friend, 
 
 . . . My heart is with thee in a unity and sympathy 
 which is beyond words, precious and strengthening, and bowing in 
 the humble praise of Ilim who can " open and none can shut, and 
 shut and none can open ;" whose works only can praise Him, and they 
 shall and must; and in the remembrance of His goodness and mercy, 
 surely we may cry out, " While I live will I praise the Lord, I will 
 sing praises to my God Avhile I have my being." Yes, thou wilt 
 have to go down to the bottom of Jordan. . . . But the Lord 
 will be thy strength and song and become thy salvation, and He will 
 enable thee to bring up stones of memorial to His praise as thy eye 
 and thy cry is solely and closely unto Him. He is able to preserve 
 
1853.] 
 
 LYDIA AXN BARCLAY. 
 
 still in the hollow of His hand, to guide and to guard continually, 
 and to water every moment; and I crave that He may do so, and 
 bring thee home in peace, with the acknowledgment that thou hast 
 lacked nothing. . . . 
 
 I have been tried at times, yet have felt the good hand near to 
 sustain, strengthen, and comfort, and a degree of inward peace. How 
 sweet it is, it makes heaven on earth and fills us with praise ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, 21th oflOth Month, 1853. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 I was pleased to receive thy letter last night, having been 
 anxious for it. Ah, my dear friend, I told thee you would find many 
 inconsistencies if you settled where thou wast locking at ; and thou 
 knowest well enough there are many amongst us who say and think 
 they are Jews but are not, but do lie ; and these, many of them, take 
 part in the government of the Church, whereas they ought not to 
 touch the ark with their unsanctified hands. It will be so with us 
 whilst birthright membership, or rather birthright meddling with the 
 discipline, remains with us contrary to the good old way, and the 
 spirit of the world is suffered to prevail over us. More is the need, 
 therefore, that visited minds who have been favoured with the know- 
 ledge of the blessed truth, or the pure inward kingdom and power of 
 the Lord Jesus Christ, should the more cleave close to His inwai'd 
 revealing, guiding power, and the less to look outward at others how 
 or what they do. Oh, then, my earnest desire and prayer is, that thou 
 and dear J. may strive to keep your eye single unto the Lord and 
 His guiding, strengthening power, yes, very single, in the true up- 
 rightness to Him and His blessed and glorious cause ; thus will you 
 be preserved from being stumbled at the failings of others, yea, their 
 faults will the more lead you to cling to the alone and never-failing 
 and all-sufficient Source of availing help — you will then not only come 
 up faithfully " to the help of the Lord against the mighty," but also, 
 to the help of the little remnant of faithful Jews amongst us ; for you 
 must perceive that there are such still in mercy left us, even the seven 
 thousand in Israel who are not bowing the knee to Baal nor kissing 
 his image; and you must believe from all you see and hear, that these 
 are greatly grieved and afflicted, and, as it were, sigh all the day long 
 "because of the abominations committed," amongst us, a so highly pro- 
 
450 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1853. 
 
 fessing yet a backsliding people. May you tlien, in unity and sympathy 
 with them, be constrained to join yourselves unto them, that you may 
 help to bear their many burdens, thus sharing with them and their 
 Master in the sufferings incident to the narrow way, that you may also 
 partake of the glory that shall be revealed in them by their dear 
 Master, who is not foi'getful of His faithful and suffering servants, 
 but has promised to set His mark on them, and to spare them- as a 
 man spareth his own son, in the day that He maketh up His precious 
 jewels, See Ezekiel ix., Zephaniali iii. 18, Malachi iii. 16. 
 
 I think thou will be able to understand my original advice to thee, 
 viz., that it would be better for thee to be content with a moderate 
 income in the place where thou hast been called to receive the truth, 
 and where thou art respected, and where thy faithful, watchful, and 
 humble walk will be likely to do much good, and be to the strength- 
 ening of thy own hands and that of others, however solitary you may 
 feel, rather than be seeking elsewhere for more getting, and where 
 there may be a weakening influence or a stumbling one exercised 
 over you by professors of the truth. There are trials everywhere, go 
 where we Avill, and the old enemy sets his temptations and snares 
 even in quiet comfortable looking corners. Farewell, 
 
 L. A. Bakclat. 
 
 Aberdeen, 23rd of 11th Month, 1853. 
 
 Mt DEAR Friend, 
 
 . I feel melted, I trust I may say, under a sense of 
 abounding goodness and unmerited mercy, extended towards such a 
 poor weak creature, and only desire that I may be more and more 
 given up to anything that may be pointed out to me as a duty, 
 however humiliating ! I have at times a little faith, that He, the 
 mighty One, will enable me, the weak one, to do whatever He requires 
 — and was a little encouraged this morning in our reading in Luke i., 
 about how two poor handmaids were condescended to and honoured, 
 Elizabeth and Mary ! and were filled with the Holy Ghost, enabling 
 to praise and magnify the Divine name. . . . Oh, how well it is, 
 dear P., to be faithful to little pointings, however humiliating, although 
 we may be thought ill of for it ! I have been led to look much at 
 the low state of things lately amongst us as a people, and it seems as 
 if we are more and more mingling with the sects of the world, and 
 becoming a sect like them, and as the many horns that are pushing 
 
1853.] 
 
 LYUIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 451 
 
 against and opposing the kingdom of the dear Lamb of God ! I am 
 reminded of the outer court being measured and given to the Gentiles, 
 and the true Churcli being called still more inward and deep as it 
 were; and how the Jews were idolizing their temple and the testimonies 
 given them to bear, crying " The temple of the Lord," &c., extolling 
 them in the letter or by word, while they departed therefrom and 
 loAvercd it and them in spii'it! But so the Lord departed from them! 
 But after refining and bringing His little remnant ("the third part") 
 through the fire. He will deliver and redeem them, and gather them 
 home to Himself, and He will show that He is their God and that 
 they are His people truly. 
 
 There are two sentiments which I find are greatly gaining ground 
 amongst us, viz., the discarding of birthright membership, and the 
 discarding of our testimony as to a peculiar appearance. With the 
 former I can quite unite ; but I am not prepared to unite with the 
 latter, although I allow there is a great formality and want of life 
 crept up amongst us as to our plain dress, and too much of a j udging 
 by outward appearance. But truth will ever lead to a simplicity, 
 and consequently to a peculiarity ; for, as the leaven of the kingdom 
 works inwardly, it jnust by degrees come outward, and thus manifest 
 
 forth its working. I was much tried to see the girls' dress at 
 
 school so altered — from the Friends' bonnets and simple tippets or 
 shawls, to straw bonnets and the fashionable jackets, as I call them ; 
 and when pouring out my sense of its being an inlet to further en- 
 croachments and inconsistencies, to an elder, she told me that at 
 
 and a similar change had been made ! So I was doubly tried ; 
 
 but came home willing to be singular from all, and to feel and suffer 
 in solitude. 
 
 Farewell, with dear love to you all. The last few days of bright 
 frost have helped me much, and, through mercy, I am well ; and 
 hoping you are the same, I remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 L. A. Bakclay. 
 
 To S^t£r^ kN^H , ^«t,^C^ 
 
 Aberdeen, 17tk ofllth Month, 1853. 
 
 Dear Friend, 
 
 Thy sweet note in 3rd month last was very acceptable to 
 me, as life answering to life through the goodness of God, and there- 
 fore strengthening and comforting in these days of grief for the 
 precious truth's sake, because of the treading down of the testimonies 
 
452 
 
 A SELECTION FUOM THE LETIERS OF 
 
 [1853. 
 
 and doctrines thereof by many of the professors among Friends. Ah, 
 how did I breathe to my God on your behalf while you were in our 
 land, and especially near London, for your preservation from being 
 stumbled by what you saw, heard, and felt amongst Friends, and for 
 the opening of your eyes to see that all are not Jews who call them- 
 selves of the spiritual Israel — none but such as have been inwardly 
 baptised and circumcised by the blessed Spirit of Christ ! Ah, some 
 of you dear simple-hearted ones may have felt the degeneracy there 
 is amongst us, a highly favoured, preciously visited, but a backsliding 
 people, not only in our practice and discipline, but also in our ministry 
 — for "all is not gold that glitters," as an old proverb in England 
 says truly. But the single eye and the simple heart of the true babes 
 can taste and try whence words spring from, and they can perceive 
 where there is a mixture of creaturely wisdom and eloquence with 
 the words that are spoken, and their souls loath it in comparison of 
 the pure streams from the Fountain of life untainted by the creature. 
 Ah, my dear friend, it is only that which comes from Christ that can 
 truly gather to Him, or be food for the soul, and then this will be 
 sure to lead to His praise and the abasement and humbling of all 
 flesh before Him. . . . 
 
 I am glad you went to see my dear friends, J. and H. Marsh ; your 
 visit was very refreshing to their tribulated spirits, being such as are 
 grieved for the afflictions of Joseph, our blessed Saviour in His spir- 
 itual appearance in the heart. 
 
 L. A. Baeclat. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, SOth ofllth Month, 1853. 
 
 Mt dear Friend, 
 
 . . . I expect these dear friends will be returning home 
 soon, which no doubt will be to thy great comfort — nevertheless, put 
 not thy trust in the sons of men, nor in the princes even, but lift up 
 thy eyes unto the hills from whence cometh all sui'e and availing 
 help, even from the Lord who made heaven and earth. 
 
 I have felt a letter to thee often in my heart since receiving thy last, 
 but have been so much occupied, I may say pressed upon, and so 
 poorly part of the time, that I was constrained only to be still and to 
 breathe for your encouragement and help and preservation in the path 
 of tribulation, which you both know very well is, and ever was 
 the path to the heavenly kingdom, the path of the ransomed and 
 
1853.] 
 
 LTDIA ANX BARCLAY. 
 
 463 
 
 redeemed of all generations ; for they that will live godly in Christ 
 Jesus shall suffer persecution, it is said, and we have no reason to 
 expect an alteration in this permission, for if there were, the faithful 
 would not be manifest. . . . Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself, and 
 let Him be your fear and your dread ; dread nothing so much as to lose 
 His favour and approving smile ; fear nothing like the omission to 
 follow as He leads you step by step. Keep close to what the savour 
 of the pure life in you dictates, not looking at consequences, and then 
 will the Lord be unto you a precious little sanctuary indeed in all 
 trials, safe and sweet, quiet and peaceful. The time is coming 
 when we must each show ourselves on whose side we are, and, oh, 
 may it be on the Lord's side and His holy truth, for truly it is no 
 party that we seek to make, but we have a secret taste and feeling of 
 what is for the truth, and what goes against it, and may we stand 
 firm to truth, however hot the furnace may be. By the faithfulness 
 of one individual, and he or she feeling but a poor little one, many 
 weak ones may be strengthened and wavering ones confirmed ; and 
 what if 1 say that it is possible that even some, who ought to be as 
 fathers and mothers, may be helped and strengthened by their com- 
 parative children, so it will not do to look out at others, or too much 
 in at ourselves, but to look upward to Him in whom is everlasting 
 strength and wisdom, the Lord Jehovah. 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, 20th of 12th Month, 1853. 
 
 My DEAR Friend, 
 
 . I don't like to encourage idlenesss. I have often 
 feared that the poor among Friends or attenders are not as industrious 
 to maintain themselves, as they might be, and as truth would lead all 
 to be; and I think I have seen, either in G. F.'s epistles or in others 
 of the eai'ly Friends, some very strong expressions against any being 
 encouraged in idleness and living upon others. ... I will see in 
 a fortnight's time how my cash stands, and, if suitable, I hope to send 
 thee five pounds to lay out in cases of distress, provided thou wilt keep 
 it to thyself, and don't speak of the donor, but direct to the Lord on high, 
 whose voice is mightier than the noise of many waters of afiliction, 
 and He takes care of the poor little sparrows ; let them praise His 
 holy name, for none is like unto Him. 
 
 L. A. Bakclat. 
 
454 
 
 A SELECTION FEOM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1853. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, 22nd of 12th Month, 1853. 
 
 . . . I hope neither of you will suffer the enemy of all 
 righteousness to make use of these dispensations amongst us to draw 
 you out of the close watchfulness unto prayer for your individual 
 preservation, and the close waiting for and abiding with and under 
 the precious Divine gift of light, life, and grace in the secret of the 
 heart, for we, none of us, are safe out of this close keeping and low 
 lying. I think one of the apostles says there must needs be heresies, 
 that they which are approved may be made manifest. So now is there 
 a little remnant who hold to first principles, the seven thousand in 
 Israel who have not bowed unto Baal nor kissed his image ; they 
 mourn over our departure and backslidings, their tears fall in secret 
 places, but their Lord sees them, and will bottle them up, and in due 
 time will bring them out of all their afflictions. Oh, that you may come 
 and join yourselves to these faithful few by obedience to the Spirit of 
 Christ, and help them, bear their many burdens and afilictions, 
 Avithout fear of man or of the troubles consequent on faithfulness — • 
 let the Lord alone be your fear, and His holy cause more precious to 
 you than all beside. I am pleased with thy decision about staying at 
 
 ; thou hast now seen the backsliding of Friends and the trials 
 
 attendant on the faithful, and mayest well believe it is better to dwell 
 as it were alone, and keep silence (as Jeremiah says), bearing the 
 yoke of the Lord and His pure testimony in humility and patience, 
 and content to eat thy morsel in quietude, and to dwell among thine 
 own people. Oh, let your light so shine before all around you as to 
 glorify the holy name of the Lord, and to bring peace to your souls. 
 
 I could but praise the Lord on hearing from , that you had in 
 
 some increased measure yielded to take up the cross ; yes, I may 
 almost say, rejoiced as for the bringing forth of a first-born ; believing 
 that, as the good Hand is continued to be submitted to, your strength 
 and comfort will be further increased, and sweet peace and humble 
 praise reign in your hearts. But need I tell you there must be a daily 
 watch kept, a cleaving close to the cross, the power of God, that so 
 there may be a going on unto perfection, unto the crucifying with 
 Christ, and the arising with Him in the resurrection of His life ; that 
 no one may take your crown. And, oh, how will His blessed power 
 judge between word and word, thing and thing, and keep us watch- 
 ful in all our ways, both with others of the world, and when amongst 
 
1854.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 455 
 
 ourselv^es, seeking only to please the Lord, and dwell in His holy fear. 
 May He stablish, strengthen, and settle you in His holy truth and 
 power, perfect that which concerneth you, and forsake not the Avork 
 of His own hand in the time of trial, but sustain, comfort, and pre- 
 serve through all unto His heavenly kingdom. Amen. . . . 
 
 I unite with thee in admiring T. Sliillitoe, or rather the grace by 
 which he was what he was. Let us follow it and cleave to it, as that 
 by which we may stand. 
 
 I remain thy true friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, l^th of 1st Month, 1854. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . , . It is a comfort to believe with thee that all this 
 opposition and these trials may work for the good of the cause of 
 truth ; may lead many, both older and younger, to look more into the 
 points of difference, and not shut themselves up in darkness and con- 
 fusion, under the plausible idea that controversy hurts religion ; by 
 which shrinking from a sincere search after truth, many have become 
 blinded and led amiss, even against the truth, when once they sin- 
 cerely sought to do right. . . . 
 
 Thy truly affectionate and sympathising friend, 
 
 L, A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Aberdeen, lith of 2nd Month, 1854. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 . . . Every thing was finished up yesterday about the 
 life-boat for Stonehaven, and it was taken home there last sixth day. 
 I Avent to the top of the light-house cliff to see it come round the 
 point (as quick as a dart almost!), and waved my hand to bid them 
 farewell, desiring that it might be blessed to the rescue of many lives 
 from a watery grave. It is named the "Rescue." 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 [The following lines accompanied this valuable gift for the poor 
 sailors of Stonehaven] — • 
 
 L. A. B. has much pleasure in presenting the Port of Stone- 
 haven with a life-boat, built on a principle which there is every reason 
 to believe, under the Divine blessing, will secure greater stability to 
 
456 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1854. 
 
 its motion the more rough and heavy the sea. It has been tried 
 under very dangerous circumstauces in a late storm here, and kept 
 its position admirably, which she trusts will be an encouragement to 
 those who are likely to make use of it. In conclusion, she desires 
 that a blessing may attend it, and that all thanksgiving and praise 
 may be rendered unto Him from whom all good comes and help in 
 every time of need. 
 
 To L. E. QUik^..^^ 
 
 Stonehaven, Ith ofStk Month, 1854. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 It is thi/ turn to hear from me now, and thou wilt, I dare 
 Bay, share this with dear H. Marsh. Do not smile at this expression. 
 I find that writing two letters, though short, and to friends of the 
 same place, is as exciting as two visits ; and as I am desirous of 
 curtailing my writing Avhat I can, I hope thou and dear H. M. will 
 excuse it. My health is very weakly, and my sleep is very easily 
 disturbed, and which loss is not repaired under several days. A late 
 call, or reading an interesting or trijing letter or book late in the eve- 
 ning, will often deprive me of sleep all night, and then my head is so 
 weak and hearing so bad the next day or two. 
 
 My dear friend, I fear I should have felt with thee had 's lot 
 
 been mine ; but I believe it arises from a want of true humility and 
 simplicity of heart, which I long the baptising operations of the Lord's 
 Holy Spirit may purge away from each of us, that our usefulness in 
 the Church and testimony for our dear Master may not be lessened 
 to our hurt and the robbing Him of His glory. My discouragement 
 about the sailors' meeting has not yet been overcome, nor do I know 
 that it will ere I leave this place ; yet we know who it is who can 
 remove mountains by His mighty power, and make hard things easy 
 to us by His all-efficacious gift of faith. 
 
 Since I last wrote, I was obliged to give up my Highland tour, 
 being too weakly, and I went to Cockermouth for ten days, being 
 wanted to look at two houses, and to feel my way about removing 
 there. I was very poorly there most of the time, from the fatigue 
 of the journey and a very had attack of hay colds, and was glad to 
 come home, and in a week's time came here to brace me up with sea 
 breezes. I had a trying time at C, like going into the furnace truly, 
 proving my step, so as almost to discourage me ; but I became 
 resigned to the anticipated trials at last, and the last evening light 
 
1854.] 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAT. 
 
 457 
 
 seemed to arise out of obscurity, and I then went forward and engaged 
 the best house I could find, though without a garden or yard, and no 
 sunshine — a north aspect. Thus I was favoured to come away in 
 relief, quiet, and peace, and have felt no regret since. I expect to 
 move into the above temporary house in the 10th month. I feel 
 greatly the thought of leaving poor Scotia, I am so much attached to 
 it. . . . 
 
 My dear love to J. and H. M. Tell the latter I was obliged for 
 her kind letter, and could well sympathise with her under the many 
 trials of the present day, never so deep and many as now in propor- 
 tion to the depth of the disease. ... I try to live a day at a 
 time, and oh that I may be so enabled and quickened ! I am much 
 worn now, and must go down to the sea ; so, with dear love to you 
 both, I remain thy affectionate friend, 
 
 • L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To ..L^.-.....^ . 
 
 Ambleside, 5th of 9th Month, 1854. 
 
 [In reference to her own select monthly meeting, she writes] — 
 
 I was helped to relieve my mind of a burden or testimony, 
 viz., against Friends keeping their seats in meetings or committees 
 where their qualifications were to be discussed, whether as ministers, 
 elders, overseers, or clerks ; saying, it is both improper, indecorous, 
 and unsavoury, and may do much hurt to the cause of truth, and the 
 welfare of the Church as well as individuals, by preventing a free 
 disclosure of feeling, few liking to speak against a Friend when he 
 or she is present ; and that this hurt would not be counteracted by 
 any supposed instruction the individual might derive by being present, 
 as some might think. 
 
 I have not thoroughly recovered from the attack I had in the 7th 
 month. I am anxious to get to Cockermouth about the 1st or 4th 
 of 10th month, to save the usual change to foul weather the middle 
 of that month. My health is very weak, and I am hastening to do 
 my little day's work. IIow sweet it is to see dear F. ; but he too is 
 so altered and aged, and like my dear fathei* — we may never meet 
 
 again ! My beloved , I feel my time is so uncertain ; oh, that 
 
 we may be ready ! 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
458 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 [1854. 
 
 To W. H. 
 
 Cockermouth, l^th of 10th Month, 1854. 
 
 My dear Friend, 
 
 Alas, we cannot, in this day of trouble and dismay, confess 
 that joys abound in our cup, except, my dear friend, that Divine 
 goodness, at some few precious seasons, permits us to rejoice, in hope 
 of the glory of God, with the feeling also, and assurance, that His 
 power, and the power of His Christ, shall eventually reign over 
 all for ever and ever ; which blessed hope and assurance we are 
 enabled, as it were, to I'each forth unto, though now there is a 
 " need be " to pass through much heaviness, through manifold temp- 
 tations and afflictions. But, oh, how sweet is that text, 2 Cor. iv. 17, 
 ["For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for 
 us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory"] ; and may the 
 God of all grace, who hath called us unto His eternal glory by Christ 
 Jesus, after that we have suffered as long as He sees meet, make us 
 perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle us ; to whom be glory and 
 dominion for ever and ever. I am come from one furnace of affliction 
 to another, and there is much to dismay and afflict me. Mayest thou 
 be helped to crave that the Lord may in mercy guide and direct me 
 unto discretion, strengthen me unto faithfulness, and preserve me in 
 His holy fear, and in deep humility before Him, unto the end of my 
 little time of suffering and of testimony-bearing, to His praise and 
 glory, and to the peace and blessing of my never-dying soul. 
 
 I am much grieved to hear and see the almost universal dropping 
 off of the plain dress and language amongst us, even among the 
 members of the select meetings, &c. And if the leaders of the people 
 cause them to err, what can we expect the flock will become ? . . . 
 
 Thy sincere friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 To . 
 
 Coclcermoiith, 21th of 10th Month, 1854. 
 
 My beloved Friend, 
 
 . . . It was two weeks last third day that I entered 
 upon my new home here, after having been five days at the temper- 
 ance hotel, while the furniture was being brought, unpacked, and 
 housed. J. S. kindly came to Aberdeen to help me in the removal. 
 
 , My dear friend, though many trials have attended me all 
 this while, I do feel, I trust in a measure of thankfulness, that mercy 
 
1854.J 
 
 LYDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 459 
 
 has indeed compassed me about. When I consider how many journeys 
 all this year that my poor weak body has undergone (five, besides other 
 little outs), I am astonished with the mercy that has thus helped me 
 over this time, and not surprised at the weak and declining state I 
 am now in. I have had two weeks also here of much harass and 
 fatigue, to get settled and comfortable. My nervous system or mental 
 powers are greatly weakened, to my humiliation and trial, but no 
 doubt it is good for me. I came under great discouragement and 
 depression, from knowing that I was coming into another furnace here. 
 
 . It has been a very low time with me, and the Iieavens also 
 have seemed to be as brass. The Lord only can help me, and make 
 way for me, and help me over the various snares of the enemy; and 
 at times I feel a little hidden hope that He will in mercy do so, to His 
 praise and my own enlargement in His own due time. The state of 
 Truth's things is indeed very low, and where are they not ? I am 
 grieved to see the evidence everywhere abounding, that the pi-imitive 
 and Gospel testimony given this people to uphold among the nations 
 of plainness and simplicity in dress and address, is completely 
 lowered and trampled upon, even by the families of our leaders ; and 
 if the heads do so themselves, what can we expect from the [body] ? 
 But, alas ! the heads wink at these things, and even go so far as to 
 appoint such as are inconsistent as Friends, as clerks, as important 
 committees, and even to visit delinquents, thus lowering the standard 
 of truth, and causing the discipline (I may say our holy discipline, 
 which was given forth and exercised at first in the wisdom and power 
 of God) to be handled by unclean hands. This degeneracy has been 
 growing amongst us rapidly in the last ten years, increased by or 
 evinced by the various papers issued in the periodical way amongst 
 us on this subject, and I see no other prospect than ere long, what 
 
 poor said thirty years ago will come to pass, we shall sink back 
 
 to a similarity with the world ; this he said desiringhj, but many of us 
 view it deploringly and with grief ; but this may pave the way for a 
 
 revival and purification of us, as dear used to say, " We must 
 
 be very much worse before we can be better," and I believe dear S. 
 Grubb has also spoken to the same import. ... I hoar that 
 vocal and instrumental music is increasing, and some even who have 
 been thought of as overseers have yielded to it in their families. . . . 
 
 I could sympathise with thee about meeting ; there are many 
 
 such desolate places. When will they be rebuilt 1 But there is One 
 who is called the Restorer of paths to dwell in. I Avas sorry 
 
460 
 
 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF 
 
 ri854. 
 
 took up a piece in the 8th month, B. F. advising the reading of the 
 yearly meeting epistle in the last hour of a meeting, and I was so 
 grieved at it, it seemed like opening the door to reading the Scriptures 
 or anything else in a meeting ; and I wrote a letter, to be inserted in 
 last month, against such a practice, saying that the epistle is no part 
 of our worship, and it may be a hindrance to the true worship as well 
 the true ministry (as I had witnessed once to my trial), by being read 
 in the time of worship, instead of, as is most usually done, at the 
 close of the worship time by the top two Friends shaking hands first, 
 and immediately the epistle being read. I have made years ago 
 much inquiry about it in various meetings, and have found the most 
 sound and true Friends feel with me upon it. . . . Please tell 
 me your feeling on the epistle reading. 
 
 And now I must conclude at this time. With dear love to you 
 all, ... I am thy united friend, 
 
 L. A. Barclay. 
 
 [The following, it is believed, was nearly the last letter our beloved 
 friend wrote. It accompanied a copy of extracts from the letters of 
 Lydia Lancaster, a little work she had edited some years before, and 
 to which her mind seemed much turned in her last illness.] 
 
 Cochermouth, 28th of\2th Month, 1854. 
 Catharine Sargent, from her very aft'ectionate friend, Lydia 
 Ann Barclay, for lending as the service of truth shall call for — chiefly 
 designed for the confirming and strengthening of Friends in the all- 
 sufiiciency of Divine grace ; or, in other words, that little and lowly 
 principle or measure of the light, grace, and good Spirit of our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, which God in mercy has bestowed on every man coming 
 into the world, as his heavenly talent, to be occupied with, increased, 
 and awfully accounted for at the last great and awful day ! whereby, 
 as yielded unto and suffered to work in us that which is the good and 
 acceptable will of God during His day of visitation, thai glorious 
 salvation which our blessed Saviour so preciously purchased and 
 ratified for us, when He laid down His precious life without the gates 
 of Jerusalem, a sacrifice and propitiation for the sins of all mankind, 
 is brought home to the door of each of our hearts, and offered for 
 our acceptance ; and a blessed yet humble hope is held out and 
 vouchsafed of salvation and eternal life from God, through our 
 Saviour Jesus Christ. Oh ! the unspeakable gift, the rich, the 
 astonishing mercy of God ! Surely the language of our hearts must 
 
1854.] 
 
 LVDIA ANN BARCLAY. 
 
 461 
 
 be in the depths of abasement, " Blessing and honour, and glory and 
 power, be unto Hiin who sitteth upon the throne, and to His dear 
 Lamb, who taketh away the sins of the world, for ever and ever- 
 more," Amen ! Hallelujah ! 
 
 The depth of expression in this letter does, we think, clearly show 
 that the anointing which she had received, did abide in her, and 
 although at that period the powers of nature were fast failing, yet 
 even then, like the well instructed scribe, was she enabled to bring 
 forth from the good treasury things new and old. 
 
 Some particulars of the last illness of our beloved friend being 
 described in the testimony given forth by Aberdeen monthly meeting, 
 much further detail may not be called for here ; yet it seems well for 
 those who were eye-witnesses of the heavenly frame of mind in which 
 this devoted follower of the Lamb was kept, to bear testimony thereto. 
 Many were the refreshing, contriting seasons partaken of beside her 
 couch, when she believed her life was drawing near its close, and did 
 not wish to have her mind turned from the solemn subject. The 
 love of her heavenly Father was her chief theme, and " eternity," she 
 said, "would be too short to celebrate His pi-aise." It was her 
 earnest desire to the last, to encourage all in the diligent practice of 
 private retirement, and the frequent reading of the holy Scriptures ; 
 and she remarked, when passages of Scripture were brought to our 
 remembrance, it was well to take the Bible and find them, even 
 though we might be busily engaged in our outward concerns, and so 
 let the good Spirit work more and more upon us. 
 
 She died as she had lived, a firm and faithful believer in and 
 supporter of the doctrines and testimonies committed to our honoured 
 forefathers. In sending a message of love to a friend, a short time 
 before she was deprived of the power of speech, she said, " tell her 
 my views are not altered." It was her desire that the testimony to sim- 
 plicity and self-denial required in her life should be faithfully carried 
 out in all respects to the end, as the following memoranda will show : — 
 
 For mt dear Brothers or others concerned in the ordering 
 OP MT Funeral, being directions fob the same, consistent 
 "WITH the simplicitt of Truth. 
 
 It is my especial desire that the interment of my body 
 should be in that simplicity which the Spirit of Christ leads into, and 
 that is consistent with the testimony I have felt required at my hands 
 
462 A SELECTION FROM THE LETTERS OF LTDIA ANN BARCLAY. [1854. 
 
 whilst living, viz., That the coffin should be of plain English wood, 
 elm, without any colouring, polish, or oil ; no panels or mouldings, 
 nor yet with brass nails or screws or plates. I should Avish the 
 handles to be iron ; that, if suitable, the coffin should be carried into 
 the meeting-house ; that the bearers should not be dressed in black 
 clothes, neither should they have gloves ; also, that a plain cold meat 
 dinner should be provided (with plenty, but with simplicitij, as I have 
 ever wished in my lifetime) for such as may attend, and that the 
 fragments be given to the poor. I also wish to be buried in the 
 graveyard belonging to the meeting-house at which I generally attend, 
 and of which I am a member ; and in case of dying when absent from 
 home, then in the nearest burial place belonging to Friends. 
 
 Signed, Ltdia Ann Barclay. 
 
 Reigate, ^th ofiih Month, 1842. 
 
 Memorandum. — Since writing the foregoing directions for the 
 burial of my body, finding it is the practice of Friends in Scotland 
 not to hold a meeting at interments, I feel it right to testify against 
 such a practice, by requesting that there may be a meeting held on 
 the occasion of my interment ; and that Friends may not be ashamed 
 of sitting down in silence to feel after the solemnising power of the 
 Lord to impress their minds with the awfulness of putting off the 
 body and entering into eternity, that they may seek after a preparation 
 therefor, through faithfulness to the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, 
 a measure whereof is given to all. 
 
 Signed, this 9th of 12th month, 1850, at Aberdeen, 
 
 Ltdia A. Barclay. 
 
 And now, having accomplished what has appeared to be called for 
 at our hands, and due to the memory of one who, we believe, may 
 be numbered amongst those who "shall be had in everlasting remem- 
 brance," earnest are our desires that a blessing may rest upon the 
 work ; believing, as we do, that she was intrusted with the ministry of 
 the pen as well as of the tongue, and that the Gospel which she 
 preached was " not of man, neither received she it of man, neither 
 was she taught it but by the revelation of Jesus Christ." 
 
 THE END. 
 
 Printed by K. & R. Davidson, 33 Virginia Street, Glasgow.